The Board of Trustees of the Village of Brewster held a Regular Meeting on 20 September 2006 at Village Hall, 208 Main Street, Brewster, New York. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Mayor Degnan. Present were Trustee/Deputy Mayor James Schoenig, Trustee William Banks, Trustee Terri Stockburger, Engineer John Folchetti, Counsel Gary Kropkowski, Treasurer Mike Santos and Clerk Bernadette. Trustee Yoshi Ito was absent.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Brewster will continue a Public Hearing on Wednesday, September 20, 2006, at 7:30 P.M. or as soon thereafter as time permits, at Village Hall, 208 Main Street, Brewster, NY, on Proposed Local Law No. 2 of 2005, Neighborhood Preservation.
Lengthy Discussion with comments from Mayor Degnan, Gary Kropkowski, Mark Anderson, Helena Frost, Christine Piccini.
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Owners or Tenants
Mayor Degnan states that 80 properties have been inspected within the last 30 days with warning issued on most with a fair amount of time to respond.
Thanks to Denis Castelli, Jack Gress, Yoshi Ito and Mark Anderson on volunteering their time on writing the Neighborhood Preservation
Mayor Degnan makes a motion to close the Public Hearing at 7:55 p.m. Terri Stockburger seconds it. All in favor, 4 ayes. 1 absent.
Mayor Degnan makes a motion to open the Meeting at 7:55 p.m. William Banks seconds it. All in favor, 4 ayes. 1 absent.
Theresa from the deli asks about parking on North Main Street for a week during the paving process and how will affect her business.
Mayor Degnan states that a week is an exaggerated amount of time. We need to be patient, yes. We understand that the economic vitality of the Village businesses has been greatly challenged; however, this is the end of the three to five year project. There are thanks in order for everyone in this community about what this change represents. We are checking off the tasks completed in the master plan and moving forward.
Re paving around bulk pickup and closing of the streets. Paving might need to be suspended.
Joel Aurnou, attorney for Lydia Tedesco and the Playhouse Building, Inc.
The water meter is not functioning, for years. Under the new law, the billing has gone from 2,500 to 9,600 – which is out of all proportions. The meter belongs to the Village and it hasn’t been fixed or recalibrated. Dan has replaced the meter at least once a year. The only thing I was told that recently, a remote device was being put outside.
Mayor Degnan asks if this building was metered prior to the mandatory.
Lydia Tedesco states that Dan has replaced the meter or reset them.
Mayor Degnan states that Dan Crawford needs to look at the meters. All the meters are standardized at this point. You must have a meter ….
Mr. Aurnou asks that Mayor Degnan look at the last number of water billings for the Playhouse Building and wants the Village to look into this.
Mayor Degnan speaks about the penalty period until the board…
Mike Santos states the board adopted a policy that charges a premium for the broken meters.
Mayor Degnan states that we could reconsider the penalties.
Ms. Tedesco states that she should not be penalized for meters owned by the Village of Brewster which are broke.
Mayor Degnan states that we will speak to Dan and look into this case specifically.
States that he is being charged September 2005 through March 2006. I paid the water bill in August of 2006, just last month. You’re charging me for last year, again. Charge by the gallon or cubic feet?
Mike Santos states the fees: .0125 per gallon for first 25,000, .015 per gallon from 25,001 to 125,000, .025 per gallon over 125,000.
Mayor Degnan: We owe the customers a schedule. Catch up and set a date as a board through a calendar so folks know when they’re receiving ALL of their bills. Yes, we are paying for a years worth of water within four months of time. We are sensitive to that and we are also trying to share it with you.
The idea of the monthly fee of $12.50 is for everyone to pay no matter what you’re using. If you remember, three years ago, the entire adult community was here because they felt the flat fee was entirely too high.
Jack Gress states that he runs a water system in North Salem at 300 gallons per day, per household at 3.5 persons which is about 90 gallons per person per day. The actual usage, based on 42 homes, it’s pretty close to Mr. Allen’s bill. If people put in the water saver toilets, water saver showers, they can bring their rates down with conservation. The emphasis should be put on conserving instead of complaining.
Mark Anderson asks about the meter at the tap, with the full volume pumped out of the well field.
Mike Santos, yes, but you can’t get the full figure because we have out of district users with no meters.
Mayor Degnan states there are three kinds of customers – Out of Village with meter, Out of Village without meters, and inside Village with meters. We cannot compel people outside of the Village to pay their water bills.
Mark Anderson – my question is more about the variance between what was pumped at the well field and what you just billed for.
Mayor Degnan – there are meter pits at the boundaries of the Village, so we know we have a bunch of customers along the Route 22 – same thing up Allview, but on Hillside the water pipes are looped house-to-house – which is why it is so important that the Town of Southeast to create their own water district. Everywhere in the Village can be checked out and can be …
And that’s available? Yes.
Nick Lavallo – asks a question about how it is billed. The meter reading on my meter this morning, is different than what is shown on the bill.
Wants to see the numbers on the bill more clearly.
Mayor Degnan states that it seems like people want to see more information on the bill…
Kathleen Abels – works with meters reads for a living. She feels that is something is wrong with the readings, the variables, etc.
Stephen Abels – speaks about usage and how people using less water at a lesser price is unfair. If own four houses, each with one meter and one family… however, one large building with numerous apartments and one meter, I am paying more. I understand that it was meant to have people conserve water, however, maybe there should be an allowance for a number of apartments in a building.
Mayor Degnan acknowledges what Mr. Abels said and says that it won’t go unnoticed.
Mr. Gress hands out a letter to the Trustees which states that he is penalized as a multi-family property owner. This includes information regarding the Peaceable Hill Water district.
Mayor Degnan states that the Peaceable Hill Water District is the responsibility of the Town of Southeast.
Mr. Gress states that EVERYONE should receive the $12.50/month service fee, including everyone in the Peaceable Hill Water District.
Mayor Degnan states that this is a community service and we could revisit it.
Richard Ruchala states that he agrees with Mr. Gress and Mr. Abels about being charged too much as a landlord with having extra units. If I had known this, I would have put a meter on each person’s unit. Thinks the board should reconsider having landlords paying such high charges.
Mayor Degnan states that the Village’s taxes were decreased by 9%; however, no one has acknowledged that. We do not run this government by profit nor carry excess in our funds. If we find we have an excess, we will back into this the next fiscal year at a different rate.
I told this community that we would be reading meters within a year, and we have. We need to look at individual complaints, the structure for rate payers, and speak to the community members. And asks Kathleen Abels for her expertise because we’re all on a learning curve.
Mr. Murello suggests that when doing meter reads – do actual reads. If we don’t feel the meter is working properly. I know people’s meter bill has gone down, but mine has gone up 8 times.
Mayor Degnan suggests that the Village can do a calibration and the Village clerk can take a look at his bill.
Christine Piccini states about water rates – still believes that the step used is not a reality – doesn’t allow a normal sized household to pay a reasonable amount, which is unfair.
Mayor Degnan: If there is a surplus in the revenue, then we are clearly charging too much, however, there isn’t a change, then we need to determine how we’re going to off set the revenue. I’m sure we’ll Public Notice when we determine rates.
Mr. Allen – will the bills be recalibrated before they’re due?
Mayor Degnan – no. Claim by claim basis, we will determine if there is a problem.
Helena Frost – the first time in four years that I was treated nicely at Village Hall today – my water bill in Saratoga for three months is $29.00. What will happen when we get sewer bills here in the Village? I am getting a triple water bill now. I am panicked that my rents are locked in, but I haven’t told my tenants about water. Tell me about the sewer bill.
Mayor Degnan states that we need to capitalize for the plant, $50,000. The operations and maintenance on the collection system is different than what is on the plant. The collection system in the first year will be very little, however, in time there will be. We’ll need to cross that bridge when we come to it. I know we need to get on a commitment so that everyone knows when the bills are coming.
Chris Riccio – asks if this is a water bill? So, I’m going to expect another sewer bill on top of this?
Mayor Degnan – the waste water – and we have a commitment with the city with operation of the plant.
Chris Riccio – I’m close to $1,000 for a water bill this year and then sewer on top of that. I am paying less for my oil bill. Water is more than oil.
Mayor Degnan states that he understands the burden.
Chris Riccio – I want to know that my neighbor is paying the same as me.
Mayor Degnan – yes, and even more, because if they are a two family house, they are paying based on threshold of higher use.
Chris Riccio – will this level out?
Mayor Degnan – the people that aren’t here tonight are paying a bill LESS than what they’ve normally been paying. The water bills are going to be high until we pay off the debt.
Chris Riccio – can we see that debt?
Mayor Degnan – can Mike Santos get a document for the next meeting based on our debt.
Mike Santos:
Water Fund – Serial Bond – principal - $250,000
Serial bonds – Interest - $508,637.50
Bond Anticipation Notes – Principal - $40,000
Bond Anticipation Notes – Interest - $3,841.30
Total Water Fund - $802,478.80
Mayor Degnan – I know we’re hearing from the community and finding that the burden is at the breaking point.
Helena Frost – if we, the landlords can’t afford to stay here, then God help everyone else.
Stephen Abels – if the water collected exceeds the amount it takes to run, then will there be a decrease in rates?
Mayor Degnan – yes. I’d like to propose we move on – we’ve been on this for two hours.
William Beltran – 8 Oak Street –
Mayor Degnan makes a motion to waive the moratorium with referral to the Planning Board. William Banks seconds it. All in favor, 4 ayes.
Richard, pastor of the Church, at Grace Assembly, Grange Hall. In the growth of the Church, we’ve had issues with the parking. Approximately 20 vehicles to park in the parking lot during service times.
Mayor Degnan asks that we look into this based on times of service and usage for the lot during those times without penalties issued. We can look into this, especially on Sundays when no one is using the lot as much.
I would like to speak with Barbara, our parking clerk.
On a motion by Mayor Degnan, the duly constituted Board of Trustees of the Village of Brewster hereby accepts the Engineer’s Report submitted for August 2006.
Seconded by William Banks. Ayes 4 Nays 0 Abstain 0 Absent 1
Mike Santos speaks about parking for founder’s day on October 1, 2006. In the past, parking enforcement officers have put signs over the meters for no parking – can the Constables put them over the meters. Mayor Degnan states the four men should be on at a time during day during Founder’s Day.
On a motion by Mayor Degnan, the duly constituted Board of Trustees of the Village of Brewster hereby accepts the Constable Report submitted for August 2006.
Seconded by James Schoenig. Ayes 4 Nays 0 Abstain 0 Absent 1
On a motion by Mayor Degnan, the duly constituted Board of Trustees of the Village of Brewster hereby resolves to retain the services of Shamberg, Marwell & Hollis P.C. as Special Counsel to the Village of Brewster for House Connection Easements. The work will be submitted to Gary Kropkowski as the over seeing legal office to maintain a check list for control.
Seconded by William Banks. Ayes 4 Nays 0 Abstain 0 Absent 1
No Resolution
On a motion Mayor Degnan, the duly constituted Board of Trustees of the Village of Brewster hereby authorizes the Village Clerk to issue a Parade Permit to Raymond Knox & The Town of Southeast Recreation Department for the 28th day of October, 2006 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. along a route from the Gold Parking Lot, up Main Street to Markel Park. The Town of Southeast Recreation Department will be responsible for arranging parade route security with the Sheriff’s Department and Brewster Constabulary, and notifying the Brewster Fire Department.
Seconded by James Schoenig. Ayes 4, Nays 0, Abstain 0, Absent 1
On a motion by Mayor Degnan, the duly constituted Board of Trustees of the Village of Brewster hereby authorizes the Village Treasurer to pay September vouchers totaling as follows:
[a] General Fund [A] - $61,592.20
[b] Water Fund [F] - $15,005.06
[c] Sewer Fund [G] - $7,384.10
[d] Capital Projects Funds [H1] - $241,319.15
[e] Capital Projects Funds [H9] - $43,105.70
Total - $
Seconded by Terri Stockburger. Ayes 4 Nays 0 Abstain 0 Absent 1
On a motion by Mayor Degnan, the duly constituted Board of Trustees of the Village of Brewster hereby accepts the Justice Report submitted for August 2006 in the amount of $10,836.00.
Seconded by James Schoenig. Ayes 4 Nays 0 Abstain 0 Absent 1
Christine Piccini asks about the Rezoning information from Dan Hollis’ office. Are there any time constraints?
Mayor Degnan: He worked on it two weeks ago and he has been very busy with 50 Main Street.
16. Other Business
Mayor Degnan wishes to schedule a public hearing to adopt the fine schedule. The meeting of 10/18/2006.
Mayor Degnan asks if Gary Kropkowski if adjusted the Rental Registration Law wording to include the Village of Brewster instead of just the Village.
Did Gary include Rick Stockburger’s request include owner occupied houses whom rent their rooms out to borders? Is this clear in this law, to challenge it?
Discussion ensues regarding wording on owner occupation.
Mayor Degnan makes a motion to adopt the Rental Registration Law, Local Law 2 of 2006 with the amendments that Gary Kropkowski suggests during discussion. William Banks seconds it. All in favor, 4 ayes. 1 absent.
Mayor Degnan states that the Village is working with the DOT and Senator’s Office and the County’s office regarding the Super pave project on Main Street, possibly finalizing it before the winter.
Liz Rau and Michelle Powers are working with Street Scape and the architect for 50 Main Street.
Metro North is now working on Trackside North
DEP and the Village of Brewster discussed the O & M contract – and feel that it was satisfactory.
Terri Stockburger is working on trash cans but needs to get Michelle Powers’ phone number and Wendy Johnson to get the same trash cans.
Terri Stockburger spoke with Walt about Cleaner Putnam and registering streets in Village of Brewster. A mile on Route 6 – can be pledged by the Village and clean it once per year, and possibly other mile worth of roads in the Village. Who do we want to say who is doing the cleaning?
Mayor Degnan – depends on who the sponsor is. We passed a resolution for the Village government to do Main Street already.
10:15 p.m. – Mayor Degnan makes a motion to adjourn the meeting. Teresa Stockburger seconds it. All in favor, 4 ayes. 1 absent.
Meeting adjourned