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Village Board of Trustees Minutes 01/04/2011
                                                                Board of Trustees
                                                                Village of Tarrytown
                                                                Regular Meeting No. 25
                                                                January 4, 2011   8:00 p.m.

PRESENT:  Mayor Fixell presiding; Trustees Basher, Butler, Hoyt, McGee, McGovern and Zollo; Administrator Blau; Village Treasurer Hart; Village Attorney Shumejda; Village Clerk Booth

The meeting began with the Pledge to the Flag.

PRESENTATION III – PRESENTATION OF REVISED DESIGN PLANS FOR THE REHABILITATION OF PIERSON PARK

The Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown will conduct a Public Information Meeting regarding the design plans for the Rehabilitation of Pierson Park.  Representatives from the design consultant, RGR Landscape Architecture, will provide diagrams of the proposed park rehabilitation and will provide information and explanations concerning the plan, including the modifications to the plan from the previous Public Information Meeting.

Henry Crepeault, Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council and member of the design team for the Pierson Park Rehabilitation project.   The members of the design team for the Pierson Park Project include himself, members from the Waterfront Advisory Council, the Planning Board, the Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council, a representative from the Westchester County Department of Planning who runs the design assistance section for the Community Development Block Grant program, a representative from the Department of State, Division of Coastal Resources, the Mayor, the Trustee Liaison to Parks and Recreation, the Recreation Supervisor and the Village Administrator.  There are two consultants from RGR Landscape who are working on the project.  The design committee has been meeting monthly since March for approximately 3 hours per session.  The committee has been working with the consultants to create a design plan that remains consistent with the plan originally developed as part of the Master Plan for the park, but addresses concerns voiced by residents.  The committee did not agree with all of the suggested modifications to the draft plan and the plan that you will be viewing tonight includes the changes that the design committee believes to be in the best interest of all.  Changes to the draft plan include moving the playground components into the middle of the park, away from West Main Street and placing the equipment in location where the parents can both watch the events at the performance venue and have their children play at the playground; reducing the height of a large number of the trees; adding new pathways to provide better access to components in the park; changing the configuration of the tennis courts and basketball courts; just to name a few.  The design plan features for active recreation, 4 tennis courts, a full basketball court with 4 side basketball brackets to allow for greater use of the court.  The plan has six basketball backboards and hoops.  These will be located adjacent to the Tarrytown Boat Club, taking up a portion of the non-resident commuter parking lot and separated from the rest of the park by Andre Brook.  In addition there will be a kayak launch area in the southwest corner of Losee Park with additional parking located near the launch area.  This provides a good location away from the main traffic of the river.  There will be an extension of the existing fishing pier to the west providing a better platform for the anglers.  There will be a volley ball area within the park for people who are renting the new picnic pavilion that will be constructed to replace the existing pavilion.  The passive recreation in the park will feature two different pieces of playground equipment for ages 2-5 and 5-12.  This area will be set off from the rest of the park by berms surrounding the equipment and also divided by a berm.  There will also be a splash area consisting of 5 stations activated by timers.   There will be a performance pavilion for concerts and plays and related affairs including a stage area.  There are benches throughout the park where people can sit in the shade or if they wish in the sun.  Most will provide a great view of the river.  The design committee feels that the park will provide something for all ages and will be a tremendous asset to the village.  It is the recommendation from the design committee to the Board of Trustees that this plan be approved as the plan for bidding purposes.  He thanked the Board for their consideration of this plan and providing the design committee members the opportunity to work on this valuable project to the Village of Tarrytown.

Goeffrey Roesch from RGR Landscape Architecture and Architecture, PLLC, presented an overview of the rehabilitation of Pierson Park along with Sid Burke from his office.  This is the third presentation to illustrate where we are in the design process.  (A copy of the revised design plans of the whole park are affixed to the official minutes of this meeting.)

Trustee McGovern asked if there would be a grilling facility near the picnic area.   Mr. Burke stated that they were planning on 3-4 grills to be located to the side of the pavilion.

Trustee Butler stated that the presentation was well done and he thanked the design committee and RGR Landscape for all their work.

Lori Semeraro, 205 Martling Avenue, asked the following:
  • Is the oval lawn area flat or does is have different grades.  Mr. Roesch stated that it’s basically flat with a very gentle slope for drainage.  
  • Does the viewing hill have different grades.  Mr. Roesch stated that there are five contours shaping the land forms which make small hills.
  • Why are we removing healthy trees?  Mr. Roesch stated that those trees were originally proposed to be removed primarily because of the construction of the oval lawn area.
  • Is the pavilion roof water tight and is it flat or slanted.  The roof is water tight and water will shed off the roof and flow off the sides.
  • Are the two pieces of playground equipment considered inclusive play equipment?  Mr. Burke stated that it meets the accessibility guidelines.
  • She asked about sitting water in the water area.  Administrator Blau stated that there will be no sitting water on this surface.
Robert Blejer, 3 Rivers Edge, asked the following:
  • How many picnic tables will there be?  Mr. Burke stated that there will be roughly 20 picnic tables.
  • Is there a tentative construction schedule.  Administrator Blau stated that the tentative schedule is to go out to bid sometime by the end of winter to early spring.  In the meantime, during the winter months, our crews will begin taking down a number of items in Pierson Park to reduce the cost.
  • Approximately how long from start to finish would this project take?  Mr. Burke stated approximately a year from the start of construction.
  • Is the Village required to remove snow from the Riverwalk and/or the park?  Administrator Blau stated that the Village is not required to; however, once the main roads and parking lots are plowed, we will do the parks as we have the opportunity.
  • He thanked the Board for all the work that was done to put this altogether.
Robert Kogan, 87 Main Street, asked the following:
  • If there are any plans for evening lighting for the tennis courts.  Administrator Blau stated that at this time, there are no plans for lighting.
  • In the performance space, are there plans for lighting and PA equipment?  Mr. Burke stated that there will be electrical outlets and some lighting.
Mayor Fixell stated that there will be drinking fountains in the park.  

Administrator Blau stated that the Board wanted to consider an addition of new bathroom facilities that would be included in this bid as an add-on so that we can get the cost of it and then determine whether we want to add it to this project or not.  

Claudia Mausner, member of the Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council stated the following:
  • She supports more bathroom facilities.
  • She doesn’t follow the viewing hill in that it seems to her that the view is really across the river and north.  She never noticed people looking at the bridge or looking toward Manhattan; which seems to be the focus from the viewing hill.
  • From the oval by the stage area, will there be connections to the RiverWalk.  Mr. Roesch stated that there will be walkways and connections.
  • She encourages making the seats comfortable around the stage area.
  • The fishing pier as currently constructed has been very much enjoyed as a gazing point.  She hopes that the pedestrian use is still in part saved as it becomes a real fishing pier.  She also hopes it is possible to design a place to keep fishing apparatus so that it doesn’t clutter the area.
Richard Callahan asked if there was any thought given to have a kayak launch off the side of the fishing pier extension.  Mr. Burke stated that the engineers wanted a sheltered place for the kayak launch and it also needs to be accessible to parking areas.

George Gasperini, 47 Paulding Avenue, asked if there will be new restroom facilities.  Mayor Fixell stated that a new bathroom facility will be included as an add alternate in the bid.  The existing bathroom facility will remain.  The new bathroom facility may be located adjacent to the senior center with access on the outside of the building.  Mr. Gasperini stated that there should be a separate building for the restroom facility away from the senior center.  Mayor Fixell stated that with the cost of plumbing and construction of sanitary sewage drainage and in order to keep the price within reason, it makes sense to take advantage of existing structures.

Emilia Kelly, 66 Church Street, stated that she is very impressed with the plans and it’s been a long time coming.  She asked when the construction would begin and end.  Administrator Blau stated that it is our hope to go out to bid by the end of winter to early spring and from the start of construction to completion, we estimate that it will be a year.  She asked if the RiverWalk will be open this spring and summer.  Administrator Blau stated that it will be open.

Alison Boldyrev, 63 Embree Street, stated that she is opposed to the bushes dividing the two playgrounds because it separates siblings of different ages, the children will be running into the bushes and the bushes will have to be maintained.

Mayor Fixell thanked Geoffrey Roesch, Sid Burke and Henry Crepeault and the entire Pierson Park Rehabilitation design team for all their hard work.  It’s been a long haul and we hope to get this done smoothly and effectively.

REPORTS
On behalf of the Mayor and the Board, Mayor Fixell thanked the members of our staff who worked very hard during the recent snow storm.  Our streets were cleaned relatively quickly in a very tough storm.
Trustee Basher reported that recently the Tarrytown Police Department has won a Gold Award in AAA New York’s Community Traffic Safety Awards Program.  The village was cited for its many traffic safety efforts including their Pedestrian Crosswalk Enforcement Program and their School Bus Safety Program.  They were also presented with a Pedestrian Safety Citation for the 7th year in a row.  He congratulated Police Chief Scott Brown and his Police Department for doing a great job.
Trustee Butler stated that the Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council (TEAC) has received a $1,300 grant from the Community Catalyst Fund for their “Neighborhood to Neighborhood Keep Warm and Save Money Campaign.”  Trustee Butler congratulated the members of TEAC and encouraged them to keep up the good work.

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Administrator Blau stated that at the last meeting he misspoke regarding the investigation being conducted by the District Attorney’s office regarding the tragic deaths from Labor Day.  The District Attorney’s Office has not closed their investigation as of now.  There are three components to their investigation: 1) the investigation completed by our own police department, 2) the autopsy reports and 3) the PESH report.  They now have the PESH report and they are reviewing the report.  He was informed by the District Attorney’s Office that it will be at least another few weeks before the investigation is closed.

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
Lisa Carlucci, Tarrytown Police Officer and PBA President, stated the following:
  • She read a brief statement to the Board regarding the PBA’s request for increased and on-going training for the members of the Tarrytown Police Department.
  • She welcomes the idea that the Police Department participate in the Village’s Safety Committee.
  • As of this date, the members of the Police Department have not received any training related to confined space.  She is aware that the members of the Fire Department and DPW have been provided some training related to confined space.  The members of the PBA ask that they be provided the same type of confined space awareness training as they are the first to respond on any emergency in the Village.
Administrator Blau stated that we certainly will be working to provide the members of the Police Department confined space awareness training.

Lori Semeraro, 205 Martling Avenue, asked the following:
  • One of the violations was due today and she wanted to be assured that we have met the criteria.  Administrator Blau stated that the deadline was met.
  • Are we going forward with the video equipment?  Administrator Blau stated that the Board asked that the preferred plan be sent to the Communications Committee for a response.
  • Is there an update on the gap analysis plan?  Trustee Zollo stated that there will be a response on this in two weeks.
  • Has the grant writer applied for additional grants for playground equipment?  Administrator Blau stated that all the grant opportunities that you provided have been reviewed.  We were not eligible to many of them.   As grants become available, we do apply to all of them.
SEQR – PIERSON PARK AND ANDRE BROOK

Trustee Basher moved, seconded by Trustee McGovern, and unanimously carried, that the following resolution be approved:  Approved: 7-0

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown does hereby declare its intent to be Lead Agency for the purposes of Article 8 (State Environmental Review Act) of the Environmental Conservation Law for the rehabilitation of Pierson Park and restoration of Andre Brook.

GREENBURGH WATER INTERCONNECTION

Trustee McGovern moved, seconded by Trustee Zollo, and unanimously carried, that the following resolution be approved:  Approved: 7-0

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown does hereby authorize and direct the Village Administrator to enter into an Inter-Municipal Agreement among the Villages of Sleepy Hollow, Briarcliff Manor, Tarrytown and the Town of Greenburgh to construct an interconnection with the Greenburgh water system to provide for an additional source of potable water in the case of an emergency for the Villages of Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, and Briarcliff Manor.

RESOLUTION – FIRE DEPARTMENT MEMBERSHIP CHANGES

Trustee Hoyt moved, seconded by Trustee Zollo, and unanimously carried, that the following resolution be approved:  Approved: 7-0

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown hereby approves the following Fire Department membership changes recommended at the December 21, 2010 Board of Fire Wardens meeting:   Membership:  Daniel R. Pineda was approved for active membership in Riverside Hose Company.  Frank Recine was dropped from membership from Consolidated Engine Company and the Tarrytown Fire Department.  Drivers:  Kelly Murphy and Sean Scogna Jr. passed as drivers for Conqueror Hook & Ladder Company.

SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING – PEDDLING AND SOLICITING

Trustee Basher moved, seconded by Trustee Hoyt, and unanimously carried, that the following resolution be approved:  Approved: 7-0

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown does hereby schedule a Public Hearing for the regular meeting of January 17, 2011 to hear and discuss amendments to Chapter 225, Peddling and Soliciting of the Code of the Village of Tarrytown, to include the provision for background and fingerprint check associated with obtaining a permit for solicitors and peddlers who are engaged in commercial activities.  The cost of said background check and search shall be paid by the applicant.

SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING – VILLAGE PARKS

Trustee Butler moved, seconded by Trustee Zollo, and unanimously carried, that the following resolution be approved:  Approved: 7-0

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown does hereby schedule a Public Hearing for the regular meeting of January 17, 2011 to hear and discuss amendments to Chapter 221, Parks and Recreation Areas of the Code of the Village of Tarrytown, to require that all individuals or entities who desire to utilize public parks or recreation areas for a business within the Village of Tarrytown be required to obtain a permit approved by the Board of Trustees.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD ON DECEMBER 20, 2010

Trustee Basher moved, seconded by Trustee McGovern, and unanimously carried, that the following resolution be approved:  Approved: 7-0

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 December 20, 2010 as submitted by the Village Clerk.

APPROVAL OF AUDITED VOUCHERS NO. 002226 THROUGH NO. 002342

Trustee Basher moved, seconded by Trustee McGovern, and unanimously carried, that the following resolution be approved:  Approved: 7-0

BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Trustees hereby approves the Audited Vouchers No. 002226 through No. 002342 is hereby ordered paid in the following amounts as amended:


General                 $      342,652.04
Water                             10,744.55
Capital                                   0 .00
Library                           32,432.41
Trust & Agency                            3,206.53
Total                        $     389,035.53

The Board was polled all voting “aye” with the exception of Trustee McGee who abstained from Voucher Numbers 002272 and 002309.  Motion carried.  7-0

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Hoyt moved, seconded by Trustee Zollo, and unanimously carried, that the meeting be adjourned at 9:18 p.m.



Carol A. Booth
Village Clerk