Incorporated Village of Asharoken
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting and Public Hearing
Tuesday May 5th, 2015 7:30pm
At the Northport Power Plant
Approximate Attendance (22)
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
Joseph Affrunti, Harbormaster
Doug Adil, Superintendent of Buildings
Raymond Mahdesian, Officer-in-Charge
Barry Bradley, Sanitation Operator
Marty Cohen, Conservation of the Environment
Avrum Golub, Stormwater Superintendent
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Proof of publication was made.
Trustee Ettinger made a motion to approve the regular board minutes for April 7th, 2015 seconded by Deputy Mayor Pierce.
Trustee Jablonski AYE
Trustee Burke AYE
Trustee Ettinger AYE
Deputy Mayor Pierce AYE
Mayor Letica AYE
Motioned Carried.
Trustee Ettinger made a motion to approve the special board meeting minutes for April 21st, 2015 seconded by Deputy Mayor Pierce.
Trustee Jablonski Abstain
Trustee Burke AYE
Trustee Ettinger AYE
Deputy Mayor Pierce AYE
Mayor Letica AYE
Motioned Carried.
Village Clerk, Nancy Rittenhouse read the public hearing notice for the Annual MS4 Stormwater Report for fiscal year end March 9, 2015.
Mayor Letica opened up the public hearing.
No comments were made during the public hearing.
Mayor Letica made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Trustee Ettinger.
Trustee Jablonski AYE
Trustee Burke AYE
Trustee Ettinger AYE
Deputy Mayor Pierce AYE
Mayor Letica AYE
Motioned Carried.
Mayors Report:
Mayor Letica reported, “In response to the MFR from the ACOE that the village received last month Deputy Mayor Pam Pierce and I have been working to formulate a response. I met with Town of Huntington Deputy Supervisor Pat Del Col and, Belinda Pagdanganan and Helen Duffy from National Grid to discuss the amendments that the ACOE asked for regarding the use of the Sound view Boat Ramp parking lot. Ms Duffy will send the village a written response but at the meeting she said that NG was unlikely to agree to any of the proposed changes. Deputy Mayor Pierce has been working on supporting evidence for the village’s claim that the multiple local public beaches will lead to very low recreational use on Asharoken should public access be agreed to.
Matt Chlebus, from the NYSDEC, reports the following on the ASDRP.
“The State continues to work in conjunction with the Corps to complete the Engineering Appendix and develop a tentatively selected plan (TSP). The most recent draft of the Engineering Appendix is attached. Note that it is still draft, and there may be changes made prior to the TSP.
Currently three different alternatives are being considered for the TSP. These include:
· Sand only
· Sand with three groins on the western side of the project
· Sand with 3 groins on the western side of the project, and 8 groins on the eastern side of the project
DEC Regional 1 staff, DEC Marine Resources staff, and NYS DOS staff are currently reviewing the Engineering Appendix, and preparing comments on the analysis conducted by the Corps and the alternatives proposed.”
I met with representatives from both Suffolk Asphalt and Posillico to get quotes on re-paving a section of Asharoken Avenue. The village is still waiting for the numbers.
Village hall has seen dramatic progress in the last month. I am happy to report that the village received a commitment from National Grid for a rebate of $6590 to cover part of the cost of the high efficiency lighting in the building. I want to thank Rich Pandolfi who selected the lighting and Nancy Rittenhouse who did her usual great job guiding the process from proposal to commitment. The village also received the $50,000 it was anticipating from NYS for a grant for the retaining wall. Trustee Ettinger will have more to report.
Sadly I have to mention the passing to two long time village residents, George Matthews and Joan Ayer. I have known both Joan and George personally for decades. It would be hard to find to people who more enjoyed their time in Asharoken. I send out my deepest condolences on behalf of the village to the Matthews and Ayer families.”
Trustees:
Deputy Mayor Pierce reported that she worked with the Mayor Letica and Village Clerk, Nancy Rittenhouse on the Government Efficiency Plan, reviewed the storm water report, monthly vouchers and April minutes.
Trustee Ettinger reported on the progress of the village hall project for April. He noted that the rough plumbing was completed, and windows, doors and roofing are expected to be installed next week. He noted that weekly meetings are conducted with Ravco Construction. He noted that he attended the monthly court session, and the semi-annual firearms training with the police department. He attended the special Board of Trustees meeting, reviewed the MS4 annual storm water report and monthly vouchers.
Trustee Burke reported that she attended the special board meeting, reviewed the monthly vouchers, April minutes, village communication correspondences and the MS4 Storm water report. She noted that she began working on the Newsletter for the 2nd quarter edition.
Trustee Jablonski reported that he reviewed the monthly vouchers, April minutes and the MS4 annual Storm water report. He reported on the four poster program, and discovered that extensive certifications are required for one to apply the tickicide material to the units. He also noted that the deer consume approximately 5000-9000 pounds of corn per year and the job to replenish and store the feed is very time consuming.
Village Attorney: Bruce Migatz noted that the BZA met on April 20th, all three applications were for special use accessory permit renewal, one was for 144 Asharoken Avenue, Ciesinski, second one was for 232 Asharoken Avenue, Masterson, third one was for 497Asharoken Avenue, Hoey all three were approved. The BZA also rendered a decision in the Wurzel application for 6 Beach Plum Drive for a variance application for a side-yard setback for mechanical equipment which was granted originally on April 20, 2013. The public hearing was re-opened by the adjacent neighbor Mr. Holmes to reconsider the landscape screening requirement, three separate public hearings took place and on April 20th the board rendered an amended decision. The board found that the plantings installed were sufficient, but the board did modify the decision to give a more specific description of the landscape plantings to be maintained in the future for sufficient screening.
The Planning Board met on April 14th and concluded the sketch meetings on the two lot sub-division, the board determined to treat the sub-division as a minor sub-division application. The applicant will file a formal application for sub-division approval in the near future. The applicant was directed to pay an initial $5000 deposit to cover hearing costs and village consultant fees. Village attorney, Bruce Migatz referred to the resolution on the agenda number (2015-48).
Treasurer: Treasurer Emily Hayes reported that the total amount of vouchers for the month of April was $75,654.86. This includes our annual liability and boat insurance of $38,926.68. A separate resolution to approve the vouchers and related budget transfers will be made.
In addition on 4/29/15 the village received $50,000 from the State and Municipal Facilities program (SAM) grant for the retaining wall behind the new village hall.
Officer-In- Charge: Officer-In-Charge Ray Mahdesian reported that no burglaries occurred in the month of April. He noted that the officers completed their semi-annual firearms qualification at Suffolk County Police Academy range in Westhampton.
Sanitation: Sanitation Operator Barry Bradley reported on Big Blue which is running well. Trash pick-up was 22.33 tons; single stream recycling was 9.48 tons, totaling 31.81 tons. He noted that Single Stream recycling is working well, trash costs savings for the month of April was $290 and recycling was up 62% from last month.
Superintendent of Buildings: Doug Adil reported on twelve inspections for the month of April. He noted that he reviewed plans for alterations on two houses in Asharoken that were previously rejected and he reviewed the payment requisition for the village hall project. He reviewed plans for a detached garage, zoning information to a homeowner to install an A/C condenser and drawings on an installation of a cobble stone driveway.
Conservation of the Environment: Nothing to report.
Harbormaster: Harbormaster Joseph Affrunti reported that the marine schedule is complete and the police boat is being prepared and will be put in to service in the next few weeks.
Presentation was made by Carole Casamassima and Linda Letica to the Board of Trustees. Both presented a donation to be put towards the cost of the barge and tugboat for the Fireworks Event.
Resolutions:
Resolution (2015-41) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board approves the budget transfers for the month of April 2015.
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 (2015-42) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the vouchers for the month of April 2015 in the amount of $75,654.86.
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 (2015-43) Be It Resolved that the Village Board does hereby authorize the mayor to sign the MS4 Stormwater Annual Report for fiscal year end March 9th, 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 (2015-44) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby accept the donation from “Save the Fireworks” committee in the amount of $7,500.00 to be put towards the cost of the barge and tugboat.
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 (2015-45) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby accept the donation from Linda Letica in the amount of $1000.00 to be put towards the cost of the barge and tugboat.
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 (2015-46) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve an extension of 30 days to RAVCO Construction for the completion of the village hall project based on the recommendation from Architect, Victor Cuneo due to the severe weather this past winter.
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 (2015-47) Be It Resolved that the Village Board does hereby authorize the mayor to sign the agreement between Accu Data and the Village of Asharoken for payroll services, subject to village attorney’s approval as to form.
Mayor Letica 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 (2015-48) Be It Resolved that the Village Board authorizes the mayor to sign the proposal authorizing the scope of services of VHB Engineering, Surveying and Landscape Architecture, P.C. as the Village consultant in connection with the subdivision application of Duck Island Corp, pursuant to the terms of the proposal, all VHB’s fees to be reimbursed by the applicant (Duck Island Corp) pursuant to the Asharoken Village Code.
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 (2015-49) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board, does hereby accept the donation from the “Asharoken Building Fundraising Committee” in the amount of $3,100 for the new village hall project.
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.
Mayor Letica opened up the meeting for public session.
During public session, twenty-one questions and comments were presented.
1. Question on the village hall schedule, funding and expenses.
2. Question on the elevation of the new village hall.
3. Question on flood insurance during construction.
4. Question on the cost of the building, change orders and overall budget. Village Attorney, Bruce Miqatz noted that the Board of Trustees entered into a contract with the Contractor, any changes to the overall contract price must be made through an approved change order by the Board of Trustees.
5. Comment was made on the Beach Restoration Project and a statement was read.
6. Suggestion was made on making a petition.
7. Question was made on resolution (2015-48).
8. Question on the FEMA funding and noting the amount.
9. Question was made on public benefit.
10. Comment was made on the commitment that was made pre-Sandy with the ACOE.
11. Question was made on the draft report submitted from the ACOE.
12. Question on the Bayville draft plan.
13. Question on how the decision was made to enter into agreement with VHB.
14. Question was made on the Beach Passes.
15. Question on the on-going maintenance for the Beach Restoration Project. Mayor Letica pointed out that the ACOE will maintain the beach project; a cost share exists of approximately 15% for additional sand needed for periodic maintenance.
16. Question on the costs associated with National Grid’s deposit of sand.
17. Question on restoring the beach after a storm.
18. Question was posed “What happens if the village does not go through with the project”. Mayor Letica pointed out that the DEC has a one-time approval to dredge Long Island Sound for the Asharoken Beach Project, maintenance and replenishment of the beach will not exist if the project is not accepted. Deputy Mayor noted that the life of the Beach Restoration project is 50 years; you have the initial Beach Restoration Project, the beach will be maintained on a 3 year or 5 year cycle. Any restoration of the beach after a major storm will be replaced at no cost to the Village.
19. Question on the 50 year life span and continual maintenance. Deputy Mayor pointed out that the cost for the initial project is 10% and the maintenance cost is 15% and the restoration after a major storm is at no cost to the village.
20. Question on the initial cost of the project is approximately $30 million; Mayor Letica noted that the initial cost is 10% to be paid out over a period of 30 years.
21. Comment on the decision of the project.
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 Deputy Mayor Pierce.
Trustee Jablonski AYE
Trustee Burke AYE
Trustee Ettinger AYE
Deputy Mayor Pierce AYE
Mayor Letica AYE
Motioned Carried.
The May 5th, 2015 Board meeting of the Board of Trustees was adjourned at approximately 9:00 pm.
Signed: _____________________________________________
Nancy Rittenhouse, Village Clerk