June 15, 2011:  The Bronxville Board of Trustees held its first meeting of the new fiscal year on June 13, and Mayor Mary Marvin reported that over the summer the trustees will examine the village's capital improvement program.  Department heads have been asked to submit their project wish lists.  The mayor and trustees will prioritize the projects and decide what can be accomplished.

"Frankly, one of the few benefits of this downturn in the economy is that the cost of borrowing money is much less expensive.  With interest rates low, we hope to have a good capital program," Marvin said.  She further stated that the two percent tax cap mandated by the state might affect what the village can accomplish in terms of capital improvements.

The mayor reported that negotiations with unions representing police officers and library employees continue, but no agreements have been reached yet.

Marvin reminded residents that property tax bills have been mailed, and taxes can be paid without penalty until June 30.

Trustee William Barton announced that, as of June 1, the village has expanded its recycling capacity to accept plastics with designations 1 through 7.  He also indicated that FIOS high-speed Internet and digital television cable will be laid on Sagamore Road over the summer, which will necessitate minor street construction and disruption.

Trustee Donald Gray met with the Bronxville Green Committee to discuss its current project designed to reduce the village's leaf-removal costs in the fall.  The program encourages residents to mulch a small percentage of their leaves.  "It's an easy program everyone can buy into," Gray said.  The committee will hold a workshop in August to help residents understand and participate in the project.

Trustee Anne Poorman announced that Bronxville resident Ruth Walter has been appointed to the position of Bronxville Village court clerk effective June 15.  Poorman also related that the Bronxville Police Department reported a number of thefts from parked vehicles in the village.  "Please double check that you lock your car when parking anywhere in the village, downtown, or on residential side streets, even if you're going to return in a few minutes," she advised.

In new business, the trustees passed resolutions to set public hearings on provision of a new zoning district to be known as Central Business A Transition District, together with concomitant amendments of the zoning map for the designation as well as regulations for permitted uses and off-street parking for that district.  A public hearing will also be held on Proposed Local Law #7 to amend the Animal Law.

Public hearings will be held at a special meeting of the board of trustees on Tuesday, June 28, at 7 pm in the Trustees Room at Village Hall.

The trustees passed a resolution to accept additional funding in the form of a reimbursement from the New York State Department of Transportation for snow and ice removal on Route 22 this past winter.  Resolutions on the appointment of Ruth Walter as village court clerk and Timothy Griffin as Bronxville Village prosecutor passed unanimously.  The trustees also resolved to enter an intermunicipal agreement with the Village of Tuckahoe and the Town of Eastchester for street resurfacing and repair.

Mayor Marvin announced the death of Village Finance Committee member Victor Samra and noted the time and talent he graciously gave to the village.

The mayor and trustees commended and congratulated all who helped organize the Memorial Day Parade.  "We got to celebrate the service of all of our veterans," Marvin said.  "I want to thank everyone involved in the parade who did a little bit extra for us."

The next regular meeting of the board of trustees will be Monday, July 11, at 8 pm in the Trustees Room of Village Hall.

Pictured here:  Bronxville Board of Trustees at June 13 meeting.

Photo by Carol Bartold