City Council Notes
 
– By Robin Jovanovich –

The financial crisis and its expected impact on our city, county and state was the subject of much sober conversation throughout the October 1 Council meeting.

“We face uncertain economic times and are likely to see dramatic changes. Clearly, some of our revenues will be down,” said Mayor Steve Otis. As the Council formally enters budget deliberations in November, they will “take a sharp look at every item and project that comes before them.” He added, “Capital expenses that don’t have a time sensitivity will have a harder sell.”

Transfers of Funds

The Council authorized the transfer of $75,000 from the Contingency Account to the Law Department for Osborn litigation defense.

They approved the transfer of $50,000 from the Contingency Account to Human Resources Department for legal services for Police litigation defense.

The Kirby Lane North Sewer Project is near completion, but the Council had to increase the original bond authorization from $2.4 million to $2.6 million. City Comptroller Mike Genito said the City may not need the whole amount.

It was expected that the Council would authorize the transfer of $31,000 from the Contingency Account to Engineering for a survey and consultant expenses related to pedestrian improvements for Forest and Oakland Beach Avenues. But Councilman George Pratt, for one, said he wasn’t ready to vote to go ahead yet. “We’re at the end of the beginning of a financial adjustment. As we approach capital projects, we have to be very careful, very transparent. I would like the luxury of being able to continue this dialogue when we are further along in budget discussions.”

While the Council is very much in favor of making these pedestrian improvements as soon as fiscally possible, Councilman Joe Sack agreed with Councilman Pratt. “These projects are near and dear to my heart, and they are the cornerstones of the Trailways Committee’s recommendations, but what’s the harm in delaying another month?”

Councilman Andy Ball’s only concern with waiting is that the $31,000 cost might be good value. The Council agreed to take up the matter again next month.

Those Bungalows Need Work, and Safety Review

The first two rows in the Council Room were filled with residents from the Beck Avenue/Wainwright Street neighborhood who were there to complain about the deteriorating conditions of the seven bungalows. One has been condemned and is vacant. Several are rented out month-to-month, according to residents Sean Kennelly and Paul Berte.

“We were here four years ago and the situation continues to deteriorate,” said Kennelly. “We’ve been to the Building Department to see if they can do anything about the condition of the bungalows and determine if they are unsafe. But they don’t have the authority to do anything. Are there any teeth anywhere on this?”
Berte added that the bungalows were attracting the transient kind of tenants. “We see a dozen new faces all the time. Some knock on our doors after dark, others are talking loudly on cell phones out on the street in the middle of the night.”

Residents asked whether the City has the ability to get in and assess the safety of the structures.
City Manager Paul Shew replied, that under the law, the homeowner has wide latitude. The City officials and staff are not allowed to enter a house unless permitted by the owner. “We’re concerned about health and safety issues there. A $10,000 fine was levied the last time around.”

There is some promising news on the horizon: the owner was in court two weeks ago and was served notice that he must replace a roof and clean up the property. There are also liens on the property and foreclosure proceedings have commenced.

Councilman Ball said, “It’s obvious the status quo isn’t working. This situation really troubles me. We’ve spent a tremendous amount on quality of life issues in the last year. This is surely a quality of life issue.”
A little pressure wouldn’t be a bad thing, added Councilman Cunningham. “My concern is that something in one of these bungalows could potentially affect one of the neighbor’s homes and that property values are being negatively impacted.”

The Drive for Reduced Senior RGC Fees

The Rye Recreation Commission has been working with Rye Golf Club on a lower-priced solution for senior golfers, Councilman Sack informed the Council. Rye Golf has an annual social membership ($75) that allows golfers to play on Thursdays up to 10 times a year for $60. Rye Rec has offered to subsidize up to 10 seniors, and the details are being ironed out.

Council members Mack Cunningham, Sack and Pratt voiced continuing concerns about Rye Golf Club fees and their total budget. “Each year they make budget assumptions that are based on attrition and I’m not sure that’s the right way to budget. They have proposed a 4.5% increase for next year,” said Cunningham. Pratt added, “We need to be more sensitive about what we charge for public resources.” Sack said he has already informed the Golf Club Commission that they need to be prepared to go back and reexamine their proposed budget.

Mr. Floatie’s Messy Message

Attorney Jordan Glass, representing HealtheHarbor.com, appealed to the Council to investigate and rectify unhealthy and illegal situations on Hen Island. He said that fire safety continues to go unaddressed and none of the waste water systems in place were ever approved. If Mr. Glass didn’t have the Council’s full attention, the arrival of Mr. Floatie himself caused lots of excitement. “Mr. Floatie is here to draw your attention to the need to promote clean water,” said Mr. Glass. The Council accepted the candy Mr. Floatie handed out.

In the Good News Department

Former City Councilman Doug McKean has been appointed to the Metro-North Commuter Council by Governor David Paterson.

Councilman Cunningham said from all reports the Boston Post Road “diet” from Eldredge Place to the Mamaroneck line has been a success. “People seem to be driving more slowly and we’ve had no complaints.”

Disappointing News

The City did not receive Safe Routes to School funding, as hoped, noted Councilman Cunningham. “Many communities received $300,000, $400,000. We put a lot into this and had good involvement from so many community members.” Assistant City Manager Scott Pickup has asked the Department of Transportation for additional answers on why Rye’s application was rejected. Meanwhile, the Safe Routes Committee will meet again soon to discuss next steps, other funding streams, said Pickup.

Recent Appointments

Loriel DeCaro was appointed chairman of the Conservation Commission/Advisory Council.
Angela Sposato was designated a member of the Rye Golf Club Nominating Committee.
John Duffy, Pat Geoghegan, T.J. Hanson and Doug Killip were appointed to the Rye Golf Club Commission.