DPW Finishes Work on Village Sidewalks, Performed Catch Basin Cleaning
By Stephen E. Lipken
Village of Pelham Mayor Chance Mullen called the October 27th meeting to order, beginning with a report from Trustee Allison Anderson, saying that the Department of Public Works had just finished work on sidewalks throughout the Village and are finishing catch basin cleaning, keeping stormwater moving and reducing localized flooding.
In addition, leaves for pickup should be left on the grass strip between the road and sidewalk, not on the roadway.
Then the Fifth Annual Pelham Pumpkin Smash and Plant Swap will take place on Saturday, November 7th, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Village Lot behind 195 Sparks Avenue, diverting organic waste from landfills to be recycled into nutrient-rich compost.
Trustee Krystal Howell announced that she attended an EcoPel event on October 25th, EcoPel Healthy Yards Meet-Up and a showing of “American River” at the Picture House. Howell stressed that with the time change, it is more dangerous for bikers between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. “Make sure that your bikes have reflectors,” Howell conveyed.
Next, Fire Chief Robert Benkwitt III said that the Village Fire Department responded to 78 incidents; 18 alarms; one brush fire; six motor vehicle accidents; 38 EMS; three investigations; two hazard calls and a Mutual Aid call with Pelham Manor. The Fire Chief emphasized that everyone should check their heating systems and fireplaces now that the cooler weather is setting in.
Tom Watson, Executive Director of Sustainable Westchester presented an update in which he conveyed the Village achieved Climate Smart Community Certification through local actions, including installing its first electric vehicle charging stations in downtown Pelham; converting all streetlights to energy-efficient LEDs and expanding local food scrap recycling which diverted 72.6 tons in 2025 and nearly 330 tons total since 2021.
Regarding Accounts Payable, the Village Board of Trustees authorized payment for services rendered and materials received in the amount of $309,228.24.