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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-10-24 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes AGENDA VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2000-- 7:30 P.M. 6:30 P.M. EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL LITIGATION PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ACTION: PRESENTATION: 1. RAY FISCHLEIN, NYSDOT AREA SUPERVISOR- CONSTRUCTION RE: STATUS OF HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT 2. CONCERNED CITIZENS FOR RESPONSIBLE DEVELOP- MENT RE: TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION RESOLUTIONS: 1. AUTHORIZING SNOW & ICE REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY 2, INCREASING MEMBERSHIP OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK AIRPORT ADVISORY COUNCIL 3. BUDGET MODIFICATIONS 10. MINUTES: JULY 25, 2000 AUGUST 8, 2000 AUGUST 22, 2000 SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 ANNOUNCEMENT: 1. TECHNOLOGY SYMPOSIUM-HELD BY THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 2, 2000 AT 8:00 P.M. NEXT TRUSTEES MEETING NOVEMBER 14, 2000 and NOVEMBER 28, 2000 Village Hall is fully accessible to the handicapped. Those who need special arrangements should contact the Village Administrator's Office ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE OF A MEETING at (914) 939-1121. MINUTES OF A MEETING VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET RYE BROOK,NEW YORK TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2000, 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 Brackman Trustee Donald Degling Trustee Roger Herman Excused: Trustee Lawrence Rand The following Village staff were present: Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator Ken Powell, Village Attorney Victor Carosi, Village Engineer Robert Santoro, Police Chief Paula Pataflo, Meeting Secretary Mayor Filipowski called for the first item on the agenda. PRESENTATION: 1. RAY FISCHLEIN,NYSDOT AREA SUPERVISOR-CONSTRUCTION,RE:STATUS OF HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT. Mr. Ray Fischlein addressed the Board. Also in attendance were Mr.Walter Greenwood of Boswell Engineering and Mr. Boris Vays, Project Engineer in Charge for the NYSDOT. Mayor Filipowski asked that Mr. Fischlein begin his presentation by discussing the new bridge on Ridge Street. Mr. Fischlein noted that the North Ridge Street bridge would be opened on November 13'. The bridge will be closed the weekend prior to the 1301 and then it will be officially opened on Monday,November 13'. The other ramps will be opened at the same time. In order to ensure that everyone that uses these roads will be aware of the street closing in this area the State will place Boards announcing the November 9'h, 4:30 p.m., closure throughout the area. These message boards will be placed on King Street, Ridge Street and Westchester Avenue approximately two weeks in advance to allow residents to make adjustments to their routes. The Village will also place notices on the government access channel. It was also noted that the old bridge will be removed by the end of the year. Mr. Fischlein then discussed the Hutch in general. He stated that the top course would not be done this year. This means that the DOT will be back next year for about six to eight weeks and this work will be commenced in the early part of April 2001, with a scheduled completion date of May 31". At that time they will complete the top course paving and the final striping. Traffic will be in its final alignment, all the lanes, bridges and shoulders will be open, the drainage will be working, and the signals will be functioning by December of this year. A member of the public questioned how the drainage would function without the top course in place. Mr. Fischlein responded that they would ramp up the 1 %" to the basins and although there would be some puddling on the shoulders it would not interfere with traffic at all. Mr. Fischlein stated that the new traffic signals on Glenville Road and King Street will be functioning by mid-December. He noted that the paving on King Street would not be completed this year. The contractor received a bonus for completing work on the Hutch but this bonus was not associated with the work scheduled for King Street. As a result, the contractor focused their work primarily on the Hutch. He stated that they are not abandoning King Street and will be doing some asphalt work, which includes milling and paving, and this will be completed next Spring in conjunction with the top course paving on the Hutch. Trustee Jody Brackman asked when the work would be completed on the new driveway to Blind Brook High School at the Glenville Road. Mr.Fischlein noted that the asphalt will be fixed in that area and they will install overhead signal detectors for the light at that intersection. The turn lanes will be in and the school's driveway will be opened by the end of October. Trustee Roger Herman asked for information on a berm to be planted on Upper Ridge Street. Mr.Fischlein noted that this will be completed in February. He pointed out that there is only a small area to work within, approximately 25'. Therefore, this berm will be 3-4' in height. Mayor Filipowski expressed an opinion that the timing mechanism for the signal light at the King Street/Glenville Road intersection is too long. The left turn lane from King Street onto Glenville seems to be held for a long period of time which, in turn, holds up traffic in that area. Mr. Fischlein responded that he will let the State know that the timing may be off at this intersection. When the loops are installed,during completion of the road,the signal will be much more efficient. Until the loops are installed, the signal will function on a fixed time, i.e., ten, twenty or thirty seconds. This issue will be investigated by the Traffic Engineering Group for the State and an adjustment will be made. Once the loops are installed and the paving is completed in the Spring, this problem will no longer exist. Mayor Filipowski asked if the State intended to put a right turn lane from King Street to Glenville Road. Mr. Fischlein responded that a right turn lane is not proposed for that area. A brief discussion regarding the original plans and a no left turn from the first ramp of the Hutch,traveling north on Ding Street ensued. Mr.Fischlein noted that there was nothing in the current plans for this area. He stated that he would look into the issue of a no left turn from the northbound exit. Debbie Faust of Winding Wood Road addressed the Board. She asked if there would be a lefthand turning lane on the North Ridge Street bridge. Mr.Boris Vays noted that the bridge will be set up the same way it was before the constriction. Ms. Faust asked if an Adopt-A- Highway Program could be set up for this area. Mr. Fischlein stated that he would refer this matter to the State's real estate group and put Ms.Faust in touch with the right people. Ms. Faust noted that there was standing water behind her home and she asked if this could be looked at. Mr. Fischlein stated that he would look into this issue. He reminded the Board that there were two groups involved in this area: one was an environmental group looking to preserve the wetlands and the other was the group combating the West Nile virus. The State will do what they can to alleviate the problem of standing water. Mr.Marty Krause of North Ridge Street asked when the state would be installing a wooden fence in front of a chain link fence that currently is in place at North Ridge Street. Mr. Fischlein was not aware of any agreement to place a wood fence in this area. He would add this issue to the list of issues he would be looking into. Mr.Dean Santon ofHillandale Road addressed the Board. He noted that Blind Brook School will be having parent/teacher conferences on November 9"' and 10"'. He felt that these meetings should be taken into consideration when the detours are set up. He then questioned how the top course of pavement not being completed at this time related to the completion of the project and the bonus for the contractor. He felt that the way the bonus was set up caused King Street to be left dormant because it only applied to the Hutch. Mr. Fischlein noted that Mr. Santon was correct in that there was only a bonus on the Hutch portion of the job. It had been decided early on that this portion of the project would better serve the public if it was completed as soon as possible and thus the bonus was placed on only that portion. The work crews have been working Saturdays and long hours for the better part of two years. Mr. Santon then asked what type of penalty has Ecco received for their mistake in cutting down the trees on comer of King Street and North Ridge. It was his opinion that Ecco should be made to bear financial penalties for this error. Mr.Fischlein stated that it was his understanding that Ecco was responsible for replanting trees in the area in question. Mr. Jerry Applebaum of Country Ridge Drive North addressed the Board as a resident, and as the Chairman of the Traffic Commission. He addressed the issue of the wood fence on Upper Ridge Street. He noted that there is a visual effect at night in that area where the cars on the Hutch seem to be on Ridge Street and you don't realize that they are actually on the Hutch until you get closer. A wood fence, in addition to eliminating this problem, would block the chain link fence which is an eyesore. Mr. Fischlein will express the concerns expressed this evening regarding this fence to the State. He noted that he did not receive the Village's letter requesting that a fence be constructed in that area. Mr. Bradbury will be forwarding a copy to Mr. Fischlein. There being no further questions or comments from the Board, or members of the public, Mayor Filipowski thanked Mr. Fischlein for his presentation. The next item on the agenda was called before the Board. 2. CONCERNED CITIZENS FOR RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT RE: TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION. Melissa Rosen of Nyack made a presentation to the Board regarding the reconstruction of the Tappan Zee Bridge. She presented the Board with a briefing paper regarding the expansion of the bridge. It included an 1287 Task Force report,articles on the subject,and a copy of the Resolution passed by the South Nyack Board of Trustees. She noted that this project was originally started by trying to remediate the traffic problems on 1287. Governor Pataki asked that a study be done to come up with a solution. It was Ms. Rosen's opinion that the conclusions reached in this study were extremely flawed. She pointed out many inconsistencies in the study. An important aspect to note with regard to this project is that there is a rail component which is a major part of the suggested project. This rail will run from Stewart Airport to Port Chester,paralleling I287 in Westchester,where it will connect with the New Haven Line. None of the homeowners in the proposed area have heard about this project, or the fact that they will end up with a rail behind their property. This rail will have an adverse effect on the quality of life for the residents of Rye Brook. She noted that the finished project will cost the taxpayers between$14 and$22 billion dollars. Anyresident that would like more information on this project can contact Ms.Rosen at 845-358-3205 or 212-638-1072. Mayor Filipowski thanked Ms. Rosen for her presentation. The Board then moved to the Resolution portion of the meeting. RESOLUTIONS: 1. AUTHORIZING SNOW AND ICE REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY. Mr. Christopher Bradbury read the following Resolution: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SNOW AND ICE AGREEMENT FOR COUNTY ROADS 2000 - 2005 RESOLVED,the Village of Rye Brook is authorized to enter into a snow and ice agreement with the Comity of Westchester for the period of October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2005 under which the Village will be compensated for snow removal and ice control on approximately 4.55 miles of County roads at the rates set forth in such agreement; 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 pointed out some inconsistencies in the agreement and asked for clarification on these issues. The first item was the difference between Schedule A and B, with Schedule B containing lower rates. Mr. Bradbury noted that the Village of Rye Brook would fall into Schedule B. He also noted that this contract is a boiler plate contract used for many municipalities. Mr. Bradbury stated that this agreement is similar to the one used last year with the only major difference being the change over to a five year agreement versus a three year agreement. An additional question was raised in regard to the reference made to Polly Park Road and Bowman Avenue. Trustee Degling noted that no part of Polly Park Road is located in Rye Brook. Mr. Carosi responded that with regard to this clause in the agreement, all of Bowman Avenue, up to the Rye Brook line,will be the Village's responsibility. Mr.Bradbury stated that he would make these corrections/changes and,additionally,he will verify the reference made to the County Airport Access Road as Rye Brook does not maintain this portion of the roadway. Trustee Brackman noted that under this agreement Rye Brook is reimbursed by the County in the amount of approximately$7,600. 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 2. INCREASING MEMBERSHIP OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK AIRPORT ADVISORY COUNCIL. Mr. Bradbury read the following Resolution: RESOLUTION INCREASING MEMBERSHIP OF VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK AIRPORT ADVISORY COUNCIL RESOLVED,Article III of the Constitution of the Village of Rye Brook Airport Advisory Council, as adopted on August 8, 2000, is amended to increase the number of voting members of such Council from seven (7) to nine (9), and adjust the number of initial three (3) year term appointments, as follows: ARTICLE III- MEMBERSHIP: The Council shall consist of[seven] nine voting members appointed by and accountable to the Board of Trustees. Initial appointments as voting members shall be four members for two year terms and[three] five members for a three year term. Thereafter, all appointments of voting members shall be for three year terms. Vacancies in voting membership shall be filled by the Board of Trustees for the unexpired term. Voting members who attend less than 75%of all meetings held within the calendar year shall be reported to the Board of Trustees and subject to removal by resolution of the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees may appoint additional non-voting associate members,to serve at its pleasure, in such number as deemed advisable, in order to increase the Council's effectiveness,develop citizen expertise on airport issues,and forge relationships with County and local officials having interests in airport issues. Associate members shall have the duties itemized in Article 11 above, and shall be entitled to fully participate in Council activities, except for voting. On a motion made by Trustee Brackman, and seconded by Trustee Degling, the Resolution was approved. TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE TRUSTEE HERMAN VOTING AYE MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE 3. BUDGET MODIFICATIONS. Mr. Bradbury read the following Resolution: RESOLUTION BUDGET MODIFICATION RESOLVED, that the following budget modification be hereby approved: FROM TO AMOUNT 101.1990.424 101.3120.189 $50,000 (Contingency) (Police Dept. - Overtime) A discussion ensued regarding why the money was not being allocated from the Police Officer Overtime account. Mr. Bradbury noted that there was not a sufficient amount of money in that account. It was also noted that there were funds available as a promotion within the police force had not yet been made. An alternative would be to transfer$25,000 from the contingency and$25,000 from the patrol line. Chief Santoro noted that the end result is that the dollars will end up in the same place. It is less paperwork to transfer the money from contingency. Mr.Bradbury will discuss the possibility of splitting the transfer between the two accounts. On a motion made by Trustee Degling the Resolution was approved. TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE TRUSTEE HERMAN VOTING AYE MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE 4. MINUTES: July 25, 2000 August 8, 2000 August 22, 2000 September 5, 2000 September 26, 2000 For the record,it was noted that the September 26`x'meeting had a stenographer in attendance and that his report, although not part of the record,it was available to members of the public who wished to view it. On a motion made by Trustee Degling, and seconded by Trustee Herman, the minutes were approved with several minor corrections. TRUSTEE BRACKIVIAN VOTING AYE TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE TRUSTEE HERMAN VOTING AYE MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE ANNOUNCEMENT: 1. TECHNOLOGY SYMPOSIUM- HELD BY THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 2,2000 AT 8:00 P.M. Mayor Filipowski announced that the next Board of Trustee meetings will be held on November 14, 2000 and November 28, 2000. Other scheduled meetings are as follows: A Vision Plan Meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, October 26,2000 at 8:00 p.m., and a joint meeting with the Blind Brook PTA, and Port Chester will also be invited, on November 14`" at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the concerns regarding a cell tower which is being considered for Ridge Street and the Hutch. Trustee Brackman noted a meeting scheduled for November 5`" from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to be held at the Port Chester Middle School cafeteria. It is a breakfast for the Port Chester/Rye Brook Youth Board celebrating the talent of our youth. Mayor Filipowski requested that a briefpresentation from the liaisons members of the various boards and commissions be made commencing at the next Board of Trustee meeting. Mayor Filipowski noted that there are two additional individuals leaving the Village. Heather I{rakowski, of the Recreation Department,is leaving Rye Brook to work as Recreation Assistant in Port Chester. Her last day is November 5 . Also leaving is Mr. Charles Peretz, who has worked for Rye Brook since January of 1999. Mr. Peretz will be working for the City of Rye. Mayor Filipowski gave a brief presentation on a meeting that he attended with Christopher Bradbury and Lawrence Engle.They spoke with the County Legislators with regard to evaluating the cell tower proposed for Ridge Street and the Hutch. Rye Brook is opposed to having this cell tower placed in this area. The County Legislators were very supportive. Mr. Dean Santon noted that there will be a Rye Town Council meeting held on November 5`". It will be a public hearing regarding the Model Plan for Crawford Park. Issues that have an impact on the Village will be discussed and he encouraged residents to attend. Chief Robert Santoro noted that the Rye Brook Police Department will be working with the County and there will be seatbelt checks scheduled for the month of November. Mayor Filipowski reminded the public of the importance of wearing their seatbelts and asked the residents to comply with the law.Chief Santoro also announced that Rye Brook and Port Chester will be working with the County on the Gun Amnesty Law. Once dates have been decided they will be announced on the government access channel and posted in the local newspapers. There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Christopher Bradbury Village Cleric