VILLAGE OF PELHAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 20, 2004, 8:00 PM
PRESENT: Mayor Clain, Trustees, Mutti, Rozycki, Cassidy, Homan, Merrick, and Hotchkiss, Administrator Slingerland and Secretary Stiefvater
ABSENT: None
Mayor Clain began the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Clain announced that Harry Pallett’s father had passed away. Mr. Frank Pallett was a former Police Officer for the Village of Pelham. Mayor Clain extended his condolences to Harry and his family.
Trustees report
Trustee Merrick reported:
He is moving forward with the noise law. Mayor Clain asked him to report back to the board when he has a draft of the entire proposed law.
Administrator’s Report
Administrator Slingerland stated that the Pedestrian Crosswalks on Boulevard and Highbrook need to be addressed. Mayor Clain stated that he would like to talk to the School Crossing Guard or get a Police Report on the problem at that intersection.
Pulbic Hearing on relocation of the Pelham Post Office; the manager in charge of finding a suitable site will be present to explain the process and listen to public comment.
Paul Tyburski, United States Postal Service, appeared before the board and explained the process that the Post Office must go through in order to entertain an alternative site (either leasing or acquiring). He stated that the Post Office needs approximately 6,500 square feet in order to accommodate the delivery, retail, processing and operations of the Post Office. Mayor Clain asked him if they would consider anything smaller than 6,500 square feet. Mr. Tyburski stated that they have found that if services are split into different buildings the level of service is diminished and it ends up being more costly for the Postal Service.
Trustee Homan questioned Mr. Tyburski on the time line of their process. Mr.
Tyburski stated that it takes approximately 6 months.
Mr. Ferrara, Postmaster, stated that they need space in order to supply parking as well as the deliveries that the trucks need to make.
Mayor Clain and the Trustees then explained that they are opposed to the idea of the Post Office moving to the site they acquired on First Street. It is a residential neighborhood that is going to withstand the development of Marbury Corners. The increase in population and traffic is too much for the residents of that area if the Post Office moves to that location. In addition, the board voiced their opinion that the Post Office should be located at a central site in the business district in order to promote shopping in the downtown.
Mayor Clain asked for Public Comment on this matter.
Mr. Joseph Veteri, First Avenue, stated that it is a residential area and the Post Office wouldn’t think of putting a Post Office in a residential area in Larchmont or Bronxville. Mr. Tyburski stated that they are not here to attack Pelham and they would go through this exact same process anywhere they went.
Jeremy Driesen, 144 Pelhamdale Avenue, stated that he believes the Post Office should be located where there would be more foot traffic.
Susan Neuman, GDC, stated that she has contacted the Open Space Institute and they would be interested in acquiring the land that the Post Office purchased on First Street in order to make it parkland. She then asked that the Postal Service try to be specific in mapping out a financial model that specifies what they are willing to do in order to acquire land. She stated that they recently didn’t act quickly enough on a perfect piece of property that was available and therefore they lost it.
Mayor Clain asked if the Post Office could make a two day decision if they found a piece of property for sale that worked for the Post Office. Mr. Tyburski stated that they currently have money for construction and not acquisition because they spent the acquisition money on First Street.
John Cassone, Seventh Avenue, stated that he is a parishioner at St. Catharine’s and he does not believe that the Post Office should relocate to First Street.
Mr. Tyburski stated that the advertisement would be out in approximately 2-3 weeks. Discussion continued regarding the time frame of their process.
Authorization for approval of the one-lot Subdivision and Site Plan application for a two-family home by J. Gioia for 507-509 First Avenue, as approved by the ARB, Planning Board and ZBA.
Trustee Homan then made the following motion, which was seconded by Trustee Cassidy and unanimously carried:
RESOLVED, that the application for a Site Plan to include a Two Family, 2 1/2 Story Modular Residence by Gioia is approved, based on the review and recommendations by the Architectural Review Board and the Planning Board and the Variance granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals on May 31, 2000; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that conditions apply as follows:
1. That the Residence must be built in accordance with plans dated, March 11, 2002 with last date revision of November 30, 2003 and received by the Village on January 2, 2004, with approval and signature by ARB on January 9, 2004 and Planning Board on January 14, 2004 and must be built according to the window and trim details, chimney details, porch details, landscaping plan, and approved colors and materials (as specified on plans) as:
a. Fish-Scale wood finish with 6” exposure to front and back eaves with Richmond Bisque Paint #54 marked on plans as typical, (reference on pg. 9 & 11 of 12);
b. Exterior front wall to have 4” exposure wood clapboard finish Montgomery White #76, marked on plans as typical, (ref. page 9 of 12);
c. Front shutters, 15” x 51” wood shutters, Chrome Green #41,marked on plans as typical, (ref. page 9 of 12);
d. Exterior side and rear walls with 4” exposure vinyl siding finish in Montgomery White #76, marked on plans as typical, (ref. page 10, 11 & 12 of 12);
e. Circle top unit, in front and rear eave, cat#CTCXW1 3’-0 ½ ”X1L8 ¾ ”, marked on plans as typical, (ref. page 9 &11 of 12);
f. Anderson vinyl clad double hung white, window specs as per pages 48 and 60 of Anderson specs ( attached);
g. 1”x 4” wood window trim, Brilliant White, marked on plans as typical (ref. pages 9,10, 11 & 12 of 12);
h. Corner finish, wood, 1” x 4”, marked as typical on plans, Brilliant white #01, (ref. pages 9,10,11 & 12 of 12);
i. Doors (Front and left side), Chrome Green Paint # 41, marked as typical on plans, (ref. pages 9 & 12 of 12);
j. Roof Architectural Timberline asphalt, Fox Hollow Gray, marked as typical on plans, (ref. pages 9,10,11 & 12 of 12);
k. Chimney, stucco finish painted Brilliant White #01 marked as typical on plans,(ref. page 9 of 12),with stagger copper flashing, at joint of roof and chimney (ref. pages 9 & 12 of 12);
l. New square Perma Cast porch columns, 6” X 6” X 8’, Brilliant White #01marked as typical (ref. page 7 of 12);
m. Porch, Savannah square baluster and top/bottom rail, wood stringers, risers and treads,( page 7 of 12, typical details handrail/end post detail);
n. Foundation height on front elevation not to exceed 3’ over height of curb;
o. Foundation, Stucco finish, Painted Brilliant White #01, marked as typical on plans, (ref. page 9 of 12);
p. Left side elevation, concrete stairwell to basement, with 6’-0” X 6’-8” Sliding glass door to be installed, marked on plans as typical, (ref. page 12 of 12);
q. Wrought iron hand railing, code compliant to basement door, marked on plans as typical, (ref. page 12 of 12);
r. Continuous gutters, on building and porch roof, marked as typical on plans, Brilliant white color #01, (ref. pages 9,10,11 &12 of 12);
s. 4” thick by 3’0” by 6’0” concrete pad on gravel bedding, as per site plan for AC unit, concealed by shrubs, evergreen, for year round coverage, minimum of 3’ in height 2’ on center, (ref. page 1 of 12, site plan);
t. All finished grades around building as per site plan, (ref.page 1 of 12)
2. The 2 ½ story Two Family Residence must be built according to the notations for the following:
a. Every finish
b. Full pallet and detail of materials
c. Colors
d. Approved details of window
e. Window specifications
f. Mechanicals in the basement
3. The plan must comply with the ZBA approval of May 31, 2000, regarding the Subdivision.
4. Landscaping, shrubs, of significant height to conceal foundation wall, where indicated on plans, (ref. page 1 of 12, site plan);
5. That there must be at least two (2) drywells, two (2) 10’-0” x 4’ 0”, to meet requirement of 3,677 gallon capacity, on the site as shown on the plans, (ref. page 1 of 12, site plan), both to collect stormwater and minimize contribution to the Village’s stormwater system.
6. Trench drain, in rear parking area as per site plan; note all driveway pavement must be pitched as to allow water to flow to trench drain.
7. Construction must comply with the submitted and approved construction timeline, (attached).
8. Notification to neighbors and the police department within a minimum of seventy-two (72) hours of any street closings or delivery of units.
9. Any other actions deemed necessary by the Mayor, Village Administrator, Building Inspector, Village Engineer, and other officials of the Village of Pelham.
10. That the application and permit shall remain subject to the continued jurisdiction of the Board of Trustees.
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this application for a site plan by Gioia for 507-509 First Avenue is subject to the procedures, regulations and requirements of the Pelham Village Code and Pelham Building Department; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor, Village Administrator, Building Inspector and officials of the Village of Pelham are authorized to take the necessary and appropriate actions to effect this site plan approval.
Lester Kravitz and Anton Martinez appeared before the board regarding PelPark and the possibility of the Village granting an easement for the PelPark project. Mayor Clain stated if it is for the plans that were submitted approximately one year ago then he would think the board would not vote to grant an easement. If Mr. Kravitz is thinking of a private/public partnership with the Village then the board has to see new plans of what Mr. Kravitz is proposing to develop. In addition, Mayor Clain stated that if Mr. Kravitz is planning on a private/public partnership with the Village then they first have to establish funding and someone who has expertise in this matter before they go forward. Mr. Kravitz would then have to submit plans that reflected the development meeting all of the requirements set forth by the private/public partnership.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby authorizes the renewal of an agreement between the Village of Pelham and Complus Data Innovations of Elmsford, NY, for Complus to continue to provide the Village of Pelham with Parking Ticket Management Services, per the agreement provided by Complus Data Innovations of Elmsford, NY (attached hereto and made a part hereof); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham authorizes the agreement to allow for the additional service of web-based payments, to allow violators to view and pay their parking tickets online via credit card, which will allow the Village to receive more rapidly its payments for tickets to the Village of Pelham.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the term of the agreement shall be for two (2) years period commencing immediately and terminating on January 31, 2005; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that pursuant to the provisions of the original contract between the Village and Complus and Complus shall remain in effect, granting either party the right to terminate the agreement upon ninety (90) days prior written notice to the other party; and
Authorization for a Public Hearing to be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2004 on the Village of Pelham Public Housing Agency Plan for the Fiscal Year 4/1/04 through 3/31/05.
Trustee Cassidy made the following motion, which was seconded by Trustee Mutti and unanimously carried:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham will hold a public hearing at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2, 2004, at Pelham Village Hall, 195 Sparks Avenue, Pelham, New York, on the draft year 2004 Annual Public Housing Agency Plan for Fiscal Years 2004-2005. The Draft Annual Plan provides details about the Village’s immediate operations, program participants and the Village strategy for handling operational concerns and the needs and concerns of the participants.
Administrator Slingerland stated that an RFP was sent out and the Village received three (3) proposals. Administrator Slingerland stated that he would like to make the recommendation that the Village contract with Doth Rotfeld Engineering, P.C. of Tarrytown. Trustee Homan then made the following motion, which was seconded by Trustee Merrick and unanimously carried:
WHEREAS, the Village of Pelham has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Engineering Services; and
WHEREAS, a public notice was duly posted, circulated and published in the official newspaper(s) of the Village of Pelham; and
WHEREAS, during the notice period eight (8) copies of the RFP were picked up or mailed out to engineering companies; and
WHEREAS, at 11:00 a.m. E.S.T., Wednesday, December 31, 2003, the Village of Pelham publicly opened and read three (3) proposals; and
WHEREAS, on reviewing the proposals and interviewing the three (3) interested engineering companies – Dolph Rotfeld Engineering, P.C., Professional Consulting Inc. and TRC Site Blauvelt Engineers, the Village Administrator Richard Slingerland has determined that the lowest responsible proposal that meets requirements for the work to be performed is Dolph Rotfeld Engineering, P.C., of Tarrytown, New York, that their proposal for this work adds up to a total approximate cost of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00), with inspection costs and other expenses to be determined at a later date, for performing the work under this contract.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the award of Engineering Services – Phase 1 for Sewer Remediation Work in the Village of Pelham is hereby made to Dolph Rotfeld Engineering, P.C., of Tarrytown, New York, at the total approximate cost of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00), for performing the work under this contract, with inspection costs and other expenses to be determined at a later date; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute a contract for professional services with Dolph Rotfeld Engineering and the Mayor and the Village Administrator are authorized to take the necessary and appropriate actions to effect the work under this contract.
Authorization for renewal of the contract with Richard Slingerland of Ossining, NY, as Village Administrator of Pelham.
Trustee Mutti made the following motion, which was seconded by Trustee Rozycki and unanimously carried:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby authorizes the renewal of an agreement between the Village of Pelham and Richard Slingerland, as Administrator of the Village of Pelham, with provisions as agreed upon by the Board of Trustees, for a term of two (2) years effective in March, 2004 and expiring on March 31, 2006.
Trustee Rozycki then thanked Administrator Slingerland for the excellent job he has done thus far.
Authorization for the appointment of Police Officer Candidate(s) in the Village of Pelham Police Department.
Administrator Slingerland stated that he would like authorization to make an offer of employment to the following individuals. Trustee Homan made the following motion, which was seconded by Trustee Mutti and unanimously carried:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby authorizes the extension of an offer of employment to Matthew Irvine, with a projected start date of Monday, January 26, 2004, to the position of Police Officer – 3rd Grade, subject to the requirements of Civil Service for an eighteen (18) month probationary period, and authorizes the Mayor, the Village Administrator and the Police Chief to take the necessary and appropriate actions to effect this offer of employment, provided his successful completion of the required agility test, pre-employment physical and background check.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby authorizes the extension of an offer of employment to Sean McDowell, with a projected start date of Monday, January 26, 2004, to the position of Police Officer – Recruit Grade, subject to the requirements of Civil Service, for an eighteen (18) month probationary period, and authorizes the Mayor, the Village Administrator and the Police Chief to take the necessary and appropriate actions to effect this offer of employment, provided his successful completion of the required agility test, pre-employment physical and background check.
Authorization for the new Section 467-Senior Property Tax exemption rates.
Trustee Mutti made the following motion, which was seconded by Trustee Rozycki and unanimously carried:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby authorizes the increased and updated rates for Senior Income Exemption Levels as they apply to the property tax reduction program authorized by State Law; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor, Village Administrator, Assessor and Receiver of Taxes are authorized to take the necessary and appropriate actions to effect this authorization.
Trustee Mutti made a motion to approve the minutes of December 16, 2003. The motion was seconded by Trustee Merrick and carried unanimously.
Old/New Business
Trustee Mutti stated that there is a lot of ice on the platform at Metro North. Trustee Homan addressed the garbage that comes from the train tracks onto First Street. John Cassone, Seventh Avenue, stated that the speaker system at Metro North does not seem to work well. Administrator Slingerland stated that he would contact Metro North on these matters.
Trustee Cassidy stated that the Village should have a “party” to celebrate the completion of the improvements that have been made to the Metro North train station.
Trustee Homan questioned what happened to the September 11th memorial that was discussed months ago. After a short discussion she volunteered to move forward with the idea.
Executive Session
Mayor Clain asked for a motion to hold an executive session at the conclusion of this meeting. Trustee Mutti made said motion, which was seconded by Trustee Merrick and unanimously carried.
There being no further items for discussion Mayor Clain asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting into executive session. Said motion was made by Trustee Homan, seconded by Trustee Rozycki and unanimously carried. The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Stiefvater