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APPROVED Minutes of the November 13, 2018 Meeting of the Asharoken Board of Trustees

 Incorporated Village of Asharoken

Board of Trustees Regular Board Meeting

         Tuesday, November 13, 2018 6:30pm

             At the Village Hall

Approximate Attendance (17)

                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                                               

Officers Present:                                                         

Greg Letica, Mayor

Pam Pierce, Deputy Mayor

Melvin Ettinger, Trustee

Laura Burke, Trustee

Ian Jablonski, Trustee

 

Officials & Appointees Present:

Nancy Rittenhouse, Village Clerk

Emily Hayes, Treasurer

Barry Bradley, Sanitation

Raymond Mahdesian, Officer-in-Charge

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 October 2, 2018 seconded by Deputy Mayor Pierce.

 

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Mayor’s Report;” There is a lot to report on since our last meeting.

The road paving project between 232-355 Asharoken Avenue and Bevin Road repair at the intersection of Kew Court was completed. As I reported earlier this $115,650 project resulted in a net cost to the Village of $11,500 thanks to a $50,000 SAM grant and utilization of CHIPS money.

 

The Village held a phone conference with the ACOE and DEC on October 9th.  Deputy Mayor Pierce and I discussed the next steps in the project to repair the seawall at Bevin Road and stop the over topping during windy days.  It was decided that a site visit would be needed.  The DEC and ACOE came to the Village today to review the area and I will let Deputy Mayor Pierce fill us in on the details during her report.

 

The Village was hit by a strong nor’easter on Oct 27.  The seawall was overtopped by very large waves.  This resulted in the closure of Asharoken Avenue in this area for almost 6 hours.  Three of the steel caps were ripped off of the top of the wall; several boulders were pushed onto the roadway and prior to the closure an automobile was swept off the road by a wave. The crosswalk also suffered some substantial damage to steps and the banister.  As all of this was happening there was a fire in a shed adjacent to a home on Bevin Road West.  Because electrical wires and a tree were obstructing Bevin Road, preventing the Northport Fire Department from reaching the scene, it was up to the Village PD to put out the fire.  Officers Sid Lynn and Joey D’Alessandro did an amazing job putting out the fire and preventing it from spreading to the house. The Northport Fire Department’s response was not in vain as they rescued the driver in the stuck car on their way back to Northport.

 

 I would like to thank the Huntington Highway Department for a great job having a pay loader on site to clear the road once the tide went out enough to allow the machine on the road. I would also like to thank resident Pip Sarser for doing a terrific job repairing the crossover steps and banister.

 

Last month Harbormaster Joe Affrunti reported that he was going to pursue getting a new outboard motor for the police boat from the NYS Dept of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.  On October 16th the Harbormaster Affrunti and I wrote to Chris Fallon, Director of Marine Services with this request. We heard back from them on November 2nd and they agreed to add our equipment request to their 2020 budget.  This is great news and I would like to thank Joe for his initiative to get a new motor via a grant. 

 

Congratulations to Carole Casamassima and Jean Bonawandt for hosting the best ever Asharoken Holiday Party. Approximately 130 residents attended and had a great time socializing, enjoying dinner and dancing the night away. Both Carole and Jean did an amazing job organizing the party and assembling the beautiful raffle baskets. Besides being a wonderful evening, sales of raffle tickets raise money to support the Village's annual fireworks display.  Last year raffle tickets raised $8,000.  

 

Carole Casamassima said a few words about the event and thanked everyone involved to make this event so successful. Next year the date of the Holiday Party will be November 9th.

 

Trustees:

Deputy Mayor Pierce reported that she attended a shared service meeting with Suffolk County initiative; reviewed the draft financial statements and controls report management letter and reviewed the minutes, vouchers and the sexual Harassment policy.

 

Deputy Mayor Pierce reported on the ACOE and NYSDEC meeting held on November 13th. She noted that the meeting was to discuss the seawall project.  Both the ACOE and NYSDEC consider this a brand new project; hence the site inspection where measurements and photos were taken. During the meeting some ideas were discussed, but very little detail was given since we are starting from the beginning. The feasibility study itself first has to be authorized by the Department of Army. A letter will be presented to the Village and Town summarizing what the plan will entail and determine what must be studied.  There are Sandy funds available to pay for the feasibility study at a 100% so no cost to the Village and Town. Mayor Letica and I kept reiterating that the goal that must be met is the overtopping of the water onto the roadway; this is an unsafe condition and needs to be severely minimized as well as the protection of the roadway.  Those are the parameters that the Village would like to see in that seawall section.  Mayor Letica also noted that whatever we do has to take into account the three homes beyond the seawall; that point was made clear to the ACOE as well. She also commended the police department and their performance during the recent storm.

 

Trustee Ettinger reported that during this past month; he spent time with Officer Ray Mahdesian working on the full-time replacement position; interviews still have to take place. He noted that the Village Police Department is lucky to have many of their officers as volunteer fireman too. Both Officers Lynn and D’Alessarndro responded to the fire call and contained the generator fire on Bevin Road; Trustee Ettinger congratulated Officers Lynn and D’Alessandro for their work.   He reviewed audited financial statements; the Sexual Harassment policy, correspondents regarding the seawall, minutes and vouchers for the month.

 

Trustee Burke reported that she reviewed minutes, vouchers, correspondences and the sexual harassment policy. She noted that there appears to be a change coming with Single Stream recycling. There is no more market for the material; which will change our recycle pick-up from Single Stream to dual stream pick up. Glass may not be acceptable as well.  Trustee Burke said the village will keep everyone posted, but single stream will continue at least until the end of this year.

 

Trustee Jablonski reported that he reviewed the audited report, sexual harassment policy, minutes and vouchers for the month. He noted that during the storm on 10/27 he spent five hours observing police operations.  This Saturday he operated a bobcat to correct the drainage at the corner of Bevin Road.

 

Village Treasurer: Emily Hayes Treasurer reported that the vouchers for the month of October were $284,349.37. Included in the vouchers this month is a voucher for $131,418 for fire department coverage and a voucher to Posillico Civil for $113,650 for road paving. Of the $113,650 about 92% will be paid through governmental aid. There will be a separate resolution to approve the vouchers and budget transfers.

 

Officer-In-Charge:   Officer Ray Mahdesian reported that there were 0 arrests and 30 summonses.  He noted that sometimes due to certain conditions such as a road closure, help is a long time coming for that reason we always carry extra fire extinguishers and oxygen.  On October 30th we had a presentation for our police department to review CPR, Narcan and other protocol changes.  One of the presenters is also a part-time Asharoken officer; Officer Joey D’Alessandro.

 

Sanitation Operator: Barry Bradley reported that big blue is running well. Total tipping fees for the month of October were $2,071.41. Trash tonnage 25.31, Single Stream recycling tonnage 9.46 and yard waste tonnage .86 which included 21 residents.

 

Conservation Board Chairman:  Marty Cohen Reported that the board issued two tree removal permits; for one damaged tree during the nor’easter and one diseased tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resolutions:

Resolution (2018-104) Be It Resolved that the Village Board approves the budget transfers for the month of October 2018.

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

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-105) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the vouchers for the month of October 2018 in the amount of $284,349.37.

 

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

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-106) Be It Resolved that the Village Board does hereby accept the audited Financial Statements for year end 5/31/2018, the Financial Statements have been filed with the Village Clerk, published and available for inspection.

 

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

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-107) Be It Resolved that the Village Board does hereby accept the audit for the Justice Court of the Village of Asharoken covering the period October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018.

 

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

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-108) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby adopt the following schedule for monthly regular meetings for the calendar year 2019 meetings to begin at 6:30pm at the Asharoken Village Hall, One Asharoken Avenue, Northport, NY 11768, subject to change.

 

Regular Meeting, Tuesday, January 15th, 2019

Regular Meeting, Tuesday, February 5th, 2019

Regular Meeting, Tuesday, March 5th, 2019

Regular Meeting, Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019

Regular Meeting, Tuesday, May 7th, 2019

Regular Meeting, Tuesday, June 4th, 2019

Regular Meeting, Tuesday, July 9th, 2019-Organizational Meeting

Regular Meeting, Tuesday, August 6th, 2019

Regular Meeting, Tuesday, September 10th, 2019

Regular Meeting, Tuesday, October 1st, 2019

Regular Meeting, Tuesday, November 12th, 2019

Regular Meeting, Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019

 

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

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-109) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby adopt the following schedule for monthly Special/work session meetings for the calendar year 2019 meetings to begin at 4:00pm at the Asharoken Village Hall, One Asharoken Avenue, Northport, NY 11768, subject to change.

 

Special/Work Session Meeting, Tuesday, January 29th, 2019-to certify the unpaid real estate taxes

Special/Work Session Meeting, Tuesday, March 19th, 2019 to review budget for 2019-2020

Special/Work Session Meeting, Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 to adopt the budget, if needed

Special/Work Session Meeting, Tuesday, June 25th, 2019 to prepare for organizational meeting

Special/Work Session Meeting, Tuesday, September 17th, 2019 if needed

 

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

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-110) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the services from Parker landscaping for the 2018/2019 winter season snow removal  for village hall parking area and entrances in the amount of $175.00 per snow fall of 1” to 6” and $250.00 for 6” to 12” over 12” $50.00 per 3 inch increments.

 

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

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-111) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the services from Continental Fence Corp. to install a fence around the Village Hall mechanical equipment with two openings for a cost not to exceed $2100.

 

Trustee Ettinger made a motion to approve, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pierce. Mayor Letica noted that this appears to be a lot of money to spend on the fence; we are looking at an increase in sanitation cost; he suggested looking for a less expensive solution. All Board members agreed to table the resolution until the next board meeting.

 

Resolution (2018-112) Be It Resolved that the Village Board does hereby approve the Firearms permit for Peter Aroniadis located at 540 Asharoken Avenue for target skeet shooting.

 

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

Mayor Letica asked were the targeting shooting will take place; applicant indicated on his beach property in front of the Long Island Sound.

 

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-113) Be it Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the adjustment to the fiscal budget for year end 5/31/2019 to increase Highway Repairs/State Aid account (A5110.451) for $2,000.00 and Consolidated Highway Aid account (A3501.000) for $2,000.00, for engineering services to mill and repave from 232 Asharoken Avenue to 355 Asharoken Avenue.

 

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

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-114) Be it Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the adjustment to the fiscal budget for year end 5/31/2019 to increase Highway Repairs/State Aid account (A5110.451) for $113,650.00 and Consolidated Highway Aid account (A3501.000) for $113,650.00, for paving services to mill and repave from 232 Asharoken Avenue to 355 Asharoken Avenue.

 

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

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-115) Be it Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the transfer of $11,585.00 from the reserve highway account #5059 to the operating account #9476, to cover part of the cost of the mill and repave  project from 232 Asharoken Avenue to 355 Asharoken Avenue.

 

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

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Resolution (2018-116)

WHEREAS, the Village of Asharoken believes in the dignity of the individual and recognizes the rights of all people to equal employment opportunities in the workplace, and

WHEREAS, the Village of Asharoken is committed to a policy of protecting and safeguarding the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain and hold employment without being subject to harassment or discrimination in the workplace, and

WHERAS, the State of New York enacted legislation requiring all employers to adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and proposed a model policy;

WHEREAS on October 1, 2013 the Village of Asharoken adopted a policy to provide an employment environment free from harassment and discrimination, and

WHEREAS the Village of Asharoken wants its sexual harassment prevention policy to be consistent with the State’s model policy;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Village Board does hereby approve the replacement of the Village’s existing Sexual harassment, Anti-Discrimination and Hostile Environment policy approved October 1, 2013 with the New York State model Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy.

Mayor Letica noted that NYS mandated this policy and training as well. The Village had adopted a sexual harassment policy several years ago; training must take place within a year.

 

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

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Mayor Letica opened up the meeting to public session. Five comments were made.

 

1.       Officer- in- Charge Mahdesian noted that the court audit went very well, he praised Officer O’Connor’s for his hard work on preparation for the court audit.

2.       A resident asked about the project by the seawall and if public access requirements came up during the meeting with the ACOE and NYSDEC; Deputy Mayor Pierce indicated that it may be required depending on the plan. If there is a beach then it could be involved. The resident asked about getting sand from the coast guard channel. Mayor Letica noted that we can write a letter and ask about the possibility of getting the sand.

3.       A resident asked about how the decision will be made on the seawall plan. Mayor Letica noted that this seawall project is needed for public safety; we are a long ways from determining the type of project that will be selected. Emails will be shared to keep the residents informed.

4.       A resident asked about involving the Town on the road safety; Deputy Mayor Pierce indicated that the Town of Huntington is already partnering with the Village. We have been discussing with Suffolk County as well. The argument of “protecting the roadway” was used during the beach restoration project and was not permitted.

5.       A resident thanked the Board to take the time and discuss the seawall area with the residents in that area.

 

Mayor Letica made a motion to close public session, seconded by Trustee Ettinger.

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

Mayor Letica made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Ettinger.

Trustee Jablonski                                           AYE

Trustee Burke                                                  AYE

Trustee Ettinger                                              AYE

Deputy Mayor Pierce                                    AYE

Mayor Letica                                                     AYE

Motioned Carried.

 

The November 13, 2018 Regular board meeting of the Board of Trustees was adjourned at approximately 7:35pm.              

Signed: _____________________________________________

                Nancy Rittenhouse, Village Clerk