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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002_07_11 Town Board Minutes MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK AND THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS HELD ON JULY 11, 2002 AT 8:15 PM IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE TOWN CENTER, 740 W. BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK PRESENT: Supervisor Valerie M. O'Keeffe Councilwoman Phyllis Wittner Councilwoman Judith A. Myers Councilman Ernest C. Odierna Councilwoman Nancy Seligson ALSO PRESENT: Patricia A. DiCioccio, Town Clerk Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator William Maker, Jr., Town Attorney Patricia A. Samela, Deputy Town Clerk CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor O'Keeffe at 8:30 PM, who then pointed out the location of exits. PUBLIC HEARING -Amendment to Zoning Ordinance - Floor Area Ratio Legislation (FAR) This Public Hearing had been adjourned from the Town Board meeting of June 20, 2002. The Supervisor briefly spoke about the special Town Board meeting held on July 2 to discuss the Floor Area Ratio Law. The Town Board instructed the Town Attorney to make certain changes to the proposed local law. The Attorney spoke regarding the changes made which are in his memorandum he had sent to explain the outcome to Arthur Wexler on the proposed local law: At yesterday's special meeting, the Town Board discussed the various amendments that you, Frank Fish, Ron Carpaneto and I had discussed on Friday, June 21, 2002 as well as the schedule of FAR's based on lot size that you had sent to Steve Altieri on Monday, June 24, 2002. After a lengthy debate, the Board instructed me not to change the definition of FLOOR AREA RATIO to exclude non-habitable attic space. It did direct me to add to the proposed law a provision exempting those homeowners who will have had their building plans approved but will not have received an actual building permit by the time this law goes into effect(see section D. (1) (b). As you had pointed out, this puts these people on equal footing with the other classes of people who will be exempted from the law(e.g., building permit holders and people on the agenda of the Board of Appeals or Planning Board). The Town Board told me to prepare a provision that will allow an attic roof to be raised in order to convert the attic to living area provided that the total length of the raised roof on each side of the attic does not exceed 25% of the length of the wall below it(see section D.(4)). The Town Board also decided not to incorporate a schedule of FARs based on lot size; but will adhere to the current concept of assigning an FAR to each of the zoning districts mentioned in the proposed law. Mr. Maker added that he had received a communication from Mr. Wexler making suggestions, one of which is that people who have approved plans but have not had a building permit issued be exempted. July 11, 2002 The Supervisor asked if anyone would like to speak on this matter. Ed Jacobson, 15 Hillside Road, a local practicing architect. This local law is going to have an enormous impact on the community. There are many questions and unclear issues on FAR calculations. He felt it would be tragic to vote on this local law tonight. He had questions about the validity of the FAR numbers and this would have a crucial impact on young families moving into the community. He implored the Board not to vote until many more questions are answered and said there should be more dialogue with professionals regarding this matter. The Supervisor and Councilwoman Wittner stated that before this had come to a public hearing, the Board took a bus trip with an architect to view various homes, and his move had been looked at as an example. Mr. James Fleming, 6 Concord Avenue, asked what was used to calculate the FAR and square footage for the Board's trip. Was it the Assessor's cards? The Administrator answered building records were used. Mr. Arthur Wexler, 316 Weaver Street, handed out a drawing demonstrating what non- habitable attic space is, and set up a drawing of a 100 x 100 foot lot with set backs. He said this showed why under the amended law the square footage would be smaller and said the law should include the phrase habitable attic space. Councilman Odierna after looking over the drawing said it is not consistent with what he saw on the tour. Councilwoman Myers said they had looked at this in the R10 zone and it had been noted that it could be even more restrictive. The Supervisor asked if what was being said was that they were at cross purposes, when the purpose was to stop McMansions, not to be rigid, but to enact some restraint. Mr. Wexler responded he could accept the FAR, but questions the attic part of the law. Councilwoman Myers noted that they had based this on what was happening with big houses on small lots. Mr. Hershberg, 5 Country Lane questioned the use of basement space in the law. Then said the house being built on his street is two to three times bigger than others on the street, they had endured three months of rock chipping to enable a six foot basement, some of which is above ground. Nothing like what happened on Country Lane should be allowed. Jan Northrop, 80 N. Chatsworth Avenue, commended the Board for taking this matter on and commented on the roof aspect. There was a lengthy discussion on habitable versus non-habitable space, and it was decided by the Board to table further discussion to the next meeting, therefore on motion duly made and seconded the Public Hearing was adjourned to the Town Board meeting of August 21, 2002. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The meeting was called to order by Commissioner O'Keeffe at 9:50 PM. Present were the following members of the Commission: Commissioner: Valerie M. O'Keeffe Commissioner: Phyllis Wittner Commissioner: Judith A. Myers Commissioner: Ernest C. Odierna Commissioner: Nancy Seligson 2 July 11, 2002 1. Fire Claims: Commissioner Seligson presented fire claims for authorization of payment , thereafter on Commissioner Seligson motion, seconded by Commissioner Wittner, 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 Co. $3,112.80 AAA Emergency Supply Co. 39.60 AT & T Long Distance 179.30 Avaya 30.45 Calgi Construction Co, Inc. 4,371.96 Carrot-Top Industries 569.00 Con Edison 4.06 Con Edison 120.39 Coyne Textile Services 26.07 Coyne Textile Services 25.54 Excelsior Garage & Machine Works 2,379.60 Excelsior Garage & Machine Works 526.00 Fire End & Croker Corp. 438.55 Fire End & Croker Corp. 318.15 Galls Incorporated 88.28 Galls Incorporated 207.70 Giacomo Service Center 113.54 Lauren Abinanti 130.00 los Capital 108.51 Michael J. Acocella 520.91 Nextel 257.30 O.S.P. Fire Protection 110.00 Poland Spring 110.46 Rescue Technology Inc. 2,750.00 Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department 375.00 Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department 375.00 Town of Mam'k Professional Fire Fighters 306.54 Verizon Wireless 11.72 Westchester Joint Water Works 71.28 TOTAL $17,677.71 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye 2. Fire Report - Month of May Commissioner Wittner read the following report submitted by Chief Michael Acocella, which outlines responses to calls made during the month of May. It summarizes the nature and origin of calls, the number of personnel responding and the total times spent at fire calls. NATURE OF CALLS: GENERAL 34 MINOR 12 STILLS 0 3 July 11, 2002 OUT OF TOWN 0 MONTHLY DRILL 1 EMS 18 TOTAL 65 TOTAL NUMBER OF MEN RESPONDING: 552 TOTAL HOURS RESPONDING: 24 HOURS AND 03 MINUTES Commissioner Wittner mentioned the Fire Department's web site, which had been mentioned in a publication as being an excellent example of good website design. There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner Seligson, seconded by Commissioner Wittner, the Commission unanimously adjourned at 9:55 PM. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Authorization - Removal of Tree on Town Property The following meeting notice was published in the Journal News on June 24, 2002 and was placed into the record: Pursuant to Section 207-10 of the Code of the Town of Mamaroneck, the Town Board has requested a permit to remove a 36" diameter oak tree, located on the northeast corner of the Town Yard at 40 Maxwell Avenue, Block 132, Lot 215. Interested owners or organizations may review the application and tree survey at the Town Center Building Department, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. weekdays. Any person, firm, organization or corporation who feels aggrieved or affected by this decision shall have the right to file an objection with the Town Board, in writing, up to five (5) days prior to the next scheduled Town Board meeting to be held on July 11, 2002. Mr. Altieri explained that a tree, located on the northeast corner of the Town Yard at 40 Maxwell Avenue must be removed in order to allow for the construction project in the Town yard. Authorization is requested to remove said tree. On motion of Councilwoman Myers, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the removal of a 36" diameter oak tree, located on the northeast corner of the Town Yard at 40 Maxwell Avenue to allow for the construction of an adequately sized recycling depot in the Town yard. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye 2. Authorization - Planning Consultant Services Mr. Altieri explained that the Town has been pleased with Buckhurst, Fish and Jacquemart's services in the past and it appears sensible to continue the relationship with them on advising the Town regarding the Forest City Daly proposal. He said there would be an escrow agreement which would provide for reimbursement for these fees by the applicants. 4 July 11, 2002 On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Myers, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve the agreement between the Town and Buckhurst, Fish, and Jacquemart to continue advising the Town regarding the Forest City Daly proposal at a cost not to exceed $27,500 which will be reimbursed as part of an escrow agreement between the Town and Forest City Daly; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Administrator is hereby authorized to execute said agreement on behalf of the Town. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye 3. Salary Authorizations - Recreation Management and Non Union Personnel School Crossing Guards Recreation On motion of Councilwoman Myers, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, it was RESOLVED, that as provided for in the 2002 Town Budget that the Town Board does hereby authorize the payment of salary to the following: HOMMOCKS PLAYGROUND Connie Flay Arts/Crafts Specialist $3,800/season Christopher Byron Counselor $310/week David Flay Counselor $185/week Matthew Pellegrino Counselor $195/week Mike Rose Counselor $227/week Darryl Stockhouse Counselor $185/week MONROE PRE SCHOOL Elnorah Boone Counselor $225/week Theresa Brewer Counselor $140/week Joey Cannon Counselor $125/week LaTanya Graves Counselor $170/week Eric Upper Counselor $150/week Neil Valsangkar Counselor $170/week CHATSWORTH PRE SCHOOL Sara Adelmann Counselor $130/week Laura Barski Counselor $115/week Amanda Curry Counselor $115/week Dwayne Dunlop Counselor $160/week Maria Focciola Counselor $145/week Marian Greaves Counselor $150/week Jordana Mohammed Counselor $115/week Farida Moynihan Counselor $155/week Doris Staar Counselor $160/week Dotty Tannay Counselor $140/week Lisa Tollinchi Counselor $140/week Caroline Veintimilla Counselor $140/week Emily Weber Counselor $115/week Tara Zamboli Counselor $125/week 5 July 11, 2002 MUSIC WORKSHOP Shigefumi Tomita Instructor $1,800/season HOMMOCKS POOL Rosemarie Cerbone Matron $11.50/hour Barbara Mendez Key Attendant $ 8.25/hour Tiffany Segreti Lifeguard $ 8.50/hour RECREATION OFFICE Daphne Toone Office Aid $10.00/hour TENNIS Eli Cohn, Tennis Instructor, $9/hour, effective retroactive to 6/24/02. Rachel Farber-Kaiser, Tennis Instructor$25/hour and $19/hour, retroactive to 6/24/02. Miguel Ipince, Tennis Instructor, $12/hour, effective retroactive to 6/24/02. Lee Jagodo, Tennis Instructor, $20/hour, $15/hour& $11/hour, retroactive to 6/24/02. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye Management and Non-Union 2002 Salary Schedule Mr. Altieri stated that this was the final approved list of salaries for the management and non- union personnel. On motion of Councilwoman Myers, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the payment of salary to the following management and non- union personnel: Employee Title 2002 Salary Stephen Altieri Town Administrator $116,760.00 Richard Rivera Chief of Police $101,150.00 Carmine DeLuca Comptroller $ 80,150.00 Ronald Carpaneto Director of Building and Land Use $ 74,650.00 Susan Bickerstaff Town Assessor $ 76,700.00 Kathy Kopa Director of Community Service $ 63,000.00 Michael Orchanian Building Superintendent $ 50,000.00 Joseph Tunno General Foreman $ 56,970.00 Robert Lunde Ice Rink Manager $ 50,300.00 Michael Liverzani Ambulance District $ 65,160.00 Kathy Simon Admin. Records Officer-Police Dept. $ 53,300.00 Marco Gennarelli Highway Superintendent $ 85,950.00 Lillian Robustelli Secretary to Town Sup. $ 55,870.00 Gayle Short Secretary to Town Admin $ 38,050.00 Elizabeth Paul Environmental Coordinator $ 39,100.00 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye School Crossing Guards 6 July 11, 2002 Mr. Altieri explained. On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize to increase the salary of the school crossings guards from $60.00 to $62.00 per day. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye APPROVAL OF MINUTES - May 1, 2002 On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilman Odierna, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve the Board minutes from the meeting of May 1, 2002 as amended. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye ORAL COMMUNICATION The Supervisor asked if anyone from the audience would like to speak. Bob Weiss, 408 Rushmore, spoke regarding the Hommocks pool. He stated that he had spoken at the June 11 School Board meeting. He felt that this was a wonderful community and the pool crisis made him very nervous. He didn't think that the Town was using the pool to its fullest capacity. He would like to see more involvement by the Town, and perhaps employ the services of a pool management company to run the facility. The Supervisor said that the Town Board and the Recreation Commission have been in touch with the school to try to solve this problem. The situation has been incredibly frustrating, especially since the School is actually the entity responsible for it -the school budget is 70 million dollars a year, the Town's is only 20 million, the burden would be a gigantic expense for us. Mr. Weiss said its frustrating for him since he'd like to see both bodies have control. Councilwoman Myers said this matter is of great concern to the board, the Town has requested a meeting with the school board to come up with some solutions. Councilman Odierna agreed the situation is serious, and appreciates Mr. Weiss' input. The Board is working on it, there have been 3,600 permits issued, so many residents have been affected by this. The Board then had a discussion of possible solutions to the problem. Abby Tolchinsky, said these programs should have never been offered unless they were truly available and doesn't feel the issues have been answered. 7 July 11, 2002 Ms. Abby Tolchinsky spoke. She said that she had signed her daughters up for the swim team and the diving team. Three weeks into the diving program, her daughter has finally gotten onto a diving board. The program was paid for in full and this situation is not acceptable. She does not want to see this keep on deteriorating. The Supervisor said the Town did not know about there being a problem until June; it was the School who thought the requirements were too stringent and wanted to comply in stages. Further discussion ensued. The Supervisor thanked the Recreation Department for their good work. Councilman Odierna reminded everyone about Family Day at the Hommocks Pool to be held on July 28. There is a $1 charge per family. If anyone would like to attend, please contact the Recreation Department. The Supervisor reported that the Town has received a triple A rating from Moody's. The Administrator said that Carmine DeLuca, the Town Comptroller has done an excellent job in helping to achieve this rating. Councilwoman Wittner said that she had learned that Steve Altieri will be receiving a certificate for 25 years of service to local government at the September meeting of The International City-County Management Association being held in Pennsylvania. Ms. Wittner also noted attending the Coastal Zone Management Commission meeting on June 25 and the Fire Council meeting on July 1. Councilman Odierna spoke about the concert held last Monday at Memorial Park. It was a lot of fun and well attended. A good time was had by all. Next Monday at 7 PM there will be a musical variety show and on July 26 the movie, Shrek, will be shown on a large outdoor movie screen. Parking is free in Town Lot#1 across the street from the park. Councilwoman Myers said that the concert was great. The Supervisor and the Town Board attended the senior's picnic. She said that it was originally scheduled to take place at Memorial Park, but it was 103 degrees that day and the picnic was moved to the Larchmont Senior Center. Steve Altieri, Carmen DeLuca, Kathy Kopa, Arleen Silverman and Elaine Austin did the cooking for the event. Councilwoman Myers spoke of marching in the Fireman's Parade on July 2 and mentioned that the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department won an award. Councilwoman Seligson attended Zoning and Planning Board meetings. The Town Clerk reminded everyone there would be a primary election in September. Anyone interested in working as an election inspector should contact the Town Clerk's Office. They would be required to work from 6 AM to 9 PM. The salary for the day is $165. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 PM into an Executive Session to discuss personnel. Submitted by Patricia A. DiCioccio, Town Clerk 8 July 11, 2002 \\CLERKSERVER\SERVER\Documents\Minutes\2002minfl07-11-02x.doc 9