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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1967_11_15 Town Board Minutes 325 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK, HELD NOVEMBER 15, 1967, IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE WEAVER STREET FIREHOUSE, WEAVER STREET, TOWN OF MAMARONECK, AT 8:15 P. M. 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 On motion duly made and seconded, the minutes of the regular meeting of November 1, 1967 and the special meeting of November 8, 1967 were approved as submitted. PRESENTATION OF PRELIMINARY BUDGET FOR 1968 Before presenting the proposed budget, the Supervisor expressed his thanks and appreciation to the members of the Board, the Department Heads, and employees, particu- larly thanking Councilwoman Helwig and Comptroller Altieri for the exceptional assistance they had given. He then said that he would comment on the budget in general and that each of the Councilmen would speak to the various departments for which he served as Liaison in which there was a material increase or decrease due to other than the overall salary increases. It was requested in the interest of time and clarity that all questions be held until the completion of the pre- sentation and with this in mind, he stated if the Board and those present were ready, he would proceed with the business at hand. Councilman Faiola at this time advised the Supervisor that he wished to make a comment before the presentation, stating that he would like to take exception publicly to -1- 326 the editorial which appeared in tonight's paper. He re- gretted, he continued, that the paper was apparently unaware that any delay in the preparation of this year's budget had been caused by the number of meetings held with the various Commissions and Committees to consider budgetary requests and with all employee groups and per- sonnel to consider salary requests. He further said that he believed the taxpayers of this community wanted only the best in personnel and service - that they knew it had to be paid for - and were willing to pay for it, thus concluding his statement with the remark that "I have but the very best of confidence in our constituents". Councilman Quadrine also expressed his regret at the editorial's publication, stating that he felt it to be unwarranted in view of the time this Board had devoted to the preparation of the budget. The Supervisor then proceeded with a brief summary of the Preliminary Budget as herewith proposed, pointing out that the total appropriation for 1968 was $2,088,828.00, an overall increase of $121,893.00 over the 1967 appro- priation as modified, that the proposed overall tax rate for residents of the unincorporated area was $25.36 per thousand, an increase of $2.08 over 1967; and for resi- dents of the villages, the rate was $1.83 per thousand, an increase of 656, over 1967. He then called to attention the overall picture of budget increases and decreases on page 37 which showed the General Town, Part Town and Special Districts total tax- able valuation noting that this did not reflect the study of assessed valuation presently being made by Valuation Associates; the tax rates for 1967 and the estimated rates for 1968, and the increases and decreases in the various budgets. In commenting generally on this budget, the Supervisor stated that salaries and fringe benefits were account- able for an increase of $130,533.00; capital improve- ment and new equipment for a decrease of $24,266.00 and all other items (insurance, supplies, operating expenses) for an increase of $15,626.00. In speaking of salaries, the Supervisor stated that all adjustments had been made in accordance with the Barring- ton study of Town positions and salaries excluding the Police and Fire Departments. This study, he said, after analyzation of each job and its responsibilities and com- parison with comparable 1967 municipal and private busi- ness salaries recommended reclassification of certain jobs to the proper category with accompanying adjustment to the proper step on the new schedule. In addition to this he further stated a cost-of-living adjustment of 3% had been added for all 1968 salaries. In the case of both the Police and Fire Departments, salaries had been based on detailed studies by the Police -2- -12 Commission and Fire Council with the result that a flat increase of $640. had been given for patrolmen and fire- men, with corresponding per cent increases for officers. This, Mr. Kane stated, resulted in average salary in- creases for Town employees ranging from 8% to 10%. The Supervisor also called to attention that there were no salary increases for the Supervisor or Councilmen; and with reference to additional personnel remarked on the proposed addition of four men to the Highway staff, - one patrolman to the Police staff and part time help for Recreation. Following the Supervisor's presentation each of the Councilmen reviewed his sections of the budget as follows: Councilman Chalif spoke to the Justices of the Peace on Page 3 remarking that the $3,939 increase was due to statutory requirements and establishment of a Traffic Bureau; that the $3,165. increase in the Attorney's budget on Page 8 was due to merited and well-earned increase in salary; that the $45,103. increase in the Police budget shown on Page 19 was due to increases in the items itemized and the additional man. Councilwoman Helwig pointed out that the $5,769. increase in the Assessor's budget on Page 6 was caused primarily by the purchase of a new car ($2,500.) plus salary in- creases; that the Recreation budget on Pages 14 and 15 showed a net increase of $2,317. due mainly to expendi- tures for the new Middle School pool, the purchase of an additional car, improvement of the Baldwin Hills playground, salary increases and certain other miscel- laneous items; that the increase of $5,770. in the Sheldrake River Trails budget on Page 17 was due mainly to payment of one-half the cost of a wood chipper and salaries for additional personnel; that Hommocks showed a decrease due to provision for bonding $184,000.; that the increase of $5,500. under Revaluation covered addi- tional costs, plates and mailing for revaluation. The Supervisor explained that the $8,149. increase in the Elections budget was for the purchase of three new voting machines, and a new map required by the Board of Elections; that the Town Offices (Page 12) showed a de- crease of $9,640.; that a decrease was shown of $1,300. under Enterprises (Parking Fields) (Page 16); that the Contingency was increased to $27,000. to cover the cost of necessary sidewalks on state highways for children attending the new Middle School and that the new item of $10,000. under 514 was to cover preliminary costs in con- nection with the proposed new Town Hall. Councilman Quadrine reviewed briefly the Garbage, Water, Street Lighting and Sewer budgets pointing out that the $38,089. increase in Highway was due mainly to salaries; that the other budgets showed nothing to warrant comment. -3- Councilman Faicla pointed out that the increases of $2,429. in the Park budget and $11,155. in the Fire budget were due mainly to salaries. The Supervisor then inquired whether anyone wished to ad- dress the Board and thereupon the following persons were heard: Mr. A. Carleton Dukess - 79 Lansdowne Drive Mr. Dukess inquired whether any increase must be proposed and incorporated in the Preliminary Budget this evening before its adoption and was advised that this was correct. He explained that parents of the Murray Avenue School were concerned, as the Board knew, about the construction of the Weaver Street sidewalk prior to the opening of the Middle School and asked whether the funds appropriated in the proposed budget would be sufficient for such construc- tion. Other persons present, including Mr. and Mrs. Donald H. Chapin, 14 Dimitri Place; Mr. Irwin M. Towers, 93 Rock- land Avenue; Mrs. Frank S. du Bell, 47 Echo Lane; Mrs. Harry R. Clark, Chairman Health and Safety Council, Murray Avenue School, all interested in the same problem, were assured as to the Town's ability to obtain whatever funds might be necessary for the construction of this sidewalk. However, this group, upon realizing that the State or County might not construct the sidewalk and that there might be considerable delay, responded enthusi- astically to the Supervisor's suggestion of meeting per- sonally with members of the Town and School Boards in the immediate future in an effort to resolve the problem. Councilwoman Helwig Councilwoman Helwig explained that the appropriation in the proposed 1968 budget which had been increased from $9,000. to $27,000. also would include a section of sidewalk along the Boston Post Road in front of Castro's place of business in order to provide a safe walkway for children going to the Middle School from Orienta Point. She also suggested to Mr. Chapin that if the Board of Education joined the Town Board in a plea to the State and County for such a sidewalk along Weaver Street, the request would carry even greater urgency than the propos- ed letters or petitions from parents and P. T. A. groups. Mr. Martin Bach - 116 Harmon Drive Mr. Bach protested the length of time given the public to study the Preliminary Budget prior to its adoption stat- ing that longer time is needed. Mr. Harold Bozell - 37 Lincoln Avenue Mr. Bozell commented that the budget was very realistic on salaries but raised questions concerning certain of the -4- 29 General Town charges, among them the Shade Tree Fund, Engineering Service, Highway Superintendent's salary, etc. The Supervisor acknowledged Mr. Bozell's questions and stated that this Board, as previous ones, would be glad to reapportion these charges upon obtaining neces- sary legislation and suggested that the villages make some effort to obtain such legislation. Mr. Martin Weinraub - 12 Dimitri Place Mr. Weinraub questioned whether those persons whose salaries are in excess of $10,000. (Pages 5 through 9 and Page 11) were all full-time employees. He was assured they were. And thereupon, since on the Supervisor's inquiry no one else wished to be heard and the Board signified that it was ready for the question, on motion by Councilman Faicla, seconded by Councilman Quadrine, the following resolution, upon roll call, was adopted by unanimous vote of the Board with all members present and voting: RESOLVED, that this Town Board does hereby pre- pare and approve as the Preliminary Budget of this Town for the fiscal year beginning on the first day of January, 1968, the itemized state- ment of estimated revenues and expenditures here- to attached and made a part of this resolution; and be it further RESOLVED, that such Preliminary Budget shall be filed in the office of the Town Clerk, where it shall be available for inspection by any interested person at all reasonable hours; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk give Notice of such public hearing in the manner provided in Section 113 of the Town Law, and that such Notice be pub- lished and posted in substantially the following form: Public Notice Notice is Hereby Given, that the Preliminary Budget of the Town of Mamaroneck, New York, consisting of the estimated revenues and ex- penditures for the year 1968, has been com- pleted and filed in the office of the Town Clerk of said Town, where the same may be examined by any person interested therein, and that a public hearing thereon will be held by and before the Town Board of said Town on Wednesday, December 6, 1967, at 8:15 p. m., in the Council Room of the Weaver Street Firehouse, Weaver Street, Town of -5- 30 Mamaroneck, New York, at which time and place all those who appear and are interested will be given an opportunity to be heard with respect to said Preliminary Budget, or any part or item thereof. Please Take Further Notice that the proposed salaries of the members of the Town Board are as follows: Supervisor - $8,000., Town Councilmen (4) - $3,000. each; that the proposed salary of the Town Clerk is $11,500.; that the proposed salary of the Town Superintendent of Highways is $10,240.; that the proposed salary of the Town Attorney is $12,000.; that the proposed salary of the Town Engineer is $14,245:.; and that the Pre- liminary Budget is as follows: Summary of Preliminary Budget Estimated Tax Appropriation Revenues Levy GENERAL FUND Town wide $ 550,626.00 $308,337.00 $242,289.00 Part Town 556,466.00 30,762.00 525,704.00 HIGHWAY FUND Items 1,2, 3,4 & 5 279,215.00 34,600.00 244,615.00 SPECIAL DISTRICTS Garbage 213,920.00 - - - 213,920.00 Water 75,814.00 72,000.00 3,814.00 Street Light.27,500.00 3,500.00 24,000.00 Sewer 110,712.00 38,000.00 72,712.00 Park 86,070.00 6,370.00 79,700.00 Fire 188,505.00 6,940.00 181,565.00 By Order of the Town Board Charles J. Gronberg Town Clerk and be it further RESOLVED, that such Notice shall be published twice in the following newspaper having general circula- tion within the Town: The Mamaroneck Daily Times, the first publication to be on or before November 22, 1967, and the second publication on any day subsequent thereto and before the day of such hear- ing. PUBLIC HEARING - Installation of Full Stop signs - On motion made by Councilwoman Helwig, seconded by Council- man Faicla, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the public hearing be and it here- by is declared open. The Clerk presented the affidavit of publication of the Notice of Hearing for the record and the Supervisor then inquired whether any one wished to be heard thereon. -6- 331 And thereupon since no one wished to be heard, on motion by Councilman Quadrine, seconded by Councilman Chalif, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the hearing be and it hereby is declared closed. Whereupon, since the Board signified that it was ready for the question, on a motion by Councilman Chali£, seconded by Councilman Quadrine, the following resolu- tion was offered: WHEREAS, the Police Commission requested that Section 3 of Chapter II of the General Ordi- nances of the Town of Mamaroneck be amended so as to provide for the installation of three (3) additional "Full Stop" sogns at certain intersections as designated by the said Com- mission, and WHEREAS, a public hearing thereon was duly held before this Board on this date following publi- cation of the Notice of Hearing as required by law; and WHEREAS, at said hearing all persons desiring to be heard were given the opportunity to be heard, and WHEREAS, no one wished to be heard on the pro- posed amendment, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Chapter II of the General Ordi- nances of the Town of Mamaroneck (Regulation of traffic, use of streets and highways), adopted by resolution of this Board March 4, 1959, is hereby amended in the following respects: Section 3 is hereby amended to read as follows: The following intersections are hereby designated pursuant to Section 1660, subdivision 1 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law as "stop intersections", and stop signs conforming in all respects with the provisions of Sections 1682 and 1683 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law are hereby ordered posted at such intersections - On Falls Road at its intersection with Lake- side Drive; On Rocky Road at its intersection with Hickory Grove Drive; On Colbert Drive at its intersection with Split Tree Road; -7- '9e g rcu and be it further RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Mamaroneck is hereby authorized and directed to post and publish this resolution as re- quired by law. Upon roll call:; the vote or! the foregoing resolution was as follows: Supervisor Kane - Aye Councilman Chalif - Aye Councilwoman Helwig - Aye Councilman Quadrine - Aye Councilman Faiola - Aye The resolution was therefore declared duly adopted. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business to come before the Board at this time. NEW BUSINESS 1. Authorization Salary Adjustment (Estate of William Celestino) Pursuant to memorandum of the Comptroller dated November 15, 1967 herewith presented and filed for the record,on motion by Councilman Chalif, seconded by Councilman Faiola, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the payment of $120.00 to William Celestino's beneficiary, Mrs. Celestino, as requested by the Board of Police Commissioners under date of October 30, 1967. 2. Correction of Assessment Maps Upon presentation of the Assessor's petition requesting approval of corrections to the Assessment Maps as of June 1, 1967, on motion by Councilwoman Helwig, second- ed by Councilman Chalif, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby approves the changes made in the Assessment Maps of the Town of Mamaroneck as of June 1, 1967 and said maps are hereby corrected and rectified as of June 1, 1967 in the following places: _g_ 3 Page Page Page (Index (1) (Index (2) 104 Filed Map 301 105 201 302 106 203 303 107 204 304 108 205 305 109 206 306 111 207 307 112 208 313 113 209 314 114 210 315 116 211 320 117 214 325 121 215 326 123 216 333 124 217 340 125 218 341 126 220 344 127 221 347 130 222 132 223 133 225 226 228 229 230 Page Page Page (Index ('S) (Index (4) (Index 6) Filed Map 401 601 501 402 602 502 403 603 503 406 604 504 407 606 505 410 608 506 411 609 507 412 611 413 613 414 614 416 615 616 617 619 Page Page Page 701 721 819 702 722 820 705 730 822 710 801 823 711 803 824 712 804 825 713 806 826 714 807 827 715 809 828 716 810 829 718 811 830 719 815 831 720 817 832 833 -9- 334 Page Page Page (Index (9) 901 916 941 902 920 943 903 921 946 904 925 949 905 926 950 908 927 955 909 928 956 913 930 957 914 934 960 915 937 961 962 964 965 COMMUNICATIONS 1. Petition - Traffic on Harmon Drive The Clerk presented a petition signed by Robert F. Degen, Jr., 919 Harmon Drive under date of November 3, 1967, which was ordered received and filed for the record, con- taining 43 signatures requesting that a survey be made with a view toward determining whether or not Harmon Drive should be made a one-way street westbound, i.e., from the starting point of said street, at the inter- section of Rockland Avenue. The Clerk reported that upon receipt of the petition a copy had been immediate- ly sent to the Board of Police Commissioners. The Supervisor stated that no report had been received as yet from the Board of Police Commissioners and that since this was a village as well as town matter it would have to be discussed with village officials as well. 2. Letter, Murray Avenue PTA - Sidewalk Weaver Street This matter was discussed under Presentation of Prelimi- nary Budget for 1968 at which time the Supervisor sug- gested meeting with the interested parties in the im- mediate future in an effort to resolve the problem. 3. Village of Larchmont, Notice of Meeting, Zoning Board of Appeals The Clerk presented Notice of meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of Larchmont on Wednesday, November 15, 1967 which upon the Attorney's advice that this was for informational purposes only was ordered received and filed for the record. REPORTS The Town Clerk - - -10- 335 The Town clerk presented the following report which was herewith ordered received and filed for the record: Town Clerk's Report for the month of October 1967. The Supervisor - - The Supervisor commented on the 1968 Westchester County budget, stressing the largest part of the increase in this budget was attributable to rising welfare costs for Medicaid. Councilman Chalif - - Councilman Chali£ had no report to present at this time. Councilwoman Helwig - - 1. Report - 1967 Assessed Valuation Councilwoman Helwig presented memorandum of the Assessor dated November 6, 1967 which was herewith ordered receiv- ed and filed for the record showing the increases in assessed valuations on the Town Assessment Roll filed September 15, 1967. She noted that increases totalled $1,662,036. against which there were various reductions totalling $275,500. Councilwoman Helwig particularly called attention of the Board to the fact that the amount of exemption for residents 65 years of age and over to- talled $178,650. 2. Apportionment Councilwoman Helwig presented for authorization, the following petition submitted by the Assessor for the correction of the assessment roll so as to permit the apportionment of taxes, and thereupon on her motion, seconded by Councilman Quadrine, the following resolu- tion was adopted by unanimous vote of the Board: WHEREAS, the Assessor has presented a petition for the correction of the assessment roll for certain years pursuant to the provisions of Section 557, Article 16 of the Westchester County Administra- tive Code, known as the Westchester County Tax Law, and WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Board _ finds it desirable to grant said petition for the correction of said assessment roll: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the assessment roll of 1967, taxes of 1968, which shows property now ap- pearing on the roll as follows: -11- 336 Block Parcel Name Land Imp. Total 811 41 Richard S. Dale $2,100.$6,000.$8,100. be corrected as follows in accordance with the pro- visions of subdivision 5 of Section 557: Block Parcel Name Land Imp. Total 811 41 Raymond T. Poccia $ 700.$ - $ 700. 811 46 Richard S. Dale & W 1,400. 6,000. 7,400. Councilman Quadrine - - 1. Appointment of Highway Laborer Pursuant to memorandum of the Comptroller dated November 15, 1967 herewith presented and ordered received and filed for the record, on motion by Councilman Quadrine, seconded by Councilwoman Helwig, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes that Kevin T. Leddy, a permanent highway laborer, be compensated at the rate of $2.60 per hour effective on or about November 24, 1967 pending the results of a physical exami- nation. Councilman Faiola - - 1. West Fordham Bus Fares - (Not on Agenda) - Councilman Faiola requested the Attorney to ascertain the thinking of the officials of the Village of Mama- roneck, Town of Harrison and City of New Rochelle with regard to preventing an increase in bus fares by West Fordham Transportation. The Town Attorney - - The Town Attorney had no report to present at this time. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the meet- ing, on motion duly made and seconded, it was declared adjourned at 10:05 p. m, to reconvene on December 6, 1967. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners was con- vened immediately upon the adjournment of the Town Board meeting. -12- 337 1. Claims commissioner Faiola presented for approval and authori- zation of payment, the Fire Department claims, and thereupon on his motion, seconded by Commissioner Chalif, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the following Fire Department claims as approved by the Fire Chief and audited by the Comptroller, be and they here- by are approved, and the Supervisor and Comp- troller be and they hereby are authorized to pay the same out of the 1967 Fire Department budget: Atlantic Exterminating Corp. $ 7.00 Atlantic Service Center 14.55 R. G. Brewer, Inc. 66.94 Davids Men's Shop 18.00 Franklin Cleaners 161.40 I & T Plumbing & Heating Co. Inc. 22.50 Nicholas G. LaRussell 36.80 N. Y. Telephone Company 35.75 N. Y. Telephone Company 62.45 Suburban Communications, Inc. 22.40 44$ 7.79 2. Reports There were no reports to be presented at this time. 3. Communications There were no communications to be presented at this time. 4. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the meet- ing, on motion duly made and seconded, it was declared adjourned at 10:15 p. m., to reconvene on December 6, 1967. o C rk -13-