1987-05-19 RGMAGENDA
TOWN BOARD
TOWN OF WAPPINGER
BIMONTHLY MEETING
MAY 18., 1987
1. SUPERVISOR CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO FLAG
3. ACCEPT MINUTES May 4th Reg. May 7th Special
4. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: Receiver of Taxes Zoning Adm.
5. PETITIONS & COMMUNICATIONS
a. Mrs. Linda Blohm re: Excessive water billings ('86) - With
Memo from D. Brown, water billing Clerk
b. Richard Wiest: Notification of intent to renew Liqour License
c. J. Paggi, Eng. to Town - report on Llewellyn Drainage (Kent Rd.)
d. Town of Fishkill notices of Public Hearings & accompanying EAFs
e. Village of Wappingers Falls - EAF re: Rockledge Park Condo Dev.
f. Two requests to attend conferences: Thomas Logan requests
permission to attend Assessors Administrative Conference at Cornel3.
Univ. July 21 to july 26 - Herb. Levenson requests attendance
at N.Y. Builders Official Conference Ellenville Oct. 7th thru 9th
g. Memo from Planning Bd. re Frank Vitiritti re: "No Parking or
Standing" Sign
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS
7. RESOLUTIONS
a. Bid for Brothers/Balfour Drainage projects
b. Amendment to 90 day Moratorium (increase of fines)
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Memo from Ping. Bd. advising premature for recommendations for
Fee waiver re: Yorktonw Chiristian Center.
9. NEW BUSINESS
10. ADJOURNMENT
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The Regular Bimonthly Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of
Wappinger was held on May 18, 1987, at the Town Hall, Middlebush
Road, Town of Wappinger, Dutchess County, New York.
Supervisor Paino opened the meeting at 7:35 P.M.
Present:
Irene Paino, Supervisor
Vincent FArina, Councilman
David Reis, Councilman
Robert Valdati, Councilman
June Visconti, Councilwoman
Elaine H. Snowden, Town Clerk
Others Present:
Joseph E. Paggi, Jr., Engineer
All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a moment of
silence for our Town and our residents.
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 4, 1987 and the Special
Meeting of May 7, 1987, having previously been forwarded to all
Board Members, were placed before the Board for their consideration.
MR. REIS moved that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 4, 1987
be and they are hereby approved, as amended, and the Special Meeting
of May 7, 1987, as submitted by the Town Clerk.
Seconded by Mrs. Visconti (for discussion)
Motion Unanimously Carried
Mrs. Visconti noted that in reviewing the Minutes of the May 4, 1987
Meeting, she noticed that there was no reference made to the lengthy
discussion held pertinent to the D.E.C. hearing on New York City's
application to draw water from the Chelsea Pump Station. She would
like the Minutes from that meeting amended to include some of the
comments made regarding documentation of previous correspondence
with the D.E.C., by the Supervisor and inclusion of the information
she had on hand. At that meeting, Mrs. Paino elaborated on the
history of New YOrk City's water as far back as the 1790's which
she had learned through research in the Adriance Library in
Poughkeepsie. This information included the fact that New York
City has never practiced conservation of water and sought their
supply further north where they built the Croton Aquaduct and
moved on up to impact the areas of the Catskills and Delaware.
Mrs. Paino referred to the McClellan Act which allowed those
communities impacted by New York City Aquaducts in Delaware and
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Catskill County to be able to access water supply from those
Aquaducts. This was brought up at the hearing by Mrs. Paino and
she urged the D.E.C. to impose this condition on the City if their
application is approved. Mrs. Paino had previously contacted the
D.E.C. to request that the Hearing be held in the Town of Wappinger,
since the pump station lies within our Town. Neither Mrs. Visconti
nor Mr. Valdati was privy to the information involved in this matter
and felt that documentation of the correspondence to the D.E.C. and
the information she had gathered should have been made available in
order for them to make an intelligent decision on the motion put
before them regarding the feasibility of negotiating with New York
City for Wappinger to tap into the Chelsea Pump Station for additional
water supply from the Ashokan Reservoir. In response to these requests,
Mrs. Paino commented that she had requested the D.E.C. to hold the
hearing in Wappinger through telephone contact, and the information
she had acquired was from a library book on the history of New York
City's water problems. At the conclusion of the discussion, the motion
authorizing the Supervisor to enter into negotiations with New York
City regarding the tapping for additional water supply, was unanimously
carried.
Reports for the month of April were received from the Receiver of Taxes
and the Zoning Administrator.
MR. VALDATI moved to accept these reports and place them on file.
Seconded by Mr. Farina
Motion Unanimously Carried
Petitions & Communications ---
A letter was received from Mrs. Linda Blohm regarding excessive
water bills during three quarters of 1986. A back-up memo was
forwarded from Debbie Brown, Water and Sewer Billing Clerk.
MRS. PAINO moved to authorize Camo Pollution Control to check the
water meter at the Blohm residence, 34 Lake Oniad Drive to determine
if the meter is functioning properly.
Seconded by Mr. Farina
Motion Unanimously Carried
If the meter proves to be accurate further steps would be taken to
decide if Mrs. Blohm's bills were excessively high during those
quarters.
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MRS. PAINO moved to table consideration of this matter until the
amount of the next quarter's bill is available for comparison.
Seconded by Mr. Reis
Motion Unanimously Carried
Mrs. Paino requested that Mrs. Blohm be notified of the Board's action.
Notification was received from Richard A. Wiest of his intent to
renew his Retail Beer License for Dick's Fine Foods located on the
corner of All Angels Hill Road and Route 376, in the Town of Wappinger.
MR. VALDATI moved to place this correspondence on file with no comments.
Seconded by Mr. Reis
Motion Unanimously Carried
A report was received from the Engineer to the Town relative to the
Llewellyn drainage problem at 79 Kent Road. Mr. Paggi reported that
he had visited the Llewellyn residence and explained that the road
run-off is channeled to a grass swale on the north side of the road
and eventually to a paved swale in frortof the property; the grass
swale and paved swale are offset allowing the runoff to spill into
the front yard. In order to correct this drainage, the paved swale
should be extended approximately 150 feet in an easterly direction
to the existing catch basin.
MRS. PAINO moved to forward the Engineer's report to the Highway
Superintendent and authorize him to correct the problem.
Seconded by Mr. Reis
Motion Unanimously Carried
Two notices of Public Hearing were received from the Town of Fishkill,
the first, Unlisted Action regarding a proposed Local Law prohibiting
for an interim period, issuance of building permits for Beacon Hills
development, on June 15, 1987 at 7:15 P.M.; the second Unlisted Action
on a proposed Local Law Amending the Code of the Town of Fishkill,
also on June 15, 1987 at 7:00 P.M.
MR. REIS moved to receive these notices and place them on file.
Seconded by Mr. Farina
Motion Unanimously Carried
A notice was received from the Village of Wappingers Falls regarding
Determination of Significance for Rockledge Park Condominium and
Positive Declaration.
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MR. REIS moved to receive these notices and place them on file.
Seconded by Mr. Farina
Motion Unanimously Carried
Two requests were received from Officials to attend conferences:
Zoning Administrator, Herbert Levenson, New York Building Officials
Conference at Ellenville, New York, from October 7th thru the 9th, 1987,
Assessor Tom Logan, Administrative Conference at Cornell University
from July 21 to July 26, 1987.
MR. REIS moved to grant permission to both Officials to attend their
respective conferences and all legitimate expenses would be a Town
charge.
Seconded by Mrs. Visconti
Motion Unanimously Carried
A Memo was received from the Zoning Board of Appeals indicating that
they had granted a Special Use Permit to Mr. Frank Vitiritti to allow
a car wash along with gas pumps at an existing service station located
on Route 9 and Old Hopewell Road. The ZBA requested the Town Board to
contact the New York State Department of Transportation to place a
No Standing or Parking sign at the Route 9 entrance to this site along
the turning land to prevent stacking onto Route 9 for the car wash.
MRS. VISCONTI moved to direct a letter to the New York State Department
of Transportation requesting that a No Standing or Parking be placed,
as recommended by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Seconded by Mr. Reis
Motion Unanimously Carried
Mrs. Paino noted that she was not pleased that a Special Use Permit
has been granted to this individual to operate a car wash but now
that it has been done, it will help to have the signs placed as
indicated by the ZBA.
Mr. Hirkala, member of the ZBA was recognized by the Chair and
responded that actually they cannot deny the issuance of the Special
Use Permit as it is a permitted use under the Zoning Ordinance and
the only way they can discourage this allowance is to put several
conditions on the approval, or they could amend the Zoning Ordinance.
Mrs. Paino stated that she meant no criticism of the ZBA but it was
directed to the individual since he has been cited in the past for
various violations. She did appreciate the fact that the ZBA ruled
that the water be trucked in for this operation in order to conserve
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water for the neighboring residents.
Jerry McCluskey, former Town Councilman and Wappinger County Legislator,
commended the Board on their negotiations with the Village of Wappingers
Falls regarding mutual interests and problems and then brought up a
potentially dangerous condition that exists at the new Wendys Fast
Food Restaurant on Route 9 --- there are two curb cuts on to Route 9,
one on the northerly end for entering and the southern end is for
exiting. Due to the fact that they are not clearly marked, "Do not
enter"and .Do not exit", the clientele are exiting at the entrance.
There have been several close calls due to the confusion at that
intersection and he asked that the Village Board be made aware of
the situation.
MRS. PAINO moved to forward a letter of the Village Board of Wappingers
Falls alerting them of the ingress, egress problem that exists at
Wendys' on Route 9 and request that they take the necessary action to
alleviate this potential traffic hazard for the safety of all.
Seconded by Mr. Farina
Motion Unanimously Carried
Committee Reports ---
Mr. Valdati, Health and Safety, complaint from Loretta Lynch, Spring
Hill Court re dogs and cats left unattended. She had some response
from the Dog Control Officer, George Wells, but indicated that in most
instances, his response is delayed for many hours and when he does
respond there is no evidence of any wrong doing. He recommended that
Mr. Wells file a monthly report of his activities, such as the other
departments of the Town submit for the Town Board Agenda.
MR. VALDATI moved to notify the Dog Control Officer to submit a
monthly report to reflect the calls he has answered, including date,
Ikbr► time involved, names, addresses and corrective action, if any.
Seconded by Mrs. Visconti
Motion Unanimously Carried
Mr. Valdati felt that this report would reveal if there was a greater
demand on his time than he can manage and perhaps they would have to
consider an additional part time or full time Dog Control Officer.
Mr. Reis reported that he had received several complaints regarding
parking in the vicinity of the Chelsea Boat Ramp. The residents of
the area feel the parking is being abused and he is in the process
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of arranging a meeting with the Supervisor, himself, Mr. Holt, Chairman
of the Recreation Commission and the Chelsea residents to discuss a
solution to the parking problem. Since there have been a few near
accidents on the railroad tracks, the residents are concerned, and
action will have to be taken for safety sake.
Mr. Farina, Landfill, reported that additional dumpsters have been
placed at the Highway Garage for the Saturday Morning Garbage Program
and the five that are presently at the site seem to be adequate for
now.
Mrs. Visconti, Personnel, regarding a memo from the Comptroller to
department heads pertaining to employee lateness, which reads as
follows:
Employees continue to come in late despite my memo of April 9th.
A recent spot check has angered the Town Board. Any employee coming
into work late will have to be docked. It is the Department Heads
responsibility to send a memo to me detailing the incident and how
much the employee should be docked.
She had no problem with the fact that employees may be docked for
lateness, however, two things concerned her ---one is the statement
that it has "angered the Town Board" and this is the first she knew
of the memo, the second, is that she is the Personnel liaison and
should have been apprised of these incidents and become involved.
She was doubtful that the Comptroller was in charge of sending out
memos from the Town Board. Mr. Reis explained that he had witnessed
this lateness on the part of a few employees and requested the
Comptroller to distribute a memo and he was at liberty to use Mr.
Reis's name as the sender ---apparently he did not chose to do this
and sent it out under his name, Dennis Lasowski, Comptroller. He
elaborated on the habit that was forming with a few employees and
unfortunately all had to be reprimanded. He explained that Mr.
Lasowski keeps the employees' records and he is here full time, so
it seemed logical for him to compile the memo. Mrs. Visconti noted
that she would want to be involved in such matters and if the Town
Board was mentioned, they should at least be copied on the notice.
Resolutions ---
One bid was received and opened on the 6th of May, 1987 on the Brothers
Road/Balfour Drive Drainage Projects; the bid was from Sun Up Enterprises,
Inc, total amount of $39,733.50, ($25,155.50 for Brothers Road and
$14,578.00 for Balfour Drive). The Engineer's report indicated that
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they had reviewed the bid and found it to be in order and although
the amount is approximately 12% higher than their estimate, it is
within acceptable limits. He recommended that the project be awarded
for the above amount. Mrs. Paino questioned whether the charge on
work done by Wilson Excavators previously during heavy rains was
considered in the bid price and Mr. Paggi responded that the contractor
was aware of the work that was done which was to free the tap to allow
passage of the water. Mr. Farina questioned the 12% amount over the
like Engineer's estimate and Mr. Paggi explained that the normal is 10% but
12% is not that high outside the norm and the projects have been ongoing
for over a year and there is a need to do them.
MR. FARINA moved to award the bid to Sun Up Enterprises, Inc. in
the amount of $39,733.50, as recommended by the Engineer, and authorize
the Supervisor to sign the contract.
Seconded by Mrs. Visconti
Motion Unanimously Carried
A recommendation was received from the Zoning Administrator to amend
Local Law #11 of 1987 entitled "Establishing a 90 day moratorium
on cutting, felling or logging of more than six trees per acres for
market or sale to a sawmill"the fine set for this violation as stated
in the Local Law is $250.00. At the public hearing there was some
discussion on raising this fee and the memo received from the Zoning
Administrator recommended a fine of $500.00.
The following proposed Local Law was introduced by SUPERVISOR PAINO:
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING LOCAL LAW #11 OF 1987, ENTITLED "ESTABLISHING
A 90 DAY MORATORIUM ON CUTTING, FELLING OR LOGGING OF MORE THAN
SIX TREES PER ACRE FOR MARKET OR SALE TO A SAWMILL.
BE IT ENACTED by the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger,
Dutchess County, New York, as follows:
SECTION A shall amend Section 3, Paragraph 1 of Local Law #11
of 1987 entitled "Penalties", as follows:
SECTION A. Any person or entity that shall cut timber in
violation of the provisions of this local law, or shall otherwise
violate any of the provisions hereof, shall:
1. be guilty of an offense, punishable by a fine not
exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or imprisonment for a
period not to exceed six (6) months, or both. Each week's
continued violation shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION B. This local law shall take effect upon its filing
with the Secretary of State as provided by law, and shall remain
in force and effect for a period of 90 days after the effective
date of this local law.
The following Resolution was offered by SUPERVISOR PAINO who moved
its adoption:
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WHEREAS, there has been duly presented and introduced at a
meeting of this Town Board on the 18th day of May, 1987, a proposed
Local Law Amending Local Law #11 of 1987 Entitled, "Establishing a
90 Day Moratorium on Cutting, Felling or Logging of More Than Six
Trees Per Acre for Market or Sale to a Sawmill, and
WHEREAS, the provisions of the Municipal Home Rule Law requires
that no local law shall be passed by the Legislative Body of the Town
until a Public Hearing thereon has been held before such body,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,
1. That a public hearing shall be held on the said proposed
Local Law by the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger, on the 1st
day of June, 1987 at 7:00 o'clock P.M. on such day, at the Town
Hall, Middlebush Road, Town of Wappinger, Dutchess County, New York.
2. That at least five (5) days notice of such hearing shall be
given by the Town Clerk of the Town of WAppinger by the due posting
thereof upon the bulletin board maintained by said Town Clerk in the
Town Hall and by publishing such notice at least once in the official
newspaper of the Town of Wappinger.
Seconded by: Councilman Reis
Roll Call Vote: 5 Ayes 0 Nays
The following proposed Local Law was introduced by COUNCILMAN FARINA:
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING LOCAL LAW #3 OF 1982 ENTITLED "A LOCAL LAW
REGULATING TRAFFIC WITHIN THE TOWN OF WAPPINGER" TO PROVIDE FOR
THE INSTALLATION OF STOP SIGNS AT VARIOUS INTERSECTIONS IN THE
PONDVIEW AREAAND AT KENT ROAD AND CENTRAL AVENUE IN THE TOWN OF
WAPPINGER, PURSUANT TO TOWN LAW SECTION 64(16)".
BE IT ENACTED by the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger, Dutchess
County, New York as follows:
SECTION 1. TITLE
This local law shall be entitled "A Local Law amending Local Law #3
of 1982 entitled "A Local Law regulating traffic within the Town of
Wappinger" to provide for the installation of stop signs at various
intersections in the Pondview area and at Kent Road and Central
Avenue in the Town of Wappinger, Pursuant to Town Law Section 64(16)".
SECTION II.
Section 1 of Local Law #3 of 1982 is hereby amended by the addition
of the following roads and intersections as follows:
Grace Court and Bell -Air Lane on Grace Court;
Bell -Air Lane and Mina Drive on Bell -Air Lane;
Nancyaleen Drive and Mina Drive on Nancyaleen Drive;
Scotse Road and Mina Drive on Scotse Road;
David Loop at the intersection of Mina Drive on the north
on David Loop and on the south on David Loop;
Stanley Lane and Mina Drive on Stanley Lane
Stanley Lane and Reggie Drive on Stanley Lane; and
Stanley Lane and Reggie Drive on the north on Reggie Drive
and on the south on Reggie Drive
Kent Road and Central Avenue on Central Avenue
SECTION III. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon its filing
with the Secretary of State.
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WHEREAS, the Board has prepared a short form environmental
assessment form indicating that this proposed action would not
have a significant effect on the environment, and which indicates
that a negative declaration with respect to the action will be
issued, and
WHEREAS, the following intersections in the Pondview area are
known to be hazardous: Grace Court and Bell -Air Lane; Bell -Air
Lane and Mina Drive; Nancyaleen Drive and Mina Drive; Scotse Road
and Mina Drive; David Loop and Mina Drive; Stanley Lane and Mina
Drive; Stanley Land and Reggie Drive; and the intersection of Kent
Road and Central Avenue, and
WHEREAS, the Town Engineer has reviewed the proposed locations
of stop signs and has recommended that the stop signs be installed
at these intersections, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Police have acknowledged the hazard
at the intersection of Central Avenue and Kent Road, and have
recommended that a stop sign be placed on Central Avenue at the
intersection, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board believes that it will be in the public
interest to install stop signs at these locations, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board is desirous of receiving public comment
both on the proposed Local Law and the short form environmental
assessment form and finds that it is in the public interest that a
public hearing be held to receive such comments, and that the other
requirements regarding passage of this Local Law be met,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a public hearing on this
proposed Local Law and short form environmental assessment form be
set for June 1st, 1987 at 7:15 P.M. and that the Town Clerk be
authorized to post and publish notice of said hearing as required
by law.
Seconded by: Supervisor Paino
Roll Call Vote: 5 Ayes 0 Nays
Unfinished Business ---
At the February 2nd, 1987 Town Board meeting, a letter was received
from the Yorktown Christian Center requesting a waiver of fees
pertinent to the construction of their building; at that time the
matter was referred to the Planning Board for their recommendation.
This was due to the fact that the Town Board waived fees for another
non-profit organization only to find that their building would cause
drainage problems to adjacent property. A memo was received from
the Planning Board indicating that it
process to determine whether the fees
Christian Center.
MR. VALDATI moved to receive this correspondence and place it on file.
Seconded by Mr. Farina
is too early in the site
should be waived for the
plan
Yorktown
Motion Unanimously Carried
Mrs. Paino requested that a copy of the memo from the Planning Board
be forwarded to the Yorktown Christian Center.
^~-~-^
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Mr. Valdati referred to a recent work shop discussion on PASNY
grant monies and organizations that would qualify as candidates.
He offered the name of Thomas Connelly, Chairman of the P:I.-N.-S;—group
(Parents in Need of Support) relating to drug and alcohol abuse,
suicide and related problems. Mr. Valdati read the following
correspondence from Mr. Connelly:
May 12, 1987
Mr. Robert Valdati
89 South Avenue
Wappingers Falls, New York 12590
Dear Robert:
I am writing this letter to you to let you know that I would
like to apply for monies available through the PASNY/MARCY line
Grant. I would like to develop a community awareness program
with the goal of preventing and intervening in relation to
adolescent suicide.
In concert with the members of my P.I.N.S. (Parents -In -
Need -Of -Support) group, I would like to develop community
workshops in various geographical locations for all residents
living in the town of Wappingers.
I am especially interested in being a member of the committee
that will disseminate various monies from the PASNY/MARCY Line Grant.
The two dates that I will have available right now are May 20th and
May 21st.
Thank you for your help and assistance in this material.
Sincerely,
s/ Thomas J. Connelly
Coordinator
Special Counseling Programs
Mr. Valdati suggested that they try to schedule a meeting with Mr.
Connelly on either of the dates he is available. Mrs. Paino had
tried to contact Mr. Connelly and is awaiting a return call. She
noted that he is offering to participate in the Committee, however
the procedure will be to first put together a list of non-profit
organizations and see if they are interested in participating.
The people who belong to these organizations will appoint five people
to the panel and along with the Supervisor and her appointee, Mr.
Reis, this will make a seven member panel. This is what Mr. Connelly
is indicating ---that he would like to be on the panel, however, he
cannot be appointed by the Town Board, it will be up to the non-profit
associations to do this. His request will be included with the other
requests that have been received by the Supervisor and the panel will
then forward their recommendations to PASNY.
The Town has been directed by the D.E.C. to close the Castle Point
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Landfill Site and it involves some expenditure on the part of the
Town to do this. Mrs. Paino requested the Engineer to apply for
interest free loans for 50% of landfill closures and noted that the
deadline is May 31, 1987; the loans are availabledue to the passage
of the Quality Review Bond. Mr. Paggi responded that they are in
the process of doing that at the present time and will be completed
when they receive the Consent Order from the D.E.C. Actually, Mr.
Paggi pointed out that this deadline is for preliminary clearing
house for the applications and the August date is the main one.
An ongoing item under unfinished business is the battle with the
State to reduce the speed limit on Old State Road which they had
previously approved but subsequently raised back to 40 MPH. The
residents in that area are persistent and have presented a petition
requesting the Town to again apply for the reduction to 30MPH.
The petition signed by approximately 35 residents of Old State
Road reads:
In the interest of the Health, Welfare, and Safety of the
residents of Old State Road, Wheeler Hill Road, and River
Road, Wappingers Falls, we request that the speed limit on
Old State Road be reduced to 30 MPH.
The present speed of 40 MPH is very dangerous due to the
many curves and blind spots on this road.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Three photos of the road were enclosed.
In addition, a Traffic Hazard Report was received from State Trooper
Howard F. Finn, Jr. offering a Hazard and Remedial Suggestion:
The area of Old State Road and River Road North was
previously a farm area with sparse population; however,
there has been a substantial growth factor with many
new homes in the area. Along with the new homes, there
has been a corresponding increase in children in the area.
With the increase in traffic, there should be a reduction
in the speed limits in the area to 30 MPH; to provide a
safer condition for the youngsters.
MRS. PAINO moved to request the New York State Department of
Transportation and the Dutchess County Department of Public Works,
to lower the speed limit on Old State Road and River Road North
to 30 MPH and enclose copy of the petition from the residents and
the Trooper's Report.
Seconded by Mr. Reis
Motion Unanimously Carried
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Although the Town Clerk brought up the fact that correspondence had
been received from Mr. Mignogna, Regional Traffic Engineer with the
N.Y.S.D.O.T which was written to a resident of Old State Road who had
evidently forwarded a letter to him requesting that they reinstate the
the 40 MPH and his response had been negative, Mrs. Paino was of the
opinion that the Board represents these people and they, as well as
she, felt it was a dangerous situation and they should appeal their
decision. The Trooper's report should, she felt, add some punch to
this plea.
New Business ---
Residents of the Pavillion Condominium were present to speak to the
Board on concerns they have in their area. Benedetta Marsac was the
spokesman for the group and addressed the Board on the Town Bulk
Garbage Removal; it was her understanding that the Town provides this
service to the residents and they would like to be included since they
pay their share of taxes. They were not seeking to have the trucks
go through the complex but asked that they be given a designated
location to deposit their items on a designated day, which they felt
was a compromise on their part. The other item she brought up was
the fact that the Town Police will not enter their complex and it was
explained to them previously by Mrs. Paino that the reason was because
it was private property. Mrs. Marsac said they felt it was a disservice
to them not to be provided with this safety; as it is now, they have to
call the State Police or the Dutchess County Sheriff and it's a case
of either they do not respond or when they do it's hours later.
On the first item, Mrs. Paino pointed out that, as previously stated,
the D.E.C. has mandated closure of the landfill and that has been the
destination of the bulk trash picked up in the Town. As of this date,
the Highway Superintendent has not scheduled a bulk pickup for this
Spring. On the second item, she will talk to Deputy Sheriff, Carl
Amburghey who mans the Town Vandalism Patrol and see what his thoughts
are on the situation. The legal aspect of the Patrol entering private
property will also have to be researched.
Mrs. Visconti had two items under this category ---the first in
reference to Assessor Tom Logan. She made note that a letter was
received from the State Division of Equalization and Assessment stating
that Mr. Logan has met the requirements to be designated a State
Certified Assessor and they sent their congratulations on this designation.
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Also, on a related matter the following letter was received from
George Carlquist, Dutchess County Director of Real Property Taxes
as follows:
Dear Mrs. Paino:
I would like to take this opportunity to commend your Assessor,
Mr. Thomas Logan, for his decision in regard to the re-evaluation
program.
I am a resident of the Town of Wappinger and one who received
an estimated increase of $268.00 in taxes. Regardless of the increase,
I feel new values in my area were in line with today's market.
Agreed, there are some errors in values throughout the Town,
however, I believe Mr. Logan has been very considerate and obliging
in correcting any inequities. In addition there are still two more
procedures for taxpayers to resolve their grievances. The Board of
Review procedure on May 19th and the small claims procedure.
In my opinion there were two conditions that had a greater
impact in Wappinger than in any other municipality. One, the
assessments were much lower and psychologically it is more drastic
to go from a $7,000 to $150,000 assessment than to increase from
$40,000 to $150,000 as was the case in other municipalities. The
second impact was the veterans situation. As you know, some veterans
were paying little or no Town taxes before the re-evaluation. The
same impact occurred in all other towns in the County in 1974. The
Town of Wappinger is very fortunate to have an Assessor who has the
knowledge of the assessing practices as does Mr. Logan. He is highly
respected by his peers throughout the State of New York.
In closing I would like to say that I am not happy about my
recent taxes but fully support Mr. Logan in his decision to implement
a very important and beneficial program for all Town citizens.
Sincerely,
s/ George G. Carlquist
Director of Real
Property Services
Note: Structure of this letter is probably not as written but
since no copy was available it was transcribed from the
tape.
Mrs. Visconti commented that she wanted the Town people to know that
they have a very professional individual who is very conscientous
in doing his job.
Mrs. Visconti continued with her reports and referred to a recent
court decision that upheld the Zoning Board of Appeal's action
denying an area variance and the Attorney to the Town acknowledged
the work of Lisa Rubenstein in her office whose careful and thorough
research on this case was an essential element sustaining the Town's
position. It was important, Mrs. Visconti noted, that they express
• appreciation to their professional people for all the work they
accomplish for the Town.
The last item Mrs. Visconti referred to was the confidential memo
to the Town Board from the Attorney to the Town indicating that she
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was resigning from that position to the Town, which has now been
made public. She felt a letter of thanks should be forwarded to
the Attorney from the Town Board for her dedication to the Town and
her professional handling of Town matters. The Attorney has been a
great help to her personally and she was sure to the Town residents
as a whole.
Mrs. Paino noted that the Town has received a copy of the Town of
Poughkeepsie's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and their
SEQR document which will be on file in the Town Clerk's Office
for those interested in reviewing it.
Mrs. Paino attended the grand opening of the Greater Southern Dutchess
Chamber of Commerce Tourism Center on Route 9 across from Lawrence
Farms in our Town. It is a wonderful addition to the Town that will
benefit all and especially new residents. They are open seven days
a week and can provide a wealth of information on where to go and
what to do in Dutchess County. They are trying to communicate their
location to those traveling on the main routes of the Town and are
having a problem with the N.Y.S.D.O.T. on the placement of directional
signs.
MRS. PAINO moved to direct a letter to the N.Y.S.D.O.T. requesting that
the Greater Dutchess Chamber of Commerce be permitted to place on sign
on 1-84 showing the direction of their organization and also on Route 9,
at the Fishkill/Wappinger/Poughkeepsie exit off of 1-84 indicating the
direction of the Tourism Center.
Seconded by Mr. Valdati
Motion Unanimously Carried
It was recommended that a copy of this letter be forwarded to the
Village of Wappingers Falls, Town and Village of Fishkill, Town of
East Fishkill and the City of Beacon, who are all part of the
Southern Dutchess area serviced by the Chamber of Commerce, and
suggest that they send a similiar communication to the N.Y.S.D.O.T.
Mr. Savario Biancardi, Pavillion Condominium, was recognized by the
Chair and apparently misunderstood the purpose of the interest free
loan mentioned previously by Mrs. Paino, thinking it was for the
removal of rubbage. Mrs. Paino explained that this was intended for
the aid of the Town in the expense of closing the landfill site.
Perhaps, at a later date, the Town can arrange to have dumpsters
at the landfill site for the residents to place their bulk items,
but there definitely will be no actual landfill where the debris
is dumped and covered over. At a future time, they will consider
placing large dumpsters at that location or another area of the
Town for the convenience of the residents.
Wappinger County Legislator Donald McMillen was recognized by the
Chair but he had no reports for this meeting.
Mrs. Paino mentioned that Mr. Frank Masci, a resident of Gabriella
Road, called complaining that the 35 MPH speed limit on that road
should be reduced.
MRS. PAINO moved to request the New York State Department of
Transportation and the Dutchess County Department of Public Works
to reduce the speed limit in the Royal Ridge Development, including
the roads: Joel Place, Dorett Lane, Sabra Lane, Gabriella Road,
Maurice Drive and Martin Drive, from the present 35 MPH to 30 MPH.
and Chelsea Road from its present speed limit of 40 MPH to 30 MPH.
Seconded by Mr. Reis
Motion Unanimously Carried
There was no other business to come before the Board.
MR. REIS moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Farina and
unanimously carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 P.M.
Reg. Mtg. 5/18/87
Elaine H. Snowden
Town Clerk
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