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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-23 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes AGENDA VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET TUESDAY,MARCH.23, 1999—7:30 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ACTION: RESOLUTIONS: 1. APPOINTMENT OF SENIOR CITIZEN SERVICE COORDINATOR. 2. REFERRAL TO PLANNING BOARD OF APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL OF GARDEN INN AT RYE BROOK LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF KING STREET AND ANDERSON HILL ROAD. 3. CONSIDERING APPROVAL OF SPECIAL PERMIT FOR THE ACCOUNTING BUSINESS OF CAPUTO AND BONCARDO LOCATED AT 538 WESTCHESTER AVENUE. 4. SETTING PUBLIC HEARING DATE TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED 1.999-2000 BUDGET FOR THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK. 5. BUDGET MODIFICATION FOR FRIENDS OF RYE BROOK, INC. 6. AUTHORIZING AN EXTENSION OF THE SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL CONTRACT FOR NEW YORK STATE ROADS THROUGH JUNE 30, 2000. 7. CONSIDERING REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE TO ISSUE A SEPARATE ZIP CODE FOR RYE BROOK. 8. CHECK REGISTERS Convene as Board of Assessment Review 9. GRIEVANCE DAY DETERMINATIONS NEXT TRUSTEES MEETINGS APRIL 13, 1999 APRIL 27, 1999 Village Hall is fully accessible to the handicapped. Those who need special arrangements should contact the Village Administrator's Office ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE OF A MEETING at (914) 939-1121. MINUTES OF A MEETING VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE HALL 938 KING STREET RYE BROOK, NEW YORK MARCH 23, 1999 CONVENE MEETING The Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Filipowski in the Meeting Room and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. The following members of the Board of Trustees were present: Mayor Francis L. Filipowski Trustee Donald E. Degling Trustee Joseph Pellino Trustee Eugene R. Strum Trustee Gary J. Zuckerman Village staff attending the meeting were: Village Administrator, Christopher J. Russo Village Attorney(Interim),Robert Ponzini Village Treasurer, Joseph Cortese Village Engineer, Victor Carosi, P.E. Assistant to the Administrator, Richard C. Slingerland Planning Consultant Christian Miller, F. P. Clark Associates RESOLUTIONS: 1. APPOINTMENT OF SENIOR CITIZEN SERVICE COORDINATOR Mayor Filipowski read the,item and Administrator Russo read the resolution and introduced Mrs. Gesoff Trustee Pellino asked to speak first, and commented that the Village had hit a home run in hiring Mrs. Gesoff, since she had such great experience and qualifications. On the motion of Trustee Degling, seconded by Trustee Pellino, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT OF COORDINATOR SENIOR CITIZEN SERVICES RESOLVED, that Jean E. Gesoff of 5 Duluth Place, Eastchester, New York is hereby appointed to the position of Coordinator- Senior Citizen Services with the Village of Rye Brook, subject to the Civil Service procedures of the State of New York; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that this is a provisional appointment at an annual salary of$52,500 with an effective start date of April 12, 1999. March 23, 1999 Trustee Degling Voting Aye Trustee Pellino Voting Aye Trustee Strum Voting Aye Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye 2. REFERRAL TO PLANNING BOARD OF APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL OF GARDEN INN AT RYE BROOK LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF KING STREET AND ANDERSON HILL ROAD. W. Bruno Gioffre, Attorney for the applicants, rose to speak on behalf of the application. He had a brief comment about the hearing date, requesting that it be coordinated with the applicant. Trustee Strum asked if the current applicant was planning to make a donation of land to the Village for recreation purposes, and Mr. Gioffre stated that they were. Trustee Strum also asked for the ownership status, and Mr. Gioffre explained that the property was under contract ownership, that the application was concurred with by Pepsico, through their subsidiary Border properties. Trustee Degling noted that the contract only covered a 10 acre portion of the property, and not the full 15 acres of the property. Mr. Gioffre commented that the other 5 acres were in the State of Connecticut, but should be considered for the full application. On the motion of Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee Pellino, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION REFERRING TO THE PLANNING BOARD AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION COUNCIL AND ENACTING NOTICE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES' INTENT TO ACT AS LEAD AGENCY ON THE APPLICATION FOR ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS, SITE PLAN, AND WETLANDS PERMIT APPROVAL for KF RYE BROOK,LLC. (GARDEN INN at RYE BROOK) SECTION 1, BLOCK 4, LOTS 5,6, 7A & 7A1 RESOLVED, that the petition submitted by KU Rye Brook, LLC (the Applicant), to amend Section 250-34 of the Village of Rye Brook Zoning Code and for the Site Plan and Wetlands Permit Approval to construct a 154 room hotel is hereby referred to the Planning Board for their review and recommendation; and it is FURTHER RESOLVED, that the wetlands permit application is referred to the Environmental Council for their review and recommendation; and it is FURTHER RESOLVED, that the proposed action is determined to be a Type I Action that must undergo a coordinated review pursuant to Part 617 of the implementing regulations pertaining to Article 8 of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) of the Environmental Conservation Law; and it is 2 March 23, 1999 FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Village Clerk shall circulate to all involved and interested agencies the applicant's DEIS and a notice stating the intent of the Village Board of Trustees to act as Lead Agency with respect to this matter; and it is FURTHER RESOLVED,that the applicant shall pay the sum of five thousand dollars $5,000 into the Professional Services/Environmental Fee fund and such additional sums as may be required to defray professional and environmental review costs. Trustee Degling Voting Aye Trustee Pellino Voting Aye Trustee Strum Voting Aye Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye 3. CONSIDERING APPROVAL OF SPECIAL PERMIT FOR THE ACCOUNTING BUSINESS OF CAPUTO AND BONCARDO LOCATED AT 538 WESTCHESTER AVE. Village Administrator Chris Russo read the resolution. Trustee Pellino asked if we need to mention that Westchester Avenue is a New York State road, and Planning Consultant Christian Miller stated that it was not necessary. He noted that any necessary permits would need to be applied for separately from the Village approval process. Trustee Zuckerman asked for the status of a docket system for the Building Department to keep track of any homes built, and whether they were complying with the village's fire sprinkler requirements. Village Engineer Victor Carosi assured the Trustees that the Building Department was establishing a master list of all structures that would be subject to the sprinkler law. On the motion of Trustee Strum, seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION CAPUTO AND BONCARDO 538 WESTCHESTER AVENUE APPROVAL OF SPECIAL PERMIT ACCOUNTING BUSINESS (Section 1, Block 21, Lot 9a) WHEREAS, on or about November 23, 1998, Rocco Caputo and Nick Boncardo, 538 Westchester Avenue,Rye Brook, New York made an application under Village Code Section 250- 25(C)(3) for a special permit to use a dwelling as professional office space, to wit: an accounting business; and WHEREAS, the property is located in an R2F zoning district upon approximately 16,367 square feet of property, and is also known and shown as Section 1, Block 21, Lot 9a on Village tax assessment maps; and WHEREAS, the application was referred to the Village's Planning Board for a report and recommendation, and the Planning Board recommended approval of the application; and 3 March 23, 1999 WHEREAS, on March 9, 1999, the Board of Trustees conducted a public hearing on the application upon due notice; and WHEREAS, the application consists of the following plans: Site plan, Location Plan, Zoning Information, dated December 2, 1998 last revised December 23, 1998 for proposed offices for Caputo and Boncardo, CPA's P.C. at 538 Westchester Avenue (S-1) and Details dated December 22, 1998 (S-2) prepared by Arconics Inc., 545.5 Westchester Avenue, Rye Brook,New York 10573 WHEREAS,the use will comply with the requirements for a special permit in a residential district under Section 250-6(H) of the Zoning Law, and WHEREAS, based on a review of the environmental assessment form, consideration of the ,nature of the use, the recommendations received, the record, and other information available to it, including the evidence received at the public hearing, the Village Board finds that the action is an unlisted action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR)which will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment, and, therefore, a draft environmental impact statement will not be prepared. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the application for a special permit is granted, subject to the following conditions: 1. This special permit is granted for an accounting business only. Any change of use to a different professional granted use, in whole or in part, shall require an amendment of this special permit. 2. The maximum number of persons who may be employed in the accounting business at this location shall be 7 persons. 3. In accordance with the Village of Rye Brook Code, Section 212-4, the applicant will have 7 years from the effective date of the Sprinkler Law (eff. date April 1, 1997) to install an approved fire sprinkler system. 4. All professional/environmental review fees incurred by the Village in the review of this application shall be paid in full to the satisfaction of the Village Administrator. 5. Vehicular access shall be solely from Westchester Avenue. There shall be no through access between Bowman Avenue to Westchester Avenue. The driveway access curb cut on Westchester Avenue shall be increased to 25 feet to the satisfaction of the Village Engineer. 4 March 23, 1999 Trustee Degling Voting Aye Trustee Pellino Voting Aye Trustee Strum Voting Aye Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye 4. SETTING PUBLIC HEARING DATE TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED 1999-2000 BUDGET FOR THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK. Village Administrator Russo read the resolution, and the Mayor commented that members of the public would be able to get the budget for review. Mr. Russo assured members of the public that the budget document would be available by noon the next day. On the motion of Trustee Pellino, seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION SETTING PUBLIC HEARING DATE 1999-2000 TENTATIVE BUDGET RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing will be held by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook on Tuesday, April 13, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall located at 938 King Street, Rye Brook, New York to consider the proposed 1999-2000 Budget for the Village of Rye Brook. Trustee Degling Voting Aye Trustee Pellino Voting Aye Trustee Strum Voting Aye Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye 5. BUDGET MODIFICATION FOR FRIENDS OF RYE BROOK, INC. Administrator Russo read the resolution, and there was no discussion of this item. On the motion of Trustee Pellino, seconded by Trustee Strum, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION BUDGET MODIFICATION WHEREAS, the Village Board of Trustees, as the Directors of the Friends of Rye Brook, Inc., authorized a study of the Rye Brook fire service during fiscal year 1995/96 at a cost of$35,000, at the request of corporate property owners in Rye Brook, and WHEREAS, the study was funded from the Friends of Rye Brook, Inc. (FORBI) in order to accept 5 March 23, 1999 $25,000 in corporate contributions toward the cost of the study; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, that in order to reimburse the FORBI for the difference, the following budget modification is hereby approved: FROM TO AMOUNT 101.1980.423 (Consulting Fees) 401.4900.100 (Friends of Rye $10,000 Brook, Inc.) Trustee Degling Voting Aye Trustee Pellino Voting Aye Trustee Strum Voting Aye Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye 6. AUTHORIZING AN EXTENSION OF THE SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL CONTRACT FOR NEW YORK STATE ROADS THROUGH JUNE 30, 2000. Administrator Russo read the resolution, and the Trustees had a few questions about the amount of reimbursement due to the Village. Mr. Russo commented that it was a lump sum reimbursement. Village Attorney Robert Ponzini commented that in his experience these agreements were fairly non-negotiable. There was further discussion about the agreement, and Mayor Filipowski asked Trustee Degling to read through the agreement before he signed it. On the motion of Trustee Strum, seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the following resolution was adopted as amended: RESOLUTION SNOW AND ICE AGREEMENT WITH NYSDOT FOR 1999-2000 SNOW SEASON RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook is authorized to enter into an extension of the indexed lump sum municipal snow and ice agreement (#DO10779) with the State of New York, Department of Transportation for one additional year until June 30, 2000 under which Rye Brook will receive up to $10,080.00 for snow and ice control on King Street and Westchester Avenue; 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 Degling Voting Aye Trustee Pellino Voting Aye Trustee Strum Voting Aye 6 March 23, 1999 Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye 7. CONSIDERING REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE TO ISSUE A SEPARATE ZIP CODE FOR RYE BROOK. Administrator Russo read through the resolution, and the Trustees requested some changes. Trustee Zuckerman offered 2 amendments to add new whereas clauses regarding the village's expanding corporate base at Pfizer and Reckson, and its expanding residential base. The Mayor asked for the additions to be fine tuned. Trustee Pellino commented on his interest in a ZIP Code for Rye Brook with respect to Internet commerce. He felt the long term interests for the Village would be best protected by Rye Brook having its own ZIP Code, since in the future sales tax revenues could be derived in E- commerce through ZIP Codes. He proposed an amendment regarding this issue and the Board moved and seconded it. Mayor Filipowski returned to his objection to the language that"it is believed"that a separate ZIP Code would improve mail delivery in Rye Brook and Port Chester. After some discussion, -the Board agreed and amended the resolution. Trustee Zuckerman spoke at length about his interest in suggesting this resolution, and commented on how Purchase and the Town of Cortlandt had received their own ZIP Codes. Mr. Nick Liras of Doral Greens asked to speak, and read a prepared letter on behalf of Julian Juster, also a resident of Doral Greens. In his letter, Mr. Juster compared the issue to the Social Security number issue, and he commented on how the New York Tines had just published local average property values, and had listed Port Chester for 10573, and not Rye Brook. He supported the resolution. Mr. Peter Silton spoke briefly about how the ZIP Code issue was a divisive issue, and that the Rye Brook community should not try to separate itself from the Port Chester community. Mr. Ben Miloro of Hillcrest Avenue also spoke briefly on the same side of the discussion, and felt that a ZIP Code for Rye Brook was only a"vanity issue."He felt that a new ZIP Code would cause an unnecessary expense for Rye Brook residents who would have to change their stationery. Mr. Fred Strom of Brookridge Court commented about how he had written a letter to the Mayor a few years ago, and had supported a separate ZIP Code for Rye Brook. He felt that it was a good strategic, forward-thinking move on the part of the Board of Trustees, and would create a separate identification for Rye Brook. He supported the proposal. Mr. Ken Heller of Lincoln Avenue rose to speak, and informed the Board and the audience that, "Everyone here is wrong."He stated that the ZIP Code 10573 is the Town of Rye, and that it has always been the Town of Rye. Mr. Heller continued that since the Post Office station was in Port Chester, then it was recognized as Port Chester. He felt that a Rye Brook ZIP Code was part a continual effort to make Rye Brook an exclusive community. Mr. Peter Bernbaum of Acker Drive spoke briefly on the issue. He commented on how the geese at Rich Manor Park had an efficient delivery system, and that the Post Office might consider using them as a model. Generally, on the issue of a ZIP Code for Rye Brook, he felt that a new ZIP Code for Rye Brook would help with the local delivery of mail, as well as Internet commerce and related issues. 7 March 23, 1999 On the motion of Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee Strum, the following resolution was adopted as amended: RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE TO ISSUE A SEPARATE ZIP CODE FOR RYE BROOK WHEREAS,the Village of Rye Brook, following its incorporation in 1982, became an independent village in the State of New York and assumed responsibility to provide all essential services to the residents thereof,and WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook is the corporate home to many national and multinational corporations as well as to major local businesses, and WHEREAS, the corporate base is continuing to expand with construction now under way at both the Pfizer Conference Center at Arrowwood and an additional 360,000 square feet of office space at Reckson Executive Park, and WHEREAS,the Village of Rye Brook has experienced unprecedented growth not only in the corporate area, but in residential development as well, with the completion of several projects over the last several years, and with several developments currently under construction comprising several hundred new residences, and WHEREAS,the increase in the number of residences and corporate addresses will necessarily result in an increase in mail volume, and WHEREAS,the population of the Village of Rye Brook may approach 10,000 residents upon completion of these developments, and WHEREAS, in the expanding world of international and Internet commerce places are increasingly identified by postal ZIP Code, and WHEREAS,Internet electronic commerce, possibly identified by ZIP Code, could have a future impact on the Village's revenue stream in the form of sales tax money, thereby reducing the Village's dependence on the property tax, and WHEREAS, Rye Brook currently does not have its own ZIP Code, and WHEREAS, a separate Rye Brook ZIP Code may improve mail delivery for both the Village of Rye Brook and surrounding communities, now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook does hereby formally request that the United States Postal Service grant Rye Brook its own ZIP Code, and be it 8 March 23, 1999 FURTHER RESOLVED, that the ZIP Code"10582", currently unused, is hereby requested to be assigned to the Village of Rye Brook, and be it FURTHER RESOLVED,that a copy of this Resolution shall be transmitted to the appropriate authorities at the United States Postal Service and to our Federal Representatives, with a request that they use all appropriate means to accomplish the purposes hereof. Trustee Degling Voting No Trustee Pellino Voting Aye Trustee Strum Voting Aye Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye 8. CHECK REGISTERS. ,Administrator Russo read the resolution, and Mayor Filipowski asked Mr. Russo to confirm a certain expenditure. Mr. Russo suggested that the Board consider and vote on the issue, and he would check into the matter to make sure that the course work for the reimbursement was completed during the time the employee was working for the Village. On the motion of Trustee Pellino, seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION CHECK REGISTERS WHEREAS, the following checks, representing payment for services rendered, have been submitted to the Treasurer's Office and Budget Officer for payment: On line checks 20506 - 20600 Medicare 20602 - 20629 Pre Paid 20366-20504 Capital 2849-2850 Environmental 186 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook after audit hereby approves payment of the above-mentioned claims and authorizes payment thereof. Trustee Degling Voting Aye Trustee Pellino Voting Aye Trustee Strum Voting Aye Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye 9 March 23, 1999 On the motion of Trustee Pellino, seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION CHECK REGISTERS WHEREAS, the following checks, representing payment for services rendered, have been submitted to the Treasurer's Office and Budget Officer for payment: Payroll 28367-28473 28476-28499 28502-28596 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook after audit hereby approves payment of the above-mentioned claims and authorizes payment thereof. Trustee Degling Voting Aye Trustee Pellino Voting Aye Trustee Strum Voting Aye Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye CONVENE AS BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW: 9. GRIEVANCE DAY DETERMINATIONS. Administrator Russo skimmed through the resolution, and noted that there were four items changed, and twenty-seven grievances that were not changed. Mayor Filipowski asked and Mr. Russo confirmed that the reduction amounts were the amounts that had been approved by the Board. On the motion of Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee Degling,the Board of Trustees convened as the Board of Assessment Review and adopted the following resolution: RESOLUTION GRIEVANCE DAY DETERMINATION WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook Board of Assessment Review met to hear all persons wishing to be heard and WHEREAS, the assessor has reviewed the complaints filed and has submitted his opinion on each of the filings; now, therefore, be it 10 March 23, 1999 RESOLVED, THAT THE Board of Assessment Review has made the following final determination on grievances filed on or before February 16, 1999: Address Sec/Block/Lot(s) Determination 1100 King Street 1/3/2 No change 1100 King Street 1/3/2.1 No change 1100 King Street 1/3/2.2 No change 29 Country Ridge Drive 1/5/A17 $15,600A.V. 10 Whippoorwill Road 1/5/C15 No change 221 Country Ridge Drive 1/5/023 No change 11 Paddock Road 1/5/12CF15 No change 416 N. Ridge Street 1/5/1740 $12,200A.V. 412 N. Ridge Street 1/5/F41 $14,800A.V. 14 Wilton Road 1/5A/31 No change 12 Maple Court 1/5A/59 $ 7,000A.V. 17 Beacon Lane 1/5A/83 No change 3 Lee Lane 1/5A/100 No change 11 Argyle Road 1/6A/10-A No change 50 Rockridge Drive 1/6AA/72 No change 107 N. Ridge St. 1/6CD/53 No change 85 Windsor Road 1/6J/126PT No change 7 Eagles Bluff' 1/6KB/23 No change 197 Ivy Hill Crescent 1/6R/197 No change 787 King Street 1/8/3-A No change 507 Comly Avenue 1/8A/10 No change 20 Hillcrest Avenue 1/17/11 No change 45 S. Ridge Street 1/20/1.5 No change 546 Westchester Avenue 1/21/7A No change 20 Wyman Street 1/22/4AC22 No change 2 Bowman Avenue 1/23/5.4 No change 115 South Ridge St. 1/24/1-A No change 121 South Ridge St. 1/24/1-B No change 121 South Ridge Street 1/24/22 No change 275 South Ridge Street 1/26/10.2 No change Tenn. Gas Company 1/600/4 No change Trustee Degling Voting Aye Trustee Pellino Voting Aye Trustee Strum Voting Aye Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye Mayor Filipowski commented that the Board would be meeting in Budget Work Sessions on March 30' at 7 p.m. and April 8" at 7 p.m. Trustee Strum asked that the Board meet immediately prior to the Budget Work Session on March 30°i for a personnel appointment. The Board agreed to delay the Work Session to 7:15 p.m. to address the brief meeting for the personnel appointment. On the motion of 11 March 23, 1999 Trustee Strum, seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the Board agreed unanimously to hold a Special Meeting on March 30th at 7 p.m. The Mayor opened the floor to comments from the public. Mr. Ken Heller of Lincoln Avenue spoke briefly, and was happy to see a larger turnout of residents to the meeting. He complained about the lack of parking at Village Hall, and asked the Board and Administration to do something about the issue. Mr. Ben Miloro of Hillcrest Avenue spoke briefly about a new ZIP Code, and asked if the Board would put the issue out to a public vote. Administrator Russo responded that the issue was not up to the public, and Mayor Filipowski noted that it was up to the Federal Government. Mrs. Isabelle Sherlock of Rockridge Drive spoke briefly, and asked if it was the last meeting for Trustees Strum and Pellino. She stated that they were both wonderful and very dedicated Trustees who had served the Village very well. Mayor Filipowski echoed her sentiments that both Trustees had made very valuable contributions to the Village and that they would both be missed. Trustee Pellino gave his thanks to the citizens of Rye Brook for the eight years they had placed their trust in him. He had done his best, and had prided himself during those years on his ability to listen, consider and act in the best interests of the Village. He thanked the Village staff for making his job easy, he thanked the Police Department, Fire Department,Recreation Department, and Senior Citizen Program staff. He felt that everyone had been ajoy to work with,through both the good times and the controversial times. He also thanked his employers for putting up with the extra time he had needed to commit to the Village, and most of all he thanked his family -- his wife and children-- for supporting him and doing without him in those times he had needed to commit to the Village. He concluded his remarks that it was a pleasure to work with all of the Mayors and Trustees during his tenure, and he wished the best of luck to Treasurer Joseph Cortese, who would be leaving April 1, 1999. Trustee Strum had a few words as well, and also thanked Joseph Cortese for his years of service and loyalty to the citizens of the Village. Trustee Strum commented on how he had first met Trustee Pellino years ago, and noted how he and Joe had worked together on many Boards, including the Zoning and the Planning Board and now the Village Board. He thanked all the citizens, board and committee members and staff of the Village, and felt that everyone was working for the benefit of the whole village. He recommended that more people get involved and volunteer time to the community. Trustee Strum urged the fixture Trustees to commit their time to the Board and especially the Fire Department issue. He wished the Board well with future negotiations, and suggested that they consider a joint effort between Port Chester and Rye Brook. On the issue of acquiring the Blind Brook Club, Trustee Strum felt that the purchase and development of the property for a proper recreation complex would be prohibitive and a burden on the community. As far as recreational facilities, he felt that the community was in dire need of ball fields and tennis and basketball courts, and the Trustees should make the appropriate commitment to those facilities. Trustee Strum thanked the staff, from Administrator Chris Russo on down, he thanked Village Attorney Ken Powell for his professionalism, and Planning Consultant Christian Miller for his knowledge, professionalism and expertise. Last of all, Trustee Strum thanked the current Board members and stated that it had been his pleasure to work with them. Trustee Zuckerman wished Trustee Gene Strum and Trustee Joe Pellino well. He stated that while he and 12 March 23, 1999 they at times agreed, and at times disagreed, he always had the utmost respectt for them. Trustee Zuckerman appreciated their honesty, sincerity and directness, and noted that they would be greatly missed. Mayor Filipowski thanked everyone for coming, and reminded everyone of the swearing-in for the new Trustees that would be held on Monday, April 5, 1999 at 5:30 p.m. at Village Hall. There being no further business, the Board unanimously agreed to adjourn the meeting at 8:52 p.m. Respectfully submitted, C��Z ,Cl, "L.. Christoph dr. Russo, Village Cleric 13