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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-09 - Board of Trustees Special Meeting Minutes SPECIAL JOINT MEETING VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND VILLEG OF PORT CHESTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES RYE BROOK VILLAGE HALL 938 KING STREET TUESDAY,MAY 9,2006 6:00 p.m. AGENDA ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE DISCUSSION: 1) Port Chester Public Library BOARDS: RYE BROOK Mayor Lawrence Rand Trustee Joan Feinstein Trustee Paul Rosenberg Trustee Patricia Sanders-Romano Trustee Michael Brown (arrived at 6:45 p.m.) PORT CHESTER Mayor Gerald Logan Trustee Daniel Brakewood Trustee Dennis Pilla Trustee Robert Sorensen Excused. Trustee Domenick Cicatelli Trustee John Crane Trustee Ken Manning STAFF: Christopher Bradbury,Village Administrator, Rye Brook Keith Rang, Village Clerk/Assistant Village Manager, Port Chester Bill Williams, Village Manager, Port Chester SPECIAL JOINT MEETING May 9,2006 Page 1 Mayor Lawrence Rand, Mayor of Rye Brook, began the meeting by noting that this was not a public hearing, but rather a work session/joint meeting of the Boards of Trustees of both Villages to discuss the Public Library. He noted that he and Gerald Logan, Mayor of Port Chester, would be chairing the meeting, and pointed out that this is an issue that is near and dear to a number of hearts, both in Port Chester and Rye Brook. Mayor Gerald Logan stated that he was very pleased with the turn out for the meeting. He noted that the work on the Library would hopefully be a joint effort between the two (2) communities. He stated that during a recent conversation about the Library with Bruno Gioffre, Esq., the history of the Library was discussed. Mr. Gioffre was asked to attend tonight's meeting and present the Boards, and members of the public, with the background of the Library, including how it was originally founded and how past name changes have come about. With the permission of both Boards, Bruno Gioffre, Esq. began a presentation on the history of the Library dating back to 1876. The presentation discussed with the Boards covered the time period of 1876 through 1967. Mr. Gioffre felt that reviewing the history would help both Village Boards in their considerations. He noted that the Villages were, among other things, discussing a change of name, whether the change should happen, and how it should happen. He pointed out the Library Board does have the authority to change its name, however, they wisely and considerately have deferred to the two Village Boards. Mr. Gioffre stated that the original location of the Library was on North Main Street, on the second floor of a building known as the Segal Building. The Library was founded on November 13, 1876 by the Honorable Jared B. Tech, a resident of the Town of Rye, for the young men of the Village of Port Chester, and it was originally founded by the donation of a couple of hundred books. The intent was to promote the morale and intellectual qualities of the young men, and to protect them from influences surrounding them. The Library was named the Library and Reading Room of the Village of Port Chester. Shortly after that bylaws were adopted, and then they acknowledged that the scope of the Library had broaden from the original haven for young men so that now cards were issued to ladies and gentlemen. In 1924, by special act of the Legislator of the State of New York, the name of the Library was changed to the Port Chester Public Library. In that same year, by resolution of the Board of Trustees, the Village agreed to appropriate and pay for the Library annually in such a sum as to support the Library. It was in 1926 when the new Library building was dedicated on Westchester Avenue in Port Chester. The proceeds for the purchase and development of the site came primary from the sale of the original Library building on North Main Street. In that same year, the Port Chester Board of Trustees promised that they would provide for the ongoing needs of the Library. In 1946 William B. Bannester made the first compact with the Town of Rye with a request for financial consideration, but it was never pursued by the Library's Board. From 1946 to 1955 additional discussions took place but no funding was implemented. SPECIAL JOINT MEETING May 9,2006 Page 2 In 1956 the Village of Port Chester acknowledged that it was being inundated by people outside of the area who wished to use the facilities. In particular, they gave notice of the development of Rye Hill/Rye Brook. Residents of this area were listed as being approximately 1/3 of the Library's patron. The Library Board, once again, began talking about funding. In 1956 financial there were great financial pressures, and in 1960 the Library Board appointed a Special Committee that included Village officials from Port Chester and State officials. This Committee's goal was to reach a fair and equitable financial adjustment to be used to support the Library. In February of 1961 legislation was introduced by then Assemblyman Anthony B. Gioffre and by the State Senator. They sponsored the legislation that was signed by Governor Rockefeller. This legislation permitted, for the first time, the Port Chester Board of Trustees to enter into a contract with the Port Chester Public Library, and for the Town of Rye to similarly enter into this contract to provide financial support. For many years thereafter funding from the Village of Port Chester varied in good times and bad, and up and down, whereas the funding from the Town of Rye maintained a steady pace of honoring the percentage that was agreed to. The Friends of the Library was formed to provide additional support. There were many representatives on the Library Board from the Town of Rye. Mayor Rand noted there is a historical relationship between the two Villages that has existed for many years. This relationship has grown and improved in recent years, and now many services are shared by both communities. He turned to the Board members for their comments. Trustee Joan Feinstein noted that she moved into the Town of Rye in January of 1982. Since that time she has witnessed the relationship of the two communities. It wasn't always a friendly relationship but, with hard work and active negotiations, this has improved significantly. These two (2) communities are sister communities, they share services and arbitrary borders. The Library is very dear to everyone. It is a pivotal of the community and everyone is aware that it now needs a lot of work. The bickering needs to stop and the both communities need to work together. Mayor Rand stated that the Library is physically located in Port Chester, however, the Port Chester Middle School and half of the Port Chester High School are located in Rye Brook. Rye Brook residents are part of the Port Chester School District. The two communities already share so much, and working together to save the Library is another example of how Rye Brook and Port Chester can help each other for a common goal. Mayor Logan noted that it is important to remember that a lot has been accomplished through negotiations. The most recent fire service agreement was accomplished through productive negotiations. Now it is time to look at the Library. During a tour last year everyone became painfully aware of the terrible condition that the building is in. Financially it is very difficult for any one Village to pay for the repairs on its own. Both communities must come together and reach an agreement to repair the Library. This SPECIAL JOINT MEETING May 9,2006 Page 3 agreement will include sharing the financial responsibilities. If this building is closed, everyone loses. This issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible because the Library needs a financial commitment. Priorities must be reached, and work must be started to protect the safety of our children. Trustee Robert Sorensen noted that this is a great opportunity for the two (2) Boards to work collectively. The two (2) Villages are more similar than dissimilar. There are many common interests shared by both Villages. The Library serves both communities, and it is now a critical time for the Library. An IMA for the Library is a very important issue. The Library will not survive with only one (1) community's support or funding efforts. It needs a partnership. Trustee Dennis Pilla noted that he was new to the Board and the situation, however, he was willing to keep an open-mind. He stated that he was looking forward to working with Rye Brook. Trustee Daniel Brakewood stated that he also strongly believes that the Library is a critical component to the community. The more light that is shed on this issue, the more people will learn, and it will turn into a positive situation. The decisions made will affect the Library's future for the next 50 years. Although the Library physically sits in Port Chester, and has the name of Port Chester, Rye Brook funds are used to support it. Members of the Board for the Library are residents of both Port Chester and of Rye Brook. This is a complicated issue, and a public dialogue needs to take place so that all of the issues are reviewed and considered. Trustee Patricia Sanders-Romano noted that the Library is a center point in a community. The two (2) Villages should mesh and join forces to save the Library. Safety is the primary issue, and once that goal has been accomplished then the name change should reflect the effort of both communities. This project can serve as a great intervention for the both communities. Trustee Paul Rosenberg noted that his main concern was the safety condition of the building. This needs to be one of the highest priorities, and funds need to be allocated from both Villages. Mayor Rand expressed his desire to support the Port Chester Library. He felt that both Village Boards were dedicated to saving the Library using whatever means were available to them, including posting bonds. Trustee Michael Brown arrived at 6:45 p.m., and received a warm welcome from everyone in attendance. Trustee Pilla noted that the workshops are very helpful, however, it is now time to get things moving. The officials and staff from both Villages need to get together and review the timeframe and the work that needs to be done to bring the building up to Code. SPECIAL JOINT MEETING May 9,2006 Page 4 Bea Conneta, a resident of Port Chester, addressed the Boards. She noted that she was born and raised in raised in area of the Town of Rye that is now Rye Brook. Although she stated that she has nothing against Rye Brook, she stated that Port Chester is an independent Town. She pointed out that every service that is shared by the two (2) Villages are on Port Chester's tax roll and not Rye Brook's. She felt that it was gracious of Port Chester to allow Rye Brook residents the ability to use the Library and that is what Rye Brook's funds are used for. It was her opinion that Rye Brook could pay their share and use the Library, or pay nothing and not use it. It was her very opinion that the Library would survive with or without Rye Brook's funding. She noted that she would be happy to assist with the fund raising efforts, and has already approached several businesses in Port Chester regarding the donation of funds. She agreed that the repairs must be done first, but believed that the funding for the work could be accomplished through fund raising. It was her stance that there was no way that Rye Brook was going to have its name on the Port Chester Public Library. A member of the Library Board noted that she grew up in Port Chester and that the intent is the betterment of the Library for both communities. She stressed that while fundraising is good, fundraising cannot come close to raising the cost of the repairs needed. It is just not feasible. The two communities need to work together and come together. Rye Brook is an important part of the Library, and it was her hope that both Villages would be able to work together to save it, no matter what it ends up being named. Mr. Ben Miloro questioned why the name needed to be changed, and why it needed to incorporate the name of Rye Brook. He noted that in the past no other municipality would allow Rye Brook access to their libraries. It was only Port Chester that stepped forward and offered all Rye Brook residents the use of its Library. He hoped that all meetings regarding this matter would be public. Mr. Gioffre once again reminded members of the public that the Library Board has the authority to change the name of the Library. They have, in their wisdom, deferred to both Village Boards. The more important issue is the condition of the building, and the safety of all residents who utilize its services. Mayor Rand thanked everyone for their participation at the meeting. Both Villages' are looking forward to a resolution. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. SPECIAL JOINT MEETING May 9,2006 Page 5