City Council Notes

– By Robin Jovanovich –

April 11

The Council congratulated the Rye YMCA, which received the annual award from the County Health Department for its Activate America efforts.

Several residents spoke on matters not on the agenda. Jim Amico, of Midland Avenue, said he still hasn’t heard back from the Council on his request months ago for traffic safety improvements to Midland. Councilman Mack Cunningham said the County did a traffic study last year, as requested, and found speed amounts lower than expected. “The timing of the study was poor,” replied Mr. Amico. “It was two weeks after the accident involving my son and drivers slowed down for a period.” Councilman Cunningham said that additional traffic monitoring is being conducted at all Rye City schools. “Perhaps the Council can also ask for another study.”

John Carolin expressed the view of many Rye seniors that Rye Golf Club is neglecting its senior members. “I wrote to the Council asking for some relief for this season, suggesting a per diem fee. There are accommodations for juniors, but not seniors. We’re frustrated; we want action. It’s time for the Council to take an interest.” Mr. Carolin added, “The club is getting to be restrictive because of its increased membership fees. The time has come to offer discounted rates to certain groups, limited users.” 

Councilman Cunningham, liaison to the Rye Golf Commission, said he recommended to the Commission that they try out a discounted rate for seniors this season. “They said they’d tackle the subject in August. I would like to see this happen before Memorial Day.” He said he would distribute his memo and instruct the city manager to ask for a timely response.

Councilman George Pratt added, “We’ve given the Commission the right to run it. Let’s make sure it’s run by its by-laws. This is a municipal facility and only part of its membership is electing committee members.”

Holly Kennedy and Carolina Johnson, both residents of Indian Village, went before the Council on behalf of their neighborhood to continue discussion on flooding. Ms. Kennedy said, “I’m not sure how we became complacent about flooding. The Rye Free Reading Room and the Rye Y were expanded in a flood plain.” While commending the City’s response to the March 2 flood, she said hers is one of eight families partially living or still not back in their homes. “The insurance scheme has changed. They make you rip out floorboards, wiring, everything down to the studs. We’re technically homeless. Insurance doesn’t cover temporary housing.” She added, “Rye is a downstream community. What are we going to do about it? We need to have answers before the hurricane season begins.”

A group of residents and merchants from flood-prone areas have formed an action committee, said Carolina Johnson. “We have dozens of interested residents who want to participate and we propose four operating committees to focus on engineering, financing, inter-municipal communication and a community alert system.” Members of the committee attended and spoke at the April 10 Flood Meeting held at Rye Recreation.

Councilman Andy Ball suggested the creation of a City office dedicated to flood issues.

Bob Gay, an Indian Village resident and member of the Rye Flood Action Committee, urged the Council “to express a determination, not just to residents but to the rest of the County, that our community is going to take flooding seriously. Our neighbors would then have to take note.”

A Water Runoff Working Group was established to review land-use proposals. Members from related boards and commissions were appointed: Serge Nivelle from the Zoning Board of Appeals, Carolyn Cunningham and Hugh Greechan from the Planning Commission and Jim Nash and Lewis Nash from the Conservation Commission.

The Council approved the election of John Wickham, George Hogben and Peter Cotter as Rye Fire Department Chief, First Assistant Chief and Second Assistant Chief, respectively.

After holding a public hearing, the Council amended the City Code to establish permitted hours for rock chipping and the use of dynamite in construction. Both will be allowed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Code was further amended to address construction noise violations. Going forward, violators will lose a day.

A discussion of flag lots was held on the recommendation of Councilman Gerry Seitz.  “The Planning Commission has proposed they be eliminated. I think it’s time to ask City Staff to draft language on this,” he said. Councilman Pratt thinks the Council needs to start the review process again. “I think it’s ironic that we just spent an hour on flooding issues and we still have open flag lot and steep slope items.” The Council agreed to hold a workshop.

 The next regular meeting of the City Council will be held Wednesday, April 25.