Mayor Chance Mullen read a statement made by the Village of Pelham Police Department regarding the death of George Floyd. The full statement can be found on Facebook. Mullen also commented on the views of first-responders following the death of Floyd, stating, “The people you cheered for a few weeks ago are still the same people.” 

Mullen said that he attended Floyd’s vigil, and compliments it as “beautiful”. Mullen expressed his appreciation for residents calmly voicing their views and opinions while honoring George Floyd. People are “speaking their truth” and hearing their stories is “comforting” for attendees, said Mullen. He added that New York State made many reforms to their guidelines and laws regarding use of force, which extends to the Village of Pelham, in 2019. In addition, the village does annual retraining of first-responders regarding use of force. Mullen stated that chokeholds are prohibited, and mentioned that the county has launched two initiatives which Pelham has been volunteered to participate in. The first is a working group focused on training, policies, procedures, and hiring, the second is community-based and will be hosted by the Human Rights Commission, a forum for police officers and others who work and serve in government positions as well as community groups.

Mullen discussed the proposed monopole that was planned to be placed across from the Middle School, which was decided to be an appropriate location for the cell tower. The pole was then recommended for placement in a residential area in Pelham Manor bordering Mount Vernon, but is now being proposed to be placed by I-95 in an area where it would not be seen, but still cover the area needed. The trustees discussed consequences of this placement, such as its proximity to residences outside of the Pelham Community, and whether or not the village should even have an input on the situation if the pole is being placed outside of village boundaries.

Westchester recently entered phase two, which allows for open-air dining and some shopping. A trustee reminded Pelham residents that masks should still be worn in public. Mullen said eating establishments have been given permission to put additional cafe-style seating on the sidewalks and in their parking lots, and retail businesses have been allowed to utilize their sidewalk and parking space in a similar fashion. All fees for use of the town’s space have been waived in an effort to get businesses in Pelham up and running, but approval by the state for these actions is still pending. Mullen’s letter to residents describing the executive order allowing expanded outdoor dining under new rules can be read here.

Mullen gave his congratulations to the Pelham Board of Education for putting together a socially-distanced drive-through graduation ceremony for June 27. 

Deputy Mayor Pete Potocki announced that the Pelham Civics Association is planning to place a bench in Wolf’s Lane Park across from Cantina Lobos in honor of the late Tom Imperato, a devoted former member of the Board of Education and strong advocate for a new Hutchison Elementary school.

A trustee described progress made at the Kyber Highline, the old train tracks above Highbrook Ave before it meets Lincoln Ave. Some plantings were made by a small group as an extension of an Eagle Scout project, and they have asked to be reimbursed for the plants by the Village. Mullen reminded the board that they are in a spending freeze, and the highline is currently not the priority. 

Another trustee announced that the village is working on implementing a food-waste program, and means of funding  the program are being discussed. A representative from Sustainable Westchester informed the board that there have been transaction errors with the program, but refunds and compensations were made. In addition, the program donated $500 to the village which one trustee recommends to be donated to EcoPel. There have been minor concerns over the high rates of the organization, and a representative will join the next board meeting to discuss the pricing.

Administrator Omar Small next reported that a meeting was held regarding the Lincoln Bridge project, and that work will begin in late June. Property owners in the area will receive a pre-construction survey.

The board voted to authorize accounts payable of $811,470.01.

The board will meet next on June 23 at 7:30 p.m..