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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-02-10 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGS VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 AGENDA 7:00 P.M. —Mayor Paul S. Rosenberg State of the Village Address 7:30 P.M. —REGULAR MEETING PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE REPORT/PRESENTATIONS AFFORDABLE HOUSING PUBLIC HEARINGS RESOLUTIONS: 1) Requesting Home Rule Legislation Permitting the Dissolution of the Town of Rye. 2) Modifying the License and Fee Schedule for the Men's Softball Team fee. 3) Considering the approval of minutes for the Village Board meeting held on January 29, 2015. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT OLD BUSINESS (WORK SESSION): • Considering recommendations for a new Playground at Pine Ridge Park. • Comprehensive Plan priority update and work plan. • Public outreach to consider street lights in the Byram Ridge area. Board of Trustees Meeting February 10,2015 Page 1 NEW BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS ACTION ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEES PRESENT AT THE MEETING THE NEXT SPECIAL AND REGULAR TRUSTEES MEETINGS: February 24, 2015 and March 10, 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 Robert Bertolacci, Parks and Recreation Supervisor Michel Nowak, Superintendent of Public Works Fred Seifert, Public Access Coordinator/IT Paula Patafio, Meeting Secretary 1) Requesting Home Rule Legislation Permitting the Dissolution of the Town of Rye. Mr. Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator, read the following resolution: RESOLUTION REQUESTING HOME RULE LEGISLATION PERMITTING THE DISSOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF RYE WHEREAS, the Town of Rye and the Villages of Rye Brook, Port Chester and Mamaroneck have jointly participated in a study of the dissolution of the Town of Rye Board of Trustees Meeting February 10,2015 Page 2 prepared by the Center of Governmental Research (CGR) and funded through the NYS Department of State Local Government Efficiency Incentive Grant Program; and WHEREAS, a Dissolution Steering Committee was formed consisting of the chief elected and appointed representatives from each of the four municipalities who worked directly with CGR and the public to prepare the study, participate in several public forums, and report back to the various involved municipal boards; and WHEREAS, the initial CGR report entitled "Municipal Services & Financial Overview: Town of Rye and Villages of Port Chester, Rye Brook& Mamaroneck"was completed in December 2011 and outlines the financial conditions of each municipality including the debt and obligations, current costs and revenues, staffing, levels of service in key functional areas and assets of each municipality; and WHEREAS, in November, 2012 CGR completed a follow-up report entitled "Review of Governance and Service Alternatives: Town of Rye and Villages of Port Chester, Rye Brook & Mamaroneck" in which CGR reviewed the options surrounding a possible dissolution and restructuring, presented a model for implementation, evaluated potential fiscal impacts and identified a range of alternative options for potential consideration; and WHEREAS, CGR provided an updated fiscal analysis dated April 2, 2014 incorporating amendments to the implementation plan that arose after further discussion following the first report and updated assessments, fiscal conditions and debt and service adjustments; and WHEREAS, the CGR Study indicates that the dissolution of the Town of Rye will provide a more cost effective and efficient method of providing services to residents that currently live within the Town of Rye and in the Villages of Rye Brook, Mamaroneck and Port Chester; and, WHEREAS, the CGR Study also indicates that the dissolution of the Town of Rye would eliminate an unnecessary level of government and provide the municipalities with clearer jurisdiction over activities within their respective municipalities; and WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook is very supportive of the dissolution of the Town of Rye and feels that such dissolution is in the best interest of its residents who would become part of a new coterminous Town-Village of Rye Brook; and WHEREAS, NYS Assemblyman Steve Otis and NYS Senator George Latimer have provided valuable guidance regarding the procedures and options that could be considered in drafting Home Rule legislation should all four municipalities request the preparation of home rule legislation for the purpose of dissolving the Town of Rye. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Village Board hereby authorizes that New York State Legislation be drafted to enact Home Rule Legislation that would Board of Trustees Meeting February 10,2015 Page 3 authorize a public referendum with the specifics of such legislation to be approved by the Village Board of Trustees; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Mayor and Village Administrator are hereby authorized to continue discussions with the Dissolution Steering Committee related to the dissolution of the Town of Rye as necessary in order to prepare the appropriate Home Rule legislation. Mr. Bradbury noted that the four municipalities involved have been very interested in the dissolution of the Town of Rye. A comprehensive look was taken and it has been an interesting process. The four municipalities involved: Village of Rye Brook, Village of Port Chester, Town of Rye, and Mamaroneck. A consulting firm was brought in and partially paid via a grant that was received. The firm — CGR— The Center for Governmental Research has completed its report. In April of last year an update of the financial analysis was completed. The Steering Committee for this review has continued to meet. The State Legislators have asked that a resolution be approved by all four municipalities in order to draft a Home Rule proposal. A resolution is before the Rye Brook Village Board tonight. If all four resolutions are approved then things will move forward including support by State Legislators. Mayor Paul Rosenberg noted that this vote this evening is one step in a long process. He thanked members of the Dissolution Committee for their hard work. He thanked former Mayor Joan Feinstein, who was at the meeting tonight, for her hard work on this committee. The logistics of how the dissolution will go need to be worked out. There are some challenges with the maintenance of Crawford Park, and Rye Town Park, as well as tax issues. The implementation of the dissolution is going to be a challenge. Trustee Jeffrey Rednick noted that he was in favor of the dissolution. He stated that Mamaroneck passed a similar resolution last night. Port Chester will take this matter up after elections next month. Trustee David Heiser stated that this would be a wonderful opportunity for the Village. Although not a public hearing, Mayor Rosenberg called for members of the Public wishing to address the Board on this matter. There being no one, he asked for a motion and second to approve. Board of Trustees Meeting February 10,2015 Page 4 On a motion made by Trustee Heiser, and seconded by Trustee Rednick, the resolution was adopted. Ms. Sarah Bledsoe, Assistant to the Village Administrator, called the roll: Trustee Susan R. Epstein voting aye Trustee David M. Heiser voting aye Trustee Jason A. Klein voting aye Trustee Jeffrey Rednick voting aye Mayor Paul Rosenberg voting aye 2) Modifying the License and Fee Schedule for the Men's Softball Team fee. Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION MODIFYING THE LICENSE AND PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE FOR THE MEN'S SOFTBALL TEAM FEE The Village License and Permit Fee Schedule is hereby modified as follows: PROGRAM OR SERVICE FEE Men's Softball $1,650 Men's Softball(Referral Discount—New Team) $1,450 Mr. Bradbury reviewed the resolution, noting a referral fee that would be put in place. Robert Bertolacci, Parks and Recreation Supervisor, addressed the Board. He noted that the goal was to try and induce more teams into joining the league. Two years ago there were 14 teams. Port Chester no longer had Men's Softball Leagues and Rye Brook would be responsible for payment of the lights. When the fee remained the same the next year, the league dropped down to eight teams. This change give the teams incentive to save money and get some teams in that Board of Trustees Meeting February 10,2015 Page 5 they want to play again. Anything less than eleven teams means running the league losing money. Mr. Bradbury noted that there is potential that they league still could continue with less teams, but if the Village is losing money then the program would not continue. A discussion about the usage of the lights ensued. If they are not used, they will be removed. Mr. Bertolacci noted that most members of this league prefer to play in the evening. Having the lights means that games can be run every night. In recent years most of the games were played on Mondays and Thursdays, and every other Wednesday. If there is an increased demand the Village can handle up to 30+ teams. Mr. Bradbury noted if the Village is losing money, then it cannot run the league. On a motion made by Trustee Epstein, and seconded by Trustee Heiser, the resolution was adopted. The roll was called: Trustee Susan R. Epstein voting aye Trustee David M. Heiser voting aye Trustee Jason A. Klein voting aye Trustee Jeffrey Rednick voting aye Mayor Paul Rosenberg voting aye 3) Considering the approval of minutes for the Village Board meeting held on January 29, 2015. Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: Mayor Rosenberg asked that this matter be held over to the next Board of Trustees meeting. Mayor Rosenberg called an additional item on the agenda: Board of Trustees Meeting February 10,2015 Page 6 4) Considering a Mayor's Fitness Challenge Program Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION CONSIDERING A MAYOR'S FITNESS CHALLENGE PROGRAM WHEREAS, the Mayor and Village Board would like to encourage employees to increase their cardiovascular activities for a healthier 2015; and WHEREAS, there are two local businesses at the Rye Ridge Shopping Center that offer cardio programs including indoor cycling classes and/or high intensity interval training including treadmill workouts; and WHEREAS, Mayor Rosenberg has prepared a "Mayor's Fitness Challenge" program that would provide additional days off for all full-time Rye Brook employees that voluntarily participate in this program to improve their health in accordance with the program outline dated February 10, 2015; and WHEREAS, the Village Trustees are fully supportive of offering this program to all full- time village employees. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Rye Brook Village Board hereby establishes a Mayor's Fitness Challenge program that will be offered to all full-time employees of the Village of Rye Brook in accordance with the program outline dated February 10, 2015. Mayor Rosenberg noted that he recently lost a friend to a heart attack. The proposed program would be used as incentive for the Village's full time employees to exercise a little bit more. It offers time off in exchange for a cardio workout at one of the two facilities in Rye Brook. Mayor Rosenberg noted that he will be available to exercise with the staff. Trustee Heiser noted that he had difficulty with this. Although it was a great idea to give incentive to the employees to do cardio vascular exercise and for the Village to promote local business, he wasn't sure it would accomplish the initial goal. Many employees workout closer to their homes but they would not get the benefit from this program. He believed that if an employee put in the number of Board of Trustees Meeting February 10,2015 Page 7 hours doing a cardio workout, regardless of the location, they should receive the benefit. Mayor Rosenberg noted that these two locations make it easy for the Village to verify the completion of the programs. The two facilities are convenient and both of these facilities offer early morning and late classes. The Village must be able to validate and verify that the requirements have been met before time off is awarded. Trustee Heiser noted that if the primary concern is cardio vascular health then a sheet can be submitted and signed. Mr. Bradbury noted that verification can be done from other gyms as well. The Board could also discuss a different type of benefit. The program as outlined includes going to a local business. He noted that there currently is a membership reimbursement plan in place for full time employees. Trustee Rednick felt that it was a great goal for cardio health and to increase patronage of the Rye Brook businesses. However, certain employees might not be able to make the classes and there is the convenience of working closer to home. He felt that as long as they meet the requirements set forth for a cardio-vascular workout, they should receive the credit. Mayor Rosenberg noted that there is something to be said for working out as a group. Some people want to work out by themselves while others get inspired and work towards their goal in a group. If the program doesn't work out after the first year it can be discontinued. Trustee Epstein questioned how many employees receive reimbursement. Mr. Bradbury said approx. 4 to 5 Village Hall employees and about 4 to 5 Highway Department employees. Mayor Rosenberg noted that this was about convenience. So far the feedback received has been positive. The resolution can be amended to include producing documentation that shows that they took a 45 minute class for "X" amount of weeks. The individual should make the decision. On a motion made by Trustee Epstein, and seconded by Trustee Heiser, the resolution was adopted. Ms. Bledsoe called the roll: Board of Trustees Meeting February 10,2015 Page 8 Trustee Susan R. Epstein voting aye Trustee David M. Heiser voting aye Trustee Jason A. Klein voting aye Trustee Jeffrey Rednick voting aye Mayor Paul Rosenberg voting aye ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: Mr. Bradbury noted that there are a few bids out. They include the sanitation bid and Lincoln Avenue bid. There are three projects that are included. Mr. Bradbury noted that the second installment of Village Tax is due February 28th The house on Garibaldi Place has been removed to expand the parking lot. Asphalt work will begin when weather permits. The Highway Department continues to battle the snow and ice, and work through the salt shortages. All municipalities are in the same boat regarding the shortage of salt. Mayor Rosenberg called for an item under Old Business: • Public outreach to consider street lights in the Byram Ridge area. The issue of street lighting in the Byram Ridge Area was brought up by residents in the area. At this time the Board is looking at ways to reach out to residents to obtain opinions. Surveys and phone calls have been discussed. Some people do not like to come to a meeting and speak out against a neighbor so the Board is considering an online survey. Public feedback is encouraged. Mayor Rosenberg called for members of the public that wished to discuss outreach. Mr. Don Moscato, resident of 5 Edgewood Drive addressed the Board. He felt that there were other pressing issues that should be dealt with in the Byram Ridge Area, such as flooding at Rich Manor Park. Resident support/opposition is split about 50/50 in regard to lighting. Long time residents are against the installation of lighting as it will affect the character of the area. Hope Klein of 27 Hillendale addressed the Board. She noted that it was a smatering of new residents that were looking for lights. This is a spectacular area Board of Trustees Meeting February 10,2015 Page 9 and no other section of Rye Brook is like this. There are bigger issues in Rye Brook that need to be dealt with. She noted that robberies that take place during the day cannot be affected by the addition of street lighting. She was opposed to the addition of street lighting. Mayor Rosenberg noted that the rest of the agenda would be discussed at a work session. Work sessions are not broadcast and are less formal. An executive session would take place directly after the work session. OLD BUSINESS (WORK SESSION): • Considering recommendations for a new Playground at Pine Ridge Park. • Comprehensive Plan priority update and work plan. Mayor Rosenberg noted that the next Board of Trustee Meetings are scheduled for February 24th and March 10th. On a motion made by Trustee Epstein, and seconded by Trustee Heiser, the meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m. Ms. Bledsoe called the roll: Trustee Susan R. Epstein voting aye Trustee David M. Heiser voting aye Trustee Jason A. Klein voting aye Trustee Jeffrey Rednick voting aye Mayor Paul Rosenberg voting aye Board of Trustees Meeting February 10,2015 Page 10