Here is a look at what happened at Wednesday's Tarrytown Board of Trustees work session:
The Board met with representatives of the Westchester County Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) to discuss the implications and possible benefits of contracting with the TLC to license taxi and livery drivers.
The TLC is proposing to take on the responsibility of licensing the drivers by conducting background checks, finger printing, drug tests, etc., as it does for other communities including Dobbs Ferry, Pleasantville, Croton and Port Chester. Taxi drivers in Tarrytown are currently licensed by the Village, possibly exposing the village to liability should there ever be a lawsuit charging negligence on the part of the driver. If Tarrytown contracts with TLC, the liability would be assumed by TLC.
“From that standpoint, there is little reason why we shouldn’t do this,” said Mayor Drew Fixell.
The fees for such a service would be paid in part by the village and by a $135 annual fee paid by the drivers. Drivers currently pay $175 every three years to be licensed by Tarrytown.
“My objection is that this will cost drivers more money,” said Felix Lantigua, owner of Sleepy Hollow Car Service.
“We’ll have a public hearing on this and likely vote on Monday,” said Mayor Fixell.
Trustee Concerns
Trustee Rebecca McGovern said she had been contacted by Sleepy Hollow Recreation Supervisor Robin Pell asking for help in financing an $85 monthly surcharge for Tarrytown residents whose children are enrolled in Sleepy Hollow’s after-school program at Morse school. Tarrytown residents pay more because the program is run through Sleepy Hollow’s recreation department.
McGovern was asked to determine if the 15 Tarrytown children enrolled in the program received free lunches “so we know who we are subsidizing.”
On another topic, McGovern asked if the trustees would be interested in touring the Tarrytown Music Hall for the purpose of learning how it works. Several members agreed to take the tour.
Trustee Tom Butler noted the new playground at Washington Irving School was well done and challenging for the kids.
Butler also voiced the need for a code enforcement office, citing the recent infractions at Wilson Park, which resulted in a stop work order. The item will be added to the next meeting’s agenda.
Trustee Robert Hoyt said he met with Sleepy Hollow Trustee Bruce Campbell about a joint community TV channel which would be funded in part by cable television franchise fees. Five responses to a
request for proposals for an organization to provide content were received and are currently being reviewed.
Open Session
Sketches of Tarrytown Beautification Foundation signs were reviewed. The signs would be erected in areas planted by the foundation. Trustee Doug Zollo asked if the signs were intended to be temporary or permanent as he is concerned about “sign pollution.”
The issue of no left turn from Windle Park onto Franklin Street was sent to the traffic counsel for discussion as residents had differing opinions.
A bid for two additional generators in the total amount of $85,600 was discussed.
The ongoing issue of a possible tattoo parlor in Tarrytown was discussed; in particular the rules regarding what businesses can be located in the Historic District of Main Street. Hoyt continued to express his objections, saying he is "just not comfortable with it," in part because Westchester County has no health code for tattoo parlors.
There will be another public hearing on the issue due to changes in the original proposal.
A real estate tax exemption for firefighters was discussed. Historically firefighters were given a $500 annual real estate tax reduction, but a recent new law passed by Tarrytown also allowed a 10 percent reduction. Trustees agreed to eliminate the $500 deduction and go with the 10 percent reduction which they all agreed would likely be more beneficial to the individuals.
There was some discussion on turning village elections over to the county.
The Board adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel matters and “some black and yellow signs” appearing throughout the village which are apparently critical of Mayor Fixell.
