Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015_09_16 Town Board Minutes September 16, 2015 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON SEPTEMBER 16, 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: Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator William Maker, Jr., Town Attorney Connie Green O’Donnell, sitting in for the Town Clerk ABSENT: Christina Battalia, Town Clerk CALL TO ORDER - WORK SESSION On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, the Work Session was unanimously opened at 5:00PM. 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. Commissions. EXECUTIVE SESSION Employment History of a Particular Employee On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, the Board unanimously agreed to resume the Regular Meeting. Sustainability Collaborative Charrette The Town Board reviewed the Agenda for the upcoming charrette being held by the Sustainability rd Collaborative on Saturday October 3 at the VFW. Policy – Sidewalk Removal The Town Board reviewed a second request for sidewalk removal on Barnum Road. The request is for removal of the sidewalk at the east side dead-end in front of 39 Barnum Road and is similar to the request granted previously to the home on the west side dead-end. The Town Board reviewed a memo from Louis Martirano outlining the request, as well as the original request from the residents at 39 Barnum Road. The Board agreed that both these removals were permissible because they were at the end of a dead-end street. With respect to a formal policy moving forward, there was consensus that only sidewalks that were not connected to others on two sides would be considered for removal, and that the Town Board prefers reviewing these requests on a case by case basis versus an overall policy. 1 September 16, 2015 Baldwin Avenue Parking At the previous Town Board Meeting, the Board referred the proposed parking plan to the Traffic th Committee for their review. The Traffic Committee reviewed the plan at their September 9 Meeting and agrees with the plan except for the enforcement periods, which the Traffic Committee feels should be consistent. The Town Board prefers the different enforcement times. The Board will continue to discuss this parking plan as well as how to address possible special parking permits for the residents who do not have driveways. Home Rule Request – Baldwin Avenue Parking The Town Board reviewed the proposed resolution calling for the amendment to the Washington Square Resident Parking Legislation to add Baldwin Avenue to the District. Baldwin Avenue residents encounter a similar burden of commuter parking taking up resident parking spaces. Once the final wording is finalized the resolution will be sent to the Offices’ of Senator George Latimer and Assemblyman Steve Otis to initiate the home rule process. Discussion – Appointment to Zoning Board The Town Board discussed the vacancy in the Zoning Board due to the resignation of Seth Marcus. Review of Tax Cap Formula – 2016 Budget The Town Board reviewed a memo from Mr. Altieri dated July 23, 2015 in which he states that the ‘State has indicated that in order to remain within the cap tax levies cannot increase by more than .73%”. What this means for the Town is that the total tax levy cannot increase by more than $268,013 or 1.14% when you include the tax base growth factor.” The Town Board also reviewed a schedule of the Property Tax Cap Formula for Determining Tax Levy Limit – 2016. This schedule sets forth the instructions for the Department Heads in preparing the 2016 Budget. Update – Energy Performance Contract The Town Board reviewed a memo from Mr. Altieri dated September 11, 2015 outlining the closeout of the energy performance contract with Honeywell. “The close out means the following; all work in the contract specifications have been completed; Honeywell has provided all necessary manuals, printed warranties and other documents connected to the equipment and work provided as per the contract; the Street light registry has been completed and will now be submitted to Con Edison for inclusion in our billings from NYPA. The next step in the closeout is the ongoing monitoring. This will take place from September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2016, during which time the Town will officially receive two energy use information reports. The cost for the monitoring is $8,400, and was included in the original contract with Honeywell. New Business The Town is moving forward on planting shrubs at the VFW. Catherine Wachs has volunteered her expertise in choosing the plantings and overseeing their placement. The cost of the shrubs is $1,000, with labor being provided by Town employees. 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. 2 September 16, 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 The Town held its annual September 11, 2015 Ceremony last Friday and I want to thank all of those who participated from the Village of Mamaroneck Police and Fire Departments, the Village of Larchmont Police and Fire Departments, the Town of Mamaroneck Police and Fire Departments and the Larchmont Mamaroneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Mamaroneck EMS, as well as the American Legion Posts 90 and 347 and the VFW Post 1157. Thank you to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts too. I attended a press event to publicize the upcoming event sponsored by Mamaroneck’s Murphy Brothers Contracting to support the Westchester Food Bank. I participated in an LMC-TV show hosted by Alice Bloom with Mayor Anne McAndrews where we discussed several Town issues including the budget, sustainability and sewers. The TMFD had a wonderful BBQ event for members and their families. The Hispanic Resource Center had a ribbon-cutting and naming celebration this morning to celebrate its move to the former CAP Center and it new name, The Community Resource Center. The Sustainability Collaborative will be holding a community charette Saturday morning, October 3, at 10:00 am at the VFW on the Boston Post Road to discuss progress and accomplishments as well as looking at fees versus taxes for seem Town services. All are invited. Please RSVP. There will be a clean-up of the Premium Marsh area on Saturday morning, September 26 at 10:00 am as part of the International Coastal Cleanup effort. CITIZEN’S COMMENTS Supervisor Seligson asked if anyone in the audience would like to address the Board, and there was not. PUBLIC HEARING (S) – Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption The following Notice of Public Hearing is entered into the record as follows: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 130 of the Town Law of the State of New York, and pursuant to a resolution of the Mamaroneck Town Board adopted on September 2, 2015 a Public Hearing will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at 8:00 PM or as soon thereafter as is possible at the Town Center, 740 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York to consider: Senior Citizen’s Rent Increase Exemption. Section 1 – Purpose. To consider amending the income limit for the Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption Program. The full text of this Amendment is stated below and can also be examined and copies obtained at the Town Clerk's office during regular hours, Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, In June, July and August until 4:00 PM at 740 W. Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, NY PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that at the Public Hearing all persons interested will be given an opportunity to be heard and that all persons are invited to submit written comments at or prior thereto. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK CHRISTINA BATTALIA TOWN CLERK Published: September 8, 2015 3 September 16, 2015 On motion of Councilwoman Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, the Public Hearing was unanimously opened. Supervisor Seligson asked if anyone wished to comment on the proposed Local Law. Mr. Altieri explained the program as one which provides exemption from rent increases for senior citizens on a limited income. Rent levels are frozen at the current level and the participating landlords receive property tax abatement in the amount of the lost rent revenue. The income level has not increased in 22 years. On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilman Katz, the Public Hearing was unanimously closed. On motion of Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve amending the income limit from $16,500 to $29,000 for the Senior Citizens’ Rent Increase Exemption Program. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Seligson Aye 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 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: 4 September 16, 2015 AAA Emergency Supply Scott firefighting mask and bracket to hold amplifier on mask $1198.56 AAA Emergency Supply Firefighting gloves, hood and turnout gear cleaner 1014.00 AAA Emergency Supply Rit Firefighting escape training as per NYS requirement 450.00 Brewers Door hook with 2 1/2" Chrome screws fastners 13.40 CIT Finance LLC July & August 2015 charges 494.70 Con Edison Fire HQ gas svc 7/30-8/28/15 100.01 Galls, LLC Heavy boots socks 34.26 Grainger Swivel stem casters with brake 28.44 Minerva Cleaners Turnout gear outershell insp., repairs, adv. Insp.of turnout coat shell 485.75 New Pig 5 Booms for absorbing oil, one responder kit 895.92 R & L VGA to DVI adapter, upgrade IBM laptop, Software - Server Licenses etc. 289.93 Sound Shore Pest Control Exterminating Services on 8/24/15 65.00 United Communications Corp. New Pagers and casing 517.64 Villa Maria Pizza New member drill 9/1/15 70.40 Westech Elevator Services, Inc. Maintenance for month of September 2015 175.00 0.00 0.00 Total: $5833.01 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 Months of July and August as submitted by Chief Goldberg as follows: July 2015 ALARM TYPE NUMBER Generals 38 Minors 16 Stills 7 Out of Town (Mutual Aid) 2 EMS 40 Drills 5 TOTAL 108 Total number of personnel responding: 756 Total time working: 50 hours and 3 minutes August 2015 ALARM TYPE NUMBER Generals 34 Minors 16 Stills 4 Out of Town (Mutual Aid) 3 EMS 26 Drills 5 TOTAL 88 5 September 16, 2015 Total number of personnel responding: 841 Total time working: 55 hours and 31 minutes On motion of Commissioner Elkind Eney, seconded by Commissioner Abby Katz, it was nd RESOLVED, that the Board of Fire Commission does hereby accept the Service Awards for the 2 Quarter of 2015 as prepared by Frank Cioffi, and submitted for approval by Chief Noah Goldberg as follows: ATTACHMENT A 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 Commissioner Elkind Eney noted the fabulous Fire Department BBQ - they outdid themselves in the quantity and quality of food they served. There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner Odierna, seconded by Commissioner Katz, the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1.Set Public Hearing – Establish Accessible Spaces – Washington Square Supervisor Seligson explained that as part of the Town’s work to improve the parking situation in the Washington Square Area, the Town has worked collaboratively with the residents. What is proposed for a public hearing is one of those ideas. Mr. Maker explained that currently there is only one accessible parking space on Washington Square, this law if enacted would create two additional spaces, one accessible space in front of 1 Washington Square and one accessible space in front of 2 Washington Square. There would then be three accessible spaces on Washington Square. On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby set the date for a Public Hearing on “The Adding Two Accessible Parking Spaces on Washington Square” Law for October 7, 2015, at 8:00PM in the Court Room of the Town Center, 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 Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilwoman Elkind Eney, it was 6 September 16, 2015 RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the settlement of the following tax certiorari on the following terms: Chatsworth Auction Rooms & Furniture Studios, Inc. 151 Mamaroneck Avenue Section/Block/Lots: 9-12-5 and 162.1 Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Mamaroneck 133 East Prospect Avenue Section/Block/Lot: 9-12-168 Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Mamaroneck 139 East Prospect Avenue Section/Block/Lot: 9-12-157 Town of Mamaroneck/Village of Mamaroneck 151 Mamaroneck Avenue Year Assessment Amount of Reduction Reduced Assessment 2010 $ 26,500 $ 2,335 $ 24,165 2011 $ 26,500 $ 1,660 $ 24,840 2012 $ 26,500 $ 3,010 $ 23,490 2013 $1,730,000 $ 380,000 $1,350,000 2014 $1,730,000 $ 380,000 $1,350,000 133 East Prospect Avenue Year Assessment Amount of Reduction Reduced Assessment 2009 $ 6,500 $ 140 $ 6,360 2010 $ 6,500 $ -0- $ 6,500 2011 $ 6,500 $ -0- $ 6,500 2012 $ 6,500 $ -0- $ 6,500 2013 $ 373,000 $ -0- $ 373,000 2014 $ 373,000 $ -0- $ 373,000 139 East Prospect Avenue Year Assessment Amount of Reduction Reduced Assessment 2009 $ 11,500 $ 3,550 $ 7,950 2010 $ 11,500 $ 2,550 $ 8,950 2011 $ 11,500 $ 2,300 $ 9,200 2012 $ 11,500 $ 2,800 $ 8,700 2013 $ 500,000 $ -0- $ 500,000 2014 $ 500,000 $ -0- $ 500,000 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Murphy Aye Elkind Eney Aye Katz Aye Odierna Aye Seligson Aye WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None 7 September 16, 2015 REPORTS OF COUNCIL Councilwoman Katz attended the Traffic Committee Meeting and Library Meeting in the same evening, noting she was able to attend half of each meeting. At the Library meeting they continue to work on the renovation project which is expected to begin in January. The Library is expected to close for a few months. They continue their fundraising efforts and are very excited about the new transformation. The Traffic Committee continues to hear from residents that speeding is a problem in our community, most recently from residents on E. Hickory Grove Drive. Councilwoman Katz reminded residents to slow down and be mindful that school is open. Councilwoman Katz noted she enjoyed the opening of the Community Resource Center this morning. Councilwoman Elkind Eney noted that she previously reported on the Fire Council earlier in the meeting. She and Councilwoman Katz attended a meeting with representatives from Burbio.com, an entity that provides on-line community calendars. Their product integrates all of the events throughout the community that residents’ can sign up for. A resident can then migrate the events that they are interested th in from the Burbio calendar to their own personal calendar. On September 9 she attended the Planning Board Meeting, at which they continue with various applications. Councilwoman Elkind Eney also noted th that things are running smoothly with the new Chair. On September 10 she and other Board Members attended the Westchester Municipal Officials Association Dinner in the Village of Croton. The presenter was the Mayor of Carmel, Indiana, who discussed ways to develop down town areas. Councilwoman Elkind Eney found most interesting, the discussion of developing a walkable community and the use of the roundabout. She hopes the Town can utilize roundabouts in the future. She attended the Town's September 11 Ceremony. The ceremony was a meaningful community commemoration of this horrendous day. She too attended the ribbon cutting for the Community Resource Center, noting what a great tribute to our community to have such a wonderful resource. Councilman Odierna noted that he will try to attend the remainder of the Zoning Board Meeting being held simultaneously to this evening’s Town Board Meeting. Councilman Odierna will report on that meeting at the next Town Board meeting. Councilman Murphy noted the passing of Frank Leight. Mr. Leight was one of the individuals who started LMC-TV. He had a distinguished career at CBS Television, and was very involved in the Community, especially with the Emelin Theatre. He leaves behind his wonderful wife, a son and many grandchildren. He had a life well lived, and he will be missed. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilman Murphy, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the meeting was unanimously adjourned. ________________________________ Submitted by Christina Battalia, Town Clerk Notes were provided by Connie Green O’Donnell 8