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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021_02_17 Town Board Minutes February 17, 2021 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD FEBRUARY 17, 2021 BEGINNING AT 5:30 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: Lindsey Luft Assistant to the Town Administrator On motion of Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilman King, the Work Session was unanimously opened at 5:30 p.m. Review – 2021/2022 Larchmont Mamaroneck Library Budget Additionally Present: Lauren Gottfried, Library Chair, Laura Eckley, Library Director and Library Board Member’s Linnet Tse, Barbara Flickinger and John Garr Lauren Gottfried began the presentation by highlighting the services and programs provided during the Pandemic. Specifically, noting curbside pickup of materials; a model throughout the County. The Library received notification of award of two large SAM grants, one for $250,000 through the office of Steve Otis, and another in the same amount from the office of Shelley Meyer. These grants will be used to fund expenses for Capital projects. Of note in the proposed budget is the 1% decrease in the Library Budget, and thus a decrease in the request for funding provided by the Town of Mamaroneck and the Village of Larchmont. Laura Eckley, the Library Director, reemphasized the decrease of 1%, and continued with a presentation of the budget figures. Ms. Eckley noted that the Budget assumes a return in June to most of the normal programing and staffing pre Pandemic. The Town Board asked a number of budgeting and services questions. The Town Board asked for a reminder of the details of the agreement for the Library control use and scheduling of the Village Center. Ms. Eckley responded that it was a two-year pilot that renewed in increments. Ms. Tse stated that pre-Pandemic it was the intention to renew the agreement, and they have been operating under that agreement. Councilwoman Elkind Eney noted that a condition of the original agreement was for the Town to be provided a financial breakdown, and the Town has not received that to date. It was additionally noted, that there has been no use of the Village Center throughout the Pandemic. Ms. Eckley further explained the grants and their funding process. The grant for the replacement of the Building Management System, part of the HVAC, will include the installation of an ACA Needlepoint Bi- Polar Ionization (NPBI) air purifying system. Currently the Library is ‘loaning’ the money from surplus which has caused a reduction in surplus to 6%. As these grants are fully funded and surplus is paid back, the surplus should increase to a more comfortable range of 17%. Ms. Eckley stated that the Library is working under their NY Forward Plan/Pandemic Plan, which outlines how the Library is currently operating. The Library Board continues to review when reopening will take place. The Library is currently not charging late fees. Councilman King asked Ms. Eckley to describe the Library Board’s work on developing their five-year 1 February 17, 2021 plan for capital projects, of which Ms. Eckley then described. The Town Board will add the approval of the Library Budget to the regular agenda. The Town Board thanked the Library Board and Director for their time and for operating so effectively during the Pandemic. Comprehensive Plan Additionally Present: Peter Feroe of AKRF The Town Board received a red lined version of the updated Scope, and a chart to show the comparison of different events reflected in the new Scope. Councilwoman Katz stated that she is concerned there are not enough ‘venues’ for public engagement. Mr. Feroe explained how the virtual ‘meeting in a box’ would provide avenues for stakeholders and others to facilitate forums and actually be proactive in reaching more people. Councilwoman Fiddelman asked whether the meeting would be recorded and or summarized. Mr. Feroe responded, that AKRF will summarize the meetings they facilitate, and will instruct others who facilitate how the summary should be structured. These summaries will become part of the final record. With respect to social media, yes it will be utilized, but not for public discussion. It will be a place to direct residents to the website. Councilman King addressed his concerns for a plan B, should there be a low turnout in public engagement. Councilman King also would like to see a monetary value placed on the scope items that have been removed and or added. Mr. Feroe responded that during the Pandemic he has been involved in many projects and public hearings, and all have had greater public engagement. Mr. Feroe stated that this will be a challenge, and one of the reasons they have added the ‘town hall’ meeting first to raise the profile on the project. During the process there is continued analysis of what is working, who we are reaching, what gaps there are and then correct our course if needed. The Town Board asked Mr. Feroe to additionally explain changes from the initial Scope, as well as the financial differences. Mr. Feroe emphasized that the new Scope only eliminates one meeting for the Steering Committee and one meeting with the Town Board, while adding the additional ‘town hall’ meeting. Supervisor Seligson stated that racial equity should be included in all areas as an overarching issue. Sachi Pandey will be attending the next meeting with the Steering Committee, and Supervisor Seligson has sent out a primer letter to the Steering Committee to reengage them and invite them to the March 3. Town Board Meeting. Update – Sanitation Committee At the recent Sanitation Commission meeting, Supervisor Seligson presented the Town’s willingness to move forward with an Extended District, and the Town’s position with respect to starting the District with a surplus. Mayor Walsh will be discussing the Town’s position regarding the surplus with the Village Board. The good news is the Commission passed the 2021 Budget. EXECUTIVE SESSION On motion of Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, the Board unanimously agreed to enter into an Executive Session to discuss individual members of Boards and Commissions, candidates for Boards and Commissions, and potential sale of land. On motion of Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the Board unanimously agreed to end the Executive Session. 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 five thirty this evening. SUPERVISOR’S REPORT The Town Board held a work session last week where we reviewed the updated scope for the Comprehensive Plan and the LMJGC 2021 budget and discussed the prospect of expanding the Town’s garbage district in 2022. We addressed the Comp Plan again during this evening’s work 2 February 17, 2021 session with our consultants and we look forward to formally introducing the Comprehensive Plan Update effort and the Steering Committee at our next TB meeting on March 3. Westchester County plans to engage a consultant to study sewer consolidation for our local consortium of the Town, Village of Larchmont, New Rochelle and Village of Pelham Manor as well as the rest of the County. This is an important goal for the Town and the entire County as it will result in improved sewer system management and financial savings. A Town resident has offered to donate 100 trees for the Town to plant this year. It’s a generous offer that we look forward to implementing. We have a snow storm predicted for tomorrow that is expected to drop 4 to 8 inches of snow. The Town Highway Dept. is prepared and will be out on the roads plowing. Please stay off the roads if you can once the snow starts to accumulate to help the plows be most effective. There will be garbage collection tomorrow, Thursday, February 18 for those on a Thursday collection schedule, however the Maxwell Avenue Recycling Center will be closed on Thursday. That means you can’t bring food waste or any other waste there on Thursday. We will issue an advisory regarding any changes for Friday. CITIZEN’S COMMENTS Supervisor Seligson asked Lindsey Luft, who is monitoring the public comment if any viewers had emailed or (virtually) raised their hand to speak, and Ms. Luft responded that there was not. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Seligson called the Meeting to order, 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 CLAIMS Mr. Altieri was asked to explain the service awards program, which appears as a large item on the claims schedule. On motion of Commissioner Elkind Eney, seconded by Commissioner King, it was RESOLVED that this Commission does hereby authorize payment of the following Fire Department Claims as approved by the Fire Chief and audited by the Comptroller’s Office: ATTACHMENT A The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Commissioner King Aye Commissioner Fiddelman Aye Commissioner Elkind Eney Aye Commissioner Katz Aye Commissioner Seligson Aye 2. Other Fire Department Business Commissioner Elkind Eney read the Fire Report for the Month of February as submitted by Chief Hughes as follows: February 2021 3 February 17, 2021 ALARM TYPE NUMBER Generals 18 Minors 20 Stills 5 Out of Town (Mutual Aid) 0 EMS 28 Drills 2 TOTAL 73 Total number of personnel responding: 446 Total time working: 25 hours and 21 minutes Commissioner Elkind Eney reminded residents to clear snow from around fire hydrants in front of their homes, as well as clearing sidewalks. There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner Elkind Eney, seconded by Commissioner Fiddelman, the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Appointment – Boards and Commissions On motion of Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Dolores A. Battalia be appointed as Member C of the Town of Mamaroneck Housing Authority, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the foregoing appointments shall be effective immediately upon the appointees taking and subscribing the oath mandated by section 25 of the New York Town Law and shall expire on December 31, 2024. 2. Authorization – Westchester County Contract – Meals on Wheels On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the contract between the Town of Mamaroneck and the County of Westchester, subject to review by Counsel, to receive additional funding through the Federal CARES Act, for Congregate Meals and Meals on Wheels Programs, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby authorize the Town Administrator to execute the contract on behalf of the Town. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: King Aye Fiddelman Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Seligson Aye 3. Set Public Hearing – Parking Restriction East and West Brookside Drive 4 February 17, 2021 On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby set the date for a Public Hearing on the “Prohibition of Parking between the paved areas on East and West Brookside Drives and the Brook” Law, for March 3, 2021 at 7:30 p.m., virtually from the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized to publish the notice of said hearing in a newspaper appointed as an official newspaper, and that said Notice, be posted. 4. Set Public Hearing – Land Use Training Requirements On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby set the date for a Public Hearing on the “Supersession of Sections 267 (7-a) and 271 (7-a) of the New York Town Law in the Town of Mamaroneck” Law, for March 3, 2021 at 7:30 p.m., virtually from the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized to publish the notice of said hearing in a newspaper appointed as an official newspaper, and that said Notice, be posted. 5. Authorization – Renewal – General Counsel Retainer Agreement On motion Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the renewal of the Retainer Agreement with William Maker, Jr., to provide General Counsel to the Town, effective March 1, 2021, as presented to the Town Board February 17, 2021, as Schedule A Scope of Services – Attorney for the Town of Mamaroneck. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: King Aye Fiddelman Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Seligson Aye 6. Authorization – Amend 2021 Part Time/Seasonal Salary Schedule On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman King, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the amended 2021 Part Time/Seasonal Salary Schedule, as presented in the memorandum from the Deputy Town Administrator, dated February 10, 2021. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: King Aye Fiddelman Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Seligson Aye 5 February 17, 2021 7. Consideration of Certiorari On motion of Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the settlement of the following tax certiorari on the following terms: Carolyn Court Owners, Inc. 314 Livingston Avenue Section/Block/Lot: 9-14-199 Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Mamaroneck Year Current Assessment Reduction Resulting Assessment 2015 $4,270,000 $271,552 $3,998,448 2016 $4,270,000 $ 47,998 $4,222,002 2017 $4,270,000 -0- $4,270,000 2018 $4,270,000 -0- $4,270,000 2019 $4,270,000 -0- $4,270,000 2020 $4,270,000 -0- $4,270,000 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: King Aye Fiddelman Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Seligson Aye 8. Update – Racial Equity Task Force Councilman King reported that the Task Force did not meet last Monday due to the Holiday. Currently the Town Administrator’s Office is drafting the report, which will go to the Task Force for review. There is an amended timeline that the Task Force is also awaiting. There is a plan for an additional public engagement forum. There is still quite a bit of work to be done, but the Task Force is still on target for April 1 deadline. ADDED ITEM 9. Approval – 2021 Library Budget On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman King, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the Larchmont Mamaroneck Library Budget as presented by the Library Board. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: King Aye Fiddelman Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Seligson Aye 6 February 17, 2021 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 meetings of January 7, January 27 and February 3, 2021. REPORT OF COUNCIL The Town Board Members reported on their various activities and meetings since the last Town Board Meeting ADJOURNMENT Supervisor Seligson closed the meeting in memory of Mary Louise Cox, the Town Poet Laureate. Mary Louise was in her late nineties, having lived a full life. Mary was a wonderful addition to the culture in our community, and always with a sparkle in her eye. The Town was honored to appoint her as the Town’s first Poet Laureate. On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman King, the meeting was unanimously adjourned. ________________________________ Submitted by Christina Battalia, Town Clerk 7 February 17, 2021 ATTCHMENT A 8