Here's a look at what happened during Wednesday’s work session of the Tarrytown Board of Trustees.
Trustee Concerns
The issue of algae buildup in the Upper Tarrytown Lake has been a concern for trustees. The Village has contracted with a company that aerates the lake to keep it free from algae. The system is likely to be reviewed to make sure it is working at full capacity, every hour of every day.
Kelly to be Honored in Maryland
On October 16, 2011, there will be a ceremony in Emmittsberg, Maryland where John Kelly’s name will be inscribed on the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Members of local fire companies are planning to attend and the Village will likely supply a bus for the event. However, trustees felt that some of the funds to pay for the transport should come from fire companies as well. The proportions of payments will be decided at a later date.
Tattoo Parlors Slowly Moving Ahead
A proposal to allow tattoo parlors in the Village is moving forward. Village Administrator Michael Blau has penned draft legislation that was reviewed by board members prior to Wednesday's meeting. Trustees seemed on board, but were concerned about signage issues, hoping that tattoo parlors would adhere to written-only signage instead of things like pictures, illustrations, and especially anything with neon lighting. The proposal will have to be scheduled for a public hearing to allow for citizen comments.
Some Changes to Filming on the Way
Following the complaints of downtown business owners, the Village will likely adopt some new guidelines when it comes to issuing filming permits. Under the new guidelines, permits will be strictly enforced and cannot be amended within two weeks of filming. Trustees will also add language that any violation or alteration of permit will be grounds for permit revocation.
Businesses May Get Flexible Permits
Business owners are also hoping the Village will adopt a flexible merchant parking permit system. This would allow a merchant to add five additional cars to a permit for employees to park downtown. Shop owners would have to declare which cars are on the permit, and would have to pay an additional 10 percent over the flat permit fee for each additional car.
Still Some Concern Over Riverside Engine
Riverside Company's new fire engine now fits in its firehouse, however the board still has some concerns about how the truck is able to fit.
Some fire department members noticed that spacers may have been removed from the engine to lower its height, which could mean the engine is not able to hold its recommended maximum weight.
Trustees are concerned that the removal of spacers (if that is the case) and the lowering of the engine may void any warranties on the aparatus. The board wanted a full accounting of any legal issues that might involve the truck and its manufacturers, and above all, to make sure the engine is safe to operate.
Agreement Westchester County – Prisoner Transportation
The Village will enter into a new agreement with Westchester County on the amount it gets reimbursed for prisoner transports.
Handicapped Space Removal
A property owner has requested the removal of a handicapped parking space at LeGrande Avenue and Hamilton Place. The property owner was originally the one who requested the space, so trustees felt it was an easy decision to remove the disabled designation.
Village Clerk Could Become Marriage Official
Although the Village cannot issue marriage licenses, trustees are considering making the Village Clerk a marrying official. The position would be unpaid and would allow the clerk to be the appointed marrying official, similar to the Board of Trustees.
Village May Let County License Taxi Drivers
The Board of Trustees is considering letting the county license all taxi drivers in the Village. The licensing of the vehicles would still be a Village responsibility. The Village only receives about $2,700 from licensing drivers a year, which may not cover the administrative costs associated with licensing roughly 75 drivers annually.
Other Issues
Trustees also discussed water rates, the Eastview Pump Station and a number of capital projects which will be covered in upcoming articles.
