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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-12-12 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes AGENDA VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2000 -- 7:30 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ACTION: PRESENTATION: 1. VISION PLAN PRESENTATION WITH RICHARD LUBKIN RESOLUTIONS: 1. APPOINTMENT TO FACILITIES COMMITTEE 2. APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN 3. CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON SPRINT SPECTRUM L.P. AND SPECIAL PERMIT AND SITE PLAN APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT ATTACHED WIRELESS TELECOMMUNI- CATIONS FACILITY AT 900 KING STREET 4. REFERRING BELLEFAIR DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS TO THE PLANNING CONSULTANT AND PLANNING BOARD DISCUSSION: 1. FIREHOUSE UPDATE 2. BELLEFAIR MIDDLE INCOME UNIT ELIGIBILITY UPDATE: BOARD OF TRUSTEE LIAISON UPDATE NEXT TRUSTEES MEETING JANUARY 9, 2000 and JANUARY 23, 2000 Village Hall is frilly accessible to the handicapped. Those who need special arrangements should contact the Village Administrator's Office ONE WEED 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- DECEMBER ORKDECEMBER 12, 2000 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 Degling Trustee Jody Braclanan Trustee Roger Herman Trustee Lawrence Rand The following Village staff were present: Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator Ken Powell, Village Attorney Robert Santoro, Police Chief Paula Patafio, Meeting Secretary Mayor Filipowski called for the first item on the agenda. PRESENTATIONS: 1. VISION PLAN PRESENTATION WITH RICHARD LUBKIN Mr. Richard Lubkin, Chairman of the Rye Brook Vision Plan Task Force, addressed the Board. He thanked the Task Force members: Paul Feinstein, John Grzan, and Harry Krausman, for their many hours of work on this project. He presented the Board with the culmination of their year-long effort. This report is the result of hundreds of hours spent in Town meetings, workshops and study groups in order to address the concerns of our community. The essence of the Vision Plan is a road map of the goals which are achievable, the strategies to achieve them, and action steps towards such strategies. The avenues of study have been categorized into five major areas. These areas are: local environment, natural environment, mobility, community resources, and government. The Vision Plan document addresses Rye Brook's aspirations: the Rye Brook Dialectic; lifestyle; communication; trade offs; and excellence. The time has now come for the Board of Trustees to review the Vision Plan to better understand the depth of the study. Mr. Lubkin noted that this document will be placed on the website so that all residents will have the ability to read it. Copies will be available through the Administrative offices and it can also be viewed on the govennnent access channel. 1 Mayor Filipowski thanked Mr. Lubkin and the Vision Plan Task Force for their hard work. The Board will cogitate over the Plan as there is a lot of information to digest. All members of the Board of Trustees echoed Mayor Filipowski's appreciation to the Task Force members. It was noted that this is a living document which is subject to change. It is a document that contains priorities, mandates and a wish list. Mayor Filipowski moved to the Resolution portion of the agenda. RESOLUTION: 1. APPOINTMENT TO THE FACILITIES COMMITTEE Mr. Christopher Bradbury read the following Resolution: RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT TO THE RYE BROOK FACILITIES COMMITTEE RESOLVED, that Stephan Weimar, 3 Jennifer Lane, Rye Brook,New York, is hereby appointed to the Rye Brook Facilities Committee, to fill an existing vacancy. On a motion made by Trustee Roger Herman, and seconded by Trustee Degling, the Resolution was approved. TRUSTEE BRACKMAN VOTING AYE TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE TRUSTEE HERMAN VOTING AYE TRUSTEE RAND VOTING AYE MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE 2. APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN RESOLVED,that Ingrid Bent of 151 Park Avenue,Mt.Vernon,New York is hereby appointed to the position of Administrative Intern 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 shall be $33,000 with au effective start date of December 18, 2000. 2 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 TRUSTEE RAND VOTING AYE MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE Ingrid Bent was introduced to the Board, and the members of the public. Mr. Bradbury stated that Ingrid has been highly recommended. She holds a Masters in Public Administration. She brings with her a very impressive resume. It was noted that the title of Administrative Intern is given until the time that Ingrid successfully takes the Civil Service Exam. 3. CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON SPRINT SPECTRUM L.P. AND SPECIAL PERMIT AND SITE PLAN APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT ATTACHED WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY AT 900 KINGS STREET. Mr. Bradbury read the following Resolution: RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON SPRINT SPECTRUM L.P. SPECIAL PERMIT AND SITE PLAN APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT ATTACHED WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY AT 900 KING STREET RESOLVED,that a public hearing will be held by the Board of Trustees on January 9, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. at Rye Brook Village Hall, 938 King Street, Rye Brook,New York on the application of Sprint Spectrum L.P. d/b/a Sprint PCS for a special permit and site plan approval to construct an attached wireless telecommunications facility at 900 King Street, Rye Brook, New York; and it is FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Village Clerk shall cause notice of the public hearing to be published and circulated as provided by law. On a motion made by Trustee Herman, and seconded by Trustee Brackman,the Resolution was adopted. TRUSTEE BRACKIVIAN VOTING AYE TRUSTEE DEGLING VOTING AYE 3 TRUSTEE HERMAN VOTING AYE TRUSTEE RAND VOTING AYE MAYOR FILIPOWSKI VOTING AYE This application is being referred to the Village's Environmental Council,Planning Board and Telecommunications Commission. All Boards will report to the Board of Trustees by the end of the year. The Chairmen of the Boards have been notified of this requirement. Information regarding this application will be placed on the government access channel. 4. REFERRING BELLEFAIR DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS TO THE PLANNING CONSULTANT AND PLANNING BOARD Mr. Bradbury summarized the following Resolution: RESOLUTION REFERRING BELLEFAIR DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS TO THE PLANNING BOARD WHEREAS, on January 27, 1998, the Board of Trustees adopted a Resolution granting subdivision, site plan, wetlands and special permit approval for the High Point Village PUD development, which development is now known as BelleFair; and WHEREAS,said Resolution pursuant to development standards were incorporated as notes accompanying the subdivision plat filed with the County Clerk including the following development standards: Lot Restrictions 1. Building envelopes shown as dashed lines within building lots on the Subdivision Plat are to provide for moderate flexibility in unit location and footprint at the time of construction. The area located inside each building envelope does not define the maximum allowable coverage for the lot. All future building additions or modifications must be located within the building envelope and are not permitted to cover the entire building envelope area. All future building additions or modifications shall also be subject to any laws,regulations or ordinances specifically applicable to this property that may be adopted by the Board of Trustees. 2. The construction of decks shall be restricted as follows: (a) No deck shall be constructed so as to extend beyond the front and/or side yard building envelope line as noted on the Subdivision Plat. (b)No deck shall be constructed so as to extend ten (10)feet beyond the rear yard building envelope line as noted on the Subdivision Plat or within ten (10) feet of any rear lot line,whichever is greater. 4 3. Each building lot must provide for a minimum of two (2) outdoor parking spaces entirely within the confines of the lot. Each building lot located on a municipality owned street shall provide for a minimum parking space depth of twenty(20) feet, measured into the lot from the right of way/property line. Each building lot located on a privately owned street shall provide for a minimum parking space depth of eighteen (18) feet, measured into the lot from the right of way/property line; and WHEREAS, it is appropriate to commence consideration of regulations as contemplated in Note No. 1 above and the purpose of this resolution is to request the Planning Consultant to provide a report and recommendations to the Planning Board with respect to the laws,regulations and ordinances which should govern future building additions and modifications on building lots. NOW THEREFORE IT IS RESOLVED,that the Board of Trustees'requests that the Planning Consultant commence a review and provide its report and recommendation on the appropriate laws, regulations and ordinances that should be considered for adoption by the Board of Trustees for future building additions and modifications on building lots in BelleFair; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that the Planning Consultant shall provide such report and recommendations to the Planning Board prior to its February 8, 2000 meeting for their review and comments. Mayor Filipowski noted that this Resolution is required in order to set up standards before the individuals who have purchased homes at Bellefair begin to request variances for modifications on their building lots. This offers the neighbors, and the community, protection with regard to what can or cannot be done. Mayor Filipowski moved to the Discussion portion of the agenda. DISCUSSION: 1. FIREHOUSE UPDATE Mr. Bradbury noted that this is a very important issue. Nancy Seligson issued a report from the June, 2000 meeting. There are copies of that report available to anyone wishing to review it. With regard to the properties being considered,Mr.Bradbury noted that there are some serious concerns with regard to the property along the Hutch. One issue noted was that it could be very expensive to locate the firehouse in this areabecause of the signalization that would be required. Other sites being looked at are on either side of the Village Hall,and one parcel of land near Sleepy Hollow. Mayor Filipowski noted at this stage of the game they are awaiting feedback from the Village's engineering consultant, especially with regard to the Hutch site. This issue will now be referred back to the Facilities Committee. Trustee Braclanan noted that there should be a short timetable placed on this project. A decision was 5 made to request all reports be completed by mid-March. Trustee Degling felt that a recommendation should be made as soon as possible from the three or four locations that are being considered. Although there are many explanations that can be offered for why it has taken so long,there are no excuses. It is now time to complete the analysis and decide which site is feasible and one that will meet the needs of the Village. Dean Santon of Hillandale Road felt that this process has become cumbersome and is way behind schedule. He asked how many studies need to be done before an educated decision can be made. He stated that it is time for the Board of Trustees to take the "Bull by the Horns". Mayor Filipowski felt that to try and rush this through would be unfair to those residents who would like to participate in this decision. After a brief discussion, the date of March 27, 2001 was selected in order to give the public enough time to participate. Mr. Bradbury noted that the Village's engineering consultants will be taking a hard look at the sites available in order to assist the Board in making their decision.. 2. BELLEFAIR MIDDLE INCOME UNIT ELIGIBILITY Mr. Christopher Bradbury gave a brief synopsis of where this project stands. He noted that the Village has been working with Spectrum Skanska to develop aplan for 12 middle income units. At this point the Board is preparing to make their final decisions regarding individuals who will be eligible, approving legal fees, and whether or not to use a lottery or another system. The current proposal is that the first category of eligible individuals will be Village employees and Emergency service workers. The second category will be Rye Brook and Port Chester School District employees, and Town of Rye Employees. The third category is the Village of Rye Brook residents and immediate family members. Trustee Degling felt that the objective of the program from the beginning was to make it possible for people who work for the Village to buy property within the Village. Unfortunately much of the property in the Village is out of the price range of many of the people who work for the Village. Priorities must be set to include a group of people large enough to be sure that all the property will be disposed of properly, and to ensure that there will be a market for the resale. Although many discussions have taken place concerning the individuals who should be eligible for these units, it was his feeling that the employees of the school districts should be in the first priority instead of the second. Trustee Rand noted that as far back as 1997 discussions were held where this prioritization was felt to be unfair and possibly discriminatory. He suggested that Mr. Bradbury and Mr. Ken Powell begin work on securing a process and make recommendations for eligibility that would be on an equal basis, and come up with recommendations for resale. As this project is now becoming a reality, this process must be expedited. Also to be looked at is the possibility of someone winning the lottery, moving in, and then a year later accepting employment out of the Village. What will happen then? Trustee Rand also noted that this lottery should not be made on a first-come/first-served basis. Mr. Bradbury stated that with 6 a lottery system the Village will be afforded the ability to retain control over the process, including resales. Trustee Brackman commented that when this project started the Village was looking to make housing available to Village employees and employees of the school districts who would not otherwise be able to afford to live in the community in which they work. She felt that no one group should be given priority over another, but rather all eligible individuals should be placed in an equal category. This process would give everyone that meets the requirements an equal chance. Trustee Herman agreed with Trustee Brackman. He also felt that one pool of eligible individuals and one lottery was the fairest way to go. Mayor Filipowski noted that the original plan was to have separate and distinct categories for employees,and then choose from that list.He was looking for a process that was fair,and one that would give teachers,firefighters,and other employees a fair chance. Then,the final decision would be left to the luck of the draw. Mayor Filipowski asked for an outline by the January 9, 2001 Board of Trustees' meeting as to how to go about structuring this. Mr. Bradbury noted that when the complete package has been prepared, a final Resolution will be placed before the Board. Mr. Powell felt that the discussion at this evening's meeting was very helpful in giving him the information he needs to prepare the Resolution. Mr. Iden Heller of 22 Lincoln Avenue addressed the Board. He felt that although the discussion this evening was very interesting he believed that there were manypitfalls.He felt that a time line should be set as it is in the best interest of the developer to sell these units as soon as possible. This may discourage them from keeping to the guidelines that the Board is putting before them. If the 12 units are not immediately sold perhaps they should be left empty until the'someone from the eligible group was able to purchase them. He felt that the inclusion of residents of Rye Brook was unfair as they could sell their current homes, take the profit,and then reap the benefits of the middle income units when the real objective here was to secure housing for the Village's employees. Mayor Filipowski noted that family members of residents are also eligible. Mr. Heller stated that if these family members are working for the Village then it would be okay,but he asked the Board to remember that there are many people who are looking for low cost housing. He believed that the Board should continue with their original intention of servicing the servants of the community. Mayor Filipowski stated that on January 9`h Mr.Powell and Mr.Bradburywill give the Board their input and a decision will be made. He asked Mr. Bradbury to look at what other communities have done with projects of this type. 7 Mayor Filipowski shared with the Board and members of the public that he attended a forum on cell towers a week ago Saturday. There was an impressive array of scientists, attorneys, lobbyists, and other interesting persons in attendance to discuss the potential problems from the cell towers and the use of cell phones. While a lot of the discussion focused upon potential health hazards, there was no scientific evidence presented concerning a real tie-in. There were some incidents with individuals coming down with health problems which might lead one to believe that there is a potential for another Love Canal situation. Some of the tests have showed that brain cells can be affected by the constant use of cell phones. The one thing that did come across loud and clear was that almost all of the research that has been done concerning cell towers and cell phones is coming from the industry. More research is being done in the area. The Village will try to obtain the tape of this meeting and show it on the government access channel. Rye Brook is hying to stay on top of this issue and there will be another meeting held by the Board of Legislators on December 13`x' at 10:00 a.m. which he will be attending. Mayor Filipowski spoke briefly about the IBIS proposal. IBIS is looking for Rye Brook to juunp on board very quickly, but the Board members require more time to take a better look at the proposal. Mr.Bradbury stated that United Cerebral Palsy(UCP)and Greenwich Hospital are ready to go ahead with Phase II. This item should also be placed on the agenda for January 9,2001. Trustee Brackman stated that she has strong feelings about Phase II. The Village has already spent $8000 over the course of the year, and now the Village is looking to spend another$8000. At the end of this Phase, the Village will have a very clear analysis of whether or not this is a feasible project and what would be available for Rye Brook residents without expending tax dollars. She felt that not going forward with an analysis of a plan that could allow Rye Brook residents a place to swim for no money,other than a nominal fee to cover the cost of the lifeguard,would be unfair. Regarding the Village's newly acquired 26 acres of land that have been dedicated to the Village, she noted that is largely wetland and not contiguous,useable land. Mayor Filipowski stated that the construction of an outdoor pool will also be addressed in Phase 11. Trustee Herman felt that the Village needed to take a good look at the potential use of the 26 acres of land that is being deeded to the Village before any decision is made. He stated that the Village needs to know exactly what plans UCP would have if they were granted use of the Village property. Trustee Rand agreed with Trustee Herman as this land has been earmarked for recreational use. He would like to see alternative uses. Trustee Degling reminded the Board that it has been discovered that much of the property is not useable for this project. Having created something out of nothing concerned him and he asked that the Board be given a sound basis upon which to make their decision. Mr. Heller of Lincoln Avenue stated that United Cerebral Palsy has been trying to have the Village of Rye Brook assist it in building a pool. At first it did not have sufficient property upon which to build on, but now that they have been successful in closing down the stables and, therefore, they have more land available to them. He requested site plans so that everyone could make an informed decision concerning this land. He.felt that if UCP and Greenwich Hospital constructed this project then perhaps residents of Rye Brook could be allowed to join up and use the facilities rather than become a partner. In this way the residents who are interested could participate. He felt that looking back at other proposals regarding a Village pool has proven that most residents are not in favor of a Village pool. 8 Mr. Dean Santon of Hillandale Road suggested that a site map be presented for the 29 acres of Village property. On paper it looks like of the 29 acres that 4.69 acres are the old composting site, which is directly under the runway and limits what can be done on that site; 8.42 acres on King Street/Lincoln Avenue has been designated as general municipal purposes;and 15.94 acres has been designated for recreational purposes. He also noted that UCP's property,where the stables were,is much closer to the flight path and,therefore, it may be problematic for them to construct a pool in that area. He felt that UCP and Greenwich Hospital should bear the costs of the feasibility study and not the Village of Rye Brook. He asked that the presentation that IBIS made at the last meeting be shown on the public access channel so that residents can be informed about this project. He also asked that the Village use the Vision Plan that is now available to them. Mayor Filipowski thanked the members of the public for their comments. He announced that the next two Board of Trustee meetings will be held on January 9, 2001 and January 23, 2001. He noted that there were copies of the Summary of the Facilitated Discussion regarding the location of the Firehouse, which was held on June 14, 2000, that residents could pickup either at the meeting or in the Administrative offices. Mayor Filipowski, and the Board, wished everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season! There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, p (� Christopher Bradbury Village Administrator/Cleric 9