Board of Trustees

Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 62 THREE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY-FIRST REGULAR MEETING Rutherford Hall Village Hall March 8, 2016 A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Scarsdale was held in the Rutherford Hall in Village Hall on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 8:00 P.M. Present were Mayor Mark, Trustees Callaghan, Finger, Lee, Pekarek, Samwick, and Stern. Also present were Village Manager Pappalardo, Deputy Village Manager Cole, Assistant Village Manager Richards, Village Attorney Esannason, Deputy Village Attorney Garrison, Village Treasurer McClure, and Assistant to the Village Manager Ringel. ******** The minutes of the Board of Trustees Regular Meeting of Tuesday, February 23, 2016 were approved on a motion entered by Trustee Pekarek, seconded by Trustee Finger, and carried unanimously. ******** Bills & Payroll Trustee Samwick reported that he had audited the Abstract of Claims dated March 8, 2016 in the amount of $249,068.71 which includes $8,432.33 in Library Claims previously audited by a Trustee of the Library Board which were found to be in order and he moved that such payment be ratified. Upon motion duly made by Trustee Samwick and seconded by Trustee Lee, the following resolution was adopted unanimously: RESOLVED, that the Abstract of Claims dated March 8, 2016 in the amount of $249,068.71 is hereby approved. Trustee Samwick further reported that he had examined the payment of bills made in advance of a Board of Trustees audit totaling $680,224.95 which were found to be in order and he moved that such payments be ratified. Upon motion duly made by Trustee Samwick and seconded by Trustee Lee, the following resolution was adopted unanimously: Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 63 RESOLVED, that payment of claims made in advance of a Board of Trustees audit totaling $680,224.95 is hereby ratified. ******** Mayors Comments Mayor Mark stated first of all he would like to thank whoever it was for giving him a nice cartoon of Bugs Bunny. Mayor Mark stated that his comments are on the 2016-2017 Budget. “The Village Staff and this Board are nearing the end of the process of preparing the 2016-2017 Village budget. Work on the budget has been going on since the fall of 2015. There a have been at least nine public meetings that focused on the proposed budget. One of those meetings was an all-day session during which each Village department and certain Village organizations made presentations detailing their budget requests and the reasons underlying them. Among others, representatives of the Scarsdale Forum and the League of Women Voters attended some of those meetings. The final draft preliminary budget proposal was discussed at a Finance Committee meeting earlier this evening. The schedule going forward is dictated by the statutory requirement that the budget be adopted no later than May 1, 2016. The schedule is as follows:  the preliminary budget is to be filed on March 18, 2016,  public hearings on the budget are scheduled for the Board meetings on March 22, 2016 and April 12, 2016, and  adoption of the budget is scheduled for the Board meeting on April 26, 2016 to meet the May 1st deadline. The following is a high level summary of what is proposed. The draft preliminary budget contemplates a year to year tax levy increase of approximately $1.4 million or 3.69%. Based on our current estimated Village-wide taxable assessed value of approximately $9 billion, the projected tax rate is $4.267 per $1,000 of assessed value which translates to an average Village property tax increase of $230. As expected, this increase exceeds the NY State tax levy cap which for the 2016-2017 fiscal year is 0.45%, a percentage that would permit an aggregate dollar increase of approximately $170,000. Most of the increase in the proposed budget is driven by the following components: Increases in Departmental expenses of approximately $581,000 or 2.05% from the current year adopted budget, representing certain negotiated collective bargaining agreement personnel increases (which are agreed contractual terms and so not presently in our control), as well as operating expenses for telecommunications, parking, auditing and legal services and street maintenance and construction supplies; and net increases in Non-departmental Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 64 expenses of approximately $426,000 driven by a 9.5% increase in health insurance costs; and a 33% year to year increase in the General Fund transfer to the Capital Fund to perform important building and infrastructure work. A net decrease from the prior year of a revenue source specifically, a decrease of approximately $400,000 in the use of fund balance accounts for the balance of the $1.4 million year-to-year budget increase. This year, a fund balance amount of $1,023,000 is proposed to be transferred for tax relief, an amount in line with prior years. Most of the approximately $600,000 in proceeds received in the current fiscal year from the foreclosure sale of the property at 3 Edgewood Road are to be earmarked to fund certain important or committed capital projects through a General Fund transfer to Capital in the fall, should fiscal 2015-2016 year-end balances allow. Some have argued that a portion of these funds be added to the amount to be budgeted for tax rate relief. We would all like lower taxes. However, the budget process involves multiple tradeoffs and this is an example of one of them. Deferring or underfunding capital projects can have long term adverse impacts. However, deferment does occur out of necessity where doing so is judged not likely to present a long term physical and financial harm to the community. In making the judgment to use certain available funds for capital projects that are reasonably believed should no longer be deferred, rather than tax rate relief for example, the Staff and the Board are acting in what they believe to be the best long-term interests of the Village. It is also noted, that after a two year hiatus, the water rate will be increasing, with additional increases contemplated over the next five years. The increase is driven by the increase cost in purchasing water from our supplier, New York City. It is also driven by a desire to replenish the fund balance in the Water Fund which has been used to provide a portion of the funds for renovations of the Ardsley Road and Reeves Newsome pump stations and other needed repairs to the water distribution system. Lastly, the water sewer rent fee will be increasing. This fee provides a fund that by law is dedicated to sewer maintenance a critical Village responsibility. Even with these increases for 2016-2017, the Village water rates will still be among the lowest in the area, ranking 15 out of 20 on a list of neighboring communities with the top rate being more than double than the proposed new Village base rate. As noted, although the filing of the tentative budget must be made by March 18th, adoption of the final budget is still one month away and during that time further refinements of the proposed budget may be made. However, it is expected that the final budget will be reasonably close to what is presently proposed.” ******** Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 65 Manager’s Comments Village Manager Pappalardo called on the Village’s Water Superintendent, Stephen Johnson who is present this evening to talk about some notices that the water users have been receiving for a while now in their quarterly water bills that has to do with the safe water treatment rule and Scarsdale’s involvement with Westchester County District #1. Mr. Johnson stated that these notices have been going out for the last two quarters. To understand what these notices mean, you need to know a little of the history behind it and why they are necessary. He stated that back in the early 1990’s the Federal Government enacted the Safe Water Drinking Act of which the Safe Water Treatment Rule is part of, and what that did is address some of the concerns that came about due to some water borne diseases coming from surface waters; specifically in the Midwest. The EPA, after much study, came up with a decision that all surface water sources must be treated with filtration unless the source can achieve filtration avoidance by meeting certain criteria. Mr. Johnson spoke in regard to how this relates to Scarsdale. He stated that Scarsdale receives its water from New York City. New York City was able to demonstrate filtration avoidance so they did not have to filter their two supplies – the Catskill and Delaware. They have another source, the Croton system, which did have to be filtered. After several years, the EPA looked at this again and decided that New York City was not able to treat or mitigate cryptosporidium – a disease causing organism that attacks the intestinal track. The EPA required that New York City install ultra violet light, which they did. There is an ultraviolet plant that was installed by the Westchester Medical Center along Route 100C at a cost of $2-3 billion dollars. Unfortunately, Westchester Water District #1 which is where Scarsdale receives the majority of its water from was unable to hook up to that facility because it was too far away. Westchester County then looked for alternative methods to appease the EPA and couldn’t do so. The EPA sued Westchester County; went to court and a Consent Decree was issued by a Federal Judge stating that Westchester Water District #1 has to provide ultraviolet light; and the Water District received a fine. He stated that this water district is composed of White Plains, Scarsdale, Yonkers, and Mount Vernon. He continued, stating that Scarsdale receives its water in three different ways: mainly from the Kensico Bronx waterline, or 48” pipeline which was originally built for New York City to supply water to the Bronx and over the years parts of Westchester tapped into it. Scarsdale did that and receives their alternative supply from the Kensico Bronx waterline up until the 1970’s and it was at that time made the main source. Scarsdale also receives water from the Catskill aqueduct – that is the Ardsley Road pump station which is right near Ardsley Road and the Sprain Brook parkway. Scarsdale is also able to receive water from the Delaware aqueduct on the lower end of the Kensico Bronx line in Yonkers. Because Scarsdale receives water from New York City it does have filtration avoidance but do not have ultraviolet light. Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 66 However, Scarsdale is unable to treat the cryptosporidium but the Westchester County District #1 treats the water for other viruses, bacteria, and giardia. The Village of Scarsdale treats for those organisms as well. The cause for the notification to residents is that Westchester County, acting on behalf of the members, which are White Plains, Scarsdale, Yonkers and Mt. Vernon, did not act in a timely manner to ensure the district members received EPA compliant water which means it was not treated with ultraviolet light which will deactivate the cryptosporidium organism. Because of this, the district was required to pay a fine and enter a Consent Order with the EPA and take the necessary steps for the design and construction of two UV plants. The design work is complete and the construction is ready to commence. Also part of the Consent Decree is a quarterly scary notification that residents receive that is required by and approved by the EPA. It is important to note, however, that the quality of the water received by Scarsdale residents and has not changed. The only thing that has changed is the new regulations. Westchester County Health Department is monitoring the source water to see if there is any cryptosporidium in the source water, and so far there have been no positive results. Mayor Mark asked Mr. Johnson if he is correct in that the County, under the Consent Decree is required to test the water weekly, to which Mr. Johnson replied affirmatively. Mayor Mark added that the results of those tests are on the County website, www.westchestergov.com. Mr. Johnson stated that from the website, residents need to go to Water District #1, and from there they can find the results. Mayor Mark noted that in December, the results indicated that cryptosporidium was zero. Mr. Johnson noted that it still is zero at this time. Trustee Lee asked Mr. Johnson when the two ultraviolet plants scheduled to be completed. Mr. Johnson replied that there are two plants going in White Plains; the first one is going up near the dam near the Orchard Street pump station. That one is scheduled to be completed in May of 2017. The second one is going to be on Central Avenue at the Central Avenue pump station in White Plains. That one is scheduled to be completed in May of 2018. Village Manager Pappalardo reiterated that during the interim period before the UV plants are completed the residents should be assured that they are going to receive the same quality of water that has been delivered to them for the past century. The notices approved by the EPA that come out can be onerous and a little scary; however, the residents will have an enhanced treatment when the UV plants are constructed but the water is safe to drink now. If residents have any concerns they should call the Water Department at any time or they can visit www.westchestergov.com to check the results of the cryptosporidium tests that are done on a weekly basis. ******** Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 67 Village Manager Pappalardo stated that he has a few things to report on this evening. The first item has to do with sanitary sewers; more specifically a lawsuit that was filed in Federal Court by a citizen organization called The Connecticut Fund for the Environment, better known as Save the Sound. The Mayor has reported on this previously, but he wanted to give the residents an update as to where that lawsuit stands to date. The lawsuit has commenced in Federal Court and names eleven (11) municipalities as well as the County of Westchester for alleged violations to the Federal Clean Water Act resulting from unlawful discharges of pollution from four separate Westchester County Sanitary Sewer Districts into the Long Island Sound. The claims include unlawful discharge of sanitary sewage, overflows from certain sanitary overflow systems that are located in four of the eleven communities and the municipal separate storm sewer systems. The issue is that there is storm water that is finding its way into the sanitary sewers during certain rain events which overrun the treatment plants that the County owns and operates. Based on this lawsuit, the Village has retained the law firm of Keane and Beane, PC in conjunction with the Village of Rye Brook which provides some cost savings. The Village has subsequently entered a joint defense agreement with all of the defendant municipalities with the exception of the County of Westchester. The parties to the action met on February 25, 2016 and the Village was represented by the Village Attorney and Counsel to discuss future efforts to resolve this lawsuit. During the meeting the defendant municipalities as well as the plaintiffs agreed that a resolution whereby the eleven municipalities and County work collaboratively on analyzing and performing the identified sanitary sewer improvements would be the preferable way to resolve the issues. The parties continue to encourage the County of Westchester to work on such a regional cooperative basis with the municipalities. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for March 2016. To this end, the Village Engineer has prepared an outline for a sanitary sewer evaluation study and a capacity management operation and maintenance program. In previous discussions with the County of Westchester relative to the County’s compliance with an existing consent order, the Village has been negotiating an Intermunicipal Agreement with the County outlining the Village’s compliance with certain State and Federal regulations regarding inflow and infiltration and excessive flows in our sanitary sewer collection system. The studies that he mentioned were required as part of an IMA. Staff will be forwarding these documents to the County this week to demonstrate the Village’s commitment to improving the sewer system even though an Intermunicipal agreement with the County could not be reached and was never executed. In the transmittal letter, the Village urges the County to work with the municipalities to resolve these matters on a regional basis which would be the most efficient approach both economically and operationally. Village Manager Pappalardo next updated the Board and residents on the Cayuga Pond Flood Mitigation Grant Project. On July 31, 2015, the Village submitted a $1.4 million grant application to construct a sediment forbay and spillway detention at Cayuga Pond to provide flood mitigation and improve the functionality of the pond to benefit the overall storm drain system in the Village. This is a critical sub drainage basin area which is part of the 100 year FEMA Flood Zone. On December 10th the Village was informed that the grant Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 68 was approved for $1.4 million, 75% of which would be funded by the State, 25% funded by the Village as the local share. Those items are identified in the Capital Budget Plan for FY 2016/17. In an effort to move forward in an expeditious manner, on January 26, 2016 of this year, the Board authorized the execution of a Professional Services agreement with an engineering consultant to help the Village with preparation of the grant application, development of the contracts, design of the overall project, assistance with the bidding process and provide engineering and construction management services during construction. Since then, staff, in conjunction with Dvirka and Bartalucci have submitted to the State all the necessary documents required to complete the contract. Last week, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the State agency overseeing this project proffered a contract for the Village’s execution. It is hoped that a resolution will be before the Village Board at the next meeting on March 22nd for the Board to approve the execution of this grant agreement. The term of the contract is from January 11, 2016 to December 29, 2017. He stated that he expects the project will be substantially complete by the summer of 2017 as outlined in the work plan section of the contract. Once that contract is in and the Board approves it, the Village can get to work and start meeting with the residents there as a lot of the work will be done on private property. He stated that this work will make a difference in flood mitigation in that neighborhood and the Village is happy to accept the grant. Village Manager Pappalardo stated that the next item he wanted to report on is the progress being made on the recruitment process for a new Superintendent of Parks, Recreation and Conservation as the former Superintendent, Jason Marra, left the Village on January 4th taking another job in the State. The Village has been fortunate to have Susanne Busby, a former Superintendent of Parks and Recreation to return to the Village on a part time interim basis to lead the department during the transition period. The Village has been engaged in an extensive recruitment and selection process in hopes of employing an effective leader for the department. The Village is vetting both lateral transfers -- Superintendents that are currently working in other municipalities; as well as candidates who ranked on the County’s Civil Service exam for this position. Mr. Pappalardo stated that they have assembled an interview panel consisting of management staff, another professional in another community, and a Village Board representative. After conducting a few rounds of interviews, the panel has narrowed down the candidates to finalists and hopes to make a selection within the next month. The Board and community will be updated on this outcome. Village Manager Pappalardo addressed another item concerning a notice to commuters regarding the new steps at East Parkway. The contractor on that project is going to be here tomorrow recoating the bottom concrete platform that connects the new stairs to the Metro North platform. When the platform was originally coated with the epoxy sand mixture, the sand was not uniformly applied, leaving areas with just the epoxy coating which became very slippery when wet. The surface will be prepared starting tomorrow, March 9th at 9:30 a.m. and apply the coating on Thursday, March 10th. The drying time for this epoxy Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 69 is about 24 hours. Therefore, the stairs will remain closed until noon on Friday, March 11th, or, worse case scenario at the end of the day on Friday. Notices will be posted in the Freightway and Christie Place garages tomorrow. Mayor Mark thanked Village Manager Pappalardo for his reports. ******** Public Comment Robert Harrison, 65 Fox Meadow Road, stated that he attended the Finance Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. this evening and noted that it was a very detailed and excellent presentation by the Village Manager and Village Treasurer. The Budget projection of the 3.69% tax increase for the residents will increase the homes with a fair market value of $1 to $3 million dollars of $500 to $1,000. There is also a 21.95% increase in the water rates for the average house. Some residents will have much more than $118 water bill increase in the coming year on top of the bills they already get. Mr. Harrison stated that this is a very highly taxed community but once taxes are raised they never get reduced. He opposed the proposed 3.69% increase in an economy with barely 1-2% growth and a low inflation rate environment. The taxes cannot be raised this much. Last year the Village used $1.6 million of the Fund Balance, and a projection of using $1,026,000 of that fund balance this year. He strongly urged the Board to use at least $384,000 more of that fund balance so that the tax rate increase could be brought down to approximately 2.96%. He strongly urged the Board to reconsider the 3.69% increase. Mr. Harrison continued, going over numbers used from the Village’s fund balance from the auditors’ reports from previous years that he foiled from the Village Treasurer. If the Village took $370,000 and added to the fund balance of $1,023,000 that they are using, that would bring the fund balance down to $8,326,000 and the total budget – that represents 15.01% of the total budget. When he was on the Board, the goal was to try to keep the fund balance between 10-15% of the budget. He again asked the Board to reconsider the proposed rate and asked that the Board reconvene the Finance Committee to discuss this. Trustee Stern stated that the Finance Committee had many meetings and heard from every single functionary in the community; there were very few raises given out; the heads of departments were asked to cut their budgets and not hire people and let people retire, so the term of ‘rubber-stamping’ that Mr. Harrison used was not accurate. The Board agonized over the budget and pared it to the bone. In regard to the water bill, the water rate in Scarsdale is not determined by the Village but by New York City and has a strange rate in that it calculates how much water a Scarsdale resident should use and that rate is rather low. Anything above that rate is raised 3 ½ times. He stated that if you use a sprinkler system and let it automatically water the lawn, you automatically go over the allowance and that is why you have larger water bills. Those that have pools or even a water leak would also incur Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 70 larger bills. He urged residents to use free natural watering in the form of rain and don’t go over the New York City allotment for the water bill. Trustee Finger stated that the Mayor noted at the beginning at the meeting that the Board will be taking comments and suggestions and feedback from the community before another a month or more on the budget. The Board will be listening to all of this. In terms of the fund balance, the Board will continue to hear feedback on it, but when Mr. Harrison stated that the Board hadn’t really discussed it, the Board has had numerous conversations specifically about how much of the fund balance to use, whether to use more, whether it is the right amount, what the percentage is – Mr. Finger stated that the community should feel when Mr. Harrison states that the Board hasn’t given this any consideration or discussed it, the Board has discussed extensively and will continue to discuss it and listen over the next month. Mayor Mark stated that the Finance Committee has had nine meetings during which the use of fund balance was among the many topics discussed. The fact that the Committee did not discuss it extensively this evening was because they have discussed extensively at the nine other meetings that they have had, some of which Mr. Harrison has attended, and some of which he did not. Mayor Mark noted that the Chair of the Finance Committee also has some remarks which he would like to address now. Trustee Samwick stated that “Mr. Harrison and others raise important points about the General Fund. The purpose of the General Fund is to provide the Village with a funding source to address any unplanned or emergency situation such as unbudgeted infrastructure repairs or severe storm related activity and to provide an overall cushion for the Village’s finances. The financial management policy of the Village is to maintain a strong General Fund balance. This policy is central to maintaining the Villages AAA bond rating, a policy that is at the core of Scarsdale fiscal strategy. When Moody’s last reaffirmed the Village’s AAA bond rating, it specifically referenced the “Village’s formal policy of maintaining this balance at 10-15% of budgeted expenditures for the ensuing fiscal year.” I believe Scarsdale’s fund balance target is below Moody’s standard 15-20% target as a result of our regular funding of capital items within our annual budget. My understanding is that the General Fund balance is currently in the neighborhood of 15% of expenditures. It is very important to keep in mind that the General Fund balance is a dynamic level relative to budgeted expenditures and that we do not expect to have audited numbers until August or September. Also, it is the audited numbers that are used by rating agencies to determine our credit rating. An important question is: where should the General Fund balance be within the targeted 10-15% range. I argue that today is a time that we should very prudent with our management of the General Fund balance. The fairly recent completion of the Popham Road bridge contained a nearly $2 million cost overrun. The General Fund balance is maintained exactly for a capital project cost overrun of this nature and magnitude. Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 71 When looking forward just a few years, we see a number of major capital improvement projects in the offing. In the 2016-17 budget, we plan to fund $1.5 million for repair of the Heathcote Road Bridge, storm water management with the Sheldrake River Basin Improvement Project and the Hutchison River Flood Mitigation Project. We also plan to start work on Fire Station #1, which is already largely funded. Looking forward a little further and we will see material work on the library (regardless of which renovation plan that is adopted), our storm and sanitary sewer systems and evaluation, pipe lining and valve replacement associated with our potable water distribution system, among other things. These capital projects are in keeping with our long term capital planning and represent one of the critical functions performed by the Village. With these specific major capital projects anticipated over the next five years or so, today is not the time to draw down the General Fund balance. Capital projects are a regularly occurring part of maintaining our Village and are managed very adeptly and responsibly by our exceptional Village staff. But with all capital projects, whether they are municipal or a renovation of a private home, there needs to be fiscal cushioning. The General Fund balance is a primary fiscal cushion for the Village and it is important that, as stewards of this critical Village asset, we act responsibly and exert fiscal prudence by maintaining our General Fund balance at the higher end of the targeted range.” Jeffrey Singer, 9 Hazelton Drive, read from a prepared statement in support of the proposed Library renovations. He spoke about how important the library was to him and his family and considers the library an extension of the school system. He stated that it is time for a thorough modernization to occur. Beyond books, the library is a community hub. A modern library would fill the intellectual vacuum that has been created by technology where children and adults to not interact socially. The expense should be considered an investment in your property value. He urged everyone in power to do whatever they can do to move the project forward. Kristen Friedman, President, Overhill Association, also read from a prepared statement regarding the proposed library renovation. She noted that the response of the neighborhood of the Overhill Association was predominately negative to the renovations. Although some of them like the proposal, all of them are concerned about the process. There are other necessary expenditures coming down the pike very soon or already upon us. There is no public mechanism for citizens currently to gain a long term perspective on Village spending. The Board should consider establishing a Municipal Services Advisory Council to help gain that broader perspective. Regarding the plan itself, rather than presenting to the community a fait accompli, they believe that a Village-wide referendum should be held on whether or not to go ahead with the Library plan as proposed. The Village Board should have held public hearings to discuss the scope and cost of the project as it was developing. Because of that they do not know if some of the elements of the plan could be provided elsewhere in the community, such as the high school. Also, it is unfair to ask the Village to take out a $12 million bond before private financing is in place. If the Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 72 bond were issued and private donations fall short, the public could be on the hook for the difference or the project would have to be scaled back. Mayor Mark commented on the suggestion of the establishment of a Municipal Advisory Committee. Every year as part of the budget, there is a five year Capital Plan which lays out projects that will be coming to the Village for funding and that plan is annotated indicating what the source of funds will be – whether from the General Fund, the Capital Fund, a bond, a grant, or a gift. The Village does have a very good idea of what the plans are going forward on a five year time frame and in some cases, farther than that as to what projects are being considered. The Village has started to consider the proposal being made by the Library and the financial part of it in the context of what the Village might have to do from a Capital point of view as well as getting some sense of what the School Board may want to do; they have some very big projects facing them. We understand that from a tax perspective we all understand that the money comes out of all of our pockets whether it is a municipal project or a School Board project. Mayor Mark stated that he would like to dispel the notion that the Village has not thought about these types of things on a long range basis and they are not at the precipice of issuing a $12 million bond. There is still a lot of thinking to do – they are listening to the Library Board, the residents both in favor and opposition of the project. The Board is not going to reach a conclusion on this plan until the issue has been vetted sufficiently so the community has some level of comfort. They may not all agree with the result, but the community should feel that the process has been an open one and that they understand where the Board comes out, when they do. Trustee Samwick stated that the prior years of the budget are on the website and the 2016/17 Tentative Budget will be on the website shortly. Trustee Finger stated that one of the challenges that the Board has is getting the information that the Mayor just described meaningfully out to the community. The Village Board did have a public briefing on both the Budget and the Capital Budget within the last two weeks. Everything for the next five years in the Capital Budget was gone through item by item. Unfortunately the only one that was there from the public was Mr. Harrison and perhaps one other person. He asked Ms. Friedman to disseminate that information to her constituents that the information is available and the Board would like them to look at it. It does give context to this proposal as well as every other discussion they have had on the budget. Village Manager Pappalardo stated that the Village Board did have a discussion about the library financing last month that was televised. He stated that a multi-year capital program project debt service pro forma was presented which included the library project at various price points for the Village’s financial contribution to that would-be library project. Mr. Pappalardo stated that this meeting is available for viewing by going on the Village’s website at www.scarsdale.com and selecting the Cable Television section and there should be a link there. It was a Finance Committee meeting that was held sometime in February and the Village Treasurer presented that evening the type of plan that Ms. Friedman is referring to where it was shown over a three to five year period the Capital Projects that the Village is Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 73 planning and what would be funded through debt service. The library project is included in there at various price points. Trustee Lee stated that this hasn’t been discussed as a Board, but he stated that he would not be surprised that the Board ultimately concludes that whatever amount they decide to bond and whether or not they subject that to a Village wide referendum, whatever amount is ultimately approved as the Village’s share can be contingent upon the raising of a certain amount of private donations. So that prior to the Village beginning any construction and perhaps prior to the Village having the construction documents prepared, it would wait until the fund raising has achieved a certain level that the Board will decide sufficiently high so that they know whether there is a shortfall or not. Mona Longman, 8 Varian Lane, read from a prepared statement in support of the library renovation project and the bond issue. She stated that she has been an active volunteer in the library since 2009 and stated that the building is incredibly dated and cited certain current defective issues such as water damaged ceilings, a dark, crowded basement, non ADA compliant restrooms as some examples. She spoke about the heavy usage of the library by different groups as well as the usual library traffic. Libraries all around Scarsdale are in the process of renovating and changing their facilities. She asked that the Mayor and Trustees not be daunted by the number that needs to be raised. This renovation will serve Scarsdale for decades. The Village should take advantage of the low interest and borrow the money as soon as possible. Mayor Mark stated that we are in a low interest environment and have been in one for a long time. However, this misses the point – the principal has to be paid back. The interest rates are a small portion of the burden that a borrowing would place on the Village. It would be very nice to borrow money at historically low interest rates but that doesn’t answer the question, is this Village prepared to pay back the principal at whatever level that it would take to do this project? The Board understands the comment and the thought, but the principal repayment has to be the principal concern. Trustee Stern stated that the Village Engineer did a study on what the essential repair cost to the existing library would be and the number is $4.5 million. That is putting a Band- Aid on a sorely neglected building. The Village would have to throw out $4.5 million just to repair the library as it exists now and continue having an obsolete building. Steve Kessler, 35 Brite Avenue, reading from a prepared statement, stated that on behalf of him and his wife, he would like to offer his strong support of the library plans. He stated that the plans would significantly enhance the ability of the library to respond to the growing needs and requests of residents for all the programs and services that are currently being offered and others that cannot be because of limitation in the current building. He thanked the Mayor and Trustees and staff for all of their time and effort in working together and analyzing this project along with the other needs of the community. He commended Village Manager Pappalardo, Project Manager Paul Zaicek and Village Treasurer McClure Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 74 who put a lot of time into understanding this project. This is not a plan that has been done in the dark or hidden; it is a plan that is very cost conscious. Patrick Tse, 22 Circle Road, stated that he does think the library needs renovation and more space, but does the Village need a top of the line library? Do we need a business center to compete with Staples or Kinkos? Do we need a coffee shop to compete with Starbucks? Why do we need to do all these fancy things? We need to keep it down to what we actually want. Trustee Stern stated that we should take a look at what the other libraries are doing, so he actually went out and took a look. He looked at the Greenburgh and Mamaroneck libraries. Both of them are very nice libraries, especially Greenburgh which is a modern building. The Greenburgh library has a lot of programs and a decent research center. They also have a lot of programs for different ages and non-residents may participate. He then found out how much it costs to run the libraries. The Greenburgh library costs $3.8 million per year; he did not know if that included the debt service or not. The original debt was $10 million and they now have approximately $7 million outstanding. The Mamaroneck library costs $2.8 million to run which includes $800,000 in debt service and $2 million in operating costs. Our library costs $3.9 million to run before debt servicing. His concern is that the Village needs a bigger library but how do we protect the Village from financial miscalculation like a shortfall in private funding or costs overruns. How do we make sure that the operating costs do not balloon? Lena Crandall, 227 Fox Meadow Road, stated that her original intention on attending the meeting this evening was to encourage everyone to come out and vote on Tuesday, March 15th at the Village Election. She invited everyone, whether or not they can vote, to come to the Scarsdale Woman’s Club, 8:30 – 10:00 pm to celebrate with everyone on the new leadership elected for the Village. Ms. Crandall stated that she wanted to comment on the water and storm water topic that were touched upon earlier this evening. Regarding the lawsuit that Village Manager Pappalardo mentioned concerning the storm water traveling downstream, this is a topic she has been trying to learn more about. Residents can do their part by testing their soil before applying any fertilizer. Regarding water usage, she suggested that residents change their toilets to high efficiency toilets, high efficiency washing machines, water saving showers, etc. She suggested that the Village consider placing an insert with the next water bill – free information is available from the EPA. The EPA will provide the Village with the inserts to help residents save on their water bill, conserve water, and reminders and tips to protect the storm water. Regarding the Library project, Ms. Crandall stated that she spoke at the last Scarsdale Forum meeting when the library made their presentation. She stated that she is in favor of the project and that the Village should look to their private citizens who are able to contribute as much towards the project as possible. She also urged the Board to take a look at the Weinberg Nature Center as she feels it would make a great permanent home for the future Scarsdale Children’s Library. Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 75 Mayor Mark stated that at the meeting at the library yesterday, a report from the Staff indicated that they did take a look at Weinberg Nature Center as well as Supply Field and the Body Fit building which is now vacant. The meeting was taped, so it is available for viewing. The recommendation was against using the Weinberg Nature Center for a variety of reasons both because of path to get there and the limited space. In addition, there are existing programs that are there. It wasn’t looked at as a permanent home for the Children’s library, only an alternative for the temporary library. Another look could be made of it for the purpose of the Children’s library. Trustee Finger stated that the library is looking for locations for possible programs if and when there is a renovation. Max Grudin, 4 Overhill Road, agreed with Ms. Crandall that the Village can education residents on water use and a brochure would be very useful. Mr. Grudin stated that he agreed with Ms. Friedman’s comments. Regarding yesterday’s meeting regarding the library renovations, one of the topics was the location of a temporary library to an alternative location. A concern that he has about that is that there was a discussion of reducing the library hours to 40 hours per week and this would mean it would only be open 8 hours per day, 5 days per week. It is very hard for people that work to actually use the library and two years is a long time for that situation to continue. Regarding the vote on the Homestead Tax Option rejecting approval of same, he stated that he read about it in the Inquirer and it was hard to understand the logic of why it happened. Mayor Mark informed Mr. Grudin that Scarsdale10583 published at least his complete statement of his rational and he said that can also be found on the Village’s website under the Board of Trustees tab, Mayor’s comments. The Board did lay out with great specificity why they voted as they did. Trustee Finger responded to Mr. Grudin’s comments regarding the Library hours; he stated that he didn’t think that this was decided upon yet and that it had been stated as a minimum requirement. Even if they did have the minimum requirement, it was not clear to him whether it would be 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, for instance. He stated that he did not anticipate that one would not be able to use the library due to the hours. There will be flexibility in their hours to try to accommodate the traffic situation there. There probably is, however, no perfect solution for a temporary library situation. Robert Berg, 32 Tisdale Road, stated that he shared Mr. Harrison’s concern about the very high proposed tax rate increase of 3.69%. He stated that this increase is not justified in this economic environment and should be reduced. One source of funds to reduce the tax rate increase is to use the proceeds the Village has received from the Edgewood Road foreclosure sale of approximately $600,000 which is instead earmarked for Capital projects. The Village funds too many Capital projects from the General Fund Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 76 Balance and should be bonded in this slow interest rate environment. Maintaining the Fund Balance at 15% is too high – this takes money out of the taxpayers’ pockets today to maintain a rainy day fund that the Village doesn’t tap into in a major degree. He urged the Board to decrease the proposed tax increase by using either the proceeds from the Edgewood Road foreclosure or reducing the General Fund balance. Steve Rakoff, Morris Lane, spoke about the meeting held last November regarding the 2016 Reval and the presentation by Mr. Ryan who is performing the reval for the Village. At that meeting, Mr. Rakoff presented data in which he tracked market sales by lot sizes throughout the Town and he also had market data from 2009 through 2015. What he believed he showed with that presentation was that the 2013 Reval was flawed. The selling prices in 2015 and the assessments that were created and implemented in the Reval that prior June were severely discounted in every district except for one acre and up lots and those lots were over 100% valuation. Mr. Rakoff stated that it is clear to him that there is an imbalance in the way the methodology was implemented the first time. People are being forced to put their homes on the market due to the changes in the assessment and higher taxes. Mr. Rakoff discussed the sales volume in neighborhood communities compared to the Scarsdale. He stated that we are in a crisis situation – people are not coming to the Town to live. The valuations are out of whack with competing communities. There should be an Ad Hoc Committee or a series of monitoring done so that the Assessor’s office stays independent of Mr. Ryan so that the Village has a clinical, blind study. It is important to get a good sample group and a good blind study. He challenged the Board to consider hiring a law firm and hiring an independent statistical analyst to do the double check on the information coming from John Ryan. Trustee Stern asked Mr. Rakoff his opinion as to whether Scarsdale is overbuilt with multimillion large homes on appropriate lots; oversupply and the market is not there? Mr. Rakoff stated that his discussion concerns resales and people being forced out of their homes by getting their assessments doubled. Trustee Stern stated that there could be other reasons people move and you cannot come to just that one conclusion. In terms of the reval, Trustee Stern stated that there is a tremendous remedy that everyone has and is aware of – they can dispute the reval and have a hearing. If they are not satisfied with the Assessor’s determination, they can go to a SCARS hearing. If they are not satisfied with that they can go further. Trustee Stern stated that he was just wondering if there were an oversupply of new houses – on his block there are at least ten new homes that have been put up. The homes increase the value of his house but he thinks there is a tremendous oversupply and that is part of the problem. Mr. Rakoff stated that the main thing is that there are residents putting their homes on the market in unprecedented amounts of listings. You can track all of this to the reval dates and watch the trend forward. Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 77 Mr. Rakoff also commended the Board on their decision regarding the Homestead Tax Option and explained why the enactment of this legislation would have been detrimental to Scarsdale. Mayor Mark thanked Mr. Rakoff for all of his comments and stated that the Board has taken his point, however, the Board has business on the agenda to complete. Mr. Rakoff continued, stating that people are getting forced out of their houses due to the increased assessments. There are 60 homes on the market on properties of one acre or more and this is unprecedented in the Village. He wanted to make everyone aware of it and thinks that the call to action to make sure the Ryan study is independent so everything gets rebalanced property is valid since the last time he was the independent analysis for Tyler it did not look like many of the comments made prior to the implementation of that took place. There being no further comment, the Mayor closed the public comment portion of the meeting. ******** Recreation Committee Upon motion entered by Trustee Pekarek, and seconded by Trustee Lee, the following resolution regarding Awarding Renewal of Preferred Source Contract Village Properties: Applications and Special Services Agreement was approved by the vote indicated below: WHEREAS, Pursuant to Article XI, Section 162 of the New York State Finance Law, the New York State Preferred Sources program was created to advance certain social and economic goals, and all state agencies, political subdivisions, and public benefit corporations are required to purchase approved products and services from preferred source vendors in accordance with the procedures and requirements described in the Preferred Sources Guidelines; and WHEREAS, purchases for Preferred Sources take precedence over all other sources of supply and competitive procurement methods if the commodity or service being sought is available in the form, function and utility required; and WHEREAS, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation requires grounds keeping and lawn maintenance services, including fertilization, aerating, seeding and other organic applications for turf, as well as organic care maintenance services to athletic fields and other municipal properties; and Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 78 WHEREAS, Grounds keeping & Lawn Maintenance is a preferred source offering through the New York State Industries for the Disabled (“NYSID”), and on March 26, 2014, by way of referral from NYSID, the Village entered into a Preferred Sources agreement for $48,936.06 with Earthcare Tree and Lawn Services, 1 Jem Court, Bayshore, NY 11706 through the New York State Office of General Services, later renewing the agreement on March 10, 2015 for an additional one- year term at a contractually provided increase to $49,900.00; and WHEREAS, the Village is in need of contracting again for these grounds maintenance services and the New York State Finance Law, Article XI, Section 162 mandates that a right of first refusal to supply service be given to a New York State Preferred Source Offering; and WHEREAS, the Village has been satisfied with the services provided by NYSID and Alternative Earthcare Tree and Lawn Systems, as they have satisfied the form, function, and utility required; and WHEREAS, the Village has negotiated a one-year renewal agreement with the NYSID at no increase over the 2015 rate of $49,900, commencing April 1, 2016, and ending March 31, 2017; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that pursuant to NYS Finance Law, Article XI, Section 162 the Village Manager is herein authorized to enter into a Preferred Source agreement with NYSID to provide the scope of services identified in said agreement, in the amount of $49,900 for one year commencing April 1, 2016, and ending on March 31, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, that the scope of services identified in the agreement will be performed on behalf of the NYSID by Alternative Earthcare Tree and Lawn Systems, 1 Jem Court, Bayshore, New York 11706, acting as an affiliate of the NYSID; and be it further RESOLVED, that the cost for the services provided in the agreement be charged accordingly to the General Fund Operating Budget Account #A- 7020-PARKS-MAINT-400-499. AYES NAYS ABSENT Trustee Callaghan None None Trustee Finger Trustee Lee Trustee Pekarek Trustee Samwick Trustee Stern Mayor Mark Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 79 ******** Fire Commissioner Upon motion entered by Trustee Pekarek, and seconded by Trustee Lee, the following resolution regarding the Award of VM Contract #1188 – Fire Apparatus Maintenance Services was approved by the vote indicated below: WHEREAS, due to the mechanical and operational complexities of the Village Fire Department apparatuses, the Village contracts for certain repairs, service, and preventative maintenance work; and WHEREAS, these Village contracts require the bidders to be licensed and certified by the Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission and National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence relative to Level 3 Fire Apparatus, as well as be able to respond within 24 hours for emergency repairs, thus necessitating a business operating within close proximity to Scarsdale, with said certifications and geographic requirements limiting the number of available and qualified bidders; and WHEREAS, the Village Manager reports that he publicly advertised for the receipt of bids on January 29, 2016, under VM Contract #1188 - Fire Apparatus Maintenance Services, while also distributing said packet to eight vendors; and WHEREAS, the contract term is for one year, renewable for two additional one- year periods at the Village’s option, with apparatus service charges based on hourly rates; and WHEREAS, on the bid opening date of February 9, 2016, one bid was received, from Hendrickson Fire and Rescue Equipment, 140 Hoffman Lane, Islandia, NY 11749; and WHEREAS, Hendrickson Fire and Rescue Equipment has previously performed satisfactory warranty and non-warranty maintenance services and repairs on the Village’s Fire Department fleet; and WHEREAS, a thorough bid review determined that Hendrickson Fire and Rescue Equipment met the bid specifications and requirements, constituting the lowest responsible bid; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that VM Contract #1188 - Fire Apparatus Maintenance Services be awarded to Hendrickson Fire and Rescue Equipment, 140 Hoffman Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 80 Lane, Islandia, NY 11749, at the hourly service and trip rate charges identified on the VM contract #1188 bid tabulation sheet attached hereto and made a part hereof, with total repair and maintenance expenses generally falling between $25,000 to$30,000 per year; and be it further RESOLVED, that all costs associated with this work be charged to the appropriate Department of Public Works and Fire Department Operating Budget accounts for FY 2015/16 and, for FY 2016/17, subject to the availability of said funds; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Village Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute VM Contract #1188 on behalf of the Village of Scarsdale with said Hendrickson Fire and Rescue Equipment for a period of one year, with the option to extend said contract for two additional one year periods. AYES NAYS ABSENT Trustee Callaghan None None Trustee Finger Trustee Lee Trustee Pekarek Trustee Samwick Trustee Stern Mayor Mark ******** Municipal Services Committee Upon motion entered by Trustee Stern, and seconded by Trustee Pekarek, the following resolution regarding Additional Phase II Design Services with Grigg & Davis Engineers, PC for the Popham Road Firehouse Renovation Project was approved by the vote indicated below: WHEREAS, the Popham Road Firehouse (Station 1), constructed in 1923, is in need of major renovation due to structural deterioration and functional obsolescence, in that it is unable to accommodate larger generations of fire apparatus; and WHEREAS, at their January 12, 2010 meeting, the Village Board authorized a $24,925 Phase I Design Services Agreement with Grigg & Davis Engineers, 21 Crossway, Scarsdale, N.Y. (G&D) to perform Station1 preliminary design work; and Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 81 WHEREAS, at their November 12, 2013 meeting, the Village Board authorized a $356,748 Phase II Design and Construction Administration Services Agreement with G&D to prepare construction bid documents, perform bidding assistance, and perform construction administration services, also having approved at the same meeting a $3,500,000 bond issuance for Station 1 improvements; and WHEREAS, G&D’s construction estimate arising from the Phase II Design and Construction Administration Services work, inclusive of design feedback received from the Municipal Services Committee and others, was $5,115,000, which was well above the $3,080,000 budget, necessitating concept modifications to bring the project within budget; and WHEREAS, during January and February 2016, G&D relied on feedback from the Municipal Services Committee and staff, including proposed elimination of the elevator and stair tower, to modify the Station 1 concept such that project costs could be reduced to an estimated $3,191,770; and WHEREAS, in response to additional work incurred through the design process, G&D has proposed an amendment, attached herewith as Exhibit I, to the November 12, 2013 agreement, thereby increasing the total contract cost to an amount not to exceed $449,249, representing a $92,501 increase, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the 2013 Phase II Design and Construction Administration Services Agreement with Grigg & Davis Engineers, PC, 21 Crossway, Scarsdale, NY 10583, is herein increased by $92,501 for additional design and bid documentation services pursuant to Exhibit I of said agreement, attached hereto and made a part hereof, for a revised total amount of $449,249, to be paid from Station 1 bond proceeds; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Village Manager is hereby authorized to execute a professional services Agreement, in substantially the same form as attached hereto, with Grigg & Davis Engineers, and to undertake all associated administrative acts as required. AYES NAYS ABSENT Trustee Callaghan None None Trustee Finger Trustee Lee Trustee Pekarek Trustee Samwick Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 82 Trustee Stern Mayor Mark ******** Upon motion entered by Trustee Stern, and seconded by Trustee Samwick, the following resolution regarding the Award of VM Contract #1196 Proposal “A” Cured-in-Place Sewer Lining and Rejecting Proposal “B” Sewer Cleaning and Televising Work – FY 2015/16 and 2016/17 was approved by the vote indicated below: WHEREAS, the Village of Scarsdale is currently under a separate non-emergency contract for cured-in-place lining, however there is an identified need to retain a vendor to respond to the Village on an emergency basis; and WHEREAS, the Village Manager reports that he publicly advertised for the receipt of bids on February 05, 2016 and notified four vendors of VM Contract #1196 for Cleaning, Televising and Cured In Place Pipelining for Storm and Sanitary Sewer Lines (Proposal “A”) and Sanitary Sewer Cleaning and Televising Work (Proposal “B”); and WHEREAS, on the bid opening date, February 16, 2016, two bids were received for both Proposal “A” Cured-In-Place Sewer Lining, and Proposal “B” Sewer Cleaning and Televising work, pursuant to VM Contract # 1196; and WHEREAS, the lowest responsible bid, meeting specifications for Proposal “A”: Cured-In-Place Sewer Lining, was received from En Tech Corporation, 91 Ruckman Road, Closter NJ 07624, based on the unit bid prices identified for items 1, 2 and 3 on the Bid Tabulation Sheet attached hereto and made a part hereof; and WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the bid response, and spoken with references provided in the bid material, and has determined that En Tech Corporation is capable of performing the work as described in the contract; and WHEREAS, an existing contract for emergency and non-emergency sewer cleaning and televising work is in place and the bids received pursuant to VM Contract #1196 Proposal “B” do not provide any beneficial savings to the Village and as such, it is recommended that the bids for Proposal “B” be rejected; now therefore be it RESOLVED, that VM Contract #1196 Proposal “A”: Cured-In-Place Sewer Lining be awarded to En Tech Corporation, 91 Ruckman Road, Closter NJ Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 83 07624, for emergency sewer work at the unit bid prices itemized as follows: Item 1 Lining of 6” – 10” pipe - $64.50 per linear foot; Item 2 Lining of 12” – 18” pipe – $ 90.50 per linear foot; Item 3 Lining of 20” – 30” pipe – $ 225.00 per linear foot, based on estimated work quantities not to exceed budgeted appropriations of approximately $100,000 for FY 15/16 and a similar amount for FY 16/17 subject to the adopted budget; and be it further RESOLVED, that the cost of same be charged to the appropriate Capital Budget sanitary sewer and storm drainage accounts as determined by the Village Treasurer; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Village Manager is hereby authorized to execute VM Contract #1196 Proposal “A” on behalf of the Village of Scarsdale with said En Tech Corporation, 91 Ruckman Road, Closter NJ 07624 and to undertake administrative acts as may be required under said agreement; and be it further RESOLVED, that all bids pursuant to VM Contract #1196 Proposal “B” Sewer Cleaning and Televising Work are herein rejected. ******** Finance Committee Upon motion entered by Trustee Lee, and seconded by Trustee Pekarek, the following resolution regarding Acceptance of a Gift for the Scarsdale Public Library Addition and Renovation Project was approved by a unanimous vote: WHEREAS, the Scarsdale Library Board completed a Master Plan dated June 10, 2013 which identifies a number of building renovations and additions that will increase the capacity of the Library to provide a broader range of rapidly evolving library services while maintaining popular traditional collections and programs by offering a more balanced utilization of the building space within a safe, attractive and inviting comfortable environment, said master plan supported by the Scarsdale Village Board of Trustees via resolution dated April 8, 2014 (attached); and WHEREAS, the improvements identified in the Master Plan will transform the Library into a multi-purpose community asset for future generations, maintain its preeminent status among free public libraries in the County and State, enhance its technological capacity to further library services and create a physical environment that will be a welcoming and versatile learning center; and Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 84 WHEREAS, the Scarsdale Public Library Board, at their October 21, 2013 meeting, authorized the retention of the fund raising consulting firm of Plan A Advisors, P.O. Box 165, Thornwood, NY 10594, to design and conduct a capital campaign to implement such a project, subsequently identified in the July 20, 2015 Schematic Design Report prepared by Dattner Architects, at an estimated construction cost of $16,500,000, including furniture, fixtures and equipment, and total project cost of approximately $19,500,000; and WHEREAS, the Friends of the Scarsdale Library has offered to donate the gift of $25,250 to the Scarsdale Public Library Addition and Renovation Capital Improvement Project; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Policy #106: “Gifts to the Village of Scarsdale” of the Village of Scarsdale Administrative Policies & Procedures Manual, acceptance of all gifts valued at $500 or greater must be approved by the Village Board of Trustees; now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Village Board hereby accepts the gift of $25,250 from the Friends of the Scarsdale Library toward the Scarsdale Public Library Master Plan Improvement Project; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Village Treasurer take the necessary steps to complete the transaction and accept this financial gift of $25,250 and deposit it in the Library Capital Campaign Account; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby extends their heartfelt thanks and great appreciation to the Friends of the Scarsdale Library, for their generosity and commitment to the Scarsdale Public Library and Community. ******** Land Use Committee Upon motion entered by Trustee Samwick, and seconded by Trustee Lee, the following resolution regarding a Subdivision Recreation Fee for 35 Brookby Road, Section 18 Block 1 Lot 46 was approved by a unanimous vote: WHEREAS, Section 7-730-4 of New York State Village law authorizes planning boards to reserve land in a subdivision for park, playground or other recreational purposes, and take money in lieu of land in cases where suitable park lands of adequate size cannot be properly located on a Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 85 subdivision plat, the amount of said money to be established by the Village Board of Trustees; and WHEREAS, on January 27, 2016, the Planning Board approved the two lot subdivision of 35 Brookby Road creating one new buildable lot, after finding the proposed subdivision would not have a significant negative environmental impact pursuant to SEQRA; and WHEREAS, on February 24, 2016, the Planning Board recommended a payment in lieu of contribution of land as the dedication of land for park, playground or recreation purposes is not feasible in view of the small amount of land available in this two lot subdivision; and WHEREAS, the Village Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation provides a variety of facilities to meet the interests and needs of the community which includes parks, playgrounds, ball fields and an outdoor pool; and WHEREAS, the Village Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation has a Five Year Capital Plan which calls for the replacement of facilities and equipment as well as additional facilities that will be needed in the future; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby accepts the recommendation of the Planning Board that the applicant, Brookby Holdings LLC, pay to the Village an amount equal to 5.0% of the $1,350,000 Guideline Value of a lot in the A-2 zoning district pursuant to the 2007 Subdivision Recreation Fee Schedule, or $67,500, in lieu of a contribution of land for park, playground or other recreational purposes for the one new buildable lot resulting from the subdivision of property at 35 Brookby Road, identified on the Village tax map as Section 18, Block 1, Lot 46. ******** Upon motion entered by Trustee Samwick, and seconded by Trustee Pekarek, the following resolution regarding a Subdivision Recreation Fee for 11 Carstensen Road, Section 3 Block 2 Lot 20 was approved by a unanimous vote: WHEREAS, Section 7-730-4 of New York State Village law authorizes planning boards to reserve land in a subdivision for park, playground or other recreational purposes, and take money in lieu of land in cases where suitable park lands of adequate size cannot be properly located on a subdivision plat, the amount of said money to be established by the Village Board of Trustees; and Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 86 WHEREAS, on January 27, 2016, the Planning Board approved the two lot subdivision of 11 Carstensen Road creating one new buildable lot, after finding the proposed subdivision would not have a significant negative environmental impact pursuant to SEQRA; and WHEREAS, on February 24, 2016, the Planning Board recommended a payment in lieu of contribution of land as the dedication of land for park, playground or recreation purposes is not feasible in view of the small amount of land available in this two lot subdivision; and WHEREAS, the Village Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation provides a variety of facilities to meet the interests and needs of the community which includes parks, playgrounds, ball fields and an outdoor pool; and WHEREAS, the Village Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation has a Five Year Capital Plan which calls for the replacement of facilities and equipment as well as additional facilities that will be needed in the future; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees hereby accepts the recommendation of the Planning Board that the applicant, Lin Tien, pay to the Village an amount equal to 5.0% of the $825,000 Guideline Value of a lot in the A-3 zoning district pursuant to the 2007 Subdivision Recreation Fee Schedule, or $41,250, in lieu of a contribution of land for park, playground or other recreational purposes for the one new buildable lot resulting from the subdivision of property at 11 Carstensen Road, identified on the Village tax map as Section 3, Block 2, Lot 20. ******** Police Commissioner Upon motion entered by Trustee Samwick, and seconded by Trustee Lee, the following resolution regarding the Award of VM Contract #1197 – Furnish and Deliver Police Uniforms was approved by the vote indicated below: WHEREAS, pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement between the Village of Scarsdale and the Scarsdale Police Benevolent Association, all sworn officers in the department receive replacement uniforms on a bi-annual basis; and Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 87 WHEREAS, adequate appropriations are provided for in the Police Department’s FY 2016/17 Tentative General Fund Operating Budget for the purchase of uniforms for the Scarsdale Police Department; and WHEREAS, the Village Manager reports that on February 5, 2016, he publicly advertised for the receipt of bids under VM Contract #1197 – Furnish and Deliver Police Uniforms, and sent notices to five vendors; and WHEREAS, on the bid opening date of Tuesday, February 23, 2016, one sealed bid was received from New England Uniform LLC of 356 Main Street, Danbury CT 06810, for multiple unit bit prices in the attached bid tabulation sheet made a part hereof, for a total contract price at a bid price of $42,863.50; and WHEREAS, New England Uniform LLC, has previously provided police uniforms to the Village and staff has been satisfied with the quality of the uniforms provided; now therefore be it RESOLVED, that VM Contract # 1197 – Furnish and Deliver Police Uniforms be awarded to New England Uniform LLC of 356 Main street, Danbury CT 06810, at a bid price of $42,863.50; and be it further RESOLVED, that the cost of same be charged to the appropriate Police Department FY 2016/17 General Fund Budget accounts, pending final approval of the budget by the Village Board; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Village Manager is, herein, authorized to execute VM Contract # 1197 – Furnish and Deliver Police Uniforms with New England Uniform LLC of 356 Main street, Danbury CT 06810, at a bid price of $42,863.50 and to undertake administrative acts as may be required under said agreement. AYES NAYS ABSENT Trustee Callaghan None None Trustee Finger Trustee Lee Trustee Pekarek Trustee Samwick Trustee Stern Mayor Mark ******** Liaison Reports Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 88 None. ******** Other Committee Reports None. ******** Written Communications Village Treasurer McClure reported on behalf of the Village Clerk Conking that eighteen (18) communications have been received since the last meeting. All communications can be viewed on the Village’s website, www.scarsdale.com under the Board of Trustees or Village Clerk section. Seven (7) communications were received concerning the proposed Library renovations from the following residents:  Susan and Joe Levine, Ardmore Road  Tama Seife, 21 Circle Road  Max Grudin, 4 Overhill Road  Patrick Tse, 22 Circle Road  Harvey Barton, 12 Overhill Road  Howard N. Blitman, 3 Elmdorf Drive  Lika Levy, 21 Lockwood Road Six (6) communications were received concerning Trustee Finger’s vote on the Homestead Tax Option from the following:  Two emails from Robert J. Berg, 32 Tisdale Road; a response from the Village Attorney is included  Jeffrey Johnson, Fox Meadow  Judi Townsend, 195 Bell Road  Sanford Greenberg, Fox Meadow  Susan Levine, Ardmore Road Additional correspondence was received as follows:  An email from Mark Lewis, 98 Brewster Road, regarding energy savings  An email from Catherine Purdon regarding the Food Waste Compost Pilot Program Village Board of Trustees 03/08/2016 89  An email from Chet Vogel, 1 Christie Place East regarding the Village Board Public Hearing on the Homestead Tax Option  An email from Bob Harrison, 65 Fox Meadow Road, regarding the proposed 2016/17 Village Budget  An email from Michael Wachs, 18 Dolma Road, regarding the proposed 2016/17 Village Budget ******** There being no further business to come before the Board, Trustee Samwick moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 P.M. seconded by Trustee Pekarek and carried by a unanimous vote. Donna M. Conkling Village Clerk