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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015_04_01 Town Board Minutes April 1,2015 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON APRIL 1,2015, BEGINNING AT S:OOPM IN CONFERENCE ROOM D 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 Councilman Ernest C.Odierna Councilwoman Jaine Elkind Eney Councilman Thomas A. Murphy ABSENT: Councilwoman Abby Katz ALSO PRESENT: Christina Battalia,Town Clerk Stephen V.Altieri,Town Administrator William Maker,Jr.,Town Attorney CALL TO ORDER-WORK SESSION On motion of Councilman Odierna,seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney,the Work Session was unanimously opened at S:OOPM. Discussion—Electronic Town Board Agenda—Tablet Demonstration Additionally Present:Tony Siligato,Town Comptroller and Roz Cimino.Town IT Consultant The Town Board reviewed two electronic agenda devices, a tablet version and a small computer version. The Town Board also viewed the Laserfiche electronic database and an explanation of the Laserfiche App. The Town Board discussed the pros and cons of both types of devices and decided on the Samsung tablet.A tentative date for full application is the June 3rd Town Board meeting. ADDED ITEM New Jefferson Parking Proiect Supervisor Seligson reported that she was contacted by the Carlton House regarding the reconfiguring of parking along New Jefferson Street. They stated that their building and pool are located close to the sidewalk and are concerned that the reconfiguring will bring parked cars in close proximity and eye shot of the building.They were also concerned that they were not notified of this project. Appointment to Board of Assessment Review Supervisor Seligson noted that she has received a potential candidate for the Board of Assessment, noting that this individual lives in the unincorporated Town,and unfortunately, does not fill the Board's desire for a Village of Larchmont resident. Councilman Murphy mentioned another potential candidate who lives in the Village of Larchmont. This individual seems very qualified, and in light of a lack of additional candidates,Councilman Murphy will reach out to this individual. The Town Clerk reminded the Town Board of their intent to move Eve Neuman's status as Alternate Member to full member. On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney,seconded by Councilman Murphy,the following was unanimously approved, 1 April 1,2015 WHEREAS, Eve Neuman has participated on the Board of Assessment Reviewed as an Alternate Member since March 2013. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that Eve Neuman be appointed as Member D,of the Board of Assessment Review,and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that the foregoing appointment shall be effective immediately upon the appointee taking and subscribing the oath mandated by section 25 of the New York Town Law and shall expire on September 30,2016. Discussion—Lease Agreement Town of Mamaroneck Housing Authority The Board again reviewed the lease agreement with the Housing Authority. The original agreement does not expire until 2023, but needs to be extended in order for bonding by the Authority to be finalizes. Mr. Altieri stated that the bonding is still being reviewed, specifically the fees being charged. Mr. Altieri is determining whether a time limited extension might be acceptable for bonding, which would allow further review but not hinder bonding. Mr. Maker stated that the lease is primarily reasonable and he is not recommending any particular changes, but the financials should be incorporated into the renewal, specifically, a discussion of differentiating the Pilot Payment versus the additional rent payment. Mr.Altieri will be meeting with Rick Cherry next week and will discuss these issues with him. The Town Board would also like to receive the financials of the Housing Authority to help with further discussions: Mr. Altieri will provide them. Discussion—Public Communication Methods Supervisor Seligson would like the Board to discuss and consider some form of a more formal public communication. Supervisor Seligson does not believe the staff has time or expertise to do this. Supervisor Seligson suggest the Town reach out professionally for this service and get some proposals: Supervisor Seligson will follow up with some ideas. Update—Sanitary Sewer Inflow and Infiltration Project Supervisor Seligson reported on a productive meeting yesterday with the County. At that meeting the four municipalities brought forward their proposed changes to the Stipulation Agreement which addresses the Consent Order from the Department of Environmental Conservation. Supervisor Seligson stated that the County agrees with what the municipalities are asking for, but County is not sure the Department of Environmental Conservation will agree.The biggest issue in the recent document sent to the municipalities, is the requirement to fix anything found immediately, if it relates to the overflow retention facilities discharging. Mr. Altieri explained to the County that this requirement is not feasible given the procedures that municipalities must go through to fix such an issue.The time required to do these kinds of piece meal repairs takes time away from addressing these issues more comprehensively. Mr. Altieri stated that it appears that there is agreement on the reciprocal hold harmless agreement.The next step is to meet with the Department of Environmental Conservation. There also appears to be some understanding from the County that they investigate alternative means of financing these projects. There is a stipulation that the municipalities provide a strategy for conducting the sewer system evaluation by April 1, 2015. Dolf Rotfeld has produced a draft for the four municipalities to review. Mr. Altieri hopes to have feedback at the next Board meeting from review and revisions to that draft.Although there is no signed agreement,the Town is moving forward with the time line as agreed upon. The next big deadline is January 1, 2016 at which time the Town needs to have in place a local law to allow videotaping of the sewer later lines. Supervisor Seligson stated that the Town needs to put a time line in place so the Town reaches the target for this legislation of January 1,2016. 2 April 1,2015 Update—Cambium Development Mr. Altieri reported that there are two issues for discussion. First, as part of the approval for the Cambium they agreed to install a traffic signal at Madison Avenue and New Jefferson Street. Mr.Altieri reminded the Town Board that the Town did not receive the grant for the installation of a traffic circle at this site. The Town has asked the Cambium to consider helping to finance a traffic circle project. Mr.Altieri reported that the Cambium developer is open to further discussion. The second issue is that of the affordable units.The Cambium had previously agreed to add additional units bringing the total to 10. These additional units are not required under the original approvals. The Cambium has reviewed the requirements in the County Housing Settlement and does not believe they can work within the mean income requirement. The Cambium would like to hold the Town to the original agreement on the number of affordable units and not to the additional units to satisfy the Housing Settlement. Mr. Altieri stated that in discussions with the County they were reminded that unlike other developments the Cambium received no funding from the County to build affordable housing units, and therefore should not be held to the same level as other developers who have received funding. The next step is for the County to come and meet with the Town and the Cambium to discuss the affordable housing issue. New Business Mr.Altieri noted that next week the Mamaroneck Emergency Medical Service(MEMS)will begin work at the North Barry facility. On motion of Councilman Odierna,seconded by Councilman Murphy,the Board unanimously agreed to enter into an Executive Session to discuss the Employment History of a particular person. EXECUTIVE SESSION Employment History of a Particular Person On motion of Councilman Murphy,seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney,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 Seligson at 8:00 PM, she then pointed out the location of the exits. 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 Seligson reminded residents that organic pick up begins tomorrow,April 2nd,and reminded residents of what will and will not be picked up. SUPERVISOR'S SUMMARY REPORT Organic trash collection begins April 2. Organics include grass clippings, leaves and small branches. It will picked up at the curb on the second day of your garbage collection. The Town has a pot hole crew working in the highway department repairing pot holes in the Town. You can report a pot hole for repair to the Town through the website, email or by calling.As a reminder, tax collection has begun and taxes are due April 30. The Town continues to meet with Westchester County to negotiate the stipulation agreement on repairing sanitary sewers. We had a very productive meeting yesterday and think the stipulation agreement should be finalized in the next few weeks. l had the pleasure and privilege of being invited by Joe Germano to the Mamaroneck/Harrison Rotary Club luncheon March 26 to hear him speak about his recent trip to Guam, Iwo Gima, Tinian, and Okinawa to mark the anniversary of his service there in WWII.Joe was one of 20 veterans selected among 400 applicants to participate in the trip. Congratulations and thank you to Joe Germano. 1 also attended the 90`h anniversary celebration of the Village of 3 April 1,2015 Mamaroneck Women's Club. They had a lovely luncheon in their historic house on Prospect Avenue in the Village. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS Supervisor Seligson asked if anyone in the audience would like to address the Board,and there was not. PUBLIC HEARING(S) — Issuance of Water District Serial Bonds Mr.Altieri explained the requirement for the Town to issue these bonds as a guarantee required by the County who is helping to fund this project. It is not the intention of the Town to fund these projects, but rather the Westchester Joint Water Works. The following Notice of Public Hearing is entered into the record as follows: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Town of Mamaroneck Water District No. 1 Westchester County, New York PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck, Westchester County, New York, will meet at the Town Hall, in Mamaroneck, New York, in said Town, on the 1st day of April, 2015, at o'clock P.M., Prevailing Time, for the purpose of conducting a public hearing relating to the proposed increase and improvement of the facilities of the Town of Mamaroneck Water District No. 1 of said Town, being said Water District's share of the cost of the improvement of facilities of the Westchester Joint Water Works of the Town/Village of Harrison, the Village of Mamaroneck and the Town of Mamaroneck ("WJWW"), being the installation of modular standby generators that will initially be located at the Rye Lake Plant to replace the current non-functioning propane standby generator, including original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus, appurtenances, and incidental improvements and expenses in connection therewith, at a maximum estimated cost of $125,000 to the Water District at which time and place said Town Board will hear all persons interested in the subject thereof concerning the same. The capital project described above is a "Type II Action" pursuant to the regulations promulgated under the State Environmental Quality Review Act ("SEQRA") which will not result in a significant environmental effect and SEQRA compliance materials are available for inspection at the Office of the WJWW where they may be inspected during normal business hours. Dated: Mamaroneck, New York, March 18,2015. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK Christina Battalia Town Clerk On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney,seconded by Councilman Odierna,the Public Hearing was unanimously opened. Supervisor Seligson asked if anyone wished to comment on the proposed Local Law. It was determined that there was not a two thirds majority present this evening for passing of this bond. 4 April 1,2015 On motion of Councilman Murphy,seconded by Councilman Odierna,the Public Hearing was unanimously adjourned until April 15,2015. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The Meeting was called to order by Commissioner Seligson,and then on motion of Commissioner Elkind Eney,seconded by Commissioner Murphy,the Board of Fire Commissioners was unanimously declared open. Present were the following Members of the Commission: Commissioner: Nancy Seligson Commissioner: Ernest C. Odierna Commissioner: Jaine Elkind Eney Commissioner: Thomas A. Murphy Absent was the following Member of the Commission Commissioner: Abby Katz 1. Other Fire Department Business None There being no business to come before the Commission,on motion of Commissioner Murphy,seconded by Commissioner Elkind Eney,the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Resolution—Notification—Town Demolition Law On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney,seconded by Councilman Murphy,the following was approved, WHEREAS, the Town Board passed Local Law No. 5-2015 by which, inter alia, it added section 144-9 to the Town Code,and WHEREAS, section 144-9 requires that a sign be posted to notify a neighborhood when major demolition is about to occur,and WHEREAS, section 144-9 provides that "[t]he color, material, size, content and wording of the sign shall be prescribed by, and from time to time may be changed by, resolution of the Town Board", NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the sign to be posted pursuant to section 144-9 shall be 24 inches wide and 20 inches high, it shall have green letters on a white background, the letters shall be 2 inch block letters and the sign shall read as follows: NOTICE MAJOR DEMOLITION WILL OCCUR ON THIS PROPERTY ON (INSERT DATE). 5 April 1,2015 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT(INSERT THE NAMES AND THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY AND THE COMPANY THAT WILL PERFORM THE DEMOLITION) BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that a copy of this resolution be kept on file in the Building Department. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz ABSENT Odierna Aye Seligson Aye 2. Salary Authorization—Town Comptroller's Office Councilwoman Elkind Eney spoke highly of Ms.Orsino, having worked with her in the Village of Larchmont. On motion of Councilman Murphy,seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney,the following was approve, WHEREAS,with the retirement of Susan Russell,the Deputy Receiver of Taxes,a vacancy now exists in that position. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby appoint Laura-Jean Orsino,as Deputy Receiver of Taxes,at a beginning salary of$80,380. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz ABSENT Odierna Aye Seligson Aye 3. Consideration of Certiorari Settlement On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney,seconded by Councilman Murphy,it was RESOLVED,that the Town Board hereby authorizes the settlement of the following tax certiorari on the following terms: RESOLVED,that the Town Board hereby authorizes the settlement of the following tax certiorari on the following terms: Wachovia Corporation 1938 Palmer Avenue\Section/Block/Lot: 6-2-63 Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Larchmont Year Assessment Amount of Reduction Reduced Assessment 6 April 1,2015 2007 $39,200 $10,040 $29,160 2008 $39,200 $10,040 $29,160 2009 $39,200 $14,555 $24,645 2010 $39,200 $11,455 $27,745 2011 $39,200 $30,360 $30,360 2012 $39,200 $ 9,600 $29,600 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz ABSENT Odierna Aye Seligson Aye APPROVAL OF MINUTES On motion of Councilman Murphy,seconded by Councilman Odierna,it was unanimously RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the Board Minutes from the meeting of March 25,2015. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None REPORT OF COUNCIL Supervisor Seligson noted that she attended the very nice Woman's Club's 901"Anniversary Luncheon on Saturday. Councilwoman Eney reported that she,too attended the Woman's Club of Mamaroneck 90th Anniversary Luncheon on Saturday Councilman Odierna had nothing to report as this was a very short week having just met as a Board last week. Councilman Murphy wished everyone a happy holiday Town Clerk Battalia reminded residents that parking renewal application have been mailed out and should be returned timely in order to guarantee parking. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney,seconded by Councilman Odierna,the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:50 PM Submitted by Christina Battalia,Town Clerk 7