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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1942_04_15 Town Board Minutes 11 REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD TOWN OF MAMARONECK, NEW YORK HELD APRIL 152 1942 At the Town Offices, 158 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, N. Y. The meeting was called to order by Supervisor McCulloch at 8 P. M. (Eastern War Time) . Present: Supervisor McCulloch Councilmen Bates, Brewer and Mandeville Absent: Councilman Griffin 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 April 1, 1942, were approved as presented. The Supervisor asked if there was any one present who wished to address the Board. Mr . George Beisheim, attorney, representing John M. Connolly and others, as Trustees, appeared to request the Board to accept settle- ment of certiorari proceedings brought to review the assessment upon the following described property: Block 821, Parcel 530 and Block 218, Parcel 653 . Following some discussion the members of the Board advised Mr. Beisheim that they would go over the matter with the assessor and town attorney later in the meeting. Councilman Brewer stated that he had an important question to discuss with the members of the Board. He said that there had been a lot of talk about sirens but that the situation was no better than it was four months ago. However, he said that he had received a report from former Fire Chief McCarthy and Town Engineer Foote. He presented the map which was attached to the report and pointed out that the tentative arrangement for sirens indicated that five were needed for the unincorporated area. He said that the type of siren suggested was No. 2 - two horse-power with a 220-volt motor which could be used on house lighting circuits, also that it was claimed that these were audible from half a mile to a mile radius. The lay-out, he stated, as shown on the map with circles one-half mile in radius would not take in Dillon Park, Premium Park, The Hommocks and a small area near Griffen Avenue. He read the following estimate: 5 - No. 2 sirens @ $215 .00 $1,075.00 5 - Remote controls @ $20.00 100.00 Installation by N.Y . Telephone Co. of Super- vised leased lines and control mechanism 900.00 Estimated cost of setting sirens on top of pole 1 lineman 4 days @ $10.00 40.00 Electrical work (other than Lighting Co.) Electrician and Helper, 4 days @ $20.00 80.00 Electrical materials, wires, fittings, etc. 50.00 5 Boxes for control apparatus on poles 25.00 62,270.00 Note: The Westchester Lighting Co. will furnish and set the poles and run the wires to the siren main switch without charge to the 'Town. The estimated yearly operating costs are as follows: Westchester Lighting Co. - electric current, $12.00 per year per siren $ 60.00 613 New York Telephone Co. Control mechanism, 420.00 per month $240.00 also $4.00 per month per mile of operating lines to the 5 sirens about 6 miles, $24.00 per month 288.00 Inspection, maintenance and repairs 112.00 700.00 per yr. The members of the Board discussed the possibility of cutting down the cost by eliminating several items, also the possibility of working out a plan with the surrounding communities so as to eliminate the over-lapping of areas with sound devices near the border of the Town. Mr. William H. Grimm, representing the Federal Air Raid Alarm System, was present and offered information to the Board. He said that his company was supplying sirens to communities throughout the county and that the village of Mamaroneck had purchased five of them, also that the village of Larchmont and the city of hew Rochelle were each consider- ing the purchase of enough sirens to meet their requirements . He added that their plans were not yet complete . He advised that the method and cost of installation was a matter for the Town, as his company was not in a position to furnish labor. He suggested that a saving could be effected by having wardens detailed to operate the sirens from controls near the locations. Councilman Brewer stated that it was the consensus of opinion of those who have the job of home defense that regular sirens be used for the warning system. Councilman Mandeville suggested that something be worked out with Larchmont and New Rochelle to take care of such areas as Dillon Park and Premium Point. The Supervisor thanked 1r. Grimm for attending the meeting and stated that the members of the Board would go into the matter. Councilman Brewer informed the Board that a casualty station to be known as No. 1 was being set up in Room 110 of the iuturray Avenue School by Dr. William H. Conway, Chief of Emergency Medical Service. He said that a stove was being furnished by the school and that they had offered the services of the school carpenters to put up wire screen- ing as a protection from shattering glass and also the materials for blacking out. Following some discussion it was on motion by Councilman Brewer, seconded by Councilman Mandeville, upon roll call, unanimously RESOLVED, that the Town Engineer be and he hereby is authorized to purchase the following items for the Casualty Station No. 1 in the Murray Avenue School, the total cost of which is not to exceed $60.00: 411 Mesh galvanized wire - 48" wide and 34' long Wood - 4 pieces of 1111 x 211 x 12 ft. (Spruce) 8 pieces of 14"1 x 2f1 x 10 ft. (Spruce )) L lbs. of #5 corrugated fasteners. 2 lbs. of 3/411 staples 1 gross #10 two-inch screws 2 pieces 41 x 101 x 4t1 thick, 3 plywood (Fir) 5 pieces 1411 x 3° x 10 ft. (Pine) Blackout shades on rollers: Two - 5011 wide - 9 ft. long Two - 5211 wide - 9 ft. long Night shade brackets, big enough to fit shades . Councilman Brewer stated that in order that cars and trucks urgently needed for emergency purposes during a blackout could pass through defense lines, the Westchester County Defense Council designed an illuminated emergency sign to be displayed on the front of such cars and trucks. He said that the Commissioner of Public Works of the County and Tom Superintendent of Highways Foote had recommended them. 815 Following some discussion it was on motion by Councilman Mandeville, seconded by Councilman Bates, upon roll call, unanimously RESOLVED, that Superintendent of Highways and Town Engineer Foote be and he hereby is authorized to purchase eleven (11) illuminated emergency signs for Town equipment, the same to be of a type approved by the Westchester County Defense Council and at a price not to exceed $2.25 each; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the total cost shall be a charge against the highway budget. Councilman Brewer reported that alterations made by the firemen at the fire house were very well done. He said that the removal of the wall of what was the chief' s room had added considerable space to the apparatus floor and that the rooms for the officers and paid men were very good improvements. Councilman Mandeville stated that the men had done a fine job and that they should be commended for their work. He added that the total cost was not much over $300. He commented that the Fire Department is now a very happy "gang" . There was some discussion about the ventilation problem in the control center of the defense organization on the second floor of the fire house building and Town. Engineer Foote was directed to get estimates for a system which would remedy the condition. Councilman Brewer informed the Board that the Defense Council urged the adoption of a black-out ordinance . Attorney Delius suggested that this be deferred until the state legislature had considered all defense measures. He added that it might require about ten days . Councilman Brewer reported that he had been requested by the Supervisor to represent the Town at a meeting called by Supervisor Taylor of Harrison to discuss ways and means of providing money for the Rationing Board of this district. Mr. Brewer explained that when the Rationing Board was first set up Colonel Frederick L. Devereux, Chairman of the Westchester County Defense Council, recommended a three-man board with one repre- sentative from each of the following towns : Rye, Harrison and Mamaro- neck. The men were appointed by the federal government to serve with- out pay. The government provided no money to carry out the work of the board and the board used the court room in the town house of Harrison to start with because it was decided that Harrison was the central point. They started with the rationing of tires, then followed with a number of other items, and that the next would be sugar with 65,000 rationing cards all to be handled by one clerk furnished by the town of Harrison, he said. He stated that the board is now occupying a two-room office across the street from the town house in Harrison and that it was im- possible for one clerk to handle all of this work. He also stated that somehow Supervisor Taylor had arranged for this help and the rental of the offices, the cost of which he expected to have returned. For the sugar rationing plan, he said, it was being arranged to have the cards delivered to the schools and to have the teachers interview the residents between 4 P.M. and 7 P.M. on the days set aside for this purpose. The cards would then be turned over to the Rationing Board and those who had missed the registration days would have to go direct to the Rationing Board to secure their cards, and that as time goes on it will be a terrific situation. Mr. Brewer stated that at the meeting he was the only one to suggest that it should be on a community basis. He said that he pointed to defense budgets and other matters but that the others did not agree. He explained that they favored the cost being apportioned on a popula- tion basis and that it was estimated that the approximate cost to the Town of Mamaroneck would be $865 .00. He urged that some small amount of money be provided to keep the Rationing Board going until some other plan could be worked out. MM Councilman Mandeville recommended that the Town Board go on record in favor of its own local board. On motion by Councilman Ilandeville, seconded by Councilman Brewer, it was upon roll call unanimously RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Idamaroneck hereby places on record its approval of a plan to have a local rationing board; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Supervisor be authorized to confer with the proper authorities and work , towards this end. Councilman Brewer suggested that the present Rationing Board be advised to proceed from week to week and not to enter into a lease for the offices . The Supervisor stated that he would look into the matter on the following day. Mr. Arthur Dunn, Jr. , real estate broker, representing Larch- mont Estates, Inc. , appeared to request the settlement of certain tax arrears on vacant property known as Block 408, Parcel 110 and Block 918, Parcel 110 at the face amount of the liens. Following some discussion it was on motion by Councilman liandeville, seconded by Councilman Bates, it was upon roll call, unanimously RESOLVED, that the Receiver of Taxes and Assessments be and he hereby is authorized, empowered and directed to accept payment of the following taxes on Block 408, Parcel 110, and Block 918, Parcel 110, the liens for which are held by the Town, at the face amount of the liens, provided payment is made within fifteen days: Tax Sale Amount of Block Parcel Year Year Lien 408 110 1939 1940 $ 196.99 1940 1941 198.53 918 110 1939 1940 383.45 1940 1941 395 . 59 Mr . Dunn filed two letters with the Board stating that two leases were pending on parcels owned by Larchmont Estates, Inc. on the condition that the parcels could be separated from the large tract, the purpose being for the segregation and apportionment of assessments and past due taxes. The members of the Board advised Mr. Dunn that when and if sales were effected, they would consider the application. The Supervisor asked if there was any one else to be heard. There being no one, he suggested that the meeting proceed with reports of committees . Councilman Bates reported that the drainage work in connec- tion with the Fenimore Road W.P. A. Project was getting along quite well. Councilman Mandeville reported that the department for the removal of garbage has separated 80 tons of ashes from garbage during the past month. He asked the Supervisor if he could receive from the Commission the cost per ton for the incineration of garbage. He re- ported that the streets and sidewalks were in good condition. He asked 'Town Engineer Foote if he had prepared estimates for the removal of the trolley rails . Town Engineer Foote read the following report: April 15th, 1942 SUBJECT: TROLLEY TRACK SALVAGE I have not had the opportunity to make up a project on the above subject but as far as I have gone, I doubt if it will be feasible for the Town. As an example, take the section of Palmer Avenue from Weaver Street to the Village of Larchmont. There is 1350 feet of single track or 2700 feet of rail which will give about 54 tons of rail at $15.00 per ton or $810.00 salvage . The job will cost for material alone, as follows: 2.5 Broken stone, 270 cubic yards @ $3 .25 $877. 50 Liquid asphalt @ 2 gallons per square yard 432.00 3/4"Broken stone 53 .00 Plant mix asphalt, 150 tons @ $9.00 per ton 13.50.00 Total material cost $2712.50 Miscellaneous costs, gasoline, insurance, etc. 325.00 $3037.50 I think this is a fair sample of the relative costs, and revenue for all of the streets . is it the opinion of the Town Board that I should proceed with making up a project. A. J . Foote Town Engineer and Superintendent of Highways Mr. Foote added that the streets referred to are county :Highways. Councilman Mandeville stated that he thought that the figures were high and that there should be some other way to do the job. He said that the most important thing was that the government was in need of steel. He asked if the railway company could be forced to 'remove the tracks. Attorney Delius was asked to look into the franchise and the Supervisor stated that he would try to work up some figures with the County Department of Public Works and Mr. Foote and go over the matter with Mr. Mandeviile . Councilman Mandeville asked that the Highway Department be authorized to obtain bids for the purchase of one truck. The Board authorized Superintendent of Highways Foote to request priority right to purchase a truck. He was also authorized to receive bids for same . The Supervisor informed the Board that the Bearcat crane used for W. P. A. work had been sold as junk for $100. He said that the Town mechanic had given his opinion that it was useless and that the air raid wardens had asked that it be removed from the highways . It was first employed by the Town on a rental basis, he said, and later the Town purchased it for $500 with the rental credit of $ 265 given on this purchase price . He said that an offer had been 'received for the sale of the bucket which was used on the crane. 1 Councilman Mandeville asked where the bucket was at present. The Supervisor said that he thought that it was stored at the Town Yard. Mandeville said that he did not think so . He asked the Supervisor to ask Town Engineer Foote where the bucket was . Mr. Foote stated that through some misunderstanding the bucket had also been taken away. Councilman Mandeville stated that he had always been of the opinion that any purchase or sale of equipment should be approved by the Town Board. He said that he had presented for approval of the Board the smallest items . He added that he was afraid of such a situa- tion as he did not know what would be the next thing to be sold. Councilman Brewer stated that there was no excuse for selling Town property without the matter being placed before the Town Board. He asked that the approval of the sale be held up until a full report is filed with the Town Board. Councilman Mandeville asked if the Fire Department was equipped with enough fire hose . He said that it was going to be quite hard to get certain equipment and that there had been a great demand for hose . Councilman Brewer stated that he would look into the matter. The Supervisor recommended the following, which was on motion by Councilman Mandeville, seconded by Councilman Bates, upon roll call, unanimously RESOLVED, that the Receiver of Taxes and Assess- ments be and he hereby is authorized, empowered and directed to accept payment of the following taxes on Block 824, Parcel 76 (old designation - Section 8, Block 112, Lot 14) the liens for which are held by the 'Town, at the face amount of the tax, provided payment is made within thirty days: State, County Year of Town & District School Lew Taxes Tax 1934 $ 18.38 $ 9.76 1935 6.77 9.68 1936 9.60 9.89 1937 12.10 12.21 1938 16..07 12.34 1939 12.98 12.11 1940 13.44 12.4, a 87 .34 $ 78.43 The Supervisor recommended the following resolution which was on motion by Councilman :Mandeville, seconded by Councilman Bates, unanimously adopted: WHEREAS by letter from Henry D. Holden dated February 18th, 1942, addressed to the Village Board and Town Board, Town of Mamaroneck, an offer was made to pay the sum of $200.00 in full payment of outstanding taxes and assessments, and for the assignment of outstanding tax liens on property known as Section 8, Block 66, Lots 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, now held by the Village and Town of Mamaroneck, and WHEREAS it appears that no taxes have been paid on said premises since 1928, and that an examination of the title indicates that it would cost a considerable sum for the 823 Village or Town to foreclose tax liens held by them on said premises, to the end that title might be rendered marketable, and WHEREAS it appears that there are now outstanding on the aforementioned premises Village taxes and assess- ments in the face amount of $757.86, Town taxes and assessments in the face amount of $257.81, and WHEREAS apportionment of the sum of $200.00 is to be made upon the basis that the total Town of Mamaroneck and the total of the Village of Mamaroneck taxes and - assessments bear to the total taxes outstanding, said percentage being 25.38% for the Town of Mamaroneck, and 74.62% for the Village of Mamaroneck, resulting in $50.76 becoming due the 'Town and $149.24 due the Village, and WHEREAS in view of all the circumstances it is deemed to be in the best interest of the Town that the offer be accepted and that title on the aforementioned lots be cleared at the earliest possible date, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that upon receipt by the Receiver of `Taxes of the sum of $50.76 being 25.38% of $200.00 he is hereby authorized to assign to Wm. H. Childs, Larchmont Acres, Larchmont, N. Y. , transfer of tax liens held by the Town of Mamaroneck. The Supervisor stated that the billing machine was in need of re-conditioning and that the Burroughs Adding Machine Company, manufacturers of the machine, had estimated that the cost of the work would be approximately $300. The exact amount could not be determined until the machine was examined at their factory. On motion by Councilman Mandeville, seconded by Councilman Bates, it was upon roll call unanimously RESOLVED, that the re-conditioning of the billing machine is hereby authorized, the expenditure for which shall not exceed $300 without further action of the Town Board. The Town Attorney stated that he recommended settlement of the certiorari proceedings instituted by Amy H. Weatherbee to review assessments for three years, i.e. the assessments of 1938, 1940 and 1941 (taxes of 1939, 1941 and 1942 respectively) upon property in the Town and Village of Mamaroneck which is owned by Mrs. Weatherbee, on the basis of reductions in the assessments which he believed were agreeable to the relator. Councilman Bates introduced the following resolution which was seconded by Councilman Brewer: WHEREAS, heretofore writs of certiorari were obtained by Amy H. Weatherbee, owner of property described on the assessment map and asSEssment rol of the Town of Mamaroneck as Section 9, Block 95, (new numbers Block 947, Parcel 1; Block 953, Parcel 1; and Block 948, Parcel 73) ; and WHEREAS, the Assessor and Board of Review of the Town of Mamaroneck duly filed returns to said writs and a referee was duly appointed to take proof in the pro- ceedings to review the 1940 assessment, in which hear- ings were commenced but no further proceedings have been taken with regard to any of the aforesaid proceed- ings to review all of the above assessments; and WHEREAS, the Town Attorney and Assessor recommend to this Board that the proceedings be settled and dis- continued upon the reduction of the various assessments for the years covered by the proceedings as above stated, as follows: 820 FROM Section Block Lot Land Improvements Total 9 95 $289,000 $92,500 $3515500 (never numbers Block 94-7, Parcel I Block 953, Parcel 1 Block 945, Parcel 73) TO 9 95 $254,600 $92, 500 $3Lr7,100 (never numbers Block 94-7, Parcel 1 Block 953, Parcel 1 Block 94-5, Parcel 73) NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the assessments for the years 1935, 1940 and 1941 (taxes of 1939, 1941 and 1942 respectively) upon the property owned by Amy H. Weatherbee and described upon the assessment map and assessment roll of the Town of Mamaroneck as Section 9, Block 95 (new numbers Block 948, Parcel 1; Block 953, Parcel 1; and Block 948, Par- cel 73) be reduced from $351, 500 to $347,100, provided that all the proceedings for the years 1935, 1940 and 1941 (taxes of 1939, 194-1 and 194-2 respectively) be discontinued without costs to the Town of Mamaroneck, except that the Town of Mamaroneck pay to the referee, the reasonable fees or allowance, if any, for his services to date in these proceedings. FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Attorney is hereby authorized and directed to sign the necessary stipulation to obtain orders of the Supreme Court providing for such reductions, the refund of any excess taxes paid and the payment of the referee' s fee, if any. The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Supervisor McCulloch Councilmen Bates and Brewer NOES: Councilman Mandeville On motion by Councilman Mandeville, seconded by Councilman Brewer, it was upon roll call unanimously RESOLVED, that in accordance with the provisions of Section 34 of the Westchester Countv Tax Act a notice of the sale of tax liens, which sale shall be held on May 27, 1942, be and it hereby is ordered published once in each week for three weeks consecutively commencing on Wednesday, May 6, 1942, in "The Daily Times", the official newspaper published in the Town. of Mamaroneck; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the matter of attending to - the publication of this notice of sale be and it hereby is referred to the Receiver of Taxes and Assessments; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that said notice shall have appended thereto a particular and detailed state- ment of the property, the tax lien on which is to be sold, giving the section, block and lot numbers together with the name of the owner thereof as set forth in the records of the Receiver of Taxes and Assessments. T Councilman Mandeville stated that thirty-five or forty taxpayers of the 'Town had asked him for the reason for the higher tax rate than was first estimated. He suggested that the Supervisor prepare something for the newspaper that would explain the reason. The Supervisor stated that he would be very glad to do so. The Town Clerk read a letter dated April 13, 1942, received from Miss Erma Bernheimer stating that an employee of the Sewer Depart- ment had damaged the trap cover of her house sewer line . Following some discussion it was on motion by Councilman Mandeville, seconded by Councilman Bates, upon roll call unanimously RESOLVED, that Town Engineer Foote be and he hereby is authorized to employ a plumber to make the necessary repairs to the sewer connection of the property of Erma Bernheimer, 37 Myrtle Boulevard, Larchmont, New York; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the cost of such work is not to exceed $12.00 and shall be supervised and inspected by the Town Engineer. A letter dated April 7, 1942, was received from Corporation Counsel Anthony Sansone, stating that for the purpose of affording proper training of the village police, Chief Martenson had recommended the establishment of a rifle range on a parcel of property situated partly in the village of Mamaroneck and partly in the town of Mamaro- neck near Grand Street and Fenimore Road. It was suggested that if approved, the town police could also use the range. Following some discussion the matter was referred to Councilman Bates, Attorney Delius and Chief Yerick. The Town Clerk advised the Town Board that since the "last meeting the application for dance hall license for the Post Lodge had been received from the Fire Department. The department, he said, had held up approval of the application until certain violations to the Fire Code had been removed. He also referred to a new application for dance hall license filed by Sivan R. Mullings for the Parkside Lodge, 4 Valley Place, which had been inspected and approved by the building inspector and the Fire Department and asked that in order to save time if the Town Board wished to approve the two applications subject to the approval of the Police Department. He added that Mr. Mullings had planned to open the Parkside Lodge on April 23, 1942 and that the next meeting of the Board would be held on May 6, 1942. It was decided by the Board that if both applications were approved by the Police Department, they could operate under their supervision until the next meeting of the Board, at which time final approval could be considered. The Town Clerk stated that he had beer. requested by Mr. William K. Fordyce to ask the Board to waive the requirement in the Plumbing Code for the renewal of licenses within thirty days after the first of the year so as to permit the issuance of his 1942 license. He said that through some oversight Mr. Fordyce did not renew his license. Following some discussion it was on motion by Councilman Mandeville, seconded by Councilman Brewer, unanimously RESOLVED, that the time limit as given in the Plumbing Code for the renewal of licenses be and it hereby is waived; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is hereby directed to issue the renwal of the license for William K. Fordyce for the year 1942. The following letter was read by the Town Clerk: April 10, 1942. Honorable Town Board Town of Mamaroneck 155 west Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, New York Gentlemen: It is with deep regret that I tender my resignation as switchboard operator for the Town of Mamaroneck, to take effect as of May 15, 1942, due to my state of health. My association with the Town Offices has been a very pleasant one, and it is with great reluctance that I write this notification. Cordially yours, /s/ Mrs, Jean Ingham The resignation was accepted by the Board and the members expressed their regret upon hearing of Mrs . Inghamts decision to retire from her duties. They stated that it was unfortunate that illness was the cause of her making such a decision after six years of service in the Town Offices . The Supervisor stated that he wished to add that he was very sorry to see Mrs . Ingham leave her post. They all wished her health and happiness in her retirement. The following reports were received and filed: 1 Report of the Public welfare Department for the Idonth of March; 2) Report of the Town Clerk for the Month of March; (3) Report of the Building Inspector for the Month of March; (4) Report of the Plumbing Inspector for the Month of March; (5) Report of the Larchmont Visiting Nurse for the Period from January 1 to March 31, 1942• The Board unanimously resolved to adjourn at 10: 55 P. M. Town Clerk