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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021_06_02 Town Board Minutes June 2, 2021 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD JUNE 2, 2021 BEGINNING AT 5:00 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 Connie Green O’Donnell, Deputy Town Administrator William Maker, Jr., Town Attorney CALL TO ORDER - WORK SESSION Additionally Present: Meredith Robson, Town Administrator Appointment and Lindsey Luft Assistant to the Town Administrator On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the Work Session was unanimously opened at 5:00 p.m. Review – NYStretch Energy Code 2020 Supervisor Seligson reminded the Town Board that New York State had amended the draft law, and so this item was deferred from the last meeting. Setting the public hearing is on the regular agenda for this evening. Update – Love Your Food As this program moves forward with various modified initiatives, there are two agreements on the agenda for this evening. Ms. Luft presented the two agreements; one for in person cooking demonstrations at the Farmer’s Market, and one for the production of an education video series. Review – SAM Grant Resolution Senator Shelley Mayer has nominated the Town of Mamaroneck to receive a $250,000 grant through the SAM Grant for the Hommocks Pool. The SAM Grant program is administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). The Town will utilize these funds for the replacement of the kiddy (Mushroom Pool) with a spray pad. The cost for the project is $600,800, minus the grant award, the Town share will be $350,800. A resolution for commitment of funding is on the regular agenda for this evening. Update – Racial Equity Task Force (RETF) Former Town Administrator, Stephen Altieri, prepared a memorandum for the Town Board, dated May 28, 2021, on implementation of the Town’s Police Reform and Reinvention Report. Mr. Altieri will work with the Police Department on this implementation. Councilman King asked that a member of the RETF be a liaison to work with Mr. Altieri. It is anticipated that a draft for a plan will be ready by July. 1 June 2, 2021 Update – Marihuana Regulations and Tax Act Mr. Maker explained, and a map was shown, of where dispensaries and lounges could be located within the unincorporated Town. Dispensaries and or lounges cannot be close to schools or churches. The next step for the Town is to receive public input on whether to opt out entirely. Opting out would require a permissive referendum. The Town cannot opt out of distribution, such as through the mail. The Town cannot legislate whereby making it “impracticable to have a business”. The Town will hold a public listening session in early September. Discussion – Westchester Urban County Consortium Renewal The Town has been participating in the Consortium since the 1970’s, having received numerous grants over the years. Currently the Town is intending to file a grant this June for the 2022 CDBG cycle for renovations to the Senior Center. There is no action needed to participate in the Consortium, it is an auto opt-in. Discussion – Request Moratorium Exemption to Demolish Garage There has been a request from the owners of 68 Sherwood Drive for an exemption to the Demolition Moratorium to remove a garage on the property. The Town Board reviewed documents from the Town Building Inspector and Planning Board. The Town Board determined it was not the intention of the Moratorium to stop the removal and reconstruction of a garage, and therefore will move forward to allow the exemption. Formal approval was added to the regular agenda for this evening. New Business The Town Board reviewed future Town Board meeting dates and decided on Wednesday, September 1, Monday, September 13, Tuesday, August 17 and Wednesday, July 21, for the next three month. At the suggestion of the Town Clerk, the Town Board discussed the flying of a Pride Flag honoring Pride Month (June). It was agreed to with enthusiasm and the Town will fly the flag provided by the Town Clerk. Recent tree removal by Metro North along Revere Road and Harmon Drive has caused much upset among those residents. Although these residents reside in the Village of Mamaroneck, the Supervisor has received th numerous calls. There will be an on-site meeting with Metro North and the residents on Friday, June 5, at 6:00pm. The trees were located in the Metro North right-of-way, and so did not require prior notice. The Supervisor stated that this demonstrates a lack of communication on the part of Metro North. Village Mayor, Tom Murphy, State Assemblyman Steve Otis will attend the June 5 meeting. Deputy Town Administrator, Connie Green O’Donnell, was also asked to attend on behalf of the Town. At the request of Councilwoman Fiddelman, Supervisor Seligson gave an update on the Solar Project at the Hommocks Ice Rink, noting that there has not been as many registrations from the residents of the Hommocks Apartments as the Town had hoped, and Sustainable Westchester is actively working to register these residents into the program. Supervisor Seligson noted that AKRF, the Town consultant working on the Zoning Code will be provided the addresses of homes to review. The recent list discussed by the Town Board was modified and added to by the Building Department. Connie Green O’Donnell stated that the committee formed to help with the 5G legislation, has received a draft legislative amendment and will review and give comments to the Town’s consultant. Councilwoman Elkind Eney gave an update on the Comprehensive Plan, stating that the new scope and timeline are being discussed with the Advisory Committee, and should be before the Town Board in a few weeks. On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, the Board unanimously agreed to enter an Executive Session to discuss the employment history of particular individuals, an easement and potential litigation. Meredith Robson was asked to join. EXECUTIVE SESSION Employment History of Particular Individuals 2 June 2, 2021 Easement Potential Litigation. On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman King, the Board unanimously agreed to resume the Worksession. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Seligson at 8:00 p.m. Supervisor Seligson noted that the Town Board met for a worksession beginning at five o’clock this evening. SUPERVISOR’S REPORT We had the great pleasure of attending in-person Memorial Day events this past week. The ceremonies began last Thursday with a MHS event at the Richard Kemper Memorial. On Sunday morning, the TMFD held a ceremony that included the re-dedication of the bell on the Fire House grounds. The original bell was dedicated to the founder of the department, George Burton. The Exempt Firefighters had the bell completely restored and beautifully landscaped with benches around it. The bell is now dedicated to all departed members of the TMFD. VFW David Potts Jr. Post 1156 and American Legion Posts 90 and 347 all held ceremonies on Monday in the Village of Mamaroneck and Village of Larchmont. It was wonderful to be together with our community’s veterans, residents and officials after the past year of isolation to remember those died in service to our country on the somber holiday of Memorial Day. Thanks to the TMFD, VFW Post 1156 and American Legions 90 and 347 for bringing us together. I attended newly reinvigorated Westchester County Stormwater Advisory Committee meeting where we discussed funding for various Stormwater flooding projects including several bridges in the Village of Mamaroneck. Town of Mamaroneck summer camp registration is open until June 6. We are still looking to hire camp counselors and life guards. I’m pleased to announce that the Town will be holding outdoor concerts again this summer in July and an outdoor movie is planned for Friday, June 18. The Recreation Dept. website has information about the jobs and of course about all the programs. I was pleased to participate in the STEM MHS Expert Talks today. Assemblyman Steve Otis, County Legislator Catherine Parker and I talked to MHS seniors about careers and our work and experience in the environment. 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 there was none. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Seligson called the Meeting to order, then on motion of Commission Elkind Eney, seconded by Commissioner Fiddelman, 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 3 June 2, 2021 1. FIRE CLAIMS On motion of Commissioner Elkind Eney, seconded by Commissioner Fiddelman, 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 thanked the Fire Department for hosting the recent Memorial Day Commemoration, adding that the restored bell looks wonderful! There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner Elkind Eney, seconded by Commissioner Katz, the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Appointment - Town Administrator – Meredith S. Robson On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby appoint Meredith S. Robson as Town Administrator of the Town of Mamaroneck, at an annual salary of $210,000, effective June 2, 2021. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: King Aye Fiddelman Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Seligson Aye 2. Authorization – Award Contract TA-21-07 Resurfacing of Various Roads On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, the following was approved; WHEREAS, on May 12, 2021, the Town publicly opened and read five (5) bids for Contract TA-21-07 Resurfacing of Various Roads. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby award Contract TA-21-07 Resurfacing of Various Roads, to the lowest responsible bidder meeting the Town’s specification, ELQ Industries, Inc., for the base bid amount of $706,656.00. 4 June 2, 2021 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: King Aye Fiddelman Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Seligson Aye 3. Authorization – Love Your Food – Calcutta Kitchens Food Demonstrations On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the agreement with Niranjan LLC d/b/a Calcutta Kitchens, to conduct cooking demonstrations for the Love Your Food Grant Program, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby authorize the Deputy Town Administrator to execute the agreement 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 4. Authorization – Love Your Food Video Series with Greenburgh Nature Center On motion of Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the agreement with the Greenburgh Nature Center, to write and perform scripts for nine (9) videos for the Love Your Food Grant Program, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby authorize the Deputy Town Administrator to execute the agreement 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 5. Resolution – SAM Grant On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, the following was approved; WHEREAS, the Town of Mamaroneck has proposed the replacement of the Hommocks Kiddy Pool at the Hommocks Pool Facility which will greatly enhance the aquatic experience for young children in the Town of Mamaroneck and, WHEREAS , the total cost of the project is estimated to be $600,800, and 5 June 2, 2021 WHEREAS, the Town has been nominated for a grant in the amount of $250,000 under the State and Municipal Facilities Capital Program, the remaining portion of the project cost is $350,800. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck hereby commits to funding the Town’s share of the project cost for the Hommocks Spray Pad Project. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: King Aye Fiddelman Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Seligson Aye 6. Authorization – Appoint Office Assistant – Highway Department/Central Garage On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby appoint Theresa Barberio as a full-time Office Assistant in the Highway Department, effective June 3, 2021, at an annual salary of $54,693. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: King Aye Fiddelman Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Seligson Aye 7. Set Public Hearing - “Adoption of the NYStretch Energy Code 2020” Law On motion of Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilman King, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby set the date for a Public Hearing on the “Adoption of the NYStretch Energy Code 2020” Law, for June 16, 2021 at 8:00 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. 8. Set Town Board Meeting Date On motion of Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilman King, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby set the upcoming Town Board Meeting dates for Wednesday, September 1, Monday, September 13, Tuesday, August 17 and Wednesday, July 21. 9. Resolution – Exemption from the Moratorium on the Demolition of Main Buildings – 68 Sherwood Drive On the motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the following shall be approved; 6 June 2, 2021 WHEREAS, on April 21, 2021, the Town Board passed a moratorium against the demolition of main buildings, as that term is defined in section 240-4 of the Mamaroneck Code, in residential zoning districts until October 31, 2021, and WHEREAS, a unique situation has arisen in that the only improvement on the real property known by the postal address of 68 Sherwood Drive is a garage containing no habitable space, and WHEREAS, as the only improvement on this property, the garage is considered the main building within the meaning of the Town Code and therefore the moratorium currently prevents its demolition, and WHEREAS, by its terms the moratorium is designed to pause the demolition of homes so that they cannot be replaced with ones of greater size, or homes placed on lots in locations where they may have an intrusive effect on neighboring properties, or homes that are out of character with the neighborhood while the Town Board explores possible changes in the Town Code that may mollify the impact of the demolition and replacement of homes, and WHEREAS, when it passed the resolution establishing the moratorium, the Town Board was unaware of the situation at 68 Sherwood Drive, and WHEREAS, it was not the intention of the Town Board for the moratorium to prevent the demolition of the garage at 68 Sherwood Drive. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the moratorium on the demolition of main buildings shall not apply to 68 Sherwood Drive and upon submission of a proper application, the Building Inspector may issue a demolition permit for the removal of the garage located thereon. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: King Aye Fiddelman Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Seligson Aye REPORT OF COUNCIL The Town Board Members reported on their various activities and meetings since the last Town Board Meeting. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, the meeting was unanimously adjourned. ________________________________ Submitted by Christina Battalia, Town Clerk 7 June 2, 2021 ATTACHMENT A 8 June 2, 2021 9