HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-11-12 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes AGENDA
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
AGENDA MEETING
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1996
6:30 P.M. -- WORK SESSION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
WORK SESSION:
1. A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE WITH
REGARD TO FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.
7:30 P.M. - - BOARD MEETING
PUBLIC HEARING:
2. RECONVENING A PUBLIC HEARING ON A LOCAL LAW
AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE TO PROVIDE FOR
LIMITATIONS ON TYPES OF WASTE COLLECTED.
RESOLUTIONS:
3. A RESOLUTION REFERRING TO THE PLANNING BOARD
THE APPLICATION OF LARIZZA CONSTRUCTION TO BUILD
SENIOR HOUSING ON WEST STREET/GRANT STREET.
4. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPOINTMENT TO FILL
A VACANCY IN THE POSITION OF INTERMEDIATE TYPIST,
HUMAN SERVICES.
5. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPOINTMENT TO FILL
A VACANCY IN THE POSITION OF SERGEANT IN THE RYE
BROOK POLICE DEPT.
6. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPOINTMENT TO THE
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK POLICE AUXILIARY.
7. A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE TRUSTEE POSITIONS TO
BE FILLED IN THE MARCH, 1997, VILLAGE ELECTIONS.
8. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER
INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH GREENWICH WOODS NURSING
HOME ALLOWING IT TO CONNECT TO THE RYE BROOK
SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM.
9. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE TO
COMMISSION A STUDY WITH CARROLL BURACKER&
ASSOCIATES, INC., OF HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA, TO
STUDY SITE LOCATIONS FOR A FIRE HOUSE.
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AGENDA
NOVEMBER 12, 1996
PAGE TWO
10. CHECK REGISTERS.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
11. LETTER FROM PETER J. MURRAY'S RE: SUBDIVISION
APPLICATION FOR BLIND BROOK ESTATES; 998 KING ST.
MINUTES:
12. JULY 23, 1996 REGULAR MEETING
13. AUGUST 13, 1996 AGENDA MEETING
14. AUGUST 27, 1996 REGULAR MEETING
ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING-- NOVEMBER 26, 199
1. RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT#9610 ENTITLED
"VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK OFFICE RELOCATION."
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MINUTES OF AN AGENDA MEETING
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OFFICES
90 SOUTH RIDGE STREET
RYE BROOK, NEW YORK
NOVEMBER 12, 1996 6:30 P.M.
CONVENE MEETING
The Meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Mayor Cresenzi in the Meeting Room and the roll was
called.
The following members of the Board of Trustees were present:
Mayor Salvatore M. Cresenzi
Trustee Joseph Pellino
Trustee Eugene R. Strum -- absent
Trustee Nancy Stein Tunis
Trustee Gary J. Zuckerman
Village staff attending the meeting were:
Village Administrator Christopher J. Russo
Village Attorney Kenneth E. Powell
Building Inspector Vincenzo Tamburro
Police Chief Robert Santoro
Fire Chief William Dee McCluskey
Secretary to the Village Board Lisa B. Marinaccio
WORK SESSION:
1. A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE WITH REGARD TO FIRE
SPRINKLER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.
Mayor Cresenzi reconvened the Work Session to discuss fire sprinklers, particularly which structures
would be exempt under the Code. He announced the Board's agreement that the law would include all
new residential and commercial construction. Discussion ensued regarding additions to existing homes.
The Board wanted to establish to what percentage an existing home would be exempt or required to
comply with the new law.
Trustee Pellino stated that he and Mr. Tamburro had met and discussed the proposed law. They brought
in some experts in the field, including Keith Ford from Scotsdale Operation. Trustee Pellino stated the
current Code as interpreted from the Uniform Fire Prevention Code has a figure of above 50%. Trustee
Pellino suggested that if the Board came up with a figure other than what is already in the Code, there
might be litigation potential. He further suggested that if the Code followed the existing Code by
allowing the option that under certain circumstances, i.e. financial hardships, construction hardships or
difficulty with getting compliance, an application for a petition of variance could be submitted, it would
shed a positive light on the fact that the Code is in following with the rest of the country and especially
New York State.
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November 12, 1996
Mayor Cresenzi asked if the "50%" figure meant that an entire structure would have to comply with the
Sprinkler Code. Mr. Tamburro answered affirmatively, reconstruction or addition to an existing home at
a cost above 50% of the value of the home would require sprinklers throughout the entire structure.
Trustee Tunis asked for a clarification of"value." Mr. Tamburro responded that value is the appraised
retail value of the home. "If a homeowner applies for a building permit, the permit fee is based on a'
formula based on the value of the work they are doing, so the"50%" rule would be based on that value.
If the value of the repair or addition is greater than 50% of the assessor's calculated value of the home,
then the homeowner would be required to install sprinklers throughout the entire structure."
Trustee Tunis asked what percentage of homeowners do work above 50% of the value of a home. Mr.
Tamburro estimated about 10 to 15% since he had been here. Trustee Pellino raised the question that
someone might come in with 40% renovation in one year and then follow it with more renovations a year
later. He suggested discouraging this practice by establishing a two or three year period.
Mayor Cresenzi asked what happens if the value of a repair is less than 50% of the value of the home.
Trustee Pellino responded that repairs or additions to more than 30% of the value of a home require
sprinklers in that specific area. Value is the easiest to calculate and it is the standard used in the State
Building Code, making it a consistent standard of value.
Trustee Zuckerman asked whether in single or two family homes the homeowner would be required to
retrofit the entire structure. He felt that they should not be required to do so. Trustee Pellino disagreed
to the extent that the law should cover a single family renovating more than 50% of home-value, and not
less, as it has not been determined what will constitute a renovation versus a repair.
Trustee Tunis asked the Chief if a house destroyed by fire faces stricter requirements under the Insurance
Code. Chief McCluskey responded that the Insurance Code does not require it, but a Sprinkler Code
should identify the circumstances that it be mandated. It is not the owner who is responsible for it; it is
the insurance company that benefits over the long term from the sprinkler. Therefore, it should be
accounted for in the recovery by the insurance company. The Chief stressed the importance to include
renovations as well as new construction, as renovations pose the most risk in regards to fire. Trustee
Zuckerman agreed that"renovations" should apply when they are reconstructions covered under
insurance policies. However, a homeowner renovating to increase the value of his home or to make his
home larger should not be required to sprinkler his or her home as the cost may be a deterrent.
Mr. Zuckerman continued that commercial buildings should definitely be covered. Chief McCluskey
agreed, but would like our law to be in line with surrounding communities. He also expressed interest in
developing relationships with sprinkler system contractors. Trustee Tunis asked how much a sprinkler
system costs in a house being renovated. Mr. Tamburro answered approximately $7,000. Trustee Tunis
asked if there are insurance premium reductions for homeowner's who have sprinkler systems. The Chief
answered that the insurance companies offer substantial benefits to commercial structures with sprinkler
systems and should be encouraged to offer similar benefits to homeowners. Trustee Tunis agreed with
requiring homeowners renovating more than 50% of value to comply. Trustee Pellino added that
insurance companies give rebates on premiums for sprinklers or further protections of existing portions of
a home. The Chief suggested that an variance process be established for those facing a financial or
construction hardship on review by the Board.
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November 12, 1996
Mayor Cresenzi asked if any jurisdictions have Codes with a 50% figure for a full structure and do not
include as part of that Code the issue dealing with a 30% value addition/reconstruction requirement.
Mr. Tamburro answered that Greenburgh's law is similar. However, the 50% rule is only for commercial
structures and is for value, not 30% of the square footage. Greenburgh did not retrofit any of their
existing homes. Mayor Cresenzi surmised that they either did not deal with residential reconstruction, or
went with the 50% value and 30%. The Mayor stated that if he had to make a decision immediately, he
would apply the 30% rule to commercial structures, the 50% rule to the commercial and residential, but
not the 30% rule to residential. Trustee Tunis suggested that people may not be able to afford the extra
cost of renovation and research should be made into what is being proposed for renovations in the
community. Mr. Tamburro agreed to research building permits over the last year and determine what
percentage would fall under the 30% rule and what percentage would fall under the 50% rule.
Mayor Cresenzi agreed with the theory of having a time period added, perhaps two or three years. Mr.
Powell stated that Greenburgh has a six month period for the 50% rule, which may be the period that the
State Building Code uses to calculate the 50% value.
Mayor Cresenzi stated that there are commercial landowners in the community who try to manipulate
regulations to their advantage. He suggested extending the time limit to eliminate the manipulation of the
law. A minimum of two years was the consensus. Mayor Cresenzi suggested applying that time period
to all required, residential and commercial at 50%. For commercial structures, the requirement should
apply to floor area and not value. Discussion ensued regarding various commercial locations and whether
they are sprinklered. The Board further discussed clearly wording the 50% rule on how much area is
being renovated rather than how the space is being increased. A question was raised as to whether
additions and renovations are separate, but it was determined that all construction, whether additions
and/or renovations should be included in the calculations.
Trustee Pellino suggested that there will be a hardship on small shop owners. Chief McCluskey
responded that there should be no hardship, because the responsibility is to the building owner, not the
tenant. Trustee Pellino asked in situations such as Ridge Street buildings that have only two or three
retail tenants, would they require the entire buildings to comply. Chief McCluskey responded that adding
a sprinkler system to that large a building would be so insignificant as not to create a hardship to the
owners. Mr. Powell suggested that the renovations would be store by store and should be considered as
such. Mayor Cresenzi raised the concept of using floor area and time period plan with regards to the
entire structure. Mr. Powell contended that requiring sprinklers in a whole structure when renovation is
required for one tenant will adversely affect the other businesses. It was responded that although it may
cause somewhat of a hardship, allowing the businesses a deadline in which to comply will allow the
Village to maximize safety while minimizing hardship. Trustee Zuckerman raised the issue of the movie
theater not being sprinkled. The Chief added that United Cerebral Palsy is not sprinklered.
Mayor Cresenzi adjourned the work session until a later meeting. Items 5 and 6 were taken out of turn.
RESOLUTIONS:
5. RESOLUTION APPOINTING A RYE BROOK POLICE SERGEANT
On the motion of Trustee Pellino, seconded by Trustee Tunis, the following resolution was hereby
adopted:
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November 12, 1996
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENT OF POLICE SERGEANT
RESOLVED, that James Mitchell of 95 Wesley Avenue, Port Chester, New York be hereby appointed
to the probationary position of Police Sergeant at a salary of$56,880 with the Village of Rye Brook; and
be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the probationary period for the position shall be six months effective on
the commencement date of November 13, 1996.
TRUSTEE STRUM ABSENT
TRUSTEE TUNIS VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE ZUCKERMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE PELLINO VOTING AYE
,MAYOR VOTING AYE
Mayor Cresenzi stated that the appointment of a Youth Officer is an appointment by the Village Board.
The second Youth Officer who will be appointed is part of the"Rye Brook family." He is a person with a
hands-on personality and is an adept problem solver, which is what the position requires. Greg Austin
will be the new Youth Officer, and he is given the Letter of Appointment effective December 2, 1996.
6. RESOLUTION - APPOINTMENT OF RYE BROOK AUXILIARY POLICE UNIT
Mayor Cresenzi commended the Auxiliary Police Unit.
On the motion of Trustee Pellino, seconded by Trustee Tunis, the following resolution was hereby
adopted:
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENT OF AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICER
RESOLVED, that Robert C. Hay of 4 Wyman Street, Rye Brook, New York, is hereby appointed to the
Village of Rye Brook Auxiliary Police Force effective October 28, 1996, for the purposes of enrollment
in the Westchester County Peace Officer Training Class scheduled to begin on November 12, 1996.
TRUSTEE STRUM ABSENT
TRUSTEE TUNIS VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE ZUCKERMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE PELLINO VOTING AYE
MAYOR CRESENZI VOTING AYE
1. RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE APPLICATION OF
LARIZZA CONSTRUCTION TO BUILD SENIOR HOUSING ON GRANT STREET.
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November 12, 1996
On the motion of Trustee Pellino, seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the following resolution was hereby
adopted:
RESOLUTION
SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING DATE
ON A SPECIAL PERMIT/SITE PLAN APPROVAL
AND ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS
FOR THE WEST/GRANT STREET SENIOR HOUSING
SUBMITTED BY LOUIS LARIZZA
RESOLVED, that a public hearing shall be held by the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees at its
Regular Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 26, 1996, at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Offices located
at 90 South Ridge Street, Rye Brook, New York, 10573, on the Special Permit/Site Plan and Zoning
Text Amendment Application for West/Grant Street Senior Housing proposal submitted by Ralph George
,Mastromonaco, P.E., on behalf of Louis Larizza.
TRUSTEE STRUM ABSENT
TRUSTEE TUNIS VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE ZUCKERMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE PELLINO VOTING AYE
MAYOR CRESENZI VOTING AYE
2. RESOLUTION APPOINTING AN INTERMEDIATE TYPIST- HUMAN SERVICES
DEPARTMENT.
On the motion of Trustee Pellino, seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the following resolution was hereby
adopted:
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENT OF INTERMEDIATE TYPIST
RESOLVED,that Gail DiLeo of 9 Beacon Lane, Rye Brook, New York, is hereby appointed to the
provisional position of Intermediate Typist at a salary of$25,000 with the Village of Rye Brook effective
November 13, 1996.
TRUSTEE STRUM ABSENT
TRUSTEE TUNIS VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE ZUCKERMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE PELLINO VOTING AYE
MAYOR CRESENZI VOTING AYE
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November 12, 1996
7. RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE OFFICES AND TERMS OF OFFICE OF
POSITIONS TO BE FILLED AT THE MARCH 1997 VILLAGE ELECTIONS
On the motion of Trustee Pellino, seconded by Trustee Tunis, the following resolution was hereby
adopted:
RESOLUTION
DESIGNATING THE OFFICES AND
TERMS OF OFFICES OF THE POSITIONS TO BE FILLED
AT THE UPCOMING MARCH 1997 VILLAGE ELECTION
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 15-104, Sub. 3(a) of the Election Law, the Village Clerk shall publish a
notice at least four (4) months prior to the General Village Election, which designates the date of the
Village Election, the offices to be filled at the Election, and the terms thereof.
,NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees hereby authorizes that a Public Notice be
posted and published in the Daily Item and in the Westmore News, the official newspapers of the Village
of Rye Brook, to read as follows:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the next General Election in the Village of Rye Brook will be held on
Tuesday, March 18, 1997; and
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Offices to be filled are: Trustees(2), each for a two-
year term of office commencing at noon on Monday, April 7, 1997, and concluding at noon Monday,
April 5, 1999.
By Order of the Board of Trustees
Village of Rye Brook, New York
Salvatore M. Cresenzi, Mayor
Christopher J. Russo, Village Clerk
TRUSTEE STRUM ABSENT
TRUSTEE TUNIS VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE ZUCKERMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE PELLINO VOTING AYE
MAYOR CRESENZI VOTING AYE
8. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT
WITH GREENWICH WOODS NURSING HOME FOR THE USE OF SANITARY
SEWER SYSTEM.
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November 12, 1996
i
On the motion of Trustee Pellino, seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the following resolution was hereby
adopted: 1
RESOLUTION
APPROVING SEWER USE AGREEMENT WITH
GREENWICH WOODS LTD PARTNERSHIP
RESOLVED,that the Village of Rye Brook is authorized to enter into an agreement dated October 23,
1996 with Greenwich Woods Limited Partnership under which the Village shall receive an annual permit
fee plus back due amounts for use of a Village right-of-way and the conveyance of sewage from the
Greenwich Woods Facility through a Village sewer to the sanitary sewer facilities of Westchester County;
and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to execute and deliver all documents necessary
or appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this Resolution.
TRUSTEE STRUM ABSENT
TRUSTEE TUNIS VOTING AVE
TRUSTEE ZUCKERMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE PELLINO VOTING AYE
MAYOR CRESENZI VOTING AYE
9. RESOLUTION APPROVING A LETTER AGREEMENT WITH CARROLL
BURACKER& ASSOCIATES. INC. TO CONDUCT A FIRE HOUSE LOCATION
STUDY.
On the motion of Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee Tunis, the following resolution was hereby
adopted:
RESOLUTION
APPROVING CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH
CARROLL BURACKER &ASSOCIATES, INC.
FOR A COMPREHENSIVE FRIE STATION LOCATION STUDY
RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook is authorized to enter into a consulting agreement with
Carroll Buracker& Associates, Inc. in the sum of$15,500 to perform a comprehensive fire station
location study.
TRUSTEE STRUM ABSENT
TRUSTEE TUNIS VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE ZUCKERMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE PELLINO VOTING AYE
MAYOR CRESENZI VOTING AYE
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November 12, 1996
10. CHECK REGISTERS
After seeing that payment has been made for training on Windows 3.1, a question was raised regarding
training for Windows 95. Administrator Russo stated that the upgrade is being considered. The
digitized tax mapping information had been received with the approval of the Town of Rye. It is
currently in the hands of Frederick P. Clark Associates, planning consultants, and they are utilizing it. It
will first be used in the firehouse siting study.
On the motion of Trustee Pellino, seconded by Trustee Tunis, the following Resolution was hereby
adopted:
RESOLUTION
CHECK REGISTER
WHEREAS, the following checks, representing payment for services rendered, have been submitted to
the Treasurer's Office for payment and have been certified by the Village Administrator:
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November 12, 1996
On-Line Checks: 15046-15164
Environmental: 137
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that this Board hereby approves payment of the above
mentioned claims and authorizes payment thereof.
TRUSTEE STRUM ABSENT
TRUSTEE TUNIS VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE ZUCKERMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE PELLINO VOTING AYE
MAYOR CRESENZI VOTING AYE
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
11. LETTER FROM PETER J. MURRAY - RE: SUBDIVISION APPLICATION FOR
BLIND BROOK ESTATES; 998 KING STREET.
It was announced that a temporary restraining order against proceeding with the public hearing on the
project had been discontinued. The applicant is suggesting that the Village proceed with the planning and
public hearing process.
Mr. Powell spoke of the Village's obligation to process the application, have a public hearing and render
a decision on it. In this case, there was an outstanding temporary restraining order which prevented the
applicant from pursuing the application. There had been communication that the temporary restraining
order was lifted to the extent that the Village could go forward with the public hearing and vote on the
application. The public hearing notice should be republished and the adjacent homeowners renotified.
Mayor Cresenzi noted that the restraining order had been lifted, but the litigation was ongoing, so the
hearing process could be completed and still overturned. Trustee Pellino noted that the hearing was
opened and adjourned pending the outcome of the litigation. As the hearing had not been closed, should
the Board now close that hearing and republish a notice for a new hearing. Mr. Powell responded that
the hearing was opened and adjourned without a date, therefore, it must be re-noticed. Trustee Pellino
then asked if because the correspondence stated that the Village's final approval would be subject to the
court's decision on the re@triction, would the Village be placed in a liability situation. Mr. Powell
responded that he did not believe so.
12. LETTER FROM JASON GOLDMAN REQUESTING PERMISSION TO ERECT TWO
SIGNS, ONE IN FRONT OF RIDGE STREET SCHOOL AND THE OTHER IN FRONT
OF BLIND BROOK MIDDLE\HIGH SCHOOL,ADVERTISING THE SOPHOMORE
CIRCUS,
The request was on behalf of the Sophomore Circus scheduled for November 22, 1996. Trustee Pellino
mentioned that the signs are 4' X 5' which is within the ordinance. The Board agreed to allow the signs.
ISSUE: FIRE ALARM AT PORT CHESTER MIDDLE SCHOOL:
Mayor Cresenzi asked Chief McCluskey to discuss some recent calls his office had received regarding a
recent fire alarm at the Port Chester Middle School, which occurred on Thursday, November 7th, shortly
after 3:26. He stated:
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November 12, 1996
There seems to be some question about how the alarm actually occurred. What transpired was
after we arrived, we contacted one of the the custodial personnel who advised that while walking
through the halls, he heard the fire alarm ring twice, two bells. He thought that was rather strange
and went to the fire alarm panel. He noticed a light on the fire alarm panel out of Zone 4. Seeing
that there was a red light on the fire alarm panel, he interpreted that there must have been a fire or
other reason for the alarm activation somewhere in the building. He began manual evacuation of
Port Chester Middle School. That occurred as he walked through the hallways and individually
notified classrooms to exit the building. He then got to the office area where the secretarial staff
noticed everyone was leaving and they announced the alarm and ordered everyone to leave the
building. During this process, the custodian was rather confused as to why the alarms were not
continuing to ring. He then walked over, looked at the panel again, walked around the corner and
made a manual pull station activation in Zone 2.
We believe that the original activation did not notify the central station of the alarm, delaying the
response by the school to the alarm company and subsequently to the Fire Department and the
Police Department, until the manual activation occurred. The manual activation is the
documentation by Scarsdale Alarm of receipt of the alarm at their 3:29 p.m., and Rye Brook's
3:26. There seems to be a difference in clock times of all of these central agencies in regards to
all the communication clocks. At 3:26 p.m., the dispatcher from Scarsdale called the police
station, identified themself and the police sergeant on the desk took the call. He notified that
there was an alarm at Port Chester Middle School and then asked what the clock time read, and
the call from the operator/dispatcher was terminated at 3:27 p.m. The sergeant then picked up
the phone and notified the fire department by phone and radio. This process took another 9
seconds. At 3:27:27, or approximately a minute and fifteen seconds into the entire response, the
fire department was en route -- one from North Ridge Street, and one from Headquarters.
The first arriving member of the fire department arrived at 3:29:40, two minutes and twenty
seconds after the notification to the police department. That's a very, very good response.
The controversy seemed to circulate around the contention that the response time was ten minutes.
Trustee Tunis asked what.the state mandate was for emptying the building. Chief McCluskey responsed
that there is no mandated response time, but evacuation times are set by the size of the building, the
number of the staff and the number of students in the buiding, able to leave the building in an expedient
manner. Port Chester Middle School's evacuation time listed on its last evacuation test was two minutes
and fifteen seconds.
In order to confirm their thinking about the notification delay, the fire department performed another
manual pull of the alarm from where the custodian pulled the alarm. Two minutes and four seconds later
the police department received the actual notification from the alarm company. Therefore, a six minute
response time is probably very close to average in regards to the two minute delay. Trustee Tunis asked
how consistent was that delay, and Chief McCluskey responded that with that delay, the response was
very consistent with the notification delay from all the other schools in the Village.
Mrs. April Robbins, a resident of Port Chester whose daughter attends the Port Chester Middle School,
approached to speak. She said:
Mr. McCluskey, you are correct in one part. The call did go in to Scarsdale Security Systems and
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November 12, 1996
they recorded it at 3:27 p.m. You were notified at 3:28. Your fire department did not show up
until 3:40 p.m. There is a big discrepancy -- you can take a minute here and a minute there
because someone's watch is not correct, but from the time the Rye Brook Police Department was
notified at 3:28 p.m., your fire trucks showed up almost simultaneously and blocked in all the
remaining cars. Your number playing and stuff like that is fine and dandy, but there were
administrators there, there were parents there and there were teachers there, and every single one
of them can verify the fact that there was a minimum of ten minutes before you guys showed up.
Chief McCluskey responded that her statement was not true, and Mrs. Robbins felt that the Chief was
calling her and everyone else at the scene liars. Chief Santoro asked if Mrs. Robbins started timing from
when the bells started ringing. Mrs. Robbins responded that she started timing from when Scarsdale
Security received the alarm. Chief Santoro responded that the clocks do not"jibe," but that the police
tapes recorded the arrival of the fire department via radio. He stated to Mrs. Robbins, "It wasn't
anywhere near the amount of time you are talking about. And, it's a digitized tape recorder that can't be
tampered with." Mrs. Robbins responded that there was not one emergency vehicle on scene at 3:29
p.m., including the police department, which showed up at 3:40 p.m.
Chief McCluskey differed with Mrs. Robbins, stating that he had been on the scene, had confirmed a
system malfunction with the custodian. She asked if the Chief did a search-and-rescue all by himself, and
he responded, "Yes." On further discussion, Mrs. Robbins summed up her complaint by stating, "Mr.
McCluskey, your fire department cannot adequately provide service to the Middle School and the High
School --there are just too many people."
Mayor Cresenzi asked Chief Santoro to verify the arrival of the Fire Department by identification, and
Chief Santoro noted that the fire department had so identified itself, although there was a difference
between Scarsdale Alarm's clock and the Rye Brook Police Department's clock. Mrs. Robbins continued
to differ with the statement of the Chief and claimed that the children were outside for ten minutes before
the fire truck showed up. She stated, "Even six minutes is an inadequate response. You're not going to
be able to conduct a search and rescue with that much of a response time, you're going to be conducting
a search and recovery. I'm not going to have one of my kids be there... you're fire department comes
with two trucks and two men. How the hell, if there is a fire, can you service that school?"
Chief McCluskey noted his understanding of Mrs. Robbins' fears, but pointed out that the school should
have the children evacuated in two minutes, and the school's choice of alarm companies delays the
response notification.
Mrs. Robbins said that regardless of the school's expected performance in evacuating the children, you
can't count on the school to evacuate the children because the children don't know where all the fire exits
are. She asked, "When your's guys came, did one guy go the fire hydrant the Rye Brook Fire
Department and did one guy go inside?" She answered, "That didn't happen. He took his sweet old time
getting into that building!" Chief McCluskey responded, "That's because I was already inside, and I
confirmed there was no fire." Mrs. Robbins challenged him and said no one saw him, including
Superintendent Coletti, and Chief McCluskey responded that the custodian saw him. Mayor Cresenzi
informed Mrs. Robbins that the Village's records and digital voice recordings do not indicate the delays
Mrs. Robbins was accusing the Chief, and Mrs. Robbins said, "Well, I'd have to verify that myself,
j because I wouldn't believe you even if you told me." Mayor Cresenzi offered to allow her to review the
tapes on record on the Village. "I asked for a public report, and if you would like to verify the tapes with
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November 12, 1996
the two Chiefs, I don't have a problem with that. I myself verified the situation on Friday."
Mrs. Robbins stated, "This is my perfect example to prove that they(Rural/Metro) don't have adequate...
they cannot provide adequate protection. I've been saying that since February." Mayor Cresenzi
answered Mrs. Robbins, noting that she had been allowed to complain about a response time issue, but
that she had now taken her complaint further, stating that the entire service is not adequate. Mrs.
Robbins stated that she had taken her complaint about the fire service to the school board, to the Port
Chester Village Board, and to County Control (Fire Control) and, "everyone told me to come here."
Mayor Cresenzi offered Mrs. Robbins the opportunity to listen to the tape and she assured him that she
would do so. Mrs. Robbins also offered her a copy of the study which found the Village's fire service o
be superior to what Rye Brook was receiving from Port Chester. Mrs. Robbins yelled, "Who wrote that?
The guy is insane!" Mrs. Robbins continued in a raised voice, "If you have two trucks and two men, how
do you fight a fire?" Chief McCluskey tried to reassure Mrs. Robbins and said that he understood her
emotion, but she responded, "Stop telling me that because you don't. I'm holding my emotions back."
Mayor Cresenzi asked Chief McCluskey to handle the matter at another time with Mrs. Robbins and
Chief Santoro. Mrs. Robbins asked, "So, is that your way of telling me that's it?" Mayor Cresenzi
responded, "That's my way of providing you with the information that's relevant to the problem in an
attempt to solve the problem."
Mrs. Robbins retorted, "You just don't want the Village of Rye Brook residents to realize what they have
got; or what they don't have." Mayor Cresenzi urged Mrs. Robbins to read the fire study. Mrs. Robbins
asked angrily, "Well how the hell do you go from the fire department that you had to two trucks and
three gentlemen? How do you fight a fire? And you're telling me that you have superior service to what
you had!" Mayor Cresenzi responded, "That's correct." Mrs. Robbins retorted, "When you had initially
forty to fifty fire fighters on the scene within two minutes." Mayor Cresenzi responded that her statement
was, "Not true," and Trustee Pellino agreed with him. Mrs. Robbins shouted back, "Where the hell have
you guys been?" Trustee Pellino responded that he had been in Rye Brook for the past twenty six years.
Mrs. Robbins yelled, "Well then why don't you get back into the real world. `Cause when Port Chester
was covering, as the alarm was ringing the trucks were there and the guys were there, and that doesn't
happen now." Mayor Cresenzi stopped the argument and discussion. On doing so, he asked
Mrs.Robbins to stay and enjoy the rest of the meeting and Mrs. Robbins responded, "I'd rather pulse,
thank you." Mayor Cresenzi urged Mrs. Robbins to have a nice night, and Mrs. Robbins said, "I can't
say the same to you." Mrs. Robbins returned into the room and demanded an appointment from Chief
McCluskey, and Mayor Cresenzi asked Chief Santoro to accompany them to schedule a review.
Richard Abel, editor of The Westmore News, asked for an explanation of the alarm delay, and Mayor
Cresenzi explained that the original alarm was not an alarm that went through to Scarsdale Security, and
that it was not until the second alarm was pulled by the custodian that Scarsdale Security was notified.
Mrs. Robbins re-entered the room and told the Mayor that he did not know how the fire system works
and that he should not try to explain it. Trustee Zuckerman stated, "I am getting tired of Port Chester
people coming here, to tell us, how to conduct our business." Mrs. Robbins yelled, "I wouldn't, if it
didn't affect my kid. Why don't you re-draw the boundaries and get Port Chester Middle School and
Port Chester High School back in the boundary lines of Port Chester where they rightfully belong?
Because ninety percent of the kids in those schools live in Port Chester." Trustee Zuckerman said that
her idea was excellent. He continued, "I think all of the Rye Brook children should go to Rye Brook
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November 12, 1996
schools and all of the Port Cehster children should go to Port Chester schools. Why don't you talk to the
Port Chester Board of Education and have them build a new Middle School in Port Chester and get some
productive, valuable land back on the tax rolls in Rye Brook, where Rye Brook children can't even play
on the fields located in Rye Brook." Mr. Ken Heller spoke up and called Mr. Zuckerman out of order,
stating that the two school systems pre-dated the Village of Rye Brook in the Town of Rye. Some '
argument ensued, and Mayor Cresenzi restored order. He asked Mrs. Robbins to leave because she was
disrupting the conduct of the meeting. She responded, "Well, the conduct of this meeting sucks, in plain
English." She repeated that the boundary lines should be re-drawn, and Mayor Cresenzi informed her
that it was up to the State, and that school-boundary lines do not run with municipal boundaries. Trustee
Zuckerman asked Mr. Heller to quote him correctly.
With that, Mayor Cresenzi terminated the discussion, and continued on to the next item on the agenda
regarding Board Minutes. Trustee Pellino had some corrections on a set of minutes.
MINUTES:
, 13. July 23, 1996 REGULAR MEETING
14. August 13, 1996 AGENDA MEETING
15. August 27, 1996 REGULAR MEETING
On the motion of Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee Tunis, the minutes were approved:
TRUSTEE STRUM ABSENT
TRUSTEE TUNIS VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE ZUCKERMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE PELLINO VOTING AYE
MAYOR CRESENZI VOTING AYE
WORK SESSION
RECONVENING A PUBLIC HEARING ON A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE VILLAGE
CODE TO PROVIDE FOR LIMITATIONS ON TYPES OF WASTE COLLECTED.
The Public Hearing reconvened to discuss the issue of the additions and deletions from the Code. A
comment was offered that a decision has to be made in reference to contractor waste, i.e. cut down trees.
Trustee Tunis suggested that contractors be made responsible for removing demolition materials.
Trustee Pellino raised a question regarding storm waste and whether the removal shall be the
responsibility of the Village or the contractor. Administrator Russo pointed out that recently the Village
hired private contractors to do storm debris removal, but under ordinary homeowner circumstances, the
Village should be required to remove the material if prepared in accordance with the law. Administrator
Russo added that if a contractor is hired to do storm removal or other major tree repair, that question still
needs to be addressed. Trustee Zuckerman suggested the possibility of the Village hiring a private
contractor to do removal. Administrator Russo stated that there are not funds available for the Village to
do so. Trustee Zuckerman suggested that perhaps an arrangement may be made with a contractor to
offer a discount to the Village homeowners. Attorney Powell stated that this theory could not be written
in legislation and enforcement would not be possible. Trustee Zuckerman suggested that a distinction be
made between storm damage material and material from elective homeowner landscaping.
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November 12, 1996
Trustee Zuckerman stated that the way the Code is written is fine, with the exception of grass clippings
and leaf blowing, which should both be put curbside. He added that that leaves, grass and brush be
exempt from the Code. Mayor Cresenzi announced that it was decided that the Local Law would be
amended and put in as a resolution for the next meeting. It was confirmed that the changes would be
made in Section 2(b) and that leaves, grass clippings and garden waste would be exempt.
A LOCAL LAW amending Chapter 135 of the Code of
the Village of Rye Brook to provide for limitations on
types of waste collected by the Village.
Items underlined are additions to the Code and (in brackets) are deletions from the Code.
BE IT ENACTED, by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook, as follows:
Section 1. Section 135-3 of the Code of the Village of Rye Brook is amended to read
as follows:
A. Any waste material other than garbage, ashes, (and) rubbish , and
logs which cannot be readily deposited in any receptacles may be
compacted and securely bundled, tied or packed so as to be easily
handled, but not weighing more than fifty 50 (seventy five(75))
pounds and not likely to be scattered, and, when packed and secured,
may be placed at the curb on curb pickup days. Such packages , logs
or bundles should not exceed three (3) feet in length.
B The Department of Public Works and the Village's Sanitation Contractor shall not
pick up flammable or highly combustible matter, such as cleaning establishment wastes
or other industrial wastes found to contain varnish, paint thinners or other dangerous
materials, sawdust; explosives, ammunition; oil drums, either full or empty; cans or
barrels containing combustible liquids rubber tires of any size; rubber wastes:
automotive or similar batteries: tar paper roofing, tar cans, dead animals: or any
hazardous waste as defined by Article 27 of the Environmental Conservation Law and
the regulations promulgated thereunder.
Section 2. Section 135-4 of the Code of the Village of Rye Brook is amended to read
as follows:
A. No garbage, trash, rubbish or receptacles may be placed at the curb except on curb
pickup day or after 6:00 p.m. on the evening before curb pick up day.
B. Contractors, gardeners and landscape contractors performing demolition,
landscaping, gardening, trash or tree removal for compensation, as the case may be
shall be responsible for removing, or arranging for the removal of all garbage, trash,
rubbish trees garden waste and other waste produced in connection with their work
and such waste shall not be placed at the curb for pick up by the Village.
Section 3. This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing in the office of the
Secretary of State.
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November 12, 1996
Walk-in RESOLUTION: AWARDING CONTRACT FOR PUBLIC MEETING ROOM
CHAIRS.
On the motion of Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee Pellino, the following resolution was
hereby adopted:
RESOLUTION
AWARDING CONTRACT FOR
PUBLIC MEETING ROOM CHAIRS
WHEREAS, a contract for purchase of public meeting room chairs was publicly advertised in the
official newspaper of the Village; and
WHEREAS, on November 12, 1996 one bid was opened from IFR Furniture of Hawthorne, NY.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED,that the Contract for purchase of public meeting room chairs is awarded to IFR
Furniture, 16 Saw Mill River Road, Hawthorne, New York 10532 in the sum of$16,091; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to execute and deliver all documents
necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this resolution.
TRUSTEE STRUM ABSENT
TRUSTEE TUNIS VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE ZUCKERMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE PELLINO VOTING AYE
MAYOR CRESENZI VOTING AYE
The next meeting dates were discussed briefly, with the Regular Meeting on November 26, 1996 at
7:30 p.m. and the Agenda.Meeting scheduled for December 10, 1996 at 7:30 p.m.
There being no further business, the Board moved into executive session and the meeting was
adjourned at 8:45.
Respectfully submitted,
Mage her Russo
Village Administrator/Clerk
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