HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-10-26 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes AGENDA
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1999, 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ACTION
PRESENTATIONS:
1. TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RE:
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK WEBSITE
RESOLUTIONS:
1. CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER
A LOCAL LAW ADOPTING AN UPDATED
VILLAGE ZONING MAP
2. CONSIDERING THE ADOPTION OF A NEW
DAY CAMP FEE SCHEDULE
3. CONSIDERING THE ADOPTION OF THE SCOPE
OF THE DEIS ON THE APPLICATION BY KF
RYE BROOK/GARDEN INN HOTEL
4. BUDGET MODIFICATIONS 1998-1999 FISCAL
YEAR
5. BUDGET MODIFICATIONS TO POLICE
DEPARTMENT OVERTIME
6. PERSONNEL MATTERS
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
C. AUGUST 17, 1999
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D. SEPTEMBER 14, 1.999
DISCUSSION:
1. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION
MEETING OF OCTOBER 4, 1999
2. MASTER PLAN
REPORTS:
1. FACILITIES COMMITTEE RE: MOTION AND
RECOMMENDATION FOR PUBLIC FORUM
ON THE RYE BROOK/U.C.P. POOL
PROPOSAL
2. HUTCH CONSTRUCTION FOLLOW UP
NEXT MEETING DATES:
- November 9, 1999
- November 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 meeting (914) 939-1121.
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MINUTES OF A MEETING
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD TRUSTEES
VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET
RYE BROOK,NEW YORK
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2G, 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 Planner, Christian Miller(Frederick R Clark and Associates)
Meeting Secretary, Paula Patafio
Mayor Francis Filipowski introduced Mr. Peter Bernbaum, Chairman of the Telecommunications
Commission.
PRESl�]NTATIONS
1. TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION REGARDING VILLAGE OF RYE
BROOK WEBSITE.
Mr, Peter Bernbaum, with the assistance of Mr. Ed Howe, made a presentation of the newly
created Rye Brook website for the Board of Trustees and members of the public. The
presentation began at 7:30 p.m. and ended at 8:15 p.m. It consisted of a summary of the
website, including an online presentation. Other members of the Commission introduced
were, Lori Hecker, Mark Goldstein, Ken Berman and David Bromberg. Mr. Joel Hecker, a
long time member of the Zoning Board of Appeals was also introduced.
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Mr. Bernbaum noted that the construction of the Rye Brook website originated from a
request by Trustee Zuckerman, and its creation was made possible by countless hours of
volunteer work on the part of the commission. It is the goal of the Telecommunications
Commission, and the Board of Trustees, to have this website operational in the very near.
future. Residents of Rye Brook will be able to sign on and obtain information similar to what
is available on Channel 14 as well as additional information. Additional features will be added
including local sports updates, school information, upcoming events, etc. At the conclusion
of the presentation, the Board of Trustees approved the website and commended the
Telecommunications Commission on a very impressive job. Residents will soon be able to
log on to www.RyeBrook.org.
After the completion of the website presentation,Mayor Filipowski moved to the Resolution
portion of the agenda. He alerted members of the public that Resolution#3, Considering the
Adoption of the Scope of the DEIS on the Application by KF Rye Brook/Garden Inn Hotel,
was being adjourned until the next Board meeting dated November 9, 1999. This was done
at the request of the applicant.
RESOLUTIONS:
1. CALLING FORA PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDERA LOCAL LAW ADOPTING
AN UPDATED VILLAGE ZONING MAP.
Administrator Christopher Russo read the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION
CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON A LOCAL LAW
UPDATING THE VILLAGE ZONING MAP
The purpose of the proposed local law amending Section 250-3(B)of the Code of the Village
of Rye Brook was to adopt a new Village Zoning Map.
Trustee Degling noted that if the local law was being amended then identification should be
made in the law with regard to the date it was previously adopted. Mr. Ken Powell, Village
Attorney, stated that the date of September 7, 1954 could be put directly on the map itself.
Mr. Christian Miller agreed that this would be the correct method, and it was decided that the
current map would state that it superceded the September 7, 1954 map.
Mr. Jules Harris, a resident of Rye Brook, asked if there were any inconsistencies which were
corrected that should be brought to the attention of the residents of Rye Brook. Mr. Miller
noted that although there were challenges involved in the preparation of the new map as the
existing map was of such poor quality, it was not the intent to identify any uncertainties but
to merely translate them. They were very careful to merely attempt to replicate existing
i
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conditions. In the future the Village Board may desire to make some modifications in these
lines and alter them in some way. The map itself is supposed to be nothing more than a
reflection of actual local laws that have been adopted over time. If someone identifies,
through some archival research beyond that which has been done, and shows that the property
is in a different zoning district then the original local laws will stand. The new map is not
intended to override or supercede it. Mr. Harris asked if this new zoning map was related to
the master plan discussion. Mr. Miller noted that zoning is not a master plan. This new
zoning map is one of the first to show the Village in one piece—going from the bottom to
the top.
Trustee Degling noted some paper roads that were included on the map. They are in the area
in the middle of the map, near the Blind Brook Club. He asked if they could be drawn in with
dotted lines so that people would know that they were not current roads. Mr. Miller stated
that these paper streets are reflected on the tax maps and therefore they appear on the zoning
map. It was agreed that this change could be made.
Trustee Degling asked for information regarding the Arbors PUD and an R20 line. Mr.Miller
responded that prior to the Arbors being constructed the entire area was zoned R20. He
further explained that when the PUD was changed on that property it effected only the
holdings of the Arbors development and what was left was this residual land which is the
property of the Hutchinson River Parkway. It is good planning convention to zone every
square inch of the Village and to not leave out areas that are roadways, etc.
There being no further discussion, Mayor Filipowski called for a motion to hold a public
hearing on November 23, 1999.
On a motion made by Trustee Zuckerman, and seconded by Trustee Degling, the resolutions
were approved.
Mr. Peretz called the roll:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
The next item on the agenda was called before the Board:
2. CONSIDERING THE ADOPTION OF A NEW DAY CAMP FEE SCHEDULE.
Administrator Russo read the following Resolution:
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RESOLUTION
WHEREAS,the Rye Brook Parks and Recreation Advisory Council has recommended revised
day camp fees, which will include the cost of trips which are now separately charged.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the following day camp fees are hereby established:
1999 Day Camp Fees
I child 6 week session$470
Additional child 6 weeks$295
After May 3`d$530
Additional child after May 3rd$290
2 week session$285
Additional child 2 weeks$170
week session (non-resident)$335
6 week session (non-resident)$695
Trustee Herman asked if there were provisions for need-based scholarships. Mr. Russo responded
that there were such provisions.
There being no further discussion Mayor Filipowski asked for a motion.
On a motion made by Trustee Herman, and seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the resolution
was approved.
Mr. Peretz called the roll:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
The next item on the agenda was called before the Board:
3. BUDGET MODIFICATION 1998-1999 FISCAL YEAR.
Mr. Russo read the following Resolution:
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RESOLUTION
1998/99 YEAR END
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
RESOLVED, that the following budget modifications be hereby approved:
FROM TO AMOUNT
101.1990.424 101.1230.199 $ 5,011.54
(Contingency) (Village Administrator—
Temps & Summer Interns)
101.1990.424 101.3120.140 $ 1,817.46
(Contingency) (Police Dept. — Sergeant)
101.1990.424 101.3120.190 $ 8,450.52
(Contingency) (Police Dept. —Holiday)
101.1990.424 101.3120.469 $ 68.27
(Contingency) (Police Dept. —Misc.)
101.1990.424 101.3410.200 $25,674.21
(Contingency) (Fire Dept. —Equipment)
101.1990.424 101.3410.450 $ 1,197.86
(Contingency) (Fire Dept. —Utilities)
101.1990.424 101.3410.469 $41,855.65
(Contingency) (Fire Dept. —Misc.)
101.1990.424 101.4020.480 $ 520.00
(Contingency) (Vital Statistics Fees)
101.1990.424 101.5142.199 $ 9,539.09
(Contingency) (Snow Removal—
Overtime)
101.1990.424 101.5142.417 $ 4,294.34
(Contingency) (Snow Removal—
Sand/Salt)
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FROM TO AMOUNT
101.7320.469 101.7140.445 $ 1,120.88
(Youth Services—Misc.) (Recreation Dept. —
Repairs)
101.7320.469 101.7140.469 $ 56.79
(Youth Services—Misc.) (Recreation Dept. —
Miscellaneous)
101.7320.469 101.7140.470 $ 606.71
(Youth Services—Misc.) (Recreation Dept. —Day
Camp & Supplies)
101.7320.469 101.7140.473 $ 1,820.06
(Youth Services—Misc.) (Recreation Dept. —
Uniforms& Supplies)
101.9010.428 101.9060.817 $26,711.00
(Employee Benefits - (Employee Benefits—
State Retirement) Health&Dental Insurance)
101.9010.429 101.9060.817 $25,266.71
(Employee Benefits - (Employee Benefits—
Police Retirement) Health&Dental Insurance)
101.9730.100 101.9710.300 $36,000.00
(Debt Service - (Debt Service— Serial
Principal BAN) Bond Principal)
101.9730.100 101.9710.301 $39,198.18
(Debt Service - (Debt Service— Serial
Principal BAN) Bonds—Interest)
101.9730.100 101.9950.910 $98,271.23
(Debt Service - (Interfund BAN
Principal BAN) Financing)
101.9950.900 101.9950.910 $94,653.04
(Interfund Transfer) (Interfund BAN
Financing)
101.1990.424 101.9950.910 $16,123.06
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FROM TO. AM�IJN7
(Consulting Fees) (Interfund BAN
Financing)
101.1980.423 101.9950.910 $49,629.67)
(Contingency) (Interfund BAN
Financing)
Mr. Russo pointed out that this Resolution balances out the books for accounting and independent
auditors and is used to prepare a final financial statements for the previous fiscal year. He then
highlighted several items. The first was the transfers that are shown from debt to capital, noting that
this is an accounting procedure. Next was a number of adjustments for pay down in the self-insured
health insurance portion as well as some substantial numbers for the start up costs fbr the fire
department.
There being no further discussion, Mayor Filipowski called for a motion.
On a motion made by Trustee Zuckerman, and seconded by Trustee Degling, the resulution
was approved.
Mr Peretz called the roll:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Merman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuelcerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
4. BUDGET MODIFICATIONS TO POLICE DEPARTMENT OVERTIME.
RESOLUTION
BUDGET MODIFICATION
RESOLVED, that the following budget modification be hereby approved:
FROM TO AMOUNT
101.1990.424 101.3120.189 $30,000
(Contingency) (Police Dept. — Overtime)
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Mr. Russo summarized this Resolution stating that monies were being transferred from the
Contingency account to cover the Police Overtime. Trustee Herman asked for a concept of
hours that were involved in this figure. Chief Robert Santoro noted that there were currently
two officers out on disability which is partially responsible for the shortage in the budget.-
The
udget:The amount averages to approximately 57 '/2 hours for a two week period. He noted that the
original amount requested was $50,000 and the amount transferred was $30,000. This
overtime is a result of arrests, prisoner transportation, storm emergencies, fare emergencies,
DWI road checks, school crossings, parades, races, programs such as the DAFT Program,
etc. All of these items cause the need for extra officers to be on duty. Although some of the
overtime amount is recoverable through grams, by virtue of the accounting procedure it
cannot go back into the overtime line.
Trustee Zuckerman felt that this amount was not acceptable. He expressed his dissatisfaction
with the request as when the budget was passed last spring it included an amount for
overtime of$70,000. This estimated amount has now been raised by another $30,000. He
felt that the estimated overtime could have been more carefully foreseen. The Contingency
Fund is to cover unexpected problems and to the extent that they shortfalls were outside the
bounds of what was foreseen he felt that there was a problem. Trustee Jody Brackman
agreed with Trustee Zuckerman's comments and asked if a better job of anticipating could
be done for the next budget year. 'Trustee Herman felt that there should be some averaging
for the whole year so that there isn't this end of the year additional cost. It was noted that
the fiscal year begins in June.
Mr. Russo noted that the number is well within three major factors used in calculating this
amount: the two officers out on disability, as well as recent storm and fire emergencies. Chief
Santoro noted regarding the officers out on disability, that one officer has been out on
disability for the past six years and the second for over three years. They are on an injured
list. The Police Department currently consists of 25 officers and he noted that the overtime
budget is unrealistically low for the size of the department. Trustee Degling noted that there
is revenue generated from things such as DWI stops but, again, it cannot, for accounting
reasons, be added back into the overtime account.
There being no further discussion, Mayor Filipowski asked for a motion.
On a motion made by Trustee Degling, and seconded by Trustee Brackman, the resolution
was approved.
Mr. Peretz called the roll:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting No
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Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
5. PERSONNEL, MATTERS
Mr. Russo read the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION
POLICE LIEUTENANT SALARY AD,II,.TSTMENT
RESOLVED, that as of May 11, 1999 the salary for Police Lieutenant is $80,600 which is 15%
above that of Police Sergeant in accordance with the terms established when the position was
originally created, and be it.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following;Budget Modification be hereby approved.
FROM TO AMOUNT
101.1990.424 101.3120.120 $4,500.
(Contingency) (Police Dept. -
Police Lieutenant)
It was noted that this promotion took place on May 11, 1999 and this salary increase was
established when the position was created. The amount of the adjustment was $4,109.
On a motion made by Trustee Degling,and seconded by Trustee Brackman,Mr.Peretz called
the roll:
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Merman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
August 17, 1999
September 14, 1999
The minutes were taken separately. Trustee Brackman noted that she was excused from the
August 1701 meeting and, therefore, was excused from the vote.
On a motion made by Trustee Degling, and seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the minutes for
August 17" were approved, with the noted corrections.
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Mr. Peretz called the roll:
Trustee Brockman Eycused
Trustee Degling, Voting Aye
Trustee Hermon Voting„ Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
On a motion made by Trustee Degling, and seconded by Trustee Herman, the rninutes fix
Sept tuber 14"were approved, with the noted corrections.
Mr. Peretz called the roll:
Trustee Brockman Voting;Aye
Trustee Deg ling Voting Aye
Trustee Herman Voting; Ave
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor iHi6powshi Voting Aye
DISC iSSl-OlN:
1. iRiF'iNJJTE S OF THE TRAFFIC: COMMISSION M&;i•~''t'%NG 4r"F OCTOBER 4, 199x.
The minutes of the October 4, 1999 TratTic Commission meetinr.;were opened for discussion.
Mr. Russo noted that the City of Rye will be adding stop signs on Ridge Street, at the
intersection of High Street, creating a three-way stop intersection. Currently only one stop
sign on fligh Street exists. This is an interim measure a s they are investigating the installation
of proper signalization. 'The county is currently involved in this issue.
Also being considered are stops signs at the intersection of Berkley Drive and Latona Road.
The Traffic Commission has agreed that a stop sign should be installed at the northeast corner
of Beckley Drive.
2. MASTER PLAN
A memo from the Planning; hoard with regard to putting together a Master Plan for the
Village was discussed. A meeting will be held on Thursday, October 28"', at 5:00 p.m. Mr.
Miller noted that a task force will be developed which will consist of four members of the
Planning Board. 'This task force will be responsible for coming up with a master plan
process. Mr. Miller noted that he will be attending the October N"meeting.
Mayor Pilipowski then moved to the Reports portion of the meeting.
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REPORTS:
1. FACILITIES COMMITTEE REGARDING MOTION AND RECOMMENDATION
FOR PUBLIC FORUM ON THE RYE BROOK/U.C.P. POOL PROPOSAL.
Mayor Filipowski noted that there has been a recommendation for a public forum regarding
the Rye Brook/U.C.P. pool proposal. Mr. Ken Berman, Chairman of the Facilities
Committee, addressed the Board. Mr Berman stated that it was the recommendation of the
Facilities Committee to hold a public forum on November 16"' at 7:30 p.m. at the A.J.
Posillipo Community Center in order to correct misinformation regarding this proposal.
Mr Berman provided a summary of all the returned surveys. He noted that of the 3200
surveys that were sent out,approximately 900 responses(28%)were returned. He went over
the survey questions and responses, and then read several dozen comments which were
written in on the surveys. These comments brought out a lot the misinformation that
residents had. It was the feeling of the Facilities Committee that the existence of this
misinformation and the relatively close number of responses in favor of, and opposed to the
proposal, made a public forum necessary. Mr Berman suggested the he and Mr Osterer,
President of U.C.P. of Westchester in Rye Brook,provide presentations and that Eric Marks,
Director of U.C.P., be available to answer questions at this forum.
Trustee Zuckerman expressed his opinion that if the results of the survey were tainted by
misinformation,they should be thrown out. However,if the survey results are representative
of the community,then there should be no need to characterize the misinformation by holding
a public hearing. Trustee Zuckerman also felt that it should now be left up to the Board of
Trustees to interpret the responses. Mr. Berman responded that the forum should be held
because the calculations from the survey were very close. It was the opinion of the Facilities
Committee that there was no concrete, clear majority. He felt that this forum should be held
as there is a significant amount of mixed information regarding what the arrangement would
be with United Cerebral Palsy and the characteristics of their clients who use the pool. It was
also noted that currently the Village's Day Camps utilize the U.C.P. pool. Trustees
Brackman and Herman both felt that the forum would be helpful. Trustee Degling felt that
the survey brought out a number of ideas.
Mayor Filipowski noted that various residents had explained that they were opposed to the
pool proposal because they hoped the Board would acquire the Blind Brook Club and that
issues such as this would be discussed at the public forum. Mayor Filipowski asked if any
member of the public wished to comment on this issue. Mr. Ken Heller of Lincoln Avenue
addressed the Board. He noted that because less than 30%of the residents responded,there
was clearly no interest in this proposal. He believed that all residents who did not respond
should be counted as votes against the proposal because people who usually vote are those
in favor of the issue. If residents were truly interested in this project than the response rate
would have been much higher. He believed that this response rate indicated an overwhelming
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"No" to the question of whether or not the Village of Rye Brook was interested in a
community pool.
Mr. Jules Harris also addressed the Board. He agreed with Trustee Zuckerman and noted
that a majority of the residents are not interested in anything which would involve an increase
in their property taxes.
After a discussion, Mayor Filipowski announced that the forum would be held on Tuesday,
November 16 at 7:30 at the Anthony J Posillipo Community Center and thanked the members
of the Facilities Committee and all of the volunteers who helped pull together all of the
information.
2. HUTCH CONSTRUCTION FOLLOW UP.
Mayor Filipowski noted that Mr. Ken Powell has done some review of the state law
regarding reforesting. Mr. Powell stated that the State has a general duty to replant the trees.
The statue does not, however, give any particulars regarding how many trees or the amount
of funds to be provided. It simply states that they are required to mitigate adverse
environmental impacts.
Trustee Degling stated that he was advised by Mr.Boris L. Vays,Project Engineer, and John
J. Limarzi, Engineer, both employees of the State of New York Department of
Transportation that there will be a landscaping contract after the construction is completed.
The amount allocated for landscaping is$400,000 for the area between 287 and King Street.
There were questions regarding whether $400,000 will be enough funding to reforest this
area of 2.6 miles. Discussions will begin next spring as the landscaping will not be done until
the major construction is completed. The Village will have representatives from the Tree
Committee at these discussions and will try to everything that can be done to make this area
beautiful again.
.Mayor Filipowski noted that the Tree Committee and several other volunteers will be
involved. Trustee Zuckerman felt that a Committee should be in place now. The Mayor
announced that this was currently being looked into and that Trustee Roger Herman will
Chair a Tree Restoration Committee. Trustee Herman noted a great resource that the Village
of Rye Brook has, are the people who make a living planting trees and that they will be
involved in the process.
Mayor Filipowski asked for feedback regarding start times for construction on Saturdays.
Although no work has begun prior to 8:00 a.m. for the past several Saturdays, residents are
worried about the coming Saturday because the change in time it will allow the construction
to begin. Mayor Filipowski stated that the Village will stay on top of this issue. Debra Faust
noted an article in the Journal News which states the times construction will take place. This
article stated construction will begin at 6:00 a.m. on Saturdays and continue until 2:00 p.m.
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It also noted that night work will take place from 6:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. Mr. Russo stated
that the Village did not have this schedule and that although the state could work at night
they have not requested permission to do so. Mayor Filipowski asked Mr. Russo to look into
this.
Mr. Victor Carosi, Village Engineer, made a presentation regarding the temporary bridge.
He presented the actual plans for the bridge and offered a description of what this bridge will
look like. This bridge will be a large steel structure looking like a large erector set. It was
noted that there is protection for the children who will be walking on this temporary bridge.
The side walks will be approximately 5' wide, with a steel separation of approximately 3'
between the lanes of traffic and the sidewalk area. The sidewalk on the bridge will continue
to be on the left(when traveling northbound), so that the children will not have to cross the
street. It was also noted that the construction of this bridge will begin in the next one to two
weeks and should be fully assembled by the end of November.
Debra Faust addressed the Board regarding several issues connected with the construction.
She informed the Board that the she has been told that when the sound barriers are
constructed the Stats will not come over to the other side of the wall again. She asked why
the Village can't work with the state to do the plantings on the property side of the wall
before 2001, Mayor Filipowski felt that this was a good point and asked the Mr. Carosi
address this issue with the State.
Ms. Faust noted that Winding Wood Road is now being used as a thoroughfare as a result
of the entrance to the Hutch being closed. She felt that with exit 28 being closed, that this
would continue for the next 2 '/z months. She asked that this area be looked at for safety
reasons.
Mr.Heller requested information regarding the closing ofLincoln Avenue. Mayor Filipowski
stated that the area of Lincoln Avenue under the overpass at. exit.213 will be closed and signs
will be. posted shortly. Currently information regarding street closings is listed on the cable
access channel.
Mr.Heller noted that he received a notice from the Department of Defense and they state that
Jame 25, 2000 will be the start of celebration for the Korean War. They are asking that
communities participate by setting up various types oPaffa.irs. Trustee Degiing, as a veteran
of the Korean War, felt that this was a good idea. Mr. Heller will give Mr. Russo a copy of
the notice so that he may look into possibilities for the Village, of Rye Brook.
Harriet Balter of County Ridge Close presented the Board with a petition regarding a traffic
light which residents feel should be installed at the intersection of King Street and Ridge
Street. Mayor Filipowski stated that the Village has a package to be submitted to the State
Senator, State Assemblyman, County I.,egi dat:or and officials at Pepsico who have offered
assistance on this issuc. It was noted that Connecticut leas refused to assist this construction.
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Greenwich did not want any property to be taken to widen the entrance and exit ramps or for
the configuration for traffic lights. Based on Connecticut's refusal to participate in this
program, Rye Brook does not have the right to go in and put in traffic control on the
Connecticut side of the border. New York State has found that for safety reasons a traffic
light is necessary but without the cooperation of Connecticut it would be very difficult, if not
impossible to install proper signalization. Mr. Russo noted that re-engineering of the ramps
coming off the Hutch would be necessary for installation of a light at North Ridge Street and
King Street. The bridge currently does not have the strength to hold the potential stoppage
of traffic that would result from a traffic signal. Since they can't get the land on the
Connecticut side they will have to acquire it on the New York side. The Village is in the
process of dealing with this issue with the State of New York.
Trustee Zuckerman noted that with or without a traffic light there is a stoppage of traffic.
Currently during rush hour traffic is at a dead stop coming off the Hutch and the Merit
intersecting King Street and Ridge Street. The installation of a traffic light is a safety issue,
especially during the construction process. Trustee Zuckerman suggested the use of police
to stop truck traffic at these times. Police Chief Santoro responded that if there was a law
for this purpose, he would enforce it.
Trustee Brackman remarked that Mr.Limarzi stated at the last Board of Trustee meeting that
there would be no truck traffic during school opening and closing times. However, the very
next day there were trucks stopped, blocking traffic, in the middle of pick up time. Mayor
Filipowski asked Chief Santoro to monitor this situation.
It was also noted that a problem is caused by construction workers parking their cars on
major roadways in the immediate area of the construction--including the area of the bridge.
This creates a hazardous situation and effects the traffic around the Ridge Street School.
There is more than enough land on their construction site to park these cars. Another issue
is the water truck which fills up at the entrance to the Ridge Street School. This truck is in
the right-away of the street, a no standing zone. Mr. Russo will speak to the contractor on
these issues.
Mayor Filipowski offered residents a list of safety tips for Halloween. These tips will be
posted on the cable access channel.
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The next Board of Trustees' meetings will be held on November 9" and November 23`d.
There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
(C�bpr . Russo, Village Clerk
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