Conflict of Interest Policy Changes; Library Bond; Beaver Swamp Hearing Update

Beaver Swamp Brook Adjudicatory Hearing

The City has long had concerns about flood impacts from development at the project Homerun site in Harrison at the end of Osborn Road and has sought to better understand the engineering data and assumptions that were made in the planning for the project.  An interim decision was issued from the New York State DEC Commissioner that found that the Administrative Law Judge was proper in finding that the City did not make a valid argument under SEQRA.  However, the arguments under the Environmental Conservation Law were considered viable issues that will proceed to an adjudicatory hearing and the City will be able to review the project assumptions and data. 

School Crossing Guard Program

The City has long had difficulty in hiring and maintaining a full complement of crossing guards often resulting in other police personnel filling vacant spots – over 200 times annually.  With the recommended increase in crossing guards in this year’s budget and the additional needs with the School expansion project, the City has hired a firm to manage the program under the auspices of the Police Commissioner.  All City Management Services (ACMS) would assume all responsibility for crossing guard services, including recruitment, staffing vacancies, training, background checks, equipment, supervision, and management. ACMS carries its own liability insurance coverage.

Conflict of Interest Policy Changes

The City has asked the Board of Ethics to review its recommended changes to its current Conflict of Interest procedures.  The City has proposed instituting a Conflict of Interest form which would be filed yearly by public officials and select employees within the City.  In addition to changes to the local law to reflect the addition of the Conflict of Interest form, also being reviewed is the updated Oath of Office card for Boards and Commissions, a bid packet conflict of interest form for vendors, a non-collusion statement for bid packet, and a non-collusion statement for purchase orders/claim forms -- none of which have ever been part of the City’s policy, but are being incorporated as part of the overall remedies from the Rye Golf Club.

Rye Free Reading Room Bond Funds

The Bond referendum approved by City residents on November 6, 2012 included funding in the amount of $176,000 for capital projects to be completed at the Rye Free Reading Room. The projects include: the installation of sprinklers and a fire alarm system, ADA and flood control improvements. The City has approved an inter-municipal agreement which addresses the receipt and disbursement of these bond funds to the library in accordance with City policies and procedures.