HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-04-27 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET
TUESDAY,APRIL 27, 2004--7:30 P.M
6:30PM-EXECUTIVE SESSION-Litigation/Personnel/Negotiations
ROLL CALL:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1) Considering a Local Law to amend Chapters 192 and 250 of the Village Code
concerning non-transient boarders, rooming houses and the definition of"family."
2) Considering a Local Law to amend Chapter 174 of the Village Code concerning
peddling and solicitation within the Village.
RESOLUTIONS:
1) Considering the appeal of renumbering properties at Milestone/Reunion roads.
2) Considering adopting a Local Law to amend Chapters 192 and 250 of the Village
Code concerning non-transient boarders,rooming houses and the definition of
"family."
3) Considering adopting a Local Law to amend Chapter 174 of the Village Code
concerning peddling and solicitation within the Village.
4) Considering adopting the 2004-05 Annual Budget.
5) Referring a Local Law to amend Section 209-1 concerning Site Plan review to the
Planning Board of the Village of Rye Brook.
6) Considering name change of Telecommunications Commission to the Technology and
Communications Commission.
7) Setting date for a Public Hearing on a Local Law to increase the membership of the
Advisory Council on Parks and Recreation.
8) Endorsing the elimination of the Sunset Provisions of the Local Government Records
Management Improvement Fund (LGRMIF) and the Cultural Education Fund (CEF).
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-MORE-
9)Authorizing the Village of Rye Brook to enter into an agreement with the New York
State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) to secure grant funding to prepare
floodplain management and hazard mitigation plans.
10) Considering the appointment of Office Assistant-Financial Support.
11) Considering entering into a lease agreement for Village Hall copiers.
12) Considering an appointment to the Traffic Commission.
13)Approving the Schedule of Bills Payable.
14)Approval of Meeting Minutes: September 23, 2003,November 23, 2003,
December 9, 2003, December 23, 2003,
March 4, 2004,March 9, 2004,April 6, 2004.
15)Authorizing transfer of funds to shade tree account.
ADNHNISTRATOR'S REPORT:
o Fire Advisory Board recommendations on the
staffing plan for the new firehouse.
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Discussion of a fund balance policy.
2) Discussion: Status of various Red Roof Farm Subdivision related matters.
3) Discussion of various code enforcement matters.
ACTION ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT OF THE
TRUSTEES PRESENT AT THE MEETING:
NEXT TRUSTEES MEETING
May 11, 2004 and May 25, 2004
Village Hall is fully accessible to the handicapped. Those who need special
arrangements should contact the Village Administrator's Office ONE WEEK IN
ADVANCE OF A MEETING AT (914) 939-1121
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Mayor Rand welcomed everyone to the April 27, 2004 meeting of the Board of
Trustees. The meeting was called to order at 7:35pm
BOARD: Mayor Lawrence A. Rand
Trustee Dean P. Santon
Trustee Robert Harris
Trustee Richard C. Buzin
Trustee Joan L. Feinstein
STAFF: Christopher Bradbury,Village Administrator
Connie DiSalvo,Assistant to the Village Administrator
Ed Beane,Esq.,Village Counsel
Victor Carosi,Village Engineer
Robert Santoro,Police Chief
Patti Conlon,Meeting Secretary
Mayor Rand gave a commendation to Detective William Esainko for his 30 years of
service to the Village. He also had a commendation for Frank Errigo for his 15 years of
service.
Mayor Rand began that since the last session a lot has been said and written about the
revaluation. At our first public meeting Mr. Mark Markowitz, the Town Assessor and Mr.
John Watch of MJW Consulting gave a rather extensive presentation to the Village of
Rye Brook.
We have posted on our website the complete tentative role. We also created a revaluation
assistance task force with Gary Zuckerman as chairperson. The members of the task force
include Jody Brackman,Anne Capeci, Monroe Haas, Steven Kaplan,Michele Mendicino
Daly and Brian Niles. They have already had some meetings and discussion and will hold
a public meeting on May 6, 2004 at 11:OOam at the Posillipo Center.
Mr. Zuckerman said that basically when the Mayor asked him to head the task force they
had in mind to help the seniors because they felt they were not going to understand this
process and would be most adversely affected. But many of us did not understand and we
realized that we needed to assist every resident and give general assistance to all.
First we need to get information out to the residents about the process. He has already
spoken to Mr. Bradbury about setting up a hot line at the Village Hall so people could
call in. You can reach him at revalrb(cr�,aol.com.
He thought that Rye Brook should do its own mailing with general advice with additional
phone numbers because some people will not see this broadcast or go to the website.
Mr. Zuckerman continued that we would help direct the property owners to get assistance
from MJW Consulting. Their number is 1-866-814-7114. Their email address will be
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posted on the website. The task force believes it is their job to point the way for the
residents to help themselves. One complaint that they have received is that MJW
Consulting is not getting back to the residents. Mr. Zuckerman suggested that the resident
email the task force or call the hotline for help in getting an answer.
After the final assessment role is filed on June 1, 2004 the task force will make sure that
the residents who are still in disagreement with their figures are able to file a formal
grievance with the Town of Rye Board of Assessment review. There are petitions
available right now at the ORPS website (Office of Real Property Services). This petition
preserves the rights of the residents that are still dissatisfied.
The Town of Rye will be sending out updated property record cards so that the resident
can look at the cards and see if that is in fact the property he owns.
The Homestead provision will prevent a property tax shift to the residential sector from
the commercial sector. People that see their taxes increase on the County level will not be
impacted as much as they think they are because when Homestead goes into effect,
especially on the school taxes,this will prevent a major shift.
The Town of Rye has prepared an informative video,which fully explains the whole
process.
Mayor Rand thanked Gary Zuckerman and concluded that the communication with the
residents was the problem and we now have better communication. He reminded the
residents that they have until June 1,2004 to act on the revaluation of their home and that
it behooves everybody to look at his or her statement, and if you do not understand it, the
task force can help you.
Trustee Santon reiterated that if you send Mr. Watch an email (john@uspdr.com) he
would answer you. He is concerned that there is not enough time and you must file the
RP524 form from the state to preserve your rights. Once the role is certified, the process a
resident must go through changes dramatically. Right now it is an informal process and
you can use evidence that is not necessarily documentary evidence that you will need to
go before the Board of Assessment Review.
Trustee Harris thanked the Westmore News for printing the tax roll. He also advised the
residents that they could go to Domania.com to get comps for their home before they go
before Mr. Watch
Trustee Harris was a proponent of the Homestead option until he saw the numbers. He
told us that many companies got huge reductions and residents got huge increases. If in
fact the Homestead option freezes that ratio at residential vs. business come June 1, 2004
the businesses will be very happy with the numbers. A lot of people will not be filing
until after June I". If we freeze the ratio of residents to businesses to when residents start
getting reductions it won't be impacting that ratio in the future. Trustee Harris said we
need to take another look at the Homestead option.
Mr. Zuckerman said the values are frozen the year prior to the revalue, not in the revalue
year.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1) Considering a Local Law to amend Chapters 192 and 250 of the Village Code
concerning non-transient boarders,rooming houses and the definition of"family."
Mr. Bradbury said the local law eliminates non-transient boarders as an accessory use in
residential zones, changes the definition of family within our code, and amends the
definition of rooming house as a use in the R2F zoning district.
Trustee Feinstein wanted to know if there are any rooming houses in the R2F zoning
because there seems to be no grandfather clause.
Village attorney, Ed Beane said he did not know of any research on rooming houses. He
believes there still is a grandfather clause for any rooming houses that existed before
March 26, 1985. It was done this way to conform Chapters 192 and 250.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon and seconded by Trustee Feinstein the public
hearing was closed
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
2) Considering a Local Law to amend Chapter 174 of the Village Code concerning
peddling and solicitation within the Village.
Trustee Feinstein said that by adding the definitions of"solicit" and"handbill" the way
she reads this is, it encompasses any sort of political campaigning for local elections, and
this would be prohibited after the hours of seven o'clock. She has problems with the time
limitations; it is too early.
Trustee Santon wondered whether this is constitutional. Ed Beane told him it is. He
continued that if you want to change the time limitation that is must be across the board.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon and seconded by Trustee Feinstein the public
hearing was closed
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
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RESOLUTIONS:
1) Considering the appeal of renumbering properties at Milestone/Reunion roads.
In a motion made by Trustee Santon and seconded by Trustee Feinstein the
following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
UPHOLDING THE APPEAL OF CERTAIN RESIDENTS OF NHLESTONE
ROAD TO THE RENUMBERING OF THEIR HOMES
WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook is aware of the conflicting house
identification numbers of certain homes fronting Milestone Road and Reunion Road in
the Village and desires to have a clear, logical, and natural progression of the street
identification numbering for all homes along the streets; and
WHEREAS, the Village Director of Public Works, pursuant to Village Code
Section 160-4 assigned new numbers to certain homes along Milestone Road and Reunion
Road to achieve the desired result and duly notified all affected residents of the proposed
change by registered and certified mailing dated January 20,2004; and
WHEREAS, an appeal by certain residents to the Village Board of Trustees of the
proposed renumbering was received within the 60 day period in accordance with Section
160-4(E); and
WHEREAS, after careful consideration, debate, and review of the site as well as
correspondence from the Village of Rye Brook Chief of Police, Director of Public Works,
Village Administrator, Port Chester Fire Chief,Administrator of the Port Chester Rye Brook
Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and the Westchester County E911 Coordinator, and after
listening to the concerns of many affected residents of this proposed renumbering change,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook
determines that it upholds the appeal of certain residents along Milestone Road and, in
accordance with Village Code 160-4(E), and recommends the following course of action:
The Village shall work with the residents of 7 Reunion Road and I and 7 Milestone
Roads to enhance the identity of their properties and signage at the Village's sole cost
and expense for such signage. The Village shall reimburse the owner of 7 Reunion Road
for out of pocket costs to date for signage to identify their property. The Village shall
also work with Spectrum to obtain reimbursements due to the Village for such out of
pocket expenses that Spectrum had previously offered to pay.
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
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Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
Mayor Rand said this has been before the Board since May of 2001 and we need to have
closure on this item.
Mr. Ron Panzier of 11 Milestone Road said that something has to be done—either accept
or reject the resolution. The Mayor told him it is strictly a appeal process and the Board
will either uphold the appeal of deny the appeal.
Trustee Santon wanted to know what the appeal is and what relief you are seeking of the
proposed renumbering.
Mr. Panzier said that they want to avoid the damages of time, money, and potential
difficulty in running their lives. It may seem trivial to have your house number changed,
but when your house number is changed to a previous number, the chaos that will pursue
in the postal department will be significant. The mail contains a lot of significant and
important matters that demand timely attention.
Each resident will have to notify the following: federal and state governments, deed and
mortgage companies, car, home, life insurance, credit cards, driving license, employers,
school, utilities, banks, brokerage firms, magazines,newspapers, car registrations, the
cost of informing your friends, stationery, etc.
Suzanne Perla Blank of 5 Milestone Road spoke of the renumbering and the frustration
that their questions were not answered. The only reason given that things had changed
was a notice had been withdrawn which was never heard by the zoning board of appeals.
She believes it should have gone through the process and not just disappeared. She
questioned the possibility of moving the driveway back to 9 Reunion Road. The zoning
board granted an appeal and the Village code was changed.
Chris Robins of 9 Milestone Road wanted to go back and fix the problem the right way.
He questioned why the Village couldn't go back and fix this the way it is supposed to be.
He wanted to hear from the Village Attorney as to why.
Ed Beane said we would have to get easements to put it back the way it was—you
couldn't reverse a deed even to fix a problem.
Mr. Robbins asked who owns the 7— 10 feet of property in front of these homes? Is it the
homeowner's property or the Village property?
Trustee Santon said you would have to take property from 9 Reunion Road and you
cannot do that.
Mr. Bradbury said the site plan has been modified and approved by the Board. The two
houses on Milestone front on Milestone regardless of where the driveway is.
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Michele Sosin of 15 Milestone Road proposes that we need to explore the possibility of
re-numbering one home to IA as opposed to inconveniencing nine homes along the odd
number side of the street. It is an attached home, so it is not inconceivable to make it IA.
Trustee Feinstein understands the issues of public safety and is not convinced that the
public safety issues cannot be resolved. She wants it to be the least inconvenience to the
residents of 1 and 7 Milestone Road. We have numbering issues throughout the Village
and we need to look at doing a better job on the signage issues.
Charles Lohrfink at 7 Reunion Road has moved his mailbox several times and is willing
to do what it takes to help his neighbors.
Mayor Rand asked Mr. Lohrfink if we could move the sign and he agreed to do whatever
it takes to resolve the problem.
Dr. Howard Ochs at 7 Milestone Road said the basic problem is that there are two
number sevens on the street. This is in direct violation of the village law, as it exists. The
village law states that houses should be numbered sequentially. People cannot find his
house and there have been numerous attempts to fix the problem. The main reason to fix
this problem is one of safety.
The Village of Rye Brook played a direct role in creating this problem. Spectrum went to
the Village to ask for a site change and it was granted. Spectrum asked to be released
from the bond and it was approved. It approved leaving the driveway where it was and
resolved that the houses on Milestone Road be renumbered sequentially in accordance
with village standards and that the applicant pay all reasonable costs incurred by the
homeowners in coordinating this change of house numbers.
Neil DeLuca agreed to this and Kevin McManus has agreed to honor that statement to
pay for all the costs. The Village than renumbered the street, than it went to the zoning
board of appeals and not one of the safety experts came, so the board heard the arguments
of his neighbors and they approved the appeal. After this he thought it may be wrong and
invited the Chief to come and take a look. The Chief invited the coordinator of the 911
system of Westchester County, chiefs of Port Chester and the Rye Brook fire
departments, the ambulance squad, and Mr. Bradbury to come and examine the site.
They agreed that it was a dangerous situation and needed to be fixed.
The way they suggested to fix the problem was to renumber the street. We asked the
Village Attorney and were told that the present owner is under no obligation to maintain
any special signage and if he sold the home the new owner is also under no obligation to
maintain signage.
Dr. Oaks continued and stated that you cannot educate all emergency personnel because
of the many volunteers and neighboring towns that respond to emergency calls.
Relocating the driveway is not a real solution because of the multiple easements
involved. IA would fix the problem but the Chief of Police said it is not as easily
understood by the emergency response system. If the Village would read the law, listen to
their safety experts and the village engineer than the decision is an easy one.
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Mayor Rand said this is not an easy fix. This is an appealed process and we are trying to
come up with a solution.
Trustee Santon initiated this on May 10, 2001 and believes there is a simple solution.
There is one property owner that has an identity issues and that is 7 Milestone. He will
not be voting to inconvenience nine property owners to change all their address because
there is a notion that there are two sevens on Milestone. There are countless numbers of
properties in Rye Brook that have a street address that does not match up where the
driveway is located.
Trustee Santon continues that we need to help Dr. Ochs with his identify and put up signs
at the Village's expense and that we also reimburse Mr. Lohfrink for the cost of his signs.
The Village will get reimbursed by Spectrum.
Chief Santoro said that his office would not make recommendations on the signage. He
will also not embrace the IA solution.
Trustee Santon made a motion that the language to be inserted in the blank at the end of
the resolution clause read: the Village shall work with the residents at 7 Reunion, 1
Milestone and 7 Milestone to enhance the identity of their properties and signage at the
Village's sole cost and expense. The Village shall reimburse the owner of 7 Reunion
Road for their out of pocket expense to date for the signage identifying their property.
The Village shall deal with Spectrum for reimbursement to the Village for their costs
involved.
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
2) Considering a Local Law to amend Chapters 192 and 250 of the Village Code
concerning non-transient boarders, rooming houses and the definition of"family."
RESOLUTION
ADOPTING A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND CHAPTERS 192 AND 250 OF THE
VILLAGE CODE REGARDING NONTRANSIENT BOARDERS,ROOMING
HOUSES AND THE DEFINITION OF "FAMILY"
WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook is concerned with the overcrowding of
one (1) and two (2)-family residential dwellings and with the consistency of provisions in
the Village Code regulating rooming houses; and
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WHEREAS, residential zoning districts R-20, R-15, R-15A, R-12, R-10, R-7, R-
5, R2-F and RA-1 currently permit the keeping of"up to two (2) non-transient roomers or
boarders in any dwelling" as an accessory use; and
WHEREAS, Section 250-2, "Definitions" of the Village Code currently defines a
"family" as including up to four (4) individuals who are "not related by birth, marriage,
adoption or other domestic bond"; and
WHEREAS, Section 250-25, "R2-F Two-Family Residential District" currently
permits "rooming houses" as a principal use in contravention of Section 192-1 of the
Village Code which states that "no person shall begin to conduct, operate, manage or
cause to be conducted, operated or managed, either as an owner, lessee, attorney or agent,
a lodging house, rooming house or boarding house which furnishes lodging or rooming
accommodations for hire within the Village of Rye Brook on or after March 26, 1985";
and
WHEREAS, Section 192-3 of the Village Code and Section 250-2 of the Village
Code are inconsistent in that each section defines the term "rooming house" differently
and permits a different number of roomers, lodgers or boarders to occupy a rooming
house, lodging house or boarding house; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees wishes to amend Chapter 250 of the Village
Code to address the overcrowding issue concerning one (1) and two (2)-family dwellings
by: (1) eliminating non-transient boarders as an accessory use in residential zoning
districts; and (2) changing the definition of "family" to include "no more than two [2]
individuals who are not related by birth, marriage, adoption or other domestic bond"; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees wishes to amend Chapters 192 and 250 of the
Village Code to provide for consistency in the regulation of rooming houses by: (1)
amending the definitions of"rooming house" set forth at Sections 192-3 and 250-2 of the
Village Code to be consistent with one another; and (2) amending Section 250-25 of the
Village Code to eliminate "rooming houses" as a principal and accessory use in the R2-F
Zoning District; and
WHEREAS, a duly noticed public hearing was held on April 27, 2004, at which
time all those wishing to be heard were given the opportunity to be heard and the hearing
was closed; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook has complied
with the provisions of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and has
determined that the adoption of such local law is a "Type IP' action and, therefore, no
further environmental review of the proposed action is required.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook
Board of Trustees hereby adopts the proposed Local Law to amend Chapters 192 and 250
of the Village Code to: (1) eliminate non-transient boarders as an accessory use in
residential zoning districts; (2) change the definition of"family" to include "no more than
two [2] individuals who are not related by birth, marriage, adoption or other domestic
bond"; (3) amend the definition of "rooming house" to provide for consistency
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throughout the Code; and (4) eliminate "rooming houses" as a principal use in the R2-F
Zoning District which is enacted into law as Local Law# 5-2004.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Village Clerk are
authorized to sign all necessary documents to implement the purposes of this resolution.
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
3) Considering a Local Law to amend Chapter 174 of the Village Code concerning
peddling and solicitation within the Village.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon and seconded by Trustee Feinstein the following
resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
ADOPTING A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND
THE VILLAGE PEDDLING AND SOLICITING LAW
WHEREAS, a local law was introduced to amend Sections 174-2 and 174-5 of
Chapter 174 of the Code of the Village of Rye Brook to add certain definitions and to add
time and manner restrictions upon non-commercial solicitation and peddling within the
Village; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the proposed local law is an unlisted action pursuant
to Article 8 of the State Environmental Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part 617; and
WHEREAS, a duly noticed public hearing was held on April 27, 2004, at which
time all those wishing to be heard were given the opportunity to be heard and the hearing
was closed on that date; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook after due
deliberation, finds it is in the best interest of the Village to adopt such local law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the
Village of Rye Brook hereby declares itself lead agency for the review of the proposed
local law; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of
Rye Brook, in accordance with Article 8 of the State Environmental Conservation Law
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and 6 NYCRR Part 617, and upon review of the EAF that was prepared for this local law,
hereby adopts a Negative Declaration since the local law will not have a significant
adverse impact upon the environment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees Village of Rye
Brook hereby adopts the proposed local law to amend Sections 174-2 and 174-5 of
Chapter 174 of the Code of the Village of Rye Brook to add certain definitions and to add
time and manner restrictions upon non-commercial solicitation and peddling within the
Village,which amendments are enacted into law as Local Law 96-2004; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Village Clerk are
authorized to sign all necessary documents to implement the purposes of this resolution.
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
On a motion made by Trustee Santon and seconded by Trustee Buzin the following
resolution was adopted:
4) Considering adopting the 2004-05 Annual Budget.
On a motion made by Trustee Buzin and seconded by Trustee Feinstein the following
resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
ADOPTING THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK 2004-2005
ANNUAL BUDGET
WHEREAS, the Village Administrator filed the Tentative Budget on March 19, 2004;
and
WHEREAS,the Board of Trustees held two Budget Work Sessions on March 30, 2004
and April 7, 2004; and
WHEREAS,the Board of Trustees held a public hearing on April 13, 2004 pursuant to
the Notice of Public Hearing regarding the Tentative Budget, at which time all those
wishing to be heard on behalf of or in opposition to the proposed budget were given the
opportunity to be heard and the public hearing was closed at that time; and
WHEREAS, the final assessment roll filed on April 1, 2004 resulted in a decrease in
assessed value from $54,061,000 to $53,806,000, which based upon the amendments
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made by the Village Board at the budget work sessions would result in a tax rate of
$174.59 per$1,000 of assessed valuation,representing a 3.33% tax rate increase over the
prior year; and
WHEREAS,the Village Board authorizes the Receiver of Taxes to collect the property
taxes necessary to raise the required$9,393,905 tax levy based upon the most updated
Assessment Roll provided by the Assessor.
NOW,THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,that the Board of Trustees makes the
following amendments to the Tentative Budget and are hereby adopted:
• Garage fuel account line (101.1640.415) increased from $40,000 to $43,000.
• Copier lease account line (101.1620.210) decreased from $12,000 to $9,000.
• Library account line (101.7410.469) decreased from $341,446 to$339,796.
• Police overtime account line (101.3120.189) decreased from $175,000 to
$150,000.
• Alarm Revenue account line (101.2200.153) increased from $60,000 to$67,500.
• Add $15,000 to Capital Projects Fund (901.3120.204) for Police ICOP project, to
be funded by general fund revenues.
• Re-allocate replacement of 1989 Chevy Heavy Dump Truck($90,000),new 5yd
Dump Truck($46,000), and replacement of two(2)plows on highway trucks
($36,000) from Capital Projects Fund to be funded by general fund revenues, to
debt financing.
• Modify the following fees in the Tentative Budget:
Fee: From: To:
Burglar& Fire (initial permits) $40 $50
Burglar& Fire (Annual Renewal $35 $40
Permits)
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Tentative Budget as hereinafter set forth and
amended by the Board of Trustees, is hereby adopted as the Annual Budget for the
Village of Rye Brook for the fiscal year beginning June 1, 2004; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED,that the amounts listed therein for payment of principal and
interest on indebtedness, and that maintenance account charges be paid, and that the
salaries,wages,benefits and other terms and conditions of employment for all
employees, including those not represented by a bargaining unit, shall be paid such
salaries and benefits as have been determined by the Board of Trustees; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Village Board does hereby levy the sum of
$9,393,905 for village real property taxes,which based upon the April 1, 2004
assessment roll of$53,806,000, would result in a tax rate of$174.59 per thousand of
assessed valuation.
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
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Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Nay
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
Trustee Harris will not be able to vote in favor of this and he thinks we could do more.
Last time he used an expression of a dull pencil,we should be taking a sharp pencil. He
thinks revaluation has had a big impact on many people and while the financial health of
this community has left us with a reasonable tax increase,he thinks we have not spent the
time and effort to do even better. He honestly believes zero percent tax increase is well
within our grasp.
Mayor Rand said we came up with 3.3% increase and we are asked by every village in
the County as to how we are doing this. He feels very comfortable with this budget.
We are going to vote on this budget tonight and he is very proud of what we are putting
forth to the residents of Rye Brook. He believes Mr. Bradbury and his staff did a
tremendous job.
Trustee Santon want to point out that the budget increase last year was closer to 8%. The
Village staff shaped the budget and when we saw it in March, and to the staff's credit, it
was already significantly low.
Trustee Feinstein will be voting in favor of this budget. She had never voted for an
increase this low on any budget. This budget maintains the level of services at a cost to
our residents that is affordable. She acknowledges the great job the village staff did in
preparing this budget.
Trustee Buzin agrees with Trustee Feinstein and believes ultimately we will wind up with
more revenue with our cost management system.
Trustee Harris would like to target the general fund. Originally it was proposed at 16%
and has since been lowered to 15.3 % so why not fix it at 15% and this would keep it in
with campaign promises. This minor change knocks another 50 basis points off the tax
rate increase and gives people back some of their own money.
Mayor Rand said that the 15%was used as a target and that until we complete the study
of the fund balance policy he did not want to be totally locked into it. There will be
plenty of opportunity over the course of the next several months to develop a prudent
fund balance for the Village.
5) Referring a Local Law to amend Section 209-1 concerning Site Plan review to the
Planning Board of the Village of Rye Brook.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon and seconded by Trustee Feinstein the following
resolution was adopted:
BOT April 27, 2004 Page 14 of 28
RESOLUTION
REFERRING A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND SECTION 209-1 CONCERNING
SITE PLAN REVIEW TO THE PLANNING BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF
RYE BROOK
WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees is considering
amending Section 209-1 of the Code to make mandatory site plans review for all single
family homes, as well as additions and modifications exceeding a certain threshold; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees, pursuant to the State
Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), has determined that the County of
Westchester is an Involved Agency to the Proposed Action.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the
Village of Rye Brook declares its intention to act as Lead Agency for a coordinated
review of the subject local law revision in accordance with Article 8 of the State
Environmental Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part 617; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that as an Involved Agency, the County of
Westchester shall be notified of the Board's intent to act as Lead Agency under the
provisions of SEQRA and that the proposed local law shall be referred to the Westchester
County Department of Planning for their review; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the subject local law revision shall be
referred to the Village Planning Board and the Village Planning and Engineering
Consultants for reports and recommendations.
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
Trustee Santon wanted the village staff to clarify in the proposed Section A why we are
concerned with non-residential rather than all districts. In Section B. subsection 1 what is
the rationale for 250 square feet for a detached garage being the exception and his third
comment is concerning the grading changes. He would like to add to Section B a
subsection 5 that reads grading changes within x feet of property lines.
Mr. Bradbury wanted to take a step back and told us what the village was trying to
accomplish with these changes. They wanted to be able to require a site plan review in
certain circumstances.
BOT April 27, 2004 Page 15 of 28
Mayor Rand said the resolution needs more feedback and referred it to the Planning
Board along with the comments that Trustee Santon suggested.
Trustee Feinstein has a difficult time when we deal with current market value. She hopes
that this is also addressed by the Planning Board and wanted to know who makes that
determination and how is that made, especially with a very large addition.
6) Considering name change of Telecommunications Commission to the Technology and
Communications Commission.
On a motion made by Trustee Buzin and seconded by Trustee Feinstein the following
resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
CONSIDERING NAME CHANGE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION TO THE TECHNOLOGY AND
COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees would like to change the name of the
Telecommunications Commission to the Technology and Communications Commission
due to the level of work this Commission performs in the Technology field,
NOW,THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby changes
the name of the Telecommunications Commission to the Technology and
Communications Commission.
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
7) Setting date for a Public Hearing on a Local Law to increase the membership of the
Advisory Council on Parks and Recreation.
On a motion made by Trustee Feinstein and seconded by Trustee Buzin the following
resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
SETTING DATE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON A LOCAL LAW TO
INCREASE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON
PARKS AND RECREATION
BOT April 27, 2004 Page 16 of 28
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of
Rye Brooks shall hold a public hearing on May 11, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall,
938 King Street, Rye Brook, New York to consider a proposed Local Law to Amend
Chapter A258-5 of the Code of the Village of Rye Brook to increase the membership of
the Advisory Council on Parks and Recreation.
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
Trustee Santon wanted it explained to him the purpose of this because this is a matter that
the village has already spent effort, time and expense on during 2002. He does not want
to go through the whole process again.
Mayor Rand said that over that last several months the Council has been called on to do a
lot of work. With seven members it is hard to break into sub-committees when needed.
This is the reason for the increase in membership.
8) Endorsing the elimination of the Sunset Provisions of the Local Government Records
Management Improvement Fund (LGRMIF) and the Cultural Education Fund (CEF).
On a motion made by Trustee Santon and seconded by Trustee Buzin the following
resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
SUPPORTING THE ELIMINATION OF THE SUNSET PROVISIONS OF THE
LOCAL GOVERNMENT RECORDS MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT FUND
(LGRMIF)AND THE CULTURAL EDUCATION FUND (CEF)-STATE
ASSEMBLY BILL A10843 AND
STATE SENATE BILL S06666
WHEREAS, the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund
(LGRMIF)was created in 1989 to provide technical assistance and grants to establish,
improve or enhance records management programs in New York's more than 4300 local
governments, and
WHEREAS, the closely related Documentary Heritage Program (DHP) for grants
and technical assistance to non-governmental historical records repositories also is
supported by the LGRMIF, and
BOT April 27, 2004 Page 17 of 28
WHEREAS, a sunset date for the LGRMIF was established in the original
legislation to permit its operation as a five-year experiment, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Legislature in 1995 twice has extended the
sunset date,most recently to December 31, 2005, and
WHEREAS, the LGRMIF has effectively supported essential advisory services
and 6,300 grants totaling over$113 million to improve the management of records for
over half of all NYS local governments, and
WHEREAS, the LGRMIF and the programs it supports continue to operate at a
high standard of excellence and provide direct and significant benefit to local
governments at no cost to the taxpayers, and
WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook has benefited from technical assistance,
training,publications and two(2) grants totaling $15,189 supported by the LGRMIF, and
WHEREAS, the State Legislature created the closely-related Cultural Education
Fund(CEF) to support the New York State Archives,New York State Library and New
York State Museum on behalf of all New Yorkers, and the Office for Public
Broadcasting, and provided the CEF with an identical sunset date, and
WHEREAS, the LGRMIF and the CEF continue to be critically important in the
fulfillment of the many records and information related responsibilities of the Village of
Rye Brook, and to the cultural and scientific needs of the people of New York State,
NOW,THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook
supports the elimination of said sunset provisions in order to make the LGRMIF and the
CEF permanent as proposed in State Assembly Bill A10843 and State Senate Bill
S06666.
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
9)Authorizing the Village of Rye Brook to enter into an agreement with the New York
State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) to secure grant funding to prepare
floodplain management and hazard mitigation plans.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon and seconded by Trustee Buzin the following
resolution was adopted:
BOT April 27, 2004 Page 18 of 28
RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE NEW YORK STATE EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT OFFICE ("SEMO") FOR THE PURPOSE OF SECURING
GRANT FUNDING TO PREPARE FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT AND
HAZARD MITIGATION PLANS
WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook applied to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency through SEMO for a grant under the FEMA program for the
purpose of preparing Floodplain Management and Hazard Mitigation Plans for the
Village; and
WHEREAS, SEMO has offered to enter into an agreement with the Village of
Rye Brook to provide $9,000.00 in grant funding for preparation of the Plans; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to said Agreement, the Village would be required to
provide a 25% matching share to any grant funding received and additionally must
comply with planning steps and deadlines for the preparation of said Plans.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the
Village of Rye Brook authorizes the Village of Rye Brook to enter into an agreement
with the Federal Emergency Management Agency through SEMO to obtain grant funding
under the FEMA program for the purpose of preparing Floodplain Management and
Hazard Mitigation Plans for the Village; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to execute and
deliver all necessary documents to accomplish the purpose of this resolution.
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
10) Considering the appointment of Office Assistant-Financial Support.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon and seconded by Trustee Feinstein the following
resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICE ASSISTANT (FINANCIAL SUPPORT)
BOT April 27, 2004 Page 19 of 28
RESOLVED, that Shari Melillo of 93 Perry Avenue, Port Chester,New York, is hereby
appointed provisionally to the position of Office Assistant(Financial Support)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 $34,500 with an effective start date
of April 28, 2004.
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
11) Considering entering into a lease agreement for Village Hall copiers.
On a motion made by Trustee Harris and seconded by Trustee Feinstein the following
resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
ENTERING INTO A LEASE AND SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH AMERICAN
DIGITAL IMAGING FOR VILLAGE HALL COPIERS
WHEREAS,the Village's current lease agreement for copiers expires June 1, 2004 and
as a result, the Village has solicited proposals from several vendors; and
WHEREAS, the Village wishes to enter into a lease and service agreement with
American Digital Imaging of Yorktown Heights,NY based on cost, equipment and
efficiency;
NOW,THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook is authorized
to enter into a lease agreement based on New York State Contract 901649E and service
agreement with American Digital Imaging of Yorktown Heights,NY for sixty (60)
months for four (4) copiers at a monthly lease and maintenance price of$982.67 per
month:
(1) Sharp AR-M620N(Building Department)
(2) Sharp AR-M350N (Recreation & Police Department)
(1) Sharp AR-M208N(Administration Office)
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to execute and
deliver all necessary documents to accomplish the purpose of this resolution.
BOT April 27, 2004 Page 20 of 28
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
12) Considering an appointment to the Traffic Commission.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon and seconded by Trustee Buzin the following
resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENT TO THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION
RESOLVED,that Jody Brackman of 76 Tamarack Road is hereby appointed to the
Traffic Commission for a term that shall expire on the first Monday in April 2007.
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
13)Approving the Schedule of Bills Payable.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon and seconded by Trustee Feinstein the following
resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZATION TO APPROVE THE SCHEDULE OF BILLS PAYABLE
WHEREAS, the enclosed Schedule of Bills Payable,with the following check numbers,
representing payment for services rendered,have been submitted to the Treasurer's
Office for payment and review, and have been certified by the Village Administrator:
CHECKS CHECK
NUMBERS
GOA 33476 - 33506
BOT April 27, 2004 Page 21 of 28
Capital 241
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT
RESOLVED, that this Board hereby approves payment of the enclosed claims and
authorizes payment thereof.
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
14)Approval of Meeting Minutes: September 23, 2003,November 23, 2003,
December 9, 2003, December 23, 2003,
March 4, 2004, March 9, 2004, April 6, 2004.
Action on approving Minutes was deferred until the next meeting
15)Authorizing transfer of funds to shade tree account.
On a motion made by Trustee Buzin and seconded by Trustee Santon the following
resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
BUDGET MODIFICATION
RESOLVED, that the following budget modification be hereby approved:
FROM TO AMOUNT
101.8120.403 101.8560.414 $ 7,750
(Sewer Account) (Shade Trees—
Shrubs/Trees)
Trustee Santon wanted to know what the game plan was for the trees being planted. Mr.
Bradbury told him that we planted thirty-nine trees in the fall and that is why the account
is depleted. This money will be used for the cul-de sacs and the list will be gone over in
order to not miss a spring planting season.
Trustee Santon said we received this money through tree fines and is happy to see it
going back into new trees.
BOT April 27, 2004 Page 22 of 28
Trustee Harris is happy to see money for trees and suggests that the cul-de sacs be done
but that the people at Red Roof have been waiting a very long time.
Trustee Santon was the one that advocated that the village step up to the plate and get
trees planted in Red Roof. The developer is committed to planting this spring. This
money was identified to enhance the right of ways around the village.
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
Mayor Rand said that Trustee Harris asked that we revisit a resolution that was passed on
January 29, 2004 which had to do with doing away with the availably of free family
tennis permits to members of the Village of Rye Brooks boards, commissions, and
committees. It had been a long-standing tradition to make available gratis to families that
had an individual that served on a board, committee or commission. This particular
resolution was passed unanimously which ended this perk. Trustee Harris was absent at
the vote and at his request and with the Board's consent he would like to revisit this issue.
Trustee Santon had a point of order. He said that he consented to have a discussion not a
resolution.
Trustee Harris said that he proposes that the Board of Trustees be exempt from receiving
a free family tennis pass,but all other board, committees, and commission would be
eligible. It was a long-standing policy of the Village for all our hard working volunteers
to receive the tennis permit. He continued and stated that we should not grant it to
ourselves but we should grant it to all the hard working volunteers.
Trustee Feinstein applauds the previous board for adopting this resolution and it should
not be over turned. She believes that volunteers are just that-volunteers. She does not
think it makes a difference if they get a perk or not. She suggested that we should do
something to recognize our volunteers.
Mayor Rand talked with Robert Bertolacci today and apparently June 12, 2004 is set
aside for a celebration,which would include the Blind Brook basketball team. He
suggested that perhaps we could kick in some money and have a volunteer recognition
ceremony at the same time.
Trustee Santon wanted to make a point of clarification. If Trustee Harris had reviewed
the meeting on cablecast or read his package he would know the genesis for this item
coming on to that agenda had nothing to do with him. Mr. Bertolacci went to Mr.
Bradbury and said there were two unwritten recreation policies that were not being
availed. There was also the availability of camp discounts to staff members and their
children along with the policy of staff automobiles that were put on the agenda for
January 29, 2004. He had nothing to do with any of them.
BOT April 27, 2004 Page 23 of 28
Trustee Santon also wants an official policy about not accepting the Rye Town Parks
Commission passes given to the Mayor. He wants this communicated to the Rye Town
Park Commission.
Mayor Rand told him that we are not going to accept these passes.
Mr. Bradbury said we have two other resolutions that were discussed in executive
session.
1) The first one authorizes Klei,Zilman to intervene on the water rate case with the
Connecticut Commission along with Aquarion Water and authorizes them to provide
legal services for the Village of Rye Brook.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon and seconded by Trustee it was approved
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
On a motion made by Trustee Santon and seconded by Trustee Feinstein it was approved.
2) A settlement proposal with Red Roof on the planting of trees. Village Attorney,
Ed Beane, said that in this settlement there will be an exchanged of a maintenance
bond for a performance bond and in the context of that exchange all street trees,
and there will be a schedule of these trees, and the type of trees will be noted.
There will be monies put aside or donated by OCURBAG to the Village for the
installation of concrete sidewalks. The agreement has not been finalized but will
be signed by the developer soon.
Trustee Harris said that we used the word bond for the maintenance portion and he can
tell us that a performance stand by letter of credit would be much more effective for us
and the residents of Red Roof than going to the same form of bond that we have in the
past.
Trustee Santon said that it is public record that the amount on the performance bond is
$450,000.00. He wanted to know at what point would the Village disclose the terms of
the agreement to the public. Ed Beane said the Village would make that agreement
available after it is signed.
Trustee Buzin Voting Aye
Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye
Trustee Harris Voting Aye
Trustee Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Rand Voting Aye
BOT April 27, 2004 Page 24 of 28
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:
o Fire Advisory Board recommendations on the staffing plan for the new
firehouse.
Mr. Bradbury is pleased that the Fire Protection Board has prepared staffing
recommendations for the Rye Brook firehouse. Mike Ritchie,who is the member of the
Fire Protection Board, was introduced.
Mike Ritchie told the meeting that the Fire Advisory Board has been working over the
last 6 to 7 months with the cooperation of the Chiefs, assistant Chief Motts and assistant
Chief Neilson.
The other members of the Board are Chris Bradbury and Rich Falanka, Village Manager
of Port Chester.Nancy Tunis has recently joined the Fire Protection Board.
These are issues that have been before the committee: The Board has met with the chiefs
and has had other assistance both by Chris, Fritz and other outside sources but when it
comes down to implementation the people that are doing it; the firemen on the line, the
paid staff in both Port Chester and Rye Brook and well as the volunteers have much of
the necessary background and information. This is a work in progress so consider these
working recommendations. Hopefully,we will be able to take them issues to solutions.
The Board needed to get an active training program in place for the two departments. It is
a requirement in addition to making good sense. An appointment of a training officer in
Port Chester certified by the State is now in place.
In anticipation of the opening of the new firehouse in Rye Brook and the issue of staffing
has commanded a lot of attention and they are several connected issues to that. What the
contract provides for through May of 2005 is the firehouse to be staffed,but the manner
in which it is to be staffed is not spelled out.
With constraints that the firehouse would not be available until May or June and the
contract running out a year later, the Board asked the chiefs to work within the existing
staffing.
The connected issue is communication. At the Washington Engine & Hose either that
secondary communications would have to be relocated at considerable expense to the
Rye Brook firehouse. As we have recommended, if both headquarters 58 & 59 and
Washington Park go out, the communications are turned over to the County 60 Control.
We could enhance that communication by providing a dedicated line for the transfer to
occur to 60 Control. Currently when the fire department turns over control they do it by
radio from the truck and that has a certain amount of difficulty in reliability. If we are
able to implement this fully,with the enhanced communication, that would be a benefit to
the department.
BOT April 27, 2004 Page 25 of 28
Turning over the dispatch function to the County requires a little thought and further
consideration. The Village of New Rochelle has their communications dispatched by 60
Control.
Village of Mamaroneck has their communication dispatched by 60 Control and it has
been successful. As a working recommendation the Advisory Board would put forward
the idea of 59 relocating 7pm to lam, it being repositioned on the basis that the service
areas of the two Villages are covered—one paid truck in the northern end and one paid
truck in the southern end,which is logical to meeting the needs of the service areas.
In addition, to the Rye Brook fire department also responds to medical emergency calls.
This has been a standard operating procedure in Rye Brook. The Fire Advisory Board
consulted with the head of the Ambulance Corp. and they are working on a
recommendation that would limit that and develop a different protocol which would
hopefully result in an unnecessary response. Certainly we all want emergency services
when we need them,where we need them, as quickly as possible, but we don't want to
expend resources or under take risks unnecessarily.
We need to have standard operating procedures for the department as a whole and the
chiefs are assisting in putting this together. On behalf of the committee we need to start
looking at a new fire contract with more stability.
Mr. Bradbury said the process is to find out if these recommendations from the Fire
Advisory Board are acceptable to both the Village of Rye Brook and the Village of Port
Chester. We need to hear from the Village of Port Chester's Board who will be hearing
this on May 3, 2004. If and when we make a decision about 60 Control providing
dispatch the sooner we do than the better.
Trustee Santon said that the current staffing in Port Chester is between two and three paid
firemen are shared between headquarters firehouse and the Washington Park firehouse
and perhaps more common than not there is one paid man at each of these two facilities
during the 7pm to lam period.
This recommendation is from an advisory board and our contract is with the Village of
Port Chester Trustee Santon thinks it would be appropriate for the Village of Port Chester
come to the Rye Brook Board and tell us what their recommendation is. We need to wait
until we get this official recommendation from the Village of Port Chester before Rye
Brook can proceed.
William Barnes Jr. of 35 Winding Wood Road North said he has to disagreed with the
methodology that the Fire Advisory Board is putting forward with relocating one fire
fighter and meeting the needs of servicing the community. The firehouse should be
staffed with both volunteers and career fire fighters. As a resident of Rye Brook he is
adamantly against using 60 Control for dispatching and communicating to the fire
service. 60 Control is currently using a low band frequency and there are problems with
that frequency, there is congestion with that frequency and the ability to communicate
from 60 Control to the firefighters it is also difficult for the firefighter to communicate
with one another, Sixty control will be going to a trump system in approximately a year
BOT April 27, 2004 Page 26 of 28
from now and there will be potential problems with that communication system.
Communication is vital to the fire service and the residents and if there is a delay in
communication, it is not only compromising public safety but fire fighter safety. He
wants the fire service to be involved in medical emergency calls.
There are a lot of complex issues and to move the fire service forward with both
communities the Board will have to think out of the box. He believes it would be a major
mistake to use 60 Control, in its present form, for dispatching because there have been
documented problems.
Trustee Santon wanted to know if anybody knew who dispatches for the schools. It is his
understanding that their calls do not get dispatched to Port Chester directly and that it
goes to 60 Control and it takes a long time.
Assistant Chief Mutz of the Port Chester fire department said that all alarms go to an
alarm company and they notify the proper jurisdiction.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Rand wanted to put off some of the new business to another session. He said that
Trustee Feinstein raised the issue of a fund balance policy and we had discussed a little of
that tonight. The Finance Advisory Board will meet and discuss this issue. He went on to
tell us that Trustee Buzin mentioned that one of the issues the Finance Advisory Board
will be looking at is maximizing the cash on hand.
The Vision Plan Task Force is meeting to consider how much authority should be given
to the Planning Board.
On Thursday April 29, 2004 at 7:30 pm the King Street steering committee will hold it's
meeting at the Western Civic Center in Greenwich
The Arbor Day celebration is Friday April 29, 2004 at 11:00am at Hills Point Lane.
Trustee Feinstein pointed out that there are questions about the cell tower being installed
at exit 28 on the Hutchinson River Parkway. Mr. Bradbury said that last year the state
came in and proposed as an alternative to a large tower,which is a cell pole that measures
52 feet in height. These poles are at three locations along the Hutchinson River Parkway.
The most visible to Rye Brook will be at the exit ramp along Ridge Street. There is more
information on the website if residents are interested.
Trustee Harris said from a visual perspective it is not much worse than a telephone pole.
Trustee Santon said that he hopes the village will make an effort to deal with the two
items that are not part of the Red Roof settlement. The loss of mature trees at Red Roof
and the pre-existing trees that are supposed to be protected in accordance with the 1998
landscape plan. These two obligations on the part of the developer have not been
fulfilled.
BOT April 27, 2004 Page 27 of 28
He continued and wanted the Village Administrator to be prepared to discuss some of the
items that goes back three years. He is tired of referring to them and wants to see some of
them resolved.
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 10:45pm.
Respectfully Submitted
Christopher J. Bradbury
Village Administrator/Clerk
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