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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-10-11 - Board of Trustees Special Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2005-7:30 P.M WORK SESSION: 7:00 PM: Request For School Crossing Guards PRESENT: BOARD Mayor Lawrence Rand Trustee Michael Brown Trustee Richard Buzin Trustee Joan Feinstein Trustee Paul Rosenberg STAFF: Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator Edward Beane, Esq.,Village Counsel Robert Bertolacci, Parks & Recreation Superintendent Victor Carosi, Village Engineer Theodore Sabato, Chief of Police Fred Seifert, Public Access Coordinator CONVENE Mayor Rand called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance. Chief Theodore Sabato began the discussion. He noted that Dr. Valenti sent out a questionnaire to parents within the Blind Brook School District to gather information regarding the number of children that walk to and from school. He advised the Village that approximately 55 parents responded to this survey. In addition, the Police Department and Village have received calls from concerned parents who expressed concern for the safety of the children walking in this area. It has now been suggested that crossing guards be stationed at the intersection of North Ridge and King Street, and at Exit 30 on King Street, where the end of the exit ramp from the Hutch meets King Street. Chief Sabato noted that years ago there were guards stationed at these locations but these posts were removed approximately 12 years ago. Trustee Richard Buzin questioned whether or not there were any concerns in the Arbor Drive area. Chief Sabato responded that he had not received any comments regarding this area. Mayor Lawrence Rand stated that he, as a member of the Board of Trustees, had no problem recommending that crossing guards be placed at these two intersections, however, he wasn't sure that the amount of children walking in this area warranted these placements. He suggested trying these placements on an experimental basis before the Village looked for the additional funds in its budget. Board of Trustees Meeting October 11,2005 WORK SESSION Page 1 of 2 Chief Sabato noted another problem was finding competent individuals to fill these positions. He noted that finding good school guards has been a task. He also pointed out that there is currently a reserve position which has not yet been filled. Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator, reminded the Board that when the school crossing guards are unavailable, by law a police officer must cover the open position. Trustee Joan Feinstein questioned the accuracy of the survey. She noted that King Street is a heavily trafficked roadway, and she questioned how many children walked to school in that area. She suggested when researching this matter further that both morning numbers and afternoon numbers should be taken into consideration. Many more children walk to school in the morning, and after school dismissal times vary in connection with sports and other after school activities. She expressed concern for the safety of the crossing guards and the children on this very heavily trafficked roadway. She felt that that if crossing guards were placed in these two areas, the hours should be extended. Chief Sabato agreed. Mayor Rand noted that this is a safety issue. During the review an officer will be placed at this intersection. He called for members of the public wishing to address the Board on this matter. Ms. Miller of 10 Country Ridge Drive addressed the Board. She noted that the children are walking to school because there is no busing. Without the busing, many families have no other option but to have their children walk to and from school. She thanked that Village for reviewing this matter. Trustee Paul Rosenberg stated that this is a safety issue. He felt that the safest place for the children was on the school bus, however, as busing was no longer available he agreed that crossing guards should be placed at both intersections. He questioned what the cost of busing would be to the Village. Trustee Michael Brown agreed with Trustee Rosenberg and also asked for additional information on providing busing. Trustee Feinstein responded that this was not an issue for the Board of Trustees. She noted that this would be a very costly project and it was not in the purview of the Board of Trustees. Mayor Rand thanked Chief Sabato for his input. He also thanked the Board of Trustees for their comments and concern. Chief Sabato was directed to place an officer at the King Street intersection starting with the following Monday (October 18, 2005). The Work Session portion of the meeting was closed at 7:30 p.m. The Board took a brief recess prior to the commencement of the Regular Board of Trustees Meeting. Respectfully Submitted, Christopher J. Bradbury Village Administrator/Clerk Board of Trustees Meeting October 11,2005 WORK SESSION Page 2 of 2