HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994_12_20 Town Board Minutes
December 20, 1994
TOWN OF MAMARONECK
TOWN BOARD AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING - TUESDAY. December 20, 1994 - Town
Center, Court Room - 8:15 PM
THE TOWN BOARD WILL CONVENE at 7:00 PM into a Work Session to discuss the
Town Budget.
CONVENE REGULAR MEETING
CONVENE WORK SESSION
RECESS WORK SESSION
RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ATTENTION - Location of Exits
PUBLIC HEARINGS -1995 Town Budget
- Parking Ordinance - Murray Avenue
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
SUPERVISOR REPORTS
REPORTS OF THE COUNCIL
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
1. Fire Claims
2. Authorization - New York State Grant Contract
3. Other Business
AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN
1. Adoption of 1995 Budget
2. Authorization - Capital Projects #94-8 and #94-9
3. Authorization - Town Comptroller to close financial records 1994
4. Salary Authorizations - Supervisor/Administrator's Office
- Recreation Department
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June and July, 1994
Next regularly scheduled meetings - January 4. 1995 - (Organizational Meeting)
-January 18, 1995
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REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD AND THE BOARD OF FIRE
COMMISSIONERS OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1994 AT 8:15 PM IN THE COURT ROOM
OF THE TOWN CENTER, 740 W BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK,
NY
PRESENT:
Supervisor: Elaine Price
Councilwoman: Kathleen Tracy O'Flinn
Councilman: Paul A. Ryan
Councilwoman: Valerie M. O'Keeffe
Councilman: Barry Weprin
Also Present:
Patricia A. DiCioccio, Town Clerk
Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator
Steven M. Silverberg, Town Attorney
CONVENE REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Price at 7:00 p.m., at
which time a motion duly made and seconded, the meeting was unanimously declared
adjourned into a Work Session in Conference Room A to discuss the Town Budget.
RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Price at 8:20 p.m.
CALL TO ATTENTION
Supervisor Price pointed out to those assembled the locations of exits as required by law for
public gatherings.
PUBLIC HEARINGS -1995 Town Budget (adjourned from last meeting)
- Parking Ordinance - Murray Avenue
On motion duly made and seconded, the Adjourned Public Hearing on the adoption of the
1995 Town Budget was opened.
_ Supervisor Price pointed out that many hours had gone into this budget, and she thanked
everyone who had given their input, especially the Town Administrator and the Town
Comptroller. She said that comments were welcome and in fact solicited by this board, and
given the economic times, the process was not easy. The Supervisor added that she thought
this budget was a good one. The Supervisor asked if there was anyone who wished to speak
either in favor of or against the budget.
Mr. O'Gorman said that that he had attended a few of the work sessions and he appreciated
the work that goes into this process. He added that it is hard for seniors to stay in this area
given the continuing taxes and expenses, but once again thanked the board for trying to hold
the taxes down.
December 20, 1994
The Administrator reported that the budget for 1995 reflected a plan to deliver services
and programs to the public that both the Town Board and the Staff had put together. He
stated that numerous hours of review and revisions were made, with an eye toward
questioning those items that could become fee-based, thus paying for themselves,
especially in recreational programs. Also, services mandated by the federal, state and
county governments, add an additional dollar amounts. He said that services were
reviewed as to their cost effectiveness as well as to the most expedient way to provide and
maintain those services that our residents demand. He outlined that there is a five year
capital plan, which incorporates the replacement of cars and equipment, and that as
always the continuing cost of safety and welfare in the Police and Fire Departments. He
said that this bud
get was a reliable and skillfully thought out projection of expenditures and revenues.
There were no further remarks from the public. Supervisor Price asked if any of the Board
members wished to comment.
Councilwoman O'Keeffe stated that in her opinion this budget was not in line with the
general inflation and cost of living ratios. She elucidated on those figures - saying that we
were above them. She added that she thought that the use of cars and future purchases
should be revisited and/or at least looked at more closely. She said that she knew that
many people in public service enjoyed services that many in the private sector don't get
and we might relook at sharing costs for insurance and things like that.
Councilman Ryan spoke on the difficulty of maintaining the services that residents want,
while holding down costs. He said that he is very much in favor of fee based services, but
how do you reflect that ideology in areas such as Police and Fire safety. He said that
consolidating services, would help, the paramedic situation and those mandates imposed
for providing 24 hour paramedics has precipitated the discussion between the Villages
and Town to implement the consolidation of ambulance services. Given more of that type
of thinking, we can save dollars. He cast doubt that the budget could have been
streamlined any further without cutting services. He said that he thought that this budget
was excellent.
Councilwoman O'Flinn added that she also thought the budget to be a fair reflection of
costs to provide essential and necessary services, without cutting some of our services, it
would be very difficult to modify it any further.
Supervisor Price stated that the economy is not the best, that the Board had strenuously
reviewed and trimmed this budget wherever it was feasible to do so. She said that we
have a situation where the tax base is eroding, while the infrastructure is aging; we have
to face ever increasing certiorari filings to reduce assessments; we have to confront
somewhere in the near future the sewer replacement situation. In response, we have
implemented and filed for the revision of the Town's equalization rates, which will help to
reduce our residents total taxes to the County. We've looked at many areas to consolidate
services, and are looking at more. But, in this community, we must also look at the quality
of life issues and how we can best sustain those services while continuing to study those
areas where we can effectively cut costs.
He said that the revised appropriation and tax rate sheets mirror the changes that were
made during the many budget sessions held these past few weeks. The overall tax rate in
the Unincorporated Area has been reduced to $143.65 per thousand of assessed
valuation. The new rate results in a tax increase of 4%, while the Townwide tax rate has
been decreased by an additional five cents to $12.05 per thousand of assessed valuation.
The ability to decrease the tax rates is based on the revisions made by the Town Board as
well as by increases in our mortgage revenue. The Town has received its last payment of
mortgage tax for fiscal 1994, bringing the total amount received to $683,374. We have
increased our mortgage tax estimate by $200,000 as a result of it being so much higher
than expected.
Mr. Altieri then presented the following:
2
~T
v
ALLOWANCE FOR
0
ESTIMATED UNEXPENDED UNCOLLECTED TAX
m
FUND AND DISTRICT APPROPRIATIONS REVENUES BALANCE TAXES LEVY
E
d
m GENERAL FUND - G.T. 5,231,765 3,039,170 233,000 1,959,595
D
GENERAL FUND - P. T. 5,616,805 993,250 225,000 4,398,555
HIGHWAY FUND 2,159,880 104,500 75,000 1,980,380
DEBT SERVICE FUND - - - - -
M
GARBAGE DISTRICT 1,025,700 2,800 40,000 - 982,900
WATER DISTRICT 345,700 286,000 59,700 - -
STREET LIGHTING DISTRICT 120,475 - - - 120,475
SEWER DISTRICT 280,000 2,000 30,000 - 248,000
FIRE DISTRICT 1,677,870 5,000 10,000 - 1,662,870
AMBULANCE DISTRICT 530,075 383,000 - 147,075
TOTAL 16,988,270 4.815,720 672.700 11,499,850
ASSESSMENT ROLL 1994/1995 COMPARISON OF TAX RATE AND ASSESSMENT
1994 1995
rn TOWN OF MAMARONECK
(Unincorporated Area) $71,626,618 44% 162,631,921
General Fund - T.W. 165,488,855
N 39,098,254 24% General Fund - T.0 72,546,836 71,626,618
` VILLAGE OF LARCHMONT 72,546,836 71,626,618
N Highway Fund 72,702,250
£ VILLAGE OF MAMARONECK 51,907,049 32% Garbage District 73,533,066
N Water District 73,533,066 72,702,250
. 72,702,250
0 TOTAL TAXABLE VALUE Street Lighting District 73,533,066
$162,631,921 100% Sewer District 68,633,365 67,851,949
(Iowa Wide) 73,533,066 72,702,250
Fire District 165,835,467
EXEMPTIONS Ambulance District 165,488,855
1994 1995
PARTIALLY EXEMPT PROPERTY
(Section 458,R.P.T.L.) 1,607,329 Actual Actual Increase Decrease
12.15 12.05 .10
PARTIALLY EXEMPT PROPERTY General Fund T.W. 1.15
(Section 457, R.P.T.L.) 744,706 General Fund - T.O. 62.55 61.40
Highway Fund 2615 27.65 1.50
1.70
PARTIALLY EXEMPT PROPERTY Garbage District 11.80 13.50
(Section 460, R.P.T.L.) 1 500 Water District ]0
Street Lighting District 1.55 1.65
3.85 3.65 .20
TOTAL 2,353,535 Sewer District 3.80
Fire District 19.05 22.85 08
SUMMARY Ambulance District .98 .90 -
TOTAL TAXABLE VALUE 162,631,921 TOTAL 138.08 143.65 7.10 1.53
VETERANS EXEMPTIONS 1,607,329 SUMMARY BY AREA
OLD-AGE EXEMPTIONS 744,706 Village of Mamaroneck 12.15 12.05
Ambulance District .98 .90
CLERGY EXEMPTIONS 1,500 Village of Larchmont 12.15 12.05
Unincorporated Area 138.08 143.65
WHOLLY EXEMPT PROPERTY 25,509.763
TOTAL $191,495,219
i i
December 20, 1994
Thereafter, on motion of Councilman Ryan, seconded by Councilwoman O'Flinn, it was
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of
Mamaroneck does hereby adopt the 1995 budget totaling
$17,00,270 as the final budget for the 1995 fiscal year.
Ayes: Weprin, Ryan, O'Flinn, Price
Nays: O'Keeffe
(Official budget to be filed when printed).
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Price at 8:25 p.m. in the Court Room.
Present were the following members of the Commission:
Commissioner: Elaine Price
Commissioner: Kathleen Tracy O'Flinn
Commissioner: Paul A. Ryan
Commissioner: Valerie M. O'Keeffe
Commissioner: Barry Weprin
1. Fire Claims
Commissioner O'Flinn presented fire claims for authorization of payment and on her motion,
seconded by Commissioner Weprin, 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:
OPERATING FUND
(Table A)
AAA Emergency Supply $292.15
AAA Emergency Supply 131.75
AT&T Capital Corp. 69.45
Cleaning Systems 100.95
Coyne Textile Services 58.21
Delson 60.00
Delson 51.50
Excelsior Garage 543.65
Lawrence Heat & Power Corp. 323.64
Metpath 44.70
MetPath 67.05
Metrocom North, Inc. 175.00
Metrocom North, Inc. 670.00
Nynex 9.00
Sound Shore Fire Protection 1098.00
Sound Shore Fire Protection 447.85
Sound Shore Fire Protection 135.00
Sound Shore Fire Protection 311.25
Total Marine LTD. 286.00
Total Marine LTD. 650.00
5 5.52
5
December 20, 1994
2. Acceptance of Annual Department Elections
In the annual company and department elections held at the Town of Mamaroneck Fire
Department on December 8, 1994, the following members were elected.
Department Officers
Chief Joseph C. Mirabella
1st Deputy Michael J. Acocella
2nd Deputy Frank J. Cioffi
Treasurer Matthew T. Peloso / Martin LUDECKE
Financial Secty Robert Patrick Degen
Secretary Louis Nicholas Santoro
Chaplain Reverend Monsignor Joseph J. Boyd
Surgeon Thomas Kahn Landau, MD
Sergeant-at-Arms Eric John Flood
Attorney James F. Carcano, Esq.
Officers
ENGINE COMPANY 51
Captain Matthew Thomas Peloso
1st Lieutenant
and Warden Peter Fleming Liverzani
2nd Lieutenant Robert Patrick Degin
Secretary David Michael Cremins
Sgt.-at-Arms Eric John Flood
ENGINE COMPANY 36
Captain
and Warden Michael Alfred Liverzani
1st Lieutenant Mark Baumblatt
2nd Lieutenant William Roman
Secretary Louis Nicholas Santoro
Sgt.-at-Arms Douglas Carroll
ENGINE COMPANY 37
Captain Alan Wilson
1st Lieutenant Jeffery Wilson
2nd Lieutenant Edward-Ladin
Warden Dennis Tortorella
Secretary Franco Vallerio
Sgt.-at-Arms Robert Blaufarb
LADDER COMPANY 19
Captain William McDermott
1st Lieutenant Joseph Mitchell
2nd Lieutenant
and Warden James Carcano
Sgt.-at-Arms Norman Wilson
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December 20, 1994
3. Authorization: Grant Contract - Firehouse Renovation
Authorization was requested by the Town Administrator to execute an agreement with
New York State Department of State for funding to go to the firehouse renovation
project. He specified that the grant was in the amount of $20,000; these funds will be
applied toward the construction of the additional drive bays and the training room on
the second floor of the firehouse. Town Counsel was to review the contract and
subject to his comments, authorization is requested to submit it to the State.
On motion of Commissioner Ryan, seconded by Commissioner O'Flinn, it was
unanimously,
RESOLVED, that the Board of Fire Commissioners does
hereby authorize the Town Administrator to submit a Grant to
the State for Funds in the amount $20,000 for renovations at
the Weaver Street Firehouse, said authorization is subject to
review of the grant by the Town attorney.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Councilman
Weprin, seconded by Councilwoman O'Flinn, the Commission unanimously adjourned at 8:45
PM.
PUBLIC HEARING - Parking Ordinance - Murray Avenue
On motion of Councilwoman O'Flinn, seconded by Councilman Ryan, the hearing was opened.
Mr. Altieri explained that this matter was being addressed to alleviate a continuing problem of
heavy traffic near Murray Avenue School. He said that the law would restrict parking, U-tums,
and stopping in that area and noted that the Traffic Committee endorses the passage of this
law.
Supervisor Price asked if anyone wished speak in favor of the law.
Richard Mari, a member of the Traffic Committee responded that he was in favor and knew that
many residents in that area, and also parents of children who are pedestrians in that corridor,
are definitely in favor of its passage.
Richard Bennatti, a Murray Avenue resident said he was in favor, but questioned enforcement.
The Supervisor replied that she had spoken with Lt. Anderson who had assured her that the
new law would be vigilantly enforced. She said that warnings would first be issued to make
everyone aware of the situation, but after that, tickets would be issued.
Supervisor Price advised that representatives from the school had also been taken part in
implementing this law.
The Supervisor read the following communication into the record from residents residing in that
area:
TO: THE MAMARONECK TOWN BOARD
Re: proposed ban on parking on south bound side of Murray Ave.
7
December 20, 1994
Apparently the issue has been discussed at the most recent meeting of the traffic
commission and the plan for traffic control and school drop off involves
prohibition of parking between Forest Ave. and Bryson
This proposed plan severely penalizes the residents of Murray Ave. It would
impact residents of 10 homes living between Forest and Bryson in the following
manner:
1. Visitors.
Murray Avenue residents will be unable to receive visitors without significant
- inconveniences, i.e., Guests, who in some cases are elderly, would have to park
on either forest or Bryson or much farther down in front of other Murray Avenue
Homes.
2. Tradesmen:
Plumbers, electricians, gardeners, etc. Must park farther away, an outright
inconvenience or impossibility due to heavy equipment, tools and machinery.
3. Home owners and family members:
Will not be able to park in front of own homes, which causes major
inconveniences for the handicapped to minor inconveniences such as unloading
groceries.
4. Property values:
Value of properties involved would definitely be reduced. Lower taxes would be
in order due to this hardship.
5. Reverse effect:
There is the possibility that having open space on the south bound side
Would be a freeway for speeders to really barrel down Murray rather than slowing
down to regard school safety.
Rather than penalizing the residents on Murray Avenue, other measures should
be considered.
1. What is the schools responsibility in helping to facilitate the drop off and pick
up of children, i.e., Monitors or aides.
2. Enforcement of speed limits with a police car as is being done at Mamaroneck
Avenue School.
3. Enforcing the new drop off rules.
4. Education of parents and nannies, most of whom, don't "drop off", but leave
cars in present no parking or standing areas, 'just for a minute", who park in
front of our driveways, U-turn in our driveways, or socialize outside of cars while
others are stacked up waiting.
5. Amend the proposed hours of the parking ban on property owners side. It is
apparent that the principal problem exists at a very specific time: 8:15 to 9:00
am, when the commuter traffic coincides with the school drop off.
The property owners understand the need for action to address the issue of
children's safety when going to Murray Avenue, however we believe that the
action needs to be fair and evenhanded. We would support a limited parking ban
on Murray Avenue for the times mentioned above, but not the total ban as
discussed at the recent traffic commission meeting of 8 am to 4 pm.
8
December 20, 1994
There was then a discussion on the hours, parking, safety, enforcement, alternatives that could
be implemented.
On motion of Councilwoman O'Keeffe, seconded by Councilman Ryan, the hearing was closed
and also on that motion, it was unanimously,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby adopts the following
Local Law to restrict parking, standing and U-turns on Murray
Avenue
LOCAL LAW NO. 1994
This Local Law shall be known as "Restricted Parking and Standing and No U-turn
School Zone - Murray Avenue"
Section 1. Purpose:
Due to the large volume of traffic on Murray Avenue, the Town Board finds that it
is necessary to regulate standing, parking and 'U-Turns along Murray Avenue in
the vicinity of the Murray Avenue School.
Section 2. Parking Prohibited:
Parking shall hereafter be prohibited at the following location:
a) On the northbound side of Murray Avenue from a point parallel to the
beginning of the playground on the south end of the Murray Avenue School
building north to the bus stop located near the playground at the north end of the
Murray Avenue School building near Forest Avenue. This area shall be
designated as standing only, children pick-up and drop-off zone from 7:00 a.m.
until 4:30 p.m. on school days. The area around fire hydrants shall remain a no
parking or standing zone.
Section 3. Restricted Parking and Standing
Parking and/or standing of vehicles shall hereafter be prohibited at the following
location:
a) On the southbound side of Murray Avenue at the intersection with Forest
Avenue south to Bryson Street from 7:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on school days.
Section 4. No U-turns:
U-turns shall hereafter be prohibited at the following location:
a) Northbound and Southbound on Murray Avenue between Bryson Street and
Forest Avenue.
Section 5. Signs to be Erected:
Appropriate signs shall be erected on Murray Avenue designating the area
described in Section 2 as a 'No Parking' area.
Appropriate signs shall be erected on Murray Avenue designating the area
described in Section 3 as a "No Parking or Standing' area.
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December 20, 1994
Appropriate signs shall be erected on Murray Avenue designating the area
described in Section 4 as a'No U-turn' area.
Section 6. Severability:
Should any provision of this Local Law be declared invalid or unconstitutional by
any court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration of unconstitutionality or
invalidity shall not affect any other provisions of this local law which may be
implemented without the invalid or unconstitutional provision.
Section 7. Effective Date*
This local law shall take effect immediately.
AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN
1. Adoption of 1995 Budget
This item was approved earlier in the meeting.
2. Authorization - Capital Projects #94-8 and #94-9
Renovation of Children's pool - Hommocks
Project #94-8
Mr. Altieri explained that the Boards authorization is requested to establish the above
referenced capital project for renovations and repairs to the children's pool at the Hommocks
Pool complex. He said that the Capital Project would be set up in the amount of $90,000, and
that the funds would be transferred from appropriations in the Townwide General Fund to
Capital Project #94-8.
Feasibility Study - Renovations & Improvement - Town Yard on Maxwell Avenue
Project #94-9
The Administrator said that this project would enable a feasibility study for renovations and
improvements at the Highway Department yard at Maxwell Avenue. The project amount would
be $20,000 and funds would be transferred from 1994 appropriations in the Highway fund to
Capital Project #94-9.
On motion of Councilwoman O"Flinn, seconded by Councilman Weprin, it was unanimously,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the Town
Administrator to transfer funds in the amount of $90,000 from
the Town-Wide General Fund Account to Capital Project #94-
8, renovation of Childrens Pool at Hommocks; and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the
Town Administrator to transfer funds in the amount of
$20,000 from 1994 Appropriations in the Highway Fund to
Capital Project #94-9, for a Feasibility Study to renovation
and improve the Town Yard on Maxwell Avenue.
10
December 20, 1994
3. Authorization -Town Comptroller to Close Financial Records - 1994
Authorization was requested for the Town Comptroller to make the necessary book entries
and budget transfers to close the Towns financial records for fiscal 1994.
_ On motion of Councilwoman O'Keeffe, seconded by Councilman Weprin, it was unanimously,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the Town
Comptroller to make all necessary budget transfers and book
entries in order for him to close the financial records for the
fiscal year 1994.
4. Salary Authorizations - Supervisor/Administrator's Office
- Recreation Department
Authorization was requested by the Administrator to hire Karen Hoffman as a part-time
receptionist/secretary in the Supervisor's/Administrator's office. Mr. Altieri explained that
Mrs. Hoffman was being hired as a replacement for someone who had resigned and that she
would be working alternate days with the current part-timer, Lillian Sten. Her hourly rate is
$10 per hour.
Supervisor/Administrator's Office
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the
payment of salary to Karen Hoffman, for her services as a
part-time secretary in the Administrator/Supervisor's office at
the rate of $10 per hour effective retroactive to November 25,
1994.
Recreation Dept
On motion of Councilman Ryan, seconded by Councilwoman O'Keeffe, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that as provided for in the 1994 Town Budget,
the Town Board does hereby authorize the payment of salary
to the following:
Carol Lancia, Alternate Instructor, Women's Fitness, $20/session, effective
retroactive to 11129/94.
Katie Marty, Alternate Skate Guard, Hommocks Park Ice Rink, $6.50/hour, effective
12/21/94.
John Chevalier Jr., Goalie Coach, $11/hour, effective 1213194.
Erin Webler replacing Phil Keane as an Assistant Instructor, $5.50/hour, effective
11/26/94.
Deb Matthews, Alternate Teen Center, $10/hour, effective 12/16194.
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December 20, 1994
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June 1 & June 15, 1994
- July 1994
On motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve the
minutes of June 1, 1994, June 15, 1994 and July 21, 1994 as
amended.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Councilman Ryan, seconded by Councilwoman O'Keeffe, the meeting was
unanimously adjourned at 10: 49 p.m.
The Supervisor wished everyone a safe, happy and healthy holiday.
Submitted by,
Patricia A. DiCioccio, Town Clerk
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