Meeting Overview

TOWN OF ORANGETOWN

REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2012

This Town Board Meeting was opened at 7:35 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

Ann Maestri, Supervisor of Fiscal Services

James Dean, Superintendent of Highways

Joseph Moran, Commissioner of DEME

Robert Simon, Receiver of Taxes

John Giardiello, Director of OBZPAE

Aric Gorton, Superintendent of Parks-Rec & Building Maint.

 

Charlotte Madigan led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

The Town Board recognized Captain Wayne Werner, of the Tappan Fire Department, for his heroic actions in administering CPR, on September 29, 2012, to Chief Engineer Fire Fighter, Robert  De Temple and saving his life.

 

Jim Dean, Superintendent of Highways, said in 2008, Assemblywoman Jaffee was able to secure a $1.2 million grant for the Town of Orangetown.  This grant is to replace the Oak Tree Road Bridge, over the Sparkill Creek.  McLaren Engineering was hired to design the new bridge, which would include Flood Mitigation for the Sparkill Creek and the replacement of the Oak Tree Road Bridge (Exhibit 11-E-12). Charlotte Madigan, the Town Clerk said this would be available for review in her office.

 

Summary of Public Comments (RTBM)

Eileen Larkin, Palisades, asked has the Siemans’ contract resulted in any savings and what are they?  She is concerned about the flow of water under the bridges in Tappan and Palisades.

Mike Mandel, Pearl River, said an email update from Town Hall to the Media stated that the two schedule public hearings on November 7^th will be continued on November 13^th; however the Blauvelt Fire contract public hearing was closed and voted on the night of the 7^th.

Habib Hasan, urged the Town Board to make sure the FEMA money comes to Orangetown.

Carol Silverstein, Orangeburg, questioned the transparency of the Town Board.  She is concerned that the Town Board voted to add a captain and promoted Donald Butterworth to that additional position, without letting the public know or voice their opinions.

 

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 546                                          CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the public portion is hereby closed.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Troy, Morr, Diviny, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

 

* * *

 

RESOLUTION NO. 547                                          OPEN CONTINUANCE OF PH/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET

 

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the 8:00 p.m. continuance of a public hearing to consider the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby opened.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Troy, Morr, Diviny, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

* * *

Summary of Public Comments:

Mike Mandel, Pearl River, opposes any funding for CANDLE, and funding for Broadacres. He questioned the lack of notice for the creation of an additional Police Captain followed by the promotion to that position.  He also questioned the libraries budgets, their large fund balances and the increase in Worker’s Comp.  He’s in favor of cutting the use of Town vehicles, a $10.00 annual resident fee and $100.00 annual business fee for the drop-off center.

Doran Tunnell, Palisades, said we have the third highest taxes in the Country.  In 1998 his taxes were $4,500 now they are $15,000.

Paul Goldman, Palisades, said the median household income has decreased by 3% and we pay property taxes that are 10 times the national average.  He requested the Town Board to fight in Albany to get the pension legislation overturned.

Eileen Larkin, Palisades, asked what the new budget line is and the proposed increase.  She opposes taking money from the reserve fund, is against a stipend for the Commissioner of DEME, against creating a second Police Captain and funding Broadacres.

Bill Hahn, Orangeburg Library Board of Trustees, said the Orangeburg Library offers wonderful opportunities to the community.  It has not had a budget increase in a few years.  The fund balance covers one-year of expenses.

Ed Doolan, Blauvelt Library Board of Trustees, has enjoyed the benefits of the library.  A 20% cut is not realistic.  The library should not be penalized for taking care of their judicial responsibility and spending wisely.

Annmarie Uhl, Sparkill, believes the budget can stay within the 2% tax cap.  She suggested, the Town makes goals, including plans and budgets.  The slashing and band aid fix has to stop.

Jonathan Plowe, Palisades, said incomes and property values have fallen.  Larger budgets have been passed and taxes have increased.  He asked the Board to fight for legislation changes.  Carol Silverstein, Orangeburg, wants the Town Board to follow-up on the resolution sent to Albany, regarding the Taylor Law.  She opposes funding for Broadacres and any increases in the budget.

Helena Power, Palisades Library Trustee, opposes cutting the library budget.  The library is a significant resource to Orangetown and they have not received an increase for the past three years out of four.  The library is starting renovations to address parking, drainage and expand the community room space, which will deplete their cash reserve by at least 50%.

Laura Grunwerg, Director of the Blauvelt Library, explained that the libraries are more than depositories of books and media, they are refuges for social media, children book groups, Girl Scouts and serves as a reach out center.

Samantha Olds, President of the Orangeburg Library Board of Trustees, said it is imperative that the Town Board does not reduce funding to the hamlet libraries.  Their fund balance is only one year of operating funds.

Seta Tunell, Palisades, commented that when the Town Board makes decisions, they cannot think any amount is too small or inconsequential.  We are drowning under the pensions and health care costs.  There is no place for unions in the public sector.

Alice Buchanan, Palisades, commented that no one here can sustain the current level of spending.  She cannot afford to stay here.  Something has to be done to stay alive in this Town.

Lucy Charles, Tappan, said a 6% tax increase is too much and employees should contribute.  She opposes funding of Broadacres.

Somnath Konduru, Tappan, objects to the proposed tax increase.  He spoke about the Pfizer settlement and having a Citizen Task Force, to come up with ideas to cut taxes.  He suggested that Broadacres be privatized.

Mario Gonzalez, Treasurer of Orangeburg Library, opposes any cuts to the libraries.  Libraries are the backbone of a democratic society and part of the education system.

Roger Hooker, Palisades, said State mandates, pensions, and health care costs are intolerable and have to stop.  It is only in the public sector that salaries and benefits are increasing.  A deal has to be made with the employees and legislation has to change.

Bill Langham, Director of the Orangeburg Library, has concerns about the proposed cuts to the libraries budgets.  There’s been legislation proposed to allow the libraries to present their budgets independently, which will enable the libraries to conduct better long-term planning for capital expenditures.

John Buckley, Orangeburg, is against cutting the libraries budgets.  He believes the libraries are invaluable to residents of the community.

Keith Brennan, 22-yr Town employee, works 2-3 jobs, as does many employees, to take care of their families.  The employees are on the front-line doing their best and are not making a lot of money.

Raleigh Tozer, President of Tappan Library Board of Trustees, spoke about the libraries fund balance.  He urged the Board to approve the libraries budgets as recommended.

Devore Richter, Palisades, opposes any budget increase.  The Town Board should look at other State communities and follow their lead in reducing costs.

Fran Malfatano, Orangeburg, said her taxes 10 years ago were $18,000 and are now $32,000 a year.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 548                                          CLOSE CONTINUANCE PH/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the public portion of this public hearing is hereby closed.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Troy, Valentine, Diviny, Morr

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

* * *

The Town Board took a five minute recess.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 549                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/BUILDING PERMIT FEE

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to increase the Building permit fee from $15/1000 to $17/1000 sq. ft.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Troy, Morr, Diviny, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

***

RESOLUTION NO. 550                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/ELIMINATE SEASONAL EMPLOYEES/ASSESSOR’S OFFICE

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to eliminate seasonal employees in the Assessor’s Office.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Troy, Diviny, Morr, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

***

RESOLUTION NO. 551                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/REDUCE PART-TIME STAFFING/TOWN ATTORNEY

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to reduce part-time staffing, in the Town Attorney’s Office.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Diviny, Troy, Morr, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

***

RESOLUTION NO. 552                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/REDUCE FUNDING     TOWN MUSEUM

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to reduce funding for the Town Museum.

 

Ayes:               Councilmen Troy, Valentine, Diviny, Morr

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:               None

***

RESOLUTION NO. 553                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/REDUCE SEASONAL PART-TIME FUNDING/JUSTICE

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to reduce seasonal part-time funding, in the Justice Department.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Troy, Diviny, Morr, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

***

RESOLUTION NO. 554                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/VARIOUS ITEMS            

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the following amendments have been made to the Preliminary Budget:

 

Reduce Broadacres vehicle Operations & Repair

Reduce Broadacres Utilities

Reduce Broadacres Uniforms

Reduce Part-time workers in the Parks Dept.

Reduce Blue Hill and Broadacres Overtime

Reduce Blue Hill and Broadacres Doubletime

Reduce Blue Hill and Broadacres chemicals

Increase Broadacres Part-Time

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Troy, Valentine, Diviny, Morr

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

RESOLUTION NO. 555                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/RESTORE FUNDING GROUNDSWORKERS

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to restore funding for two full-time groundsworker employees, instead of seasonal employees, at Blue Hill.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Troy, Diviny, Morr, Valentine

Noes:   Supervisor Stewart

***

 

RESOLUTION NO. 556                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/REDUCE POLICE RETIREES PAID SICK DAYS  

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to reduce Police retirees paid sick days.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Diviny, Morr, Troy, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

***

 

RESOLUTION NO. 557                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/POLICE VACATION BUYOUT/POLICE SALARIES

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that no propose changes were made to Police vacation buyouts and the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to reduce Police salaries.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Diviny, Morr, Troy, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

***

RESOLUTION NO. 558                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/RAISE POLICE OVERTIME

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to raise Police Overtime.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Diviny, Valentine, Troy, Morr

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

***

RESOLUTION NO. 559                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/INCREASE RADIO OPERATORS OVERTIME

 

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

 

Resolution No. 559 – Continued

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to increase Radio Operators Overtime.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Morr, Valentine, Troy, Diviny

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

***

 

RESOLUTION NO. 560                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/REDUCE POLICE PART-TIME STAFF HOURS

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to reduce Police Part-Time staff hours.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Morr, Troy, Diviny, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

***

 

RESOLUTION NO. 561                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/REDUCE TAX RECEIVER PART-TIME HOURS

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to reduce Tax Receiver’s part-time staff hours.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Troy, Morr, Diviny, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

***

 

RESOLUTION NO. 562                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/INCREASE SEWER INDUSTRIAL USER FEES

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to increase the Industrial User Fees, in the Sewer Department.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Troy, Diviny, Morr, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

 

***

 

RESOLUTION NO. 563                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/SEWER FRIDAY DAY SHIFT

 

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

Resolution No. 563 – Continued

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to change coverage of the Friday Day shift, in the Sewer Department.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Diviny, Morr, Troy, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

***

RESOLUTION NO. 564                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/TO INSTALL WELL PUMP

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to install a well pump.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Troy, Valentine, Diviny, Morr

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

***

RESOLUTION NO. 565                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/RESTORE DOUBLE-TIME FOR LEAF PICKUP/REDUCE RE-PAVING BUDGET

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to restore double-time for leaf pick-up and reduce the re-paving budget.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Diviny, Troy, Morr, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

***

RESOLUTION NO. 566                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/REDUCE LIBRARIES BUDGETS

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to reduce Libraries Budgets.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Troy, Valentine, Diviny, Morr

Noes:   Supervisor Stewart

***

RESOLUTION NO. 567                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/REDUCE FUND BALANCES

 

Councilman Morr offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Troy and on a roll call was adopted:

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to reduce Town’s fund balances.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Morr, Troy, Diviny, Valentine

Noes:   Supervisor Stewart

***

 

RESOLUTION NO. 568                                          AMEND/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET/FUND IT ASSISTANT POSITION

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the 2013 Preliminary Budget is hereby amended to fund an IT Assistant position.

 

Ayes:   CouncilmanValentine and Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   Councilmen Diviny, Morr, Troy

 

***

 

RESOLUTION NO. 569                                          TOWN BOARD DECISION/2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the Town Board adopts the 2013 Preliminary Budget, with the above amendments, as the 2013 Final Budget.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Troy, Diviny, Morr, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

* * *

 

RESOLUTION NO. 570                                          APPROVE SHOWMOBILE/HOLIDAY PARADE/ORANGEBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that use of the Showmobile by the Orangeburg Fire Department for their holiday parade on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at a rental cost of $350.00 dollars with the

organization providing a certificate of insurance listing the Town of Orangetown as additionally insured is hereby approved.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Diviny, Morr, Troy, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

* * *

 

RESOLUTION NO. 571                                          AWARD BID/CHEMICAL AND FERTILIZER/PARKS & RECREATION

 

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

 

WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation duly advertised for sealed bids for Chemicals and Fertilizers, which were received and publicly opened on November 2, 2012.  The Superintendent made this recommendation to the Town Board; a copy of the Affidavit of Publication, Notice of Posting and Bid Sheet is labeled Exhibit 11-D-12, and made a part of these minutes.  Now, Therefore, Be It

 

RESOLVED, the bids for Chemicals and Fertilizers for Blue Hill Golf Course, Broadacres Golf Course and the Parks Department are hereby awarded, to the lowest qualified bidders as follows:

 

Resolution No. 571 – Continued

 

• Fert-L Soil, Scotch Plains, NJ – Item 5 totaling $2,375.80
• Agrium Advanced Tech, North Brunswick, NJ – Item 3 totaling $2,625.00
• Harrell’s Inc., Lakeland, FL – Items 7, 12, 16 totaling $5,300.00
• Terre Co., Clifton, NJ – Items 1, 10, 15, 18 totaling $33,173.75
• Metro Turf, New Paltz, NY – Items 4, 6, 9, 19, 26 totaling $25,117.00
• Turf Products, Mountain Lakes, NJ – Items 13, 20, 24, 25 totaling $20,441.40
• Matrix Turf Solutions, Warners, NY – Items 2, 8, 14, 22, 23 totaling $21,453.78
• Seeton Turf Warehouse, Mount Laurel, NJ – Items 11, 21 totaling $3,020.00
• John Deere Landscape, Cleveland, Ohio – Item 17 totaling $7,816.80

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Troy, Diviny, Morr, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

* * *

 

RESOLUTION NO. 572                                          AMEND BID AWARD/ONE NEW LIGHT DUTY TRUCK

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Highways, Town Board Resolution #439/2012 is hereby amended, for one (1) New Light Duty Truck, in the amount of $49,495.00 to the amount of $50,039.00, to be awarded to West Herr, Hamburg, New York, and is to be charged to Account No. H5130200.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Diviny, Valentine, Troy, Morr

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

* * *

 

RESOLUTION NO. 573                                          APPROVE/CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION/2012 SEWER WORK/BELLEVILLE LANDSCAPING

 

Supervisor Stewart offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Councilman Troy 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 2012 Sewer Work is hereby approved to:  Belleville Landscaping, Inc., 84 North Route 9W, Congers, NY.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Troy, Diviny, Morr, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

* * *

 

RESOLUTION NO. 574                                          ACCEPT/RECEIVE/FILE/DOCUMENTS TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE

 

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

 

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

 

1. October 9, 2012 Regular Town Board Meeting/Audit and Executive Session minutes and October 16, 2012 Executive Session/Workshop minutes.

 

Resolution No. 574 – Continued

 

1. County Flow Control Law and the Authority Board Resolution No. 41 of 2012 and an updated Implementation Schedule.

 

Ayes:   Councilmen Diviny, Troy, Morr, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:   None

* * *

RESOLUTION NO. 575                                          ENTERED AUDIT

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the Town Board entered the Audit Meeting at 11:20 p.m.

 

Ayes:      Councilmen Troy, Valentine, Diviny, Morr

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:      None

* * *

RESOLUTION NO.  576                                         PAY VOUCHERS

 

Councilman Troy 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 $794,811.35.

 

Ayes:      Councilmen Troy, Diviny, Morr, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:      None

* * *

RESOLUTION NO. 577                                          ADJOURNMENT/MEMORY

 

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

 

RESOLVED, that the Town Board adjourned at 11:25 p.m.

 

Ayes:      Councilmen Diviny, Morr, Troy, Valentine

Supervisor Stewart

Noes:      None

 

 

 

 

 

____________________________________

Charlotte Madigan, Town Clerk