HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011_12_14 Town Board Minutes
December 14, 2011
TOWN OF MAMARONECK
TOWN BOARD AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2011
REVISED
THE TOWN BOARD WILL CONVENE – at 5:00 PM, In Conference Room A to discuss Boards and Commissions,
Ethics Law, Organizational Meeting, 2012 Town & Fire District Budget
REQUEST FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION to discuss Employment History
THE TOWN BOARD WILL RECONVENE – at 8:00PM in the Court Room
CALL TO ATTENTION – Location of Exits
PUBLIC HEARING – 1. Adjourned Public Hearing - 2012 Town of Mamaroneck Preliminary Budget
2. Adjourned Public Hearing - 2012 Town of Mamaroneck Fire District #1 Budget
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
1.Adoption – 2012 Town of Mamaroneck Fire District #1 Budget
2.Other Fire Department Business
AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN
1.Adoption of the 2012 Budget
2.Authorization – Transfer of Funds – Baldwin Avenue Pump Station
3. Set Public Hearing – Amendment to Ethics Law
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - November 17, 2011
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
SUPERVISOR REPORTS
REPORTS OF THE COUNCIL
TOWN CLERK’S REPORT
NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETINGS – January 4, 2012
January 18, 2012 – Conference Room C
Any physically handicapped person needing special assistance in order to attend the
meeting should call the Town Administrator's office at 381-7810.
1
December 14, 2011
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE
TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON DECEMBER 14, 2012, BEGINNING AT 5:00PM IN
CONFERENCE ROOM A AND CONTINUING AT 8:00 PM IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE
TOWN, 740 W. BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK
PRESENT:
Supervisor Valerie M. O’Keeffe
Councilwoman Phyllis Wittner
Councilman Ernest C. Odierna
Councilwoman Nancy Seligson
Councilman David J. Fishman
ALSO PRESENT: Christina Battalia, Town Clerk
Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator
William Maker, Jr., Town Attorney
CALL TO ORDER - WORK SESSION
On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, the Work Session was unanimously
opened at 5:00PM.
ADDED ITEM
Revaluation
The Town Board reviewed a letter to be mailed to residents regarding the current revaluation. Councilwoman
Seligson noted she had some additional changes she would like to make, adding the tone of the letter needs to
be friendlier.
Councilman Odierna asked if there were any updates on whether the Villages’ will be participating in an
amnesty program.
Mr. Altieri stated that it appears the Villages’ will participate, but will not be waiving the permit fee.
Boards and Commissions
The Board reviewed a spreadsheet prepared by Ms. Battalia outlining the expiring terms for various Boards
and Commissions. The Board Members will follow up with various Appointees to determine their continued
interest in serving their respective Boards. The Town Clerk will speak with the Village Clerks’ to get various
Village appointments up to date. The Board would like to disband the Historic Records Committee and asked
Mr. Maker to look into the process the Town should follow in order to accomplish that. The Board also
discussed reducing the number of members to the Planning Board from seven to five, and asked Mr. Maker to
look into the legality of such a change.
On motion of Councilwoman Seligson, seconded by Councilman Odierna, the Board unanimously agreed to
enter into an Executive Session to discuss the Employment History of Particular Persons.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Employment History of Particular Persons
2
December 14, 2011
On motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, the Town Board unanimously agreed
to reenter Work Session.
2012 Preliminary Town and Fire District Budgets
The Board reviewed Mr. Altieri’s most recent memo dated December 14, 2011 regarding the Budget. Mr.
Altier’s letter notes that due to positive changes the Proposed Town Budget for 2012 is well within the
allowable tax cap, adding the Town will not need to enact legislation to override the tax levy limit.
Additionally, just last evening the Town received clarification from the New York State Comptroller’s Office and
the Office of Taxation and Finance that the Town Budget and the Fire District Budget can be presented and
submitted as one consolidated document. The Board reviewed a spreadsheet of the tax cap formula under
the consolidated format and a spreadsheet outlining the proposed changes to the 2012 Budget since the Public
Hearing. These will be presented to the public during the Regular Town Board Meeting this evening.
CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor O’Keeffe at
8:15PM, she then pointed out the location of the exits.
Supervisor O’Keeffe welcomed Josh Mandel, Village of Larchmont Mayor, Abby Katz, Councilwoman Elect and
Ron Meister, Zoning Board Member.
Supervisor O’Keeffe noted the agenda items discussed during Work Session, reiterating to the audience that
the Work Session is open to the public.
Josh Mandel, Village of Larchmont Mayor, presented Supervisor O’Keeffe with the following proclamation:
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Valerie Moore O’Keeffe has played a significant role in the history of the Town
of Mamaroneck, from the moment she set foot into the government arena as
Councilwoman in 1994; and
WHEREAS, Valerie’s name became a household word in the Town during her six-year
tenure as Councilwoman, and through her notoriety and dedication to serving the residents
of the Town of Mamaroneck, she was elected to the post of Supervisor of the Town of
Mamaroneck in 2000; and
WHEREAS, Valerie has had a career full of challenges, including her efforts to preserve the
open space of the Bonnie Briar Country Club, to keep the mega-store IKEA from going
forward with plans to construct a new facility in New Rochelle, and to clean-up Long Island
Sound; and
WHEREAS, in addition to all of the challenges she has faced, Valerie has worked diligently
towards improving the quality of life for those around her, such as her efforts during the
creation of the Hispanic Resource Center and the Town’s Affordable Housing projects, for
trying to find more open space for public playing fields, and for limiting the spread of large-
sized homes in her community; and
WHEREAS, Valerie’s management style and sense of humor has been a hallmark of Town
Council meetings, often making them the highest ranked show on LMC-TV; and
WHEREAS, through it all, Valerie has lead the Town Board, and the residents of our
community, with dignity, grace, and respect for everyone’s right to voice their opinion and
suggestions to their elected officials;
3
December 14, 2011
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Joshua L. Mandell, Mayor of the Village of Larchmont, do hereby
proclaim Thursday,
December 15, 2011, not only as Estimated Tax Day in the State of New York, but
VALERIE MOORE O’KEEFFE DAY
in the Village of Larchmont. As she returns to her private life and retires from public
service, I join my fellow Board members in thanking Valerie for all she has done for the
residents of the Town of Mamaroneck. She understands the meaning of “local”
government and that knowledge has allowed her to make great strides in her political
career.
We are very grateful to Valerie for the job she has done, and proudly extend our hands to
her in acknowledgment of her fine achievements. Valerie may be leaving her seat on the
Town Council, but her legacy will live on forever in our community.
PUBLIC HEARING (S) –
2012 PRELIMINARY TOWN BUDGET
2012 FIRE DISTRICT #1 PRELIMINARY BUDGET
The following Notices of Public Hearings are entered into the record as follows:
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
ADJOURNED TO DECEMBER 14, 2011
2012 PRELIMINARY BUDGET
TOWN OF MAMARONECK, NEW YORK
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of
Mamaroneck, New York on Wednesday, December 14, 2011, at 8:00PM in the Court Room of
the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York to consider the
Preliminary Budget for the calendar year commencing January 1, 2012 and ending December
31, 2012. All citizens are invited to attend and provide the Board with written and oral
comments and ask questions concerning the Town’s entire preliminary budget. The entire
preliminary budget can be inspected by the public from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, in the Town
Clerk’s Office, Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York. The
Preliminary Budget is also posted on the Town of Mamaroneck website
www.townofmamaroneck.org
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the proposed salaries of the members of the Town Board
are as follows: Supervisor, $37,000; Town Council (4) $6,000 each and the proposed salary for
the Town Clerk is $82,000 and the Town Justices (2) $21,000.
BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD
OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK
Christina Battalia
Town Clerk
Published November 29, 2011
PUBLIC HEARING
ADJOURNED TO DECEMBER 14, 2011
FIRE DISTRICT #1 PRELIMINARY BUDGET FOR 2012
TOWN OF MAMARONECK, NEW YORK
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing will be held by the Board of Fire Commissioners
of the Town of Mamaroneck, New York on Wednesday, December 14, 2011, at 8:00 PM in the
Court Room of the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York to
consider the preliminary budget for the calendar year commencing January 1, 2012 and ending
4
December 14, 2011
December 31, 2012. All citizens are invited to attend and provide the Commission with written
and oral comments and ask questions concerning the Fire District’s entire preliminary budget.
The entire preliminary budget can be inspected by the public from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, in the
Town Clerk’s Office, Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York. The
Preliminary Budget is also posted on the Town of Mamaroneck website
www.townofmamaroneck.org
BY ORDER OF THE
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK
Christina Battalia
Town Clerk
Published November 29, 2011
On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, the Public Hearings were
unanimously reconvened.
Mr. Altieri presented a power point outlining the current 2012 Proposed Budget as follows:
Budget Overview
The table below illustrates the changes in the budget since the preliminary hearing
2012
2012 Proposed
Preliminary Change % Change
Adopted Budget
Budget
Appropriations 31,340,888 31,236,123 (104,765) (<1%)
Non-Tax Revenue 9,051,883 9,051,883 0 0
Reserve App. 840,000 840,000 0 0
Tax Levy 21,449,005 21,344,240 (104,765) (<1%)
The reduction in appropriations is attributable to the reduction in operating expenses as a result of our
retirement incentive plan offered to Police and Career Firefighters. Reductions in salary and other
compensation are now reflected in both the Part Town and Fire District Budget.
The second table illustrates the changes in the budget over 2011.
2012 Proposed
2011 Change % Change
Adopted Budget
Appropriations 30,483,132 31,236,123 752,991 2.5%
Non-Tax Revenue 8,908,562 9,051,883 143,321 1.6%
Reserve App. 820,000 840,000 20,000 2.4%
Property Tax Levy 20,754,570 21,344,240 589,670 2.8%
Taxable
150,621,950 147,682,978 (2,938,972) (1.9%)
Assessments
As a result of the changes in appropriations and tax levy, the property tax impact is as follows:
Village Residents will see an increase of about $5.60 in their Town taxes. This is unchanged from the
Preliminary Budget presented at the public hearing.
For unincorporated area residents the average property tax bill will increase by $266 or 4.7% over 2011. The
2012 Preliminary Budget proposed a tax increase of $351.00 or 6.1%.
Supervisor O’Keeffe asked if anyone wished to comment on the proposed Local Law.
5
December 14, 2011
Councilman Odierna thanked David Fishman for his insistence that the Town stay within the tax cap. He
thanked Mr. Altieri, Mr. Siligato and Mary Stanton for the savings they were able to coordinate and achieve.
Councilman Odierna again stated how much he wished there was more resident input.
Councilman Fishman was glad the Town was able to reinstate two out of three crossing guards. Councilman
Fishman thanked Steve for the money he has saved with the retirement incentives, adding those are savings
the Town will reap well into the future.
Councilman Odierna interjected that currently the guards are still in effect during lunch, but that will be
discussed further at a future date.
Councilwoman Seligson was glad that after discussion with residents and representatives from the PTA
agreement was reached on eliminating the crossing guards for the after school activities. Councilwoman
Seligson emphasized that this budget was gone through line by line, adding this was the closest and most
involved the Town Board has ever been. Councilwoman Seligson emphasized that the Town budget is only
20% of residents’ tax bills, adding the remainder is out of the Town’s control.
Councilwoman Wittner stated she did not feel compelled to stay within the tax cap as it was an arbitrary
imposition from the State. Councilwoman Wittner was glad to see the reinstatement of the crossing guards.
Councilwoman Wittner noted that the Town still needs to get input from residents’ regarding garbage
collection, noting the comments made by the resident this evening.
Mr. Altieri noted the reduction in the number of Town employees from 127 full-time positions to 135 in just
two years.
Supervisor O’Keeffe thanked Mr. Altieri and Mr. Siligato, adding that not every municipality has the quality
and talent that the Town has.
On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, the Public Hearing was
unanimously closed.
On motion of Councilwoman Seligson, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, the following was approved,
WHEREAS, on October 19, 2011 the Budget Officer submitted to the Town Clerk, the Town
Supervisor and Town Board the 2012 Tentative Budget for the Town of Mamaroneck, and
WHEREAS, on October 26, November 2, November 9, November 17, December 7 and December
14 of 2011 the Town Board held public work sessions to consider amendments and changes to
the Tentative Budget, and
WHEREAS, on December 7, 2011 the Town Board held a Public Hearing on the 2012 Preliminary
Budget for the Town of Mamaroneck, and
WHEREAS, on December 14, 2011 an amended 2012 Preliminary Budget was submitted to the
Town Board as outlined in a memorandum from the Town Administrator/Budget Officer dated
December 14, 2012 and presented to the Public during the Town Board Meeting of December
14, 2011.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby adopt the revised 2012 Preliminary Town of
Mamaroneck Budget as the final operating budget for 2012.
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Fishman Aye
Seligson Aye
Odierna Aye
Wittner Aye
O’Keeffe Aye
6
December 14, 2011
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
The meeting was called to order by Commissioner O’Keeffe then on motion of Commissioner Wittner,
seconded by Commissioner Seligson, the Board of Fire Commissioners was unanimously declared open.
Present were the following members of the Commission:
Commissioner: Valerie M. O’Keeffe
Commissioner: Phyllis Wittner
Commissioner: Ernest C. Odierna
Commissioner: Nancy Seligson
Commissioner: David J. Fishman
2.Other Fire Department Business
Commissioner O’Keeffe noted that during the previous Public Hearing the Fire District # 1 2012 Budget was
adopted in consolidation with the Town Budget.
Commissioner Wittner noted that the Commission has received and accepted the Officers for 2012 as follows:
Chief of Department Brendan Collins
st
1 Deputy Chief Joseph Russo
nd
2 Deputy Chief Noah Goldberg
Department Secretary Greg Hibbard
Financial Secretary Paul Tortorella
Treasurer David Maisel
Surgeon Dr. Peter Kingham
Chaplains Mgsr. Thomas Petrillo
Father Salvatore DeStefano
Sergeant At Arms Peter Perciaseppe
Department Attorney Theodore Hecht
Engine 36 Captain Thomas Broderick
Lieutenant (vacant)
Engine 37 Captain Paul Tortorella
Lieutenant Andrew Siano
Engine 51 Captain Greg Hibbard
Lieutenant (vacant)
Ladder 19 Captain Dennis Delborgo
Lieutenant John Pierce
Councilwoman Wittner reminded residents of the Fire Department’s Annual Toy Drive.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner
Wittner, seconded by Commissioner Seligson, the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board
reconvened.
AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN
3.Adoption of the 2012 Budget
The adoption of the 2012 Town Budget took place during the Public Hearing as reported above.
7
December 14, 2011
4.Authorization – Transfer of Funds – Baldwin Avenue Pump Station
Mr. Altieri explained that the transfer of these funds was originally proposed to the Town Board in connection
with the rebuild of the power generator for the sewer pump station to be $705.00. It has since been
discovered during the rebuilding of the generator that a direct replacement does not exist. Therefore, the
contractor will need to re-fabricate the cabinet that houses the alternator along with the mounting legs for the
cabinet. The total cost for the project will now be $15,000.00 as opposed to the original quote of $11,000.00.
Although higher than expected it is still much lower than the cost of a new generator which was estimated at
almost $50,000.00.
On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, it was
RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the amended
transfer of funds as follows:
TOWN BOARD
AMEND CAPITAL PROJECT & BUDGET - BALDWIN AVENUE PUMP STATION 12/14/2011 MEETING
(SANITARY SEWERS)
CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND (FUND H):
AMEND BUDGET:
EXP H.8120.0400.5002 BALDWIN AVENUE PUMP STATION $ 4,005.00
REV H.0000.5036 TRANSFER FROM SEWER DISTRICT $ 4,005.00
(CAPITAL PROJECT #29-08)
(Increase project budget with $4,005 transferred in from the Sewer District Fund
Balance -
to provide funding for the pump station generator
rebuild)
SEWER DISTRICT FUND (FUND SS):
AMEND BUDGET:
EXP SS.9900.9950 TRANSFER TO CAPITAL PROJECT $ 4,005.00
REV SS.0000.5995 APPROPRIATED FUND BALANCE $ 4,005.00
(Increase budget with $4,005 Appropriated Sewer District Fund
Balance -
to be transferred to Capital Fund - Project #29-08)
The above resolution was put to a roll call vote:
Fishman Aye
Seligson Aye
Odierna Aye
Wittner Aye
O’Keeffe Aye
8
December 14, 2011
3. Set Public Hearing – Amendment to Ethics Law
Mr. Maker that periodically the Town reviews the Ethics Law. Recently a number of items have come to the
Town’s attention. Specifically this amendment would update and add titles to the list of employees in
“sensitive positions” which previously were not on that list. Additionally, the current ethics law makes a
violation of the law a criminal offense. Since any major violation of the ethics law would also violate the New
York State Penal Law, the Town Board determines that duplication of criminality to be unnecessary. Finally,
this amendment adds a new section to the law designed to regulate, through procedures contained in the
Town’s Administrative Manual, employees who may do “outside” work for the Town (e.g., an employee being
paid to do electrical work at a Town-owned building).
On motion of Councilwoman Seligson, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner, it was
RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby set the date for a Public
Hearing on the “Update to the Town’s Ethics Law” law, for January 18, 2012 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.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 17, 2011
On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Supervisor O’Keeffe, it was
unanimously
RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby approve the
Board Minutes from the Meeting of November 17, 2011.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Abby Katz of the Larchmont Gardens’ Civic Association addressed the Board. Ms. Katz noted that this will be
her last time addressing the Board on behalf of the Association. Ms. Katz on behalf of the Association thanked
Supervisor O’Keeffe for always listening, adding she may not always have agreed, but always listened. Ms. Katz
noted how wonderful it always is to her Valerie’s stories, adding she is such a wealth of knowledge and brings
a wonderful small town feeling to our community. Ms. Katz hopes Valerie enjoys her retirement.
Mr. Cammer of Little Farms Rd, came this evening to bid farewell to Valerie, adding he could not let this
moment pass with saying something. Although, they did not always share the politics, he has the utmost
admiration for Valerie, noting her dedication, good humor and the ability to work with people. Valerie will be
missed tremendously, especially her incredible wit.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
Supervisor O’Keeffe noted the passing of the former Deputy Supervisor Lee Bloom at the age of 92. Mr. Bloom
grew up in New Rochelle and graduated from MIT. He attended Harvard Law School were upon completion he
began a 36 year career as General Council to Lever Brothers. Mr. Bloom had a long career in service to his
9
December 14, 2011
community, most notably with the Unite Nations. Mr. Bloom was tireless in his giving of his time to others and
was a great public servant.
Supervisor O’Keeffe thanked the Board Members, the Town Administrator, the Town Clerk and Town Attorney
individually for working with her over the years.
The Board Members mutually thanked Valerie for all her service.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Supervisor O’Keeffe, seconded by Councilwoman Wittner the meeting was unanimously
adjourned at 10:00PM
________________________________
Submitted by
Christina Battalia, Town Clerk
10