HomeMy WebLinkAbout1942_05_06 Town Board Minutes REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD
TOWN OF MAMARONECK, NEW YORK
HELD MAY 6, 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, Griffin, Mandeville
Absent: None
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 15, 1942, were approved
as presented.
The Supervisor suggested that the meeting proceed with
reports of committees.
Councilman Bates reported that W. P. A. workmen were doing a
pretty good job on the gutters along Fenimore Road.
He also reported that the work on the drain along Mohegan
Road was progressing quite well. He suggested that the hydrant at
the side of Mohegan Road near Fenimore Road be removed.
Councilman Griffin stated that there was nothing to report
for the Park Department, as everything was going along satisfactorily.
He read the following annual report of the Department of
Public Welfare for the year 1941:
Members of the Town Board
Mamaroneck
New York
Gentlemen:
This year has shown a steady decline in case load
and expenditures . The office started this year with a case
load of three hundred and thirty-nine cases and an expendi-
ture of $15,680.86 for the month of January, ending Decem-
her 31st, 1941 with a case load of two hundred and three and
an expenditure of $9, 510.37 for the month of December.
Economic conditions have improved greatly during the
year and many of the people have been able to get employment,
many in factories outside the town and state, producing
materials for the use of the nations at war.
W. P. A. has continued and there has been about one
hundred and twenty men and women receiving work through this
channel. In making a study of the people employed by the
W. P. A. it was interesting to note that the average age of
the workers was fifty years, the greatest number being
employed as stone masons and cutters .
Our general medical bill for the year has increased
due to the fact that all hospitals have increased their rates
per day during the year 1941. Our medicals in the home was
under last yearse costs. There has been an increase in the
number of T. B. cases this year.
At the end of the year it was decided to discontinue
surplus commodities as we were receiving so few that the cost
did not warrant keeping the store open. At the present time
833
the County is negotiating with the Federal Surplus Commo-
dities to put into effect the stamp plan. The case load
has drooped so low that we were also able to discontinue ,
the work of a clerk.
The total expenditure for relief for the year 1941
was $125,717.53 against a budget appropriation of $140,000.00,
making a saving of $14,282.47 gross .
Respectfully submitted,
(signed) Charles D. DeVinne
Public Welfare Officer
He pointed out that 1941 was the first year in several years
that the department did not run over its budget and ask for additional
funds before the year was over.
He presented the regular monthly report for the Department
of Public Welfare for the month of March, 1942, which showed as follows:
Councilman Griffin presented a petition dated May 6, 1942,
from the Assessor for the correction of the assessment roll so as to
permit the apportionment of taxes .
On motion by Councilman Griffin, seconded by Councilman
Bates, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, the Assessor has presented petition dated
Iday 6, 1942, for the correction of the assessment roll
for the year 1941, pursuant to the provisions of
Section 33 of Chapter 105 of the Laws of 1916, as
amended, known as the Westchester County Tax Act; and
WHEREAS, after due consideration this Board finds it
desirable to grant said petitions for the correction
of said assessment roll;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the assessment roll for the year 1941,
taxes of 1942, which shows property now appearing on
the roll as follows:
Section Block Lot
Owner
Land Imp. Total
8 56 5311,12 Therese H. tSemon $8,250 $16,750 $25,000
(817-446)
be corrected as follows, in accordance with the
provisions of sub-division 5 of Section 33:
Section Block Lot Owner Land Imp. Total
8 56 11 (817-446) Mary Celestino $3,500 $16,750 $20,250
8 56 5,12 Therese H. Semon 4,750 42750
(817-451)
Councilman Mandeville reported that due to the probable
critical situation for asphalt materials, the Highway Department did
some seal-coating earlier this year than is customary, thereby taking
April
April
1941
1942
Case Load
319
187
Individuals
1297
707
Case Days
9209
5337
Total Relief
Expended
$12, 500.51
$8,149.99
Average Cost
Per
Case
39.19
43 . 58
Average Cost
Per
Individual
9.64
11. 53
Average Cost
Per
Case Day
1.36
1. 53
Average Cost
Per
Individual Per Day
.334
.405
Councilman Griffin presented a petition dated May 6, 1942,
from the Assessor for the correction of the assessment roll so as to
permit the apportionment of taxes .
On motion by Councilman Griffin, seconded by Councilman
Bates, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, the Assessor has presented petition dated
Iday 6, 1942, for the correction of the assessment roll
for the year 1941, pursuant to the provisions of
Section 33 of Chapter 105 of the Laws of 1916, as
amended, known as the Westchester County Tax Act; and
WHEREAS, after due consideration this Board finds it
desirable to grant said petitions for the correction
of said assessment roll;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the assessment roll for the year 1941,
taxes of 1942, which shows property now appearing on
the roll as follows:
Section Block Lot
Owner
Land Imp. Total
8 56 5311,12 Therese H. tSemon $8,250 $16,750 $25,000
(817-446)
be corrected as follows, in accordance with the
provisions of sub-division 5 of Section 33:
Section Block Lot Owner Land Imp. Total
8 56 11 (817-446) Mary Celestino $3,500 $16,750 $20,250
8 56 5,12 Therese H. Semon 4,750 42750
(817-451)
Councilman Mandeville reported that due to the probable
critical situation for asphalt materials, the Highway Department did
some seal-coating earlier this year than is customary, thereby taking
835
advantage of obtaining asphalt before the federal government closed
down on this material. He read off a list of the following streets
sea!-coated and the costs :
Winthrop Avenue
Plymouth Road
Lakeside Drive
Rocky Road
East Garden Road
Copley Road
Total area covered
Total cost for materials
Total cost for labor
Total cost
Unit cost per square yard for
material
Unit, cost per square yard for
labor
Unit cost per square yard for
labor and materials
East Hickory Grove Drive
Little Farms Road
Alden Road
Harmony Drive
Kemnare Road
19, 553 sq. yds.
$2,010 .00
152. 35
$2,192 .35
10.35¢
.930
11.250
He reported that while the Bonnie Briar Lane Bridge was
being reconstructed a by-pass driveway was built from the Bonnie
Briar Section to Rockland Avenue and that now eight residents against
three have expressed their desire that the driveway be left open. He
presented the letters received from the owners .
Mr. Arthur Dunn, Jr. , local realtor, appeared on behalf of
John F. Dunn, owner of property on Rockland Avenue, and spoke against
the driveway being left open.
Following some discussion on motion by Councilman Bates,
seconded by Councilman Brewer, the following resolution was upon roll
call unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, eight letters have been received from
property owners in the Bonnie Briar Section,
petitioning the Town Board to leave open the
temporary by-pass connecting Rockland Avenue
and Stratford Road;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Highways be and
he hereby is authorized to permit the use of the
by-pass by residents of the Town, such use to be at
their own risk, and he is also authorized to make such
temporary repairs as may be necessary from time to time
until further action of the Board.
On motion by Councilman Mandeville, seconded by Councilman
Griffin, the following resolution was on roll call unanimously adopted.
WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Highways has received
an offer for the rental of Town equipment for the
federal defense work;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Supervisor and Superintendent of
Highways be and they hereby are authorized to contract
for the rental or rental purchase plan of the following
equipment for the amounts set forth, the transaction
to be subject to the approval of the Town Attorney:
Rental
Description Value Terms
10-ton Buffalo-Springfield $6,000 $450 to $500
Road Roller ger month
Description
Rental
Value Terms
Gardner-Denver 315 cu.ft. $3,600 $250 to $300
Air Compressor per month
FURTHER RESOLVED, that a commission of 10 per cent
of the rental or sales price be allowed to Hodge and
Hammond, Inc ., agents .
Councilman Mandeville reported that since the last meeting of
- the Board Superintendent of Highways Foote had received three bids for
the sale of a truck to the Town. He read the bids which showed as
follows: -
G. V. W. black-International blotor Truck Corp.
20,000 Lliack model E.G.X. special $2,823 .67
Allowance on Snack Truck 278.50
Net cost 62,545.17
G. V. W. International Harvester Corp.
20,000 International model KR-8 $3,439.23
Allowance on Polack Truck 75.00
Net cost $31364.23
G. V. W. Brockway Palotor Co . , Inc.
20,000 Brockway chassis list price $3,933 .00
Less Federal Tax 144.00
List price of chassis 32789.00
Allowance on Mack Truck 1,125 .00
Net cost of chassis 2,664.00
Plus 4-yard dump body 665 .00
Net cost $33329.00
He said that Mr. Foote recommended the purchase of the
Brockway because it came nearer to fitting the requirements for a
heavy truck, as it could take the largest snowplow and had a large
body in which to pick up rubbish.
Following some discussion on motion by Councilman Bates,
seconded by Councilman Brewer, the following resolution was upon
roll call unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, three bids have been received for the
purchase of an auto truck; and
WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Highways has re-
commended the purchase of a product of the Brockway
Motor Company, Inc. ;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Supervisor and the Superintendent
of Highways be and they hereby are authorized to
accept the bid of the Brockway Motor Company, Inc.
in the sum of $3,329 .00, which amount includes a
four-yard dump body; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Supervisor and the
Superintendent oi Highways are hereby authorized
to sign the Federal War Production Board' s applica-
tion for permission to acquire a new commercial
motor vehicle, also the contract of sale with the
Brockway Motor Company, Inc.
Councilman Mandeville reported that the bridge over the outlet
of the Larchmont Gardens Lake was very badly in need of repair. He said
that it was in such a condition that it was dangerous for motorists
and most of all the firemen and their equipment. He read the following
estimate and recommended that the repairs be made:
1. To lay new 2-inch creosoted plank decking at
an estimated cost for materials and labor of 6281.00
2. To pave the two channels between the abut-
ments and the center pier to stop erosion
839
under the abutments at an estimated cost
for materials and labor of $416.00
3 .Total estimated cost }697.00
Following some discussion on motion by Councilman Mandeville,
seconded by Councilman Griffin, the following resolution was upon roll
call unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Highways has
recommended and has submitted estimates for the
repair of the bridge over the outlet of the
Larchmont Gardens Lake;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Highways be
and he hereby is authorized to proceed with the
repairs recommended, the cost of which shall not
exceed $697.00, $200 of which shall be paid out of
Item No. 2 of the Highway Fund, the balance to be
paid out of surplus.
The Supervisor suggested that the Superintendent of Highways
advise the Fire Department not to use the bridge with heavy equipment
until further notice.
Following some discussion on the feasibility of the Town
removing trolley rails from highways, salvaging same and repairing the
pavement, it was recommended by Councilman Mandeville that the Supervisor
be authorized to notify the federal government of the tonnage and loca-
tion of the rails in case same should be needed for the war program.
On motion by Councilman Mandeville, seconded by Councilman
Bates, upon roll call, the Supervisor was so directed.
Councilman Brewer reported that Engineer Foote had received
three bids for the installation of a ventilating system for the control
room of the Defense Council in the Weaver Street Fire House. He said
that after studying the proposals Mr. Foote had suggested a better plan,
entirely different and at less cost to the Town. He recommended that
Mr. Footers plan be approved.
'On motion by Councilman Brewer, seconded by Councilman Mande-
ville, the following resolution was upon roll call unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, the Town Engineer has received and submitted
bids for the installation of a ventilating system for
the civilian defense control room on the second floor
of the Viceaver Street Fire House; and
WHEREAS, he has recommended his own system at less
cost;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Town Engineer be and he hereby is
authorized to purchase a ventilating fan and instal
same at a cost riot to exceed $60.00.
Councilman Brewer reported that the windows of the casualty
station at the Murray Avenue School had been equipped with screening
and materials for blacking out. He said that Engineer Foote reported
that the cost of the materials was $24.00.
Be presented a new map showing the revised area for the
sirens in the Town, also the location of those for neighboring com-
munities . He said that the Village of Larchmont was not going to
have any, at least not for the present . He said that there were three
ways that the sirens could be operated:
1. By push button control at the siren location.
2. By control from the Fire House
/dg s
4 0
Councilman Brewer stated that he favored Plan No. 2.
Following some discussion all of the members of the Board
agreed vvith Councilman Brewer and it was on motion by Councilman Brewer,
seconded by Councilman Mandeville, upon roll call,
RESOLVED that Plan No. 2, as outlined above, be and
it hereby is approved as an air raid warning system
for the unincorporated area of the Town of Mamaroneck;
and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the estimate of the cost be
added to the defense budget for the unincorporated
area of the Town.
Councilman Mandeville asked the Supervisor not to commit
the Town financially on the prograra of the new County War Council
until full details were known. The Supervisor said that he would not.
The Supervisor asked if there was any one present who wished
to appear before the Board.
Mr. Corwin, representing the Scarsdale Bus Company, appeared
and presented an application to operate a bus line through the Town
from the 'Town of Scarsdale line on cleaver Street, south on Weaver Street
to Myrtle Boulevard, west on Myrtle Boulevard to 13. Chatsworth Avenue
and south on N. Chatsworth Avenue to the Village of Larchmont line .
Following some discussion, on motion duly made and seconded
it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that a public hearing be called for
May 20, 1942, at the Weaver Street Firehouse,
at 8:15 P. M. and that the Town Attorney is
authorized to prepare and publish the necessary
notice for such public hearing.
The Supervisor asked the 'Town Clerk to read a communication
received from the Bonnie Briar Country Club. The letter showed as
follovrs:
"This Is To Certify That
"The following is a true copy of an extract from the
minutes of the meeting of the Board of Governors of
Bonnie Briar Country Club held at the Club House,
Mamaroneck, N . Y., April 27, 1942, to wit:
'A memorandum was presented pertaining to a
renewed agitation for bus line service to
operate on Weaver Street between New Rochelle
and White Plains . It was recalled that the
Club had opposed such a line two years ago but
in view of changed conditions relating to tire
and gas shortage the Board voted to support the
projects
Signed Benj . B. Watson, Secretary
Bonnie Briar Country Club."
May 6, 1942
The Supervisor requested the Town Clerk to read a letter
dated April 22, 1942 received from Arthur P. Gordon, owner of property
near the Scarsdale line off Fenimore Road. Mr. Gordon expressed his
alarm over the question of fire protection for his property. He stated
that the Town Fire Department had held a drill on his property about a
month ago and that it was not a success due to inadequate water supply;
also that on April 19, 1942 a fire broke out on adjoining property and
that the Fire Department encountered all kinds of difficulties. He
said that he had talked the matter over with the Fire Chief and that the
Chief had stated that he would take the matter up with the Board.
Chief Burton was present at the meeting and explained the
situation to the members of the Board.
am
Following some discussion the matter was referred to Council-
man Brewer, Fire Chief Burton, Attorney Delius and Engineer Foote.
Fire Chief Burton referred to the property adjoining the
parking lot at the rear of the firehouse and asked if the Park Depart-
ment or the Highway Department could care for the lawn and shrubbery.
He explained that the paid firemen were kept quite busy with the defense
program and other emergency activities of the department.
The matter was referred to Councilman lAandeville and Superin-
tendent of Highways Foote .
Chief Burton stated that the department had received five
calls on fires in one day and that at one time the department was short
of equipment. He said that he then thought that it would be a good
idea to get an estimate for the repair of the City Service truck. He
submitted the following estimate:
PETER _!cAVOY & SON, INC.
New Rochelle, i . Y.
Town of Mamaroneck,
Vueaver Street Dept.
Larchmont, N. Y.
att. Mr. Burton
Gentlemen:
April 27, 1942
Our estimate to furnish material and labor
to build, mount and paint booster tank, change position
bell searchlight - make up and install new windshield:
furnish material and build booster tank $150.00
furnish material make up and install new
shatterproof windshield, change positions of
bell and searchlights, etc . Windshield wipers
not included. 150.00
To labor cutting dorm radder racks, remove and
install same 45 .00
Present pump will not fit and will need a by-pass
cost would be more than new pump.
To furnish new pump. 75.00
To labor install pump. 25.00
To painting and. striping. 150.00
If fenders are required the additional cost will be 100.00
$695 .00
Very truly yours,
Peter McAvoy & Sons, Inc.
Councilman Brewer stated that he was in favor of putting the
amount into the defense budget as there had been some talk about using
this piece of apparatus for emergency purposes .
The members of the Board agreed on this suggestion.
The following letter was read:
847
LARCHMONT FIRE DEPARTMENT
Larchmont, New York
April 30, 1942
Chief George Burton,
Town of Mamaroneck Fire Dept.
Weaver Street
Larchmont, N. Y.
Dear Chief:
This is just a note to thank you in behalf of the Larchmont
Fire Department and myself for your very fine cooperation in
sending equipment to aid us in fighting the warehouse fire
last Monday night .
It was certainly good of you and your Department and this
assistance is very greatly appreciated.
If I can reciprocate in any way at any time, please do not
hesitate to call on us .
ABC:AH
Cordially yours,
Alexis B. Cunneen, Chief.
Harry G. Davidson, attorney, representing Park A. Rowley,
former owner, and Sidney Olsen, present owner, of 21 Pryer Lane, also
known as Block 720, Parcel 37, appeared to request that the Board re-
consider a settlement of certiorari proceedings on the above mentioned
property because of a recent sale.
Following some discussion the members of the Board referred
to the court decision on the 1940 assessment on the same property and
denied Hr. Davidson' s application.
The Supervisor recommended the following resolution which
was on motion by Councilman Mandeville, seconded by Councilman Griffin,
unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, there are certain unencumbered balances
and over-expenditures in the 1941 budget; and
WHEREAS, the Comptroller has requested the follow-
ing transfers within the 1941 budget to adjust
accounts to the end of the calendar year 1941;
hood, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Comptroller and the Supervisor
be and they hereby are directed to make the follow-
ing transfers within the 1941 budget as of December 31,
1941:
TRANSFERS FROM OTHER APPROPRIATION ACCOUNTS
GENERAL TOWN
Debit Credit
From:
Town Offices (Supplies) $32.66
To:
Department of Supervisor
(Publishing Annual Report) $10.49
Department of Justices of the Peace
(Stenographic Charges) 22.17
TOWN OUTSIDE OF VILLAGES
Debit Credit
'from.
Building Department (Building
Inspector) 1116.90
To:
Plumbing Department Was and oil,
travelling, supplies) $ 39 .84
Police Department (Car repairs) 77 .06
GARBAGE DISTRICT NO. 1
From:
Street Lighting 6657.64
Hydrant Rental 175 .76
To:
Garbage Disposal 833 ®40
The Supervisor submitted the following financial reports
which were ordered filed: (1) Summary of Receipts and Disbursements
from 'January 1 to March 31, 1942; (2) Analysis of Budget Appropriations
and Expenditures from January 1 to March 31, 1942; and (3) Analysis
of Estimated Revenues from January 1 to March 31, 1942.
The Supervisor requested the Town Clerk to read the communi-
cations .
A letter dated May 5, 1942, was received from the Atlantic
Municipal Corporation, requesting the Town to waive interest on certain
tax liens on Block 203, Parcel 367.
On notion by Councilman Brewer, seconded by Councilman
Mandeville, upon roll call, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that the request of the Atlantic
Municipal Corporation be denied.
A letter dated May 6, 1942, was received from John L. Mayer,
manager of the Larchmont Ridge Sports Club, in which he complained
about the nuisance of dogs running at will. He enclosed pictures of
damage done to a building on the club property by twe dogs in an effort
to catch a rabbit.
Following some discussion the 'Town Clerk was requested to
write a letter to the Police Commission, advising them that the 'Town
Board favored an all year-round ordinance for the control of dogs
and to ask them for their recommendations.
A letter dated April 25, 1942, was received from Hayor Goeckler
of the Village of Larchmont, advising that the Village Board had approved
of the request of the Rationing Board for the sum of $2, 500 to cover
its expenses and further that the Board approved of the Mayor' s recom-
mendation that the 'Town assess the two villages and the unincorporated
section for their proportionate share on the basis of population. The
letter was received and filed.
The Town Attorney read a letter from the Building Inspector
dated April 28th, 1942, which states that Mr. Jacob Ackerman had ob-
tained two building permits on April 7th, 1942, for houses which he
851
intended to erect on Harrison Drive, and for which he paid $7.00 each.
The letter further states that through no fault of his, but because of
government regulations concerning priorities, he would be unable to
build these houses and has abandoned the work. For these reasons, he
asked that the money be refunded. The Attorney called attention to the
provisions of the Building Code, vrhich provide that when a permit is
issued and no work is commenced within six months, the permit shall
expire and the fee should not be refunded, but he recommended that under
the circumstances, Mr. Ackerman be allowed to withdraw, his application
for the permits and the money be refunded.
Upon motion being duly made by Councilman Bates and seconded
by Councilman Griffin, it was
RESOLVED that Jacob Ackerman be allowed to vvithdraw
his application for two building permits, filed on
April 7th, 1942 and that thereupon the fees paid
for such permits in the total sum of $14.00 be
refunded to him.
The Town Attorney presented a claim from C. detivitt Rogers for
$25 .00 for obtaining the dismissal of the appeal in the action brought
by naria De Bartolo against members of the Zoning Board. Upon his re-
commendation the claim was approved and ordered paid.
On motion by Councilman Mandeville, seconded by Councilman
Bates, the following resolution was upon roll call unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, the 'Town Engineer has recommended that his
department be furnished with temporary assistance;
and
WHEREAS, Alexander Finson is qualified to give such
assistance;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the 'Town Engineer is hereby authorized
to employ ' Jr . Finson on an hourly basis at the rate
of seventy-five (75) cents per hour, such wcrk to be
done outside of the regular office hours of Mr. Finson
as bookkeeper and. the same to be considered over-time
services;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Comptroller of the 'Totivn
is hereby authorized to approve and pay the claims
submitted by Mr. Finson for this work.
Following some discussion on the vacancy left by the resig-
nation of Mrs . Jean Ingham as telephone operator, it was on motion by
Councilman Mandeville, seconded by Councilman Bates, upon roll call,
RESOLVED, that Miss Wilhelmina Schroeder be and she
hereby is appointed telephone operator at the Townn
Offices effective May 17, 1942, to serve at the
pleasure of the Board for the salary given for this
job in the 1942 budget.
The 'Town Clerk reported that the Police Department had
approved the applications for dance hall licenses for The Post Lodge
and the Parkside Lodge.
On motion by Councilman Mandeville, seconded by Councilman
Bates, upon roll call, it was
RESOLVED, that the applications for dance hall
licenses for the following premises by approved:
The Post Lodge, Boston Post Road, 'Town of
Mamaroneck
The Parkside Lodge, 4 Valley Place, Town of
Mamaroneck