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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-12-09 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2008-7:30 P.M. AGENDA 7:00 PM– Executive Session– Litigation ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE REPORT PUBLIC HEARING: (1) Public Hearing to consider a proposed local law to amend Chapter 250 of the Village of Rye Brook Village Code regarding off-street parking RESOLUTIONS: (1) Considering a proposed local law to Chapter 250 of the Village of Rye Brook Village Code regarding off street parking (2) Considering a budget modification (3) Considering accepting a donation for concession stand supplies (4) Considering an agreement with Hudson River Valley Greenway for grant assistance when developing a comprehensive plan (5) Considering the cancellation of the December 23, 2008 Board of Trustees meeting (6)Approval of minutes: September 23, 2008; October 14, 2008; October 28, 2008; November 12, 2008 Board of Trustees Meeting December 9, 2008 Page 1 ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT OLD BUSINESS: (1) Village Board update on Rye Brook Travel Baseball (2) Village Board update on status of proposed detention basin (3) Village Attorney update on Village election sign law and Trustee term limit legislation NEW BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS: (1) Code enforcement status of illegal subdivisions or Rye Brook land at 42-46 Lincoln Avenue (2) Educational outreach to property owners regarding maintenance of the Blind Brook and other bodies of water on their property (3) Proposed modifications of Chapter 235 (Trees) of the Rye Brook Code ACTION ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEES PRESENT AT THE MEETING THE NEXT REGULAR TRUSTEES MEETINGS: December 23, 2008 and January 13, 2009 BOARD: Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Trustee Michael S. Brown Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Trustee Dean P. Santon Excused: Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano STAFF: Christopher J. Bradbury, Village Administrator David Burke, Assistant to the Village Administrator Gregory Austin, Police Chief Fred Seifert, Public Access Coordinator Paula Patafio, Secretary Board of Trustees Meeting December 9,2008 Page 2 Mayor Feinstein called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. She noted that this was the December 9th regular meeting of the Board of Trustees. It was also noted that Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano was excused from the meeting. Mayor Feinstein took a few moments to make some preliminary announcements. She began by asking for a moment of silence for Jananne Abel's mother who recently passed away in Florida. Next she took a few moments to congratulate students at the Ridge Street School for their participation in the Pajama Program. The students spent Pajama Day loading the "Pajama Bus" with items that they had collected to donate to the Pajama Program, a charity that provides pajamas and books to children in group and foster homes. Mayor Feinstein said the students deserved to be very proud of themselves and of their efforts. Mayor Feinstein called for the first item on the agenda: PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW TO AMEND CHAPTER 250 OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK VILLAGE CODE REGARDING OFF-STREET PARKING It was noted that Trustee Sanders Romano has been involved in the review of Chapter 250. As she has been excused from this meeting, Trustee Dean Santon made a motion to adjourn this matter until the January 13, 2009 meeting of the Board of Trustees when Trustee Sanders Romano would be in attendance and would be able to comment on this matter. Trustee Paul Rosenberg seconded the motion. Mr. David Burke, Assistant to the Village Administrator, was asked to call the roll: Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye The motion carried with a vote of four ayes to zero nays. Mr. Bradbury was directed to place this matter on the January 13, 2009 agenda. Board of Trustees Meeting December 9, 2008 Page 3 Mayor Feinstein moved to the resolution portion of the meeting, noting that item #1, the resolution connected to off-street parking modifications, was also adjourned. 2) CONSIDERING A BUDGET MODIFICATION Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION CONSIDERING A BUDGET MODIFICATION RESOLVED, that the following budget modification be hereby approved: FROM TO AMOUNT 101.1990.424 101.7140.446 $ 3,500 (Contingency) (Recreation Dept.— Backhoe Repair) The Village intended on purchasing a tractor backhoe but has done some repairs to the current piece of machinery with the hope that this will extend its life. On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and seconded by Trustee Michael Brown, the resolution was adopted. Mr. Burke called the roll for the approval of the resolution: Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye 3) CONSIDERING ACCEPTING A DONATION FOR CONCESSION STAND SUPPLIES Board of Trustees Meeting December 9,2008 Page 4 Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION CONSIDERING ACCEPTING A DONATION FOR CONCESSION STAND SUPPLIES WHEREAS, a resident who is employed by Green Mountain Coffee desires to donate a coffee maker, assorted boxes of coffee, cups and tops for use at the concession stand located at the Rye Brook Athletic Fields. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Village of Rye Brook hereby accepts the donation of these assorted items for use at the concession stand. On a motion made by Trustee Brown, and seconded by Trustee Rosenberg, the resolution was adopted. Mr. Burke called the roll: Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye 4) CONSIDERING AN AGREEMENT WITH HUDSON RIVER VALLEY GREENWAY FOR GRANT ASSISTANCE WHEN DEVELOPING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Mr. Burke called the roll for the approval of the resolution: RESOLUTION CONSIDERING AN AGREEMENT WITH HUDSON RIVER VALLEY GREENWAY FOR GRANT ASSISTANCE WHEN DEVELOPING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Board of Trustees Meeting December 9,2008 Page 5 WHEREAS, the Hudson River Valley Greenway Act (HRVGA) calls for the creation of a regional planning compact among the villages, towns and cities of the Hudson River Valley Greenway area; and WHEREAS, the purposes of this act are to foster regional planning, protection of natural and cultural resources, enhanced public access to the Hudson River, economic development and heritage and environmental education; and WHEREAS, the act authorizes the Council to fund projects related to the development of the compact in which communities participating in the compact process will become eligible for Greenway technical and financial assistance; and WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook voted and was accepted into the Westchester County's Greenprint compact in December, 2006; and WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook applied for and was awarded fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) in financial assistance when preparing a Village Comprehensive Plan. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Village of Rye Brook hereby enter into an agreement with Hudson Valley River Greenway for assistance to the Village for the purpose of developing a comprehensive plan; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Mayor and Administrator are hereby authorized to sign all documents to accomplish the purpose of this resolution. It was noted that this project was currently on hold. The Hudson River Valley Greenway representative was contacted and notified that the Village was not prepared to start work on the comprehensive plan. The Village would like to enter into the agreement so that when it is ready to proceed with the project the money will available and earmarked for this project. On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and seconded by Trustee Brown, the resolution was adopted. The roll was called: Board of Trustees Meeting December 9,2008 Page 6 Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye 5) CONSIDERING THE CANCELLATION OF THE DECEMBER 23, 2008 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION CONSIDERING THE CANCELLATION OF THE DECEMBER 23, 2008 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby cancels the Board of Trustees meeting scheduled for December 23, 2008. Mr. Burke called the roll for the approval of the resolution: Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye 6) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 23, 2008; OCTOBER 14, 2008; OCTOBER 28, 2008; NOVEMBER 12, 2008 Mayor Feinstein polled the Board to ensure that all members had the opportunity to review the summaries as submitted. The consensus of the Board was to approve the summaries, subject to any changes submitted by the members. Mr. Burke called the roll for the acceptance of the summaries: Board of Trustees Meeting December 9, 2008 Page 7 Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Mr. Bradbury began his report by noting that the Village is watching expenditures, and seeking additional revenue wherever possible. The Village's 2007-2008 Audit has been completed by the firm of O'Connor, Davies, Munns & Dobbins, LLP. The report will be posted on the Village's website in January for any resident interested in reviewing it. Mr. Bradbury noted that in an effort to save money an opening in the Highway Department, which has resulted from a retirement has been put on hold. The savings for the Village is $41,000.00 in annual salary plus benefits. The filling of this labor position will be reviewed once again in January, when snow season hits. It was noted that the plans for the Kingswood project have been sent to the County for review. The Village looks forward to reviewing the County's comments on this project. Mr. Bradbury noted that the leaf collection program is coming to its end. He thanked Mr. Victor Carosi, Village Engineer, and Mr. Romano and the Park Staff for all of their hard work. He noted that there was a lot of hustling that went on this past week. Mayor Feinstein also offered her congratulations on a very successful leaf collection program. A recreation schedule reflecting all of the winter activities for the Village will be sent out this week. Registration begins December 15t". Payment can be made online. OLD BUSINESS: 1) VILLAGE BOARD UPDATE ON RYE BROOK TRAVEL BASEBALL Board of Trustees Meeting December 9, 2008 Page 8 Mayor Feinstein noted that additional conversations and dialogues regarding this program have been taking place. She thanked everyone for the time and effort that have gone into making this a successful program. A final decision will be made by the Board of Trustees shortly. 2) VILLAGE BOARD UPDATE ON STATUS OF PROPOSED DETENTION BASIN Mayor Feinstein noted that there has been a lot of public outreach in connection with this matter. The project is going forward, but no action will be taken this year. The Board has listened to the potential concerns of the residents of this area. The Village Board has heard concerns regarding trees, safety, and the effect of the detention basin on the character of the neighborhood. This project requires a balancing in responding to the concerns of the residents and helping with flooding issues that have been going on for many years. She assured the residents that the Village will work with the neighbors on tree preservation and safety issues. Mr. Bradbury noted that the new detention basin will be constructed on municipal property fronting on Edgewood Drive and Bluebird Hollow, near the Rich Manor Park. The primary purposes of this basin are to improve water quality and reduce downstream flooding below the basin. He reviewed the time line and next steps involved in this project. First construction documents will be prepared and presented to the Board for consideration before being put out to bid. The next step is the completion of a pollutant discharge report. This report has been drafted and should be to the State by the end of the year. That is the last piece of paper needed by the State. At the completion and acceptance of the construction plans, the property will be staked in order to show the exact placement and dimension of the basin. The Village is hopefully that authorization to move forward will be received next week. Board of Trustees Meeting December 9, 2008 Page 9 3) VILLAGE ATTORNEY UPDATE ON VILLAGE ELECTION SIGN LAW AND TRUSTEE TERM LIMIT LEGISLATION It was noted that this matter would be discussed at the next Board of Trustees Meeting at which time Edward Beane, Esq., Village Counsel, would make the presentation. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1) CODE ENFORCEMENT STATUS OF ILLEGAL SUBDIVISIONS OR RYE BROOK LAND AT 42-46 LINCOLN AVENUE This matter was deferred to the next meeting of the Board of Trustees. 2) EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH TO PROPERTY OWNERS REGARDING MAINTENANCE OF THE BLIND BROOK AND OTHER BODIES OF WATER ON THEIR PROPERTY Trustee Santon noted that it became clear when the detention basin project was discussed that residents are not aware that portions of the Blind Brook are on private property. He stated that residents need additional venues of education on Village matters, including the Blind Brook. It was noted that the Village owns very little property that has the Blind Brook running through it. Trustee Santon discussed possible venues for educational outreach. He noted that he has prepared information for the Board regarding what can be done to protect and clean up the Brook. It is important that the residents are educated as to what they can do as property owners to make sure that the Brook doesn't become burdened with trash. Trustee Santon noted that 38 years ago he participated in a Ridge Street School class project where the students assisted in cleaning portions of the brook at Rich Manor Park. The Village could offer service hours to students willing to volunteer for such a project. Board of Trustees Meeting December 9, 2008 Page 10 Mr. Bradbury stated that the students could also be assigned the task of giving out information in the form of door hangers regarding the care of the Brook. These door hangers could contain information on lawn management, pesticides, illegal dumping, etc. It is important for the youth of the Village to get involved and learn about the brook and where it flows. This would be an excellent educational project that the Village could work on with the schools. Mayor Feinstein noted that the school district does have community service components. She also felt that engaging the students in this project was a fabulous idea. Mr. Bradbury stated that the students would be guided as to which residents have the Brook running through their property, where the information should be handed out, and which property owners would give approval for access to the Brook. Trustee Santon noted that landscapers have been dumping debris into the Brook for years. This must stop. This program could be a great benefit to the community and should be coordinated with the school districts. 3) PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS OF CHAPTER 235 (TREES) OF THE RYE BROOK CODE Trustee Santon noted that modifications from the Village's tree code have been put into place back in November of 2007 and, like any legislation, you learn from experience. He explained that there is some tweaking needed for this portion of the Code. Trustee Santon highlighted a few areas that need to be adjusted. He noted that the definitions need to be consistent. He also stated that the approval authority must be assigned, and the responsibilities of the Environmental Council must be made clear. He felt that there should be public outreach. There are significant inconsistencies within this portion of the Code. Trustee Santon noted that some of the provisions contradict each other and that the appeals process must be made very clear. Board of Trustees Meeting December 9, 2008 Page 11 Mayor Feinstein called for members of the public wishing to address the Board. There being no one, she took a moment to thank the Village's staff for all of its hard work throughout 2008, and to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season. On a motion made by Trustee Rosenberg, and seconded by Trustee Santon, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Mr. Burke called the roll: Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye Board of Trustees Meeting December 9,2008 Page 12