Monthly Minutes for the year 2008
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Archived Monthly Minutes

Minutes of Community Board 11’s General Meeting and Public Hearing
Held on September 10, 2008 at the
Holy Family Home, 1740 84th Street.

Table of Content
District Manager Search Committee Report
Chairman's Report
Howard Feuer
Moment of Silence
Public Portion
Minutes
Assemblyman Abbate
Councilman Gentile
District Manager's Report
Parks Committee Report
Attendance

The meeting was opened with Howard Feuer having the honor of leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Chairman announced that over the summer recess Howard Feuer has retired from his position as District Manager of Community Board 11.  Mr. Guarinello requested the Board’s indulgence in the order of business for this evening’s agenda. 

District Manager Search Committee Report

Frank Segreto presented the Search Committee report on behalf of Vincent Nativo, Chairman of the committee. 

Mr. Segreto reported that in accordance with the By-Laws of Community Board 11, the position of District Manager was advertised and publicized. Two applicants responded in addition to Marnee Elias-Pavia.  One of the applicants declined the interview, and both Marnee Elias-Pavia and the other applicant were interviewed by the Search Committee.

The Search Committee recommended that Marnee Elias-Pavia, based on her experience and service to Community Board 11, be appointed District Manager of Community Board 11 at an annual salary of $75,000.

A motion was made by Dr. Joe Caruana to accept the recommendations of the Search Committee and appoint Marnee Elias-Pavia as District Manager of Community Board 11 effective immediately.  Seconded by Jerry Bertuna.  Unanimously adopted.

Marnee Elias-Pavia thanked the Search Committee for the consideration of her application for the position as District Manager of Community Board 11, and their favorable recommendation.  She also thanked the Chairman and the full Board for their unanimous support.  In addition, acknowledgments were made to Howard Feuer for being a mentor and providing the opportunity to serve as his Assistant District Manager.

Chairman’s Report

Mr. Guarinello happily announced that John Sprague, the Commanding Officer of the 62^nd Precinct has been promoted to Deputy Inspector. 

Deputy Inspector Sprague wished Howard Feuer well in his retirement and congratulated Marnee Elias-Pavia on her appointment.   The Inspector reflected on the partnership between the community and the Police Department and thanked the Board for their support.

Mr. Guarinello thanked Howard Feuer for his 31 years of service to the Bensonhurst community.  He stated that Howard was always a strong advocate and worked diligently on  behalf of this community to ensure that its best interests were met.

The Chairman advised that there will a retirement party in Howard’s honor on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at Garguilo’s Restaurant.  Those interested may contact Marnee Elias-Pavia.

Mr. Guarinello advised that correspondence was received from Senator Golden announcing that he will be hosting a September 11^th memorial, tomorrow evening at 8PM on the 69^th Street pier.  The ceremony will feature a 21-gun salute, a moment of silence and inspirational speeches. The Xaverian bagpipers will also be performing.

Mr. Guarinello advised that today the Community Army Covenant was signed.  Councilman Gentile signed on behalf of the Council and Assemblyman Abbate on behalf of the Assembly.  The Chairman stated that this was a momentous occasion, signifying the symbiotic relationship between the community and the men and women of Fort Hamilton.

Mr. Guarinello advised that the committee assignments have been made for the 2008-2009 term, and are available this evening.

Howard Feuer

Mr. Feuer thanked the Board for the 31 years of service to the Bensonhurst community and allowing him to manage in his manner.  He also acknowledged the Board for their unanimous decision in appointing Marnee Elias-Pavia to the position of District Manager. 

Mr. Feuer thanked Susan Grossman, of the office staff, as well as members of the press for treating him well.

Moment of Silence

The Chairman requested a moment of silence in memory of Anthony Neglia, who passed a way over the summer recess.  Tony was a long serving board member of Community Board 11, as well as the President of the 86^th Street Merchants Association.

Public Portion

Brooke Rothenberg, a producer for News 12 Brooklyn, introduced herself and advised that they are always interested in community participation and are available to discuss any issues that the community may have.

Angelo Siciliano announced that the Aidone Association is holding their annual dinner on September 19^th.  This year they are honoring Jeanette Givant, District Leader 47^th AD, and Police Officer Steve Agosta, of the 62^nd Precinct.  If anyone is interested in participating they may contact Mr. Siciliano.

The Chairman inquired if anyone else from the public sought recognition.  Hearing none, a motion was made by Mani Wai Lau to close the public portion of the meeting.  Seconded by Bart Allegretti.  Unanimously adopted.

Minutes

A motion was made Antonio Troia to accept the minutes of the June 12, 2008 meeting.  Seconded by Bart Allegretti.  Unanimously adopted.

Assemblyman Abbate

The Assemblyman congratulated Marnee Elias-Pavia on her appointment.  He further congratulated Inspector Sprague on his promotion and the work he has done in the community.

Assemblyman Abbate advised that he has spent the summer in the community working with local groups, associations, and residents on issues of concern.

Councilman Gentile

The Councilman welcomed everyone back from the summer recess.  He congratulated Inspector Sprague and Marnee Elias-Pavia on their promotions.

Councilman Gentile announced that in late June the Council was able to preserve the budgets of the Community Boards.

The Councilman reported that the Bath Beach rezoning plan, which Community Board 11 endorsed, has been submitted to the Brooklyn Office of City Planning.  The Department of City Planning has stated they are short of personnel to conduct this type of rezoning but they will review the plan and would respond at the end of the month.  The Councilman stated that he will be vigilant and provide updates on this matter.

Councilman Gentile advised that in commemoration of September 11^th, he has brought “Brooklyn Remembers” posters that list the names of all those victims that were lost on September 11, 2001.

District Manager’s Report

Marnee Elias-Pavia advised that the budget consultations will be held this month for fiscal year 2010.    This year Community Board 11 will be meeting with Economic Development to discuss issues relating to 86^th Street between Bay Parkway and 23^rd Avenue.  On this segment of 86^th Street, on the north side we have fruit vendors who have stoopline permits.  There have been issues relating to the size of the stands that these store have and we need the City, in particular Economic Development to be the lead agency in clearly defining the boundaries for these stoopline permits.

In addition, the Administrative code has omitted the exemption of 86^th Street between Bay Parkway and 23^rd Avenue on this list of streets restricted to general vending.  We will request that Small Business Services correct this typographical error.

A motion was made by Antonio Troia to call upon the Economic Development Corporation to clearly define the boundaries on the north side of 86^th Street between Bay Parkway and 23^rd Avenue for the purpose of stoopline permits.  Seconded by Eileen LaRuffa.  Unanimously adopted.

The District Manager discussed the issue of mobile food vendors on 86^th Street which is restricted to general vending.  These food carts setup shop on 86^th Street in front of restaurants and stores, causing an unfair burden to our merchants. In addition, they have no carting and congest this busy shopping strip.

A motion was made and seconded to call upon Small Business Services to restrict 86^th Street to mobile food vendors.  Unanimously adopted.

Councilman Gentile suggested that for a quick resolution to this problem, that a planter, bike rack or bench be placed in locations where you want to discourage mobile food vending.  The regulations prohibit food vending within a certain amount of footage from street furniture.

The Chairman thanked Councilman Gentile for his insight.

Ms. Elias-Pavia provided an update on the Owl’s Head Force Main Upgrade project.  The following work is in progress or expected to begin within the next month:

Installation of two large force mains along the north side of the Belt Parkway from the Verrazano Bridge to Bay 40^th Street.  The pipes have been installed to approximately 21^st Avenue.

Installation of jacking pits, which allows portions of the sewer mains to be tunneled beneath local streets, on the east side of Bay 16^th Street between 17^th Court and Cropsey Avenue.  This work began in August and is near completion.  Another pit will be located on Bay 16^th Street and Bath Avenue, and is scheduled to begin this week.

The Department of Transportation has advised us that they are in the final stages of the reconstruction of the 20^th Avenue Bridge.  Work is scheduled to be completed no later than October 2008.

Parks Committee Report

Eileen LaRuffa, Chairperson of the Parks and Libraries Committee reported that the committee has met with Katy Rosa, Parks Department District Supervisor for Community Board 11.  Issues were discussed and addressed regarding our parks.