HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-09-28 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2010-7:30 P.M.
7:15 P.M.–Recognition of Helen Antonetti
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
REPORT
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Public hearing to consider a proposed local law establishing a hotel
occupancy tax
2. Public hearing to consider a proposed local law amending the amnesty
program for work performed or completed without a permit
RESOLUTIONS:
(1) Considering a proposed local law establishing a hotel occupancy tax
(2) Consider a proposed local law amending the amnesty program for work
performed or completed without a permit
(3) Approving the use of Village streets for the Friends of Crawford Park
5K Race
(4) Considering the award of Bid 10-03 "Flat Roof, 15 Ton Split System
and Clear Story Window Replacement for the Posillipo Community
Center"
(5) Considering entering into a service agreement with Docview, LLC
(Carfax)
(6) Appointment of Special Engineering Consultant
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Pagel
(7) Considering the approval of Minutes: July 13, 2010; July 27, 2010;
August 17, 2010
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) Elm Hill Park Pathway
2) Code Section 250-40 Notification Requirements
3) Amendment to financial policy regarding capital projects
4) Overview of high pressure natural gas pipeline in the Village
ACTION ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT
OF THE TRUSTEES PRESENT AT THE MEETING
THE NEXT REGULAR TRUSTEES MEETINGS: October 12 and October
26, 2010
BOARD: Trustee Michael S. Brown
Trustee Toby S. Marrow
Trustee Jeffrey B. Rednick
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein
STAFF: Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator
David Burke, Assistant to the Village Administrator
Gregory Austin, Chief of Police
Edward Beane, Esq., Village Counsel
Michal Nowak, Acting Village Engineer
Fred Seifert, Public Access Coordinator
Paula Patafio, Meeting Secretary
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Page 2
Mayor Feinstein welcomed everyone to the September 28, 2010 Board of Trustees
meeting. She began the meeting with the introduction of Helen Antonetti, a young
woman who has volunteered her services at Village Hall for the past seven years.
Mr. Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator, noted that Helen has assisted in
several departments, and has been an asset to the Village. Mayor Feinstein
presented Helen with a proclamation of recognition.
Mayor Feinstein introduced Joy Haenlein from Abilis, formerly known as
Greenwich ARC. She presented the organization with a Proclamation of
Recognition, and thanked Ms. Haenlein for placing Helen with the Village.
Mr. Bradbury thanked the staff for their support, and noted that they have been
happy to work with Helen and look forward to working with her for many more
years.
Mayor Feinstein noted that a reception was held for Helen prior to the
commencement of the meeting.
Mayor Feinstein called for the first item on the agenda:
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1) PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW
ESTABLISHING A HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX
On a motion made by Trustee Michael Brown, and seconded by Trustee
Toby Marrow, the public hearing was declared open.
Mr. David Burke, Assistant to the Village Administrator, called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Toby S. Marrow Voting Aye
Trustee Jeffrey B. Rednick Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
Mr. Bradbury began the discussion by noting that this issue has been
discussed by the Village for many years, and openly discussed at many
Board of Trustees meetings. At the last meeting a local law was prepared as
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Page 3
a result of special state legislation that was signed by the Governor. This
law will allow the Village to apply a hotel occupancy tax of up to 3%. Rye
Brook has 820 hotel rooms between Doral Arrowwood and the Rye Town
Hilton. This legislation would be the first time that a Village would have
this ability. The payments would follow the cycle of the Westchester
County Tax.
Mayor Feinstein opened the public hearing to members of the community.
Demetris Adamis, Esq., from the firm of Gioffre & Gioffre, addressed the
Board as the representative for Doral Arrowwood. He introduced David
Sinoti, Esq., counsel for the Rye Town Hilton, Mr. Steven Neighbors and
Mr. Donald Wentworth from Doral Arrowwood, and Mr. Christopher
Devers from the Rye Town Hilton. He noted that both hotels were in
opposition to the adoption of this local law. He stated that it is understood
that the Village was looking for additional revenue; however, in this
instance he felt that this tax would be counterproductive. Mr. Adamis stated
that both hotels received notification last Thursday that this matter would
be voted upon at this meeting. Both entities would like the opportunity to
present the facts in opposition, showing how this local law would be
counterproductive. He stated that like most other products, goods, services
— hotel rooms have become very rate sensitive. These two properties do a
large portion of their business in conventions, weddings, and large groups
which are planned years in advance. It is felt that this tax would shift
business to White Plains, Connecticut or other locations. This tax could
have a negative ripple effect. It will affect revenues, it will reduce the
number of people contributing to the economy, it will affect employment,
and the ability of the hotels to book future events. The law has a retroactive
feature to it. If the law becomes effective as of November 1, 2010 it will
cover events and contracts that have been made prior to that date. There are
significant bookings and contracts out there that will be affected. In this
case, the argument that the hotels pass this increase along to the consumer
is not valid. The hotels will have to absorb the tax or renegotiate the
existing contracts which could involve the loss of business. The
competition in the hotel industry is fierce. There are many alternatives.
The overall economic benefits by keeping the hotels competitive would
outweigh the income received from the hotel tax. Enactment of this tax
would cause an adverse effect on the operations of both hotels.
David Sinoti, Esq., counsel for the Rye Town Hilton addressed the Board.
He focused on one issue, the retroactive provision. He stated that the
problem is that the Hilton has contracts going back to 2007. Telling these
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Page 4
customers that an additional 3% tax has been enacted could result in these
customers moving their business elsewhere. The hotels only had less than a
week to prepare for this meeting. Mr. Sinoti asked for additional time to
prepare the facts to be presented to the Board of Trustees. He noted that the
retroactive provision carries with it a substantial impact for the hotels.
Mayor Feinstein noted that many contracts provide for applicable taxes.
She pointed out that the hotels have a County and State tax as well and
these taxes are subject to increases at any time. The Rye Town Hilton has
contracts that list a special amount of tax. Mr. Sinoti stated that this new
tax could cause friction between the hotel and customers who have used
these hotels for many years. He asked that this provision be removed.
Dr. Richard Buzin, former Village Trustee and former member of the
School Board, addressed the Board. He noted that he was on the Village
Board five years ago when the City of Rye enacted a hotel tax. That is
when the Board decided to look into this additional stream of revenue. The
Village of Rye Brook provides essential services to these facilities. The
budget includes police and fire services. This tax will ensure that the
people that come to these facilities are well protected. A major incident
that took place at the Rye Town Hilton took many hours of police work.
This is a way to bring in non-resident tax revenue. As a school board
member, he stated that he was aware the one of the hotels has applied for
many tax certioraris over the years. This has cost the taxpayers in the
school districts quite a bit of money. As a matter of fairness and goodwill,
he very strongly suggested that the Village take advantage of this
opportunity.
Attorney Adamis stated that essential services are paid through real estate
taxes. The occupancy taxes are specifically earmarked for trade, tools, and
support. It is akin to the lottery funds that are supposed to be earmarked for
education. The occupancy tax should have a specific use attached to it. If
the businesses are negatively affected by this tax, it could have an adverse
effect.
Mr. Bradbury stated that he contacted both facilities to explain the tax as
soon as it was signed into law in August. This tax will put Rye Brook on a
level playing field with White Plains, Rye, New Rochelle and other
municipalities that have a comparable tax.
Trustee Paul Rosenberg noted the other municipalities have a hotel tax. It
is understandable that the hotels would oppose this tax. He noted that
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Page 5
Attorney Adamis was correct in the real estate taxes do pay for services
from the Village. He asked for a list of Tax Certioraris for the past seven
years from both properties, noting that he was aware of the number of times
the Rye Town Hilton requested tax adjustments. The hotel tax is good for
the Village. It is a way to bring in additional revenue. The hotel tax is
passed on to the people who stay at the hotel. If the hotels have a problem
with the retroactive provision, then that can be discussed.
Trustee Michael Brown added that if the State or County adjusted their
taxes, the current contracts would need to be changed. He believed that the
hotels will still do well, and the Village will benefit from this tax. This
matter could be reviewed next year, but he felt that the resolution should be
adopted now.
Mayor Feinstein stated that she also did not believe that the hotel
occupancy tax would take away from the business. The Rye Town Hilton
is very well known. There are a number of weddings that are held at these
two facilities each year. Although she understood the hotels' concerns, she
felt that the two facilities are unique; they are first class hotels. The Village
is scrambling looking for non-resident sources of revenue. A hotel tax of
3% will not make a difference to the hotels but will benefit the village.
Counsel has drafted the local law and the consensus of the Board was that it
should be adopted.
Edward Beane, Esq., Village Counsel, respectfully disagreed with the
counsels for the hotels. He noted that no matter when this law goes into
effect there will be a contract that will be affected. Rooms that will be
occupied after the law is adopted will carry the 3% tax. Attorney Beane
noted that contracts that he has reviewed have had a provision in them
regarding applicable taxes. If there is an issue that results from the
adoption of this resolution, then both hotels can come back next year.
Attorney Adamis asked for an adjournment for short period of time to
address the issues. There are years of data and information that can be
presented to the Board. Much of the business of these hotels is business
related and 3% does make a difference. Maybe there is an opportunity to
come up with transitional rules. He stated that they were not trying to deter
the Village from doing what it feels is best for its residents but, in the
interest of fairness, the hotels should be given the opportunity to present a
complete case and request modifications to the law. He stated that the
hotels need more time to transition. The further away from November Ist
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September 28,2010
Page 6
the adoption of this local law gets, the further you get beyond the older
contracts that both hotels have in place.
Trustee Rosenberg noted that when the Governor signed the legislation,
both hotels were notified immediately. That was at least three or four
weeks ago. That should have been sufficient time to pull together the data.
Attorney Adamis acknowledged that phone calls were made and the hotels
were made aware of this issue, but not that the Board would be voting on
the local law this evening.
Mr. Bradbury noted that when the Governor signed off on the legislation,
he went to both locations and had meetings. Conversations took place
regarding the administrative part of this local law. In addition, a
notification of the public hearing was sent out.
Attorney Adamis noted that an adjournment would give the entities the
opportunity to address the law. He once again requested an adjournment.
Mayor Feinstein noted that the Rye Town Hilton and Doral Arrowwood are
good corporate neighbors. She felt that the public hearing could remain
open to give the two entities the opportunity to come back with additional
information. Mr. Bradbury stated that if the Board keeps the public hearing
open then there needs to be filing and registration time built in. Mayor
Feinstein requested an Executive Session where the Board could discuss
this matter further with legal counsel.
Attorney Sinoti asked that the Board consider one change to Section 228-
227(d). Attorney Beane noted that the retroactivity was the main area of
concern for both hotels.
On a motion made by Trustee Brown, and seconded by Trustee Rednick,
the Board meeting was temporarily adjourned and the Board went into an
Executive Session.
Mr. Burke called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Toby S. Marrow Voting Aye
Trustee Jeffrey B. Rednick Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Page 7
Upon the Board's return from Executive Session the amendments to the
local law were discussed with counsel for the hotels. An agreement was
reached, and Mayor Feinstein called for a motion to close the public
hearing.
On a motion made by Trustee Rednick, and seconded by Trustee Brown,
the public hearing was closed.
The roll was called:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Toby S. Marrow Voting Aye
Trustee Jeffrey B. Rednick Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
Mayor Feinstein called for the resolution:
RESOLUTIONS:
1) CONSIDERING A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW ESTABLISHING A
HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
CONSIDERING A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW ESTABLISHING
A HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees proposed a local law
establishing a hotel occupancy tax; and
WHEREAS, on September 28, 2010 the Board of Trustees opened a
public hearing on the subject local law and at which time all persons
interested were given an opportunity to speak on behalf of or in opposition
to said local law and the public hearing was closed on September 28, 2010.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of
Trustees hereby approves the local law establishing a hotel occupancy tax.
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Page 8
On a motion made by Trustee Brown, and seconded by Trustee Rednick,
the resolution was adopted.
Mr. Burke called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Toby S. Marrow Voting Aye
Trustee Jeffrey B. Rednick Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
Mayor Feinstein took a moment to thank Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, State
Assemblyman George Latimier, and former Mayor Rand for their hard
work and persistence that brought the hotel tax to fruition. As a result, the
Village will benefit in the amount of $400,000 to $500,000 of additional
annual revenue.
Mayor Feinstein requested that an additional item be taken out of order:
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) ELM HILL PARK PATHWAY
Mayor Feinstein noted that this item was placed on the agenda as a
discussion item. Some of the members of the Board have been approached
by residents asking that a pathway into Crawford Park be constructed from
Elm Hill Drive. This pathway would create an access to Pine Ridge Park.
This pathway was discussed as far back as 2002. The neighbors were
notified of the discussion.
Mr. Bradbury stated that no plans have been created; only a conceptual plan
has been reviewed. There is a sketch plan from 2002 that was once again
reviewed. The path would be along side of residential properties leading
into Crawford Park. The pathway would be constructed of asphalt or wood
chips. It would be an access path leading from one point to another.
Mayor Feinstein opened the floor to the public. Mr. Andrew Wels
homeowner of 4 Hillspoint Lane, addressed the Board. He stated that this
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Page 9
is an item that would be nice to have but not something the Village really
needs. The Village should consider that it would not just be the cost of the
path installation; there are maintenance issues to also be factored in. This
pathway would be a long, dark passage way along many houses that would
create a security risk. The amount of traffic would be increased in an
already traffic congested area. He hoped that the Village Board would put
a quick end to this discussion item.
Bill Popper of 6 Horsehoe Lane addressed the Board. He noted that his
home abuts the proposed pathway. The benefits of the proposed pathway
do not outweigh the risk or the costs. This issue should die a quick death as
the majority of the abutting residents are against it.
Barry Albala of 4 Elm Hill Drive addressed the Board. He stated that there
was no need for this pathway. Traffic is an issue in the area and the cars
parked near the proposed entrance to this pathway would cause additional
safety issues.
Mayor Feinstein noted that there are concerns including safety, traffic, and
costs. At the end of Betsy Brown is a cul de sac and residents can gain
access to Crawford Park, however, residents asked that this issue be
discussed. Staff has also noted that it would help during camp time,
making the walk to Pine Ridge from Crawford Park shorter.
Trustee Brown noted that there are traffic issues in this area. Maybe a no
parking zone should be created and the issue should be referred to the
Traffic Commission for review. No one wants something in their backyard.
The Board must weigh the needs of the Village, general safety issues, and
the needs and concerns of the neighbors when reviewing items such as this
one. He felt that this would provide a viable access. The campers have a
long walk, but there is no way to open this path up to only the campers.
Trustee Toby Marrow noted that she agreed with her fellow Board
members.
Mayor Feinstein thanked the residents for attending. She noted that this
type of discussion is democracy at work.
Mayor Feinstein returned to the agenda. She called for the second public hearing:
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Page 10
2) PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW
AMENDING THE AMNESTY PROGRAM FOR WORK
PERFORMED OR COMPLETED WITHOUT A PERMIT
On a motion made by Trustee Rednick, and seconded by Trustee Marrow,
the public hearing was opened.
Mr. Burke called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Toby S. Marrow Voting Aye
Trustee Jeffrey B. Rednick Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
Mayor Feinstein noted that the resolution extended the amnesty program.
Residents who have done work on their homes without applying for a
permit or without receiving a Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) are
encouraged to come forward. The administrative fees for work that has
been done without a permit or C.O. is waived, that fee being between
$500.00 and $3500.00. The review before the Architectural Review Board
is also being waived under certain circumstances. The Village is
concerned about safety and all construction should be inspected. A request
came from the Arbor's Homeowners Association to extend the program.
The Arbors is in the process of a site plan amendment. However, the
amnesty program is not just for the residents of the Arbors but rather all
homeowners in the Village.
A few language corrections were made to the resolution.
On a motion by Trustee Marrow, seconded by Trustee Rednick, the public
hearing was closed.
Mr. Burke called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Toby S. Marrow Voting Aye
Trustee Jeffrey B. Rednick Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Page 11
RESOLUTION:
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
CONSIDERING PROPOSED LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE AMNESTY
PROGRAM FOR WORK PERFORMED OR COMPLETED WITHOUT A
PERMIT
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees proposed amending the amnesty
program for work performed or completed without a permit; and
WHEREAS, on September 28, 2010 the Board of Trustees opened a
public hearing on the subject local law and at which time all persons interested
were given an opportunity to speak on behalf of or in opposition to said local law
and the public hearing was closed on September 28, 2010.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees
hereby approves the local law amending the amnesty program for work performed
or completed without a permit.
On a motion made by Trustee Marrow, and seconded by Trustee Brown,
the resolution, as amended, was adopted:
The roll was called:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Toby S. Marrow Voting Aye
Trustee Jeffrey B. Rednick Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
3) APPROVING THE USE OF VILLAGE STREETS FOR THE
FRIENDS OF CRAWFORD PARK 5K RACE
Mr. Bradbury read the resolution:
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Page 12
RESOLUTION
APPROVING THE USE OF VILLAGE STREETS FOR THE FRIENDS OF
CRAWFORD PARK 5K RACE
RESOLVED, that the Friends of Crawford Park are authorized to
use Village of Rye Brook streets for their 5K race on Sunday, October 17,
2010, as requested in an email by Laura Klein dated Wednesday, August
11, 2010; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Village streets shall be used in
compliance with the terms and/or conditions established by the Village of
Rye Brook Police Department.
On a motion made by Trustee Rednick, and seconded by Trustee Brown,
the resolution was adopted.
Mr. Burke called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Toby S. Marrow Voting Aye
Trustee Jeffrey B. Rednick Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
4) CONSIDERING THE AWARD OF BID 10-03 "FLAT ROOF, 15 TON
SPLIT SYSTEM AND CLEAR STORY WINDOW REPLACEMENT
FOR THE POSILLIPO COMMUNITY CENTER"
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Page 13
RESOLUTION
CONSIDERING THE AWARD OF CONTRACT 10-03:
"FLAT ROOF, 15 TON SPLIT SYSTEM AND CLEAR
STORY WINDOW REPLACEMENT FOR THE
POSILLIPO COMMUNITY CENTER"
WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook has solicited bids for
Contract 10-03: "Flat Roof, 15 Ton Split System and Clear Story Window
Replacement for the Posillipo Community Center;" and
WHEREAS, a public notice was duly advertised in an official
newspaper of the Village of Rye Brook on Friday, August 27, 2010; and
WHEREAS, at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 21, 2010, all bids
received were opened as summarized below:
BIDDER BID AMOUNT BID BOND
1. Noble Craft Construction $177,300 No
2. Vezandio Construction $203,700 Yes
3. DP Consulting $232,815 Yes
4. Wernert Associates $256,250 Yes
5. Precision Roofing $324,500 Yes; and
WHEREAS, Noble Craft Construction did not submit a bid bond or
certified check as per the bid documents and therefore is disqualified from
the bid process; and
WHEREAS, upon reviewing the bid, the Acting Village Engineer
and Village Administrator determined the lowest responsible bidder
meeting the requirements of the contract document is Vezandio
Construction for the total bid price of$203,700.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that contract 10-03:
"Flat Roof, 15 Ton Split System and Clear Story Window Replacement for
the Posillipo Community Center" is hereby awarded to Vezandio
Construction for the total bid price of$203,700; and be it
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Page 14
FURTHER RESOLVED, that $125,000 is hereby transferred from
Capital Fund Balance (901.7960.339) into the project account Roof
Replacement at AJP (101.6772.201) with the remainder to be paid from the
serial bond issued in November 2009; 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.
Mr. Bradbury noted that this project was partially funded by the serial bond
from November, 2009. The bond has been issued and is in place. The
amount was $205,000. This was a bigger project. Previous bids were
rejected and bathrooms were separated out. This project was re-bid as two
separate projects.
Mayor Feinstein noted that the interest rate for the serial bond is favorable.
The Village does not have a lot of debt.
Trustee Brown asked if the Possillipo Center was a candidate for solar
panels. Mr. Bradbury stated that this would need review before he could
respond.
On a motion made by Trustee Rosenberg, and seconded by Trustee
Marrow, the resolution was adopted.
The roll was called:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Toby S. Marrow Voting Aye
Trustee Jeffrey B. Rednick Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
5) CONSIDERING ENTERING INTO A SERVICE AGREEMENT
WITH DOCVIEW, LLC (CARFAX)
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Page 15
RESOLUTION
CONSIDERING ENTERING INTO A SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH
DOCVIEW, LLC (CARFAX)
WHEREAS, the Village Police Department desires to enter into a
service agreement with Docview, LLC for use of their vehicle history
database and online motor vehicle report distribution service.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor is
hereby authorized to sign and execute all documents necessary to enter into
a service agreement with Docview, LLC.
Police Chief Gregory Austin addressed the Board. This is a project that he
has been trying to get jump started for a while. Carfax and Docview have a
distribution of motor vehicle accidents. This system will create a link to the
Village's website and people can obtain a copy of their accident reports
online. DocView would collect the fees, which average about $.25 per
page plus a $6.00 convenience fee. This system will help when a report is
amended. On the law enforcement side, all accident reports would be
available to the police department, free of charge.
On a motion made by Trustee Rednick, and seconded by Trustee Marrow,
the resolution was adopted.
The roll was called:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Toby S. Marrow Voting Aye
Trustee Jeffrey B. Rednick Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
6) APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANT
Mr. Bradbury read the resolution:
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Page 16
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANT
RESOLVED, that Henningson, Durham & Richardson Architecture
and Engineering, P.0 (Mike Musso, PE) is hereby appointed as Special
Engineering Consultant for the Village of Rye Brook for the official year
2010/2011 subject to the terms set forth in the Multiple Project Agreement
for Professional Services dated September 21, 2010.
The rates remain the same as in the previous contract.
On a motion made by Trustee Rosenberg, and seconded by Trustee
Marrow, the resolution was adopted.
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Toby S. Marrow Voting Aye
Trustee Jeffrey B. Rednick Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
7) CONSIDERING THE APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 13, 2010;
July 27, 2010; August 17, 2010
On a motion by Trustee Brown, seconded by Trustee Marrow, the
summaries were adopted as amended.
Mr. Burke called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Toby S. Marrow Voting Aye
Trustee Jeffrey B. Rednick Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Page 17
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Bradbury began his report by noting that the New York DEC refused to
extend the permits for the trapping of coyotes. Mayor Feinstein noted that there
was an article in the New York Times about the increased number of Coyotes. Mr.
Bradbury noted that the Village will continue to monitor the sightings, which have
declined in the past few weeks. The Village tries to stay on top of this issue.
Mr. Bradbury noted that the leaf season starts in the beginning of October.
Residents can start to put out leaves starting on October I't. The first truck will be
out on October 5t". He reminded all residents to make sure that the piles of leaves
are not contaminated by sticks, rocks, or other debris. This is a safety issue. He
also asked that the piles be placed curb side, and not into the roadways.
Mayor Feinstein returned to the discussion items on the agenda:
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
2) CODE SECTION 250-40 NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Mayor Feinstein noted that this issue was discussed at the last meeting. The goal
is to reduce some of the hassle for the residents who are applying for building
permits. The downside is that alternate addresses for property owners who rent
their properties are not listed, and the notification will go to the residents of the
properties in the notification area. It is the Village's hope that tenants will forward
the notification to the homeowner.
Mr. Bradbury explained that the addresses provided to an applicant within the
notification area are the addresses of the property. This does not guarantee that
the owner resides at the property. The process has been streamlined and the
Village hopes that all absentee owners will be notified by their tenants.
The consensus of the Board was to move forward with the modifications to the
Notification Section of the Village Code.
3) AMENDMENT TO FINANCIAL POLICY REGARDING CAPITAL
PROJECTS
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Page 18
Mayor Feinstein noted that she put this matter on for discussion. With the
adoption of the hotel tax, a stream of revenue will result. The Board needs to
discuss what the funds should be earmarked for. She felt that a portion of the
funds should go to capital projects, such as road resurfacing.
Trustee Rosenberg agreed with the Mayor, however, he did not want to lock
the funds into one area so that future Boards would be handcuffed regarding
the usage. There may be one year that the economy is so bad and that capital
projects need to be put off.
Mr. Bradbury noted that a local law and legislation are very different. This
type of change in the budget needs to be done by resolution.
Trustee Rednick felt that there should be flexibility in earmarking the funds as
no one knows what the future will bring. Trustees Brown and Morrow agreed.
It is important to reinvest in the community.
4) OVERVIEW OF HIGH PRESSURE NATURAL GAS PIPELINE IN
THE VILLAGE
Mayor Feinstein noted that a representative of Tennessee Gas would be
attending the next Board of Trustee meeting. He would be malting a
presentation on the gas lines, locations, and maintenance.
Mayor Feinstein noted that the next regular Board of Trustee meetings were
scheduled for October 12t1' and October 26t1'
Mayor Feinstein called for a motion for an Executive Session. On a motion made
by Trustee Rednick, and seconded by Trustee Brown, the meeting was adjourned
at 9:59 p.m., and the Board went into an Executive Session.
Mr. Burke called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Toby S. Marrow Voting Aye
Trustee Jeffrey B. Rednick Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
Board of Trustees Meeting
September 28,2010
Page 19