Trustees Certify Mayoral Election, Quiz Manager on SUV Purchase

Port Chester's trustees certified this week's mayoral election without much discussion Thursday night.

Blink and you could have missed it.

"You've got me for another two years," Mayor Dennis Pilla said after apologizing for presiding over the meeting in what he called "casual attire" – a white dress shirt under a cream-colored jacket.

Five of six trustees were present for the canvass of the vote, making Tuesday night's results official. Republican Joe Kenner was absent from the meeting.

The only real discussion during the meeting was related to the single item on the agenda – approval for the purchase of a Ford Expedition, to be used by the DPW's acting general foreman.

Trustee Bart Didden questioned Village Manager Christopher Russo on why the village was purchasing the 2011 Expedition XL SSV from a East Hanover, NJ, company instead of from nearby Rye Ford, which employs several Port Chester residents.

Russo told Didden that the New Jersey company, Warnock Fleet, currently has a contract with New York State. Since the company deals exclusively with municipalities, it's able to offer vehicles at a lower cost.

The Expedition will cost the village $26,620.85. It will be used to transport personnel and goods, and will be outfitted with a plow during the winter months.

Didden voted against the resolution to approve the purchase; Pilla and trustees Sam Terenzi, John Branca, Daniel Brakewood and Luis Marino voted in favor of the purchase.

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