HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-23 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2009-7:30 P.M.
AGENDA
7:00 PM– Executive Session– Personnel
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
REPORT
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
(1)Public Hearing to consider a proposed local law to amend Chapter 240
of the Village of Rye Brook Village Code regarding parking violations
RESOLUTIONS:
(1) Considering a proposed local law to amend Chapter 240 of the Village
of Rye Brook Village Code regarding parking violations
(2) Considering an application for the removal of a Significant Tree at 11
Country Ridge Drive
(3) Considering the Award of Contract 09-08: Control Upgrades to Village
Sewage Lift Stations
(4) Considering the authorization of funds for a proposal by Keane and
Beane, P.C. and Frederick P. Clark Associates, Inc. for the preparation
of a Recreation Zone Study
(5) Granting extension of subdivision and site plan approval for 11
Beechwood Boulevard, Section 1, Block 10, Lot 6A, on the tax
assessment map of the Village of Rye Brook
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 23,2009
Page 1
(6) Considering support of the Lowey-Engel-Hall Amendment to the FAA
Reauthorization Act
(7) Considering the approval of minutes—May 12, 2009; May 26, 2009
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS:
(1) Considering the role of and appointments to the Advisory Council on
Environmental Conservation
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
(1) Update on various subdivisions at 11 Beechwood Boulevard, 61
Hillandale Road, 16 West Street, etc.
ACTION ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT
OF THE TRUSTEES PRESENT AT THE MEETING
THE NEXT REGULAR TRUSTEES MEETINGS: July 14 and July 28, 2009
BOARD: Mayor Joan L. Feinstein
Trustee Michael S. Brown
Trustee Dean P. Santon
Absent: Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg
Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano
STAFF: Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator
David Burke, Assistant to the Village Administrator
Gregory Austin, Chief of Police
Nicholas Ward-Willis, Esq., Village Counsel
Michel Nowak, Acting Village Engineer
Fred Seifert, Public Access Coordinator
Paula Patafio, Meeting Secretary
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 23,2009
Page 2
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein called the meeting to order. She noted that Trustee
Patricia Sanders Romano was excused from the meeting as she was travelling, and
Trustee Paul Rosenberg, who was also excused, was ill. She called for the first
matter on the agenda:
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1) PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW
TO AMEND CHAPTER 240 OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
VILLAGE CODE REGARDING PARKING VIOLATIONS
On a motion made by Trustee Michael Brown, and seconded by Trustee
Dean Santon, the public hearing was declared open.
Mr. Bradbury noted that this new section of the code addresses parking
violations. All parking violations will now be listed in the license and fee
schedule, which is reviewed annually.
Mayor Feinstein called for members of the public wishing to address this
matter. There being no one, she turned to the Board of Trustees for
comments and questions. A motion was made by Trustee Brown, and
seconded by Trustee Santon, to close the public hearing.
Mr. David Burke, Assistant to the Administrator, called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
Mayor Feinstein called for the resolution on this matter:
RESOLUTIONS:
1) CONSIDERING A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW TO AMEND
CHAPTER 240 OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK VILLAGE
CODE REGARDING PARKING VIOLATIONS
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 23,2009
Page 3
RESOLUTION
CONSIDERING A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW TO CHAPTER 240 OF THE
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK VILLAGE CODE PARKING VIOLATIONS
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees is considering amendments to
Chapter 240 of the Code of the Village of Rye Brook regarding parking
violations; and
WHEREAS, on June 23, 2009 the Board of Trustees opened a
public hearing on the subject Local Law, 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 June 23, 2009.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of
Trustees hereby approves the amendments to Chapter 240 of the Code as
proposed regarding parking violations.
There was no additional discussion on this issue.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and seconded by Trustee Brown, the
resolution was adopted.
Mr. Burke called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
Mayor Feinstein moved to the next item on the agenda:
2) CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR THE REMOVAL OF A
SIGNIFICANT TREE AT 11 COUNTRY RIDGE DRIVE
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 23,2009
Page 4
RESOLUTION
CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR THE REMOVAL OF A
SIGNIFICANT TREE AT 11 COUNTRY RIDGE DRIVE
WHEREAS, the owner of 11 Country Ridge Drive, JTMD Realty,
Rye Brook has applied for a Tree Removal Permit of a forty-three inch,
fifty foot Silver Maple Significant Tree at said premises; and
WHEREAS, the owner has complied with section 235 of the
Village of Rye Brook Village Code requiring mail Notification as stated in
section 250-40.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, a Tree Removal Permit
is hereby granted for the removal of a forty-three inch, fifty foot Silver
Maple Significant Tree at 11 Country Ridge Drive.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that three (3) trees shall be
installed on the property, near the patio area, including a Sugar Maple and a
Red Maple at a minimum of 3", and Flowering Dogwood at a minimum of
2-2 '/z" to be planted by October 31, 2009.
On a motion made by Trustee Brown, and seconded by Trustee Santon, the
matter was opened for discussion.
Mayor Feinstein called upon the applicant for a presentation. She noted
that with only three (3) members of the Board in attendance and he would
need all three yes votes in order for the tree removal permit to be granted.
She ask if he preferred to have the matter adjourned to the next meeting or
move forward and make his presentation. Mr. Paladino chose to address
the Board.
Mr. Paladino noted that he wanted to move forward because the tree is a
safety issue. He stated that he started this process in late April and the
process has changed and evolved over time. His neighbors are aware of his
intention to remove the tree, and no one has expressed concern to him. The
tree is considered a hazard because of its condition and proximity to the
applicant's home.
Mr. Paladino stated that he retained the services of a tree service company.
An inspection was made and a report was submitted to the Village. In
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 23,2009
Page 5
addition, Michal Nowak, Acting Village Engineer, has inspected the
property and the tree and he agreed with the findings of the Arborists. The
applicant presented the Board with photographs of the tree and his property.
He noted that there is a hole in one of the leaders in the tree that extends
30" deep. This tree towers over the house and is currently cabled together.
This creates a real safety concern.
Mayor Feinstein noted that this is a beautiful tree. She felt that removing
the tree will change the character of the area. She asked the applicant if he
was open to replanting two (2) or three (3) trees to replace the one being
removed. The applicant stated that the new trees would have to be planted
elsewhere on the property, beyond the patio. Mr. Nowak agreed with the
Mayor, noting that tree replanting should be accomplished in the future.
The Village's Code covers the timeframe for replanting and the caliper of
trees to be planted.
Mr. Bradbury stated that the Village did receive one letter from a neighbor
who was concerned about the view. It was this individual's hope that the
tree could be saved.
Mr. Michal Nowak, Acting Village Engineer, noted that there is a leader
that has decay and removal of that leader would cause an 18" diameter
wound that the tree would have a hard time recovering from. There is
additional decay within the trunk, about 3" up from the flare that will cause
a structural issue within the tree. It is a large tree with a large canopy and
removing one leader would cause the tree to become unbalanced. The tree
is approximately 16 feet from the home and it is about 50 feet at its peak.
There is significant rot in one of the leaders, and another one of the leaders
has started to rot inside.
Trustee Brown noted that the tree is endangering the property and should
come down. He also agreed that if the applicant is given permission to
remove the tree, he should be required to do planting elsewhere on the
property.
Trustee Dean Santon noted that this is a beautiful tree. There are three (3)
main leaders. A tree by a house doesn't mean that it should be removed,
however, in this instance a reputable arborist has supplied a letter regarding
the decay and the need for this tree to be removed. No one knows exactly
what will happen if you take down one leader. The tree may not be able to
compensate for the loss of the leader in a severe storm. Trustee Santon
stated that this is a judgment call. He asked what the applicant planned to
plant in place of this tree.
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 23,2009
Page 6
Mr. Paladino noted that he was willing to plant something like Maple or
Oak trees. Trustee Santon felt that the applicant should be required to plant
multiple trees. He stated that whatever is planted should help in screening
the house over time.
Mr. Paladino noted that removing this tree is no small job. He stated that
he would consider planting a Flowering Cherry or Flowering Pear in the
area that the tree will be removed from. Most trees need direct sunlight,
which limits where on his property the trees can be planted.
Mr. Nowak stated that he would work with the applicant. He suggested
two hard wood trees and one flowering tree such as Oak and Red Maple or
Sugar Maple. It was noted that Maples are faster growing trees then the
Oaks. Mr. Nowak also gave the applicant other suggestions for flowering
trees to be considered such as a Dogwood, Red Bud, and Lilac.
Mr. and Mrs. Paladino noted that they would like to make a trip to a
Nursery to look at the trees and decide upon the species that would be
planted on their property. Mrs. Paladino stated that she was not familiar
with the trees that Trustee Santon and Mr. Nowak were naming.
Mayor Feinstein stated that this was understandable, and the Board of
Trustees would have the ability to approve what was going in. Trustee
Santon felt that it was better to know what was going in before granting the
approval to remove the existing tree.
Trustee Brown suggested that a planting program be worked up between
the applicant, the Village, and the arborist. The applicant should then
present the decision to the Board. The Board could give the approval to
remove the tree conditioned on the planting of three (3) new trees.
Trustee Santon suggested that the matter be adjourned to the next meeting
in order to allow the applicant time to decide upon the trees to be replanted,
where they should be planted, and when the planting will occur. The
consensus of the Board was to approve the request to remove the tree
conditioned on replanting a Sugar Maple, a Red Maple, and a Flowering
Dogwood. The applicant stated that he was willing to replant three (3)
trees. Mr. Nowak noted that the Code calls for trees in the 2 /z" to 3"
range. He will work out planting placement in the field with the applicant,
with the replanting to take place in the rear yard. He also noted that it is
better to plant in September/October.
Mr. Burke, called the roll, as amended:
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 23,2009
Page 7
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
3) CONSIDERING THE AWARD OF CONTRACT 09-08: CONTROL
UPGRADES TO VILLAGE SEWAGE LIFT STATIONS
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
AWARDING CONTRACT#09-08:
CONTROL UPGRADES TO VILLAGE SEWAGE LIFT STATIONS
WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook has solicited bids for
Contract 09-08: "Control upgrades to Village sewage lift stations;" and
WHEREAS, public notice was duty advertised in the official
newspaper of the Village of Rye Brook on May 23, 2009; and
WHEREAS, on Wednesday, May 28"' 2009 at 10:30 a.m., all bids
received were opened as summarized below:
BIDDER TOTAL BID BID BOND
Richard Hansen Electric Corp. $52,350.00 Yes; and
WHEREAS, upon review of the bid, the Acting Village Engineer
determined that Richard Hansen Electric Corp. of Port Chester New York
submitted the lowest bid meeting the requirements of the contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of
Rye Brook Board of Trustees hereby awards Contract #09-08: "Control
Upgrades to Village Sewage Lift Stations" to Richard Hansen Electric
Corp. of Port Chester New York, for the total bid price of$52,350.00; and
be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, funding for said project will be paid for
through bond financing; and be it
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 23,2009
Page 8
FURTHER RESOLED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to
execute and deliver all documents necessary or appropriate to accomplish
the purposes of this resolution.
On a motion made by Trustee Michael Brown, and seconded by Trustee
Dean Santon, the resolution was adopted.
Mr. Bradbury noted that there was only one bid but the dollar amounts are
reasonable. There have been problems with the sewage lift station. If the
sewage overflows it goes into the drainage system. The Village has been
experiencing problems with the station near BelleFair and the one near
Village Hall. The replacement system has much better technology. A
repairperson has been called in several times and repairs have been made
but this issue needs to be addressed right away. There is a risk in waiting
longer. Mr. Bradbury noted that a few weeks ago the Highway Department
was checking the systems every three hours, all night long, to make sure
that it was functioning properly.
Mr. Nowak noted he reviewed the bid and found that the cost of the panels
were relatively competitive. There are dual operating systems in the panel
that has been proposed.
Mr. Bradbury noted that the current system consists of a big tank and there
are panels inside the tanks. There are a series of old fashion floats that are
triggered as sewage rises. If the panel goes out there is no warning of any
problems and sewage may overflow. About seven (7) years ago the sewage
overflowed at BelleFair and went into the drainage system. The
Department of Health had to be called in. No one wants an incident like
that to happen again. The new system does away with the float system.
The panels are in operation 24 hours per day, seven days a week. The
lifespan of this new system is about 15 years.
Mr. Nowak noted that it would probably take a month to a month and a half
for installation. Each of the pump stations' pumps are different sizes, but
the pump panels stay the same.
Trustee Brown asked if this was part of another upgrade that will need to be
done next year. Mr. Bradbury noted that there are three pumps for each of
the pump stations. The third pump is a spare. At the moment, there is no
intention to update the pumps.
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 23,2009
Page 9
Mr. Burke called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
4) CONSIDERING THE AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS FOR A
PROPOSAL BY KEANE AND BEANE, P.C. AND FREDERICK P.
CLARK ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR THE PREPARATION OF A
RECREATION ZONE STUDY
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
CONSIDERING THE AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS FOR A PROPOSAL
BY KEANE AND BEANE, P.C. AND FREDERICK P. CLARK
ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR A RECREATION ZONE STUDY
WHEREAS, The Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook
requested proposals from Keane & Beane, P.C. and Frederick P. Clark
Associates, Inc. for a Recreation Zone Study; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this study is (a) to examine the legal
analysis of applicable zoning classifications of open space, (b)
Identification of Village Owned Open Spaces and Parks, (c) Identification
of Potential Open Space Parcels, or Large Undeveloped Tracts of Privately
Owned Land, and (d) Drafting of legislation to enact any amendments to
the zoning ordinance; and
WHEREAS, Keane & Beane, P.C. has proposed the projected cost
of fourteen thousand eight hundred and fifty dollars ($14,850) for the
completion of their portion of the study; and
WHEREAS, Frederick P. Clark Associates, Inc. has proposed the
projected cost of six thousand ($6,000) plus expenses for their portion of
the study.
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 23,2009
Page 10
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye
Brook Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the expenditure of funds to
Keane & Beane, P.C. and Frederick P. Clark Associates, Inc., to be paid out
of the Village 2009-10 Contingency Account, to accomplish the purpose of
this resolution.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and seconded by Trustee Brown, the
resolution was adopted.
Mayor Feinstein noted that a concern was raised and a committee met to
discuss this project. The Board felt that recreation areas and open space are
very important. The Village will now review all open spaces such as
Crawford Park and the Blind Brook Club. This was going to be part of a
comprehensive plan, but the economy does not warrant spending that type
of money at this time involving the comprehensive plan.
Trustee Santon noted that years ago the Village received a quote from
F.P. Clark & Associates and the amount is still the same six years later.
This is an important issue and the large recreation areas within the Village
need to be evaluated. Other municipalities have seen the effect of not
addressing this matter when country clubs have been sold and housing
developments are erected. The loss of green space affects everyone. He
suggested adding an amount "not to exceed" and reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses to the proposal.
Mr. Burke called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
Mayor Feinstein asked for a timeframe for this study. Mr. Nicholas Ward-
Willis noted that something should be presented to the Village in
September.
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 23,2009
Page 11
5) GRANTING EXTENSION OF SUBDIVISION AND SITE PLAN
APPROVAL FOR 11 BEECHWOOD BOULEVARD, SECTION 1,
BLOCK 10, LOT 6A, ON THE TAX ASSESSMENT MAP OF THE
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
Mayor Feinstein noted that this matter, on the advice of counsel, has been
withdrawn.
6) CONSIDERING SUPPORT OF THE LOWEY-ENGEL-HALL
AMENDMENT TO THE FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
CONSIDERING SUPPORT FOR THE LOWEY-ENGEL-HALL
AMENDMENT TO THE FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT
WHEREAS, the Westchester County Airport is a vital gateway for
commercial and business aircraft into and out of the New York
Metropolitan Area; and
WHEREAS, Westchester County, along with the FAA and its
commercial carriers, has imposed limits on terminal capacity to an average
of four flights and 240 passengers per half hour; and
WHEREAS, with business and corporate jets compromise nearly
fifty percent of the estimated 167,000 take offs and landings a the airport
this year, the agreed upon guidelines and voluntary flight restrictions have
not been fully honored; and
WHEREAS, the Lowey-Engel-Hall amendment to the FAA
Reauthorization act would direct the FAA to initiate a rulemaking process
to determine the authorization of Westchester County Airport to reinstate
flight restrictions between the hours of midnight and 6:30 am.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of
Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook hereby supports the Lowey-Engel-
Hall amendment to H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009.
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 23,2009
Page 12
On a motion made by Trustee Brown, and seconded by Trustee Santon, the
resolution was adopted.
Mayor Feinstein noted that this resolution was self-explanatory. Anything
that can be done to reinstate the flight restrictions is a positive.
The roll was called:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
7) CONSIDERING THE APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MAY 12, 2009;
MAY 26, 2009
Mayor Feinstein asked that approval of the May 26th summary be held over
for additional review. The May 12th summary was also adjourned to the
next meeting when all Board members would be in attendance.
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Bradbury thanked Mr. Nowak for his hard work on the lift stations. It was a
lot of work, with a quick turnaround.
Mr. Bradbury gave the Board a few updates. He began with a brief presentation
on the meeting held by the Westchester County Committee on the Environment.
This Committee discussed and approved the Sluice Gate Application, and the
application has now been moved to the Budget Committee. Assuming it passes
before the Budget Committee, then it will go before the Board of Legislators.
Mr. Bradbury gave an overview of the Edgewood Basin. It is currently out to bid.
He was pleased to note that the State has approved a revised timetable which gives
the Village additional time to do the submission of funding to be put in at the right
time. The end of September deadline has been extended to May 31, 2010. The
plantings will be installed at the right time. Information on this project can be
found on the Village's website.
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 23,2009
Page 13
The Rye Brook Birthday Celebration was held on Saturday, June 20ffi. It was a
success with a good turn out, even with the rain. He thanked the Recreation
Committee, Village Staff, and all of the volunteers for the hard work that went into
making this celebration a success.
AAA Carting is in its third week as contractor for the Village. They still have
some issues, but things are getting better. They are finding where everyone's
garbage pails are, and things are getting better every week. The number of calls
from residents experiencing problems has drastically declined. If anyone has any
questions they should call the Public Works Department.
The final issue discussed was that the Highway Department is busy doing clean
ups and repairing potholes throughout the Village. They are taking care of some
major work on Edgewood.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Feinstein noted that the Village has a meeting with the New York State
Department of Transportation has a meeting scheduled for Monday, June 1, 2009
to discuss King Street. She noted that she will be attending this meeting that will
include the topic of the King Street Interchange.
Mayor Feinstein stated that she will be meeting with Mayor Pilla and Supervisor
Carvin to discuss the Co-Terminus Town/Village study. Rye Brook is hoping to
obtain grant money to complete this study. The Towns of Rye and Mamaroneck
will also be involved.
NEW BUSINESS:
1) CONSIDERING THE ROLE OF AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE
ADVISORY COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Mayor Feinstein noted that this was a discussion among the Board of
Trustee members. The Environmental Council has not yet been
reconstituted. It was noted that Mr. Harvey Schiller, former chair, has
resigned and that the passing of Ken Heller also meant the loss of a
member. Both of these members possessed an incredible knowledge and
level of professionalism. Now the task is to reconstitute this Board.
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 23,2009
Page 14
Trustee Santon noted that on November 28th a discussion was held
regarding the different bodies of water within the Village. The residents
need to be educated on the care of the watercourses in the Village. He felt
that this would be a good project for the Environmental Council. The
legislation and duties of the Environmental Council have been changed. It
is now time for the Village Board to reach out to the previous members.
There are other projects, such as beautification, that should be given to the
Environmental Council.
Mr. Bradbury encouraged the Board to consider Brook clean-up days. He
agreed with Trustee Santon in that education is very important. Anyone
interested in serving on this Board should contact Mr. Bradbury's office.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) UPDATE ON VARIOUS SUBDIVISIONS AT 11 BEECHWOOD
BOULEVARD, 61 HILLANDALE ROAD, 16 WEST STREET, ETC.
Trustee Santon noted that at the last meeting there was a discussion that
surrounded the subdivision on Lincoln Avenue. He was concerned about
the roll that the Board of Trustees played in the decisions made regarding
this sub-division. He stated that in his opinion the Board has gotten
involved inappropriately, regardless of the comments and decisions made
by Village Counsel. It was his opinion that the decisions made regarding
this property did not correct the problem as the subdivision still does not
have approval nor does it have the required zoning variances.
He also noted that a second subdivision located on West Street needs to be
addressed. There is a small parcel of property, known as the common area,
located in Rye Brook. This parcel has been sliced up into six separate
parcels so that each of the units owns a piece of property in Rye Brook.
The Tax Assessor has taken action and Jenna Way has been removed from
the Village map. Now the Village's staff needs to interface with these
residents since a portion of this property is part of the Village of Rye
Brook. The map for this subdivision refers only to the Village of Port
Chester and the Town of Rye.
A third matter that he intended on discussing was the proposed subdivision
located at 11 Beechwood, however, this matter has been withdrawn. From
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 23,2009
Page 15
a matter of procedure and jurisdiction, Trustee Santon stated that the Board
of Trustees are going in the wrong direction. For two meetings in a row
there were matters before the Board that they had no jurisdiction over.
Mayor Feinstein noted that it is not the intention of the Board of Trustees to
take over jurisdiction where it is not supposed to have it. She noted that the
application for the Beechwood property was withdrawn for legal
determinations. The Lincoln Avenue matter was corrected under the advise
of Village Counsel. Trustee Santon noted that the Board of Trustees
created a tax lot two weeks ago but the Board does not have the authority to
create a tax lot. He could not understand how anyone could believe that
this decision was correct.
Mayor Feinstein noted that there was a difference of opinion. Sometimes
things must be looked at in its totality. Mr. Nicholas Ward-Willis
responded that this matter was examined on a number of occasions.
Mr. Beane made a determination that the Board of Trustees did have the
authority to take the action that it did. In doing so the Board was able to
avoid a very expensive and lengthy potential litigation.
Mayor Feinstein noted that sometimes things are not perfect, but the
Board's determination made the Lincoln Avenue situation better than it
was. Trustee Brown noted that there was a reasonable likelihood that there
would be litigation, and there was also the likelihood of failing. The Board
had to decide whether or not they were willing to take this risk. If the issue
went to litigation, the Village would have been offered a settlement. The
decision that the Board made avoided the litigation and moved directly to
the settlement. This saved the taxpayers a good amount of money.
Trustee Santon felt that the Village should not be afraid of litigation, and in
fact there were many instances where the Village addressed lawsuits over
the years. Mr. Ward-Willis noted that each case is unique and must be
handled on its own merits.
Mayor Feinstein stated that while Trustee Santon's feelings were
understandable, the consensus of the Board was to move forward and take
the recommendations made by Village Counsel. Trustee Santon noted
since it was his opinion that the Board of Trustees did not have the right to
make this decision, he would bring this matter up at every meeting until he
received the answers that he was looking for. He felt that the Board of
Trustees was condoning the creation of a parcel where it had no jurisdiction
to do so. He stated that he did not like the direction that this Board was
heading in.
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 23,2009
Page 16
Mayor Feinstein called for members of the public wishing to address the Board.
Mr. Richard Abel addressed the Board. He felt that Rye Brook is very thorough in
their decision making. The Village has two middle schools, two high schools and
one elementary school in its boundaries. He read a resolution regarding substance
abuse that the Village of Port Chester passed on February 5, 1990, noting that this
matter was never addressed in the Village of Rye Brook. He asked that the Board
look into this matter and pass a similar resolution. Mr. Bradbury stated that he
would review this matter and report back to the Board of Trustees.
Mayor Feinstein reminded everyone that all residents were invited to the July 4"'
celebration to be held at Port Chester High School. The festivities will include a
fireworks show.
Mayor Feinstein noted that the next Board of Trustees meetings were scheduled
for July 14, 2009 and July 28, 2009.
There being no additional business before the Board, Mayor Feinstein called for a
motion to adjourn.
On a motion made by Trustee Brown, and seconded by Trustee Santon, the
meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
The roll was called:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
Board of Trustees Meeting
June 23,2009
Page 17