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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011_09_07 Town Board Minutes September 7, 2011 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON SEPTEMBER 7,2011, BEGINNING AT 5:30PM IN CONFERENCE ROOM A AND CONTINUING AT 8:00 PM IN CONFERENCE ROOM C OF THE TOWN CENTER,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 On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilman Fishman,the Work Session was unanimously opened at 5:30PM. Additionally present were the following: Anthony Siligato,Town Comptroller Susan Thomas,Town Assessor Tom Frey, Project Administrator—Property Revaluation Project On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilwoman Seligson,the Board unanimously agreed to enter into an Executive Session to discuss the employment history of corporations leading to the appointment or employment of a corporation. EXECUTIVE SESSION Employment History of Corporations Leading to the Appointment or Employment of a Corporation On motion of Supervisor O'Keeffe,seconded by Councilman Fishman,the Board unanimously agreed to reenter Work Session. Reassessment Project The Board reviewed a memo prepared by Mr.Altieri, detailing the project costs and included two schedules,a Comparative Budget of Proposals Received and Property Revaluation Project Total Estimated Budget. Susan Thomas explained to the Town Board the SDG Software that will be installed as part of the Reassessment Project. Mr.Siligato explained that the Town will be adding an additional server. The Board discussed the advantages and disadvantages of long term borrowing versus short term. Mr.Siligato is recommending,for the most flexibility,issuing a one year note. Mr.Siligato noted that this is also the recommendation of the Town's Financial Advisor Richard Tortora. Mr.Siligato noted the memo before the Board prepared by Richard Tortora dated September 2,2011, regarding market conditions. Supervisor O'Keeffe again recommended the Town begin the process of setting a Public Hearing for the potential override of the tax cap. Mr.Siligato noted the resolution for the borrowing is on the agenda for this evening. 1 September 7, 2011 On motion of Councilwoman Seligson,seconded by Supervisor O'Keeffe,the Board unanimously agreed to enter into an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation. EXECUTIVE SESSION Pending Litigation On motion of Councilwoman Seligson,seconded by Supervisor O'Keeffe the Board unanimously agreed to close the Executive Session. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor O'Keeffe at 8:00 PM, she then pointed out the location of exits. Supervisor O'Keeffe noted the agenda items discussed during Work Session, reiterating to the audience that the Work Session is open to the public. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The meeting was called to order by Commissioner O'Keeffe then on motion of Commissioner Seligson, seconded by Commissioner Wittner,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 presented fire claims for authorization of payment,thereafter on Commissioner Seligson's motion,seconded by Commissioner Wittner,it was RESOLVED that this Commission hereby authorizes payment of the following Fire Department claims as approved by the Fire Chief and audited by the Comptroller's Office: AAA Emergency Supply NFPA Boots $305.00 Brewer Trimmer Line,Weed Killer, Painting Supp. 62.76 Cleaning Sys Company Cleaning supplies 511.05 Con Edison Gas Charges 7/29-8/29/11 179.32 David Dorzbacher Firefighter Exam, Bedding, Emt Course 1,036.88 ESS Inc. Utility 56 Radio Repair 425.00 Galls Inc. Career Staff Uniform Supplies 176.45 IKON Copier 8/22-9/21/11 204.35 Marc Duggan Reimbursement for Vent Expense 8.64 Max Goldman Locking Connector and Plugs,Amps 67.95 Robert's Department Stores Rain Gear 25.00 Sound Shore Pest Control Exterminating Service 8/25/11 65.00 Technical Electronics Inc. Radio Communication Equipment 13,204.00 2 September 7, 2011 United Communications Corp. Monitor IV Repair 333.86 Verizon Telephone 9/10-10/9/11 369.95 Villa Maria Pizza Food for Explorer Drill and Working Fire 181.73 Westech Elevator September Maintenance 175.00 Total: $17,331.94 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 O'Keeffe welcomed Fire Chief Brendan Collins and Deputy Chiefs Joe Russo and Noah Goldberg. Chief Collins began by stating the Department was extremely busy having responded to 225 calls in a two month period,80 of which occurred in a 48 hour period during the Hurricane. Chief Collins was very proud to report that the department received notification from the ISO that the rating for the Town Fire Department had been upgraded from a class three to a class two. Of the 25 Westchester Departments only two other municipalities, New Rochelle and Scarsdale, have this rating. Chief Collins recommended commercial businesses and homeowners check with their insurance companies to check whether they might receive a discount on premiums because of this favorable rating. The Town Board discussed details of Hurricane Irene, noting specifically areas that were heavily affected and those that were evacuated.The Board thanked the Fire Department for their report,as well as for their hard work during the storm. Commissioner Wittner read the Fire Reports for the Months of July and August as submitted by Chief Collins as follows: July 2011 ALARM TYPE NUMBER Generals 27 Minors 26 Stills 2 Out of Town (Mutual Aid) 5 EMS 18 Drills 5 TOTAL 83 Total number of personnel responding: 1150 Total time working: 57 hours and 54 minutes August 2011 ALARM TYPE NUMBER Generals 37 3 September 7, 2011 Minors 32 Stills 55 Out of Town (Mutual Aid) 3 EMS 21 Drills 2 TOTAL 150 Total number of personnel responding: 1330 Total time working: 61 hours and 51 minutes There being no further business to come before the Commission,on motion of Commissioner Wittner,seconded by Commissioner Seligson,the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Update-Hurricane Irene Response Mr.Altieri stated that the Town will be debriefing over the next two weeks, noting there are always ways to improve. Supervisor O'Keeffe noted that County Executive Robert Astorino visited the Village of Mamaroneck and met with Mayor Norm Rosenblum. There is hope that resources might be available to the Village residents so badly impacted. The Board noted the flow of water from the east branch of the Sheldrake River.This was very unusual for water to be coming from this branch versus the west branch which is always heavy, but controllable. Mr.Altieri noted that he will prepare for the Town Board a tally of the costs of this storm. 2. Report of Proposals&Award of Contract—Property Revaluation Project Aditionally present: Susan Thomas,Town Assessor Tom Frey, Project Administrator Mr.Altieri explained that for a number of years the Town has discussed the value of doing a town wide reassessment. The Town appointed a Citizens Advisory Committee which recommended a revaluation. The Board deferred the matter when their appeared to be movement by the County for a County revaluation. The County has not pursued revaluation, nor does it appear it will any time soon. In the intervening years the Town continued to reevaluate the amount of money the Town,School and Villages' spend on refunding taxes. Over the last seven to eight years the Town continues to see reductions in assessed valuations. Those reductions have impacted our tax rate and our budget.Specifically in the last two budgets this has driven about one to one and a half percent of the tax rate increase. Putting these factors together,it would appear that it is the right time to initiate a revaluation project. To this end,the Town Board has authorized the preparation of an RFP process and the acceptance of those proposals. Mr.Altieri introduced the Revaluation Project Manager Mr.Tom Frey. Mr.Altieri explained that Mr. Frey has been selected by the Town Board based on his expertise having been the project manager for several revaluation projects,as well as having served as the Executive Director of the NYS Assessors'Association. 4 September 7, 2011 Mr. Frey addressed the audience and began with a detailed summary of the process to date and an analysis of the two contractors who have bid for this project. Mr.Altieri reviewed the cost of the project, noting specific line items as detailed in his memo before the Board. Supervisor O'Keeffe asked Mr.Altieri to explain the proposed financing for this project. Mr.Altieri stated that the proposal is for a Bond Anticipation Note at.03%,adding this is an incredible rate. The interest on this would be approximately$7,000 a year. In the next year the Town Board will then decide whether to finance this long term,or bundle this with other notes. Councilman Fishman noted that the Town needs to create a policy to continue revaluation each year or every five years. Mr.Altieri stated that he would recommend every two to three years. Councilwoman Seligson stated that the Town Board has been discussing this for many years. It is a fact that assessments are all out of whack and ultimately not fair and equitable. We as the Town Board have a fiduciary responsibility to tax fairly and not for the Town to pay out hundreds of thousands of dollars in litigation because the Town cannot stand by our tax roll because it is based on the nineteen twenties. Councilman Odierna stated that at the end of this process it is the goal of this Board that residents feel the process is fair. Supervisor O'Keeffe stated that it is important that residents understand the process and that opinions are not based on misinformation. The Board emphasized in the RFP the importance of community outreach and public information session. Councilwoman Wittner noted her support of the contractor being selected this evening,adding they did an excellent job with their proposal.Councilwoman Wittner has full confidence that they will do a good job. On motion of Councilman Fishman,seconded by Councilwoman Wittner,the following was approved, WHEREAS, based on discussions and meetings of the Town Board and the information and presentations by GAR Associates being more relevant to the Town's need,with the added comfort level of their presence in New York State and general sense that these are people who are both experienced and understand the needs of this community it is, RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby award the contract for the Town's Revaluation Project to GAR Associates,Albany, NY at a cost of $919,000 with additional fees as follows: 2014—Update $108,750 SDG Online Software included Small Claims Assistance $750/report $100/Hour court time Certiorari Report $125-$125 per hour Certiorari Testimony $125-$125 per hour The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye 5 September 7, 2011 ADDED ITEM 3. Bond Resolution—Revaluation Project On motion of Councilman Odierna,seconded by Councilwoman Seligson,the following was approved, BOND RESOLUTION DATED SEPTEMBER 7,2011. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $1,300,000 BONDS OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK, WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK,TO PAY THE EXPENSE INCURRED IN THE EMPLOYMENT OF EXPERTS TO APPRAISE THE VALUE OF REAL PROPERTY, IN AND FOR SAID TOWN. BE IT RESOLVED, by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the total voting strength of the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck, Westchester County, New York, as follows: Section 1. For the specific object or purpose of paying the expense incurred in the employment of experts to appraise the value of real property to assist in the assessment thereof for purposes of taxation, in and for the Town of Mamaroneck, Westchester County, New York, including incidental expenses in connection therewith,there are hereby authorized to be issued $1,300,000 bonds of said Town pursuant to the provisions of the Local Finance Law. Section 2. It is hereby determined that the maximum estimated cost of said specific object or purpose is $1,300,000 and that the plan for the financing thereof is by the issuance of not to exceed $1,300,000 of bonds of the Town authorized to be issued therefor. Section 3. It is hereby determined that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid specific object or purpose is five years, pursuant to subdivision 53 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law. It is hereby further determined that the maximum maturity of the bonds herein authorized will not exceed five years. Section 4. Subject to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, the power to authorize the issuance of and to sell bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance and sale of the bonds herein authorized, including renewals of such notes, is hereby delegated to the Supervisor, the chief fiscal officer. Such notes shall be of such terms, form and contents, and shall be sold in such manner, as may be prescribed by said Supervisor, consistent with the provisions of the Local Finance Law. Section 5. The faith and credit of said Town of Mamaroneck, Westchester County, New York, are hereby irrevocably pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on such bonds as the same respectively become due and payable. An annual appropriation shall be made in each year sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such bonds becoming due and payable in such year. There shall annually be levied on all the taxable real property of said Town, a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such bonds as the same become due and payable. Section 6. All other matters, except as provided herein relating to such bonds, including determining whether to issue such bonds having substantially level or declining annual debt service and all matters related thereto, prescribing whether manual or facsimile signatures shall appear on said bonds, prescribing the method for the recording of ownership of said bonds, appointing the fiscal agent or agents for said bonds, providing for the printing and delivery of said bonds (and if said bonds are to be executed in the name of the Town by the facsimile signature of the Supervisor, providing for the manual countersignature of a fiscal agent or of a designated official of the Town), the date, denominations, maturities and interest payment dates, place or places of payment, and also including the consolidation with other issues, shall be determined by the Supervisor. Such bonds shall contain substantially the recital of validity clause provided for in section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law and shall otherwise be in such form and contain such recitals in addition to those required by section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law,as the Supervisor shall determine. Section 7. This resolution shall constitute a statement of official intent for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.150- 2. Other than as specified in this resolution, no monies are, or are reasonably expected to be, reserved, allocated on a long-term basis, or otherwise set aside with respect to the permanent funding of the object or purpose described herein. Section 8. The validity of such bonds and bond anticipation notes may be contested only if: 1) Such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which said Town is not authorized to expend money,or 2) The provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of publication of this resolution are not substantially complied with, 6 September 7, 2011 and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the date of such publication,or 3) Such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution. Section 9. This resolution, which takes effect immediately, shall be published in summary form in the official newspaper of said Town for such purpose,together with a notice of the Town Clerk in substantially the form provided in Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law. The question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put to a vote on roll call,which resulted as follows: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye The resolution was thereupon declared duly adopted. 4. Approval of Certiorari On motion of Supervisor O'Keeffe,seconded by Councilman Odierna,it was RESOLVED,that the Town Board hereby authorizes the settlement of the following tax certiorari on the following terms: Barbara Makridakis 17 Jason Lane Mamaroneck, NY 10543 Block: 207 Lot:490 Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Mamaroneck Year Current Assessment Reduced Assessment 2010 $18,000 $10,500 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 Wittner,seconded by Councilman Odierna,it was RESOLVED,that as provided for in the 2011 Town Budget the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby authorize the payment of salary to the following: 7 September 7, 2011 Memorial Park Tennis Courts: Retroactive 8/18/11 through 9/30/11 Katherine Varian Alternate Attendant $12/hr Tennis Program: Effective 9/12/11 through 10/21/11 Joseph Isherwood Instructor $23/hr Youth Program Instructors: Effective 9/12/11(continuous) Kathleen Reale Tiny Tot Time $45/class Effective 9/12/11 Corey Krupowicz Art Class $65/class Effective 9/12/11 Claire Widman Art Class $65/class Effective 9/12/11 Emily Romeo Youth Dance $40/class Effective 9/12/11 Kathleen Flynn Cooking Class $45/class Effective 9/12/11 Ice Skating Program: Effective 9/12/11 through 6/15/12 Alana Kelton Director $16,500/season Mike Baiocco Instructor $16/hour Kathleen Bird-loris Instructor $18/hour Jenna Bisignano Instructor $15/hour Sara Beth Carbonaro Instructor $18/hour Brad Cox Instructor $18/hour Amy DeNicola Instructor $18/hour Sandra Duarte Instructor $18/hour Sahra English Instructor $18/hour Megan Ettinger Instructor $8/hour Claudine Ferrara Instructor $18/hour Mary Marchiselli Instructor $18/hour Dianne McCray Instructor $18/hour Aimee McGowan Instructor $18/hour Susan McKeever Instructor $18/hour Mackenzie Morton Instructor $8/hour Kami Netri Instructor $18/hour Catherine Ryan Instructor $18/hour Amy Schliftman Instructor $17/hour Julie Ann Schliftman Instructor $18/hour Joanne Schroeder Instructor $16/hour Christopher Tortorella Instructor $18/hour Kristi Tortorella Instructor $18/hour Christine Vita Instructor $18/hour Judith Wolf Instructor $18/hour Men's Basketball effective October 17,2011 to May 3,2012 William Reilly Instructor $60.00 per session William Byron Alternate Instructor $60.00 per session Irwin Davidson Alternate Instructor $60.00 per session Patrick Romano Alternate Instructor $60.00 per session Women's Fitness effective September 19,2011 to June 22,2012 Sarah Lanza Instructor $50.00 per session Heike Rauls Alternate Instructor $50.00 per session House League Hockey effective November 5,2011 to June 8,2012 Thomas Greason Instructor $35.00 per hour Greg Tevere Instructor $20.00 per hour Pizza Bingo effective October 14,2011 to May 18,2012 Francine Brill Assistant $12.00 per hour Eileen Puleo Assistant $12.00 per hour Safe On My Own effective Sept 21,2011 to June 15,2012 Diane Stonis Instructor $80.00 per session Volleyball effective November 16,2011 to May 13,2012 Suzanne Elson Instructor $60.00 per session 8 September 7, 2011 Cardiolates,Total Body Conditions&Yogasculpt effective September 19,2011 to June 21, 2012 Mary Ann Leibowitz Instructor $50.00 per session HOMMOCKS POOL- Effective 9/12/11 (continuous) Maximilian Alfaro Lifeguard $10/hr Harrison Cain Lifeguard $10.25/hr Edith Chess Lifeguard $9/hr Tiffany Contreras Lifeguard $12/hr EMS $26/session Taylor Delvillar Lifeguard $10.50/hr EMS $25/session Swim Instructor $13.50/hr Frank Giordano Lifeguard $9.25/hr Joseph Giordano Lifeguard $11/hr Lauren Keller Lifeguard $9/hr EMS $25/session Swim Instructor $13/hr Charles Kirby Lifeguard $8.75/hr Andres Legramandi Lifeguard $10.25/hr Swim Instructor $13.25/hr Jon Pomeranz Lifeguard $10.25/hr Swim Instructor $14/hr Danielle Puleo Lifeguard $9/hr Swim Instructor $13/hr Maura Saporito Lifeguard $9/hr Felicia O'Connor Lifeguard $8.75/hr EMS $25/session Craig Casterella Lifeguard $9.50/hr EMS $25/session Marc Najjar Lifeguard $8.50/hr Caroline Washington Lifeguard $9/hr Connor McKeon Lifeguard $9.25/hr Roisin Reidy Lifeguard $8.25/hr EMS $25/session Ciaran Reidy Lifeguard $11/hr EMS $25/session Cody Blume Key Attendant $9.25/hr Krystyna Stepinson Key Attendant $10.75/hr Christopher Markantonis Key Attendant $9.25/hr Michael Palladino Key Attendant $9.25/hr Mariella Puleo Key Attendant $9/hr Wayne Pollak Manager $20/hr John Keenan Manager $19.75/hr LG Instructor $25/hr Angel Skytte-Gaiser Manager $18.50/hr Chris Ciotti Manager $16/hr Lifeguard $12/hr Erin Hayes Swim Instructor $15/hr Amanda Biddle Swim Instructor $16.25 EMS $26/session Dolphin's Coach $30/hr Lifeguard $16.25/hr Sarah Lanza Aqua Jog Instructor $50/hr HOMMOCKS PARK ICE RINK: Effective 9/12/11 through 6/30/12 Robert C. Lunde Manager $19.25/hr Joanne Schroeder Manager $19.25/hr James Schroeder Manager $16.25/hr Dan Smyth Manager $18.25/hr Nicholas Tunno Manager $18.25/hr Richard Garner Manager $15.50/hr Custodian $15.50/hr Michael Baiocco Manager $15/hr Skate Room $11.75/hr Brian Ritz Manager $17.25/hr 9 September 7, 2011 Sean Rouse Custodian $15.50/hr Joe Carducci Skate Guard $9.50/hr Nick Spano Skate Guard $10/hr Joseph Spadaro Skate Guard $9.50/hr Anthony Spadaro Skate Guard $9.50/hr Tom Melagrano Skate Room $10.50/hr Michelle Rodriguez Cashier $13.75/hr Gina Jones Cashier $13.25/hr SUMMER CAMP FLOOR REMOVAL: Rectroactive 8/29/11 through 9/9/11 Robert C. Lunde Maintenance $20/hr Brian Ritz Maintenance $20/hr Michael Baiocco Maintenance $20/hr Tom Melagrano Maintenance $20/hr Nick Spano Maintenance $20/hr Joe Carducci Maintenance $20/hr Sean Rouse Maintenance $20/hr KAYAK FUN PROGRAM: Effective 9/17/11 through 10/15/11 Dan Brussich Lifeguard $15/hr Jackie Negrilli Supervisor $25/hr 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 Councilman Odierna,seconded by Councilwoman Seligson,it was RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby appoint James Briganti as a Paramedic for the Town's Ambulance District effective August 15, 2011 at the probationary rate of$28.21 per hour. 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 Councilwoman Seligson,it was RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby appoint Dennis McLane as a Paramedic for the Town's Ambulance District effective August 15, 2011 at the probationary rate of$28.21 per hour. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Fishman Aye Seligson Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye O'Keeffe Aye 10 September 7, 2011 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Eugene Belkin of 6 Murdoch Road addressed the Board. Mr. Belnick stated his displeasure with not being able to reach Town Officials during the Hurricane,adding he left a message and did not receive a call back until 6:OOPM. Supervisor O'Keeffe apologized adding that Mr. Belnick should have been given the Emergency Operations Center(EOC) phone number. Supervisor O'Keeffe emphasized how diligent the Town was during the Hurricane,adding she will oversee changes,so as what Mr. Belnick experienced will not occur in the future. George Roniger, Larchmont Gardens'Civic Association,addressed the Board. Mr. Roniger asked if the Town Board had made any decisions regarding the Homestead Option for the Revaluation Project. Supervisor O'Keeffe stated that the option for that would happen after data collection. Mr. Roniger urged the Board not to let this fall through the cracks. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None REPORT OF COUNCIL Councilman Fishman noted that during the Revaluation Project emphasis should be made to reach out to the real-estate brokers and the press.Councilman Fishman stated that he was recently in North Carolina visiting Colleges, noting that during the month of August many of the Boards he is liaison to did not meet. Councilwoman Seligson spoke of the Town's upcoming 350`"Anniversary Celebration Weekend, noting the various events throughout the Town. Councilwoman Wittner attended the Fire Council, but could not attend other functions due to the fact that she was in Utica during the Hurricane for five days. Councilman Odierna noted that the Revaluation Project has been the longest deliberation he has been a part of during his 12 years on the Board. SUPERVISOR'S REPORT ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilman Fishman the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:45 PM Submitted by Christina Battalia,Town Clerk 11