Tarrytown Board of Trustees Roundup - 2/2/2011

Here's a look at what happened during Wednesday's work session of the Tarrytown Board of Trustees.

Time Change

The village initially changed their meeting time from 7 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, however, they went into executive session at 4 p.m. and did not hold their regularly scheduled work session until 6:30 p.m.

Fire Department Administrator

Trustees briefly discussed the creation of a Fire Department Administrator or Commissioner, which could become a position within the village. For back story on this issue, .

Village Administrator Micahel Blau said he had drafted a possible job description for the position, with possible pay scales. He noted that, currently, the budget does not have any money earmarked for the creation of a new paid employee.

Trustee Doug Zollo asked if Blau had reached out to other communities about the Fire Commissioner position, to cross examine the job descriptions.

Blau said there was only one other, partially-paid, fire department in the county which staffed a Fire Commissioner, and that he would reach out to that department for more information.

Trustees tabled discussion on the issue for two weeks.

Property Tax Cap on Local Government

Trustees have already passed a resolution demanding relief, and expressing dissatisfaction with a proposed tax cap that Governor Andrew Cuomo is pushing.

On Monday, the State Senate approved a property tax cap which limits the increase in property taxes to 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. It now goes to the Assembly.

Tarrytown trustees wanted to send another message to Albany, and discussed drafting a letter asking for an overhaul of arbitration laws. The laws allow for union and village pay disputes to be handled by a separate board in Albany. Municipalities maintain that the process favors unions, which can push for pay increases through the process.

Stop Sign for Heritage Hill

The village will look into adding a stop sign on Heritage Hill. The request for a stop sign was made by residents living on the street.

No Standing on West Main Street

Residents in Hudson Harbor have been complaining about drivers who are parking or idling in their vehicles on the roundabout at the end of West Main Street.

Trustees agreed there should be a sign put in place which specifically forbids parking, idling or waiting in the roundabout.

Request for Space – Community Media

Community Media, a non-profit run by Sleepy Hollow resident Sunny McLean, has requested that the village find space for the organization to operate their media activities in the villages. 

The trustees agreed to forward the request to the village's communications committee, while Village Administrator Michael Blau noted his concern that Community Media wasn't a public access provider.

Recommendation for Approving Parking Lot Grant

The village has received a grant for the construction of a parking lot near the Tarrytown fire training center.

Village Administrator Blau said he recommended that trustees accept the grant and then hire an engineer to design the parking lot.

Amendment to RGR Contract - Pierson Park Restroom Facilities

Trustees will alter the contract with RGR Landscapes to include the design of a new bathroom facility at Pierson Park. The design work will cost an additional $12,000, but will allow the village to include the building in the plans when it goes out for proposals to reconstruct the park.

The hope is that the bathrooms and the entire project will come in under $3.1 million.

Executive Session

After the work session, trustees adjourned to another executive session to discuss a village-owned Neperan Road property, a contract for the Junior League parking lot, a personnel issue, and to obtain the advice of legal counsel.