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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022_11_02 Town Board Minutes Town of Mamaroneck Town Board Minutes Wednesday, November 2, 2022, Courtroom, Second Floor of Town Center 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 Robert P. Wasp, Town Engineer William Maker Jr., Town Attorney Lindsey M. Luft, Assistant to Town Administrator Tracy Yogman, Town Comptroller 5:00 PM THE TOWN BOARD WORK SESSION CALL TO ORDER WORK SESSION ITEMS 1. Discussion - Humane Society of Westchester Agreement The Town Administrator introduced the agreement with the Humane Society of Westchester for dog shelter services provided to the Town of Mamaroneck and the Village of Larchmont. The Town Administrator noted that the Town's portion of the agreement is for $12,280 and the Town is required to provide this service either through hiring an outside provider or employing an animal control officer. The Board agreed to authorize the Town Administrator to execute the agreement at the Regular Meeting later this evening. 2. Discussion - Fields for Kids! Inc. Agreement The Town Supervisor briefly explained the agreement between the Town of Mamaroneck and Fields for Kids! Inc. for funding the payment of invoices from Woodard and Curran Engineering and Geological Services for professional services related to Hommocks Fields. The Supervisor noted that the agreement requires several corrections, so no further action was necessary this evening. The item will be removed from the Regular Meeting agenda. 3. Discussion - Agreement with Woodard and Current for Hommocks Fields Engineering Services The Town Supervisor described the agreement between the Town and Woodard and Curran Engineering and Geological Services briefly, noting that the agreement requires several corrections. Therefore, no further action was needed this evening, so the item will be removed from the Regular Meeting agenda. Town Board November 2, 2022 4. Discussion - Acceptance of Donation to the Town of Mamaroneck Police Department The Town Administrator explained that Ray Catena Lexus is offering the Town of Mamaroneck Police Department a donation of $12,500 to be used for the purchase of police equipment. Ray Catena Lexus specifically indicated that the funds are not to be used for items that are already budgeted for the Police Department. The Town Board agreed to accept the donation from Ray Catena Lexus at the Regular Meeting later in the evening. Discussion - Amendment to the Appellate Procedure of Chapter 99 of the Code 5. of the Town of Mamaroneck Law At the Town Board meeting on October 19th, the members of the Board discussed creating greater flexibility for composing the Committee of Appeals. In order to achieve that flexibility, the proposed amendment to section 99-10 will allow the Town Supervisor to designate a Town Board member to sit on the Committee on a case-by- case basis. The Town Attorney confirmed if there is a disagreement on the Committee of Appeals, then the applicant loses, as they have the burden of convincing a majority to win their appeal. The Board decided to amend the law to include 'case-by-case' and set a public hearing at the November 16th Town Board Meeting. 6. Discussion - Requests to Remove Commuter Parking Restrictions The Board discussed a recent request to remove commuter parking restrictions in the Town. The Board reviewed the history of the commuter parking restrictions, as well as the pros and cons of the restrictions. The Board agreed that any alteration of the existing law should be considered with care, as individual accommodations will likely lead to a reverse-engineering of the comprehensive approach that was the original intent of the law. The Board agreed to hold on any action at the moment but to keep track of complaints and review any complaints periodically. 7. Discussion - Traffic Committee Recommendation to Eliminate Parking Spaces A resident recently presented her concern to the Traffic Committee, that the intersection at Forest and Rockingstone is very dangerous due to limited visibility. After reviewing, the Traffic Committee and Deputy Town Administrator recommend eliminating two parking spaces on Forest Avenue at the intersection of Rockingstone Avenue in order to enhance motorists' visibility. The Board agreed to the change and the Town Attorney will prepare the appropriate law for the Board to review at a subsequent meeting. 8. Discussion - Reduction of Townwide Speed Limit to 25MPH The Board discussed the pros and cons of changing the Town speed limit to 25 miles per hour. The Board noted that Mamaroneck Village has reduced their speed limit to 25 miles per hour, while the Village of Larchmont is 30 miles per hour. The speed on State and County roads would not change. The Board requested the Town Attorney review the law to see if a petition is necessary and to determine what is required legally to reduce the speed limit to 25 miles per hour. In addition, the Town Administrator will research the costs for changing the speed limit signs in Town. 9. Discussion - Q3 2022 Operating Budget Report The Town Comptroller presented the Third Quarter 2022 Operating Budget Report. 10. Discussion - Q3 2022 Operating Budget Amendments The Town Comptroller reviewed the Third Quarter Operating Budget Amendments, as detailed on her memo to the Board. The Board agreed to authorize the Town Comptroller to make the necessary budget amendments as presented. Town Board November 2, 2022 11. Discussion - Q3 2022 Capital Budget Amendments The Town Comptroller reviewed the Third Quarter Capital Budget Amendments, as detailed on her memo to the Board. The Board agreed to authorize the Town Comptroller to make the necessary budget amendments as presented. 12. Discussion - Q3 2022 Capital Budget Report The Town Comptroller presented the Third Quarter 2022 Capital Budget Report, including a complete listing of all open capital projects. In total there is $58.3 million in open projects of which the Town has expended or committed $26.66 million, or 46 percent, of the total value of the open projects. For each project, the Comptroller listed the original project budget, expenditures and encumbrances to date, and the unexpended balance. The Comptroller also provided a brief status for each project. 13. Request for Executive Session Moved by Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Katz the Town Board entered into Executive Session to discuss the employment history of a particular individual. Moved by Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman the Board unanimously agreed to resume the Regular Meeting. 14. Second Request for Executive Session Moved by Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Nichinsky the Town Board entered into a second Executive Session this time to discuss the proposed acquisition and sale of real property. Moved by Councilwoman Nichinsky, seconded by Councilwoman Katz the Board unanimously agreed to resume the Regular Meeting. 15. Additions to Regular Meeting Agenda The Board agreed to add the appointment of Charles H. Toothill (to the Board of Architectural Review as Member E) to the Regular Meeting. 16. Discussion - 2023 Tentative Budget The Town Comptroller reviewed the 2023 Budget Updates presented on Attachment A. The Board agreed to add a Budget Meeting on the evening of November 8th to continue reviewing the 2023 Tentative Budget. 17. Updates The Board requested a meeting on the Comprehensive Plan. 8:00 PM TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING The Town Board meeting convened in the Courtroom Located on the second floor at the Town Center. The Public was to view the meeting on cable access television (Optimum 76/ Fios 35) or on LMCMedia.org CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Town Supervisor Elkind Eney at 8:04 p.m. The Town Supervisor noted that the Town Board met for a Work Session beginning at five o’clock this evening. SUPERVISOR'S REPORT 1. Welcome to the November 2, 2022 meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck. The Town Board met today for a Work Session here at the Town Center in Conference Room D starting at 5:00pm, which is open to the Public. Budget: Town Board November 2, 2022 The Town Board continues to work on the budget. We have met with various department heads and have reviewed with them their operating and capital budgets. There will be a public hearing on the Preliminary Budget on December 7. We are also working on the budget for the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Joint Sanitation Commission. Seasonal Changes: The annual cycle of organics collection by the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Joint Sanitation Commission has ended. The crews will no longer be collecting yard waste at the curb until the new cycle begins April 6, 2023. Residents of the Village of Larchmont and the unincorporated Town of Mamaroneck may bring yard waste to 40 Maxwell Avenue during regular business hours. In the meantime, residents of the unincorporated Town of Mamaroneck will receive curbside leaf collection from the Town Highway Department through the duration of leaf season. Voting: Early voting began on Saturday, October 29 and goes through Sunday, November 6. Any registered voter in Westchester County can vote at any early voting location in the County. The Town Center is an early voting location. For times and a list of other locations in the County, please go to the Board of Election website. If you choose to vote on election day, November 8, you must vote at your assigned location. When voting, please remember to flip over the ballot to vote on the Environmental Bond Act. And PLEASE VOTE. Other: Daylight Savings Time will end this weekend: Remember to turn your clocks back an hour this Saturday night for Daylight Savings Time and, when you do, please remember to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Events Halloween: There seem to be more and more fun Halloween events each year. This year, I attended two: The LGCA parade on Saturday. It was a great event-the weather was beautiful, the kids were adorable, and there was a pie contest. And on the 31st, at TMFD HQ our own Ambulance, police and fire departments provided a Halloween Party complete with costumes, candy and goodie bags at the fire house. I want to thank all of the members of the emergency services…not only do they protect us each and every day, but they provide added “treats” like this wonderful Halloween Party. Hockey: On Friday, October 28, I attended Hockey Fights MS at our Hommocks Park Ice Rink The event was a charity hockey game played by local hockey players and NY Ranger Alumni. It was so exciting to have real Ranger stars playing at our rink, and they raised $80,000. A portion of the proceeds will go to the MS Society and a portion will go for hockey scholarships so that more local youth can take advantage of this exciting sport. The event was particularly exhilarating for me because I got to drop the first puck, and my son was one of the goalies. I want to thank MYHA and the Rangers Alumni for bringing this event to the Hommocks. Football: I don’t know how many of you have been following, but the MHS Varsity Football Team finished their season undefeated (7-0). This was the first time since 1978. After winning the League Championship, last Friday, October 28, they defeated Mt. Vernon in the Section Quarter Finals. This Friday they play Arlington in the Sectional Semi-Finals. The game is at 6:00 here at the MHS field. I want to congratulate the players, head coach Anthony Vitti and the rest of the coaching staff, families and fans on this achievement and wish them the best on Friday night. We’re all cheering you on. Next item on the agenda is Public Hearings. PUBLIC HEARING(S) The following Notice of Public Hearing is entered into the record as follows: 1. Contraction of the Mailing Area for Notification in Land Use Applications Law The Town Attorney introduced the proposed local law regarding the "Contraction of the Mailing Area for Notification in Land Use Applications Law". The Town Attorney Town Board November 2, 2022 explained that at a recent Zoning Board meeting, they discussed the mailing area that is required by the Code is 1500 linear feet from the subject property. In some instances, this causes some property owners in the Town to have to mail notices to 300 or more properties. The Building Inspector researched the notification distances in nearby communities and revealed that the range for mailings varied from 200 to 500 feet. There are no towns or villages in the area that have a requirement of more than a 500-foot radius. The Building Inspector as well as the Board of Appeals agree they would like to see the notification by mail range become a uniform 300 feet. That is the distance for notification by mail in all the other zoning districts. The Planning and Zoning Boards support the change. The Town Board noted that a sign posted in the yard, will still notify neighbors of any proposed changes. The Board also applauded the Building Inspector for his thorough response to amend and improve the efficiency of the Town Code. Moved by Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Katz the Public Hearing was unanimously opened, Carried Mr. Ed Semlies, who resides on Lakeside Drive, asked if there could be electronic notices. The Town Attorney explained that the Planning and Zoning Board agendas are all posted online prior to meetings, so neighbors could check what is being proposed by reviewing the agenda item. There were no other questions or comments from the public. Moved by Councilwoman Nichinsky, seconded by Councilwoman Katz the Public Hearing was unanimously closed. Carried Moved by Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Nichinsky, it was RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby adopts the Local Law 8 entitled "Contraction of the Mailing Area for Notification in Land Use Applications" Law. Carried Resident Comments The Town Supervisor asked if anyone in the audience wished to address the Town Board. Mr. Ed Semlies, who resides on Lakeside Drive, thanked the Board for having painted double yellow lines at Myrtle Boulevard and Lakeside Drive. Mr. Semlies is hopeful that the double yellow lines will make an impact on safety in the area. Mr. Semlies noted that on Rocky Road and Lakeside, Westchester Joint Water Works is doing some work, he asked if the Board had any updates. The Town Supervisor responded that DOH submission has happened, then once we get the approval the Town’s work will take about two weeks. Mr. Semlies then asked for an update on the project to repoint the Arches. The Town Administrator said the Town had recently received bids back on the project, but several bidders had noted that there would be an aesthetic discrepancy between the old and new stone and mortar. Engineering is reviewing the bids and looking into the aesthetic discrepancies noted by the bidders. Once that review is complete, the Town will move forward on the bids. Town Board November 2, 2022 Mr. Semlies then thanked the Board for having dredged the catch basin and asked about the long-term plan for the catch basin. The Town Administrator responded that work on the catch basin is included in the 2024 capital plan. Board of Fire Commissioners 1. Call to Order Commissioner Elkind Eney called the Meeting to order, then on motion of Commissioner Nichinsky 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: Jeffery L. King Commissioner: Robin Nichinsky 2. Fire Claims (See Attachment B) Moved by Commissioner Nichinsky, seconded by Commissioner Katz, it was RESOLVED that the Board of Fire Commissioners hereby approves the attached list of fire claims. Carried Other Fire Department Business 3. The Board of Fire Commissioners thanked the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department and Chief of the Department Shaun Hughes for the recent Annual Inspection of the Fire Department and dinner following. The Board of Fire Commissioners noted they are proud to provide the support the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department needs, as it is a jewel of our community and in all our best interest. There being no further business to come before the Fire Commission, on motion of Commissioner Katz, seconded by Commissioner Nichinsky, the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened. Affairs of the Town of Mamaroneck 1. Authorization - Humane Society of Westchester Agreement The Town Administrator introduced the agreement with the Humane Society of Westchester for dog shelter services provided to the Town of Mamaroneck and the Village of Larchmont. The Town Administrator noted that the Town's portion of the agreement is for $12,280 and the Town is required to provide this service either through hiring an outside provider or employing an animal control officer. Moved by Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Nichinsky, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the agreement with the Humane Society of Westchester for dog shelter services and hereby authorizes the Town Administrator to execute the agreement and any related documents necessary to carry out its implementation. Carried Town Board November 2, 2022 2. Authorization - Acceptance of Donation to the Town of Mamaroneck Police Department The Town Administrator explained that Ray Catena Lexus has offered the Town of Mamaroneck Police Department a donation of $12,500.00 to be used for the purchase of police equipment. Ray Catena Lexus specifically indicated that the funds are not to be used for items that are already budgeted for the Police Department. Moved by Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby accepts the donation of $12,500.00 from Ray Catena Lexus for the Town of Mamaroneck Police Department to be used for the purchase of police equipment. Carried 3. Review - Q3 2022 Operating Budget Report The Town Comptroller presented the Operating Budget Report, see Attachment C. 4. Review - Q3 2022 Capital Budget Report The Town Comptroller presented the Capital Budget Report, see Attachment D. 5. Authorization - Q3 2022 Operating Budget Amendments The Town Comptroller presented the Operating Budget Amendments as presented in her memo, see Attachment E. Moved by Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Nichinsky, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the Town Comptroller to make the necessary budget amendments, as presented. Carried 6. Authorization - Q3 2022 Capital Budget Amendments The Town Comptroller presented the Capital Budget Amendments, as presented in her memo, see Attachment F. Moved by Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the Town Comptroller to make necessary budget amendments, as presented. Carried 7. Certiorari On motion Councilwoman Fiddelman, and seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the settlement of the following tax certiorari on the following terms: 808 Weaver Street Section/Block/Lot: 2-25-1.1./1 Cornell Street Section/Block/Lot: 2-1-19 Town Board November 2, 2022 808 Weaver Street Year Assessment Amount of Reduction Reduced Assessment 2016 $10,000,000 $3,000,000 $7,000,000 2017 $10,000,000 $3,000,000 $7,000,000 2018 $10,000,000 $3,000,000 $7,000,000 2019 $10,000,000 $3,000,000 $7,000,000 2020 $10,000,000 $3,000,000 $7,000,000 2021 $ 9,500,000 $3,000,000 $6,500,000 Cornell Street Year Assessment Amount of Reduction Reduced Assessment 2016 $1,000,000 $0 $1,000,000 2017 $1,000,000 $0 $1,000,000 2018 $1,000,000 $0 $1,000,000 2019 $1,000,000 $0 $1,000,000 2020 $1,000,000 $0 $1,000,000 2021 $1,000,000 $0 $1,000,000 Carried 8. Appointment of Charles Toothill to Member E position on Board of Architectural Review. Moved by Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, it was RESOLVED, to appoint Charles Toothill to the Member E position on the Board of Architectural review. Carried Reports of Minutes Report of Minutes from the October 3 and October 19, 2022, Town Board 1. Meeting Moved by Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Nichinsky, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the Board Minutes from the meetings of October 3 and October 19, 2022. Carried Reports of the Council Councilwoman Katz  Congratulated LMC Media on their amazing and successful Gala last month.  Attended the LGCA Halloween Walk, as she started it about 20 years ago she was happy to see it is still going strong.  Noted that at the last Traffic Committee meeting, Barton & Loguidice had presented to the Committee several traffic calming measures and tools to help improve pedestrian safety. Town Board November 2, 2022 Councilwoman Fiddelman  Noted that the next Local Summit is on November 8th and the topic will be Community Responses to Student Mental Health. Students are struggling post- COVID, and experts are coming to talk about how to manage stress and how we can all help. Please visit www.localsummitlm.org for more information or visit LMC Media to view the meetings. Councilwoman Nichinsky  Missed the most recent liaison meetings this month, as the Town Board was meeting on the 2023 Tentative Budget.  Attended a meeting with OCRA students recently where they presented an idea of a participatory budget process to raise awareness and increase civic engagement. Town Administrator's Report The Town Administrator enjoyed the recent opportunity to entertain Murray Avenue Elementary second grade students. The students had lots of great questions. The Town Administrator’s favorite comment to what the students knew and felt about the Town, was that one student said 'we (the Town) had their back". Town Clerk's Report Noted that the Early Voting here at the Town center is open Thursday from noon until 8pm, Friday from 8am until 4pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 6pm. Voting for the General Election, if we are your regular polling place, is 6am to 9pm. Please call the Town Clerk’s Office if you have any questions. Adjournment The Town Supervisor thanked everyone who stood in for her and thanked everyone, especially Abby Katz, who did so much and W Thank yo for all you had to do. On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Nichinsky, the meeting was unanimously adjourned. Carried Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting - November 16, 2022 ________________________________ Submitted by Allison May, Town Clerk Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment A Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment B Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment C Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment C (Cont.) Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment C (Cont.) Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment C (Cont.) Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment C (Cont.) Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment D Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment D (Cont.) Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment D (Cont.) Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment D (Cont.) Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment E Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment E (Cont.) Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment E (Cont.) Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment F Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment F (Cont.) Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment F (Cont.) Town Board November 2, 2022 Attachment F (Cont.)