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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014_02_26 Town Board Minutes February 26, 2014 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON FEBRUARY 26, 2014, BEGINNING AT 5:00PM IN CONFERENCE ROOM D AND CONTINUING AT 8:00 PM IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE TOWN CENTER, 740 W. BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK PRESENT: Supervisor Nancy Seligson Councilman Ernest C. Odierna Councilwoman Abby Katz Councilwoman Jaine Elkind Eney Councilman Thomas A. Murphy ALSO PRESENT: Christina Battalia, Town Clerk Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator William Maker, Jr., Town Attorney CALL TO ORDER - WORK SESSION On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Murphy, the Work Session was unanimously opened at 5:00PM. Recreation Department – Summer Camp Additionally Present: Jill Fisher, Superintendent of Recreation, Joanne Aquilino, Assistant Superintendent for Recreation and Eileen Pulio, Recreation Clerk. The Town Board reviewed a memo from Jill Fisher, dated February 21, 2014. In her memo Ms. Fisher explained that due to the Ice Rink renovations, the summer camp program will not have an indoor space for their program. The Town has had multiple discussion with the school district to try and work out an alternative, but because work is being done this summer at almost every Mamaroneck school, any alternative through the school district is not looking possible. Ms. Fisher discussed the needs of the camp and what an alternative site would have to provide. The Recreation Department staff is currently working on options, one being to erect a tent over the fields behind the Hommocks School: cost and financing are detailed in Ms. Fisher’s memo. Because the fields are behind fencing, some security would be provided. This is an expensive option that the Town would very much like to find an alternative to, but not providing camp does not seem to be an option. The Town will speak again with the School District in hopes that some use of the Hommocks Middle School might be feasible. Update – Resident Parking Program – Washington Square Additionally present: residents of the Washington Square area, John Irving, Bill Fitzpatrick, Bonnie Young, and Julie Chateauvert. Members of the Traffic Committee, Doris Block and Steve Bartell. The owner of the premises 176 Myrtle Blvd., Gjoko Shkreli and his attorney Donald Mazin. The Town Board reviewed a memo prepared by Mr. Altieri dated February 21, 2014. The memo explained the recent worksession and regular meeting of the Traffic Committee. An additional memo was provided dated February 6, 2014 which was initially prepared for the Traffic Committee’s Worksesson of February 13, st 12014. The February 21 memo outlines the major components of a residential parking permit program and a few outstanding issues for the Town to consider. Mr. Altieri noted that a recent suggestion is to use Commuter Lot # 1 for overnight weekend guests in which a meter fee would be purchased. Ms. Chateauvert questioned the legality of charging a fee and asked the Town Board to obtain a legal opinion on this from the State Attorney. Another resident questioned where contractors and home aids would park. It was noted that the Town received correspondence also questioning where health care workers, doormen, contractors, etc. would park. Mr. Fitzpatrick asked that the no parking restrictions in the new legislation override the current alternate side of the street parking for street cleaning. Mr. Mazin noted that the current plans exclude Myrtle Blvd and he encouraged the Town Board to look at that. Mr. Mazin stated that this current resident parking permit program seems to conflict with the new Zoning Amendment allowing residential construction in the Commercial area along Myrtle Blvd. Mr. Mazin also asked the Town Board to consider allowing overnight parking along Myrtle Blvd. The Town Board discussed the program components and asked Mr. Maker to 1 February 26, 2014 appear before the Traffic Committee with his requests. The Board explained that the Town Attorney will draft legislation providing for resident only permit parking. The Traffic Committee will review it at a public hearing and make a recommendation to the Town Board. The Town Board will then discuss it, hold a public hearing and vote on it. ADDED ITEMS Supervisor Seligson noted a recent meeting with Noam Bramson, Mayor of the City of New Rochelle, at which they discussed joint and shared municipal services including paving and joint organic waste disposal. Councilwoman Katz again asked the Board to draft a policy for Complete Streets efforts. The Town has already passed a resolution in support of Complete Streets policy. It was suggested that the Safe Routes to School group be asked to participate as well as creating a resident committee to work with the Highway Department on policies. It was also suggested that this could be something for the Sustainability Collaborative to work on. Supervisor Seligson noted that last night the Sustainability Collaborative met and they are beginning the work of reviewing the data from the charettes. The Collaborative will refine the list in priority order and distribute to the participants. Supervisor Seligson noted the wonderful work by Andrea Grenadier in providing an outline of a Sustainability Plan. Councilman Odierna gave a report of his attendance at the Association of Towns annual conference in Manhattan. Councilman Odierna noted the very well attended presentation by Steve Altieri on When is it Time to Hire a Manager. He noted the very good workshop on shared services. Strategic Plan Supervisor Seligson gave a brief overview for the Board. The Town Board then revisited the Draft Strategic Objectives, from June 17, 2013. On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Murphy, the Board unanimously agreed to enter into an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation regarding an Article 78 with the Planning Board. EXECUTIVE SESSION Pending Litigation – Article 78 – Planning Board On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, the Board unanimously agreed to resume the Regular Meeting. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Seligson at 8:00 PM, she then pointed out the location of the exits. Supervisor Seligson noted that the Town Board met for a worksession beginning at 5:00 o’clock this evening, adding this is an open meeting that all residents’ are welcomed to attend. SUPERVISOR’S SUMMARY REPORT The Town staff and Traffic Committee have been working with residents discussing creating legislation to create resident only permit parking in the Washington Square area. This neighborhood has always had parking issues as several of the buildings were built before zoning regulations required parking and subsequently were built without any parking facilities. Residents have difficulty finding parking places during the day when commuters and shoppers also use the 2 February 26, 2014 streets for parking in that area. Bill Maker, the Town Attorney will draft legislation for the Town Board to consider. I have to mention the s word again which stands for snow. We've had several additional snowstorms since we last met. I want to thank and commend the Town Highway Department for their good work in clearing the streets as fast as possible and making them safe for travel. The severe winter weather and many snow storms have taken a toll on our equipment and roads. We know that when the snow finally melts we will find that many roads and curbs need repair. The Sustainability Collaborative, the Town's environmental committee, met last night and reviewed the data obtained from the two workshops held in the beginning of February. About 65 residents participated in the workshops to talk about sustainability, resilience and quality of life. The Sustainability Collaborative will work to draft a Sustainability Plan with input from the Town Board and residents. They plan to have a draft by October 2014. We had a wonderful retirement party for Councilwoman Phyllis Wittner last week. Many people attended to celebrate and thank Phyllis for her dedication and good work for the Town. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The Meeting was called to order by Commissioner Seligson, and then on motion of Commissioner Elkind Eney, seconded by Commissioner Katz, the Board of Fire Commissioners was unanimously declared open. Present were the following Members of the Commission: Commissioner: Nancy Seligson Commissioner: Ernest C. Odierna Commissioner: Abby Katz Commissioner: Jaine Elkind Eney Commissioner: Thomas A. Murphy The Commissioners’ thanked the Fire Department for the fine food they provided at Phyllis Wittner’s Retirement arty. There being no more business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Katz, the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Authorization – Establish Capital Project #2014-37 – Town Center Roof/Replacement Mr. Altieri explained that the project is for the “replacement of the peaked roofs on the Town Center building and that the flat roofs remain in relatively good condition. The source of funding for the project is $105,390.00 from insurance recoveries and $2,500.00 in federal aid related to hurricane Sandy”. On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby establish Capital Project #2014-37 Town Center Roof Repairs/Replacement in the amount of $107,640.00 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Seligson Aye 3 February 26, 2014 2. Authorization – Amendment to Cell Phone Allowance Policy On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the following was approved, WHEREAS, in September of 2012, the Town Board adopted a resolution establishing a tier of Town employees that due to the nature of their responsibilities, require they be in contact with the Town both during and after business hours, and WHEREAS, two additional employees need to be added to the original list, General Foreman and the Assistant to the Administrator. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the addition of the General Foreman and the Assistant to the Administrator to the list of employee receiving an annual allowance of $360.00 for the maintenance of their personal cell phone. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Seligson Aye 3. Report of Bids - TA-14-01 Catch Basin Cleaning Services – 2014 & 2015 On motion of Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilman Odierna, the following was approved, WHEREAS, on February 20, 2014 the Town publically opened and read five bids for the two year Contract TA-14-1 Catch Basin Cleaning Services. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby award Contract TA-14-1 Catch Basin Cleaning Services to the lowest responsible bidder, Frederick A. Cook, Inc., at a total price of $40,000 per year for 2014 and 2015, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Administrator is hereby authorized to sign said contract on behalf of the Town. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Seligson Aye 4. Report of Bids - TA-14-02 Reflective Pavement Markings & Striping On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the following was approved, WHEREAS, on February 20, 2014 the Town publically opened and read two bids for the two year Contract TA-14-2 Reflective Pavement Markings & Striping. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby award Contract TA-14-2 Reflective Pavement Markings & Striping to the lowest responsible bidder, Safety Marking, 4 February 26, 2014 Inc., of Bridgeport Connecticut, for the total cost of $11,791.00 for the year 2014 and $11,980.00 for the year 2015, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Administrator is hereby authorized to sign said contract on behalf of the Town. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Seligson Aye 5. Approval of Certiorari On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the settlement of the following tax certiorari on the following terms: JSA Realty LLC 32-34 Vanderburgh Avenue Block: 606 Lot: 378 Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Larchmont Year Assessment Amount of Reduction Reduced Assessment 2006 $82,000 $28,300 $53,700 2007 $82,000 $33,400 $48,600 2008 $82,000 $33,400 $48,600 2009 $82,000 $34,300 $47,700 2010 $82,000 $28,300 $53,700 2011 $82,000 $25,000 $57,000 2012 $82,000 $26,300 $55,700 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Seligson Aye ADDED ITEM 6. Appointment to the Traffic Committee On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, the following was approved, WHEREAS, with the resignation of Nancy Anguilo as Member A of the Traffic Committee a vacancy now exists. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT 5 February 26, 2014 RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby appoint Eve Neuman as Member A of the Traffic Committee, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the foregoing appointment shall be effective immediately upon the appointee taking and subscribing the oath mandated by section 25 of the New York Town Law and shall expire on December 31, 2015. APPROVAL OF MINUTES On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, by a majority vote with Councilman Murphy abstaining, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the Board Minutes from the meeting of January 22, 2014. On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the Board Minutes from the meeting of February 12, 2014. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Correspondence from Donald Mazin dated February26, 2015 regarding the Resident Parking – Washington Square, was received and noted as such for the record. REPORT OF COUNCIL Councilwoman Elkind Eney noted her attendance at the fascinating show, Larchmont Then and Now, th presented by the Larchmont Historical Society. On February 18 Councilwoman Elkind Eney attended the Recreation Commission Meeting at which, among other things, they discussed providing WiFi at the Hommocks Ice Rink, adding that this is the biggest resident request. The Commission is working hard on a solution for the Summer Camp Program. At the Larchmont Chamber of Commerce Meeting which she attended there was discussion of having commercial business events that coincide with Race Week. Councilwoman Elkind Eney, along with Councilman Murphy and Councilman Odierna, attended the Senior th Center Valentine Event, and on February 25 she, Supervisor Seligson and Councilman Odierna attended the Sustainability Collaborative Meeting. Councilwoman Katz attended the Traffic Committee Meetings, noting that the Town Board has already discussed this in detail. Residents are encouraged to make comments whether in person at upcoming meetings or by sending those comments directly to the Town Board, adding no resident should feel that their voice is not heard in this discussion. She will miss Coastal Zone Management Commission Meeting as they are meeting tonight as well. As the liaison to the Library Councilwoman Katz, she received a behind th the scene tour of the Library. On April 6 at 4:00pm, the Library will hold the second annual Spelling Bee, noting that they are actively looking for teams to participate. Again, Supervisor Seligson and State Senator George Latimer will be Judges. The Lego Fest is another big event coming up for the Library. Councilman Odierna noted his attendance over presidents week at the Association of Towns Conference. This is a great forum for training and for sharing ideas. Steve Altieri presented a very interesting talk along with Jerry Faiella on the benefits and utility of having a Town Administrator. Councilman Odierna also noted the workshop on Freedom of Information, Intermunicipal Cooperation, Shared Services and the Tax Cap. He attended a Westchester Delegation Assembly hearing on the NYS budget in Greenburgh on th February 19 at which he read a statement regarding state mandate relief, the need for an environmental bond act, and the impact to our communities from the Tax Cap. 6 February 26, 2014 Councilman Murphy noted his first two weeks as a Town Councilman as being a very good experience. He took a tour of the Town’s facilities with Nancy and Steve. Councilman Murphy noted how impressed he was with how well run and maintained the facilities are, noting that tax dollars are being used in a smart fashion. What impressed him the most was how much the employees seem to enjoy what they do and how willing they were to share that. Councilman Murphy stated that this speaks well of the Town Board and to Steve Altieri for well managing the employees over the years. Councilman Murphy noted his attendance at the Senior Center Valentines Event, adding that he is so impressed in how well the Village and Town Senior Programs were merged together, how happy the seniors are and how well the program is being run. Additionally, Councilman Odierna noted his attendance last night at the Public Hearing of the Playland Facility. There was a huge attendance, in which a number of presenters and residents spoke and presented. Councilman Odierna noted that there is a new managing agent with many new proposals, and encouraged residents to get involved in understanding the changes. Councilman Murphy added to the previous comments regarding Playland by emphasizing to our residents that Playland is not just a Rye issue. Playland is a County Park that belongs to all of us. There is nothing final with respect to these proposals and residents’ still have a voice. Residents have until May to have their comment’s heard. Steve Altieri asked the Board to please adjourn the meeting in memory of Edward Hall, a former Sanitation Commission foreman, and long-time dedicated Town employee. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, the meeting was unanimously adjourned in memory of Edward Hall at 8:45 PM ________________________________ Submitted by Christina Battalia, Town Clerk 7