Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-05-09 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF A MEETING VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD TRUSTEES VILLAGE HALL,938 KING STREET RYE BROOK, NEW YORK TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2000—'7:30 P.M. CONVENE MEETING: The Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Filipowski in the Meeting Room, and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. The following members of the Board of Trustees were present: Mayor Francis L. Filipowski Trustee Jody H. Brackman Trustee Donald E. Degling Trustee Roger Herman Trustee Lawrence Rand Village Staff attending the meeting were: Village Administrator, Christopher Russo Village Attorney, Kenneth E. Powell Village Engineer, Victor Carosi Assistant to the Administrator, Charles Peretz Police Chief, Robert Santoro Meeting Secretary,Paula Patafto Mayor Francis Filipowski called for the first item on the agenda. RESOLUTIONS: 1. APPOINTMENTS TO VILLAGE COMMISSIONS, COUNCILS AND BOARDS. Mayor Filipowski noted that there were several items that were not ready for the last Board meeting that were placed on this evening's agenda. Mr. Christopher Russo read the first Resolution. RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT TO THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RESOLVED,that Mark Harmon of 16 Hillandale Road is hereby reappointed for a term that shall expire at noon on the first Monday in April, 2003. On a Motion made by Trustee Rand,and seconded by Trustee Degling,the Resolution was approved. 1 There being no discussion, Mr. Charles Peretz called the role: Trustee Brackman Voting Aye Trustee Degling Voting Aye Trustee Herman Voting Aye Trustee Rand Voting Aye Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye Mr. Russo then read the second Resolution: RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT TO THE TREE COMMITTEE RESOLVED,that Ken Heller of 20 Lincoln Avenue is hereby appointed for a term that shall expire at noon on the first Monday in April 2003; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that Floyd Caplan of 4 Holly Lane is hereby reappointed for a term that shall expire at noon on the first Monday in April 2003; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that Jack Munnick is hereby reappointed Chairperson. On a motion made by Trustee Degling,and seconded by Trustee Rand,the Resolution was approved. Mr, Charles Peretz called the role: Trustee Brackman Voting Aye 'Trustee Degling Voting Aye Trustee Herman Voting Aye Trustee Rand" Voting Aye Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye The Mayor called for the second item on the agenda: 2. CONSIDERING-THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PROCEDURE FORSOLICITING APPOINTMENTS TO VOLUNTEER COMMISSIONS,COUNCILS AND BOARDS. Mr. Russo read the following Resolution: 2 RESOLUTION Appointments to Volunteer Commissions Councils and Boards WHEREAS it is a longstanding Rye Brook tradition that Village commissions, Councils and Boards consist of members of the Rye Brook community who volunteer their time; and WHEREAS it is the intent of the Board of Trustees to foster both volunteerism among the residents and to rotate members ofthe Commissions,Councils and Boards to instill fresh thinking and new perspectives, now, therefore, be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that residents seeking consideration for appointment or re- appointment to Village Commissions, Councils and Boards make such interest known, along with suitable background information,by communicating,in writing, to the Village Clerk with copies to the Board of Trustees on an ongoing basis throughout the year,but particularly before April, so that Trustees are aware of such interest prior to April when appointments are generally made. On a motion made by Trustee Brackman, and seconded by Trustee Rand, the Resolution was approved. There being no further discussion, Mr. Charles Peretz called the role: Trustee Brackman Voting Aye Trustee Degling Voting Aye Trustee Herman Voting Aye Trustee Rand Voting Aye Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye Mayor Filipowski called for the third item on the agenda: 3. SETTING THE MOMS CLUB OF RYE BROOK MONTHLY FEL Mr. Russo read the following Resolution. RESOLUTION SETTING THE MOMS CLUB OF RYE BROOK MON'T'HLY FEE RESOLVED,that the fee to be charged by the Department of Parks and Recreation for the MOMS Club of Rye Brook monthly meeting shall be $25,00 per month. On a motion made by Trustee Brackman, and seconded by Trustee Herman, the Resolution was approved. 3 There being no further discussion,Mr. Charles Peretz called the role: Trustee Brackman Voting Aye Trustee Degling Voting Aye Trustee Merman Voting Aye Trustee Rand Voting Aye Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye The next item under Resolutions was called before the Board: 4. APPROVING THE CORRIDOR AGREEMENT WITH NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK. Mr. Russo read the following Resolution. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CORRIDOR AGREEMUNT WITH NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC. RESOLVED,that the Village of Rye Brook is authorized to enter into a corridor agreement with Northeast Optic Network, Inc., under which approximately 3,864 feet of underground fiber optic cable would be installed,maintained and operated on Lincoln Avenue on a non-exclusive basis for an initial term often(10)years with a ten(10)year renewal option, and the Village ofRye Brook would be annually paid a sum representing $1.50 per linear foot of installed cable; and it is further RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to execute and deliver all documents necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this resolution. On a motion made by Trustee Rand,and seconded by Trustee Degling,the Resolution was approved. Mayor Filipowski asked Mr. Russo to clarify what this resolution means in terms of actual tax dollars for the Village. Mr. Russo responded approximately $5,796, annually. It was noted that the fiber optic cables would be installed all along Lincoln Avenue—between the entrance of SUNY Purchase east to a point along Lincoln Avenue near the airport. The cables will be installed underground. The right-of-way along the street will need to be opened in order to install this cable. Mayor Filipowski asked for comments from the Board, or members of the public. There being no further discussion, Mr. Charles Peretz called the role: 4 Trustee Drnckman Voting Aye Trustee Degling Voting Aye Trustee Herman Voting Aye Trustee hand Voting Aye Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye 5. MINUTES: February 1, 2000 February 15, 2000 After a brief discussion,Mayor Filipowski recommended that the minutes be adjourned until the next Board of Trustee Meeting so that several issues could be resolved. The Mayor then moved to the Discussion portion of the meeting. DISCUSSION: 1. AIRPORT COMMITTEE Mayor Filipowski noted that the Airport Committee is an ad hoc committee in the Village. Some of the members have moved out of the Village and/or resigned from this Board. The Board of Trustees is interested in reviving this Board and would like to create a formal Committee that would have appointments made on a regular basis, Mr. Russo recommended that the Board of Trustees officially refer their questions to Mr. Lawrence Engle, the Chair of the Airport Committee. A Charter should be created, similar to that for the other advisory committees. Trustee Brackfnan asked for clarification of a statement that she recently heard that individuals could only serve the Village on one committee. Mr. Russo responded that the Airport Committee is an ad hoc committee,but that decision needs to be further investigated. Trustee Donald Degling noted that the County of Westchester and the Town of Greenwich now have a Task Force which has five sub-committees; one of which is an Airport Committee. He suggested incorporating the Village of Rye Brook's Committee, so that all the ideas can be brought together and then brought to the Task Force. It was noted that there are residents ofRye Brook on the Westchester County Airport Advisory Committee, Trustee Degling noted that the Village of Rye Brook's Committee is strictly a Village committee,but that he would like for them to be on board with the County's committee. Recent issues concerning the airport include the placement of the sound monitoring devices, chemical runoff, de-icing, and spills. The Mayor is extremely happy that the committee is becoming an official committee,and noted that members of the community interested in serving on this 5 Committee should come forward at this time. Trustee Degling noted that there are a number of opportunities opening up. He cited, as an example, the Watershed Committee whose charge is looking into the de-icing fluid and runoff into Blind Brook and the Reservoir. The Airport Committee could also look into traffic issues with regard to the airport, as well as noise particularly for Belle Fair residents. The more input that is received from different committees to feed into the Task Force the more likely we are to achieve meaningful results. Mayor Filipowski referred these issues to Mr. Engle, Mr. Russo and Mr. Kenneth Powell, the Village Attorney, will communicate with Mr. Engle regarding the Airport Committee, Mayor Filipowski then moved to the Announcement portion of the meeting: I. CHRISTOPHER J. RUSSO, VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR Mr. Russo addressed the Board, and members of the public_ He noted that after 14 years of working for Rye Brook he would be leaving to accept a position as City Manager of the City of Sunny Isles Beach,Florida. His last day will be towards the end of July. This was a very tough decision for him, but this new position has afforded him an excellent professional advancement. The City of Sunny Isles Beach is a three year old city and it is going through many of the same issues that the Village ofRye Brook went through 15 years ago. There will be many different and new professional challenges for him. Mayor Filipowski thanked Mr. Russo for his many years of service and wished him well in his new position. Mayor Filipowski called for the first item under Written Communications: L ROBERT MORABITO, RYE 'TOWN SUPERVISOR, RE: KOREAN WAR VETERANS' N IJMORIAL. Mr. Russo read a letter from Mr. Morabito, requesting permission to place a monument at Crawford Park. Eleanor]Herman was asked for a description of the monument. She stated that the monunlent will be a Y tall and 4'wide slab with a bronze plaque. There will be a 20' flag pole with shrubs on either side of the slab. There will be a walk-way leading up to the monument. The chosen spot is in the rear of the mansion, between the back of the mansion and the picnic area. She did not know what the inscription would be, other than it would be a statement to commemorate the Korean War Veterans. Mayor Filipowski asked Mr. Russo to contact Mr. Morabito and obtain a rendering and the exact location so that the Board can get a better of idea. Trustee Roger Herman noted that the Town of Rye has filed suit against one of the Trustees . of the Crawford Estate. And,not speaking on the merits of the suit,Trustee Herman felt th `' this puts the park in a very precarious situation as these Trustees have the right�a t'emQv l °. control of the park from the Town of Rye. He felt that it would be,appro to+ e a spokesperson come before the Board and explain the situation. Mayor Filipowski felt that this issue was separate from the monument issue and should be looked at separately. He 6 stated that they will be asked for more information, however, if there is a current litigation they may not be able to discuss the case. Trustee Degling asked what the Board's opinion was regarding the monument. Mayor Filipowski stated that a letter will be sent to Rye Town requesting more information, including information on the legal suit. Mr.Ben Miloro ofHillcrest Avenue,Rye Brook addressed the Board. He stated that he read somewhere that there are individuals who want to hide the flag and the monument with trees. He felt that this was not appropriate. Mr. Dean Santon ofl-Tillandale Road requested that the Board remember that the park is used for recreational purposes. He asked if this monument will set a precedent, and if honoring this request would create a monument park. He also noted that Port Chester does have a Veteran's Park. He asked if Crawford Park was the only site being considered. He felt that if you put in one monument that other veterans and other organizations would also request to have a monument placed in Crawford Park. He felt that this would interfere with the recreational use. Mr. Heller found it disturbing that anyone would like to delay this monument. Many people have given up their lives for this country and he felt that it would be fitting for a memorial to be placed in Rye Brook. It belittles the people who served, and those who gave their lives, to pick this memorial apart. It is a small memorial and there should be no discussion about the park being for recreational use. Mrs.Herrman noted that the memorial should be a quiet place to go and reflect. The area that has been suggested is a crossroad for many activities and, therefore, placing trees, benches and shrubs elsewhere would be fitting. Trustee I)egling asked if a location in Crawford Park, but closer to Lincoln Avenue would be better as it is not a heavily used area. Trustee Rand stated that what was being asked to be considered had a great deal of value. Perhaps this memorial should not be limited to one war. He felt that the Mayor's suggestion about obtaining more information was a good one. Mayor Filipowski asked Mr. Russo to address the next item on the agenda. 2. KlkN#ikkMAX,RE: RESIGNATION FROM FACIFLITIES COMMITTEE. 7 Mr. Russo noted that Mr. Berman submitted a resignation on his behalf for the Facilities Committee. Mayor Filipowski thanked Mr. Berman for his service to the community on this committee. 3. SY TARSHIS,RE: RESIGNATION FROM TRAFFIC COMMISSION Mr. Russo stated that after 15 years of service on the Traffic Commission Sy Tarshis has decided to retire. Mayor Filipowski thanked Mr. Tarshis for his many years of service. Chief Robert Santoro made several announcements. He noted that the week ending May 2e is the close of Police Week. There will be an open house held on May 20'from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Everyone is invited. There will be a tour of the police station, along with VIN etching. VIN etching is where the police department can etch the Vehicle Identification Number into the windows of your car. The Police Department will do the VIN etching throughout the summer for those residents who cannot make it on May 20th. There is also a Watch Your Car Program where if you do not use your vehicles between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. you can register them with the police department. This gives any police officer the right to stop the car, without cause, to snake sure that the legitimate owner is driving it. Everyone is invited to the Open House. Chief Santoro also noted that the week of May 21"is New York State's initiative on Buckle Up and Rye Brook will have `zero tolerance.' There will be road checks and as the State of New York is funding this program no one can be given a break. Everyone should use their seatbelts all the time. Since `Tag Sale' season is here,the Chief reminded residents that no signs are allowed -- especially on utility poles. Besides not being very attractive,they have to be removed by the Village's Highway Department and some are not very easily removed. Mayor Filipowski made several announcements. He reminded the public that there will be a meeting for the Rye Brook Task Force on May 18"' regarding the master plan. The May 240' meeting regarding the firehouse has been changed to June 14". 1t will still be held at the Posillipo Center and the time is 7:00 p.m. He also noted that the next Board of Trustees meetings will be held on May 23' and June 13'x'. There will be an executive session held on May 23'x`regarding personnel. Trustee Herman noted that on Saturday, May 13"', the Port Chester Library will be holding a Kids' Day. He also announced that the process for changing the name of the library has begun and by the end of the year this will be the fort ChesterA)A6,Brook Library. Mr. Ben Miloro of Hillcrest Avenue addressed the Board for a second time. He referred to the February 29'Board of Trustee meeting where remarks were made concerning `dumping'District 4. He reminded the members of the Board that the Senior Housing, Affordable Housing, Shopping District, and Fire Department are all located in District 4. He then referred to a project on Grant Street and statled that when the project was built the residents of Rye Brook were not notified, even though a portion of the property is irl Pye I#rook. He asked if Rye Brook was being paid taxes for 8 the portion in Rye Brook. Mayor Filipowski asked if there was a portion of the project on West Street that was in Rye Brook. Trustee Degling stated that there is a white fence between the project and Abendroth Park, and it is the Village line. Mr. Miloro stated that the line rums from the end of Garibaldi and goes off on a diagonal. Mr. Russo stated that the first project was built on the portion of land that was within Port Chester. He noted that Mr. Miloro is accurate with regard to where the line is. Mayor Filipowski reminded residents the Rye Brook Birthday Party will be held on June 17"'. If anyone is interested in volunteering they can contact Mr. George Datino at 934-0503. He also reminded everyone to bring canned food for the food drive. Jean Gesoff, Coordinator for the Rye Brook Senior Citizens, addressed the Board. She announced that May 3 Ft is National Health and Safety Day for Senior Citizens around the country. The Rye Seniors, the Port Chester Nutrition Program and the New York United Hospital Outreach Department will combine with the Rye Brook Seniors and meet at Crawford Park for a special Fun Day of exercise and fitness for senior citizens. The cost is $4.00, which includes continental breakfast and a boxed lunch. Mr. Santon asked the Board for infonnation regarding the project that has been proposed for the Port Chester Middle School ground, especially how this will be evaluated. Mayor Filipowski stated that the State Board of Education must accept this project as a school project. If they do not,then it will become the Village's responsibility. Mayor Filipowski asked for further comments from members of the public,or members of the Board. There being none,he thanked everyone for coming. He noted that there would be a work session for the Board with the Tree Committee regarding restoration work that will be taking place at the parkway property. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. 9