Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009_05_06 Town Board Minutes May 6, 2009 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORKSESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON MAY 6, 2009 BEGINNING AT 5:00 PM IN CONFERENCE ROOM A, 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 WORK SESSION Discussion with Town Prosecutors Town Prosecutors, Susan Fiore and Matthew McCauley were in attendance by invitation of the Board. The Board discussed with the Prosecutors, how the workflow of cases were going, what were the majority of cases they receive and generally how information is generated for various cases. The Board did discuss reviewing Town fines in the near future. Mr. McCauley did suggest adding to the Ordinances a maximum fine, giving prosecutors ability to fine a repeat commercial violator differently than a resident for a one time violation. The Prosecutors asked for identification for when they have to make site visits. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Liz Paul, Town Environmental Planner presented to the Board the New York GIS Software. She explained that as a continuation of the Town's implementation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to consolidate data on land parcels, infrastructure and natural features of the Town, the Town would like to implement the New York GIS software. This software will enable the Town to develop electronic files for activities and transactions relating to land parcels and infrastructure. With this data virtually every Town Department can track events such as accidents or sewer backups, department performance and maintenance activities. The cost of the software is $14,630.00 which will be fully funded by a grant received from the New York State Department of State. Annual maintenance costs will be $5,800, offset by annual convenience fees charged. The Town has reviewed several programs including Municity, Woodard and Curran Infrastructure Software, Citi-Works and New York GIS. At this time, it is the recommendation of the Town staff to purchase New York GIS. This item is on the Affairs of the Town for this evening's Regular Meeting. First Quarter Financial Report Tony Siligato, Town Comptroller, presented to the Board his operating analysis for revenues and expenses for the first quarter of 2009, including comparisons with 2008. The biggest item, not surprisingly, is the decreased revenue from investments. Generally there are no surprises in the first quarter expenses; however increased expenses, of note, incurred in the Sewer District, Highway Fund and Police Department. Update — First Floor Renovations, Town Center The Board reviewed preliminary plans for the first floor renovation as prepared by Gordon Yestadt Architects. 1 May 6, 2009 Overnight Parking — Mountain Ave Mr. Altieri was asked to speak further with the Mamaroneck Police Department. Washington Square Parking Plan The Board reviewed the proposed modifications to the plan for this evening's Public Discussion. Co-op Camp The Board reviewed correspondence form Naomi Lowenthal, regarding the Coop Camp program budget and funding shortfall. The Board discussed the fact that they had previously requested clarification from the Coop Camp program with respect to Town and Village funding. The Board did not receive the clarification it had requested, and asked Mr. Altieri to have a follow up conversation with Ms. Lowenthal and report back to the Board. On motion of Supervisor O'Keeffe, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, the Board unanimously agreed to enter into Executive Session to discuss Employment History of a particular individual and Litigation. EXECUTIVE SESSION Employment History Litigation Correspondence—Village Mayors, Elizabeth Feld and Kathy Savolt The Board reviewed correspondence from Mayor Feld and Mayor Savolt on the topic of consolidation and shared services. Both Mayors support hiring a consultant to help the tri-municipal communities analyze the operations and recommend areas of consolidation and shared services. The Mayors also propose the municipalities jointly apply for funding through the New York State Local Government Efficiency Grants to hire a consultant. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor O'Keeffe at 8:45PM she then pointed out the location of exits. TAKEN OUT OF ORDER PUBLIC DISCUSSION -Washington Square Parking Plan The Board asked Frank Fish of Buckhurst Fish & Jacquemart to attend this evening's meeting to help explain to the residents the parking plan. Mr. Fish spoke specifically with respect to his firms November 2007 Washington Square Parking Study. The Board heard from the following residents: Ron Fass, 14 No Chatsworth Stanley Patchen, 14 No Chatsworth Cal Kleeper, 1 Washington Square Mr. Lenney, 14 No Chatsworth Bonnie Youngswick, 17 No Chatsworth Joel Windham, 14 No Chatsworth 2 May 6, 2009 The Board presented its amendments to the previously approved Parking Plan as follows: Area Business Lot# 3 - $400.00 per year Regular 24 Permits — $600.00 per year Senior Citizen 24 Hour Permit— $350.00 Separate permits will be issued for upper and lower levels, with the existing permit holders given a choice of whether they prefer the upper of lower level. New permits will be issued to the upper and lower levels by alternating applications. Six (6) handicapped spaces will be created along Vine Street for the exclusive use by Lot# 3 permit holders. Area Business Permits will be distributed to upper and lower levels by alternating applications as well. Initially fifteen (15) permits will be issued to Area Business; this represents approximately twelve percent of the total number of spaces, where thirty percent was recommended by the Town's Consultant. On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board hereby declares the adoption of the proposed Washington Square Parking Plan and associated fees to be a Type II action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) requiring no further action. Councilman Fishman stated his concerns for lowering the parking fees. He is afraid people will leave their apartment building parking spaces for cheaper spaces offered by the Town. He is also concerned that the Town residents who own this parking deck are not getting their fair value for a commodity they own. Finally, he is concerned that the handicapped spaces being created on Vine Street are setting a precedent. Councilwoman Seligson and Councilwoman Wittner shared his concerns, but felt this issue has been going on for a very long time and the matter needed closure and resolution. Councilman Odierna noted that many people came forward in support of the Senior Citizens; there was very little input from the other side. He is therefore, in support of these changes/decreases. Written Comments by Brian Lobel were read and entered into the minutes: THE REDUCTION IN THE RATES FOR 200912010 24-HOUR PARKING PERMITS FROM THOSE ORIGINALLY PROPOSED TO THE PUBLIC REPRESENTS A FURTHER REDUCTION FROM FAIR MARKET RATES. IT IS A POLITICAL RESPONSE TO A FEW VOICES WHO WILL BENEFIT FINANCIALLY WHILE TAXES ARE INCREASED FOR ALL TOWN RESIDENTS. IT FAILS TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF THOSE WITH LIMITED INCOMES AND IT FAILS TO ADDRESS THE OVERALL TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OF THE TOWN BY PROVIDING FOR A JITNEY OR SHUTTLE TYPE SERVICE. WILL ANY BOARD MEMBERS DEMONSTRATE THE COURAGE NOW TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THE WHOLE TOWN? On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the Washington Square Parking Plan amendments as follows: Area Business Lot# 3 - $400.00 per year Regular 24 Permits — $600.00 per year Senior Citizen 24 Hour Permit— $350.00 Separate permits will be issued for upper and lower levels, with the existing permit holders given a choice of whether they prefer the upper of lower level. New permits 3 May 6, 2009 will be issued by upper and lower levels by alternating applications. Six (6) handicapped spaces will be created along Vine Street to for the exclusive use by Lot# 3 permit holders. Fifteen (15) Area Business Permits will be sold and distributed to upper and lower levels by alternating applications. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Nay Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye TAKEN OUT OF ORDER ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Abby Katz, Larchmont Gardens' Civic Association, announced the Association's Annual Meeting on June 8t" at 7:30PM at the Weaver Street Fire House. She noted the main agenda will be the Duck Pond. She asked for updates on the curbing on Myrtle Blvd, at which she was informed it was not on the agenda at this time. She then asked if the residents could submit a planting plan and was told yes. Mr. Altieri gave a brief update on the status of the sidewalks along the Brook and the steps the Town is taking to have the contractor correct the problem. Claire Kubasik thanked the Board for all the great work they have done with respect to the parking situation. PUBLIC HEARINGS - Repeal of Off-Street Parking in Residential Districts The following notice of Public Hearing was entered into the record: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING May 6, 2009 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck on May 6, 2009, 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 "Repeal of the Off Street Parking in Residential Districts" Law. Purpose: Section 240-79 (B) of the Zoning Ordinance provides restrictions on off-street parking which have become anachronistic. The law was enacted at a time when it was less common for households to have more than one automobile so that parking the family car either in a garage or more than 25 feet from the home's front lot line was feasible. Now it is the norm for each household to have two or three cars making it impossible to park all of them in a garage or more than 25 feet from the home's front lot line. In addition there were no SUVs or other extra large motor vehicles when the law was passed. Garages that were built prior to 1960 cannot accommodate some of today's vehicles. Hence such vehicles are parked in driveways. For these reasons, the Town Board finds that it is appropriate to repeal section 240-79 (B) of the Zoning Ordinance. 4 May 6, 2009 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: March 17, 2008 Mr. Maker explained that by law amendments to Zoning Code must first be referred and reviewed by the Planning Board. Mr. Maker has been notified by the Planning Board that they have comments with respect to this amendment and would request further time to review this with the Town and the Town's Attorney. It is, therefore, the recommendation that this Public Hearing be adjourned until May 20, 2009. On motion of Councilman Fishman, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, the Public Hearing was unanimously adjourned until May 20, 2009. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The meeting was called to order by Commissioner O'Keeffe, and then 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 1. FIRE CLAIMS Commissioner Fishman presented fire claims for authorization of payment, thereafter on Commissioner Fishman's motion, seconded by Commissioner Councilwoman 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. Hydrolic Oil 60.00 Con Edison Gas 19.91 G & K Services Cleaning Service 155.43 High Tech Fire & Safety Dyna-Fit Suspenders 36.76 IKON Copier Monthly Fee 212.13 Lifeguard Systems Inc. Firefighting Equipment 253.40 NOCO Energy Corp. Fuel 50.00 Oakland Beach Deli Food for 4/14/09 203.94 Pitt-Stop Auto Parts Fuel Line For Ladder 19 28.50 Poland Springs Drinking Water 81.85 R & L Consulting Symantec Endpoint Protection License 99.00 Sound Shore Contracting Plumbing Repairs 129.00 Sound Shore Pest Control Exterminating Services 3/5 & 3/31/09 130.00 Smith El Dis Co. Inc. Lamps 411.72 5 May 6, 2009 Smith El Dis Co. Inc. Lamps 195.40 Town of Mamaroneck P.F.F.A. Life Insurance Premium April '09 330.12 United Water Service from 1/2-4/1/09 310.29 Verizon Telephone Service 4/10-5/9/09 714.07 Total: 3,421.52 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 2. Other Fire Department Business Commissioner Wittner read the Fire Report for the Month of April as submitted by Chief McCarthy as follows: April 2009 ALARM TYPE NUMBER Generals 14 Minors 14 Stills 0 Out of Town (Mutual Aid) 0 EMS 16 Drills 2 TOTAL 46 Total number of personnel responding: 634 Total time working: 13 hours and 54 minutes Commissioner Wittner read the Service Awards Report for the 1St Quarter of 2009 as submitted by Chief McCarthy. On motion of Commissioner Seligson, seconded by Commissioner Wittner the Service Awards Report was accepted and entered into the record as follows: Attachment A Commissioner O'Keeffe spoke of the passing of Anthony Mirande, a longtime resident of Larchmont and proprietor of Franklin Cleaners, died at home on May 3, 2009; he was 88 years old. Mr. Mirande was born April 26, 1920 in Larchmont to the late Emilio and Philomena Carpino Mirande. He served in the United States Army during WWII as a military policeman, was the longest living member of the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department and Ex Chief in 1953, was a member of the VFW and also the American Legion. He will be remembered as an outstanding member and contributor to our community. There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner Seligson, seconded by Commissioner Odierna , the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened. 6 May 6, 2009 AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Authorization — Revised Ambulance Service Fees On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the 2009 Ambulance District Fee Schedule as follows: BLS Emergency $470 ALS I Emergency $600 ALS II Emergency $725 Mileage $12.50 per loaded mile Oxygen $40.00 surcharge 2. Authorization — Renewal of Southeast Consortium Lease On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Town Administrator to execute in the name of the Town of Mamaroneck a lease for the rental of Suite 301 at the Town Center located at 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10543 and designated as part of Block 917, Lot 1.3 on the Town's tax assessment map to South East Consortium for Special Services, Inc. for five years at an annual rents of$16,000 for the period from June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2011, $16,640 for the period from June 1, 2011 to May 31, 2013 and $17,300 for the period from June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2014. 3. Authorization — NYGIS Software On motion of Councilwoman Seligson, seconded by Councilman Odierna, the The following was approved WHEREAS, as a continuation of the Town's implementation of GIS systems to consolidate data on land parcels, infrastructure and natural features of the Town, the Town would like to implement the New York GIS software to develop electronic files for activities and transactions relating to land parcels and infrastructure, and WHEREAS, the cost of the software of$14,630 will be fully funded by a grant received from the New York Department of State, with an annual maintenance cost to the Town of$5,800, to be offset by convenience fees received. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the proposal submitted by New York GIS and authorizes the Town Administrator to execute a contract subject to approval of the contract form by the Town Attorney. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye 7 May 6, 2009 4. Approval of Certiorari On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, 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: Ray Catena Corporation 1435 - 1451 Boston Post Road Larchmont, NY 10538 Block: 411 Lots: 249 and 280 Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Larchmont Block: 411 Lot: 280 YearCurrent Assessment Reduced Assessment 2002 $13,900 $12,160 2003 $13,900 $11,080 2004 $13,900 $11,770 2005 $13,900 $11,050 2006 $13,900 $10,230 2007 $13,900 $9,960 2008 $13,900 $9,780 Block: 411 Lot: 249 Year Current Assessment Reduced Assessment 2002 $115,000 $100,640 2003 $115,000 $91,640 2004 $115,000 $97,370 2005 $115,000 $91,390 2006 $115,000 $84,640 2007 $115,000 $82,380 2008 $115,000 $80,940 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye 5. Salary Authorizations: Community Services On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilman Odierna, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the salary increase for the Maria Gallagher, Senior Center Director, for 2009 to $75,160.00, retroactive to January 1, 2009 and for 2010 to be increased to $81,750, and BE IT, FURTHER 8 May 6, 2009 RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby authorize the Town Administrator to amend Ms. Gallagher's employment agreement to reflect the salary adjustment. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye Highway Department On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the promotion of Mike Pinto to Garage Foreman/Fleet Manager at a salary of$67,555.00, retroactive to June 1, 2008, a non union position directly reporting to the Highway Superintendant. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye Ambulance District On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the salary increase for the Ambulance District Paramedics from $26.50 to $27.50 per hour as budgeted for Fiscal Year 2009, retroactive to January 1, 2009. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye Recreation On motion of Councilwoman Seligson, seconded by Councilman Fishmam, 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: Memorial Park Tennis Courts Sean Rouse Attendant $11.00/hour effective 5/1/09 David Conover Attendant $12.00/hour effective 5/1/09 9 May 6, 2009 Francine Brill Alternate Attendant $12.50/hour effective 5/1/09 Andrew Valentine Attendant $10.50/hour effective 5/1/09 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Previously in the meeting WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Previously in the meeting SUPERVISOR'S REPORT Supervisor O'Keeffe announced that Councilwoman Seligson is being honored at the Federated Conservationists of Westchester County on June 4th, she will be speak about the Long Island Sound Also of note, Arthur Wexler, the Chair of the Town's Zoning Board of Appeals, will be honored at the Westchester Municipal Planning Federation. REPORT OF COUNCIL Councilman Fishman will be attending the Traffic Committee Meeting next week. The Housing Authority will celebrate with an anniversary BBQ in June. There is good news Authority was again praised for its budgeting and planning. Councilwoman Seligson attended the Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting on April 22"d, LISWIC on April 24th. She and Supervisor O'Keeffe spoke on the Environmental Accomplishments of the Town at the Summit Meeting on April 24. She attended the Town's Employee Service Awards on April 24th and the Community Counseling Center's Dinner on April 29th and the Sheldrake Environmental Center's Fund Raiser on May 1St Councilwoman Seligson noted the Town sponsored Land Use Training Seminar presented by Frank Fish, Bill Maker and Liz Paul offered to the Planning and Zoning Board Members — it was well attended. Councilwoman Wittner noted her attendance at the Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation District Meeting on April 17th, the Summit Group on April 24th, Coastal Zone Management Committee on April 28th, the Town of Mamaroneck Employee Service Awards on April 29th, Community Counseling Center Dinner on April 29th and finally, the Town's land use class offered to the Town's Zoning and Planning Boards, given by William Maker, Frank Fish and Elizabeth Paul. Councilman Odierna attended many of the same meetings as Councilwoman Wittner, adding his attendance at the R.A.D.A.R. Meeting, in which they continue their quest to engage the teens of our community and keep them off drugs and alcohol. He also noted they are actively looking for sponsorship. 10 May 6, 2009 The Board thanked and praised Mary Stanton for a wonderful job with the Town's Wellness Fair. Ms. Stanton gave a brief description of the event. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Supervisor O'Keeffe, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, the meeting was unanimously adjourned in memory of Anthony Mirande at 10:55 PM. Submitted by Christina Battalia, Town Clerk 11