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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-12-15 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGS VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2014 AGENDA 7:00 P.M. —EXECUTIVE SESSION: • Property Acquisition; Consideration of Personnel Appointment 7:30 P.M. —REGULAR MEETING PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE REPORT/PRESENTATIONS: • Audit Report for the Fiscal Year Ending May 31, 2014 AFFORDABLE HOUSING PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1) Public hearing to consider a proposed local law establishing parking restrictions on Ellendale Avenue. RESOLUTIONS: 1) Resolution considering a proposed local law establishing parking restrictions on Ellendale Avenue. 2) Considering a Stipulation of Agreement between the Village of Rye Brook and the Rye Brook Professional Firefighters Mutual Aid Association (i.e. Firefighters) 3) Resolution modifying Contract Agreement for Recreation Programs and amending the License and Permit Fee Schedule. Board of Trustees December 15,2014 Page 1 4) Approving minutes for the Village Board meeting held on November 10, and November 25, 2014. 5) Appointment of an Administrative Intern 6) Considering a salary adjustment for the Communication Services Coordinator ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1) Considering the installation of street lights in the Byram Ridge area. 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 Greg Austin, Chief of Police Michel Nowak, Superintendent of Public Works Edward Beane, Esq., Village Counsel Fred Seifert, Public Access Coordinator/IT Paula Patafio, Meeting Secretary Mayor Paul Rosenberg called the Monday, December 15, 2014 Board of Trustees meeting to order. He noted that the meeting was changed to Monday this month because of the Holidays and vacation schedules. He stated that the Board of Trustees held an Executive Session prior Board of Trustees December 15,2014 Page 2 to the meeting on property acquisitions and consideration of personnel appointment. This is the only meeting for the month of December, and the last meeting of the year. REPORUPRESENTATIONS: 1) Audit Report for the Fiscal Year Ending May 31, 2014 The auditors from the firm of O'Connor, Davies, Munns, & Dobbins, LLC addressed the Board. Mr. John Cosgrove began the presentation by noting that the Independent Auditor's Report reports on the financial statement describes their responsibilities as auditors and the type of opinions offered. It is a document prepared by management. The main function is to form an opinion on the financial state of the Village. The financial statement presents fairly the financial position of the Village. The Village operates via funds. There are three levels of deficiencies that can be reported. The auditors have found that there are no material weaknesses or deficiencies in the Rye Brook report. Ms. Leslie Tillotson reviewed the budget for the Board, noting that the financial budget was positive. The subsequent use budget is comparable to the prior year. There were two observations that were reviewed. One issue was in connection with the Capital Fund and three deficits that appeared. These deficits have now been deleted. Mr. Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator, noted that he was very proud of the budget. The revenues exceeded what was anticipated. The revenue lines were very tight. The Board thanked staff for all of their hard work. The budget year is June 1 thru May 31 and all the information on the audit can be found online on the Village's website. The Board of Trustees thanked Diane DiSanto, who was in attendance at the meeting for all of her hard work. Mayor Rosenberg called for the next item on the agenda: PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1) Public hearing to consider a proposed local law establishing parking restrictions on Ellendale Avenue. Board of Trustees December 15,2014 Page 3 It was noted that this matter was reviewed by the traffic commission who worked closely with Sgt. Arnold. Parking is a safety issue as this is a very steep hill and the line of sight is obstructed. On a motion made by Trustee Susan Epstein, and seconded by Trustee Jason Klein, the public hearing was declared open. Mr. Bradbury 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 Mayor Rosenberg called for comments from members of the public, or members of the Board. There being no comments, he called for a motion to close the public hearing. On a motion made by Trustee Epstein, and seconded by Trustee Heiser, the public hearing was declared closed. 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 Mayor Rosenberg moved to the resolution portion of the agenda: RESOLUTIONS: 1) Resolution considering a proposed local law establishing parking restrictions on Ellendale Avenue. Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: Board of Trustees December 15,2014 Page 4 RESOLUTION CONSIDERING A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON ELLEDALE AVENUE WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook Traffic Commission requested certain modifications to the Village Code to impose parking restrictions on the south side of Ellendale Avenue near the intersection of Ellendale Avenue and South Ridge Street; and WHEREAS, a proposed local law was then introduced before the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook to amend Chapter 240 of the Village Code, entitled "Vehicles and Traffic," to implement certain parking restrictions on the south side of Ellendale Avenue; and WHEREAS, on November 25, 2014, the Board of Trustees adopted a resolution setting a public hearing on the law and, further, finding that the proposed local law is a Type II Action pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), and therefore, no further environmental review is required; and WHEREAS, on December 15, 2014, the Board of Trustees held a duly noticed public hearing at Village Hall to consider the proposed local law, at which time all persons interested were given an opportunity to be heard; and WHEREAS, the public hearing was closed on December 15, 2014. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the above-mentioned local law imposing parking restrictions on the south side of Ellendale Avenue near the intersection of Ellendale Avenue and South Ridge Street. On a motion made by Trustee David Heiser, and seconded by Trustee Jeffrey Rednick, the resolution was adopted. There was no additional discussion on this matter. 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 Board of Trustees December 15,2014 Page 5 2) Considering a Stipulation of Agreement between the Village of Rye Brook and the Rye Brook Professional Firefighters Mutual Aid Association (i.e. Firefighters) Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION CONSIDERING A CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK AND THE LOCAL 4041 VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS MUTUAL AID ASSOCIATION. WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook and Rye Brook Local 4041 Village of Rye Brook Professional Firefighters Mutual Aid Association have been negotiating for a contract extension; and WHEREAS, on November 13, 2014 a revised Stipulation of Agreement was agreed upon by the two parties. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees hereby approves a contract agreement with the Local 4041 Village of Rye Brook Professional Firefighters Mutual Aid Association for the period of June 1, 2014 through May 31, 2017, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Stipulation of Agreement signed by both parties on November 13, 2014; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Village Administrator are authorized to execute and deliver all documents necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this resolution. On a motion made by Trustee Klein, 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 Board of Trustees December 15,2014 Page 6 Mayor Rosenberg noted that Rye Brook is very proud of the firefighters. This is a great agreement which address, among other things, health benefits. Mr. Bradbury recommended approval of the contract. He reviewed the changes to the contract for the Board. 3) Resolution modifying Contract Agreement for Recreation Programs and amending the License and Permit Fee Schedule. Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION CONSIDERING A MODIFICATION TO THE CONTRACT AGREEMENT FOR RECREATION PROGRAMS AND AMENDING THE LICENSE AND PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation in consultation with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council desire to run a Summer Pro Basketball Camp; and WHEREAS, in the Summer of 2014 Teaches Basketball Camp ran a popular Summer Pro Basketball Camp in Rye Brook under the same terms and conditions; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Superintendent desires to contract with Teaches Basketball Camp to run the program again in 2015; and WHEREAS, the village and proposed contractor desire to amend the village's Contract Agreement for recreation programs relating to an amended fee for services under the same terms and conditions as the 2014 Teaches Basketball Camp for a Summer Pro Basketball Camp. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees hereby approves an amended Contract Agreement with Teaches Basketball Camp for a Summer Pro Basketball Camp and authorizes the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation to execute said agreement under the same terms and conditions as the 2014 Summer Pro Basketball Camp program; and be it Board of Trustees December 15,2014 Page 7 AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the License and Permit Fee Schedule is hereby amended as follows: SUBJECT: PROPOSED FEE: Summer Pro Basketball Camp $425 The program last summer was very successful. The Village receives $1500 for the administrative portion of this program. This program was full last year, and multiple gyms were used. On a motion made by Trustee Epstein, and seconded by Trustee Rednick, the resolution was adopted, as amended. 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 4) Approving minutes for the Village Board meeting held on November 10, and November 25, 2014. Mr. Bradbury read the resolution: RESOLUTION CONSIDERING THE APPROVAL OF MINUTES: NOVEMBER 10, 2014 and NOVEMBER 25,2014 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees hereby certifies the approval of the minutes for the meetings held on November 10, 2014 and November 25, 2014. Board of Trustees December 15,2014 Page 8 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 With the consensus of the Board,two resolutions were been added to the agenda: 5) Appointment of an Administrative Intern RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN RESOLVED, that Sarah E. Bledsoe of 1203 Max Way, Fishkill,New York is hereby appointed to the position of Administrative Intern with the Village of Rye Brook, subject to the Civil Service procedures of the State of New York; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the annual salary is $58,000 with an effective start date to be determined. Mr. Bradbury noted that Sarah Bledsoe, of Beacon,New York, will be starting in January. She comes highly recommended. Sarah is completing her Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration from Pace University. On a motion made by Trustee Heiser, and seconded by Trustee Epstein, 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 Board of Trustees December 15,2014 Page 9 6) Considering a salary adjustment for the Communication Services Coordinator Congratulations to Fred Sierfert on the promotion to management and increase in salary. This change comes highly recommended. He works very hard for the Village on many large projects. The salary increase is well deserved. It was noted that some areas of responsibility have been increased. Mayor Rosenberg congratulated Fred, who provides an invaluable service to the Village. RESOLUTION CONSIDERING A SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE COMMUNICATION SERVICES COORDINATOR RESOLVED, that Fred Seifert's annual salary as Communication Services Coordinator shall be increased to $83,487 effective December 15, 2014. On a motion made by Trustee Epstein, and seconded by Trustee Rednick, 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 ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Mr. Bradbury began his report by noting that the leaf program is reaching its end. There were similar volumes from last year, but the program ended earlier this year. Mr. Bradbury thanked the Highway crews for their hard work. It was noted that the information on pick-ups and what should be included in the piles collected can be found on the Village's website. The leaves are turned into compost and then used. The 2015 Sanitation Calendars are now available on line. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1) Considering the installation of street lights in the Byram Ridge area. Board of Trustees December 15,2014 Page 10 Mayor Rosenberg noted that the Board received a letter requesting consideration of installation of street lights in the Byram Ridge area. This includes Hillendale, Beechwood, Edgewood, Woodland and Loch Lane. One letter in support of street lighting was received by the Board of Trustees. Mayor Rosenberg called for members of the public wishing to address the Board. A resident, who noted that his family was relatively new to the area, addressed the Board. He noted that the streets in this area are dark. With the string of robberies in Rye Brook, he felt that adding lighting to the streets would deter robberies. Mr. Donald Moscato, resident and chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, addressed the Board. He noted that his family has lived on Edgewood Drive for 38 years. The Board needs to base its decision on the facts. There are two issues — safety for walkers and the rash of robberies. At first he thought it was an irrational response. Further thought made him realize that there are facts available in connection safety in the area and these facts must be taken into consideration. Traffic accidents can also be tracked. The hard data must be reviewed, and adjusted for the time of darkness. There have been very few robberies. He walks his dog on these streets every day. To preserve the character of the neighborhood the need for lighting must be reviewed and based on facts and not emotions or feelings. He noted that when walking near a street are supposed to walk against the flow of traffic. Carrying a flashlight and wearing reflective clothing is good practice. This is a very safe area. The volume is constant and the traffic flow is about the same as it has been over the past 38 years. Mr. Andrew Kaminsky of Edgewood Drive addressed the Board. He noted he agreed with Mr. Moscato, however his wife does not. This is a safe area. Adding lighting would be a major change to this area. His wife does feel that it is quite dark at night. As a response he put in subtle lighting on their front lawn. She feels that the street lights would make the area safer. The darkness effects walking and driving, but this is not a high traffic area. People carry flashlights when walking around. Mr. Kaminsky suggested that the residents of this area be polled regarding this topic. Mrs. Moscato addressed the Board. She stated that there are times when she walks their dog alone at night and does not have any fear. There are three vacant homes on this street. Once they are sold, there will be additional lighting. Adding lights on the street will affect the homes that are closer to the street. Mayor Rosenberg called for comments from the Board. Board of Trustees December 15,2014 Page 11 Trustee Rednick stated that he has spoken with residents in the area. The young families are in favor of the lighting. He felt that the Village has not yet sampled a large enough number of people. Mr. Bradbury noted that direct notices can be sent out, residents could be invited to a meeting, or a survey can be sent out. Mayor Rosenberg felt that review of accidents and break-ins in the area should be done. Once the data has been gathered, then the next step can be taken. Trustee Jason Klein noted that he would suggest both venues. Mayor Rosenberg asked that residents of this neighborhood contact the Village. Mr. Kaminsky noted that notices were put into every mailbox for every resident of this neighborhood and only four residents were in attendance. Mrs. Moscato noted that there are other neighborhoods without lights. The fear is unfounded. She felt that a survey will only result in responses from those who are interest in lighting. Mr. Moscato noted that the response should be based on facts instead of just to `feel good.' The decision should not be based on feelings. Mayor Rosenberg stated that the Board will weigh all of the options. The discussion will all be done in public. Mayor Rosenberg wished everyone a Happy Holiday Season. Mayor Rosenberg called for a motion to go into an Executive session. On a motion made by Trustee Epstein, and seconded by Trustee Heiser, the meeting was adjourned at 8:33 p.m. and the Board went into an Executive Session. 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 Board of Trustees December 15,2014 Page 12