Scarsdale Board of Trustees Roundup - 10/05/10

Here's a recap of what occurred at the Board of Trustees Meeting held Oct. 5, 2010:

Public Hearing Scheduled on Chapter 141: Dogs and Other Animals

A public hearing has been set for 8 p.m. Oct. 26 to review amendments to Village Code, Chapter 141, "Dogs and other Animals" on licensing fees. The New York State 2010-11 budget has eliminated management of dog licensing required by Article 7 of the Agriculture and Markets Law. The law was subsequently amended to transfer these dog licensing operation and management responsibilities to the local governments effective Jan. 1.

No Public Comments

There were no public comments at the meeting. One resident attended but did not speak up.

Water Restrictions Lifted

Trustee Miriam Levitt Flisser moved to lift the lawn-watering restrictions that went into effect on June 30 for the summer months. The change would be for all water customers to follow a schedule on a voluntary basis since there has been a reduction in water use in early mornings. She asked that the restriction be lifted as of Oct. 7. The board approved the resolution.

Design Finalized for Water Pumping Station

Flisser said the final design has been approved for the Reeves-Newsome water pumping station on Ardsley Road and it is under construction. It will be online for testing in November and will remain online for that time period. The Board approved an agreement in 2006 for the modernization of the water pumping station in the amount of $225,000. The construction was halted in 2007 at 60 percent of completion because of construction delays in the main shaft of the Kensico Reservoir  by the New York City Water Board and delays in rehabilitation of the Ardsley Road Pump Station. The village has negotiated with Malcome Pirnie, Inc. to pay $89,300 for design updates due to changes in industry standards and greater State and Federal regulations, mainly involving hazardous material investigation, removal, and disposal. The trustees voted in favor of this resolution.

Disposal of Surplus Property: Cobblestone and Bluestone

The Public Works Department has advised the village manager that cobblestones recently removed from Village Center sidewalks should be declared surplus, as there is no further use for them in any of the village projects. The value of the cobblestones estimated at $2,700-$3,600, and Policy No. 202 limits the village manager in the disposal of surplus items. It was recommended that these unused cobblestones and bluestones be disposed of unless further work on the sidewalks takes place but there are no plans until the board hears the public's input. Cost of the materials is estimated to be in excess of $5,000. The trustees voted in favor of this resolution.

Preserving Open Space: Improvements to Chase Park, De Lima Park and Supply Field

Trustee Robert J. Steves offered a resolution to accept a gift from the Friends of the Scarsdale Parks that recognizes the importance of preserving open space and improving the quality of life in the village. The group has offered to supply and plant daffodills at Chase Park,  De Lima Park, and Supply Field through financial contributions and donated labor.  The Friends have already made arrangements and coordinated with the Parks Department and the Department of Public Works.

All gifts greater than $500 must be approved by the board; the value of this project is estimated at more than $1,000. The board approved the gift.