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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 20 May 2020

Created: 20 May 2020

Last Updated: 20 May 2020

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Dear Scarsdale Board of Education,
The Scarsdale High School PTA Executive Committee supports the proposed 2020-2021 school budget as adopted by the Scarsdale Board of Education on May 13th.

We extend our gratitude and appreciation to the Board of Education, and the District and School Administrations for all their hard work in developing the proposed School Budget for 2020-2021. This is a challenging process under the best of circumstances and the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 health crisis has made this year's budget process significantly more difficult. We feel that the Board and the District Administration have created a budget that not only provides the financial support to maintain the educational excellence of our schools and to preserve the property values of our homes, but also, with only a 1.19% increase over this year’s budget, responds to the real concerns of our taxpayers in these uncertain economic times.

In addition, we applaud the Board's decision to use $700,000 from Debt Service, that was earmarked in the 2014 School Bond for repairs and renovations to the high school auditorium, to complete several updates to the auditorium that are critical to the safety and education of our students. This use of funds accomplishes these much needed repairs with zero increase to the total budget.

We commend the Board of Education, the District and High School Administrations for their commitment to the education of our students and thank them for their time, expertise and responsiveness during this budget process.

The Scarsdale High PTA Executive Committee
Deb Morel, President
Leanne Freda, President-Elect
Rokaya Hassaballa, VP Membership & Events
Jennifer Rossano, VP Programming & Volunteers
Seema Jaggi, Treasurer
Beth Cukier, Recording Secretary
Dana Matsushita, Corresponding Secretary

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 27 May 2020

Created: 27 May 2020

Last Updated: 28 May 2020

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Photo Credit Jon MarkThe Mayor was pleased to report that Phase 1 of the re-opening in Westchester County began on Tuesday May 26. Though Phase 1 still entails many limitations, it is hoped that Phase 2, which includes a broader opening of retail activity, professional services and real estate, will be announced in the coming weeks. The Mayor is really looking forward to getting a haircut (see the Mayor’s complete comments below.)

Samwick announced that Trustee Jane Veron will be working with Village staff and the Scarsdale Business Alliance to assist with the re-opening and to identify opportunities for collaboration between the business community and the Village to revive local business.

During his remarks, Village Manager Steve Pappalardo said he was also looking forward to his first visit with the barber. He anticipates that Phase 2 of the re-opening should follow in two weeks. He announced that the land use boards have resumed their meetings and that applications for the Building Department can be deposited in a lock box at Village Hall.

The new tax roll will be posted on or before June 1 and Grievance Day is June 16. Anyone wishing to grieve should schedule an appointment on the Village website. For the first time in history, grievances will be heard in an online meeting.

About recreation, Pappalardo discussed the Village’s decision to cancel camp this summer but he is hopeful that some week-long summer programs for kids will still be held. He expects that the Scarsdale Pool will be not able to open before July 18, and if it does open, pool permit prices will be pro-rated to reflect the shortened season.

Tennis courts are now open and reservations are required. Only singles can be played – no doubles – and players are required to check in with the attendant at the courts and wear a face mask when checking in. The bathrooms at the courts remain closed.

Pappalardo announced that the Village Manager has appointed a committee to come up with a safety plan for the re-opening of Village Hall. The committee will make recommendations on employee safety, social distancing, PPE, staggered work schedules, temperature screening, contact tracing, disinfectant, wall mounted hand sanitizers and more.

Extension of Parking Permits

After discussion and surveys of other municipalities the village decided to extend parking permit expirations from June 30 to September 30. People have not been parking or using their permits due to the crisis and this gives them compensation for their loss.

Tax Billing in InstallmentsEric Buckmeyer, SHS Class of 2008, painted this 11 X 14 canvas while in quarantine. He developed an interest in art in middle school. The painting illustrates stimulus money relief for New Yorkers fighting the virus.

Prior to the Village Board meeting on May 26, the board held a working session to discuss installment tax payments for both school and village taxes. The Village Board had previously received a memo from the School Board stating their support for installment billing of school taxes to allow split payments in September and January.

Village Treasurer Mary Lou McClure prepared a report on the plan, saying “The question has come up several times over the years. The School Board (previously) did not address it because of the potential loss of income.” She said, if Scarsdale does move to split payments, “this would put us on the same schedule as most of the communities in the county.”

She added that the “Village would lose penalty income and we would probably incur additional costs,” but recognized that this would be a good way to offer taxpayer relief during the pandemic. Village taxes would be due in July and September.

How much revenue would the Village lose? McClure reported that in 2018-19 penalties from school taxes alone were $198,000. There would be no additional cost for billing software as their provider can make this change without a fee. McClure suggested that the Village utilize a lock box to accept payments as it would cut down on the need for personnel. The box would cost $2,200 per month. The Village would also encourage online payments which cuts down on administrative costs.

All the trustees concurred that they would like to implement this change for both school and Village taxes, though Mayor Samwick cautioned that if the Village lost $100,000 in revenue these costs would need to be passed on to taxpayers with an increase in the budget.

The trustees also discussed asking the School Board to pass a referendum authorizing split tax payments but agreed they would move forward with implementing this change in the interim.

During Public Comments Bob Berg reminded the trustees that he had raised the idea to offer installment tax payments in the spring. He said, “Every single town in Westchester had adopted the split payment plan.” He said, “It’s deplorable the Village failed to offer this option for years,” and called tax penalties, “loan shark penalties.”

Mayor Samwick addressed Berg saying, “I am distressed that you refer to the penalties as “loan shark like.” All penalties are stipulated by the county and the state and they are uniform by region. It wouldn’t be fair to those who pay on time if late payers are not penalized.”

Randy Whitestone agreed with Justin Arest that if implemented, tax installment payments should be monitored on an ongoing basis. He agreed with Trustee Veron on the importance of educating and communicating so that residents understand the change and asked for research on how it would impact cash flows.

Bob Harrison spoke in favor of the installment payment plan. He questioned why the Village Board needed a resolution from the School Board, saying “they are clearly in favor of it. Don’t hold it up.” He thanked Village managers for taking a pay freeze and asked the school administration to do the same.
In other business, the trustees passed the following resolutions:

A resolution for a license agreement with Lola and Leonard Tanzer, the owners of 17 Grand Park Avenue, for a gated entrance that encroaches 12 feet into the Village right of way.

A license agreement to permit the owner of 862 Scarsdale Avenue to install a pedestrian ramp to the entrance.

A resolution to approve $22,490 in moving and storage fees for the library due to the later completion date for the library.

Barbara Shay McDonald was appointed as Village Historian, replacing Lucas Meyer.

Jack Miller was appointed to serve on the Planning Board to fill the unexpired term of Dan Steinberg.

Here are the Mayor’s comments:

Phase 1 Reopening – NY Forward
Today, we reached a milestone and have reopened in Phase 1 of the Governor’s NY Forward plan. This milestone, while significant after over two months of restrictions, remains somewhat limited. Permitted activities under Phase 1 include construction, wholesale trade, and manufacturing activities as well as curbside pickup of certain retail. Phase 1 is expected to lead to further openings in the coming weeks. Phase 2 includes a broader opening of retail along with professional services, administrative support and real estate. Personally, I am counting down the days until I can get a haircut in Phase 2. In the meantime, I will continue to rock my throwback to the 1970s. At least I take comfort in knowing that I am not alone in this extremely popular fashion trend.

Returning to the more serious impacts of COVID-19 and NY Forward, the reopening has commenced and planning for future phases has also started. Village has a role to play, particularly with respect to assisting our Village merchants to reopening and reviving their businesses. There are Village codes and other requirements that local businesses must adhere to. The Village is looking for ways to think out of the box to achieve flexible solutions to help local merchants succeed in the transition to post-COVID operations. To that end, I have asked Trustee Veron to be the point person to work with Village staff, the Scarsdale Business Alliance and local merchants to see where creative solutions may assist in reopening of businesses. I have to admit that, while eager to appoint Trustee Veron to this role, I really had very little to do with it – she had been rallying the various constituents for many weeks. Trustee Veron’s energy, enthusiasm, intelligence, creativity and knowledge of our Village make her the ideal person for this role. We look forward to this collaborative effort and the benefits that will come from this talented collective group.

Our progress reaching Phase 1 of NY Forward has been a direct result of our vigilance in following the Governor’s Executive Orders. Our future progress remains in our hands. Please continue to social distance, wear a face covering, wash your hands, and help your neighbors, especially those most at risk. Perhaps most importantly, stay home when you are not feeling well. We remain in this together and all of our actions matter – they determine the future path we will face.

EMS Week
Last week was Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps (SVAC), which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has always delivered exemplary care but they have never been more critical to our community than they have since the onset of this pandemic. SVAC's volunteers are residents of Scarsdale and its neighboring communities. These men and women are models of selflessness and Scarsdale’s motto of non sibi.

Many in the community mistakenly believe that SVAC is funded by the real estate taxes we pay to the Village. This is false. SVAC is primarily run on the generous donations of Scarsdale’s residents through tax deductible donation. In a typical year, SVAC relies upon such donations to respond to approximately 1,500 emergency calls.

Thank you hardly seems enough for the life-saving work of our EMS workers, and I would like to offer a way we can demonstrate our gratitude to our treasured ambulance corps, now and every year during SVAC’s annual fund drive.

To learn more about SVAC or to make a much-needed contribution, please visit: http://www.scarsdalevac.com. Donations may also be made by mailing a check to SVAC, P.O. Box 92, Scarsdale, NY 10583. Thank you in advance for supporting our ambulance corps.

To all of our EMS workers and your families, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your sacrifice and dedication have helped our community immeasurably over the past 50 years and never more so than today. Scarsdale and each of its residents owe you an immeasurable debt of gratitude.

Pedestrian Safety
As we approach June and the weather continues to improve, please be cautious when driving, walking, running or bicycling. Our streets are busier than usual with more people at home. Also, as we are in Phase 1 of NY Forward, there will be increased vehicular traffic and more construction and landscaping vehicles parked on our roadways. Please slow down and remain aware of your surroundings as you travel around the Village.

Celebrations and Remembrances
This is a season of celebrations and remembrances, including Memorial Day as well as college and high school graduations. Each of these events has been muted this year. Yet we have seen creative community and family approaches to celebrate the achievements of our daughters, sons, students, friends and neighbors. Scarsdale High School teachers paraded past each senior’s house and posted Class of 2020 signs with car horns blaring and teachers cheering. I have seen many families have similarly creative celebrations for the Class of 2020. While this is no substitute for Senior Options, Prom and Graduation, it is heartening to see people celebrating the achievements of our Senior Class.

We have seen similar sacrifices and family creativity for graduating college seniors. To Scarsdale’s graduating classes of 2020 – this marking of your major achievement is not taking place as anyone would have expected, but please know that we remain so proud of your achievements and your future remains bright – even if may take a little longer to get started.

Lastly, Memorial Day was celebrated yesterday. While it wasn’t the celebration we are accustomed to, we still took time to recall the adversity this country has faced throughout its history and we remembered the strength and unity we have repeatedly displayed. We think of those who have lost loved ones and their sacrifice, and we thank them for their service to our nation. We remember the significant price paid by those who preserved our freedom – freedom that we can have greater appreciation for as a result of the current restrictions that we are using to fight COVID-19.

While we are still firmly in the grasp of this pandemic, we must continue to have hope – hope for health, safety, and freedom. We will come out of this together as a stronger community and country.

Please take care of one another, continue to do your part to stem the tide of this disease, and be well.

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 13 May 2020

Created: 13 May 2020

Last Updated: 14 May 2020

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A rainbow on Fox Meadow Road: Photo credit: Susan GronerMayor Marc Samwick opened the May 12 Village Board Meet with the following update on the COVID outbreak, the re-opening process and an update on the possibility of paying school taxes in two installments: Here are his comments:

I would like to start with an update on the pandemic. Westchester County has had 31,384 cumulative positive cases of COVID-19, or about 9.3% of the statewide total. Devastatingly, the County has seen 1,227 fatalities. That is 1,227 people that were here two months ago and have been lost to this disease. We all know people who are included in this staggering number and we are worse off for their departure. One small modicum of positive news in this statistic is that the County’s fatalities total 5.7% of the statewide total, well below our percentage of positive cases.

Now, moving onto Scarsdale: The Village has had 345 positive Corona cases. The County Executive has been tracking “active cases” by subtracting the number of cases that we had two weeks ago. The assumption behind this methodology is that cases usually resolve within two weeks. Based on the County Executive’s methodology, Scarsdale is down to 6 positive COVID cases. Please keep in mind that all of the statistics I just shared are based on reported positive test results. There are a few reasons to believe that the reported statistics underrepresent the actual number of cases. First, not all positive cases are tested. Second, not all test results may make the State Department of Health list, including tests that occurred out of state or out of the County. From the start of the pandemic, it was clear that the statistics were not fully capturing the number of positive cases. While that remains frustrating, important information remains in the data we do have, namely, the trend – and that is unambiguously positive.

Based on the positive trends, the Governor has started the process of opening segments of the economy in portions of the state. The Governor has announced seven metrics that will dictate when the economy may start to reopen, including hospital and infection data and trends as well as testing and tracing capacity. Westchester County has satisfied five of the seven metrics and expects to meet the remaining two criteria within the coming weeks. Once a region is cleared to start opening its economy, there will be a four-phased reopening of business, starting with lower infection and higher economic impact industries, including manufacturing, construction and retail for curbside pick-up.

New York State, Westchester County and Scarsdale have fared better than original projections of COVID impacts. The single most important reason for the relatively positive performance is that we have collectively listened to the Governor and restricted our movement and social interaction. As we enter the next phase of addressing the pandemic, it is just as important that we follow the Governor’s direction. I found the Governor’s NY Forward – A Guide to Reopening New York and Building Back Better to be a useful document to understand the reopening process. You will be able to find the document on the Village website on the COVID-19 page should you wish to review it.

Please continue to wear face masks, wash your hands, social distance, and comply with the Governor’s guidelines. We will continue to have better outcomes if we comply with these guidelines. Our continued progress and ability to open more segments of our economy is directly linked to our cooperation.

School Taxes
The Town of Scarsdale is the billing and collection agent for real estate taxes paid to the School District. Historically, the School taxes have been collected once a year with a September 30th due date. Today, the Village received a letter from the School Board President in support of a transition to a 2-installment collection of School taxes, with collections in September and January.

This topic has been discussed periodically in Scarsdale. At this time of strong economic impacts resulting from COVID-19, we are all seeking ways to make it easier for residents to meet their tax obligations – through austerity spending measures, establishment of reserve funds, reduced tax increases, spreading out payments, and other measures. The Village Board has not yet had an opportunity to discuss any proposed change to the collection of School taxes, though the Village Board has steadfastly expressed its desire to provide relief to residents during this very difficult economic time.

I propose that staff prepare an analysis of the impacts of the proposed change in the collection of School taxes and that the Board conduct a work session on this topic prior to the regularly scheduled Village Board meeting on May 26th. There will be fiscal and operational impacts associated with the proposed change and it is important for the Village Board to have sufficient information to make an educated decision on this matter. To provide staff with a sense of the Village Board’s initial thoughts on the proposed change in collection of School taxes, I invite any Board member who wishes to do so to share a summary of their initial comments on this matter.

Commenting on tax payments in installments trustees said the following:

Justin Arest said, “We are united as Scarsdale Trustees to help provide relief to taxpayers during this incredibly challenging time. We should certainly proceed to installments. It will have impacts on our budget as well and we must be prepared. Anything we can for our most impacted residents and merchants must be discussed”

Lena Crandall said, “I am certainly in favor of a second school tax payment in January. I need to learn more about what our extra administrative costs might be. What do our neighboring villages do? If there is some way for us to recoup our extra administrative costs I would like to learn more about that.”

Jonathan Lewis said, “I think this is an important initiative. We are suffering through the greatest economic crisis since the depression – and it’s not just economic. It’s a threat to their families and their loved ones. It is incumbent upon to find out how we can help them. We need more information on how this would affect us. How would this impact our reserves? We need to model out these potential changes on reserve levels and find the point up to which we will not go and then be as innovative as we can to provide relief…. This is an opportunity for us to be evolutionary and revolutionary to help our neighbors with the relief that they need.”

Jane Veron said, “I want to lend my voice to my colleagues. These are extraordinarily difficult times and I want to do what we can to help our fellow taxpayers. We need to assess the impact – and I want to do what we can to help those experiencing hardship.”

Village Manager Steve Pappalardo announced the following:

Tax Roll

Village Assessor Victoria Sirota and her staff have been working on the Village assessment roll which will be filed on June 1, 2020. If you have questions about your assessment, you can schedule an online meeting with Sirota between June 1-12.

This year, the Board of Assessment Review will also be meeting online to review grievances. You can schedule an appointment by calling (914) 722-1133.

Parking Permits

Due to the closure of Village Hall, parking permits for Village-owned lots for the coming year we will be sold by mail, not in person. This will avoid long lines and social distancing issues at Village Hall.

Election

The election for Scarsdale Village Trustees has been rescheduled for September 15, per the Governor’s Executive Order.

Day Camp and Pool

Pappalardo said there has been no clear decisions from the government on whether or not the summer camp and pool can open this summer. The deadline for the Village is the next five days. They have already spent $30,000 on the pool in case it can open, but $25,000 of that is for supplies that can be kept for next year in the event the facility remains closed.

Time is ticking on the ability of the Village to open the day camp. Pappalardo said the Village needs a relaxation of the six-foot social distancing requirement to open the day camp.

However, he does anticipate that the Governor will relax orders on tennis and that the Village tennis courts can open soon. The staff is reviewing tennis protocols from the USTA to determine what rules might apply.

Paving

Manager Pappalardo announced that $498,0000 of repaving will be done on Fox Meadow Road, Ridgecrest East and West and Grand Park Road. This work is being financed by Con Edison who ripped up the roads when replacing utility lines and are now required to do curb to curb road replacement if they disrupt the roadway. The work will begin soon.

Village

Some Village restaurants have requested permits to open sidewalk cafés. Representatives from the Village will meet with selected members of the Scarsdale Business Alliance to discuss the current state of the Village and what would be needed to re-open.

Memorial Day

American Legion Post 52 is planning a short service to commemorate veterans at their memorial in front of Kid’s Base on Mamaroneck Road. Members of the public who want to attend should wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

Other Business:

Food Scrap Pilot Program

The Village Board passed a resolution to enter a pilot program for food scrap recycling with Westchester County. Food scraps from Scarsdale will be sent to the county’s Yonkers Transfer Station beginning in June 2020 for a period of six weeks. The Village currently pays tipping fees to send our food scraps to Ulster County. This pilot program will save the Village about $2,000 in tipping fees.

Personnel Changes:

Longtime Village Planner Elizabeth Marrinan is retiring and will be replaced by Greg Cutler. He is currently the Director of Planning for the Town of Mamaroneck.

John Clapp was appointed Chair of the Scarsdale Planning Board, replacing Dan Steinberg who resigned.

Larry Medvinsky was appointed Chair of the Advisory Council on Parks and Recreation.

Trustee Jane Veron thanked Liz Marrinan for 20 years as the Village Planner. She called her “an incredible font of knowledge.” She said, “I want to welcome Greg Cutler who has big shoes to fill but is up to the challenge.” She thanked Dan Steinberg and called him a “steady, intelligent force on the Planning Board, saying, “We are immeasurably grateful.”

Veron also thanked for Diane Greenwald who completed two terms as Chair of the Library Board, and later transitioned to an “architectural design wonder,” overseeing the construction of the library. Veron said, “Her term is up on the Library Board but her work continues.”

In public comments, Bob Berg claimed credit for suggesting installment payment for school taxes saying, “I suggested it to the school board at the time.” He called the Village’s late tax payment penalties “extortionary,” and said “Every single town in Westchester except Scarsdale has adopted the two-part tax payment plan for school and village taxes. There is no reason why we should not be doing it.” He suggested that in order to avoid additional processing costs, the Village mail one envelope with two payment coupons to be remitted in September and January.

Randy Whitestone thanked first responders and Village staff and made three points:

“First, what have we learned from this extraordinary period that will be instructive in running the business of the village going forward. We have learned to expect the unexpected in ways we could not have imagined three or four months ago. What this means in practical terms is that we should think of the budget in new ways, making it more modular and able to hinge spending based on circumstance – in essence, to ‘toggle’ spending. We will sorely need that flexibility in months to come, but if we rethink the budget process going forward, we can better incorporate this idea of “if-then” planning. …. And I do support analysis of allowing tax payments to be spread out into two installments.

Second, a rethought budget process should have as one of its pillars an openness to ideas and creative thinking. Should we think about different ways to bring thoughtful participants into the process? We have already seen how technology has spread a wide net for people to offer comments and ideas…. By the same token, I hope, continue to see going forward, is a continuing dialogue with residents about how to deal with this damaging shortfall we have encountered.

Finally, in future I’d like to see the village set strategic goals to guide its budgeting process, enunciating our priorities and what we stand for BEFORE we start talking about any numbers. Tactics flow from strategy and numbers should not be ends unto themselves, they should flow from what we are trying to accomplish as a village, both in the short and long term. Like the state slogan, let’s build our budget back better.”

Mayra Kirkendall Rodriguez said she was happy to hear about the road repairs. As the secretary of the Old Scarsdale Neighborhood Association she asked to know more so that she could inform residents as soon as possible. She agreed with Randy’s comments about the need for a strategy and spoke in favor of installment tax billing, saying “Liquidity is paramount to the stability of residents.” She continued, “Thanks for stating that you want to do everything you can to help residents. The first option would have been to not pass the budget.”

Nicholas Thompson of Forest Lane said, “I am concerned that we are raising taxes on residents going through a crisis. I am curious about why our camp and pool might be open. I would like our village to go to a flat or zero tax increase. If we are the farm team for how the village is going to survive, we need a change.”

Sean Cohen thanked the board “for considering the dual tax payments.” He said, “Transparency is great. It’s nice to be able to give input but I would like to have dynamic discussion on that input…. Last week we didn’t get to the second public comments section.”
BK Munguia encouraged residents to reuse, recycle and repurpose. She said that local girl scouts would like to be involved in the safe re-opening of the Girl Scout House which has been closed since March. She thanked the Mayor and the other five trustees who voted yes on the budget and said, “I am grateful for this board’s dedicated service to this community and I applaud the village staff.”