Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020_04_15 Town Board Minutes April 15, 2020 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD APRIL 15, 2020 BEGINNING AT 6:00 PM. PURSUANT TO THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 202.1, SUSPENSION OF LAW ALLOWING THE ATTENDANCE OF MEETINGS TELEPHONICALLY OR OTHER SIMILAR SERVICE: Article 7 of the Public Officers Law, to the extent necessary to permit any public body to meet and take such actions authorized by the law without permitting in public in-person access to meetings and authorizing such meetings to be held remotely by conference call or similar service, provided that the public has the ability to view or listen to such proceeding and that such meetings are recorded and later transcribed; PRESENT: Supervisor Nancy Seligson Councilwoman Abby Katz Councilwoman Jaine Elkind Eney Councilwoman Sabrina Fiddelman Councilman Jeffery L. King ALSO PRESENT: Christina Battalia, Town Clerk Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator Connie Green O’Donnell, Deputy Town Administrator William Maker, Jr., Town Attorney CALL TO ORDER - WORK SESSION Additionally Present: Lindsay Luft Administrative Assistant On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, the Work Session was unanimously opened at 6:00 p.m. Rock Removal Law Supervisor Seligson noted that the Town Board has been discussing this for several months, in an attempt to make the current law stricter. The Town Board reviewed the latest draft reflecting the Town Boards discussions. The Board agreed that it reflected the discussions to date, except that the definition of the word ‘rock’ had been modified, and should be changed back to the previous version. The Town Board will wait until the moratorium on construction is lifted before holding a public hearing on this law. It was noted that as part of the Supervisor’s authority, rock removal has been suspended. Supervisor Seligson will reach out to the residents who have been vocal about amending this law and let them know the progress to date and the timing of a public hearing. Capital Projects The Town Board reviewed a memo from Mr. Altieri, dated April 8, 2020, including a comprehensive summary of the current Capital Projects. Mr. Altieri stated that it is still unclear as to what Capital Projects can be accomplished in this environment. It was noted that this is not a complete listing of Capital Projects, specifically there are two technology projects in the Town Clerk’s Office that are not listed. The Town Clerk gave a brief description of them. Additionally, the Town Board noted that beginning the Comprehensive Plan is most probably a year away. The Town Board noted a few projects that could begin safely and within guidelines. Supervisor Seligson asked that this schedule be on the agenda monthly in light of the financial changes and Executive Orders issued. Peddlers Law On motion of Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilman King, the Town Board convened into a closed session to receive Advice of Counsel. 1 April 15, 2020 ADVICE OF COUNSEL On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, the Board unanimously agreed to resume the Work Session. Update - Coronavirus Supervisor Seligson gave the Town Board an update from the recent call with Senator Chuck Schumer and County Executive George Latimer. Councilwoman Katz gave an update on the Larchmont Mamaroneck Food Pantry. Supervisor Seligson noted that there was a meeting of the Town Village School (TVS), noting that the school th district will decide by May 15 whether to reopen schools for the remainder of the year. The USGA Open has been rescheduled for September 14 through 20, 2020. They will come back to the Town in June with modifications to the existing plans. Supervisor Seligson noted the weekly call in show with Town and Village Officials on Thursday evening’s on LMC-TV. Village of Larchmont local elections were moved to June 12, 2020. PRESENTATION – New York State Senator, Shelley Mayer Senator Mayer gave an update from the State level. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Seligson at 7:30 p.m. Supervisor Seligson noted that the Town Board met for a worksession beginning at six o’clock this evening, adding this is an open meeting that was available through the internet and residents may ask questions through an email address listed on the agenda. SUPERVISOR’S SUMMARY REPORT We continue to run the Town of Mamaroneck government on a modified schedule due to the Coronavirus pandemics, but we provide all the essential services of emergency response on a regular schedule. I want to thank all the staff of the Town and the Sanitation Commission for their dedication in continuing to work during this time. Town Administrator, Steve Altieri and I participate in County conference call updates every other day with the other chief elected officials and managers around the County. We receive the latest Covid case information, discuss the latest executive orders, listen for County guidance on issues, share information, and ask questions. There are currently 85 confirmed cases in the Town. Senator Schumer was on the call today and discussed the current federal Covid bills and the proposal for a new bill. Senator Schumer reinforced the importance of social distancing, wearing masks in public places and taking all precautions to avoid getting or transferring the virus. The Town Board and I endorse that and ask that all residents practice social distancing with all non-household members. The County Board of Legislators, working with the Town Supervisors, has proposed a bill that would greatly th reduce the late penalty fees for paying Town and County taxes after April 30. The bill was introduced th yesterday and a public hearing is open until Friday, April 17. Residents can submit or call in comments. Please remember to complete the 2020 Census update! The Town response rate is currently at 55.4%, but we need it to be above 90%. The Census forms were mailed to residents recently if you didn’t complete the 2 April 15, 2020 forms online. This information determines are representation in the federal government and the state and federal aid we receive for the next ten years. We need everyone to count! There has been a tremendous outpouring of support for the Larchmont Mamaroneck Joint Garbage Commission staff from residents in the form of food donations. Thank you to everyone who has shown their appreciation and recognizes the important work they do. CITIZEN’S COMMENTS None BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The Meeting was called to order by Commissioner Seligson, and then on motion of Commissioner Elkind Eney, seconded by Commissioner Katz, the Board of Fire Commissioners was unanimously declared open. Present were the following Members of the Commission: Commissioner: Nancy Seligson Commissioner: Abby Katz Commissioner: Jaine Elkind Eney Commissioner: Sabrina Fiddelman Commissioner: Jeffery L. King 1. Fire Report Commissioner Elkind Eney read the Fire Report for the Month of March as submitted by Chief Russo. Commissioner Elkind Eney reported that the Fire Department is working hard on safety, while still servicing the community. They are actively ‘writing’ the manual as it’s happening. There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner Elkind Eney, seconded by Commissioner King, the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened. Supervisor Seligson stated that on March 16, she declared a Town State of Emergency, and since has extended that Declaration through May 15. This allows Supervisor Seligson special powers to suspend local laws. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Authorization - Capital Budget Transfer – East Hickory Grove Drive Bridge On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby authorize the transfer of $33,000.00 for emergency repairs to the East Hickory Grove Drive Bridge, as detailed by the Town Comptroller is the following schedule: 2020 CAPITAL BUDGET AMENDMENTS Item # Amount CAPITAL FUND (FUND H): 1 $ 33,000 Revenue H.0000.5031.2020.82 Transfer from General Fund Increase Expense H.5120.0400.2020.82 Hickory Grove Bridge Increase 33,000 Item # GENERAL FUND (FUND A): 3 April 15, 2020 2 $ 33,000 Expense A.9900.9950 Transfer to Capital Increase $ 33,000 Income A.0000.5995 Appropriated Fund Balance Increase The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: King Aye Fiddelman Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Seligson Aye 2. Capital Projects Review Supervisor Seligson stated that the Town Board reviewed the Capital Projects during their Worksession, and will continue to do so every few weeks, as finances and the corona virus progresses. 3. Resolution of Support – Proposed County/Town Property Tax Penalty Legislation Resolution of Endorsement For a Local Law Amending Chapter 283 of the Laws of Westchester County relating to the Westchester County Tax Law On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the following was approved; WHEREAS, the pandemic known as COVID-19 has placed the entire region as well as the entire nation under a state of emergency, and WHEREAS, the pandemic has stalled the national and regional economies resulting in a loss of jobs and placing many under economic stress, and WHEREAS, the Town governments in Westchester, working with the Westchester County Government have been sought to develop some form of relief in connection with the payment of Town and County property taxes due In April 2020, and WHEREAS, that remedy would provide assistance to the taxpayers while insuring that the Town and the County governments would receive needed property tax would receive needed property tax revenue to continue providing essential services, particularly at this critical time. NOIW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Supervisor and Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck do hereby endorse and support the proposed local law to be considered by the Westchester County Board of legislators that would, for the remainder of 2020, reduce the currently schedule of penalties for late payments from its current levels to one half percentum for taxes paid in May, one percentum for taxes paid in between June 1 and July 15, two percentum for taxes paid between July 16 and July 31 and seven percentum for taxes paid after July 31. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: King Aye Fiddelman Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Seligson Aye 4 April 15, 2020 4. Authorization – Extension of Building Permits Supervisor Seligson stated that due to restrictions on non-essential construction, all building permits expiring since March 1, 2020 will be extended to June 30, 2020. Supervisor Seligson will authorize this as part of her Suspension of Laws under the Town State of Emergency. Councilwoman Elkind Eney asked the Town Board to consider an amendment whereby any Building Permit that was in effect at the time the construction ban commenced be extended for an amount of time equal to length of the construction ban. APPROVAL OF MINUTES On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman King, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the Board Minutes from the meeting of April 1, 2020. REPORT OF COUNCIL The Town Board Members reported on their various activities and meetings since the last Town Board Meeting. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the meeting was unanimously adjourned. ________________________________ Submitted by Christina Battalia, Town Clerk 5