https://sleepyhollow.localarchives.org/files/original/ea2d27aee2da55e0f1e4d3b0846ff719.pdf 3c55dc1cc6da8d8cfd287c088e5aa9db PDF Text Text A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Sleepy Hollow was held on Thursday, January 21,1999 at 8:00 PM in Village Hall, 28 Beekman Avenue, Sleepy Hollow, New York. Present: Mayor Sean Treacy Michael Collins Donald Stever Mario DiFelice Morris Alter Patrick J. Munroe I Also Present: Absent: Trustees Janet Gandolfo, Village Attorney Sanjay Shah, Village Treasurer Trustee Craig Laub Trustee Stever moved, seconded by Trustee Alter to open the meeting, carried. Mayor Treacy called the meeting to order with a pledge to the flag. Mayor Treacy asked that everyone remain standing for a moment of silence for all those who passed away recently. Public Hearings Trustee Alter moved, seconded by Trustee DiFelice to open the first public hearing regarding the proposed Nuisance Abatement Law, carried. Mayor Treacy read the public hearing notice and gave a brief explanation of the legislative intent of this law. Don Caetano and Mario Belanich asked if this law would refer to illegal housing. I The Mayor responded that this law refers to conduct and Trustee Stever gave an explanation of nuisance type crimes. Chick Galella wanted to know about the enforcement of the law. Mayor Treacy commented that anyone knowing of these illegal acts can contact the Mayor, the Trustees or ithe Police Chief. Janet Gandolfo, our Village Attorney, gave a more in depth explanation of how this law can be enforced. There being no further comments, Trustee Alter moved, seconded by Trustee DiFelice to close the hearing, carried. Trustee Alter moved, seconded by Trustee Munroe to open the public hearing regarding proposed revisions to the Architectural Review Board code, carried. 1 ! I Q Q o? 7 7 �Janet Gandolfo gave an explanation of these proposed revisions. Mario Belanich commented that this should be held over because people didn't know about this until tonight. The Mayor responded that the hearing was duly noticed in the newspaper. There being no further comments, Trustee Collins moved, seconded by Trustee DiFelice to close the hearing, motion carried. Approval of Minutes Trustee Alter moved, seconded by Trustee Collins to approve the minutes of December 21,1998 as written, motion carried 4-0-1 with Trustee Munroe abstaining. Approval of Warrants Trustee Alter moved, seconded by Trustee Collins to approve the warrant of the General fund for a total of $103,203.46 and authorize the Treasurer to pay the bills, motion carried 5-0; Trustee Alter moved, seconded by Trustee DiFelice to approve the warrant of the Water and Sewer fund for a total of $41,495.50 and authorize the Treasurer to pay the bills, motion carried 5-0; Trustee Alter moved, seconded by Trustee Munroe to approve the warrant of the Capital fund for a total of $2,883.99 and authorize the Treasurer to pay the bills, motion carried 5-0. Public Comments-Agenda Items- None Resolutions-Attached Old Business Trustee Stever commented that he has been working on the parking problems in the village and has been trying to find the parking survey done in 1980 which might help him. Trustee Munroe commented that there was also a survey done on diagonal parking a few years ago. New Business-None Mayor's Report Mayor Treacy thanked all the people who expressed their sympathy during the recent loss of his father, he appreciated it very much. The Mayor explained that all taxpayers will be receiving a tax rebate next week due to the $200,000. we received from the state; another $200,000. will be used to lower taxes for this upcoming year. The Mayor reported that the Chamber of Commerce is holding their annual dinner on January 26th. Sister Mary Driscoll of Marymount will be honored. He asked that any of the trustees that could attend to let his secretary know. Mayor Treacy received from the County a list of the status of the CDBG grants. �$290,000. needs to be drawn down for the Sleepy Hollow Landing Park. $228,000. is slated for the Beekman Avenue sidewalk improvement project from Teresa Street to the railroad bridge, $238,000. is slated for the railroad bridge around to River Street but due to the General Motors redevelopment, the County will shift this money to improvements to the sidewalks along route 9. Trustee Reports Trustee Munroe commented that last summer, he contacted all the businesses along route 9 from Beekman Avenue to Pocantico Street regarding the CDBG program. He commented that he read in a recent magazine article that a new movie called Sleepy Hollow is due out this summer. Trustee Alter read the attached public works report. Mayor Treacy commended Joe DeFeo and his crew on the great job that they did during the recent snow/ice storms. Trustee Alter reported on programs scheduled for the youngsters from grades K-3. TNT baseball registration will take place on Saturday, February 6th. Anyone who needs meals-on-wheels, please contact the Recreation Department at 631-1440 X310. Trustee DiFelice reported that the Warner Library will be celebrating its 70th anniversary on April 18th and will be looking for donations. Trustee LiFelice gave an update on the zip code. On January 4th he attended a meeting held in Congresswoman Sue Kelly's office. In attendance was Andrew Attalienti, Congressional aid on postal matters, Brian Fitzpatrick, manager of custom relations for Westchester County, and members of the Zip Code Committee. We requested a copy of the evaluation on our request for the reinstatement of 10593 zip code and stated that our own zip code'would expedite mail delivery. Many other places have received their own zip code, Cortlandt Maanor, Eastchester, a book company in Tarrytown and even the statue of Liberty received its own zip code. Sue Kelly will be asking the Postmaster General for another review. On January 19th members of the Committee, Brian Fitzpatrick, Gayle O'Donnell, Manager of Customer Service and Leslie Breedlove of Consumer Affairs met to discuss Sleepy Hollow being placed on the national database in the post office and the web site, work on the problem of identical and similar street names in both villages. He urged residents to send letters to Sue Kelly in support of the change. Trustee DiFelice reported that he is still working on the changing the sign at the railroad station. Trustee Stever reported that the Zoning Board met last night and the Planning Board meeting is in progress tonight. Trustee Collins had no report. �Communications, Petitions & Requests Village Clerk read communications from Embassy Bar, Inc. and Augustin Triana informing the village of their intent to renew their liquor license, correspondence from Hollywood Nights, Inc. and Margarita Mote informing the village they have applied to the New York State Liquor Authority for a liquor license. (Referred to Police Chief) Mayor Treacy read correspondence from Sweetheart Productions, Inc. thanking Terry Demoret, Mayor and Police Chief for their help in coordinating their recent filming in our village. (Placed in personnel file) The Mayor read correspondence from Hugh Jones thanking the police officers who were at the train station when his two children and a friend arrived home from the city and gave them a ride home. The kids were very impressed. (Post in Police Department) He read a letter from George Latimer, Chairman of the County Board of Legislators, thanking the village for televising their board meetings on cable. Mayor Treacy received a letter from President Clinton thanking the Board for sending him a letter of encouragement and support. Trustee Munroe read a letter from the Community Network Television asking the board for $600. towards their network since they have lost support recently. (Discuss at worksession) Trustee Munroe read the attached letter from Henry Steiner, our Village Historian. Public Comments John Edwards commented on the progress the Zip Code Committee has been making. He asked that when route 9 is beautified that the island at the top of Beekman Avenue also be taken care of. Chick Galella commented on the planters and again asked that public comments be moved earlier in the meeting. Mario Belanich commented on the proposed zip code change. Mr. Edwards commented that the money for the mailings was donated by the Sleepy Hollow Society. Trustee Stever suggested that the village consider donating $500. towards more mailings. There being no further comments, Trustee DiFelice moved, seconded by Trustee Stever to adjourn the meeting, carried. Respectfully submitted, Angela Everett-Village Clerk �Public Hearing Notice Village of Sleepy Hollow PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Sleepy Hollow will hold a public hearing of Thursday, January 21,1999 at 8:00 PM or soon thereafter in Village Hall, 28 Beekman Avenue, Sleepy Hollow, New York to hear and consider adopting a Local Law entitled "Nuisance Abatement Law*1. A copy of proposed local law is available for inspection in the office of the Village Clerk between the hours of 8:30 AM through 4:30 PM. All residents and parties in interest are entitled to attend and be heard at said hearing. Hearing is accessible to the handicapped. By Order of Board of Trustees Angela Everett-Village Clerk Dated: January 5,1999 �30 Meeting Date: 01-21-99 Resolution #: 01-08-99 Be it resolved that Inspectors of Election for the Tillage of Sleepy Hollow be appointed to serve on Election Day. Tuesday, March 16.1999 in accordance with Section 15-116(0 of the Election Law. \ ' Be it further resolved that the pay for Election Inspectors shall be $130.00 and an additional $10.00 for the Chairman. Moved- T r u s t e e A l t e r Seconded: T r u s t e e DiFelice Vote. 5-0 Meeting Date: 01-21-99 Resolution #: 01-09-99 Be It Resolved that the 1998-99 Budget for the General Fund be modified as follows: A3001.000 A1990.450 Revenue-State Aid Appropriations-Contingency Account Moved: T r u s t e e A l t e r Increased by $400,000 Increased by $200,000 Seconded: T r u s t e e D i F e l i c e Vote: 5-0 K �Meeting Date: 01-21-99 Resolution #: 01-10-99 Whereas, the Village of Sleepy Hollow received the amount of $400,000 in State Aid from New York State through the efforts of the office of Assemblyman Richard B rod sky. with the approval of Governor Patakl's office; and Whereas, it was the specific intent of our representatives from the State that part of the money from the State Aid be used as tax relief In the form of a tax rebate to the taxpayers of Sleepy Hollow: and Whereas, the Board of Trustees finds that a cash refund to the taxpayers of the Village of Sleepy Hollow would be a fair and equitable manner In which to offer tax relief: and Whereas, the Board of Trustees finds that a refund would benefit the community by providing relief to the taxpayers and would be in the public interest: and Whereas, prior to the adoption of the 1998/1999 Village budget, the Mayor and Board of Trustees promised the taxpayers of the Village of Sleepy Hollow to seek special State Aid In light of the budgetary constraints of the Village and promised to apply part of said State Aid for tax relief in the form of a tax rebate: and Whereas, the Treasurer's office, together with the Assessor's office, has made every reasonable attempt to ascertain the owners of all properties within the Village as of the date of this resolution: Now. therefore, be it resolved that the Treasurer be directed to prepare and mall tax rebate checks equivalent to 4.29356% of the 1998-99 Village taxes to those taxpayers who have paid the first and/or second half of the Village taxes. Such tax rebate checks are to be Issued to the current owners, as communicated to the Village through various sources, as-of the date of this resolution. Be it further resolved that the Treasurer be also directed to release the tax rebate checks of those taxpayers If and when they pay their taxes in the future. Moved: Trustee Alter Seconded: Trustee DIFelice Vote: 5-0 �Meeting Date: 01-21-99 Resolution Date: 01 -11 -99 Be it resolved the Board of Trustees amend the Village Code. Chapter 6. Article 66 to add subparagraph (3) to paragraph A. to read as follows: (3) Visual offensiveness or other poor qualities of exterior design. Including with respect to signs, considerations of the harmony or discord of colors, or incompatibility of the proposed structure with the terrain on which it is to be located, including but not limited to excessive divergence of the height or levels of any part of the structure from the grade of the terrain. Moved: Trustee Alter Seconded: Trustee Collins Vote: 5-0 Meeting Date: 01-21-99 Resolution Date: 01-12-99 Be it resolved the Board of Trustees amend the Village Code. Chapter 6. Article 6-6. to add paragraphs B.l. B.2. B.3. B.4 and B.5 after paragraph B to read as follows: B.l A finding of excessive similarity or dissimilarity or visual offensiveness or other poor qualities of exterior design shall not be based on personal preference as to taste or choice of architectural style. Any determination disapproving an application for a building permit shall set forth the specific grounds for finding excessive similarity or excessive dissimilarity or visual offensiveness or other poor qualities of exterior design and the specific harmful effects, as set forth in Section 6-1 above, produced by that excessive similarity or dissimilarity or visual offensiveness or other poor qualities of exterior design. B.2 The Board may approve, approve with modifications or disapprove an application. All votes shall be by a majority of the members present at a meeting. B.3 In considering an application for a permit, the Board shall tahe into account natural features of the site and surroundings, exterior design and appearances of existing structures and the character of the district and its peculiar suitability for particular purposes, with a view to conserving the values of property and encouraging the most appropriate use of land. B.4 The Board shall determine whether the building or structure for which the permit was requested. If erected or altered In accordance with the submitted plan, would be In harmony with the surrounding area, would not be visually �30*} offensive or Inappropriate by reason of poor quality of exterior design, would not have monotonous similarity or striking visual discord In relation to the site or surroundings, would not mar the appearance of the area, would not Impair the use. enjoyment and desirability and reduce the value of properties In the area, would not be detrimental to the character of the neighborhood, would not prevent the utilization of the site or of adjacent lands and would not adversely affect the economic stability, prosperity, health, safety and general welfare of the entire community. B.5 In approving any application, the Board may Impose appropriate conditions and safeguards designed to prevent the harmful effects set forth In Section 6-1. Moved: Trustee Collins Seconded: Trustee Stever Vote: 5-0 Meeting Date: 01-21-99 Resolution #: 01-13-99 Be it resolved the Board of Trustees amend the Village Code. Chapter 6 to add to Section 6-1 the word* "or visual offensiveness" after "or poor quality of design." Moved: Trustee Collins Seconded: Trustee Alter Vote: 5-0 Meeting Date: 01-21-99 Resolution #: 01-14-99 Be it resolved the Board of Trustees amend the Village Code. Chapter 6 to delete Section 6-4 A.(i)(b). This section currently reads "Is visible from any public street." Moved: Seconded: Vote: Mayor Treacy moved to table Seconded: Trustee Stever Vote: 5-0 �Meeting Date: 01-21-99 Resolution #: 01 • 15-99 Be it resolved the Board of Trustees amend the Village Code, Chapter 6 to add the following to Section 6-3: The Board shall hold a public hearing within 60 days of receipt of an application which the Board has deemed complete. At the hearing all interested persons shall be provided the opportunity to present their views. Notice of the public hearing shall be by registered mail, return receipt requested by the applicant to all property owners adjacent to the subject property and the property owner directly across the street from the subject property. The applicant shall be required to submit ten (10) copies of all designs, drawings, plans, surveys and other documentation which is to be used in the presentation of the application to the Building Inspector's office at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing date. Failure to make said timely submission to the Building Inspector may result in a delay in the review of the application. Moved: Trustee Alter Seconded: Trustee Munroe Vote: 5-0 Meeting Date: 01-21-99 Resolution #: 01-16-99 Whereas, a public hearing was held on January 21,1999. after being duly noticed: and Whereas, the Board of Trustees considers it in the best interests of the public to adopt a law addressing public nuisances: Now. therefore, be it resolved the Board of Trustees adopt the attached Nuisance Abatement Law. Moved: Trustee Alter Seconded: Trustee Collins Vote: 5-0 �30j PUBLIC WORKS REPORT JANUARY 21, 1999 More recycling bins have arrived. Anyone needing one can go to the highway garage on River Street. THE VILLAGE IS EXPERIENCING MANY PROBLEMS WITH NONACCEPTEBLE ITEMS BEING DISPOSED OF IN OUR SANITARY SEWERS. PLEASE DO NOT THROW GREASE. DIAPERS, OIL. LARD. ETC. INTO THE SYSTEM!!!!!!!!!! REMINDER!!!!! PLEASE DO NOT PUT BUILDING MATERIALS OUT AT THE CURB; THEY WILL NOT BE PICKED UP BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT!!!!!!!!! CONTRACTOR MUST REMOVE THIS DEBRIS. Patching pot holes throughout the village. Storm drains were cleaned out after the snow, ice and rain storms last week. Water main break on College Avenue was repaired last Friday. DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER(SNOW/ICE) RESIDENTS ARE ASKED TO PLEASE HAVE THEIR WALKS OR DRIVEWAYS CLEANED FOR GARBAGE PICKUP OR TO BRING GARBAGE TO THE CURB FOR PICK-UP. THANK YOU! "I I i �Henry J. Steiner Historian, Village of Sleepy Hollow 129 Farrington Avenue Sleepy Hollow, New York 10591 914-631-8275 email nevsteiner@aol.com RECEIVED Januarys 1999 mmmmum JAN Mayor Treacy & the Village Board of Trustees Village of Sleepy Hollow 28 Beekman Avenue Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591 AYOR'S CFFIC r AAV i re: Village Historian's Report Dear Gentlemen: I enjoy working as Sleepy Hollow's village historian, and I thought it might be appropriate to give you an idea of what I have been doing in that role. "What does a village historian do?" This is the question I have heard from friends involved in the village governments of other Westchester villages who were in the process of appointing a village historian. All I could offer was a description of what I was doing and suggest that a village historian should use his best judgment and try to accomplish as much as he can with the time and resources available to him. Here is an recap of what I have been doing, and I would be glad to hear your comments: Correspondence I have attempted to reply to phone, mail and email inquiries which have been addressed to me as village historian. The staff at village hall has been kind enough to forward inquiries to me. On one occasion, at the request of Trustee Munroe, I wrote a letter in support of the application to name the Hudson River an "American Heritage River." Books Although my book projects do not represent official actions, they certainly tie-in with the village's history and my role as village historian. My hope is that my books will inform the public about what is historically unique about our village The Place Names of Historic Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown was published this summer by Heritage Books in Maryland. (Please note that the Village of Sleepy Hollow is mentioned first in the title, as it should be— alphabetically.) I have also completed a new book relating to the history of the area entitled "A Historically Annotated "Legend of Sleepy Hollow. " It is slated for publication this year. Lectures As village historian 1 have lectured to a number of groups: architecture students at the City University of New York, social �311 studies classes at Washington Irving School, and various civic and cultural groups. i I Media On occasion I have been contacted by the media to comment on matters relating to local history. Website For the past year and a half I have maintained a simply-constructed, unofficial web page to inform the public about some of the unique historic features of our village. To date, this site has hosted over nine thousand visitors. (The web page can be found by going to "Yahoo" and typing key words— Sleepy Hollow Home Page.) Kidd'sRock In August, 1997,1 began an effort to restore and mark Kidd's Rock, one of this village's surviving, but neglected, landmarks Westchester County owns Kingsland Point Park— where the rock is located. I am happy to report that this fall the county responded through the good offices of County Representative Sue Swanson and Parks Commission Sal DeSantis. The rock has now been partially restored and properly marked with an attractive sign which will enable future generations to appreciate the cultural significance of the landmark. I provided the text displayed on the sign. The Pocantico Trout Another project with a historic tie-in has been the restoration of the Pocantico River as a trout stream. I believe that this project, which the village board continues to support, is something which transcends sport fishing. It is an ongoing work of environmental and cultural conservation, with educational dividends. Research I have responded to requests from the mayor and others for information on particular aspects of local history. Inventory of assets One of thefirstactions I took as village historian was a review of what I considered to be the village's important historic assets. An inventory is a logical first step, but it is value is small unless some action is taken to protect our historic treasures from harm—or even restore them. Our unique, historic village should institute its own register of historic places and adopt regulations to safe-guard the heirlooms and icons of our shared, historic legacy. These are some of the activities which have occupied me as village historian. I am available to consult with you on any matter which may have a historical component such as village literature, signage, content for the new, official village web page, etc. There are other projects which I would like to take-on—given world and time enough. One idea (suggested about two years ago by Mayor Treacy) was the idea of a "living history" of our i �village. In other words, get the comments and recollections of village old-tamers on tape as a record for future generations. I think this could yield an invaluable document. It could be done on audio or video tape and transcribed. It would probably require the cooperation of some repository such as the historical society or the library, and a production budget, the size of which would depend on the scope of the project. If the village board would like a detailed proposal for a project of this sort I hope you will contact me. I believe it would be desirable to review village documents and records periodically for material of historic value which should be archived—particularly any documents scheduled to be purged. This kind of process would of course require access, budgeting and a suitable repository for the records. I welcome your collective or individual comments, questions and suggestions about how I can better serve the village through my work in this capacity. Henry Stein^f Village Historian � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes & Resolutions-1999 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource MINS_TRUST_1999-01-21 Subject The topic of the resource Board of Trustees Minutes-1999 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1999 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Village of Sleepy Hollow All Rights Reserved. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text