HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-04-27 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes AGENDA
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
TUESDAY,APRIL 27, 1999— 7:30 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ACTION:
RESOLUTIONS:
1. CONSIDERING THE 1999-2000 VILLAGE BUDGET.
2. CONSIDERING APPOINTMENTS TO VILLAGE BOARDS
AND COUNCILS.
3. CONSIDERING THE APPOINTMENT OF AN OFFICE ASST.
AUTOMATED SYSTEMS, IN THE RECREATION DEPT.
4. CONSIDERING AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE TO ENTER
INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY
FOR PRISONER TRANSPORTATION.
5. CONSIDERING OPPOSING STATE LEGISLATION RE:
SITING OF WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT.
6. CONSIDERING DECLARING MAY 9 - 15, 1999 POLICE
WEEK IN RYE BROOK RESOLUTIONS.
7. CONSIDERING CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON
MAY 11, 1999 ON THE APPLICATION BY RYE PORT
REALTY FOR A SPECIAL PERMIT AT 58 BOWMAN AVE.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
8. LAWRENCE ENGLE, RE: RESIGNATION FROM PARKS
AND RECREATION ADVISORY COUNCIL.
NEXT TRUSTEES MEETINGS
MAY 11, 1999 and MAY 25, 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.
1
MINUTES OF A MEETING
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD TRUSTEES
VILLAGE HALL
938 KING STREET
RYE BROOK, NEW YORK
TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 1999—7:30 P.M.
CONVENE MEETING
The Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Filipowski in the Meeting Room and the
Pledge of Allegiance followed.
The following members of the Board of Trustees were present:
Mayor Francis L. Filipowski
Trustee Jody H. Brackman
Trustee Roger Herman
Trustee Gary J. Zuckerman
Trustee Donald E. Degling -- Absent
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
Meeting Secretary,Paula Patafio
1. CONSIDERING THE 1999-2000 VILLAGE BUDGET:
Village Administrator Christopher J. Russo gave a brief overview of the budget. He noted that the
Board increased the allocation from the general fund for road resurfacing by$50,000 and
authorized the borrowing of an additional $150,000 for road resurfacing which would bring the
total for this current fiscal year and the proposed budget year, which we are currently preparing
for up to $450,000 for road resurfacing.
The contingency fund was also increased by $25,000 and the tree planting fund by $5,000. He
concluded his comments and noted that the tax increase is $7.12 per thousand– a 4% property
tax increase and a 5.37% spending rate increase.
Trustee Gary Zuckerman commented that though he was pleased that the tax rate increase was
less than 6%, he could not support the budget because he felt it was insufficiently funded in areas
such as public safety. Mayor Filipowski asked for comments from the Board and the public, and
there were none.
Tuesday, April 27, 1999
On the motion of Trustee Herman, seconded by Trustee Brackman, the following resolution was
adopted:
RESOLUTION
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
1999-2000 BUDGET
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees met on the 131' day of April, 1999, pursuant to the
Notice of Public Hearing regarding the Tentative 1999-2000 Budget, and has heard all persons
desiring to be heard thereon.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Tentative Budget as hereinafter set
forth and amended by the Board of Trustees, is hereby adopted this 27"day of April, 1999 and be
it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the amounts listed therein for payment of principal and
interest on indebtedness, and that maintenance account charges be paid, and that the salaries,
wages, benefits and other terms and conditions of employment for all employees, including those
not represented by a bargaining unit, shall be paid such salaries and benefits as have been
determined by the Board of Trustees.
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Absent
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting No
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
2. CONSIDERING APPOINTMENTS TO VILLAGE BOARDS AND COUNCILS:
Trustee Zuckerman stated his objections on the process and procedure by which the Village chose
new committee members and chairpersons. He objected to the non-reappointment of some who
had volunteered their service for many years on various committees. He abstained from voting on
the resolutions in order to note his objection.
Mayor Filipowski disagreed with Trustee Zuckerman's comment regarding dismissing volunteers
as he felt that they were giving positions to individuals who are enthusiastic and ready to try and
work with the Village. It was his feeling that it was time for the Board to give new individuals the
chance to carry on the tradition of service rendered to the Village of Rye Brook community. He
felt that no one was being dismissed but that it was time for new appointments as terms had
expired.
On the motion of Trustee Brackman, seconded by Trustee Herman, the following resolutions
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Tuesday, April 27, 1999
were adopted:
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENTS ADVISORY COUNCIL
ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
RESOLVED,that William Irwin of 3 Phyllis Place is hereby appointed to fill the
unexpired term of Roger Herman, which term expires at noon on the first Monday in April, 2001;
and be it
RESOLVED, that Peter Silton of 46 Bonwit Road is hereby re-appointed for a term to
expire at noon on the first Monday in April, 2001; and be it
RESOLVED, that Sheila Davidson of 17 Berkley Lane is hereby re-appointed for a term
to expire at noon on the first Monday in April, 2002; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED,that Michael Siegel is hereby appointed Chairperson.
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Absent
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Abstained
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
On the motion of Trustee Brackman, seconded by Trustee Herman, the following resolution was
adopted:
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENTS
ADVISORY COUNCIL ON PARKS AND RECREATION
RESOLVED, that Maureen Pitocco of 283 North Ridge Street is hereby appointed to fill
the unexpired term of Lawrence Engle, which term expires at noon on the first Monday in April,
2000; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED,that Stephen Gumpel of 33 Woodland Drive is hereby
appointed to fill the unexpired term of Anthony Provenzano, which term expires at noon on the
first Monday in April, 2001; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Randy Solomon is hereby appointed Chairperson.
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
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Tuesday, April 27, 1999
Trustee Degling Absent
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Abstained
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
On the motion of Trustee Brackman, seconded by Trustee Herman, the following resolution was
adopted:
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENTS
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
RESOLVED, that Domenic Accurso of 10 Whippoorwill Road is hereby reappointed for
a term which expires at noon on the first Monday in April, 2002; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED,that Mitchell Levy of 14 Churchill Road is hereby reappointed
for a term which expires at noon on the first Monday in April, 2002.
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Absent
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Abstained
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
On the motion of Trustee Brackman, seconded by Trustee Herman, the following resolution was
adopted:
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENTS
ETHICS COMMITTEE
RESOLVED, that Lawrence Rand of 30 Hillandale Road, Michael Goldstein of 11 Holly
Lane and John Munnick of 13 Wyman Street are hereby reappointed; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Michael Goldstein is hereby appointed Chairperson.
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Absent
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Abstained
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
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Tuesday, April 27, 1999
On the motion of Trustee Brackman, seconded by Trustee Herman,the following resolution was
adopted:
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENTS
FACILITIES COMMITTEE
RESOLVED,that Rose Niles of 101 Country Ridge Drive, Paul Ellenbogen of 412 North
Ridge Street, George Pelebecky of 309 Betsy Brown Road, and Peter Pitocco of 283 North
Ridge Street are hereby appointed to the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee, replacing Harry
I{rausman,Daniel Paniccia, Joseph Gasperino and Jody Brackman.
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Absent
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Abstained
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
On the motion of Trustee Brackman, seconded by Trustee Herman, the following resolution was
adopted:
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENTS
PLANNING BOARD
RESOLVED, that Richard Lubkin of 675 Winding Wood Road South is hereby
appointed for a term which expires at noon on the first Monday in April, 2002; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that John Grzan of 10 Candy Lane is hereby reappointed for a
term which expires at noon on the first Monday in April, 2002; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Floyd Caplan of 4 Holly Lane is hereby appointed
Chairperson.
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Absent
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Abstained
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
On the motion of Trustee Brackman, seconded by Trustee Herman, the following resolution was
adopted:
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Tuesday, April 27, 1999
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENT
PORT CHESTER LIBRARY BOARD
RESOLVED, that Lisa Simon of 34 Winding Wood Road North is hereby appointed as a
Rye Brook representative on the Port Chester Library Board of Trustees.
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Absent
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Abstained
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
On the motion of Trustee Brackman, seconded by Trustee Herman, the following resolution was
adopted:
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENTS
RECORDS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
RESOLVED,that the following individuals are hereby reappointed to the Records
Management Committee:
Francis L. Filipowski,Mayor
Christopher J. Russo, Administrator
Diane DiSanto, Treasurer
Robert Santoro, Police Chief
and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Jean Gesoff, Senior Citizen Coordinator, is hereby
appointed to the Records Management Committee,
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Absent
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Abstained
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
On the motion of Trustee Brackman, seconded by Trustee Herman,the following resolution was
adopted:
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Tuesday, April 27, 1999
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENTS
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
RESOLVED,that Sy Tarshis of 28 Sleepy Hollow Road is hereby reappointed for a term
to expire at noon on the first Monday in April, 2002; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED,that Robert Riordan is hereby appointed Chairperson.
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Absent
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Abstained
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
On the motion of Trustee Brackman, seconded by Trustee Herman,the following resolution was
adopted:
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENTS
TREE COMMITTEE
RESOLVED, that John Munnick of 13 Wyman Street is hereby reappointed for a term to
expire at noon on the first Monday in April, 2002; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED,that John Munnick is hereby appointed Chairperson.
Trustee Brockman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Absent
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Abstained
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
On the motion of Trustee Brackman, seconded by Trustee Herman,the following resolution was
adopted:
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENTS
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
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Tuesday, April 27, 1999
RESOLVED,that Danielle McCann of 5 Elm Hill Drive is hereby appointed for a term to
expire at noon on the first Monday in April, 2002; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mark Harmon is hereby appointed Chairperson.
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Absent
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Abstained
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
3. CONSIDERING THE APPOINTMENT OF AN OFFICE ASSISTANT,
AUTOMATED SYSTEMS IN THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT:
Mayor Filipowski requested information regarding the provisional requirements involved in filling
this position. Mr. Russo responded that an exam would be scheduled by the County for this
position which could be anywhere from three to six months. He noted that this pool of candidates
for this position is canvassed a little more frequently than other positions within the County.
On the motion of Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee Brackman, the following resolution
was adopted:
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICE ASSISTANT
AUTOMATED SYSTEMS
(RECREATION DEPARTMENT)
RESOLVED,that Heather M. Krakowski of 24C Lawrence Drive,No. White Plains,
New York is hereby appointed to the position of Office Assistant - Automated Systems
(Recreation Department) 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
$28,000 with an effective start date of May 10, 1999.
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Absent
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
4. CONSIDERING AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTRY FOR PRISONER
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Tuesday, April 27, 1999
TRANSPORTATION:
On the motion of Trustee Zuckerman which was seconded by Trustee Herman, the following
resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
PRISONER TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT
WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY
RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook is authorized to enter into a prisoner
transportation agreement with Westchester County for the period of January 1, 1999 to December
31, 2000, under which Rye Brook will be reimbursed for prisoner transportation at the rate of
$105 per round trip for 1.999, and $110 per round trip for 2000; 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 Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Absent
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski asked Chief Santoro to explain the agreement. Chief Santoro explained that if
there are no real tie ups at the court or at the prison, the above stated fee is a little above the
Village's cost. Picking up a prisoner, taking them to court, and bringing them to the Jail is
considered two round trips for a total of$210.
Trustee Brackman asked if this transportation requires hiring officers for overtime. Chief Santoro
stated that an assignment like this might require overtime, depending on the situation.
5. CONSIDERING OPPOSING STATE LEGISLATION RE: SITING OF
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT:
Trustee Herman asked if anyone knew the local senator's or assemblyman's stance on this issue,
but no one knew the answer at this time.
Trustee Brackman conveyed mixed feelings, although it was her understanding that a lot of
municipalities opposed this legislation. She felt that since wireless communication is so much a
part of everyone's life, she understood the state wanting to regulate this area to prevent
municipalities from closing off possibile sites for towers in communities where they are necessary
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Tuesday, April 27, 1999
in order to keep the signals flowing. Although she would like to support the Westchester
Association of Municipal Officials, she felt that she would have to vote against this.
On the motion of Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee Herman, the following resolution was
adopted:
RESOLUTION
OPPOSING STATE LEGISLATION REGARDING
SITING OF WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
WHEREAS,the Village of Rye Brook is actively engaged in the development of a local
law regulating wireless telecommunications facilities in light of the Village's particular needs; and
WHEREAS, municipal home rule in planning and land use is highly valued by local
governments in New York State; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 affirmed the authority of local
governments to regulate the placement and construction of wireless telecommunications
equipment and facilities; and
WHEREAS, local governments should be free to exercise that authority as they do with
other local land use determinations; and
WHEREAS, efforts to restrict local home rule in this area are inconsistent with land use
policies in New York State; and
WHEREAS, legislation has been introduced in the New York State Senate (5.2113), and
in the New York State Assembly (A.6430) which would preempt local home rule in this area,
remove the ability of local governments to enact their own local siting laws, interfere with the
authority of local governments to set reasonable fees, and remove authority granted in federal
law; and
WHEREAS, the siting of wireless telecommunications equipment raises important land
use and aesthetic concerns traditionally determined at the local level; and
WHEREAS, the Westchester Association of Municipal Officials strongly opposes S.2113
and A.6430, and recommends the defeat of this, or any legislation that restricts the authority of
local governments to exercise their prerogative over land use, protect community character and
maintain the local decision-making consistent with the long history of New York law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook endorses the
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Tuesday, April 27, 1999
position of the Westchester Association of Municipal Officials in opposing 5.2113 and A.6430
and similar legislation and directs that copies of this resolution be forwarded to our
representatives in the State Senate and State Assembly, the legislative leaders of each house, the
New York Conference Of Mayors, the Westchester County Executive and the Westchester
County Board of Legislators.
Trustee Brackman Voting No
Trustee Degling Absent
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
6. CONSIDERING DECLARING MAY 9-15, 1999 POLICE WEEK IN RYE BROOK
RESOLUTIONS:
On the motion of Trustee Zuckerman, seconded by Trustee Brackman, the following resolution
was adopted:
RESOLUTION
DECLARING MAY 9 - 15, 1999
POLICE WEEK IN RYE BROOK
WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees wishes to participate in the
National Police Week Program, which will serve as a reminder to every citizen in the community
of the public service rendered by all branches of law enforcement.
NOW, THE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees hereby declares the week
of May 9 - 15 as Police Week in the Village of Rye Brook, with an Open Houses at Police
Headquarters during the week and Peace Officers' Memorial Day on Saturday, May 15, 1999.
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Absent
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski asked Chief Santoro to comment on this issue. Chief Santoro noted that an
open house would be held on May 15'. This would also (tick off the Vehicle Identification
Etching Program(VIN Etching Program). This program would be by appointment only for
residents. The etching would be done from 9:00 a.m. until roughly 2:00 p.m. The open house
would be from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Any resident who that would like the etching to be done
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Tuesday, April 27, 1999
on their vehicle needs to contact the police station and make an appointment. This procedure
takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes per unit.
Mayor Filipowski asked for clarification of the VIN Etching Program, Chief Santoro noted that
there is a combat auto theft program in place in the Village of Rye Brook. Residents sign up and '
register a vehicle, which authorizes the police to stop that vehicle any time after 1:00 a.m. without
due cause. It is a program recognized throughout the state. A VIN number is a Vehicle
Identification Number and everyone has a VIN number on their car. The VIN etching program
has been supplied with the necessary software and training and Rye Brook supplies the
computers. Your VIN number is burned with acitd onto the windows of your vehicle. This helps
deter auto theft because the windshield becomes useless to a car thief. This would be done by
appointment only at the Police Headquarters, in the parking lot, on Saturday, May 15"'.
Chief Santoro asked that a wreath be placed by the flag pole prior to the date of the police and
fire community breakfast. Trustee Brackman noted that this breakfast is scheduled for May 16`x'
and therefore the wreath should be put up the Monday before.
7. CONSIDERING CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON MAY 11, 1999 ON
THE APPLICATION BY RYE PORT REALTY FOR A SPECIAL PERMIT AT 58
BOWMAN AVENUE:
Mayor Filipowski asked for a discussion.
Trustee Zuckerman stated his understanding that in order for the plan to come out of the Planning
Board to be approved, there needs to be a zoning variance. He noted that they did not have one
at the present time. He asked if it was premature in calling for a public hearing at this time?
Mayor Filipowski asked Mr. Russo if a hearing should be scheduled. Mr. Russo noted that this is
the way the Planning and Zoning Boards wanted to conduct this. The applicant appeared before
both Boards, several times since December, and finally a recommendation was given by the
Planning Board for the applicant to come to the Village Board, contingent upon the zoning
variance.
Trustee Brackman noted Frederick P. Clark's office recommended that a the Board schedule a
public hearing. It was asked if this application should be returned to the Zoning Board of
Appeals. Mr. Russo noted that the Village Board was voting regarding holding a public hearing.
This application could be handled either way—have a public hearing or ask the Zoning Board to
make a decision. Mr. Kenneth Powell noted that the applicant could make an application to the
Zoning Board and the Board is favorably disposed to the permit, then at that point the applicant
could return to the ZBA.
Mr. Floyd Caplan of 4 Holly Lane and a member of the Planning Board, addressed the Board. He
noted that this applicant had appeared before the Planning Board since December and the
application had been bounced back and forth. Speaking for himself and not the Planning Board,
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Tuesday, April 27, 1999
he felt that what the applicant is requesting is certainly within the bounds of this Board's, and the
Planning Board's purview. What was lacking during the discussions was the Zoning Board
approval. He felt that this has been a long time for the applicant to wait.
Mr. Powell felt that the Board could move along with this application. rustee Zuckerman noted
that this is not the first time that these procedural issues have come up. He asked whether the
Planning Board should issue a recormnendation or the Zoning Board approve it first? He
suggested that the Board establish a procedure for this review. Mr. Powell agreed that this could
be done. Also suggested was a discussion between the Planning Board and the Zoning Board
Chairmen to establish a protocol.
On the motion of Trustee Herman, seconded by Trustee Brackman, the following resolution was
adopted:
RESOLUTION
CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING
ON THE SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION
BY RYE PORT REALTY
FOR THE PROPERTY AT 58 BOWMAN AVENUE
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees will conduct a public hearing in Village Hall,
938 King Street,Rye Brook,New York on May 11, 1999, at 7:30 p.m. on the application of Rye
Port Realty requesting a Special Permit to operate a real estate office for the property at 58
Bowman Avenue,Rye Brook,New York.
Trustee Brackman Voting Aye
Trustee Degling Absent
Trustee Herman Voting Aye
Trustee Zuckerman Voting Aye
Mayor Filipowski - Voting Aye
8. LAWRENCE ENGLE, RE: RESIGNATION FROM PARKS AND RECREATION
ADVISORY COUNCIL (WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS):
Mayor Filipowski noted that someone was appointed to this spot in Item#2 of the Agenda, and
that Mr. Anthony Provanzano also had submitted a letter of resignation.
These resignations were acknowledged.
The Mayor announced that the next Board of Trustees Meetings would be held on May 11, 1999
and May 25, 1999. He asked Mr. Russo for information regarding a joint meeting between
members of the Planning Board and members of the Board of Trustees regarding issues before
both Boards. This meeting was scheduled tentatively, although Mr. Russo responded that it
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Tuesday, April 27, 1999
might have to be rescheduled.
Mayor Filipowski then asked Mr. Russo for the status of the Village's Tahoe for the Police
Department. Chief Santoro responded that they were working on obtaining a part for the laptop
computer and that the Tahoe would be on the road by the weekend—before May 1'. Mr. Russo'
noted that a series of parts had to be ordered for these vehicles. He said, "The Village tries to do
things very thoroughly and properly regarding these vehicle and, from now on, as this vehicle is
completely assembled, we have the knowledge needed to set up the next two which will be
acquired by the end of 1999." Chief Santoro noted that this was a prototype, new style vehicle
which had turned out very well. Mayor Filipowski asked if there was a contractor who works
with police vehicle accessories to avoid this four to five month time frame in getting the vehicle
on the road. Mr. Russo stated that the Village now has the knowledge needed to order the parts
and could order them months before the vehicle is received. Chief Santoro noted the excellent
quality of workmanship on this vehicle, as the Village's mechanic has worked hard on it and he
noted it would last much longer than had the work been rushed.
Mr. Russo reminded the Board that there would be a Swearing in Ceremony at 8:30 p.m. on May
11" for the Village's new Lieutenant.
Mr. Caplan asked for information regarding the intersection of King Street and the Hutch. He
stated his understanding that the originally plans for the intersection had been modified
significantly from its original form. He asked what the Board proposed to do with regard to
signalization at this intersection and noted that what is presently in place is a disaster, noting that
it experienced frequent backups. Mayor Filipowski asked Mr. Russo for any feedback from the
State. Mr. Russo noted that at this time the State does not have plans for modification and
signalization at King Street. There are no guarantees but the State is hoping to make progress
with Greenwich on some level for that intersection in the future. On the plus side, he noted that
all of the work would be done to re-align the Blind Brook High School drive and improve the
interseciton at the Glenville light. He continued, and summarized the State's plans.
Trustee Brackman noted that this is a State road and a source of concern for not only Rye Brook
residents but Greenwich residents, Port Chester residents and anyone who uses it. She suggested
that perhaps some kind of an interstate agreement could be worked out with respect to lights after
the road work is done. She felt that the Board should look into this possibility. Mr. Russo stated
that a meeting could be scheduled once a contractor is appointed.
Mayor Filipowski next invited comments from members of the public.
Mrs. Sullivan of Betsy Brown Road stepped forward. She addressed her concern regarding
construction in her area. She noted that recently, on windy days, there had been a great amount
of dust and debris blown onto her property from the Red Roof Farm construction site. She asked
the Board for their assistance, and Mr. Russo responded that he would look into this issue.
Mr. Gene Reich of 11 Winthrop Drive came forward to address some of the concerns that he and
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Tuesday, April 27, 1999
his neighbors have with regard to the future plans for Pine Ridge Park and a ballfield. The
concern is that if you build a ballfield and extend the parking then there will be a tremendous
problem in terms of noise, activity and traffic. If you run the ballfields simultaneously then there
will be a problem. If you nun games on a staggered schedule, then the need for additional parking
would be minimized. He noted that the developer of Red Roof Farm planned to have a path from
his development into the park, which would enable many people to use the public streets at Red
Roof Farm as a parking area. This would reduce the need for additional parking on public streets.
Another question Mr. Reich raised was regarding whether or not Pine Ridge Park is a public park
for the residents of Rye Brook. The answer was yes. He then asked if there was a way that the
activities in the park could be monitored, or permitted, especially with regard to the basketball
courts. He was also very concerned about problems from expanded parking.
Mayor Filipowski stated that his personal feeling was that he would like to see no additional
parking. However, this is all still in the works. Mr. Reich noted that if you add parking then it
will act as a magnet to draw more people into that area, and they may not be local people. Mr.
Russo noted that there would be a public hearing and everyone with concerns is welcome and
would be heard.
Trustee Zuckerman asked Mr. Powell if there was a way to regulate the use of the basketball
courts using similar regulations as those for tennis courts. Mr. Powell stated that the answer to
this question depends on funding sources. As there are legal issues connected with this issue,
research regarding the funding of the park would have to be done in order to answer these types
of questions. Trustee Brackman noted that the procedure for using the tennis courts included
permit fees for both residents and non-residents. Mr. Russo commented that the tennis courts are
controlled by a fee schedule and perhaps the basketball courts could be controlled by a similar
schedule. Trustee Zuckerman felt that the courts were used by Rye Brook residents and residents
from neighboring communities, which speaks well for the courts themselves as they must be good
if they are attracting all these people.
Mr. Charles Cano of 3-Edgewood Drive addressed the Board. Several years ago the Town was
doing work to the Town Sewer and debris was dumped on the property adjacent to his. The
other property is now owned by the Village. The contractor who was doing the work for the
Town was doing the dumping and this dumping was said to be temporary. After many tries to
rectify this situation and have the debris removed, Mr. Cano turned to the police for their
assistance, who stopped the dumping on the basis of trespassing because, at that time, the
property belonged to a private individual and had nothing to do with the Town or the Town
Sewer. This filling raised the ground water level and relocated the swamp to Mr. Cano's
property. Although this fill was to be removed, a few years later two large houses were
constructed on top of the fill which was leveled out but left on the site. The result raise the grade
by 4'-10'. All C.O.'s were obtained for these two houses and no corrections to drainage were
made. He asked the Board for help, and supplied the Board with pictures of the area, a diagram
of what existed previously and a sketch of what now exists.
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Tuesday, April 27, 1999
Mayor Filipowski asked when the sewer work was done. Mr. Cann responded that it was done in
approximately 1982 and he had been trying to rectify this situation since that time. Mayor
Filipowski asked Mr. Russo to look into this issue. He thanked Mr. Cano for bringing this issue
to the Board's attention.
There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
MIlyitted,
Christopher I Russo, Village Clerk
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