HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-09 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes AGENDA
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET
TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1999— 7:30 P.M.
WORK SESSION-- 6:30 P.M. ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES LAW
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ACTION:
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. ON THE SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION FOR 538
WESTCHESTER AVENUE.
2. CONSIDERING THE APPLICATION BY ORNSTEIN LEYTON
COMPANY RE: RED ROOF FARM PROPERTY SEEKING
AMENDED SUBDIVISION AND SITE PLAN APPROVAL.
RESOLUTIONS:
3. CONSIDERING AUTHORIZING A PROPOSED AGREEMENT
WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY RE: IMPROVEMENT AND
STREAM BANK RESTORATION PROJECT AT RICH MANOR PK.
4. CONSIDERING CALLING FOR A COUNTY-WIDE PROPERTY
REVALUATION.
5. CONSIDERING AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH KJM
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT CORP. FOR INSPECTIONS
IN CONJUNCTION WITH RED ROOF FARM DEVELOPMENT.
6. CONSIDERING REFERRING TO THE PLANNING BOARD FOR
A REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION THE APPLICATION BY
THE BLIND BROOK CLUB TO MODIFY ITS SITE PLAN FOR
THE DRIVING RANGE AND PRACTICE GREEN.
7. CALLING FOR A MEETING ON MARCH 16, 1999,AT 9:30 P.M.
FOR THE CANVASS OF VOTES.
8. CHECK REGISTERS.
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March 9, 1999
PAGE 2
MINUTES:
9. SEPTEMBER 22, 1998.
10. DECEMBER 15, 1998.
DISCUSSION:
11. SCHEDULING A FINAL WORK SESSION ON THE REVISIONS
TO THE ETHICS CODE.
12. SANITARY SEWER INSPECTIONS TO BEGIN BY MARCH 1.
13. TALCOTT WOODS -- SITE PLAN PROCEDURES.
14. STATUS -- CUB SCOUTS BIKE-A-THON.
15. TRUSTEE ZUCKERMAN--RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A
RYE BROOK ZIP CODE.
REPORT:
16. MAYOR FILITOW SKI-- STATUS OF FII2E NEGOTIATIONS.
COMMUNICATIONS:
17. DONNA M. SHERRY:
REQUESTING USE OF THE POSILLIPO CENTER FOR UCP'S
SUMMER CONDUCTIVE EDUCATION CLASSES.
NEXT TRUSTEES MEETINGS
MARCH 23, 1999
APRIL 13, 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.
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MINUTES OF A MEETING
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE HALL 938 KING STREET
RYE BROOK, NEW YORK
MARCH 9, 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, Kenneth E. Powell
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
WORK SESSION --6:30 P.M. ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES LAW
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. ON THE SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION FOR 538 WESTCHESTER AVENUE.
Mr. Gary Gianfrancesco of Arconics, Inc.,Planning Consultants, spoke on behalf of the applicant and
presented the proposal. He explained that the application was totally Code compliant, and had been
recommended by the Planning Board. Trustee Strum asked about the subdivision, and noted that both
properties fronted both Bowman and Westchester Avenues. Trustee Strum wanted assurances that there
would be no through access to both streets. Mr. Gianfrancesco assured him that there would be no
through access. Trustee Pellino had questions about lighting to be used, and Mr. Gianfrancesco noted
that the proposed lighting would not be directed towards neighboring homes. Trustee Pellino also asked
whether the Fire Department had been involved, and Mr. Miller commented that their input could be
requested. Trustee Zuckerman asked about the change of use from residential to commercial, and
whether it would be totally a commercial use. Mr. Gianfrancesco assured him that it would be. Mr.
Christian Miller commented on sidewalks and curbing, and how the applicant would have to make any
repairs necessary.
On the motion of Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee Strum, the board voted unanimously to close
the hearing.
March 9, 1999
2. CONSIDERING THE APPLICATION BY ORNSTEIN LEYTON COMPANY RE: RED
ROOF FARM PROPERTY SEEKING AMENDED SUBDIVISION AND SITE PLAN
APPROVAL.
Bruno Gioffre, Esq., made a presentation requesting relief from some of the conditions that had been
imposed in the subdivision approval for this property. He noted that the appropriate notice had been
given to the surrounding homeowners. Mr. Bob Roth of John Meyer Consulting, Engineers for the
applicant, presented the request for the applicant regarding an interim condition regarding runoff from the
site while the drainage system for the subdivision was being installed. He noted that there were concerns
raised both by Dolph Rotfeld Associates and Village Engineer Victor Carosi. The developer was seeking
to store runoff from the property on the west side of the property.
He commented that the proposal involved scraping off the topsoil from the area planned for the proposed
ballfield, and using it as a temporary water storage area. He explained that it would be adequate for a
"10-year" storm, or a storm that would be considered a worst-case scenario storm over a 10-year period.
Mr. Gioffre felt that the developer was trying to keep the site and the surrounding neighborhood in the
best condition possible. He felt that the developer was doing everything possible to satisfy the concerns of
the Board and the conditions of the approval resolution were being satisfied.
Trustee Strum commented that he had a different view about the definition of a 10-year storm, and
directed Mr. Gioffre to a recent memo received from Dolph Rotfeld Associates. He wanted it included in
the record, and it is attached at this point in the record.
Memorandum
To: Christopher Russo, Village Manager
Victor Carosi, P.E., Village Engineer
Village of Rye Brook
From: Dolph Rotfeld, P.E., DEE
Date: March 4, 1999
Re: Red Roof Farms, Rye Brook(V)
We reviewed the request of the developer of Red Roof Farm to commence construction of the house
foundations at the site prior to completion of the on-site and off-site drainage work. The following are
our comments.
We visited the site with Victor Carosi to determine the extent of the work currently underway. We
specifically examined the existing"low area"located along the western property line as an interim storage
basin for the site's drainage. This area served as the primary storage of the site's runoff in the pre-
developed condition. According to the developer's drainage study, which was submitted during the
subdivision process, this area in the pre-developed condition was capable of fully detaining the runoff
volume up to the 10 year storm for the entire western watershed. The accumulated runoff evidently
percolated into the ground as there is no known outlet to any watercourse or existing drainage system.
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March 9, 1999
The developer purports that this same area can be used currently to perform the same function and
proposes to introduce pumping of the storm water to an existing drainage system in the Village park
when the elevation reaches"flooding levels." This interim proposal to handle the storm water runoff
would remain in place until the off-site drainage line is constructed and connected to the project site.
We cannot support this action for the following reasons:
• It appears that the site, specifically the western watershed, has been completely disturbed with all
existing vegetation removed and most of the area rough graded and left as exposed soil. This
seems to be in direct conflict with the approved drawings entitled, "Red Roof Farm Subdivision -
Final Construction Drawings", latest date July 24, 1998, Sheet SP-2 Grading Plan and PL-1
Disturbance Plan. The removal of existing vegetation results in an increase in the runoff volume of
storm water due to the elimination of the absorptive capabilities of ground cover. Further, the
removal of the vegetation and the exposure of the bare soil increases the peak rate of runoff to the
design point. Therefore, the current site condition does not replicate the condition that existed
prior to construction. The result is that the low area will fill with storm water runoff much more
quickly and will remain full for a longer period of time. This may result in the exacerbation of
what was termed the"unfavorable condition for basements of adjacent downstream properties in
the immediate vicinity of the southwest corner of the site", which was identified on page 5 of the
developer's drainage report entitled, "Storm water Management Report -- Red Roof Farm
Subdivision", dated September 25, 1997.
• Further, it appears that the site is not in compliance with the approved plan Sheet SP-4
Sedimentation and Erosion Control. Without sedimentation and erosion control implemented the
peak rate of runoff from the site increases and the sediments from the soil settle in the low area
adjacent to the western property line.
We suggest for this proposal to be considered that at a minimum the following be provided to the Village:
• The site should immediately be placed in compliance with the approved Sedimentation and
Erosion Plan contained in the plan set.
• The developer's engineer should submit the appropriate analysis outlining the effect that this
proposal will have on the area's hydrology. The analysis should include a comparison of the time
to peak, runoff volume and the difference in storage duration in this low area, in the pre-
developed condition and the current condition. The analysis should include what pumping would
be necessary to replicate the pre-development condition in terms of volume and duration of
flooding of the low area. The analysis should identify what, if any, impact this proposal would
have on the hydrology of the adjacent properties.
• A description of the pump(s), placement of the intake and the maintenance and monitoring of the
system needs to be included.
Upon submission of this data we would continue our review of this proposal.
* This point notes the end of the memo.
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March 9, 1999
Trustee Strum asked the developer why the conditions in the memo had been ignored. Mr. Gioffre replied
that while the conditions in the original approval might have been technically accurate, they were
unrealistic. Trustee Sham wanted to make sure that the homeowners along the Red Roof Property were
adequately protected, particularly in the southwest corner. Trustee Zuckerman commented that during
the entire course of the Village's studies and reviews, the major concern was runoff, both during and after
construction. He commented that based on the opinion of the Village's engineering consultant, he was
loath to change the plan as approved after a year had passed since the original approval.
Trustee Degling commented that the developer's engineer should provide the Village with the
appropriate analysis. He commented that what the Village had seen presented is a plan that intends to use
the Village's recreation land as the retention basin, which raised the question in his mind as to whether
the Village was receiving land that could be used as it was intended to be used. Trustee Degling summed
up his feelings about the proposal, stating that the developer had not answered Mr. Rotfeld's comments
and had not addressed what would happen after the project was completed. The developer commented
that his engineers had analyzed the comments from Mr. Rotfeld and were responding to the issues he
raised in the memo. Trustee Pellino responded that the Board's concerns were for the adjacent residents,
and he felt that the proposal had not adequately addressed the comments of Mr. Rotfeld which related to
their protection.
Next the Mayor opened the floor to comment, and there were numerous residents who wanted to
comment on the proposal by the developer for relief from the conditions of approval. The residents who
spoke against the proposal were as follows:
Mr. Henry Lowett of Greenhouse Circle, Mr. Ken Heller of Lincoln Avenue, Ms. Laura Feinstein of
Betsy Brown Road,Dr. Carlos Rish, Mr. Daniel Rucik of Bonwit Road, Mr. Richard Rosenstein of
Winthrop Drive, Mr. Douglas Conrad of 10 Mohegan Lane, Mr. Richard Campbell of Bonwit Road, Mr.
Joel Binstock of Bonwit Road,Mrs. Mary Ellen Sullivan of Betsy Brown Road, Mr. Ken Cohen of
Bonwit Road,Mrs. Ina Wisher of Knollwood Drive, Mr. Peter Silton of Bonwit Road, Mrs. Lucille
Gennare of Bonwit Road, and Mr. Carl Austin of Bonwit Road.
All of these residents spoke very vocally and passionately against the request by Ornstein/Leyton
Developers to revisit the conditions imposed on the subdivision of Red Roof Farms. The primary
problems raised were storm water runoff, property and basement flooding and landscaping damage.
The Mayor and Board members had some final comments about their impression that the developer was
handling the construction site poorly, that there was dust and dirt on the surrounding properties and
making a mess of the surrounding homes, and they suggested that the developer assign someone
specifically to handle all of the complaints from the community. With that, on the motion of Trustee
Strum, seconded by Trustee Pellino, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to close the public hearing.
RESOLUTIONS:
3. CONSIDERING AUTHORIZING A PROPOSED AGREEMENT WITH
WESTCHESTER COUNTY RE: IMPROVEMENT AND STREAM BANK
RESTORATION PROJECT AT RICH MANOR PK.
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March 9, 1999
The Mayor asked Mr. Russo to read the resolution, and then he opened the floor for discussion. Assistant
to the Village Administrator Richard Slingerland commented that he had visited the site, and that the
Village had performed composite tests on the soil that would be scraped from the bottom of the brook.
The test results showed that the soil was clean and that it was fine to use on the field in Rich Manor. He
noted, however, that the environmental testing company had recommended against mixing the soil with
the Village's compost, since gardens and vegetables might be grown using the compost. Mr. Slingerland
commented that the goose problem at the park is very severe, and it was the hope of the County and the
County's contractor to reduce that, but that if the landscaping did not set off the instinctive response and
fear of predators that the County's biologist had hoped, then the Village should consider other methods
of goose control.
Trustee Zuckerman was happy about the results of the tests for mercury, which showed that the silt was
clean. He asked whether the plans for the park were final, and was concerned about how the Village was
supposed to "discourage large mowed lawns," since it might take away a large usable portion of the park.
Trustee Zuckerman felt that by moving the proposed landscaping further inland, the large usable field
could remain. Trustee Strum commented that the unmowed area was intended to keep the geese away
from the area because it set off an instinctive response. Trustee Pellino commented how the buffer area
was primarily intended to filter nutrients and feces from the brook and improve water quality. Trustee
Degling asked to add the word"Attorney"to the agreement, in reference to the County Attorney.
The Mayor opened the floor to comment from the public, and Mr. Jules Harris of Rock Ridge Drive
asked to speak. He commented on the poor quality of the park at Meadowlark Park, noting that the
grassy area had degenerated into a dog-run, or dog walk area, and was littered with dog feces. He asked
if any improvements for Rich Manor could be tied to Meadowlark Park, since the situation is terrible.
Mr. Slingerland commented that he had spoken to Mr. Bernbaum and Mr. Sabia and that there was a
graffiti and drinking problem along the easement between Acker Drive and Woodland Drive, and that it
should be looked into and perhaps the police should make some additional enforcement efforts there.
Mr. Peter Bernbaum of Acker Drive asked to speak about the landscaping proposal. He commented on
the goose feces problem at the park, and likened it to "slippin' and slidin' ", and he urged the Board to
remove the path and the"puddle", or vernal pool, from the landscaping project. He had a lot of concerns
about the project, was concerned about mosquitoes and deer ticks. He asked the Board to listen to the
residents in the area.
Mrs. Jody Brackman of 76 Tamarack Road asked to speak next. She felt that the Village needed public
access to green space, and that the path made sense because the park area was very wet.
Trustee Zuckerman asked the Mayor to allow Mr. Bernbaum additional opportunity to speak on the
buffer. Mr. Bernbaum felt that the additional buffer would not be a bad idea, as long as it did not add any
mosquito or deer tick problems to the park. He was adamant about not having the path in the park, and
felt that it was a destruction of green space. The Board proceeded to a vote.
The resolution for this item appears on the next page.
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March 9, 1999
On the motion of Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee Degling, the following resolution was
adopted:
RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING AN INTER-MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT
WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY FOR
RICH MANOR PARK
WHEREAS,the Village of Rye Brook in a Resolution adopted on March 24, 1998, endorsed the
principles of the Watershed Advisory Committee 3 (WAC 3) plan entitled, "Controlling Nonpoint Source
Pollution in Long Island Sound;A Management Plan for the Watershed of Beaver Swamp Brook,Beaver
Swamp Brook West, Blind Brook, Mamaroneck Harbor and Port Chester Harbor" dated January, 1998;
and
WHEREAS, in said Resolution Rye Brook recommended that the Village of Rye Brook work
with other communities to implement where practicable the WAC 3 Plan for the purpose of protecting
and improving the water quality in the Long Island Sound Watershed; and
WHEREAS, the WAC 3 Plan states that:
The retention basin in municipally-owned Rich Manor Park on Acker Drive also could be
enhanced through better landscaping. This basin was formed in the channel of the east
branch of the Blind Brook. The east side of the basin can easily be stabilized and
improved from a water quality protection standpoint by planting aquatic and semi-aquatic
vegetation. Aquatic vegetation should be planted on the unvegetated aquatic bench that
exists along the basin's eastern shore and wetland (hydrophytic) herbaceous and woody
vegetation should be planted along the basin's eastern embankment and adjoining flood
plain which is currently maintained as closely cropped lawn.
And
WHEREAS, the project consists of dredging the brook to remove silt and the creation of a
modified stream bank to include vegetation which will help prevent erosion and sedimentation in the
brook, and which is expected to deter geese from utilizing Rich Manor Park; and
WHEREAS, an extensive presentation of the project was conducted at a meeting of the Board of
Trustees on Tuesday January 26, 1999, and further discussions of the project were held on Tuesday
February 9, 1999; and
WHEREAS,the plan also includes a walking path along the stream border for use by
neighborhood residents and to provide a separation of the stream bank vegetation from grass cutting
maintenance activities; and
WHEREAS, the plan also includes the minor expansion of a vernal pool; and
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March 9, 1999
WHEREAS,the Village solicited neighborhood input on the plan including holding a community
information session on the project on January 19, 1999 through notice by letter to 35 residences
surrounding and/or contiguous to the park, as well as to the membership of the Advisory Council on
Parks and Recreation and the Advisory Council on Environmental Conservation and the Village has
received an overall favorable reaction; and
WHEREAS,the Advisory Council on Parks and Recreation and the Advisory Council on
Environmental Conservation have endorsed the plan; and
WHEREAS, Westchester County proposes to fund this project with an estimated $35,000 in
Federal funds channeled to the Village through the assistance of Congresswoman Nita Lowey's Office;
and
WHEREAS,the Village of Rye Brook will bear the relatively minor cost of providing for
transportation and re-use in the park of silt removed from the stream, the maintenance of waterfowl
'fencing, and future upkeep of the improvements.
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT
RESOLVED,that the accompanying Negative Declaration under SEQRA is adopted; and it is
further
RESOLVED,that the Village of Rye Brook is authorized to enter into an agreement with
Westchester County to provide a stream edge and wetland restoration project at Rich Manor Park; 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
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
4. CONSIDERING CALLING FOR A COUNTY-WIDE PROPERTY REVALUATION.
Mayor Filipowski asked Village Administrator Russo to read the resolution. Trustee Pellino felt that the
Board should consider additional language to protect senior citizens on limited incomes from being
overburdened by a property tax revaluation. He suggested that the resolution include a request for a
phase-in of a property revaluation. Trustee Strum suggested language to change the resolution. There
was some discussion, and Trustee Strum and the rest of the Board felt that the protections Trustee
Pellino wanted would probably be covered under separate legislation. Trustee Zuckerman felt that if
every municipality suggested changes, then the legislation would not come to pass. He suggested that
Rye Brook and the other municipalities speak with a unified voice and support the legislation,without
any amendments to the resolution this evening. Mayor Filipowski and Trustee Pellino discussed the
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March 9, 1999
matter further, and Trustee Pellino felt that the reason the governor had vetoed the resolution in the past
was because of its lack of protections for businesses, seniors and veterans. The Board resolved their
issues, and the Mayor asked for a motion on the resolution. He opened the floor to any comments from
the public. Mr. Ken Heller of Lincoln Avenue asked to speak, and felt that senior citizens and veterans
would be"slaughtered and destroyed"by a property revaluation.
Mrs. Linda Fricke asked about a homestead exemption. She stated that residents like herself and Mr.
Heller had paid taxes for decades, and that they did not want a free ride, but that they wanted some relief.
On the motion of Trustee Strum, seconded by Trustee Pellino, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
CALLING FOR A
COUNTY-WIDE PROPERTY REVALUATION
WHEREAS,the Equalization Rates for municipalities vary, often to the detriment of taxpayers
who find that disparities in the calculations of these rates cause some communities' residents to pay a
higher County Tax Rate notwithstanding the overall reduction of the County Tax; and
WHEREAS, if properties were assessed at their true value, rather than a percentage of true
value, the use of an equalization rate would become unnecessary; and
WHEREAS, for property to be assessed at true value, it would be necessary for a revaluation to
take place which would be fair and equitable, and should be done county-wide; and
WHEREAS, in order for that to be accomplished, it would require new State legislation, since
similar legislation had previously been vetoed by the Governor.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook, New York,
request that the County Board of Legislators take whatever action is required to re-initiate legislation
calling for a County-wide revaluation of properties within Westchester County, by enacting legislation to
protect and equalize the percentage reductions presently granted to Veterans and Senior Citizens; and be
it further
RESOLVED, that a copy of the Resolution be forwarded to the Westchester County Board of
Legislators and the Villages, Towns and Cities within Westchester County, requesting them to pass
similar resolutions of support and forward them to the Westchester County Board of Legislators.
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Pellino Voting Aye
Trustee Strum Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
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March 9, 1999
5. CONSIDERING AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH KJM CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT CORP. FOR INSPECTIONS IN CONJUNCTION WITH RED ROOF
FARM DEVELOPMENT.
Mayor Filipowski asked Administrator Russo to read the resolution, and then opened the floor to
comments from the Board. Trustee Degling asked for some history on KJM Construction. Village
Engineer Victor Carosi commented that he needed separate eyes and ears in the field for inspections, and
that a consultant could check in on the construction more frequently. Mr. Carosi continued that KJM had
experience with major construction and sewer treatment plants, and was familiar with sewer and
infrastructure construction. Trustee Zuckerman had a question about why the Village was not hiring an
assistant building inspector. Mr. Carosi and Administrator Russo replied that the Village would soon be
retaining the services of Emil Antonaccio, a retired building inspector from the Town of Somers, who
would be able to keep an eye on the Red Roof and other construction proceeding in the Village. Trustee
Degling hoped that Mr. Antonaccio would keep a firm hand on the construction. The Board proceeded to
a vote on the item.
On the motion of Trustee Pellino, seconded by Trustee Strum, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
ENGAGING KJM CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT INC FOR
RED ROOF FARM INSPECTION SERVICES
RESOLVED,that the Village of Rye Brook is authorized to enter into an agreement with KJM
Construction Management Inc. to perform field inspections of infrastructure improvements in connection
with the Red Roof Farm Subdivision, under the supervision of the Village Engineer, at the rate of$60 per
hour; and it is further
RESOLVED,that the cost of this agreement shall be funded from the escrow account established
under the Red Roof Farm.Subdivision approval resolution; 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
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
6. CONSIDERING REFERRING TO THE PLANNING BOARD FOR A REPORT AND
RECOMMENDATION THE APPLICATION BY THE BLIND BROOK CLUB TO
MODIFY ITS SITE PLAN FOR THE DRIVING RANGE AND PRACTICE GREEN.
Administrator Russo read the resolution, and the Board had a few questions about the project. Trustee
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March 9, 1999
Pellino said the project seemed as if it would only be a realignment of the existing driving range. Planning
Consultant Christian Miller explained that it entailed a site plan with impacts on wetlands and trees.
Trustee Degling wanted to ask the Planning Board to keep a close eye on their review, particularly on the
environmental aspects of the application. He noted that the Blind Brook Club had named themselves as
Lead Agency on an assessment form they had submitted, and Mr. Miller responded that the designation
was not appropriate, but that the Board of Trustees was Lead Agency. Mr. Miller felt that the application
should also be referred to the Advisory Council on Environmental Conservation, and the Board agreed to
amend the resolution for that referral. Trustee Pellino asked whether the applicant should submit a
corrected Environmental Assessment Form. Village Attorney Ken Powell responded that it should be
required, but was not necessary for referral to the Planning Board.
On the motion of Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee Degling, the following resolution was
adopted:
RESOLUTION
BLIND BROOK CLUB
SITE PLAN AMENDMENT
PRACTICE RANGE/PRACTICE GREEN
RESOLVED, that the Village shall circulate a Notice of Intent to act as Lead Agency for the
Blind Brook Club application for site plan amendment, and other related permits, in connection with the
realignment of the golf practice range and creation of a new practice green; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the application is referred to the Planning Board for a report and
recommendation; and it is further
RESOLVED,that the wetlands permit application is referred to the Advisory Council on
Environmental Conservation for a report and recommendation; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the applicant shall pay $3,500 to the Village to be deposited in the
professional fees/environmental review fund, and such additional sums that may be requested to defray
the cost of review of the application.
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
Trustee Pellino Voting Aye
Trustee Strum Abstained
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
7. CALLING FOR A MEETING ON MARCH 16 1999 AT 9:30 P.M. FOR THE CANVASS
OF VOTES.
Administrator Russo read the resolution, but noted that the Board had discussed holding the meeting on
the following evening at 6 p.m. The Board discussed the matter and agreed on the change. Administrator
Russo also asked whether the Board would meet afterwards in Executive Session on Grievances. The
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March 9, 1999
Board agreed and the resolution was so amended. Trustee Zuckerman asked if the Board would be
bringing in the Lieutenant candidates, but the Board felt that would be better at another time.
On the motion of Trustee Strum, seconded by Trustee Degling, the following resolution was adopted as
amended:
RESOLUTION
CALLING FOR A MEETING
ON MARCH 17, 1999, AT 6:00 P.M.
FOR THE CANVASS OF VOTES
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook hereby calls for a Meeting
on Wednesday, March 17, 1999, at 6:00 p.m. in Village Hall, 938 King Street, for the Canvass of Votes;
and it is further
RESOLVED,that the Board of Trustees shall meet as the Board of Assessment Review at 6:15
p.m. on Wednesday March 17, 1999 to deliberate on Grievance Day Filings.
Trustee Degling Voting Aye
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 Trustee Zuckerman asked about the bills amounting to
approximately $17,000 for Dobart Lighting. He asked for how much work that covered. Mr. Russo noted
that the contractor was slow in submitting his bills,which helped the Village since the money remained in
the Village's accounts fora longer time. Trustee Zuckerman also had a problem with the payments for
the pay-phone in Pine Ridge Park, since children had complained to him that it did not work. Police Chief
Santoro commented that he would follow up on the matter.
On the motion of Trustee Pellino, seconded by Trustee Degling, 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 20433 - 20502
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
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March 9, 1999
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
MINUTES:
9. SEPTEMBER 22, 1998.
Trustee Strum had a correction regarding his inquiry about 2 left turns, stating that his comments should
have read"2 left turn lanes." Trustee Degling also corrected the spelling of"principle" on page 8. On the
motion of Trustee Strum, seconded by Trustee Degling, the Board agreed to adopt the minutes, with
Trustee Zuckerman abstaining since he was not at that meeting.
10. DECEMBER 15, 1998.
Trustee Zuckerman asked about a minor change in grammar, and the Board agreed. He also had a
question about the resolution on the site plan for Sound Federal, and asked that the second page of the
item be changed from"instruction"to "construction," and that the word "entertained"be changed to
"undertaken." Trustee Degling had a request that the request that the word"belief'be changed to
"believe."With a few other minor corrections, on the motion of Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee
Degling, the Board agreed unanimously to adopt the December 15"'Meeting Minutes.
DISCUSSION:
11. SCHEDULING A FINAL WORK SESSION ON THE REVISIONS TO THE ETHICS
CODE.
After a brief discussion, Mr. Russo noted that the Board had agreed to a date of March 23' at 6:30 p.m.
On the motion of Trustee Degling, seconded by Trustee Pellino, the Board agreed unanimously to hold a
Work Session on Tuesday, March 23, 1999 at 6:30 p.m.
12. SANITARY SEWER INSPECTIONS TO BEGIN BY MARCH 1.
Administrator Russo explained that the Village Engineer had submitted a memo noting that the County
was planning to perform some sanitary sewer inspections with smoke testing for illegal storm water
connections to the sanitary sewer system. He noted that illegal connections could be found from smoke
coming out of peoples roof leaders, basements, or event the village's catch basins, if there were
improperly connected to the sanitary sewer system. Mr. Carosi noted that the contractor would be
notifying residents of their activities. Mrs. Isabelle Sherlock of Rock Ridge Drive asked about the impacts
from the smoke. Mr. Carosi explained that the smoke was non-toxic, but that homeowners would be
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contacted by the Village to work out plans of action to remedy the illegal connection(s).
13. TALCOTT WOODS -- SITE PLAN PROCEDURES.
There was a brief discussion of this issue. Planning Consultant Christian Miller felt that the Board would
do best to enact some Zoning Amendments to handle future site plan amendments. Trustee Strum felt
that it would be best to establish a threshold of an increase by 10% in the square footage of any
modifications or expansions. Christian Miller discussed the issue from a zoning standpoint, and suggested
that it could be addressed from a zoning standpoint, establishing bulk standards for conservation
subdivisions, with a threshold of 20% increase in square footage. Mr. Miller suggested that Frederick P.
Clark could prepare a local law based upon the will of the Board. Trustee Strum had a problem with a
20% threshold,based on his feeling that 10% would be a better threshold, and asked if the change would
allow the issuance of a permit with no discretion from the village building department. Mr. Miller agreed
that there would be no discretion in the issuance of any permits, but suggested that the square footage
would be based on the square footage of the footprint of a structure, and not the total square footage of a
structure. Trustee Degling had an issue with the allowance of only 10%, since a building footprint could
be as little as 1,600 square feet, allowing an expansion footprint area of only 10 x 16 feet maximum.
Trustee Degling also had a problem with structure setbacks from property lines, and the consensus of the
Board was that any addition allowed should not exceed the existing minimum setback for each lot, i.e. if a
structure on a lot had a setback of 5 feet from the property line, then any addition would not be allowed
closer to the property line than 5 feet. Trustee Zuckerman asked if the prior approvals for additions at
Talcott Woods fit within the 10% threshold (i.e. McKee and Miovski), and Village Engineer Victor
Carosi promised to look into that issue.
Mr. Steven Price, President of the Talcott Woods Homeowners Association, spoke briefly about the
issue. He felt that there was almost no minimum setback, and that the homes were so close to each other
that it was like there was no differentiation between lots within Talcott Woods. He disagreed with the
10% threshold based upon the footprint, particularly if it included decks. The Board and Planning
Consultant Christian Miller clarified that if a dormer was added to a structure, with no increase in the
footprint or in the roof height, then it should be approved without any problem. The Trustees main
consideration was regarding whether there was any increase in the footprint of a structure, which would
bring it closer to the lot lines and have an impact on the neighbors. Trustee Pellino supported the 10%
limit for any footprint increases, he was happy that the Homeowners Association was taking such an
active role, and felt that all of the homes as approved within the original subdivision were to be limited to
the original area of development within the subdivision, and not encroach upon the wooded area within
Talcott Woods. There was further discussion, and the Board and.Mr. Miller felt that any standards
established should also have the input of the Talcott Woods Homeowners Association.
14. STATUS -- CUB SCOUTS BIKE-A-THON.
Chief Santoro spoke briefly on the issue, and noted that Assistant to the Administrator Rich Slingerland
had summed up the issue fairly well in a memo provided to the Board. The Chief commented that the Boy
Scouts would have to distribute a letter to the residents in the neighborhood, and let them know that the
streets would be closed, and Mr. Slingerland commented that the Village would also put out a notice in
the Village newsletter and on the cable station.
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March 9, 1999
15. TRUSTEE ZUCKERMAN--RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A RYE BROOK ZH'
CODE.
Trustee Pellino was in support of a Rye Brook Zip Code. Trustee Degling was not in support of a Rye
Brook Zip Code, and felt that it would be an unnecessary distinction, and expense, for the residents of
Rye Brook. Mayor Filipowski wanted to clear up a large portion of the language in the resolution.
Trustee Zuckerman commented that he had only wanted it discussed at this meeting. He and Trustee
Strum thought it worked out well that the number 10582 was available for Rye Brook, since Rye was
10580, and Scarsdale was 10583. Trustee Zuckerman felt it was an important issue, since the village was
growing substantially. After further discussion, the Board agreed that the issue could be revisited at a
later date, after the resolution had been revised.
REPORT:
16. NIAYOR FILIPOW SKI-- STATUS OF FIRE NEGOTIATIONS.
Mayor Filipowski noted that the negotiations were proceeding, with a leaning towards an Inter-Municipal
Agreement between the Village of Rye Brook and the Village of Port Chester, rather than a joint Fire
District. He noted that under such an agreement, there would be a Fire Board with representation from
both villages. He praised the Rye Brook Firefighters, and noted that they had been handling themselves
very professionally, and had been a great reason for the current success of the joint efforts between the
Port Chester Fire Department and the Rye Brook Fire Department. He felt that there would be more
information available for public dissemination after upcoming meetings, and commented that he would be
able to let village residents know more after more issues had been resolved.
COMMUNICATIONS:
17. DONNA M SHERRY: REOUESTING USE OF THE POSILLH'O CENTER FOR UCP'S
SUMMER CONDUCTIVE EDUCATION CLASSES.
Administrator Russo commented that this group from United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) had been allowed to
use the Posillipo Center 2 summers ago, and their program had worked well. He noted that he had
contacted the Village's Risk Manager, who had recommended proper insurance and a hold harmless
agreement from the group. Trustee Degling felt that the Village should make every effort to
accommodate the UCP group, since it was such a beneficial effort for the children. He encouraged Mr.
Russo to work with UCP to find the time slots and the facilities to help them. Trustee Zuckerman
commented that in his experience with the group, they had worked very well and provided a valuable
service to the children.
At this point Mayor Filipowski asked the Board if they had any further comments, and they did not. He
announced the upcoming meetings, with the Canvass of the Votes on March 17, 1999 at 6 p.m., with an
Executive Session afterwards on Personnel and on property tax grievances. He announced the upcoming
meetings on March 23, 1999, and April 13, 1999, both at 7:30 p.m. At this time, he asked if any members
of the public wanted to speak.
Mrs. Jody Brackman of Tamarack Road spoke briefly on the Teen Center at the Posillipo Center, and
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commented that she had received registration materials and information for her son, who was in that age
group. She congratulated the Recreation Department for putting together such a great program in such a
short time. She recommended to the Board that the Recreation Department that they expand the program
to include 6°i graders and 9'graders, and suggested to the Board that they waive the fees and the
"contract"requirements for the first few meetings, to encourage more children to participate in the
program. She also suggested that the Board hold the Teen Night twice a month instead of once.
Administrator Russo commented on the contracts and photo requirements, and noted that he would
consult with the Board members about their direction. Trustee Strum commented on the"contracts", or
rules for the program, and the issue of photo I.D.s, and felt they were necessary so there would be some
code of conduct for the children to ensure that things operated smoothly. Trustee Pellino, Trustee
Zuckerman and Trustee Degling also felt that the photo I.D.s and contracts were a good idea for the
reasons stated by Trustee Strum. Trustee Zuckerman felt that the Board should let the recreation
department handle things accordingly, and then reassess the rules, or requirements, after the first one or
two Teen Nights.
The Mayor invited further comments, and there were none. Trustee Pellino moved for a brief Executive
Session on personnel, and seconded by Trustee Zuckerman, the Board agreed unanimously to adjourn
into Executive Session at 10:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christopher I Russo, Village Clerk
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