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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986_03_19 Town Board Minutes i 280 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS AND THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK, HELD ON THE 19TH DAY OF MARCH 1986 IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM AND THE COURTROOM OF THE TOWN CENTER, 740 WEST BOSTON POST ROAD, VILLAGE OF MAMARONECK. CONVENE REGULAR MEETING The regular meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Dolores A. Battalia at 7:30 p.m. in the Courtroom. Present were the following: Supervisor Dolores A. Battalia Councilwoman Caroline Silverstone Councilman Lawrence A. Lerman Councilman Stephen Chapin Councilman Thomas R. Amlicke was absent. Town Administrator, Stephen V. Altieri and Counsel to the Town, Steven M. Silverberg, were also present. I On motion by Councilman Lerman, seconded by Councilwoman Silverstone, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board will recess into Executive Session in the Conference Room to discuss matters relative to litigation, personnel and contract negotiations. Thereafter, on motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Lerman, it was unanimously resolved to adjourn the Executive Session at 8:15 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. I BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Battalia at 8:30 p.m. in the Courtroom. Present were the following: Commissioner Dolores A. Battalia Commissioner Caroline Silverstone Commissioner Lawrence A. Lerman Commissioner Stephen Chapin -1- 281 Commissioner Thomas R. Amlicke was absent. Also present were the following: Patricia A. DiCioccio, Town Clerk Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator Carol A. Acocella, Deputy Town Clerk Lee H. Hoffman, Counsel to the Town Carmine DeLuca, Comptroller I 1. Claims Commissioner Lerman presented fire claims for authorization of payment -- and on his motion, seconded by Commissioner Silverstone, it was unanimously I 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 CS & S $ 35.51 R.G. Brewer, Inc. 105.25 Crabtree Ford, Inc. 87.51 Connecticut General Life Insurance Company 14.90 Excelsior Garage & Machine Works 1,135.04 Mamaroneck Garage, Inc. 86.00 Multiplier Industries Corp. 500.00 Multiplier Industries Corp. 502.98 NYNEX Information Resources 9.00 The State Insurance Fund 11,779.04 The State Insurance Fund 133.38 The State Insurance Fund 14,415.84 Thomas Staudt Contracting 1,750.00 Tri-City Auto Parts 44.91 AT & T CS & S 26.31 $30.625.67 2. Salary Authorization - Firefighters The Town Administrator explained that due to the recent retirement of two firefighters it became necessary to hire two new firefighters. Thereafter, on motion by Commissioner Silverstone, seconded by Commissioner Lerman, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the Town Administrator to hire Robert Fattizzi and Diane McBrayer. as Firefighters for the Town of Mamaroneck at an annual salary of $22,000 per employee; and be it further RESOLVED, that the effective date for salary authorization shall be April 1st for Robert Fattizzi and April 2nd for Diane McBrayer. Mr. Altieri noted that Diane McBrayer is the first female firefighter in Westchester County. -2- 282 I ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before this Commission, on motion by Commissioner Silverstone, seconded by Commissioner Chapin, it was unanimously declared that this meeting be adjourned at 8:40 p.m. CONVENE REGULAR MEETING At this time, on motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously '. resolved that the regular meeting be reconvened. II APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the regular meeting of August 8, 1984 were presented and on motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Lerman, were unanimously approved as corrected. The minutes of the regular meeting of June 20, 1984 were presented and on motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Lerman, were unanimously approved as corrected. The minutes of the regular meeting of February 19, 1986 were presented and on motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Chapin, were unanimously approved as corrected. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Resolution - Coastal Zone Management Wally Irwin, Co-Chairman of the Coastal Zone Management Committee reported to the Board on the draft of the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and of the new date for submission because of the moratorium and the necessity of getting the process moving as rapidly as possible. Mr. Irwin explained that once the draft has been received by the Secretary of State we will probably be able to begin the SEQR hearings, which would be most likely by the end of April. He added also the fact that nothing is binding, if the Resolution is approved tonight, it is not binding later. Mr. Lerman stated that this Board is very familiar with the evolution of this document and discussion is not necessary, therefore he would like to see immediate approval. Thereafter, on motion duly made and seconded, it was by unanimous decision of the Board that the following resolution was adopted: WHEREAS, the Village of Larchmont and the Town of Mamaroneck have jointly charged a Coastal Zone Management Committee, representing both municipalities, to draft a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program under the New York State Waterfront, Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act in -3- r. 8 order to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, ecological, economic, and historical resources of the portion of the State coastal zone within the Village of Larchmont and the Unincorporated Area of the Town of Mamaroneck; and WHEREAS, the Coastal Zone Management Committee, in due consultation with concerned agencies of the two municipalities, with concerned non-governmental bodies, with neighboring municipalities and County agencies, and with the Department of State and the Department of Environmental Conservation of New York State, and after diligent research and extensive discussion, has prepared a draft of the said Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and has recommended that it be duly submitted to the Secretary of State for review with a view to early finalization and approval; and WHEREAS, attorneys for the Town and Village have presented to the Town Board drafts of certain legislation designed to implement provisions of the said Program; and WHEREAS, the above-mentioned drafts appear to the Town Board to be close enough to final and acceptable form to warrant submittion for review by the Secretary of State; -- NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck hereby authorizes and directs that the draft Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and associated drafts of implementing legislation be submitted to the Secretary of State for review pursuant to the Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act. 2. Authorization - Lock Box ICI Town Administrator, Stephen V. Altieri, explained the need for the lock box service and the specifics of same. The biggest advantage, he stated, would be the fact that tax collection monies would be deposited on the date of collection and interest would be gained immediately rather than having a time lag of approximately two days, which is what occurs with our present system. Mr. Altieri added that it would also alleviate pressure in the tax collectors office since the bank would assume much of the clerical responsibility. Councilwoman Silverstone asked Mr. Altieri what percentage of tax bills are brought into the tax office to which he replied that between three and four thousand bills are paid in person or come in through the mail. -4- Councilman Chapin stated that he felt this was a very wise idea for the Town and that the savings would be two-fold, both in immediate deposits being made and in payment of overtime. Counsel to the Town, Lee Hoffman, stated that the agreement should be subject to his Office's approval and so noted in the resolution. Thereafter, on motion by Councilman Chapin, seconded by Councilman Lerman, it was unanimously i RESOLVED, that the Town Administrator is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with The Bank of New York to provide lock box services to the Town for tax collection services for one year and subject to Counsel's approval. 3. Authorization - Service Bureau Agreement - Violations Management System Mr. Altieri explained the need for entering into an agreement with a computer firm to collect parking summonses and moving violations issued within the Town. He stated the advantages of such a system, which would include receiving reports on warrant notices for outstanding parking tickets for New York, Connecticut and New Jersey residents, as well as reminder notices for outstanding moving violations, scofflaw reporting, New York State Docket reports, etc. Mr. Altieri added that the Town would be provided with on line service and have access whenever needed. He gave a breakdown of the fees for such a service and stated that all collection of funds would be handled by the Town Court. Councilman Chapin asked if all fines collected are sent to the State Comptroller's Office and then returned, to which Mr. Altieri replied in the affirmative. Mr. Chapin stated that he was not happy with the figures and feels that we should analyze the costs. He questioned whether the problem in the Town is serious enough to warrant such a service and, suppose this firm closed, would they be required to put up a performance bond or letter of credit before we accept the agreement. Supervisor Battalia explained that fines are often doubled and redoubled, so that the amount is deceiving, which makes it difficult to determine a specific amount of outstanding monies. She added that we would, however, generate additional revenues with this system, which would cover the cost and still add to the Town's revenues. Mr. Fisher of the Larchmont/Mamaroneck Civic IIomeowuer.'s..Association wished to know what plans the Town had for purchasing computers. Supervisor Battalia informed him that we are about to draft requests for proposals, and that we would have to take one department at a time. She also stated that two years ago we appointed a Management Advisory Committee and one of. the _many pvrpos.es__was looking into _compute_rs for the Town. Councilwoman Silverstone stated that the advantage which she could see in computerizing the summonses is that this program would be tied into the State. At this time Supervisor Battalia requested that the authorization for the computer system be tabled until the April 2nd meeting, and that the Court Clerk and Justice be asked to attend. -5- I 4. Authorization - Retainer for Labor Counsel The above-captioned matter was deferred to the April 2nd meeting. 5. Authorization - Tax Lien Sale On motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Lerman, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes a Tax Lien sale to be held on May 23, 1986 at 10:00 a.m. for the 1985 Town and County Taxes and the 1985-86 School Taxes. Councilman Chapin questioned the Town Comptroller, Mr. DeLuca, as to what the cumulative total of tax sales was. Mr. Deluca answered that the amount, excluding the amount for this year, was $350,000 and that normally we collect about $100,000. Councilman Chapin stated that he understood the problem was uncollected taxes on very small pieces of land, and that we should get these pieces of property deeded back to the Town. 6. Authorization - Management and Non-Union Salaries On motion by Councilman Lerman, seconded by Councilman Chapin, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby adopts the following 1986 schedule for Management and Non-Union salaries: Name Position Date Employed Proposed 1986 Salary William Paonessa Building Inspector 3/16/48 $43,800 William Zimmermann Recreation Supt. 11/20/83 $38,500 Carmine DeLuca Comptroller 10/1/73 $36,600 Geroge Derderian Assessor 4f25/79 $35,800 Elaine Samuels Dir. Community Ser. 1/1/77 $31,000 Charles Baumblatt Police Chief 7/6/67 $44,360* Arthur Dallas Police Commissioner 1/23185 $49,000 P. T. Leddy Highway Supt. 4/27/61 $45,000 Edward Rilley General Foreman 7/17/61 $28,400 Howard Finn Ice Rink Manager 1/1/75 $29,600 Patsy Carmarella Custodian 4/11/68 $10,000 Clara Tracy Secretary to 617/79 $23,600 Administrator Paulette Gabbriellini Secretary to Supervisor 1/2/85 $19,000 School Crossing Guards $29.00/day *Increased mandated as per Sec. 207-M General Municipal Law -6- I 288 i 7. Salary Authorization - Substitute School Crossing Guard On motion by Councilman Lerman, seconded by Councilman Chapin, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes that salary be paid to substitute School Crossing Guard, Dominick J. Forti of 81 Myrtle Blvd. , Town, at the rate of $27.00 per day, retroactive to March 10, 1986. 8. Authorization - Pool Salary Adjustments On motion by Councilman Lerman, seconded by Councilwoman Silverstone, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that James Codispoti, Pool Director and Wayne Pollak, Senior Pool Manager, salaries be increased to $7,250 per annum and $5,660 per annum, respectively, retroactive to January 1, 1986; and be it .further RESOLVED, that Dean Reban, Pool Manager, receive an increase in salary to $9,50 per hour effective immediately; and be it further RESOLVED, that the following people are to receive an increase in salary effective immediately: Anne Treacy, Sr. Lifeguard, $4.10 per hour; Amy McGarry, Lifeguard, $3.95 per hour; Gregory Johanson, Lifeguard, $3.95 per hour; Agnes Mendoza, Lifeguard, $3.80 per hour; Susan Ladin, Key Attendant, $3.35 per hour; Colin Villone, Key Attendant, $3.35 per hour; and be it further RESOLVED, that Gary Metz, Alternate Key Attendant, be compensated at the rate of $3.00 per hour and as an Alternate Lifeguard, be compensated at the rate of $3.35 per hour, effective immediately. 9. Authorization - Collect 1986 State, County, Town and Special District Taxes On motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Lerman, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the Deputy Receiver of Taxes of the Town of Mamaroneck to collect the 1986 State, County, Town and Special District taxes and the water rents which become a lien on January 1, 1986; -7- i A,c 1 and be it further RESOLVED, that in accordance with the provisions of Section 500 of the Westchester County Administrative Code, The Daily Times, the official newspaper published for the Village and the Town of Mamaroneck, is the newspaper in which the Deputy Receiver of Taxes and Assessments shall publish the "Notice of the Collection of State, County, Town, and Special District Taxes and water rents;" and be it further RESOLVED, that in accordance with the provisions of Section 550 of the Westchester County Administrative Code, the Town Board does hereby direct the Deputy Receiver of Taxes and Assessments to mail to each taxpayer of the Town of Mamaroneck, whose address is known to said Deputy Receiver of Taxes and Assessments, a tax bill for all taxes and water rents, the expense thereof to be a Town charge. NOT ON AGENDA Authorization - Sale of Land The above-mentioned matter was deferred to the April 2nd meeting. 10. Set Date for Public Hearing - Adoption of Disclosure Statement On motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Chapin, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby sets April 2, 1986 as the date for a Public Hearing on a proposed local law relating to disclosure of financial holdings by certain employees; 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. At this time the order of the Agenda was changed. —8— ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Fisher stated that on April 10, 1984 the Town Board voted to spend four million dollars to renovate the Town Center. On December 18, 1984, he noted, the Town reneged on their promise to sell the Courthouse property. He also said that on December 4, 1984 the Board stated that they were not going to do anything about the building and now he understands that it will be leased. He added that he was asked by Mr. Hoffman, President of the Howell Park Association, to come to the meeting tonight and he would like to know what plans the Town has for that property. Supervisor Battalia responded that, as she has previously explained to Mr. Fisher, the commitment to which he refers was part of the discussion of the previous administration and that no resolution was adopted or formal action taken by the then existing Board with respect to the sale of the property. She reviewed the facts and circumstances surrounding the Board's meeting of October 16, 1985 at which time this Board felt, after some discussion, that it may be in the Town's best interests not to sell the property at this particular time. She stated that at a later public meeting, well attended by Howell Park residents, a commitment was made to relieve the taxpayers of the cost of maintaining the property and deriving income from it in the interim. A discussion was held at that meeting regarding a request by The Little School to lease the building and the Howell Park residents were vigorously supportive. Councilman Lerman stated that he recalled the meeting as having been well attended by Howell Park residents, speaking both as individuals and as Association members. The Howell Park Association's spokesman recommended not only that the zoning of the property remain unchanged but also that the Howell Park Association did not recommend the sale of the property. Councilman Lerman added that the Board was in agreement with the residents and he was not clear about what Mr. Fisher was asking in the name of the Howell Park Association. Councilwoman Silverstone stated that in the interim period, the Planning Board submitted memorandum recommending that the zoning of that property not be changed and the look of Palmer Avenue be maintained by keeping current zoning, which is single-family zoning. She added that the Joint Planning Group has not made a formal response as yet but the feeling of the Board members here is that a five-year lease would create revenue without making any irreversible decision on this property. I Councilman Lerman stated that in a matter such as this, we cannot be morally bound by a prior Board since it is not realistic, sometimes there is consistency but at other times change is needed. At this time, Supervisor Battalia stated that she had written a letter to each member of the Howell Park Association whenever this matter was to be discussed and that they were kept well informed throughout. She added that she felt it would be unwise to put that land up for sale right now and that she had voted accordingly since studies must be done on the environment and types of development that would be acceptable. In addition, she noted that the Town recently extended its building moratorium and should hold itself bound by the same standards it applies to builders and residents. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. DeGennaro questioned why nothing had been done about the central alarm system and stated that he had contacted a company that would install an alarm board free of charge and maintain it. He also questioned why the Town had to get bids if it is free. -9- I Mr. Altieri replied that he had spoken to the same company and they would not commit to whether there was a minimum number of subscribers necessary, and for what minimal amount of time. He added that proposals are being prepared and will be sent out shortly. Mr. DeGennaro also inquired as to the state of the citizens` committee which was to be established to review this matter. Supervisor Battalia responded that Councilmen Chapin-and Amlicke, who is absent tonight,._have been assigned tot that .task and she would req uest that t;:they_.make a report--at. the next meeting. Mr. Robert Wassman asserted that he had a conversation with Mr. Amlicke some time ago in which he was assured by him that a central alarm system was to be installed at the new Headquarters. Supervisor Battalia stated that Councilman Amlicke would have to respond at the next meeting but advised him that no such decision had been made by the Town. The entire purpose of the formation by the Board of a sub-committee and citizens' advisory committee was to comprehensively study and investigate the feasibility of the Town providing such a service. The regular order of the Agenda was resumed at this time. 11. Discussion - 1985 Tax Reform Act - Municipal Financing Town Administrator, Stephen Altieri, reported that the Senate is presently discussing a bill which would have serious implications for municipalities by limiting their ability to borrow money at advantageous rates. He felt that some action is necessary by this Board to inform the Senate of our objections. Some discussion ensued after which, on motion by Councilman Lerman, seconded by Councilwoman Silverstone, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck does hereby oppose the passage of Federal Bill 3838 known as the Tax Reform Act of 1985; and be it further i RESOLVED, that we urge our Legislators to vote against this Bill as it will have a debilitating effect onthe ability of local government to obtain low-interest borrowing rates. I -10- N. b 3 0l7 12. Proposed Insurance Legislation The above-captioned matter was deferred to the April 2nd meeting. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS I There were no written communications to come before the Board at this time. THE SUPERVISOR: a) extended her congratulations to Lee Hoffman, Counsel to the Town, on his election as Town Justice in the Town of Nyack. b) reported on her meeting with the Substance Abuse Task Force and stated that April is the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Community Awareness Month with a month-long schedule of programming on LMC-TV. c) mentioned that she will have the pleasure next week of participating in a Gannett Newspaper staff seminar with Gail Gorman and that she will be making a speech on "If I were a reporter covering local government I would." d) reported on a proposal by the President to terminate the last revenue sharing payment to municipalities and that he also wished to abolish the program. Some discussion on this issue ensued after which, on motion duly made and seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote of this Board: WHEREAS, President Reagan has proposed terminating the last payment to municipalities of Federal Revenue Sharing; and i WHEREAS, the President has also recommended that the Federal Revenue Sharing Program not be renewed; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck does hereby protest these recommendations and is totally against both the last payment being terminated and the abolishment of the Federal Revenue Sharing Program; and it is further RESOLVED, that this Board urges our Legislators to oppose this action because of the tax burden it will place upon our residents. -11- 291 REPORTS OF THE COUNCILMEN AND THE COUNCILWOMAN Councilwoman Silverstone: a) reported that a resolution was needed in order for her to attend the meeting of the Westchester Joint Water Works and on motion by Councilman Lerman, seconded by Councilman Chapin, it was unanimously ', RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes Councilwoman Caroline Silverstone to attend the meeting of the Westchester Joint Water Works as an alternate for Supervisor Dolores A. Battalia. b) spoke about the notice of meeting which she received from the New Rochelle Planning Board relative to a new subdivision off Dillon Road and suggested that a representative from the Coastal Zone Management Committee attend. c) stated that the Conservation Advisory Commission mentioned a problem with the construction at Cherry Lawn and having to drive through mud on Quaker Ridge Road during heavy rains and the fact that there didn't seem to be any attempt to control the run-off which was flowing into the reservoir. Mr. Altieri replied that he was in contact with New Rochelle regarding this problem. d) noted that she would like to congratulate Terry Phelps from the Village of Larchmont on her achievements in her tennis career. e) reported that she had received a telephone call from the Conservation Department in Albany relative to altering the omnibus water bill which was not the same as that proposed last fall. At this time Supervisor Battalia suggested that a resolution be adopted which will be on record so as to move more quickly, and on motion by Councilman Lerman, seconded by Councilman Chapin, it was by unanimous decision of the Board that the following resolution was adopted: WHEREAS, Senate Bill 1567 which funds flood projects is currently under debate; and WHEREAS, Senate Bill 1567 originally included House Bill HR6, which has now been eliminated; and WHEREAS, House Bill HR6 was for a Town of Mamaroneck flood prevention project on the upper Sheldrake River; NOW, THEREFORE BT IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck hereby urges our Legislators to work diligently at helping this project be included during the Senate-House Conference. I -12- I , Councilman Lerman: a) reported on a meeting with the Committee on the Disabled which covered a general review of the follow-up on the Myrtle Park renovation changes relative to handicapped accessability, and which, he felt, should be ready by summer with a little bit of luck. b) spoke about the upcoming meeting on the 20th with the ice rink committee and a report from Mr. Warren Bendixen. - c) mentioned that he was happy that the first order of business on the agenda took step one in getting our CZM plan approved and legislation passed. Councilman Chapin: I a) mentioned his attendance at a meeting of the Committee on Family and Youth. b) stated that he enjoyed the tour of the Town but that the bus shelter on Palmer and Weaver is in terrible condition and asked whether this is our responsibility. Mr. Altieri replied that it was. c) spoke of his visit to the Duck Pond and the problem with sea gulls and pigeons. Councilwoman Silverstone stated that the Beautification Committee was ready to plant at the corner of Weaver Street and Murray Avenue, and this should be accomplished by Beautification Day. She also felt that we should acknowledge the gift of Japanese dogwood trees received from Harold Epstein. Thereafter, Since there was no further business to come before this Board, on motion by Councilman Lerman, seconded by Councilman Lerman, it was unanimously declared that this meeting be adjourned at 10:50 p.m. I I Town Administrator I Town Clerk -13-