AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
Committee of the Whole 7:30 P.M. Stated Meeting 8:00 P.M. City Council Chambers
TIME:
PRESENT: PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL CHUCK LESNICK DISTRICT 2 MAJORITY LEADER SANDY ANNABI 4 MINORITY LEADER LIAM J. McLAUGHLIN
COUNCIL MEMBERS: DISTRICT: 1 PATRICIA D. McDOW 3 JOAN GRONOWSKI 5 JOHN M. MURTAGH 6 DEE BARBATO
Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag followed by a moment of silence to invoke God’s guidance and Blessing upon our deliberations.
Minutes of the stated meeting held on May 13, 2008 approved on motion of Majority Leader Sandy Annabi.
AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
INDEX
OLD BUSINESS
ITEM DESCRIPTION PAGE
1. RES. – HONORARY STREET – IANNACONE 8/10
2. RES. – HONORARY STREET – SADIN 11/12
NEW BUSINESS
3. RES. – SETTLEMENT – GREAVES (2,000.00) 13
4. RES. – NYS GRANT NODINE HILL (5,000.00) 14
5. RES. – HOME RULE – GETTY SQUARE (PARKS) 15/16
6. RES. – APPOINTMENT – LANDMARKS 17 (REV. ROY A. COLE AS CHAIRMAN)
7. RES. – APPOINTMENT – CITY ENGINEER 18 (JOSEPH MORAN)
8. RES. – APPOINTMENT – BD OF ASSESSMENT & 19 REVIEW (EDWARD GLOWASKI)
9. RES. – COMMISSIONERS OF DEEDS 20/22
10. RES. – INSPECTOR GENERAL PROPOSED 23/24 CBO REVIEW AND INSPECTION
11. RES. – REQUESTING FROM WESTCHESTER 25/27 COUNTY – CENTRALIZED PROPERTY TAX ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM (CPTAP)
12. RES. – COUNTYWIDE REASSESSMENT 28/30
13. RES – CITY VEHICLES (G.P.S.) 31/32
2 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
INDEX (CONTINUED)
ITEM DESCRIPTION PAGE
14. RES. – HONORARIUM – ROSEMARIE DOERR 33/34
15. RES. – HOME RULE – AMEND VEHICLE AND 35/36 TRAFFIC LAW
3 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
COMMUNICATIONS GENERALLY
1. From Shawn M. Griffin, Esq. of Harris Beach, PLLC correspondence regarding the New Main Street Development Corporation (“NMSDC”), filing relevant documents with the City Clerk for public access purposes.
2. From the town of Eastchester, dated may 13, 2008 – proposed amendments to the zoning law of the town of Eastchester.
Copies of cover letter on desks.
3. From the town of Greenburgh, notice of a public hearing to be held on May 28, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. at Greenburgh town hall. Public hearing to consider a petition by Westhab, inc. for property located at 22 Tarrytown Road.
Copies on desks
4 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
5 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
PUBLIC HEARING
1. A PUBLIC HEARING ON A CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION TO HONORARILY RE-NAME A PORTION OF GLEN BROOK AVENUE IN MEMORY OF DOMINICK J. IANNACONE.
6 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
PUBLIC HEARING
2. A PUBLIC HEARING ON A CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION TO HONORARILY RE-NAME A PORTION OF GREYSTONE TERRACE IN MEMORY OF SIDNEY A. SADIN.
7 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
OLD BUSINESS
RESOLUTION
1 BY COUNCILMEMBER ANNABI; COUNCIL PRESIDENT LESNICK, MINORITY LEADER McLAUGHLIN, COUNCILMEMBERS McDOW, GRONOWSKI, MURTAGH AND BARBATO:
Whereas, Dominick J. Iannacone was born December 22, 1927, in the City of Yonkers, New York and died, August 17, 2004, and Whereas, Dominick J. Iannacone was dedicated to public service in and for Yonkers, serving for many years in education in Yonkers public schools and in public service for decades in both Westchester County and Yonkers City government, and
Whereas, Dominick J. Iannacone served in the United States Navy during the end of World War II, and
Whereas, Dominick J. Iannacone received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Fordham University and a Master’s Degree in Education from New York University, and
Whereas, Dominick J. Iannacone was a confirmed Democrat and party activist who also was elected and served as a member of the Westchester County Board of Supervisors from the 8th Ward (presently the County Board of Legislators) from 1966-1967, and
Whereas, Dominick J. Iannacone served on the Yonkers City Council and was the Councilman for the 8th Ward, rising to the post of Vice Mayor of the City of Yonkers, and
Whereas, Dominick J. Iannacone was an employee of the Yonkers Board of Education serving as a teacher and physical education coach at Lincoln High School, a driver’s education instructor for Sacred Heart High School, an Executive Director of the Yonkers Public Schools, as well as holding various administrative posts in the Yonkers school system, and
Whereas, Dominick J. Iannacone additional served as Principal of Yonkers High School from 1982 through 1985, and
Whereas, Dominick J. Iannacone love and dedication to the educational school system in Yonkers led to his mayoral appointment to the Board of Education of the City of Yonkers in 1995, and he served a full term until the year 2000, and 8 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION (CONTINUED)
Whereas, Dominick J. Iannacone was one of the driving forces behind choosing the name “Yonkers Middle High School” in 1991, bringing about the first time a high school was named for this City since 1988, and
Whereas, Dominick J. Iannacone was involved in many activities such as being a Member of the Frank A. Rea Post, a Member of the Rauso Post, Past Chairman of the Columbus Day Committee, Member of the Enrico Fermi Educational Foundation and an avid golfer who enjoyed traveling and playing golf worldwide, and
Whereas, after retiring from the educational field, Dominick J. Iannacone, became the Facility Manager at Sprain Lake Golf Course, and
Whereas, Dominick J. Iannacone had election victories in 1966 for supervisor, (County Legislator) and for Councilman in 1970 (a post he held until 1977), and
Whereas, Dominick J. Iannacone lost to Angelo Martinelli in the 1977 Mayoral race and in 1989 he attempted to defeat Mayor Nicholas C Wasicsko in a Democratic Primary, but lost to Wasicsko, who lost the election to Hank Spallone, and
Whereas, Dominick J. Iannacone is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Lucas, a son Norman, and three grandchildren, and
Whereas, Dominick J. Iannacone is predeceased by a son, Stephen and two brothers, Vincent and Jack, and
Whereas, Dominick J. Iannacone’s wife Mary, family and all his friends of more than 50 years, requested to have a small section of the street, Glen Brook Avenue, where Dominick J. Iannacone lived with his family be honorary renamed Iannacone Way or Brother Iannacone Way to recognize the work that he accomplished during his lifetime, and
Whereas, Council Rules of January 2006 require a public hearing take place for such a request, and
Now, therefore be it resolved, that the City Council of Yonkers hereby directs the City Clerk to set a public hearing date for the consideration of a street renaming for the late Dominick J. Iannacone.
9 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION (CONTINUED)
Be it further resolved, that barring any unforeseen circumstance, a street renaming ceremony may thereafter be scheduled.
10 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION
2. BY COUNCILMEMBER GRONOWSKI; COUNCIL PRESIDENT LESNICK, MAJORITY LEADER ANNABI, MINORITY LEADER McLAUGHLIN, COUNCILMEMBERS McDOW, MURTAGH AND BARBATO:
WHEREAS, the late Sidney A. Sadin was born May 19, 1918, and passed on, October 8, 2005, and
WHEREAS, Sidney A. Sadin has resided at 20 Greystone Terrace for over 20 years and has resided in the City of Yonkers for over 50 years, and
WHEREAS, Sidney A. Sadin served in the United States Marines during the end of the Korean War, as 1st Sergeant Marine for the Untied States Forces, and
WHEREAS, Sidney A. Sadin joined the reserve for many years under the same rank at the end of the Korean War, and
WHEREAS, Sidney A. Sadin took a career as a scientist and chemist working for U.S. Vitamin in Yonkers, Revlon and Merck Company, and
WHEREAS, during Sidney A. Sadin career as a scientist and chemist, he contributed to developing special cement for hip surgery and medical drugs and patents, and
WHEREAS, Sidney A. Sadin was involved in many activities within the community and served as a member to the New York Chemical Society, Smithsonian Institute and Honorary Member of National Geographic, and
WHEREAS, Sidney A. Sadin was appointed as the Retiree Council in West Point, where he also volunteered to work at the Keller Hospital Pharmacy for 14 years, and
WHEREAS, Sidney A. Sadin is survived by his beloved wife, Sarah Sadin, a two daughters, Roberta and Raquel, and four grandchildren, and
11 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION (CONTINUED)
WHEREAS, Sidney A. Sadin wife Sarah, family and all his friends of more than 50 years, requested to have a small section of the street, Gleystone Terrace, where Sidney A. Sadin lived with his family for 50 years be honorary renamed Sidney A. Sadin to recognize the work that he accomplished during his lifetime, and
WHEREAS, Council Rules of January 2006 require a public hearing take place for such a request, and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Yonkers hereby directs the City Clerk to set a public hearing date for the consideration of a street renaming for the late Sidney A. Sadin.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that barring any unforeseen circumstance, a street renaming ceremony may thereafter be scheduled.
12 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION
3. BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT LESNICK, MAJORITY LEADER ANNABI, MINORITY LEADER McLAUGHLIN, COUNCILMEMBERS McDOW, GRONOWSKI, MURTAGH AND BARBATO
RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Yonkers, in meeting assembled: That the settlement by the Corporation Counsel in the amount of Two Thousand Dollars($2,000.00) of the action entitled, “David Graves, infant by mother and natural guardian Sakia L. Slater and Sakia L. Slater, (residing at 196 South Columbus Avenue, 2nd Floor, Mt. Vernon, New York 10553), Plaintiff against THE CITY OF YONKERS, Defendant", for personal injuries arising out of an incident alleging that on March 27, 2006 claimant tripped and fell on the stairs at Martin Luther King Elementary School in Yonkers, New York be and the same hereby is approved and the Comptroller of the City of Yonkers is directed to draw his warrant in the amount of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) in favor of said plaintiffs and their attorneys Mirman, Markovits & Landau, P.C..
13 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION
4. BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT LESNICK, MAJORITY LEADER ANNABI, MINORITY LEADER McLAUGHLIN, COUNCILMEMBERS McDOW, GRONOWSKI, MURTAGH AND BARBATO
WHEREAS, the City of Yonkers, Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, has been awarded a $5,000 legislative grant from New York State for the fiscal year 2008-2009 for use at the Nodine Hill Community Center to purchase equipment , and no matching City funds are required; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Yonkers is hereby authorized to obtain the $5,000 funds available under the grant; and be it further;
RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately.
14 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION
5. BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT LESNICK, MAJORITY LEADER ANNABI, MINORITY LEADER McLAUGHLIN, COUNCILMEMBERS McDOW, GRONOWSKI, MURTAGH AND BARBATO
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Yonkers approved Resolution No. 12-2008 on January 22, 2008 requesting the New York State Legislature to enact legislation authorizing the City of Yonkers to discontinue and de-dedicate certain park lands owned by the City in the Getty Square Urban Renewal Area as public parkland, which are required for the proposed redevelopment projects (the “Current Park Parcels”) upon the condition that certain other lands owned by the City be dedicated as parkland of the City (the “Replacement Parcels”); and
WHEREAS, in response to our request, the Senate Rules Committee and Assemblyman Pretlow introduced bills into the legislature, numbered S. 5910-A and A. 8499-A respectively (“State Legislative Bills) attached hereto and made a part hereof; and
WHEREAS, the Current Park Parcels, located in the City of Yonkers, Westchester County, containing approximately 2.93 acres, proposed to be discontinued as parkland and alienated, sold and conveyed, subject to easements, covenants and restriction of record, are more particularly described in Section Three of the State Legislative Bills, and
WHEREAS, the Replacement Lands, proposed to be dedicated by the City of Yonkers to be used as parkland for public park purposes, subject to easements, covenants and restrictions of record, are located in the City of Yonkers, Westchester County and comprise a total of 8.25 acres more or less are more particularly described in Section Four of the State Legislative Bills; and
WHEREAS, the State Legislative Bills authorize the City of Yonkers to discontinue as parklands and alienate, sell and convey the Current Parcels described in Section Three of the State Legislative Bills and in exchange therefor, dedicate as parklands the lands described in Section Four of the State Legislative Bills, such land to be used for park purposes,
15 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION (CONTINUED)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS, that the City of Yonkers hereby adopts this resolution as its home rule message in accordance with Section 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York in support of Senate Bill S. 5910-A and Assembly Bill A. 8499-A in order to allow the discontinuance and de-dedication of the lands in the Getty Square Urban Renewal Area described above as “Current Park Parcels” and containing approximately 2.93 acres; and be it further .
RESOLVED, that, the discontinuance of the Current Park Parcels is contingent upon other City-owned lands described above as “Replacement Parcels” and containing approximately 8.25 acres being dedicated as parkland of the City and other conditions set forth in the attached legislation; and be it further
RESOLVED, that, the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to forward copies of this Resolution to the New York State Legislators who have sponsored this legislation and to the appropriate state agencies; and be it further
RESOLVED, that, this resolution shall take effect immediately.
16 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION
6. BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT LESNICK, MAJORITY LEADER ANNABI, MINORITY LEADER McLAUGHLIN, COUNCILMEMBERS McDOW, GRONOWSKI, MURTAGH AND BARBATO
BE IT RESOLVED that, pursuant to Section 45-3(E) of the Yonkers City Code, the Yonkers City Council hereby gives its approval and consent to the designation of Reverend Roy A. Cole as Chairman of the Landmarks Preservation Board, for a term to expire on December 31, 2009.
17 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION
7. BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT LESNICK, MAJORITY LEADER ANNABI, MINORITY LEADER McLAUGHLIN, COUNCILMEMBERS McDOW, GRONOWSKI, MURTAGH AND BARBATO
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Yonkers City Council hereby gives its advice and consent to the appointment of JOSEPH J. MORAN as City Engineer.
18 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION
8. BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT LESNICK, MAJORITY LEADER ANNABI, MINORITY LEADER McLAUGHLIN, COUNCILMEMBERS McDOW, GRONOWSKI, MURTAGH AND BARBATO
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Yonkers City Council hereby appoints Edward Glowaski, to the Yonkers Board of Assessment and Review for a five year term to expire on December 31, 2012.
19 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION
9. BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT LESNICK, MAJORITY LEADER ANNABI, MINORITY LEADER McLAUGHLIN, COUNCILMEMBERS McDOW, GRONOWSKI, MURTAGH AND BARBATO
BE IT RESOLVED, that the following applicant(s) are hereby appointed and/or reappointed to the office of Commissioner of Deeds for a period of two years to expire on June 30, 2010.
Emily Schorr Lesnick 15 Albemarle Place Yonkers, New York 10701 NEW
Mellissa Nacerino 1101 Midland Avenue Apt # 434 Yonkers, New York 10708
Director of marketing NEW
Vincent E. Spano 131 Underhill Street Yonkers, New York 10710
Deputy City Clerk RENEWAL
Kelly Fant – Mcgill 40 Jody Lane Yonkers, New York 10701
Yonkers Schools RENEWAL
20 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION (CONTINUED)
Leonard Spano 120 Colonial Pkwy North Yonkers, New York 10710
City of Yonkers RENEWAL
Victoria Smith 131 Underhill Street Yonkers, New York 10710
City of Yonkers NEW
Leonard Spano 5 Colonial Pkwy North Yonkers, New York 10710
Self Employed NEW
Corey Robert Koscielniak Work address 40 S. Broadway Yonkers, New York 10701
NEW
Amelia Laguerre 46 Argyle Terrace Yonkers, New York 10703
Westchester Board of Elections RENEWAL
Mary Lou Schwartz 48 Fairview Street Yonkers, New York 10703
Westchester Board of Elections RENEWAL
21 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION (CONTINUED)
Richard Marmolejos 55 Bennett Avenue Yonkers, New York 10701
Council President’s Office NEW
Steven Tvert 1 David lane, Apt. 8R Yonkers, New York 10701
Citibank RENEWAL
22 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION
10. BY MAJORITY LEADER ANNABI, COUNCIL PRESIDENT LESNICK, MINORITY LEADER McLAUGHLIN, COUNCILMEMBERS McDOW, GRONOWSKI, MURTAGH AND BARBATO
Whereas, Yonkers City Council Resolution No. 52-2008, was adopted on March 25, 2008, directing the Inspector General of the City of Yonkers to develop an ongoing oversight program to monitor CBO’s and other entities that receive grant funding from the City of Yonkers, and
Whereas, the Inspector General’s Memorandum of April 14, 2008 sets forth the details of the oversight program and was directed to all members of the City Council, and
Whereas, the Inspector General’s Memorandum of April 14, 2008 was accepted as a Communication on the stated meeting of May 14, 2008, and
Whereas, in another Memorandum, dated May 6, 2008, the Inspector General responded to the Council’s inquiries, and further clarified the distinction between current oversight by Office of Community Development (via application requirements) and the proposed CBO Review and Inspection Program, and
Whereas, the Inspector General’s CBO proposed oversight program will select a cross section of the City’s grantees for review, with the goal of at least 12 different inspections and reviews in its initial year, and
Whereas, the Inspector General’s proposed CBO oversight program shall then provide ongoing inspection and review of individual programs funded by grants from the City of Yonkers, and shall report upon completion of each review to the Mayor, the City Council, and the Commissioner of Planning and Development, and
Whereas, the Inspector General’s proposed CBO oversight program shall comment on the existence of proper accounting of grant expenditures, the appropriateness of grant expenditures (in accordance with grant applications), and verification of existing proper internal controls, along with recommendations to address any deficiencies discovered in the review.
23 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION (CONTINUED)
Therefore be it resolved, that the Yonkers City Council is in accordance with the preliminary details and scope of the proposed Review and Inspection program and hereby approves that the Inspector General’s Office move forward, as set forth in his memorandums, dated April 14, 2008 and May 6, 2008.
24 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION
11. BY COUNCILMEMBER GRONOWSKI, COUNCIL PRESIDENT LESNICK, MAJORITY LEADER ANNABI, MINORITY LEADER McLAUGHLIN, COUNCILMEMBERS McDOW, MURTAGH AND BARBATO
WHEREAS, according to the New York State Office of Real Property Services (ORPS) New York state's property tax system is “notoriously complex and confusing, particularly for taxpayers”, being one of only 3 states that doesn't have a statewide standard of assessing, and one of 12 states that doesn't mandate a reassessment cycle; and
WHEREAS, we have nearly 700 school districts crossing over 1,128 assessing units (compared to a national median of 85 assessing units); and
WHEREAS, each municipality's share of the county tax bill is based on assessed property values and a formula using a factor known as the state equalization rate, and because each municipality in Westchester assesses the value of property differently, this tax increase varies greatly and can cause significant fluctuations in tax rates from year to year, with the City of Yonkers facing a 24% increase in the county portion of their tax bills; and
WHEREAS, in the fall of 2007, ORPS established the Centralized Property Tax Administration Program (CPTAP) to encourage county and municipal officials to study reform opportunities for their local property tax systems, with more than 43 counties receiving grants expecting to total $5.6 million; and
WHEREAS, according to ORPS, two CPTAP grants are available to almost every county in the state. $50,000 (made available in two payments) is available to study reforms to the system for assessing property. An additional $50,000 is available to study and implement a countywide database for property tax collection/enforcement (with $25,000 to conduct the study and an additional $25,000 to defray the cost of implementation); and
WHEREAS, according to ORPS, the intent of the grant program is for counties to “chart their own paths to reform”. By analyzing the particulars of their county, local officials can determine what will work best for their taxpayers and the taxing jurisdictions, alike, to achieve common
25 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION (CONTINUED)
treatment (including a common level of assessment / equalization rate) for all parcels in a county, which will benefit taxpayers in the following ways, which are the core goals of a good property tax system and the intent of the grant program.
Transparency - "Is it simple enough for taxpayers to understand?" Equity - "Does it treat every parcel the same way?" Efficiency - "Is it the lowest cost for a given level of service?"
WHEREAS, according to ORPS, in forty-one Assessing Studies, in all but a handful of counties, the level of assessment varies from one municipality to another (with the widest range in one county being from 1.38 to 100). ORPS notes that some municipalities haven't reassessed since the civil war, while others maintain 100% assessments each year, which creates enormous disparities (and subsequent taxpayer confusion), particularly in regard to apportionment of school and county tax levies.
WHEREAS, the assessing study grant allows each county to find its own path to improved assessing, by fully documenting the existing system, identifying problems, costs, service levels and ideas for improvement, and coming up with a set of changes and a plan to get there; and
WHEREAS, several county legislators recently introduced legislation to create a Westchester County property valuation Commission to gather property data, perform relevant data analysis and submit recommendations on property valuation, with an end result of developing a process for countywide revaluation of property,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Yonkers petition the County of Westchester to submit an application for the Centralized Property Tax Administration Program (CPTAP) assessment improvement grant for the 2008-2009 grant cycle, which application deadline is July 1, 2008, since any committee of this nature will undoubtedly cost the taxpayers of the county, and
26 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION (CONTINUED)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the grant monies in excess of the required amount for the necessary report be transferred to this committee in order to defray the costs to the taxpayers.
27 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION
12. COUNCIL PRESIDENT LESNICK, MAJORITY LEADER ANNABI, MINORITY LEADER McLAUGHLIN, COUNCILMEMBERS McDOW, GRONOWSKI, MURTAGH AND BARBATO
WHEREAS, nearly seventy years have passed since January 1940 when, then Westchester County Executive, William F. Bleakley, urged the County Board of Supervisors to undertake countywide assessment as authorized in the County’s 1937 Charter and, thereby, take-over the procedure within Westchester County and bring fairness to the County’s system of property valuation, and
WHEREAS, since County Executive Bleakley’s request, the County has neither taken-over this important procedure nor been successful in getting state authorization to undertake a countywide reassessment of all real property within its borders, and
WHEREAS, more than fifty-five years later, in early 1996, County reassessment almost became a reality when a Home Rule Request for state authorization to undertake a countywide reassessment was adopted by the County Board of Legislators and introduced and adopted by both houses of the State Legislature, and
WHEREAS, unfortunately, this important State legislation, which would have brought much needed fairness and equity to the local governments and residents of Westchester County, was vetoed by then Governor, George Pataki, and
WHEREAS, in December 2007 the Westchester County Board of Legislators adopted the 2008 County budget that included a 3.89% countywide property tax levy increase, and
WHEREAS, due to the wide tax assessment variations, this 3.89% countywide property tax increase translated into a 23.64% County property tax increase for the taxpayers of the City of Yonkers, and
WHEREAS, the variation is so great that the next largest increase was 11.22% in the City of Peekskill and, almost unbelievably, the Town of Mount Pleasant actually had a 6.25% decrease, and
28 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION (CONTINUED)
WHEREAS, although, over the years, two municipalities have undertaken local reassessment, the wide-swing variations countywide make it clear that something must be done to restore fairness and equity on a countywide basis, and
WHEREAS, the most efficient process to rebalance the assessments of all property within the County is for the County of Westchester to undertake a countywide reassessment of all property within its borders, and
WHEREAS, in addition, great care should be taken to assure that any countywide reassessment legislation carefully considers the potential impacts on both homeowners and businesses alike and, that appropriate safeguards be built into any countywide revaluation legislation, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Yonkers hereby requests the Westchester County Board of Legislators to adopt a Resolution requesting the introduction and passage of State legislation authorizing Westchester County to undertake a County-wide reassessment of all real property within its borders; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council requests that the State Legislature introduce the legislation as requested by the Westchester County Board of Legislators and that, after review and determination, the Governor sign the legislation into law; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk of the City of Yonkers be and hereby is authorized and directed to forward a duly certified copy of this Resolution to County Executive Andrew J. Spano, Chairman of the County Board of Legislators William J. Ryan, County Legislator Jose Alvarado, County Legislator Gordon Burrows, County Legislator Kenneth Jenkins, County Legislator Bernice Spreckman, Clerk of the County Board of Legislators Tina Seckerson, Governor David Patterson, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senator Jeff Klein, Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, Senator Vincent Leibell, Assemblyman Michael Spano, Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, Assemblyman Adam Bradley, Assemblywoman Sandra Galef and Assemblyman George Latimer; and be it
29 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION (CONTINUED)
FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.
30 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION
13. BY COUNCILMEMBER GRONOWSKI, COUNCIL PRESIDENT LESNICK, MAJORITY LEADER ANNABI, MINORITY LEADER McLAUGHLIN, COUNCILMEMBERS McDOW, MURTAGH AND BARBATO
WHEREAS, Studies have proven that Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking devices which have been installed on government-issued vehicles are helping communities around the country increase safety and productivity, reduce waste, deter abuse, and save the taxpayers’ money in gasoline and lost productivity;
WHEREAS, The Town of Islip, Long Island installed GPS tracking devices in 614 vehicles, that monitored municipal vehicles, saving nearly 14,000 gallons of gasoline over a three-month period compared with the previous year’s expenses; and
WHEREAS, the primary purpose of installing GPS devices is to improve the maintenance and operation of the vehicles, design more efficient routes and improve services to the taxpayers; and
WHEREAS, the installation of GPS devices on municipal vehicles can alert mechanics that a car's engine is operating inefficiently and improve the maintenance and operation of the vehicle; and
WHEREAS, with the current average cost of gasoline at more than $3.49 per gallon, efficiencies should be made to reduce fuel consumption and save money; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Islip purchased their GPS system from a New York State bid at significant savings; and
WHEREAS, the City of Yonkers should explore all necessary reductions and efficiencies to bring increased fiscal stability to Yonkers government; and
NOW; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Yonkers perform a cost benefit analysis to determine the feasibility of implementing a GPS system and the cost savings to be derived from such a system; and
31 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION (CONTINUED)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Yonkers renews its evaluation of the existing policy of take-home city vehicles, with an eye toward further reducing those numbers in an effort to save taxpayer dollars.
32 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION
14. BY COUNCILMEMBERS BARBATO & MURTAGH, COUNCIL PRESIDENT LESNICK, MAJORITY LEADER ANNABI, MINORITY LEADER McLAUGHLIN, COUNCILMEMBERS McDOW & GRONOWSKI
WHEREAS, the City of Yonkers is honored to have many outstanding individuals within their employ who selflessly dedicate themselves in service to the residents of Yonkers, and
WHEREAS, Rosemarie C. Doerr is one such exceptional employee who took great pride and diligence in the scope of her numerous areas of responsibility during her years of employment within the City of Yonkers from 1985 to the present, and
WHEREAS, Rosemarie, has always retained a reputation of professionalism and excellence, and is held in high esteem by her peers and supervisors alike, and whose companionship, gracious manner, winning smile and good humor will be sorely missed, and
WHEREAS, Rosemarie has served the City of Yonkers in many capacities beginning in 1985 with her service to the City Council as a Legislative Assistant; Administrative Secretary to the Commissioner of Public Works in 1990; Administrative Secretary to the Director of Building Department in 1991 - 2000, and Administrative Secretary to the Civil Service Commission from 2000 to the present, and
WHEREAS, her resume also includes impressive employment as a legal secretary beginning in 1954 with various legal firms including Webb & Knapp, Inc.; Cocozza & Cocozza, Esq.; Leahy, Nyberg, Bovine & D’Apice, Esqs., Lauterbach & Lauterbach, Esqs; and from 1983-1985 was Office Manager of the District Office of State Senator John D. Calandra, and
WHEREAS, Rosemarie has always given of her time and talents to numerous community organizations beginning with the P.T.A. in 1973 serving as President of P.S. 30, Mark Twain Middle School, Lincoln H.S. PTSA, Yonkers Council of PTA’S and Westchester District PTA where she served as Assistant Director, and was honored recipient of the National PTA Honorary Award, and the Jenkins Memorial Award, and
33 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION (CONTINUED)
WHEREAS, a champion of Boy Scouting, Rosemarie continues to proudly serve the Boy Scouts of America, Four Rivers District and is the proud recipient of the Silver Beaver Award; the Four Rivers District Award of Merit; 39 Year Award in Scouting and has served as Assistant District Commissioner; Chairman of the District and District Commissioner 2008- 09, and
WHEREAS, Rosemarie continues to donate endless hours to her favorite charities, including 30 years as a member of the Fine Arts Orchestral Society and President of the Board for the past 9 years; Chairman of the Board of Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Executive Board Member of the Family Service of Westchester, and longtime member of the Yonkers Historical Society, Untermyer Performing Arts & Enrico Fermi Educational Fund; she has also served as a longtime Ward & District Leader in her community, and
WHEREAS, always lovingly supported by her husband Hank, 3 sons and six grandchildren, Rosemarie now moves into a new and exciting phase of life, one which will afford the opportunity to enjoy new experiences and do all that you promised yourself you would one day.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, we, the members of the Yonkers City Council, join in recognizing and thanking you for your years of dedicated service and wish you all the best for a happy and healthy retirement, as you celebrate with friends, family and co-workers at a joyful Recognition & Retirement Dinner held in your honor this, the Twentieth Day of May, Two Thousand and Eight.
34 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION
15. BY COUNCILMEMBER MURTAGH, COUNCIL PRESIDENT LESNICK, MAJORITY LEADER ANNABI, MINORITY LEADER McLAUGHLIN, COUNCILMEMBERS McDOW, GRONOWSKI, AND BARBATO
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Yonkers determined that there are a number of areas within the City, where for various reasons, there is insufficient parking to meet current needs; and
WHEREAS, one area in Yonkers that has suffered greatly because of the inadequacy of on-street parking is the community known as Garrett Park, which is comprised of over 1200 residents and more than 700 resident-owned automobiles; and
WHEREAS, for this reason the City of Yonkers petitioned the State to amend Section 1640 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law to allow a residential parking permit system in the Garrett Park area of the City of Yonkers, which petition was granted; and
WHEREAS, subsequently, the city learned that it was necessary to amend the description of the area of the residential parking permit system to include Bronxville Road from Palmer Road to Pondfield Road West and, by Resolution, requested the introduction of the necessary State legislation; and
WHEREAS, Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assemblyman Michael Spano introduced State Bills S-7603 and A-9403 respectively, to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law to include Bronxville Rd. from Palmer Rd. to Pondfield Rd. West within the Parking Permit System within the Garrett Park area of Yonkers.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Yonkers hereby requests the State Legislature to adopt State Bills S-7603 and A-9403 which once adopted and signed into law will create the Garrett Park Residential Parking area that encompasses Palmer Road, from Parkview Avenue to Bronxville Road; Garrett Place; Parkview Avenue from Palmer Road to 103 Parkview Avenue, north of Pondfield Road West; Bronxville Road from Palmer Road to Pondfield Road West; Pondfield Road West from Bronxville Road to the Bronxville border and Gard Avenue from Pondfield Road West to 19 Gard Avenue, north of Pondfield Road West; and
35 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
RESOLUTION (CONTINUED)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk is hereby directed to forward a duly certified copy of this Home Rule Message to Governor David Paterson and to each member of our State delegation in Albany.
36 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS STATED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008
COMMITTEE REPORTS
37