HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-12-15 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2009-7:30 P.M.
AGENDA
7:00 P.M.—Executive Session: Fire Service Contract
Personnel - Appointments
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
REPORT
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
RESOLUTIONS:
1. Considering an application for the removal of a significant tree at 19 Woodland
Drive
2. Considering an extension to KF (Rye Brook), LLC for the submission of the Final
Subdivision Application and Plat to the Village of Rye Brook
3. Agreeing to terms and conditions of a grant received from the New York State
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Status of Recreation/Open Space Study and formation of a committee to make
recommendations to the BOT
2. Status of Environmental Council
3. Dogs in Parks
4. Policy on field closures
5. Hidden Falls Pond status
6. Notification requirements
7. Status of the required AHOA subdivision application and various other AHOA
matters
8. Field use fees for Travel Baseball
9. Status of (i) the 1991 approved subdivision at 11 Beechwood Boulevard (Esposito)
and(ii)required subdivision application(s) at 42-46 Lincoln Avenue
ACTION ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT
OF THE TRUSTEES PRESENT AT THE MEETING
The Next Regular Trustees Meetings: January 12 and January 26, 2010
BOARD: Trustee Michael S. Brown
Trustee Dean P. Santon
Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein
Excused: Deputy Mayor Paul S. Rosenberg
STAFF: Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator
David Burke, Assistant to the Village Administrator
Edward Beane, Esq., Village Counsel
Michel Nowak, Acting Village Engineer
Fred Seifert, Public Access Coordinator
Shari Melillo, Meeting Secretary
Mayor welcomed all to tonight's meeting and called for the first item on the
agenda.
RESOLUTIONS:
1. Considering an application for the removal of a significant tree at 19
Woodland Drive
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
December 15, 2009 1
RESOLUTION
CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR THE REMOVAL OF A SIGNIFICANT
TREE AT 19 WOODLAND DRIVE
WHEREAS, David Swerdloff the owner of 19 Woodland Drive, Rye Brook
applied for a Tree Removal Permit for a thirty (30) inch diameter, fifty (50) foot high
Tulip Significant Tree at said property on April 9, 2009; and
WHEREAS, located within three feet and sharing a root system with the Tulip is
a twenty-one (2 1) inch, fifty (5 0) foot high Sweetgum; and
WHEREAS, under section 235-21 of the Village of Rye Brook Village Code no
Significant Tree shall be removed without the approval of the Village Board of Trustees;
and
WHEREAS, a thirty (30) inch diameter, fifty (50) foot high Tulip on said
property is considered a Significant Tree; and
WHEREAS, as the Tulip and Sweetgum tree share a root system, both trees
would have to be removed simultaneously.
[NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Village Board of Trustees
hereby denies the Tree Removal Application made by David Swerdloff fora thirty (30)
inch diameter, fifty (50) foot high Tulip on said property]
or-
[NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees of the
Village of Rye Brook hereby approves the Tree Removal Application made by David
Swerdloff for a thirty (30) inch diameter, fifty (50) foot high Tulip at 19 Woodland
Drive; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, the Village of Rye Brook requires a replanting plan as
follows:
Trustee Santon asked in regard to the species why there were 4 of the same in
close proximity and asked Acting Village Engineer Mike Nowak if he had
approved the replanting plan. Mr. Nowak responded that he had.
There being no further questions or comments Mr. Bradbury read the approval
clause of the resolution.
On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano and seconded by Trustee Santon,
the resolution was adopted.
Mr. David Burke, Assistant to the Administrator, called the roll:
TRUSTEE BROWN AYE
TRUSTEE SANDERS-ROMANO AYE
TRUSTEE SANTON AYE
MAYOR FEINSTEIN AYE
Motion carries
Next item on the agenda:
2. Considering an extension to KF (Rye Brook), LLC for the submission of the
Final Subdivision Application and Plat to the Village of Rye Brook
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
December 15, 2009 2
RESOLUTION
CONSIDERING AN EXTENSION TO KF (RYE BROOK), LLC FOR THE
SUBMISSION OF THE FINAL SUBDIVISION APPLICATION AND PLAT TO
THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
WHEREAS, on March 24, 2009 the Village or Rye Brook Board of Trustees
granted KF (Rye Brook), LLC site plan, subdivision, and related approvals, waivers and
conditions by resolution for the `Kingswood' project; and
WHEREAS, the fourth condition of approval required the final Subdivision
Application and Final Subdivision Plat be submitted for signature by the Mayor within
180 days of the adoption of the resolution; and
WHEREAS, the applicant requested in a letter from John Wagner dated
September 5, 2009 the extension of 90 days to comply with the submission to the Mayor
of the Final Subdivision Application and Final Subdivision Plat; and
WHEREAS, said 90 extension was granted at the September 22, 2009 Board of
Trustees meeting until December 19, 2009; and
WHEREAS, in a letter dated December 9, 2009 from John Wager the applicant
has requested an additional 90 extension to comply with the submission to the Mayor of
the Final Subdivision Application and Final Subdivision Plat.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Village of Rye Brook Board of
Trustees hereby grants an extension of 90 days to KF (Rye Brook), LLC to submit for
signature by the Mayor the Final Subdivision Application and Final Subdivision Plat.
A motion was made by Trustee Santon and seconded by Trustee Sanders-Romano after
which Mayor Feinstein asked Mr. Wagner to update the board.
He stated that they have been stymied by United Water as they had requested a letter
approving the hydrant locations and it took some doing to get the process complete. They
now have approval from United Water which leads them to the final step which is the
approval from Dolph Rotfeld regarding the sewer connections and believes Dolph is
handling that matter with the Health Department. After that is done, the Health
Department application will be complete. For the record, Mr. Wagner advised the board
that Mr. Rotfeld was instrumental in getting United Water to put things in motion and he
is grateful for his assistance. He also advised the board that tomorrow they will have the
balance of the recreation fee and are about a week away from being complete.
Mayor Feinstein has no problem granting an extension but advised Mr. Wager that the
Village would like the recreation fee paid before the end of the year.
Trustee Santon made a motion to amend the resolve clause to condition it upon receipt of
the recreation fee by the end of this year and the motion was seconded by Trustee
Sanders Romano.
TRUSTEE BROWN AYE
TRUSTEE SANDERS-ROMANO AYE
TRUSTEE SANTON AYE
MAYOR FEINSTEIN AYE
Motion carries
Mr. Bradbury asked if the conservation easement was being prepared.
Mr. Wager responded he is working with Diane Fox from the Town of Greenwich and
had given her information to take to her boards but the final decision will be Greenwich's
as to if they even want the conservation easement. He has obtained samples of easements
they have used in the past so that he can work on the language and is working with a
company called Greenwich Land Trust for assistance.
Mr. Beane stated we will have the final word on the language but Trustee Santon is not
comforted to know that Greenwich is running the show.
Mr. Wagner had prepared language for a conservation easement and submitted it in
August to Keane and Beane but thought he should be speaking with Greenwich as well.
He discussed that with Mr. Nick Ward Willis of Keane and Beane but he believed that
the easement should be drafted with Greenwich.
Mayor asked Ed to review this with Mr. Ward-Willis and report back to the board at the
next meeting.
Next item on the agenda:
3. Agreeing to terms and conditions of a grant received from the New York
State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Chris read the following resolution:
December 15, 2009 3
RESOLUTION
AGREEING TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF A GRANT RECEIVED FROM
THE NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF PARKS, RECREATION AND HISTORIC
PRESERVATION
WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook has received a special grant in the 2009-
2010 New York State Budget; and
WHEREAS, there are specific requirements and regulations governing the
expenditure of these funds.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Village or Rye Brook agrees to
the following terms and conditions:
(1) Administration of all funds under this grant will be in accordance with all
terms and conditions contained in "GUIDELINES to prepare Grant
Agreements for non-construction projects $50,000 and under — Fiscal Year
2009 — 2010," provided by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation.
(2) That Mayor Joan L. Feinstein is hereby authorized to sign legal documents on
behalf of our organization and that such signature is acknowledgement of the
acceptance by this body of compliance with all terms and conditions of the
grant agreement, to be executed for the grant.
On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano and seconded by Trustee Brown, the
resolution was adopted and Mr. Burke called the roll
TRUSTEE BROWN AYE
TRUSTEE SANDERS-ROMANO AYE
TRUSTEE SANTON AYE
MAYOR FEINSTEIN AYE
Motion carries
An additional resolution was put on the agenda tonight which is a stipend increase for
Angie Storino and a stipend payment for Ernest Tigani of AJP who have both taken on
additional work in the absence of a Senior Center Coordinator.
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
AUTHORIZING STIPENDS FOR VILLAGE EMPLOYEES
RESOLVED, that Angelina Storino's stipend shall increase from $250 per month
to $500 per month, effective December 1, 2009 for consideration of services provided in
the absence of a Coordinator of Senior Services; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Ernie Tigani shall receive a stipend of $250 per
month, effective December 1, 2009 for consideration of services provided in the absence
of a Coordinator of Senior Services.
Ms. Storino's stipend would be increased from $250 to $500 per month and Mr. Tigani
would receive a stipend of$250 per month effective 12/1/09.
Mayor Feinstein explained that the reason a coordinator has not been hired yet is due to
issues that arose in regard to civil service and the Village is hoping to have a candidate
very soon. She acknowledged that Ms. Storino and Mr. Tigani have stepped up to keep
the programs at the Senior Center running seamlessly and the Village is very appreciative
of their efforts.
On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano and seconded by Trustee Santon, Mr.
Burke called the roll adopting the resolution:
TRUSTEE BROWN AYE
TRUSTEE SANDERS-ROMANO AYE
TRUSTEE SANTON AYE
MAYOR FEINSTEIN AYE
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
Mr. Bradbury noted that the leaf program ends today by code but one more pass on every
street will be done and he advised the public to make sure to get leaves to curb because
they won't be picked up after that at curb but will be picked up by AAA.
Mr. Bradbury advised that they are in the final steps of the village audit for 5/31/09 and
an exit interview will be held next week. He is hoping to have that to the board before the
next meeting and will have the auditors at a January meeting to discuss it.
Mr. Bradbury also advised the board and public that County Legislator Martin Ragowsky
will hold a town meeting here at village hall to discuss the county budget. Detail can be
found on the Village website.
Mr. Bradbury gave thanks to the highway and parks department for their hard work and
making sure the leaf program went smoothly and on schedule.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Status of Recreation/Open Space Study and formation of a committee to
make recommendations to the BOT
Mayor Feinstein explained that back in October the board had received legal information
regarding the Recreation Zone study and approved a study by FP Clarke for possible Rec
Zone sites and asked Mr. Bradbury if there was an update regarding where this is and if
anyone on this board wanted to start a small committee made up of possibly members of
the Planning or Zoning Board.
Mr. Bradbury has spoken to Mrs. Timpone Mohamed of FP Clarke and she advised him
that she has been working on this project anticipates a report to the board by late January
early February. She advised that she will need feedback/review of certain properties and
decisions will have to be made to make the best use of money and time.
Trustee Brown believes it would be a good idea to also have members from the
community on the committee as well.
Trustee Santon believes that his is a potential zoning legislation and may have to go
before the Planning Board. In his opinion, this has been slow in coming to fruition and is
not sure a committee would help at all. He asked how FP Clarke is choosing sites and
what criteria was being used.
Mr. Bradbury responded that she was looking at open spaces, buffers, clusters of open
space etc. He also advised that while FP Clarke is identifying potential sites for use it will
be this board that has the final authority.
Trustee Sanders Romano would like to see a preliminary report before any committees
are formed.
Next item on the agenda:
2. Status of Environmental Council
Mayor Feinstein stated that while the environmental council has changed its duties and
responsibilities she still believes it serves an important purpose and would like input from
the board on what duties this council should have — specific environmental issues and
beautification project for example and would like to address this for 2010.
Trustee Santon stated that there is a code that defines what that committee is and while he
knows it exists, he has no idea who the members are at this point. According to Village
code, all they have to do is meet once a year for an annual meeting. He suggests that they
enlist members and possibly assign projects for them to work on and get the members
familiar with what the job of that particular board is.
Mr. Bradbury responded that this board has to decide what they want that board
specifically to do and suggested putting it in on a future agenda for discussion.
Next item on the agenda:
3. Dogs in Parks
Trustee Brown asked for comments from the board on possibly changing our current
legislation or maybe just enhancing the signs with citing the code and the fine associated
with it.
Mr. Bradbury added that the code is inconsistent and suggested the board just focus on
exactly what they want to accomplish. As it goes now, if dogs are not on leashes the
police will advise them to do so and there are signs at the ball fields advising no dogs on
the fields. Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, Robert Bertolacci, has recommended
that dogs should not be allowed in Pine Ridge, Garibaldi or the King Street fields at all.
Mayor Feinstein added that there are many dog lovers that would be precluded from
going to their favorite park if we were to follow the recommendation of Mr. Bertolacci.
Trustee Brown believes that dogs in the dogs in the park also become a safety issue.
Mayor Feinstein believes that in the winter or off months that she doesn't see a problem
with dogs running around the fields. She understands that there have been a couple of
complaints and asked if this is really a major issue.
Mr. Bradbury responded that we have received a few complaints but not a significant
amount. Included in the complaint are dogs in the playground areas. His opinion is dogs
should be leashed....period.
Trustee Santon agrees that dogs should not be allowed at all on the King Street fields and
believes we should have a public hearing and get input from the public.
Trustee Brown stated that the Recreation council was in consensus with doing something
and he also believes it is an issue and in agreement of no dogs on fields. He also believes
that the signage could be better with stronger language. He will discuss with the
Recreation council at their next meeting and bring back a clearer recommendation for the
board.
4. Policy on field closures
Trustee Brown stated that he took Mr. Bradbury's recommendations to the Recreation
council and it was decided that to avoid inconsistency, we should come up with a policy
to follow. The Recreation council touched on it but did not have any recommendations
and he believes this matter should be addressed with this board as religious issues are
involved.
Mr. Bradbury added that the Village always tries to be sensitive to holy holidays in terms
of parks. Our parks are always open and the question is if there should be organized
events on holidays. It was raised by a neighboring resident this year and he was sensitive
to that and asked that nothing be booked on that particular holiday. What was raised is if
there should be a policy in regard to use of the parks on holidays.
Mayor Feinstein asked about the legal aspects in relation to separation between Church
and State and if we can preclude people from using them.
Mr. Beane, Village Counsel responded that potentially he can see all types of issues.
There may be someone who does not celebrate holidays — can we foster religion against
non religion - parks are technically never closed. He can research and advise the board at
a future meeting.
5—Hidden Falls pond status
The Mayor asked for an update on this issue. There has been discussion in the past where
Hidden Falls homeowners association had asked for a contribution to dredge their pond
and it was dropped and put on hold for a while and now they have asked again as they are
now actively moving forward.
Mr. Bradbury explained that this topic has a long history that dates back to 2002. At that
time, Mr. Dolph Rotfeld had recommended that the pond be dredged as this pond is part
of the storm water system— water flows down stream and settles here and over the years
has silted up. The question is who is responsible. Hidden falls believes while they are
responsible, development up stream has contributed to the silt issue and believes that
makes the village responsible as well. We have tried to get funds through Nita Lowey's
office but the biggest obstacle is that it is a private pond on private property. The Village
had advised the Homeowners Association that they would not contribute to the dredging
but has tried to assist in acquiring funds to assist them.
Trustee Santon added that to his recollection, the developer of Red Roof made an offer
but it was not acceptable to Hidden Falls. It is a slippery slope because it is a retention
basin but if we help them we will have to help elsewhere, for instance, the keyhole. There
is an easement from a prior owner that Mr. Beane can elaborate on. He also remembers
that the village offered $25,000 but it was refused.
Mr. Bradbury believes there may be something we can do at the inlet area that may have
a positive storm water benefit as well. It won't help with the dredging but may slow
things down a little bit so it takes longer in between dredging in the future.
Hidden Falls Representative, Dan Sarch, 37 Long Ledge Drive, addressed the board and
stated that it is not just an aesthetic pond and the engineers report clearly states that there
is a benefit to the entire community and it is part of the eco system for the community
and now it is full and it is our responsibility to tape care of that. He agreed that the
developer of Red Roof did offer $10,000 which was rejected because part of the issue
was there was a bond held for Red Roof that was released without this problem being
addressed. He also understands that there was an offer for $25,000 from the village and
does not believe it was ever refused but is still on the table. The work is budgeted for
over the next year and asks the Village to consider again the $25,000 originally offered.
Trustee Santon asked how this benefits the village as a whole over other properties
throughout the village. Mr. Sarch responded that there is an engineer's report and he does
not have the specifics but it is in the report that it would be a benefit to Avon Circle.
Mayor Feinstein noted that Hidden Falls was advised that they had to provide proof that
this would be a benefit to the public. Additional information was received but nothing
had changed from our perspective. We, as a board, have to see how we will spend money
on capital projects for 2010 and 2011. The Village would have to study this issue and
storm water projects in general.
Trustee Santon believes we should be talking about this, that it is appropriate. We have
been very successful in getting grant money and thinks the dialog should continue. He
would also like to see the engineers report and to hear from Mr. Rotfeld as to what his
recommendations are.
Trustee Sanders Romano asked who the engineer is, ours or theirs, at which Mr. Sarch
responded it, was theirs. She would also like Mr. Rotfeld to give us his recommendation
and added that as we are making changes up stream she would like to hear comments on
how the changes we make upstream will affect the down stream needs.
Mayor Feinstein asked about the timing of the project. Mr. Sarch explained the
community has to vote and pass it but the plan is this coming spring. Examination of the
silt has been done so they know where they can bring it after removing it and a
homeowner who is not a Hidden Falls resident has to allow access and then there need to
be a repair plan of that property as well.
Mr. Bradbury asked that a full copy of the engineer's report be sent to his office.
Next item on the agenda:
6. Notification requirements
Mayor Feinstein noted that as this item was requested by Trustee Rosenberg, it will be
deferred to a future meeting when he is present.
7. Status of the required AHOA subdivision application and various other
AHOA matters
Trustee Santon stated that while he understands that the PUD process is progressing,
there has been no mention of a requirement for a subdivision application for the L shaped
parcel that fronts on to King Street where the Tennessee gas pipe runs. He would like the
board to have Mr. Bradbury send a letter clarifying, for the benefit of The Arbors, what
the requirements are in regard to that parcel. It needs to be documented on a plat map and
documented with the county as well. He would like the letter to address the subdivision
and PUD amendment in regard to the L shaped parcel. There is no subdivision approval
but they have entered into a contract of sale with Tennessee gas.
Mr. Beane added that Tennessee gas sent a letter to the assessor and then to him
requesting a new tax map be created. His letter to The Arbors council was his response to
a letter from an attorney of Tennessee gas regarding various questions. They have met
with Tennessee gas attorney and went through exactly what they need to do to move
forward with the contract. They have received the application for the subdivision but he
will, at the board's request, send a letter to The Arbors as well.
Trustee Santon responded that even if the sale doesn't go through, there is still the need
for a subdivision showing that portion.
Mayor asked Ed if he understood what Trustee Santon was explaining. Mr. Beane stated
there was no sub division approval requested when The Arbors was formed and the
Village was not required to get subdivision approval for the Arbors acquisition. The plat
map should reflect the fact that there was a separate lot created in 2005. This is not an
application and does not have to go to Planning but it is a modification that has to go on
the plat map. He will be more then happy to provide a written legal opinion on the issue.
Mayor Feinstein called for a 5 minute recess
Reconvene
Mr. Tony Gioffre of Cuddy and Feder addressed the board stating that he is in the process
of being retained by various title companies in regard to this matter. He has had
preliminary conversations but more information and more documentation needs to be
seen and he would like to meet with the necessary representatives from the Village and
The Arbors and move forward. He has not been retained yet but will be very soon. He
added that they anticipate hiring a surveyor but cannot give a specific date until he is
officially retained but would like to meet with staff in the interim.
Mayor Feinstein asked when he is retained and when he knows the time frame could he
please advise the village of such as we all have the same goal.
Mr. Gioffre will do that and would like to review Mr. Santon's material as well.
Mr. Flink. Attorney for the Arbors, read his opening legal statement and went on to state
that the title companies have chosen an attorney and there are multiple title companies as
there are multiple residents and Mr. Gioffre will be given every piece of information
available.
Mayor Feinstein asked for an update on the response letter that was to be received today.
Mr. Flink thought that was an update on the survey and it is impossible to give a
timetable because it will be in the surveyors hands. It would not be a constructive
exercise for The Arbors to hire a surveyor whose work will be discarded.
Mr. Beane sees a potential problem. If the title company is going to pay for everything
that becomes the final plat map— great—his concern is what is going to be needed on the
survey for title issues and what is needed to comply with the villages resolution on
waivers may be different and may get lost by the title companies. The Village would like
to know as quickly as possible if the survey will encompass all of the items that the
village has requested be included.
Mr. Flink responded that Mr. Gioffre, when retained, will meet with the Village to fully
understand the village's requirements and believes the title companies will do what is
needed as 250 policy holders are involved.
Trustee Brown asked Mr. Gioffre to come to the next meeting Village board meeting, if
he is retained by then, and let us know if meeting the boards/villages requirements will be
complied with.
Mr. Gioffre, assuming he is retained, will appear at the next meeting with an update but
would like to meet with Mr. Beane and whoever else is appropriate so that he has the
information required to convey to the surveyors.
Trustee Santon is curious as to how many title claims have been made to date and is
frustrated that deadlines requested are not met. The applicant has to step up and do
certain things and he does not believe the title companies are going to be the be all and
end all as they won't get involved in a lot of the issues that the Village is concerned with.
Mayor Feinstein added that the homeowners association is the arbors residents and what
would be the purpose of them spending money if they don't have to. This is not a safety
issue per say, it is a title issue and would like it to move forward because it is impacting
the residents or some of the residents with sales, etc.
Mr. Beane is having an issue with a homeowner who is trying to sell but there is an
illegal deck and feels that this has become a real life problem that the village wants to
solve but cant and that's why the timeframes are so important. In order for the village to
maximize the help it can give, we could use the help of the title companies to make this
happen.
Trustee Santon added that there may be certain structures that go beyond the "lines" and
it remains to be seen that if you receive a certificate of occupancy that you will receive a
PUD amendment approval. He also asked about the code enforcement issues — open
building permit — and the landscaper commercial vehicles — another violation that has
returned.
Mr. Bradbury responded that the shed and maintenance area are housing commercial
equipment such as plows and a letter was sent requesting information regarding this issue
and is still waiting for a response. Mr. Flink had advised the Village that the maintenance
garage issue will be resolved before 12/31. The property manager was notified about the
equipment and they were advised by the school to remove it as well.
Mr. Larry Ashley, resident of The Arbors, wants to address the board about the quality of
life at The Arbors right now. He gave a letter to Mr. Bradbury from a Mr. Proper that he
was asked to forward as well as read. The letter was basically about allowing the snow
removal equipment to remain on the grounds because it is a life safety issue for the
residents there.
Mr. Ashley went on to state he is disappointed with the events of the last year and it has
raised the level of anxiety and he is appalled at what has happened. Arbors are suffering
financially — residents are suffering financially — we are suddenly finding our homes at
risk and are being put in a position of having to hire an attorney and he would like this to
end. He would like to see the Village and the residents work together to get this resolved
and he thinks the intricacies are becoming more profound. He believes this board is
elected to represents the residents and wants it brought to a resolution collectively and not
be allowed to continue and manifest itself.
Didi Mitchell, 211 Ivy Hill Lane, is very upset about the maintenance equipment being
removed and wonders why it is an issue now and why it was never brought up before.
The school has buses that can be seen from King Street but their equipment is well
screened. As they have to plow their own roads she feels it is a life safety issue to wait
for someone to come from Mamaroneck. The equipment has been there for many many
years and now it becomes an issue.
Mr. Bradbury made a clarification on the maintenance shed. The Village has stated that
they were looking for The Arbors to apply in the PUD amendment exactly what they
were looking for in regard to the maintenance equipment, and the board would consider
it. Commercial vehicles are not permitted in that zone but can be considered by the
Village Board and wanted to express that there was no ultimatums given and the Arbors
had responded voluntarily. Subsequent to that, the letter from Mr. Flink came and stated
he would have a response on the garage by the end of the year and we were waiting for
that when the equipment reappeared and we asked for an explanation.
Cindy Rosen of The Arbors wants this board to bear in mind that sickness is not seasonal
and when this board decides what the use will be that it needs to be considered that they
are possibly impacting people's lives.
Mayor Feinstein stated that this board does not give direction as far as enforcement. This
board sets policy and we have a very competent staff that enforces the rules.
Trustee Santon added that no one on this board ever said you can't have snow equipment
in the winter but the code is very clear. In the winter season you can have snow
equipment but the contractor was storing a flatbed vehicle with no license plates with 8 to
10 snow plows on it so it was apparent he was storing his equipment there. There are
plenty of private roads in Rye Brook that have no problem getting plowed in the snow.
He admitted to being the one to complain to the Village, which is his right to do, that it
was unsightly and inappropriate.
Mr. Weingarten of The Arbors address the board and wanted it on record that in his own
estimates between the Village and The Arbors it will cost over $100,000 and will result in
an increase in assessments for the homeowners there.
Next item on the agenda:
8. Field use fees for Travel Baseball
Trustee Brown met with Mr. Bradbury and Mr. Bertolacci and representatives from
Travel Baseball to discuss fees for next year as they want to be able to advise their
families what the costs will be. Their concerns with the cost is in regard to field use and
requested that we consider our fee schedule sooner rather then later and change our bulk
rate as well. They have requested a change to $12,000 for 500 hours
Mr. Bradbury added that they have one full year of experience now. The program has a
lot of teams and had a lot more practices and used a lot of hours — estimated over 500
hours. While the village didn't plan on that much revenue, we also didn't plan on the
fields being used that much. Village may want to look at this during the budget process
but that would be a little late for them to be able to advise their members.
Trustee Brown put it in perspective noting it comes to $30.77 per hour and what they are
proposing is $24.00 an hour. The question is, do we want to do something and if so then
what.
Mayor Feinstein reiterated that these are tough years and we need to look at the totality of
the budget and does not want to get into negotiations every year with a particular group.
Trustee Santon concurs and believes their issues were self imposed. The board carved out
this bulk rate for them but ultimately it was them who elected to use 535 hours. Reality is
this is a fundamental issue with us catering to one user and believes they need to step up
and do their own budgeting and forecasting.
Trustee Sanders Romano agrees that we can't open ourselves up to budget problems
because of their budget problems.
Trustee Brown added that last year was the exception to us amending our fees — not the
norm and agrees that they have issues to work out. They are well aware that this is an
issue and he has told them that it is unlikely we will lower the rates. Proposal to change
bulk rate is something we should look at during the budget process.
Next item on the agenda:
9. Status of (i) the 1991 approved subdivision at 11 Beechwood Boulevard
(Esposito) and (ii) required subdivision application(s) at 42-46 Lincoln
Avenue
Trustee Santon stated in regard to 42-46 Lincoln Avenue that this board passed a
resolution earlier this year and the issue is that the parties involved never bothered to
follow through on our resolution and never signed the agreement.
In regard to Beechwood Blvd, the applicant did apply for subdivision application, went
before the Planning Board and he would like an update as the applicant did all the right
things in terms of the application but now has an issue that maybe we can't help him
with.
Mr. Beane responded that in regard to Lincoln Avenue, the resolution took 3 separate
lots, even though they were created illegally, and acknowledged the creation of 1 lot that
would be jointly owed by each of the 3 property owners. Based on that there would be a
new tax lot which would resolve a situation going on since 2004. The resolution
authorized the agreement to be signed and as of right now — it is still not signed. His
position is that this is a resolution of a legal dispute and this board has the right to do it.
What has been done, in a series of letters to the applicant, is give them a deadline of this
Friday with the appropriate survey.
Mayor Feinstein added that if it's not signed by the deadline that she wants a resolution to
rescind the board's approval. It's not a complicated issue and whatever is going on
between the homeowners is not our problem.
Trustee Santon has a lot of issues with this but the main being the sub division
application and they did not qualify for one.
Mr. Beane is trying to avoid going through the same process and to settle a lawsuit and
believes he did what he felt was the best thing to do for the Village of Rye Brook.
Mr. Beane went on with respect to 11 Beechwood that in August of 1991 there was a
subdivision application — it was granted — and construction had to be completed and the
map filed in 6 months. Neither happened and the applicant, through counsel, has
requested that in return for his subdivision on file since 1992 and paid $15000 for, he will
agree to go through the entire site plan process in accordance with all of our rules and
regulations.
Mayor Feinstein thanked everyone for their input and as this is the last meeting of the
year, wished everyone a happy and healthy new year.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:31 pm