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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968_04_18 Town Board Minutes I.3 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK, HELD APRIL 18, 1968, IN THE AUDI- TORIUM 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 Faicla Councilman Nagel Absent: Councilman Chalif Also Present: Mr. Gronberg - Town Clerk Mrs. Brewer - Deputy Clerk Mr. Altieri - Comptroller Mr. Widulski - Engineer APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the special meeting of March 28, 1968 and the minutes of the regular meeting of April 3, 1968 were presented and on motion duly made and seconded, the minutes of the March 28, 1968 meeting were approved as presented and the minutes of the April 3, 1968 meeting were approved as corrected. OPENING OF BIDS 1. Addition to Town Garage The Clerk presented the Affidavit of Publication of the Notice for Bids for the record and opened and read aloud the following bids: Bidder Garage Electrical Heating Brooks & Rivellini, Inc. $15, 385. $ 500. $ 650. Calgi Construction Co. 11, 900. 600. 850. Fagnoni Construction Co. 14, 840. 1, 065. 700. Inc. Greco Bros. Const. 10, 190. 755. 890. Rathgeb - Walsh, Inc. 12, 073. 440. 645. _1_ 140 Bidder Garage Electrical Heating Romani & Pico, Inc. $13, 998. $ 990. $ 780. Ruggiero Const. Corp. 13, 000. 490. 760. Edward M. Swallow & Sons, Inc. 11, 262. 960. 720. The Supervisor stated that in accordance with usual cus- tom the bid would be awarded to the low bidder provided -- all things were equal after examination by the Town Engineer, the Town Attorney and the Comptroller. OLD BUSINESS 1. Progress Report - Weaver Street Sidewalk The Clerk presented a memorandum from the Town Engineer reporting the present status of the proposed walk. Mr. Widulski spoke briefly to the points covered in the memorandum. NEW BUSINESS 1. Amendment of Building Code In the absence of the Town Attorney the Clerk presented a memorandum addressed to the Town Board by the Attorney under date of April 18, 1968, requesting that the reso- lution adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Mamaro- neck on August 10, 1955 amending the Building Code of the said Town due to a typographical error contained therein be amended. And thereupon on motion by Councilwoman Helwig, seconded by Councilman Nagel the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote: RESOLVED, that Article 1, Section 4, Paragraph 22 be amended so as to read as follows: PARAGRAPH 22. Any violation of this Ordinance is an offense, and is punishable by a fine of not more than One Hundred ($100. ) Dollars, or by imprisonment in case of default of payment of fine for one day for each dollar of the fine, but not exceeding thirty days. Such violation shall also subject any person violating the same to a penalty in the sum of One Hundred ($100. ) Dollars recoverable in a civil action brought by, or on behalf of the Town of Mamaroneck. When a violation of any part of the provisions of this Ordinance is continuous, each twenty-four hours thereof shall constitute a separate and distinct violation. -2- 2. Petition - Glen Rock Estates Association (Planning Board and Engineer ' s Reports) At the Supervisor ' s request, the Clerk read a petition submitted to the Town Board by the Glen Rock Estates Association under date of April 6, 1968, signed by the President, Paul Jenisch, and carrying the signatures of some 83 residents, which was herewith ordered received and filed for the record. The Supervisor informed the Board that the petition had been referred to the Planning Board immediately upon its receipt and that while Mr. Maggini, Chairman of the Board, had submitted a very preliminary report, the full Board would meet with the developer at the site on Satur- day morning in order to view the property and review the proposed plans in detail thence submitting its report and recommendations to this Board. Councilman Faiola stated that he was certain all of the persons in the room were familiar with the new zoning law requiring notification of a proposed change in zon- ing to neighboring municipalities within a 500 foot radius of the proposed change and to the Westchester County Planning Commission, commenting "I, for one, feel we should make every effort to protest to the Village and County". He noted also that the change in school districting would affect this proposal and remarked that he wished to go on record as 'strongly opposing the proposed subdivision. The Supervisor noted the presence of Fred Maggini, Chair- ___ man of the Town Planning Board, and reminded Councilman Faiola and all present that, as he had stated, the peti- tion had been referred to the Planning Board and that he felt courtesy demanded that this Board take no stand in the matter prior to receipt of the Planning Board' s re- port and recommendations. He said, however, that the Board was intensely interested and concerned in this matter, and that all present this evening would be given the opportunity to express their views whether in favor of or in opposition to the proposal. He then inquired whether any of the members of the Board had any questions, whereupon Councilwoman Helwig asked Mr. Maggini, who had attended the April 11th Village Plan- ning Board meeting on behalf of the Town, whether the date for the public hearing had been set. Mr. Maggini answered that no date had been set for the hearing but that the consideration given to the contents of the petition at that meeting had resulted in the developer' s making some changes and alterations in the plans which would benefit the residents of Country Road. Among those addressing the Board and Mr. Maggini at the Supervisor ' s invitation were Mr. Jenisch speaking to the petition on behalf of the residents of the Glen Rock area and the adjacent Ridge area; Messrs. Larry Auerbach and Lawrence H. Johnson, residents of Country Road; Mr. -3- Peter D. Mosher, Larchmont attorney; and Mr. Daniel J. McLaughlin of 20 South Ridge Road, representing resi- dents of that area. During the discussion the following points were raised: Mr. Jenisch, in discussing the plans for the proposed construction, stated that the five one-family dwellings to be erected around the cul de sac at the end of High- view Street on the upper part of the parcel were "reason- able". He vehemently protested, however, the packing-in of the proposed tenement-like rental cluster houses, said houses to be constructed on the lower part of the parcel right against the backyards of homes located in the Town selling for upwards of $60, 000. He said that this would create a terrible situation in a few years and that he could not see why the developer could not treat the lower land in the same manner as the upper land namely, for one- family dwellings. He claimed the plan to be a money- making proposition at the expense of the Town which would lower the Town' s property values and tax revenues. He thanked Councilman Faiola for hisstand and appealed to the other members of the Board to follow suit. Councilman Faiola, in replying to questions raised by residents of Country Road on the effect of the proposed development on the schools suggested that the Board seek the advice of the AAA in the interest of providing what- ever safety precautions might be needed to protect the children walking to the Mamaroneck Avenue School. Councilwoman Helwig, pointing out that the children liv- ing in the Country Road area and to the east thereof had always attended the Mamaroneck Avenue School, asked how the proposed development would affect the school situation. Mr. Mosher then questioned the statement made alleging that the proposed cluster houses would be low-cost rentals inasmuch as he had been advised that the units would rent at $300. per month which, he said, certainly could not be considered "low-cost housing". At this time, Mr. McLaughlin, upon recognition, address- ed the Board to warn it not to assume that the relative silence of the group on the Ridge which he represented this evening indicated that they were not as interested in opposing the proposed development as were the residents of Glen Rock Estates area and Councilman Faiola. He said, "Don't interpret the silence of the rest of us to mean that we are not equally interested. " "As long as we feel assured that this Board will take appropriate action we will remain at peace tonight. " The Supervisor in closing this discussion thanked those -- attending the meeting for taking the time and trouble to appear this evening and give the Board the benefit of their views and thinking, assuring them that this matter would be given the Board ' s careful consideration and attention. -4- 1 3. Request of Board of Education - Use of Voting Machines Pursuant to communication of Mr. J. J. Barbieri, Dis- trict Clerk, Board of Education, Union Free School District No. 1, Town of Mamaroneck, dated April 9, 1968, herewith presented and filed for the record, on motion by Councilwoman Helwig, seconded by Councilman Faiola, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby grants the request of the Board of Education to use eight (8) voting machines for the school elections at the Mamaroneck Junior High School on May 8, 1968. 4. Salary Authorizations for - a) Park Department Laborer b) Custodian, Police Department c) Police Patrolman Upon presentation of memorandums addressed to the Board by Thomas Aitchison, Superintendent of the Park Depart- ment under date of April 15, 1968, and the Comptroller under dates of April 11 and 18, 1968, which were here- with ordered received and filed for the record, the following resolutions were adopted: a) On motion by Councilman Nagel, seconded by Council- man Faiola, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the appointment of Vincent Rinaldi as a Park Department laborer effective as of April 11, 1968, and to be compensated at the rate of $2. 60 per hour. b) On motion by Councilman Faiola, seconded by Council- woman Helwig, the following resolution was adopted by majority vote, Councilman Nagel abstaining from voting: RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes that Patsy Camarella employed as custodian of the Police Headquarters be compensated at an annual rate of $3, 120. effective April 11, 1968. c) On motion by Councilman Faiola, seconded by Council- man Nagel, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes that John C. Anderson, Jr. employed as a - - patrolman be compensated at an annual rate of $7,640. effective April 11, 1968. -5- 1 5. Memos from Tax Receiver and Comptroller Re: Raymond Bingman and Transfer of Funds The Clerk presented a memorandum addressed to the Board by the Receiver of Taxes under date of April 17, 1968 herewith ordered received and filed for the record. Whereupon after discussion by the members of the Board the following resolution was unanimously adopted, on motion by Councilwoman Helwig, seconded by Councilman Nagel: RESOLVED, that Raymond Bingman, Intermediate Account Clerk, be reclassified as Senior Account Clerk effective April 11, 1968 with annual compensation of $6, 590. And thereupon in accordance with the memorandum address- ed to the Board by the Comptroller under date of April 18, 1968, herewith presented and ordered received and filed, on motion by Councilwoman Helwig, seconded by Councilman Nagel, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the following transfer of funds : From - General Town Contingency $190. To - Receiver of Taxes A/C 102 $190. 6. Request for Authorization for Payment of Claim and Transfer of Funds Upon presentation of claim of Mr. Gabriel E. Senor, P. E. , L. S. and memorandum of the Comptroller dated April 18, 1968 herewith ordered received and filed for the record, on motion by Councilman Nagel, seconded by Councilman Faicla, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes payment of the claim of Gabriel E. Senor, P. E. , L. S. in the amount of $764. 00, and be it further RESOLVED, that this Board also authorizes the following transfer of funds : From - A/C 507 General Town Contingency $17, 000. -_ To - A/C 516 Town Weaver Street Side- $17, 000. walk Project -6- 145 COMMUNICATIONS 1. Notice of Meeting - Village of Larchmont Zoning Board The Clerk presented a Notice of meeting of the Larchmont Village Zoning Board of Appeals, which upon advice of requiring no action by this Board, was ordered received and filed. 2. Receipt of Local Law - Department of Audit and Control The Clerk presented notification of the receipt of a cer- tified copy of Local Law No. 1 - 1968 of the Town of Mamaroneck from the State Department of Audit and Con- trol which was herewith ordered received and filed. REPORTS The Town Clerk - - The Clerk presented the Annual Report of the Supervisor for the year ended December 31, 1967, which was ordered received and filed. The Supervisor - - 1. Letter, Dr. Bernard F. Haake The Supervisor presented a letter addressed to him by Dr. Bernard Haake, Superintendent of Schools, under date of April 11, 1968 in reply to his communication written at the direction of this Board at its last meeting. Councilman Faiola suggested that the Board get in touch with the AAA to request traffic counts on streets that might be travelled by the 6th Graders. When it was point- ed out that streets lying in the Village of Mamaroneck might also be affected, it was directed that a copy of this request when written be forwarded to that Village. The Supervisor stated that he believed the Board of Education had counts of the 6th Graders involved and that these should be obtained prior to writing to the AAA. The members of the Board agreed but stressed that no time be lost in making every effort to get the infor- mation so that the timing situation in the Weaver Street sidewalk instance would not be duplicated. Mrs. Mary Curtis, upon recognition, advised the Board that she had attended the last School Board meeting at which time that Board had stated that all such matters as had been discussed were the responsibility of the Town. -7- 146 Mr. Mosher, upon recognition, emphasized the serious- ness of this situation calling to attention that Rock- land Avenue, Hickory Grove Drive and Avon Road coming into Fenimore Road were all streets without sidewalks or walkways and he therefore heartily endorsed Council- man Faiola ' s thinking in this matter. The Supervisor then asked whether this was the Board' s thinking. Councilman Nagel, stating that he felt this must be a cooperative effort, suggested contacting the AAA, the Chief of Police and the School Board with which suggestion the Board concurred. 2. Reapportionment (Not on Agenda) The Supervisor briefly reviewed the three reapportion- ment plans submitted by the Board of Supervisors to the Court stating that he would not go into detail since these plans had been fully covered by the local press. 3. Appointments - Board of Review (Not on Agenda) The Supervisor explained the procedure followed in appointing the Board of Review and expressed his and his colleagues ' gratification that the gentlemen who had served previously were willing to serve again this year especially in view of the Revaluation Program, and asked for nominations for the appointments. Councilman Faiola after paying high tribute to William G. Massey, Jr. for his past services as Chairman of the Board of Review, with great pleasure placed his name in nomination for reappointment and thereupon on his motion which was seconded by Councilwoman Helwig, it was unani- mously RESOLVED, that pursuant to Section 529 of Chapter 852 of the Laws of 1948 (West- chester County Administrative Code) , William G. Massey, Jr. , a resident tax- payer of the Town of Mamaroneck, be and he hereby is appointed a member and Chair- man of the Board of Review, to sit on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, June 18, 19, 20 and 21, 1968 from 10:00 a. m. to 4:00 p. m. daily, and to be com- pensated at the rate of $75. per day but not to exceed the total sum of $300. Councilman Nagel then placed in nomination with pleasure the name of William H. Johnson of the Village of Mamaro- neck, stating that Mr. Johnson, a former Trustee and Village Manager of that Village was indeed highly quali- fied for this service which he, too, had rendered so -8- 147 ably in the past, and thereupon on his motion, seconded by Councilman Faiola, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that pursuant to Section 529 of Chapter 852 of the Laws of 1948 (West- chester County Administrative Code) , William H. Johnson, a resident taxpayer of the Village of Mamaroneck, be and he hereby is appointed a member of the Board of Review, to sit on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, June 18, 19, 20 and 21, 1968 from 10 :00 a. m. to 4 :00 p. m. daily, and to be compensated at the rate of $75. per day but not to exceed the total sum of $300. Councilwoman Helwig with great pleasure then placed in nomination the name of Thomas J. Farrell of the Village of Larchmont whom she said had rendered his first year ' s service on this Board last year. She complimented Mr. Farrell highly on his first year ' s service and on her motion which was seconded by Councilman Nagel, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that pursuant to Section 529 of Chapter 852 of the Laws of 1948 (West- ' chester County Administrative Code) , Thomas J. Farrell, a resident taxpayer of the Village of Larchmont, be and he here- by is appointed a member of the Board of Review, to sit on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, June 18, 19, 20 and 21, 1968 from 10:00 a. m. to 4 :00 p. m. daily, and to be compensated at the rate of $75. per day but not to exceed the total sum of $300. The Board directed that the aforementioned appointees be notified of their appointment pursuant to the foregoing resolutions. Councilwoman Helwig - - 1. Appointment of Intermediate Account Clerk - Assessor ' s Office Councilwoman Helwig reported that the Assessor and she had interviewed a Mrs. Mary Greason for the position of Intermediate Account Clerk in the Assessor ' s Office and had found her to be fully and excellently qualified for this position. It was therefore with great pleasure that she presented the Assessor ' s request for her appoint- ment and authorization of salary, which she so moved. Upon Councilman Nagel ' s second, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby appoints Mrs. Mary Greason as Intermediate Account -9- %S Clerk in the Assessor ' s Office, said appoint- ment to be Probationary, effective as of April 18, 1968, and to be compensated at the rate of $4, 635. 00 per annum. 2. Appointment of Recreation Attendant - Memorial Park Pursuant to memorandum of the Superintendent of Recrea- tion under date of April 18, 1968 which was herewith presented by Councilwoman Helwig and ordered received and filed for the record, on her motion, seconded by Councilman Faiola, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby appoints Albert Novello as Recreation Attendant, for the period beginning April 1, 1968 and terminating July 31, 1968, with com- pensation at the rate of $1. 50 per hour for said period. 3. Salary Authorization - Park Attendants (Not on Agenda) Pursuant to request of Councilwoman Helwig who called to the Board' s attention the employment of two young men in the Conservation area for a period of three days from April 17th through April 19th, 1968 inclusive, on her motion, seconded by Councilman Faiola, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the employment of William F. Nicita and Brian R. Leddy as Park Attendants for the period from April 17th through April 19th, 1968, inclusive, with compensation paid to each at the rate of $2. 00 per hour. 4. Valuation Associates - Notices of Tentative Assessments Councilwoman Helwig informed the Board that Notices of Tentative Assessed Valuations on all properties in the Town of Mamaroneck will be mailed to property owners in the next several days by Valuation Associates, Inc. The Notices for the Unincorporated Area will be mailed to- morrow and will set forth the dates on which representa- tives of Valuation Associates will be at the Weaver Street Firehouse to answer questions concerning the ten- tative assessments. Notices to Village residents, she continued, will be mailed early next week and will set forth the dates for Village residents to meet with the representatives of Valuation Associates. Councilwoman Helwig continued stating that Valuation Associates has reported that all properties have been -10- 149 measured and that 92% of the buildings have been inspect- ed. She added that according to Mr. Cullen of Valuation Associates, this is an unusually high percentage of in- spections and denotes extraordinary cooperation from the residents of the Town. Mr. Cullen emphasized that the firm is still making recalls to homes where they have not been able to make the inspection and will continue to visit for the purpose of confirming assumed valuations wherever possible. Councilwoman Helwig suggested that residents who have not been inspected may call Valuation -- Associates if they wish to make an appointment before next Wednesday. Mr. Mosher, upon recognition, inquired whether the figures would be at full value or what per cent thereof. Council- woman Helwig replied that the new value would be based on 45% of the full value. Mr. Maggini, upon recognition, inquired whether taxes would go up or down to which Mrs. Helwig replied rather fully, re- counting in detail the situation with the Village of Mamaro- neck which is using the new valuations in the current tax roll. The total assessments had risen, she stated, but the tax rate had been reduced by $1. 09 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation. The Supervisor stated that when Valuation Associates had been engaged the firm had given the Town Board a rough out- line of the effect of revaluation, stating that experience had shown that the taxes of about 50% of the residents of the community would remain about the same; 30% would pay higher taxes and 20% would find that their taxes would go down. Councilwoman Helwig stated that this revaluation does not affect the 1968 taxes in the Town of Mamaroneck. Mrs. James Telesco of 3 Dillon Road, upon recognition, ,advised the Board of the receipt of a letter from the New Rochelle Office of the New York Telephone Company which she and residents of the Dillon Park area received inform- ing them of the New Rochelle School Board' s proposal for the addition to the school tax of a 3% tax for electric, gas and telephone services. Mrs. Telesco pointed out that the residents of the area paid their taxes to the Town of Mamaroneck and their children attended schools in the Town of Mamaroneck for which reason the legitimacy of being subjected to such a tax program was vehemently questioned by Mrs. Telesco and her fellow-residents. Following some discussion by the members of the Board it was directed by common consent that the Supervisor ad- dress a letter to the President of the Board of Educa- tion of the City of New Rochelle with copies to the New York Telephone Company and Consolidated Edison. Mr. Mosher, upon recognition, addressed the Board to suggest that some effort be made to have the postal address of the Dillon Park area Larchmont rather than New Rochelle. -11- 0 Councilman Chalif - - Councilman Chalif was absent and therefore had no report to present at this time. Councilman Faiola - - 1. Authorization - Volunteer Firemen Fund Drive Councilman Faiola stated that he would like to have the Board authorize the 61st Annual Fund Raising Drive of the Volunteer Firemen of the Town of Mamaroneck. He stressed that the drive was not for the benefit of the paid staff, but rather for the volunteers. Whereupon, on his motion, seconded by Councilman Nagel, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the 61st Annual Fund Raising Drive of the Volunteer Firemen of the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department. Mr. Mosher, upon recognition, asked Councilman Faiola how much money had been raised by this drive last year. Councilman Faiola replied that he believed approximate- ly $10, 000. Mr. Mosher then asked what portion of that money had gone for insurance, what portion for training programs, and what portion for parties, refreshments, etc. Councilman Faiola stated that he did not have an actual break-down of the figures but that he could say that some of the funds were expended for light refresh- ments following drills, training programs, etc. , some for paying the expenses for attending the Volunteer County and State Conventions, and some for equipment for the Exempt quarters. The Fire Chief, upon recognition, explained that some of the funds were used for, as Councilman Faiola had mentioned, training programs, County and State Conven- tion .attendance expenses, death and sickness supple- mental benefits, in addition to the regular insurance program, and for sponsorship of a Little League team, etc. Councilwoman Helwig inquired whether holding fund rais- ing drives was not common practice among volunteer fire- men organizations and was assured that it was but that it was done in different ways in different communities - some holding carnivals, some voluntary contribution drives, some by having a dance such as this department, etc. — Mr. Mosher then stated that he felt the Board should get a statement of the amount of funds raised and disposi- tion thereof. The Supervisor requested that if this were his desire, he so request the Board in writing. -12- 151 Mr. Jenisch, upon recognition, addressed the Board stat- ing that he felt strongly that these drives should con- tinue and that if there were ever any abuses, that would be the time to worry about them. He paid high tribute to both the paid and volunteer staffs. 2. Presentation of Brochure - Larchmont Chamber of Commerce and League of Women Voters Councilman Faiola presented a brochure entitled "New- comers Guide to Larchmont", stating that he would like to go on record as complimenting highly both the Larch- mont Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters on the publication and suggesting that the Board ex- press its appreciation to the Chamber of Commerce and the League. Councilman Nagel - - Councilman Nagel stated that he had no report to present at this time. The Town Attorney - - There was no report in the Attorney ' s absence. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the meet- ing on motion duly made and seconded it was declared adjourned at 8 :45 p. m. to reconvene on May 1, 1968. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners was con- vened immediately upon adjournment of the Town Board meet- ing. 1. Claims Upon presentation by Commissioner Faiola and on his mo- tion, seconded by Commissioner Nagel, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the following Fire Department claims be and they hereby are approved, and the Supervisor and Comptroller authorized to pay the same out of the 1968 Fire Department - budget: Atlantic Exterminating Corp. $ 7. 00 Atlantic Service Center 44. 05 R. G. Brewer, Inc. 21. 97 Con Edison 10. 00 -13- 152 Con Edison $ 88. 32 Dri-Chem Extinguisher Co. 457. 85 New Rochelle Water Co. 71. 25 N. Y. Telephone Co. 7. 43 Roberts 553. 01 Ronconi Equipment Co. Inc. 17. 69 Suburban Fuel Oil Service 146. 15 Total 11,424. 72 - 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. Other Business a) Presentation to Commissioner Nagel The Fire Chief presented the Commission badge to Commis- sioner Nagel which he accepted with hearty thanks. b) Auditorium Renovation Commissioner Helwig called attention to the new ceiling, new lighting, and very attractive new chairs in the audi- torium, remarking on the tremendous improvement in acous- tics and appearance. The Fire Chief remarked that some of the chairs had been purchased with funds from last year ' s fund raising drive. 5. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the meet- ing, on motion duly made and seconded, it was declared adjourned at 8 :50 p. m. , to reconvene on May 1, 1968. T C rk -14-