Meeting Overview

TOWN OF ORANGETOWN

TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES

October 20, 2020

This meeting was opened at 7:00 PM. Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny presided and Rosanna Sfraga, Town Clerk, called the roll.

 

Present were:

Councilperson Thomas Diviny

Councilperson Paul Valentine

Councilperson Denis Troy

Councilperson Jerry Bottari

Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

 

Also Present:

Michael Lawler, Deputy Supervisor

Allison Kardon, Supervisor’s Confidential Assistant

Carmel Reilly, Director of Economic Development & Tourism

Rosanna Sfraga, Town Clerk

Robert Magrino, Town Attorney

Jeff Bencik, Finance Director

James Dean, Superintendent of Highways

Stephen Munno, Sr. Administrative Assistant

Jane Slavin, Director of OBZPAE

Eamon Reilly, Commissioner of DEME

Donna Morrison, Human Resource Coordinator

Anthony Bevelacqua, Director of Automated Systems

 

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

39th Anniversary Brinks Memorial Ceremony: We honored the memory of Nyack Police Sergeant Edward J. O’Grady Jr., Police Officer Waverly “Chipper” Brown and Brinks Guard Peter Paige this afternoon at 4 pm. We will always remember these brave men and their sacrifice has not been forgotten.

 

 

Community Choice Aggregation Virtual Community Meeting tomorrow, October 21st at 7 pm. Visit orangetown.com for more information.

 

2020 General Election Early Voting in Orangetown / October 24 – Nov. 1, 2020 at Town Hall. Visit orangetown.com for voting times.

 

The Town of Orangetown is hosting a Blood Drive on Thursday, October 29, 2020 from 9 am to 8 pm. Visit orangetown.com to sign up.

 

On October 30th from 3 pm – 5 pm, Orangetown is hosting a Halloween Drive-By Trick or Treating event at Veteran’s Memorial Park and everyone 12 years old and under, dressed in costume, is welcome. So come by and get some candy and see a really scary sight – some public officials dressed in costumes.

 

Town of Orangetown Highway Department is hosting their 24th Annual Open House on October 31st from 10 am – 12 pm. Bring the kids and join us in this drive-thru event for equipment demonstrations by volunteer Highway employees and more. The first 50 children in attendance will receive a “highway helper” t-shirt! Orangetown Highway is located at 119 Route 303 in Orangeburg.

 

PRESENTATIONS:

 

Proclamation for Emergency Nurses Week (October 11-17, 2020) honoring all 150 Emergency Room Nurses in Rockland County.

 

James Dean, Superintendent of Highways gave a presentation explaining how the $125,000 budget cut (to overtime) will negatively impact their service of leaf pickup/removal.

 

DISCUSSION:

WORKSHOP OF AGENDA ITEMS

 

RESOLUTION NO. 457

OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT PORTION

 

RESOLVED, that the public portion is hereby opened.

 

Councilperson Paul Valentine offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Denis Troy and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

Summary of Public Comments:

Susan Nemesdy, Carol Baxter, and Barbara Myer, Palisades, believe the most practical use of the HNA property is to relocate the current Town Hall to this property (Exhibit 10-E-20).

Michael Lawler, Deputy Supervisor, Resident of Pearl River and candidate for Assemblyman, spoke about his political position.

Kevin Garrison, Pearl River, is concerned about the dangerous condition of the Hillside property.  He is looking for the Town’s help to see if there are any code violations and to secure the property.

Eileen Larkin, Palisades, said the Highway Department has always done an excellent job and she would like the Town Board to reconsider their budget cut.  She against building the community center at this time.

Barbara Delo, Blauvelt, would like to see some affordable/reasonable price housing for the young, middle aged and senior citizens, with an average income.

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 458

CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT PORTION

 

RESOLVED, that the public portion is hereby closed.

 

Councilperson Thomas Diviny offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Jerry Bottari and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 459

CHANGE DATE / CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING / ONE YEAR CONTRACT BLAUVELT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT / NOVEMBER 10, 2020 @ 7:25 PM

 

RESOLVED, that the date of the continuation of the Public Hearing on the proposed Contract between the Town of Orangetown and the Blauvelt Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. for

 

RESOLUTION NO. 459 – Continued

 

fire protection services in and throughout the Blauvelt Fire Protection District, within the Town of Orangetown, for the calendar 2021, is hereby changed to November 10, 2020 at 7:25 P.M.

 

Councilperson Denis Troy offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Paul Valentine and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

RESOLUTION NO. 460

CHANGE DATE / CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING / ONE YEAR CONTRACT ORANGETOWN LIBRARY DISTRICT / BLAUVELT FREE LIBRARY, ORANGEBURG LIBRARY, PALISADES FREE LIBRARY AND TAPPAN FREE LIBRARY / CALENDAR YEAR 2021 / NOVEMBER 10, 2020 @ 7:30 PM

 

RESOLVED, that the date of the continuation of the public hearing on the proposed Contracts between the Town and the Blauvelt Free Library, the Orangeburg Library, and the Palisades Free Library, and the Tappan Free Library, for library services in and throughout the boundaries of their district s contained in the Orangetown Library District (and including the residents of Sparkill, as delineated in subdivision (e) of Section 1 of Chapter 494 of the Laws of 2012) within the Town of Orangetown for calendar year 2021, is hereby changed to November 10, 2020 at 7:30 P.M.

 

Councilperson Jerry Bottari offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Paul Valentine and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

RESOLUTION NO. 461

OPEN PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:15 P.M./ 2021 PRELIMINARY BUDGET

 

RESOLVED, that the public hearing at 7:15 P.M. regarding the 2021 Preliminary Budget is hereby opened.

 

Councilperson Thomas Diviny offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Denis Troy and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

Rosanna Sfraga, Town Clerk presented the Affidavits of Publication and Postings; which are labeled Exhibit 10-D-20 and made a part of these minutes.

 

Summary of Public Comments:

There were no comments from the public.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 462

CONTINUE PUBLIC HEARING / 2021 PRELIMINARY BUDGET / NOVEMBER 10, 2020 AT 7:15 P.M.

 

RESOLVED, that the public hearing regarding the adoption of the proposed 2021 Preliminary Budget is hereby continued to the RTBM, November 10, 2020 at 7:15 P.M.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 462 – Continued

 

Councilperson Denis Troy offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Paul Valentine and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

RESOLUTION NO. 463

REAPPOINT / HABOR MEMBER / LARRY BUCCIARELLI

 

RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby reappoints Larry Bucciarelli, to the Historic Areas Board of Review (HABOR), for a period of five years, beginning January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2024 and to make an appointment with Rosanna Sfraga, Town Clerk, for the Oath of Office, within the next thirty (30) days.

 

Councilperson Thomas Diviny offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Jerry Bottari and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 464

APPROVE / CGI COMMUNICATIONS AGREEMENT / 2020 COMMUNITY VIDEO PROGRAM

 

RESOLVED, that upon recommendation of the Supervisor, the Town Board does hereby accept the agreement from CGI Communications to provide a community video program at no cost to the Town of Orangetown and the Supervisor or her designee is authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to effectuate said agreement.

 

Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Denis Troy and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 465

AMEND TOWN BOARD RESOLUTION 2020-88 / 2020 HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT DRIVE-THRU OPEN HOUSE/ CHANGE DATE

 

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Highways, that the Town Board hereby amends Resolution 2020-88, changing the date of the 2020 Highway Department Open House from Saturday, May 16, 2020 to Saturday, October 31, 2020 from 10 AM – 12 PM. This is now a Drive-Thru Event.

 

Councilperson Paul Valentine offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Denis Troy and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

RESOLUTION NO. 466

REJECT BID / SUFFOLK / TWO (2) YARD WASTE LEAF LOADERS

 

RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Highways, the Town of Orangetown rejects the bid for Two (2) Yard Waste/Leaf Loaders from Suffolk County Break Service, Bohemia, NY in the amount of $190,500.00, which exceeded the estimated cost for this equipment.

 

Councilperson Thomas Diviny offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Jerry Bottari and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 467

APPROVE / LEND ASSISTANCE / ROCKLAND GAA / NYPD FDNY BENEFIT OCTOBER 17, 2020

 

RESOLVED, that upon the completion of all the necessary paperwork, the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation has forwarded for approval by the Town Board use of the showmobile at a rental cost of $500.00 by the Rockland GAA for a benefit event to be held on October 17, 2020 with the organization providing a certificate of insurance naming the Town of Orangetown as an additional insured.

 

Councilperson Denis Troy offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Thomas Diviny and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 468

APPROVE / LEND ASSISTANCE / PENGUIN PLUNGE / FUNDRAISER CONCERT  OCTOBER 23, 2020

 

RESOLVED, that upon the completion of all the necessary paperwork, the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation has forwarded for approval by the Town Board use of the showmobile at a rental cost of $500.00 by the Penguin Plunge for a benefit event to be held on October 23, 2020 at Veterans Memorial Park with the organization providing a certificate of insurance naming the Town of Orangetown as an additional insured.

 

Councilperson Jerry Bottari offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Denis Troy and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

RESOLUTION NO. 469

APPROVE / USE AGREEMENT / BLAUVELT SCOUT TROOP 55/ MEETING SPACE

 

RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation approve use agreement between the Town of Orangetown and Blauvelt Scout Troop 55 for the use of meeting space at the Orangetown Soccer Complex Clubhouse. All activities must be consistent with applicable NY State COVID-19 guidelines.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 469 – Continued

 

Councilperson Paul Valentine offered the above resolution, which was seconded by

Councilperson Denis Troy and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 470

APPROVE / INSTALLATION OF STREETLIGHT / 753 ROUTE 340, PALISADES

 

RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Traffic Advisory Board, the installation of the streetlight at 753 Route 340 (pole # 61143/36966) is hereby approved to be paid from the following budget line item ​B.5182.452.17.

 

Councilperson Paul Valentine offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Jerry Bottari and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 471

APPROVE/ INSTALLATION OF STREETLIGHT / CORNER OF CLEVELAND AND VILLA, PEARL RIVER

 

RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Traffic Advisory Board, the installation of the streetlight at the corner of Cleveland and Villa in Pearl River (pole # 59163/39107) is hereby approved to be paid from the following budget line item # B.5182.452.17.

 

Councilperson Denis Troy offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Thomas Diviny and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 472

AUTHORIZE/APPROVE/2020-2021 EAP AGREEMENT/ESI EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE GROUP

 

RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorized the Supervisor to sign the annual agreement with Employee Services, Inc., dba ESI Employee Assistance Group for the EAP (Employee Assistance Program) beginning November 1, 2020 and ending October 31, 2021, at a cost of $5,983.38 and to be filed in the Town Clerk’s Office.

 

Councilperson Thomas Diviny offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Denis Troy and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

RESOLUTION NO. 473

PAY VOUCHERS

 

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Finance Director, Jeff Bencik, the Finance Office is hereby authorized to pay vouchers for a total amount of two (2) warrants for a total of $621,585.53.

 

Councilperson Denis Troy offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Thomas Diviny and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

RESOLUTION NO. 474

ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

In attendance, at this Executive Session were Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny, Councilpersons Denis Troy Thomas Diviny, Paul Valentine and Jerry Bottari, Michael Lawler, Rob Magrino and Jane Slavin.

 

RESOLVED, at 8:10 pm, the Town Board entered Executive Session to consult with attorney regarding legal matters.

 

Councilperson Denis Troy offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Thomas Diviny and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

 

RESOLUTION NO. 475

RE-ENTER RTBM / ADJOURNED / MEMORY

 

RESOLVED, at 9:30 pm, the Town Board re-entered the Regular Town Board Meeting and adjourned in memory of:  Denise Holt, Resident of Pearl River; Mary Lynch, Resident of Sloatsburg, sister of Edmund O’Dea of Pearl River and member of Brest Buddies; Laurence Madigan, Resident of Pearl River; and Terence Youngman, Resident of Orangeburg.

 

Councilperson Denis Troy offered the above resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Thomas Diviny and was Adopted:

 

Motion: 5 – 0

Ayes: Councilperson Paul Valentine, Councilperson Thomas Diviny, Councilperson Denis Troy, Councilperson Jerry Bottari, Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny

Noes: None

_________________________________

             Rosanna Sfraga, Town Clerk