TOM Tweaks Employees' Salaries, Cost of Gardens Lake Plan

At its June 16 meeting, the Town of Mamaroneck Board passed a stipulation that tweaks Civil Service Employee Association (CSEA) members' salaries and health insurance coverage. The CSEA is a union that represents 57 town employees, including most of the highway department and clerical workers.

In the past, employees' health insurance contributions were a fixed amount; this stipulation, however, changes it to a salary percentage.

"There is a circuit breaker [in the stipulation]," Town Administrator Stephen Altieri said. "The contribution can never exceed four percent of an employee's salary."

To offset the change, the board also passed a salary adjustment. Beginning January 1, 2011, CSEA members' salaries will increase two percent. On July 4, 2011, another two percent adjustment will be made.   

Gardens Lake amendment

The board passed an amendment to the Gardens Lake project that brings the cost up to $1.3 million from $1,072,486 —but the town and residents will still only contribute $600,000.

The extra capital will come from the original New York State Grant and the recent Westchester County Flood Control Grant. The price increase is due to new flood control components added to the project.    

"Work will start after the July 4 holiday," Altieri said. "During dredging, we'll set up detours for approximately three months. We're also looking at ways to safety transport wildlife out of the area."

Proclamation to Superintendent Dr. Paul Fried

Councilwoman Nancy Seligson read aloud a proclamation honoring and thanking Mamaroneck Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Fried for his commitment to the district. Fried will begin a superintendency in New Jersey this July.

"Dr. Fried's previous 38 years of service to New York's public schools, including but not limited to his 19 years in the Ossining Public Schools, have enabled him to provide educational opportunities in the Mamaroneck School District for all of its students," Seligson read.

"I have the greatest respect for him," Supervisor Valerie O'Keeffe said afterward. "I'll miss him and wish him well."

Certification of fire claims

The board discussed the certification of the Fire Department's recent expenses, which totaled $13,284. Over $6,000 of the total is linked to new fire fighter gear—a new pair of Kevlar pants alone costs $735.

"Fire fighting equipment is very expensive," Seligson said. "It has to be the most technologically advanced material in order to be as protective as possible."

Sale of surplus equipment

The board passed a resolution to auction off equipment no longer used by the town. The equipment consists of 18 vehicles, from dump trucks to Zambonis.

"Using an online auction service works well," Altieri said. "We don't have to move the vehicles to a new site, and buyers come and pick them up."

Hommocks ice rink contract

 The board passed a resolution to renew the Hommocks ice rink maintenance contract—which expires in July after three years—with Eagle Air Systems.

Eagle Air Systems submitted the lower of two bids (approximately $33,000 over three years).

Other business

The board authorized salaries for several town employees working in the conservation, community service, ambulance and recreation districts.

The next town board meeting will be held Wednesday, July 7.