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[MESSAGE JSNF-285-09]

APPROVED Minutes of the June 5, 2018 Meeting of the Asharoken Board of Trustees

 Incorporated Village of Asharoken

Board of Trustees Meeting

         Tuesday, June 5, 2018 6:30pm

             At the Village Hall

Approximate Attendance (12)

                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                                               

Officers Present:                                                         

Greg Letica, Mayor

Pam Pierce, Deputy Mayor

Melvin Ettinger, Trustee

Laura Rittenhouse Burke

Ian Jablonski, Trustee

 

Officials & Appointees Present:

Nancy Rittenhouse, Village Clerk

Emily Hayes, Treasurer

Doug Adil, Superintendent of Buildings

Barry Bradley, Sanitation

Raymond Mahdesian, Officer-in-Charge

Bill Raisch, Emergency Manager

Marty Cohen, Conservation Board Chairman

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Publication of meeting was confirmed.

 

Trustee Ettinger made a motion to approve the Regular Board Meeting minutes for May 1, 2018 seconded by Trustee Jablonski.

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Laura Rittenhouse Burke                            AYE

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Mayors Report;” During the month there were a several important events regarding the seawall.

The Village received a copy of a letter from Suffolk County Legislator Dr. William Spencer to County Executive Steven Bellone asking Mr. Bellone to advocate for NYMTC funding to help pay for the repairs to the seawall.  The Village also finalized plans to work with the Town of Huntington Highway department to begin a temporary repair of the sink hole.  Based on recommendations of the Village Coastal Engineer, Aram Terchunian, the sink hole area will be cleared of collapsed rocks, filter fabric will be placed at the bottom of the depression and new rocks will then be placed to fill it in.  The Village will purchase the rocks and filter fabric and the Town will supply the equipment and labor to accomplish the repair. Finally, I reached out to Congressman Tom Suozzi asking him to contact the ACOE to see where they were in the process of completing the study and final design for the seawall replacement.  The Congressman let us know that the Corps is actively working on the project and the Village is anticipating a preliminary response from them shortly.

 

The Village has done a thorough review of its phone bills and thanks to the efforts of our Clerk Nancy Rittenhouse several changes to the service have been made. This will result in a savings to Asharoken of approximately $2000 per year. The Village is also working with the Village of Northport to allow Asharoken to purchase fuel from Northport for our police cars and garbage truck.  I expect that once this goes through the Village should also see a substantial reduction in fuel costs. I would also like to mention that full time police Officer Rich Ramsland has retired from the police force.  Rich served the Village for almost 26 years with distinction and honor.  I would like to thank him for all he has done for the Village and wish him the all the best in the future. The Village has begun the process of hiring a new full-time officer which I expect will take a little bit of time.  In order to assure that the Village has enough manpower to provide adequate staffing we have interviewed a new part time officer and have a resolution to add him to the force is on tonight’s agenda.

 

I sadly have to mention the passing of Steve Trombetti.  Steve was the inspiration and creator of the Asharoken web site asharoken.com.  Steve was ahead of his time and wanted to use the internet as a means to keep Village residents informed of Asharoken news in a timely manner.  His hard work, along with his partner, Eric Maffei, made our website a trailblazer and a model for other Villages to aspire to. I send my condolences to Eric and Steve’s family.

Sadly also this evening I need to mention the passing longtime Asharoken summer resident Vincent Albanese.  Vincent, along with his two brothers, Joe and Anthony, and  his sister Mary, bought the house next to Linda’s and mine in 1962 and we have been neighbors ever since.  Vincent, who was a very successful attorney and developer, loved spending his summers on the beach.  I extend my condolences to his wife Niki, children James, Marissa, Christopher and Anthony, as well as the extended Albanese family. And on Memorial Day I attended the remembrance ceremony at the Northport Village Park”.

 

Trustee:

Deputy Mayor Pierce reported that during the month of May she worked with Mayor Letica, Town of Huntington and coastal advisor on the proposal for the repair to the seawall sink hole. She also worked with Legislature Spencer on the letter to County Executive Bellone .  She attended the Northport Memorial Day observance parade with Mayor Letica and Trustee Burke. She attended a meeting held at the Huntington Town Hall given by Empire state development opportunities. She reviewed the vouchers and minutes.

 

Trustee Ettinger reported that during the month he discussed police related matters with Officer Mahdesian. He noted that Officer Richard Ramsland accepted the incentive payment offer and has retired as of May 31, 2018.  The village gave Officer Ramsland a Village proclamation signed by the Mayor thanking him for his service to the Village. On May 2nd he attended the semi- annual firearms training. On May 9th he attended the wake for Steve Trombetti, on May 10th he met with Officer Mahdesian to review the police coverage for the July 4th holiday. On May 25th he and Mayor Letica interviewed Officer Miller. He reviewed correspondences, vouchers and minutes.

 

Trustee Burke reported that she reviewed the correspondence on the seawall, minutes and vouchers and attended the Northport Memorial Day Observance parade.

 

Trustee Jablonski reported that he reviewed the minutes, vouchers, correspondences and attending Officer Miller’s swearing in.

 

Village Attorney:  Bruce Migatz did not attend the meeting and had no report this month.

 

Village Treasurer: Emily Hayes Treasurer reported that the vouchers for the month of May were $101,032.23. Included in the vouchers were $22,870.95 of vouches relating to year end 5/31/2019. The May vouchers include the annual insurance premium of $45,742.41 and an amount of $5863.75 for engineering costs for repairs to the sink hole at the seawall. There is a separate resolution to approve vouchers and budget transfers.

 

Officer-In-Charge:   Officer Ray Mahdesian reported that there were 5 arrests and 50 summonses.   He noted that the department performed well this month. The department is preparing for the Fourth of July festivities.

 

Sanitation Operator: Barry Bradley reported that big blue is running well. Total tipping fees for the month of May were $2,432.59. Trash tonnage 28.28, Single Stream recycling tonnage 10.42 and yard waste tonnage 3.14.

 

Emergency Manager: Bill Raisch discussed hurricane season and noted that the estimates are relatively calling for an average season. He also noted that the weather experts point out that the estimates for hurricane season usually become available at the end of July and into August. He discussed the Blessing of the Fleet to be held on Saturday, June 16th at 11am.

 

Superintendent of Buildings: Doug Adil reported for the month of May that he responded to a homeowner inquiry regarding replacement of plumbing fixtures and permit requirements. He reviewed plans for construction of a new cottage, tennis court and pool on Bevin Road. He provided information in response to an inquiry regarding driveway replacement and storm drainage. He discussed Village Code requirements for accessory structures with Architect representing a homeowner on Asharoken Avenue. Reviewed plans for relocation of utility poles on DIC property; provided comments as to necessary information for approval.  Reviewed additional information provided by DIC for utility pole relocation, which satisfied Village requirements, therefore poles are Approved to be relocated. He performed 10 inspections this month.

 

Conservation Board Chairman:  Marty Cohen noted that the board worked on tree permit applications for two homeowners on Bevin Road, both were granted.

 

Resolutions:

 

Resolution (2018-46) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board approves the budget transfers for the month of May 2018.

Trustee Ettinger made a motion to approve, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pierce.

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-47) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the vouchers for the month of May 2018 in the amount of $101,032.23.

 

Mayor Letica made a motion to approve, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pierce.

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-48) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve a tent permit for the Parziale Family located at 3 Pheasant Lane for the time period of June 21, 2018 thru June 24, 2018.

 

Deputy Mayor Pierce made a motion to approve, seconded by Trustee Ettinger..

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

 

Resolution (2018-49)

WHEREAS, the United States Government, by its Department of the Interior, has established a new five-year National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program (the “Program); and

WHEREAS, such program would potentially allow for virtually unfettered exploration of waters off the coast of Long Island for Oil and Gas natural recourses; and

WHEREAS, such unfettered exploration poses inherent risks to the ecology of the waters and, should those risks come to fruition, resulting displacement of economies for the Long Island workforce including, but not limited to the fisheries and tourism industries; and

WHEREAS, the waters off the coast of the State of Florida have previously been granted an exemption from such Program for similar reasons; now, therefore, it is

 

RESOLVED that the Village of Asharoken hereby memorializes its support of the Executive Board of the Suffolk County Village Officials Association in its support of New York State’s application for an exemption from the Program for the waters adjacent to the coastline of the State of New York, and places particular emphasis on the risks to the waters adjacent to the coastline of Long Island.

 

Mayor Letica made a motion to approve, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pierce.

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Jablonski                                           Abstain

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-50)

                WHEREAS, the United States Government, by its Department of the Interior, has established a new five-year National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program (the “Program); and

WHEREAS, such program would potentially allow for virtually unfettered exploration of waters off the coast of Long Island for Oil and Gas natural recourses; and

WHEREAS, such unfettered exploration poses inherent risks to the ecology of the waters and, should those risks come to fruition, resulting displacement of economies for the Long Island workforce including, but not limited to the fisheries and tourism industries; and

WHEREAS, the waters off the coast of the State of Florida have previously been granted an exemption from such Program for similar reasons; now, therefore, it is

 

RESOLVED that the Village of Asharoken hereby memorializes its support of New York State’s application for an exemption from the Program for the waters adjacent to the coastline of the State of New York,  and places particular emphasis on the risks to the waters adjacent to the coastline of Long Island.

 

Mayor Letica made a motion to approve, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pierce.

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Jablonski                                           Abstain

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-51) Be It Resolved, that the Mayor does hereby appoint Ryan E.  Miller as a Part-Time/Seasonal Police Officer for the Village of Asharoken, effective immediately, subject to Board approval.

 

Deputy Mayor Pierce made a motion to approve, seconded by Trustee Ettinger.

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-52) Be It Resolved that the Village Board does hereby approve the relocation of three utility poles for Duck Island Corp. new private roadway, subject to the Superintendent of Buildings recommendation per Village code 94-1.

 

Mayor Letica made a motion to approve, seconded by Trustee Ettinger.

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-53) Be It Resolved that the Village Board does hereby approve repairs to the sink hole located at the Eaton’s Neck Causeway seawall in the amount not to exceed $17,420.00, the Town of Huntington will contribute by providing the equipment and labor to place the material.

 

Mayor Letica made a motion to approve, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pierce.

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-54) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve a tent permit for the Burke Family located at 1 Bevin Road West for the time period of August 2nd, 2018 thru August 6, 2018.

 

Deputy Mayor Pierce made a motion to approve, seconded by Trustee Ettinger.

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

 

Resolution (2018-55) Be it Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the adjustment to the fiscal budget for year end 5/31/2018 to increase Highway Repairs/State Aid CHIPS account (A5110.451) for $4,000.00 and Consolidated Highway Aid (CHIPS) account (A3501.000) for $4,000.00, for engineering services to mill and repave  from 232 Asharoken Avenue to 355 Asharoken Avenue.

 

Trustee Jablonski made a motion to approve, seconded by Trustee Ettinger.

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-56) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the transfer from the Infrastructure reserve account #5059 for $5,863.75 to the Money Market Account #5018 for First Coastal Consulting Services for the Eaton’s Neck Causeway Seawall.

 

Deputy Mayor Pierce made a motion to approve, seconded by Trustee Jablonski.

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-57) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the adjustment to the fiscal year 5/31/2018 budget to increase the Start Income (A1000.000) for $5,863.75 for First Coastal Consulting Services for Eaton’s Neck Causeway Seawall and increase the Public Works Other Expense account (A1490.495) for $5,863.75.

 

Deputy Mayor Pierce made a motion to approve, seconded by Trustee Ettinger.

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Mayor Letica asked the board if they had any new business, none was brought forward.

 

Mayor Letica opened the meeting for public comment.

One comment or questions was asked.

1.       A question was asked if a street lamp was being installed at the entrance of Duck Island Road. Mayor Letica asked the Building Inspector if he was aware of any street lamps being installed.  He was not aware of any, and was going to review the approved site plan. 

2.