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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989_01_04 Town Board Regular Minutes 312 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEE'T'ING OF THE TOWN BOARD AND BOARD OF FIRE COMNIISSIONERS OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK, HELD ON THE 4TH DAY OF JANUARY 1989 IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE TOWN CENTER, 740 WEST BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK CONVENE REGULAR MEET The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Battalia at 7:00 p.m., at which time the Board recessed into Executive Session. The Executive Session was held in Conference Roan A to discuss matters of personnel and real estate, after which, .= motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously declared adjourned at 8:15 p.m. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Battalia at 8:25 p.m in the Court Room. Present were the following menbers of the Board: Supervisor Dolores A. Battalia Councilwoman Caroline Silverstone Councilman Stephen C. Chapin Councilwoman Elaine Price Councilman John McGarr Also present were: Patricia A. DiCioccio, Town Clerk Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator Edward M. Lieberman, Town Counsel Richard Tortorella, Fire Chief William McDermott, 1st Deputy Fire Chief CALL TO ATTENTION Supervisor Battalia pointed out to those assembled the locations of exits as required by law for public gatherings. January 4, 1989 313 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The Meeting was called to order by Commissioner Battalia at 8:30 p.m. in the Court Roam Present were the following members of the Coimnission: Commissioner Dolores A. Battalia Commissioner Caroline Silverstone Commissioner Stephen C. Chapin Commissioner Elaine Price Ccamtdssioner John McGarr 1. Commissioner Chapin presented fire claims for authorization of payment and on his motion, seconded by Commissioner Silverstone, 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 Comptrollers Office: Consolidated Uniform Service $ 24.88 ESCO 25.00 Excelsior Garage & Machine Works, Inc. 1,245.62 Larchmont Auto Parts Dist., Inc. 21.60 Maltese Signs 180.00 Multiplier 268.28 NYNEX 9.00 State Line Fire & Safety, Inc. 40.00 Village of Scarsdale - Water Dept. 308.00 $2,122.38 2. Commissioner Battalia read the report from the Fire Department for the month of November and noted that there were twenty calls to which the Department had to respond with a total of 255 firefighters responding, devoting to the Town eight and one-half hours of their volunteer time. There being no further business to come before this Coamnision, on motion by Commissioner McGarr, seconded by Coa[missionr Price, the meeting was unanimously declared adjourned at 8:40 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING - Establish One-Way Traffic on Howell Avenue Supervisor Battalia requested a motion to open the Public Hearing and on motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Chapin, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Public Hearing be, and hereby is, declared open. The Town Clerk presented for the record the Affidavits of Publication and Posting of the Notice of Hearing. 2 January 4, 1989 314 The Administrator explained that there have been deliberations for the past several months on how to deal with the issue of traffic running through Howell Park to bypass the traffic signal at the intersection of Weaver Street and Palmer Avenue. He commented that there had been several alternatives discussed, one to establish a Dead End at Howell Avenue near Weaver Street was removed from consideration based on concerns of the Fire and Highway Departments. He commented further that the alternative now being considered, a One-Way traffic ordinance on Howell, running from Carleon to Weaver, ended in a deadlock at the Traffic Committee meeting in November and has been referred to the Town Board for consideration, especially since traditionally the Board holds a public hearing on a One-Way parking ordinance. The Administrator noted that traffic counts were taken on Howell Avenue between December 29th and January 2nd, on a 24-hour basis, which indicated that in an average 24-hour period, sixty to seventy cars utilized Howell Avenue. Some discussion ensued with the Administrator fielding questions from the Board, after which time the Supervisor asked if anyone cared to speak in favor. Richard Hesel of 118 Carleon Avenue mentioned that he is the immediate past president of the Howell Park Association and that they had a series of discussions with the Traffic Committee going back about two years. He went on to say that last spring they had discussed the idea of closing the end of Howell and since this was not feasible the Traffic Committee instructed them to work out a solution with the Police Commissioner. He added that they had assumed that were they to reach a solution satisfactory to the Police Commissioner it would also be satisfactory to the Traffic Committee, but this was not the case. He noted that as they understood it to be, and as it was discussed with the Police Commissioner, what they are asking for is a three-month experiment, not a permanent solution since they are unsure themselves as to whether this will work. Mr Hesel emphasized that it will be an enormous inconvenience to people who live in Howell Park and although it may solve the problem to some degree, it may not be a solution adequate enough to overcome the inconvenience it will cause to many people, and that their understanding with the Commissioner was that this will be tried for a temporary period, evaluated, and they would decide together whether it should be permenent. Mr. Hesel stated additionally that the second point to be made is that the real crux of the problem is traffic coming through Howell via Hawthorne, not extending all the way down Howell to Carleon. He explained that typically what people do is cut down Hawthorne and turn left on Howell Avenue to beat the light, the study was done in the other direction, coming up Howell and turning right onto Hawthorne with the counter placed on the upper end of Howell. He noted that therefore, adding to the problem of the study being done during holiday season, the counter was in the wrong place to measure the probem they think they may have. He noted additionally that many fewer cars continue on Howell Avenue, that the pattern is to use Hawthorne and Howell, and the proposal of One-Way to Hawthorne is viewed as half a solution. In conclusion, Mr. Hesel commented on Councilman Chapin's mention of the Weaver Street bridge closing which, when it took place, 3 January 4, 1989 3 1.75 caused a dramatic lowering of traffic using the route as a cutoff, although since its recent reopening, it is unknown as to whether the traffic pattern has been reestablished. IIIThe Supervisor then asked if there was anyone from Howell Park in opposition to the proposal. Bill Young of 24 Howell Avenue advised that he had assumed from the notice he received that this was to be a permanent change and now Mr. Hesel mentions it as temporary. He stated that he has lived there for 18 years and, as a matter of convenience, would like the street to remain open both ways and that he had spoken to a few neighbors who agreed. He also stated that he had only found out about the proposal since Saturday when he opened his mail, but since that time he has done some counting on his own and the average appears to be about 18 cars per hour. He thought this count may be fair and knew of some neighbors who had Christmas parties with many cars coming through, which may have increased the study during the holidays. He believes the street is not uncharacteristic of Larchmont streets and is a relatively quiet one. He commented that closing up only one block of the essential two would affect his block indirectly because they would have to exit onto Palmer and, he noted, one neighbor believed that a One-Way street sign would be inviting traffic. Jeff Meighan of 65 Howell Avenue mentioned that his concern was for the safety of the children on his stretch of Howell Avenue and he feels that it is being used by people who do not live in Howell III Park and who are driving at high speeds. Supervisor Battalia asked for clarification as to whether their concerns are toward volume of traffic, time of day of traffic, or the manner of driving. Mr. Meighan responded that the problem occurs around rush hours since people are trying to save time by cutting through, they are also speeding. Gordon Oppenheimer of 50 Howell Avenue commented that he has lived there since 1978 and that two years after moving in his younger son was almost hit by a car at Meadow and Howell. He noted that from that point on he began writing letters to the Traffic Commission asking for Stop signs and they appeased him by putting in No Thru Traffic signs, which have not done the job since people break the rules and drive through anyway. He noted that at the Traffic Committee meeting a few months back Commissioner Dallas had the idea to make Howell Avenue from Weaver Street to Meadow One-Way in and they felt that this may solve half the problem. At this time Councilman Chapin explained that he is aware of the great concern in this matter and is inclined to vote Howell Park its three-month experiment, but as liaison to the Traffic C mmittee he must be sensitive to their concerns, and they are obviously concerned about setting a poor precedent and taking to the extreme all the streets in the Town becoming One-Way so you would have to leave Town to get back to your house. He commented III that he was unaware of the counter being placed in what seems to be the wrong position and he would like a new count taken during active periods but not during holiday periods. He suggested that the Police Commissioner be present at the meeting and that it be postponed until a legitimate count is done to point out that this is, in fact, a unique situation. 4 January 4, 1989 316 Richard Wolf of 5 Lundy. Lane commented that he is against having a One-Way street on Howell Avenue because it is bad public policy to reduce access to streets. He stated that he believed there are several good reasons for having one-way streets, if they are very narrow and would be too dangerous for two-way traffic or if there is a type of one-way flow of traffic as exists on Depot Way near the railroad station. He noted that when he raised his children they were taught not to play in the streets. Supervisor Battalia noted that traffic in Town generally is much greater now than it had been ten or twenty years ago, since there are more homes and more with two or three cars. She stated that her children were taught not to play in the streets and her quiet neighborhood of then apparently now has similar concerns. She stated also that this neighborhood has a certain uniqueness in that it can be accessed from two major thoroughfares but whether this is the appropriate resolution to the problem she is not here to say. The Supervisor then addressed Mr. Hesel on behalf of the Association, stating that this is a policy decision and they do have a dilemna, which is why the Traffic Coatmittee split right down the middle on whether or not this should be done. She pointed out that they have worked with the Association in trying to find the appropriate solution, which has to be appropriate for his neighborhood, has to be in conformity generally with the vehicle and traffic policy and also suit the general needs of the Town. She stated that she thought the traffic counter was sufficient and that he, himself, acknowledged that during this period of time and because the Weaver Street Bridge was closed, maybe the problem is solved but she did not believe so. She informed him that he did not have, by any means, unanimity in his neighborhood. She also informed Mr. Young that the reason he received the notice was as a courtesy since they are only required to publish in the newspaper, but as a policy decision whenever there is a matter affecting a particular neighborhood they attempt to inform. At this time the Supervisor stated that she would like more input from the neighborhood in terms of the matter of inconvenience. She also requested Councilman Chapin and Marty Zavell to meet with Commissioner Dallas and advise the Town Board. She then asked that the meeting be held opened and adjourned until the meeting of February 1, 1989. Paul Hoffman of 69 Carleon gave background information for 1986/87 when he was president of the Association, noting that 24 tickets were issued for the No-Thru-Traffic signs and all 24 tickets were dismissed by the judge. He emphasized that the Board should be aware that they have gone through these channels for the past five or six years, have met with various committees and Town boards, have had counters out before and seen Weaver Street between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. during summer months, all this has came to no more than an experiment. He concluded that there are eighty homes in Howell Park and of the 24 tickets issued none were residents. Councilman Chapin stated that he was unaware that counts were made before the Bridge closing. He stated also that he wished to correct, or perhaps it needed no correcting, the fact that the Board has been trying to deal with this problem together with the 5 January 4, 1989 317 Association, they have not resisted or ignored their concerns. He noted that they had the No-Thru-Traffic signs put in and found they were, in fact, illegal, He noted also that they did approve recommendations from the Traffic Committee that certain Stop Signs be put in. Supervisor Battalia also emphasized that this Board has bent over backwards to work with the Howell Park Association in the last five years, that traffic is a major problem throughout Town and, although the Board does not have all the solutions, they will continue to work with them. She went on to say that they live in a neighborhood where their homes are surrounded by two major thoroughfares which have became more active and the Board is trying to address a solution, but this solution appears to inconvenience a number of residents in their community and it is not clear right now that it really is necessary. She concluded that the Board must be prepared to justify it under the law, to them and to their neighbors. The Supervisor then proposed that the Hearing be adjourned until the meeting of February 1st and notices be sent to all. On motion by Councilwoman Price, seconded by Councilman McGarr, it was unanimously declared that the Hearing be adjourned until February 1, 1989. ORGANIZATIONAL M TTE:RS APPOINTMENTS TO: Board of Ethics Civil Officers Conservation Advisory Commission Examining Board of Plumbers Trustees -Police Pension Fund Treasurer - Police Pension Fund Marriage Officers Board of Ethics On motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman McGarr, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that David Wiley of Glenn Road is hereby appointed as a member of the Board of Ethics for a term of office effective January 1, 1989 and terminating December 31, 1989; and be it further RESOLVED, that David Wiley is hereby appointed as Chairman of the Board of Ethics for the year 1989; 6 January 4, 1989 318 RESOLVED, that Ann Reisman of Edgewood Avenue is hereby appointed as a member of the Board of Ethics for a term of office effective January 1, 1989 and terminating December 31, 1989; and be it further RESOLVED, that Carol Gristina of 26 Glen Eagles Drive is hereby appointed as a member of the Board of Ethics for a term of office effective January 1, 1989 and terminating December 31, 1989; and be it further RESOLVED, that John Herz of Weaver Street is hereby appointed as a member of the Board of Ethics for a term of office effective January 1, 1989 and terminating December 31, 1989; and be it further RESOLVED, that Nina Recio of Holly Place is hereby appointed as a member of the Board of Ethics for a term of office effective January 1, 1989 and terminating December 31, 1989. Civil Officers On motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Chapin, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Jay Reynolds of Blossam Terrace is hereby appointed as Civil Officer of the Town of Mamaroneck to serve a term of office effective January 1, 1989 and terminating December 31, 1989; and be it further RESOLVED, that Marianne Robino of New Street, Mamaroneck Village, is hereby appointed as Civil Officer of the Town of Mamaroneck to serve a term of office effective January 1, 1989 and terminating December 31, 1989. 7 January 4, 1989 319 Conservation Advisory Commission On motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman McGarr, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Irma Volk of Country Club Drive is hereby appointed as a member of the Conservation Advisory Commission to serve a term of office effective January 1, 1989 and terminating on December 31, 1990; and be it further RESOLVED, that Michael Scheffler of Brookside Drive is hereby appointed as a member of the Conservation Advisory Commission to serve a term of office effective January 1, 1989 and terminating on December 31, 1990; and be it further RESOLVED, that Steven Goldstein of 14 Leatherstocking Lane, Mamaroneck Village, is hereby appointed as a member of the Conservation Advisory Coatmission to serve a term of office effective January 1, 1989 and terminating on December 31, 1990; and be it further RESOLVED, that Elinor Fredston of Cedar Island, Larchmont Village, is hereby appointed as a member emeritus. Examining ng Board of Plumbers On motion by Councilwoman Price, seconded by Councilman Chapin, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Frank Lanza of North James Street, Mamaroneck Village is hereby appointed as a member of the Board of Plumbers for a term of one year, effective January 1, 1989 and terminating on December 31, 1991. 8 January 4, 1989 320 Trustees - Police Pension Fund Treasurer - Police Pension Fund On motion by Councilwoman Price, seconded by Councilman McGarr, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Supervisor Dolores Battalia and Councilman Stephen Chapin are hereby appointed as Trustees of the Police Penions Fund of the Town of Mamaroneck for the year 1989; and be it further RESOLVED, that Carmine A. DeLuca is hereby appointed Treasurer of the Police Pension Fund of the Town of Mamaroneck for the year 1989. Marriage Officer On motion by Councilman Chapin, seconded by Councilwoman Price, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby designates the Town Clerk, Patricia A. DiCioccio as the Marriage Officer for the Town of Mamaroneck; and be it further RESOLVED, that she is hereby authorized to accept the statutory fee for the performance of services outside of the normal Town Clerk office hours of Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.; and be it further RESOLVED, that this appointment shall take effect immediately for a term not to exceed four years. DESIGNATIONS OF: Town Board Meetings Official Newspaper Depositories of F:mds and Bank Signatures Town Board Meetings On motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Chapin, it was unanimously 9 January 4, 1989 321 RESOLVED, that the Regular Meetings of the Town Board will be held in the Court Roan of the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Masmaroneck, at 8:15 p.m on the first and third Wednesdays of each month except during the months of July and August, during which months meetings will be held on July 12, 1989 and August 16, 1989; and be it further RESOLVED, that said meetings, dates and plces may be changed at the pleasure of the Board upon adequate notice being given. Official Newspaper On motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman McGarr, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that The Daily Times and The Soundview News be, and they hereby are, designated as the official newspapers of the Town of Mamaroneck for the purpose of publishing legal notices during 1989. Depositories of Funds and Bank Signatures On motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman McGarr, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the following banks and trust companies are hereby designated as depositories for funds of the Town of Mamaroneck for the year 1989 to be continued in their present status: The Bank of New York County Trust Region, Mamaroneck; The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., Larchmont; Barclays Bank of New York, Mamaroneck; Marine Midland Bank, Mamaroneck; Sound Federal Savings and Loan; Association, Mamaroneck; and Chemical Bank, New Rochelle. 10 January 4, 1989 322 On motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilwoman Price, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that all authority heretofore granted to withdraw funds from, and to draw checks, drafts and other orders upon the Town of Mamaroneck accounts maintained at the aforesaid banks is hereby rescinded and revoked and hereafter such withdrawals, checks, drafts and other orders shall be authorized when signed by signature or facsimile signature of the Town Supervisor or Deputy Supervisor and Comptroller, or Deputy Comptroller, or Assistant to the Comptroller; and be it further RESOLVED, that all withdrawals, checks, drafts and other orders relative to the Community Services Discretionary Fund located at the Bank of New York shall be authorized when signed by the signatures of Helen Mohan, Director of Community, and Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Authorization - Intermunicipal Agreement-Village of Larchmont Following explanation by the Town Administrator, on motion by Councilman McGarr, seconded by Councilwoman Price, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor and Town Administrator to enter into the Intermunicipal Agreement with the Village of Larchmont, allowing the Town Administrator to provide labor relations services in the amount of $3,000.00 to negotiate the collective bargaining agreement between Larchmont Village and its public works enoployees which expires on May 31, 1989. 11 January 4, 1989 323 2. Authorization - Capital Reserve-Money Market Following a brief explanation by the Town Administrator, on motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman Chapin, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Comptroller is heeby authorized to open a Capital Reservd Money Market account at Barclay's Bank, Mamaroneck Avenue Branch with the customary authorized signatures of the Supervisor, Comptroller and any combination of the Deputy Supervisor, Deputy Comptroller and/or Assistant to the Comptroller. 3. Salary Authorizations -a) Management and Non-Union Personnel b) Town Court c) Building Department Following explanation by the Town Administrator that there is a provision in the 1989 Town Budget for an increase in management and non-union personnel, on motion by Councilman McGarr, seconded by Councilman Chapin, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that as provided for in the 1989 Town Budget, authorization is hereby granted for payment of salaries as listed within the Preliminary Town Budget - 1989 for management and non-union personnel. The Administrator briefly explained the upgrade from Job Group VI to Job Group VIII which would allow a salary increase for the position of Court Clerk and noted that the justification for this upgrade is for reasons of comparison to other court clerk salaries in communities similar to the Town as well as increased efficiencies and increased workload in that depar went. Mr. Altieri went on to explain the upgrade from Job Group V to Job Group VII of Senior Typist in the Building Department. He noted that previously this job entailed secretarial support to the Building Inspector, preparation of Planning Board and Zoning Board agendas and minutes for both. He further noted that since that time many changes have occurred which have increased the scope of work for this position to include the Fresh Water Wetland Law, Site Plan, and Flood Damage Prevention Law applications as well as the incorporation of the Administrative functions of the Highway Department into the Building Department. On motion by Councilman Chapin, seconded by Councilwoman Price, it was unanimously 12 January 4, 1989 324 RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the salary adjustment of Court Clerk to Job Group VIII with an annual salary in the amount of $27,315.00; and be it further RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the salary adjustment of Senior Typist-Building Department to Job Group VII with an annual salary in the amount of $26,315.00. 4. Report of Bids - Police Uniform Cleaning Upon clarification by the Administrator, on motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilwoman Price, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the Administrator to award the 1989 contract for cleaning of police uniforms to Anna Maria Cleaners of Larchmont as the lowest responsible bidder meeting specifications for the following costs: Trousers $2.25 Blouses 1.25 Shirts 1.25 WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS ORAL COMMUNICATIONS There were no written or oral communications to come before the Board at this time. THE SUPERVISOR Supervisor Battalia commented that because of the housing crisis in the County and the Town, there are employees who cannot afford to live here. She went on to say that fire volunteers front families with two, three and four generations of service to the department are no longer remaining in Town since they cannot afford to live here and, she noted, this has an impact on all of us. She mentioned also that to a greater extent older residents are housebound and 13 January 4, 1989 325 should they choose to remain in the cxmimmity, they must remain in the house they have since they really have no options. She also mentioned young, single people who wish to return or remain and are being closed out of the community. She went on to say that they had been grappling with this for a number of years and she had assigned a task force of Deputy Supervisor Silverstone, Councilwoman Price and Mary Carlson, and that both she and the Administrator had worked on it, with a number of proposals coming before than insofar as ways and means of addressing this legislation. She stated that they feel it is time to bring this to a greater segment of the community and she has contacted a number of people who have agreed to serve on a housing task force, are representative of the community and posess some rather extraordinary skills. The Supervisor then recommended that the Board first establish this task force and then appoint the following members who were gracious enough to get back to her during the holiday season. Thereafter, on motion by Councilwoman Price, seconded by Councilman McGarr, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the creation of the Town of Mamaroneck Housing Task Force; and be it further RESOLVED, that the following individual as well as the Town Board are appointed as members of the Housing Task Force: Mary Carlson, Robert Plaut, Mary Joyce Berringer, Joel Negrin, Margaret Schults and Judge Burchell. Supervisor Battalia also announced that having worked for a number of years to resolve the problem of the Larchmont Motel, the interim solution is to provide direct services to Motel residents at the site. She added that a contract for county funding has been approved and the New Rochelle Guidance Center and Westchester Residential Opportunity will be on the site to provide a variety of skills, including housing, employment, substance abuse, parenting, and psychological assistance on a seven-day weekly basis. She noted that this the Mamaroneck Motel and the Strait Gate Church are also included for these services and she mentioned that has been in the making for two years and she wished to commend the Guidance Center for assuming this responsibility. 14 January 4, 1989 326 The Supervisor gave a brief update on the Bonnie Briar Country Club and mentioned a rezoning which would limit significantly the number of dwelling units which could be placed to maintain the majority of open space and maintain the golf course. A brief discussion ensued among the Board with respect to the future of Bonnie Briar. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before this Board, on motion by Councilman McGarr, seconded by Councilwoman Price, the meeting was unanimously declared adjourned into Executive Session at 10:00 p.m. Town Clerk Patricia A. Dicioccio 15