you Good afternoon. I'd like to call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Mayor Ray Mostharbary. Present. Council Member Lopez. Yes. Council Member Tarantino. Council Member Peters. Yes. Council Member Osinwaya. Yes. Council Member Kim. Yes. Council Member Stern. Yes. Good afternoon and welcome to April's Committee of the whole session. The first item up on the agenda this evening is a flood mitigation program update. I believe you are the commissioner and not assistant city engineer, commissioner. We will do to make those edits on the permanent record. The show is yours. Thank you. I'm gonna have to do it on the other side. I'm gonna do it on the other side. Fish. the permanent record the show is yours. Thank you. For that too, we'll be working. Thank you. Thank you. We should be ready to provide an update on the program. The goal of this presentation is clearly to provide an update and bring you up to speed on the status of the program, but also to raise awareness on the challenges and complications that we're facing with some of these projects and then our efforts to remain on path. So today we'll go over the quick recap of the program and the background. We'll go over the styles of the ongoing flood mitigation projects, elaborating some of the design and implementation challenges. This goes briefly to the grant opportunities, stakeholder engagement, and he needs to train achieve the structure maintenance and then we've close with some questions about the program or anything you'd like. We'll try to keep these presentations until about 15 minutes. This is a heavy topic. It's a heavy topic. The challenge accepted this. It's been hours. But just real quick, I guess, on the program background. As you all know, we had started to tackle the drainage issues citywide with watershed study. The city split on six watersheds. We had analyzed each of the watersheds and as part of that effort, we had consultants identified conceptual projects throughout the city. They came back with hundreds of projects, which we then distilled into 10 year programs or project inventory for future implementation. Last year in November, we reported on the next steps of the program when we gave an update, which are those items listed there. Next step back then was to establish the 2025 work plan which we completed, identify and apply for additional grant opportunities. That's endeavor, continue to manage ongoing drainage decency construction, is ongoing. We had also committed to developing request for proposals and scoping the project for 2025 That is on track with procured 7 out of 8 designs, beating and procurement of 25 construction projects. This year we expect to bid and break rounds on 7 construction of drainage flood mitigation projects coming out of this program. We had also committed to continue with our enhanced main initiatives, which is ongoing, and continue to engage with the public. I'm not going to read every line. I guess the intent is to show briefly all of the projects that we have currently in the works since we started this program in 2024. We have some major projects here, some others that are packaged for design and construction on the year. to name a few, we have the Pring Street Remington Street. That's the area guy in place which we are building into the link contract that the sign is 30% complete. We are on track to have the final plans ready by August. And the drainage improvement for that area is coming up to be a combination of enhancements and we have some dedicated slides after this day which is to illustrate some of these major projects. We have a shelter, a river, a culprer replacement that's ongoing during the improvements of theirs locations. But last year when we reported, we were planning to complete it at the end of the year, which we did. Hardland Drive and Store, same story. Why would I have any on Palem Road? We're in this side right now 75% complete. We have permit applications into the Army Corps of Engineers and DC, Quaker-rich Road. We've completed Sorbet in Geotech. We're at 75% design completion. Ash on place, that project is tied to a grant. We currently await for that grant agreement to advance on that design. City Park, we completed CCTV, those sort of camera inspections of the drainage network, surveying and H&H, as we call it, which is hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of the watershed, he's in progress. Upper Hutchinson River, Colbert cleaning, another one we were planning to complete last year, which we did. Palmer Avenue and Spencer Drive is in the works. We recently reported to the grant that we have a slide dedicated slide for that project after this. Drainage improvements of air locations that set 2025 design and build. We are currently waiting for proposals to come in. I'm from whatever a ryer circle. We procure a design and the field work is in progress and these are all 2025 projects that we have scoped, develop request for proposals for, and procure some of these contracts already out of the whole list of eight projects we have committed for 2025, the only one that we haven't issued and are for proposals yet, although we're going to do it this month, is the nature woods, nature woods, interlaken. Daddy's a design 2025. So we were always planning to get into construction for the next year, but it's a 2025 design project. So part of the three Aging and Planning was to obviously tackle first those projects that we had committed to design and build this year. Those we worked quickly right off the gate in January 2nd. So I guess in summary it's been a lot of hard work since we established the program last year. We successfully completed three. We have 15 active projects. We expect to be into construction on seven out of those projects this year. And we have three grants awaiting agreement execution so we can advance those projects. And fortunate to have a team that engaged in the engineering department. And they've been doing a really great job working with me on this program. So some of the design and implementation challenges that we're facing. As I explained previously, all of these projects came from a concept. In many instances, the concept is very common sense. It's essentially flushing the water right from one location to the discharge point. As he was appropriate back in the day, when we did the watershed study, that identified your concerts. Now that we're really diving into the details, we're encountering tons of challenges that were not visible back then at the conceptual level. For example, we're running into Eastman needs for some of these projects where we're now realizing through surveying and investigation that in order to run outlets or new pipes out of a low-lying area that's prone to flooding. For example, we have to cut through private property that requires some Eastman establishments. other in other instances, we already have easements, but they have to be modified to accommodate the larger infrastructure. Some other instances, we're recognizing the need to store stormwater beyond the right of way, just to the sheer volume that we need to be thin and that has required that we looked at other properties that are which ownership is not really clear. So that prompt title searches and some other tasks that were not really identified at the conceptual stage. Naturally, utility conflicts were now surveying and picking up utility markets and some of these areas where we're planning to install heavy infrastructure, arch-clives, detention systems, they, of course, pack with gas lines, water lines and all sort of utilities. Permitting, some of the projects require permits with the DEC, Department of Health and the Army Corps of Engineers, those permits take a little while. We particularly, any changes we have to undertake with the utility companies, say, to reroute a water main that will require the Department of Health approval and that is an impact to the scale of the utility company which is in our critical path to get our infrastructure in place. Budget is another one. Some of these concepts had a very preliminary cost estimate associated to them. Now that we're getting into the details and we understand that through rock and the hardscape that we need to modify to accommodate the improvements etc. Many of these projects are evolving into a much more costly project, just to give you an example why wouldn't Pellum, which we have a slide on. That is a project that was estimated at a conceptual stage at 1.7 million. We're now estimating it at 4.2 million. The administration is another sort of learning curve for us, particularly on the timing of things. We feel we were ready to go. We pedal to the metal when we go. they grant agreement approved but there is a tons of procedural steps that have to take place until we have a grant agreement executed and that's also a delay for some of these projects. So why are we doing about it? Well we're not resisting, we're learning and adapting, we're being more conservative when we do, when we plan our financial needs ahead. We're engaging very early with the property owners. We develop some standard. We call them Eastman engagement letters just to reach out and give them property owners a heads up in that we're working on a project that may require an Eastman through the property, please get in touch. We are also designing with a grant in mind, part of the learning and adjustments. We're trying to almost come up with an assembly line approach where we design a project and we apply for construction for a grant to cover the construction of that project. So the idea is that there is tons of information that we can extract during the sign that will help us make a very strong grant application for construction. Benefic concentrations, true cost estimates, conceptual alignments, tons of really good information we can really get our hands early on during the sign to then package a construction grant application. And as you know, construction is really the heavy lifting when it comes to funding needs. We're also working very closely with utility companies, the Oliac, Oenedicin. We have almost like weekly calls, as soon as we have 50% or so, design progress plans, we share it with them. They've been very good at working with us and been proactive about relocations. Just to highlight some of these projects, again, this one was completed last year. It was one of the first projects we completed with the program for this project that, well, we call drainage improvements of areas locations. This is a contract that we plan to procure every year and it's essentially a bundle of quick fixes that are very impactful to certain areas. In this instance, we as part of this project, we replaced eight catch basins, replaced over 900 linear feed of drainage pipes, and it was a project that we were able to complete on budget. However, the scale was impacted due to some utility conflicts that we had to content with and work with a connedison to resolve. Harming the store, another one, we upgraded and upsized drainage infrastructure throughout that intersection and that up replacing over 460 linear field drainage pipes. The new system is a pressurized system with a bi-flow control. So any water buildup will remain on the ground until the peak of the storm subsides and then it can drain out. This was a project that we were able to complete on budget and on schedule for substantial completion. All per hotch and sun, we were covered and all the warm that we were able to successfully complete. We ended up removing about 2300 cubic yards of material that is just a put into perspective about 110 troglots of material that was taking away volume for flood storage and combatants. In the end it was 3,400 the unit feed of stream stream that we cleaned. We cleared and cleaned also three copper crossings in that stretch of the Hutchinson River. We cleaned and cleared 11 households. Spadava, the public engagement at completion of this project, we circulated a letter to all residents, essentially notifying them of the completion, thanking them for their permission to access the property to complete the project. And we take advantage to issue a little bit of a disclaimer, remind that these area sits in a very low-lying corridor, in fact, this floodplain area, and share with them some of the flood mitigation resources that the city had developed for the residents. Since this probably was completed, we endured two short, you know, quick-forced storms on the faith of March. And then again, on the 17th of March, if you remember those, the rainfall was not a large quantity. But with these drainage projects, the killer is the intensity. And these were one and a half and one inch quick borsts within 24 hours. We did not experience flooding. We didn't hear any complaints in these locations after those storm events which is certainly promising. The link is one that we're wrapping up for the signed details here. Again, we're tracking for August. The solution for this location is a combination of underground detention. We have a massive detention or underground storage underneath Memorial Highway. We're talking about 190,000 cubic feet of storage that's almost 1.5 Olympic pools for volume. We're also in addition to that, we're creating a now outflow towards the east, towards the circle. That will be a new 48-inch line that will help us drain that problem intersection at Memorial and Lincoln. In addition to that, we have some repairs to the existing system and we're looking at implementation of some GI practices. Mainly at the park, we have some rain gardens and some features that we're looking at with those artificial sort of at a local scale. The big solution is really what we just discussed previously. One feature that we're looking at is the possible harvesting of stormwater for irrigation purposes. So we're looking at the landscaping plan, working with the landscape architects, there may be an opportunity to reclaim some of that stormwater, I'm sorry stormwater, to irrigate if an irrigation system is needed. That's something the last few architects are looking into because it may be possible to prescribe some native species that are not really demanding a long irrigation. it reach road. It's another one that really surprised all in terms of the big difference from concept to detail design. You can see on the left side that is the watershed, the right angle is Quaker-rich. So pretty much any old area above the rectangle brings water into that intersection of that bar meters fans and Quaker Ridge. So it's a massive watershed, it is so bourbon, so in perv surfaces and whatnot. And what we realize quickly through design is that we don't have the room within the right of way to mitigate or at the weight flows at these locations. So we're looking at possibly detain where at that parcel, you see those yellow rectangle. Eat up beers from some historical research we did that parcel was at some point, it appeared to the city but again it appears that it's actually at some point he became the shopping center so he's really unclear we're researching, we're doing the title search and researching ownership. There's also potential complications with that location. There's a connet substation right there between the yellow, the proposed potential detention area and the mole area, the parking lot. So it is possible that there will be on the ground facilities there, high voltage cables. We have that's yet to be investigated. But those are the challenges that we're encountering as we dive into the details. Why would I'm pale? It's a very impactful flow of mitigation project. I am very glad we decided to undertake this one. If you look on the left side, that is the watershed. So the shaded, the orange area is the watershed area. So all that area drains out through white wooden pellum. And if you could create the the white letters there is a narrow pointed to the outfall that is a discharge coming right out of whitewood onto the Long Island Sun. So picture any drop of water that falls within that orange stain is going to come out of these colors. It's the area, the watershed is over eight golf courses about in area. It's too extensive. It's an urban and sub-orban. Again, tons of impervious surfaces bringing water this location. When we started with a concept that had evolved into a much larger infrastructure than we had anticipated. Just to give you an idea, the existing cohort that drains these watershed is six feet by six feet. We are looking at an upgrade that's 12 feet by 8 feet. In addition to that, we're building a new, what we call an express sewer, so it's a bypass. So, much of the runoff coming into Whitewood from Penham Road and Whitewood Road itself is not going to compete for for conveyance in these new and large culvert is going to have its own dedicated outfall to the sun. So challenges of course there is gas and water that we need to relocate there is no room to fit our culvert and their utilities while at the same time comply with the Department of Health separation requirements between drainage and water. There is also an easement that we need to modify. That easement is because the last section of covered or pipe that goes from Pelham to the sound actually runs through private property. And we have an Eastman currently for the existing six by six Colbert, but that Eastman is not large enough. So we're advancing in part everything we can. We have permits already into the Army Corps of Engineers and DEC. We issued engagement letters to modify the easements. We're going to perform some geotech investigations and investigate these areas a little bit further so we can better estimate the construction before we go out to bid, because these hats evolved into a very large project. Plumberhavanion Spencer Drive, CV manager and our department have been working on these particular locations. We've had meetings with with MTA. It's a project that involves teamwork. We foresee it's having to work with Nista, the throw authority and the MTA to come up with that solution. This area has been investigated by the MTA. We had also investigated this problem before just to recap on that. We had looked into possibly routing flows south. So we could direct or the various of those flows coming from Spencer Drive towards the south, but that was not feasible. So the solution or potential solution that we're currently looking at really involves and the up size or upgrade to the MTA colbert under the tracks. Also improve. involves an upsize or upgrade to the MTA colbert under the tracks. Also improvements to an open channel that runs through the NIST property and then on our side and within the Dorchester property we're looking at possibly building the attention system and some improvements to the drainage, existing drainage pipes. There is a plan B, or I should say plan C, that involves the possibility of routing flows towards largements, but we are not currently pursuing that option because the grades are not very favorable. It looks like if we do go that route, then we will be really partnering with large ones. They have problems, drainage problems as well. So it seems that that plan C will involve much more larger projects through an inter-administral agreement. So at this point we're really pursuing what's within our control, which is this concept that you see on the image. which is quickly going back. We have currently a grant with approved with risk that is to investigate these concepts further. So what we're planning to do with that grant, as soon as we receive the green lights to Solicie proposals, he is surveyed all the areas that we need, performed geotech investigations to understand the path to bedrock, and develop some initial H&H modeling to scope the solution. Sheldra call replacement. Again, huge... scope dissolution. Shelter recovery replacement began a huge watershed area that drains into that shelter corridor, almost 200 acres of land, so urban land. They won year storm alone, alone it dumps almost seven million gallons of water into that corridor. We are looking at the operating the crossings of those golvards at Pinebrook. We have currently two existing five feet diameter, five foot diameter pipes. We're replacing that with a twin A by six concrete coars. So that will increase the conveyance capacity from about 360 cubic feet per second that we have currently to about 900 cubic feet per second. So we're going to be almost tripling the conveyance capacity across it. The tulip crossing we currently have triple for footer and our pipes and we're looking to replace those with a twin 10 by 8 coldards. So that will increase the conveyance capacity from the existing 360 cubic feet per second to over 2,000 cubic feet per second. The toilet crossing, we have more area, more room to fit the larger infrastructure and it's also farther downstream so it sees more flow than Pinebrook. As part of the modeling and working with engineers, we learned that Corridor is very shallow. There is only a very faint slope along pinebrook between pinebrook and tulip. So what that means is there is really little improvement you could do to that stretch to further increase the conveyance capacity. So in looking at ways to further improve the flood mitigation. They modeled a bypass, which essentially is a new 48-inch pipe that would help us shore-circuid the river. So it doesn't have to go through that band that you see at the corner that that is hydraulically problematic. So with that bypass, we can increase an additional 200 cubic feet per second of conveyance. So that's something that was very impactful to the results of the model. We authorized additional work to explore and design that feature. We foresee this project becoming the two golf across in plus the bypass. So for grant opportunities, just say briefly that we've been working very diligently. We have a grand specialist in-house, Nicolas Ophas. He's been great. He's well aware of everything that's out there that could form the program, this program. We've also built a group report with the administrators. Today, we've successfully secured most of the grants we've applied for. It's being over 13 million dollars and located to stormwater and drainage improvements through grant programs. All these are grants that we have applied and obtained that we're looking, that we have identified that we're looking to apply because the grants are eligible or the projects are eligible for the grant. We've only got to deny today. For the enhanced drainage maintenance, we, that's ongoing work. We have to catch basin cleaning trucks and dirty. We continue to continue to do CCTV inspections. That's something that to shorten the timeline of some of these drainage projects, we're doing in-house and then offering that information to the designers. So we don't have to wait for them to procure the CCTV. So we're jumping on it. We extract the information that's helpful to us. And that way we shorten the timelines during design. We have the emergency repair contract ongoing. hotspot preparedness is also ongoing where our crew ahead of a storm event make sure that the critical cove recrozus are clean from debris. Some future planning that we see ahead is enhanced U.S. mapping. There is a new statewide stormwater permit that was implemented. We have to comply with that new permit. If you've heard of our, it is the Speedy's MIS IV. Every municipality who has a separate sewer and sanitary, storm and sanitary system has to comply with that permit that permit came With tons of requirements. We were ahead of the game on some But one of them is to enhance the mapping so we currently have a pretty good database of Stormwater infrastructure citywide that you can see through the UIS math. But we're looking at enhancing that database further so we could implement a work order base system so we can keep tab of which catch bases where having maintained clean was the last time that way we can retain a record. Equipment management as well, identifying equipment needs for future acquisition. So as far as the next steps for the program, we need people. We have some critical vacancies that we're looking to fulfill. I haven't left my prior title. It's, I enjoy the workload there and I have the team, but we need a sit-in engineer and assistant city engineer and a junior civil engineer as well to help him get up to speed and sort of... We need a city engineer, an assistant city engineer, and a junior civil engineer as well to help him get up to speed and learn the program. We also have a manager of source and drains. As you may know, the former managers of source and drains now at the Security Commissioner. So that's a vacancy. We're currently soliciting resumes and application. So we'll continue to manage the ongoing range of the science, building procurement and management of construction contracts. Can seven these years, these years that I expect will be on the contract continue to work with Nick on grant opportunities. You know, there is not such a thing as free money. All these grants come with tons of requirements and their, their cumbersome. So we'll continue to do that, continue to improve the enhanced maintenance program, and continue to engage with the public engagement we have, as you know, our requirement to post a sign that's informational. We're looking to offer a meeting with the community and stakeholders after we've had a chance to go through a pre-construction meeting with the successful bidder. So at that point we'll have, we'll be better informed, I had anticipated. Go ahead. I would appreciate it if you you. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. I appreciate you. it's the river, touching the frog and crimrose, you know, like you said, that amount of material that you were moved with some real intense rains forms that normally would have led to a footer more of standing water blocking access to streets. It just didn't happen anymore. And I know it's not a long-term solution, but it's helpful for right now. And it's been really appreciated. And I will say, even just thinking closer to my own home, like knowing that a long survivor, both of our, all of the design work and changing as you saw conditions change, especially with that new bypass. I just appreciate the great engineering work and it seems like it's gonna lead to more active long-term solutions. My only question is around community engagement and communications. I love how you sent that letter to the residents on Primrose, but I'm updating them on status. Are there any maps that a resident who just kind of wants to see all the flood mitigation work or kind of where, what's happening near them, anything that we can point them to so that they can find it on a map? You're just looking at the first few, the spreadsheet, essentially essentially of all the updates, like in my day job I would often take a spreadsheet and it's pretty easy to make it a Google map and I don't know if Google maps are going to be what we use, but it would be great just to be able to have an easy way to do it, to kind of see all the progress of what we've already accomplished and to see kind of the status of the projects near them. So I don't know if that's a possibility. And then I just wanted to further encourage more of those community meetings that we were just talking about. I know it was so appreciated from the residents who have gotten that so far. But there are a few projects I'm thinking of in my district where they maybe the right people haven't been asked to join or we just haven't offered that and it would be great to make sure that wherever we can offering those community meetings. Noted I think for the weekend looking to I think the idea is right so people are informed of where these parties are taking place.. So I understand correctly, it'd be great if they can see perhaps a outline where maybe a circle which cold routes are going to be upgraded, the bypass is that. So even just being able to click at a location where the work is happening and then see the the information of, you know, here's the work happening that, you know, the timeline progress. Basically, like, what you have in this first set of, you know, the first sheet of information here. Just including that would be helpful, maybe a link, because obviously then there's more information about each project. Sure. We can look into that. You want to help? Helps them just to keep. First, I could thank some amazing, a lot of projects that are in Paul and will later at the same time. It's really incredible. I have few specific questions just referring to the grant opportunities chart. You seem a little bit more about, there's like five different locations where you've identified this grant EPL 26 on the core of engineers grant. You don't like where it's a cry on the rolling basis. I just feel like this is the first time we've seen these projects match to this opportunity. Yes. So BPL26 is a program with the county. they have, it looks they cover either design, both design and or design and construction equipment. So what we've learned is that in order to have a shot at the construction rank which is really the main piece, you need to provide some detailed information about the project. So what we've done with our grant specialists is sort of put that program on the radar for projects that we intend to design soon, so that we can extract that information for the application of the VPL grant for construction. So these are projects that we currently have in working on to design. We were planning to package,, we need to apply for the VPL grant or the Army Corps grant program once we have that information because we learned that we didn't have enough information on the concept through the watershed study to apply for a grant. We actually try and give you an example. Why wouldn't pound? How we applied for a construction ground using the 1.75 million figure would have been bad thing. Now that we're into it, we're realizing it's really more like 4.2. So it's proven. We're only proven to go a fly with the grounds once we have their information but we have a better shot at the ground having the project was more better defined. And then on the next page the grant, the risk grant program, it's to apply, but like in the first quarter of this year, it has to be a part. No, I have to check with my grant specialist to see what's the exact status. We haven't applied yet to that program to that risk. He is possible that they haven't opened applications yet. I'm not sure what the timeline of that program. Are you mentioning repurposing a grant? That was another risk grant? Yes. There were two race grants that we risked. We have the approval for which is waiting for the agreement execution. One is the Stephenson Proceedency. We're looking now, originally we're looking at the twin lakes in front of the high school. But we had to switch gears and look at that corridor further upstream. So we would scope that grant application to cover or fund the three planning activities for pain lake and the upstream areas and then the other one was Spencer Drive. After reviewing a drainage report that the MTA produced and looking at the topography for what we just call the Plan C towards largement and the complications about that solution and having to partner with the village and we repurpose or tweak the grants quote to really focus the energy on the solution, the conceptual solution that we have now on the table which is those three things things, the channel, call for it, and the upstream detention. It's the same project in Pennsylvania. Correct. And, I'll tell you that, the issues you saw with Quaker Ridge Road, and the parcel that we have on the ownership, and do you anticipate the timeline changing then because of these complications? Yes. Yes, so in the project table, we added just a brief note on complications, scale impacts. of these findings, right in the sign, will have a scale input. An example, the easement, modifications. While we're in Pellum, we have to relocate the water main. In talking to the oil, they're going to need the Department of Health approval, which they take their time. So yes, although so having flagged as potential state of limepart. Okay. You mentioned the green infrastructure on the link. Are you looking at bioswales as well? I know that was mentioned in previous presentations. Yes. Yeah. Those GI features in the park, they're looking currently at ring gardens, some porous practices at Harskade. Those provide water quality benefits and they're important they're looking at them for implementation but they don't really, I put them in a separate category. He's not a flood mitigation feature. Float mitigation is the big ones. The two Olympic poles for the detention and the extra pipe towards the circle, but yes, they're looking at those features. And then I'll make a similar request for more community meetings. I don't think I have a project specific community meeting in my district. And I know folks are desperate, want more information when they can get it. And then for areas where they're not as far along, where we're kind of in the exact same place we were a year ago looking for grants. You know, what would be like the best way to try to provide a contract date and just make sure that they feel that they are not forgotten about? I'm not sure. I have to discuss with the team to see what is the best channel tool? Steak all nursing form? The megabyte? So just on the specific project, so like the standard practice, like the real project as part of the, like Red mentioned, right after the pre-construction meeting for that particular project, the next step, the median next step, what kind of breaking ground is to meet with the affected community and out there giving a specific. So that will be kind of a standard going forward for every project. So we'll have the sign unveiling, we'll have the pre-construction meeting, we've got a good idea of the schedule, the impacts, the logistics, and anything that's happening, and then immediately we'll be meeting with the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the a system, either like an update system, like we're doing now, or we'll put our heads together to see what we could do. We had a flood similar to what we did last year. We could probably do something like that again. Piper, mindful that you have one, two, three, four vacancies. A deputy commissioner and assistant city manager drew a drew your civil and then the manager of sewer and drains, all of which are like causally connected to this. And so hyper sensitive to that as well and aware that it's really hard to, you know, I appreciate the concept of once you have a plan because then you can respond in a way that's like, It we've done the two or three years of my tell us what's wrong not to mitigate what people are experiencing But I can imagine it's as a resident who lives who lived on Prince for 12 So I understand I understand what it's like at this point you want some actual like what yeah What are the next steps and so the construction meeting allows that to happen like timing it to when you have that actual ground. That's a real that's something that's really happening that's gonna happen. Yeah. We have a septate and we know what the impact will be. And it's feedback. It's right. Like actual like this is literally what's gonna happen. I do wonder if you guys already have this though maybe we can just keep a page on the website updated like not to make you do more work, like not to make you like look at this and make it prettier, like you have it, you're there. So if you can throw that on the website, maybe you can share the link with us. I know Miss Marylee will send us a copy of the deck, but just as someone who probably, all of us connect a lot on our phone, it's easier just to be like, please keep going to this page for updates and maybe internally you can find a way to update this every quarter or so. With projects. With ways to do it without, yeah, because again I see the four vacancies and I'm like, 20 fires. and maybe internally you can find a way to update this every quarter or so with projects. There's ways to do it without, yeah, because again, I see the core vacancies and I'm like, oh, 25% and it can hate times everything that this team does. I can imagine. I think it's not something that K-head for this issue quite well. Like, by overall high level communication, the Sloan World program, which is still on our radar. Communications director, we could build out the website and the goal was to have something up there that gives you status of all the projects and you can even drill down into a certain project and get some sort of update and some sort of frequency. But again, that's going to take time and as you mentioned personnel, somebody has to update that information, project manager or portfolio manager would have to go in and actually update the project. So that is on the radar but that is definitely requires resources to do the time time. But as far as the immediate notification to residents, effective people, I think the 50th anniversary place for that is going forward. That's staying. Yeah, maybe just one in-term solution that is sort of what you're saying, Mayor. I think sharing all this information, but like I'm just really thinking about some of the areas that are listening to your grant opportunities. Just like a couple more sentences, like explaining, this was more narrative form. I think it just gives you some better. Because if you're just looking at this, you don't want to understand what's happening with your project. See more about what you're seeing. See more about what your vision is of the end product. When you say add a couple more sentences, is it another column? Is it like, what's in your comments? That is. So give an example. So exactly what the commission just shared right now about the way that the graphs work. We've decided now to undertake the design work. This is going to find a new design work So that was a better chance of getting these constructions. So augment in the common status, the parts that have tangible updates with some non-engineer language. Exactly. I know that's hard because you're only really smart in life. You know, I still talk to me like a presgrader, but yeah. Okay. Okay. Bring it down to our room. Do we know if he's right? with Houston Manager. Okay. Council Member Kate, anything else? That is all. Thank you. Council Member Peters. We've almost cleared up some of the things. Basically, you have to be questioning some of them. One of them has to do with the concept to detail design. You were talking about implementation, which I certainly understand how challenging that can be. I'm just curious around your thoughts about how often the or how frequently we should expect that the concept and the actual design, as you begin to get in the details, will perhaps with a different than the other minor than the past. Good question. There's some projects that we've foreseen all complications or impact this case. There's only a few of them. We're gaining some pretty good experience having navigated these 17 times with 17 projects. So the next time we scope a project, I think I will have a better prediction, we'll make it on our way. And that goes into the more conservative planning approach in terms of timings and budgets as well. Everybody, my second question has to do with the grants that we're actually looking for. Who's the grantee of these particular grants that we're going to provide for me? know, these county grants, the most part of the state or whatever. They're different. We have both a state and a federal. So multi-federal are, we still don't know, they're going to remain close. That's right. Yeah. It's just on certainty. I'm going, but we haven't heard that any of the grants that we're tapping have been clear. And that we've been very successful with the hold and security grant rates. But yeah, it's a mixed bag. It's different in state and federal. All right. Thank you. My last question has to do with, I think the mayor's not talking about this around the, the critical hires that seem to be outstanding. And could you just talk a little bit about why it's so critical for these things to come in a place? Sure. So that everyone has no understanding of that. I think that's really important. And I think it's connected to how we can easily move forward with these hires to happen. Sure. Appreciate the question. The, the, the. So I was, I was honored to be appointed as commission. That's there's tons of plans for Dupedal, that I will look forward to driving. But prior to my cornroll, I was leading the engineering team department that is comprised by five engineers. They are junior CO engineers and technical engineers. They are not licensed engineers. I was not successful onboarding an assistance engineer which is a licensed title. So there is a little bit of a gap from my core team and whoever the scene engineer was. In my case, me and then. So it's part of the process of being coaching or mentoring and working with them. I'm still essential to them because we have a group of staff gap between their experience and licensed engineer. So with my new duties I have more limited time for the department. We've changed a few things, so we can continue to hopefully, to endure these without slowing down. We have, we've resorted to a project management tool with Microsoft Office where I can see exactly where they are with the projects and deadlines with having to have two frequent of the meetings, but I'm still meeting with them weekly and you know, several times a day and questions and whatnot. So the city engineer or an assistant city engineer will help keep that program going and the team engaged. So that's very important. I'm not as available as I was for the team. So even though we've implemented these tools, now it's more critical than ever that I get someone. And it's a hot market for engineers. I mean they're all the private sector, you know, is in the man also. But yeah, I think we have a very good offer offering. And I just, we haven't been lucky, I guess, looking to... to, we need a competent engineer. Yeah, but I appreciate your responses, because I just want to highlight how quick and important it can be, really, is. Right, so I'm glad that you responded to the interview. Thank you. Thank you. Are there comments from colleagues? Compton, they're Russian. The only question that I had, and it was perfect segue with Council and the Qturs question, question, is there a way that we could birth our over the long term of course because I understand trainees take additional resources and time to train them. But are there ways that we can open our workforce development initiatives throughout the city? I guess that's a question for my city managers or a way that we can do that over time. Yeah, we actually, maybe not on a technical engineering level at this point right now, but at a workforce level, we're actually looking to possibly weave in the current workforce development initiative that we got going on right now, but the city with our contracts. Okay. Our capital construction contracts as well as our facility maintenance contracts. We see that there's an opportunity in there if we could get the right language and our contracts delivery process where we could maybe offer the opportunity for our connection between workforce and actually hiring for real work. We could create that conduit and be win-win for the city and for the program. But that's more on a workforce level, not on the technical engineering level. I think we lean, this is very specialized, modeling, image and age,8, hydrologic, hydraulic analysis, so we subcontract the designs, and we need to rely on the expertise of these firms. But you need to manage them, right? So that's where, unfortunately, I looked into some trainings, There's something, but there is a program that I found that would specifically train you for this back up in the air. But look, I think I'm confident if we onboard a nice engineer, he'd be able to carry on with the problem we have. Because out of the five engineers we have really one is pretty much dedicated to paving management. Another one is pretty much dedicated to building renovations to repair. So that's three left are left for you know the CY permitting. So I mean, ironically, I think the amount of work has been motivated. They enjoy the job. I tell them this is really a fantastic opportunity for them and their career because they have access to talent in our consultants talent, with our consultants, they have feelings to manage, and so they're doing a really good job, I'm grateful, but they're still a little junior in their career. Thank you. I'll come to a little page, just want to thank you, because they work at Store, in Harman, they win very nicely done, and everyone is very happy, and every time that he brings, I drive by to make sure that he is okay, and so far everything worked out very, very well. Thank you so much. Thank you. Just quickly. Can you remind me when did you become commissioner?, January. Great. Don't beat yourself up until April. You know what I mean? Like, you know, I have to go to therapy to learn to say it to myself, but it's eight weeks, it's been three months, you know what I mean? Like, real talk? It's a lot. It's a lot. It's a lot. and you have responsibilities outside of this job and God's only given us 25 hours in a day. And so I think when you hear questions from us it's reflective of course people's homes and their property and there is a lot of anxiety around it but also I really just want to take a step back. And I would also thank our city manager. When I leave our city, the compliments I get from the region is that we have the most comprehensive robots forward thinking plan in the area, hands down, right? And so you're being tasked to step into this role, obviously very capably led with our city manager, who has his own expertise. And you can think him for their clean water, but it's a huge undertaking. You're stepping into it, not midstream, but kind of like through the start of the execution with some huge vacancies. And it's exciting to hear that the team is excited, but that's a reflection of leadership as well, right? That you're empowering them and training them and they're seeing that as an opportunity. So if you're doing all of the things we need for long term planning and the high, like good leaders attract good talent. And so I'm confident you'll be able to fill these vacancies in that way. So just know that like just, I know my colleagues feel this way too and again we have to represent our constituents but I just also need you to know that we have that way. So just know that like just I know my colleagues feel this way too and again we have to represent our constituents but I just also need you to know that we have that confidence in you and like remind ourselves that you've only been in the role for three months and it's a big role to fill. While doing your other role which is a big role to fill and I don't know if it's been licensed or not but I know you all do a lot of good stuff that I could never do so I keep us safe. So just I just want to make sure I say that. And then you know through just again by virtue of my my a lot of good stuff that I could never do. So they keep us safe. So I just want to make sure I say that. And then, you know, through, just again, by virtue of my role, I get to see, you know, just kind of like I'm like the drone in the air here on this and like a lot of these projects, it's easements with property owners that may or may not want the city on their property. It's reaching out to other municipalities who are not as capable as staffed to pick up this project. We're coming up with the plan. They do their own vetting for their own liability issues and as I'm learning intergovernmental agencies are super cute and I see that in the most sarcastic tone intended to work with and ask me then to step up and do things and then having to leverage our other elected to help put. So you know you guys have the plans but we still need permission in many ways and access points to other people who have to kind of cover their, thought their eyes and teeth and so there's so many moving or maybe not so able-y moving parts to get some of these projects done and yet you can still tap three projects completed with 15 on deck right so you're still like bringing projects across the finish line And I can say with clear conscience, there are still residents who call with rain, but the intensity of the calls and the emails has dissipated since you guys have been launching the program. So I just want to make sure, like I say that and just kind of like raise that that that place there. So so thank you And it's short, too. Thank you. Thank you, the whole team, because DPW does so much. And I don't think I really appreciate it. So it became mayor. The death and scope of your touch in our city beyond stormwater mitigation, beyond just the, and nothing is adjust, but just the basic things we see in all kinds of weather and all kinds of craziness. You guys are out there doing the work. I mean, I see that flood mitigation trucks. I'm hustling to go home and they're sitting by the high school with the gate, the great open and cleaning and pulling them up out. I see it at the, I see, I see it. We all say, sometimes I want to pull my phone out, but they might not know who I am. And they probably think I'm stalking them. and then it's awkward, but, because I just think it's important that people see that, right? Like when this heavy rain is coming, your guys are out there trying to prevent what they can with the limitations of that we have. So I just want to make sure I see that, right? Like when this heavy rain is coming, your guys are out there trying to prevent what they can with the limitations of that we have. So I just want to make sure I say that. And then, yeah, like if you guys create the dot, just throw it on the website and just send us the link and then we can, we start that way, right? And maybe over time, as you know, and you have a plan. So as the vacancies come in because strong leadership and a fun city like ours We will attract the talent then we can start executing some of that But like 14 times over thank you thank you and thank you to everyone on that DPPW team for all they do for us. Thank you so much we make for sure. This was not 15 minutes commissioner when I could tell it's you that friend but I wanted you to feel it. I just work here but you should probably count on like 75 minutes for every flood water mitigation because it's just the nature of the beast. So welcome to the pit for your first robust engagement and we'll look for it to talk to you again. Alright our next item which is going to happen later maybe equally as exciting and robustly Ursuland traditional cheerleading team is getting some combinations and if you haven't seen that squad rolled out in addition to the New Yorkshire High cheerleading it is fascinating so we'll get to congratulate them later for reping the OSR. Well our next item is one two three next there's one all right the Repro's Reallocation of Community Development Block grant funds regarding various improvements who is talking to us about that today. Should be our development team. I see our deputy commission, our hope to be in Dura coming to the table or Seth K, both and. Hi. Hi. Take it away, friend. I'm actually a little surprised. Take it away, friend. I'm actually a little surprised. So hard. I mean, mean, in terms of background, it's a new money to keep supporting the sidewalk and ADA improvements that have been going on. And there's a fee allocation of money that can support that. That's a big question. It's a reallocation of the CDP, EG funding, which for FY 2025 was allocated very late. And it's a redistribution as noted to help fund other sidewalk improvements from other projects that have been under the government. And we're looking forward to the FY25 allocation. Excellent. When that's done. And this is done in coordination with the DPW, which actually, the funds we just administered, the CVPG. The sidewalk in 80 improvements on court and questions or comments from my colleagues on item number three. Hearing done may have a motion in a second. Boop. Oh, it's a public hearing. My bad three and four together. Three and four together. So this is the introduction. Boop. Go to four. And I'm three. No, three. It's on for public hearing. It's on for public hearing. For tonight. Sorry about that. So you're really nervous today on the job. Yeah, okay. Great. So that's just the public hearing. It's amazing. I'm so glad to be on my first day. Moving on to item number four, which is also up for public hearing. And this our corporate and council previously discussed it's changing our prior written notice requirements. Yes. Okay. I think you guys are. Okay. Anything you want to add? One last week. The apple question. Yes. The apple? I remember her friend. Yes. A question is our comments from my colleagues on item number five. Council member K. So I'll just say that I think this is a great program. It helps to streamline purchasing, state does all the research, and then they get easy to use. That's what you've heard from other municipalities in the participative program. And it's constantly updated. And I can't remember if this was shared last time we met, but it's, if we participate in the program, it counts towards the Climate Sparks communities program, which enables us to receive grant funding, and we've already received it of thousands and about millions through that program. So just another extra bonus and participating. Great. Anybody else? Okay. May I have a motion in a second to move item number five to our Consent agenda? Kate in Aashenly, on favor say aye. All right. Any opposed? Brilliant. Six and seven, I'm told go together. Six is introducing it for the public hearing on May 6th, and seven is the actual change in the legislation. Is that right for the emergency council? It's just the, for the to vote on, I'm going to go to the public hearing. I see, we have an addition from the finance team at our table. This is important, Dad. Please take it away. So we are proposing that the Spiti Charity of Mindage subject to public hearing to all choose a assessment calendar in order to facilitate smooth accurate tax apportionment for the budgeting process and reduction in tax refunds. So it's basically changing assessment that's been timely to have that. Great. So I should add another question. I don't know. Let's see what my friends have to say. Questions or comments? Councilor understand. Are there any implications to this that affect either residents or the city? Okay. This would basically affect the time of filing for different things and when the assessment role is published. Currently, the current calendar is made first as taxable status date, which means all property is assessed and valued as of that date. So that also means all exemptions are due to be filed by that date. Their process over May June 1st is the tentative role. Thursday and June is June is grievance day and then our final role comes out on August 1st. The next process after that is people filing for residential property owners confile what's called SCAR, small claims of sesmer and hue, which is the largest amount of changes we usually have in the year last year, they're over 240. Once we get, they have 30 days from from first to file with the city, but we have a Westchester County clerk and then 10 days after that to serve us. So that puts us in the middle of September. By then, we're already starting with the budget process. And the budget process requires us to freeze everything due to the tax cap and other implications like we cannot change the tax rate after that point. So we don't know when all these changes are going to come in. We can't make those changes and we don't have enough time. So. like we cannot change the tax rate after that point. So we don't know when all these change are going to come in. We can't make those changes and we don't have enough time. So the other cities, the other cities, Yonkers and Leplanes, two other cities of Westchester have their calendars over the winter since we're a city we're allowed to change the chart and decide when our dates are. All the towns, the towns only in Westchester, have a set calendar that's dictated by real property tax law. So they have a similar calendar to us, tentative roles June 1st, third, Tuesday's grievance, but their final assessment role is September 15th. The big catch for them is they don't levied taxes off that role till the following year. So they have all winter to process this car and get everything ready and then they have enough time. We, because of the wind the budgeting process, takes place for the city in September. We really have a short amount of time. And the scar changes can't be reflected in that. I'm proposing we move taxable status to December 1st. Then tentative role would come out February 1st after the city bill in January. 32st day would be grievance day. April 1st would be the final role, then they would have 30 days to file with the Westchester County clerk. And in a normal year, the scars would be resolved by July. And then that would be enough time before the September budget process starts. Thank you. Any other questions or comments on 6 and 7? Okay, so procedureally 6 is just the introduction. We don't have to take action on 6. 7 requires, we would do the motion in a second to set the public hearing date. However, on page 28 of the packet, the public hearing date, as listed in the legislation, says April and it should take May 6th. So we'd be voting within an edit to page 28 of the packet. Does that make sense? Because April 15th would be next week, and we wouldn't have a public hearing on the RLMA. I mean, I guess we could, indeed, but like we're not, because it's not scheduled or knows. So may I have them in my moving? It's the consensus answer, just a motion in the second. She'll probably print. Are you guys put with May 6th, dated? You have made progress. So may I have them in my moving it's the consensus answer just emotion the second issue public. Are you guys put with the May 6 date? Did you have the meeting for a real reason? No, I don't know. Just a missing. That's humans. So we're just going to be emotion in a second to set the public hearing for item number seven noting that there's an amendment from the date should not be equal. 15th 2025 it should should be May 6th, 2025. May I have a motion in a second for number seven? Please, Peter's and Stern, all in favor say aye. Any opposed? Brilliant. Moving on to item number eight, thank you all three. I'll say two, the three. Commissioner Greacy, you're up. Proposed resolution, up. Yeah, you friend. authorizing an agreement with Volunteer New York. Yes. Hi. Hi. This is totally separate from the other portion of the Volunteer New York agreement in the past, which was the result of the pandemic. If you remember, and it was a staff member within the building, this is the portion of the agreement, which was in place way before the pandemic, or Charles Curtis and Julie Convister's positions. This was strictly for the assisting, mostly, in terms of our work scope throughout the county of the Parks and Recreation, which highlights the Parks cleanup we make. That's a major lift. Obviously we take care of all the operations for that. Each and every spring for spring cleanup citywide, but The volunteer in New York is a great partner coordinating the 350 volunteers in the registration process. And then other volunteer programs that we have throughout the city with us. but Voluntary New York is a great partner coordinating the 350 volunteers in the registration process and then other volunteer programs that we have throughout the city whether it's board acres but mostly directing with and our local partners but mostly within our budget also the Thanksgiving parade and street fair per se so we're very budget conscious with it and it helps us out greatly. Questions or comments on item number 8? Yeah, please come from our people. I'm not clear around the task you're asking for an authorization. Just a Reno and it's no additional budget dollars. It's just renewing the agreement contractually with the organization, but the budget dollars which was You know very small amount we have it in our contractual budget lines for this year, so we're ready to go so we don't need any funds Other questions are comments on item number eight For you none may have a motion and a second to move item number eight to the consent agenda. The Lopez and Peters, all in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Brilliant. Thank you so much, Commissioner. Thank you. Moving on to item number nine. He proposed acceptance of National Night Out Grant and proposed amendment to the 2025 budget SCR deputy and Commissioner Police stepping up to the table. Hello. Aye. Hi. So just looking for approval accepting $4,020 from the New Wishes County Board of Legislatives to help form portion of our national item. Brilliant. She's in August usually right? Yes. The first Tuesday. Excellent. Questions or comments on item number nine? Do you need our approval because it's from the county board of legislators? Your work something. Yes. So that's okay. I just thought about like 5,000 years ago. I think if we spend under 5K, they don't need to tell us. But if we accept money, we have to know from who and where. Okay. Change to the budget. Okay. Oh, sorry. What? The city manager stepped up. then tell us how they change Tell us, Todd. You think they changed to the file type, which is what you're all brought up. There we go. Thank you. It's a good kind of change, just accepting money. Many other questions or comments on item number 9. Congratulations on your grant. We have a motion in a second to move number 9 to the Consumption piece Ashallay and Peters all favor say aye aye really thank you so much Moving on to item number 10 a proposed amendment to acid achieve coming to the code of the Savior's shall regarding addition of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in live afforded vessels Hello, are they the Harbor Master Corrective? For those of you who don't know me, I have to set the camera. I've been your Harbor Master for the last 20-40 years. Really? Welcome to the pet high chief. I'm the Harbor one. I'm trying to hide by the look. Smart men, please, Chief. I appreciate the Harbor Master coming up to help out. Obviously, pertains to not only Nourishel Marina, but also to the seven other marinas that are here in Nourishel. It's a thing in the Bowdoin community. People spend year-round living on a boat, which is all well and good. And some of them are beautiful, big boats and all. However, one thing that is not in the city code, which obviously came to our attention with the recent marina fire, is that these little board vessels certainly should have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on them. The event that occurred, there was actually a lady and her young son were on the boat, when the boat next to them caught fire. And unfortunately it caught their boat and she realized it in time. Thank goodness to get off the boat and on to the dock. Had they had a smoke detector, certainly, you know, they would have been alerted earlier. Also, the boat they were in with shrink wrap. If you ever go down in the winter time, you can see they put these big tarps on and they heat them up so they adhere nice and you know waterproof the boat kind of over the course of the winter. Not optimal for somebody to be living in that though. For two reasons. First, when this poor lady and her son had to get out of the boat, there was only one way to get out. They were kind of limited because the boat should grab. And also, if the boat next to you catches fire, certainly these are not flame proof. They're pretty flammable, these tarps. So there is existing in the city code, you know, about harbor management and all and in the harbor management section There's actually a line that says that the vessel should be able to what does it say? Leave it stuck and suitable for a gel on long Island sound under its own propulsion and it can get out of its slip on its own at any time when somebody's living aboard the vessel. And certainly if a shrink wrap they can pull the boat out and get it out kind of thing. So we're just expanding the code a little bit with respect to that and also the addition of the carbon monoxide smoke detectors. That's in accordance with industry standards NFPA, there's actually an NFPA 302 concerns folks so sell you anything you want to expand on that. So just to give you a history on the liverboards back in 99 when they had the carbon management plan adopted they prevented what they called liverboards because we do have some that have been grandfathered in that are actual barges that people have made homes on. There's only about three of them in the city that are left. There were more back then. They've gone either people passed away or they just sold them and left the harbour. So technically there's no living boards, but you can't live aboard your boat, but it has to be operational. Somebody can't bring a boat from somewhere else, there's no engines in it and says, oh this is my boat. They have to be able to leave the dock, I'm assisted, go to the middle of the cell and turn around and come back. So that's why we have that sort of like it's little gray language, live a word, no other words. But by not wrapping your boat in plastic, technically you can leave the dock. Once it's wrapped in plastic, You can't see out of the like the chief just said. And as far as the implementation of this, you know, South 24 years as Harbor Master has a very good rapport with all the marine owners and such. And you know, we can get the word out through the boating community that this is an effect and it's for people safety, really. Yeah, so we can go over the marinas. We can give enough information out to them. I'll talk with the horror patrol and Commissioner Gazzola when they do the operation dry water. Usually go out and they do inspections for people on their boats. We'll make sure they'll have information going forward for a winter time that they need to have this new law and that they have smoke detected, which is really a common sense. Either should not need to vote anyway but that's it questions or comments from my colleagues on item number 10 call for me to start can you explain a little more why they shrink wrapped their boats and mainly to keep the weather out is really the biggest thing people doing on land and they do it on the water. They wrap it up, it'll keep the rain, it'll keep you know from pumping water. Pumbling water on 5.5 less of wood will create rot, similar to like a duck on a house. So that's mainly the reason why they do it. And if you're staying on a boat, you're almost in a greenhouse. And if you're if you're wrapping it clear, it gets nice and warm in there and it'll if you want to go on some hay books. Hmm. Absolutely. How many liver boards do we have at the Tristan? There's only three liver board barges, but some of them are the marinas are supposed to let us know who are living on the board the boats there are, but they don't always comply with it. It's just in the harbour management, well it's not something we can actually really enforce that way, but we get this word out. very the very least, when we get the word out, and it gets a apartment outside, and smoke the tent, doesn't it? At least we're, you know, we'll be able to go out there. We'll have to flush right there. For someone who can't swim, when we say three live-a-board barges, is that three live-a-board boat for like three live-upboard parking spots. No, it's actually a big barge float. It's squared and the ones that are down at the end of a dock road. Okay. Turned up road and the dock street is probably about 30 feet long and about 15 or 20 feet wide. Okay. And it's two stories. Okay. Don't think about that. So the only I love this and the only question that I have is or covered in any way. I just feel like, I mean, of course, you have your idea of what covered your definition is, but somebody that might be, I just don't want to see you to be used to variously, from like one go or another, against another, hey, your boat is covered in any way, because you put a sheet over like, you know, the top of your, I don't know, just, I just don't want it to be used nebulously for somebody to fall in and say, hey, this guy has his boat covering and he put like a sheet down on top of like a bunch of chairs or something like that. You know what I mean? No, I'm just saying. That's white sling together with getting on the white. If your boat is covering a key, visibly see, to get out, It's linked together. They have to be able to navigate and they have to see where they're going. Okay. Good point, Councilmember, yeah, it's all right, it's all on the same section there, section B. Okay, I'm just asking because I see my building's commissioner and I know that we get swatted all the time from one neighbor to another, like oh you're encroaching on the sidewalk, are you tired of that commission or what? Yes, okay. Oh yeah, okay, yes. Any other questions or comments for these to gentlemen at the table? Hearing them may have a motion in a second to move item number 10 to our consensus agenda. Yes, Council Member Michelle. Oh yes, okay. Yeah, I'm on the agenda. Council Member Akshane'll certainly end Stern on favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Brilliant. Moving on to item number 11, thank you both so much. Nice to see you, Barbara. You two, chief hallways. Bye. Number 11 is the proposed authorization regarding community choice aggregation, our memorandum of understanding. I see our director of planning, Kevin Keynes, Joining us at the table, Mr. Cain, take it away. May I? Oh, yes, come over. Okay. Can I force make a statement? Of course. Before we... Director of Planning, Kevin Kane, joining us at the table. Mr. Kane, take it away. May I have a good one? Yes, go for it. Can I first make a statement? Of course. Before we proceed with this item, I want to address a matter that's been raised in the past regarding my involvement with Sustainable Westchester, and whether it affects my ability to participate in both related to the organization. As I previously disclosed in my annual financial filings and at the council table, I serve as an unpaid volunteer board member for sustainable Westchester nonprofit Organization. I do not have and have never had any financial interests in Sustainable Westchester or its contracts. To ensure full transparency, I sought an advisory opinion from the ethics board. The board advised that I publicly disclose my role, but I am not required to recuse myself from voting on matters related to sustainable Westchester. In accordance with that guidance, I am making this disclosure here on the record. I have also submitted it in writing to the Council prior to the meeting. With that, I will proceed with the discussion on the Westchester power contract and if there's a vote. Thank you, Council Member Kaye. Kevin and Kaye, Mr. Kaye. Sorry, I was gonna say Kevin, it's not formal, Mr. Kaye, but this is. Thank you, I could have me, everyone. So I think everyone's familiar with the program, so I'm not gonna go over in great detail to educate you all, as you're all pretty aware of the details of it. So as you know, we are in agreement with Westchester Power, that agreement last through November 30th of this year, November 30th, 2025, in order to line up a new agreement to pick up after that date, we need to get the ball rolling now. So essentially what we're here to do is to take the next steps to get moved forward with a new agreement. So essentially, I just want to remind everybody that participation in this program only impacts customer supply side of their company. So the transmission, which if you look at your bill, if you look at the supply and the transmission, the big chunk that you're going to see is the transmission. And there have been many issues with that recently. Many people concerned about the rates on that side. That's different from the supply side we'll be talking about with our participation in the Web Chester Power Program. So just a reminder, as we always do, customers will be notified again about the new agreement. They will be notified of the terms. And they're welcome to opt out at any point in time, but it is that's another opportunity as a reminder to folks that if they do want to opt out, they're welcome to do that. And they'll be given the opportunity to do that. We have also stepped up our efforts to inform the community through a number of different channels, including our website, our social media, and in-person investments, and we will continue to do that. Just a reminder, as you've heard in the past, anyone who has previously opted out of the program, they will not need to opt out again. So if you've already taken that step, you don't need to do it again unless you have set up a new account. If you have set up a new account, kind of this and then you will need to opt out again for that new account. So the new agreement will go into effect December 1st. And at this point in time, we need approval for the memorandum of understanding to confirm our commitment to the program. Westchester Powers asked that we do this by April 19th. And we need to select whether we are going to go with a 50% or the 100% renewable option. And we are just for your reference, we are currently in the 100% level. So the request at this time is for Council to authorize the city manager to execute any and all documents relative to the program with cash register power, including the MOU and the ESA, the Electric Service Agreement. So that is a quick overview. Questions or comments from colleagues? I don't remember. I don't know. Just have a vote please. This would not affect low income residents, right? I believe that people that are in subsidized housing that are receiving social services assistance, I believe that they are not part of that. If they have a client assistant account, it does. I actually believe that if you're below a certain point, yes, that's what I thought. I just wanted to make sure because I do believe that if they are on social service, I don't know exactly what. I did like. Not the parameters, but I do know there's a lot of them. There is something that they get. If someone receives a form of subsidy, which I can't see directly make EGAP heat, right? Then that they automatically are excluded from this. So that's what I want to make sure. Because I need that energy, something something. Yeah. Kanhasa has its own program. right so that's why I wanted to make sure that people you know quick I don't have the name of that other program we get the name heat and again residents can still opt out and we will message like we did I know we did rebel callsocalls. I remember seeing them in newsletters. I saw social media blast. We will continue to do bilimboly. 100%. We have some events. We always have events, but we have some events coming up, especially with Earth Day. Right. That Westchester Palace would be taking part as there'll be another opportunity for them to inform the public and no other other office. We're all informing the public. I remember seeing them at like, like, link in a different parts of the table and talking to residents about that and like, with the tablet, so they were able to do that on site. Okay. How's my personal. Is the parents say that the standard rate has shut up a lot and now essentially they're very close to the actual. They are very close. I don't have the last like full year. I can get the year for you. But in February, it was at 12.9 cents per kilowatt hour. Whereas the WESH-SAR power program was 13.2. Actually a slight decrease to, went from 13.3 to 13.2. March, I think the kind of rate went down a little bit to 11.01, but still, yes, very close. So that gap that existed when we last looked at this about a year ago has certainly closed. Great. Any other questions or comments on the item number 11? So when I read so my question, it looks like we have a just want to make sure it is right and as written it looks like we're supposed to select 50 or 100%. Last year it did not have that designation, it just authorized city does. Look in it up because I don't remember having to do this. So that's fine. Does I think last year the retorn set? But this year we do have that choice. I want to make sure we're following whatever y'all wrote for us to do. So what do we need to talk about? We're at 100%. That's what we did last year. Right. And so. Yes, so the ask is to authorize the city manager, but also to select the 50 of the 100. Okay. If you do that this evening, you can just move it together to the consent agenda. If there's still a discussion, you could remove that. But for next week, we would need a decision. Yep. And it's neater to make that choice now and then have it part of the Concentration Denda and its one comprehensive authorization for the City Manager to execute the agreement at the designation that we've elected today. Right? Okay. Speaking slowly because it has to make sense and you want to get this right. So procedurally does it require a motion to designate between the 50 and 100% yes Can I make a motion that we designate the 100% Consumption to be able to motion on the floor to designate the 100% renewable clean Power product is may I have a second to support that motion? Councilmember Kay all in favor say aye aye Any opposed? Great. So then the next motion would be two. Just gonna read it. To move to the consent agenda, authorize the city manager to enter into an MOU confirming our the city of New York's House commitment and selecting the default electricity supply at the 100% renewable rate and authorized city manager to execute any and all documents relative to sustainable westchester's community choice aggregation program what's just your power may have a motion and a second for that motion may have a person a second for that motion stern and as you may all in favor say aye. Any opposed? That was a Vic and Fence agenda. Thank you. Thank you. Moving on to the final item item number 12, which is a discussion I didn't requested by Councilmember Peters regarding Remington Boys and Girls Club. Thank you very much. I requested this item after thinking about this and hearing about this for a long time. As many of you know, a Remington Boys and Girls Club was part of an arrangement between multiple partners to rebuild the Boys Club that had been in place for many, many, many, many years. It had been a building that has housed more memories that I could possibly come. Memories of inclusion, memories of safety, memories of access, memories of being able to participate in activities and growth, memories of intergenerational relationships that produces a sense of strong, vibrant community. Over the years, the structural building began to decay. The problem that exists today is that what I just described briefly as the benefits and the strengths of a community setting In relationship to this particular building now does not exist The building as it is now is a building that for all attenu and purposes has become a venue And what I mean by that is that the city has no longer, or no longer has a stake in the building financially in terms of its operating costs. We no longer have the kind of access point associated with many of the things that we've been thinking about over the course of this last year of beginning to do. So for the example of that is that summer camps that we have, we did not necessarily have access for the building to be able to utilize that. Another example is meeting places for people to come together within the context of community, particularly a community that historically has not had a school. So the Remington Boys and Girls Club has served as a, it's almost like a switcher in this sense, right? A sense of people from many different points of entry within the community to come together and live live out some of the the challenges discussed talk through support and create a dynamic that is sustainable and life affirming. Having said that, the current arrangement, the Remington Boys and Girls Club, is responsible for 100% of funding. So they have to continually seek out funding sources to be able to create programs. And as a result of that, over a period of time when I was describing, because it's to degrade itself, so that community members who by and large cannot necessarily afford to participate as they have before and more importantly, do not see it or experience it as a voice club that they remember. And so it was for that reason why I'm asking us to continue to explore this with the city, to begin to see in what ways and how we can begin to offset and to create an environment that returns in part to a community resource. Some of the things that happens in the community, and particularly is that when there's been their funerals, it used to be able to be utilized from a subpoint for repasses. There have been requests for repasses to be able to use it, but it cannot happen. There's not enough staff relative to these things. They're just the operating costs over a million dollars. That's a big haul. That's a tough haul for sustainability purposes. And even for that to happen now. So what I'm asking is that we begin to take a look at that. To have asked the city to put together a plan relative to that, part of the plan that currently been proposed is around. Of course you'll receive a document associated with those operating course perhaps could be some other ways in which the discussions that we've had over the last couple of months around this has to do with rebuilding community access and so it's identifying the groups that would be accessing it. The number of times that they would have that access, what does it mean for summer camps? How do we expand partnerships with parks and recreation? All of these things become the way that we've been describing the restoration of and including the sustainability associated with the site, such as the Remington Boys and Girls Club. So there are a number of things there. So it shouldn't be memorialized as something that was in the past. It should be looked at as something that provides an opportunity for an affirming greater future for the children and youth and adults and community at large. So that's my ask for us to be available to have the city to further look into. The details associated with the proposal and it includes some state of the art program. And I think that's really, to mix and match. So it's something that I think we need to look at more carefully and hopefully what will emerge from this will provide a larger area of access points. And let me also say this, that relationship to access points. The Remington Boys and Girls Club, other boys and Girls Club of Newer Shell, the general, has different access points that occurs in the schools. In addition to the clubs that exist, either attached to a school or in a community, where it exists as it does today. But many of the children in the youth do not have the capacity or the ability to access that in the schools because it means that after school programs please that they have to be able to get home from there. So over the course of time right now we understand the aspects of transportation that they flow in those lives and rightfully so we've created a vehicle at least in the short term for transportation to occur to some of us summer camps. So although we think about the remains of boys and girls club, or the boys and girls club in general America as a large institution, it does not provide the funding associated with what needs to happen. And in the past, New Rochelle as a community center provided that. We provided an operating cost. We had a stake in the game. What I'm asking us to do now is to reengage us by having a stake in the game, particularly at River Tim Boyz and Grosel Club. So that's the purpose of this opening discussion for us to have a sense of that. And what I'm asking is that to allow for the city to as you evolve in your questions and you can certainly ensure it if we we decide to do that, send your questions and so that we can do a more thorough investigation of not investigation but assessment of what this could look like and how this could work. So that's why this is on the agenda for tonight. And city managers here and sister city managers here and we're prepared to talk a little bit about it with the idea of coming back at our next meeting with the sense of what all this means when we get into the details about it. So you have that information. Because as an engineering presentation, the devil's in the detail. So we want to look at the details. Questions or comments? I saw Katzman Brillo, please. Yes. Building community, certainly, is extremely important for New Yorkshire. And the boys and girls club, the Ramanton, the Bascaro, you know, they serve a community that is very much in need. And certainly having worked for a natural profit organization. I know how challenging it can be to raise money, right? And I'm thinking as I hear you, definitely, this is a conversation that maybe we can have with the youth bureau of Westchester County, with the director, with the county executive of Westchester County, with our stakeholders in the state Senate, because, you know, as many other not-for-profits that are here, certainly, you know, they all come together and they certainly, they ask, is huge, and we need, we need to really cater to the boys and girls club because this is our future. They, they kids need us, but I want to also make sure that when we reach out that we really become all one, right, that we, as we need to have certainly all of those opportunities because I hear it and I remember the Remington years ago and I remember how it looked and certainly it is, it is something that needs to continue to be that, right? And so I would love to really maybe work with the county, being the bridge that maybe can make, you know, start the conversation about what is needed. It's like you work for the county. I like something. Yes, I forget. But, you know, there is an opportunity to, you know, for parts, for, you know, our city manager to really meet with the county executive and really look at. Well, I think I'm all for additional support to come into this based upon responsibility. But the purpose of this particular proposal is to reclaim part of the responsibility that New Rochelle as a city needs to have in this particular issue. So in terms of operating costs and things along those lines, I think that in terms of some of the other clubs that exist within the city of New Rochelle, those that is in effect, that is what's happening now. That's outside of the county and even the state funding sources, right? Even though they're requests for the state to be able to do that, there is within your shell, in and of itself, a relationship between the other boys and girls clubs and sorts of funding. But that does not exist within the remnant boys and girls club. So it's so much to divide. But I don't think it's dividing. I want to make sure that we talk about the same year, but I'm a pro-op. And what I think we want to make sure that we talk about the same. Yeah, but I think we are, but I don't think it's dividing. I think what it's doing is providing a structural return to the New Rochelle having a stake in the game within it. And I think that that's really important. So when we start talking about the county, we'll start talking about the state. In many ways, where we're offsetting our responsibility that we have here as a locality associated with these things. In addition to that, I think we can probably anticipate, in many ways, that things are going to probably get worse before they get better. Right? And there are many ways in which we need to be prepared for something like that. And not have the access points be constricted. Part of what I've come to understand about these issues is that from a governmental standpoint, you know, sometimes things can, we can have well-meaning bureaucratic content that can either constrict or inflate opportunities. And so part of it is when that happens, right, it can happen because we are not mindful enough, we're not having a vision sufficient enough to be able to make sure that we are creating an opportunistic environment as opposed to a constrictive one. And my fear and my concern is that we may have an unintended consequences of restricting it based on well-many bureaucratic content, meaning that we are considering what other entities within our governmental framework could do and leaving ourselves out of where clearly we don't have any stake in the game. So what I'm asking is to, let's take a look at what's our stake in the game. If we want to be inclusive of others, that's fine, but that should not mean that we are not involved ourselves. And that's the point that I'm trying to make. And I just want to make sure that both clubs can get the same attention. And what I was saying about bringing other services is to even have even more. I'm not saying that is the responsibility of the county or the state. I'm just saying, you know what? The more the merrier, because if we can reach out to other entities that can help and not for profit, I mean, there's nothing to lose there. Yeah, I guess, I guess, Martin, when I'm trying to say, or Councilor Lopez, what I'm trying to say, when we're beginning to talk about this in this particular way around, make sure that another club gets the same attention, we have to look at what are the circumstances associated with the platform that exists. I started out by saying that if we use example of my SCARAs example, if we use that as an example, we currently understand and know that my SCARAs is closely aligned with the associated with Columbus School. Columbus School is right next door, right? When you look at Remington, there is no school. There is no interaction, intersection associated with the resource availability around the kinds of things that I was describing, a sense of having a home, a sense of having community, a sense of building out strengths. That does not exist in the context of what the Remington Boys and Club Boys Club, where structure is located and what's there. So although we see this large building as seeing it being new and seeing all these things, the arrangement associated with that gives an illusion of work because what it does it do is provide community access. And so what we're looking to do is provide community access, provide programming. I have no opposition to programming that becomes more expansive than the both clubs, particularly if it's going to meet the needs of both clubs. But I do think that structurally us not having any skin in a game is an inadequate way of approaching community engagement. It's an inadequate way of approaching a historical relationship to an institution that no longer exists in that way. That's a technical question. You mentioned a million dollars as the, you said like an annual cost of outreach. Well, the not necessarily, well, yeah, total, over and over over at the raise to be inclusive of their programming and everything else that he says. Okay. Because as you were describing the need which I agree, having lost that would be great if the city could restore that. But I imagine in practice, there are a few hours each week, you know, several hours each week that any given community member or group would want to use that space. And presumably they can come up with an hourly cost to, you know, make them whole for that time. And I wonder, you know, there's some mechanism that we can come up with that makes it defined of the amount of time that we expect that the entire community of New Rochelle is available to select time in the club that they can use that facility and make it public public good, but just put clear definition around the available time, the expense, you know, and so that we can help budget that and, you know, fill it. Because, you know, it's not gonna be 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it's gonna be a certain defined amount. So I would hope that we can get to, you know, because I'm guessing we won't be able to do the million dollars, you know, for the full year, but I don't know. So being able to get a little bit more clarity about what the actual costs and usage that we think the public could get for that, you know. Yeah, there you go. No, I think that's fine. I think the thing to keep in mind is that when we talk about clubs like this, when we were just talking about volunteers in New York, we have the club historically has support mechanisms associated with things like the women's ex-zoried, the men's ex-zoried. This gets into the intergenerational aspect of supporting of a place that you feel is home. So we have that demands club. The remits and flyers and gathering of men and various institutions and organizations in ACB that by not no longer having access to that is hard to collaboratively begin the holy into new things, but the support of environment that exists within the culture of the club is really important. So I don't want us to lose that kind of social capital. And so in relationship to the social capital, particularly when we're thinking about what we've been describing is the purpose of the link, right? The restoration of, right? The restoration of a community that was disenfranchised for many, many years. And that disenfranchised it is not even talking about the disenfranchised being in the terms of the school system itself. So having said that when we look at your remission, and that is a key center for that kind of work that we're currently engaged in. So this connects to everything that we're really talking about in many, many ways. So again, what I'm asking is, it's a discussion, is for you to continue to come with the questions that you may have. And for the city to be prepared more fully in relationship to this proposal that I speak to you guys, I appreciate that. Anything else from my colleagues before you jump in? Councilman Bachelle? I would just want to see the relationship to the out of the boys and girls button that we're going to have also whatever we have commitments to contract with the agreements, everything like that. And I was just saying, coming out of that community myself, I would want to make sure that we're not neglecting the future, that we're not focusing on programs that might have worked X amount of years ago, but we don't have enough technology centers. We don't have enough people that are coming out workforce ready. We don't have enough engineers. We don't have enough people understanding how to launch a business for, you know, do their taxes, things like that. And also, we don't really have enough programming for our teens, our young adults. I would say even from middle school, I know it would be really important to make sure that we're supporting them specifically as they do true. So if we, if we, you know, I'd be very interested in looking at things like that, you know, the number one thing that I've heard out of that community as far as the need or what a desire would be a commercial kitchen and I understand that they have a new design kitchen that should be functional. So I'd wonder no more about that. You know, it's just very targeted programming that goes towards our overall roles and things that we talk about with every other space. Go ahead. Thank you. Sorry. Thank you. So, this is just high level technology. I don't think I have any. But this is the pose of itself. This is just some high level things. And when you're beginning that kind of a conversation. Right. And I'd also want to know, you know, if we're going to, you know, delve deeper in a relationship with another organization, I want to understand, you know, what they're doing to show up their finances, where they're getting their resources from, what their financial plan is, what their fundraising plan is, things like that before. And again, this has nothing to do with the Remington Club. I grew up in that, I grew up at 50 guy on place for the first 10 years of my life. I've been to that club, I've been to that club at some of the days that was at its absolute worst. So I'm very glad that we have a new building that we definitely need to find ways to support. just want to understand if we're gonna really delve into a relationship or deep in. I'm very glad that we have a new building that we definitely need to fight ways to support. I just want to understand if we're going to really delve into a relationship or deepen a relationship that came before. My first name, this office certainly. I just want to understand more about that organization before we make a long-term commitment with six, seven figures of city. Council Member K. So there must be some sort of agreement for the building or resacrignment. I'm just curious what is the current access term. Like I was currently defined. I imagine this was contemplated in arrangement, so I'm curious what the current arrangement is. Yeah, that'll be part of the assessment. A evaluation assessment. So it's looking at the historical, we're going to put out the current agreement to Councilman Hems. is point, after looking at what commitment the boys and girls have now of fun raising and they're generating revenue. So it's an entire assessment that what I'm hearing would have to be done to for us to come up with a recommendation. Yeah, we're going to look back to the legal contracts. We're going to look at some of those products. There was transfers. Yeah, it was a deal. Go ahead. Of course, it was a deal. It was a deal that was, in my view, I didn't like it at all. It'd be good to understand to just be very specific the relationship between the club, the network, and the developer that built a new building, to understand their time horizon and relationship as well. Yeah, just to be very direct with all the talks. And in terms of operating costs, is it that, did they not budget for and expect to be responsible for operating costs whether they're prior agreements? Are there additional operating costs that were on for scene? That's a really great question. I'm sorry. I think there were leveraged in relationship to that, right, in order to get the building. I think the building, the idea of getting the building we created was the leverage was to put the arrangement as we come. Then the arrangement has an effect eliminated the access points that had previously existed. I think they have got some points. I think that's a great answer. Yeah. cover them for several years. Are you? Yes, yeah. I think we're voting anything tonight. And I think, I mean, it's not like I lived on Prince next door to the old club. And so totally under, you know. And I can appreciate. So I think we have to think about the Boys and Girls Club, especially in Remington in the context of the community, the school being torn down, and just the real need for community space in general. I mean, the churches really do better more than their fair share. Shiloh Bethesda and St. Catharines for sure. But you can sort of feel a difference in, like, like, the ward has to pick up basketball games and Webster, you know, just like the different programs are hosted and you don't really have that in the community. I'm just trying to find the words. I think I am curious to know more about what financial state the city has taken, these of the Boys and Girls Club, it's a particular temporal period before the agreement. So before the agreement for the new buildings there, what was our, what were we responsible for in terms of costs? I have to not, somewhere in the budget, there's like a control F that can be put in for Boys and Girls Club operating, con-ed, whatever the water company used, it wasn't always the only up, but whatever it was before. And recognizing the role that some of the organizations come when the readers identify the women's auxiliary club, the gathering of men and the Remington flyers and all of those organizations and the role they claim the community and having passed relied on the Boy School of for access to the extent that there's limitations and access. I would be curious to know a little bit, understand a little bit more why. I'm stumbling a little bit because I feel like we're having a lot of opinions about an organization that we don't have control over. And so I'm concerned, even acknowledging the historical maybe significance and maybe the outside's rule that the city played with the Boys and Girls Club proper,ascarrow and Remington That there is leadership there that's not at this table with us I Here listen, I'm a mom of 14 year old and an 11 year old I'll be the first one to tell you you know how expensive it is after school sports youth sports and you know kids exposures to their phone and social media and Mental health like I'm you know I good good Lord knows So I hear your point comes from a Russian lawyer I'm programming I'm uncomfortable directing Remington though to be worse like to do that when we have a commissioner of parks and reckoning executive director of youth Bureau I'm also nervous about providing funding and then potentially having to have it cut at some period in the future And so I don don't you know I don't want to like have a program that in maybe two years has to be cut because of our own because I think I think all municipalities have to look at their budgets and be lean you know and be mindful of that some of our grants even the ones in this deck or even even for the link you know just to not be a quality of the universe but could be pulled back and then making our budgets that much tighter. We already went from what was our budget this year, 275, the year before was 305, or something, and dropped 30 million after the ARPR funds went down. And you know, we're seeing, I'll just say at high level, some other governmental entities that over relied on grants and are having to make some tough decisions in this upcoming Christmas cycle. so we want to kind of learn from that as well. I think this also raises just the bigger question of the support that the city can sustain for the nonprofit in general. And I know we've had that conversation and what does that, everyone's household has a budget, right? So you have $10. If it's $2. That go to how much of that. And so I just want to understand that more. But also understand, even let's take away the new, we need to understand that contractual obligation vis-a-vis the new agreement for sure. But in an effort to understand the historical relationship, it could be impacting their ability to operate. How much did we give in the 15 years before the new agreement? I'm saying 15, it could be 10, it could be 20. I don't know what like what our system has documented and what did that actually look like, not just like the aggregate number but like breaking it down for what it looks like. I'm sorry, but I just want to ask you to put it on that again. Also how did it translate because the building that we experienced before everything came down was not a building I would say was necessarily highly maintained which was the entire point of knocking it down. But also to your point around it highly maintained at that particular time there was supposed to be maintained by the city of Newsham. The interior of the building? Yeah, the building. Yeah, so it didn't happen. So when we're describing so many good things to look back, they only put that I want to make here, because I'm hearing where you're going with not for profits and all these other things. And I'm not really broadening the scope of this ask. And the reason why I'm not broadening the scope of this ask is because we already have in terms of the Boys and Girls Club, we already have a relationship with the other Boys and Girls Club that exists in terms of the city. We have a full standing relationship. With mascara. We do. We do. We don't. I'm sorry? We didn't before. So actually, they did. Well, we're not really. But what happens is that everything was falling apart just like, you know, the trash ruminant. And so when Réminton got the new building, then for the very first time, in a hundred years, then they said, you know what, it is a building that belongs to the city and the roof was about to fall. The elevators were not working, so any disabled kids couldn't go up. And then the door was no security. And so every time they reigned the whole building. So right now we're working with them in making sure that as we have one, it's like we have the other one and we tell the kids, you know what, we're all getting the same thing. We're not getting more more I love the idea of what you are saying that you know to have the accent so we can have it also at Remington we can have you know we can make parents feel comfortable because all the Columbus school is right there guess what the field was always locked they couldn't use the so the people that the kids that got to Columbus couldn't even play there. And so what I'm saying is that we need to really I know what you said. Let's see what is it that they are doing. Let's look at the budget. Let's look at different other venues. I think we should. So again, that's actually the ask to let to put for the Asela City, to take a look at this and then to come back and we continue with the recommendation of the proposal based on some of the things that we're talking about now. And again, we're not talking about, you know, we may not necessarily be talking about meeting all of these costs. They still have a little around fundraising that they need to be able to do. But I think that the idea for us to have more access, I think, is really important. So all I'm asking is for the city to take a look at it, come back to us with a recommendation based upon some of the questions that are being raised here. I'm not even fully clear what the directive would be for City. It's a big ask. It's one thing to pull numbers of a temporal period of how much money has gone to the Boys and Girls Club. And I'm saying at all, so mascara and remington's maybe break it down. How many operating costs? How much operating costs do we cover for mascara? How much do we cover for remington? get Remington prior to the new building. But after school programs maybe, too. But that's my point. Like, who's going to judge the efficacy of the program? Right. Right. How much do we cover for Remington? Again, Remington prior to the new building. But after school programs maybe, too. But that's my point. Like, who's going to judge the efficacy of the program? But I'm not putting this in competition in the relationship to that. I'm really not. I'm not seeing it in the space of competition. I'm asking, I'm asking, well, we're saying we want the city to look into the questions. What are the questions? Well, there's a proposal. Associate would operate any course. Operating course, I think, looks at it. I think it's around 170,000 dollars associated with those particular operational course. The programming is additional programming, perhaps, that could occur. So the ask is somewhere in between those areas of the operating course and any additional things, perhaps that could or could not happen. It's a question of taking a look at it and coming up with recommendations around them. So when Shane was read all commissioner, not commissioner. You promoted him. I think you promoted him. I'm not saying you promoted him. But when you were talking about the kinds of things that build for the future, the kind of programming that builds for the future. These are some of the types of programming relative to the utilization of a structural ability that perhaps could be enhanced by that program. So these are the kinds of questions that come really important. And so I'm not committing that at all. And the spirit of that, and I think I could key into what I believe our mayor, who could speak for himself, and they're trying to go ahead. In the spirit of that, I know from my perspective, I'm not going to speak for any of my fellow council people either, but from my perspective, if we are, if a bigger ask is requested of us, then we should proportionally have bigger asks as well, and understanding, well, what exactly are your operations? Because to have, I believe our mayor, who could speak for himself, was leading to, which is very much a concern of mine, especially for district four, which is also a district that has fallen into disrepair from decades of neglect before either one of us came to this table. Any one of us came to this table, actually. The bandwidth on our staff, I'm just wildly concerned about it. I'm just wildly concerned about that in general. So to add the oversight of the operations of an entire network onto our roles is something that we definitely want to add to the conversation. I'm not going to say that it's a concern. I'm just going to say that it's something that we mean to us. Maybe you should. We're speaking about it, to, to, to, to, to, to, listen. They're not crazy. If they can get $170,000 without having to show up, I would do, right? I mean, it makes perfect sense. But I think we have to, there's data we need. Again, I'm going to like, recognizing the unique relationship the city has had with the Boys and Girls Club. and optimistic that our budget software can do a control F and pull up something from a temporal period of time before the new contract is a good base to start at. But I also think then they have a, I don't know if the title is CEO or executive director, like has to sit at the table and we have to talk about this or internally. I don't know. I'm uncomfortable talking about this as if there's no leadership there. As if there's not a board of directors, as I went on their page today, as if there's not a whole staff and chief programming officer and CFO, they have, you know, they have a, there's a whole team of people that are there on the ground doing this. And I think there's different buckets, right? There's the operating cost. There's this programming, which again, I'm also uncomfortable stepping into because we're not going to be on the ground implementing or running. And I'm concerned about offering resources to programming that doesn't have to get cut in a year or two and what that impact of that is. And then there's this issue of access to community groups. And I just feel like there's different buckets and the access to community groups could likely be discussed separately, or maybe the theories, if we put money in the game, then we can not demand, but strongly urge access in a different way. And so those are sort of the, I'm hearing the operating cost, and you can turn to programming, and I'm hearing access to the community in a way that it was a lot to be a cultural hub. And I'm just not 100% sure, given that it is a separately run entity, if we should be having these kind of conversations without leadership at the table. And if we have to vote, yes, this is a district-specific issue for sure. But if the council has to vote on it, then I think we all have to have a sense of what's going on and where the resources are going. So I agree with you. So like I'm saying, we talked about this for we being entered into conversations with their leadership. We've had internal conversations with their leadership about it. And if the council is saying, well, let's get them at the table because we also want to have them here, then that's fine. But so that certainly, they will certainly be able to show up and account for the kinds of things that you're asking about. So I think that's fine. I'm not debating that happening. I'm saying, let's do it. And the city will do the recommendations associated with what emerges from that. Let's do it. That's what the purpose of this meeting here is for us to have this discussion to hear the kinds of concerns and or affirmations around it and to have the conversation. So what they ask is to have the leadership come and have the leadership come. Let's do it. They'll be willing to do that. Any other comments or questions on this last item on the agenda, Kaelten, remember Kate? One other quick thought. I'm looking at the operating expenses, and you'll notice one of the large side of design utilities. And so one of the questions I would have for the director is how much they pursued clean energy upgrades. I know right now there is a huge grant opportunity for nonprofits and that's one way to lower your utility cost over the long term. The other is the climate vulnerability assessment that the city has undertaken. The second phase of that is related to how can we build resiliencies in our community organizations. I think the Boys and Girls Club would be like a natural fit for this type of programming and what's anticipated is being able to provide this sort of technical assistance and be able to apply for those grants or figure out what you qualify for. So I think that that's one form of city assistance that I think is already part of our overarching plans for this year and the future. That's why I'm saying let's do it. Let's have the conversation. Let's bring the air-be leadership based upon what you're talking about and let's talk about it. That's only ask I just take to do it. So if you have an opportunity to explore it. Any other questions or comments on this last item on the agenda? Excellent. So we have three four, one, two, three, four matters for executive session, three related to settlements and one a matter of appointments. We have I have a motion in the second to enter in the executive session? I don't think we'll come back to the public question. Yep. Because I'm asking around the ask, then we, that the city begins to put together a plan around this, then they ask is that we bring in the leadership of the boys and girls but for this to be able to happen, to see what happens from that. So when we're moving into executive session, we did it. I thought. So hearing everything and understanding what your root cause ask is, right? And it really centers around the voice of the road cause doesn't seem like it functions as it did in the past. And then we then try to gap accessibility currently. So maybe we could drill down on what is causing that issue, right? As a first step, right? And we could open up that conversation with the boys and clubs, with the president leadership of the boys and clubs and further and really drill down into that, to see first determine what is causing that gap right now. And then once we just, you know, identify that, what could we do, and there mechanisms, and your preferred mechanism, obviously, is a city of function. But as Martha said, there's counting resources. There could be other things. There could be other things that they could be doing at the Boys and Girls Club environment to close that gap. But that's what they're doing now. This is the point that I'm trying to make. But that's they're doing now. But maybe they don't realize I'm sorry. Maybe they don't this we can elevate this even more this this particular issue you bring you know as far as accessibility even though they're aware because I know you we've talked and have you talked to them about it but maybe we could drill down on that even further to see you know causing and what could be the remedies they set operating course a big function of what maybe limiting that accessibility right obviously increasing what just programming could increase the accessibility right but what is really drilling now what that right now? What is our... So we could definitely spearhead that conversation and get to that and then work from there. That would be my recommendation to find out what the issue is exactly and then coming up with mechanisms to close that gap whether it be funding or other mechanisms. Okay. So I would also like, because I think what the mayor is raising is on the table, and I would also like for their leadership to come in, so we have an opportunity to query around this. I don't like speaking for other organizations when they're not here. I haven't talked to them, so I don't want to put them on this. I mean, I'm just being transparent. I haven't, this is not, I have not had this, the only person I've talked to prior to seeing this on the agenda, you know, I believe I met a ready agenda yesterday is these two and New yesterday. So I haven't talked to Becky, I haven't talked to their board of director president. So I'm uncomfortable saying that they want comment open their books and sort of defend them. It's not defend but it could feel like it defends without talking to them first. So I don't know if that's a motion we have to make. That's not defend, but it could feel like it defends without talking to them first. So I don't know if that's a motion we have to make. That's not like an action we have to take. You know, I don't think we have to declare an action to invite them to the table. It sounds like there's already been conversations before this went to the agenda. It sounds like he's identified or sitting at it being the key. a starting point of where he'd like to go, I think. For sure, there was some request for the contractual obligations and what the financials, I think there's already actions in place before we want them to have to come and present without. So I think we're moving, maybe not as definitively, but it is moving is what I'm hearing from you and from not the different requests that some of my colleagues make. Okay. That's fine. So that's the plan. That's fine. Okay. So now there was a motion on the table to enter an executive session for three matters of settlement and one for appointments. I don't think we'll be coming back to public needing to have a motion and a second to enter an executive session. Please. Low peasant, Ashnelly, all in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Thank you. We'll be back at 7. Let's put these in. Okay. good evening and welcome to the public comment portion of tonight's meeting. Before we begin it, like everyone's a please rise for the please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Sorry. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which to dance, one nation under and the Vittal with liberty, justice for all. Good evening to the April 2025 public comment portion of our city council meeting. Tonight we do have two items for public hearing and then we'll open two citizens to be heard. But before all of that, if you heard some clanking, maybe those of us in person did, we have a special part of the program that we're gonna do tonight, honoring Ursuline's cheerleading team. So I'm gonna go to the podium, and I'll ask Council Member Stern to join me since Ursuline's an assistant strict, you mind? Thanks, friend. Okay. Well, I'll do a selfie later. So the coaches can tell me how many times y'all have been here already longer than I have as mayor four times. So a tremendous, tremendous athletic accomplishment on the, by the Ursula in School of Varsity Game Day cheerleading team and the Varsity traditional cheerleading team and I have another recommendation here. Really representing New Rochelle on a national stage. We're so really proud. I follow y'all on Instagram and I am and I like cheer for you from home. You know my daughter is a koala. She's thoroughly embarrassed by me. But I'm proud of you, and I'm proud for the representation you give to New Rochelle. And I know I say that on behalf of all of my colleagues on the city council. So I'm going to read the proclamation, and then I'm going to ask the fabulous coaches to come up and also give you a chance to say a few words, and then you'll help us get through this list of names, is that all right? Sounds like a game plan. All right, so whereas the Ursula and School's varsity traditional cheerleading team has made history again by achieving remarkable success at local, regional, and national levels culminating in a victorious season that demonstrates the highest levels of athleticism and dedication. Whereas this season the team reclaimed their local title as the Westchester County cheerleading champions in the class B division, earning the highest score in competition among all New York State Section 1 varsity cheer teams, and whereas the Ursula and varsity traditional cheerleading team also triumphed at the UCA Regional Cheerleading Championship, securing a bid to compete in the 2025 National High School cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida, and whereas the team's determination, resilience, and unwavering spirit led them to a historic first time national championship win, clinching the top spot over 55 teams from across the nation in the small varsity D2 non-tumbling division, scoring an impressive 90 points And whereas the Ursula and School varsity game day team also had an outstanding season claiming victory at the UCA regional championship and earning a bid to nationals where they defended their 2024 national game day titles securing second place in the nation in the small varsity D2 non-tumbling division with an exceptional performance, and whereas the success of these teams reflect not only the extraordinary athletic talents of the students, but also the dedication, the teamwork, and leadership that are fostered at the Ursula in school with the support of the coaches, the family, and the entire Ursula in community. Therefore, I, Udira Ramos Herbert, mayor of the City of New Rochelle, proclaimed today as a data honor and celebrate the achievements of the Ursula and School of our City cheerleading teams and extend on behalf of the City Council and a grateful city our heartful congratulations to the 2025 National Traditional Champions and the second place game day cheerleaders for their extraordinary accomplishments. Bravo! The coach is to come up and share a few thoughts. Good evening everybody. We just want to take a moment to express how incredibly proud we are of each and every one of you. every one of you. The season has been nothing short of amazing. You've all worked so hard, pushed to give every ounce of your absolute best and supported each other every step of the way. To end the season with both silver and gold medals is an impressive accomplishment for a program with no current seniors. It is a true reflection of your dedication and your passion for this sport and for the name that you all wear across your chest you set goals and you achieved them The metals you wear proudly embody the philosophy of the Ursula School and the phrase of Ock Fooing. I was there This phrase symbolizes the spirit of always pushing forward and being present and wanting more wanting better I Reminds us that success is not just about the trophies you attained, but the journeys you all took to get there. The long hours of practice, the early morning competitions, the time management of maintaining your academics, having the strength and grit to rise if a stunt fell, the courage to recover if you made a mistake and emotion, and the strength of believing yourself and your team to get the job done every time you all step foot on that mat. Each one of you has contributed something special to one or both of these teams, and together you all have created something remarkable. A true legacy for the Ursula and cheerleading program to cherish for years to come. You became the nationally recognized athletes, you worked hard to become an unknowingly became an inspiration to future koalas with this champion mindset you were there We are so proud of what we've accomplished but even more proud of the young women you are becoming strong resilient and supportive of each other This is only the beginning and we can't wait to see all the amazing things you are going to continue to do Thank you. An enormous thank you to our Ursula and administration, our school community, and expect to be in the classroom. Thank you. An enormous thank you to our Ursula and administration, our school community, and expect to be in the classroom. Thank you. Thank you. beginning and we can't wait to see all the amazing things you are going to continue to do. An enormous thank you to our Earthland administration, our school community, and especially our parents and family members for their unconditional support and praise. You all are our true cheerleaders, always rooting us on and having our back along every step of the way. Special thank you to the City of Narshal and Mayor Ramos Herbert for always supporting and helping celebrate our accomplishment as a program. So let us all celebrate this incredible season, these incredible koalas, and these well-deserved victories together. You've earned every bit of it, and we can be more proud as your coaches. Congratulations to our 2025 traditional team, national champions, and our second in the nation, game day team. Yeah, and then no worries. So we'll start with reading the names, colleges. We're going to start with the Ursulins, obviously the Urs, colleges. We're going to start with the Ursulins. Obviously, they're simple. The varsity game day cheerleading team, Chiara Adeu. Let me see if there's any fierce, very fierce. Check out the bling. Briana Balisteros. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Brianna Ballesteros. Mia Bertuzzi. Mia Bertuzzi. Applause. Take your time. It's your moment. Got to see you. Here you go. That may leave bueno. Take your time. It's your moment. I got to see you. Here you go. That may leave bueno. Thank you. Thank you. I'll see you. Super famous. Good. Madison Shartier. Shartier. Bravo. Reese D'Raffoli. Oh. Shardier, Bravo. Applause. Applause. Restiraphaly. Oh. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Reese D'Raffeli. Oh. Applause. Gabriella D'Raffeli. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. That's. Applause. Kayla Galliano. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Applause. Ragan Galvin. Olivia Juliano. I'm going to Okay. Jillian Gordon. No pressure. Bling bling. Isabella Ionelli? Here you go. Okay. I'm going to have to go to the next one. I'm going to have to go to the next one. I'm going to have to go to the next one. I'm going to have to go to the next one. I'm going to have to go to the next one. You got two types of. Bling bling. Isabella Ionelli? Isabella Ionelli? Here you go. Jillian Komosinski. Gabriella Pensarella. Kaya Sands. Mia Senerjia. Elizabeth Shea. Hollis Sklaw. Krista UC. And Julietta Zonea. All right. And this is... I want to do the same. OK, so the coaches. And we do have some certificates of appreciation for the coaches. Let's give it up for the coaches. And all. I know you are there inspiration, their role model. Maybe they're a little scared of you, but it's all in a space of love. And you produce results. So just on behalf of the city, we just also want to extend our thanks to Carissa Minichino. Sorry. Minichino. Minichino. Sorry. John Braca. And Adriana Luongo. Thank you. We're going to ask for a photo with the members of the team and the council. So just let's see, were they here last year or some of these girls? Yes. OK, so you remember the drill from last year? I don't know. Cut. with the members of the team and the council. So just let's see, were they here last year, some of these girls? Yes. Okay, so you remember the drill from last year? Honestly. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. I'm going to finish it now. And'm trying to do selfies on that holiday. That's right, when they can just pass it down. When they pass it down. Are you resulting? No, I'm just waiting. We can get hangers there in the house. I'm going to hold it. big round of applause. And we're going to give you a big round of applause. And we're going to give you a big round of applause. And we're going to give you a big round of applause. And we're going to give you a big round of applause. And we're going to give you a big round of applause. And we're going offended. Have a good night. Good night. Take care. No worries. Take care. Thank you. Yeah, I have to call the air Yeah, oh, I hold it all this time. I'm just giving a couple more minutes. Other of the uses, thank you. Just give it a couple more minutes. Other of the uses, thanks. Kill that and be an actual tonight, just ask that you fill out a blue card for the public hearing and a white card for anything that you'd like to talk about. And the public hearing is about CDBG funds and change to the charter. Today, This is gone. So while we're filling out cards, I'll go through the formality again. This. Thank you. Thank you. What is today in the A? OK. This is John Spence. So while we're filling out cards, I'll go through the formality again. This evening, we do have two matters that are subject to public hearing. And then we'll pivot to Citizens to Be Heard. For both, you have three minutes to speak. When you get to the mic, I'd ask that you state your name and address for the record. For the public hearing portion, your comments must be germane and related to the public hearing topics. For citizens to be heard, it can be on whatever topic you so desire. As I said, three minute warning, and there's a clock in the front of the room. The matter for our first public hearing is related to substantial amendments to the 2018 to 2024 action plans and 2018 to 2024 CDBG budgets. In accordance with the city's citizen participation plan, as required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, substantial program amendments to New Rochelle's Community Development Block Grant annual action plans, resulting from changes to the purpose scope, location, or beneficiary of an activity, require a substantial amendment and allows for a 30 day public comment period and public hearing. To enhance public safety accessibility and infrastructure throughout New Rochelle, the proposed amendment reallocates on UCDBG funds from prior program years to key projects. Let me see, that's just double checks, usually one other part we're supposed to read but I don't see highlighted. Great we do not have any registered speakers for CDBG funds looking in the room to give it a second so hearing none I call this hearing to a close. Our second matter for public hearing is a proposed amendment to the city charter local law intro number one regarding liability of the city in certain actions. In light of a recent New York court of appeals decision in December 2nd, 2024 revision of the prior written notice section of the city charter is recommended. New York's prior written notice laws protect municipalities from liability for injuries caused by hazardous conditions on streets, bridges sidewalks and other public spaces. A copy of the proposed legislation may be inspected in the office of the city clerk during office hours between 8 30 AM and 4 30 PM, or on the city's website located at www.newachelle and y.com. This was published on Thursday, March 27th, 2025. I do not see any, I see a couple of cards coming in. Yeah, that would be great, Ms. Freeman. Thank you. Um, not see, Mrs. Freeman, is it about the public hearing or development? Okay. Okay. Okay. Did you, did you, did you, you'll fill out a card after, Mr. Ma, you, oh, that's epic. Okay. Okay. I hope this is germane if's not, let me know. Vince Malfotano, non-fair-view place. For talking about amending the liability laws for injuries on sidewalks and such like that. Some time ago, I had mentioned the scooters that you guys have authorized to be left all over our city unattended in front of my house on my sidewalk. And I asked counsel and others, does your legislation address the fact that if somebody walks in front of my house and trips on a scooter that you've allowed people to leave there, how is my liability affected? Because I do understand that I am required by law to clean my sidewalk, to 10 feet public access from curb to property lawn, of snow, and other hazards. So, how does your legislation address the hazard that you have created? By allowing people to leave these scooters anywhere they want and exposing homeowners, property owners and business owners like me to liability for somebody suing me saying the sidewalk that I am obliged to clean had an obstruction and I tripped and broke my leg. So please explain to the community how that's taken care of because I haven't heard anybody tell me anything about it and I asked if I take one of these scooters off my sidewalk where do I put it? Do I leave it in front of my neighbor's sidewalk? Do I bring it here to City Council? Am I allowed to pick up this to Scooter? Am I now in a bailman situation? Why am I now obliged to take care of the scooter that was in front of my house causing a hat? Say, I don't think you guys have addressed that. So I don't know if this legislation talks about that liability. But if it doesn't, somebody needs to think about it. Because right now, everybody in Newarkis is liable for a personal injury action, for somebody who trips on a scooter, left at your behest, I might say, in front of my property or theirs. So please, maybe tonight somebody can talk about this. Thank you. Please fill out a blue card. Thank you so much. I do not see anyone else registered Mr. Malfeton if you could fill out a blue card, just reflecting you spoke on the public hearing comment. I don't see any other cards reflecting a desire to speak on this topic, so I'll call this part of the public hearing to a close as well. We'll now shift to citizens to be heard as previously mentioned. Please provide your name and address when you proceed to the microphone. You have three minutes to speak. Our first registered speaker is Jim Colloran. I'm going to go to the committee. I'm going to go to the committee. I'm going to go to the committee. I'm going to go to the committee. I'm going to go to the committee. I'm going to go to the committee. I'm going to go to the committee. I'm going to go to the committee. I'm going to go to the committee. I'm going to go to the committee. I'm going to go to the committee. neighborhood association. I want to dedicate this to people like Peggy Godfrey, a Joyce for Pharaoh, God Restor Soul, Billy Tucker, who's one of my heroes. And we're calling for a moratorium of high rises. We'd like to see that we could see that happen. For 10 years I was one of the first speakers at the community input meetings 10 years ago and I was asked by the paid liaison for one of the developers to speak on biking. And I did. And we're going to have bike lanes, we're going to have green space, and we're going to have sidewalks that are sidewalks, not potholes. And so that was 10 years ago. And the plan that was made was to also have a theater 10 years ago, I spoke about that. And here we are 10 years later, and what has been accomplished. And for a moratorium, for all of us to look at, and you guys inherited this, you weren't there 10 years ago. But I just drove up from Philadelphia from a national conference on historic preservation of downtowns. Actually, I wish I stayed there, but this being here tonight was so important. In the city of democracy to come up here so that we could have situations where we have democratic input and community neighborhood meetings again. With yet most respect, a public hearing on liability on sidewalks to go so quickly and I didn't know about it I don't know if anyone else did but please come and walk with me downtown in Sononuro and see What needs to be fixed Liability is unbelievable who's it is I don't know But that's what we're talking about, quality of life, and a moratorium so that we can have democracy again, so that the neighborhood associations will function, and that we'll be able to hear the input of the citizens not the developers. And I'm not, we're not against development. And I have many that have helped me have volunteered. I spoke on the space shot that was put on the top of New Rock. I was asked by Lewis to speak on that. If I believed it would help make the spur to turn the downtown around. But really tonight is as I came up from Philadelphia to this great city of Thomas Paine, you know, this be like a Boston Tea Party throwing the tea into the Hava, if you will. And taking the form-based zoning and the as of right and throwing it into the sound shore. We need democracy, we need a moratorium, and we need to look at what was promised ten years ago, and where we're going with the people. Thank you. Our next registered speaker is Sean Why a what why a what's key my apologies? Good evening sitting council and fellow citizens. My name is Sean way of waski. You're pretty close So my waski I live at 25 La Roy place I'm sure most of you know what happened at the March 25th Plenty Board meeting. If you haven't already seen it, the entire recording should be required viewing for each and every one of you. What you'll see is an unprecedented two hours of passionate, frustrated comments from a broad base of citizens from all parts of Newer Shell, from all socio-economic backgrounds. Those are your constituents, those are your citizens. I don't have the time to restate all of their comments. constituents, those are your citizens. I don't have the time to restate all of their comms. of citizens from all parts of Newer Shell, from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Those are your constituents, those are your citizens. At all the time to restate all of their comments, but they voiced their legitimate concerns, not only about the 570 main proposal, but about their broader frustration with the downtown redevelopment plan that has not brought them tangible benefits and has left them feeling powerless to change or stop it. When the attorney for the developer said in his closing remarks that downtown New Rochelle is the envy of its neighbors, it drew an audible laugh from the PAC council chambers. That's how your citizens view this increasingly ridiculous narrative about the wonders of the New Rochelle model. It's not working for the citizens. Now we've heard from the mayor and our councilman that there are dedicated work streams for many of our concerns, parking and green space. And that's great. It's good that you acknowledge that there are problems. What I felt to understand is how you intend to fix those problems when there are symptoms of a broken development program that you insist on continuing. That would be like a cardiologist recommending heart surgery for a patient, but not also telling them to change their diet. It wouldn't happen. You need to fix the root cause before you can address the symptoms. Now the city has already approved 31 buildings in 7,000 residential units since 2015. That's well over the original targets. And that's great. That's actually very impressive in that time frame. I think we can all agree on that. Those approvals are in the books, but enough is enough. It's not too late to fix this. This is a new administration, as Jim said, that didn't create these issues, but you need to act fast before it gets worse. It's year 10 of a plan that was envisioned to last 10 years. It's time to pause and act a moratorium on new downtown building approvals, recalibrate, and then blaze a new trail in partnership with the community. Not proceed off course alone. Thank you. Our next speaker is Vince Malfotano. Hello again. Vince Malfotano. A couple of thoughts. First of all, did you know you're at home and you're watching this on cable? You can't record it. Did you know that? You can't record City County things. Talk to folks and change that. We thing that might be of some importance we're talking about this development and stuff. I went to all the meetings and everything else. And I understand we want to try to get something done. But as Mr. Colorn Proppler says, this has gotten completely out of hand. And when I came to that planning meeting the other day, the developer gets up here and he says, well, you know, we did our traffic study with Main Street, a two-way street. And I'm from, I know Nora Schell, and everybody laughed. Maybe it's because he, somebody got to his ear and said, don't worry about it, it will be two-two way. So, I guess, you know, that's how it works. But the traffic study is flawed. Okay, it will be too, too. So I guess, you know, that's how it works. But the traffic study is flawed. Okay, it was based on information from years earlier, and you guys have dumped many more apartments in that core area. It has to be redone, and that's just one small thing. But some years ago, there was an effort to reclaim from various boards in our town the responsibility of the City Council to act as my elected official. The IDA should not have the authority to grant tax benefit. It should be your purview only so you can live and die by your votes. The planning board must be reviewed in terms of how they take care of these things, whether they're just form-based rubber stamp everything. It's a joke. Now one of the things I really wanted to come and speak about is the deceiving chaos going on in our country with the so-called tariff wars and everything else. And I would just like to suggest to folks maybe that don't have a long view of history, that the talking heads and the fear mongers and the people trying to scare everybody to death had better realize that we are at war in the United States of America with China and many other countries who want to eat our lunch. They want to supplant the American dollar as the reserve currency to the world, and they're beating us to death. Finally, as chaotic as it may be, we have a president who is willing to engage on the battlefield. Republicans and Democrats for decades have avoided it and passed on to you a nearly $40 trillion debt. The interest on our debt is more than the entire budget of our national defense. At least he's trying to do something. Instead of screaming and yelling, maybe like during World War II, it's time for everybody to pull together. Thank you. Our next speaker is Thendin D. Watts Jones. Good evening, my name is Thendin D. Watts Jones.-Jones, 25 LeVoye Place. Oh, sorry, is that better? How we define success matters. The overarching goal of Newer Shell government in the last 10 years has been development. All barriers waved. Many of us living in downtown understood the need for development and affordable housing. We eyed beautiful renderings of glass, sky-reaching buildings in green spaces, and bought into the equation put forth by New-Aseld government. More bodies, slash more buildings, yield, more businesses. But 31 plus buildings later, it is clear that the relationship between bodies, slash buildings, and businesses is weak. And yet, nine plus years later, we, the residents, see no evidence of any thinking apart from keeping their developers coming, period. That is how success is being defined by you, the decision makers. This kind of thinking is stunted. It is not free. It has no interest in an open consideration of what might need to change, given where we are now. No genuine value placed on what problems have come into being for residents. Like inadequate parking, traffic backups, the homeless men who can't stay in the shelter during the day, and the green spaces on renderings remaining simply a prop. How do residents feel about the current density? Not important. No need to hear how it is will be living with your borrowing units from another zone to put in mind when mine had maxed the limit set originally. What will it be like for residents to have a 28 story building block, any view of the sky or sunset, but access to nature and beauty are not valued. They only contribute to quality of life, a way of being in this community with a sense of joy and ease, but fenced in thinking has no space for creativity. A profound imbalance exists between thinking freely, doing, and being in your approach. A towering jungle of cement, glass, and metal alone offers no vitality, spaciousness, or beauty in the downtown space. No incentive for condo owners to come or live here as stakeholders, only to be encased in high rises. We need a moratorium on this race. We need stillness. We need the people living in New Michelle, especially those living downtown. Need to matter. We need to matter to you beyond election time. We need a mindful taking stock. A wisdom that appreciates the value of being and quality of life. Independent of the developers pockets. This is how we define success. To do less is reckless and careless. Thank you. Our next speaker is Agnes Melendez. Good evening. My name is Agnes Melendez. I reside at 167th Center Avenue. Less shine a light on the following key groups to be drastically impacted by building another skyscraper in an already struggling community on center avenue here in Newer Shell. Special needs students, students in the Helen School right across the street from the construction site. The senior citizens in this community. Other real issues to tackle before erecting another skyscraper in New Rochelle. The decline of enrollments, we continue to have safety issues and academic scandals which have driven families away from New Rochelle. Reckers show that time and again. Leadership has ignored the warnings. Make shift drug laboratory just discovered April 6, 2025 at the Marriott residents in New Rux City. 200 city hall workers that will or have lost their jobs recently. Property taxes, rising again for property owners except for these new building owners. This district has to confront reality at what the community of North Shell residents are facing now. Now build these monstrous wind vortex buildings. Construction directly across the street from the Helen School or school for special needs students, staff the learning environment, potentially leading to disruptions, safety concerns for their education, and increased stress to those group of students, particularly for the children with sensory sensitivities and or behavioral challenges that they already face in their daily lives. Think how this would impact them further. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the potential impacts. Sensory overload from the construction noise, the dust, the visual distractions, can and will be overwhelming for students with processing difficulties leading to additional and on-warrens at anxieties, met meltdowns, as well as difficulty concentrating. Behavioral challenges, the disruption and uncertainty caused by the impact of the construction can exacerbate behavioral issues in these groups of students with autism or other conditions. Safety concerns. These construction zones can pose safety hazard for students, especially those who may wander or have difficulty understanding directions. Disrupted routines, this construction can and will disrupt established routines schedules, which are crucial for students with special needs to feel secure and predictable. Reduced access to school, construction will further make it difficult or impossible for these students to access the school building, parking for areas for parents and teachers and or other essential areas pertaining to the Helen School, especially for those with mobility impairments. Increase workload. South May and Will need to spend extra time and effort. Thank you. If they're written, you can submit them to the clerk, and then she'll make copies for us to read. OK. Put them. Right, with the blue sweater, you can just pass that there. Thank you so much. Our next speaker and Serge remet, but I didn't capture your last name. The Serge vector? My apologies. Good evening. My name is Serge Vacher, 25th-Leroy Place. The aspect of the moratorium they were calling for that I'd like to focus on is the overdevelopment, which is the success of the original 2015 down down over Laszó plan that envisioned to bring in the much needed development business stimulation on Main Street and all this surrounding down to on areas. by many metrics, it's a success. But this plan, 10 years later, as the previous speakers noticed, noted, is the position where it can become a victim of its own success. There are certain aspects of this plan that are at this point, beyond the regional scope of what that original plan envisioned. My understanding is that the city is obliged under the Secret Act to protect environmental or conduct certain environmental studies before additional development is taken place. All the aspects that aspects that were done in 2015 many of these aspects are no longer valid many brought up parking many brought up increased traffic which we Can all see the effects of without really doing many studies But all of this is the necessary To be done for the benefit of this community for the benefit of, you know, and the responsibility of this council. And this must be done now. The time for this is to close the chapter on this plan. 10 years later, learn what's done, what was done the right way, what should be improved. And engage the community, make sure the compliance with state acts is there as well as the federal acts and proceed to the next chapter. Thank you. Thank you. Our next register speaker is Shelley Berlin Court. Good evening. My name is Shelley Berlin Court. I live at 39 Davenport Avenue. Oh, okay, thank you. I live at 39 Davenport Avenue, apartment 4E. I'm a renter. I've lived here about 10 years, and I really love it. I want to continue to be here. And a couple of years ago, I did get a car, but I still walk a lot. I live about a mile from downtown, and I walk down there all the time. But it is challenging, with all the construction and all of that. over past 10 years, I've watched the different development happen and was eager to see more small businesses and local services come into the downtown. But unfortunately, it has been very lopsided. It seems with mostly being the high rise apartment buildings. And as Serge mentioned, it seems that good progress has been made there. Maybe we've met those goals. So I'm very much speaking today just to be in favor of if there could be a moratorium on the new proposed development at 570 Main Street. Just because it would be so impactful in a negative way, I feel. And let's just put a pause, see where we're at, and see if we can round out the type of development so that we can really have a vibrant downtown. And not just more apartment high rises. That's just my opinion. Thank you so much for your time, good night. Thank you. Our next registered speaker is Jennifer Freeman. We have one more registered speaker. So if you're intending on speaking and having to let the white card now would be a great time to do so Mrs. Freeman Definitely not that height Jenny Freeman. I live at 25 leeward place good evening city counselors I live in the DO 2 zone of the form based zoning plan I'm asking for your immediate intervention to review where we find ourselves today. In 2015, New Road chose to move forward with an aggressive development plan to reinvigorate our city. As many people have said, this plan received significant recognition and has by many measures outperformed expectations. In its established form, the development was intended to prioritize a downtown at a transit location. Distribution of intended development residential units were distributed in a thought out manner in support of that initiative. Well, congratulations. The intended response was overwhelming and we've seen more than 20 new buildings built with something like another 10 in process. Having achieved this level of success, further development should be reviewed. Specifically, in my DO2 zone where the city council further modified the plan to borrow and transfer additional units to this small corner of our city, such that we've received a disproportional amount of traffic, loss of light, increased wind, loss of retail, limited parking, and honestly unbearable construction disruption, I ask you now to put a moratorium on additional development in this district until you have sufficiently reviewed the impact on those of us, on the constituents. Maybe at the end of of that we'll all agree that more development is appropriate, but pause and give us a chance to weigh in. We've outperformed what we thought we were going to do. We've moved other units into this area. It's not fair to us. I also feel it's dreadfully unfair that these developers continue to receive tax holidays. while my preradisher of the New Rochelle taxes increases annually. We need more green spaces, parking and places to walk our dogs. We need more retail shops, more restaurants, and more culture. Please pause this further development until you've engaged the tax-paying live here and Evaluated the impacts of the work already completed which clearly exceeded the original expectations. Thank you Thank you Our last register speaker is Robert Viner or Viner my apologies and again if you intend on speaking please please register now. Viner, sorry. Hello, everybody. Ladies and gentlemen of the Council, Mayor, I guess staff over there of the city, professional staff. My name is Robert Byner. I live at 25 Learois as well. We have a disproportional representation because we're one of the few ownership groups that live downtown. And like many of my neighbors, I've been in this city for the better part of 35 years, 15 years in the downtown area. And before that, in the large Montenegro's area, I raised my kids here. I watched as Nurechelle struggled to keep any retail. I remember how excited I was when the REI came close to 30 years ago, lasted a couple of years, probably none of you remember that, but it was an exciting time. I serve on the board of 25 LeRoy, but I'm not here to represent the board. I'm here as another concerned citizen, and I have to say I completely agree with everything that has been said by all of my colleagues here. I think a moratorium is obviously something worth considering, but it's difficult, I appreciate it's difficult for the elected officials of our city to move in a direction that will be considered a negative by the investment community, by the developer community. There's no question that development is a good thing for a city like Newerll that has had a lack of development for decades. But it has to be channeled. And what I wanted to do today was offer an ID in the minute and 15 seconds I've left to hopefully come in and speak to you individually, perhaps as a group, perhaps with professional staff, hopefully with the city manager, his deputies, his colleagues, et cetera. You have a hidden asset in downtown New Rochelle that could absolutely address almost all of the issues everybody is raising. It's a two to four acre parcel that's covered with asphalt. You probably remember the words of Joni Mitchell from four decades ago. You know, they pay paradise and put up a parking lot. Well, the prospect lot has the potential to provide solutions to the city of New Rochelle. It could be a community, it could be transformed into an underground parking lot with two or three levels. We could increase parking capacity. We could create a park and a civic square and an area that rivaled, you know, on a smaller scale, the Bryant Parks of New York, the Millennium Parks of Chicago, the Post Office Park in Boston, the Barcelona's squares and the Brussels classes and everywhere throughout France. Let me just say a few more words very quickly, just two more seconds. I'd like to present this idea in the appropriate form. So then we should follow up on email, follow up on email, we can have that conversation and They just want to honor the time crunch. Okay. If you have it in writing, you can pass it to the clerk, but we can follow up an email. We just took note of your council member and myself, so we will definitely be following up because we appreciate the spirit. You have an outline of some of the idea. You can share it with our clerk and she'll be sure to get it to the council. Thank you. There are no inspectors. Thank you. Thank you. There are no other registered speakers for this evening, so I call this securing to a close. Thank you, everyone. Get home safely. Thank you. There are no other registered speakers for this evening, so I call this securing to a close. Thank you everyone. Get home safely.