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APPROVED Minutes of the August 4, 2015 Meeting of the Asharoken Board of Trustees

 Incorporated Village of Asharoken

Board of Trustees Regular Meeting

          Tuesday August 4th, 2015 7:30pm

             At the Northport Power Plant

Approximate Attendance (40)

                                                                               

                                                                                                               

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

Doug Adil, Superintendent of Buildings

Raymond Mahdesian, Officer-in-Charge

Barry Bradley, Sanitation

Marty Cohen, Conservation of the Environment

Joe Affrunti, Harbormaster

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Proof of publication was made.

 

Trustee Ettinger made a motion to approve the regular board minutes for June 30th, 2015 seconded by Trustee Burke.

 

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 regular board minutes for July 7th, 2015, 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 presented the new policy “Rules of Procedure”.

 

 

 

 

Mayors Report:

Mayor Letica reported, “the Village has been informed by the NYSDEC and the USACE that it will take several months to complete the work needed to get the Tentatively Selected Plan completed and ready for public comment.  The corps had made an assumption that the Village would select Alternative 4, which calls for 3 groins in front of the sea wall, and started working up that plan prior to waiting to hear which Alternative the Village preferred.  When the Village selected Alternative 1, sand only, the Corps had to go back to the drawing board.  Both Alternative 1 and 4 are supported by the NYSDEC.  Additionally, the meeting that the USACE was supposed to go to on August 5th was postponed due to internal Corps matters that were independent of the Village

This evening, pending board approval, I will appoint a committee of residents to work with the Board of Trustees to seek solutions to restore the beach without public access.  The committee is being asked to work to create a strong political coalition with Eaton’s Neck POENB Association, Eaton’s Neck Harbor Corp, Eaton’s Neck Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Northport Village Officials, Northport Fire Department & EMS Services, Northport School District, National Grid and Suffolk County Water Authority to support protection of the road, expand the dialog with our elected officials to raise their awareness of the need to protect the road and seek alternative solutions and means of funding to protect the road. The committee members come from all areas of the village and bring unique skills and concerns to the table.  The Committee will report directly to Deputy Mayor Pierce. The board will work with the committee to review and implement its recommendations.

Suffolk County Legislator Dr. William Spencer recently wrote a letter to the USACE supporting a compromise solution to restore the beach.  I thank him for his support. Over the last year or so, State Assemblyman Raia, Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone and the Chiefs of the Northport and Eaton’s Neck Fire Department have also written letters in support of seeking a solution protect the road.  It was also good to see a very supportive Editorial in The Observer supporting beach reconstruction without the need for public access.

I would like to express my sincerest condolences to Catherine Burch and her family on the passing of her husband Donald. Donald Burch was a resident of Asharoken for many years and passed away on July 14th. He was a highly decorated U.S. Marine and a Korean War veteran.

Thanks to the efforts of Steve Trombetti and Eric Maffei there is now a dedication ASDRP section on the web site. All pertinent documents will be located in this section.”

Trustees:

Deputy Mayor Pierce reported that she has been reaching out to local officials to get an update on the current status of the ASDRP; and thanked Trustee Burke for accompanying her at several meetings that took place with officials and Eaton’s Neck residents.  She noted that she had several informational meetings on ASDRP.  She pointed that the section designated to the ASDRP on the website will provide frequently asked questions and information that the new committee will come up with. She noted that she reviewed the procedure policy, vouchers and minutes.

 

Trustee Ettinger reported on the progress of the village hall project for July.  He noted that the sheetrock was complete, interior wiring complete, the interior doors were installed, the crawl space was spray foamed and the SCWA finished installing the water service.  Weekly meetings continue with RAVCO Construction and the sub-contractors.  He noted for August, the painting will begin; front stoop and walkways will be installed, along with the installation of the electrical fixtures. He reported that he worked with Officer-in-Charge Mahdesian on police matters this month and reported on a hit and run that took place, at which the police apprehended the individual that same day.  He noted that he reviewed the minutes, procedure policy and vouchers.

 

Trustee Burke reported that she and Deputy Mayor Pierce met with residents of Eaton’s Neck on the ASDRP.  She reviewed the minutes, vouchers and new procedure policy.  She noted that a great article on the ASDRP was in the Observer as well congratulating Trustee Ettinger on a great article and also an editorial on the new village hall project. She also congratulated Avrum Golub, Stormwater Superintendent, for his efforts to secure the grant for the Centerport beach project.

 

Trustee Ettinger, thanked all the other members involved with the village hall project the residents who donated funds for the project and Reed Rickman for his donation for the HVAC system.

 

Trustee Jablonski reported that he reviewed the minutes, vouchers and the new rules of procedure and communications with the ACOE.

 

 Village Attorney:  Bruce Migatz noted that the zoning board met on July 20th, there was one case on the calendar 262 Asharoken Avenue, for a side-yard setback variance for HVAC equipment the application was granted.  The Zoning Board does not meet in August, so the next meeting is in September if any applicants are placed on the calendar.  The Planning Board did not meet; the Duck Island Sub-Division is under review by the village’s consultant VHB Engineering. 

 

Treasurer: Treasurer Emily Hayes reported that the total amount of vouchers for the month of July was $37,057.73.  The outstanding property taxes as of 7/31/15 are $32,879.34.  This is about $4,600 lower than last year at this time.

 

Officer-In- Charge:   Officer-In-Charge Ray Mahdesian reported on a hit and run accident involving a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle.  Asharoken police responded to a boating accident involving a boat, towing water skiers and a row boat containing two village residents. The department issued 63 water ski permits so far this year.  No reported burglaries in the village for July. He noted 42 summonses and 1 arrest.

 

Sanitation Operator: Barry Bradley reported that trash pick-up was 33.64 tons, single stream 11.35 tons, .89 tons for yard waste for a total of $2739.44. He also reported that the single stream recycling program is working very well.

 

Harbormaster:  Joe Affrunti, reported that Police Commissioner Ettinger did a great job during the month of July.

 

Superintendent of Buildings: Doug Adil reported on eleven inspections for the month of July.  He noted that he issued a Notice of Violation for a swimming pool not kept in a sanitary condition.  He reminded a resident of obtaining an Electrical Inspection report for the construction of their pool as well as construction drawings; he reviewed the most recent payment requisition packet by Ravco Construction.  He reviewed plans for a demolition of a structure.

 

Conservation of the Environment:  Nothing to report.

 

Resolutions:

 

Resolution (2015-98) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board approves the budget transfers for the month of July 2015.

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

 

Resolution (2015-99) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the vouchers for the month of July 2015 in the amount of $37,057.73.

 

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

 

Resolution (2015-100) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the tent permit for Ms. Tracey Tetrault at 246 Asharoken Avenue for the time period of August 7, 2015 to August 9, 2015.

 

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

 

Resolution (2015-101) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the tent permit for Kathryn Griss at 319 Asharoken Avenue for the time period of August 8, 2015 to August 9, 2015.

 

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

 

Resolution (2015-102) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the Rules of Procedure Policy for the Village of Asharoken, effective immediately.

 

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

 

Resolution (2015-103) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve change order #7 for a 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 request of the SCHD to relocate the existing drainage pipe to a location north of the new retaining wall change in contract sum $0.00.

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

 

Resolution (2015-104) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve change order #8 from Ravco Construction for a change in the re-routing of the existing drainage pipe per Newport Engineering plan #C101.00, change in contract sum $17,710.00.

 

Trustee Ettinger 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

 

Resolution (2015-105) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the Village Clerk and/or Court Clerk to prepare an application to the 2015-2016 Justice Court Assistance Program (JCAP) grant for funding of court furnishings and equipment, not to exceed $30,000.00.

 

Trustee Ettinger 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

 

Resolution (2015-106) Be It Resolved, that the Mayor does hereby appoint the following uncompensated individuals to the Asharoken Storm Damage Reduction Project (ASDRP) Committee, Matthew Casamassima, Robert Holmes, James Izzo, Philip Quarles, Irwin Klein, Drew Mendelsohn, Christine McClay, John & Christine Ballow and Roger Wieland for a one year term to end July 2016, subject to Board approval.

 

Deputy 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

 

Mayor Letica opened up the meeting for Public Session.

During public session, seven statements, questions and comments were presented.

1.       Question was asked if there were any unlawful break-ins.

2.       A statement was read on the public hearing for John Rittenhouse’s dock application with the Town of Huntington.

3.       A comment was made about the Town of Huntington’s proposed amendment to deer culling.

4.       Comment was made on the ASDRP and how privacy is so important.

5.       Comment was made on public access and how it could affect the community as a whole.

6.       Comment was made that the new rules of procedure and using the podium should not discourage public comment.

7.       Comment was made on the use of a microphone.

 

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 August 4th, 2015 Regular board meeting of the Board of Trustees was adjourned at approximately 8:30 pm.             

Signed: _____________________________________________

                Nancy Rittenhouse, Village Clerk