HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-09-14 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14,2004--7:30 P.M
AGENDA
7:00 P.M. EXECUTIVE SESSION: PERSONNEL/LITIGATION/NEGOTIATIONS
ROLL CALL:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
REPORT: Vision Plan Implementation Task Force Report on Planning Board Authority
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1) Consideration of a local law amending Chapter 235, Trees, of the Village Code
regarding definitions, review committees and the appeal procedure.
2) Consideration of a local law to amend the Village Code to regulate the Expiration
of Building Permits.
RESOLUTIONS:
1) Adopting a local law amending Chapter 235, Trees, of the Village Code, regarding
Definitions, Review Committees and the appeal procedures.
2) Referring a Local Law to amend Chapter 250-38 of the Code of the Village of Rye
Brook concerning Hours of Operation for Home Occupations to the Planning Board
of the Village of Rye Brook.
3) Referring a Local Law to amend Chapter 250-38 of the Code of the Village of Rye
Brook concerning Special Permit Requirements for Newly Created Home
Occupations to the Planning Board of the Village of Rye Brook.
4) Considering the award of Contract 9 04-06: (ICOP) Impact Connectivity on Patrol a
Wireless Mobility Solution.
5) Declaring municipal equipment as surplus for sale
6) Approval of Meeting Minutes: April 6, 2004; April 27, 2004; May 25, 2004; June
8, 2004; June 22, 2004; July 27, 2004; and August 24, 2004.
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 14,2004
Page 1
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:
1) 2004 Leaf Collection Program Recommendations
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
DISCUSSION ITEM:
Various issues relating to King Street Fields Project
ACTION ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT OF THE
TRUSTEES PRESENT AT THE MEETING:
BOARD Mayor Lawrence Rand
Trustee Richard Buzin
Trustee Joan Feinstein
Trustee Robert Harris
Trustee Dean Santon
STAFF: Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator
Keith E. Rang,Assistant to the Village Administrator
Edward Beane, Esq., Village Counsel
Victor Carosi,Village Engineer
Marilyn Timpone Mohamed,Village Consultant
Robert Santoro, Chief of Police
Fred Seifert, Public Access Coordinator
CONVENE:
Mayor Lawrence Rand called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. He noted that the Open
House was held for the Rye Brook Firehouse. He thanked everyone for their
participation and support.
Mayor Rand called for the first item on the agenda.
REPORT:
1) VISION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION TASK FORCE REPORT ON
PLANNING BOARD AUTHORITY
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 14,2004
Page 2
Mr. Paul Rosenberg, Member of the Vision Plan Implementation Task Force, and
Mr. Richard Lubkin, Chairman of the Vision Plan Implementation Task Force,
made a presentation to the Board of Trustees on their findings, along with their
recommendations. Former Trustee Paul Rosenberg noted that this Committee
consisted of himself, Mr. Lubkin, Warren Agatston, John Grzan, and Paul
Feinstein.
Mr. Rosenberg noted that the Board of Trustees had created the committee to
examine whether or not final approval authority should be given to the Planning
Board. The Board of Trustees has a tremendous amount of issues to review.
Granting the Planning Board approval authority, or certain matters, could free up
the Trustees and give them the time needed to address other issues,Village-wide.
The Committee, which consisted of a balance of current and former Planning
Board members, a former Trustee, and a Board of Trustee Liaison, Trustee Dean
Santon, investigated what types of final approval authority should be given to the
Planning Board, as well as potential changes to the length of Planning Board
member terms, and methods for appointing a Planning Board Chairperson. The
Committee also reviewed this matter with the Village's Planning Consultants,
including Mr. David Stoltman, President of F.P. Clark Associates. Also included
in the review was the Village Attorney, who submitted a memorandum outlining
how final approval authority could be granted to the Planning Board.
Mr. Lubkin noted that this proposal would create a fundamental change to the
way the Village organizes and allocates the time of its most important volunteers
—the Board of Trustees. The restructuring of the land use planning process of the
Village of Rye Brook has been thoroughly reviewed. The current process has
been costly, inefficient, and, at times, has yielded poor to horrible results. The
complexity of jurisdictions, coupled with the incapability of volunteers and staff
schedules and priorities has made for a difficult and frustrating process. The
Board of Trustees has, on many occasions, become bogged down at the detriment
of far more important issues. The Board of Trustees should be striving to
improve the quality of life of the residents. They should be dreaming and
implementing ways to make the park system bigger and greater, our budgets
appropriately focused and balanced, our basic services at the greatest level of
professionalism and service, and our relationships with our school districts and
neighboring municipalities, and other jurisdictions, friendly and mutually
beneficial. Spending half of their time repeating Planning Board work is
inefficient, impractical, and wasteful. The Task Force has proposed three
essential changes to the current system. The first is to install real decision making
authority to the Planning Board while retaining discretion over major subdivisions
of six or more lots, as well as Special Use Permits while giving up the
responsibility as Lead Agency for basically all other land use applications. This
includes the time commitment involved, public hearings, and voluminous
homework associated with each application. The second change would be for the
Planning Board to be reconstituted to a level of membership that would afford the
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 14,2004
Page 3
Board of Trustees a high comfort level with a monumental and permanent
delegation of authority. The Committee wishes to vest in the Board of Trustees
the responsibility of ratifying each of the seven members of the Planning Board,
with staggered initial terms. The change in term length, and staggering protocol
should provide for greater continuity in Planning Board professionalism. The
third change that the Task Force suggested was mandatory initial and continuing
education for all Planning Board members.
The proposed change has been a long time in the making, and is a change that will
improve the planning process and help on all levels of Village administration and
community success.
Mayor Rand began the discussion on this matter with a few questions. He noted
that while reviewing comments made in the Vision Plan he discovered that there
were a lot of inefficiencies and redundancies in Village governance. Many hours
and dollars are spent at the Planning Board level, but it becomes irrelevant
because if an applicant does not receive the hoped for result he can go before the
Board of Trustees, who could approve or deny the application after reviewing the
Planning Board's recommendation. Mayor Rand felt that the work being done at
the Planning Board level should not be ignored. He noted that governing bodies
do not voluntary give up authority, but that is what the Task Force is asking the
Board of Trustees to do. The areas where the Board of Trustees would give up
authority have been delineated on land use applications. These suggestions
appear to be the kinds of decisions that should be at the Planning Board level, and
is consistent with the way that most communities operate. This would free up the
Board of Trustees to focus on more relevant issues. He did note, however, that
the Planning Board currently only meets once a month, and he suggested that a
newly constituted Planning Board, with final approval authority, should meet
twice a week.
Mr. Warren Agatston, Chairman of the Planning Board, noted that this matter has
been discussed. They agree on a two meeting format: one meeting would be
deemed a public meeting and one meeting would be considered a work session.
Both meetings would be public meetings.
Mayor Rand asked that Mr. Lubkin review the membership and terms. Mr.
Lubkin noted that there would be seven (7) members with five (5) year terms.
The Village would like continuity and staggering the terms means that there
would always be the same level of expertise on the Planning Board. In this
manner you would avoid the majority of the Planning Board being appointed
within a two year period. Some of the applicants can become political, and this
removes the political process away from the Planning Board.
Trustee Joan Feinstein noted that a public hearing would be scheduled on this
matter, at which time questions would be raised and responded to. She did raise
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 14,2004
Page 4
one question, and that was that four (4) out of seven (7) votes was considered the
majority. She wanted to know if the Task Force considered a higher number,
such as five (5) out of seven (7) votes. Mr. Lukin responded that a majority of the
Board members need to vote in the affirmative for a matter to be approved,
regardless of attendance.
Trustee Feinstein asked how the Task Force arrived at the number of lots which
separate Planning Board authority or Board of Trustee authority. She noted that
lot sizes vary. Mr. Lubkin noted that the number was arrived at through
negotiations. He also noted that there were not many lots within the Village that
could be subdivided. The ones that are left will have major ramifications, and the
Board of Trustees would have the discretion to designate the Planning Board as
the Lead Agency.
Trustee Santon pointed out that reference was made to whether or not the Board
of Trustees or Planning Board members had more expertise. He felt that it was
obvious that people that have a background and that are well suited to planning
issues should be chosen for the Planning Board. He noted that he did not regard
land use issues as mundane. He felt that land use issues have a direct impact on
the quality of life of the residents and require expert review. He also stated that,
in his opinion, no Board can escape politics. He agreed that the Planning Board
should schedule two meetings per month — both of which would be public
meetings. He noted that he was still trying to understand the logic behind the
suggested authority shifts. Mr. Lubkin responded that the Board of Trustees
would figure out where to draw the line. The Board of Trustees could retain
authority over all commercial projects.
Trustee Santon pointed out that the Lead Agency status of existing projects
remains the same. Mr. Agatston noted that the Board of Trustees has given the
Planning Board requirements for site plan review. In effect, this means that the
Planning Board would increase its review.
Trustee Robert Harris stated that he was in favor of the proposed changes. He
noted that he served on the Planning Board for several years, and agreed that the
key was ongoing education. All of the proposed changes make a lot of sense, and
he felt that this matter should be moved forward. Trustee Harris noted that the
original Code came from Port Chester and the Town of Rye. The intent was to
change it to fit Rye Brook. He also noted that it was a large commitment to ask a
volunteer to be on a Board for five years. Mr. Lubkin noted that when he was
recruiting for the Planning Board, one of the selling points was the one-year term.
Mayor Rand thanked the Vision Plan Implementation Task Force for their hard
work, noting that the concept was re-inventing government to benefit applicants
and volunteers. The draft must be reviewed at a public hearing and a proposed
resolution must be crafted. He asked for direction from Village Counsel regarding
an appropriate timeline.
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 14,2004
Page 5
Edward Beane, Esq., Village Counsel, responded that this matter could be placed
on the Board of Trustees agenda for the first meeting in October—the 120'—but it
would be better to have it on the agenda for the second meeting in October in
order to allow time for legislation to be drafted. Mayor Rand stated that this
decision should be fast tracked, but not rushed through.
Mr. Bradbury pointed out that October 260' would be a better date on which to set
the public hearing for November 9t'. These changes will be implemented in April
of 2005, and it is important to understand that legislation must be drafted prior to
setting a public hearing. He also noted that there would probably be more than
one public hearing held on this matter.
Trustee Santon felt that there wasn't as much time as everyone thought, and that
the public hearing should be set on October 120', for October 260', 2004. The
major difference between Advisory and a Final Authority Board also includes
who would be willing to make the commitment—not only for the meetings but for
the educational component. Mr. Beane stated that he would prepare a draft of the
legislation for October 120'. The matter was set to be placed on the Board of
Trustees agenda for October 12, 2004.
Mayor Rand thanked everyone for their hard work. Discussion on this matter
ended at 8:15 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1) CONSIDERATION OF A LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 235,
TREES, OF THE VILLAGE CODE REGARDING DEFINITIONS,
REVIEW CONUMTTEES AND THE APPEAL PROCEDURE.
Mayor Rand noted that this was a continuation of the public hearing from July.
He declared the hearing open at 8:18 p.m.
Trustee Santon began the discussion by asking if a Work Session would be the
best way to go. He noted that this was the third or fourth time that this matter had
been on the Board of Trustees' agenda. He felt that much of the criteria needed to
be reviewed, and suggested a joint meeting with the Tree and Beautification
Committee to seek their input.
Mr. Bradbury responded that September 280' at 6:30 p.m. would be a good time to
discuss this matter further. He suggested that the public hearing be adjourned to
October 120',which would allow the time necessary to modify the local law.
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 14,2004
Page 6
On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and seconded by Trustee Feinstein, the
public hearing was adjourned.
Mr. Keith Rang called the roll:
TRUSTEE BUZIN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE FEINSTEIN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE HARRIS VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE SANTON VOTING AYE
MAYOR RAND VOTING AYE
2) CONSIDERATION OF A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND THE VILLAGE
CODE TO REGULATE THE EXPIRATION OF BUILDING PERMITS.
Mayor Rand noted that this matter was not quite ready for discussion. He
requested a motion to adjourn to September 280'.
On a motion a motion made by Trustee Feinstein, and seconded by Trustee
Santon, the public hearing was adjourned.
TRUSTEE BUZIN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE FEINSTEIN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE HARRIS VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE SANTON VOTING AYE
MAYOR RAND VOTING AYE
RESOLUTIONS:
1) ADOPTING A LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 235, TREES, OF
THE VILLAGE CODE, REGARDING DEFINITIONS, REVIEW
COMMITTEES AND THE APPEAL PROCEDURES.
Mayor Rand noted that no action was necessary on the resolution as the public
hearing was adjourned.
2) REFERRING A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND CHAPTER 250-38 OF THE
CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK CONCERNING HOURS OF
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 14,2004
Page 7
OPERATION FOR HOME OCCUPATIONS TO THE PLANNING BOARD
OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK.
Mr. Bradbury read the resolution. On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and
seconded by Trustee Richard Buzin, the resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION
REFERRING A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND CHAPTER 250-38 OF THE
CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK CONCERNING HOURS OF
OPERATION FOR HOME OCCUPATIONS TO THE PLANNING BOARD OF
THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees is considering
amending Section 250-38 of the Code to change the hours of operation for
existing home occupations; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees has complied with the provisions of
the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act by declaring itself lead
agency and by determining that adoption of such local law is a "Type II" action
and therefore,no further environmental review of the proposed action is required.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees
hereby refers the subject application to the Westchester County Department of
Planning, adjacent municipalities, the Village Planning Board and the Planning
Consultant of the Village of Rye Brook for a report and recommendation.
Trustee Santon noted that this was a proposed local law and not an application.
He wanted to ensure that the Home Occupation Users were aware of the changes
to the Code, and asked that the hours of operation be enforced
Mr. Beane responded that notification of the change of hours must be sent out. In
addition, notification of the procedural changes must also be sent out. Mr. Beane
stated that no violations have been issued in connection with the new law,
however, violations have been issued on the old law. This matter can be placed
on the Village's website, on the Bulletin Board on Cable, and written up in the
next newsletter.
Mayor Rand called for additional discussion. There being none, he asked Mr.
Rang to call the roll:
TRUSTEE BUZIN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE FEINSTEIN VOTING AYE
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 14,2004
Page 8
TRUSTEE HARRIS VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE SANTON VOTING AYE
MAYOR RAND VOTING AYE
3) REFERRING A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND CHAPTER 250-38 OF THE
CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK CONCERNING SPECIAL
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR NEWLY CREATED HOME
OCCUPATIONS TO THE PLANNING BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF
RYE BROOK.
Mr. Bradbury read the resolution. On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and
seconded by Trustee Buzin, the resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION
REFERRING A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND CHAPTER 250-38 OF THE
CODE OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK CONCERNING SPECIAL PERMIT
REQUIREMENTS FOR NEWLY CREATED HOME OCCUPATIONS TO THE
PLANNING BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees is considering
amending Section 250-38 of the Code to require special permits for all newly
created home occupations,with the exception of Tier I home occupations; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees has complied with the provisions of
the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act by declaring itself lead
agency and by determining that 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 Board of Trustees
hereby refers the subject application to the Westchester County Department of
Planning, adjacent municipalities, the Village Planning Board and the Planning
Consultant of the Village of Rye Brook for a report and recommendation.
Mayor Rand called for discussion. Trustee Santon noted that there was a
requirement of that all Home Occupation users register with the Village,however,
less than five parties have registered. He questioned what the penalty or
repercussion for not registering was, and whether or not this meant that there were
no other Tier II or Tier III users within the Village.
Mr. Beane noted that the penalty for not registering is the issuance of a violation.
A Home Occupation that is not registered is now in violation. Trustee Santon
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 14,2004
Page 9
questioned what the turnaround time, under the law, was for the Building
Inspector to process the paperwork. Mr. Beane noted that there was no written
procedure as to how to handle individuals in violation.
Trustee Santon asked when the law is passed whether or not it would be applied.
He also question who could claim being grandfather and who could not. Mr.
Beane noted that if a Home Occupation never registered then they cannot be
grandfathered until registered.
TRUSTEE BUZIN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE FEINSTEIN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE HARRIS VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE SANTON VOTING AYE
MAYOR RAND VOTING AYE
4) CONSIDERING THE AWARD OF CONTRACT # 04-06: (ICOP) IMPACT
CONNECTIVITY ON PATROL A WIRELESS MOBILITY SOLUTION.
Mr. Bradbury read the resolution. On a motion made by Trustee Buzin, and
seconded by Trustee Feinstein, the resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION
AWARDING CONTRACT #04-06
(ICOP) IMPACT CONNECTIVITY ON PATROL A
WIRELESS MOBILITY SOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook has solicited bids for contract 04-
06 "(ICOP) Impact Connectivity on Patrol, a Wireless Mobility Solution."
WHEREAS, a public notice was duly advertised in an official newspaper
of the Village of Rye Brook on July 24, 2004; and
WHEREAS, at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 19th, 2004, all bids
received were opened as summarized below; and
BIDDER BID AMOUNT BID BOND
Advanced Vision Tech. Group $34,457.00 Yes
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 14,2004
Page 10
WHEREAS, upon reviewing the bids, the Chief of Police and Village
Administrator have determined that the lowest responsible bidder meeting the
requirements of the contract documents is Advanced Vision Technology Group
for the bid price of$34,457.00.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that contract
904-06 "(ICOP) Impact Connectivity on Patrol, a Wireless Mobility Solution" is
hereby awarded to Advanced Vision Technology Group for the total bid price of
$34,457.00; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute
and deliver all documents necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes of
this resolution.
Chief Santoro noted that the Village received a grant that cover 100% of thus
project. This means that there will now be computers in the police vehicles,
which will be able to access the same information as the computers at
Headquarters. There will be enough antennas to cover 99% of the Village. The
computers should be installed in a month, and then training will commence.
TRUSTEE BUZIN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE FEINSTEIN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE HARRIS VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE SANTON VOTING AYE
MAYOR RAND VOTING AYE
5) DECLARING MUNICIPAL EQUIPMENT AS SURPLUS FOR SALE
Mr. Bradbury read the resolution. On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and
seconded by Trustee Buzin, the resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION
DECLARING MUNICIPAL EQUIPMENT AS SURPLUS FOR SALE
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 14,2004
Page 11
WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook has several pieces of municipal
vehicles and equipment that are no longer of functional value or use to the Village
and;
WHEREAS, the equipment may have a nominal resale value;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the equipment
listed below is declared surplus to be sold to the highest qualified bidder through
sealed bids solicited through classified advertisement in the official paper of the
Village.
Make MODEL YEAR VIN
ESCRIPTION
CHEVY CAPRICE 1996 1G1BL52P2TR133696 Passenger; 111,264
miles
CHEVY CAPRICE 1992 lGlBL5379NW158243 Passenger; 81,865
miles
CHEVY 3500 1991 1GBJV33K3MF302121 Pickup; 61,325 miles
CHEVY SUBURBAN 1994 1GNDT13W6R2141002 SUV; 118,462 miles
CHEVY CAPRICE 1991 1G1BL52P6SR171835 Passenger; 112,232
miles
AND IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that if no bids are received for a
particular item, that this item may be disposed of through appropriate means,
AND IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby
authorized to execute and deliver all documents necessary or appropriate to
accomplish the purposes of this resolution.
Mayor Rand noted that some of the vehicles are up there in age, and mileage,with
the newest vehicle being a 1996.
TRUSTEE BUZIN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE FEINSTEIN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE HARRIS VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE SANTON VOTING AYE
MAYOR RAND VOTING AYE
6) APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 14,2004
Page 12
April 6, 2004; April 27, 2004; May 25, 2004; June 8, 2004; June 22, 2004;
July 27, 2004; and August 24,2004.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon to consider the summaries at the next Board
of Trustee meeting.
Mayor Rand noted the commencement of the Leaf Collection Program was almost upon
the Village. He noted that there have been discussions on procedure, and ways to make
leaf collection more expedient. Many recommendations have been made, and Mr.
Bradbury was called upon to review the changes made to this Program. It was noted that
a highlight of the changes has been included in the Village's newsletter.
Mr. Bradbury noted that this information will be posted on the Village's website. Several
months of review have resulted in the changes to the current program. This matter was
discussed with Village staff, and different perspectives were considered. There will be
three (3) routes, which will be listed on the website. Trucks will not be re-routed. By
keeping trucks on their assigned routes, and having the drivers report back on a daily
basis, the Village will be able to advise residents of when the trucks will be passing
again. In addition, the drivers will be reporting obstacles and/or contaminated piles. A
pile is considered contaminated when it contains anything other than leaves. This
includes branches, balls, and rocks. The Village is asking that the leaves be placed at the
curb, with piles being no more than 2 feet in width. The reason being that the truck only
has approximately a four (4) foot reach. With uniform piles, keeping the piles tight, the
truck can pick up all of the leaves in one passing.
Trustee Feinstein questioned how the Village would be getting this message out to
gardeners. Mr. Bradbury stated that a mailing list has been put together and a direct
mailing will be made to most of the local landscapers. In addition warnings and tickets
will be issued to make homeowners aware of violations.
Mayor Rand noted that ultimately it is the responsibility of the homeowners to ensure that
their landscapers are informed and kept current on Village ordinances. He stressed that it
is very important to be very careful not to contaminate the leaf piles. This is heavy
equipment, but it is also fragile when it comes to picking up rocks, bottles, soccer balls
which can destroy the equipment. This type of debris can also create a dangerous
situation for Village personnel.
Mr. Bradbury noted that no leaves are to be pushed onto traffic islands. Several of the
Homeowners Associations will be collecting their leaves and delivering the leaves to the
compost site. He noted that branches should be bundled and, as of January 1, 2005, at the
end of the leaf pickup program—the leaves should be bagged.
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 14,2004
Page 13
Trustee Santon stated that he was against placing anything into the roadway. He felt that
this was sending the wrong message. Mr. Bradbury noted that the Village is trying to
reach a compromise—not destroying residents' lawns, and not blocking the streets.
Mr. Victor Carosi, Village Engineer, described the equipment. He pointed out that the
vacuum is manually operated, and swings from side to side. This vacuum hose has a
limited motion, and the other end is attached to the middle of the truck. The operator
stands between two pieces of equipment, which gives him a four (4) or five (5) reach.
Stretching out the leaves versus placing them in five (5) wide piles means that the staff
can pick up all the leaves in one pass.
Mayor Rand noted that this was a decent compromise. Although not perfect, the Village
hopes for a better year than last year. All pick-up dates will be posted on the Village's
website.
Trustee Harris noted that last year we had a late drop of leaves, and an early snowfall. He
asked if the Village was prepared for this type of scenario this year. Mr. Carosi noted
that it was hoped that all the leaves would be picked up before any snow storms. The
bulk of leaves come down in mid-November,but with weather there are no guarantees.
Trustee Santon asked if things don't go according to plan if there was a contingency plan.
He suggested outside vendors to assist the Village. Mr. Bradbury stated that he would
look into this issue.
Mayor Rand noted that the residents around the Port Chester High School were delighted
with the new parking regulations, and that the speed limit appeared to be working. The
Rye Brook Police Department was still monitoring the situation, and additional changes
can be made if needed. It is important to remember that the Village does not want to shift
the parking problems from one area to another.
Mayor Rand noted that he had received calls and e-mails from residents who feel that it is
a hardship for them to place recyclable and bulk waste out after 6:00 p.m. in the winter
months. Mayor Rand asked the Board for their feelings regarding changing the time for
the winter months. Mr. Bradbury noted that this would mean that the Code would have
to be modified and, if that is the direction the Board wishes to go, a pubic hearing must
be set. Mayor Rand reminded everyone that there is a time constriction as it is getting
darker earlier.
Trustee Feinstein felt that if the Board considered changing the time, it should be uniform
throughout the year or it would become too confusing. Unfortunately this would mean
that during the summer months garbage could be placed out an extra hour. She preferred
to leave it at 6:00 p.m.
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 14,2004
Page 14
Mr. Beane stated that the Village could try this change for a winter, noting that in the
dead of winter it is dark by 5:00 p.m. This would mean changing the time from 6:00 p.m.
to 4:30 p.m.
Trustee Buzin felt that the Ordinance should be kept the way it was. He noted that
residents could place bulk waste and recycling out in the morning, and pointed out that
the present schedule has been working very well.
Trustee Harris also felt that it would be too confusing with two different schedules.
However, he noted that there is a contingent of people who are not able to carry out their
trash by themselves. He stated that if someone's water heater broke, it would be the
workers that would bring the old heater to the curb. This would mean needing to place
the heater outside prior to 5:00 p.m. It was also noted that many of the older residents
were the ones that were having problems.
Trustee Feinstein felt that the Village should look into implementing a program with the
school districts, awarding community service credits for students who are willing to help
people bring their recycling and bulk waste to the curb. Mayor Rand stated that this was
an excellent suggestion and a very productive discussion. Mr. Bradbury was directed to
research this matter.
DISCUSSION ITEM:
Various issues relating to King Street Fields Project
Trustee Santon stated that by October 140' the Village would know if they have the
additional land needed for the creation of the proposed fields. He asked for a timeline for
getting proposals, when the scaled blueprint drawings would be completed, and when the
Village would be sure that what has been proposed fits. He also asked for the status of
the Legacy Grant application, and what supplemental/alternative sources were in place
for funding,
Trustee Santon noted that this is a $3.28 million dollar project, which means a $1.8
shortfall in funding. He questioned where the shortfall of funds would come from. He
felt that there were a lot of issues that needed to be dealt with so that the Village could hit
the ground running when the information is all in. He also questioned the status of
Tennessee Gas' approvals, and whether or not they are still okay with the proposal. He
stated that communication with Tennessee Gas must start immediately.
Trustee Santon continued, questioning what the Village was doing about the proposed
detention basin from the 2002 study from Dolph Rothfeld.
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 14,2004
Page 15
Mayor Rand asked that Mr. Bradbury attempt to answer all of Trustee Santon's
questions, and give an update on this discussion item.
Mr. Bradbury began by noting that before the next Board of Trustees meeting the Village
will receive proposals. The architect on the project will be asked to clarify the plans.
Regarding the Legacy Grant, he had no additional information yet. Mr. Bradbury agreed
that it was an appropriate time to re-engage Tennessee Gas. Mr. Beane agreed, stating
that now was the appropriate time to put together the agreement between Tennessee Gas
and the Village.
Mr. Bradbury noted that the detention basin was an important part of the puzzle being put
together. This must be fleshed out, and Mr. Rotfeld would now be directed to work on
this project.
Trustee Feinstein noted that the financing was one of the more important issues. The
Village will need to borrow in the vicinity of $1.8 million. She questioned what this
would cost the Village, and asked that the numbers be put together. This information
must be in place in order to make a determination.
Mayor Rand agreed that issues need to be reviewed as this is a very critical time — over
the next several weeks — and the Village must be sure that things are moving ahead.
There must be a back up for funding. The Village intends to take this project and make it
a reality. He stated that Trustee Santon was correct in asking these questions. He asked
that at every meeting of the Board of Trustees an update as to where the Village stands on
this project be given.
Mayor Rand noted that this project has many different moving parts and angles. It has
been a very difficult game to play. Many of the questions that have been raised must be
answered,perhaps not yet—but sooner or later they must be answered. He noted that this
is a field that may be built in stages because the Village may not be able to afford
everything all at once. The residents of the Village, and both school districts, may be
asked to help fund and pay for additional bonds. He reiterated that updates must be made
at each meeting of the Board of Trustees.
Trustee Santon pointed out that he was only aware of one SEQRA declaration, and that
was in June of 2002 when the project was a $600,000 soccer field. He requested
information on SEQRA to ensure that the Village does what it is supposed to do. He
stated that the SEQRA declaration must be updated.
Trustee Santon stated that he was glad to see that there has been some discussion on the
financial aspects. He wanted clarification of what could be afforded. He also asked that
Mr. Rotfeld advise the Board of the size of the detention basin, where it could be located,
and if an underground detention basin should be considered. He asked that the process be
accelerated.
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 14,2004
Page 16
Mayor Rand noted that Trustee Feinstein had requested that a Smart Review from the
County be considered. It was noted that the Finance Advisory Board had a meeting
scheduled for Tuesday, September 280' at 8:00 a.m. at Village Hall. The purpose of the
meeting is to review the issues, and noted areas for review, i.e., fiscal balance, alternate
sources of revenue, etc. This review will determine how the Village is doing year-to-date
on the budget and cash reserve. Trustee Feinstein asked for a public presentation. Mayor
Rand noted that the presentation would be scheduled.
Mayor Rand announced that the next Board of Trustees meetings were scheduled for
September 28, 2004 and October 12, 2004.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and seconded by Trustee Feinstein, the meeting
was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
TRUSTEE BUZIN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE FEINSTEIN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE HARRIS VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE SANTON VOTING AYE
MAYOR RAND VOTING AYE
Respectfully Submitted,
Christopher J. Bradbury
Village Administrator/Clerk
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 14,2004
Page 17