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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015_12_02 Town Board Minutes December 2, 2015 TOWN OF MAMARONECK TOWN BOARD AGENDA WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 THE TOWN BOARD WILL CONVENE – at 5:00 PM, In Conference Room A to discuss: 1.Review – Draft Moratorium Law – Residential Site Plan 2.Planning & Zoning Board Training Opportunity 3.Affordable Care Act Compliance 4.New Business 8:00PM CALL TO ORDER – COURTROOM SUPERVISOR’S SUMMARY REPORT CITIZEN COMMENTS PUBLIC HEARING - 1. 2016 Preliminary Town Budget 2. Tax Cap Override BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS 1.Fire Claims 2.Other Fire Department Business AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK 1. Authorization – Consultant Services – Affordable Care Act Compliance 2. Set Public Hearing – 2016 Sewer Rent Rate 3. Set Public Hearing – Local Law Regarding Moratorium 4. Consideration of Certiorari 5. Set Public hearing – Amendment of the List of Sensitive Positions contained in the Code of Ethics Law 6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – None REPORTS OF THE COUNCIL TOWN CLERK’S REPORT NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETINGS – December 16, 2015 1 December 2, 2015 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON DECEMBER 2, 2015, BEGINNING AT 5:00PM IN CONFERENCE ROOM A AND CONTINUING AT 8:00 PM IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE TOWN CENTER, 740 W. BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK PRESENT: Supervisor Nancy Seligson Councilman Ernest C. Odierna Councilwoman Abby Katz Councilwoman Jaine Elkind Eney Councilman Thomas A. Murphy ALSO PRESENT: Christina Battalia, Town Clerk Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator William Maker, Jr., Town Attorney CALL TO ORDER - WORK SESSION On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman Murphy, the Work Session was unanimously opened at 5:00PM. Review – Draft Moratorium Law – Residential Site Plan Additionally Present: Residents, Lori Kuppferberg and Maura Karlan The Town Board reviewed a draft legislation prepared by Bill Maker. The Board discussed specifically Section 2 D. (1) and added “or an addition of more than 35% percent of the footprint”, and D. (4) (b) a change from 30 days to 20 days, and 10 days to 5 days. The Town Board will set a public hearing for th December 16. Planning and Zoning Board Training Opportunity Additionally Present: Roz Cimino, IT Director The Town has previously discussed various options for Land Use Boards to fulfill their training requirements. The Assistant Town Administrator, Connie Green O’Donnell presented a possible option through NYMIR. Ms. O’Donnell and Ms. Cimino presented the NYMIR web site and training options. The Town Board was impressed with the option. It was noted that Mr. Maker is still working on a draft policy for training requirements. Affordable Care Act Compliance Effective January 1, 2015, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), requires that large employers offer health coverage to at least 70% of its full-time employees, increasing to 95% in 2016. Ms. O’Donnell explained that this requirement may require the Town to offer additional coverage to certain part-time employees and could affect staffing. Due to specifics requirements, and complexity of the law, it is recommended that the Town engage a consultant to determine the Town’s liability and navigate compliance to this legislation. Ms. O’Donnell emphasized the penalties for noncompliance. Update – Sanitary Sewer Lateral Legislation The Town Board reviewed an update memo from Mr. Altieri dated November 25, 2015. 2 December 2, 2015 Mr. Altieri explained that in 2016 the Town must address the evaluation of private sewer lateral lines as well as prepare and submit to the Town Board a local law prohibiting storm water and sump pump connections to sanitary sewers by January 1, 2016. Mr. Altieri recommends an amendment to the existing sewer law versus a complete law rewrite. Supervisor Seligson added that last week the four municipalities working with the County received a signed Inter Municipal Agreement from the County. The Town addressed the fact that due to the Counties unresponsiveness in addressing the IMA, the time line is now outdated and unrealistic and needs to be reevaluated with the County. Specifically, the Town would like to remove the 25k mandatory repair clause as well as add 45 days to all requirements. Review – Draft Amendment Code of Ethics – Sensitive Positions The Town Board reviewed draft legislation which added newly formed titles to the Town’s list of Sensitive Positions in the Town’s Code of Ethics. This was added to the Regular Agenda for this evening. Westchester County Hazard Mitigation Plan The Town Board reviewed the County Hazard Mitigation Plan and noting the efficiency of participating in the County Plan versus doing an individual plan for the town. Added Items Emelin Theatre request for Added Funding Supervisor Seligson noted that the Town received a written request form the Emelin Theatre asking for additional annual funding for 2016. The requested amount was $5,000. Currently they receive $500. The Town Board was not inclined to amend the Budget at this time to include additional funding. Discussion of Public Hearings Supervisor Seligson noted that if the Town Board is inclined to vote on the 2016 Budget this evening, in the form presented, than there is no need for the Tax Cap Levy override legislation. Councilwoman Katz gave an update on the ongoing discussions at the Traffic Committee regarding Hickory Grove Drive. Mr. Altieri noted that the Village of Mamaroneck has approved changing the one way street, Center Avenue, to allow trucks an alternate route besides Hickory Grove. The Town and Village will keep an eye on Fenimore Road to see if traffic buildup is created there as a consequence. Supervisor Seligson noted that the Sustainability Collaborative is working on an amendment to the leaf blower ordinance for the Town Board to consider. Mr. Altieri noted that the Town has reviewed proposals from consulting firms regarding Hampshire, there are only two firms that do not have a conflict of interest. Mr. Altieri stated that the Town will solidify this in January. Mr. Altieri gave a short briefing on the Cambium project. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Seligson at 8:00 PM, she then pointed out the location of the exits. Supervisor Seligson noted that the Town Board met for a worksession beginning at 5:00 o’clock this evening, adding this is an open meeting that all residents’ are welcomed to attend. 3 December 2, 2015 SUPERVISOR’S SUMMARY REPORT I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving and is ready to get into the holiday spirit of December. There are many events planned in our community to celebrate Hanukah and Christmas. One non-holiday event I would like to mention is the introduction of the Rocket composter at Hommocks Middle School. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend, but several other Town Board members attended. The School District worked with the Garbage Commission to secure a grant and provided matching funds to purchase the Rocket that will compost all the food waste from Hommocks and turn it into usable compost. This should reduce the overall waste stream for the Garbage Commission and reduce tipping fees. Leaf collection continues in the Town of Mamaroneck and will end the week of Christmas. Paving begins tomorrow for Elkan and Hommocks Roads. The Town has been fine-tuning the 2016 budget and will hold a hearing on it tonight. CITIZEN’S COMMENTS Supervisor Seligson asked if anyone in the audience would like to address the Board. Ruth Campanelli, Barnum Road addressed the Board. Mrs. Campanelli commended the Town employees for the fine job putting the lights up around Gardens’ Lake. Mrs. Campanelli stated that she heard that there was consideration of adding large rocks around the Brook as a way to minimize the erosion, adding that she is against that. Most importantly she came to address her hope that the Town will do something to minimize the large scale construction going on in the Town. She believes the character of the Town is changing for the worse. She also deeply objects to the noise created by blasting and chipping, adding that her home neighbor is going out of her mind with the vibrations to her home. PUBLIC HEARING (S) – 2016 Preliminary Town Budget The following Notice of Public Hearing is entered into the record as follows: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PRELIMINARY 2016 TOWN BUDGET PRELIMINARY BUDGET TOWN OF MAMARONECK FIRE DISTRICT #1 TOWN OF MAMARONECK, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board and the Fire Commission of the Town of Mamaroneck, New York on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 8:00 PM in the Court Room of the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York to consider the Town’s Preliminary Budget and the Fire District Budget for the calendar year commencing January 1, 2016 and ending December 31, 2016. All citizens are invited to attend and provide the Board with written and oral comments and ask questions concerning the Preliminary Budgets. The Preliminary Budgets can be inspected by the public from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, beginning Monday, November 30, 2015 in the Town Clerk’s Office, Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York. The 2016 Budget may also be viewed on the Town’s website www.townofmamaroneck.org PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the proposed salaries of the members of the Town Board are as follows: Supervisor, $38,254; Town Council (4) $6,120 each and the proposed salary for the Town Clerk is $90,017 and the Town Justices (2) $21,422. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK Christina Battalia Town Clerk 4 December 2, 2015 To be published: November 25, 2015 On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman Murphy, the Public Hearing was unanimously opened. Mr. Altieri gave a PowerPoint presentation of the 2016 Preliminary Budget. The Budget Officer’s Transmittal letter is entered into the record as follows: December 4, 2015 Honorable Supervisor Nancy Seligson & Members of the Town Board Re: 2016 Adopted Town of Mamaroneck Budget We are pleased to present to the community the Town of Mamaroneck’s Adopted budget for the 2016 fiscal year which commences on January 1, 2016. The Town Budget process begins in June with the distribution of departmental worksheets and culminates with final adoption of the budget in December. During this period the Town Board met with operating departments, reviewed capital project proposals and made decisions key to the continued operations of the Town government. In the presentation of the Tentative Budget in October, we pointed out the importance of the budget document. The budget serves as the financial work plan for the Board and the staff for policy determination regarding the delivery of services. For the community the budget provides a better understanding of the workings of the Town government and the cost of Town services. The budget developed for 2016 is one in which we have accomplished a great deal in addressing both short and long term goals for the community. Looking forward to future years we know that capital infrastructure including underground utilities and roads will require large financial commitments by the Town. Funding for these projects will likely be generated from the issuance of bonds that will lead to long term debt commitments that impact budget expenditures. However the Town’s capital improvement program is not only for the maintenance of infrastructure. Also included are Town facilities and equipment which must be properly maintained to avoid greater expenses in the future. Therefore we have attempted to strike a balance between the more routine capital needs that can be financed with appropriations in the budget versus longer term projects that require borrowed funds. By establishing an appropriated capital improvement program in the budget our financial plan is a more realistic picture of what is needed for the operations of the government and avoids the accumulation of unnecessary debt for comparatively small projects. Equally important, the Town Budget continues to be built on conservative financial projections for both expenditures and revenues. Conservative budget practices insure the continued financial strength of the Town. The Town also continues to follow the policies set forth in our surplus management program. Strong reserve positions allow us to have funds available for unexpected events and projects while providing a means of avoiding large year to year fluctuations in our annual budgets. A strong reserve management policy is also looked upon favorably by the bond rating agencies and contributes to our realizing very competitive bond interest rates. The Property Tax Cap Each year local governments like the Town must wrestle with the issue of whether or not to adopt budgets that comply with the Property Tax Cap imposed by the Governor and New York State Legislature in 2012. Decisions on tax cap compliance were made even harder when the legislation was amended to include a tax rebate provision to property owners living in communities that adopted tax cap compliant budgets. While the tax cap legislation does not reflect any of the realities of delivering municipal services and does not take into account long term capital infrastructure needs, the Town has always evaluated each year the implications of adopting a tax cap compliant budget. Addendum #1 provides the full details on the property tax cap formula and calculation of the cap for 2016. Based upon the mandated formula, the 2016 Town tax cap limit was 1.14%; meaning a maximum increase in the 2016 tax levy of $268,013. For 2016, the proposed tax levy is $23,713,182, an increase of $264,737 or 1.12%. So for the coming year the Town Budget will be compliant with the required tax cap. The 2016 Town Budget will be the fifth budget prepared since the tax cap legislation was imposed. The Town has adopted tax cap compliant budgets in three of the five years. In 2013 and 2014 when the Town tax levy 5 December 2, 2015 increased above the cap amount the difference between the cap amount and the adopted tax levy was 2.2% and .9% respectively. Budget Overview The table below provides a comparative look at the 2015 Adopted and 2016 Preliminary Town Budget. 2015 Adopted Budget 2016 Adopted Budget Change % Change Appropriations $34,320,994 $35,076,363 $755,369 2.2% Non-Tax Revenue $10,512,549 $10,663,181 $150,632 1.4% Reserve Application $360,000 $700,000 $340,000 94% Property Tax Levy $23,448,445 $23,713,182 $264,737 1.12% The 2016 Tentative Budget proposed in October included an increase in expenses of $822,831, a surplus application increase of $275,000 and tax levy increase of $397,199. Therefore to bring the budget in within the tax cap requirement the Town applied a balance of expense reductions and an increase in the surplus application. This balanced formula insured a controlled use of surplus. 2016 Property Tax Implications Although the discussion of the budget is more focused on the tax levy, property owners invariably want to have an idea of how the budget adjustments will impact their Town taxes. As a result of the original property revaluation in 2013 the average assessment in the Town for a residential property was $1.1million. The completion of the recent assessment roll update confirmed an increase in property values in the Town that followed increases in the market rate of homes in the Town. For the entire Town the average residential property assessment rose to $1,184,000. Certainly the individual residential assessments will differ between the Town unincorporated area and the Villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck however the average provides a benchmark that residents may use in estimating property taxes paid to the Town. The chart below illustrates the property tax impact upon an average assessed property in the Villages and in the Unincorporated Area. The property tax rates are always expressed per one thousand dollars of assessment. Impact Upon Unincorporated Area Properties 2015 2016 Change % change Property Tax Rate $5.68 $5.18 ($.50) (8.8%) 1 Town Property Taxes $6,248 $6,133 ($115) (1.8%) Impact Upon Properties in the Villages of Mamaroneck and Larchmont 2015 2016 Change % Change 2 Property Tax Rate $.48 $.48 -0- -0- Town Property Taxes $528 $568 $40.00 7.5% For 2016 there is a difference in the changes in the property tax impact for Village and Unincorporated area residents. However the reduction in the unincorporated area tax impact for 2016 is driven by a couple of factors. Most important of which is that for 2016 the Town Budget reflects for the first time the elimination of the tax levy for the Town Sewer District. In 2014 the Town established a sewer rent fee for the funding of the operation and maintenance of the Town’s sanitary sewer system. The sewer rent is a more equitable way to fund this service since the amount of the rent is a function of actual water use as opposed to the traditional ad valorem tax. The establishment of the sewer rent provided for a reduction in the tax levy of $202,000. Also the Town benefitted from a reduction in pension contribution costs. As a general statement, the difference in the amount of property taxes paid between an Unincorporated Area property owner and a Village property owner is a function of the services delivered to each population group. Services provided to the Village Property Owners: Recreation Services  Ambulance Service  Senior Citizen Services/Section 8 Housing Voucher Program  Property Assessment Services  Tax Collection Services for School and County Property Taxes  1 Assumes average property assessment of $1.1 million for 2015 and $1,184,000 for 2016 2 The tax rate for village properties is the sum of the Townwide and Ambulance District tax rates. 6 December 2, 2015 Services provided to the Unincorporated Area Property Owners: All of the services listed above plus  Police Department Services  Fire Department Services  Garbage/Recycling Collection Services  Snow Removal  Leaf Collection  Sewer/Highway/ Storm Drain Maintenance  Building /Safety Inspection/Code Enforcement Services  Revenue Discussion To finance services provided by the Town, a blend of property tax and non-property tax revenues are applied. Also, when possible, the Town will apply a portion of its surplus funds to the budget. Amongst many local governments in New York State and throughout the nation for that matter there has been an active discussion of the use of property taxes versus fees and charges to finance municipal services. While property taxes remain the primary source of revenue for local governments the introduction of fees for services is gaining popularity. Mostly because one can generally make a direct connection between a fee charged and the service received. While we are able to breakdown a property tax bill to illustrate the component costs of municipal services the connection is somewhat less precise for the benefit each resident receives. For municipal services, particularly emergency services, the Town must maintain the operating infrastructure to make certain the Town is prepared to provide these services when needed. However not every resident will need emergency services each year which is of course a good thing. The Town’s Budget for 2016 estimates total non-property tax revenues will be $10,663,181. This is an increase of $150,632 or 1.4% over 2015 estimates. Non-property tax revenue accounts for about 30% of total revenue to the budget. Property taxes will account for about 68% of total revenue and the application of surplus will account for the final 2%. On the next page is a chart that illustrates the breakdown of all Town revenues used to finance municipal services. Int. Other Revenue Sources Recreation Fund Taxes 7% Tr6% Dept. Income 1% Surplus Permits 5% 2% Fines 1% 1% Use of Money 1% Misc. 0% Int. Fund R. 1% State Aid 5% Prop. Tax Federal Aid 68% 2% The relatively small increase in non-property tax revenue estimates for 2016 reflects in part the volatile nature of some of the Town’s largest revenue sources. Any major change in these sources of revenue directly impacts the amount to be raised by property taxes. Like all revenues we estimate the performance of these revenues carefully to avoid large year to year spikes. The volatile sources of revenue are directly impacted by the regional and national economy. Sales tax for instance is expected to decrease in 2016 to $1.6 million, a decrease of $50,000. The dramatic decrease in petroleum product prices is primarily to blame for the expected drop in sales tax revenue. Income from investments also continues to perform poorly. This year the Town’s annual investment income will drop to just $21,000 from $41,000 in 2015. Several factors impact this revenue. Overall investment rates are low. A second factor is that local governments in New York State are severely limited in the types of instruments to which funds may be invested. And more recent has been the practice of the banks to a trade-off of fees charged versus interest paid. This year the Town determined that by accepting the lower rate of return on deposits, the Town would avoid close to $70,000 in banking fees. 7 December 2, 2015 Another major source of non-property tax revenue to the Town is the portion of mortgage taxes paid to local governments. This too, can be a volatile source of revenue that clearly rises and falls with the real estate market. In the Town of Mamaroneck we have been fortunate to realize a strong real estate market in 2015 that many believe will carry into 2016. This being the case, we are estimating an increase in mortgage tax revenue for the coming year. Mortgage tax is expected to increase by $104,000 to $1,658,725. In the pie chart illustration on the previous page three sources of revenue noted are: Departmental Income $1,792,522  Recreation Revenue $2,498,500  Permits $ 455,000  Total $4,746,022 These revenues are mentioned in this discussion because they relate back to the analysis of fees versus property taxes to support municipal services. These three categories of revenues account for 13.5% of total revenue however the revenue is earned for municipal services provided on a of “pay as you need basis” and the benefit can be directly accounted for by the nature of the service provided. Departmental income covers a number of municipal services provided by the Town however the largest sources of revenue are the following: Ambulance Charges/Fees $928,000  Parking Permit Fees $330,000  Sewer Rent $202,000  Revenue received for Parking Permit Fees and Sewer Rent cover 100% of the cost of providing the services. In the case of Ambulance Charges, the revenue received covers 63% of the total cost of the service. For Ambulance Services the Town wants to make certain that residents do not hesitate to call for emergency medical service due to cost. Therefore the Town indexes its fees to the reimbursement rates for Medicare, Medicaid and most health insurance carriers. Also a portion of the revenue received by the District is paid by the Village of Mamaroneck to cover the cost of providing emergency medical services to the Rye Neck Section of the Village which is actually in the Town of Rye. These residents do not pay property taxes to the Town of Mamaroneck. Recreation Department revenues include all fees and charges for participation in department programs and access to facilities including the Hommocks Ice Rink and Hommocks Pool. For the coming year revenues in the Recreation Department will increase by $67,000 to just under $2.5million. That amount will actually exceed the total operating budget of the department in 2016 which is estimated at $2.47million. Lastly, the Sewer Rent established by the Town in 2014 will generate 100% of the revenue needed to maintain the Town’s sanitary sewer system. The rent rate is set by the Town each year and is based upon 90% of a property’s total water usage. The Sewer District Rent Revenue is expected to raise $210,000 in 2016 which is slightly higher than the expenditure budget of $202,000. The difference provides a cushion for a reduction in water sales or in the alternative will provide reserve funds in the Sewer District. Expenditure Discussion For 2016 the Town’s estimate for total expenditures is $35,076,363. When compared with 2015 expenditures are expected to increase by $755,129 or 2.2%. Earlier in this letter the different menus of services provided to the Villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck and the unincorporated area were noted. Below is an illustration of the Town’s expenditures presented by budget fund. 8 December 2, 2015 Sewer Dist., Sanitation, Water Dist., 202,153 Amb. Dist., 2,096,274 307,369 1,473,106 St. Lighting, 255,044 Fire District, Townwide, 3,229,121 10,708,592 Highway , 5,251,386 Part Town, 11,553,318 The Town’s budget apportionment spread upon the entire Town including the two Villages and the unincorporated area amounts to 35% of the total or $12.2million. The remaining 65% or $22.9million is levied only upon the unincorporated area of the Town. Included in the budget appropriations for 2016 are all of the costs associated with the delivery of municipal services. Also included in the budget is $409,800 for small capital projects to maintain Town facilities and replace various pieces of small equipment. The chart below divides the budget by major categories of expense: Expense Type 2015 2016 Change % change Salaries $13,518,135 $13,812,608 $294,473 2.2% Equipment $211,420 $211,370 ($50) <1% Contractual $9,181,723 $9,718,184 $536,461 5.8% Expenses Employee Benefits $8,602,430 $8,440,425 ($162,005) (1.9%) Debt Service $2,436,186 $2,473,076 $36,890 1.5% Inter-fund Transfers $371,000 $415,000 $44,000 11.8% In terms of staffing one new full time position was added to the budget bringing our total full time headcount to 130 employees. The new position is a full time IT Director responsible for the management and operation of our computer systems. A recent study of our IT function made it apparent that the use of technology is a now a critical function for the Town government. The function can no longer be managed by splitting the responsibilities of other staff. Aside from the management of the current technology functions; we plan in 2016 on rolling out several important initiatives including online property tax payments, online recreation program registration and payment, and lastly online filing of building permits. The new position was funded with salary savings from retirements taken earlier in the year. Other changes in our salary expenses result primarily from contractual obligations with the Town’s unionized employees. In the area of employee benefits we will experience a mixed bag of adjustments. For the first time in a number of years, the New York State Retirement System has announced a reduction in pension contribution rates for the coming year. For the Town this means an expense reduction of $591,000 thus reducing our total pension expense to $2,196,300. However that will be partially offset by increases in our health insurance costs and worker’s compensation insurance. In terms of our day to day operating expenses the increase in costs is expected to be $536,000 for 2016. However it is important to note that of that total increase $220,000 will be dedicated to the preparation for the second full property revaluation to be conducted in 2017 as required by New York State. The Town has realized that maintaining its assessment roll at market value has distinct advantages most important of which is the fair apportionment of property taxes. Therefor this expense will be critical to our maintenance of the roll. We have also taken the opportunity to make reductions in certain expenditures including utility and fuel costs. In August of this year the Town closed out the energy performance contract with Honeywell Inc. We are now in the first monitoring cycle to verify the energy cost savings that were guaranteed in the contract. 9 December 2, 2015 Even though we expect greater savings, the Town has since 2014 has reduced overall energy costs by $67,000 to $471,500 for all of our facilities. The challenge for the Town however is that variables such as the weather have a tremendous impact upon our energy expenses when you consider that during the winter months or during serious storms at other times of the year some of our facilities will operate twenty four hours a day for multiple days. Capital Projects The Town’s total proposed capital project program for 2016 totals $4,218,550. The program will be funded as follows: Bond Financing $3,531,985  Grants/local Sources 276,765  Interfund Transfers 409,800  A detailed listing of all capital projects will be included in the adopted 2016 Town Budget. However below is a listing of the 2016 Capital Projects by major categories: Equipment Replacement $ 553,200  Highway Improvements $ 827,500  Town Buildings and Facilities $ 968,800  Storm Drainage Projects $ 85,000  Recreation Facilities $ 108,550  Sanitary Sewer Project $ 400,000  Water System Projects $1,170,000  Technology Projects $ 61,000  Miscellaneous small equipment $ 44,500  Conclusion The Budget document includes many pages of line item accounts and appropriations. However what is most important is that the budget is about the Town of Mamaroneck and whether the Town Board feels that, as an organization, the budget serves the community and meets the Board’s expectations for service delivery. The budget is about the Town’s ability to provide customer service to all of our residents. Our own belief is that this budget does meet all of the needs for the community and provides services at an excellent value We want to thank the department heads and staff that worked on putting this budget together. Their expertise is always critical to the Town’s mission of providing effective municipal services _________________________________ _____________________________ Stephen V. Altieri Anthony S. Siligato Town Administrator/Budget Officer Comptroller/Director of Finance Supervisor Seligson noting there was no one in the audience for comments. The Town Board thanked Mr. Altieri and Mr. Siligato for all their hard work. The Town Board noted that this was a responsible budget within the tax cap, but noted that next year the Town may find it more difficult to stay within the cap. On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the Public Hearing was unanimously closed. On motion of Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, the following was unanimously approved, WHEREAS, on October 21, 2015 the Budget Officer submitted to the Town Clerk, the Town Supervisor and Town Board the 2016 Tentative Budget for the Town of Mamaroneck and the Fire District 1, and WHEREAS, on October 26, October 30, November 2, November 11, November 16, the Town Board held public work sessions to consider amendments and changes to the Tentative Budgets, and WHEREAS, on December 2, 2015 the Town Board held Public Hearings on the 2016 Preliminary Budgets for the Town of Mamaroneck and the Fire District 1. 10 December 2, 2015 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby adopt the 2016 Preliminary Town of Mamaroneck Budget and the Fire District Budget as amended as the Final Operating Budgets for 2016. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Seligson Aye The Public Hearing to “Override the tax levy limit established in General Municipal Law 3-c” Law was not dismissed as not needed. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The Meeting was called to order by Commissioner Seligson, and then on motion of Commissioner Elkind Eney, seconded by Commissioner Katz, the Board of Fire Commissioners was unanimously declared open. Present were the following Members of the Commission: Commissioner: Nancy Seligson Commissioner: Ernest C. Odierna Commissioner: Abby Katz Commissioner: Jaine Elkind Eney Commissioner: Thomas A. Murphy 1. FIRE CLAIMS On motion of Commissioner Katz, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, it was 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: AAA Emergency Supply Fire exting. Insp. & recharge. Scott pak testing lubricating repair 318.45 ASAP INC. Shipping engine specs. 4.66 Amazon.Com Desk calendar, Duracell procell batteries, 9v & Rayovac batteries 220.51 Amazon.Com At a glance desk calendar, comforter & twin sheet set 221.32 Brewer 3 1/4 OZ WD Filler 5.38 Cablevision Cable services for 11/23/15-12/22/15 127.79 Con Edison Fire HQ gas svc 9/29-10/29/15 182.19 Chatsworth Cleaners Uniform cleaning 25.94 Clean Air Company, INC. Exhaust system repair 704.50 Cummins Power Systems, LLC 5 year Service Plan for Fire Dept. Generator 5804.93 Economy Uniform Career staff uniform items as per union contract 157.95 Grainger Toilet paper and trash bags (30 gal) 120.29 Grainger Digital clock for alarm room 84.11 Hi-Tech Fire & Safety, INC. Suspender repair, suspender padding, scotchlite 613.30 Minerva Cleaners Outer shell insp.liner insp, pants repair 712.75 New England Uniform, LLC Long sleeve tee shirts 1100.00 Nick Bruno, LLC. Micro Wave Outlet 365.00 Sound Shore Contracting Snaking kitchen line, air pressure clean line sink waste 510.00 11 December 2, 2015 Sound Shore Pest Control Exterminating Services on 10/28/10 65.00 Superior Backflow Testing Tested backflow prevention device for fire system 160.00 Town of Mam'k Fire Dept. Meal for Nov. 2015 Drill 333.37 Tony's Nursery Inc. Hay for seeded area around generator 71.95 UniFirst Corp. Carpet Cleaning, wipes, bags, spray and towels 11/13/15 28.41 UniFirst Corp. Carpet Cleaning, wipes, bags, spray and towels 10/30 & 11/6/15 119.72 UniFirst Corp. Carpet Cleaning, wipes, bags, spray and towels 11/20/15 69.93 United Overhead Door Corp. Emergency repair to garage door 11/2/15 375.00 United Overhead Door Corp. Emergency repair to garage door 11/7/15 375.00 Verizon Fire HQ svc 11/10/15-12/9/15 230.28 Westech Elevator Services INC. Maintenance for month of November 2015 175.00 Westech Joint Water Works 205 Weaver ST chgs 9/30-12/31/15 100.00 0.00 0.00 Total: 13382.73 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Commissioner Murphy Aye Commissioner Elkind Eney Aye Commissioner Katz Aye Commissioner Odierna Aye Commissioner Seligson Aye 2.Other Fire Department Business Commissioner Elkind Eney read the Fire Report for the Month of November as submitted by Chief Goldberg as follows: November 2015 ALARM TYPE NUMBER Generals 20 Minors 19 Stills 2 Out of Town (Mutual Aid) 5 EMS 36 Drills 5 TOTAL 87 Total number of personnel responding: 604 Total time working: 36 hours and 14 minutes rd Commissioner Elkind Eney also submitted for approval the Service Awards for the 3 Qtr. of 2105 as submitted by Chief Noah Goldberg as follows: ATTACHMENT A On motion of Commissioner Elkind Eney, seconded by Commissioner Abby Katz, the Service Awards for the rd 3 Qtr. of 2015 were accepted. 12 December 2, 2015 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Commissioner Murphy Aye Commissioner Elkind Eney Aye Commissioner Katz Aye Commissioner Odierna Aye Commissioner Seligson Aye Commissioner Elkind Eney announced the Fire Department fundraising currently taking place, and encouraged residents to look for these letters in the mail. On December 8 the Department will hold their th annual Blood Drive and on December 13 they will hold their annual Toys for Tots at the Ice Rink. There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Katz, the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Authorization – Consultant Services – Affordable Care Act Compliance Effective January 1, 2015, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), requires that large employers offer health coverage to at least 70% of its full-time employees, increasing to 95% in 2016. Mr. Altieri explained that the requirements’ of this Federal regulation are quite complicated and the penalties for noncompliance are costly. It is recommended that the Town engage a consultant to help facilitate the accurate and timely reporting. On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Murphy, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the Consulting Services Agreement with Lawley Benefits Group. LLC, to provide consulting services to facilitate the compliance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, for the annual fee of $6,900, and BE IT, FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Administrator is hereby authorized to execute said agreement on behalf of the Town. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Seligson Aye 2. Set Public Hearing – Sewer Rent Fee 2016 Local Law No7-2014 provides for establishing a sanitary sewer rent fee as an alternative to the valorem tax to fund the operation and maintenance of the sewer system. On motion of Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby set a public hearing to establish the 2016 Sewer Rent Fee, for December 16, 2015, at 8:00 pm, or as soon thereafter, in the Courtroom of the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, and 13 December 2, 2015 BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is hereby requested to publish said public hearing notice in the official Town newspaper of the Town . 3. Set Public Hearing – Moratorium on Major Construction On motion of Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby set a public hearing on the “Moratorium on Major Construction” Law, for December 16, 2015, at 8:00 pm, or as soon thereafter, in the Courtroom of the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is hereby requested to publish said public hearing notice in the official Town newspaper. 4. Consideration – Certiorari On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the following certiorari as negotiated by the Town Attorney as follows: The Moorings Condominium 149 Fenimore Road Section/Block/Lots: 9-14-215 to 224 Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Mamaroneck Year Assessment Amount of Reduction Reduced Assessment 2011 $ 46,500 $ 8,780 $ 37,720 2012 $ 46,500 $ 10,917 $ 35,583 2013 $2,310,000 $185,000 $2,125,000 2014 $2,310,000 $ 35,000 $2,275,000 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Seligson Aye 5. Set Public hearing – Amendment to the Code of Ethics On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby set the date for a Public Hearing on the “Amendment of the List of Sensitive Positions contained in the Code of Ethics” Law, for December 16, 2015, at 8:00PM in the Court Room of the Town Center, and BE IT FURTHER, 14 December 2, 2015 RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized to publish the notice of said hearing in a newspaper appointed as an official newspaper, and that said Notice, be posted. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None REPORT OF COUNCIL Councilwoman Elkind Eney noted her attendance at the unveiling of the Rocket Composter at the Hommocks Middle School. Councilwoman Elkind Eney made a number of announcements for upcoming community events. Councilwoman Katz noted her attendance as well at the unveiling of the Rocket, and had nothing further to report. st Councilman Odierna also attended the Rocket unveiling. On December 1 Councilman Odierna attended the presentation by the Mamaroneck Historical Society on Historic Building in our community, noting it was a well-attended and informative presentation. Councilman Murphy had nothing to report. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman Odierna, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:20 PM. ________________________________ Submitted by Christina Battalia, Town Clerk 15