Augie Fusco Retires
With Mayor Sharon Torres home with the flu, Deputy Mayor Nora Lucas was tasked with delivering the news that Augie Fusco, long-time Village Clerk-Treasurer, has retired effective immediately. Fusco's dedication to the Village and lasting contributions will be celebrated after the new year.
The Mamaroneck River Dam
As discussed at the November 12, 2024 work session (see article HERE), the BOT considered a resolution to engage Ramboll, an engineering firm, to continue the analyses of the future alternatives for the Mamaroneck River Dam.
A preliminary review of possible alternatives had been conducted in 2023 after the Village received a third notice of violation regarding the dam’s safety. After New York State issued new regulations in 2012, the dam has been non-compliant. See article HERE.
With Village Engineer Gino Frabasile sidelined with the flu, the newly constituted BOT seemed a bit confused by the need to have another study. Ramboll’s work will add data and analyses to the four alternatives identified in the 2023 GHD assessment findings. See GHD Report HERE and Ramboll proposal HERE starting page 7.
The fact that the Westchester Joint Water Works owns the dam but the Village is responsible for maintenance added to the uncertainty. Village Attorney Robert Spolzino explained that regardless of that fact, the State Department of Environmental Conservation was holding the Village responsible and any expenses incurred might be subject to a future lawsuit between the Village and the Water Works.
With the State deadline looming at the end of the year after several extensions, the BOT concluded that the study had to be done and passed the resolution 4-0. See Resolution HERE. The cost is $82,000 to be charged to the capital budget.
Help for Homeowners for Damage from Hurricane Ida
Deputy Mayor Nora Lucas reported concerns from some residents that the grant applications available for homeowners for damage from Hurricane Ida were difficult to navigate. With the application deadline of January 17th, the Village staff will coordinate a workshop to help homeowners with the paperwork. Village residents should contact Deputy Clerk Sally Roberts at 914-825-8124 to get more information. See previous article HERE.
Reminder: Second Half Village Tax Payment is Due by December 31
Acting Clerk Sally Roberts reminded property owners that the Village real estate tax is due by 12/31. In addition to bringing in payment to the Village offices at 123 Mamaroneck Avenue during business hours, residents may drop a check and payment stub in the box just outside the entrance. The office will be open until 5 pm on December 31st as accommodation.
Residents may also pay using ACH for a fee of $1.50. If you pay by credit card there will be an additional credit card processing fee added to your bill (approximately 3%). See link HERE.
Please do not pay using online bill pay with your bank. Because the Village must charge late fees there must be proof of payment made by December 31 and online bill pay does not provide proof of timely submission. Penalties are significant and avoidable!
Mamaroneck Avenue Pedestrian Phasing
Police Chief Sandra DiRuzza described several intersections where pedestrian safety will be enhanced through the phasing of lights by adding an all pedestrian phase that stops traffic. Mamaroneck Avenue and Grand Street will be done immediately. The crossing Mamaroneck Avenue and Prospect requires some cost to make the adjustment. Three other intersections with Mamaroneck Avenue at Waverly, Hoyt and Halstead will be evaluated now that the Waverly Avenue Bridge is open again to determine next steps.
2025-2026 Recreation Fee Schedule Set
In anticipation of the upcoming season the fee schedule was approved. See schedule HERE. In keeping with prior year increases resident fees increased by 5% and non-resident fees increased by 10%.
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