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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1945_01_07 Town Board Minutes 347 REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD, TOWN OF MAMARONECK, HELD JANUARY 17, 1945• In the Council Room of the Weaver Street Firehouse , Town of Mamaroneck, New York. The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Mandeville at 8: 15 P.M. (Eastern War Time) . Present : Supervisor Mandeville -- Councilmen Griffin, Embury , Stiner , Keeler Absents None The presence was also noted of Town Clerk Payne , Comptroller Orsino, and Accountant Finson. The minutes of the meeting of December 29 , 1944, were approved as presented. The Supervisor requested the Town Clerk to read the communi- cations. The Town Clerk reported that at the direction of the Supervisor an advertisement had been placed in The Daily Times for the sale of six (6) steel beams , 24 feet long and 24.5" deep, which beams have been stored at the Town Yard for a number of years , and that in reply to the Ad two (2) bids had been received. The Town Clerk was directed to open the bids , which shoved as follows- Bid I. Sculky , Dealer in Scrap Metal , Port Chester , N.Y. $175.00 Gramatan Fuel & Supply Corp. , Builders. Supplies , Bronxville , N.Y. $201.00 The members of the Board discussed the possibility of the use of the beams for Town purposes , and when it was explained that no use was found for the beams during the seven years which they have been stored at the Town Yard and that as time goes on the value of same would be affected by rust , also that the cost of the removal of same in case of sale at a later time when the market is not so good, may not afford as good a proposition as the present high bid. Both bidders agreed to take the beams as they are and remove same. Following further discussion, it was on motion by Councilman Stiner , seconded by Councilman Keeler, upon roll call , unanimously RESOLVED, that the Supervisor be and he hereby is authorized to sell to the highest bidder , Gramatan Fuel and Supply Corporation, for the sum of $201.00 , the following described steel beams : Six (6) steel beams 24 feet long; 242" deep, flanges 148° wide. FURTHER, that the purchaser, before removing same , shall file with the Town Clerk certificates of com- pensation and Contractor ' s Public Liability and Pro- perty Damage insurance , so as to protect the Town against loss or damage while removing and tran- sporting the beams in the Town of Mamaroneck. 0049 A letter dated January 16 , 1945, was received from Leo IT. Orsino, Comptroller of the Town, in which he reported that the Town Attorney had advised him that the Town Board members comnise the Board of Fire Commissioners and that under the Town Law such Board of Fire Commissioners should approve the claims of the Fire Department. The letter listed all of the claims presented since January 1 , 1945, which had been certified by the Fire Chief, George 71. Burton. Following discussion with the Comptroller , the members of the Board decided to refer the claims to Councilman Keeler, chairman of the committee on fire protection matters , for his inspection and recommendation to the Board of Fire Commissioners. It was decided that following this meeting a meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners would be held. A claim dated January 12 , 1945, was received from the War Price and Rationing Board , in the amount of $606.10 , for the Town 's share of the expenses for the maintenance of the offices at 430 Mamaroneck Avenue. It was explained by the Supervisor that the Town of Harrison, the Village of Mamaroneck, the Village of Larchmont , and the Town of Mamaroneck all are standing their proportionate share and that the amount claimed is less than the item in the budget for 1945 for the Town. It was on motion by Councilman Griffin, seconded by Council- man Stiner , upon roll call , unanimously RESOLVED, that the claim presented by the local Tar Price Rationing Board , in the sum. of $606.10 , representing 22A of the maintenance of the offices for the Rationing Board, be and it hereby is ap- proved. FURTHER, that the Supervisor and Comptroller be and they hereby are authorized to pay same. A letter was received from Mr . Michael Leivestad , secretary of the Student Council of Murray Avenue School , in which he stated that the Council wishes to request that the Fire Department be given per- mission to flood the Larchmont Gardens Lake throughout the winter months for skating. Councilman Embury stated that he had something on this matter and it was decided that the letter be laid over until he presented his report later during the meeting. A letter was received from Senator James M. Head acknowledging the receipt of the message of the Town Board , regarding the St. Lawrence Project. The letter was ordered received and filed. The Town Clerk reported that a few days ago a notice had been received from the Public Service Commission, stating that the Fordham Transit Co. , Inc. had been granted a franchise for the oper- ation of buses along the Boston Post Road on a through route between Playland and Fordham. He informed the Board that the notice had been turned over to the Town Attorney and that since then certificates of insurance had been received from the Fordham Transit Co. Inc. with a letter dated January 11 , 1945. The Supervisor asked that the certificates be turned over to Councilman Keeler , chairman of the committee on insurance. am Councilman Keeler inspected the certificates and recommended that they be ordered received and filed. On motion duiv made and seconded , the Town Clerl. was directed to register the certificates and place them in the Town' s insurance file. A letter dated January 10 , 1945, was received from Paul A. Yerick, Chief of Police , in which he advised that the Board of Police Commissioners had appointed Mr. Daniel V. Carriero as temporary patrol- man to the Police Department , effective January 15, 1945, to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of temporary patrolman Fred L. Bernabei. Councilman Embury offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Griffin, and upon roll call , unanimously adopted: WHEREAS , a vacancy existed in the Police Department in the position of temporary patrolman, and the Board of Police Commissioners of the Town, on January 4, 1945 did select Mr. Daniel V. Carriero to fill the vacancy , NOW, THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board ratifies the action of the Board. of Police Commissioners , and that Daniel V. Carriero be appointed as of January 15, 1945 to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Police Commissioners and the Town Board , at the salary set forth for this Position in the schedule of compensation for members of the Police Department. A letter dated January 16 , 1945, was received from Paul A. Yerick, Chief of Police for the Town, in which he advised that Custodian Robert Donohoe who had been employed at the Police Headquarters since 1929 had passed array on January 14, 1945, and that with his passing the Department felt that the Town had lost a most loyal and conscien- tious employee. Members of the Board stated that they had known him for a great many years and that they had found him to be as the Chief has stated. On motion by Councilman Stiner, seconded by Councilman Embury , the following resolution was unanimously adopted. WHEREAS , the members of the Town Board of Mamaroneck wish to record this expression of their sorrow at the death of Mr. Robert Donohoe , Custodian, who departed this life on January 14, 1945; and WHEREAS , he served the Town faithfully and courteously for many years and was respected by all of his fellow workers ; NOW, THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board express its warmest appre- ciation of his services to this community , and extends to the members of his family sincere sympathy in this hour of bereavement ; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED , that copies of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of this meeting and forwarded to his family. U A copy of the minutes of the meeting of the Examining Board of Plumbers held December 30 , 1944, was received from Mr. A.J. Foote , Secretary. It was ordered received and filed. Applications for dance hail licenses for the year 1945 were received from the Bonnie Briar Country Club and the Winged Foot Golf Club. Each had been approved by the Building Inspector , Police De- partment , and the Fire Inspector. It was on motion by Councilman Griffin, seconded by Council- man Stiner , upon roll call , unanimously RESOLVED, that the applications for dance hall licenses received from the Bonnie Briar Country Club and the Winged Foot Golf Club, be and they hereby are approved , and that the Town Clerk be and he hereby is directed to issue the licenses. The following reports were received and ordered failed: Report of the Receiver of Taxes and Assessments for the month of De- cember , 1944. A statement was received from the Receiver of Taxes and Assessments , showing that at the close of business on December 31 , 1944 the following percentage of taxes were received during the year on the levy for 1944: TOWN SCHOOL TOTAL Unincorporated y,36 ,556. 59 20 ,926.32 57,482.91 Village of Larchmont 8,682.98 21 ,402.44 30 ,085.42 Village of 14amaroneck _, 1.190.22 az OO4. Z 616 24.Z9 Total Percentage Paid 576 ,429.79 77,363.33 153 ,793.12 94.02 91. 50 Report of the Town Clerk for the month of November and De- cember , 1944; Report of the Building Inspector. for November and De- cember , 1944; Report of the Plumbing Inspector for Plovember , 1944; Report of the Plumbing Inspector for the year 1944:Report of the Westchester County Dog Protective Association for November and Decem- ber , 1944: Report of the Public Health Nurses for November and Decem- ber , 1944; Annual Report for 1944 of the Mamaroneck Health Center, Inc Councilman Griffin read the reports of the Public Welfare Department which show as follows- Month Year Case Load Individuals TotalExpenditures t. Nov. 1943 1944 Dec . 1943 1944 He presented the financial reports of months of November and December , 1944. He also claims audited and paid by the Comptroller from ber 29 , 1944 , and from December 29 , 1944 to Jan 29 59 25 43 30 58 the liens , including the cur- 51 ,334.09 1 ,264.00 $1 ,421.00 1 ,417.95 He presented and read a statement of the bank balances as of the Supervisor for the 9 A.T . December 29 , 1944 and January 17 , 1945. He also presented the list of November 15 to December 29, 1944 and January 17 , 1945 Councilman Griffin stated that he had at hand a copy of the letter from the Supervisor giving a general statement of the status of the Town at the close of the year 1944. He stated that he thought that the letter was so good and of such interest to the general public that it ought to be published and placed on the record of this meeting. He added that it was a splendid report and of vital interest to all. The letter is as follows: Honorable Town Board: January 12 , 1945 The end of 1944 has found the Town in a much stronger financial position. It is estimated that there will be a surplus from 1944 operations. The principal savings in expenditures are as follows: Supervisor ' s Department $1 ,300 Assessor ' s Department 900 Public Welfare (net) 8,200 Garbage Incineration 1 , 500 Park Department 1,200 Interest on Temporary Loans 600 Miscellaneous Departments 2,000 $15,700 Contingency Fund Unexpended 5,000 $2 Total Savings in Estimated Exp. 20 ,700 In addition, the following excess of revenues , over the estimates , is anticipated: Income Tax Mortgage Tax Beverage Tax Interest & Pe Total Surplus Less: Advance Fund to 10,000 6 ,624 2,000 aalties ___987 _19,6604 840 ,304 to Special Assm' t pay 1944 Debt Service _ 2,660 Total Estimated Surplus , 1944 Oper . $37,644 Our tax lien certificates outstanding on December 31 , 1944 amounted to $135,000 and at this time it seems probable that between the appropriation of $120 ,000 in the 1945 Budget and the collection of tax arrears and Town-owned property sales that this can be liquidated by June 30 , 1945 leaving the Town on a one year basis as far as tax lien borrowings are concerned. This is a very decided improvement over the situation existing for the past several years. The bonded indebtedness was reduced by $265, 500 in 1944 and no bonds were issued. The outstanding indebtedness at the end of 1944 was $3 ,308 ,000. During 1944 we sold 15 parcels of Town-owned properties having an assessed valuation of $48,450. In addition, we participated financially in the sale of a substantial amount of Village-owned properties. All bills which had been presented and approved were paid by the end of the year. Ile have endeavored to give the taxpayers every service they received in the pre-war period and it can safely be said that we have done that and more despite the abnormal conditions of labor and materials under which we have been working. Complains have been fewer than ever and have imnediatelu* been investigated and rectified if justifiable. Our highways and sewers have been properly maintained and are in excellent shape especially so considering the low amount of funds expended. At the end of 1944 all matters had been acted upon and nothing left undone. Respectfully submitted , ( signed) Oven A. Mandeville Supervisor A copy of the foregoing letter was given to Mrs. Donaldson of The Daily Times. Councilman Griffin referred to another letter which was re- ceived by the Councilmen from the Supervisor , which letter follows : January 2 , 1945 Hon. Edward C. Griffin 51 Woodbine Avenue Larchmont, N.Y. Dear Councilman Griffin! I am attaching hereto list of Town-owned properties and would like very much to have you give some study to the same before the next meeting. It is my belief that it might be well for us to give consideration to arpointing some local real estate agent as the Town' s agent to handle and dispose of this real estate. I feel that with the proper amount of work and atten- tion that these holdings can be reduced substantially, especially in vielra of the fact that there will be a fair demand for some of this real estate for post war developing. Your viewsin connection with the same will be greatly appreciated at the next meeting. Very truly yours , (signed) Owen A. Mandeville Supervisor cc: to Each Councilman Councilman Griffin opened discussion upon the principal of naming an agent to manage the sale of the properties. It was agreed that there should be an overriding or management fee so that real estate brokers generally could negotiate sales throuth the Town' s agent and receive the full commission according to the rate set by the Westchester County Real Estate Board. The selection of the agent and the final provisions under which the system will operate were left for further discussion and action at the next meeting of the Town Board. 359 During the discussion on the proposed plan, Councilman Keeler had recalled that he and Councilman Stiner had inspected a considerable amount of the property appearing upon the list of Town- owned properties and that he thought it might be well that he and Councilman Stiner again arrange a day to complete inspection on all of the properties , this being done with a view towards being in a position to advise the Board as to the existing conditions. Councilman Embury reported that at the 'Last meeting of the Park Department there were 1288 names appearing on the Honor Roll - 564 for the Village , and 724 for the unincorporated section, with about 12 other names that here in the hands of the painter but did not go up as yet , making in all about 1300 and 25 gold stars. He said that the Roll is getting pretty nearly full of names and with the speeding up of the draft , it may be necessary to enlarge the Honor Roll. He added that Mr. Wang is taking the matter up with Mr. Otto Eggers , the architect , to see what can be done about an ex- tension to it. Regarding the matter of flooding the La.rchmont Gardens Lake , Councilman Embury reported that Mr. Theodore Tuck, secretary of the Fire Department had received several requests from different organiza- tions for the flooding of the Lake. He said that Mr. Tuck talked with Mr. Wang and although the suggestion is a good one , they are confronted with several difficulties. He said it would be necessary to have the cooperation of the various departments - the Park Department in getting debris off the Lake ; the Highway Department to remove the snow, and the Police Department to see that the boys do not go on the Lake before the ice is frozen. In the meantime , Councilman Embury said , the additional snow came but the three departments are supposed to get together and work out some plan .which will make it possible to get some advantage out of the Lake. He informed the members of the Board that the Park Department had some difficulty regarding the swans , but they have been able to dispose of them. Regarding the floodlight for the Honor Roll , he said that at first the Westchester Lighting Company said that they did not have the material but Mr. Wang reported that they would take care of it as soon as they can. He said that he had two letters which he thought were of interest and would read to the members after the meeting. He reported that the trustees of the Police Pension Fund would hold an organization meeting next week. Councilman Embury reported that the oil burner at the Police Department has been causing considerable trouble for some time and had gone out completely. He said that part of the difficulty was a break in the line from the outside tank to the burner and most of the fault was that the burner is about 17 years old and just gave out completely making it necessary to get a new one for which three bids were obtained: Morrow Service Co. Quiet Lay 5255 Completely installed with 1 yr. guarantee - - Theco 5275 " . it L4itchei Oil Corp. Delco 5250 Chatsworth Oil & Heating Co. I"Iheco $250 The . lbrest bid received was from the Chatsworth Oil & Beating Co. at a price of $250.00 Councilman Embury offered the following resolution, r!hich was seconded by Councilman Stiner and upon roll call , unanimously RESOLVED, that police Chief Yerick be and he hereby is authorized to obtain a new Wheco oil burner for Police Headquarters at a price of $250. FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Comptroller be and he hereby is authorized to audit said claim and charge same to the Police Department budget for the year 1945. Councilman Stiner stated that he had received from Superin- tendent of Highway , Mr. Foote , a recommendation regarding salaries in his Department for certain individuals who have heretofore been com- pensated on an hourly basis . These recommendations are as follows : For George Osborne , General Repair Lian and Drive - $1 ,700 For Edward Bohan, Automotive Plechanic - $2, 500 Mr . Foote suggested that the payment of these salaries be made as follows : George Osborne , General Repair Man - $500 Item III George Osborne , Driver 1 ,200 Item I Edward Bohan, Automotive Mechanic 2 ,500 Item III Mr. Foote further recommended that a further salary of $800 be appropriated from the Item in the Sevrer Department Maintenance Man" for George Osborne , to compensate him for services rendered in that Department. Upon motion made by Councilman Stiner , and seconded by Council- man Fmbury, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLVED , that there be paid to George Osborne a salary of $2 ,500 of which $1 ,'700 be paid from High- way Funds novr in the Budget ( Item I , 51 ,2009 Item III , $500) and $800 from the amount now appropriated in the Sewer Department. FURTHER RESOLVED , that there be paid. to Edward Bohan, a salary of $2,500 , such amount to be appropriated from Highway Funds , Item III. FURTHER RESOLVED , that subject to approval by the Personnel Director of the County of Westchester , the salary scale of Civil Service employees in the Town of Mamaroneck, be amended so as to contain, in addition to positions and salaries there now included, the following: Mir. Max. George Osborne , General Repair Phan $2,100 $2 , 800 (non-competitive) Edward Bohan, Automotive Mechanic $2 ,100 $2 ,800 (non-comretitive) FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall become effective as of January 16 , 1945. Councilman Keeler reported that under date of January 11 , 1945 copies of General Order No. 16 were issued by the Westchester County Office of Civilian Protection with regard to the possibility of robot bombings. He said that the Order explained the various plans of pro- cedure. to be followed in case of such bombings. He said that he had talked with Mr. Mendes , Chairman of the Plamaroneck War Council and Chief, Deputy Director of Civilian Protection, and a further meeting was to be held with respect to lvhat method of warning world be used. Councilman Keeler said that he would make a. further report at the next meeting. 863 The Town Clerk handed to Councilman Keeler the continuation certificates on public officials ' bonds for three positions. Councilman Keeler inspected and offered the following re- solution for the approval of the certificates. The resolution was seconded by Councilman Embury and upon roll call , unanimously adopted: WHEREAS , continuation certificates have been re- ceived to the following described public officials ' bonds extending the terms to December 31 , 1945; and WHEREAS , the original bonds were approved by the Town Board on January 5, 1944; NOW, THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED, that such certificates be approved and be attached to the following described bonds: Position Sun Indemnity Co. Bond No. 112505 $1 ,000 Comptroller 112507 " Public Welfare Officer 112508 Bldg. & P1bg. Inspector Supervisor Mandeville referred to the death of Liss Anne Kathleen Cullen, Red Cross staff assistant , which resulted from the bombing by the Nazis of a Red Cross Hospital in Belgium. He stated that she was the first woman from the Town of hamaroneck to lose her life in this World War. He recalled that Mr. Vincent Cullen, her father , had been a public official in the Village of Larchmont for a number of rears and asked the members of the Board if they wished to adopt a resolution expressing sympathy to the family. He stated that Councilman Keeler had been a friend of the family for many years and asked Mr. Keeler if he had any ideas in the matter. Councilman Keeler stated that Miss Cullen was not only the first woman of Mamaroneck to lose her life in this war , but she was the first woman in the American Red Cross to lose her life because of enemy action in this war. He said that he understood that the Supervisor had been sending letters to the members of the families where casualties and loss of life had been reported. The Supervisor said that this was true and in every case whenever a report was received he expressed sympathy on behalf of all of the members of the Town Board , and that the same was in the case of the Cullen family. But he thought that the members of the Board may want to take exception of this case being that hiss Cullen was the first woman to lose her life in actual warfare . Following discussion and the Supervisor ' s explanation as to what had already been done , it was decided not to reopen the matter again with the Cullen family. - The Supervisor was thanked by the members of the Board frr getting the letters out promptly because of the time between Town Board meetings. 365 The Supervisor reported that at a meeting of the Board of Supervisors at White Plains , N.Y. , the Commissioner of Elections had aired his grievances and made accusations against town clerks generally '.. in the County for the manner in which they conducted elections. He said that he had asked the commissioner if any of these accusations were directed to the Town of Mamaroneck:, and that the commissioner replied that there was absolutely no complaint about the Town of Mamaroneck and that there are two good town clerks in the County and the best of the two is the one from Mamaroneck. The Supervisor recommended the following resolution, which was on motion by Councilman Stiner , seconded by Councilman Griffin , upon roll call , unanimously RESOLVED, that the sum of $6 ,034.42 be accepted by the Town of Mamaroneck as representing its share of the purchase price of the premises known as Section 9 , Block 66 , Lot 1 , on the Village of Mamaroneck- assess- ment roll , and known as Block 925, Parcel 1 , on the Town of Mamaroneck assessment roll , and that said sum be applied first to the payment of 1944 state , town, count, and school taxes unpaid and that the balance of $4,530. 21 be applied in full payment of the follow- ing tax liens outstanding on Block 925, Parcel 1 , which tax liens are hereby cancelled- Year of Tax Year of Sae Amount of Lien 1941 1942 $ 1 ,549.63 1942 1943 1 ,579.00 1943 1944 1 ,477.20 The Supervisor reported that last week certificates of in- debtedness amounting to $160,000 were sold to the First National Bank of Mount Vernon, N.Y. , at a rate of .355. Other bids received were as follows : first National Bank of Boston.374,;; County Trust Company .44511. The Supervisor reported that Mrs. J.F. Auer had paid him a visit regarding the Visiting Nurse Association, and that she is of the opinion that the Town should increase its contribution by $480 , to be distributed between the two nurses who are Working in both the Villages and the Town, or an increase of $240 each per year. Councilman Griffin asked why this matter was not presented by the interested parties before the budget was prepared. He said that he agreed that they are doing very good work but that this should have been brought up at the proper time . Councilman Embury talked of the possibility of their getting this assistance from the Larchmont Community Chest. It was explained by the Supervisor that this is a Town-wide matter and that whatever is done should be decided on this basis. There was considerable discussion following which the Super- visor offered to consult the Mamaroneck Health Center , Inc. , to find out what their recommendations would be in the matter. Councilman Keeler stated that he was ready to report on the claims against the Fire Department which had been referred to him earlier - in the meeting. Ile recommended their approval. The Town Board as the Board of Fire Commissioners then pro- ceeded to audit the claims . Following their inspection, it was on motion by Councilman Keeler , seconded by Councilman Stiner , upon roll call , unanimously RESOLVED, that the Supervisor and the Comptroller be and they hereby are authorized to pay the fol- lowing claims out of the funds of the Fire Depart- ment: Blue Frint Co. R. G. Brewer , Inc. -- Burton & Fenton , Inc. Eureka Fire Hose Division Henry B. Glick Goldie ' s Army Store , Inc. Gunn Bros. Oil Co. Inc. G.W. Merrell L. Earl Miller , Inc. New York Telephone Company New Rochelle Water Co. - Hydrant Patchen Bros. Raymond & Fealey The Seagrave Corp. Station Garage Richard Thorburn Thos. B. Sutton Corp. Westchester Joint Water Works No. Westchester Joint Plater Works No. Hydrant Rental Westchester Lighting Co. Rental 1 1 - 2. 80 20. 87 252.02 218.27 4.45 68.07 218.00 28.25 28.72 43. 50 52. 50 11.00 37. 20 787.40 5.00 72.00 861.00 11.70 726.66 21.91 At 10 o'clock P.M. the Board unanimously resolved to adjourn. ` Town Clerk 3