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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1944_01_19 Town Board Minutes r✓ h ', REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD, TOWN OF MAMARONECK, NEW YORK, HELD JANUARY 19 , 1944. In the Council Room of the Weaver Street Firehouse , Town of Mamaroreck, New York. The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Mandeville at 8:15 p.m. (Eastern War Time) Present : Supervisor Mandeville Councilmen Stiner , Keeler , Embury Absent: Councilman Griffin The presence was also noted of Town Clerk Payne , Attorney Delius , Comptroller Orsino, Assessor Smith, Town Engineer and Superin- tendent of Highways Foote , and Accountant Finson. The minutes of the meetings of December 28, 1943 and January 5, 1944 were approved as presented. The Supervisor asked if there was any one present who wished to address the Board. Mr. Charles D. DeVinne , the Public Welfare Officer, reported to the Board that Arthur Price , custodian in the Welfare Department , had been absent from duty for three days without giving any notice or explaining his absence and that he had communicated with Mr. Price ' s wife , who could give him no information, and had also written a letter , dated January 17 1944, addressed to Mr. Price, advising that under the provisions of the Civil Service , Rule 18, an employee who absents himself from duty without permission or without giving notice , shall be deemed to have resigned and that unless he heard from Mr. Price, he mould recommend to the Town Board that h1r. Price be removed for the good of the Service. On motion by Councilman Stiner , seconded by Councilman Emburv, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Arthur Price , custodian of the Welfare Department of the Town of Mamaroneck, is hereby removed, pursuant to Rules 17 and 18 of Civil Service , for towns , villages and special districts of Westchester County, for the good of the Service and because his continued absence has resulted in detriment to the Service . Mr. DeVinne then suggested the name of Mrs . Harriet Price , for the position of custodian which position has been classified com- petitive, and recommended that a temporary or provisional appointment be made , subject to approval by the Personnel Officer of Westchester County, and State Civil Service , and upon motion of Councilman Stiner, seconded by Councilman Emburv, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Mrs. Harriet Price be appointed custodian in the Welfare Department , subject to the approval of the Personnel Officer of West- chester County , and the State Civil Service Com- mission, such appointment to be provisional and temporary, as provided in Rule 10 of Civil Service , for towns in Westchester County, such appointment to take effect as of January 16 , 1944:: The Supervisor requested the Town Clerk to read the com- munications. A letter dated January 6 , 1944, was received from Mrs. Daisy Day Whiting, acknowledging receipt of a set of resolutions adopted by the Town Board at an earlier meeting expressing sympathy to the Whiting family. The letter was ordered received and filed. A letter dated January 18, 1944, was received from Dr. Ellsworth Smith , asking if the Town Board would sell an old bench or settee which is located in the Town Hall building. Welfare Officer DeVinne explained that the bench was a part of the original furniture for the Town Hall when it was a church and town meeting place. He said that he believed that the piece of furni- ture had historical value because some of the very old residents of this community had told him of the use of the benches when they were children. The members of the Board directed the Town Clerk to advise Dr. Smith that because of this historical value it could not be sold. It was also decided that the Town Clerk be directed to contact the Mamaroneck Historical Society and ask them if they wished to include the piece of furniture with their collection. The following claim was received: CLAIM TOWN OF MAMARONECK, Dr. To: Mamaroneck war Price & Rationing Board 2560.9 Pro-Rata share of Budget of Harrison- Mamaroneck-Larchmont Ration Board for 1944 $679.80 The Town Clerk presented a copy of the budget for the War Price and Rationing Board 2560.9 , for the year 1944. Also a statement showing the proportionate share to be assumed by the four municipalities. He advised that this amount was in accordance with the statement and also with the amount set aside in the Town of Mamaroneck budget for the year 1944. It was on motion by Councilman Keeler , seconded by Councilman Stiner , upon roll call , unanimously RESOLVED, that the Town Comptroller be and he hereby is authorized to audit the above described claim in the amount of $679.80, filed by the Mamaroneck ' War Price & Rationing Board 2560.9 , and that the Supervisor be and he hereby is authorized to issue a check in payment of same. A letter dated January 18, 1944, was received from Comptroller Orsino requesting authorization to transfer certain funds within the 1943 Budget. On motion by Councilman Stiner , seconded by Councilman Embury, it was upon roll call, unanimously resolved WHEREAS , the Comptroller has requested the follow- ing transfers within the 1943 budget to adjust accounts to the end of 1943 NOW, THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED, that the Comptroller and the Supervisor be and they hereby are directed to make the follow- ing tranfers within the 1943 budget , as of De- cember 31, 1943: S33 . General Town From: Recreation Project $100.00 To: Town Offices $100.00 Outside Villages From: War Council $539.84 To: Street Lighting $539.84 The following reports were ordered received and filed: Report of the Town Clerk for the month of December. Report of the Health Center , for the month of December. Statement of Bank Balances at 9 A.M. , January 19, 1944. Claims audited and paid by the Comptroller , from Jan. 5 to Jan. 19 , 1944. Summary of Receipts and Disbursements. Analysis of Budget Appropriations and Expenditures. Analysis of Estimated Revenues . Supervisor ' s Report for the month of December , 1943• The Supervisor announced that he had received an offer of $838.00 from Mr. Maxwell V. Miller for property formerly known as r Section 2 , Block 8A, Lot 26, adjoining other property owned by Mr. Miller , which the Town owns by virtue of a foreclosure of tax liens. After reporting to the Board the amount of taxes represented in this foreclosure it was on motion by Councilman Stiner , seconded by Councilman Embury, unanimously RESOLVED, that the Supervisor be and he hereby is authorized to enter into a contract for the sale of the above mentioned property, to Maxwell V. Miller for the total sum of $838.00; such pro- perty to be sold free and clear of all taxes and tax liens , including the State , County, Town and School taxes for the year 1943- The Supervisor suggested that the meeting proceed with the reports of committees. Councilman Stiner presented two petitions received from the Assessor for the correction of the assessment rolls. On motion by Councilman Stiner , seconded by Councilman Embury, the following resolution was unanimously adopted: 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 cor- rection of said assessment roll; NOW THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED, that the assessment roll of 1942 , taxes of 1943 and the assessment roll of 1943, taxes of 1944, which shows property now appearing on the roll as follows: Section Block Lot Name Land Only 2 8A 25-26 Town of Mamaroneck $6, 500 (208-189) 835 be corrected as follors , in accordance with the provisions of subdivision 5 of Section 33: Section Block Lot Name Lend Only 2 8A 25 Town of Mamaroneck $2,800 (208-189) 2 8A 26 Maxwell V. Miller $3 ,700 (208-197) FURTHER RESOLVED, that the assessment roll for the year 1943 , taxes of 1944, which shows property now appearing on the roll as follows: Section Block Lot Mane Land Imp_ 4 37 4-5-6-7 Elizabeth Anthes 2,000 (410-178) be corrected as follows , in accordance with provisions of subdivision 5 of Section 33: Section Block Lot 4 37 4-5 (410-183) Name Ruth M. Winkler 6,300 the Total 8,300 Land Imp. Total 1 ,000 39300 4,300 4 37 6-7 Frederick Dodenhoff 1 ,000 3,000 49000 (410-178) Councilman Stiner reported that Nicholas Condro had vacated the position of Sanitation Elan, on January 15, 1944 and that the Town Engineer had recommended that Charles Cantalanto fill the vacancy. It was explained that Mr. Cantalanto had been in the employ of the Town for quite some time. It was on motion by Councilman Stiner , seconded by Council- man Embury, unanimously RESOLVED , that Charles Cantalanto be appointed to the position of Sanitation &Tan in the Garbage Department , subject to the approval of the Per- sonnel Officer of Westchester County and. the State Civil Service Commission, to take effect as of January 16 , 1944 at a salary of $1500.00. Councilman Keeler informed the members of the Board that the New York State War Council Regional Meeting was being held this evening at the Gramatan Hotel , Bronxville , New York. He added that this was the first regional meeting to be held in Westchester and that a large attendance was expected. Ile stated that all of the insurance policies have now been approved and delivered, with the exception of the highway bond which is being held for further information from the New York State Depart- ment of Public Works. He presented and read the report of the Fire Department for the months of November and December 1943. He submitted a list of equipment necessary for the Fire Department which equipment would be paid for out of the budget for this Department for the year 1944. He also mentioned other equipment which is to be received from the Federal Government in connection with Home Defense. M He reported that a hydrant on Harrison Drive had become plugged and that there was need for the cleaning of all the hydrants in the unincorporated section of the Town. He stated that in order to pro- perly take care of these hydrants it would take about two weeks at an approximate cost of $150.00 for cleaning and that the question arises as to whether the Fire Department should take care of the hydrants , or the Westchester Joint Water Works No. 1 be requested to do it. The Supervisor pointed out that a considerable amount of money has been saved by the Town in hydrant rentals. Also, that the annual rental of the remaining hydrants had been reduced from %50.00 to $40.00. Following some discussion it was diecided to write to Mr. Thrasher and inform him that the members of the Fire Department would test and clean out the hvdrants. Councilman 'Keeler recomrended that the Assessor be authorized to proceed with the work of having photostatic copies made of the assessment records. He explained that the cost had been estimated following information received by Assessor Smith from the County Trust Company. Assessor Smith advised that the Trust Company is quite willing to loan the machine for the purpose but that the Town would have to pay for the services of one girl to operate the machine. Also, to assume the expense of the film. On motion by Councilman Keeler , seconded by Councilman Stiner , it was , on roll call , unanimously RESOLVED, that the Assessor be and he hereby is directed to proceed with the duplication of the assessment records at an expense not to exceed $100.00. Councilman Keeler asked what the pleasure of the Board would be concerning insurance coverage for sidewalks in frontof vacant pro- perty owned by the Town. He pointed out that the matter had been dis- cussed in the past but that no decision had been made. The members of the Board discussed the matter with Councilman Keeler and it was decided not to go ahead with this insurance at this time. Councilman Embury informed the Board that the Fire Department did a swell job of flooding the Larchmont Gardens Lake and that the Park Department was very grateful for it and so were the people . He added that everybody was enjoying it. He stated that Mr. Thomas Aitchison, the Park Foreman, was inducted into the Armed Forces and wovld be leaving in about three weeks. He recommended that Mr. Aitchison, Sr, take his place at Tom' s old salary. He pointed out that there would be another meeting of the Town Board before Mr. Aitchison would leave and that at this meeting a resolution granting a leave of absence should be approved and that at the same time the question concerning Mr . Aitchison, Sr. could be taken up. He requested that the Park Department get credit for the sum of $55.00, the proceeds for the sale of the swans. He explained that a statement was being made up for 1943 and that while the Department was turning back Fight or Nine Hundred Dollars , they did grant to include with certain credits the amount above stated. O The Supervisor assured Councilman Embury that the Town records would credit the Park Department with the sum mentioned. The Supervisor presented a statement from the Village of Mamaroneck, showing a proposed distribution of the proceeds of sale of property known as Section 8, Block 111, Lots 12B , 12A, 13 , 14, 15, 169 17B on the tax assessment map of the Village of Eamaroneck and known as Block 825, Parcel 26 on the Tax Lap of the Town of hama.roneck, which property had previously been acquired by the Village by deed in lieu of foreclosure and sold on December 16, 1943 to William R. Warner & Co. Inc . for the sum of $3 ,000 , which statement apportions the amount received betwreen the Town and Village on the basis of taxes or tax liens due and owing to each. He stated that the Village requested the can- cellation of taxes and tax liens and that a check for $1 ,650.86 was enclosed for the Town' s share as shown on the statement. On motion by Councilman Keeler , seconded by Councilman Embury, it was , upon roll call, unanimously RESOLVED, that the said sum of $1 ,650.86 be received in full payment of all taxes and/or tax liens now due and owing the Town of Mamaroneck upon premises known and described as Block 825, Parcel 26, and that the said sum of $1,650.86 be applied as follows: 1943 State, Town and County Taxes including penalty 1943 School Tax including penalty and that the balance of $1,420.33 be applied to the payment of the following tax liens owned by the Town of Namaroneck and which are hereby cancelled: Year of Levy Year of Sale $124.76 105.77 Amount 1937 1938 $5io.64 1938 1939 384. 82 1939 1940 365. 50 1940 1941 340.07 1941 1942 306.78 1942 1943 287.71 The Supervisor requested Town Engineer Foote to show the members of the Board the lines of the proposed alternate route sug- gested by the Town for the thoroughfare which is being planned by the State for a postwar project. Engineer Foote laid the blue print showing the lines of the Pelham Portchester right-of-way and also the proposed alternate route. There was considerable discussion, after which Councilman Keeler offered and Councilman Stiner seconded the following resolution: WHEREAS , the Post War Planning Commission of the State of New Pork has approved plans for the con- struction of a throughway or trucking highway along the route of the original Pelham-Portchester Parkway and over the right-of-way heretofore acquired by the County of Westchester for park or parkway purposes; and WHEREAS , the route of the proposed throughway runs through the Town of Mamaroneck and will , if constructed, seriously and adversely affect the market value and consequently the assessed value of all property ad- jacent or near to the proposed route ; and M provided that the certiorari now pending in the name of New Rochelle Trust Company for the year 1942 (tax of 1943) be discontinued without costs to the Town of Mamaroneck. FURTHER RESOLVED , that the Town Attorney is hereby authorized and directed to sign the necessary sti- pulation to obtain an order of the Supreme Court providing for such reduction and the refund of ex- cess taxes paid , if any. WHEREAS , heretofore a writ of certiorari was obtained by New Rochelle Trust Company, owner of property de- scribed on the assessment map and assessment roll of the Town of Mamaroneck as Block 607, Parcel 286; Block 607, Parcel 295; Block 607 , Parcel 304; and Block 616 , Parcel 22; and WHEREAS , the Assessor and Board of Review of the Town of Mamaroneck duly filed returns to said writ , and no further proceedings have been taken; and WHEREAS , the Town Attorney and Assessor recommend to this Board that the proceedings be settled and dis- continued upon the reduction of the assessment for the year 1943 (tax of 1944) as follows: FROIT Block Parcel Land Improvement Total 607 286 $ 3,150 50 3,200 607 295 3 ,150 13,000 16 ,150 607 304 1 , 575 - 1 , 575 616 22 66 ,000 10,000 76,000 1 ,575 616 TO 66,000 10 ,000 607 286 2 ,700 - 2 ,700 507 295 2 ,700 8 ,250 10 ,950 607 304 19350 - 1,350 616 22 45,000 10 ,000 55,000 NOW THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED, that the assessment for the year 1943 (tax of 1944) upon property owned by New Rochelle Trust Company and described upon the assessment map and assessment roll of the Town of Mamaroneck as Block 607, Parcel 286; Block 607, Parcel 295; Block 607 , Parcel 304; and Block 616 , Parcel 22 , be reduced as follows : FROM Block. -Parcel Land Improvement Total 607 286 3 ,150 50 3,200 607 295 3,150 13,000 16 ,150 607 304 1,575 - 1 ,575 616 22 66,000 10 ,000 76,000 TO 607 286 2 ,700 - 2 ,700 607 295 2 ,700 8,250 10,950 607 304 1,350 - 1 ,350 616 22 45,000 55,000 84-7 provided that the certiorari now pending in the name of New Rochelle Trust Company for the year 1943 (tax of 1944) be discontinued without costs to the Town of Mamaroneck. Attorney Delius read a letter from Larchmont Estates , Inc. regarding parking along Richbell Road. The Supervisor stated that he had been informed by the members of the Police Commission that new regulations would go into effect on the first of February. The Supervisor informed the members of the Board that Councilman Griffin was doing very well and that Mr. Griffin had informed him that he hoped to be at the next meeting of the Board. The Town Clerk read the report of the Welfare Department for the month of December which showed as follows: Case Total Grassland Year Load Individuals Expenditures Cases 1943 30 58 $1 ,421.00 14 $1,933.86 1942 81 229 3,714.46 28 2 ,850.00 The Supervisor stated that he believed that it would be necessary for Town Engineer Foote and Accountant Finson to go to Albany during the convention of the Association of Towns . Following some discussion, it was on motion by Councilman Stiner , seconded by Councilman Embury, unanimously RESOLVED, that Town Engineer Foote and Accountant Finson be and they hereby are authorized to attend the Annual Meeting of the Association of Towns , to be held in the city of Albany, New York, on February 16 and 17, 1944, and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the expenses of the trip shall be paid out of items in the budget for such a purpose. The Supervisor recommended that the present Town car be disposed of because of its mechanical condition and that , if possible , a new one be purchased to replace it. Following some discussion, it was on motion by Councilman Keeler , seconded by Councilman Stiner , upon roll call , unanimously RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Highways be and he hereby is authorized to dispose of the Ford Sedan, motor number 6032995, Model 11A, and FURTHER, that he be authorized to purchase another car to replace same, the funds for which shall be furnished, first , by a charge of $581.30 to the Machinery Fund of the General Town Budget for 1944, second, by the proceeds of the sale of the above described car. At 10:30 p.m. the Board unanimously resolved to adjourn. Town Clerk