Eastchester Board of Trustees: Lake Isle Green Fees Lowered, Mutual Aid Agreement Approved

Here's an overview of what happened at the June 15 Eastchester Board of Trustees meeting:

Mutual Aid Inter-Municipal Agreement:

The Board approved a mutual aid inter-municipal agreement between the Town and Westchester County.  

The agreement is in regards to the Police Department and the sharing of services between its department and others throughout the County when necessary.

In his report to the Board, Police Chief Timony Bonci said that municipalities throughout Westchester agree to send a predetermined number of officers in the event of a major disturbance or crime. There are different levels—code yellow, code red, for example—that determine how many officers are sent out, he said.

Later in the meeting, Supervisor Anthony Colavita said that the agreement is for a 5-year term, but that the Town can terminate it within 30 days with notification to the County.

"I think it's important that all departments know they can count on each other," he said.

Retirement Incentive Program Public Hearing Set:

The Board introduced a new local law establishing a retirement incentive program for eligible Town employees and set July 13 as the public hearing date.

Supervisor Colavita said that the program pertains to the Town Assessor in particular. He explained that the assessor is planning to retire soon and would take advantage of this program. When he retires, his successor, who is currently in the department, would take his place. A new hire would be made for the department at a salary less than the current one, helping the Town save money. Colavita estimated a savings of about $30,000 - $35,000 per year over a 5-year period.

The program is offered by New York State.

Lake Isle Green Fees Lowered 

In the first round of public comments at last night's meeting, Nick Saviano, President of the Lake Isle Advisory Board, addressed the Trustees to ask about reducing the green fees for the 18-hole course by $15 on both weekdays and weekends.

Supervisor Colavita said he had also received a fax from George Papademetriou, the manager of Lake Isle, requesting the matter be added to the night's agenda, which it was.

Later in the meeting, the Board approved lowering the fee from $65 to $50 on weekdays and $75 to $60 on weekends for walk-ups and guests. Rates for the 9-hole course will stay the same.

Colavita said the measure was geared towards increasing revenue and that Lake Isle was among the top five clubs in Westchester in regards to fee costs.

Last year, the same was done with tennis and more players participated, he said.

Trustee Michael Cahalin supported the measure, saying he had been approached several times since golf started. "I think it's a good thing for us," he said.

Purchase of Sanitation Truck

The Board approved the purchase of a 2011 sanitation truck from Agar Truck Sales, Inc. The truck will cost $176,635 and has a trade-in option, Supervisor Colavita said.

Community Fund Grant

The Town received a $42,000 grant from The Community Fund. The money will be put towards the Senior Programs & Services Department and programs such as housecleaning services, bus and medical escorts, Sundays Alive at Concordia, the Senior Center at Lake Isle and the Garth Road Center.

Department and Council Members Reports

• Hector DiLeo, the Superintendent of Highways, said that some street paving would begin within the next week. Supervisor Colavita also noted that a few improvements would be made to the business district, including new benches.
• Trustee Sheila Marcotte reminded the public that of the History Camp at the Marble School House. It's the 5^th year the weeklong camp is taking place and it's open to students in grades 4, 5 and 6 at a cost of $100.
• Trustee Cahalin said that Lake Isle begins its summer hours on June 26. The facility will be open from 10 a.m – 8 p.m. every day.
• Supervisor Colavita reminded residents to follow the parking restrictions near the Tuckahoe Schools. He said the Superintendent of Tuckahoe Schools, Dr. Michael Yazurlo, is sending out a memo to parents regarding parking.
• Supervisor Colavita also informed residents that the Environmental Committee would be installing stencils for bicyclists on certain roads, such as California Road. While this is not a bike lane, it allows for riders to follow the stencils in the roadway, he said.
• He also said that new playground equipment has been ordered for the Garth Road Playground and hopefully be installed within the next few weeks.

The next Eastchester Board of Trustees meeting will take place on July 13. There will only be one meeting held in July and one in August.