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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012_10_17 Town Board Minutes October 17, 2012 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON OCTOBER 17,2012, BEGINNING AT S:OOPM IN CONFERENCE ROOM A AND CONTINUING AT 8:00 PM IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE TOWN CENTER,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 Katz,seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney,the Work Session was unanimously opened at S:OOPM. Update Property Reassessment Project The Town Board reviewed an update report from Mr.Altieri dated October 11,2012. Supervisor Seligson noted the many interior inspections GAR was able to complete,adding that everything is going well. The Town Board discussed whether the data mailers should be sent out before or after the additional workshops are to be held. The Town Board also discussed the proper procedure for residents to voice questions or concerns.The Town Board discussed holding additional meetings with the public outside the regular format of a Town Board Meeting. Resident Survey Supervisor Seligson asked the Board Members for their top three Survey Results,adding she would like the Board to determine three long term results,three medium term results and three short term results.The Town Board continued with an in-depth discussion of the Survey Results, noting that these ideas will be at the forefront of their 2013 Budget discussions. The Board asked Christina Battalia to prepare a report of the expiring terms for the Town's Boards and Commissions. Hommocks Ice Rink Renovation Additionally present:James Druker,Chair of the Recreation Commission and Jill Fisher,Superintendant of Recreation The Board received additional documents from Burton, Behrendt&Smith,Architecture and Landscape Architecture Engineering(BBS),the Town's consultant for this project. The BBS Report discussed the differentials between the proposed commercial and industrial ice making chiller units. The BBS Report stated that"the bottom line is while the industrial chiller unit is more expensive it will pay for itself over a 17.8 year period". The Town Board discussed this project in great length and detail.This item is on the regular agenda for this evening. 1 October 17, 2012 ADDED ITEM Mr.Altieri stated that due to Christmas Eve falling on a Monday, he has been approached by the CSEA and asked that the Town consider giving this as a full day off. Mr.Altieri will facilitate this with the CSEA representatives. The Town Board will begin the October 24`" Budget Work Session at 3:00 and not 4:00 as previously scheduled. 2013 Tentative Budget The Town Board received the 2013 Tentative Budget and discussed a number of notable items as presented and outlined in Mr.Altieri's letter to the Town Board preceding the Budget Meeting. Mr.Altieri reviewed with the Board the Budget Meeting Schedule and the particular items to be discussed at each. Mr.Altieri reported that Moody's has called and would like to schedule a phone call with the Town. Mr.Altieri noted some of the points that will be discussed during this call. Supplemental Consulting Agreement—BFJ Planning Supervisor Seligson noted the difficulty for the Board in understanding its role in this process,adding that being the applicant is a role the Board is not used to. Mr.Altieri explained the specifics of the Supplemental Consulting Agreement.The Board discussed the SEAR process and clarified the steps the Town must go through with respect to the SEAR process.The Board would like to defer the authorization of the Supplemental Consulting Agreement with BFJ Planning and asked Mr.Altieri to consult with Mr. Fish regarding the price for the additional work. 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 the topics discussed during the Work Session and reminded residents that Work Sessions are open to the public. Supervisor Seligson noted that the Town Board received the Tentative Budget this evening. This is a document prepared by the Town Administrator,as well as the Town Department Heads that formally begins the Budget process. Mr.Altieri and Mr.Siligato have been working tirelessly to prepare this document,adding that Mr.Altieri will be presenting the Tentative Budget to the public this evening.Supervisor Seligson announced that she has been meeting with residents affected by the changes regarding the Complete Streets Proposal. Supervisor Seligson noted that the Town Board met with residents for a 'walk around'of the Gardens' Lake so residents can fully understand the projects that have taken place there. Supervisor Seligson noted that the Board has been working with the results of the Resident Survey and determining short term efforts that can be immediately addressed. The Town has also been sharing these results with the Village of Larchmont and the Village of Mamaroneck. 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 2 October 17, 2012 1. FIRE CLAIMS On motion of Commissioner Odierna,seconded by Commissioner Elkind Eney,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: A&M Industrial Supply Calibration of Gas Cylinder Meters $600.42 AAA Emergency Supply T-3 Thermal Battery 115.15 Bound Tree Medical Medication 545.56 Cablevision Cable Service 9/23-10/22/12 128.99 Con Edison Gas Service 8/28-9/27/12 159.61 Crown Trophy T-Shirts for Flag Football 871.25 DiMuro Awards Glass Etched Maltese 213.00 Goosetown Enterprises Three Minitor V Pagers Stored Voice Lowband 1,138.50 Interstate Diagnostics Physical Exam for Jeff Nabi 265.00 National Volunteer Fire Council Memberships-2 yrs 252.00 Oakland Beach Deli Food for Department Drill-9/22/12 114.00 Poland Spring/Deer Park Water Rent for Water Cooler 8/18-9/18/12 74.97 R&L Consulting Wall Mount Bracket&Video/Power Cats and Camera 190.54 Sound Shore Pest Control Exterminating Services on 9/26/12 65.00 Sound Shore Pest Control Exterminating Services on 8/28/12 65.00 The Lock House Service to Facility Metal/Glass Door 1,095.00 Town of Mamaroneck PFFA Life Ins. For September 2012 188.65 Verizon Telephone Service 9/10-10/9/12 356.50 Verizon Wireless Cell Service 8/27-9/26/12 247.63 Villa Maria Pizza Food for 9/28/12 House Call 55.52 Villa Maria Pizza Food for Explorer Drill-9/5/12 40.98 Village Paint Painting Supplies 61.97 W.J.W.W. Water Charges 6/1-9/4/12 226.77 Westech Elevator October Elevator Maint. 175.00 Total: $7,247.01 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 2. Other Fire Department Business Commissioner Wittner discussed the recent fire at Alfredo's Foreign Cars. This was a very difficult fire and involved mutual aid. Councilwoman Wittner was glad to report that there were no injuries. The Department recently held their Annual Inspection and Dinner.Congratulations to former Chief Sean McCarthy on the birth of his child. There being no further business to come before the Commission,on motion of Commissioner Wittner,seconded by Commissioner Katz,the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened. 3 October 17, 2012 AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Submission of 2013 Tentative Budget Mr.Altieri read from his Tentative Budget Letter to the Town Board dated October 17,2012,as follows: Submitted for your review is the 2013 Tentative Budget for the Town of Mamaroneck. This version of the budget represents staff recommendations for revenues and expenses based upon a review of the resources necessary to provide municipal services. Beginning on October 24,2012 the Town Board will hold a series of work sessions to review various aspects of the budget. All work sessions are open to the public. The calendar of the dates and times of the budget work sessions can be found on the Town's website, www.townofmamaroneck.org. After the Town Board completes its review,the 2013 Preliminary Town Budget will be prepared and presented at a formal public hearing on Wednesday December 4,2012. A final version of the Town Budget must be adopted no later than December 20,2012 When preparing a financial plan such as the Town Budget our estimates for revenues and expenses are based upon both internal and external factors that impact all organizations providing services. One would expect that over some reasonable period of time those factors might change. Unfortunately,the factors impacting the 2013 Town Budget have remained virtually unchanged over the past five years and we do not see any significant changes over the next one to two years. The themes of the past will continue into next year: Reduced property assessments(6 consecutive years) Poor revenue performance(5 consecutive years) Double digit increases in New York State Mandated Costs(four consecutive years So where does the Town start for 2013? This past summer the Town conducted a survey of residents to obtain their opinions and values regarding the Town,its character and its services. We were fortunate to get a good response and not unexpectedly many residents raised concerns about the level of property taxes. Having said that, however, residents were generally pleased with the services provided by the Town and urged us to do our best to maintain those services and the quality of life that those services provide. Therefore,we made the decision that this version of the budget should reflect continuing current services. As we get into the budget you will see that we have continued to hold down expenses wherever possible and reductions have been made to various expenses. During our review process we will provide a series of recommendations on further cuts that will offer alternate service funding or overall service reductions. Since 2011 we have reduced our personnel headcount and reduced budgets wherever possible. Our headcount since 2008 has dropped from 135 to 125 employees. As you will see in this budget,overall expenses have risen by a modest amount despite double digit expense increases imposed through mandated costs from New York State. The net effect of the continued cuts is an inability to prepare for the unexpected or to have funds available for projects and initiatives during the year. These conditions will be better detailed in our discussion of the surplus and its relationship to the funding of the budget. Local services provide a high quality of life in the Town by offering a safe and attractive environment.Although some may not realize it,the very nature of our services, are a constant in resident's day to day lives. We cannot emphasize enough that the Town government must put together a budget that provides virtually unlimited services for certain activities. Add to that the mandates of New York State and you can understand the challenge of putting together a municipal budget in the current economic environment. Before discussing the details of the budget there are two relatively recent initiatives that have impacted budget preparation. The Property Tax Cap This will be the second year in which local governments must operate under New York State's tax cap legislation. Chapter 97 of the laws of New York State for 2011 establishes a limit on the annual growth of the property taxes levied by local government. The terminology of this legislation is important because it is not a cap on the change in the level of taxes to be paid by an individual property owner or on the tax rates established in the budget. Rather,this is a cap on the total amount of property taxes that can be raised by a local government. Consideration was not given in the legislation regarding levels of assessment or other factors that impact the rate at which the tax levy is apportioned in the community. Addendum#1,attached to this letter, provides the full details of the property tax cap formula for the Town for 2013. Based upon the state legislation the total tax levy limit for 2013 is$21,880,836,an increase of$536,596 or 2.5%. This is actually a reduction in the cap from last year when the Town was permitted an increase of $670,600 or 3.23%. As you review Addendum#1 you will note that the Tax Base Growth Factor for the Town 4 October 17, 2012 has been reduced by the state from 1.0044 to 1.0021. Even though our pension costs have risen by over 10%for employees other than police and fire employees,the state is not permitting an exclusion for pension expenses for this class of employee. The increase of pension costs for all employees alone accounts for 56%of the proposed tax levy increase under the state's formula. The 2013 Tentative Budget proposes a tax levy of$22,695,155 an increase of$1.3million or 6.3%. In order to reach the tax levy amount in accordance with the state formula there would need to be a reduction in the current levy of$814,319. Based upon current revenue performance and reductions to our surplus position the reductions would need to be primarily on the expense side of the budget. The State legislation includes a provision whereby the tax levy limit can be overridden by the adoption of a local law. Passage of a local law to override the tax levy limit requires an affirmative vote of 60%of the governing body of the local government. Frustration among local officials continues to remain high as the New York State Government continues to drag its feet on meaningful mandate relief. Although the state has created a new tier within the pension system that will lower pension costs the impacts will only be felt in the very long term. As a result of budget cuts and staff reductions the Town is hiring few new employees that would be impacted by the new pension guidelines. For 2013 only 4.4%of the Town's$12.9 million payroll will be enrolled in the New York State Retirement System's Tier 6. Property Revaluation Another initiative which began in December of 2011 was the revaluation of all properties in the Town;the first since 1968. The Town along with virtually all communities in Westchester County avoided full property reassessment for many years. It became evident however that neglecting property reassessment resulted in an inequitable apportionment of property taxes among property owners. Another problem was a dramatic increase in the number of tax appeals and the expenses associated with those appeals. For the Town alone,the costs have risen to over$500,000. This does not include the cost of tax refunds incurred by the school district and the Villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck. Under the current schedule the project will be completed in June of 2013. The new assessed values will be used to establish tax rates for the 2014 Town Budget. When the project is completed the new assessments will provide an equitable apportionment of property taxes by establishing current full market values for each property in the Town. We mention the reassessment project here because there is a direct relationship to the budget both now and in the future. By regularly updating and maintaining our property assessments,we can mitigate the impacts of the tax appeals including the costs of tax refunds. Also,tax appeals and the assessment reductions that follow are factors in the overall change in property tax rates. In the last three years clearly 1.5% of the increase in tax rates in each year was caused by the reduction in taxable assessments. In 2013,the Town budget includes the first debt payment associated with the bonds issued for the project. Budget Overview The chart below provides a comparative schedule of the 2012 Adopted Budget and the 2013 Tentative Budget. 2012 2013 Change %Change Appropriations $31,236,123 $32,448,502 $1,212,379 3.8% Non-Tax Revenue 9,051,883 9,483,347 431,464 4.7% Reserve Application 840,000 270,000 (570,000) (67%) Property Tax Levy 21,344,240 22,695,155 1,350,915 6.3% Overall Taxable $147,682,978 $145,647,010 ($2,035,968) 1.4% Assessments Mandated costs from New York State continue to place a disproportionate burden on the Town Budget and we will detail those impacts in the discussion of expenses. Overall the tax levy increase proposed in the 2013 Tentative Budget is$1.35million. In terms of percentages the tax levy increase for all funds is 6.3%which is higher than the 2.5%tax cap increase permitted under the formula established by New York State. 5 October 17, 2012 Revenue Discussion Without question the largest single source of revenue to the Town government is the property tax. For 2013 the property tax will finance 70%of the Town budget. During better economic times the Town was able to reduce this percentage to a low of about 64%. The fluctuation in the property tax subsidy is due to the variable nature of what we term"non-property tax revenues". Below is a pie chart that illustrates the various forms of non-property tax revenues received by the Town. Non-property tax revenues are expected to total$9.4milion for next year,an increase of$431,000. However of that total$370,000 was generated from the distribution of a portion of the cable television franchise fees($119,000)and $250,000 brought back in to the budget from the Debt Service fund. These two sources of revenue cannot be counted on each year. Generally non property tax revenues such as interest earnings and rental fees continue to remain sluggish Federal Aid State Aid Inter-Fund �� ������ �� Misc. Fines Permits pp ppppp III 141414141114111����������UUUUUUUUUUU Use of Money �n ////) IIIIIIIII�I Inter Govt J .. Non IIC)rop tt II ax t n '.f. As you can see from the illustration departmental income is the single largest category of non-tax revenue generating an estimated $3.6million. Of this total$2.2million is revenue to the Recreation Department. Recreation Department revenues are down slightly for 2013 as we anticipate the renovation of the Hommocks Ice Rink. In order to insure re-opening the rink in September of 2013,the plan is close the facility at the end of April.Therefore some revenue will be lost due to our shortening the rink season. The next largest category of revenue is other taxes which includes penalties on late property tax payments, sales tax and gross receipts tax. The Town's share of sales taxes collected in Westchester County is included here. For 2013 we have included a modest increase of$25,000 for sales tax and an $85,000 increase for penalties for late property tax payments. Other significant revenues in this category include: ➢ Ambulance Charges $800,000 ➢ Parking Lot/Meter Fees$392,000 Based upon our call volume and increases in Ambulance fees as well as Medicare and Health Insurance Allowances we expect that Ambulance Charge revenue will increase by$20,000. Parking fees include all fees collected for parking lot permits and meter fees. Revenues categorized as State Aid include our share of the mortgage transfer tax, per capita aid, Highway Improvement Aid,and assistance for our weekend meals-on-wheels program. In total,State Aid to the Town is estimated to be$1,387,500 a reduction of$78,000 from 2012. Mortgage tax is the largest component of State Aid and also one of the most volatile because of its direct connection to the housing market. The first installment of the mortgage tax received in June was lower than expected therefore we have lowered our estimate for next year from$900,000 to$850,000. Below is a listing of other revenues included under State Aid and the respective amounts. ➢ Per Capita Aid $140,000 ➢ Highway Improvement Aid $ 65,000 ➢ Supplemental Nutrition Aid $ 4,000 ➢ Youth Program Aid $ 3,500 Of the categories of aid listed above reductions are expected in Supplemental Nutrition Aid and Youth Program Aid. The amount of the reductions is$2,700 and $500 respectively. As long as the financial condition of New York State remains in a constant state of flux there is always the possibility that one or more of these aid programs could be eliminated. However the legislature has been consistent in its advocacy of these programs over the years. 6 October 17, 2012 In terms of Federal Aid the Town is expected to receive$613,000 in 2013. Funding for the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program is the single largest part of our Federal Aid at$545,000. Other smaller aid programs include the following: ➢ Senior Transportation Programs $7,800 ➢ Senior Nutrition Site $14,300 ➢ Meals On Wheels-Weekday Program $44,000 The slice of the pie chart entitled "Use of Money"includes interest earned on Town Funds and rental income. This category is estimated to raise $296,250 in 2013, a reduction of$60,000 from last year. We have again been forced to reduce our estimates for interest revenue as the economy continues to remain slow. The economy has also had an impact upon our ability to attract tenants to the third floor of the Town Center where we currently are looking to rent two of the office spaces. In the category of licenses and permits we will be able to raise our revenue estimates by over$50,000 for next year. We believe that the increase in permit fees in 2011 along with a recent increase in construction activity will yield more revenue. What has become one of the most critical components of our financial position has been the level of surplus maintained by the Town. We have spoken in the past of the importance of surplus funds for the Town's financial stability. Surplus funds assist in evening out cash flow needs when payments must be made to guarantee the tax levy's of the Mamaroneck School District,a portion of the Scarsdale School District and the Town's share of the Westchester County tax levy. Surplus funds are invaluable for funding unexpected events and expenses that inevitably occur during our fiscal year. Surplus funds are also used to offset tax levies for the budget. Last year the Town reduced its application of surplus to the budget as part of a surplus recovery plan. However after yet another year of poor revenue performance we propose in this budget a far more extensive reduction. For 2013 we are proposing a total application of surplus of just$270,000 a reduction of$570,000 from this year's budget. Obviously the impacts are significant and part of the reason that the proposed property tax levy that is above the tax levy cap from the State. Our target is to have a surplus in each budget fund equal to at least 13%of the appropriations in that fund. We have accomplished that target in the Highway,Street Lighting,Ambulance District,Sewer and Water Fund. However in our two largest funds,General Fund Townwide and the General Fund Part Town,the surplus levels are 6%and 8% respectively. It is for that reason that you will see that we have removed the entire surplus application in the Townwide fund and reduced the surplus application by about 50%in the part Town fund. In order to rebuild the surplus in the Town funds we will need to estimate revenues conservatively, reduce expenses and make certain that every effort is made not to exceed expense estimates. By reducing our dependence on surplus now we believe the Town is in a better position to control tax adjustments in the future as we have done in the past. Expenditure Discussion The 2013 Town Budget proposes total appropriations of$32,448,502 for all nine budget funds,an increase of $1.2million or 3.8%. Below is a table illustrating the budget by major expense categories: Expense Type 2012 2013 Change %change Salaries $12,649,395 $12,930,040 $280,645 2.2% Equipment $173,200 $181,200 $8,000 4.6% Contractual Expenses $8,685,640 $8,795,885 $110,245 1.2% Employee Benefits $7,695,700 $8,404,790 $709,090 9.2% Debt Service $1,792,188 $1,898,087 $105,899 5.9% Inter-fund Transfers $240,000 $238,500 ($1,500) (<I%) Salaries/Personnel The budget includes funding for 127 full time positions down from a high of 135 positions in 2008. In some cases full time staff has been replaced with part time staff to reduce salary expense as well as reduce employee benefit costs. 7 October 17, 2012 Of the Town's three collective bargaining units the Town is currently negotiating with the career firefighters. A contract had previously been settled with the Town's police officers and that agreement runs through 2014. The collective bargaining agreement with unionized office and Highway Department staff will expire at the end of this year. Employee Benefits Employee benefit costs will total$8.4million for next year. Medical costs net of employee contributions will increase by approximately 6.5%. Costs for pension contributions continue to increase by double digits. The Town's pension contributions for Police and Fire employees will increase by 14.2%and 10.1%for all other employees. Pension contributions will increase by a total of$302,000 which accounts for 42%of the total increase in benefits and 25%of the total increase in appropriations. We mention these figures to illustrate the magnitude of the concern over this mandate from the State. Because of the structure of the pension system as a state mandate there is no room for negotiating any component of this plan with the unions. The Town cannot seek a contribution from employees nor can it make changes to the plans benefits. In 2012 the Town was able to accomplish a significant reduction in its Worker's Compensation insurance costs through a restructuring of a portion of the plan. In November of 2011 the Town suffered the horrible tragedy of an employee dying on the job. As a result our claims experience from this accident was negatively impacted. Therefore in 2013 our costs for this insurance will increase by about 13.5%or$61,000. Contractual Expenses As you are aware contractual expenses includes all budget line items for goods and services purchased by the Town government for day to day operations. For 2013 the budget for these expenses will rise by only 1.2% or $110,000 to$8.7million. One of the more significant expenditures in this category is for energy and utility costs. Last year in the 2012 budget the Town appropriated $845,700 for energy expense. With various cost savings measures in place the 2013 appropriation has been reduced by 8.3%or$70,700. Changes to our operations has included a move to LED street lighting,closure of the Town Center additional evenings during the week and the use of waste oil and vegetable oil as vehicle fuel and for heating. Increased vehicle maintenance and a move to more efficient vehicles have also contributed to the savings. We have accomplished these savings even in the face of a 6.5% increase in fuel and energy costs over the last twelve months. As a general observation you can see that for those expenses that we have direct control adjustments are very low indicating a concerted effort by the Town and its staff to hold down the cost of government. State mandates force the Town to make cuts that are beginning to impact the level of services that we can provide. Capital Proiects Appropriated into the Town Budget for next year is a total of$78,700 which will be used for the replacement of two police vehicles and the purchase of computer equipment. The specifics of the capital project schedule for 2013 will be discussed in a separate transmittal to the Town Board. Debt Service For the coming year the Town's total debt service expense will rise by$105,000 to$1.89million. At this time the Town's total outstanding indebtedness is$19.6 million. The total amount of the debt is net of the retirement of certain debt issues and the inclusion of new debt. Included in the Townwide Fund is the first debt payment for the property revaluation project. Pursuant to New York State Finance Law the maximum maturity for this type of bond is five years. As a result the first payment including interest is$340,000 which has created a large impact upon the Townwide budget. Next Steps Beginning next week the Town Board will begin its review of the budget. We will discuss with the Board several alternatives for service delivery each with its own implications. Certainly the first reaction of those in the community will be that no reduction in service is acceptable because of the taxes they pay. Understandably property owners tend to combine all of their property tax obligations into one lump sum. Therefore when a Town service reduction is proposed and the tax adjustment estimated it appears small in comparison to the total tax bill. However,if we follow that thinking then nothing will change which, by the way,is a policy that could be adopted because of property owner expectations for municipal 8 October 17, 2012 services.The Town suffers from being the smallest piece of the property tax pie while serving as the level of government that directly impacts every resident every day. We make life easier and safer in many ways. So the challenge going forward is defining the"essential services" provided by the Town. Sincerely, Stephen V.Altieri Anthony S.Siligato Town Administrator/Budget Officer Comptroller/Director of Finance 2. Update—Property Reassessment Project Supervisor Seligson read from the Update — Property Revaluation Project memo dated October 11, 2012 as follows: Today,a project meeting was held to review the current status of the property revaluation project. The following is the pertinent information from that meeting: ➢ Data collection for all residential properties was completed in August. In the end,the percentage of interior inspections rose to 35%with some sections of the Town as high as 46%. Everyone was pleased with the final number of interior inspections conducted in the project for single family homes ➢ 6,500 data mailers were delivered to residential property owners to verify property data. Of that total 1,218 were returned to GAR with comments or revisions. The most common question (361 Survey forms) had to do confirmation of the actual square footage of homes. 80 of the surveys returned had no comments. The remaining survey forms consisted of changes relating to basements, bathroom changes, property classification and utility changes. GAR has resolved virtually all of the questions which in some cases required additional field visits. ➢ GAR is now moving into the valuation phase of the project. Nine neighborhood areas have been delineated in the entire Town. Using various sources including sales,appraisals and other information the valuation model is being constructed to establish property values for each parcel. ➢ Disclosure statements including property values and estimated property tax impact will begin to go out in February of 2013. ➢ GAR Associates will hold a series of workshops regarding the disclosure notices and to discuss the valuation process in detail. GAR will then set up appointments with individual property owners that wish to discuss their new value. ➢ As part of the education process the plan is to also have a public session with the Town Board on this same topic. The next major project meeting is scheduled for December at which time further information will be provided to the Town Board. 4. Authorization—Supplemental Consulting Agreement—BFJ Planning DEFERRED 5. Approval of Certiorari On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilwoman Katz,it was RESOLVED,that the Town Board hereby authorizes the settlement of the following Tax Certiorari on the following terms: Susanne Shabasson 124 Carleon Avenue 9 October 17, 2012 Block:405 Lot: 275 Town of Mamaroneck Year Assessment Amount of Reduction Reduced Assessment 2011 $25,400 $5,850 $19,550 2012 $25,400 $5,850 $19,550 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye Seligson Aye On motion of Councilman Odierna,seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was RESOLVED,that the Town Board hereby authorizes the settlement of the following tax certiorari on the following terms: Louise Forlenza 103 Fairway Green Block: 928 Lot: 1.52 Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Mamaroneck Year Assessment Amount of Reduction Reduced Assessment 2010 $17,531 $5,321 $12,210 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye Seligson Aye 6. Resolution—Retirement Reporting for Elected and Appointed Officials The Town Clerk explained that Justice Ron Meister has completed his three month work log,and the Town must now submit a Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution to the New York State Retirement System to reflect this. On motion of Councilman Odierna,seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney,it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board hereby establishes the following as standard work days for elected and appointed officials and reports the following days worked to the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System based on the record of activities maintained and submitted by these officials, and recertified where applicable, to the Town Clerk of this body: 10 October 17, 2012 Title Name Social Registration Stan Term Begins/Ends Participates In Days/Month Security Number dard Employer's (based on Number Wor Time Keeping record of (last 4 k System(Y/N) activities) digits) Day ELECTED OFFICIALS Councilwoman Abby Katz 6 1/1/2012 thru N 5.08 12/31/2015 Councilwoman Jaine Elkind-Eney 6 1/1/2012 thru N 7.06 12/31/2012 Town Clerk Christina Battalia 7 1/1/2012 thru N 22.20 12/31/2015 Recertified 4/17/2012 Town Justice Jean Marie Brescia 6 1/1/2012 thru N 7.24 12/31/2015 Recertified 4/19/2012 Town Justice Ronald Meister 6 3/7/2012 thru N 3.56 12/31/2012 APPOINTED OFFICIALS Town Administrator Comptroller/ Anthony Siligato 7 * 1/1/2012 thru N 22.48 12/31/2013 Recertified Tax Receiver 4/26/2012 Assessor Susan Thomas 7 1/1/2012 thru N 23.24 12/31/2013 Recertified 4/26/2012 7 10/01/2007 thru N 24 Deputy Town Linda Silvestre 09/30/2013 Clerk Deputy Town Clerk Cindy Atiencia 17.33 7 1/1/2012 thru N 12/31/2015 Confidential Fran Antonelli 7 1/1/2012 thru N 21.67 Secretary to the 12/31/2015 Recertified Town Supervisor 4/19/2012 Assistant to the Gayle Edmond 7 * 1/1/2012 thru N 23.45 Administrator 12/31/2013 Recertified 4/26/2012 Secretary to Francine Brill 7 * 1/1/2012 thru N 21.67 Planning and Zoning 12/31/2013 Recertified 4/26/2012 7 * 1/1/2012 thru N 21.67 12/31/2013 Recertified 5/3/2012 Secretary to the Pat Sa m ela 7 * 1/1/2012 thru y 21.67 Board of 12/31/2013 Recertified Architectural review 4/26/2012 * Term set forth as per direction of NYS Retirement System and established for purposes of this report ONLY. 11 October 17, 2012 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye Seligson Aye TAKEN OUT OF ORDER 7. Salary Authorizations Supervisor's Office On motion of Councilwoman Katz,seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney,it was RESOLVED,that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby appoint Ms.Andrea Grenadier as an Administrative Intern assigned to the Town Supervisor's Office effective November 1,2012 at an annual salary of$40,000. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye Seligson Aye Recreation On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney,it was RESOLVED,that as provided for in the 2012 Town Budget the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby authorize the payment of salary to the following: Hommocks Pool—Retroactive October 1,2012—June 14,2013 Neidyn Regalado Swim Instructor $12/hr Alessandra Spada Lifeguard $9/hr The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye Seligson Aye WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None 12 October 17, 2012 REPORT OF COUNCIL Councilwoman Elkind Eney attended the Chamber of Commerce Dinner at Roasted Peppers Restaurant. Councilwoman Elkind Eney attended the Fire Department Inspection Dinner which was excellent.The First Annual Oktoberfest was a huge success. Planning for the Martin Luther King,Jr. Film Festival in January is well underway.Councilwoman Elkind Eney attended the Friends of the Family Author Reading,the Library Board Meeting,the Sheldrake Fall Festival and the Recreation Commission Meeting. Councilwoman Elkind Eney announced upcoming events in the Community. Councilwoman Katz began by thanking Steve Altieri and Liz Paul for the 'walk around'the Gardens' Lake. Councilwoman Katz attended the Summit Meeting at the Nautilus and is happy to report that there appears to be no Post Office closings in Larchmont, Mamaroneck or Rye.Councilwoman Katz attended the Planning Board Meeting,adding there is nothing of significance to report.Councilwoman Katz noted that the Traffic Committee Meeting was postponed.Councilwoman Katz again thanked Liz Paul,as well as the Town Police for their help with the Payne to Pain Trail Race. Supervisor Seligson interjected and gave a more in-depth overview of the Payne to Pain Trail Race. Councilwoman Wittner had nothing further to report,adding there is a Debate taking place next week on LMC- TV. Councilman Odierna will attend the LMC-TV Board of Control Meeting on October 23rd. Councilman Odierna noted that after next week's Budget Session he will attend the Housing Authority Meeting at 7:OOPM. Supervisor Seligson announced that the first Budget Meeting will take place next Wednesday October 24`" beginning at 3:OOPM in Conference Room A,adding the entire Budget Calendar is on the Town's web-site. RETURN TO AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 3. Authorization—Ice Rink Renovation Design Additionally present: James Druker,Chair of the Recreation Commission. Supervisor Seligson explained that the Board has been analyzing the Hommocks Ice Rink for a number of years. The Ice Rink is 23 years old and much of the equipment has reached the end of its life. This last year a number of expensive and extensive repairs took place. The Town has been meeting with consultants', the Town Recreation Department, as well as the Recreation Commission to implement the upgrade to this profitable facility. Mr. Druker addressed the audience and explained the discussions that have taken place among the Recreation Commission and explained the Commissions' recommendation for the Industrial Grade Ice Chillers. On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney,seconded by Councilwoman Wittner,the following was approved, WHEREAS, in 2010 a complete evaluation of the Hommocks Ice Rink was completed, and an evaluation of the most important components requiring attention were evaluated,and WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed all of the information, received staff recommendations and the recommendation of the Recreation Commission, for the replacement of the Ice Chillers. NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does herby approve of Alternative #2, the Industrial Grade Chiller without the construction of new Locker Rooms,for this phase of the Ice Rink Renovation Project. 13 October 17, 2012 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Wittner Aye Seligson Aye ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilwoman Wittner,seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:30 PM Submitted by Christina Battalia,Town Clerk 14