2008 YEAR IN REVIEW

2008 YEAR IN REVIEW

2008 is now history. The following are highlights of the year in review.

* NEW BOARD/TRANSITIONS - 2 new members of the Town Board (Kevin Morgan & Sonja Brown) were sworn into office. Judith Beville was sworn into office as Town Clerk. Al Regula, Commissioner of Public Works and his deputy, Butch Nanna, announced their retirements at the end of the year. Bill Carter was appointed the new Commissioner at the Theodore Young Community Center. Mike Kolesar is our new Comptroller. Police Chief John Kapica will retire in 2009. Councilman Kevin Morgan, a former Detective, is assisting the Board as we prepare for the interviews with candidates for Police Chief.



* NEW OPEN GOVERNMENT REFORMS - Work sessions are now televised live. Work sessions are now streamed live on the internet. Work session agendas are also archived. Work session agendas are posted 24 hours in advance of work sessions. Town Clerk Judith Beville sponsored a community meeting with Robert Freeman, executive director of the NY Committee on Open Government. He answered community questions about open government. Councilman Francis Sheehan has been posting all resolutions on the town web site in advance of all Town Board meetings.



* MONEY MAGAZINE NAMES GREENBURGH 80th BEST PLACE TO LIVE in the United States.



* S & P INCREASE BOND RATING TO AAA, A DISTINCTION SHARED BY LESS THAN 3% OF ALL LOCALITIES. This is the highest possible bond rating a municipality can receive. We are proud of the upgrade --especially since these are difficult economic times.



* NEW LIBRARY - The $20 million library that was approved by the voters two years ago is now open. It's a beautiful, new building with state of the art features. Councilwoman Diana Juettner worked very cooperatively with the Library Board -- overseeing the transition from the old library to the new. I am hopeful that in 2009 a job club can be organized. The Library Board decided to discontinue the cybermobile. Three new Library Board members will assume office in January--Frank Musantry, Diane Creston & Tom Saez.



* COMMUNITY HOSPITAL AT DOBBS FERRY SAVED - The Community Hospital at Dobbs Ferry has been saved.



* DOG PARK OPENS - A new dog park opened at East Rumbrook Park. It's in a beautiful, wooded setting and is very popular.



*XPOSURE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM - The Town received a grant of $167,500 from the Lanza Family Foundation to set up a very creative after school program at the Theodore Young Community Center. Children open up their own bank accounts, invest in the stock market, host radio and TV programs and are exposed to different professions. The Greenburgh Xposure program will be featured in Scholastic Magazine in early 2009. Councilwoman Sonja Brown was instrumental in expanding the indoor skating program at the center, among other initiatives.



* TOWN CLERK INITIATIVES - The Town Clerk has created a "Hot Line" for town residents to call regarding cable TV issues. The number is 831-3031. The Clerk coordinated and sponsored several mentoring initiatives at Town Hall for area high school students including, the WISE program, the newly created Town Hall/Xposure mentoring initiative and opportunities for individual students to experience the work environment. Lee Mouzakitis, Records Management Clerk, upgraded Records Management. A Records Management Advisory Committee was established.



* NEW ENERGY CONSERVATION COORDINATORS - Allegra Dengler and Deann Cartwright replaced Nikki Coddington as Energy Conservation Coordinators/Outreach. A climate action task force was formed.



* GREENBURGH HEALTH CENTER WON'T MOVE. Although the Health Center received approval to build on Knollwood Road. Because of escalating construction costs they decided to stay at 330 Tarrytown Road.



* COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – the Town of Greenburgh started our comprehensive plan review with numerous community meetings in different neighborhoods--soliciting feedback from the community on issues: taxes, traffic and infrastructure, affordable housing, public facilities, services.



* A committee was established to review possible actions the town could ask the NYS Legislature take to amend the Finneran law to allow a tennis bubble to be built by a private company at AF Veteran Park. The town would receive significant rent and infrastructure enhancements. The Appellate Division of the NYS Supreme Court reversed the Taxter Ridge case (re: who pays/can use the park). The case is being appealed to the NYS Court of Appeals - the highest state court.



* AFFORDABLE HOUSING - at the urging of the Planning Board the Town Board approved a zoning code amendment extending 10% affordable housing requirements to three zones. The Town Board also approved a rezoning request made by Westhab to build 28 units of workforce housing at 22 Tarrytown Road (across from Staples, Verizon, Deli Delicious). 4 units of affordable housing on Warburton Ave. in Hastings opened up. 2 town employees moved into the housing.



* EAST HARTSDALE AVENUE SUMMER CONCERTS - In 2007 the town received a grant to have music concerts at DeSanti Plaza. In 2008 we lost the grant. However, Town Clerk Judith Beville organized over a dozen concerts at no cost to the taxpayers. The musicians donated their talents.



*JOB NETWORKING - I have set up a small program helping unemployed residents find work. Residents who are working are encouraged to contact their personnel office and advise me of job openings. I share the information with people who ask for help finding employment. I am hoping that a more structured job club will be established at the library in 2009.



* REMEMBER MICKEY’S OLD FASHIONED HOT DOG STAND ON JACKSON AVE. The stand had operated for 78 years but was closed down after Mickey's son took over the business from his father. The Zoning Board of Appeals granted the hot dog stand permission to re-open.



* THE TOWN OF GREENBURGH AND VILLAGE OF DOBBS FERRY received a grant from the state to study the feasibility of sharing/consolidation of police services and selected a consultant.



*911 MEMORIAL - We completed the re-landscaping of the 9/11 Memorial at Richard Presser Park on Central Ave. New plantings, benches have enhanced the park.



* WESTCHESTER GOLF RANGE TO STAY IN BUSINESS. In 2002 the Town of Greenburgh considered the possibility of acquiring the Westchester Golf Range (Dobbs Ferry Road). Golfers went crazy and the town withdrew the effort. The owners then tried selling the property to a housing developer but that application fell through. Good news. The golf range was sold and will stay a golf range.



* A STUDENT INTERN, ANDY LAUB, used his internship time to set up a Greenburgh You Tube initiative -- featuring aspects of living in Greenburgh.



* THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS, over the objections of Legislator Tom Abinanti and me, voted to purchase and renovate 450 Saw Mill River Road for $13 million to house voting machines. We objected to the fact that the property will be taken off the tax rolls. The county could have saved millions by placing the voting machines at existing county owned buildings.



* BUDGET - The Town Board worked very hard to keep tax hikes single digit, successfully avoiding a projected tax hike of between 17% and 23%. The tax hike in 2009 is 7.7%. A citizens budget committee headed by Don Cannon worked hard during the year and came up with recommendations. Thanks to their efforts we were able to reduce the size of the tax hike significantly. Council members Sonja Brown, Kevin Morgan, Diana Juettner, Francis Sheehan and I spent many evenings during the spring/summer/fall months making house calls to residents -- seeking their input. We made significant cuts in the budget and have reduced the workforce size.


* ABANDONED PROEPRTY AT 24 JOYCE ROAD FINALLY DEMOLISHED - for at least five years we have been pushing to have an abandoned property demolished. The property was a big eyesore. Finally, in May the property was demolished.



* GIS TRANSPARENCY - A video of all roads, sidewalks, curbs, properties in the town can be accessed on our GIS system. Road conditions are rated by a private company (excellent, good, poor, horrible). In the future, residents will be able to compare their streets to streets that have been resurfaced. It will all be done on merit!



* MORE ROOM FOR THE COURT - the Town will be purchasing a trailer to provide more space for the Town Court.



* PORTABLE WEIGHT SCALES - the Town will purchase portable weight scales to test commercial vehicles for compliance with weight limits on town roads. The weight scales are expected to generate significant additional revenue to the town.



I would like to thank all the members of the Town Board - Sonja Brown, Kevin Morgan, Diana Juettner, Francis Sheehan and Town Clerk Judith Beville for working so hard in 2008. Although we do not always agree on everything - one of the highlights of 2008 was how we all worked together in a cooperative manner. We were able to accomplish a lot this past year. I hope 2009 is also a big success.

HELP THE HOMELESS AND HUNGRY DURING HOLIDAYS

If you are feeling charitable and want to help the less fortunate - the following area organizations are worthy of your support. I obtained this information from the Westchester Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless website: foodclothingshelter.org.

Greenburgh town employees had a holiday party this Friday at Town Hall. The employees raised $300 for the town's nutrition program which feeds the elderly. For more information about the Greenburgh nutrition program and how you can help out - please call 693 8997.
PAUL FEINER


GREENBURGH/ ELMSFORD FOOD PANTRY

GREENBURGH / ELMSFORD CAP
32 Manhattan Avenue
White Plains, NY 10607
(Theodore D. Young Community Center)
10 A.M. – 4 P.M. Tues., Wed., Thurs.
Contact:
Amanda Kyle-Shaw (Area Director)
914-761-6605 ex. 3
Email: akyle-shaw@westcop.org
Office open 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. FAX: 997-7107

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GREENBURGH/ ELMSFORD SOUP KITCHEN

UNION BAPTIST CHURCH SOUP KITCHEN
31 Manhattan Avenue
White Plains, NY 10607
Serves at 5 P.M. on Tuesdays to people brought to church from hotels (except July / August)
Contact: Patricia Coleman 914-948-6439 Ext: 10 (church office)



White Plains

WHITE PLAINS FOOD PANTRIES

ALLEN A.M.E. CHURCH
65 Fisher Ave.
White Plains, NY 10606
For emergency only
Contact: 914-761-4397 Rev. Virginia Sanders
Fax: 914- 428-4296)

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
Ecumenical Emergency Food Pantry
3 Carhart Ave.
White Plains, NY 10605
7:30am – 10:30am on Fridays
(Accepts food donations Thursdays & Fridays 7:30am – 12:00)
428-5770 (church)
Contact: Lorraine Buonocunto 428-5076 (home)
Thursdays & Fridays only
Mail to: L. Buonocunto
31 Ogden Ave.
White Plains, NY 10605

EL CENTRO HISPANO INC.
346 S. Lexington Ave.
White Plains, NY 10606
Noon – 7 P.M., Mon. – Fri. In St. Bernard’s Church Basement
FAX 289-0550
Contact: 914-289-0500 - Isabel E. Villar, Director
or H. Judith Aucar, Assistant Dir.. also Claudia

FIRST SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
180 Juniper Hill Rd.
White Plains, NY 10607
2pm on 3rd Thurs. and 8:00pm on 3rd Sat. each month
Contact: 914-948-3695:
Elizabeth Pulliam (684 -9417 church)

THE SALVATION ARMY
16 Sterling Ave.
White Plains, NY 10606
9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. 1:00PM-3:00PM Tuesdays
Contact: 914-949-2908 - Captains Antonio
and Jennifer Rosamilia
and Claire Wares

THE COMFORT ZONE
New York-Presbyterian Hospital
Westchester Division
21 Bloomingdale Road
White Plains, NY 10605
Quarterly food & coat drives.
(Calls of need: i.e. house burned down or new baby – their volunteers will
locate items needed)
Contact Ginger Vaccaro: 914-682-9100, Ext. 2325
FAX 682-6927

WHITE PLAINS C.A.P.
70 Ferris Ave.
White Plains, NY 10603
9 A.M. - 4 P.M. Mon. - Fri. Emergency Only,
for people referred by DSS, while they wait for food stamps.
Contact Walter Bowen/Beverly Stith: 914-428-7030

YWCA WHITE PLAINS (see also shelter below)
69 North Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
No fixed hours or days. Agency provides food for the 185 women who live in its 2 buildings.
Contact Lori Stanlick, Director: 914-428-1130, Ext. 301
Anne Timmons (Ext. 303);
or Juanita Dawson-Rhodes (Ext. 313) for food donations
FAX: 428-1439

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WHITE PLAINS SOUP KITCHENS

ALLEN A.M.E. CHURCH
65 Fisher Ave.
White Plains, NY 10606
3 P.M. - 5 P.M. Fourth Sat. each month
Contact: 914-761-4397 - Rev. Virginia Sanders
FAX 428-4296

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH
188 Orawaupum St.
White Plains, NY 10606
4 P.M. - 5 P.M. First and fifth Sat. each month (Closed July and August).
Contact: 914-948-2875 - Rev. Lester Cousin

GRACE CHURCH COMMUNITY CENTER
33 Church St.
White Plains, NY 10601
Mailing address:
52 N. Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
10:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. Mon. - Fri.
Contact Magdalena and Anna Serrano (soup kitchen): 914-949-2874, ext. 24
Paul Anderson-Winchell (Exec.Dir.): 914-949-3098, Ext. 110
or Alice Conrad (Dir. Of Admin), Ext: 100
Email: aconrad@gcccares.org
or aliceconrad@msn.com

MT. HOPE A.M.E. ZION CHURCH
65 Lake St.
White Plains, NY 10604
Hours: Last Friday each month: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Contact: Bertha Session, 914-997-8421 (home)
948-6372 (church)

ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S CHURCH
82 Prospect St.
White Plains, NY 10606
11:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. on Sundays
Mail to:
226 Church St.
White Plains , NY 10603
Contact: 914-949-5577 - Art Bonagura (home, 761-4393)

THE LORD’S PANTRY INC.
177 Davis Ave.
White Plains, NY 10605
Daily delivery of meals and bags of food from St. Bernard’s Church (348 So. Lexington Ave., White Plains 10605) to people who are HIV+ or have AIDS, and their caretakers and children (Friday delivery is enough for the weekend.)
Contact: 914-682-4306 - Joan McGovern or Norma Lento
Kitchen open 2-6p.m. daily

THE SALVATION ARMY (See also pantry)
16 Sterling Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
1:30P.M. every Sunday
Contact: 914-949-2908 – Captains Antonio
and Jennifer Rosamilia (Claire, Secretary)

TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
130 S. Lexington Ave.
White Plains, NY 10606
4 P.M. - 5 P.M. on second Saturday each month, except June, July and August
Contact: 914-592 -6548 - Annette L. Dimmie;
(Church 914-761-3605)
(914-328-7841 - minister Nathaniel Grady's home)
Mail to:
7 Paulding St.
Apt. 1D, Elmsford, NY 10523

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WHITE PLAINS SHELTERS

COACHMAN FAMILY CENTER (Westhab)
123 East Post Road
White Plains, NY 10601
Residents are homeless families referred by DSS; maximum 100 families FAX: 946-3371 or 686-5113
Contact: 914-949-1000, Ext. 113 - Julie Chisolm, (Service Coordinator)
or Tanya Brown,(Admin Asst) Ext. 116

COMMUNITY HOUSING INNOVATIONS, Inc.
190 East Post Road
Suite 401
White Plains, N.Y.10601
Contact: 914-595-0971 - Deborah L.Perkins, LMSW. (Director, Hudson Valley Programs)
Main 914-683-1010
FAX 683-6158
Email: cchenault@communityhousing.org (Chantel Chenault)


OPEN ARMS SHELTER (run by Grace Church Community Center)
86 East Post Road
White Plains, NY 10601
38 bed shelter for men, generally referred by DSS
Contact: 914-948-5044 - Denise Maxwell (Food Coordinator);
John Rubin (Director)
FAX 948-9059

PROJECT TRUST (run by Grace Church Community Center)
52 North Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
Location of service: 96 E Post Road, White Plains, NY 10601
Day drop in center for homeless not in DSS Shelter system Mon-Fri 5:00am – 7:00pm
Clients referred by police department, hospital, mental health agencies and DSS, and walk-ins
Contact: 948-5044 Emilio Acosta

SAMARITAN HOUSE (Run by Grace Church Community Center)
33 Church St.
White Plains, NY 10601
Emergency domestic violence
Residential, 24 hours a day, for single women only. (Maximum 19)
Contact: 914-948-3075 Deborah Williams (Assistant Director)
914-948-9441 (shelter)
Fax: 914-922-9930
Food Donation: Jackie Jeffress

SEARCH FOR CHANGE
95 Church St.
Suite 200
White Plains, NY 10601
Transitional housing for disabled mentally ill, at sites all over Westchester county.
Contact: 914-428-5600, Ext. 228 (24 hours/7 days)
Mr. Ashley Brody, (Coordinator)
Or Sharon Amuroso, Ext. 219
FAX 428-3388

WESTHAB LONGVIEW HOUSE
13 Longview Ave.
White Plains, NY 10605
Mail to:
5 Hudson St.
Yonkers, NY 10701
Men over age 18, referred by DSS or a drug treatment program (must be alcohol- and drug-free for 6 mos.).
3 permanent and 8 transitional units.
Contact: 914-965-0445 – Jessie Johnson (Director
(Shelter: 914-682-1458)

WEST HELP GREENBURGH
1 Westhelp Drive
White Plains, NY 10603
For homeless families or pregnant women. 108 families.
Contact: 914-683-2559":Pat Gray, Exec. Dir – Ext: 226
or Scott Giblin, Asst.Dir – Ext: 203
or Eulalee Kettle, Ext: 202

YWCA WHITE PLAINS (see also pantry)
69 N. Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
The Awakening Program for ex-offenders (women only, 12 beds)
173 Permanent units of housing for women only
Contact: 914-428-1130, Ext. 301 - Lori Stanlick, (Director)
or Ann Timmons, (Asst. Director) Ext. 303
or Juanita Dawson-Rhodes, Case Manager Ext. 313 for donations
FAX: 428-1439
Email: atimmons@ywcawhiteplains.com

TOWN BOARD WORK SESSION TUESDAY--CAMP FEES, SIDEWALK SALES TO BE DISCUSSSED

Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – December 23, 2008 – 2:00pm
(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. Sidewalk Sales: (Planning & Building)

Currently, permit fees are not charged for these sale days. We believe the Town could realize significant revenue if the Town Board offers the weekend sidewalk sale days each weekend from Palm Sunday weekend through Thanksgiving weekend and applies a fee of $25 for each weekend a business participates. If a business participates in every weekend, one week at a time, the amount for the entire season will be $600. There could be an offer that if a business wants to apply for all of the weekends at the beginning of the year, the fee for that business for all of the weekends from Palm Sunday through Thanksgiving will be $500. the Building Department will monitor the businesses to ensure if they have sidewalk displays they have their permit and if not they either secure the permit or receive the violations stated in 240-7(B)(4). I see nothing in this law to prevent the Town Board from acting on this proposal. Additionally, the law sunsets each December 31 so it’s not something that can’t be adjusted if there is abuse. Given the economic times we and the businesses are in I think it’s worth experimenting with.
2:15p.m Taxi Insurance Fees – Town Attorney
3:00p.m. Parks & Rec – TDYCC Summer Camp Fees
EXPLANATION: Summer camp fees at the TDYCC and Parks Dept are different. Currently camp fees at the parks dept are significantly higher than the TDYCC. We will discuss changing the fee structure so that the fees for both camps are the same or close to the same. The town will continue our policy of offering scholarships to any camper who meets scholarship criteria and is facing financial hardships. No one will be denied camp experiences because of inability to pay.
3:30p.m. Executive Session - Legal
5:30p.m. Adjourn
The Town Board approved the WESTHAB workforce housing zone change at last nights Town Board meeting and also approved the 2009 budget.
PAUL FEINER

SNOW ANGEL VOLUNTEERS WANTED

During the past 18 years my office has sponsored a snow angel program for Greenburgh seniors/disabled residents. Volunteers (including myself) clear snow from senior citizens/disabled residents driveways. We try to give priority attention to people who are on fixed incomes (who cannot afford to pay for the service) and people who have medical disabilities. The program provides people with accessibility. If you would like to volunteer for the program please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com or call my office: 914-993-1545. It's great exercise and a rewarding experience. If you have a son or daughter who is interested in volunteering or helping out (for a fee--paid by a resident), please advise my office as well. In recent years some people have found it difficult getting people to clear the snow from their driveways/walking paths. Some residents are able to pay students who help out. But--don't know who to contact.
If you are interested in taking advantage of the program - please feel free to contact me. My home phone is 478-1219, my cell is 438-1343 and my office is 993-1545.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

SHOULDN"T GREENBURGH LIBRARY ADDRESS BE GREENBURGH?

I plan to contact the US Postal Service and will ask them to change the address of the Greenburgh Library from Elmsford to Greenburgh. Shortly after the Greenburgh Town Board moved to the new Town Hall we contacted the Postal Service and they permitted Greenburgh Town Hall to use the address: Greenburgh, NY. Shouldn't they do the same for the library?

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS IDEA--SATURDAY NIGHT HOURS AT THE LIBRARY?

I spent part of this evening at our new Greenburgh library with my daughter. People seemed to be enjoying the atmosphere at the library. Should the town modify hours at the library and have Saturday evening hours instead of some morning hours? Saturday nights at the library could be very popular --especially in these difficult economic times.

JOB CLUB PROPOSED FOR LIBRARY

JOB CLUB PROPOSED FOR LIBRARY

I spoke with Genie Contratra, executive director of the Library, about setting up a job club at our beautiful new library. The library has a great computer room. The club could provide residents who are unemployed with an opportunity to chat with other people who are out of work. Club members and advisors could provide residents with assistance re: resume writing, contacts, etc... We hope to set up the club in January, 2009. In the meantime - I have been compiling a list of people who are looking for work. Other residents have been e mailing me info about job opportunities in their businesses. If you know of available jobs or want to be put on the list of residents who are advised of job opportunities (as I learn of them) please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com

PAUL FEINER

INAUGURATION TO BE CELEBRATED AT TDYCC ON JAN 20

TDYCC President Obama Inauguration Event

The Theodore D. Young Community Center is hosting a special viewing of the President Obama Inauguration on January 20th, 2009. This event will be shown via satellite on a movie-size screen. All are welcomed to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

The gymnasium, the studio and the lounge of the TDYCC will be utilized for viewing. The lounge will be reserved for only seniors. Children must be accompanied by an adult for admittance to this function. Attendance will be limited to 200. A fee of $2 for pre-registration is required by January 14th.

We urge you to bring lunch and a snack as a busy day of activities is planned. Doors will open at 9AM. At 10AM we plan to hear from local politicians and our seniors, who can share memories from 40 years ago, and relate those times to today. Children may read poems or essays they have written with regards to this momentous occasion. The inauguration is scheduled for Noon. Following the ceremony, Washington, DC has scheduled a parade with commentary from select TV stations. We will close our doors at 2PM to allow for normal after-school programs.

Lunch is available with prior reservations at $5.50 for those under 60 years and $2.50 for those 60+. If interested in joining us at this event, or ordering lunch, call 989-3622 by January 14th or register at the Community Center.

We look forward to having you join us in celebration.

Week of December 14th: Miscellaneous

The purpose of this Miscellaneous topic is to discuss any town related issues you feel are important that are not addressed in other topics. Please post any issues you wish to discuss in the comments section of this post. Thanks!

(From December 28th until January 18th, I will be unavailable to create posts and make revisions to the blog, as I [Marc Herman] will be traveling in Israel. However, I have set up the blog to automatically create Miscellaneous topics for each week so that discourse may still take place on topics other than those posted by Paul. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please email me at mherman.st (at) gmail.com and I will attempt to resolve them as quickly as possible. Thank you for your feedback!)

-Marc Herman

PREVIEW: PHOTOS OF GREENBURGH LIBRARY-- LIBRARY TO OPEN MONDAY

Genie Contrata, director of the Greenburgh Library, sent members of the Town Board some photos of the library--which opens to the public on Monday morning. Hope you enjoy our new library.http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=eugenie12&target=ALBUM&id=5279070089630430993&authkey=gpelqiUzb08&invite=CPTTl78F&feat=email

PAUL FEINER
PS: If you are interested in learning more about room naming/library naming opportunities (for big financial donors) please advise. If you know of people who might be interested in donating to the library - we would appreciate that information.

work session agenda Tuesday

Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – December 16, 2008 – 2:00pm
(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 Executive Session - Personnel
3:00p.m. I-Fund (Mike Kolesar, Al Regular, Bill Carter)
3:45p.m. Outstanding Budget Issues – Department Heads
4:45p.m. Tax Receiver
5:00p.m. Planning Commissioner
5:30p.m. Adjourn
The Board may resume the Work Session at 7:30pm
to continue discussion of the 2009 budget.

I have been reading the blog comments. Some people are so nasty. Sad--especially during this holiday season. Wouldn't it be great if people had a positive attitude on life? And-- on the town. Think positive this weekend!

WESTHAB WORKFORCE HOUSING TO BE VOTED ON THURSDAY NIGHT AT 8:00 pm

THE Greenburgh Town Board will be voting on the WESTHAB zoning this Thursday at 8 PM at Town Hall. The proposal: workforce (not homeless) housing.

TOWN BD TO DISCUSS FINAL CHANGES TO BUDGET TUESDAY

The Town Board will discuss final changes to the 2009 budget Tuesday and will be voting on the budget Thursday evening. The work session begins at 2 PM and will be televised live.

SHOULD THE VOTERS HAVE THE ABILITY TO PETITION FOR A REFERENDUM TO CONSOLIDATE, DISSOLVE LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT?

NYS Attorney General Andrew Cuomo released a proposal to authorize citizens to initiate petitions to consolidate/dissolve local government entities in NYS. If 10% of the people in a jurisdiction or 5,000 voters sign a petition there would be a referendum.
It is very important that the concept be expanded to county governments. Voters should have the ability to petition to elminate, consolidate, require sharing at all levels of government--including county government. This could save taxpayers significant dollars and reduce our property taxes. A new group: www.rethinkingwestchestergov.com has been formed. Our committee is contemplating life without county government. Connecticut abolished county government in 1960. Rhode Island has no county government. And, Massachusetts authorized county governments to go out of business in the mid 1990s--and many county governments decided to dissolve.
The Attorney General's proposal is a step in the right direction --let the people initiate consolidation, dissolution of local governments.
PAUL FEINER
co-founder, RethinkingWestchestergov.com

Home > Media Center > 2008 > December 11th
ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO OUTLINES LEGAL PROPOSAL TO REDUCE GOVERNMENT WASTE AND SAVE TAXPAYER MONEY
State’s Patchwork Quilt of over 10,500 Governmental Entities Buries Residents with Nation’s Highest Taxes and Outdated Services
New Law Proposes to Eliminate Legal Barriers that Make it Virtually Impossible for Citizens to Reform Local Government
ALBANY, N.Y. (December 11, 2008) – Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo outlined today a new legal proposal to give communities across the state the power to reform local governments. As the current fiscal climate continues to financially squeeze communities and residents across the state, Cuomo’s proposal is designed to cut government waste and reduce taxes. Currently, the state is home to over 10,500 governments that saddle residents with the nation’s highest taxes and leaves the state with layers of antiquated government entities and special districts.

Cuomo today announced he will work with Gov. David Paterson, leaders of the state Legislature, government reform groups and local government leaders across New York to introduce a comprehensive legislative package to streamline the often Byzantine and cumbersome process of consolidating local governmental entities, including the myriad special districts across the state.

“Despite New Yorkers drowning for decades in some of the nation’s highest taxes, local leaders have been blocked from reforming local government in an effort to cut government waste and reduce the tax burden,” said Attorney General Cuomo. “During this economic crisis, leaders have an historic opportunity to fundamentally reform this state’s patchwork quilt of local government entities. These layers upon layers of taxing entities have a chokehold on state residents, and antiquated and arcane laws governing them perpetuate government inefficiency. Our goal is to reform those laws so communities, where appropriate, can reduce local government burden and reduce the cost of living in this great state.”

In all, there are more than 10,500 governmental entities imposing taxes and fees across New York State. This includes towns, villages, districts and special districts such as water, sewer and lighting districts.

Attorney General Cuomo’s Proposal Compared to Existing Law
Existing Law
Attorney General’s Proposal

Multitude of confusing laws scattered throughout the Town Law, Village Law, General Municipal Law, Municipal Home Rule Law and Election Law.
Single law applicable to all local government entities, which eliminates irrational inconsistencies and anachronisms in existing law

Confusing and inconsistent procedures to consolidate or dissolution, which vary depending on the type of local government entity involved
Uniform and simplified consolidation/dissolution procedures that comprehensively address transition issues.

Disempowered governing bodies are barred from initiating process with respect to certain kinds of local government entities
Empowered governing bodies can initiate consolidation/dissolution process for all local government entities.

Disempowered citizenry are barred from initiating process for certain kinds of local government entities.
Empowered citizens can initiate consolidation/dissolution process for all local government entities.

Confusing and hyper-technical process frequently leading to litigation and/or disqualification both of signatures and of whole petitions.
Simplified petition process and petition form for citizens to initiate consolidation/dissolution process

Higher and wildly different signature requirements depending on the kind of local government entity involved.
Uniform signature requirement of 10% or 5,000, whichever is less, to initiate consolidation/dissolution process.

Must own taxable real property to petition for or vote on proposed consolidation/dissolution of certain local government entities.
Abolish all land owning requirements to petition for or vote on proposed consolidation/dissolution

Counties barred from abolishing outright inefficient or moribund local government entities.
Counties empowered to transfer and abolish local government entities subject to mandatory referendum requirements.

CORRECTION: NO COMP TIME BEING GIVEN TO LIBRARY EMPLOYEES SUNDAY

Some bloggers have suggested on this blog that library staff will be given comp time on Sunday --when the Library Board will be holding their ribbon cutting ceremony for the new library. The ribbon cutting ceremony is being held for civic leaders and some people who were active in the library expansion efforts.
I received an e mail from Howard Jacobs indicating that no comp time or overtime will be offered to library staff on Sunday. Staff will not be in attendance and the library will not be open for library services. The new library opens on Monday.

TOMORROWS WORK SESSION AGENDA

Town of Greenburgh

Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board

Tuesday – December 9, 2008 – 2:00pm

(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 WestHab (definition of workforce housing)

2:30p.m. Town Attorney

2:45p.m. Storage Needs (Town Hall and Library)--possible cost savings measure - using vacant

space at municipal buildings --avoiding rent

3:00p.m. Agenda Review

3:15p.m. Budget Reviews (Mike Kolesar, Bart Talamini & Dept Heads as called)

5:00p.m. Executive Session - Legal

5:30p.m. Adjourn



We may resume the Board work session at 7:30 PM to discuss the 2009 budget.

LIBRARY TO OPEN A WEEK FROM MONDAY

The new Greenburgh Public Library will open a week from Monday--December 15th. There will be activities for children and adults all week. Tours will be given to library patrons during the week. The Library Board has invited civic association leaders to a ribbon cutting ceremony a week from Sunday. The library will not be staffed that day.
We are planning an aggressive effort to raise private funds. If you would like to donate significant dollars - a room or even the entire library could be named for you or a loved one.

ARE YOU OUT OF WORK? DO YOU WANT TO HELP SOMEONE OUT OF WORK?

ARE YOU OUT OF WORK?
IF YOU ARE NOT OUT OF WORK --WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO ADVISE THE TOWN IF THERE ARE ANY JOB OPENINGS IN YOUR COMPANY?
WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO INTRODUCE A GREENBURGH RESIDENT WHO IS OUT OF WORK TO THE KEY PERSONNEL OFFICER IN YOUR COMPANY, AGENCY?
ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY JOB OPENINGS?
During the past few months I have been e mailing Greenburgh residents who are out of work information about job openings as soon as I learn of the openings. A few people have been helped. More and more people are losing their jobs and I want to step up the effort.
We need your help identifying available jobs that Greenburgh residents (your neighbors) can apply for. Before you leave work today - please speak to your personnel officers and ask them if there are any jobs out there that need to be filled.
If you are out of work and want to be notified of openings - please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
So far - most of the jobs that I have learned about have been low level. For example, the postal service has been hiring people for temporary jobs during the holiday season. The Census Bureau is interviewing people for jobs. However - most organizations need to function with top management. In Greenburgh, the Commissioner of Public Works & Deputy Commissioner of Public Works will be leaving. The town is starting to review resumes for these two key jobs. The Greenburgh Housing Authority (which is independent of the town) still has not hired an Executive Director-- another good job. If we all work together we should be able to help neighbors who need to find work.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

PROGRAM IDEA--HEALTHY COMMUNITY GARDEN PROGRAM

I am the president of the Westchester Putnam Town Supervisors Association. At our last meeting we discussed healthy eating programs. A program suggestion: We might want to (during the spring) create a community garden. The kids would grow food, cook food and learn healthy eating habits. This could also be an interesting intergenerational program. Funding could be secured via a grant.

GREEN ENERGY SEMINAR THIS THURSDAY EVENING

Greenburgh's energy conservation office is sponsoring an interesting program this Thursday. Hope you can attend the meeting. Today all department heads met and discussed ways to reduce the town's energy usage by 10% in 2009.
If you would like to volunteer your time to this worthy cause-- volunteers are needed.
PAUL FEINER

Going Green is Good Business



Thursday, December 4th, 2008

6:30 – 8:30pm

Greenburgh Town Hall

177 Hillside Ave, Greenburgh



"Being green", "triple bottom line", "eco-efficiency".

Come find out what this jargon means!

Learn how your organization can reduce environmental impacts, improve performance, and add value.



Deann Cartwright, Conservation Outreach Coordinator

**Moderator**



Lea Cullen Sustainability Coordinator for Westchester Pks

*Why Green in Business Matters*



Steve Slavin Owner, Szuma Contracting Corp.

*Green Roof Project in Greenburgh*



Alicia Kelligrew Owner, Coffee Labs Roasters

*Inside & Out- Coffee Labs Green Practices*



Elyssa Rothe Coordinator, Energy Smart Communities

*Incentive Programs for Energy Efficient Changes*



Judith Martin Principal, Green Home Consulting

*Green Business Practices and Home Office*





Co-Sponsored by the

Women's Enterprise Development Center &

Town of Greenburgh's Dept of Energy Conservation.







Deann Cartwright

Conservation Outreach Coordinator

Town of Greenburgh

177 Hillside Ave

Greenburgh, NY 10607

914-993-1649

www.greenburghny.com

WORK SESSION AGENDA- TUESDAY

Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – December 2, 2008 – 2:00pm
(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 Library - Budget Review

3:00p.m. Personnel – Update - Applications for Comm. Public Works

3:15p.m. Department of Public Works – Al Regula

5:30p.m. Adjourn

7:30p.m. Parks and Recreation – Gerry Byrne
8:15 PM TDYCC- Bill Carter

APOLOGIES-- We try to release our work session agenda the Friday before the Tuesday work session. Because of the Thanksgiving holidays we were unable to finalize the schedule until today. Sorry!

GREENBURGH HOUSING AUTHORITY ISSUES TOWN CHECK FOR $78,000-- town to pursue additional arrears

Last week the Greenburgh Housing Authority issued the town a check for $78,000- part of the arrears owed to the town for community police at the Housing Authority. The authority has agreed to pay the town additional funds in April: the total amount that they will pay the town will then be $126,000.
The comptroller's office has advised the Town Board that the authority owes the town much more: the total is $433,385.92. The $433,385.92 includes the $78,000 that was just paid. Members of the Town Board and I believe that the town should pursue the arrears owed. Some comments on this blog have indicated (incorrectly) that we are planning to waive the arrears. We will seek reimbursement for every penny owed.