HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022_02_16 Town Board MinutesFebruary 16, 2022
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE MAMARONECK
TOWN BOARD HELD FEBRUARY 16, 2022, BEGINNING AT 5:00 PM IN CONFERENCE
ROOM C AND CONTINUING AT 8:00 PM IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE TOWN CENTER,
740 W. BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK.
PRESENT: Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney
Councilwoman Abby Katz
Councilwoman Sabrina Fiddelman
Councilman Jeffery L. King
Councilwoman Robin Nichinsky
ALSO PRESENT: Christina Battalia, Town Clerk
Meredith S. Robson, Town Administrator
Connie Green O'Donnell, Deputy Town Administrator
William Maker, Jr., Town Attorney
Lindsey Luft Assistant to the Town Administrator
CALL TO ORDER - WORK SESSION
The Worksession of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Elkind Eney, then on motion of
Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman King, the Work Session was unanimously opened at 5:00
p.m.
Senior Center Parking Lot Improvements
Additionally present: Rob Wasp Town Engineer and representatives in the audience from the Mamaroneck
Garden Club
The Town Board received a memo from Rob Wasp dated February 2, 2022, updating the project. The
project is on schedule, but the estimated cost of the project now exceeds available funding. With
alternatives included the project has a potential shortfall of $300,000-$400,000. Mr. Wasp highlighted the
additional scope items, particularly additional lighting, which the Town Board was very much in favor of.
The Garden Club representatives, Kaaren Marcato and Andrea Boyar, were thanked by the Town Board for
the Garden Club's generous gift, in the amount of $12,000, for landscaping enhancements at the Senior
Center. The proposal includes a reworking of the disability ramp, as well as added fencing in front of the
forward -facing parking spaces. The construction is estimated to take four months. If bids go out in March
and a bid awarded in April, work could begin this summer.
Madison Avenue/North Chatsworth Avenue/New Jefferson Street Projects
Additionally present: Rob Wasp Town Engineer
The Town Board received a memo from the Town Consultant Barton & Loguidice, which included a Short
Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF) for the Madison Avenue/New Jefferson Street/ 1-95 Entrance/Exit
Ramps improvements. Barton and Loguidice also issued responses to the public comments received by the
Town on December 17, 2021, and December 21, 2021. The Town Board also reviewed a memo from Mr.
Wasp summarizing the newest information for the various projects in this area. Councilmember Nichinsky
asked for a recap of the evolution of the project. With respect to the Environmental Facilities Corporation
grant, Ms. Robson will work on extending that grant. On the regular agenda for this evening is the
resolution designating the Town as the Lead Agency for the proposed Madison Avenue/New Jefferson
Street/ 1-95 Entrance/Exit Ramps improvement.
Proiect Undate — Weaver Street Sidewalk
The Town Board reviewed a project update memo from Rob Wasp. The Town Board discussed the cost -
benefit versus the merits of installing a guardrail. Councilman King felt strongly that a guardrail should be
installed for safety concerns. The Town received estimates for three types of guardrails. Mr. Wasp stated
that the NYSDOT would require additional sidewalk width should guardrails be installed. This would then
require additional right-of-way procurement. The Town Board discussed the large increase in cost for this
project, adding that if the initial cost was this high, the project most likely would not have moved forward
February 16, 2022
initially. There is a meeting with the residents tomorrow to finalize acquisition of the rights -of -way. As a
recap, Ms. Robson stated, that the project will move forward without the guardrail, the Town will continue
with the acquisitions, and the Town will get an extension of the grant.
Review — Grant Writing Proposal and Agreement
The Town Administrator has investigated and received a proposal for grant consulting services with
Millennium Strategies and believes this would be a significant asset to the Town. The Town Board was in
favor. Approval of the contract is on the regular agenda for this evening.
Updates - Racial Equity Task Force (RETF), website re -design, and others
Councilman King discussed that his initial thought was to disband the REFT, based on the number of other
organizations in the community overlapping, but the Committee felt strongly that they could continue their
work by overseeing the implementation of the Police Reform and Reinvention Plan. They would like to
meet ad hoc on a quarterly basis and continue to give feedback. Supervisor Elkind Eney asked that the
committee work with Ms. Robson in their communications regarding the Police.
Lindsey Luft gave a 'sneak peek' visual presentation of the redesigned website. Ms. Luft asked for feedback
specific to the artwork. The Town Board will email specific feedback to Ms. Luft.
The Town Board discussed removing the mask mandate at Town Center, and all were in favor. Ms. Robson
will let the staff know of the Board's decision.
ADVICE OF COUNCIL
On motion of Councilwoman Nichinsky, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the Board unanimously agreed to
enter a closed session to receive advice of counsel.
On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman King, the Board unanimously agreed to resume
the worksession.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On motion of Councilwoman Nichinsky, seconded by Councilman King, the Board unanimously agreed to
enter an Executive Session to discuss sale of land, potential litigation, and the employment history of
particular persons.
On motion of Councilwoman Nichinsky, seconded by Councilman King, the Board unanimously agreed to
resume the Regular Meeting.
CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Elkind Eney at
8:30 p.m.
Supervisor Elkind Eney noted that the Town Board met for a worksession beginning at five o'clock this
evening.
SUPERVISOR'S REPORT
Welcome to the February 16, 2022 meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck.
The Town Board met today for a Worksession in Conference Room C starting at 5:00, which is open to
the Public.
Tonight the Town Board voted to lift the mask mandate at all Town Facilities, including the
Hammocks Park Ice Rink.
2
February 16, 2022
The Summit met via zoom on February 8. The speakers were state senator Shelley Mayer, State
Assemblyman Steve Otis, and County Legislator Catherine Parker. They gave us an update on various
state and county issues that affect us. 1 want to say, again, how lucky we are to have such dedicated
representatives who always make themselves available to us when needed to resolve issues that
affect us on the local level.
Also, on February 81 had the pleasure of speaking to Joe Liberti's freshman OCRA class about my role
as Town Supervisor. 1 always enjoy speaking to his OCRA class about one of my favorite topics —the
Town of Mamaroneck. They are a group of engaged and engaging students. 1 always walk away a
little jealous that 1 didn't have Joe Liberti as a teacher when 1 was in HS.
1 want to update you about the Comprehensive Plan update. Again, the comprehensive plan sets
forth a blueprint and vision for the future of our community and a road map for future actions by the
Town Board. As you can see from the agenda, tonight we will appoint a dynamic Comprehensive Plan
Steering Committee composed of individuals from many areas of our community. The first
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee meetings will be March 1 and March 8. Please be on the
lookout for opportunities to participate in the coming months. Community outreach is critical to the
success of the plan and is critical in helping the Town Board set priorities.
Earlier this week, Meredith and 1 attended the annual NYCOM conference in Albany. The conference
was very informative as representatives from various municipalities around the state and state
officials (including the lieutenant governor and the state comptroller spoke on topics of interest to all
municipalities. Among the topics we discussed were grant opportunities for infrastructure repairs,
labor relations, environmental matters It was interesting to hear how other municipalities address
the problems that we all face —it was good to get ideas from them about what they are doing.
A lot of discussion centered around the proposed state budget and the impact it will have on
municipalities. For the most part, the budget favors local municipalities, but there are two areas that
are problematic
This is important news from Albany that 1 wanted to make you aware of, as it has a direct impact on
the Town. As part of the Governor's Executive Budget for FY2023, two amendments to NYS land use
laws are proposed. One amendment would require every municipality in the state to authorize the
creation of one Accessory Dwelling Unit ("ADU") per residential lot.
The other, a Transit Oriented Development ("TOD") mandate, would require every municipality to
permit development of at least 25 dwelling units per acre on any residentially -zoned land within
mile of a rail station, in our case a Metro North train station. The stated goal of these amendments is
to provide opportunities for increasing socio-economic diversity in communities by expanding the
inventory of smaller and/or multi family dwelling units and also to promote more environmentally
sustainable, transit -oriented housing. While 1 believe these goals have merit, 1 do have serious
concerns about this one -size -fits -all, top -down approach. The requirements for all cities, towns and
villages are the same, with no consideration given to area, population size, existing housing stock, or
development problems related to flooding, infrastructure, etc. Both proposed amendments are
worded in a way which, for all practical purposes, removes our locally determined land use process
called Home Rule. Additionally, the normal land use application review and hearing process is
circumvented, neither amendment has requirements for the housing created to be affordable, and
there is no recognition of, or funding for, infrastructure issues and investments that would be
necessitated by increased and hastily -implemented development. FOR EXAMPLE: ADU—someone
could build an ADU and rent it out for market rent, and this overrides local building codes so some
safety requirements may not be complied with, such as ceiling height in basement apartments.
TOD—someone could buy six houses (each on 116 acre lot) in a block near the train station, tear them
down and build 25 units and sell them at market rate, thus reaping huge profits but quadrupling the
amount of residences on the block that require municipal services, parking etc. and not one house has
to be affordable. The NYS senate and assembly will present alternate budgets in the coming weeks.
Mayors Tom Murphy, Lorraine Walsh and 1 expressed our concerns to Senator Mayer and
Assemblyman Otis and asked that they consider these issues as they work with their colleagues on
compromises to the existing proposals. Please let Senator Mayer and Assemblyman Otis know your
opinions
CITIZEN'S COMMENTS
Supervisor Elkind Eney asked if anyone in the audience wished to address the Town Board.
3
February 16, 2022
Lisa Young, 14 North Chatsworth, addressed the Board. Ms. Young asked for greater enforcement of Lot B
during storm events as well as more enforcement at the intersection of N. Chatsworth and Myrtle Blvd,
noting that nationally, aggressive driving is on the rise.
Miriam Madson read a letter from Frank Cuccia, President of the Board of Managers of The Carlton House
at 35 North Chatsworth Avenue. The Board of Managers is in favor of the installation of the pedestrian
crossing sign at New Jefferson and N. Chatsworth, but opposed to a flashing light. Ms. Madson gave the
written letter to the Town Clerk for the record.
Ralph Engel, addressed the Board on behalf of the Washington Square Neighborhood Association, which
consists of the coop at 1-3 Washington Square (The Carlshire), the condo at 2 Washington Square, The
Cambium, the coops at 16, 17 and 21 North Chatsworth, and the condos at 14 and 35 North Chatsworth.
The Association is opposed to the flashing light at the crosswalk and would request a compromise. With
respect to the proposals from Barton and Loguidice to mitigate the water and drainage issues around the
Madison Avenue area, they feel this will not work and it does not sufficiently address the problems in this
area. Mr. Engel spoke very specifically about the proposal and the past drainage and flooding, and
reasoning why he believes this proposal will not address the problem. The Association asks that the Town
Board not approve any redesign that would additionally harm the area. Lastly, he questioned why the
proposal moves the parking on Madison Avenue to the side of the street where there are no residential
buildings.
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Elkind Eney called the Meeting to order, then on motion of Commissioner Katz, seconded by
Commissioner King, the Board of Fire Commissioners was unanimously declared open.
Present were the following Members of the Commission:
Commissioner:
Jaine Elkind Eney
Commissioner:
Abby Katz
Commissioner:
Sabrina Fiddelman
Commissioner:
Jeffery L. King
Commissioner:
Robin Nichinsky
1. FIRE CLAIMS
On motion of Commissioner King, seconded by Commissioner Nichinsky, 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 Nichinsky Aye
Commissioner
King
Aye
Commissioner
Fiddelman
Aye
Commissioner
Katz
Aye
Commissioner
Elkind Eney
Aye
2. Other Fire Department Business
Commissioner King read the Fire Report for the Month of January, as submitted by Chief Hughes as follows:
ALARM TYPE
NUMBER
Generals
43
Minors
20
Stills
1
Out of Town (Mutual Aid)
1
EMS
46
Drills
3
4
February 16, 2022
TOTAL 1 114
Total number of personnel responding: 561
Total time working: 45 hours and 7 minutes
Commissioner Elkind Eney noted that at the next meeting the Commission will receive a quarterly report
from the Fire Chiefs.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner King,
seconded by Commissioner Katz, the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened.
AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN
1. Appointment — Housing Authority Member
On motion of Councilwoman Nichinsky, seconded by Councilman King, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that Christie Philbrick-Wheaton be appointed to the position of Member A, of the Town
of Mamaroneck Housing Authority, and
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that the foregoing appointments shall be effective immediately upon the appointees
taking and subscribing the oath mandated by section 25 of the New York Town Law and shall expire
on December 31, 2023.
2. Appointment - Comprehensive Planning Committee
On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Nichinsky, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby appoint the following individuals
as members of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee:
Melissa Kaplan Macey —Chair
Nicole Alifante
Tom Broderick
Jack Demasi
Ralph Engel
Karen Khor
Joe Liberti
Erin May
3. Authorization — Agreement with Millennium Strategies for Grant Writing Services
On motion of Councilwoman Nichinsky, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was
RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the agreement with
Millennium Strategies for Grant Consulting Services at a monthly retainer fee of $3,500,
payable in twelve equal monthly installments, for an amount not to exceed $42,000.00
per annum, which includes all travel related costs and expenses as well as all designated
meetings, and
BE IT, FURTHER
RESOLVED, that the Town Administrator is hereby authorized to execute said agreement on behalf
of the Town.
5
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
February 16, 2022
Nichinsky
King
Fiddelman
Katz
Elkind Eney
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
4. Authorization — Resolution Declaring Lead Agency Status - Roundabout Project at the Intersection
of New Jefferson, Madison Avenue and the 1-95 Entrance/Exit Ramps.
On motion of Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the following was approved,
RESOLUTION DECLARING LEAD AGENCY STATUS AS PART OF AN UNCOORDINATED REVIEW
UNDER THEREGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND DIRECTING COMPLIANCE WITH SAME REGARDING A
POTENTIAL ROUNDABOUT PROJECT AT THE INTERSECTION OF MADISON AVENUE, NEW
JEFFERSON STREET, AND THE 1-95 ENTRANCE/EXIT RAMPS.
WHEREAS, the Town Board has identified the potential roundabout project at the
intersection of Madison Avenue, New Jefferson Street, and 1-95 Entrance/Exit Ramps to be
the Proposed Action; and
WHEREAS, the Proposed Action would require acquisition of real property assets from
the New YorkState Thruway Authority (NYSTA), and
WHEREAS, the NYSTA under certain circumstances conveys Thruway real property assets to
private or public users through occupancy and work permits, sales or leases in accordance
with the Thruway RealProperty Management Policy; and
WHEREAS, the NYSTA has been made aware of the Proposed Action and has requested the
Town Boardcomplete a Thruway Real Property Application (TA-W4415) in order to give the
NYSTA Office of Real Property Management and Senior Thruway Management personnel an
opportunity to complete their transactional analysis recommendation; and
WHEREAS, a requirement of the Thruway Real Property Application (TA-W4415) is
completion of Part 1of the Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF) pursuant to the
State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA); and
WHEREAS, the Town Board, reviewed the Proposed Action and SEAF prepared in
conjunction therewithin accordance with the New York State Environmental Quality; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board wishes to declare itself Lead Agency for the environmental
review of theProposed Action; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board finds the Proposed Action to be an Unlisted Action pursuant to
SEQRA; now,therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby declares itself Lead Agency for the Proposed
Action anddirects the Town Administrator to sign and date the end of Part 1 on Page 3 of the
attached SEAF, and will conduct an Uncoordinated Review as provided for under SEQRA.
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Nichinsky
Aye
King
Aye
Fiddelman
Aye
Katz
Aye
Elkind Eney
Aye
5. Settlement of Certiorari
On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman King, it was
6
February 16, 2022
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the settlement of the
following tax certiorari on the following terms:
HPS 122 LLC
122-124 Mamaroneck Avenue
Section/Block/Lot: 9-13-246
Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Mamaroneck
Year
Assessment
Amount of Reduction
Reduced Assessment
2017
$2,800,000
$650,000
$2,150,000
2018
$2,800,000
$620,000
$2,180,000
2019
$2,800,000
$570,000
$2,230,000
2020
$2,800,000
$510,000
$2,290,000
2021
$2,800,000
$600,000
$2,200,000
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Nichinsky
Aye
King
Aye
Fiddelman
Aye
Katz
Aye
Elkind Eney
Aye
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman King, it was
unanimously
RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve
the Board Minutes from the meeting of February 2, 2022.
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 Katz, seconded by Councilman King the meeting was unanimously adjourned.
Submitted by
Christina Battalia, Town Clerk
7
February 16, 2022
ATTACHMENT A
Town of Mamaroneck
From: Tracy Yogman - Town Comptroller
Re: Fire Claims
Date: February 16, 2022
The following Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department claims have been certified by Chief Shaun Hughes and
submitted to the Comptroller's Office for payment:
,a- 11 (.0 - -)- a
VENDOR
DESCRIPTION
Amaunt
Champion Elevator Corp.
Monthly maintenance for February 2022
$ 192.50
Con Edison
Fire HQ gas svc 12/30/21-1/31/22
4,275.05
Fire Men's Assoc of NY (FASNY)
2022 Membership renewal
25.00
FireCompanies.Com
Platlnum Packane - hulling & maintenance 2/1/2022
209.97
Goldberg, Noah
Reimb, for nevv :veathcr s'atjom installed at the Firehouse
212.69
Inter -State Diagnostic, Inc.
Physical examination for two (w) firefighters
600.00
Optimum
Cable services for 1/23/22-2/22/22
271.05
Precision Plumbing & Heating
Plumbing service on lavatory drain, flushometer, gate valve in Bay 36
1,025.00
Ready Refresh
Vlater cooler rental- 12/19/21-1/18122
161.96
Russo, Joseph
Yearly support subscription 2022- UCView-digital signage program
99.00
Sound Shore Pest Control
Exterminating services 1/25/22
65.00
Starr Uniform Center
Lettering, velcro name tags, shipping charge
1,034.84
UniFirst Corporation
Cleaning supplies 1128122
105.54
,,,w UniFirst Corporation
Cleaning supplies 2/4/22
114.67
VFIS
GASB Service 1/1/22-1/1/23
750.00
Village Pizza and Pasta
Food for Fast Drill 1/26/22
87.25
WJWW
205 Weaver St charges 12/27/21-1/25/22
173.94
Xram Ltd
Mustang water rescue dry suit - pa[)
1.085.00
...
Total $ 10,488.46
Motion of Second by
2
N K F K EE
Page 56 of 69