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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-04-11 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes BUDGET, REORGANIZATIONAL & AGENDA MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK, HELD ON APRIL 11, 1989 - 8:00 P.M. RESOLUTIONS A. ARROWWOOD EXPANSION: ACCEPTANCE OF DEIS FOR DISTRIBUTION PUBLIC HEARINGS B. PROPOSED 1989/90 BUDGET DECLARATIONS/APPOINTMENTS C. VARIOUS AGENDA ITEMS FOR APRIL 25, 1989 PUBLIC HEARINGS (Continued) 1. MURRAY SUBDIVISION - 6 HAWTHORNE AVENUE RESOLUTIONS/AGREEMENTS 2. RYE RIDGE PROFESSIONAL BUILDING - FINAL SITE PLAN APPROVAL & ZONING CHANGE 3. PROCLAIMING MAY AS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH 4. SET PUBLIC HEARING FOR MAY 23, 1989 - LARIZZA: COMLY AVENUE APPOINTMENTS/AUTHORIZATION I 5. CHECK REGISTER AUTHORIZATION AUTHORIZATION Cj{ -'A (l' V/ /./l/ Y APPROVAL OF MINUTES 6. MARCH 28, 1989 NEXT MEETING DATES REGULAR MEETING - APRIL 25, 1989 AGENDA MEETING - MAY 9, 1989 REGULAR MEETING - MAY 23, 1989 ***Recycling Makes a Lot of $ents!*** 001364 MINUTES OF A BUDGET HEARING, REORGANIZATION HEARING and AGENDA MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK, HELD ON THE 11th DAY OF APRIL, 1989 IN THE VILLAGE OFFICES 90 SOUTH RIDGE STREET RYE BROOK, NEW YORK CONVENE MEETING The Meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by Mayor Cresenzi at 8:05 P.M. in the Meeting Room and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. Present were the following members of the Board: Mayor Salvatore M. Cresenzi Trustee Michele R. Mendicino Trustee Francis L. Filipowski Trustee Robert J. Ravich Trustee Jane Saffir Smith Also present were: Christopher J. Russo, Village Administrator Edward F. Beane, Village Attorney Rocco V. Circosta, Director of Public Works Thomas Hroncich, Superintendent of Recreation Catherine M. Spinosa, Treasurer's Office Jean A. Marra, Deputy Village Clerk April 11, 1989001366 RESOLUTIONS A. ARROWWOOD EXPANSION: ACCEPTANCE OF DEIS FOR DISTRIBUTION William Null, Esq. , of Cuddy & Feder, pointed out that the. record is to be held open for a to day comment period following the May 23rd public hearing date. This can be done now, he said, or at the close of the public hearing. Attorney Beane said that this mandate will be complied with at the close of the public hearing. Thereafter, on motion by Trustee Ravich, seconded by Trustee Smith, with a unanimous vote of the Board, the following resolution was adopted: ARROWWOOD OF WESTCHESTER ANDERSON HILL ROAD ACCEPTANCE OF DEIS WHEREAS, Carol Management Corp. has submitted an application to the Rye Brook Village Board of Trustees (the "Village Board") for development of the approxi- mately 114 acre Arrowwood Conference Center (the "Premises") , pursuant to the Planned Unit Development ("PUD") provisions set forth at Article IV, Section 66-7 E. of the Zoning Law of the Village of Rye Brook (the "Zoning Law") , which classifies the Premises in both the OB-1 (Office Business) District and the PUD Overlay District; and WHEREAS, this Board has previously declared itself to be Lead Agency for the environmental review of this application pursuant to Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law of the State of New York and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively "SEQR") ; and WHEREAS, pursuant to SEQR, this Board has previously directed that a Draft Environmental Impact Statement ("DEIS") be prepared in connection with this appli- cation; and WHEREAS, the Planning Board has reviewed and considered this application and has reported its recommendations to this Board pursuant to Section 66-7 E.3.d. of the Zoning Law; as set forth in the Resolution of the Planning Board, dated February 9, 1989; 2 - April 11, 1989 001366 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the DEIS, completed and delivered to this Board by the Village's planners, Frederick P. Clark Associates, is hereby considered sufficient and adequate for public review; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that a Notice of Completion of the DEIS, together with a copy of the DEIS, be promptly filed and circulated in accordance with SEQR; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that a public comment period on the DEIS be opened for receipt of written comments from the public and other interested and involved agencies, such period to continue through to May 23, 1989; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that in order to invite and obtain comments from the public and other interested and involved agencies, a Public Hearing on the DEIS shall be held at the Village Offices, 90 South Ridge Street, Rye Brook, New York, on May 23, 1989 at 8:00 P.M. and that such hearing be conducted together with a Public Hearing in connection with the PUD application; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Rye Brook Deputy Village Clerk be directed to publish notice of the scheduled Public Hearing in the Official Newspapers of the Village of Rye Brook at least fourteen (14) calendar days in advance. By Order of the Village Board Village of Rye Brook, New York Salvatore M. Cresenzi, Mayor Jean A. Marra, Deputy Clerk Dated: April 11, 1989 Rye Brook, NY PUBLIC HEARINGS B. PROPOSED 1989/90 BUDGET On motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Public Hearing be, and it hereby is, declared open. - 3 - 00136i April 11, 1989 Administrator Russo highlighted particular changes in the Budget and said the "pie" chart was changed to reflect the operating costs as opposed to a breakdown of the entire Budget. General Fund: This year the Village will host the Westchester County Village Officials dinner which is only a once-in-every- four-year expense, he said, so that amount had to be allocated. Treasurer: Outside services for payroll are being phased out and in order to utilize the computer system properly, and before we go too far, Mr. Russo said an audit of the system will be done. Village Clerk: There is a new figure of $2,000 included in the Budget for updating the Village Code which the Village should have in the very near future. Village Attorney: Some rearrangement of funds has occurred here, Mr. Russo explained, the Village went from an attorney on the payroll to a contractual basis. Village Office: These are increases in equipment and for a few further improvements such as a new dais for the meeting room, improvement of the public areas in the Village Offices -- paint and wallpaper and perhaps new carpeting. Rent: 1989-90 will be the first full year of the rent increase due to the additional storage space that was taken over. Cleaning: If the Village goes out for bid on additional cleaning services, maintenance of the Village Offices may increase. Central Garage: Expenses included a few major repairs to some equipment and some very expensive parts, the Administrator noted. Also, the lunch room at the garage was revamped, a heating unit was replaced and a new welder was purchased. Central Supplies: This figure reflects an increase in supplies, especially computer supplies since the Village is still in phases of reorganization. Mr. Russo reported that the Building Department' s files have been completely redone; the filing system is set up and is well on its way to being completed. A new PC is included for the Clerk's Office, a printer for the Public Works Department and a new terminal for the main system; this will bring a PC to every department, Mr. Russo said, adding that the Recreation Dept. has also begun to take advantage of the computers and will soon have one in their department. Central Printing: This covers costs for increased mailings of Newsletters and flyers by Recreation and Administration. - 4 - 001 o3r)8 April 11, 1989 Special Items: We are awaiting our broker's findings on proposals for insurance -- auto, liability, etc. Judgments and Claims: This figure .reflects an anticipated agreement with Avis regarding a certiorari settlement. Consulting Fees: This covers the Village' s planners, special consultants, computer company, Employee Assistance Program, Cable TV, and special counsel fees having to deal with the police arbitration. Contingency Fund: There has been an expired contract with the Police Department since January 1, 1988 and salary increases for the settlement years 1988 and 1989 and for five months of 1990, have to be reflected here. Police Department: Increases in this area have been many, Mr. Russo noted. Part of the increase is due to our ability to properly reflect actual costs and with the Village' s new computer system, there is a handle on it now. New things have been initiated -- First Responder courses were given to the police officers and this necessitated the purchase of new equipment and supplies. A partial appropriation was made for a part-time secretary in the Police Department and approximately $10,000 of the $20,000 estimated to be required for renovations to the police desk was included. Contractual Items: Professional Development is paid schooling time for police officers; this is outside of the hours worked on the job, Mr. Russo noted. Fire Protection: Rye Brook has agreed to a three-year extension of. the Fire Contract with Port Chester; however, they have not accepted this as yet. Dog Control: This is the sum paid to the Westchester Shore Humane Society for animal control services, he reported. Safety Inspections: This contractual expense was cut in half because the Village is doing more in-house inspections. Ambulance Service: The Village is in the final stages of negotiations for 24 hour ambulance service, Mr. Russo noted, so this is an estimated figure. He was unsure if enough money was being allocated because of the many uncertainties in this area. The figure was not based on any sound facts, and answers to many questions were unknown at this time, he explained. Highway Department: Mr. Russo stated that the foreman's salary increased but the overtime was eliminated. This increase was arrived at by averaging past overtime expenses. Now the foreman - 5 - ®0136b April 11, 1989 is in a true management position and he considers all overtime expenses before calling the men in for work since he, himself, does not get paid overtime. Sand & Salt: The Village used a lot of sand this past winter, Mr. Russo reported, but used few outside vehicles for plowing since the winter was mild. Recreation Department: This is an increase in uniforms and supplies for the Village's participation in the Blades Ice Hockey Team, he noted. Special Events: This is for onetime service on a contractual basis -- the figure for program leaders went down but it went into this category. Library: Proposed increase is short $14,500 from the recommended budget of the Library. They wanted to hire a security guard and if the Board decides in favor of that item, that amount is not reflected in the Budget and would have to be added, Mr. Russo reported. Sanitation Collection: The costs in this area are lower than ever before because of the decrease in the amount of tonnage being dumped and the new contract with Suburban Carting. A wood chipper is being purchased by the Village, Mr. Russo noted, with half of the money coming through a grant from the County of Westchester. Shade Trees: Various type of trees are being planted throughout the Village and there will be flower plantings as well. Employee Benefits: The retirement system numbers continue to go up and the Village has to account for a fifteen month lag and the State Comptroller's Office has directed municipalities to create a reserve fund for that amount. The good news is that rates are going down. Workmens Comp: This figure is up due to an increase in claims. Safety training courses will be given to the Highway Department in order to try to cut down this figure; other claims relate to the Police Dept. Sick Leave Pay: This is a onetime payment to the former highway foreman for accumulated unused sick time. Health Insurance: The increase in this area is much smaller than it would have been with the Empire Plan since the Village Board has decided to opt for Mebco, Mr. Russo reported. Debt Service: Overall, the Village has very little debt, he said, noting that certain obligations were inherited from the Town of Rye. - 6 - ()0.137 0 April 11, 1959 Capital Improvements: The Village is not presently spending enough money in this area, he said, adding that the following areas are being targeted: 1. Reconfiguration of the police desk; 2. Purchase of new police vehicles; 3. Replacement of gas tanks and pumps at the Central Garage due to a possible leak; 4. The addition of limited funds for sidewalk work in certain areas; and 5. The resurfacing of a portion of Lincoln Avenue. Revenues: Inspection fees are higher because the Village is collecting more due to the increased activity in building. Interest Earnings: Due to the diligent work .in the Treasurer's Office, interest earnings continue to go up. However, State Aid is questionable and the Mortgage Tax is going down. Water Rate Increase: A 24% increase is being proposed but it has not been approved yet -- this will be discussed in September. Lighting District: This increased $34,000 -- besides the cost of energy and replacement costs, it includes the relamping of Ridge Street from King Street down to a point to be determined. Sewer District: The maintenance programs scheduled here, Mr. Russo said, are on Lincoln Avenue and Westchester Avenue, Garibaldi Place and Roanoke Avenue. These sewer lines have been cleaned out on a regular basis and it has made a tremendous difference. Better storm drain runoff has hopefully led to many illegal hookups being disconnected. This is a brief overview together with some of the highlights of the 1989/90 Budget, Administrator Russo concluded. Mayor C.resenzi then opened the meeting for discussion and Mr. Joe Pellino questioned Item D in the Budget Message. Mr. Russo explained that this was a reassessment of the Talcott Woods area. Last year Grievances were filed and following inspections, the Assessor made an overall adjustment; therefore, the change. The salaries for the Treasurer's Office was then questioned and Mr. Russo explained this by saying that the Village Accountant's duties and responsibilities were absorbed by other people and their salary was adjusted to reflect this. When questioned about double digit percentage increases in other departments Mr. Russo explained that in some cases, adjustments were made, but from the previous to 'the proposed Budget, you were looking at two fiscal year salary increases. Mayor Cresenzi added that as far as administration goes, this was a two-year salary adjustment and merit incentive. The Village is finally being run and administered properly, he said, and how well that person was functioning in that position was all taken into consideration and increases were made accordingly. 7 - 001371 April 11, 1989 Mr. Ken Heller said the residents of the Village were being inundated with 'tax increases and he recommended that $150,000 be cut from the proposed Budget. He said he was opposed to the repaving of Lincoln Avenue because Con Edison is constantly digging it up to repair gas leaks. When the question of insurance rates name up, Mr. Russo replied that this pertained to increases in liability, unemployment, disability and workmens comp rates. When asked why there was a certain tax item in the Budget, Mr. Russo said the Village is required to pay sewer taxes and certain improvement taxes plus this includes fees to collect back taxes. Mr. Heller then asked why the Village is paying to educate employees when they should already be educated to get the job and Mayor Cresenzi responded that these are State mandated training courses that must be attended. Mr. Jules Harris brought up the issue of the Village' s obli- gation of Medicare reimbursement to the Town of Rye .retirees. He said in 1989, those persons eligible will be taxed and that could go up substantially unless some safeguard is taken. He did not believe that the Village should be obligated to pay this "share tax" for Medicare recipients. 4 Mr. Bernard Klem commended Chris Russo on the outstanding job he did on the proposed Budget. A discussion followed concerning the disbursements for the library system, dog control, the planting of shade trees and the amount allocated for youth services. Also brought up was the issue of payment for accumulated sick time and Mayor Cresenzi responded by saying that payment of sick pay upon retirement is terrible. There is unlimited sick time in the Police Department and that is horrible. The Board tries to chip away at these items one by one. Mayor Cresenzi said he was amazed when he opened his tax bill and saw that the Village tax was lower than the County Tax and the Village provides all of his services! Mr. Heller contended that the funding for the Drop-in-Center should not be included in the Budget unless the same program is continued in all the other schools and Mayor Cresenzi noted that progress was being made in that area. Mr. Pellino asked if legal fees were included in the Budget for the water rate increase fight and Mayor Cresenzi replied in the affirmative. - 8 - 00137 21 April 11, 1989 Mr. Pellino then said he would like to see some money pulled from other areas in the Budget for an additional police officer. Mayor Cresensi responded by saying that the Village was in the process of a departmental study of the Police Department. The entire department is being reviewed, he said, and there appears to be adequate coverage. The Village does not want to commit to another officer until that report is completed -- hopefully within 45 days. Trustee Filipowski said he agreed with Mr. Heller on certain items such as checking .into potential gas leaks before repaving Lincoln Avenue. He asked Mr. Russo if Con Edison could be con- tacted regarding this and Mr. Russo replied that he already had. Trustee Filipowski then inquired about the insurance rate increases and Mr. Russo said this was primarily related to unemployment insurance and the increase was due to use. Trustee Smith asked if part-time people were entitled to unemployment and Attorney Beane said if they work more than 20 weeks, yes; they are eligible for unemployment. When asked by Trustee Filipowski about the contingency fund, Mr. Russo said there was some money from last year but that fund has to cover every line item that is over budget. Thereafter, on motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Public Hearing be, and it hereby is, declared closed, with a vote to be taken on said Budget at the April 25, 1989 meeting. DECLARATIONS/APPOINTMENTS C. VARIOUS On motion by Trustee Ravich, seconded by Trustee Mendicino, with Trustees Filipowski and Smith abstaining, the following resolution was adopted: DECLARATION OF TRUSTEES RESOLVED, that Francis L. Filipowski, of 260 Betsy Brown Road, and that Jane Saffir Smith, of 124 North Ridge Street are hereby declared elected to the Office of Trustee of the Village of Rye Brook for a two-year term of office; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that said terms of office are effective on the 3rd day of April, 1989 at 12:00 Noon. - 9 - 00137d April 11, 1989 Attorney Beane explained that the resolutions could all be adopted at once if the votes were all unanimous. Thereafter, on motion by Trustee Smith, seconded by Trustee Ravich, with unanimous votes of the Board, the following resolutions were adopted: VILLAGE CLERK RESOLVED, that Christopher J. Russo, of 14 Jennifer Lane, is hereby appointed as Village Clerk for the Village of. Rye Brook for the next ensuing official year. DEPUTY VILLAGE CLERK RESOLVED, that Jean A. Marra, of 12 Robbins Avenue, Elmsford, is hereby appointed as Deputy Village Clerk for the Village of Rye Brook for the next ensuing official year. VILLAGE ATTORNEY RESOLVED, that Edward F. Beane, of Keane & Beane Law Firm, White Plains, is hereby appointed as Village Attorney for the Village of Rye Brook for the next ensuing official year. VILLAGE TREASURER RESOLVED, that Joseph Cortese, of 10 Deer Run, is hereby appointed as Village Treasurer for the Village of Rye Brook for the next ensuing official. year at a salary to be determined by the Board of Trustees. PURCHASING AGENT/RECEIVING CLERK RESOLVED, that Diane DiSanto, of 98 Lakeview Avenue, Scarsdale, is hereby appointed as Purchasing Agent for the Village of Rye Brook; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that Catherine Spinosa, of 166 Columbia Avenue, Hartsdale, is hereby appointed as the Deputy Purchasing Agent/ Receiving Clerk for the Village of Rye Brook; and be it - 10 - 001374 April 11, 1989 FURTHER RESOLVED, that any expenditures for equipment or supplies that exceed $300 shall /I! require a Purchase Order in accordance with Village Policy. RECEIVER OF TAXES RESOLVED, that Hope Vespia, Receiver of Taxes for the Town of Rye, is hereby appointed as the Receiver of Taxes for the Village of Rye Brook, effective immediately. ASSESSOR RESOLVED, that Barbara Chase, Assessor for the Town of Rye, is hereby appointed as the Assessor for the Village of Rye Brook for the next ensuing official year, effective immediately. DESIGNATION OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING NIGHT RESOLVED, that the fourth (4th) Tuesday of each and every month is hereby designated as the Regular Meeting night of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook; said meetings to commence at 8:00 P.M. DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL NEWSPAPERS RESOLVED, that The Daily Item and The `Westmore News are hereby designated as the Official Newspapers of the Village of Rye Brook for the next ensuing official year; and it be FURTHER RESOLVED, that all legal notices shall be published in The Daily Item and, if in the discretion of the Clerk, timely publi- cation can also be made in The Westmore News (a weekly newspaper) , then the Clerk shall also publish in that newspaper. DESIGNATION OF DEPOSITORIES RESOLVED, that the Bank of New York (County Trust Region), Barclay's Bank, and National Westminister Bank, are hereby designated as depositories for the Village of Rye Brook for the ensuing official year. - 11 - 00 :1. 376 April 11, 1989 DESIGNATION OF SIGNATORIES RESOLVED, that the Mayor, the Village Administrator and the Village Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign checks on behalf of the Village of Rye Brook for the next ensuing official year; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that bank transfers from one account to another can be made by telephone by any one of the above-named signatories or by Catherine Spinosa, Bookkeeper, followed by written confirmation to the bank in accordance with the Village' s Investment Policy. The following items were then placed on the agenda for the April 25th Board meeting. AGENDA ITEMS FOR APRIL 25, 1989 PUBLIC HEARINGS (Continued) 1. MURRAY SUBDIVISION - 6 HAWTHORNE AVENUE RESOLUTIONS/AGREEMENTS 2. RYE RIDGE PROFESSIONAL BUILDING - FINAL SITE PLAN APPROVAL & ZONING CHANGE 3. PROCLAIMING MAY AS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH 4. SET 'PUBLIC HEARING FOR MAY 23, 1989 - LARIZZA: COMLY AVENUE 5. ADOPTION OF THE 1989/90 BUDGET APPOINTMENTS/AUTHORIZATION 6. CHECK REGISTER AUTHORIZATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7. MARCH 28, 1989 NOT ON THE AGENDA - APPOINTMENT: On motion by Trustee Ravich, seconded by Trustee Smith, with a unanimous vote of the Board, the following resolution was adopted: - 12 - fApril 11, 1989 001 3 6 PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT A�6J t lY RESOLVED, that Frank J. Errigo, Jr. of 85 Birch Street, Port Chester, is hereby appointed to the position of Senior Parks Attendant for the Rye Brook Parks & Recreation Department, at an annual salary of $28,000; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that this appointment be made probationary in accordance with Civil Service Law, and is to be effective May 1, 1989. I APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY MAYOR At this time, Mayor Cresenzi thanked Trustee Filipowski for serving as Deputy Mayor for the past year and, thereafter, he proceeded to appoint Trustee Robert J. Ravich as Deputy Mayor for the next ensuing official year. Mr. Jules Harris said the Village' s Code of Ethics Law, which was adopted in 1985 and amended in 1987, states that candidates for office and elected officials must sign and file a disclosure statement with the Village every six months -- and this applies to other Boards and Commissions as well, he stated, adding that every appointed person should have a copy of the Ethics Law. Attorney Beane said he would look into that particular issue and it will be complied with. ADJOURNMENT On motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously resolved to adjourn the Village Board Meeting at 9:55 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Jean A. Marra Deputy Village Clerk 18J 13 -