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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014_12_03 Town Board Minutes December 3, 2014 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON DECEMBER 3, 2014 BEGINNING AT 5:00PM IN CONFERENCE ROOM A AND CONTINUING AT 8:00 PM IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE TOWN CENTER, 740 W. BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK PRESENT: Supervisor Nancy Seligson Councilman Ernest C. Odierna Councilwoman Abby Katz Councilwoman Jaine Elkind Eney Councilman Thomas A. Murphy ALSO PRESENT: Christina Battalia, Town Clerk Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator William Maker, Jr., Town Attorney CALL TO ORDER - WORK SESSION On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman Murphy, the Work Session was unanimously opened at 5:00PM. Review of 2015 Preliminary Budget Mr. Altieri provided a memo dated November 26, 2014 for the Town Board to review and is outlined as follows: The following is a brief overview of the 2015 Preliminary Budget that will be presented at the public hearing on December 3. A memorandum provided to the Board on November 18, 2014 outlined all of the material changes to the tentative budget. Since that time there have been several minor changes that are reflected here. Final copies of the full Preliminary Budget Document will be available at the hearing. The Preliminary Budget will be posted to our website on Monday, December 1. Overview The chart below is the year to year comparison between the 2014 budget and the 2015 Preliminary Budget. 2014 2015 Change % Change Appropriations $33,019,546 $34,320,994 $1,301,448 3.9% Non-Tax Revenue 9,809,911 10,512,549 702,638 7.2% Reserve Application 215,000 360,000 145,000 67% Property Tax Levy $22,994,635 $23,448,445 $453,810 1.97% Property Tax Impact The property tax rate for an unincorporated area resident will rise by 1.7% to $5.66/ per one thousand dollars of valuation. For a property with an average assessment of $1.1million that property’s Town tax will increase from $6,127 to $6,226 an increase of $99.00. Property owners in the Villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck will see their Town property tax obligation increase by 2.1% or $11.00 from $517.00 to $528.00 Attached to this memorandum are the budget summary by fund and the tax rate and assessment schedule. Also attached is the revised property tax cap formula schedule. The 2015 Preliminary Budget proposes a tax levy increase of 1.97% which is within the allowable cap of 1.98%. Addendum #1 Town of Mamaroneck 1 December 3, 2014 Property Tax Cap Formula for Determining Tax Levy Limit- 2015 SECOND REVISION FOR 2015 PRELIMINARY BUDGET 2014 Tax Levy $ 22,994,635 Tax Base Growth Factor X 1.0041% Based on State Tax and Finance determination of “quantity  change” such as new construction, newly taxable status of existing property or measurable improvements to taxable property or measurable improvements to taxable property within the Town of Mamaroneck $ 23,088,913 Plus PILOTs receivables in 2012 -0- Allowable Levy Growth Factor X 1.0156% Lesser of 1.02% or inflation factor (percent change in CPI for  the 12 month period ending 6 months before the start of the coming fiscal year over the prior 12 month period) but not lower than 1.00% $ 23,449,100 Less PILOT receivables in 2014 -0- Plus expenditures from court orders or judgments arising from tort actions in excess of 5% of the tax levy (certioraris cannot be included) -0- Plus increases to the average actuarial contribution rate of pension funds in excess of 2%: Employees Retirement System- Excess of 2% $ -0-  Police and Firefighters Retirement System-Excess 2.0% $ -0-  Total Tax Levy Limit for 2014 $ 23,449,100 Total Increase for All Budget Funds $ 454,465,000 or 1.98% Proposed Tax Levy for Preliminary Budget $ 23,448,445 Total Increase for All funds $ 453,810,000 or 1.97% Mr. Altieri discussed the calculation of the Tax Cap Levy, noting that by June 1, 2015 an efficiency plan needs to be submitted to the State; this will be a focus for discussion in January. The Town Board reviewed the specific changes from the Tentative Budget to the Preliminary Budget, noting specific line items. Review of Proposed Sewer Rent Law The Town Board reviewed the draft legislation prepared for this evening’s Public Hearing. Councilwoman Katz had a specific question regarding whether there was a procedure for a (commercial) higher water user who does not drain to the sewer system to receive a discount, noting that this was built into Port Chester’s law. The Board discussed adding this as an amendment to the law at a future date. ADDED ITEMS Supervisor Seligson noted that she was recently elected as a Board Member of Sustainable Westchester. Supervisor Seligson also noted that she has been contacted by residents affected by a recent home tear down, noting that again a home is being taken down and replaced with a structure not needing a variance. Because there was no variance, no neighbor notification was required. Supervisor Seligson would like the Board to consider some type of notification when a home is to be torn down, adding that although there is no approval process, it would be nice for neighbors to be notified as it can cause disruption to a neighborhood. The Board asked Mr. Maker to work on a first draft legislation. Discussion – Sustainability Collaborative 2 December 3, 2014 Supervisor Seligson stated that the Sustainability Collaborative is working on an agenda for the upcoming year, but it was not yet finalized for discussion this evening. Additionally, Mr. Maker is working on a form of structure for the Committee. Councilman Odierna would like to attend the meetings and have involvement in the bike rack discussions. Update – Energy Performance Contract The Town Board reviewed a memo from Mr. Altieri dated November 25, 2014. The final programming of the lights is due to take place by December 10, 2014. Mr. Altieri stated that the parties involved met with the installer to discuss the dimming of the lights, and discussions will take place soon with Con Edison to discuss the average wattage. The manufacturer does produce a shield that is being reviewed. The next step would be to drive throughout the Town and view the problem areas. Mr. Altieri stated that final adjustments should be made in January. It was also noted that residents may be coming to address the Town Board tonight during the regular session. ADDED ITEMS Appointments to Boards and Commissions The Town Board discussed the Board of Assessment Review vacancies, as well as reappointments to be made in January. The Councilmembers’ reviewed the calls they are making to various members of the Boards & Commissions to determine whether they wish to be reappointed. 2015 Town Board Meeting Dates The Town Board determined that the January and February 2015 Town Board meeting dates would be as follows: January 7 and 21 February 4 and 25 CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Seligson at 8:00 PM, 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. SUPERVISOR’S SUMMARY REPORT The 2015 Preliminary Budget will be presented tonight. As I said at our last meeting, the Town is in a more favorable financial position compared to the last two years as we have been successful in our surplus recovery program, the improved economy has resulted in increases in some non-tax revenues, we have been more aggressive in recovering delinquent taxes and we continue to hold or reduce expenses as best we can. The good news is that the preliminary budget sneaks in under the state-imposed tax levy cap. The Sustainability Collaborative intends to ask the Town Board to accept its 2015 plan. I’ve been elected to the inaugural board of directors for the nonprofit, Sustainable Westchester. Sustainable Westchester is a new member-driven organization comprised of approximately 35 local Westchester County governments focusing on energy efficiency in buildings, accelerating solar energy installations, promoting safer streets for all modes of transportation, reducing solid waste volumes, lowering future electric rates and ensuring water quality throughout the County. 3 December 3, 2014 The majority of the County-owned Murray Avenue has been paved by Westchester County. After many recent months of requests to the County to pave the street, it was a last minute decision by the County to do it. The Town didn’t have a lot of opportunity to participate in the planning, but we’re pleased that the County paved the street. PROCLAMATION WHEREAS: Janet Demasi has lived in the Larchmont/Mamaroneck community for 38 years; and WHEREAS: Professionally, Janet has been a Real Estate Agent for thirty years and was a former Remedial Reading Teacher; and WHEREAS: Janet is an active member of many boards in the community such as; Co-chair of the Center of Continuing Education, Board member of I care, Chair of the Town Board of Assessment Review and is a member of the Larchmont Woman’s Club and Local Summit ; and WHEREAS: Janet’s service and dedication to the community is honorable extremely respected; and WHEREAS: We would like to thank Janet for her service to the community as Chair of the Board of Assessment Review; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Nancy Seligson, Supervisor of the Town of Mamaroneck, and the Town Board members hereby thank Janet Demasi for her tenure on the Board of Assessment Review IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Mamaroneck to be affixed this 5th day of November, 2014 TAKEN OUT OF ORDER AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 2. Computer Science Education Week Resolution On motion of Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, the following was unanimously approved, WHEREAS: The STEM Alliance of Larchmont-Mamaroneck is a non-profit organization of parents, educators and community members who are dedicated to the expansion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education in our tri-municipal area; and WHEREAS: The Mamaroneck School District staff are in their second year of promoting this initiative which involves encouraging all students to try at least one hour of coding tutorials; and WHEREAS: Computer science is foundational for every industry today, and the Hour of Code has been set up in districts all over the country and the world with support from local and state governments as well; and WHEREAS: The Hour Of Code will take place in all schools, classrooms, computer labs, and libraries, and could open up new horizons for students as they connect learning to real-life, applied job skills. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Nancy Seligson, Supervisor of the Town of Mamaroneck and th the Town Board members hereby declare the week of December 8, 2014 as the "Hour of Code: Computer Science Education Week" in the Town of Mamaroneck. Henry Smith a teacher with the Mamaroneck School District enthusiastically accepted the resolution and then spoke briefly about the STEM/STEAM program in the Mamaroneck School District. CITIZEN’S COMMENTS 4 December 3, 2014 Elizabeth Walker, 158 East Brookside Drive addressed the Town Board. Ms. Walker expressed her reaction to the new street lights -she thinks they look industrial. They make nighttime light all the time with areas that are very lit and some areas very dark, adding that clinically she thinks they can’t be good for your eyes. She noted that she received the Town letter explaining that adjustments are to be made and she is hopeful that things may be made better. Supervisor Seligson responded that the Town is aware that there are some issues with the direction and brightness, adding that those things are being tested now, adding that the Town is also not yet happy with the results of the adjustments made to date. Mr. Altieri added that the color of the lights cannot be changed, but the Town is considering an overall diming of all lights. Kevin Crowe, Larchmont Gardens’ Civic Association (LGCA), thanked the Town for doing a great job of handling the issue (with the street lights) and working with residents to address specific issues. State Senator George Latimer addressed the Town Board. Mr. Latimer wished the Town Board and its residents a happy holiday season and a happy new year. Mr. Latimer gave a brief report on the State of the State. In closing Mr. Latimer stated that if there is any Home Rule legislation he can help the Town address, to please contact him, as he is more than happy to be of assistance. Supervisor Seligson did address an issue the Town is having, and that is with the Department of Environment Conservation with respect to the approval of an agreement with the County involving inflow and infiltration. Mr. Latimer asked Supervisor Seligson to call his Office to discuss how he can help resolve this. Councilman Murphy asked Mr. Latimer to have the State stop changing the ground rules on the tax cap levy legislation every year! Councilman Murphy asked for rationale as to why the school districts don’t have to include their capital budgets in the tax cap levy calculations, but the municipalities must. Mr. Latimer noted that these are excellent comments and the Town should consider consolidating its comments into a document to be submitted to the Legislature. PUBLIC HEARING – Establishment of a Sewer Rent Law” Law The following Notice of Public Hearing is entered into the record as follows: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 130 of the Town Law of the State of New York, and pursuant to a resolution of the Mamaroneck Town Board adopted on November 19, 2014 a Public Hearing will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 8:00 PM or as soon thereafter as is possible at the Town Center, 740 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York to consider: “Establishment of a Sewer Rent Law” Law. Purpose: Article 14-F of the General Municipal Law authorizes the imposition of sewer rents as a means of raising funds (a) to operate, maintain and repair a municipal sanitary sewer system, and (b) where not prohibited by General Municipal Law § 453 (3), to expand such system. This law creates a sewer rent to be imposed upon the properties that discharge sewage into the Town of Mamaroneck’s sanitary sewer system. The rents will be used to operate, maintain and repair that sewer system and if deemed appropriate by the Town Board and not prohibited by General Municipal Law § 453 (3), to expand such system. The Town Board finds that a sewer rent more equitably distributes the cost of the sanitary sewer system because it is a function of usage computed based upon water consumption and is charged to all the users of that system, including tax exempt properties. The full text of this Amendment is stated below and can also be examined and copies obtained at the Town Clerk's office during regular hours, Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, In June, July and August until 4:00 PM at 740 W. Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, New York PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that at the Public Hearing all persons interested will be given an opportunity to be heard and that all persons are invited to submit written comments at or prior thereto. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK 5 December 3, 2014 CHRISTINA BATTALIA TOWN CLERK Published: November 26, 2014 On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Murphy, the Public Hearing was unanimously opened. Supervisor Seligson stated that this law would change usage from a tax to a user fee. This would allow residents to control how much they pay by controlling their usage. This is not a new concept as many of the Town’s services are billed this way. Mr. Altieri showed a PowerPoint of how the law would be structured. Donald Mazin, asked if a resident can ‘write off’ the use fee on their taxes, and Mr. Altieri responded no. Mr. Mazin then asked if there was an analysis of sprinkler usage, and Mr. Murphy responded that there is a 10% discount for such users. Supervisor Seligson asked if anyone else wished to comment on the proposed Local Law. On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Odierna, the Public Hearing was unanimously closed. On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the following Local law was approved: Local Law No. 7 - 2014 This local law shall be known as the “Establishment of a Sewer Rent Law” Law. BE IT ENACTED by the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck Section 1 – Purpose: Article 14-F of the General Municipal Law authorizes the imposition of sewer rents as a means of raising funds (a) to operate, maintain and repair a municipal sanitary sewer system, and (b) where not prohibited by General Municipal Law 453 (3), to expand such system. This law creates a sewer rent to be imposed upon the properties that § discharge sewage into the Town of Mamaroneck’s sanitary sewer system. The rents will be used to operate, maintain and repair that sewer system and if deemed appropriate by the Town Board and not prohibited by General Municipal Law 453 (3), to expand such system. The Town Board finds that a sewer rent more equitably § distributes the cost of the sanitary sewer system because it is a function of usage computed based upon water consumption and is charged to all the users of that system, including tax exempt properties. Section 2 – Creation of a new chapter for the Mamaroneck Code: The Town Board on behalf of the Town of Mamaroneck Consolidated Sewer District hereby adds the following new Chapter 174 to the Code of the Town of Mamaroneck: Chapter 174 SEWER RENT LAW § 174-1. Legislative Intent. The Town Board finds that it is in the public interest to raise funds (a) to operate, maintain and repair the Town’s sanitary sewer system and (b) if deemed appropriate by the Town Board and not prohibited by General Municipal Law 453 (3), to expand such system through a sewer rent rather than by taxation because a sewer rent more § equitably distributes the cost since it is a function of usage computed based upon water consumption and is charged to all the users of the Town’s sanitary sewer system, including tax exempt properties. § 174-2. Definitions. As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated in this section: REVENUE means the amount of money that the Town Board determines must be collected in a given fiscal year in order to operate, maintain and repair the sanitary sewer system and if deemed appropriate by the Town Board and not prohibited by General Municipal Law § 453 (3), to expand such system. 6 December 3, 2014 SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM means the conduits, drains, pipes, interceptors, laterals, mains, pumps, trunk lines and the other appurtenances or facilities owned, operated and maintained by the Town of Mamaroneck (whether located within or outside the Town’s municipal boundaries) that are used to collect, treat and/or transport sewage. SEWAGE means water-carried human or animal wastes, and any other liquid waste, whether or not it contains organic matter, together with such ground water infiltration, surface water, garbage, refuse, decayed wood, sawdust, shavings, bark, sand, lime, cinders, ashes, offal, oil, tar, dye stuffs, acids, chemicals, and all other discarded matter as may be present or carried by the water. SEWER DISTRICT means the Town of Mamaroneck Consolidated Sewer District as it currently is constituted and as it may be expanded or contracted from time to time. SEWER RENT means the charges established from time to time by the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck for discharging into the Sanitary Sewer System. SEWER RENT FUND means the fund into which the sewer rents are deposited. SYSTEM USERS means the owners of real property, other than the Town of Mamaroneck, its authorities or the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Joint Garbage Disposal Commission, that discharge into the sanitary sewer system whether such property is located within or outside the Town’s municipal boundaries. WATER CONSUMPTION means the total volume of water delivered by water sources to a property owned by a system user. WATER SOURCE means any entity that delivers water to a property owned by a system user. WJWW means the Westchester Joint Water Works. § 174-3. Sewer rent; adjustments; billing. A. Annually, the Town Board, by resolution, shall set the rate per gallon or per cubic foot, as the case may be, of water consumption to be used in determining the sewer rent for the following fiscal year. That rate shall be calculated by dividing the revenue by the water consumption of all system users in the previous fiscal year. The resolution establishing and imposing the sewer rent shall be adopted only after a public hearing held upon five days' public notice or such other period as may be mandated by General Municipal Law 452 (2) or any statute that § may replace it. B. A system user shall pay a sewer rent equal to the rate set pursuant to section 174-3 A multiplied by 90% of the system user’s water consumption. C. 1. So long as WJWW is the billing agent for the sewer rent, the sewer rent due from system users whose water source is WJWW shall be the date on which those invoices sent to them by WJWW that contain a charge for the sewer rent are due and payable. For all other system users and if WJWW ceases to be the billing agent for the sewer rent , the sewer rent shall be due and payable on the first day of February, May, August and November of each year. 2. In the case of system users whose water source is WJWW, invoices for sewer rent shall be sent to the address to which WJWW sends its invoices for water usage. For all other system users and if WJWW ceases to be the billing agent for the sewer rent, invoices for sewer rent shall be sent to the same address that the Town sends bills for real estate taxes to such system users. 3. The failure to receive a bill for the sewer rent shall not be grounds for waiving penalties or interest imposed as the result of a late payment. D. Any system user who maintains that his/her/its sewer rent should be reduced for any given year may make one application to the Town Board for a reduction in that year’s sewer rent. Such application must be in writing, and be supported by evidence that proves that the system user’s water consumption was less than the water consumption that was used to calculate the system’s user’s sewer rent for that year. § 174-4. Late payments; penalties; liens; enforcement. A. A penalty of one (1%) percent of the amount shown as due for sewer rent on an invoice shall be charged for any payment of sewer rent that is made after the date on which it is due and payable. An additional one (1%) percent penalty shall be added to the amount shown as due for sewer rent on an invoice for the sewer rent for each calendar month starting with the first calendar month after the date on which such invoice was due and payable. B. Sewer rents imposed upon real property owned by a sewer user shall constitute a lien upon that real property or such part or parts thereof for which sewer rents shall have been established and imposed. The lien shall be prior and superior to every other lien or claim except the lien of an existing tax, assessment or other lawful charge imposed by or for the state or a political subdivision or district thereof. 7 December 3, 2014 C. The Town Board, acting on behalf of a sewer district may bring and maintain an action (a) as upon contract for sewer rents in arrears, including penalties and interest, or (b) to foreclose liens for such sewer rents. As an alternative to such action, the Town Board may cause a statement to be prepared annually setting forth the amount of the sewer rents in arrears, including penalties and interest, the real property affected thereby and the name of the person in whose name such real property is assessed. The Town Board shall levy the amounts contained in such statement against the real property liable at the same time and in the same manner as town taxes, and such amounts shall be set forth in a separate column in the annual tax rolls. The amounts so levied shall be collected and enforced in the same manner and at the same time as may be provided by law for the collection and enforcement of town taxes. The failure of the Town Board to follow the alternative enforcement mechanism described in the preceding sentence in any given year shall not preclude it from following that procedure in other years. § 174-5. Use of the sewer rent fund. A. The sewer rents, including penalties and interest, shall be credited to a special fund, to be known as the “sewer rent fund.” B. As mandated by General Municipal Law § 453, moneys in such fund shall be used in the following order: 1. For the payment of the costs of operation, maintenance and repairs of the sanitary sewer system or such part or parts thereof for which sewer rents have been established and imposed. 2. For the payment of the interest on and amortization of, or payment of, indebtedness which has been or shall be incurred for the construction of the sanitary sewer system or such part or parts thereof for which sewer rents have been established and imposed (other than indebtedness, and the interest thereon, which is to be paid in the first instance from assessments upon benefited real property). 3. For the construction of sewage treatment and disposal works with necessary appurtenances including pumping stations or for the extension, enlargement, or replacement of, or additions to, the sanitary sewer system, or part or parts thereof. C. As mandated by General Municipal Law § 453, sewer rents shall not be used (1) to finance the cost of any extension of any part of the sanitary sewer system (other than any sewage treatment and disposal works with necessary appurtenances including pumping stations) to serve areas not currently served by sewers if such part has been constructed wholly or partly at the expense of real property especially benefited, or (2) for the payment of the interest on, and the amortization of, or payment of, indebtedness which is to be paid in the first instance from assessments upon benefited real property. § 174-5. Initial sewer rent. Notwithstanding the effective date of the local law adding this chapter to the Code of the Town of Mamaroneck, the initial sewer rents shall be imposed starting on October 1, 2015. Section 3 – Severability: Should any provision of this Local Law be declared invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration of unconstitutionality or invalidity shall not affect any other provisions of this Local Law, which may be implemented without the invalid or unconstitutional provisions. Section 4 – Effective Date: This Local Law shall become effective upon filing with the Secretary of State. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Seligson Aye TAKEN OUT OF ORDER 8 December 3, 2014 PUBLIC HEARING - “Amendment to Local Law No.4-2014” – Residential Parking District The following Notice of Public Hearing is entered into the record as follows: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 130 of the Town Law of the State of New York, and pursuant to a resolution of the Mamaroneck Town Board adopted on November 19, 2014 a Public Hearing will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 8:00 PM or as soon thereafter as is possible at the Town Center, 740 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York to consider: “Amendment to Local Law No. 4-2014” Law. Purpose: On September 17, 2014, the Town Board enacted Local Law No. 4-2014 establishing a residential parking system for (a) Washington Square, (b) a section of North Chatsworth Avenue, (c) New Jefferson Street, and (d) Murray Avenue between Myrtle Boulevard and Leafy Lane, effective January 1, 2015. When the Town staff reviewed the law as they were preparing for its implementation, the staff questioned certain provisions, specifically whether the absolute ban on parking between the hours of 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM on certain days should apply when those days are public holidays and whether it was practical, from an administrative standpoint, to have fines increase if there are multiple violations during a twelve month period. The full text of this Amendment is stated below and can also be examined and copies obtained at the Town Clerk's office during regular hours, Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, In June, July and August until 4:00 PM at 740 W. Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, New York PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that at the Public Hearing all persons interested will be given an opportunity to be heard and that all persons are invited to submit written comments at or prior thereto. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK CHRISTINA BATTALIA TOWN CLERK Published: November 26, 2014 On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Odierna, the Public Hearing was unanimously opened. Mr. Maker explained the purpose for these Amendments. Supervisor Seligson asked if anyone wished to comment on the proposed Local Law. Donald Mazin, addressed the Town Board. Mr. Mazin stated that he represents several applicants before the Planning Board from Myrtle Blvd and on their behalf he asks that the Town Board reconsider this law. Mr. Mazin feels it stands as an impediment to fair and affordable housing and goes against the existing Town law which states that it will not impede fair and affordable housing. Mr. Mazin submitted a written statement to the Town Board dated December 3, 2014. On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the Public Hearing was unanimously closed. On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Murphy, the following Local law was approved, Local Law No. 8 - 2014 This local law shall be known as the “Amendment to Local Law No. 4-2014” Law. 9 December 3, 2014 BE IT ENACTED by the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck Section 1 – Purpose: On September 17, 2014, the Town Board enacted Local Law No. 4-2014 establishing a residential parking system for(a) Washington Square, (b) a section of North Chatsworth Avenue, (c) New Jefferson Street, and (d) Murray Avenue between Myrtle Boulevard and Leafy Lane, effective January 1, 2015. When the Town staff reviewed the law as they were preparing for its implementation, the staff questioned certain provisions, specifically whether the absolute ban on parking between the hours of 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM on certain days should apply when those days are public holidays and whether it was practical, from an administrative standpoint, to have fines increase if there are multiple violations during a twelve month period. Upon considering the staff’s comments, the Town Board finds that the absolute ban on parking between the hours of 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM should not apply on days that are public holidays. Furthermore, the Town Board finds that now that the Town has created the position of Parking Enforcement Officer, whose role will include regularly patrolling the Washington Square area and issuing tickets to motor vehicles violating Local Law No. 4-2014, there is no need to increase the fines for each violation within a twelve month period. A ticket, whose violation carries a fixed, standard fine, if issued on a number of occasions, should suffice to discourage repetitive violations. Section 2 – Amendment of a current section of the Mamaroneck Code: Section 219-2.1 C. (3) of the Code of the Town of Mamaroneck hereby is amended to add the following sentence after the words, “the second Friday of each month.”: Section 219-1 C. (3) shall not apply on a public holiday (as defined in section 24 of the NY General Construction Law). Section 3 – Amendment of a current section of the Mamaroneck Code: Section 219-2.1 K of the Code of the Town of Mamaroneck hereby is repealed and the following substituted in its place: K. Except for the type of violation whose fine is set by section 219-2.1 (L), a violation of this law shall be punishable by a fine of $50.00 Section 4 – Severability: Should any provision of this Local Law be declared invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration of unconstitutionality or invalidity shall not affect any other provisions of this Local Law, which may be implemented without the invalid or unconstitutional provisions. Section 5 – Effective Date: This Local Law shall become effective on the later of January 1, 2015 or the date it is filed with the Secretary of State. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Seligson Aye PUBLIC HEARING - Preliminary 2015 Town of Mamaroneck Budget and Preliminary 2015 Town of Mamaroneck Fire District The following Notice of Public Hearing is entered into the record as follows: 10 December 3, 2014 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PRELIMINARY 2015 TOWN BUDGET PRELIMINARY BUDGET TOWN OF MAMARONECK FIRE DISTRICT #1 TOWN OF MAMARONECK, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board and the Fire Commission of the Town of Mamaroneck, New York on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 8:00 PM in the Court Room of the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York to consider the Town’s Preliminary Budget and the Fire District Budget for the calendar year commencing January 1, 2015 and ending December 31, 2015. All citizens are invited to attend and provide the Board with written and oral comments and ask questions concerning the Preliminary Budgets. The Preliminary Budgets can be inspected by the public from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, beginning Monday, December 1, 2014 in the Town Clerk’s Office, Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York. The Budgets may also be viewed on the Town’s website www.townofmamaroneck.org PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the proposed salaries of the members of the Town Board are as follows: Supervisor, $37,875; Town Council (4) $6,060 each and the proposed salary for the Town Clerk is $87,822 and the Town Justices (2) $21,210. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK Christina Battalia Town Clerk To be published: November 26, 2014 On motion of Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, the Public Hearing was unanimously opened. Mr. Altieri presented a PowerPoint presentation of the 2015 Budget. The following supplemental letter accompanying the submission of the Preliminary Budget as prepared by Mr. Altieri and Mr. Siligato, is entered into the record as follows: December 2, 2014 Honorable Supervisor Nancy Seligson Honorable Members of the Town Board Re: 2015 Town of Mamaroneck Preliminary Budget Dear Supervisor and Members of the Town Board: It is with great pleasure that we transmit herewith the 2015 Preliminary Budget for the Town of Mamaroneck. The budget document is likely the single most important report presented to the Town Board and the public during the year. Although the document is principally intended for the Town Board to assist in policy actions, it also serves to provide the residents of Mamaroneck an understanding of the Town’s fiscal programs and operations. It has been our thinking that the budget is best constructed on conservative financial values for both revenues and expenses. Although our financial values have been conservative, the commitment of the staff remains focused on maintaining the high level of services expected by the community. A conservative approach to the budget has over the years allowed the Town to avoid unnecessary spikes in expense and revenue estimates. More importantly adjustments in property tax levies have followed a smoother trend. The 2015 Preliminary Budget reflects a slow but steady improvement in the national and regional economy. For the first time in a number of years, we are projecting a notable increase in the performance of non-property tax revenues. This has permitted us to better control the rate of increase in the property tax levy. With stronger revenues and more aggressive collection of delinquent property taxes, our surplus recovery program has proved very successful. Improvements in our surplus position further strengthen our financial condition to prepare the Town for the unexpected events that are common to local governments. Remember that we are charged with providing continuous service regardless of the circumstances. In some respects the Town must prepare to provide unlimited services particularly where issues of safety are of concern. 11 December 3, 2014 The consideration of how best to finance government operations is a continuing challenge in the discussion of revenues. The property tax continues to be the primary source of local government funding. However as a general proposition, residents prefer to see a lower rate of increase in property tax but also prefer to see services remain unchanged. To address this challenge the Town has looked at the use of fees and charges to fund certain government activities. The concept being, a resident pays only for services used. Now this is not possible for all municipal services such as Police and Fire protection. The Town has however successfully applied the use of fees and charges to Recreation Programs, Ambulance Services and Building Inspection/Land Use Services. By applying the use of fees and charges, we have additional control over the tax levy. To carry this plan one step further, the 2015 Budget proposes the establishment of a sewer rent charge to fund maintenance of the sanitary sewer system. The charge is indexed against a discounted rate of water use. Like water, natural gas and electric, the sanitary sewer system is a form of utility that is ideal for use based charges. A charge based upon use is a fairer way to apportion the cost of maintenance and operation of sanitary sewer system. On the expense side of the budget, we have enjoyed relative stability in operating costs. Even expenses for employee benefits appeared to have stabilized for the moment. Whether this is to be a long term trend is unknown however we have taken measures in our collective bargaining agreements to apportion more of our benefit cost to the employee. Generally the staff has done a wonderful job of controlling expenses year to year. Our overall increase in expenses is low and in many cases operating expense lines remain at 2014 levels. Property Tax Cap Unfortunately part of the budget environment continues to include the property tax cap established in 2011 by the Governor and New York State Legislature. For the coming year the bar has been raised on the implementation of the legislation. Under the amended legislation a property tax rebate feature has been added. If a local government or taxing authority adopts a budget within the property tax cap limit, property owners earning less than $500,000 will be eligible for a rebate equal to the unit dollar increase in the property taxes levied on their primary residence. While this is a difficult concept to argue against, one must weigh the value of the rebate against the impact on Town services. Questions arise as to the long term impact upon infrastructure maintenance and what level of service reduction residents might tolerate in order for the Town to remain within the tax cap. Addendum #1 presents the formula for the calculation of the property tax cap for 2015. Under the formula the Town can raise the tax levy for all funds by up to $454,465 or 1.98%. The 2015 Preliminary Town Budget calls for a total tax levy of $23,448,445, and increase of $453,810 or 1.97%. Therefore the budget as proposed is compliant with the allowable property tax cap requirement. Property Tax Impact The property tax rate for an unincorporated area resident will rise by 1.7% to $5.66/ per one thousand dollars of valuation. This means that for a property with an average assessment of $1.1million; that property’s Town tax will increase from $6,127 to $6,226, an increase of $99.00. Property owners in the Villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck will see their Town property tax obligation increase by 2.1% or $11.00 from $517.00 to $528.00. To further explain the distinctions between the basis for the property taxes paid to the Town by unincorporated area residents and village residents, the chart below has been prepared. The chart details the apportionment of the appropriations and revenues of the Town Budget for village and unincorporated area residents that are used to calculate the tax rate and property tax. Apportionment of Town Unincorporated Area Village Residents 1 Budget Residents Appropriations 2 $11,525,170 $34,320,994 Non-Property Tax Revenue 7,115,625 10,512,549 Surplus Application 200,000 360,000 Tax Levy $ 4,209,545 $23,448,445 Tax Rate $.48/$1,000 of valuation $5.66/$1,000 of valuation Average Property Tax 3 $528.00 $6,226.00 Services provided by the Town to residents of the Villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck include both mandated and elective services such as: Ambulance Service, Recreation Services, Property Tax Collection and Property Assessment Services for School and County tax purposes and guarantor of School and County tax levies. New for 2015, the Town of Mamaroneck will assume responsibility for property assessment services for the Village of Mamaroneck. This is a great example of a consolidation of services that will add virtually no cost to the Town government yet provide significant savings in personnel and operating costs to the Village of Mamaroneck. 1 Inclusive of budget appropriations for Village residents plus portions of the budget exclusive to unincorporated residents for services such as police, fire, public works 2 Appropriations Include Townwide Fund and Ambulance District 3 Average tax assumes a home with an average assessment of $1,100,000 12 December 3, 2014 Preliminary Budget Overview The chart below presents a comparative overview of the budget proposed for 2015. 2014 2015 Change % Change Appropriations $33,019,546 $34,320,994 $1,301,448 3.9% Non-Tax Revenue 9,809,911 10,512,549 702,638 7.2% Reserve Application 215,000 360,000 145,000 67% Property Tax Levy $22,994,635 $23,448,445 $ 453,810 1.97% Where Will the Money Come From? With an improved economy, the Town realized much better performance in the category of non- property tax revenues. For the coming year non-property tax revenues are expected to rise by over 7% to $10.5 million. The Town has not realized this level of performance since before the 2008 economic recession. Although the increase in non-property revenues is higher than in the past, the property tax will remain the primary source of funding for the Town government. The tax levy of $23.4 million which is an increase of 1.97% over 2014 will fund 68% of the Town’s operations. In 2014 the property tax funded 69% of the Town Budget. The chart below provides an illustration of the magnitude of each source of revenue to the Town. Int. Govt Revenue Sources Other Taxes Int. Fund Tr 1% 7% 1% Dept. Income Surplus 5% 1% Recreation Use of Money 7% 1% Permits 1% Fines 1% 0% State Aid Int. Fund R. Prop. Tax 4% 1% 68% Federal Aid 2% Earlier in this letter we spoke of a growing trend within local governments to utilize fees for services as opposed to the property tax as a sole source of revenue. There are good reasons for this trend. First, property taxes are levied solely based upon the value of one’s home and property. This does not necessarily reflect the quantity or amount of town services actually used by the property owner. So for the property owner, fees for service allow a resident to utilize more or less of the services offered and pay according to the level of use. In the long term the use of fees and charges will provide the Town a more efficient planning tool for future expenses. Second, although most municipal officials in New York do not believe that the property tax cap legislation reflects the reality of operating local government, it can be politically difficult to overcome. Therefore the use of fees and charges does provide more stability in the growth of property taxes. For the Town, the use of fees and charges is not new. Well before the tax cap was enacted the Town implemented the use of fees to finance services. The chart below provides a look at how certain Town services are funded in large part by fees and charges. Revenue Subsidy as a 4 Activity Budget Total Revenue Percentage of Budget Expenditures Recreation Services $2,728,192 $2,431,500 90% Ambulance Services $1,455,857 $915,100 63% Building Services/Land Use $694,589 $367,500 53% Permits 4 Where applicable activity budgets include employee benefits calculated at 35% of salary expenses 13 December 3, 2014 Water District $295,024 $295,024 100% Sanitary Sewer $206,513 84,500 41% The newest of the charges is the Sanitary Sewer Rent. For 2015 we propose to utilize the rent in the last quarter of the year to provide sufficient time to put in place the billing procedures. However the intention is to have the sewer rent fund the entire Sewer District Budget in 2016 and beyond. Sewer Rents are not new. Communities in New York and throughout the country have charged sewer rents as a utility charge. Included in the discussion of revenues, is the application of surplus funds to offset appropriations. Over the past several years the Town has decreased the use of surplus funds due to a concern that an insufficient level of surplus would leave the Town unable to address unexpected events and certain cash flow needs associated with our being the guarantor of County and School District tax levies. To further structure the use of surplus funds, the Town adopted a surplus management policy and embarked upon a surplus recovery plan. The Town’s surplus management policy establishes benchmark that targets surplus levels at 15% to 25% of appropriated expenses. Based upon our projections the Town will realize an infusion of an additional $979,880 into our reserve balance between January 1 and December 31 of 2014. While the surplus level for each of the budget funds varies we anticipate that at the end of 2014 the Towns total surplus will be $12.8million which is 34% of total appropriations. Maintaining adequate surplus levels requires conservative revenue estimates and evaluating expenditures throughout the year to stay under budget estimates where possible. Where Will the Money Go? In 2015 the Town’s total expenses will increase to $34,320,994. This is an increase of 3.9% or $1.3million over 2014. Expenditures proposed in the 2015 budget will permit the continuation of all current Town services. The chart below provides a detail of the change in the major categories of expense. Expense Type 2014 2015 Change % change Salaries $13,282,696 $13,518,135 $235,439 1.7% Equipment $207,500 $211,420 $3,920 1.8% Contractual $8,903,745 $9,228,048 $324,303 3.6% Expenses Employee $8,388,275 $8,556,205 $167,930 2.0% Benefits Debt Service $1,861,330 $2,436,186 $574,856 30.8% Inter-fund $376,000 $371,660 ($4,340) (1.1%) Transfers Services provided by the Town are by their very nature labor intensive so it is not uncommon for salaries to account for a sizable percentage of the budget. In 2015 salaries and benefits will account for over $22million of the Town Budget which equals 64% of total appropriations. For 2015 our full time employee headcount will remain unchanged at 129. This budget does however include three new part time positions to improve code and parking enforcement. To further reduce our personnel expenses the Town has offered an employee retirement incentive to all three of its unionized employee groups. Employee retirement incentives have been offered since they will net substantial savings through lower salary and benefit costs. New full time employees will make larger contributions to both medical insurance and pension benefits. At this time it is uncertain how many employees will avail themselves of the incentive plan. As we look at other expenses we note that some of the increases in the budget are simply a reflection of price increases for goods and services. Over the last several years vendors and contractors held down prices. It appears that this trend is coming to a close and prices are rising for a number of goods and services used by the Town. Other major increases to the 2015 Budget include: Central Fleet Garage: $43,000  The increase is reflective of a proposal between the Town and the Village of Larchmont for the Town to assume responsibility for the repair of Village owned sanitation trucks. Youth Programs: $21,000  The Recreation Department will bring back in 2015 the Teen Escape Program to provide summer programming for teenagers. The additional costs are for staff and various trips and events 14 December 3, 2014 Larchmont Library: $23,800  This increase reflects an anticipated 2% increase in the Town’s share of the library operation Joint Garbage Commission: $81,055  The increase in the Town’s share of the Commission is Driven in part by an overall increase in the Commission’s budget for worker’s compensation insurance. This was caused by a number of serious injuries occurring in the last two years. Town Sustainability Collaborative: $25,500  The collaborative is close to completing the Town’s first sustainability plan. A budget is being provided to the collaborative for implementation of portions of the plan For 2015 our debt expense will increase by just over $574,000 to $2.4million. The increase is the result of the issuance of $8.8million of serial bonds in 2014 for the energy performance contract, infrastructure repairs and other capital projects. The single largest component of the borrowing was for improvements and upgrades under the Energy Performance Contract. The format of the Energy Performance Contract provides an efficient means of conducting construction and equipment replacement with the added benefit of guaranteed energy and operational savings for our building systems in future years. The contract with Honeywell Systems provides for a guarantee of energy and operational savings over the 20 year term of the agreement. The total value of the contract was $7.35 million and incorporated the following improvements: Hommocks Ice Rink Renovation $ 3,950,000  Town Center Lighting/HVAC and Energy Improvements 1,300,000  Fire Headquarters Lighting and Energy Improvements 260,000  Replacement of Street Lights 1,840,000  Total $7,350,000 The contract was financed with the sale of serial bonds at an average rate of interest of 2.8% over an 18 year term which is an exceptionally low rate. Under the plan the Town is expected to accrue energy and operational savings approximately equal to the cost of the installation of those energy improvements that were included in the contract. While not all improvements included in the energy performance contract yield energy savings it was far more efficient to incorporate these improvements into the energy performance contract rather than have a host of different contractors attempting to work on essentially the same project. In the first full year of the contract, the Town expects to save $290,000 in energy costs and operations. At this time however Honeywell Systems is still completing the work required under the scope of the project. Since the project is still in progress we have accounted for only some of the savings in the 2015 budget. For instance we expect to save an estimated $57,000 dollars in 2015 for heating fuel and electric expense. Other savings will be better targeted once Honeywell Systems completes the project and we begin the formal energy use monitoring program which is part of the program. The last category of expenditures to be discussed is the Capital Improvement Program for 2015. As we attempt to fall within or very close to the tax cap there is always the question of how to address capital repairs and replacements of Town facilities, equipment and infrastructure. In an attempt to remain at or close to the property tax cap, the Town, like other communities has deferred certain capital expenses. Continuing this trend will lead to increased costs in future years. Therefore we have prepared a capital plan for next year that is based both on appropriated funds and borrowed funds. Below is a chart that provides a summary of the proposed 2015 Capital Plan and the methods of financing: 1 Equipment 630,000 2 Highway Improvements 713,953 3 Buildings 1,554,585 4 Sanitary Sewers 15,000 5 Storm Drainage 70,000 6 Recreation Facilities 46,200 7 Water System Improvements 0 8 Technology/Miscellaneous Equipment 40,000 Total $3,069,738 Funding Methods 15 December 3, 2014 Budget Appropriations 310,000 Grants In Aid 390,000 Capital Project Funds 5 475,795 Bond Anticipation Notes 6 1,893,943 Serial Bonds 0 $3,069,738 Highlights of the capital plan include: Replacement of the Town Center Roof $ 325,000  Renovation to Police Headquarters 525,000  Weaver Street Sidewalk Extension Project 393,000  New Jefferson Street Parking Improvements 178,000  Replacement of Premium Marsh Outfall Pipe 45,000  Various Repairs to Outdoor Hommocks Pool and  Outdoor Recreation Facilities 46,000  Larchmont Reservoir Flood Valve Replacement 15,000  The proposed financing plan for capital improvements is designed to provide flexibility for the Town in future years. If the Town is to maintain current service levels, reducing operating expenses becomes a more difficult task. However for capital improvements the Town has options. Although not a preferred approach, capital improvements can be deferred from one year to the next. Capital improvements can be financed through appropriations or financed through borrowing. The point here is that the 2015 Town Budget includes an appropriation of $310,000 for a series of capital projects. As we look forward to 2016, depending upon the challenges we face at that time there is the option to remove all or a portion of this capital appropriation in order to manage year to year expense changes. The expenditures in the Town Budget support a full menu of municipal services. The chart below rather than focus on just the major operating expense categories focuses on the breakdown of expenditures by activity. This chart provides a good illustration of just how budget funds are expended to provide municipal services to the community. Expenditures 2,807,186, 8% 4,064,709, 12% Gov. Supp. Pub. Safety Health 8,556,205, 25% Transp. 7,343,029, 21% Cult & Rec Comm Serv Emp. Ben Debt/Cap 1,569,948, 5% 3,265,554, 10% 3,521,512, 10% 3,192,851, 9% Many of the categories in the chart are self- explanatory such as debt/capital expenses, employee benefits and public safety. Government support includes all expenses for executive, legislative and judicial activities of the Town. Also included is financial management, property assessment and those expenses that provide administrative support to the government for data processing, liability insurance and central services. Health Service expenditures includes the operation of the Town’s Ambulance Service and the Town’s involvement and support for the Community Counseling Center. Transportation services are all those services relating road maintenance, leaf collection, snow removal, parking lot operations, storm drain maintenance and street lighting. 5 This form of funding refers to existing capital project accounts with funding available for those 2015 capital projects which are being carried over from 2014 6 As market conditions change the decision on financing alternatives could also change. A decision to move from Bond Anticipation Notes to long term serial bonds in 2015 could be driven by lower interest rates. At this time we would like to hold off on longer term financing until 2016 when we accumulate more projects and would issue a more attractive long term serial bond issue. 16 December 3, 2014 Culture and Recreation includes the entire Recreation Department budget and the Town’s share of the Larchmont Library. Community Services includes all those services that are provided directly to homes in the town and also those services that are for the greater good of the community. The largest of the expenditures within this category is garbage and recycling collection. However also included in this category is operation of the sanitary sewer system, land use administration, Section 8 Housing Administration and our senior center. Lastly this category includes community beautification, environmental control and maintenance of the Town Cemeteries. In conclusion, we have confidence that this is a responsible budget that maintains all Town services and sustains a property tax levy within the proscribed tax cap. Certainly we cannot predict whether we can accomplish the task of remaining within the tax cap year after year if we are to maintain services at the current levels. For 2015 however we had the good fortune of an improved economy that allowed the Town to rely more on non-property tax revenues yet maintain substantial reserve funds. Many thanks to the Supervisor and Town Board for their input and the time spent preparing this budget. Also we want to thank the department heads and their staffs for their part in this process. Their skills and thoughtfulness in preparing their budgets were critical to the final product. Supervisor Seligson addressed the audience by stating that this budget was a bit smoother than usual, due to a combination of a better economy, better recovery of delinquent taxes as well as surplus recovery. We are also privileged to have Steve Altieri and Tony Siligato, such a fine and experienced staff in developing and understanding the Budget. This is the first time we’ve been able to stay within the tax cap and something we were glad to be able to do. Although, we find the tax cap to be an arbitrary limit that could force the Town to make decisions that would not be in the Town’s best interest, specifically, with respect to maintenance and repairs. Councilman Murphy stated that this was the lowest budget increase in 10 years, adding this doesn’t happen in a void, and thanked his colleagues. Councilwoman Katz stated that we have reached our limit in reducing the number of employees the Town can accept, noting that the Town has worked very hard on offering incentives but there comes a time when if you cut more you just add additional overtime in order to properly run the Departments. Councilwoman Elkind Eney and Councilman Odierna also emphasized their approval for this Budget and the hard work involved in creating it. Supervisor Seligson asked if anyone wished to comment on the proposed Local Law. On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the Public Hearings for the Town and Fire District Budgets were unanimously closed. On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Murphy the following was approved, WHEREAS, on October 15, 2014 the Budget Officer submitted to the Town Clerk, the Town Supervisor and Town Board the 2015 Tentative Budget for the Town of Mamaroneck and the Fire District 1, and WHEREAS, on October 20, October 24, October 29, November 11, November 16 and November 18, 2014 the Town Board held public work sessions to consider amendments and changes to the Tentative Budgets, and WHEREAS, on December 3, 2014 the Town Board held Public Hearings on the 2015 Preliminary Budgets for the Town of Mamaroneck and the Fire District 1. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby adopt the 2015 Preliminary Town of Mamaroneck Budget and the Fire District Budget as amended as the Final Operating Budgets for 2015. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: 17 December 3, 2014 Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Seligson Aye BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The Meeting was called to order by Commissioner Seligson, and then on motion of Commissioner Katz, seconded by Commissioner Elkind Eney, the Board of Fire Commissioners was unanimously declared open. Present were the following Members of the Commission: Commissioner: Nancy Seligson Commissioner: Ernest C. Odierna Commissioner: Abby Katz Commissioner: Jaine Elkind Eney Commissioner: Thomas A. Murphy 1. FIRE CLAIMS On motion of Commissioner Elkind Eney, seconded by Commissioner Katz, 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: AAA Emergency Supply Stokes basket & clips, inline pressure gauges, 24' ext. ladder $2614.00 AAA Emergency Supply Fire boots, fire extinguisher maintenance, repairs to voice amp 503.50 AAA Emergency Supply Scott 30 minute carbon air cylinder 2446.92 AT & T Mobility wireless service for 10/12-11/11/14 296.80 Amazon FF1 books 442.14 Brewers Paint and mineral oil 12.58 CIT Finance LLC Monthly Copier Charges 11/21/14 235.00 Cablevision Cable services for 11/23/14-12/22/14 116.09 Connecticut Business Sys. Delivery charge for toner re-supply per contract 5.95 Fire Academy FSA Fee for class 168.00 Grainger Garbage liners, toilet paper, paper holders, vent covers 230.29 Home Depot Garage plate and air difuser, strip lighting for work bench 166.72 Poland Spring Rental for water coolers - November 2014 111.96 Verizon Fire HQ svc 11/10-12/9/14 225.88 0.00 Total: $7575.83 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Commissioner Murphy Aye Commissioner Elkind Eney Aye Commissioner Katz Aye Commissioner Odierna Aye Commissioner Seligson Aye 2.Other Fire Department Business Commissioner Elkind Eney read the Fire Report for the Month of November as submitted by Chief Russo as follows: November 2014 ALARM TYPE NUMBER Generals 27 Minors 19 18 December 3, 2014 Stills 5 Out of Town (Mutual Aid) 3 EMS 36 Drills 8 TOTAL 98 Total number of personnel responding: 755 Total time working: 48 hours and 16 minutes On motion of Commissioner Elkind Eney, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, it was RESOLVED, that the Fire Commission unanimously accepts the Service Awards Report for the third quarter of 2014 as submitted by Chief Russo as follows: Attachment A 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. Appointment – Boards & Commissions - Town of Mamaroneck Housing Authority On motion of Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Dolores Battalia, be appointed as Member E of the Housing Authority, 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 December 31, 2017. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 19, 2015 On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the Board Minutes from the meeting of November 19, 2014. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None REPORT OF COUNCIL Councilman Murphy spoke enthusiastically about his recent interview on his LMC-TV show with Maggie Howell, the Director of the Wolf Conservancy. Ms. Howell spoke so articulately about the issues facing the wolf population and its overall effect on the eco system. I encourage residents to watch, what was a great show. Councilman Odierna will be brief due to the late hour. Councilman Odierna did state that he is missing the Zoning Board meeting being held this evening and next week he will attend the Cable TV Board of Control meeting. 19 December 3, 2014 Councilwoman Katz did not have any news to report from liaison meetings, as none have met since she last reported. Councilwoman Elkind Eney previously reported on the Fire Council meeting earlier in the meeting. ADJOURNMENT Supervisor Seligson closed the meeting in memory of Noreen Norweshenko (SP?) who was a long term employee in the Building Department. Noreen was well loved and our condolences go out to her family. On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman Murphy, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:00 PM ________________________________ Submitted by Christina Battalia, Town Clerk 20