Incorporated Village of Asharoken
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 5th, 2016 7:30pm
At the Village Hall
Approximate Attendance (42)
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
Bruce Migatz, Village Attorney
Doug Adil, Superintendent of Buildings
Barry Bradley, Sanitation
Raymond Mahdesian, Officer-in-Charge
Marty Cohen, Chairman for the Conservation Board
Matthew Casamassima, ASDRP Committee Chairperson
Duck Island Harbor Revitalization
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Mayor Letica requested, proof of publication, Village Clerk confirmed.
Deputy Mayor Pierce made a motion to approve the regular board minutes for December 1st, 2015, seconded by Trustee Burke.
Trustee Jablonski AYE
Trustee Burke AYE
Trustee Ettinger AYE
Deputy Mayor Pierce AYE
Mayor Letica AYE
Motioned Carried.
Deputy Mayor Pierce made a motion to approve the work session minutes for December 16th, 2015, seconded by Trustee Burke.
Trustee Jablonski AYE
Trustee Burke AYE
Trustee Ettinger AYE
Deputy Mayor Pierce AYE
Mayor Letica Abstain
Motioned Carried.
Mayor Letica reported, “I need to start tonight’s report where I should have ended last months with a huge thank you to Carole Casamassima for organizing the Village Holiday Party. This year’s party was another smashing success with a great time had by all of the attendees at the Northport Yacht Club. The raffles held at the party raise money to support our fireworks and over the years, thanks to Carole’s dedication, tens of thousands of dollars have been raised to defray the costs of our July 4th fireworks. Because of Carole’s dedication to the Village and a being wonderful resident the board has the honor of presenting Carole a proclamation for all her efforts. (Mayor Letica read the proclamation to Carole Casamassima).
I would also like to thank Trustee Laura Burke for organizing the blood drive that was held on December 21st. Coincidentally, 21 pints of blood were donated.
On December 9th the ACOE held a public hearing to discuss the ASDRP. The meeting was held at the Northport High School due to the large number to people who came. The Corps gave a presentation on the project and answered questions from the audience. During the month the Village received a copy a letter from Supervisor Petrone to Lt. General Bostick at the ACOE asking for a reduction in the public access requirements of the project. I also wrote to Congressman Israel explain that the economic impact of road loss to Eaton’s Neck would be substantial and that this should be taken into account when valuing the road as the public benefit of the project. Deputy Mayor Pierce and I interviewed multiple coastal engineers during the month in anticipation of engaging a firm this evening to assist the Village with the ASDRP.
The public comment period for the ASDRP ends at the end of January. I would strongly encourage everyone to submit a comment about the project and stress that the public benefit of the project is road protection. The Village will send out a copy of the Comment Card as well as an address to send it.
The Village received notice that it is eligible for $9000 from the Justice Court Assistance Program to cover costs of furniture and improvements for the new Village Hall. Unfortunately, the Village learned that it was denied the Hazard Mitigation Grant that it applied for to pay for the generator for the building.
I would like to thank Ed Carr, head of Maritime Services at the Town of Huntington, for getting a bathymetric survey of Duck Island Harbor done. This was done at no cost to the Village and along with core sampling is a needed step to determine if and how the Village could go forward with dredging Duck Island Harbor. This is another example of two communities working together.
I would like to thank Michael Mere who has refurbished our Village Hall sign.
Long time residents Dick and Joan Hauser have sold their house and are moving from Asharoken. I would like to thank Joan for her years serving as editor of the Asharoken News Letter and Dick for serving on the Planning Board. This evening, pending approval by the Board of Trustees, I will appoint Jim Izzo to replace Dick on the Board. Finally Santa Claus made his first appearance at the New Village Hall on December 13th, many thanks to Beefy and his girlfriend Jean, they put smiles on all the children and grandchildren who came down to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, it was a very successful Santa visit.
Linda and I wish everyone a very safe and happy new year to come.
Trustees:
Deputy Mayor Pierce reported, that she attended the December 9th public hearing. She noted that she continues to review the Feasibility Study report and appendix’s and is working on the village’s response. The ACOE agreed to answer any further questions that the village may have, the ACOE has requested any further questions be submitted to the village by the 13th or 14th of January and then the ACOE will be followed up with a conference call with the village on January 19th. She noted that she has been doing research on coastal engineers, she attending the December 16th work session, reviewed the minutes and vouchers. She attended the swearing in ceremony for the Town of Huntington officials.
Trustee Ettinger, wished everyone a happy new year. He reported that most of his time was spent working with the general contractor and the open punch list for village hall. He noted that most of the open items have been completed. He noted that he was involved in the installation of the window shades and worked on the order to replace the front door. He noted that a new permanent railing has been ordered. Throughout the month he was involved with Officer-in-Charge Mahdesian regarding a number of police matters. He attended the public hearing on December 9th, Santa’s visit, the work session and monthly court session both held on December 16th. He reviewed the vouchers and the minutes for the month.
Trustee Burke reported that she organized the blood drive and thanked the residents of Asharoken and Eaton’s Neck for supporting the drive. She noted that she attended the public hearing on December 9th and attended Santa’s visit. She reviewed several items, such as the coastal engineer proposals, the deer survey results, the ASDRP report, the environmental assessment on deer management plan, vouchers and the minutes for the month.
Trustee Jablonski, reported that he attended the ACOE meeting on December 9th, the work session and reviewed the minutes and the vouchers for the month.
Village Attorney: Bruce Migatz noted that nothing new to report, no meetings where held in the month of December.
Treasurer: Nancy Rittenhouse, reported for Treasurer Emily Hayes, she noted that the total vouchers for the month of December were $37,442.66. There will be a separate resolution to approve the vouchers and related budget transfers.
Officer-In- Charge: Officer-In-Charge Ray Mahdesian reported that the village had over 300 summonses in 2015, 42 villages, 128 speeding summons and 32 arrests. No burglaries in the village this year. For the month of December a letter was received of commendation for Officer Rubino for assistance rendered on an aided case. It has been a good year.
Sanitation: Barry Bradley reported that big blue is running well, Trash total was 25.38 tons, single stream 11.23 tons for a total of 37.40 tons and a monthly cost of $2073.22.
Superintendent of Building: Doug Adil reported that he performed a series of plan reviews, answered several questions from residents. He reviewed the December Ravco Construction requisition. He reviewed plans for a swimming pool, responded to a resident question regarding the need for a permit for the installation of illuminated piers, he responded to questions regarding electrical work. He reviewed plans for the elevation of a home onto a new piling foundation. He reviewed plans for a PV solar installation; and the total number inspections performed were approximately 12 this month.
Conservation Board: Marty Cohen noted nothing to report.
ASDRP Committee Chairperson: Matthew Casamassima noted nothing to report.
Duck Island Harbor Revitalization: Nothing reported.
Under New Business: Mayor Letica noted that the board is considering retaining a Coastal Engineer. Deputy Mayor Pierce gave a recap of each coastal engineer which submitted proposals to the village. The coastal engineers that were being considered were; Woodshole Group, First Coastal, and Land Use that partners with SBI, VHB Engineering and Jay Tanski of the New York Sea Grant Coastal specialist, which is a cooperative between SUNY and Cornell. Part of their program is for managing coastal awareness and best practices. Deputy Mayor Pierce noted that she was impressed by the Coastal Engineer located in Westhampton First Coastal (Aram Terchunian). Trustee Burke asked if the coastal engineers review will be completed by the close of the comment period, and Deputy Mayor Pierce indicated it will be.
Trustee Jablonski asked if alternative plan three is going to be reviewed, Deputy Mayor Pierce noted that cost is a consideration. Mayor Letica noted that the sentiment has been that groins were not a well-liked option. Trustee Ettinger noted that the ACOE gravitated to the plan that had the higher cost benefit. Trustee Jablonski asked what the goal is for retaining the coastal engineer; Mayor Letica noted that the goal is to ensure that the village is not making any errors on the selection of the plan that could hurt the village. We are not coastal engineers; we need to get an expert to review. Mayor Letica noted that any plan that considers groins must consider purchasing the land where the groin will be placed; our goal is to have a plan without groins. Deputy Mayor Pierce noted that the ACOE has put in for plan four and we need to override that plan, using the advice of a coastal engineer. The problem is that the ACOE just assumed we were going to take plan four and began working on that plan. Deputy Mayor Pierce noted that the mechanism that has to happen is that we would override that plan and it must be done by our village response and by public comment.
Mayor Letica asked the board’s opinion on which coastal engineer group would they suggest too retain. Mayor Letica noted that First Coastal has a lot of experience and they have come very well recommended.
Mayor Letica reported that the board received communication from a resident which has a list of approximately 26 property owners that have concerns on deer hunting in the village. Mayor Letica noted that deer season is going to end in three weeks, the village cannot consider making any changes but we can look closely at this concern, for the next deer season. Trustee Ettinger noted that we need to look at our local law. There are concerns and differences between the residents that live in Asharoken and the residents who live in the northern section of the Asharoken. Mayor Letica noted the primary concern, is that personal safety is being looked into, he then asked that Trustee Ettinger and Trustee Jablonski to follow up.
Resolutions:
Resolution (2016-01) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board approves the budget transfers for the month of December 2015.
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 (2016-02) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the vouchers for the month of December 2015 in the amount of $37,442.66.
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 (2016-03) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board, does hereby approve the scheduling of a public hearing on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2016 for a proposed local law authorizing a property tax levy in excess of the limit established in General Municipal Law}3-c for the fiscal year commencing 6/1/2016.
Deputy Mayor Pierce 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 (2016-04) Be it Resolved that the Village Board, does hereby approve in accordance with the provisions of the Election Law of the State of New York, the 2016 Annual Village Election in the Village of Asharoken shall be held on June 21st, 2016, and be it further resolved that the offices to be filled at said election and the terms thereof are as follows:
Trustee, two (2) years
Trustee, two (2) years
Mayor, two (2) years
Be it resolved that the polling place will be held at the Village Hall, 1 Asharoken Avenue, Northport, NY 11768 during the hours of 12 noon to 9:00 pm, subject to change.
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 (2016-05) Be It Resolved that the Village Board does hereby authorize the purchase of three additional interior solar shades for the village hall in the amount not to exceed $400.00 from Home Depot.
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 (2016-06) Be It Resolved that the Mayor does hereby appoint the following uncompensated individual, Jim Izzo to the Planning Board to expire on 7/1/2016, taking over for Richard Hauser, subject to board approval.
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 (2016-07) Be It Resolved that the Village Board does hereby authorize the use of Village Hall on January 13th, for Duck Island Corporation’s annual meeting.
Mayor Letica 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 (2016-08) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby authorize the advertisement of the sale of the village portable generator, on NYCOM marketplace, Craig’s list, website and paper of record with a minimum bid of $450.00, all costs for removing and transporting will be the responsibility of the buyer,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED the Village Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to advertise for sale the portable generator; and be it further
RESOLVED that the Village Clerk is hereby authorized to publicly open and read bids on set day in accordance with the “Notice to Bidders”; and be it further
RESOLVED that the Village Clerk is hereby authorized to reject said bids for good and sufficient reason and to re-advertise same under the authority herein granted without further action of this Board.
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 (2016-09) Be It Resolved that the Village Board does hereby authorize the mayor to sign the engagement letter from Skinnon & Faber CPA for the village audit for $8500 and court audit for $600 for year- end 5/31/2016.
Deputy Mayor Pierce 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 (2016-10)
WHEREAS, Suffolk County Division of Real Property Acquisition and Management has offered to sell to the Village of Asharoken a certain parcel of land designated as lot 0401-004.00-01.00-005 for the purchase price of $1,383.15 plus pro rata share of current real estate taxes at the time of closing, and WHEREAS, the Village of Asharoken is interested in acquiring title to said parcel of real property 0401-004.00-01.00-005; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Village Clerk is hereby authorized to order a title report for lot 0401-004.00-01.00-005 in order to determine marketable and insurable title to said parcel of land.
Trustee Burke made a motion, seconded by Mayor Letica for purposes to discuss. Mayor Letica noted that he doesn’t see a reason to purchase; the location is on the sound side approximately 12’ wide, just north of the Waldenburg home. Mayor Letica and Deputy Mayor Pierce noted that there doesn’t seem to be a purpose to purchase the lot. Mayor Letica noted that Suffolk County offered the village a right to purchase. Village Attorney noted that the resolution is only authorizing money to have a title report done, not to buy the parcel. Property that is held by a municipality for parkland cannot be sold.
The board then voted on resolution (2016-10).
Trustee Jablonski NAY
Trustee Burke NAY
Trustee Ettinger NAY
Deputy Mayor Pierce NAY
Mayor Letica NAY
Motioned Carried
Resolution (2016-11) Be It Resolved that the Village Board does hereby authorize to retain First Coastal Engineering for the ASDRP project in the amount not to exceed $9,200.00.
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 for Public Session.
During public session, 12 statements, questions and comments were presented.
1. A comment was made about a parking area beach lot and who owns it.
2. A comment was made on property owned by the County and if they could sell or not.
3. A comment was made on docks in the Ida Smith Property area; he noted that the dock permit does not run with the land.
4. A comment was made on a pile of fill at 117 Asharoken, Doug Adil noted that the pile of fill is from the property itself for the new structure.
5. A comment was made on where the officer-in-charge should sit within the room during the board meeting.
6. A statement was made opposing the proposed plan outlined in Supervisor’s Petrone’s letter recommending access at end-points. He noted that the public will bring themselves to these two access points. He noted that the seawall that was built did not require the purchase of land, only easements.
7. A comment was made on deer hunting and lack of progress from the Board. Mayor Letica noted that the Town of Huntington’s ordinance does not apply to the Village of Asharoken. Hunting with bow and arrow existed in the village prior to the new Town ordinance as long as you complied with the DEC regulation.
8. A comment was made that 26 households signed a petition regarding deer hunting and are concerned about hunting in Asharoken.
9. A comment was made by a resident in Eaton’s Neck, a member on the Board of Eaton’s Harbor Corp and Asharoken resident and he noted that year to date we have harvested about 60 deer. No one has complained about the deer hunting except for a small group, the residents of EHC are for deer hunting, we are not aware of any safety issue. The police have names of all the deer hunters in EHC. We have had higher incidents of Lyme disease and property damage.
10. A comment was made about the length and detail of the police report; he noted that he would like to hear about more information in the police report.
11. A comment was made on the status of Duck Island Corporation.
12. A comment was made on the ACOE decision on the ASDRP plan and discussed the cost benefit on the alternatives. He noted that the village has come to a correct decision and be in favor of a no groin beach.
Mayor Letica made a motion to close the 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 January 5th, 2016 Regular board meeting of the Board of Trustees was adjourned at approximately 8:45 pm.
Signed: _____________________________________________
Nancy Rittenhouse, Village Clerk