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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1947_12_03 Town Board Minutes 86'7 REGULAR MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING BY AND BEFORE THE TOWN BOARD, TOWN OF MAMARONECK, NEW YORK, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TOWN LAW, HELD DECEMBER 3, 1947 In the Council Room of the Weaver Street Fire House, Town of Mamaroneck, New York. The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Mandeville at 8: 15 P.M. ( Egstern Standard Time) . Present: Supervisor Mandeville Councilmen Stiner, Mills, Watson, Embury Absent: None The presence was also noted of Town Clerk Gronberg, Town Attorney Delius, and Accountant Finson. The Town Clerk read the call of the meeting and stated that the same had been duly advertised and posted. Supervisor Mandeville then declared the meeting open for dis- cussion of the budget. Mr. George Schuler, President of the Larchmont Gardens Association, introduced Pair. Lewis 11. Clarkson, Chairman of the Budget Committee . Mr. Clarkson stated that since the meeting of the Association on the previous Monday, at which time Supervisor Mandeville was present to discuss and explain the 1948 budget to the Gardens Association, the Budget Committee had prepared the following statement which he would read, and requested that it be made a part of the record of this hearing: LARCIB ONT GARDENS CIVIC ASSOCIATION The oroposed_Town Budget for 1948 To the Honorable Town Council: The Taxpayers are alarmed by the continued increases in the cost of salaries and wages, as reflected in the proposed Budget for the year 1948, and the failure to apply all of next year' s revenues and excess revenues collected in 1947 and pre- vious years to substantially reduce the Net Levy for 1948. The tax bills from the Town of Mamaroneck for the year 1947 amounted to $43 .03 Per thousand of valuation, segregated as follows: Town Tax $15.76 County Tax 10.63 School Tax 16.64 Total per M 43.03 No area can continue to grow when the taxes are as high as they are in the Town of Mamaroneck. We cannot afford to continue to drive prospective homebuilders to Connecticut, Long Island and New Jersey by maintaining as high a rate of tax as is proposed in _ the 1948 Town Budget. 869 j This Association is of the opinion that the Town Tax for 1948 should not exceed $12 per thousand, and that the Town Government could be operated efficiently and satisfactorily with a levy of not more than this amount . It is not an easy task to suggest ways and means of cutting a budget, but there is no escape from the fact that if we cannot afford a de luxe Town Goverment it must be re- duced to one we can afford. This Association can point out some major and important items, but in the day to day operations only the responsible officials within the Town administration can in- dicate where and how the desired reduction to $12 per M can best be effected. -- The cost of debt service has been decreased year after year making the succeeding year®s requirements less, the cost of public welfare is no longer a Town Expense, delinquent tax collections and revenues from property sales have been substantial, some new building` has been added to the assessment rolls which should have the effect of spreading taxes over a broader base, yet despite all this salaries and wages and other expenses continue to increase and the rate con- tinues excessive. The following occupational designations, among others, as proposed in the 1948 Budget, would receive increases and compensation which exceeds 25% of that paid in 1943: Position °m of Increase Accountant 44 Senior Account Clerk 33 Town Assessor 33 Police Chief 37 Police Lieutenant 40 Garbage Collection Drivers 42 Park Foreman 37 Assistant Park Foreman 76 Town Engineer 41 - It is this Association!!6 considered opinion that in view of the fact that taxpayers are going to have to face a depression be- fore many months, all increases should be limited at this time to 25% of what was received for the respective positions in 1943, and in no event should exceed the amount paid by the County of Westchester for comparable services . One needs only to note the tremendous increase in small loans by banks to realize the seriousness of the situation. Taxpayers who were previously laying aside savings for maintenance work on their homes, long postponed due to the war; to pay life insurance premiums to help their families in the event of death, to send a growing boy or girl to college, have been forced to spend these savings and make bank loans for taxes, insurance and current living expenses. If this condition continues it will not be long before lending agencies will have hundreds of houses on their hands again, as they did in the 1930Bs. Conclusion: Some suggestions pointing to a decrease in the tax levy to $12 per M are contained in the attached supplement . The responsibility to reduce the tax rests with your Honorable Council. We submit that it is the considered opinion of the taxpayers that the situation calls for unhurried, serious consideration before your Honorable body accepts this budget in its present form. Respectfully submitted, Larchmont Gardens Civic Association 871 SUPPLEMENT Compensation_ Salaries and Wages: We are of the opinion that no increase should be granted where, for that particular position, the increase would exceed by more than 25% the compensation paid for that position in the year 1943, and in no case should such compensation exceed that paid by the County of Westchester for comparable positions. In this connection we point out that the Chief of Police of the County Parkway Police will Super- vision 79 patrolmen, 1 inspector,Tc4ilieuenantsh, 7rsergeantsuand other p Budget for 1948 an annual salary of 4 800. He has under his Su er- personnel. In the Town budget the Supevisor proposes to pay the Chief of Police $5, 200 a year and he has under his supervision only 16 patrolmen, 3 sergeants, 1 lieutenant, a custodian and a stenographer -- 22 persons in all, as compared with 93 persons for the Chief of Police of the County Parkway Police . Other salaries for comparable work are higher in the Town budget than they are in the County budget, and we urge the Honorable Town Council to give weight to these facts . It is the general experience of taxpayers daily engaged in commerce that the average pay received today in commerce is not more than 25% of what was received in 1943 . Application of Resources_and Revenues : We are informed that as of the end of the fiscal period the Town will have the following resources and estimated revenues: Cash $3989000 Estimated amount of back taxes which will be collected in 1948 1009000 Estimated proceeds from sale of Town held property in 1948 _401.000 Total $5389000 In our opinion, the ways and means of applying a substantial amount of this $538,000 to reduce the Net Levy for 1948 have not been exhausted and we present this important item to the Town Council for their proper study and unhurried action. In this respect we wish to particularly call your attention to the failure to include in Page 5 of the Budget additional revenues known and capable of being estimated now. In addition to the limitation on salary increases as previously indicated, we suggest the following decreases in the proposed budget; Page 9 Compensation, Elections $ 900 Page 12 Legal Assistance 500 Page 16 Office & Engineering Expense 250 Page 18 Miscellaneous 19000 Page 19 Emergency Relief 500 Page 22 A/c Highways 10,000 Page 23 10% on other expenses 1, 797 I i I !I Page 24 - Care of animals $500 Shade Tree Fund 500 Dog Enumerator (1) 210 (1) in New Rochelle this work is done by the Police Page 25 - Dump Maintenance 500 Page 26 - Incinerator 1,000 by tighter supervision Page 27 - New fire inspector $700 and new clerk $100 800 ( It appears this work could be done efficiently by present staff) In addition we recommend that in in future budgets there be included the following essential informations 1. Payroll showing total compensation and other usual payroll information. 2. Adequate and exact information from the records on cash receipts and disbursements and balance; in funds. 3. Estimated revenues from all sources . 4. Operating results of affiliated interests showing surpluses. 5. A preface statement showing all major increases and de- creases . 6. A statement of taxes to tie in with the tax bill received by the taxpayer from the Town. Following the reading of the above statement, the Supervisor announced that after the budget had been reviewed page by page he would discuss the items contained therein. In review of the budget, page 5, Mrs F.Warren Green asked - if a report was ever made by the Joint Committee on Recreation. The Supervisor replied that no report has come through and pointed out that the item of recreation was not included in the 1948 bud- get. Page 9. Department of Elections. Pars. Green stated that with the 1948 Presidential Election there might be need for two additional voting machines, and if that were the case there should be an extra one on hand. The Supervisor replied that this matter has been discussed and it is planned to rent a machine. Page 9. Inspectors & Poll Clerks . Mr. David T. May asked for an explanation of this item. The Supervisor explained that there are 16 Elections Districts and 4 Inspectors in each District . He further explained that the increase in the Election Budget is to provide for the Spring primary which has been estimated to cost $700. The Supervisor further explained that it is difficult to get people to work on a part time basis and the rate of pay for these workers has been increased to $1.00 per hour. Page 13 . Justice of the Peace. Rent. The question was asked why this item was increased. The Supervisor explained that the Town had been paying a nominal fee to the Village of Mamaroneck on a month-tomonth basis for 875 Judge Baxter's Court Room, He explained that recently the building was sold by the Village to a private operator who insisted on a lease at an increased rental. Page 19. Mrs. Green asked who is filling the position of Towns Service Officer. Some one asked what his duties are. The Supervisor stated that Mr. Charles D. DeVinne is the Town' s Service officer. He explained the duties of a Service Officer. Page 23 . Compensation. Police Chief. Mr. Ced_i1 W. Borton stated that as a point of interest he wished to read a 'few comparable figures as to what is being paid the Police Chief by nearby localities. He said the Town of Harrison will pay its Chief, $5250; Scarsdale is paying $5143¢ Village of Rye, $5175: Village of Pelham Yanor, $5265. Page 28. On the item, Rental of Fire Hydrants, the Supervisor explained that the hydrants are used by the Fire Department throughout the Town and paid for on a rental basis per unit to the Westchester Joint Water works No. 1. At the completion of the review of the budget, the Supervisor asked if there was any one who wished to ask any questions . It was asked who makes up the "Recommended" column. The Supervisor replied, that the recomlrendations are made by him to the members of the Board for their consideration. The Supervisor then referred to the prepared statement read by Mr. Clarkson. He stated that the recommendation for a reduction of $10,000, in so far as Highways is concerned, is a ridiculous figure. He recalled that it was the consensus of opinion in the last three years, the majority of the people felt there was never enough appropriated for Highways . He advised that over $8,000. had been spent this year for resurfacing Station Drive and other areas in the Town where it was felt that the work should be done . Referring to the recommendation that the Incinerator item be decreased $1,000, . the Supervisor explained in detail what the ex- penses are in connection with the operation of the Plant. He said if $1,000. were to be deducted, the Incinerator could not be operated with what was left . He further explained that twice as much garbage is being incinerated than ever before. Mr. Clarkson made reference to a statement that he had received from the Supervisor on the operation of the Incinerator showing that the month of August 1947 indicated that twice as much oil was being burned. From his observation, Yr. Clarkson said a saving in the consumption of oil could be effected in the operation of the Incinerator. The Supervisor replied that less oil is being used now to incinerate considerably more garbage than had been true in years past. Mr. Clarkson said that from the statement he had before him these were not the facts as the statement indicates that more oil had - I been burned in August 1947 than for the dame period last year. Both Councilman Watson and the Supervisor explained that one month's -- figures were of no value as various factors could alter the situation in regard to oil consumption as far as any one month is concerned, and that the proper way to determine this increase or decrease was over a longer period of time. I 877 Discussion was held on the miscellaneous items, such as, Care of Animals, Shade Tree Fund, and Dog Enumerator. had It was explained that the Humane Society/answered approxi- mately 700 calls per year. That the Shade Tree Fund covers the spraying, pruning and removal of Elms afflicted with Dutch Elm disease which were condemned by the State Department of Agriculture . That the fees of Dog Enumerator which are set by law are better performed by a man who is presently engaged and has been for the past several years, instead of employing a policeman, that would be expensive. Councilman Embury asked the Town Clerk approximately how much was collected in dog license fees. The Town Clerk replied that approximately $1$00. is collected per year. Councilman Embury pointed out that this more than compensates the Town for the cost of a dog enumerator. Mr. Schuler stated that as far as the Larchmont Gardens Association is concerned it is interested in a decrease in taxes. He said the Town Board knows best where it can effect the decrease and all the Association wants is decreased taxes . The Supervisor stated that the taxpayers have been getting a reduction over a period of years and there is a decrease provided for in the present proposed budget . In answer to questions regarding the surplus, the Supervisor stated that he had already informed the Larchmont Gardens Association the sources from which the surplus had been derived, which primarily came from the adjustment of taxes, some of which date back to 1907; from the sale of Town and Village owned properties acquired by foreclosure, and from a carry over of surplus of prior years derived from similar . - sources and other savings. Indiscussing the proposal of the Larchmont Gardens Association, in regard to salaries, the Supervisor stated that in the opinion of the Board these salaries are reasonable and comparable . He said that the salary increases as to percentages have no particular bearing unless the base that is being used is a fair one, and that certainly is not true for the Town employees in 1943, or as a matter of fact, up until now. Referring to the comparison of the salary of the County Parkway Chief to that of the Police Chief of the Town, the Supervisor stated that the problems differed in that primarily the duties of the County Parkway Chief are of a traffic nature and did not compare with the local police problems of taking care of 20,000 people, their homes and their schools, and keeping the efficient state of law and order that we enjoy in this Town, Police Chief Yerick explained in detail the difference in the working hours, and the condition of the local Department, as compared to those of the County Parkway police . Mr. Louis C . Smith, Jr. asked if it would be possible, inasmuch as this surplus is available, to use it to reduce the outstanding bonds rather than pay interest on these bonds. - The Supervisor explained that unfortunately the Town of Mamaroneck bonds were not callable and the people who own them refuse to relinquish them. 879 The Supervisor recalled that some time ago the Town was ad- vised by the Attorney General of the State of New York that there was no way in which the Town could force the redemption of these bonds and that if the Town did not make provision for the payment of these bonds and interest as they mature, a Receiver could be appointed to enforce all collections to meet these obligations. He further stated that the State of New York was one of the biggest holders of the Town' s bonds and they use this interest to pay the interest on their own bonds . The Supervisor said that if it would have been possible to redeem any of the outstanding bonds, this would have been done years ago. He said it is a known fact that one could refinance today at much lower interest costs and thereby effect a saving of at least one-third of the interest charges . He said the Town has exhausted every possible effort t%,�£€ect a reduction in the costs of these bonds and nothing can be done,�o meet the obligation as it occurs. The question was then asked if the Town Board has the power to reduce salaries in the event of a depression. The Supervisor replied that the salaries were just beginning to approach those paid by the Town in 1930. He explained that the Town Board has certain restrictions which are prescribed by the Civil Service Law. Mr. Clarkson stated that the Estimated Revenues should include an estimate of the revenues expected from the collection of tax arrears and the sale of Town owned properties; also, the amount paid to the Town by the County of Westchester for snow removal. The Supervisor explained that the bulk of the salable property will be sold in 1947 and the amount to be derived from such sales here- after would be minor. That the tax arrears had now been liquidated, because of adjustments and foreclosures, to such a point that the anticipated revenues from such arrears would be practically nothing . As for the money received from the County for snow removal on State Roads, the Supervisor explained that this amount is a refund of the costs, He further explained that the cost of removing snow from the State roads is not included in the $4,000. item in the Highway Budget, which is to cover snow removal on Town and County highways only. The Supervisor again repeated the sources from which the surplus was derived, namely; Sale of Village properties 1947 $ 61, 275.55 Sale of Town properties 1947 24, 509.04 Tax Arrears Collections 103,391.47 Prior years' surplus, savings tax arrears collections and sale of Town & Village properties 20 X13_ $39$9331.19 Mr. Clarkson then stated there was $113,000. of interest charges included in the 1948 budget and that it is his understanding that the district bonds in the event of a default* are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the Town, and in the event of such default the General Town funds could then be used to pay these district debts. * The Supervisor interrupted and asked him how such a default could occur. Mr. Clarkson then stated by taking a hypothetical case, for example, it was his understanding that district bonds, although he had not read the covenant contained in the bond issue, would be general town obligations in the event of a default by the districts. In that case the surplus of the general town could then be used to pay these district bonds . The Supervisor replied that this would be illegal. That there - was no possibility of a default;rat the default of any Town obligation: could just about ruin the credit an tanding of the Town of Mamaroneck. Mr. Clarkson then stated as it stands now unless some of the general surplus could be used to reduce the tax levy the taxpayers would be paying taxes this year which could be eliminated by the use of this surplus. The Supervisor explained that the day of large surpluses is over. That in the future, because of the liquidation of properties and tax arrears, it will be impossible to accumulate a large cash surplus and that the judicious use of the present surplus would be passed on to the taxpayers in the years to come . The Supervisor further stated that the opinion of the present Board is to reduce the surplus to about $150,000. which should be kept as a reserve to eliminate as mumh as possible the borrowing of funds from outside sources. He stated that the surplus in the future would be primarily. derived from savings of estirr_ated expenditures and revenues and that the amounts each year would be negligible compared to the amount to be used to eliminate or reduce- the General Town Tax. I The Supervisor stated that the Town Board is doing a job which represents the best it can do and feels they have prepared a budget that meets with the satisfaction of the majority of the taxpayers. Mr. Herbert Baum stated that they have a great deal of respect for the Supervisor and Town Council and the only reason they attend these public hearings is to prevent them from becoming a farce. The Supervisor replied that the Town Board is trying to serve the best interests of the taxpayers in the Town and the recommendations contained in the prepared statement can be very misleading and are un- reasonable. He added that if anybody can take $10,000. out of the Highway Budget and make it work, he would be the first to want to see it. At the completion of the discussion of the budget, the Supervisor thanked everyone present for appearing at this hearing. The following resolution was made by Councilman Embury: WHEREAS, this Board has heretofore made, compiled and filed with the Town Clerk, a preliminary tax budget con- taining the estimated probable revenues and estimated ex- penditures for the several departments, offices and other town and special district purposes for the year 1948; and i AREAS, notice of the completion and filing of said tax budget and calling a public hearing thereon has been duly published on November 22, and November 29, 1947, in the -- Daily Times, Mamaroneck, and posted in the manner required by law; and " WHEREAS, a public hearing upon said tax budget was duly held this day in accordance with the notice so published; and I 883 WHEREAS, all persons present were afforded an opportunity to be heard; and WHEREAS, this Board has reviewed the items in said pre- liminary tax budget as required by Section 113 of the Town Law NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the final estimates, as completed by the --- Town Board and filed in the office of the Town Clerk, be and the same hereby are adopted as the budget for the year 1948, pursuant to the provisions of the Town Law, and that said estimates, as so adopted, be entered in detail in the minutes of the Board as follows: (Insert Copy of Budget) and it is further RESOLVED, that the annual budget estimates of the expen- ditures of the Town of Mamaroneck for the fiscal year 1948, be adopted and confirmed and that the Town Clerk be and he hereby is directed to enter the same upon the minutes; and that the sums of money hereinafter stated are hereby appro- priated from the current revenues, as provided by Law, for the offices, departments, boards, commissions and purposes hereinafter enumerated for expenditure in the manner directed by law, to wit : (1) GENERAL T077N PURPOSES Town Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 15,460.00 Supervisor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,375.00 Town Clerk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59840.00 Comptroller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,300.00 Elections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 656.Oo Receiver of Taxes . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109220.00 Assessor . . . . . . . . .,.. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 8,780®00 Law . . . . . . . . . . . . $, 920:00 Foreclosure•&Certiorari Costs . . . . . . 19500.00 Justices of Peace . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 852.00 Contributions & Donations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,600.00 Board of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425.00 Engineer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69620.00 Building & Plumbing Department. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 710.00 Highway -General Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29,600000 Public Welfare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 700.00 Miscellaneous Expenditures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,350.00 Debt Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ®773_00 Total. . . . . . . . . . . $207,_281.00 ( 2) FOR PURPOSES IN TOWN OUTSIDE OF VILLAGES Highway Department. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36, 550.00 Debt Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 531.50 Police Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 939515-00 Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,3820.00 Total. . . . . . . . . . $190,416 .50 i (3) GARBAGE DISTRICT NO. 1 Garbage Collection $ 25, 275.00 Garbage Incineration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 200.00 Debt Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . __6 89. 0 Total. . .. . . . . . . . . . . $ 409864.50 (4) FIRE DISTRICT No. 1 Fire Department 34,935.00 Hydrant Rental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 449435.00 ( 5) LIGHTING DISTRICT N0.1 Street Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 16,000.00 (6) WATER SUPPLY DISTRICT NO.1 Debt Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 449059.00 (7) PARK DISTRICT NO.1 Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,120.00 Debt Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 82® 0 Total. . . . . . . . . . . $ 379502.50 (8) SEWER DISTRICT:-NO. L Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129485.00 Debt Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 1596.82_ Total. . . . . . . . . . . $ 1299081.87 GRAND TOTAL. . . . . . . . . . . $__LQ2 640. and it is further RESOLVED, that as the Estimated Revenues and Cash on Hand equal the Estimated Expenditures for the General Town pur- poses, there be no General Town Tax levied for the year 1948; and it is FURTHER RESOLVED, that for the fiscal year 1948, the sum hereinafter set forth and for the purposes listed below, be levied, assessed and collected upon the taxible pro- perties in the Town of Mamaroneck outside of the Villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck, the properties of the several districts specified below and the several parcels of taxable property, franchise assessments and persons within the Town and within such special districts be extended on the Tax Roll of the Town of Mamaroneck against each of the several parcels affected by such assessments, or parts thereof, to wit : For Purposes in Town Outside of Villages as mentioned and described in the fore- __ going hudget. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 190,416®50 Less : Estimated Revenues. . . . . . . . . . . 2.LaLl1®49 Total Levy for Purposes in Town Outside of Villages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1889065.01 DISTRICT LEVIES GARBAGE DISTRICT NO.1 Garbage Collection $259275.00 Garbage Incineration 9,200.00 Debt Service e 0 Less: Estimated Revenues Total Levy, Garbage District No. 1 $ 409837.32 FIRE DISTRICT NO.1 Fire Department 34,935.00 Hydrant Rental _Dsj00.Q0 449435.00 Total Levy, Fire District No. 1 LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 1 Total Levy, Street Lights 169000.00 WATER SUPPLY DISTRICT NO. 1 Debt Service $44,059.00 Less: Estimated Revenues 44.0n.00 Total Levy, Water Supply District No. 1 none PARK DISTRICT NO. 1 Operating $159120.00 Debt Service 22, 2. o T37, 02. 0 Less: Estimated Revenues Total Levy, Park District No.1 379502.50 SEWER DISTRICT NO. 1 Operating $12,485.00 Debt Service 116. 596.87 Less: Estimated Revenues 129,0 �; 7 1,000.00 128,081.87 Total Levy, Sewer District No.l GRAND TOTAL. . . . . . . . . . . $ 4549921.70 and it is further RESOLVED, that pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 654 of the Laws of 1927 as amended and the provisions of Article 12 of Chapter 61 of the Consolidated Laws, known as the Town Law as amended, there be levied against the several lots and parcels of land contained upon the statement hereto annexed and marked Exhibit "All the several sums set opposite each such parcel or lot of land on such statement as and for unpaid water charges due upon said lots or parcels, which said sums shall be placed in a separate column of the Tax Roll of the Town of Mamaroneck, under the name ®' Water Rents" ; and it is further RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk be and he hereby is auth- orized and directed to deliver to the Supervisor a copy of said tax budget and a transcript of the minutes of - this meeting, duly certified and to transmit to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of Westchester County, duplicate copy of said tax budget and transcript of the minutes of this meeting, also certified, as provided by Section 116 of the Town Law. 889 After being seconded by Councilman Mills, a vote was taken upon the foregoing resolutions and after roll call the vote was announced as follows: AYES: Supervisor Mandeville Councilmen Stiner, Mills Watson, Embury NOES: None The Supervisor asked if there was any one else who wished to present matters before the Board before proceeding with the regular order of business. Mr. Louis C. Smith, Jr, of 39 Barnum Road, appeared to ask if something could be done about the present water main on Barnum Road. He said there are now twelve houses serviced by the same pipe including his residence which is near the end of the pipe line on Barnum Road, and when several of the residents are drawing water at the same time the pressure drops considerably. He added that the street should have adequate fire protection and a fire hydrant installed. The Supervisor stated that he would take the matter up with Mr. Thrasher of the Westchester Joint eater Works, and that something will be done about it. He said it is „a question as to whether a 4B1 pipe is adequate, inasmuch as it might be advisable to have a hydrant installed at the end of the street. Mr. George Quinby of 30 Lansdowne Drive, appeared to ask that the Town reimburse him for the expenses he has incurred in connecting his house to the sewer line. He thought all the while his house was getting the benefit of the sewer and found that it was not connected at all. He said he has been a resident of the Town for 21 years . The Supervisor advised Mr. Quinby that when he has the complete figures on the cost of the job to present them to Mr. Foote . At that time in the event there is any remedy which the Town can legally give him, the matter will then be considered. The minutes of November 5, 1947, were approved with corrections . The minutes of November 10, 1947, were approved as presented. A letter dated November 25, 1947, was received from 1-r. Sol Paseltiner, Attorney for the Fordham Transit Co. , Inc., for permission to operate buses in the Town of Mamaroneck as a part of a bus line between the Town and the City of New York. The Communication: requested that the Town Board set a date for a public hearing and arrange for the publication of a notice of said public hearing. The Board members discussed the time and date for the next Board meeting and it was decided to hold its statutory meeting, as required by Law, on December 29, 1947, at which time the public hearing could be held on the application of the Fordham Transit Co. ,Inc . On motion by Councilman Stiner, seconded by Councilman Embury, it was, upon roll call, unanimously RESOLVED, that the following Notice be published in the Daily Times, on December 19, 1947: 891 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck on the 29th day of December, 1947 at 8:15 o'clock in the evening of that day in the Council Room of the Weaver Street Fire House, Weaver Street in the Town of Mamaroneck, for the purpose of considering the application of the Fordham Transit Co. , Inc . for the consent of the Town of Mamaroneck, under the provisions of Sections 66 and 67 of the Transportation Corporations Law of the State of New York, for the operation of motor buses or omnibuses for transportation of passengers and property carried by said passengers for hire, in, upon, along and across certain streets, avenues and highways in the Town of Mamaroneck, along the following routes: BEGINNING at the westerly boundary line of the Town of Mamaroneck and the easterly boundary line of the city of New Rochelle on the Boston Post Road; thence easterly on the said Boston Post Road approxi- mately 1300 feet to the westerly boundary line of the Village of Larchmont (at or about Deane Place) and return to the point or place of beginning. BEGINNING at the Easterly boundary line of the Village of Larchmont on the Boston Post Road, at or near Nassau Road; thence easterly approximately 2690 feet along the said Boston Post Road to the westerly boundary line of the Village of Mamaroneck and return to the point or place of beginning. The above being parts of a through route between the Town of Mamaroneck and the City of New York' TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the purpose of said public hearing is to consider the granting of such consent for the use of the above described portions of streets or highways in the Town of Mamaroneck, to Fordham Transit Co. , Inc . and that a said public hearing, all persons interested will be given an opportunity to be heard, this notice being given , pursuant to Section 64, Paragraph 7 of Chapter 62 of the Consolidated Laws, known as the Town Law and Sections 66 and 67 of Chapter 63 of the Consolidated Laws, known as the Transportation Corporations Law of the State of New York. By order of the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck, New York. Dated, Mamaroneck, N.Y. December 19, 1947. Charles J. Gronberg,Town Clerk A letter dated November 20, 1947, was received from Mr. R.C . Georger, Director of the State Traffic Commission, regarding speed re- strictions within the Unincorporated area of the Town. The correspondence was referred to the Police Department for recommendation. The following reports were ordered placed on file: 893 Building Report - November, 1947, Town Clerk' s Report - October, 1947. Report of the Receiver of Taxes - November, 1947. List of Claims audited and paid by the Comptroller from November 5 to December 3, 1947. Statement of Bank Balances as of December 1, 1947. Summary of Receipts and Disbursements from January 1 to September 30, 1947; and January 1, 1947 to October 31, 1947. Analysis of Budget Appropriations & Expenditures from January 1, 1947 to September 30, 1947; and January 1, 1947 to October 31, 1947. Analysis of Estimated Revenues from January 1, 1947 to September 30, 1947; and January 1, 1947 to October 31, 1947. Councilman Watson presented petitions received from the Assessor for the correction of the assessment roll so as to permit the apportionment of taxes . On motion by Councilman Tatson seconded by Councilman Stiner, the following resolution was presented: WHEREAS, the Assessor has presented petitions for the correction of the assessment roll for certain years pursuant to the provisions of Section 33 of Chapter 105 of the Laws of 1916 as amended, known as the Westchester County Tax Act; and WHEREAS, after due consideration this Board finds it desirable to grant said petitions for the correction of said assessment roll; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the assessment roll of 1947, taxes of 19489 which shows property now appearing on the roll as follows: Section Block Lot Name Land Only 1 37B 1 to 12 (120-311) Bert A. Bernheim $5,000. be corrected as follows, in accordance with the pro- visions of subdivision 5 of Section 33: Section Block Lot Name Land Only 1 37B 12 (120-311) Blanche T. Kaufman & Hus. $ 500. 1 3789 8B, 9 (120-313) to 11 Bert A. Bernheim 1, 500. 1 37B 8A94B9 5 (120-320) 6, 7 Bert A. Bernheim 19600. 1 37B 11 to 3 & 4A (120-328) Bert A. Bernheim 19400. FURTHER RESOLVED, that the assessment roll of 1946 School tax of 1947, and the assessment roll. of 1947, taxes of 1948, which show property now appearing on - the roll as follows : 895 Section Block Lot _Name Lana Only 1 73 22 to 25 (125-484) Pota Bakes $ 1,900. be corrected as follows in accordance with the pro- visions of subdivision 5 of Section 33: Section Block Lot _Name Land Only 1 73 24 & 25 (125-484) Carmine Carolei $ 950• 1 73 22 & 23 (125-4-89) Luigi Bilotta $ 950• FURTHER RESOLVED, that the assessment roll of 1947, taxes of 1948, which shows property now appearing on the roll as follows : Section Block Lot Name Land Imp. Total 2 17 10.76 Ac . (210-789) (211-333) Highridge Realty Co. $21, 250. $159250. $369500. be corrected as follows, in accordance with the pro- visions of subdivision 5 of Section 33: Section Block Lot Name Land Imp., Total 2 17 .27 Ac . (211-592) Cornelius Van Buren & W. $2,850. $2,850. 2 17 10.49 Ac . (211-789) 210-33) Highridge Realty Co. $18,400. $15, 250. $33,650. FURTHER RESOLVED, that the assessment roll of 1947, taxes of 1948, which shows property now appearing on the roll as follows : Section Block Lot Name Land Only 3 19 Plot (325-81) Helen R. Lee $ 89500. be corrected as follows in accordance with the pro- visions of subdivision 5 of Section 33: Section Block Lot Name Land Only- 3 19 .11 Ac . (325-121) Allen Lipton & W. $ 200: 3 19 4.59 Ac . (325-81) Helen R. Lee $ 8,300. FURTHER RESOLVED, that the assessment roll of 1947, taxes of 1948, which shows property now appearing on the roll as follows : - Section Block Lot Name Land IMp. Total 8 41 B Plot (804-529) Helen R. Lee $109750• $99750. $209500. 897 be corrected as follows, in accordance with the pro- visions of subdivision 5 of Section 33 : Section Block Lot_ Name Land Imp. Total 8 41B .622 Ac . (804-656) Allen Lipton & W. x, 550. $89000. $ 99550• 8 41B 4.748 Ac (804-529) Helen R. Lee $ 9, 200. $1,750. 109950. - FURTHER RESOLVED, that the assessment roll of 1947 taxes of 1948, which shows property now appearing on the roll as follows: Section Block Lot Name Land Only 7 63 7B, 8 9, 16B (721-234) 17 & 18 Mamaroneck Developments, Inc . $120000. be corrected as follows, in accordance with the pro- visions of subdivision 5 of Section 33 : Section Block Lot Name Land Only (721-234) 63 1188 ,179 Peter J. Sinnott, Jr. $ 69800. 7 63 7B, 8, 9 (721-2621 Mamaroneck Developments, Inc . 5, 200. FURTHER RESOLVED, that the assessment roll of 1947, taxes of 1948, which shows property now appearing on the roll as follows: Section Block Lot Name Land Imp. Total 9 62 5B Angelina A. Lurault $1,000 $3, 500. $4, 500. (927-87) be corrected as follows, in accordance with the pro- visions of subdivision 5 of Section 33. Section Block Lot Name Land_ Imp. Total 9 62 5C (927-87) Angelina A. Lurault $ 500. $500. 9 62 5B (927-114) William W. White 500. $3, 500. $4,000. The vote on the foregoing resolution was as follows : AYES: Councilmen Stiner, Mills Watson, Embury NOT VOTING: Supervisor Mandeville Councilman_ Embury reported that construction of the War Memorial is under way. 899 The Supervisor stated that he had at hand resolutions from both the Village of Larchmont and the Village of Mamaroneck, approving the sales of certain In Rem properties. He recommended that these be approved. Following discussion, it was on motion by Councilman Watson, seconded by Councilman Embury, upon roll call, unanimously resolved: WHEREAS, the Village of Larchmont, through the institution of an action begun on February 13, 1946, in the County Court of Westchester County, and entitled "In the Matter of the Foreclosure of Tax Liens Pursuant to Article Seven A, Title 3 of the Tax Law by the Village of Larchmont ( List of De- __ linquent Taxes for 1946) 11, has become and now is the owner of a number of parcels of Real Estate situate in the Village of Larchmont and Town of Mamaroneck by virtue of a judgement in said foreclosure action made and entered on June 19, 1946 and conveyances to the Village by the Village Treasurer made in pursuance of said judgment ; and WHEREAS, both the Village of Larchmont and Town of Mamaroneck held tax liens for unpaid taxes on said parcels of real property; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 165-a of the Tax Law an agree- ment dated May 20, 1946 was entered into between the Village of Larchmont and the Town of Mamaroneck, which among other things set forth the interests of said municipalities in the properties being foreclosed, the disposition of said tax liens and unpaid taxes and the manner of the dis- tribution of the proceeds received from said sales ; and WHEREAS, the highest bid received by the Village Treasurer pursuant to authorization of the Village Board of the Village of Larchmont on July 28, 1947 accepted the following offer of the upset price on said property: Upset Price Ac- Village --- Block Parcel Purchaser Price cepted® Assessment 609 241 Charles Lateiner $400. $400. $500- NOW, BE IT RESOLVED, that the sales price bid for the parcel of real property listed above is hereby approved, and that all consents and approval by the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck for the sale of the aforesaid parcel of real pro- perty by the Village of Larchmont required under the provisions of the aforesaid agreement between the Village of Larchmont and Town of Mamaroneck, dated May 20, 1946, are hereby granted and allowed. On motion by Councilman Stiner, seconded by Councilman Mills, the following was, upon roll call, unanimously adopted: WHEREAS, the Village of Mamaroneck through the institution of an action in the County Court of Westchester County entitles 11 In the Matter of the Foreclosure of Tax Liens Pursuant to Article Vll-A, Title 3 of the Tax Law by the Village of Mamaroneck, List of Delinquent Taxes for 194501, has become and now is the owner of a number of .parcels ^f Real Estate situate in the Village of Mamaroneck and Town of Mamaroneck; and -- WHEREAS, both the Village of Mamaroneck and Town of Mamaro- neck hold tax liens on said parcels of real property; and 901 WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 165H of the Tax Law an agree- ment was entered into between the Village of Mamaroneck and the Town of Mamaroneck, which among other things set forth the interests of said municipalities in the properties being foreclosed; the manner of the sale of said properties; and the manner of the distribution of the proceeds received from said sales ; and WHEREAS, the Village of Mamaroneck, has pursuant to an agreement had with the Town of Mamaroneck advertised for and has heretofore received bids on certain properties owned by the Town of Mamaroneck as well as on certain properties owned by the Village of Mamaroneck in the Town of Mamaroneck; and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Mamaroneck have given consideration thereto and after due deliberation accepted the bids hereinafter listed as to price and terms therein set forth; and WHEREAS, since receipt of said bids this Board has given consideration thereto, and after due deliberation, it is RESOLVED, that the bids hereinafter listed be accepted at the price and terms therein set forth:. LIST OF BIDS ACCEPTED IN SECTION 8: Total Village Town Assessed Block Lot Block Parcel Bidder Amount Valuation Terms 87 18 832 189 Vito Barbieri (Frank J.Macri,Broker) $240. $800. Cash 51C 85, 86 817 193 Pietro Fraioli (Edward J.Payne,Broker)$125. $600. Cash LIST OF BIDS ACCEPTED IN SECTION 86 9 937 41 Jack Berger $1000. $2500. Cash (Broker, Arthur Dunn,Jr.) The Supervisor presented the following resolution, which was on motion by Councilman Stiner, seconded by Councilman Embury, upon roll call, unanimously adopted: WHEREAS, there is now due and owing to Union Free School District No. 1 of the Town of Mamaroneck, a balance of $17, 354.26 for school taxes levied by the Town of Mamaro- neck for said Union Free School District; and WHEREAS, said amount consists of either tax liens purchased for the Town of Mamaroneck by the Supervisor at annual tax sales held pursuant to the Westchester County Tax Act, or taxes canceled either in lieu of foreclosure or upon pro- perties foreclosed by the Town of Mamaroneck, or the Vil- lages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck, where such properties remain unsold and which cancellations were made pursuant to agreements with the Villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck -- under the provisions of the Tax Law of the State of New York NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT 903 RESOLVED, that the Supervisor be and he hereby is authorized to pay from available surplus, the sum of $17,354.26 to the Treasurer of Union Free School Dis- trict No. 1 of the Town of Mamaroneck, in full and Complete liquidation of all sums due and owing the said School District from the Town of Mamaroneck, for us- collected taxes to date . The Supervisor recommended the following resolution, which was on motion by Councilman Embury, seconded by Councilman Watson, upon roll call, unanimously adopted: RESOLVED, that the Westchester Joint Water Works No. 1 be authorized to install a 2" pipe from the point at which the 6" main terminates on Senate Place, Town, at a cost not to exceed $170.00. The Supervisor reported that a .le.tter had been received from the Post Road Securities Corporation requesting that they be allowed to pay the 1943 _taxes, liens of 1944, at 6% interest. It was explained that this Corporation had been liquidating these tax arrears on certain property located on the Post Road in Larchmont, and that the Town had previously received approximately $7,000. on these properties. The Supervisor explained that because of the deed restrictions that were in effect on this property, it was almost impossible to sell it, and the best interests of the Town would be served by allowing them to liquidate the taxes rather than the Town to obtain possession of the property by foreclosure . Following discussion, the Town Attorney was requested to write to Post Road Securities Corporation and requesting them to forward their check for the face amount of the tax liens together with interest at 6%. Upon receipt of same, action would be taken by the Town Board. The Supervisor stated that he had at hand a letter dated November 28, 1947, received from C .L. Bearley, Purchasing Agent of the County of Westches,.ter, and enclosing an inventory of the files taken over by the County Welfare Department from the Town and requesting that these files be sold to the County Department of Welfare for $86 .00. Following discussion, it was on motion by Councilman Mills, seconded by Councilman Stiner, upon roll call, unanimously RESOLVED, that the Supervisor be and he hereby is authorized to sell to the County Department of Welfare the used filing cabinets, formerly in the Town Welfare Department office, for the sum of $86.00. The Supervisor reported that there were sufficient offers on hand to hold another Town property auction. Following discussion, it was on motion by Councilman Embury, seconded by Councilman Watson, unanimously RESOLVED, that the next Town auction be held on January 15, 1948 at 8:15 P.M. at the Weaver Street Fire House, bids to be received up to 12 o 'clock January 5, 1948. The Supervisor recommended the following resolution, which was on motion by Councilman Tatson, seconded by Councilman Stiner, upon roll call, unanimously adopted: 905 RESOLVED, that the resolution heretofore adopted June 18, 1947, advancing funds from General Town Surplus in the amount of $12, 750. for sewer con- struction at Elksn Park, be amended so as to read that the amount to be advanced is $7,700. The Supervisor requested that the matter of the Christmas lighting in the Unincorporated area of the Town be held in abeyance until the bill is received in connection with the same. The Supervisor reported that it would be necessary at this time to advance the sum of $1,000. from the 1948 Budget to the Larchmont-Mamaro- neck Joint Garbage Commission, to meet the operating costs for December, 1947. Following discussion, it was on motion by Councilman Mills, seconded by Councilman Watson, upon roll call, unanimously RESOLVED, that the sum of $1,000. be paid by the Supervisor, to the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Joint Garbage Commission, re- presenting a deficit in the operating budget of said Joint Garbage Commission chargeable to the Town of Mamaroneck, which said sum of 1,000. has been included in the 1948 Garbage District Budget ( Town's share of garbage incineration) . Councilman Stiner stated that he had nothing to report for his departments . Councilman Mills presented the Fire Report for the month of November, 1947, which shows as follows: Nov. 1. Still Alarm Brush fire at Bonnie Briar Lane, Box 324 2. Two Rounds Brush fire at Lafayette Rd. & Madison -Blvd. Box 163 2. Special drill held at Town Yard at 2P.M. Deputy Chief Turco responded with Engine 1, Schmidt with H. & L. 2, Mellor laid all hose off Engine 1, Recall at 5 P.M. 7. Still Alarm Leaves burning in South Dr. Box 332 10. Two Rounds Brush fire on Avon Road. 12. Four Alarm Awning fire at 10 East Dr. P. Rosen 17. Four Alarm Hot-Water tank overheated, Mrs . Brinckling. 398 Weaver St. Box 117. 17. Still Alarm Tree burning at Weaver St. and Bonnie Way. Box 316 18 . Two Rounds Brush on fire at N. Chatsworth Ave. 18. Still Alarm Brush on fire at Harrison Drive Box 733 18. Still Alarm Brush fire in back of Loyal Inn. Box 712 18. Two Alarms Dept. drill held at Winged Foot Club. 19. Still Alarm Mrs. Nesbitt, Old White Plains Rd. Reported smoke odor in house . 20. Two Rounds Call from #2 Cottage Circle . Brush burning near home . Box 733 21. Two Rounds North Brook Road. 23. Four Rounds 126 Carleon Ave . Henry Roth. Smoke in cellar. Oil Burner smoke flue stopped. 27. Two Rounds Brush on fire. Leafy Lane & Murray Ave. 27. Still Alarm Brush on fire along Weaver Street . Bonnie Briar Club. Box 120. 28. Two Alarms Call from Police Dept . Brush on fire in back of Incinerator. 7 Still Alarms 7 Two Rounds 3 Four Rounds 1 Special Drill 907 Councilman Mills presented a list of claims for Fire Department expenditures and stated that he had checked the bills and recommended approval and payment. The members of the Town Board sitting as the Board of Fire Com- missioners considered the claims, and on motion by Councilman Mills, seconded by Councilman Stiner, it was, upon roll call, unanimously RESOLVED, that the following described claims be and they hereby are approved and that the Supervisor and Comptroller be and they hereby are authorized to pay same out of the budget for the Fire Department. New York Telephone Co. $ 36.16 Westchester Lighting Co. 22.70 L. Earl biller, Inc. 11.60 Raymond & Fealey 41.70 Plaza Pharmacy 9.15 Chatsworth Oil & Heating Co. , Inc. 60.12 Foley Hardware Inc . 4.92 Russell Uniform Co. 40.25 Mamaroneck Stone Corp. 10.60 Frank Valle 50.00 Eureka Fire Hose-Div. U.S. Rubber Co. 375.00 Maxim Motor Co. Eqpt . Sales Division 17.50 Goldie Cut Ri4te Store 28.75 Sirlin's 3 .47 New York, N.H. & H. R.R.Co. 16.00 Richard Thorburn 10.00 Alpine Disinfecting Co. 12.50 Gunn Brothers Oil Co.Inc. 56.50 Castor Oil Products, Inc. 13 .50 G.W. Merrell 41.41 Fairfield Oxygen & Ambulance Service 8.70_ 870.53 Westchester Joint Water Works #1 Hydrant Rental rZ36`66 Grand Total $1, 607.19 The Town Attorney recommended the following resolution, which was on motion by Councilman Embury, seconded by Councilman Mills, upon roll call, unanimously adopted: WHEREAS, this Board on the 15th of October, 1947, adopted a resolution for the conveyance of certain property now owned by the Town, to Merrill J. Bunnell, which property is more particularly described in said resolution; and WHEREAS, said resolution was adopted subject to a per- missive referendum, as provided in Section 64, sub- section 2 of the Town Law, and the Town Clerk was authorized to give notice of the adoption of the re- solution, as provided in Section 90 of the Town Law, and WHEREAS, such notice has been given by publication, proof of which is on file with the Town Clerk, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT 909 RESOLVED, that the Supervisor be and he hereby is authorized to execute and deliver to Merrill J. Bunnell, a deed to the property described in the resolution of October 15, 1947, upon receipt from said Merrill J. Bunnell, of the sum of $350. together with the costs and expenses of publishing the resolution first adopted. The Town Attorney presented an affidavit of Claude W. Moody, verified November 21, 1947, stating that Tax Lien No. 93-A, sold at the 1939 sale to C .W. Moody, representing taxes for the year 1938 upon property _ known and described as Block 222, Parcel 30 on the Assessment Map of the Town of Mamaroneck, in the total amount of $73 .74 had been lost and that in spite of diligent effort to locate the same, he had been unable to find the tax lien, and further stating that the said tax lien had not, at any time, been assigned or transferred and that he, the said Claude W. Moody, was still the owner and holder thereof, and further stating that he would forever indemnify the Town of Mamaroneck against loss or damage arising out of any claim by any other person or corporation who may seek to enforce collection of said tax lien. On motion by Councilman Watson, seconded by Councilman Embury, it was, upon roll call, unanimously RESOLVED, that duplicate transfer of tax lien No. 93-A, sale of 1939, Block 222, Parcel 30, in the amount of $73 .74, be issued and delivered to Claude W. Moody, and that upon the issuance of such duplicate tax lien, the same, together with a satisfaction thereof, be re- ceived by the Receiver of Taxes so that the lien may be cancelled. There being no further business, the Board unanimously adjourned at 10:30 P.M. T577 n