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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1958_04_16 Town Board Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK, HELD APRIL 16, 1958, IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE WEAVER STREET FIREHOUSE, WEA- VER STREET, TOWN OF MAMARONECK. CALL TO ORDER LThe Supervisor called the meeting to order at 8:15 p.m. PRESENT: Supervisor Burchell Councilman Brush Councilman Kane Councilman Waterman Councilman Santoro ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Gronberg - Town Clerk Mr. Delius - Town Attorney Mr. Friedlander - Town Engineer Mr. O'Brien - Superintendent of Highways Mrs. Brewer - Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of meeting of March 19th, 1958, were approved as presented. PUBLIC HEARING--JOSEPHINE MASTICCOLA D/B/A LEON'S TAXI SERVICE The Supervisor declared the hearing open and the Clerk presented the affidavit of the publication of the Notice of Hearing in the official newspaper of the Town of Mamaroneck, The Daily Times, on April 10th, 1958. For the Board's information, the Clerk then read a communica- tion received from the applicant under this date outlining the schedule of service and the fares on the proposed line as follows: "Town Mamaroneck Board First Bus leaving Dillon Road 7:45 a.m. up the Post Road stop at Alden Rd, and continue to Mamaroneck Junior High School. Then return to Dillon Rd. 8:15 a.m. to St. Augustine and Chatsworth Ave. School. 3:00 p.m. leaving Mamaroneck Junior High School up Post Road to Alden Rd. continue to Dillon Rd. The fare will be Book of 20 tickets $2. 00 or 15} a fare. Leon's Taxi Service, Josephine Mastocciolo" The Supervisor then inquired whether anyone present wished to address the Board in favor of this application and the follow- ing persons were heard: Mr. Joseph Ma.stioccOlO, applicant Mr. Mastioccolo stated that he believed his application was complete and self-explanatory but stated that he would be glad to answer any further question which might be raised in con- nection with the application. Mr. J. J. McCaffrey, 39 Dillon Road, Town Mr. McCaffrey, speaking as the co-ordinator of a group of residents of the Dillon Park area, stated that these residents favored and, in fact, requested such a bus service as that pro- posed by Mr. Mastioccolo for the transport of school children because such a service would be personalized and because it would be synchronized with the opening and closing school hours since it was to operate solely for transporting school children. Mr. McCaffrey also emphasized the importance of the econ- omy angle, pointing out that there would be a considerable sav- ing afforded to parents and especially where there was more than one child of school-age in a family if this service were es- tablished. The Supervisor, after ascertaining that no one else wished to be heard in favor of this application, invited those who wished to speak in opposition to do so, and the following per- sons were heard: Mr. A. Rukin of the West Fordham Transportation Corp. Mr. Rukin stated that West Fordham was opposed to the granting of this or any additional consent to another bus line intending to operate over any part of the route as granted to West Fordham in its consent. He pointed out that all public transportation was now suffering from a decline in revenues, whether train, bus, or whatever -- and that his company had made a large investment of funds in order to operate over this route abandoned by County Transportation because of financial failure. He said he felt that County Transportation's failure was caused, in some part at least, by operating at reduced fares for children, which practise, he stated, was no longer considered either practicable or feasible for bus line operation for the reason that a child occupies the same seat-space as an adult. He also spoke in some detail of the destruction of physi- cal equipment involved in the transport of children. In addition thereto, Mr. Rukin pointed to the experience of County Transportation operation and stated that from this, it would seem difficult for one line to exist and that certainly then it would be that much more difficult were another line to operate over any part of this route for any purpose whatsoever which might deprive the line operating of any passengers. For this reason, he stated that he felt that this Board on a moral basis should not grant consent to any other line proposing to operate over any segement or part of West Fordham's route, and he further stated that it was his considered opinion that if such con- sent were granted to a second or other line, it would be simply a matter of time before the main line would be forced to discontinue. Mr. Rukin added that he wished to make it very clear that his company did not object to the granting of a consent for the opera- tion of a second or other line in any community providing such a line operated over other than the route granted and specified in West Fordham's consent. As an example, he cited the operation by Mr. Mastioccolo of the line servicing the Manor in the Village of Larchmont, which did not affect the West Fordham route and to which therefore West Fordham had no objection whatsoever. Mr. Rukin also advised the Board that with reference to time schedules in connection with school opening and closing hours, he had conferred with the Superintendent ofSchools, Dr. T. James Ahern, and was presently engaged in conducting a very detailed study on this and on the question of whether or not additional buses were needed for carrying said school children. Should the number of children justify the addition of a bus or buses, Mr. Rukin stated that West Fordham could and would provide such service within twenty-four hours and he stated that he would report further and in detail on these matters immediately upon completion of this study. Following some further discussion by the members of the Board, Mr. Mastioccolo, and Mr. Rukin, the Supervisor, upon as- certaining that no one else wished to be heard either in favor of or in opposition to the application, declared the hearing closed, and, by unanimous consent of the members of the Board, decision on this application was reserved. OLD BUSINESS 1. Resolution granting consent for operation of bus line--West Fordham Transportation Corp. At the suggestion of the Town Attorney and with the consent of Mr. Rukin of the West Fordham Transportation Corp. , decision on the application of West Fordham for consent to operate a bus line through the Town of Mamaroneck was reserved until the next meeting of the Board. 2. Report on requests for street lights by Charles A. Newbergh, Bruce M. Beringer, and John Sack for the Alden House Apartments (a) Request of Charles A. Newbergh and Bruce M. Beringer (' In connection with these requests as presented at the last EE` meeting of the Board, the Clerk presented the following memo- randum from the Superintendent of Highways under date of April 15, 1958: "In reference to the requests for streetlights on Feni- more Road, Chief Yerick and I investigated the lighting conditions at this location and it is my recommendation that one light will be sufficient on Fenimore Road. Estimated cost for labor and materials for the recommended 1000 Lumen street light is $84.38." Whereupon, on motion by Councilman Santoro and seconded by Councilman Brush, it was unanimously RESOLVED that the Superintendent of Highways be and he hereby is authorized to install on Fen- imore Road between the property of Charles A. Newbergh and Bruce M. Beringer one 1000 Lu- men street light. (b) Request of John J. Sack for Alden House In connection with this request, the Clerk presented the following memorandum from the Superintendent of Highways. "In reference to the request for a street light on Alden Road, Chief Yerick and I investigated the lighting con- dition at this location and it is my recommendation that one light be installed where requested. Estimated cost for labor and materials for the recom- mended 1000 Lumen street light is $84. 38. " Whereupon, on motion by Councilman Brush, seconded by Councilman Kane, it was unanimously RESOLVED that the Superintendent of Highways be and he hereby is authorized to install on Alden Road one 1000 Lumen street light. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to be brought before the Board. OTHER BUSINESS (Not on Prepared Agenda) (1) Mr. Joseph Weiss, 74 Edgewood Avenue, Town Mr. Weiss addressed the Board calling attention to the traffic condition between Murray Avenue and North Chatsworth Avenue pointing out the fact that the present routing of traffic caused a dangerous and hazardous condition directly affecting the safety of the considerable number of young children (bicycle-age and under) who live in this area. Mr. Weiss advised the Board that he had conferred with the Chief of Police about the matter and that the Police Department had been most cooperative in taking such measures as able to aid the situation. However, he stated that he felt that further remedial measures were needed and requested this Board to take such action as necessary in order to alleviate the existing conditions. The Supervisor explained that the policy of the Board was to refer such matters to the Board of Police Commis- sioners and Police Department for study and recommenda- tion and he suggested that Mr. Weiss meet with this group when this matter was under consideration. Mr. Weiss stated that this would be most agreeable and satisfactory and thanked the Board for its time and attention. (2) Mr. Jerome N. Wanshel, Larchmont Attorney Mr. Wanshel, speaking for a client and new property owner on Fenimore Road, Town, called to the Board's attention the flood conditions in this area and requested remedial measures to correct this drastic condition directly affecting his clients property. The Board advised Mr. Wanshel that the Town was aware of this condition and that it was being studied at this time. COMMUNICATIONS 1. Board of Supervisors--Proclamation, Law Day The Clerk read a communication from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of Westchester County enclosing copy of a proc- lamation by the County Executive observing Thrusday, May 1, 1958, as Law Day - U.S.A. in Westchester County. The communication was received and filed and it was suggested that upon conference with Larchmont and Mamaroneck Villages, a joint statement might be issued. 2. Request for Erection of Wall This was stricken from the agenda. 3. Complaint on Traffic Condition, Post Road and Rock Ridge Road The Clerk read a letter from Mrs. P. J. Reilly of 17 Rock- ridge Road, Town, dated April 2, 1958, complaining of a dan- gerous traffic situation at Post Road and Rock Ridge Road and enclosing copies of her correspondence with the Department of Highways in Poughkeepsie, New York, with reference thereto, and requesting consideration by this Board. The Board directed that this matter and correspondence per- taining thereto be referred to the Board of Police Commissioners and Police Department for study and recommendation. COMMUNICATIONS (Not on Agenda) With the Board's permission, the Clerk presented the following communications which were not listed on the agenda: (1) Board of Police Commissioners--Lester Place The Clerk read a letter from the Board of Police Commis- sioners under date of April 14, 1958, enclosing copy of a letter addressed to Mr. Pittera, President of the Lester Place Civic Association, after inspection of the location in question by that Board. The enclosed copy of letter to Mr. Pittera outlined the Commission's recommendations and suggestions with regard to that Association's request for modification of parking regulations in Lester Place, which matter was referred to the Commission by this Board at its last meeting. The communication was received and filed and the Board com- mended the Commission on its prompt and efficient action. (2) Communication on Soundview Woods, Inc.-Water Line The Clerk read a communication from Mr. Owen A. Mande- ville under date of April 1, 1958, addressed to certain phases of the matter of the installation of a water supply line through the property known as Soundview Woods, Inc. The communication was received and filed and the Clerk was directed to acknowledge same. In connection with the above matter, Mr. George E. Mills, Jr. , present at the meeting, questioned the Board on the present status of this pipeline with regard to the Soundview Woods property and was advised by the Super6isor that negotiations were still taking place on the condemnation proceedings, etc. (3) Board of Elections--Change of Street Names or Numbers The Clerk informed the Board of a communication received from the Board of Elections under date of April 15, 1958, requesting in- formation as to any changes of street names or numbers. The communication was received and filed and the Clerk directed to so notify the Board of Elections of any changes. REPORTS The Clerk presented the following reports which were received and placed on file: Report of the Westchester Shore Humane Society, Inc. for the month of March, 1958. Report of the Supervisor for the period from January 1 to March 31, 1958. REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR (1) League of Women Voters Meeting The Supervisor reported that he had attended the meeting held by the League of Women Voters in connection with the study of the proposed County Charter revision and that it was an excellent meeting. (2) Thruway Meeting in Albany The Supervisor reported that Councilman Santoro, Engineer Friedlander and he had journeyed to Albany in order to meet with Thruway officials and that the outcome of such meeting was hope- ful as to gaining those things felt necessary with respect to the drainage pipes and parking lots. REPORTS OF THE COUNCILMEN Councilman Brush -- ,(1) Park Department Councilman Brush reported on the most successful meeting held by the Park Commission on Saturday, April 12th, when mem- bers of the Commission, the Department, and the Town Board in- spected the park areas throughout the Town. (2) Planting of Trees Councilman Brush reported that with the cooperation of the Superintendent of Highways, six new Maple shade trees had been planted along the west side of Brookside Drive. Councilman Kane -- (1) Park Meeting Councilman Kane commended the Park meeting on Saturday morning as reported upon by Councilman Brush, speaking espec- ially of the plans being prepared by the Park Department for the restoration of those areas damaged by Thruway destruction. He stated that he was certain all such areas would be not only as beautiful but even more so when finally completed and restored. (2) Apportionments Councilman Kane presented the following petitions received from the Assessor for the correction of the assessment roll so as to permit 67 the apportionment of taxes, and on his motion which was seconded by Councilman Brush, the following resolution was unanimously adopted: WHEREAS, the Assessor has presented petitions for the correction of the assessment roll for certain years pursuant to the provisions of Section 557, Article 16 of the Westchester County Administrative Code, known as Lthe Westchester County Tax Law; and WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Board finds it desirable to grant said petitions for the correction of said assessment roll: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the assessment roll of 1957, taxes of 1958, which shows property now appearing on the roll as follows: Block Parcel Name Land Imp Total 305 1130 George B. Butcher $ 8, 000 $ 18, 000 $ 26, 000 & W be corrected as follows in accordance with the provi- sions of subdivision 5 of Section 557: Block Parcel Name Land Imp Total 305 1130 George B. Butcher &W 4, 000 18, 000 22, 000 303 331 George B. Butcher 4, 000 4, 000 FURTHER RESOLVED that the assessment roll of 1957, taxes of 1958, which shows property now ap- pearing on the roll as follows: Block Parcel Name Land only 801 438 George E. Baldwin Inc. $ 1, 600 be corrected as follows in accordance with the pro- visions of subdivision 5 of Section 557: Block Parcel Name Land only 801 438 George E. Baldwin Inc. 800 801 446 Puritan Construction Co. 800 FURTHER RESOLVED that the assessment roll of 1957, taxes of 1958, which shows property now ap- pearing on the roll as follows: Block Parcel Name Land Imp Total 832 704 Ralph Blood $ 1, 800 $ 9, 500 $ 11, 300 6 " be corrected as follows in accordance with the pro- . visions of subdivision 5 of Section 557: Block Parcel Name Land Imp Total 832 704 E & Y G Marsella $ 1, 400 $ 3, 000 $ 4, 400 832 711 Ralph Blood 400 6, 500 6, 900 FURTHER RESOLVED that the assessment roll of 1957, taxes of 1958, which shows property now ap- pearing on the roll as follows: Block Parcel Name Land only 960 515 Edgewater Point Prop Owners $ 3, 900 be corrected as follows in accordance with the pro- visions of subdivision 5 of Section 557: Block Parcel Name Land only 960 515 Harvey Conover 2, 100 960 521 Edgewater Point Prop Owners 1, 800 Councilman Waterman -- Councilman Waterman stated that he had no report at this time. Councilman Santoro -- (1) Drainage--Beringer Property, Fenimore Road With regard to the drainage situation on Fenimore Road at the Beringer property, Councilman Santoro reported that in accor- dance with the Board's authorization at the last meeting, the catch basin and 12" pipe had been installed. (2) Fence--York Road With regard to the complaint of Mr. Charles A. Newbergh on the matter of a fence erected on the bed of York Road bordering the Reed property, Councilman Santoro reported that Mr. Reed had agreed to move said fence back onto his property line and that this corner would be cut off thus eliminating the traffic haz- ard existing in this location. (3) Time Clocks--Parking Areas Councilman Santoro reported that time clocks would be in- stalled in the Parking areas this week as previously specified in connection with the elimination of some of the lighting in said areas at night. (4) Weaver Street Firehouse a. Work on front section Councilman Santoro reported that work on the front sec- tion of the Firehouse was scheduled to start on Monday. (b) Report on Test Borings LCouncilman Santoro reported that the Westchester Test- ing Company, Inc. , of New Rochelle, New York had taken bor- ings at the four corners of the right wing of the Firehouse and found poor material under the foundation to an average depth of approximately 12 feet. Map showing borings in detail filed herewith. (5) Murray Avenue Sewer Councilman Santoro reported that test borings had been taken and that the Engineer could now proceed to prepare the specifi- cations for this project. (6) Chatsworth Avenue Bridge Councilman Santoro reported that the bridge had been spiked and the noise reduced. However, he stated further, that the "spik- ing" had not proved entirely satisfactory as the spikes came up through the floor of the bridge and thus endangered the tires of the cars. He informed the Board that he was advised that the Thruway had ordered the installation of four lanes of steel plates in order to eliminate this condition. In this connection, Mr. William Fernschild of Larchmont, ad- dressed the Board advising that his wife had made two suggestions in connection with the bridge which he would like to pass along: first, that black-top be used to surface the bridge roadway; and second, that a ramp be installed instead of the present staircase for the convenience of the pedestrians. Councilman Santoro thanked Mr. Fernschild and explained why black-top could not be used in this instance and also advised that he had been notified that a ramp would be installed. Q) Proposed Town and Village Meeting Councilman Santoro suggested that an early meeting between the Town and the two Villages be arranged so that overlapping charges could be discussed in accordance with the proposal earlier this year. Councilman Kane heartily approved this suggestion and the Su- pervisor called attention to the meeting on Home Rule scheduled to be held in White Plains on April 21st and which he felt might be helpful before such joint meeting between the Villages and the Town. The Board agreed that the White Plains meeting be attended by the Supervisor, the Attorney, and the Accountant, and then, at an early date, the proposed joint meeting be scheduled. (8) Hommocks Area Councilman Santoro reported that work in this area had been completed according to schedule and that all was satisfactory. In this connection, Mr. Jerome N. Wanshel addressed the Board with respect to the matter of flooding on the golf course of the Hommocks Club which, he claimed, could be made worse due to this work just undertaken by the Town in this area. He suggested that the Town give consideration to the construction of a buttress wall to prevent this condition. REPORT OF THE TOWN ATTORNEY The Town Attorney reported as follows: (1) That the plaintiff had taken an appeal in the case of Sarah Oliner against the Town of Mamaroneck. (Z) That the Tennyson Nursery had been served with a summons and complaint in an action for an in- junction. (3) That Daniel Cioffoletti, Jr, of 7 Ferndale Place, Town, had been notified of a violation of the Zon- ing Ordinance of the Town of Mamaroneck and given fifteen days notice to comply with the Or- dinance. (4) That a summons and complaint had been served on the Town in the case of Soundview Woods, Inc. against the Town of Mamaroneck and the Westchester Joint Water Works No. 1. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the meeting, it was declared adjourned at 9:55 p.m. , to reconvene on May 7, 1958. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners was convened im- mediately upon the adjournment of the Town Board meeting. REPORT--AERIAL LADDER Commissioner Waterman reported that as of this date no report of accurate estimate of the cost of repairing the latter had been submitted. 679 In connection with this, Town Attorney Delius informed the Board that upon checking the law obtaining under such circum- stances, he found that needed funds could be borrowed on Bud- get Note if necessary. CLAIMS Commissioner Waterman presented the following Fire Depart- ment claims which had been audited by the Comptroller and ap- proved by the Fire Chief, and on his motion which was secondedby Commissioner Brush, it was unanimously RESOLVED that the following claims be and they hereby are approved and the Supervisor and Comptroller be and they hereby are authorized to pay the same out of the budget for the Fire Department: Higlow Venetian Manufacturing Co. $ 24. 65 Con Edison, West. 41. 79 Atlantic Service Center 60. 00 Socony Mobil Oil Co. , Inc. 76. 90 R. G. Brewer, Inc. 62. 08 McGuire Bros. , Inc. 5. 00 Anthony N. Librandi 3. 50 Chatsworth Oil k Heating Co. , Inc. 134. 05 407. 97 Hydrant Rental: New Rochelle Water Company 60. 00 Westchester Joint Water Works No. 1 2, 460. 00 Total -------- $ 2, 927.97 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the meeting, it was declared adjourned at 10;00 p.m. , to reconvene on May 7, 1958. c Town erk