The Village of Pelham Board of Trustees met remotely last Tuesday to discuss Governor Andrew Cuomo’s plan to reopen the economy and hear from the village’s insurance broker.

Mayor Chance Mullen stated that the village currently checks the box for five of seven metrics, only missing a 14-day decline in hospital deaths, fewer than five deaths over three days and two per 100,00 residents with active cases. Mullen explained that it is not necessarily Westchester that fails to meet these metrics, but other areas in the region that the village is grouped with. Phase one of Gov. Cuomo’s plan for reopening involves starting construction and curb-side pick up for retail. Phase two includes additional retail and professional businesses opening. Phase three allows for restaurants, bars and hotels to open, and phase four involves larger gatherings such as movie theatres opening.

Mayor Mullen reported 162 total Covid-19 cases in the village as of Tuesday. He also mentioned that the village had undergone its first three days with no new cases. Westchester County has made antibody testing available, first being given to essential workers and front-liners.

The village’s insurance broker negotiated the policy for renewal, discussing the additional costs that will be included to cover traffic lights. Both Mayor Mullen and Deputy Mayor Pete Potocki questioned why this was not included in previous policy, to which the broker responded that municipalities do not always insure them, since damage to them is uncommon. Mullen went on to discuss each possible package, before settling on a roughly $583,000 plan in addition to a two-year workers compensation package.

While discussing the recently refined garbage schedule, Mayor Mullen noted that changes are still being discussed and made. Once finished, a hard copy will be sent to residents. He also addressed questions revolving around penalties for late taxes, stating that the state government has control over this and that no actions have been made by the governor thus far for waiving such penalties. Mullen reminded residents that the census is well underway, and Pelham is losing ground with only 64.4% of its population completing the census. Resident participation is crucial as the census determines federal funding for the municipality.

A resident of the village wrote that people have been asked to sign a waiver taking legal responsibility for incidents that may occur at block parties before being able to have the streets closed for the community events. This resident stated that he felt as though the village’s insurance did not support the residents, and requested that renewal of the insurance company be postponed and re-thought. Mullen responded to the letter saying that Pelham has always had a policy of personal responsibility waivers, and it is standard inside many communities. If a party is being held on village land and something happens, the village can be held liable for it, leading to legal battles that the village should not be taking on. Deputy Mayor Potocki recommended that a group take on an inexpensive insurance policy for such an event.

Mullen reported that recent costs from clearing blocked sewer lines near Chester Park are still being calculated, and that the Lincoln Project is still in continuation.

Trustees could not be identified due to the virtual nature of the meeting. One trustee reminded the public that small businesses following social distancing guidelines are beginning to open and that they need community support. The same trustee also mentioned that many stores are offering online deals and packages to maintain a profit during these difficult times. Another trustee reported that motor-vehicle accidents had a 60% reduction in March and a 43% reduction in April. However the same trustee stated that an officer was struck by a vehicle on Seventh Avenue while assisting an ambulance, but is in recovery now.

The board’s next meeting has been moved from May 25 to June 1 at 7:30 p.m..