7504 out of power yesterday..722 this morning

Significant progress was made re: restoring power to Greenburgh residents who experienced power outages. I just spoke with Con Ed officials (after receiving the following update). Con Ed is assigning crews to Greenburgh. Most of the 722 remaining residents out of power will have their power restored today. Most of the roads that had been closed have been reopened (wires restored, downed trees removed). We hope to open up all roads today.
My cell phone is 438-1343 and my home is 478-1219 if you have any questions or concerns.
Again--sorry for the inconveniences many Greenburgh residents experienced. A special thank you to Victor Carosi, Commissioner of Public Works; Butch Nanna, Deputy Commissioner and the entire Public Works staff (and parks dept staff assigned to snow removal) for their efforts during this storm. Greenburgh got hit very hard and they have been working non stop.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

E MAIL I RECEIVED FROM CON ED THIS MORNING...
During the night shift I had one of my colleagues from engineering
review the available outage information related to the storm for
Greenburgh. As of this morning, we have identified:

7504 customers effected by the storm
6782 customers restored
722 customers remaining

These numbers are estimates that continuously fluctuate throughout the
event as our engineering group adjusted data based off of feedback from
the field and system analysis.

Of the 722 Customers, we have crews assigned to jobs related to 470
customers that will be dispatched at 7AM this morning.

30 ROADS CLOSED DUE TO STORM

I just got off the phone with the Greenburgh police department. As of 6:30 AM over 30 roads in the town are closed due to trees, wires falling. As trees come down we expect additional power outages.
The police department STRONGLY SUGGESTS that you stay home. It is very dangerous. We expect more trees to fall and more wires to come down since the storm is not over. Many roads are not passable--all over the region (not only in Greenburgh). YOu are safer in your home.
PAUL FEINER
478 1219 (home phone)

SNOW STORM REPORT--50 TREES DOWN...WIRES FALLING..STAY HOME...TREE FELL ON HOUSE...ITS DANGEROUS

Just spoke with Commissioner of Public Works Victor Carosi; Deputy Commissioner of Public Works Butch Nanna and Police Chief Joe DeCarlo. The roads are dangerous. We estimate that about 50 trees around town are down. A number of roads are closed. Wires are down. A tree fell on the roof of a house within the past hour (fortunately there were no injuries). We anticipate lots of wind during the evening -- power outages, more trees that are going to come down and more road closings. STAY INSIDE. Cars parked on the streets will be towed tonight. Conditions are bad all over Westchester County.
If you have any questions you can e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. My home phone is 478-1219 and my office phone is 993-1545. I promise to return all calls and will stay in touch with the Commissioner during this snow storm. The following is an e mail sent to the Town Board from the Commissioner earlier tonight.
PAUL FEINER

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Victor Carosi
Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 8:58 PM
To: Town Board
Subject: Snow Storm


Supervisor Feiner and Town Board Members,

Please be advised all Highway Department employees as well as some Sanitation Department and water shop employees are working to keep the Town roads passable. In total we have about 48 workers out plowing, salting and clearing roads. The snow is heavy and wet. It is expected to continue through the night and into Friday. Already we have had numerous branches fall and some isolated areas of power outages. The roads are slippery due to the heavy we and slushy snow, but the workers are doing the best we can to address the conditions.

Trees and limbs are falling and at this time a fire is reported from burning wires. Conditions are expected to worsen as the winds pick up and begin to blow down the trees already burdened with the heavy snow.

We will continue to work throughout the storm to maintain street safety as best as possible with the constantly changes and trying conditions.



Victor G. Carosi, P.E.

Commissioner of Public Works

FOLLOW UP RE: FREE PRESCRIPTION DRUG CARD

Last week I sent out an e mail advising residents of a free discount drug card that is available at my office. I asked for feedback from residents and have received some comments. I also have free pet drug cards (10-85%) savings on most drugs for pets. There is no cost for the card. The card never expires. the card is pre activated, with no deductibles, no registration, no claim forms. Over 80% of pharmacies in the US accept the card. Please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com if you'd like the card (specify if you want the cards for humans or pets). PAUL FEINER
Paul,
I just brought the card and my script to Duane Reade here at 4 corners and asked what the price would be with and without card. The Rx would have been $41 w/o and it was $13.32 with card- over $27 savings. Thank you so much!!

Janine



feedback on Rx discount card..The card cannot be used if you are paying for rx with your insurance. If your medication is not covered in your plan, or if you are in the donut (Medicare D (where no medications are covered) you can use it. Discount is about 20%. This info from Joe, pharmacist at Hartsdale Pharmacy on E. Hartsdale Ave. Joan
If you have AARP coverage the coverage with AARP might be better than the prescription card.

mobile shredder coming to town hall march 6

Now you can safely destroy unwanted personal papers and documents!
The
When & Where:
(Saturday) March 6 10am to 2pm
at 177 Hillside Ave., White Plains (Town Hall)
mobile shredder coming to greenburgh town hall

VETERANS LIVING HISTORY PROJECT

The Greenburgh Veterans Advisory Group (which was established last year by Town Board resolution) will inaugurate an exciting new initiative at the meeting of the Greenburgh Town Board this Wednesday evening (Feb 24): a Veterans of Greenburgh Living History project. The co-chairs of the group, Alan Hochberg and Frank Musantry, will work with Ardsley resident Stephen Wittenberg and will be interviewing veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. The taped interviews will be placed in a section of the Greenburgh Library so that citizens and students can learn from the experiences of Greenburgh residents who served our country during various conflicts.
The project began as an idea that was developed during our first meeting of the Veteran's advisory group. The Veterans Advisory Group is comprised mostly of veterans living in the villages or unincorporated areas of Greenburgh. Some members are not veterans but all have a desire to assist veterans causes. A few weeks ago a women by the name of Nancy Schilro spoke before the council about the wounded warrior project. She was a Lance Corporal in the United States Marines and was wounded in Iraq. She is a true American hero and a role model for all Americans. She currently works for the wounded warrior project as a benefits consultant. This would be a wonderful real life history session taught to the children by there neighbors. Sometimes for children history doesn't seem real. However when people who helped shape some of our current history talk about their memories this can a powerful teaching tool for our young people.
Veterans who are interested in being interviewed for this living history project on video should contact ahochberg@greenburghny.com or pfeiner@greenburghny.com .
Paul Feiner
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

FREE DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION CARDS...WORK SESSION AGENDA..FUN WEEKEND ACTIVITIES..CHARITIES

I have free discount prescription cards in my office at Greenburgh Town Hall. These cards can save you $$. If you would like a card – let me know. The organization that issues the card has no idea who is getting the card, no forms have to be completed. The following is a summary of some of the benefits:
PAUL FEINER
How to Use the USA Drug Plan Discount Prescription Card

• These cards can save you 10% - 85% on both generic and brand name drugs. This is a permanent card. There is no expiration date. It can be used over and over.

• The card can be used by your entire family. Senior citizens love this card since it Fills All Part D & Insurance Gaps!

• There are no income limitations. Anyone can use the card!

• This card benefits the uninsured and underinsured the most, but is also offers benefit to those people on Medicaid and Medicare. It can help save money on the prescription drugs that those services don't cover.

• It can be used at pharmacies listed on back of the card. The cards are accepted at 80% of pharmacies in the US and Puerto Rico.

• You can compare prices of drugs and pharmacies in your area by going to www.UsaRxInfo.org.com. Select the pharmacy with the best price.


• You do not have to activate the card. Just bring it to your pharmacist.

• These cards are distributed through Community Action Network, an outreach program sponsored by National Benefit Builders, Inc.

Town of Greenburgh
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday – February 23, 2010 – 9:15AM
)
(Work Sessions begin at 9:15AM except where schedule changes are made by the Board.)

(
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 35 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

09:15 AM Amended Site Plan Applications re: Sam’s Club Warehouse, Hackley School, Movie Studio
10:00 AM GEF LORAX Working Group (Con Ed tree cutting—proposed moratorium)
10:30 AM Equipment Inventory – purchasing dept
10:45 AM Agenda Review
11:00 AM Executive Session – Legal
12:00 Noon Living History of Veterans—Members of the Town Board will inaugurate video taping/historical collection of documents of veterans of wars who reside in Greenburgh
12:30 PM Adjourn Meeting
FUN EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
- The Ya Yas
- Free Friday Nights: The Sky Tonight: Martian Evenings
- Margaret Slovak
- Come Celebrate Mardi Gras with Hot 8 Brass Band
- Fish Tales: "A House for Hermit Crab"
- "Sleeping Beauty"
- M&M Productions Acting Company to Perform "The Lincoln Continental"
- A Celebration of James Humphrey: Poetry Reading with Norma Humphrey
- UrbanH20's Monthly Music Series: The 3 Rix: Rik Palieri, Rick Nestler and Ricki Bala
- Celebrate Black History Month: "Good Hair"
- Comedian Bobby Collins
- Lynette Washington and Dennis Bell Jazz NY
- A Night of Live Music:
Benefiting the Oral Cancer Foundation featuring
Whiskey Logic
- Showtime Dance Band
- Farm-To-Table Salad Greens
- "Carmen" by Bizet The “Best of” Film Series at The Best Little Theater in Westchester
- Let’s Celebrate Snow
- “Cheri” Screening
- Drumming Circle in Dobbs Ferry
- American Place Theatre presents Tim O’Brien’s "The Things They Carried"
http://www.rivertownsguide.com for more info…

Before the Rain Come: Scouts for Survival Day!
Saturday, February 27 from 11am - 3pm | American Legion, Hastings | A Shelter & Camping Gear Drive for Families in Haiti. Hastings Community Girl Scouts are collecting much needed shelter and survival supplies to help the people of Haiti stay dry and safe during the impending rainy season. We’ve partnered with the AFYA Foundation to help us transport the supplies we collect. Help a Haitian Family. We’re asking for donations of new, or still use-able camping and survival equipment. Search your closets, attic, basement and storage areas. Ask friends, neighbors and family members. Go to http://www.rivertownsguide.com/ to download a flyer for a list of what is needed.

Save the Date!
Hastings Friday Night Live: March 5
an Evening of Literary Events throughout Hastings!
There will be something for everyone at this Village-wide event. The Hastings Library will be hosting a huge event for Kids celebrating the work of local author Ed Young. There will be Poetry Readings at Suburban Renewal and the new Juniper Café, a Poetry Contest for all ages with the winners being announced at Rainwater Grill, and two Poetry Slams one for teens (Slices) and one for adults (River Roadhouse). Human Bodyworks and Galapagos Books will each host readings by various authors and residents of Hastings. And lastly, Common Ground Downtown presents Catherine Russell with Mark Shane at the Community Center. You can find the complete schedule of events here http://www.rivertownsguide.com/fnl. Check the webpage often, more details being added daily.

“Open Your Heart”
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Pajama Program, a 501(c)3 national children’s charity, announced the kick off of its 2010 “OPEN YOUR HEART” fundraising and awareness campaign with two exciting local events to warm up our children during these cold nights. Go to http://www.rivertownsguide.com/ for links and details of the Westchester Events on Friday February. 26 and Sunday, February 28.

Donations Needed
Beckham is an 11-year-old boy who loves soccer. He and his friends are orphans in Malawi, Africa. They play barefoot and kick a ball made from scraps of plastic and rubber. You can help. Please give your outgrown soccer gear to kids who really need it. WHAT: balls, cleats, uniforms, socks, etc (all sizes). WHEN: Now! Deadline is March 21. WHERE: South Presbyterian Church 343 Broadway Dobbs Ferry. A drop box is located inside the office entrance. CONTACT: Cris at cris4@optonline.net/914.943.6264

Food Drive
Now through March 5 | Collection bins for food and monetary donations will be available at all three of the Hastings School Buildings, and at supportive local vendors. The Hastings School Community is pleased to announce two initiatives to help combat hunger. Student and teacher organizations within the schools have joined efforts to organize a Food Drive to benefit the Food Bank for Westchester, as well as an Empty Bowls Dinner to benefit OXFAM International. More Info? Download Information Sheet and Download Most Needed Items

Pennies, Nickels, Dimes, & Quarters from Heaven
Please join Family-to-Family in raising funds for the many orphanages in Port-au-Prince, Haiti that were destroyed by the powerful earthquake on January 12th. Pennies From Heaven – a “kids-to-kids” effort – is a tested fundraising program that helped us raise over $5,000 for orphanages throughout Tsunami ravaged Indonesia after the 2004 Tsunami… and we can do it again! An in-school effort, we are reaching out to parents and school administrators… hoping you will galvanize your children and students and join our effort to help the children of Haiti. Go to http://www.family-to-family.org/haiti_relief.htm for details.

www.thehudsonindependent.com for news and activities.
www.tarrytownpatch. com for more news and activities.
www.scarsdale10583.com news about Edgemont and Hartsdale

WATERWHEEL CONTRACT--AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS TO BE EXECUTED NEXT WEDNESDAY

I am pleased to report that the remaining issues relating to the sale of the waterwheel seem to have been resolved. We anticipate that the contract for the sale of the waterwheel property will be executed at the Greenburgh Town Board meeting on Wednesday, February 24th at 7:30 PM at the Greenburgh Town Hall. Community Housing Innovations Inc will also be presenting the town with a $150,000 deposit. The property will be sold for $1.21 million. We have invited Ardsley Mayor Jay Leon to say a few words at the beginning of the meeting. The property is owned by the town of Greenburgh (due to a foreclosure) but is located in Ardsley. After the contract is executed by the town- Community Housing Innovations will seek permission from the village of Ardsley to build 22 units of housing at the location. The goal: affordable housing for volunteer firefighters/ambulance corp members. The village, town, firefighters, ambulance corp members have been working together for many months to make this possible.

The contract execution will be finalized and signed at the beginning of the Town Board meeting.

PAUL FEINER





Visit YouTube to learn about Dobbs Ferry's role during the Revolutionary War!



Dr. Richard Borkow, Dobbs Ferry village historian and Dobbs Ferry Historical Society trustee, recently conducted a series of video interviews with three noted historians -- David Hackett Fischer, Thomas Fleming and Mary Sudman Donovan. The complete series is now available on YouTube.



Each historian discusses different aspects and events of the Revolutionary War period, including Dobbs Ferry's strategic location, George Washington's leadership style and the bold decision of Washington and Rochambeau to march from Westchester County, NY, to Virginia (August, 1781).



The interviews were funded through a grant awarded to the Dobbs Ferry Historical Society by the New York Council for the Humanities.



The ten interviews can be watched in any order, but I'd suggest starting with Dr. Borkow's introduction to the series, "The Revolutionary War in the Hudson River Valley - two great turning points." And don't miss the segments with Mary Donovan, DFHS president and author of George Washington at Head Quarters, Dobbs Ferry, which was published in 2009 (contact me to order a copy).



Here's a link to the complete series of interviews:



http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=8A197EC69C6EE55B&search_query=dobbs+ferry+history&rclk=pti

DON'T GET DISCOURAGED IF YOU ARE OUT OF WORK

From: Mary [m__@yahoo.com] deleted name for privacy reasons
Sent: Saturday, February 13, 2010 8:39 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Employed


I was recently hired at _____(deleted name of company) of New York. Thank you for all of your support and your email!

Sincerely,

Mary

ADJUNCT TEACHERS IN THE LOCAL SCHOOLS

I wrote the following letter to the NY TIMES that appears in Sunday's business section suggesting that local schools hire part time adjunct teachers. We have many experienced retirees/out of work residents who might enjoy teaching students a class. Students would benefit from the expertise of local residents who have lots to offer. Adjunct teachers would enable school districts to provide students with interesting classes from local residents who can share their real life experiences.
Colleges hire adjunct professors. Why not have adjunct teachers?
PAUL FEINER

Published: February 13, 2010
To the Editor:

Skip to next paragraph
Related
The Search: Back to School, as an Adjunct (January 31, 2010) Re “Back to School, as an Adjunct” (The Search, Jan. 31):

I’m now 72, and have been an adjunct professor of economics for about 30 years at both four-year and community colleges. It started as a part-time endeavor, primarily for additional income to help finance my children’s college education. At the time I was employed as a pension analyst; I found that the jobs complemented each other. Later, when my corporate job was eliminated in the early-1990s recession, I became a full-time professor in the business division of a community college.

Since retiring about eight years ago, I have again been teaching part-time — and the income helps support our sagging investment portfolio in these early years of retirement. And my most rewarding experience has been knowing all of those students who’ve added richness to my life over the last 30 years.

Richard Risinit

Deep River, Conn., Jan. 31

The writer teaches economics courses at Quinnipiac University.

•

To the Editor:

Why confine the trend to postsecondary education? With unemployment so high, wouldn’t it make sense for public school districts to offer residents with expertise in particular fields a chance to work part time as adjunct teachers?

The adjunct teacher would receive a small stipend, the school district would enhance its education options (at affordable rates for the district) and children would learn from someone who has practiced what he or she is teaching. PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh, N.Y., Feb. 1

•

HOTEL TAX...WORK SESSION...FUN EVENTS..CORRECTION RE:CERT

New York State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins has introduced a bill before the NYS Senate authorizing the town to have a hotel/motel occupancy tax. This law, if adopted, could generate six figures in revenue for the town and will offset some of the loss of revenue from mortgage & sales tax-among other revenue reductions. NYS currently allows cities to have hotel occupancy tax but not towns/villages. A number of WEstchester towns/villages have recently approved resolutions asking the NYS Legislature to authorize a hotel tax for towns/villages. A copy of the Senate bill follows. A bill authorizing a hotel tax will also have to be introduced in the State Assembly.
________________________________________________________________________
6651

IN SENATE

January 22, 2010

___________

Introduced by Sen. STEWART-COUSINS -- read twice and ordered printed,

and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Investigations

and Government Operations

AN ACT to amend the tax law, in relation to authorizing the town of

Greenburgh to adopt a local law to impose a hotel/motel occupancy tax

The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and

Assem-

bly, do enact as follows:

1 Section 1. The tax law is amended by adding a new section

1202-bb to

2 read as follows:

3 § 1202-bb. Hotel or motel taxes in the town of Greenburgh.

(1)

4 Notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary, the town of

5 Greenburgh, Westchester county, is hereby authorized and empowered to

6 adopt and amend local laws imposing in such town a tax, in addition to

7 any other tax authorized and imposed pursuant to this article, as the

8 legislature has or would have the power and authority to impose upon

9 persons occupying rooms in hotels or motels in such town.

For the

10 purposes of this section, the term "hotel" shall mean a building or

11 portion of it which is regularly used and kept open as such for the

12 lodging of guests. The term "hotel" includes an apartment hotel, a motel

13 or a boarding house, whether or not meals are served. The rate of such

14 tax shall not exceed three percent of the per diem rental rate for each

15 room whether such room is rented on a daily or longer basis.

16 (2) Such tax may be collected and administered by the

commissioner of

17 finance or other fiscal officer of the town of Greenburgh by such means

18 and in such manner as other taxes which are now collected and

adminis-

19 tered by such officers in accordance with the town charter or as

other-

20 wise may be provided by such local law.

21 (3) Such local laws may provide that any tax imposed shall be

paid by

22 the person liable therefor to the owner of the hotel or motel room

occu-

23 pied or to the person entitled to be paid the rent or charge for the

24 hotel or motel room occupied for and on account of the town of

Green-

25 burgh imposing the tax, and that such owner or person entitled to be

26 paid the rent or charge shall be liable for the collection and payment

27 of the tax; and that such owner or person entitled to be paid the rent

EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets

[ ] is old law to be omitted.

LBD15394-01-0

S. 6651 2

1 or charge shall have the same right in respect to collecting the tax

2 from the person occupying the hotel or motel room, or in respect to

3 nonpayment of the tax by the person occupying the hotel or motel room,

4 as if the tax were a part of the rent or charge and payable at the same

5 time as the rent or charge; provided, however, that the commissioner of

6 finance or other fiscal officers of the town, specified in such local

7 law, shall be joined as a party in any action or proceeding brought to

8 collect the tax by the owner or by the person entitled to be paid the

9 rent or charge.

10 (4) Such local laws may provide for the filing of returns and

the

11 payment of the tax on a monthly basis or on the basis of any longer or

12 shorter period of time.

13 (5) This section shall not authorize the imposition of such tax

upon

14 the following:

15 a. The state of New York, or any public corporation,

including a

16 public corporation created pursuant to agreement or compact with another

17 state or the dominion of Canada, improvement district or other political

18 subdivision of the state;

19 b. The United States of America, insofar as it is immune from

taxa-

20 tion;

21 c. Any corporation or association, or trust, or community chest,

fund

22 or foundation organized and operated exclusively for religious,

charita-

23 ble or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to

chil-

24 dren or animals, and no part of the net earnings of which inures to the

25 benefit of any private shareholder or individual and no substantial part

26 of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise

27 attempting to influence legislation; provided, however, that nothing in

28 this paragraph shall include an organization operated for the primary

29 purpose of carrying on a trade or business for profit, whether or not

30 all of its profits are payable to one or more organizations described in

31 this paragraph; and

32 d. A permanent resident of a hotel or motel. For the purposes of

this

33 section, the term "permanent resident" shall mean a natural person

occu-

34 pying any room or rooms in a hotel or motel for at least thirty

consec-

35 utive days.

36 (6) Any final determination of the amount of any tax payable

hereunder

37 shall be reviewable for error, illegality or unconstitutionality or any

38 other reason whatsoever by a proceeding under article seventy-eight of

39 the civil practice law and rules if application therefor is made to the

40 supreme court within thirty days after giving of the notice of such

41 final determination, provided, however, that any such proceeding under

42 article seventy-eight of the civil practice law and rules shall not be

43 instituted unless:

44 a. The amount of any tax sought to be reviewed, with such

interest and

45 penalties thereon as may be provided for by local law or regulation

46 shall be first deposited and there is filed an undertaking, issued by a

47 surety company authorized to transact business in this state and

48 approved by the superintendent of insurance of this state as to solvency

49 and responsibility, in such amount as a justice of the supreme court

50 shall approve to the effect that if such proceeding be dismissed or the

51 tax confirmed the petitioner will pay all costs and charges which may

52 accrue in the prosecution of such proceeding; or

53 b. At the option of the petitioner such undertaking may be in a

sum

54 sufficient to cover taxes, interest and penalties stated in such

deter-

55 mination plus the costs and charges which may accrue against in in the

56 prosecution of the proceeding, in which event the petitioner shall not

S. 6651 3

1 be required to pay such taxes, interest or penalties as a condition

2 precedent to the application.

3 (7) Where any tax imposed hereunder shall have been erroneously,

ille-

4 gally or unconstitutionally collected and application for the refund

5 thereof duly made to the proper fiscal officer or officers, and such

6 officer or officers shall have made a determination denying such refund,

7 such determination shall be reviewable by a proceeding under article

8 seventy-eight of the civil practice law and rules, provided, however,

9 that such proceeding is instituted within thirty days after the giving

10 of the notice of such denial, that a final determination of tax due was

11 not previously made, and that an undertaking is filed with the proper

12 fiscal officer or officers in such amount and with such sureties as a

13 justice of the supreme court shall approve to the effect that if such

14 proceeding be dismissed or the tax confirmed, the petitioner will pay

15 all costs and charges which accrue in the prosecution of such

proceed-

16 ing.

17 (8) Except in the case of a willfully false or fraudulent return

with

18 intent to evade the tax, no assessment of additional tax shall be made

19 after the expiration of more than three years from the date of the

20 filing of a return, provided, however, that where no return has been

21 filed as provided by law the tax may be assessed at any time.

22 (9) Revenues resulting from the imposition of tax authorized by

this

23 section shall be paid into the treasury of the town of Greenburgh and

24 shall be credited to and deposited in the general fund of the town; and

25 may thereafter be allocated at the discretion of the board of

legisla-

26 tors of the town of Greenburgh for any town purpose.

27 (10) If any provision of this section or the application

thereof to

28 any person or circumstance shall be held invalid, the remainder of this

29 section and the application of such provision to other persons or

30 circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

31 § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

SPONSORS MEMO:

NEW YORK STATE SENATE

INTRODUCER'S MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT

submitted in accordance with Senate Rule VI. Sec 1

BILL NUMBER: S6651

SPONSOR: STEWART-COUSINS

TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the tax law, in relation to authorizing the town of Greenburgh to adopt a local law to impose a hotel/motel occupancy tax

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This legislation authorizes the Town of Greenburgh, Westchester County to impose a hotel or motel occupancy tax not to exceed three percent in order to gain revenue

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1 of the bill amends the tax law by adding a new Section 1202-bb to authorize and empower the town of Greenburgh to adopt and amend local laws imposing in such town a tax to impose upon persons occupying any room for hire in any hotel. This section also sets forth the definition of the term hotel and the maximum amount of such tax.

This section also sets forth the method for which such tax is collected and administered; states that such local laws may provide that any taxes imposed shall be paid by the person liable therefore to the owner of the room for hire in the hotel or other similar place of public accommo- dation; allows the local laws to provide for the filing of returns and the payment of the taxes on a monthly basis or on the basis of any long- er or shorter period of time; sets forth which entities such imposition of tax shall be prohibited. Furthermore, the bill sets forth the provisions that allow for a review for error, illegality or unconstitu- tionality of the amount of any tax payable under this legislation; sets forth the provision for which the imposition of this tax authorized shall be paid into the treasury of the town of Greenburgh the county of Westchester and shall be credited to and deposited in the general fund of the town and thereafter shall be allocated at the discretion of the board of legislators of the town of Greenburgh.

Section 2 is the effective date.

JUSTIFICATION:

During these difficult economic times, localities are searching for revenue to continue to provide services residents rely upon, without having to increase property taxes and burden the taxpayer. This legis- lation will assist the town of Greenburgh with that goal.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to the State.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill - 2010

EFFECTIVE DATE:

This act shall take effect immediately.

Kate Glazer, Director

Legislative Affairs

Office of Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins

(518) 455-2585

Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board

Tuesday – February 09, 2010 – 9:15AM

(Work Sessions begin at 9:15AM

Except where schedule changes are made by the Board)

(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 35 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.)

09:15 AM Proposed Storm Water Retrofit Project

09:30 AM Agenda Review

09:35 AM Executive Session – Legal

12:00 Noon Adjourn Meeting

http://www.rivertownsguide.com


This Weekend
- Opening Reception: Sculptor Malcolm MacDougall, III
- Opening Reception: Patterns - Quilt Show
- Food Bank for Westchester's 14th Annual Take Heart Against Hunger, Valentine's Day Wine Tasting Dinner
- Bronx Kiss: A Celebration of John Patrick Shanley
- Opening Reception: Jill Skupin Burkholder and Geoffrey Detrani
- "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"
- Clocktower Players Teen Troupe presents "13 - A New Musical"
- Dr. Johnson performs
- Hudson River Eaglefest
- Valentine Plant and Bake, Book & Vintage Jewelry Sale
- "20000 Leagues Under the Sea"
- Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s AKC Canine Good Citizen Test
- Gospel Music Concert: “From The Middle Passage, An African American Journey"
- Live the Jazz with the Andy Polay Bands
- James Wilson, Mike Levine, and Marc Jacoby perform
- A Valentine Evening of Doo Wop & Rock N Roll
- Riverrun performs
- Blood Drive
- Free-A-Tree Vine Cutting
- Indoor Farmers Market
- Green Burial
- Matt Turk performs
- Artists Opening Reception "A Celebration of Black History Month"
- Natural History Exhibit Opening Trees: Heroes of our Planet
- Opening Reception: Photography Takes Over 2010
Details & Links can all be found on our Home Page http://www.rivertownsguide.com


Upcoming Films at Irvington Town Hall Theater
-- “The Damned United”: Wednesday, February 10 @ 8pm
-- “Romeo and Juliette” by Gounod: Saturday, February 14 @ 1pm
-- “Carmen” by Bizet: Sunday, February 21 @ 1pm
-- “Anvil”: Wednesday, February 24 @ 8pm
-- “I Puritani” by Bellini: Sunday, March 7 @ 1pm
www.rivertownsguide.com to learn about happenings in and around the region.
www.thehudsonindependent.com for news and activities.
www.tarrytownpatch. com for more news and activities.

www.scarsdale10583.com news about Edgemont and Hartsdale



CORRECTION: Yesterday I reported that the Red Cross provided beds for the tenants who needed shelter at the multipurpose center after a water break. The CERT Team provided the beds. Pete Dandreano hitched up and EMS vehicle to the trailer and towed it to the shelter. The CERT team unloaded enough for the evacuees plus extra blankets for those who were sick. They set up sleeping arrangements. Members of the CERT team, according to Richard Edelson, spent their own money to get incidentals to make the tenants feel better.
PAUL FEINER

FUNDRAISER FOR HAITI VICTIMS SUNDAY

fundraiser for Haiti victims: Sunday 2/7 8:00am – 10:30am Applebee’s Crossroads Shopping Center -- 395 Tarrytown Road, The Theodore D. Young Community Center in Conjunction with Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar will host a “A Breakfast to Support the Haitian Relief”. Breakfast starts at 8:00am and will last until 10:30am. The price of the breakfast is $10.00. Seven dollars goes directly to AFYA

TOWN SHELTERS 32 DISPLACED FAMILIES

The Multipurpose Center at AF Veteran Town Park was used last night as an emergency shelter for the first time to provide shelter to 32 displaced residents of 172 Saw Mill River Road. A sprinkler went off in the building which activated the Elmsford Fire Department to respond. The water went all the way down to the bottom floor and was running out of the door on to 9A. All the light and wall sockets got wet becoming a potential fire hazard.
Mayor Bob Williams of Elmsford contacted me shortly after the incident. I reached out to Joe Lucasey and asked him to make the multipurpose center available as an emergency shelter. Syd Henry of the Elmsford Fire Department and Chief Joe DeCarlo of the Greenburgh police department stayed in contact with me during the evening hours.
The Red Cross provided beds. The 32 displaced residents were interviewed and efforts are continuing to find shelter for the families since the building won’t be habitable for a while.
A special thanks to Greenburgh CERT volunteers who spent evening hours helping out. The CERT volunteers who helped are:
Jeanne Apicella…Lisa Cruz…Patricia & Richard Edelson…Nat Federici…Marilyn Ghilardi…Sharon Hernstadt…Stacey Irvine…Susan Plath…Harold Rose…Larry Seberg…Eva Yasgur…Peter Yam.
When I stopped by at the shelter to observe the operations I was impressed with the professionalism of the volunteers (Red Cross & CERT volunteers), police and fire depts. I would also like to thank the Greenburgh Parks dept for their efforts.
WE LEARNED…
One of the problems we experienced was lack of food. As a result of this –I’m going to reach out to supermarkets and food stores in Greenburgh and will ask for vouchers that the police/CERT team can use only in the event of an emergency. Those evacuated would have been more comfortable if we had more food to offer them. The CERT team will be setting up a special account and will accept dollar donations that could be used in the event of a future emergency.
We probably should have used the Theodore Young Community Center as a shelter rather than the multipurpose center. They have shower facilities.
POLICE COSTS—We had to station a police officer at the center during the evening. We will ask the Town Attorney to investigate whether we can bill the landlord for the costs the town incurred in providing the emergency shelter.
The Town Board will be recognizing the volunteers at the next Town Board meeting—next Wednesday night.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

TOWNS, VILLAGES JOIN GREENBURGH IN PUSHING FOR HOTEL TAX

Ardsley, Elmsford, North Castle, North Salem, Rye Brook ,Tarrytown JOIN GREENBURGH IN PUSHING FOR HOTEL TAX

HOTEL TAX CURRENTLY ALLOWED IN CITIES BUT NOT TOWNS/VILLAGES

COULD REDUCE PROPERTY TAXES



Last year the Greenburgh Town Board approved a resolution calling on the NYS Legislature to help towns and villages address our budget problems by imposing a hotel tax on guests. NYS currently allows cities to have up to a 3% hotel tax. Last year the NYS Legislature approved legislation authorizing New Rochelle, White Plains and Rye to raise revenue thru this tax.

It's unfair to allow cities in NYS to have a hotel tax but not to allow villages/towns. Since the Greenburgh Town Board approved the resolution other towns/villages in Westchester have approved similar resolutions calling for state authority to have a hotel tax. Ardsley, Elmsford, North Castle, Rye Brook, North Salem and Tarrytown have approved resolutions seeking this additional source for revenue. State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins has introduced legislation in the Senate to authorize this tax.

There are almost 2,000 hotel rooms in Greenburgh. If the State Legislature AUTHORIZES the towns/villages to have a hotel tax the town of Greenburgh would generate up to a few hundred thousand dollars a year in revenue, which would reduce the tax bill you receive.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor


THIS IS WHAT WAS SENT OUT BY THE GOVERNOR LAST YEAR...
Governor Approves Legislation Authorizing the Cities of New Rochelle, Rye, and White Plains to Raise Revenues through Hotel Occupancy Taxes

Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck) announced that legislation to authorize the cities of New Rochelle and White Plains to impose hotel room occupancy taxes was passed by the Senate and signed into law by Governor Paterson. The Governor also approved legislation extending the City of Rye’s authority to impose its own hotel occupancy tax.
S. 1886 (Oppenheimer), S. 1887 (Oppenheimer) and S. 1087 (Oppenheimer) permit the cities of New Rochelle, Rye and White Plains, respectively, to enact a daily room tax of up to three percent on hotels, motels, inns, clubs or similar places of public accommodation.
“Three years ago, I sponsored legislation allowing the city of Rye to impose a hotel occupancy tax,” said Senator Oppenheimer. “Rye became first the local government in Westchester County to gain this authority, which has become an important revenue-raising alternative to local property taxes.”
The City of New Rochelle estimates that it will raise between $200,000 and $250,000 in new revenue from the hotel room tax, while the City of Rye stands to collect over $170,000 by the extension of its taxing authority.
“In these difficult economic times, municipal governments all over the state have been faced with declining revenues, most notably reductions in sales tax revenues,” observed Senator Oppenheimer. “Local governments must be given greater flexibility to raise revenue other than by increasing already high property taxes. I am pleased that the Governor has enacted these tax bills into law, and I favor expanding this taxing authority to other cities and smaller municipalities that request it,” said the Senator.

WJCS WORKSHOP FOR UNEMPLOYED

Dear Friend,



During these unprecedented economic times so many people, especially women, are looking for guidance and direction. Thanks to funding from the Leir Charitable Foundations, WJCS has launched Women-Helping- Women (W-H-W) to provide encouragement, information, resources and services through workshops for women who are unemployed or seeking transition to other jobs.



Over the past several weeks, W-H-W reached out to diverse women whose lives have been affected by the current downturn in the economy. Through Focus Groups those women told us what tools and resources would be most helpful to them. Armed with that information, W-H-W developed a workshop series to provide useful and practical information.



We hope you'll join us for one or all of these free sessions. If you have a friend, relative or neighbor who could benefit from these workshops, please pass on this information. Remember, we are all links in the chain of Women- Helping-Women.

Lenore Rosenbaum, MS

W-H-W Program Director





W-H-W Workshop Schedule




Wednesday, February 24 9:15 - 11:15 AM

Location: WJCS, 845 North Broadway, White Plains

8 Steps to LinkedIn Success

Explore the power and reach of LinkedIn, one of the most powerful networking tools on the planet. Learn to embrace the power and potential of social media and how to use LinkedIn to expand your job search network.



Matthew J. Schwartz, President and CEO of MJS Executive Search



The following workshops will be held at

Greenburgh Town Hall -- Town Board Conference Room

177 Hillside Avenue, Greenburgh, NY



Thursday, February 25 9:30-11:30 AM

Thriving While Unemployed

Being out of work can be a very scary thing. It can also be a great opportunity to stop and look at your work life: Where have you been and where do you want to go.

Get clarity on what it is you really want for your life and learn how to go about finding work that will support that.
Learn how to stay grounded, focused and joyful during the process of job-hunting.
Learn how to take care of yourself emotionally while unemployed.
Learn the techniques for going after the right opportunities so that you don't waste time with the wrong ones.
Move out of fear and uncertainly into empowerment.
Cathy Wilke, Life Coach specializing in career transition & women's issues



Wednesday, March 3 9:30 - 11:30 AM

Managing Your Finances While Unemployed in the Current Economy

Learn proven tips and techniques to manage your finances, set up a budget and successfully survive the economic downturn. The workshop will cover a range of important topics, and include individual and group exercises to practice what you learn.

How to create a budget worksheet and become an expert in basic household budgeting.
Managing out of control debt and creating a debt reduction plan.
Prioritizing which bills to pay first and dealing with creditors.
Credit Repair and Credit Card management.
What to do when you can't pay the mortgage or rent, and other legal issues.
Annett Marrie Barrett, MA Corporate Communications



Tuesday, March 9 1:00 - 3:00 PM

How to Look Your Very Best: Project Your Best Image & Update Your "Total Look"

Focus on how to transform your wardrobe, choose appropriate make-up to maximize your image and self-confidence as you head for an interview. Learn how you can be the best you can in this competitive marketplace. *If you have an item in your closet that you are uncertain about, bring it along to be part of the discussion.



Elizabeth Gillman, Certified Image Consultant



Thursday, March 18 9:30 - 11:30 AM

Getting Yourself Organized & Staying Organized

Get insights, tips and suggestions for managing your job search. Learn how to organize all the steps you need to take to land your new job -- how to develop a plan of action, a network of contacts and a system for follow-up.



Marcia Sloman,MBA, President, Under Control



Monday, March 22 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Mindfulness Meditation & Stress Reduction to Overcome the Challenge of the Job Search

Learn stress reduction techniques to become centered and present as you deal with the stresses of unemployment, the job search and related difficulties in the current economy.



Ruth Rosenblum, LCSW, WJCS, Contemplative Psychotherapist







Registration required for any or all of these free workshops. Contact:

Lenore Rosenbaum

W-H-W Program Director



761-0600 X308

lrosenbaum@wjcs.com




Westchester Jewish Community Services

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BONE MARROW MATCH FOR 11 YEAR OLD FOUND!

Last month I posted info about Tatyana Abrams, the 11 year old girl who needs a bone marrow transplant. Hundreds of people went to the Theodore Young Community Center to be tested. GOOD NEWS! THE BONE MARROW REGISTRY HAS A 100 PERCENT MATCH FOR TATYANA ABRAMS