Will Drinking Be Allowed on Town Property?

Groups that are not sponsored by the town may potentially be barred from serving alcoholic beverages at fundraising events taking place on town property. The change could affect group events such as the fire department picnic on the Village Green or the Bedford Historical Society's Cocktails at the Court House.

Town-sponsored groups and events would clearly be included under the town's $15 million policy, said insurance broker, Thomas Sternberg, chairman of SKCG Group, Inc. If an outside group hosts an event at which alcohol is served and there is no admission fee or drinks fee charged, that is also covered.

"In these cases, the coverage is broader," said Sternberg. "If the town notifies us in advance, we can approve the program on a per-event basis, such as a town board holiday party where wine is served."

Where it gets trickier is when an outside group is hosting a fundraiser. Though the money received may not be directly paid for alcoholic beverages, in the event of a calamity, a court of law may take the position that the ticket price was a charge for alcohol, said Sternberg.

The board discussed several solutions in order to avoid a ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages on town property.

Town attorney Nancy Tagliafierro reported that the State Liquor Authority allows groups to apply for a one-day liquor permit at a cost of $36. Groups would be required to submit the permit along with a $3 million certificate of insurance.

Sternberg cautioned that the town would be relying on outside insurance to cover an event on town property—which may be fine for smaller groups, but if disaster struck, "no insurance agent would tell you that you have enough insurance."

Sternberg said that he knows of municipalities who have a no-alcohol policy and he would recommend the same for the town of Bedford. At the board's request, he's looking into the costs of extended insurance coverage which would broaden the town's umbrella policy to include outside groups.

"Though I'm a teetotaler myself, I can't see banning it altogether," said Councilman Francis Corcoran. "Let's look at other municipalities who have stepped up their policies."

Councilman Peter Chryssos was not convinced that a more stringent policy would help. "We are fooling ourselves—if something happened [at an event] they'd hire a good lawyer," he said.

There is a current moratorium on serving alcoholic drinks on town property until the policy is set.

Commissioner of Public Works Kevin Winn reported that the Department of Corrections agreed to contract terms for the construction and annual operation of the water filtration plant. The board agreed to authorize the supervisor to sign the conceptual document which is now subject to legal review before both parties sign.

The agreement represents a significant step in the $22 million project, said Winn. Because of the partnership, both the town and the DOC are provided with a good economy of scale. "The DOC will be a customer of the town now, and the relationship allows us to build a bigger plant," he said.

Annual costs for the water plant are estimated to be $4 million, including $2.4 million in operating costs and $1.6 million in debt service on the $20 million loan needed to build. Under the agreement, the DOC will pay approximately 25 percent of the annual costs.

Simon Skolnik, head of the town's conservation board, presented to the board the idea of a new recognition program for individuals, businesses or schools that better the environment in some way. The award could recognize land preservation, for example, by selecting a nursery that stocked native plants and bluebird boxes. The program would be low-cost good public relations for the town, Skolnik said. The program was approved. Next steps include publicizing and naming the recognition.

The WMOA is sponsoring a food drive on June 22-23. The town agreed to help collect food and donate it to the Community Center of Northern Westchester in Katonah.

Police Chief Ed Collins requested approval for the use of capital funds, already budgeted for, to upgrade station security cameras. The cameras cover the front desk monitor, two rear doors, the booking area and four holding cels. Several years have passed since the cameras were upgraded, said Collins, and safety necessitated the purchase. The $7,500 purchase was approved.

The next Town Board meeting will be Tuesday, June 15 at 8:00 p.m. at 321 Bedford Road.