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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968_05_01 Town Board Minutes 153 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK, HELD MAY 1, 1968, IN THE AUDITOR- IUM 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 Chalif Councilman Faiola Councilman Nagel Absent: None Also Present: Mr. Gronberg - Town Clerk Mrs. Brewer - Deputy Clerk Mr. Altieri - Comptroller Mr. Widulski - Engineer OLD BUSINESS 1. Progress Report - Weaver Street Sidewalk At the Supervisor ' s request the Engineer reported on the present status of the sidewalk and remarked that the project was progressing well. He referred to the written report which he had submitted to the Clerk and which was herewith ordered received and filed for the record. 2. Request of Mrs. Viggo Westergaard A request addressed to the Council by Mrs. Viggo Wes- tergaard of 26 Mountain Avenue, Larchmont, for per- mission to construct an off-street parking area for her car rather than a garage, which was previously before the Board, was brought up for further review. Councilman Faiola, who had viewed the site with the Town Engineer, advised the Board that he favored grant- ing the request in accordance with the conditions recom- mended by the Engineer subject to an Agreement to be drawn by the Town Attorney. Whereupon, on Councilman Faiola ' s motion, which was seconded by Councilwoman Helwig, it was unanimously -1- 154 RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the Supervisor to execute on behalf of the Town of Mamaroneck an Agreement with Mrs. Viggo Westergaard of 26 Mountain Avenue for use of certain Town-owned property as set forth in the said Agreement. NEW BUSINESS 1. Application for Swimming Pool Permit - Mr. and Mrs. Clarence P. Greer, Rock Ridge Road, Mamaroneck The Clerk presented a memorandum addressed to the Board by the Building and Plumbing Inspector under date of April 26, 1968, submitting the application of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence P. Greer of Rock Ridge Road, Mamaroneck, for installation of an in-the-ground family swimming pool at the above address, which was herewith ordered received and filed for the record. The Supervisor stated that in accordance with usual practice, the neighboring property owners would be notified of the application and the members of the Board would personally inspect the site for the pool prior to the Board' s action on the application at its next meeting. 2. Authorization of Mandatory Salary Increments Pursuant to memorandum addressed to the Board by the Comptroller under date of April 30, 1968, herewith presented and filed for the record, on motion by Councilman Nagel, seconded by Councilwoman Helwig, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the following mandatory salary increments be and they hereby are authorized as set forth below: Present Revised Name & Title Eff. Date Amt. of Incre. Comp. Comp. POLICE PATROLMEN Thomas Vitro 4/11/68 $250. 00 $8390. $8640. William E. Coy 7/4/68 250. 00 7890. 8140. Charles S. Baumblatt 7/18/68 250. 00 7640. 7890. Robert Fuller 8/1/68 250. 00 7640. 7890. Joseph R. Santoiemma 8/15/68 250. 00 7640. 7890. Thomas R. Mahoney 8/15/68 250. 00 7640. 7890. Paul Adamo 10/10/68 250. 00 7640. 7890. FIREMEN Norman P. Wilson 5/23/68 250. 00 7890. 8140. Kenneth J. Valle 5/9/68 250. 00 7390. 7640. -2- 155 Present Revised Name & Title _ Eff.Date Amt. of Incre. Comp. Comp. HIGHWAY Motor Equip. Op. Frank Davis 5/23/68 $360. 00 $6230. $6590. Skilled Laborer Benj. Seagraves 4/25/68 360. 00 6230. 6590. Laborers Rino Fraulini 6/6/68 345. 00 5945. 6290. Howard T. McKay 7/4/68 345. 00 5945. 6290. PARK Laborer Carl Reino 10/10/68 345. 00 5945. 6290. COMMUNICATIONS 1. Letter, Peter D. Mosher - Volunteer Fire Department Funds The Clerk read a letter addressed to the Board by Peter D. Mosher, Larchmont Attorney, under date of April 25 , 1968, which was herewith ordered received and filed for the record. The Supervisor stated that the letter had been forwarded to the Board in accordance with his re- quest to Mr. Mosher at the last meeting of the Fire Commission and had been referred to Councilman Faiola, Liaison to the Fire Commission, and the Town Attorney as well as the Fire Chief. 2. Letter, General Association, Mamaroneck High School (Request for Use of Voting Machines - May 10th) Pursuant to communication directed to the Town Clerk by Dr. Sheldon Evans, Assistant Superintendent for Business Management, Board of Education, under date of April 26, 1968, herewith presented and filed for the record, on motion by Councilman Faiola, seconded by Councilman Nagel, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby grants the request of the Board of Education to use three (3) voting machines for the General Association elections at the Mamaroneck High School on May 10, 1968. 3. Notice of Hearing - New Rochelle Board of Appeals A Notice of Hearing of the City of New Rochelle Board of Appeals to be held on May 14, 1968 was herewith pre- sented and since no action was required by this Board was ordered received and filed. -3- 156 4. Notice of Hearing - Village of Mamaroneck Zoning Board of Appeals A Notice of Hearing of the Village of Mamaroneck Zon- ing Board of Appeals to be held on May 2, 1968, was herewith presented and since no action was required by this Board was ordered received and filed. 5. Invitation - Village of Mamaroneck Park Commission -' Cherry Tree Planting - Ceremony (Not on Agenda) The Clerk presented an invitation extended by The Park Commission of the Village of Mamaroneck for the Cherry Tree Planting Ceremony on Sunday, May 12, 1968, at 3:00 p. m. , which was herewith ordered received and filed for the record. REPORTS The Town Clerk - - The Clerk presented the following reports which were herewith ordered received and filed for the record: Report of the Receiver of Taxes and Assess- ments for the month of April 1968. Report of the Building & Plumbing Inspector for the month of April 1968. Summary of Receipts & Disbursements for the periods January 31, 1968 - February 29, 1968, and January 1, 1968 - March 31, 1968. Westchester Shore Humane Society, Inc. report for the month of April 1968. Municipal Dog Patrol report for the month of April 1968. The Supervisor - - 1. Resignation of Justice of the Peace, Judge Anthony F. Vitetta The Supervisor read the following letter addressed to him and members of the Town Council by Judge Anthony F. Vitetta under date of April 23, 1968, tendering his resignation as Justice of the Peace of the Town of Mamaroneck, which was ordered received and filed for the record: "On April 1st, 1968, I was appointed Village Attorney by the Board of Trustees of the village of Mamaroneck. This was a position -4- 157 which I did not seek, but felt I could not turn down the appointment. "At the time of my appointment I had indicated that I would resign as Town Justice at the end of May or the middle of June. The experi- ence of the past month, while operating in a dual capacity, has shown me that it is impos- sible to render proper service to the Village and the Town at the same time. For this reason, I am hereby tendering my resignation to be effec- tive immediately. "During my tenure of office, I have tried to be a fair and impartial Judge, and to serve all the residents of our community equally. I hope that my attempts to accomplish this have been successful. It is because of my interest in the community that I have made this decision to resign earlier than previously announced. "I wish to thank the members of your Board for the support they have given me and the Justice Court, and know that they will continue to ren- der the same consideration to my successor. I firmly and honestly believe that the Justice Court is most important to the residents of our community. I know that your board agrees with my thoughts on this subject. " Each of the members of the Board paid tribute to the Judge ' s fine record of service as Town Justice. Supervisor Kane stated that the Judge had done "actually a magnificent job" and forecasted "an equally good job in the Village. " Councilman Nagel requested that the resignation be accept- ed "with thanks, regret and commendation for a real stel- lar, outstanding job", further stating, "He has handled difficult cases with wisdom and humility and he will really be missed. " Councilman Chalif stated that as an Attorney he has more precise knowledge about what "Tony" brought to the bench. "Those, he said, "who appeared before him recognize the wisdom, compassion, insight and courage he brought to the job. " Mr. Mosher, Larchmont Attorney, stated from the floor that he had only the highest tribute to pay to Judge Vitetta whom he said was a wonderful person and one who would cer- tainly be missed. Councilwoman Helwig, wholeheartedly concurring with the sentiments expressed by the other Councilmen, offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Nagel and adopted by unanimous vote of the Board: -5- Whereas, Judge Anthony F. Vitetta, Justice of the Peace of the Town of Mamaro- neck for the past four years and four months, has tendered his resig- nation effective as of April 30, 1968, and Whereas, he has given unstintingly of his time, talents and special abilities in his efforts on behalf of the citizens of this Town and all those appearing before him, and Whereas, during the years he presided as Judge, he brought to the bench exceptional wisdom, compassion, insight and courage in his administration of Jus- tice, Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that we, the members of this Board, hereby accept his resignation as Town Justice with great reluctance and deep regret, and adopt this reso- lution to be spread upon the minutes of this meeting in public tribute to him, and be it further Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be for- warded to him with deep appreciation, sincere thanks, and the very best wishes of this Board and the citizenry he served so ably with selfless dedica- tion and rare distinction. 2. Resignation, Mrs. Joanne Colasacco The Supervisor presented a letter addressed to him by Mrs. Joanne Colasacco under date of April 26, 1968, tendering her resignation as Intermediate Typist to be effective as of July 1, 1968. Mr. Gronberg described Mrs. Colasacco as a very fine employee, stating that she would be much missed in the Town. The members of the Board each complimented her services during the six years she has been a member of the Town staff and thereupon on a motion by Councilwoman Helwig, seconded by Councilman Faiola, it was unanimously -6- 59 RESOLVED, that this Board hereby accepts with regret the resignation of Mrs. Joanne Colasacco as Intermediate Typist of the Town of Mamaroneck effective as of July 1, 1968, and extends to her sincere thanks for her services to the Town and very best wishes for the future. 3. Resignation, Mr. Don H. Chapin - Commission on Human Rights The Supervisor presented a letter addressed to him by Mr. Don H. Chapin under date of April 23, 1968, tendering his resignation as a member of the Commission on Human Rights of the Town of Mamaroneck, effective at the expira- tion of his term of office, May 19, 1968. The members of the Board each expressed his real regret that the pressure of Mr. Chapin' s business commitments and service on the Board of Education necessitated his resignation from the Commission, and thereupon on a motion by Councilwoman Helwig, seconded by Councilman Nagel, the following resolution was unanimously adopted: Whereas, Don H. Chapin has tendered his resignation as a member of the Commission on Human Rights of the Town of Mamaroneck effective as of May 19, 1968, and Whereas, Mr. Chapin has served on this Commission both as its former Chairman and as a member with dedication and devotion, and Whereas, during his tenure of office Mr. Chapin guided the work of the Commission with diligence and perception , contributing his valuable skills, knowledge and understanding to all aspects of the work of the Commission, and Whereas, he has shown himself to be an able leader always mindful of the welfare of those who appealed to the Commission and acting always in their best interests, -7- ISO Now, Therefore, Be It RESOLVED, that this Board, the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck, reluctantly and with regret accepts the resignation of Mr. Chapin as a member of the Commission on Human Rights of the Town of Mamaroneck, and congratulates him on the distinguished ser- vice he rendered to the Town; and be it further RESOLVED, that this Board hereby expresses its thanks and sincere appreciation to Mr. Chapin, and adopts this resolution to be spread upon the minutes of this meeting in tribute to him with a copy thereof forwarded to him as an expression of gratitude from the entire community. 4. Recommendation for Appointment - Town Justice The Supervisor presented for appointment to fill the vacancy created by Judge Vitetta ' s resignation, the name of former Town Supervisor, George D. Burchell, whom, he advised, had been unanimously endorsed by the Town Republican Committee as the GOP ,candidate for the job next Fall. The Supervisor described George as "a man who has done fantastically well in civic affairs and who has sacrificed himself to take the post. " Thereupon Councilman Chalif, stating that it gave him a great deal of pleasure and pride to offer the name of George D. Burchell to succeed Tony Vitetta as Town Justice, placed his name in formal nomination, adding that in nominating Mr. Burchell he named one whose integrity was known to all and one who was widely ac- quainted with the entire community. He continubd stat- ing that we were indeed fortunate to have a man who could succeed Judge Vitetta as ably as George Burchell and that he thought this Board would do itself a great deal of good and the community a service in appointing Mr. Burchell to succeed Judge Vitetta. Councilman Nagel stated that it was a privilege and a pleasure to second the nomination, with Councilman Faiola echoing the sentiments expressed by Councilman Chalif. Councilwoman Helwig said that no one need to add anything more or speak further and thereupon the following resolution was unanimously moved, seconded and adopted: -- RESOLVED, that this Board hereby appoints George D. Burchell Town Justice of the Town of Mamaroneck to fill the vacancy -8- 161 created by the resignation of Judge Anthony F. Vitetta, to serve for a term of office effective as of May 1, 1968 and terminating November 6, 1968, and to be compensated at the rate of $4, 250. per annum as appropriated in the 1968 budget; and be it further RESOLVED, that pursuant to Town Law a bond is required for George D. Burchell as Town Justice of the Town of Mamaroneck, conditioned for the faithful performance of his duties in- cluding the depositing of all funds or monies of the Town received by him pursuant to Section 25 of the Town Law, upon which the United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company is surety in the penal sum of $4, 000. for a term from May 1, 1968 through November 5, 1968. 5. Death of Dominic T. Martino (Not on Agenda) Supervisor Kane advised the Board of the death of Mr. Dominic T. Martino on April 27th. Mr. Martino, he stated, had been a resident of Larchmont for 69 years until some three months ago when he moved to Hopewell Junction. He was a member of the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department for 52 years and had served this community long and well. The Supervisor requested that all present stand for a moment of silent prayer for Mr. Martino and that the meeting this evening be adjourned in his memory. Councilwoman Helwig - - 1. Revaluation Councilwoman Helwig stated that Valuation Associates would complete its 8-day schedule of meetings tomorrow but that as had been announced last week, property owners from any section of the Town were welcome to attend tomorrow' s session during the hours from 1:00 p. m. to 7 :30 p. m. She continued that on Saturday, May 11th, representatives of Valuation Associates will meet with property owners from the Unincorporated area or the two villages - owners who were ill, away or otherwise unable to attend the con- ferences this week and last, from 9:00 a. m. to 12:00 N in the Town Hall. Councilwoman Helwig advised that in response to requests from a number of civic organizations for an opportunity to discuss with Valuation Associates the methods and pro- cedures by which it arrived at full market valuations of real property in the Town, the Town Board has arranged for Mr. Dobson, President of the company and others on -9— 162 the staff, to meet with representatives of the civic groups and individuals on Wednesday, May 8th, at 8 :15 p. m. at the Weaver Street Firehouse. She added that it is understood this discussion will be general - limited to methods, procedures, and probable results of the Revaluation Program. In reply to questions from the floor, Councilwoman Helwig stated that it was not possible at this time to give the total anticipated increase in the assessment roll result- - ing from this project. This information, she said, is not yet available because adjustments are still being made and the preliminary figures in any case would not reflect partial exemptions for Veterans or persons over 65 years of age. She continued, the total will be known when the Assessor files the completed roll June lst. Meanwhile, she said, it is reasonable to assume that the outcome will not be far different from that in the Vil- lage of Mamaroneck where total values jumped about 14. 2%. During discussion questions were raised on the methods used by the valuating firm, how the firm arrived at a valuation in the case of non-inspection of property, the necessity for such revaluation and its eventual effect on the tax bill, the use of the 45% ratio of fair market value and the necessity for engagement of an outside firm. Among those who addressed the Board were Mr. Frank A. Blackwood of 2 Vine Place; Mr. Reynold Drews, 3 Vine Road; Mr. Frank Claps, 120 Laurel Avenue; Mrs. Eugene Agnessanto, 83 Myrtle Boulevard; Mr. Edward C. Cerny, Jr. , 43 Vine Road, and Mr. Anthony Librandi, 12 Thompson Street. Councilman Chalif, in reply to a particular question about the effect on taxes, noted that if next year ' s budget re- mains the same as the current budget, revaluation would result in a drop in tax rates but, he continued, there is no conceivable way to keep the budget from going up next year, short of a cataclysmic depression, adding "there is no way to stop it unless inflation stops. " He continued, "we don't create the rate for you - - we are the same people, we are as concerned - what you pay we pay. " Councilman Chalif concluded by reminding those present that they had further recourse by appearing before the Board of Review which sits annually the third week in June and this year on June 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st. In concluding the discussion Councilwoman Helwig used as an illustration the recent experience of the Village of Mamaroneck which, through revaluation, boosted assessment rolls $9 million. She said that this year ' s budget rose more than $176, 000. but the tax rate dropped $1. 06 per $1, 000. of assessed value to $24. 92. She further stated that without revaluation, the same budget hike would have pushed the tax rate to more than $28. 00 per thousand. -10- 163 Councilman Chalif - - Councilman Chalif stated that he had no report to present at this time. Councilman Faiola - - 1. Annual Report - Larchmont-Mamaroneck Committee on Family and Youth Councilman Faiola presented for the record the Annual Report of the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Committee on Family and Youth dated April 23, 1968, which was ordered receiv- ed and filed, with the members of the Board complimenting the Committee on its fine report. Mr. Peter Mosher Mr. Mosher, upon recognition, commented on the magnifi- cent tulips in the Town plantings both in the triangle at the intersection of Weaver Street and Palmer Avenue and across the street, and highly commended Mr. Thomas Aitchison and his Town of Mamaroneck Park Department staff. Councilman Nagel - - 1. Report on Joint Economies Study Committee (Not on Agenda) Councilman Nagel announced that the big project of this Committee was its work on data processing and that on May 24th the Committee would meet to compile the infor- mation it had. Mr. Anthony Librandi Mr. Librandi, upon recognition, questioned whether the Town had extended its parking lots since cars were now parking in his backyard. The Board advised Mr. Librandi that it had not and that it would check the parking lots for correction of any violations and/or any incorrect parking. Mr. Richard Finson Mr. Finson, upon recognition, asked Councilman Faiola about the parking situation on Palmer Avenue, and particularly why parking was permitted on one side of the street only. He stated that residents of the area would like to circu- late a petition protesting the parking situation and -11- 164 requesting certain corrective measures. Councilman Faiola reminded Mr. Finson that when he had spoken to him about this matter, he had requested Mr. Finson to write him a note which to date he had not received. Mr. Finson replied that he had not written but that he would do so. He then inquired the role of the Board of Police Commissioners in parking matters. Councilman Faiola explained that the Police Commission serves in the Town as Traffic Commission and that the Town Board therefore refers all traffic and parking matters to it for study and recommendation, adding that wherever necessary or advisable, the Board and Com- mission confer and work together in order to reach an equitable solution to best serve the interest of all resi- dents. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the meeting it was, on motion unanimously made and seconded, declared adjourned at 9:25 p. m. in honor of the memory of Dominic T. Martino, and the following resolution was thereupon unanimously adopted to be spread on the minutes of this meeting in memoriam to Mr. Martino and forwarded to his family with the Board ' s deepest sympathy and condolences : I n M e m o r i a m RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck, convened in regular session this first day of May, 1968, expresses its deep sorrow at the death of Dominic T. Martino resident of this community for sixty-nine years and member of the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Depart- ment for fifty-two years; and Be it further RESOLVED, that this Board hereby expresses its sincere appreciation of Mr. Martino ' s long and diligent service to the Town of Mamaroneck; and Be it further - RESOLVED, that this meeting stand adjourned this evening in honor of his memory and that this reso- lution adopted In Memoriam to Mr. Martino be spread upon the minutes of this meeting and a copy forward- , ed to his family with deepest sympathy and condolences. -12- 165 This meeting will reconvene on May 15, 1968. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners was con- vened immediately upon the adjournment of the Town Board meeting. 1. Claims Commissioner Faiola presented for approval and authoriza- tion of payment the Fire Department claims, and thereupon on his motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Helwig, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the following Fire Department claims as audited by the Comptroller and ap- proved by the Fire Chief are hereby approved, and the Supervisor and Comptroller hereby authorized to pay the same out of the Fire Department budget for 1968: Excelsior Auto Rep. & Mach. Wks. $ 34. 06 General Plan Service, Inc. 13. 44 Gulf Oil Corp. 80. 75 I & T Plumbing Corp. 159. 70 New York Telephone Co. 61. 55 Ward LaFrance Truck Corp. 16. 80 Wolf' s Head Oil Refining Co. , Inc. 57. 91 Total $ 424. 21 2. Reports Commissioner Faiola presented the Fire Report for the month of April, 1968 which was herewith ordered receiv- ed and filed. 3. Communications There were no communications to be presented at this time. 4. Other Business a) Authorization, Advertise for Bids - Painting Fire House Commissioner Faiola requested authorization for the Fire Chief to advertise for bids for painting the Fire House and thereupon on his motion, seconded by Commissioner Chalif, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the Fire Chief to publish in the official newspaper -13- 166 of the Town of Mamaroneck, The Daily Times, Notice for Bids for painting the Town of Mamaroneck Firehouse, said bids to be receiv- ed, opened and read aloud at the next meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners to be held on May 15, 1968. b) Joint Fire Department Drill Commissioner Faiola announced a drill to be conducted with the Village of Larchmont Fire Department on May 14th, and extended an invitation to the members of the Commission who could, to attend. 5. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the meeting, on motion duly made and seconded, it was declared adjourn- ed at 9:35 p. m. ow�/C l erk -14-