[ Call to Order]
[00:00:07]
I CALL THIS MAY 4TH, 2026 MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE WHITE PLAINS COUNCIL TO OF WHITE PLAINS OF THE CITY.
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS TO ORDER.
COUNCILWOMAN SIMMONS, WILL YOU PLEASE LEAD US IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE? INDEED. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS.
ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
TONIGHT, WE'RE GOING TO BEGIN OUR COUNCIL MEETING WITH TWO VERY SPECIAL THINGS.
FIRST, WE ARE GOING TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND RECOGNIZE THIS IS ALS AWARENESS MONTH, I'D LIKE TO CALL ON COUNCIL MEMBER JEREMIAH FREI-PEARSON TO SAY A FEW WORDS, AND WE ARE GOING TO HAVE HIM READ FROM A PROCLAMATION THAT WE HAVE DONE IN HONOR OF THIS IMPORTANT DAY MONTH.
AND I WANT TO RECOGNIZE THOMAS PRESTON OF WHITE PLAINS, WHO ASKED US TO RECOGNIZE THIS MONTH ALS IS A HORRIBLE DISEASE COMMONLY KNOWN AS LOU GEHRIG'S DISEASE.
TYPICALLY, PEOPLE WHO GET IT PASS IN 2 TO 5 YEARS, AND IT TO A HIGHER EXTENT THAN AVERAGE AFFECTS FOLKS WHO'VE SERVED IN OUR MILITARY.
AND SO WE WANT TO RECOGNIZE EVERYONE WHO'S SUFFERING AND ALL THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE HEROES, WHO ARE TRYING TO BRING AN END TO THIS BLIGHT.
I'M JUST GOING TO QUICKLY READ SOME, SOME FACTS THAT WE SHOULD ALL BE AWARE OF AS WE AS WE RECOGNIZE THIS IMPORTANT DISEASE.
THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF NEW ALS CASES EVERY YEAR.
EVERY 90 MINUTES SOMEONE IS DIAGNOSED WITH ALS, AND ON AVERAGE, THERE IS A 2 TO 5 YEAR SURVIVAL RATE.
UM, AND THERE ARE LEADERS, INCLUDING MAYOR BRASCH, WHO ARE COMMITTED TO INCREASING PUBLIC AWARENESS AND DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN TO BRING AN END TO THIS SCOURGE AND TO MAKE LIFE MORE DECENT FOR FOLKS WHO ARE SUFFERING.
SO I'D ASK ALL OF US THIS MONTH, AND IN GENERAL, TO THINK ABOUT PEOPLE WHO SUFFER FROM THAT DISEASE AND DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO BRING AWARENESS AND TO PRAY FOR THE DAY WHERE ALS, UM, IS SOMETHING THAT MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS CAN CAN HANDLE.
THANK YOU, COUNCILMAN FREI-PEARSON.
UH, NOW WE'RE GOING TO TAKE A MOMENT AND DO SOMETHING A LITTLE OUT OF ORDER AND A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT.
AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, DYLAN VEY, A VERY IMPORTANT LEADER IN 32 BJT, ACTUALLY, THE HUDSON VALLEY DISTRICT LEADER FOR LOCAL 32 BJT RECENTLY PASSED AWAY.
HE WAS QUITE A GOOD FRIEND TO OUR CITY AND TO OUR COUNCIL.
WE WORKED VERY CLOSELY WITH HIM.
WE WORKED WITH HIM ON MANY ISSUES OF SOCIAL JUSTICE.
HE WAS ALWAYS FIGHTING FOR HIS WORKERS, COMMUNICATING WITH THEM.
HE WORKED WITH US ON TENANT PROTECTIONS.
HE WORKED WITH US ON IMMIGRATION PROTECTIONS.
HE WORKED WITH US ON PROTECTING WAGES AND WORKING CONDITIONS.
I HAD BECOME PERSONALLY QUITE CLOSE WITH HIM ONLY OVER THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS WORKING WITH BEN LAVENDER.
ALSO FROM 30 CBJ, THERE WERE REGULARS AT THE WHITE PLAINS COUNCIL REGULARS MEETING WITH US AND DOING THINGS ON APRIL 13TH.
COUNCIL MEMBER SANTIAGO SANTIAGO, COUNCILMAN FREI-PEARSON AND MYSELF WERE ALL ON A ZOOM CALL WITH HIM TOGETHER.
WE ARE ALL HAD A VERY SERIOUS DISCUSSION, WITH LOTS AND LOTS OF PEOPLE LISTENING AND LEARNING ABOUT IMMIGRANT RIGHTS AND IMMIGRANT PROTECTIONS.
AND AS USUAL, HE WAS THERE WITH HIS SMILE, PARTICIPATING, HELPING AND HE WAS JUST A VERY POSITIVE PERSON, ENCOURAGING, HELPING, PRODDING A LITTLE BIT TO GET EVERYBODY TO DO A LITTLE BIT MORE.
WE HAD BECOME QUITE FRIENDLY, AS I SAID, OVER THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS OR YEAR, AND HE WAS REALLY AN INSPIRATION TO MANY OF US.
HE DIED IN A CAR ACCIDENT FOUR DAYS LATER.
I HAVE TO SAY, IT LEFT ALL OF US SPEECHLESS AND IN PAIN.
FIRST OF ALL, IT'S SAD WHEN SOMEBODY IS KILLED THAT WAY IN GENERAL.
BUT WHEN SOMEBODY THAT YOU WORK WITH, WHO'S THAT DEDICATED AND THAT COMMITTED TO HELPING OTHERS AND HELPING THE WORLD AND MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE DIES SUDDENLY AT AGE 55.
IT'S VERY, VERY, VERY PERSONALLY DIFFICULT.
AND FOR OUR COUNCIL, I KNOW IN OUR COMMUNITY IT'S VERY DIFFICULT.
WE WILL BE PRESENTING A PROCLAMATION.
HIS FAMILY IS HERE AND WE ALL WANT TO THANK YOU.
AND WE ALL WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW MUCH WE FEEL YOUR PAIN AND WE'RE SORRY AND HOW MUCH WE MISS HIM ALREADY, AND HE WOULD COME TO THESE COUNCIL MEETINGS AND GIVE US POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE COUNSEL ON A REGULAR BASIS.
CERTAINLY WITHIN THE LAST MONTH OR TWO.
[00:05:01]
HE WAS HERE AND HE WAS BELOVED BY US.I KNOW THAT SEVERAL OF MY COLLEAGUES WANT TO SAY A FEW WORDS AS WELL.
SO I WILL START WITH COUNCILWOMAN EVELYN SANTIAGO.
UM, DYLAN VALLE WAS A GENTLE PERSON, KNOWN FOR HIS WARM SMILE, BUT HE WAS A FIERCE ADVOCATE FOR THE RIGHTS OF WORKERS AND OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY.
IN FACT, AS MAYOR BRASCH JUST SAID ON MONDAY, JUST THREE DAYS BEFORE HIS PASSING, HE JOINED ME AND OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO HOLD A ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON HOW TO PROTECT OUR MIGRANT COMMUNITY FROM VIOLENCE AND HARM.
THROUGHOUT HISTORY, TRYING AND TERRIFYING TIMES HAVE BEEN MET WITH SILENCE AND FEAR, ALTHOUGH IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH EASIER TO REMAIN SILENT.
DILLON CHOSE TO SPEAK OUT BY ACTION AND BY EXAMPLE.
HE DEMONSTRATED AN UNFLINCHING MORAL COMPASS AND DEFENSE OF THE MOST VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY.
HE SERVED US WITH INTEGRITY, AND HE SHALL BE MISSED.
MAYOR BRASH AND COUNCILWOMAN SANTIAGO HAVE EXPRESSED A LOT OF WHAT I WANT TO SAY.
HE STOOD UP AND FOUGHT FOR JUSTICE, AND HE PUSHED US TO MAKE THIS COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE.
HE'S ONE OF THE MOST POSITIVE PEOPLE THAT I EVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH, AND I CAN CALL HIM A FRIEND.
WE WERE ACTUALLY GOING BACK AND FORTH ON FACEBOOK THE NIGHT BEFORE HE PASSED, AND HE PUSHED US TO STAND UP FOR IMMIGRANTS AND TO STAND UP FOR WORKING PEOPLE.
HE COULD HAVE DONE ANYTHING WITH HIS LIFE, AND HE CHOSE TO SPEND HIS LIFE STANDING UP FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE.
I AM SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE KNOWN HIM.
I'M GRATEFUL FOR WHAT HE STOOD FOR.
THE PROMISE I WANT TO MAKE IS THAT WE'RE ALL GOING TO CONTINUE TO STAND AND TO FIGHT FOR DYLAN'S VALUES IN HIS HONOR AND TO THE FAMILY.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING HIM WITH US.
THERE'S NOTHING WE CAN SAY TO TAKE AWAY YOUR PAIN, BUT KNOW THAT HE WAS VERY LOVED AND WE'RE VERY GRATEFUL.
AT THIS MOMENT, WE'D LIKE TO CALL THE FAMILY UP.
AND BEN LAVENDER, OF COURSE, WHO WORKED CLOSELY WITH HIM EVERY DAY.
DYLAN'S SISTER ALYSSA IS GOING TO SAY A FEW WORDS.
LET ME JUST MOVE THIS DOWN TO MY LEVEL.
MY NAME IS ALYSSA RUSSO AND I AM DYLAN'S YOUNGER SISTER.
WE HAVE AN OLDER SISTER AS WELL.
UM, I JUST WANT TO THANK THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS, AS WELL AS THE COMMON COUNCIL FOR HAVING US HERE.
MY BROTHER WAS, UM, AN AMAZING PERSON FOR US.
HE WAS THE GLUE TO OUR FAMILY.
UM, AND AS WELL AS HIS DAUGHTER, WHO'S IN SPIRIT THROUGH HER MOM.
WHO'S HERE? UM, BUT HE CARED SO MUCH ABOUT HIS JOB.
HE CARED SO MUCH ABOUT SOCIAL JUSTICE.
HE CARED SO MUCH ABOUT MAKING SURE THAT EVERY SINGLE PERSON HAD EQUAL RIGHTS, MAKING SURE THAT EVERY SINGLE PERSON HAD A, YOU KNOW, LIVING WAGE.
AND SO JUST TO SEE THESE PROCLAMATIONS, WHEN WE WERE AT THE WAKE, WE HAD SO MANY PEOPLE COME UP TO US AND TELL US HOW AMAZING THE WORK THAT HE WAS DOING WAS.
WE KNOW THAT, BUT IT'S AMAZING TO HEAR IT.
AND SO IT'S JUST AN HONOR FOR ALL OF US TO BE HERE.
AND WE THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR FOR LETTING US SHARE THIS MOMENT.
WE EXTEND OUR SINCEREST CONDOLENCES.
I HAVE A PROCLAMATION TO GIVE TO THE FAMILY, AND I WON'T READ THE WHOLE THING, BUT THE LAST TWO PARAGRAPHS STATE WHAT NEEDS TO BE STATED.
I, JUSTIN BRASCH, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS, TO HONOR THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DYLAN ULYSSES VALET AND JOIN WITH HIS FAMILY, FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES AND THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY IN RECOGNIZING HIS EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTIONS AND MOURNING HIS PASSING.
AND BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED THAT THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS EXTENDS ITS DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND ENCOURAGES ALL RESIDENTS TO REFLECT UPON DILLON'S EXAMPLE OF SERVICE, UNITY AND COMPASSION, ENSURING THAT HIS LEGACY CONTINUES TO INSPIRE.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US THIS EVENING.
AND OF COURSE, IF WE CAN HELP WITH ANYTHING, WE HOPE YOU WILL REACH OUT TO US.
[00:10:02]
THANK YOU.AT THIS POINT, I WILL ASK THE CLERK TO PLEASE CONDUCT A ROLL CALL.
LET'S TAKE ONE MOMENT JUST FOR THE FAMILY.
[ Consent Agenda]
NOW, WE WILL CONTINUE WITH OUR REGULAR MEETING.COUNCILWOMAN PRESSER, DO WE HAVE A CONSENT AGENDA? YES. BEFORE I OFFER THE CONSENT AGENDA.
COUNCILMAN FREI-PEARSON AND COUNCILWOMAN SIMMONS ARE RECUSING THEMSELVES ON ITEMS 4849 RELATED TO THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES, ISSUANCE OF A MORTGAGE, RECORDING TAX AND SALES TAX EXEMPTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PARKING GARAGE ON EAST POST ROAD, WHITE PLAINS, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ELK POST ROAD GARAGE LLC.
UM, I WANT TO GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK.
AND IN ADDITION, COUNCILWOMAN SIMMONS IS RECUSING HERSELF ON ITEMS 5051 RELATED TO THE COMPENSATION FOR A CERTAIN POSITION OF THE WHITE PLAINS HOUSING AUTHORITY.
MISTER FREI-PEARSON AND MISS SIMMONS.
THANK YOU, COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRESSER.
UM, AS FOLKS WHO WHO WATCH THESE MEETINGS REGULARLY KNOW, I'M INVOLVED IN LITIGATION REPRESENTING WORKERS IN A CASE INVOLVING, UM, AN AFFILIATE OF WHITE PLAINS HOSPITAL SO AS TO AVOID THE APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY.
I WILL NOT BE VOTING ON ISSUES RELATING TO THE HOSPITAL.
UM, AS A CONSULTANT FOR WHITE PLAINS HOUSING AUTHORITY AND AS A FORMER FULL TIME EMPLOYEE, UM, THERE ARE MANY RESIDENTS WHO WILL BE LOSING THEIR PARKING ON THE WYNBERG SITE IN ORDER TO BUILD FOR THE HOSPITAL TO BUILD THIS NEW GARAGE.
AND THE RESIDENTS HAVE COME TO MEETINGS TO THE WHITE PLAINS HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD AND ARE SEEKING TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY HAVE AFFORDABLE PARKING IN THIS REPLACEMENT OF THESE 180 SPACES.
AND I JUST WANT THAT TO BE CONSIDERED THAT IT WILL BE AFFORDABLE FOR THEM, AND NOTHING THAT'S GOING TO KEEP THEM FROM HAVING PARKING IN THE FUTURE.
MADAM CLERK, CAN YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL? MR. CARUSO? YES. MR. FREI-PEARSON.
TONIGHT'S CONSENT AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS.
ITEMS ONE AND TWO ARE COMMUNICATIONS.
I'LL TAKE EVERY LINE I CAN GET.
I OFFER THE CONSENT AGENDA OF ITEMS ONE AND TWO AND FOUR THROUGH 56.
AND REQUEST UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO CONSIDER FOR ACTION.
THE ORDINANCE IS ON FOR A FIRST READING.
I FURTHER MOVE TO ADOPT THOSE ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS.
FILE AND SPREAD ALL COMMUNICATIONS.
REFER THOSE MATTERS THAT ARE NECESSARY TO THE APPROPRIATE CITY DEPARTMENTS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS AND FILE ANY ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENTS.
I THINK THAT UNFORTUNATELY WE NEED TO REDO THE ROLL CALL VOTE, SO WE'RE GOING TO DO THAT.
YES, MR. WOLFE? YES, MR. MAYOR.
[00:15:01]
MY APOLOGIES.WE'RE GETTING IT ALL STRAIGHT.
TONIGHT'S CONSENT AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS.
ITEMS ONE AND TWO ARE COMMUNICATIONS APPOINTING MEMBERS TO TWO COMMITTEES.
THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
FIRST OF ALL, I APPRECIATE THAT THE MAYOR HAS PUT ME.
I'M ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO'S GOING ON TO THIS COMMITTEE.
THIS COMMITTEE IS LARGELY A VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE, AND IT CONTAINS CITIZENS WHO GIVE THEIR THE PRICELESS GIFT OF THEIR TIME AND THEIR EXPERTISE INTO SOMETHING LIKE THIS.
THIS IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT FLIES UNDER THE RADAR IN TERMS OF RUNNING ANY COMMUNITY, BUT IT'S VITALLY IMPORTANT AND REALLY HELPFUL.
AND I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT I APPRECIATE THE MAYOR FOR PUTTING ME ON THIS COMMITTEE AND THAT REALLY APPRECIATE THE VOLUNTEERS WHO WORK ON IT.
VOLUNTEERISM IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS THAT KEEPS OUR COMMUNITY GOING IN OUR ENTIRE COUNTRY.
AND ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU TO ALL THE MEMBERS, THE VOLUNTEER MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE.
AS WE SAID GOODBYE TO ONE COMMUNITY ADVOCATE, WE WELCOME ANOTHER TO JOIN THE WHITE PLAINS RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD.
UM. I'M JUST I'M PROUD TO SAY THAT JENNIFER E CRUZ IS A LONGTIME WHITE PLAINS RESIDENT, WHERE SHE LIVES WITH HER HUSBAND AND THREE CHILDREN, AND SHE'S AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING SERVICE WITH THE PTA COUNCIL AND THE EASTVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL AND WHITE PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL PTA.
SHE BRINGS 22 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE AS A PROSECUTOR WITH THE BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, WHERE SHE CURRENTLY SERVES AS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AS A PARENT.
SHE HAS SEEN FIRSTHAND THE IMPACT OF THE WHITE PLAINS RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT, AS HER CHILDREN HAVE GREATLY BENEFITED FROM ITS PROGRAMS, BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY.
SHE VALUES THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCESSIBLE, HIGH QUALITY RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND STRENGTHENING THE ENTIRE WHITE PLAINS COMMUNITY.
SO I WELCOME MISS JENNIFER CRUZ CARDONA.
I WILL TAKE A MOMENT TO THANK COUNCIL MEMBER CARUSO AND COUNCILWOMAN SIMMONS FOR SERVING ON OUR BUDGET COMMITTEE.
AND I ALSO HAVE TO THANK JENNIFER CRUZ, WHO I KNOW IS JENNY CRUZ, FOR HELPING US OUT.
SHE ALWAYS HELPS US OUT IN OUR CITY.
SHE'S A VERY PROMINENT LAWYER IN THE BRONX ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, AND WE'RE VERY GRATEFUL THAT SHE'S GOING TO TAKE HER TIME AND ENERGY SERVE AND HELP ALL OF US.
ITEMS FOUR THROUGH SIX AMENDS CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND BY ESTABLISHING CAPITAL PROJECT C 5690.
UNTITLED WALLER AVENUE POCKET PARK.
MOST OF YOU KNOW, WE GOT SOME MONEY FROM THE STATE FOR A DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION GRANT.
THERE IS A LITTLE PARKING LOT ON WALLER, AND IT IS VERY MUCH NOT USED.
AND WE'RE GOING TO USE MONEY THAT WE WERE AWARDED BY THE STATE TO TURN IT INTO A LOVELY LITTLE NEIGHBORHOOD PARK.
AND I JUST THINK THAT'S A GREAT THING FOR OUR CITY, AND EVERYBODY SHOULD BE AWARE OF THAT.
ITEM SEVEN THROUGH TEN AMENDS THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND BY ESTABLISHING CAPITAL PROJECT C 5691 ENTITLED WATER STREET CONNECTOR.
ITEMS 11 THROUGH 15 AMENDS THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND AND AUTHORIZES THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS BY ESTABLISHING CAPITAL PROJECT NUMBER C 5692, ENTITLED MISCELLANEOUS STREET RECONSTRUCTION.
FY 26, ITEM 16 THROUGH 17 AUTHORIZED AN ADDITIONAL $126,250 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT.
SERIAL BONDS OF THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS.
COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER, STATE OF NEW YORK.
TO FINANCE THE ADDITIONAL COSTS OF THE ACQUISITION OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEMS. ITEMS 18 THROUGH 19 AMENDS THE ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CLOSURE OF CERTAIN PORTIONS OF PUBLIC STREETS FOR VARIOUS EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS TAKING PLACE IN 2026.
ITEMS 20 THROUGH 21 AUTHORIZES A LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANY OR RELATED ENTITY FOR THE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CERTAIN SIGNS EXTENDING INTO THE RIGHT OF WAY ON MAMARONECK AVENUE.
ITEMS 22 THROUGH 23 AUTHORIZES AN AGREEMENT WITH ALLIED UNIVERSAL SECURITY FOR SECURITY SERVICES AT CITY HALL.
AND YOU ACTUALLY TOUCHED ON A LOT OF WHAT I WANTED TO SAY DURING CITIZENS TO BE HEARD.
UM, MAYOR BRASH IS A HISTORIC MAYOR, AND THAT HE'S ONE OF TWO ORTHODOX JEWISH MAYORS SERVING CURRENTLY.
AND WE LIVE IN A TIME WHERE, UNFORTUNATELY, THERE'S WAY TOO MUCH POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE.
THE REASON WHY WE NEED SECURITY IN CITY HALL IS TO KEEP THE MAYOR BRASH, AND TO KEEP ALL THE CIVIL SERVANTS WHO WORK HERE SAFE.
THE REASON WHY WE'RE USING ALLIED SECURITY IS BECAUSE WE DON'T WANT TO TAKE OUR POLICE FORCE AND PROTECT POLITICIANS.
BALLROOM OR ANYTHING CRAZY TO KEEP PEOPLE SAFE.
WHAT WE'RE ASKING FOR IS THE BARE MINIMUM TO KEEP CITY HALL SAFE.
AND SO WE CAN REDIRECT THOSE RESOURCES AS WE ARE TO KEEPING DOWNTOWN WHITE PLAINS SAFE.
[00:20:03]
BECAUSE KEEPING CITIZENS SAFE IS THE PRIORITY.AT THE SAME TIME, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE SCOURGE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE DOESN'T VISIT WHITE PLAINS.
ITEMS 24 THROUGH 25 AUTHORIZES A GRANT FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY.
ITEMS 26 THROUGH 27 AUTHORIZES AN AGREEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEA WESTCHESTER COUNTY TASK FORCE.
ITEMS 28 THROUGH 29 AUTHORIZES AN AGREEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS.
UM, SO YOU'VE YOU'VE ALL HEARD THAT WE ARE ALREADY GETTING A NEW, UH, WALLER AVENUE PARK AT POCKET PARK.
AND MANY OF THE ITEMS THAT WE HAVE ON THE AGENDA ARE RELATED TO THE WHITE PLAINS RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT, OF WHICH I'VE BEEN A MEMBER FOR 15 YEARS.
AND AS ITS NEW CHAIR, UH, I WANTED TO SAY THAT I'M VERY PROUD OF THE PROGRAMS THAT WE HAVE AND OUR PHILOSOPHY OF INCLUSION, THAT IS TO SAY, WE DON'T TURN ANYONE AWAY.
AND WE WORK VERY HARD WITH AND FOR ALL FAMILIES TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR PROGRAMS AND EVENTS, INCLUDING THOSE YOU WILL HEAR ABOUT TONIGHT.
THANK YOU, COUNCILWOMAN SANTIAGO.
I WILL NOTE THAT THIS IS ABOUT THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION.
AND ON JULY 2ND, WE WILL, AS USUAL, BE AT THE HIGH SCHOOL TO CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY, CELEBRATE OUR COUNTRY.
AND WHILE WE'RE AT IT, CELEBRATING OUR FREEDOMS AND OUR LOVELY AND AMAZING COUNTRY.
WE'RE GOING TO EAT AND DRINK AND BE MERRY.
ITEMS 30 THROUGH 33 AUTHORIZES AGREEMENTS WITH THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER TO FUND THE CITY'S SENIOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AND RECEIVE FUNDING UNDER THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT TITLE THREE.
AUTHORIZES AN AGREEMENT WITH THE NEW YORK RANGERS, LLC FOR PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY IN THE JUNIOR RANGERS HOCKEY PROGRAMS. ITEMS 36 THROUGH 37 AUTHORIZES AN AGREEMENT WITH ARTS WESTCHESTER TO PROVIDE THE ARTS MOBILE AT VARIOUS DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS EVENTS IN THE SUMMER OF 2026.
ITEMS 38 THROUGH 43 AUTHORIZES AGREEMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS RELATED TO THE CITY'S WHITE PLAINS SOCCER FEST EVENT.
ITEMS 44 THROUGH 45 AUTHORIZES A GRANT FROM THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF STATE IN CONNECTION WITH ITS DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE.
COUNCILMAN FREI-PEARSON THANK YOU, MR. MAYOR.
I JUST WANT TO BRIEFLY NOTE THAT WE'RE BRINGING IN $2.995 $5 MILLION TO MAKE OUR CITY GREENER.
BOTH AT 73 WALLER AND AT A LINEAR PARK THAT CONNECTS HILLSIDE TERRACE TO DOWNTOWN.
AND AS A COUNCIL AND AS A CITY, WE'RE ALWAYS LOOKING TO GET MORE GREEN, AND I'M VERY PROUD TO SUPPORT IT.
ITEMS 46 THROUGH 47 AMENDS THE TRAFFIC ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS.
ITEMS 48 THROUGH 49, A RESOLUTION OF NO OBJECTION TO WESTCHESTER COUNTY INDUSTRIAL AGENCIES, ISSUANCE OF A MORTGAGE, RECORDING TAX AND SALES TAX EXEMPTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PARKING GARAGE ON EAST POST ROAD, WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK, FOR THE BENEFIT OF LC POST ROAD GARAGE, LLC.
ITEMS 50 THROUGH 51 APPROVES THE COMPENSATION OF CERTAIN POSITION OF THE WHITE PLAINS HOUSING AUTHORITY.
ITEMS 52 TO 54 AFFIRMS, ESTABLISHED AND REPORTS A STANDARD WORK DAY FOR THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL MEMBERS.
ITEM 55 TRANSMITS THE UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31ST, 2026.
ITEM 56 APPOINTS AND REAPPOINTED MEMBERS TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
BEFORE WE GO ON TO THE DISCUSSION PORTION OF OUR AGENDA, WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE A US REPRESENTATIVE, OUR US REPRESENTATIVE GEORGE LATIMER, WITH US.
CONGRESSMAN LATIMER'S DISTRICT INCLUDES ALL OF THE WHITE PLAINS.
EARLIER TODAY, MY STAFF AND I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH THE CONGRESSMAN AND HIS WHITE PLAINS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
STAFF. BEFORE WE MOVE ON TO OUR REGULAR BUSINESS, I CALL ON REPRESENTATIVE LATIMER, OUR FRIEND, TO PROVIDE A SHORT UPDATE TO THE COMMON COUNCIL AND HIS WHITE PLAINS CONSTITUENTS.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. MAYOR.
I APPRECIATE THE INTERRUPTION.
I KNOW YOU HAVE A LONG AGENDA, SO I'LL TRY TO MAKE IT SHORT.
I DO WANT TO THANK THE MAYOR AND THE CITY FOR HAVING THE ABILITY TO MEET WITH MY TEAM UP FROM WASHINGTON AND ALSO WHITE PLAINS IN THE BRONX, TO SORT OF GO OVER WHAT'S HAPPENING IN WHITE PLAINS.
WE WANT THEM TO SEE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES THAT WE REPRESENT IN THE DISTRICT AND UNDERSTAND WHAT SOME OF THE PRIORITIES ARE, AND FOR THE WASHINGTON STAFF TO SEE THEM IN PERSON SO THAT THEY CAN TRAVEL THROUGH.
WE'LL BE DOING THAT FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
AND WE STARTED OFF HERE IN WHITE PLAINS.
IT WAS A PLEASURE TO MEET WITH YOU AND YOUR STAFF.
I THINK IT WAS VERY PRODUCTIVE.
AND I ALSO WANT TO GIVE MY BEST WISHES TO COUNCILMAN CARUSO, WHO IS THE NEWEST OF THE MANY NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT YOU HAVE.
COUNCILMAN SIMMONS WAS NEW THE LAST TIME I WAS HERE.
AND COUNCILWOMAN ALICIA SANTIAGO AND COUNCILMAN WOLF WERE RELATIVELY NEW TO.
SO THERE'S A FRESH SET OF EYES HERE IN WHITE PLAINS.
[00:25:02]
THERE ARE MANY THINGS HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON.I WANTED TO DISTILL A FEW THINGS THAT AFFECT THE CITY PROPER.
THERE'S A TIME AND A PLACE TO DISCUSS THE MACRO ISSUES OF WASHINGTON, AND WE'LL LEAVE THAT FOR A DIFFERENT TIME AND PLACE THE THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING AS THEY MAY AFFECT THE CITY.
WE DON'T QUITE KNOW THAT THIS ADMINISTRATION IS PRONE TO DO THINGS VERY QUICKLY AND SURPRISINGLY.
AND SO WE'RE TRYING TO BE AS ALERT AS WE CAN THE THE HOUSE MAJORITY AND THE SENATE MAJORITY ARE BOTH IN SYNC WITH THE PRESIDENT.
SO MANY OF THE POLICIES THAT ARE HAPPENING ARE OVER THE OBJECTIONS OF THOSE OF US IN THE MINORITY, BUT I STILL HAVE TO SHARE THEM.
SO YOU KNOW HOW TO PLAN YOUR BUDGET AND YOU KNOW HOW TO PLAN THE POLICIES AS THEY'RE COMING OUT OF WASHINGTON.
AND I WOULD HOPE WE WOULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO ALTER THOSE POLICIES IN THE SHORT TERM AND PERHAPS CHANGE THE DECISION MAKERS COME NOVEMBER.
ONE BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL, ALSO CALLED THE BIG UGLY BILL IN THE IN THE PEJORATIVE SENSE OF IT, WAS A MASSIVE BILL PASSED LAST SUMMER.
IT HAS IMPACTS THAT HAVE NOT YET BEEN FELT IN THE COMMUNITY.
IT DID DO EFFECTS IN THE HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY, PARTICULARLY WITH THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT TAX CREDITS THAT WERE ENDED AS OF JANUARY 1ST, PUTTING PEOPLE WHO USE THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT, AKA OBAMACARE, IN A MUCH HIGHER PREMIUM BASIS.
SOMEBODY MIGHT HAVE PAID $2,500 A YEAR FOR THOSE HEALTH BENEFITS.
THE HOUSE WITH SOME UH, DIFFICULTY, UH, PASSED A BILL TO EXTEND THE THE TAX CREDITS RETROACTIVELY TO JANUARY 1ST, BUT THE SENATE HAS NOT YET ACTED ON THAT BILL.
SO AS IT STANDS NOW, THOSE PROVISIONS ARE IN EFFECT, AND PEOPLE ON THE ACA ARE HURT.
THERE'S A BIGGER HURT COMING IN 2027.
THERE ARE MAJOR CUTS TO THE MEDICAID PROGRAM, WHICH WILL AFFECT POOR PEOPLE AND THE HEALTH CARE THAT IS FUNDED FOR, IN LARGE PART BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
THOSE THOSE IMPACTS WILL HURT NOT ONLY INDIVIDUALS, BUT THEY WILL HURT THE INSTITUTIONS THAT SERVE THOSE INDIVIDUALS.
SO IF THERE'S MINIMAL MEDICAID FUNDING OR IT DROPS DRAMATICALLY, INDIVIDUALS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BUY THAT HEALTH CARE UNDER ANY OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES.
SO THEY WILL AVOID GETTING THE HEALTH CARE.
AND THAT WILL HAVE AN IMPACT ON ON THE HOSPITAL, WHITE PLAINS HOSPITAL, THE NURSING HOMES THAT ARE BASED HERE.
AND WE'RE CONCERNED THAT SOME HOSPITALS, BUT NOT NECESSARILY WHITE PLAINS, BUT SOME HOSPITALS ARE GOING TO BE THREATENED WITH EXISTENCE, CERTAINLY IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS AND IN SOME RURAL ENVIRONMENTS.
AND THERE ARE MANY OF THE NURSING HOMES THAT HAVE A CONSTITUENCY, THAT ARE MEDICAID PATIENTS THAT WILL LOSE A REVENUE STREAM AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE.
EACH INDIVIDUAL NURSING HOMES IN A DIFFERENT SITUATION, BUT THAT REDUCTION OF HEALTH CARE IS SOMETHING THAT WILL COME TO ROOST AT EVERY TOWN HALL, CITY HALL AND VILLAGE HALL.
AND WHAT HAPPENS TO INDIVIDUALS WHO FACE THAT PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT.
I WOULD HOPE WE HAVE TIME TO REVERSE THOSE DECISIONS, BUT WE HAVE TO BE WILLING TO DO THAT RIGHT NOW.
THE MAJORITIES ARE NOT WILLING TO DO THAT.
ALSO, IN THE BIG BEAUTIFUL, UGLY BILL ARE REDUCTIONS TO SNAP BENEFITS, FOOD BENEFITS.
THOSE CUTS WHEN THEY COME THROUGH NEXT YEAR WILL BE DRAMATIC.
I WILL PUT MORE PRESSURE ON THE EXCUSE ME FOR POPPING MY PEAS THERE.
IT WILL PUT GREATER PRESSURE ON THE EXISTING PROGRAMS FOR FOOD DISTRIBUTION.
YOU HAVE A NUMBER IN THE CITY OF VARIOUS CHURCHES.
WHICH WAY ALLIANCE DOES IT AND A NUMBER OF OTHERS DO AS WELL.
IT HAPPENS AT THE SLATER CENTER, AND THERE'S GOING TO BE MORE PRESSURE BECAUSE MORE PEOPLE WILL HAVE LESS SNAP BENEFITS.
THESE POLICIES ARE COUNTERPRODUCTIVE, BUT THOSE ARE THE POLICIES THAT WERE INITIATED IN HR ONE.
THE PRESIDENT'S 27 BUDGET ZEROES OUT THE CDBG PROGRAM.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.
WHITE PLAINS HAS ITS OWN ALLOCATION OF CDBG MONEY.
SO DOES THE OTHER MAJOR CITIES IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
THE COUNTY ITSELF HAS A CDBG PROGRAM OF URBAN CONSORTIUM FOR THE SMALLER COMMUNITIES THAT DON'T HAVE INDIVIDUAL ALLOCATIONS.
NOW, IN 26, THE PRESIDENT ALSO ZEROED OUT THE CDBG PROGRAM.
THE CONGRESS REFUNDED IT AT THE 24 LEVEL.
BUT THAT WAS A RESTORATION THAT CAME AS AN AMENDMENT TO WHAT THE PRESIDENT INTENDED.
IN 27, THE PRESIDENT ATTENDS, A PRESIDENT INTENDS TO ZERO OUT THE CDBG PROGRAM AS WELL, AND THE URBAN PROGRAMS THAT YOU RELY ON.
AND THERE'S SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS THE MUNICIPALITY.
YOU OBVIOUSLY WILL KNOW BETTER THE SPECIFIC WAYS HERE IN WHITE PLAINS.
BUT FRANK WILLIAMS'S PROGRAM THROUGH THE YOUTH BUREAU, FEDERAL MONEY ALL THROUGHOUT THAT AND WILL ALSO AFFECT THE MONEY THAT GOES TO THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND TO THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER, WHICH PASSED ITS WAY DOWN THERE.
PROGRAMS IN THE SENIOR CENTER FOR FEEDING.
THAT STARTS OUT WITH FEDERAL MONEY THAT FINDS ITS WAY THROUGH THE SYSTEM DOWN TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
THOSE THINGS ALSO REPRESENT A POTENTIAL CUT.
AND THE MORE MACRO PICTURE, THE WAR IN IRAN IS POSING AN IMMEDIATE PROBLEM WITH THIS, WITH THE BLOCKADES AND THE STRAITS OF HORMUZ THAT WILL CREATE RISING COSTS ACROSS THE BOARD, BOTH IN OIL AND GAS.
AND THE PRICE OF THE PUMP, WHICH WE'VE ALL SEEN HAS GONE UP IN THE LAST MONTH, IS FAIRLY SIGNIFICANTLY.
AND AND IN ADDITION, THE COST OF GOODS THAT ARE TRAFFICKED THROUGH THE PERSIAN GULF, WHICH THEN LEADS AROUND THE STRAITS OF HORMUZ, OUT TO THE GULF OF OMAN, AND EVEN THOSE ITEMS THAT ARE SHIPPED FROM OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD THAT GO NEAR THAT
[00:30:02]
AREA WHERE THERE MAY BE SOME HOSTILITIES, THE THE RED SEA, WHICH IS ON THE THE WEST SIDE OF THE ARABIAN PENINSULA, GOES UP TO THE SUEZ CANAL AND YOU GET ITEMS UP THE RED SEA AND THROUGH THE SUEZ CANAL INTO THE MEDITERRANEAN, MUCH QUICKER THAN GOING DOWN AROUND THE CAPE OF GOOD HORN IN AFRICA, WHICH IS MULTIPLE MORE DAYS, MULTIPLE MORE EXPENSE FOR A PRODUCT TO COME TO MARKET.AND WHAT HAPPENS IN THAT PARTICULAR SITUATION AT THIS POINT NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED.
OTHERWISE COSTS WILL CONTINUE TO RISE.
AND WHERE YOU HAVE CERTAIN PURCHASING ITEMS THROUGH THE THROUGH THE CITY, YOU'LL HAVE TO LOOK TO SEE IF THOSE PRICES ARE GOING TO HOLD.
AS THE YEAR GOES ALONG, THOSE PRICES COULD CONTINUE TO RISE.
WOULD BE AN EMERGENCY EXPENDITURE IN YOUR BUDGET, OR A COST THAT YOU DIDN'T ANTICIPATE BECAUSE YOU RIGHTLY PRICED THIS.
WHEN YOU'RE DOING YOUR BUDGET.
AND I KNOW YOU HAVE MID-YEAR BUDGETS, BUT YOU DO THAT ON THE BASIS OF WHAT YOU KNEW TO BE THE COST AT THAT TIME.
BUT IT AFFECTS A LOT OF THINGS.
IT AFFECTS FOOD COSTS BECAUSE THERE'S VARIOUS ITEMS FOR FERTILIZER THAT COME OUT OF THAT CORRIDOR AND THROUGH THE STRAITS OF HORMUZ THAT WON'T BE COMING OUT, AND A HOST OF OTHER DIFFERENT NATURAL ITEMS. THE TARIFF PROGRAM THAT THE PRESIDENT HAS IMPOSED WAS RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL BY THE SUPREME COURT.
BUT THE PRESIDENT DOES HAVE SOME OTHER TARIFF AUTHORITIES, AND HE HAS USED THE MORE TEMPORARY TARIFF AUTHORITIES TO MAINTAIN A SYSTEM OF TARIFFS.
THOSE TARIFFS HAVE REALLY BEEN USED AS A AS A NEGOTIATING WEAPON BETWEEN THE PRESIDENT AND OTHER COUNTRIES TO, TO TRY TO GAIN REVENUE ADVANTAGE OR SOME OTHER TRADE ADVANTAGES.
BUT WHAT THEY DO IS RAISE THE COST OF PRICE OF GOODS THAT WE BUY AS CONSUMERS, AND THAT YOU BUY AS A GOVERNMENT, AND EVERY BUSINESS BUYS AND EVERY NON-FOR-PROFIT BUYS AND SO FORTH.
SO WE'VE SEEN A RAISE IN PRICES BECAUSE OF THE TARIFFS.
THE SUPREME COURT REQUIRED HIM, THE ADMINISTRATION TO DEVELOP A REIMBURSEMENT PLAN.
BUT AT THIS POINT, NO FULL REIMBURSEMENT PLAN HAS BEEN AUTHORED AND PRESENTED TO KNOW HOW BUSINESSES AND OR CONSUMERS WOULD GET BACK THE MONEY THAT WAS ILLEGALLY IMPOSED BY THE TARIFFS IN THE FIRST PLACE, WHICH HE USED WHEN HE USED THAT SIDE OF HIS AUTHORITY.
CONSTITUTION IS CLEAR THAT THE TARIFF POWER BELONGS TO THE CONGRESS, AND THE CONGRESS DID NOT APPROVE THESE PARTICULAR TARIFFS.
WE'LL SEE HOW THAT HAPPENS IN THE DAYS TO COME.
THE LAST THING I WANT TO MENTION IS THE PRESENCE OF ICE.
WE'RE ALL FAMILIAR WITH WHAT HAPPENED IN MINNEAPOLIS A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO.
AND THE FACT THAT ICE IS, IS, IS HAVING AN AGGRESSIVE MEASURE OF IMPLEMENTING THE DETAINING OF PEOPLE, PERHAPS PEOPLE THAT SHOULD NOT BE DETAINED.
THERE'S NO JUDICIAL WARRANTS REQUIRED.
THEY'RE ACTING WITH AN ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY, NOT WITH A LEGAL AUTHORITY BY A COURT.
THERE'S NO IDENTIFICATION ON THEM.
SO UNLIKE THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS POLICE, UNLIKE THE COUNTY POLICE, THE STATE POLICE, THE FEDERAL MILITARY, WHERE THERE'S IDENTIFICATION BODY CAMERAS AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE.
ICE IS OPERATING OUTSIDE OF THAT.
WE MADE THE DECISION IN THE MINORITY TO RESIST PASSING THE ICE TO THE DHS BUDGET, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY BUDGET, OF WHICH ICE IS A COMPONENT PIECE.
BUT WE SAID TO OUR COLLEAGUES ACROSS THE AISLE, WE WILL PASS A DHS BUDGET IF YOU TAKE ICE OUT.
SO WE'LL FUND TSA, THE COAST GUARD, AND FEMA, SOME OF THE OTHER COMPONENT PARTS OF DHS.
78 DAYS AGO, WE MADE THAT COMPROMISE, THE MAJORITY REFUSED TO ACCEPT IT IN THE HOUSE.
AND THEN JUST LAST WEEK THEY ACCEPTED IT.
SO WE GOT THROUGH THAT SITUATION, WHICH MEANS THAT ICE IS NOT FUNDED AND REQUIRES A DIALOGUE.
BUT NOW WE HEAR THE ADMINISTRATION MAY FIGURE A WAY TO END RUN AROUND THAT, USING EMERGENCY FUNDING TO TO MAINTAIN THEIR FUNDING ADVICE WITHOUT HAVING TO MAKE ANY CHANGES TO THE ICE OPERATION, HOW THAT AFFECTS THE STREETS OF THE DAY TO DAY IN THIS COMMUNITY, HOW IT AFFECTS ORGANIZATIONS LIKE EL CENTRO, HISPANO AND OTHERS THAT SERVE THE MIGRANT COMMUNITY.
THE IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY IS YET TO BE DETERMINED, AND MY OFFICE IS PREPARED TO WORK WITH WITH YOUR OFFICES, WITH ANY OF THE NOT FOR PROFITS.
WE'VE BEEN DOING THAT ALREADY.
WE'VE HAD A NUMBER OF MEETINGS WITH THE HOST OF THESE GROUPS TO TRY TO BE AS PRODUCTIVE AS WE CAN, BUT AS YOU'VE SEEN ACROSS THE BOARD, EVEN WHEN MEMBERS OF CONGRESS GO TO THESE DETENTION CENTERS, THEY ARE REFUSED ENTRY.
SO EVEN BEING A MEMBER OF CONGRESS DOES NOT CARRY WEIGHT WITH THESE PEOPLE.
THEY'RE THERE TO EXECUTE A MISSION AS THEY SEE IT.
THERE'S ALWAYS TWO SIDES TO A DEBATE, AND I'M SURE THAT SOMEBODY ELSE OUT THERE WILL WANT TO DEBATE ME ON THESE ISSUES.
BUT TO UPDATE YOU AT LEAST TO LET YOU KNOW THESE ARE SOME OF THE ISSUES AT PLAY.
MR. MAYOR, I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS AND YOU CAN CUT ME OFF ANYTIME YOU WANT.
I THINK WE'LL JUST SAY THANK YOU.
CONGRESSMAN LATIMER, WE VERY MUCH APPRECIATE YOU COMING TO US AND GIVING US AN UPDATE.
AND IF YOU'D LIKE FOR ME AT SOME OTHER TIME AND WORK SESSION OR SOMETHING, THAT I'M HAPPY TO COME BACK OR REACH ON ZOOM TO ANSWER QUESTIONS YOU HAVE AND YOU CAN REACH OUT TO ME PERSONALLY IF YOU'D LIKE.
[3. Public Hearing in relation to the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget.]
THANK YOU AND HAVE A GOOD EVENING.NOW WE WILL MOVE ON TO THE DISCUSSION PORTION OF OUR AGENDA.
ITEM THREE IS A PUBLIC HEARING IN RELATION TO THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2026 2027 BUDGET.
IS THERE A MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING? I MOVE THAT THE PUBLIC HEARING BE OPENED.
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SECOND.I DECLARE THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AND GRANT THE PLEASURE OF THE FLOOR TO JAMES ARNETT TO SPEAK ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET.
I THINK WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A STATEMENT FROM BACK ON THERE ON THE BUDGET.
WE HAVE THE MACK CHAIR, MIKE STANTON.
I'M AWARE AS A FORMER MEMBER OF THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE, I AM PLEASED TO HONOR TO WELCOME OUR NEW CHAIR AND MIKE STEN, MICHAEL STEN, MIKE STANTON AS I KNOW HIM TO MAKE A REPORT TO US.
YOU'RE MISSED AS A MEMBER OF THE B MACK, BUT WE APPRECIATE YOUR BROADER SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.
COUNCIL MEMBER SUMMONS AND CARUSO WHO WILL BE JOINING US GOING FORWARD.
SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
UM, THE WHITE PLAINS BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, WE CALL IT B MACK, PROVIDES ANALYSES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CITY'S FISCAL AND PROGRAMMATIC OPERATIONS.
THE COMMITTEE ANNUALLY MEETS TO REVIEW THE PROPOSED BUDGET AND OFFER ITS OPINIONS TO THE COMMON COUNCIL AHEAD OF THE VOTE TO ADOPT IT.
AFTER OUR MEETING AND DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE BUDGET, WE PRESENT OUR CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS AS FOLLOWS.
THE 2020 627 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET SHOWS THE CITY REMAINS IN A STRONG FISCAL POSITION.
THAT POSITIVE OUTCOME IS THE RESULT OF THE CITY'S CLEAR, CONSERVATIVE, AND CONSISTENTLY APPLIED BUDGETING PRACTICES, AS WELL AS STRONG GROWTH IN SALES TAX REVENUES.
COMBINED, THAT SPENDING DISCIPLINE AND REVENUE GROWTH HAVE HELPED THE CITY BUILD AND MAINTAIN A SOLID FUND BALANCE, WHICH IS KEY TO MAINTAINING OUR AA ONE BOND RATING FROM MOODY'S.
THE FUND BALANCE ALSO PROVIDES A CUSHION AGAINST UNEXPECTED FISCAL OR ECONOMIC STRESS IN THE FUTURE, WHICH COULD LEAD TO OUTSIZED TAX INCREASES, SERVICE CUTS, OR BOTH.
THIS BUDGET APPROPRIATES $15.3 MILLION OF THAT FUND BALANCE FOR EXPECTED CURRENT YEAR NEEDS.
THAT'S DOWN $700,000 FROM LAST YEAR'S BUDGET, WHICH IS MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
BUT THAT'S ONLY PART OF THE STORY BECAUSE OF THE CITY'S CAREFUL APPROACH TO PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT.
ANNUAL EXPENSES TYPICALLY COME IN BELOW THEIR BUDGETED LEVEL, WHICH ALSO REDUCES THE ACTUAL DRAW ON THE FUND BALANCE.
WE ENCOURAGE THE CITY AND THE COUNCIL TO MAINTAIN THOSE SUCCESSFUL POLICIES AND OBSERVE THAT STRONG MANAGEMENT IS ALSO WHY THE CITY IS ABLE TO DEVELOP AN ANNUAL BUDGET THAT ALIGNS WITH NEW YORK STATE'S PROPERTY TAX FOR THE 15TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR.
THIS YEAR'S BUDGET CALLS FOR A 1.65% PROPERTY TAX LEVY INCREASE, WHICH IS WELL BELOW THE 2.95% LIMIT, AND WHITE PLAINS HAS NEVER REQUIRED AN OVERRIDE OF THE CAP.
THE COMMITTEE BELIEVES WHITE PLAINS CONSERVATIVE APPROACH TO BUDGETING IS APPROPRIATE BECAUSE THE CITY IS LIKELY TO FACE INCREASING COSTS TO MAINTAIN THE SAME LEVELS OF STAFFING AND SERVICES, BOTH IN THIS YEAR'S BUDGET AND BEYOND.
THAT INCLUDES THE SIMPLE IMPACT OF INFLATION.
FUEL IS A MAJOR EXPENSE FOR OUR TWO LARGEST DEPARTMENTS PUBLIC SAFETY AND PUBLIC WORKS, AS WELL AS CONTINUING PRESSURE ON EMPLOYEE BENEFIT COSTS.
BENEFITS, COSTS, PRIMARILY RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTIONS AND HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ACTIVE AND RETIRED EMPLOYEES ARE EXPECTED TO CLIMB 9.3% THIS YEAR, CONTINUING A MULTI-YEAR TREND.
IN ADDITION, THE STATE LEGISLATURE IS CONSIDERING RESTRUCTURING THE RETIREMENT SYSTEM TO RETROACTIVELY INCREASE BENEFITS FOR EXISTING EMPLOYEES, KNOWN AS FIXED TIER SIX.
LEGISLATIVE NEGOTIATIONS ARE ONGOING AND FEW DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE, BUT THERE IS A RISK THAT THIS CHANGE COULD BECOME AN UNFUNDED MANDATE FOR WHITE PLAINS AND OTHER CITIES, TOWNS, AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS STATEWIDE, MAKING FUTURE BUDGETS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO BALANCE.
IN THE LONGER TERM, WE APPRECIATE THE COMMON COUNCIL'S ADOPTION OF A LONG TERM CAPITAL PLAN THAT IS TRANSPARENT IN SHOWING THE CITY'S NEED TO SPEND SIGNIFICANTLY MORE OVER THE NEXT SIX YEARS TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE ITS INFRASTRUCTURE.
THESE INVESTMENTS ARE NECESSARY TO MAKE SURE THE CITY'S AGING INFRASTRUCTURE REMAINS AVAILABLE AND SAFE FOR RESIDENTS, BUT THEY WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY A LONG TERM INCREASE IN DEBT AND ANNUAL INTEREST COSTS.
THE COUNCIL SHOULD ACTIVELY CONSIDER OPPORTUNITIES TO LIMIT THE IMPACT OF THOSE INVESTMENTS ON THE GENERAL FUND, WHICH COULD INCLUDE DEDICATING ONE TIME REVENUES, LIKE THE REIMBURSEMENT FUNDS RECEIVED IN CONNECTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE GARAGE PROJECT AT WHITE PLAINS HOSPITAL TO THE DEDICATED DEBT SERVICE FUND BALANCE.
THE COMMITTEE INTENDS TO CONTINUE TO EXPLORE THOSE AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO ENHANCE BUDGETARY STABILITY, AND LOOKS FORWARD TO ENGAGING WITH THE COUNCIL IN THE COMING YEARS.
FINALLY, WHILE THE CITY'S REVENUE RESULTS HAVE BEEN POSITIVE AND HAVE GENERALLY OUTPERFORMED NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES, THE COUNCIL SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THE FORECASTS INCLUDE A LEVEL OF UNCERTAINTY.
SALES TAXES, WHICH HAVE GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY ACROSS THIS DECADE, NOW ACCOUNT FOR 27% OF THE BUDGET, AND THEY ARE LIKELY TO BE VOLATILE IN THE EVENT OF A NATIONAL RECESSION.
THE CITY ALSO FACES UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THE LONG TERM STABILITY OF NEW REVENUE STREAMS, RANGING FROM CANNABIS RELATED TAXES TO FINES FOR DRIVERS WHO ILLEGALLY PASS SCHOOL BUSES.
THE CITY RECEIVES LIMITED DIRECT AID FROM OTHER LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT, BUT CHANGES TO STATE AND FEDERAL POLICIES LIKE THE ONES WE JUST HEARD ABOUT, COULD STILL HAVE AN IMPACT AND WILL NEED TO BE MONITORED.
[00:40:02]
THE COMMITTEE BELIEVES THAT THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 2026 AND 27 EFFECTIVELY TRANSLATES THE CITY'S PRINCIPLES INTO POLICY.IT SUPPORTS RESPONSIBLE FISCAL MANAGEMENT TO MAINTAIN IMPORTANT SERVICES AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN WAYS THAT LEAD TO LONG TERM, LONG TERM STABILITY FOR OUR RESIDENTS.
THE COUNCIL SHOULD RECOGNISE THE MAINTAINING THAT BALANCE IS CHALLENGING AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE SO.
SO WE ENCOURAGE THE CITY TO CONTINUE TO BE CONSERVATIVE IN REVENUE PROJECTIONS AND BE VIGILANT WHEN TAKING ON LONG TERM SPENDING OBLIGATIONS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION.
BEFORE YOU STEP DOWN, I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU.
I KNOW IT'S HARD TO WRITE THAT REPORT TO BE THE CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE, AND I WILL SPEAK ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL AND ACTUALLY THE CITIZENS OF WHITE PLAINS THAT WERE EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO YOU AND THE COMMITTEE FOR ALL THAT YOU DO.
WE KNOW THAT YOU WORK HARD, YOU SPEND TIME ANALYZING THE BUDGET, AND YOU THINK VERY HARD ABOUT WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS AND WHAT ANALYSIS TO PRESENT TO US.
AND WE'RE VERY GRATEFUL TO YOU AND YOUR COMMITTEE.
PLEASE MAKE SURE TO THANK THEM ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE.
IS THERE ANYONE FROM THE PUBLIC THAT WISHES TO SPEAK.
I WILL ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
WELL, THAT CONCLUDES OUR MEETING FOR THIS EVENING.
UH, I WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY FOR COMING AND FOR PARTICIPATING.
AND REMEMBER THAT WE ARE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP.
AND THAT IS WHAT WE ALWAYS TRY TO DO IN OUR CITY.
AND I HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONTINUE TO REACH OUT TO ME AND MY COLLEAGUES WHEN WE CAN BE OF ASSISTANCE.
EXCELLENT. THAT
PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.