Village of Scarsdale Mayor Justin K. Arest opened the Tuesday, January 14th Board meeting, beginning with the announcement of the appointment of new Police Chief Steven DelBene by Trustee Karen L. Brew.  DelBene began his service in the Scarsdale Police Department in 2006 as a patrol officer; he was a Lieutenant.

DelBene spearheaded several key initiatives, including implementation of the department’s first body-worn camera, upgraded the department’s radio system, developed a comprehensive officer wellness program, including the department’s first wellness canine, Sushi and modernized internal processes such as payroll systems to improve operational efficiency.

DelBene’s appointment was approved by Roll Call Vote. 

To maintain a central taxi service, the Village passed a Resolution to pro-rate fees for taxicab licenses on a monthly basis to $10 per taxicab for the 2025 calendar year.  This replaces semi-annual payments and ensure that taxicab service remains available in the Village. 

The Fenway Golf Club Charitable Fund donated $5,000 each to Scarsdale Police and Fire Departments.

Trustee Kenneth L. Mazer announced the appointment of Lori Falow as an Alternate Member to the Board of Architectural Review.  

Deputy Mayor Dara B. Gruenberg introduced a Resolution adopting a Local Law amending Chapter 57 of Scarsdale Village Code concerning the appointment of Stephen Shallo to position of Deputy Village Manager.  On Saturday, January 18th Gruenberg attended a reading by Jyoti Rajan Gopal of her book, “One Sweet Song” at the Library. 

Trustee Jeremy A. Gans read the amount of Bills to be paid, $1,719,263.88. 

Then the Board passed a Resolution recognizing Monday, January 27th , International Holocaust Remembrance Day, as the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, honoring the memory of six million Jews and millions of others who perished during the Holocaust.  

In June 2022, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul issued a Proclamation embracing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism, recognizing its importance as a tool to identify and combat anti-Semitic acts, providing guidance to ensure that all New Yorkers are protected from such hatred.

In December 2022, former Westchester County Executive George Latimer issued an Executive Order adopting the IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism for Westchester County, providing a clear standard to identify and address anti-Semitic incidents at the County level. 

A Resolution states: “The Village of Scarsdale through its Mayor and Board of Trustees unequivocally condemns anti-Semitism in all its forms and recognizes its profound impact on Jewish communities and society at large as a dangerous manifestation of hate that cannot be tolerated; endorses and adopts the IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism, in alignment with Governor Hochul’s 2022 Proclamation and former County Executive Latimer’s 2022 Executive Order, as a guiding tool to identify and respond to anti-Semitic acts and rhetoric.”

A second Board meeting was convened on Monday, January 28th with Mayor Arest reminded the public that January 27th was International Holocaust Remembrance Day, an important occasion for many in the community. 

In addition, the mayor spoke about the 29th of January marking the occasion of the Lunar New Year festivities. “The snake is a symbol of wisdom, transformation and intuition, qualities that inspire us as we work together to continue building a stronger Scarsdale,” Arest stated.  

“To those in our community who are celebrating, I wish you happiness, health and prosperity in the year ahead.  May it be a time of renewal and success for all. Celebrations like the Lunar New Year remind us of the importance of connection, family and shared hope for a bright future,” Arest concluded.

Arest added that there was an Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) with Westchester County for use of voting machines in the upcoming Scarsdale Election on Tuesday, February 11th. 

Other business involved upgrading Supply Field Building Fire Alarm from Scarsdale Security Systems, Inc. at $14,894; replacing underground drainage pipe along western and southern boundaries of 46 Lincoln Road by property owner and Resolution authorizing the Annual 15K/4M Road Races.