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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985_12_04 Town Board Minutes 211 14INUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE TOWN BOARD AND BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON THE 4TH DAY OF DECEMBER 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 Deputy Supervisor Caroline Silverstone at 6:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. At this time the following were present: Deputy Supervisor Caroline Silverstone Councilman Lee H. Bloom Councilman Thomas R. Amlicke Councilman Lawrence Lerman Also in attendance at this portion of the meeting was the Town Administrator, Stephen V. Altieri, Counsel to the Town, Steven M. Silverberg and Councilman-Elect Steven Chapin. On motion by Councilman Bloom, seconded by Councilman Lerman, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board will recess into Executive Session in the Council Room to discuss lease negotiations and a real estate matter. -- The Board discussed with the Administrator lease negotiations for a prospective tenant for the Town Center building. At 7:00 p.m. Supervisor Dolores A. Battalia, Janet Demasi of Burbank Realty and Ken Narva of the Planned Expansion Group came into the meeting. Upon arrival of the above-named persons, the Board discussed general terms and conditions for prospective tenants interested in the third floor of the Town Center building. After some discussion, it was the concensus of the Board that the Administrator could negotiate third floor leases at a rental rate of between $16 and $17 per square foot and offer to prospective tenants a $20 per square foot work letter. Thereafter, on motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Amlicke, it was unanimously resolved to adjourn the Executive Session at 8:20 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. -1- I I 212 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS I 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 Board: Commissioner Dolores A. Battalia Commissioner Lee H. Bloom Commissioner Thomas R. Amlicke Commissioner Caroline Silverstone Commissioner Lawrence A. Lerman 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 Carmine DeLuca, Comptroller P. Thomas Leddy, Highway Superintendent 1. Claims Commissioner Silverstone presented fire claims for authorization of payment and on her motion, seconded by Commissioner Bloom, 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: AT & T Consumer Sales & Service $ 27.30 AT & T Consumer Sales & Service 26.31 AT & T Consumer Sales & Service 26.31 AT & T Consumer Sales & Service 35.51 AT & T Consumer Sales & Service 35.51 AT & T Consumer Sales & Service 61.82 AT & T Consumer Sales & Service 26.31 AT & T Consumer Sales & Service 35.51 ESCO Exterminating Services 20.03 Leonard Newman Agency, Inc. 5,894.00 Portronix Communications 314.90 New York Telephone Co. 1,085.97 New York Telephone Co. 83.55 $7,673.03 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before this Commission, on motion by Commissioner Bloom, seconded by Commissioner Lerman, it was unanimously declared that this meeting be adjourned at 8:30 p.m. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING At this time, on motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously resolved that the regular meeting be reconvened. -2- 21 PRESENTATION - Town Property-Court House and Police Station Anton Schramm, representing the Town Planning Board, presented a written review of and recommendations relative to the Shuster Associates Report. He stated that the Planning Board recommends that the Court House building be retained and be given landmark status, that the use of the property be limited to single family residences, but if the property is retained by the Town some suitable community purpose should be found. Richard Conlan, Chairman of the Town Recreation Commission, presented their recommendations, which ranged from the development of a park- like atmosphere to a facility which would include tennis and - basketball courts and a general indoor youth activity center. Both Councilwoman Silverstone and Joint Planning Group member E. Robert Wassman advised that their Group has not as yet formally studied the report and, therefore, do not have recommendations. Mrs. Lillian Mullane, founder and director of The Little School, addressed the Board, giving a detailed description of her Montessori type school program, and advised that they are looking for space since their lease will expire in July of 1986. Laura Hoffman and Bill Quinn, parents of children attending the school, also addressed the Board about their plight. Some discussion followed during which the Supervisor and Board members questioned Mrs. Mullane about their preparedness to submit a financial proposal, whether they had looked carefully at all aspects of the building and the traffic situation, as well as specifics of their school program. Petitions were presented to the Town Board that the Court House building be used as an early childhood education center for The Little School. Councilman Bloom requested that Counsel investigate whether there are any restrictions to the Town's ability to rent its facilities. At this time Mr. Hesel advised the Board that because the Howell Park residents are a diversified group it is difficult to speak for them, but stated that they were mostly unanimous in the recommendation to retain the R-15 Zoning for the Court House Property. Another Howell Park resident expressed concern about the possible removal of the access road and emphasized that the property should remain as is presently zoned including the access road. Several Board members queried the Howell Park residents as to their specific objections to the recommendations already made. Arthur Gasparini, Chairman of the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Property Owners Association reminded the Board of the petitions that were circulated at the time of the acquisition by the Town of the old Central School, which expressed opposition to any type of development that would prohibit the Court House and Police Station properties from going back on the tax rools. He further stated that the VAC location should be more closely examined and a change considered. Alan Murray and Gordon Oppenheimer, both residents of Howell Park emphasized that they are opposed to any change in present zoning. A rather lengthy discussion ensued with Councilman Lerman emphasizing that since the Town is land poor, he is opposed to hastily selling the Court House property to increase the tax roll and added that it should be considered to use the property under the auspices of the Town and he also suggested that a Committee be set up to look into the future use of said property. Councilman Amlicke agreed, adding that the continued need for part of the property as a storage area for highway department equipment must be considered. -3- Councilwoman Silverstone expressed her desire for some compromise on what to do with the property and stated that an appropriate amount of time be given before a final decision is made as well as some consideration given to the building for landmark status. Councilman Bloom also agreed that the Board should not rush headlong into making a decision, but should give the Joint Planning Group an opportunity to complete their parking and traffic review with respect to the update of the Master Plan. The following persons took part in the lengthy discussion: - Mrs. Helen Waters, 1298 Palmer Avenue, who advised the Board of the community recreation project being considered for Central School. - Mr. Oberg, 1214 Palmer Avenue, who thanked the Board for their willingness to discuss the subject in open forum. - Anton Schramm, 1245 Palmer Avenue, who asked the Board to give consideration to upgrading the property no matter what other decisions are made. - E. Robert Wassman, 15 Campbell Lane, who stated he was encouraged that the Board was not in a hurry to make decisions about the property. - Mrs. Constabile, who asked for a speedy decision with respect to the request by The Little School. - Mrs. Carlson representing the Planning Board, who asked that landmark status be considered and a more suitable location for V.A.C. - Paul Hoffmann, 69 Carleon Avenue, who thanked the Board and urged that a program of maintenance of the property be instituted and continued to avoid any further deterioration of the property. At this time Supervisor Battalia reiterated the suggestions made this evening and added that the Board has a great deal of homework to do. She agreed with Councilman Bloom that no decision should be made until the Master Plan update is completed. Mrs. Battalia also stated that consideration be given to setting up a small committee to study the matter further and the Board will take time to review the manner of maintaining the property. The Supervisor also suggested to the representatives of The Little School that they submit a proposal for utilizing the building as quickly as possible, with the understanding that they be responsible for all improvements. ICI The order of the agenda was then changed and Item #2 under Affairs of the Town was taken up. 2. Authorization re W.J.W.W. Capital Projects John Hock, Manager of the Westchester Joint Water Works, presented descriptions of the capital improvement projects, explaining that -- they were both routine and major. He also explained briefly the procedures followed by the Water Works relative to the collection and distribution of revenues for each of the three municipalities. Both Mr. Hock and Mr. Altieri clarified what effect the drought situation has had on income. Thereafter, Councilman Amlicke suggested that the local project on Old White Plains Road be deferred, and on motion by Councilman Lerman which was seconded by Councilwoman Silverstone, it was unanimously -4- 21 RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the Westchester Joint Water Works to conduct joint improve- ments for 1986 in accordance with the report on recommended capital improve- ments submitted by the Westchester Joint Water Works. The regular order of the agenda was resumed at this time. PUBLIC HEARING: 1986 Town Preliminary Budget On motion by Councilman Bloom, seconded by Councilman Amlicke, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Public Hearing be, and it hereby is, declared open. The Town Clerk presented for the record the Affidavits of Publication and Posting of the Notice of Hearing. The Administrator gave a basic overview of the budget document and highlighted the items contained in his and Mr. DeLuca's three and one-half page letter dated December 2, 1985. In answer to Councilman Amlicke's query, the Administrator advised that the projected increase in the Unincorporated Area is approximately $2.31 or 2.65%. The Administrator and the Supervisor also replied in response to queries with respect to salary increases in the Assessor's Office. Thereafter, on motion by Councilman Lerman, seconded by Councilwoman Silverstone, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Public Hearing be, and it hereby is, declared closed; and be it further RESOLVED, that this Board hereby defers action on the Budget until the next meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 11, 1985 were presented and, on motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Amlicke, were unanimously approved as corrected. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 18, 1985 were presented and, on motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Amlicke, were unanimously approved as corrected. The minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 6, 1985 were presented and, on motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Amlicke, were unanimously approved as corrected subject to Councilman Amlicke's revisions relative to the Weaver Street Bridge matter. -5- 216 The minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 20, 1985 were presented, and on motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Bloom, were unanimously approved as corrected. it AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Discussion - Proposed 1986 Westchester County Budget Supervisor Battalia stated that although no representative is here to discuss the County's proposed budget, she has already - advised the County of her questions and circulated the document to the Board members. A brief discussion ensued during which Mrs. Battalia pointed out various items in the document and asked for a volunteer from this Board to monitor the County's budgetary procedure and attend the budget hearing on behalf '.. of this Board. Councilwoman Silverstone volunteered to do the job. At this time Councilman Amlicke, in furtherance to the matter of the proposed County budget for 1986, gave a brief report from the Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee and noted the reasons for the $13 million increase in the Solid Waste Management portion of the budget and enumerated the recommendations that Committee has made to the County Board of Legislators, to reduce the proposed tax rate. Item #2 was taken up earlier in the meeting. The order of the agenda was changed at this time. 4. Set Date for Public Hearing: a) Proposed Local Law - Retirement Incentive Plan On motion by Councilman Amlicke, seconded by Councilman Bloom, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby sets December 18, 1985 as the date for a Public Hearing on a proposed local law for the election of a Retirement Incentive Plan; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk be, and she hereby is, authorized to publish in The Daily Times, the Notice of said Hearing as required by law. b) Proposed Local Law - Parking Regulations Some discussion followed the presentation of the Traffic Committee's recommendations during which the matters of parking on Blossom Terrace and Myrtle Boulevard were discussed and the latter was -6- 21 '7 referred back to the Committee. Thereafter, on motion by Councilman Amlicke, seconded by Councilwoman Silverstone, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby sets December 18, 1985 as the date for a Public Hearing on a proposed local law relative to the restriction of parking on Blossom Terrace; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk be, and she hereby is, authorized to publish in The Daily Times, the Notice of said Hearing as required by law. 5. Salary Authorizations - Recreation On motion by Councilman Lerman, seconded by Councilman Amlicke, 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: Christopher Iarocci, Rec. Attendant, Hommocks Ice Rink, $3.35/hour, effective retroactive to 11/23/85. Donna Chiodo, Rec. Assistant, Hommocks Ice Rink, $4.50/ hour, effective retroactive to 11/23/85. Karen Jacobs, Rec. Assistant, Hommocks Ice Rink, $4.50/ hour, effective retroactive to 11/23/85. Stephen Iarocci, Sr. Rec. Assistant, Hommocks Ice Rink, $5.00/hour, effective retroactive 11/23/85. Edward Clinton, Sr. Rec. Assistant, Hommocks Ice Rink, $5.00/hour, effective retroactive 11/23/85. Julia Friedman, Rec. Assistant, Figure Skating Instructor, $10/half hour, effective 12/1/85. A1ana Kelton, Rec. Assistant, Figure Skating Instructor, $10/half hour, effective 12/1/85. Tracey Savino, Rec. Assistant, Figure Skating Instructor, $10/half hour, effective 12/1/85. Grace Bridgman, Rec. Assistant, Figure Skating Instructor, $10/half hour, effective 12/1/85. Penny Doyle, Rec. Assistant, Figure Skating Instructor, $10/half hour, effective 12/1/85. Al Wallen, Custodian, Hommocks Ice Rink, $5.00/hour, effective retroactive to 11/23/85. Sam Gibbons, Custodian, Hommocks Ice Rink, $5.00/hour, effective retroactive 11/23/85. -7- I 218 Gary Bregman, Rec. Assistant, Youth Hockey, $3.00/ hour, effective retroactive to 11/23/85. Joann Gill, Rec. Assistant, Youth Hockey, $3.00/hour, effective retroactive to 11/23/85. Jonathan Jacoby, Rec. Assistant, Youth Hockey, $3.00/ hour, effective retroactive 11/23/85. David Macri, Rec. Assistant, Youth Hockey, $3.00/hour, effective retroactive 11/23/85. Samuel Rubenzahl, Rec. Assistant, Youth Hockey, $3.00/hour, effective retroactive to 11/23/85. John Torre, Rec. Assistant, Youth Hockey, $3.00/ hour, effective retroactive to 11/23/85. Jacqueline Swift, Lifeguard/Alt. Key Attendant, Hommocks Pool, $3.35/hour; Alt. Key $3.00/hour, effective retroactive to 12/3/85. 6. Recommendation - Town Ice Rink Committee Although there was no formal recommendation to be presented to the Board, Councilman Amlicke reported that the Ice Rink Committee held a meeting to review the proposals submitted by prospective Consultants. He added that after the initial review of the proposals, it was determined that additional information was needed which has not as yet been received. The matter was deferred to the meeting of December 18th. 7. Resolution - Change Dates-January Town Board Meetings On motion by Councilman Amlicke, seconded by Councilwoman Silverstone, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board will hold its Regular Town Board Meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays in January 1986, said dates being January 8th and January 22nd, 1986. Item #3 was taken up at this time. 3. Westchester County Report on Homeless Supervisor Battalia acknowledged the recent receipt of the County's report on the homeless and emphasized that the Town of Mamaroneck is already doing all that has been recommended to each community by the County Executive. She noted that there are presently twenty-five (25) families with forty-six (46) children in the Larchmont Motel, adding further that three (3) of those families are residents of the Village of Mamaroneck. Mrs. Battalia also stated that Elaine Samuels has reported that in the last year she has placed eleven (11) families in permanent housing, with one (1) being in another community but utilizing a Town of Mamaroneck Section 8 unit. It was made clear that this could be done because the Town has more units than -8- 21.9 apartment buildings. The Supervisor also stated that the Town of Mamaroneck does not need a Council on the Homeless, as is being recommended, but may need a Committee to explore all housing possibilities that may be available. In answer to Mr. Gasparini's questions, Mrs. Battalia pointed out that the meeting she held was the first time on which federal, state, county and local elected officials had met on this matter and learned a great deal from each other. She also noted that there is a conflict between federal regulations and the New York State Rent Law relative to how the landlord gets paid, citing the difference between payment for emergency and temporary housing and the amount of rent for permanent housing. She also noted the Strait Gate Church's application for a zoning variance in order to have a temporary shelter for Village of Mamaroneck homeless single men through April 1986 which will alleviate only part of the problem since it is the families that are the most difficult to place. Before closing the topic, Mrs. Battalia emphasized the very good education process being conducted here in the Town with respect to the plight of the homeless, which must be continued by various groups throughout the Town. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS There were no written communications to come before the Board. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS There were no oral communications to come before the Board. ADJOURNMENT It was agreed that the reports remaining on the agenda would be dispensed with this evening and taken up at the next meeting, and therefore, on motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously resolved that this meeting be adjourned at 11:35 p.m. Town Administrator Town Clerk -9-