HomeMy WebLinkAbout1942_04_01 Town Board Minutes REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD
TOWN OF MAMARONECK, NEW YORK
HELD APRIL 1, 1942
At the Town Offices, 158 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, h. Y.
The meeting was called to order by Supervisor McCulloch at
8:00 P. M. (Eastern War Time) .
Present: Supervisor McCulloch
Councilmen Griffin, Mandeville and Brewer
Absent: Councilman Bates
The presence was also noted of Town Clerk Payne, Town Attorney
Delius, Assessor Smith and Superintendent of Highways and Town Engineer
Foote .
The minutes of the meeting of March 18, 1942, were approved
with corrections.
The Supervisor asked the Town Clerk to read the communications .
A letter dated Idarch 31, 1942, was received from the Fire
Department of the 'Town of Mamaroneck signed by Chief Burton, recommend-
ing the approval of two emergency drivers.
Following some discussion it was on motion by Councilman
Brewer, seconded by Councilman Griffin, upon roll call, unanimously
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby ratifies the
action of the Fire Council in the appointment of
the following as emergency drivers to serve without
pay at the pleasure of the Fire Council and the
Town Board:
Anthony I. Mirandi
Fred Dodenhoff
The Town Clerk submitted the following report:
April 13 1942
Town Board
Town of Mamaroneck
New York
Gentlemen:
At the last meeting of the Town Board it was suggested
that because the Town Offices are situated outside of the
unincorporated section, it might be well to have a unit
of the civilian defense organization in the Town Offices
to assist the Defense Council in its work and to look after
the records. The Board reauested me to make a study of
the suggestion and report back at the next meeting. The
following is my report.
There is no doubt that such a unit would be important to
the Town and I suggest the following plan: that because
the villages have their own municipal buildings with
facilities for their residents, the Town outside of the
villages set up a unit of the civilian defense organization
in the Tovm Offices to be of whatever service possible
during an emergency. The unit should be organized within
the Town Offices, be approved by the Town Defense Council
and follow its directions . All members should report
to the Town Offices immediately following the Ball clear"
signal.
On March 21, 1912 the New York Telephone Company reported
that following the 9/all clear" signal of the last test,
the traffic increased to such proportions that it might
hinder the work of defense forces under actual raid condi-
tions . They said that it was three times the normal for
a similar period. The experience at the Town Offices
following unusual conditions such as heavy storms and
incidents which caused alarm has been that all departments
have been taxed with telephone inquiries . At present the
Defense Council is equipped with two telephone connections -
Mamaroneck 2006 and Mamaroneck - 675. The first mentioned
is an outside wire. The other is through the office switch-
board of the Town. For a time the Town Office number
still use this number for inquiries. The Police Department
of the 'Town has three connections through which they may
receive calls from the public.
The Town Offices have six (6) connections through which
they may receive outside calls . If it meets with the
approval of the Defense Council these telephones can be
put to use. There are seven (7) employees in the Town
Offices who did not join up with any defense unit because
of the specific reason that they wanted to be free to carry
out any detail assigned to them by the Town. They assisted
with the registration of civilians for the defense organiza-
tion, also in two of the draft registrations, and realized
through this that they would be in a much better position to
help by being on call. Four (4) of the above mentioned are
experienced with the operation of the telephone switchb a d
Almost all of them are within short walking distance of the
office and the others believe that they can get to the office
within a short time. The idea is to assist the Council even
if it is only to receive inquiries and transmit the most
important either by courier or otherwise to the Council.
This force could assist in passing out information under the
direction of the Council and also furnish the Council with
information from the Town records such as vital statistics
records, voting records for the purpose of identification,
records of ownership of properties, et cetera.
There are other important duties which could be carried out
by the unit such as the following: to be sure that all
lights are extinguished before the offices are closed for
the day; to test windows and outside doors to be sure that
they are fastened and locked as a protection against bur-
glary; to make a check daily to see that all important
records are returned to the safes and locked. Immediately
upon arrival at the office after the "all clear" signal an
inspection should be made to see that no records have been
removed or damaged. If the building should be damaged by
a bomb or set on fire, the records should be removed as
soon as possible to a safe storage place. Possible places
for storage should be decided upon in the near future.
Respectfully submitted,
(signed) Robert D. Payne
RDP:W Town Clerk
Council. The report was referred to Councilman Brewer and the Defense
Councilman Griffin inquired if anything had been done by the
County to extend beyond April 1, 1942, the law which provided for
civilian defense councils.
Supervisor McCulloch informed Mr. Griffin that the law had
not been extended and that several bills were pending before the state
legislature.
Councilman Brewer informed the members of the Board that
Mr. Mendes, Chairman of the 'Town Defense Council, had planned on
attending this meeting to discuss the subject. He said that there
was no doubt that he would be present later in the evening.
The Supervisor suggested that if there was no other corres-
pondence, the meeting proceed with the reports of committees .
Councilman Griffin stated that it was too early to expect
the report from the Welfare Department for the month of March but that
he was disappointed that the annual report had not been received
because he was told that it would be ready.
He said that for the Park Department he wished to report
that the foreman and assistant foreman had been burdened with a lot
of work and that the overtime could not be continued without com-
pensation. He referred to the conference held with Mr. David Embury
at the last meeting of the Town Board, also a resolution adopted by
the Park Commission.
Following some discussion it was on motion by Councilman
Griffin, seconded by Councilman Mandeville, upon roll call, unanimously
resolved,
WHEREAS, the budget of the Town of Mamaroneck for
the year 1942, as duly adopted for the Department
of Parks (Park District #1) fixed the salary of
the foreman at $2,100, the salary of the assistant
foreman at $1,300 and provided the sum of $3,200 for
temporary employees; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Park Commissioners (Park
District #1) have requested this Board to increase
the salaries of the foreman and the assistant
foreman and have agreed and consented that the
additional salary thus provided, be taken from the
amount appropriated for temporary employees;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the budget for the Department of
Parks (Park District #1) be amended so as to show
the salary of the foreman at $2,400; the assistant
foreman at $1, 500; and temporary employees at
$2,741. 52.
Councilman Griffin presented the following petitions received
from the Assessor and it was on motion by Councilman Griffin, seconded
by Councilman Brewer, upon roll call, unanimously resolved
WHEREAS, the Assessor has presented petitions dated
April 1, 1942, 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 rolls for the years 1940
and 1941, taxes of 1941 and 1942, which short property
now appearing on the rolls as follows:
Section Block Lot
Owner
Land Imp. Total
4 23A 2A,3B, 5B Receiver for Larchmont $12, 500 11,000 23, 500
National Bank
be corrected as follows, in accordance with the
provisions of sub-division 5 of Section 33:
Section Block Lot Owner Land IMP-
4 23A 2A,3B Katz & Sabone $11, 500 11,000
(407-165,105)
4 23A 5B Receiver for Larch- 1,000
(407-54) mont National Bank
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the assessment roll for the
year 1941, taxes of 194.2, which shows property now
appearing on the roll as follows:
800
Total
22,500
1,000
Section Block Lot Owner Land Imp. Total
6 21 184A-185A Post Road Sec . Inc . 41000 11,000 159000
(608-47)
be corrected as follows, in accordance with the
provisions of sub-division 5 of Section 33:
Section Block Lot
6 21 184A
(608-52)
6 21 185A
(608-47)
Owner
Post Road Sec. Inc.
Samuel Saveri & wife
Land Lmp— Total
2,000 11,000 13,000
2,000 21000
be corrected as follows, in accordance with the
provisions of sub-division 5 of Section 33:
Section Block Lot
7 78 1,2
(728-65)
7 78 6,7
(728-43)
Ov✓ner
Irving Baum & Wife
" "
Land Imo. Total
91800 21,000 30,800
10,200
10,200
Councilman Mandeville recommended that the week starting
April 20, 1942, be designated as "Clean-Up week" .
On motion by Councilman Mandeville, seconded by Councilman
Griffin, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that the week starting April 20, 19425
be and it hereby is designated as "Clean-Up week"
FURTHER RESOLVED,
that the assessment roll for
the
year 1941, taxes
of 1942, which shows property
now
appearing on the
roll as follows:
Section
Block Lot
Owner Land
Imo.
Total
7
10 13 E.
K. Oler & Ors. $20,750
10,250
31,000
(704-38)
be corrected as follows,
in accordance with the
provisions of sub
-division 5 of Section 33:
Section
Block Lot
Owner Land
Imp.
Total
7
10 13 E.
K. Oler & Ors. $19,150
10,250
29,400
(704-38)
7
10 13C John
R. Nolan 1,600
1,600
(100 x 154
To be
added to 704-28
FURTHER RESOLVED,
that the assessment roll for
the
year 1941, taxes
of 1942, which shows property
now
appearing on the
roll as follows:
Section
Block Lot
Owner Land
Imp.
Total
7
78 112,6,7 Irving
Baum & wife $20,000
21,000
41,000
(728-43)
be corrected as follows, in accordance with the
provisions of sub-division 5 of Section 33:
Section Block Lot
7 78 1,2
(728-65)
7 78 6,7
(728-43)
Ov✓ner
Irving Baum & Wife
" "
Land Imo. Total
91800 21,000 30,800
10,200
10,200
Councilman Mandeville recommended that the week starting
April 20, 1942, be designated as "Clean-Up week" .
On motion by Councilman Mandeville, seconded by Councilman
Griffin, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that the week starting April 20, 19425
be and it hereby is designated as "Clean-Up week"
for the unincorporated section of the Town of
Mamaroneck.
Councilman Brewer stated that there was nothing outside of the
defense question to report and that while Mr. Mendes was now present,
it might be well to listen to what he had to say.
Mr. Mendes stated that he had first talked with the Comptroller
and then with the Supervisor, and following this decided to appear at
this meeting to discuss with the entire Board the question concerning
civilian defense in the unincorporated area. He said that according
to his records and a check with the Comptroller' s office that the De-
fense Council had expended its budget for the period ending March 31,
1942. He added that there were a few small miscellaneous items which
were still outstanding. He said that these were not so important but
that there would be other bills to meet if the work was to be carried
along on the present plan.
He referred to the expiration date April 1, 1942 of the act
providing for local defense counsils and stated that the Town organi-
zation wuould continue to function but that the question of financing
would have to be considered because there were such items needed
as telephones, wardens' equipment, sirens, first-aid kits, maps, gaso-
line for emergency cars, electrical equipment, et cetera.
He said that the defense organization in the Town was one of
the best of its kind and that the spirit manifested by the people of
the community was remarkable; that they have gone to their own expense
in carrying out certain work; also that a good many have put in long
hours to keep the system in effect day and night. He pointed out the
work being done at the control center which requires twenty-four hours
a day alert service. He recommended that something be done to keep
this interest up until everything is traightened out by higher au-
thorities.
He stated that the Town Comptroller had suggested that the
Town Board authorize expenditures from month to month pending the
approval of federal and state laws.
Councilman Mandeville asked if the amount to cover these
expenditures would include the salary for the executive secretary.
He said that he thought that the Town could not afford this out of
the amount to be provided.
Mr. Mendes stated that he had told Mrs . Kay, the executive
secretary, that she would have to volunteer her services until the
question of finances had been cleared up.
The Supervisor suggested that if the Town Board gave its
assurance that all incidental expenses would be taken care of,
it might be well to let the matter go over until the next meeting
on April 15, 1942, at which time the whole question might be cleared
up by law.
The members of the Board and Mr. Mendes agreed on this
suggestion.
Mr. Mendes gave his assurance that he would not authorize
anything of a major expense until everything was straightened out.
The Supervisor stated that while Mr. Mendes was present he
wished to report on a request that had been received from the Rationing
Board for this district. He said that the Town had been requested to
share in the expense of the Rationing Board, as there had been no
federal grant to take care of this work. He said that a girl had been
employed to take care of the records and that now 54,000 sugar rationing
cards had been received for distribution, all of which would add a
tremendous amount of work to the office where other items are already
being rationed. He said that Supervisor Taylor of Harrison was temporari-
ly taking care of the salary for the girl but that there were other
expenses such as telephone, furniture, supplies, et cetera; also that
as the rationing plan continues a very large force would be necessary.
He added that there was nothing in the law that would permit the Town
to make this expenditure and that as the board was connected with the
government, it should receive federal funds.
Councilman Brewer offered the following resolution which was
seconded by Councilman Griffin, and upon roll call unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the members of the Town Board wish
to take this opportunity to express to Mr. Henry E.
Mendes their sincere appreciation for his untiring
efforts put toward the organization of civilian
defense in the Town of Mamaroneck.
On motion by Councilman Griffin, seconded by Councilman
Brewer, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that the Supervisor be and he hereby is
authorized, empowered and directed to re-sell all
tax liens purchased by individuals at the tax sale
held May 28, 1941, on which there are unpaid balances,
the date of sale to be May 19, 1942; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that notice of the re-sale of these
tax liens be advertised in "The Daily 'Timesll, the
official newspaper, on April 28, May 5 and May 12, 1942.
The Town Attorney presented an application from the Village
of Mamaroneck for the issuance of a duplicate lien for the sale of
1934, in the amount of $1,129.47, covering property described as
Section 9, Block 10, Lot 1D. After discussion the application was denied
on the grounds of insufficient proof.
Supervisor McCulloch informed the Board that Town Engineer
Foote had completed his survey to determine the amount of steel that
could be salvaged in the Town and that it was reported that approxi-
mately nine (9) tons were buried under the paving. He said that he had
requested Mr. Foote to draw up a tentative W . P. A. project to determine
the cost of removing the same .
The Supervisor stated that a special committee of citizens
formed at his suggestion to study the bus routes in the Town, had sub-
mitted the following report:
March 28th, 1942
Mr. Bert C. McCulloch,
Supervisor of the
Town of Mamaroneck
158 West Boston Post Road
Mamaroneck, N . Y.
Dear Mr. McCulloch:
The special committee to look into the matter of
bus routes feel that the best interests of the community
can be served by the operation of two routes, with a bus
on each, and subrait the following for consideration.
ROUTE 1
From Larchrnont station west on Murray Avenue to
Weaver Street, northeast on Weaver Street to Rockland
Avenue, east along Rockland Avenue to Avon Road, north
on Avon Road to Fenimore Road, thence to Hoyt Avenue and
Mamaroneck station and returning by the same route.
ROUTE 2
From Larchmont station southwest on Chatsworth
and Rockingstone Avenue to Forest Avenue, north on
Forest Avenue to Weaver Street, east on Weaver Street
to Myrtle Blvd. , east on Myrtle Blvd. to Lakeside Drive,
around island to Harmon Drive to Waverly Avenue to
Fenimore Road, east on Fenimore Road to Palmer Avenue,
east on Palmer Avenue to Mamaroneck Avenue, thence west
to Mamaroneck station and returning by the same route.
The trip over these routes shows a speedometer
distance of approximately three miles, and the time over
same is twelve minutes, slow driving with no stops.
Griffen Avenue and Bradford Road we understand
are in the Village of Scarsdale, so we are referring this
suggestion to you, as also the question of New Rochelle bus
extension on Fifth Avenue to Chatsworth Avenue.
It is a pleasure to serve and the committee will
await your further advise.
Very sincerely yours,
/s/ Anthony A. Russo
Chairman
The Supervisor offered that with the approval of the Board
he would forward the report to the County Transportation Company for
their consideration.
The members of the Board approved of the Supervisor' s
suggestion.
The Supervisor asked if there was anything else to come
before the Board.
Councilman Griffin stated that he had been un to the Town
cemetery with Engineer Foote and that the retaining walls are in an
awful condition. He said that there was one good wall along the
front of the property but that the others were broken in several
places. He said that he had looked at the land adjoining the ceme-
tery which had been suggested for additional space and that if it was
secured it also would have to have retaining walls.
There was some discussion on the other W. P. A. project for
the reconstruction of Fenimore Road and it was on motion by Council-
man Griffin, seconded by Councilman Mandeville, upon roll call,
unanimously
RESOLVED, that Town Engineer Foote be and he hereby
is authorized to expend an amount not to exceed
$150 for concrete pipe necessary for drainage pur-
poses along the side of the road near Cornell Street.
The report of the Receiver of Taxes and Assessments for the
month of March, 1942, was received and filed.
At 9:50 P. M. the Board unanimously resolved to adjourn.
Town Clerk