Meeting Overview

TOWN OF ORANGETOWN
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2009
This Town Board Meeting was opened at 7:13 p.m. Supervisor Kleiner presided and 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
Eliot Tozer, Deputy Supervisor
Teresa M. Kenny, First Deputy Town Attorney
Suzanne Barclay, Exec Asst. to Supervisor
Charles Richardson, Director of Finance
James Dean, Superintendent of Highways
Ron Delo, Director, Dept. of Environmental Mgt. & Eng.
Kevin Nulty, Chief of Police
Robert Simon, Receiver of Taxes
John Giardiello, Director of OBZPAE
Charlotte Madigan, Town Clerk, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
RESOLUTION NO. 136 ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilwoman Manning offered the following resolution, which was seconded by
Councilman Maturo and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board entered Executive Session at 7:15 p.m. to discuss
particular personnel.
Ayes: Councilpersons Manning, Maturo, Troy, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
Supervisor Kleiner announced, K. Hovnanian Homes should still be retained by Orangetown to
develop the property at RPC. They have the corporate resources to do that despite the market.
Along with their stock prices and present prices of many home builders, they have $800 million in
cash, they are capitalized enough to retain the properties they have and they have cut the properties
that they will not develop. Their hope and expectation is the economy will have recovered
sufficiently particularly in the housing market, at the time they have to go to the Planning Board,.
Kleiner said it is important for the Town Board and the Town to understand that we need to do
everything we can to prepare for the time when K. Hovnanian Homes can move forward.
The Draft of the Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS) will be distributed to the
Town Board on March 6th, a presentation to the Town Board will be held on March 16th, with
possibility of acceptance on March 23rd and then public hearings will be scheduled. The process
has been very good with a lot of input in areas of environmental, traffic, and fiscal issues (in
terms of the impact on the Town, County and the Pearl River School District). A precise
analysis, using all kinds of data hopefully will be able to give a true objected number for a
positive tax impact of the project.
Councilman Troy asked for an update on the project next to Lowes, Hunter Douglas and ARC in
terms of getting some tax relief. Kleiner said ARC is proceeding but there is one issue with the
State Historical Office regarding the Seth House and Hunter Douglas and the project next to
Lowes are on hold because the market conditions.
Summary of Public Comments
Esta Baitler, Sparkill, asked about the need for sidewalks on Route 340 and is concerned about
the speeding. She asked when will the sewer odors be eliminated. The CSX trains running all
night is annoying and she wants to know when the quiet zones will be done.
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Norman Schaifer, Tappan, said we are in a fiscal emergency and the Town Board should anticipate
problems. The Town should have a hiring freeze, employees’ hours should be cut, employees
should not be getting raises, and employees should be contributing to their health care.
Eileen Larkin, Palisades, spoke about public decorum in Florida and stop signs on Iroquois Ave
and Horne Tooke Rd. She recommended a 2009 Market Survey for the K. Hovnanian homes.
Michael Mandel, Pearl River, said K. Hovnanian has property in NJ, which is sitting idle, so a
current market survey makes sense. The STEJ athletic center is a beautiful rendition and we
should assist them in moving forward. He thinks the Muni Track computer software system for
online tax payments and research is a good idea. Jim Castagna, Sparkill, is concerned about the economy and he believes the Town should do
advance planning. He requested officials to keep following up on the American Legion property
for parking. Some of the plans for Sparkill Memorial Park could be accomplished by volunteers
and he has a conceptual design for a dog park within the Sparkill Triangle.
Andrew Wiley, Pearl River, asked why the Town is failing to act in this financial disaster, how
does the Town go from $8 million to over $80 million in debt, why was the PAC Zone changed
to a floating zone, and why is the Town bonding everything. He recommended a moratorium be
put on Clarkstown and Ramapo until the sewage problems are fixed.
Seamus Gallagher, Blauvelt, spoke regarding O & R tree removal and the past devastation.
However, he is concerned about the new project because of the notice he and his neighbor
received. (The Town Board will look into this and contact O & R). Gail Raffaele, Tappan, said the last thing we need is additional population. There is a very valid
difference between Hovnanian and ARC and Hunter Douglas and the property on Route 303.
They pay property taxes and Hovnanian is not, which means the taxpayers are subsidizing them.
Watson Morgan, Blauvelt, said we should have clear plans and direction for Veteran’s Memorial
Drive and the road into the STEJ project. Other projects that are on hold should be directed to
put in some environmental ground cover for protection.
Alberto Baruffi, Blauvelt, graduated from the College of Environmental Science at Syracuse, has
worked for the DEC and has been involved and volunteered in the environmental industry for
several years. He announced the formation of his not-for-profit group dedicated to the Sparkill
Creek. He’s reviewing past environmental studies and looks forward to working and updating
the Town. He spoke about jobs advertised on the Town’s website, a hiring freeze and the
Journal News’ article regarding an employee making $272,000 annually.
RESOLUTION NO. 139 CLOSE PUBLIC PORTION
Councilwoman Manning offered the following resolution, which was seconded by
Councilman Maturo and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the public comment portion is hereby closed.
Ayes: Councilpersons Manning, Maturo, Troy, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 140 AID/JOHN BELLEW 5K FUN
RUN/WALK
Councilman Troy offered the following resolution, which was seconded by
Councilman Maturo and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the request of John Sullivan, 185 Ridge Street, Pearl River, organizer
of the John Bellew 5K Fun Run/Walk, for two portable toilets, trash receptacles, barricades and
safety cones for the fun run on April 18, 2009, to be charged to Account No. A7550/50457 is
hereby approved.
Ayes: Councilpersons Troy, Maturo, Manning, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
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RESOLUTION NO. 141 POLICE REGULATION/“STOP”
SIGNS/IROQUOIS AVE/HORNE
TOOKE ROAD
Councilwoman Manning offered the following resolution, which was seconded by
Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Traffic Advisory Board, install two
“Stop” signs on Iroquois Avenue at the intersection of Horne Tooke Road is hereby approved.
Ayes: Councilpersons Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 142 APPOINT/TRAFFIC ADVISORY BOAD
PAUL WITTE, CODE ENFORCEMENT
OFFICER
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by
Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that Paul Witte, Code Enforcement Officer, is hereby appointed to the
Traffic Advisory Board, with the term ending December 31, 2009.
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Troy, Manning, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 143 APPOINT/ORANGETOWN PARKS
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY
COMMITTEE/ROBERT SCHELIN
Councilwoman Manning offered the following resolution, which was seconded by
Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that Robert Schelin is hereby appointed to the Orangetown Parks
Development Advisory Committee, with the term ending December 31, 2009.
Ayes: Councilpersons Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 144 PERMISSION GRANTED/JAMES
DEAN/2009 GRASS ROOTS CAMPAIGN
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by
Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that permission is hereby granted to James Dean to attend the 2009 Grass
Roots Campaign, March 10-11, 2009 In Albany, NY at a cost of $242 to be charged to Acct. No.
A5101004/50441.
Ayes: Councilpersons Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 145 PERMISSION GRANTED/POLICE
PROPERTY/EVIDENCE ROOM
MANAGEMENT TRAINING PROGRAM
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by
Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
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Resolution No. 145 – Continued
RESOLVED, that permission is hereby granted to two police officers to attend the
Property/Evidence Room Management Training Program, March 3-4, 2009, in Branchport, NY
at a cost of $380 to be charged to Acct. No. B/3120/50480.
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Troy, Manning, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 146 PARKS/DECLARE EQUIPMENT
SURPLUS
Councilman Maturo offered the following resolution, which was seconded by
Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the following equipment in the Department Parks, Recreation and
Buildings is hereby declared surplus:
Model Year VIN/Serial # Dept.
Ford Taurus 1993 1FACP52U3PG237675 Parks
Chev. Caprice 1994 1G1BL52P2RR192157 Parks
Chev. Caprice 1994 1G1BL52W8RR157808 Parks
Jeep Cherokee 1993 1J4FJ28S1PL645171 Parks
Jacobsen HR Tractor 1989 1979 Parks
Toro Groundsmaster 345 1991 Parks
Smithco Super Rake 1990 Parks
Yamaha Golf Cart Parks
Ayes: Councilpersons Maturo, Troy, Manning, Low-Hogan
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 147 BYRNE SUBDIVISION/ROAD
WIDENING DEED/FIRE LANES
COVENANT/ACCEPT/RECEIVE/FILE
Councilwoman Low-Hogan offered the following resolution, which was seconded by
Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Town Attorney’s Office, the
Department of Environmental Management and Engineering and the Superintendent of
Highways, the Road Widening Deed and the Declaration of Fire Lanes Covenant for the Byrne
Subdivision, 258 Ehrhardt Road, Pearl River, NY (69.05-4-41) are accepted, received and filed
in the Rockland County’s Clerk Office, and the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute all
documents necessary to effectuate the acceptance of this Deed and Declaration. In addition,
acceptance of the Road Widening Deed is subject to the applicant submitting $2,500.00 to be
held in escrow by the Finance Department, subject to the applicant issuing an exception free title
policy to the Town. The originals will be filed and maintained in the Town Clerk’s Office, upon
receipt from the Rockland County Clerk’s Office, of the original documents.
Ayes: Councilpersons Low-Hogan, Manning, Troy, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 148 AUTHORIZE HIGHWAY/13TH ANNUAL
OPEN HOUSE/MAY 9, 2009
Councilman Troy offered the following resolution, which was seconded by
Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
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Resolution No. 148 – Continued
RESOLVED, that the Highway Department is authorized to host their 13th Annual Open
House on Saturday, May 9, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Highway Department
facility.
Ayes: Councilpersons Low-Hogan, Manning, Troy, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 149 ACCEPT MINUTES
Councilwoman Manning offered the following resolution, which was seconded by
Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the February 2, 2009 Audit Meeting minutes; February 5, 2009 Special
Town Board Meeting minutes; February 6, 2009 Special Town Board Meeting minutes;
February 7, 2009 Special Town Board Meeting minutes; February 9, 2009 Regular Town Board
Meeting and Audit Meeting minutes and February 10, 2009 Special Town Board Meeting
minutes are hereby accepted.
Ayes: Councilpersons Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 150 APPROVE/CERTIFICATE OF
REGISTRATION FOR 2009 SEWER
WORK
Councilwoman Manning offered the following resolution, which was seconded by
Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Director of the Department of
Environmental Management and Engineering and the Town Attorney, the following are
approved for a Certificate of Registration for 2009 to perform sewer work:
M.P. Olsen Excavation, 57 North Airmont Rd., Suffern, NY 10901
Calmart Enterprises, Inc., 4 Burts Rd., Congers, NY 10920
American Minutemen Sewer Drain Service, 307 S. Main St., New City, NY 10956
Ayes: Councilpersons Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 151 G & G HOLDINGS SUBDIVISION
ROAD WIDENING DEED/ACCEPT
RECEIVE AND FILE
Councilwoman Manning offered the following resolution, which was seconded by
Councilman Maturo and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Town Attorney’s Office, the Department of
Environmental Management and Engineering and the Superintendent of Highways, the Road
Widening Deed for the G & G Holdings Subdivision, 1098 Route 9W, Upper Grandview, NY
(71.09-1-2) is accepted, received and filed in the Rockland County’s Clerk Office, and the
Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute all documents necessary to effectuate the acceptance
of this Deed. The originals will be filed and maintained in the Town Clerk’s Office, upon receipt
from the Rockland County Clerk’s Office, of the original documents.
Ayes: Councilpersons Manning, Troy, Low-Hogan, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
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RESOLUTION NO. 152 ENTER AUDIT
Councilman Troy offered the following resolution, which was seconded by
Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board entered the Audit Meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Ayes: Councilpersons Troy, Manning, Low-Hogan, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 153 PAY VOUCHERS
Councilman Troy offered the following resolution, which was seconded by
Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the Finance Office is hereby authorized to pay vouchers for General
Fund, Town Outside Village, Blue Hill, Broadacres, Highway, Sewer, Trust and Agency, Special
District, Special Parking and Capital Projects Funds in the amount of $913,616.87.
Ayes: Councilpersons Troy, Manning, Low-Hogan, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 154 PAY MANUAL CHECK
Councilman Troy offered the following resolution, which was seconded by
Councilwoman Manning and was unanimously adopted:
RESOLVED, that the Finance Office is hereby authorized to pay one (1) manual check in
the amount of $224,884.91. Ayes: Councilpersons Troy, Manning, Low-Hogan, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
* * *
RESOLUTION NO. 155 ADJOURNMENT
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 8:50 p.m.
Ayes: Councilpersons Troy, Manning, Low-Hogan, Maturo
Supervisor Kleiner
Noes: None
____________________________________ Charlotte Madigan, Town Clerk