HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013_10_16 Town Board Minutes October 16,2013
TOWN OF MAMARONECK
TOWN BOARD AGENDA
WEDNESDAY,OCTOBER 16,2013
THE TOWN BOARD WILL CONVENE—at 5:00 PM, In Conference Room A to discuss:
1. Expansion of Notification Law
2. Town Strategic Plan
3. Overview—2014 Tentative Budget
4. New Business
8:OOPM CALL TO ORDER—CONFERENCE C
SUPERVISOR'S SUMMARY REPORT
CITIZEN COMMENTS
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
1. Fire Claims
2. Other Fire Department Business
AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK
1. Submission of 2014 Tentative Budget
2. Authorization—Transfer of Funds—Recreation
3. Authorization—Renewal of License Agreement—VFW Caretaker
APPROVAL OF MINUTES—September 25, 2013
REPORTS OF THE COUNCIL
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT
NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETINGS—November 6,2013 &November 20,2013
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October 16,2013
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF
THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON OCTOBER 16, 2013, BEGINNING AT S:OOPM IN
CONFERENCE ROOM A AND CONTINUING AT 8:00 PM IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE
TOWN CENTER,740 W. BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK
PRESENT:
Supervisor Nancy Seligson
Councilwoman Phyllis Wittner
Councilman Ernest C.Odierna
Councilwoman Abby Katz
Councilwoman Jaine Elkind Eney
ALSO PRESENT: Christina Battalia,Town Clerk
Stephen V.Altieri,Town Administrator
William Maker,Jr.,Town Attorney
CALL TO ORDER-WORK SESSION
On motion of Councilwoman Katz,seconded by Councilwoman Wittner,the Work Session was unanimously
opened at S:OOPM.
Overview—2014 Tentative Budget&Town Strategic Plan (discussed as a combined item)
The Town Board reviewed the tentative Budget as submitted by Mr.Altieri, specifically addressing
Mr.Altieri's submittal letter.The Town Board discussed budget items of particular interest to the
Councilmembers'individually and as a Town Board.
New Business
Supervisor Seligson reported that she met with the Collaborative Sustainability Committee, reporting that
they are working on the sustainability plan. The Committee working on the Martin Luther King,Jr.event is
busy working and deciding on the format for the evening.A jazz night and panel discussion is being
discussed to replace the previous format of the event.
Expansion of Notification Law
The Town Board reviewed Mr.Altieri's memo dated October 11,2013. In the memo Mr.Altieri explains
that the software used for notification of land use applications cannot be based on number of parcels. Mr.
Altieri explained that it has been suggested that the notification be expanded for subdivisions,as those
applications generally create the greatest interest. The Town Board would still like to consider wider
notification for all applications and asked Mr. Maker to draft something that considered different
notification for different zones.
The Board discussed briefly the Weaver Street Bridge. The Town's frustration level has reached its peak
with the States inability to solve the graffiti problem. The Board noted that although it's not the 'prettiest'
looking,the Potter Avenue Bridge could be an example of a redo for the Weaver Street Bridge.
CALL TO ORDER—REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Seligson at
8:00 PM, she then pointed out the location of the exits.
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October 16,2013
Supervisor Seligson noted that the Town Board met for a worksession beginning at 5:00 o'clock this
evening,adding this is an open meeting that all residents'are welcomed to attend.
SUPERVISOR'S SUMMARY REPORT
Supervisor Seligson noted that the Town Board met just last week,adding that the Town is continuing their
work on the 2014 Budget.Some important meetings were held this last week, notably the Sustainability
Collaborative,the League of Woman Voters Candidate Debate,and the Martin Luther King,Jr.event
planning committee.The Town hosted an important workshop on bio extraction. Bio extraction is the
growing of seaweed to remove harmful nutrients from the water. The Town hosted the Westchester
Municipal Officials(WMOA)Association Dinner at Winged Foot Country Club.A monthly dinner for
Westchester County Municipal Officials.Supervisor Seligson noted the lovely Columbus Weekend,adding
that we are now focused on the 2014 Budget.
CITIZEN'S COMMENTS
Supervisor Seligson asked if anyone in the audience would like to address the Board,and there was not.
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
The Meeting was called to order by Commissioner Seligson,and then on motion of Commissioner Wittner,
seconded by Commissioner Odierna,the Board of Fire Commissioners was unanimously declared open.
Present were the following Members of the Commission:
Commissioner: Nancy Seligson
Commissioner: Phyllis Wittner
Commissioner: Ernest C. Odierna
Commissioner: Abby Katz
Commissioner: Jaine Elkind Eney
1. FIRE CLAIMS
On motion of Commissioner Wittner,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:
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Commissioner Elkind Eney Aye
Commissioner Katz Aye
Commissioner Odierna Aye
Commissioner Wittner Aye
Commissioner Seligson Aye
2. Other Fire Department Business
Commissioner Wittner read the Fire Report for the Month of September as submitted by Chief Russo as
follows:
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October 16,2013
September 2013
ALARM TYPE NUMBER
Generals 28
Minors 25
Stills 2
Out of Town (Mutual Aid) 3
EMS 54
Drills 5
TOTAL 78
Total number of personnel responding: 941
Total time working: 52 hours and 5 minutes
Commissioner Seligson reminded residents that the Fire Department is comprised of volunteers and career
firefighters, 14 career and 80 volunteers,adding that we are so grateful and appreciative that they work so
well together.The Commission announced the Fire Department's Open House this Saturday from 12:00 to
3:00.Commissioner Elkind Eney noted that October is daylight savings time and the Fire Department uses
this time to remind residents to change batteries in their spoke detectors.Councilman Odierna noted that
Chief Russo and the Village of Larchmont Fire Chief will be speaking about fire safety at the upcoming
Rotary Club Meeting being held at the Larchmont Yacht Club.
There being no further business to come before the Commission,on motion of Commissioner Katz,
seconded by Commissioner Elkind Eney,the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board
reconvened.
AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN
1. Submission of 2014 Tentative Budget
Mr.Altieri presented the 2014 Budget and gave a presentation summarized below in his Budget
Transmittal Letter to the Town Board. Mr.Altieri noted that the Budget Calendar is already up on the
Town's web-site,and tomorrow the Tentative Budget will be on the web-site as well.
October 16,2013
To: Supervisor Nancy Seligson
Members of the Town Board
Town Clerk
Re: 2014 Tentative Town of Mamaroneck Budget
We are pleased to submit for review the Tentative Budget for the Town of Mamaroneck for the fiscal year
beginning January 1,2014. The submission of the Tentative Budget marks the beginning of the Town
Boards review of the budget with staff and the community. The Tentative Budget document represents the
staff's estimates for expenses and revenues for the coming year. For the next six to eight weeks a series of
public budget work sessions will be held by the Town Board to review various aspects of the budget and
meet with operating departments. The schedule of budget work sessions maybe found on the Town's
website www.townofmamaroneck.org.
To remind everyone of the budget process, the Town Board will in addition to the public work sessions hold
a formal public hearing on the Preliminary Town Budget on December 4,2013. Final adoption of the Town
Budget must take place no later than December 20,2013.
The proposed budget for 2014 includes total appropriations of$32,973,961, an increase of$737, 079 or
2.2%over 2013. Funding sources for this budget include$9,657,261 in non-property tax revenues and
$340,000 in applied surplus and transfers from the debt service fund.After allowing for these revenues the
required property tax levy is$22,976,700. The increase in the tax levy is$634,165 which equates to a 2.8%
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October 16,2013
change in the levy from 2013. Under the New York State Property Tax Cap legislation formula the targeted
tax levy cap for 2014 is 2.0%. This proposed budget is only slightly in excess of the target tax levy cap.
In the balance of this transmittal letter we will provide further detail in regards to the revenue and expense
estimates included in this budget. There are small signs that circumstances are improving. There appears
to be some relief from those external factors that have for the last five years placed a negative burden on
the budget. This past week the New York Times reported that nationally local governments are seeing
better financial performance. The article went on however to note that local officials remain worried over
the future. Pension costs, health care costs and restoring deteriorating infrastructure were noted as the
three greatest concerns of local officials. We would concur with the findings in the article and believe the
Town of Mamaroneck as well other communities in New York face the same issues.
Add to the aforementioned challenges, meeting the needs of the community in providing municipal
services. The Town Board will recall that a survey of the Town completed in 2012 revealed a vast majority
of residents preferring to have municipal services remain unchanged.
As a result the decision was made to submit the 2014 Tentative Budget under the assumption that all
services would continue in the community.
Local services provide a high quality of life in the Town by offering a safe and attractive environment.
Although some may not realize it, the very nature of our services, are a constant in resident's day to day
lives. We cannot emphasize enough that the Town government must put together a budget that provides
virtually unlimited services for certain activities. Add to that the mandates of New York State and you can
understand the challenges of putting together a municipal budget that meets all of these demands and
provides a value to the residents.
Closure of the Federal Government
Imagine the closure of the Town government for two weeks and the impact that would have on the
community. But that is exactly what is happening at the federal level. At the time of this writing, the
Federal Government is in the midst of a shutdown as the Congress and President battles over expenses and
the debt ceiling. We mention the closure here because there is a direct impact upon the Town government
in the near term. The Town operates a Section 8 Housing Voucher program subsidized entirely by federal
funds from the Housing and Urban Development Agency(HUD). This program provides rent assistance for
close to 500 rental apartment units in the Town and surrounding areas. Our monthly rental assistance
payments total$470,000 and as of now HUD has only guaranteed our subsidies through October. The
magnitude of the problem for the Town is substantial as there is no other source of funding the voucher
program. An extended closure of the Federal Government could lead to an interruption in rent assistance
payments to landlords which could then lead to a decline in landlord participation in the program.
Obviously we are monitoring this situation closely. Other impacts of the closure could impact funding for
our senior citizen nutrition and transportation programs. However those impacts are not as critical to the
Town.
The Property Tax Cap
This will be the third year in which local governments will operate under New York State's tax cap
legislation. Chapter 97 of the laws of New York State for 2011 establishes a limit on the annual growth of
the property taxes levied by local government. The terminology of this legislation is important because it is
not a cap on the change in the level of taxes to be paid by an individual property owner or on the tax rates
established in the budget. Rather, this is a cap on the total amount of property taxes that can be raised by
local government in the form of a tax levy. The legislation does not consider levels of assessment or other
factors that impact the rate at which the tax levy is apportioned in the community.
Addendum#1, attached to this letter,provides the full details of the property tax cap formula for the Town
in 2014. Based upon the state formula the total tax levy limit for 2014 is$22,788,374 a change of$461,699
or 2%. In 2013 the formula permitted a tax levy increase of$536,596 or 2.5%. This is yet another
contraction of the cap by New York State based upon a lower rate of inflation(1.66%)and a complete
elimination of the exemption for pension expenditures. Although the pension contribution rates have
declined slightly the Town's pension expenses are expected to increase in 2014 but by afar smaller amount
than in previous years.
The tax levy proposed by the Town$22,976,700 for 2014 is less than one percentage point above the tax
levy calculation under the State's formula. While the pension adjustment has been helpful to the Town
budget, the tax cap legislation remains unsustainable. The legislation fails to account for those expenses
that have increased above the rate of inflation. Medical insurance, borrowing for infrastructure
replacement and the cost of goods and services that rise above the inflation rate are all critical to the
effective delivery of services.Also, there still has been no meaningful action on the reduction of state
mandates. The pension system is but one part of the problem. There is any number of other pieces of
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October 16,2013
legislation that impact local government operations everyday. These legislative mandates fly under the
radar screen and are ignored by the New York State legislature and Governor.
Property Revaluation
In December of 2011 the Town initiated the revaluation of properties throughout the Town including the
Villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck. As the Town Board is aware the project came to a successful
conclusion in September with the submission of the new assessment roll. The State of New York has
certified that the roll now represents 100%of market value which was the objective of the project. The
Town is one of a very few local governments in Westchester County that have taken on what is the
daunting task of revaluing properties to establish a fair and equitable apportionment of property taxes
upon local property owners. The 2014 Town and County taxes which will be levied in April of 2014 will be
the first property tax levy based upon the new assessments.
Property revaluation is a revenue neutral exercise for the Town government. The property tax revenue
needed to fund the Town government has no direct relationship to the development of property
assessments. There is however a significant change in the presentation of the budget and tax rates. A
straight line comparison of tax rates would show and dramatic reduction in tax rates between 2013 and
2014 when comparing rates calculated with fractional assessments versus rates calculated with full value
assessments. Addendum#2 is a completely reformatted Comparison of Taxable Value and Assessments
table. To provide a more accurate comparison of tax rates between 2013 and 2014, the 2013 assessed
values have been presented as equalized values using the 2012 equalization rate of 1.74%. Using the
equalized assessed values the 2013 tax rates have been re-calculated to be more consistent with the
presentation of the 2014 tax rates which are based upon the new full market valuation of assessments. As
you can see from the table the result is a very modest 1.4%increase in tax rates applied to unincorporated
area residents and a very small reduction in the tax rates applied to the two Villages;that being the
General Fund Townwide and Ambulance District.
Budget Overview
The chart below provides a comparative schedule of the 2013 Adopted Budget and the 2014 Tentative
Budget.
2013 2014 Change %Change
Appropriations $32,236,882 $32,973,961 $737,079 2.2%
Non-Tax Revenue $9,624,347 $9,782,261 $157,914 1.6%
Reserve Application 270,000 215,000 (55,000) (20%)
Property Tax Levy 22,342,535 22,976,700 634,165 2.8%
Pursuant to the requirements of New York State Town Law and Finance Law the Town Budget is divided
into nine separate budget funds. Addendum#3 presents a comparative schedule of the 2013 and 2014
budget on a fund by fund basis. Over the course of the budget review we will discussion each budget fund
in greater detail.
Revenue Discussion
Over the past several years we have consistently mentioned the extremely poor performance of non-
property tax revenues. For 2014 non property tax revenue is expected to increase by$157,000 or 1.6%. The
small gain in non-property tax revenues is in large part due to our conservative estimates for the coming
year since. Our estimates are based upon a concern that there is still no clear opinion regarding future
economic performance even though there are indications of improvement. The chart below is an
illustration of all sources of revenue received by the Town including the property tax and their relative
impact upon the budget. Not unexpectedly the property tax is the single largest source of revenue. The
other 30%of revenue is derived from a number of different sources.
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October 16,2013
Debt Revenue Sources
Fund Dept. Income
Surplus 0% Other Taxes
1% 6/ 5%
i
Recreation Use of Money
7% 1%
L � Permits
1%
Fines
J;;»„iJJJJJJJJJJJJ J�� M isc. 1%
0%
StaAid Inter-
5%
1/
Federal Aid
2%
Revenue Sources to Town Budget
Departmental Income is expected to increase from$1,496,777 to$1,571,261 in the coming year. The
largest component of this class of revenue is charges for Ambulance Service. As charges for service increase
to match increasing costs, the Town expects to earn$860,000 in Ambulance Charges in 2014. The estimate
represents an increase of roughly$60,000 over 2013. The next largest category in this class is for parking
permits and parking meter fees which for 2014 should total$385,000. Our share of water revenues from the
Westchester Joint Water works makes up the third largest source of departmental revenue. In 2014, water
revenue should be approximately$293,000. The balance of the revenue is from fees in the Town Clerk's
Office, and Planning and Zoning Fees.
Revenues from Recreation Department programs and facilities will be$2,272,000 in 2014 which is actually
a reduction of about$26,000 from 2013. The reduction is related to the expected early closure of the ice
rink in April 2014 for renovations. Renovations to the rink will improve the facility's energy efficiency and
provide for more program offerings by having the ice surface available throughout the year. All
expectations are that revenues will be greatly enhanced when the new rink is re-opened in September of
2014.
The category of revenue entitled Use of Money incorporates revenues from the rental of Town properties
and interest earnings. Rental revenue is expected to increase to$255,000 in 2014 as we look to complete
the rental of space on the third floor of the Town Center and an increase in rent revenue charged to the
Mamaroneck Housing Authority for the use of the land for the Hammocks Park Apartments.
Interest earning revenue is again expected to decrease in 2014 to a low of$41,250. While there has been a
marked increase in the stock market, and certain other investment instruments, the same came not be said
for investment options for local governments in New York State. Options for local governments are
extremely limited. They include Money Market accounts, Certificates of Deposit and instruments of the
Federal and New York State governments. Currently yield rates on these instruments remain very low.
Licenses and Building Permits issued by the Town are expected to produce revenues of$350,000 for the
coming year, an increase of$70,000. Expected building permit revenue of$230,000 is the largest
component of this category. Construction activity continues to increase in the Town for new homes and
alterations to existing homes. Long awaited construction of the Cambium Housing Development on
Madison Avenue has begun and a new Walgreen-s Pharmacy will soon open on the Boston Post Road.
These projects have also helped to boost Building Permit revenues. The increase in construction activity has
also produced a small increase in Street Opening Permit revenues.
Another critical source of revenue to the Town is aid from the State of New York and the Federal
Government. For 2014 State Aid is expected to increase to$1,454,500. Mortgage tax receipts based upon a
more robust real estate market are expected to increase from$850,000 to$910,000 in the coming year.
Other forms of state aid such as our Per Capita Aid, Consolidated Highway Aid and aid to our youth
programs are not expected to increase in 2014. There will be a very small increase in aid for our weekend
Meals on Wheels Program.
Federal Aid to the Town of Mamaroneck is for our nutrition site programs,senior transportation programs
and Section 8 Housing Voucher Program. Total Federal Aid is expected to be$600,000, a decrease of about
2%over last year. These are our best estimates right now based upon communication with Federal and
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October 16,2013
County government representatives. It is of course unclear how the current closure of the Federal
Government will impact spending in the next Federal Budget cycle.
Lastly, we want to mention the application of surplus to the budget. Surplus funds are a stabilizing force to
the Town's overall finances. Surplus helps even out cash flow,funds unexpected emergencies and expenses
and where applicable can be used to offset year to year budget adjustments.
This year the Town Board adopted a formal fund balance management policy to help guide the Town in the
use and replenishment of surplus funds. The policy establishes surplus level targets for Town budget funds
expressed as a percentage of appropriations. For 2014 we are recommending the application of$215,000
of surplus to the budget. This is a reduction of$55,000 from last year.
The recommendation is based upon several factors. First, our overall expenses have risen by only 2%which
is equal to or slightly above the rate of inflation depending upon the month in which the CPI is measured.
Second, while there is generally an improvement in certain economic performance measures, it has yet to
have a measurable impact upon the Town's general financial picture. Certain budget funds still have
relatively low levels of surplus. Therefore we think it best to apply surplus conservatively. Finally, we are
able to apply some funds to the budget from our Debt Service Fund to offset budgeted debt payments. This
further reduces the need to apply additional surplus funds to the budget. Monies in the Debt Service Fund
come from unexpended funds in capital projects that are completed. Funds of this type are not always
available however. These funds may only be applied to the budget to offset debt expense. Based upon our
review of this fund we are recommending the application of$125,000 for 2014.
Our target is to have a surplus in each budget fund equal to at least 15%of the appropriations in that fund.
In order to rebuild the surplus in the Town budget funds we need to estimate revenues conservatively,
reduce expenses and make certain that every effort is made not to exceed expense estimates. By
continuing to reduce our dependence on surplus now we believe the Town is in a better position to control
tax adjustments in the future as we have done in the past.
Expenditure Discussion
In 2014 we estimate that the Town's total expenditures will be$32,973,961, an increase of$737,079 or
2.2%. This compares quite favorably with last year when we experienced a$1.2 million or 3.8%increase in
expenses. As stated earlier the level of expenditure in this budget assumes that all current municipal
services will remain unchanged.
The chart below is an illustration of the breakdown of budget expenditures by budget fund. Town
government provides the majority of its services to the unincorporated Town however the Villages of
Larchmont and Mamaroneck receive the following services: Senior Services,Administration of the Section 8
Housing Voucher Program, Recreation services,Ambulance Services, Tax Collection Services and defense of
commercial tax appeals.
Sanitation, Town Budget b Fund
1,942,811 y
Sewer Dist,Water Dist,
St. 239,057 294,161
Lighting, , li
869 Townwide
239
Fire Dist.,
i,
3,082,352
o � �; IIIIIIII Ambulance
�^� � Fi
IM Part Town
IIIIIIII Highway
Highway, IIIIIIIIIII Fire Dist.
4,961,728
11 St. Lighting
Ambulance, 111111 Sanitation
1,418,022 1111111 Sewer Dist
Water Dist
Town Budget By Fund
In July of this year when the staff began budget preparation the Consumer Price Index for the New York
Metropolitan area had increased by 2.1%when measured from July 2012. For the one year period ending
August of 2013 the CPI did decrease to 1.7%largely due to the reduction in petroleum product prices.
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October 16,2013
However we know from past experience that the cost of goods will fluctuate particularly on a seasonal
basis. Also there are costs incurred by the Town that have increased by more than the CPI. All in all the
increase in expenditures proposed here is a reflection of what believe price levels will be in the coming year.
Below is a chart that provides a comparison between 2013 and 2014 of the Town's major expenditure
categories.
Expense Type 2013 2014 Change %change
Salaries $12,756,620 $13,284,246 $527,626 4.1%
Equipment $181,200 $207,500 $26,300 14.5%
Contractual
Expenses $8,801,885 $8,880,095 $78,210 .89%
Employee Benefits $8,360,590 $8,455,790 $95,200 1.1%
Debt Service $1,898,087 $1,861,330 ($36,757) (1.9%)
Inter fund Transfers $238,500 $285,000 $46,500 19.5%
Salaries/Personnel
The 2014 budget includes funding for 124 full time positions;down from a high of 135 positions in 2010 and
down from 127 positions in 2013. This has been accomplished by transitioning full time positions to part
time positions in several Town departments, thus saving the cost of employee benefits.
In the above chart salary expenditures are shown increasing by$527,626 or 4.1%for 2014. The change in
the salary expense is a bit deceiving in that it is actually a cumulative change covering in some cases the
years 2012,2013 and 2014. Just recently the Town settled its collective bargaining agreement with our
professional firefighters. The approved settlement provides an average wage increase of 2%over the four
year term of the contract and provides significant increases in medical insurance contributions for new
employees including a method of for contributions in retirement. Our last contract with the firefighters
expired in December of 2011.
We believe we are also close to a settlement with administrative and Highway Department employees.
Therefore we have made provisions for a possible settlement in the budget. The contract with this group of
employees expired in December of 2012.
Employee Benefits
Certainly a positive experience in this budget is the relatively low increase in the cost of employee benefits
for next year. Whereas benefit costs rose by over$500,000 or 14%in 2013 we expect to experience afar
lower change in 2014. At this time the expected increase in benefit costs is$95,200 or 1.1%. At the time of
this submission however we have yet to receive our final premium quotation for worker's compensation
insurance. Considering that our loss experience continues to carry the claim relating to the employee death
in 2011 and based upon our other loss experience we are expecting an increase in the premium costs.
Nonetheless we fully anticipate that on the whole our costs for benefits will still be appreciably lower than
last year.
Also in connection with employee benefits we are following closely the impact of the Federal Patient Care
and Affordability Care Act(ACA). While there is no direct impact anticipated in 2014 the Town will need to
establish strict regulations for part time employees to avoid a liability for health care coverage.
Contractual Expenses
The second largest category of expense for the Town is for contractual expenses. Contractual expenses are
primarily those day today expenses incurred for goods and services used by the Town for operations. The
good news is that for 2014 this category of expense will increase by less than one percent. We have tried in
this budget to restore some funds for the Town to pursue certain initiatives deemed appropriate pursuant
to the strategic plan currently under consideration by the Town Board. Total expenses in this category will
increase by$78,210 to$8,880,095.
The following is a list of the largest expenses in this category and make up 60%of the total contractual
expense category.
Liability Insurance $324,6001
Judgments and Claims $124,000
Energy Costs $805,0002
Telephone Expenses $124,350
Operating Supplies $125,000
Vehicle Repairs $272,500
Pool Maintenance $290,0003
1 This appropriation is an estimate at this time as we are awaiting a final quote from brokers
z This is a reduction of$4,000 over last year. Includes electricity, heating fuel, natural gas,diesel fuel and gasoline
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October 16,2013
Larchmont Library $1,190,0004
Fire Hydrant Rental $82,000
Joint Sanitation Commission $1,700,0005
Service Contracts $124,000
Road Salt $110,000
The balance of this category is made up of primarily smaller budget accounts for everything from office
supplies to printing expenses to maintenance of uniforms.
Capital Projects
Generally the Town has been borrowing funds for major capital projects however this budget includes an
appropriation of$195,000 for capital projects including a portion of the paving project for 2014, the
replacement of certain computer equipment and the replacement of police and administrative vehicles.
The Town Board will receive under separate cover a full report on the capital projects proposed for 2014.
Debt Service
In 2014 the Town's debt service expense will decline by 2%to$1,861,333. The reduction is just over
$36,000. This debt payment is on a current outstanding debt load principle of$17,576,999. With interest
expense the total outstanding expense is$21,879,750. As we enter the 2014 the Town Board will consider a
number of capital projects focused on the improvement of our facilities, equipment and infrastructure.
This completes our presentation of the Town's 2014 Tentative Budget. We believe that this is a responsible
and resourceful budget that continues the high level of service to the community at an excellent value to
the residents. Applying the mandates of the Town Board we have taken advantage of improvements in the
economy to continue to reduce our dependence upon the use of surplus funds which can now be set aside
for unexpected expenses that arise during the year. Finally this budget meets one of the goals of Town
Board's strategic plan which is the continued financial stability of the Town government.
Many thanks go to the department heads and staff that were critical to putting this budget together. We
look forward to working with the Town Board in the coming weeks to review the budget further.
Sincerely,
Stephen V.Altieri Anthony S.Siligato
Town Administrator/Budget Officer Comptroller/Director of Finance
3 Town's share of maintenance for the Hommocks Pool
4 Represents Town share(58%)of operating and capital costs for the Larchmont Library
5 Represents Town share(53%)of operating and capital costs for the Joint Garbage Disposal Commission
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October 16,2013
2. Authorization—Transfer of Funds—Recreation
On motion of Councilman Odierna,seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney,it was
RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the budget transfer in the
amount of$2,500 for the purchase of a replacement ID card printer for use in the Recreation
Department as detailed by the Town Comptroller as follows:
FY 2013 BUDGET TRANSFER-GENERAL TOWNWIDE FUND(RECREATION)
10/7/2013 TOWN BOARD
MEETING
GENERAL TOWNWIDE FUND(FUND A):
BUDGET TRANSFER:
FROM A.7020.4100 GROUNDS REPAIRS&MAINT. $ (2,500.00)
TO A.7020.2102 MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT $ 2,500.00
* REPRESENTS FUNDS TO BE REALLOCATED FOR PURCHASE OF ID CARD PRINTER
FOR RECREATION DEPT. PERMIT/PROGRAM PROCESSING
(SEE MEMO FROM SUPT. OF RECREATION)
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Elkind Eney Aye
Katz Aye
Odierna Aye
Wittner Aye
Seligson Aye
3. Authorization—Renewal of License Agreement—VFW Caretaker
Supervisor Seligson noted that the VFW owns the building ON Boston Post Road which the Town uses for
the Senior Programs as well as many other recreation programs. The Town has a very successful
arrangement with the caretaker, who is also a Town Employee, who lives on the property and maintains it
on a daily basis.
On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilman Odierna,it was
RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the Lease Agreement
between the Town of Mamaroneck and Joseph and Pamela Cotroneo for the period of April
2013 thru May 1,2014.
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Elkind Eney Aye
Katz Aye
Odierna Aye
Wittner Aye
Seligson Aye
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October 16,2013
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion of Councilman Odierna,seconded by Councilwoman Katz,it was
unanimously
RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve
the Board Minutes from the meeting of September 25,2013.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
REPORT OF COUNCIL
Councilwoman Katz reported that directly after last week's Town Board Meeting she attended the Planning
Board Meeting.Councilwoman Katz noted that she very much enjoyed the Westchester Municipal Officials
Dinner hosted by the Town,as well as the League of Woman Voters Candidate Debate.
Councilwoman Elkind Eney also attended the Candidates' Debate as well as the Westchester Municipal
Officials Dinner.She attended the Martin Luther King,Jr.event planning meeting with Supervisor Seligson.
Councilwoman Elkind Eney noted a number of upcoming community events. Councilwoman Elkind Eney
congratulated Town Attorney Ron Meister for being deemed a Top Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine!
Councilwoman Wittner wanted to bring attention to an article by the Association of Towns regarding LED
signs used on highways.The article,although noting that they are advantageous,addresses some of the
problems with the LED signs as well.
Councilman Odierna added to the community events lineup by emphasizing the wonderful upcoming
Homecoming at Mamaroneck High School which includes a fantastic lineup of bands and cheerleaders.
Councilman Odierna spoke about the workshop on bio extraction its many benefits and where it might be
rolled out additionally in our community.On a similar subject Councilman Odierna attended the Summit
Meeting,the topic was Keeping our Beaches Open— Water Quality&Efforts to Save Long Island Sound.
This was a very interesting and informative meeting,adding that this is another example of efforts by the
Long Island Sound Study.
Mr.Altieri noted that it is leaf season and the County will be strictly enforcing rules regarding no sticks or
branches in the leaf pick up. Residents should not put these material in with the leaves,and should remind
there gardeners'as well.
Supervisor Seligson reminded residents to mulch there leaves if possible as a very effective and beneficial
way to address leaves.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilwoman Katz the meeting was unanimously
adjourned at 8:50 PM
Submitted by
Christina Battalia,Town Clerk
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