Barry Battle

The meeting included the approval of several abstracts, specifically the 2023/1 General Abstract ($92,233.38), the 2023/1 Post Audited General Abstract ($766,649.51), and Section 8 Abstract #825 ($1,014.35). A public hearing was opened and closed for additions to the 2023 amended fee schedule, which was subsequently approved. Hearings were set for June 20, 2023, regarding a map revision/flood damage ordinance review and amendments to Chapter 255 of the Village Code. Community Development actions included authorizing the acceptance of a bid for the Summer Camp/Program for 2023 at the MLK Center and authorizing engineering services from Collier Engineering. Approval was granted for Tilcon New York Inc.'s proposal for paving and milling streets. In Legal Department matters, authorization for settlement in the Cross Creek Homes v. VOSV tax certiorari matter was approved. The Planning and Zoning section involved authorizing refunds from escrow funds for three properties. The Police Department received authorization to appoint a new Certified Police Officer and to reimburse three detectives for tuition expenses, and to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.

The Board of Trustees addressed numerous financial and administrative matters, including the approval of General Fund Abstracts totaling significant amounts and Section 8 Abstract #828. Key personnel actions included the authorization to hire Alina Chykhun as Housing Assistance Administrator, effective July 24, 2023, and the hiring of Althea Hutchinson as a part-time Contractor/Assistant/Aide in the Community Development and Housing Department, effective July 19, 2023. The Board authorized payments for legal services rendered by Harris Beach, PLLC, and Dennis Lynch, Esq. A resolution was passed to settle claims brought by Wayne Ballard for a reduced amount of $8,500.00. Furthermore, the Board established a resolution requiring all employees and onsite outside contractors to consistently clock in and out of work for accurate timekeeping. Regarding public hearings, dates were set for August 15, 2023, concerning Zone Changes for parcels on Johnson Street and an application to construct a four-story building at 29-31 Singer Avenue, and another zone change application for 330 Roosevelt Avenue / 105 S. Central Avenue. The Board also authorized the sale of surplus Glock .45, Model 30, Serial # BKXA632 to a retired detective for $300.00, authorized the Police Department to accept $10,281.00 from the 2023 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG), and renewed the Property & Casualty Insurance Program.

The primary discussion item involved the consideration and subsequent resolution to hire Raymond Canario for the position of Confidential Assistant to the Mayor, effective with an annual salary of $100,000.00. The Board ratified and affirmed the necessity of this personnel retention to carry out municipal duties and directed staff to implement the appointment.

The Village Board meeting addressed numerous resolutions and public concerns. Key actions included approving various abstracts for payment from the General Fund and Section 8. The Board authorized payment to Harris Beach, PLLC for legal services rendered in the Snead matter and settled claims asserted by a police officer relating to military service under USERRA and ERISA. The Board adopted the 2024 Public Housing Authority Action Plan and granted a special permit for a four-story school addition at 185 North Main Street, overriding the Planning Commissioner's recommendation for denial. Other resolutions authorized the Mayor to sign an Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Ramapo for the 2024 Summer Camp Program, approved attendance for five employees at a NYSBOC seminar, authorized payment for February 2024 legal services, accepted resignations from the Fire Department and as a Groundsworker/Laborer, accepted new members to the Fire Department, approved the hiring of a Seasonal Motor Equipment Operator I, and authorized emergency road repairs not to exceed $35,000 to be performed by Mag Paving. Public participation raised concerns regarding declining street/sidewalk conditions, park cleanliness, public urination, animal nuisance, and potholes. Old business involved concerns about metal plates remaining on a road intersection and a road opening without a permit.

The Village Board meeting involved several significant financial and administrative actions. Key discussions included the approval of several payment abstracts, specifically the General Fund Abstract for December 2023, Post Audited General Abstract for November 2023, and Post Audited Abstract for December 2023. The Board also approved Section 8 Abstract #834. Furthermore, the Board authorized entering into a sewer line easement agreement with 107 Bethune, LLC to allow Rockland County access for sewer line maintenance. Authorization was granted to add the Deputy Mayor as a co-signer on Village Webster Bank accounts. The Board voted not to recommend denial of the liquor license application for Old Country Bakery Corporation. Applications for Nancy Molina and Luis Hernandez for full-time Police Officer positions were submitted for psychological and medical review. Payments for legal services rendered by Harris Beach, PLLC, and Dennis Lynch, Esq. (in two separate matters) were authorized, as was payment for general engineering services provided by Collier Engineering. Finally, the Board approved a settlement to resolve the Millman Lawsuit, restoring Mr. Millman's health benefits retroactive to September 2022. A trustee report requested DPW examination of steel plates on Van Orden/Ann Street and an update on No Parking signs on Parker Street.