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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022_04_20 Town Board MinutesApril 20, 2022 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE MAMARONECK TOWN BOARD HELD APRIL 20, 2022, BEGINNING AT 5:00 PM IN CONFERENCE ROOM C AND CONTINUING AT 8:00 PM IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE TOWN CENTER, 740 W. BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK PRESENT: Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney Councilwoman Abby Katz Councilwoman Sabrina Fiddelman Councilman Jeffery L. King Councilwoman Robin Nichinsky ALSO PRESENT: Allison May, Town Clerk Meredith S. Robson, Town Administrator Connie Green O'Donnell, Deputy Town Administrator William Maker, Jr., Town Attorney Tracy Yogman, Comptroller Elizabeth Aitchison, Environmental Planner Richard Polcari, Building Inspector CALL TO ORDER - WORK SESSION The Work Session of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Elkind Eney, then on motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman King, the Work Session was unanimously opened at 5:00 P.M. Discussion — Tree Law Elizabeth Aitchison, the Town's Environmental Planner, stated that they had reviewed the tree laws in New Castle, the Village of Mamaroneck, and Greenburgh, comparing the tree laws in those municipalities with our own current law. It was noted that this is a starting point and that once we are ready to with a revised Town tree law, we will open it to the public for comment in various ways. The Environmental Planner proposed that the new tree law differ from the old, in the following ways: • Removals be regulated on all parcels and zoning districts within the Town • The regulated tree diameter be decreased from 6" diameter at breast height (DBH) to 4" DBH, protecting more trees • Protect Specimen trees, no matter where located on the property • Require arborist evaluations • Require replacements for all trees based on the diameter of the tree April 20, 2022 • Do not permit invasive species as replacements • Require Native Trees as replacements • Regulate clearing of large numbers of trees and require review by CZMC or Planning Board • Violations be addressed • Penalties be specific • Appeals be sent to CZMC (pending amendment of CZMC Chapter) • Replacement bonds be required and held to guarantee survival of tree • Bond funds be transferred to Tree planting fund in lieu of replacements • Increased protection of trees from fill and construction be added to Erosion and Sediment Control Law Richard Polcari, Building Inspector, also suggested that the new tree law should be tree based, rather than based on zone or lot size. The Town's Environmental Planner suggested that the criteria for removal be determined and defined by tree size. For comparison, the existing law states that permits for the removal of trees may be granted under the following circumstances: (1) If the presence of trees would cause hardship or endanger the public or the person or property of the owner. (2) On property to be occupied by buildings or structures, within a distance of 10 feet around the perimeter of such building or structure, depending upon tree species and conditions to be determined by the Environmental Planner. (3) If the trees substantially interfere with a permitted use of the property, and the removal of the trees shall be performed in a selective manner. (4) If the property shall have an approved cut or fill of land deemed by the Environmental Planner to be injurious or dangerous to the trees. Where the trees to be removed are dead or so substantially diseased that, in the opinion of the Environmental Planner, the tree constitutes a potential danger. Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney asked The Town Board to review additional municipalities' tree laws to see if there are other changes we may wish to incorporate. The Town Administrator noted that what we currently have is simply the starting point and the Town Supervisor reminded all in attendance that once we develop our proposed tree law, there will be ample opportunity for the public to comment. Discussion — Outdoor Dining Richard Polcari, Town Building Inspector, proposed the Town develop an outdoor dining policy. He stated that the Town had allowed three restaurants to offer outdoor dining during COVID. Although two of the three restaurants with outdoor dining during COVID no longer need the outdoor dining, one of the three is interested in continuing to offer outdoor dining. After a discussion about various outdoor dining sites and potential opportunities and issues, the Board decided that the Building Inspector should work with the Town Attorney to draft a proposed outdoor dining plan to present to the Town Board. 2 April 20, 2022 Discussion — Native Species Town Administrator Robson informed the Town Board that she had developed a list of Native Plants in conjunction with the Sustainability Collaborative. The Town Administrator proposed that the Town use this list of Native Plants whenever possible in future plantings and that in addition we promote using Native Plants and the list within the community. Town Administrator Robson mentioned that exceptions may include installations adjacent to a roadway where salt and heat tolerance are necessary for long-term viability of the planting. The Town Board agreed to put the proposed Native Plants list on the agenda for later in the evening. UPDATES — OUT OF ORDER William Maker, Jr., Town Attorney, discussed the changes in the Open Meeting Law, noting that the Town will have the option to put in place a local law to extend zoom conferencing into 2024. The new requirement is effective June 8, 2022. It requires a quorum to be physically present at a place that the public can attend. John Nonna, Westchester County Attorney, is going to draft a law and send out, which the Town Attorney will then review and present. Supervisor Elkind Eney provided an update on the Thruway Turnaround Project. She told the Board that the project will be completed in two phases. Sometime this summer a temporary turnaround will be installed at the location agreed upon by the Thruway Authority and the Town. The permanent Turnaround will be installed sometime in 2024. Councilmember King requested to review the plan to see if barrier upkeep was included. Administrator Robson noted there was no update for the Weaver Street Sidewalk, as we are still waiting to hear from an owner that has not yet accepted the Town's offer on their small portion of the land needed for the sidewalk. Supervisor Elkind Eney updated the group on the Comprehensive Plan. Next steps will be Public Outreach. The Town has enlisted five large community organizations to help get the word out. There will be a Pop -Up Listening Session in Washington Square on May 4t", from 4 to 6pm, between 14 North Chatsworth and 16 North Chatsworth. On May 24t", there will be events at the Senior Center (10- 11am), Weaver Street Fire House (1:30pm-3:30pm), and Hommocks Park Ice Rink. Various times and locations are offered in the hope that everyone can attend a session. Staff from the Land Use Law Center will be on hand to facilitate the dialogue and topics will include discussions on housing, economic development, transportation and connectivity, recreation, and sustainability. Presentation — Agenda Management System Laurel Masters presented the iCompass agenda management system. UPDATES — CONTINUED Councilwoman Nichinsky, liaison with the Planning Board, requested that the Town review zoning laws to address the following: 3 April 20, 2022 • Swimming pools • Special use permits (and subsequent enforcement) • Inequities between zoning districts After a discussion about timing, it was agreed that Councilwoman Nichinsky would email specific examples to Town Administrator Robson, to identify what could possibly be addressed prior to the Comprehensive Plan. Discussion —Joint Garbage Disposal Commission The Town Administrator and Comptroller Yogman presented various scenarios to structuring the Town's garbage disposal. EXECUTIVE SESSION On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman King, the Board unanimously agreed to enter an Executive Session to discuss the employment history of a particular person. On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman King the Board unanimously agreed to resume the Regular Meeting. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Elkind Eney at 8:49 p. m . Supervisor Elkind Eney noted that the Town Board met for a work session beginning at five o'clock this evening. SUPERVISOR'S REPORT Welcome to the April 20, 202Z meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck. The Town Board met today for a Work Session in Conference Room C starting at 5:00 pm, which is open to the Public. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN I would like to update you regarding the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan consultants are continuing their interviews with stakeholders in the community. They have interviewed the Chair of the Traffic committee and the Chairs of the Sustainability Collaborative in anticipation of interviews with the full committees before our next Town Board Meeting. We are planning the first round of public engagements. One will be in Washington Square on May 4r" and then there will be three more events, all on May 24r", one at the Senior Center, one 4 April 20, 2022 at the Firehouse and one at the Hammocks Park Ice Rink. Details to follow. Posters will be displayed throughout the Town promoting these events and noting the details. POLICE SWEARING IN: On April 11, 1 had the pleasure of attending a Town Police promotion ceremony. Congratulations to Rui Sandiaes who was promoted from the position of Police Sergeant to the position of Police Lieutenant and congratulations as well to Matthew Rice who was promoted from the position of Police Officer to the position of Police Sergeant. Thank you for your service to our community. We wish you the best and stay safe! SENIOR CENTER: As I reported to you earlier, thanks to Congressman Bowman, the Town was awarded a $308,000 earmark grant for improvements to the Senior Center. Last Thursday, April 14tn Stephanie Hart, the Senior Center Coordinator, and I had the pleasure of welcoming Congressman Bowman to the Senior Center. He chatted with the Seniors and even joined in a card game or two with some of the Seniors. I want to thank Congressman Bowman for securing the funds necessary to enable the Town to make important renovations to ourSeniors'second home. WMOA: Also on April 14t", some of us attended a WMOA dinner hosted by the Village of Elmsford at Knollwood Country Club. This was our first "in person" meeting since last September and it was very exciting to get to see everyone and exchange ideas face to face. County Executive George Latimer delivered remarks about County Services and his time in office. TVS MFFTING- Yesterday, Meredith and I attended a TVS (that's Town/Village/School) meeting hosted by the Village of Larchmont. The TVS meetings are comprised of Chief Elected Officials and Administrators of our community's 3 municipalities as well as representatives of the Mamaroneck and Rye Neck School Districts. We discuss topics of importance to the participants, share information, and coordinate activities when appropriate. This time, most of the discussion centered around budget issues and capital improvements. UPCOMING EVENTS: There's a lot going on in the Town! 4.23.2022 Annual Spring/Earth Day Cleanup from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Leatherstocking Trail (meet next to 21 Winged Foot Drive at the gravel parking area) 4.23.2022 TMFD Recruit NY Open House from 12-3pm at the Weaver Street Firehouse, 205 Weaver Street. Volunteer Firefighters Needed! No matter what your training, education, or ability, the TMFD has a place for you! 4.24.2022 at Memorial Park 8:30am Lil Bunny Hop (1 mile) ages 12 and under 9:00 5k Run (3.1 miles) kids of all ages 4.29.202210:00am Arbor Day Tree Planting at the Senior Center 4.30.2022 Free Compost Giveaway 8am-1pm at Maxwell Avenue Recycling Center. Celebrate the success of the Food Scraps recycling program. 5 April 20, 2022 And one near and dear to my heart, the Annual Ice Breaker Hockey Tournament: The Woodstock of Hockey Tournaments! Four days of hockey, friends, family, music, food and drink at the Hammocks Park Ice Rink. Over 200 players, 3 divisions, 14 teams. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS Supervisor Elkind Eney asked if anyone in the audience wished to address the Town Board. Mr. Kevin Crowe, of West Brookside, was on hand representing the Larchmont Gardens Community Association (LGCA). Mr. Crowe thanked the Town and the Highway Department for the recent cleanup around the Brook and invited the Town Board to a Coffee Social on Fernwood Bridge at 9am on Saturday. He also invited them to the Kenducky Derby on May 71". He reminded the Board about the loss of the mature trees around the Brook. The Town Environmental Planner has five trees to install. Mr. Crowe noted we need to replace as many trees as possible and asked if the Board had any questions. Supervisor Elkind-Eney shared that the Town is working on a new tree law. Also, that the Town has started a Comprehensive Plan and that we welcome the LGCA to participate in the Comprehensive Plan, noting that on May 241" there will be a Public Forum that will be held at the Weaver Street Fire House which is close to the LGCA. She also noted the other pop-up events and mentioned both the outreach plans, as well as the purpose and goals of the Comprehensive Plan. Councilwoman Katz mentioned we will share the flyer on the Comp Plan events with the LGCA once it is prepared, and Mr. Crowe offered to share the flyer and help get the word out. Town Administrator Robson shared that the Town had been out attempting to eradicate the Japanese Knotweed, which is pervasive in the area. The Town will be contacting the Cornell Extension to garner advice on how to better deal with this invasive. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Elkind Eney called the Meeting to order, then on motion of Commissioner Katz, seconded by Commissioner King, the Board of Fire Commissioners was unanimously declared open. Present were the following Members of the Commission: Commissioner: Jaine Elkind Eney Commissioner: Abby Katz Commissioner: Sabrina Fiddelman Commissioner: Jeffery L. King Commissioner: Robin Nichinsky 6 April 20, 2022 1. FIRE CLAIMS On motion of Councilman King, seconded by Commissioner Nichinsky, it was RESOLVED that this Commission does hereby authorize payment of the following Fire Department Claims as approved by the Fire Chief and audited by the Comptroller's Office: The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Commissioner Nichinsky Aye Commissioner King Aye Commissioner Fiddelman Aye Commissioner Katz Aye Commissioner Elkind Eney Aye ATTACHMENTA There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner Katz, seconded by Commissioner King, the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Salary Authorization — Administrative Intern, Engineering Department On motion Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman King, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby appoint Emma Pennella, to the position of Administrative Intern in the Engineering Department, at an annual salary of $59,075, effective no later than May 16, 2022, and BE IT, FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Administrator is hereby authorized to execute said employment agreement on behalf of the Town. 7 April 20, 2022 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Nichinsky Aye Ki ng Aye Fiddelman Aye Katz Aye Elkind Eney Aye 2. Authorization — Native Species Resolution On motion Councilwoman Nichinsky, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board hereby commits to planting native species on Town properties wherever possible and practicable. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Nichinsky Aye Ki ng Aye Fiddelman Aye Katz Aye Elkind Eney Aye 3. Appointment — Zoning Board Alternate On motion Councilwoman Nichinsky, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board hereby appoints Mr. Randy Heller to the Town Zoning Board as Alternate (Position A). The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Nichinsky Aye Ki ng Aye Fiddelman Aye Katz Aye Elkind Eney Aye 91 April 20, 2022 REPORT OF COUNCIL The Town Board Members reported on their various activities and meetings since the last Town Board Meeting. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman the meeting was unanimously adjourned. Submitted by Allison May, Town Clerk 9 April 20, 2022 Attachment A— Fire Claims Town of Mamaroneck From: Tracy Yogman - Town Comptroller Re: Fire Claims Date: April 20, 2022 The following Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department claims have been certified by Chief Shaun Hughes and submitted to the comptroller's Office for payment: VENDOR DESCRIPTION Amount AAA Emergency Supply Co., Inc GMI demand flow regulator - calibration mixture & Scott parts 5 487.84 Con Edison Fire HQ gas service 03102-3131/22 1,309.49 Champion Elevator Maintenance for month of April 2022 192.50 Fire Academy FSA Fee for class - Fire Services Instructor 2 - Hcughtaling 216.00 Fire -End & Croker Corp. Turnout coat 209.92 Fraley Hardware Building & ground repair supplies 56.18 Galls, LLC Pants, job shirt, crew socks, EMS pants, light, gloves, helmet band 444.30 Grainger Water nozzle, laundry detergent, paint marker, cold cups 358.00 Home Depot Mailbox and Lock box for applications, wood for mailbox stand 111.31 Home Depot Supplies to mount mailbox, Sawhorse, screwdriver set, hammer 202.82 Hcughtaling, Michael Reimb. for Gas for utility 56 that was used for Fire Instructor 2 class 144.56 New England Uniform, LLC Uniform hats- (4) white bell top hats, (2) blue bell top hats 396.00 SG Fire Protection Kitchen hood defining 475.00 Uni-Frst Corporation Cleaning Supplies 4/1, 4/8/2022 106.18 Verizon TMFD 300M Fos Redundant Circuit 3125122 289.99 Villa Maria Pizza Food for Fast Drill Part 1 & 2 - 3/29, Rescue Drill 3/30/22 312.14 WJWW 6" Metered Fire sevice 2126-3125/22 37.00 Total $ S,349.23 Page 11 of 18 10