Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009_12_02 Town Board Minutes DECEMBER 2, 2009 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON DECEMBER 2, 2009, BEGINNING AT 5:00 PM IN CONFERENCE ROOM A AND CONTINUING 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 Call to Order On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilwoman Seligson the Work Session was unanimously opened at 5:10PM. WORK SESSION Tony Siligato,Town Comptroller was present for the Work Session. 2010 Town Budget The Board continued discussion with respect to the Preliminary 2010 Town Budget. The Board reviewed the final Preliminary Budget;this Preliminary Budget will be presented at this evening's Public Hearing. Special Parking District—Washington Square Area Mr. Maker will draft legislation for Lester Place Special Parking District. Third Floor Archives/Records Room The Board was made aware of a weight issue involving the third floor records room. An alternative location needs to be explored. It has been determined that the first floor room in which the voting machines are stored is the best and least costly alternative. That option is being pursued by the Town Clerk and Town Administrator with an estimated cost of 15,000.00. Bond Anticipation Note The Board reviewed the proposal to authorize a bond anticipation note for the following projects: Community Services/Conference Room Construction $125,000 Records Management/Archives $ 15,000 Parking Meters—Myrtle Blvd/Madison Avenue $ 55,000 Bonding Expense/Contingency $ 5,000 1 DECEMBER 2, 2009 Mr.Siligato will be preparing bond papers for the next Town Board Meeting. On motion of Supervisor O'Keeffe,seconded by Councilman Fishman,the Board unanimously agreed to enter into Executive Session to discuss employment history,certiorari,and potential purchase of land. EXECUTIVE SESSION Employment History Certiorari Potential Purchase of Land On motion of Councilman Odierna,seconded by Supervisor O'Keeffe,the Board unanimously agreed to resume the Work Session. On motion of Councilman Fishman,seconded by Councilwoman Seligson it was RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does herby agree to layoff 3 Town of Mamaroneck part time employees. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Nay O'Keeffe Aye Councilwoman Wittner stated that for the amount of money being expended for severance,it should be used to retain these employees,therefore she voted against this Resolution. 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. TAKEN OUT OF ORDER BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The meeting was called to order by Commissioner O'Keeffe and on motion of Commissioner Wittner, seconded by Commissioner Fishman,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 2 DECEMBER 2, 2009 1. FIRE CLAIMS Commissioner Witmer presented fire claims for authorization of payment,thereafter on Commissioner Wittner's motion,seconded by Commissioner Seligson,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: 2434 CW Corp. Car Wash-10/30/09-Collins $ 5.50 Amazon Vacuum Bags,Windshield Mount, Batteries $ 236.43 Bound Tree Medical Disp.Gloves $ 180.40 Brendan Collins (P.O.) Reimbur. For XTS2500 Portable Radio $ 2,400.00 Cleaning Systems Supplies(Gloves) $ 159.00 Cleaning Systems Cleaning Supplies $ 61.35 DTM Parts Supply Inc. Auto parts $ 179.48 ESS 4 Belt Clips for Pagers $ 39.20 Hi-Tech 2 Name Patches For Turnout Gear $ 63.32 Inter-State Diagnostic 3 Physical Exams $ 745.00 Knox Company Keysecure(2) $ 1,068.00 Metrocom Wireless Reprogramming of Radios $ 160.00 Oakland Beach Deli Food for Hazmat Classes-Collation 11/7/09 $ 190.00 Oakland Beach Deli Food for Nov.'09 Drill-Collation 11/17/09 $ 211.00 PMC Associates(P.O.) Radio Communication Equipment $ 5,851.25 Poland Springs Drinking Water-Oct'09 $ 77.01 Proftech 2010 Calendars $ 89.11 Superior Backf low Testing Tested 2 Backflow Prevention Devices $ 135.00 T.C.D. Uniden Scanners(2) $ 496.00 T.C.D. 6 Outlet Srobe $ 157.50 Technical Electronics Service Call for Antenna Systems $ 918.00 Tony's Nursery Plantings for FD Headquarters $ 106.13 Town of Mamaroneck P.F.F.A.Life Insurance for Nov.'09 $ 188.64 Verizon Phone Service 11/10-12/9/09 $ 276.14 Winzer Corporation Supplies $ 34.26 Total: $ 14,027.72 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 3 DECEMBER 2, 2009 2. Other fire Department Business Commissioner Wittner noted that the Fire Council was held on Tuesday November 301"since the Department 3lections were held on the first Monday in December.Commissioner Wittner read keys dates and functions from the Fire Department Calendar, noting how busy the Department is. Commissioner Wittner said the Fire Chiefs'would like to come before the Board in January to give Department highlights, especially the well funded grants they have received. There being no further business to come before the Commission,on motion of Commissioner Wittner, seconded by Commissioner Odierna,the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened. PUBLIC HEARINGS — 2010 Preliminary Budget The following Notice of Public hearing was entered into the record: PUBLIC HEARING PRELIMINARY BUDGET FOR 2010 TOWN OF MAMARONECK, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN,that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck, New York on Wednesday, December 2, 2009, at 8:15PM in the Court Room of the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York to consider the preliminary budget for the calendar year commencing January 1, 2010 and ending December 31, 2010. All citizens are invited to attend and provide the Board with written and oral comments and ask questions concerning the Town's entire preliminary budget. The entire preliminary budget can be inspected by the public from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, beginning Monday, November 30, 2009, in the Town Clerk's Office, Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York. The Preliminary Budget is also posted on the Town of Mamaroneck website www.townofmamaroneck.org PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the proposed salaries of the members of the Town Board are as follows: Supervisor, $37,000; Town Council (4) $6,000 each and the proposed salary for the Town Clerk is $82,000 and the Town Justices(2)$21,000. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK Christina Battalia Town Clerk To be published: November 24,2009 On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilman Odierna,the Public Hearing was unanimously opened. Mr.Altieri presented the Preliminary Budget as a power point presentation. Mr.Altieri's letter dated November 21,2009 to the Supervisor and Town Board,included in the Preliminary Budget is entered into the record as follows: November 21,2009 Honorable Supervisor Valerie Moore O'Keeffe Members of the Town Board Town of Mamaroneck 4 DECEMBER 2, 2009 Re: 2010 Preliminary Town Budget Dear Supervisor and Members of the Town Board: Transmitted herewith is the Town of Mamaroneck's Preliminary Budget for the upcoming fiscal year that begins January 1,2010. The budget plan presented here represents the Town's estimates for the revenues and expenses needed to provide the many municipal services of the Town government. Over the last six weeks the Town Board has had the opportunity to review the budget, meet with department managers to review their individual estimates and develop a financial plan that represents their vision for the Town government in the coming year. This version of the budget will be the subject of a public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, December 2,2009. Upon completion of the hearing the Town Board can either adopt the budget at that time or consider further revisions. Pursuant to the New York State Town Law,the Town Board must adopt a budget no later than December 20. Back in November of 2008 during the presentation of the 2009 Town Budget we spoke of a time of unmatched uncertainty in our local and national economy. In response to these conditions the Town lowered revenue estimates,deferred capital projects and expenditures to lower our costs and weather the financial storm. Little did we know however that the economic conditions would grow even worse thus presenting an even greater challenge for the delivery of municipal services. During times such as this the predicament facing local government for continued service delivery becomes much more evident. Each year as we plan the budget we must consider the level of service to be provided. Think for a moment,that for our public safety and public works departments,we are expected to provide virtually unlimited service. We do not have the option of deciding that the Town will only respond to a given number of emergency service calls each month or only removing a limited amount of snow or leaves. Emergencies and unscheduled events are prevalent in local government operations. Of course we use historical data to guide us in our budget planning process however we must consider in our budget planning for sufficient resources to meet the ever changing demands for service. In this budget we have based our assumptions on the expectation that the community would prefer to not see a diminution of municipal services. Even in the face of expense increases for which the Town has no control,the budget presented here continues all municipal services without an increase in overall expenditures. There is actually a small decrease in appropriations in 2010. On the revenue side of the budget the Town faces a sizable reduction in taxable assessments and important non-property tax revenues. It was the inability to generate revenue for the 2010 Preliminary budget that caused the need for an increase in property taxes. On the following pages we will detail the highlights of the proposed budget and the basis for the budget estimates. 2010 Preliminary Town Budget at a Glance 2009 2010 Change Appropriations $30,008,725 $29,992,052 ($16,673) Non-Property Tax $8,895,240 $8,696,515 ($198,725) Revenue Reserve Application $2,047,330 $1,849,400 ($197,930) Property Tax Levy $19,066,155 $19,446,137 $379,982 Taxable Assessments $154,683,740 $152,721,695 ($1,962,045) Last year,as we moved into 2009 the estimated increase in appropriations was$869,000. As you can see from the chart above we propose no increase in expenditures for 2010. Also in the 2009 Town Budget we were required to raise an additional$742,000 in property taxes. For 2010 the tax levy requirement has been cut in half. The reduction in the tax levy requirement comes at a time when the Town will lose close to $600,000 in non-property tax revenue and reserve application funding as well a $2milllion reduction in property assessments. The next schedule represents the expected property tax impact upon residents of the Villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck and those living in the unincorporated area of the Town. Before reviewing the tax impact we want to clarify the allocation of Town services among the various areas of the Town. Residents living in the Villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck receive a number of services from the Town government including emergency medical service, certain property assessment services, recreation services and most 5 DECEMBER 2, 2009 recently the services of the newly consolidated Senior and Community Services Program and Section 8 Housing Voucher Program. Residents living in the unincorporated Town receive all of the services provided to the Villages as well as other essential services including those of the Fire Department, Police Department, Highway Services, Sanitation Services and Building Department Services. Impact Upon Unincorporated Area Properties 2009 2010 Change Property Tax Rate $257.55 $264.15 $6.60 Town Property Taxes' $5,151.00 $5,283 $132.00 Impact Upon Properties in the Villages of Mamaroneck and Larchmont 2009 2010 Change Property Tax Rate $14.25 $17.25 $3.00 Town Property Taxes in Villages3 $285 $345 $60.00 Each year as the budget is prepared we attempt to look at expenses on a multi-year basis to avoid large fluctuations in revenue and expense estimates. Budgets prepared in this fashion assure against large spikes in property tax adjustments from year to year which is generally more acceptable to taxpayers. This year in the Townwide Fund it was difficult to avoid a larger fluctuation due to yet another year of severe revenue reductions. Where the Money Will Come From? Generally the Town looks for a mix of revenue sources to stabilize or reduce the dependence upon the property tax. Because of the poor performance of non-property tax revenues,the 2010 budget proposes a total levy for all funds of$19.4 million which will fund 65%of the budget appropriations. Non-Property tax revenues such as investment income,sales tax, mortgage tax,departmental income and fees will fund the balance of 35%. For the second year in a row the Town will reduce its estimates for mortgage tax and investment income. Over the two year period expected mortgage tax revenue will decrease by$500,000 and investment income $400,000. These two sources of revenue are particularly important in the Townwide Fund which is the fund levied upon the two villages and the unincorporated area. Mortgage tax and investment income comprise 25%of the total non-property tax revenue in the Townwide Fund. The considerable increase in the mortgage tax and investment revenue during the period 2003-2008 allowed the Town to reduce property taxes in this fund for four consecutive years. Now however with the continued decline in these revenues a tax increase was required in for the Townwide Fund. With the exception of charges for Recreation Programs and the Ambulance District departmental income for the Town's operating departments will either remain relatively flat over the next year. In the Recreation Department revenues will increase in part because fees will be increased and property tax subsidies decreased. A review of all Recreation Programs and Services led to several changes in funding policies. For a number of the programs should the anticipated revenue not fund all program expenses,the program will be cancelled. Funding formulas for our pre-school camps have also been changed to reduce from 14%to 10%the amount of tax money used to support the programs. Although the fees for the camps will increase, they are still considered quite reasonable for the programming offered to the children. Overall the Recreation Department's revenues will increase by$123,500 to$1,929,500. Revenues of the department will fund 83%of the total Recreation Department budget of$2,325,955. Revenues are also expected to increase in the Ambulance District by$43,000 to$740,500. An increase in calls for service along with changes in our billing procedures and fees provide the basis for the increase in ' Calculation of property taxes is based upon a property with an average assessment of$20,000 2 Property tax rate is a combined tax rate that includes the Townwide tax rate and Ambulance District tax rate both of which are levied upon all properties in the Town of Mamaroneck 3 Calculation of property taxes is based upon a property with an average assessment of$20,000 6 DECEMBER 2, 2009 revenues. We have also entered into agreements with several health insurance carriers to insure faster reimbursement of fees to the district. Currently the Town receives a total of$250,000 in aid from New York State and the Federal Government. New York State provides$185,000 in the form of general purpose aid,aid for highway improvements and a small portion of the funding for our senior citizen programming. The balance of$65,000 is provided from the Federal government for aid to our senior nutrition and transportation programs. Obviously we are concerned with the current financial condition of the New York State government and its ability to continue to provide needed aid to local governments so we will follow the state budget process closely. Lastly,we want to touch upon the application of unreserved funds or surplus funds as a funding source to the budget.Surplus funds are necessary to maintain the Town's credit worthiness and to adequately provide for: 1. Economic uncertainties 2. Local disasters and other financial hardships 3. Contingencies for unforeseen operating or capital needs 4. Cash flow requirements in connection with the collection and guarantee of County and School District Taxes For 2010 we are proposing a $197,000 reduction in surplus funds to be applied to the budget. In 2009 a $230,000 decrease in surplus application was instituted. Surplus funds are generally derived from greater than expected revenues or unexpended appropriations. Our decision to reduce the application of surplus is due to expected decreases in revenue sources. Also with reductions in expense lines the potential for outstanding expense account balances is unlikely. Where will the Money Go? For 2010 the Town estimates that its total expenses will be $29,992,052 a small decrease from 2009. Below is a comparative schedule of the major expense categories for 2009 and 2010. Overall you can see from the schedule that the Town has reduced expenses in all but two categories of expenditures. We have done this without any reductions in services. Expenditure reductions have however been offset by increases in certain areas. 2009 2010 Change Salaries $12,656,065 $12,881,232 $225,167 Employee Benefits $5,898,680 $6,392,605 $493,925 Equipment $342,700 $246,800 ($95,900) Contractual Expenses $8,612,235 $8,336,475 ($275,760) Interfund Transfers $591,664 $476,000 ($115,664) Debt Service $1,907,381 $1,658,940 ($248,441) Total $30,008,725 $29,992,052 ($16,673) Personnel/Salaries This budget represents a reduction of both full time and part time personnel. One position that became vacant in the Police Department and one in the Highway Department have been removed from this budget and will not be replaced. In addition we have removed several part time positions. There has been one additional position added within the Town office which is a clerical position to be shared by the Town Clerk's Office and Town Assessor's Office. A portion of this expense will however be reimbursed by the Village of Larchmont for assessment services provided specifically to the Village. For 2010 the Town does have contractual commitments to both its Police Officers and Firefighters for salary increases. The Town will enter into its final year of a four year contract with the Police Department and the second year of a three year contract with the Firefighters. Our contract with the Civil Service Employees Association (Clerical and Highway Employees)expires on December 31 of this year and we have already begun negotiating with this unit. The increase in the salary category is the net of personnel reductions and the salary adjustments for Police Department and Fire Department employees. Employee Benefits Employee benefit costs will increase by$493,925 in 2010. The single biggest driver of this increase is the Town's contribution to the New York State Retirement System which will increase by$250,000 next year. Pension contributions are a mandated cost to municipal governments in New York State. Based upon payrolls submitted to the retirement system,the individual municipality's contribution is calculated. Contributions for Police and Fire employees run between 17%and 20%of payroll,while contributions for all other employees are between 11%and 15%of payroll. 7 DECEMBER 2, 2009 The Town will also incur for the first time the expense of the Metropolitan Transit Authority(MTA) payroll tax levied upon all employers in counties served by the MTA. Imposed by the New York State Legislature in 2009,the payroll tax is the sole expense of the employer. There is no employee contribution. For the Town in 2010 the expense will be$50,000 The balance of the increase for this category of expense is based upon increases in hospitalization costs, Medicare deductions and other benefits. We will also face for the first time in several years a significant increase in our worker's compensation insurance. The increase is the result of four large claims that have developed in the past year thus increasing our loss ratio. Equipment In the Town Budget there is a category of expenditure entitled equipment. These are budget accounts used for the purchase of small to medium size pieces of equipment for use in the Highway Department, Police Department Fire Department and Recreation Department. This category would also include the purchase of street light fixtures,traffic signs and employee uniforms. For 2010 the total of all these purchases has been reduced by close to$96,000 to$246,800. Contractual Expenses The day to day expenses of the Town government are included here. Although expenses in this category are down by$275,000 the decreases have been offset by increased costs in the following areas: ➢ Tax Appeal Costs: Our costs related to the refund of taxes and defense of tax appeals are expected to rise from$409,000 to$465,000 in 2010. Aside from the actual costs of the tax refund there are the appraisal and legal costs associated with tax appeal proceedings. ➢ Senior Citizen Center/Nutrition Program: Expenses for this program will increase by approximately $65,000 in 2010.At this time the program serves 460 senior citizens registered in the program. Our program includes the operation of the center,the daily nutrition program, meals on wheels program and senior transportation program. Most of the increased expense for next year is associated with our lease agreement with the Veteran's of Foreign Wars for the use of their building. The new lease agreement makes the Town the exclusive tenant of the VFW building so as a result we will assume all maintenance and utility costs in addition to the payment of rent to the VFW. There are also increases related to program expenses for the nutrition program. ➢ Hommocks Pool: The Town's budget for the operation of the Hommocks Pool will increase next year by$70,000. Increases in expenses are based upon an assumption that the Town will have access to the pool facility for a full season. Our operating season in the past several years have been shortened due to capital repairs of the pool facility. Interfund Transfers This is a category of expense associated with transfers made from one budget fund to another to reflect allocations of cost. For instance the Town's Central Garage is responsible for the maintenance of the entire fleet of motor vehicle equipment operated by the Town. The Central Garage Budget is in the Highway Fund. Each of the other budget funds is therefore charged for the cost of vehicle maintenance. The funds are transferred into the Highway Fund. There are also transfers made from each of the budget funds into the capital fund for special projects. In the 2010 budget many of the capital fund transfers have been removed to reduce expenses. This budget includes a $50,000 transfer for the purchase of two police vehicles,and $15,000 for the replacement of computer equipment. There are other transfers within this category for engineering services, rent and other expenses allocated between funds. Debt Service We were fortunate that in 2009 the Town retired a sizeable portion of its outstanding debt. As a result the Town will reduce its overall debt expense in 2010 by just under$250,000. Debt expense will account for just 5%of the Town's budget next year. The significance of this is that debt is the one category of expense for which there is virtually no flexibility. It is a fixed cost that cannot be avoided. Capital Projects 8 DECEMBER 2, 2009 Where possible the Town has deferred or eliminated certain capital projects. There is a point however where further delay will only lead to increased costs in the future. Below is a listing of new capital projects planned for 2010: ➢ Replacement of Two Police Vehicles $ 50,000 ➢ Replacement of One Fire Department Vehicle $ 34,000 ➢ Replacement of One Refuse Collection Vehicle $185,000 ➢ Replacement of Highway Department Equipment $244,000 ➢ Replacement of Recreation Department Equipment $ 30,000 ➢ Highway Improvements $565,000 ➢ Salt Brine Dispensing System $ 70,000 ➢ Replacement of Computer Equipment 15,000 $1,193,000 The capital projects listed above will be funded with $65,000 in funds appropriated to the budget and the balance through the issuance of debt. The Town will for the first time use debt to finance Highway Improvements. In the past appropriated budget funds were used to fund highway improvements since it is an annual activity. However as pressure grew to stabilize property taxes coupled with a significant increase in material costs, it became apparent that the Town would fall behind on needed restoration of our roads and sidewalks. As a result the Town will utilize a four year cycle of borrowing in order to conduct highway improvements on a more meaningful scale. This concludes our transmittal of the 2010 Preliminary Budget for the Town of Mamaroneck. Our feeling is that this is a responsible budget that considers not only our financial needs for the next fiscal year but likely provides for stability in the years to come. The Town provides an array of very tangible services that residents have come to expect and services that shape the quality of life in the community. We unfortunately must charge for our services in the form of a tax. But consider for a moment that the average resident will pay about$440 per month for all Town services including Police and Fire Protection Services, Sanitation and Recycling Services, Road Services including snow removal, leaf collection and road maintenance,Sewer Service, Parks and a portion of Recreation services. For a one bedroom condominium in the community monthly maintenance fees not including property taxes can be equal to or greater than $440 per month to maintain a modest amount common space shared by condominium owners. While we should always strive to provide greater value in municipal services,the Town's charges for the services provided are not unreasonable or excessive. The charges reflect the cost of doing business in an environment where many of some of our costs are mandated by the laws of the State of New York and for which we have no control. Also,in this community there is an especially high demand for services from the local government. This has been one of the most difficult budgets to prepare. We cannot thank enough the response of the department managers to the challenges of this budget. They each found a way to maintain services and reduce expenses. Thanks also to the Town Board for their patience as we moved through the budget process. Sincerely, Stephen V.Altieri Town Administrator/Budget Officer Anthony Siligato Comptroller/Director of Finance Bryan Rohman,West Brookside Drive asked the Board what the expected tax rate increase would be Mr.Altieri responded 2.5%. Supervisor O'Keeffe stated that other towns and villages in Westchester are facing a much higher tax budget increase.The Town of Mamaroneck is one of the lowest in Westchester. Supervisor O'Keeffe noted that the Town Board is acutely aware of property owners and residents'concerns during this current financial situation. Supervisor O'Keeffe thanked the entire Town Staff for their hard work in creating this budget. 9 DECEMBER 2, 2009 Councilman Fishman thanked everyone as well,adding the Town Board set a very strict goal of finding savings,and looked very hard at Department structures to find savings. Councilman Fishman believes next year will be even more difficult. Councilwoman Seligson stated the Town Board had been involved in very'lively'discussions concerning this budget. She is glad that this is such a well managed government. Councilwoman Seligson noted the Town's continued AAA Bond rating,adding we should all be proud of how we have managed this government. She also noted that some on the Board wanted a 0%increase while others felt a 2.5%cut too deeply. Councilwoman Seligson thanked Steve Altieri,as well as the entire Town Staff. Councilwoman Wittner noted she is the usual dissenter,adding she differs from her colleagues on a major issue and that has to do with borrowing for road maintenance. During her tenure on the Town Board,there has never been borrowing for road maintenance. Councilwoman Wittner prefers adding$400,000.00 to the Budget and raising the increase to 4%. Councilman Odierna stated,while in the beginning of the budget process he felt the Town should shoot for a 10% reduction, after much deliberation and being cognizant of the Town's goal to not reduce services, he is satisfied that the 2.5% increase is reasonable, adding the Town was able to accomplish this without having to let go of any of full-time employees -only through combining of intermunicipal services could we expect to do better. Bryan Rohman,asked if there are any ongoing discussions regarding consolidation of services between the Villages and the Town. Mr. Rohman also asked for clarification of the amount of Town surplus monies. Councilman Fishman informed Mr. Rohman of the ongoing work being done by the Tri-Municipal Consolidation/Shared Services Committee since last summer. The Board clarified that there is no intention of reducing the surplus account;the Town will not use surplus to fund expenditures. On motion of Councilman Fishman,seconded by Councilwoman Seligson,the Town Board unanimously agreed to close the Public Hearing. On motion of Councilman Fishman,seconded by Councilman Odierna,the following was approved: WHEREAS,on October 20,2009,the Budget Officer submitted to the Town Clerk and the Town Board the Tentative Budget for 2010, and WHEREAS,on October 28,October 30, November 3, November 10 and November 17 of 2009 the Town Board held public work sessions to consider amendments and changes to the Tentative Budget,and WHEREAS,on December 2,2009 the Town Board held a Public Hearing on the Preliminary Budget for the year 2010. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the Town Board does hereby convert the 2010 Preliminary Budget,to the 2010 Final Operating Budget for the Town of Mamaroneck,and hereby adopts it. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Nay O'Keeffe Aye 10 DECEMBER 2, 2009 AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. IMA—Westchester County Fingerprinting On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilman Fishman,the following was approved: WHEREAS,the Town has received a grant in the mount of$30,000.00 to install Live Scan,a program that allows for the electronic filing of arrest information such as fingerprints, palm prints, physical descriptions and other related data,and WHEREAS,while the Police Department await this funding,they will be using the Westchester County information system. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the inter- municipal agreement between the Town of Mamaroneck Police Department and the County of Westchester to allow the electronic transmission and storage of criminal record and police blotter information,and BE IT, FURTHER RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby authorize the Town Administrator to execute said inter-municipal 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—2010 Ambulance Charges On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilwoman Seligson,it was RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the 2010 Ambulance District Fee Schedule as follows: BLS Emergency $520 ALS I Emergency $650 ALS II Emergency $775 Mileage $13.50 per loaded mile The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye 3. Report of Bids—Parking Meter Installation On motion of Councilwoman Seligson,seconded by,Councilman Fishman,the following was approved: 11 DECEMBER 2, 2009 WHEREAS,on November 24,2009 the Town publicly opened and read bids for Contract#TA-09-17 Installation of Parking Meter Madison Avenue/Myrtle Blvd. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby award Contract#TA-09-17 Installation of Parking Meter Madison Avenue/Myrtle Blvd,to the lowest responsible bidder, Peter Landi Inc, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED,that the Town Administrator is authorized to execute said contract 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. Approval of Certiorari On motion of Councilman Odierna,seconded by Councilwoman Seligson,it was RESOLVED,that the Town Board does hereby approve the following Settlement of Certiorari as recommended by the Town Attorney: East Coast North Properties, LLC 560 Fenimore Road Mamaroneck, NY 10543 Block:825 Lot: 70 Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Mamaroneck Year Current Assessment Reduced Assessment 2005 $55,000 $50,000 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye On motion of Councilman Odierna,seconded by Councilman Fishman,it was Salind Realty Corp. 480 Ogden Avenue Mamaroneck, NY, 10543 Block:826 Lot:802.1 12 DECEMBER 2, 2009 Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Mamaroneck Year Assessment Reduced Assessment 2007 $28,000 $17,000 2008 $28,000 $17,000 2009 $28,000 $17,000 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilwoman Seligson,it was Salind Realty Associates 520 Fenimore Road Mamaroneck, NY, 10543 Block:825 Lot: 725 Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Mamaroneck Year Assessment Reduced Assessment 2008 $33,000 $21,000 2009 $33,000 $21,000 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye 5. Salary Authorization RECREATION On motion of Councilwoman Seligson,seconded by Councilwoman Wittner,it was RESOLVED,that as provided for in the 2009 Town Budget the Town Board does hereby authorize the payment of salary to the following: Hommocks Pool effective retroactive to November 20,20009 Tiffany Contreras Lifeguard $11.00 per hour William McAndrew Lifeguard $9.00 per hour The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye 13 DECEMBER 2, 2009 SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Supervisor O'Keeffe,it was RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby authorize the appointment of Bernard Fraioli as a substitute school crossing guard effective December 7,2009 at a per diem rate of$71.00. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye APPROVAL OF MINUTES—November 18,2009 On motion of Supervisor O'Keeffe,seconded by Councilwoman Wittner,it was unanimously RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the Minutes from the Town Board Meeting of November 18,2009. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Bryan Rohman, Larchmont Gardens'Civic Association,addressed the Board commenting that the 2.5% budget increase seems very reasonable-he is glad to see responsible government. Mr. Rohman, noted there were paving issues on a number of streets,and then asked for an update on the sidewalk problem along Brookside Drive. Mr.Altieri asked Mr. Rohman to call the Administrator's Office to give the Office the list of streets he believes are an issue. He informed Mr. Rohman that the Town is actively involved with the performance bond company,adding litigation is a possibility. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None SUPERVISOR'S REPORT Supervisor O'Keeffe is happy to report that the Committee working on the Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. Celebration has been doing a great job. Supervisor O'Keeffe thanked the Village of Larchmont Trustees and the Mayor,with regards to the fundraising for the USO Phone Cards that will be sent to our Armed Forces overseas. REPORT OF COUNCIL Councilman Odierna attended the Human Rights Committee Meeting. Councilman Odierna noted the very important School Board Budget Meeting held on November 30`",adding the School Board is facing a 9% budget increase. Councilwoman Seligson noted that the School Board and the Town of Mamaroneck would like to meet some time over the next few months. 14 DECEMBER 2, 2009 Councilwoman Witmer attended the Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation District as well as the Fire Council. Councilwoman Seligson reported that the Long Island Sound Study Nonpoint Source Pollution Work Group committee held its meeting,as part of a rotation,at the Town of Mamaroneck.Councilwoman Seligson attended the Zoning Board Meeting. Councilman Fishman discussed previously in this evening's Meeting, his attendance at the Consolidation/Shared Services Committee Meeting. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Supervisor O'Keeffe,seconded by Councilwoman Wittner the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:05 PM. Submitted by Christina Battalia,Town Clerk 15