What happened at this week’s Board of Trustees meeting?
BY DEBORAH SKOLNIK
Last Tuesday’s Board of Trustees meeting was relatively brief, but filled with community updates and information.
It kicked off with Mayor Justin Arest reminding the community that March 18th is the annual Village election day. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., during which time residents are urged to vote for a new mayor and three trustees.
A high point of the meeting was an update from Trustee Karen L. Brew about Sushi, the police department’s canine officer, who recently visited Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling services. Jay Genova, head of the organization, said that Sushi brought smiles and a sense of calm to everyone she met. Brew made a second announcement about the Village’s attempts to bridge cultural divides. Efforts are being made to engage a large senior Chinese population. To that end, the Scarsdale Family Counseling’s aging in place coordinator is working with a student organization, the Chinese Intergenerational Impact Group to find ways to engage all senior residents and overcome language barriers. Brew also announced that Wednesday, April 30, at 7 p.m. there will be an discussion of domestic violence at the library. The event, titled "It Ends with Us: An Exploration of Domestic Violence," is part of Scarsdale's ongoing commitment to community education and support.
Trustee Ken Mazer next shared an announcement from Scarsdale Parks: On March 16th, they will teach residents how to cut invasive vines that are damaging trees. The Westchester Country Department of Public Works will be presenting a presentation on driving safety for seniors, and two local assisted living facilities will soon offer free tours, at least one with transportation offered. The Village is also hiring a virtual chief information officer at a cost of some $70,000 for a one-year term.
The Village clerk is directed to take the necessary steps to file and publish a local law regarding tennis sport fences, and a new sculpture will be installed in Chase Park. It will feature an illuminated crescent moon, to celebrate Ramadan and Eid. In addition, a sanitation yard vehicle scale will be installed at the sanitation department.
The Village deputy treasurer reported tax collection rate percentages in the high 90s.
Key approvals were:
Approval of a virtual Chief Information Officer to oversee technology management.
Amendments to local laws concerning tennis court fence sizes.
Awarding contracts for organic lawn maintenance and athletic field services.
Authorization of a Ramadan light sculpture installation in Chase Park, symbolizing cultural inclusivity.
Approval of a sanitation yard vehicle scale to improve waste management efficiency.