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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-23 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010-7:30 P.M. AGENDA 7:00 P.M.–Executive Session–Personnel ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE REPORT: (1) Doral Arrowwood Sketch Plan Review PUBLIC HEARINGS RESOLUTIONS: (1) Considering the authorization of funds for the 2010 Independence Day Celebration to be paid to the Port Chester-Rye Brook-Town of Rye Independence Day Committee (2) Considering re-adoption of the Employee Policy Manual(s) (3) Setting a Public Hearing to consider proposed amendment to Chapter 240 of the Village of Rye Brook Village Code regarding no parking (4) Overview of the 2010-11 Tentative Budget and setting a public hearing for April 13, 2010 (5) Adopting local adjustments for homestead and non-homestead base proportions ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS Board of Trustees Meeting March 23,2010 Page 1 of 13 ACTION ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEES PRESENT AT THE MEETING THE NEXT REGULAR TRUSTEES MEETINGS: April 13 and April 27, 2010 BOARD: Trustee Michael S. Brown Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Trustee Dean P. Santon Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Mayor Joan L. Feinstein STAFF: Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator David Burke, Assistant to the Village Administrator Edward Beane, Esq., Village Counsel Michal Nowak, Acting Village Engineer Fred Seifert, Public Access Coordinator Paula Patafio, Meeting Secretary Mayor Joan L. Feinstein welcomed everyone to the March 23, 2010 meeting of the Board of Trustees. She noted that because of the recent elections, this would be the last meeting for Trustees Dean Santon and Patricia Sanders Romano. Mayor Feinstein called for the first item on the agenda: REPORT: (1) Doral Arrowwood Sketch Plan Review Bruno Gioffre, Esq., of the firm of Gioffre and Gioffre, addressed the Board as the legal representative for the applicant. He noted that times are changing and Doral Arrowwood is trying to keep up. As sporting activities change, Doral must make changes to meet these needs. In these rough economic times, golfing has become expensive, while tennis has become more popular. The applicant is submitting a proposal for additional tennis courts, enclosed during the winter months which would allow play to be seasonal. The applicant also proposes upgrades to the restaurant to make it an all year round facility to meet the needs of the community. Mr. Gioffre stated that the proposed plans will show how the site will look, and what the changes are. At this time the applicant is looking for input from the Board on how these proposed changes will this fit into the Doral concept Board of Trustees Meeting March 23,2010 Page 2 of 13 and the Rye Brook community. Mr. Gioffre noted that Joseph Crocco, Architect, and Don Wentworth from Doral would also make brief presentations. He turned the podium over to Mr. Crocco. Mr. Crocco noted that drawings have been submitted to the Board for review. Doral is looking to demolish the existing locker rooms, bag storage area, shop, and restaurant and re-work the area to house three additional tennis courts. A new building, larger than the combined two buildings, is proposed for housing the pro shop, men's and women's locker rooms, snack bar and restaurant. The restaurant will no longer be under a tent. It was noted that there was a restaurant in the main hotel building that has closed. There is an overall seat reduction with the new restaurant, and parking has been recalculated. When done there will be 711 spaces, where the Village requires 694. The re-configured lot will be reduced by seven parking spaces, but it is still over by 17 spaces. Fire access to the main hotel and the rear of the property will come from the main entrance via the park path which will be constructed to an acceptable width. It will be for emergency use only. The building will be designed to match the architecture of the facility, suitable lighting will be provided, and the landscaping will be upgraded. The cover over the three courts will be up in the cooler seasons and removed during the warm weather. The footprint of the building is close to the one being demolished. Mayor Feinstein noted that the proposed building will be a two-story building. She noted that she was concerned about the visual impact to the community. Mr. Crocco noted that the courts are planned to be constructed at the furthest point from the residential units. Mr. Gioffre stated that the existing structure is not visible from the residential area. He asked that Mr. Wentworth address this issue. Don Wentworth of Doral Greens addressed the Board. He stated that they took balloons and marked the height of the tennis court bubble. It was found that it cannot be seen from the residential units. He reiterated that golfing is way down while the demand for tennis is up. There are tennis pros that are world class that use these courts. On the weekends the hotel patrons use the courts, and the surrounding community utilizes the courts all week long. Trustee Rosenberg noted that site is important. He asked for clarification of the hours of operation and noted that he was saddened about the outdoor dining being taken away. It was beautiful and it was nice looking out on the 18th green. Mr. Wentworth noted that this feature will continue; the new restaurant will have windows and they will be opened to give the Board of Trustees Meeting March 23,2010 Page 3 of 13 outdoor feeling. Trustee Rosenberg suggested flip-flopping the store and the restaurant. He felt that the unique aspect of having the dining outside and close to the golf course was an important aspect. The tent did make you victims of the weather, but on nice evenings it was beautiful. Mr. Crocco pointed out that the snack bar on the lower level will have a patio for outdoor eating. Mr. Gioffre noted the golf carts will be organized and under cover. Trustee Sanders Romano asked what the visual impact would be to Kingswood. Mr. Wentworth noted that the project is proposed in a lower area of the property and will not be visible from the street. Trustee Michael Brown noted that you go down from the parking lot to the get to the tennis courts, approximately seven steps. Mr. Wentworth noted that the new facilities will be at the elevation of the parking area. Trustee Santon noted that this is a sketch plan review. It will eventually involve a site plan review. Doral Arrowwood is part of a P.U.D. located in an OB1 District. This was built as a conference center. This is not an Hl Zone. The Purchase Country Club became Doral Greens. The last recorded map showing the overall layout is from 1992. The applicant will need to provide an overall plan of the entire P.U.D. in order to put this project in context with the overall site. The overall zoning will need to be reviewed. Mayor Feinstein noted that a four season restaurant would cause a minor traffic impact. This site was only used during the summer and that factor and the fact that the restaurant in the main building closed may offset some of the additional traffic. Trustee Santon asked if there was a need to consider the zoning since what is constructed on the site should match up with the zoning for the area. Edward Beane, Esq., Village Counsel stated that this issue would be reviewed. Mr. Gioffre noted that the comments would be taken under advisement. He thanked the Board for the review. Mayor Feinstein called for the first item under resolutions: RESOLUTIONS: Board of Trustees Meeting March 23,2010 Page 4 of 13 Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION CONSIDERING THE AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS FOR THE 2010 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION TO BE PAID TO THE PORT CHESTER-RYE BROOK-TOWN OF RYE INDEPENDENCE DAY COMMITTEE WHEREAS, The Port Chester-Rye Brook-Town of Rye Independence Day Committee will host the 2010 Independence Day Celebration; and WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook Village Board would like to continue to assist the Independence Day Committee with this event. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook will pay three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500.00) to the Port Chester-Rye Brook-Town of Rye Independence Day Committee for its 2010 Independence Day Celebration. Gerald Logan, former Mayor of Port Chester, addressed the Board. He thanked the Mayor and Board for their consideration, and noted that this was the 63rd year of this event. There will be a great show, with the Westchester Brassman performing for a second year. Last year they offered their services gratis, and they have done the same this year. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the evening. On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee Santon, the resolution was adopted. Mr. David Burke, Assistant to the Village Administrator, called the roll: Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye Board of Trustees Meeting March 23,2010 Page 5 of 13 Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION CONSIDERING RE-ADOPTION OF THE EMPLOYEE POLICY MANUAL(S) WHEREAS, the Village has updated and modified its outdated benefits, policies and procedures manual and created two separate documents called a Summary of Non-Union Benefits manual and Employee Policies and Procedures manual. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Summary of Non-Union Benefits manual is hereby updated and adopted by the Village Board in order to reflect the actual benefits currently received by the Village's non-union employees; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Employee Policies and Procedures manual is hereby updated, consolidated and adopted in order to reflect current policies, legal updates, and other appropriate policies and procedures that apply to Village of Rye Brook employees. Mr. Bradbury noted that this project has been in the works for quite sometime. On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and seconded by Trustee Sanders Romano, the resolution was adopted. Mr. Burke called the roll: Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye Board of Trustees Meeting March 23,2010 Page 6 of 13 Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW TO AMEND CHAPTER 240 OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK VILLAGE CODE REGARDING NO PARKING WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees is considering an amendment of Chapter 240, Section 19 of the Village Code regarding no parking. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook, shall hold a public hearing on April 13, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall, 938 King Street, Rye Brook, New York to consider the proposed local law. Mr. Bradbury noted that the request for review of this issue came from the Hidden Falls Homeowners' Association and the School District. After review from the Traffic Commission, certain areas of no parking and restricted parking were proposed. This area tends to get congested, and the parking issue is a safety issue. Mayor Feinstein questioned the hours of restriction. Mr. Bradbury noted that this area can be reviewed. Trustee Rosenberg asked if the immediate neighbors were notified by mail, and Trustee Santon wanted to be sure that these restrictions would not take away off street parking that people rely on. Mr. Bradbury stated that the initial request for review came from the Homeowners Association. On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and seconded by Trustee Sanders Romano, the resolution was adopted. The roll was called: Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye Board of Trustees Meeting March 23,2010 Page 7 of 13 Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION OVERVIEW OF THE 2010-2011 TENTATIVE BUDGET AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR APRIL 13, 2010 RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing will be held by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall located at 938 King Street, Rye Brook, New York to consider the proposed 2010-2011 Tentative Budget for the Village of Rye Brook; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the notice of public hearing shall state the time, place, purpose of the hearing, and that a copy of the tentative budget is available in the office of the Village Clerk, for inspection during regular office hours. Mr. Bradbury noted that the resolution sets the public hearing. The budget was filed last Friday. A detailed PowerPoint presentation will be given during the public hearing. The budget has been on the web since Friday and is available in the Administrator's office for anyone interested in reviewing it. There is a proposed tax levy increase of 2.22%; the Homestead portion is at 1.75% and budget-to-budget there is a 0.22% increase. Two full time positions remain unfilled from the prior year. Mr. Bradbury noted that there were two budget work sessions scheduled for April 5t" and April l Ot", and this resolution would set the public hearing for April 13th. The assessed value is about a $65.00 increase over the average tax from last year. A lot more details and information will be given at the public hearing. Mayor Feinstein noted that there are two work sessions open to the public, and the information will be on the web. She announced that one of the work sessions was scheduled for a Saturday — April 10th at 9:00 a.m. Mayor Feinstein noted that she has submitted a letter to the editor of the Westmore News. All residents are encouraged to attend the work sessions. They will not be televised and are more of an informal meeting. Mayor Feinstein thanked Mr. Bradbury and the Department Heads for their hard work. Department heads were requested to reduce their budgets by 5%. Board of Trustees Meeting March 23,2010 Page 8 of 13 Mr. Bradbury noted that this was by far the most challenging budget. The Village has had to deal with the loss of revenues, and this made for an extremely tight budget. Trustee Santon agreed, stating that this is a very lean budget. Trustee Rosenberg stated that Mr. Bradbury has done a phenomenal job. Mr. Bradbury noted that there was a $250,000 increase in the retirement line, a decrease in revenues, and increases in mandated expenditures, coupled with the downturn of mortgage and sales tax, and inspection fees, making this a very difficult budget. Mayor Feinstein noted that the old Board started the budget review and then the new Board comes in and makes the final approval. This is the first time the new Board will be working on the budget, so they will be hitting the ground running. On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee Santon, the resolution was adopted. Mr. Burke called the roll: Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL ADJUSTMENTS FOR HOMESTEAD AND NON-HOMESTEAD BASE PROPORTIONS WHEREAS, on January 25, 2005 the Board of Trustees adopted Local Law #2-2005 relating to the adoption of the provisions of Section 1903 of the Real Property Tax Law regarding Homestead Base Proportions; and WHEREAS, the Town of Rye Assessor has prepared Homestead and Non-Homestead base proportions for the Village of Rye Brook; and Board of Trustees Meeting March 23,2010 Page 9 of 13 WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook wishes to adopt local adjustments to these base proportions, that will be used to establish a Homestead tax rate and a Non-Homestead tax rate for the 2010-2011 Village Budget and tax rates. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook hereby adopts for the 2010-11 Village tax, Homestead Base Proportions of 73.912563% and Non-Homestead base proportions of 26.087437%; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Village Administrator are authorized to sign all necessary documents to implement the purposes of this resolution; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Assessor and Tax Collector are authorized and directed to make any filings on behalf of Rye Brook, and to take any additional actions necessary to implement the purposes of this resolution. There were no questions or comments from the Board or members of the public on this matter. On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee Santon, the resolution was adopted. The roll was called: Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye Mayor Feinstein called for the Administrator's Report. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: Mr. Bradbury noted that the Village is still cleaning up from the March 13th storm. Police and Fire Department and staff worked together. There were a lot of trees down within the Village and residents are still cleaning up. It was noted that Board of Trustees Meeting March 23,2010 Page 10 of 13 many trees were lost in Crawford Park. The staff worked very hard during the storm and worked around the clock. They began to mobilize the day before and the Highway Department began working very early. It was amazing to see everyone pull together. There were over 600 calls to the Police Department, 29 road blocks, wires down, trees down and power was out. Thanks to the staff and the utility companies' hard work, power was restored within a few days. Now the clean up phase begins. The Administrator's Office has received a lot of calls regarding what will be picked up and what cannot be put out. The information is available on the Village's website. Trustee Brown noted that many fences have come down. If the resident is replacing the fence, in kind, then no permit is needed. If a resident decides to replace the fencing with a different kind of fence, then a permit would be needed. In additional, fallen trees can be removed without a permit. The safety issues must be taken care of immediately. Mr. Bradbury stated that the Village had a very good meeting with the County regarding the Ridge Street re-construction project. This project will take approximately eight (8) months. Letters were sent to residents and the meeting was very well attended. The official start date is March 31't; the project is approved and ready to go. If residents are not sure of what is going on in front of their homes they should call the Village. Mr. Bradbury noted that the Village Hall now has a new phone system. The main numbers are the same, but extensions have changed. All numbers are listed on the website. Mayor Feinstein stated that 1100 residents came out to vote. Toby Marrow and Jeffrey Rednick were elected and replace Patricia Sanders Romano and Dean Santon. Mayor Feinstein noted that a special meeting of the Board was held and an application was filed with New York State regarding an efficiency grant to look at the potential dissolution of the Town of Rye. Port Chester and Rye Brook will be putting in $5,000.00 and Mamaroneck has agreed to in-kind services. This will be an inter-municipal effort. Mayor Feinstein thanked Patricia Sanders Romano and Dean Santon for their service on the Board of Trustees. Trustee Sanders Romano read a letter, written by her, that will be published in the Westmore News. She thanked the residents for the honor of being on the Board of Trustees for the past four years. She reminded everyone that the Board members are all volunteers, as are members of all of the Village Boards and Councils. Much time and effort goes into making the Board of Trustees Meeting March 23,2010 Page 11 of 13 Village what it is today. She offered kudos to the Village staff, and wished her successor the best. Trustees Rosenberg and Brown offered their thanks to Trustees Sanders Romano and Santon. This Board worked well together and they will be missed. Trustee Santon stated that he would recommend this form of volunteerism to everyone. You have the opportunity to meet people that you would never have met. He stated that it was a privilege to get to know the Village staff, and to learn more about Rye Brook's history. This has been a very unique opportunity. Mayor Feinstein read and presented both Trustees with proclamations, and once again thanked them for their many hours of volunteer work. Mayor Feinstein noted that the next Village meeting was scheduled for April 13th and April 27th. There would be a reception for the new Trustees on April 13th, presided over by the Honorable Anthony Provenzano, to which all residents were invited. Mayor Feinstein reminded the public that the budget workshops were scheduled for April 5th and April 10th, and encouraged all interested residents to attend. As there was no further business before the Board, and no one wishing to address the Board on Village matters, Mayor Feinstein called for a motion for an executive session. On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee Santon, the Board went into an executive session. Mr. Burke called the roll: Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye The meeting was adjourned at 9:13 p.m. The meeting resumed at approximately 10:00 p.m. Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: Board of Trustees Meeting March 23,2010 Page 12 of 13 CONSIDERING AN ADJUSTMENT TO THE COMPENSATION OF THE ASSISTANT ENGINEER/ACTING ENGINEER, AND THE ASSISTANT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR WHEREAS, the Village has determined that the compensation of the Assistant Engineer/Acting Engineer and the Assistant to the Administrator should be revisited given the increased responsibilities of these positions. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that effective March 24, 2010 the annual salary of Michal Nowak, Assistant Engineer, shall be increased to $64,000 and the stipend as Acting Engineer shall be maintained at $500 per month, however, Mr. Nowak would not be eligible for overtime as long as he remains as Acting Engineer; and be it further RESOLVED, that effective March 24, 2010 the annual salary of David Burke, Assistant to the Administrator, shall be increased to $55,000. TRUSTEE BROWN AYE TRUSTEE SANDERS ROMANO AYE TRUSTEE ROSENBERG AYE TRUSTEE SANTON AYE MAYOR FEINSTEIN AYE Board of Trustees Meeting March 23,2010 Page 13 of 13