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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-02-24 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGS VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015 AGENDA 7:00 P.M. —EXECUTIVE SESSION 7:30 P.M. —REGULAR MEETING PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE REPORT/PRESENTATIONS AFFORDABLE HOUSING PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1) Public hearing considering a local law to amend Chapters 215, 235, 245 and A258 of the Village Code for the creation of a Sustainability Committee. RESOLUTIONS: 1) Considering a local law to amend Chapters 215, 235, 245 and A258 of the Village Code for the creation of a Sustainability Committee. 2) Considering the referral of a site plan and zoning amendment application at Reckson Executive Park from Sun Homes to the Planning Board. 3) Considering adopting local adjustments for Homestead and Non- Homestead base proportions. 4) Considering the approval of minutes for the Village Board meetings held on January 29, 2015 and February 10, 2015. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Board of Trustees February 24,2015 Page 1 OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS 8:15 P.M. (EST) - SPECIAL MEETING: Immediately following the regular meeting of the Village Board, meeting as the Board of Police Commissioners, will convene in executive session for the purpose of interviews for the position of Police Sergeant. ACTION ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEES PRESENT AT THE MEETING THE NEXT SPECIAL AND REGULAR TRUSTEES MEETINGS: March 10 and March 24, 2015 BOARD: Trustee Susan R. Epstein Trustee David M. Heiser Trustee Jason A. Klein Trustee Jeffrey B. Rednick Mayor Paul S. Rosenberg VILLAGE STAFF: Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator Sarah Bledsoe, Assistant to the Village Administrator Greg Austin, Chief of Police Edward Beane, Esq., Village Counsel Michel Nowak, Superintendent of Public Works Fred Seifert, Public Access Coordinator/IT Marilyn Timpone-Mohamed, Village Consultant Paula Patafio, Meeting Secretary Mayor Paul Rosenberg called the Tuesday, February 24, 2015 meeting of Board of Trustees meeting to order. He noted that the Board held an Executive Session prior to the meeting. Mayor Rosenberg called for the first item on the agenda: Board of Trustees February 24,2015 Page 2 PUBLIC HEARING: 1) Public hearing considering a local law to amend Chapters 215, 235, 245 and A258 of the Village Code for the creation of a Sustainability Committee. On a motion made by Trustee Jeffrey Rednick, and seconded by Trustee David Heiser, the public hearing was declared open. Sarah Bledsoe, Assistant to the Village Administrator, called the roll: Trustee Susan Epstein voting aye Trustee Jason Klein voting aye Trustee David M. Heiser voting aye Trustee Jeffrey Rednick voting aye Mayor Paul Rosenberg voting aye Rye Brook has an Advisory Council on Environmental Conservation. The Village's Comprehensive Plan suggests that the Village create a Sustainability Committee. Trustee Klein, liaison to the Environmental Counsel noted that the Council was in favor of this change. This would entail renaming the Council and drafting local laws. It would mean a new committee with a new purpose. Trustee Jason Klein noted that this takes the committee to a new level, which is in line with the Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Paul Rosenberg asked if renewable energy be reviewed. This area would include recommendations to Village Board regarding how to modify the Code regarding the construction of homes that meet certain quality standards. Mr. Bradbury reviewed the two sections of the Code being reviewed. The proposed changes can be built into local law or the committee can be told what the Board's initiatives are. Edward Beane, Esq., Village Counsel, suggested an amendment within the proposal. Mayor Rosenberg called for comments or questions from members of the public. There being no one wishing to address the Board, and no additional comments from the Board, he called for a motion to close the public hearing. Board of Trustees February 24,2015 Page 3 On a motion made by Trustee Jeffrey Rednick, and seconded by Trustee Heiser, the public hearing was closed. The roll was called by Ms. Bledsoe: Trustee Susan Epstein voting aye Trustee Jason Klein voting aye Trustee David M. Heiser voting aye Trustee Jeffrey Rednick voting aye Mayor Paul Rosenberg voting aye Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTIONS: 1) Considering a local law to amend Chapters 215, 235, 245 and A258 of the Village Code for the creation of a Sustainability Committee. RESOLUTION CONSIDERING A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND CHAPTERS 215, 235, 245 AND A258 OF THE VILLAGE CODE FOR THE CREATION OF A VILLAGE SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook Comprehensive Plan recommends the creation of a Sustainability Committee to educate the public on issues of environmental importance to the Village and to oversee sustainability initiatives undertaken by the Village; and WHEREAS, the mission and objectives of such a committee would be substantially similar to the Village's existing Advisory Committee on Environmental Conservation (the "ACEC"); and WHEREAS, by letter dated January 9, 2015, the members of the ACEC made a recommendation and request to the Village Board that the ACEC be converted into the Village of Rye Brook Sustainability Committee, and further, Board of Trustees February 24,2015 Page 4 that the mission and objectives of the ACEC and Sustainability Committee be merged; and WHEREAS, the Village Board finds that the membership of the ACEC is well-suited to undertake the proposed functions of the Sustainability Committee. WHEREAS, on June 24, 2014 the Board of Trustees opened a public hearing on the subject local law and at which time all persons interested were given an opportunity to speak on behalf of or in opposition to said local law and the public hearing was closed on June 24, 2014 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the local law amending Chapters 215, 235, 245 and A258 of the Village Code for the creation of a Village Sustainability Committee There were no additional questions or comments on this matter. On a motion made by Trustee Jason Klein, and seconded by Trustee Susan Epstein, the resolution was adopted. The roll was called: Trustee Susan Epstein voting aye Trustee Jason Klein voting aye Trustee David M. Heiser voting aye Trustee Jeffrey Rednick voting aye Mayor Paul Rosenberg voting aye 2) Considering the referral of a site plan and zoning amendment application at Reckson Executive Park from Sun Homes to the Planning Board. Mayor Rosenberg noted that Trustee Jason Klein would be recusing himself from this matter. RESOLUTION REFERRING A SITE PLAN APPLICATION AT RECKSON EXECUTIVE PARK FROM SUN HOMES TO THE PLANNING BOARD FOR REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION Board of Trustees February 24,2015 Page 5 WHEREAS, Buckingham Partners and Sun Homes (the "Applicant") as authorized by Reckson Operating Partnership L.P., has submitted a residential site plan and a petition to amend the current OB-1 zoning for Section 129.25, Block 1, Lot 1 located at 1100 King Street, pursuant to Section 250-14 of the Village Code, and map the property in the Planned Unit Development District; and, WHEREAS, the petition and site plan application requests permission to develop the property as a residential community of one hundred ten (110) dwellings of which ten (10) would qualify as affordable housing; and, WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees is the Approval Authority for this application in accordance with Sections 209-1(A)(1)(b) and 250-7(E)(3) of the Village Code; and, WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees, pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), determines the proposed action to be an Unlisted Action pursuant to SEQRA; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to Section 209- 3 of the Village Code, the Board of Trustees hereby refers the application to the Rye Brook Planning Board for Report and Recommendation; and be it further RESOLVED, the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees intends to be Lead Agency for review of this application under SEQRA and authorizes the circulation of the Notice of Intent to be Lead Agency to all of the involved agencies. William S. Null, Esq., of Cuddy & Fedder, representative for the applicant addressed the Board. He noted that Sun Homes and Reckson have an exciting project proposal. They plan on developing the 31+ acres of Reckson Executive Park now approved for an office building as a residential development. This project would require a change from the OB-1 Zone, and changes to the Zoning Ordinance which include the waiver of the 100' foot setback; the density cap; the 9,000 square foot floor area limitation; and the 150 foot minimum frontage on King Street. The proposal is for 110 dwellings, of which 10 would qualify for affordable housing. The Board of Trustees would be the approval authority for this project. This project will create a new community which would be bounded by Purchase College, Bellefair, and Doral Greens. The development will have open space and yards for the families, a walking/jogging path, a clubhouse and a pool. Some will have attached garages, Board of Trustees February 24,2015 Page 6 and others will have detached garages and some will be detached dwellings while others with be attached units of three. Bill McGuinness of Sun Homes noted that Sun Homes is a small builder. He designs the buildings and he and his partner are onsite. They are now building 62 houses, and previously built 95 units. What they would like to do is develop the architectural style from one project to the next. He walked the Board thru the site plan noting that the entrance comes in from Reckson. There is a wide boulevard street to a court yard with roads off of it. These homes will have a place to sit outside with screening and defining private space outside. One resident sitting on their patio should not see their neighbors so the screening is installed with privacy as a goal. Every home proposed will have a double driveway and double garage. Two cars for visitors should be able to park in the driveway. The clubhouse will have a party room, bar, pool, hot tub, and state-of-the-art fitness center. These clubhouses are well used. The affordable homes are townhouses with two stories and front porches. All the aspects of the market homes are in the affordable homes as well. There will be four (4) three bedrooms and six (6) two bedroom units. Mayor Rosenberg noted that these homes would count towards the County's affordable homes. There will be larger end homes and smaller interior homes. All of the units have great floor plans. This project is similar to what was built in Stamford. They will have paint finished on the siding which makes maintenance easy. The end homes will be 3,300 square feet, and the interior ones will be 2,800 square foot homes. Some will have the master bedroom upstairs, and others will have the master bedroom downstairs. Elevators can be installed. The buildings are designed as 1 1/2 floors, with 10' ceilings, and a lot of windows. There will be a rhythm of roofs going up and down the streetscape. Mr. McGuinness presented photos of their project in Darien. The proposed site plan is very similar. Sun Homes is the General Contractor. He noted that he would be happy to bring testimonials from homeowners. He reminded the Board that these are for sale units and not rental units. Mayor Rosenberg called for questions or comments. He noted that the Planning Board would be reviewing this project. The Village's Consultant, Marilyn Timpone Mohamed, from the firm of F.P. Clark, had no comments at this time. On a motion made by Trustee Susan Epstein, and seconded by Trustee David Heiser, the public resolution was adopted. Board of Trustees February 24,2015 Page 7 The roll was called: Trustee Susan Epstein voting aye Trustee Jason Klein recused Trustee David M. Heiser voting aye Trustee Jeffrey Rednick voting aye Mayor Paul Rosenberg voting aye 3) Considering adopting local adjustments for Homestead and Non- Homestead base proportions. Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL ADJUSTMENTS FOR HOMESTEAD AND NON-HOMESTEAD BASE PROPORTIONS WHEREAS, on January 25, 2005 the Board of Trustees adopted Local Law #2-2005 relating to the adoption of the provisions of Section 1903 of the Real Property Tax Law regarding Homestead Base Proportions; and WHEREAS, the Town of Rye Assessor has prepared Homestead and Non- Homestead base proportions for the Village of Rye Brook; and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook wishes to adopt local adjustments to these base proportions, that will be used to establish a Homestead tax rate and a Non-Homestead tax rate for the 2015-2016 Village Budget and tax rates. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook hereby adopts for the 2015-16 Village tax, Homestead Base Proportions of 69.952839% and Non-Homestead base proportions of 30.047161%; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Village Administrator are authorized to sign all necessary documents to implement the purposes of this resolution; and Board of Trustees February 24,2015 Page 8 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Assessor and Tax Collector are authorized and directed to make any filings on behalf of Rye Brook, and to take any additional actions necessary to implement the purposes of this resolution. Mayor Rosenberg noted that this is done every year. The Town of Rye Assessor prepares the Homestead and Non-Homestead based proportions for the Village. This year there is a much more favorable tax rate than last year. On a motion made by Trustee David Heiser, and seconded by Trustee Susan Epstein, the public resolution was adopted. The roll was called: Trustee Susan Epstein voting aye Trustee Jason Klein voting aye Trustee David M. Heiser voting aye Trustee Jeffrey Rednick voting aye Mayor Paul Rosenberg voting aye 4) Considering the approval of minutes for the Village Board meetings held on January 29, 2015 and February 10, 2015. Mayor Rosenberg, with the consensus of the Board, approved the minutes as amended. On a motion made by Trustee Jeffrey Rednick, and seconded by Trustee Jason Klein, the public resolution was adopted. The roll was called: Trustee Susan Epstein voting aye Trustee Jason Klein voting aye Trustee David M. Heiser voting aye Trustee Jeffrey Rednick voting aye Mayor Paul Rosenberg voting aye Board of Trustees February 24,2015 Page 9 ADMINISTRATOR REPORT: Mr. Bradbury, Village Administrator, noted that the Chamber of Commerce held a Rye Brook business forum. There have been networking events before, but this one was different. He wished it was attended by more people. The representatives from Win Ridge and the Hilton were both there. This forum is good place for local businesses to get together. The Chamber will continue this type of meeting on a periodic basis. Mr. Bradbury noted that the Highway Department has been very busy this winter. He asked that residents try to keep the area around fire hydrants clear. He stated that some of the sidewalks are becoming very narrow with the ice and the snow. Residents are asked to try and clear the sidewalks in front of their homes. Good news: Spring starts on March 20th The State Controller came out this week, checking the fiscal strengths of Rye Brook. The results were very favorable. Mayor Rosenberg called for members of the public wishing to address the Board. There being no one he noted that upon adjournment the Board would reconvene as the Board of Police Commissions and hold a special meeting in connection of interviewing for the position of Police Sergeant. Mayor Rosenberg noted that the next Board of Trustee meetings would be held on March 10th and March 24th. The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m. Board of Trustees February 24,2015 Page 10