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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982_06_02 Town Board Regular Minutes 1. 14 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK, HELD ON THE 2ND DAY OF JUNE 1982 IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE WEAVER STREET FIREHOUSE, TOWN OF MAMARONECK. The meeting was called to order by Deputy Supervisor Lee Bloom at 8:15 P.M. Present were the following: Deputy Supervisor Lee H. Bloom Councilman Stewart J. McMillan Councilman Thomas R. Amlicke Councilwoman Caroline Silverstone Supervisor Leo Goldsmith, Jr. was not in attendance at this meeting due to illness. Also present were the following: Dorothy S. Miller, Town Clerk James J. Johnston, Town Attorney Carmine A. Deluca, Comptroller Charles R. Elfreich, Town Engineer Patrick Thomas Leddy, Highway Superintendent Police Chief Charles Baumblatt and Police Commissioners James Dolen and Joseph Sussen were also present. Deputy Supervisor Bloom at this time pointed out to those assembled the location of the exits as required by law for public gatherings. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the Special Meeting of April 3, 1982 were presented and on motion by Councilwoman Silverstone, seconded by Councilman McMillan, unanimously approved as submitted. OLD BUSINESS 1. Report from Police Commission re Youth Division Some discussion followed Deputy Supervisor Bloom's reference to the last Town Board meeting and the letter from the Mamaroneck- Larchmont Council of Parent-Teacher Associations regarding Youth Officers in the Town Police Department. He reviewed the letter received from Commissioner Dolen which contained in detail the background and reasoning for Detective Leviness' reassignment from the Detective Division part-time to full-time in the Youth Division. It was further stated that the Police Chief, having served as a Youth Officer, indicated there was not enough work to warrant having two full-time youth officers. It was further noted that with the Detective Division in need of additional help, the Police Chief has requested a 39th officer. Councilwoman Silverstone questioned why many of the duties performed by an officer could -1- 115 not be done by a secretary, to which the Chief answered that both are needed to perform the combined police/clerical work. Commissioner Dolen emphasized that putting Detective Leviness back full-time in the Youth Division means that another officer must be promoted to the Detective Division and that will mean a new patrolman must be obtained. Deputy Supervisor Bloom asked that the Police Commission provide the Town Board with an analysis of the following at their earliest III opportunity: the number of men required for tours, the number of men required for the Detective Division, the number of men required for the Youth Bureau, an amount of overtime and the cost thereof. Not on Agenda Deputy Supervisor--Typewriter for Police Headquarters Deputy Supervisor Bloom noted that the police department has indicated their need for file cabinets and a typewriter, and stated that since there is no money in their budget for these items, he has decided to loan a personal typewriter to the department, and will make it available to them within a few days. 2. Appointments a) Commission of Human Rights This matter deferred to the next town board meeting. b) Youth Council Councilman McMillan placed in nomination the name of Mrs. Joyce III Miralia of 5 Dundee Road to serve as a member of the Larchmont- Mamaroneck Youth Council and presented her qualifications for such service. On motion by Councilman McMillan, seconded by Councilman Amlicke, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Mrs. Joyce Miralia of 5 Dundee Road, Town, be and she hereby is appointed as a member of the Larchmont- Mamaroneck Youth Council, effective immediately. 3. Report re Hommocks Field Councilman Amlicke reviewed the most recent events relating to this matter and voiced his disapproval that nothing further has been done in two weeks, and recommended to the Board that the performance Bond be called in. He stated that the debris has not been cleared out of the field and the curbs are not yet repaired. He also stated that 90% grass coverage is called for in the contract, but thus far only 50% to 60% has been obtained. He noted that nothing has been done in the last few weeks, there still isn't much grass growth and not much growing season left. Town Engineer Charles Elfreich was then asked to further expound III on the matter and he too spoke of the events previously described by Councilman Amlicke. The Town Engineer stated that it is important to get the field in playing condition especially since Larchmont Village is showing concern about the continued use of their fields. He further stated that salt deposits in some areas are causing white grass and that about four inches of top soil -2- 11 would be needed to cover that. Councilman Amlicke at this point interjected that it is also important to cut the present grass in order to maintain and not damage what is already there. Councilwoman Silverstone stated that this Board must decide if the landscapers are living up to their end of the contract and noted her discussion with Highway Superintendent Mr. Leddy regarding the salt which is prohibiting grass growth. Mr. Leddy was then asked to advise the Board of the work load and expense involved if the job were given to his Department to complete, which he described in detail. The discussion then turned to the matter of calling in the bond. Charles Pound of Aqua-Dredge addressed the Board and stated that he did not agree with the statements made earlier and feels that the Town should accept the field. He noted that the field has been seeded four times and that the perpetual upkeep is not his responsibility but that of the Town. He further added that he will investigate the problem of the white grass, try to correct whatever he finds the problem is and indicate that a new strain of grass seed could be tried which has been used successfully by some of the golf courses. He denied that the curbing has been damaged only by his workers but stated that in the spirit of. cooperation, he is willing to repair the whole thing. He advised that if the Bond is called in, legalities could do more harm than good in prolonging this entire situation. Councilman McMillan suggested that Mr. Pound and Mr. Elfreich visit the site together to determine what is acceptable and what is not, and then proceed with the necessary cutting of the grass, to which Mr. Pound would not agree. At this point statements were made clarifying Aqua Dredges obligations, by the Town Attorney and Deputy Supervisor Bloom. Further discussion about the 90% versus 100% grass coverage took place, during which Mr. Pound noted that he would visit the Hommocks Field with Mr. Elfreich and would prepare a report as well as a map showing the conditions of the field. Councilman Amlicke voiced his displeasure that even more time would be wasted. Mr. Pound raised the issue of the maintenance of the water sprinkler system, noting the present condition of the system and added that it too is the Town's responsibility. It was determined at the end of the lengthy discussion that Mr. Elfreich and Mr. Pound would work together, with Mr. Pound stating that it is his intention to make every effort to honor the agreement previously worked out. Councilwoman Silverstone asked whether soil tests have been made in areas where the grass is not growing and he replied that they had. NEW BUSINESS 1. Assessor's Request - Authorization - Engage Professional Appraiser re Certiorari Proceeding-Carmine Iannone vs. Town of Mamaroneck The Deputy Supervisor presented the Assessor's request and explained the difficulty in obtaining an expert to conduct an appraisal for -3- :117 this type of court case pertaining to a single family residence. Thereafter, pursuant to the Assessor's recommendation, on motion by Councilman- Amlicke, seconded by Councilman McMillan, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes that David Stemper, Real Estate Appraiser, who has previously provided appraisals for Town litigation, be retained relative to the Carmine Iannone versus Town of Mamaroneck certiorari proceeding for a fee of $1,200. The Town Attorney advised that a settlement was attempted at no avail. 2. Salary Authorizations: a) Recreation On motion by Councilman Amlicke, seconded by Councilman McMillan, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Joanne Quinlan, Lifeguard at the Hommocks Pool be compensated at the rate of $2.75 per hour, effective May 26, 1982, replacing Kevin Kelleher; and be it further RESOLVED, that Albert Gulia, Recreation Assistant in Field Maintenance, be compensated at the rate of $3.00 per hour, effective June 1, 1982. b) Community Beautification Program - Summer Help On motion by Councilman Amlicke, seconded by Councilman McMillan, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Richard Seipel and Daniel Merson, Seasonal Laborers, be compensated at the rate of $3.50 per hour beginning July 6, 1982 and terminating on August 27, 1982. c) Highway Department - Summer Help On motion by Councilman Amlicke, seconded by Councilwoman Silverstone, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Michael Comblo and Jeffrey Barker, Seasonal Laborers,be compensated at the rate of $3.75 per hour beginning June 14, 1982 and terminating on August 27, 1982. 3. Application for Special Permit - Bonnie Briar Country Club - Proposed Extension to Pro Shop-(Refer to Planning Board) Following Deputy Supervisor Bloom's explanation of the proposal, on motion by Councilman McMillan, seconded by Councilman Amlicke, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Special Permit Application submitted for Bonnie Briar Country Club. on Weaver Street is hereby referred to the Planning Board for its study and recommendations and report back to the Town Board. -4- 1. 1 8 4. Resolution - Authorization--Co-Chairman to Execute N.G.C. Contract Pursuant to the request of the Narcotics Guidance Council, on motion by Councilman McMillan, seconded by Councilman Amlicke, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that either Alan Scott or Joseph Markowitz hereby is authorized to enter into a contract on behalf of Larchmont- Mamaroneck Guidance Council with the County of Westchester, pursuant to Article 8-A of the State Mental Hygiene Law for State Aid in connection with the operation of its program. COMMUNICATIONS 1. Letter, William Martin on Behalf of Mrs. Lewis Kaye re Maintenance of Storm Drain-Bruce Road Deputy Supervisor Bloom presented the above noted letter about the clogged storm drain on Mr. Kaye's property and asked the Town Engineer for an explanation. Mr. Elfreich noted that it is a complicated situation due to the fact that Bruce Road has not been accepted as a Town street. Mr. Elfreich also stated that he thought the drain had once been cleared (not cleaned) by Town personnel, but that this had occurred before his employment with the Town. After some discussion, the Town Engineer was asked to research the records relative to this matter and the Town Attorney was asked to draft a letter in answer to Mr. Kaye's request. Not on Agenda 2. Leonard Martin re Status of Supervisor's Health Leonard Martin asked about Supervisor Goldsmith's health and was advised by Mr. Bloom that he was in New Rochelle Hospital Medical Center for tests relative to his illness and is in satisfactory condition. He noted further that the tests should prove helpful in Mr. Goldsmith's complete recovery. Not on Agenda 3. Irving Scharf re Beach and Pool Fees Irving Scharf of Richbell Road in Mamaroneck Village brought to the Board's attention the fact that higher fees are being imposed by the Village of Mamaroneck for non-residents' beach passes and Rye Neck students' inability to use the Hommocks Pool. He asked that communication between the Village and Town to exchange ideas on a possible rescheduling of fees be instituted. Councilman Amlicke noted that it is a good idea to have both Recreation Commissions meet and discuss this matter. TOWN CLERK Regular Reports The Clerk presented the Reports of the Building and Plumbing Inspector and the Town Clerk's office for the month of May 1982. -5- 119 REPORTS - DEPUTY SUPERVISOR Not on Agenda - Deputy Supervisor Bloom reported that copies of the Draft E.I.S. relative to the Garfield Housing proposed apartment building is now available; the time for written statements has been extended to July 9th; a decision will be made after that date; and that the date change for the July meeting will be decided at the Special Meeting of this Board on June 23rd. 1. Committee to Study Alternative Structures of a Police Commission Deputy Supervisor Bloom reviewed the reasons for coming to the decision to appoint the above noted Committee and the alter- natives that were available to this Board. He then proposed the names of Joseph Vandernoot, a former Supervisor and Harry DeMaio, a former Councilman, who both have indicated a willingness to serve on said Committee. He further stated that he had hoped to have another name by this evening to complete the compliment of three and that he had asked that they complete their task by early August unless it becomes absolutely necessary to go beyond that time frame. A great deal of discussion followed during which Councilwoman Silverstone expressed her reservations about the two persons chosen in relation to their objectiveness and requested that more people be added to the group and not remain at a group of three and suggested several names. Police Commissioner Dolen asked that the members of this Committee be carefully instructed about their function and the goals to be accomplished carefully defined. Leonard Martin, Walter Lowman, Arthur Gasparini, Joseph Sussen, Margaret Schultz and Dolores Battalia all spoke on the subject advising the Board of their feeling of how this Committee should be made up and the reasons why. Thereafter, on motion by Councilman McMillan, seconded by Councilman Amlicke, the following resolution was adopted by majority vote of the Board with Councilwoman Silverstone voting against such action: RESOLVED, that this Board hereby appoints Joseph Vandernoot and Harry DeMaio to the Committee to Study Alternative Structures of a Police Commission for the Town of Mamaroneck, said Committee to be made up of three persons with the option to expand said compliment at a later date if it will be useful. 2. Update - Town Administrator Mrs. Bloom advised that he had made the offer to the leading candidate as instructed by the Board and that person has tentatively accepted, noting further that the position will, in the next few days be presented to the westchester County Personnel Director. He stated that an announcement will be forthcoming and it is hoped that the new Town Administrator will be starting with the Town on or about September 1st. Councilman McMillan complimented both Deputy Supervisor Bloom and Councilwoman Silverstone for their efforts in this matter. -6- 120 3. Report - Meeting with Larchmont Village Board re the Reservoir Mr. Bloom reported on the meeting held last evening with the Larchmont Village Board representatives and noted that the representatives of both municipalities explained the philosophy, rationale and background of what the discussion was all about. Each agreed the best use is for open space except the two lots near Pinebrook Boulevard. He stated that the Town expressed assurance that if they purchase the property, it would not be sold for development use and there would be no problem with reserving the Village's right to revert back to the reservoir as a water supply if necessary. The Deputy Supervisor, did, however, note that both communities are still quite far apart on an asking price and an offer price, but will continue to negotiate. REPORTS - COUNCILMEN AND COUNCILWOMAN Councilman Amlicke Councilman Amlicke reported that tests are to be made of the pool for iron content, to see whether it will be necessary to add alum to the water and further that the pool will be checked for leaks which have been reported by the Westchester Joint Water Works. He noted that it is a very good chance that the pool will be open for the summer and that thus far he is pleased with the work of the second engineer that was called in. Councilman Amlicke presented the letter from Bob Barrett, Chairman of the C.A.C. in which he tendered his resignation from said Commission as of July 1, 1982 due to his impending move to California. He noted that Mr. Barrett indicated that the Commission has recommended that Alan Mason replace him as Chairman. Thereupon, on motion by Councilman Amlicke, seconded by Councilman McMillan, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby accepts with deep regret the resignation of Robert Barrett as Chairman of the Town of Mamaroneck Conservation Advisory Commission and expresses to him its appreciation for his dedication and contributions to this Town, as well as expressing all the best in his new home; and be it further RESOLVED, that pursuant to the recommendation of the Conservation Advisory Commission, Alan Mason is hereby appointed the Chairman of said Commission replacing Mr. Barrett. Councilwoman Silverstone Mrs. Silverstone briefly reported on the progress of the recently instituted system relative to the issuance of parking permits at the Larchmont Railroad Station in Lot #1 and noted that lot will be monitored and tickets will be given out starting in a few days, giving parkers an opportunity to get used to the new system. She announced that a more definitive report will be given after the summer vacation period, and also stated that the police have been asked to check the meters in the late afternoon to insure that meters are being fed for the full day. -7- 121 Councilwoman Silverstone announced that the next meeting of the Town Hall Study Committee will be held on Monday, June 7th and will focus on allocation of space, especially in relation to providing space for the Mamaroneck Village Senior Citizens. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, on motion unanimously made and seconded, this meeting was declared adjourned at 10:50 P.M. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners was convened immediately upon the adjournment of the Town Board meeting. 1. Claims Commissioner Bloom presented fire claims for authorization of payment and, on motion by Commissioner Silverstone, seconded by Commissioner McMillan, 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: Raymond Bingman $ 3.90 R.G. Brewer, Inc. 13.57 Excelsior Garage & Machine Works 37.20 Exterminating Services Corp. 14.16 New Rochelle Dodge, Inc. 28.55 New Rochelle Water Company 108.21 New York Telephone Company 49.98 New York Telephone Company 797.36 Chief Richard Shaw 3.89 Uniform Rental, Inc. 95.54 $1,152.36 2. Other Business Commissioner Bloom presented the Fire Report for the month of February 1982. Commissioner Bloom presented the request for the Fire Chief's and Deputies' reimbursement of expenses for attendance at the Annual Conference at Kiamesha Lake. Following Commissioner Bloom's explanations in answer to Commissioner Silverstone's queries, on motion by Commission McMillan which was seconded by Commissioner Amlicke, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this Board hereby authorizes the reimbursement of expenses to the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chiefs for their attendance at the Annual Conference to be held at Kiamesha Lake in the amount of approximately $450.00 each. -8- 1 122 1 I ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before this Commission, on motion duly made and seconded, this meeting was declared adjourned at 10:58 P.M. Town Clerk Dorothy S. Miller 1 I 1 III -9- i • ■