HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB-10/05/2004SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
October 5, 2004
7:30 P.M.
A Regular Meeting of the Southold Town Board was held Tuesday, October 5, 2004 at the
Southold Town Hall. Supervisor Horton opened the meeting at 7:30 P.M. with the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.
Present:
Supervisor Joshua Y. Horton
Justice Louisa P. Evans
Councilman John M. Romanelli
Councilman Thomas H. Wickham
Councilman Daniel C. Ross
Councilman William P. Edwards
Town Clerk Elizabeth A. Neville
Town Attorney Patricia A. Finnegan
SUPERVISOR HORTON: We have reports, notices and communications, all available at the Town
Clerk's Office for the public to review. The Town Clerk's Office is open Monday through Friday,
8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. It is the policy of the Town Board that we provide ample opportunity for the
public to address the Board at a couple of different points, or a number of points, over the course of the
meeting. First being prior to the reading and the voting on any of the resolutions, we offer the floor to
comment on those resolutions; we also offer the floor at the latter portion of the evening for the
members of the public to address the Board on town related items. As well, we do have a couple of
public hearings this evening and over the course of those public hearings, again the public will be
afforded the opportunity to address those specific hearings. And as we move forward ....
Moved by Justice Evans, seconded by Councilman Wickham, it was
RESOLVED that the following town bills be and hereby are ordered paid: General Fund Whole Town
bills in the amount of $107,970.53; General Fund Part Town bills in the amount of $5,821.96; Risk
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
2
Retention Fund bills in the amount of $805.43; Highway Fund Part Town bills in the amount of
$58,274.70; Capital Projects Account bills in the amount of $37,778.07; Community Preservation
Fund (2% Tax) bills in the amount of $1,080,303.17; Fishers Island Ferry District bills in the amount
of $26,037.30; Refuse & Garbage District bills in the amount of $70,191.84; Southold Wastewater
District bills in the amount of $16.56; Southold Agency & Trust bills in the amount of $12,924.68 and
Fishers Island Ferry District Agency & Trust bills in the amount of $210.53.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
Moved by Justice Evans, seconded by Councilman Wickham, it was
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the September 21, 2004 Southold Town Board Meeting be and hereby
are ordered approved.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
Moved by Justice Evans, seconded by Councilman Wickham, it was
RESOLVED that the next Regular Meeting of the Southold Town Board be held Tuesday October 19,
2004 at the Southold Town Hall, Southold, New York at 4:30 P.M.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
I. REPORTS 1. Town of Southold Budget Report - for month ended June 30, 2004
2. Town of Southold Budget Report - for month ended July 31, 2004
3. Town of Southold Budget Report - for month ended August 31, 2004
II. PUBLIC NOTICES
None
III. COMMUNICATIONS
None
SUPERVISOR HORTON: At this time we offer the floor to the public to address the Board on any of
the resolutions that are on the printed agenda. (No response.) We will move forward with the agenda.
#717
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Wickham, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold, in accordance with Section 76-23 of
Chapter 76 of the Code of the Town of Southold, hereby determines that the Fishers Island Sewer
District rent owed by Thomas F. Doherty~ Jr. in the amount of $1614.38 for the year of 2004
which rent remains unpaid~ shall be levied against the real property of Thomas F. Doherty~ Jr.
(Carolyn Juleen Doherty SCTM #1000-12-1-2)~ and shall be collected at the same time and in the
same manner as Town taxes.
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
3
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#718
Moved by Councilman Edwards, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold, in accordance with Section 76-23 of
Chapter 76 of the Code of the Town of Southold, hereby determines that the Fishers Island Sewer
District rent owed by Susan & Kevin Connelly~ in the amount of $645.75 for the year of 2004
which rent remains unpaid~ shall be levied against the real property of Susan & Kevin Connelly
(Kevin Connelly SCTM #1000-9-10-16), and shall be collected at the same time and in the same
manner as Town taxes.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#719
Moved by Councilman Ross, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby authorizes the installation
of a street light on Pole No. 104~ at the entrance of Downs Farm Preserve, Route 25, Cutchogue,
NY 11935.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#72O
Moved by Justice Evans, seconded by Councilman Wickham, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby appoints Joseph Doubrava to the
position of part-time Minibus Driver for 17 lA hours per week for the Human Resource Center, at the
rate of $10.25 per hour effective October 6, 2004.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#721
Moved by Councilman Wickham, seconded by Councilman Edwards, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold authorizes and directs Supervisor
Joshua Y. Horton to execute an a~reement and release re~ardin~ credit from Newsday for past
advertising in the amount of $54.00, subject to the approval of the Town Attorney.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#722
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Edwards, it was
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
4
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby authorizes and directs the Town
Attorney to accept the sum of $243.60 in full settlement of the account of unpaid tipping fees for
Thomas E. Stapon.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#723
Moved by Councilman Edwards, seconded by Councilman Ross, it was
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby authorizes and directs
Supervisor Joshua Y. Horton to execute a Lease Agreement between Rothman's Department
Store and the Town of Southold for the property used as a municipal parking lot, south of Traveler
Street, Southold, for a two (2) year period from June 1, 2002 through May 31, 2004, at an annual rent
of $200.00, subject to the approval of the Town Attorney.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#724
Moved by Councilman Ross, seconded by Councilman Edwards, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby appoints Brigitte Gibbons to the
position of Detention Attendant at the Southold Town Police Department, on an "as-needed" basis, at
a salary of $11.97 per hour, effective immediately.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#725
Moved by Justice Evans, seconded by Councilman Wickham, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby modifies the Southold Town
Police Department budget as follows:
TO:
A.3120.4.100.500 Motor Vehicles Tires
FROM:
A. 3120.2.300.100 Automobiles
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
$1100
$1100
Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
#726
Moved by Councilman Wickham, seconded by Councilman Ross, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby grants permission to Town
Historian Antonia Booth to attend the reopening of the Brooklyn Historical Society {Custodian
of the Andros Patent} on October 16 and 17, 2004, and that her expenses shall be a legal charge
against the Town Historian 2004 budget.
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
#727
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Edwards, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby authorizes and directs
Supervisor Joshua Norton to execute an agreement with Fleet National Bank for Cash
Management Services subject to the approval of the Town Attorney.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#728
Moved by Councilman Edwards, seconded by Councilman Romanelli, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby amends resolution 708~ adopted
at the September 21~ 2004 regular Town Board meeting to read as follows:
RESOLVED that the Town Boar of the Town of Southold hereby appoints Diane N. Nicholsom and
Robert Mehan to the Southold Town Parks, Beaches & Recreation Committee, effective immediately,
to serve without compensation, term to expire December 31, 2004.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#729
Moved by Councilman Ross, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby authorizes and directs
Supervisor Joshua Y. Norton to sign Agreement between the Town of Southold and Community
Action Southold Towm in the amount of $5,000, as part of the 2004 Community Development Block
Grant Program, subject to the approval of the Town Attorney.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: ! just want to actually put a positive plug in for CAST, Community Action
Southold Town, of which ! am a Board member. Actually, there is another Board member with us this
evening, Peg Murphy. ! want to say that CAST provides a tremendous, is a tremendous resource to the
community by way of providing job preparedness, teaching interview skills, providing clothing and
food for families in need over the course of the year at various times and the Town contributing $5,000
to the Community Block Grant Fund, is an important, it is an important contribution for us to make but
! just also want to say, to the people that are watching, the people here in the audience tonight; that
supporting CAST in any, way, shape or form, whether it is through service or you know, a 50 cent or a
$500 contribution, it goes directly towards helping a family in need in Southold Town.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#73O
Moved by Justice Evans, seconded by Councilman Wickham, it was
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
6
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby modifies the General Fund
Whole Town 2004 budget as follows:
From:
Appropriations:
A.6772.4.400.600
To
Appropriations:
A.6772.4.400.650
Programs for the Aging
Contracted Services
Equipment Maint & Repairs
Programs for the Aging
Contracted Services
Vehicle Maint.& Repairs
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
$ 2000.00
$ 2000.00
Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
#731
Moved by Councilman Wickham, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby increases the wage rate of John
Morgan, part-time deckhand for the Fishers Island Ferry District to $14.96, effective September
1, 2004.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#732
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby authorizes the establishment of
the following Capital Proiect in the 2004 Capital Budget:
Capital Project Name: RPS System Server Upgrade
Financing Method: Transfer from General Fund Whole Town
Budget: Revenues:
H. 5031.40 Int erfund Transfers $20,000.00
Appropriations:
H. 1680.2.500.100 Data Processing
Capital Outlay
RPS System Server Upgrade $20,000.00
COUNCILMAN ROMANELLI: This is an upgrade for the server for the Police Department.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#733
Moved by Councilman Edwards, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby modifies the 2004 General
Whole Town Budget, as follows:
From:
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
7
A. 5650.4.100.905 Asphalt
To:
A. 5650.4. tOO. tOO Miscellaneous Supplies
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
#734
Moved by Councilman Ross, seconded by Councilman Edwards, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby authorizes the acceptance of
residential leaves and brush at the Southold Town Landfill, free of charge, for four (4) weeks in
connection with the Fall (October 30 - November 28) Clean-up for the year 2004.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#735
Moved by Justice Evans, seconded by Councilman Romanelli,
WHEREAS, a project for the replacement of bridge culvert at Brushes Creek, P.I.N. 54133 (the
Project") is eligible for funding [under Title 23 U.S. Code, as amended, and] New York State's Multi-
Modal Program administered by the NYS Department of Transportation ("NYSDOT"); and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Southold has advanced the Project by making a
commitment to advance funding of the non-local share and funding of the full local share of the costs
of the Project; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has previously approved the above subject- project;
WHEREAS, the Town Board has previously authorized and paid 100% of the federal and non-federal
share of the cost of $638,727.74 for the Project or portions thereof; and
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby authorizes and directs
Supervisor Joshua Y. Horton to execute all necessary Agreements, certifications or
reimbursement requests for Federal Aid and/or Multi-Modal Program Funding on behalf of the
Town of Southold with NYSDOT in connection with the Project, and it is further
RESOLVED, that a Certified Copy of this Resolution be filed with the Commissioner of
Transportation of the State of New York by attaching it to any required and/or appropriate Agreements
executed in connection with the project between the Town of Southold and the State of New York.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#736
Moved by Councilman Wickham, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby modifies the 2004 Solid Waste
District budget, as follows:
To:
Appropriations
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
SR. 8160.2.500.300
SR. 8160.2.500.450
SR. 8160.4.100.550
SR. 8160.4.100.595
SR. 8160.4.100.600
SR. 8160.4.100.610
SR. 8160.4.100.640
SR. 8160.4.100.650
SR. 8160.4.100.995
SR. 8160.4.400.675
SR. 8160.4.400.820
SR. 8160.4.450.200
Traffic Control Devices
Radio Equipment
Maint - Komatsu Payloader
Maint - Tub Grinder
Misc. Equip. Maint/Supplies
Maint/Supplies Forklift
Maint/Supplies Trailer Fleet
Town Garbage Bags
Signage
Repairs 816B Compactor
Plastic Recycling
Advertising
$ 4,000.00
$ 750.00
$1,000.00
$ 21.15
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
$1,500.00
$ 4,502.43
$ 3,000.00
$ 3,200.00
$1,000.00
$1,500.00
From:
Appropriations
SR. 8160.2.500.800
SR. 8160.4.100.596
Road Paving
Maint/Supply Tub Grinder 2
$11,473.58
$10,000.00
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Before we vote on this, I want to say in regard to the staff, the employees
up at the Transfer Station; it has been a tough time with the re-routing of traffic, that was an important,
yet tough, decision for the Town Board to make, well, it wasn't a tough decision for the Board to make
but it was certainly an important one. I just want to say how much I appreciate the job of educating,
the employees have done up there in regard to the public coming through and having to deal with the
public and bringing them up to speed on the new traffic pattern in the Transfer Station. It is by far the
most frequented town office, if you will, by the public and it is no small task to deal with each person
at the level that our employees have; in bringing people up to speed and making sure that things are
operating smoothly. So, nice job. Nice job to the people up there.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
COUNCILMAN ROMANELLI: And before I read #737, I think the last resolution I read, I think I
said the system upgrade was for the Police Department, ! made an error. ! just wanted to clarify that it
was for the Tax Assessors.
#737
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Edwards, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby ~rants permission to the
Assistant Town Attorneys, Lori Hulse Montefusco and Kieran M. Corcoram to attend a CLE
seminar on October 15, 2004 in Huntington at the Touro Law Center entitled "16th Annual Supreme
Court Review Program". All travel expenses to be a legal charge to the Town Attorney 2004 budget.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
9
#738
Moved by Councilman Edwards, seconded by Councilman Wickham, it was
RESOLVED that pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 25 (Agricultural Lands) and/or Chapter 6
Community Preservation Fund) of the Town Code, the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
sets Tuesday~ October 19~ 2004 at 5:05 p.m. Southold Town Hall~ 53095 Main Road~ Southold~
New York as the time and place for a public hearing for the purchase of a development rights
easement on a certain parcel of property owned by Edward C. Booth~ et al.
Said property is identified as SCTM #1000-51-2-7 and 1000-51-2-8. The properties are located on the
south side of Sound View Avenue, the west side of Mt. Beulah Avenue and the north side of Old North
Road, in Southold. The development rights easement comprises approximately 21.8647 acres of the
28.3647 acre parcels. The exact area of the development rights easement is subject to the survey. The
purchase price is $37,000 (thirty-seven thousand dollars) per buildable acre. The property is listed on
the Town's Community Preservation Project Plan as property that should be preserved due to its
agricultural, open space and scenic values.
FURTHER NOTICE is hereby given that a more detailed description of the above mentioned parcel of
land is on file in Land Preservation Department, Southold Town Hall Annex, 54375 Main Road (Route
25), Southold, New York, and may be examined by any interested person during business hours.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#739
Moved by Councilman Ross, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby appoints Leslie Tombari to the
position of a part-time Home Health Aide on Fishers Island not to exceed ten (t0) hours per week, at
a salary of $10.25 per hour, effective October 6, 2004.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#740
Moved by Justice Evans, seconded by Councilman Wickham, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby grants permission for the
Oysterponds Union Free School District to use the following roads on Friday~ October 29~ 2004
at 1:00 p. m. for the Halloween Parade: Main Road, Village Lane, Orchard Street and Tabor Lane,
provided they file with the Town Clerk a One Million Dollar Certificate of Insurance naming the Town
Southold as an additional insured and notify Capt. Flatley within ten (t0) days to coordinate traffic.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#741
Moved by Councilman Wickham, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby grants permission to Assistant
Comptroller Connie Solomom Senior Account Clerk Typist Janice Foglia and Clerk Typist
Christine Foster to attend the training class for Accounting Principles and Procedures given by
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
10
the NYS Office of the Comptroller on November 16 -18, 2004 at the H. Lee Dennison Building in
Hauppauge. All registration, travel expenses, meals, etc. shall be a legal charge to the Accounting &
Finance Department's 2004 budget A. 1310.4.600.200.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#742
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Edwards, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby authorizes and directs
Supervisor Joshua Y. Horton to hire Andrew D. Stype, SRA, to conduct an appraisal of the eastern
portion of the parcel located on Horton's Lane behind Town Hall, Southold, designated as Tax Map#
1000-61-1-3, and prepare a report detailing their findings, all in accordance with the approval of the
Town Attorney.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#743
Moved by Councilman Edwards, seconded by Councilman Romanelli, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby sets a public hearing for
November 4, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. in the Meeting Hall of the Southold Town Hall, to hear the appeal
of the determination of the Southold Town Trustees dated August 18, 2004, which decision
denied the application of John Betsch to construct a two-story, single-family dwelling, in place of
his existing dwelling. The property in question is identified by SCTM# 1000-54-4-24. The
application was denied under Chapter 37 (Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas) of the Town Code.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#744A
Moved by Councilman Ross, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby finds that the proposed Local Law
entitled "A Local Law In Relation to a Conservation Subdivision exclusion in the Moratorium on
Processing, Review of, and making Decisions on applications for Maior Subdivisions, Minor
Subdivisions and Special Exception Use Permits and Site Plans containing Dwelling Unit(s) in
the Town of Southold" is classified as a Type II Action pursuant to SEQRA Rules and
Regulations, 6 NYCRR Section 617.5, and is not subiect to review under SEQRA.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: And that brings us to a point in this evening's agenda, where.., how rare.
We are ahead of schedule and ! believe our earliest public hearing was set for 8:00 P.M., so we cannot
move into our public hearing prior to 8:00 and it is only 7:50 P.M. So ! will offer the floor to the
public. Mrs. Egan.
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
11
JOAN EGAN: The reason you are on time is because ! wasn't here earlier, right dear?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: You drew the conclusion.
MS. EGAN: Joan Egan, East Marion. Mr. Romanelli, ! hope you have taken care of that yellow jacket
nest out there. Did you find it?
COUNCILMAN ROMANELLI: No, I haven't found it yet.
MS. EGAN: Well, ! didn't expect you to. You have maintenance here. ! will give you the copy of
that, Mr. Horton. ! will try to be brief, which is difficult for me. Alright, #719, street lights. Well,
maybe you need a street light there but ! don't see any activity up there by Love Lane. Disgrace. And
you had better tell Mr. Superintendent that he says he has the new signs, the street signs, and ! don't
see them up yet. Okay. Again, on #720, you have a change for the Human Resource Center. Now
these #724, the detention attendants. ! hope they are checked out carefully. #725, oh, this ! did want
to know and this is very important. And when ! speak and anyone speaks here, there is nothing funny.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Mrs. Egan, please address the Board.
MS. EGAN: This is serious. Okay, now these police tires, ! spoke to Captain Flatley and to Pat, at the
police station. Now, they do, ! know you have to, their budget and all of that. Now, when they are
issued a car, like when ! get a car; the spare tire is a donut. ! think it would be very important that
when they get a new vehicle that the donut be taken out and a new, good spare tire be put in there in
place.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Our police vehicles never ride on a donut.
MS. EGAN: You didn't listen. Do they get a good spare tire?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: They get a good spare tire and if they get a flat, that tire is replaced
immediately on site with a regulation tire.
MS. EGAN: Oh, so they don't get like we do, the donut?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: No.
MS. EGAN: Wonderful.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: They get their donuts at 7-11.
MS. EGAN: That is very important. And maybe they should try to drive a little bit more carefully and
not go over, you know, belgian bricks and all of that. Now, I don't know why somebody had to go to
the Brooklyn Historical Society, I think they can get that on paper or on the internet. Now, the
Recreation Committee, I certainly hope they were checked out carefully?
October 5, 2004 12
Southold Town Board Meeting
SUPERVISOR HORTON: They were.
MS. EGAN: Mmmhmm. ! shall check that out. Now, #730, what vehicle maintenance? Are these the
vehicles that they pick up people in, that #730?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Yes.
MS. EGAN: Good. More money being spent there. All your little pet people, huh?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Actually, our services that we provide are for our residents.
MS. EGAN: And of course, Mr. Bunchuk, who, we have made friends again, but.., and the
Department of Public Works, who is that, now? Public Works? Is that Bunchuk?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: That is Jim McMahon.
MS. EGAN: Pardon?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Jim McMahon.
MS. EGAN: Well, tell him that he doesn't do a very good job about putting flowers (inaudible.)
COUNCILMAN ROMANELLI: You should tell him about the yellow jackets.
MS. EGAN: Now, this #734, the leaves and the brush. They will be picking them up along our roads?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: That is correct. And if you want them to be picked up, they have to be in
one of those brown, biodegradable bags.
MS. EGAN: Mmm. Yeah.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: We instituted that program last year.
MS. EGAN: Mmmhmm. Well, so be it.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Okay.
MS. EGAN: The Solid Waste District. You take pretty good care of your little friends, Joshie. And
now, #738, what is that all about, Josh? Development rights easement?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: ! like when you call me Joshie.
MS. EGAN: Huh?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: ! said ! like when you call me Joshie. #738 is setting a public hearing for
the purchase of development rights for a piece of property in Southold on Mt. Beulah.
October 5, 2004 13
Southold Town Board Meeting
MS. EGAN: And that is a done deed?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: We haven't held the public hearing yet.
MS. EGAN: When is the ....
SUPERVISOR HORTON: The public hearing was set for October 19th, at 5:05 P.M.
MS. EGAN: Good. Well, see. That didn't take too long, did it?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: No, it was very good, thank you.
MS. EGAN: Oh, yes .... ! did want to, oh, yes. ! think this could be covered after but ! think it is
extremely important that all vehicles, all trucks; ! have checked with the DOT many times, if you have
a pipe or anything extended over certain inches, you have to have a red flag on it. And as ! told you,
Mr. Romanelli, ! will take down the license plate of every one of your vehicles that are wrong.
COUNCILMAN ROMANELLI: Okay, good.
MS. EGAN: Don't say okay, say, yes, Mrs. Egan.
COUNCILMAN ROMANELLI: Yes, Mrs. Egan.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you for stopping by my home and calling me into my front room
and blessing my house. That was much appreciated.
MS. EGAN: Good. ! pray for you. Every morning...
SUPERVISOR HORTON: ! think each Town Board member, actually, ! think you should stop by their
homes and walk into their living rooms and bless their houses.
MS. EGAN: And every morning...there is a prayer for all the Town Board members. Let's hope it
works. For the police also.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: We appreciate that, Mrs. Egan.
COUNCILMAN ROMANELLI: Thank you.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: And speaking of which, Mrs. Egan raises an important point. Recently St.
Agnes Church, Catholic Church in Greenport, celebrated 120 years of congregating in the Village of
Greenport and ! think that it is important to recognize and ! think it is also important to recognize the
health of, the strength and the magnitude of the church community in Southold Town. We have
several denominations and scores of churches throughout town and ! think that the health of those
churches and numbers as far as congregation help anchor our community in one aspect of diversity and
! just want to say congratulations to St. Agnes Church for celebrating 120 years of the church and
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
14
services in the Village of Greenport. Another thing that we took up at the last meeting and I just
wanted to give a note of progress to the Board, is at the last Board meeting ! believe on the 21st of
September, we did pass resolution requesting that the State Legislature revoke its action in regard to
taking monies, revenues that the Town collects in motor vehicle traffic fines. The State Legislature
took that from the Town's and diverted it to the State coffers and since the time since we have actually
passed that resolution and sent it on to our State officials; Assemblywoman Acampora has sent note
back that she has taken it up with the Assembly and they have actually passed a bill that reflects our
interests and indicates in her letter that when the Senate reconvenes, she expects the Senate to take it
up as well and expects a solution that is favorable to the Towns in this matter, as well. So, there is a
moment of the Town actually getting its way with the State. On another point, it is actually something
else that Mrs. Egan raised in regard to a number of intersections with Town and State or County roads,
! have requested a number of meetings, specifically to address the Love Lane area of Route 25. The
State's traffic pattern there. ! have also requested a meeting with the New York State regional director,
Mr. Submal Chakraborti, to discuss the light; implementing a light that would stagger traffic coming
off of the ferry. We have also tried to convene a multi-agency meeting that would consist of the State,
the County and the Town to address, what ! feel and what ! think many residents and many Town
officials feel is that it is a dangerous intersection where Main Street in Greenport joins the merger of
Route 48, CR 48 and State Route 25, is now there with the intersection, currently, it is the corner of
Shady Lady, Porky's, the Shady Lady, the flashing light. It is a yellow flashing light, a stop sign and a
turn lane for various lanes of traffic. What was there, many years ago and even when ! was a child and
! recall vividly, there was actually a traffic circle there. And it worked magnificently and ! think many,
many people who were driving then who are still driving today, frequently comment on the safety
factor and how the traffic circle was a much better situation from a driver' s perspective.
COUNCILMAN WICKHAM: Will that be on their agenda to consider?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: ! have put it on their agenda to consider and we have had several attempts
to set that meeting and ! know my office is, ! think, solidified a date for that meeting. So that is
something else that we are going to bring back to the State and the County's attention. So there are
several traffic issues in relation to 25 and 48 that we are reaching out and asking for assistance from
either the State, the County or both. ! think the response that we have had thus far, ! think we will see
some motion of those items. It is 8:00 and we do have two public hearings.
Moved by Justice Evans, seconded by Councilman Romanelli, it was
RESOLVED that this Town Board meeting be and hereby is declared recessed in order to hold two (2)
public hearings in the matter of (1.) HEARING ON "A LOCAL LAW IN RELATION TO A
CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION EXCLUSION IN THE MORATORIUM ON PROCESSING~
REVIEW OF~ AND MAKING DECISIONS ON APPLICATIONS FOR MAJOR
SUBDIVISIONS~ MINOR SUBDIVISIONS AND SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE PERMIT AND
SITE PLANS CONTAINING DWELLING UNIT(S) IN THE TOWN OF SOUTHOLD." AND
(2.) HEARING ON CITIZENS COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT 2002 AND 2004 PROGRAM BUDGETS.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
Meeting reconvened at
15
#744B
Moved by Justice Evans, seconded by Councilman Wickham,
WHEREAS there has been presented to the Town Board of the Town of Southold, Suffolk County,
New York, on the 21 st day of September, 2004, a Local Law entitled, "A Local Law In Relation to a
Conservation Subdivision exclusion in the Moratorium on Processing, Review of, and making
Decisions on applications for Maior Subdivisions, Minor Subdivisions and Special Exception Use
Permits and Site Plans containing Dwelling Unit(s) in the Town of Southold"~ and
WHEREAS that the Town Board of the Town of Southold held a public hearing on the aforesaid
Local Law, at which time all interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard, Now therefor
be it
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby enacts the following Local Law:
A Local Law entitled "A Local Law In Relation to a Conservation Subdivision exclusion in the
Moratorium on Processing, Review of, and making Decisions on applications for Maior
Subdivisions, Minor Subdivisions and Special Exception Use Permits and Site Plans containing
Dwelling Unit(s) in the Town of Southold" reads as follows:
LOCAL LAW NO. 20 2004
A Local Law In Relation to a Conservation Subdivision exclusion in the Moratorium on
Processing, Review of, and making Decisions on applications for Major Subdivisions, Minor
Subdivisions and Special Exception Use Permits and Site Plans containing Dwelling Unit(s) in the
Town of Southold
BE IT ENACTED BY, the Town Board of the Town of Southold as follows:
Section 1. PURPOSE
The Town Board has enacted new subdivision regulations that incorporate a "Conservation
Subdivision", which creates the opportunity for the landowner to reduce the potential yield of a site
while protecting and preserving agricultural land and/or open space. The "Conservation Subdivision"
was previously defined as an exclusion under the moratorium, and the new subdivision regulations
have expanded the definition of the conservation subdivision. This law will allow any conservation
subdivision as defined in the new subdivision regulations to be excluded from the terms of the
moratorium.
Section 2. AMENDMENTS.
A Local Law In Relation to a One Hundred and Eighty (180) Day Extension of the Temporary
Moratorium on the Processing, Review of, and making Decisions on applications for Major
Subdivisions, Minor Subdivisions and Special Exception Use Permits and Site Plans containing
Dwelling Unit(s) in the Town of Southold
Section 4. EXCLUSIONS
This Local Law shall not apply to:
(12) New subdivision applications for a "Conservation Subdivision" pursuant to Chapter Al06
of the Southold Town Code (as amended August 24, 2004);
Section 3. SEVERABILITY
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part of this Local Law shall be adjudged by any court of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the judgment shall not effect the validity of this law as a whole or
any part thereof other than the part so decided to be unconstitutional or invalid.
Section 4. EFFECTIVE DATE
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
16
This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State as provided by
law.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#745
Moved by Councilman Wickham, seconded by Justice Evans,
WHEREAS the Town Board of the Town of Southold is proposing amendments to the Community
Development Block Grant 2001 Program Budget and the Community Development Block Grant 2004
Program Budget, as follows to wit:
Current
Proiect Budget Increase Decrease
Rental Rehabilitation
Program 2001 $20,000 -0- $20,000
Home Improvement
Program 2004 $44,300 $20,000 -0-
New
Budget
-0-
$64,300
AND WHEREAS the Town Board of the Town of Southold held a public hearing on the aforesaid
proposed amendments, where all interested citizens were heard, now THEREFOR be it
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby adopts the above amendments to
the Community Development Block Grant 2001 Program Budget and the Community
Development Block Grant 2004 Program Budget.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Edwards, Councilman Ross, Councilman Wickham,
Councilman Romanelli, Justice Evans, Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: That does conclude the resolutions that we had on the agenda for the
evening. Would anybody care to address the Board on specific or town related items?
COUNCILMAN ROSS: Before Mrs. Egan speaks, ! would just like to advise the public, there was a
meeting at the Department of Transportation Offices in Hauppauge on September BOth, that was last
week, to discuss with DOT the concerns of the Town and the Marlene Lane and Sigsbee Lane
neighborhoods regarding traffic patterns that have been suggested with regard to the CVS site plan
application. The meeting was attended by officials, neighbors, and of course DOT officials, personnel,
and there was a healthy discussion. ! think ! can say at the end of the meeting, the DOT indicated it
would revisit its determination which had been made previously that there would be no access between
State Route 25 and the proposed CVS site. So we are waiting to hear further on that from DOT and !
just wanted to, there is much concern in the community and ! wanted to let the town know that.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you, Councilman Ross. And ! appreciate you not only attending that
meeting but also carrying the sentiments of the Board to that meeting, articulating them well and ! have
confidence, not only in your ability but in the State's willingness and in our Planning staff's ability to
look at the issue; hear the legitimate, valid concerns of the residents in that community and address the
traffic issue. ! am sure the DOT will honor our request to allow traffic, ingress and egress, off of 25
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
17
and that is, you made clear, I believe, our wishes to be. So I appreciate your working on that subject.
Would anybody else care to address the Board? Yes, Mrs. Egan.
MS. EGAN: Joan Egan, again. Is voter registration closed in New York State now? In our county?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: ! believe .....
MS. EGAN: Usually it has to be 30 days before election.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: ! believe, and ! am not an expert on this, ! believe October 15th is the cut-
off date. But ! would prefer not to be quoted on that.
MS. EGAN: Yeah, well someone else said that also.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: October 8th is the word from Councilman Ross.
MS. EGAN: It is the 18th orthe 16th?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: No, October 8th.
TOWN CLERK NEVILLE: They are having voter registration on October 9th, here at Town Hall. If
you want to stop by my office, Mrs. Egan.
MS. EGAN: No, ! don't need it personally but somebody else may.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: I know that I have been given the responsibility of opening Town Hall at
11:00 or 11:30 on Saturday and then coming back at 9:00 to lock up for the purposes of voter
registration here at Town Hall. It was a request made by the Board of Elections but you know what,
Mrs. Egan, call my office. You have got my number, right?
MS. EGAN: I might.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Call my office tomorrow, later in the morning and I will make sure that we
get the answer to your question.
MS. EGAN: Well, I am going to a meeting after this at St. Agnes and they might know it. Now, I am
very delighted to know that Town Hall now, you know ! had served as an election inspector and all of
that and ! am taking the course here. We don't have to go up to Riverhead. ! guess you know that, Mr.
Horton? Onthe 13th.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Yes, I do.
MS. EGAN: I will be here all afternoon, from 1:00 to 3:00 and I will be checking you even further.
Now, ! have mentioned that before and ! think Mr. Carlin brought it up last meeting, about having
somebody here at court doing a, before people come into court, you know, you have Donald the Court
Officer but he is busy with papers and opening the door and letting yellow jackets in. It may be under
October 5, 2004 18
Southold Town Board Meeting
the thing for the courtroom thing, the nest. A scanner of some kind. You have mentioned or
responded to Mr. Carlin that you were trying to put that into force.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: How we will try to address that issue is through our plans to renovate and
produce a workable Town Hall situation by which a separate entrance for a courtroom would be .....
MS. EGAN: No, ! am talking about ....
SUPERVISOR HORTON: ..... would be provided with those types of securities.
MS. EGAN: No, well, you are talking about may happen after the first of the year. You need
somebody here sooner than that. Now, you're here on Friday's .....
And we are handling traffic violations, Mrs. Egan.
SUPERVISOR HORTON:
MS. EGAN: Pardon?
SUPERVISOR HORTON:
And we are handling traffic violations.
MS. EGAN: Oh, no, ! am talking ....
SUPERVISOR HORTON: ! mean, it is like a class reunion down here for me on Fridays.
MS. EGAN: ... about people coming into court.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: ! know.
MS. EGAN: And it is a very dangerous .... because you have a humongous amount now of domestic
violence which usually emulates from alcohol or drugs.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: And if those situations are here before us in court, or before the Judge's in
court, it is generally not on Friday mornings, it is generally in ......
MS. EGAN: Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: .... a case specific situation.
MS. EGAN: No, no, no, no, no, dear.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Mrs. Egan, without bickering back and forth, it is the intention of the
Board to insure that a proper courtroom, which is equipped with a separate entrance with .....
MS. EGAN: No, you have to have people who are coming in ....
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Excuse me, Mrs. Egan ....
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
MS. EGAN: .... scanned.
SUPERVISOR HORTON:
MS. EGAN: How soon?
19
With proper security measure, that is the intention of the Board.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: With the implementation of a proper court facility.
MS. EGAN: So then what ....
SUPERVISOR HORTON: We don't have somebody to scan ....
MS. EGAN: If! read you correctly, you're talking about when we have a new Town Hall?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Yes, in the future.
MS. EGAN: And a new courtroom. And in the interim ....
SUPERVISOR HORTON: A proper courtroom.
MS. EGAN: .... you are playing with dynamite.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Perhaps.
MS. EGAN: You are going to have an incident up here and your face will be mud. You have got to
do something sooner than waiting until we have a new Town Hall. Really, you do. Honestly.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Okay. ! will take that under advisement and see what our options are.
MS. EGAN: ! think that about covers it. Now, what is the progress on the Animal Shelter?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: The progress is great, actually. Councilman Wickham, you are more than
welcome to take this up.
COUNCILMAN WICKHAM: The Town Engineer prepared a draft RFP. Bill Edwards, myself and
our Town Attorney reviewed it very carefully. We revised it late last week. The Town Engineer has
come back and is reviewing it today and tomorrow. We expect to move ahead and to post it and to
seek proposals for architectural services to build that facility.
MS. EGAN: So what does that mean?
COUNCILMAN WICKHAM: We will be posting it, we will be advertising it, seeking the services .....
MS. EGAN: Ahhhh. So maybe by the next millennium we might have it?
October 5, 2004 20
Southold Town Board Meeting
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Actually, Mrs. Egan, on the contrary. This Town Board has taken the bull
by the horns, even though we don't have a deal with bulls at the Shelter. We have still taken it by the
horns to effect a new Animal Shelter and we have done it with, garnered a tremendous amount of input
to the best that we can and actually I am very pleased with the result that Councilman Wickham and
Councilman Edwards have brought to the Board in actually acting, you know, taking steps ....
MS. EGAN: But they will have to go through the winter with what we have?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Yes. And so will we.
MS. EGAN: Shame, shame, shame on you.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: It is easy to sit on the sidelines and throw stones, Mrs. Egan.
MS. EGAN: Pardon?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: It is very easy.
MS. EGAN: Pardon?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Is there anything else you would like to address the Board on?
MS. EGAN: See, you are rushing me and when you rush me, it takes me that much longer to think
about these situations. Uhh, I think I will say adieu.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Have a very good evening.
MS. EGAN: I shall. You like my new jacket, Joshie?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: I do, it is nice. And thank you for the housewarming gift, as well. Mrs.
Egan left a .....
MS. EGAN: Oh, oh. This is important. Let me give it a quick wrap.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Excuse me, no. Mrs. Egan left me a pot of Montauk daisies and a box of
Garcia Vega cigars on my front step.
COUNCILMAN ROMANELLI: Isn't that nice?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: It was. Thank you.
MS. EGAN: This Friday is Susan Komen's for the breast cancer and at the Police Station you can buy
new uh, five bucks and it is a tax deduction. Nice gift for your family.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you, Mrs. Egan.
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
21
MS. EGAN: You are welcome.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Would anybody else care to address the Board on specific town business?
Prior to adjourning, if the Town Board doesn't mind me taking a moment? I did deliver my budget
statement on the BOth of September, as required by State law and in an effort to broadcast the budget
statement to the general public, I would just like to go through that general statement again. It will read
as follows and we will adjourn immediately upon the end of this statement. In 2004, a newly
constituted Town Board set forth an aggressive agenda to deal with the challenges our community
faces. Farmland preservation, affordable housing, environmental protection and enhanced public
safety have been the focus of this administration. The fiscal roadmap of 2004 facilitated the Town
Board's guided approach, inclusive of public input and advice of experts to enact sweeping legislative
and policy changes. The spirit of the Town Board is one of cooperation and a bi-partisan approach to
governing. To briefly recap the achievements of 2004, it has been a year of hard work, togetherness
and true progress. On farmland and preservation. Farmland preservation and open space in 2004, the
plan recently adopted by the Southold Town Board was never a Plan B. It has always been a Plan A of
this administration. In 2002, the Board convened the Blue Ribbon Commission for the preservation of
a rural Southold. This commission, comprised of a broad cross-section of the community, made its
final report in June of 2002. After years of debate and numerous elections, it was this bi-partisan
Town Board that adopted those recommendations as a blueprint for preservation and has taken steps on
further recommendations to enact. This Town Board has also launched the Hamlet Planning process
that will provide actionable recommendations for smart-growth planning. On the housing crisis, in
2004 the Town Board hired Phillip Beltz as Special Projects Coordinator to cultivate affordable
housing initiatives for the Town. In a mere 8 months, Phillip and the Town Board have created the
foundation needed to address this issue. Legislation, data collection, policies and programs have been
implemented and it is time to get down to the business of creating a broad range of housing
opportunities for the local working people who are being priced out of town. On wetlands and
environmental protection, in the winter of '04, the Board adopted massive wetlands protection
legislation. To provide the support necessary in insuring the intent of these new laws are administered
properly and adhered to, the Town hired Heather Tetrault to work in the Trustees Office. As a result,
inter-agency and departmental communication has increased, insuring lawful and environmental
compliance. In addition, the Trustees have managed to implement and enforce remediation measures
where necessary. The Town Trustees and Town agencies are doing a much better job of protecting our
wetlands and the environment as a whole. Business. In 2004 the Town Board has worked to
streamline the site plan process for existing commercial buildings. This effort is ongoing today,
actually, as evidenced at our productive work session this morning. Internal reorganization and
changes in policy and legislation have delivered sound steps toward creating a transparent system that
will eliminate the unnecessary red tape that has stalled many sound, small business initiatives. And I
want to personally point out that Councilman Romanelli and Councilman Wickham have been
instrumental in providing this guidance and moving this process along. On public safety, in the spring
of 2004, the Town Board initiated several measures designed to strengthen the Southold Town Police
Department. To date, patrols have been enhanced, quality of life issues are being forthrightly
addressed, internal policies and procedures are being overhauled and training has increased. This
program of change has been to the benefit of the public and the Department. While this is a good start,
I believe there is much more we can and should be doing. Internal operations and Legal Department.
In addition to the many legislative and policy changes accomplished in '04 by the Board, the Town
Board has worked tirelessly to address long standing operational flaws. The first and most significant
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
22
change was a reorganization of the Town Attorney's office. Patricia Finnegan and her team have
professionalized this office. Code Enforcement has become a full-time priority. Outstanding accounts
with the Town have been settled and collected. Internal policies of the Police Department are being
overhauled. Code changes, SEQRA reviews, special projects and major pieces of litigation are being
handled in-house. More work is being done with less staff. As a result, Boards and Departments are
receiving prompt and considered guidance, resulting in better service to the public. And Pat, you have
done a phenomenal job through the year. Thank you. The 2005 overview. The budget process has
been a difficult one. My '03 and '04 proposed budgets proposed tax rate decreases. This year's
proposed budget results in a 3.3% tax rate increase. Many funding requests were denied and several
lines were cut to achieve this modes increase. While the economy is slowly gaining strength, we at the
local municipal level are still not realizing relief. New York State mandated retirement fund
contributions have skyrocketed. In 2002, the Town was required to pay $158,000 to this fund. This
year the State has saddled us with a 1.9 million dollar bill. Healthcare insurance premiums have
increased by $900,000 since 2002. At the same time, revenue sharing by the State and County, after
being cut in recent years, has remained stagnant. The proposed 2005 budget continues the programs
and initiatives we have commenced with a stronger emphasis on further increasing public safety and
pursuing proper maintenance of our aging roadways and drainage/storm-water runoff infrastructure.
On public safety, the following proposal: the number of Police Officers is the same today as it was in
1988. A standard shift has four officers on the road. The staffing level is grossly inadequate and
prevents the department from providing the level of safety this community expects and deserves. For
example, only one officer is assigned to patrol the easternmost sector that spans from the Soundview
Inn to Orient Point. This budget provides for five additional officers, so that each shift will be covered
by a five officer squad. This budget also calls for a $175,000 reduction in overtime. With this re-
organization, the department will also implement a COPE unit, (Community Oriented Patrol and
Enforcement.) This will be a highly visible task oriented unit designed to work with civic associations,
community groups, school leaders and other law enforcement agencies to address specific issues in
area of re-occurring unlawful activity. This year alone, on minimal staffing resources, the STPD
worked in conjunction with the Suffolk County East End Drug Task Force to apprehend several major
street level drug dealers and gang members. This is a growing concern throughout Town and we must
devote resources to effectively deal with these issues. In addition to a lengthened tourist season and a
dramatically increased volume of tourists, local events such as the Strawberry Festival, Tall Ship
Challenge, Harvest Festival and Maritime Festival have grown in popularity and strain our resources.
These festivals are important to our community and a key component to their success is the public
safety and patrol provided by our department. This year in festivals alone, the department saw an
increase of 75,000 people. In 2005, we cannot operate under the standards of 1988. For roadways and
drainage/storm-water runoff. Superintendent of Highways Pete Harris has done a remarkable job
bringing the Highway Department into the 21st century. And he has done that with the full cooperation
of the Town Board. On his watch, the department has begun to handle large amounts of paving work
in-house, that were traditionally contracted out. This has saved the Town considerable amounts of
money. In addition, Pete has forgone replacing four men who retired in 2002 in an effort to save the
Town more than $200,000. With those savings now realized and aging infrastructure in dire need of
maintenance, the Highway Department will fill those vacancies. This brings the Highway Department
staffing level back to what it was in the 1990' s. Included in the Highway Department's capital budget
is funding for drainage work and storm-water runoff mitigation. Dealing with these issues head on is
important to the safety of our residents and the protection of our environment. In 2005 we will
continue our progressive approach to dealing with the challenges of our times. I thank Town
October 5, 2004
Southold Town Board Meeting
23
Comptroller John Cushman and Deputy Comptroller Connie Solomon for their effort, attention to
detail and wealth of knowledge in preparing this responsible spending plan. I am confident that the
proposed budget provides a sound fiscal foundation for our Town. And I want to say to date, I can't
stress enough how important it has been, the cooperation and bi-partisan spirit and just community
mindedness the Town Board has displayed since January and I expect nothing but great things moving
forward into this trying and challenging budget process. Meeting is adjourned. Thank you.
Elizabeth A. Neville
Southold Town Clerk