Tarrytown Board of Trustees Roundup - 4/13/2011

Here's a look at what happened during Wednesday's work session of the Tarrytown Board of Trustees, and hearing on the tentative 2011-2012 budget. 

Only one member of the public spoke before the board about the proposed 2011-2012 budget.

Steve Wilgermein, who ran for Trustee recently, said he was worried that the village might lose some of the annual programs that united the community. He cited the proposed lack of fireworks this year, and cutting of two bands at the Halloween parade and Holiday Tree Lighting. 

"We look forward to the fireworks," said Wilgermein. 

Trustees said that renovations of Pierson Park made it impossible to host fireworks this year, and that they would possibly be back next year. 

Trustees also discussed having someone else fund the fireworks display, which costs the village over $17,000 annually.  

"Maybe with the year off we can get someone to fund it," Trustee Becky McGovern said. 

Board members noted that the fireworks were at one time run by the Chamber of Commerce, before the event became too expensive. The village still had to pay for police overtime to ensure public safety during the display. 

Wilgermein also asked about funding for the Pierson Park project and the Andre Brook repair. He wanted to make sure if those projects went over budget, it wouldn't be affecting the village's general fund. 

"If things are over budget, you take things out," said Trustee Tom Butler. "If it gets to expensive, we go back to redesigning."

Wilgermein said he supported any way to bring down the costs of projects and pay down the village's debt. Trustee Butler asked Wilgermein to help the board come up with ways to bring in more revenues to help pay off some of those debts. 

"I know you are a concerned citizen, perhaps you can come up with some ideas," Butler said. "That is my challenge... perhaps you can find a way to bring some solutions to us. We need your help."

Trustees will reopen the budget hearing on Monday before the start of the regular board meeting at 8 p.m. 

Anger Over Missed Calculation On Riverside Hose Engine

Members of the board became irate on Wednesday when it was revealed that a new fire engine for Riverside Hose Company does not fit into its firehouse. 

Apparently, those reviewing the specs on the truck failed to realize that the engine would be going into the firehouse at an angle. Because the angle of attack is so high, the apparatus risks being damaged when backing into Riverside. 

"This is complete nonsense," said Trustee Tom Butler.

The only way for the new engine to fit into Riverside will be to lower the apron and part of the floor inside of the firehouse, a job that will cost the village about $18,000. Blau said that the funds would likely have to come out of the village's capital expenses fund. 

"I don't like surprises," Butler said. "We have all these consultants and we're talking about an $18,000 number."

Trustees seemed most upset with East-West Fire Apparatus, the consultant firm hired to represent the village and ensure the new fire engine didn't have problems. 

"I blame this on East-West completely," said Trustee Tom Basher. "They were supposed to dot all the i's and cross all the t's, and they didn't realize it came in at an angle?"

Paddle-Boarding Nixed

Trustees received a letter from the new operator of the kayak rental business on the Tarrytown Lakes asking for permission to rent out paddle-boards as a pilot project. 

However, trustees said they didn't feel it was a good idea for safety reasons to have people on the upright boards. Trustees noted that the lake gets shallow in some areas, and people would be more prone to fall into the water when using paddle boards.

"You have no protection at all, I say we let it go," said Trustee Bobby Hoyt. 

Trustees Talk New Water Rate Structure

The board will likely adopt a new water rate structure that will impact the greatest water users in the village. 

The new system will work by charging higher and higher rates as consumption goes up each month. The tiered system (for residential and commercial users) is designed to bring in over $500,000 in new revenues. It will prove to be most impacting on hotels and the EF School, which uses the most water in the village. 

The board seemed interested in phasing in the new system over time so people and businesses could have a chance to cut their consumption. The board also wanted to see the rate structure adjusted in a way that it only raised enough money to cover the cost of buying water from New York City - currently village regularly goes over its allotment from NYC, which means they have to purchase more water at a higher rate. 

Planning Board Wants Energy in Application

A member of the village's Planning Board has requested the the village add a new requirement to the Planning Board review process.

The new requirement would be an analysis of utility costs and overall energy efficiency of new homes being built in the village. The aim is to get builders to be more open about the energy efficiency of their buildings, and also allow buyers and homeowners to know what kind of utility bills their property would likely produce.

Trustees expressed some concerns with the proposal, one being that it only mentioned residential properties, another being that it didn't set any standards about what are high and what are low energy consumption numbers. 

"How do they determine high and low," Trustee Doug Zollo said.

"Until there is a standard, how can they tell," Trustee Mary McGee said. 

Mayor Drew Fixell compared the process to the stickers you find on appliances that show energy ratings, saying it wasn't about setting a standard, just letting people know what to expect in terms of their energy use. 

The board said a joint meeting with member of the Planning Board should occur to discuss the matter in more detail. 

New Signs Coming to Tarrytown Lakes

Trustees will likely amend the village code to set times for people to be at the Tarrytown Lakes and the Skate Shack. Currently, there are no posted rules that people can't be hanging around the area at night. 

The amendment will hopefully make it easier for Village police to cite kids who are loitering in the area at night, which could also prevent drinking and garbage problems.