Monthly Minutes - February 2013

Public Hearings top

I. Responses to the FY 2014 Preliminary and Capital Expense Budget Submissions

The Chairman inquired if anyone from the public sought recognition. Hearing none, a motion was made by Matt Bromme to close the public hearing. Seconded by Claudio DeMeo. Unanimously adopted.

Public Portion top

Sara Steinweiss, representing Councilman Gentile, advised that Notices of Property Values were mailed and should have been received by property owners. Those who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal. The deadline for 1, 2 or 3 family homes is March 15, 2013.

Ms. Steinweiss further advised that the City Council passed legislation that Councilman Gentile sponsored, which would make it illegal for an employer to discriminate against job applicants because they are unemployed.

Jane Carey, representing Councilman Greenfield, spoke regarding the Participatory Budgeting Project in City Council District 44. She advised that the projects that the community has been working on will be presented at a Project Expo on Wednesday, February 27, 2013, at PS 205 located on 20th Avenue at 67th Street from 6PM-9PM.

Ms. Carey further advised that Councilman Greenfield has introduced common sense legislation that would require the City to post signs at least 24 hours in advance of temporary parking regulation changes. This legislation would provide motorists advance warning of the upcoming changes and not subject them to towing without notice.

Stefan Grybauskas, representing Public Advocate Bill DiBlasio, introduced himself and explained the role of the Public Advocate's office. He further advised that he would be available following the meeting to speak with residents that may have concerns.

Liam McCabe, representing Congressman Grimm, advised that Social Security benefits will be made by electronic payment or Direct Express Card, which is a debit card you can use to access your benefits. Flyers are available.

Mr. McCabe further advised that Congressman Grimm has written to the Postmaster General opposing the elimination of Saturday mail delivery.

Lt. Siano, of FDNY Community Affairs, offered cold weather safety tips to residents on the use of space heaters and carbon monoxide. He further advised that the Fire Department recently swore in 318 probationary firefighters, which was made up entirely of FDNY paramedics and EMTs who took the promotional exam.

Captain Tashas, Commanding Officer of Transit District 34, advised that incidents of grand larcenies and robberies are down in the District. He urged train riders to be aware of their surroundings not to take out their cell phones while on the train. Flyers and informational material are available for those interested.

John Quaglione, representing State Senator Marty Golden, advised that the Senate passed legislation that was introduced by Senator Golden, which calls for increased penalties for leaving the scene of an accident where property damage, serious injury or death occurs.

He further advised that Senator Golden is holding the "If I was a Senator for a Day" essay contest. Middle School students from the 22nd Senatorial District are invited to participate and entries are due by March 18th.

In addition, the Senator is offering free income tax services to senior citizens and low income residents of his district. If anyone is interested they can contact the Senator's office at 718-238-6044.

Tambe John, representing the Brooklyn Public Library New Utrecht branch, advised that the Shelby White and Leon Levy Information Commons at the Central Branch has a new workspace with electrical outlets for over 70 laptop users and has 25 computer workstations. In addition, there are meeting rooms that are available to the public. Anyone interested can contact infocommons@brooklynpubliclibrary.org

She further advised that the New Utrecht Branch will be re-opening this coming Tuesday, after undergoing technological upgrades.

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

Minutes top

A motion was made by Man Wai Lau to accept the minutes of the January 10, 2013 meeting. Seconded by Antonio Troia. Unanimously adopted.

Disposition Of Public Hearings top

A motion was made by Charles Farrauto to approve the responses to the FY 2014 Preliminary Capital and Expense Budget submissions as presented. Seconded by Eileen LaRuffa. Unanimously adopted.

Assemblyman Peter Abbate top

Mr. Guarinello reminded the board members who are seeking re-appointment to return their applications to the Borough President's office.

The Chairman commended the men and women of the Sanitation Department District 11 garage for the snow removal operations. He stated that while the anticipated snowfall this past weekend wasn't as heavy as expected they did a great job.

Mr. Guarinello stated that he was very concerned for the healthcare in Southwest Brooklyn. He stated that with the closure of Coney Island Hospital during the storm there was a significant impact on other area 911 receiving hospitals. In the month of November, Maimonides Hospital's emergency room visits jumped 20% from 7,800 patients to 9,100; Lutheran Medical Center saw a 35% increase from 4325 to 5840; and Beth Israel Kings Highway increased 100% from 1,800 to 3,600.

He further stated that they are now planning on closing Long Island Hospital and questioned where the people are going to go for emergency care. He reminded the Board that when the State Department of Health closed Victory Memorial Hospital our community was promised a 24-hour facility. What we got was an urgi-care center that is open from 9:30 AM – 9PM.

There was discussion regarding healthcare and the Chairman advised that he would schedule a follow-up roundtable discussion.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia advised that following last month's meeting, she met with Parks Commissioner Jeffrey, Councilman Gentile and Community Board 10 to discuss the repairs to the Shore Parkway Promenade, damaged by Hurricane Sandy. We were advised that repairs would be made to 10 sections of the promenade, which includes the replacement of the capstone and railings, broken paved areas and the replacement of 30 benches. The work has already begun and should be completed by Memorial Day.

The District Manager further advised that she and Claudio DeMeo attended Coney Island Hospital's Legislative Breakfast. The hospital suffered devastating damage by Hurricane Sandy. The main building, including the Operating Rooms, Labor and Delivery, the Emergency Department, power plant and engineering services, were damaged. They have been systemically restoring services to meet the needs of the community and should be completed before the end of winter.

She further advised that the Department of Transportation has advised that they have approved two CityBench sites within Community Board 11. The locations are 7802 Bay Parkway and 6510 18th Avenue. The installation is planned for mid-March.

In addition, the Department of Transportation has approved new traffic signals for the intersections of Benson Avenue and Bay 31 Street, Avenue U and West 10th Street and 21st Avenue and 73rd Street.

New Business top

Sonia Valentin advised that she attended the forum on property taxes that Councilman Gentile hosted. She stated that it was very informative and well attended.

John Garvey inquired if the street sign on 78th Street was going to be installed.

The District Manager advised that the Department of Transportation was having difficulty with the design.

The District Manager thanked Steve Chung, Claudio DeMeo, Dr Law and Laurie Windsor from Community Board 11 for participating in the Participatory Budgeting Project.

A motion was made by Bart Allegretti to adjourn. Seconded by Louis Crispiano. Unanimously adopted.

Attendance top

Present
• Bart Allegretti
• Matthew Bromme
• Maria Campanella
• Dr. Joseph Caruana
• Rosa Casella
• Vincent Chirico
• Steve Chung
• Louis Crispiano
• Sal D'Alessio
• Claudio DeMeo
• Paul DiSpirito
• Yoketing Eng
• Charles Farrauto
• John Garvey
• Yonah Glatzer
• William Guarinello
• Eileen LaRuffa
• Man Wai Lau
• Tim Law
• Vito Marangelli
• Al Milone
• Nicholas Miraglia
• Raymond Mollica
• Vincent Nativo
• Barbara Parisi
• Rabbi Gary Pollack
• Antonio Troia
• Sonia Valentin
• Victor Wong
• Richard Yee

Absent
• Warren Chan
• Donald Clark
• Anthony Mallozzi
• Michael Marks
• James Orlando
• Salvatore Rao,

Excused
• Gerald Bertuna
• Ross Brady
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Jerry Chiapetta
• Thomas Colasanto
• Mafalda DiMango
• Eric DiNapoli
• Marc D'Ottavio
• Shirley Fineman
• Vito Marinelli
• Stanley Roher
• Laurie Windsor

Guests
• Alexis Ramirez
• Tambe John – BPL-New Utrecht Branch
• Stefan Grybauskas - Public Advocate
• Hetal Rawal
• Amanda Woods
• PO Lorena Miranda
• Captain Tashas – Transit District 34
• PO Frissi – Transit District 34
• Al Fazio – Assemblyman Abbate
• Sara Steinweiss – Councilman Gentile
• Liam McCabe – Rep. Grimm
• John Quaglione – Senator Golden