Date: August 15, 2010
Topic: Recap of August 10th Regular Meeting of BOT
Dear Residents,
This is really a Special Newsletter intended to highlight the August 10th Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Dobbs Ferry. That is because it was discovered after the meeting there was a problem with the audio portion of the broadcast – the video was fine, however the audio portion did not record properly (the problem has been rectified going forward). Since it makes no sense to broadcast a meeting on the Public Access Channels that viewers can see but not hear - and because we want residents to be as informed as possible about what is going on – it seemed like a good idea to send out a special write-up to outline the main items discussed (the Agenda is also attached) and key actions taken by your board of trustees at this meeting.
To start, there were two Public Hearings:
- To consider adoption of a Local Law amending the Village Code to add the following - "No Parking along the entire length of North Mountain Drive"
This issue had to do with traffic and safety concerns of the Police Department pertaining to this village road; certain of these concerns have been elevated recently by a private residential renovation taking place at the bottom corner of the road, including a high amount of construction equipment and related traffic to the area; due to this situation, the Police Department had taken previous action to temporarily prohibit parking on the street. At the Public Hearing, a number of residents came out to speak against the adoption of a permanent Local Law as recommended by the Department, or at least to consider restricted parking as an alternative solution. Open dialogue took place between the Residents, Police Chief, and the Trustees. The Public Hearing was then closed. The village will continue to monitor the situation (especially during the ongoing renovation mentioned) for any traffic safety issues or other updates; any future hearings or actions contemplated, if any, will be done with the full participation and input of the residents on North Mountain Drive.
- A Local Law to adopt the new 2010 Retirement Incentive Program as sponsored by the State of New York
This is related to a new retirement incentive program being sponsored by the State for local government workers that meet certain pre-established criteria (time of service and years remaining to retirement). Dobbs Ferry has one employee (in the DPW Department) who meets the targeted requirements; the BOT would have to adopt a new local law in order to offer the early retirement program to the targeted employee. As a condition, the Village must demonstrate a minimum level of savings over a 2-year period, and would also be responsible for making a contribution to the NY State Public Employee Retirement System on behalf of the employee(s). The board voted 5-1 to pass a resolution adopting this local law.
In taking this action, the village will save approximately $32,000 per annum in cost and headcount reduction. Of course, there is a tricky balance in trying to streamline government and costs (as a stated initiative) and at the same time maintain an adequate level of services to the residents - and to work and communicate with the department heads as such (another stated initiative) so as not to unrealistically overburden workers in these toughest of fiscal times and/or the long-run; in taking this action the board considered comments from the Head of the DPW, who when asked at the meeting said the operations could handle the specific attrition contemplated; the village has had much discussion and meetings with the specific department head and related staff - including the Chair of the ad hoc Citizens Budget Committee – to seek solutions for more cost-efficient services for residents, with a mutual goal of sustaining the longevity of the village's current dedicated workers and staff into the future.
Next there was the continuation of the Work Session on the proposed new Zoning Code and Vision Plan:
This was a continuation of the Work Session which was opened in July and continues the final work to be done leading to the adoption of a new Zoning Code and the Vision Plan.
Specifically, the BOT had asked the Land Use Committee and Planning Board to provide more details (or alternatives) on several substantive issues remaining in the language of the proposed new Zoning Code. These were presented to the board in the form of whitepapers; also a detailed presentation by Mr. Fred Larsen (ARB) of a form and context based standard (in addition to the proposed improved regulations on site coverage) to determine the overall height, size, coverage, bulk and mass of new buildings. The BOT recognized the excellence of the follow-up work done by the members of the Land Use Committee and their response to the BOT's remaining issues. The Work Session was closed.
For Matters Requiring Action:
- By a vote of 5-1, the BOT set a date for a Public Hearing on the proposed new Zoning Code and Vision Plan for September 14, 2010 at 7:00pm in Village Hall. At this Public Hearing the board will discuss and take comment on the proposed zoning code ordinance and document as it is being presented in current form; the document will be distributed ahead of time by the Attorney for the Village to the Trustees and the Land Use Committee; it will also be posted on the village website and available for residents at Village Hall.
- By a vote of 6-0, the BOT voted to execute a Consulting Agreement with Penn Consulting Company for the purpose of raising private funds to help support the waterfront revitalization project. The consultant is a local company recommended (after research) by the Waterfront Committee; funds raised under the Agreement will specifically target 'upland' improvements, such as a potential new fishing pier, or enhanced walkways, lighting, landscaping, and benches (as examples). The resident who has previously pledged up to $1,000,000 to help match state funding received for the waterfront project has also pledged to match any funds raised under the consultant's arrangement separately, up to $500,000. The consultant's fees ($5,000 initial, then $1,500 monthly for a period of 6 months commencing October 1st, renewable at the village's option) will be paid out of the funds raised and not a direct obligation of the village. The BOT thanked the Waterfront Committee for all their work and the incredible generosity of the resident donor. The Village will also support the Consultant's efforts in any way it can.
- The Village Administrator reported on the current water main replacement infrastructure project on Main Street and Bellewood Avenue, and the tap connection for Maplewood. The downtown portion of the water main project has had some challenges the past few weeks, but the contractor and water company have indicated final lateral line connection work will be completed in the coming week; as for Bellewood, the water-testing phase of the project is in final stage, and lateral service connections to the new pipe are scheduled to be completed in 2 weeks time. The Administrator and the BOT thanked the Dobbs Ferry DPW and Police Departments for their help and assistance to the businesses and residents in the areas that have been most affected by the work. They have done a great job in correcting and rectifying some situations where challenges were presented by the volatile nature of the work being done by outside contractors; or dealing with the Utility Company, which is not always easy.
- In conjunction with the water main work to be completed shortly, by a vote of 6-0 the BOT passed 2 resolutions related to the re-paving of village streets:
o Award asphalt bid as requested and auctioned by the consortium of the Village Officials Committee (VOC) - Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Elmsford, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington, and Tarrytown - to Petrillo Contracting, low bidder. Jim Dunn, Head of the village's DPW Department, noted to the board that unit bid prices were lower versus the previous year's award, and overall reflected the savings benefits of the shared services initiatives of the VOC and 6 villages working together in a number of areas to save money collectively for residents and tax payers.
o Authorize the Village Treasurer to borrow up to $35,000 for road re-paving work on Main Street and Bellewood Avenue to commence as a priority as soon as the water main project work is completed; subject to source and amounts of external funding and overall capital budget assessments, the village will also consider re-pavement of certain other downtown streets (including Oak, Elm, Chestnut, and Walnut), as well as the bottom of Cyrus Field Road (near the Saw Mill River Parkway).
- Report by the Administrator on United Water of New Rochelle request to the Public Service Commission to significantly increase water and hydrant rates to the municipalities it serves in Westchester County. The 9 affected villages have agreed to work together as one to fight this rate increase, which if approved would have a negative impact on tax payers. By a vote of 6-0 the BOT voted to spend $400 (four hundred) as Dobbs Ferry's portion to retain expert legal representation in this case.
- By request of the committee, the Task Force on Energy and the Environment requested to change its name to "The Energy Task Force". In discussion, it was noted the overall efforts and mission of the committee would not change in regards to its important work, including the environment, energy savings, and sustainable initiatives. It was also recognized during discussion the involvement of the late Trustee Larry Dengler in this committee, and environmental causes overall, and the continued support the village and board will provide in the future to the efforts of this committee. In related matter, Rob Baron was appointed to the Energy Task Force as a regular member for a period of 1 year.
- A request by the Interim Treasurer to eliminate a tedious voucher procedure was noted and the BOT approved the recommendation. In the opinion of the Village Administrator this will speed up the payment and record keeping processes with its vendors, and conforms to State requirements for such matters.
- It was noted that the Village had received a request from the MTA to increase the number of free holiday and weekend parking spaces at the waterfront lot, from 25 to 35. In discussion, the BOT recognized current spaces already provided, as well as the ability of non residents to purchase 1 day passes for trips to the city, or Yankee Stadium, as examples. The village is not legally required to provide any additional spaces – or as a condition of any agreement(s) with the MTA; unless the BOT decides that is in the best interest of the village and residents. It was agreed that the Administrator will respectfully decline the MTA's request on the basis there is not any need for such; the village already provides a significant number of targeted free spaces, and reasonably priced 1-day permits are available for the convenience of non residents.
- Finally under Matters Requiring Action, the BOT voted 6-0 to sell a small parcel of unused land to the owner of 19 Russell Place; the land in question is a small semi-circular area adjoining the property which had been originally the end of a cul-de-sac (which has now been extended by a longer road however the semi-circle still exists). The village has no use for this small piece of land in the current form, and there are no roadway, safety or emergency access issues. The property owner plans to incorporate this land into their existing property, which will enhance the value (and make the street look better too). The BOT vote will allow the Administrator and Attorney for the Village to draw up paper work for appraisal of the property (at no cost to the village), and agree to move the transaction forward at the appraised value.
- The BOT approved the minutes (with a few minor typographical changes) of the June 22 and July 13 regular BOT meetings.
Under Correspondence and Claims:
- The Mayor read a letter of recommendation from the Greenburgh Paramedic Supervisor praising the quick thinking action and efforts of several Dobbs Ferry Police officers – Sgt. Pat Sullivan, P.O. Justin Kamke, and Sgt. Marty Coster – for their assistance to a resident in need of critical emergency help. Their efforts saved a life.
- A letter from a resident thanking Police Officer Zatkovich for assisting in the safe recovery of a domestic pet – the letter also spoke highly in all aspects of the professionalism and dedication of the entire Dobbs Ferry Police force in the serious business of keeping residents safe.
- A letter was noted from a citizen relying on the Bee-Line bus service, specifically awaiting the buses return to the Main and Cedar Street routes (after water main project is completed). There was concern expressed that elderly residents in particular rely on these buses and not to re-route the buses around the downtown areas. While some residents and businesses have asked in the past for the village to consider looking at routes that direct the buses away from the downtown district, the BOT is not currently considering this; if there is any change in thinking about the bus routes now or in future – this would require a lot of thinking and analysis, including Public Hearings, and with input from but not limited to Public Safety, Highway, Traffic, Residents, and the Business Community.
- Trustee Smith gave an update on the resume collection and interview process related to the Village Treasury position recently vacated (the BOT has appointed the current Village Administrator to act as Interim Treasurer until a replacement and/or a departmental structural plan is determined). The update included number of resumes received (app 40), a process of filtering for those most qualified, conducting interviews going forward, the involvement of the Administrator and relevant committees, and communicating any new developments to the BOT and the residents.
We apologize that the August 14th meeting will not air due to the technical complications mentioned; but hopefully this Special Newsletter will serve to outline and communicate the main highlights of the meeting. Please note that these are not the "official minutes" of the meeting ... it is simply my best efforts from the Agenda, the notes taken and the memory that I have ... to keep residents informed as best as possible of what is going on.
We hope everyone is having a great summer ... as the village works though the late summer schedule, I look forward to reporting later in August on the upcoming priorities and initiatives that your Board of Trustees will be taking up moving into the Fall Season ... but before then, we should all enjoy the remaining weeks of summer!
Best regards,
Mayor Connett
8-10-2010 Board of Trustees Agenda (
