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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012_05_02 Town Board Minutes May 2, 2012 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON MAY 2,2012, BEGINNING AT S:OOPM IN CONFERENCE ROOM A AND CONTINUING AT 8:00 PM IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE TOWN,740 W. BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK PRESENT: Supervisor Nancy Seligson Councilwoman Phyllis Wittner Councilman Ernest C.Odierna Councilwoman Abby Katz Councilwoman Jaine Elkind Eney 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 Councilwoman Elkind Eney,the Work Session was unanimously opened at S:OOPM. Taken Out of order Discussion—2013 Budget Review Process The Town Board continued their discussion on the use of focus groups.Supervisor Seligson began by stating that the information generated would be very beneficial, adding that she does not doubt that sampling a small number of people would yield very good results. Supervisor Seligson stated that she and Mr. Altieri feel that this would be the beginning of more strategic planning for the Town. Supervisor Seligson would like to speak with Bart Roberts about strategic planning and how the focus groups would be part of that. Supervisor Seligson stated she understood the Board's hesitation with the cost of the focus groups, but reminded the Board that the information generated would be much more substantive than that generated from a survey. Councilwoman Elkind Eney suggested that the Town also look at efficiency experts, adding that focus groups would give the Town information on what residents want versus how the Town would accomplish it. Meeting with Highway Department Additionally Present: Louis Martirano,Superintendant of Highways As part of the Town Boards continued discussions with Town Departments and Boards and Commissions, Mr. Martirano was asked to meet with the Board. Mr. Martirano distributed a handout of the Highway Department including an organizational chart and a detailed overview of his Department. Mr. Martirano stated that historically during hard economic times, Highway Departments' did more projects, noting that this has changed, and the Highway Department's key role is the maintenance of the Town's infrastructure. With respect to paving Mr. Martirano noted that the aggressive borrowing the Town has done for paving has brought road resurfacing more in line with the recommended two miles per year. Along with lighting, curb work, sidewalks and other roadway related maintenance, the Highway Department also takes care of leaf collection, storm drains, catch basins and sanitary sewer maintenance.The idea of bagging leaves to save money was raised. 1 May 2, 2012 Mr. Martirano discussed the organizational chart for his Department, detailing various divisions and their functions. Mr. Martirano stated that his Department has 18 people on the road each day. As a comparison, Winged Foot has 50 personnel maintaining 200 acres, the Village of Mamaroneck has 30 Highway Personnel and the Village of Larchmont has 15 Highway Personnel. Meeting with Town Planning Board Additionally Present: Marc Rosenbaum, Chairperson for the Planning Board, Planning Board Members, Steve Marsh,Virginia Picciotto and George Roniger and a Member of the legal staff, Lisa Hochman. After introductions, Supervisor Seligson began by explaining for the Planning Board that the Town Board has been meeting with the various Town Departments and Boards and Commissions over the last few months. In that regard,the Town Board would like to give the Planning Board some feedback on policy and direction. Supervisor Seligson continued by stating that Town has relatively few new subdivisions and that recently the Planning Board's primary role has been with Wetlands and Special Permits. Supervisor Seligson continued by stating that there are ways in which the Planning Board can take opportunities and utilize their position to encourage applicants to take part in enhancing our community. The Boards discussed streamlining the approval process for applicants, potential amendments to the Code, Code Enforcement, Buffer Zones in wetland areas and the pros and cons of a Residential Board of Architectural Review. Mr. Rosenbaum asked the Town Board to consider extending the number of days the Planning Board has to review a referral from the Town Board, adding this extended time frame would help the Planning Board in its review process. The Boards discussed the need for an Alternate Member to the Planning Board; a number of Members' emphasized the need for an environmental engineer as an Alternate Member. Councilwoman Katz left the meeting for a brief time to attend a concert performance by her daughter. Discussion—Health Insurance Supervisor Seligson stated that although there is no immediacy to make a decision on this item, the Board may want to consider any changes be made prior to the November Election.The Board deferred this item, as Councilwoman Katz had left the meeting. Councilwoman Wittner asked Mr. Maker to explain why the Town Clerk is noted separately in the resolution. Mr. Maker responded that the reason the Town Clerk's position is differentiated is because in the NYS Retirement System the Town Clerk's position is considered full time,whereas the Town Board positions are considered part time. This item was deferred to a future Work Session. New Business Supervisor Seligson reported that the Town's Consulting Engineer, Dolf Rotfeld,was requested by the Town Board to review the Village of Larchmont's Pine Brook Project. Mr. Rotfeld notified the Supervisor that the information originally given to him was not sufficient for him to make a report therefore, he has requested additional information from the Village. Supervisor Seligson noted that she has been contacted by a resident who is very interested in the Town revisiting the discussion of the consolidation of the Police Detective Units of the Town and Village of Larchmont. The Town Board asked Councilman Odierna to revisit the facts of the Consolidation Committee Study,and make a recommendation to the Town Board as to how they should proceed with a further discussion. Councilwoman Katz returned to the Work Session. 2 May 2, 2012 On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney,the Board unanimously agreed to enter into an Executive Session to discuss four individuals within the Police Department. EXECUTIVE SESSION Discussion-Four Individuals within the Police Department. On motion of Councilman Odierna,seconded by Supervisor Seligson,the Board unanimously agreed to resume the Regular Meeting. CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Seligson at 8:00 PM, she then pointed out the location of the exits. SUPERVISOR'S SUMMARY REPORT Supervisor Seligson noted a number of recent inter municipal activities,specifically, Earth Day was celebrated with cleanup activities around the Town and a No Idling Day on April 23,was held with much success. For Arbor Day and in honor of Robert DelVecchio,a tree was planted in Memorial Park. Supervisor Seligson noted that a recent Town Village School(TVS) Meeting was held,adding this is a wonderful venue for sharing ideas within our community.At Home on the Sound, held a recent event at which they honored former Town Supervisor Valerie O'Keeffe,for the work she has done with the senior citizens in our community. Supervisor Seligson reminded the audience that the Work Session, held in Conference Room A, beginning at S:OOPM,is always open to the public. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS None BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The Meeting was called to order by Commissioner Seligson,and then on motion of Commissioner Wittner, seconded by Commissioner Elkind Eney,the Board of Fire Commissioners was unanimously declared open. Present were the following Members of the Commission: Commissioner: Nancy Seligson Commissioner: Phyllis Wittner Commissioner: Ernest C. Odierna Commissioner: Abby Katz Commissioner: Jaine Elkind Eney 3 May 2, 2012 1. FIRE CLAIMS On motion of Commissioner Katz,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 Emerg.Supply Globe Turn Out Gear 4,200.00 AAA Emerg.Supply NFPA Air Analysis and Compressor 825.00 Amazon.com Global Satellite GPS Unit and UBS Cords 97.47 Bound Tree Medical Gloves 229.92 Firemen;s Association of NYS Fire Services Law Book 30.00 Fire Academy FSA IFSTA Fire And Life Safety Educator Edition 79.90 G&K Services Building Cleaning Supplies 96.73 Oakland Beach Deli Food for Monthly Drill 245.90 Sam Gioseffi Painting and Sheetrock work in Gym 1,000.00 Tony's Nurseries Inc. Hollytone,Scott Step 1,Grass Seed and Sprinkler 171.16 United Water Water Charges 2/14-4/13/12 351.55 Verizon Telephone charges 4/10-5/9/12 338.60 Westchester Joint Water Works Water Charges 3/31-6/30/12 100.00 Total: 7,766.23 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Commissioner Elkind Eney Aye Commissioner Katz Aye Commissioner Odierna Aye Commissioner Wittner Aye Commissioner Seligson Aye The Commission noted that Fire Council will meet next week. There being no further business to come before the Commission,on motion of Commissioner Odierna, seconded by Commissioner Elkind Eney,the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Presentation of 2011 Audited Financial Statements Alan Kassay of O'Connor Davies Munns&Dobbins, lip, presented the Auditor's Report. It is noted that the Auditor's Report has been received and is on file in the Town Clerk's Office. 2. Salary Authorization Police Department 4 May 2, 2012 On motion of Councilman Odierna,seconded by Councilwoman Katz,the following was approved, WHEREAS,with the recent retirement of Lieutenant Gerald McCarthy,the Police Department is recommending the promotion of Detective Sergeant Matthew Mehlrose for the position of Police Lieutenant. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the promotion of Matthew Mehlrose to Police Lieutenant at an annual salary of$125,220.00 beginning May 3,2012. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye Seligson Aye Summer Conservation Corp. On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney,it was RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the following summer conservation crew members: Crew Leader at$9.00/hour Derek Ward Conservation Crew Members at$8.50/hr Frank Giordano Matt Conner Troy Whittemore Daniel Marks Hunter Boyle Tedric(Teddy) Bellis Erick Linares The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye Seligson Aye WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None REPORT OF COUNCIL Councilman Odierna attended the Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting on April 25,at which they approved the Minutes from 2011 and the beginning of 2012. At this Meeting,a number of applications were adjourned and or approved.Councilman Odierna noted that the Town Board held a Special Meeting on 5 May 2, 2012 April 27,at which the Board discussed Retirement Health Care Benefits and the use of focus groups in preparing for the 2013 Budget. Councilwoman Wittner attended the Mamaroneck Artist Guild's Second Annual Post Card Sale and Fundraiser.This was held at the Town Center Court Room and was very well attended. Many businesses in the community donated food platters to this wonderful affair. Councilwoman Wittner noted that Supervisor Seligson was not able to attend,as she was in Boston receiving a prestigious award. Councilwoman Witmer asked Supervisor Seligson to elaborate. Supervisor Seligson noted that she received the Environmental Protection Agency's Merit Award for her work on the Long Island Sound Study,Citizen's Advisory Committee. Supervisor Seligson has been Chair of that Committee for several years and as a member has been active in Long Island Sound advocacy for twenty years. Supervisor Seligson traveled to Boston with her co-recipient Kurt Johnson of the Connecticut Fund for the Environment-Save the Sound. It was quite spectacular to receive this Award in Faneuil Hall were President George Washington toasted his first year in Office. Councilwoman Katz noted that all her Board and Commission Meetings were cancelled this month. Councilwoman Katz reminded residents of the upcoming School Budget Vote on May 15. The School has held many meetings and presentations for this budget,and she encourages all residents to vote. Councilwoman Elkind Eney noted that in Supervisor Seligson's absence,she had the privilege and honor to attend the ceremony for David Potterfield,a 1964 Mamaroneck High School graduate who gave his life in the Vietnam War. He was honored by many of his classmates in a very nice tribute to a member of our community. Councilwoman Elkind Eney attended the Human Rights Committee Meeting at which they discussed changing the format for the Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. event to a film festival that would represent the ideals of Dr. King. Councilwoman Elkind Eney and Supervisor Seligson attended the Close to Home Fundraiser at Larchmont Avenue Church. The proceeds for this event went to the CAP Center,the Community Counseling Center and the Hope Community Services. Supervisor Seligson added that she and the Board are very thankful to the Planning Board and Louis Martirano the Highway Superintendant,for meeting with the Board this evening. The Town Board has been meeting in Work Sessions with the Town Departments and the various Boards and Commissions of the Town. Supervisor Seligson noted how useful and informative these meetings have been and the value they will add for the Board as they move forward with policy decisions. Supervisor Seligson thanked Councilman Odierna for reminding her of the Town Board's discussions regarding Strategic Planning. The Board is well aware of the financial realities we are living under,and in preparing for the 2013 Budget it is becoming clear that the Town needs to look at this from a policy standpoint and do some strategic planning. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilwoman Katz the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:20 PM Submitted by Christina Battalia,Town Clerk 6