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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988_05_18 Town Board Regular Minutes 126 May 18, 1988 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD AND BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK, HELD ON THE 18TH DAY OF MAY 1988 IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE TOWN CENTER, 740 WEST BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK CONVENE REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Battalia at 7:00 p.m. in the Court Room, at which time the Board recessed into Executive Session. The Executive Session was held in Conference Room A to discuss matters of personnel, litigation and real estate, after which, on motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously declared adjourned at 8:30 p.m. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Battalia at 8:40 p.m. in the Court Room. Present were the following members of the Board: Supervisor Dolores A. Battalia Councilwoman Caroline Silverstone Councilman Stephen C. Chapin Councilwoman Elaine Price Councilman Henry Korn Also present were: Carol A. Acocella, Deputy Town Clerk Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator Edward M. Lieberman, Town Counsel P. Thomas Leddy, Highway Superintendent William Zimmermann, Recreation Superintendent Roseann Saracino, Recreation Supervisor Richard Tortorella, Fire Chief William McDermott, 1st Deputy Fire Chief Louis Santoro, 2nd Deputy Fire Chief CALL TO ATTENTION Supervisor Battalia pointed out to those assembled the location of exits as required by law for public gatherings. May 18, 1988 127 PRESENTATION - Town of Mamaroneck Flag by Boy Scouts Supervisor Battalia announced that tonight two local Boy Scouts, James Amlicke, who will be an Eagle Scout as of next Tuesday and Richard Conlon, will present the Town of Mamaroneck flag and, she noted, there is also one coming for the Fire Department. The Supervisor thanked Clara Tracy, the Administrator' s secretary, for taking on and accomplishing such a great job of designing the new Town flag. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The Meeting was called to order by Commissioner Battalia at 8 :50 p.m. in the Court Room. Present were the following members of the Commission: Commissioner Dolores A. Battalia Comissioner Caroline Silverstone Commissioner Stephen C. Chapin Commissioner Elaine Price Commissioner Henry Korn 1. Fire Claims Commissioner Chapin presented fire claims for authorization of payment and on motin by Commissioner Silverstone, seconded by Commissioner Korn, 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. $ 280 .00 All Power Equipment Co. 195. 15 Excelsior Garage & Machine Works, Inc. 1 ,796.92 Highpoint Marketing Corp. 31.75 Larchmont Auto Parts Dist. , Inc. 26.91 Lawrence Heat & Power Corp. 104.98 Lawrence Heat & Power Corp. 398 .41 Lawrence Heat & Power Corp. 185. 00 Lawrence Heat & Power Corp. 818 .56 Joseph C. Mirabella 180.00 N.F.P.A. 65 .85 Portronix 308. 20 $4,391.73 2 . Presentation by Fire Department - Purchase of Mini-Attack Pumper The Supervisor called on Chief Tortorella who proceeded to explain that the specs and pricing found on the agenda for this item were to replace the obsolete vehicle purchased in 1966 when this was the first of this type of equipment. The Administrator asked if this was the same item placed into the 5-year plan for the Town budget. Chief Tortorella responded 2 May 18, 1988 128 that it was, but this new vehicle has much more capability to reach areas such as the Thruway, and brush fires in wooded areas such as Saxon Woods since it can reach difficult places because of its size and maneuverability. Some discussion followed among the Board and Mr. Frey, a resident, wished to know if we are responsible for covering the Thruway and Saxon Woods, which are State and, nd Count Y areas, to which the Supervisor replied yes. Mr. Perciasepe, another resident, added that he was involved during the purchase of the first vehicle, known then as a utility-4 and this mini-pumper is far superior since it has 4-wheel drive, contains an A-frame ladder for quick access on the Thruway, can, for instance, remove a car burning in a garage quickly and efficiently where the large pumper cannot be used, it contains Indian tanks, which are back tanks for difficult to reach areas, and is an excellent vehicle to reach residential homes adjourning Saxon Woods, Bonnie Briar or Winged Foot. Further discussion ensued and it was the consensus that some information be put together on how much use was made of the vehicle during 1986-87, especially on the Thruway. The Supervisor asked the Town Administrator, together with the Fire Chief, to prepare an updated 5-year equipment plan, and promised that the Board would act quickly on this matter and try to receive some State funding. 3 . The Supervisor reported that she had received two calls , one about training vehicles used and one about training sessions last evening. She requested the Fire Chief to give her an update so that she may respond to these inquiries. Supervisor Battalia also mentioned receiving a call from the School Board regarding the alarm system. The Chief explained that alarms are no longer going directly to the firehouse but that the School has its own central station which is monitored 24 hours and conveyed to the Fire Department on 2100---this change was made about one month ago and will begin in September 1988 . The Supervisor requested some background information on this from the Chief, before meeting with the School Board. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before this Commission, on motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously declared that this meeting be adjourned at 9 :35 p.m. PRESENTATION - Summer Recreation Program The Supervisor called upon William Zimmermann, Superintendent of Recreation. Mr. Zimmermann introduced to the Board and residents, Rosanne Saracino, the new Recreation Supervisor, and explained that she will primarily handle programatic development on a full-time basis, replacing several part-time positions that were in the budget. 3 May 18 , 1988 129 Mr. Zimmermann announced that the Recreation Department' s SUMMER 1988 Activities brochure was being mailed this weekend and briefly detailed the activities, dates and hours for registration, and costs of various activities. In addition, •he ,quickly described each of the programs within the brocure, such as the swimming and scuba, family physical fitness, golf, Central School playground, tennis, summer music workshop, pre-school camps, the .teen center and, Mr. Zimmermann especially. Wanted to encourage family participation on Sunday, June- 19th. The new Recreation Supervisor then highlighted the special events, namely "Back" Talk, . the Orange 'County Fair and Rafting Trip. The Recreation Superintendent explained the Yankee and Met game trips and commented on items not in the brochure since they have just been made aware of them, such as an agreement with the Village of Mamaroneck for a Beach Party at Harbor Island. At this time Mr. Frey asked what the Town Board was doing to alleviate discrimination against residents by limiting them to tennis at the Central School courts and questioned as to whether, should he take out a Town permit without a photo and went to the Myrtle courts, he would still not be allowed to play. The Recreation Commissioner stated that this was correct. Mr. Frey mentioned that, as he understood it, the Recreation Commission met last week and has not rendered a decision and is not in a position to render one, and questioned why this decision has not been made. The Supervisor responded that since that question was last raised, the Town has spent one year trying to find records, has requested an opinion of the State Comptroller and has placed this matter before the Recreation Commission, which is the policy-making body. Mr. Frey replied that just for the record and for the minutes to refelect exactly what he had requested, he asked the Clerk for results, he did not ask the Town to waste one year looking for records that do not exist, and if he was being told it took one year to look for non-existent records, your are telling him that this Town is in a sorry state of affairs from a retrieval of information point of view. Mr. Frey then asked the Clerk to provide him with a copy of the minutes of last spring, perhaps April through June, when he first appeared before the Board. At this point, Supervisor Battalia explained that this matter was researched thoroughly and added that this was done a very long time ago and apparently there were no prior records available. She reiterated that the Clerk had spent a great deal of time and devoted regular time to attempting to find records and added that one cannot resurrect and retrieve what is not locatable. She stated further that all Town records were not in place when the Clerk took over the office, but as a former Town of Mamaroneck resident and now, as a Village of Mamaroneck resident, she feels strongly that Unincorporated Area residents deserve a place to play tennis and since no Village resident has ever been taxed for the acquisition of this property or for the maintenance of this property, and since Central School Courts are offered to all, Harbor Island Courts are for Village of Mamaroneck residents, Flint Park Courts are for Village of Larchmont residents, she proposed the Board adopt a resolution maintaining status quo with respect to Memorial Park until such time as the Recreation Commission feels that it wishes to make a formal recommendation to alter this. Councilwoman Silverstone stated that she would be happy to make 4 May 18 , 1988 130 this motion, and Councilman Chapin stated that he would second the motion with no time limit added, since Unincorporated Area residents have only three and one-half courts, one single and two doubles, for the entire Unincorporated Area population. On a roll-call vote, the following resolution was unanimously adopted: WHEREAS, no Village resident has ever been taxed for the acquisition of this property or for the maintenance of this property; and WHEREAS, Unincorporated Area residents have one single and two double courts in Memorial Park for the entire population; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board hereby adopts subject to approval by the Recreation Committee, a status quo position with regard to use of the tennis courts at Memorial Park for Unincorporated Area residents only. Mr. Frey asked for copies of correspondence to the State Comptroller and for the minutes, both of which the Supervisor assured him he would receive. Another resident, Jerome Sanders asked why the sailing program was no longer included in the summering offering, to which Mr. Zimmermannn replied. that it was eliminated by both the Recreation Commission and the Town Board at a meeting following the budget presentation due to economics'. . . He explained that the course per participant, because of the limited number they could enroll in the program, was running between $200 to $300 dollars per person. He further explained that the problem of expense was the arrangement with Nichols Boatyard who, twelve years ago, charged $200 to moor boats and is now charging $12, 000 to $13,000 just to keep boats and although other location were sought they were unsuccessful. He concluded that it became apparent that this program was much to high. Mr. Sanders asked to see the financial records, further discussion ensued, and Mr. Saunders was invited to attend the meetings of the Recreation Commission since they welcome any suggestions and ideas which may help bring the sailing program back. PUBLIC HEARING - One Way-Alden Road The Supervisor asked for a motion to open the Hearing and on motion by Councilwoman Price, seconded by Councilman Chapin, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Public Hearing be, and it hereby is, declared open. The Town Clerk presented for the record the Affidavits of Publication and Posting of the Notice of Hearing. 5 May 18 , 1988 1.31 The Administrator gave a brief explanation and the Supervisor asked if anyone wished to address the Board in favor. Robin Bernstein, who resides at the corner of Harmony and Alden, stated that she felt this problem did not exist previous to occupation by Casey's Restaurant and now people come out of Caseys drunk, wild, they park in her driveway, they block driveways and double park and, she noted, she is in favor of the one way. Paul Savin and Dennis O'Hagan were also in favor as was Mr. Frey. Following a somewhat lengthy discusssion by the Board and various residents, the Supervisor asked if anyone cared to speak in opposition, to which there was no response. Thereafter, on motion by Councilwoman Price, seconded by Councilman Chapin, the Public Hearing was unanimously declared closed. Supervisor Battalia then asked for a motion to adopt the resolution and, on motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Korn, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board upon recommendation of the Traffic Commission, hereby designates Alden Road as One-Way, with access from the Boston Post Road, on a trial basis for a period of approximately three months, as per Local Law No. 1-1965 , Article II entitled Traffic Regulations, section 81-4 J, Chapter 81, VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC, of the Code of the IIITown of Mamaroneck, New York. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Authorization - Study Extension of Water Service District- Deerfield Lane The Administrator explained that the Westchester Joint Water Works had received a letter from two residents on Deerfield Lane and three residents on Old White Plains Road who wished to eliminate their current water wells and receive water service from the Water Works. On motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Korn, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes Westchester Joint Water Works to prepare a study on the extension of water service to residents of Deerfield Lane and Old White Plains Road. 2. Authorization - Real Estate Agreement-New York State Department of Transportation After a brief explanation by the Administrator indicating that signing the acceptance agreement in no way precludes the 6 May 18, 1988 132 Town from attaining a higher amount for land the State wishes to acquire adjacent to Weaver Street, on motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Chapin, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the Town Administrator to execute the document to accept the offer of advance payment from the State Department of Transportation for property adjacent to Weaver Street. 3 . Authorization - Employee Assistance Program Following a brief explanation by the Administrator, some discussion ensued. Thereafter, on motion by Councilwoman Price, who stated that she felt the Town' s participation in this program was economically wise and philosphically sound, seconded by Councilman Chapin, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes execution of the agreement between the Town of Mamaroneck and the County of Westchester to enter into the County of Westchester Employee Assistance Program for a fee of $1,500.00 4 . Authorization - 1988 Management and Non-Union Salaries This item was not taken up at this time. 5. Authorization - Sale of Surplus Equipment Pursuant to memorandum from the Town Administrator regarding cancellation of the sailing program resulting in no further use of the four Rhodes-19 sailboats and following some discussion, on motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Korn, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby declares four Rhodes-19 sailboats as surplus equipment and authorizes the Town Administrator to implement the sale of such. 7 May 18, 1988 133 6. Request of Westchester Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Committee A brief discussion ensued concerning a letter from the Westchester Veterans Vietnam Memorial Committee in regard to providing a portion of funds toward a maintenance program for the memorial which the Town had originally supported. The consensus was to defer this matter until the Administrator could secure further information as to the costs. 7 . Salary Authorization - Highway Department The Administrator reported that the position for a laborer was provided for in the 1988 Town budget and that this individual already possesses a class one license which would be very helpful to the Town. Thereafter, on motion by Councilman Korn, seconded by Councilwoman Price, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby appoints Edward Walker to the position of Laborer in the Highway Department, at an annual salary of $17 ,500 , effective as of May 23, 1988. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS The Supervisor stated that the Coastal Zone Management Commission wishes the Board to attend a presentation on the Premium marsh feasibility study on Thursday, June 16th at 8 :00 p.m. , and to please save this date. THE SUPERVISOR Reports The Supervisor requested a change in the dates of the Town Board meetings for the month of June and following some discussion, on motion by Councilwoman Price, seconded by Councilwoman Silverstone, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Town Board meeting of June 1, 1988 be hereby moved to June 15 , 1988; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Town Board meeting of June 8 , 1988 be hereby moved to June 22, 1988 . 8 May 18 , 1988 134 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Frey commented that he believed that a serious problem exists with the use of the Court Room for non-Town functions in that they may be superseding Town governmental functions and mentioned, for P , example, an experience he had while taking part in a trial which had to be moved to the judges chambers because it was bumped by some other function. The Supervisor assured Mr. Frey that the policy is and always has been that any Town function, especially an adjourned trial in progress, takes priority over any non-Town function since this room is first and foremost a Town Hall. She emphasized that Judge Klein holds court on Monday mornings and Judge King on the third Thursday of the month and what occured was a one-time error on the part of the Court Clerk who did not follow the system and this is not the norm. Mr. Freund of Murray Avenue addressed the Board about his concerns regarding the increased traffic flow on Murray Avenue and asked about enforcement of the speed limit; the seemingly increased number of tractor trailers, gasoline, moving and storage company trucks; the lack of stop signs and pedestrian access to the school. The Supervisor advised him that Murray Avenue is a County Road but there is a meeting of the Traffic Committee on the 25th and this will be placed on the agenda. She also noted that the Police Commissioner is present at the Traffic Committee meetings. THE TOWN CLERK Reports The Clerk presented the report of the Town Clerk' s office for the month of April 1988 . REPORTS OF THE COUNCIL Councilman Chapin reported that the handicap ramp has been completed at a cost of $7,500 to the Town, matched by $7,500 by the Village of Larchmont and $7,500 by the State and looks great. Councilman Chapin also commented that the construction of a burme at the Weaver Street Bridge site is so completely inadequate that it is a joke, and the Town must require Felix Construction to do this properly by May 31st and that it must be checked. Councilwoman Price reported that there is an environmental meeting scheduled for tomorrow night. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, on motion by Councilman Korn, seconded by Councilwoman Price, the meeting was unanimously declared adjourned at 11:25 p.m. Deputy Town Clerk Carol A. Acocella 9