HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015_09_02 Town Board Minutes
September 2, 2015
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF
THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON SEPTEMBER 2, 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.
Parking – Baldwin Avenue
The Town Board reviewed a memo from Mr. Altieri which outlined previous recommendations from the
Traffic Committee regarding changes to parking on Baldwin Avenue. There are a number of parking
problems on this street that this plan tries to address. The proposal recommends 23 spaces designated for
two hour parking, and eight metered spaces designated for a longer time limit. These longer time limit
spaces would begin later and end earlier; the intention is to accommodate the residents who don’t have
driveways, while being a deterrent to commuter parkers. The Town Board would like the Traffic Committee
to revisit this proposal. Additionally, the Board would like to move forward with adding Baldwin Avenue to
the residential parking district.
Land Use Training Policy
The Town Board revisited this discussion from a previous Town Board meeting. A draft from Mr. Maker
with proposed training requirements was discussed. The draft policy by Mr. Maker proposes the following:
“Members of the Board of Appeals and the Planning Board who are in their first terms (“Junior
Members”) shall take four hours of training every 24 calendar months.
“Members of the Board of Appeals and the Planning Board who are serving a second or greater
term can satisfy their training requirement by attending an annual (or should it be biennial?) Town-
sponsored symposium which shall be two hours long. If they do not, they will be responsible for
taking two hours of training every year (two years if a biennial cycle is chosen). Junior Members can
apply the attendance at the Town-sponsored training course toward their requirement for four
hours training.”
The Town Board would like the Chairs of these Boards to review the policy before any final
adoption.
Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption
The Town Board previously discussed the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) Program and the
suggestion from the New York State Division of Community Renewal, which administers the program, to
consider an increase. Currently the income level for eligibility is $16,500, which was set in 1993. The Town
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September 2, 2015
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Board will set a public hearing for September 16 for a proposed increase to $29,000. This item is on the
regular Agenda for this evening.
Community Choice Aggregation
Supervisor Seligson explained that Sustainable Westchester is creating a web site for this program.
Supervisor Seligson also discussed the upcoming charette hosted by the Sustainability Collaborative on
October 3, adding that this could be a topic along with the sewer lateral lines and pay-as-you-throw. Mr.
Altieri added that it is good to have these conversations prior to budget, adding this is a good opportunity
to discuss with residents fees versus taxes. Supervisor Seligson stated that communicating this concept to
the public is a perfect example of the Town’s need for a better mechanism for communicating effectively
with our residents. Councilwoman Katz distributed some examples from Sustainable Westchester’s letters
to the public. The cost for a Town wide mailing would be $6,000 - $7,000. Currently the Town has 1,800
email addresses through resident sign-up.
New Business
Supervisor Seligson stated that there will be an opening coming up on the Zoning Board and she will review
the current resumes to determine if anyone may be a possible fit.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Mr. Altieri stated that Anna Danoy is doing an income assessment to determine whether the Town would
be eligible to apply for CDBG funding for the Senior Center. To continue with this process a public hearing
would need to be held regarding a completed application.
Mr. Altieri stated that there is a water main break on Hommocks Road. The Town is working on an
alternative water supply for 14 residents. This is an old concrete asbestos pipe and an alert to boil water
has been issued. A significant section of Hommocks Road will be closed for a few weeks.
Mr. Altieri stated that the Town has received back the paper work for the Weaver Street Sidewalk Grant,
adding that there will be a change order issued due to the need for a different survey. The State has
approved the use of Dolf Rottfeld Engineers.
On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Murphy, the Board unanimously agreed
to enter into an Executive Session to discuss the employment history of a particular employee, a lease
agreement and litigation.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Employment History of a Particular Employee
Lease Agreement
Litigation
On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Murphy, the Board unanimously agreed
to resume the Regular Meeting.
CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Seligson at
8:15 PM, she then pointed out the location of the exits.
PROCLAMATION – JOHN ORTIZ
WHEREAS: John Ortiz has served the community by volunteering his time and expertise to the Town of
Mamaroneck Planning Board for twelve years; and
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September 2, 2015
WHEREAS: John played a leadership role on the Planning Board by serving as Vice Chair for three years
and Chair for two years lending his respectful and judicial demeanor to all applicants and
hearings; and
WHEREAS: John has been an attorney in the New York District Attorney’s Office and has had a long
practice in all aspects of civil litigation; and
WHEREAS: The Town wishes to honor John Ortiz for his service and dedication to the Town of
Mamaroneck Planning Board; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Nancy Seligson, Supervisor of the Town of Mamaroneck, and
the Town Board members hereby thank John Ortiz for his many years of service and contribution to the
community and wish him the best of luck in his relocation to California.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Mamaroneck to be
nd
affixed this 2 day of September, 2015.
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
Welcome back to school for all our students and families of students. Budget season is upon us and
the Town staff is working on the 2016 budget that will be provided to the Town Board in October.
The 2015 road paving in the Town is still under way and will be completed this month. Please note
for residents of the Unincorporated Town, you will see the first installment of the sewer rent fee in
their September water bill. This cost is no longer included in your Town taxes and is based on your
water usage.
The Sustainability Collaborative met last night and is planning a charette, or interactive workshop,
for Saturday October 3 from 10:00 to 12:30 to review the Town’s sustainability progress and
accomplishments and to talk about fees versus taxes! Please join us to hear and talk about
potentially changing how we charge for some beloved services such as garbage collection. Mitch
Green, chair of the Sustainability Collaborative and I met with Patti and Doug Woods of a nonprofit
called Grassroots Environmental who are interested in helping work with a Town neighborhood to
become an environmental model of pesticide and fertilizer use.
We are working to create a new communications policy to improve and refine our communications
outreach with residents. We’re looking at our use of the website, Facebook, email blasts, etc.
As you might have read in the Lohud newspaper today, the Town has been working with the
County and State to reach an agreement on how and when to repair the Town’s sanitary lateral
sewer lines. Save the Sound has also named the Town in a Notice of Intent to Sue regarding the
repair of the lateral lines. The Town is working with the three other municipalities in the New
Rochelle sewer district to meet with Save the Sound.
LMC-TV picnic
Sustainability Charette Saturday October 3, 10:00 to 12:30
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
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September 2, 2015
The Meeting was called to order by Commissioner Seligson, and then on motion of Commissioner Murphy,
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: Ernest C. Odierna
Commissioner: Abby Katz
Commissioner: Jaine Elkind Eney
Commissioner: Thomas A. Murphy
1. FIRE CLAIMS
On motion of Commissioner Katz, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, 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:
VENDOR DESCRIPTION AMOUNT
AAA Emergency Supply Repairs to Fire Station Air Compressor 538.00
AAA Emergency Supply Training - Fire Escape Training Class 8/8/15 300.00
AAA Emergency Supply Cascade Repair 875.00
Amazon.Com Batteries for Reciprocating saws on Rescue 6 258.00
ASAP Pager repair shipment 8/18/15 34.61
ASAP Pager repair shipment 8/17/15 36.60
Cablevision Cable services for 8/23/15 -9/22/15 127.79
Chatsworth Cleaners Uniform cleaning - July 2015 120.16
Clean Air Company, Inc. Repairs to Fire HQ Plymovent Vehicle Exhaust System 869.00
Con Edison Fire HQ gas svc 6/30-7/30/15 101.20
Fire One Inc. Fire hose, Aerial, Pump & Ground Ladders test 6,337.60
Goldberg, Noah Brushes & soap for cleaning equipmt. after fire on 8/18/15 Thruway Salt Shed 58.42
Grainger Scrub Brushes, brooms used to clean hose from fire 8/18/15 & garbage bags 168.92
Grainger Trash bags, Scrubber sponge, toilet paper, soap, floor cleaner & disinfectant 378.67
Galls, LLC Staff Boots, Survivor light, helmet band, gloves, socks, watches, trousers, jacket 1,001.77
Landfall Water rescue kit 1,155.00
OSP Inc. Fire Extinguisher Inspection and Recharge 391.00
Poland Spring Direct Rental for water coolers - August 2015 114.96
Sound Shore Pest Control Exterminating Services on 7/27/15 65.00
SHI International Corp CISCO Power Supply for switch - FD Network 392.00
Tony's Nursery Inc. Hose 24.39
Town of Mam'k Fire Dept. Food for August 18, 2015 Dept. Drill - Engine Co. OPS at Larch'mt Reservoir 199.06
Town of Mam'k Fire Dept. Water for Apparatus & replenishment from Nys Thruway Salt Shed fire 8/18/15 207.80
Unifirst Corporation Wipes, bags and towels for Fire HQ dispensors 28.41
Unifirst Corporation Wipes, bags and towels for Fire HQ dispensors 27.52
Unifirst Corporation Wipes, bags, towels, spray dispenser 18.41
Verizon Fire HQ svc 8/10-9/9/15 231.67
Villa Maria Pizza New Member drill 8/5/15 120.16
Westch CTY Vol. Firemen's
Assoc. 2015 Yearly Dues for TMFD 15.00
0.00
0.00
Total: 14,196.12
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Commissioner Murphy Aye
Commissioner Elkind Eney Aye
Commissioner Katz Aye
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September 2, 2015
Commissioner Odierna Aye
Commissioner Seligson Aye
2.Other Fire Department Business
Mr. Altieri explained that the Fire Department was awarded a $4,000 grant from the New York State
Department for Fire Safety to purchase tablet computers and related software for Engines 51 and 37.
Councilwoman Elkind Eney noted that Assemblyman Steve Otis was instrumental is gaining this grant –
thank you to Steve Otis.
On motion of Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Elkind Eney, it was
RESOLVED, that the Board of Fire Commissioners does hereby establish the Capital Project 2015-01
Fire Safety Grant, and the transfer of funds in the amount of $4,000 in accordance with the
schedule prepared by the Town Comptroller as follows:
ESTABLISH CAPITAL PROJECT & BUDGET - FIRE DISTRICT EQUIPMENT
COMPUTER HARDWARE & SOFTWARE
9/2/2015 TOWN BOARD MEETING
CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND (FUND H):
ESTABLISH BUDGET:
EXP H.3410.0400.2015.01 FIRE OPERATIONS & SAFETY GRANT $ 4,000.00
REV H.0000.3397.2015.01 NYS MEMBER ITEM GRANT (TM51597) $ 4,000.00
(CAPITAL PROJECT #2015-01)
* Establish Capital Project Budget with $4,000 from NYS Legislative Member
Item
grant for the purchase of tablet computers & related software for Engine 51 & 37.
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
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.Set Public Hearing – Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE)
The Town Board previously discussed amending the income limits for the SCRIE Program
which currently remains at $16,500. The Town Board is considering an increase of the income
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September 2, 2015
limit to $29,000.
On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was
unanimously
RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby set a date for a Public
Hearing to consider amending the income limit for the Senior Citizens Rent Increase
Exemption Program from $16,500 to $29,000, for September 16, 2015 at 8:00pm in the
Town Center Courtroom, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized to publish the notice of said
hearing in a newspaper appointed as an official newspaper, and that said Notice, be
posted.
2. Consideration of Certiorari
On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Murphy, it was
RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the Settlement of Certiorari on
the following terms:
Fenimore Gardens Corp.
101-147 Fenimore Road
Section/Block/Lot: 9-14-1
Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Mamaroneck
Year Assessment Amount of ReductionReduced Assessment
2010 $ 112,000 $ 8,180 $ 103,820
2011 $ 112,000 $ 4,130 $ 107,870
2012 $ 112,000 $ 7,600 $ 104,400
2013 $ 9,070,000 $ 2,470,000 $ 6,600,000
2014 $ 9,070,000 $ 2,470,000 $ 6,600,000
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Murphy Aye
Elkind Eney Aye
Katz Aye
Odierna Aye
Seligson Aye
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – August 20, 2015
On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Murphy, it was
unanimously
RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve
the Board Minutes from the Meeting of August 20, 2015.
REPORTS OF COUNCIL
Councilwoman Elkind Eney noted that she and Supervisor Seligson attended the recent ‘Date Night’ in the
Village of Larchmont - a very fun event. Councilwoman Elkind Eney and other Board Members attended the
LMC-TV Annual Picnic, adding it was a beautiful evening on the water. Councilwoman Elkind Eney
attended, along with Connie Green O’Donnell, a meeting of Westrides. This is an important organization
providing rides to our seniors’, and volunteers are much needed. If you would like to volunteer, please
contact Connie Green O’Donnell.
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September 2, 2015
Councilwoman Elkind Eney noted that she and Supervisor Seligson attended the recent ‘Date
Night’ in the Village of Larchmont - a very fun event. Councilwoman Elkind Eney and other Board
Members attended the LMC-TV Annual Picnic, adding it was a beautiful evening on the water.
Councilwoman Elkind Eney attended, along with Connie Green O’Donnell, a meeting of WestFair
Rides Advisory Council. This is an important organization providing rides to our seniors for medical
appointments, and volunteers are much needed. If you would like to volunteer, please contact
Connie Green O’Donnell.
Councilwoman Katz had no liaison meetings to report on, as they will all be meeting next week.
Councilman Odierna noted that he had a wonderful vacation – nothing more to report.
Councilman Murphy also attended the LMC-TV Annual Picnic, noting that he too enjoyed this great event.
Councilman Murphy brought to the residents’ attention that there is an article in the local paper addressing
the future home of LMC-TV. Councilman Murphy stated that nothing is finalized and there are many
contingencies as well as an alternative offer to consider, adding that there is still much work to be done in
determining the right home for LMC-TV. With the start of school, please be careful driving!
Supervisor Seligson added to the emphasis to drive carefully and slowly.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Councilwoman Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilman Murphy, the meeting was unanimously
adjourned at 8:27 PM
________________________________
Submitted by
Christina Battalia, Town Clerk
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