Board of Trustees
Village of Tarrytown
Regular Meeting No. 14
August 20, 2012
8:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Fixell presiding; Trustees Basher, Butler, Hoyt, McGee, McGovern and Zollo; Administrator Blau; Village Treasurer Hart; Village Attorney Shumejda and Village Clerk Booth
The meeting began with the Pledge to the Flag.
REPORTS
Trustee Zollo stated that he wanted to make the distinction between the Beautification Committee and the Beautification Foundation. The Beautification Committee is a committee of volunteers appointed by the Village. Supported by the Village, they plant the flower boxes along Main Street and Broadway. The Beautification Foundation is made up of volunteers not appointed by the Village. They are supported by donations and most notable, they planted thousands of daffodils throughout the Village and also encouraged others to do the same. We enjoy them every spring.
Trustee Basher stated that our community has won a Gold Award in the 2012 Community Traffic Safety Awards Program presented by the American Automobile Association. He congratulated Police Chief Brown and the Police Department for their commitment and good work with traffic safety.
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Parking – Approximately 2 weeks ago, the contractor working for the Village took a number of parking spaces out of service in what is commonly called the non-resident commuter parking lot for the construction of four new tennis courts and a basketball court. 155 parking spaces were taken out of service, however, that it not the total extent of the parking spaces to be eliminated. There will be another 33 spaces eliminated for the construction project. The Village was contacted by both residents and non-residents regarding the elimination of the parking spaces. The concerns noted were threefold. First, the lack of advance notice of the elimination of the parking spaces. Second, spaces were being eliminated and no new spaces were being developed to replace the spaces.
Third, the location of the spaces that were eliminated is in a preferred location for parking purposes, especially in the winter months. I would like to address each of these concerns that were noted.
First. During a construction project meeting one week prior to the placement of flyers on cars parked in the commuter parking lots, there was a discussion as to coordination of work on the Pierson Park improvement project and Andre Brook restoration project. It was the intention of the contractor to start work on the Andre Brook before the tennis courts and basketball court. However, due to the failure of a federal agency to issue a permit, the contractor requested permission to work on the tennis courts and basketball court. The Village had applied 1 ½ years in advance for the permit and it usually takes 6 months to process a permit, so the application was submitted with plenty of time for processing prior to the commencement of the project. I granted permission to start work on the
tennis courts and basketball court so as not to delay the project, which would probably have prompted additional costs for the project. The contractor started making signs to provide notice, but the signs were not installed until the Monday that the parking spaces were taken out of service. A flyer explaining that the spaces were being taken out of service, alternate parking locations and the location of the new parking lot currently under development, was place on cars on the Friday morning before the spaces were eliminated.
Second. Over the past 5 years, the Village has eliminated parking for the development of Village improvement projects. In 2007, the Village commenced the Village Hall construction project. There were 60 commuter parking spaces situated at the Depot
Plaza site. The Village created 132 new commuter parking spaces on West Main Street to accommodate the loss of parking spaces from the Village Hall construction. The construction of the new tennis courts and basketball court, which is an expansion of Pierson Park, will prompt the elimination of 188 parking spaces. The Village is in the process of constructing 167 new parking spaces in a location between Losee Park and the Tarrytown Boat Club. Since 2007, the Village has actually created 51 additional parking spaces for commuter parking.
Third. The parking spaces being taken out of service are located closer to the foot of the staircases leading to the bridges accessing the train platform than the new parking lot being developed. However, the difference in the walking distance is not as great as one would believe. The spaces taken out of service are located 136 feet from the south bridge and 151 feet from the north bridge. The new parking lot is 288 feet from the south bridge. The 2006 master plan which incorporated the RiverWalk Park and the Pierson Park improvements included the concept of expanding Pierson Park into the parking lot and that concept was thereafter included in the grant applications to the state and federal governments for the park project. Other locations for the tennis courts and basketball court
development would not work due to plans to develop other recreational amenities in that area, creating a connection with the existing park or providing a more appropriate location for tennis and basketball than directly on the riverfront.
Solar Panels – Solar panels were installed on the Village Hall and Senior Center buildings in 2011 and the panels started producing electricity in October of 2011. Comparative electricity usage numbers show that the Village is spending $1,526 less per month for electricity at the Village Hall building, which equates to $18,312 per year. The solar panels were paid for by a grant from the federal stimulus plan, totaling $215,868 and another $125,000 from the Village. In the grant, the expected payback period for the solar panels was 12.7 years. It is anticipated that based upon the actual electric production figures, the payback will be 5.3 years.
PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING – LOH PARK FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECT
Administrator Blau introduced Robert Aiello, Project Manager from John Meyer Consulting, P.C., who has been working with the Village on preparation of the plans for the Loh Park Flood Mitigation Project. The Village was one of five communities that received County grant monies for flood mitigation projects throughout the County. We received a grant from the County totaling $833,000 for this project.
Robert Aiello, Licensed Professional Engineer for John Meyer Consulting, P.C. made a presentation on the Loh Park Flood Mitigation Project. His firm was retained by the Village to study the drainage conditions in the vicinity of Loh Park and Loh Avenue and once a plan is approved, to develop the plans and specifications in order for the Village to bid the improvement project. Mr. Aiello presented alternative drainage options to correct the drainage situation in this area:
Alternative One – A construction of a diversion pipe just west of Highland Avenue and Benedict Avenue to direct about 83 acres of the eastern most watershed that feeds into the Loh Park area into the Benedict Avenue drainage system. The system does not have sufficient capacity. The system’s current capacity is the 5-year storm and when you divert that area into Benedict Avenue storm drainage system, it would actually decrease the capacity of that system to about the 1-year storm. So this concept was ultimately abandoned.
Alternative Two - To provide a new 48” pipe starting at the top of Loh Park down through its existing drainage course and then turn into an existing Parking Lot and then would connect to an existing 48” pipe, which is located under the Old Croton Aqueduct, which would remain in service. At South Broadway, the existing 48” pipe would be upgraded to a 60” pipe crossing Broadway going between the existing two condominium complexes and go into an existing pond to the west of the condominiums buildings. The water from the pond then flows into a very deep existing ravine which ultimately feeds into the Hudson River. This system would provide capacity in the area of south of Loh Park and below for the 100-year storm.
Alternative Three – Is identical to Alternative Two with one additional element. There is a vacant property on Leroy Avenue where the drainage channel flows right behind the foundation of the home on this property. If this property were available, it would be a good location where a retention pond could be excavated; thereby reducing the velocity of the water coming down, which would help to increase the life of the pipes and provide an easy access to clean this location periodically instead of a costly removal from the drainage infrastructure.
Administrator Blau asked the Board of Trustees if they were comfortable with moving this project forward to the next step. The entire Board of Trustees accented to move the project forward. Administrator Blau noted that if the public would like to look at the drawings provided by the engineer for this presentation, they will be available in his office.
OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ONLY ON AGENDA ITEMS. SPEAKERS SHALL HAVE THREE (3) MINUTES TO ADDRESS THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mayor Fixell asked if anyone wanted to address the Board on agenda items. No one appeared.
FIRE DEPARTMENT MEMBERSHIP CHANGES
Trustee Basher 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 July 18, 2012 Board of Fire Wardens meeting: Membership: John Legault was approved for active membership in Washington Engine; Tony Abboud was approved to active membership to Conqueror Hook & Ladder; and Robert Errico has been approved for an active membership transfer from Consolidated Engine to Phenix Hose. Drivers: Robert Errico has been approved as a driver for Phenix Hose and John Pardo has been passed as a driver for Utility 61.
AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWN OF GREENBURGH REGARDING GLENVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
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 the Mayor to execute an agreement between the Town of Greenburgh and the Village of Tarrytown to provide Fire Protection Services to the Glenville Fire Protection District.
INTER-MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT - GREENBURGH TECHNICAL RESCUE TEAM
Trustee Zollo 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 authorize and direct the Village Administrator to enter into an Inter-Municipal Agreement between the Village of Tarrytown and the Town of Greenburgh for the provision of technical rescue services from the Greenburgh Technical Rescue Team.
TIME EXTENSION - PIERSON PARK REHABILITATION GRANT CONTRACT
Trustee Basher 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 execute an agreement modification for a no cost time extension with the New York State Department of State for the Pierson Park rehabilitation grant contract.
TIME EXTENSION - ANDRE BROOK RESTORATION GRANT CONTRACT
Trustee Basher moved, seconded by Trustee Butler, 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 execute an agreement modification for a no cost time extension with the New York State Department of State for the for the Andre Brook restoration grant contract.
ACCEPTANCE OF EASEMENTS – GREYSTONE ON HUDSON
Trustee Zollo moved, seconded by Trustee Butler, 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 execute a Conservation Easement, a Temporary Emergency Access Easement, an Access Easement and a Utility Easement for the Greystone on Hudson project.
SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING – SIDEWALK MUSICIANS
Trustee Basher 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 September 4, 2012, to hear and discuss a proposed amendment to the Code of the Village of Tarrytown, Chapter 218 entitled “Parades” and Chapter 247 entitled “Sidewalk Cafes and Vending” to allow limited sidewalk entertainment.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD ON JULY 26, 2012
Trustee Basher moved, seconded by Trustee McGovern that the following resolution be approved. Motion carried, all voting “aye” with the exception of Mayor Fixell and Trustee Hoyt who abstained. Approved: 5-0-2
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tarrytown does hereby approve the minutes of the special meeting of the Board of Trustees held on July 26, 2012 as submitted by the Village Administrator.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD ON JULY 16, 2012
Trustee Butler 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 approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees held on July 16, 2012 as submitted by the Village Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AUDITED VOUCHERS
Trustee Basher moved, seconded by Trustee Zollo, and unanimously carried, that the following resolution be approved: Approved: 7-0
BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Trustees hereby approves the Audited Vouchers included in Abstract No. 3 and hereby orders the Audited Vouchers to be paid in the following amounts:
General $ 1,017,270.96
Water 307,311.71
Sewer Fund 0.00
Capital 344,463.83
Library 18,188.19
Trust & Agency 21,389.34
Total $ 1,708,624.03
The Board was polled all voting “aye” with the exception of Trustee Hoyt who recused himself from Voucher Numbers 2012237247 and 20122237492 and Trustee McGee who recused herself from Voucher Numbers 2012237058, 2012237368 and 2012237411. Motion carried. 7-0
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
Eleanor Miscioscia, 36 Storm Street, stated that we need to look beyond people driving safely with the schools about to open; we need to look at kids and safety. (Children riding bikes without helmets.)
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Basher moved, seconded by Trustee Butler, and unanimously carried, that the
meeting be adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
Carol A. Booth
Village Clerk
| 
