Special City Council Meeting Held
By Stephen E. Lipken
New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert convened a City Council Special Meeting, shortly before the Regular Legislative Meeting on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, regarding Proposed Execution of Documents re: Sustainable Westchester Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Program.
Councilwoman Sara Kaye recused herself, being a member of Sustainable Westchester Board of Directors.
Economic Development/IDA Manager Todd Castaldo stated that there were two options to the CCA Agreement; Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) A 50 and MOU B 100. “MOU A would allow us to jump in at a 50% Renewable Rate. MOU B, half way, would initially
commit us to a 50% renewable supply option, identical to MOU A, the difference authorizing the Administration to sign an amendment for 100% renewable energy after we obtain final information about pricing and availability around mid-July. If we do not like the pricing we can drop back down to the 50% rate. Individual rate owners can opt down to 50% or opt out. If we like the rates we can go to 100% renewable energy, which is solar or wind power.”
“What happens if Option A and Option B are too high,” Councilman Albert Tarantino asked. “Do we have the option to not go forward?” “We would opt in but the rate payer could opt out,” Castaldo answered. “Sustainability Programs have historically been handled by the Department of Development,” Tarantino continued. “Yet the memo came from the City Clerk. Which department is handling this program? Who is the Sustainability Coordinator for New Rochelle?
“The contract will be managed through the Department of Development,” Commissioner of Development Adam Salgado replied. “It will be managed by the Director of Planning and Sustainability; currently, the Coordinator Position is vacant.”
At the Regular Legislative Meeting, Council approved Resolutions by Roll Call Vote, including Tax Interest Amnesty Program, provided that the residential property owner pays in full all outstanding property taxes no later than close of business on December 31, 2024; CCA with Amendments MOU A and B was approved with Tarantino dissenting.
Approved Ordinances encompassed transfer of funds to award roadway rehabilitation of Main Street, Pelham border to Weyman Avenue; approved increase in Police Overtime and proposed acceptance of State’s Law Enforcement Technology Program (LETECH) grant of $479,100.