HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015_06_03 Town Board Minutes
June 3, 2015
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN
BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON JUNE 3, 2015, BEGINNING
AT 5:00PM 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
Councilman Ernest C. Odierna
Councilwoman Abby Katz
Councilwoman Jaine Elkind Eney
Councilman Thomas A. Murphy
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 Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the Work Session was
unanimously opened at 5:00PM.
Community Choice Aggregate
Additionally Present: Mike Gordon, Co-Chair of the Sustainable Westchester and Glenn Weinberg,
also of Sustainable Westchester.
Mike Gordon began by explaining that there are two parts to a utility bill, billing for the hard wires
and billing for the electrical usage. This program maintains billing for hard wiring from Con Edison
and allows a locality to determine who the default provider will be for the electrical portion. The
estimate is that Sustainable Westchester will have 1.5 million in aggregate purchasing. This program
of purchasing in aggregate is the same as six other States. The RFP could go out requesting a
guarantee of providing 5-10% savings, an objective that may be hard to get from a supplier, or a
request for a fixed price which is lower than the average of the year before. This is believed to be
the best way to achieve savings. Additionally, if the program is for a fixed rate, then any savings
achieved would go into a fund with a percentage being used to support energy efficiency, and
sustainable programs. There is a verbal opinion from the State Comptroller that a local law can be
passed, and there is no need for a referendum. A written opinion is currently being drafted by the
State Comptroller. Councilwoman Elkind Eney and Councilwoman Katz, stressed the need for public
outreach prior to the public hearing.
Glenn Weinberg addressed resident notification and stated that the order requires notifying
residents to the best of their ability, adding that there are sample mailings, press releases and call
scripts available. There will be three ways a resident can opt out; through a website, by telephone to
Con Edison, or by prepaid post card. Mr. Weinberg will forward to the Town sample resolutions for
the Town to review and potentially use. Mr. Altieri added that some of language is already in use
through the Energy Saving Contract for the Ice Rink and Street Lighting. The Town Board re-
emphasized the need to communicate the program effectively to the public, adding that they would
like Mike Gordon and Glenn Weinberg to be at the public hearing.
Washington Square Parking
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Supervisor Seligson distributed the major comments from the public discussion held on May 27.
The Town Board also reviewed a schematic drawings for angled parking on Madison Avenue.
Depending on the angle of parking more or less spaces can be achieved. Supervisor Seligson stated
that the biggest take away is there is really no need for additional at this time. Supervisor Seligson
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June 3, 2015
also stated that any change should require a traffic study, adding that nothing should be done until
after the traffic light is installed by the Cambium. It is not clear what the impact would be on
creating angled parking. The proposal to add grates to the current median on New Jefferson is also
unclear, as is whether the median in its current condition will accept a grate. Supervisor Seligson
stated that the grant for $15,000 is still available. Mr. Altieri suggested keeping this discussion open
until capital budget discussions.
NEW BUSINESS
Supervisor Seligson reported that Owen Hurley is working on the energy savings reports, and a new
intern Noah Horowitz will begin this summer. Supervisor Seligson reported that she was appointed
to the County Storm Water Advisory Committee, adding it will be good to have a voice on that
Committee.
Councilman Murphy stated that he has been approached by advocates for the use of elevator keys,
whereby one key held by the Fire Departments would control elevators in the community.
Councilman Murphy noted that the cost for retrofitting would be borne by the various buildings and
not by the Town. Adopting this would require a local law. The Town Board agreed to have
Councilman Murphy approach the other municipalities about a tri municipal program.
Consideration – Inter Municipal Agreement – City of New Rochelle
Mr. Altieri advised that the Town is receiving pressure from the school district to remove the leaf
dump from the Hommocks area. There is a site near Home Depot that the Town of Mamaroneck,
Pelham and New Rochelle are considering a grant proposal to use as an organic waste station before
being carted to the a final location. Mr. Altieri received the go ahead from the Town Board to pursue
this grant opportunity.
Department of Transportation - Federal Transit 5310 Program
No additional discussion. The item was added to the Regular Agenda for this evening.
Housing Authority Lease
The Town Board made a few minor changes to the Lease Agreement. Its approval ‘as amended’ is on
the Regular Agenda for this evening.
NEW BUSINESS
Supervisor Seligson stated that there is a solar program being discussed for municipalities. An RFP is
going out. Supervisor Seligson is bringing this to the Town’s attention as a there will be a future
discussion of whether we want to participate.
Supervisor Seligson noted that she has been appointed to the Executive Committee of the
Westchester Municipal Officials Organization.
Supervisor Seligson stated that the Planning Board is losing its Chair Member due to relocation and a
second Member may also be moving. The Town Board will need to make appointments’ to fill these
vacancies. Supervisor Seligson has resumes for possible candidates’ to discuss.
On motion of Supervisor Seligson, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the Board unanimously agreed
to enter into an Executive Session to discuss appointments to the Planning Board and the
employment history of a particular person in the administrative offices.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
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June 3, 2015
Appointments to the Planning Board
Employment History of a Particular Person in the Administrative Offices
On motion of Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilman Odierna, the Board unanimously agreed
to resume the Regular Meeting.
Supervisor Seligson stated that the letter in opposition to the Home Rule Legislation request by the
Village of Mamaroneck was sent to George Latimer, and notified Mayor Rosenblum.
Mr. Maker informed the Town Board that his Offices in Larchmont are closing and he will be
relocating his office to space in Rye.
CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING
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 Seligson noted that the Town Board met for a worksession beginning at 5:00 o’clock this
evening, adding this is an open meeting that all residents’ are welcomed to attend.
SUPERVISOR’S SUMMARY REPORT
Congratulations to several outstanding Mamaroneck High School teams and athletes. The
MHS Varsity Boys Lacrosse team won their section and are Section 1 Champions. I have to
give a shout out to midi Liam Monahan. Congratulations to MHS Varsity Baseball team who
won the State Championships – again. We are really good at baseball. Congratulations to
MHS brothers Hope and Courage Crawford who won the NYS Tennis Doubles Championship.
We had a wonderful Memorial Day Parade in Larchmont with Town of Mamaroneck former
Fire Chief Pete Perciasepe starring as Grand Marshall. The two MHS students that won the
Kemper Essay contest were very impressive and wrote fantastic essays.
The Town conducted three Drug Take-Back events where we collected 150 pounds of
unwanted pharmaceuticals to remove them from being flushed down sinks and toilets.
Drugs should never be disposed of in our water systems. It’s better to throw them out in the
garbage or hold them for drug take-back events.
The County shredder will be at the Town Yard June 6 from 10 am to 1 pm and you can bring
up to 4 file boxes of papers, but no hardcovers or binders. Please remember that gasoline –
powered leaf blowers are prohibited in the Town from June 1 to September 30. Strict
enforcement will begin this weekend.
Recreation programs and pool permits are available. Please check the Town’s website,
www.townofmamaroneck.org. Finally, I was appointed to the County’s Storm Water
Advisory Board.
PRESENTATIONS
Dan Demasi – Ice Breaker Tournament
Councilwoman Elkind Eney, on behalf of the Town, recognized Mr. Demasi for his work on the Ice
Breaker Tournament at the Hommocks Ice Rink; a fundraiser for the new locker room with showers
at the Ice Rink. Councilwoman Elkind Eney spoke about the wonderful job Mr. Demasi did.
Mr. Demasi addressed the Board and thanked a number of people who helped him with this event.
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June 3, 2015
Town of Mamaroneck Government Efficiency Plan
Mr. Altieri gave a PowerPoint presentation explaining the Efficiency Plan requirements and what the
Town has done to comply.
CITIZEN’S COMMENTS
Supervisor Seligson asked if anyone in the audience would like to address the Board, and there was
not.
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
The Meeting was called to order by Commissioner Seligson, and then on motion of Commissioner
Elkind Eney, seconded by Commissioner Katz, the Board of Fire Commissioners was unanimously
declared open.
Present were the following Members of the Commission:
Commissioner: Nancy Seligson
Commissioner: Ernest C. Odierna
Commissioner: Abby Katz
Commissioner: Jaine Elkind Eney
Commissioner: Thomas A. Murphy
1. FIRE CLAIMS
On motion of Commissioner Odierna, seconded by Commissioner Katz, 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:
NFPA fire glove, tic battery & base transf., extricat. gloves, Rit
AAA Emergency Supply training 1022.71
Atlantic Westchester, inc. Replace motor and fan 700.00
A & M Industrial Supply Meter calibration 436.61
Byram Mason Supply Corp Topsoil 835.00
Brewer Paint, brushes, tape 62.07
CIT Finance LLC. Monthly copier charges 5/22/15 235.00
Cablevision Cable service for 5/23-6/22/15 127.78
Chatsworth Cleaners Uniform cleaning 23.24
G & K Services Mats and rags for May 2015 113.17
Goosetown Communications Pager 408.10
Goosetown Communications Pager batteries, belt clips, battery packs 560.02
Grainger Trash bags 77.62
Grainger Cups, Trash bags, facial tissue, toilet paper, anti static cleaner 386.37
Home Depot Parabolic troffer, air circulator 124.74
Ipromoteu Plastic red helmets 242.40
Minerva VA Cleaners Bunker pants inseam 87.00
Poland Spring Rental of water coolers - May 2015 114.96
Russo, Joseph Quicken 2015 update 94.99
Tony's Nursery Inc. Soaker hose, top soil, grass seed, moss, lime, etc 656.91
Town of Mam'k Fire Dept. Food for drill 5/19/15 124.40
Verizon Fire HQ svc 5/10-6/9/15 226.29
Vincents Service Station Move generator into place 400.00
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June 3, 2015
Villa Maria Pizza Explorers drill 4/1/15, 5/6/15 & Member drill 5/16/15 229.55
Westch. Cty Assoc. of Fire Chiefs 2015 yearly dues 200.00
Zep Sales and Service Zep formula and shine 253.30
0.00
0.00
0.00
Total: 7742.23
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Commissioner Murphy Aye
Commissioner Elkind Eney Aye
Commissioner Katz Aye
Commissioner Odierna Aye
Commissioner Seligson Aye
2.Other Fire Department Business
Commissioner Elkind Eney read the Fire Report for the Month of May as submitted by Chief
Goldberg as follows:
May 2015
ALARM TYPE NUMBER
Generals 37
Minors 21
Stills 6
Out of Town (Mutual Aid) 6
EMS 36
Drills 5
TOTAL 111
Total number of personnel responding: 976
Total time working: 46 hours and 29 minutes
Councilwoman Elkind Eney announced the upcoming referendum and gave details of the borrowing
for fire apparatus and building repairs. The referendum will take place on Tuesday June 23, from
3:00 pm to 9:00 at the Weaver Street Fire House.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner
Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Katz, the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town
Board reconvened.
AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN
1.Salary Authorization
a.Highway Department
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June 3, 2015
On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman Murphy, it was
RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby appoint Esteban Nava, to the
position of Tree Trimmer, effective June 8, 2015, at an annual salary of $64,608.00
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Murphy Aye
Elkind Eney Aye
Katz Aye
Odierna Aye
Seligson Aye
b.Comptroller’s Office
On motion of Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was
RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby appoint Martha Ronaghan Mark
as Deputy Comptroller, effective June 22, 2015, at an annual salary of $84,473.00.
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Murphy Aye
Elkind Eney Aye
Katz Aye
Odierna Aye
Seligson Aye
2.Set Public Hearing for Sewer Rent Fee
Local Law No 7-2014 provides for the charging of a sanitary sewer rent as an alternative to the ad
valorem tax used in the past. The legislation provides that the Town Board annually set the rate per
gallon based upon consumption.
On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Murphy, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that the Town Board set a Public Hearing for June 23, 2015 at 8:00PM, or a soon
thereafter, in the Courtroom of the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, to discuss the
establishment of the sewer rent fee as set forth in legislation No 7-2014, and
BE IT, FURTHER
RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby authorize the Town Clerk to
publish said hearing in the Official newspaper established by the Town.
3.Set Public Hearing – Parking Regulations – Palmer Avenue
Due to traffic congestion issues on Palmer Avenue in the proximity of Central School during drop off
and pick up from school, it is suggested that a left lane be established as a queue for motor vehicles
making a left turn into the Central School.
On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that the Town Board set a Public Hearing for June 23, 2015 at 8:00PM, or as soon
thereafter, in the Courtroom of the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, to discuss the
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June 3, 2015
“Restriction on Parking on a Section of the West Side of Palmer Avenue and the Expansion of
Overnight Parking on a Section of the West Side of Palmer Avenue, Law”, and
BE IT, FURTHER
RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby authorize the Town Clerk to
publish said hearing in the Official newspaper established by the Town.
4.Authorization – Housing Authority Lease Amendments
On motion of Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was
RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the Memorandum of
Understanding as amended this evening, to amend the Lease Agreement between the Town
of Mamaroneck and the Housing Authority, and
BE IT, FURTHER
RESOLVED, that the Town Administrator is hereby authorized to execute the Memorandum
of Understanding on behalf of the Town.
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Murphy Aye
Elkind Eney Aye
Katz Aye
Odierna Aye
Seligson Aye
5.Authorization – Submission of Grant – Federal Transportation Administration 5310 Program –
Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities
On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was
RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the submission of the grant
to the Federal Transportation Administration for the 5310 Program – Enhanced Mobility of
Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities, for the replacement of the 1999 Ford Bus currently
utilized for the senior transit service.
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Murphy Aye
Elkind Eney Aye
Katz Aye
Odierna Aye
Seligson Aye
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
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June 3, 2015
REPORT OF COUNCIL
Councilman Murphy noted that there was not a lot to report on, since the Town Board just met last
week. Councilman Murphy did note that the Board attended the very nice Memorial Day Parade,
with especially nice weather.
Councilman Odierna added that in addition to the events noted during the Supervisor’s Report, he
noted the Memorial Service at the Kemper Memorial, adding that the student essays were especially
good. This Saturday is the Health Fair at St Thomas Episcopal Church, something Councilman Odierna
has been very involved in the planning of. The Fair will be held from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and
everyone is welcome.
Councilwoman Katz noted that she had nothing to report since last week.
Councilwoman Elkind Eney attended a meeting of the Board of Assessment Review, chaired by
Pamela Valenza, Assessor, Christina Battalia and Bill Maker in anticipation of Grievance Day and
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deliberations. Councilwoman Elkind Eney stated that Grievance Day is June 16. For residents that
feel that the assessed value of their house is too high you have an opportunity to grieve your
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assessment. The Grievance forms with supporting documentation must be filed by June 16.
Appointments for appearing before the Board of Assessment Review can be made through the
Assessor’s Office. Councilwoman Elkind Eney noted that she too enjoyed marching in the Village of
Mamaroneck Memorial Day parade. As for Fire Council, she discussed that earlier in the Meeting. On
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June 2 she attended the WestFair Rides Sound Shore Advisory Committee Meeting with Connie
Green O’Donnell. WestFair Rides provides rides for adults over 60 and visually impaired adults over
21 to doctors’ offices, adding the outreach for drivers was discussed. Interested drivers please
contact Connie Green O’Donnell or Councilwoman Elkind Eney.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Murphy, the meeting was
unanimously adjourned at 9:00PM.
________________________________
Submitted by
Christina Battalia, Town Clerk
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