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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB-08/20/1975SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD MINUTES Meeting of August 20, 1975 A regular meeting of the Southold Town Board-was held on Wednesday~ August:20, t~975, at the Fishers Island School, Fishers Island, New York. ~ Supervisor Martocchia called'the meeting to order at l:O0 p.m. with the following ~resent: Supervisor Albert M. Martocchia Councilman James H. Rich, Jr. Counc&lman~James F. Homan Justice Martin Surer Justice Louis M. Demarest Jus$ice Francis T:. Doyen: Highway Superintendent Raymond C. Dean Town Attorney Robert W. Tasker Towa Clerk Judith T. Boken Supervisor Martocchia expressed the Town Board's pleasure to be holding this meeting on Fishers Island, and for the kind reception extended by the residents of Fishers Island. On motion of Councilman Rich, seconded by Councilman Homan, it was RESOLVED that the minutes of the August 12, 1975 meeting of the Southold Town Board be approved as submitted by the Town Clerk. Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Supervisor Martocchia, Councilman Rich, Councilman Homan, Justice Suter, Justice Demarest, Justice Doyen. This resolution was declared duly adopted. On motion b~ Councilman Homart, seconded by Justice Surer, it was RESOLVED that the next regular meeting of the Southold Town Board will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 26, 1975 at the Town Board meeting room, 16 South Street, Greenport, New York. Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Supervisor Martocchia, Councilman Rich, Councilman Homan, Justice Surer, Justice Demarest, Jusvice Doyen. This resolution was declared duly adopted. Supervisor Martocchia reported the following: 1. Receipt of a letter from the Fishers Island Utility Company stating there will be an increase in their street lighting ra~es for 1976; their budget for 1976 will be $3,920.00, whereas the 1975 figure was $3,050.00. 2. Receipt of a letter from Workmen's Compensation (Stat~ Insurance Fund) stating there will be a 4% increase. 3. Letter from Suffolk County Executive Klein relative to the HUD program. The town plans to use their allocated funds to construct a building for the senior citizens and youth. The town will receive $23,760.00 on the first grant, and the second and third grants will be larger. It is projected that the Town of Southo!d, if qualified, will receive a total of approximately $140,000.00. 4. A letter from John P. Gaillard, President of the Fishers Island Civic Association containing questions for the town and county officials. Supervisor Martocchia introduced Mr. Gaillard who made his presentation as follows: Mr. Gaillard welcomed the arrival of the Town Board members and various guests and officials who traveled to Fishers Island on the 01inda, and he expressed his thanks to Capt. Bicknell for providing the boat for the trip. Mr. Gaillard reported the following: in The need for a new ferry boat, for which the Fishers Island Ferry District Commissioners are~seeking a federal grant for assistance; s 2. The Civic Association's effort to prevent dumping of poisonous Sludge~from the Thames River dredging midway between the Connecticut shore and Fishers Island. They do not want to prevent the dredging, but want an alternative dumping site chosen, Through the Natural Resources Defense Council, a suit was filed in opposition to the dumping site. The suit was lost, but an-pppeal was filed. The hearing was held in June, and they are awaiting a decision. Mr. Gaillard wished-to thank the town board for putting the Town of Southold on record as supporting Fishers Island's opposition to the dumping site. 3. Fishers Island's concern about the Coast Guard's proposal to seasonalize their station and shift to a New London base due to the economu of operating the new 21 foot radar equipped boat. The Coast Guard insists that service will be more efficient. The proposed move also concerns two voluntary tasks the Coast Guard has been performing for Fishers Island: the .24 hour watch for the fire and ambulance and alarm systems; and the evacuation of emergency hospital cases to the mainland. The future is uncertain but Fishers Island is searching for alternative methods. Mr. Gaillard asks that the Town Board consider taking some action to support the request that the Coast Guard station be maintained on Fishers Island. Reply to #3 Supervisor Martocchia reported that he and Town Attorney Tasker have begun work on this problem, and have made numerous telephone calls to various authorities. The Town Board is deeply concerned about the possible withdrawal of the Coast Guard and will continue to pursue the matter. (Mr. Gaillard continued) -&. ~he probSem of the deletion of funds from the New York State budget for construction of dolphins at the entrance to Silver Eel ~ond to make safer the approach of boats, especially in the winter, had~been of great concern. However, Ferry District Commissioner Doyen has reported that~the funds in the amount of $112,000.00 have been restored to the budget sothe planning arrangements~are going ahead. Reply to #4 Mr. Austin Emory, New York State Regional Director of Transportation stated tha~ for the past~year he has been actively involved in trying to improve ~the~approach to the Silver Eel Cove harbor for the ferry. The money was set Upmsome years ago under the jurisdiction of theMetropolital Transit Authority. Last year it was transferred to the State Department of Trans- port&tion and the restrictive language that allowed only Orient Point as the place for it to be:~used was removed. Mr. Emory immediately thought of Fishers Island and worked out a plan whereby some of the $300,00G.00 grant would be used to make a safe all-weather approachl~ Theyrequeste~ the Oorps of Army Engineers to remove the old ferry racks,~ but they have inspected it anddisclaimed any responsibility to remove the racks, however, Mr. Emory has written to them stating that although they object, they will agree to remove the racks'themselves, if the Corps of Engineers will approve the application quickly so they can get on with the work and it will be done with State funds and the work, hopefully, will begin later in the fall. Mr. Emory explained that for a while the money for this project had been lost, that in the Governor's executive budget the money was not pulled over into the current budget. However, through Assemblyman Perry Duryea"s office they worked hard to get the money into the supplemental budget and it is now avail- able.. (Mr. Gaillard continued) 5. The question of ferry~ rates cause Fishers ISland residents great concern. They argue the ferry is for them the equivalent of town and county roads, therefore, they feel some subsidy should be appropriated for the running ~flthis inter- state ferry. . Reply to #5 Supervisor Martocchia stated that although the suggastion was made that revenue sharing funds could be'used toward the purchase of a new ferry boat, that would not be legal, nor can the-town contribute revenue sharing funds to the ferry district nor any other district. However, the town board will pursue the mat~er of obtaining a'possible federal grant for~an inter- state-ferry operation-. Suffolk County_Executive_John V. N. Klein offered to explore the possible use of Metropolitan Transit Operating Assistance State Aide f~nds which the county receives for surface motorvehicta transportation in the county, i.e.-buses; whether some of these funds could be used for~other than surface trans- portation, or whereas the nature of th±s service being inter- state wouldhave any implications. Mr. Emory further supported County Executive Xlein~s suggestion. He believes there might be opportunities'under New York State's Operating Assistance for Public Transportation. Recently, the City of New York applied to the state for a new Staten Island ferry. Mr. Emory does not know, what the outcome will be, but they.wilt be looking into it carefully, and the outcome may affect Fishers Island~ Mr. Emory also stated that with regard, also, to the Ferry District, .he has been approached by Jack Evans to see-if they~cOuld get the-l~aw changed to allow amortization of a new vessel over a longer period of tim~. The municipal law allows ten years, but since the ferry's life is longer than that, they will see if they can get that changed. Mr. Emory was also approached with regard to the airport, and it needs an overlay badly. The F.A.A. law expiredon the 1st of July, and the legislature has not passed the new bill for federal funds. They have asked the Ferry District to give an estimate that can be put in the state budget to seek matching funds for next year or the year after. Mr. Emory stated that there is a plan which has been going for five years for aid to town roads. The formula has been changed so that now all of the east-end towns will be eligible for some money. It would amount to about $14,400.00 on an arnaual basis to the Town of.Southold. This could be used on two miles of road being repaired by the town personnel or under contract, or improving a bridge, etc. There is another new federal proEram, also for about the same amount of money, eligible for federal aid on town and county roads. (Mr. Gailtard continued) 6. The matter of the August 12 annual election of'Fishers Island Ferry District Commissioners, whereby taxpaying residents on the-assessment rolls this year were denied the right to vote, which had been exercised in the past. Inquiry of Mr. John Gada, Sr., who was one of those instrumental in creating the Ferry District, indicated that the intent of the law provides that eligible vo~ers at a Fishers Island Ferry District election consists of two categories: residents qualified to vote at the preceding local election, and by exception to the usual r01e, owners of real estate assessed at the last preceding assessment rol~. Mr. Gaillard reported that Town Attorney Tasker has informed him that both those categories are entitled to vote and will be able to dO so in the future. 7. The question of'dogs running loose, and what legislation can be passed to stop this problem. There was further support from the'audience for the bontrol of dogs on Fishers Island. Reply to #7 Supervisor Martocchia advised that the Southol~ Town Board has attacked the dog problem many times. About three months ago the board was about to ask the to~n attorney to put together an ordinance that would be satisfactory for Southold Town, when a group of youths came before a.Town Board meeting with a lengthy petition asking the Town Board not to enact a leash ordinance as it would be cruel to the dogs. The Board is presently uncertain whether to adopt a leash ordinance or not. (Mr. Gaillard continued) 8. The question of water quality at the beaches which was brought up last year. Mr. Gaillard reported that the water has been tested and Fishers Island has no worry, as the water quality is safe at the town beaches and Hay Harbor side. 9. Last year it was mentionedthe town was to receive $333,000.00 ~nRevenue Sharing Funds, and~whereas the town voters have since voted down a proposal for the funds to be expended for a new town hall, for what purposes will those f~nds be expended? Supervisor Martocchia then introduced the following officials: Suffolk County Executive John V. N. Klein Suffolk County Police Chief Inspector Paul Eckardt Suffolk County District Attorney Frank Rhinow Suffolk County Director of Probation Ronald Edeen Commissioner of Elections Everett McN~b Gerald Berger - From~the Board of Elections Suffolk County Treasurer Jean Tuthill Bu~olk County Deputy Treasurer Eugene Lester Deputy Commissioner of Health Services Dean Maris Special Assistant to Dr. McLaughlin - Mr. Rudd Suffolk 'County Health Department - Robert Villa Suffolk County Clerk Lester Mi Albertson Deputy County Clerk Arthur Felice From Suffolk County Buildings & Grounds Henry Elark, Jr. Program for the Aged - Betty Tatte & Photographer Don'Parker Commissioner of Public Works - Rudolph M. Kammerer ~puty Commissioner of Public Works Barney Evans From~Waterways Department Carl Eisenschmeid Suffolk County Commissioner of Consumer Affairs James J. Lack Director of Suffolk County Dept.~ of Weights & Measure~ John Kerbs Suffol~k County Legislator, 1st Leg. District - Norton Daniels Suffolk Uounty Legislator, 2nd Leg. District - H. Beecher Halsey Legislative Aide Chester Melot Suffolk County Personnel Officer Teresa Keyes Director of Suffolk County Fire Safety Ronald Buckingham From Suffolk Co.unty'Eire Advisory Board - Anthony BladOs Deputy Comm. of Suffolk Cry. Eire Sa£ety Richard Olmsted N.Y.S. Regional Dir. of Transportation Austin Emory N.Y,S. Environmental Conservation - John Lopato Suffolk County Airport Commissioner - Lt.~ Col. Robert Rosasco Dist. Supt. of Schools, 1st Sup. District, Suffolk Cty. Philip Peter~ Mattituck-Cutchogue District Principal Roger Burns Southold School District Principal Walter Cain Suffolk County Parks Commissioner John D. Chester Southold Towu_Justice Francis T~oyen Southold Town Justice Martin Surer Southold Town Justice .Louis M. Demarest Southold Town Councilman James H. Rioh, Jr. Southold Town Councilman James F. Homam~ Southold Town Clerk Judith T. Boken Southold Town Attorney Robert W. Tasker Southold Town Highway.SuDerintendent Raymond C. Dean Southold Town Chairman of Board of Assessors Edward W. Fox Former Southold Town Clerk Albert W. Richmond Southold Town Plarnaing Board members: _~ HenryMoisa, Henry Raynor, Frank Coyle, Fred Grebe Secretary, Muriel Brush Southold Town Board of Appeals members': Robert W. Gillispie, Chairman, ~Charles G~igonis~ Jr., Serge~Doyen; Jr. Southmld Town Board:of Town Trustees - Alvah B. Goldsmith, Ch. Sonthol~d Town BuiZding Inspectors Howard Terry & George Fisher SouthoI~ Town Engineer Edward Bage Southold Town Chief o£ Police Carl Cataldo Southold Town Auditor Theodore Heuser South01d Town Board oi~HousingAppeals member Kenneth Tabor Cutchogue ~ire Chief Vincent Wieczorek Greenport Fire Chief Joseph Heauey Southold Fire Chie~ Paul Grattan East Marion Fire Chief Daniel Dzenkowski Greenport Village Mayor Joseph Townsend Greenport Village Attorney John Munzel Greenport Village Trustee Samuel Katz Suffolk County Planning Commission member E~ward Wood Supervisor Martocchia asked if anyone wished to address the board. Mrs. John Evans, Fishers Island, stressed that it is absolutely essential that the Coast Guard remain year-round on Fishers Island.~ Superviso~ Martocchia.-assuredMrs. Evans that the Town Board will pursue the matter further._ Mr. Walter Hedge questioned the legality of Connecticutlobster- men obtaining New York licenses. He feels the law should be changed, they are taring lobsters with ~illegal-licenses. Justice Doyen state~ that Assemblyman--Duryea'~soffice. has been advised o£ this problem aud-~was submitted a complete outline and updating of, the Lobster law,-~including_stricter requimements to qualify as a resident. Assemblyman Duryea has expressed a great deal of interest in this problem, and has been in communi- cation with the Fishers Island Lobstermen's Association on this matter and a solution of the problem looks hopeful. Mr. A. John Gada questioned the-legality of vehicles riding on the beaches. .Supervisor Martocchia stated there is not:a town ordinance controlling this, however, .a call to thepolice should be a solutionnto the problem. Vehicles should not be above highwater mark, which is considered private property. Supervisor Martocchia ~hanked Mr; Gaillard and the Civic .Assoc- iation for their preparation for~this meeting. He.then stated that if the senior citizens of Fishers Island wished to organize, the necessary equipment is on Fishers ~sZand this date. ~ He stated there are some benefits if you are a member of the senior citizen organization. Thereis a budget item where the .town helps subsidize certain items such as bus trips, tours, etc. On motion m~dGouncilman Rich, seconded by Councilman Homan, it was RESOLVED that this town board meeting be recessed at 2:15 p.m. to reconvene at 5:00 ~m. Vote of the Town Board: Ayes.: Supervisor-Martocchia, Councilman Rich., Councilman Homan, Justice Surer, Justice Demarest, Justice Doyen. This resolution was declared duly adopted. Meeting reconvened at 5:00 p.m. with the following present: Supervisor Albert M. Martocchia Councilman James H. Rich; Jr. Councilman James F. Homan. Justice Martin Surer Justice Louis M. Demarest Town Attorney Robert W. Tasker Highway Superintendent Raymond C. Dean Town Clerk-Judith T. Boken Absent: Justice Francis T. Doyen Supervisor Martocchia read a letter from Mr. Joseph J. Sullivan, Jr. of the Peconic Bay Broadcasting Corp~. ad, sing-that on August 8, 1975 the Federal Communications~Commission in Wash- ington, D. C. Approved an F.M. Frequency for Southold. The F.C.C. after due .consideration, conclud~ed ~that Southold is an under-served community from a broadc~i~g standpoint. He hopes to have the Southold station'on the ~air next summer. He extended his appreciation to the Town. Board for their past support. On motion o-f Councilman Rich, seconded by Councilman Homan, it was RESOLVED that the Southold Town Board hereby authorizes payment of Long Island Lighting Company street lighting bills which were presented at the July 8, 1975 meeting in the amount of $6,681.03. Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Supervisor Martocchia, Councilman Rich, Councilman Homan, Justice Surer. No: Justice Demarest This resolution was declared duly adopted. On motion of Justice Surer, seconded by Councilman Rich, it was RESOLVED that there being no further business to come before this Town Board meeting that adjournment be called at 5:20 p.m. Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Supervisor Martocchia, Councilman Rich, Councilman Homan, Justice Surer, Justice Demarest. This resolution was declared duly adopted. ~ -~ ' -: To~n' Clerk