HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022_09_07 Town Board Minutes ' Town of Mamaroneck
Town Board Minutes
r Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Weaver Street Fire House, Second Floor, 5:00 PM
PRESENT: Jaine Elkind Eney, Town Supervisor
Abby Katz, Councilwoman
Sabrina Fiddelman, Councilwoman
Robin Nichinsky, Councilwoman
ABSENT: Jeffery L. King, Councilman
ALSO PRESENT: Allison May, Town Clerk
Meredith S. Robson, Town Administrator
Connie Green O'Donnell, Deputy Town Administrator
William Maker Jr., Town Attorney
Lindsey M. Luft, Assistant to Town Administrator
Shyam Pandya, IT Director
Richard Polcari, Building Inspector
5:00 PM The Town Board Work Session
1. Call to Order
Call to Order
The Work Session of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Elkind Eney at 5:00 p.m.
WORK SESSION ITEMS
1. Discussion - REALM Project
The Board discussed the REALM project, as presented at the June 22nd Town Board
meeting. The Board agreed that while they were excited to see a proposed memorial
to the enslaved Africans in the Town of Mamaroneck located at the Town Center, they
thought that the memorial presented seemed too large (at 32 feet) and somewhat
overwhelming for the Town Center. Because of the limited amount of open space in
the Town, as well as many matters of historical importance, the Board would prefer
something smaller and more in keeping with the other plaques and memorials in
Town.
2. Discussion - OpenGov Software Agreement
Administrator Robson presented the OpenGov software agreement, requesting the
Board consider it for approval at the September 21 st Town Board meeting. The
Administrator noted that the lengthy investigation into a new software program began
two years ago, driven by a need in the Building Department. Municity 5 would not give
us the flexibility the Town needed going forward. The Town narrowed the options
down to Energov and OpenGov through an extensive search for a new software
program. The proposed OpenGov software provides a way for the Building,
Engineering, Conservation, Town Clerk and Highway Departments to all be linked into
Munis. In addition, OpenGov will support both internal operations as well as provide a
new public interface, offering residents and contractors one dashboard for the various
permits and licenses from the participating departments.
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September 7, 2022
The Administrator pointed out that the cost of the OpenGov software is less than what
is budgeted. OpenGov offers many financial savings, as well as numerous
nonfinancial savings and benefits particularly with banking reconciliations and
reporting. Building Inspector Richard Polcari added that there are no licenses, with
OpenGov, allowing unlimited users. Furthermore, in the proposed contract, the Town
has locked in the same price for 2023/2024, thereafter the cost will increase
approximately 3 to 5% each year. IT Director Shyam Panda pointed out that the cost
includes data migration, training, and development. He also confirmed to the Board
the various protections in place, as it will be hosted in the Azure Cloud, along with our
new Munis financial system. Backups will be done and there is ransomware protection
as well.
The Board noted, on page 25 of the contract, that 'City of Mamaroneck' needs to be
changed to Town of Mamaroneck.
3. Discussion - Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant
Supervisor Elkind Eney informed the Board that because the Town did not garner the
previous grant for the proposed Town round about near the entrance to 1-95, it was
suggested that the Town apply for the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant.
Therefore, the Town is preparing an application which is due September 15th. The
plan is to improve street safety, supporting a Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic
fatalities and injuries by 2035.
4. Discussion - Cable Retainer Agreement
Administrator Robson explained to the Board that the retainer is necessary to hire a
law firm to work with the Town and the Village of Mamaroneck to negotiate the next
cable franchise agreement. Both municipalities must approve the agreement. The
Board had a few questions about the boiler-plate clauses included in the contract
relating to insurance and litigation, which Attorney Maker explained. The Board
agreed to put on the agenda for this evening, with the only change being to insert
'Town of within 'the Mamaroneck' in several places in the agreement.
Updates
Supervisor Elkind Eney updated the Town Board on four items. First, the Supervisor
proposed a monument next to Girl Scout Rock for first responders in our community that
have died because of 9/11 related illnesses. The County now has a first responder
certification, so there is no question about who could and would be eligible for inclusion. The
proposed monument could be a small plaque with certified names being added as required.
The plaque could be installed on or around Girl Scout rock. The Supervisor also presented
the possibility of including some steel from the Twin Towers into the proposed monument.
The Board agreed to move forward with the idea, so Supervisor Elkind Eney will announce
this year at the 9/11 Commemoration and will hope to install for next year's 9/11
Commemoration.
Next, Supervisor Elkind Eney proposed a new Minutes process. She recommended the first
draft be distributed on Fridays, with revisions due to Town Clerk Allison May by Wednesday.
The Town Clerk will then provide a redlined draft for final review by the following Friday, with
revisions due by the next Monday. This new process should streamline the minutes process
and allow for approval of one meeting's minutes at the next Town Board meeting.
Third, the Supervisor invited the Councilmembers to join her and the Land Use Leadership
Alliance (LULA), as they will soon be visiting sites with the Town Administrator, Town
Engineer, and perhaps a representative from the Housing Committee. The visits will take
place over three days, from 9am to 3pm. LULA is offering to help the Town identify potential
sites on which to develop affordable housing. Supervisor Elkind Eney agreed to resend the
memo with details out to the Town Board.
Town Board
September 7, 2022
At the last Tree Law meeting, the Town Board had wondered how many tree permits would
be requested because the proposed Tree Law revisions would now apply to all trees
removed from private property in the Town. The Supervisor reviewed Attachment A,
highlighting the breakdown of parcels by size in the unincorporated Town, as prepared by
Town Conservationist Elizabeth Aitchison. The Town Board agreed to phase in the
introduction of the new permitting requirements based on parcel size over a two-year period.
We do not know how many permit applications the Town will receive, so to allow for better
management during the first year, the Town Board agreed to include only those parcels over
7,501 square feet in size. Then the second year, the new permitting requirements would
include the additional parcels 7,500 square feet and smaller. The Board agreed that phasing
the permitting in this way would allow the Town staff to better manage permit applications
during the first year, making for a more successful introduction of the new Tree Law. The
Board then briefly discussed a possible exception for specimen trees, agreeing they would
need to be defined to be included.
The Supervisor then noted that she discussed the bonding of new trees with Comptroller
Yogman, who stressed that the bonds required a lot of additional work. The Supervisor
suggested that perhaps homeowners would apply for a permit, then at the one-year mark be
required to provide proof of the installation of a live replacement of the tree or pay a fine,
rather than set up a bond at the outset. The Board agreed to discuss further at a proposed
Tree Law meeting on October 6th.
Request for Executive Session
1. Entering Executive Session
On motion of Councilwoman Fiddelman and seconded by Councilwoman Katz the
Board entered an Executive Session to discuss the employment history of a particular
person and to discuss the sale or lease of real property, where publicity would
substantially affect the value thereof. Then on motion of Councilwoman Fiddelman
and seconded by Councilwoman Nichinsky the Board reconvened the Regular
Meeting.
8:00 PM Town Board Regular Meeting
The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Elkind Eney at
8:22 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 September 7, 2022, meeting of the Town Board of the Town of
Mamaroneck. The Town Board met today for a Work Session here in the Fire Council Room
starting at 5:OOpm, which is open to the Public.
Councilman King:
Councilman King has been called away to a one-time special work assignment that will
cause him to miss this and the next Town Board Meeting. He is keeping abreast off all Town
business.
Comprehensive Plan:
As has previously been reported, the Town is in the process of updating its Comprehensive
Plan. The updated Comprehensive Plan, "Together our Mamaroneck," will describe a vision
for the long-term future of our Town and will help guide future decision making on matters of
importance to our community. The Comprehensive Plan is based upon input from our
residents. As such, an online survey, the Community Needs Survey, was created to provide
an opportunity for additional community input.
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September 7, 2022
To date, more than 500 residents have provided their feedback via the Community Needs
Survey. If you have not yet done so, please take the survey to let us know your vision for the
future of our Town.
The survey can be found on the home page of the Town Website. It will be available until the
end of September. Residents of the Unincorporated area, please take 5 minutes to do the
survey. We want to hear from you.
This fall, our Consulting Team and Comprehensive Plan Committee will share the input
received from our residents and discuss draft goals based on public engagement efforts.
Great Financial News:
First, we heard from Moody's Investor Services that the Town maintained our AAA bond
rating, which permits the Town to borrow at the lowest possible interest rate. They cited our
strong financial position, exhibiting stability—factors included healthy reserves, conservative
budgeting, effective comprehensive long-term planning, quarterly financial statements,
amortizing fixed-rate debt, and professional and experienced management.
Second, we heard from the Government Financial Officers Association that the Town
received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2022 Budget. This is the
highest form of recognition in government budgeting. Kudos to all involved!!
Community Choice Aggregation:
As you may recall, representatives of Sustainable Westchester appeared at prior board
meetings to present information about Community Choice Aggregation, a program of
Sustainable Westchester where residents of the member communities are bundled together
to purchase electric power, taking advantage of economies of scale. Due to the volatility of
the market, Sustainable Westchester was unable to secure a satisfactory electricity supply
contract to commence following the expiration of our contract on June 30. All current
customers were switched back to Con Edison utility supply starting on their first meter
reading after June 30.
We were advised just last week that Community Choice Aggregation will resume in
November, ending the current pause during which customers returned to Con Edison supply.
The program rates of 15.128 cents per kWh for 100% NYS renewable supply and 13.364
cents for standard supply will be fixed until meter read dates in November 2024. No action is
required if you were previously enrolled in this program and remember, you always can opt
in or opt out of the program.
Town Road Paving Schedule:
We are in the midst of this year's road resurfacing process.
We have completed Lafayette Road, N. Chatsworth Avenue, New Jefferson Street,
Washington Square and Huguenot Drive between Lafayette and Normandy. We still must
complete Huguenot Drive, between Normandy and Mountain Avenue, Fifth Avenue, Madison
Avenue, New Harmon Drive and Revere Road; and E Valley Stream Road is postponed until
completion of the East Valley Stream Bridge Replacement.
Traffic Safety:
Just a friendly reminder: We continue to receive calls about traffic safety related to speeding
and distracted drivers. The offenders are often not people from out of Town, but our own
residents speeding to make trains or other appointments, or just driving distracted. Please
be considerate of your neighbors and drive carefully for the safety of all our residents. As
the school year starts, please keep in mind that our children are walking, biking, and
scootering to school. Please pay close attention to the posted speed limits in school zones.
Upcoming Events:
On Friday, September 9, beginning at dusk we will be showing Luca the finale in our family
movie series at Memorial Park.
On Sunday, September 11 , will hold our tri-municipal commemoration of the 21 st
Anniversary of September 11 at 5:00 at Girl Scout Rock in Memorial Park.
On Tuesday, September 13, at 8.00am on zoom, the Local Summit will do a presentation on
Emergency Preparedness one year after IDA. The program will explore: How our three
municipalities prepare for and anticipate future emergencies. What we as residents need to
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September 7, 2022
know and can do in advance. Town Administrator Meredith Robson, along with the
Administrators of our two sister villages will be the speakers.
On Saturday, September 17, from 10:00am-12:00 noon we will host the Annual Town Fall
Cleanup in the Hommocks Conservation Area. This coincides with international cleanup day.
Please join us as we don gloves and boots and pick up trash and recyclables so we can
restore the beauty of the area. For more information and to pre-register call Sue Odierna at
(914) 381-7816.
On Saturday, October 1 from noon to 4:OOpm we will have our annual fall food truck festival
in Memorial Park. There are 16 food trucks, face painting, music, craft vendors and a
pumpkin patch!! It is such a great day!
Also, on Saturday, October 1 the Hommocks Park Ice Rink opens for public skating for the
season. Please check the website for all the offerings.
Public Hearing(s)
The following Notice of Public Hearing is entered into the record as follows:
1. Wireless Communication - 5G
The public hearing was deferred to September 21 , 2022.
Resident Comments
Supervisor Elkind Eney asked if anyone in the audience wished to address the Town Board,
and there was no one.
Staff Comments/ Presentations
There were no Staff Comments or Presentations.
Board of Fire Commissioners
1. Call to Order
Commissioner Elkind Eney called the Meeting to order, then on motion of
Commissioner Fiddelman and seconded by Commissioner Katz 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: Robin Nichinsky
2. Fire Claims
Commissioner Fiddelman presented the Fire Department Claims for the month.
Moved by Commissioner Fiddelman and seconded by Commissioner Nichinsky, the
Board of Fire Commissioners unanimously
RESOLVED that this Commission does hereby authorize payment of the attached
Fire Department Claims as approved by the Fire Chief and audited by the
Comptroller's Office.
Carried
Town Board
September 7, 2022
3. Other Fire Department Business
Commissioner Elkind Eney read the Fire Alarm Report for the Month of August 2022
(Attachment B), as submitted by Chief Hughes as follows:
ALARM TYPE NUMBER
Generals 23
Minors 32
Stills 1
Out of Town (Mutual Aid) 3
EMS 47
Drills 2
TOTAL 106
Total number of personnel responding: 505
Total time working: 36 hours and 50 minutes
There being no further business to come before the Fire Commission, on motion of
Commissioner Fiddelman, Seconded by Commissioner Nichinsky, the Commission
unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened.
Affairs of the Town of Mamaroneck
1. Set Public Hearing - Filmmaking
The Administrator introduced the Public Hearing, with the Town Attorney adding that
the changes discussed at the August Town Board meeting had been incorporated into
the proposed new law.
Moved by Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, it was
RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby set the date for a Public
Hearing on the "Filmmaking" Law, for Wednesday, September 21 , 2022, at 8:00 p.m.,
at the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized to publish the notice of said
hearing in a newspaper appointed as an official newspaper, and that said Notice, be
posted.
Carried
2. Authorization - Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant
Administrator Robson explained the grant for revitalization near the entrance to I-95,
requesting the resolution to support the Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities
and injuries by 2035.
Moved by Councilwoman Nichinsky, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was
RESOLVED WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck hereby fully
supports the ultimate Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and severe
injuries within the Town by 2035; and
Town Board
September 7, 2022
WHEREAS, the Town Board has been soliciting public input over the past nine
months on issues and concerns that the community would like to see addressed and
one of the major areas of concern involves traffic safety; and
WHEREAS, the Town is committed to working with State, County and neighboring
local officials to secure appropriate road improvement funds to improve the high traffic
volume roads and roads that serve all populations through the community that provide
for regional traffic access;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town
of Mamaroneck hereby directs the Town Administrator to develop necessary
processes and procedures to reach such goal and secure all applicable grant funding,
as available, to support such efforts.
Carried
3. Authorization - Cable Retainer Agreement
Administrator Robson explained the retainer necessary to hire a law firm to work with
the Town and the Village of Mamaroneck to negotiate the next cable franchise
agreement.
Moved by Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby authorize the Town Administrator to execute
the agreement and any related documents necessary to carry out its implementation.
Carried
4. Certiorari 1 - AG Realty
Attorney Maker presented the proposed settlement. Moved by Councilwoman
Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the settlement of the following
tax certiorari on the following terms with AG Realty:
2050 Boston Post Road
Section/Block/Lot: 6-14-17
Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Larchmont
Year Assessme lReduction 11 Resulting Assessment
2016 $3,910,000 $510,000 $3,400,000
2017 $4,300,000 $650,000 $3,650,000 '
2018 $4,300,00 1 $650,000 11 $3,650,000
2019 $4,300,000 $650,000 $3,650,000 '
2020 $4,300,00 1 $650,000 11 $3,650,000
2021 $4,300,000 $625,000 $3,675,000
---------- ------'
Carried
Town Board
September 7, 2022
5. Certiorari 2- JRH Spadaro Partners and Harry Spadaro
Attorney Maker presented the two proposed settlements for the separate properties,
simply processed at the same time.
Moved by Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, it was
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the settlement of the following
tax certiorari on the following terms with JRH Spadaro Partners and Harry Spadaro:
10-12 Chatsworth Avenue
Section/Block/Lot: 6-13-273
Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Larchmont
Year Assessme IReduction 11 Resulting Assessment
2017 $4,500,00 1 $720,000 11 $3,870,000
2018 $4,500,000 $720,000 $3,870,000
2019 $4,500,000 $720,000 $3,870,000
2020 $4,500,00 1 $720,000 11 $3,870,000
2021 $4,500,000 $720,000 $3,870,000
- ------------------- - ------'
153 Larchmont Avenue
Section/Block/Lot: 6-13-348
Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Larchmont
Year Assessme IReduction 11 Resulting Assessment
2016 $3,850,00 1 $192,500 11 $3,657,500
2017 $3,850,000 $720,000 53,657,500
2018 $3,850,00 1 $720,000 11 $3,657,500
2019 $3,850,000 0�53,850,000
2020 $3,850,000 0� $3,850,000
2021 $3,850,000 0� $3,850,000
- -------------------------------------------'
Carried
6. Appointment to Traffic Committee
Moved by Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, the Town
Board
RESOLVED, that Ilana Bronheim be appointed to the open position on the Town of
Mamaroneck Traffic Committee.
Town Board
September 7, 2022
Carried
7. Salary Authorization
Administrator Robson explained the salary request is a result of a reorganization with
our Community Services and Recreation Departments, moving senior citizen services
and functions over to Recreation. The Administrator requested the salary
authorization of $15,000 for Jill Fisher Recreation Superintendent and $7,000 for
Assistant Vicky Laoutaris for the additional work involved.
Moved by Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was
RESOLVED that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the annual
salary adjustments for Jill Fisher in the amount of $15,000 and Vicky Laoutaris in the
amount of $7,000, retroactive to September 5, 2022.
Carried
Reports of Minutes
1. Report of Minutes from the July 13, 2022, Town Board Meeting
Moved by Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, the Town
Board unanimously approved the minutes from the July 13, 2022, Town Board
Meeting.
Reports of the Council
Councilwoman Fiddelman apologized for missing the Zoning Board meeting tonight. The rest
of the Council had no further reports to make, August being a very quiet month.
Town Attorney's Report
The Town Attorney noted that as it is September, the Braves have caught up with the Mets.
The Mets won the first of their two games against Pittsburgh this afternoon and are
comfortably ahead in the second game. He also reminded everyone to take a moment this
weekend to remember what had happened 21 years ago, being a sad day for this area of the
country and the World.
Town Clerk's Report
Nothing to report.
Adjournment
On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, the meeting was
unanimously adjourned.
Carried
Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting - September 21, 2022
To be held at the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck.
Town Board
September 7, 2022
Attachment A — Breakdown of Parcels by Size in the Unincorporated Town
Breakdown of Parcels by Size in the
Unincorporated Town
We have a total of 3,967 parcels in the
Unincorporated Town.
Number of Parcels Square Foota a of Parcel
11163 0 to 6,000 sq . ft
448 6,001 to 7,500
647 7,501 to 10,000
595 10,001 to 15,000
321 15,001 to 19,999
793 20,000 and up*
*Trees that are already regulated for removal
Town Board
September 7, 2022
Attachment B — Fire Report for the Month of August 2022
TOWN OF MAMARONECK FIRE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE w_ Headquarters
CHIEF 205 WEAVER STREET
LARCH MONT,NEW YORK 10538
WEAVER 834-2100 EMERGENCY
834-2101-NON EMERGENCY
834-2438 CHIEF'S OFFICE
STREET 834-0922-FAX
W W W.TMFD.ORG
Fo
To: Board of Fire Commissioners
From: Chief Shaun Hughes
Date: September 6, 2022
Re: Fire Report for the Month of August 2022
The following report outlines response to calls made during the month of August 2022. It summarizes
the nature,the number of personnel responding and the total time spent.
I have also attached a report showing a further breakdown of these alarms.
Alarm Type Number
Generals 23
Minors 32
Stills I
Out of Town(Mutual Aid) 3
EMS 47
Drills 2
TOTAL 106
Total number of personnel responding: 505
Total time working: 36 hours and 50 minutes
Respectfully Submitted,
Chief Shaun Hughes
Town Board
September 7, 2022
Incident Tape Count Report
Date Ranae: From 8/1/2022 To 8/31/2022
Selected Station(s):All
Incident
Tvoc Description Count
Station: EMS
321 -EMS call,excluding vehicle accident with injury 47 44.34%
Total-Rescue&Emergency Medical Service Incidents 47 100.00%
Total for Station 47 44.34%
Station: HO
132-Road freight or transport vehicle fire 1 0.94%
142-Brush,or brush and grass mixture fire 1 0.94%
Total-Fires 2 3.64%
322F-Vehicle accident with injuries 3 2.83%
324F-Motor vehicle accident with no injuries 1 0.94%
331 -Lock-in(if lock out,use 511 ) 1 0.94%
331F-Lock-in(if lock out,use 511 ) 1 0.94%
Total-Rescue&Emergency Medical Service Incidents 6 10.91%
400-Hazardous condition,other 1 0.94%
412-Gas leak(natural gas or LPG) 4 3.77%
424-Carbon monoxide incident 2 1.89%
440-Electrical wiring/equipment problem,other 2 1.89%
444-Power line down 1 0.94%
445-Arcing,shorted electrical equipment 3 2.83%
480-Attempted burning,illegal action,other 1 0.94%
Total-Hazardous Conditions(No fire) 14 25.45%
511 -Lock-out 2 1.890/0
522-Water or steam leak 2 1.89%
531 -Smoke or odor removal 1 0.94%
555-Defective elevator,no occupants 1 0.94%
571 -Cover assignment,standby,moveup 2 1.89%
Total-Service Call 8 14.55%
622-No incident found on arrival at dispatch address 2 1.890/0
651 -Smoke scare,odor of smoke 2 1.89%
Total-Good Intent Call 4 7.27%
700-False alarm or false call,other 3 2.83%
735-Alarm system sounded due to malfunction 1 0.94%
736-CO detector activation due to malfunction 5 4.72%
743-Smoke detector activation,no fire-unintentional 3 2.83%
745-Alarm system sounded,no fire-unintentional 8 7.55%
746-Carbon monoxide detector activation,no CO 1 0.94%
Total-Fals Alarm&False Call 21 38.18%
Total for Station 55 51.89%
Station: STIL
511 -Lock-out 1 0.94%
571 -Cover assignment,standby,moveup 2 1.89%
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September 7, 2022
w
Incident
TvDe Description Count
Station: STIL-(Continued)
Total-Service Call 3 75.00%
611 -Dispatched&cancelled en route l 0.94%
Total-Good Intent Call 1 25.00%
Total for Station 4 3.77%
106 100.00%
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