HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-01-26 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes AGENDA
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET
TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1999—7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ACTION:
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. CONSIDERING THE APPLICATION BY LOEWEN
DEVELOPMENT FOR PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLAT
APPROVAL OF THE PROPERTY AT 998 KING STREET.
RESOLUTIONS:
2. SETTING GRIEVANCE DAY FOR FEBRUARY 16, 1999.
3. CONSIDERING APPOINTING ELECTION INSPECTORS FOR
THE MARCH 16, 1999 VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK ELECTION.
4. CONSIDERING AUTHORIZING APPROVAL OF AN
AGREEMENT WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY FOR THE
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
5. CONSIDERING AMENDMENTS TO THE NON-UNION
EMPLOYEES POLICIES AND BENEFITS PACKAGE.
G CHECK REGISTERS.
MINUTES:
7. SEPTEMBER 8, 1998.
8. OCTOBER 20, 1998.
REPORT:
9. FORMER FIRE CHIEF WILLIAM BARNES.
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January 26, 1999
DISCUSSION:
10. PROPOSED AGREEMENT WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY
FOR AN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AT RICH MANOR PARK.
11. RYE BROOK ZONING MAP.
NEXT TRUSTEES MEETINGS:
FEBRUARY 9, 1999
GRIEVANCE DAY --FEBRUARY 16, 1999
FEBRUARY 23, 1999
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.
14
MINUTES OF A MEETING
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE HALL 938 KING STREET
RYE BROOK, NEW YORK
JANUARY 26, 1999
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 Donald E. Degling
Trustee Joseph Pellino
Trustee Eugene R. Strum
Trustee Gary J. Zuckerman
Village staff attending the meeting were:
Village Administrator, Christopher J. Russo
Village Attorney, Kenneth E. Powell
Village Engineer, Victor Carosi, P.E.
Assistant to the Administrator, Richard C. Slingerland
Planning Consultant Christian K. Miller, F. P. Clark Associates
Police Chief Robert J. Santoro
Recreation Superintendent Thomas Hroncich
Treasurer Joseph Cortese
Secretary to the Administrator Debby Ybarra
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. CONSIDERING THE APPLICATION BY LOEWEN DEVELOPMENT FOR
PRELIMINARY.SUBDIVISION PLAT APPROVAL OF THE PROPERTY AT 998
KING.
The applicant noted that his engineering consultant was running late to the meeting, and asked that the
Board delay the hearing until he arrived at the meeting.
RESOLUTIONS:
2. SETTING GRIEVANCE DAY FOR FEBRUARY 16 1999.
There was a brief discussion of the resolution, and Trustee Strum noted that the date for reviewing
grievances is mandated under New York State Law.
(Resolution appears on next page.)
January 26, 1999
On the motion of Trustee Strum, seconded by Trustee Pellino, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
SETTING GRIEVANCE DAY
FEBRUARY 16, 1999
WHEREAS,the tentative assessment roll for the Village of Rye Brook will be completed by the
Assessor of the Village of Rye Brook, County of Westchester, on February 1, 1999; and
WHEREAS, said assessment roll may be seen and examined by any interested person until the
third Tuesday in February (February 16, 1999) at the Assessor's Office, 10 Pearl Street,Port Chester,
New York, 10573; and
WHEREAS, persons having objections or grievances against the assessments must file with the
Assessor of the Village of Rye Brook, an application for review no later than the third Tuesday in
,February, 1999.
NOW, THEREFORE,BE 1T HEREBY
RESOLVED,that the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees sitting as the Board of
Assessment Review will meet on said third Tuesday, February 16, 1999, at Village Hall, 938 King Street,
Rye Brook,New York, 10573, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to consider those applications
that have been filed on or before that date.
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Pellino Voting Aye
Trustee Strum Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
3. CONSIDERING APPOINTING ELECTION INSPECTORS FOR THE MARCH 16 1999
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK ELECTION.
There was very brief discussion of this item, and the Board proceeded to a vote. On the motion of
Trustee Degling, seconded by Trustee Pellino, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
INSPECTORS OF ELECTION
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK- MARCH 16, 1999
RESOLVED, that pursuant to Section 15-116 of the Election Law, there shall be two (2) Inspectors of
Election for each Election District in the Village Election to be held on Tuesday, March 16, 1999 from 7
a.m, until 9 p.m.; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following Chairpersons, Inspectors of Election and Alternate
Inspectors be hereby appointed:
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January 26, 1999
Dist. Name Address Voting Site Home phone:
# 20 Connie Pennucci, Chair 525 Ellendale Avenue PCMS 939-4223
#20 Vinnie Marcucilli 180 Fairview Avenue PCMS 939-6853
#21 Betty Greto, Chair 3 West Street PCMS 939-5491
#21 Beth Bandy 11 Lincoln Avenue PCMS 939-5334
# 22 Sonia Briganti, Chair 54 North Ridge Street BBHS 935-9952
# 22 Marie Capoci 201/z Lincoln Ave. BBHS 939-5876
423 Walter H. Niles, Chair 101 Country Ridge Dr. RSS 937-3623
# 23 Rose Niles 101 Country Ridge Drive RSS 937-3623
# 26 Josephine Aulenti, Chair 127 North Ridge Street PCHS 939-1191
4 26 Mildred DiSanto 151 North Ridge Street PCHS 937-5876
#27 Maria Varbero, Chair 10 Paddock Road RSS 937-4626
#27 Ann Marie Marino 45 Windsor Road RSS 937-2446
# 29 Patricia Pagli, Chair 395 Westchester Avenue RSS 939-1031
# 29 Marie Godano 16 Jennifer Lane RSS 937-5010
# 30 1 S. Kim, Chair 33 Country Ridge Drive BBHS 937-6169
# 30 Angelo DiGiorgio 6 Sylvan Road BBHS 934-0858
# 31 Eugene Reich, Chair 11 Winthrop Drive RSS 937-4298
# 31 Judy Uhry 19 Rockridge Drive RSS 937-1295
ALTERNATES
Maryann Shea 66 Woodland Avenue 937-3587
Renee Fiedler 149 Brush Hollow Crescent 939-4363
Mildred Wolfson 4 Terrace Court 939-0873
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Pellino Voting Aye
Trustee Strum Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
4. CONSIDERING AUTHORIZING APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH
WESTCHESTER COUNTY FOR THE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Trustee Degling noted that he agreed with the idea ofjoining the program, but had a number of problems
with the form and substance of the agreement. He noted in particular that there were several errors in the
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January 26, 1999
agreement submitted to the Village by Westchester County. Mr. Russo noted that there were clerical
errors in the formatting of the agreement document, and recommended that the Village get in touch with
Westchester County to make the necessary revisions and corrections. Village Attorney Ken Powell noted
that the form of the contract was not unusual, although there were some typographical errors. Trustee
Pellino suggested that the Board could approve the resolution, and provide that the County Attorney's
Office improve and correct the document. The consensus of the Board was that the document be
corrected before it was approved. On the motion of Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee Pellino, the
Board agreed unanimously to table consideration of the agreement until it had been corrected.
5. CONSIDERING AMENDMENTS TO THE NON-UNION EMPLOYEES POLICIES AND
BENEFITS PACKAGE.
There was a brief discussion of the proposed amendment to the non-union employees benefits and
policies package. Trustee Degling asked for a clarification of the discussion of Deferred Compensation
companies, and Village Administrator Russo explained that the amendment would offer employees a
choice of which companies they could utilize for investing their deferred compensation.
On the motion of Trustee Strum, seconded by Trustee Pellino, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
AMENDMENTS TO THE NON-UNION
EMPLOYEES' BENEFITS AND POLICIES PACKAGE
RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook's Employees' Benefits and Policies Package adopted by the
Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees on September 27, 1988 and amended on
June 26, 1990, February 26, 1991, January 14, 1992, August 11, 1992, January 11, 1994,
April 26, 1994, and July 25, 1996, be further amended to include the following changes:
SECTION 20-LIFE INSURANCE be changed to read as follows:
CURRENT
The Village of Rye Brook has established a Group Life Insurance Plan to provide a $10,000 policy for
every active full-time employee. The Village will pay to the dependent heir or heirs of a deceased active
employee's current salary due at time of death, and the life insurance benefit.
CHANGE TO
The Village of Rye Brook has established a Group Life Insurance Plan to provide a $40,000 policy for
every active full-time employee. The Village will pay to the heir or heirs a deceased active employee's
current salary due at time of death, and the life insurance benefit.
AND BE IT
FURTHER RESOLVED, that SECTION 23 - DEFERRED COMPENSATION be changed to read
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January 26, 1999
as follows:
CURRENT
The Deferred Compensation Plan is being offered in response to a growing awareness among public
employees of the need to accumulate assets during working years for use after retirement. It is an
excellent supplement to your Social Security and Pension Benefits.
It is a voluntary savings program created by Federal and State Law allowing public employees to save a
portion of their gross pay before Federal, State and Local Income Taxes are deducted. The amount
deferred accumulates tax-free until the funds plus earnings are distributed. (Generally after retirement
when most people are in a lower tax bracket.)
An employee can determine the amount of contribution. The employee can also select the investment
options which are best suited to his/her needs. An employee can increase or decrease his/her contribution
,level on a monthly basis and select the percentage of his/her contribution which is invested in each
option(s). The employee will receive a quarterly statement on the performance of his/her investment.
The employee determines the age, after retirement, when he/she wants payment to begin (until age 701/2).
Please note. Participants in the Deferred Compensation Plan are allowed to contribute up to 25% of
year-to-date earnings or $7,500 per year- maximum.
CHANGE TO
The Deferred Compensation Plan is being offered in response to a growing awareness among public
employees of the need to accumulate assets during working years for use after retirement. It is an
excellent supplement to your Social Security and Pension Benefits. Employees have two Deferred
Compensation Plans to choose from- The two Plans are The Copeland Company and Equivest.
It is a voluntary savings program created by Federal and State Law allowing public employees to save a
portion of their gross pay before Federal, State and Local Income Taxes are deducted. The amount
deferred accumulates tax-free until the funds plus earnings are distributed. (Generally after retirement
when most people are in a lower tax bracket.)
An employee can determine the amount of contribution. The employee can also select the investment
options which are best suited to his/her needs. An employee can increase or decrease his/her contribution
level on a monthly basis and select the percentage of his/her contribution which is invested in each
option(s). The employee will receive a quarterly statement on the performance of his/her investment.
The employee determines the age, after retirement, when he/she wants payment to begin (until age 701/2).
Please Note. Participants in the Deferred Compensation Plan are allowed to contribute up to 25% of
year-to-date earnings or $8,000 per year- maximum, or as may be adjusted by the Federal Government.
Please check with the Treasurer's Office for the current maximum amount as it may be adjusted.
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Pellino Voting Aye
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January 26, 1999
Trustee Strum Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
6. CHECK REGISTERS.
Administrator Russo read the resolution for check registers and the Mayor invited any comments. Trustee
Strum asked about the purpose of a $5,000 charge by Suburban for the Arbors? Village Administrator
Russo commented that the Village would look into the bill for some explanation. Mayor Filipowski asked
for an explanation of the Village's payment for Insurance Consultant Advisors, and Mr. Russo explained
that the payment is to Risk Management Services for risk and safety consulting. The Mayor asked if they
were insurance brokers, and Mr. Russo explained that Risk Management Services provides independent
risk management and safety advice to the village on procedures and insurances to carry for the Village.
The Board returned to their discussion on the $5,000 charge for the Arbors garbage pickup. Trustee
Strum and Trustee Zuckerman wanted to make sure that there was no break in service, and that the
garbage was still removed, but they felt that the Village should have some backup information, and
possibly meet with the Arbors management association before paying this bill. Trustee Strum moved and
Trustee Pellino seconded that this payment be removed from approval with the rest of this check register.
Trustee Zuckerman also made the point of inquiring about the bill for Mount Kisco truck repairs, and the
Board agreed to remove the payment until further inquiry had been made into the bill and backup
information on it.
On the motion of Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee Degling, the following resolution was
adopted:
RESOLUTION
CHECK REGISTERS
WHEREAS, the following checks, representing payment for services rendered, have been
submitted to the Treasurer's Office and Budget Officer for payment:
On line checks 20092-20192
Payroll 28023-28255
Pre Paid 19899 & 19900
Capital 28310 & 28311
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook after audit hereby approves
payment of the above-mentioned claims and authorizes payment thereof.
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Pellino Voting Aye
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January 26, 1999
Trustee Strum Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. CONSIDERING THE APPLICATION BY LOEWEN DEVELOPMENT FOR
PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLAT APPROVAL OF THE PROPERTY AT 998
KING.
Mr. Ralph Mastromonaco, P.E., engineering consultant for Loewen Development, arrived, and the Board
returned to item#1 for the public hearing on the proposed subdivision of the property at 998 King Street.
Mr. Mastromonaco explained that the subdivision was on the same piece of property as proposed last
year, and he briefly explained the history of the application and how it originally had been submitted for a
5-lot subdivision, and that it had been down-sized to a four-lot subdivision, and then had been reduced to
.the current 2-lot subdivision due to a restrictive covenant on the property. Loewen Development had
sought to ignore the restrictive covenant, but the subdivision into four lots had been challenged by the
Blind Brook Club and upheld through the decision of the court.
Trustee Pellino noted that the subdivision was a total redesign of a previously approved subdivision,
which Dan Tartaglia, attorney for the applicant, agreed with. Trustee Strum asked for the record what
the deed restriction required, and the developer,Peter Murray, explained that it required a subdivision
into no more than 2 lots. Trustee Zuckerman asked if the subdivision complied with all codes, and Mr.
Mastromonaco claimed that no variances were required for the subdivision to be built. Trustee
Zuckerman asked if any further or extensive environmental reviews were required, and Christian Miller,
Planning Consultant, explained that a full environmental impact review was not required. He also stated
that there would be a requirement that the houses be built subject to a 110 foot minimum setback. Mr.
Tartaglia, asked if that meant the main building or all buildings. Mr. Miller explained that it meant all
buildings, since accessory buildings should not be in the front yard(s) anyway. Recreation Superintendent
Tom Hroncich asked if any recreation fees were required by the subdivision, and Village Attorney Powell
and Consultant Miller both expected that recreation fees should apply. Trustee Zuckerman had one last
question about drainage, and Village Engineer Carosi stated that dry-wells should be required for each
home, even though it was only a 2-lot subdivision,with homes that did not take up a large portion of the
lot area.
There was no further discussion. On the motion of Trustee Pellino, seconded by Trustee Strum,the
Board agreed unanimously to close the hearing and have a resolution of approval on at a future meeting.
MINUTES:
7. SEPTEMBER 8, 1998.
Mayor Filipowski noted that he had minor corrections, specifically regarding the spelling of the names of
Dr. Ralph Krainin, and Mr. Henry Lowet. On the motion of Trustee Strum, seconded by Trustee
Zuckerman, the Board unanimously adopted the minutes as revised.
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January 26, 1999
communities strive to do, and that is to establish a well-skilled fire department. Trustee Strum and
Trustee Pellino thanked the Chief for his report and his professionalism, and commented that the Chief's
input was most helpful, and that the Village would miss his leadership in the fire department. Trustee
Pellino asked the Chief to expand on his suggestion for expanding the fire department's EMS capabilities.
The Chief responded that Rye Brook is headed in the right. direction.
Mayor Filipowski asked the Chief about the location of the Montour Falls Fire Training Facility. Chief
Barnes responded that while Westchester's Fire Chiefs control the Fire Training Facility in Valhalla, in his
estimation the Montour Falls training center is the best. Trustee Degling asked about the length of the
training. Chief Barnes explained that Montour Falls accepts only two classes per year, one in March and
one in September, and that the classes run for nine weeks. There were no further questions, and Mayor
Filipowski and the Board thanked Chief Barnes for his presentation.
Trustee Pellino asked to be brought up to speed on the fire service negotiations. Mayor Filipowski replied
that meetings had been scheduled, but were canceled due to illness of the Port Chester Village Attorney.
Administrator Russo commented that a meeting was scheduled for Friday, January 29, 1999. Mayor
Filipowski commented that Village Attorney Powell had prepared a lengthy memo addressing the issues
under review. The Board briefly continued their discussion, and Trustee Degling commented that the
Village Attorney's work-product should be prepared into a form for communication to the Village of
Port Chester. The Board completed their discussion and moved on to the next item on the agenda.
DISCUSSION:
10. PROPOSED AGREEMENT WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY FOR AN
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AT RICH MANOR PARK.
Assistant to the Administrator Rich Slingerland, Associate Planner Rob Doscher from the Westchester
County Planning Department and Sven Hoeger, Biologist working for the County proceeded to make a
presentation on the proposed project. Mr. Slingerland noted that a few dozen residents adjacent to or
near the park had been contacted and invited to a meeting regarding the project. He explained that the
project was focused on improving the water quality of the Blind Brook as a tributary to Long Island
Sound. Mr. Doscher explained that the project would be funded by approximately $35,000 in Federal
Funds for local land and water improvements. Mr. Slingerland noted that the evolution of the project had
been roughly twelve years in the making. He referred to the Village's 1987 Recreation Study by
Frederick P. Clark Associates, which had recommended improvements at Rich Manor as a valuable open
space, with specific recommendations that the park be improved with benches, walking trails and an
identifying park sign.
Recently, the Village had participated in the 1998 Watershed Advisory Committee 3 (WAC 3) group.
WAC 3 had issued a report that described Rich Manor Park as an ideal location for stream-bank
reclamation and improvement to resolve non-point source pollution to Long Island Sound. He explained
that removing non-point source water pollution, such as animal waste, lawn fertilizers,vehicle fluids like
oils and antifreeze, and decaying plant matter such as leaves and brush, would contribute to an
improvement in the water quality in Long Island Sound, and would help prevent hypoxia and fish-kills in
the Sound.
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January 26, 1999
8. OCTOBER 20, 1998.
Trustee Degling asked for an amendment to the cover page of these minutes, since he was absent from
the October 6, 1998 Meeting, but present at the October 20, 1998 Meeting. Mayor Filipowski asked for
the status on the litigation between the Village of Mamaroneck and the Town of Rye, and the Village"
Attorney and the Village Administrator had no status to report at that time.
Mayor Filipowski asked about the progress on standards for applications for site plan amendments at the
Talcott Woods Development, Planning Consultant Christian Miller commented that the Village cannot
really delegate the responsibility of developing such standards to a Homeowners' Association. Trustee
Pellino commented that he did not want precedents set in the Village for un-regulated development, or
helter skelter additions. He felt that Talcott Woods should be subject to standards for additions and
expansions upon existing homes within the development, particularly with regard to square footage,
building height and aesthetic compatibility. However, he also felt and there was a consensus among the
Board that individual homeowners should not be required to proceed through a full site-plan amendment
procedure for making additions to their homes within the development, simply because the original
approval was for a cluster subdivision on the entire property. Mayor Filipowski asked the Board if they
would discuss it at Grievance night, and Administrator Russo recommended that the Board discuss it only
informally that night, but wait until February 23'to have a more public discussion of any standards under
consideration. On the motion of Trustee Strum, seconded by Trustee Pellino, the Board unanimously
adopted the minutes as revised.
REPORT:
9. FORMER FIRE CHIEF WILLIAM BARNES.
Former Port Chester Fire Chief Barnes thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak and to present his
feelings about the Rye Brook Fire Department. Chief Barnes noted several items he wanted to review,
starting with accomplishments of the department, and their goals and objectives for the future. He had
met with the fire fighters to discuss drills, their qualifications, skills and training; and specific fire
incidents. He felt that the fire fighters should have certain EMS training, particularly on defibrillators, and
that there should be specific levels of accountability from the fire fighters, including on the issue of
compliance with OSHA requirements. '
Chief Barnes felt that the Rye Brook Fire Department should not remain at the current status quo, but
that the department should develop a Master Plan for Public Safety and HAZMAT. He recommended
that the Board send the fire fighters for training at the Montour Falls training facility, that the Village sell
the Seagrave engine, that the Village buy a fire-utility vehicle to extend the usable life of the Quint
Engine, that the fire fighters be trained in Code Enforcement, and that the Village establish a Paramedic
Engine Company. Chief Barnes recommended that Rye Brook make use of all of its resources, and
suggested that there were some situations in Port Chester where Rye Brook's aerial ladder could assist
and enhance fire-ground safety. Chief Barnes concluded his comments, stating that the fire department
should establish itself in a leadership position and stay on the cutting edge of lire and safety technology.
Trustee Zuckerman asked Chief Barnes if the Rye Brook Fire Department is effective, or if Rye Brook
should eliminate the manpower. Chief Barnes responded that Rye Brook has accomplished what many
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January 26, 1999
Sven Hoeger, Biologist with Creative Habitat, explained the intent of the plants and landscaping. He
listed the plants that were planned to be planted on the site, including Lizard's Tail, Blue Iris, Winterberry
Holly, Sweet Pepperbush, and Milkweed, among other wild flowers and grasses. He explained that
establishing a no-mow area along the brook would improve the water quality by catching and holding all
of the nutrients in the vegetation. He continued that the tall grasses and plants would also act as a
deterrent to the Canadian geese that frequented the area, since the vegetation would cause an instinctive
response and make the geese think there would be predators hiding in the grass. Mr. Hoeger explained
the concepts behind the landscaping plan to include a vernal pool, and the intent to establish amphibian
habitat for native frogs and salamanders.
Mr. Slingerland commented about how the Village had been contacted by neighbors in the area, and
noted that there was a history of loitering and mischief at and near the park, particularly along the
easement between Acker Drive and Woodland Drive. He noted that the problem was not constant but
that it had been recurrent. He had discussed the problems with the Police Department and they had felt
that the landscaping would not create an attractive nuisance, as long as benches were not included in the
,plans, which would create an attractive nuisance for area youths to congregate around.
Recreation Superintendent Tom Hroncich rose and spoke briefly, and suggested that the Village accept
the landscaping plan as is. The Board thanked Messrs. Doscher,Hoeger, Hroncich and Slingerland for
their presentation, and proceeded to the next item on the agenda.
11. RYE BROOK ZONING MAP.
Planning Consultant Christian Miller made a presentation regarding the proposed adoption and update of
the Rye Brook Zoning Map. He commented on the poor state and usability of the existing map, and
noted the proposal to properly reflect a number of recent zoning changes that had been enacted for some
developments that were under way in the Village. Mr. Miller read from his memo, dated January 5, 1999,
which noted that Frederick P. Clark Associates had prepared a I V x 17" draft zoning map for
distribution, and a large scale map for clarity. He explained that the new map would formalize the
village's current zoning, and would replace the current map, which had been adopted by the Rye Town
Board on September 7, 1954. He described the existing map as illegible, confusing, and in desperate need
of replacement.
Trustee Degling had a question about the four overlay zones near the airport. Mr. Miller explained that
there were building height restrictions within airport zones. He commented that in the Zoning Districts
within Rye Brook, the closer you get to the Westchester County Airport, the more the building height is
restricted. Trustee Strum thanked Mr. Miller on his hard work, and commented that he had done an
excellent job to accurately reflect the village's zoning. Trustee Strum asked about the Z-1 designation on
the Blind Brook Club, and whether the Board could adopt the new Zoning Map without approving the
paper roads shown on it? Trustee Zuckerman asked about the more problematic zoning areas, particularly
those where zoning lines crossed and split property lines. Mr. Miller briefly explained that the map was
not proposed to make changes or re-zone any areas, but to codify the accepted, existing zoning within the
Village, including some of the major parcels such as Arrowwood and the Blind Brook Club.
On the motion of Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee Degling, the Board unanimously agreed to
refer the Zoning Map dated, "Revised 12/22/98"to the Planning Board for a report and recommendation.
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January 26, 1999
At this time, the Mayor opened the floor to discussion and comments from the public.
Mr. Ken Heller of Lincoln Avenue commented that the Board should install signs for Rye Hills Park, to
notify the public about its existence, and to inform everyone that handicapped parking was available
within the park. Administrator Russo gave a status for the proposed signs for the park, and Mayor
Filipowski commented that the Village would be changing and upgrading the signs for the park.
Mrs. Lillian Santarsiero of Jennifer Lane and Lincoln Avenue commented that her neighbor had
approached her and asked her if he could get a variance. She explained that he had stated that it is a two-
car garage, but had given no dimensions, and that the notice letter from the Village had not properly
explained that the plans were for a two-story, two-car garage. She had major objections to the variance
and stated that her neighbor had not been forthright with her. Administrator Russo commented that Mrs.
Santarsiero should discuss her concerns with the Building Department staff and the members of the
Zoning Board. He recommended that the Village Engineer sit down with the resident to review her
concerns. Mrs. Santarsiero commented that the Building Inspector had stated that she should have
attended the Zoning Board meeting. Trustee Zuckerman commented that he wanted to reinstitute that the
Village should resume the procedure of supplying the Board of Trustees with all minutes from the Zoning
Board of Appeals, the Planning Board and the Architectural Review Board, along with their decisions on
this specific matter.
Trustee Zuckerman commented on a letter the Village had received from Mr. Hagerty of the United
States Army Corps of Engineers relating to the property the Village had received as part of the High
Point/Bellefair subdivision. He stated that the Mr. Hagerty had noted that the property the Village was
considering for use as a municipal pool complex, in cooperation with United Cerebral Palsy, was not
under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps and was therefore not subject to a permit. Trustee Zuckerman
suggested that the Village take the next step of referring the pool complex matter to the Advisory
Council on Environmental Conservation for report and recommendation. Mayor Filipowski commented
that the Village had not asked them for advice on draining the wetlands, but Mr. Zuckerman felt the
Board should refer the issue to the Environmental Council for review.
Trustee Zuckerman raised�the next issue he wanted to discuss, and asked the Police Chief if the results of
the Civil Service Test for Lieutenant had been returned yet, and Chief Santoro commented that he had
not been notified that they had been released yet. Truste6 Zuckerman next asked for a status report of the
Rye Town Garage issue. Mayor Filipowski and Administrator Russo commented that the status of the
proposal was that the Village was in the process of hiring a company to perform a survey for a new
garage location and an appraisal of the existing property at West William Street, and that the Village
should have a report back soon.
Trustee Pellino asked about the status of the report from the Committee established to determine the
feasibility of the Village acquiring Blind Brook Club. Administrator Russo commented that Planning
Consultant Christian Miller had issued a report to the Committee, and that the Committee was
performing a full evaluation and should be issuing their report soon. Trustee Pellino also briefly
commented on the moratorium on cell towers and facilities, and asked Village Attorney Powell to work
on both issues so that he could present something to the Board. Mr. Powell agreed to provide something
soon to Trustee Pellino and the Board.
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January 26, 1999.
Trustee Pellino next raised an issue that had been suggested by a former resident of Rye Brook, and
thought that it was an excellent idea. Former resident Morton Smith, husband of former Trustee Jane
Saffir Smith, had suggested the idea of planting a tree in memory of a friend or loved one. Upon a brief
discussion, the Board thought that it was a nice idea and Administrator Russo promised to follow it up.
Trustee Strum made a brief statement. He commented that he had served the Village for many years,
through the Zoning Board, the Planning Board, and the Board of Trustees. He expressed his discontent
about recent political moves that had effected changes in the Village, and commented that he would be
leaving the long-term decisions for the Village for others who planned for their long-term residency in the
Village. Trustee Strum commented that service in the current atmosphere had ceased to be enjoyable.
Trustee Strum concluded his remarks and noted that despite some current problems, he had enjoyed most
of his tenure and that it had been a privilege to serve the Village in appointed and elected positions.
There was no further discussion, and the Board unanimously agreed to adjourn at 11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christopher J. Russo
Village Clerk
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