Meeting Schedules
April 15, 2003
Town Board Minutes
A Regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandt was conducted in the Vincent F. Nyberg Meeting Room of the Cortlandt Town Hall, One Heady Street, Cortlandt Manor, NY (10567) with the following elected officials and appointed staff members in attendance:
LINDA D. PUGLISI Supervisor
FRANCIS X. FARRELL Councilmember
JOHN E. SLOAN Councilmember
Absent: JOSEPH D. CERRETO Councilmember
(due to military service)
ANN LINDAU Councilmember
Also present:
JO-ANN DYCKMAN Town Clerk
THOMAS WOOD, ESQ. Town Attorney
GLENN CESTARO Comptroller
EDWARD VERGANO DOTS/Director
FRAN SURAK DES/Office of Aging
CLAUDIA VAHEY Human Res. Dir.
CATHERINE M. HOFFMAN Dep. Town Clerk
* * * * * * * * * *
MEETING CALLED to ORDER
Supervisor Puglisi called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.
* * * * * * * * * *
PLEDGE to the FLAG
Councilmember Farrell led all in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
* * * * * * * * * *
SUPERVISOR’S REPORTS on PROJECTS and ISSUES
Councilmember John Sloan approached the podium to assist the Supervisor in presenting an award to Dominic Criniti as Employee of the Quarter. He will soon be completing twenty-eight years of employment with Cortlandt in the Sanitation Department and was thanked for his hard work for his government and his community.
Supervisor Puglisi thanked Mr. Criniti for his complete dedication to Cortlandt.
* *
Florence Stephens, President of the Aaron Copland Foundation has served over the last decade as a leader in making the goal of utilizing this famous composer’s home as a residence for composers who were desirous of writing American music become a reality.
She is now stepping down as President and was presented with flowers and a plaque on behalf of the Town of Cortlandt government.
Michael Boriskin, the Artistic Director of the Copland House lauded Ms. Stephens, speaking of her vast responsibilities as Director and her unlimited capacity for work.
* *
Saying she was very proud of the fact that her administration has not raised taxes for twelve years, Supervisor Puglisi said we do, by State Law, have to collect County and School taxes into which we have no input. Only twenty percent of a homeowner’s overall tax bill is for Town of Cortlandt taxes. During these twelve years the Town has been able to do Forty-five Million Dollars worth of capital improvements, a record for which they are very proud.
* *
The Toll House reopens on May 2nd. Laura Lee Keating, Town Historian, is also chairperson of this effort and needs volunteers to assist in manning the facility which is used as a regional information center. If anyone is interested they are to call the Supervisor’s office.
* *
The Town’s spring and summer Recreational Brochure has been mailed out. All age groups are represented in the programs and registration can now be done through the internet.
* * * * * * * * * *
ROLL CALL
On a roll call attendance taken by Town Clerk Dyckman, all Councilpersons indicated their attendance with the exception of Councilperson Lindau who had a family commitment and Councilperson Cerreto whose absence was due to military service.
* * * * * * * * * *
TOWN BOARD REPORTS
Councilmember Frank Farrell expressed the comments of his colleagues and everyone else in Town that prayers and thoughts are with Councilman Joe Cerreto who is serving overseas.
The Town will soon be completing a hand launch canoe and kayak launching ramp at Oscawana Island on Cortlandt Street. There will be parking spaces and a ramp to a cove from which you may access the Hudson River.
He congratulated and thanked Florence Stevens for her work on the Copland House, saying it’s really remarkable that a small group of dedicated people can effect such a positive and far reaching project – something that’s now known of all over the world.
* * * * * * * * * *
APPROVAL of the MINUTES
Minutes of the Regular Meetings of February 11, 2003 and March 11, 2003; Special Meeting of March 17, 2003 were unanimously approved as presented by J. Dyckman on motion made by Councilperson Sloan, seconded by Councilperson Farrell.
* * * * * * * * * *
PUBLIC HEARINGS
(A complete transcript of the following public hearing is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.)
Public Hearing to consider the adoption of the Westchester County Greenway Compact Plan.
Town Clerk Dyckman presented and read the Notice of Hearing as had appeared in the official Town of Cortlandt newspaper.
Supervisor Puglisi called the hearing to order at 8:00 p.m. She explained that this will be to work with Westchester County in conjunction with New York State to assist with trailway systems up and down the Hudson River and with other projects that will also benefit our communities. This will also assist Westchester County to seek more grants on the State and Federal level that will hopefully trickle down to help us in the Town of Cortlandt.
There was no one wishing to speak and the public hearing was closed on motion made by Councilmember Sloan, seconded by Councilmember Farrell with all voting AYE.
* * * * *
Councilmember Sloan then moved for adoption of the following legislation, seconded by Councilmember Farrell:
RESOLUTION NO. 132–03 – RE: Adopt negative declaration regarding the Westchester County Greenway Compact Plan.
* *
LOCAL LAW NO. 5–03 – RE: Adopt the Westchester County Greenway Compact Plan.
There was no discussion. All voted AYE.
* * * * * * * * * *
HEARING of CITIZENS, (Agenda items only.)
Speaker: Jim Crane , (?)
Subject: Submitted petition containing seventy-seven signatures against proposed group home on Douglas Mowbray Drive.
(Petition to be made part of the permanent record of this Town Board meeting.)
* * * * * * * * * *
BID REPORTS
Councilmember Farrell moved that the bids opened Wednesday, April 9, 2003 for Victoria Avenue drainage improvements be received and ordered filed and that the following resolution be adopted. Councilmember Sloan seconded the motion.
RESOLUTION NO. 133–03 – RE: Award contract for Victoria Avenue drainage improvements.
Discussion: Ed Vergano said bids had been received from nine qualified contractors. The low bid came in from W.J.L. Equities of Eastchester, NY at $90,536.00. The project involves installation of much needed drainage improvements along Victoria Avenue.
There was no additional discussion. All voted AYE.
* * * * * * * * * *
REPORTS
Councilmember Farrell moved that the following reports be received and ordered filed, seconded by Councilmember Sloan:
January, 2003 - DOTS/Water.
February, 2003 - DOTS/Water and Receiver of Taxes.
March, 2003 - Purchasing Department, DES/Office for the Aging, Receiver of
Taxes, Town Justices, Town Clerk.
There was no discussion on the motion and all voted AYE.
* * * * * * * * * *
OLD BUSINESS
Correspondence:
Councilmember Sloan moved that the following items of correspondence be received and ordered filed and resolutions adopted where indicated, seconded by Councilmember Farrell:
Certified election results from the Town Clerk for the Continental Village Fire District referendum held on April 1, 2003.
* *
Addition to the Town Emergency Response Plan from the DES/Homeland Safety and Security Coordinator.
* *
Copy of Wilder Balter Partners, Inc. application to NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal for housing tax credits for Jacob’s Hill.
Discussion: Supervisor Puglisi said this project is for an affordable senior citizen apartment complex that is needed in our community.
* *
Reports from DOTS and the PRC regarding BMX bike use at the McAndrew’s property.
* *
Report from DES on placement of “no parking” signs on Hillcrest Drive.
RESOLUTION NO. 134–03 – RE: Authorize installation of “no parking” signs on Hillcrest Drive.
* *
Report from DES on drainage issues on John Cava Lane.
* *
Report from DES on Oregon Road sidewalk. Also, letter from Edward Keon to the Planning Board regarding same.
* *
Planning Board Resolution No. 14-03 that recommends the Town Board approve proposed zoning amendments to Chapter 307-47 regarding a proposed funeral service facility.
RESOLUTION NO. 135–03 – RE: Schedule a Public Hearing for May 13, 2003 to consider proposed zoning amendments to Chapter 307-47 to permit a funeral service facility.
* *
Special inspection report from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc., dated March 17, 2003.
* *
Letter dated March 26, 2003 from Cablevision announcing the addition of the YES Network and forward same to the Cable Advisory Board for their information.
Discussion: Supervisor Puglisi said the Town had lobbied for this last year,
* *
Correspondence dated March 17, 2003 from Paul Gallay, Westchester Land Trust, regarding preservation of open space on the Balter properties as well as GIS mapping for the Town.
* *
Memo from Town Attorney to W. County Public Safety requesting patrols to monitor truck traffic on Lockwood Road.
* *
Report from the PRC Advisory Board with respect to the Hollowbrook Golf Club.
RESOLUTION NO. 136–03 – RE: Authorizing the Establishment of Discounts for Cortlandt residents with respect to the Hollow Brook Golf Club at Cortlandt.
Discussion: Supervisor Puglisi said this has been a four year process before our Planning Board, beginning with a concept committee. There were many public hearings and a very serious environmental review. There will be approximately seventy acres of open space dedicated and deeded to Cortlandt. Town residents will have discounts on two days a week. There will be senior citizen discounts and the possibility for a Town of Cortlandt Youth Golf League. Sidewalks on the north side of Oregon Road will be paid for by the developer.
Two affordable town houses are associated with the project. $200,000 in funding has been received from Mr. Balter to assist with the Westbrook Drive/Oregon Road/Red Mill Road intersection improvement. We have also received $150,000 for improvement at Locust Avenue/Oregon Road for a new traffic signal. $90,000 for drainage and erosion control and $170,000 that can be used for an environmental monitor. The funding totals $610,000.00. Supervisor Puglisi said the land could be equated to $600,000.00 more so the Town has received over One Million Dollars from this project for Cortlandt residents.
There was no additional discussion. All voted AYE.
* * * * * * * * * *
NEW BUSINESS
Correspondence:
Councilmember Sloan moved the following documents be received and ordered filed and the resolutions adopted, seconded by Councilmember Farrell:
Letter dated March 22, 2003 from Michael Hayes regarding traffic issues on Fifth Street, Verplanck. Also, refer to DES for road striping.
* *
Letter dated March 31, 2003 from Marianne Quattrociocchi with regard to traffic issues in the area of Lincoln Titus Elementary School. Refer to DES and the Traffic Safety Committee.
* *
Letter dated March 20, 2003 from Robin Sboto regarding traffic on Sunset Road, Montrose. Refer to DES and the Traffic Safety Committee.
* *
Petition from residents of Dogwood Road with respect to traffic safety issues. Refer to DES and the Traffic Safety Committee.
* *
Authorize the Town Attorney to seek extensions to the comment period for a notice from the Westchester ARC received March 25, 2003 of their interest in establishing an Individualized Residential Alternative on Douglas Mowbray Drive.
* *
Authorize the Town Attorney to seek extensions to the comment period with respect to a notice from Opengate received on March 24, 2003 regarding the establishment of a proposed Community Residence located on Lockwood Road.
* *
Letter from the Supervisor to Datahr Rehabilitation Institute requesting the opportunity to revisit their proposal for a Group Home on Millington Road.
RESOLUTION NO. 137-03 – RE: Authorize the filing of objectives to location mentioned in the three previous items of business.
Discussion: Supervisor Puglisi said we are certainly sensitive and compassionate towards people who need these services and objection to these locations should not mean that we are not in favor of assisting those who are in need.
We have ten group homes dispersed already around the Town of Cortlandt. We have many other related facilities, for example Mohegan Manor, about four hundred permanent residents at the Montrose F.D.R. Hospital. There are several communities down county that have only one group home and the Supervisor opined that organizations should look to those communities for group home sites.
There was no further discussion. All voted AYE.
* * * * *
Councilmember Sloan then moved that the following items be received and ordered filed and the resolution be adopted, as indicated. Councilmember Sloan seconded the motion:
Letter dated April 3, 2003 from James and Annette DiBenedetto in opposition to the proposed Community Residence on Lockwood Road.
* *
Letter dated March 31, 2003 from residents of Pond Meadow Road regarding road conditions after construction of a new home in 2002. Refer to DOTS.
* *
Letter dated March 19, 2003 from Muriel Sammon regarding conditions on Buttonwood Avenue. Refer to DES.
Discussion: Supervisor Puglisi said due to the severe weather conditions this winter, the Town is now receiving many e-mails and other communications regarding potholes, drainage problems, etc. She said the Town will do its best to assist everyone, thanking them for their patience. Approximately One Million Dollars of paving is done each year in August, September and October.
* *
Letter dated March 31, 2003 from Christine Rudner, 16 Crystal Court, Montrose expressing concern with a brook on adjacent property overflowing. Refer to DOTS and DES.
* *
Letter dated April 3, 2003 from Deidre Carroll, 7 Gilbert Street, requesting restriction of operation of motorized scooters on residential streets. Refer to State and County Police departments.
* *
Letter from Audrey Stewart, 139 Sixteenth Street, Verplanck, with respect to the condition of property located on Broadway between Fourteen and Sixteenth Streets. Refer to Code Enforcement.
* *
Letter from Westchester County with respect to an offer by the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship to purchase property located on Albany Post Road.
RESOLUTION NO. 138–03 – RE: Relinquish Town rights to purchase County property designated as Section 55.18, Block 1, Lot 7 within the Town.
* *
Letter dated March 20, 2003 from Rivers and Estuaries Center on the Hudson. Direct DOTS/Planning to complete the enclosed Assessment of Environmental Compatibility Form.
* *
Letter from the NYS Office for Parks and Recreation and Historic Preservation announcing the Aaron Copland House placement on the NYS Register of Historic Places.
There was no additional discussion. All voted AYE.
* * * * * * * * * *
NEW BUSINESS
Resolutions
(All resolutions adopted at this meeting are to be found in full context affixed to the end of this document.)
Councilmember Farrell moved that the following resolutions be adopted, seconded by Councilmember Sloan:
RESOLUTION NO. 139–03 – RE: Appoint Kathleen Burleson as Director of Environmental Services and authorize the Supervisor to execute an employment contract with respect to same.
Discussion: Supervisor Puglisi said there had been a couple of retirements last year in DES. Kathleen Burleson stepped in as Acting Director in January and has accepted the Town’s offer of becoming permanent Director of DES which includes Highway, Sanitation, Parks, Central Buildings, and Recreation.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 140–03 – RE: Appoint Michael Sellazzo as “Assistant Director for the Department of Environmental Services.”
Discussion: Supervisor Puglisi said M. Sellazzo has served on the Parks, Recreation Advisory Board for about fifteen years in a volunteer capacity and she’s delighted to appoint him as Assistant Director to Kathleen Burleson and the Department of Environmental Services.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 141–03 – RE: Appoint John Palmietto to the title “Assistant Superintendent of Recreation.”
Discussion: He will take over a lot of responsibility for the Town’s recreation activities. He has served as a Recreation Supervisor, has served as host for four basketball dinners.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 142–03 – RE: Appoint Rodney White to the title “Senior Automotive Mechanic.”
Discussion: R. White is a new member of the Town team. The position had been advertised.
* *
RESOLUTIONS NO. 143–03 and 144-03 – RE: Appoint seasonals and interns for the 2003 season.
Discussion: Many seasonals and interns are hired to assist in the various departments. Almost all reside in Cortlandt.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 145–03 – RE: Appoint John Gilbert as a member of the Employee of the Quarter Committee.
Discussion: John will now assist on the staff committee that selects the employee of the quarter.
There was no additional discussion. All voted AYE.
* * * * *
Councilmembers Sloan and Farrell moved that the following resolutions be adopted:
RESOLUTION NO. 146–03 – RE: Reappoint members to the Conservation Advisory Council.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 147–03 – RE: Amend Resolution No. 283-02 and appoint an additional member to the Tollhouse Committee.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 148–03 – RE: Adopt a Town Policy with respect to the use of Town letterhead by committees.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 149–03 – RE: Adopt the HIPPA privacy requirements with respect to the Town’s Self-Insured Health Insurance Program and designate various Town officials responsible for same.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 150–03 – RE: Authorize the Supervisor to execute a contract for the purchase of a vehicle for the Office of the Aging to be funded through CDBG.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 151–03 – RE: Authorize the Supervisor to execute a contract with New York State DES with respect to a grant for an ecological study and scenic overlook at property known as Hillpoint.
There was no additional discussion. All voted AYE.
* * * * *
Councilmember Sloan then moved for adoption of the following resolutions seconded by Councilmember Farrell:
RESOLUTION NO. 152-03 – RE: Authorize support of participation in the Westchester County Fire Mutual Aid Plan.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 153-03 – RE: Authorize acceptance of a gift of property for park purposes from Leonard Cabral and the Estate of Kathleen Gloven.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 154-03 – RE: Authorize support of the NYS Comptroller’s pension reform legislation.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 155-03 – RE: Authorize a request to the New York State Public Service Commission that they perform a franchise fee and technical audit of Cablevision.
* *
Authorize the Town Attorney to execute a Stipulation of Settlement for the Riverside Silkscreen Printers tax certiorari action. (REMOVED until May, 2003 agenda.)
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 156-03 – RE: Authorize the Town Attorney to execute a Stipulation of Settlement for 8 Sunlit Trail tax certiorari action.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 157-03 – RE: Authorize DES personnel to attend highway school held in Ithaca, NY from June 2 to June 4, 2003.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 158-03 – RE: Authorize the Safety and Homeland Security Coordinator to apply for grant funds for a Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program.
Discussion: Supervisor Puglisi said that Jeff Tkacs will be applying for this grant. A coalition has been formed of communities within a ten mile radius of Indian Point and they are working closely together within the parameters of the James Lee Witt evacuation plan. There is also an Emergency Planning Task Force that Jeff co-chairs and this grant money will assist all of our emergency service agencies.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 159-03 – RE: Authorize an Agreement with Bennett Kielson, Storch, DeSantis Company for their engagement as Town auditors.
There was no further discussion. All voted AYE.
* * * * *
Councilmembers Farrell and Sloan moved for adoption of the following resolutions:
RESOLUTION NO. 160-03 – RE: Authorize the Purchasing/Technology Director to seek requests for proposals for tax mapping.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 161-03 – RE: Authorize a contract with Partners in Safety Company for drug and alcohol testing.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 162-03 – RE: Amend the V & T Code and authorize DES to install “no parking” signs on Trolley Road in Montrose in the area of the intersection with Albany Post Road.
Discussion: Councilmember Farrell said this is the first section to alleviate the concerns of Hendrick Hudson School District. We have to recognize the potential impact on the local area businesses.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 163-03 – RE: Authorize the DOTS to issue requests for proposals for engineering services and studies for Westchester Lake Dam.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 164-03 – RE: Authorize the DOTS to issue requests for proposals for a new roof on the Town building used by Nor-West.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 165-03 – RE: Authorize the DOTS to seek invitations to bid for the Smith Road drainage project.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 166-03 – RE: Authorize the DOTS to award a contract for surveying services of a portion of Red Mill Road.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 167-03 – RE: Authorize the DOTS to install “rumble strips” on Red Mill Road.
Discussion: Supervisor Puglisi said we will try this out to see if it helps. We also have to make certain the residents are apprised of this before the rumble strips are in place.
Councilmember Farrell said we have always tried to explore ways to address just about everything that comes along. He believes the use of rumble strips will be a first for Cortlandt, but once the residents have experienced this traffic control, they may not want to keep them.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 168-03 – RE: Schedule a Public Hearing for May 13, 2003 to consider a Local Law increasing income limits for senior and disability exemptions.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 169-03 – RE: Authorize acceptance of a Passbook in the amount of $2,000 for property located on Sixth Street and Broadway, Verplanck.
There was no additional discussion. All voting AYE.
* * * * * * * * * *
ADDITIONS to the AGENDA
Councilmember Farrell moved that the following items of business be added to the agenda, the correspondence be received and ordered filed as amended, and the resolutions adopted. This motion was seconded by Councilmember Sloan:
Correspondence:
Statement from the Shipley Park Homeowners’ Association regarding proposed Mowbray Road community residence. AMENDED to include the petitions received during the Hearing of Citizen portion of the meeting.
* *
E-mail from Tony Bachelet regarding proposed Mowbray Road community residence.
* *
E-mail from James Catalano regarding conditions on Shaw Highway. Refer, also, to DES.
There was no additional discussion. All voted AYE.
* * * * *
RESOLUTION NO. 170-03 – RE: Authorize repealing juror fees as set forth previously by the Town.
* *
RESOLUTION NO. 171-03 – RE: Authorize the Supervisor to execute an Agreement eliminating an unnecessary utility easement with respect to Cortlandt Chase Subdivision on recommendation of the Town Attorney and the DOTS Director.
* *
AMENDED to include: RESOLUTION NO. 172-03 – RE: Authorize a refund with regard to an incorrect water bill for Croton Park Colony Association.
There was no additional discussion. All voted AYE.
* * * * * * * * * *
BUDGET TRANSFERS
None.
* * * * * * * * * *
REPORTS from VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS
* * * * * * * * * *
REPORTS from STANDING and SPECIAL COMMITTEES
* * * * * * * * * *
HEARING of CITIZENS, (second)
None.
* * * * * * * * * *
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Farrell moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:50 p.m., seconded by Councilmember Sloan. All voted AYE.
Respectfully submitted,
JO-ANN DYCKMAN,
Town Clerk