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Home My WebLink AboutFishers Island Sewer Taxes Norklun, Stacey From: Noncarrow, Denis Sent: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 10:14 AM To: Doherty, Jill; Doroski, Greg; Mudd, Jennifer; Krupski, Al; Louisa Evans; Mealy, Brian; Noncarrow, Denis; Norklun, Stacey; Rudder, Lynda; Born, Sabrina; Smith, Anne; Standish, Lauren; Tomaszewski, Michelle; DeChance, Paul; Mirabelli, Melissa Subject: FW: FISD Please see email attached. Thankyou Denis Noncarrow Southold Town Clerk. Town of Southold, New York www.southoldtownny.gov denisn@southoldtownny.gov 631-765-1800 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:This communication with its contents may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information. It is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). Unauthorized interception, review, use or disclosure is prohibited and may violate applicable laws including the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of the communication. -----Original Message----- From: PETER BURR [mailto:peteandjanburr@aol.com] Sent:Tuesday,January 2, 2024 10:11 AM To: Noncarrow, Denis<denisn@southoldtownny.gov> Cc: Louisa Evans<Ipevans06390@gmail.com> Subject: FISD To the Town Board of Southold: Our family has owned our Whistler Avenue home on Fishers Island since 1966. Shortly after our purchase, the present septic system was installed and each home was charged an annual fee (based on number of toilets). The number of users of the system has dramatically increased over the past fifty plus years. The town engineer has repeatedly told residents that the system was able to handle the added user population. However, no one has been able to identify the source of the unwanted water and debris which has stressed the system. Over the years, we have received a number of increases for maintenance. This most recent fee was sent without an explanation or approval of the Town Board. We have no confidence that the doubling of this fee will resolve any of these issues and feel that we, as residents of the Town of Southold, deserve an explanation and positive action. Peter and Jan Burr 1509 Whistler Avenue Fishers Island, New York Sent from my iPad ATTENTION:This email came from an external source. Do not open attachments or click on links from unknown senders or unexpected emails. i Norklun, Stacey From: Noncarrow, Denis Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2024 3:48 PM To: Doherty, Jill; Doroski, Greg; Mudd, Jennifer; Krupski, Al; Louisa Evans; Mealy, Brian; Noncarrow, Denis; Norklun, Stacey; Rudder, Lynda; Born, Sabrina; Smith, Anne; Standish, Lauren; Tomaszewski, Michelle; DeChance, Paul; Mirabelli, Melissa Subject: FW: Sewer taxes Please see email Thankyou Denis Noncarrow Southold Town Clerk. Town of Southold, New York www.southoldtownny.go d.e..n.i.s.L.@ ..gov de.rr.isL.@s........ . ...�g.y.t 631-765-1800 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication with its contents may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information. It is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). Unauthorized interception, review, use or disclosure is prohibited and may violate applicable laws including the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of the communication. From: Michael Roberts [maiIto:michaelrobertsesq@msn.com] Sent:Thursday,January 11, 2024 3:44 PM To: Noncarrow, Denis<denisn@southoldtownny.gov> Cc:William Bloethe<wrbloethe@gmail.com> Subject: Sewer taxes Dear Sir/Madam: I am a tax paying resident of Fishers Island and was shocked to see that the sewer tax was doubled for the 2004 year without notice to any of the residents who would be paying it. My initial reaction was that this action by the town was both arbitrary and capricious. It is my understanding that the pump system was installed in 1984 with the EPA providing funds because prior to that the sewer water discharged directly to the sound in untreated condition which was illegal. However the Engineer whom the town hired did not cut off the storm drain water from the leaching field. This means that every drop of water from, the sewer is flowing into the system. More than likely the towels and t shirts clogging up the system come from the storm drains. I do not see why the residents of the west end should bear the entire burden of maintaining the system when the problem was caused by the engineer who originally drew the system and was unsupervised by the town. The town should be some responsibility for the costs instead of 1 putting on the 73 houses that use the system many of whom reside on the Island only in the summer months. I believe that it is prudent to have a reserve fund on hand should the system need an update or to meet an emergency. A one-time assessment should be adequate to handle any updates to the system . The town should obtain estimates for this work to clarify how much money would be needed should an emergency occur. I would like to know from documented bills (i.e. propane costs) for running the generator and the anticipated lifetime of the present equipment. In addition, it would be prudent to hires an island employee to keep a regular eye on the system to see whether the generator is running constantly and to lift the lids to determine when and if they should be emptied. Has the town received competitive bids for the emptying of the tanks? Michael Roberts, Esq. 805 Third Avenue Suite 2030 New York, N.Y. 10022 917-293-0421 (Cell) ATTENTION: This email came from an external source. Do not open attachments or click on links from unknown senders or unexpected emails. 2 Norklu0, Stacey From: Noncarrow' Denis Sent: Friday, January 12' 2O246:S7AK4 To: Doherty, Jill; Doroski' Greg; Mudd, Jennifer; Krupski' A|; Louisa Evans; Mealy, Brian; Noncarrow' Denis; Nork|un' Stacey; Rudder, Lynda; Born, Sabrina; Smith, Anne; Standish' Lauren; Tomaszewski' Michelle; De[hanoe, Paul; Mirabelli, Melissa Subject: FW: Sewer taxes Please see email. Thankyou Denis Nmmcarrowx Southold Town Clerk. Town of Southold, New York 631-765-1800 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication with its contents may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information. It is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). Unauthorized interneptiun, review, use or disclosure is prohibited and may violate applicable laws including the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of the communication. Fromn:VVi||iamB|oethe [mai|to:vvrb|oethe@8maiicom] Sent:Thursday,January 11, ZUZ46:59PM To: Noncarrow4Denis<denisn@southo|dtovvnny.8ovx Subject: Sewer taxes De3IS'r/MxJxn,: I 3Dl 3tax paying ' res'Jen+ OfFishers Island and was shocked to see that the sewer tax was doubled for the 7074 year without prior notice fOany Ofthe residents' who would bepaying M» reaction was that this actionb` the town was both ' and capricious. l+ is my understanding that the pump system was 'installed ' 1984 with the EPA providing ' fn`J« because prior to that the sewer water discharged ' Long Island Sound waters 'in untreated condition which was 'illegal. However, the engineer the town hired did not cut off the sfOTDl drain water from the leaching fiek1« and this contributed ' to additional issues to the waste disposal system. This means that every drop Ofwater from the sewer along with the sewage 's flowing ' the system. This could easily ' /xnJ more than coming from the storm drains as well as household sewage. This issue needs to be addressed right away. I do not see why the residents of the west end should bear the entire burden of maintaining the system when this current problem was caused by the engineer who originally designed what appears to be an inadequate system (and was unsupervised by the town). The town should bear some responsibility for the costs instead of putting it on the 73 houses that use the system. Also, many of these residents are only on the island in the summer months. This is a year round disposal system that needs attention in a few areas. I believe that it is prudent to have a reserve fund on hand should the system need an update or to meet an emergency. A one-time reasonable assessment should be adequate to handle any updates to the system. The town should obtain bid estimates ( and perhaps an engineers' input) for this work to clarify how much money would be needed should such an emergency occur. I would like to know from all documented bills (i.e. propane costs) the costs of running the generator and the anticipated lifetime of the present equipment. A fully transparency is in order for any rate increases or assessments by the Southhold town board. In addition, it would be prudent to hire a current full time resident of the island as an employee to keep a regular eye on the system to see whether the generator is running constantly and to assess the regular needs of the system. It's my understanding the generator only needs to run as needed. I was told that the generator was running constantly, which does not appear to be the case. There is currently approximately 80% fuel in the propane tank and was filled in May 2023. This is not an accurate accounting if the generator is "running all the time". A part-time employee would need to lift the lids to determine when and if they should be emptied would be a good use of current funds and the future health of the whole system. Also, has the town received or requested any competitive bids for the emptying of the sewage tanks? I look forward to your anticipated timely reply to this issue. William Bloethe 2 860.550.0081. Call/Text ATTENTION: This email came from an external source. Do not open attachments or click on links from unknown senders or unexpected emails. 3 Norklun, Stacey From: Noncarrow, Denis Sent: Friday, January 12, 2024 4:04 PM To: Doherty, Jill; Doroski, Greg; Mudd, Jennifer; Krupski, Al; Louisa Evans; Mealy, Brian; Noncarrow, Denis; Norklun, Stacey; Rudder, Lynda; Born, Sabrina; Smith, Anne; Standish, Lauren; Tomaszewski, Michelle; DeChance, Paul; Mirabelli, Melissa Subject: FW: Fishers Island Sewer District Concerns January 2024 Denis Noncarrow Southold Town Clerk. Town of Southold, New York www.southoldtownny.gov de..nisrr.@s uth l t rrrr r...� 531®755®1300 CONFIDENTIALITYNOTICE: This communication with its contents may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information. It is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). Unauthorized interception, review, use or disclosure is prohibited and may violate applicable laws including the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of the communication. From:Jane Ahrens [mailto:ahrens.jane@gmail.com] Sent: Friday,January 12, 2024 3:55 PM To: Noncarrow, Denis<denisn@southoldtownny.gov> Cc:Andrew Ahrens<andrew.ahrensl@gmail.com> Subject: Fishers Island Sewer District Concerns January 2024 January 12, 2024 To the Southold Town Board, Greetings, We write as residents of the Fort Wright area on Fishers Island and Users of the FI Sewer District(FISD). Like many here, we are concerned about the seemingly arbitrary increase to our sewer fee of 100%. We would also ask: • why this increase was made without any warning,without an explanation of its necessity, and without Town Board approval. • more importantly, is it the right amount to repair and correct the FISD system inadequacies? • has an assessment been done, with estimates for the needed work? • is this fee increase permanent or will it revert once repairs and modifications are made? • should not the "fee"for this service be considered a tax? We ask that the list of FISD Users be reviewed regularly for accuracy in including all Users, the User names and contact information. It appears that several Users may not be included on the billing list for this service. For 1 instance, please confirm the newest build is included, which at this time is the Ferry District freight building's six new apartments, and other facilities in that building, that are all connected to the system. The timing is also unfortunate, particularly for the commercial entities that have already established their budgets for 2024. The Island-supported Community Center fee went from $4,500 to $8,100, as an example. We understand that the maintenance of the FISD system requires visits from Long Island; could not someone here on the Island be retained for such work? The need for a viable system is undeniable and certainly can be expensive to maintain. As such, a rate increase was probably inevitable, but such increases should come with transparency, a reasonable payment schedule (such as quarterly) and more concern for household budgets. Thank you, Andrew and Jane Ahrens 386 Winthrop Drive, 4718 Fishers Island, NY 06390 631-788-7487 Home 203-613-7181 Cell/Text Andrew 203-801-8431 Cell/Text Jane ATTENTION: This email came from an external source. Do not open attachments or click on links from unknown senders or unexpected emails. 2 Norklun, Stacey From: Noncarrow, Denis Sent: Saturday, January 13, 2024 8:59 AM To: Doherty, Jill; Doroski, Greg; Mudd, Jennifer; Krupski, Al; Louisa Evans; Mealy, Brian; Noncarrow, Denis; Norklun, Stacey; Rudder, Lynda; Born, Sabrina; Smith, Anne; Standish, Lauren; Tomaszewski, Michelle; DeChance, Paul; Mirabelli, Melissa Subject: FW: Sewer increase 2024. Fishers island school faculty housing Please see email below. Thankyou Denis Noncarrow Southold Town Clerk. Town of Southold, New York www.southoldtownny.gov de..nisrr.@s uth l t rrrr r...� 831®785®1800 CONFIDENTIALITYNOTICE: This communication with its contents may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information. It is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). Unauthorized interception, review, use or disclosure is prohibited and may violate applicable laws including the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of the communication. From:William Bloethe [mailto:wr.bloethe@fischool.com] Sent: Friday,January 12, 2024 9:33 PM To: Noncarrow, Denis<denisn@southoldtownny.gov> Subject: Fwd: Sewer increase 2024. Fishers island school faculty housing Sent from my i Begin forwarded message: From: William Bloethe <wr blob.tlr e..C(tf'isclliool.coni> Date: January 12, 2024 at 12:27:17 PM PST To: Subject: Sewer increase 2024. Fishers island school faculty housing Hello town Board. I am writing in regards to the sewer fees increase on Fishers Island as the board president of Fishers Island school. As you know we have eight units for teachers that all require the sewer usage. Number one there was no notice sent out about an increase for 2024 sewer fees , I think we all understand that there can be increases if necessary for upgrades to the system or equipment, but we need to be transparent what you will be spending the increased for like new equipment or enlarge the septic field across the street from the school , with 100% increase will this be the new normal or is this a one time increase ??. There should be an island person that can monitor the system out there ,. Now we will have to notify all of our tenants that there may be rent increases in the future. Let's hope the Board does thIs right, because the town engineer Mike Collins is not on the island unless there is an issue with the system this person 1 could be reporting issues to him directly Sent from my iPad ATTENTION: This email came from an external source. Do not open attachments or click on links from unknown senders or unexpected emails. 2 1/6 VIA EMAIL January 12,2024 Denis Noncarrow Town Clerk Town Board Town of Southold,NY RE: Sewer Fee,Fishers Island Dear Members of the Town Board, As the Director of the Fishers Island Community Center located on Hound Lane on Fishers Island,I write with our concerns about the recent sewer fee increase.Here at the Community Center,of which we have 9 units,our yearly fee is increasing from$4,500.00 to $8,100.00. As a small non-profit,this turns into a substantial yearly increase for our budget. May I request that perhaps we could see an accounting from the Town,outlining what money is needed for what sewer services?How was a 100%increase decided?Was it arbitrary or decided upon after a thorough review`?Are we,the fee payers,entitled to see a simple accounting of how the current money is being spent?How would the money be spent if it were doubled? When I spoke on the phone with Mike Collins,he said it costs$5,000.00 every time someone comes out here to unclog the pumps. That seems very expensive. Wouldn't it be more efficient to engage a Town employee who is already working here to learn about the pumps and maintain them,instead of bringing someone out from Long Island each time there is a clog? Mike told me that the pumps are continuously clogged with towels and T-shirts. These obviously must be coming from storm drains,not from people's houses. Could screens be installed at the . storm drains to prevent T-shirts from floating into the system? Obviously,I have no knowledge of sewer systems. However,as a large proportional fee payor, we would certainly like some formal clarification on how our increased fees will be spent. Sincerely, Staley C. Sednaoui Executive Director PC) [los 464 Fishers Island, NY 06390 m 631-'/88-7683 Fishers Island Community Center,Inc.is a N.Y.state not-for-profit corporation and is a public charity under I.R.S.Section 501(c)(3)of the code. Tax I.D.number 20-3941546