Meeting Overview

TOWN OF ORANGETOWN

REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING

TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013

This Town Board Meeting was opened at 7:10 p.m.  Supervisor Stewart presided and the Town Clerk called the Roll.  Present were:

 

Councilman Denis Troy

Councilman Thomas Diviny

Councilman Thomas Morr

Councilman Paul Valentine

 

Also present:   Charlotte Madigan, Town Clerk

John Edwards, Town Attorney

Teresa Kenny, First Deputy Town Attorney

Jeff Bencik, Finance Director

Mike Yannazzone, Highway General Forman

Robert Simon, Receiver of Taxes

John Giardiello, Director of OBZPAE

Aric Gorton, Superintendent of Parks-Rec.

 

 

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Charlotte Madigan.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 250                                          ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION SPECIFIC PERSONNEL MATTER

 

In attendance, at this Executive Session, were Supervisor Stewart, Councilmen Troy, Diviny, Morr and Valentine, John Edwards, Teresa Kenny, Jeff Bencik and John Giardiello.

 

Councilman Troy offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Diviny and was unanimously adopted:

 

RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby entered Executive Session, to discuss a personnel matter involving a specific employee, at 7:10 p.m.

 

Ayes:               Councilmen Troy, Diviny, Morr, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:               None

* * *

RESOLUTION NO. 251                                          RE-ENTER RTBM

 

Councilman Troy offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Diviny and was unanimously adopted:

 

RESOLVED, that the Town Board reentered the Regular Town Board Meeting, at 7:45 p.m.

 

Ayes:               Councilmen Troy, Diviny, Morr, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:               None

* * *

Summary of Public Comments:

Al Samuels, Rockland Business Association, is against an Issue Conference for the desalination plant.  A conference will delay this project and the costs will increase.

Nancy Antonucci, REASON, reiterated support for the purchase of the Children’s Psychiatric Center.  It is imperative that the Town controls the development of this site.

Biglow Green, Palisades Presbyterian Church, asked that the church’s building permit fees ($948.00) be waived in these difficult economic times.

Mike Mandel, Pearl River, is against desalination but in favor of an Issue Conference. He questioned the need for more water.  United Water should stop releasing water to NJ.

Sr. Dorothy Maxwell, Blauvelt and a member of Religious Organization Along the River (ROAR), is against the desalination plant.  She believes the plant is corporate greed.  We have to use our resources conservatively and respect what has been given to us.

Jan Degenshein, Orangetown, is against an Issue Conference.  The Rockland County Health Dept. has stated that we need to increase our water supply.  The Town will risk losing businesses, risk fire fighting and general health, without a large enough water supply.

RoseMarie Raccioppi, Tappan, is in favor of an Issue Conference.  She believes all information, including concerns, liabilities and water resources, should be gathered and reviewed.

Tom O’Reilly, Engineer, said water can and does maintain itself.  He spoke about managing supply and consumption of water.

Margie Turri, Clarkstown, supports an Issue Conference.  The costs for desalination are very high and taxpayers can not afford them.  She spoke about alternatives that are less expensive.

Robert Tompkins, Orangetown Housing Authority (OHA), said he can not perform his duties as a member of the OHA under the current Chairman.

Stephen Reich, Ken Lewis, Joe Nery, Dale Scott, Joseph Coskey, and Kathy Rumsey, Laborers Local 754, are against an Issue Conference and they support the desalination plant. An Issue Conference is costly and just reviews old data.  The plant is mandated by the PCS and United Water has done its due diligence.  The Hudson River is cleaner than it has ever been.

Watson Morgan, Blauvelt, is in favor of an Issue Conference.  He said the underground water system on the grounds of RPC could be used to capture water.

Jacquelyn Drechsler, Valley Cottage, supports an Issue Conference.  She is afraid of radiation leakage from Indian Point and she believes we should stop releasing water to NJ.

Jocelyn DeCrescenzo, Valley Cottage, sang her opposition to the desalination plant.

Donald Steinmetz, Grandview, said much more data is needed and asking for a conference is doing our due diligence.

John Dillion, Sr. Attorney for United Water is opposed to an Issue Conference.  A copy of Mr. Dillion’s comments is labeled Exhibit 05-D-13, and made a part of these minutes

Michael Pointing, VP of United Water, explained that there has been a seven year study and     Rockland needs more water.  A desalination plant is the most cost effective way to increase the water supply.

Laurie Seeman, Sparkill Creek Watershed Alliance, favors an Issue Conference.  She said there is no deadline for the plant to be up and running.  Water usage and consumption needs to change.

Deborah Turner, Nyack, supports an Issue Conference.  The families of the County need to be protected.

David Fried, candidate for Rockland County Executive, agrees with having an Issue Conference.  He supports each municipality having control over their future destiny.  Everyone has to recognize that development in one municipality does have an impact on other municipalities.

Eileen Larkin, Palisades, is in favor of the conference.  She spoke about Ellen Jaffee’s Letter and the DEC.  She challenges the DEC to impose a moratorium on development causing a water shortage.

Andrew Wiley, Pearl River, supports an Issue Conference.  He spoke about his concerns regarding the desalination plant.

Ruth Weber, Upper Grandview Civic Association, is in favor of the Conference.  She has concerns about discharging water into the Hudson.  There are other alternatives to control the safety of our water.

Dr. Turner, believes employing more labors to fix the 20% water leakage in the water pipelines is better than the desalination plant.

 

                         

RESOLUTION NO. 252                                          CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Supervisor Stewart offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Morr and was unanimously adopted:

 

RESOLVED, that the public portion is hereby closed.

 

Ayes:               Councilmen Morr, Troy, Diviny, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:               None

* * *

 

RESOLUTION NO. 253                                          UNITED WATER NEW YORK/ISSUE CONFERENCE/DESALINATION PLANT NYS DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION (DEC)

 

Councilman Diviny offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Supervisor Stewart and on a roll call was adopted:

 

WHEREAS, United Water New York (UWNY) is the primary provider of drinking water to most of Rockland County and the Town of Orangetown and UWNY has an obligation to provide clean, safe water to its consumers in a cost effective manner; and

 

WHEREAS, UWNY has proposed the “Haverstraw Water Supply Project”, seeking to draw water from the Hudson River for use as drinking water; and

 

WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) assumed the status of lead agency for review of the environmental impacts of the proposed project and is now reviewing the Draft Environmental Impact Statement prepared by UWNY; and

 

WHEREAS, many residents of the Town of Orangetown and the County of Rockland continue to have questions and concerns over the environmental impacts of such a project and desire to be heard regarding same; and

 

WHEREAS, many residents of the Town of Orangetown and the County of Rockland continue to have questions and concerns over the impact that the Town of Ramapo has had on the past, present and future consumption of water throughout the County of Rockland and Town of Orangetown through the Town of Ramapo’s continued promotion of high density housing; failure to enforce its land use codes, rules and regulations; failure to conservatively plan for the future while taking into account the limited supply of water in the County of Rockland; and failure to pay its fair share for the costs of water infrastructure improvements that are mainly the result of the Town of Ramapo’s uncontained population growth which unduly burdens the residents of the Town of Orangetown and County of Rockland, and

 

WHEREAS, an Issues Conference may be held under the rules of the New York State DEC to determine if there are disputed issues pursuant to 16 NYCRR Section 624;

 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orangetown Town Board requests that an Issues Conference be held to adjudicate these disputed issues and conclusions.

 

Ayes:               Councilmen Diviny, Morr

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:               Councilmen Troy, Valentine

* * *

 

RESOLUTION NO. 254                                          POLICE REGULATION/4 HOUR PARKING /NORTH WILLIAM ST PEARL RIVER

 

Councilman Valentine offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:

 

RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Traffic Advisory Board, the installation of “4 Hour” parking signs on the eastside of North William Street in Pearl River, from the intersection of East Washington Avenue to house #62, as a six (6) month police regulation is hereby approved.

 

Ayes:               Councilmen Valentine, Troy, Diviny, Morr

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:               None

 

* * *

RESOLUTION NO. 255                                          COMPUTER NETWORK SPECIALIST

 

Councilman Valentine offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Supervisor Stewart and on a roll call was adopted:

 

RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Director of Finance, the position of Computer Network Specialist, for the Central Data Department, Grade 12, from A.1682, at an annual salary of $52,249 is hereby approved. (should have an impact of $26,000 in fiscal 2013)

 

Ayes:               Councilmen Valentine, Troy

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:               Councilmen Diviny, Morr

* * *

RESOLUTION NO. 256                                          AWARD BID/SUMMER CAMP TRANSPORTATION/CHESTNUT RIDGE TRANSPORTATION

 

Councilman Morr offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Troy and was unanimously adopted:

 

WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation duly advertised for sealed bids for the Town’s Summer Camp Bus Transportation, which were received and publicly opened on May 17, 2013; a copy of the Affidavit of Publication, Notice of Posting and Bid Sheet are labeled Exhibit 05-B-13, and made a part of these minutes.  Now, Therefore, Be It

 

RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, the bid for Bus Transportation for Summer Camp, is hereby awarded to Chestnut Ridge Transportation, Spring Valley, NY, the only qualified bidder, at a price of $358.00 per bus for “all day” transportation, $246.00 per bus for “morning and afternoon” transportation and $25.00 per bus for “afternoon transportation” for teen camp.

 

Ayes:               Councilmen Morr, Troy, Diviny, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:               None

* * *

RESOLUTION NO. 257                                          ACCEPT PLAQUE/IN MEMORY OF DAN DINAN

 

Councilman Troy offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Morr and was unanimously adopted:

 

RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, a memorial plaque and post, in memory of Dan Dinan, to be installed on the grounds of Blue Hill Golf Course is hereby accepted with gratitude.  This donation was made possible by the efforts of Dan’s friends; Rich Volpe, Robert Volpe, Tom Smith and John Schneider.

 

Ayes:               Councilmen Troy, Morr, Diviny, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:               None

* * *

 

RESOLUTION NO. 258                                          AWARD BID/CAST IRON CURB INLETS/CAMPBELL FOUNDRY CO

 

Councilman Diviny offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Morr and was unanimously adopted:

 

WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Highways duly advertised for sealed bids for cast iron curb inlets, which were received and publicly opened on May 2, 2013; a copy of the Affidavit of Publication, Notice of Posting and Bid Sheet are labeled Exhibit 05-C-13, and made a part of these minutes.  Now, Therefore, Be It

 

Resolution No. 258 – Continued

 

RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Highways, the bid for cast iron curb inlets is hereby awarded to Campbell Foundry Co., Harrison, New Jersey, the lowest qualified bidder, in the amount of $6,721.00.

 

Ayes:               Councilmen Diviny, Morr, Troy, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:               None

* * *

RESOLUTION NO. 259                                          CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION 2013 SEWER WORK

 

Supervisor Stewart offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Valentine and was unanimously adopted:

 

RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Town Attorney and the Director of the Department of Environmental Management and Engineering, a Certificate of Registration for 2013 Sewer Work is approved to:

1. Sewer Mechanic, Inc., 34 Hoover Street, Blauvelt, NY
2. R R Plumbing Services Corp., d/b/a Roto-Rooter, 525 Waverly Ave., Mamaroneck, NY

 

Ayes:               Councilmen Valentine, Troy, Diviny, Morr

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:               None

* * *

RESOLUTION NO. 260                                            ACCEPT/RECEIVE/FILE  TOWN BOARD MINUTES

 

Councilman Troy offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Morr and was unanimously adopted:

 

RESOLVED, that the April 23, 2013 Regular Town Board/Audit Meeting and the May 7, 2013 Executive Session minutes are hereby accepted, received and file in the Town Clerk’s Office.

 

Ayes:               Councilmen Troy, Morr, Diviny, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:               None

* * *

RESOLUTION NO. 261                                          RECEIVE/FILE/DOCUMENTS TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE

 

Councilman Diviny offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Supervisor Stewart and was unanimously adopted:

 

RESOLVED, that the following documents are received and filed in the Town Clerk’s Office:

1. Caretaker Maintenance Agreements for Nike Park (Thomas Iacobellis) and Henry V. Borst Park (Anthony Limandri) dated May 2, 2013.
2. Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012 and O’Connor Davies, LLP Auditor’s Report for 2012.
3. Sanitary Sewer Easement for Pearl River School District, 135 W. Crooked Hill Rd, Pearl River (68.11-2-41.1).  Recorded in the Rockland County Clerk’s Office as Instr No. 2013-15409.
4. Palisades Free Library Agreement, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, NYS Education report, IRS Form 990 and list of private source funds.
5. DEME 2013 Annual MS4 Stormwater Report.
6. Pearl River Fire District 2011 & 2012 Audit Report.
7. 2013 CANDLE Agreement.

 

Ayes:               Councilmen Diviny, Troy, Morr, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:               None

RESOLUTION NO. 262                                          PAY VOUCHERS

 

Supervisor Stewart offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Valentine and was unanimously adopted:

 

RESOLVED, that the Finance Office is hereby authorized to pay vouchers for the General Fund, Town Outside Village, Blue Hill, Broadacres, Highway, Sewer, Capital Projects, Risk Retention, and Special Parking Funds, in the amount of $1,711,657.98.

 

Ayes:               Councilmen Valentine, Troy, Diviny, Morr

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:               None

* * *

RESOLUTION NO. 263                                          ADJOURNED/MEMORY

 

Supervisor Stewart offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Diviny and was unanimously adopted:

 

RESOLVED, that the Town Board adjourned, in memory of Robert Crable, Sparkill, former Deputy County Clerk, and member of Rockland County Legislature; and Gertrude (Gerry) Quattrock, Nick Sfraga’s mother, at 9:20 p.m.

 

Ayes:               Councilmen Diviny, Troy, Morr, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:               None

 

 

 

 

___________________________________

Charlotte Madigan, Town Clerk