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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-09 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010-7:30 P.M. AGENDA 7:00 P.M.—Mayor's State of the Village Address ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE REPORT: PUBLIC HEARINGS: (1) Public hearing to consider a Tier III Home Occupation Permit for a dental office at 267 North Ridge Street RESOLUTIONS: (1) Considering a Tier III Home Occupation Permit for a dental office at 267 North Ridge Street (2) Setting a public hearing to consider a proposed local law amending Chapter 250 of the Village of Rye Brook Village Code regarding the Scenic Roads Overlay District (3) Considering the modification of the License and Permit Fee Schedule (4) Approval of Minutes: December 15, 2009; January 12, 2010 and January 26, 2010 ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT OLD BUSINESS: (1) Dogs in Park Board of Trustees Meeting February 9,2010 Page 1 NEW BUSINESS: (1) A request to use the Rye Brook Athletic Fields for `Sleep for Solutions' DISCUSSION ITEMS: (1) Status of Environmental Council (2) Blind Brook storm water quality/management initiative and educational outreach ACTION ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEES PRESENT AT THE MEETING THE NEXT REGULAR TRUSTEES MEETINGS: February 23 and March 9, 2010 Mayor Feinstein welcomed everyone to the February 9th regular meeting of the Board of Trustees. She called for the first item on the agenda: PUBLIC HEARING: (1) PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A TIER III HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT FOR A DENTAL OFFICE AT 267 NORTH RIDGE STREET Mayor Feinstein noted that the applicant requested, due to a personal emergency, a second adjournment to the February 23, 2010 Board of Trustees Meeting. With the consensus of the Board, and on a motion made by Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee Michael Brown, the matter was adjourned. Mr. David Burke, Assistant to the Village Administrator, called the roll: Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Absent Mayor Joan Feinstein Voting Aye Mayor Feinstein called upon Mr. Bradbury to announce a new appointment to Village staff. Mr. Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator, noted that everyone was very excited about this appointment. The job was open for quite Board of Trustees Meeting February 9,2010 Page 2 sometime and the applicant filling the position meets all of the qualifications, and then some. The Village's newest Deputy Village Clerk is Liz Rotfeld. She will be working from the Senior Center, with part of her job description being operating the senior's program. Ms. Rotfeld was employed by Rye Brook many years ago for eight years. She received her degree, and then worked with other municipalities over the years. She will assume the duties of the position on March 8, 2010. Mayor Feinstein noted that Liz also serves on the Board of the Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library and is very active in the Girl Scouts. Ms. Rotfeld thanked the Board for this wonderful opportunity. She is very excited about the position, and cannot wait to get started. Mr. Christopher Bradbury noted that since this position has been vacant for some time, Village staff has pitched in and accepted additional duties which the search for the right applicant took place. He thanked staff for all of their hard work. Mayor Feinstein, with the consensus of the Board, called for the item under New Business on the agenda: NEW BUSINESS: 1) A REQUEST TO USE THE RYE BROOK ATHLETIC FIELDS FOR `SLEEP FOR SOLUTIONS' Mayor Feinstein introduced Danny Ullman, a student at Blind Brook High School. Danny gave a brief overview of the proposed fund raiser, "Sleep for Solutions." He was before the Board of Trustees to request permission to hold this event at the Rye Brook Athletic Field on King Street. He noted that this event would not only raise money, but would also raise awareness to the plight of the homeless. Members of the community are invited to participate in this sleep out. They are asked to bring sleeping bags and blankets, enough to keep them warm overnight. In the morning the sleeping bags and blankets will be collected and donated to the homeless. The event is proposed for May. Mayor Feinstein suggested a waiver of fees for this event. She also noted that Danny has spoken with Chief Gregory Austin of the Rye Brook Police Department to ensure that there would be a police presence at the event. Chef Austin has asked for volunteers. Danny stated that the organization has already applied for the proper insurance policies needed at this type of event. Mayor Feinstein commended Danny for his efforts. She noted that along with the police presence, there will be adult chaperones. There are bathroom facilities at the fields. There will also be emergency lighting setup. This event will run from Board of Trustees Meeting February 9,2010 Page 3 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. A crew will be put together to clean up in the morning so that the field is ready for use the next morning. There is no food allowed. Trustee Paul Rosenberg thanked Danny for his professionalism. He noted that this type of use of the fields, especially since it will be held after 10:00 p.m., would need permission from the Arbors Board and the Blind Brook Board of Education because there are agreements in place. Trustee Dean Santon questioned if there was an alternative location in place in case the Arbors or School Board turned down the request to use the fields. He asked if the school would allow the event to be held on its field, especially since the event would already be using their parking facilities. Danny noted that he has already met with Mr. Stark from the Blind Brook School District and he is in the process of writing a proposal for the Board requesting the use of the parking lot, the bathroom facilities, and the football field for any overflow. Mayor Feinstein noted that the Greenwich neighbors would also be notified of this event, as well as the Hillandale residents. This is a community event and people of all ages are invited. Trustee Michael Brown noted that Danny's ability to speak in front of the Board was very impressive. He thanked Danny for this great idea, and asked how many Blind Brook students would be participating. Danny noted that there are 20 to 30 kids that belong to the Midnight Run. They will all be there with their families. Trustee Brown wasn't sure whether the Arbor's Board needed to give permission, or if all of the residents of the Arbors needed to give their permission. He noted that obviously the second approval was much more difficult to obtain. Trustee Santon asked if Mr. Beane had a chance to review the IMA. Edward Beane, Esq., Village Counsel, noted that this was the first he heard of this event and that he did not have the opportunity to review the IMA. Trustee Santon suggested Harkness Park as an alternative location in the event that the Arbors does not give permission. Mr. Beane noted that he would review the IMA and report back to the Board. Mr. Beane noted that having the Village and the School Board's support would make a difference when the Arbors is considering this proposal. Mr. Bradbury stated that is the type of event that you want to make happen. Mayor Feinstein stated that the School Board is aware that Danny was making a presentation to the Board of Trustees at this evening's meeting. Board of Trustees Meeting February 9,2010 Page 4 Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano noted that this is not a party and will not be a loud event and there would be no food. The idea is to see what it feels like to not have a home and a bed of your own. Mayor Feinstein thanked Danny for his efforts, and his wonderful presentation. Mayor Feinstein moved to the resolution portion of the agenda. RESOLUTIONS: 1) CONSIDERING A TIER III HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT FOR A DENTAL OFFICE AT 267 NORTH RIDGE STREET It was noted that this resolution was adjourned until the public hearing has been held. 2) SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 250 OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK VILLAGE CODE REGARDING THE SCENIC ROADS OVERLAY DISTRICT Mr. Bradbury read the resolution: RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW TO AMEND CHAPTERS 209 AND 250 OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK VILLAGE CODE REGARDING THE SCENIC ROADS OVERLAY DISTRICT WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees is considering amendments of Chapter 209 and 250 of the Village Code regarding the Scenic Roads Overlay District; and WHEREAS, on October 27, 2009 the Board of Trustees referred said local law to the Planning Board for report and recommendation; and WHEREAS, on January 14, 2010 the Planning Board submitted a report and recommendation to the Board of Trustees. Board of Trustees Meeting February 9,2010 Page 5 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook, shall hold a public hearing on February 23, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall, 938 King Street, Rye Brook, New York to consider the proposed local law. On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee Brown, the resolution was adopted. The roll was called: Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye Mayor Joan Feinstein Voting Aye Mr. Bradbury noted that this resolution will set the fees to be put into the Village's Code. 3) CONSIDERING THE MODIFICATION OF THE LICENSE AND PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution: RESOLUTION CONSIDERING THE MODIFICATION OF THE LICENSE AND PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE RESOLVED, that the following modifications to the License and Pen-nit Fee Schedule are hereby approved: 2008- 2009- Last Subject 2009 2010 Notes Revised Day Camp Rye Brook Day Camp $720 $750 6 week resident Jun-09 Rye Brook Day Camp $520 $550 add Child 6 week resident Jun-09 Rye Brook Day Camp $870 $900 after 5/1 6 week resident Jun-09 Rye Brook Day Camp $620 $650 add Child after 5/1 6 week resident Jun-09 Rye Brook Day Camp $970 $1,030 6 week non-resident after 5/1 Jun-09 Rye Brook Day Camp $770 $830 add Child 2-6 week non-resident session Jun-09 Board of Trustees Meeting February 9,2010 Page 6 Rye Brook Day Camp N/A 800 5 week resident Rye Brook Day Camp N/A 575 add child 5 week resident Rye Brook Day Camp N/A 935 5 week non-resident Rye Brook Day Camp N/A 740 add child 5 week non-resident Rye Brook Day Camp N/A 680 4 week resident Rye Brook Day Camp N/A 480 add child 4 week resident Rye Brook Day Camp N/A 808 4 week non-resident Rye Brook Day Camp N/A 672 add child 4 week non-resident Rye Brook Day Camp N/A 540 3 week resident Rye Brook Day Camp N/A 390 add child 3 week resident Rve Brook Day Camp N/A $780 3 week non-resident Rye Brook Day Camp N/A 624 add child 3 week non-resident Rye Brook Day Camp $420 $450 2 week resident session Jun-09 Rye Brook Day Camp $320 $350 add Child 2 resident week session Jun-09 Rye Brook Day Camp $620 $680 2 week non-resident after 5/1 Jun-09 Rye Brook Day Camp $520 $580 add Child 2 non-resident week session Jun-09 Rye Brook Day Camp N/A 300 1 week resident session Rye Brook Day Camp N/A 220 add Child 1 resident week session Rye Brook Day Camp N/A 420 1 week non-resident after 5/1 Rye Brook Day Camp N/A 320 add Child 1 non-resident week session Teen Travel Camp 6-Week Resident $1,220 $1,270 Jun-09 6-Week Resident after May 1 $1,320 $1,370 Jun-09 6-Week Non-Resident $1,620 $1,720 Jun-09 5-Week Resident N/A $1,275 5-Week Non- Resident N/A $1,600 4-Week Resident N/A $1,124 4-Week Non- Resident N/A $1,400 3-Week Resident N/A 975 3-Week Non- Resident N/A $1,200 2-Week Resident $720 $770 Jun-09 2-Week Non-Resident $920 $1,020 Jun-09 1 -Week Resident N/A 455 1 -Week Non-Resident N/A 600 On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee Rosenberg, the resolution was adopted. The roll was called: Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye Mayor Joan Feinstein Voting Aye Board of Trustees Meeting February 9,2010 Page 7 4) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: DECEMBER 15, 2009; JANUARY 12, 2010 AND JANUARY 26, 2010 Mayor Feinstein asked that the summaries be reviewed and approved at the next meeting. Mr. Bradbury asked that one additional resolution be heard by the Board of Trustees. With the Board's consensus, he read the following resolution regarding the appointment of a Police Officer: RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT OF A POLICE OFFICER RESOLVED, that Kieran T. Mutchler of 97 Forest Avenue, Monroe, New York, is hereby appointed to the position of Police Officer with the Village of Rye Brook, in accordance with the appointment letter dated February 2, 2010, subject to the Civil Service procedures of the State of New York; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the annual salary is $45,117 with an effective start date to be determined. On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee Santon, the resolution was adopted. Chief Gregory Austin noted that this appointment was made to fill a vacant position from last June. Officer Mutchler is currently employed as a New York State University Police Officer, working at Purchase College. He is a certified Police Officer and does not have to go to the Police Academy. He is a retired Marine and served in IRAQ. Officer Mutchler comes to the Village with many awards and commendations. On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee Santon, the resolution was adopted. Mr. Burke called the roll. Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye Board of Trustees Meeting February 9,2010 Page 8 Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye Mayor Joan Feinstein Voting Aye ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: Mr. Bradbury began his report by noting that Village Hall will be closed on Monday, February 15th, in observance of President's Day. Mr. Bradbury discussed snow days. He noted that Village Hall will be open, and usually there is a skeleton crew in place. Everyone makes their own decision whether or not to come, taking their safety into consideration. As there is a significant snow fall expected, the Senior Center will be closed tomorrow, February 10th. No lunches will be served for the next two days. There will be information on the Village's website regarding emergency numbers. The Highway crews are prepared for the snow, and ready to start clearing and plowing. It was noted that Village Taxes are due on the 28th. The payments must be postmarked by the 28th in order to avoid the posting of penalties. The County has put out the Ridge Street project for bid. The committee to approve the bid is meeting February 11th. Then a public meeting will be scheduled at Village Hall. The county will review the project and residents will be afforded the opportunity to ask questions. Mr. Bradbury noted that his office his been tracking garbage pick ups and tonnages. The amount of garbage has consistently dropped over the past several years. This year there was 639 tons less this year; 439 tons less garbage and 149 less tons of pulp (newspapers, magazines). This is the lowest year so far. This is good news as it saves the Village money. This is an interesting phenomenon. Today was the last day for filing for the elections. Trustees Patricia Sanders Romano and Dean Santon will not be running for another term. Mayor Feinstein will be running, unopposed, for a second term. Petitions have been received by Rye Brook Together naming Toby Marrow and Jeff Rednick for Trustees. Moge Agahian will be running for Trustee for We the People. OLD BUISINESS: 1) DOGS IN PARKS Board of Trustees Meeting February 9,2010 Page 9 Trustee Michael Brown noted that there have been some brief discussions regarding dogs in Pine Ridge Park over the past few meetings. He looked into this issue and found that there are some inconsistent rules. The Recreation Council has reviewed this issue. Three sections of the code are affected. One says no defecation in the park. The second says you must remove your dogs feces. And, the third says no animals allowed in the park. The Recreation Council recommended increased signage, and changes to the Code. Dogs should not be allowed on the actual playing fields, nor should they be allowed to be in the park without being on a leash. People need to understand that they are responsible for their pets. They must pick up after them. The Board must discuss what the policy should be, and the community should be involved in this discussion. Trustee Brown felt that additional signage should be installed and the amount of the fines should be listed. Trustee Rosenberg noted that he agreed with the recommendations of the Recreation Council in that no dogs should ever be allowed in the fenced in areas used for ballfields. Even if the owner picks up after their pets, residue is left. Trustee Sanders Romano noted that she agreed with Trustee Rosenberg. Even though some people do pick up after their dogs, some do not. Trustee Santon stated that no dog should be allowed in any Village park that is not on a leash. He also noted that they should not be allowed in the playground areas either, especially near the sandboxes. Mayor Feinstein noted that Crawford Park is not owned by the Village but rather by the Town of Rye. There has been concern expressed about dogs at Crawford Park. Chief Austin noted that the Town Code is enforced. The Village has discussed the possibility of designating one of its smaller parks as a dog park, but the residents surrounding the park opposed the idea. Chief Austin noted that the law has always called for leashed dogs. Parks personnel who see dogs running without a leash are told to ask the owners to put their dogs on a leash. A criminal summons can be issued for a dog off the leash if a police officer sees the dog off the leash. Ms. Allison Thresher of 74 Perry Avenue, Port Chester noted that she uses Crawford and Rye Hills Parks to exercise her dogs. She noted that she was a member of the Friends of Crawford, but she was representing herself at this meeting. She felt that there might be an alternative and suggested issuing permits to owners of licensed dogs for certain parks within the Village. She also noted that there is a lot of wild life out there running around in the parks. Dog owners Board of Trustees Meeting February 9,2010 Page 10 should know that this is a privilege and not a given. They must come to the park, prepared to clean up after their pets. Trustee Dean Santon noted there is a law in Rye Brook that dogs are not to be off leash anywhere in the Village. There have been incidents of attacks by dogs that are off leash. Allowing dogs to run off leash could cause worse problems then defecating in parks. Mayor Feinstein noted that she thought about Ms. Thresher's suggestion about permits, but what happens if a dog without a permit or a license is running around in a park, off leash. She suggested a designated area. How would anyone know the difference between a dog with a permit or one without? Mr. Bradbury noted that most fields and parks have active uses on them. They are used every season. Crawford is a different type of park. Mayor Feinstein noted that a public hearing should be scheduled where the Board could gather additional information, and where the residents could participate. Mr. Bradbury stated that Village staff could draft a local law to allow dogs in the parks, but on leashes and not in areas of active recreation. DISCUSSION ITEMS: (1) STATUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL Trustee Santon noted that the Environmental Council had openings. This Council has not met in approximately one year, nor have they been given any assignments by the Village Board. He suggested reinstating the committee, renewing membership, and then giving it a charge. He noted that in November, 2008 the Village Board discussed educational outreach. It was suggested that the residents who abut the Blind Brook be educated in ways to protect the Brook. The use of high school students who need community service hours was also suggested. Nothing has come from these discussions. Time has moved on, and nothing has been done. Mayor Feinstein agreed that the Environmental Council should be resurrected. The Village's Code should also be brought up-to-date regarding environmental issues. Trustee Santon noted that anyone interested in serving on this council should contact the Village Administrator's office. Mr. Bradbury noted that currently Michal Nowak, Acting Village Engineer, was working with the Department of Environmental Conversation regarding outfall inspections. This is part of the State's new storm water requirements. Mr. Board of Trustees Meeting February 9,2010 Page 11 Bradbury noted that he would review the membership and charge of this committee. Trustee Brown noted the Environmental Council was in charge of tree removal requests and appeals. When this charge was taken away from them, there were no other issues to be dealt with. There must be support for this Board and realistic tasks must be assigned to it. There are many wonderful ideas that have been considered, such as going to the schools and making speeches on environmental issues, having the students go out and do plantings, and beautification and educational projects were considered. When a project that is worthwhile comes up, they will need more support. 2) BLIND BROOK STORM WATER QUALITY/MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH Trustee Santon noted that the Board should discuss looking to the next link in the chain now that the Edgewood Basin project is in progress. The Village needs to start planning for the next project, and all prior improvements must be protected. He noted that Hidden Falls reached out for a contribution for storm water management system, but the Village turned them down. He questioned the difference between using taxpayers' money to dredge the Phillip's Pond versus assisting Hidden Falls. Mr. Bradbury noted that some work has been done throughout the years on private properties. It is not for that individual's improvements but rather part of the system improvements to reduce flooding. There were channel improvements done towards the circle on Hillandale which was done as part of the storm water improvement program. Dolph Rotfeld, Village Consultant, has gone back and reviewed the engineering reports from Hidden Falls. A meeting is set up for February 23rd and he will report back to the Village Board after that meeting. A lot has been accomplished over the years to stop flooding, and some new projects have already been identified. One example is the sluice gate project for which bid documents are being drafted. When deciding where to spend taxpayer monies, the Village looks for the best ways to utilize these funds. Mr. Bradbury noted that there must be a public benefit to any project. Mayor Feinstein noted that the next meetings for the Board of Trustees were scheduled for February 23, 2010 and March 9, 2010. Board of Trustees Meeting February 9,2010 Page 12 There being no further business before the Board, and no members of the public wishing to address the Board, Mayor Feinstein called for a motion to go into an Executive Session. On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and seconded by Trustee Sanders Romano, the meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m., and the Board went into an Executive Session. The roll was called: Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye Mayor Joan Feinstein Voting Aye Board of Trustees Meeting February 9,2010 Page 13