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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004_12_15 Town Board Minutes December 15, 2004 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON DECEMBER 15, 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 WORK SESSION The Town Board convened at 5:10 PM into a Work Session at the Town Center in Conference Room A. Police Department Overtime Richard Rivera, Police Chief, explained how each officer covers a post. There are three posts. He stated that they are also changing the policy of how overtime assignments are given out. If someone calls in sick, he will only be replaced by someone of equal rank. If that is not possible, the department will go short during that shift. . The Board then discussed with Chief Rivera the way the posts will be set up and the overall expected reduction to overtime. Budget The Administrator said changes have been made to the budget with the net result being a tax rate of 6.6% rather than the original 6.9%. The Town received a mortgage tax check of$2 million, so the Administrator was increasing that line in the budget from $1,100,000 to $1,260,000. He said Highway budget needed to be increased to replace a computer and a vehicle. There then ensued a discussion on many items in the budget. Cable TV Councilwoman Myers explained that Verizon had met with the Cable TV Board of Control and had asked for relief from the regular initial procedures required by the PSC for entering cable TV companies. Larchmont has held them up with a stop work order because of their low-hanging boxes. Councilwoman Myers said Verizon is requesting a letter from the municipalities waiving the normal process. Supervisor O'Keeffe said Verizon has moved all their low hanging boxes, except for two. She would rather wait until the last two boxes are moved before giving them a letter. Councilwoman Myers agreed to contact the Public Affairs person at Verizon to say that the waiver would be sent once the two remaining boxes are moved. Councilwoman Myers then mentioned a lawsuit brought against Eric Lewis, Executive Director of LMC/TV. She said he is being sued because he did not air a political show by suspended Village of Mamaroneck Police due to suspicions of 1 December 15, 2004 fraud. The problem is Eric has no insurance coverage regarding his decision not to air specific programming, only liability insurance for "aired" programming. There was a discussion on how to help. Forest City Daly The Board reviewed the timeline after the Forest City Daly Final Environmental Impact Statement submission. Member Item Funding — Nita Lowey The Supervisor asked if the Board could discuss some items they would want to submit for funding. They discussed improvements to 1) the Mamaroneck Environmental Center(Monroe property) such as updating of bathrooms near the Community Room, 2) the replacement of the control panel at the Baldwin Avenue Sewage Pump Station, water access for kayaking, fixing the stairwell at the train station and tunnel. Residential BAR There was a discussion on empowering the BAR to review residential applications, especially since the Town is 90% residential. The Supervisor said people are getting variances for additions which bring them so close to their neighbors. It should be attractive. Scarsdale is sending us a copy of their law. The Board then discussed where and the size of a sign to be put up by United Way. They suggested it be placed in the park at the corner of Weaver Street and Palmer Avenues. The sign should be one-sided and has to go before the Board of Architectural Review for approval. Mamaroneck Village Library Supervisor O'Keeffe said she was approached by a member of the Board of the Mamaroneck Village Library regarding a capital campaign to acquire property. They are desperate for space and need to expand, especially to computer access. She asked if the Town would consider paying for those residents of the Town who fall into the village postal address. There was a discussion. Status of the Myrtle Boulevard Project The Administrator said the package with all the SEQRA papers and accident statistics and plans has been submitted for the traffic signal. DOT now is reviewing it. Martin Luther King Jr., Day The Board spoke about where and how the celebration will be handled, mentioning that Harry Belafonte as the guest speaker should attract a larger group of people to the event. Illegal Sewer Connection Law There was a discussion on the wording with Councilwoman Wittner pointing out typing errors. 2 December 15, 2004 CALL TO ORDER The Regular meeting of the Town of Mamaroneck was called by Supervisor O'Keeffe at 8:30 PM. She then pointed out the exits. PROCLAMATION —2004 New York State Swimming Champion Kaitlyn Ferguson Councilwoman Myers then read the proclamation into the record: PROCLAMATION 2004 STATE SWIMMING CHAMPION WHEREAS, Kaitlyn Ferguson was undefeated in dual meet competition during the regular season. She was Sectional Champion in 100yd. Backstroke. Second place in 200 IM. Set MHS school record in 100 yd Backstroke; and WHEREAS, Kaitlyn was State Champion in 100yd. Backstroke. Her winning time at States, 57-90, is not only a school record, but also an "All-American" consideration time; and WHEREAS, Kaitlyn is a Con Ed "Athlete of the Week" winner; and WHEREAS, She is an extremely hard worker, dedicated, well- motivated focused and team oriented; and WHEREAS, She has been a USS swimming competitor for many years in addition to qualifying to compete in the US Olympic trials. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Valerie Moore O'Keeffe, Supervisor, and the members of the Town Council of the Town of Mamaroneck hereby congratulate KAITLYN FERGUSON And join with the community in celebrating her outstanding victory as a State Champion and for an undefeated season. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Mamaroneck to be affixed this 1st day of December 2004. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The meeting was called to order by Commissioner O'Keeffe and on motion of Councilwoman Myers, seconded by Councilman Wittner, the Board of Fire Commissioners was unanimously declared open. 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 3 December 15, 2004 Commissioner Wittner presented fire claims for authorization of payment, thereafter on motion of Commissioner Wittner, seconded by Commissioner Seligson, 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., Inc. 50.00 AAA Emergency Supply Co., Inc. 379.10 AAA Emergency Supply Co., Inc. 90.00 Atlantic Westchester 125.00 Brewer Hardware 21.87 Cablevision 31.05 Con Edison 719.35 Coyne Textile Services 43.56 Interstate Diagnostics 6988.50 Matthew Feloso 29.90 Mount Vernon Iron Works 244.00 Pitt Stop Auto Parts 151.00 Poland Spring 45.04 R&L Consulting 316.00 911 Wear Inc. 443.00 Town of Mamaroneck Professional Fire Fighters 282.96 Verizon 50.09 Verizon Wireless 12.90 Westchester Elevator 187.00 TOTAL $10,210.32 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye 2. Salary Authorization- Fire Department Promotion The Assistant to the Administrator, Mary Stanton wrote a memo stating the Fire Council held interviews for promotion to the position of Fire Lieutenant on Monday, December 13, 2004. Based on the Council's recommendations, authorization is hereby requested to promote Darell Pistone and Christopher Denisco to the position of Fire Lieutenant at annual salaries of$79,920, effective December 15, 2004. Both firefighters have passed the Civil Service examination for Fire Lieutenant and their appointments would be made from the current list of those eligible. Mr. Pistone has served as a firefighter with the Town since September 10, 1992, and Mr. Denisco since July 19, 1993. On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Myers, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does authorize the promotions of Darrel Pistone and Christopher Denisco to that of Fire Lieutenant at an annual salary of$79,920 each, effective December 15, 2004. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye 3. Fire Report for the Month of November 2004 4 December 15, 2004 Councilwoman Wittner read the fire report for the month of November 2004 as follows: ALARM TYPE NUMBER Generals 29 Minors 23 Stills 0 Out of Town (Mutual Aid) 0 EMS 13 Drills 2 TOTAL 67 Total Number of personnel responding: 728 Total Time working: 21 hours & 5 minutes There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner Wittner, seconded by Commissioner Odierna, the Commission unanimously adjourned. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Adoption of the 2005 Town Budget The Administrator outlined the budget saying it totals $25.298 million for 2005. The tax rate for the unincorporated area of the Town will be 6.6%, which was reduced from 6.9% in the tentative budget. He said the budget continues services as it presently is and he is pleased with it, recommending its adoption. Councilwoman Wittner thanked the Administrator and staff who all did a fabulous job. Councilwoman Myers agreed saying she is very happy with the budget. Councilman Odierna said the new budget is good. It incorporates everything including money to allow for up to six snow storms, plus the renovated garage is well equipped for snow. Councilwoman Seligson said this is a responsible budget. She was happy the Town was not hit with a tremendous increase in costs. On motion of Councilwoman Seligson, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board finds that the adoption of the proposed 2005 Town Board Budget is hereby declared to be a Type II action, which will not require further review under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) 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 Seligson, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was 5 December 15, 2004 RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve the Town Budget as presented by the Budget Officer and as amended for the year 2005. (SEE ATTACHMENT "A" AT END OF MINUTES) The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye 2. Authorization —ASCAP Agreement— Hommocks Ice Rink The Administrator said this would provide for compliance with licensing procedures to allow for permission for public music performances which we presently have at the Ice Rink. This new licensing agreement would cover us for performances in the entire Town. On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the agreement with ASCAP License for the Music played at the Hommocks Rink; 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. Authorization —Agreement New York State Police- - Criminal Checks It was decided to hold this matter over to get more information. 4. Approval of Rate Increase — Mamaroneck Ambulance District A communication was received from Michael Liverzani, Ambulance District Administrator, saying the Ambulance District Board met and was recommending an increase to fees. RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the Approval of Rate Increase for the Mamaroneck Ambulance District as follows: Increase for 2005 6 December 15, 2004 BLS Emergency $350 +$25 ALS I Emergency $425 +$25 ALS II Emergency $600 +$25 Mileage $7.50 per Mile $0 Oxygen $40 surcharge $0 These increases can take effect January 1, 2005. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye 5. Certifications of Arrears Mr. Altieri explained this is a list of people who are in arrears on their water bills which will be put on their tax bills for payment. On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Myers, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the Receiver of Taxes to assess the following water charges in arrears on tax bills: SEE ATTACHMENT "B" ON NEXT PAGE December 15, 2004 8 December 15, 2004 6. Salary Authorization a. Police Department b. Recreation Police Department On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Myers, it was RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize the payment of salary to Douglas Coleman, as probationary Police Officer at a salary of$44,766, effective January 3, 2005. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye Recreation On Motion of Supervisor O'Keeffe, seconded by Councilman Odierna, 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: NAME TITLE LOCATION PAY RATE EFFECTIVE Jennifer Swim Hommocks Pool $18.50/hour . 12/11/04 Heinbockel Instructor Jill Diamond Lifeguard Hommocks Pool change in salary Retroactive from $7.50/hour to 12/7/04. to $7.75/hour, Andrew Alternate Hommocks Park $10/hour Retroactive Buchbinder, Skate Guard Ice Rink to 12/7/04. Gregory Lifeguard Early Morning $25/session 12/16/04 DelNigro Swim Program Eric Brandom Lifeguard Hommocks Pool $10.25/hour 12/16/04. Eric Brandom Lifeguard Early Morning Swim $25/session 12/16/04 Program Frank Miceli Lifeguard Hommocks Pool $10/hour Frank Miceli Lifeguard Early Morning $25/session 12/16/04. Swim Program The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye 7. Cable Television Franchise There was a discussion on waiving PSC required approvals for Verizon which are already in place for Cablevision. The Supervisor asked if this could be deferred until the January 5, 2005 meeting to allow Verizon to move two remaining boxes which were placed too low on telephone poles. 9 December 15, 2004 8. Saxon Woods Playing Field The Board discussed adopting a resolution to be sent to County Executive Andrew Spano in support of playing fields being made available at Saxon Woods. On motion of Supervisor O'Keeffe, seconded by Councilman Odierna, it was, RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve a this resolution in support of the County of Westchester making available playing fields at Saxon Woods Park; and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor be authorized to send the resolution on behalf of the Town along with a letter to urge the County of Westchester to make a decision on this matter as soon as possible. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye 9. Nita Lowey Re: a. Pump Station b. Stairs & Tunnel at Railroad Station Supervisor O'Keeffe explained that U.S. Congresswoman Nita Lowey had contacted her regarding member item grants, asking what the Town would like to have considered for grant monies. After discussion it was decided to authorize the Supervisor to send a letter requesting money for a pump station and to fix the stairs and tunnel at the train station. On motion of Supervisor O'Keeffe, seconded by Councilman Odierna, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby request the Supervisor to write a letter to Congresswoman Nita Lowey in reqard to member item grants asking for money for a pump station and to repair and upgrade the stairs and tunnel at the Larchmont Train Station. 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 4, 2004 On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve the Board minutes from the meeting of November 4, 2004 as amended. 10 December 15, 2004 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye ORAL COMMUNICATION George Roniger said the trees around the Gardens Lake are beautiful. The tree lighting was an enjoyable social event. He also thanked the Highway staff for doing such a good job, mentioning Bob Delveccio, Donato Colantonio, Marco Gennarelli, Benji Pacewitz, Kendal Wesley, and Alan Castarella. REPORTS OF COUNCIL Councilman Odierna attended a Human Rights meeting on Monday where they were busy finalizing the Martin Luther King Jr. event. Harry Belafonte will be the guest speaker. On Tuesday night he went to the Recreation Commission meeting. They will be having an event in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Hommocks Ice Rink. There will be many surprises and should be fun. Councilwoman Wittner attended the Fire Council Meeting on December 6th and the Senior Luncheon on December 7. There was a dinner on the 9th held by the Municipal Officials and the Town Holiday Party on the 10th. Councilwoman Myers said she attended the VAC Holiday Party and the Town's Staff Holiday Party. Tomorrow night there will be a Youth Council meeting with their members to discuss The Cove. She said there was also going to be a Board of Architectural Review meeting tomorrow night as well and Cable TV Board of Control meeting on Monday night. Councilwoman Seligson attended the Planning Board meeting which was held last week and a Zoning Board meeting will be held next week. She's enjoyed attending all the holiday parties, and enjoyed being together will all the staff. SUPERVISOR'S REPORT Supervisor O'Keeffe wished Councilwoman Seligson a happy birthday from all the Board. She also wished everyone a happy holiday. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:15 PM. Submitted by, Patricia A. DiCioccio, Town Clerk SEE ATTACHMENT "A" F ADocuments\M i n utes\2004m i nfl12-15-04x.Doc 11