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APPROVED Minutes of the December 4, 2018 Meeting of the Asharoken Board of Trustees

 Incorporated Village of Asharoken

Board of Trustees Regular Board Meeting

         Tuesday, December 4, 2018 6:30pm

             At the Village Hall

Approximate Attendance (20)

                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                                               

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

Raymond Mahdesian, Officer-in-Charge

Marty Cohen, Conservation Board Chairman

Joseph Affrunti, Harbormaster

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Publication of meeting was confirmed.

 

Trustee Ettinger made a motion to approve the Regular Board Meeting minutes for November 13, 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 Letica presented commendations to Officer Lynn and Officer D’Alessandro for the fine work they did during the Nor’easter in October putting out a generator fire.

 

Mayor’s Report;” It’s been a short three weeks between meetings but the Village has been working on several important issues. The Village, Town of Huntington and our coastal engineer, Aram Terchunian worked in conjunction to draft a letter to the NYSDEC requesting that the ACOE begin work on a Locally Preferred Project (LPP) to design a solution to repair the failing seawall at the intersection of Bevin Road and Asharoken Avenue.  This LPP will seek a solution for the erosion of the shoreline seaward of the wall and also consider the advisability of elevating the road in this area as well. Pending board approval this evening the joint letter from TOH and VOA will be sent this week.

 

The Village has been working in conjunction with the Town of Smithtown to implement the newly required dual stream recycling program which will commence next Wednesday.  It is now mandatory that recycling be separated into three groups: plastic/metal, paper/cardboard, and lastly glass. Plastic, metal and glass containers must be rinsed clean.  Pick up will alternate between paper/cardboard one week and then the following week plastic/metal and glass.  Plastic/metal will need to be brought curbside in one container and glass in a separate one.  If the materials are not properly sorted or soiled, they will not be accepted by the recycling center and therefore the Village will not pick them up.  The Village will have to pay $73 per ton of plastic/metal and $23 per ton of glass but will receive a credit of $25 a ton paper/cardboard to dispose of the recyclables. There is a resolution on the agenda this evening to authorize the Mayor to sign an IMA with Town of Smithtown to commence the process.

 

On November 16th the Village was impacted by another strong nor’easter.  For 3 hours at high tide the road was closed at the seawall.  Additionally, another one of the steel caps was partially dislodged.  This cap, along with one that came off during October’s nor’easter was removed from the seawall area today.  Additionally, the sand south of the shoulder of the road was once again scoured away. 

 

In closing, I would like to invite everyone to come to Village Hall on December 16th at 2:30 for a performance of holiday music by the a cappella group “Valence” followed by the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus.  This is a super fun event for kids of all ages and I look forward to seeing you there. Mayor thanked Village Attorney Migatz and Village Clerk Rittenhouse for their work on the Town of Smithtown IMA and Deputy Mayor Pierce for her hard work on the letter to NYSDEC.

 

Trustees:

Deputy Mayor Pierce reported that she participated in several Suffolk Shared Service meetings and a call with three homeowners north of the seawall to listen to their concerns. She reviewed the letter to the NYSDEC, reviewed the resume and interviewed a prospective full time police officer. She reviewed the vouchers, minutes and proposals for fencing and stair repairs.

 

Trustee Ettinger reported that during this past month; he spent time with Officer Ray Mahdesian reviewing various police matters. He noted that the APD has put forth a resolution to hire a new full time police officer Patrick A. Rogin. During the month he monitored the Nor’easter’s that occurred; both he and Officer-in-Charge Mahdesian reviewed ways to improve communications. He noted that they are working on other highway safety features across from the seawall. He reviewed the vouchers, minutes and proposals. He expressed his best wishes for a happy holiday and happy New Year.

 

Trustee Burke reported that she reviewed minutes, vouchers, resume and interviewed the new police officer. She also reviewed correspondences and letter to the NYSDEC. She worked on the new recycle program and developed the communications needed to roll out the new program.

 

Trustee Jablonski reported that he reviewed the minutes, vouchers, police officer Rogin’s resume, and the NYSDEC letter and fence proposals.  He worked with Trustee Ettinger on the October 27th storm.

 

Village Attorney: Attorney Bruce Migatz had nothing to report this month.

 

Village Treasurer: Emily Hayes Treasurer reported that the vouchers for the month of November was $202,855.18. Included in the vouchers this month is a voucher for $172,099.00 for Asharoken’s yearly contribution to the NYS Pension for the police and employees of the village. There will be a separate resolution to approve the vouchers and budget transfers.

 

Officer-In-Charge:   Officer Ray Mahdesian reported that members of the department successfully completed their semi-annual firearms qualifications. There were 2 arrests and 21 summonses.

 

Sanitation Operator: Barry Bradley reported that big blue is running well. Total tipping fees for the month of November were $2,232.57. Trash tonnage 25.42, Single Stream recycling tonnage 7.44 and yard waste tonnage .3.67 which included 26 residents.

 

Building Inspector: Doug Adil reported that he reviewed construction drawings for the home at 495 Asharoken Avenue. Plans were found to be lacking in detail and therefore were returned for corrections. He communicated to a builder that the debris left on the property where a home is elevated on cribbing posed a hazard to adjacent properties, and needed to be cleaned up. He worked with Village Clerk to have fog line repainted in front of Duck Island Road. He performed 14 inspections.

 

Conservation Board Chairman:  Marty Cohen reported that he spent time with Village Clerk on the damaged dunes by the beach lots. He pointed out that part of the dunes are now only two to three high, wash over could take the road out. He pointed out that we need to put this on the top of the agenda.

 

Harbormaster: Joe Affrunti noted that he attended a meeting at the Town of Huntington regarding two dock applications in Duck Island Harbor and spoke on behalf of the Village. The police boat and signs and buoys are out of the water. He noted that we are scheduled to receive a new motor form NYS Parks and Recreation Department for the Police Boat in 2020.

 

Resolutions:

Resolution (2018-117) Be It Resolved that the Village Board approves the budget transfers for the month of November 2018.

 

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 (2018-118) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the vouchers for the month of November 2018 in the amount of $202,855.18.

 

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 (2018-119) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the Street Work Permit for Suffolk County Water Authority to remove retired hydrant (#385025-003) and replace; by Bevin Road and Kew Court.

 

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 (2018-120) Be It Resolved that the Village Board does hereby approve the Fill building application for the Kiernan Family located at 147 Asharoken Avenue to allow approximately 300 yards of fill/topsoil to the front yard needed to match grade of the neighboring property.

 

Mayor Letica 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 (2018-121) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby authorize the Mayor to sign the Inter-municipal agreement between the Town of Smithtown and the Incorporated Village of Asharoken to deliver dual stream recyclables to the Town of Smithtown’s plant at the following costs; metals/plastics $73.00 a ton; glass $23.00 a ton; and a credit for paper/cardboard of $25.00 a ton all include a handling fee of $5.00 a ton; subject to attorney’s approval as to form.

 

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 (2018-122) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board, does hereby approve the scheduling of a public hearing on Tuesday, January 15th, 2019 at 6:30pm 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 6/1/2019.

 

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 (2018-123) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby authorize the Mayor to sign the commitment letter from the Village of Asharoken and the Town of Huntington to have the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) develop the Locally Preferred Plan (LPP) for the construction of a project to protect a critical section of Asharoken Avenue/Eaton’s Neck Road at the seawall location.

 

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 (2018-124) Be it Resolved, that the Mayor does hereby appoint Patrick A. Rogin as a Full-Time  Police Officer for the Village of Asharoken, effective immediately, subject to Board approval.

 

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 was tabled last month)

Resolution (2018-111) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the services from Oakleaf Inc. to install two sections of  spruce stockade fencing at the north side of the Village Hall for a cost not to exceed $575.00.

 

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.

 

Full-time Police Officer, Patrick A. Rogin took the Oath of Office.

 

New Business: The Board of Trustees discussed the new recycle program, Dual Stream Recycling.

 

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

 

1.       A resident pointed out that 2018-08 was a similar resolution made earlier in the year. Mayor Letica noted that he believes the first resolution was to modify the original resolution. She noted that the board is making a commitment to the ACOE but noted that the board should look into the sand at the Coast Guard Channel. She discussed her concern about public access in the area of the seawall. Mayor Letica pointed out that the ACOE will be providing the plan at no charge, if the ACOE is not involved than the Village will have to bear the cost of the plan. He noted that we have a serious public safety issue by the seawall, we must move forward with the ACOE to develop a plan and engineer it.

Deputy Mayor Pierce noted that the Feasibility Study has a component that we must file a public access plan in order to complete the study to get the engineering plan; we have to file a public access plan so the study can be completed. Mayor Letica noted we have to fix this problem and we need Federal and State help on this. Mayor Letica noted that the three homeowners that live in the surrounding area are amiable to any solutions to fix the beach in front of their homes.

2.       A resident noted to get the sand from the Coast Guard Channel if possible; Mayor Letica asked Village Clerk Rittenhouse to draft a letter.

3.       A resident was concerned that a new dune would provide public access; Mayor Letica noted that fixing the dune would not require public access.

4.       A resident pointed out another alterative; if Eaton’s Neck becomes an island would the ACOE have to automatically fix it.  Deputy Mayor Pierce noted that if this happens the Village will be the local share and the same rules apply. Mayor Letica noted that if we are going to get Federal and State help we have to live by the rules.

5.       A resident brought up the regulation under the ACOE regarding sand benefiting the shores for recreational use; but in this case it is different it’s to protect the road. He went on to point out that there may be a possibility of getting the sand in the Coast Guard Channel, if received and deposited in front of the seawall this could be a good test. He pointed out that we should make every effort to get this sand and try it.

 

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 December 4, 2018 Regular board meeting of the Board of Trustees was adjourned at approximately 7:40pm.               

Signed: _____________________________________________

                Nancy Rittenhouse, Village Clerk