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TOWN OF ORANGETOWN
REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
JANUARY 5, 2009
This Reorganizational Meeting was opened at 7:47 p.m. Supervisor Kleiner presided. The Town Clerk called the Roll. Present were:
Councilman Denis Troy
Councilwoman Marie Manning
Councilwoman Nancy Low-Hogan
Councilman Michael Maturo
Also present: Charlotte Madigan, Town Clerk
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Eliot Tozer, Deputy Supervisor
John S. Edwards, Town Attorney
Teresa Kenny, First Deputy Town Attorney
Suzanne Barclay, Executive Asst. to Supvr.
Charles Richardson, Director of Finance
James Dean, Superintendent of Highways
Ron Delo, Dept. Environmental Mgt. & Eng.
Kevin Nulty, Chief of Police
Robert Simon, Receiver of Taxes
John Giardello, Director, OBZPAE
Mark Albert, Acting Superintendent of Parks, Rec & Building Maint.
Mary Cardenas, Town Historian
Senator, Thomas P. Morahan
Legislator, Connie Coker
Assemblywoman, Ellen C. Jaffe
County Clerk, Paul Piperato
Piermont Village Mayor, Christopher Sanders
Trustee, Bob Crable
St. Margaret’s Boy Scout Troop
Eliot Tozer, Deputy Supervisor, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Supervisor Kleiner State of the Town Address
We begin 2009, the midterm point in this Town Board’s term, with unprecedented challenges and some real opportunities. Working collaboratively with our Town Departments and Town Board members, we were able to keep the 2009 tax increase to 1.8%, marking the fifth consecutive year that Orangetown’s taxes were the lowest or next to lowest in Rockland County.
Through our conservative budgeting practices, we have also been able to maintain healthy fund balances and a bond rating of Aa3 which also equals the highest in the County. And through the hard and precise work of Charlie Richardson and Ann Maestri, we have again been the recipient of an Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting, the 11th consecutive year that we have achieved that distinction.
Unlike other taxing jurisdictions, we have been consistently conservative in our revenue estimates, particularly in evaluating mortgage tax and sales tax revenue, to avoid the consequences of too rosy assumptions.
In passing the budget, the Board noted that our residents do not look at the Town tax bill in isolation: the County tax, school taxes and other charges are viewed cumulatively. That’s why it is so important for us to keep our town government as lean as possible and look for cost savings and efficiencies in every department. We will do this again in 2009 as we prepare the 2010 budget.
Since I started as town supervisor in 1996, we have arguably run the most efficient and cost effective government in the County, with minimal increase in an already lean workforce. The full time personnel in my office, for example, has gone from 3 to 2 full time employees.
Despite our economic challenges, we have accomplished much. Our new board has performed well individually and collectively to pare down the town budget and provide town services at the lowest possible cost.
Mike Maturo spearheaded the creation of two committees that will work with us in 2009 to improve the quality of life in Orangetown. The Environmental Committee issued a comprehensive report last month about their activities over the past year, including spearheading the Town Board’s passage of the Mayor’s Climate Protection Act. This month, it will propose an “Energy Star for Homes” law which will potentially result in a 30% energy savings for residents who renovate or build new homes.
The Commuter Task Force has drawn up plans for new commuter parking lots that will encourage more commuting and open up Sparkill’s downtown for community use. It will expand its efforts to Tappan and other areas of Orangetown.
Nancy Low-Hogan’s Board Notification Committee proposed new legislation, subsequently passed by the Town Board, which increased notification procedures for applicants before our land use boards. She was assisted by volunteers from the community, particularly those who had been directly affected by projects in their neighborhoods. Councilwoman Low-Hogan also held numerous community meetings allowing her to hear first hand the concerns of area residents
Marie Manning continued her active involvement with the Town’s boards and committees, including Park Development Advisory Committee, Shade Tree Committee and her overall advocacy of environmental issues.
Denis Troy has continued his strong advocacy for town recreational facilities and Substance Abuse Committee. We all were particularly gratified to see plans come to fruition last year with operational soccer and little league baseball fields.
Our recreational facilities, models of public private partnerships, demonstrate how unique our community is. Our parents have stepped up to provide those things that will allow the leagues to flourish, including lights, clubhouses, artificial turf fields. These improvements are not being paid for by tax dollars; they are being paid for by those who will primarily use them. As a community, we all benefit by having a thriving recreational program. The larger community benefits indirectly by providing outlets for our kids and, potentially, less strain on police resources for our taxpayers. And property values undoubtedly rise more than the cost to build those facilities themselves.
We have had several economic development victories. In Blauvelt Corporate Park, for example, Shreiner Medipharm has opened, Dealer Tire is under construction and Restaurant Depot has had its plans approved. Shreiner and Dealer Tire have benefited from the Empire Zone program. We have worked closely with the Rockland Economic Development Corporation and the affected businesses to take advantage of this program, and we have lobbied the Governor to maintain the program. Orangetown is particularly vulnerable to a loss of this benefit since we are so close geographically to our New Jersey neighbors to the south.
At the former Rockland Psychiatric Center land, we are in the midst of the environmental review process for the development of active adult homes as part of the K. Hovnanian proposal. The draft environmental impact statement will be released by the end of the month beginning the public review process. We anticipate that this process will take about four months, after which K. Hovnanian will begin the architectural design of the project in order to start the Planning Board review process. When K. Hovnanian closes on the property, the Town will receive $24 million for the right to build on the property, and anticipated property taxes of several million dollars.
We have also recently reviewed plans for the STEJ indoor sports complex at RPC which will provide significant recreational amenities for our residents and substantial tax payments. That proposal is now scheduled to be before the Planning Board later this month.
Federal money for Route 303 improvements has finally been awarded which will allow the State Department of Transportation to work with us on the Erie Street and Route 303 intersection and begin the design of landscaped medians several hundred feet north and south of that location.
Our hamlets are undergoing renovation. Sparkill has a new park plan and a new zoning district to encourage new businesses to locate there. The site of Pearl River’s long dormant movie theater will once again serve as an anchor for area stores. Tappan’s renovations will be extended and completed, while maintaining the historic character of the downtown area.
Nyack’s Riverspace project is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the village which deserves the creative support of all levels of government. Although the Village is the lead on this project, the Town will assist them in anyway we can.
The Art Students League in Sparkill has announced the availability of two scholarships for beginning artists to study at the Vytlacil campus. The $2,500 scholarships will make it possible for an art student to live on the campus and take courses and learn from visiting artists for one month. Graduating high school students planning on attending art school and college students who are majoring in art are eligible to apply. Potential students may either live in or attend school in Orangetown.
We will also work with our River villages to determine the impact of the ongoing Tappan Zee Bridge/I-287 Corridor Plan. We must ensure that our residents are protected as we work with our state and federal officials in the upcoming environmental review process.
In a few minutes, the Board will announce appointments to boards and committees. We are proud to continue the excellent service of several members of our land use boards. They represent a cross section of our community, both geographically and politically. This Board is again demonstrating what it said at this time last year: members will be appointed or reappointed without regard to party affiliation. But we also will make changes when we have opportunities to make our boards better.
We’re particularly gratified that Andy Stewart, head of Keep Rockland Beautiful, has agreed to join the Planning Board. He has shown an incredible sensitivity for the environmental challenges facing our community, and has used his skills to train fellow citizens and share his enthusiasm with local school kids.
ACABOR will be strengthened by the addition of Dan Sherman, a landscape architect who has already volunteered many hours of service in working with us to find and design new commuter parking locations for the southern part of Orangetown.
Each department in Orangetown has contributed to budget savings and the quality of life for Orangetown residents. Some of the things that have been accomplished are recited below:
Town Clerk
The Town Clerk, in her official capacity as Records Office Manager, has sorted and organized over 9,000 cubic feet of records in Town Hall and at the NIKE base. In 2009, additional Town Board meeting minutes and resolutions will be available on the Town’s website. In an effort to make it easier for residents to avail themselves of the Town Clerk’s services, extended office hours will again be offered at various locations in town.
DEME
Orangetown’s major sewer capital improvement program is nearing completion. With Ron Delo’s foresight, we have addressed the most significant deficiencies in our 200 mile sewer system which will reduce sewer backups, use significantly less energy to operate and protect our environment. DEME will be moving into its newly renovated building in January which will provide vastly improved working conditions for our dedicated employees who work there. The magnitude of the project and the complexity of the work have made it challenging to finish the project within the bonded amount, but we’re close because of the dedicated work of our staff and the recent favorable bids we have received in this challenging economic climate.
Although we are several weeks away from the start of the Obama administration, the already announced plans for a significant infrastructure program gives us hope that we can offset remaining costs for the sewer project since those elements have been designed and are “shovel ready” for construction. We are working with Senator Schumer and Congressman Engel on this initiative.
Finance
Besides maintaining the top bond rating of Aa3, the Finance Department managed to obtain an 18% decrease in property liability and workers compensation insurance. This was due to diligent handling of claims and changing the time period for bidding out insurance contracts.
Highway
The Highway Department has implemented a number of “green” initiatives in 2008, among them, which, as appropriate, will be implemented townwide:
the use of bio-diesel fuel, a 20% renewable fuel which burns cleaner and increases the time between engine maintenance;
the purchase of hybrid vehicles which has resulted in obtaining 26 mpg as opposed to 13 mpg;
reducing the amount of time engines can be idled to reduce fuel usage and carbon
emissions;
using salt brine as an anti-icing agent is one-tenth the cost of the traditional salt
and allows the Department to be proactive in applying it before the snow
falls.
The Department’s will further reduce its carbon footprint by installing a bio-mass furnace with a grant from NYSERDA which uses switch grass pellets for fuel and by exploring the potential for using a green roof at the Highway Department’s equipment storage facility.
Assessors Office
The Assessors Office has learned to do more with less. In 1996 there were six full-time employees and four part-time workers. In 2009, there are five full-time employees and no part-time workers. The budget for 2009 is only 4% more than the 1996 budget. The office has been to refine its expertise and has increasingly handled more tax certiorari cases in-house at a substantial savings to the Town. Assessor Brian Kenney submitted testimony to State committees regarding the negative impact of the state’s formula for assessment ratios leading to tax certiorari cases filed by businesses.
Office of Building, Zoning, Planning Administration and Enforcement
The Building Department, has worked with applicants to implement the new Pubic Notification process for land use boards. It also worked with the Town Attorney to write and adopt the Sparkill Hamlet Overlay zoning district to encourage mixed use. It is also, addressing illegal occupancy of multifamily buildings, and providing advanced backup material for proposed projects that come before the Planning Board and other land use boards.
Police Department
Two major cases were successfully solved by the OPD Detective Bureau in 2008. The first, termed “Operation Ghostrider” in Nyack, resulted in the arrest of 30 people and the confiscation of handguns, drugs and drug proceeds. The second case, involving the FBI over a two year period, led to the arrest of nine men involved in kidnapping, hijacking, grand larceny and homicide. Defendants in both cases received lengthy prison sentences in Federal Court.
Goals for 2008 set by the Orangetown Police Department and the Town Board were largely met. The Department’s medical review policy has enabled injured employees to return to work as quickly as medically advisable. Through ongoing training for all police officers as well as ancillary services such as animal control and the auxiliary police, the Department has managed to meet the training standards of the Law Enforcement Accreditation process.
The OPD continues its excellent working relationship with various County groups including the Narcotics Task Force, the Intelligence Center, and the New York State Police, among others. Regular monthly meetings with the Village of Nyack have helped the Department identify and address issues quickly. Finally, the Department used savings to prepay outstanding retirement costs which will reduce future payments and result in significant savings to the Town. In 2009, we hope to be able to use savings again for this purpose.
Parks
We are in the process of reviewing applicants for a new Superintendent of Parks and Recreation to continue the good work of former Superintendent Rich Rose. We thank Mark Albert, Judi Smith, Everett Brownsell and Stu Sharples for picking up the slack in this interim period.
Town Attorney’s Office
The Town Attorney’s Office has also focused on increasing the amount of legal work handled in-house by the deputy town attorneys thereby reducing costs for outside counsel. The office has also successfully defended challenges to the Zoning and Planning Boards’ land use decisions.
In addition to individual Department goals for 2009, we will focus on the following initiatives:
Identify additional tax savings and cost saving initiatives
We may look back on the next few years when the assumptions about how town, villages and counties operate are turned upside down. It’s not enough to keep the status quo. Each of our town departments must continue to work with us to find ways to maximize resources and economize. During the course of the year leading up to our annual budget process, we will formally solicit input from volunteers in our community who are experts in finance, business and economics. And we have to look beyond Orangetown to help ease the tax burden.
We have previously had success in sharing services with our school districts and we will expand those efforts in the coming weeks, starting with meetings between Finance Director Charlie Richardson and Ann Vaccaro-Teich of South Orangetown and Quinten Van Wynen, his finance counterparts in the South Orangetown and Pearl River School Districts.
We must also demand, in this fiscal crisis, that our state leaders have the courage to look at real changes in the property tax structure and all categories of benefits. Governor Paterson and County Executive Tom Suozzi have shown this courage in their recent statements and proposals. We will work aggressively with our state elected officials, Senator Thomas Morahan, and Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee, to advocate for meaningful tax reform and relief and consolidation of duplicative services.
Make the Golf Courses profitable again
The golf committee has been re-energized with volunteer professionals who will assist us in improving this excellent recreational amenity, but also will help us make Blue Hill profitable again.
In collaboration with the Golf Committee, we will conduct a financial analysis of the golf courses to maximize their financially viability. We also intend to work with experts in the field to determine projected demand for the two courses and to increase usage. This may include capital improvements to the buildings and grounds to make Blue Hill more attractive to outside users and golf outings. This option is worthy of consideration at this time given the favorable interest rate environment. (The Town sold notes in December with an interest rate of 1.1 %.) The expansion of website enhancements, including full access to on-line tee times, will continue.
Make Town Hall more accessible
The Town Clerk will continue the practice of bringing the Clerk’s Office to satellite offices throughout Orangetown’s hamlets and villages.
Justice Court window hours will be expanded to make it more convenient for people to make payments, particularly on Wednesday evenings.
In 2008 we hired an information technology specialist to oversee the maintenance of the Town’s computer system and website. In 2009 we plan to totally revamp the website to make more information more readily available. We will also develop an on-line mailing list in order to send announcements to those who sign up; produce an on-line newsletter or monthly updates; expand the use of credit cards by residents and businesses for all Town functions, including tax payments; and add interactive forms.
Orangetown was one of the first communities in the state to provide on-line permitting for businesses to apply for permits and obtain information for construction projects. We will expand the information available to both businesses and residents by adding assessment and tax lot information on the website.
Make Town Hall and Orangetown more green
Now that the feasibility study of the lower level of Town Hall has been completed, we will pursue grants from NYSERDA to make all of Town Hall more energy efficient by addressing old single pane windows, an inefficient air conditioning system and lack of insulation. We plan to enter into a contract with Siemens to begin to update some of the older systems in Town Hall and other municipal buildings.
We will work with the Orangetown Environmental Committee and its subgroups to implement their recommendations: a baseline inventory subgroup, working to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions; an energy subgroup, suggesting ways to reduce energy use within the town; a land use subgroup, suggesting expanded protection for environmentally sensitive sites to minimize flooding and runoff; a water subgroup, focusing on conservation efforts and reducing impervious surfaces, and a waste reduction subgroup, which will host a Recycling Day on April 25,to increase awareness of recycling throughout the Town.
Improve communication between Town employees and management
After a lengthy but favorable negotiation session in the middle of last year, we agreed to a three year contract with our police and civil service unions. Health insurance contributions were extended for new C.S.E.A. employees from five to fifteen years. Annual performance reviews were accepted by both sides. In addition to benefits for the Town, the CSEA agreed that such reviews would serve as a vehicle for employees to directly raise issues and concerns about workplace conditions and their employment that would otherwise go unaddressed.
In all of these things, 2009 presents opportunities as well as challenges. We will again seek the assistance of all our Town employees and dedicated citizen volunteers who have, particularly recently, stepped up to make Orangetown an even better place to live. We thank them, and all the residents and businesses I have had served for the past 13 years. Thanks to you, my family and to the citizens of Orangetown for affording me that privilege.
All of the Town Board members wished everyone a Happy New Year, thanked everyone for their support and they look forward to working in 2009.
RESOLUTION NO. 1 OFFICIAL UNDERTAKING FOR ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS
Councilwoman Low-Hogan offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that Official Undertaking is approved to be filed in the Rockland County Clerk’s Office for elected and appointed officials, officers and employees as the Town Board may require for the faithful performance of their duties and the prompt and proper account for paying over all money received by said employees in their official capacities.
Ayes: Councilpersons Low-Hogan, Troy, Manning, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
RESOLUTION NO. 2 2009/MARRIAGE OFFICERS
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the following are designated as Marriage Officers for a one-year term, effective January 1, 2009.
Supervisor Thom Kleiner Councilwoman Marie Manning
Councilman Denis Troy Councilwoman Nancy Low-Hogan
Councilman Michael Maturo Town Clerk, Charlotte Madigan
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Manning, Troy, Manning
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
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RESOLUTION NO. 3 2009 BANKING DEPOSITORIES
Councilman Troy offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Maturo and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the following banks are designated as banking depositories for the Town of Orangetown:
HSBC MBIA JP Morgan Chase Bank
TD Bank Key Bank Provident Bank
Ayes: Councilpersons Troy, Maturo, Manning, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 4 2009 RECEIVER OF TAXES BANKING DEPOSITORIES
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that JP Morgan Chase Bank is designated as the banking depository for the Receiver of Taxes.
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 5 ADOPT/2009 TOWN BOARD CALENDAR
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the 2009 Town Board Meeting Calendar is adopted as follows:
01/05/09 Re-Organizational Meeting/Audit/Workshop
01/12/09 RTBM/Audit – Meeting to begin at 8 p.m.
01/21/09 (Wed) Workshop
01/26/09 RTBM/Audit
02/02/09 Workshop
02/09/09 RTBM/Audit
02/23/09 RTBM/Audit
03/02/09 Workshop
03/09/09 RTBM/Audit
03/16/09 Workshop
03/23/09 RTBM/Audit
04/06/09 Workshop
04/13/09 RTBM/Audit
04/20/09 Workshop
04/27/09 RTBM/Audit
05/04/09 Workshop
05/11/09 RTBM/Audit
05/18/09 Workshop
05/26/09 (Tues) RTBM/Audit
06/01/09 Workshop
06/08/09 RTBM/Audit
06/15/09 Workshop
06/22/09 RTBM/Audit
07/13/09 Workshop
07/20/09 RTBM/Audit
08/03/09 Workshop
08/10/09 RTBM/Audit
09/08/09 (Tues) Workshop
09/14/09 RTBM/Audit
09/21/09 Workshop
09/28/09 RTBM/Audit
10/05/09 Workshop
10/13/09 (Tues) RTBM/Audit
10/19/09 Workshop
10/26/09 RTBM/Audit
11/02/09 Workshop
11/09/09 RTBM/Audit
11/16/09 Workshop
11/23/09 RTBM/Audit
12/07/09 Workshop
12/14/09 RTBM/Audit
Regular Town Board/Audit Meetings will begin at 7:30 p.m., and Town Board Workshop Meetings will begin at 8:00 P.M. All meetings are on Mondays, except where indicated.
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 6 APPOINT/BLUE HILL GOLF ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the following members are hereby appointed to the Blue Hill Golf Advisory Committee for a one-year term:
John Clifford Daniel Davis Dan Dinan Lisa Grosbeck
John Hickey Ann Marie Pettus Robert Ortman Nicola Frustaci
Christopher Brauer Julia A. Regan Evelyn Beckerle Michael Hogan
Denis Leote Lawrence Costello Lester Cohen Kevin Cunningham
Joseph Green Charles Snyder Dan Casey Dan Salmon
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Troy, Manning, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 7 APPOINT/VOLUNTEER HEALTH SERVICES COMMITTEE
Councilwoman Manning offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Maturo and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the following members are hereby appointed to the Volunteer Health Services Committee for a one-year term:
Donna Alise Paul Hadeler Kitty Rooney Koch James Dress Maryanne Portoro Paul Morer William McDowell
Ayes: Councilpersons Manning, Maturo, Troy, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 8 APPOINT/CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR CDBG FUNDING APPLICATIONS
Councilwoman Low-Hogan offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Maturo and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the following members are hereby appointed to the Citizens Advisory Committee for CDBG Funding Applications for a one-year term:
Sister Jude Miriam DePalma Sister Peggy Scarano Eliot Tozer
Ayes: Councilpersons Low-Hogan, Maturo, Troy, Manning
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 9 APPOINT/ORANGETOWN PARKS DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Councilwoman Manning offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the following members are hereby appointed to the Orangetown Parks Development Advisory Committee for a one-year term:
Catherine Dodge Rita Dinan Dan Dinan Peter Drespel
Mary Mc Closkey Watson Morgan Anne Byrne Kimball Parker
Brian Terry Micki Leader Jim Castagna Kuen Lee
Ayes: Councilpersons Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 10 APPOINT/SUBSTANCE ABUSE COMMITTEE
Councilman Troy offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Maturo and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the following members are hereby appointed to the Substance Abuse Committee for a one-year term:
Resolution No. 10 – Continued
William Carroll Michael Clarke Ed O’Dea Ann Marie Hahr
William Furdon Joann Goodman Debbie Whelan
P O Michael Kopunek P O Susan Lanoce
Ayes: Councilpersons Troy, Maturo, Manning, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 11 APPOINT/TRAFFIC ADVISORY BOARD
Councilwoman Low-Hogan offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the following members are hereby appointed to the Traffic Advisory Board for a one-year term:
Edith Loeb Thomas Edatell Mike Yannazzonne
Guy Devincenzo (Chairman) LeRoy Holmes Robert Simon
Denis Leote Sgt. James Sullivan Margaret Warren
and Rosemarie Fornario is hereby reappointed as clerk.
Ayes: Councilpersons Low-Hogan, Troy, Manning, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 12 APPOINT/BUREAU OF FIRE PREVENTION
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the following members are hereby appointed to the Bureau of Fire Prevention for a one-year term:
Mike Bettmann John Ahlf, Jr. Christopher Flatley
Robert Morrison Paul Raso Thomas Lorentz
Douglas Sampath
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Troy, Manning, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 13 APPOINT/COMMUTER TASK FORCE
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the following members are hereby appointed to the Commuter Task Force for a one-year term:
Colman O’Reilly James Castagna Lori Gallo
Lynn Garcia Michael Gross Michael Norman
Dan Sherman Michael W. Browning
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 14 APPOINT/SHADE TREE COMMISSION
Councilwoman Manning offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Maturo and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the following members are hereby appointed to the Shade Tree Commission for a one-year term:
Mary Vail Rebecca Gmucs Joy Macy Stephen Schiller Mary Root
Ayes: Councilpersons Manning, Maturo, Troy, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 15 APPOINT/SENIOR CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Councilman Troy offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the following members are hereby appointed to the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee for a one-year term and Rosemarie Fornario is hereby reappointed as Clerk.
Mary Brennan Josephine Urban, Senior Leader
Kay Ferrera Veronica Blaine Mary Martini
Shirley McGowan Martha Mian Rose Van Brunt
Ayes: Councilpersons Troy, Manning, Low-Hogan, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 16 APPOINT/PROJECT REVIEW COMMITTEE
Councilwoman Low-Hogan offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Maturo and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the following members are hereby appointed to the Project Review Committee for a one-year term:
John Giardiello Mike Bettmann Bruce Peters
John Duffy Jim Dean Guy DiVincenzo
Ayes: Councilpersons Low-Hogan, Maturo, Troy, Manning
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 17 APPOINT/YOUTH RECREATION ASSESSMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Councilman Troy offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the following members are hereby appointed to the Youth Recreation Assessment Advisory Committee for a one-year term:
Jeff McNichol Robert Iorio Terry O’Keeffe Stephen Unger Ann Marie Uhl
Neil Lynady Conrad Fitzpatrick Mark Alexander Kevin Powers
Ayes: Councilpersons Troy, Manning, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: Councilperson Maturo
RESOLUTION NO. 18 APPOINT/OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the following members are hereby appointed to the Open Space Committee for a one-year term:
Ann Brennan Micki Leader Watson Morgan Francine Oldenburger
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 19 APPOINT/ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the following members are hereby appointed to the Environmental Committee for a one-year term:
Peggy Kurz Tom O’Reilly Rose Marie Raccioppi
Alexis Starke Deborah Turner Watson Morgan Harumi Hotta Benno van Noort Suzanne Barclay
Rick Struck Martyn Ryan Larry Vail
Cliff Weathers Carolyn Winter Charlotte Madigan
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 20 APPOINT/2009 COMMITTEES AND LAND USE BOARDS LIAISONS
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board designates the following Liaisons for the 2009 Committees and Land Use Boards:
ACABOR – Marie Manning
Blue Hill Golf Committee – Mike Maturo
Board of Assessment Review – Thom Kleiner
Board of Ethics – Thom Kleiner
Bureau of Fire Prevention – Mike Maturo
Citizens Advisory Committee (CDBG) – Thom Kleiner
Grievance Committee – Eliot Tozer
Historic Areas Board of Review – Marie Manning
Housing Authority – Denis Troy
Open Space Committee – Nancy Low-Hogan
Orangetown Parks Development Advisory – Marie Manning
Planning Board – Nancy Low-Hogan
Sanitation Commission – Mike Maturo
Senior Citizens Advisory – Marie Manning
Shade Tree Commission – Marie Manning
Substance Abuse Committee – Denis Troy
Traffic Advisory Board – Denis Troy
Volunteer Health Services – Thom Kleiner
Youth Recreation Assessment Advisory Committee – Denis Troy
Zoning Board of Appeals – Nancy Low-Hogan
Resolution No. 20 – Continued
Environmental Committee – Mike Maturo
Commuter Task Force – Mike Maturo
Project Review Committee – Thom Kleiner
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 21 PERMISSION GRANTED/2009 ASSOCIATION OF TOWNS
Councilwoman Low-Hogan offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that permission is hereby granted to Elected Officials and Department Heads to attend the 2009 Training School and Annual Meeting of the Association of Towns in New York City, February 15-18, 2009 with the Town paying cost of courses and travel to be charged to appropriate departmental accounts.
Ayes: Councilpersons Low-Hogan, Troy, Manning, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 22 APPOINT DELEGATE/ASSOCIATION OF TOWNS/CHARLOTTE MADIGAN
Councilwoman Low-Hogan offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that Charlotte Madigan, Town Clerk, is hereby appointed Delegate to the Association of Towns Meeting February 15-18, 2009 to represent and vote on behalf of the Town of Orangetown with Robert Simon, Receiver of Taxes, as the alternate delegate.
Ayes: Councilpersons Low-Hogan, Troy, Manning, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
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RESOLUTION NO. 23 APPOINT/PLANNING BOARD ANDY STEWART
Councilwoman Low-Hogan offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Manning and on a roll call was adopted:
RESOLVED, that Andy Stewart is hereby appointed to the Planning Board for a seven-year term, from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2015.
Ayes: Councilpersons Low-Hogan, Manning, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: Councilperson Troy
Councilman Troy spoke of Andy Stewart’s accomplishments but has a concern that Mr. Stewart lives in the Village of Nyack, which has their own Planning Board. He was also disappointed that the Town Board did not have the opportunity to interview Tom Warren, who was a former Planning Board member for nine years.
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RESOLUTION NO. 24 REAPPOINT/PLANNING BOARD CHAIRMAN/ROBERT DELL
Councilwoman Manning offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Low-Hogan and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that Robert Dell is hereby reappointed chairman of the Planning Board for a one-year term.
Ayes: Councilpersons Manning, Low-Hogan, Troy, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
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RESOLUTION NO. 25 REAPPOINT/ZONING BOARD PATRICIA CASTELLI
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that Patricia Castelli is hereby reappointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a five-year term, January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2013.
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Troy, Manning, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
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RESOLUTION NO. 26 REAPPOINT/ZONING BOARD NANETTE ALBANESE
Councilwoman Manning offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that Nanette Albanese is hereby reappointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a five-year term, January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2013.
Ayes: Councilpersons Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
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RESOLUTION NO. 27 REAPPOINT/ZONING BOARD CHAIRMAN/WILLIAM MOWERSON
Councilwoman Manning offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that William Mowerson is hereby reappointed chairman of the Zoning Board Appeals for a one-year term.
Ayes: Councilpersons Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
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RESOLUTION NO. 28 REAPPOINT/ACABOR JAMES DODGE
Councilwoman Manning offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
Resolution No. 28 – Continued
RESOLVED, that James Dodge is hereby reappointed to ACABOR for a three-year term from January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2011.
Ayes: Councilpersons Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
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RESOLUTION NO. 29 REAPPOINT/ACABOR LARRY VAIL
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Low-Hogan and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that James Dodge is hereby reappointed to ACABOR for a three-year term from January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2011.
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Low-Hogan, Troy, Manning
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
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RESOLUTION NO. 30 APPOINT/ACABOR DAN SHERMAN
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that Dan Sherman is hereby appointed to ACABOR for a three-year term from January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2011.
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Manning, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: Councilperson Troy
Councilman Troy voted against this appointment stating that he had never seen a resume on Dan Sherman nor was he interviewed. This goes against what the Town Board has done in the past few years by doing interviews.
RESOLUTION NO. 31 ACCEPT MINUTES
Councilwoman Low-Hogan offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the Regular Town Board, Audit Meeting and Executive Session minutes of December 8, 2008 and Regular Town Board, Audit Meeting minutes of December 15, 2008 are hereby accepted.
Ayes: Councilpersons Low-Hogan, Manning, Troy, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
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RESOLUTION NO. 32 AMEND TOWN’S PROCUREMENT AND TRAVEL POLICY/MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Low-Hogan and was unanimously adopted:
Resolution No. 32 – Continued
RESOLVED, that the Town’s Procurement and Travel policy is hereby amended to reflect a mileage reimbursement rate of $.55 cents per mile as determined by the Internal Revenue Service, effective January 1, 2009.
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Low-Hogan, Troy, Manning
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
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RESOLUTION NO. 33 AMEND TOWN’S PROCUREMENT AND TRAVEL POLICY/PURCHASING AGENTS/DEPARTMENT HEADS
Councilman Troy offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Maturo and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the Town’s Procurement and Travel policy is hereby amended to designate the department heads as purchasing agents for each department, with each department head listed by name as required by state law.
Ayes: Councilpersons Troy, Maturo, Manning, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
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RESOLUTION NO. 34 AMEND TOWN’S PROCUREMENT AND TRAVEL POLICY/VOUCHERS
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the Town’s Procurement and Travel policy is hereby amended to allow the use of vouchers rather than purchase orders for contracts for services and true leases approved by the Town Board as recommended by the Town’s external auditors.
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
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RESOLUTION NO. 35 APPROVE SETTLEMENT/NEW ENGLAND UNIFORM LLC/NYS SUPREME COURT/ROCKLAND COUNTY/INDEX NO. 2367/08
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Office of the Town Attorney and the Police Department, approve and authorize Dennis D. Michaels, Deputy Town Attorney, and Thom Kleiner, Supervisor, to fully and finally settle the above-referenced lawsuit for the sum of $23,675.29 to be paid by the Town of Orangetown to New England Uniform LLC, and to sign any and all legal instruments necessary to effectuate said settlement, regarding New England Uniform LLC v. Town of Orangetown (NYS Supreme Ct., Rockland Cnty., Index #SU-2008-02367).
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
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RESOLUTION NO. 36 ADJOURNMENT/MEMORY
Councilman Troy offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board adjourned this meeting at 9:05 p.m. in memory of Elizabeth Houston, Pearl River, and Lawrence Duffy, Orangeburg.
Ayes: Councilpersons Troy, Manning, Low-Hogan, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
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Charlotte Madigan, Town Clerk