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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-24 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET TUESDAY,APRIL 24, 2001 -- 7:30 P.M. AGENDA (7:00 p.m.)-EXECUTIVE SESSION ON LABOR NEGOTIATIONS PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PRESENTATION: 1. NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UPDATE ON THE HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY PROJECT: BORIS VAYS-ENGINEER-IN- CHARGE RESOLUTIONS: 1. ADOPTING VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK 20012002 BUDGET 2. CREATING AN OPEN SPACE AND LAND USE COMMITTEE 3. CONSIDERING THE APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MARCH 13, 2001 MARCH 27, 2001 DISCUSSIONS: 1. TRANSITION OF RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PLANNING BOARD 2. COMMENTS BY THE PLANNING BOARD ON THE CRAWFORD PARK PLAN 3. CREATION OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOD TRAFFIC TASK FORCE 4, SUPPORTING THE NAME CHANGE OF THE PORT CHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY 5. TRUSTEE REPORT ON VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 6. REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL POLICE TRAFFIC CONTROL AT THE PORT CHESTER MIDDLE SCHOOL DRIVEWAY AND WESTCHESTER AVENUE DURING SCHOOL DISMISSAL 1 CONVENE: The April 24, 2001 Meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Filipowski, The Pledge of Allegiance followed. PRESENT: Mayor Francis L. Filipowski Trustee Jody H. Brackman Trustee Donald Degling Trustee Dean Santon Trustee Lawrence A. Rand STAFF: Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator Ingrid Bent, Assist. to the Village Administrator Kenneth Powell, Village Attorney Chief Robert Santoro, Police Chief Victor Carosi, Village Engineer Paula Patafio, Meeting Secretary Mayor Filipowski noted that the first item on the agenda was a presentation on the project at the Hutchinson River Parkway. PRESENTATION: l.. NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UPDATE ON THE HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY PROJECT: BORIS VAYS- ENGINEER IN-CHARGE Mr. Boris'Vays, Engineer-in-Charge, addressed the Board. He gave a presentation of the entire project, and the items that need to be completed. He noted that the majority of the job was completed in December of 2000, The paving work, which will begin on North Ridge Street and continue on to King Street, is scheduled for May. The paving will also begin in May. It is scheduled to be done during the night, which will eliminate traffic congestion. The paving of the Hutch will take approximately two weeks. Once it is completed, there is some minor storm work and repair work that will be done. The landscaping contract has been signed, and work started on the first day of the planting season. All of the plantings should be completed by the end of October. The State will maintain all the newly planted trees for one year. Mayor Filipowski asked how many nights per week would be required for the paving. Mr. Vays responded that the contractor would require a maximum of ten days, but the work within the Village of Rye Brook will only last for one week. He also noted that no work will be done on Saturday and Sunday evenings, 2 Trustee Jody Brackman questioned the hours that the State considered night paving. Mr. Vays responded that it would be from 7:00 p.m, to 7:00 a.m. The State will work with the Village with regard to scheduling the night work, Trustee Larry Rand asked Mr. Vays to review the placing of signage. Mr. Vays stated that most of the signs have been placed, with the exception of the proposed exit sign on North Ridge Street and one sign on the 287 interchange. They are being ordered and as soon as they are completed they will be,installed, Trustee Rand asked for the status of the exit numbers on the Hutch. Mr. Vays noted that the State tried to place a message board and/or change the Exit numbers, but Connecticut refused both requests. The state has worked through the problems with Connecticut and are now in the process of installing temporary signs southbound noting Exits 26N and 265. Mr. Christopher Bradbury stated that he received an e-mail communication from New York State and he was informed that variable message signs will be installed and a traffic count will be done. Trustee Rand noted the need to prohibit the left turn when exiting on to King Street. He stated that Rye Brook has provided information to the State of Connecticut regarding accidents that have occurred at this exit. He asked Mr. Vays to research this issue. Trustee Dean Santon expressed his concern about the triangular piece of property at the intersection of Ridge Street and King Street. He felt that the re-planting work that has been done in that area is inadequate. Mayor Filipowski agreed that this piece of property has not been put back the way that it was before the trees were erroneously removed, Mr. Vays responded that additional trees will be added in this area during the upcoming planting season, and the one tree that is dying will be replaced. He noted that when completed the contractor will have spent $70,000 in this area. Trustee Santon also asked what the State's plans are with regard to repairing any damage done to State roads in the Village. Mr. Vays responded that the State normally waits for a claim form to come in from the Village, The Village will receive an official letter at the end of the contract. The Village Engineer will then look at the roadways and assess the damage. Mayor Filipowski noted that the State has spent millions of dollars removing curves on the Hutch. The result of this project is a very dangerous narrow Ridge Street with a dangerous turn. No one can move out of the way because of the height of the curb. He asked that the State address this situation. Mr. Vays responded that Winding Wood Road, Meadowlark Road and the entrance to the Hutch are being looked at for reconfiguration as it is felt that these roadways are too narrow, In order to accomplish widening these roads, a new sidewalk will be installed, adjacent to the existing sidewalk. Once the new sidewalks are completed, the contractor will excavate the curb and widen the road by 2'. The opposite side will have the radius of the entrance of the Hutch changed which will add an additional 4'. The end result will be an additional 10', He also noted that the height of the curb is 8", however, once the flop 3 paving is completed the height of the curb will be reduced to 6" which is the legal size. This work will be completed within two weeks. It was also noted that the roads need to be striped. Mr. Vays informed the Board that temporary striping will be installed and within two weeks permanent stripping will be installed as soon as the permanent surface completed, Mr. Bradbury asked when King Street paving would begin. Mr. Vays responded that Ridge Street work will begin on the first of May. Mr. Victor Carosi, Village Engineer, asked when the Island at Rockinghorse Trail would be replaced. Mr. Vays responded that this island will be worked on within the week. Mayor Filipowski thanked Mr. Vays for his presentation. At this time he asked for questions from the public. Mr. Robert Harris of Meadowlark Road addressed the Board. He questioned the staking in the ground. He was informed that staking is an indication of where plantings will be installed. This planting will be done in the spring, and then will continue into the fall. Mr. Harris asked if anyone from the Village had a final version of the plans for landscaping. Mr. Vays was unsure whether or not anyone had the final pians, but stated that the plans were available in his office. Ms. Amy Schoen of Country Ridge Drive addressed the Board. She asked for clarification of the repaving in the areas along the storm drains. She noted that many of these storm drains need to be repaired. Mr. Vays noted that at this time all of the catch basins have been installed 1 1/2" above the coarse. When the top coating is applied these catch basins will be leveled with the road. Barbara Eisenberg addressed the Board. She thanked Boris and his crew for their work, noting that this has been a very tedious project. Whenever she had questions or concerns, he responded to every call. Trustee Santon asked for clarification regarding the date of the last version of the plan. He noted a set of plans dated October 26, 2000 were presented to former Village Trustee Roger Herman. Mr. Vays stated that there were changes made to the plan, but they actually consisted of moving the trees around or adding additional trees. Mayor Filipowski thanked Mr, Vays for his input and hard work. He then moved to the Resolution portion of the agenda. RESOLUTIONS: 1. ADOPTING VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK 20012002 BUDGET 4 Mr. Bradbury read the following Resolution: RESOLUTION ADOPTING VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK 2001-2002 BUDGET WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees has held three Budget Work Sessions on March 28, 2001, April 4, 2001 and April 10, 2001, and WHEREAS, The following amendments have been made to the 2001/2002 Tentative Budget: • Revenue account 4101,2200.125 Clerk's Fees has been increased from $25,000 to $30,000, to reflect an increase in Burglar and Fire alarm permits • Burglar and Fire alarm permits will increase from $25.00 to $35.00 per year, and annual renewals will increase from $20 to $30 per year, while senior permit holders age 65 and over will continue to pay$25 and $20, respectively • Revenue account #101.2389.238 Other Governmental Services has been increased from $70,000 to $78,000 to reflect additional income received as a result of the NYSDOT's rental of a room at 940 King Street • Capital Projects Fund # 901.5110.208, Highway improvements (roads) is increased from $400,200 to $408, 200 • Expenditure account #101.6772.411 Human Services — Supplies has been increased from $4,000 to $6,000, Account #101.6772.445 Human Services -- Repair has been decreased from $16,000 to $15,000. Account 4101.6772,499 Human Services — Contractual has been decreased from$21,000 to $20,000 • The final assessment role filed on April 1, 2001 resulted in a slight decrease in assessed value from $54,211,000 to $54,183,000 • The tax rate per thousand is $147.66 • The tax rate increase is 2.79%, and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees met on the 10"' day of April, 2001, pursuant to the Notice of Public Hearing regarding the Tentative 2001-2002 Budget, and has heard all persons desiring to be heard thereon. 5 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Tentative Budget as hereinafter set forth and amended by the Board of Trustees, is hereby adopted this 24th day of April, 2001; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the amounts listed therein for payment of principal and interest on indebtedness, and that maintenance account charges be paid, and that the salaries, wages, benefits and other terms and conditions of employment for all employees, including those not represented by a bargaining unit, shall be paid such salaries and benefits as have been determined by the Board of Trustees, On a motion made by Trustee Degling, and seconded by Trustee Brackman, the Resolution was adopted. Trustee Rand felt that the process of the budget was a very good process. Everyone realizes that living in Rye Brook can tend to be an expensive proposition. The Board members have committed themselves to keeping any increases, if any, modest. Mayor Filipowski thanked Mr. Bradbury for his hard work on the budget. He complimented him on a very good job. Although Trustee Santon agreed that a great job was done, he did note that there were certain portions of the budget which concerned him. He briefly identified portions that concerned him, including the removal of the $8000 funding for the Port Chester/Rye Brook Youth Bureau. He also discussed the Recreation Trust Fund and felt that it may be depleted. It was his opinion perhaps Capital Trust monies could be used here. He also touched on the issues of hiring an eighth firefighter and monies slotted for a firehouse. Mayor Filipowski reminded Trustee Santon that these items are also concerns for the entire Board and they have been discussed during work sessions. There are opportunities down the road to make any adjustments that will be required as there is enough leeway in the present budget. Trustee Degling stated that he was prepared to vote on the budget at this time. Most of the questions that have been raised can be dealt with. Funds can be added for a youth organization, as there is enough in the budget to do that. He noted that the discussions regarding the firehouse are ongoing. At this time the Village must determine the needs and specifications prior to designing the building, and earmarking funds for a consultant will avoid any delay on this project. Mr. Bradbury has worked very hard on the budget, alleviating the Village's need to incur more long-term debt. There being no further discussion, the vote was taken. TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE TRUSTEE RAND VOTING AYE 6 TRUSTEE SANTON VOTING NO MAYOR FILIPOWSI0 VOTING AYE Mayor Filipowski called for item#2 on the agenda. 2. CREATING AN OPEN SPACE AND LAND USE COMMITTEE Mr. Bradbury read the following Resolution: RESOLUTION CREATING AN OPEN SPACE AND LAND USE COMMITTEE WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees has accepted the Vision Plan that was submitted by the Vision Plan Task Force on December 13, 2000; and WHEREAS, there is a need to evaluate and coordinate the Village's efforts on the preservation and enhancement of open space in the community; and WHEREAS, there is also a desire to identify the needs for recreation facilities and fields in order to enhance cost-effective services for all residents in the Village; and WHEREAS, this information needs to be communicated to the Mayor and the Village Board of Trustees for their consideration; and WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees wants to implement policies discussed in the Vision Plan; and WHEREAS, there are eight (8) members of the community who have offered their willingness to accept this task for four months. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees hereby establishes a "Open Space and Land Use Committee" consisting of eight members to prepare an action plan to address the above stated goals; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following residents be hereby appointed to such Committee; Peter Silton 46 Bonwit Road, Ed Kulik of 42 Meadowlark Road, Paul Ellenbogen, of 412 North Ridge Street, Robert Becker of 18 Mohegan Lane, Richard Lubkin of 5 Red Roof Drive, Robert Harris of 45 Meadowlark Road, Danielle McCann of 5 Elm Hill Drive, and Mark Harmon 16 Hillandale Road; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, Danielle McCann of 5 Elm Hill Drive be designated Chairman of the Village of Rye Brook's Open Space and Land Use Committee; and be it 7 FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Committee shall report back to the Village Board of Trustees in August 2001 with its recommendations to preserve open space and land use preservation in the Village of Rye Brook. On a motion made by Trustee Degling, and seconded by Trustee Brackman, the Resolution was adopted. Trustee Rand stated that although he was generally opposed to creating special committees, he felt that this issue deserved special focus. This step was a start in implementing the Village's new Vision Plan. Trustee Santon questioned why the Board was naming the members of this committee before the other committees are in place. He felt that the committees that are currently in place should be utilized to their full ability and that members of the Environmental Committee should also be on this Commission. Mayor Filipowski responded that the Environmental Committee is aware of this new committee as he has discussed it with the Chairman. He also noted that new committee members are always named at a Board Meeting as part of a Resolution. Trustee Brackman stated that the Village works so well because citizens get involved. There has been a lack of communication between the Board of Trustees and other Boards, Committees and Commissions, and this is a step towards bridging this gap. This Committee will look at all of the different parcels of land and will report back to the Board of Trustees, thereby increasing communication. Ms. Amy Schoen addressed the Board again. She felt that duplicating services only results in things not getting accomplished. She also noted that this new committee should have a representative from District 4, which it currently does not. Trustee Santon noted that there are two members of the Zoning Board of Appeals on this committee and'he was concerned about these appointments. He felt that all Board and Committee appointments should be discussed. Mr. Ken Powell reminded the Board that the qualifications of individuals to be appointed to Village Boards should only be discussed during Executive Session. Mayor Filipowski reminded Trustee Santon that the Zoning Board does not set the policy. The Board of Trustees has that exclusive responsibility. TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE TRUSTEE RAND VOTING AYE TRUSTEE SANTON VOTING NO MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE 8 3. CONSIDERING THE APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MARCH 13, 2001 MARCH 27, 2001 On a motion made by Trustee Brackman, and seconded by Trustee Degling, the minutes were approved with minor corrections. Trustee Santon noted that as he was not on the Board in March he would abstain from voting. TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE TRUSTEE RAND VOTING AYE TRUSTEE SANTON ABSTAINED MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE Mayor Filipowski noted that although not on the agenda, he asked Mr. Bradbury to read the Resolution authorizing the streets of Rye Brook for a Bikeathon. 4. AUTHORIZING THE USE OF STREETS FOR KIDS WHO CARE BIKEATHON Mr. Bradbury read the following Resolution: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF STREETS FOR KIDS WHO CARE BIKEATHON RESOLVED, that the use of Holly Lane, Fairlawn Parkway, Whipporwill Road, and Country Ridge Drive for the Fids Who Care Bikeathon on Saturday May 19, 2001 (raindate Sunday May 20, 200 1) from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm is hereby approved. On a motion made by Trustee Brackman, and seconded by Trustee Degling, the Resolution was adopted. TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE TRUSTEE RAND VOTING AYE TRUSTEE SANTON VOTING AYE MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE 9 Mayor Filipowski noted that this will be a wonderful event. The Board then moved to the Discussion portion of the meeting. DISCUSSIONS 1. TRANSITION OF RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PLANNING BOARD Mr. Powell summarized this issue and the process. He noted that there are two major areas of approval authority. The Village's Planning Board is an exclusive advisory Board. Applications are referred to the Planning Board for recommendations. The Planning Board prepares its recommendations for the Village Board, after which a Public Hearing is scheduled. This is not a common system and ordinarily Planning Boards do have approval authority. The transition from the current approval process to a process wherein the Planning Board would have approval authority requires adoption of a local law by the Village Board. There are a lot of wrinkles with regard to what the local law should provide. Whether or not the Planning Board should have the authority to make decisions is simply a `yes' or `no' decision. Only the Board of Trustees has the authority to put this law in place. The local law is complicated to discuss because there are a whole series of issues that come up in its preparation. There are regulations that would need to be changed and updated. As would the sub-division chapter of the Village Law. In addition, there arc a series of other issues that tend to follow the transfer of authority. It is difficult to plan for a development unless you have the authority to approve it. Another issue is special permit authority. Having been involved in such a transition, Mr. Powell noted that it was a fairly long process; averaging from six to nine months. This timeframe includes preparation of legislation, review, ensuring that it conforms with the Village's policies and, finally, a Public Hearing is required. Trustee Rand -felt that there were several aspects that the Board of Trustees and the community of Rye Brook needs to research. He felt that this discussion of transition is worthy of a great deal of thought and community input. Obtaining feedback is an important aspect. There is a level of frustration for the amount of time spent by the members of the Planning Board on applications which they can only make recommendations upon. He felt that if you have good people around you then you should empower them. He noted that he was looking forward to spending time on this issue. Trustee Degling asked Mr. Powell if he had any idea of how other communities in Westchester County worked through this issue. Mr. Powell noted that only a handful have advisory boards. Trustee Degling asked that the philosophy of the pros and cons be made available. Trustee Santon felt that at this time there were not many issues that would be coming before the Planning Board. Therefore, he asked why this Board was being made to make 10 this decision now. He asked that the Village Board research what outside costs from other consultants would be in order to make this transition. Mr. Powell responded that his work on this project is within his position as Village Attorney. In addition, the Planning Consultant should be involved. He noted that there are other costs involved, as well as an expenditure of time and energy. Trustee Brackman noted that the Village's consultant, F.P. Clark, has provided information for the Board's review. Many experts have said that the Planning Board should be allowed to make the decisions. Not having had the opportunity to discuss this issue with the Planning Board, she asked that the members of this Board be allowed to express their views on this issue. Mayor Filipowski responded by requesting that Mr. Lubkin, Chairman of the Planning Board, address the Board to share a few of his thoughts on the Planning Board's process. Mr. Lubkin noted that also in attendance at this evening's meeting was Robert Harris, John Grzan, Floyd Caplan, and Mitchell Markowitz, all members of the Planning Board. He expressed a few thoughts on the Village's planning process. He noted that Rye Brook is one of the few jurisdictions within the County that does not have approval authority. Typically the Executive Legislative Body only retains planning approval process in jurisdictions without the population to support competent Boards. Presently, the members of the Planning Board are extremely qualified to review the applications that come before them. The Village's current model is totally inefficient, as the Board of Trustees must spend countless hours revisiting the work that the Planning Board has done. An independent Planning Board works best when it is minimal criticized, The Board will do what is best for the entire community. Ms. Schoen reminded the Board that if this law was passed the Planning Board would require counsel present at all meetings -- and it would be wholly libel. Mr. Powell responded that all decisions would be reviewed, whether or not counsel was in attendance at the meetings. Ms. Schoen asked how the rotation would be part of the new legislation, if there would still be three-year terms, if there would be requirements regarding the professions of members, and she noted that the Board of Trustees should not be appointing the members of the Planning Board. She commented that there are hours and hours of reading and research work ahead. Trustee Rand, noted that he relies heavily upon the advisory opinion of the Planning Board, and expressed his opinion that this transition can help streamline the process. Mr. Floyd Caplan, former Chairman and current member of the Planning Board, addressed the Board. He noted that in the past several years the Planning Board did have a significant calendar and this precipitated this request. The members of the Planning Board take all their responsibilities very seriously. Mayor Filipowski stated that a more formal presentation will be made and, at that time, comments can be addressed. 11 Mayor Filipowski called for the next item on the agenda. 2. COMMENTS BY THE PLANNING BOARD ON THE CRAWFORD PARK PLAN Mr. Robert Harris gave a brief synopsis of the report that has been presented to the Village Board. He noted that Crawford Park is managed and run by the Town of Rye. The Town has had a number of meetings, the last meeting was in December 2000. A Model Plan was presented and, as Crawford Park lies within Rye Brook, it was suggested that feedback from Rye Brook be sought. Mr, Harris noted that a memo was drafted for the Board and he reviewed the items which were addressed. One important issue was a suggestion to move the road to the fence-line. Unfortunately a fence-line road was approved. The rationale for moving the road is that it would allow the park to accommodate a full soccer field, which is intended to be moved closer to Lincoln Avenue. A second issue was the placement of the Korean War Memorial, including a small parking area. It was decided that no future memorials will be placed within the park. An objection that was raised regarding Crawford Park is that it is surrounded by two additional parks. Crawford Park was evaluated without looking at Rye Hills Park and Elm Hill Park. The three parks should be looked at as one in order to get the most recreational use out of them. The Friends of Crawford Park have made several requests for fundraisers. The monies raised will be used to beautify the park. Also discussed were the terms of the Will and the use of the garage to store vehicles. It was noted that F.P. Clark, the Village's Consultant, has also prepared a memo which is available for review. Trustee Santon suggested a work session in order to discuss this issue in detail. He noted that a very good session was held on December 14, 2000. He stated that the version of the Crawford Park Model Plan presented to the Board of Trustees was not the final version, Therefore a second work session would be appropriate. Mayor Filipowski thanked Mr. Harris for his excellent summary. He suggested following up with the Town of Rye, Trustees Brackman and Rand felt that it would be appropriate to transmit the summary/report to the Town of Rye. Mr. Gary Zuckerman of Hillandale Road addressed the Board. He asked for clarification with regard to the purpose of forwarding the Village's comments if the Town of Rye has already adopted the plan, Mayor Filipowski noted that Supervisor Morabito has noted that the Town will welcome comments from the Village. Trustee Rand agreed that this is still a work in progress, Trustee Brackman felt that in the spirit of beginning communication she believed that the report should be forwarded to Supervisor Morabito for his comments, This way a 12 dialogue will be started. Trustee Degling agreed with Trustee Brackman. He felt that the lack of formality was an advantage at this point in time. Mr. Richard Lubkin stated that the Planning Board has not seen the final version of the Crawford Park Master Plan. This is a plan that has been adopted but it does not have'a lot of weight. It is the direction that the Town has created for itself. This process has missed the mark because the needs of the Village of Rye Brook were not properly addressed. It is, however, commendable that the Town is willing to discuss the plan. Mayor Filipowski noted that Rye Town Park also has jurisdiction over Rye Beach. As Mayor of Rye Brook he sits on a Rye Town Park Commission. Also part of this commission are the Mayors of Port Chester and Rye. Rye Brook believes that as the host of Crawford Park it should have a representative on all Commissions discussing this parkland. The first model plan was submitted November 26, 1999, without input from Rye Brook. Trustee Santon once again asked that the Board consider a second work session to discuss this issue. He stated that Crawford Park is a vital part of our community. The Board addressed the next item on the agenda. 3. CREATION OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK TRAFFIC TASK FORCE Trustee Brackman noted that many residents have complained about the traffic congestion within the Village. She felt that this issue should be looked into. The Village does have a Traffic Commission and it was never her intention to criticize its excellent work. The suggested Task Force was intended to help look at the all of the traffic problems within the Village such as speed, congestion, and the inability to walk or cross roadways. She suggested a possible re-wording of the Resolution, Trustee Rand felt that by changing the wording on the original Resolution the Traffic Commission would be empowered. Trustee Degling also felt that the change in wording utilized the existing Traffic Commission. He felt that the Commission should come up with a list of priorities — what can be done. Trustee Santon felt that Traffic Commission should be used rather than creating a new version of it. Mr. Powell was asked if the Board could address this issue. He responded that it could. Trustee Brackman was asked to reread her Resolution. RESOLUTION CREATING A TRAFFIC TASK FORCE 13 J WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook has increased its population considerably in the last several years, and WHEREAS, traffic congestion has become a major problem on every main thoroughfare in the Village, and WHEREAS, many residents have been concerned with cars moving too fast on residential streets, and WHEREAS, the residents of the Village of Rye Brook have a difficult time crossing streets during heavily traveled hours. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees hereby requests the Traffic Commission to organize a Traffic Task Force, which would include not only the current members of the Traffic Commission, but also would encourage the involvement of other citizens who may be interested in this topic to examine the entire Village with respect to traffic congestion, speed limits, crosswalks, sidewalks, and availability of various forms of transportation, and is hereby charged with reporting back to the Village Board no later than the second Board meeting in September of its findings; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Traffic Commission is charged with reporting back to the Village Board on the feasibility and likelihood of success of reducing the speed limit within the Village, on creating pedestrian walkways, bike trails, and creating a Village Shuttle to reduce the number of cars on our roads. On a motion made by Trustee Degling, and seconded by Trustee Rand, the Resolution was adopted. TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE TRUSTEE RAND VOTING AYE TRUSTEE SANTON VOTING NO MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE 4. SUPPORTING THE NAME CHANGE OF THE PORT CHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY Mr. Bradbury read the following Resolution: RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE NAME CHANGE OF THE 14 PORT CHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY WHEREAS, communities should work together, irrespective of municipal boundary lines, and WHEREAS,Article 5-G of the General Municipal Law allows local government units to make the most efficient use of their powers by enabling them to cooperate with other governmental units on a basis of mutual advantage and thereby to provide services and facilities in a manner and pursuant to forms of governmental organization that will accord best with geographic, economic, population, and other factors influencing the needs and development of local communities, and WHEREAS, the Village of Port Chester and the Village of Rye Brook provide the principal support for the annual budget of the Port Chester Public Library, and WHEREAS, it is appropriate for the name of a library to reflect its principal benefactors, and WHEREAS, the Library Board is desirous of changing the name of the Port Chester Public Library to the Port Chester-Rye Brook Library, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook authorizes the transmission of a letter on its behalf to the Library Board supporting the proposed change of the Library name to the Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library. On a motion made by Trustee Brackman, and seconded by Trustee Degling, the Resolution was adopted. TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE TRUSTEE RAND ` VOTING AYE TRUSTEE SANTON VOTING AYE MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE The next item on the agenda was called before the Board: 5. TRUSTEE REPORT ON VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Trustee Santon noted that he is the Board of Trustee's liaison to the Environmental Committee. He noted that Lawrence Engle, Chairman of the Airport Committee, has asked that a liaison be appointed from the Environmental Committee to the Airport Committee. Trustee Santon asked that this be put into motion. Mayor Filipowski stated that this is already in motion. 15 Trustee Santon reviewed several other Environmental issues within the Village. He noted that there are two branches of the Blind Brook that ran through our community. From a standpoint of improving the water quality of those bodies of water he focused on some of the areas and asked that the Board of Trustees to empower the Environmental Commission to move forward on these issues. Rich Manor Park, near the origin of the eastern branch of the Blind Brook, has a parcel of ten acres in size of Village land. He stated that there are incidences of wetlands buffer being removed or damaged and incidences of landscaping debris being dumped. This should be investigated. Trustee Brackman agreed that there are environmental issues related to the Rich Manor Park and she supported an examination of this parkland. She felt that asking Mr. Ron Grocci of Westchester County for comments on the vegetation in the area would be appropriate. He then discussed Price's Pond at Hidden Falls. This pond has been environmentally damaged and residents feel that there is a correlation with the Red Roof Farm development. He asked that the Environmental Commission to look into this issue. He also discussed the property adjacent to the Keyhole which is approximately 1.5 acres of Village land. He asked that the Environmental Commission review this parkland and investigate ways to reverse any adverse environmental impacts that have taken place there. Trustee Santon also noted that the owner of the Rye Ridge Shopping Center has a Reverter Clause in the deed to the Village. At this time, since the land has not been used by the Village, the owner is looking to use this property as a parking area. Mr. Bradbury noted that the Recreation Advisory Council was already looking to see if there was a use for that land. In addition, Mr. Carosi, Village Engineer, will begin an investigation into these issues. Mr. Powell will be looking into these issues and will report back to the Board to delineate what needs to be done to empower the Environmental Commission. 6. REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL POLICE TRAFFIC CONTROL AT THE PORT CHESTER MIDDLE SCHOOL DRIVEWAY AND WESTCHESTER AVENUE DURING SCHOOL DISMISSAL Trustee Santon, who placed this item on the agenda, noted that he is also the liaison to the Port Chester School Board. During its April 17th meeting a discussion regarding a request made to the New York State Department of Transportation to modify the stop line at the traffic light, eastbound, at Ridge Street and Westchester Avenue took place. The School Board had asked that the stop line be moved back to before the driveway exit of the Middle School, which would facilitate exiting the school at dismissal time, The DOT responded via a memo dated March 13, 2001 that it could not grant the remedy requested, The stop line cannot be moved. It suggested that local police be contacted to arrange for traffic control services. Chief Santoro was sent a copy of this memo. Chief Santoro noted that the problem has resulted because the Port Chester Middle School was not designed for the type of traffic that it now has. The traffic flow has been 16 reviewed by F.P. Clary Associates, who has offered the School District different options to assist with the movement of traffic. One options is that Rye Brook could assign a Police Officer to direct the traffic, but there is not a large enough patrol force to handle this on a regular basis. The decision to hire off-duty police officers to direct traffic would have to come from Dr. Coletti and the School Board. Trustee Brackman asked Chief Santoro how many police officers are on duty within the Village at dismissal time. He responded that two police officers are on the road, the Youth Officer, at least one Detective, and one desk officer are on duty. If the Village were to place a police officer at the Middle School it would mean that they would have to pull one of the two officers off of the road duty. Mayor Filipowski asked that an Executive Session be schedul ed for directly after the Board of Trustee meeting, On a motion made by Trustee Degling, and seconded by Trustee Rand, an Executive Session was scheduled. TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE TRUSTEE RAND VOTING AYE TRUSTEE SANTON VOTING AYE MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE Mayor Filipowski announced that the next Board of Trustee meetings will be held on May 8, 2001 and May 22, 2001. It was noted that on Saturday, May 5th, there will be a joint meeting of the Board of Trustees and the Planning Board at 10;00 a.m. They will be inspecting the antenna that is the subject of an application by Sprint to be placed on the Atrium Building. There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Christopher J. B ury, Village Clerk 17