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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004_02_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 FEBRUARY 11, 2004 AT 8:15 PM IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE TOWN, 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 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor O'Keeffe at 8:25 PM. She then pointed out the location of exits. The Supervisor said the Board had convened at 5:00 P.M. into a Work Session to discuss Freshwater Wetlands Law, Hommocks Pool, and Hommocks Conservation Area. They then convened into an Executive Session to discuss Certiorari and Personnel. PUBLIC HEARING - Application for Exemption - Boston Post Road Moratorium The below notice was entered into the record: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 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 an "Application of a Hardship Exemption from the Moratorium Law for Village Square Shopping Center for KRT Properties." On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Myers, the public hearing was unanimously opened. The Town Attorney explained this hearing was to discuss the application for an exemption from the moratorium on development along the Boston Post Road made by KRT Properties, also known as Village Square. Paul Bergins, attorney for KRT Property Holdings, said Village Square had been operating for 20 years and the retail space in question was available because of the closing of Pizza & Brew. The potential Ieasors of the space are intending to open a restaurant with a sports theme named Dingers. It would contain the same square footage and zoning is the same. He introduced Mr. McSherry and Mr. Bautlit, who are the owners of the new restaurant, and they are requesting the exemption. Mr. McSherry said this would be a kid-friendly sports environment offering food and satellite TV showing sporting events. The Board questioned the amount of traffic which might be created as children pass through there to go to Central School. The owners explained the capacity is for 170 people. There will be a bar with 12 seats and a party area aimed towards children. They plan to change the facade and put in February 11, 2004 more lights and change the signage. There was a lot of discussion about making this very discreet. Councilwoman Myers asked about the hours of operation. They replied it would be open for lunch and dinner only, with a menu which is kid oriented. There was further discussion and it was decided to include a proviso in the resolution which states there be no change to square footage. On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilman Odierna, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that this application is a Type II action as that term is defined in the State Environmental Quality Review Act of the Town of Mamaroneck Environmental Quality Review Law; and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the hardship application by KRT Properties be hereby approved with the stipulation that the square footage remain the same. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye Public Hearing - Local Law - Re: Rock Removal The following notice of public hearing was entered into the record: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 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 "Days and Hours When Removal of Rock is Prohibited in the Town of Mamaroneck" Law. The purpose of the local law is to resolve methods, dates and times of rock removal in the Town of Mamaroneck. On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, the public hearing was unanimously opened. The Town Attorney explained the law and the history of its many versions. The Supervisor asked if anyone wished to speak in favor of or against the proposed law. Councilman Odierna commented that the Town Board had been talking about this law for a long time. It seems to be now well balanced between the home owners and neighborhood. Councilwoman Wittner agreed, saying this law had been agonized over and now seems to have a good balance. Councilwoman Myers also agreed and added her thanks to the residents who have addressed the Board on this issue. As a result, neighbors will receive notification before work begins. 2 February 11, 2004 Councilwoman Seligson said she was proud of this law, recognizing the need to balance the protection of landowners while protecting the peacefulness of the community. Supervisor O'Keeffe stated this law strikes a good balance and endorsed its passage. On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Myers, the public hearing was closed unanimously. On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board finds that the adoption of the proposed local laws will constitute a Type II action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA); and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby declares itself to be lead agency with respect to the proposed action. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilman Odierna, the ensuing local law was adopted Local Law No. 2 -2004 This local law shall be known as the "Days and Hours When Removal of Rock is Permitted in Residence Districts and the Recreation District of the Town of Mamaroneck" Law. BE IT ENACTED by the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck as follows: Section 1 - Purpose. The noise connected with the removal of rock by mechanical means, commonly referred to as "chipping", has become a cause of concern in the Town of Mamaroneck. Too often the peace and quiet of the residential neighborhoods of the Town is being disturbed by the continuous, incessant sounds of drills and machinery boring into bedrock and vehicles being loaded with and then leaving sites with excavated rock only to return later in the day to resume the process. Chipping has been known to occur on all seven days of the week and in the morning and evening hours. Though recognizing that rock removal is often necessary in order for landowners to develop or improve their homes and properties, the Town Board has determined that there must be greater control on rock removal to insure the tranquility of the Town's residential neighborhoods. The Town Board recognizes, however, that those controls must be balanced against the right of owners to develop or improve their homes and properties. This law is an attempt to strike that balance. Section 2 -Addition of a New Section to the Code of the Town of Mamaroneck 3 February 11, 2004 The Code of the Town of Mamaroneck hereby is amended to add to it the following new section: "§ 106-56. Duration and Hours for Mechanical Rock Removal. A. For the purpose of this section: (1) "Mechanical means" means the use of any tools that are not operated solely by human muscular power. Explosives and the tools used in connection therewith shall not be considered "mechanical means". (2) "Original construction" means structures, streets and lines, pipes, culverts and conduits for transporting potable water, storm water, sewage and utilities such as gas, telephone, electricity, cable television and internet service that are built on land subdivided after February 1, 2004 if the subdivision plat creating the lots in that subdivision also created one or more new private or public streets or created extensions to any existing private or public street. A structure satisfying the definition of'original construction" will no longer be considered original construction once a certificate of completion, a letter of compliance or a certificate of occupancy (permanent or temporary) has been issued for any structure built on the lot where the structure is located. (3) "Permit" means a building, plumbing, wetlands, street opening or erosion and sediment control permit. (4) In addition to natural stone, "rock" includes impervious concretions created by humans such as macadam, concrete and bricks. (5) "Rock removal permit" means a permit issued after the date on which rock removal by mechanical means no longer is allowed to be done pursuant to a previously issued permit. (6) "Subject property" means the lot for which a permit or a rock removal permit has been issued. B. Removal of rock by mechanical means or by explosives shall not be permitted in any Residence District or in the Recreation District of the Town of Mamaroneck: (1) On Saturdays; (2) On Sundays; (3) On the public holidays listed in section 24 of the New York General Construction Law; or (4) Before 9:00 AM (prevailing time) or after 6:00 PM (prevailing time) on weekdays which are not public holidays listed in section 24 of the New York General Construction Law. C. (1) Before any rock is removed by mechanical means, the following notice shall be mailed to the owners of each lot that has a lot line lying within 75 feet of any lot line of the Subject Property and an affidavit attesting to that mailing shall be filed with the official who issued the permit or the rock removal permit. "Dear Neighbor, Removal of rock from the property known as [INSERT STREET ADDRESS OR THE LOCATION OF THE PROPERTY IF IT HAS NO STREET ADDRESS] by mechanical means, such as drills,jackhammers and other types of gas, diesel or electric powered equipment is about to begin. For further information, please contact [INSERT THE NAME OF THE OWNER OR THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF THE PROJECT] at the following phone number: [INSERT CURRENT TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE PERSON WHOSE NAME APPEARS ABOVE]. 4 February 11, 2004 Very truly yours, [SIGNATURE OF OWNER] [PRINT NAME OF THE OWNER]" The affidavit required to be filed shall be made by the owner of the Subject Property. (2) Failure to mail the notice required by section 106-56 (C)(1) or to file the affidavit required by section 106-56 (C)(1) prior to commencing rock removal by mechanical means shall constitute a violation of this section by the owner of the Subject Property. Such violation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $250.00 or 15 days in jail, or both. The owner of the Subject Property also shall be liable for the civil penalty imposed by section 106-52 C of the Code. Reliance upon someone else to mail the notice or to file the affidavit shall not be a defense in any prosecution of a violation of section 106-56 (C)(1). D. Each application for a permit for work to be done in any Residence District or in the Recreation District of the Town of Mamaroneck shall be accompanied by a calculation of the total amount of cubic feet that will be disturbed by the work for which the permit is being requested. Where such work involves disturbing more than 2,000 cubic feet, rock removal by mechanical means shall be allowed only for the 90 days immediately following the date of the permit. The permit shall contain the date after which rock removal by mechanical means no longer will be allowed to be done pursuant to that permit. It shall be a violation of this law for rock to be removed by mechanical means after the date specified in such permit unless a rock removal permit is issued by the Director of Building Code Enforcement and Land Use Administration. This paragraph shall not apply to original construction. E. For original construction, rock removal by mechanical means shall be allowed only for the 180 days immediately following the date of the erosion and sediment control permit. That permit shall contain the date after which rock removal by mechanical means no longer will be allowed to be done pursuant thereto. It shall be a violation of this law for rock to be removed by mechanical means after the date specified in such permit unless a rock removal permit is issued by the Director of Building Code Enforcement and Land Use Administration. F. No rock removal permit shall be issued for any property earlier than 30 days after the date on which the authority to remove rock by mechanical means pursuant to a prior permit or a prior rock removal permit shall have expired. A rock removal permit shall authorize rock removal by mechanical means for the 90 days immediately following the date of that permit. The rock removal permit shall contain the date after which rock removal by mechanical means no longer will be allowed to be done pursuant to that permit. It shall be a violation of this law for rock to be removed by mechanical means after the date specified in a rock removal permit unless another rock removal permit is issued by the Director of Building Code Enforcement and Land Use Administration. G. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a violation which shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $250.00 or 15 days in jail, or both and also shall be liable for the civil penalty imposed by section 106-52 C of the Code. Each use of mechanical means to remove rock on a day or at an hour when such removal is prohibited by this section shall constitute a separate offense. H. This section shall not apply to the removal of rock which is excavated without first being reduced in size. I. This section shall not apply to public utility companies, the United States of America, the State of New York, the County of Westchester, the Town of Mamaroneck, the Mamaroneck Union Free School District, the Villages of Larchmont, Mamaroneck or Scarsdale or any independent contractors engaged by any of them. 5 February 11, 2004 Section 3 -Amendment to an Existing Section of the Code of the Town of Mamaroneck The Code of the Town of Mamaroneck hereby is amended to add the following provision to section A250-1 A. Code Subject Fee or Section Deposit §106.56 Rock removal permit application $ 50.00 Second rock removal permit application for the same lot $ 75.00 Each additional rock removal permit application for the same lot $100.00 Section 4 - Severability Should any court of competent jurisdiction declare any provision of this Local Law invalid or unconstitutional, 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 date that it is filed in the office of the Secretary of State. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The meeting was called to order by Commissioner O'Keeffe. 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 Myers, 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. $416.62 AAA Emergency Supply Co. 45.00 6 February 11, 2004 AAA Emergency Supply Co. 320.40 AAA Emergency Supply Co. 47.40 AAA Emergency Supply Co. 100.25 AT&T 231.51 Avaya 51.89 Edwin Byrnes 85.00 Edwin Byrnes 72.00 Community Fire Equipment 521.00 ESS Inc. 289.50, Excelsior Garage & Machine Works, Inc. 1938.09 Excelsior Garage & Machine Works, Inc. 222.37 Fire Academy FSA 78.75 Jennifer Mirabella 140.00 IOS Capital 117.35 Nextel 443.49 NFPA 135.00 Poland Spring 78.41 Pronto Printer 108.02 Redwood Nursery 120.00 R&L Consulting 78.56 R&L Consulting 295.00 Rickert Lock & Safe Co. 114.95 Tri-City Auto Parts 132.58 Verizon 386.33 Verizon Wireless $13.15 Westchester Elevator 170.00 Westchester Joint Water Works 110.00 911 Wear Inc. 184.98 TOTAL 7 047.60 There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner Odierna, seconded by Commissioner Myers, the Commission unanimously adjourned at 9:10 PM. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Appointment - Planning Board On motion of Supervisor O'Keeffe, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby appoint John A. Ortiz to the (member c) position of Planning Board member, effective immediately, expiring December 31, 2010; and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the appointment be contingent upon John Ortriz resigning his position as Alternate Member of the Planning Board and his execution of oath office with 30 days of said appointment. 2. Authorization - Computer Support Services Agreement The Administrator said this agreement was held over from the last meeting to allow for a change to how the Village of Larchmont would share computer services with us. It 7 February 11, 2004 has now been agreed that every month the Town will bill the Village $90 per actual hour that the consultant spends there. He outlined the contract for DB Systems for the year 2004, which will cost $8,300 per month for their computer support service. Councilman Odierna said it sounds expensive considering you could hire a full time computer expert for less. Mr. Altieri answered that this contract gives us an entire firm; therefore, we don't have to worry about vacations and sick time. This firm is available to us all the time. Following discussion, on motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilman Odierna, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve the Agreement for Computer Support Services with DB Systems in the amount of$8,300.00 per month, and an additional $90 per hour for special projects; and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Administrator be 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 Authorization - Needs Analysis - Geographic Information System The Administrator said this would allow for a needs analysis to be conducted involving both the Town and the Village of Mamaroneck in regards to mapping and the plotting of data such as sewer lines, streets, storm drains, etc. The County is proposing to conduct the analysis for both municipalities. The cost of this would be $11,000, with the Town's share being $6,000. In order to accomplish this, we need to authorize this execution of agreement. The Board then discussed the varying mapping aspects as well as the application of digitized mapping and its uses. On motion of Councilwoman Myers, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the expenditure of$6,000 for a needs analysis to be conducted by the County of Westchester in conjunction with the Village of Mamaroneck; 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 8 February 11, 2004 O'Keeffe - Aye 4. Authorization - Certiorari The Attorney explained and recommended approval of the certiorari. On motion of Councilwoman Seligson, seconded by Councilwoman Myers, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the settlement of the following tax certiorari on the following terms: Vermillion Building Corp. 2 Washington Square Larchmont, NY Block: 133 Lot: 599 Town of Mamaroneck Year Assessment Amount of Reduction Reduced Assessment 2000 $223,000 $53,000. $170,000 2001 $223,000 $78,000. $145,000 2002 $223,000 $98,000. $125,000 2003 $223,000 $103,000. $120,000 The Town will refund about $60,000. The school will refund $155,000. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye Authorization - Transfer for Funds - Sidewalks, Curbs & Road Resurfacing On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the Comptroller to appropriate $24,618.73 OF Highway Fund Surplus Funds and transfer to the Capital Fund for the following projects: Project#22-04 - Sidewalks & Curbs $21,471.54 Project#22-05 - Road Resurfacing $ 3,147.19 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye Salary Authorizations - Highway Department Ambulance District Recreation Department 9 February 11, 2004 Crossing Guard Highway Department On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the appointment and the payment of salary to Michael Pinto in the amount of$53,035, and an annual stipend of 3,500, effective February 17, 2004 for his services as Lead Mechanic. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye Ambulance District On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilman Odierna, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the appointment of Mark Baumblatt as a per diem paramedic effective February 12, 2004 at an hourly rate of$22. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye Recreation Department On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Myers, it was RESOLVED, that as provided for in the 2004 Town Budget the Town Board does hereby authorize the payment of salary to the following: Cindy Coppolla, Head Instructor, Dolphins Pre Swim Team, $1000/season (February 2, to March 24). Liz Linsalato, Lifeguard, Early Morning Swim, $25/Session, retroactive to 1/10/04. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye 10 February 11, 2004 Crossing Guard The Administrator explained that the Crossing Guards had requested an increase to the daily salary. We are suggesting an increase of$3 per day, plus two additional sick days per year and a $200 increase to their Prescription allowance. Following discussion, on motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the increase in benefits to school crossing guards as follows: • an increase of$3 per day in salary • two (2)additional sick days per year • $200 increase to their Prescription allowance payment The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye APPROVAL OF MINUTES - November 19, 2003, December 3, 2003, January 12, 2004 Special Meeting On motion of Councilwoman Seligson, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve the minutes January 12, 2004 (special meeting) as amended and deferred approval of the minutes from November 19, 2003, and December 3, 2003. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye SUPERVISOR REPORTS Supervisor O'Keeffe said there would be a special meeting of the Town Board tomorrow night to discuss the Forest City Daly project. Everyone is invited and all comments welcomed. She said if anyone sees potholes to please report them to the Town Highway Department at 381-7825. REPORTS OF THE COUNCIL Councilwoman Seligson said there was a meeting held on February 2nd on the Colonial Greenway Loop Project. A representative from Albany came down to talk about grant money being available. The Greenway Project is to create a 16-mile trail loop by connecting the existing trails in the Town, Larchmont, and New Rochelle. She attended and spoke at Career Day at the Hommocks. 11 February 11, 2004 Councilwoman Myers attended a Board of Architectural Review Meeting where there were further discussions on the Duane Reade and Webster Bank project at the former Cook's site. There was a Cable TV Board of Control where they worked on the new franchise agreement. She urged everyone to submit comments regarding the service either by e-mail or regular mail. The Youth Council will be meeting tomorrow. Councilman Odierna went to a Recreation Meeting. On March 7, from 6 to 8 PM, there will be family ice skating for free at the ice rink, which is being sponsored by the PBA. There is currently a Build a Snow Man Contest at the Recreation Department. Send pictures of your creations to them. This is being sponsored by Dunkin Donuts. Councilwoman Wittner and the Town of Mamaroneck and Village of Larchmont Boards attended a Larchmont Library Budget meeting. They have some hard decisions to make on their budget. She said their budget is funded by the Town, which pays 58 percent, and the Village of Larchmont, which pays 42 percent. Supervisor O'Keeffe congratulated Joe Vandernoot, former Supervisor, on his recent wedding anniversary. It was their 72nd anniversary. They are in their 90's and look great. She announced the next meeting will be held on February 25, 2004. ADJOURNMENT She then announced the Board was closing this meeting on a sad note because of the death of Richard Conlan, Founder of VAC, 20 year member of the Recreation Commission, many years as the Chair. He was a financial advisor, long time Larchmont resident, a husband and father. He will be missed by us, and we send our condolences to his wife Denise and two daughters. He also had a son who pre- deceased him. On motion made and duly seconded, the meeting was adjourned in honor and memory of Richard Conlan. Submitted by Patricia A. DiCioccio, Town Clerk F:\Documents\Minutes\2004minf\02-11-04x.doc 12