Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997_12_17 Town Board Regular Minutes REVISED TOWN OF MAMARONECK TOWN BOARD AGENDA REGULAR MEETING-Wednesday, December 17, 1997 -Town Center Court Room- 8:15 PM THE TOWN BOARD WILL CONVENE at 7:15 PM into an Executive Session to discuss certiorari proceedings and personnel. I ' CONVENE REGULAR MEETING CONVENE EXECUTIVE SESSION RECESS EXECUTIVE SESSION RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ATTENTION -Location of Exits BOARD OF FUZE COMMISSIONERS 1. Fire Claims 2. Certification of Fire Department Election 3. Other Business AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Adoption of Town 1998 Budget 2. Authorization- Acceptance of Donation from Antonio Deinde Fernandez 3. Authorization- Settlement of Certiorari 4. Authorization- Closing of 1997 Financial Records 5. Report of Bids - TA97-7 -Hommocks Ice Rink Addition - TA97-8 -Refuse Collection Trucks 6. Salary Authorizations-Recreation -Management and Non-Union Personnel ORAL COMMUNICATIONS WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS SUPERVISOR REPORTS REPORTS OF THE COUNCIL Next regularly scheduled meetings-January 7, 1998 -January 21, 1998 Any physically handicapped person needing special assistance in order to attend the meeting should call the Town Administrator's office at 381-7810. DECEMBER 17, 1997 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK AND THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS HELD ON DECEMBER 17, 1997 AT 8:15 PM IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE TOWN CENTER, 740 W. BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK PRESENT: Supervisor Elaine Price Councilman Paul A. Ryan Councilwoman Valerie M. O'Keeffe Councilwoman Phyllis Wittner ABSENT: Councilman Barry Weprin Who would be late for the meeting. ALSO PRESENT: Patricia DiCioccio, Town Clerk Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator Charlene Indelicato, Town Attorney CONVENE EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board convened into an Executive Session at 7:15 PM in Conference Room A of the Town Center to discuss certiorari proceedings and personnel. On motion duly made and seconded the Board adjourned at 8:00 PM to the Court Room to reconvene the regular meeting. Before entering the Court Room, the Board was greeted by a contingent of residents mostly from North Brook Road and Harmon Drive who had called a press conference outside the Court Room. The Supervisor invited them into the Court Room and,would put their concerns regarding the Sound Barriers on 1-95 as the first item on the agenda. CALL TO ORDER The Regular meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Price at 8:20 PM, who then pointed out the location of exits. DISCUSSION ON SOUND BARRIERS The Supervisor thanked Councilwoman Wittner for advising that the citizens would be meeting, and said although Rosemary Cunningham, the group leader and a resident of North Brook Road had called Assemblyman Tocci's and Senator Oppenheimer's offices, none of the State legislators would be able to attend. DECEMBER 17, 1997 Supervisor Price said that there is money for wooden sound barriers to be put on 1-95 at North Brook Road and Harmon Drive, but the money had not been released yet. She had spoken with Nita Lowey who would look for money in the federal budget to help us, but since this area has just received 4 million dollars in federal funding to dredge Mamaroneck Harbor,it did not seem likely. She said that the NYS Thruway Authority can legislate the money, they are a taxing district, and as such Ron Tocci and Suzi Oppenheimer have not been able to get monies for concrete barriers. There is some concern by the NYS Authority that because of the way the land slopes in that area, it would be extremely expensive to put concrete barriers. The pricing difference has not been nailed down and she was trying to get a more precise figure as to the cost. She said that concrete barriers would be also preferred because they would lower the noise levels by approximately 20 to 25 decibels, and since the Revere Road barriers have been put in the decibel level on some of the surrounding streets has increased. She said that the wooden fences are scheduled to be built in the spring, and if the neighborhood wants to fight for concrete, the fight needs to be structured, thus justifying the cost. Patrick Cunningham, North Brook Road, said that the group needed leadership, he had files of numerous letters sent regarding the matter to Suzi Oppenheimer, Ron Tocci, George Latimer, etc. He said that the ducks have concrete barriers so why not his neighborhood? Supervisor Price attempted to explain the zone 4 priority structure, and that concrete barriers had originally been planned for that area; the Town and varying other groups had lobbied hard for concrete, but that we've been told there is not enough money. She said that the Town was on the same side as they are, but that it is hard to lobby with no power, and that we are also frustrated, we can only question why and ask for price breakdowns. Eugene McGuire, 19 North Brook Road, said the slope is not anymore severe than the section already done, in fact its identical. He also said that he has been unable to get Ron Tocci to speak with him, and that he had tried Suzi's office, who told him to call Ron. He wanted to know why they were getting the run around from people who supposedly work for us, and wants to know from them why they are getting wood barriers. Mr. Altieri that the NYS Thruway Authority said that if concrete barriers were to be put in the State would have to fund them, and now the Town is caught between the two entities. Mr. McGuire said that wood rots and would have to be replaced after five to seven years. Anna Marie Mirando, North Brookside, stated that since the new barriers have gone up so has the noise level, and that wood would not help alleviate the noise. She added that no one is paying attention to them or to what they want, these people work for us and how do they get the right to allocate funds without answering to anyone. Supervisor Price replied that many hours had been spent on this by both herself and the Town Administrator trying to weave through the processes, and that they share in the frustration. She introduced Ron Tocci's new legislative aid, Judy Myers, who will bring these comments back to Ron. She said there was a need to do a sign off letter, and to maybe get an engineer to look at the site to see how costly the concrete barriers will be. Rosemary Cunningham thanked everyone for attending this meeting, and said that the neighborhood has young children who would like to speak. Maggie, Betsy, Jean; all told of their experiences with the noise, the vibrations, which actually knock down items from their shelves, and playing outdoors is difficult because they can't even hear each other without shouting. Jean Linneau Read a letter from Toba and Steven Primaver, 35 Harmon Drive: To Whom it May Concern: 2 DECEMBER 17, 1997 Our family currently lives on Harmon Drive and are constantly inundated with noise from the Highway. We feel this noise level is so severe that our quality of life has been greatly diminished by i4 and we are very anxious to have the barrier wall erected and we are at a loss as to why other walls have been completed and we are still waiting. Thank you, Toba and Steven Primaver Jean asked why the barriers were stopped right in the middle of someone's property; couldn't they have at least have finished that to the end of the property line? The Supervisor suggest the Thruway Authority be approached to answer that question. John Ibelli, lives in Larchmont Woods, shares the frustration. The State has to be not given in to, that the situation not be accepted, call another meeting and have all the state entities here, and then with the consensus, the NYS Thruway Authority will do what they are told. Councilman Weprin joined the meeting at this time. Supervisor Price suggested that the current monies allocated for wood barriers be preserved, let us find what the true costs are for concrete; we will keep the pressure on by emphasizing the noise levels and quality of life issues. The meeting was adjourned for five minutes and reconvened as a BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Price at 9:40 PM in the Court Room. Present were the following members of the Commission: Commissioner: Elaine Price Commissioner: Paul A. Ryan Commissioner: Valerie M. O'Keeffe Commissioner: Barry Weprin Commissioner: Phyllis Wittner 1. Fire Claims: Commissioner Wittner presented fire claims for authorization of payment, thereafter on Councilwoman Wittner's motion, seconded by Commissioner Weprin, it was unanimously: RESOLVED, that this Commission hereby authorizes payment of the following Fire Department claims as approved by the Fire Chief and audited by the Comptroller's Office: AAA Emergency Supply Co., Inc. $ 60.00 AAA Emergency Supply Co , Inc. 73.00 AAA Emergency Supply Co , Inc. 20.00 Academy of Fire Science 20.00 AT& T 27.15 AT& T Wireless 130.48 3 DECEMBER 17, 1997 Carquest of Larchmont 40.18 Con Edison 698.64 Excelsior Garage & Machine Works, Inc. 449.00 Gall's Inc 82.98 Gall's Inc. 300.93 Home Fair Camera 29.80 Joseph Caldararo 130.00 Lucent Technologies 45.85 Powell Catering Services 960.00 Printwear Plus' 580.00 Quest Diagnostics 118.67 Redwood Nursery 115.00 Roberts 341.00 Thomas Landau M.D. 70.00 Town of Mamaroneck 375.00 The Tool Nut 37.66 Westchester Joint Water Works 81.48 786M 2. CERTIFICATION OF FIRE DEPARTMENT ELECTIONS Supervisor Price read the listing of new officers elected and sent her congratulations to all of them: CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT MICHAEL J. ACOCELLA 1 ST ASSISTANT CHIEF MICHAEL A. LIVERZANI 2ND ASSISTANT CHIEF DOUGLAS J. BURRELL SECRETARY LOUIS N. SANTORO TREASURER SEAN MC CARTHY FINANCIAL SECRETARY ROBERT DEGAN CHAPLAIN MSGR. JOSEPH BOYD SURGEON DR. THOMAS LANDAU ATTORNEY JAMES R. CARCANO, III ESQ. Engine 51 Engine 37 Capt. Christopher Marcon Capt. Edward Ladin 1st Lt. David Cremmins 1st Lt. David G. Commender 2nd Lt: Open due to election 2nd Lt. Robert Blaufarb Secy. Kenneth Cavanaugh Secy. Sean McCarthy Ladder 19 Engine 36 Capt. James Carcano Capt. Mark Baumblatt 1st Lt. Marc Burrell 1st Lt. Open 2nd Lt. John Mitchell 2nd Lt. Brendan Collins Secy. William Mc Dermott Secy. Theodore Hecht On motion of Commissioner Weprin, seconded by Commissioner Ryan, it was unanimously, RESOLVED, that this Commission hereby accepts the above listing of certification for filing. There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner Weprin, seconded by Commissioner Wittner, the Commission unanimously adjourned at 10:00 PM. 4 DECEMBER 17, 1997 AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Adoption 1998 Town Budget Mr. Altieri said the Board had at the most recent budget work session made additional revisions to the Preliminary Budget. In the, budget presented at the December 3, 1997 hearing, the proposed tax rate was $162.45, an increase of $4.80 or 3.9%. As a result of the revisions by the Board, the tax rate for residents of the Unincorporated Area, will be $161.95 per one thousand dollars of assessed valuation. The increase in the tax rate will be 2.9% or$4.60. He said that a resident of the Unincorporated Town will pay $92 more in 1998 for all Town services. Below is a listing of the changes: Fund Account 1998 1998 Change Preliminary Adopted Revenue Part Town 0002799 $250,000 $285,000 $35,000 Expense General Town A1220.1015 $ 2,000 $ -0- ($2,000) A1410.1015 $ 4,500 $ 3,000 ($1,500) A1410.4017 1,500 500 ( 1,000) A1990.000 $ 25,000 $291500 $4,500 Below are the revised appropriation and tax rate sheets for the 1998 Budget. He then recommended that the revised budget now be adopted be the Board. On motion of Councilwoman Winner, seconded by Councilwoman O'Keeffe, it was unanimously, RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve the 1998 preliminary budget as follows: TOWN OF MAMARONECK 1998 PRELIMINARY BUDGET ESTIMATED UNEXPENDED TAX FUND AND DISTRICT APPROPRIATIONS REVENUES BALANCE LEVY GENERAL FUND-General Town 5,732,105 3,495,225 355,000 1,881,880 GENERAL FUND-Part-Town 6,347,140 1,200,700 285,000 4,861,440 HIGHWAY FUND 2,463,055 187,500 200,000 2,075,555 FIRE DISTRICT 1,809,140 21,000 0 1,788,140 STREET LIGHTING DISTRICT 122,120 0 0 122,120 AMBULANCE DISTRICT 575,080 330,000 0 245,080 GARBAGE DISTRICT 1,151,100 5,500 0 1,145,600 SEWER DISTRICT 257,000 11,000 25,000 221,000 WATER DISTRICT 239,800 213,000 26,800 0 DEBT SERVICE FUND 100,000 100,000 0 0 TOTAL 18,796,540 5,563,925 891,800 12,340,815 Ernie Odierna commented on all the hard work he had seen go into this budget and thanked the Board members; he added that he would be even happier if it was lower. Supervisor Price thanked him and said that she would defend every staff position and item in this budget, noting that the Town was looking for more revenues and at re- 5 DECEMBER 17, 1997 evaluation. She said that a re-evaluation committee would be formed consisting of residents from the Town and two Villages. But that overall she was pleased with the budget. Councilwoman O'Keeffe congratulated Mr. Altieri, and Carmine DeLuca for getting the budget to this level. She added that the ice rink should be looked at carefully, making sure it stays a revenue source. Supervisor Price responded that the Recreation Commission, Superintendent of Recreation and Administrator brought this issue to the Board's attention during the Budget process and that the Supervisor has raised several potential sources of revenues for the Ice Rink which she wanted to explore with business leaders in the community. Councilman Ryan replied that the Recreation Commission is diligent in its reviews of Y p 9 revenues and tends to be on the conservative side. Supervisor Price thanked The Administrator and the Town Comptroller for all their work and for listening. She said that the Board tends towards a conservative bent and it's not always easy for them to comply. 2. Acceptance of Donation - Memorial Park The Administrator said that the Town Attorney has been in discussions with counsel to Mr. Antonio Deinde Fernandez, a resident of the Town, regarding a donation of funds. Mr. Fernandez is interested in donating funds for an activity or project that would benefit the children of our community. After providing Mr. Fernandez with a list of eligible projects, he has decided that the donation be used for funding renovations to the playground at Memorial Park. Mr. Fernandez will donate $30,000 over 2 years to this project. Mr. Altieri said the playground at the park is extremely popular with the toddlers and young children in this area of the Town. A member item grant from the New York State Legislature in 1985 had allowed the Town to conduct the first restoration of the playground. The intention this time is to upgrade the facility play surface and to replace some playground equipment with equipment that is compliant with the needs of the handicapped. During the winter months, the Recreation Department will prepare a plan for the project and a final cost estimate. We would plan to restore the playground in the spring of 1998. Following discussion, on motion of Councilman Ryan, seconded by Councilman Weprin, the resolution was approved. WHEREAS, Ambassador Antonio Diende Fernandez as a resident of the Town of Mamaroneck desires to make a donation to the Town to be used for a worthy purpose and which will benefit children; and WHEREAS, Memorial Park Playground is a very popular park for children in the Town; and is in need of some renovation. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board accepts the donation of thirty-thousand dollars ($30,000.00)which represents the annual donation of fifteen thousand dollars($ 15,000.00)for the years 1997 and 1998. BE IT FURTHER, 6 DECEMBER 17, 1997 RESOLVED, that such donation will be placed in a separate account from the General Fund to be used solely for the renovation and/or the maintenance of Memorial Park Playground. If for any reason the Town wishes to use the donation for some other worthy reason, the Town shall notify Ambassador Antonio Diende Fernandez whose consent of the change shall not be unreasonably withheld. BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that upon the completion of the project at the Memorial Park Playground, a plaque will be placed at the Playground memorializing Ambassador Antonio Diende Fernandez's generous gift. 3. Settlement of Certiorari 2430 BOSTON POST ROAD and RED TOP AUTO BODY BLOCK 615, LOT 1 BLOCK 503, LOT 421 The Attorney said these cases date back to 1991, for reasons unknown to either her or Mr. Valenza, no settlement had been reached. The owner of these properties dismissed his attorney of record who had represented him in the cases dating back to 1993 and a lien was placed on the file for any reductions given during the years 1993 to 1996. In 1997, a notice of petition was filed and served by another attorney hired by the owner Mr. Contreras. During negotiations with Mr. Valenza, the owner offered to discontinue all actions relative to prior years thus requiring no refunds and settling only for the years 1997. Mr. Valenza places the value on the property based on examination and income statements provided at the amount below. On motion of Councilman Ryan, seconded by Councilwoman O'Keeffe, it was unanimously, RESOLVED, that the Town Board, based on the recommendation of Ross Valenza, the Town Assessor, does hereby approve the following settlement of Certiorari: Amount of Year Assessment Reduced to Reduction 1993 615 Lot 1 $20800 Discontinued 0% 503 Lot 421 $33,000 1994 615 Lot 1 $2,800 Discontinued 0% 503 Lot 421 $33,000 1995 615 Lot 1 $2,800 Discontinued 0% 503 Lot 421 $33,000 1996 615 Lot 1 $2,800 Discontinued 0% 503 Lot 421 $33,000 1997 615 Lot 1 $2,800 $2,000 $ 800 28% 503 Lot 421 $33,000 $16,500 $16,500 50% 731 MAMARONECK AVENUE (HESS STATION) BLOCK 821, LOT 1.2 TOWN OF MAMARONECK 7 DECEMBER 17, 1997 This is the Hess Station on Mamaroneck Avenue. Although the reduction is considerable, the comparison has been made to the Shell Station on Mamaroneck Avenue and the BP Station on the corner of Mamaroneck Avenue and Hoyt Street. The Shell Station, which is larger, is currently assessed at$33,300 and the BP Station is assessed at $27,000. Given those comparables, the settlement reached by Mr. Valenza would not be improved by any further litigation. Amount of Year Assessment Reduced to Reduction 1995 $73,100 $43,000 $30,100 41% 1996 $73,100 $43,000 $30,100 41% 1997 $73,100 $43,000 $30,100 41% 4. Closing of Financial Records 1997 The Administrator said that authorization was being requested for the Town Comptroller to make all necessary journal entries and budget transfers of reserve funds to close the Town's financial records for 1997. On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilman Weprin, it was unanimously, RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby give the Town Comptroller authority to make all necessary budget transfers to enable the closing of the financial records for 1997. 5. Report on Bids -TA97-7 - Hommocks Ice Rink Addition - Refuse Collection Trucks This item was held over. 6. SALARY AUTHORIZATION Recreation On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilman Weprin, it was unanimously, RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize salaries for the following: Peter deVoogd, Youth Hockey Instructor, $7 1hour, effective retroactive to 11/26/97. Management and Non-Union Personnel - deferred. 8 DECEMBER 17, 1997 REP R SUPERVISOR REPORTS The Supervisor said that she had received a letter regarding the lack of crime reporting in the newspaper. She said that every incident is logged on the Police Blotter, and that the openness shown by our Police Department has been commented on by journalists. Supervisor Price then read the,following letters: Dear Officers, On behalf of the Crupi family we would like to sincerely thank you for your spectacular performance in the funeral procession for Giuseppe Crupi. Thanks to your guidance and professionalism everyone arrived safely and free of disturbances at Greenwood Cemetery. Thank you. Sincerely, The Crupi Family The Supervisor said that she had received a thank you letter from Mr Braithwaite for the wonderful job done on the sidewalks: Dear Ms. Price, As a long time resident (55 years at the same address) I would like to thank you and the Board for the sidewalk replacement project. The contractor did an excellent jot. Today we had our first snow fall and shoveling was so much easier. Keep up the good work. Howard H. Braithwaite 19 Copley Road Supervisor Price said she had met with Nita Lowey after the Community Leadership Alliance meeting led by John Nolan, which discussed the leadership program which involves dispute resolution and land use planning. It's a good program which gets community leaders involved. In addition, there had been a legislative breakfast held by the Association of Towns that she had attended noting that there had been a lot of hostility and anger expressed on matters dealing with sales tax, and reevaluation. Mr. Altieri said that during the next two weeks, because of the holidays, there would be no recycling and reminded everyone that recyclables could be brought to the Town yard. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilman Weprin, seconded by Councilman Ryan, the meeting was adjourned. Patricia A. DiCioccio, Town Clerk C:IMSOFFICEIWINWORD IMin197minfl12-17x.doc 9