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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985_10_16 Town Board Minutes 182 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE TOWN BOARD AND BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON THE 16TH DAY OF OCTOBER 1985 IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AND THE AUDITORIUM OF THE WEAVER STREET FIREHOUSE, WEAVER STREET, TOWN OF MAMARONECK. CONVENE REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Battalia at 7:45 p.m. in the Auditorium. Present were the following representing all members of the Board: Supervisor Dolores A. Battalia Councilman Lee H. Bloom Councilman Thomas R. Amlicke Councilwoman Caroline Silverstone Councilman Lawrence A. Lerman Town Administrator stephen V. Altieri, Town Counsel Steven M. Silverberg and Comptroller Carmine A. DeLuca, were also present. On motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Bloom, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board recess into Executive Session in the Council Room to discuss matters of personnel. The Town Board discussed matters of personnel relating to the Police Department and the non-union staff. Thereafter, on motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Amlicke, it was unanimously resolved to adjourn the Executive Session at 8:23 p.m. CALL TO ATTENTION - Location of Exits Supervisor Battalia pointed out to those assembled the location of exits as required by law for public gatherings. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Battalia at 8:25 p.m. in the Auditorium. Present were the following representing all members of the Commission: Commissioner Dolores A. Battalia Commissioner Lee H. Bloom Commissioner Thomas R. Amlicke Commissioner Caroline Silverstone Commissioner Lawrence A. Lerman -1- 18;3 Also present were the following: Dorothy S. Miller, Town Clerk Carol A. Acocella, Deputy Town Clerk Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator Steven M. Silverberg, Counsel to the Town P. Thomas Leddy, Highway Superintendent William Zimmermann, Recreation Superintendent Carmine DeLuca, Comptroller 1. Claims Commissioner Bloom presented fire claims for authorization of payment and on his motion, seconded by Commissioner Silverstone, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Commission hereby authorizes payment of the following Fire Department claims as approved by the Fire Chief and audited by the Comptroller's Office: I & T Plumbing and Heating Co. Inc. $135.90 Portronix Communications 5.00 Tri-City Auto Parts 69.18 AAA Emergency Supply Co. 222.00 N. LaRussell 368.45 $800.53 2. Other Business Commissioner Bloom read a letter sent to Fire Chief Fletcher by Mayor Curnin relative to the annual Fire Department picnic which has been held at Flint Park for many years. He stated that in her letter, Mayor Curnin advised that the Fire Department should find another location to hold their picnic due to parking problems and indicated that she has so notified the Village Deputy Clerk who issues picnic permits. Commissioner Bloom was designated to follow up on the matter : with Mayor Curnin. 3. Beepers Commissioner Amlicke stated that it has been brought to his attention by some of the volunteers that their beepers have not been functioning properly, because they are picking up other signals and asked that Fire Chief Fletcher to look into the matter. It was explained by Deputy Chief. Gordon Albert, that although it is not a life-threatening situation, the nuisance and annoying situation is caused by the fact that New Rochelle and other hospitals are on the same frequency as the one used by the Town. Chief Albert further explained that he has been unsuccessful in obtaining another frequency from the FCC and also tried moving the antenna to a higher location. After some discussion it was suggested that relocating the antenna to the tower at Winged Foot Golf Club be investigated. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before this Commission, on motion by Councilman Amlicke, seconded by Councilman Lerman, it was unanimously declared that this meeting be adjourned at 8:35 p.m. -2- 184 RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING At this time on motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously resolved that the Regular Meeting be reconvened. PRESENTATION - Consultant's Report-Court House Property Planning Consultant Daniel Shuster of Shuster Associates presented, with visual aides, a preliminary report on the evaluation of the Town's excess properties, those on which the Court House and Police Station are situated. Mr. Shuster reviewed his report, described the properties in detail, elaborated on the various types of development under certain kinds of zoning and then pointed out his recommendations and the feasibility of each. He stated that the best uses for the Court House property would be the development of single-family housing, development for park and recreational purposes and development of multi-family housing. With respect to the Police Station property, Mr. Shuster recommended that the present zoning be retained for single-family residences. Supervisor Battalia at this time noted that the Town board had only recently received Mr. Shuster's report and that she will propose to the Board that the report be distributed for study and comments to the Financial Sub-Committee of the Management Advisory Committee and other Boards and Commissions. Mr. Shuster fielded questions from the Supervisor and Board members as well as Mr. and Mrs. Oberg and Mrs. Siconolfi with respect to whether any existing traffic levels had been studied; whether multi-dwelling development would allow V.A.C. to remain on the present site (and if not, have other acceptable locations been considered) and other implications of the multi-dwelling recommendations; price range of proposed housing; and the impact of proximity to the railroad, as well as tax dollar impact. Thereafter Supervisor Battalia stated that after the Board and those to whom the report is referred have had an opportunity to study the recommendations and ample time is allowed for thorough and open discussion, Mr. Shuster will be advised of how to then proceed further. PRESENTATION - Management Advisory Committee David Schwarz, Chairman of the Management Advisory Committee, reviewed the activities of his Committee in the last eighteen months, especially in response to the Supervisor's and Administrator's request for advice, by concentrating on various management matters. Mr. Schwarz stated that the Committee has focused on three main areas: 1) improvement of the procedure for the development and use of the budget; 2) initiation of an organization development program with participation by all administrative staff; and 3) looking at the communication network relative to Town business with respect to planning for the use of computerization and data processing. He then pointed out the following: that Dr. Joan Scheuer has given of her experience in budget development and analysis by advising on - budget matters; that Robert A. Wofsey has been the organization development expert; that Dr. Edward A. Brown and his wife Eileen have lent their expertise on matters relative to data processing -3- 18 and computers; that David G. Sacks has been helpful in the area of fiscal matters and was of special assistance in providing advice on long-term financing of the Town Center renovation cost and that Norman L. Cannon has also lent his expertise in the area of financing. Mr. Schwarz concluded his presentation by announcing that his Committee looks forward to to continuing progress in 1986 once the staff has moved into the Town Center mainly along the lines of the three major concerns - outlined above. He advised the Board further that the Committee was quite impressed by the responsiveness, dedication and competence of the staff members and added it has been a pleasure to work with them. The Supervisor and Board members thanked Mr. Schwarz and his Committee. APPROVAL OF MINUTES No minutes were presented for approval and Councilwoman Silverstone expressed concern about the 1984 minutes still outstanding. Mrs. Miller replied that the Board would have them before her term of office ends. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Presentation of Tentative 1986 Town Budget Following presentation to the Board and highlighting of various items by the Administrator, on motion by Councilman Bloom, _ seconded by Councilman Amlicke, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Town Board does hereby acknowledge the presentation of the Tentative Budget and approves it as the Preliminary Budget of this Town for the fiscal year beginning on the first day of January 1986, the itemized statement of estimated revenues and expenditures hereto attached and made a part of this resolution; and be it further RESOLVED, that such Preliminary Budget shall be filed in the Office of the Town Clerk, where it shall be available for inspection by any interested person at all reasonable hours. Kathy Siconolfi read a prepared statement by the League of Women Voters applauding the budget process. -4- 186 2. Authorization re Installation of Traffic Light-Weaver Street and Forest Avenue The Administrator reviewed the Traffic Committee's October 7th meeting during which the above-noted proposal was discussed and residents were heard in favor of andin opposition to the proposal. He stated that the Committee adopted a resolution in favor of the installation of the traffic light and requested that the Town Board ask the State to formally start the process of planning and designing the said light. Mr. Altieri also advised the Board that the Traffic Committee's approval is subject to the light only being activated by pedestrians or by traffic on Forest Avenue attempting to proceed onto Weaver Street and that the State provide in both the northbound and southbound directions appropriate warning devices notifying motorists of the upcoming traffic light. Frank Stark, a 33-year resident of 700 Forest Avenue vehemently expressed his opposition to the light noting that the stopped traffic would block his driveway and access to Daymon Terrace and for environmental purposes and indicated the number of vehicular accidents there. Richard Coulter questioned who would bear the cost of the installation of the light. Christine Webler of 35 Sheldrake Avenue stated that she is in favor of the light and enumerated circumstances to support that. Supervisor Battalia acknowledged receipt of a letter from Anne J. Kaplan of 419 Weaver Street indicating that she and her husband support the light. Dorothy Robertshaw of Sheldrake Avenue spoke in favor of the light. Mr. John of 409 Weaver Street indicated that a push button would not be necessary on Forest. Doug Burrell of V.A.C. described various dangerous situations at the intersection in question and Paul Pirzinger of 21 Sheldrake Avenue agreed with him. Some further discussion continued with the Supervisor clarifying the need for the push button and her asking the Administrator to look into a line to stop traffic prior to the light; Councilwoman Silverstone noting that a delayed phase should be included for left-hand turns; the possibility of Daymon Terrace being blocked by traffic waiting at the light; inclusion in the message to the State DOT of the suggestions and recommendations that have been highlighted; Councilman Bloom's suggestion that a meeting be held with representatives of the State to discuss the entire project; a suggestion that the light be tied into the signalization for emergency vehicles; and a reminder to the State for consideration of the other construction projects in the area. Thereafter, on motion by Councilman Bloom, seconded by Councilman Lerman, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the Town Administrator to convey to the New York State Department of Transportation its endorsement of the installation of a traffic light at the intersection of Weaver Street and Forest Avenue and be it further RESOLVED, that the design and planning for said light will include consideration of the traffic impact at the intersection of Daymon Terrace and Forest Avenue and include a delayed green light phase to allow for left hand turns from Weaver Street onto Forest Avenue. -5- . 1 87 3. Update - Traffic Light at Central School and Palmer Avenue Supervisor Battalia explained that requests were received for consideration of a traffic light at the above location and referred to County Legislator Diane Keane. Further clarification was made by the Town Administrator who stated a meeting will be held at that location on October 27th at 9:00 a.m. and noted that he will ask the County to conduct a study. 4. Update - Town Center Building The Town Administrator reviewed his October 16th memorandum to the Board with respect to the progress at the Town Center and stated that construction costs are $95,566. over the original budget of $3,600,000. He specified the remaining work to be completed on each floor and specifically in the Police Department as well as outside work on the grounds. The order of the Agenda was changed at this time and Item 416 was taken up. 6. Report of Bids - Carpeting for Town Center Building Some discussion followed Mr. Altieri's explanation of the bids received, and on motion by Councilman Amlicke, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby awards the contract for furnishing and installing carpeting in the Town Center Building to the lowest responsible bidder meeting the -- Town's specifications Cambridge Carpet, Freeport, New York, in the amount of $12,608.00 and be it further RESOLVED, that the Town Administrator is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Cambridge Carpet, Freeport, New York, for furnishing and installing carpeting in the Town Center Building. At this time the regular order of the Agenda was resumed. 5. Update - Leaf Composting P. Thomas Leddy, Highway Superintendent stated that the Taylors Lane site is ready to accept leaves which have started to be picked up today. Councilman Amlicke stated that although the cost is shared by the Town and Village of Mamaroneck, it was discussed at a meeting held this summer about the possibility of engaging a contractor to handle the Taylors Lane operations. Mr. Leddy added that no one expressed an interest. -6- 7. Salary Authorization - Recreation The Town Administrator updated the Board on the status of insurance for the Hommocks Ice Rink. He further stated that he had received one quotation and was awaiting additional quotes before making a final decision. Thereafter, he presented the request of the Recreation Superintendent for salary authorizations, and on motion by Councilman Bloom, seconded by Councilwoman Silverstone, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that as provided for in the 1985 Town Budget, this Board hereby authorizes the following salary expenditures to the persons named on the list annexed hereto for the terms of employment and at the rate of compensation for each as set. forth: Marie Dahlgren, Recreation Attendant, Hommocks Ice Rink, $5.50/hour, effective 11/4/85. Laura LaMagna, Alternate Swim Instructor, Hommocks Pool, $12/session, effective 10/12/85. Peter Manion, Asst. Mgr. , Hommocks Ice Rink, $6.00/hour, effective 10/9/85. Deborah Reds, Alternate Mgr. , Hommocks Pool, $7/hour, effective 10/17/85. David Sandoval, Rec. Attendant/First Aid, Hommocks Ice Rink, $4.50/hour, effective 10/9/85. Debbie Reds, Senior Rec. Leader, Open House, $30/session, effective 10/11/85. Barry Salotolla, Senior Rec. Leader, Open House, $30/session, effective 10/11/85. Cathy Augustine, Senior Rec. Leader, Open House, $30/session, effective 10/11/85. Peggy Sollazzo, Sr. Rec. Leader, Teen Center Rye Neck, $7/hour, effective 10/8/85. Debbie Reds, Alternate Sr. Rec. Leader, Tenn Center, $10/hour, effective 10/8/85. Othello Rollon, Recreation Assistant, Teen Center, $3.50/hour, effective 10/8/85. John Castiglione, Rec. Asst. Teen Center, $3.50/hour, effective 10/8/85. Francisco Crespo, Rec. Asst. Teen Center, $3.50/hour, effective 10/8/85. Cathy Augustine, Senior Rec. Leader, Teen Center, $10/hour, effective 10/8/85. NOT ON THE AGENDA 8. Town of Mamaroneck Police Christmas Fund Supervisor Battalia read the following statement on behalf of the Town Board relative to the above-captioned matter: It has come to our attention as a result of information obtained by the Police Commissioner of the Town of Mamaroneck that there is in existence a Town of Mamaroneck Police Christmas Fund. -7- This fund is comprised of monetary contributions made by various individuals and businesses in the Town. The contributions are equally divided among the members of the department in the form of cash distributions. The Fund was operated in such a way that the members of the Police Department were unaware of the identity of the contributors. We believe it in no way affected the integrity of the Police operations in the Town. This Christmas Fund is separate and apart from the annual P.B.A. fund solicitation which is used to finance the good works and community services of the members of the Department. It has been determined that the Christmas Fund was generally authorized as far back as December 1972 by the then Board of Police Commissioners as recorded in their minutes. However, when contracted, none of the present members of the Town Board, nor several former Supervisors and members of the former Boards of Police Commissioners were aware of this Christmas Fund. While we believe that this fund was operated innocently, such a fund can only raise questions in the mind of the average citizen. Moreover, such gifts are prohibited by the Penal Code, General Municipal Law, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Mamaroneck Police Department, and Town Ethics Code. An investigation conducted by the Westchester District Attorney at the request of the Town, concluded that while the manner in which this fund has operated does not constitute criminal activity, it does violate the spirit of those laws against the acceptance of unlawful gratuities and should cease immediately. We have taken the appropriate administrative steps to see that the fund is abolished. It should be clearly understood that the Fund is discontinued as of this date. We are certain that on many occasions members of the Town of Mamaroneck Police Department, as well as other employees of the Town, respond to the needs of our residents in a manner which could be considered "above and beyond the call of duty." In such cases, we would welcome and encourage our residents to inform us so that a letter of appreciation and commendation can be placed in the officer's personnel file. PROCLAMATION - Youth Month Councilman Bloom explained that this is the International Year of the Youth as determined by the United Nations and that this Board did issue in February a very detailed and supportive Proclamation to that effect and declared 1985 to be the Year of Youth in the Town of Mamaroneck and tied that concept into the Proclamation to the Town's desire and intention to do something to bring together all segments of the Community to deal with drug and alcohol abuse, both among adults and youngsters. He added that the Town Board feels that this is a very appropriate way to celebrate the Year of the Youth and wish to restate and reemphasize that in this Month of Youth. -8- ISO WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS There were no written communications to come before the Board. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Richard Coulter of Wildwood Circle spoke, both as a resident and businessman, and expressed his concern over the intended closing of the Weaver Street Bridge and the safety and traffic implications thereof. Councilman Bloom corrected his previous statement and noted that the closing will be to vehicular traffic and not pedestrian. Supervisor Battalia then reviewed for Mr. Coulter what has and will be done with respect to this situation, as has been discussed at previous Board meetings, and added that the Administrator and Councilman Amlicke will be meeting with representatives from the State, especially with respect to limiting the time of total closing of the bridge. Mr. Altieri pointed out that the same type of project is going on now in Harrison and can be viewed to get an idea of what the Town's project will be like. He also reviewed the ongoing dialogue with the State that has taken place since the time of original notification of the project. THE TOWN CLERK Reports The Town Clerk presented the report of the Town Clerk's Office for the month of September 1985. THE SUPERVISOR Reports Supervisor Battalia reported: a) on the drought situation, indicating her pleasure that the residents have reduced their consumption by 27% and that commercial establish- ments have complied and reduced their consumption by 47%. b) that the Substance Abuse Task Force is continuing to meet; that funding has been received from United Way; and that the Rotary Club will be selling food at the 325th Anniversary Celebration for the benefit of the Task Force's projects. c) on the Family and Youth Safe Homes Project where parents have been asked to cooperate by allowing only chaperoned, alcohol and drug- free parties in their homes. d) on her attendance along with Elaine Samuels to speak to the Junior League on the Sound; on her invitation to speak to the P.T. Council and also the Social Ministry of Sts. John and Paul. -9- 191 e) with pleasure that the County Board of Legislature has finally and formally adopted the contract that has been negotiated for the past eighteen months. She added that although a signed contract has not yet been received, its progress that it has been approved. Councilman Bloom: a) reported that he is continuing to work on a Larchmont Library contract that would be acceptable to both the Town and Village that would be ongoing and would not have to be amended each year. b) expressed his concern that the flag is not always up on the Memorial Park Flag Pole and asked that the matter be looked so that the Flag will be flown at appropriate times. Councilman Amlicke: a) asked that the presentation by the C.A.C. be placed on the November 6th agenda. b) thanked Mr. Leddy and Mr. Altieri for the signs put up in the brook area relative to the clean up of dog litter. c) asked Counsel about the status of the noise ordinance, whose response was that it is one of the many proposed laws being worked on. d) asked Dr. Mason of the status of the Freshwater Wetlands legislation. Dr. Mason answered that an update has been received from the State, that a meeting was held with members of the C.Z.M.C. and that the maps have been obtained. e) reported that the Hommocks Ice Rink Committee will be meeting on October 17th for the purpose of interviewing prospective consultants at the Flint Park Playhouse at 7:30 p.m. Councilwoman Silverstone: a) reported that she has arranged a meeting at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23rd at the Larchmont Village Center for senior citizen tenants. She noted that the Building Inspectors from the Town and Village will be there as well as representatives from the County Health Department and an attorney from the New York State Health Department. She stated this will give the senior citizen tenants an opportunity to ask questions and get answers. Councilman Lerman: a) reported that he will be attending the Hommocks Ice Rink Committee meeting and the meeting of the Narcotics Guidance Council on the 17th. -10- is At this time Supervisor reminded everyone of the Charity Sports Competition played by Republican and Democratic office holders and candidates at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at Harbor Island Park for the benefit of the Ronald McDonald House. - ADJOURNMENT Thereafter, since there was no further business to come before this Board, on motion duly made and seconded, the meeting was declared adjourned at 10:53 p.m. Town Administrator Town Clerk -11-