HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-01-11 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes AGENDA
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET
TUESDAY, JANUARY I1, 2000 -- 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ACTION:
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. PROPOSED APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN AMENDMENT
AT 800 WESTCHESTER AVENUE
2. PROPOSED APPLICATION FOR A PUD SITE PLAN
AMENDMENT AT DORAL ARROWWOOD.
RESOLUTIONS:
1. AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO THE
BUCKLE UP NEW YORK CAMPAIGN AGREEMENT
2. TRUSTEE REQUESTED RESOLUTION: BUDGET
MODIFICATION TO POLICE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT
3. DESIGNATING POLLING PLACES FOR THE 2000 VILLAGE
ELECTION.
4. CONSIDERING THE APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR
OCTOBER 12, 1999
NOVEMBER 9, 1999
NOVEMBER 23, 1999
REPORTS:
1. KEN BERMAN, CHAIRMAN OF FACILITIES COMMITTEE
RE: MUNICIPAL POOL RECOMMENDATION
2. MAYORAL APPOINTMENT OF SUSAN PORTO TO THE
WESTCHESTER COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
3. BLIND BROOK COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE
RE: UTILIZATION OF 940 KING STREET
DISCUSSION:
1. DRAFT CHARGE OF THE VISION PLAN ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
1. STEPHEN GUMPEL, ADVISORY COUNCIL ON PARKS AND
RECREATION MEMBER RE: RESIGNATION FROM
COUNCIL
NEXT TRUSTEES ME'
JANUARY 25, 2000 and FEBRUARY 8, 2000
Village Hall is fully accessible to the handicapped.
Those who need special arrangements should contact the Village Administrator's Office
ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE OF A MEETING at(914) 939-1121.
MINUTES OF A MEETING
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD TRUSTEES
VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET
RYE BROOK, NEW YORK
TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2000—7:30 P.M.
CONVENE MEETING
The Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Filipowski in the Meeting Room, and the
Pledge of Allegiance followed.
The following members of the Board of Trustees were present:
Mayor Francis L. Filipowski
Trustee Jody H. Brackman
Trustee Donald E. Degling
Trustee Roger Herman
Trustee Gary J. Zuckerman
Village Staff attending the meeting were:
Village Administrator, Christopher Russo
Village Attorney, Kenneth E. Powell
Village Treasurer, Diane DiSanto
Assistant to the Administrator, Charles Peretz
Village Engineer, Victor Carosi
Superintendent of Recreation, Tom Hroncich
Police Chief, Robert Santoro
Frederick P. Clark Associates, Christian Miller
Meeting Secretary, Paula Patafio
Mayor Filipowski welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the new year. He noted that he would
be taking several items out of agenda order. He called for item 92 under Reports: Mayoral
Appointment of Suzann Porto,Esq,to the Westchester County Environmental Management Council.
Mr. Christopher Russo gave a brief background of the Westchester County Environmental
Management Council, which has recently been reactivated. Mayor Filipowski introduced attorney
Suzann Porto, who also teaches Environmental Law, and congratulated her on her new position.
The second item taken out of order was a presentation by the Blind Brook Community Service
Committee regarding the utilization of the property at 940 King Street. Two Blind Brook students,
Blair Mosner of 128 Country Ridge Drive and Dan Ferris of 974 King Street, addressed the Board.
The committee discussed the possibility of turning 940 King Street into a place where teens could go.
Research was done, and much consideration given. The students referred to a study done by
Research Institute which showed that communities with a teen center produced students with higher
academic skills. In contrast, those communities without teen centers have an increase in alcohol
usage. Trustee Donald Degling asked for information on the survey, to which Dan responded that
this particular study surveyed students from freshman to seniors and was completed in Minneapolis.
It was the consensus of the Committee that the children of Rye Brook need a place to go and,
consequently they have begun to create a list of all the ideas for the teen center. They felt that the
center should have an area where the teens could grow flowers and when they bloomed they could
bring them to senior citizens. They were also interested in running food drives and storing the food
in the center. They looked forward to having a meeting room where they could brain storm, go and
study, or to just hang out. It was the Committee's belief that they could obtain furniture, books and
computers through donations and that the center should be staffed with sufficient adult supervision.
Trustee Jody Brackman and Trustee Degling asked what the students would be looking for as far as
scheduling. The students replied that the center should be open after school. The ideal hours would
be 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Trustee Gary Zuckerman asked what the students felt proper supervision
was. The response was a few people who were experienced in dealing with teenagers. People who
would treat them fairly and with respect. Trustee Roger Herman asked for information on the age
range. The response was for children from 6" through 12"`grade. Trustee Degling asked if there
would be an organized program or a drop in center. The students responded that they would like to
see a mixture of both. The question regarding the house's capacity was raised. Mr. Victor Carosi,
Village Engineer, would be looking into this issue.
The issue of funding was also brought up and discussed. Some suggestions for fund raising would
be bake sales, plays, and donations of equipment and furniture. Mayor Filipowski thanked Blair and
Dan for their presentation. He stated that he was very encouraged by the presentation. Trustee
Zuckerman expressed his opinion that the idea of a youth center is a wonderful idea and he looks
forward to working on it further.
Mayor Filipowski returned to the agenda. He called for the first item under Public Hearings.
PUBLIC HEARING.-
1.
EARING.1. PROPOSED APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN AMENDMENT AT 800
WESTCHESTER AVENUE.
Mr. Steven Shapiro, principal of Einhorn Yaffee Prescott, addressed the Board. Also in
attendance were Ms.Phyliss Lachance and Mr. Vic Passarelli of Philip Morris. Mr. Shapiro
stated that this application was being made to add generators to the building. There will be
an equipment enclosure,behind the building,which will house the generators and all electrical
equipment. The one story addition will be on the Southeast side of the building, on the
Bowman Avenue entry. This application was reviewed by the Planning Board, who adopted
a motion by a vote of 4 to 0 recommending that the Village Board of Trustees approve the
proposed site plan application.
I
On a motion by Trustee Zuckerman, and seconded by Trustee Brackman, the public hearing
I was closed.
Mr. Charles Peretz called the role:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
Trustee Brackman asked if the Board could make a Resolution to approve the site plan
amendment for 800 Westchester Avenue. Mr. Kenneth Powell,Village Attorney, stated that
an environmental study was required. This item will be placed on the agenda for the next
Board of Trustees' meeting.
Item 92 was called before the Board.
2. PROPOSED APPLICATION FOR A PUD SITE PLAN AMENDMENT AT DORAL
ARROW W OOD.
Mr. David Schiff of Sacardi & Schiff Planning Consultants addressed the Board. Also in
attendance at this evening's meeting was Mr. Andrew B. Fetherston of Ralph George
Mastromonaco, Consulting Engineers. The request for an amended site plan was for the
Doral Arrowwood Conference Center. This plan was originally approved in November of
1998 and most of the construction has been completed. The site plan application was brought
before the Planning Board on December 9, 1999, and their recommendation was to approve
the proposed amendment. As a condition of the Planning Board's approval, they
recommended that the site plan be revised to increase the width of the proposed access drive
from 2 P to 24'.-Mr. Schiff noted that there were minor comments made with regard to the
site plan. The first was regarding parking and a request was made to include a calculation of
the required number of spaces required under the Village's Zoning Code and the number of
spaces provided on the site. A second comment was concerning the access road, and a
change has been made on the plan to reflect a request from the Planning Board to make the
construction access road a permanent access road. A third issue concerned the lighting with
regard to the basketball court, and a request was made to provide information regarding the
type, height and intensity of the lighting. Also requested was a site plan for landscape work.
The applicant has addressed all the issues.
Trustee Zuckerman asked for clarification with regard to the basketball court. Mr. Schiff
noted that the court will be used only when the parking lot is not at full capacity. The baskets
will be of the sand or water filled type which can be rolled out for play. A permanent
basketball court would remove too many parking spaces and, therefore, this alternative has
been chosen. All lost parking spaces have been made up by cutting into landscaped islands.
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
Trustee Degling stated that he felt that the program was a good one which reimburses the
Village for $5000 of police overtime which will be necessary to enforce the program. He
felt, however, that the contract that the Mayor was being asked to sign was 90%
inapplicable. Mr. Russo stated that this contract is a boiler plate from New York State.
2. TRUSTEE REQUESTED RESOLUTION: BUDGET MODIFICATION TO
POLICE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT.
Mr. Russo read the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION
BUDGET MODIFICATION
POLICE DEPARTMENT
FROM TO AMOUNT
101.1190.424 101.3120.200 $6,000.00
(CONTINGENCY) (POLICE EQUIPMENT)
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chief of Police is directed to purchase and install this
equipment prior to the end of this fiscal year.
On a motion made by Trustee Zuckerman, and seconded by Trustee Degling, the
Resolution was approved.
Mr. Charles Peretz called the role:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
Chief Robert Santoro gave the Board a little background on this request. He did not make
the request and noted that this is an alternate plan to a lesser proposal that he made at
budget time. He noted that there is 911 funding that is coming from the county and that
they will provide the Village with a laptop computer. Therefore, the cost of the laptop
should be removed from the budgeted amount. The funding should be for the software
which will make the computers operational. The software, and maintenance, runs
approximately $6,000. Although this is a workable plan, it will not save a great amount of
time. Although he would rather see the original plan in place, he agreed that this proposal
is `doable.'
It was noted that the laptop computers will be used in the police vehicles so that they can
complete reports on the road. The officers will still have to bring the computers back to
headquarters to down load the reports. Trustee Zuckerman noted that cost of Chief
Santoro's proposed plan, which would enable police officers to send the reports
electronically to headquarters ran in the $60,000 neighborhood. Chief Santoro noted that
Trustee Zuckerman's proposed system can be used as a stepping stone. He also stated
that he was not consulted with regard to the proposal before the Board. The proposed
amount was adjusted from $10,000 to $6,000 and, with this change, the proposal was
approved.
3. DESIGNATING POLLING PLACES FOR THE 2000 VILLAGE ELECTION.
Mr. Russo read the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION
DESIGNATING POLLING PLACES
FOR THE 2000 VILLAGE ELECTION
MARCH 21, 2000
RESOLVED, that voting machines owned by the Town of Rye shall be used at the next
Village Election to be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2000; and be it further
RESOLVED, that if said voting machines are not available, the use of paper ballots is
hereby authorized; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the polls in each of the nine Election Districts in the Village of Rye
Brook shall be opened at 7:00 a.m. in the morning and remain open until 9:00 p.m, in the
evening of said day; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the polling places be, and they hereby are, designated for the
respective Election Districts as follows:
Election District 420 -Port Chester Middle School-Bowman Avenue (Main Lobby)
No trees will be cut to replace the five spaces lost between the basketball court and widening
the access road.
On a motion made by Trustee Brackman, and seconded by Trustee Degling, the public
hearing was closed.
Mr. Charles Peretz called the role:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski moved to the Resolution portion of the meeting:
RESOLUTIONS:
1. AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO THE BUCKLE UP NEW YORK
CAMPAIGN AGREEMENT.
Mr. Russo read the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION
APPROVING THE BUCKLE UP NEW YORK
CAMPAIGN AGREEMENT
RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook is authorized to enter into the Buckle Up
New York Campaign program agreement with the State of New York Governor's Traffic
Safety Committee for the period of October 1, 1999 to September 30, 2000, under which
the Village will receive $5,000 in reimbursement for personnel costs incurred in enforcing
seat belt usage in the Village; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute and deliver all documents
necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this resolution.
On a motion made by Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee Degling, the following resolution
was adopted:
Mr. Charles Peretz called the role:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Election District#21 -Port Chester Middle School -Bowman Avenue (Main Lobby)
Election District#22 - Blind Brook High School - King Street (Main Lobby)
Election District 423 - Ridge Street School -North Ridge Street (Gymnasium)
Election District#26 -Port Chester Senior High School -Neuton Avenue (Main Lobby)
Election District#27 - Ridge Street School -North Ridge Street (Gymnasium)
Election District#29 - Ridge Street School - North Ridge Street(Gymnasium)
Election District 930 -Blind Brook High School -King Street (Main Lobby)
Election District#31 - Ridge Street School -North Ridge Street (Gymnasium)
Mr. Charles Peretz called the role:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
On a motion made by Trustee Herman, and seconded by Trustee Degling, the Resolution
was approved.
4. CONSIDERING THE APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR:
OCTOBER 12, 1999
NOVEMBER 9, 1999
NOVEMBER 23, 1999
The Board discussed the October 12t" minutes with regard to a statement made by Bruno
Gioffre concerning the size of the proposed hotel (page 13). A decision to table these
minutes until the next meeting was made.
The Board then discussed the minutes of the November 9, 1999 meeting to which several
corrections were made.
The November 23rd minutes also required a few minor corrections.
On a motion made by Trustee Degling, and seconded by Trustee Brackman, the Minutes
for November 9, 1999 and November 23, 1999.
Mr. Charles Peretz called the role:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski moved to the Report Section of the meeting:
REPORTS
1. KEN BERMAN, CHAIRMAN OF FACILITIES COMMITTEE,REGARDING
MUNICIPAL POOL RECOMMENDATION.
Mr. Ken Berman made a presentation and proposal to the Board of Trustees regarding a
Municipal Pool located at United Cerebral Palsy. He stated that at the December 13,
1999 meeting the Rye Brook Facilities Committee voted unanimously to request that the
Village Board place a bond issue before the voters for construction of the pool proposal as
presented by the Facilities Committee and United Cerebral Palsy of Westchester in Rye
Brook. They asked that the Village Board arrange that the referendum be on the ballot for
the General Village Election on March 21, 2000. The Committee requested that the
following be done in preparation for the bond resolution: 1) construction cost estimates be
confirmed by the Village's retained consulting engineer; 2)the Village Board declare itself
lead agency on this matter and circulate a notice as required; and 3) the Village Planner be
directed to prepare the proper Environmental Review forms for the Board.
Mr. Berman stated that the Facilities Committee began working on this issue
approximately two years ago. This pool would be constructed with United Cerebral
Palsy. They will contribute $500,000 and the County of Westchester would contribute
$100,000. Mr. Berman noted that the pool will be open from Memorial Day to Labor Day
to the residents of the Village of Rye Brook during the open hours of approximately 7:00
a.m. until 7:00 p.m. The Village of Rye Brook Camp and the clients of United Cerebral
Palsy will be using the pool. Mr. Eric Marks, Executive Director, Mr. Osterer and Mr.
Davis of United Cerebral Palsy were available to answer any questions.
Trustee Herman asked if there was any danger to the children who would use this pool
with regard to hearing. United Cerebral Palsy is very close to the airport and the children
would be in the pool many hours per day, many days during the summer. Mr. Marks
noted that UCP's pool is across the street from this proposed site and that this has never
been a problem. Mr. Russo noted that the issue deals with the noise that is generated right
within the flight path and UCP is not within the flight path. Mr. Christian Miller,
consultant, stated that they will be doing an analysis of the environmental impacts and they
will provide a recommendation to the Board.
Mr. Berman asked what the next course of action should be. Mr. Ken Powell, Village
Attorney, stated that the first requirement would be to have an environmental impact
review completed. This should be done before any action can be taken. Then a request
can be made for the preparation of the Bond Resolution. Mr. Berman felt that having this
issue placed on the March 21, 2000 ballot would save the Village a lot of money. He
added that this can be accomplished if all steps involved are expedited. Trustee
Zuckerman asked for procedural advice. Mr. Powell noted that there must a completed
environmental review first. Mr. Miller noted that under SEQRA a full environmental
assessment is required and this takes time. He recommended a full environmental
assessment form, which the Village Board requires for these types of applications. This
could be started prior to the next Board meeting. Additionally, a 30 day period of review
is required for the circulation/coordination process. Trustee Brackman felt that having
this issue on the March 21s`ballot created a tight time line. It was noted that three
months could be a sufficient amount of time. Mr. Berman noted that the Village needed
to move this forward in a very aggressive manner. He stated that the Facilities Committee
and UCP are available and offered their assistance in moving this proposal ahead. Mayor
Filipowski thanked Mr. Berman for his input.
The next item on the agenda was a discussion:
1. DRAFT CHARGE OF THE VISION PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
Mr. Russo read the Resolution
RESOLUTION
CREATING A VISION PLAN TASK FORCE
WHEREAS, on October 6, 1998 the Board of Trustees adopted a resolution
directing the Planning Board to develop a work plan for the preparation of a comprehensive
master plan; and
WHEREAS, over the past year the Planing Board and Village Board of Trustees
have been considering the preparation of a comprehensive document to identify future
planning objectives and provide recommendations to maintain and enhance the Village's
quality of life and community character; and
WHEREAS, consistent with that goal a master plan committee of the Village
Planning Board in concert with the Village Planner developed a mission statement,
community input guidelines and work program for the creation of a Rye Brook Vision
Plan; and
WHEREAS, said work program is described in a memorandum to the Village of
Rye Brook Board of Trustees prepared by Frederick P. Clark Associates, Inc. and dated
December 10, 1999, which memorandum was reviewed and adopted by the Village
Planning Board and the Village Board of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, the Vision Plan process requires a task force to be responsible for
the completion of tasks identified in the work program, to serve as a facilitator of
community interests and to direct the activities of the Village Planner; and
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Rye Brook Board of Trustees hereby establishes a"Vision
Plan Task Force" consisting of four members, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following residents be appointed to such task
force; Richard Lubkin of 675 Winding Wood Road South, Harry Krausman of 1 Dixon
Street, John Grzan of 10 Candy Lane, and Paul Feinstein of 6 Robbins Roost, and be it,
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Richard Lubkin of 675 Winding Wood Road
South be appointed Chairman of the Village of Rye Brook Vision Plan Task Force.
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman asked that the first paragraph be revised to reflect the fact that the
Village has been working on this since October of 1998. The Resolution adopted at that
time referred the concept of a Master Plan to the Planning Board. The Planning Board
prepared a memorandum and referred it back. The first WHEREAS clause would read as
follows: WHEREAS, on October 26, 1998, the Village Board of Trustees adopted a
Resolution directing the Village Planning Board to prepare a work plan for the preparation
of a comprehensive Rye Brook Master Plan,
Mayor Filipowski thanked Floyd Caplan, Chairman of the Planning Board, for his work on
this project. He asked for a motion on the amended Resolution. On a motion made by
Trustee Degling, and seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the Resolution was approved.
Mr. Charles Peretz called the role:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
Trustee Degling commended the Task Force on their work
The next item on the Agenda was called before the Board.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
1. STEPHEN GUMPEL,ADVISORY COUNCIL ON PARKS AND RECREATION
MEMBER RE: RESIGNATION FROM COUNCIL.
Mr. Gumpel resigned his appointment effective January 31, 2000 due to personal
demands.
Mayor Filipowski stated that there were several issues that needed to be discussed. The first was
the temporary bridge on the Hutch. Chief Santoro and the Mayor have met with the State to
discuss this issue. Mr. Victor Carosi has also been meeting with individuals from the State. Mr.
Carosi stated that the State is responding to the concerns presented by the Board of Trustees.
Many concerns have been raised about the right turn lane when you are traveling from the North
bound Hutch to move South on North Ridge Street. The State will be altering this lane to
provide more visibility. Signage will be increased, realigned and changed to make the detouring
clearer to the traveling public. They are also working on lighting as it is felt that there is
insufficient lighting on the bridge. Some of the stripping on the existing roadway is confusing and
this will be corrected. Mr. Carosi presented the Board with the State's memo and noted that the
State has been responsive to the Village's needs. Mayor Filipowski asked if Mr. Carosi was able
to review all of the safety issues involved with the Hutch and the fact that a stop sign on the exit
of the Hutch has placed traffic movement well below any line of vision on both left and right. The
State's consultant has walked the site and will be correcting the placement of stop lines and bars
related to the traffic flow pattern.
Trustee Brackman noted that she was up Ridge Street three times today and saw three different
configurations for the North bound entrance ramp and did not think any were satisfactory. The
last was the best so far, with its flashing lights and sign, but it is still very confusing. She asked if
the North bound entrance ramp could be separate. Mr. Carosi stated that was one of the first
things that he and Chief Santoro brought up with Mr. Walter Greenwood, a representative of
New York State. The State felt that if there is a dedicated right turn lane for the vehicles entering
the Hutch Northbound, confused residents wanting to stay on Ridge Street may back up thereby
exacerbating the traffic problem. They do recognize that what is there now is not ideal and they
plan to redesign this area.
Trustee Brackman stated that because the pedestrian walkway is metal, there have been many
concerns expressed that it will be slippery when wet. Mr. Carosi stated that was also a concern of
his, however he walked the sidewalk this afternoon, in the rain, and it did not seem slippery.
There is a concern that it will freeze, the Village is aware of this and is prepared to provide the
necessary maintenance on this structure. Trustee Zuckerman noted that he also walked this
walkway and felt that it was slippery. He was always concerned about how snow removal would
be accomplished on the walkway. Mr. Carosi stated that the Village will be providing snow
removal for the temporary bridge. Trustee Zuckerman asked if Mr. Carosi could discuss with the
State the possibility of hooking up an electrical warming device on this walkway. Mr. Carosi
responded that he would mention this to the State.
Trustee Brackman noted that residents exiting from Winding Wood have been having a terrible
time trying to make a left turn. This was bad since the construction began, but now that the
bridge is in place, people are finding it much more difficult. Mayor Filipowski noted that police
officers have been stationed on both sides of the bridge. He suggested a third officer may further
help. Trustee Brackman stated that the officers were not always directing traffic. Mayor
Filipowski stated that he was there from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. observing the traffic situation.
Mr. Carosi noted that there is a meeting scheduled with the State tomorrow. These concerns will
be brought to their attention.
Mayor Filipowski asked for comments from the public. Amy Schoen of Country Ridge Drive
addressed the Board. She was particularly concerned about fire access in this area. She had
concerns about a fire truck coming across the bridge, she noted that if a large SUV was traveling
across the bridge at the same time as a fire truck, it would be impossible for the fire truck to get
through. A"we're not sure until it happens" answer is not satisfactory in this instance. She also
felt that the Hutch is more dangerous now then it was before the construction was started. She
was worried about snow and ice conditions and asked that the Village look into her concerns.
Mr. Floyd Caplan of 4 Holly Lane asked about putting a yield or stop sign for traffic heading
South bound. Traffic coming across the bridge can either make a right turn onto Ridge Street or
make a left turn onto the new ramp. You have the left turning movement and traffic heading
South on Ridge Street with no traffic control there at all. A yield sign for Ridge Street traffic
heading South as it approaches the bridge should be put in place. Mr. Carosi stated that this issue
has been brought to the traffic consultant's attention and it will be discussed at tomorrow's
meeting.
Chief Santoro noted that the police officer who is at the Hutch is being paid by the State's
construction company. The ramp will be opened by the end of the week and there are concerns,
especially for the North bound Ridge Street traffic making the turn onto the ramp. The speed
limit has been posted. The speed limit in its entirety is 15 MPH. The police did some
enforcement today and many summonses were issued. Vehicles have been traveling in excess of
30 MPH. You can easily negotiate this road at 15 MPH, but at 20 MPH you will have to keep
hitting your brake. Everyone must be aware that there is something really different in this area
and exhibit precautionary driving.
Mayor Filipowski mentioned that the Federal Aviation Administration and Westchester Municipal
Planning Federation are having an Airspace Re-Design Community Workshop that will be held at
the Crown Plaza Hotel from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 12, 2000. Mr. Lawrence
Engle of the Airport Committee, along with Mr. Floyd Caplan, will be attending. Anyone that is
available should try to attend these types of meetings so that we don't end up with something that
of which we were unaware.
Mr. Ken Heller of Lincoln Avenue addressed the Board. He felt that haste makes waste and that
this applies to wasting taxpayers' money on rushing through a referendum on a swimming pool.
The taxpayers will have to pick up and pay for over-expenses. The only reason that the Village is
considering this pool is that our adjacent neighbor wants and needs a new pool. They have
$600,000 and a lot of space so we will build a pool for them. He suggested that when classes or
camps are in the pool, residents won't be able to use anything but the wading pool. He doubted
that anyone would be using the pool at 7:00 a.m. What the Village was actually talking about is
building a pool for $3.5 to $4 million for an organization across the street to be used for a day
camp program. The dollar cost for the residents of Rye Brook is horrendous. We will be
subsidizing everyone that uses that pool. The membership will not pay for it. If there are not 400
to 500 members, the membership costs will go up and the higher the cost, the lower the
membership. There is a lot of information being presented, however, what has not been presented
is the cost for the pool. What will it cost to operate? What will membership fees be? This
referendum will be run at the time of a mayoral election to save money. Mr. Heller felt that this
was the wrong time for the referendum and that this pool is not in the best interest of the
community.
Trustee Zuckerman announced that he was a candidate for mayor in the coming election.
Although he felt that this was not the correct forum for this announcement, Mayor Filipowski
stated that he is also a candidate for mayor.
Trustee Brackman asked for direction that will be taken with regard to the Blind Brook High
School's students report which was given earlier. Mayor Filipowski noted that Victor Carosi,
Village Engineer, and William Gerety, Building Inspector, are currently working on safety
precautions that will be required for the building. Mr. Tom Hroncich, Superintendent of Parks
and Recreation, felt that the discussion was very encouraging because the children of Rye Brook
want to be involved with this project and they are ready to move forward. Now research needs to
be done with regard to hours of operation, age ranges and a target opening date.
On a motion made by Trustee Degling, and seconded by Trustee Brackman, an executive session
was scheduled.
Mr. Charles Peretz called the role:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski noted that the next Board of Trustee Meetings will be held on January 25, 2000
and February 8, 2000.
There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christophe J. Russo, Village Clerk