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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1967_02_01 Town Board Minutes 41A MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK, HELD FEBRUARY 1, 1967, IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE WEAVER STREET FIREHOUSE, WEAVER STREET, TOWN OF MAMARONECK CALL TO ORDER The Supervisor called the meeting to order at 8:15 p. m. ROLL CALL Present: Supervisor Kane Councilwoman Helwig Councilman Quadrine Councilman Chalif Councilman Faiola Absent: None Also Present: Mr. Gronberg - Town Clerk Mr. Johnston - Town Attorney Mrs. Brewer - Deputy Clerk Mr. Altieri - Comptroller Mr. Widulski - Engineer APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the regular meetings of December 28, 1966 and January 4, 1967 were presented, and on motion duly - made and seconded, approved as presented. Mr. Herbert Askwith - 57 N. Chatsworth Ave., Town The Supervisor recognized Mr. Askwith who had requested an audience for the purpose of presenting a proposal for the use of illuminated street signs in the Town. Mr. Askwith explained that he had written his proposal and then presented it as follows: "Proposal - - that our antiquated, hard-to-see, street-name signs be converted into modern, attractive, easy-to-see signs, easily seen by motorists at night as well as in the daytime. "Present signs are not only annoying, causing great inconvenience, but also a source of danger, as motorists often have to stop and get out of car to decipher a sign. Also a disservice and handicap to visitors, to firemen and police. Clearly the residents of a civilized, proud com- munity are entitled to legible, easily-seen name signs on all street corners. -1- "The only really satisfactory solution to the problem is an electrically illuminated sign. The reflector type works only when a street light or a headlight shines directly into it. A new type of sign recently developed is con- nected with the electric current feeding street lights, and can be attached either to lighting poles or to separate stanchions. The cost is not prohibitive. Installing these lighted signs here in Mamaroneck will bring a shower of thank-yous and blessings on the heads of the town officials, and give a national repu- tation to Mamaroneck as the town that looks after the comfort and safety of its citizens. I predict that it will also start a wave of similar improved name-signs throughout the country. "To round out the project, I suggest this 5-point program: 1. An immediate report by the Town Engineer on the cost, availability, etc. of elec- tric illuminated street signs. 2. An early start on installing these name signs on a reasonably fast schedule. 3. Extending and freshening up the traffic lines painted on pavements of all or nearly all the Town streets. 4. Speeding up the improved street-lights program as much as possible - three years is too long to wait. 5. Adopt and enforce an ordinance requiring easily-seen numbers of every building (store, office, home, etc.)--visible at night as well as in the daytime." Following the presentation and its discussion by the Board, the subject (ascertainment of the costs of types of signs referred to, necessary wiring, energy costs, etc.) was re- ferred to Councilman Quadrine and the Town Engineer. Mrs. Steven Sheinhouse - 13 Dante Street Upon recognition, Mrs. Sheinhouse inquired whether any- thing could be done to straighten the turned-around, crooked street signs throughout the Town. She was advis- ed that the "elements" and the "children" made this a continual problem but that it would be referred again to the Superintendent of Highways for his attention. The Supervisor speaking for the Board thanked Mr. Askwith for his excellent presentation and for taking the time and trouble to be present this evening and assured him -2- that his proposal would be given serious consideration and study in the hope that at least a start could be made toward providing some type of illuminated signs in the Town of Mamaroneck - which, as Mr. Askwith had point- ed out, would be a service to the citizens of inestimable value both convenience-wise and safety-wise. OPENING OF BIDS - Staircase Cover The Clerk presented the Affidavit of Publication of the Notice for Bids for the record and opened and read aloud the only bid received as follows: Bidder Bid Charla Bros.Iron Works $1,740.00 It was pointed out that the bid was $140.00 over the budgeted figure and it was therefore referred to Council- man Quadrine, the Town Attorney and the Town Engineer for report. OLD BUSINESS There was no Old Business to come before the Board. NEW BUSINESS 1. Authorization to Publish Supervisor's Annual Report Pursuant to memorandum of the Comptroller, dated January 30, 1967, herewith presented and filed for the record, on motion by Councilman Chalif, seconded by Councilman Quadrine, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that authorization is hereby granted to file the Annual Report of the Supervisor for the year 1966 and publish same in the official newspaper of the Town of Mamaroneck, "The Daily Times", in accordance with paragraph 29 of the Town Law as amended by the addition of sub- division 10A. 2. Authorization to Deposit Surplus Funds Pursuant to memo of the Comptroller dated January 24, 1967, herewith presented and filed for the record, on motion by Councilwoman Helwig, seconded by Councilman Faiola, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Supervisor be and he hereby is authorized to invest Surplus Funds of the Town of Mamaroneck in such amounts as available in the duly designated Town depositories (3) in one month, three months, six months and/or twelve months, certificates of deposit beginning on or about February 1, 1967, at the highest in- terest rates obtainable. -3- 3. Mandatory Salary Increments Pursuant to memo of the Comptroller dated January 30, 1967 herewith presented and filed for the record, it was on motion by Councilman Quadrine, seconded by Councilman Faiola, unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the following mandatory salary increments: Effective Amount of Present Revised Name Date Increment Compen. Compen. POLICE PATROLMEN Anthony Ambrosovitch 2/16/67 $ 250. $7,750. $8,000. Robert Barasch 3/30/67 250. 7,750. 8,000. Clifford Henry 2/16/67 250. 7,750. 8,000. Arthur LeViness,Jr. 2/16/67 250. 7,750. 8,000. Thomas Vitro 4/13/67 250. 7,500. 7,750. John Guarino 7/20/67 250. 7,500. 7,750. William E. Coy 7/6/67 250. 7,000. 7,250. FIREMEN Norman P. Wilson 5/11/67 250. 7,000. 7,250. 4. Bonnie Briar - Revision of Plans The Supervisor reported that following this Board's appro- val of the application of the Bonnie Briar Realty Co., Inc. for a special permit to increase the existing swimming pool facilities, an amended set of plans had been submitted to the Planning Board by the Club. He then presented a letter addressed to the Town Board by the Chairman of the Planning Board under date of January 30, 1967 which read as follows: "On Tuesday, January 24, 1967 the Planning Board held a special meeting at the request of the Town Board to review the revised plans of the Bonnie Briar Country Club swimming pool. _'-The meeting was attended by Club officials and Mr. and Mrs. Piper, residents. The revision is more desirable as respects the neighboring resi- dences in that the diving area is located further into the Club property. "A motion was made, seconded and unanimously carried approving the revised plan with the previous recom- mendations of the Planning Board to be unchanged with one exception. The Board deleted Paragraph (a) of Page 3." The Attorney pointed out to the Board that if it were the Board's pleasure to grant the permit pursuant to this amended plan, such determination would supersede the pre- vious resolution adopted on January 4, 1967, and there- upon on a motion by Councilman Faiola, seconded by Councilman Quadrine, it was unanimously -4- RESOLVED, that the resolution adopted by this Board, January 4, 1967 approving the applica- tion of Bonnie Briar Realty Company, Inc, and granting a special permit to increase the size of the existing swimming pool pursuant to Section 432 of the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Mamaroneck, be and it hereby is rescinded. And thereupon, on motion by Councilman Chalif, seconded by Councilman Quadrine, the following resolution was offered and upon roll call adopted by unanimous vote of the Board, all members being present and voting: RESOLVED, that a special permit is hereby granted to the Bonnie Briar Realty Company, Inc, pursuant to Section 432 of the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Mamaroneck to in- crease the size of the existing swimming pool in accordance with the revised and amended plan prepared by Franklin C. O'Dell, Jr., P.E. presented to and approved by the Planning Board of the Town of Mamaroneck January 24, 1967, and filed with the Town Engineer, Building Inspector and Town Clerk subject to the following conditions and ap- proval by the Town Engineer: 1. That a wall approximately 30" high be erected along the edge of the pavement of the new parking area. 2. That the pool shall not be operated, used or lighted, nor the sound amplification system used, after 8 p. m. except on those occasions when permission to so operate has been applied for and obtained from the Town Board. 3. That all stanchion lighting on the pool structure shall be not more than ten (10) feet in height and all light sources shall point away from Weaver Street and be pro- perly shielded to prevent the shining of lights into residences abutting the club property. 4. That all sound amplification systems shall be of the low volume multi-speaker type with controls permitting locational announcements so as to minimize unnecessary noise. 5. That the entire west facing of the pool structure shall be finished in natural stone rather than partly in stone and partly in concrete block as at present. 6. That planting shall be in accordance with the planting scheme and schedule shown by the print presented to the Planning Board at its meeting on November lst, 1966, subject only to such suggestions as may be made by the Superintendent of Parks. -5- 7. That the connecting road between the clubhouse parking lot and the proposed extension of the pool parking lot shall be constructed according to plans satis- factory to the Town Engineer. 8. That the final grade of the extension to the parking lot shall be as shown on the plans previously approved by the Town Board - or at such different grade as the Town Engineer may approve with the consent of the Planning Board. 9. That the access to the lower parking area be moved south along Weaver Street from its present location to the southerly side of the catch basin situated about eighty (80) feet south of the present access. 10. That arrangements be made with the State of New York to permit removal of the large sycamore tree just south of said catch basin. 11. That the portion of the rock ledge protrud- ing above the wall along the edge of the pro- posed parking area extension be levelled to the height of the wall. 12. That branches of existing evergreens protrud- ing beyond the wall and for a height of about ten (10) feet from the ground be removed. 13. That the detailed plans and specifications for the proposed construction, landscaping and parking lot shall be submitted to the Town Engineer and Building inspector as pro- vided for in the Building Code and Zoning ordinance, and no construction shall be com- menced until the Building Permit shall have been issued. 14. That the applicant shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Westchester County Sanitary Code and obtain all permits required thereunder. Mr. Lee Gibson - President - Bonnie Briar Country Club Mr. Gibson thanked both this Board and the Planning Board for their many courtesies and attentions in the matter of this application. COMMUNICATIONS 1. Public Service Commission Notice - New Rochelle Water Company Upon the Attorney's advice that the above referred to Notice was informational only requiring no action by this Board, it was ordered received and filed for the record. -6- 2. Notice of Hearing - New Rochelle Board of Appeals A Notice of Hearing before the New Rochelle Board of Appeals was presented by the Clerk and upon the Attor- ney's advice that this Notice was informational only requiring no action by this Board, it was ordered received and filed for the record. 3. Larchmont-Mamaroneck Peace Group (Not on Agenda) The Clerk explained that the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Peace Group had addressed a letter to the Board requesting an audience at this meeting which had never been received, and he therefore requested that the group be heard at this time. Miss Laurie Klapper - 4 Gerlach Place, Larchmont Miss Klapper, as spokesman, requested a permit for the group of about 20 to march from Mamaroneck Station down Mamaroneck Avenue and on the sidewalk along the Boston Post Road to Larchmont Municipal Building on February 11, 1967 at 11:00 a. m. Following the Supervisor's explanation that since the Boston Post Road was a State highway, permission might have to be obtained from the State, Miss Klapper chang- ed the route to Palmer Avenue. The Supervisor then stated that if a written request was delivered to the Clerk, in accordance with usual procedure, it would be referred to the Board of Police Commissioners. He further pointed out that this Board would not meet again until February 15th, thus necessitating the date of Feb- ruary 11th being changed to a later date and that permits must be obtained from the two Villages as well as the Town. 4. Mrs. James Telesco - 3 Dillon Road, Town Mrs. Telesco, upon recognition by the Chair, reiterated her complaint of the lack of over-night parking facili- ties for the tenants of the Avonmore Apartments (1-3 Dillon Road). She also complained about the speeding on Dillon Road stating that the speed limit signs were of no avail. Following a discussion by the Board, Supervisor Kane and Councilman Faiola reviewed in detail the efforts made by the Town for some years past to obtain parking facili- ties. In view of the situation presented this evening, Council- man Quadrine suggested to Mrs. Telesco that she write directly to the Board of Police Commissioners outlining -7- all of the difficulties and conditions (parking, speed- ing, etc.) which she had described this evening since these matters were under the jurisdiction of that Board. Mrs. Steven Sheinhouse - 13 Dante Street, Town Mrs. Sheinhouse at this time stated that she had some sympathy with this group in that it seemed very diffi- cult for any group of citizens to get definite informa- tion about parking, safety, etc. Councilman Quadrine again replied that if such complaints and questions were addressed in writing to the Police Commission under whose jurisdiction such matters lay, he was very certain any such group or any individual would be answered prompt- ly. REPORTS The Town Clerk The Clerk presented the following reports which were ordered received and filed: Report of the Building & Plumbing Inspector for the month of January 1967. Report of the Receiver of Taxes and Assessments for the month of January 1967. - The Supervisor 1. Letter from Mr. Howard Schwartz - Proposed Bill (Lefkowitz) The Supervisor presented a letter from Mr. Howard - Schwartz concerning Attorney General Lefkowitz' pre- filed bill which would eliminate the requirement that public officials in Towns and Villages be owners of real property, which was herewith ordered received and filed for the record. It was directed that this matter be tabled pending receipt of copies of the bill by each member of the Board for his individual study and report thereon. 2. Letter - Judge Munn Brewer Pursuant to letter addressed to the Supervisor by Judge Brewer under date of November 17, 1966 herewith presented and filed for the record, on motion by Councilman Quadrine, seconded by Councilman Chalif, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Councilman V. L. Chalif be and he hereby is appointed as liaison to the Justices of the Peace of the Town of Mamaroneck. -8- 3. Claim - Nicholas C. R. Penna & Associates (West. Joint Water Works) Pursuant to the Supervisor's request, upon presenta- tion of a claim of Nicholas C. R. Penna and Associates, Highfield Road, Harrison, New York, on motion by Councilman Faiola, seconded by Councilman Chalif, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes payment of the claim of Nicholas C. R. Penna and Associates in the amount of $1,643.59 and be it further RESOLVED, that the following transfer of funds be and it hereby is authorized within the 1967 budget: From: Water Dist. #1 Surplus $1,643.59 To: Water Dist. System Capital Costs A/C #401 1,643.59 Councilman Chalif 1. Appointment to Commission on Human Rights (Vincent F. DeCain) Councilman Chalif presented a brief resume of Mr. De Cain's qualifications and experience following which on his motion, seconded by Councilman Quadrine, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Vincent F. DeCain, 287 Weaver Street, Town be and he hereby is appointed to the Commission on Human Rights for a term of five years, effective immediately and be it further RESOLVED, that the Supervisor so notify Mr. DeCain, advising him of the Board's pleasure in this appointment and welcom- ing him to the Town's official family. Councilwoman Helwig 1. Expense Authorization - Conservation Trip Pursuant to request and on motion by Councilwoman Helwig, seconded by Councilman Quadrine, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes expenses in an amount not to exceed $25.00 to be paid from the proper item in the 1967 -9- Conservation budget to cover trip to Phila- delphia on this date for the purpose of taping a color TV program on the Town's Conservation program. In describing the televising, Councilwoman Helwig stat- ed that she had to cut the number of slides she had planned to use from 80 to 45 which may have caused the program to be a bit mixed-up. She further stated that the program was entitled "Con- servation Begins at Home" and would be shown on March 4th at 8:00 a. m. over WFIL, Philadelphia, and in reply to the Board's query, advised that it could not be seen here but that tapes might be available for this area. 2. Applications for Real Property Tax Exemption for Persons 65 and over (Not on Agenda) Councilwoman Helwig reported that the applications for real property tax exemption for persons 65 years of age and over were now available in the Tax Assessor's office. Councilman Quadrine 1. Authorization to Advertise for Bids - Myrtle Boulevard Parking Area Pending determination of some questions raised by Councilman Quadrine on the specifications for the Myrtle Boulevard Parking Area, the Engineer's request for authorization to advertise for bids was deferred until the next meeting. 2. Report on Thruway Speed (Not on Agenda) Councilman Quadrine presented a letter from Mr. Warren M. Wells, General Manager of the New York State Thru- way, received in reply to his inquiry of January 20, addressed to Mr. R. Burdell Bixby, Chairman and Secre- tary of the Authority, which stated that Chairman Bix- by had requested Mr. Wells to reply confirming tele- phone conversation of January 25th, advising that the temporary reduction in the speed limit from 60 MPH to 50 MPH would remain in effect in the Town-Village area of the Thruway until the Authority completed speed and accident studies in the area. The Board again commended Councilman Quadrine on his endeavors for speed reduction on this section of the Thruway. -10-