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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter of Transmittal 1
City Manager 2
General Government:
City Assessor 3
City Clerk 4
City Comptroller 5
Corporation Counsel 6
Personnel 7
Public Safety:
Fire 8
Police 9
Community Environment:
Building 10
Engineer 11
Planner/Planning Commission 12
Public Works 13
Culture and Recreation:
Recreation 14
DePauw Municipal Boat Basin 15
Rye Community Television (RTV) 16
Rye Golf Club 17
February 25, 2008
Honorable Mayor and Council Members
City Hall
Rye, New York
Dear Council Members:
It is my pleasure to transmit the attached reports on the activities of the
City of Rye for 2007 in accordance with Section C8-2(F) of the City Charter.
The Annual Report of the City Manager and those prepared by the various
departments and agencies of the City are assembled in a three-ring binder with a Table of
Contents for ease of reference. Reports from Boards and Commissions, which have been
received as of this date, are also included and transmitted with the reports of the
administrative agencies of the City.
Your comments are appreciated.
Sincerely,
O. Paul Shew
City Manager
OPS/dfn
CITY OF RYE
ANNUAL REPORT
2007
Office of the City Manager
Executive Summary
The year of Mother Nature….
The year in review for 2007 will carry with it the floods of spring, in particular the
‘Tax Day’ flood of April 15th. These were extraordinary events, they rendered an
extraordinary amount of damage, and they brought about extraordinary acts of
civic action and courage and leadership. What was washed away by hydraulic force
was made stronger by civic effort.
( Page One of 4)
On March 2nd a limited flood event hit the City, and both homes and vehicles were
impacted. An Emergency Operation Command (EOC) was established; electric and
gas were shut off in the impacted areas; and rescue operations were initiated. The
City initiated a protocol for those adversely impacted during the flood; and
brochures were distributed to commuters coming home from work to inform them
to stay away from their vehicles if they had been flooded.
Additional assistance was provided to help those returning to their homes to avoid
sanitary and health issues; and coordination with other agencies and residents was
facilitated. DPW spent two days collecting bulk pickup services to help residents
clear homes and garages from flooded debris. Some homes experienced severe
damage. The flood area was more specific to river and tidal areas.
On April 10th a meeting was held with all flood residents at the Damiano Center.
Speakers included the Mayor, representatives from Con Edison, and several of the
emergency departments of the City.
Then came the flood of April 15, 2007.
On that day there was notice of potential heavy rain, and the City initiated all pre-
flood efforts to facilitate drainage. Storm basins were cleared, any obstructions to
the Blind Brook and Beaver Swamp Brook were removed. Vehicles were fueled in
advance of the storm, contacts with Con Edison were made, fire personnel were on
standby. Light trucks were made ready for transport, and EMS was also on
standby. Rye Country Day was contacted as a short-term shelter.
In retrospect it appears that the storm halted over Westchester, because a heavy
rain continued and rapidly overwhelmed all the brooks and rivers in the region.
Expressways were closed, utilities shut down, commuter rail delayed, and the region
experienced such heavy damage in so many areas that the storm merited a
Presidential Declaration of emergency. No living person could recall a flood so
great as the one of April 15th.
From that remarkable event came great efforts by residents, elected officials,
employees and everyone that was a part of this community. While recovery from
such a flood normally requires a 36 month turnaround under FEMA standards, the
community came together in the recovery effort. That effort is still ongoing, and it
will require a continued vigilance to keep the recovery on track. However, the City
( Page Two of 4)
put together an extraordinary effort to recover from the flood and to emerge from
the experience better for the wear. Legislation to raise homes, expedite permits, and
encourage building ‘above’ the flood zone was enacted. A FEMA approved
hazardous mitigation plan was adopted by the City Council enabling residents to
receive federal funding. Grant applications were filed for public infrastructure.
The City initiated flood mitigation studies to understand what might help minimize
future flooding and enlisted regional help on the same. Nearly one year of City
Council meetings began with ‘flood update’ activities. Thousands of man hours
were expended to get residents back on their feet. The City collected 500 tons of
debris from resident homes without charge.
The report for 2007 could easily have ended there, but while extraordinary effort
was directed to flood recovery; the remainder of the City moved on. The majority
of residents did not experience the trauma of those in the flood plain, and it was an
absolute necessity to return municipal schedules to some sense of ‘normalcy’, which
was done. In fact, that effort was an important part of the recovery for those that
had been flooded, since it provided an important routine in life that had been
otherwise disrupted.
Other Events:
Law Enforcement…
The City Council made a serious commitment to improvements at the police/court
facility in renovations; and temporary offices were erected for that purpose. This
created substantial challenges in maintaining day to day operations while dispersed
in satellite office, but Commissioner Connors did an excellent job in working
through those events. Despite the flood of April, the work commenced and was
completed by late fall of 2007.
Recreation…
Constant change has been taking place at the Damiano Center over the past two
years, and 2007 continued those improvements. The new addition and renovation to
the center were complemented with the addition of a new skate board park. This
new park comes from a Challenge Grant, wherein the City limited its financial
contribution to $37,500 with a challenge to civic groups to exceed that amount.
They, along with Westchester County, exceeded that match by over four hundred
percent and constructed a top shelf facility for our youth. Recreation also ran
another banner year with our summer camps, all filled to capacity.
( Page Three of 4)
Rye Golf Club (RGC)….
In 2007 the City Council agreed to a request by RGC to allow them to run the
Whitby Castle food concessions and restaurant. Since this was a new venture, the
City also requested that this arrangement be reviewed after one full year of
operation, which would be in July of 2008. While it is too early to determine the
financial viability of this move, it has already produced positive feedback from the
RGC membership. This year the City was also able to resolve a long-standing need
of the RGC with its Greenskeeper on residence. This arrangement with RGC will
benefit both the Rye Nature Center and RGC through an IMA brokered by the
City.
Rye Volunteer Fire Department…
Ten new members were recruited this year;
Fifteen volunteers turned out for a working fire in late 2007;
The newly renovated Locust Fire House can be a recruiting tool for volunteers;
The Locust Fire House can also house a secondary EOC for emergencies.
Green City efforts…
The City has planted over 400 trees in the past four years;
The entire sanitation fleet has high-efficiency low emission diesels;
Organic fertilizers have been used on the Village Green with no toxic chemicals;
A voluntary reduction of electric is in place during peak demands on Con Edison;
The City continues to update its effort to reduce energy use;
Hybrid cars and trucks are now in use with a total of four;
Phase II MS4 is underway and current;
All key lift stations now have auxiliary power systems;
The City is a lead community in recycling;
Significant advances were made in 2007 on trails, and the work needs to continue.
Looking Ahead….
Keeping taxes at a reasonable level requires constant vigilance in all areas;
The Boat Basin entropy is accelerating with flood events, and viability threatened;
A constant oversight of flood opportunities will require regional cooperation;
Exogenous interventions (like the Tunnel) require political leadership;
Greater time will be required on collaborative projects like flooding/LISWIC/etc.
The economy makes a difference that we must understand.
Sincerely,
O. Paul Shew
( Page Four of 4)
ASSESSMENT DEPARTMENT
2007
ANNUAL REPORT
Noreen Whitty, City Assessor
Brendan Conroy, Assistant City Assessor
Margaret DelVecchio, Assessment Clerk
OVERVIEW
The Assessor’s Office is responsible for the annual preparation of the assessment roll
upon which the various tax levies (City, County and School) are based. Related duties
include obtaining and maintaining vital statistics on all properties, receiving and
reviewing exemption applications including STAR (basic and enhanced), veteran’s, aged,
diplomatic and not-for-profit, to determine eligibility. The department records and
monitors all property sales, processes all subdivisions and mergers and maintains the
official City tax maps. The office coordinates the Board of Assessment Review
Grievance Day proceedings, audits complaints and offers testimony. The assessor is also
responsible for the annual completion and filing of State and County mandated reports.
Additionally, the department, in conjunction with the City Corporation Counsel, handles
all tax certiorari proceedings including small claims. The office also acts as an
information center answering inquiries from attorneys, realtors, title companies and the
general public.
Department staff includes Noreen Whitty, City Assessor, Assistant Assessor Brendan
Conroy and Margaret DelVecchio, Assessment Clerk.
ACTIVITY
The year 2007 was another busy one for the department. Over 350 property inspections
were made for purposes of determining equitable assessments. Properties are typically
inspected and assessments reviewed upon issuance of a building permit or for assessment
review purposes. The 2007 taxable assessed value of all real property in the City
increased by approximately $706,000 ($36 million in full value) over 2006. This is a net
increase stemming from building construction that was offset significantly by reductions
in assessed value of approximately $700,000. These reductions were due in part to a
greater than typical number of tax certiorari settlements and grievance reductions.
Commercial tax certioraris have become a growing problem and are explained in detail
later in this report. The STAR (School TAx Relief) exemption, signed into law in 1997,
continues to generate many inquiries. This past year approximately 400 enhanced STAR
applications and over 100 aged exemption applications were mailed, reviewed and
processed. Additionally, this office worked with New York State and taxpayers to insure
that STAR recipients received their STAR rebate checks. The office also processed
approximately 338 deeds of transfer.
This office continues to monitor, review and challenge, when appropriate, State issued
equalization rates. The equalization rate purports to measure the level of assessment to
market value of real property within a given community and is calculated using a
complex statistical formula. In a predominantly residential community such as Rye,
rising home prices negatively impact the equalization rate. The rate has many purposes,
but primarily it drives the City’s share of the County tax, the share of school tax levied
upon City property owners within the Rye Neck School District, the amount of tax
dollars paid by special franchise properties (i.e.; Con Ed, Verizon) and determines the
City’s tax liability in tax certiorari proceedings. In 2007, the City’s equalization rate
dropped by 8.8%, from 2.16 to 1.97. The equalization rate is an annual determination,
and its continued decline, a function of the appreciating residential market, continues to
erode the commercial tax base and shifts the tax burden to homeowners. This problem is
not limited to Rye; most Westchester municipalities are grappling with this issue.
Because of the significant increase in both the median and average home price in the City
in 2007, the 2008 equalization rate is likely to be negatively impacted.
SEGMENT SPECIAL EQUALIZATION RATE
Once again, in 2007, the Town of Rye filed an application with the New York State
Board of Real Property Services (State Board) seeking a segment special equalization
rate for the Rye City segment of the Rye Neck Union Free School District (Rye Neck).
Because of the overlapping school district, the City and Town have been at odds for a
number of years over the apportionment of Rye Neck taxes. The Town’s application was
an attempt to shift Rye Neck school taxes from the Town to the City. The City opposed
the rate proffered by the Town, appearing before the State Board on two occasions,
submitting various documentation and analyses prepared by the assessor as well as an
outside statistician. The State Board ultimately denied the Town’s application saving
City taxpayers within the Rye Neck School District several hundred thousand dollars in
2007-08 school taxes. Despite the denial of the segment rate application, the tax rate for
City homeowners within Rye Neck increased 8.9% following two years of no increases;
the school property tax levy, by contrast, increased 6.63%. The apportionment of the
2008-09 school tax levy is not known at this time. However, we will be monitoring the
situation and taking the appropriate action.
GRIEVANCE PROCEEDINGS & SMALL CLAIMS ASSESSMENT REVIEW
Annually, on the third Tuesday in June, taxpayers who believe their assessment is unfair
or who have been denied an exemption have an opportunity to grieve their
assessment/denial to the Board of Assessment Review. In 2007, 134 petitions for review
were received which represents a 3% increase over 2006 when 130 petitions were filed.
The increase in filings is primarily the result of property damage claims arising from the
April 2007 Nor’easter that caused major flooding in the City.
After considering the evidence submitted, the Board of Assessment Review lowered the
assessments of 37 properties (11 related to flood damage), which included 6 stipulated
reductions (agreements between the assessor and the petitioners), resulting in a gross
reduction of $384,850 in assessed value or approximately $50,604 in City taxes.
Taxpayers who have stipulated to an assessment are precluded from bringing a
proceeding in court this year.
Under Real Property Tax Law Section 730, if an owner of a one, two or three family
owner-occupied residence is dissatisfied with the determination of the Board of
Assessment Review, they can seek judicial review of their assessment in a Small Claims
Assessment Review proceeding (SCAR). In 2007, 12 petitions for review were filed,
similar to 2006 when 11 petitions were filed. To date, settlements were negotiated in six
cases and one case was adjudicated. The six remaining cases are scheduled for hearings
in March.
TAX CERTIORARI PROCEEDINGS
All property owners are eligible to seek review of their assessments as authorized by
Article 7 of the Real Property Tax Law. In 2007, 82 tax certiorari proceedings were
filed, the majority of them by commercial property owners including cooperatives and
condominiums. This represents an increase of 10.8% from 2006 when 74 petitions were
filed. As a routine business practice, many commercial properties file tax certioraris on
an annual basis, particularly in areas such as Westchester where equalization rates have
dropped precipitously as a result of the rapid appreciation in residential property values.
Commercial Settlements & Litigation
In 2007, settlements were reached in nine matters including the Apawamis Country Club,
Blind Brook Cooperative, the Gables Condominiums, three apartment buildings and
various smaller commercial properties. The number of settlements significantly
increased over prior years, in part due to the aggressive enforcement of scheduling orders
by Westchester County Supreme Court. Unlike previous years, the Court is less likely to
grant extensions to parties to file appraisal reports or adjourn trial dates. This has placed
greater pressure on the parties to settle. The assessment of condominiums and
cooperatives continues to be problematic. By law, the assessment of condominiums and
cooperatives is restricted to a valuation methodology similar to that of a rental apartment
building. Use of an income methodology results in a significantly lower value than using
a sales approach based on actual sale prices. In contrast, homes are valued via the sales
approach and are typically assessed significantly higher than similarly valued
condominiums.
The New York State Assessor’s Association (NYSAA) has long sought to amend this
law. These efforts included my participation in the NYSAA Legislative Action day,
where I traveled to Albany and lobbied legislators for a repeal or amendment of the law.
Carroll
Our office also assisted City Corporation Counsel in the defense of a significant judicial
proceeding challenging the assessment methodology of new waterfront home
construction. In Carroll v. City of Rye Assessor, a homeowner claimed the City engaged
in “selective reassessment.” The Assesor’s office submitted affidavits and provided
technical support to counsel that resulted in Westchester County Supreme Court denying
the taxpayer’s motion for summary judgment. That decision is currently on appeal to the
Appellate Division.
Osborn
On June 5, 2007, Westchester County Supreme Court issued the valuation portion of its
decision, adopting the Osborn’s valuation methodology, which was based on the leases of
condominiums and apartments buildings. The decision rejected the use of Osborn’s
actual income and expenses and ignored the $135 million in actual construction costs
reported by the Osborn. The decision orders significant assessment reductions for 1997-
2003, which is applied to 2004, 2005 and 2006 by statute. The Osborn and the Rye City
School District have indicated they will both be appealing the valuation and exemption
decisions.
RYE CITY REAL ESTATE MARKET SUMMARY:
RESIDENTIAL SALE ANALYSIS
Year Sales Average Median Total Dollars Sold
1998 274 720,318 600,000 197,370,062
1999 244 815,400 648,000 198,957,319
2000 244 936,577 700,000 228,524,950
2001 230 1,013,674 790,000 229,110,680
2002 198 1,185,045 900,000 234,638,970
2003 214 1,207,917 950,000 258,494,254
2004 242 1,364,146 1,070,000 330,123,242
2005 209 1,655,452 1,225.000 345,989,492
2006 184 1,651,686 1,165,000 303,910,230
2007 179 1,786,093 1,455,000 319,710,578*
The chart depicts a 10-year history of Rye City homes sales. Please note that the 2007
numbers are incomplete. Sales through +- mid-December, 2007 are reflected. Once a
deed is recorded at the Westchester County Clerk’s office, a copy is forwarded to the
respective municipality. Based upon the 179 sales received to date, the average sale price
increased 8.1% when compared to 2006, while the median sales price increased by 24.9%
from $1,165,000 to $1,455,000. The dramatic increase in the median sales price can be
attributed, in part, to the large number of new home sales. Nearly one-quarter (42) of all
homes sold in 2007 were new construction. The number of sales transacted remained
relatively stable compared to 2006, but is significantly less than sale numbers within the
past decade. Approximately one-third of all 2007 home sales sold for $2,000,000 or
more. Despite poor economic reports throughout the country, as evidenced by the sales
data, Rye’s housing market has remained fairly strong. The highest price paid for a
single-family home in 2007 was $10,837,500, which included an adjacent lot.
AVERAGE AND MEDIAN SALES PRICING
Sales statistics have been collated into value intervals and average and median sale prices
calculated for purposes of accurate assessing and evaluating market trends. The average
sales price is calculated by removing all non-arm's length transactions and dividing the
total sales dollars by the number of sales. The average sales price is considered less
reliable than the median due to the impact one significant sale can impart on the
valuation. The median sales price is established by arraying arm’s length sales in
ascending order. The sale at the mid-point represents the median sale. This statistic is
generally accepted as the more accurate of the two measurements. The corresponding bar
chart depicts rising market values over the past decade.
SALES BREAKDOWN
$ PRICE RANGES 2005 % OF SALES 2006 % OF SALES 2007* % OF SALES
100,000-499,999 3 1% 0 0 3 2.0%
500,000-599,999 5 2% 7 4% 3 2.0%
600,000-749,999 21 10% 14 8% 12 6.5%
750,000-899,999 31 16% 32 18% 21 11.5%
900,000-999,999 25 12% 28 15% 15 8.0%
1,000,000-1,249,999 24 11% 18 9.5% 21 11.5%
1,250,000-1,499,999 22 11% 16 9% 16 9.0%
1,500,000-1,749,999 14 7% 18 9.5% 19 10.5%
1,750,000-1,999,999 17 8% 10 5% 14 8.0%
2,000,000-2,999,999 30 14% 19 10% 32 18.0%
3,000,000 + 17 8% 23 12% 23 13.0%
TOTAL SALES 209 100% 184 100% 179 100%
*2007 sales incomplete
$1,600,000 RYE CITY MEDIAN HOME PRICES
$1,400,000
$1,455,000
$1,200,000
$1,225,000
$1,165,000
$1,000,000 $1,070,000
$950,000
$800,000 $900,000
$790,000
$700,000
$600,000
$648,000
$600,000
$400,000 $510,000
$200,000
$0 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
MEDIAN VALUE $510,000 $600,000 $648,000 $700,000 $790,000 $900,000 $950,000 $1,070,000 $1,224,500 $1,165,000 $1,455,000
# OF SALES 197 274 244 244 230 198 215 242 209 184 179
*2007 Sales Data Incomplete
2007 ANNUAL REPORT
of the
CITY CLERK
of the
CITY OF RYE
2007 ANNUAL REPORT
CITY CLERK
The mission of the Clerk’s Department is to manage all the City’s vital statistics and
parking permits; to manage the City’s record retention program, run all local elections and to
assist the Westchester County Board of Elections in running all others. In addition, we offer
support to the City Council and the Board of Appeals and stand by to provide a myriad of other
services requested by various City departments and Rye residents.
The period covered by this annual report has, as usual, seen much activity, handled for a
part this year without a full-time Vital Statistics clerk as well as a second full-time clerk. The
remaining staff was aided by a part-time employee and by occasional volunteers who come in to
help out during our busiest times. By October a full complement of four was back in place.
The Clerk continued to attend meetings related to the transfer of authority for elections to
the County Board of Elections, the follow-up for Handicapped Access, and continued discussion
concerning new voting machines. The Clerk also participated in City-wide committees including
Disaster Planning. She attended the WMA Manager’s Meeting held in Rye and was a speaker at
the Men’s Club. Other members of the staff attended the Zoning and Planning Workshops
sponsored by WMPF, Records Classes sponsored by our regional office and meetings discussing
preparations for the 2010 Census. The Clerk continues to serve on the County’s Historic Parks
Advisory Committee (HPAC) and also agreed to a four year appointment as an official marriage
officer for the City of Rye, performing 15 services during 2007.
This year the City continued to work on the 2006-7 SARA grant to evaluate and store the
City’s historical records. Even with the grant, there is more work to be done on this important
project. This office followed the customary year-end records disposal schedule and continued
preparing other records for microfilming and creating appropriate finding aids.
During 2007 the Clerk’s office was asked to run four elections – one each for the Boat
Basin and Rye Golf Club Commissions; a September Primary; and the General Election. The
primary attracted only about 120 voters, and only 17.2% of registered voters participated in the
November election. Although the County Board of Elections is now in charge, we continue to
work very closely with them and make sure everything runs as it always has. The inspectors and
technicians are wonderful and the old machines (still not replaced) performed well. We
appreciate the cooperation of the firefighters in making additional space available when we have
to work on the machines.
Our annual report summarizing our responsibilities and accomplishments during 2007
follows:
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
TO THE COUNCIL AND BOARD OF APPEALS
As Secretary to the City Council, the Clerk is responsible for the preparation and
distribution of the Council Minutes kept on file and indexed. During 2007, there were 21 regular
Council meetings; 4 Special Council meetings, 3 budget workshops, 2 meetings with the Board
of Education and a flood workshop. Eight Local Laws were adopted. They are filed with the
Clerk; and copies are sent to the NYS Department of State and General Code Publishers for
codification. The Clerk maintains custody of all City resolutions, ordinances, and contracts.
We continue to work on evaluating the Code of the City of Rye in terms of current laws,
repetition, relevance, etc. with the goal of reprinting the whole code in larger (8 ½ x 11) form,
reconsolidating the Code back into one volume.
The Clerk is also Secretary to the Board of Appeals. Once a denial is issued requiring a
variance from the City’s Code, the application is processed by the Clerk’s Office, which accepts
completed applications, collects the appropriate fee, and publishes the legal notification in the
official City newspaper. There were 69 applications submitted in 2007 and 12 public hearings
(including a special one in August to address flood-related applications). Nineteen applications
required two or more meetings; 3 were withdrawn; 7 were directly flood-related (i.e. asking for a
variance to raise their homes); and 2 were granted with specific conditions. Copies of each
application are sent to the members of the Board of Appeals a week before the scheduled
meeting. The City Clerk places the agenda (in the form of the public notice) on the City’s Web
Site, and prepares the minutes of each meeting. Results of the Board's vote are sent to each
applicant in the form of a Findings and Decision letter.
BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
A record of all appointments made by the Mayor and Council to the Boards,
Commissions, and Committees (BCC) is kept on file in the Clerk's Office. Letters of
appointment or reappointment, along with a copy of the Code of Ethics, emanate from this
office. The Clerk also administers the Oath of Office to newly elected members. All BCCs are
requested to submit copies of all minutes to the Clerk's Office where they are kept on file and
distributed to Council members.
COMPETITIVE BIDS
Competitive bids and contracts are processed through the Clerk's Office. Public notices
are published in the City's official newspaper at least ten days prior to the bid opening. Sealed
bids are submitted to the Clerk's Office, stamped in, and secured in a safe place until the
specified time for the bid opening. The Clerk opens the bids and prepares the bid tabulation.
Once the final award of the bid or contract is made by the City Council (based on
recommendation by the appropriate department head), the Clerk's Office notifies both the
successful and unsuccessful bidders. Bid deposits in the form of bonds are filed in the Clerk's
Office while certified checks are forwarded to the Finance Department. In 2007, the following
bids and contracts were coordinated by our office:
Bids
1-07 Remote Sewer Televising Equipment
2-07 Street Materials
3-07 Two (2) Trucks
2
4-07 One (1) Toro Sand Pro/Infield Pro
5-07 One (1) Gas Furnace for City of Rye Dept.
of Public Works Maintenance Department
6-07 Police Uniforms
7-07 Two (2) Engines for Police Boat
Contracts
2007-01 Skate Park @ Rye Recreation Park
2007-02 Reconstruction of Theall Road
2007-03 Repair of City Hall Steps
2007-04 Highland Road and Onondaga Drainage
Improvements
2007-05 Damiano Center Parking Lot Improve-
ments
2007-06 Sidewalk Replacement
2007-07 Fuel Island with Canopy, Fuel Pumps
and Fuel Management System – DPW
CUSTODY OF FILES, RECORDS, AND CITY SEAL
This office is designated as the repository for the filing of permanent records, such as
oaths, bonds, agreements, contracts, leases, deeds, and easements. We are also the Custodian of
the City Seal and maintain a complete set of Council minutes, final budgets and annual reports.
The Clerk also maintains minutes of Boards, Commissions and Committees as well as a
complete record of all documents sent to the Mayor and Council. In addition, the office
maintains files of the Board of Appeals, Bids and Contracts, and Telecommunications
Applications.
ELECTIONS
As of November 15, 2005, the State Election Laws were changed to grant control of all
municipal elections to the County Board of Elections (BOE). The transition is still in progress,
and the Clerk (made the official liaison to the County in August 2006) continues as the person
locally responsible for the smooth and orderly operation of elections in the City of Rye. Most
expenses are now absorbed by the County, and the City is reimbursed for those expenses at the
end of the year. The Clerk is solely responsible for all aspects of any special local elections. In
summary, the duties of the Clerk are:
1) Work with voting machine technicians (Al Arrigale and Paul Redd) to
properly prepare machines for voting, and maintain them during and after
elections. During 2007 no decision was made by the State of New York
concerning new machines so we continued to operate with the old ones. Also
during 2007, we had additional technician assistance from Anthony Robistelli
during the Primary Election.
2) Work with the various polling places to make sure all is still in order and
handicapped accessible. The Council is no longer responsible for officially
designating these sites.
3
3) Distribute election bags obtained from the BOE for the election inspectors to
the polling places; collect and return them after the election.
4) Arrange delivery of voting machines to various polling places and insure
they are returned.
5) Assist with the recruiting inspectors; assigning them; and keeping them
happy. They are paid by the County.
6) Be in the office on Primary, Special, and General Election days and present
at the inspection of voting machines prior to these election days, and at the re-
canvassing of machine and paper ballots.
The 2007 calendar for the year is as follows:
CALENDAR FOR 2007 ELECTION YEAR
March 29, 2007 Annual meeting at the Board of Elections with all
Town and City Clerks regarding election procedures.
March 29, 2007 Inspector Training Session held in Rye Council
Chambers
April 17, 2007 Another Inspector Training Session held in Rye
Council Chambers
April 19, 2007 Official tour of polling sites to review Handicapped
Accessibility.
June 27, 2007 Another Inspector Training Session held in Rye
Council Chambers
August 28, 2007 Boat Basin Election – votes counted by the Clerk.
August 30, 2007 Rye Golf Club Election – votes counted by the Clerk.
September 11, 2007 Candidates Night – examination of voting machines
at Milton Fire House by party chairman and
representatives prior to Primary Election.
September 17, 2007 Inspection of each polling place by Deputy Clerk.
September 18, 2007 Primary Election Day – 14 Districts opened from
6:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. at all six sites because
Primary involved two major parties.
September 19, 2007 Machines returned to Milton Point Fire House.
September 24, 2007 Recanvassing of voting machines by Bd. of Elections
October 4, 2007 Another Inspector Training Session held in Rye
Council Chambers
November 1, 2007 Examination of voting machines at the Milton
Firehouse by the party chairmen and representatives
prior to the General Election.
November 5, 2007 Inspection of each polling place by Clerk.
November 6, 2007 General Election Day - 14 Districts opened from
6:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. at all 6 sites. The City of
Rye hosts a Judge on Election Day for court orders.
November 7, 2007 Machines returned to Milton Point Fire House.
November 13, 2007 Recanvassing of the voting machines by Westchester
4
County Board of Elections.
December 3, 2007 Financial analysis of each election forwarded to
Westchester County Board of Elections, along with
bill for reimbursement.
FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
The Clerk's Office receives revenue over the counter and through the mail on a daily
basis. This revenue is tallied, receipted, and turned over to the Comptroller's office for
processing. The use of credit cards is an increasingly popular form of payment.
LICENSES AND PERMITS
In addition to collecting appropriate fees for all fire inspections conducted by the Fire
Inspector (since 2003), our office is responsible for the issuance of various types of licenses
regulated by the State or the City.
Licenses regulated by the City: Alarms; Christmas Tree Sales; Filming; Fireworks,
Gas and Oil Heat; Parking (Commuter-Highland/Cedar, Resident and Non-Resident, Merchant,
All Day and All Night; All Night; Special; Guest; Replacements); and Taxi Cabs and Drivers.
Licenses regulated by the State: (now computerized on the BAS system)
Dog Licenses (State Department of Agriculture and Markets)
A report (Form D1-4) is submitted to the State and County by the fifth of each
month. Every dog in New York State more than 4 months old must be licensed.
Current rabies vaccination information is to be on file for each dog. Animal
control is provided by the New Rochelle Humane Society, Inc.
Marriage Licenses (State Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Records)
A monthly report (Form DOH 963) is filed with the New York State Department
of Health, Vital Statistics Section. The Clerk's office is responsible for marriage
records and maintaining a permanent file.
The number of licenses, permits, etc., issued by the Clerk's Office in 2007:
Board of Appeals Applications
Single Family residences 65
Multi-Family residences/commercial 6
Filming 7
Licenses & Permits
Alarm Permits (burglar & fire)(paid + 5% unrenewed) 1461
Alarm Charges – Police (more than 2 calls) 281
Alarm Charges – Fire (more than two calls) 111
Dog Releases 0
Dog Replacement Tags 6
Dog Licenses 281
Xmas Trees 1
5
Fire Inspection Permits Collected 73
Business & Occupational
Oil Burner and Gas Heat 13
Peddler's License 3
Taxi Cabs 27
Taxi Drivers 32
Taxi Stands (6 X 4 quarters) 24
Public Safety
Blasting 3
Demolition 0
Fireworks 6
Parking
Commuter – Res./Non-Res./Highland Cedar/summer 1010
Merchant, All Day/All Night/Special/Guest/All Night 430
Replacements 246
Miscellaneous
Bid Fees (Non-refundable)(Damiano/Locust Firehouse) 0
Zoning Code Books/Code Book Updates 23
Xerox 827
Miscellaneous (inc. Auctioneer Permits) 2
Signs
Sign reservations at intersection of
Boston Post Road and Cross Street 35
Vital Statistics
Burial Permits 48
Deaths Registered 48
Death Transcripts 630
Certified Copies of Births 1
Marriages 79
Marriage Transcripts 102
Marriages performed by Marriage Officer 15
PARKING
Parking continues to be an issue although demand for Merchant Parking permits dropped
slightly to 330 (354 in 2006; 362 in 2005; 317 in 2004). All Day/All Night permits decreased
from 67 to 48, so the spaces officially available for shoppers increased by 20 (number of spots
minus Merchant and AD/AN). Fortunately not all permit holders are parked everyday. While
the number of spaces remains a problem, the turnover appears to be greater; enforcement is
easier and permit revenue is significantly increased. A local law restricting merchant parking in
the spaces closest to the retail stores ensures more convenient parking for shoppers.
A major focus, however, continues to be the issuance of commuter parking permits at the
Metro North-owned Railroad Plaza and at the Highland/Cedar City-owned lots, which must be
renewed on an annual basis. Renewal notices are mailed at the end of September, due back six
weeks later. A card in the summer, an ad in the Rye Recreation bulletin, press releases, RCTV
6
notices, and posters at the station and notice on the City’s website serve as reminders. Residents
must submit a Con Edison bill in the name of the applicant, a driver’s license and car
registration; non-residents need only submit the registration and license. Permits are not
renewed to those with outstanding parking tickets. Although there is some discretion used by the
City Manager and Clerk, for the most part those not renewing by the deadline automatically lose
the permit that is then offered to the next person on the ranked waiting list. Any applicant who
provides false information on an application, or transfers or falsifies a permit is removed from
the list. A brightly colored renewal flyer is sent to everyone on the waiting list. Those not
meeting the deadline may request that they be added back to the bottom of the list. During 2007
once again a “summer parking permit” was issued for spaces at the Avon end of the lot. All 25
were used.
We maintain one combined waiting list for residents and non-residents in chronological
order. Rye residents are given two numbers – one for their place for the Station Plaza and
another for the auxiliary lots. By lease agreement with the MTA, we sell 165+% of the amount
of spaces at the Station Plaza (i.e. 730 permits for 426 spaces). This year's waiting list stood at
985 (373 for Highland/Cedar) by December; now that the adjustments have been made, it stands
at 781 (229 for the Highland Cedar lot). While the end-of-year figure is somewhat lower than
prior years, this year’s starting number is somewhat higher (a result of more renewals and less
movement into the lots). This procedure is acceptable to Metro North despite the fact that they
would prefer one price for everyone. Talks were begun with Metro North during 2007 and
should continue in 2008 so that a new long-term contract can be completed.
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND INFORMATION
The Clerk’s Office is the central answering source of incoming calls at City Hall and acts
as a City information center. We service hundreds of calls a year, directing them to the proper
City source as well as providing information on outside businesses, community and county
agencies, local citizens, etc. A phone list of most frequently asked information is maintained in
the office and posted on the City website. We have coordinated two visits from the Westchester
County Mobile Clerk’s Office which enables Rye residents to avail themselves of County
services without having to go to White Plains. The Clerk’s Office coordinates use of the sign at
the intersection of the Boston Post Road/Cross Street for community functions. We support other
City departments by overseeing the records management program, conducting elections for the
Golf Club and the Boat Basin, applying for grants from SARA, writing proclamations for both
employees, citizens and local organizations, and answering information on a daily basis. We
maintain our section of the City’s web site.
RECEIVER OF SERVICE OF VARIOUS LEGAL DOCUMENTS
When the Clerk is officially served with various legal documents, such as affidavits,
memoranda of law, notices of claim, and petitions, these documents are immediately stamped
with the date, time, and means of service. They are then forwarded to the Corporation Counsel
or any other City Department involved.
7
RECORDS MANAGEMENT
Over the years grants from the Local Records Management Improvement Fund have
assisted us in setting up a records retention program and storage area. They have also enabled us
to make steady progress in the continued microfilming of many inactive and permanent records.
Microfilming is cost efficient; records are more easily accessed and stored; and the need to
handle voluminous records, thus cutting down on the wear and tear of vital records, is
eliminated. To protect our microfilm rolls from any kind of disaster, it is necessary to store the
silver originals (which are similar to negatives) in a controlled atmosphere off-site.
During 2007 the City continued to work in a 2006-7 SARA grant that is enabling us to
continue the process of re-organizing the City’s archives. We assist other City Departments with
records maintenance; and continue to concentrate on retention schedules (making sure no records
were kept longer than necessary). Even though the Finance Department microfilms non-
permanent records rather than save them for six years, about 35 cubic feet still are purged
annually. We continued to donate archival financial records to the Rye Historical Society and to
develop an archival “snap-shot” of meaningful years in the City’s history (1942, 1964, 2000,
etc.).
TAXI LOTTERY
Our office oversees use of the six taxi stalls at the railroad station, conducting a lottery
when necessary. Taxi companies with offices in Rye and more than three drivers may apply for
a taxi stall quarterly. All drivers and cabs must renew once a year. The lottery is conducted
after applications have been verified for a valid cab license and any outstanding parking
violations. This year the following six taxi companies competed for the six stalls: 1) Rye
Cab/Purchase Street Taxi; 2) Rye Brook Cab; 3) County Taxi and Airport Service; 4)
Westchester Taxi and Limousine Service 5) Rye’s Taxi and 6) Rye USA Express. Once the
order of stalls is established during the lottery, a grid is developed so the companies can alternate
spots at the railroad station. The Clerk also works with the Interfaith Housing Group’s Senior
Citizen Voucher Program.
WEEKLY MEETING AND PUBLIC NOTICES
Scheduling of meetings for all Boards, Commissions, Committees and Departments are
maintained in the Clerk’s Office and the meeting notice is prepared and sent to The Journal
News and the media (WFAS). The notice is also posted in the Rye Free Reading Room and the
lobby of City Hall, as well as distributed to the Mayor, Council and all City Departments and
posted on the City website.
Public Notices are sent by the Clerk’s Office in almost all cases where one is required,
including notices of public hearings, notice of bond resolutions, Board of Appeals notices,
notices for bids and contracts, etc.
8
VITAL STATISTICS
The Clerk’s Office issues marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, and burial
permits (see “Licenses and Permits” section). Marriage licenses are issued in accordance with the
Department of Health Vital Statistics Section. Applicants need to present a photo ID in the form
of a driver’s license or current passport and an original, translated long form of their birth
certificate. If either party has been divorced or widowed, a certified copy of the divorce decree
or death certificate must be presented at the time of the application. A marriage license is valid
after 24 hours and only for 60 days. No blood tests are required.
We are also responsible for the registration of births within Rye. Most occur in a hospital
in another municipality although a baby was actually born at home in the City of Rye last
summer. We are only responsible for deaths occurring within the boundaries of the City of Rye,
most of which emanate from The Osborn.
VOLUNTEERS
Last year we had an excellent volunteer from Rye High School who worked with us
during the summer. We are always grateful for the occasional services of other volunteers (such
as young adults from the “Leaders of Tomorrow” program) and for the time each one can give
us.
CONCLUSION
I am, as always, most grateful to the Clerk’s staff (Deputy Clerk Diane Moore, and new
employees Eileen Mason and Jeanette DeLeo) for all their support and assistance. Maryann
Cianci, also a part of the Clerk’s Office until she assumed Human Resources duties, was as
always a wonderful support. Part-timer Pat Conway helped out administratively and has
continued doing a wonderful job as our Records expert once the new employees were in place.
The staff works with great skill and dedication to accomplish all assigned tasks. With their help
the office runs in an efficient, customer-oriented manner. The Clerk's Office strives to capitalize
on each person's unique abilities to ensure a continued growth in technical expertise and
professionalism.
In March, 2008 I shall retire as City Clerk. I have enjoyed the challenges and the rewards
of making sure some of the inner workings of the City carry on without incident. It has been a
pleasure to serve with such professional colleagues. My successor Dawn Nodarse will have no
less of a challenge, but will be more than up to the task. I know the City of Rye will continue to
be served in the best way possible by the Clerk and her staff.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan A. Morison
City Clerk
9
CI T Y OF RYE, NEW YORK
DEP ART MENT OF FINANCE
2007
Annual Report to the City Manager
Prepared February 26, 2008
Michael A. Genito, City Comptroller
The Finance Department is pleased to submit its 2007 annual report to the City Manager:
Programs and Functional Units
Following is a brief description of the programs and functional units (sometimes known as “cost
centers”) of the Finance Department. All provide support services to internal and external
customers of the Finance Department and the city:
Finance Administration
Finance Administration provides coordination and supervision of all Finance Department
activities, and determines the priorities and scheduling of finance activities in coordination with
the City Manager’s office.
General Accounting
General Accounting coordinates the flow of financial information from subsidiary systems to the
general ledgers, and provides various financial reports and analyses as required or desired by law,
charter, or management.
Accounts Payable
Accounts Payable audits all purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and claims for payment or
reimbursement submitted by vendors and city personnel, and issues vendor checks against the
claims approved by management.
Treasury
Treasury provides cash management and investment services for all city funds, property tax
billing and collection, accounts receivable, cash receipts, and miscellaneous billings.
Traffic Violations Bureau
The Traffic Violations Bureau provides the accounting for parking violations, including the entry
of violations, dispositions, and collections into the city’s financial system, and the distribution of
various parking violation reports.
Payroll
Payroll audits payroll information submitted by departments, processes and distributes payroll
checks and deposits, inputs payroll summary data into the city’s financial system, and provides
financial information and reports concerning salaries, wages, and benefits.
City of Rye Department of Finance 2007 Annual Report to the City Manager
Page 1
Information Technology (“IT”)
Information Technology (“IT”) provides technology-related services, mostly computer hardware
and software services, to other departments of the City.
Staffing
Staffing of the Finance Department in 2007 consisted of the City Comptroller, a Deputy City
Comptroller, one Accountant, one Parking Office Manager, a Senior Account Clerk, an
Intermediate Account Clerk, and a Coordinator of Computer Services. In late 2007 the Senior
Account Clerk retired and the Parking Officer Manager was reassigned to another department. At
year end, the department was utilizing temporary employees while it worked through the Civil
Service process of replacing the vacant Senior Account Clerk position, and replacing the Parking
Office Manager position with an Accountant position. The restructuring of the department by
providing a second Accountant position will allow for more flexibility in cross-training and
redundancy of high-level functions.
The Year in Review
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
The City was awarded the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its fiscal 2006 Comprehensive Annual
Financial Report (CAFR), making it the eleventh consecutive year that we have received this
award. This prestigious award is presented to those state and local governments that produce
annual financial reports exhibiting full and fair disclosure by meeting strict national
specifications established by the GFOA.
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
The City was awarded the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its fiscal 2007
Annual Budget Document, making it the sixth consecutive year that the City has received this
award. This award represents a significant achievement by the City, reflecting its commitment to
meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the award the City
had to meet nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation, designed to assess
how well its annual budget document served as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations
guide, and a communications device.
Property Tax Collection
In 2006, special counsel was engaged to assist in establishing and maintaining a foreclosure
process for the collection of delinquent property taxes, allowing the City to apply the process
uniformly and equitably in accordance with the law. The program has been a success, with the
inventory dropping from 61 parcels totaling $1.3 million at December 31, 2005 to only 14
parcels totaling $366,000 at December 31, 2007. The City also began foreclosure proceedings in
City of Rye Department of Finance 2007 Annual Report to the City Manager
Page 2
2007 on a vacant parcel of property with taxes delinquent since 1993. Our property tax
collections remain at around 99%, an excellent record considering that we must guarantee the
property taxes of the county and the school districts within our boundaries.
Parking Violations
The Traffic Violations Bureau maintained a high level of activity. New handheld devices that
issue parking tickets make the process of writing and entering tickets into the system quicker and
more efficient. The devices can also be programmed to alert police and parking enforcement
officers of stolen, unregistered, or uninsured vehicles, as well as vehicles listed as scofflaws. A
copy of the City’s parking violation history may be found at the end of this report.
Records Management
The Finance Department processed 25 boxes of fiscal 2005 finance records for conversion to
microfilm, preserving the integrity of those records and minimizing efforts required to locate and
reproduce them as needed. New York State retention schedules require that most of these records
be retained for a period of six years, and many of them (such as payroll and property tax records)
must be retained permanently. The Finance Department typically produces approximately 25
cubic feet of paper records each year. Records beyond the required retention period, as defined by
New York State retention schedules, are identified and destroyed. Permanent records are retained
on special microfilm that meets stringent New York State standards.
Budget Process
The fiscal 2008 budget was prepared almost entirely electronically. Departments were given
guidance in the use of the budget preparation system and entered their requests, and notes
specific to line items to itemize or emphasize the need for the requested amount.
Kirby Lane North Sewer Project
The Finance Department continued maintaining the Kirby Lane North Sewer Project website,
updating the site regularly with information received from the City Engineer, the consulting
engineers, and others. Finance will continue to maintain the site until the project’s completion,
which is anticipated to be in 2008. Finance is also continuing its efforts to obtain New York State
Environmental Facilities Corp. funding for the project, which if successful, will result in
borrowing costs significantly below market rates.
Financial Management System
A new financial management system was selected and installed following the issuance and
responses to a request for proposals, and went into production on January 1, 2008. The new
system provides several benefits over the previous system, including electronic workflow,
City of Rye Department of Finance 2007 Annual Report to the City Manager
Page 3
electronic documentation, in-house payroll, capital project management, capital assets
management, and flexibility in financial reporting.
These benefits will allow for a more sustainable environment (reduced paper), more efficient
processing of invoices and purchase orders (electronic workflow), quicker research and retrieval
of financial records (electronic documentation), and more effective tracking and reporting on
major capital projects. While the Finance staff was trained on the basic use of the system in 2007,
fiscal 2008 will be a year to maximize its benefits.
Information Technology (IT) Accomplishments
Information Technology performed a migration from Windows NT domain environment to
Windows 2003 active directory across the City’s wide area network (WAN), which included
replacement of all core file, database, and application servers.
Statistics
Following are some selected statistics concerning regular activities of the Finance Department:
Number of: 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Cash Receipts Processed 11,602 13,621 14,080 13,105 13,781
Purchase Orders Processed 594 548 569 507 603
Accounts Payable Processed 8,942 8,622 9,108 9,818 9,778
Checks Processed 5,652 4,702 4,718 4,957 5,471
City Tax Bills 4,699 4,697 4,701 4,733 4,738
County Tax Bills 4,822 4,824 4,826 4,858 4,864
School Tax Bills 834 834 834 840 846
Regular Payrolls 27 27 26 26 26
Local Pension Payrolls 24 24 24 24 24
Special Payrolls 1 1 1 1 -
Respectfully submitted,
Michael A. Genito
Assistant City Manager
City Comptroller
City of Rye Department of Finance 2007 Annual Report to the City Manager
Page 4
CITY OF RYE, NEW YORK
TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS BUREAU
PARKING VIOLATION ACTIVITY
2007
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total
Tickets Issued 987 539 698 263 527 747 1,340 1,129 1,012 680 577 801 9,300
Amount Issued 23,905 13,585 16,825 6,710 13,990 20,180 32,480 27,785 24,120 16,835 15,355 20,615 232,385
Tickets Disposed 751 624 701 439 477 641 1,017 1,193 1,053 741 658 686 8,981
Fines Collected 14,965 13,135 14,605 9,415 10,255 13,850 21,460 25,240 22,710 16,290 14,585 14,670 191,180
Penalties Collected 5,277 4,939 5,246 2,983 4,327 3,555 3,425 6,985 7,346 5,064 6,166 3,585 58,898
Total Amount Collected 20,242 18,074 19,851 12,398 14,582 17,405 24,885 32,225 30,056 21,354 20,751 18,255 250,078
Amount Dismissed 1,877 860 2,006 1,254 745 3,175 1,632 3,083 1,165 995 1,425 1,062 19,279
2006
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total
Tickets Issued 915 1,143 775 685 899 784 1,187 528 462 356 254 221 8,209
Amount Issued 21,610 29,330 21,710 17,040 22,335 20,025 30,620 14,320 12,450 9,885 6,880 6,170 212,375
Tickets Disposed 1,044 1,004 876 695 824 748 990 728 572 570 401 270 8,722
Fines Collected 19,905 20,520 19,595 14,085 18,095 15,480 21,640 15,920 12,710 12,535 8,850 5,950 185,285
Penalties Collected 5,627 4,997 6,882 5,175 5,742 4,495 5,133 4,590 8,201 6,282 4,734 3,659 65,517
Total Amount Collected 25,532 25,517 26,477 19,260 23,837 19,975 26,773 20,510 20,911 18,817 13,584 9,609 250,802
Amount Dismissed 5,132 1,305 927 910 405 2,060 1,855 1,060 572 2,934 1,492 630 19,282
2005
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total
Tickets Issued 550 865 1,188 848 687 815 769 803 588 678 663 1,230 9,684
Amount Issued 14,620 22,125 29,765 22,250 17,445 21,760 21,010 20,255 15,610 17,670 15,110 31,240 248,860
Tickets Disposed 647 827 1,048 864 891 772 709 862 600 648 607 935 9,410
Fines Collected 13,535 17,305 22,310 18,170 18,860 17,402 16,010 18,260 11,990 12,755 12,850 20,195 199,642
Penalties Collected 4,336 5,898 9,086 5,040 9,162 6,793 5,367 5,737 3,705 4,855 4,530 5,020 69,529
Total Amount Collected 17,871 23,203 31,396 23,210 28,022 24,195 21,377 23,997 15,695 17,610 17,380 25,215 269,171
Amount Dismissed 2,025 2,665 4,071 3,015 3,674 970 1,232 2,145 1,773 1,960 1,335 835 25,700
2007 ANNUAL REPORT
of the
CORPORATION COUNSEL
of the
CITY OF RYE
THE LAW DEPARTMENT
The City’s Law Department consists of the Corporation Counsel, ad Deputy Corporation
Counsel and a part-time administrative assistant. Kevin J. Plunkett, Esq. has served as
Corporation Counsel since August of 2002. Kristen Kelley Wilson, Esq., has served as Deputy
since 2006. This is Mr. Plunkett’s sixth annual report.
The role of the Corporation Counsel is defined by Section C11-1. of the Charter. The
section states in pertinent part:
“...he shall supervise and direct the legal affairs of the City;
provide legal advice to the Council, Mayor, City Manager and
to all boards, commissions, departments, offices and agencies
of the City concerning any matter affecting the interest of the
City; and shall have such other powers and duties as may be
prescribed by law or the Council.”
In keeping with the Charter’s direction, the Corporation Counsel and attorneys under his
direction and supervision provided department heads and other City employees with legal
advice; prepared or supervised the preparation of legislation; drafted or reviewed agreements,
defended the City and City officials in certain lawsuits; aided prosecution of lawsuits brought by
the City; prosecuted local Code violations and traffic infractions; coordinated with the City’s
insurance representative, carriers and attorneys in the defense of the City against tort claims and
other suits; attended Council meetings, advised Council members and other City agencies, and
answered citizens’ queries.
The Law Department’s office continued to be maintained on the first floor of City Hall
adjacent to the Mayor’s Conference Room. The Corporation Counsel was available on a daily
basis by telephone, e-mail or in the office. Additionally, Kristen Kelley Wilson, Esq. was
available in the City Hall office one morning per week. Dawn Nodarse continued to provide
part-time assistance to the Law Department.
The Department continued to maintain its library during the year. Membership was also
maintained in the Michaelian Law Resource Center (MLRC) at Pace University Law School.
During the year, a report called “Litigation Update” continued to be issued from the Law
Department on a weekly basis. It described the progress of litigation and other legal matters.
LITIGATION
Three lawsuits were commenced in 2007 either against or on behalf of the City. Two of
those cases involve an attempt to overturn a decision by a City entity. The City was the
defendant in an action seeking to overturn the denial of a Freedom of Information Law request
and in the other is one of several petitioners seeking to overturn a decision made by a
neighboring municipality. The third suit was an action brought against the City claiming
violation of the plaintiff’s civil rights.
Six cases were closed during the year, either by negotiation or Court decision.
Payment of $1,250 was recovered from Elmsford Insulation Co. to reimburse the City for
damages to a camera and cable utilized by the Police Department’s security system caused by a
vehicle registered to the company while delivering construction material to the construction
project at the site.
The Law Department paid $242,939.90 in legal fees to various law firms and providers
during the year. Fees for memberships and dues, books and subscriptions, postage, staff training
and office supplies amounted to $7,372.16.
The following list contains a description of the various actions and their court status on
December 31, 2007:
1. MIRIAM OSBORN MEMORIAL HOME ASSOCIATION
v. THE ASSESSOR, et al.
Index No. 17175/97 & 18077/98
In June Hon. Thomas A. Dickerson issued a Decision & Order in
the valuation portion of this Article 7 case determining that
reductions in the assessed value for the years at issue were
warranted. In July Notices of Appeal were filed by the School
District and the City in connection with both the exemption
decision issued in December 2006 and the valuation decision. The
Osborn filed a Notice of Appeal on the exemption decision, which
was cross-appealed by the City and School District. In December
the Appellate Division, Second Department dismissed all appeals
and cross-appeals from the exemption and valuations decisions on
the ground that no appeal lies from a decision but instead there
must be a “Judgment”. When a Judgment is issued by the lower
court it can then be appealed and at that time the six-month time
period to perfect the appeal would recommence. Case pending.
2
2. XAVIER CONTRACTING LLC v. CITY OF RYE and
STEVEN OTIS, ROSAMOND LARR, ROBERT S. CYPHER,
FRANKLIN J. CHU, MATTHEW FAHEY, DUNCAN
HENNES and HOWARD G. SEITZ
Index No. 9200/04
Joseph A. Maria, Esq., the attorney for the City’s insurance carrier,
continued to represent the City in the damages phase of this action
which involved the construction of the Damiano Center.
Depositions of City defendants were conducted in March and the
damages trial before Hon. Kenneth Rudolph (Justice Supreme
Court, Westchester County) began in September. The parties
reached a settlement before the trial went to verdict. The
settlement involved payment from the construction project funds,
not the City’s general fund. Discussions regarding receiving some
reimbursement from the City’s insurance company are ongoing.
Case pending.
3. THE LEIGH STANDER BOWEN PERSONAL
RESIDENCE TRUST and THE JOHN S. BOWEN
PERSONAL RESIDENCE TRUST v. THE BUILDING
INSPECTOR OF THE CITY OF RYE, THE CITY
ENGINEER OF THE CITY OF RYE, and MITCHELL
PALAIS AND DONNA PALAIS
Index No. 06398/05
Petitioners failed to perfect their appeal of the Decision of Judge
Orazio R. Bellantoni (Supreme Court, Westchester County)
dismissing their Article 78 petition which sought judgment to
review, annul and set aside the issuance of a building permit
authorizing the construction of an in-ground pool by the Building
Inspector and a Surface Water Control Permit by the City Engineer
to the co-respondents upon the grounds that petitioners had failed
to exhaust their administrative remedies. Case closed.
4. NEW CINGULAR WIRELESS PCS, LLC v. CITY OF
RYE and CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RYE
Index No. 05 CIV 6413
An Option and Lease Agreement between the City and Cingular
for construction of a cell tower on a City-owned piece of property
located behind the Subaru Dealership building at 1151 Boston Post
Road as well as General Releases were executed by the parties in
March. A Stipulation of Settlement and Stipulation of Dismissal
with Prejudice were filed with the United States District Court.
Case closed.
3
5. CROTON POINT LANDFILL JOINT DEFENSE GROUP
v. KRAFT, et al
Index No. 06-CIV-1693
This Federal Court action seeking recovery of remedial response
costs already paid by plaintiffs to reimburse the state of New York
and County of Westchester for remediation of the Croton Point
Sanitary Landfill was submitted for mediation before Judge
William C. Conner (United States District Judge) in February. The
City was represented by James Periconi, Esq. under a Joint
Defense Agreement. Plaintiffs rejected the first settlement offer
proposed by defendants. At year’s end a second proposal for
settlement was negotiated and recommended for approval by
defense counsel. A Resolution for approval of the settlement was
expected to be presented to the City Council in January 2008.
Case pending.
6. TIMOTHY CHITTENDEN v. WILLIAM R. CONNORS
and THE CITY OF RYE
Case No. 06 Civ. 2222
All discovery in this suit filed in US District Court, Southern
District of New York under 42 U.S.C. §1983 charging that the City
violated plaintiff’s Constitutional First Amendment Rights has
been stayed until a decision is issued by the Second Circuit Court
of Appeals in connection with US District Judge Colleen
McMahon’s decision denying the City’s immunity motion.
Extensions of deadlines for filing of papers in connection with the
appeal have been granted as the parties have tried to reach a
settlement. In August the case was transferred to US District
Judge Kenneth M. Karas. Attorneys for our insurance carrier are
defending the case. Case pending.
7. PAUL GREGORY KENNY v. COMMISSIONER OF
POLICE WILLIAM CONNORS, RYE CITY MANAGER O.
PAUL SHEW, AND THE CITY OF RYE
Index No. 12886/06
This Article 78 case brought by a retired police detective seeking
an order directing the City to continue to pay him his full salary
and wages pursuant to Section 207-c of the General Municipal
Law was referred back to the Police Commissioner by the Court
for a determination. Before a determination could be made the
petitioner received a performance of duty retirement from the State
and withdrew the request. Case closed.
4
8. TOWN OF RYE v. NEW YORK STATE BOARD OF
REAL PROPERTY SERVICES, the CITY OF RYE and the
RYE NECK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT.
Docket No. 2006-8109
In February, the Appellate Division, Second Department denied
the appeal filed by the Town of Rye seeking to vacate, annul and
set aside an action of the NYS Office of Real Property Services
that failed to establish a segment special equalization rate for the
City of Rye segment of the Rye Neck Union Free School District
for the 2006-2007 tax levy. In May the Town sought leave to
appeal to the Court of Appeals the Appellate Division’s Decision
that the Town did not have “standing” to Appeal the Board of Real
Property Services determination. The Court of Appeals has
granted the request and oral arguments before the Court have been
scheduled for February 2008. The City is being represented by
outside counsel who specializes in real estate tax law. Case
pending.
9. EDWARD CARROL v. THE ASSESSOR
Index Nos. 16738/03; 16559/04; 16530/05
Justice John R. La Cava (Supreme Court, Westchester County)
denied both petitioner’s motion and respondent City of Rye’s
cross-motion for summary judgment in a pending Article 7 Real
Property Assessment case finding that there were material issues
that should be resolved at trial on the issue of valuation. However,
Justice LaCava did sustain the City Assessor’s methodology.
Petitioner filed a Notice of Appeal to the Appellate Division,
Second Department and served their Brief and the Record on
Appeal on the City in December. The City’s opposition papers
must be filed in January 2008. Case pending.
10. RICHARD N. RUNES v. THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
AN/OR THE ASSESSOR OF THE CITY OF RYE AND THE
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW
Index No. 17022/06
This Article 78 proceeding wherein petitioner sought an order
reversing, annulling and setting aside a determination of a Small
Claims Assessment Review Hearing Officer and granting a
reduction in assessment for his property located on Kirby Lane
North was settled in February. Petitioner agreed to a $4,000
reduction in his assessment for the 2005/06 tax year in exchange
for withdrawing the Article 78 proceeding. Case closed.
11. RYE POLICE ASSOCIATION OF THE CITY OF
RYE, INC. v. THE CITY OF RYE
Index No. 10031/07
5
The Rye Police Association filed petitions under CPLR Article 78
seeking judgment ordering the City to provide records it sought in
requests made under the Freedom of Information Law. The
original requests had been denied by the Police Commissioner and
the denial upheld by the City Council. In his December 2007
Decision Hon. Robert A. Neary (Supreme Court, Westchester
County) supported the original denial and concurred that the
release of the records requested could undermine the effectiveness
of the department and interfere with law enforcement
investigations. Case closed.
12. CHRISTOPHER COLLALUCCI, JAMES J. DUGAN,
JOHN DOYLE, ROBERT GAY, CLAIRE HASSI,
CAROLINA JARAMILLO, SEAN TRAYNOR, and THE
CITY OF RYE v. VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK, BOARD OF
TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK,
PLANNING BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
and K & M REALTY GROUP, LTD.
Index No. 16064/07
In August, the City along with several individual residents who
own property in Indian Village, filed a petition in Supreme Court,
Westchester County under CPLR Article 78 challenging the
actions of the Village of Rye Brook, the Rye Brook Board of
Trustees, the Rye Brook Planning Board and K&M Realty (the
applicant) in granting site plan approval as well as a wetlands and
steep slopes permit for the construction of a residential
development on a property on Bowman Avenue. The petition
seeks to annul the various approvals granted by Rye Brook and to
enjoin Rye Brook from granting any building permits in
furtherance of the approved development. There are very
significant flood control issues involved in this proceeding. Case
pending.
13. ANDREW CASPI v. CITY OF RYE: CITY OF RYE
POLICE DEPARTMENT: CITY OF RYE POLICE
OFFICER ANTHONY P. ROSACE, Individually and in His
Official Capacity; CITY OF RYE POLICE OFFICER
FRANCO CAMPAGNONE, Individually and in His Official
Capacity; CITY OF RYE POLICE OFFICER MICHAEL
ANFUSO, Individually an in His Official Capacity; CITY OF
RYE POLICE LIEUTENANT JOSEPH A. VERILLE, III,
Individually and in His Official Capacity; CITY OF RYE
POLICE COMMISSIONER WILLIAM R. CONNORS,
Individually and in His Official Capacity; and CITY OF RYE
POLICE OFFICERS “JOHN DOE” 1-10, whose true names
and identities are presently unknown.
6
Index No.
A summons and complaint were filed in United States District
Court, Southern District of New York, against the City of Rye
Police Department and members of the Police Department under
42 U.S.C. § 1983 charging that plaintiff’s civil rights were
violated. The complaint seeks $10 million in damages plus
attorneys’ fees and costs. Attorneys for the City’s insurance
carrier are defending the case. Case pending.
14. In the Matter of the Application for Permits pursuant
to Articles 17 and 24 of the Environmental Conservation Law
(“ECL”), Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act
(“CWA”), and Parts 663 and 750-758 of Title 6 of the Official
Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of
New York by The Town/Village of Harrison, New York
(DEC Application No.: 3-5528-0014/00001)
The Department represented the City at a Legislative Hearing
conducted by the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (“DEC”) in connection with the Town/Village of
Harrison’s application for a Freshwater Wetlands Permit to
complete the redevelopment phase of Project Homerun (the
“Application”). Based on the City’s concerns and objections
raised during the public comment process, DEC assigned two
administrative law judges (Hon. Mark Sanza and Daniel
O’Connell) (the “ALJs”) to this Application to oversee and define
what the issues are relating to the redevelopment portion of the
Application.
On July 23 and 24, 2007, the ALJs held a public hearing and an
issues conference to begin the administrative hearing process. The
next step in the process is for DEC staff to certify that the work
that has been done to date (remediation work) is acceptable. After
this certification is received, the ALJs will refocus the process on
the pending Application for the redevelopment phase. Case
pending.
TORT CLAIMS
Fifteen notices of claim were filed during the year. Such claims give the City notice that
claimants intend to file a tort lawsuit against the City for alleged negligence or wrongful action.
The notices are statutorily required as a precondition to tort suit against municipalities in New
York State.
7
Of those claims, our insurance adjuster closed three without payment and two were
closed out following settlement for a total of $2,471.80. The other cases were still open at the
end of the year.
Of the claims filed in 2007, six involved damage to automobiles; four from property
damage, four involved personal injuries although one of these claims was determined to be a
workers compensation claim and another was dismissed because it involved injuries suffered at
Playland. The final claim was a specific performance claim filed by the General Contractor on a
City construction project.
Several claims from previous years were also closed out. The City made payments in
three cases, which totaled $27,942.35. Eight claims were closed without payment.
Three lawsuits were filed during the year in connection with tort matters. In two cases
the prerequisite notices of claim had previously be served. One lawsuit, stemming from injuries
sustained in a fall at a City construction site, was withdrawn by the plaintiff. The second was
previously reported under the Litigation section of this report as number 13. The remaining suit,
filed by two homeowners claiming damages sustained by their homes during major flooding
events, was commenced without the filing of a notice of claim. Counsel assigned by the
insurance carrier, is defending the City in these matters.
In addition to the above mentioned settlement amounts, the Law Department paid
litigation related claims which totaled $126,103.64 for legal services, stenographic services,
medical services and appraisal services.
TAX CERTIORARI CASES
Representatives of the Corporation Counsel’s Office appeared in Court on a regular basis
on behalf of the City and held discussions with various attorneys for petitioners throughout the
year.
Settlements were reached in connection with four Article 7 Real Property Tax Law
matters during 2007.
LEGAL OPINIONS
The Law Department provides legal advice to the City Council, Board and Commissions
and staff as requested. Most of that advice is given orally at meetings or in answer to questions
over the phone, or by e-mail.
In addition, the Department reviews numerous documents including contracts, insurance
documents, bid specifications and other legal documents. During 2007 the Department worked
8
with the Cable Television Committee on negotiations for franchise agreements with both
Verizon and Cablevision. An agreement with Verizon was approved during the year but an
agreement with Cablevision had yet to be approved by year’s end.
Besides oral advice, the Department issued one formal written opinion during the year.
LEGISLATION
The Law Department prepares or reviews legislative enactments before their adoption by
the City Council. In 2007, although several versions of proposed laws were presented to the City
Council for their consideration, eight local laws were adopted. The legislation passed addressed
three categories: construction noise, flood relief and stormwater management.
Two local laws amended Chapter 98 Fire Prevention and Chapter 133 Noise of the City
Code in order to restrict the hours when rock chipping and blasting were permitted.
In response to the spring floods, a new Chapter 90 was created that established the
Floodplain Emergency Relief Board (FERB) in order to expedite the review process for owners
in the floodplain to raise their houses. A local law was also passed replacing the existing
Chapter 100 Floodplain Management with a new law, which enabled the City to participate in
the National Flood Insurance Plan.
The remaining local laws of 2007 were adopted in order to bring the City into compliance
with Federal and State mandates regarding stormwater management. Two new Chapters of the
City Code were added: Chapter 162, Storm Sewer System, Prohibition of Illicit Discharges,
Activities and Connections to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System and Chapter 174,
Stormwater Management Erosion and Sediment Control for Land Development/Redevelopment
Activity Equal to or Greater than 1 Acre. Changes to Chapter 170, Subdivision of Land and
Chapter 173, Surface Water, Erosion and Sediment Control were necessitated as a result of the
new Chapters to the Code.
CITY COURT
City Judge Peter Lane continued to serve as Rye City Court Judge and former City
Council member, John Alfano, served as Rye City Court Judge Part-time during 2007.
The Law Department represents the City in traffic matters and City Code violations as
cited by the Building Inspector. During the year violations were issued for code infractions such
as illegal dumping, doing work without a building permit and uses not permitted by the Code. In
one case where the Building Inspector had issued zoning violations to the operators of a bus
company on Cedar Place, a resolution was reached whereby the company agreed to relocate its
offices to Port Chester.
CONCLUSION
9
In 2007, the Law Department continued its roll of providing support and advice to the
City Council, City Staff and various boards and commissions. Law Department staff
coordinated with our insurance company and their assigned counsel to aid in the settlement and
defense of claims brought against the City as well as conferring with outside special counsel as
needed.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin J. Plunkett
Corporation Counsel
KJP/dfn
10
PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
2007 Annual Report
During 2007, the Personnel Department was staffed by Scott Pickup, Assistant City Manager,
and Maryann Cianci, Benefits Assistant.
The Personnel Office coordinates Civil Service Activities, Employee Benefits, and collective
bargaining. The following are the major items that occurred in 2007 in each of these areas.
CIVIL SERVICE ACTIVITIES
Employment Activity
Personnel activity for 2007 was challenging as 11 full-time employees left City employment.
A total of 6 new employees were hired in 2007 for the Department of Public Works, 3 were hired
in general administrative functions, 4 for the Police Department (including 1 Parking
Enforcement Officer/School Crossing Guard and 1 part time School Crossing Guard), and 2 for
the Recreation Department
In 2007 the total number of authorized full-time positions was 168. In addition to these full time
positions, the City hired employees for approximately 232 other seasonal and part-time positions
each year, primarily in the Recreation Department and the Golf Club. The number of seasonal
employees decreased somewhat in 2007 due to the Golf Club hiring their own independent
employees.
In order to achieve the City’s staffing needs and maintain compliance with the New York State
Civil Service System, the City’s Personnel Department is responsible for regularly
communicating appropriate personnel information to the Westchester County Personnel Office
and disseminating the information that is received from that office. In 2007, the Personnel
Office prepared, submitted, and modified two payroll certification reports and one annual gross
earnings report to the Westchester County Department of Human Resources and multiple salary
and contractual surveys from various New York State agencies. In addition, the Personnel
Office submitted an EEO-4 report to the State and Local Reporting Committee for the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission.
In addition to coordinating pre-employment physicals for employees, the City’s mandatory drug
testing program was managed by the Benefits Assistant. Quarterly results were maintained,
along with processing payments to the third party administrator for collections.
Page 1
PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
2007 Annual Report
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Benefits
The City’s health, dental, vision, disability, and workers’ compensation plans remained with the
same carriers as the prior year. The City experienced moderate or no increases in its dental,
vision, and disability premiums during 2007 and the City's worker's compensation insurance
premium decreased slightly. However, the City's health insurance consortium, (MEBCO), that
administers the City's health insurance increased premiums approximately 6%.
Employee Manual
The City's Employee Manual did not undergo any major changes in 2007. The Department
continues to strive to keep the manual up-to-date by updating City Staff, Council, and Advisory
Board information and adding new benefit details as seen appropriate. When significant
changes are made to the manual, an updated version is posted to the City's intranet.
SAFETY PROGRAM COORDINATION
Safety Compliance
The Department continued to work with the City’s Loss Control Consultant, Ronald Pavilack of
Gallagher-Bassett Services, to continue safety inspections of City buildings and grounds.
Reviews were conducted of Public Works and Recreation Department safety programs as well
as physical hazard surveys of both departments. In 2007, training sessions were conducted in
Right-To-Know and Bloodborne Pathogens for the Department of Public Works.
Page 2
RYE FIRE DEPARTMENT
15 LOCUST AVENUE
RYE, NEW YORK 10580
(914) 967-4530 Business
(914) 967-8763 Fax
January 31, 2007
Mr. O. Paul Shew
Rye City Hall
1051 Boston Post Road
Rye, New York 10580
Dear Mr. Shew,
Pursuant to Article 22, Section 447 of the City of Rye Charter, I submit the year end report for
the Rye Fire Department.
The report covers the time frame of January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006.
Respectfully,
John M. Wickham,
Chief of Department
2005 RFD Annual Report
Page 1 of 8
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
At the RFD Annual meeting held in April, John Wickham was elected as Fire Chief. George
Hogben and Peter Cotter were elected as Assistant Chiefs.
The chiefs and the Board of Fire Wardens in 2007 continued the commitment to providing the
citizens of Rye the best possible protection while at the same time focusing on the department’s
management and affairs. This has been accomplished by the board’s guidance and the ongoing
implementation of the Chief Committee, which brings together, the City Managers office, the
chiefs, and representatives for the career men.
Operationally, the department maintained an excellent level of service to the public. The career
staff and the volunteer members continued to work together as a team. Of note, in 2007, there
were 1,150 fire calls, the most alarms in the history of the Rye Fire Department. Additionally,
the department participated in the County’s mutual aid program throughout the year.
Membership in the volunteer companies continues to be a focus for the department. Recruitment
and retention are always at the forefront of our efforts. An in house Service Award program
continues to commend our most active volunteers. It is also important to note that Rye and Port
Chester have combined their efforts with the Post 700 Explorers. The Explorers Post 700, which
is made up of high school students, aged 14 to 20, has thrived. Students interact with Firefighters
and other emergency workers and gain experience in a work environment. This program has
provided Rye with new recruits to our volunteer ranks.
Finally, the department is proud of it’s commitment to the memory of those who perished on
9/11 and continues to sponsor the annual memorial in their honor.
Chief Officers
Chief of Department
John M. Wickham
1st Assistant Chief
George Hogben
2nd Assistant Chief
Peter Cotter
Board of Wardens
Oren Beach, Poningoe Engine & Hose
Joseph Carlucci, Poningoe Engine & Hose
2005 RFD Annual Report
Page 2 of 8
Arcadio Ocassio, Poningoe Hook & Ladder
Steven Perez, Poningoe Hook & Ladder Company
Peter Anfuso, Milton Point Engine & Hose
John Yusi, Milton Point Engine & Hose
Nicholas Loddo, Fire Police Patrol
James Finneran, Fire Police Patrol
Company Officers of the Rye Fire Department
Poningoe Engine & Hose Company
Anthony Scarfone, Jr., Captain
Joseph Johnston, 1st Lieutenant
David Mayo, 2nd Lieutenant
Poningoe Hook & Ladder Company
Richard Suarino, Captain
Richard Cadigan, 1st Lieutenant
Steven Loddo, 2nd Lieutenant
Milton Point Engine & Hose Company
Daniel Bochicchio, Captain
Thomas Banahan, 1st Lieutenant
John Cotter, 2nd Lieutenant
Rye Fire Police Patrol
Richard Mecca, Captain
Brian Gilmartin, 1st Lieutenant
, 2nd. Lieutenant
Fire Inspector and Supervisor of the Career Staff
Lt. James Dianni
Rye Professional Firefighters Association
John Castelhano, President
Kurt Tietjen, Vice President
Harold Aken, Secretary/Treasurer
Demographics
Area served – 9.8 Square miles
(This includes the contracted section of Harrison District 3)
Roadways:
City owned, 50.31 miles
Privately owned, 8.47 miles
County owned, 7.18 miles
Thruway Authority owned, 5.68 miles (I-95 & I-287)
Total: 71.64 miles
Marine Fire Protection Demographics
2005 RFD Annual Report
Page 3 of 8
Total shoreline, 14 miles
Rye Fire Department Fleet Inventory
Car 2421….2006 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD assigned to Chief
Car 2422….2001 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD assigned to 1st Assistant Chief
Car 2423….2006 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD assigned to 2nd Assistant Chief
Car 2424….1998 Ford Aerostar assigned to Fire Inspector
Engine 191….1994 Pierce Rescue Pumper assigned to Fire Headquarters
Engine 192….2006 Seagrave Pumper assigned to the Milton Station
Engine 193….1987 Sutphen Pumper assigned to the Milton Station
Engine 194….1981 Hahn Pumper assigned to the Milton Station
Ladder 25….2007 Seagrave aerial ladder assigned to Fire Headquarters
Ladder 26….2001 Seagrave aerial ladder assigned to Fire Headquarters
Utility 39…. 1989 International/Saulsbury Fire Police Patrol/Generator truck(Milton Station)
Utility 49….2006 Ford Pickup truck w/plow assigned to the Milton Station
Marine Fleet Inventory
Marine 3….31’ Chris Craft Scorpion w/fire pump assigned to the Municipal Boat basin from
May through November
Marine 3 trailer….Quickload aluminum dual axle
Rescue Boat….14’ Dura Nautic aluminum boat with outboard motor, trailer and floto pump
assigned to the Milton Station
And portable “floto” pump assigned to the Milton Station
FUNCTION AND PURPOSE OF THE RYE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Suppression
Rescue
Persons locked in or out in emergency situations
Elevator emergencies
Accident victim extrication
Control of hazardous material incidents
Building collapse
Confined space rescue
Flood evacuation
Securing of utilities during floods
Control of utility company emergencies until the arrival of emergency crews
Fire Department management of all other natural disasters
Marine and coastal fire protection
Assistance to other agencies for search and rescue
Assistance to other agencies for emergency traffic control
Mutual aid response to other communities
Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement
2005 RFD Annual Report
Page 4 of 8
MAJOR OPERATIONS AND EVENTS – 2007
1/5/07 - New Seagrave Pumper in service as Engine 192
01/16/07 - Department drill at 160 Forest Avenue (house scheduled for demo)
01/24/07 – 1955 Maxim Aerial ladder truck disposed of
2142 hrs. 2/2/07 - 2 Nursery Lane, electrical fire in wall
0752 hrs. 02/6/07 Auto on railroad tracks, Depot Plaza
0822 hrs. 3/2/07 Major flooding, 38 alarms
1500 hrs. 4/15/07 major flooding 72 alarms
All day 4/16/07 Major flooding 26 alarms
0923 hrs. 4/23/07 37 Elm Place, Hand Grenade found in structure
0736 hrs. 5/4/07 Engine 193 to Larchmont on Mutual Aid
1500 hrs 6/27/07 Storms 27 alarms
0632 hrs. 7/20/07 260 Breevort Lane, electrical fire in ceiling
1220 hrs. 8/1/07 Mead Pond, motor vehicle in pond
1442 hours 8/21/07 1051 Boston Post Road, electrical fire in basement
09/10/07 Fire Headquarters reopened
11/11/07 Aerial ladder testing
0014 hours 228 Central Avenue, living room fire
2100 hours 11/16/07 New Seagrave Ladder truck in service
2023 hours 12/3/07 Ladder 25 to 43 Nelson Avenue, Harrison, Mutual Aid
12/10/07 All RFD Hose tested
12/19/07 Engine 191, 192 and 193, Pump testing
2005 RFD Annual Report
Page 5 of 8
RYE FIRE DEPARTMENT
PREVENTION MEASURES
Annual Report 2006
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU
Providing inspection services to our residents and the public has always been the single most
time consuming and perhaps the single most important function of the FIRE PREVENTION
BUREAU. In all, 428 inspections were performed during the year.
Since September 2002 the FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU has charged a fee for annual
inspections of public buildings, high hazard occupancies, multiple dwellings, tank removals,
private schools etc. This year we generated almost $12,000 in revenue by performing these
inspections, an increase of over 8%. These inspections constitute approximately 20% of the
overall yearly total.
As always, a great deal of time is dedicated to the schools throughout the City. All of the schools
(private and public) were inspected during the year. Private schools were charged fees. Public
Schools, by New York State Law, cannot be charged for these inspections, thus they were
performed pro bono. Public Schools do not fall within our jurisdiction as they are governed by
the New York State Education Department. Despite this, the Rye City Schools cooperate fully
with the FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU, and a great working relationship between the two
agencies continues to exist.
Many of our inspections occur as a direct result of requests and complaints. The Fire Inspector
and staff members always try to be “customer friendly” as well as thorough when investigating
complaints. The Fire Inspector also makes every effort to obtain voluntary compliance whenever
a violation is found to exist.
The FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU continued to enjoy an excellent relationship with other City
of Rye departments in 2005. This includes, but is certainly not limited to Building, Police,
Engineering, Public Works and Recreation. We would also like to laud our City Manager, Paul
Shew, and acknowledge him for his guidance and support during the year.
Public Education was again provided to all factions of our populace at every possible opportunity
during 2004. Once again Fire Prevention Week activities were conducted in early October, but
through the efforts of Lt.Dianni and the career staff, fire prevention was a 52-week effort. Every
Rye child from pre-school through 3rd grade saw “Sparky” the firedog when he came to their
school in October. Many of our volunteers also participated in these efforts. The FIRE
PREVENTION BUREAU would particularly like to mention Captain Daniel Bochicchio of the
Milton Point E&H Company for his continued efforts in playing Sparky for us. He takes a week
of his own vacation time each year to perform this service for the children.
In 2005, due to an illness to Lt. Dianni, the career staff performed the FPW presentations at the
schools. We also experienced a week that broke all rainfall records for October, which made the
2005 RFD Annual Report
Page 6 of 8
week more complex due to numerous postponements. The staff should be commended for their
outstanding effort during this most important week.
The “Risk Watch” program is in its fourth year throughout the five Rye grammar schools.
Purchased with grant money in 2002, the program contains age related safety information for
children in grades 1 thru 8. Each of the three public schools, Rye Country Day and Resurrection
have their own series of tapes and lesson plans for this series.
The FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU was kept extremely busy with a plethora of activities
during 2004. We hosted four “ Chief for a Day” winners during the year. Numerous fire
extinguisher demonstrations were conducted at offices, schools and seminars. Over thirty groups
received in-house lectures; equipment demonstrations and tours were conducted at both stations
for groups including scouts, school classes, driver’s education students, birthday party’s, and
individuals. The October FPW demonstration was also conducted several times during the
summer months for day campers at various locales.
We are pleased to report that there were no fire related deaths in 2005. We were not as fortunate
in 2004 when there were three fatalities at two separate incidents. These casualties were the the
first in our City in almost twenty years
Even though our fire record has been excellent through the years, unfortunately there will always
be fires. When they do occur it is the responsibility of the FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU and
Lt. Dianni to investigate for cause and origin. The bureau investigated all fires that did occur in
2005. We were fortunate to have the assistance of Westchester County Cause and Origin team
whenever a serious fire occurred. Two members of the Zone2 team of this task force are
members of our department. Career FF Bruce Kerr and FF Richard Barber of the Fire Police
Patrol are valuable assets to the bureau, and especially helpful to the Fire Inspector during
investigations
CAREER STAFF
In January our staffing level returned to eighteen when FF John Rodrigues returned from his
temporary position in the City Finance Department. FF Rodrigues replaced FF Herb Harriott
who retired after 36 years of loyal service to the City and the Rye Fire Department. Although the
career staff was saddened by Herb’s retirement, they were also happy to have John back.
Four of our staff members continue to perform clerical duties for the Rye Fire Department as per
the City of Rye’s agreement with Local 2029 IAFF. These men are FF John Castelhano, FF Todd
Barnum, FF Harold Aken and FF John McDwyer.
Four of our staff members continue to serve on the Department Building Committee. FF Daniel
De Carlo and FF John McDwyer are executive members of this committee. Lt. Dianni and FF
Richard Roode also serve on the committee.
The career staff continued their involvement with RCTV by producing and directing their own
television program called “Fire line”. The entire staff has participated in this programming, but
FF Ryan Prata and FF Kurt Tietjen have both been instrumental in getting this project up and
running.
2005 RFD Annual Report
Page 7 of 8
The career staff has adopted the Maria Ferrari Children’s Hospital at the Westchester Medical
Center in Valhalla, and has made this worthy facility the object of much charitable work. The
staff has raised thousands of dollars for the hospital in assorted ways, and is presently conducting
a raffle in conjunction with Rye Ford to raise additional funds. FF James Groglio has been
coordinating these efforts.
Lt. Dianni maintained his code enforcement certification in New York State by attending twenty-
eight hours of refresher courses in both White Plains and Rockland County. Confined Space
training was conducted in-house for the career staff and was well attended. We have been
enjoying an outstanding relationship with our brother firefighters from Harrison over the last
several years, and several of them were able to train with us for the confined space program as
well as on several other occasions. Many staff members also attended classes at the Westchester
County Fire Training Center and at the New York State Fire Academy.
We continued to operate out of one station during 2005. Obviously this will continue until the
building renovation at Fire Headquarters on Locust Avenue is complete. This operation has gone
smoothly for us, and we have not had to compromise our efficiency in order to meet new
challenges.
The career staff manned the building and apparatus 24/365 in 2005. The public can again count
on an instant response from them with our fire trucks whenever we are called out to an alarm in
2006.
2005 RFD Annual Report
Page 8 of 8
POLICE DEPARTMENT
CITY OF RYE
ANNUAL REPORT
2007
WILLIAM R. CONNORS
POLICE COMMISSIONER
INTRODUCTION
2007 was a year defined by natural disaster. Although our community has been
affected by weather events in the past – 2006, for example, brought the remnants of
Tropical Storm Ernesto and a number of damaging storm events – none compare to the
floods of 2007.
On March 2, 2007, sudden major flooding
affected portions of the City of Rye. Members of all
City Departments – particularly this Department,
Fire, Public Works, and Building – played
important parts in the rescue and recovery efforts.
73 people and three pets were evacuated by boat
and by front-end loader during the flood. On the
evening of Friday, March 2nd the Police Department
established a Field Command Post at the Highland
Hall parking lot as a base of operations for public
contact regarding the recovery effort, which involved electrical and gas inspections of all
flooded premises before service could be restored. Con Edison provided an excellent
response, and staffed the Command Post around the clock until all inspections were
completed and it was closed on the evening of Sunday, March 4th.
Just weeks later, on April 15, 2007, another major flood struck. 23 people were
evacuated by boat and by front-end loader during the incident. Because of the severity of
the flooding, additional inflatable boats and personnel from the Croton Falls and Somers
Fire Departments, as well as a Hovercraft from the Mount Pleasant Police Department,
were called in and provided assistance in the rescue effort. The Police Department
established a Field Command Post in front of the Village Green as a base of operations
for public contact regarding the recovery effort, which involved electrical and gas
inspections of all flooded premises before service could be restored. The Building
Inspector coordinated the response of Electrical
Inspectors to assist with that process beginning on
the morning of April 16th. The Command Post was
staffed until Wednesday, April 24, 2007. Con
Edison again provided an excellent response, and
staffed a Customer Service Command Post adjacent
to the Police Department Command Post, as well as
an Operational Command Post in the City Hall
Parking Lot. A temporary shelter was opened until
th
midnight on April 15 at Rye Country Day School, at which time 13 people were
transported by EMS to the regional shelter established at Mamaroneck High School for
overnight lodging. Code Enforcement Disaster Assistance Response (CEDAR) Teams
were deployed to assist in the inspection of premises for damage, and FEMA and SEMO
representatives were present in the City early in the week. Additional personnel were
assigned to the flooded areas to provide enhanced security following the storm.
Fortunately, the second stage of the weather event – widespread coastal flooding due to
high winds – did not materialize, and there were no reported deaths or injuries as a result
of the storm.
Members of this Department – some of
whom reported for duty at 6:00 A.M. on April
15th in preparation for the anticipated weather, and
remained on duty until well after 3:00 A.M. the
following morning – did an outstanding job,
working under chaotic and hazardous conditions,
to ensure the safety of our community. Analysis
of our response to identify items – including
equipment, training, and coordination issues – is
ongoing, to enable us to respond even more
effectively to future incidents.
To that end, significant time and effort continues to be devoted to the
implementation of the National Incident Management System (NIMS). In addition to
ensuring Police Department compliance with the mandates, the Police Commissioner has
assumed responsibility for coordinating the efforts of other City Departments to ensure
that the City maintains compliance with the various requirements established by NIMS.
During the week of September 17th through September 21st, the City of Rye
participated in the Westchester Municipal Hurricane Preparedness and Response
Exercise, a countywide exercise designed to assess our level of preparedness for a major
coastal storm event, such as a hurricane. This exercise
tested existing policies, plans and procedures, and
allowed staff to troubleshoot issues related to emergency
management as they occurred. It tracked a fictional
Category 5 hurricane from a point five days from landfall
until zero hour, and required participants to engage in the
planning and preparation activities that would take place
prior to an impending storm. A scenario was transmitted
by the County Office of Emergency Management each
day at 8:30 A.M. An internal planning meeting was held
at 9:30 A.M., and the Emergency Operations Coordinator
participated in a countywide conference call at 10:30
A.M. All Department heads played a role in the drill,
which required considerable time and effort, but which proved to be a valuable means of
evaluating our plans, identifying areas that need attention, and assessing our strengths in
dealing with a coastal storm.
Although emergency preparedness took center stage during 2007, we were not
relieved of our responsibilities regarding crime. Eleven residential burglaries and one
attempt were reported during the month of November. On December 5, 2007, members
of the Mount Vernon Police Department arrested a 52 year old Queens resident for
burglary. A resident called the police after he observed the defendant ring the doorbell of
a residence and then forcibly enter the house through a side entrance. He exited the house
through the front door, and was apprehended by responding Mount Vernon police
personnel after a struggle. His method of operation was similar to that employed in recent
burglaries within the City of Rye, and he was operating a vehicle matching the
description of one observed in the vicinity of one of our incidents.
On December 6, 2007, a victim of one of our burglaries positively identified
property recovered from the defendant following his arrest. Based on that information,
our Detective Division obtained a search warrant for his residence in Flushing, Queens.
The warrant was executed on the evening of December 6, 2007 by our detectives,
accompanied by representatives of the jurisdictions affected by the county-wide burglary
pattern. A large amount of suspected stolen property was seized, including jewelry,
electronics, and currency. It was catalogued at Police Headquarters and is being made
available for viewing by victims. At this time, several items have been identified by
victims; we anticipate that additional charges will be lodged both here and in other
jurisdictions. The defendant has an extensive criminal history.
A joint operation by the City of Rye Police Department, the Greenburgh Police
Department, the Village of Rye Brook Police Department, and the Village of Elmsford
Police Department resulted in sixty-six prostitution related arrests and the seizure of
$21,692 between May 18, 2007 and December 20, 2007.
The investigation began on March 15, 2007, when the Greenburgh Police
Department received an anonymous tip alleging that prostitution was being advertised on
a popular website.
On March 29, 2007 two females were arrested for prostitution and one male for
Promoting Prostitution. During the same time period, the City of Rye Police Department
and the Rye Brook Police Department were independently developing intelligence
indicating that high priced prostitutes were operating in the City of Rye, Village of Rye
Brook and throughout Westchester County, advertising their availability on the internet.
The four police departments formed a task force to pursue the information. The
Westchester County District Attorney’s office provided legal and logistical support to the
operation.
In May of 2007 the task force commenced operations in participating
jurisdictions, based on the frequency of website postings indicating prostitution was
taking place. The investigation has resulted in a total of 66 arrests:
• 10 arrests for Prostitution
• 4 arrests for Promoting Prostitution
• 40 arrests for Patronizing a Prostitute in the fourth degree- a class B
misdemeanor.(prior to November 1)
• 11 arrests for Patronizing a Prostitute in the third degree- a class A
misdemeanor.(after November 1)
• 1 arrest for Unauthorized Practice of a Profession (Massage Therapy).
The defendants arrested for Patronizing a Prostitute came from all walks of life,
including the medical profession, business owners, real estate developers, attorneys, civil
servants, and law enforcement.
We continued our community outreach through emphasis on the Respect Manual,
which was conceived during the Spring of 2004 when a group of
concerned individuals met to attempt to identify ways to address the
issues that were resulting from youth behavior in the central business
district, as well as the ongoing problem of underage drinking. Sergeant
Craig met with the 2007 incoming ninth grade class at Rye High
School to introduce the manual to them, and Commissioner Connors
used it as a centerpiece for discussion with parent groups during the
year, including at a “Youth Substance Abuse Forum” sponsored by the
Rye Youth Council on September 7, 2007 at Rye High School.
Panelists included Commissioner Connors, District Attorney Janet
DiFiore, EMS Administrator Scott Moore, and Dr. Jeffrey Brown, a
pediatrician; it was moderated by Ellen Morehouse of Student
Assistance Services. The forum was videotaped and re-broadcast on
RCTV.
The “Rye Teen Collaborative,” as the group has called itself,
continues to be a collaborative with no agenda other than promoting
harmonious relationships between the various parties whose rights and
responsibilities must be balanced. We continue to believe in the success of this project,
and are proud of the group’s achievements.
The partial renovation of Police Headquarters, which has been substantially
completed, occupied a great deal of time and effort during the year, not only of Police
Department staff, but also of the staff of the Engineering
Department, City Manager’s Office, and outside consultants.
This next step in the rehabilitation of the building followed
extensive work to ensure that the infiltration of water from the
roof and the rear wall had been corrected by the replacement of
the roof, removal and replacement of gutters and downspouts,
and the repair and waterproofing of the rear wall.
The administrative offices, Detective Division, Youth Division office, and
supervisors’ locker room were relocated to office trailers adjacent to Police Headquarters
in August, 2006. The Staff Services/Records Office, which houses the Department’s
computer network hardware, was also relocated to a trailer in December, 2006, when it
became evident that a continuing moisture issue would likely require extensive
examination. The interior walls of the offices and insulation were
removed; water damaged flooring and joists were repaired;
HVAC ductwork was replaced; and miles of excess wiring were
removed. The diesel generator that had been housed inside the
building was removed. Mold remediation was performed and
satisfactory test results were received prior to the commencement
of reconstruction.
The reconstruction involved only one structural change: the Conference
Room/Emergency Operations Center was expanded by moving a wall approximately two
and one half feet, which will provide a far more tolerable working environment when the
Emergency Operations Center must be activated during a crisis. Electrical and low
voltage wiring was replaced. A modern, functional emergency generator and an
uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system were installed. Drywall replaced dark,
outdated wood paneling, and the renovated workspace is clean, habitable, and far more
functional. We inhabited the rear portion of the building in July, 2007; work on the Staff
Services Office is nearing completion.
The Department lost one of its senior supervisors during
2007. Sergeant Alvin Ortiz retired on February 23, 2007 after
twenty-four years of service. We are thankful for Sergeant Ortiz’
years of proud and faithful service to the City of Rye, and wish
them many years of health and happiness in retirement. He will
be remembered as a dedicated member of the Department who
truly cared for the community and the Department.
Police Officer Albert Hein was appointed to the
position of Police Officer effective January 5, 2007. Police
Officer Hein, 24, is a lifelong resident of Mount Vernon. He
is a graduate of Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, North
Carolina, and was employed by an insurance firm in Harrison
prior to his appointment.
Police Officer Keith Parker joined us on
December 3, 2007. Police Officer Parker, 28, was a
Police Officer with the New York City Department of
Environmental Protection from 2002 to 2005, assigned
to northern Westchester. From 2005 to 2007, he was
one of two full-time police officers in the Village of
Maybrook Police Department in Orange County. A
native of Suffern, he currently resides in Orange County.
Police Officer Gary L. Olivier was promoted to
the rank of Detective, effective September 24, 2007.
Detective Olivier was appointed to the City of Rye Police
Department on September 27, 1984. Since 2000, he
served as Officer in Charge of the Department’s Marine
Unit, overseeing the training and assignment of the
Department’s seasonal Bay Constables as well as the
maintenance of the unit’s vessels. From 2000 until 2005,
he served as the Department’s Auxiliary Police
Coordinator, acting as the Department’s liaison with members of the Auxiliary Police
Unit. Detective Olivier is the Department’s representative on Westchester County’s
Counterterrorism Intelligence Task Force, and is the resident specialist on
counterterrorism issues. He is a New York State Certified General Topics Instructor, and
is also certified to instruct in a number of counterterrorism areas, including Emergency
Response to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Response to Radiological Emergencies.
He is frequently called upon as an instructor at the Westchester County Police Academy,
and has instructed for various groups in the law enforcement community. He is a United
States Coast Guard Licensed Captain, and in his off duty time is a member of the United
States Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Police Officer Susan M. Rigano was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, effective
April 23, 2007. Sergeant Rigano entered police service on January 12, 1990 with the City
of Mount Vernon Police Department, where she served in the Patrol Division, Support
Services Division, and Technology Services Division.
She was appointed to the City of Rye Police Department
on April 9, 2001. In addition to her patrol duties, Sergeant
Rigano is a New York State Certified General Topics
Instructor, Firearms Instructor, and a TASER instructor.
She had an integral role in the development of the
Department’s policy regarding the deployment of
Electro-muscular Disruption Devices (TASERS) and the associated training curriculum.
She is regularly called upon as an instructor at the Westchester County Police Academy.
A graduate of Lincoln High School in Yonkers, Sergeant Rigano holds a Bachelor’s
Degree from Penn State University.
The members of the Department continued to perform in an outstanding fashion
on a daily basis, continuing the Department’s strong tradition of service to the
community.
An overview of the accomplishments of each of the Department’s principal sub-
units is presented below.
PATROL DIVISION
During 2007, members of the Patrol Division handled 12,182 calls
for service. 2,713 resulted in the filing of incident reports. The remainder
of the calls included non-criminal calls for service, vehicle and traffic
enforcement, marine enforcement, assisting other police agencies,
assisting citizens, school crossings, quality of life complaints, city code
enforcement, and other miscellaneous incidents. Major categories
included the following:
Assignment # of calls Lt. Robert Falk
Patrol Commander
Vehicle accidents 451
Aided/ambulance request 970
Alarm (burglary) 1209
Alarm (other) 192
Animal related calls 170
Assist Citizen 722
Assist Fire Department 31
Assist other agency 162
Child Seat Inspections 172
Disabled Vehicles 185
Disorderly Conduct/Disturbance 132
Domestic Disputes 39
E911 Hang-up Calls 343 Command Post trailer and Generator
Fires 53 Truck
Fireworks 27
Funeral Escorts 62
Gunshots fired 4
Health/Safety Hazards 35
Hazardous Materials 2
Illegal Dumping 11
Neighborhood trouble/noise 256
Prisoner Transports 68
Prowlers 8
Recovered Property 92
Road Condition/hazard 224
Rules of the Road 2772
RUOK Resident Checks 28
Subpoenas served 22
Suspicious persons 238
Suspicious vehicles 272
Tree down 48
Utility problems 182 DWI Checkpoint
Patrol personnel responded to 451 reports of motor vehicle accidents, 320 of
which resulted in the filing of accident reports and 41 of which involved personal injury,
and 970 medical emergency calls.
Members of the Department arrested 285 persons on 625 charges. 32 persons
were arrested on 57 charges for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). 156 persons were
arrested on 296 charges for other vehicle and traffic law offenses.
During 2007, members of the Patrol
Division issued 2,713 summonses for Vehicle and
Traffic Law violations, 2,135 summonses for
parking violations, and 146 summonses for
violations of the City Code.
The Department continued to staff a Village
Post, resources permitting, providing coverage of
the village by an officer on bicycle from 8:00 A.M.
to 4:00 P.M., Tuesday through Saturday, as well as an officer on foot from 4:00 P.M.
until 6:00 P.M.
Playland and the local beaches were unusually quiet during the annual July 4th
celebration, as inclement weather kept the usual large crowds away. Nevertheless,
members of the Patrol Division, assisted by the Auxiliary Police Unit, were deployed in
anticipation of the usual traffic congestion.
An increasing number of major planned events, such as the Rye Derby, the
Westchester Triathlon, the Little League Parade, Halloween Window Painting, the
Merchants’ Mistletoe Magic event, and a number of charitable walks, including recently
added events such as the Colin Leslie Celiac Walk and the My Soldier Walk, were
policed during the course of the year, all without incident. A detail was provided for the
annual Rye-Harrison Football Game, which was held in Harrison this year.
Enhanced patrol coverage was deployed as needed for such events as Halloween,
Mischief Night, heightened security alerts, athletic events, flood watches and weather
emergencies, and the holiday shopping season.
In addition to the “SMART” speed-monitoring trailer, three pole-mounted
portable speed signs have been procured and are deployed at random locations.
The Department’s Child Safety Seat Program
continues to be a welcome service to the community. Police
Officer Edward Balls was certified as a Child Safety Seat
Technician this year; along with Police Officers Julio Rossi
and Michael Larkin. During 2007, they inspected and
installed 172 child safety seats. The program has received
over $23,000 in grant funding and donations, making it self sufficient; grant funding paid
for the program’s trailer, which is used for storage of program supplies, a valuable
addition in view of the extremely limited space in Police Headquarters, and for
transportation of supplies to large-scale safety events.
TECHNOLOGY
During 2007 the Department’s Information Services projects, coordinated by
Sergeant Nicholas Groglio, focused once again on overall enhancement of systems, fine
tuning of new equipment, replacement and upgrading of antiquated network hardware
and software, and planning for advances in technology, with emphasis on how those
changes impact the Department’s operations and what technology will enable the
Department to perform its duties more efficiently.
The major technology projects for 2007 were:
• The return of the Administrative and
Detective Division offices and their
networking equipment to the renovated
building;
• Moving the Staff Services Office and
computer network to an office trailer
during construction;
• The design, engineering, configuration, and testing of the new Mobile
Remote Access System;
• The fine-tuning and upgrading of the major technology projects begun
during 2006.
In 2007, configuration changes were made to the County Network routers and
firewall to permit secure network connectivity from the Verizon Wide Area Network
(WAN) to the Rye PD Local Area Network (LAN) for the new Mobile Remote Access
System. In March, 2007, the Division of Criminal Justice Services announced the
integration of the NYSPIN Enforcer 2000 terminal, the
Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Alert
Terminal, and eJusticeNY into a new eJusticeNY
Integrated Portal. To prepare for that development,
internet browser security levels had to be configured on
all workstation computers, all Department network
users had to be registered and set up as users, and a new
NYSPIN and NCIC interface had to be developed for
our X Mobile Records Management and Computer
Aided Dispatch (CAD) System.
The Department’s Local Area Network (LAN) was moved to a new central
network equipment room in an area previously occupied by the Department’s generator.
New cabling was run from every computer to the new location, and the changeover was
accomplished with minimal downtime. The LAN continued to be upgraded with new
hardware and software to meet the ever-increasing demands of the network, and
particularly the impending implementation of wireless remote access via Terminal
Server.
The X Cards Automatic Dispatching and Records Management System
Application Server and Client underwent several version upgrades to prepare for
integration of the newest Archonix X-Mobile CAD and electronic forms systems and
remote access to the X Cards Records Management System from mobile laptop
computers via terminal server.
The Live Scan mug shot and fingerprint identification system, which was installed
at the end of 2005 and became fully operational in 2006, underwent minor system
upgrades to enable it to interface more effectively with the X Cards System.
The installation of the Electronic Forms portion
of the X Mobile system, which will maximize patrol
time by enabling officers to complete reports from their
vehicles, was originally scheduled for 2006 and
deferred into 2007. The unavailability of equipment –
particularly high speed EVDO Broadband Wireless
Modemst – were not available during the year. In
October, 2007, LAN and WAN configuration was
completed, and connectivity and access to all Police
Department applications from the supervisors’ vehicle
was tested. However, the required modems were not delivered until late December. This
long-awaited project will finally become a reality during early 2008.
The Staff Services/Records Division, in addition to its responsibility for the
information technology function, is responsible for records management. During 2007,
the Division processed 2,713 Incident Reports, 2,125 parking summonses, 146 City Code
summonses, 2,676 Vehicle and Traffic Law summonses, and 285 arrests for 625 charges.
It supervised compliance with the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation
program, compilation of Uniform Crime Reports, and hundreds of requests for police
reports and other records. 1,209 false alarm penalty fees were processed for burglar
alarms; 36 taxi inspections were conducted, and 60 taxi license applications were
processed. Staff Services also maintained the Department’s Internet and Intranet pages,
updated many Department forms, and accomplished many more tasks associated with
gathering and maintaining data.
The Staff Services/Records Division met many challenges during 2007 to ensure
that the Department kept pace with the technological demands that have become a critical
part of modern policing.
PARKING ENFORCEMENT
PEO Thomas Monahan and PEO Robert Glew issued more
than 4,370 parking tickets during the year, with emphasis on the
village area and the commuter parking areas. The two PEO’s devoted
a substantial number of hours covering school crossings due to several
vacancies in the School Crossing Guard title. PEO Glew assumed
coverage of a recently-created morning crossing at Milton Road and Apawamis Avenue;
his presence has been warmly received by the High School and Middle School
communities.
DETECTIVES
The Detective Division continued its impressive performance
during 2007 under the leadership of Detective Lieutenant Joseph A.
Verille III. The Division opened 249 cases during the year; 187 of
those were cleared and closed.
In addition to its investigative responsibilities, the Detective
Division continued its Crime Prevention Program. Detective Robert
Chittenden, the Crime Prevention Officer, and Detective John Wood,
Lt. Joseph A. Verille III
who is also a trained Crime Prevention Specialist, attended and Detective Commander
hosted six crime prevention meetings and Neighborhood Watch
Meetings.
The following statistics, summarizing the Detective Division’s activity for the
year, are based on cases opened for further investigation, and do not necessarily represent
the total number of any particular crime reported to the Department during 2007:
CATEGORY INVESTIGATIONS CLEARED
Assaults 9 9
Burglary 21 13
Criminal Mischief/Trespass 7 6
Death Related Cases 7 7
Homicide 0 0
Harassment 29 29
Larceny 24 17
Robbery 2 2
Warrants 15 15
Fraud/Forgery 5 5
Fires 1 1
Sex Crimes 1 1
Assist Other Agencies 9 9
Confidential, Narcotics, and Intelligence 23 23
Employment Backgrounds 23 23
Criminal Contempt 1 1
Miscellaneous 65 24
(Aided, Accidents, File 6, Civil, Lost and Found, Suspicious Persons, Alcoholic
Beverage Control, Bomb threats, Suspicious Packages)
Fingerprinting Criminal 135
Non-Criminal 47
Letters of Good Conduct 14
Members of the Detective Division continued to maintain close liaisons with other
law enforcement agencies to ensure the exchange of information that is critical to
investigation and crime prevention. They continued to attend specialized training to
sharpen their investigative skills; however, the number of hours of training was reduced
somewhat due to staffing shortages.
YOUTH DIVISION
The Youth Division opened 243 cases during 2007. Our Youth Officer also
continued to devote a large amount of time and effort to providing the DARE program to
all the City of Rye Elementary Schools and Resurrection Grammar School.
The use and abuse of alcohol by youth in Rye
continues to be a major focus. There were 11 cases
related to possession of alcohol and 9 aided cases
resulting from ingestion of alcohol. These statistics
reflect slight decreases from prior years; however, this
continues to be an area of concern. We have continued
outreach efforts through both the Respect Manual and
discussion with parent groups about the physical dangers
and legal ramifications of underage drinking and the
liability that can accrue from such incidents.
Incidents involving narcotics and marijuana use by youth increased in 2007. 16
cases of use/possession of Marijuana were reported. The Youth Officer has developed a
close working relationship with the Rye High School Security staff to address marijuana
issues, including “non-criminal” cases, involving youths found in possession of, but not
using, marijuana on school property, which are handled through the school’s disciplinary
system.
The role of the Youth Officer as liaison to the Rye City School District continues,
with assistance being offered as needed on various subjects. District wide safety teams
and hands on advice on security issues continued in 2007. Detective Wood has also acted
as liaison with the Rye Neck School District regarding security issues.
Detective Wood participated in a number of educational programs within the
school district, including:
• RHS Driver Education classes/lectures/demonstration
• RHS Driver Education mock DWI arrest
• RMS Health Education class
• RMS Drug Education
• Responsibility
• Tobacco use
• Sexual Harassment/Internet Harassment Issues
He also participated in a number of community events, including:
• Rye Little League/Rye Girls Sports Parade
• Halloween Window Painting
• Rye Country Day School Wellness Day
• Rye Recreation Summer Camp Counselor Training
• Midland School Annual Parade
• Basketball Games
• Cub Scout and Brownie Tours
• Football. Lacrosse, and Basketball night events
• The Rye/Harrison Football Game and Pep Rally
• Elementary School Cop for a Day Program
• High School Graduation
• Rye School of Leadership Graduation
The Drug Abuse Education Program (D.A.R.E.) was offered to all fifth grade
students in the Rye City School District and Resurrection Elementary School during
2007. Each student received a certificate signed by the Superintendent of Schools, the
Police Commissioner, and the D.A.R.E. Instructor. Several students in each class were
offered the opportunity to read their essays during the graduation ceremonies, and a
number of students were recognized for outstanding participation in their classes.
Detective Wood also presented a slide show of graduation photos at each ceremony.
In addition to his instructional duties, the DARE Officer maintains a presence at
each school during lunch and recess periods, providing an opportunity outside the
classroom to build strong personal relationships with students. Those relationships are of
tremendous benefit in his dual role of Youth Detective. Detective Wood has also been a
high visibility presence in a number of extracurricular activities.
The appearance of our Department’s D.A.R.E.
vehicle at various community events, such as the Rye
Little League/Rye Girls softball parade and the Midland
School parade, continues to reflect our D.A.R.E.
Program’s participation around town at different venues.
Our DARE vehicle, a Ford Windstar seized during the
course of an arrest, is emblazoned with the logo “Drug
Seized Vehicle”, making it a rolling advertisement
regarding the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse.
MARINE UNIT
The Marine Unit faced major operational challenges during
2007, as it contended with serious equipment problems; nevertheless,
it continued to perform admirably.
Police Officer Gary Olivier continued as Officer In Charge,
under the overall supervision of Sergeant Scott Craig, the Special
Operations Supervisor, until his reassignment to the Detective
Division on August 15, 2007. Officer Olivier was assigned to the Unit since January,
2000, and leaves a proud legacy of achievement in making the Marinue Unit one of the
finest of its counterparts on Long Island Sound. Officer Olivier was assisted principally
during 2007 by Bay Constable Bruce Caldwell, along with four other seasonal Bay
Constables during the boating season. Police Officer Michael Larkin has been assigned as
Officer In Charge of the Unit effective January 1, 2008.
The unit’s secondary vessel, PB2, a 1989 Boston Whaler 19 foot center console
boat, was taken out of service at the end of 2006. The
vessel had become unserviceable; both its hull and its
engines were damaged, and had outlived their
serviceable life span. The unit is awaiting
authorization for purchase of a replacement vessel.
The engines on the primary patrol vessel, PB1,
suffered severe mechanical failure, and for much of
the season, the boat operated with only one engine
while bids were let for replacements. The replacement
engines were purchased and installed during the winter months, and should be fully
operational at the beginning of the season.
PB3, the unit’s inflatable boat, was used extensively for the mission for which it
was purchased: uinland rescue. The boat was deployed during both flood events and was
used in numerous rescues of residents of the flooded areas. It was also staged at Police
Headquarters routinely during weather alerts for rapid deployment in the event of
flooding.
The Unit also routinely conducted in-house training drills, as well as training for
members of the Patrol Division in water safety, use of rescue equipment, and operation of
the inflatable boat, in order to enhance the availability of personnel qualified to rescue
victims of water emergencies, including flooding. Members of the unit were regularly
placed on alert in preparation for storm events during the year.
TRAINING
During 2007, members of the Department took part in
4,424 hours of training. Of that total, supervisors received 242
hours of training devoted to management and supervision.
Members received 568 hours of firearms training,
including pistol qualification as well as qualification with the
shotgun and the AR-15 patrol rifle.
Lt. Jeffrey Reichert
The Department continued to enhance counter terrorism Administrative Lt.
training. Several members attended a two-day seminar on
terrorist school sieges, growing out of the Beslan school incident, and the terrorist
doctrine of sieges in schools and other public venues. Three officers attended a seminar
on threat assessment of large facilities. One officer was trained as an instructor regarding
the operational response to incidents involving Weapons of Mass Destruction, in
preparation for a 2008 training initiative in that area.
In compliance with the requirements of the National Incident Management
System (NIMS), supervisors have been certified at a minimum of the Incident Command
System 300 level, with additional training done regarding the management of critical
incidents.
Supervisory training included Mutual Aid and Incident Command drills, as well
as a supervisory level legal update seminar. Members of the command staff participated,
along with members of other City of Rye departments and representatives of jurisdictions
throughout the county, in a week-long Hurricane Preparedness and Response Exercise
during the month of September. Recertification training was provided to supervisors and
detectives on the use of the TASER non-lethal electromagnetic disruption device. One
supervisor attended a two day course to be trained as the Department’s coordinator for
respiratory protection protocols and compliance.
Two “Response to Active Shooter” drills were conducted with other police
agencies.
Training in the area of traffic safety included attendance at state-sponsored
conferences on traffic and DWI enforcement. One officer was certified as a Standardized
Field Sobriety Testing Instructor. On officer was certified as a Datamaster Breath
Analysis Technician. Two officers attended the National Defense Council’s Defensive
Driving Instructor Course and are now certified to teach the popular course. Two officers
were certified as Child Safety Seat Technicians. Several officers attended a refresher
Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC).
Members of the Department received training in CPR, use of the Automated
External Defibrillator (AED), and protection from blood borne pathogens and hazardous
materials. One officer was certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and the
Department’s CPR instructor was certified in the recently updated CPR/AED/First Aid
curriculum.
The Department conducted 772 hours of recruit field training to newly appointed
members.
Members received the following certifications during 2007:
• 2 TASER non-lethal electronic control device Instructors
• 1 Law Enforcement Response to Weapons of Mass Destruction Operations Level
Instructor
• 1 American Heart Association Rescuer CPR and Automated External
Defibrillator and Rescuer First Aid Instructor Recertification
• 1 Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Instructor
• 1 Datamaster Breath Analysis Technician
• 1 General Topics Instructor recertification
• 2 National Safety Council Certified Defensive Driving Instructors
• 2 Certified Field Training Instructors
Other highlights of the 2007 training curriculum include:
General Training:
• Pepperball training
• OC Spray training
• Annual CPR and Automated External Defibrillator
• Penal Law Article 35 (Justification for the
use of physical and deadly physical force)
training
• Search and Seizure/legal update training
• Police Dispatch Operations Training
• Defensive Tactics
• Deployment of inflatable boat and survival
gear
• TASER training
• Police Radar Operator Basic Course
• Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Legal Update Training
• New York State Police Information Network Recertification Training
• American Heart Association CPR and AED training
• Mutual Aid Response drill
• New York State E-Justice Training
• Child Safety Seat Technician Training
• STOP DWI Conference
• Traffic Safety Conference
• Marine Division Operations Training
• Breath Test Operator recertification
Supervisory Training:
• Incident Command School Level 200, 300, 400
• Hurricanes Preparedness and response Planning Exercise
• Respiratory Protection Protocol Training
• Supervisory Level Legal Issues Seminar
AUXILIARY POLICE UNIT
Members of the Auxiliary Police Unit performed 969.25 hours
of duty during 2007, providing additional manpower to assist with
crowd and traffic control at major events. They assisted at road races,
walk-a-thons, parades, and local events throughout the year.
Membership in the unit during 2007 was as
follows:
• 1 Auxiliary Police Coordinator
• 1 Auxiliary Advisor
• 3 Auxiliary Police Lieutenants
• 2 Auxiliary Police Sergeants
• 9 Auxiliary Police Officers
Auxiliary Police Chief Karl Seumenicht
retired from the Unit after forty-six years of dedicated service, and Auxiliary Lieutenant
Gus Vicente after twenty-four years. Both were dedicated members of the unit who
performed many hours of voluntary service during their careers. Robert Martin has been
promoted to the rank of Auxiliary Lieutenant and designated Commanding Officer of the
Unit.
Auxiliary Officers were retrained in the use of the baton and firearms, as well as
Article 35 of the New York State Penal Law, Justification.
Specialized units, including a Bicycle Unit, a Harbor Support Unit, a Recruitment
Unit, and an Auxiliary Police Support Unit continue within the Auxiliary Police Unit for
those members with particular talents or interests.
A recruitment drive was begun during 2007; it has resulted in applications from
several potential members, who are currently being processed.
The members of the Auxiliary Police Unit continue to serve the Department and
the City well, acting as an ancillary resource for traffic and crowd control, as well as a
valuable source of assistance in the event of a large-scale emergency.
COUNTER TERRORISM AND INTELLIGENCE UNIT
Detective Gary Olivier is the Department’s Counter Terrorism and Intelligence
Officer, and serves as the Department’s representative to the Westchester County Counter
Terrorism Intelligence Task Force. The Counter Terrorism Unit is one of the functions of
the Special Operations Unit; Sergeant Craig served as Detective Olivier’s alternate, and
participates in presentation of training and related functions. In addition to attending
monthly task force meetings, Detective Olivier disseminates counter terrorism items of
interest on a weekly basis, compiled from the County’s Intelligence Director as well as a
number of independent publications and other sources, in the form of a “weekly reader”,
and provides daily updates as needed.
The threat of terrorist activity remains a very real concern in the United States and
particularly in the New York metropolitan area. The Department has developed a
substantial base of knowledge in the counterterrorism field, along with important
relationships with other agencies that provide for the exchange of intelligence
information and the opportunity for joint training. We will continue to focus on public
awareness of the threat of terrorism by conducting awareness level training for the
merchant community as well as for the commuting public.
CONCLUSION
During 2007, the City of Rye Police Department
continued to excel in its mission of providing a high level of
police service to the community it serves. We continued to
train to refine our ability to respond to natural or man-made
disasters, and to ensure that we perform to the highest
possible professional standards on a daily basis.
We look forward to continued success during 2008.
Building Department
2007
Annual Report
Vincenzo Tamburro, Building Inspector
Maureen Eckman, Assistant Building Inspector
Dawn Szczerba, Senior Office Assistant
ANNUAL REPORT
CITY OF RYE
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS
2007
OVERVIEW
The City of Rye Charter provides for a Department of Buildings to enforce
laws, ordinances, rules and regulations governing construction, safety,
land use and sanitary conditions. The Charter further provides that the
Building Inspector shall serve as head of the department. These Charter
provisions trace a lineage from the time Rye was a Village. It is clear that
providing for safe buildings and land use were an appropriate exercise of
governmental authority to the City’s founders. The department continues
to review and inspect buildings for safety, sanitary conditions and land
use.
STAFF
Department staff consists of the Building Inspector, Vincenzo Tamburro, a
Code Enforcement Officer/Assistant Building Inspector, Maureen
Eckman, part time Inspector Richard Guzzi and a Senior Office Assistant,
Dawn Szczerba. Electrical Inspections are conducted through an
arrangement with four electrical inspection agencies.
During 2007 the Building Inspector was a member of the GIS Committee
and The Building and Vehicle Maintenance Committee.
ACTIVITES
2007 was a very difficult year. The City experienced two floods within a
six week period. The March 2nd flood event hit the city on a Friday.
During the event the electrical gird in the area of Indian Village was shut
down by Consolidated Edison. The electrical system was shut off because
the water level reached a height that put the structures and its occupants
in a dangerous situation. Once it was determined to shut down the
electrical gird it was apparent the electrical systems of the structures
needed to be inspected. On Friday evening the building department
contacted and made arrangements with Westchester Rockland Electrical
Inspection Services (W.R.E.I.S.) to perform the inspections. On Saturday
morning W.R.E.I.S. arrived with five inspectors to perform the
inspections. The city met with representatives of both Con Edison and
W.R.E.I.S. to formulate a plan to inspect the damage electrical system and
reenergize the electrical gird as quickly and safely as possible. The
inspections were completed and the gird system was up and running by
approximately 3:00 pm March 3rd. During the inspections the electrical
inspectors either gave approval to allow the electricity to be turned on or
gave instruction to repair the damage before the electricity can be turn on
to the individual structures. I believe the coordination, communication
and cooperation between the City of Rye , Con Edison and W.R.E.I.S. was
the reason that the electrical system was put back into service much earlier
that anyone expected.
The inspection procedure that was put into place on March 3rd
unfortunately was put into placed again because of a larger flood event
that took place on April 15th . Once again the building department made
arrangements with W.R.E.I.S. to perform the electrical inspections. The
inspections and reenergizing of the electrical gird did not take place as
quickly as the March 3rd effort. The April 15th event was much larger and
affected twice as many structures. During the event several electrical
girds were shut down. All electrical girds were up and running by April
17th .
During the April 15th event the city also received assistance from the New
York State Office of Emergency Management (S.E.M.O.). S.E.M.O. made
arrangements with the Office of Fire Prevention to provide Code
Enforcement Officers to conduct inspections of all structures in the flood
area and to provide an assessment of the damages. The Office of Fire
Prevention sent eight Code Enforcement Officers to perform the
inspections. The Code Enforcement Officers performed over two hundred
inspections and prepared reports for each inspection performed.
In the weeks following the floods the building department processed and
reviewed numerous applications for repairs of the damage caused by the
flooding. The events and the aftermath of the floods affected the normal
day to day operations of the building department. It was difficult to
accommodate the simplest request for service let alone the processing of
applications, permits and certificate of occupancies.
The Building Inspector along with the City Planner worked on zoning
changes that would allow property owners to protect their homes from
flooding. The proposed law changes would have eliminated the need for
the property owners to apply for and receive approvals from the Board of
Appeals and The Planning Commission.
Number of building plans reviewed:
New construction 34
Alterations and additions 794
Demolition 22
Certificates of occupancy 286
Fence 80
In ground Pools 12
Signs 21
Legalizations 16
Other 16
Number of permits issued:
Building 273
Mechanical 20
Electrical 64
Plumbing 25
Demolition 16
Certificates of occupancy 195
Other 18
Dollar amount of permit revenue collected $1,057,905
Dollar value of construction $65,786,262
Number of site visits conducted 1699
Number of violation notices issued:
Building code 21
Zoning code 7
Number of City Court appearance tickets 9
issued
Number of sign plans reviewed and 52
issued
Number of complaints investigated:
Zoning code 35
Building code 29
Residential property maintenance 30
Commercial property maintenance 8
EDUCATION
In 2007, both the Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer met
the twenty-four (24) hour in service training requirements that are
mandated by New York State.
Respectfully submitted,
Vincenzo Tamburro
CITY OF RYE
CITY ENGINEER
MEMORANDUM
TO: O. Paul Shew, City Manager
FROM: George J. Mottarella, City Engineer
SUBJECT: 2007 Annual Report
DATE: January 31, 2008
As per your directive, the following is the annual report from the office of the City
Engineer.
The Department of Engineering is staffed by the City Engineer, a New York State
licensed Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor, and one Assistant Engineer. Clerical
assistance is shared with Planning and the Department of Public Works.
The City Engineer administers the Department of Engineering and the Department of
Public Works. This report will deal with the Engineering tasks of the City Engineer in
which capacity he provides professional services to all the departments, commissions and
boards of the City. This includes reviewing for the Planning Commission all subdivision
and site plans submitted for compliance with surface water and erosion control
regulations. Any proposed improvements is examined with particular regard to sanitary
sewers, storm drains, roads, and grading. The Engineering Department conducts field
inspections of all such construction to insure approved plans and good engineering
practices are followed.
The Engineering Department prepares and administers contracts for all public works,
capital improvements and building improvement projects. Contract documents consist of
legal and technical specifications for each project. This task includes supervision,
coordination and inspection of all such work.
During 2007, the City Engineer attended Planning Commission meetings and stormwater
committee meetings in an advisory capacity. The Assistant Engineer attended nine
Traffic and Transportation Advisory Committee meetings. The Engineer and Assistant
Engineer also attend meetings of the Building and Vehicle Committee each month.
Meetings are held at the various capital construction sites throughout the City each week
during construction.
1
Permits Issued in 2007:
Surface Water Control Permits
The following is a chart comparing the surface water control permits issued by the
Engineering Department and the attendant fees collected for a four-year period:
2004 2005 2006 2007
# of Permits Issued 41 115 87 113
Fees Collected $4,875.00 $13,805.00 $13,050.00 $16,510.00
Surface water control regulations are also reviewed for compliance during the building
permit process. As of 2004 a separate permit was required with a separate fee and, as the
table demonstrates, the number of permits increased considerably from 2004 to 2005 due
to all the improvements going on throughout the City. The fee was increased from $120
to $150 per permit in 2006.
Street/Sidewalk Opening & Obstruction Permits
Street opening permits under Chapter 167 of the Rye City Code include opening or
obstructing any street and/or sidewalk within the City’s right-of-way. The Engineering
Department supervises and inspects all the private trenching and utility cuts,
During 2007, a total of 212 street/sidewalk opening permits were issued with fees
collected totaling $65,182.00. The breakdown is as follows:
2005 2005 2006 2006 2007 2007
Permittee Permits Fees Permits Fees Permits Fees
Con Ed 141 $26,780.00 135 $25,842.00 147 $47,435.00
Water 16 $3,060.00 15 $2,700.00 18 $5,220.00
Verizon 2 $430.00 0 $0.00 2 $360.00
Cable 2 $540.00 0 $0.00 0 $0.00
Private 71 $19,104.00 81 $14,867.00 45 $12,167.00
TOTAL 232 $49,914.00 231 $43,409.00 212 $65,182.00
*An additional $30,275.00 in surcharge fees specifically for opening paved streets was
collected, bringing the total revenue collected to $95,457.00.
12 street obstruction permits were issued in 2007 for a total of $2,729.00.
Blasting Permits
Together with the Fire Inspector, the Engineering Department reviewed and signed off on
three (3) blasting permits. Applicants for blasting permits now pay for an inspector to be
on site during the operation who in turn provides a detailed report to the City Engineer
for each job. This has worked extremely well in assuring residents of the quality and
safety of this work.
2
FORMAL CONTRACTS – PRIOR YEARS
Several projects bid in prior years were still under construction or still viable in 2007.
1. Contract #2005-01, 2005-02, 2005-03, 2005-04, 2005-05 – Locust Avenue
Firehouse Renovation Project: The construction of the Locust Avenue
Firehouse was bid in April 2005, and construction was in full swing by the
summer of 2005. The building was almost ready for occupancy in April when the
storm on the 15th occurred and the basement and first floor were flooded. The
heating system and mechanicals suffered damage. The rugs and sheetrock had to
be replaced on the first floor. It was not until early August that the personnel
could occupy the building. To date only the roof work needs completion. A
purchase order has been issued to Hudson Valley Roofing.
2. Contract #2006-02 – Peck Avenue Pump Station: Under this contract, the
existing pump station was completely abandoned and removed, including the
pumps, wet well, and piping. The new pump station will have an alarm system
and generator. During construction ledge rock was encountered, which altered
the excavation plan considerably. A blasting permit had to be issued to the
contractor before he could continue. All pump station components were installed
by the early fall. The project is nearing completion, needing only wiring of the
emergency generator and station. After that it will require a final testing of the
entire pump station to be approved by Westchester County Department of Health.
3. Contract #2006-03 - Kirby Lane North/Grace Church Street Sewer and
Drain Improvements: Construction on this very difficult project began early in
2007 and is nearing completion. During 2007 gas and water mains were installed
on Kirby Lane North and sanitary sewer service was completed on Grace Church
Street and Kirby Lane North. During the installation on Kirby Lane North a
considerable amount of additional rock was encountered adding to the cost.
Components of the pump station located on Kirby Lane North have been
delivered and put in place. It remains for Con Edison to finish putting in 3-phase
power and the contractor to complete the pump station installation and put a final
top coat on Kirby Lane North.
4. Contract #2006-05 & 08 – Interior Alterations to Rye Police Station (General
Construction & Electrical): The interior renovations to the building along with
extensive testing and abatement for mold and asbestos were largely completed by
the end of 2007, including the placement of a new emergency generator. The
final portion, the staff services room, is the only part remaining to be completed
before the fence and trailer can be removed and the site opened up to parking.
5. Contract #2006-04 – Annual Street Resurfacing: Since the annual
maintenance contracts prices are valid from one year of the contract signing date,
3
the City was able to call upon the contractor of record from 2006 to complete
resurfacing work in 2007 at the contractual prices from 2006. 13 streets were
resurfaced under this contract.
FORMAL CONTRACTS – 2007
1. Contract #2007-01 - Skate Board Park at Rye Recreation: This project to
construct the long-awaited skate park at the Rye Recreation facility was bid and
completed in 2007. The contract was awarded to Rampage, LLC for the amount
of $123,688.00. The skate park was constructed in the area adjacent to the
basketball courts behind 51 Milton Road. The project is now open and in use by
the public.
2. Contract #2007-02 - Reconstruction of Theall Road: This project was
designed as a full reconstruction of Theall Road. Over the years due to lack of
drainage and heavy truck traffic, Theall Road’s base course deteriorated so much
that surface distresses in the top course resulted in the need for a total rebuild. A
drainage system was included to maintain the integrity of the road and walkways
were also added for pedestrian safety. The contract was awarded to Bilotta
Construction Corp. for the amount of $1,199,598.00. Soon after work began a
water main was discovered to be in the way of the new drain as was a utility
tunnel to the Osborn Home. The water main was moved by United Water but the
design had to be amended to avoid the tunnel, which took additional time and
money. The drainage work was almost complete by the end of 2007 and the
remaining restoration work will start again as soon as weather permits.
3. Contract #2007-04, Highland Rd/Onondaga Drainage Improvements: This
project to replace the drain line running from the southern end of Dogwood Lane,
down Onondaga street, and across Mendota Street was bid and begun in 2007.
The last leg of the drainage system is an existing pipe that will remain in place as
it is structurally sound and crosses private property before ultimately discharging
into Blind Brook. The project increases the size of the drainage pipe and creates a
softer transitional turn from Highland Road down Onondaga Street. This design
should significantly decrease the risk of surcharge, which presently occurs on
Highland Road. This project was awarded to ELQ Industries, Inc. in the amount
of $278,710.00. Con Edison finished relocating their utilities by the end of 2007.
The contractor will be working throughout the winter, starting on Mendota
Avenue, continuing up Onondaga and terminating the line on Dogwood Lane. It
is anticipated that the work will be completed in 2008.
4. Contract #2007-05, Damiano Center Parking Lot Improvements: This project
extends the Damiano Center parking area, with new curbs, drainage, drainage
structures, castings, striping, sidewalks, handicap access, signage, lighting, paving
and minor grading. This is to work in conjunction with the new Damiano Center
4
entrance. The contract was awarded to Peter J. Landi, Inc. in the amount of
$167,000.00 under two separate purchase orders; one for lighting work and the
other for the paving, etc. All drainage work and most of the paving, curb and
sidewalk was done in 2007. The top course on the pavement remains to be
completed.
5. Contract #2007-06, Annual Sidewalk Program: This annual contract was
prepared by the City Engineer’s office and bid in September of 2007. The
contract was awarded to the low bidder, Con-Tech Construction, in the amount of
$65,747.50. All the work along Boston Post Road in Greenhaven was finished in
2007. The remaining work will resume as soon as weather permits.
6. Contract #2007-07, Supply and Install Fuel Island with Canopy, Fuel Pumps
and Fuel Management System (at DPW): This contract was prepared and bid
in 2007. The work was awarded to American Petroleum for the sum of
$179,950.00. Construction on a new fuel island with a canopy and new pumps
began in December, 2007. Included in the contract will be an active fuel
management system to replace the out-dated key system and will automatically
track how much fuel has been used with each vehicle.
A total of $2,014,693.50 was awarded in new contracts in 2007. Including contracts from
prior years and this year’s new contracts, the City Engineer’s office administered a total
of eleven (11) contracts in the year 2007.
The following is a comparison table of the number of contracts administered by the City
Engineer:
YEAR 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
# OF FORMAL CONTRACTS 11 7 12 8 6
# OF PRIOR YEAR CONTRACTS 11 4 4 3 5
# OF INFORMAL CONTRACTS 8 5 0 0 0
TOTAL # ADMINISTERED 30 16 16 11 11
FORMAL BIDS
The City Engineer, collaborating with the staff from the Department of Public Works,
issued formal documents for the following bids:
1. Bid #1-07 – Remote Sewer Televising Equipment: This bid was prepared
again and again by the City Engineer and the General Foreman at Public Works.
Empire Equipment supplied the camera and trailer for the amount of $112,971.79.
55% of this cost was reimbursed by a grant from the USEPA.
5
2. Bid #2-07 – Street Materials: This bid is on a per unit basis for different
materials the Department of Public Works uses for paving. The award is split
between different vendors who are the low bidders for the respective materials.
The winners were as follows: Patterson Materials, Peckham Materials and Dakota
Materials.
3. Bid #3-07 – Two Trucks with Four Wheel Drive Dump Body and 9’ Snow
Plow: This bid was prepared by the City Engineer and the General Foreman at
Public Works. This bid was awarded to Gabrielli Truck Sales in the amount of
$104,204.00. Both trucks have been received and are in use.
4. Bid #5-07 – One (1) Gas Furnace for Public Works Garage: This bid was
prepared by the City Engineer and the Public Works Foreman. The bid was
awarded to Mill Town Mechanical for $19,500.00. The furnace was delivered in
2007 and installation should be completed early in 2008.
5. Bid #7-07 – (2) two 150HP Yamaha Outboard Motors: This bid is to provide
two 150 horsepower Yamaha Outboard motors for the Police Department’s boat
(PB-1). Contract documents were prepared by the City Engineer and the Public
Works Foreman and the bid was awarded to J. Catalano and Sons in the amount
of $24,999.00. The motors have been installed and will be sea-tested in Spring,
2008.
6
2007 Annual Report
Planning Commission and
Planning Department
City of Rye, New York
2007 Planning Commission Members:
Barbara Cummings, Chair
Martha Monserrate, Vice Chair
Carolyn Cunningham
Nick Everett
Hugh Greechan
Peter Larr
George S. Pratt, Councilman
City Planner:
Christian K. Miller, AICP
Adopted by Planning Commission on January 22, 2008
2007 Annual Report Planning Commission and Planning Department
Planning Commission
Members The Planning Commission of the City of Rye has as its
primary function long-range planning and distinct
administrative responsibilities, specifically defined by the
Code of the City of Rye. In accordance with the
requirements of the Code of the City of Rye, the
Commission reviews and approves site development plans
and subdivisions, uses permitted subject to additional
standards and requirements, wetlands and watercourses
permits and proposed actions in the coastal zone for
consistency with the Rye City Local Waterfront
Revitalization Program.
The Planning Commission was composed of the following
Rye residents, serving without compensation, which were
appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City
Council. The date of each member’s most recent
appointment to the Commission is also noted in
parentheses.
Barbara Cummings, Chair (1/16/02)
Martha Monserrate, Vice Chair (3/06/02)
Carolyn Cunningham (02/28/06)
Nick Everett (01/08/03)
Hugh Greechan (1/5/05)
Peter Larr (1/5/05)
George S. Pratt, Councilman (01/10/06)
The Mayor and City Council re-appointed Barbara
Cummings as Chair of the Commission. The Commission
elected Martha Monserrate as Vice-Chair.
City of Rye, New York 2
2007 Annual Report Planning Commission and Planning Department
Land Development
Activity The Planning Commission conducted 20 meetings in 2007
in which it reviewed a total of 32 wetland permit, 4 site
plan and 2 subdivision applications. The table below
provides a summary of Commission activity for the past
seven years.
Summary of Planning Commission Activity 2001-2007
Application '01 '02 '03 '04 '05 '06 '07
Type
No. of Meetings 16 18 20 17 17 17 20
Wetland Permits 16 26 29 28 23 29 32
Site Plans 13 17 17 14 11 8 4
Subdivisions 4 7 7 7 6 9 2
35
30
Number of Application
25
20
15
10
5
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Wetland Permits Site Plans Subdivisions
A detailed description of all applications is provided in a
table located at the end of this document.
Wetland Permit
Applications There has been a steady increase in the number of wetland
permits the Commission reviews each year. In 2007 the
Commission reviewed 32 wetland permit applications,
which is double the number of permits the Commission
reviewed just seven years ago. Twenty-six of these permits
were approved and 6 remain pending. All of the approved
applications involved disturbances within the regulated
100-foot wetland buffer area, rather than the direct wetland
City of Rye, New York 3
2007 Annual Report Planning Commission and Planning Department
loss. All applications required the implementation of a
mitigation plan at a ratio of 2:1 to offset wetland buffer
impacts. In 2006 the Commission reviewed 29 wetland
permit applications.
Of the 32 wetland permits applications reviewed by the
Commission in 2007, four involved violations of the City’s
Wetlands and Watercourses Law. Six violations were
processed by the Commission in 2006, five in 2005, four in
2004 and four in 2003. All were approved with
requirements for the implementation of restoration plans or
other conditions.
A total of $27,963.00 in wetland permit application fees
was collected in 2007. Total revenue for wetland permits
was down in 2007 because wetland permit fees were
waived for seven applications involving homes damaged by
the spring floods. Each of these seven applications
involved elevating the residence to or above the 100-year
flood elevation.
Site Plan
Applications The Commission reviewed 4 site plan applications, which
is the fewest number reviewed in the last seven years. All
of the applications involved modifications to existing
buildings or an amendment to prior Planning Commission
approvals. One application, the Apawamis Club, also
required use permitted subject to additional standards and
requirements approval. Three applications required use
permit approval in 2006 and 2005. All approvals resulted
in modifications of the original submission to address
Planning Commission concerns. A total of $5,132.00 in
site plan application fees were collected in 2007. In 2006,
$47,033 in site plan application fees was collected and
$9,940 in 2005.
The northern section of Purchase Street was subject to
significant applications in 2007 including the
redevelopment of a derelict former gas station at 296
Purchase Street and the expansion of an existing pre-war
multi-family/retail building at 220-224 Purchase Street to
construct additional retail, apartments and 24 on-site
parking spaces.
Subdivision
City of Rye, New York 4
2007 Annual Report Planning Commission and Planning Department
Applications The Commission reviewed and approved two subdivision
applications in 2007. One notable application involved the
subdivision of the former Durland Scout Center into two
residential building lots. The following provides a
summary of building lots created in the City since 2002.
Additional Building
Year Lots Created
2007 2
2006 4
2005 2
2004 5
2003 8
2002 6
A total of $2,155.00 in subdivision fees was collected for
the year. A total of $7,550 in subdivision fees was
collected in 2006, which is down from the $8,140 collected
in 2005. A total of $16,050 in subdivision fees was
collected in 2004 and $9,775 collected in 2003.
Land Division/Apportionment
Applications The Department approved one land division or
apportionment applications in 2007. These applications do
not result in the creation of any new building lots, but
rather the modification of existing lot line among property
owners.
The City Code provides for the Building Inspector and City
Planner to approval land division applications.
Administrative staff have routinely approved these types of
applications over the last 40 years. In 2006 the City
Planner elected to send these applications to the Planning
Commission for their approval, however, the experience
proved burdensome for applicants and confusing for the
Commission and public.
Planning Department
Activities 2007 was an active year for the Planning Department. The
City Planner continued his role to provide assistance to the
City Council, Planning Commission and other City
Commissions, Committees and staff in connection with a
variety of special projects.
City of Rye, New York 5
2007 Annual Report Planning Commission and Planning Department
Mission
Statement The purpose or mission of the City of Rye Planning
Department is to preserve and enhance the quality of life in
the City of Rye by responsibly accommodating the
reasonable needs of inevitable future development and
proactively addressing emerging planning issues. To
achieve that purpose the Planning Department assists the
Planning Commission in the review and administration of
land development applications in accordance with the City
Code, City Planning Documents and New York State Law;
provides technical assistance to the City Council, other
City Boards and Commissions and City staff; prepares
and/or oversees special planning studies and analysis; and
assists Rye residents, businesses and professionals with
planning related matters.
2007 Floods –
House Lifting In March and April the City experienced two large and
unprecedented flooding events causing significant damage
to private property and City infrastructure. Amidst the
devastation and community suffering, the Department saw
a unique and historic opportunity to advocate for rebuilding
efforts that made the City less susceptible to damage in the
future. Most significantly, the Department assisted
property owners and City Boards and Commission's with
implementing projects that elevated existing or new homes
above the 100-year FEMA flood elevations. By year's end
there were a total of 10 applications submitted to City's
land use boards to elevate. These residents deserve credit
for not re-building in-kind and taking on the challenges of
making the home hazard resistant. Existing and future
families will benefit from these improvements for
generations.
The Department also prepared draft zoning text
amendments that proposed eliminating or modifying
restrictions that create regulatory obstacles or disincentives
to elevating a home in a flood zone. The need for such
relief was evident since nine of the eleven housing lifting
applications meeting the minimum requirements of City
Code Chapter 100, Floodplain Management, required
Board of Appeal's variances from the City Zoning Code.
Planning Department intern, Andrew Nathanson, assisted
by preparing a digital visualization to the Rye City Council
illustrating the proposed text amendments.
City of Rye, New York 6
2007 Annual Report Planning Commission and Planning Department
2007 Floods –
Hazard Mitigation Within ten days of the April 15 flood the Rye City Council
adopted a Hazard Mitigation Plan, which identifies a range
of action strategies that reduce the City’s exposure and
vulnerability to hazards. The plan is a pre-requisite for
eligibility for state or federal funding for hazard mitigation
projects and was approved by state and federal emergency
management agencies. The Department began work on the
plan in the fall of 2002. It was first presented to the City
Council for their consideration of adoption in June 2004.
The Hazard Mitigation Plan recommended the
implementation of flood reduction projects at City-owned
property at Bowman Avenue in Rye Brook. In 2007, the
Department assisted a consulting engineer retained by the
City Council with the submission of a hazard mitigation
grant for the installation of a sluice gate at the City's
Bowman Avenue spillway. That project will reduce
downstream flood elevations in storm events.
2007 FIRM Maps
And Flood Laws In 2007 the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) issued updated flood insurance rate maps (FIRM)
for all communities in Westchester County. The Planning
Department advised property owners and City Boards and
Commissions on the new flood elevations, which became
critical information for property owners seeking to elevate
their homes above 100-year flood elevations. The
Department also prepared modifications to the model
floodplain management law required by FEMA to be
adopted by the City Council before September 28, 2007.
Stormwater
Regulations The Department was actively involved in implementing
and preparing new stormwater regulations for the City. In
December, the Department assisted the City Council with
the implementation of new stormwater regulations for site
disturbing activities over one acre. This model law was
prepared by New York State Department of Conservation
and was required to be adopted by the City Council before
January 2008.
The Department and City Engineer have been assisting the
Stormwater Runoff Committee with the preparation of new
surface water control requirements for activities involving
less than one acre of disturbance. Proposed revisions to
City of Rye, New York 7
2007 Annual Report Planning Commission and Planning Department
the City's existing requirements are expected to be
presented to the City Council in the first quarter of 2008.
The Department and City Engineer are also working with a
Westchester County committee established after the spring
2007 floods. The Committee is considering new
regulations for development to reduce stormwater runoff
and flooding.
Central Business
District Plan In 2006 the Rye City Council created the Central Business
District (CBD) Task Force that worked with the City
Planner and the consulting firm of Phillips, Preiss Shaprio
Associates. The Task Force (which included four members
of the Planning Commission) met throughout the year and
worked hard to get public input on the issues and
opportunities in the CBD. Task Force members
administered a merchant and shopper survey, facilitated
with the consultant a public workshop in October 2006 and
reached consensus regarding strategies to address three
areas of concern – namely, retail vitality, traffic/parking
and streetscape/design/community character.
The consultant's final plan was completed in March 20071.
During the planning process the Task Force and consultant
engaged the public in a constructive conversation about the
CBD. The Plan resulted in greater awareness of the
challenges confronting the CBD and the choices required to
meet desired outcomes. It’s fair to say that because of this
planning initiative and attention the City Council and
others recognized the CBD’s contribution to the economic
health and social fabric of the City. In the 2007 City
Budget the City Council funded over $400,000 in public
improvements in the CBD including traffic and pedestrian
signals and requested the Task Forces’ recommendation on
CBD enhancements funded from 50% of the parking pay
station revenue in 2007.
Unfortunately, the spring floods required re-assignment of
City resources. All funding for the 2007 budgeted CBD
projects was deferred (except the design of the CBD traffic
signals). Money and staff resources were allocated to
rebuilding public infrastructure damaged by the spring
floods.
1
Plan is on the City website (www.ryeny.gov) under the "Planning Department" page.
City of Rye, New York 8
2007 Annual Report Planning Commission and Planning Department
In 2008 the City Council authorized $70,000 for the
preparation of a capital improvement and streetscape plan
for the CBD. Work will begin on this project in the first
quarter of 2008. The plan will assess the condition of
existing infrastructure and coordinate the implementation
and phasing of numerous capital projects required in the
CBD. The plan will also evaluate potential opportunities to
provide additional pedestrian safety and other aesthetic
enhancements.
Trailways Committee The Department provided somewhat limited and ad-hoc
assistance to sub-committees of the Council-appointed
Temporary Trailways and Traffic Safety Committee. The
Department provided some mapping and participated in
discussions at various meetings providing technical
assistance and guidance when requested.
Boston Post Road Diet &
Purchase St. Roundabout In July 2007 two studies were commissioned by the
Department that assessed the feasibility of alternative
roadway designs in the City. The first project considered
the feasibility of reducing the number of travel lanes (i.e.
"road diet") on Boston Post Road from the
Mamaroneck/City of Rye boundary to the Rye
High/Middle School2. Now is an appropriate time to
consider changes in the lane configuration because the
roadway is to be re-paved in summer 2008 from the
Mamaroneck Line to Rye Golf. The project appears to
result in traffic and pedestrian safety enhancements as
compared to the exiting condition.
The second study examined the feasibility of constructing a
roundabout at the Purchase Street (Route 120)/Hillside
Road/Ridge Street intersection3. The City is considering a
roundabout as an alternative to replacing the two existing
blinking lights with two full traffic signals. A public input
process is expected in the first quarter of 2008.
Planning and Zoning Board
2
Study Plan is on the City website (www.ryeny.gov) under the "Planning Department" page.
3
Study is on the City website (www.ryeny.gov) under the "Planning Department" page.
City of Rye, New York 9
2007 Annual Report Planning Commission and Planning Department
Training 2007 was the first year of a New York State requirement
that all Planning and Zoning Board members receive at
least four hours of training. The City Planner (also a board
member of the Westchester Municipal Planning
Federation) conducted two training sessions for
Westchester officials. In October, Rye hosted a training
session attended by almost roughly 100 Planning and
Zoning Board throughout the County. A second session
was conducted in November in Somers.
GIS Website Enhancements The Department has been assisting a consultant with the
updating and modernization of the City’s web-based
Geographic Information System. This online mapping
feature has become an important information tool to City
Departments and residents.
Planning Department
Staff There were some significant changes to the Planning
Department during the past year.
Christian K. Miller, AICP 2007 was the seventh complete year of service for the City
Planner.
JoAnn Rispoli JoAnn completed three years of service in January 2008.
She has been an asset to all land use departments and
provided invaluable assistance with the many
administrative responsibilities of the City Planning,
Engineering and Building Departments.
City of Rye, New York 10
2007 Annual Report Planning Commission and Planning Department
2007 Land Development
Activity
Application Name Location Project Description
Site Plan Applications
Apawamis Club 2 Club Road Club expansion including additional squash courts, pool house,
new concession stand and other facilities.
25 Purdy Avenue 25 Purdy Modifications/renovations to real estate office.
Avenue
296 Purchase Street 296 Purchase Construction of new two-story building with office/retail use on
Street the first floor and two second floor apartments.
220-224 Purchase Street 220-224 Merge of lots and construction of new retail space, second floor
Purchase Street apartments and off-street parking.
Subdivision Applications & Land Divisions
Colahan Subdivision 556 Forest Ave Subdivision of existing property into two building lots.
330 Stuyvesant Ave 330 Stuyvesant Removal of former Scout Center and division of property into
Ave two building lots for single-family residences.
Giordano 60 & 70 Modification of a lot line.
Stuyvesant Ave.
Wetland Permit Applications
Messina Residence 130 Grace Proposed work includes an addition and a deck to the rear of the
Church St existing house. The entire house and rear yard is in the wetland
buffer.
Pankoff Residence 5 Philips Ln Permit to maintain a deck and hot tub within 100-foot wetland
buffer.
Plutzik Residence 96 Rye Rd Replacing existing caretaker’s cottage along with a planting plan
to accommodate wetlands.
Westchester Country Van Rensselaer Removal of earth stockpile from within a 100-ft wetland buffer
Club Road and restoration of area with topsoil and see. A split rail wood
fence is proposed.
330 Stuyvesant Ave 330 Stuyvesant Modified Use Permitted Subject to Additional Standards and
Ave Requirements.
5 Pine Island Rd 5 Pine Island Rd Maintain Belgian block curbing along Pine Island Road within
the 100-ft wetlands buffer. Violation.
7 South Manursing Island 7 S Manursing Rear terrace extension and bay window addition within the 100-
Island ft wetland buffer.
Tsui Residence 111 Wappanocca Construct second-story addition and wood deck to the rear of the
Ave house within the 100-ft buffer.
Chabot Residence 87 Hix Ave Construct swimming pool, terrace and cabana for residence
within 100-ft wetland buffer.
950 Forest Ave 950 Forest Ave Construction of additions with removal and reconfiguration of
driveway and landscaping within the wetland buffer.
7 Walden Ln 7 Walden Ln Construction of new single family home within the 100-ft
wetland buffer. However, the amount of impervious surfaces
will decrease from 2768 sq. ft to 2151 sq. ft.
Apawamis Club 2 Club Road Proposed club expansion including additional squash courts, pool
house, a new concession stand and other facilities.
6 Sharon Ln 6 Sharon Ln Construction of a porch and the re-alignment of the driveway due
to the re-orientation of the garage within the 100-ft buffer.
City of Rye, New York 11
2007 Annual Report Planning Commission and Planning Department
Application Name Location Project Description
290 Stuyvesant Ave 290 Stuyvesant New additions to include interior and exterior renovations to
Ave single-family residence and accessory building along with in-
ground swimming pool, stone terrace and retaining walls plus
new entry and parking court.
92 Mendota Ave 92 Mendota Ave Rear addition and a deck along with a front porch and
replacement of driveway.
6 Dalphin Drive 6 Dalphin Drive Addition within the 100 ft. wetland buffer.
Basmanov Property 265 Grace Construction of residence within wetland buffer.
Church St.
79 Wappanocca Ave 79 Wappacnocca Removal of existing house and construction of new house.
Ave
100 Mendota Ave 100 Mendota Construction of front porch/steps, rear deck, planting area, patio
Ave with trellis within 100-ft buffer of Blind Brook.
96 Mendota Ave 96 Mendota Ave Construction of front steps, rear steps/deck and new mechanical
room with 100-ft buffer of Blind Brook.
86 Mendota Ave 86 Mendota Ave Construction of front steps, rear steps/deck and new mechanical
room.
33 Pondview Rd 33 Pondview Rd Addition to the house, new entry walk, demolition of an existing
shed and construction of new 2 car garage.
511 Midland Ave 511 Midland Request to maintain existing cedar and link fences in wetland
Ave buffer. Violation.
5 Kirby Ln 5 Kirby Ln Property work includes raising approx. 85 lineal feet of an
existing
147 Wappanocca Ave 147 Wappanocca Proposed work includes the conversion of the existing raised rear
Ave deck into a sunroom and an addition of a rear wood deck.
2 Sackett Landing 2 Sackett Demolition and replacing wall, pool, pergola, walk and grading
Landing of landscaping.
Van De Voort Residence 134 Kirby Ln Extension of time to approved permit for a two-story residence
addition, pool, and terrace.
American Yacht Club 400 Stuyvesant Drainage improvements within wetland buffer.
Ave
135 Wappanocca Ave 135 Wappanocca Removal of existing residence and construction of new
Ave residence.
Manursing Island Club 1 S Manursing Reconstruction of portions of existing main clubhouse along with
Island Rd pool within wetland buffer.
130 Grace Church Street 130 Grace Proposed work includes a deck to the right side corner of the
Church St house.
30 Norman Drive 30 Norman Dr Construction of an in-ground swimming pool.
Other Activity
Rockridge Christmas Tree 280 Purchase Temporary Sales of Christmas Trees
Sales Street
City of Rye, New York 12
CITY OF RYE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
MEMORANDUM
TO: O. Paul Shew, City Manager
FROM: George J. Mottarella, City Engineer
SUBJECT: 2007 Annual Report
DATE: January 31, 2008
As required, enclosed herewith is the annual report for the Department of Public Works.
In March and again in April, the City experienced devastating floods. Public Works
crews worked together with the Police and Fire Departments to rescue and protect the
public during both storm events. After each storm when the danger was over and the
water receded, extensive damage was revealed. But the second storm proved itself to be
truly disastrous. Residents along the Blind Brook had water pushing through the living
floors of their homes, the newly renovated Locust Firehouse was inundated, the Central
Avenue bridge and the stream walls along Elm Place and Theo. Fremd Avenue were
destroyed and everywhere trees were entangled in power lines, sewers were surcharged
and budgets and schedules were thrown out.
The sanitation crews, joined by every available employee from the other crews, went
through the neighborhoods again and again, picking up flood-ruined household goods.
The April 15th storm, records show, produced almost twice the tonnage in debris that the
March storm did. Public Works staff coordinated with contractors to get the Locust
Firehouse back on track to be occupied. Damages included the boiler system,
communication equipment, the rugs and sheetrock on the first floor, plumbing and
wiring. The road crews were busy tending to the pump stations, generators and assisting
the garage with heavy equipment immersed in flood water.
I have gone into greater detail under each cost center and tables are included to allow
comparisons from year to year.
Administration:
This function is responsible for the supervision of all public works activities and was
staffed in 2007 as shown on the organizational chart included in the appendix. Primary
responsibilities include the following:
1. Record keeping (attendance, payroll, purchasing, accounting, waste collection
and disposal tonnage, recycling tonnage, organic waste tonnage, general
1
supervision of records kept by other department functions). See appendix for
Leave Analysis.
2. Communication with residents (requests, complaints, general information) and
coordination with volunteer groups (Trees for Rye, Ceres Garden Club, etc.)
3. Scheduling of personnel.
4. Budget preparation and monitoring.
5. Preparation of annual reports for the transfer station, the City’s seven pump
stations, sewers and sewerage transport.
6. Administering fuel consumption by all City agencies, the Rye City School
District, the Rye Town Park, and the Southeast Consortium. The following is
a graph comparing gallons of fuel dispensed in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007:
Type 2004 2005 2006 2007
Gasoline 53,376 gal. 57,607 gal. 50,131 gal. 52,154 gal.
Diesel 36,578 gal. 34,843.1 gal. 35,132 gal. 40,456 gal.
Traffic Control:
This function is divided into two areas of responsibility. The first is maintenance of the
City’s 25 traffic signals and 10 flashing beacons. The Public Works Department
responded to all controller malfunctions and changed 32 bulbs.
The signals at the intersection of Boston Post Road and Purchase Street were struck three
separate times by truck traffic. These signals are old and no longer meet NYSDOT
standards for height (14’6”). DPW managed to repair them but parts are increasingly
difficult to find.
The second area is maintenance of the City’s traffic and street signs and the upkeep of the
line markings on City streets and parking lots. One employee is scheduled for this full-
time with part-time help as needed.
Listed below is a chart of the sign and post replacements done in 2007:
Round U-Channel
Reasons Signs Posts Posts
Deterioration 120 15 32
Accident 25 5 11
Vandalism 9 6 3
Missing 22 9 11
New 105 36 42
Straighten/Reset 148
This year the crew used 235 gallons of paint, white and yellow, and 4000 lbs. of
reflective beads to paint the parking lots and cross walks throughout the City. Safety
Marking, an outside contractor, was hired again in 2007 to do the double lines and the
2
skip lines. This year they striped 17 ½ miles of double lines on the streets and 1.6 miles
of white “skip” lines. The acrylic paint mandated for environmental reasons only lasts
about a year before fading out from the traffic and weather.
Road Maintenance:
Details of street resurfacing are in the City Engineer’s Annual Report since that
department prepares the contract and supervises the work. The sidewalk replacement
program is also handled by the Engineering Department and is covered in their Annual
Report as well.
However, even with increased funding in the capital budget, it is difficult to keep up with
the deterioration of the roads. The road crew from Public Works does the day-to-day
maintenance; potholes, trench repair and the smaller resurfacing tasks. This crew also
repairs asphalt curbs and driveways damaged by the City’s plowing operations each
winter. This year the City’s road crew put down 652.42 tons of blacktop for road repair
and 30 tons of winter mix. Boston Post Road (Rye Golf Club to the Mamaroneck line)
and Theall Road again required tons of asphalt patching to make them driveable. The
curb machine (purchased in the 1950’s) became inoperable early in the year and the
garage could not get parts. A limited amount of hand curb was installed where necessary.
A new asphalt curb machine is funded in 2008.
The City and the utility companies are required by the State to mark out their
underground facilities before any kind of excavation to avoid damage. Public Works
marks out the City’s storm drains and sanitary sewer lines. An employee is assigned to
this every day to keep up with the public utility excavations as well as the many building
and renovation jobs going on throughout the community. Although the Code 53 system
creates a lot of work, it allows the department to keep track of who is digging up the
pavement and can be held responsible for its restoration.
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
# of Mark Outs 808 717 972 997 858 774 742
Snow Removal:
The following is a breakdown of storm activity for this year:
Date Snowfall Action Remarks
January 18th Trace to 1” Salted
January 25th 1” snow Salted
January 30th 1” snow Salted
February 3rd ½” ice Salted
February 13th 2” ice Salted & plowed
February 25th 3 ½” snow/ice Salted & plowed Village pickup
March 7th ½” ice Salted
3
March 16th 6” sleet Salted & plowed Village pickup
December 2nd 1” snow Salted
December 13th 2” snow/sleet Salted & plowed
December 16th 2” sleet Salted & plowed
The Department of Public Works handled 20 inches of snow this year (2006 had 27
inches) and salted all the school parking lots four times. Two snow removal operations
were necessary in the Central Business District because the two of the storms noted
above had ice layered in. The snow removal operation is a difficult and costly operation
since it can only be done at night when the cars and pedestrians are gone from the area.
Special “No Parking Snow Removal” signs are posted to insure this. It should be noted
that this year more cars than ever remained on the streets overnight regardless of the
seasonal no parking regulations, making plowing difficult and messy.
Below is a comparison table of the amount of material purchased in the last few years:
Type of material 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Salt (in tons) 2,169 1,084 2,126 3,200 2,553 1,610 1,323
Calcium Chloride (in 7,110 3,370 5,055 8,234 7,451 2,972 5,280
gallons)
The price of salt in January 2007 was $47.75 a ton. By the end of the year it was up to
$53.25 a ton, a 10% increase in price. Due to the relatively mild winter the City got by
with 300 tons less than the year before. However, since several of the storms were
“turners” (ice to snow to sleet), almost double the amount of calcium chloride was
purchased. This product assists the salt to work under icing conditions.
Street Lights:
This function is responsible for maintaining, installing and/or replacing all of the 2,105
streetlights on City-owned streets. Public Works has replaced almost all the old mercury
vapor lights with high-pressure sodium to increase energy efficiency.
The following chart shows a comparison of work done from 2001 to 2007:
Work Item 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Bulbs 387 403 398 399 412 329 368
Fuses 46 86 109 103 115 147 125
Starter Boards 23 30 27 31 28 26 29
Power Outages 20 19 22 18 22 13 27
Pigtails 36 35 42 30 38 26 35
Photo Cells 138 162 180 200 215 132 144
Lenses 18 16 12 15 15 14 15
Replacement Heads 52 34 13 29 25 30 27
Replacement Poles 8 3 9 8 7 8 8
4
Power Doors 16 12 15 14 12 4 7
Off-Street Parking:
This function’s responsibility is to maintain the City’s parking lots, including repairing
the mechanical meters and maintaining the shrubbery and grounds around them. The
central pay stations (the “LUKES”) are now stocked and repaired by a part-time
employee who reports to the City Planner.
Due to the amount of loose debris that is continually present in the Central Business
District the sweeper comes in early three times a week to sweep when the parking lots are
emptiest.
Sanitary Sewers:
This function’s responsibility is to maintain and clean the City’s 53.4 miles of sanitary
sewer lines, 1,400+ manholes and seven pump stations. In 2007, Public Works cleared
17 blockages, cleaned 5.4 miles of sanitary lines and repaired 4 sewer manholes. The
Department replaced 9 feet of sewer pipe. Two new sewer manholes were built. The
Department responds whenever there is a sewer backup at any property within the City.
The crew checks the City’s mains, usually cleaning them while the truck is there. If the
problem is in the property’s lateral, it is the owner’s responsibility to clear the blockage
or repair the pipe. The resident is advised personally by Public Works of their findings
after any such call.
Truck 8 is a vacuum/flushing apparatus that is used to clear blockages, suck out wet wells
and catch basins and flush out the sanitary and drainage lines. It is on the road nearly
every day and sees a great deal of wear and tear. When, for any reason, it is not in
service and there is an emergency, the department calls on the Village of Port Chester,
who lends us their truck and Public Works returns the favor when Port Chester calls us.
This relationship has proved mutually beneficial several times.
The sanitary line servicing all of Purchase Street’s commercial district reduces to two
small lines at the Locust Avenue Bridge near the firehouse. After the flood events of the
spring a rock became wedged into one of the smaller lines. Because the entire Central
Business District is on this line and the location (the line actually runs underneath the
streambed) the decision was made to hold off digging and try jetting and rodding to
dislodge the blockage. It took four months of jetting, camera work and the assistance of
a small jetter from a contractor to finally blow the brick free. During that entire time it
was left to the sewer crew to keep the Purchase Street sanitary line clean enough to keep
running through the one remaining small line.
The Dearborn pump station has an on-going problem with mop heads being pushed into
the system. They become entangled in the pumps and must be removed manually. The
lines were smoke-tested to find the source but the results were inconclusive. Both pumps
5
at the Greenhaven station needed rewiring, which must be done one at a time. This
station and Hewlett are the only ones with spare pumps so this can be done and still have
two pumps working. The department is budgeting to purchase spare pumps for the other
stations as a backup measure.
The long-awaited camera was finally obtained with a grant from the USEPA defraying
55% of the cost. This new piece of equipment runs a camera through the City’s sanitary
and drain lines and records on video and paper what it sees. It is an excellent tool in
diagnosing problems, however, every time it is used it shows the myriad of problems
these systems have developed over the years.
Storm Drains:
This function’s responsibility is to maintain and clean the City’s 29.9 miles of storm
drain lines, 400 manholes, 1,500 catch basins and open ditches. In 2007, 25 catch basins
were repaired and two drain manholes. 2.75 miles of drainage line and 213 catch basins
were cleaned. 39 feet of drainage line was replaced.
All the drains and catch basins in Indian Village were cleaned and jetted this year.
Obstructions from roots and debris were found and removed, including a water main
installed right through the City’s drain, which had to be moved by the water company.
Refuse & Garbage Collection:
Twelve sanitation workers are assigned full-time to this task supervised by the Sanitation
Foreman. These twelve men collect household garbage at each residence and/or business
twice weekly, rear-yard collection. Bulk trash is collected once a week curbside from
each location, as is “green” waste. Residents having bulk over two cubic yards are
charged. In 2007, $330.00 in revenue was received by the City under this function.
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Garbage/Trash 6,810.75 6,734.90 7,152.96 6,890.7 7,009.98 7,418.6
Tons
Green Waste 1,902.72 823.57* 1,059.77 974.81 1,245.28 3,006.34**
Total Weight 8,713.47 8,210.95 7,865.51 8,255.26 10,424.94
*Port Chester’s scale malfunctioned.
**Includes leaves this year (see Recycling).
The department takes pride in maintaining its customer satisfaction record. Public Works
visits almost every residence and business three times a week on collection routes -
15,000 visits. Complaints about service are less than 2%.
Recycling:
6
The City collects newspaper, junk mail, phone books, corrugated cardboard, tin cans,
bottles and plastic containers every week at the curb from every residence and business
that participates. While recycling is mandatory in Westchester County, not everyone is
on board. In 2008, the County will be refusing garbage that has noticeable amounts of
recycling in it.
Metal other than food/beverage cans is collected curbside by City forces. Residents are
required to call for metal collection and the two employees assigned to recycling do the
collection on Wednesdays. This collection includes large appliances (refrigerators,
stoves, etc.) for which the City charges $30.00. Residents may opt to bring in their own
appliances in to avoid paying a fee and many do.
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
# of Metal Stops 2,712 1,875 2,004 2,084 2,435 2,451
In 2007, the City received $1,590.00 in revenue for collection of large appliances and
scrap metal generated an additional $8,883.40 (up $3,500.00 from last year due to the
higher value of the materials).
The City continues to host the County of Westchester’s “CRT” dumpster at the recycling
center in Disbrow Park. Residents and surrounding communities are permitted to bring
in TVs and computer equipment and the County provides removal of the dumpster when
it fills up.
The leaves collected by the City are now carted away. The mulching operation at
Disbrow Park has been discontinued and all green waste goes to a County facility. This
was the first year leaves were collected in paper bags. Because the residents were given
all of 2006 to digest this fact, relatively few problems were encountered this fall.
The following is a chart of recycling tonnage collected from 2002 through 2007:
Material 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Metal 226.16 195.38 213.5 175.26 327.58 193.67
Pulp 1,938.73 1,963.89 1,906.19 1,877.78 1,866.56 1,863.64
Co-mingled 600.89 584.86 587.59 609.17 608.19 664.94
Greenwaste 815.2 933.85 734.60 486.83 664.24 3,006.34
Tires 8.29 9.0 3.54 2.62 1.88 2.36
TOTAL 3,224.07 3,203.13 3,160.82 3,151.66 5,468.45 5,730.95
Street Cleaning:
The responsibility of this function is to sweep and clean the City’s street and parking lots
on a regular basis. In 2007, the streets were swept every three weeks, the Central
Business District and its parking lots three times a week. The street sweepings are
removed by a private container service as sanitary waste.
7
Street 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Sweepings
Tons 60.93 222.71 183.08 391.13 408.43 333.06
Rodent & Insect Control:
The County of Westchester treated the storm drains again this year to keep down the
mosquito population and West Nile Virus.
Community Beautification:
It is the job of this function to maintain the parklets, cul-de-sacs, cemeteries, the Village
Green, City Hall and areas around the City’s sanitary pump stations. Duties include grass
cutting, weeding, flower planting, debris collection, shrub and hedge trimming. The
hanging baskets went up and were watered daily. Large concrete flower pots, purchased
by the Garden Club, were installed along Purchase Street and these plants are also
watered daily as well during the summer season.
The flooding destroyed the landscaping in the City’s parking lots and the parks crew had
to redo them twice, from cleaning up silt and debris to putting down new Terrabond®
and planting new vegetation. Both times the men walked along the entire brook area and
picked rubbish from branches and stream beds. The open drain parallel to Midland
Avenue was cleaned as well. The outfall grate for this drain is cleaned weekly as a
matter of course. The Bowman Dam area needed cleaning constantly, not just from the
flooding events, but due to the imminent installation of a special computer system to
measure the dam’s level. All the undergrowth was removed and the tree crew cleared out
several trees as well.
Shade Trees:
Under this function the City’s shade trees are pruned, dead trees are removed, stumps
ground down and new trees planted. Funding was available to purchase 23 new trees, all
of which were planted. Additional trees donated by Trees for Rye and other residents
were planted as well.
A massive tree with its roots weakened by flooding fell on the house at 40 Highland
Road. The tree crew assisted Evergreen Arborists who picked the tree off the house with
their crane. DPW restored the resident’s lawn and privet hedging.
Con Edison hired a new contractor to do their take-downs and implement their new 10-
15-10 policy (trimming/removing trees and branches around power wires 10 feet side to
side and 15 feet above). Their work proved to be very displeasing to residents and City
officials and DPW had to mediate twice when tempers flared. The contractor, Lewis
Tree Service, also drops any wood they trim and the DPW crew must collect it, but
usually at the resident’s request since the contractor fails to advise anyone. The Tree
8
Foreman worked at maintaining a relationship with the Con Edison staff, since many
times the City and the residents must be at the mercy of their timetable.
The following is a breakdown of the tree work for 2001 through 2007.
Work Done 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Removed 77 55 41 51 93 164 235
Trimmed 181 383 361 183 420 160 379
Emergency Calls 25 190 90 50 160 284 55
New Plantings 30 27 37 41 31 42 55
Stumps Ground 62 38 88 26 162 139
The Tree Foreman also issues permits for residents to take down their own trees if they
are in the required yard abutting a public piece of property (street, park, etc.) In 2007, 85
permits were issued after processing 135 requests.
Garage:
This function’s responsibility is to service, repair and maintain the City’s motorized fleet,
which includes:
Department Cars Trucks Heavy Equipment Misc. Equipment
Police 20 1 1 5 (1 boats, 4
trailers)
DPW 1 30 13 25
Staff 10 1
Fire 4 1 6 (4 pumps, 2 3 (boats)
(pickup) ladders)
Recreation 4 6 1 7
Golf Club 1 3 1 15
Boat Basin 1 1 7
Total 39 43 23 62
Please note that this table is based on Public Works Equipment Inventory at the end of
2007 and does not include the innumerable pieces of small equipment, i.e. chain saws,
small mowers, weed-whackers, hedge trimmers, jack-hammers, diamond-saws, pumps,
generators, etc. The garage staff services all the pump station and emergency
generators in the City facilities.
This year the garage crew had to custom-fit a new diesel engine into the 1946 Road
Grader. While this piece of equipment is old, it is too expensive to replace and is still
used to pick up snow in the village. The garage is privileged to have two very talented
welders in the garage, Pete Johnson and Dean Columbo, who did the entire retrofitting
job in-house. This team has done several pieces of custom metal work on the City’s
9
equipment. Mr. Johnson was also called upon to fiberglass the police boat twice when
the hull was damaged.
Specifications for a new fuel system were prepared in 2007 and bid. The successful
bidder should have this new system installed early in 2008.
Building Maintenance:
This cost center is staffed by a three-man crew with the Sanitation Foreman supervising
the operation, buying supplies and hiring outside contractors.
The responsibility of this function is to clean City Hall, the Police Station, and the Public
Works’ buildings. Maintenance and repair work for all City buildings is handled on a
call-in basis. The Maintenance Worker performs the repair work, using the Public Works
labor pool for assistance when necessary. If the repair is beyond the resources of the
City employees, the Foreman contacts vendors for proposals and selects one satisfactory
in experience and cost.
As mentioned in the opening statement, the Locust Firehouse was just nearing
completion and occupation when the building flooded April 15th. The rugs, sheetrock,
and all the mechanicals in the basement were submerged. DPW coordinated and assisted
contractors in disposing of the rugs and sheetrock, setting up dehumidifiers and
continually securing the building. After the Fire Department moved in, the Building
Foreman continued to contact various contractors to correct problems as they came up.
City Hall is scheduled to gradually receive new fan coil units in each of the offices and
three were installed in 2007. The Mayor’s conference room got new blinds. DPW
personnel cleaned and painted the Civil Defense Director’s old office in the basement so
it could be used for training on a new computer system.
Renovations to the Police Station got underway late in 2006 and continued throughout
2007. The Sergeant’s room still remains to be done. The foreman coordinated a
substantial amount of work on the heating system, including getting the flue/chimney
repaired and raised high enough to allow the boiler to work properly. He also had the
steam valve from the boiler replaced. DPW also had to remove the holding cell after it
was destroyed by a prisoner.
The “CVS” building continues to require service from DPW. The tenant asked that the
vine residue be removed, which was done. And, when the tenant proceeded to paint the
building neon green and electric blue, DPW had to stop him and coordinate another
painter to repaint the façade correctly. Also, the tenant removed an air conditioner from
the roof causing a roof leak. DPW got it fixed. DPW also coordinates all the
maintenance and repair to the building’s HVAC system.
At Public Works a new furnace for the maintenance garage was ordered under a capital
contract and will be installed early in 2008. A new video security system was installed
10
throughout outside the primary buildings. DPW personnel replaced the shingles and
gabling on Building #1. MacKenzie replaced the electrical connections to the building
which had aged to the point to deterioration.
For the first part of the year the staff cleaned the Nature Center. However, the Friends of
the Nature Center now do their own cleaning with supplies from Public Works.
In response to requests from the new director of the Square House, DPW assessed the
roof and the chimneys. Because the rear roof was leaking badly, a contractor was
ordered to repair it at once. The chimneys are collapsing from the inside and require
special masonry work with scaffolding since the roof cannot be walked on.
The status of the Friends Meeting House remained as the previous year.
11
LEAVE ANALYSIS 2005
Numbers shown below are in man-days taken:
TYPE 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Vacation 892.25 947.5 990.25 918.75 896.75 869.5
Sick 343.25 395.5 401 433.5 321.25 385.5
Floating 52 51 51 46 48 42
Holiday
Personal 252.5 226.5 264.25 245 241.75 238.25
Workers Comp. 286.75 413.5 257.25 253 254 439
Other Leave* 258 262 282 279 35 33
Comp. Time** 81.25 191.5 80.75 104.5 127 84
Total Time 2,166.0 2,487.5 2,326.5 2,279.75 1,953.75 2091.25
*Other leave includes bereavement leave, jury duty, military leave, leave without pay and
suspensions.
**Compensatory time taken in lieu of overtime pay.
12
DPW ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Mayor & City Council
City Manager
City Engineer
Senior Office Assistant - General Foreman - Dispatcher
Community Beautification
General Operations Solid Waste/Recycling & Shade Trees Central Garage Building Maintenance
1 - Road Foreman 1 - Sanitation Foreman 1 - Labor Foreman 1 - Garage Foreman 1 - Maint. Mechanic
1 - Asst. Road Foreman 12 - Sanitation Men 1 - Tree Trimmer 5- Auto. Mechanics 2 – Laborers
3 - Maintenance Men 2 - Recycling Men 1 - Motor Equip. Operator 1 – Asst. Auto Mechanic
4 - Motor Equip. Operators 1 - Motor Equip. Operator 2 - Skilled Laborers 1 – Auto. Mech. Helper
1 - Skilled Laborers 4 - Laborer/Jumpers 3 - Laborers
5 - Laborers
Work Functions Work Functions Work Functions Work Functions Work Functions
Maintain Sewer & Drain Garbage Collection & Trimming/Removal Maintenance of Vehicles Maintenance of City
Lines & Pump Stations Disposal /Planting Trees Boats, Portable Equip. Buildings:
Sanding, Salting & Trash Collection & Landscape Maintenance Maintain generators in Public Works
Plowing Disposal buildings & pump City Hall
stations Police Station
Traffic Lights Recycling Collection Parking Lot Cleaning Fuel Dispensing Nature Center
Street Lights Green Waste Removal Street Sweeping Repair City Buildings:
Road & Curb Maintenance Pest Control Listed Above
Signs & Lines City Sidewalk Clearing CVS
Parking Meters Firehouses
Friends Mtg. House
13
Funded by a Grant through the
Westchester County Legacy
Program, the Friends of Rye
Recreation Skate Park and the
City of Rye
Skate Park
Grand Opening
July 2, 2007
~ Rye Recreation Department ~
Table of Contents
• Cover Letter 3
• Mission Statement 4
• Commission Members & Staff (part-time & seasonal) 5-9
• Financial Policies & Budget 10 - 12
• Summary Review of Recreation Commission 13 - 14
Actions and Accomplishments
• Major Accomplishments 15 - 18
• Major Equipment Acquisitions 19
• Facilities/Shared Services 20 - 22
• Program Attendance 23 - 26
• Gift Catalogue & Community Organizations 27
2
CITY OF RYE
Department of Recreation
Commission Chair 281 Midland Avenue Superintendent
DOUGLAS FRENCH Rye, NY 10580 WILLIAM T. RODRIGUEZ
914/967-2535
Fax 914/967-5521
2007 Annual Report
I am pleased to submit for your review, on behalf of the Rye Recreation Staff and the Rye
Recreation Commission, the 2007 Annual Report.
Our mission remains “to provide quality leisure services through a comprehensive program of
activities and facility management". In striving to accomplish this mission our focus will
continue to be placed on maintaining efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Rye Recreation is very appreciative of the continued support and cooperation provided by each
and every department within the City of Rye. This approach enables Rye Recreation to continue
its journey toward customer satisfaction and quality service throughout its operation.
Yours truly,
William T. Rodriguez
William T. Rodriguez, Superintendent
Rye Recreation Department
WTR/kmn
3
Mission Statement
MISSION: To provide quality leisure services through a comprehensive program of
activities and facility management.
GOAL: To provide services and programs for Pre-School through Senior Adults
while always striving to be cost effective and efficient. All services
attempt to offer creative use of unobligated time that benefits the
individual, family and community.
VALUES:
• Quality in everything we do.
• Respect for our customers and employees by always being honest,
ethical and fair.
• Sound management by being responsible & efficient.
Pride in our:
History & Tradition
Fellow Employees
Appearance & Presentation
Job & Performance
Entire Organization
4
2007 RECREATION COMMISSION
AND DEPARTMENT STAFF
Recreation Commission
Doug French, Chair, Chairman
Bart J. DiNardo, Vice Chairman
Douglas Carey
Bobbi Billington
Scott Florio
Frank Adimari
Esther Martensen
Thomas Maloney
Steve Verille
Full-Time Recreation Staff
William T. Rodriguez, Superintendent
Sally Rogol, Assistant Superintendent
Katherine Napolitano, Secretary
Matthew Nordt, Sr. Recreation Leader
Matt Trainor, Sr. Recreation Leader (Appointed in February)
William Gentry, Park Foreman
John De Marco, Assistant Park Foreman
Kelvin Ceballos, Park Groundsman (Appointed in September)
Frank Cecere, Park Groundsman
Part-Time Staff
Nancy Fedorchak, Registration
Danielle Angilletta
Julianne May, Registration (* resigned in August)
Tiffany Bartlett, Registration
Melissa Cohen, Registration
Kathryn Morgan, Registration
Stephanie Schilling, Registration
Casey Dianni, Registration
Vicky Hulit, Registration
Kelly Pryor, Registration
Senior Adult Program Staff
Janet O’Neill, Director
Erin Riedel, Assistant (Hired in September)
5
Contractual Program Staff – 2007
Program Company Instructor /Owner
Arts & Crafts & Pre-K Sports Kathy Pasquale
Basketball & Vacation Camps Intro Sports USA Larry Gilman
Computers Score Educational Center
Danceapaloosa Laura Lavelle
Field Hockey (Indoor) Donna O’Connor
Field Hockey (Outdoor) Amanda Massaro
Guitar Zev Haber
Karate Rico dos Anjos/Russsell Fulmore
Mad Science Mad Science of Westchester Rob Diaz
Skating Westchester County Playland
Tennis Margaret DeFilippo
Yoga Janet Muller
Yoga for Kids Bryn Page-Northshield
Senior Adult Program Staff – 2007
First Name Last Name Program
Valerie Barrett Senior Horticulture
Janet Brodie Senior Quilting
Sophie Diamond Senior Bus Driver
Pamela Francella-Stonehouse Senior Line Dancing
Noel Hart Senior Choir
Inge Lorentzen Senior Fitness
Kathy Pasquale Senior Oil Painting/Arts & Crafts
Neville Warburton Senior Stretching
Seasonal Maintenance Staff – 2007
First Name Last Name
Kelvin Ceballos *
Alex Delgado
Nestor Diaz
Jesse Gentry
Frank Lopez
Eldiberto Romero
* Hired as a full time employee in September ‘07
6
Recreation Program Staff – 2007
First Name Last Name First Name Last Name
Lynn Adimari Colin Hart
Danielle Angilletta Vicky Hulit
Rocco Angilletta Samuel Jackson
Francis Archibald Josh Kaplan
Leslie Barnhardt Melinda Kettler
Tiffany Bartlett Jennifer Kettler
Kevin Belle Joshua Kirsch
Ross Bersaggi Deborah Kozlowski
Matthew Breitel * Rashidi Lewis
Jeffrey Broderick Amanda Massaro
James V Brody Christopher May
Erik Brown Adam McReddie
Kathleen Castillo Colin Moran
Peter Ceccarelli Kathryn Morgan
Kenneth Chang Pattianne Nordt
Melissa S Cohen Donna O’Connor
Mathew Cohen Connor M O'Grady
Cathy Culyer Christopher Osterhoudt
Jim Culyer Patricia Pasquale
Christopher Dawson Julien Peinado*
Leah DeCaro Matthew Rix
Greg DeGaetano Philip S Robinson
Frank Dellaripa Joshua Samples
Casey Dianni Caitlyn Santoro
Max DiEdwards Anthony Savarese
William Donnelly Daniel Schilling
Matthew Dunn Andrew Smith
Harrison Ehrlich Thomas Sullivan *
Alexis Ehrlich Tim Tolve
Pierre Eliezer Tharyn Valencia
Samuel Fulmer Jonathan Welling
RJ Hadi*
* Asterisk designates volunteer staff
Tennis Attendants 2007
First Name Last Name
Rocco Angilletta
Angela Carter
Brittany Carter
Gregory DeGaetano
Sophie Diamond
Patricia Pasquale
7
Camp Staff 2007
Lower Camp Director: Dennis Hurlie Upper Camp Director: Matthew
Nordt
Assistant Director: Jessica Massaro Assistant Director: Rocco Angilletta
Kiddy Camp Director: Beth McCabe Camp78 Director: Michael Taylor
Assistant Director: Colleen Cahill
First Name Last Name First Name Last Name First Name Last Name
John Abbott Hannah Cohn Mike Galiani
Lynn Adimari Jason Contreras Elise Garafalo
Jose Angeles* Jen Culyer Jackie Gardner *
Erik Antico Catherine Cypher Denise Geertgen
Alexander Antico* Tyron Davis James Geoghegan
Clark Antico Zoe Davitt * Jake Gordon
Travis Appleby Kelsey Dean Joan Graham
Michael Baine Kaitlin Dean Danielle Greirson
James Barbour Gregory DeGaetano Cathy Groglio
J.P. Barrett* Alex deWinter * Andres Guerrero
Tiffany Bartlett Casey Dianni Lindsey Hanley *
Pat Bassett Erica DiNardo Courtney Hano
Carolyn Bean Billy Donnelly Colin Hart
Sarah Bergman * Kyle Douglas Cathy Henne
Jamie Billington Patrick Doyle Alfredo Holguin *
Christine Bisordi Stephanie Drace Vicky Hulit
Sarah Bissonnette Harrison Ehrlich Jordan Hummel
Max Bonsall* Alexis Ehrlich Yuki Kawae
Emily Brettauer Pierre Eliezer Allison Kehoe
Peter Brody Maggie Ernest Maura Kelly
Erik Brown Marion Fanelli Sean Kelly *
Stephanie Burke Matthew Fedorchak * Laurel Kennedy *
Lauren Cahill Ninfa Fiocco Juliana Kennedy
Brittany Carter Judy Florio * Jennifer Kiarsis
Amanda Catanzaro Alex Florio Kris Kilipi
Juan Chang Brittany Flynn Dan Klemens
Mandy Cho Keegan Flynn Kate Koval
Shannon Clowe * Maddie Foley Ani Krikorian
Matt Cohen Karl Forsman Shayne Laidlaw
Melissa Cohen Sam Fulmer Cody Laidlaw *
* Asterisk designates volunteer staff
8
Camp Staff 2007 - continued
First Name Last Name First Name Last Name
Melissa Lindsay Tyler Reisner
Luke Lynett * Matt Rix
Clay MacGuire * Eric Robbins
Lisa Mancuso Max Robinson *
Elizabeth Marren Sharron Rodriguez
Kathleen Marren Robbie Santangelo
Leo Matthews * Caitlin Santoro
Brogan Matthews Alicia Sbordone
Janet McClure Andrew Schilling *
Emma McFarland Dan Schilling
Jillian McGowan Stephanie Schilling
Tara McHugh Tim Sestito *
Jennifer McHugh Meredith Siefert *
Kevin Miller * Samantha Stiglianese
Natalie Moore * Eddie Szamborski *
Kahea Mueller * Ayaka Takei *
Morgan Muller * Alyssa Torragrossa
Taku Nishino Sheila Totis
Ai Nishino Kevin Turco *
Sarah Niss * Alex Urso
Tishauna Nixon * Anthony Vitiello *
Denise O'Connor Brendan Wall *
Matt O'Neill Eddie Walter
Kelly O'Neill * Maggie Ward
Dana Paolino Miriam Ward *
Ariel Pariser JB Welling
Eric Pierot Rachel Wong *
Cat Raynor *
* Asterisk designates volunteer staff
9
Fees and Charges
Fees and Charges are utilized to help defray the cost of the recreation operation because:
• Financial Policy for the City of Rye states that the recreation function will strive to
return 40% of its operational cost through revenue and user fees. (Revised on
December 18, 2003.)
• A city wide survey distributed in 1991 demonstrated a strong desire for user fees to be
a primary revenue source especially for Culture and Recreation.
• User fees are more widely accepted as a means for defraying recreation costs.
• Declining Federal and State resources and reluctance to increase property tax has
made user fees a reasonable alternative.
• User fees allow for greater accountability and higher level of service.
• Participants tend to be more appreciative and involved when fees are paid.
• Research demonstrates that fees and charges do not result in lower tax base but can
actually serve to build a greater interest base.
10
Fee and Charge Policy
The Rye Recreation Commission adopted a financial policy on April 8, 1992, that states:
A financial policy will be utilized as a guideline for the purpose of developing and
evaluating all fees and charges for programs, facilities and services within Rye
Recreation.
• All programs, facilities and services that generate fees should be reviewed
regularly.
• Fees and charges should be used to supplement general tax appropriations.
• General recreation areas and facilities used primarily by the general public for
community recreation purposes under the department's auspices should not be
subject to charges unless special costs are incurred.
• Use of public recreation areas by private groups should be charged fees at
comparable commercial rates.
• Residents who derive a direct benefit from the recreation service should pay for
the service through a user fee.
• Programs that are open to the general public and not restricted (Special Events)
should be defrayed by local taxes appropriations.
• Adult Programs should be subject to a user fee that incorporates all costs.
• Generally speaking local government has a responsibility to provide basic
recreational services to citizens with special needs. These costs should be
defrayed by local tax appropriations.
• Scholarship Policy: It is the policy of the Rye Recreation Commission that no
individual shall be denied participation in a recreation program because of
inability to pay. A scholarship program has been developed to assist those with
need.
11
2007 Total Budget
Total Revenues 2007 Actual 2007 Budget 2006 Actual
Adult Recreation 8,431.00 13,500.00 8,147.00
Rec. Activity/Fees 168,246.00 161,000.00 157,509.00
Building Use 26,627.00 35,000.00 16,471.00
Camp 427,990.00 401,000.00 393,516.00
Camp Sponsorship 12,011.00 12,500.00 12,583.00
Picnic Fees 15,120.00 16,000.00 14,115.00
Softball League 20,800.00 18,000.00 19,275.00
Athletic Surcharge 30,923.00 25,000.00 26,175.00
Field Reservations 4,480.00 7,500.00 6,754.00
Rec. Athletics 53,421.00 61,500.00 58,147.00
Tennis Permits 33,715.00 35,000.00 34,185.00
Tennis Lease 3,000.00 3,000.00 2,700.00
Tennis Clinic 24,090.00 30,000.00 27,475.00
Tennis Guest Fees 7,268.00 4,000.00 4,847.00
Other Revenue 573.00 500.00 540.00
Special Events* 23,185.00 30,500.00 28,000.00
State Aid Youth Not rec’d Not rec’d 4,693.00
Total Revenue 859,880.00 854,000.00 $815,132.00
Expenditures 2007 Budget 2006 Budget
• Recreation Administration 381,046.00 372,185.00
• Parks 401,043.00 348,388.00
• Recreation Center 200,226.00 216,763.00
• Recreation Programs 258,404.00 271,961.00
• Camps 387,592.00 374,451.00
• Athletics 183,857.00 186,902.00
• Tennis 112,231.00 104,783.00
• Special Events 241,066.00 279,424.00
• Adult Recreation 123,892.00 121,043.00
• South East Consortium 14,412.00 15,873.00
Total Expenditures 2,303,769.00 2,291,773.00
Total Employee Benefits Included
• All figures have been rounded up or down to nearest decimal.
• Figures are not audited and represent accurate totals based upon the latest information
available at the time of printing.
12
Rye Recreation Commission
Accomplishments 2007
January: Durland Scout Center Committee is established to review alternatives to private
development proposal.
Turf Field Task Force is formed to examine turf field opportunities within the
community including the Thruway site across from Rye Country Day School.
Revenue goals and estimates are met for the 2006 fiscal year.
February: The Annual Report including Commission Accomplishments for 2006 is
submitted as per the City Charter.
March: The Annual Facility Tour of recreation facilities is conducted with members of
the City Council, Recreation Commission and Rye Recreation staff.
Commission approves a “Field Condition Report” to review amount of field
closings due to rain.
April: Capital Budget is reviewed and submitted to City Comptroller.
A discussion on Portable Field Lighting Policy is initiated.
Project scope of the Feeley Field backstop is reviewed with Babe Ruth.
Commission is invited and participates in the Annual Rye Little League
Opening Day Parade and Ceremonies.
June: Commission reviews and approves Scholarship Funding for eligible 2007 Day
Camp participants.
July: Commission participates in the Grand Opening of the Skate Park at Rye
Recreation Park.
Commission initiates the 2008 Budget process.
Commission considers setting a time limit for public speaking at
Commission meetings.
August: Commission approves preliminary operating budget proposal.
September: Commission approves program fees for 2008 and limits increase to camp
fees by an average of 3% over 2007.
Commission adopts portable Field Lighting Policy.
13
Commission adopts a suggested 10 minute speaking time limit at Commission
meetings that will be used only as a guideline.
Commission supports and participates in the Annual Summerfest conducted by
the Leaders of Tomorrow.
October: Commission volunteers to assist at the Annual Haunted Park event.
November: Commission participates in the Annual Turkey Road Race.
Commission seeks opinion of height restrictions for fence along Midland Avenue
at Rye Recreation Park.
December: Commission holds Special Meeting to respond to City Council’s request to
review program fees for 2008. Commission unanimously recommends no further
increase at this time.
14
Major Accomplishments
2007
I Youth and Adult Programs: New programs offered during 2007
• Indoor Girls Lacrosse • Teen Volleyball
• Programs for Japanese Women • Rock Band
• Mad Science – Physics and Rocketry • Rock Climbing Club
• Family & Kids Yoga • Guitar Hero 2 Tournament
• Mom & Me Danceapaloosa • Inter Community Field Hockey Games
• Danceapaloosa • March Madness ’07 tournament for Teens
• The After Spot • New Format for Tennis Lessons
• Talk-N-Drum Music Program • Kung-Fu for Adults
• Mad Science - Jr. Explorers • Orienteering/Geocaching (GPS)
• Rye Rides • Skateboard Lessons
• Middle School Socials • Maglev Cars Workshop
• Karate Kids • Messy Mania
• Field Hockey for Grades 3 & 4 • New Format for Girls Basketball
• Holiday Wreath Workshop • Infant/Child CPR
II Special Events:
• The 18th Annual Family Ski Trip – There were 8 families totaling 40 people who went to
Waterville Valley, NH for the annual family trip during February recess.
• The 31st Annual Turkey Run – This Anniversary edition attracted over 800 runners and
dogs. The event was held on November 24th.
• Skate Park Dedication Ceremony – July 2, 2007 marked the dedication of the Skate Park
at Rye Recreation Park. A ribbon cutting ceremony and skate event drew 300+ residents.
• The 55th Halloween Window Painting Day – The event drew 1,000 participants and with
the closing of Purchase Street permitted entertainment and festivities all day long.
• First Week – Rye Recreation coordinated the week long activities by service agencies
that provided residents with an opportunity to try programs at no cost.
• Punt, Pass & Kick Event – Boys and girls competed in this local event; winners of age
groups were announced at half time at the Rye High School Football game and moved on
to regional competition.
• Pitch, Hit and Run Event - Boys and girls competed in this local event; winners of age
groups moved on to regional competition.
15
• Pancakes with Santa – This popular event was attended by 100 people who enjoyed the
holiday season with a great breakfast and a visit from Santa.
• 23rd Annual Bonfire and Sing-A-Long was held on December 9, 2007 and attracted more
than 200 residents who enjoyed a magic show by Mario the Magician followed by songs
by the Hand to Mouth Players.
• Colonial Day Rye – a new event this year featuring demonstrations of cavalry artillery,
18th century weapons, and colonial games for the whole family. The event was a
collaboration between Rye Recreation and Rye Historical Society.
• Boy’s 5th & 6th grade basketball all-star team wins the Cub Division of the Annual
Westchester County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Tournament in March.
• Little League Celebrates its 50th Anniversary. Recreation assists with opening day parade
and festivities at Grainger Field.
• Leaders of Tomorrow Education Program and Summerfest held at Recreation Park with
cooperation from Recreation Staff members.
III Facility Improvements:
• The Multi-Purpose Area at Rye Recreation Park was resurfaced and includes a new curb
and paved walkway to playground.
• New basketball posts, backboards and courts were installed at Multi-Purpose Area.
• New Practice Tennis Wall was relocated and installed at Multi-Purpose Area.
• New Fence erected around perimeter of Skate Park.
• 150 cubic yards of wood chips were added to playground surfaces to increase safety
cushion.
• Garden Club of Rye funded and coordinated the effort to renovate the front apron at the
Damiano Center with a new landscape plan.
• Site work begins on project to add a turn-around and expand the parking lot at the
Damiano Center.
• New Skate Park is officially opened July 2, 2007 at Rye Recreation Park.
• Disbrow Tennis Courts receive a full and complete surface renovation and fence
improvements and are re-opened on November 1.
• Irrigation up-grade project begins in late fall at Grainger Field.
16
• Removal and closure of all skylights is completed in original portion of the Damiano
Center.
• Tennis Courts 7 & 8 are patched/repaired in September.
IV Administration Accomplishments:
• Filled Senior Recreation Leader position in February.
• Filled new Parks Groundsman position in September.
• Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent participated on the Durland Scout Center
Committee.
• Developed specifications and bid equipment for new Skate Park.
• Obtained funds in the amount of $100,000 to support the Skate Park through County of
Westchester Legacy Program.
• Assistant Superintendent Sally Rogol was honored by the Rye Youth Council as one of
its “Stars” at the Annual Dinner Dance in January.
• Rye Recreation provided facility help to Rye School District and YMCA due to flood
damage at their facilities.
• Developed an Athletic Light Policy to manage night game requests from user groups.
• Developed a Field Condition Report to evaluate weather impacts on field use.
• Department provided a yearly updated Community Directory for contact information.
• Annual Facility Tour was conducted for City Council, Recreation Commission and
School Board members to discuss facility needs and impacts.
• The Gift Catalogue received direct contributions resulting in $20,864.07 which brings the
total since the program was developed in 1990 to $352,851.49.
• The Athletic Surcharge Fee generated $30,922.67 for use on field repairs and
improvements.
• Skate Park Grand Opening was held on July 2, 2007 with over 250 in attendance. This
marked the completion of a permanent Skate Park which is now open 6 days a week.
• Day Camp enrollment exceeded 600 for the first time.
• Camp Scholarship Program during 2007 gave partial scholarships to 19 campers totaling
$10,101.
17
• Awards: Commission Member Douglas Carey received the Public Service Award -
Individual and part-time staff Rocco (Robby) Angilletta received the Henry B. Funking
Youth Award from the Westchester Recreation and Park Society. Rye Recreation
received an Award for Outstanding Promotional Brochure from the New York State
Recreation and Park Society (NYSRPS) and Sally Rogol was honored with the “Good
Gal” Award by NYSRPS in 2007.
IV Senior Adults:
• AARP Defensive Driving Class was offered 6 times during 2007. In total, 152 seniors
were enrolled.
• Annual Luncheons held: Welcome Back Picnic, 90th Birthday, June closing picnic,
Halloween Celebration and St. Patrick’s Luncheon were attended by a total of 774
seniors who enjoyed lunch and entertainment.
• Senior Health and Fitness day was offered in May.
• Horticulture Group traveled to the Flower Show in Philadelphia.
• Flu shots were given to 110 seniors at the Damiano Center in November 2007.
• Senior Membership continues to be strong with a membership totaling 331.
• Seniors enjoyed four (4) Blue Plate Specials/Breakfast and Bingo totaling 209
participants.
• Twenty seniors enjoyed the annual outing and picnic to Glen Island in New Rochelle.
• As part of the First Week Celebration, seniors participated in a Tea and Recipe
Exchange.
Senior Trips conducted during 2007:
February Trip to the United Nations and Tavern on the Green in New York City
February Westchester Broadway Theater - Nunsation
May Thimble Island
June Westchester Broadway Theater – Gypsy
September Fall Foliage
October Octoberfest
October Broadway Show the Drowsy Chaperone
November Rockefeller Drop Off
December Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular
18
Major Equipment
Listed below are the major additions to Rye Recreation’s equipment,
vehicle and project inventory acquired or accomplished in 2007.
Cost Center Item Description Cost
Administration Computer Systems Scanner $524
Misc. Equipment Safe $499
Misc. Computer External Hard Drives (2) $640
Parks & Playground Motorized Equip. Loader/Backhoe $55,000
Motorized Equip. Utility vehicle $9,999
Motorized Equip. Ball field Conditioner $10,855
Motorized Equip. Field Line Painter $2,845
Non-Rec. Equip. Weed whacker (2) $761
Non-Rec. Equip. Backpack Blower $407
Recreation Equip. Skate Park Equipment $123,688
Recreation Equip. Tennis Practice Wall $4315
Center Furniture TV Consol Cabinet Donated
Furniture Tall Storage Cabinet $325
Furniture Small office Cabinets (2) $416
Misc. Equip. Electronic Video Equip $690
19
Rye Recreation Facilities
The following facilities are maintained and managed by Rye Recreation.
Recreation Park (18.25 acres) Damiano Recreation Center
281 Midland Avenue 281 Midland Avenue
• 1 Baseball Field • All Purpose Room (30 X 42)
• 1 Softball Field • Kitchen area with stove/oven,
• 1 Full Size Soccer Field refrigerator, sink and storage
• 4 All Weather Tennis Courts (2 Lighted) • Girl Scout Room
• 4 Har-Tru Tennis Courts (Lighted) • Lower Level Game Room
• 1 Tennis Practice Board (new ’07) • Lower Level Meeting Room
• 2 Large Picnic Shelters with Barbecues • Lower Level Multi-Purpose
• 75 Picnic Tables Room (53 X 42)
• 14 Picnic Grills • Lower Level Lounge (24 X 22)
• 2 Basketball Courts (Lighted) • Registration Area
• 2 Horseshoe Pits • 2 Staff Offices
• 1 Bocce Court
• Volleyball Court
• Maintenance Garage and Annex
• Storage Barn
• Skate Park - 5400 Sq. ft. (opened July 2 ’07)
Disbrow Park (51.5 acres) McDonald Building
Oakland Beach Avenue 319 Midland Avenue
• 4 All Weather Tennis Courts • Multi-purpose Room (20 X 30)
• Grainger Field (Youth Baseball) • Tennis Office
• Feeley Field (High School Baseball) • 3 Staff Office
• Sterling Field (Multi-use athletic field) • Public Restroom
• 1 Playground
• 2 Youth/Modified Baseball Fields
Rye Nursery (6.75 Acres) Gagliardo Park (2.5 acres)
Milton Road Nursery Lane
• Rectangular Playing Field (330’X 200’) • 2 Playgrounds
• Restrooms • 1 Restroom (handicap accessible)
• 1 Basketball Court
• 1 Volleyball Court
• Lighted Walkways
• Refurbished Memorial & Flag Pole
• 1 Picnic Shelter with Tables & Grill
20
Shared Facilities Use
Rye Recreation utilizes the following facilities on a scheduled basis, in cooperation with Rye
School District and City.
Midland School Youth Softball/Soccer Field
Gymnasium
Auditorium
Cafeteria
Music Room
Classrooms for Summer Camp
Milton School Gymnasium & outdoor play areas for Summer Camp
Classrooms for Summer Camp
Osborn School Gymnasium
Softball/Soccer Field
Rye Golf Club Swimming Pool (Day Camp Swim Lessons)
Rye High School Softball Field
Gymnasium/Auxiliary Gymnasium
Classrooms for Summer Camp
Nugent Stadium
RCTV Studio for Summer Camp
Rye Middle School Gymnasium
Multi-purpose Room
In many cases, the shared facility use is part of a cooperative agreement regarding use of
facilities with the Rye City School District. Examples would be use of tennis courts, athletic
fields and picnic facilities by the Rye School District for team sports and class picnics.
21
Facility Use by Organizations and Contractors
at the Damiano Recreation Center
and McDonald Building
• American Legion/Women’s Auxiliary • Rye Democrats
• Boy Scouts • Rye Mariners
• Children’s Yoga • Rye Police Benevolence Association (PBA)
• Cub Scouts • Rye Babe Ruth
• Friends of Rye Town Park • Rye Republican Club
• Preserve at Rye • Rye Youth Council
• Girl Scouts • Rye Youth Soccer League
• Japanese Culture – Calligraphy Class • Rye Youth Lacrosse
• Kid Space • Rye Senior Adults
• Kazuko Komatsu Seminars • Rye Men’s Softball
• League of Women Voters • Rye Women’s Softball
• Rye Beautification • South East Consortium
• Rye Girl Sports • Waters Edge Condominium
• Rye City Baseball Tournament • Wildside (Teen Night Club)
• Rye Little League • Westchester Recreation and Parks Society
• Rye Newcomers Club • Yoga – Janet Muller
Departments & Clubs that Borrowed Equipment
• American Legion • Rye Golf Club
• Midland School • Rye High School
• Milton School • Rye Little League
• Osborn School • Rye Nature Center
• Rye Babe Ruth League • Rye Police Department
• Rye Boat Basin • Rye Youth Council
• Rye Girl Sports • Rye Youth Soccer
• Rye Middle School P.O. • Westchester Sportsman Club
• Woman’s Club of Rye, Philanthropy
for Children
Equipment available for loan to organizations includes: game and sporting equipment, tables,
chairs, popcorn machine, P.A. system, banner/sign system and field lining equipment.
22
Summary of Program Attendance 2007
Programs are divided into nine (9) major areas. Please note that some permits will translate into
greater participation numbers. The programs constitute all activities, events, classes and
instructions that are offered by Rye Recreation Department.
Program 2007 Registration 2006 Registration
Adult Programs 1,170 1,086
Field Permits 38 57
Miscellaneous (*Other Building Users) 42,000 40,000
Picnics 5,833 5,859
Senior Citizens 6,410 5,885
Special Events 6,006 6,881
Tennis Permits 425 453
Youth Programs 4,747 3,608
Youth Sports 5,012 4,606
Recreation Total 71,641 68,435
* Other Building Users represent the attendance, in total, for all users groups who make use of
our facility over a 12-month period for a variety of programs and services.
Hourly Building Use By Months
2005-2007
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2007 2006 2005
23
2007 Recreation Program Attendance
2007 2007 2006
Adult Programs
Registration Sessions Registration
Indoor Adult Basketball 475 120 450
Softball Leagues Men & Women 550 218 521
Tennis Clinics 145 196 115
Total 1,170 534 1,086
2007 2007 2006
Youth Programs
Registration Sessions Registration
Basketball (Girls & Boys) 283 47 249
Camp Computer Tots 7 4 37
Camp Hoops 27 8 27
Camp Math cancelled in ‘07 0 0 9
Camp Science new format ‘06 139 20 81
Camps Day/Camp78/Kiddy 606 116 562
Camp Swim Program 251 42 243
Field Hockey (indoor and outdoor) 72 18 63
Guitar 37 28 30
Hoop Start/Double Play 159 52 156
Ice Cream Social 269 3 182
Indoor Soccer 109 20 97
Kinder Kicks I & II 40 6 33
Mad Science 43 24 33
Mixer Nights/Next Generation 728 25 712
NFL Flag 67 12 84
Skate Park Permits/Users * 1416 88 501
Skating (K-5) 156 70 172
Ski Program/Snowboard/Tubing 11 1 26
Speak Up/Please and Thank You 11 12 6
Sports Camp (Field Hockey) 16 5 22
Sports Play/Indoor/Outdoor 80 48 80
Tennis Clinic 161 161 135
Tennis Tots 34 19 34
Tiny Cooks 25 18 34
Totals 4,747 847 3,608
* Program numbers reflect the opening of the permanent Skate Park and the change in
scheduling from a two day a week operation to a six day operation.
Grand Opening was held on July 2, 2007.
24
Special Events Attendance
2007 2007 2006 2006
Special Events
Registrations Sessions Registrations Sessions
Basketball Court Re-Opening 40 1 0 0
Basketball Tourney County Ctr. 22 5 22 4
Breakfast Programs 141 2 148 2
Egg Hunt 500 1 600 1
Family Ski Week 40 5 32 1
First Week Celebration 112 6 105 6
Halloween Window Painting 1000 1 980 1
Haunted Park * 680 1 1600 2
Holiday Bonfire 350 1 350 1
Mad Science 92 4 48 3
Memorial Day Services 200 1 300 1
Pitch, Hit and Run 49 1 75 1
Pops Concert 350 1 350 1
Punt, Pass & Kick 31 1 28 1
Santa Calling 58 1 50 2
Santa Letters 350 15 443 15
Skate Park Grand Opening 200 1 0 0
Skate Park Jam 25 1 0 0
Turkey Run/Paws Walk 750 1 801 1
Wild Side 915 41 915 41
Winter/Spring Sports Festival 101 6 34 4
Special Events Total 6,006 97 6,881 88
* Program only ran 1 night in 2007 due to inclement weather
Youth Sports Program
These programs are run by independent organizations in the city to provide instruction
and league play for a variety of ages. Youth Sport leagues coordinate their
operations for field use with Recreation Staff.
Program 2007 Registration 2006 Registration
Rye Little League* 729 729
Rye Girl Sports 170 188
Rye Babe Ruth * 104 221
Rye Public Schools ** 569 471
Rye Youth Soccer 3,015 2,697
Rye Youth Lacrosse 425 300
Total 5,012 4,606
* Includes fall and summer leagues and All Star teams.
** Due to flooding at Nugent Stadium, the schools Lacrosse teams utilized space at Recreation
Park
25
Senior Adult Programs
2007 2006
Senior Adults Session Notes
Registration Registration
AARP 152 6-1 day sessions * 125
Arts & Crafts 31 3-10 week sessions 30
Ask the Nurse 143 Once Month/9Months 143
Bowling (cancelled in ’07) 0 3-10 week sessions 12
Breakfast Bingo 209 5 1-day sessions 127
Bridge 34 3-10 week sessions 30
Choir 14 3-10 week sessions 14
December Holiday Party 230 1 day event 220
Flu Shots 110 1 day event 135
Horticulture 14 2-10 week sessions ** 20
Line Dance 54 3-10 week sessions 44
Luncheons 774 6 1-day events 650
Mah Jongg 35 3-10 week session 40
Membership 331 Annual Memberships 400
Men’s Club 66 3-10 week sessions 78
Movies & Munchies 47 3-10 week sessions 42
Oil Painting 10 3-10 week sessions 15
Quilting 16 3-10 week session 15
Senior Exercise 94 3-10 week sessions *** 100
Shopping Grocery/Dr. Trips 400 52 trips per year 178
Trips 534 10 trips per year 455
Wednesday Meetings 3,060 4 meetings/month/9 months 2,987
Yoga/Senior Stretch 52 3 -10 week session 25
Senior Citizens Total 6,410 --------------------------- 5,885
* Five 1-day sessions in 2006
** Three 10-week session in 2006
*** Four 10-week sessions in 2006
26
Gift Catalogue
"Partnership in Rye" has been developed to provide the opportunity for those who live or work
in Rye to contribute toward the efforts of Rye Recreation. Contributions may be directed
toward specific areas of interest. Volunteerism is also included.
Each and every donation regardless of the amount will allow the Rye Recreation Department to
expand services, reduce the annual burden placed upon City taxes and permit, if desired, every
donor to see first hand where and how their contributions are being used. All gifts are
recognized in the Rye Recreation Newsletters. A new edition of the Gift Catalogue was
published in 1995.
This past year direct contributions resulted in $20,864.07 bringing the total since the program
was initiated in 1990 to $352,851.49.
On behalf of the City of Rye, Rye Recreation Commission and our staff, thank you!
Cooperating Organizations and Agencies
In addition to "Partnership in Rye" Rye Recreation Department acknowledges the following
agencies for their continued support and assistance throughout 2007 in a variety of ways.
Agatha Durland Foundation Rye Country Day School
Commission on Human Rights Rye Historical Society
Interfaith Council Rye Little League
Ladies Auxiliary of the Rye Fire Department Rye Nature Center
Milton School PTO Rye Newcomers Club
New York State Division for Youth Rye PBA
Osborn School PTO Rye Rotary Club
Performance Fund Musicians Local #38 Rye Senior Citizen Club
Port Chester/Rye/Rye Brook Volunteer Rye YMCA
Ambulance Corp Rye Youth Council
Rye Community TV (RCTV) Rye Youth Soccer
Rye American Legion Post #128 Rye City School District
Rye Babe Ruth Southeast Consortium
Rye Brook Recreation Department The Osborn Retirement Community
Rye Merchants Association (RMA) Traffic & Transportation Board
Rye Department of Public Works Visiting Nurses Association
Rye Fire Department Westchester County Department of Parks,
Rye Free Reading Room Recreation & Conservation
Rye Youth Lacrosse Woman’s Club of Rye
Rye Middle School PO Woman’s Club of Rye, Philanthropy for
Rye Youth Soccer Children
27
CITY OF RYE
BOAT BASIN
2007
Boat Basin Staff
Supervisor
Peter T. Fox
Skilled Laborer
Enrique Coleman
Laborer
Frank Giordano
Part Time Staff
Gloria J. Mangiamele, Office Assistant
Seasonal Staff
Jose Flores, Laborer
2
2007 Annual Report
City of Rye Municipal Boat Basin
The winter and early spring of 2007 brought major destruction to the entire region with two
significant flood events. The Boat Basin suffered damage not only to the docks but also from the
considerable amount of silt deposited during the floods.
Boating activity was noticeably quiet as a declining economy coupled with high fuel prices
continued for the 4th year to put a dent in new and used boat sales. The issues surrounding
maintenance dredging of Milton Harbor continued to increase as the classic open water
methodology of disposal becomes less and less acceptable.
Highlights of 2007 are following:
Maintenance Dredging:
Very much overdue, maintenance dredging efforts more than doubled in 2007. Not only due to
the increased siltation but also as a result of the increasing restrictions and costs associated with
disposal of dredged materials.
The Boat Basin continues to pursue traditional “open water” disposal methodologies as well as
much more complicated and expensive “upland disposal” options. Currently, a local upland
amending process is being thoroughly investigated and reviewed as an alternative to Long Island
Sound disposal.
The Boat Basin continues to remain very active and supportive towards the formation of a long
term “Dredged Material Management Plan” for Long Island Sound harbors. As of early
September 2007, 28 marinas and harbors along the Sounds north shore from New Rochelle to
Bridgeport were in severe need of maintenance dredging. This includes many harbors with a
commercial component.
Clearly the significant and growing issues surrounding open water disposal in Long Island Sound
will continue to increasingly affect the long term viability of marinas and harbors throughout the
entire region.
As an example, the City of Rye Boat Basin has seen the cost of maintenance dredging go up
more than 10 times since our last major dredging project.
It should also be noted that the entire project costs are fully borne by the Boat Basin permit
holders. Without any commercial waterfront business the Army Corps of Engineers will no
longer dredge or maintain recreational harbors.
In spite of the obstacles, the Boat Basin commission remains optimistic about accomplishing this
much needed dredging project in the near future.
3
Construction Projects:
As previously mentioned, the severe flooding events of March and April resulted in the
destruction of over 600 square feet of main dock sections in the marina. Additionally main
electrical lines as well as dock power/utility posts were severely damaged. Dock water lines
were also damaged during both flood events. In order to open the marina on time, Boat Basin
staff shifted projects and began replacing the damaged sections of dock electrical and water
lines. By early May the docks were rebuilt and installed. Normal dock construction projects
were now plugged back into the schedule.
2007 Weather Conditions:
With only two snow and ice storms during January and February 2007, the Boat Basin was
enjoying an event free winter. The situation quickly changed with the severe flooding
experienced in early March. Not only did this storm damage a large section of main docks, it
also deposited an estimated 500 plus cubic yards of silt from Blind Brook directly under the Boat
Basins main dock.
Again in mid April another severe flood resulted in additional amounts of silt from Blind Brook
being deposited in the Boat Basin docking area.
Thankfully, weather for the balance of 2007 remained uneventful. The summer was mild with
only one brief period of high temperature. Water quality was better than expected as severe
hypoxic conditions were not experienced in this section of Western Long Island Sound.
Boat Basin Commission:
The 5 member Boat Basin Commission Continues to oversee and advise on most all areas of
Boat Basin operations. Consisting of 5 resident permit holders elected by the Boat Basin permit
holder’s for a 2-year term. The last election held in August 2007 resulted in the following:
Name Term Expires
William Blake 01/01/2009
Ken Dahlgren 01/01/2009
George DeFilippo, Vice Chair 01/01/2010
Richard Dempsey, Chair 01/01/2010
Robert Rispoli 01/01/2010
City Council member George Pratt was appointed by the mayor to serve as liaison to the Boat
Basin Commission for the year 2008.
4
Financial Summary
Boat Basin 2007
Revenues and Expenditures, Budget vs. Actuals
Budget Revenues: $586,672.00
Actual Revenues: $653,589.00
Budgeted Expenditures: $523,946.00
Actual Expenditures: $482,478.00
Other Miscellaneous Service Fees:
Title Amount Explanation
Extra Parking Permits $ 2,2206.00 This also includes daily guest
parking fee.
Transient Dockage $ 3,550.00 Transients, who are visiting the area
and are looking to tie-up for a few
days, slips are available at times
when a boat is out for days being
repaired or on a trip.
Vending Machine $ 664.00 Revenue from the ice machine sales
and the soda machine
Propeller Repair $ 448.00 Vendor comes once a week to pick
up props needing repairing and we
charge a fee to the slip holder for
the service.
Navigation Charts $ 48.00 N.O.A.A. Navigation charts are
available for the local boating area.
Electricity $ 1,345.00 22 electric posts are available for
larger boats.
5
600,000
500,000
400,000
Budget
Actual
300,000
200,000
100,000
0
Resident Non Resident Storage Fees Operations
6
1
RyeTV
Channels 75/76/77
Rye TV is a community access facility serving the local government, the
school district, and the community at large. We encourage and facilitate the use of the
local cable TV system by these entities.
Changes in 2007
After two years of negotiations, the City of Rye signed a franchise agreement
with Verizon to provide video services to Rye residents. For Rye TV this means that
we will also be offering Public, Education and Government (PEG) programming on
Verizon some time in 2008, in addition to the PEG channels on Cablevision’s system.
Verizon will provide the City of Rye with an equipment grant and franchise fees for
the length of the ten year franchise. Rye residents will now be able to obtain additional
television service from Cablevision or Verizon, if they so choose.
2007 Initiatives
In 2007 RTV was able to finance and coordinate an upgrade to the existing
studio space. Two new air conditioning units were installed to allow air to reach the
edit bays without freezing out the control room.
A past issue in the studio was power surges, leading to damaged equipment.
Therefore we had the electric upgraded in the studio to handle higher capacity.
Furthermore, the studio lights no longer need to be switched on and off by the fuse
box, thanks to the new Smartbars which are now installed on the lighting grid. These
bars connect back to a dimming board to keep producers out of the fuse box and safely
control each individual light.
All new Eye on Rye programs produced by the Rye City Council are now also
available online on the RyeTV web page.
The studio has an addition of two pro-sumer level HDV cameras for remote
use by producers and one HDV deck for importing to the computer.
DVD’s are now the format of choice for producers. We have purchased dvd
duplicators, which speed the copying process.
2
Franchise Issues
It is an ongoing challenge to keep the community informed, both about local
governmental operations and about the services provided by RyeTV. The key to
providing the three informational, and intensely local channels, are the franchise
agreements the City of Rye has granted to both Cablevision and now Verizon, Rye’s
television providers.
The franchise agreement with Cablevision expired December 31, 2005.
Franchise negotiations continued with Cablevision throughout 2007.
The Verizon franchise agreement was approved by the Public Service
Commission on December 13th, allowing Verizon to offer Fios TV in the City of Rye.
The PEG channels will be offered on Verizon sometime in 2008. Site visits have
occurred to plan the complex wiring back to the studio.
RTV Services
RTV offers the community a variety of services. Within the City limits we
have two sets of “customers.” The larger group consists of cable TV subscribers who
watch our channels. The smaller group consists of organizations and individuals who
use our equipment and cablecast their programs. This smaller group includes the local
government, non-profit community organizations, and individual residents. It is to this
smaller set of “customers” that we provide the bulk of our services.
The Community Billboard
The RTV Community Billboard is the most accessible and up-to-date method
of finding out what is happening in and around Rye. To the cable viewer, this service
is available about 18 hours a day, seven days per week on channel 75. To those with
access to the web, it is available 24/7.
Government Use
In 2007 Rye City Government Departments maintained routine use of the
Community Billboard. Using channel 75 as a free method to disseminate information
to the public has yet to become second nature to some departments. The selling of our
services to city departments is an ongoing challenge. City government departments
submitted 65 notices for the community billboard, in addition to 180 meeting notices
for boards and commissions, and 330 agenda items for City Council meetings.
3
Community/Not-for Profit Organization Use
Community Billboard use by local non-profit organizations has been
consistent over the years. Historically this has been our most popular service because
it is easy and free for local organizations. Information is received via mail, fax, phone,
and e-mail, creating the most comprehensive and up-to-date list of community events
RTV can provide.
The organizations submitting notices to the community bulletin board range
from White Plains Hospital to Rye City Schools and from Meals on Wheels to the Rye
Women’s Club. In 2007 organizations submitted 651 messages for cablecast from 90
different organizations. The numbers can fluctuate from year to year. Some
organizations discover the benefits of RTV one year while others overlook them. In
2007 the number one organization disseminating their information through the
Community Billboard was once again the Rye Free Reading Room. They submitted
almost 35% of the community organization messages that played on Channel 75 in
2007.
Public Service Announcements (PSA’s)
One of the free services RTV offers is production assistance for short public
service announcements for local not-for-profit organizations, City Government
Departments, and community groups at their request. This free service has created
nearly twenty PSA’s for the community in 2007. RTV staff completes most of the
production work for these public service announcements with the help of student
volunteers. Staff also offers tours of the studio and a PSA taping for scouts to fulfill
their TV badge. Announcements are produced throughout the year on reservation/time
available basis. This free service helps fulfill RTV’s mission by getting more
individuals involved as participants in local TV and subsequently as viewers.
Production Facilities
RTV also operates production facilities for community and governmental use.
In City Hall RTV operates four robotic cameras set up to cover City Council meetings
and other community gatherings in the Council chambers.
The main RTV production facility is in Rye High School and is shared with the
school district. This facility is open to the public 30hours per week after regular
school hours. As an alternative to the labor-intensive studio, RTV has a small arsenal
of portable camcorders, microphones and tripods for use by creative Rye citizens to
produce programs on location. These cameras have been checked-out of the studio
over 210 times in 2007. This is another increase over last year. The City added two
HDV digital camcorders in the past year.
4
Also housed at the production facility in the high school are post-production
editing systems where producers can polish their masterpieces for cablecast. These
systems include three city-owned and five school-owned edit systems in the high
school. The edit suites have been signed up for a total of 400 times for the year during
our studio hours alone. The school uses this same equipment until 3pm.
Programming
RTV cablecasts a variety of programs from different sources. The channels are
divided by PEG (public/education/government) designation with (Cablevision)
Channel 75 as the government access Channel, 76 as the community access channel,
and Channel 77 as the educational access channel.
Programming Sources:
1. The Community At Large. In 2007 members of the Rye community produced more
that 5,290 minutes of programming for channel 76. This translates to about 89 hours
of programming from 164 different productions. An increase in the number of
programs, though a decrease in total minutes produced. This increase represents more
Rye TV staff time for portable equipment sign outs, studio bookings, edit sessions, and
production assistance. Total time of final productions can be misleading, as a short
15minute program titled “Heroes” took the producers several months of work.
2. RTV Produced Programming. This is the production category that includes the
regularly scheduled City Council meetings, the Council’s Eye on Rye program, and
short productions by different departments. In 2007 RTV produced 69 hours of
programming for the City Council and other City Departments. This is an increase
over 2006, mainly due to longer Council Meetings.
3. Rye City School District. School Board Meetings, High/middle school musical
concerts, and theater productions are taped and shown on the channel. Guest speakers
in the fields of education, psychology and guidance are also cablecast on the
Educational Access Channel. High school news is cablecast live every school day.
The school produces approximately 3 to 5 hours of original programming every week
along with satellite programming.
4. Political programming. RTV offers access time to candidates running for elected
office, and, in conjunction with the League of Women Voters, cablecasts forums with
local candidates. RTV also reserves time for political messages during election
periods.
5
5. Productions from Outside the Community: The programs are cablecast on channel 76
if a local resident signs a program provider agreement taking responsibility for the
content of the program. This segment of our programming accounted for 10,438
minutes, or 174 hours of new programming in 2007. This category of programming
currently includes programming submitted by the Rye Neck School District (20hours)
and the County of Westchester Government, as well as programming produced at
LMC-TV that relates to the Sound Shore area.
Production Training
RTV staff only produces programming for City Departments all of which is
cablecast on the government channel (aside from PSAs for NFPs). The public channel
is completely programmed through volunteer produced or sponsored productions. A
channel that is always on requires a lot of programming to keep it looking fresh. Each
half hour program averages about three man-hours of time to production time. For
this reason, training of volunteers is a never-ending process.
In addition to producer training, Rye TV also takes on interns to help out with
the day-to-day tasks that are required to operate a television production facility. Each
intern, whether a high school student, college student, or interested volunteer, requires
a significant amount of training by RTV staff. It is a time investment that usually pays
off within a few weeks. In 2007 RTV trained and utilized several high school
students, including Robert Rodriguez, Ben Chesneau and Ricardo Zagorodneva, who
worked over the summer months. They continue to serve as volunteers on many
community programs throughout the year.
Other
There are other tasks that RTV staff take on either due to their proximity to
the TV business, or because they are related to, but not specifically mentioned in our
mission. Most of these tasks are informal and not part of the regular routine. A
sampling includes:
Providing Media services to other City Departments
Cable Franchise Administration
Attending Cable Committee meetings & facilitating communications
Writing & producing monthly schedules
Consultation on City A/V purchases
Providing technical assistance for school district production equipment
6
2007 BUDGET
BUDGETED ACTUAL
REVENUE FRANCHISE FEE $218,000.00 FRANCHISE FEE $246,019.75
PEG GRANT 23, 000.00 PEG GRANT -
INTEREST 12,000.00 INTEREST 12,288.96
INCOME INCOME
OTHER 1,600.00 OTHER 1810.80
MISC. MISC.
REVENUE REVENUE
TOTAL $254,600.00 TOTAL $260,119.51
EXPENDITURE
SALARIES $117, 026.00 SALARIES $104,603.98
CAPITAL/EQUIP. 88,891.74 CAPITAL/EQUIP. 87,732.12
MATERIALS 13,822.14 MATERIALS & 7,353.17
& SUPPLIES SUPPLIES
CONTRACTUAL 113,132.59 CONTRACTUAL 28,136.08
EMPLOYEE 32,980.00 EMPLOYEE 20,912.37
BENEFITS BENEFITS
TOTAL 365,852.47 TOTAL 248,737.72
2007 Annual Report
j{|àuçVtáàÄx AT RYE GOLF CLUB
Prepared by
Scott Yandrasevich, Club Manager
Introduction
Rye Golf Club is a City owned non-equity membership club. The Club offers a challenging 18-
hole Devereux Emmet golf course overlooking Long Island Sound, a full service golf shop and
Professional staff, teaching and practice areas, Olympic-size swimming pool, children’s wading
pool, socializing and play areas. Other amenities include separate golf and pool locker rooms,
halfway house, snack bar and Whitby Castle. The Castle designed by famed architect Alexander
Jackson Davis in 1852 is our full service dining room, bar and catering facility. The Castle is the
only part of the club that is open to the public.
In 1965, the City of Rye purchased the 127-acre Country Club. The club now operates as an
enterprise fund within the City and is supported solely by membership dues and user fees. It does
not receive any financial support from the City nor are any tax dollars used to fund the club.
Governance
Management of Rye Golf Club is under the direct supervision of the Club’s General Manager. A
nine-member member elected Commission represents the membership. This advisory board
makes recommendations to management, adopts rules, discipline members and reviews annual
budgets. Standing and add hoc committees are appointed by the Board Chairperson and report to
the Board. The Board convenes at open meetings held the fourth Wednesday of every month
expect December.
Commission Chairperson
Rich Verille
Board Members
Frank Adimari
Lois Codispoti
Dan DeVito
John Duffy
TJ Hanson
Doug Killip
Tom Kennedy
Jean Romano
Staff
The staff consisted of nine full-time City employees. The club manager, administrative assistant,
golf course superintendent, one mechanic, three laborers and two in buildings and system
maintenance. Currently there are four approved positions that remain vacant. The club currently
supplements its full-time staffing needs with seasonal and temporary help. In the busy season
the staff increases in excess of 100 which are all staffed with seasonal help.
Departments
Rye Golf Club consists of multiple cost departments, Administration, Golf Operations, Golf
Maintenance, Pool Operations and Whitby Operations. Each of these departments contributes to
2
the overall operations of the Golf Club. Following is a short overview of what the personnel in
each department are responsible for:
Golf Club Administration is responsible for the overseeing of all club operations and activities.
In addition provides administrative support to all other departments, processes and approves all
purchase orders and claims, responsible for all daily club finances, prepares reports and annual
budgets and is the liaison between club members, club board, other city departments and the City
Manager.
Golf Course Operations handle all of the daily operations on the golf course that pertain to
members and member play. They coordinate and facilitate tournaments and outside golf outings,
maintain the golf car fleet, responsible for first tee operations and on course management, golf
shop operations, bag storage, lessons and front line interaction with members.
Golf Course Maintenance provides the daily maintenance on the golf course including but not
limited to mowing, raking, course preparation, clean-up, garbage, projects, drainage, plantings,
and constant monitoring of turf health and chemical applications. They are also responsible for
the manicuring, maintenance and snow removal of the rest of the club grounds including the pool
and Whitby Castle.
Pool Operations runs the pool facility including all programs and special events, staffing and
management of lifeguard personnel, general supervision of cleaning staff, locker rooms,
attendants and ancillary staff. Responsibilities also include; pool safety, maintenance, water
chemistry and filtration, general upkeep of facilities and equipment and compliance with all
Health Department mandates.
Whitby Operations the newest part of our operation is charged with not only member satisfaction
but an operation that is open to the public for dining and special events. This area is responsible
for all food and beverage operations at the club including the high volume snack-bar. While
catering to the member needs are primary, an extensive banquet operation is simultaneously run.
Added are the maintenance of a building built in 1852 and the burden of financial self-
sufficiency.
Annual Review
Following are some of the highlights and projects completed in 2007.
Increased sales from Castle operations
Further development of club’s website and email ability for better communication
Design completion of storm water run off retention pond
Continued master plan work on golf course
• 15th greens complex complete
• Installation of another 500’ of drainage connected to our existing network
Annual tree maintenance program
• 2007 storm damage cleanup
• Re planting program numbers since 2003, over 470 trees, 300 shrubs and 200 ornamental
grasses
Negotiated new lease for golf cars and maintenance equipment
Create new nomination and election procedure awaiting City Council approval
Implementation of new junior golf program
3
Successful membership drive which not only allowed us the new members we wanted but a
new non-resident waiting list
Special events at Whitby well attended, Lobster night, Mothers Day, BBQ, July 4th etc.
Repair of major pipe leak in wading pool
Development of new Social Membership category
Implemented new Junior Golf program
Whitby Castle improvements
• Re-enforcement and reconstruction of floors in castle
• Ongoing and preventative structural and system maintenance
• Ongoing painting and touch up to keep facility fresh and clean
• Construction of secured storage in basement
• Waterproofing of existing stone foundation walls
• Repaired major water leak in turret
A Look Ahead
In 2008 we will continue to improve and provide the membership as a whole the facilities and
services they desire. We will be working hard in the off-season on projects both inside and out
as weather permits. Listed below are some of the highlighted projects slated for 2008:
Continued development of castle operations to increase maximize revenues
Adoption of new nomination and election procedures
Construction of storm water retention pond
Continued master plan work on golf course
Removal of silt from pond on 11th and 18th holes
Pool parking and cart path resurfacing
More social and themed evenings at Whitby
Replacement of pool terrace railing
Addition of wading pool playground equipment
Continue to explore alternative revenue sources
and opportunities
Performance Measures
2007 Actual 2008 Target
Percent of resident memberships compared to total households 24% 24%
(Based on an estimate of 4,900 households in Rye)
Percent of budgeted membership slots filled: Resident 104% 100%
Percent of budgeted membership slots filled: Nonresident 102% 100%
Respectfully submitted,
Scott Yandrasevich, CCM
Club Manager
4
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