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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-12-16 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes AGENDA VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1997 -- 6:30 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ACTION: PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. CONSIDERING LOCAL LAW INTRO. #3 - 1997, AS AMENDED, REGARDING ENACTING BULK STANDARD ZONING CODE AMENDMENTS TO THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK CODE. RESOLUTIONS: 2. AUTHORIZING A SMALL CLAIMS ASSESSMENT STIPULATION OF SETTLEMENT FOR THE OWNER OF 14 ROCKING HORSE TRAIL. 3. REJECTING ALL BIDS ON CONTRACT#9709 ENTITLED, RYE HILLLS PARK REHABILITATION PROJECT. 4. CONSIDERING THE SITE PLAN APPLICATION BY CERASO FOR THE PROPERTY AT SO. RIDGE ST. & BOWMAN AVE. 5. REFERRING THE TRAYNER GROUP SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION TO THE PLANNING BOARD FOR REVIEW OF THE PROPOSAL TO HOUSE A BUSINESS AT 66 BOWMAN AVE. 6. CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON JANUARY 13, 1997, @ 7:30 P.M. ON THE SITE PLAN, SUBDIVISION, WETLANDS PERMIT AND SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR THE HIGH POINT VILLAGE PROJECT. 7. AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SOUTHEAST CONSORTIUM FOR SPECIAL SERVICES FOR SPECIAL RECREATION PROGRAMS. 8. AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE TO ENTER INTO A MULTIPLE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY. 9. BUDGET MODIFICATION-- POLICE DEPARTMENT. 10. CHECK REGISTER(S). NEXT MEETING DATES: AGENDA MEETING JANUARY 13, 1997 REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 27, 1997 15 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING 006584 VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OFFICES 938 KING STREET RYE BROOK, NEW YORK DECEMBER 16, 1997 6:30 p.m. CONVENE MEETING The Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Cresenzi in the Meeting Room and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. The following members of the Board of Trustees were present: Mayor Salvatore M. Cresenzi Trustee Joseph Pellino Trustee Eugene R. Strum Trustee Nancy Stein Tunis Trustee Gary J. Zuckerman Village staff attending the meeting were: Village Administrator Christopher J. Russo Village Attorney Kenneth E. Powell Assistant to the Administrator Richard C. Slingerland Police Chief Robert Santoro Village Planning Consultant Christian K. Miller Fire Chief Martin Drexelius I Police Chief Robert Santoro introduced the two new Rye Brook police officers, Joe Lanzetta and John Arnold. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. CONSIDERING LOCAL LAW INTRO. #3 - 1997, AS AMENDED,REGARDING ENACTING BULK STANDARD ZONING CODE AMENDMENTS TO THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK CODE: This item was postponed until January. RESOLUTIONS: 2. AUTHORIZING A SMALL CLAIMS ASSESSMENT STIPULATION OF SETTLEMENT FOR THE OWNER OF 14 ROCKING HORSE TRAIL: Upon discussion, Trustee Strum recommended that the Board establish limits with regard to the court- ordered settlements. On the motion of Trustee Tunis, seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the following resolution was adopted: 006535 December 16, 1997 RESOLUTION APPROVING SMALL CLAIMS STIPULATION OF SETTLEMENT AND ASSESSMENT REDUCTION FOR DEBORAH HANDLER 14 ROCKING HORSE TRAIL,RYE BROOK RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook ratifies and approves a Small Claims Assessment Reduction for Deborah Handler, 14 Rocking Horse Trail, Rye Brook, for assessment year 1997 (Index No. 97- 0382) as set forth in a stipulation of settlement ordered July 30, 1997; and it is FURTHER RESOLVED,that the Village of Rye Brook or its designee is authorized to execute and deliver all documents necessary Wor appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this Resolution; and it is ,FURTHER RESOLVED,that the Village of Rye Brook authorizes the refund of taxes, if necessary, pursuant to this settlement, as appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this Resolution. Trustee Strum VOTING AYE Trustee Tunis VOTINGAYE Trustee Zuckerman VOTING AYE Trustee Pellino VOTING AYE Mayor Cresenzi VOTING AYE 3. REJECTING ALL BIDS ON CONTRACT#9709 ENTITLED, RYE HILLS PARK REHABILITATION PROJECT: Administrator Russo said that the bids for the Rye Hills Park Rehabilitation all came in $100,000 higher than had been expected. He said that the proposal had been cut back without eliminating items. All of the components had been retained, but that some materials had been changed. He said that it was necessary to rebid the project. Mayor Cresenzi asked when the project would be rebid, and Mr. Russo responded that it would be reissued within the next month. On the motion of Trustee Pellino, seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION REJECTING ALL BIDS CONTRACT#9709 RYE HILLS PARK REHABILITATION PROJECT RESOLVED, that all bids received by the Village of Rye Brook on Contract#9709 for the Rye Hills Park Rehabilitation Project are rejected. Trustee Strum VOTING AYE Trustee Tunis VOTING AYE Trustee Zuckerman VOTING AYE Trustee Pellino VOTING AYE Mayor Cresenzi VOTING AYE 2 UU65F36 December 16, 1997 4. CONSIDERING THE SITE PLAN APPLICATION BY CERASO FOR THE PROPERTY AT SO. RIDGE ST. & BOWMAN AVE.: Trustee Pellino said that the blacktop walkway would be replaced with concrete sidewalks. He also said that the curb cuts had been minimized and the aesthetics and safety elements had been maintained. On the motion of Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee Pellino, the following resolution was hereby adopted: RESOLUTION THOMAS CERASO RIDGE STREET SERVICE STATION SITE PLAN FOR PARKING ,WHEREAS, on or about July 8, 1996, Thomas Ceraso, c/o Ridge Street Service Station, 93 Bowman Avenue, Rye Brook, New York 10573, made a site plan application to the Village of Rye Brook under Chapter 209 and Section 250-6(G)(1)(d)(5) of the Code of the Village of Rye Brook for approval of an expanded parking area to serve the existing Ridge Street Service Station, which is situated at the intersection of South Ridge Street and Bowman Avenue; and WHEREAS, the presently existing parking area located at Section 1, Block 20, Lot 7B-1, is to be expanded by adding a new lot to the parking use, which new lot is designated Lot 7A; and WHEREAS, Lots 7A and 7B-1, both of which are located in an R2F district, are to serve as the parking area for the Ridge Street Service Station, which is located in a C district on a Lot designated as 7B-2; and WHEREAS, the Ridge Street Service Station was granted a special permit by the Town Board of the Town of Rye on December 29, 1958, and a variance granted by the Rye Town Zoning Board of Appeals on or about May 8, 1967, originally permitted Lot 7B-1 to be used for parking purposes; and WHEREAS, this application was referred to the Planning Board and, on or about August 6, 1997, the Planning Board recommended that the proposed plan be approved subject to several plan modifications described in the August 15, 1997 memorandum of Frederick P. Clark Associates, the Village's Planning Consultant, which have been incorporated in plan revisions; and WHEREAS, the applicant has prepared and presented an environmental assessment form (EAF) under the State Environmental Quality Review Act in connection with the proposed action, and after due consideration of the information contained in the EAF, the nature of the application, and other information available to it, the Board of Trustees, as SEQR lead agency, has determined that the action will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment and a draft environmental impact statement will not be prepared; and WHEREAS, on October 30, 1997, the Board of Trustees conducted a public hearing on the application, upon due notice, at which public hearing all persons wishing to be heard on the application were afforded an opportunity to be heard; and 3 December 16, 1997 006587 WHEREAS, the site plan application consists of the following plan: Layout and Landscaping Plan for Ceraso Gas Station, Rye Brook, New York, prepared by John P. Slaker Design Group, Town Center at Somers, Route 100 and 202, P.O. Box 311, Somers, New York 10589, dated June 2, 1997 last revised October 22, 1997 (one sheet). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the accompanying negative environmental declaration is adopted; AND IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the site plan application is approved, and the Mayor is authorized to sign the site plan, subject to the following conditions: CONDITIONS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE SITE PLAN IS SIGNED 1. Prior to the signing of the site plan, the site plan shall be revised, satisfactory to the Village Engineer, as follows: a. the plan shall show the row of 8 foot tall arborvitae as extending an additional approximate distance of 8 feet behind the service station to the end of the first window of the service station; and b. the plan shall show new plantings to be substituted for three transplanted arborvitae trees, such new plantings to be arborvitae of the same type and size as the other new plantings; and C. the plan shall show a 4" thick reinforced concrete sidewalk on Bowman Avenue extending from the existing concrete sidewalk at the northeast side of the property up to and including the walk phase area at South Ridge Street, to be installed to the reasonable satisfaction of the Village Engineer; and d. the plan shall show drywells or detention basins to mitigate parking area stormwater run-off. 2. Prior to the signing of the site plan, all outstanding professional fees/environmental charges incurred by the Village in connection with the review of the application shall be paid in full, satisfactory to the Village Administrator. 3. Prior to the signing of the site plan, proof shall be submitted showing that all approvals have been obtained from all other public agencies having jurisdiction, satisfactory to the Village Engineer. OTHER CONDITIONS 4. All of the landscaping and plantings shown on the plan, as revised, shall be maintained in a neat and trim condition. Diseased, dead or sparsely foliated plants, shall be replaced as may be necessary with plantings of a comparable type and size at the beginning of the next growing 4 December 16, 1997 006588 season, including when such replacement is reasonably directed by the Building Inspector. The fencing shown on the plan shall be maintained in a good and serviceable condition and shall be repaired or replaced as necessary, including when such repair or replacement is reasonably directed by the Building Inspector. 5. Access to the parking area shall be had only through the existing service station on Lot 711-2. 6. Any lighting installed for the parking area shall be arranged, constructed and used so as to cast light toward the applicant's property, and shall be shielded, and its intensity and use controlled, so as not to unduly impact the nearby residential properties. The lighting shall be adjusted at the direction of the Building Inspector from time to time, if the Building Inspector determines the lighting is creating undue disturbance to nearby residents. 7. The parking area shall be used solely for the temporary parking of vehicles (a) of employee's during the hours of their employment, (b) which are waiting to be serviced or returned after having been serviced and ©which is otherwise in compliance with law. The parking area shall not be used for the long term storage of vehicles, parking of vehicles for a fee, nor for the servicing, repair or washing of vehicles in any manner. No vehicles shall be permitted to have their engines continue running while parked in the parking area. 8. No refuse shall be permitted to accumulate on the parking area, nor may any refuse containers be placed thereon. 9. No signs, display racks, merchandise or containers thereof may be placed upon the parking area. 10. Following completion of construction, an "as built" plan shall be provided to the Village, satisfactory to the Village Engineer. 11. All construction shall be undertaken in accordance with the approved revised site plan. Construction shall also be carried out in conformity with the Westchester County Best Management Practices Manual For Stormwater Run-Off(Spring 1984). 12. Lot 7A shall not be used for parking until all of the improvements shown on the plan are constructed in accordance with the plan. If such improvements are not constructed in one year from the date of adoption of this Resolution, this approval shall be null and void, unless the Board of Trustees on application shall extend such time. AND IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that all previous approvals in effect regarding the property, including conditions therein, shall remain in full force and effect, except as modified herein. Trustee Strum VOTING AYE Trustee Tunis VOTING AYE Trustee Zuckerman VOTING AYE Trustee Pellino VOTING AYE Mayor Cresenzi VOTING AYE 5 December 16, 1997 0019589 5. REFERRING THE TRAYNER GROUP SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION TO THE PLANNING BOARD FOR REVIEW OF THE PROPOSAL TO HOUSE A BUSINESS AT 66 BOWMAN AVE.: On the motion of Trustee Strum, seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION REFERRING TO THE PLANNING BOARD AN APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR 66 BOWMAN AVENUE SECTION 1, BLOCK 23, LOT 3 RESOLVED, that the Special Use Permit application by the Trayner Group Ltd. to operate a"risk management' business from the premises at 66 Bowman Avenue, Section 1, Block 23, Lot 3, is referred ,to the Planning Board for a report and recommendation; and it is FURTHER RESOLVED,that the applicant shall pay into the Professional Fees/Environmental Review fund a sum of five hundred dollars ($500) and such additional amounts as may be requested to defray professional and environmental review costs. Trustee Strum VOTING AYE Trustee Tunis VOTING AYE Trustee Zuckerman VOTING AYE Trustee Pellino VOTING AYE Mayor Cresenzi VOTING AYE 6. CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON JANUARY 13, 1997, Cad 7:30 P.M. ON THE SITE PLAN SUBDIVISION WETLANDS PERMIT AND SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR THE HIGH POINT VILLAGE PROJECT: Trustee Zuckerman asked-if the Board had the current wetland mitigation plan and if everything before the Planning Board had been completed. Christian Miller responded that there a number of outstanding items that still needed to be addressed. On the motion of Trustee Pellino, seconded by Trustee Tunis, the following resolution was hereby adopted: RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED HIGH POINT VILLAGE SUBDIVISION DETAILED SITE PLAN SPECIAL PERMIT AND WETLANDS PERMITS WHEREAS, on October 22, 1996, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook received a Petition from G& B Limited Liability Company, d/b/a the High Point Village Company ("Petitioner") requesting, among other things, that approximately 137 acres of property situated on King Street, 6 December 16, 1997 006590 generally known as the High Point Hospital Property, be rezoned from an OB-1 District to a PUD District in accordance with a PUD Concept Plan; and WHEREAS, the PUD process consists of two (2) sequential review and approval phases: Phase 1 includes the PUD Concept Plan and rezoning, and Phase 2 includes Subdivision and Detailed Site Plan review; and WHEREAS, following completion of the environmental review process for the entire action, the Board of Trustees, on September 23, 1997, adopted certain zone text amendments, rezoned the subject property from OB-1 to PUD, and approved the High Point Village PUD Concept Plan; and WHEREAS, on September 30, 1997, the Petitioner submitted its application for subdivision and detailed site plan approval, including the necessary wetlands permits and special permits for the retail uses in the Village Green area, which were referred by the Board of Trustees to the Rye Brook Planning Board for review and recommendation, and the Planning Board reviewed and discussed such applications at meetings on October 16, 1997, November 13, 1997, December 1.1, 1997, and at a joint meeting with the Board of Trustees on November 20, 1997; and WHEREAS, on December 11, 1997, the Rye Brook Planning Board met and issued a recommendation to the Board of Trustees regarding the applications and the Village Code directs that, within 30 days after receipt of the Planning Board recommendation, schedule a public hearing on the proposed subdivision and detailed site plan, wetlands permits and special permits. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the Rye Brook Board of Trustees will conduct public hearing on January 13, 1998, at 7:30 p.m. in the Village Meeting Room, Village Hall, 938 King Street, Rye Brook,New York, on the proposed High Point Village Subdivision and Detailed Site Plan, Special Permits and Wetlands Permits; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Village Clerk is directed to publish, mail, refer and otherwise distribute the notice of this public hearing in accordance with the applicable laws. Trustee Strum VOTING AYE Trustee Tunis VOTING AYE Trustee Zuckerman VOTING AYE Trustee Pellino VOTING AYE Mayor Cresenzi VOTING AYE 7. AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE SOUTHEAST CONSORTIUM FOR SPECIAL SERVICES FOR SPECIAL RECREATION PROGRAMS: On the motion of Trustee Strum, seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the following resolution was hereby adopted: 7 December 16, 1997 066591 RESOLUTION 1997 INTER-AGENCY AGREEMENT SOUTHEAST CONSORTIUM FOR SPECIAL SERVICES SPECIAL RECREATION FOR DISABLED INDIVIDUALS RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook is authorized to enter into an agreement with South East Consortium for Special Services, Inc. for special social and recreational programs for disabled individuals during 1997 for the total sum of$4,270.00; and it is FURTHER RESOLVED, the Mayor is authorized to execute and deliver all documents necessary or appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this Resolution. Trustee Strum VOTING AYE Trustee Tunis VOTING AYE Trustee Zuckerman VOTING AYE Trustee Pellino VOTING AYE Mayor Cresenzi VOTING AYE 8. AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE TO ENTER INTO A MULTIPLE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY: On the motion of Trustee Tunis, seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the following resolution was hereby adopted: RESOLUTION APPROVING AN INTER-MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY FOR A MULTIPLE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT GRANT RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook is authorized to enter into an inter-municipal agreement with Westchester County for the period of October 1, 1997, to September 30, 1998 under which the Village will receive up to $ 2,800 for participation by the Rye Brook Police Department in the multiple enforcement grant for injury prevention program; 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 VOTING AYE Trustee Tunis VOTING AYE Trustee Zuckerman VOTING AYE Trustee Pellino VOTING AYE Mayor Cresenzi VOTING AYE 8 December 16, 1997 006592 9. BUDGET MODIFICATION—POLICE DEPARTMENT: On the motion of Trustee Pellino, seconded by Trustee Strum, the following resolution was hereby adopted: RESOLUTION BUDGET MODIFICATION POLICE DEPARTMENT OVERTIME RESOLVED, that the following budget modification be hereby approved: FROM TO AMOUNT 101.1990.424 101.3120.189 $34,644 (Contingency) (Police Dept. - Overtime) 101.1910.422 101.3120.189 $10,356 (Unallocated Insurance) (Police Dept. - Overtime) Total: $45,000 Trustee Strum VOTING AYE Trustee Tunis VOTING AYE Trustee Zuckerman VOTING AYE Trustee Pellino VOTING AYE Mayor Cresenzi VOTING AYE 10. CHECK REGISTERS: 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 and Budget Officer for payment: On-Line Checks 17632 - 17696 17698 - 17725 (Medicare) Payroll 24541 - 24664 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees after audit hereby approves payment of the above-mentioned claims and authorizes payment thereof. 9 December 16, 1997 006593 Trustee Strum VOTING AYE Trustee Tunis VOTING AYE Trustee Zuckerman VOTING AYE Trustee Pellino VOTING AYE Mayor Cresenzi VOTING AYE Mayor Cresenzi presented an award to Bob Vitti, director of the Port Chester Marching Band. Goldie Solomon accepted it on his behalf. Mayor Cresenzi presented an award to Anthony Sutton, Administrator of the Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Next Mayor Cresenzi thanked former Planning Board Chairman Michael Stolzar for his service to the Village, including his involvement with the creation of the Turkey Trot and the Legal Committee. The Mayor also presented an award to Dr. Walter Niles, but he was not present to accept his award. Steve Gumpel of 33 Woodland Drive asked to have a public hearing on the fire that occurred on Rockinghorse Trail on December 8, 1997. He said that safety is of paramount concern and he questioned the performance of Rural/Metro. Mayor Cresenzi said that the Village had prepared a mailing that addresses two main issues. The first was the firehouse and the SEQRA review process. The second was the rumors associated with the Rye Brook Fire Department's performance at the Rockinghorse Trail fire. He said that the Rye Brook Board was in the process of debriefing Greenwich firefighters. Trustee Tunis said that the Board of Trustees would be looking at all of the statistics associated with mutual aid from surrounding communities, and put that in perspective with what residents want to spend. Mr. Gumpel stated that mutual aid was not the central issue. He said that he saw the primary issue as Rural/Metro's performance. Trustee Zuckerman said it shouldn't be assumed that the Board has not been overseeing the contract. Ken Heller of 22 Lincoln Ave. asked for the status of the DEIS for the Red Roof Farm development, because he had concerns over the Blind Brook watershed and water run-off from the development. Mayor Cresenzi said that the Board had declared itself Lead Agency, but that it had not decided upon making a positive or negative declaration. He also said that the issue had to be discussed with the Planning Board. Ed Quinn of 219 Neuton Ave, questioned the number of reservists with the Rye Brook Fire Department. Mayor Cresenzi said that the Fire Chief said that there were 22 active people. Mr. Quinn asked about the turnover rate in the department. Mayor Cresenzi said that he could not explain why that had happened. Mr. Quinn continued that the Fire Chief had assured everyone that the Fire Department could handle any single-family home fire with ten men. Mayor Cresenzi said that there ten firefighters had showed up at the fire. Trustee Tunis asked Mr. Quinn if he was a Port Chester firemen. Mr. Quinn said that he was. Mayor Cresenzi said that the Board had yet to decide what direction they wanted for the department. SCOPING SESSION (8.05 m ) RE: RYE BROOK FIREHOUSE SITE: 10 December 16, 1997 006594 Trustee Pellino said that the Board as Lead Agency was in the process of determining the firehouse location. He said that Mr. Miller would define the SEQRA regulations and that the draft scope was prepared by the planner. After Mr. Miller's presentation, the public would be able to comment. Mr. Miller said that the 1.1 acre site at Red Roof Farms would reside on lots I and 2. He added that the Facilities Committee issued a recommendation in August. A DEIS was prepared and it included topography, vegetation, wildlife, wetlands, traffic, transportation, response time, utilities, character issues, and property values. Trustee Strum asked about traffic, transportation and noise, and recommended that on-site tests be done. Trustee 'Zuckerman said that the tests should be run without prior knowledge so that the results would be accurate. Trustee Pellino asked if a median response time should be taken. He also questioned the concept of adequate response time to major centers such as schools, hotels, office buildings and residential homes. Jodi Rosenstein asked about the design of the firehouse and why access was from the back and not through the front. Mr. Donald Degling of 5 Elm Hill Drive asked about topography and the slope of the property. Mr. Miller said that topography and slope would be considered. Mr. Degling asked about retaining walls. Mr. Miller said that they might have to be required. Mr. Degling said that according to the Posner report, the site would require a retaining wall. Administrator Russo said that Bob Posner, P.E., was in the process of reviewing the information and making a detailed report. He said that the Board was still waiting for the report. Jack Altbush inquired as to the amount of bedrock on the site and the impacts on transportation, noise, soil, water, and odors from the diesel engines. Mayor Cresenzi announced that written comments would be received until December 31, 1997. Mike Hams of Maywood Avenue asked about the impacts on property values. Cliff Simon of Talcott Road asked how many trips are generated by the fire department currently and how many would be generated with the new firehouse. Adam Sohn of Old Oak Road asked if there were alternate routes to major parts of the Village and what the response times would be for these routes. Mr. Miller said that they would evaluate roadway improvements and that signals might have to be installed. Mr. Sohn asked if outside funding could be obtained to straighten the road. He also asked about the impacts of the Red Roof Farm development on the firehouse. In addition, he questioned the referendum. II December 16, 1997 006595 Mayor Cresenzi said that by state law the Board could not put the site selection to a referendum, only a bond issue can be put to a referendum. Henry Lowett said that they fought to keep the airport small and now they are once again creating something in the middle of the Village. He questioned the need for the firehouse. He said that the costs are greater than the given estimated costs and he would like to see a computer generation of the all of the impacts from the firehouse. Mr. Miller said that there is a noted explanation of the project in the scope. He also said that they would evaluate response times from various locations and from the other sites. Harry Krausman asked that they study the impacts of keeping the firehouse in its current location at 511 West William Street. Paul Levinson asked that they consider the juncture of Betsy Brown Road and Ridge Street. He also asked if the $1.5 million estimation includes straightening the road and if not, then how much would it cost? Mr. Miller did not know if the figures including straightening the road. Mr. Sohn asked to have a truly quantitative analysis and a professional review the different sites and evaluate them. Mr. Degling asked about the environmental assessment form and solid waste, because the removal of 5000 cubic yards of soil and 5000 cubic yards of rock is a major impact. Mr. Miller pointed out that the solid waste is based on an active firehouse, not on construction. Mr. Degling asked that they consider the Washington Park Port Chester Firehouse as a site for Rye Brook's fire house. Dominick Bencivenga of the Port Chester U.F.S.D. School Board of Education said that they wanted the difference in response times looked at because there is heavy traffic at Port Chester Middle School at certain times of day. He also asked that the Board of Education be kept informed through Dr. Coletti. Walter Niles asked about cost and he said that the tax rate would double and negatively affect retiring people. Ed Keating agreed with Mr. Niles. Ken Heller asked about the adequacy of the property and proposed having two firehouses. He said that they could have two small fire houses, one at each end of the Village. Susan Fernandez of 11 Berkeley Lane asked about how the sites were selected. Trustee Strum said that the Facilities Committee evaluated sites of similar size. Trustee Tunis said that a professional study reviewed the sites in Westchester to see the configuration of surrounding communities. Ken Berman, chairman of the Facilities Committee, said that they used criteria such as response times and costs to evaluate potential sites. He said that they narrowed down the many sites to two. Ms. Fernandez asked if an additional forty homes would be incorporated at Red Roof. Mr. Berman said that they would. Ms. Fernandez then asked if it was legally possible to locate a firehouse in an adjacent Village. Mr. Powell said that the Village could own land outside of the Village proper but that it was not practical to do so. Mayor Cresenzi said that Washington Park would only be feasible with two firehouses. He said that the current firehouse was actually intended for highway use but the project was accelerated because of the 12 December 16, 1997 006596 emergency over the fire department issue. He said that Rye Brook would have to add a better facility. Jodi Rosenstein asked about the time frame of the firehouse. Mayor Cresenzi said that there would probably be a referendum in the summer of 1998. He added that the public has until December 31, 1997 to make written comments and then Mr. Miller would make a document and there will be time for more public comment. Joe Occhicone of Country Ridge Drive said that the two house scenario was the best for protection of life, safety and property. Frank Filipowski said that cars currently hit bottom at the intersection of Betsy Brown Road and Ridge Street. He wondered if the fire trucks would be able to handle the steep slope. Warren Rosenzweig of 340 Betsy Brown Road asked if the debt service comparison would show assessed value. He also asked how much taxes would increase per person. Mayor Cresenzi said that an average value would be calculated. Neil Rilter, a member of the King Street Homeowners Association and a resident at 14 Guilford Lane, Greenwich, CT, 06831, asked to be included in the process. Mr. Occhicone asked what would happen if the referendum was disapproved. Mayor Cresenzi said that the project would not be funded and that an alternate site would have to be put up for referendum. Trustee Tunis encouraged people to pick up copies of the report. Trustee Zuckerman added that the firehouse would be architecturally attractive and would fit in with the surrounding neighborhood. Trustee Strum said that there would also be drive-through bays to avoid the noise of backing up. Mr. Heller asked that the referendum be performed either before school is out or in the fall when school starts. Mayor Cresenzi said that he would not do the referendum while people are on vacation. Dick Davidson of Berkeley Lane asked that the impacts on property values be considered for all sites. He also wanted to know who would be studying the property values. Mr. Miller said that that had not been finalized yet but that it would be someone with good credentials. Trustee Zuckerman said that it was the intention of the Board that the process be open and that the Village be advised and informed. Mayor Cresenzi said that this was the residents' document and that the residents have input on the project. He reiterated that written comments could be made until December 31, 1997 and that copies of . the scoping document could be mailed out to residents who gave their name and address to the Administrative Offices. Trustee Tunis said that it was rewarding to see so many people taking interest in this project and she said that the Board appreciates it. There being no further comment from the Board or the floor, the Trustees agreed to end the scoping 13 December 16, 1997 00(959.7 session and the board meeting. Mayor Cresenzi announced the next meeting dates and the meeting was adjourned at 9:54 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 6� W1144 Christopher J. Russo Village Administrator 14