These are difficult times for all of us. Governments at every level are cutting programs, expenses. The town must do the same. The Town Board and I have asked every department head to identify possible cuts. This Tuesday, beginning at 2:30 PM, we will commence our 2009 budget process --and review of spending reductions. You are invited to attend our work session or to listen to the discussion on the web: www.greenburghny.com. Our meetings are streamed live on the internet. This Tuesday Commissioner Al Regula will discuss eliminating back door pickup of garbage--which will save over $250,000 and eliminate 5 positions.
In addition, Town Board members Sonja Brown, Diana Juettner, Kevin Morgan, Sonja Brown, Town Clerk Judith Beville and I are planning to spend at least one night a week until November knocking on doors - making housecalls to discuss the budget/possible cuts/quality of life issues. If you would like the Town Board to stop by at your house - please e mail townboard@greenburghny.com.
Cutting programs is not always pleasant. But--our economy is in trouble and we have no other choice.
PAUL FEINER
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: AL Regula
Sent: Fri 6/27/2008 3:03 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Cc: Town Board; Angelo Nanna
Subject: 2009 Budget issues
As a part of the ongoing cost reduction effort being undertaken by all town Departments, the DPW is considering a proposal to eliminate the “back-door” pickup of garbage throughout the Unincorporated Area. Historically, not all residents have availed themselves of this service and therefore only those who previously have had their garbage picked up in the rear or side yards of their homes would be affected
The savings resulting from this change would be significant, in excess of $250,000. They would include salaries of up to 5 positions that could hopefully be eliminated without layoffs, through attrition and transfers, the benefits associated with these positions, reduced vehicle and fuel usage since satellite vehicle use would drop dramatically and trucks would not be stopping for as long a time waiting for crew members to bring garbage out. The fact that employees would not be carrying garbage from rear yards would also reduce injuries and Workers Compensation expenses.
The discussion of this proposal will take place as the development of the 2009 Town operating budget progresses.
Albert S. Regula
Commissioner of Public Work
Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – July 1, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)
2:00p.m. Gas Consumption
2:15p.m. Global Warming
2:30p.m. Budget Reviews, Part II – Dept Heads: DPW
3:30p.m. Implementation of Recommendations re: Sewer District Audit
4:00p.m. Executive Session
5:30p.m. Adjourn
East Hartsdale Farmers Market Jazz Series – Performances to Date
July 5 –
July 12th – The Blues Dogs with Al Frankel
July 19th and September 6th – Westchester Harp Ensemble
August 2nd – Julie Corbalis
October 11th – Ceasar Cantori
We are looking for more jazz artists! Please contact Judith Beville, Town Clerk at: 993-1500
s
Friday, June 27, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
LET THE VOTERS BYPASS ELECTED OFFICIALS AND PLACE GOV EFFICIENCIES ON BALLOT.. YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO VOTE ON LIBRARY, TOWN BUDGET
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE ABLE TO PLACE ON BALLOT GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY MEASURES?
SHOULD VOTERS BE ABLE TO VOTE ON TOWN BUDGET, LIBRARY BUDGET—YOU CURRENTLY CAN VOTE ON SCHOOL BUDGET.
Earlier this year the NYS Commission on Efficiency on Local Government recommended that local governments consolidate, share services and look for ways to reduce property taxes. A suggestion that might enhance the chances of getting results quickly:
The New York State Legislature should provide voters in NY State with the ability to circulate petitions and to place consolidation/shared service proposals on the ballot. If elected officials are not responsive to efforts to make government more efficient – the voters (who will be impacted by proposed savings) should have the ability to vote on specific recommendations. Initiatives that address sharing, efficiency, making government more competitive, consolidation should be placed on the ballot – if voters collect a specific number of petition signatures. Currently, in New York State there are no initiative and referendum procedures. If elected officials are unresponsive – voters can’t take any action to overturn the decisions or non-decisions elected officials make. If the taxpayers have the ability to circulate petitions to get government efficiency measures on the ballot I believe that the recommendations of the Commission will not gather dust.
I intend to urge the members of the NYS Legislature and the members of the Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness to support state legislation to authorize voters to initiate government reforms and to get the voter reforms placed on the ballot.
I also believe that voters should have the ability to vote on town budgets, the library budget (the Library Board has the ability to shift funds from their budget without town board consent). Currently, voters can vote on school budgets.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh, NY Town Supervisor
SHOULD VOTERS BE ABLE TO VOTE ON TOWN BUDGET, LIBRARY BUDGET—YOU CURRENTLY CAN VOTE ON SCHOOL BUDGET.
Earlier this year the NYS Commission on Efficiency on Local Government recommended that local governments consolidate, share services and look for ways to reduce property taxes. A suggestion that might enhance the chances of getting results quickly:
The New York State Legislature should provide voters in NY State with the ability to circulate petitions and to place consolidation/shared service proposals on the ballot. If elected officials are not responsive to efforts to make government more efficient – the voters (who will be impacted by proposed savings) should have the ability to vote on specific recommendations. Initiatives that address sharing, efficiency, making government more competitive, consolidation should be placed on the ballot – if voters collect a specific number of petition signatures. Currently, in New York State there are no initiative and referendum procedures. If elected officials are unresponsive – voters can’t take any action to overturn the decisions or non-decisions elected officials make. If the taxpayers have the ability to circulate petitions to get government efficiency measures on the ballot I believe that the recommendations of the Commission will not gather dust.
I intend to urge the members of the NYS Legislature and the members of the Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness to support state legislation to authorize voters to initiate government reforms and to get the voter reforms placed on the ballot.
I also believe that voters should have the ability to vote on town budgets, the library budget (the Library Board has the ability to shift funds from their budget without town board consent). Currently, voters can vote on school budgets.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh, NY Town Supervisor
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
ANOTHER SUGGESTION TO SAVE THE CYBERMOBILE AND SUNDAY LIBRARY HOURS--LEASE SOME SPACE AT THE NEW LIBRARY
At the meeting of the Greenburgh Town Board today (work session) some members of the Library Board expressed surprise at my suggestion to lease space at the new library for storage. Please be advised that I had contacted the Library in the past—see exchange of e mails 3/20/08. This is not the first time I made the suggestion. In these difficult economic times I think the library has to be creative, think out of the box---find ways to generate more revenue.
The new library, which will open up in October, is going to be very expensive. Heating, air conditioning the building will be a big expense. The building has lots of glass--we will have to hire cleaners to clean the windows of the building. Leasing some of the space (at least until the economy improves) will help us REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF CUTTING IMPORTANT LIBRARY SERVICES LIKE SUNDAY HOURS OR THE CYBERMOBILE
PAUL FEINER
From: Paul Feiner
Sent: Thu 3/20/2008 11:07 PM
To: Howard Jacobs
Cc: AL Regula; Towncouncil
Subject: RE: Storage
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We spend tens of thousands of dollars a year in storage. Taking advantage of unused space could help us with the budget and enable the town to use the funds for more important purposes. PAUL FEINER
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Howard Jacobs Sent: Thu 3/20/2008 6:08 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Storage
Paul... I can understand your motivation to secure storage areas for
records and would hope that such areas could be found. Perhaps when
the new facility opens, and we move from Town Hall and the Multi-
Purpose Center there should be room there for storage for the town.
Storage facilities at the Library will be limited. However, it will
be up to the Board of Trustees to decide how the facility will
operate and they will take any request for use under
consideration....Best, Howard
The new library, which will open up in October, is going to be very expensive. Heating, air conditioning the building will be a big expense. The building has lots of glass--we will have to hire cleaners to clean the windows of the building. Leasing some of the space (at least until the economy improves) will help us REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF CUTTING IMPORTANT LIBRARY SERVICES LIKE SUNDAY HOURS OR THE CYBERMOBILE
PAUL FEINER
From: Paul Feiner
Sent: Thu 3/20/2008 11:07 PM
To: Howard Jacobs
Cc: AL Regula; Towncouncil
Subject: RE: Storage
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We spend tens of thousands of dollars a year in storage. Taking advantage of unused space could help us with the budget and enable the town to use the funds for more important purposes. PAUL FEINER
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Howard Jacobs Sent: Thu 3/20/2008 6:08 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Storage
Paul... I can understand your motivation to secure storage areas for
records and would hope that such areas could be found. Perhaps when
the new facility opens, and we move from Town Hall and the Multi-
Purpose Center there should be room there for storage for the town.
Storage facilities at the Library will be limited. However, it will
be up to the Board of Trustees to decide how the facility will
operate and they will take any request for use under
consideration....Best, Howard
9A bypass needed--4th fatality on 9A today.
There was another fatality on 9A this morning – a head on accident with a tractor-trailer. The accident happened just south of Route 100 C, near Hunter Lane. This accident, the 4th fatality on 9A in recent months (the other accidents were pedestrian related hit and run accidents) highlights the need for safety improvements on 9 A. NYS is planning to construct a 9 A bypass. The bypass will increase safety on 9A and reduce congestion. A 9A bypass has been talked about for many years. It’s our hope that NYS will appropriate funds necessary so construction can start sooner rather than later. I am planning to contact the state DOT and will invite them to an upcoming Town Board meeting to provide the public with updates as to when construction will actually start. I will also invite our State Legislators to this meeting.
I'm sending a letter to the state DOT and to our representatives in Albany (Senator Cousins and ASsemblyman Brodsky) inviting them to a meeting on July 9th--the next Town Board meeting.
I'm sending a letter to the state DOT and to our representatives in Albany (Senator Cousins and ASsemblyman Brodsky) inviting them to a meeting on July 9th--the next Town Board meeting.
Monday, June 23, 2008
CYBERMOBILE COULD BE SAVED...WORK SESSION AGENDA FOR TOMORROW
The Library Board has decided to discontinue cybermobile service. A 3 month grant from a foundation has run out. Although I personally believe that there are ways to continue the cybermobile service (within the budget that was approved by the Town Board) –the NYS Education Dept has advised me that the Library Board is independent of the town and has the ability to shift funds WITHOUT the consent of the Town Board. The Library Board might want to consider the suggestion posted below: Another option would be to park the cybermobile at a few different locations during the week and to send a librarian to the location where the cybermobile is parked during the limited hours that it is open. In effect, the cybermobile would be a branch library…. We could use existing drivers for these limited runs.
PAUL FEINER
CITIZEN SUGGESTION---
Lacking funding, what is going to happen to the cybermobile?
I suggest that it be permanently tethered in Hartsdale, either at the parking garage (electricity) or on the street.
Hartsdale represents a central, densely populated area of unincorporated which is NOT within walking distance of the existing Library outposts.
Thus "stationed", it could be opened on a limited basis, as budget or grant affordable, and serve the Seniors domiciled along Hartsdale Avenue and those either using the train station or picking and dropping those that do.
Given that the only serious cost remaining (no repairs, gas) would be personnel.
Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – June 24, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)
2:00p.m. Agenda Review
2:15p.m. Paper Streets: Follow-up
2:45p.m. RFP for Vending Machines: Follow-up
2:55p.m. Town should invited Dobbs Ferry to participate in RFP re: 27 Main Street
Property – update Waterwheel
3:00p.m. Library Update: Budget, Construction
(Howard Jacobs, Marilyn Greiner, Al Regula, Triton)
3:40p.m. Schedule department meetings to discuss budget cuts - 2009
3:45p.m. Executive Session – Personnel
4:45p.m. Questions re: Westhab – Follow-up
5:00p.m. Interview: Walter Rivera – Ethics Board
5:30p.m. Adjourn
East Hartsdale Farmers Market Jazz Series – Performances to Date
June 28th –
July 5 –
July 12th – The Blues Dogs with Al Frankel
July 19th and September 6th – Westchester Harp Ensemble
August 2nd – Julie Corbalis
October 11th – Ceasar Cantori
We are looking for more jazz artists! Please contact Judith Beville, Town Clerk at: 993-1500
July 1, 2008 Work Session – Tentative
Begin Budget Meetings with Department Heads
House calls / Community Outreach Meetings:
Monday, June 23rd 8pm – Juniper Hill (meet at Town Hall)
Monday, June 30th 7pm – Fulton Park (door-to-door)
Monday, July 7th – Stone Oaks, Poets Corner (time to be determined)
Monday, July 21st – Irvington (time to be determined)
Monday, July 28th – Valimar (time to be determined)
PAUL FEINER
CITIZEN SUGGESTION---
Lacking funding, what is going to happen to the cybermobile?
I suggest that it be permanently tethered in Hartsdale, either at the parking garage (electricity) or on the street.
Hartsdale represents a central, densely populated area of unincorporated which is NOT within walking distance of the existing Library outposts.
Thus "stationed", it could be opened on a limited basis, as budget or grant affordable, and serve the Seniors domiciled along Hartsdale Avenue and those either using the train station or picking and dropping those that do.
Given that the only serious cost remaining (no repairs, gas) would be personnel.
Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – June 24, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)
2:00p.m. Agenda Review
2:15p.m. Paper Streets: Follow-up
2:45p.m. RFP for Vending Machines: Follow-up
2:55p.m. Town should invited Dobbs Ferry to participate in RFP re: 27 Main Street
Property – update Waterwheel
3:00p.m. Library Update: Budget, Construction
(Howard Jacobs, Marilyn Greiner, Al Regula, Triton)
3:40p.m. Schedule department meetings to discuss budget cuts - 2009
3:45p.m. Executive Session – Personnel
4:45p.m. Questions re: Westhab – Follow-up
5:00p.m. Interview: Walter Rivera – Ethics Board
5:30p.m. Adjourn
East Hartsdale Farmers Market Jazz Series – Performances to Date
June 28th –
July 5 –
July 12th – The Blues Dogs with Al Frankel
July 19th and September 6th – Westchester Harp Ensemble
August 2nd – Julie Corbalis
October 11th – Ceasar Cantori
We are looking for more jazz artists! Please contact Judith Beville, Town Clerk at: 993-1500
July 1, 2008 Work Session – Tentative
Begin Budget Meetings with Department Heads
House calls / Community Outreach Meetings:
Monday, June 23rd 8pm – Juniper Hill (meet at Town Hall)
Monday, June 30th 7pm – Fulton Park (door-to-door)
Monday, July 7th – Stone Oaks, Poets Corner (time to be determined)
Monday, July 21st – Irvington (time to be determined)
Monday, July 28th – Valimar (time to be determined)
Friday, June 20, 2008
WESTHAB HAS NEW DRAWINGS, REVISED PLANS, BUILDING DOWNSIZED TO 4 FLOORS
WESTHAB has submitted revised plans for their proposed affordable housing proposal in the Fulton Park section of town. The building has been downsized from 5 floors to 4. If you would like to review the new proposal visit our website: www.greenburghny.com and click on to forms/documents---screen down to community development and conservation.
Community Development and Conservation
View Archived
A) Westhab - 22 Tarrytown Road
Cover letter - Answers to Town Board questions
Deed and Part I Full EAF
Westhab - Traffic Study - Part 1
Westhab - Traffic Study - Part 2
Westhab - Traffic Study - Part 3
Westhab Drawings - Part 1
Westhab Drawings - Part 2
Westhab Drawings - Part 3
Community Development and Conservation
View Archived
A) Westhab - 22 Tarrytown Road
Cover letter - Answers to Town Board questions
Deed and Part I Full EAF
Westhab - Traffic Study - Part 1
Westhab - Traffic Study - Part 2
Westhab - Traffic Study - Part 3
Westhab Drawings - Part 1
Westhab Drawings - Part 2
Westhab Drawings - Part 3
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
HOUSECALLS--LIKE THE OLD FASHIONED DOCTOR, BEGINS!
The Greenburgh Town Board started our "house calls" to different neighborhoods on Wednesday night, June 18th. We met at the home of Ben & Ruth Armato of Hartsdale and exchanged ideas with the Armato's and their neighbors. What an interesting meeting!
Numerous issues were discussed between 7:15 PM and 9:30 PM. Neighbors advised us of some road obstructions (bush/tree overgrowth that may impact traffic safety-blind spots). We will follow up on those complaints. Some residents worried about aging trees that need to be checked for safety and debris in a creek.
We talked about an abandoned house on Joyce Road that will soon be demolished. Among other ideas that were discussed:
**Should the town sell non park land the town owns (9A & Secor--in back of the Greenburgh Housing Authority apartments on Secor) to a developer? If the property is sold some residents think that the property should be turned into affordable housing for seniors. Others suggested a medical office building.
**A suggestion was made: We need 'feeder' bus transportation that could take people from back roads (different neighborhoods) to major developments. Should developers of commercial properties be required, as part of their approvals, to provide shuttle service from their commercial property to different locations around town? The proposed Super Stop & Shop in Tarrytown was suggested as a possibility...
**One resident suggested that the town (to save money) change our curb rehabilitation policy-- the town would replace existing curbs with concrete curbs (less expensive). If people want the more expensive Belgium curbs that have been used --there would be a cost for the resident.
**A neighbor proposed that we look into using power concrete--less expensive.
**Suggestion: post a police officer at the Hartsdale train station during commuter rush hours.
**Revenue generator idea: Place a box at Town Hall --collect cell phones (some businesses will pay for old cell phones).
**Place electronic bulletin boards at key locations --many residents don't use internet, read newspapers to get local news. Last week I met with a philanthropist who offered to donate the electronic boards to the town--saving the town tens of thousands of dollars.
**We discussed streets that need repaving.
**Should the town require garbage to be picked up at the curb? Currently, residents can request non curb-side pickup which requires more employees and is more costly.
**We chatted about budget options. Most people seem to appreciate the level of services they receive and want more info about the impact proposed cuts will have on their taxes. In the coming weeks/months we will detail the impact every proposed cut will have on one's total tax bill.
The members of the Town Board and I (Sonja Brown, Diana Juettner, Kevin Morgan, Francis Sheehan, Town Clerk Judith Beville and I ) will be knocking on doors, meeting with residents at least once a week (sometimes more frequently) until the 2009 budget is approved. We want your input.
If you would like the Town Board to stop by at your house please e mail townboard@greenburghny.com. We will meet with residents individually or in a group setting. Some house call meetings will last a few minutes. Other house calls will last a few hours.
One of the benefits of these house call meetings is that it provides the Town Board with input from people who normally do not attend meetings or participate in town government.
PAUL FEINER
on June 23rd the Town Board will have a neighborhood conversation with residents of Juniper HIll...
On June 30th we will meet with residents of Fulton Park...
on July 7th we will knock on doors at Stoneoaks/Poets Corner in Hartsdale.
In mid-July we will exchange ideas with residents of N Elmsford...
Numerous issues were discussed between 7:15 PM and 9:30 PM. Neighbors advised us of some road obstructions (bush/tree overgrowth that may impact traffic safety-blind spots). We will follow up on those complaints. Some residents worried about aging trees that need to be checked for safety and debris in a creek.
We talked about an abandoned house on Joyce Road that will soon be demolished. Among other ideas that were discussed:
**Should the town sell non park land the town owns (9A & Secor--in back of the Greenburgh Housing Authority apartments on Secor) to a developer? If the property is sold some residents think that the property should be turned into affordable housing for seniors. Others suggested a medical office building.
**A suggestion was made: We need 'feeder' bus transportation that could take people from back roads (different neighborhoods) to major developments. Should developers of commercial properties be required, as part of their approvals, to provide shuttle service from their commercial property to different locations around town? The proposed Super Stop & Shop in Tarrytown was suggested as a possibility...
**One resident suggested that the town (to save money) change our curb rehabilitation policy-- the town would replace existing curbs with concrete curbs (less expensive). If people want the more expensive Belgium curbs that have been used --there would be a cost for the resident.
**A neighbor proposed that we look into using power concrete--less expensive.
**Suggestion: post a police officer at the Hartsdale train station during commuter rush hours.
**Revenue generator idea: Place a box at Town Hall --collect cell phones (some businesses will pay for old cell phones).
**Place electronic bulletin boards at key locations --many residents don't use internet, read newspapers to get local news. Last week I met with a philanthropist who offered to donate the electronic boards to the town--saving the town tens of thousands of dollars.
**We discussed streets that need repaving.
**Should the town require garbage to be picked up at the curb? Currently, residents can request non curb-side pickup which requires more employees and is more costly.
**We chatted about budget options. Most people seem to appreciate the level of services they receive and want more info about the impact proposed cuts will have on their taxes. In the coming weeks/months we will detail the impact every proposed cut will have on one's total tax bill.
The members of the Town Board and I (Sonja Brown, Diana Juettner, Kevin Morgan, Francis Sheehan, Town Clerk Judith Beville and I ) will be knocking on doors, meeting with residents at least once a week (sometimes more frequently) until the 2009 budget is approved. We want your input.
If you would like the Town Board to stop by at your house please e mail townboard@greenburghny.com. We will meet with residents individually or in a group setting. Some house call meetings will last a few minutes. Other house calls will last a few hours.
One of the benefits of these house call meetings is that it provides the Town Board with input from people who normally do not attend meetings or participate in town government.
PAUL FEINER
on June 23rd the Town Board will have a neighborhood conversation with residents of Juniper HIll...
On June 30th we will meet with residents of Fulton Park...
on July 7th we will knock on doors at Stoneoaks/Poets Corner in Hartsdale.
In mid-July we will exchange ideas with residents of N Elmsford...
WESTHAB to REDESIGN BUILDING IN FULTON PARK
Westhab will be filing revised plans for their proposed affordable housing in Fulton Park. The building will be downsized --the community room (which had been on the 5th floor) will be moved to a lower level. The building will be 4 stories, not 5. The papers should be filed with the planning dept on or before Friday.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
GOVERNING MAGAZINE -JUNE,2008 TALKS ABOUT LEASING OPTIONS FOR LIBRARIES
There is a very interesting article about libraries in the June, 2008 issue of Governing Magazine (www.governing.com)--"REVOLUTION IN THE STACKS". The article points out that libraries lease space for cafes, garden shops, comic book stores and other retailers--whose leases require them to host their own events aimed at drawing yet more people to the library.
Leasing space at the new library to appropriate retailers makes some sense, in my opinion. We can generate needed revenue and offset some of the additional costs that will be incurred once the library opens up.
Leasing space at the new library to appropriate retailers makes some sense, in my opinion. We can generate needed revenue and offset some of the additional costs that will be incurred once the library opens up.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
INFO ABOUT GREENBURGH LIBRARY FOUNDATION
The Greenburgh Public Library Foundation was created by community activists who wanted a state of the art library for the Town. The vision has been expanded and grows with each brick. The people involved are people who care about education, and the sense of community that a library brings to residents. Funds that are being raised are going to enhance the Library and build on a foundation that can continue to to grow and enhance the library experience.
More about the library if you go to greenburghlibraryfoundation.org.
All contributions for the Greenburgh Library should be made out the Greenburgh Public Library Foundation and mailed to the GPLF, PO Box 151, Elmsford, NY 10523. The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization and contributions are fully tax deductible. For more information about the Foundation contact the president, Judy Chriss at her office at 914.631.3334.
More about the library if you go to greenburghlibraryfoundation.org.
All contributions for the Greenburgh Library should be made out the Greenburgh Public Library Foundation and mailed to the GPLF, PO Box 151, Elmsford, NY 10523. The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization and contributions are fully tax deductible. For more information about the Foundation contact the president, Judy Chriss at her office at 914.631.3334.
Friday, June 13, 2008
New Jersey also looking at abolishing county gov
NJ looks to Massachusetts to map end of county government
Reformers seek Senator Moore’s guidance
MONTCLAIR, NJ, November 30, 3005 - Civic activists and municipal leaders in Essex County, New Jersey have been frustrated by the increasing burden of county government in their state. They organized the Essex County Committee to Change County Government, and they want to know how Massachusetts was able to eliminate or reform county government in all but six of the original fourteen counties in the late 1990’s.
The League of Women Voters of the Montclair Area and the Change County Government Steering Committee will co-sponsor an educational meeting entitled "The Massachusetts Experience: Ending County Government” on November 30th. Massachusetts State Senator Richard T. Moore will be the featured speaker at the forum in the Cedar Grove Township Town Hall sponsored by the League and the Committee to Change County Government. Senator Moore, who chaired the Legislature’s Committee on Counties in the late 1990’s was, along with then-Senate Ways and Means Chairman Stanley Rosenberg, the principal architect of legislative efforts to abolish county government in the Bay State.
Moore’s and Rosenberg’s efforts saved property taxpayers in many parts of Massachusetts hundreds of millions of dollars in unfunded pension liability and elimination of county spending. It eliminated an archaic and unnecessary level of government that dated back to colonial times. Since 1999, in addition to being relieved on millions of dollars in pension funding, the thirteen Worcester County towns in Moore’s Senate District have saved an estimated additional $170,000 that would have been assessed if county government was still in business. “This savings meant real reform for local property taxpayers in my district,” Senator Moore explained.
Senator Moore’s visit to New Jersey is part of that state’s efforts to reform or abolish county government. The Change County Government Steering Committee has been investigating the desirability and possibilities involved in effecting a change in county government. The formation of this committee was sparked by the recent ballot referendums to study secession from Essex County in the communities of Montclair, Milburn, Verona and Cedar Grove.
For the past year, official representatives and other leaders of several towns within Essex County, New Jersey have been meeting monthly to discuss how they can better coordinate efforts to stabilize taxes and improve services in the 21 Essex County municipalities with an emphasis on the size and cost of county government. Many of the towns have been looking at this issue via referendums and legal action.
The Massachusetts efforts at reform and the abolition of Worcester County are relevant issues for study by people in New Jersey. Essex County, New Jersey has about the same size population as Worcester County in Massachusetts. New Jersey is often compared in size and population to the Bay State.
In his remarks, Senator Moore will explain his leadership role in county government abolition. As the new Chairman of Counties after his election to the Senate in 1996, Senator Moore, a Democrat, joined with Republican Senator Arthur Chase in a bi-partisan push to abolish or reform county government. Encouraged by Senator Stanley C. Rosenberg (D-Amherst) then-Chair of the powerful Senate Ways and Means Committee, Senator Moore initiated the first serious efforts to abolish county government. The fact that Moore’s own Worcester County and neighboring Middlesex County were on the verge of bankruptcy added fuel to the fight.
Although Senator Chase left the Senate in an unsuccessful run for County Treasurer and Senator Moore moved to the chairmanship of another committee at the start of the 1997-1998 session, the issue of county government abolition had been firmly established. Senator Moore agreed to work with Senator Rosenberg to promote abolition of county government in the new session and newly- elected Senator Stephen Brewer (D-Barre), who succeeded Moore as chair of Counties Committee, agreed to work with Rosenberg and Moore on the reform initiative as the new term unfolded.
Subsequently, with Middlesex and Worcester Counties on the verge of bankruptcy, Senator Rosenberg decided to make abolition of counties a major theme of the Senate’s FY 1998 state budget. He used a bill filed by Senator Moore to abolish county government to provide a framework for the budget rider. Senator Moore, along with Senator Brewer, worked on refining the language of the budget sections dealing with county government reform.
After a long, and sometimes arduous, legislative battle, the political landscape was redrawn as all but three of the original 14 counties were abolished or dramatically changed. Middlesex, Worcester, Essex, Suffolk, Hamden, Berkshire, Dukes and Nantucket county governments were abolished. Franklin and Hampshire counties were reorganized into locally directed councils of government, Barnstable County government was converted to the Cape Cod Commission. Only Plymouth, Bristol and Norfolk counties were unchanged.
New Jersey leaders want to learn more about the effects of abolition of county government as well as the other forms that were created such as the council of government and the Cape Cod Commission. At the meeting, Senator Moore will also discuss a report that he prepared detailing the political process, the obstacles, and the options for reform.
More information on Senator Moore’s issues can be obtained by checking his web site www.senatormoore.com.
Adobe Acrobat required. Download the free reader, here
Senator Moore's Presentation: Usefulness Outlived - The Collapse of County Government in Massachusetts
Reformers seek Senator Moore’s guidance
MONTCLAIR, NJ, November 30, 3005 - Civic activists and municipal leaders in Essex County, New Jersey have been frustrated by the increasing burden of county government in their state. They organized the Essex County Committee to Change County Government, and they want to know how Massachusetts was able to eliminate or reform county government in all but six of the original fourteen counties in the late 1990’s.
The League of Women Voters of the Montclair Area and the Change County Government Steering Committee will co-sponsor an educational meeting entitled "The Massachusetts Experience: Ending County Government” on November 30th. Massachusetts State Senator Richard T. Moore will be the featured speaker at the forum in the Cedar Grove Township Town Hall sponsored by the League and the Committee to Change County Government. Senator Moore, who chaired the Legislature’s Committee on Counties in the late 1990’s was, along with then-Senate Ways and Means Chairman Stanley Rosenberg, the principal architect of legislative efforts to abolish county government in the Bay State.
Moore’s and Rosenberg’s efforts saved property taxpayers in many parts of Massachusetts hundreds of millions of dollars in unfunded pension liability and elimination of county spending. It eliminated an archaic and unnecessary level of government that dated back to colonial times. Since 1999, in addition to being relieved on millions of dollars in pension funding, the thirteen Worcester County towns in Moore’s Senate District have saved an estimated additional $170,000 that would have been assessed if county government was still in business. “This savings meant real reform for local property taxpayers in my district,” Senator Moore explained.
Senator Moore’s visit to New Jersey is part of that state’s efforts to reform or abolish county government. The Change County Government Steering Committee has been investigating the desirability and possibilities involved in effecting a change in county government. The formation of this committee was sparked by the recent ballot referendums to study secession from Essex County in the communities of Montclair, Milburn, Verona and Cedar Grove.
For the past year, official representatives and other leaders of several towns within Essex County, New Jersey have been meeting monthly to discuss how they can better coordinate efforts to stabilize taxes and improve services in the 21 Essex County municipalities with an emphasis on the size and cost of county government. Many of the towns have been looking at this issue via referendums and legal action.
The Massachusetts efforts at reform and the abolition of Worcester County are relevant issues for study by people in New Jersey. Essex County, New Jersey has about the same size population as Worcester County in Massachusetts. New Jersey is often compared in size and population to the Bay State.
In his remarks, Senator Moore will explain his leadership role in county government abolition. As the new Chairman of Counties after his election to the Senate in 1996, Senator Moore, a Democrat, joined with Republican Senator Arthur Chase in a bi-partisan push to abolish or reform county government. Encouraged by Senator Stanley C. Rosenberg (D-Amherst) then-Chair of the powerful Senate Ways and Means Committee, Senator Moore initiated the first serious efforts to abolish county government. The fact that Moore’s own Worcester County and neighboring Middlesex County were on the verge of bankruptcy added fuel to the fight.
Although Senator Chase left the Senate in an unsuccessful run for County Treasurer and Senator Moore moved to the chairmanship of another committee at the start of the 1997-1998 session, the issue of county government abolition had been firmly established. Senator Moore agreed to work with Senator Rosenberg to promote abolition of county government in the new session and newly- elected Senator Stephen Brewer (D-Barre), who succeeded Moore as chair of Counties Committee, agreed to work with Rosenberg and Moore on the reform initiative as the new term unfolded.
Subsequently, with Middlesex and Worcester Counties on the verge of bankruptcy, Senator Rosenberg decided to make abolition of counties a major theme of the Senate’s FY 1998 state budget. He used a bill filed by Senator Moore to abolish county government to provide a framework for the budget rider. Senator Moore, along with Senator Brewer, worked on refining the language of the budget sections dealing with county government reform.
After a long, and sometimes arduous, legislative battle, the political landscape was redrawn as all but three of the original 14 counties were abolished or dramatically changed. Middlesex, Worcester, Essex, Suffolk, Hamden, Berkshire, Dukes and Nantucket county governments were abolished. Franklin and Hampshire counties were reorganized into locally directed councils of government, Barnstable County government was converted to the Cape Cod Commission. Only Plymouth, Bristol and Norfolk counties were unchanged.
New Jersey leaders want to learn more about the effects of abolition of county government as well as the other forms that were created such as the council of government and the Cape Cod Commission. At the meeting, Senator Moore will also discuss a report that he prepared detailing the political process, the obstacles, and the options for reform.
More information on Senator Moore’s issues can be obtained by checking his web site www.senatormoore.com.
Adobe Acrobat required. Download the free reader, here
Senator Moore's Presentation: Usefulness Outlived - The Collapse of County Government in Massachusetts
HI DE HO---SAVE CAB CALLOWAY'S HOUSE..work session agenda
Greenburgh Town Clerk Judith Beville and I met with Cab Calloway’s daughter yesterday. Cecelia Calloway is seeking assistance with a project to preserve the Cab Calloway house at 1040 Knollwood Road as a historical landmark. Greenburgh played an important role in music, jazz and the arts during the last century. It is our hope that we can prevent the house from being demolished. If you’re interested in working with us in our efforts to save the Calloway House and to preserve the property as a historic landmark please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com and Judith Beville at jbeville@greenburghny.com. The following is a letter received from Cecilia Lael Calloway today.
PAUL FEINER
Hi-De-Ho Paul Feiner,
I am Cecelia Lael Calloway, the daughter of Cab Calloway and I’m seeking your assistance with a project that I strongly believe will benefit the Town of Greenburgh in several ways. My father, Cab Calloway, called Greenburgh home for many years. He truly loved living in this town and he often said he would like to have his legacy kept alive here. I want to acquire the house on Knollwood Road and use it as base to celebrate his life, music, and legacy. I envision this location being used to preserve an important piece of Greenburgh’s history, provide many educational opportunities to learn about the cultural and musical history, and provide a location to feature jazz performances, dance, sculpture, display memorabilia from Dad’s life, photographs, story telling and a functioning recording studio.
Your support would be such a great honor to me, my family and dad. I believe it is imperative to save, preserve and operate the old Calloway home where I met so many great celebrities visiting Dad. My associates and I are embarking on preserving the energies and spirits of celebrities and friends of yesterday who visited dad in celebration at our old home.
Here are just a few of these legendary performers who spent time at the house:
Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., E. Simms Campbell. dinners with Dizzy Gillespie, Loentyne Price, Pearl Bailey, Slappy White, Gordon Parks, Eddie Haywood, Nipsie Russell, Michael Jackson, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, big parties with the Harlem Globe Trotters, Lionel Hampton, Panama Francis, Dave Brubeck, Billy Eckstine, Roy Campanalla and Cab’s band members; Milt Hinton, Fletcher Henderson, Chuck Berry, Cozy Cole, and the great producer of Hello Dolly, David Merrick.
The house is currently for sale and I understand developers have shown interest in acquiring the property for possible subdivision, meaning the demolition of this historically valuable location. We need to move quickly to make this dream happen. I believe the best vehicle for maintaining this location on a longterm basis would be to form a local charitable organization or foundation that would:
1. Operate exclusively for charitable, educational, and civic purposes as referred to in Sections 501(c) (3) and 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code, generally referred to as “exempt purposes”.
2. To promote and fund the preservation of Cab Calloway name, likeness, music history and legacy locally and worldwide.
3. To produce fund raising events, activities and concerts for the Calloway house revival and preservation.
4. To purchase, renovate and expand the old Calloway home (1040 Knollwood Rd., White Plains, N.Y.) with showcase rooms, sound recording and music facility for continuous Calloway operations and projects
5. To sponsor multi-media, music and arts programs and projects for underprivileged youth, youth at risk, the school system, the local historical and arts organizations, and places of Higher learning such as colleges and universities.
Of course, these are preliminary ideas, but I think with your help, and the help of any interested groups and citizens, we can preserve this important piece of Greenburgh’s history. If this dream is to become reality, time is of the essence, the clock is ticking and the wrecker’s ball is looming nearby.
I hope you will join me in getting the word out to those who might be interested in making this happen.
Sincerely,
Cecelia Lael Calloway
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Feiner
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 3:27 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: agenda
Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – June 17, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)
2:00p.m. Special Meeting of the Town Board
2:15p.m. Nancy Gold – Historic Hudson River Towns
Frank Jazzo ---
CAB CALLOWAY HOUSE PRESERVATION EFFORTS
2:45p.m. Leslie Scheiblberg – Contracts for Sculptures Displayed at DeSanti Plaza
3:00p.m. Bob Reninger – Broadview Civic Association and Questions Related to
Library Construction, Traffic, etc. (Tim Lewis, Al Regula, Genie Contrata,
Chief Kapica)
3:45p.m. Greenburgh Housing Authority – Councilwoman Brown
4:15p.m. FAST Swim Team and TDYCC – Councilwoman Brown
4:45p.m. Executive Session
5:30p.m. Adjourn
East Hartsdale Farmers Market Jazz Series – Performances to Date
June 28th – Pete Benway and Members of Royalty
July 19th and September 6th – Westchester Harp Ensemble
August 2nd – Julie Corbalis
October 11th – Ceasar Cantori
We are looking for more jazz artists! Please contact Judith Beville, Town Clerk at: 9931500
June 24, 2008 Work Session – Tentative
Paper Streets: Follow-up
RFP for Vending Machines
PAUL FEINER
Hi-De-Ho Paul Feiner,
I am Cecelia Lael Calloway, the daughter of Cab Calloway and I’m seeking your assistance with a project that I strongly believe will benefit the Town of Greenburgh in several ways. My father, Cab Calloway, called Greenburgh home for many years. He truly loved living in this town and he often said he would like to have his legacy kept alive here. I want to acquire the house on Knollwood Road and use it as base to celebrate his life, music, and legacy. I envision this location being used to preserve an important piece of Greenburgh’s history, provide many educational opportunities to learn about the cultural and musical history, and provide a location to feature jazz performances, dance, sculpture, display memorabilia from Dad’s life, photographs, story telling and a functioning recording studio.
Your support would be such a great honor to me, my family and dad. I believe it is imperative to save, preserve and operate the old Calloway home where I met so many great celebrities visiting Dad. My associates and I are embarking on preserving the energies and spirits of celebrities and friends of yesterday who visited dad in celebration at our old home.
Here are just a few of these legendary performers who spent time at the house:
Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., E. Simms Campbell. dinners with Dizzy Gillespie, Loentyne Price, Pearl Bailey, Slappy White, Gordon Parks, Eddie Haywood, Nipsie Russell, Michael Jackson, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, big parties with the Harlem Globe Trotters, Lionel Hampton, Panama Francis, Dave Brubeck, Billy Eckstine, Roy Campanalla and Cab’s band members; Milt Hinton, Fletcher Henderson, Chuck Berry, Cozy Cole, and the great producer of Hello Dolly, David Merrick.
The house is currently for sale and I understand developers have shown interest in acquiring the property for possible subdivision, meaning the demolition of this historically valuable location. We need to move quickly to make this dream happen. I believe the best vehicle for maintaining this location on a longterm basis would be to form a local charitable organization or foundation that would:
1. Operate exclusively for charitable, educational, and civic purposes as referred to in Sections 501(c) (3) and 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code, generally referred to as “exempt purposes”.
2. To promote and fund the preservation of Cab Calloway name, likeness, music history and legacy locally and worldwide.
3. To produce fund raising events, activities and concerts for the Calloway house revival and preservation.
4. To purchase, renovate and expand the old Calloway home (1040 Knollwood Rd., White Plains, N.Y.) with showcase rooms, sound recording and music facility for continuous Calloway operations and projects
5. To sponsor multi-media, music and arts programs and projects for underprivileged youth, youth at risk, the school system, the local historical and arts organizations, and places of Higher learning such as colleges and universities.
Of course, these are preliminary ideas, but I think with your help, and the help of any interested groups and citizens, we can preserve this important piece of Greenburgh’s history. If this dream is to become reality, time is of the essence, the clock is ticking and the wrecker’s ball is looming nearby.
I hope you will join me in getting the word out to those who might be interested in making this happen.
Sincerely,
Cecelia Lael Calloway
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Feiner
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 3:27 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: agenda
Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – June 17, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the length of the two meetings.)
2:00p.m. Special Meeting of the Town Board
2:15p.m. Nancy Gold – Historic Hudson River Towns
Frank Jazzo ---
CAB CALLOWAY HOUSE PRESERVATION EFFORTS
2:45p.m. Leslie Scheiblberg – Contracts for Sculptures Displayed at DeSanti Plaza
3:00p.m. Bob Reninger – Broadview Civic Association and Questions Related to
Library Construction, Traffic, etc. (Tim Lewis, Al Regula, Genie Contrata,
Chief Kapica)
3:45p.m. Greenburgh Housing Authority – Councilwoman Brown
4:15p.m. FAST Swim Team and TDYCC – Councilwoman Brown
4:45p.m. Executive Session
5:30p.m. Adjourn
East Hartsdale Farmers Market Jazz Series – Performances to Date
June 28th – Pete Benway and Members of Royalty
July 19th and September 6th – Westchester Harp Ensemble
August 2nd – Julie Corbalis
October 11th – Ceasar Cantori
We are looking for more jazz artists! Please contact Judith Beville, Town Clerk at: 9931500
June 24, 2008 Work Session – Tentative
Paper Streets: Follow-up
RFP for Vending Machines
Thursday, June 12, 2008
RECYCLING APARTMENT VOLUNTEER WANTED
I MET WITH Peter Costa, Jr and Jack Lombardi of the Division of Solid Waste Management yesterday. The county is looking for one or two apartments to volunteer to be part of a pilot program for recycling. The county will supply (at no cost) recycling containers/bins. The county will monitor the facilities recycling. If you live in an apartment and would like to participate – please e mail me and Peter Costa.
Supervisor,
Thank you for your time today with Mr. Lombardi and myself.
As discussed Westchester County would like to conduct a Pilot Program for Recycling at 1 or 2 multi-family dwellings in your town.
Westchester County will supply recycling containers and or bins (attached samples) and we will conduct a building audit in which our staff will advise what containers / bins would work and where.
Westchester County will also supply the building owner/manger with educational materials to distribute to the residents combined with what the buildings policies will be (where the bins will be kept)
All we ask the town to do is in cooperation with the County monitor the facilities recycling.
Some suggestions in picking buildings;
3 plus family units but under 35 families. (+ -)
Once one or two buildings are chosen we will arrange the inspector to go out an conduct the audit.Thank you again for your assistance.
Peter
Peter D. Costa, Jr.
Environmental Project Coordinator
Westchester County
Department of Environmental Facilities
Division of Solid Waste Management / Recycling / Treasure Hunt Program
270 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10801
(914) 813-5427 Fax (914) 813-5460
ppc9@westchestergov.com
Supervisor,
Thank you for your time today with Mr. Lombardi and myself.
As discussed Westchester County would like to conduct a Pilot Program for Recycling at 1 or 2 multi-family dwellings in your town.
Westchester County will supply recycling containers and or bins (attached samples) and we will conduct a building audit in which our staff will advise what containers / bins would work and where.
Westchester County will also supply the building owner/manger with educational materials to distribute to the residents combined with what the buildings policies will be (where the bins will be kept)
All we ask the town to do is in cooperation with the County monitor the facilities recycling.
Some suggestions in picking buildings;
3 plus family units but under 35 families. (+ -)
Once one or two buildings are chosen we will arrange the inspector to go out an conduct the audit.Thank you again for your assistance.
Peter
Peter D. Costa, Jr.
Environmental Project Coordinator
Westchester County
Department of Environmental Facilities
Division of Solid Waste Management / Recycling / Treasure Hunt Program
270 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10801
(914) 813-5427 Fax (914) 813-5460
ppc9@westchestergov.com
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
REQUESTING AMENDMENT TO ETHICS LAW SO SUPERVISOR, TOWN BOARD MEMBERS CAN APPEAR BEFORE PLANNING BOARD/ZONING BOARD
The current Ethics laws should be amended. Currently, the law prohibits me --as Town Supervisor--from appearing before the Zoning Board or Planning Board to advocate or oppose a proposed development. These two Boards are independent of the Town Board. The members are appointed by Town Board members.
I feel that the law, as it currently is written, violates the first amendment. I also feel that as an elected official I should have the ability to express my views to both Boards on applications that impact the town. I met with the Town Board and Ethics Board today to discuss my concerns.
I feel that the law, as it currently is written, violates the first amendment. I also feel that as an elected official I should have the ability to express my views to both Boards on applications that impact the town. I met with the Town Board and Ethics Board today to discuss my concerns.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
HOUSECALLS TO DISCUSS BUDGET STARTING NEXT MONDAY
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, Council members Sonja Brown, Diana Juettner, Kevin Morgan, Francis Sheehan will make housecalls at least once a week this summer –reaching out to residents to discuss budget options and quality of life concerns. The Board members will start their walking tour of the town at 7 PM on Monday evening, June 9th beginning on Joyce Road. They will meet in front of 22 Joyce Road, Hartsdale.
Greenburgh, like other communities in the region, is facing a difficult budget in 2009. The Supervisor has requested all departments to present to the Town Board (for consideration) two budgets for 2009----a budget that includes a zero percent spending increase (compared to 2008) and a budget that cuts spending by 5%. One of the goals of the door to door efforts is to find out what residents want. Would people prefer service cuts or tax hikes? What cuts are acceptable/unacceptable? We want to know.
The Board members will be going door to door to get some feedback from residents. We want to hear from people who normally do not speak out at Town Board meetings, people who may not be active in the community. We also are interested in obtaining feedback from activists. Residents who want to join the members of the Town Board on this walking tour are invited to participate.
Residents who are interested in meeting with the entire Town Board at their home should e mail townboard@greenburghny.com. You can also contact Supervisor Feiner at 438-1343 (cell) or 993-1545 (office). We will arrange to stop by and make a housecall. We will accommodate all requests in the coming months.
ON ANOTHER MATTER…
I’M CYCLING FROM NY TO VERMONT tomorrow to raise funds for the Westchester ARC Foundation and Special Olympics. This is a 200 mile bike trek. I have been cycling with this group since 1990. Our committee has raised $3,535,000 since we started the bike ride. The Special Olympics provides year round sports training programs to over 3,300 athletes and their families. WARC provides the developmentally disabled with places to live. I won’t be in the office tomorrow but can be reached by phone: 438-1343 or on my blackberry: pfeiner@greenburghny.com. If residents have any problems or concerns – please feel free to call me. I am looking for every excuse possible to get off my bicycle and walk up some hills, while taking calls.
Greenburgh, like other communities in the region, is facing a difficult budget in 2009. The Supervisor has requested all departments to present to the Town Board (for consideration) two budgets for 2009----a budget that includes a zero percent spending increase (compared to 2008) and a budget that cuts spending by 5%. One of the goals of the door to door efforts is to find out what residents want. Would people prefer service cuts or tax hikes? What cuts are acceptable/unacceptable? We want to know.
The Board members will be going door to door to get some feedback from residents. We want to hear from people who normally do not speak out at Town Board meetings, people who may not be active in the community. We also are interested in obtaining feedback from activists. Residents who want to join the members of the Town Board on this walking tour are invited to participate.
Residents who are interested in meeting with the entire Town Board at their home should e mail townboard@greenburghny.com. You can also contact Supervisor Feiner at 438-1343 (cell) or 993-1545 (office). We will arrange to stop by and make a housecall. We will accommodate all requests in the coming months.
ON ANOTHER MATTER…
I’M CYCLING FROM NY TO VERMONT tomorrow to raise funds for the Westchester ARC Foundation and Special Olympics. This is a 200 mile bike trek. I have been cycling with this group since 1990. Our committee has raised $3,535,000 since we started the bike ride. The Special Olympics provides year round sports training programs to over 3,300 athletes and their families. WARC provides the developmentally disabled with places to live. I won’t be in the office tomorrow but can be reached by phone: 438-1343 or on my blackberry: pfeiner@greenburghny.com. If residents have any problems or concerns – please feel free to call me. I am looking for every excuse possible to get off my bicycle and walk up some hills, while taking calls.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
INTERESTED IN HAVING LIBRARY NAMED FOR YOU?
The new Greenburgh Library will open in October, 2008. If you would like to have a room, collection section at the library named in your honor – that can be arranged--, if you make a major donation to the Library. The Greenburgh Library Board approved the following fundraising opportunities at a Board meeting. If you are interested in having a room, collection section named for you or a family member – please contact townboard@greenburghny.com. Genie Contrata is the Library director. We will forward all significant donation opportunities to Genie and the Library Board. If you are interested in making a donation and would like a pre-opening day tour of the library to see where your donation will go – a personalized tour can be arranged.
The Town Board is also interested in discussing, with possible large funders, naming the entire building for a significant financial donor.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
438-1343 (cell) 993-1545 (office) 478-1219 (home)
MAJOR FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES *
No. of items
Investment Level
Notes
Children’s Room – Furniture & Furnishings
1
$ 1,250,000
Meeting Room – Chairs, Carpet, Podium, Staging, Movie Screen, Multimedia Projection Equipment, Surround Sound Speakers, Room Darkening Window Coverings
1
$ 1,000,000
Technology – Color Laser Printer, Listening Stations, Flat Screen Televisions,
1
$ 500,000
Stop & Go* Library - Express Service – Shelving, Seating, Wireless Internet Access, Self-Check Computers, Welcome Desk Stations, Signage
$ 300,000
Sculpture & Art – for grounds and Library interior
$ 200,000
Computer Training Center – Patron Computers, Trainer’s Computer, Multimedia Projector, Color Laser Printer
$ 100,000
Audio Visual System throughout building – Public Address System, Security Cameras
$ 80,000
Teenburgh Gift – Shelving, Seating, Tables, Projection Equipment, Neon Teenburgh Sign
$ 75,000
Front Entrance Plaza – Benches, Foliage, Book Returns, Bike Rack, Trash and Recycling Receptacles, Lighting
$ 75,000
Internet Computer Area – Computers, Color Laser Printer,
$ 75,000
Children’s Garden – Seating, Signage, Sundial, Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, Privacy/Security Fencing
$ 100,000
Young Adult Program Endowment – to sponsor outreach programs to teens
$ 50,000
Collection Enhancements –
Children’s Easy Reading Collection -
$ 30,000
Parenting Collection
$ 30,000
Music Compact Disk Collection
$ 30,000
Audio Book Collection
$ 30,000
Local History Collection
$ 30,000
DVD Collection
$ 30,000
Magazine and Periodical Collection
$ 30,000
Large Print Books Collection
$ 30,000
The Town Board is also interested in discussing, with possible large funders, naming the entire building for a significant financial donor.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
438-1343 (cell) 993-1545 (office) 478-1219 (home)
MAJOR FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES *
No. of items
Investment Level
Notes
Children’s Room – Furniture & Furnishings
1
$ 1,250,000
Meeting Room – Chairs, Carpet, Podium, Staging, Movie Screen, Multimedia Projection Equipment, Surround Sound Speakers, Room Darkening Window Coverings
1
$ 1,000,000
Technology – Color Laser Printer, Listening Stations, Flat Screen Televisions,
1
$ 500,000
Stop & Go* Library - Express Service – Shelving, Seating, Wireless Internet Access, Self-Check Computers, Welcome Desk Stations, Signage
$ 300,000
Sculpture & Art – for grounds and Library interior
$ 200,000
Computer Training Center – Patron Computers, Trainer’s Computer, Multimedia Projector, Color Laser Printer
$ 100,000
Audio Visual System throughout building – Public Address System, Security Cameras
$ 80,000
Teenburgh Gift – Shelving, Seating, Tables, Projection Equipment, Neon Teenburgh Sign
$ 75,000
Front Entrance Plaza – Benches, Foliage, Book Returns, Bike Rack, Trash and Recycling Receptacles, Lighting
$ 75,000
Internet Computer Area – Computers, Color Laser Printer,
$ 75,000
Children’s Garden – Seating, Signage, Sundial, Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, Privacy/Security Fencing
$ 100,000
Young Adult Program Endowment – to sponsor outreach programs to teens
$ 50,000
Collection Enhancements –
Children’s Easy Reading Collection -
$ 30,000
Parenting Collection
$ 30,000
Music Compact Disk Collection
$ 30,000
Audio Book Collection
$ 30,000
Local History Collection
$ 30,000
DVD Collection
$ 30,000
Magazine and Periodical Collection
$ 30,000
Large Print Books Collection
$ 30,000
Sunday, June 01, 2008
OTHER TOWNS ARE ALSO CUTTING SPENDING...FROM JOURNAL NEWS
Drop in housing sales is hurting towns' bottom lines
By Elizabeth Ganga
The Journal News • June 1, 2008
Read Comments(19)Recommend (3)Print this page E-mail this article
Text Size: Normal | Large | Larger
Share this article: Del.icio.us Facebook Digg Reddit Newsvine What’s this?
With the sharp drop in housing sales and lower prices cutting into mortgage-tax revenue, some towns are cutting their budgets with months left in the fiscal year and others are keeping a close eye on spending in case they need to cut them later.
North Castle has a goal of saving $500,000 by the end of the year and Supervisor Reese Berman has directed town departments to cut spending by 10 percent across the board. In addition, there is no more overtime except for emergency service workers and several open positions have been eliminated, including a part-time secretary to the supervisor.
Even with all that, the town hasn't reached its goal.
"All of the supervisors are looking for ways to cut back," Berman said.
Putnam County collected about $2.4 million in mortgage taxes from October through March, down from $3.13 million for the same period a year earlier. The county just recently passed out the checks to the towns.
"That's a pretty significant drop and that's obviously due to the economy," said county Finance Commissioner William Carlin.
Homeowners taking out new mortgages or refinancing pay a tax, part of which goes to municipalities. And with fewer homes being sold and house prices falling, fewer dollars are coming into the government. In the first quarter of the year, sales of single-family homes fell 34 percent in Rockland, 30.5 percent in Westchester and 9.2 percent in Putnam. Prices also dropped a few percentage points.
Heavily residential towns are probably hardest hit by the mortgage tax slide because they rely more on it than municipalities with more diverse tax bases.
The new tax year for villages begins today and many cut their mortgage tax estimates in response to the dire news as they prepared their budgets in April.
Though Westchester and Putnam have a sense of how the revenue from the tax is shaping up this year, Rockland towns get their payments in July. But anticipating a bad year, they also cut their projections.
Haverstraw Finance Director Mike Gamboli said he put a very conservative number on the budget line. For 2007, the town's estimate was $550,000, and the actual revenue was $1.2 million. For 2008, the town budgeted $700,000.
The town of Putnam Valley received $765,000 in mortgage tax revenue for 2007 and had budgeted $700,000 for 2008. But mid-year receipts came in at $288,195, said Finance Director Marianne DeSantis. In response, Supervisor Robert Tendy asked all department heads "to take measures to offset what could be a large revenue gap," in a May 29 memo.
Effective immediately all requests for office supplies must be made to the supervisor's office, no overtime is permitted until further notice except in emergency situations for highway staff, and Town Hall will no longer be open one Saturday a month for bulk item drop-offs. He said he was working on other cost-savings and revenue-generating measures.
In New Castle, department heads and administrators have found about $100,000 to cut so far.
"We've told each department head, 'Make believe it's not there,'" said Town Administrator Gennaro Faiella.
That includes cutting one town newsletter and $40,000 from the paving budget. The current estimates put the mortgage tax revenues at $1.42 million. The town budgeted $1.67 million and may need to make more cuts or dip into the fund balance to make up the difference.
Other communities are warily eyeing the revenue line.
Mamaroneck Town Administrator Stephen Altieri said officials think they will be able to meet their estimate of $1.2 million. Last year they took in about $1.9 million, he estimated.
New Rochelle also is on target, said Finance Commissioner Howard Rattner. Last year the city got about $4.6 million in mortgage tax revenue and this year it estimated $3.9 million.
"We lowered our budget, anticipating that the mortgage tax would be significantly lower than previous years," he said. The sale prices of homes are down about 6 percent, he said.
Greenburgh is tightening up this year and looking at a flat budget or a spending cut for next year, said Supervisor Paul Feiner.
Martha Dodge, the Ossining town supervisor, said she will decide next month whether cuts are necessary.
"We're not panicking yet," she said.
By Elizabeth Ganga
The Journal News • June 1, 2008
Read Comments(19)Recommend (3)Print this page E-mail this article
Text Size: Normal | Large | Larger
Share this article: Del.icio.us Facebook Digg Reddit Newsvine What’s this?
With the sharp drop in housing sales and lower prices cutting into mortgage-tax revenue, some towns are cutting their budgets with months left in the fiscal year and others are keeping a close eye on spending in case they need to cut them later.
North Castle has a goal of saving $500,000 by the end of the year and Supervisor Reese Berman has directed town departments to cut spending by 10 percent across the board. In addition, there is no more overtime except for emergency service workers and several open positions have been eliminated, including a part-time secretary to the supervisor.
Even with all that, the town hasn't reached its goal.
"All of the supervisors are looking for ways to cut back," Berman said.
Putnam County collected about $2.4 million in mortgage taxes from October through March, down from $3.13 million for the same period a year earlier. The county just recently passed out the checks to the towns.
"That's a pretty significant drop and that's obviously due to the economy," said county Finance Commissioner William Carlin.
Homeowners taking out new mortgages or refinancing pay a tax, part of which goes to municipalities. And with fewer homes being sold and house prices falling, fewer dollars are coming into the government. In the first quarter of the year, sales of single-family homes fell 34 percent in Rockland, 30.5 percent in Westchester and 9.2 percent in Putnam. Prices also dropped a few percentage points.
Heavily residential towns are probably hardest hit by the mortgage tax slide because they rely more on it than municipalities with more diverse tax bases.
The new tax year for villages begins today and many cut their mortgage tax estimates in response to the dire news as they prepared their budgets in April.
Though Westchester and Putnam have a sense of how the revenue from the tax is shaping up this year, Rockland towns get their payments in July. But anticipating a bad year, they also cut their projections.
Haverstraw Finance Director Mike Gamboli said he put a very conservative number on the budget line. For 2007, the town's estimate was $550,000, and the actual revenue was $1.2 million. For 2008, the town budgeted $700,000.
The town of Putnam Valley received $765,000 in mortgage tax revenue for 2007 and had budgeted $700,000 for 2008. But mid-year receipts came in at $288,195, said Finance Director Marianne DeSantis. In response, Supervisor Robert Tendy asked all department heads "to take measures to offset what could be a large revenue gap," in a May 29 memo.
Effective immediately all requests for office supplies must be made to the supervisor's office, no overtime is permitted until further notice except in emergency situations for highway staff, and Town Hall will no longer be open one Saturday a month for bulk item drop-offs. He said he was working on other cost-savings and revenue-generating measures.
In New Castle, department heads and administrators have found about $100,000 to cut so far.
"We've told each department head, 'Make believe it's not there,'" said Town Administrator Gennaro Faiella.
That includes cutting one town newsletter and $40,000 from the paving budget. The current estimates put the mortgage tax revenues at $1.42 million. The town budgeted $1.67 million and may need to make more cuts or dip into the fund balance to make up the difference.
Other communities are warily eyeing the revenue line.
Mamaroneck Town Administrator Stephen Altieri said officials think they will be able to meet their estimate of $1.2 million. Last year they took in about $1.9 million, he estimated.
New Rochelle also is on target, said Finance Commissioner Howard Rattner. Last year the city got about $4.6 million in mortgage tax revenue and this year it estimated $3.9 million.
"We lowered our budget, anticipating that the mortgage tax would be significantly lower than previous years," he said. The sale prices of homes are down about 6 percent, he said.
Greenburgh is tightening up this year and looking at a flat budget or a spending cut for next year, said Supervisor Paul Feiner.
Martha Dodge, the Ossining town supervisor, said she will decide next month whether cuts are necessary.
"We're not panicking yet," she said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)