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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-11 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2008-7:30 P.M. AGENDA 7:00 PM– Executive Session– Litigation ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE REPORT PUBLIC HEARINGS RESOLUTIONS: (1) Awarding Contract #08-01: Site Alterations (Irrigation) at Pine Ridge Park (2) Setting a Public Hearing for an application for a Special Use Permit and site plan approval for St. Mary's Cemetery, South Ridge and High Streets (3) Considering an Inter-Municipal Agreement with Westchester County for a commitment to participate in a regional Stormwater Education and Outreach Program (4) Modifying Salary of Deputy Treasurer (5) Considering the adoption of the Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Village of Rye Brook ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Pagel OLD BUSINESS: (1) Update on Comprehensive Plan NEW BUSINESS ACTION ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEES PRESENT AT THE MEETING THE NEXT TRUSTEES MEETINGS: March 26 and April 8, 2008 BOARD Mayor Lawrence A. Rand Trustee Michael S. Brown Trustee Joan L. Feinstein Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano STAFF: Christopher J. Bradbury, Village Administrator Gregory Austin, Police Chief Robert Bertolacci, Parks and Recreation Superintendent David Burke, Assistant to the Village Administrator Victor Carosi, Village Engineer Fred Seifert, Public Access Coordinator Marilyn Timpone Mohamed, Village Consultant Nicholas Ward Willis, Village Counsel Paula Patafio, Secretary CONVENE: Mayor Lawrence A. Rand called the March 11, 2008 Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees to order. It was noted that an Executive Session was held before the meeting on Litigation. Mayor Rand called for the first matter on the agenda: 1) AWARDING CONTRACT #08-01: SITE ALTERATIONS (IRRIGATION) AT PINE RIDGE PARK Mr. Christopher J. Bradbury, Village Administrator, read the following resolution: Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Page 2 RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT #08-01 SITE ALTERATION (IRRIGATION) AT PINE RIDGE PARK WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook has solicited bids for contract #08-01 "Site Alterations (Irrigation) at Pine Ridge Park;" and WHEREAS, a public notice was duly advertised in an official newspaper of the Village of Rye Brook on February 7, February 10 and February 17, 2008; and WHEREAS, at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 4th 2008, all bids received were opened as summarized below; and Bidder Bid Bond Amount County-Wide Sprinklers Yes $21,485.00 Executive Landscaping Yes $37,065.00 WHEREAS, the Village Parks and Recreation Superintendent has determined the lowest responsible bidder meeting the requirements of the contract documents is County-Wide Sprinklers for the total bid price of $21,485. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that contract #08-01 "Site Alterations (Irrigation) at Pine Ridge Park" is hereby awarded to County-Wide Sprinklers; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following capital fund monies be reallocated: Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Page 3 FROM TO AMOUNT 901.7140.414 901.7140.415 $ 5,500 (Garibaldi Park Sprinklers) (Sprinkler/Drainage - Pine Ridge Park) 901.6772.203 901.7140.415 $ 5,500 (Replace Tile Floor—AJP) (Sprinkler/Drainage— Pine Ridge Park) 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 matter was put out for bids in November of 2006, and in December the bid was awarded. The bid had two alternates which were higher than acceptable. The project was separated and then placed for bid again and has now come in for a lower amount. Robert Bertolacci, Parks and Recreation Superintendent noted that the project should start soon and no interruptions to any of the programs are expected. The construction will take place in front of the playground, in front of the basketball courts, and in front of the tennis courts and these areas will be fenced off. On a motion made by Trustee Joan Feinstein, and seconded by Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano, the resolution was adopted. Mr. David Burke, Assistant Village Administrator, called the roll: Trustee Brown Voting Aye Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye Trustee Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Sanders Romano Voting Aye Mayor Rand Voting Aye Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Page 4 2) SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR AN APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT AND SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR ST. MARY'S CEMETERY, SOUTH RIDGE AND HIGH STREETS Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR AN APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT AND SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR ST. MARY'S CEMETERY, SOUTH RIDGE AND HIGH STREETS WHEREAS, the Church of Our Lady of Mercy is the owner of a property operated as a cemetery that is located at 319 South Ridge Street, north of High Street in the R2-F Zoning District and has made an application to the Village of Rye Brook, pursuant to Sections 209-1 and 250-6(H)(1) of the Village Code, requesting approval of a Site Plan and Special Use Permit for construction of Phase 4 of the mausoleum situated on the subject property located in Section 1, Block 28, Lot 1 (A.K.A. 1- 28A-WHOLE and A.K.A. 1-28-14 & 15) on the Town of Rye Tax Maps; and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook declared itself Lead Agency for review of the subject application on October 28, 2003 in accordance with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), determining the proposed action to be an Unlisted Action; and WHEREAS, on October 28, 2003 the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook referred the application for site plan approval to the Village Planning Board and the Village Planning Consultant, the Westchester County Department of Planning, the Town/Village of Harrison, the Village of Port Chester, the City of Rye, and the New York State Thruway Authority for reports and recommendations; and WHEREAS, on February 27, 2007 the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook referred the application for a Special Use Permit to the Village Planning Board; and WHEREAS, on February 28, 2008 the Planning Board of the Village of Rye Brook referred the application back to the Board of Trustees with a report and recommendation. Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Page 5 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees shall hold a Public Hearing on March 25, 2008 at 7:30 p.m., at Village Hall, 938 King Street, Rye Brook, New York to consider the application for site plan approval and special use permit; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Applicant is directed to comply with Section 250-40 of the Village Code regarding notification. Mayor Rand asked for an update on the project. Daniel M. Laub, Esq., of the firm of Cuddy and Feder, addressed the Board as the representative for the applicant. Also in attendance and prepared to respond to questions was Anthony Gioffre, Esq., legal counsel from Cuddy and Feder. Mr. Laub noted that St. Mary's Cemetery is located off of High Street and Ridge Street. The proposed addition to the mausoleum is in the corner near the bridge. Access to the Cemetery is from High Street. The proposed addition is approximately 700 square feet in size. Part of the proposed improvements will be grading and landscaping. Mr. Laub presented the Board with a factual rendering of what the building would look like once completed. He pointed out that there is a significant amount of landscaping planned for this project. The means of ingress and egress will remain the same. Mr. Laub discussed visibility and noted that when coming up South Ridge Street the new addition will not be visible. The lighting will be shielded, and the applicant believes that there would be no noise or lighting impacts. There is sufficient screening to block the view of the addition. Trustee Paul Rosenberg noted that a letter dated March 5, 2008 was sent to the Zoning Board of Appeals from the Westchester County Planning Department and this matter is before that Board. The applicant is seeking two variances. The first is an I I foot variance on the front yard setback and the second variance is in connection with the height of the building. Trustee Rosenberg stated that it was his opinion that the proposed addition is too big and he noted that he did not agree that there would be minimal visual impact. He also questioned why the applicant has stated that this is not a self-imposed hardship and asked that the applicant clarify this statement. Mr. Laub noted that the property line along South Ridge Street goes inward. There is an artificial property line but the actual property line goes in and out from Ridge Street. This is a result of a portion of the property that was taken under eminent domain by the State at the time of the I287 Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Page 6 construction. As a result, the proposed addition does not meet the front yard setback within the Village's Code. Trustee Rosenberg noted that there was an issue regarding the Certificate of Occupancy on the prior addition. Mr. Laub stated that this matter has been clarified. Trustee Rosenberg addressed the landscape plan. He stated that in his opinion the trees that are being proposed are not particularly large. However, the renderings depict trees that are fully matured. Ms. Marilyn Timpone Mohamed, Village Consultant from the firm of Frederick P. Clark and Associates, noted that the trees on the plan are 4-4 �/z inch trees. The bigger the tree the more expensive to plant, however, she did not feel that it was unreasonable to request that 6' trees be planted. She also noted that the Evergreens that the applicant has proposed could also be made a larger. There are trees on the Thruway Authority's property that will remain, and additional planting on that property is being proposed. The planting plan is subject to the Thruway Authority's approval. Trustee Michael Brown asked if a landscaping plan had been submitted. Mr. Laub noted that a final plan had not yet been submitted. Trustee Brown felt that it would be helpful to see an accurate planting plan. Nicholas Ward-Willis, Esq., Village Counsel, stated that the proposed renderings should show both the landscaping in the winter and spring seasons. Mayor Rand reminded the Board that the resolution before them was setting a public hearing. There are a number of issues to be addressed and a members of the community will be allowed to express their opinion at the public hearing. It is highly unlikely that the public hearing will be closed at the next meeting so there will be ample time to take comments from the public. Trustee Rosenberg questioned the SEQRA process. Ms. Timpone Mohamed noted that this application is subject is SEQRA. It was also noted that all the properties along I287 will be notified of the application. Trustee Sanders Romano noted that the State could easily disapprove planting on their property. The Village cannot assume that the State will approve the proposed planting and the applicant should submit an alternative plan in case the Thruway Authority does not allow the planting. Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Page 7 Mr. Bradbury reminded the Board that this resolution simply sets the public hearing. On a motion made by Trustee Feinstein, and seconded by Trustee Brown, the resolution was adopted, as amended. Trustee Brown Voting Aye Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye Trustee Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Sanders Romano Voting Aye Mayor Rand Voting Aye 3) CONSIDERING AN INTER-MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY FOR A COMMITMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN A REGIONAL STORMWATER EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAM Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION CONSIDERING AN INTER-MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY FOR A COMMITMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN A REGIONAL STORMWATER EDUCATION PROGRAM WHEREAS, in 2003 the Village of Rye Brook provided a letter of intent to participate in a joint Stormwater Phase II Implementation grant from the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) for stormwater education and outreach materials; and WHEREAS, on July 24, 2007 the Village of Rye Brook passed a resolution agreeing to participate in a regional Stormwater Education Program; and WHEREAS, in order for the County of Westchester to complete the contract with the NYS DEC an Inter-Municipal Agreement (IMA) must be signed from each local municipality confirming their commitment to the program. Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Page 8 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Village of Rye Brook hereby confirms their support and commitment to the Stormwater Education Program paid through in-kind services for the amount of 1/38 of $50,000, or approximately $1,325 per participating municipality; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Mayor is herby authorized to sign all necessary documents to implement this agreement. Mayor Rand called for discussion on this matter. As there were no comments or questions, he called for a motion on the resolution. On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee Brown, the resolution was adopted as amended. Mr. Burke called the roll: Trustee Brown Voting Aye Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye Trustee Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Sanders Romano Voting Aye Mayor Rand Voting Aye 4) MODIFYING SALARY OF DEPUTY TREASURER Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION MODIFYING SALARY OF DEPUTY TREASURER RESOLVED, that the salary for Catherine Spinosa, Deputy Treasurer, be modified to $82,000 effective March 12, 2008. Mayor Rand noted that Cathy is a very dedicated employee. She is diligent about the use of taxpayer funds. This is a recommended increase. Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Page 9 On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee Rosenberg, the resolution was adopted. Mr. Burke called the roll: Trustee Brown Voting Aye Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye Trustee Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Sanders Romano Voting Aye Mayor Rand Voting Aye Mayor Rand noted that a resolution was added to the agenda and it is good news for the Village of Rye Brook. 5) CONSIDERING THE ADOPTION OF THE HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN FOR THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION CONSIDERING THE ADOPTION OF THE HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN FOR THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK WHEREAS, The Village of Rye Brook, with the assistance from Frank Culross, has gathered information and prepared the Village's Hazard Mitigation Plan, and WHEREAS, the Hazard Mitigation Plan has been prepared in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000; and WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook is a local unit of government that has afforded the citizens an opportunity to comment and provide input in the Plan and the actions in the Plan; and WHEREAS, The Village of Rye Brook has reviewed the Plan and affirms that the Plan will be updated no less than every five years. Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Page 10 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Rye Brook Board of Trustees hereby adopts the Hazard Mitigation Plan as this jurisdiction's Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, and resolves to execute the actions in the Plan. Mr. Bradbury gave a brief background on this matter. He noted that several years ago the Village of Rye Brook hired a consultant to assist in the preparation of this plan. The document was prepared and reviewed, and a draft Hazard Mitigation Plan was submitted to the State and accepted. In order to continue receiving federal funds this plan must be in place. Rye Brook has put a lot of hard work into the Hazard Mitigation Plan. On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano and seconded by Trustee Brown the resolution was adopted. Trustee Brown Voting Aye Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye Trustee Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Sanders Romano Voting Aye Mayor Rand Voting Aye Mayor Rand noted that recently the State approved the Cold War Veterans' Exemption. The Village has moved very quickly so that our Veterans' can take advantage of the reduction in property taxes. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: Mr. Bradbury noted that the Loch Lane project is moving ahead and is on schedule. The hope is that this project will be done by the end of April. The Village's elections are scheduled for March 18, 2008, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to come out and vote. The Recreation Department has a new program where residents will be able to register for and pay for programs on line. The hope is that this new program will Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Page 11 help working parents who are not able to come into Village Hall during working hours to register their children for recreation programs. There has been some activity on Reckson Phase III. They have applied for Site Plan approval for work proposed to the site which will include grading. There is a Safe Housing Task Force that is doing a great job. There have been a lot of cases that the Village goes in and resolves violations on the spot, but unfortunately there are cases where the Village has had to go to Court too. There have been 22 court cases that the Village has been involved in over the past year. The goal is to ensure that all housing is safe for our community. OLD BUISNESS: 1) UPDATE ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Mr. Bradbury noted gave a brief overview. He noted that this is a big undertaking for the Village. Several reputable firms have responded to the Village's bids. The next step is to interview these firms. Mr. Bradbury noted that administration anticipates a June 1St start date on this project. Mayor Rand noted that some residents have brought an issue to the attention of the Village. Trustee Rosenberg, who is the liaison to the Recreation Council has looked into the matter of the Rye Brook Travel Baseball Team. Trustee Rosenberg give a brief background and noted that changes have been recommend by the Recreation Council's Sub-Committee regarding the Travel Baseball Team. Over the course of the last few months, the Recreation Council has been changing the way that travel baseball is run. There are some issues and residents must understand that we will never be able to make everyone happy. The Travel Soccer Team is run by a private entity and it has now been suggested that the Travel Baseball Team might be better off under the auspices of a private organization. There have been discussions and the Recreation Council voted to recommend to the Superintendent of Parks that the Travel Baseball Program be run by a separate, not-for-profit, organization. There are a lot of details that still need to be ironed out, i.e.: finances, costs, and logistics. Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Page 12 Robert Bertolacci, Parks and Recreation Superintendent, addressed the Board. He noted that Rye Brook is looking into modifying its Travel Baseball and Softball Programs. What the Recreation Council has recommended is that the Village relinquish its summer travel program and endorse a not-for-profit organization to run the travel portions of the Little League, under Rye Brook's charter. This was discussed briefly at the Recreation Council meeting. Mr. Bertolacci noted that he has not yet heard what he needed to hear to endorse this change. Continued research will be done, and additional meetings will be held. The philosophy overview offered was that travel baseball in the previous years has been partially subsidized by taxpayer funds, but there were no alternatives. If the Village plans on running this program this year, the fees will be increased. The current fee is $125.00 per child and there are approximately 16 children per team. The Travel Baseball Program runs two seasons, and residents pay $25/30 to participate. Mr. Bradbury noted that the Little League is different from the Travel Baseball Team. Trustee Feinstein noted that this is an issue because it is a change. There are pros and cons to the Village running the program. Now it is time to decide whether or not the benefits outweigh the negatives. Another possibility that can be researched is sponsorship. Mayor Rand called for members of the public wishing to address the Board on this matter. A parent thanked Mayor Rand for allowing the discussion. She noted that the problem that she had was the process. She felt that the changes were not announced to the parents until after a decision was made. She was uncertain as to whether or not this change would be in the best interest of the children because of a lack of communication between the residents and the recreation department. Another resident, Dr. Jablon, addressed the Board. He noted that Rye Brook has developed a very unique and strong sports program in the last few years. Now it seems like over night a big program is being switched to a private business. The process was too quick and did not include the residents. Baseball season is here and everyone is surprised about the changes. The parents were unaware that there was a problem since there was no communication prior to making this change. A program like this should take a full year to develop. It was noted that the Village's Bulletin states that the Rye Brook Travel Team was starting and that try-outs were coming up. The parents need to be kept in the loop, and they would like to help. Another resident noted that the parents feel as though they are not hearing the whole story. Parents have suggested fundraising and have offered their time to coach. Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Page 13 The Chairman of the Recreation Council addressed the Board. He noted that a recommendation was made in connection with this matter, but that no decision has been made. Ultimately the decision will be made by the Recreation Department and by Mr. Bertolacci. The Advisory Board does the research and makes recommendation. Arguments have been heard both pro and con. If the program is a Rye Brook Program then there is no charge for the field use. If a private organization administers the program then there may be a cost. There are many issues that still need to be reviewed. No proposals have been solicited. Dr. Jablon asked that the review be done in partnership with the staff, volunteers, and parents. Trustee Feinstein thanked the Village's staff for all of their hard work in making our recreation program the successful program that it is today. Mayor Rand thanked everyone for their comments. It was noted that review of this matter would continue. Trustee Rosenberg noted that the Technology and Communication Committee has handed out a new schedule for viewings on TV. The airings of the Board meetings has increased. Additional information can be found on the Village's website. Mayor Rand noted that changes on the various committees and commissions are generally made after the first week in April. The openings are listed on the Village's website and anyone interested should contact the Village. This is a non- partisan community. Anyone wishing to join a committee will be appointed to a committee. All residents are encouraged to participate. Mayor Rand called for the final item on the agenda. Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Page 14 NEW BUSINESS: 1) DISCUSSION OF THE REFERENDUM CONSIDERING THE EXTENSION OF TERMS FOR MAYOR AND TRUSTEES Mayor Rand noted that this is not a new issue. It has been discussed for at least four years, and it has been openly discussed. The difference is a two year term versus a three year term. The Board is willing to open it up again for discussion so that the voters can have all of the information necessary to make a choice. Trustee Sanders Romano noted that there are a number of good reasons for making this change. There is a time commitment involved in serving on the Village Board. A three year term is beneficial to the Village as there is a lot to learn and the issues are very complex. Trustee Feinstein stated that she had been discussing this issue for four years. She noted that there is a learning curve. There are things that you learn when you are on the Board that you don't know about when you sit in the audience. The Board of Trustees are elected individuals. The Board looks at the future and makes decisions for Rye Brook. The Board is here to implement ideas and think about the future, and three year terms help with the planning process. There is an idiosyncrasy in the New York State Law in that the Board could have changed the terms to four years via a resolution. However, in the spirit of open government, this matter was clearly and openly discussed at Board Meetings. Now it is time for the residents to come and vote. It was noted that if the referendum is successful it would not apply to the three individuals who are on the ballot at the March 2008 election. Trustee Brown noted that the points that have been made for making this change are valid points. He stated that he overwhelmingly supported this change. Trustee Rosenberg noted that there have been letters, emails and phone calls and some of them suggested that there was an undertone that the Board has done this without getting public comments. The Board has given a voice to the voters by putting this matter on the ballot. It has opened up this matter to public discussion. This Board has tried to do everything in the light of day and does not try to hide anything. Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Page 15 Mayor Rand felt that some individuals have missed the point of the nature of governance in the Village of Rye Brook. The Board members do not get paid. The members of the Board are residents who volunteer their time. He noted that he has had nearly 14 years of continuous service to the Village. There is a learning curve and a three year term simply makes more sense. The election is scheduled for March 18th and he asked that all residents exercise their rights and come out and vote. Mr. Izzo, Building Inspector, noted that years ago the Village's Code book was '/z" thick, and now it is voluminous. There is a lot to learn and it makes sense to extend the terms for the members of the Board of Trustees. It was noted that the Board of Trustees has delegated approval authority. The Board of Trustees has given approval authority to the Planning Board and the Environmental Council in connection with the tree appeal process. It was also noted that at the end of every meeting members of the community are encouraged by the Board to address them on any issues that concern them. Richard Abel of the Westmore News noted that his father has expressed his opinion on this matter many times over the years. He has always been against the extension of the terms. Mr. Abel stated that he agreed with his dad on this issue. The Board asks for more input and more participation, yet changing the terms creates less opportunity for people to participate. It was noted that many of the surrounding municipalities have longer terms. Rye Brook is not like other villages and it is the differences that make Rye Brook special. Rye Brook runs a very efficient business. Half of the elections in Rye Brook have been uncontested. Dick Hubert, a resident of 53 Doral Greens Drive addressed the Board. He noted that it is important that the public be informed on this issue. He asked that he be allowed to read a letter that he received via email from Dean Santon. Most of the elected officials hit the ground running. If an elected official would like to continue serving the community then they can run for re-election. There is no need for more than two years at a clip to get things done. Two year terms open up the possibility of new candidates for people who want to run for election. It was noted that Mr. Bradbury, as the Village's Administrator, is the backbone of the Village Board. He is there to brief and assist all new Trustees. He can Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Page 16 bring newly elected officials up to speed very quickly. The resident stated that he supported two year terms and he urged all of the residents to vote against this referendum. Former Trustee Richard Buzin addressed the Board. He offered compelling reasons to vote yes. He noted that he has served both two and three year terms on different boards within the Village. It is very difficult for people to understand the significant differences between two and three year terms. An important difference is that you have to get familiar with protocol, personnel which includes staff and all of the members of all of the Boards. It is important as a Village Board member to know all of the staff. There are reviews of contracts. There are personnel matters, police, and fire department issues to be dealt with. The Board members have to become familiar with procedures, neighboring municipalities and their governing bodies. You have to learn this stuff in the first year. With experience comes clout. There is a learning curve. Although the cost of the election is not significant, having an election every three years saves the Village money. The candidates take a lot of time away from their families at no compensation. Having walked the walk and talked the talk — he asked that the residence vote in favor of this referendum. The Chairman of the Recreation Council noted that from his experience serving the Village on this board he learned first hand that there is a learning curve. It takes time to get up to speed on all of the issues, rules, and regulations. The elected officials are there to govern 100% of the time. He felt that extending the term from two to three years would be a benefit for the Village. Mayor Rand concluded the discussion by noting that this is an incredible community. There are practical reasons for the change to the length of terms, and there are theoretical reasons. He hoped that everyone would exercise their rights as citizens of Rye Brook and come out and vote on March 18tH Mayor Rand stated that the Board would go into an Executive Session immediately following the meeting on litigation matters. He noted that the next Board of Trustee meetings are scheduled for March 25th and April Stn Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Page 17 Daniel Laub, Esq., the representative for St. Mary's Cemetery asked that he be heard by the Board. He asked that the public hearing on the application be moved to the first meeting in April. After a brief discussion, Trustee Feinstein made a motion to reschedule the public hearing, which was seconded by Trustee Rosenberg. Mr. Burke called the roll: Trustee Brown Voting Aye Trustee Feinstein Voting Aye Trustee Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Sanders Romano Voting Aye Mayor Rand Voting Aye There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 P.M. Board of Trustees Meeting March 11,2008 Page 18