HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002_12_04 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 DECEMBER 4, 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 8:15
PM, who then pointed out the location of exits.
PUBLIC HEARINGS -2003 Preliminary Budget
- Floor Area Ratio Law
2003 PRELIMINARY BUDGET
The following notice was placed into the record:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town
of Mamaroneck, New York on Wednesday, December 4, 2002 at 8:15 PM in the Court Room of
the Town Center, 740 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York to consider the
preliminary budget for the calendar year commencing January 1, 2003 and ending December
31, 2003. All citizens are invited to attend and provide the Board with written and oral
comments and ask questions concerning the Town's entire preliminary budget. The entire
preliminary budget can be inspected by the public from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through
Friday in the Town Clerk's Office, Town Center, 740 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New
York.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the proposed salaries of the members of the Town
Board are as follows: Supervisor, $25,000; Town Council (4) $6,000 each and the proposed
salary for the Town Clerk is $65,000 and the Town Justices (2) $21,000.
On motion of Councilwoman Myers, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, the hearing was
declared open.
The Town Administrator gave a PowerPoint presentation outlining the budget for the year
2003.
The 2003 Preliminary Town Budget proposes expenditures of$22,607,840. When compared
with 2002, the 2003 budget represents an increase of$1,306,975. In order to fund this budget
the 2003 tax levy is proposed to be $14,246,590, an increase of$876,050. The balance of the
budget will be funded through non-property tax revenues and by applying surplus funds
totaling $8,361,250. Overall the budget presents an increase in expenses of 6.1% over 2002.
December 4, 2002
Non-property tax revenues including the application of reserve funds is increased by only
5.3%.
The schedule below summarizes the proposed tentative budget in each category of expense
and revenue.
Budget Summary
Revenues
2002 2003 Change
Tax Levy $13,370,540 $14,246,590 $876,050
Non-Tax Revenues 6,470,375 6,530,250 59,875
Applied Reserves 1,459,950 1,831,000 371,050
$21,300,865 $22,607,840 $1,306,975
Expenses
Salaries $ 9,208,010 $ 9,494,520 $ 286,510
Equipment 230,400 180,450 (49,950)
Contractual Exp. 9,991,505 10,718,445 726,940
Debt Expense 1,870,950 2,214,425 334,475
$21,300,865 $22,607,840 $1,297,975
Included in his budget summary was the following document:
The impact of the 2003 budget upon property owners is as follows. For those
residents living in the Villages that receive certain Town services the combined
tax rate for the Townwide Fund and Ambulance District will be $14.15 per one
thousand dollars of assessed valuation. For a home in the Villages with an
average assessment of$20,000 the new tax rate will result in an annual Town
property tax of$283. This represents a unit dollar increase of$28 over 2002
property taxes.
For property owners of the unincorporated area that receive all Town services the
tax rate for 2003 is $187.95 per one thousand dollars of assessed valuation.
Again using an average assessment of$20,000, an unincorporated area property
owner would, under this budget, pay $3,759 dollars in property taxes for Town
services. This is an increase of$202 over 2002.
Revenues: The revenues needed to fund the budget basically breakdown into
three categories: the tax levy, non-property tax revenues, and when available
applied reserve funds.
Tax Levy: As noted the tax levy is proposed to increase by $876,050 in the
preliminary 2003 budget. The tax levy and the resulting tax rates are a function of
the tax base of the Town. For the 2003 fiscal year the total taxable assessed
valuation decreased in the Townwide fund but increased slightly in the part town
fund and special districts. In the Townwide fund the taxable assessed valuation
decreased from $155.8 to $155.5 million, a reduction of slightly more than
$300,000. A reduction in the assessed valuation is a contributing factor to the
increase in the Townwide tax rate. During this past year we have settled several
large tax appeals that led to the reduction in total assessments.
In the unincorporated area however new construction and home additions led to
an increase in property assessments. As a result assessments for the
unincorporated area rose by $327,000. Generally assessments rose from $68.6 to
$68.9 million for the part town and special districts.
Property assessments are extremely volatile in large part because of the
inequities and age of the assessments. Also the assessments are tied to the
number of tax appeals filed and the level of construction in the Town. Changes in
the local and national economy affects both the number of tax appeals and the
level of construction. As housing values in the Town have skyrocketed we have
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December 4, 2002
seen fewer tax appeals. Residential property owners in a time of increasing
housing values are less able to make a case for assessment reductions even
when assessment data is old.
Although there are not many lots left on which to build in the Town we have seen
a number of new homes constructed. In addition many residents have been
expanding and remodeling their homes. All of this activity has a positive affect on
our assessments at this time.
Non-Property Tax Revenues: This category of revenues includes all of our
departmental revenue, sales tax, mortgage tax, and state aid. For fiscal 2003 we
are estimating that this category of revenue will be $6,530,250 and increase of
only $59,875 or less than one percent. Between 2000 and 2001 non-property tax
revenues grew at the rate of 3.1%. Between 2001 and 2002 non-property tax
revenues were expected to grow at 1.5%. In the upcoming year we now expect
revenue growth of less than one percent. As a result the property tax must be
increased to make up for the shortfall in non-property tax revenues.
Most alarming is the extreme drop in investment income. Interest rates on
certificates of deposit that were once averaging five to six percent are now down
to approximately two percent. As a result we have revised our interest income
estimates down from $500,000 to $375,000. Revenue estimates for fines and
forfeitures have been reduced by $25,000 based upon our experience over the
last several years.
On a brighter note you will find that we have been able to raise certain revenue
estimates. Estimated revenues for sales tax and mortgage tax have been raised
modestly for 2003. Recreation Department revenues have also been increased for
2003. We are estimating that overall Recreation Department revenues will rise by
$65,000 as a result of increased demand for our programs and expected fee
increases. Total Recreation Department revenues will be $1.44 million in 2003.
Recreation fees defray 80% of the total expenses of the department.
Except for the revenue categories presented here all other revenue estimates
have been held at 2002 levels. Generally we prefer to see a multi-year trend in
actual revenue before recommending an adjustment unless there were
circumstances that assured us that actual revenue would change in the coming
year.
Application of Reserve Funds: In the 2003 Town budget we are proposing the
application of$1,831,000 in reserves to the budget. This represents an increase
of$371,050 over 2002. Increases in reserve applications were only possible in the
Townwide Fund, Water District, and Ambulance District. In each of the other
funds and districts reserve applications remained at 2002 levels. Surplus levels in
those funds were not increased during the past year as revenue performance
declined.
Expenditures: Expenditure in the coming year are expected to rise by $1.3
million. Of the total increase in expenses anticipated for next year$780,000 of the
increase is attributable to three expenditures; liability insurance, retirement costs,
and health insurance costs. The balance is attributable to increases in our debt
service and salary adjustments. Our expenditures are divided into the categories
of Personal Services (Wages), Equipment, Contractual expenses, and debt
service.
Personal Services: In December of this year collective bargaining agreements will
expire with our Firefighters, Highway Department and Office Personnel.
Negotiations are expected to begin in the next month and we have set aside funds
for any wage adjustments that may be negotiated between the parties. All salaries
listed in the 2003 Preliminary Budget except in the Police Department are at 2002
levels because of upcoming contract negotiations. The contract with the police
officers union was completed this past year and does not expire until December of
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December 4, 2002
2003. Therefore the salaries listed for the Police Department are actual 2003
salaries.
Salaries account for$9.5 million of the Town budget. Municipal services are by
their very nature labor intensive and as a result salaries will generally account for
a significant portion of a municipal budget. There are no additional full time
personnel proposed in the Preliminary Budget. The budget does include an
appropriation of$16,000 for additional part time camp staff needed to meet the
increased participation in our summer programs. During this past summer over
900 children were enrolled in our programs. Additional staff is needed to maintain
the high quality of the program and to also meet required camper to counselor
ratios.
Equipment: For 2003 the Town proposes to expend $180,450 in this category of
expense, which includes small pieces of equipment, communications equipment,
uniform expenses, and signage. We have reduced this category of expense by
$50,000 for the coming year.
Expenditures for 2003 worth noting are the following. At a cost of$6,000 the
Town will replace the Recreation Department's large tent used in conjunction with
our summer programming. We will also begin a program to replace the eight
boilers used to heat the Town Center building. The cost of this project is $7,000.
In the Police Department, we will begin the process of replacing the guns used by
our officers at a cost of$4,000.
Another expenditure worth mentioning here is the purchase of a Lifepak-12 for the
Ambulance District. Two years ago the District began the process of upgrading
our heart defibrillation equipment to a newer technology know as Lifepak-12. This
new equipment allows our paramedics the ability to obtain more precise
information that is used for diagnosis and treatment of the patient. With the
proposed purchase for 2003 all of the ambulances will have the new equipment.
The cost of this equipment is $21,000.
Contractual Expenses: Included in the category of contractual expenses are the
Town's day-to-day operating expenditures for a variety of goods and services
used in our operations. For the upcoming year the budget for contractual
expenses is $10,718,445, an increase of$726,940 over last year.
Individual departmental budgets generally remained at or below 2002 levels.
Driving the increase for 2003 are three significant expenditures: liability
insurance, heath insurance, and pension contributions. In 2003 the Town will
expend $597,400 for liability insurance, an increase of$140,000 over 2002.
Municipal governments are in the best insurance markets a difficult risk to insure
because of the large number of suits filed each year. Now that we are
experiencing a difficult insurance market the problem for local governments is
aggravated even further.
Another expense for which costs will rise considerably is for pension
contributions. Several years ago when the economy's performance was stronger,
the New York State Retirement System suspended employee contributions to the
pension and a large percentage of the Town's contribution. Decreasing stock
values and losses within the pension system have forced the reinstatement of
employer contributions. For the Town this means a $312,500 increase in
retirement costs for 2003. Our total expense for retirement contributions will rise
to $660,500.
In addition to the cost of retirement contributions another employee benefit cost
that has risen significantly is medical insurance. The Town's employees are
covered by a plan sponsored through the State of New York. We have been
advised that our premium costs will rise by $350,000 this coming year raising our
total medical insurance expense to $1.7 million.
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December 4, 2002
Together the increases in liability insurance, pension contributions and medical
insurance account for$800,000 in additional costs in the budget. To offset the
increase in these items, we have reduced or deferred other planned expenditures.
Capital Projects: The proposed capital projects budget for the coming year has
been scaled back dramatically for 2003. Evidence of this is the comparison
between capital budget appropriations in 2002 and 2003. In 2002 the Town
appropriated $614,000 for capital projects. The amount for 2003 has been
reduced to $262,500.
Most vehicle and equipment purchases have been deferred in 2003. The Town
will however replace three police cars at a cost of$80,000 and one one-ton dump
truck at a cost of$35,000. Other purchases originally planned for 2003 will be
reconsidered in the 2004 budget.
The Highway Improvement budget will total $215,000 for 2003, a decrease of
$160,000 from 2002. Included in this budget is the resurfacing of the following
streets: Campbell Lane, Knollwood Road, Rockingstone Avenue and Villa Lane.
Sidewalk improvements will be completed on Campbell Lane, Villa Lane, and
Edgewood Avenue.
Also, in 2003 the Town plans to conduct repairs to the Waverly Avenue Bridge and
bridges along Brookside drive at a total cost of$65,000. The Waverly Avenue
Bridge Project will be completed in conjunction with the Village of Mamaroneck.
Our capital plan for 2003 includes repairs and renovations to several Town
facilities. Included is the repair to the roof of the Weaver Street Firehouse,
improvements to the Police Department Headquarters building, and
reconstruction of the Volunteer Ambulance Corps Headquarters. Together these
projects are estimated to cost $890,000.
If completed as planned, the entire capital project proposal for 2003 will cost $1.4
million. Of this total, $262,500 is appropriated in the budget and the balance will
be funded through a series of short and longer term borrowings. At this time
borrowing rates for tax exempt debt are favorable to the Town. The Town's AAA
bond rating also enhances our borrowing power.
Debt Service: The last category of expense to be mentioned is for the payment of
debt service on borrowed funds. Currently our outstanding debt equals $16.6
million. In 2003 the total of all debt payments will be $2.1 million, an increase of
$334,475 over 2002. The increase is attributable to our most recent debt issue in
2002 for the reconstruction of the Highway Garage and several smaller projects.
This completes the presentation of the 2003 Town Of Mamaroneck Preliminary
Budget. What differentiates this budget from those of the last several years is the
fact that the majority of the appropriation increases were the result of
circumstances beyond the Town's control. Certainly this is demonstrated by the
increases in liability insurance, retirement costs, and medical insurance costs. To
reduce these expenses at this time would mean a reduction in the municipal
services provided to the residents of the Town. At this time there appears to be
no indication that our residents wish to see services reduced.
We will continue to search for better and less expensive ways to provide the
services expected by our residents. The department heads and staff of the Town
deserve many thanks for their efforts in this budget year. This was a more difficult
year and where ever possible departmental budgets were reduced in
consideration of the external factors that impacted this budget. If with the
reductions that have taken place, the 2003 Preliminary Town of Mamaroneck
budget continues the Town's tradition of high service levels to the community.
The Supervisor stated the Board had been working on the budget for two months, going over
it line by line. Quite a bit was cut out, but services were left and not cut. No new services
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December 4, 2002
were added except for Recreation, where there was an increase to camps because of higher
enrollment numbers.
Councilwoman Seligson commended the Administrator and the Comptroller for an excellent
budget, saying they are sensitive to the needs of the community, and putting together the
budget is a hard job.
Councilwoman Myers said initially the department heads were asked to submit their budgets
with a 10% decrease from last year and the Board then took those numbers down further.
We went from a proposed increase of 6.2% down to 5.6% -this is a solid budget.
Mr. Lobel asked for the list of sidewalks that are part of the budget. Mr. Altieri listed them for
him.
Supervisor O'Keeffe said this was a good budget, not putting the Town out on a limb. We're
able to make adjustments if needed. The tax rate is in a reasonable range.
Councilman Odierna said he believes the goal should be to reduce until they can foresee
what it takes to keep the infrastructure going. We have a triple A rating because of our
stability in the budget.
Councilwoman Wittner added her appreciation to the Administrator and Comptroller for a
tight budget.
On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, the hearing was
declared closed at 8:35 PM.
On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was
RESOLVED, that the Town Board has reviewed the proposed
2003 Town Budget and hereby approves it as amended
during the Budget Work Sessions and as presented by the
Budget Officer.
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Seligson - Aye
Odierna - Aye
Myers - Aye
Wittner - Aye
O'Keeffe - Aye
FLOOR AREA RATIO LAW
The following notice was placed into the record:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that an adjourned Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board of
the Town of Mamaroneck on Wednesday, December 4, 2002, at 8:15 PM or as soon thereafter
as is possible, in the Court Room of the Town Center, 740 W. Boston Post Road,
Mamaroneck, New York to consider adoption of a local law entitled "Floor Area Ratio".
On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Myers, the hearing was
declared open.
Mr. Maker explained the purpose was to provide for a floor area ratio which was workable,
because of houses being torn down and new houses being put up that were
disproportionately large. The Board had asked him to investigate and review laws which look
at square footage of the lot but do not include basements and use a percentage. He said he
had done this and as a result had included in the redrafted ordinance a chart. His purpose in
drafting this law was to create a harmonious site. There are exemptions allowed in some
instances, and the statute allows for the bumping out of dormers.
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December 4, 2002
The Supervisor asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or opposition to this law.
Arthur Wexler, 316 Weaver Street, said he was not opposed to the law but had some
questions about it, especially when dealing with square footage, because this law would
reduce the coverage allowed by about 10% and he then gave an example. He said existing
non-usable space should not be included because it reduces the FAR, which no other
community has adopted.
The Supervisor asked if this was so, and the Attorney agreed, but added in this law you could
bump out the attic.
Councilwoman Myers said attics do add to the bulk, it's visual, which why the Board decided
to include this.
Mr. Wexler answered that he doubted the Board understands the impact of this on homes,
which would be eliminating what can be done to the property.
Cary Sleeper, Village of Mamaroneck resident, and a local real estate agent questioned the
definition of attic, because if one uses an average calculation under this law, it's already
maxed out. The law needs a better definition of attic.
Peter Perciaseppe, 96 Myrtle Boulevard, asked if existing houses are exempt from the law
and if it was in compliance with the New York State Building Code.
Supervisor O'Keeffe said it was not retroactive, and the Attorney added it will not affect
expansion through the provisions of the zoning code.
Councilman Odierna asked if there would be any tax implications caused by this law, and
was told there were none.
James Fleming, a resident and architect in the Town, said he was watching this discussion
on cable at home and rushed in to suggest the Board slow down a bit on this matter. There
are issues here which could have adverse impacts , you will have problems with small
houses who will be penalized if the attic is uninhabitable and you take it out of the
calculations. There are ways to solve this.
Councilwoman Seligson said she understood what he was saying but what the Board was
after is maintaining the character of the community and there is an escape hatch in the law
through the average.
Mr. Fleming suggested a paragraph be added which excludes in the calculation uninhabitable
attic space.
Councilwoman Wittner said this issue just keeps going round and round, we have looked at
all of this, especially the bulk which this is about, suggested the Board move on with it.
There then ensued an lengthy discussion on the impacts on using attic space, or allowing
bumping out of attic space.
Then on motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Myers the meeting was
adjourned to December 18, 2003.
After a brief recess the Town Board reconvened at 10:30 PM.
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
The meeting was called to order by Commissioner O'Keeffe at 10:30 PM on motion of
Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Myers.
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December 4, 2002
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
1. Fire Claims:
Commissioner Wittner presented fire claims for authorization of payment , thereafter on
Commissioner Wittner's motion, seconded by Commissioner Odierna, 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 as
amended:
AAA Emergency Supply Co. 221.50
AAA Emergency Supply Co. 217.63
AT & T Long Distance 434.16
Brewer Hardware 17.70
Cleaning Systems 246.88
Con Edison 3.97
Con Edison 241.51
Coyne Textile Services 66.73
Inter-State Diagnostic Inc. 6,731.50
IOS Capital 166.78
J &J Barrish Electric Supply 186.40
Lawrence Heat& Power Corp. 195.10
Nextel 208.17
Sound Shore Pest Control 130.00
Sunset Ptg. &Adv. Spec. Co. 909.21
Technical Electronics 67.00
Town of Mam'k Professional Fire Fighters Asso. 204.36
Tri-City Auto Parts 78.94
United Water 429.57
Verizon 1,069.11
Verizon Wireless 12.25
Westchester Elevator 170.00
W.S Darley & Co. 246.50
TOTAL 12,254.97
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Seligson - Aye
Odierna - Aye
Myers - Aye
Wittner - Aye
O'Keeffe - Aye
There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner
Wittner, seconded by Commissioner Seligson, the Commission unanimously adjourned.
AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN
1. Resolution - Closure of 2002 Financial Statements
Mr. Altieri explained at this time of year the Town begins the process of closing the financial
statements for the current fiscal year. The Town Comptroller requires authorization of the
Town Board to make the necessary journal entries and budget transfers necessary to close
the 2002 financial statements.
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December 4, 2002
On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does authorize the Town
Comptroller to close the financial statements for fiscal year
2002 making all budget transfers as necessary.
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Seligson - Aye
Odierna - Aye
Myers - Aye
Wittner - Aye
O'Keeffe - Aye
2. Salary Authorization - Recreation
On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, 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:
Michelle Mirabella, Skate Guard, Hommocks Park Ice Rink, $8/hour,
effective 11/29/02.
Julian Buchbinder, Skate Guard, Hommocks Park Ice Rink, $9/hour,
effective 11/29/02.
Brian Nadolske, Alternate Skate Room Attendant, Hommocks Park Ice
Rink, $6.50/hour, effective 11/29/02.
Brian Carpaneto, Skate Guard, Hommocks Park Ice Rink, $8/hour,
effective 11/29/02.
Tamar Muscarell, Swim Instructor, change in salary from $18/hour to
$20/hour, effective retroactive to 11/3/02.
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Seligson - Aye
Odierna - Aye
Myers - Aye
Wittner - Aye
O'Keeffe - Aye
ADDED ITEMS
3. AMBULANCE SERVICE BILLING
The Administrator explained the Town has recently changed ambulance billing services. The
previous billing service in Connecticut decided to no longer provide service in New York
State due to changes in Medicare and Medicaid billing regulations. A contract was therefore
authorized with Multi-Med Inc., a New York based billing service specializing in ambulance
service. When making the change the New York State Department of Health asked about the
authority for billing by the Ambulance District. Even though they have allowed this billing
since 1994, they are now asking the Town to obtain what's known as a Certificate of Need,
which is issued by the Health Department. So to clarify this he recommended adoption of a
new resolution which was extracted from a sample sent by the Health Department.
On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Myers, it was
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December 4, 2002
Resolved, that pursuant to section 3008(7a) of the Public
Health Law, the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck has
established the need for emergency medical care for the
residents of the Town of Mamaroneck including the
incorporated Villages of Mamaroneck and Larchmont. The
ambulance service established by this resolution will be
operated under the authority of the Town of Mamaroneck
Ambulance District, effective December 4, 2002.
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Seligson - Aye
Odierna - Aye
Myers - Aye
Wittner - Aye
O'Keeffe - Aye
4. Resolution - Change Town Board Meeting Dates in 2003
On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Myers, it was
RESOLVED, that the regular meetings of the Town Board
originally scheduled for January 1 and January 15, 2003 be
changed to January 8 and January 22, 2003 and the meeting
scheduled for February 19 be changed to February 26, 2003
in the Court Room of the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post
Road, Mamaroneck at 8:15 PM.
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Seligson - Aye
Odierna - Aye
Myers - Aye
Wittner - Aye
O'Keeffe - Aye
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
George Roniger, Larchmont Gardens Civic Association, thanked the Board for the holiday
lights which were placed at lake. There will be a ceremony at dusk on December 15 to turn
the lights on. He also spoke about the drainage problem on Mulberry Lane and Stonyside
Drive. After a rain storm water runs out of the storm drain near 208 Mulberry Lane causing
ice to form.
Ed Clarke, 67 Rockland Avenue, spoke regarding truck traffic on Rockland Avenue, Avon
Road and Mohegan Road.
The Supervisor asked Mr. Maker to research the enforceability and legal ability of the Police
Department to gives summonses regarding no through trucking.
Mr. Maker stated vehicle and traffic law does allow the Town to create truck routes. Also to
regulate the signage for truck traffic. The Traffic Committee will be holding a public hearing
on this matter on December 17 at 8:00 PM in the Senior Center.
The Supervisor stated she would ask the Traffic Committee to consider the following: stop
signs, speed limit and no truck ordinance. The Police have been monitoring traffic on
Rockland Avenue, Avon Road and Mohegan Road regularly.
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December 4, 2002
Councilman Odierna asked Mr. Clark if he saw the Police giving out tickets.
Mr. Clark said yes.
Nicholas Burgoyne, 123 Rockland Avenue, said the Police are very visible. The speed
monitor has shown speeds of 50 to 70 miles per hour. He has noticed that the speeding was
worse in the morning and evening.
Councilman Odierna asked if Police presence has slowed down the traffic?
Mr. Burgoyne said he was not sure. But the monitoring does help.
Pete Perciasepe, 96 Myrtle Boulevard, voice his concern about speeding and stop signs, but
he was particularly concerns with the enforcement of no through trucking on his street also.
Mr. Maker responded there was some question to the signage and the enforceability.
Mr. Perciasepe stated there was a law passed in the 1960's regarding trucking. Tony
Librandi was very instrumental in getting this law passed.
Joel Cleveland, 10 Myrtle Boulevard, said it's only a matter of time before something terrible
happens and the Board really has to address the speeding issue. He is concerned about his
future children and his animals
The Supervisor agreed to speak to the Police regarding this matter.
Brian Lobel, 87 Edgewood Avenue, addressed the proposed sidewalk on the odd side of
Edgewood Avenue. Many residents don't want this to happen. The reason being safety
issues, which doesn't make sense, there have been zero accidents. He felt the problem of
safety was being exaggerated especially since he had asked for and received copies from
the Town Police of all the accidents in the area which does not support the contention there
is a safety issue. And if the change is made people will actually be crossing more not less.
The Supervisor replied the Board realizes there are problems with vehicles at the intersection
and will address that, but extending the sidewalk does not logically connect to the facts he
was presenting on that intersection which is a separate problem from the sidewalk. Children
walking in the middle of the street is why we want to put in the sidewalk.
Susan Bicardi, 84 Edgewood Avenue, said traffic accidents are not affected by the sidewalk
and there had been a petition signed in favor of the sidewalk by people who lived on
Overlook, Edgewood and two families from North Chatsworth.
John Furik, 6 Overlook Terrace, said he lives next door to his daughter and four
grandchildren, when walking the cars force you to go into the middle of the road. He is
concerned about the little kids, adding he appreciates the concern and attention the Board
has given to solving this problem.
Emily Furik, grandmother of four boys. Not everyone walking on Edgewood is going to
school. Many people are coming from the train station in the dark walking in the middle of
the street.
There was further discussion on this matter.
REPORTS OF COUNCIL
Councilman Odierna mentioned that Sponge Bob Square Pants will be at the Hommocks Ice
Rink December 8.
Councilwoman Myers had a very active Board of Architectural Review meeting. There were a
number of applications made for changes to buildings. The BAR only has jurisdiction over
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December 4, 2002
commercial buildings. The Traffic Committee will be meeting December 7. There was a
blood drive at the firehouse yesterday.
Councilwoman Seligson attended the Long Island Sound Study Policy meeting.
The Supervisor attended the monthly meeting of Supervisors of Towns of Westchester
County. George Boros was the speaker. The hot topic was sales tax.
Councilwoman Wittner said the Coastal Zone Management Commission was very busy this
week.
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December 4, 2002
ADJOURNMENT
The Supervisor adjourned the meeting in memory of Mary Infelice who died today. She was
the mother of Detective John Infelice, the President of the PBA. The wake will be held at
Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home, Friday from 2 to 4 PM and 7 to 9 PM. Funeral will be
Saturday, at Saints John & Paul at 9 AM.
The next scheduled meetings would be December 18, 2002 and January 8, 2003.
The Supervisor wished residents a Happy Hanukah.
On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson the meeting was
adjourned at 11:25 PM.
Submitted by
Patricia A. DiCioccio, Town Clerk
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