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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014_05_28 Town Board Minutes May 28, 2014 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON MAY 28, 2014, BEGINNING AT 5:00PM AT THE VETERANS of FOREIGN WARS POST 1156, 1288 BOSTON POST ROAD, LARCHMONT, NEW YORK PRESENT: Supervisor Nancy Seligson Councilwoman Abby Katz Councilwoman Jaine Elkind Eney Councilman Thomas A. Murphy ABSENT: Councilman Ernest C. Odierna ALSO PRESENT: Christina Battalia, Town Clerk Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator William Maker, Jr., Town Attorney CALL TO ORDER - WORK SESSION On motion of Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the Work Session was unanimously opened at 5:00PM. Energize New York Additionally Present: Mark Thielking and Elyssa Rothe of Energize NY th Mr. Thielking and Ms. Rothe presented the program to the Town Board at the May 7 meeting but due to time restraints the presentation was cut short. This evening they were able to give a more detailed presentation and answer specific questions from the Town Board. The Energy Improvement Corporation is a:  Not-for-Profit, Local Development Corporation  Mission to increase Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy  Utilizes a shared service model  Funded by NYSERDA, DOE, revenue from financings  Serves property owners with three programs Energize NY Commercial o Energize NY Financial o Energize NY Residential o The Town Board also received a product description and program details for Energize NY: The Westchester Project. This is a program in which “Westchester County has teamed up with the Energy Improvement Corporation (EIC), a Local Development Corporation, to provide low cost financing that helps lower energy costs for properties that need it most: multifamily affordable housing and not-for-profit owned buildings. The County is utilizing its federally allocated Qualified Energy Conservation Bond (QECB) authority and aligning with EIC’s goal to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.” th There is a deadline of September 30 for QECB projects. Supervisor Seligson thought the QECB’s were a worthwhile opportunity and the Town should see if it could meet the deadline. Supervisor Seligson also stated that she likes the encouragement to the taxpayer to create the energy savings and environmentally beneficial improvements, all of which are worthwhile. 1 May 28, 2014 One particular concern of a few Town Board members was the Town’s overall liability and would like to work with a capping mechanism to keep the Town’s exposure within a reasonable limit. Mr. Altieri and Mr. Maker will work on draft legislation that includes some capping mechanism. Proposed Consolidated Funding Applications New York State Supervisor Seligson and Administrator Altieri attended a presentation for the 2014 Consolidated Funding Grants, adding that this year it is still a convoluted process. Some of the same issues apply to this year in that the Regional Economic Councils set the objectives and goals for the entire State. The Regional Economic Council has created three main objectives and goals and established funding to facilitate these goals. Individual agencies have the pots of money but there is one general application. She believes the best opportunities are for a very comprehensive Town wide project that would be seen as a model. Supervisor Seligson suggested the Town plan to apply in 2015, for storm water and sanitary sewer issues. At the same time she believes the Town should reapply an application from last year for green infrastructure at the Town Center. Last year the Town applied for a combination of projects that were originally within the ESCO project. Councilwoman Katz wanted to be sure that whatever projects were applied for that the Town consider maintenance costs in the future. ADDED ITEM Sidewalk Grant for Weaver Street Mr. Altieri reported that the Town received an estimate of $250,000 to create a sidewalk on Weaver Street near Bonnie Way. As discussed the residents’ of Bonnie Way will be making the application which is due on th June 11, and will require a resident support letter with the application. TAKEN OUT OF ORDER Boards & Commissions The Human Rights Committee has some items on their agenda that the Town Board finds troubling and beyond the scope of what this committee should be addressing. Supervisor Seligson is concerned that because this committee was formerly a Town Committee, but is no longer, it will be construed that this the Town’s agenda. The Town Board discussed how best to get their feelings known and decided on a letter to the Human Rights Committee. Mr. Maker will work with the Supervisor on such a letter. On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman Murphy, the Board unanimously agreed to enter into an Executive Session to review resumes for candidates for various Boards and Commissions. EXECUTIVE SESSION Resume review for Boards and Commissions On motion of Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, the Board unanimously agreed to resume the Regular Meeting. Washington Square Resident Parking Law Supervisor Seligson reported that Andrea was collating the emails her Office has received in preparation for th the Public Hearing on June 4. 2 May 28, 2014 Property Tax Adjustment Mr. Altieri explained that the Town has been in discussions with Straight Gate Church in the Village of Mamaroneck. The Church is in financial difficulty and is currently in bankruptcy court. The Church owes $153,000 in back taxes to the Town, County and school. Mr. Maker proposes contacting the bankruptcy lawyer to consider an installment agreement, adding this is not usually acceptable to bankruptcy judges, but it is worth inquiring. Additionally, Mr. Altieri has asked the Church to try to determine and produce evidence that it applied for tax exempt status with the Village of Mamaroneck for the adjacent parking lot. If the Town were to accept the tax exempt status that was filed with the Village of Mamaroneck then the Town could consider applying that to the Town tax and reduce the current liability. Mr. Maker thinks the bankruptcy court option may be better to pursue. ADDED ITEM It was brought to the Town’s attention that the Village of Mamaroneck is considering legislation that has administrative implications for the Town in regard to the Community Services Department with respect to Section 8 and Housing and Urban Development requirements. Mr. Altieri will meet with Rich Slingerland, the Village of Mamaroneck Manager to ask that they move the Public Hearing in order to give the Town a chance to review the law. The Town will notify the Village that this law potentially increases the Town’s responsibilities. Councilman Murphy noted that recent legislation passed by the Village of Mamaroneck requires that deliveries to Hampshire must go through Eagle Knolls Road from 10:00pm to 8:00am. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Seligson at 8:15PM, she then pointed out the location of the exits. Supervisor Seligson noted that the Town Board met for a worksession beginning at 5:00 o’clock this evening, adding this is an open meeting that all residents’ are welcomed to attend. PROCLAMATIONS - Tony Marsella – Veterans of Foreign War Post 1156 Supervisor Seligson presented Tony Marsella with his proclamation and then Mr. Marsella led the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing the Star Spangled Banner. Mr. Marsella spoke and thanked the Town for this honor. Supervisor Seligson spoke of Mr. Marsella’s wonderful contributions to the community and his civic mindedness. RECOGNITION – Hommocks Ice Breaker Tournament Coordinators Supervisor Seligson introduced Dan Demasi of the MYHA Board of Directors, Mike Chiapparelli the Mamaroneck High School Hockey Coach and the Varsity Hockey Players. They are being recognized this evening for the work they did on the Ice Breaker Tournament Fundraiser. The event was a huge success netting $10,000 towards the construction of new bathrooms and locker rooms at the Hommocks Ice Rink. For those listening this evening additional contributions are welcomed and can be sent to the Hommocks Ice Rink Trust Fund. Dan Demasi addressed the Board and thanked the many individuals who helped make the event a success. Mike Chiapparelli addressed the Board thanked those involved as well. 3 May 28, 2014 Supervisor Seligson noted that the Ice Rink is an important asset to our Community, recognized throughout the County as a first rate facility, adding that with the current renovations we will have ice 12 month a year. SUPERVISOR’S SUMMARY REPORT The Town Highway Dept is catching up on spring cleanup. I had the chance to address the Mamaroneck/Harrison Bar Association at their luncheon where I talked about latest happenings in the Town. I attended an Environmental Summit organized by Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker and held at the Jay Heritage Center in Rye. I attended the Senior Citizen Art Class show at the Larchmont/Mamaroneck Library and once again was so happy to see the wonderful paintings of the students and the great instructor Pat Sunderland. Steve Altieri and I attended the NYS Consolidated Funding Application workshop to gain a better understanding of the process and potential opportunities for the Town. The organization Save the Sound, which I used to run, has hired a new staff person to focus on the western part of the Sound in which we are located. I attended an event to meet Tracy Brown who was formerly with RiverKeeper and has great experience in water quality issues. Thank you to Councilwoman Jaine Elkind Eney for organizing a ribbon cutting/welcome event at the new Walgreens at Hommocks Road and the Post Road. CITIZEN’S COMMENTS Supervisor Seligson asked if anyone in the audience would like to address the Board, and there was not. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The Meeting was called to order by Commissioner Seligson, and 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: Thomas A. Murphy 1. FIRE CLAIMS On motion of Commissioner Elkind Eney, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, it was 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: VENDOR DESCRIPTION AMOUNT AAA Emergency Supply Scott Pak Hydro & Refill, Fire Exting. Recharges, Repairs to lights 294.00 AAA Emergency Supply Scott Pak Hydro and refill 288.00 Amazon.Com Replacement Security Cameras, Replacement Monitors & Mount 603.83 A S A P ETC. Pager repair shipment 11.32 Brewer Hardware Screws, Screws & U Bolt, Paint for Ladders 73.20 Chatsworth Cleaners Uniform Alterations 27.00 Con Edison Gas for April 2014 - 4/1-4/30/14 496.09 Clarke, Terence Reimburse for Fire Academy Training - travel expenses 47.80 Carrot-Top Industries Inc. NYS, US and POW Flags 215.07 G & K Services Inc. Mats and Rags for April 2014 102.80 Grainger Toilet Paper & Liners, Lockout Components and Cables 340.01 Grainger Totes for Medical Supplies 52.36 4 May 28, 2014 Ricoh Copier Contract for billing period 4/22-5/21/14 214.57 R & L Consulting Symantec Mail Security Exchange License Renewal 2014 - 50 users 200.00 S. G. Fire Protection Kitchen Hood cleaning 410.00 Sound Shore Pest Control Exterminating Services on 4/24/14 65.00 Town of Mam'k Fire Dept. Batteries, Water and Security Monitor 458.09 Town of Mam'k Fire Dept. Food & Supplies for April 2014 Dept. Drill 268.27 Tony's Nurseries Inc. Hay for Car Fire Drill 23.98 United Communications Corp. Minitor IV Repair 241.35 Villa Maria Pizza Special Drill - Extraction, Special Ice Drill, Explorer Drill - May 2014 326.61 Verizon Fire HQ svc (5/10-6/9/14) 333.07 Westech Elevator Services Maintenance for May 2014 175.00 Total: 5267.42 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Commissioner Murphy Aye Commissioner Elkind Eney Aye Commissioner Katz Aye Commissioner Odierna ABSENT Commissioner Seligson Aye There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner Elkind Eney, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1.Authorization – Transfer of Funds – Swim Club Trust On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Murphy, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the transfer of funds in the amount of $1,030.00 from the Swim Club Trust Fund for the purchase of a laptop computer as outlined by the Town Comptroller in the following schedule: BUDGET AMENDMENT - TRANSFER FROM TRUST FUND TO GENERAL FUND 5/28/2014 TOWN BOARD MEETING GENERAL TOWN WIDE FUND (FUND A): INCREASE BUDGET: A.0000.5041 TRANSFERS FROM TRUST $ 1,030.00 FUND A.7020.2102 MISC EQUIPMENT $ 1,030.00 * (REPRESENTS USE OF SWIM CLUB TRUST FUND DONATIONS FOR PURCHASE OF COMPUTER NOTEBOOK/THINKPAD FOR SWIM MEET FUNCTIONS & GENERAL RECREATION PURPOSES. 5 May 28, 2014 5/1/2014 BALANCE (T.0033) - $ 24,991.53 * TRUST A/C # T.0000.0033 $ (1,030.00) (SWIM CLUB TRUST FUND) (Transfer to General Townwide Fund) REVISED BALANCE (T.0033) - $ 23,961.53 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna ABSENT Seligson Aye 2.Authorization to Establish Hommocks Ice Rink Locker Room Trust Fund On motion of Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does approve the establishment of the “Hommocks Ice Rink Locker Room Trust Fund” and transfer of funds into the trust fund in the amount of $11,806.00 from donations and contributions for the purpose of constructing a locker room in the Hommocks Ice Rink as detailed by the Comptroller in the following schedule: ESTABLISH TRUST FUND - T.0116 (ICE RINK LOCKER ROOM TRUST) 5/28/2014 TOWN BOARD MEETING SPECIAL PURPOSE TRUST FUND (FUND T): ESTABLISH TRUST FUND: INITIAL DONATION T.0000.0116 ICE RINK LOCKER ROOM TRUST $ 11,806.00 * Establish Special Purpose Trust Fund to properly account for donations made to the Town for the purpose of constructing a locker room in the Hommocks Ice Rink. Initial donation in the amount of $11,806.00 has been received and deposited on 5/12/2014. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna ABSENT Seligson Aye 6 May 28, 2014 3.Authorization – Agreement – Hispanic Resource Center On motion of Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, the following was approved, WHEREAS, The Town of Mamaroneck budget includes a $15,000.00 appropriation traditionally provided to the Community Action Program, and WHEREAS, that program ceased its operations in 2013 and most of these programs have been assumed by the Hispanic Resource Center in the Village of Mamaroneck. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve of entering into an agreement with the Human Resource Center, subject to the approval of form of agreement by the Town Attorney, to provide funding in the amount of $15,000.00 for the 2014 Town Budget Year, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Administrator is hereby authorized to sign said agreement on behalf of the town. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna ABSENT Seligson Aye 4. Approval of Certiorari On motion of Councilman Murphy, 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: Larchmont Yacht Club Woodbine Avenue S/B/L: 7-17-1 Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Larchmont Year Assessment Amount of Reduction Reduced Assessment 2007 $346,000 $144,000 $202,300 2008 $346,000 $135,900 $210,400 2009 $346,000 $135,825 $210,475 2010 $346,000 $109,325 $236,975 2011 $346,000 $ 98,100 $248,200 2012 $346,000 $102,900 $243,400 2013 $15,000,000 $1,011,500 $13,988,500 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna ABSENT Seligson RECUSE 7 May 28, 2014 1.Appointment – Board of Assessment Review On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Murphy, the following was approved WHEREAS, with the resignation of Janet Demasi as Member A of the Board of Assessment Review, a vacancy now exists. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Cary Sleeper be appointed as Member A of the Board of Assessment Review, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the foregoing appointment shall be effective immediately upon the appointee taking and subscribing the oath mandated by section 25 of the New York Town Law and shall expire on September 30, 2018. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna ABSENT Seligson Aye APPROVAL OF MINUTES On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the Board Minutes from the Meeting of April 23, 2014. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None REPORT OF COUNCIL Councilwoman Elkind Eney noted that she and members of the Board attended many Memorial Day events including the lovely ceremony at Thompkins Park in the Village of Mamaroneck, a breakfast at the VFW followed by a ceremony at Memorial Park then a lunch at the American Legion. Additionally, the Village and Town Parade was held on May 22, proceeded by a ceremony at the Weaver Street Firehouse then back to the Fire House for a wonderful meal prepared by Chief Russo. The Town Board attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Walgreens, adding this will be a good addition to the community. She would like to thank the Fire Department for the great job they did in putting out the fire over Memorial Day weekend. The family got out safely, and 30 Fire Fighters were able to put out the fire in less than an hour. There was also a rescue by a Police Officer of the family dog. Councilwoman Elkind Eney attended the Recreation Commission Meeting at which they reviewed the summer programs and took a tour of the construction at the Ice Rink. She attended the Planning Board Meeting at which they approved the revised site plan for Winged Foot. The Board attended the Westchester Municipal Officials Dinner held in North Salem, adding there was an informative speaker on the use and gardening without pesticides. She and Steve Altieri met with the Fire Council to review the work being done by the ESCO and its impact for the rd Fire House. Additionally, there is a Fire District referendum being held on June 3, for the borrowing related to the ESCO project at the Fire House. Supervisor Seligson explained that in NYS Law the Fire District is a separate district and therefore any borrowing requires a referendum. 8 May 28, 2014 Councilwoman Katz did not want to repeat the events already noted by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, but added that she attended the Murray Ave School Fair, noting it’s her favorite. She and her daughter were just able to make it home before the torrential down pour. She attended the Larchmont Gardens’ Civic Association Meeting at which Tony Gelber from the Sustainability Collaborative spoke. She attended an orchestra concert at the Hommocks Middle School and congratulated the chamber and camerata orchestras’ for winning a gold medal at the NISMA Festival. A special congratulation to Ms. Di Nigris and Mr. Sussman on running such a fine program, we are so lucky to have teachers of this quality. Councilwoman Katz noted that she attended the Senior Citizen Art Show and noted that she had been unaware that the paintings were for sale. Supervisor Seligson added that Senior Citizen Art Class Instructor Pat Sunderland is so devoted to her students and we are very fortunate to have this high level of a program. Councilman Murphy noted that he attended the many Memorial Day events, noting the upcoming Parade th in the Village of Mamaroneck this Friday, May 30. The Parade begins at Mamaroneck Avenue School and proceeds up the Avenue to the American Legion Hall on Prospect Avenue, culminating in a very moving and meaningful ceremony. Councilman Murphy wanted to note that the music teacher Step Chin from Mamaroneck Avenue School plays taps at many of these events and attends all of these veteran’s ceremonies and is a great model for our children and for our community - we are lucky to have public servants like him. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Murphy the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:15 PM ________________________________ Submitted by Christina Battalia, Town Clerk 9