Incorporated Village of Asharoken
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Tuesday, December 6, 2016 7:30pm
At the Village Hall
Approximate Attendance (55)
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
Emily Hayes, Treasurer
Barry Bradley, Sanitation Operator
Doug Adil, Superintendent of Buildings
Raymond Mahdesian, Officer-in-Charge
Marty Cohen, Chairman for the Conservation Board
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Mayor Letica requested, proof of publication, Village Clerk confirmed.
Trustee Ettinger made a motion to approve the regular board minutes for November 1, 2016, seconded by Deputy Mayor Pierce.
Trustee Jablonski AYE
Trustee Burke AYE
Trustee Ettinger AYE
Deputy Mayor Pierce AYE
Mayor Letica AYE
Motioned Carried.
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Letica reported, During November, there were several media stories about deer in the Village. In response, I sent an email out to the residents asking for their input on the deer situation. I received nine responses by mail and three verbally. All 12 were in favor of reducing the number of deer. Three of the responses favored reverting back to the old DEC 500’ setback guidelines. Based on these responses, the imminent end of deer season, the December holidays and importance of reaching a decision on the beach restoration project the Village will postpone any action on this issue at this time.
On November 18th, the Village received a letter from Mr. Al Fuchs at the NYSDEC delineating the Village’s requirements to go forward with the beach restoration project. The letter requested that the Village respond with a decision by December 7th. I responded to Mr. Fuchs informing him that the date for a Village response was not acceptable. The Village needs time to survey its residents and conduct a public hearing prior to making a decision. He was also reminded that twice the Village has delayed sending out its survey at the request of the NYSDEC. The Village informed Mr. Fuchs that a response could be expected after the Village Board Meeting on January 10th, 2017. The Village received a response from Mr. Fuchs regarding the extension on Monday December 5, 2016.
Today, the Village mailed to each property owner a survey to solicit owners input on proceeding with the beach restoration project. Included in the survey is a detailed fact sheet which explains benefits, costs and drawbacks of the project. Please carefully review the fact sheet as well as additional information on the web site, Asharoken.com, in order to make an informed decision. Each survey is embossed with the Village seal and the original must be returned in order to be counted. This was done to eliminate the ability to Xerox survey forms and return more than one per property. The survey has been broken out into 6 different sections of the Village (Sound Side properties 100-200, Sound Side properties 204-296, properties on the bay side of Asharoken, properties on the bay side with a lot on the sound side, beach lots owners and properties west of the seawall) in order to see how properties in different areas feel about the project. Your response is anonymous. The deadline for returning the survey is December 19th. The results of the survey will be announced by December 22nd.
This survey, along with comments at a public hearing on January 4th will be the basis on which the Board of Trustees makes its decision on the project. The fate of this project has been put in the hands of our residents. This is one of the most important decisions in the history of the Village and thus during the next 5 weeks the Village will be focused on this issue solely.
You may have received via email or regular mail a questionnaire from a private group of residents called the APOA. Please do not be confused by this. The APOA questionnaire is not from the Village nor will your responses to it be used by the Village to make any decisions. Your responses to their questions are only for the APOA’s private use.
The Asharoken Holiday party was another terrific success. Hosted by Carole Casamassima, who did her usual incredible job. Over 100 Asharoken residents gathered at the Northport Yacht Club for an evening of great company, delicious food and dancing. Although at the end of every party the consensus is that this was the best one ever, I am sure that Carole has something up her sleeve to make next year’s even better. Thank you Carole, for you dedication and effort to make this highly anticipated event such a success. I would like to thank Mike Mere for making the new entry sign for the Village. Also thanks to Judy Ross and the Asharoken Garden Club for donating a lovely holiday wreath to the Village.
The sand placement project is going well with 34,000 cubic yards of sand placed as of last Friday. I spoke to the contractor who felt that weather permitting all of the sand should be place by the 12th of December.
Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to arrive at Village Hall on Sunday December 18th at 4PM. Starting at 3:30 there will be Christmas carols. This is a magical event for all of the Villages’ children and grandchildren. Refreshments will be provided. I would like to wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year.
Trustees:
Deputy Mayor Pierce reported that she monitored the National Grid sand placement, worked on the ASDRP survey, and reviewed the vouchers, minutes and the letter from the Conservation of the Environment Board. She also reviewed residents correspondence regarding the beach project and hunting. She thanked Carole Casamassima for all her efforts on the holiday party and wished everyone Happy Holidays.
Trustee Ettinger reported that he reviewed correspondence from the NYSDEC and ACOE regarding ASDRP and the deer issues; he had several conversations with residents as well. He reviewed the ASDRP survey, vouchers, minutes and several FOIL submissions. On November 2nd he attended the firearms qualifications and noted that all of our police officers qualified. On November 5th he attended the holiday party and commended Carole Casamassima on an outstanding job. On November 13th he attended the farewell brunch for Congressman Steve Israel. On November 16th he attended the court session. He wished everyone a very Happy Holiday and Happy New Year.
Trustee Burke reported that on November 15th she and Trustee Jablonski met with a representative from Landtek Inc. to review the shoulder near Bevin Road. We are waiting for revised plans from the engineer for different modified plans. She noted that she is working on the year end newsletter; she reviewed the vouchers, minutes, correspondence from residents and ASDRP survey.
Trustee Jablonski reported that he reviewed the minutes, vouchers, ASDRP survey, correspondence from the ACOE and residents. He noted that he and Trustee Burke had a meeting with the construction company and corresponded with the engineer firm for some changes.
Village Attorney: Bruce Migatz reported that the Zoning Board did not meet, nor is there a hearing scheduled for December. The Planning Board did not meet in November; Duck Island Corporation filed an amended sub-division plat which was sent to the Villages consultant VHB engineering to review. He noted that he received VHB’s comments on the amended sub-division plat and will follow up with his review. The Environmental Review Board did not meet in November. The ERB asked the Board of Trustees to retain at the applicants expense an environmental consultant to assist them in reviewing the conflicting reports submitted by the applicant and parties in opposition to the dock applicants. The Village has sent out two Requests for Proposals to two firms, Ocean and Coastal Consultants Engineering P.C. and the second GEI Consultants Engineering P.C. This board of trustees will then review both RFP’s and make a selection. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Hanukah.
Treasurer: Emily Hayes reported on the vouchers for the month being $34,368.42, the vouchers do not include any unusual expenditure for the month. There will be a separate resolution to approve the vouchers and budget transfers.
Officer-In-Charge: Officer-In-Charge Ray Mahdesian reported that the department completed their semi-annual firearms qualification at Suffolk County Police Academy Range in Westhampton. Two traffic related arrests and 25 summonses were issued for the month. He also noted that the department was notified that a large group was expected to come to the meeting to express their opinion on the deer. The department brought in additional officers for safety reasons.
Sanitation Operator: Barry Bradley reported that Big Blue is running well. Total trash tons was 22.48, single stream 9.48 tons for total tonnage for the month being 33.66 tons. Yard waste totals 203 bags and 28 families participated.
Superintendent of Buildings: Doug Adil reported that he reviewed proposed placement of soil onto a Bevin Road property. He discussed the requirements to repair an existing garage structure. He reviewed a package of drawings that were submitted to obtain a building permit for an existing deck, A/C and generator. He responded to an inquiry regarding whether a building permit is required to replace existing fixtures to a bathroom and replacing a front door or upgrading the electrical system. He met with a homeowner to discuss building permit requirements for adding bedrooms to existing home. He provided information in response to an inquiry regarding driveway replacement and storm drainage. Discussed Village Code requirements regarding accessory structures and he performed eleven inspections.
Conservation Board: Marty Cohen noted that the he worked with the Building Inspector on the fill application and submitted a letter of recommendation.
Resolutions:
Resolution (2016-141) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board approves the budget transfers for the month of November 2016.
Motion was made by Deputy Mayor Pierce 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 (2016-142) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the vouchers for the month of November 2016 in the amount of $34,368.42.
Motion was made by Trustee Jablonski 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 (2016-143) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the Village Clerk to prepare an application to the 2017-2018 Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund (LGRMIF) grant for funding of imaging of property parcel records, not to exceed $75,000.00.
Motion was made by Mayor Letica 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 (2016-144) Be It Resolved that, based upon the findings and recommendation of the Board for the Conservation of the Environment, the Village Board finds that the granting of the fill permit application filed by Ian Jablonski for the premises 20 Bevin Road will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts and determines that the permit should be granted.
Motion was made by Mayor Letica to approve, seconded by Trustee Ettinger.
Village Attorney clarified the resolution; the resolution is proposing to adopt a negative declaration under SEQRA with respect to potential environmental impacts and then to approve the action.
Trustee Jablonski Abstain
Trustee Burke AYE
Trustee Ettinger AYE
Deputy Mayor Pierce AYE
Mayor Letica AYE
Motioned Carried.
Resolution (2016-145) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board, does hereby approve the scheduling of a public hearing on Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 at 7:30pm at Village Hall 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 6/1/2017.
Motion was made by Deputy Mayor Pierce 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 (2016-146) Be It Resolved that the Village Board, does hereby approve the scheduling of a public hearing on Wednesday, January 4th, 2017 at 6:30pm held at the Northport National Grid Power Plant for public comment on the ASDRP project.
Motion was made by Mayor Letica 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 (2016-147) 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 in the amount between $8,700 to $9,500 and court audit in the amount of $600 for year end 5/31/2017.
Motion was made by Deputy Mayor Pierce to approve, seconded by Trustee Ettinger.
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, twenty suggestions, comments or questions were presented.
1. Comment was made on having the results of the survey be submitted for an independent audit. He also read a letter that was submitted to the Board of Trustees regarding the ASDRP project.
2. A resident read a letter for another resident regarding deer hunting in Asharoken. Letter was submitted into the Village record.
3. Comment on deer hunting and forming a committee. Comment on the ASDRP survey and how it was divided. Mayor Letica pointed out that the survey forms were distributed based on six areas. The results will be given to the residents and property owners from each area.
4. Question on the ASDRP survey and how each area affects property owners differently.
5. Comments were made on the ASDRP project; she noted that in 1966 she purchased her home. She commented on the requirements that beach side owners will have to adhere to, she noted to terminate the Feasibility Study.
6. Comment on the deer hunting program and that the increased deer population has caused a health crisis.
7. Question on number of surveys that were sent out and a question on whether the Board will use eminent domain.
8. Question on level of details of the methodology of the survey and what the process will be to review the returned surveys.
9. Comment on not receiving emails recommended sending correspondence by postal mail. Comment was made that residents should not have to go to the website for the information. Question on how the results are going to be used in making a decision.
10. Comment was made that there is a potential for a division within the Village from the survey responses.
11. Comment on the ASDRP project and his concerns about the project. Questioned how the project got to the survey process, and thought since the Village will not comply it should be over.
12. Question on how many parking spots are required by the ACOE.
13. Resident read a letter dated December 6, 2016 and it was filed into the Village record, pertaining to deer hunting.
14. Comment was on the deer results from the email that was sent out by the Village. Mayor Letica pointed out that the Village Attorney will review the code. Comment on the ASDRP project and that Asharoken cannot afford to pay for this project.
15. Comment was made on the military base and that the ASDRP project should be completed to protect that base and not give up public access. Comment on the deer activity that occurred on South Harbor.
16. Comment was made on the ASDRP project and how important this project is to the Village and how it will help to protect our lives.
17. Commented on the ASDRP project and he noted that he has heard enough of the project.
18. Comment on the ASDRP project and noted that they will not sacrifice their property for this project. The Town of Huntington should contribute towards the project.
19. Comment on the deer issue, he is a board member of the Eaton’s Harbor Corp. He noted that EHC has surveyed both Asharoken and Eaton’s Neck residents that reside in EHC area. The residents of Asharoken that live in EHC, 70% agree with deer hunting.
20. Comment on the ACOE obligation to fix the seawall.
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 December 6th, 2016 Regular board meeting of the Board of Trustees was adjourned at approximately 9:15pm.
Signed: _____________________________________________
Nancy Rittenhouse, Village Clerk