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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997_11_05 Town Board Minutes MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK AND THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 1997 AT 8:15 PM IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE TOWN CENTER, 740 W. BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK PRESENT: Supervisor Elaine Price Councilman Paul A. Ryan Councilwoman Valerie M. O'Keeffe Councilman Barry Weprin Councilwoman Phyllis Wittner ALSO PRESENT: Patricia DiCioccio, Town Clerk Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator Charlene Indelicato, Town Attorney CONVENE EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board convened into an Work Session at 7:30 PM in Conference Room A of the Town Center to discuss a preliminary request of NYNEX for installation of a equipment storage closet on Old White Plains Road. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Price at 8:25 PM, who then pointed out the location of exits. The Supervisor congratulated Councilman Ryan, and Councilwoman O'Keeffe on their victories in the elections, saying it was a fine win. PRESENTATION - Donation to Mamaroneck School House in Memory of Lucille Quadrine. John Quadrine, husband of Lucille, accepted the donation, thanking everyone. He said that the School House is being worked on, and that the belfry is almost finished. He said that Bill Frazier, who had donated much of his time to work on the house, is doing an outstanding job. Frank Clapps had donated shrubbery and the labor involved with landscaping, and that there were many monetary donations still being received. In response to a request from the Supervisor, he gave a short history of the school house. He said that it was built prior to 1816 and was located on Mt. Pleasant Avenue, it was moved to Waverly Avenue in 1927, but wasn't sure of the mechanics. The Martins bought it and lived there until a few years ago. Gloria Pritts saw the house for sale and asked me to move it so it could be designated as a historic site. He said that when getting cost estimates for the move, it seemed prohibitive at $50,000. Then a firm from Long Island who had heard of the house, contacted him, and said that they could remove the roof, put it inside the house, then move it at a cost of$12,000, which was how it was done. Following discussion of the house, Mr. Quadrine presented the November 5, 1997 Supervisor with a gift picture that looked like a billboard that was taken during the dedication of the tree planted in Lucille Quadrine's memory. The Supervisor then presented the check for$725.00 from the Town. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Price at 8:55 PM in the Court Room. Present were the following members of the Commission: Commissioner Elaine Price Commissioner Paul A. Ryan Commissioner Valerie M. O'Keeffe Commissioner Phyllis Wittner Commissioner Barry Weprin 1. Fire Claims: Commissioner Ryan, who had been absent at the last meeting, presented fire claims from the October 22, 1997 for authorization of payment , thereafter, on Commissioner Ryan's motion, seconded by Commissioner Weprin, it was unanimously: 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: OPERATING FUND FROM MEETING OF 10/22/97 AAA Emergency Supply Co., Inc. $ 2312.00 AAA Emergency Supply Co., Inc. 280.40 AT & T Capital Leasing 99.81 AT & T Wireless Service 190.56 Brewers 196.42 Carquest of Larchmont 9.20 Con Ed 99.88 Con Ed 2.09 Coyne Textile 121.70 D'Agostino 25.00 J & J Barish 262.58 Lucent Technologies 45.85 N.F.P.A. 263.85 Poland Spring Water 64.62 Quest Diagnostics 118.67 Rescue Technology Ind.' 400.00 Rickert Lock & Safe Co. 12.00 Staples 879.60 Westchester Elevator 340.00 $ 5,724.23 Commissioner Weprin presented fire claims for authorization of payment , thereafter, on Commissioner Ryan's motion, seconded by Commissioner Weprin, it was unanimously, 2 November 5, 1997 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: OPERATING FUND FROM MEETING OF 11/05/97 AAA Emergency 50.00 AT & T 36.61 Bell Atlantic 455.62 Cleaning Systems 105.85 Eastern Bag & Paper Co. 41.92 Everson Ross Co. 247.75 Fire-End Croker Corp. 45.60 Gall's Inc. 158.63 New Rochelle Restaurant 140.10 Town of Mamaroneck Fire Dept 330.85 Evensen Dodge, Inc. 6,545.65 Moody's Investors 2,000.00 Grand Total $10,158.58 2. Other Business The Supervisor announced that the Fire Department would be putting together a Thanksgiving project for those in need and that they would be at the next Town Board meeting to tell us more about it. There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Councilwoman O'Keeffe, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, the Commission unanimously adjourned at 8:55 PM. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Appointments - Larch mont/Mamaroneck Cable TV Board of Control Councilwoman O'Keeffe complained that she did not receive the resume until tonight. It was then agreed that this item be held over until the next meeting to give her more time to review the resume. 2. Authorization - Renewal of Parking Violations Management Agreement - Complus Data Innovations Mr Altieri explained that in 1987 the Town entered its first agreement with Complus Data Innovations to help manage the processing and collection of our parking and moving violation summons. The agreement provides for Complus to maintain a computer record of violations and to issue notices to those that have not paid their fines. They will also provide a on-line service which must be available to the Town at the times listed in the master agreement and that Complus prepares a series of reports that allows the Town to track collections of overdue fines. 3 November 5, 1997 He outlined that under the terms of the agreement, Complus's fee for service is equal to 12.5% of fines actually collected. He said that since the Court continues to be pleased with the results of Complus's work, plus as a result of using this service we have improved our rate of collection and eliminated the original problem of older summonses accumulating without some form of collection, I recommend that authorization be given to execute another renewal agreement. On motion of Councilman Ryan, seconded by Councilman Weprin, it was unanimously, RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the Agreement with Complus Data Innovations, to provide parking violation collection services to the Town Court, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Administrator is hereby authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the Town. 3. Report of Bids - Contract TA97-4 - Refuse Collection Truck The Town Administrator reported that on September 12, 1997 the Town had publicly opened and read bids for one (1) 25 yard refuse collection truck. The Town received one bid from Gabrielli Mack to furnish the vehicle. The vendor submitted two bid prices listing an alternative refuse collection body that would lower the price of the truck, Since the bid document did not provide for a vendor to submit bids in this fashion, we find the bid to be unacceptable and therefore the recommendation is for the Town Board to reject the bid. On motion of Councilwoman O'Keeffe, seconded by Councilman Weprin, it was unanimously, WHEREAS, As Gabrielli Mack, the only vendor to submit a bid for one (1) 26 yard refuse collection truck; and WHEREAS, the vendor submitted two bid prices listing an alternative refuse collection body that would lower the price of the truck, and since the bid document did not provide for a vendor to submit bids in this fashion; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby reject the bid from Gabrielli Mack that was incorrectly submitted for a refuse collection truck 4. Authorization - Sale of Surplus Equipment The Administrator said that the Highway Superintendent had submitted a listing of vehicular equipment that is no longer necessary to the Town's operations and that the recommendation was that the equipment be declared as surplus. He also requested authorization to accept bids for the sale of the equipment. Councilwoman O'Keeffe questioned the procedure for the sale. The Administrator explained that a notice is published, bids accepted and publicly opened. Councilman Ryan asked why the Town is no longer doing joint auctions with other communities. Mr. Altieri replied that the company that had coordinated the auction had gone out of business. 4 November 5, 1997 Then, on motion of Councilman Ryan, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was unanimously, RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby declare the following list of vehicles as surplus equipment and authorizes the auction sale of said equipment: Vehicle Vehicle Year Make Model Type LD No. Value #51 1987 DODGE WAGON IB3BD39KOHF258080 $800 # 71 1990 CHEVY CAPRICE IGIBL5475LA152531 $3,000 # 92 1994 FORD CROWN VIC 2FALP7lW2RX197147 $3,000 # 99 1994 CHEVY CAPRICE IGIBL52W9RR1867499 $3,000 5. Authorization - Easement/Right of Way Agreement - Coventry Court The Administrator reported that during the last year the Town had approved the construction of the Coventry Court subdivision at the northern end of Fenimore Road near the Scarsdale Village border, and as a condition of the approval, the developer was required to construct new water mains to serve the subdivision. Most water mains in the Town's Unincorporated area are jointly owned by the Westchester Joint Water Works and the Town, therefore any easement agreements are with the Town and the WJWW jointly. He said that he had provided the proposed agreement that was drafted by the WJWW, which would grant the Town and the WJWW a perpetual easement to repair, replace, and maintain the water mains in the subdivision. Councilwoman Wittner asked if the easement would appear on each homeowner's deed. The Administrator replied that it would. Councilwoman Wittner then questioned an item on page four of the easement regarding plantings and whether it had been specified what could be planted on the easement. Mr. Altieri explained that no matter what, we would still have the right to access the pipes. Councilman Ryan noted that it would be foolish to plant over the pipes because the roots could potentially break them, and that in all likelihood plantings would be able to grow well there. On motion of Councilman Ryan, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was unanimously, RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the Easement Agreement with Demetriades Developers Inc., Coventry Court Subdivision, and the Town, and RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is authorized to execute the easement agreement. 6. Authorization - Request Use of Voting Machines - Mamaroneck Public Library The Clerk said that Mamaroneck Public Library had requested use of two voting machines for their budget vote set for Tuesday, December 9, 1997, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. She noted that all costs for the setup of machines, moving of machines, election inspectors, etc., would be at the library's expense, with no cost to the Town other than the use of the machines. 5 November 5, 1997 RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve the request for the use of two voting machines for the library election to be held on December 9, 1997. 7. Salary Authorization - Building Department Mr. Altieri recounted that since Bill Jakubowski has retired as the Town's Building Inspector, he, beginning in the early part of the summer, had been canvassing civil service lists and evaluating candidates for that position. In seeking a replacement, he had looked for a candidate with not only building inspection experience but experience in land use administration to oversee the Town's many land use ordinances, and also for a candidate with a good sense of how to deal with the public for the operation of the Building Department and for code enforcement activities. He said that when he came upon the candidate believed to be the most suitable for the position, that person did not fit into the existing Building Inspector's title in the Town of Mamaroneck. Therefore a good part of the delay in hiring a replacement had been caused when the Westchester County Department of Civil Service required the Town to establish a new title encompassing the duties of the position. The Town suggested to the County the title of Director of Building, Code Enforcement, and Land Use Administration, which was finally approved by the County. He then recommended that the Board approve the hiring of Ronald Carpaneto, of Purdy's New York, to replace Bill Jakubowski. He noted that since 1989, Mr Carpaneto has been working for the Town of Somers as Assistant Building Inspector and then Building Inspector, and that over the last four years, the Town of Somers had seen an incredible amount of both commercial and residential development. The Building Department in Somers is considered to be one of the busiest departments in the county. During his tenure as Building Inspector, Mr. Carpaneto was responsible for construction inspection for the PepsiCo and IBM office developments in Somers. His qualifications fit well with our needs in the Town of Mamaroneck, that like the Town, Somers is seriously concerned with the environment and they administer a wetlands ordinance similar to that of the Town. He outlined that the employment agreement allows for a salary for the position will be set for $62,500 and that other benefits of the position are the same as those provided to the prior Building Inspector. Councilwoman O'Keeffe said that she had not received the memo until tonight and that the candidates for this type of position should be subject to review by the Board, even if the review is for the last 2 or 3 candidates, noting that she would abstain from voting on this item. Councilwoman Wittner replied that she did not agree, that the Administrator has that responsibility and accountability for hiring which also provides some safety for Board members being pressured to appoint politically. Supervisor Price said that if the Board wants to change policy, we should be careful of what and how we decide to change, its either all or nothing that we must be careful of. We have given the Town Administrator the authority to choose personnel, by inflicting politics into day to day operations we begin to receive calls about wanting someone or other hired. It is also late in the process and unfair now to not hire the candidate presented. And she said the first six months there is a probationary period for everyone hired. The issue could have been raised earlier and there are procedures in place to answer questions. On motion of Councilman Ryan, seconded by Councilman Weprin, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the payment of salary to Ronald Carpaneto, as Director of Building, 6 November 5, 1997 Code Enforcement, and Land Use Administration, at an annual salary of$62,500. Ayes: Wittner, Weprin, Ryan, Price Nays: None Abstain: O'Keeffe SALARY AUTHORIZATION Recreation RESOLVED, that as provided for in the 1997 Town Budget, authority is hereby approved for the payment of salary to -the following: Cathy Cilento, Instructor, Exercise on the Light Side, $55/session, effective 11/4/97. Michael Eggers, Assistant Coach, Mamaroneck Swim Club, $2.500/season, effective retroactive to 10/20/97 to 3/9/98. Michael Chiapparelli, Director, Youth Hockey, $3,550/season, and $14/hour, effective 11/8/97 to 3/14/98. John Chevalier, Goalie Instructor , Youth Hockey, $13/hour, effective 11/8/97. Jason Lividini, Instructor, Youth Hockey, $11/hour, effective 11/8/97. 8. Set Public Hearings: a) Installation of Stop Sign - Sheldrake Ave./Rockland Ave. b) Installation of Stop Sign - Sheldrake Ave./Forest Ave. c) Hardship Application - Food Related Business Moratorium d) Handicap Parking Space -Washington Square e) Consideration of Cable TV Franchise Transfer Mr. Altieri said that the Traffic Committee, at their last meeting, reviewed several traffic matters and is making the following recommendations to the Town Board: Installation of Stop Sign, Sheldrake Ave./Forest Ave. Currently a yield sign on Sheldrake Ave. controls traffic exiting Sheldrake Ave. onto Forest Ave. A letter received by the Committee from Linda Harrington suggests that existing yield sign be replaced with a stop sign. Traffic exiting Sheldrake would therefore be required to make a full stop before entering Forest Ave. In view of the intersection's proximity to the Murray Ave. School and the number of pedestrians walking in this area, the Traffic Committee agree with Ms. Harrington and recommend the installation of a stop sign. On motion of Councilman Ryan, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby set the date for Public Hearing on the Installation of Stop Sign, Sheldrake Ave./Forest Ave; and BE IT FURTHER, 7 November 5, 1997 RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk be and hereby is authorized to publish the legal notice of Public Hearings in an official newspaper of the Town. Installation of Stop Sign - Sheldrake Ave. In the course of reviewing the previous recommendation the Committee realized that there is no form of traffic control at the intersection of Sheldrake Ave. and Rockland Ave. Due to the volume of traffic on Rockland Ave., the view of the Committee is that a stop sign should be posted on Sheldrake Ave. for traffic entering onto Rockland Ave. On motion of Councilman Ryan, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby set the date for Public Hearing on the Installation of Stop Sign, Sheldrake Avenue for November 19, 1997 at 8:15 PM; and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk be and hereby is authorized to publish the legal notice of Public Hearings in an official newspaper of the Town. Request to add a Handicapped Parking Space on No. Chatsworth Avenue The Traffic Committee considered a request to add a handicapped parking space on North Chatsworth Ave. near the intersection of Washington Square. Over the last year the Committee has evaluated the appropriate number of handicapped parking spaces in this section of the Town. At this time there is one handicapped space on Murray Ave. near the Veteran's Memorial and a handicapped space on North Chatsworth Ave. near the intersection of Myrtle Blvd. There is also a handicapped space on Myrtle Blvd. in front of 172 Myrtle Blvd. The Administrator said that if the Town Board wishes to accept the recommendations of the Committee, local laws must be adopted to install the stop signs and added that the Public hearings can be set for the next Town Board meeting. Supervisor Price said that she had met with the DOT and they are revising rules and regulations which will allow the Town more leeway with speeders driving through our community. Ernie Odierna asked if people who would be affected by the changes would be notified of the public hearing. The Administrator replied that traffic regulations do not mandate notification, and should we selectively start sending notice it would be opening us to suits. Mr. Odierna suggested that we adopt a policy of notification. On motion of Councilman Ryan, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby set the date for Public Hearing on the Handicapped Parking Space on No. Chatsworth Avenue for November 19, 1997 at 8:15 PM; and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk be and hereby is authorized to publish the legal notice of Public Hearings in an official newspaper of the Town. 8 November 5, 1997 Consideration of Cable TV Franchise Transfer Councilman Ryan stated that a public hearing would have to be held by this Board as well as by both Villages in order to consider the buyout and transfer of the TCI Cable franchise. He noted that the meeting must be held before the end of November. Following discussion, on his motion seconded by Councilman Weprin, it was unanimously, On motion of Councilman Ryan, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby set the date for Public Hearing on the Cable TV Franchise Transfer for November 19, 1997; and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk be and hereby is authorized to publish the legal notice of Public Hearings in an official newspaper of the Town. 9. Authorization - Transfer of Funds - Road Resurfacing Mr. Altier said that the capital road resurfacing program for 1997 had recently been completed and that to finance the program the Town Board had previously authorized an appropriation of$90,000 in the 1997 budget and that $60,000 was carried over from the 1996 capital fund. A resolution is required from the Board to transfer the $90,000 from the Highway Fund to Capital Project 96-06 to initiate payments for the project. On motion of Councilman Ryan, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was unanimously, RESOLVED, that the Board does authorize the transfer of funds in the amount of$90,000 from the Highway Fund to Capital Project Account#96-06 for the purpose of road resurfacing. SUPERVISOR REPORTS Supervisor Price read the following dates for budget sessions: Tuesday, November 18, 1997 - 7:30 PM, Work Session and Highway Department. Wednesday, December 3, 1997 - 8:15 PM, Public Hearing on the Preliminary Budget Wednesday, December 17, 1997 - 8:15 PM, Adoption of the 1998 Town Budget Supervisor Price reported that the Village of Larchmont was holding a meeting on the State Police Report which addressed the issue on consolidating departments. The Budget Committee in Larchmont has addressed the issue, as has the League of Women Voters. The Town has not discussed the issue. Our Police Department will not be presenting that report here. If anything will be done by the Town Board. There is a false impression and its our biggest danger because it can harm good relations, that somebody who is against consolidation is spreading. They said that when the kids went to the Town were ignored because they were Larchmont kids. If anyone has a problem they can talk to us immediately and should there be a problem contact us. This report is not about consolidation, it recommends cooperation. We won't allow anything else here, and we won't let it mar our focus of cooperation. The worse thing we can do is talk less, and justify it by saying untrue things. We have a 9 November 5, 1997 wonderful Police Department, if a problem happens let us know, but by making overstatements to make a point serves no one. We support everyone and each other. Cooperation and community are very important to us, Don't go on TV and give out cheap shots, it serves no purpose. The Supervisor informed Ernie that Stealth Town Company had been talked to by our police department and they slowed down, but it is now regenerating again. In 1995, New Rochelle had limited the allowable towing fees to $15 which seemed to alleviate the situation. She said that legislation seemed necessary. Ernie Odierna, congratulated Paul Ryan and Valerie O'Keeffe on their reelection, adding that it was a well-run campaign. He said that he get phone calls in the middle of the night when trees come down, and not sure how he should handle it. The Administrator said that the Police Department should be called. Ernie then questioned the policy on plantings, because he had be told that a nice tree at 21 Dante Street had been removed, and are they automatically replaced. Ernie said that he had been under the impression that there would be no more black top curbing, yet it was recently done on Rockland Avenue Mr. Altieri said they are not, that if a tree comes down, its usually because there is a problem of some sort. Then to the curbing question, he said that there would be no new black top curbing, but there would be replacement. There then ensued a lengthy discussion on curbing. Bill O'Gorman, thanked the League of Women Voters for handling the debate, said that everyone did a fine job. ADJOURNMENT On motion duly made and seconded the meeting was adjourned at 9:54 PM. Patricia A. DiCioccio, Town Clerk C:\MSOFFICE\WINWORD\Min\97minf\11-05x.doc 10