Tarrytown Board of Trustees Roundup - 2/7/2011

Here's a look at what happened during Monday's regular meeting of the Tarrytown Board of Trustees.

Tarrytown Resident Honored

Trustees issued a proclamation honoring Felix DeMasi Sr., who turned 100 last month. We have the .

Butler Addresses Rumors

Trustee Tom Butler said he wanted to quell a rumor that a tree at the end of West Main Street would be removed.

The tree is apparently dedicated to a deceased village resident. The removal of trees has been discussed by trustees in the past, however, Butler said no decision had been made regarding the issue.

Village Administrator's Report

Village Administrator Michael Blau gave an update on the that was issued last week, and .

Blau said the village wasn't notified about the advisory until Monday, even though warnings were issued on Sunday. He said he contacted the Westchester County Health Department to express dissatisfaction with their notification process.

Blau also addressed the following issues:

• He noted that a review of policies was still being conducted. He said that staff were unable to find a master list of policies in place across New York State for things such as sexual harassment, workplace violence and internet usage. He did say that they had cobbled together a number of policy items that would have to be reviewed by the board before following up further.
• Blau clarified the costs of the Pierson Park upgrade. He noted there was about $3.267 million in proposed project costs, with $3.265 million in capital, mostly from grants.

Public Hearing on Business in Parks

Trustees opened a public hearing on conducting business in village parks. No one spoke on the matter. Trustees adjourned the hearing, but kept it open for another two weeks.

Residents Raise Concern Over Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Village resident Lori Semeraro raised a question about a possible settlement that may have occurred involving a sexual harassment lawsuit that began in the Tarrytown Fire Department.

The complaint was made by former Tarrytown Fire Department volunteer member Catherine Hopkins. She filed a complaint in January 2010 with the New York State Division of Human Rights alleging that First Assistant Chief John McGee, husband of Trustee Mary McGee, forcibly kissed her on a number of occasions. She also alleges sexual discrimination by two others who were volunteer firefighters in 2009.

Village Attorney Jeffrey Schumejda said that the litigation stemming from the case was not resolved and that no payment had been made to Hopkins to settle the issue. He also noted that there had not been a formal charge made against any fire department members, and that the Board of Fire Wardens would have to decide on any disciplinary actions to take within the department.

During the public comment period, village resident John Stiloski asked trustees if they knew about the allegations that were being made against members of the Fire Department. Many of the trustees said they only became aware of the issue months after a formal complaint was made.

The initial complaint was also not forwarded to the Board of Fire Wardens, but was forwarded from the village to the fire department and there was some issue as to who received it and if the proper people were notified.

Resolutions

• Trustees agreed to execute an agreement with the New York Department of State to accept $30,000, and contribute $30,000, to develop the parking lot near the Tarrytown Fire Training Center.
• Trustees amended an agreement with RGR Landscapes to allow them to design a restroom facility to be included in the overhaul of Pierson Park, if bids come back low on the project.
• Sinkhole repairs totalling $165,000 were approved by the village.
• The village declared itself the lead agency in making an environmental determination on the Pierson Park and Andre Brook project. Trustees determined that both projects would have no negative adverse impacts.
• Trustees approved the creation of a stop sign at the intersection of Heritage Hill and Prospect Avenue.
• A "no stopping" sign was approved for the end of the West Main Street roundabout.