HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-01-23 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF A MEETING
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET
RYE BROOK, NEW YORK
JANUARY 23, 2001
CONVENE MEETING
The January 23, 20001 meeting of the Board of Trustees 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 Brackman
Trustee Donald Degling
Trustee Roger Herman
Excused. Trustee Lawrence Rand
The following Village staff were present:
Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator
Ingrid Bent, Assistant to the Village Administrator
Ken Powell, Village Attorney
Victor Carosi, Village Engineer
William Gerety, Building Inspector
Robert Santoro, Police Chief
Jon Kantor, Consultant
Helen Glynn, Youth Bureau Director
It was noted that the Board held an Executive Session prior to the commencement of the meeting
to discuss Personnel Issues and Labor Negotiations.
Mayor Filipowski took the agenda out of order and asked that the Resolutions be addressed first.
He called for the first item under the Resolutions.
RESOLUTIONS:
1. APPOINTING INSPECTORS OF ELECTION FOR THE 2001 VILLAGE
ELECTION
Mr. Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator, read the following Resolution:
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RESOLUTION
INSPECTORS OF ELECTION
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK- MARCH 20, 2001
RESOLVED, that pursuant to Section 15-116 of the Election law, there shall be two (2)
inspectors of Election for each Election District in the Village Election to be held on Tuesday,
March 20, 2001 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following Chairpersons, Inspectors of Election and
Alternate Inspectors be hereby appointed:
District Inspector Address Location
#20 Maria Varbaro, Chair 10 Paddock Road PCMS
420 Bette D. Harris 12 Rock Ridge Drive PCMS
#21 Betty Greto, Chair 3 West Street PCMS
#21 Marie D' Ambrosio 56 Avon Circle, Apt. D PCMS
#22 Marie Capoci, Chair 20 '/2 Lincoln Avenue BBHS
#22 Sonia Briganti 54 North Ridge Street BBHS
923 Irving Starr, Chair 9 Bowman Avenue RSS
#23 Naomi Starr 9 Bowman Avenue RSS
#26 Josephine Aulenti, Chair 127 Ridge Street PCHS
#26 Mildred DiSanto 151 North Ridge Street PCHS
#27 Clem Patafio, Chair 62 Valley Terrace RSS
427 Antoinette Patafio 62 Valley Terrace RSS
#29 Judy Uhry, Chair 19 Rockridge Drive RSS
#29 Mary Summa 50 North Ridge Street RSS
930 Agnes Kanning, Chair 16 Sheldon Street, Ardsley BBHS
#30 Mindy Aronowitz 1636 Mamaroneck Ave., BBHS
Mamaroneck
#31 Marie Godano, Chair 16 Jennifer Lane RSS
#31 Estelle Cohen 50 North Ridge Street RSS
Alternate Inspectors
Betty Sabourin 6 Lincoln Avenue
Katherine Teevan 43 Avon Circle
Gene Reich 11 Winthrop Drive
Marion Aicher 17 Rock Ridge Drive
Linda Fricke 108 Old Orchard Road
Victor Lionte 2 Winthrop Drive
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On a motion made by Trustee Jody Brackman, and seconded by Trustee Roger Herman, the
Resolution was adopted.
TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE HERMAN VOTING AYE
MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE
2. APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL FOREMAN
Mr. Bradbury read the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL FOREMAN
RESOLVED, that Ronald V. Romano, 65 Rossiter Avenue, Yonkers, New York, is
hereby appointed to the position of General Foreman with the Village of Rye Brook, subject to
the Civil Service procedures of the State of New York; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the annual salary for the position is $60,000 with a
probationary period of six months and an effective start date of January 29, 2001.
On a motion made by Trustee Donald Degling, and seconded by Trustee Herman, the
Resolution was adopted.
TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE HERMAN VOTING AYE
MAYOR FIL POWSKI VOTING AYE
3. PROMOTION OF POLICE OFFICER
Mr. Bradbury read the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION
PROMOTION OF POLICE OFFICER
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RESOLVED, that Richard Carroll, 914 Warren Avenue, Thornwood, New York, is
hereby promoted, subject to the New York State Civil Service rules, to the position of Police
Sergeant with the Village of Rye Brook; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the annual salary for the position is $ 72,715 with an
effective start date of February 5, 2001 and a probationary period of six (6) months.
On a motion made by Trustee Brackman, and seconded by Trustee Degling, the
Resolution was adopted.
TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE HERMAN VOTING AYE
MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE
Police Chief Robert Santoro introduced Officer Carroll who was congratulated by the
Mayor and Board of Trustees. Also introduced was Officer Robert Byrnes.
4. AUTHORIZATION TO HIRE ENGINEERING CONSULTANT FOR SITE PLAN
APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS
FACILITY AT 900 KING STREET
Mr. Bradbury read the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION
RETAINING LAWLER, MATUSKY & SKELLY ENGINEERS LLP
PROPOSED TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY
SPRINT SPECTRUM SPECIAL PERMIT APPLICATION
WHEREAS, Sprint Spectrum L.P. d/b/a Sprint PCS has made a special permit and site
plan application to the Board of Trustees to install an attached wireless telecommunications
facility on an existing building at 900 King Street, Rye Brook,New York; and
WHEREAS, the application was referred to the Planning Board, the Advisory Council on
Environmental Conservation and the Telecommunications Commission for reports and
recommendations; and
WHEREAS, in a letter dated December 18, 2000, the Chairman of the Planning Board
advised that the Planning Board will require technical assistance to complete its review of the
application.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook is authorized
to retain the firm of Lawler Matusky and Skelly Engineers LLP, Environmental Science and
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Engineering Consultants, to provide a review and report on the Sprint Spectrum attached
telecommunications facility application; and it is further
RESOLVED,that the cost of the review and report shall be borne by the applicant; 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.
On a motion made by Trustee Degling, and seconded by Trustee Herman, the Resolution
was adopted.
TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE HERMAN VOTING AYE
MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE
Trustee Brackman asked about the process that was used to choose this firm. Mr.
Bradbury noted that Lawler Matusky and Skelly Engineers LLP was recommended to the
Village. This firm has worked on other similar projects with neighboring communities.
Trustee Herman asked for information regarding costs involved. Mr. Bradbury responded
that Lawler Matusky and Skelly Engineers' fees were reasonable when compared with
other consultants.
5. 1999/2000 YEAR END BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
Mr. Bradbury read the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION
1999/2000 YEAR END
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
RESOLVED, that the following budget modifications be hereby approved:
FROM TO AMOUNT
101.1680.499 101.1325.469 $ 5,067.94
(MIS - Contractual) (Treasurer's Office—Misc.)
101.1680.499 101.1325.499 $ 4,067.37
(MIS — Contractual) (Treasurer's Office—
Contractual)
101.1980.423 101.3510.499 $ 1.00
(Consulting Fees) Control of Dogs—
Contractual)
101.1980.423 101.5110.469 $ 1,420.84
(Consulting Fees) (Highway Dept. —Misc.)
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101.9730.100 101.9730.101 $ 17,664.78
(Principal—BAN) (Interest—BAN)
101.9730.100 101.9950.910 $115,495.00
(Principal—BAN) (Interfund BAN
Financing)
101.9950.900 101.971.0.600 $ 4,000.00
(Interfund Transfer) (Serial Bond Principal)
On a motion made by Trustee Brackman, and seconded by Trustee Degling, the
Resolution was adopted.
TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE HERMAN VOTING AYE
MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE
6. SETTING GRIEVANCE DAY
Mr. Bradbury read the following Resolution:
RESOLUTION
SETTING GRIEVANCE DAY
FEBRUARY 20, 2001
WHEREAS, the tentative assessment roll for the Village of Rye Brook will be completed
by the Assessor of the Village of Rye Brook, County of Westchester, on February 1, 2001; and
WHEREAS, said assessment roll may be seen and examined by any interested person
until the third Tuesday in February (February 20, 2001) at the Assessor's Office, 10 Pearl Street,
Port Chester, New York, 10573; and
WHEREAS, persons having objections or grievances against the assessments must file
with the Assessor of the Village of Rye Brook, an application for review no later than the third
Tuesday in February, 2001.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT THEREBY RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook
Board of Trustees sitting as the Board of Assessment Review will meet on said third Tuesday,
February 20, 2001, at Village Hall, 938 King Street, Rye Brook, New York, 10573, between the
hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. to consider those applications that have been filed on or before
that date.
On a motion made by Trustee Brackman, and seconded by Trustee Degling, the
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Resolution was adopted.
TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE HERMAN VOTING AYE
MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE
7. CONSIDERING THE APPROVAL Of, MINUTES: January 9, 2001
On a motion made by Trustee Degling, and seconded by Trustee Brackman, the Minutes
were accepted subject to minor corrections.
TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE HERMAN VOTING AYE
MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE
Mayor Filipowski returned to the agenda and called for the first item under Presentations.
PRESENTATIONS:
2. REPORT ON PORT CHESTER/RYE BROOK YOUTH BUREAU
Helen Glynn, Youth Bureau Director, was asked to give a report about the Youth
Bureau's accomplishments during its first year of operation. She noted that the primary
objectives of the Bureau were to learn about the community and assess the community's
needs. She noted that there are four entities that contribute to the budget for the Youth
Bureau: 1) The Village of Rye Brook; 2) The Village of Port Chester; 3) The School
District of Port Chester, and 4) The State of New York.
Ms. Glynn discussed some of the programs that are coordinated by the Bureau. One
program, the Careers in Law Enforcement Program, is being offered to at risk youths in
high school. This program explores careers within the police force, the legal field, and
the public sector. It was offered to students from Rye Brook and Port Chester, but
unfortunately no responses were received from Rye Brook's young people. A second
program is the anti-tobacco program that was started this year by two students fi•om Rye
Brook and one from Port Chester. Also, a new program which has been scheduled to
start in February of 2001, primary goal is to help families prepare their children for
college. This program will enlist the aid of universities, corporations, and local groups
from around the area. The Youth Bureau is in the process of identifying other programs
that will mentor and provide leadership to young people.
Dean Santon of Hillandale Road requested clarification of the grants that were being
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applied for and what they would be used for. He was curious about two things #1) the
interaction of the Rye Brook's residents, and #2 the amount of tax payer monies that
have been spent on this program. In response, Ms. Glynn noted that her office works as a
conduit. It is not involved in providing direct programing, nor does it counsel children.
The Bureau is responsible for the coordination of youth services in the community and,
hopefully in the future, will work to generate additional programs. Everyone understands
that there needs to be more activities for the children of Rye Brook.
Ms. Glynn noted that her Board meets eleven times per year. This is an advisory board
and it has been in place since last April. This Board is a process that is still in its infancy.
This Youth Bureau is one of six in Westchester County.
The total cost of the Youth Bureau office is $63,951 per year. This amount covers her
salary and benefits package, and the operation of the office —rental space, equipment, etc.
Of this amount the Village of Port Chester pays just about half— $31,823. The State of
New York contributes $21,128. The Village of Rye Brook contributes $8,000. The Port
Chester School District contributes $2,000. They Rye Brook School District is currently
not contributing.
Trustee Brackman asked if Ms. Glynn has had contact with the DARE program and the
Youth Awareness Committee. Ms. Glynn stated that the schools have not contacted her
about any of the drug prevention programs.
Mayor Filipowski asked what the Youth Bureau was doing to help promote the joint
SADD Chapter. Ms. Glynn stated that some of the students from Port Chester are
interested in creating a local chapter of SADD. Currently there is a State Chapter.
Mayor Filipowski thanked Ms. Glynn for her presentation. He then called for the next
item on the agenda.
1. TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION PRESENTATION ON PUBLIC
ACCESS GUIDELINES
Mr. Ed Howe, Chairman of the Telecommunications Commission addressed the Board.
He noted that a request was made approximately one year ago to run a tape concerning
the school bond on the government access channel. The request was denied and many
residents felt that this was unfair. As a result, the Telecommunications Commission was
given the task of researching this issue. A subcommittee was put together and it worked
to create the "Rye Brook Government Access Channel Public Access Guidelines." Mr.
Howe noted that as the Village does not have the proper equipment, tapes will have to
run on a continuous loop for days at a time. Accordingly, the Village has to purchase new
equipment that will have the capabilities necessary to properly air tapes, this issue is
currently being researched. Mr. Howe presented the Board with copies of the Guidelines.
In addition, copies of this document were made available to any individual wishing to
review it.
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Lori Hecker and Pamela Kaplow, members of the Telecommunications Commission,
addressed the Board. Their presentation was based on the document. They gave an
overview, noting that although the document presented this evening is a final document, it
can be changed to reflect comments from the public, such as the Village Board and Village
Officials. They also noted several specific areas of the document. One specific issue
addressed was elections. The Commission is hopeful that the guidelines will be accepted
so that it will apply to the upcoming election.
There are three channels allocated to the Village: two are educational channels — one for
District 5 and one for District 4; the third is the government access channel. This
government access channel provides information to the community related to government
affairs. It includes videotaped meetings of the Board of Trustees and Committees,
government related community message, other government related communications. This
channel is accessible to all residents who receive cable. The Commission has delineated
time to be used for public access and government information. The purpose of Rye Brook
public access is to provide a conduit of information to its residents -- a means by which
residents may take advantage of the television media. It is to be used to increase
opportunities for community expression and to provide a place where announcements can
be posted. The goal is to encourage the broadest possible diversity of use and
programming by the community. Programs must serve the viewing audience and must
conform to Local, State and Federal laws with respect to content. In addition, programs
must adhere to governmental access criteria. Ms. Hecker noted that the Village has the
authority to impose reasonable limitations.
The document is divided into sections which address specific issues, i.e. the community
billboard and political programming. Ms. Hecker read the entire section on Political
Programming to ensure that members of the public, and candidates, are clear on the
guidelines that are being set forth. Also reviewed were legal liabilities, copyrighting
content, disciplinary action and the appeals process.
Mayor Filipowski asked who would be overseeing the programming. Ms. Hecker stated
that it would be the Public Access Coordinator. If the Coordinator denies access to an
individual then the issue can be referred to the Telecommunications Commission. It will
also be available to resolve any other disputes that may arise. Mayor Filipowski asked the
Commission to look into the issue of time limitations.
Mayor Filipowski noted that as Village elections are always on the third Tuesday of the
month, he asked for clarification of the statement `the immediately preceding Monday,'
which was used to describe when campaigning should end (one week prior to an election).
Mr. Howe noted that this was a conflicting statement, but it was the intention of the
Commission to disallow campaigning for one whole week before an election day.
Trustee Herman noted that the school board should have access to the channel, as should
the Village of Port Chester, for election purposes.
Mr. Howe stated that what was being addressed with this document was not the ability to
produce a program but rather the ability to govern the rules surrounding the showing of
the program.
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Gary Zuckerman of Hillandale Road addressed the Board. He commended the
Telecommunications Commission on the work that it has done, noting that there has been
a real attempt to create a level playing field for all of the candidates.
Mr. Dean Santon, of Hillandale Road, suggested that the Village Board hold public
workshops to discuss this issue; preferably a setting less formal than the Board of Trustee
meeting. However, he wanted the arbitration process to be clarified. He suggested that
the Commission research the legal ramification of such a process.
Mayor Filipowski commended the Commission for its volunteer work. Mr. Powell, the
Village's Attorney, was asked to review the document and prepare a memorandum for the
Board of Trustees. Board members were instructed to submit any comments and
questions to Mr. Powell.
At the completion of the Telecommunication's presentation, Mr. Bradbury read a
Resolution appointing a Recreation Assistant.
RESOLUTION
APPOINTMENT OF RECREATION ASSISTANT
RESOLVED, that Jason Gallo, 16 Galloway Lane, Peekskill,New York, is hereby
appointed to the position of Recreation Assistant with the Village of Rye Brook, subject to the
Civil Service procedures of the State of New York; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the annual salary for the position is $33,000 with a
probationary period of six months and an effective start date of February 5, 2001.
On a motion-made by Trustee Degling, and seconded by Trustee Brackman, the
Resolution was adopted.
TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE HERMAN VOTING AYE
MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE
Mayor Filipowski moved to the Discussion portion of the agenda, calling for item 91.
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1. VISION PLAN
Mr. Jon Kantor, Village Planner, was asked to comment on how the Board should
proceed with the Vision Plan. He noted that there are questions regarding whether or not
this Vision Plan is a land use plan. He felt that the environmental review process should be
researched some more. Acceptance of the plan could be done through the short
Environmental Assessment Form — which would involve a somewhat less intense review
process. Trustee Herman asked if the Village Board has the right to make the decision of
whether or not there should be a long form or a short form. Mr. Kantor responded that
they do. Mayor Filipowski asked if the less formal process has the same sense of validity
that a court could look at and support with regard to the land use issue. Acceptance
suggests that the plan is received and acknowledged as presented by the Task Force. Ken
Powell felt that the Board should adopt the Vision Plan as something not set in stone. He
stated that they can endorse the whole plan or parts of the plan.
A member of the public asked if there would be a public hearing on this document before
it is accepted. Mayor Filipowski stated that there would be.
The final item on the agenda was called before the Board.
2. WATER DISTRICT#4
Mr. Bradbury made a brief presentation regarding Water District. #4, which consists of
Rye Brook, Rye City, Rye Town and Port Chester. Since 1994 approximately $300,000
was raised by taxes. The water district funded a study of the possible acquisition of the
New York Water Company. It is important to note that it was not willing to be purchased.
An update followed that report. At this time it is felt that the District should be abolished
and the remaining funds should be returned to the taxpayers. Three options have been
discussed and a meeting has been scheduled for February 6, 2001 at the County. Mr.
Bradbury will be in attendance. He will prepare a second presentation which will include
information gathered at this meeting.
The members of the Board felt that trying to purchase the Water Company at a time when
they do not want to sell is inappropriate. In addition, it was noted that the District would
then have to purchase water. The Village Board felt that attempting to return the
taxpayers monies made the most sense.
Gary Zuckerman suggested that rather than returning this money and then turning around
and raising money to repair the existing sewers, that this money be used for these repairs.
Mayor Filipowski asked for further comments on this subject. There being none, he made
several community announcements, starting with snow removal. Once again he reminded
residents that all sidewalks must be cleared of snow and ice. Notices/warnings will be
given to individuals who have not cleared their sidewalks on a timely basis.
A member of the public raised a question regarding snow removal. She noted that on
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Ridge Street, coming off the Hutchinson River Parkway, there are snow mounds which
block visibility. Mayor Filipowski stated that this will be looked into and removed.
It was noted that the Facilities Committee has reported back with a recommendation for
the location of the firehouse. The Committee has chosen the Village Hall property as the
best site. Mr. Bradbury will continue exploring exactly what this will entail and will put
together a presentation showing how this can be completed.
Dean Santon addressed the Board, stating that he was in attendance at the meeting where
the Facilities Committee discussed the firehouse. He expressed confusion about the
Facilities Committee's recommendation of the Village Hall site. He explained that at the
meeting the Committee discussed two sites: the first site was on Sleepy Hollow/Ridge
Street, which would best serve the community with regard to firefighting. The second site
was the Village Hall site, which it felt would have less community opposition. After
listening to the discussion, his opinion was that the best site for firefighting is Sleepy
Hollow/Ridge Street. Mayor Filipowski noted that the final word from the Facilities
Committee was that it suggested that the Village Hall site was the best site. He stated that
there were problems with the amount of space available on the Sleepy Hollow/Ridge
Street site and therefore it was removed from the memorandum the Facilities Committee
submitted to the Board of Trustees.
Mayor Filipowski announced that the Board of Trustees will hold a Work Session on
January 29, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. for the BelleFair Middle Income Units.
The next Board of Trustee meetings are scheduled for February 13, 2001 and February
27, 2001.
Mayor Filipowski asked for a motion for an Executive Session to be held following the
Board meeting to discuss Personnel and Litigation. On a motion made by Trustee
Degling, and seconded by Trustee Brackman, the Board scheduled the Executive Session,
TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE
TRUSTEE HERMAN VOTING AYE
MAYOR FH.IPOWSKI VOTING AYE
There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned.
Res ctfitlly sub fitted,
Christopher J. Bra ury
Village Administrator
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