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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-06-12 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2007-7:30 P.M. AGENDA 7:OOPM— Executive Session— Negotiations and Legal Matters ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE REPORT PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1) Continuation of a Public Hearing on the Site Plan application submitted by K&M Realty Group, LTD for development on Bowman Avenue west of South Ridge Street, Rye Brook, Section 1, Block 22, Lots 2B and 2B2. 2) Public Hearing on a proposed local law to amend Chapter 240 of the Village of Rye Brook Village Code regarding seasonal no parking on Mohegan Lane RESOLUTIONS: 1) Considering the Site Plan application submitted by K&M Realty Group, LTD for development on Bowman Avenue west of South Ridge Street, Rye Brook, Section 1, Block 22, Lots 2B and 2B2 2) Considering a Site Plan submitted by K&M Realty Group, LTD for development of a passive park on Bowman Avenue west of South Ridge Street, Rye Brook, Lots 2B and 2B2, Block 22, section 1 Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 1 3) Considering a proposed local law to amend Chapter 240 of the Village of Rye Brook Village Code regarding seasonal no parking on Mohegan Lane 4) Considering the appointment of an auto mechanic 5) Considering the authorization of funds for a Zoning Study regarding extending the R2-F Zoning District Commercial Overlay 6) Considering the Westchester County Police Academy Training Instructor agreement between the Village of Rye Brook and the County of Westchester Department of Public Safety 7) Considering a Village contribution to the Columbus Day Celebration Committee and use of Hawthorne Ave for the Annual Parade 8) Approval of minutes: February 13, 2007; February 27, 2007; March 13, 2007; March 27, 2007; April 10, 2007; May 22, 2007. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS ACTION ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEES PRESENT AT THE MEETING THE NEXT TRUSTEES MEETINGS: June 26 and July 10, 2007 BOARD: Mayor Lawrence Rand Trustee Michael S. Brown Trustee Joan L. Feinstein Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 2 STAFF: Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator David Burke, Assistant to the Village Administrator Marilyn Timpone Mohamed, Village Consultant Victor Carosi, Village Engineer Amanda Kandel, Village Counsel Fred Seifert, Public Access Coordinator Paula Patafio, Meeting Secretary Mayor Rand welcomed everyone to the June 12, 2007 regular meeting of the Board of Trustees. He reviewed the agenda for the members of the public. It was noted that the first item on the agenda was a continuation of the public hearing on the site plan application submitted by K&M Realty Group for development on Bowman Avenue. He reviewed the application, reiterating that the public hearing was on the site plan review. He explained that the Village's Consultants have made comments regarding the application and that there are now open items. The applicant is aware of the open items and is working on responses. For this reason, the public hearing will not be closed at this meeting, and it will continue at least until June 26th. The Village is also thoroughly reviewing issues surrounding the parcel of land being donated to the Village. Mayor Rand stated that there have been discussions at the County level and with the administration of the City of Rye and Rye Brook. The applicant is aware of these meetings. Mayor Rand stressed that this application has been under review by the Village of Rye Brook for many years. The application is now in its eleventh-hour. Recent storms and flooding have brought a lot of attention to this project, and the applicant has been patient and cooperative throughout the additional review. In fact, the applicant has expressed his willingness to discuss the sale of this parcel to the County. It is also important to remember that the applicant did offer to sell this parcel to the City of Rye, the Village of Rye Brook, and the County several times over the years. At this time Mayor Rand opened to floor to comments regarding this application. At one point, about a year ago, the application was put on hold while the City of Rye researched possible funding for the purchase. No purchase plan was forthcoming, and the applicant submitted revised plans to the Village. It is the revised plan, including the donation of land to the Village that is now the application before the Board of Trustees and the Planning Board. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1) CONTINUATION OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SITE PLAN APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY K&M REALTY GROUP, LTD Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 3 FOR DEVELOPMENT ON BOWMAN AVENUE WEST OF SOUTH RIDGE STREET, RYE BROOK, SECTION 1, BLOCK 22, LOTS 2B AND 2B2. Mayor Rand declared the public hearing open. Carolina Johansen of Rye addressed the Board. She began by noting that recent storms have resulted in severe flooding, the loss of personal property, and the closing of several businesses, including the Rye YMCA. She noted that the citizens of Rye feel that if the subject property were to remain undeveloped it could serve to mitigate flooding downstream, and that developing the property could only make matters worse. The City of Rye is working with the County to help come up with a plan to mitigate the problems. Several projects are being reviewed, including the construction of detention basins and dams on property owned by the City of Rye. The citizens of the City of Rye are also putting pressure on the County officials. They are coming to the Village of Rye Brook to ask for help. Although the applicant's property on Bowman Avenue is not the only property being looked at for possible mitigation work by the City of Rye, the citizens feel that any development on this parcel will add to flooding problems downstream. Ms. Johansen hoped that Rye Brook, Rye, and the County would work together to ensure that the type of disaster that resulted from previous storms does not ever reoccur. Mayor Rand stressed the fact that the applicant has been extremely patient. He reiterated the fact that there was a time several years ago that the application was put on hold so that Rye, Rye Brook and the County could review the property. An attempt was made to purchase this property with the hope of sharing the costs. Unfortunately nothing came from those discussions. The applicant asked Rye Brook to resume the review of the application, which has now gone through a very lengthy process. Mayor Rand noted that Martin Rogowsky, County Legislator, was scheduled to address this matter at this Board of Trustees Meeting. He informed the Mayor that he would be a few minutes late as the Town of Rye also scheduled a meeting for this evening regarding the flight patterns at the Westchester County Airport, a very important issue for the surrounding municipalities. Mr. Rogowsky would address the Board upon his arrival, updating everyone on the status of the County's review of this matter. Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 4 Mayor Rand noted that the Village has received several letters from concerned citizens from the City of Rye. He stressed that contrary to the opinion of several individuals, Rye Brook was not rushing through this application. He noted that this application has been before the Village for approximately 12 years. The developer has been very patient, going as far as placing the application on hold while Rye Brook and the City of Rye discussed jointly purchasing the property. He stressed that a revised and significantly skimmed down plan was now before the Board for site plan review. Mr. Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator, noted that after discussions regarding the purchase of this property, a sizeable financial shortfall was discovered. None of the parties were willing to fund the shortfall. Mayor Rand noted that one area discussed was the portion of funds to be contributed by the County. Once that amount was decided upon, the idea was for Rye Brook and the City of Rye to split the balance 50150, however, no one anticipated the tremendous shortfall. Bernard Abel of Rye Brook addressed the Board. He noted that there was a large parcel of property that should be looked at for a solution to the flooding problem. He suggested that the Blind Brook Country Club on Anderson Hill Road be reviewed as a possible solution and that it could be claimed by the Village under eminent domain. Mr. Ken Heller of 21 Lincoln Avenue addressed the Board. He responded to the previous suggestion and noted that the topography of the golf course is not conducive to retaining storm water. He also noted that Rye City has a solution available to it. Rye owns property, with a dam, that has not been maintained. The area behind the dam has now become a swamp. If this area was dredged, and the dam raised, the property could hold millions and millions of gallons of water. The City of Rye owns this property but has been unwilling to work on this property for over 35 years. Rye City does not want to spend any money to save the homes and business of its residents. The dam and dredging is just the mitigation that is needed to protect the citizens of Rye. It would also be very beneficial to the residents of the Brook Lane area of Rye Brook. Some of the citizens of Rye have suggested that work be done on property owned by Rye on Bowman Avenue. This type of work would flood the fields of the Port Chester Middle School, along with surrounding residents. Mr. Heller felt that no demands should be put on anyone else until the citizens of Rye put a demand on themselves. Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 5 Another resident of Rye addressed the Board. He noted that he was relatively new to this issue and was trying to gather all of the facts. He asked for an explanation of how a two (2) week delay in closing the public hearing would allow for responses to all of the complex issues. Mayor Rand reiterated that the public hearing was on the site plan. The Environmental Impact Statement, which was the appropriate time to raise these issues, included many years of review has been completed. It must be noted that this application has been reviewed by Village staff and consultants, outside consultants, and several Village Boards. The reviews have been ongoing and all public hearings were properly noticed. During the review anyone could have addressed the application. There have been studies done by the applicant and outside consultants and all of the findings have been reviewed. Other communities have also reviewed this application and many of the questions that are being raised now have already been answered. The applicant has received approval on his Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS) and his Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). The two (2) week delay is only being extended to clear up some of the issues on the site plan. The Village is not re-visiting issues that have been reviewed and approved. Mayor Rand stressed that the applicant is not the bad guy. He has gone out of his way to respond to questions that were raised during the process. Mr. Bradbury noted that whether or not this application is approved, Rye Brook will be getting together with the City of Rye and the Army Corps of Engineers to review the flooding issues. Mr. Martin Rogowsky, County Legislator, addressed the Board. He noted that he just came from a meeting held at the Port Chester Middle School regarding the Westchester County Airport. This was an informational meeting about the proposed changes to the use of airspace surrounding the airport. It was noted that these changes will result in impacts to the East and the West of the airport. The FAA has been involved in a multi-year process to redesign the airspace. No information was presented regarding noise and environmental impacts. The goal is to increase flight capacity for the projected growth of the airport. The Airport FEIS will be done in July or August. This new plan will not be implemented for several years. Mr. Rogowsky addressed the flooding issues in the area. He noted that the County has been working closely with the Village of Rye Brook and the City of Rye. Another meeting has been scheduled for Friday afternoon and flood control will be discussed. The County is obviously very concerned, Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 6 and it is actively looking for funding to possibly purchase the site. The County understands that we are all in this together, and that we must work together. Mr. Rogowsky noted that the DEIS included the impacts of developing the Bowman Avenue property. Storm water mitigation has always been a part of the plan. Regarding the purchase of the property, Mr. Rogowsky noted that the government must be concerned about spending tax dollars and raising expectations. Mayor Rand agreed, noting that this particular project is not going to be the solution to all of the flooding problems. The worst thing would be for the County to spend millions of taxpayer dollars and not see the flood mitigation results that everyone is hoping for. In and of itself this property does not provide the answer to flooding problems, and, in fact, may not help at all. Mayor Rand reminded the members of the public that the public hearing was on the site plan approval for the application, but stated that the Board would continue to hear comments from the public. He noted that if the hearing is closed on the 26th it may not mean that a resolution will be considered that evening. Another resident of Rye addressed the Board. She noted that many people were effected by the recent storms. Every new development adds to the existing problems. Every decision made has an effect on the problem. The citizens of Rye have the right to live safely. As there were no additional members of the public wishing to address the Board, Mayor Rand called for a motion to adjourn. On a motion made by Trustee Joan L. Feinstein, and seconded by Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano, the public hearing was adjourned. Mr. David Burke, Assistant to the Village's 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 June 12,2007 Page 7 2) PUBLIC HEARING ON A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW TO AMEND CHAPTER 240 OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK VILLAGE CODE REGARDING SEASONAL NO PARKING ON MOHEGAN LANE Mr. Bradbury stated that this was the public hearing on the matter. This new local law would restrict parking on Mohegan Lane, on the west side, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. from April 1st through October 30t' Trustee Joan Feinstein noted that she had raised a concern at the last meeting regarding the over-spill parking that occurs on Mohegan Lane from the Park. Some of the residents are concerned that the parking during games restricts the line of sight and emergency vehicles may have trouble accessing the area. Therefore, the residents of the area are very happy about the restrictions being imposed. Trustee Paul Rosenberg asked if there was adequate notification for the residents of this area. Mr. Bradbury noted that temporary no parking signs have been installed. In addition the legal requirements for addressing the matter have been fulfilled. Trustee Feinstein stated that many of the residents are in favor of this, and these are the residents that reside on Mohegan Lane. Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano pointed out that the Village's Traffic Commission has reviewed this matter and has recommended these parking restrictions. On a motion made by Trustee Feinstein, and seconded by Trustee Sanders Romano, the public hearing was closed. 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 June 12,2007 Page 8 RESOLUTIONS: 3) CONSIDERING A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW TO AMEND CHAPTER 240 OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK VILLAGE CODE REGARDING SEASONAL NO PARKING ON MOHEGAN LANE Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION CONSIDERING A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW TO AMEND CHAPTER 240 OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK VILLAGE CODE REGARDING SEASONAL NO PARKING ON MOHEGAN LANE WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook Traffic Commission has requested that Ch. 240 of the Code of the Village of Rye Brook be amended to prohibit parking seasonally along Mohegan Lane opposite Pine Ridge Park; and WHEREAS, a local law has been proposed to amend Ch. 240 prohibit parking seasonally along Mohegan Lane opposite Pine Ridge Park; and WHEREAS, on June 12, 2007 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 12, 2007. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the amendments to Chapter 240 of the Code of the Village of Rye Brook regarding permanent seasonal no parking along Mohegan Lane are hereby adopted. On a motion made by Trustee Feinstein, and seconded by Trustee Brown, the resolution was adopted. TRUSTEE BROWN VOTING AYE Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 9 TRUSTEE FEINSTEIN VOTING AYE TRUSTEE ROSENBERG VOTING AYE TRUSTEE SANDERS ROMANO VOTING AYE MAYOR RAND VOTING AYE Mayor Rand noted that this was a safety matter. He also noted that the issue of temporary no parking on Hillandale Road has been extended for further review. On the weekend, where there is an overflow from the ball fields, making a right hand turn off of King Street to Hillandale Road becomes a very dangerous turn. This matter warrants additional review. 4) CONSIDERING THE APPOINTMENT OF AN AUTO MECHANIC Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION CONSIDERING THE APPOINTMENT OF AN AUTO MECHANIC RESOLVED, that Vincent Sama of 220 Westchester Ave, Mount Vernon, New York is herby appointed to the position of Auto Mechanic with the Village of Rye Brook, subject to civil service procedures of the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, that the annual salary is $66,343 with an effective start date to be determined and a probationary period of no less than twelve (12) weeks, nor more than fifty-two (52) weeks from the effective start date. 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 Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 10 Mr. Bradbury was asked for some background on Mr. Sama. Mr. Bradbury noted that Mr. Sama has been working with the Village of Mamaroneck. He was the owner operator of an auto repair shop in the Town of Larchmont, and had also been employed in Tarrytown. He comes highly recommended. 5) CONSIDERING THE AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS FOR A ZONING STUDY REGARDING EXTENDING THE R2-F ZONING DISTRICT COMMERCIAL OVERLAY Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION CONSIDERING THE AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS FOR A ZONING STUDY REGARDING EXTENDING THE R2-F ZONING DISTRICT COMMERCIAL OVERLAY WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook has convened a Zoning/Design Study Group to explore potential zoning changes to accommodate and encourage commercial uses along South Ridge Street; and WHEREAS, the Zoning/Design Study Group has requested Fredrick P. Clark Associates, Inc. to provide a proposal to perform a zoning study to investigate extending the commercial overlay located on Bowman and Westchester Avenues within the R2-F zoning district onto South Ridge Street. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook authorizes the funds in the amount of $11,150 for Frederick P. Clark Associates, Inc. to perform said study; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign any and all necessary documents to accomplish the purpose of this resolution. Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 11 Trustee Feinstein noted that it was her opinion that authorizing the expenditure of these funds was not right and she would not be voting in favor of this resolution. Trustee Sanders Romano noted that the Village needs a comprehensive master plan. She felt that reviewing the Village piecemeal was a waste of time. She felt that this resolution should be temporarily put aside. Mayor Rand noted that the Village does have a Vision Plan. He noted that looking at the Village section by section means that these reviews can be worked into the master plan. He felt that these issues that should be addressed now and not in five (5) years. Trustee Sanders Romano noted that doing the review in a holistic way would allow the Village to study all impacts. On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee Brown, the resolution was not adopted. Mr. Burke called the roll: TRUSTEE BROWN VOTING NAY TRUSTEE FEINSTEIN VOTING NAY TRUSTEE ROSENBERG VOTING NAY TRUSTEE SANDERS ROMANO VOTING NAY MAYOR RAND VOTING NAY Marilyn Timpone Mohamed, Village Consultant, addressed the Board. She noted that a Master Plan is a very big undertaking for a Village. It is an important undertaking because the Vision Plan only takes you so far. The Vision Plan asks a lot of questions and points in a lot of direction, but doesn't actually provide a plan. A Master Plan is an important way to find out what the residents of the Village want. A Village-wide survey that would ask for and discuss various issues and get the residents feedback on these issues would be very important. Trends that are emerging in Rye Brook could be reviewed. These kinds of studies cost money — no matter who does the study for you. However, the end result would be a very good picture of the Village today, from which a Master Plan could be created. The review could cover commercial issues, recreational issues, residential issues, storm water management, and could include as much as you want or be narrowed down to certain issues. Code and Zoning revisions would be Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 12 based on a plan for the entire Village. A Master Plan would give a good strong foundation for all changes. Mayor Rand noted that Ms. Timpone Mohamed and Mr. Bradbury would continue to review this matter. 6) CONSIDERING THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY POLICE ACADEMY TRAINING INSTRUCTOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK AND THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Book provides instructors to the Westchester County Police Academy whenever circumstances permit; and WHEREAS, the County of Westchester requires an Inter-Municipal Agreement to defend and indemnify the Village in connection with any action brought against the instructor. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook authorizes the Village to enter into an Inter-municipal Agreement with the County of Westchester for a Police Academy Training Instructor agreement for the period from execution to March 20, 2012; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign all necessary documents to implement the Inter-municipal Agreement. On a motion made by Trustee Feinstein, 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 Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 13 Mr. Bradbury noted that this is a very important program. This is how all of the new recruits for the police and fire departments receive training. 7) CONSIDERING A VILLAGE CONTRIBUTION TO THE COLUMBUS DAY CELEBRATION COMMITTEE AND USE OF HAWTHORNE AVE FOR THE ANNUAL PARADE Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION CONSIDERING A VILLAGE CONTRIBUTION TO THE COLUMBUS DAY CELEBRATION COMMITTEE AND USE OF HAWTHORNE AVENUE FOR THE ANNUAL PARADE WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees supports the annual Columbus Day Parade sponsored by the Columbus Day Parade Committee. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees hereby requests that $750.00 be provided to the Columbus Day Parade Committee for its annual Columbus Day Parade; and it is FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Columbus Day Parade Committee may use Hawthorne Avenue on Sunday, October 7, 200 (rain date October 14, 2007) for the Columbus Day Parade in compliance with the terms and/or conditions established by the Village of Rye Brook Police Department On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee Feinstein, 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 Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 14 The Chairman of the Port Chester/Rye Brook Columbus Day Celebration Committee addressed the Board of Trustees. He thanked the Village Board for their continued support. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the festivities. He noted that the Former Mayor of Port Chester, Gerald Logan, will be honored at this year's celebration. Mayor Rand noted that an additional resolution was added to the agenda. He turned to Mr. Bradbury, who read the following resolution: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A NYS HOME RULE REQUEST FOR A HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook desires to enact an occupancy tax on any room for hire within the Village; and WHEREAS, the rate of such tax shall not exceed three (3) percent of the per diem rental rate for each room; and WHEREAS, NYS Senator Suzi Oppenheimer has introduced NYS legislation to the Senate with bill number S.5007-A, and NYS Assemblyman George Latimer has introduced NYS legislation to the Assembly with bill number A.7902-A; and WHEREAS, this legislation requires the passage of a Home Rule Request to the NYS Senate and NYS Assembly by the Village of Rye Brook. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook hereby approves the submission of a Home Rule Request to the NYS Senate and Assembly for bill numbers S.5007-A and A.7902-A that would not exceed a three (3) percent daily room tax for a hotel, motel, or similar place of public accommodation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to submit the Home Rule Request and execute and deliver all necessary documents to NYS. Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 15 On a motion made by Trustee Rosenberg, and seconded by Trustee Sanders Romano, 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 this is actually a repeat of a resolution that was previously before the Board. 8) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 13, 2007; February 27, 2007; March 13, 2007; March 27, 2007; April 10, 2007; May 22, 2007. Mayor Rand reviewed the meeting minutes to be approved. It was noted that all changes and corrections have been submitted by the members of the Board. Trustee Feinstein noted that she was not in attendance at the February 13, 2007 meeting. Trustee Sanders Romano noted that she was also absent from one of the meetings. As no corrections were submitted by either Trustee for those meetings, Mayor Rand asked that a motion to approve the minutes, as amended, be made. On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee Rosenberg, the minutes were approved as amended. TRUSTEE BROWN VOTING AYE TRUSTEE FEINSTEIN VOTING NAY TRUSTEE ROSENBERG VOTING AYE TRUSTEE SANDERS ROMANO VOTING AYE MAYOR RAND VOTING AYE Mayor Rand called for the next item on the agenda. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 16 Mr. Bradbury began his presentation by noting that the cell tower is moving ahead and is almost completed. The sidewalk project on Ellendale and West William is also moving ahead. The residents in that area have been notified of the work to be done. The roadway paving work is continuing and should be completed by the fall. Additional paving work was being done that is part of the current contract. Mr. Bradbury gave a brief presentation on storm water and water quality issues within the Village. He noted that FEMA has been working with the County to give individual and small business owners assistance. There is information on the Village's website, as well as the County's website. There is a lot of paperwork that must be reviewed in connection with public reimbursement. FEMA will be reimbursing the Village and this should come together in mid-July. Rye Brook has applied for several grants and there are additional grants to be applied for in connection with the storm water project. The County will be supplying the Village with additional information on available funds. Mr. Bradbury noted that the King Street and Loch Lane drainage improvements are almost complete. The Village is waiting for the final three (3) easements. Mr. Carosi has been working very hard on this project. The new Edgewood basin is being reviewed. The Village has met with the Department of Environmental Conservation. The Village has been approved for $218,750.00 from the State towards this project. The County's consultant has come in and reviewed Rich Manor Park. This is a follow up review of the parkland. They will be replacing any dead plants, applying herbicide, and completing any other maintenance work that is needed. Mayor Rand pointed out that many beautiful characteristics at Rich Manor Park have been restored. Victor Carosi, Village Engineer, noted that there was a meeting with Mr. Dolph Rotfeld, the Village's Engineering Consultant. This was a follow up meeting with the Westchester County Park Department. A walk through took place, and it was found that many of the plantings are doing well. The wild flowers planted in the area are now blooming, and some fast spreading weed species are now being eradicated. There are some concerns that are being reviewed. A significant amount of grass clippings were found dumped right near the water. This leaks fertilizers right into the water. This is parkland and residents must be aware that no dumping of grass clippings is allowed. All lawn care professionals must be made aware of this as well. The Village has a great green waste program and the Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 17 grass clippings are taken away at curbside. Mr. Carosi noted that, in general, the Village is satisfied with the work that has been done on this parkland. Mr. Bradbury noted that the Hidden Falls and Rye Brook were reviewing a possible detention pond. Mr. Bradbury stated that LISWIC has been very active. It has been reviewing the storm water management district. Mr. Bradbury noted that he served on a sub- committee and the assignment is to come up with one (1) comprehensive recommendation to be considered for the storm water management district. A report will go out next month. County Legislator Tom Abinati has drafted legislation for a countywide flood management district, similar to LISWIC. This is a good concept. In the meantime, Westchester County has a flood summit scheduled for June 20, 2007. HBR, one of the Village's engineering consultants, is working with the Army Corp of Engineers on the Blind Brook Watershed. They are trying to come up with projects that will help residents. Rye Brook is continuing to work with Rye City. The two (2) municipalities are sharing prior studies, and focusing on the best alternative that will make sense for both communities. Mayor Rand reminded everyone that Saturday was Rye Brook's 25f Birthday Party at Crawford Park. There will be free food, drinks, games and rides. The official ceremony is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. This is a milestone event that the Recreation Department has worked on for countless hours. After the celebration there will be a good old fashion out door movie under the stars. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, and sit and enjoy the Rocky Balboa movie. Everyone is invited. Mayor Rand turned to members of the public, asking anyone who wished to address the Board to come forward. Mr. Bernard Abel addressed the Board. He stated that about three (3) weeks ago the Westmore News ran an article on subsidized housing which is being proposed by Mr. Morabito of the Town of Rye. He was unsure of where any construction was being considered since the remaining parcel of Village owned property is on Ellendale. Mayor Rand responded that the Village is aware of this idea, and preliminary discussions have taken place. This is a concept and it is far from a Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 18 reality. Part of the concept is a land swap, but this project is in its very early stages. Mr. Abel gave a brief history on Rich Manor and Crawford Park. He noted that when he owned the Westmore News a developer wanted to build 25 to 30 houses on the parcel now known as Rich Manor Park. The Westmore News put a stop to this development by going on a crusade. Articles were written and after some time it was suggested that a flood control district be created to prevent the owner of the property from further development. Mr. Abel also noted that he had a hand in creating Crawford Park. He pointed out that the Town of Rye should not have control over Crawford Park—the Village of Rye Brook should. There is no longer a United Hospital, to which the Crawford Park could revert. He suggested that this be looked into. Next Mr. Abel complimented the Village of Rye Brook Board. He noted that it is run the way a municipality's government should be run. He noted that the Town of Rye gives away 32 passes worth $100 each every year for Rye Beach, plus an associate gets 32 passes. That is a total of$6,400.00. The Villages of Rye Brook and Port Chester not to accept any free passes. The Mayor of Rye said that he does not get a free pass. When questioned about the free passes and who gets them, Mr. Abel learned that there is no record of the passes or who receives them. He asked that Rye Brook look into this as well, especially since the money being given away belongs to Rye Brook. Mayor Rand noted that the current Board is not afraid to stick up for Rye Brook residents and as a Commissioner on the Rye Town Parks Commission, he will ask that Commission to cease the practice of distributing free passes without the Commission's approval. Trustee Feinstein asked for a status report on the GPS system. Mayor Rand called upon Victor Carosi, Village Engineer, for a brief update. Mr. Carosi noted that he was happy to report that at this time there have been initial meetings, and an exchange of information. In addition, a good portion of the survey work has been completed, and a meeting has been scheduled to discuss the preliminary framework of the study. The intent is use this data to formulate the paving projects. This project is moving forward quickly. There being no further business before the Board, and no additional comments from members of the public, Mayor Rand called for a motion to adjourn. Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 19 On a motion made by Trustee Feinstein, and seconded by Trustee Sanders Romano, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. 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 Board of Trustees Meeting June 12,2007 Page 20