HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010_11_17 Town Board Minutes November 17, 2010
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD
OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON NOVEMBER 17,2010, BEGINNING AT
S:OOPM 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-WORK SESSION
Tony Siligato,Town Comptroller was in attendance.
On motion of Supervisor O'Keeffe,seconded by Councilwoman Seligson the Work Session was
unanimously opened at S:OOPM.
2011 Capital Project plan
The Board reviewed a memo prepared by Mr.Altieri outlining the various capital projects. The memo
described eight categories of projects including a breakdown of financing. It is being recommended that
the Town Board push back the entire capital project schedule by one year with the exception of projects
listed in Mr.Altieri's memo to the Board. The Board discussed the need to address the Ice Rink Project.
Mr.Altieri suggested the plans be finalized in 2011,with anticipated borrowing in 2012.The Board
would like to revisit the Ice Rink Project in February of 2011.
ADDED ITEM
Marie Venezia, Executive Director of the Sheldrake Environmental Center and Board Member,Carol
Casazza,gave a presentation to the Town Board. They are asking the Board to maintain the current
funding of$4,750.00 for the year 2011. Ms.Venezia gave the Board a full report of the Center's
financing,demonstrating justification for retaining support.The Board thanked Ms.Venzia and those
involved in the Sheldrake Environmental Center for their hard work and continued stewardship.
On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilwoman Seligson the Board unanimously
agreed to enter into Executive Session to discuss employment history of a particular persons.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Employment History of Particular Persons
On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Supervisor O'Keeffe,the Board unanimously agreed
to reenter Work Session.
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November 17, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor O'Keeffe at
8:40 PM, she then pointed out the location of exits.
PUBLIC HEARING — "Parking Regulation—France Place&Rochelle Road" Law
The following Notice of Public Hearing is entered into the record as follows:
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE,that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board of the
Town of Mamaroneck on Wednesday, November 17,2010 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
"Parking Regulation—France Place&Rochelle Road" Law.
Purpose:
At the September 2010 meeting of the Traffic Committee residents of France Place
and Rochelle Road addressed the Committee regarding issues of commuter parking
on their streets. The Traffic Committee is recommending prohibiting parking Monday
— Friday between 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM on France Place and a portion of Rochelle
Road.
The full text of this Local Law may be examined and copies obtained at the Town
Clerk's office during regular hours, Monday- Friday,8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, In June,July
and August until 4:00 PM 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: November 6,2010
On motion of Councilwoman Seligson,seconded by Councilman Fishman,the Public Hearing was
unanimously opened.
Supervisor O'Keeffe asked if anyone wished to comment on the proposed Local Law.
Kate Jarrett,of 10 Rochelle Road addressed the Board. She is in favor of the no parking regulation but
would request that it be extended to include the entire length of Rochelle Road. It was noted that Ms.
Jarrett gave a letter to the Town Board during the last meeting.
Ms.Jarrett's letter is hereby entered into the record, as was a letter from Sandra and Edmond Wu of
13 Rochelle Road. Also entered into the record was a photo of commuter parking on Rochelle Road.
Councilman Fishman emphasized the need for a more concerted and rational policy that does not just
push parking to another street.
Councilwoman Seligson commented that the Board suggested bringing the issue back to the Traffic
Committee for their further review and possible broader plan.
Heather Conner, l Rochelle Road addressed the Board.She reiterated her support of this regulation,
emphasizing that addressing this on a need-to basis is not a bad thing.
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November 17, 2010
Councilman Odierna stated he would not vote in favor of this Law and said it should be brought back
to the Traffic Committee for a comprehensive plan.
On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilman Odierna,the Public Hearing was
unanimously closed.
On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilwoman Seligson,it was unanimously
RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board finds that the adoption of the
proposed local law"Parking Regulation—France Place&Rochelle Road"is
hereby declared to be a Type II Action,with no impact under the New York State
Environmental Quality Review Act(SEQRA)and requiring no further action.
On motion of Councilman Fishman,seconded by Councilwoman Seligson,the following Local Law was
approved:
Local Law No. 9-2010
This Local Law shall be known as the "Restricted Parking on France Place and the full
length of Rochelle Road" Law
BE IT ENACTED by the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck
Section 1—Purpose:
France Place and Rochelle Road are in the vicinity of the Larchmont Train Station.
The Town Board finds that they are being used for parking by commuters to the
detriment of the residents. This law seeks to remedy the problem by prohibiting
parking on France Place and a portion of Rochelle Road on the days and at the times
when commuters are most likely to park there.
Section 2—Restriction on Parking on France Place and a portion of Rochelle Road:
No motor vehicle shall be parked on either side of France Place between the hours
of 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM (prevailing time) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
Thursdays and Fridays of each week. No motor vehicle shall be parked on either side
of Rochelle Road between the hours of 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM (prevailing time) on
Monday,Tuesdays, Wednesdays,Thursdays and Fridays of each week. This law shall
not apply on holidays.
Section 3—Sign(s)to be Erected and Painting to be Done:
An appropriate sign or signs shall be erected on and/or striping shall be painted on
the surfaces of France Place and Rochelle Road indicating the area where and the
times when parking is prohibited by this law.
Section 4—Severability:
Should any provision of this Local Law be declared invalid or unconstitutional by any
court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration of unconstitutionality or invalidity
shall not affect any other provisions of this Local Law, which may be implemented
without the invalid or unconstitutional provisions.
Section 5—Effective Date:
This Local Law shall become effective upon filing with the Secretary of State.
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Fishman Aye
Seligson Aye
Odierna NAY
Wittner Aye
O'Keeffe Aye
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November 17, 2010
ADJOURNED PUBLIC HEARING—"Amendment of Off-street Parking in Residential Districts" Law
On motion of Councilwoman Seligson,seconded by Councilwoman Wittner,the Public Hearing was
reconvened.
Mr. Maker explained the Local Law.
Arthur Wexler,Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals addressed the Board. Mr.Wexler stated he has
concerns with this regulation in its current sate,specifically Section 240-79 B (iii). Mr.Wexler is
concerned with driveways which face a garage that has been converted into a permanent room. Mr.
Wexler also thinks the Board should review/amend section §240-79 E., which states" Parking areas
shall be laid out so that vehicles will not be required to back into the public highway when leaving the
parking area".
Supervisor O'Keeffe stated that more work need to be done with respect to this amendment,therefore;
On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilman Fishman,it was unanimously
RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby adjourn the Public
Hearing on the"Amendment of Off-street Parking in Residential Districts" Law
until December 15, 2010.
ADJOURNED PUBLIC HEARING—"Amendment to the Tree Law regarding lot size"
On motion of Councilman Fishman,seconded by Councilwoman Wittner,it was
unanimously
RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby adjourn the Public
hearing on the"Amendment to the Tree Law regarding lot size" until December
15,2010.
TAKEN OUT OF ORDER
AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN
1. DISCUSSION—2011 TOWN BUDGET
The Town Administrator and Town Comptroller gave a power point presentation of the 2011 Tentative
Budget.
Re: 2011 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 1,2011. 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 on Tuesday, November
30,2010. Pursuant to the New York State Town Law, the Town Board must adopt a budget no
later than December 20.
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November 17, 2010
After having had the opportunity over these past weeks, l believe that you will agree that this
budget has by far been one of the most difficult budgets to prepare. Difficult in that the
economic conditions that have plagued local governments since 2008 have not improved. For
the third consecutive year there has been no growth in major non-property tax revenues.
Compounding the problem of funding municipal services is the continued downward trend in
our total taxable assessments.
Expectations for our services and how to budget for them are vastly different than in the
private sector. In the private sector, when demand for goods and services decrease companies
contract. They reduce personnel and operating expenses to meet their needs for continued
profitability. This is not a preferred solution for the private sector however they do have this
as an alternative.
Local government does not necessarily have this as an option unless there is a conscious
decision to change the level of service to the community. You may recall that in our
presentation last year we spoke of the demand upon local government to provide virtually
unlimited services particularly for our public safety and public works departments. That
mission does not change during tough economic times. In fact we actually see in some cases a
greater demand for municipal services.
Therefore the 2011 Preliminary Town Budget assumes the continuation of all current
municipal services. As we will explain later cost reductions and personnel adjustments may
have a limited impact upon service delivery.
Probably the most frustrating aspect of preparing this budget is that it is driven exclusively by
factors outside of the Town's control. Overall the operating expenses under the control of the
Town are down for the coming year. Where the Town could not control costs, nearly all of
those costs are up and up significantly.
On the following pages we will present the highlights of the 2011 budget and those factors
that have driven the need for a property tax increase in the coming year. First here are the
highlights of the budget.
2011 Preliminary Town Budget at a Glance
2010 2011 Change
Appropriation $514,46
s $29,992,052 $30,506,512 1.7%
Non-Property $212,04
Tax Revenue $8,696,515 $8,908,562 2.4%
Reserve $1,849,400 $820,000 ($1'029' (55%)
Application 400)
Property Tax ,$1331,8
$19,446,137 $20,777,950 6.8%
Levy 13
Taxable $152,721,69 $150,621,95 ($2,099, (1.4%
Assessments 5 0 745) )
The increase in appropriations proposed for the coming year, which will be discussed later, are
almost entirely the result of increases in mandated costs to the Town,specifically pension
contributions, worker's compensation insurance and health insurance. Non tax revenues are
projected to continue a trend of poor performance and for that reason the proposed increase
is very small.
This budget includes a proposal for a substantial decrease in the application of surplus funds
to the budget. Multiple years of poor revenue performance has impacted our bottom line and
reduced our ability to recover lost surplus funds. Therefore for 2011 we propose to re-position
our surplus applications to maintain our strong financial condition with surplus levels
adequate to meet unscheduled events. Also by decreasing our surplus applications now, we
are better situated for 2012 and 2013 should economic performance remain flat.
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.
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November 17, 2010
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 recently the services of the
newly consolidated Senior and Community Services Program and Section 8 Housing Voucher
Program. In addition the Town serves as the collecting agent and guarantor of the property
taxes collected on behalf of Westchester County and Mamaroneck Union Free School District.
The decisions relating to the Town assuming responsibility for providing emergency medical
services,Senior Citizen and Housing Services are the result of successful service consolidation
efforts between the Town and the Villages of Mamaroneck and Larchmont. By consolidating
services and apportioning the expenses over a larger tax base the municipalities improved the
efficiency of service delivery and a provided a greater value to the residents.
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
2010 2011 Change
Property Tax Rate $266.02 $282.70 $16.68
Town Property
Taxes' $5,320.40 $5,655.20 $334.80 6.2%
Impact Upon Properties in the Villages of Mamaroneck and Larchmont
2010 2011 Change
Property Tax Rate $17.35 $22.66 $5.31
Town Property
Taxes in Villages3 $347.00 $453.20 $106.20 30%
Revenue Discussion
By now it is becoming a repetitive comment at budget time but the Town will again
experience poor performance from its non-property tax revenues. For 2011 we estimate that
the increase in these revenues will be only$212,000 and most of that increase results from
departmental income where fee increases have been proposed.
For the Town one third of our non-property tax revenue is made up of mortgage tax,sales tax,
and investment earnings. With the economy continuing to struggle through what has been
characterized as a weak recovery we have estimated that none of these revenues will increase
in 2011. When revenues perform poorly there is a greater dependence on the property tax but
also serves to drain reserves. For 2011 the following table illustrates the funding streams to
the Town Budget.
In years of better revenue performance the ratio of property tax funding to non-tax revenues
and surplus is lower. During the years of positive economic performance property tax funding
for the budget has been as low as 62%. In 2010 surplus applied to the Town Budget accounted
for 6%of the total funding and non-property tax revenues accounted for 29%.
Within the nine budget funds that make up the Town Budget it is the Townwide Fund which
experiences the greatest impact when revenues do not perform well hence the larger
percentage tax increase. By statute the Town must account for its share of the mortgage tax
and investment earnings in the Townwide Fund. Additionally we must account for revenues
from fines and summonses in the Townwide Fund even though the Police and Building
Departments are budgeted in another fund.
For 2011 we estimate that non-tax revenue will total$8,908,562 for all budget funds. We
mentioned before the three major revenue sources;mortgage tax, investment income and
' 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
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November 17, 2010
sales tax. To provide some idea of the magnitude of the changes in these revenues;in 2008
the Town earned just over$500,000 in investment income. In 2009 income from this source
dropped to$132,000 and as of this date we have earned just$106,000.
The story is the same for both mortgage tax and sales tax. In 2008 the Town's mortgage tax
revenue was$1.33 million which dropped to$797,000 in 2009 and as of this date stands at
$457,000. By year end we estimate our mortgage tax revenue to be$900,000 and have
budgeted this amount for 2011. With the decline in the real estate market we have also
planned for a decline in revenues from building and land use permits. Our projections for this
revenue have dropped from a high of$250,000 in 2008 to$173,000 in 2011.
Sales tax has been only slightly better than the other major revenues in its performance over
the past several years. Revenue from sales tax dropped from$1.5 million in 2008 to$1.3
million in 2009 and as of this date the Town has received just over$1 million in sales tax. If
consumer spending over the holiday is up from last year we should reach our 2010 forecast of
$1.27 million.
For 2011 we project our rental income from the leasing of property and space at the Town
Center to be$265,000. About 50%of this revenue is derived from the lease agreement
between the Town and the Town of Mamaroneck Housing Authority for its use of the land at
Boston Post Road and Hammocks Road for the Hammocks Park Apartments.
With respect to State and Federal Aid we do not expect any dramatic changes however that
can change based upon the future actions of the New York State Legislature and the Congress.
Altogether the Town will receive$830,000 in aid. Two of the biggest categories of aid include
$154,000 in the form of per capita state aid and$549,000 in federal aid for the operation of
the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program. In addition the Town receives from New York State
$65,000 to help fund road improvements and$62,000 to offset expenses for the senior citizen
nutrition and transportation program.
One of the largest departmental revenue streams is for Recreation programs and facilities.
We have had the good fortune of having Recreation Programming that is popular year after
year. This is evidenced not only by the revenue earned but by the number of participants.
However as we look forward to reducing the use of property taxes for funding services
Recreation Programming is one area where the use of fees to finance operations is common.
Through a combination of expense reductions and fee increases the Recreation Department
will fund 98%of its operating expenses through earned revenue. This ratio is up from 83%in
2010. Revenues expected to total$2.19 million will offset$2.22 million in expenses. With the
reduction in expenses the Town's Recreation Commission has been able to develop a fee
structure that remains affordable to the community and does not impact program quality.
Other revenues of note for 2011:
➢ Ambulance charges $725,000
➢ Penalties on late Property Tax Payments $450,000
➢ Inter fund Transfers $405,500
➢ Parking Permit and Meter Revenue $350,000
➢ Water Revenue from Westchester Joint Waterworks $269,000
We want to touch upon the application of unreserved funds or surplus funds as a funding
source to the budget. Earlier in this letter we referenced the fact that over time if revenues do
not perform adequately there is an impact upon available surpluses. The Town does not
create surpluses with phantom expenses. Our surpluses are derived from expense savings and
conservative revenue estimates. We have learned in this current economic environment that
even the most conservative revenue estimates can be imperfect.
As illustrated in the earlier pie chart surplus funds as a percentage of total budget financing
will drop from 6%to 3%in 2011.
In 2010 the Town's application of surplus to the budget was reduced by$200,000. For this
coming year we propose to reduce the application of fund balance by just over$1 million to
$820,000 for all budget funds. Certainly this recommendation has had a dramatic impact
upon the adjustment to the various tax rates for each fund however in the current
environment there is nothing that gives us a sufficient level of confidence to believe that other
revenues will improve significantly over the next year or two. This being the case we are
unsure of how quickly we can restore the Town's surplus funds to more acceptable levels.
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November 17, 2010
Our current surplus levels are considered adequate to withstand unanticipated expenses that
may occur during the budget year. This was confirmed by both our private auditors as well as
Moody's Investor Service. Moody's recently confirmed the Town's AAA bond rating however
in their published comments they noted the reductions in surplus in each of the funds and
warned that any inefficient use of surplus could negatively change the Town's financial
position. We agree with that analysis. It was for that reason we thought it best to reduce the
Town's application of surplus to the 2011 Budget. As a result of the uncertainty in the
economy over the last three years we think that a more specific benchmark be established for
surplus levels going forward. Surplus levels equal to 12%of expenditures should be a
minimum target in the future.
By severely reducing our use of surplus now during these uncertain times we believe that the
Town is in a better position to control tax adjustments in the future as we have in the past.
Finally we want to touch upon the topic of the property tax levy and the subject of taxable
assessments. For the 2011 Town Budget tax rates were calculated on a total taxable assessed
valuation of$150.6 million, a reduction of$2.03 million from last year The continued
reduction in our taxable assessments contribute to the overall tax rate increase. Since 2008
taxable assessments have dropped by over$5 million. For 20111.1%of the tax rate
adjustment is attributable to the reduction in assessments. The 2011 Tentative Budget
submitted in October called for a total tax levy of$20,934,855. That number has since been
reduced and the proposed tax levy in the Preliminary Budget is$20,777,950. The proposed tax
levy is$1.3 million higher than in 2010.
In 2011 we will begin a property revaluation that will be based upon market value. While
revaluation will not improve revenue performance or provide additional revenue, it will insure
a more equitable apportionment of property taxes. Also with new assessment data the Town
is in a better position to more vigorously defend tax appeals.
Expenditure Discussion
The Preliminary Town Budget proposes total appropriations of$30,506,512, an increase of
$514,460 over 2010. In the Tentative Budget proposed in October the total expenditure
increase was$671,365. As stated in the beginning of this letter the budget as proposed
continues all of the services currently provided by the Town government. However with
reductions in staffing levels and other expenses there will be some minor impacts upon some
services in terms of times for processing certain administrative functions and response for
some Highway Department related functions. Below is a chart that outlines the changes in
each category of expenses.
2010 2011 Change
Salaries $12,897,182 $12,605,905 ($291,277)
Employee
Benefits $6,376,655 $7,169,400 $792,745
Equipment $246,800 $191,000 ($55,800)
Contractual
Expenses $8,336,475 $8,266,770 ($69,705)
Interfund
Transfers $476,000 $530,500 $54,500
Debt Service $1,658,940 $1,742,937 $83,997
Total $29,992,052 $30,506,512 $514,460
Salaries/Personnel
For the coming year we have reduced our salary expenditures by over$290,000. This has been
accomplished through a reduction of seven full time budgeted positions. This is in addition to
the two full time positions removed in the 2010 budget. In some cases full time positions
eliminated for 2011 will be substituted with part time employees in order to maintain
efficiencies in various departments. Also we will be initiating employee sharing between
departments. Full time employees will be assigned to multiple departments and learn
multiple jobs in an effort to hold down salary expenses and take advantage of those members
of the staff with specific experience in various department operations.
Some of our salary savings has also been accomplished through a retirement incentive plan.
Four senior employees will take advantage of a plan offered by the Town this year. With the
staff reductions and the corresponding reductions in benefit cost this allowed for a savings of
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November 17, 2010
$481,000. Savings will also be realized in future years with total savings reaching$2.5 million
over five years.
The Town's labor contracts are in place for 2011 with Office employees, Highway Department
employees and Firefighters. We are currently working on a renewal agreement with the
Town's Police officers whose contract expires on December 31,2010.
Employee Benefits
By now it is common knowledge that employee benefits are a major driver of expense
increases in municipal budgets and unfortunately the Town is in the same position. While
staff adjustments and new labor contract provisions help in reducing our exposure to these
expenses total benefit costs for the Town are still expected to increase by$792,745 in 2011.
Below is a chart that outlines the various changes in employee benefits:
Benefit Type 2010 2011 Change
Police/Fire
Pension $925,000 $1,160,000 $235,000
Employees
Pension $575,000 $875,000 $300,000
Worker's
Comp. $415,000 $522,000 $107,000
FICA/Medicare $993,500 $999,050 $5,550
Medical
Insurance $3,126,550 $3,257,000 $130,450
Other
Expenses $341,605 $356,350 $14,745
Total $6,376,655 $7,169,400 $792,745
Of the total benefits listed a full 50%are mandated upon the Town by the State and Federal
government. For those expenditures where the Town has some discretion we have negotiated
employee participation in these costs. Since 1997, the Town's collective bargaining
agreements have provided for employee contributions to health insurance.
By far it is the pension expense that is the main driver of the increase in employee benefit
costs. For 2011 our pension contributions will increase by$535,000 to anew total of$2.0
million. The Town is mandated to offer the benefits of the pension plan to all Town
employees. Effective January 1,2011 new employees will be covered by a new Tier V of the
pension plan. This new tier will require employees to contribute 3%of their gross salary for
their entire active career in New York State public service. Also under Tier V employees except
police officers and firefighters may only bank up to an additional$15,000 in compensation
towards their pensions. While these measures are expected to reduce overall pension
expenses, the savings will be in the long term.
Worker's Compensation Insurance and medical insurance are also expected to increase
significantly in 2011. Worker's compensation costs have been driven up by two major factors;
an increase in the weekly indemnity payout from$400 to$793 per week and a failure on the
part of the State to institute a cap on permanent partial disabilities which was to be a part of
the Worker's Compensation Reform Act. In an effort to limit our exposure for this type of
insurance we are working with our carrier on the feasibility of self insuring for the indemnity
portion of worker's compensation benefits. Since employee salaries are provided for in the
budget there is no additional cost to the Town to self insure for indemnity. Hopefully this plan
will result in a significant savings for the Town.
Medical insurance costs for the Town are expected to increase by 13.4%. For the Town this
means an expected cost of$3.2million in 2011. From what we have been advised the increase
in costs is attributable to the increased costs of medical procedures and the first phases of the
new Federal legislation on medical insurance. In the coming year dependent children up to
the age of 26 may now remain on their parent's medical insurance plan. Up until now the
maximum age for dependent children was 21.
Looking at our day to day operating expenses including the categories of small equipment and
contractual expenses you will find them to be generally at our below 2010 levels. When
budget preparation began in June of this year department heads were directed to formulate
budgets that reduced expenses by a minimum of 5%. We then evaluated the impact of the
reductions and adjusted accordingly. It was important to make sure that the reductions were
real and not require a budget adjustment in mid year. So for the second year in a row the
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November 17, 2010
Town's departments have produced budgets with no increases where the Town had full
discretion over expenses.
One of the more significant reductions is for energy consumption. As a result of price
reductions and improvements in energy efficiency our expenses for electricity,fuel oil, gasoline
and natural gas will drop from$767,550 to$728,100. For the coming year we are exploring
other measures to further reduce energy consumption.
Another considerable expense for the Town is the defense of tax appeals filed by property
owners. This year over 1,000 grievances were filed. While some of these grievances will be
settled the process of defending the claims can be expensive. The 2011 Budget includes a
$500,000 appropriation for the defense of the tax appeals and the refund of taxes.
In terms of capital projects for the coming year we are only proposing two new projects for
2011. First is the replacement of two police vehicles at a cost of$50,000 and the second is an
evaluation of the Town Center Building for future repairs and restoration. The evaluation is
expected to cost roughly$100,000.
Other capital projects that were approved in 2010 and for which financing has been secured
will be completed in 2011. These include:
➢ Purchase of a new refuse collection truck $ 185,000
➢ Purchase of a new rescue vehicle and fire pumper $1,050,000
➢ Road Resurfacing/Sidewalk Improvements $ 565,000
➢ Purchase of Hybrid Dump Truck $ 185,000
➢ Renovations to the Senior Center $ 400,000
➢ Construction of Sanitation Operations Building $ 962,0004
All other capital projects previously planned for 2011 will be deferred to 2012 or beyond.
Aside from the expense savings, deferring the project will allow the Town to delay new debt
expenses to 2013 when the Town will retire a number of older debt issues.
Another project to be discussed as part of the budget is the property revaluation planned for
next year. Costs for this are expected to range between$150 to$275 per parcel which means
the total cost would be between$1.75 and$2.33 million. We expect to issue the request for
proposal in about two months.
The last expense of note is for debt service. This year the Town sold$3.2million of general
obligation bonds with a twenty year maturity. We were very fortunate to sell the bonds for an
average interest rate of 3.08%. For 2011 our interest expense will drop by$26,000 while our
principle payments will rise by$110,000. Total debt expense next year will be$1.7million.
The Town's total indebtedness is$16.0 million.
This concludes our transmittal letter for the 2011 Preliminary Budget. Historically, the Town
has produced budgets with modest tax increases and continued high levels of service. We have
avoided large fluctuations in tax adjustments and adopted a policy of slow and steady wins
the race and that policy has been highly successful for the Town of Mamaroneck.
For 2011 however we for all practical purposes hit a wall made up of multiple years of poor
revenue performance,further reductions in property assessments and a significant expense
spike for mandated costs. To address these circumstances with the critical help of the
department heads we held the line on operating expenses and proposed reductions in
personnel. This budget also calls for a drastic reduction in the application of surplus to reduce
the likelihood of tax rate spikes in the future and maintain our strong financial condition.
In concluding this letter we want to give a special thanks to the department heads that helped
formulate the budget. Their experience and creativity were invaluable in producing what has
clearly been one of the most difficult budgets in recent memory. We also want to thank the
Supervisor and Town Board for their work on the budget, their patience and enduring the
many hours of work sessions.
Sincerely,
Stephen V.Altieri
Town Administrator/Budget Officer
4 This is a joint project with the Village of Larchmont. The amount listed is the total cost of the project. The Town's
share of the project is estimated at$306,000. Funding will also be provided by the Joint Sanitation Commission.
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November 17, 2010
Mr.Siligato was asked by Supervisor O'Keeffe to state his recommended percentage for the Town Fund
Balance. Mr.Siligato responded that 10-15%for the Townwide Fund and 12%for other funds,adding
currently it is at 4%.
Councilman Fishman,stated that the percentage of Town tax is small,adding it is the obligation of
elected officials in this special time to limit our future growth.Councilman Fishman continued stating in
2008 the Police and Fire pension contribution was$770,000 compared to 2011 of$1,148,000.
Councilwoman Seligson thanked Mr.Altieri, Mr. Siligato and all the staff for a great job in providing
alternatives to lower the budget,adding it was an interesting process to dig into the budget in a deeper
way.
George Roniger,50 Stoneyside Drive,asked how the savings in sanitation of$477,000 is
broken down by household.
Mr.Altieri explained that$535.00 of the tax bill is for waste collection services,adding
that depending on how much the solid waste function is financed through the sale of the
bags, residents could save$125.00 to 525.00 dollars off their Town taxes; some of this
being offset by the cost of the bags.
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
The meeting was called to order by Commissioner O'Keeffe 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 Odierna presented fire claims for authorization of payment,thereafter on
Commissioner Odierna'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 Smith Warren Badges 816.00
AAA Emergency Supply Co Hydrotest&Repairs 73.00
AAA Emergency Supply Co Streamlight Litebox Repair 59.50
Brewer Hardware Building Supplies 63.85
Byram Mason &Building Supply Plastic Coated Hammer 49.90
Cablevision Cable TV for Oct. 114.73
Con Edison Gas for Oct. 387.31
Embassy Cleaners Uniform Cleaning 21.20
Fire End &Croker Super Hood-Ventilated PBI Blend Bronze 393.00
Flower Bar Memorial Wreath for J.Vandernoot's Funeral 135.00
G&K Services Inc. Building Supplies 101.56
Interstate Diagnostics Annual FD Physical Exams 9,047.50
Laundrylux Shipping and Handling on Inv#60728 12.50
Looseleaf Law Pub. Insert for EMS& Fire Personnel NYS Legal Guide 41.00
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November 17, 2010
Minerva Cleaners Cleaning of RIT System External Harness 425.00
Food for PES Training
Oakland Beach Deli 9/16,9/18,10/6,10/16,10/27 556.30
R&L Consulting CTG Trulink 4 Port KVM Switch 161.92
Superior Backf low Testing Testing for Backflow Prevention 145.00
Tri-City Auto Parts Permatex&Oil Dry 86.00
Verizon Wireless Cell Service 9/27-10/26 328.50
Villa Maria Pizza Food for Explorer Drill-11/13/10 66.00
Villa Maria Pizza Food for F.A.S.T. Drill-10/28/10 62.04
Washington Engine Co. Firefighter Training: Responding to Emergencies 200.00
Westech Elevator Service November Elevator Maintenance 175.00
Total: 13,521.81
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
There being no further business to come before the Commission,on motion of Commissioner Fishman,
seconded by Commissioner Seligson,the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board
reconvened.
AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN
2. AUTHORIZATION—2011 AMBULANCE FEES
On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilwoman Seligson,it was
RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve
the 2011 Ambulance District Fee Schedule as follows:
BLS Emergency $545
ALS I Emergency $675
ALS II Emergency $800
ALS Assessment $70
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
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November 17, 2010
3. SET PUBLIC HEARING—LOCAL LAW DOG LICENSING
On motion of Councilman Fishman,seconded by Councilwoman Seligson,it was unanimously
RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby set the date for a Public
Hearing on the"Dog Licensing" Law for November 30,2010 at 8:15 in the Court
Room of the Town Center,and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED,that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized to publish the notice of said
hearing in a newspaper appointed as an official newspaper,and that said notice, be
posted.
4. SALARY AUTHORIZATION
Ambulance District
On motion of Supervisor O'Keeffe,seconded by Councilwoman Wittner,it was
RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby appoint Enrique Serrano as a
paramedic with the Town of Mamaroneck Ambulance District effective November 16,
2010 at an hourly rate of$27.50.
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 Councilman Fishman,seconded by Councilwoman Seligson,it was
RESOLVED,that as provided for in the 2010 Town Budget the Town Board
does hereby authorize the payment of salary to the following:
Hommocks Pool
Giani Brussich Lifeguard $9.75 per hour effective 11/11/2010
Mariella Puleo Alternate Key Attendant $8.25 per hour effective 11/11/2010
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Fishman Aye
Seligson Aye
Odierna Aye
Wittner Aye
O'Keeffe Aye
APPROVAL OF CERTIORARI
On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilman Fishman,it was
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November 17, 2010
RESOLVED,that the Town Board does hereby approve the
following Settlement of Certiorari as recommended by the
Town Attorney:
Fayette Avenue Realty Corp.
611 Fayette Avenue
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Block: 829 Lot: 215
Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Mamaroneck
Year Current Assessment Reduced Assessment
2009 $24,000 $17,500
2010 $24,000 $17,500
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 3, 2010
On motion of Councilman Fishman,seconded by Councilwoman Wittner,it was
unanimously
RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve
the Board Minutes from the meeting of November 3,2010.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
George Roniger, Larchmont Gardens'Civic Association,stated the Gardens' Lake looked good, noting
whether the temporary fencing would stay longer. Mr. Roniger also asked that the light on the island be
put back,or tuned on.
Mr.Altieri stated that the fencing will remain until the plantings are more established. As for the light,
Mr.Altieri will look into lighting on the island.
Mr. Roniger asked that the Town include the Larchmont Gardens'Civic Association in any rededication
plans. Finally,there was a question as to the bio-sensitivity in choosing the plantings around the lake,
specifically if they will minimize phosphates and deter geese.
Mr.Altieri answered that the plantings were chosen to deter geese,Councilwoman Wittner added that
all the plantings chosen were native.
Mr.Altieri stated the Town has received a grant to install catch basins. He added that these basins will
remove hydrocarbons,as well as solid material.
Mr. Roniger noted that the Village of Mamaroneck's Meeting was held on the previous evening. At that
meeting,a presentation was given by the Army Corp of Engineers regarding flooding.
Supervisor O'Keeffe noted that the Board was informed of the Village's Meeting too late to change the
Town's Budget Meeting.
Mr.Altieri and Supervisor O'Keeffe noted that Harrison is looking to sell a dredging device,adding the
Town and Village are discussing this as a joint purchase.
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November 17, 2010
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
SUPERVISOR'S REPORT
Supervisor O'Keeffe told the audience of the work done by an Eagle Scout Adam Bernstein at the VFW
Building. Adam created a wall of previous Commanders of the VFW. He worked incredibly hard getting
donated materials from local businesses and created an amazing tribute to our Veterans.
REPORT OF COUNCIL
Due to the very late hour,Councilman Fishman gave his time to Councilwoman Seligson.
Councilwoman Seligson attended the awards announcement ceremony for the Long Island Sound Study
Futures Fund.The Town received a grant for$62,000 to retrofit several catch basins to remove garbage,
grit and hydrocarbons. This is a great step forward as the Department of Environmental Conservation
will soon be requiring municipalities to do this kind of work. Councilwoman Seligson emphasized that
the Town was the only entity in Westchester County to receive a grant. Councilwoman Seligson noted
her attendance at a number of Veterans' Day ceremonies,as well as many budget meetings.
Councilwoman Wittner noted the many, many budget meetings she has attended. Councilwoman
Wittner thanked Councilwoman Seligson for getting the grant for the Town, noting the help she received
from David Goessl and Liz Paul.
Councilman Odierna attended the Planning Board Meeting on November 10. The Recreation
Commission will meet tomorrow,as well as the Board of Architectural Review,of which he will attend.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Supervisor O'Keeffe,seconded by Councilwoman Wittner the meeting was unanimously
adjourned at 11:10 PM.
Submitted by
Christina Battalia,Town Clerk
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