HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-27 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET
TUESDAY,JANUARY 27,2009-7:30 P.M.
AGENDA
7:00 PM–Executive Session – Litigation & Personnel
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
REPORT
PUBLIC HEARINGS
RESOLUTIONS:
(1) Considering the authorization of funds for consultative services
regarding cable television improvements
(2)Appointing inspectors of election – Village of Rye Brook March 18,
2009
(3) Setting a Public Hearing to consider a special use permit application for
a telecommunications facility at 211 South Ridge Street
(4) Referring a proposed local law regarding waiver provisions in section
209-3E of the Village Code to the Village Planning Board for report
and recommendation
(5) Referring a proposed local law regarding survey requirements in section
209-3C of the Village Code to the Village Planning Board for report
and recommendation
(6)Approval of Minutes – November 12, 2008; November 25, 2008;
December 9, 2008
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27,2009
Page 1
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
(1) Recreation zone study authorized in September, 2003
ACTION ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT
OF THE TRUSTEES PRESENT AT THE MEETING
THE NEXT REGULAR TRUSTEES MEETINGS: 2/10/09 and 2/24/09
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
Victor Carosi, Village Engineer
Edward Beane, Village Counsel
Fred Seifert, Public Access Coordinator
Paula Patafio, Secretary
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein welcomed everyone to the January 27, 2009 regular
meeting of the Board of Trustees. She noted that the Board held an Executive
Session prior to the Board meeting to discuss litigation and personnel.
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27,2009
Page 2
Mayor Feinstein noted that with the consensus of the Board one matter would be
taken out of order. She called for Resolution #3:
3) SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A SPECIAL USE
PERMIT APPLICATION FOR A TELECOMMUNICATIONS
FACILITY AT 211 SOUTH RIDGE STREET
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A SPECIAL USE
PERMIT APPLICATION FOR A TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY
AT 211 SOUTH RIDGE STREET
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye
Brook shall hold a public hearing on February 10, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. at
Village Hall, 938 King Street, Rye Brook, NY to consider a proposed
special use permit application by MetroPCS for a telecommunications
facility at 211 South Ridge Street.
On a motion made by Trustee Dean Santon and seconded by Trustee
Patricia Sanders Romano, the resolution was adopted.
Daniel Laub, Esq., of the firm of Cuddy and Feder addressed the Board.
He noted that the matter has been before the Planning Board, and
suggestions and comments have been accepted by the applicant. In
response to these comments the applicant has made changes to the original
plans. The recommendations made by the Planning Board, and the
applicants' response, will be reviewed during the public hearing.
Trustee Sanders Romano noted that there were a number of
recommendations made by the Planning Board. Mr. Laub noted that the
recommendations will be reviewed at the public hearing. It was noted that
the Village's Consultant, Michael Musso, has reviewed the plans and he
will be in attendance at the public hearing.
Trustee Santon noted that one of the concerns from the Planning Board was
the rooftop equipment structure. He suggested creating space in the
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27,2009
Page 3
parking garage area for the equipment storage unit. Mr. Laub noted that the
parking is already tight and putting the equipment in the garage would take
away several of the much needed parking spaces. Mr. Laub stated that he
would address this matter with the landlord to see if there were any
alternatives.
Mayor Feinstein noted that the applicant has provided the Village with
photo simulations. This information will be available at the public hearing.
Mr. David Burke, Assistant to the Village Administrator, called the roll for
the approval of the resolution:
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 L. Feinstein Voting Aye
Mayor Feinstein returned to the order of the agenda, and called for resolution#1:
RESOLUTIONS:
1) CONSIDERING THE AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS FOR
CONSULTATIVE SERVICES REGARDING CABLE TELEVISION
IMPROVEMENTS
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
CONSIDERING THE AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS FOR
CONSULTATIVE SERVICES REGARDING CABLE TELEVISION
IMPROVEMENTS
WHEREAS, the Village desires to upgrade its current cablecast
system from analog to digital, allow for two separate and distinct cable
broadcasts and employ a web based digital signage system; and
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27,2009
Page 4
WHEREAS, the Technology and Communications Commission
reviewed several different products and believes the Tightrope Media
System would best accomplish these goals; and
WHEREAS, a Request For Proposal (RFP) was distributed to seven
(7) authorized retailers of the Tightrope Media System and two (2)
responses were received; and
WHEREAS, after review of the proposals, the Technology and
Communications Commission unanimously agreed Adwar Video of 125
Gazza Blvd, Farmingdale, NY should be chosen to perform the necessary
study to evaluate our current cable television systems, assess our current
needs and design a framework to integrate the Tightrope Media System.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of
Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook hereby authorizes funds in the amount
of two thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars ($2,750) to perform phase I
of the aforementioned study be appropriated from the designated cable PEG
capital funds.
On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano and seconded by Trustee
Michael Brown the resolution was adopted.
Mr. David Burke, Assistant to the Village Administrator, gave the Board a
brief overview of this project. He stated that the resolution before the
Board authorizes the first Phase of this project. The cable cast system does
not allow for two distinct channels. This new system will allow for one
channel for public access and one channel for government access. It
involves a change from analog to digital. Currently the tapes are played on
a VCR. In order to accomplish the Village's goal the Technology
Commission explored different means. Other municipalities are currently
utilizing this technology, which is a web-based system. It will get all of the
departments within the Village thinking about communication with the
residents. The matter was put out to bid from companies in New York,
Connecticut, and Northern New Jersey. The company chosen will evaluate
the Village's needs and the existing cable installations. This matter has
been under review by the Technology and Communications Commission.
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27,2009
Page 5
Trustee Rosenberg noted that currently the meetings are recorded onto a
videotape and then played over the cable using that tape. This current
system can only manage seven meetings at a time while the new system can
manage airing many more meetings. A large percentage of the time
residents are looking at bulletin boards. With the Tightrope system you can
just chose the meetings that you want played. Everything is done through a
web browser. All of the department heads can create and put up their own
slides. Templates are used for inputting the required information. The
program guide automatically updates when a tape is moved to a different
time slot. One system can manage two channels. This will give the Village
the opportunity to open up the public access channel to the residents. It is a
comprehensive system. This first phase is the design phase. At this time
the Village broadcasts on a total of four cable channels — each cable
provider has two channels. The funds used to review this system will come
from Verizon and Cablevision.
Mr. Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator, noted that this is a
complicated project. First you need professional services and then you can
purchase supplies "off the shelf."
Trustee Sanders Romano questioned what other municipality use this
technology. Mr. Burke stated that White Plains has used it, as well as the
City of Yonkers.
Trustee Santon asked if White Plains and Yonkers still use this system.
Trustee Michael Brown noted that the Village has the estimates for Phase II
but the numbers can change. Mr. Burke responded that the design can be
completed in 30 days and then it will be reviewed by Village Staff,
Consultants, and the Technology and Communications Commission.
Trustee Rosenberg noted that this is one of the toughest projects that the
Technology and Communications Commission has addressed. He thanked
the Commission and Mr. Burke for his work on this project.
Trustee Santon questioned how long Tightrope has been in business. He
wanted to be sure that they would be around in future years to service the
Village. Trustee Rosenberg noted that there were very few companies out
there that make this type of equipment. Currently there are many
municipalities across the country using this system.
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27,2009
Page 6
Mr. Burke called the roll for the approval of the resolution:
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 L. Feinstein Voting Aye
2) APPOINTING INSPECTORS OF ELECTION — VILLAGE OF RYE
BROOK MARCH 18, 2009
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
INSPECTORS OF ELECTION
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK—MARCH 18, 2009
RESOLVED, that pursuant to Section 15-116 of the Election Law, there
shall be a minimum of two (2) Inspectors of Election for each Election District in
the Village Election to be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 from 7:00 a.m. to
9:00 p.m.; and be it further resolved that the Village Clerk may adjust the
locations of the appointed list of inspectors in the event there are vacancies.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following Chairpersons, Inspectors of
Election and Alternate Inspectors be hereby appointed:
920 Mary Haeger, Chair 56 C Avon Circle PCMS
920 Rita Barnhart 47A Avon Circle PCMS
921 Barbara Gerardi, Chair 6 Monroe Place PCMS
Port Chester
921 Teresa Cervi 1 Dixon Street PCMS
922 Pat Wagner, Chair 8 Woodland Avenue BBHS
922 Barbara Nardi 10 Woodland Avenue BBHS
922 Maria Silvestri 94 Avon Circle Apt IA BBHS
923 Marie Martin, Chair 19 Perry Avenue RSS
Port Chester
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27,2009
Page 7
923 Marilyn Kowalcyk 7 1 D Avon Circle RSS
926 Mildred DiSanto, Chair 151 North Ridge Street PCHS
926 Jean Mendicino 81 Hillcrest Avenue PCHS
926 Phyllis Fratarcangeli 147 North Ridge Street PCHS
927 Belle Harris, Chair 12 Rock Ridge Drive RSS
927 Marion Aicher 17 Rock Ridge Drive RSS
927 Flo Gianfransico 32 Louis Court RSS
929 Barbara Celestino, Chair 19 Rock Ridge Drive RSS
929 Emily Groglio 5 Paddock Road RSS
929 Marion Pavone 187 Neuton Avenue (PC) RSS
930 Linda Fricke, Chair 108 Old Orchard Road BBHS
930 Mindy Aronowitz 1626 Mamaroneck Avenue BBHS
Mamaroneck
931 Josephine Campagna, Chair 45 High Point Circle BelleFair
931 Norma Muto 14 BelleFair Blvd. BelleFair
931 Chris Dungan 6 High Point Circle BelleFair
ALTERNATES:
PETER BRANCUCCI 40 Tree Top Crescent
SY VINOPALL 48A Avon Circle
LUCILLE SCINTO 43B Avon Circle
DANIELLE FORTA 91 Avon Circle
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
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
4) REFERRING A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW REGARDING WAIVER
PROVISIONS IN SECTION 209-3E OF THE VILLAGE CODE TO
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27,2009
Page 8
THE VILLAGE PLANNING BOARD FOR REPORT AND
RECOMMENDATION
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
REFERRING A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW REGARDING WAIVER
PROVISIONS IN SECTION 209-3E OF THE VILLAGE CODE TO THE
VILLAGE PLANNING BOARD FOR REPORT AND
RECOMMENDATION
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of
Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook hereby refers the proposed local law
to the Planning Board for report and recommendation.
On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee
Brown the resolution was adopted.
The Village Board is working its way through the Village Code, making
amendments and corrections. These proposed amendments to the local law
will make some revisions that will clean up this portion of the Code. The
Building Inspector and Village Engineer can make recommendations and
the Board will consider these recommendations when making its
determinations.
Mr. Burke called the roll for the approval of the resolution:
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 L. Feinstein Voting Aye
5) REFERRING A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW REGARDING SURVEY
REQUIREMENTS IN SECTION 209-3C OF THE VILLAGE CODE
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27,2009
Page 9
TO THE VILLAGE PLANNING BOARD FOR REPORT AND
RECOMMENDATION
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
REFERRING A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW REGARDING SURVEY
REQUIREMENTS IN SECTION 209-3C OF THE VILLAGE CODE TO THE
VILLAGE PLANNING BOARD FOR REPORT AND RECOMAWNDATION
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of
Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook hereby refers the proposed local law
to the Planning Board for report and recommendation.
On a motion made by Trustee Brown, and seconded by Trustee Santon, the
resolution was adopted.
Mr. Bradbury gave a brief presentation on this matter. This issue recently
came to light when an architect used an old survey. When the work was
completed no as-built survey was created. The next time the same
applicant did work on their home it was discovered that the previous
worked required variances because of incorrect information provided by the
architect.
Trustee Brown felt that re-doing a survey every year is a bit burdensome.
Trustee Rosenberg stated that he was also concerned about the one year
clause as updated surveys are expensive.
Trustee Santon noted that the recommendation came from the Planning
Board Chair. He felt that updating land surveys is a small cost in the big
picture. He also noted that when the architect that Mr. Bradbury was
referring to created her new plans she used an illegible survey and she
misread the numbers. Three years later it was found that the applicant
needed a 2 foot side yard variance in order to legalize the work that was
done. Site Plan review needs accurate surveys as part of the submissions.
An accurate survey is a very important tool.
Mayor Feinstein noted that the Village Engineer has the authority to waive
the requirement of an updated survey, however, the approval authority
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27,2009
Page 10
needs to have the correct information in order to review site plans, or
consider variances.
Mr. Burke called the roll for the approval of the resolution:
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 L. Feinstein Voting Aye
6) APPROVAL OF MINUTES — NOVEMBER 12, 2008; NOVEMBER
25, 2008; DECEMBER 9, 2008
The consensus of the Board was to hold the summary approvals over to the
next meeting in February to allow all Trustees further review.
Mayor Feinstein called for an additional resolution:
7) MODIFYING THE VILLAGE OR RYE BROOK LICENSE AND
FEE PERMIT SCHEDULE
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
MODIFYING THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
LICENSE AND FEE PERMIT SCHEDULE
RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook License and Fee Permit
Schedule is hereby modified effective June 1, 2009 as follows:
Athletic Field Use Adopted 1/13/2009 Adopted 1/27/2009
Resident Hourly Rate for $100/hr $50/hr
Use of Grass(Non-Turf) 1st 2 hrs 1st 2 hrs
Athletic Fields then$25/hr then$25/hr
$10,000 for $10,000 for
Resident Annual Rate for up to 325 hrs up to 325 hrs
Use of Grass(Non-Turf) then$40/hr. then$40/hr.
Athletic Fields
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27,2009
Page 11
Non-Resident Hourly Rate for $200/hr $100/hr
Use of Grass(Non-Turf) 1 st 2hrs 1 st 2hrs
Athletic Fields then$50/hr then$50/hr
$62.50/hr for 1st 2 lirs. $62.50/hr for 1st 2 lirs.
then$50/hr. then$50/hr.
Plus 15%discount if Plus 15%discount if
Resident Hourly Rate for Use of over over
Rye Brook Athletic Fields at 125 hrs.reserved per 125 hrs.reserved per
King Street season season
$125/hr for 1 st 2 hrs. $125/hr for 1 st 2 hrs.
then$50/hr. then$100/hr.
Plus 15%discount if Plus 15%discount if
Non-Resident Hourly Rate for over over
Use of Rye Brook Athletic 125 hrs.reserved per 125 hrs.reserved per
Fields at King Street season season
$250 per $250 per
Use of Concession Bldg.at Rye duration of duration of
Brook Athletic Fields field use time field use time
Mr. Bradbury noted the changes made to the fee schedule are a clean up of
the language used regarding use of the fields. There were three changes
made to the fee schedule.
Trustee Santon the noted that he would not be able to vote in favor of this
resolution. He felt that it was premature for the Board to make this
decision with the budget sessions only two months away. He felt that
reducing the rates was unfair to the taxpayers who do not utilize these fields
and will be subsidizing these private clubs usage of the facilities.
On a motion made by Trustee Brown, and seconded by Trustee Santon, the
resolution was opened to a vote.
Mr. Burke called the roll for the approval of the resolution:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Nay
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27,2009
Page 12
Mr. Bradbury began his report by highlighting some of the projects that were in
progress. He noted that there were bids coming in for the Loch Lane drainage
proj ect.
LISWIC is working with the municipalities and draft legislation has been
submitted.
OLD BUSINESS
Mayor Feinstein noted that the Village's Comprehensive Plan has been put on
hold because of the economic conditions. The consultant had been chosen and a
discussion on a contract has been going back and forth. She felt that the Village
should revisit what will be done with the Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Feinstein
noted this is a good time to take a holistic look at where the Village will be in
twenty years and this should be done with the input of the residents. A contract
was prepared but the Board never voted on that contract. This is not something
that Village has to do, but she felt that the Board should consider this carefully.
Trustee Rosenberg noted that the Village Board is very sensitive to the economic
conditions. Projects are put out to bid and contractors are chosen by what makes
economic sense. He suggested that the Board consider putting the planning
consultant position out to bid. He wanted to be sure that the Village was getting
the most for its dollars.
Trustee Sanders Romano felt that it was a good idea to bring the issue of the
Comprehensive Plan back up. Regarding the review of the planning consultants'
contract, she felt that this would also be a good idea.
Trustee Brown was not sure that this was the right time to review the Village's
Comprehensive Plan. He stated that in theory getting bids is a good thing, but he
felt that this issue should be discussed further.
Mayor Feinstein noted that although the Village is very happy with the firm of
F.P. Clark Associates, given the economic conditions it would not hurt to take a
look at this contract. In addition, reviewing this service does not mean that the
Village will make a change.
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27,2009
Page 13
Trustee Brown noted that a lot of comprehensive planning involves the type of
financing, the type of developers, and the economy that is existing at that time. It
would be interesting to see whether or not what is currently on paper would still be
appropriate.
Trustee Santon felt that it was a good time to bring these issues up because budget
time is coming up. Part of the Comprehensive Plan was to review the downtown
business district. He noted that currently a property owner in the center of the
business district is considering a change of use. The Mobil gas station located at
the corner of Ridge Street and Bowman Avenue is considering changing to a retail
use. This change will have an impact on the business district. The Village should
start to consider what it wants this area to look like.
Mayor Feinstein noted that there was recently an article published on the Hudson
Valley Greenway. The article states that there was a movement to do away with
the program. She was concerned because the Village has a grant temporarily on
hold and she did not want to lose those funds.
Mr. Bradbury stated that he would follow up on the status of that as well as the
status of the grant and report back to the Board of Trustees.
Trustee Sanders Romano noted that the idea is not to do the Comprehensive Plan
piece meal and maybe this is the right time to review this matter with the
upcoming changes to the business district.
Edward Beane, Esq., noted there is concern regarding the gas stations and the
possible conversion to retail. The Comprehensive Plan involves a lot of money.
He suggested that the changes to the gas stations be reviewed as a separate project.
Trustee Santon noted that planning is a dynamic process and it is always evolving.
He felt that the Village did not need to commit to a huge undertaking, such as the
entire Comprehensive Plan, at this time just to address certain components of it.
The downtown streetscape could be changing. It would behoove the Village to
have some design standards in place for when this change takes place. Changes to
the design standards would also assist the Architectural Review Board and could
prove beneficial when the property that is now a gas station is sold. He felt that
the Board should consider the stand alone projects that have merit. He felt that the
Village would not lose anything by doing the Comprehensive Plan in phases.
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27,2009
Page 14
Mayor Feinstein noted she raised this for discussion. She noted that she did not
have the answers, but felt it was time to re-open this discussion. She felt that it
was important to obtain input from the residents.
Mr. Bradbury noted that the scope of the project should be reviewed. Trustee
Sanders Romano agreed, and noted that this could be a piece of the puzzle rather
than a separate puzzle. She also felt that it would be prudent to review the
downtown area.
Mr. Bradbury noted that further discussions should be held to narrow down what
is needed at this time.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) Recreation zone study authorized in September, 2003
Trustee Santon noted that he placed this matter on the agenda. Years ago
the Village did an overhaul of the zoning code. Issues such as bulk
regulations, impervious surface coverage, wetlands, steep slopes, flood
control, trees, stormwater management were all reviewed. The review of
the code was prioritized. When the April 2004 Board came in the
Recreation Zone project was not performed even though it was authorized
in September 2003. There are two very large recreation zones within the
Village. He hoped that the current Board would be inerested to continue
with this project. Everyone would like to preserve open space and it is
good planning to protect the areas of open space within the Village. He felt
that time was right to move ahead with this project.
Mayor Feinstein felt that there were legal aspects that needed to be
reviewed in an Executive Session. Trustee Sanders Romano agreed. She
also felt that additional research was required.
Mr. Bradbury noted that a sub-committee could meet, review this matter,
and report back to the Board of Trustees.
Mayor Feinstein noted that she attended an airport meeting where the discussion
surrounded possible expansion of the airport. The County noted that there is no
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27,2009
Page 15
expansion scheduled for the airport, however, they are considering a parking
structure for North Castle. It was noted that the current parking garage is located
in Rye Brook. Parking is a problem at the airport and with the increase in usage of
the airport parking cannot service what exists today.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and seconded by Trustee Sanders Romano,
the Board scheduled an Executive Session.
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 L. Feinstein Voting Aye
Mayor Feinstein noted that the next regular Board of Trustees meetings were
scheduled for February 10th and February 24th.
There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at
9:30 p.m.
Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27,2009
Page 16