HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-10-12 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes AGENDA
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, -7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ACTION:
REPORTS:
I. MR. JOHN LIMARZI, AREA CONSTRUCTION
SUPERVISOR,REGARDING STATUS OF HUTCH
PROJECT
RESOLUTIONS:
5. CONSIDERING THE ADOPTION OF A NEGATIVE
DECLARATION AND LOCAL LAW REGULATING
WIRELESS AND ATTACHED WIRELESS TELE-
COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
2. CONSIDERING THE ADOPTION OF A LOCAL LAW
PROVIDING FOR A REVISED AND STRENGTHENED
ETHICS CODE
3. CONSIDERING ADOPTING THE APPLICATION OF
MYUNG-HO LEE, M.D., FOR AN AMENDED SPECIAL
USE PERMIT AT 62 BOWMAN AVENUE FOR A MEDICAL
PRACTICE
6. RATIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF WILLIAM AUGHAVIN
OF 16 MOHEGAN LANE AS ASSISTANT DEPUTY LOCAL
DIRECTOR OF DISASTER AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
5. CONSIDERING THE ADOPTION OF THE SCOPE OF THE
DEIS ON THE APPLICATION BY KF RYE BROOK/GARDEN
INN HOTEL
J
6. CONSIDERING THE APPROVAL OF MINUTES
E. JUNE 22, 1999
F. JULY 13, 1999
G. JULY 27, 1999
H. AUGUST 31, 1999
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. BRIAN FITZPATRICK, RE: POSTAL ZIP CODE
INFORMATION
2. RANDY SOLOMON, CHAIRMAN, PARI{S &
RECREATION ADVISORY COUNCIL, RE:
RECOMMENDATION TO ESTABLISH FUND
TO RECEIVE DONATIONS TO PLANT TREES
3. RANDY SOLOMON, CHAIRMAN, PARKS &
RECREATION ADVISORY COUNCIL, RE:
RECOMMENDED INCREASE IN DAY CAMP FEES
4. SUSAN A. GLASS, FACILITIES COMMITTEE, RE:
RESIGNATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15,
1999, @ 9:00 A.M., AT THE CIRCLE ON HORSESHOE
LANE
ITEMS FOR OCTOBER 26. 1999 BOARD MEETING
- MASTER PLAN DISCUSSION
- PRESENTATION OF RYE BROOK WEBSITE
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, OCTOBER 12, 1999 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 J. Russo
Village Attorney, Kenneth E. Powell
Village Treasurer, Diane DiSanto
Assistant to the Administrator, Charles Peretz
Village Engineer, Victor Carosi
Police Chief, Robert Santoro
Village Consultant, Christian Miller (Frederick P. Clark)
Meeting Secretary, Paula Patafio
REPORTS
1. MR. JOHN LIMARZI, AREA CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR, REGARDING
STATUS OF HUTCH PROJECT.
Mayor Filipowski opened the meeting by introducing Mr. John LiMarzi, P.E., Construction
Supervisor for the New York State Department of Transportation. Mr.LiMarzi attended this
evening's meeting in order to make a presentation to the Board of Trustees about where the
project is headed. Also in attendance at this evening's meeting was Mr. Boris L. Vays,
Project Engineer in Charge, State of New York,Department of Transportation. Mr. LiMarzi
noted that to date they have completed approximately 12% of the project which is moving
along steadily. The biggest battle they have encountered lately is getting together shop
drawings for the construction that is now taking place. Anyone going by can actually see the
road taking shape through the area. They plan to continue at this rate. The noise wall
footings are being put in place and the noise wall is currently being manufactured. Some of
the large culverts that carry the water under the road are being manufactured and will be
delivered soon. Mr Lamarzi explained that in the next few weeks they will be constructing
a detour on Ridge Street which will result in closing the southbound entrance onto the Hutch
at exit 29. A temporary bridge should be erected,just south of the existing bridge,by the end
ofNovember. He then asked for questions from the Board. Mayor Filipowski asked about
the gap of time between September 1999 and December 2000. He asked for a commentary
on the schedule that now exists. Mr.LiMarzi noted that the schedule is very complicated and
ongoing. The best hope at this moment is that the contractor will be 90-95%complete by the
end of next year. He will probably have to come back in the Spring of 2001 to finish the
paving and stripping. They are hoping to do better than that, but there are still a lot of
unknowns. Mayor Filipowski asked if there was a projected time for doing night time work.
Mr. LiMarzi responded that there was not. For now there is some replacement work in the
Ridge Street area that will go 24 hours to get it done fast, and over the weekend. He noted
that he has spoken with Mr. Carosi about potential for night work but it has not come to
fruition.
Mayor Filipowski asked for information regarding the congestion in traffic in the Ridge Street
School area. He asked if it could be stopped or held in abeyance during arrival and dismissal
times for the school. Mr. LiMarzi noted that they have taken several steps, going as far as
shutting down the driveway/access to the work area from 7:45 to 8:30 and 2:45 to 3:30.
However, this does not mean that there will be an absence of all truck traffic in the vicinity
of the work area. Signs regarding traffic regulations and doubling the fines in the work zone
will soon be erected. It was also noted that a police officer is on duty in the work area,which
they are funding. He has been asked to help with the traffic control in that area.
Mayor Filipowski asked when the access road was closed for arrival and dismissal times. Mr.
LiMarzi noted that this began last week. Trustee Brackman noted that today she was in the
Ridge Street School area and did not see the access road closed off. Mr. LiMarzi stated that
the contractor knows that they are not supposed to be going in and out. Trustee Brackman
noted that there are two dismissals — one at 2:30 and one at 3:00. She felt that the
contractor should stop bringing trucks in and out earlier than 2:45. Mr Lamarzi explained
that by observation it was decided that 2:45 to 3:30 would be the appropriate time to stop
traffic, but that.these times are subject to change if necessary. Mr. LiMarzi noted that there
is the police officer, employees of the construction company and a flagger who are there and
who have been instructed that truck traffic is to be stopped when children are walking in the
area.
Mayor Filipowski asked what the Saturday morning start-up time was. Mr. LiMarzi
responded that it was 7:00 a.m. Mayor Filipowski asked if 8:00 a.m. would be possible. Mr.
Vays noted that the contractor requested earlier, but they moved it to 7:00 a.m. The
contractor comes in at 7:00 a.m. to start the equipment and actually begins work a little later
—about 7:30. When the time changes in two weeks then they will not be working until 8:00
a.m. Mr. Vays noted that the work is stopped at 2:00 p.m. They are currently allowed to
work on Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. When the contractor is asked not to work,
it ends up costing money—the taxpayers' money. If the contractor works on Saturdays then
he may be able to finish the job a little earlier. It is an issue of compromise.
Mayor Filipowski asked about the re-planting of trees before winter sets in. Mr. LiMarzi
stated that there is no planting scheduled for this year. The designers and landscape architects
plan to start their work in the Spring of 2000. They hope to have a planting plan ready for
the Fall of 2000. A lot of residents have made comments (written letters) that are going to
the designers. The designers will be ready to start speaking to a committee in the Spring,
when they start the design. They are asking the Village to address this issue as a whole and
set up a committee. Mayor Filipowski asked how the determination is made ofwhere to plant
and how many tress or shrubs are replaced. Mr. LiMarzi stated that the landscape architects
know the types of trees and shrubs that they should plant in this area. Basically, they try to
plant so that the area will become vegetate but not an overgrown forest. If you look south
of 287 along the Hutch you can see their work.
Mayor Filipowski asked for a blasting schedule,to which Mr.LiMarzi responded that blasting
has been going on since the beginning. The contractor did a pre-blast survey to the closest
houses. At the last meeting he attended, he explained that blasting would be done on a
regular basis. The contractor feels that everything has been controlled very well. Mayor
Filipowski asked if based upon what the supervisors have observed if any consideration has
been given to putting in a left hand turn lane on Ridge Street to pick up the Hutchinson River
Parkway going south. Mr. LiM.arzi noted that this was not on the plans and that it would be
something that the Village would have to look into having added.
The Mayor asked the Board for their questions and/or comments. Trustee Zuckerman asked
if a budget has been set with regard to planting. Mr. LiMarzi stated that he was unsure. He
had heard the figure of$400,000 mentioned and he felt that would be adequate. Trustee
Zuckerman felt that $400,000 would not be sufficient to replant the entire area from King
Street and south along the Hutch. Mr. Lamarzi responded that discussions with the
architectural landscapers could take this amount into consideration.
Mr. Vays noted that the replanting of the Taconic Parkway was done in a similar fashion.
The amount spent there was approximately$600-700,000 and this work was done just a few
years ago. Mr.LiMarzi felt that the Village should begin to put a committee together for this
purpose.
Trustee Zuckerman asked what repairs on Ridge Street were being considered. Mr. LiMarzi
stated that this work would be around the bridge. Trustee Zuckerman noted that the truck
traffic on Ridge Street, near the nursery school, is starting to tear up the roadways. He felt
that the state should work with the County of Westchester, as Ridge Street is a County Road,
to not only repave, as the Mayor suggested, but also to improve the roadway. Mr. LiMarzi
stated that this issue was beyond his area. He felt that towards the end of the project a quick
resurfacing could be worked out, but the kind of work that Trustee Zuckerman was looking
for needed to be worked out with the County. Trustee Zuckerman felt that it would be
counterproductive to lay down some paving when the entire area needs total reconstruction.
Trustee Zuckerman asked about the purpose of the red flags near the Blind Brook driveway.
It was noted that project is currently being laid out. Mr. LiMarzi noted that the Village has
plans which show this project. Trustee Zuckerman asked that the Blind Brook School
District be shown these plans as it might be helpful for them to have an idea of where the
driveway will be located. Mr. LiMarzi explained that theses plans are available for review at
his office in Port Chester.
Trustee Zuckerman asked for comments regarding the barriers and asked if at some point a
more substantial barrier would be erected. Mr. LiMarzi stated that what occurred was in
direct response to the children who walk alongside of Ridge Street. The safest place was to
put the sidewalk on the north side of Ridge Street. Since there was work going on Mr.
VanHoven expressed concern about the trucks making wide turns. The edge was delineated
so that the truck drivers would be aware that they could not make the swing. The fence is
simply a delineation for the truck drivers and not meant as a barrier for protection. The side
walk that was put in is very similar to the one that already existed, including a curb and a
sidewalk. Some work zones and speed limit signs will be added in order to minimize traffic
dangers. Around the end of November when the temporary bridge is put in this will not be
an issue. Mr. LiMarzi noted that the barriers are a problem in themselves as they take up
space on the roadways. Barrels were suggested as a barrier and Mr. LiMarzi noted that the
trucks could roll right over the barrel.
A question was asked regarding whether any progress has been made in the possible
construction of a light at the intersection of King and Ridge Street. Mayor Filipowski noted
that there is a meeting in the works with Ron Tocci and Suzi Oppenheimer where they will
offer their assistance in contacting Albany to try and put this light back into the plans. It was
also noted that the Village has been trying to get the cooperation of Greenwich.
Trustee Herman volunteered to lead the landscaping committee. He felt that a variety of trees
should be planted and that they should be chosen carefully to ensure the maintenance of the
trees and the long term aesthetics of the Village.
Trustee Brackman noted that at a Tune meeting they were told that the noise walls would be
erected at the beginning of the project. Residents are complaining about the visibility of the
project and she asked why they have not yet been constructed. Mr. LiMarzi stated that they
have been delayed due to discussions of color and configuration. The walls and posts are
currently being made and the contractor is currently drilling the holes for the footings.
Trustee Brackman asked if the flaggers have any training or qualifications. Mr. LiMarzi
stated that they are certified and that they have the same authority as a police officer when
they are directing traffic. Mayor Filipowski asked for comments from the floor. A resident
of 35 Winding Wood Road addressed the Board. He noted that on the 5"'and 7"'of October,
at approximately 1:30, a blast shook their homes. The first blast was reported to the police,
who referred it to the County. After the second blast Mr. Vays was contacted directly. Mr
Vays assured the resident that the blasting level was very acceptable. Mr. LiMarzi stated that
weather and type of rock effect the noise of the blast. Although highly unlikely, if anyone
feels that the blasts have damaged their homes,the contractor's insurer will inspect the house.
The force of these blasts is being monitored by a seismograph.
Mr. William Aughavin noted the Village has a Code that the contractors must work around.
He felt that the State should not be exempt from the regulations in the Code and from Village
policy which stipulates that work may not begin before 8:00a.m. Additionally, he asked that
the tree committee become involved soon.
Debbie Faust from Winding Wood Road addressed the Board. She noted that the Village lost
trees that they did not think they were going to lose. Residents can now see the parkway and
the noise is out of control. Also visible are the planes landing and taking off from the airport
— which was not the case before the trees were removed. She felt the Village's quality of
life has been negatively impacted and that it has become a horrible place to live and to come
home to after a day of work She agreed that a tree committee should be formed and she
volunteered to be a member. Substantial trees that grow quickly and are dense need to be
planted. She felt that the noise at 5:40a.m.on Saturday, September 11' was totally
unacceptable. She also commented on the sidewalk at the Ridge Street School. There had
been a T to 5'area of grass alongside the sidewalk which gave the children plenty of room to
walk. She also mentioned that the mesh fencing offers no protection. Mr.LiMarzi stated that
they are working hard to keep things as safe as they can.
Mayor Filipowski noted that on the past several Saturdays, the later start time of 7:00a.m,
was being enforced. Mr.LiMarzi stated that they are trying to hold the contractor to the 7:00
a.m. Saturday start time. He also noted that the State can override local Codes but they try
not to enforce that power. Mr. LiMarzi stated that a meeting with the school will be taking
place very soon.
Susan Epstein of Country Ridge Drive addressed the issue of the delay in the sound walls and
volunteered for the tree committee. Mr. Vays stated that the delay in erecting the sound
barrier was caused by discussion over the color of the wall. He also added that construction
will be ongoing through the winter months and the original schedule has been kept.
Joanne Hendrick of Winding Wood Road asked for clarification on the temporary bridge
which will be in place by the end of November. Mr.LiMarzi noted that the temporary bridge
does have a divider between the pedestrian and road areas. He will obtain a shop drawing
available for anyone interested in reviewing it so that the bridge,and walkway,will be clearer.
Mr. Amkraut of 35 Winding Wood Road stated that he found a dead bird behind his home.
Jersey barriers from the construction have created puddles of water and he felt that these
puddles could be breading grounds for the mosquitos. Mr. LiMarzi stated that this will be
looked into and any standing water will be removed. Mayor Filipowski will check on this
issue by Friday.
Debbie Faust addressed the Board again. She noted that there are no trees left at all on
Winding Wood and Country Ridge. She asked that at least a row of trees be planted to help
out for the next couple of years. Mr. LiMarzi stated that anything that is planted now will
interfere with the installation of the wall. Mrs. Faust fears that she will have more noise with
the sound barrier than she did with the previous lining of trees. Mr. LiMarzi stated that the
most noise that will be generated will be the sound of the tires on the pavement. They have
run tests and found that there is no difference in the noise level between the trees and wall.
Mayor Filipowski felt that the Village will have to look into a remark made about the State's
ability to work beyond the time of our noise curfew ordinance. He believed that the
contractors were to comply with local laws unless they obtained waivers. Mayor Filipowski
thanked Mr. LiMarzi and Mr. Vays for attending the meeting.
RESOLUTIONS:
1. CONSIDERING THE ADOPTION OF A NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND LOCAL
LAW REGULATING WIRELESS AND ATTACHED WIRELESS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES.
Mr. Powell read the Resolution.
ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND LOCAL LAW
WIRELESS AND ATTACHED
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS
FACILITIES
RESOLVED, that the action is found to be a Type I action under SEQR and the
accompanying negative environmental declaration is adopted; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Local Law amending the Code of the Village of Rye Brook,
Zoning, to add a new Section 250-39 to regulate wireless and attached wireless
telecommunications facilities in the Village, is hereby adopted and enacted into law.
Trustees Herman and Zuckerman noted that anyone wishing to build a tower will be
subject to the application process, including an environmental review. Trustee Degling
stated that now that the resolution was passed he felt it would be appropriate to review
the satellite dish law. Mr. Miller replied that he would have to look at the specific
language before he could comment on this. On a motion made by Trustee Zuckerman,
and seconded by Trustee Degling, the Resolution was approved.
Mr. Charles Peretz called the roll:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
2. CONSIDERING THE ADOPTION OF A LOCAL LAW PROVIDING FOR A
REVISED AND STRENGTHENED ETHICS CODES.
Mr. Russo read the following Resolution:
ADOPTING A LOCAL LAW
PROVIDING FOR A REVISED
AND STRENGTHENED VILLAGE ETHICS CODE
RESOLVED, that the Local Law repealing the existing Chapter 24 of the Code of the
Village of Rye Brook and adopting a new Chapter 24 in order to revise and strengthen the
Village Code of Ethics and to provide for annual financial disclosure, is hereby adopted
and enacted into law.
Trustee Degling corrected several typographical errors in the text of Local Law Filing.
Trustee Herman made a suggestion in lieu of dropping the paragraph under discussion that
simply revising the statement would serve the purpose. Trustee Brackman also
commented on this change. Mr. Powell stated that these corrections could be
incorporated in the final draft. Trustee Brackman thanked the Ethics Committee for all
their hard work revising the Ethic's Code.
On a motion made by Trustee Zuckerman, and seconded by Trustee Brackman, the
Resolution was adopted. There being no further comments, Mr. Charles Peretz called the
roll:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
3. CONSIDERING ADOPTING THE APPLICATION OF MYUNG-HO LEE, M.D.,
FOR AN AMENDED SPECIAL PERMIT AT 62 BOWMAN AVENUE FOR A
MEDICAL PRACTICE.
Mr. Powell read the following Resolution:
APPROVING AMENDMENT OF SPECIAL PERMIT
62 BOWMAN AVENUE
SECTION 1, BLOCK 23, LOT 4
WHEREAS, by Resolution adopted April 21, 1987 the Board of Trustees approved a
special permit for a communications consulting business professional office at 62 Bowman
Avenue, subject to conditions; and
WHEREAS, Michael Goldstein made an application to amend this special permit for an
attorney's office; and
WHEREAS, on February 9, 1995 the Planning Board recommended the grant of the
application; and
WHEREAS, the application is found to be a Type I1 action under SEQR
NOW THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that the application to amend the special permit is granted; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the following conditions and limitations shall apply in the place and
stead of the conditions and limitations of the special permit granted on April 28, 1987:
1. The property may be used for an attorney's office.
2. There will be no more than five(5) full time employees on staff.
3. The hours of operation shall be limited to Monday to Friday from 9:00 am
to 5:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and otherwise by
appointment.
4. There shall be no structural changes or expansion of the premises.
It was noted that this application is being made to establish a medical practice at 62 Bowman
Avenue where-there is currently a legal practice. The Planning Board has recommended
approval of the application and a public hearing was held on September 28, 1999. The
application has satisfied SEQRA and will have no environmental impact on the community.
The proposed amended Special Permit contemplates that the first floor will be used as a
medical practice and the second floor as a satellite office for the law office. The use will be
kept in conformity with the Special Permit provision. No more than five full time persons will
be employed on the premises, including the attorney and the physician. The hours of
operations will be Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.to 5:00 p.m, and on Saturdays from
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There is a provision regarding fire sprinklers to be installed within
seven years of the sprinkler law.
Trustee Degling noted that provision#5 regarding the sprinkler system and its effective date
of April 1, 1997. He asked that"...unless earlier required by the Building Inspector pursuant
to such sprinkler law" be added. The reason for adding these words is that if the applicant
presents a building permit application involving certain changes in the space that may trigger
the sprinkler law which has a provision that whenever a commercial building, which this has
now become, has more than 50% of alterations, or 50% of its value, then the sprinkler law
becomes effective immediately.
Trustee Zuckerman also commented on provision #5. He felt that it was awkward to put
within seven years of the effective date and asked that the actual date be put in. It should
read"...by March 31, 2004, which is within seven years of the effective date". He asked why
a sprinkler system could not be required with the granting of any building permit. Trustee
Degling responded that the sprinkler law provides for commercial buildings that have a
substantial renovation,the space that is being renovated becomes subject to the sprinkler law
and sprinklers must be immediately installed in that space. There is currently nothing before
the Board that says that anything is going to be modified within the house. Trustee
Zuckerman asked that this be added to the Resolution with the other conditions. Trustee
Brackman noted that the rules should remain the same for all applicants. Mr. Powell stated
that the Board could make this decision, however, if a fire sprinkler condition is put in this
approval then you may be making policy on that on an individual basis. Trustee Degling felt
that making this a requirement would be going beyond the philosophy of the law. Trustee
Herman asked the applicant for his timetable for the change.
Gary Gianfrancesco, President of Arconics Incorporated, representative for the applicant
noted that there will be no real interior renovations to be undertaken by this change in use.
Currently both floors of this building are currently used and Dr. Lee is merely substituting the
attorney's office on the first floor with a doctor's office. The only change that will happen
on that floor will be the inclusion of five feet of medical cabinets and a handwash sink in one
room. The total cost of these renovations is $5,000. Mr. Gianfrancesco noted that the
sprinkler system will, in all likelihood, wait until 2004 to be installed.
Trustee Zuckerman expressed his opinion that zoning by special use permits is something that
the Board needs to get away from. He looks forward to the Master Plan discussion, which
will address this `creeping commercialism' which he is opposed to.
On a motion made by Trustee Degling, and seconded by Trustee Brackman, the Resolution
was approved. There being no further comments, Mr. Charles Peretz called the roll:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Nay
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
4. RATIFYING THE APPOINTMENT OF WILLIAM AUGHAVIN OF 16 MOHEGAN
LANE AS ASSISTANT DEPUTY LOCAL DIRECTOR OF DISASTER AND
EMERGENCY SERVICES.
Mr. Russo read the following Resolution:
WHEREAS, the Westchester County Office of Disaster and Emergency Services has
requested that the Village of Rye Brook appoint an Assistant Deputy Local Director of
Disaster and Emergency Services, and
WHEREAS,Mr William Aughavin has been informally serving in this capacity, replacing
Robert Ravich as the head of the Auxiliary Police force for the Village of Rye Brook,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that the appointment by the Mayor of Mr William Aughavin of 16
Mohegan Lane as Assistant Deputy Local Director of Disaster and Emergency Services, is
hereby ratified by the Board of Trustees, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mr Aughavin shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of
Trustees.
On a motion made by Trustee Zuckerman, and seconded by Trustee Herman, the
Resolution was approved. Mr. Charles Peretz called the roll:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski thanked Mr. Aughavin for the time he has devoted as an auxiliary
policeman.
5. CONSIDERING THE ADOPTION OF THE SCOPE OF THE DEIS ON THE
APPLICATION BY KF RYE BROOI{ GARDEN INN HOTEL.
Bruno Gioffre addressed the Board in support of the application. Mr. Gioffre noted that
this evening they had submitted three different scenarios for the Board to consider. Mr.
Utschig, an environmental consultant, walked the Board through each scenario. Mr.
Utschig noted that he was involved with this property when it was the Summerfield
application and in the initial submission for this applicant.
The first plan shows an area highlighted in yellow which represents the building and the
grey area is the proposed parking. The relationship of the building and the parking lot, for
both the front and side property lines, conform with the current zoning criteria which says
that the parking should be setback 100' from the property line and the building should be
set back t75'. This plan's current configuration complies with that criteria. The number
of units in this plan is 154 and the parking is in accordance with the Zoning Code.
The second plan is a shift in the location of both the building and the parking lot. This
plan shows the parking from the side line is 78' where 100' is required. The building
setback which is required to be 175' is now 150'. They were able to make adjustments
with regard to how the parking is configured and reduce the intrusion into the wetland
buffer.
The third plan represented utilizing the space along the golf course to its fullest. The
required setback has been reduced from 100' to 25' from the parking and the building
setback conforms in this case at 175'. All of the parking has now been placed on the golf
course side of the building. The amount of wetland activity is now reduced. The parking
area would be split into two sections along the building. The applicant's preferred site
plan is Alternative Site Plan 93.
Mr. Miller asked for the number of stories on each of the three plans. Mr. Utschig replied
that all plans have three story buildings. Mr Gioffre mentioned that the small dining room
facility would be controlled by a magnetic card mechanism.
Mr. Gioffre requested that the minimum lot size requirement be satisfied by a text change
which would permit the inclusion of contiguous parcels under common ownership, the
combination of which parcels equals or exceed the Code criteria for an H-1 zone
development, He also expressed his opinion that the applicant has satisfactorily proposed
the minimum size building that will ensure economic viability and meet Village concerns.
He further added that the proposal provides for minimal imposition on the community's
facilities and provides the Village with a good source of tax revenue.
Mayor Filipowski asked Mr. Miller for an overview. He noted that he did not have an
opportunity to review the submission which was submitted late Friday afternoon. He
asked for time to review the application and suggested that the Board consider this item at
a subsequent meeting.
Trustee Zuckerman asked if during the analysis it was established whether a hotel of any
kind can be placed upon the site in such a way to be totally Code conforming. Mr.
Utschig stated that the applicant felt that they have provided a solution that deals with the
zoning text. Trustee Zuckerman asked if there was a hotel site plan that not only
conforms with the zoning criteria, but has appropriate wetland mitigation. Mr. Utschig
felt that the current action as proposed would and does include a full wetland mitigation
plan. His position was that the wetland buffer problem is not a problem at all and that an
appropriate mitigation plan has been put forward.
Mayor Filipowski asked about the limitations of this dining facility; customers, scope of
food service, and the ability to serve alcohol. Mr. Miller stated that the Zoning Ordinance
does not regulate this, but in this particular application, it would not be open to the public.
Trustee Herman asked to see each of the three site plans explained more thoroughly. He
felt that he did not have sufficient information to determine which of the three plans he
would prefer.
Trustee Degling referred to page 4 where the applicant speaks of emergency access. This
driveway is not shown on these plans. He asked if the hotel had fewer than 150 rooms if it
would avoid the need for wetland mitigation. Mr. Gioffre stated that the 154 rooms is
based upon the judgement of the applicant that this facility will be economically viable.
Trustee Degling stated that nothing that has been submitted has persuaded him into
believing that 154 rooms are a necessity. Mr Gioffre noted that each removal of rooms to
back away from the wetlands buffer would entail the removal of three stories of rooms.
Additionally, he noted that the building can't be moved towards the street because of the
175' setback requirement and it can't be reconfigured because of the site's design.
Trustee Zuckerman asked if the applicant was only building on a portion of the site
because their hope was that part of the site would be taxed as a conservation unit. Mr.
Gioffre noted that the first scenario included donating approximately 5 acres to the
Village. He added that he felt that the `forever green' portion should be taxed at a lesser
level, but taxed nevertheless. Trustee Zuckerman did not agree with Mr. Gioffre's
analysis.
A resident of the area felt that an appropriate study should be done to access the extra
costs for fire, police, etc., as well as traffic problems that may arise with the structure.
Steven M. Silverberg, Attorney for the Doral Green Homeowners Association, addressed
the Board. Mr. Silverberg stated that the applicant was trying to completely modify the
Zoning Code so that their proposal can now fit on this property. He submitted a letter to
the Board that covers the eight areas where this application does not comply. The
applicant is suggesting using 15 acres of the property, including the acreage located in the
state of Connecticut in order to give them sufficient acreage to build a hotel of this size.
He felt that reducing the size of the hotel may become uneconomical because the purchase
price was too high and that the purchase price should have been based upon the size of the
hotel that could have been built on this site. Additionally, the Building Inspector raised
five additional issues where he felt he did not have sufficient information to make a
determination. On at least four of the five issues you still do not have any information.
He felt that an application for a smaller hotel that meets all of the zoning requirements
should be submitted.
Trustee Zuckerman felt that the key questions that need to be dealt with are the minimum
side area and minimum frontage questions. He urged that F.P. Clark compile information
and make it available to the Board and to the public. He also had an issue with the
mitigation on the wetlands, questioning whether that mitigation will be sufficient and
acceptable to the Board. Trustee Degling felt that it may be possible to build a hotel on
this site but he was not sure that the applicant was coming up with the right size.
Mayor Filipowski stated that the Board required more feedback from their planner. Mr.
Gioffre asked to be scheduled for the next available Board meeting, which is planned for
October 22°d.
On a motion made by Trustee Degling, and seconded by Trustee Brackman, this
application was adjourned to the next meeting.
Mr. Peretz read the roll:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
A brief recess was taken at 8:45 p.m. Upon their return, Mayor Filipowski called for the
next item on the agenda:
6. CONSIDERING THE APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A. JUNE 22, 1999
B. JULY 13, 1999
C. JULY 27, 1999
D. AUGUST 31, 1999.
Several corrections were made to the minutes and each was voted on separately.
On a motion made by Trustee Zuckerman, and seconded by Trustee Herman, the June 22,
1999 minutes were accepted.
Mr. Peretz react the roll:
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 Zuckerman, and seconded by Trustee Herman, the July 13,
1999 minutes were accepted.
Mr. Peretz read the roll:
Trustee Brackman Abstained
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 Brackman, the July 27,
1999 minutes were approved.
Mr. Peretz read the roll:
Trustee Brackman Abstained
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
On a motion made by Trustee Zuckerman, and seconded by Trustee Brackman, the
August 31, 1999 minutes were approved.
Mr. Peretz read the roll:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Abstained
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
Trustee Zucker"man stated that there was a discussion about the Blind Brook Club
presentation on July 27, 1999. He asked Mr. Russo if anything further could be shared
with the Board. Mr. Russo reported that the costs that were used at that meeting exceed
the Village's bonding capacity and thus at this point, he is unable to do any further
regarding the possibility of purchasing the club. Mayor Filipowski noted that the Board
should put the discussion of this topic on the agenda, together with the survey regarding a
municipal pool. He felt that until the Village knows what they will do regarding the Blind
Brook Country Club, going forward with a municipal pool would be premature.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION:
1. BRIAN FITZPATRICK, RE: POSTAL ZIP CODE INFORMATION
Mr. Russo read a letter from Mr. Brian Fitzpatrick of the United States Postal Service
responding to the Village's request for its own zip code. As mentioned in Mr.
Fitzpatrick's letter, Rye Brook has been elevated to a preferred last line status which
means that when someone requests mailing information about a residence or business
completely located in Rye Brook, Rye Brook will appear in the last line of the address.
He felt that this status established a separate and unique identity for Rye Brook. The
letter further explained that our request was reviewed, but that it did not meet the Postal
Service's requirements for a new zip code.
Trustee Zuckerman noted that he had called Nita Lowey's office in August to have her
check on the status of the Village's request and was told that the Postal Service had no
record of our request. Ms. Lowey sent them a copy of our letter which was responded to
in less than a month. Trustee Zuckerman noted that the Postal Service has a zip code
boundary review process. He has a copy of this document and he noted that the
obligations of the postmaster and community are set forth. A denial must be made in
writing and the community must be made aware of its appeal process. The review process
provides for a process of accommodations whereby the municipality can discuss, with the
Post Office, certain alternatives. He noted that Rye Brook has not yet been afforded that
opportunity and he requested that this matter be pursued further.
2. RANDY SOLOMON, CHAIRMAN, PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY
COUNCIL, REGARDING RECOMMENDATIONS TO ESTABLISH FUND TO
RECEIVE DONATIONS TO PLANT TREES.
Mr. Russo read the correspondence from Mr. Solomon.
The letter requested the ability to establish a fund for donations to plant trees. Mr. Russo
stated that if this requires further action then he will come back to the Board for a
Resolution.
3. RANDY SOLOMON, CHAIRMAN,PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY
COUNCIL, REGARDING RECOMMENDED INCREASE IN DAY CAMP FEES.
Mr. Russo noted that what was being recommended was incorporating the costs of the
trips into the day camp fee. A fee schedule was included in Mr. Solomon's letter. This
will be put on the agenda for the next Board of Trustee meeting.
4. SUSAN A. GLASS, FACILITIES, COMMITTEE, REGARDING RESIGNATION.
Mayor Filipowski read a letter submitted by Susan A. Glass regarding her resignation from
the Facilities Committee. He thanked her for all of the time she gave to the community.
Trustee Zuckerman also offered his appreciation to Susan Glass for her dedicated service
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1999, 9:00 A.M. AT THE
CIRCLE ON HORSESHOE LANE.
Mr Russo read the Arbor Day proclamation.
Mayor Filipowski announced that the next two meetings for the Board of Trustees will be
held on October 26"' and November 9'. A Master Plan discussion and website
presentation is scheduled for the October 26"' meeting. The mayor asked for comments
from the public.
Mr. Joseph Pellino addressed the Board. He made two comments regarding issues raised
at the last Board of Trustee meeting. He noted that there is a sign law that applies to
placing banners over Westchester Avenue. He understood that this was resolved but
noted that this is clearly illegal. The next item addressed was the 12 month timeframe for
fire negotiations. He noted that the 12 month time frame was the period of time in which
a long term agreement was to have been reached. Although, he felt ongoing negotiations
were necessary, he wished to correct the interpretation. He believed that a permanent
contract with the Village of Port Chester is the preferred choice and he hoped that this
comes to pass. Mayor Filipowski noted that they will discuss this issue at the Executive
Session this evening.
Mr. Ken Heller of 22 Lincoln Avenue addressed the Board regarding Bell Atlantic utility
boxes. He noted that the developer of Red Roof Farm was not making any property
available for this fiber optic equipment and that many of these boxes were going up in the
area of Red Roof Farm. He felt that they were unsightly and that the locations were
improper. Mr.-Carosi noted that he is having a meeting with Nynex regarding these
boxes. .
Trustee Brackman noted that at the last meeting she made some comments regarding the
utility companies and how they would be able to handle the increase of population within
Rye Brook. With the Board's permission she will draft a letter. Mayor Filipowski
suggested that Trustee Brackman work with Mr. Russo on this issue.
Mayor Filipowski asked for a motion to go into Executive Session on contract
negotiation. Trustee Zuckerman made the motion which was seconded by Trustee
Herman.
Mr. Peretz read the roll:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
4
Christopher I Russo
Village Administrator/Clerk