Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008_03_19 Town Board Minutes MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON MARCH 19, 2008 AT 8:15 PM IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE TOWN, 740 W. BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK PRESENT: Supervisor Valerie M. O'Keeffe Councilwoman Phyllis Wittner Councilman Ernest C. Odierna Councilwoman Nancy Seligson Councilman David J. Fishman ALSO PRESENT: Christina Battalia, Town Clerk Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator William Maker, Jr., Town Attorney WORK SESSION Ambulance Service Billing System Mike Liverzani explained that "over the past two years the Ambulance District has been exploring options to make the billing process more efficient and to combine the billing software with document management software. The District has received six proposals, including their current service, MultiMed. All six companies use Zoll Data Management Software on their in-house billing system." Mr. Liverzani is recommending Evolution Billing Concepts for billing and Zoll Data Management Software for data management. Mr. Liverzani gave a power point presentation to the Board outlining the details of Zoll's Data Management Software. For the Board to move forward with the approval process a few items need to be addressed; the termination of MultiMed's contract, reviewing and approving an agreement with Evolution Billing Concepts and transferring $21,000 from the Ambulance District's surplus for funding. Mr. Maker will have a contract for the Board to review at their next work session on April 2"d. Parking-Washington Square The Town Administrator and Town Clerk, have been meeting to create a plan for the displaced 24 hour parkers in Lot# 3 during construction of the new parking deck. Four options were presented to the Board; ranging from creating temporary parking areas to defining potential on street parking. The Administrator and Town Clerk will be following up with the various options and will report back to the Board at their April 2"d, Town Board Meeting. I.C.L.E.I. - Conference Councilwoman Seligson has been chosen to attend this conference on May 14t" and 15t", in New Mexico. Councilwoman Seligson will be reimbursed for the cost of the Conference in the amount of$525.00. On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilman Fishman, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve Councilwoman Seligson's attendance at the I.C.L.E.I. conference May 14t" and 15t", in New Mexico for a total cost to the Town of$525.00. Safe Routes to School Program Kristine Budill, Murray Ave School parent and member of the PTA, addressed the Board to explain the Safe Routes to School Program. This is a national program developed in response to `rising traffic fatalities, obesity and worsening environmental conditions that contribute to the devolvement of childhood asthma.' Consultants provided by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council were asked to evaluate and make recommendations for Central Elementary School and Hommocks Middle School. Grants for this program are being offered 1 through the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) and administered through New York State. A grant in the amount of$200,000 will be applied for by the Mamaroneck School District. The three municipalities are each being asked for endorsements. Ms. Budill gave Supervisor O'Keeffe a draft endorsement which the Supervisor asked Mr. Maker to review. Communication from Brian Lobel It was reported that Mr. Lobel commented that the garbage calendar on the web-site is from 2007. He further commented that in light of the Town approving a web-site redesign, he feels the main issue is, can residents get current information from the web-site? Correspondence Muriel Marvin Ms. Marvin has questioned why the new law limiting hours when Peddlers can go door to door does not apply to Not For Profit organizations. Mr. Maker answered, it is because the Not For Profits fall under the First Amendment. Westchester County Flood Mitigation Meeting Supervisor O'Keeffe attended this meeting and reported to the Board the Counties outline for applying for grant monies. She emphasized that the County will be looking to see if municipalities have sufficient environmental laws in effect as part of the approval process. The Board discussed which areas in the Town would best be served by these grant monies. It was suggested that the County's Gardens' Lake Project might be able to remove more sediment and thus play a role in flood control by applying for Flood Mitigation Grants. The second area discussed was Cabot Road, which the Town has already applied for Federal funding through Assemblywoman Nita Lowey's Office. The Board agreed to send an application for both of these areas to the County for Flood Mitigation grants. The Board would see which project would meet the County criteria and therefore, have a better chance of being funded. Request from Assemblyman George Latimer Assemblyman George Latimer is asking for a letter of support from the Town, in support of the no left turn from Weaver Street to Pengilly Drive. The Town will not be sending a letter of support; during heavy traffic times Weaver Street becomes so congested that allowing the left turn onto Pengilly Drive is beneficial. Update — Legislation for a Special Parking District Mr. Altieri reported that he has been notified by Assemblyman George Latimer that the House and Senate should have a vote on this Legislation by April. Update — Fire Department Correspondence It was reported by the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department that the correspondence they discussed in Executive Session and the subsequent letter from the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department to the Village of Larchmont Fire Department will not be sent at this time. Revaluation Report The Town has received the revaluation report from Frey Appraisal and Consultants. It will be discussed at the next Work Session on April 2"d Correspondence from Village of Larchmont's Mayor Feld Supervisor O'Keeffe noted she received a letter from the Mayor asking the Town to support income tax changes currently in the State Budget, and supported by Senator Joseph Bruno. The Board felt this legislation had very little to do with Town Government - no support letter would be sent. Mayor Feld also sent correspondence regarding the Town's pipe repair at Flint Park. It was mentioned that the Town should have proceeded with the pipe repair as an emergency project. The Village feels because it was not done as an emergency project it is holding up the completion of the artificial turf field. The Board noted that the pipe repair did not and would not fall under the criteria for an 2 emergency project. There was no imminent danger to persons or property. They also noted that the delay in the artificial turf field was due to the Village's misunderstandings with the Department of Environmental Conservation. Mr. Fishman noted that when he was last at the site, there appeared to be confusion as to whether the drainage for the artificial turf field was going into the Town's pipe or directly into the vault. Mr. Altieri emphasized that the drainage was never supposed to be connected to the Town's pipe but rather directly into the vault. He was instructed to contact the engineer for the artificial field as well as the Town's consultant for the pipe repair and determine which scenario is correct. Update from Zoning Board of Appeals Councilwoman Seligson noted that the application before the Zoning Board regarding a mixed use variance for the Duane Reade site, must show 'hardship' for the Zoning Board to issue a mixed use variance. Since Duane Reade has a 15 year lease on the property, it will be very difficult for the property owners to make a case for hardship. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor O'Keeffe at 8: 30 PM she then pointed out the location of exits. PUBLIC HEARING — FCD Mamaroneck, LLC -Amendment to Special Permit The following notice of Public Hearing was entered into the record: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Adjourned March 5, 2008 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck on March 19, 2008, at 8:15 PM or as soon thereafter as is possible in the Court Room of the Town Center, 740 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York to consider Amending the Special Permit issued by the Town Board to FCD - Mamaroneck LLC,. The full text of this Local law may be examined and copies obtained at the Town Clerk's office during regular hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, or until 4:00 PM during June, July and August) at 740 W. Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, New York PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that at the Public Hearing all persons interested will be given an opportunity to be heard and that all persons are invited to submit written comments at or prior thereto. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK CHRISTINA BATTALIA TOWN CLERK Published: February 22, 2008 On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, the Public Hearing was unanimously opened. Mr. Maker explained that an Extension of the Special Permit is being requested by FCD Mamaroneck, LLC, the details of which were discussed during the Public Hearing on March 5, 2008. Mr. Maker noted that the Town is not fully committed to issuing an extension, but there are current discussions pertaining to 'conditions' that would be imposed if the Town were to grant an Extension of the Special Permit. He therefore, recommends that the Town Board adjourn the Public Hearing until April 2, 2008. Mr. Joel Sachs, Counsel to FCD Mamaroneck LLC, reiterated the comments made by Mr. Maker. 3 On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilman Fishmam, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby adjourn the Public Hearing regarding the request for an Extension of the Special Permit for FCD Mamaroneck LLC until April 2, 2008. PUBLIC HEARINGS—Zoning Ordinance– Making the Defense of Non – Conformity an Affirmative Defense The following notice of Public Hearing was entered into the record: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Adjourned March 5, 2008 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck on March 19, 2008 at 8:15 PM or as soon thereafter as is possible in the Court Room of the Town Center, 740 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York to consider the adoption of a local law entitled "Making the Defense of Non-Conformity an Affirmative Defense" Law. Purpose To make the defense of pre-existing non-conformity an "affirmative defense" in the prosecution of a violation of the Zoning Ordinance. The full text of this Local law may be examined and copies obtained at the Town Clerk's office during regular hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, or until 4:00 PM during June, July and August) at 740 W. Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, New York PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that at the Public Hearing all persons interested will be given an opportunity to be heard and that all persons are invited to submit written comments at or prior thereto. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK CHRISTINA BATTALIA TOWN CLERK Published: February 18, 2008 On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, the Public Hearing was unanimously opened. Mr. Maker explained that the Planning Board is currently drafting a resolution in opposition to this Amendment. Mr. Maker advised that any further discussion be adjourned until the Board receives the Planning Boards opinion. On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, the Board unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby Adjourn the Public Hearing regarding the adoption of a local law entitled "Making the Defense of Non-Conformity an Affirmative Defense" Law until April 2, 2008. 4 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The meeting was called to order by Supervisor O'Keeffe and on motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, the Board of Fire Commissioners was unanimously declared open. Present were the following members of the Commission: Commissioner: Valerie M. O'Keeffe Commissioner: Phyllis Wittner Commissioner: Ernest C. Odierna Commissioner: Nancy Seligson Commissioner: David J. Fishman 1. FIRE CLAIMS Commissioner Seligson presented fire claims for authorization of payment, thereafter on Commissioner Seligson's motion, seconded by Commissioner Wittner, 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: AAA Emergency Supply Co. Inc. $ 176.00 AAA Emergency Supply Co. Inc. $ 159.80 AAA Emergency Supply Co. Inc. $ 145.50 AAA Emergency Supply Co. Inc. $ 84.95 AAA Emergency Supply Co. Inc. $ 35.00 AAA Emergency Supply Co. Inc. $ 35.00 AAA Emergency Supply Co. Inc. $ 35.00 Avaya $ 51.89 Con Edison $1,897.39 G & K Services $ 101.96 HK Laundry Equipment Inc. $ 167.50 Kussmaul Electronics Co. $ 347.79 National Standby Repair Inc. $ 603.46 O.S.P. Fire Protection $ 279.00 Rickert Lock & Safe $ 75.00 Sound Shore Contracting $ 161.25 Sound Shore Pest Control $ 130.00 Technical Electronics $ 502.00 Town of Mamaroneck $ 239.20 Town of Mamaroneck-P.F.F.A. $ 220.08 Verizon Wireless $ 144.96 Westchester Elevator $ 196.35 Total: $5,789.08 Purchase Order: Motorola C/O Metrocom Wireless $2,923.66 Total: $2,923.66 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Commissioner Fishman Aye Commissioner Seligson Aye Commissioner Odierna Aye Commissioner Wittner Aye Commissioner O'Keeffe Aye 5 2. Authorization — Transfer of Funds — Capital Projects 27-06 THIS ITEM HAS BEEN ADJOURNED TO THE NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING APRIL 2, 2008 3. Other Fire Department Business There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner Seligson, seconded by Commissioner Fishman, the Commission unanimously adjourned. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Authorization — Renewal — General Counsel Retainer Supervisor O'Keeffe noted the Board has discussed the details of this agreement fully and requested this be drafted by Mr. Altieri On motion of councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, it was RESOLVED, the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the retainer agreement with William Maker Jr. covering the period January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009 and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that for the scope of services listed in schedule A of the retainer agreement, the annual retainer shall increase from $73,000 to $80, 000 for the year 2008 and increase from $80,000 to $85,000 for the year 2009; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the hourly rate of reimbursement for 2008 of $205.00 will remain the same, and will increase to $225.00 for the year 2009; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Administrator is hereby authorized to execute this Agreement on behalf of the Town. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye 2. Authorization — Ice Rink Feasibility Study Mr. Altieri explained that as part of the planned capital improvements to the Hommocks Ice Rink Facilities, the Town has received three proposals to perform a new feasibility study. He stated that a study was conducted in 1995 that provided the Recreation Department with a blueprint to follow for operating the Hommocks Ice Rink as efficiently as possible. Mr. Altieri states, "a professional study will provide the Town with information to evaluate the overall operations of the arena, make recommendations on equipment, prioritize work and projected expenses." He is recommending RSP Architects, because they have "the best qualifications as well as the ability to provide the Town with the most comprehensive study. Their engineers are licensed in all fifty states and are accredited professionals with the U.S. Green Buildings Council (USGBC) and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)". Councilwoman Wittner commented that she objected to spending $25,000 for a feasibility study at this time — adding this is not a good time because of the current economy. 6 Mr. Altieri reminded the Board that all but $5,000 of the funding was already in the budget. He also noted that the Recreation Department is a revenue generating department, adding the Ice Rink operates solely on its own revenue, including its debt service. It was also noted that doing this study now would give the Superintendent of Recreation, Jill Fisher ample time to evaluate the study and make recommendations for the 2009 budget. On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilman Fishman, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby award the Hommocks Park Ice Rink Feasibility Study to RSP Architects of Minnesota, in the amount of$21,500 plus reimbursable expenses for transportation, food and lodging. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Nay O'Keeffe Aye 3. Report of Bids – Contract TA 08-05 - Reconstruction of the Stair Tower at the Larchmont Train Station The following bids were entered into the record: Contract TA-08-5A— Electrical Bids as Received: Description (1) (2) (3) Naber Electrical Dennis Marino d/b/a Fran Corporation d/b/a Corporation Ardee Electrical All Bright Electric Construction Company Base Bid $ 17,310.00 $ 18,423.00 $ 19,700.00 Contract#TA -08-5— General Construction Bids as Received: Description (1) (2) (3) Arben Group, LLC SCS Structural Mace Contracting Contracting Corporation Services Inc. Base $179,000.00 $198,720.00 $254,000.00 Bid The Board reviewed the Bid Evaluation and Recommendation report from Calgi Construction Management, the Town's consultants for this project. Mr. Altieri explained, there are two separate bid contracts one for general construction the other for the electrical work. The total cost for this project is $232,110, of which $55,00 is already in the 2008 budget. The funding for the remaining balance may come from surplus – a final determination has not been made. On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Supervisor O'Keeffe, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Town Board finds the approval of Contract TA-08-5 - General Construction, for construction of Larchmont Stairwell is hereby declared to be a Type II action, with no Impact under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) 7 On the motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilman Odierna, the following was approved. WHEREAS, on March 13, 2008 at 11:OOAM the Town opened bids for Contract# TA-08-5 General Construction. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby award Contract# TA-08-5—General Construction, for the Construction of the Larchmont Stairwell, to the lowest qualified bidder based on the base bid alone to Arben Group, LLC, in the amount of$179,000.00; and BE IT, FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Administrator is hereby authorized to execute said contract on behalf of the Town. On the motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Town Board finds the approval of Contract TA-08-5A— Electrical, for the electrical work to the Larchmont Stairwell is hereby declared to be a Type II action, no Impact under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). On the motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby award Contract# TA-08-5A— Electrical, for the electrical work for the Larchmont Stairwell to the lowest qualified bidder based solely on the base bid alone to Naber Electrical Corporation, in the amount of$17,310; and BE IT, FURTHER RESOLVED RESOLVED, that the Town Administrator is hereby authorized to execute said contracts on behalf of the Town. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye 4. Salary Authorization - Recreation RECREATION On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was RESOLVED, that as provided for in the 2008 Town Budget the Town Board does hereby authorize the payment of salary to the following: Liz Eney Lifeguard $9.25/hour effective 3/15/08 Erin Greenberg Lifeguard $10/hour effective 3/15/08 Jon Rubin Lifeguard $11.50/hour effective 3/15/08 8 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye ADDED ITEM 5. Authorization — Creation of Trust Fund — Greenway Trails Councilwoman Seligson explained that as part of the ongoing maintenance and operation of the Greenway Trails, the Town of Mamaroneck will serve as lead agency. On the motion of Councilwoman Seligson, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner it was, RESOLVED, that the Town Board does herby Authorize the Creation of Trust Fund — Greenway Trails to serve as the operating account for the receipt and disbursements of Funds for the Trail operations. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Jennifer Conley, representing Fields for Kids (FFK), addressed the Board. She thanked the Board on behalf of FFK for their role as partner with the County and the Village of Larchmont for the Flint Park Project. As part of FFK's responsibility to their donors, we have reported to them that the turf field is ready except for the pipe adjacent to the field, which if not complete could delay the project. Ms. Conley stated she was not here to question the Town on their handling of the pipe project but rather to ask if it could be made a priority. Councilman Fishman noted that he had recently walked through the project with the Village of Larchmont engineers. He stated the engineering challenge now is not the completion of the pipe but the drainage of the field to where it is supposed to go. Mr. Altieri stated, the Town was never informed that any drainage for the Field would enter directly into the Town pipe but rather would enter into the vault directly. Mr. Altieri further noted that during the DEC permit process, the DEC wanted to issue a permit combining the Town's pipe project with the Village's field project. The Town was opposed and the DEC permits were issued separately. It was further emphasized that any delay in the pipe project was caused by the original amount of$500,000 being unexpectedly high; the Town modified the bid documents and they were sent out to bid again. Councilman Fishman asked that arrangements be made for the Village Engineer to come speak with the Town directly and let us know exactly what is needed from the Town. George Roniger, Larchmont Gardens' Civic Association, noted that the Association is planning their annual meeting May 5t"- hopefully the Fire House will be available. They are planning a discussion of the real estate situation in the Town. They are bringing to the table a number of local realtors for this discussion. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None 9 SUPERVISOR'S REPORT REPORT OF COUNCIL Councilman Fishman attended the Traffic Committee Meeting on March 18, there was no quorum and items were taken under advisement. Of note were issues brought by the Murray Ave PTA, adding this will probably be brought before the Town Board for discussion. The School Board is discussing how they will proceed with their bonding as well as increases with the budget. Councilwoman Seligson attended the Westchester Municipal Official's Dinner last week in Bronxville, as did Councilwoman Wittner. There was discussion about how Global Warming could affect future SEAR findings. Kelly Belnick, a student at Pace Law School, will be replacing Sara Price as our summer intern for the I.C.L.E.I project. She and Councilwoman Wittner recently met with Paul Gallay to discuss preserving and protecting the last open space in the Town. Councilman Odierna attended the Seniors' Saint Patrick's Celebration as did Supervisor O'Keefe, Councilwoman Seligson and Councilwoman Wittner. At the Recreation Commission Meeting they discussed the proposal for the Ice Rink Feasibility Study. He noted the banner crowds attending the Rink on a regular basis. He noted a number of issues are being discussed regarding the Pool and the School Board. On March 13, he attended the Summit meeting; the discussion was Affordable Housing. Mr. Altieri stated that he and Superintendent of Recreation Jill Fisher have met with the School to discuss possible alternatives to the issues of Pool maintenance. Supervisor O'Keeffe wished everyone a Happy Easter! ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilman Fishman, the meeting was unanimously adjourned 10:15 PM. Submitted by Christina Battalia, Town Clerk 10