October 21, 2003

Town Board Meeting

A regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Town Board of
the Town of Cortlandt was conducted on Tuesday,
October 21, 2003 in the Vincent F. Nyberg meeting room of the Cortlandt Town Hall,
located at One Heady Street,
Cortlandt Manor, NY
(10567) with the following elected officials and appointed staff in attendance:

LINDA D. PUGLISI                                      Supervisor

JOSEPH
D. CERRETO                                Councilmember

FRANCES
X. FARRELL                             Councilmember

ANN
LINDAU                                               Councilmember

JOHN
E. SLOAN                                          Councilmember

Also present: JO-ANN
DYCKMAN                                    Town
Clerk

GLENN
CESTARO                                      Comptroller

THOMAS
WOOD, ESQ.                              Town
Attorney

EDWARD
VERGANO                                 DOTS/Director

ROSEMARIE
B. LASHER                          DOTS/Asst.
to Director

KATHLEEN
BURLESON                            DES/D            irector

JEFF
TKACS                                     DES/Coor.
of Safety & Sec.

PETER
McMILLAN                                    Purchasing
Dir.

CLAUDIA
VAHEY                                        Human
Res. Dir.

CATHERINE
M. HOFFMAN                     Dep.
Town Clerk/Steno.

* * * * * * * * * *

MEETING CALLED to ORDER

Supervisor Puglisi called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

* * * * * * * * * *

PLEDGE to the FLAG

Supervisor Puglisi said this is a very special meeting for
all Cortlandt residents.  After ten
months of  military service in Iraq,
Lieutenant Colonel Joe Cerreto has returned.  She asked the Town Board members and
Town Clerk to approach the podium while Councilmember Cerreto led all in
attendance in a Pledge to the Flag.

His wife, Carol,
was introduced, as were his parents, Angelo and  Leena.  While Joe was overseas, he and his wife
became grandparents of Alexander.

Supervisor Puglisi said we are honored to have Joe back with
us tonight and are so very grateful that he came home safely.  While on duty in Iraq, he earned a
Bronze Star that was displayed by his wife. While he was away, Councilmember
Cerreto was kept fully abreast of events in Cortlandt and business before the
Town Board through air mail freight, Federal Express, e-mail, etc.

Today the Supervisor and Councilmember Cerreto spent a good
part of the afternoon at the FDR Veteran’s Hospital in Montrose.
Washington, DC is thinking about downsizing or closing up this hospital.  She said that is not going to happen.  The Town Board will make every attempt
to keep the facility open.  We must
at all times respect our veterans and understand their need for the services
offered in the Montrose hospital.

Supervisor Puglisi presented Councilman Cerreto’s wife
and mother with bouquets of flowers.

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October 21, 2003

Town Board Minutes

Councilmember Lindau said she is delighted to have Joe back
with his sense of humor and the good balance he brings to the Town Board.  She prays for the safety of all the
other troops.

Councilmember Farrell joined everyone in welcoming Joe back,
praising his service, along with all the men and women serving our country.

Councilmember Sloan said he often looked at Joe’s
vacant chair next to him and wished he was present to offer his wisdom and
guidance.  He hopes he brings some
of his last ten month’s experiences to the Town Board and leaves others
safely tucked away.

Town Clerk Dyckman wished Joe a welcome home saying this
will be the first time in ten months that she doesn’t have to say,
“Councilman Cerreto, absent.”

Chairperson of the Veteran’s Committee, Fremont Reif,
welcomed Joe, saying he was prayed for as well as all the troops serving our
country abroad.  He invited the Town
Board and the general public to the next meeting October 30th at the recently
opened New York State veterans’ nursing home at the FDR campus in
Montrose.  After the meeting and
refreshments there will be a tour of the facility.  Flu shots will then be given to all
veterans at the hospital.

Supervisor Puglisi asked that the public join the
Veterans’ Committee at the Mongero Park on Route 6 at Locust Avenue on
Veterans’ Day at 12 noon.

A care package was put together for Joe by people from the
community, Veteran’s committee, government employees, senior citizen
groups.  He returned before it was
sent and the Supervisor presented it to him at the meeting.

Councilmember Cerreto expressed his gratitude for all the
e-mails from Town employees as well as elected officials.  He said there are 150,000 of our people
still in Iraq doing a lot of work on the infrastructure of the country which we
don’t necessarily hear about.

Supervisor Puglisi introduced senior students from Hendrick
Hudson High School who are attending this Town Board meeting to study local
government in action.  She said she
feels this is a pretty good meeting to observe that.

Supervisor Puglisi asked Councilman Cerreto to lead all
present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

* * * * * * * * * *

SUPERVISOR’S
REPORTS on PROJECTS and ISSUES.

Jeff Tkacs said
there will be a meeting to recruit additional volunteers to serve in the
Disaster Preparedness at Town Hall on October 24th at 10 AM and Oct. 29th at 7
PM.

He announced the first series of a program entitled
“Preparing for the Unexpected”, a Red Cross program of local
emergency preparedness at the household and family level.  The program has been modified to make it
very specific for Cortlandt residents.
The first series will be held on Thursday, November 6th at 10 AM and
repeated the same day at 7 PM.  The
second series on Thursday, November 13th at 2 PM and 7 PM.

Tuesday, November 25th will be the second annual American
Red Cross, Westchester Chapter “Emergency Planning and Preparedness
Academy.”

* * * * * * * * * *

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October 21, 2003

Town Board Minutes

ROLL CALL

On a roll call attendance taken by Town Clerk Dyckman, all
Councilmembers indicated their presence.

* * * * * * * * *
*

APPROVAL of MINUTES

Councilmembers Sloan and Cerreto moved that the minutes of
the regular Town Board meeting of September 16, 2003 be approved as presented
by Town Clerk Dyckman.  All voted AYE.

* * * * * * * * * *

PUBLIC HEARING

(A complete transcript of the following Public Hearing is
on file in the Office of the Town Clerk.)

Reconvene a Public Hearing to consider adopting a
resolution with respect to the regulation of residential rents within the Town
of Cortlandt.

Town Clerk Dyckman presented and read the Notice of Hearing
as had been published in the official Town of Cortlandt newspaper.

Supervisor Puglisi called the hearing to order and turned
the meeting over to T. Wood, Town Attorney.

T. Wood said
since the last Town Board meeting, several meetings have been held with both
the representatives of the tenants and the representatives of the
landlords.  Some good progress has
been made and there are still a few issues that have to be worked through.  Based on those discussions, the Town
Attorney recommended that the Public Hearing be adjourned to November
18th.  The landlords have agreed to
extend the existing moratorium through the end of November.  If agreement can be reached prior to
that he will ask the Town Board to hold a special Town Board meeting so that it
can be resolved prior to the 18th.

On the agenda this evening is a proposed resolution to
activate  the Tenant Advisory Board
and it is hoped there will soon be a meeting of that group scheduled.

Supervisor Puglisi said they had hoped to resolve this issue
this evening and she thanked the Amberlands’ residents for their patience
and all of the work they are doing on this issue.

Councilmember Cerreto moved that the public hearing be adjourned
to November 18, 2003.  Councilmember Lindau seconded
the motion.  All voted AYE.

* * * * * * * * * *

HEARING of
CITIZENS, (agenda items only)

Speaker:  Jack
Pettersen, Washington St., Cortlandt Manor.

Subject:   Proposed Tamarack Sewer District.

* * * * * * * * * *

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October 21, 2003

Town Board Minutes

BID REPORTS

Councilmember Lindau moved that the following item be
removed from the agenda, that the second item be amended and the resolutions be
adopted.  Councilmember Farrell
seconded the motion.

REMOVED FROM AGENDA - Receive and file and reject bids
opened August 29, 2003 for “Water Meters and Radio Units” and
authorize DOTS to seek invitations to bid a pilot program for installation of
water meters.

AMENDED as follows:
Receive and file bids opened October 17, 2003 and award a contract with
respect to the Westchester Avenue and Eighth Street drainage project and
authorize DOTS to seek requests for proposals for engineering services and
invitations to bid with respect to a retention pond.

RESOLUTION
NO. 302–03 – RE:
Award a contract for the Westchester Avenue and Eighth Street drainage
project and authorize DOTS to seek requests for proposals for engineering
services and invitations to bid with respect to a retention pond.

There was no discussion.  All voted AYE.

* * * * * * * * * *

REPORTS

Councilmembers Farrell and Cerreto moved to authorize the
following monthly reports be received and ordered filed:

April,
2003           -  DES/Recreation.

August,
2003
-  DOTS/Water.

September,
2003 -  DES/ Office of Aging,
DOTS/Water, Receiver of Taxes, Town

Clerk and Town Justices.

There was no discussion.  All voted AYE.

* * * * * * * * * *

OLD BUSINESS

Correspondence:

Councilmember Cerreto moved that the following documents
be received and ordered filed and the resolutions be adopted where
indicated,  seconded by
Councilmember Lindau:

Letter from Westchester County regarding drainage issues
on O’Connor Court, Montrose.

* *

Town Clerk’s certification of the September 23,
2003 referendum approving a Service Award Program for members of the Cortlandt
Community Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

* *

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Town Board Minutes

OLD BUSINESS, (cont.)

Report from DES on “no parking” signs on
Quaker Bridge Road.  (Request of D.
Bachman.)

RESOLUTION NO. 303–03 – RE:  Amend the Vehicle and Traffic Code to
provide “no parking” signs on Quaker Bridge Road between house
numbers 99 and 124.

* *

Report from DES regarding the “driver
feedback” sign on Locust Avenue.
(Request of K. and J. McLoughlin.)

* *

Report from DES regarding O’Connor Court paving
repairs.  (C. Notrica)

* *

Report from DOTS in response to a Scenic Hudson letter
and possible purchase of riverfront property.

* *

Report from DOTS with respect to the Hollowbrook
Lake.  AMENDED TO refer also to
Comptroller.

* *

Report from DOTS re. proposed Quarry Acres/Panas area
sewer project.

RESOLUTION NO. 304–03 – RE:  Authorize DOTS to conduct an in-house
engineering evaluation and schedule an informational hearing thereon.

* *

Status report from DOTS on the 2003 resurfacing program.

* *

Petition from commuters opposing elimination of the 7:39
AM train that originates at the Cortlandt train station.

* *

Sprout Brook ashpit water quality monitoring report from
Westchester County for April to June, 2003.

There was no further discussion, all voted AYE.

* * * * * * * * * *

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October 21, 2003

Town Board Minutes

NEW BUSINESS

Correspondence.

Councilmembers Lindau and Farrell moved that the following
items of business be received and ordered filed:

Letter from William Zutt dated September 11, 2003
representing Frank Rice with respect to amending Resolution No. 223-03 in
reference to contractors’ yards
Refer, also, to DOTS and the Legal Department.

* *

Letter from Thomas Hughes dated September 23, 2003
representing Delbert Tompkins with respect to property located on Croton Avenue
and Route 202.  Refer, also to
DOTS.  AMENDED TO refer to the Town
Assessor, Legal Department, Open Space Committee and NYS Dept. of
Transportation.

* *

Letter from Walter Lancaster dated September 18, 2003
with respect to the Van Cortlandtville Cemetery.  Refer, also, to the legal department and
DES.

* *

Letter from Mario Ruggiero with respect to speeding on
Watch Hill Road.  Refer to DES,
Traffic Safety Committee and State and County Police Departments.

* *

Letter from Natalie Furfaro regarding use of Letteri
Field.  Refer to DES.

* *

Letter from Richard Sarcone, Jr. regarding use of Oriole
Lane field for youth soccer.  Refer
to DES.

* *

E-mail from Barbara Hill with respect to the
“clayhole” on Riverview Road.
Refer, also, to DOTS.

* *

Letter from Gull Manor Homeowners Association with
respect to activity at  Cynthia Road
deadend.  Refer to State and County
police departments.

* *

Petition from Triglia Development Corporation re.
proposed Roundtop at Montrose Sewer District. Refer to DOTS.

* *

Letter from Nick Cucchiarella with respect to site
distance issues and littering in the area of Route 9A and South Mt. Pass.  AMENDED TO refer to NYS Police and
DOTS/Code Enforcement.

* *

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October 21, 2003

Town Board Minutes

NEW BUSINESS, (cont..)

Letter from NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation advising the Town that the Aaron Copland House has been listed on
the National Register of Historic Places.

Discussion:  Supervisor Puglisi congratulated the
Copland House officials saying this has been a project close to her heart for
many years.  Aaron Copland was a
foremost American composer who resided for the last thirty years of his life in
the Town of Cortlandt and other composers now utilize his homestead.  It takes a long process to obtain recognition
by the National Register of Historic Places.

There was no additional discussion.  All voted AYE.

* * * * * * * * * *

RESOLUTIONS

(All
resolutions adopted at this meeting are to be found in full context affixed to
the original document.)

Councilmembers Farrell and Sloan moved to adopt the
following resolutions:

RESOLUTION NO. 305–03 – RE:  Appoint James Lindsey as an
Administrative Intern for the Assessors’ Office.

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 306–03 – RE:  Authorize amending the Temporary Service
List.

* *

RESOLUTION NO.
307–03 – RE:
Appoint Ivan Kline as a member of the Planning Board to fill a vacancy.

Discussion:  The Supervisor introduced Mr. Kline,
who was present in the audience.

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 308–03 – RE:  Authorize adoption of a Town Diversity
Policy.

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 309–03 – RE:  Authorize an Intermunicipal Agreement
with Westchester County to provide remote access to the County Clerk’s
Land and Legal Records.

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 310–03 – RE:  Authorize an agreement with SPCA of
Westchester for animal services.

There was no additional discussion.  All voted AYE.

* * * * *

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October 21, 2003

Town Board Minutes

RESOLUTIONS, (cont.)

Councilmembers Sloan and Cerreto moved that the following
resolutions be adopted and those indicated be removed:

RESOLUTION NO. 311–03 – RE:  Authorize DOTS to apply for a grant with
respect to detecting and analyzing stormwater discharge through the NYS
Stormwater Phase II Implementation Program.

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 312–03 – RE:  Authorize a letter of intent to
participate in a grant application with respect to a County-wide public
education effort on stormwater issues.

* *

REMOVED FROM AGENDA – Authorize DOTS to award a request for
proposal with respect to engineering services for the proposed Broadway
Streetscape Project.

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 313–03 – RE:  Authorize DOTS to perform additional
evaluations with respect to drainage in the area of Lake Meahagh.

*****Clerk’s
note:  The action taken under this
resolution was incorporated in Res. No. 302-02;  therefore, there is no Resolution No.
313-03.

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 314–03 – RE:  Authorize work change orders for the
Conklin East Sewer District.

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 315–03 – RE:  Authorize consulting services for the
Master Plan and Open Space.

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 316–03 – RE:  Authorize DOTS to seek bids for
demolition of a structure located on Craft Lane.

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 317–03 – RE:  Receive and file the map, plan and
report from DOTS for the proposed Tamarack Sewer District and schedule a Public
Hearing for November 18, 2003 to consider same.

There was no additional discussion.  All voted AYE.

* * * * *

Councilmember Cerreto moved that the following resolutions
be adopted and that certain resolutions be removed or amended, as indicated,
seconded by Councilmember Lindau:

REMOVED FROM AGENDA – Authorize a letter in support
of the concept of an affordable housing project known as Jacobs Hill Crossing
to be forwarded to Westchester County.

* *

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October 21, 2003

Town Board Minutes

RESOLUTIONS, (cont.)

RESOLUTION NO. 318–03 – RE:  Authorize support for Westchester Crime
Stoppers per their request dated September 9, 2003.

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 319–03 – RE:  Award a request for proposals for
installation of security lighting at various Town locations.

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 320–03 – RE:  Amend Resolution No. 20-03 to include
Union State Bank as a Town Depository.

* *

RESOLUTION
NO. 321–03 – RE:
Authorize DES/Recreation to proceed with conceptual plans for teen
activities at the community space located at the Town Center.

Discussion:  The Supervisor and Councilmember
Sloan recently spoke with seniors at Walter Panas High School who mentioned the
need for a place where their age group can gather in Cortlandt.  The Town has leased to them 4,000 square
feet of commercial space at the Cortlandt Town Center, (next to the movie
theater.)  The Town is working with
some teens to make possible a place for students ages 16- 18 years and said any
teen interested in assisting in this project should contact her office.

* *

REMOVED FROM AGENDA – Authorize a Professional
Service Agreement for up-dating the Town’s Tax Maps.

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 322–03 – RE:  Authorize consulting services and the
purchase of software for implementation of GIS (Geographic Information
Systems).

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 323–03 – RE:  Authorize an Early Retirement Incentive
Program for Town employees.

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 324–03
– RE:  Schedule a Special Town
Board Meeting for Monday, October 27, 2003 to:   1.)  Receive and file the 2004 Tentative Budget
and schedule a Public Hearing to consider same on December 9, 2003.  2.)
Authorize a letter in support of the concept of an affordable housing
project known as Jacobs Hill Crossing to be forwarded to Westchester County.

There was no additional discussion.  All voted AYE.

* * * * * * * * * *

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October 21, 2003

Town Board Minutes

ADDITIONS to the AGENDA

Councilmember Lindau moved that the
following items of business be added to the agenda.  Councilmember Farrell seconded the
motion.   All voted AYE.

* * * *

Councilmembers Lindau and Farrell
then moved that the following documents be received and ordered filed:

Memo from Ray Reber with
respect to the water meter replacement project.

* *

Report from DOTS on proposed
planned Village development and Special Permit requested by Wilder Balter
Partners, LLC.

* *

Report from DOTS pertaining to
drainage issues at Cortlandt Chase.

* *

Report from DOTS on the
right-of-way located off Frances Drive and
a request to purchase.  Refer
to MID for comments and DOTS to consider environmental issues.

* *

Letter  from Cortway Apartments, Ltd. dated
October 7, 2003 requesting an exception to the building moratorium.

* *

Letter from Linell Clark dated
October 13, 2003 requesting a stop sign at the intersection of Helena Avenue
and High Street.  Refer to DES, DOTS
and the Traffic Safety Committee.

* *

Letter from NYS DEC dated
October 15, 2003 regarding corrective measures at the Sprout Brook Ashfill.

* *

Letters/petitions from
Cortlandt Interfaith Clergy Group and St. Augustine’s Vestry in support
of affordable housing units in the Cortlandt area.  Refer to Master Plan Zoning Committee.

There was no discussion.  All voted AYE.

* * * * *

RESOLUTIONS

Councilmembers Lindau and Farrell moved
that the following resolutions be adopted:

RESOLUTION NO. 325–03
– RE:  Appoint members to the
Tenant/Landlord Advisory Board.

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October 21, 2003

Town Board Minutes

RESOLUTIONS, (cont.)

Discussion:
Councilmember Farrell said it is understood that representatives of
various groups would be appointed.
The Town Attorney concurred and explained the composition of the
membership on the board.

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 326–03
– RE:  Authorize amending
Resolution No. 262-03.

Discussion:
The Town Attorney explained that several months ago the Town Board
authorized the filing of a grant application with NYS DEC. for money to repair
a dam.  There is a dam that is owned
in the Continental
Village Park
area of the Town and it is in need of certain structural repairs to bring it
into compliance.  This resolution
authorizes the Town of Cortlandt to participate
in the grant program and the Towns of Philipstown and Putnam Valley
are also doing the same.  Total cost
of repair has been estimated at approximately $600,000.  The grant would be for one half that
amount.  The balance would be shared
amongst the three park districts in proportion of their assessed value.

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 327–03
– RE: Authorize the Town Attorney to commence foreclosure proceedings
with security held by the Town for Stonefield Farm subdivision.

* *

RESOLUTION NO. 328–03
– RE:  Direct the Town
Attorney to review the Special Permit provision of the Town Zoning Ordinance
with respect to dog training facilities.

Discussion:
Supervisor Puglisi asked the Town Board that the Town Attorney be asked
to review other home occupations that are allowed in residential zones.  The board agreed.

There was no additional discussion.  All voted AYE.

* * * * * * * * * *

BUDGET TRANSFERS

None.

* * * * * * * * * *

TOWN BOARD REPORTS

Councilmember Lindau reminded everyone to vote at
the General Election to be held on November 4th.  She asked the high school students in
attendance how many of them would be interested in availing themselves of a
meeting place for teens such as was earlier discussed.  (All students present in the audience
raised their hands)

* *

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Town Board Minutes

TOWN BOARD REPORTS, (cont.)

Councilmember Farrell welcomed the students from Hendrick Hudson High School,
commenting that he hoped they were “energized” by everything they
had seen at this board meeting.  He
said the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee advises the Town Board on
issues relating to recreation.
There are openings for two student representative from Hendrick Hudson
High School and suggested
that students consider volunteering so the Town could take advantage of their
perspective.

The Oscawana Island
boat launch was dedicated a few weeks ago and it’s well worth a look.

He commented on the ongoing paving
program that should be done in a couple of weeks.  Microsurface paving has been used on
portions of Red Mill Road to aid in traction and it’s been reported to be
effective.

Supervisor Puglisi thanked F. Farrell for all his
hard work in making the boat launch become a reality.

* *

Councilmember Cerreto said in a visit to the FDR
Hospital he and Supervisor Puglisi registered their strong opposition to any
reduction in services.
They’ve been told that no decision has yet been made, they are
still in the fact finding stage.  He
asked that people write to the V. A. in Washington saying they oppose any
reduction in services at that facility.
People would have to travel to Castle Point in Wappingers Falls, not
accessible by public transportation, or the Bronx Veterans’ Hospital.

He said for those who contributed to
his “CARE package” he will be sending it to the fellows he served
with in Iraq who will be very grateful.
He thanked everyone for their thoughtfulness.

Councilmember Lindau suggested that
if we knew specific items perhaps our drive could be extended to ensure their
inclusion.  He replied that the
temperature was very high and Gatorade, powdered lemonade, ice tea, etc.,
q-tips, baby wipes, soap, toothbrushes would be very welcome.

* *

Supervisor Puglisi said there was just a grand
reopening of two playgrounds in the community this past weekend - Sunset Field,
Montrose and Old Pond Park, Verplanck – altogether costing about $200,000.  $140,000 was received in grants for the
refurbishing and $60,000 came from the Town treasury.

* * * * * * * * * *

HEARING of CITIZENS, (second)

Speaker:       Jack
Pettersen, Washington Street, Cortlandt Manor.

Subject:        A
veterinarian’s office on Dogwood
Road was shut down for one and

one half hours during paving without receiving any word about when

he could reopen his office.

* *

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Town Board Minutes

HEARING of CITIZENS, (cont.)

Speaker:       Mary McDonald,
Gabriel Drive.

Subject:        Low
income housing as opposed to affordable housing..

Gabriel Drive sewering.

* *

Speaker:       Alissa
Gomez

Subject:
Wondered about a handball court for interested players who do not

have gymn membership.

* *

Speaker:       Joseph
Price

Subject:
Proposed closing of FDR Hospital.

Commuter train abolishment.

* * * * * * * * * *

ADJOURNMENT

Councilmembers Sloan and Cerreto
moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Respectfully
submitted,

JO-ANN DYCKMAN,

Town
Clerk

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