Village Board Meeting Minutes - October 20, 2008

Minutes of the Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village/Town of Mount Kisco held on Monday, October 20, 2008 at 7:40 pm in the Frank J. DiMicco Board Room, Village Hall, 104 Main Street, Mount Kisco, New York.

Present: Mayor J. Michael Cindrich

Trustee Peter Grunthal

Trustee Anthony Markus

Deputy Mayor DiChiara

Also Present: James Palmer, Village Manager/Clerk

Whitney Singleton, Village Attorney

Absent: Trustee Griffin, Jr.

Mayor Cindrich opened the Village Board Meeting. He asked everyone to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance and asked everyone to please reflect on why we are here and ask for guidance in the decisions that we make here this evening that they may benefit all the people of Mount Kisco. Sadly last week on October 13^th we lost one of our distinguished residents. As many Mount Kisco residents know that the success of this Village is largely do to our pool of volunteers. The person I speak of this evening “Bill Fletcher” gave back to the community in many ways. He was a Volunteer Fire Fighter, a coach of little league baseball, little league football, he was a distinguished chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners and he brighten almost every room he walk into with his exceptional whit. He was a man that had an exceptional work ethic. He was admired by both his contemporaries and his subordinates as a supervisor for Con Edison. He will be dearly missed.

1) Communications:

A. Guiding Eyes for the Blind Presentation.

Mayor Cindrich read a letter from the Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

Ms. Lisa Douche, Vice President at Guiding Eyes introduced Becky Barns, Manager of Consumer Affairs at Guiding Eyes for the Blind and Flyer. Becky and Flyer are among our very best and proudest graduates.

Ms. Barns stated that she and her guide day live in Mount Kisco because it is such a walk able and friendly community to live in.

They presented the Village of Mount Kisco with an award for Community Service for supporting them with regards to their mission.

B. Letter from Thomas Smith re: vacancy on the Recreation Commission.

Mayor Cindrich read the letter from Thomas Smith dated October 13, 2008 regarding a vacancy on the Recreation Commission.

Mayor Cindrich suggested Monday, November 3, 2008 as the cut-off date for accepting applications for this vacancy. After that date the Village Board will conduct informal interviews for that vacancy.

C. Letter from Edward Campbell re: vacancy on the Recreation Commission.

Mayor Cindrich read the Edward Campbell dated October 7, 2008 regarding a vacancy on the Recreation Commission.

Mayor Cindrich suggested Monday, November 3, 2008 as the cut-off date for accepting applications for this vacancy. After that date the Village Board will conduct informal interview for that vacancy.

D. Letter from the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce re: Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Mayor Cindrich read the letter from the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce dated October 3, 2008 regarding the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The following motion was offered by Deputy Mayor DiChiara and seconded by Trustee Grunthal approving the request of the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce regarding the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony to be held on Friday, December 5, 2008 at 6:00pm, all in favor.

Motion Adopted

Mayor Cindrich Aye

Deputy Mayor DiChiara Aye

Trustee Grunthal Aye

Trustee Markus Aye

E. Letter from Cathy Hagen re: Mount Kisco Maroons cheerleading car wash fund raising.

Mayor Cindrich read the letter from Cathy Hagen regarding the Mount Kisco Maroons Cheerleading car wash fund raising event. No action was required by the Village Board for this event.

2) Petitions: None.

3) Board, Committee and Commission Reports: None.

4) Village Manager's Reports -

A. Level of Byram Lake.

Village Manager Palmer reported that the level of Byram Lake as of this afternoon was at 87.7% of capacity.

Village Manager Palmer reported that he wanted to advise everyone of polling locations that have provided everyone with a little confusion in the past. This year we have purchased some additional signs. The Village of Mount Kisco has seven (7) Election Districts and two of those locations in recent years have been consolidated at the Fox Senior Center (ED #3 and #7). In an effort to make it more visible for residents voting at those locations we will put up additional signage directing them to the Senior Center. Also there will be additional posting outside of the Housing Authority to assist residents in locating their polling site. Once the Library is completed we will relocate the two Election Districts (#3 and #7) back to the center of town.

Motion made by Trustee Markus and seconded by Deputy Mayor DiChiara adopting the Village Board Meeting Schedule as follows:

November 3^rd and 17^th

December 1^st, 15^th and 29^th* (*if needed)

January 12^th and January 26^th

February 9^th and February 23^rd

March 9^th and 23^rd

April 6^th and 20^th

May 4^th and May 18^th

June 1^st and 15^th and June 29^th* (*if needed)

Motion Adopted

Mayor Cindrich Aye

Deputy Mayor DiChiara Aye

Trustee Grunthal Aye

Trustee Markus Aye

Village Manager Palmer reported that Westchester County will once again be holding a Chemical Clean-Up Days on Friday, Oct. 24^th and Saturday October 25^th at Croton Point Park, Croton. He encouraged residents to participate in this event and if they had any questions they could call Westchester County or visit westchestergov.com

E. Traffic Promulgation

Village Manager Palmer promulgated the following overnight parking restrictions:

There shall be no overnight parking from 1:00 am to 5:00 am from November 15^th to April 1^st on the following street in their entirety:

Ascot Circle Austin Drive Brentwood Court

Britton Lane Carlton Drive Cold Spring Court

Croton Avenue East Hyatt Avenue Emery Street

Hillside Avenue Kisco Avenue Mountain Avenue

Orchard Road Prospect Street Rolling Ridge

Route 133 Route 117 Sands Street

South Moger Avenue Stratford Drive Willetts Road

Washburn Road West Hyatt Avenue Green Street

Lexington Avenue Moore Avenue Caren Court

Turner Lane

The Village Attorney will work with the Village Manger on the required posting of this Traffic Promulgation.

F Request for an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation, personnel and real estate matters.

Motion made by Deputy Mayor DiChiara and seconded by Trustee Grunthal scheduling an Executive Session immediately following this meeting to be held in the Village Hall Board Room, 104 Main Street; Mount Kisco, NY to discuss pending litigation, personnel and real estate matters, all in favor.

Motion Adopted

Mayor Cindrich Aye

Deputy Mayor DiChiara Aye

Trustee Grunthal Aye

Trustee Griffin, Jr. Aye

Trustee Markus Aye

7) New Business:

A. Administer Oath of Office for Police Officer Edwin Ramirez, Jr.

Chief Anderson introduced Police Officer Edwin Ramirez, Jr. to the public.

Mayor Cindrich administered the Oath of Office to Police Officer Edwin Ramirez, Jr.

5) Board Reports:

Trustee Markus reported that the Village Board recently had a Work Session Meeting on the proposed sign ordinance. He thanked the Building Department and Patti Tipa for all of their hard work in putting together the presentation. He also wanted to acknowledge that the Chamber of Commerce was also at the Work Session Meeting as well as other members of the community. It was a good meeting and he has received some feed back. He felt that the meeting demonstrated that the Village Board is committed to balancing the needs of the community. He asked the Village Board if they could discuss a date that the sign ordinance could be placed on the schedule for resolution.

The Village Board agreed to place the proposed Sign Ordinance on the November 17, 2008 agenda for final resolution.

Trustee Grunthal reported that the Conservation Advisory Council has started work on analysis the Green House Gas Emissions in the Village of Mount Kisco. As part of our initiative to support the reduction of Green House Gas Emissions we joined ICLE which is the organization that is helping us to identify where carbon monoxide emissions come from so we can take steps in trying to reduce them in palatable ways. With the help of Patrice Hogan we have located invoices for one fiscal year from all providers of energy. We have started analyzing what kind of energy uses we have. It's a large task but they have gotten off to a good start. The CAC is also discussing how to help the residents of Mount Kisco to save on energy in a variety of ways. This will help our residents in tracking down the loss of energy in their own homes. They will be able to provide some education as to how they could reduce energy usage therefore carbon emissions.

Deputy Mayor DiChiara reported that the Village Board recently had a work meeting the other night to also discuss the proposed changes to the building coverage, setbacks and development coverage to the zoning ordinance. He and Village Attorney Singleton agreed upon a time to discuss a few more modifications to the proposed zoning law. Deputy Mayor DiChiara stated that the proposed local law will be placed on the November 3, 2008 agenda for a public hearing.

Deputy Mayor DiChiara asked the Village Manager for a status update on the new “Fee Schedule” that Town Prosecutor Tony Grant was working on, because he wanted to move the process forward.

Village Manager Palmer replied that he did circulate the Proposed Fee Schedule and he is waiting for feedback from the Village Attorney and Trustees.

Deputy Mayor DiChiara suggested that the proposed Fee Schedule be circulated again with the Village Attorney's comments on it. He added that it was important for the Village to get this on the books before the New Year.

Deputy Mayor DiChiara stated that he along with Village Manager Palmer and Trustee Markus were all working on a project for Affordable Housing for Emergency Services Providers as well as some other community members. The group that we are working with wants to have another meeting to discuss this. However, we circulated a questionnaire to each of the Fire Companies and we have only received a few responses. Deputy Mayor DiChiara requested that the Village Manager recirculation the questionnaire to the Fire Companies and Fire Commissioners in an effort to get some responses to this initiative.

Deputy Mayor DiChiara asked the Village Manager to prepare a Traffic Promulgation to restrict commercial traffic on the road that connects Kirby Plaza with South Moger Avenue. There is an overabundance of Taxi Cabs that are parking there and it is making a traffic jam in that area especially when a Metro North train is arriving at the Mount Kisco Station. Also the cabs are parking in spaces that should be used by people that are patronizing our stores.

Deputy Mayor DiChiara asked the Village Manager to follow-up with the Housing Authority to move their garbage dumpsters away from the new Fox Park Playground center.

Village Manager Palmer stated that he has been working with Juan Roskell on moving the dumpster.

Mayor Cindrich suggested looking into some type of blotter/log when somebody makes a request for services. It's logged in a book and somebody can pick-up on it and make sure that it's accomplished. These are issues that should be resolved immediately and residents are being told that it is going to be resolved immediately and some of these issues have been dragging on forever.

Mayor Cindrich stated that the Thorn Avenue issues with the water damage as a result of a water main breaking with a resident sustaining a significant amount of damage to his home. This issue has to be resolved. It's not an issue that we can just sit on and drag out. They are economically faced with a significant bill for this damage. I would like to speak about his matter in executive session this evening and make sure that we do act on this item this evening because its responsible government to recognize problems that may have been caused by government and it is something that we should react to.

Mayor Cindrich stated that he had a busy week and that there are two significant projects in this Village that are of concern to him for the viability of this community as we move forward. I speak of the property that the Village currently owns which is the Swiss Benevolent Property which is now operating now before the Planning Board as the Westchester Residence Club and it a significant piece of property that we are trying to complete a sale on and retaining in excess of 30 acres of green space. The project is obviously challenged by the economic crisis that has hit the real-estate market. But its success is necessary for the viability of this community as we move forward. The property is encumbered right now with a bond and some other issues. We put together a good deal and I have been working hard to make that project move forward. The other concern of mine is the future success of the Northern Westchester Hospital. The Hospital is before the Planning Board they had a great meeting on it last Tuesday. There are a number of issues that the hospital has to stay competitive. They are a major employer in our community it's a major service industry. The businesses that are related to the hospital are extremely important to our Village. Prior to the proposed public hearing the Hospital is going to be looking for a work session with the Village Board to full comprehend what is being proposed and what is before the Planning Board. When I get that date I will circulate it and I hope that everyone will make themselves available.

Mayor Cindrich stated that on last Sunday he attended a Columbus Day Celebration with the Italian American Club of Northern Westchester. It was a moving event and it is something that this community is proud of.

Mayor Cindrich reported that on this past Sunday he attended an Anniversary Celebration with the members of the Bethel Baptist Church. The celebration was inspiring and rewarding. The history of the Bethel Baptist Church is proud work of faith and a profound work of citizens coming together and developing this particularly small church on Maple Avenue.

Letter from the American Legion - Veterans' Day Celebration.

Mayor Cindrich read the letter from the Moses Taylor Jr. Post 136; American Legion dated October 16, 2008 regarding the Veteran's Day Celebration schedule for November 10^th to 11^th, 2008.

The following motion was offered by Trustee Markus and seconded by Deputy Mayor DiChiara approving the request of the American Legion regarding a Veterans' Day Celebration, all in favor.

Motion Adopted

Mayor Cindrich Aye

Deputy Mayor DiChiara Aye

Trustee Grunthal Aye

Trustee Markus Aye

7) New Business

B. United Nations Day Proclamation.

Mayor Cindrich presented Mrs. Molly Bruce with the following United Nations Day Proclamation. Mrs. Molly Bruce and her late husband were supporters, active participants and long employees in the United Nations from the beginning.

Whereas, the United Nations was founded in 1945, and the 63rd anniversary of the day on which the UN Charter came into effect will be observed on October24, 2008; and

Whereas, the United Nations continues to act to promote peace and security, economic development and human rights around the world; and

Whereas, in September 2000, 189 nations including the United States agreed upon eight Millennium Development Goals to meet the needs of the worlds' poorest; and

Whereas, the seventh Millennium Development Goal seeks to integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs, reverse the loss of environmental resources and biodiversity, and reduce by half the proportion of people living without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation by 2020; and

Whereas, the United States has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable development partnership efforts with other countries to create and implement development strategies that include access to clean water and sanitation services; conservation and environmental stewardship; and protecting marine and freshwater resources; and must continue to work with the United Nations and other UN agencies to achieve further progress towards global sustainable development, and

Whereas, the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA), in cooperation with other organizations has declared "Environmental Sustainability as an Essential Tool for Poverty Alleviation" as its theme for the 2008 United Nations Day commemorations; and

Whereas, the citizens of the VILLAGE/TOWN OF MOUNT KISCO are encouraged to participate in all activities related to UN Day;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, J. Michael Cindrich, Mayor of the Village/Town of Mount Kisco, officially proclaim October 24, 2008 as UNITED NATIONS DAY IN THE VILLAGE/TOWN OF MOUNT KISCO

A. Schedule a Work Session Meeting to discuss Proposed Illumination Regulations.

The Village Board of Trustees tabled this item. Mayor Cindrich felt that the proposed local law needed to be reviewed further before a work session can be scheduled.

B. Schedule a Work Session Meeting with the Library Foundation to discuss fund raising.

Mayor Cindrich requested that the Village Board of Trustees send the Village Manager their meeting availability dates so that he could coordinate a Work Session Meeting with the Library Foundation.

C. Schedule a Public Hearing to discuss proposed amendments to Chapters 110 of the Village Code.

Motion made by Deputy Mayor DiChiara and seconded by Trustee Grunthal to schedule a public hearing to discuss proposed amendments to Chapters 110 of the Village Code for November 3, 2008 at 7:30 pm in the Village Hall Board Room, all in favor.

Motion Adopted

Mayor Cindrich Aye

Deputy Mayor DiChiara Aye

Trustee Grunthal Aye

Trustee Markus Aye

7) New Business

A. Resolution authorizing an Out of State Conference Request for Assistant Village Manager Jeff Econom (IECA Conference in Portland, Maine).

Motion made by Deputy Mayor DiChiara and seconded by Trustee Grunthal authorizing an Out of State Conference Request for Jeffrey Econom, Assistant Village Manager at no cost to the Village of Mount Kisco because he is the Council Chairman for the CPESC, all in favor.

Motion Adopted

Mayor Cindrich Aye

Deputy Mayor DiChiara Aye

Trustee Grunthal Aye

Trustee Markus Aye

D. Resolution authorizing the Village Manager to sign the Westchester County IMA Land and Legal Public Viewer Services Agreement for 2009.

Motion made by Deputy Mayor DiChiara and seconded by Trustee Grunthal authorizing the Village Manager to sign the Westchester County IMA Land and Legal Public Viewer Services Agreement for 2009 at no cost to the Village of Mount Kisco, all in favor.

Motion Adopted

Mayor Cindrich Aye

Deputy Mayor DiChiara Aye

Trustee Grunthal Aye

Trustee Markus Aye

E. Resolution authorizing the Village Manager to sign the Woodcrest at Leonard Park Water and Sewer Easement Agreements.

Motion made by Trustee Markus and seconded by Deputy Mayor DiChiara authorizing the Village Manager to sign the Woodcrest at Leonard Park Water and Sewer Easement Agreements, all in favor.

Motion Adopted

Mayor Cindrich Aye

Deputy Mayor DiChiara Aye

Trustee Grunthal Aye

Trustee Markus Aye

8) Bills -

The following motion was offered by Deputy Mayor DiChiara and seconded by Trustee Markus to pay the bills, all in favor.

General Fund $224,962.89

General Fund Claims 200,003.03

Water Fund Claims 17,771.04

Sewer Fund Claims 5,839.92

Library Fund Claims 1,348.90

Senior Nutrition Program 4,285.57

Water and Sewer Fund 222,805.13

Library Fund 8,289.20

Capital Projects Fund 498,232.50

Trust and Agency Fund 12,825.95

TOTAL $971,401.24

Motion Adopted

Mayor Cindrich Aye

Deputy Mayor DiChiara Aye

Trustee Grunthal Aye

Trustee Griffin, Jr. Aye

Trustee Markus Aye

9) Approval of Minutes -

Motion made by Deputy Mayor DiChiara and seconded by Trustee Markus approving the following:

Regular Meeting October 6, 2008

Motion Adopted

Mayor Cindrich Aye

Deputy Mayor DiChiara Aye

Trustee Grunthal Aye

Trustee Markus Aye

10) Non-Local Business - None

11) Public Comment -

Mr. Anthony Giardina stated that he wanted to bring a parking problem to the Village Boards attention. It seems that the new trucking company hired by the Transfer Station is not adhering to the parking regulations on Columbus Avenue. He asked if the Police Department could step up their patrolling of the area and remind the trucks that are parking in front of the no parking signs that they will be getting a ticket.

There being no further business to come before the Board a motion to close the meeting was made by Trustee Markus and seconded by Deputy Mayor DiChiara, all in favor. 9:45 pm.

__________________________

James M. Palmer

Village Manager and Clerk

Regular Meeting October 20, 2008 1.

Created by pmaiorano. Last modified 2008-11-04 16:11:00.