Board of Trustees
Village of Tarrytown
Regular Meeting No. 9
June 15, 2009 8:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Fixell presiding; Trustees Basher, Butler, Hoyt, McGee, McGovern, and Zollo; Village Administrator Blau; Village Attorney Shumejda; and Village Clerk Booth
REPORTS
Mayor Fixell reported on the following:
-The lawsuit that was brought against the Town of Greenburgh in an attempt to add expenditures for certain recreation facilities to Village tax bills was won by the town. There is still a possibility of an appeal. Robert Bernstein’s lawsuit against the Town of Greenburgh to get Village residents to pay for Town recreation programs and facilities was defeated again and that is a win for the residents of Tarrytown and the other Villages of Greenburgh.
-For those of you who had the pleasure of enjoying the activities last weekend for the Quadricentennial, it was a great weekend. The Street Fair was a great success with an excellent turnout, Lyndhurst held the Riverfest event, and the fireworks were terrific. There were events held at Kingsland Point Park and our park and we were blessed with beautiful weather.
Trustee Basher reported on the following:
- On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we send our condolences to the Shore family on the passing of Bill Shore, a long-time active volunteer for the Village of Tarrytown. He served for over 20 years on many volunteer boards and was instrumental in land use and affordable housing.
- In conjunction with National Police Week, the PBA of Westchester County held its annual Police Awards/Scholarship Luncheon. The following Tarrytown Police Department officers were honored:
- Sgt. Frank Giampiccolo – Class B Citation of Exceptional Merit – Upon learning that a reported explosive device at the Kraft-General Foods Technical Center was live, military ordinance took the correct and proper action to safely secure the scene, coordinate the evacuation of over 300 employees, direct responding personnel and maintain a media perimeter.
- Sgt. Guy Sullivan – Class C Citation of Meritorious Service – Alert observations of an individual on the Metro-North Railroad tracks photographing railroad infrastructure led to the subject’s detention and a subsequent investigation by the NY State Joint Terrorism Task Force.
- Sgt. John Gardner, PO James Kovacs and PO Matthew Toth – Class C Citation of Meritorious Service – Observations and subsequent investigation by the above officers led to the apprehension and arrest of a suspect for leaving the scene of a serious personal injury accident.
- PO David Kapica-Citation for Life Saving – The officer performed CPR and properly utilized the Automatic Defibrillator device to revive a patient in full cardiac arrest.
These officers should be commended for their efforts on behalf of law enforcement and for their service to the residents of the Village of Tarrytown.
Trustee Hoyt stated that camp registration is in full swing for our Day Camp, Sport Camp and Tot Camp programs. For more information, please contact the Recreation Department at 631-8347.
Village Administrator Blau stated that Trustee Zollo had mentioned at the last work session, that it was difficult for the new parking permit passes to hang on the rearview mirror correctly. Administrator Blau suggests that if parking permit holders are having difficulty, they should bring in their parking passes to the Treasurer’s Department and we will modify the parking permit to make it hang correctly.
OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE BOARD. SPEAKERS HAVE FIVE (5) MINUTES BEFORE YIELDING TO THE NEXT SPEAKER; THEN THREE (3) MINUTES
FOR ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Sherwin Cepin, 224 Beekman Avenue stated the following:
- Many families, including himself are very concerned about the closing of the Boys and Girl Club and would like to know if the Board can help work out a lease between COC
and the Boys and Girls Club.
- Many families look to the Boys and Girls Club programs for support to their families, for example, the after school and the summer camp programs. - He doesn’t understand why the
Community Opportunity Center doesn’t want to help to provide a positive and safe place for the children in our community.
- He would like to know what services the COC provides to our community as a tax payer.
- If COC and the Boys and Girls Club cannot make it work, he would like the Board to consider another location for the Boys and Girls Club.
Mayor Fixell stated that it is clearly a concern of the Boards and recently things have taken a rapid turn for the worse. It is not an easy situation; however, we are working with
the Boys and Girls Club of Westchester to help them figure out ways to move forward. We have fortunately worked out the summer camp program and have made the
Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow Summer Camp program available to children of the Boys and Girls Club. As far as finding another location, that will be difficult in Tarrytown. You
need an appropriate size space. We are very supportive of the Boys and Girls Club and all the great programs they provide and we hope to find a resolution to this and hopefully
we will find one. Mayor Fixell appreciates the residents’ concerns and to hear the support for the Boys and Girls Club is very useful and helpful.
Vincent Arpi, 232 N. Washington Street, stated that he attended the Boys and Girls Club when he was young and he now works there. The Club has helped him through some
tough times growing up and he considers it his second home. The children that go to the Club are safe and happy. The Center provides food, homework help, sports and games.
It’s a place where children will not get into trouble. He hopes the Board can help keep the Boys and Girls Club in Tarrytown.
Marisol McKeever, 139 Cortlandt Street, stated that she is very emotional about the situation with the Boys and Girls Club. She is a single mom and depends on the Boys and
Girls Club’s programs. She knows that her son is safe and that it is a healthy environment. She cannot afford other programs in the area. She stated that this is a desperate and urgent
issue for families that depend on the Boys and Girls Club. It should not be a political issue over a building, but rather a concern to provide a safe environment for our children.
Mayor Fixell wanted to be clear that the summer camp programs will be available to the children of the Boys and Girls Club. The funding will be provided by the State, the
County, the Boys and Girls Advisory Committee and the Village of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow.
Elaine Cruz, Youth Program Director of the Boys and Girls Club in Tarrytown, stated that she is accepting scholarship applications for the Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow Summer Camp
program for any current member of the Boys and Girls Club. Please contact her at 914-586-0056.
Sherwin Cepin, 224 Beekman Aveue, stated that he appreciates that the Village has come up with a resolution to provide summer camp for the members of the Boys and Girls Club,
but we need a long term fix to the problem. He submitted to the Board a petition of nearly 600 signatures that the children were able to get within 3 days.
Robin Good, resident of Sleepy Hollow, stated that she has been on the COC Board for three years whereby there have been on-going negotiations, which has been a waste of her
time. She feels that COC and the Boys and Girls Club need to meet again and have someone from the Village mediate the meeting.
Mayor Fixell stated that the Board has had informal mediations with COC that have failed. COC is an independent, non-profit agency and they own the building. COC is not a
Village agency and they are not directly under our control; therefore, it makes it very difficult to arrive to a solution. However, the Village Board will not disappear and they
will continue to work out a solution.
Ms. Sapira, 232 N. Washington Street, stated that this situation has made her very sad. She has three sons who all attend the center. She is worried because she doesn’t know
what will happen and where the children will go after school. She has grown to depend on the Center to help raise her children. She appreciates whatever the Board can do to help
out this situation.
Irene Rodriguez, 1 River Plaza, stated that she has two children that attend the Boys and Girls Club and she could always depend on the Center after school and/or if there are
school closings during the day. They run a great program and her children love the center. She appreciates whatever the Board can do to help.
CLIMATE SMART COMMUNITIES
Trustee Basher moved, seconded by Trustee Hoyt, and unanimously carried that the following be approved: Approved: 7-0
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown hereby believes that climate change poses a real and increasing threat to our local and global environments which is primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels; and
WHEREAS, the effects of climate change will endanger our infrastructure, economy and livelihoods; harm our farms, orchards, ecological communities, including native fish and wildlife populations; spread invasive species and exotic diseases; reduce drinking water supplies and recreational opportunities; and pose health threats to our citizens; and
WHEREAS, we believe that our response to climate change provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to save money, and to build livable, energy-independent and secure communities, vibrant innovation economies, healthy and safe schools, and resilient infrastructures; and
WHEREAS, we believe the scale of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions required for climate stabilization will require sustained and substantial efforts; and
WHEREAS, we believe that even if emissions were dramatically reduced today, communities would still be required to adapt to the effects of climate change for decades to come,
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Village of Tarrytown, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate will:
- Pledge to Combat Climate Change by Becoming a Climate Smart Community
Set goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to predicted climatic changes. Establish a task force of local officials and community members to review the issues and propose a plan of action. Designate a point person who will oversee climate change initiatives and publicly report on progress. Work cooperative with similar task forces in neighboring communities to ensure that efforts complement and reinforce one another. As an official signal of commitment and for access to technical resources, sign on to a widespread climate campaign such as ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability – Climate Protection Campaign.
- Set Goals, Inventory Emissions, Move to Action
Gather data, inventory GHG gas emissions, and establish baselines for local government operations and community sectors. Develop quantifiable interim GHG emission targets consistent with emission reduction goals and propose a schedule and financing strategy to meet them. Encourage stakeholder and public input and develop an action plan. Report emissions to The Climate Registry (TCR), which has developed a standardized method for reporting emissions inventories; use ICLEI and TCR’s tools to track and evaluate progress.
- Decrease Energy Demand for Local Government Operations
Adopt a goal of reducing electricity use by 15 percent from projected levels no later than 2015.
Existing Public Facilities – Inventory current building electricity usage and identify opportunities for conservation and efficiency retrofits. Obtain energy assessments from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the New York Power Authority, the Long Island Power Authority or other professionals. Consider actions such as purchasing energy efficient equipment and appliances, such as ENERGY STAR®; improving lighting, heating, and cooling efficiency; setting thermostats for maximum energy conservation; decreasing plug load from office equipment; and increasing pump efficiency in water and wastewater systems.
New Public Buildings – Achieve at least minimum U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards (LEED Silver) for all new local government buildings.
Infrastructure – Incorporate energy efficient technologies and operations and maintenance practices into municipal street lighting, traffic signals, and water and wastewater treatment facilities.
Vehicle Fleet and Commuting – Improve the average fuel efficiency of local government fleet vehicles. Discourage vehicle idling and encourage bicycling, car-pooling and public transit for employees. Consider reducing the number of vehicles; converting fleet vehicles to sustainable alternative fuels; and using electric vehicles where possible.
- Encourage Renewable Energy for Local Government Operations
Supply as much of the local government’s power, heat and hot water needs as possible from solar, wind, and small hydro through purchase of direct generation.
- Realize Benefits of Recycling and Other Climate Smart Solid Waste Management Practices
Expand the “reduce, reuse and recycle” approach to waste management in local government operations and in the whole community. Reduce the amount of solid waste generated -- promote backyard composting, implement volume-based pricing and educate residents on how to prevent waste. Promote reuse by organizing community- wide yard sales, and providing a space for drop-off or trade of reusable goods. Provide recycling receptacles in local government buildings and outdoor spaces, require duplex printing in government offices, compost food scraps and green waste, and adopt a comprehensive green purchasing program.
- Promote Climate Protection Through Community Land Use Planning
Combat climate change by encouraging low-emissions development that is resilient to climatic changes. When updating land use policies, building codes or community plans, include provisions to combat climate change; reduce sprawl; preserve and protect open space, biodiversity, and water supplies; promote compact, transit-oriented, bikeable and walkable communities; promote infill development; minimize new development in floodplains; maintain or establish healthy community forests; and to promote best forest management practices and encourage tree planting, especially along waterways, to increase shading and to absorb carbon dioxide.
- Plan for Adaptation to Unavoidable Climate Change
Evaluate risks from unavoidable climate change, set adaptation goals and plan for adaptation. Identify climate change impacts (such as flooding, drought, and extreme temperatures) that could affect the community. Identify areas such as water supply and sewer infrastructure that may be at risk due to sea-level rise and future changes in climate. Factor risks into long-term investments and decision-making. Execute climate change adaptation and preparedness measures through local government planning, development and operations, giving priority to the highest risk areas.
- Support a Green Innovation Economy
Identify opportunities to incorporate climate protection, sustainability and environmental goods and service industries into economic development plans. Encourage workforce development training and school curricula that support the emerging green collar job sector, including renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as climate smart solid waste management practices. Procure climate smart goods and services for local government operations and support modernizing of local and national electricity grids.
- Inform and Inspire the Public
Lead by example. Highlight local government commitment to reducing energy use, saving tax dollars, and adapting to changing conditions. Demonstrate the benefits of energy savings, energy efficiency, and renewable energy projects by hosting open houses; distributing fliers; holding local meetings; working with school districts, colleges, and universities to develop climate change curricula and programs; engaging faith-based communities in climate protection; and regularly communicating community climate protection goals and progress to constituents.
- Commit to an Evolving Process
Acknowledge that research and policy on climate protection are constantly improving and evolving. Be willing to consider new ideas and commit to update plans and policies as needed. Compare successes, cooperate and collaborate with neighboring communities to redirect less-effective actions and amplify positive results.
WARNER LIBRARY – SIGNAGE
Trustee Zollo moved, seconded by Trustee McGee, and unanimously carried that the following be approved: Approved: 7-0
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown hereby approves the erection of an event sign on the front lawn of the Warner Library as per the approved sign design of the Architectural Review Board.
RESOLUTION – FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL CHANGES
Trustee Basher moved, seconded by Trustee Zollo, and unanimously carried that the following be approved: Approved: 7-0
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown hereby approves the following Fire Department personnel changes recommended at the May
19, 2009 Board of Fire Wardens meeting: Drivers: John Kelly and Andy Hofgartner have been taken off Riverside Drivers List. Tommy Keane, Paul Capello and Miguel Valle
have passed as drivers for Riverside Engine. Nick Sogna, Adam Kearns, Paul Capello and Miguel Valle have passed as drivers for Utility 61. Paul Capello and Miguel Valle have
passed as drivers for Fire Boat 5.
SUMMER CAMP EMPLOYMENT
Trustee McGee moved, seconded by Trustee McGovern, that the following be approved. Motion carried, all voting “aye” with the exception of Trustee Hoyt who abstained. Approved 6-0-1
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown hereby approves the 2009 summer day camp employment schedule as submitted by the Recreation Supervisor which shall be attached to the minutes of this meeting as part of the official record.
POLICY STATEMENT – DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE FOR SALE OF RESIDENTIAL UNITS
Trustee Zollo moved, seconded by Trustee Basher, and unanimously carried that the following be approved: Approved: 7-0
WHEREAS, a request has been received from a developer of residential units requesting permission to erect directional signage in various locations in the Village to
direct prospective purchasers of the residential units to the location of the newly constructed residential units; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds it to be in the best interest of the residents of the Village to assist in providing direction to the prospective purchasers of the
residential units in order to eliminate, to the greatest extent possible, drivers becoming lost in the Village and unable to find the location of the new residential units, which
will negatively impact upon traffic in the Village; and
WHEREAS, the sale of a significant number of residential units at one location poses greater potential negative traffic impacts as compared to the sale of a few units in
the same location or at separate locations throughout the Village; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds it to be in the best interest of the residents of the Village to allow for the erection of directional signage, subject to a policy and the
conditions established in that policy, to control the erection of such directional signage throughout the Village; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees believes that it is necessary to establish a policy in regards to the erection of such signage so as to provide for the controlled erection of
such signage; and
WHEREAS, establishing a policy of the Board of Trustees provides clear guidance to developers as to what will be permitted in the Village.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown does hereby establish the following policy in regards to directional signage
for the sale of residential units in the Village.
POLICY
- There must be a minimum of ten (10) residential units being sold at the same time in order for the Board of Trustees to consider granting permission for the erection of directional signage. The sale of less than ten (10) units at one time will not be considered for the erection of such signage.
- The number of signs to be erected must be the minimum number of signs necessary to provide directional to the prospective purchasers, but no more than seven (7) directional signs will be permitted.
- Signs may not be larger than 12 inches by 18 inches in size.
- Signs may only be erected for a period of three (3) months. Extensions may be requested from the Village Administrator, who shall have the authority to grant up to three (3) extensions for up to three (3) months each.
- Permission must be requested from the Board of Trustees for the continuation of the signage beyond the initial three (3) month period granted and any extensions granted by the Village Administrator.
- Permission for the signs shall not extend beyond a period of two (2) years.
- There shall be a fee of $25 per sign granted for a three (3) month period. Each continuation of the period shall require an additional fee of $25 per sign.
8. Permission for such signage that was granted prior to the adoption of this policy shall be subject to the guidelines included in this policy and any fees associated therewith shall be retroactive to the date that permission was granted.
CAPITAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010
Trustee McGovern moved, seconded by Trustee Zollo, and unanimously carried that the following be approved: Approved: 7-0
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees hereby approves the following capital budget for fiscal year 2009-2010:
General Fund:
Building Maintenance/AC Units (old Police HQ) |
$20,000 |
Dismantle and Relocate Salt Shed |
$80,000 |
Loh Park Flood Mitigation Project |
$833,000 |
Milling and Paving Existing Roadways |
$150,000 |
Replace Curbs and Sidewalks - H Bridge |
$125,000 |
Relining Existing Sewer Mains |
$110,000 |
Engineering - Sewer Mains |
$20,000 |
Pierson Park Upgrade |
$630,000 |
Pilings - Relieving Platform for RiverWalk Park |
$100,000 |
Traffic Signal Replacements |
$45,000 |
5 sets of bunker pants and 5 turnout coats |
$12,500 |
2000 Chevrolet Sanitation Pick-Up (G2) |
$25,000 |
1994 Chevrolet Sanitation Pick-UP (G8) |
$25,000 |
1991 Mack Sanitation Truck w/Packer Body |
$230,000 |
1994 Chevy Dump (H2) |
$40,000 |
1991 Chevrolet Highway Pick-up (H8) |
$35,000 |
4X4 Vehicle truck mason Dump model |
$40,000 |
Senior Van |
$29,000 |
Electric Vehicle for Parking Enforcement Officer |
$10,986 |
Used Rescue truck to replace Utility 61 which would carry an on-board cascade system; Note- In-house cascade system is approx. $48,000 on NYS Contract |
$50,000 |
Replacement for 1988 E- One Pumper (E-80; Riverside) |
$600,000 |
Electric Vehicle for Building Department |
$10,986 |
Vehicle for Building Department |
$12,000 |
Total General Fund: $3,233,472
Water Fund:
Wilson Park Dr., Warren Ave., Sheldon Ave., E. Sunnyside Lane |
$1,650,000 |
Engineering |
$40,000 |
SCADA System; Telemetry |
$100,000 |
Rehabilitate pumps for Croton Aqueduct |
$85,000 |
Total Water Fund: $1,875,000
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY REGARDING REMOTE ACCESS TO COUNTY CLERK’S LAND RECORDS AND LEGAL FILES
Trustee Basher moved, seconded by Trustee Zollo, and unanimously carried that the following be approved: Approved: 7-0
WHEREAS, the County desires to provide a license to the local governments in Westchester County for remote access to the County Clerk’s land records and legal files; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Tarrytown desires a license to the local governments in Westchester County for remote access to the County’s land records and legal files; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown hereby authorizes and directs the Village Administrator to execute a Memorandum of Understanding between the Village and Westchester County to provide for remote access to the County Clerk’s Land Records and legal files pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Memorandum of Understanding.
AWARD OF BID, PHASE IV – (EMERGENCY) WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT
Trustee Hoyt moved, seconded by Trustee Zollo, and unanimously carried that the following be approved: Approved: 7-0
WHEREAS, the Village Engineer was authorized to solicit bid proposals for the Phase IV (Emergency) Water Main Replacement on portions of Wilson Park, East Sunnyside Lane, Sheldon Avenue and Browning Lane; and
WHEREAS, on April 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. the following eight bid proposals were received:
Contractor Bid Amount Bond Amount
Raines & Welsh & Sons Contractors$1,429,514.00 5%
ELQ Industries, Inc. $1,558,680.00 5%
Bilotta Construction Corp. $1,648,625.00 5%
Ruckel’s Inc. $1,652,582.88 5%
Joken Development Corp. $1,748,977.00 5%
Intercounty Paving Associates $2,025,000.00 5%
Montesano Bros. Inc. $2,328,750.00 5%
Thalle/Transit Construction $2,605,680.00 5%
WHEREAS, after review by the Village Engineer and Village’s Water Engineering Consultant, it is recommended that the contract be awarded to the lowest bidder, Raines & Welsh & Sons Contractors in the amount of $1,429,514.00; and
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown hereby awards the bid for the Phase IV (Emergency) Water Main Replacement Project, to the lowest responsible bidder, Raines &Welsh & Sons Contractors, 102 Railroad Avenue, West Haverstraw, New York per their bid of $1,429,514.00.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes and directs the Village Administrator to execute of an agreement with Raines & Welsh & Sons Contractors for the Phase IV – (Emergency) Water Main Replacement Project.
TAX CERTIORARI – COONEY REALTY COMPANY, FERRY LANDING LLC AND WESTCHESTER INDUSTRIES
Trustee McGovern moved, seconded by Trustee Zollo, and unanimously carried that the following be approved: Approved: 7-0
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown hereby approves the tax certiorari settlement with Cooney Realty Company, Ferry landing LLC and Westchester Industries as outlined in the Village Attorney’s memorandum dated May 21, 2009.
APPOINTMENTS – SKILLED LABORER
Trustee Basher moved, seconded by Trustee Zollo, and unanimously carried that the following be approved: Approved: 7-0
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown hereby appoints Lawrence Bernetti and Maximilian Lopez to the position of Skilled Laborer effective June 16, 2009, at an annual salary of $57,918.00, Step 5, subject to all civil service rules and regulations.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD ON MAY 18, 2009
Trustee McGee moved, seconded by Trustee McGovern, that the following be approved. Motion carried, all voting “aye” with the exception of Trustees Basher and Butler who abstained. Approved 5-0-2
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown hereby approves the minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees held on May 18, 2009 as submitted by the Village Clerk.
APPROVAL OF FISCAL YEAR 2008-2009 AUDITED VOUCHERS NUMBERS 004383 THROUGH NUMBERS 004546 AND FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010 AUDITED VOUCHER NUMBERS 00001 THROUGH 000225
Trustee McGovern moved, seconded by Trustee Zollo, and unanimously carried that the following be approved: Approved: 7-0
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown hereby approves the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Audited Voucher Numbers 004383 through Numbers 004546 and Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Audited Voucher Numbers 00001 through Numbers 000225 and is hereby ordered paid in the following amounts as presented by the Village Treasurer:
General $1,287,150.18
Water 110,251.85
Capital 469,262.00
Library 18,244.20
Trust & Agency 13,337.21
Total $1,898,245.44
The Board was polled all voting “aye” with the exception of Trustee McGee who abstained from Voucher Numbers 004418, 004419, 004531, 000137, 000201, 000202, and 000203 and Trustee Hoyt who abstained from Voucher Numbers 000200 and 000185. Motion carried. 7-0
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Basher moved, seconded by Trustee Hoyt and unanimously carried, that the meeting be adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Carol A. Booth
Village Clerk
| 
