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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-11-23 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING OF THE RYE BROOK VILLAGE BOARD up HELD NOVEMBER 23rd, 1982 AT BLIND BROOK HIGH SCHOOL at 8 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor Kabcenell Trustee Mario Nardi Trustee Milton Melskin Trustee Jules Harris Trustee Stan Zak Treasurer Sidney braudy Attorney Georgia Kramer Clerk Jane Safflr Smith . The meeting was called to order at 8 p.m. ' A motion was made by Trustee Melskin, seconded by Trustee Zak, and unanimously adopted that the minutes of the October 26th Regular Meeting as. submltted by the Village Clerk, be approved. The Clerk read a petition from residents of Grant Street regarding their opposition to the proposed parking lot for the Possillipo Center. Theydo not object to the Idea of a parking area, byt believe that there are alternate aot&ahbon Mayor Kabcenell accepted the communication and stated that the matter would be dealt with under "New Business". REPORTS. CORPORATE RELATIONS COMMITTEE. Trustee Harris Introduced am arcus, he acting chairman of the committee to tell the Board and residents about their activities. The purpose of the group Is to develop an effective relationship between Rye Brook's service groups and , -� institutions and corporations residing In the community. The objective is to work with local groups, understanding their needs, In order to communicate effectively with corporations and Institutions In the Village; to channel and funnel support from the corporations in coordination with the local groups to assist our village in improving the quality of life, not only for village residents, but also for the employees of the corporations. . The Board felt that this commlttfeshould get approval of Intended projects from the Board before proceeding with them. Mrs. Harriet Ha.lsey felt that we should not look to corporations for money, that the corporations decided to move here and that they will come to us to see what they can do for the Village. . Mrs. Viola Nelson expressed her objection to this committee. Did not feel that seven people should go and ask for corporate dollars, and they should simply make recommendations based on their findings, to the Village Board which was elected by the people of this village. Action should only be taken upon approval by the board. Trustee Zak agreed that the Village board should approve actions based on the committee's recommendations. Mr. Marcus stated that most corporations have enlightened self interest to shake hands with a community, and are anxious to enhance the relationship by service, not necessarily with money. They like to sponsor activities and cultural happenings. Each company has a personality and want to help In different directions. Mrs. Nelson question/TPe Charter for this committee and Mrs. Amy Schoen stated that the meeting referred to by Mrs. Nelson was the first meeting with a full complement and they were simply bouncing Ideas back and forth. Mayor Kabcenell asked for more detail regarding the AX6X 9"kx*xM14kI Implementation and procedural aspects. . ? Mayor Kabcenell postponed the Public Hearing on the - Rezoning of the Land and the Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance In connection with the application by Umnftel Inc. because we old not conform with the required publication requirements. The publication was made In the Tarrytown paper in error. Uecember 9th was set as the new date. Local Law p 1 Helicopter Ordinance Public Hearing was held. Mayor Kabcenell thanked Larry Liebowitz for his help in the preparation of the ordinance. Trustee Zak said Santa Claus would stf 11 arrive as scheduled on Friday at _ Hye Ridge. Trustee Harris state that any special exceptions I should not result in risk or expense to the citizens. Bernard Abel asked if a prison sentence could be imposed In addition to a fine for violations, and Attorney Georgia Kramer stated that It would be a violation of the penal law, and there Is opportunity for prison sentence. Bernard Abel suggested a fee for use of police in emergency or on private property, and Mayor Kabcenell stated that should there be ever a question of using police on private property, there would be a fee. The Board acreed that a clause making It a violation of the penal code also, be added to the ordinance, and on the motion of Trustee Meiskin, -seconded by Trustee Harris, Local Law N 1-1982 was introduced as follows: Alocal law .........................Heli.9.9P.teF....IdaW............................................................................................................... .. ne....nn.) Be it enacted by the ...........Board of Trustees ...............................of the _- ................................................................................................ INme d Let isb.i,,nod,) of..........................RY..e..Brook.n.._New,.York............................................................................ as follows h _ Village 1, Prohibited Acts. Except as provided in Section 2 hereof, the takeoff or landing of a helicopter or other aircraft is prohibited within the Village of Rye Brook. 2. Exceptions. The following acts shall be exceptions to the prohibitions set forth in Section 1 hereof: a) Takeoffs and landings of helicopters or other aircraft at any part of the Westchester County Airport situated in the Village of Rye Brook. b) Emergency landings of helicopters or other aircraft, provide( however, that no helicopter or other aircraft which has landed as a result of an emergency condition shall take off except under the supervision of the Police Department providing police protection in i the Village of Rye Brook which shall permit such take-off only after consultation with qualified airport or aviation personnel as to the airworthiness of the helicopter or other aircraft. In the event such helicopter or other aircraft is deemed to be incapable of safe operation, it shall not be permitted to take off and shall be removed only by land. c) Take-offs or landings by police, military or other public safety personnel in the exercise of their official duties or responsibilities. (1) Such take-offs or landings as may be authorized as special exceptions hereto by the Board of Trustees. -- -- ' 3. Penalties for Violation. Any person, firm, corporation or association violating any provision of this law shall be liable to a fine or penalty of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor* more than Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($250.00) for each offense, and the violator dtall be guilty of a violation of the Criminal Law as permitted by Village Law, Section 20-2006. Trustee Meiskin voting AYE - Trustee Nardi voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Zak voting AYE NEW BUSINESS. yll,japa Newsletter. Mayor Kabcenell stated that It had been suggested and discussed that a Village Newsletter might provide information to all residents who might not otherwise be familar with items of interest. Trustee Melskln said it would keep residents aware of what happens at meetings and of issues that face our community. It can also be an update on how our tax monies are being spent during the year. Not everyone subscribes to one of the local newspapers and this would be a way to keep our citizens Informed. Wyor Kabcenell asked for a report on the mechanics of the idea for the next meeting an December 28th. Bernard Abel felt that there was a variety of media i _ supplying Information to our area, and would It be worthwhile to spend the money, In order to set up our own "Propoganda Machine". Trustee Zak suggested asking the local papers If they would \ print a column from the Village "verbatim" without edltoriallsing. Mrs. Fogel suggested that the volunteers for the newsletter committee explore all the avenues suggested In the cross conversations and report to the Board. Ken Heller asked what type of information 1s planned, factual , statistical , politically favoring the Board? Perhaps Village organfsatfons could also contribute. Trustee Nardi suggested that the Corporate Relations commltte pursue the possibility of having the quarterly(? ) Issues of the newsletter sponsored by one of the corporations. There was some discussion of the date and place of the next regular meeting, and Mayor Kabcenell suggested that we announce at the December 9th Special Meeting, the date and place of the next regular meeting. - Traffic c P�ro6�em. Trustee Zak brought to the board's attention a potentially dangerous situation on Lincoln Asvenue at Jennifer Lane. Perhaps a "Slow" sign would help, and It was referred to Chief Gendalla. Joe Pellino felt that at certain times of the year, shrubbery was a problem, blocking the view, and perhaps the shrubbery could be cut back. Parking at PocsIIllpo Center. various ■pyyeefimnixxs ways to alleviate the problem have bean suggested. One to possibly secure land from the State In back of the Center. A letter from Grant residents was recognized asking that the access to this proposed parking area through Grant Street not be allowwed. Mayor Kabcenell has been in touch with Mr. Fidelibus, asking him to pursue this matter and come up with alternatives to the Planning Board to help resolve the problem. Mr. Logan asked what Is the objection to 20 to 30 cars coming through once or twice a week. Mrs.Logan asked how many signatures were on the petition, the clerk counted 41 , and made the point that at present _ when there Is a function at Possillipo Center, everyone _ parks In from of her house, and blocks her driveway. She does not complain because she is happy that there is such a facility for the community, but would like to find a way to alleviate the problem. Mayor Kabcenell suggested that they were talking about an Issue which has not been presented. They are asking for recommendations, the problem Is parking, but there Is nothing beforethis Board which Indicates there will be a parking area behind Possllllpo Center. Should It come before the Board after an analysis of the needs and recommendations, that would be a more prudent time to _ argue the merits. Since the State owns the land, nothing can be discussed until the Rye Town Board buys the land, but while that is going on, the local residents should meet and come up with recommendations to solve the problem. Trustee Nardi suggested that if the Rye Town Board Is negotiating to buy the land, since Rye Brook will be paying for It, this Board should be involved In the price and the purchase. Procedure for Processing and payment of bills. On the motion of Trustee Zak, seconded by Trustee Melskln, BE IT RESOLVED that the procedure for processing and payment of claims for the Village of Rye Brook shall be as follows: 1. All claims (vendor bills, expense vouchers etc.) to be approved by Village Official ordering or authorizing expenditure. Approval covers receipt of materials or services and agreement with price. 2. Claims to be reviewed by Village Treasurer (or designated person), checked for arithmetical accuracy, coded as to proper account, and numbered. 3. After approval of claims and review of Treasurer, an abstract or listing of claims to be prepared by Village Clerk for submission to Board of Trustees at next meeting, for their approval and authorization to pay. Abstract to show date of claim, name of claimant, explanation of expenditure and amount. 4. Two copies of abstract to be sent by Village Clerk to Comptroller of Rye Town with statement that expenditures have been approved for payment by Village Board. Copy ,1 of claims, showing address of claimants, to be sent to Town Comptroller with abstract. . 5. Town Comptroller to issue check and mail to claimant, together with the copy of the claim. 6. Check number and date of payment to be noted on the copies of the abstract. One copy to be returned to the Village Treasurer. 7. This procedure to be in effect until the Village has its own cash funds. C`• (•$3) Trustee Meiskin voting AYE Trustee Nardi voting AYE Trustee Barris voting AYE Trustee Zak voting AYE Mayor Kabcenell voting AYE PETTY CASH ACCOUNT, pursuant to Section 5.526 Village Law. On the motion of Trustee Harris, seconded by Trustee f Melskln. WHEREAS the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook, New York, finds that a petty cash account is necessary for the payment of cash for materials, supplies or services furnished to the village for the conduct of its affairs. -BE-IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook hereby establishes a revolving petty cash account in the amount of $200 (two hundred dollars) in the Village Clerk's office, pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.526 of'the Village Law of the State of New York. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the expenditures from the petty cash account ,4ay be wade in advance only for payment, upon receipt of itemized bills for materials, supplies or services furnished to the village for'the conduct of its affairs and a full accounting of all expenditures shall be presented to the Village Board, who shall direct the Village Treasurer to arrange for the reimbursement of the petty cash account for the amounts expended Trustee Meiskin voting AYE Trustee Nardi voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Zak voting AYE Mayur Kabcenell voting AYE Approval of Payments. Approval of payments totalling 09564.70 made by the Town Board on behalf of the Village from June 23rd for the Interim period until the election of the Board was deferred. These payments are covered by the Town Warrants -- Nos. 74 and.75 dated September 23rd, 1982. There was some question of the charges from Lee Russlllo for the hours worked and the rate for those hours. There was some discussion regarding the number of hours, and what work was performed. Mrs. Nelson felt that she could not have worked the hours she stated, since she was a full time employee of the School District. Treasurer Braudy stated that there was a list of the hours submitted, and that Dr. Valenti had confirmed that her work as a switchboard operator did not conflict with the temporary position as village clerk, and used vacation and personal days. He felt that we should accept her word that she did the work. Trustee Melskln felt that we should in good faith accept the charges as submitted, since she was appointed to do the Job and there was no one to supervise. �d Mayor Kabcenell explained tna: _a temporary vi Ierk was appointed by the Rye Town clerk anfore the only the only village officer, y Per son who could Incur bills and approve them.asxtMexe�#yxr###sgexwRR#ees Unless someone Is willing to take an acpual challenge legally, she was entitled to authorise these payments and Incur this expense. It had nothing to do with us, we were elected, and her job ended. Gene Strum questioned the .410 per hour rate, since there was or Is no precedent In the village, the present clerk works without pay, and by authorising the $10 per hour for the temporary clerk, this Board becomes responsible for the i 42400.00 bill . He just did not believe she can set her own salary. - Morton Belove felt she did put In the hours* since he and many others had lots of occasion to speak* to Mrs. Russillo, and she was a very busy lady. Herb Ad{er pointed out that Mrs. Rusillo was hired in accordance with Village Law, that if we challenge the house we would have to provide witnesses to show that she was elsewhere at the times she listed as working for the village, that the only question Is whether the 610 per hour Is a filr and reasonable rate. This does not necessarily have to be measuredagalnst what the present clerk receives, or does not receive, and if the Board is not going to rule, then some investigation should be done be a committe who reports back to the Board. Mrs. Halsey felt that Mrs. Russillo did a fine job, and not having her here to defend herself Is shameful , and that the board should have checked Wore going public. It was a unique situation. Mayor Kabcenell reminded Mrs. Halsey that the first resolution of this Board was to thank Mrs. Russillo for her activities. This Is a public issue, and must be presented and nobody on this Board has challenged Mrs. Russillo In terms of her hours, and he shared the discomfort of this being discussed in the absence of Mrs. Russillo. Bernard Abel asked if the-Board had questioned any of the other Items Included in the .49564.70 and Mayor Kabcenell stated that most of those were Involved with setting up of the books for the election and the election itself, Inspectors and moving of the machines. Approval on this resolution was deferred until the Village Attorney could do some investigation on the hourly rate, which seemed to be the only question. Since the Town had already paid the amount, Mayor Kabcenell had no opinion as to what would happen If payment were not approved by the Village Bard, but it does require that the Village Board consider this for approval . li BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees approve the payments totalling $3327.75 as per Abstract of Audited l vouchers dated November 23rd, 9$ covering uchers Nos. 1 through 12. Trustee Meiskin voting AYE i Trustee Nardi voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Zak voting AYE Mayor Kabcenell voting AYE Mrs. Halsey requested that the clerk read the substance of the n Information besMayor Kabcenell suggested IncludedIn theAgendaInformata Information future meetings. --- 2111 VILLAGE CLERK'S ASSOCIATION On the motion of .Trustee Meiskin, seconded by Trustee ZAK, BE IT RESOLVED that the Village of Rye Brook agrees to join the New York State Association of City and Village Clerks, Treasurers, and that the sum of $25.00 be paid for membership dues. Trustee Meiskin voting AYE Trustee Nardi voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Zak voting AYE Mayor Kabcenell voting AYE RULES OF PROCEDURE. The Mayor requested that the discussion on Rules of Procedure be tabled since it might be a lengthy procedure. NEWEEST RESIDENTS OF VILLAGE. The Mayor proposed a resolution correcting the record that the first born resident of the new Village was in fact Heather Elizabeth Glambo of 225 Betsy Brown Road who was born at Greenwich Hospital . The motion was made by Trustee Harris and seconded by Trustee Zak that July 20th was the date of the first born resident of the new Village. Trustee Meiskin voting AYE Trustee Nardi voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Zak voting AYE Mayor Kabcenell voting AYE VILLAGE SEAL. Trustee Zak asked how many entries we had for the Village Seal. Clerk said we have four In addition to his, and are looking for more. The Agenda Meeting was set for December 9th after the Public Hearings for Omnitel Inc. WATER DISTRICT. Joe Pellino asked If the IIaison trustees for the Water District were aware of any developments now that we are approaching a drought situation. Trustee Zak stated he had no Information from the Water Company but would follow up. PLANNING BOARD. Joe Pellino asked If the Planning board would consist of five members, and that he felt It was an error In judgement that there was no representation from District 4. Someone should represent the people from that area. J.J. Lawrence asked if wtitW dwPwrltten criteria for the selection of Board members. Mayor Kabcenell said we had specifications of what the board was required to do. Trustee Melskln said the Planning Board was appointed since they were experienced, most knowledgeable of what's going on now and have continuity for projects now under way. Mayor Kabcenell felt that It was fortuitous that they could advise on La Reserve, since they knew what was going on. JJ Mrs. Fogel explained that as a member of the Planning, board, It should be understood that the Board advises and recommends, but does not decide. This was In response to Mr'. Lawrence question as to how we could appoint the same people who were Involved with the General Foods building. Joe Pellino reiterated that there is still no input from a resident of District 4. Mr. Logan reported he was at the meeting regarding the application for a restaureant on Bowman Avenue, and feels that the Board acted In the Interest on the area, even though there was noone from District 4 on the Board. Thwre was a question from the floor as to whether we had to form a Planning Board now. Attorney Kramer said we had a choice but the Village Board wanted It, to take on the obligation regarding La Reserve and Donald Art. Mayor Kabcenell stated that the Town Board can no longer legislate and If we dich't appoint a Board, no decisions could be made. Bernard Abel congratulated the board in taking the action to protect our community, but passing the first law, the Helicopter Ordinance. Mr. Abel also thanked Milton Meiskin for his attendance at a recent Airport Meeting where he did a lot to prevent some expansion plans. Mr. Abel alio wanted to extend congratulations to Mrs. Clara Jenkins, a resident of the Port Chester Nursing Home who celebrated her 105th birthday, born 11/16/1877. The Board so ordered. Trustee Meiskin reported that there was an AdvAsory board Meeting on the Airport. There was a proposal to eliminate - the curfew in exchange for a number ofnoise abatement proceduresand put in a noise ordinance that said all aircraft that on arrival generate more than 74 BBA and on takeoff more than 85 DBA be barred. Unfortunately there Is no mechanism at the airport to take these measurements, so it Is a Catch 22 nonsense ordinance, and -In exchanoe for that they asked for repeal of the curfew. Fortunately a representative from Harrison and myself were able to forestall that and delay It and we alerted the various communities around us to present their reasons for keeping the curfew. We are suggesttdg that the curfew not be repealed until there Is a permanent noise monitoring system with agreed upon decibels. He announced a meeting to be held 11/89/82 at 85 Court Street, White Plains, at 7.30 and everyone who wanted to should attend, regarding possibility of what airport expansion can do. Mrs. Nelson requested that a letter be sent with the Mayor's signature regarding her appointment to the CounclI for the Arts, and that she would send the appropriate information to the Mayor in order to do this. Mrs. Nelson also asked if the Village was working on a flag. Trustee Nardi said he had a friend In Pinehurst in the flag business who will make the flag free If we i give him a design. The meeting was adjourned at 10 pm.