INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF MUNSEY PARK

AGENDA
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
October 11, 2017 


Village Justice Report  
    

ORAL REPORTS:    
        

INFORMATION / DECISIONS    
    

1.    THE NCPD WILL PRESENT ON HOME SECURITY AND TRAFFIC SAFETY.   

                                                                                                                 NCPD/John Lippmann
    

2.    TREES:                                                                                             Larry Ceriello

·    DISCUSSION OF ILLEGAL TREE PRUNING

·    REVIEW OF VILLAGE CODE FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO
     THE CODE RE: TREE REMOVAL AND MAINTENANCE

·    DRAFTING NEW SECTION RE: PROHIBITING BAMBOO

·    UPDATE ON RE-PLANTING OF MWR AND PARK AVENUE

·    UPDATE ON RE-PLANTING ON ROW ON OTHER STREETS                 
    

3.    GARBAGE:                                                                                    Larry Ceriello 

·    FALL LEAF PICKUP
·    BULK ITEMS    

 

Posted
AuthorMaureen McLean

The Board of Trustees hopes this update finds our fellow residents well and enjoying a safe summer with family and friends. We would like to take this opportunity to keep our residents informed of various happenings in our Village. If any resident has additional questions, please contact our clerks Tara or Maureen at Village hall. 

VILLAGE APPOINTMENTS:

As many of you know, our Village Clerk’s, term had expired and as a result, Barbara Miller was a hold-over clerk.  She was not re-appointed as Village Clerk and retired from her position.  After an extensive search for a well-qualified Village Clerk, on Wednesday night the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint Tara Gibbons for a two-year term.  Ms. Gibbons holds a BA in Business Administration, with a minor in Communications from Molloy College, as well as a Master's in Education from Hofstra University. She is well versed in the computing systems used at Village Hall and has excellent writing and communication skills.  Ms. Gibbons is also a Manhasset resident and we encourage all residents to stop by Village Hall to welcome her to the Village. Additionally, our Deputy Village Clerk, Maureen Mclean was re-appointed to a one-year term and Robert Farrer was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a five-year term.  You may contact the Village Clerk at tgibbons@munseypark.org and the Deputy Clerk at mpmclean@munseypark.org.

INNESS PLACE:

The Village is in the process of finalizing the equipment requirements under our agreement with United Paving, the contractor for Inness Place.  Construction will begin shortly.  United Paving will notify all Inness residents with a start date for construction. The construction dates will also be posted on the Village website.  Please be careful when driving in this area during construction.   

WALDMANN MEMORIAL PARK BEAUTIFICATION:

The Waldmann Park beautification project will begin in August, thanks in large measure to the hard work and perseverance of Dr. Audrey Garvin of the Munsey Park Woman's Club.  The MPWC raised $33,230 towards the project; 124 residents donated funds to purchase 4 benches, 17 trees, 107 engraved bricks, 3,000 square feet of pavers, and several engraved rocks.  In addition, Senator Elaine Philips has awarded the Village a $50,000 grant for the beatification project.  This grant now saves the Village the $50,000 budgeted for the park.  The savings will remain in the general fund and will be reallocated in the next budget cycle.  The beautification project was put out to bid and was awarded to Ground Guys who will complete the project for $47,200.  The project is ADA compliant, DEC compliant and, on Wednesday night, was approved by the Board of Trustees. A rendering of the approved project has been reviewed by our Building Inspector and is available on the Village website. 

ADA COMPLIANT ACCESS TO MUNSEY PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

The Board of Trustees approved the walkway project that will connect the Congregational Church parking lot and the auditorium at the Munsey Park Elementary School across Village property. The walkway will allow safe access to the school for kindergarten, first grade and second grade students whose parents must now park on Village streets or walk along Northern Boulevard to accompany their children to and from the school at drop off and pick up.  The walkway will also provide a safe alternative to residents who park on Village streets to attend special events at the school. We believe that the walkway will greatly decrease traffic and increase safety for Village residents and school children on our streets. Once again, we thank Senator Elaine Philips for awarding the Village a $50,000 grant and to County Legislator Richard Nicolello who awarded a $70,000 grant to the School, for a total of $120,000, for the walkway project. The project is currently out to bid and we hope that the walkway will be completed by the start of the school year.  We also thank Dr. Jean Kendall, (Principal of Munsey Park Elementary School), Rosemary Johnson (Deputy Superintendent of Manhasset Public Schools), Armand Markarian (District Director of School Facilities), Dr. Vincent Butera (Superintendent of Manhasset Public Schools), Charlie Cardillo (prior Superintendent of Manhasset Public Schools), Noreen LaBenne (SCA - Munsey Park President), Lisa Grygiel (SCA - Executive President), and Peggy Sica and Erin O'Connor (MPWC Co-Presidents) for their concern and commitment to the safety of our residents on this project.  Architectural drawings of the approved project is available on the Village website and more information will follow regarding guidelines for the walkway and traffic flow.   


SUMMER SCHEDULE:

Village Hall will close at 12 pm on Fridays until after Labor Day Weekend.  During the month of August, The Building Advisory Committee will meet once on Tuesday, August 29th, 7:30pm.

 VOLUNTEERS: 

Our Village is driven by residents volunteering for varying positions. If you have a desire to get involved any of the Village Boards, especially the Tree Committee, please reach out to Mayor DeMento or any of the other Trustees.

 NEXT MEETING: 

The BOT will not meet during the month of August.  Our next meeting will be Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 7:30pm. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact any of the trustees:

 

Mayor                       Frank DeMento                    fdemento@munseypark.org

Deputy Mayor         John Lippmann                    jlippmann@munseypark.org

Trustee                      Larry Ceriello                          lceriello@munseypark.org

Trustee                     Patrick Hance                          phance@munseypark.org

Trustee                     Jennifer Noone                         jnoone@munseypark.org

Posted
AuthorMaureen McLean

Below are the Agenda Items for the Board of Trustee Meeting on July 12, 2017, 7:30pm

Minutes (June 1, 2017)

Building Inspector-

ORAL REPORTS: Clerk - Report

INFORMATION / DECISIONS 
1.  Village Appointments - Mayor & Board

2.  Inness Place - Roadwork - Update - Trustee Noone
 
3.  Waldmann Memorial Park – Update and Bid Results - Mayor & Board
  
4.  Village Walkway - Mayor & Board

Posted
AuthorMaureen McLean

Trees are one of the defining features of our Village.  Sadly however, many trees in the Village have been lost over the last few years due to storm, disease and other causes.  The Board of Trustees is embarking on a program to restore some of the lost trees.  At this point we are soliciting indications of interest from residents who would like a tree planted in the Village right-of-way in front of their homes.  We expect planting to begin in the Fall, 2017 and is subject to availability of funds.  While we expect to consult with the individual homeowners about the variety of tree to be planted, ultimate selection will made by the Village and depending, in large measure, upon site conditions.  We want to select trees that will thrive and provide a varied, beautiful streetscape. If you wish to be considered for this program, please contact the Village Hall.

Posted
AuthorMaureen McLean

June Board Of Trustees Update

Board of Trustees Update
Dear residents, we take this opportunity to keep you informed of some happenings and future projects in our Village. If any resident has additional questions, please contact Village Hall. We remind you that school is out, please drive carefully. Have a safe July Fourth Holiday.

VILLAGE CLERK:
The term of the Village Clerk has expired and the Village Board of Trustees has initiated the search for a well-qualified candidate. In general, the candidate should have strong customer service, finance, organizational and computer skills and be able to contribute to a more user-friendly environment for the residents of the Village. The position offers a pension, healthcare and a 9am - 4pm workday. Preference will be given to Munsey Park residents. If you are interested, please send a resume and salary requirements to Paul Pepper at ppepper@moricilaw.com.

VILLAGE TAXES:
Village taxes are due no later than July 3 without penalty. Village Hall hours are listed below.

GARBAGE CONTRACT:
The Village recently executed a new five-year garbage removal contract with Meadow Carting. Meadow has served our Village for many years and, in addition to being the lowest responsible bidder, is familiar with Munsey Park strict rules regarding garbage. Each year Meadow removes an average of approximately 1.75 tons of garbage from each home in the Village, excluding yard waste and recyclables. As part of the contract and in compliance with Village laws, the garbage must be removed from behind the house. In other words, garbage is not to be left at the curb. We pay extra for rear door pick up. Please do not leave garbage or trash at the curb. This is unsightly, is rude to your neighbors and is against the law. In response to an increase in complaints about garbage left at the curb, the Village will soon be sending warning letters to homeowners who violate the Village Code in this regard.

INNESS PLACE:
The Village received four bids from various contractors for the repaving and improvement of Inness Place. The official bids are posted on the Village website. The Board reviewed the bids with the road engineer and decided on a contractor. Road work should begin sometime in July. The Village will notify residents of the specific time periods of construction on the website once the contractor informs us of a start date.  Please watch out for road closures during this time and be careful when driving in this area during construction.

WALDMANN MEMORIAL PARK:
The Village has been working with the Munsey Park Women's Club to complete the
beautification of Waldmann Memorial Park. The Village has put the project out to bid and the beautification plans are posted on the Village website. Bids are due at the end of the month and the Board will review the bids and decide which contractor to use for the project.

WALKWAY TO MUNSEY PARK ELEMENTARY:
To decrease the congestion on our streets and increase safety for our children, the Village has put the walkway project out to bid. The walkway will allow parents to park at the Congregational Church and walk their children to school. The plans will be posted shortly on the Village website. The Board will review the bids and decide which contractor to use for the project.

SUMMER SCHEDULE:
Village Hall will be open Monday through Thursday from 9am - 4pm and close at 12 pm on Fridays, from June 30 - September 1.

VOLUNTEERS:
Our Village is driven by residents volunteering for different positions. If you have a desire to get involved on any of the Village Boards, please reach out to Mayor DeMento or any of the other Trustees.

NEXT MEETING:
The next Board of Trustees meeting will be Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 7:30pm.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact any of the trustees:

Mayor                  Frank DeMento                   fdemento@munseypark.org
Deputy Mayor   John Lippmann                   jlippmann@munseypark.org
Trustee                Larry Ceriello                      lceriello@munseypark.org
Trustee                Patrick Hance                     phance@munseypark.org
Trustee                Jennifer Noone                   jnoone@munseypark.org

 

Posted
AuthorMaureen McLean

The walkway project will allow parents to park at the Congregational Church and safely walk their children to and from school while avoiding the sidewalk along Northern Boulevard.  If you wish to look at the full plan, please visit Village Hall during normal business hours.

 

Posted
AuthorMaureen McLean

Dear Residents, please see the below proposed plan for the beautification of Waldmann Memorial Park.  This project is a dedicated joint effort led by the Munsey Park Women's Club and the Village.  This proposed plan will be available online, with the original at Village Hall, for your comment and suggestion until June 26, 2017.

Posted
AuthorMaureen McLean

Board of Trustees Update

Dear residents, we take this opportunity to keep you informed of some happenings and future projects in our Village. If any resident has additional questions, please contact our clerks Barbara or Maureen at Village Hall. Please have a safe Memorial Day Weekend.

STREET SWEEPING:

In an effort to combine municipal services and save capital for the Village, the Village has accepted the Village of Flower Hill's gracious offer to sweep Village streets this Saturday (weather permitting) May 27, 2017. The sweeping will begin on Manhasset Woods Road and Park Ave west, then into the western section side streets and the eastern side of the Village. Please keep your cars off the street, if possible.

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR:

With regard to the newly created position of Village Administrator, current village employee Dan Breen has declined the appointment to the position and will continue in his capacity as member of the Village's Utility Crew. The Village Board of Trustees will continue its search for a well-qualified candidate, in an effort to increase efficiency within the Village, decrease delays in certain Village business, present an overall cost savings to the Village and in general to contribute to a more user-friendly environment for the residents of the Village.

GARBAGE CONTRACT:

Bids for a new garbage contract were solicited and due by March 31. Four bidders responded within the period set forth in the RFP.    The lowest, responsible bidder was Meadow Carting (the current service provider to the residents) and the Village accepted the five (5) year proposal by Meadow. The Village is finalizing the new contract with Meadow and expects the contract to be in place when the current contract expires on May 31.

INNESS PLACE CONTRACTOR BIDS:

The Village received four bids from various contractors for the repaving of Inness Place. The official bids are posted to the Village website. The Board will review the bids with the road engineer and decide which contractor to use for the project.

WATER TOWER DECISION:

The Appellate Division affirmed the Supreme Court's judgment declaring that the Code of the Village of Munsey Park does not apply to the proposed construction plan of the MLWD's new water tower and that the proposed construction plan is a Type II action not subject to review under the State Environmental Quality Review Act. The Village anticipates an improved inter-municipal relationship between the Village and the Water District moving forward.

PARKING:

Many roads in the Village are narrow and can not accommodate parking on both sides of the street. Please be aware where you and your visitors park in the Village. When possible, please park on one side of the street so Village roads stay clear in case of an emergency. Parking on both sides of the street blocks the flow of traffic and impedes large vehicles from traveling on the street, especially emergency vehicles.

HOLDAY SCHEDULE:

Village Hall will close at 12 pm on Friday, May 26 and will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day.

VOLUNTEERS:

Our Village is driven by residents volunteering for different positions. If you have a desire to get involved on any of the Village Boards, please reach out to Mayor DeMento or any of the other Trustees.

NEXT MEETING:

So that all of our trustees may be available, our next meeting has been changed to Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 7:30pm.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact any of the trustees:

Mayor                    Frank DeMento                   fdemento@munseypark.org

Deputy Mayor     John Lippmann                   jlippmann@munseypark.org

Trustee                  Larry Ceriello                      lceriello@munseypark.org

Trustee                Patrick Hance                     phance@munseypark.org

Trustee               Jennifer Noone                   jnoone@munseypark.org

Posted
AuthorMaureen McLean

In December, 2016, Sidney Bowne & Sons, performed a complete roadway condition assessment of all the the streets within the Village.  The results will enable the Village to plan and budget for the future and/or rehabilitation of the roads.

Pavement Program Map (2016)

Posted
AuthorVillage Administrator

               Village of Munsey Park
         Road Improvement Inness Place

 
                 Bid Opening Record
           Wednesday, May 24, 2017
 
Bidder                                                     Amount

American Paving & Masonry            $117,428.00
John McGowan & Son                      $122,070.00
Stasi Bros. Asphalt Corp.                 $133,307.50
United Paving Corp.                          $106,945.00
 
 The Board will review the bids at the next Village Board Meeting. 

Posted
AuthorGuest User

Kenny Our Beloved Mailman

There have been several requests from our residents asking how they can help our beloved mailman Kenny Aluska and his family. 

Kenny said of his wife's split second action to push their daughter out of the way of an out of control car "was a beautiful thing". She gave up her own life for her child. Their daughter had to undergo surgery for her injuries. This tragedy occurred on Sunday, May 14, Mother's Day. Members of his community are raising money to help pay for expenses. There has been an outpouring of love and support for Kenny - our prayers are with him and his family at this difficult time.  

For your information (also available on facebook, "Manhasset Connection"), see link www.youcaring.com for ways in which to help the Aluska Family.

Thank you.

 

Posted
AuthorMaureen McLean

Shared Services Conference:

NY State Legislature (Part BBB of Ch. 59 of L. 2017) requires the County Executive (CE) to prepare a Countywide Shared Services Property Tax Savings Plan. As is relevant for us, the Mayor of Munsey Park is a required member of the panel and each member must submit its proposed shared services plan to the panel for a vote. All proposed plans from each member will be joined into one Countywide Plan which requires a majority vote to be approved to the State.

Highlights to be aware of:

Each member’s proposed plan is to be submitted (on the provided form which they are working on converting into a fillable pdf) by 6/5/17.

  • Each proposed plan is to provide an estimate of the tax savings believed to be made from the share services.
  • If a member is unable to provide a proposed plan to the panel by 6/5/17, the panel is seeking a statement in writing as to why the member was unsuccessful.
  • CE is then to take all the proposed plans and make one Countywide plan, (3) public hearings are to be held, proposal to be submitted to County Legislature, modifications and/or revisions from County Legislature, and then during the week of 8/28/17, panel to vote on final Countywide proposed plan (further itemized dates included in handout).

There are no penalties itemized for non-compliance. The speakers kept referring to seeking a “good-faith” effort from all members. If these good-faith efforts are unsuccessful they just seek that each year new efforts are made.

Posted
AuthorMaureen McLean

In an effort to both deliver better services to residents and increase efficiencies, transparency and employee accountability in the Village, the Board of Trustees created the new position of Village Administrator.

This position was officially created in order to increase everyone’s understanding of Village needs and employee responsibilities. There is a clear need for greater assistance with administrative work and consistency of Village representation in meetings with local organizations and other municipalities. Addressing these issues will help Munsey Park residents maintain the high standard of living to which they are accustomed without increasing costs.

Dan Breen was appointed to a one-year term at Wednesday's public meeting.  Dan has solid knowledge of the Village and the challenges facing it. Since joining the Village’s Utility Crew as a full time employee in January 2016, he has become well known to many residents and has frequently taken on responsibilities beyond utility work, including performing ad hoc administrative work and meeting with other municipal entities. Since Dan's actual duties straddle both field and administrative roles, it was necessary to update his official responsibilities to reflect this role; it was done without changing his compensation schedule.

The Village Administrator does not supplant the Village Clerk or Deputy Clerk. The position and appointment were fully vetted and are compliant with the Village Code and applicable law, per the Village Attorney.
 

Posted
AuthorVillage Administrator

At a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Munsey Park, held on May 10, 2017: 

The Following Resolution creating the position of Village Administrator was proposed:

Be it resolved that the position of Village Administrator be created for the Incorporated Village of Munsey Park. Said Position will be as follows: 

I.           Establishment of position.

In order to provide the most economical and efficient overall direction, coordination and control of the day-to-day activities and operations of the Village of Munsey Park, to minimize the administrative details now handled by the Mayor, Board of Trustees and other Village officers, to provide centralized direction and control of all Village employees and appointed officers and to formalize the staff and advisory functions which are necessary to the foregoing, there is hereby established in the Village of Munsey Park the position and job of Village Administrator. This position shall not be interpreted or construed to be a public office, either appointed or elected, as defined in Article 3 of the Village Law or Article 2 of the Public Officers Law or as may be defined in any other law of this state.

II.           Term.

The Village Administrator will be hired and retained, as well as disciplined and dismissed by the Board of Trustees pursuant to such terms and conditions and for such remuneration and for such period or periods of time as shall be established by the Mayor and Board of Trustees. 

III.           General Statement of Duties:

To oversee & participate in the operational aspects of the village including, directing, supervising and participating in maintenance and construction activities within the Village, including roadwork, weather management and clean-up, maintenance to Parks and Village property, as well as clerical/office work related to the operational aspects of the Village; performs any and all related duties as required and provide reports to the Mayor and Board of Trustees. 

Duties and functions.

The duties and functions of the Village Administrator shall be subject to the direction and control of the Mayor and Board of Trustees and are the following:

A.     To oversee and coordinate the activities of all the Village departments and all Village employees and to Supervise and direct all functions and activities of the village and of its officers and employees, except that of the Justice Court, Village Prosecutor, Village Attorney, Board of Appeals, Planning Commission and Boards of Review;

B.     Prepares work schedules and detailed maintenance reports, and maintains accurate records;

C.    To oversee the enforcement of the rules, regulations, ordinances, resolutions, local laws and Code of the Village of Munsey Park, New York, so that they are administered efficiently and fairly;

D.    To see that all inquiries by residents of the Village or other interested persons are referred to the appropriate Village official or department head for investigation and response;

E.     To conduct a continuing study of all functions and activities of the Village for the purpose of devising ways and means of obtaining greater efficiency and economy; Make reports to the Mayor and Board of Trustees on the affairs of the village and recommend to them such measures as he may deem necessary or appropriate for the purpose of obtaining greater efficiency and economy in the government and operation of the village;

F.     To make recommendations to the Board of Trustees as to measures or programs which he or she believes will improve the efficiency or economy of the Village;

G.    To keep abreast of available grants-in-aid from other levels of government, pursue these revenues and make and follow through on applications;

H.    To supervise the purchase of services, materials, supplies and equipment by means of Village purchase orders and oversee inventory control that is needed to maintain an up-to-date inventory; Supervises the maintenance of materials, supplies, and equipment inventories; Recommends the purchase of maintenance equipment;

I.       Supervises the preventive maintenance program for equipment, tools, and vehicles;

J.      Plans, coordinates, and supervises maintenance and repair of Village property, parks, roads, and walkways;

K.     To attend meetings of the Board of Trustees and also to make recommendations to the Mayor and Board of Trustees on matters affecting the administration of the Village and Village personnel;

L.     Exercise general supervision over all expenditures of the village in accordance with the budget and keep the Board of Trustees fully advised of the financial condition of the village and its future financial needs;

M.    To assemble data and prepare requests for utility rate adjustments;

N.    To coordinate the planning and construction of major projects, maintain liaison with consulting engineers, inspect the work performance of contractors and ensure adherence to contract specifications;

O.    To make recommendations to the Board of Trustees concerning the establishment of priorities or work projects; Prepares maintenance program budget recommendations;

P.     To inform the Board of Trustees and other Village officials of changes in federal, state and county legislation and rules pertaining to Village operations;

Q.    To make recommendations to the Board of Trustees concerning Village plans, updates and filing;

R.    To be responsible for preparation of plans and specifications on minor or routine projects for approval by the Board of Trustees;

S.     To perform such other duties pertaining to this position as prescribed by local law or as determined by the Board of Trustees;

T.     Code Enforcement

IV.           Interpretation of duties and functions.

Nothing herein contained shall be deemed or construed as abolishing, transferring, impeding or curtailing any powers or duties or any elected or appointed official or of the Board of Trustees or of the Mayor, Clerk, Treasurer or Attorney, as prescribed by the Village Law or other applicable laws of the State of New York. 

The Motion was unanimously approved on a Voice Vote.

Posted
AuthorMaureen McLean