Larchmont Board :June 8

 

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the  Village of Larchmont, New York, held on MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2009.

 

editrix: spacing is funky; scroll down

 

PRESENT:      Mayor Elizabeth Feld

                        Trustees Marlene Kolbert

                                      Anne H. McAndrews

                                      Richard Ward

                                      Josh Mandell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oath of Office

Mandell, J.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESOLUTION

Mamaroneck Schools Foundation Triathlon – 10/3/09

 

 

 

ABSENT:       None

 

Also Present:   Clerk Finn, Treasurer Brucciani,

                        Joanna C. Feldman, Esq., representing Village                                  Attorney’s Office

 

Mayor Feld called the meeting to order at 7:25 PM, and welcomed those present.

 

Mayor Feld announced the appointment of Josh Mandell as Trustee, to replace Jim Millstein who resigned this position on May 17.  Trustee Mandell’s appointment became effective on June 3, 2009.

 

Trustee Mandell comes from an investment and financial background.  He has been a very active member of the community, serving as an interior firefighter for the Larchmont Fire Department.  He is also involved in local sports activities.

 

Mayor Feld administered the oath of office to Trustee Mandell and welcomed him to the Board.

 

Trustee Mandell stated that he grew up in the south.  Before moving to Larchmont, he lived in Mamaroneck for six years.  He is very happy living in Larchmont and appreciates all that the community has to offer.  He will work hard to improve the quality of life that Larchmont residents now enjoy.

 

Mayor Feld stated that Trustee Mandell will assume the liaison responsibilities previously held by former Trustee Millstein; i.e., Cable TV Board of Control, Recreation Committee, Fire Commissioner, and the Budget and Finance Committee.

 

Maureen LeBlanc of the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation, next appeared with Recreation Director Joyce Callahan, to discuss the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation’s request to hold their fourth annual Junior Triathlon.

 

Mrs. Callahan explained that with the fall school schedule, the Jewish holiday schedule, and Autumn Community Day scheduled for September 26, the only date that this event can be held is October 3.  Participants will swim at the Hommocks Pool, bike in the Manor, and run in Mamaroneck.

 

Following a brief discussion, on motion of Trustee Ward, seconded by Trustee Mandell, and unanimously carried, it was:

 

RESOLVED, to approve the request of the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation to hold its Junior Triathlon on October 3, 2009, with the understanding that any Police Department overtime expenses incurred by this triathlon will be reimbursed by the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation.


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RESOLUTION

Kreisman, P.

Dilworth, C.

Bastille Day celebration on Gilder Street – 7/14/09

 

 

Mayor’s announcements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasurer’s report on closing of books for fiscal year 2008-2009

 

 


Polly Kreisman of The Loop, and Carolyn Dilworth of Auray Cheese Shop, next addressed the Board to request permission to hold a Bastille Day event on Gilder Street on July 14, 2009, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

 

Discussion centered around how cars would be able to enter/exit from the Gilder Street Parking Lot during this event.  Police Chief Poleway suggested closing only one lane of Gilder Street for this event, to leave the other lane open for passage.

 

After further consideration, on motion of Trustee Ward, seconded by Trustee McAndrews, and unanimously carried, it was:

 

RESOLVED, to approve the request of Polly Kreisman and Carolyn Dilworth to close the eastbound lane of Gilder Street on July 14, 2009 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM for a Bastille Day celebration.

 

Mayor Feld made the following announcements:

 

1.  She extended the Board’s condolences to the family of Tom Connell on his passing.  Mr. Connell served as Chief of the Larchmont Fire Department in the 1970’s and was a volunteer member of the department for over 40 years.  Trustee Mandell added that a firefighter’s funeral was held for Mr. Connell, and many neighboring communities came with their apparatus to participate in the procession.  Mr. Connell also served as emergency coordinator for both the Town of Mamaroneck and Village of Larchmont.

 

2.  She congratulated the Mamaroneck High School baseball team for winning the sectionals.  They now continue on to the State semi-finals.

 

3.  Mayor Feld advised that the New York State legislature just passed a bill facilitating the dissolution of local governments, special districts, etc.  The Village Board has been speaking about government efficiency for the past five years, and they continue to do so.

 

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, she sent a letter to Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, Assemblyman George Latimer, and Attorney General Andrew Cuomo opposing the bill.  In her letter, she cited that local municipalities are the most efficient parts of government and work closest to the people.  She offered to work with New York State officials to advance the idea of government efficiency.

 

4.  The Board met with the Town of Mamaroneck Town Council earlier this evening to discuss three issues; namely, the Assessor’s Office, plans to repair the Reservoir bridges, and how the two communities can share services.  They also received an update from Library Board of Trustees’ Chair Miriam Curnin and Library Director Diane Courtney regarding the progress being made on the Children’s Room renovations.

 

Regarding the bridge repair work at the Reservoir, and in deference to the start of the Town’s Monroe Day Camp, this project will not begin until on or about August 14.

 

Treasurer Brucciani reported that his office has closed the books for the 2008-2009 fiscal year with a surplus of $2,100,000.  There were two large employee retirement payouts totaling $200,000.  Tax certioraris had an impact on the final budget as well.  He also noted that the mortgage recording tax is down 32 percent from December, and down 50 percent from one year ago.


 

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Taxis required to collect NYS Sales Tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESOLUTION

Accept bid – Empire Municipal Equipment

Purchase of street sweeper for Public Works Dept.

 

 

 

 

 

RESOLUTION

Approve Police Dept. budget transfer

 

 


Mayor Feld announced that taxis are now required by law to collect New York State sales tax.  Trustee Kolbert noted that the Village only has jurisdiction to set the fare rates within the Village’s boundaries.

 

Treasurer Brucciani advised that the Village previously received a Federal grant from the Environmental Protection Agency in the amount of $291,000.  The Village has now used approximately $211,000 in funds for environmental-type issues.  The remaining money was supposed to be used for purchasing of carbon filters, but Public Works Department Foreman Rick Vetere has decided that the money would be better spent by purchasing a new street sweeper to enhance the stormwater maintenance in the Village.  The EPA was contacted concerning this amended use of the money, and agreed to the change.

 

On May 27, 2009, bids were opened for the new street sweeper, with the lowest bid being received from Empire Municipal Equipment LLC, Bronx, New York, in the amount of $159,900.  If accepted, delivery of this vehicle is expected in 90-120 days.

 

Trustee Ward questioned whether this vehicle would have a muffling device to quiet the noise of the street sweeper.  Treasurer Brucciani stated that he did not believe a device of this type was included, but it could be researched further.

 

Therefore, on motion of Trustee Kolbert, seconded by Trustee McAndrews, and carried, it was:

 

RESOLVED, to accept the bid from Empire Municipal Equipment LLC, Bronx, New York, in the amount of $159,900, for the purchase of a new street sweeper for the Public Works Department.

 

The vote on the above resolution was as follows:

 

AYES:              Mayor Feld, Trustee Kolbert, Trustee McAndrews, Trustee                          Mandell

NAYS:  None

ABSTAINED:  Trustee Ward

 

On motion of Trustee Ward, seconded by Trustee McAndrews, and unanimously carried, it was:

 

RESOLVED, to approve a budget transfer from the Police Department overtime line, A3120.1.1012, to the Police Department motor equipment line, A3120.2.2301, which would result in an increase from $26,000 to $54,000.

 

Mayor Feld next advised that a settlement has been reached in the contract negotiations with the Larchmont Police Benevolent Association.  Their current contract expired in June, 2008.  She noted that during these negotiations, the Board tried to develop a contract that would attract the best officers while trying to save costs.

 

A comparison of other Police Department contracts was done.  Over the past 6-7 years, the Village has recruited good officers and then lost them to other departments because the benefits package was inferior.

 

Treasurer Brucciani explained the highlights of the new contract:

 

1.  The contract term is for three years, from June 1, 2008 through

May 31, 2011.


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RESOLUTION

Auth. Mayor to sign contract with Larchmont Police Benevolent Association for years 6/1/08-5/31/11

 

 

 

 

Leaf blower ban

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public Hearing – Site Plan Approval Law Amendment

 

 


2.  Effective June 1, 2008, all officers received a wellness incentive of $1,500.

 

3.  The annual wage increase for the period June 1, 2008 to June 1, 2010 is 4 percent per year.

 

4.  Longevity payments effective June 1, 2008, will be as follows:

 

            –           Five to Nine Years of service – $1,250

            –           Ten to Fourteen years of service – $1,375

            –           Fifteen or more years of service – $1,500

 

5.  Those who opt out of the medical benefits plan will be paid $2,500 annually for a single plan, or $5,000 for a family plan.

 

6.  Regarding health insurance, the following was agreed upon:

 

a)  Effective January 1, 2009, all employees achieving the rank of Police Officer 1st Grade or above will pay 25% of the current cost of health care provided by the Village for the employee, which payment will not exceed $3,500 per calendar year.

 

b)  Effective June 1, 2008, the Village will pay 75% of health insurance contribution for employees retiring after June 1, 2008, provided that the employee completes a minimum of 13 years of service with the Larchmont Police Department.  All others retiring with less than 13 years of service will receive a contribution of 50% per year to be paid by the Village.

 

7.  Payment by the Village to the PBA on behalf of each member, in lieu of dental insurance, will be $1,100 for the year beginning June 1, 2008; $1,150 for the year beginning June 1, 2009; and $1,200 for the year beginning June 1, 2010.

 

Following further discussion, on motion of Trustee Kolbert, seconded by Trustee Ward, and unanimously carried, it was:

 

RESOLVED, to authorize Mayor Feld to sign the contract between the Village of Larchmont and the Larchmont Police Benevolent Association for the period June 1, 2008 through May 31, 2011.

 

Police Chief Poleway reminded the audience that the leaf blower ban is now in effect through September 30.  The Police Department will be proactive in issuing summonses, and the person operating the equipment will be given the fine.  He urged all homeowners to speak with their landscapers to alert them to this ban.

 

On motion of Trustee Kolbert, seconded by Trustee McAndrews, and unanimously carried, the public hearing to consider a local law to revise exemptions to the Site Plan Approval Law of the Village of Larchmont was opened.

 

Trustee McAndrews advised that she has been in discussions with Peter Gaito, Chairman of the Planning Board on this proposed amendment.  Their discussions are continuing, and she hopes to have more to report at the next meeting.

 

On motion of Trustee Ward, seconded by Trustee Kolbert, and unanimously carried, the public hearing was adjourned to the July meeting of the Board.


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On motion of Trustee Mandell, seconded by Trustee Ward, and unanimously carried, the following resolution was adopted, to wit:

 

RESOLUTION

Lorenzen Park Improvements – Lead Agency Designation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESOLUTION

Negative Declaration Resolution for Lorenzen Park Improvement Project

 

 

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Village of Larchmont (the “Village”) has decided to improve Lorenzen Park within the Village by constructing baseball fields, improving drainage, installing a dry concession stand, modifying the parking area, and enhancing the overall quality of the Park (the “Project”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Village retained the firm Woodard & Curran to, among other things, design the Project and to assist the Village in receiving all necessary approvals and permits for the construction of the Project; and

 

WHEREAS, under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and corresponding regulations thereto, Woodard & Curran  prepared for the Village’s review and approval Part 1 of the full Environmental Assessment Form (“EAF”) and identified numerous involved agencies; and

 

WHEREAS, by resolution dated April 27, 2009, the Board declared its intent to become Lead Agency on the Project and, pursuant to SEQRA, on May 5, 2009, the Village sent notification to the involved agencies of such intent and a copy of Part 1 of the EAF, and, as of today, June 8, 2009, over thirty (30) calendar days have passed and the Village has received no objection;

 

NOW THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED, that pursuant to SEQRA, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Larchmont assumes the role of Lead Agency on the Project and accepts the full EAF for further review and determinations.

 

On motion of Trustee Ward, seconded by Trustee Mandell, and unanimously carried, the following resolution was adopted, to wit:

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Village of Larchmont (the “Village”) has decided to improve Lorenzen Park within the Village by constructing baseball fields, improving drainage, installing a dry concession stand, modifying the parking area, and enhancing the overall quality of the Park (the “Project”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Village retained the firm Woodard & Curran to, among other things, design the Project and to assist the Village in receiving all necessary approvals and permits for the construction of the Project; and

 

WHEREAS, under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and corresponding regulations thereto, Woodard & Curran prepared for the Village a draft full Environmental Assessment Form (“EAF”), including Part 1, as revised, and Part 2, which analyzes the Project’s impacts and their magnitude; and

 

WHEREAS, by resolution dated June 8, 2009, the Board assumed the role of Lead Agency on the Project; and

 

WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed Parts 1 and 2 of the EAF and considers them thorough, inclusive, and accurate; and

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees has before it a Draft Negative Declaration regarding the proposed Project,


 

 

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Trustee Reports

 

 


NOW THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:

 

The Board of Trustees hereby adopts the Environmental Assessment Form (Part 1, as revised, and Part 2) and confirms that the Project is a Type I Action under SEQRA.

 

Pursuant to Part 617 of the implementing regulations pertaining to Article 8 (SEQRA) of the Environmental Conservation Law, the Board hereby determines that the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment and adopts and issues the Negative Declaration (Notice of Determination of Non-Significance) for the reasons set forth therein.

 

The Board of Trustees hereby directs that the Negative Declaration (Notice of Determination of Non-Significance) be filed, published and circulated in accordance with the terms of applicable laws and regulations.

 

Trustee McAndrews reported on the following:

 

1.  As the renovation of the tennis courts is now underway, she is working with Recreation Director Joyce Callahan and Don Meeker on a regulations sign for use of the new courts.

 

2.  The Village received a Westchester Municipal Planning Federation Achievement Award for the Flint Park Improvement Project.  She attended the ceremony on June 4 and accepted the award on behalf of the Village.

 

3.  She reiterated the Village’s commitment to creating additional affordable housing units in the Village.  Mayor Feld said that the creation of affordable housing units may be an area for shared services consideration as well as private entity participation.

 

4.  She said that she continues on work on the Palmer Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project. 

 

Trustee Kolbert reported on the following:

 

1.  She reminded the audience that Autumn Community Day will be held on September 26, 2009.

 

2.  She also reminded the audience that the outdoor Farmer’s Market has reopened for the season.  Their hours are 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturdays in Lot #3 at the Railroad Station.

 

3.  At the Committee on the Environment’s meeting this morning, they discussed sustainability funding and how to work with your neighbors.  They are looking into ways to educate the community and reach out to them on topics such as solar panels.  She also mentioned that a representative from Mercury Solar Systems attended this meeting as well.

 

Trustee Ward reported on the following:

 

1.  Kayakers have requested the Village’s help in finding more places for them to launch kayaks into Long Island Sound.

 

2.  Residents from Bonnett Avenue came to the last Traffic Commission meeting and asked for help in connection with a safety situation on that


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RESOLUTION

CitiBank – Approve request to close off portion of Wendt Avenue on 6/20/09

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trustee Reports

(Continued)

 

 


street.  The sidewalk on that street only goes one half way down the block, and they would like to see it extended.

 

3.  He spoke about the “Activate America” initiative shared by the Rye YMCA.  Through this initiative, they are trying to arrange for schools to provide gardens so children learn about growing foods and adopting healthier diets.

 

4.  The Traffic Commission has been discussing the use of bicycle racks, and the creation of bicycle lanes on certain streets in the Village.  The Commission has now formed a task force to examine what would be involved to put bicycle lanes on Larchmont Avenue.

5.  He has learned from the business community that the temporary two-hour on-street parking regulations that were put into effect in the business districts earlier this year have been beneficial for their stores.

 

6.  The school district has had very nice events recently.  They are trying to set up a non-parent e-mail database so that event information can be broadcast to a broader spectrum of people.  Anyone interested can sign up for this E-News at www.mamkschools.org.

 

On motion of Trustee Ward, seconded by Trustee Kolbert, and unanimously carried, it was:

 

RESOLVED, to approve the request of CitiBank, 1920 Palmer Avenue, to close off a portion of Wendt Avenue, from Palmer Avenue to the entrance to Parking Lot #4, on June 20, 2009 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, for children’s fingerprinting/photographing by the Police Department, and a fire safety demonstration by the Fire Department, which will be tied to an event that CitiBank will be hosting in their private parking lot on that day.  This resolution is subject to submittal of an insurance certificate by CitiBank and final approval by the Police Department.

 

Trustee Mandell reported on the following:

 

1.  He encouraged all property owners to check their smoke detector batteries to make sure that they are in good working order.

 

2.  The Fire Department is always actively seeking volunteers.  If anyone is interested in making this commitment to their community, they should contact the Fire Department.  He additionally noted that the Explorers is a great place for young adults to learn about the Fire Department.

 

On motion of Mayor Feld, seconded by Trustee Ward, and unanimously carried, it was:

 

RESOLVED, that Abstract Audited Voucher No. 1, dated June 8, 2009, in the amount of $761,474.30, per copies filed with the Clerk, be paid, subject to confirmation and approval by Mayor Feld.

 

On motion of Trustee Kolbert, seconded by Trustee Ward, and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM in honor of former Village of Mamaroneck Trustee Tom Murphy, who recently resigned from his Trustee position there.  Mayor Feld stated that Mr. Murphy worked tirelessly for the Village of Mamaroneck and across municipal borders, and she commended him for his service.

 

 

 

 

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