Snow Removal, Crossway Field and Rec Fees on the Agenda of the Village Board
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Village Manager Steve Pappalardo will retire this summer.Honoring Rippy Philipps, raising Recreation Department fees and snow clearing were just a few of the items discussed at the Village Board meeting on Tuesday February 9, 2021.
Vaccine Hotline
The Mayor opened the meeting with information on securing a vaccine. Westchester County has opened a hotline for seniors, over 65, who have been unable to get an appointment. If you qualify call 914-813-6300 to get help scheduling your vaccine.
Village Budget
The Village is currently holding work sessions on the proposed 2021-22 Village Budget which now stands at $60.3 mm, up $1.1 million from the 2020-21 budget. This budget does not call for any cuts in services. However, there is currently at $1.8 million gap in a balanced budget, due to a $576,000 in NYS pension expenses and $729,000 in lost revenues from parking and justice court fines.
If the Village has to raise taxes to cover the gap, it would mean a 4.37% Village tax increase of about $249 more in taxes for a property valued at $1.5mm. The board is working to lower this gap at upcoming budget sessions.
Snow!
Villlage Manager Steve Pappalardo, who announced that he will retire later this year, gave an update on the Village’s efforts to remove snow from multiple storms. The largest snowfall occurred from Sunday January 31 to February 2, and Pappalardo reported that all told it was a 30 hour effort to remove up to 20 inches of snow. Staff from the Highway, Sanitation, Facilities, Parks and Water Department were all involved in plowing roads, clearing sidewalks, clearing recreational facilities and hauling snow.
After plowing, sanding and clearing sidewalks, on Wednesday February 3, 3,000 cubic feet of snow was hauled from Five Corners and the Village to the open Freightway lot.
In total, the effort involved:
Photo credit Vinnie Phauh
-30 pieces of equipment
-1,894 man hours of labor
-750 gallons of salt
-2,000 gallons of liquid calcium chloride
And the costs were:
$93,000 in overtime
$43,000 in materials
The snowstorm on Superbowl Sunday involved another 12 hours of work.
Resolutions:
After considerable discussion, the Board approved a resolution to hold a public hearing on a resolution authorizing tax collections above the tax cap. The current tax levy limit is a 1.26% increase and this resolution would give the Board flexibility to raise property taxes in excess of that limit should it be necessary.
The Village Treasurer recommended that the Board approve the resolution.
Recreation Department Fees:
The Board turned to a resolution to set fees for recreation for 2021-22, recommending an overall 12.5% increase for:
Day Camp
Sports Camp
Soccer Camp
Teen Travel Camp
Halloween Window Painting
Basketball K-2 Sunday Clinic
K-8th Grade Flag Football
Basketball League
Pool Permits and Guest Fees
They also authorized the sale of 100 pool permits to non-resident families.
Trustee Justin Arest explained that all these increases are related to personnel costs and contractors that the Village hires for programming. For the Rec Camp there will be a COVID surcharge to cover additional transportation costs, as the Village is required to maintain social distancing on buses which will required two buses rather than one for some activities.
The fund balance or Enterprise Fund for the Scarsdale Pool has now been spent and there is a deficit for pool operations. The cost of a family pool permit will go up from $548 to $616. See the entire schedule of fees here:
Library
The library is targeting a limited reopening on March 1, 2021. Details will be available here: https://www.scarsdalelibrary.org/connect/news-updates
At the meeting, the Board accepted a gift for $37,311 for the library renovations from the Friends of the Scarsdale Public Library.
Renaming Crossway for Rippy Philipips
The Board heard many public comments on a resolution to rename Crossway Field as the Richard “Rippy” Philipps Field at Crossway.
The resolution reads as follows:
...Longtime Scarsdale resident Richard “Rippy” Philipps has been deeply involved in Scarsdale youth athletics for nearly three decades; and
...Mr. Philipps currently serves as the President of the Scarsdale Raiders Football, is a member of the Westchester Youth Football League Board, and previously served as an Executive Board member of the Scarsdale Youth Football League, having committed countless hours over the past 26 years to helping Scarsdale youth enjoy the game of football, while having also encouraged development of valuable life skills, including discipline and collaboration within a team framework; and
...Richard “Rippy” Philipps has not only committed his life to serving Scarsdale youth through his demonstrated leadership and commitment to supporting their recreational interests and enhancing their personal growth, as reflected in the attached bio, but his mentorship guides and supports our youth well after their last down on the field, as they continue on with their life pursuits; and
...as a testament to his positive impact and lasting influence, more than 100 Scarsdale residents, including former football players, have recently written individually to the Village Board of Trustees requesting that the football field at the Crossway Athletic Complex (Crossway Football Field) on Mamaroneck Road be renamed in honor of Richard “Rippy” Philipps; and
...citing the “passion, dedication, love and the tireless and tremendous amounts of time Rippy has dedicated to the youth football program,” the transformative effect Mr. Philipps has had upon Scarsdale’s youth football players, and observing that Rippy is a “local institution, well respected and loved in the community,” the Advisory Council on Parks and Recreation voted unanimously to request that the Village Board consider renaming the Crossway Football Field in honor of Richard “Rippy” Philipps, a request supported by staff; now, therefore, be it
...that the football field at the Crossway Athletic Complex shall now be officially known as the Richard “Rippy” Philipps Field at Crossway, an honor held in the highest regard by the Village Board; and be it further
...that the Village Board extends its heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Richard “Rippy” Philipps for his exemplary commitment and selfless dedication to advancing the physical fitness and positive maturation of Scarsdale’s youth through athletics.
There was overwhelming support expressed in emails and calls to the Board (see below). A vote on the resolution was held over to the next meeting to give more people the opportunity to comment.
Here are excerpts from some of the public comments from the meeting:
John McCann, who led the campaign said, “Over 120 letters were sent and they are still coming in. I was touched by many of the stories especially one written by my son without any reminder from me!”
Madelaine Eppenstein said, “I am offering my support for the Rippy Phillips resolution along with Betsy Bush, Kay Eisenman and Bart Hamlin who also recognize Rippy’s contribution and support the resolution. I recognize the importance of coaches in students’ lives.”
Dave Pechman supported renaming the field for Rippy. He said, “I started playing football in 8th grade and he was supportive. He pushed students at the right level for students at that age. He supported kids in high school and beyond. A whole generation of students owe a lot to Rippy.”
Brother Michael Philipps thanked the trustees for this honor for Rippy. He said, “He even compliments the opponents and offers to help them.”
Dean Borg, SHS ’80 called in from Florida and said that he (Borg) was captain of the SHS Football Team and Lacrosse Team and Rippy succeeded him. He said, “I have known him since he was 12. Rippy is cut in the same mold as Bill Dean, the man for which Dean Field is named.
His humility is amazing.”
Paul Fix choked back tears when he called, saying Rippy changed the trajectory of his life and will change the lives of his own children. He said, “There are not many others who walk this earth who care about Scarsdale the way Rippy does.”
Kathy Colman said she knows Rippy from when she served as President of Maroon and White. She said, “He was great with the history and support of the organization.”
Chris Pierro, a teacher and coach had the luxury of working with Rippy. He said, “He is concerned about the whole child, not just about winning on the football field.”
Robert Berg said he was “Delighted the Village is planning to honor Rippy Philipps by renaming the field for him. … he is so deserving of this honor.” About increases in the pool fees, he said,
“I fear it will drive membership down, but I do support selling memberships to non-residents.
About Rippy, Matt McCann said, “His relationships extend beyond the field. He never hesitated to assist.”
Bob Harrison said he knows Rippy and supports the renaming of the field and congratulated Steve Pappalardo on his retirement and management of these two storms. He asked to defer the purchase of a vehicle for $280,000 and said he would like to see the tax increase cut to 2%.
SHS Football Coach Andy Verboys said, “What is the key to my success? A great school district and a great town – and my secret weapon Rippy Philipps.”
Gail Leone spoke on behalf of the entire Leone family, saying “we support naming the field after Rippy…. He is not just a coach – he is a friend – and he became a part of our family. We can still hear him shouting on Crossway Field. Great friendships started there. We are excited and proud!”
One of the DiFalco boys said, “I can’t thank Rippy enough. He did so much for so many young men. He is a friend and a mentor.”
Paul Pechman, a 30 year resident said, “My boys had positive experiences on the team. Rippy was an example of teamwork, fairness, always thoughtful, kind and considerate”
Real Property Assessment of Converted Condominiums
Last, the Board of Trustees held a hearing and passed a resolution to close a loophole that permitted single family homes to be converted to condominiums and pay reduced taxes. The adoption of the law, “prevents lower assessments of residential property owned in fee simple form of ownership converted to condominium form of ownership. Conversion of homeowners’ associations (HOA) and single-family homes to a condominium form of ownership can result in significant tax savings for these property owners (by as much as 50%), while shifting the tax burden to the balance of Village property taxpayers.”
Since condominiums are valued on their potential rental income rather than their market value, this would have resulted in lost tax revenue for the Village.
The Board agreed that it was best to close this loophole as soon as possible and voted yes on this resolution.
Village Manager Steve Pappalardo Announces July Retirement
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Scarsdale Village Manager Steve PappalardoScarsdale’s Village Manager, Stephen M. Pappalardo, has announced plans to retire in July 2021 after 30 years in Scarsdale. Pappalardo was promoted from Deputy Village Manager to Village Manager in 2015 when longtime Village Manager Al Gatta retired. Pappalardo shepherded the Village through many difficult situations including severe storms, the 2016 tax revaluation, legal challenges and the COVID outbreak. But it wasn’t all crisis management. Under his stewardship the Village undertook a major renovation and expansion of the library and launched sustainability initiatives that are now being replicated in other towns. In addition, he got Con Edison to agree to pay for extensive road repaving in the Village when they disrupt roadways for installation and repair of gas lines.
Commenting on his decision to retire, Pappalardo said, “It has been an honor and a privilege to have worked for the Village of Scarsdale for the past 30+ years and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity afforded me by the Village Board to serve as your Village Manager for the past five. My positive professional experiences working for the Village are too numerous to list, as are the many wonderful people I have encountered, many of whom have enriched me and influenced my life both professional and personally. I consider myself fortunate and it has truly been a great career in public service for the Village.
Mayor Marc Samwick commented, “Steve’s leadership, professionalism, and fiscal stewardship have not only resulted in the Village of Scarsdale being recognized in municipal government circles as a model for local governance, but his efforts to maintain and enhance Scarsdale’s broader reputation as a great place to live and raise a family have yielded meaningful results in that our local quality of life has continued to remain in the top tier of suburban communities regionally and nationally throughout his over three decades of esteemed public service.” Mayor Samwick added, “Steve has been – and will always be – a treasured member of the Scarsdale family.”
Although Manager Pappalardo will be retiring this year, he is continuing to press forward on matters of local importance, with a keen eye on the FY 2021-22 Annual Budget and other important work needing his focused attention. He related to the Village Board, “. . . there is still much Village work to complete over the next five months and I remain fully committed to this effort. My July 12, 2021, retirement date allows for the completion of the FY2021-22 budget process and the close of the finances for FY2020- 21. Both will better inform us toward a path forward for the Village government into the new June 01, 2021, fiscal year and beyond, as we transition from COVID-19 back to normal operations.”
We asked Pappalardo what he planned to do after he leaves Scarsdale and he made it clear that he has lots to accomplish before he steps down in July. He said, “I’ve still got five months to go and much work to complete, not the least of which is the most difficult budget in a decade. That being the case, I plan on taking the summer months to consider my next move, but I envision working in some capacity leaving time for family, friends and hobbies.”
Trustees Agree to Hold a Public Hearing on Proposed Limitations on Gas Leaf Blowers
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Prior to the Village Board meeting on1-12, Trustees held a work session to review recommendations from the Conservation Advisory Council on limiting the use of gas leaf blowers which the CAC’s recent report says are noisy and negatively impact the environment and the health of those who use them. Similar bans have been enacted in other towns in Westchester. According to Michelle Sterling, Chair of the CAC, they “proposed an incremental set of requirements that would be reasonable and feasible and strike a balance between the need for peace and quiet with the desire for a manicured property.”
The discussion centered around two option of three options.
The first is to bar the use of gas-powered blowers from Saturday – Monday during leaf season, and also ban them in May. (They are already banned from June to September.)
Option three designates Saturday and Sunday as quiet days in leaf season and also bans gas-powered leaf blowers in May.
The discussion centered on the ability of landscapers and the Village to use battery-powered electric leaf blowers to clean up leaves when the gas-powered leaf blowers are banned. The CAC contended that it’s necessary to change behavior for the public good and that residents and landscapers would adapt once these new regulations were enforced. Sterling argued “Code changes influence behavior. Larchmont implemented a full year ban – and so did Irvington. Landscapers who have battery powered electric blowers will get more business and those with gas blowers will get less. It will cause a market shift.”
Village Manager Steve Pappalardo was concerned that Village crews would have fewer days in leaf season to clean up leaves before snowfalls and that education would be required to change landscapers’ practices. He said, “The gas leaf blowers are faster.” He expressed reservations about the ability of the current Village staff to enforce the regulations, saying, “The code enforcer we have is busy with building code violations. Enforcement will fall on the police department. We would need to have dedicated crews to go out in the neighborhood and look for landscapers looking for leaf blowers and take appropriate action.”
Trustee Jonathan Lewis asked for a financial analysis of the proposal. He saw the fines as a potential revenue source for the Village, especially if the fees were graduated. He said, “The fines which will help us become more sustainable. If you have hefty fines for violations, and make the third offense $1,000, it can be a “six figure revenue generator” and you can get compliance.”
Police Chief Andrew Matturro reported that police were giving out “70 tickets per year on average for use of leaf blowers in the summer months … We have had a ban on gas leaf blowers from June 1 to September 30 since 1993.” He said, “We are trying to change behavior with the fines, but cautioned, “We will have difficulty doing that alone as a Police Department.”
Trustee Seth Ross asked, “There will be additional operational costs for residents and landscapers. I would want to know from landscapers what the additional costs will be and what their issues will be and how that will affect the residents. Are they willing to do this at no additional cost?”
Trustee Justin Arest expressed support for Option 3 and said, “We do want to hear more from the community – we would want to call for a public hearing.”
Trustee Randy Whitestone said, “We are in transition on the technology. I would like to gather input. I am in favor of one of these options – I don’t know which one.”
During public comments, former Trustee Bill Stern said, “One of the functions of government is to protect people from themselves. The gas blower situation has been studied, including by NIH that shows it is not just the noise, it’s the long-term effect on the population. Gas blowers push out an enormous amount of pollution – which induces asthma on a long-term basis. They diminish hearing.”
Madelaine Eppenstein, representing Friends of the Scarsdale Parks, said they support option 1 as a first step. She said, “This is an incredibly important issue and the Village should consider that there does come a time to make more progress.”
Elaine Weir said, “It’s good for the workers. The faster we get rid of the gas powered blowers the better.”
Dr. Darlene LeFrancois Haber said, “This is an issue of public health. These two stroke engines are extremely hazardous. They are not blowing air. The fumes are invisible. My patients are the landscapers. Am I concerned about my health? Yes, but not concerned enough to stop going to work and taking care of my patients. The landscapers don’t cover their ears. They have hearing loss and headaches. We need to do the right thing for them. We are part of the problem right now. I strongly support option one.”
Susan Douglass agreed wholeheartedly with what has been said. She said, “I am a proponent of option 1. There is a strong educational component here. Landscapers resist change – but if you say this is what you must do they will do it and accept it.”
Robert Alonzi Jr., the Golf Course Superintendent at Fenway asked “How do you feel this will translate for other industries? It will have a dramatic impact on the way we operate.”
Sterling responded that there is an exemption for golf courses and schools, and a proposal for a buffer within 100 feet of a residence.
Trustee Lena Crandall proposed that the Board pass a resolution to bring the matter to a public hearing and the trustees agreed to schedule one.
How do you Perceive Diversity and Inclusion in Scarsdale? Give Your Input
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The Ad Hoc Council to Combat Racism and Bias (CCRB), formed by resolution of the Village Board on July 20, 2020, is interested in learning about your viewpoints on diversity and inclusion in Scarsdale, including the incidence of discrimination and bias within the community.
To that end, the CCRB has been conducting listening sessions over the past several months with various segments of our community and is now expanding outreach to solicit insights and experiences from all residents, as well as others who visit, work, and have other occasion to be in Scarsdale. While such sessions have been focused on gaining insights from target Scarsdale population to-date, the next listening session, being held on Wednesday, January 27, at 8:00 PM by ZOOM, is to hear from all Scarsdale residents wishing to express their viewpoint or relate a specific experience. To participate, please send an email to the CCRB using [email protected] and a confirmation will be provided, including the information needed to join the listening session. Please note that the CCRB listening sessions are not public meetings; only persons wishing to convey their relevant viewpoints and experience(s) are invited to participate and there will not be opportunity for Q&A or other form of public comment.
To facilitate broad public participation in this effort, including persons unable to attend a CCRB listening session, the CCRB has launched a Community Experience Questionnaire.
Every Scarsdale resident is requested to complete the online questionnaire, indicating whether they have experienced racism, bias, or discrimination in Scarsdale, and if so, to share such experiences with the Council. In addition, please provide ideas focused on how Scarsdale can be a more inclusive community. Non-residents are encouraged to complete the questionnaire, as well. Hard copies are available in the Village Hall lobby and may also be requested by emailing [email protected]. Feedback received will help to inform future public meetings on this topic and help to shape the findings and recommendations report that will be prepared and presented to the Village Board. Please take time to complete the Community Experience Questionnaire today.
Conservation Advisory Council Recommends Changes to Village Code Regarding the Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
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The following was written by the Scarsdale Conservation Advisory Council (CAC)
Did the constant noise of leaf blowers this fall make you crazy? The onset of Covid-19, necessitating many residents to work from home and students to attend school from home, has created a heightened awareness of the negative effects of gas leaf blowers and has caused renewed requests from the community to address this issue. The Scarsdale Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) recently studied this issue at the request of the Village Board of Trustees and submitted a report, Mitigating the Health, Environmental, and Quality of Life Impacts of Gas Leaf Blowers, to the Board with recommendations on how to bring our community some much needed relief.
The CAC is proposing three strategies to address the negative impacts of gas leaf blowers: (1) implement “quiet days” when gas leaf blowers are prohibited; (2) limit gas leaf blower use to the time of the year when they are needed; and (3) promote the use of electric leaf blowers. The CAC believes this approach will significantly help address the noise impact, air pollution, and adverse health effects of gas leaf blowers.
The proposal seeks to mitigate the negative impacts of gas leaf blowers in a reasonable way that can be feasibly implemented by landscapers and homeowners. Advances in electric leaf blower technology have made it possible to use electric leaf blowers successfully during certain times of the year and for most landscaping needs. The proposal will both help alleviate the impacts of gas leaf blowers as well as support a longer-term shift to electric leaf blowers. With the approval of the CAC proposal, Scarsdale would join a number of other municipalities in Westchester that have recently enacted regulations to limit the impacts of gas leaf blowers.
To support the CAC proposals please write the Mayor and Trustees at [email protected] to make sure your voice is heard. The Board of Trustees is also holding a working session to discuss the CAC proposal on January 12, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. Residents are also encouraged to log onto the working session meeting to hear more about the issue and proposed solutions. The meeting agenda and working session zoom link can be found here.
A copy of the full CAC leaf blower report is available here.
