HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB-02/25/2003SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
February 25, 2003
7:30 P.M.
A Regular Meeting of the Southold Town Board was held on Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at
7:30 P.M., at the Southold Town Hall, Southold, New York. Supervisor Horton opened the meeting
with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: Supervisor Joshua Y. Horton
Councilman William D. Moore
Councilman Craig A. Richter
Councilman John M. Romanelli
Town Clerk Elizabeth A. Neville
Town Attorney Gregory A. Yakaboski
Absent: Justice Louisa P. Evans
Councilman Thomas H. Wickham
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Welcome to the February 25 public meeting of the Southold Town Board.
Let me start by saying thank-you for all attending. There are several public hearings tonight. I would
also like to start offering my apology to you all here and to the public for Town Hall being closed
Monday and Tuesday. As many of you have heard and perhaps, if you did not, our heating system
failed on Friday. Fortunately, the Town Board, particularly at the urging of our in house AC and
heating guidance counselor, John Romanelli urged us to go out to bid for a new heating system, so
fortunately, that was in place and we were able to execute repairs quickly. So the heating system is
being replaced as we speak. The contractor that came in at very short notice, has been doing an
excellent job but I apologize for having Town Hall closed for those two days. I know that it is an
inconvenience. I particularly at this point in time, many folks are trying to get their paper work in for
the STAR program. I believe that the deadline is March 1. We will be open tomorrow, so please join
us if you have Town business between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., we will be here. I would also like to
February 25, 2003 2
Southold Town Board meeting
start out by saying, I know it is old news to you but there is still remnants of snow on the ground. I
would like to take my hat off to the hardworking members of the Southold Town Highway
Department, the Police Department as well as our volunteer Fire Departments that were on call and
working hard last Monday during that major snowfall. So, thank-you and thank them. And to Pete
Harris as well, who was there right down in the ditches with them. I will commence this meeting by
noting the policy at the top, that at our scheduled Town Board meetings it is the policy of the Town
Board to off'er the floor to members of the public at two points over the course of the meeting. The
first is prior to the reading of the resolutions, if you would like to address the Town Board on any of
the resolutions that are on the printed agenda, I will off'er before we vote on those. As well, at the end
of the, after we read the resolutions and we are completed on the voting of them, I also open the floor
up to members of the public who would like to address the Town Board on any Town related business.
With that being said, I do have a couple of bits of communication. I generally like to share something
at the beginning of the meeting. This one comes from quite a well-known contractor in Southold
Town and this is in regard to the Building Department. "Dear Josh and Board members, I would like
to take this opportunity to bring to your attention how helpful and cooperative the Building
Department has been in trying to administer the new building code. The new requirements are
confusing at best and impossible to fulfill at some points. Throughout this transitions, everyone has
been patient and as informative as possible as to how to meet the new rules. They deserve a job well-
done." That comes from Peter Stoutenburgh, owner and operator of Environment, East. So well-done
for the Building Department. As well, I have a piece of communication from Mr. Wagner, who is
somebody who actually helps me in my job with regular communications with the County Department
of Public Works, particularly as it pertains to a stretch of North Road, the Counties portion of Route
48. He received a piece of correspondence that I received as well. "Dear Mr. Horton, I received the
attached letter from the Suffolk County Chief Engineer, Bill Shannon, indicating that County Road
Route 48 will be paved between Horton Land and Boisseau Avenue in the spring. Let's hope that
there are no further delays." So let's thank Mr. Wagner for being an extension of Town government,
for keeping on the County and keeping them to their promise of paving that road. Don't clap yet. We
do have several reports and other bits of communications available to the public between 8:00 AM and
4:00 PM at the Town Clerk's Office. If you would care to review any of the reports or
communications, you may do so by checking in at the Town Clerk's office during the work week and
work day. With that being said, we will move forward with the order of the bills.
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Richter, it was
RESOLVED that the following bills be and hereby are ordered paid: General Fund Whole Town bills
in the amount of $636,602.98; General Fund Part Town bills in the amount of $45,310.77; Highway
Fund Whole Town bills in the amount of $37,981.69; Highway Fund Part Town bills in the amount of
$45,919.40; Capital Projects Account bills in the amount of $57,896.76; AG Land Development Rights
bills in the amount of $313.86; Landfill Cap & Closure bills in the amount of $3,421.44; Community
Preservation Fund (2 % tax)bills in the amount of $24,982.84; New London Terminal Project bills in
the amount of $15,801.99; Employee Health Benefit Plan bills in the amount of $7,688.31; Fishers
Island Ferry District bills in the amount of $22,533.11; Refuse & Garbage District bills in the amount
of $65,571.85; Southold Wastewater District bills in the amount of $10, 852.31; Fishers Island Sewer
District bills in the amount of $56.15; Southold Agency & Trust bills in the amount of $4,423.31 and
Fishers Island Ferry District Agency & Trust bills in the amount of $63.24.
February 25, 2003 3
Southold Town Board meeting
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Richter, it was
RESOLVED that the next Town Board work session be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2003 at 9:00 AM.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: That will be taking place next week as we did not hold the work session
today, so next Tuesday's work session will be the agenda of what was to be today's work session.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Richter, it was
RESOLVED that the next regular Town Board meeting be held Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at 4:30 P.M.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
I. REPORTS
1. Scavenger Waste Treatment Facility January 2003
2. Recreation Department January 2003
3. Program for the Disabled January 2003 Events
4. Southold Town Justice Court, Price January 2003
5. Southold Town Justice Court, Bruer January 2003
6. Southold Town Justice Court, Evans January 2003
7. Juvenile Aid Bureau, Police Department January 2003
8. Island Group Administration Claim Lag Report through January 2003
II. PUBLIC NOTICES
1. Corps of Army Engineers, NY District, Notice of Application of Claudio Family Corporation
to install a bulkhead and discharge ill material in Greenport Harbor, Shelter Island Sound,
Town of Southold. Comments by March 7, 2003.
2. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Notice of Complete Application of Mark
Baxter to subdivide one 7 acre parcel into two lots with a new single family dwelling setback
100 linear feet from the Tidal Wetland Boundary at 5805 Main Bayview Road, Town of
Southold. Written comments by March 14, 2003.
III. COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter to Supervisor Horton from Peter Stoutenburgh, Environment East Inc., re appreciation
for cooperation of Building Department.
2. Letter to Supervisor Horton from Donald Wagner re paving of County Road 48 between
Horton Lane and Boisseau Avenue, Southold.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Moving forward, I will off'er the floor at this point to members of the
public that would like to address the Town Board on any items that are on the printed agenda, any of
the printed resolutions. Would anybody care to address the Town Board?
February 25, 2003 4
Southold Town Board meeting
JOAN EGAN: Good Evening, Joan Egan, East Marion. I was asked why I had green on tonight, Mr.
Horton, I said in preparation for Saint Patricks' Day and he said I should have orange and I said, "Not
from where I come from in Ireland" Okay, starting with #113, I notice always we don't have nepotism
here between Mr. Richter and Mr. James Richter. Is that a family member?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Mrs. Egan, appointing James Richter who is our Town Engineer and who
has been so competently and hard-working Town Engineer for quite a few years, we are appointing we
him as a member of the Southold Town Transportation Commission, which is largely comprised of
members of Town government as well as citizens and this is a volunteer position and his input is
invaluable on this Commission.
MRS. EGAN: Okay, I will accept that then. #116 and of course, that would follow again for #117,
you know how strongly I feel, how I felt about you guys going out of Town, and when the cat is away,
the mice will play. Now, you are sending these policemen out of town, Det. Dzenkowski is wonderful
and we have so many children here who need her here and now she will be gone and now you are
sending Sgt. Perkins out of town when we are down again on policemen. I think this is very wrong, I
think it is a waste of money for the taxpayers and we need our policemen here. I would like in the
future, you think very, very carefully about sending people to these meetings, including everybody up
there. This is where you belong, this is where they belong. There is more than enough things on
computers and books and what have you that they can get their information and their education in
these regards including all of you right here in Southold. Okay, now, now I notice also, #122, I notice
that we have a great deal of turnover in the Human Resource Center. Every time I come up here there
are one or two people for a change. There has to be a reason. Either, it is a Town problem,
management problem at the Human Resource Center but you need continuity, especially for people
who are elderly and not well. They do not like to see new faces, they like to be comfortable with the
same people. It is part of their regime, so again, I would like to know why; if you can't answer me that
is fine but think about it. Why do we have such a turnover there? Now, on #126, appoint Vanessa
Patterson as a volunteer Student Intern to assist the Town Historian, how is she chosen and is there a
did she write an essay, is she a top honors child?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Mrs. Egan, she is a student who has worked with our Town Historian in
the past and has shown a very specific and strict adherence and interest in local history.
MRS. EGAN: That is fine but how was she chosen?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: She was chosen by the Town Historian.
MRS. EGAN: Oh, well. Maybe, she does this all the time? Somebody else should get a turn. People
who review history, it is always good to have somebody new on the scene. Okay, now on #131, will
that, I believe in March, that will enable people who get cablevision that are senior citizens to get a
10% reduction in their cable bill. Mr. Moore, you seemed to be an authority last time.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Mrs. Egan, we will actually be holding a public hearing on that specific
item this evening.
February 25, 2003
Southold Town Board meeting
MRS. EGAN: That isn't for now?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: That is correct.
MRS. EGAN: Sorry about that. Thank you.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Would anyone else care to address the Town Board on printed resolutions?
FRANK WILLS: Good evening, Frank Wills from Mattituck. On #128, I wonder whether you have
any idea on what the study will actually do because presumably the Corp of Engineers should know all
about jetties having gone through the Levon disaster, close to 30 years ago. I wonder whether
anything new has come up in the meantime because erosion is still caused on the down hill side which
the east side of Mattituck Inlet is. So I was wondering where all this money is going to be spent or
whether this is merely another repeat performance of a jetty study?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: This is a, #128 refers to a Section 111 study which is an initiation from the
Army Corp of Engineers, a federally regulated entity and it is a partnership between the Federal
Government, the Army Corp of Engineers, the State of New York-Department of State and
Department of Environmental Conservation in Southold Town and essentially, in short, what it is and I
can provide you with all the paperwork on it out of my office, if you would like it but essentially what
it is is to establish the long-term effects of that jetty which seem quite clear to yourself and myself as
well. And also to off'er possible solutions to dealing with the lack of literal drift east of that jetty and
what those possible solutions may be for beach nourishment as well as what percentage or what load of
responsibility will fall back to the Army Corp of Engineers on that. So that is exactly why it is not
only conducted by the Army Corp but also by the State and the Town as well.
MR. WILLS: Excuse me for harping on it but there is nothing new. We know the erosion is caused by
a jetty, the Levon jetty was a prime example, I know about it because I had to move my house because
of it. It was taken down and in the meantime, the erosion has stopped. Now, the normal erosion is 1-2
foot a year out here. But the difference between the Mattituck Inlet jetties is 1000 foot now. And it is
accelerating.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Indeed it is.
MR. WILLS: So, why study the whole thing over again when I think we know the answers and spend
close to halfa million dollars. It seems a waste of money.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you. Would anyone else care to address the Town Board?
SONIA POLAK: My name is Sonia Polak, I am a resident of Southold. This is on #111, how much
are you talking about?
COUNCILMAN ROMANELLI: It is $19,300.
MS. POLAK: $19,300 for what?
February 25, 2003 6
Southold Town Board meeting
COUNCILMAN ROMANELLI: Tennis courts.
MS. POLAK: A tennis court? Do they really need them?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: I think there is a general feeling throughout Town that was brought to the
Board's attention not only in the recent year, the recent months but as well as in years past that there
seems to be a need for tennis courts in Southold Town.
MS. POLAK: Well, aren't there more important things that the Town needs than tennis courts?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: I would say that they are equally as important and more important, yes.
MS. POLAK: So why spend it on tennis courts?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: This was something that the Parks Department...
MS. POLAK: To satisfy the few people who want to just flip a ball around is one thing but I am sure
that there are much more things that this money could go to.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Well, I hope it will serve the needs of a lot of Southold Town residents.
MS. POLAK: But they have tennis courts at the school. All of the schools.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Indeed. This is again, a project that has been in motion for quite some
time and the Board in conjunction with the Parks and Recreation Committee and Community
Development thought that the addition of some tennis courts on some of our Town Recreational
facilities would benefit the community.
MS. POLAK: Well, the reason that I questioned it is because the Town has been talking about a new
Animal Shelter and it is always a matter of money. So if they can afford to spend $19,000 on tennis
courts it would probably be better to put that money towards the new shelter, don't you think?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: I think there is room for definite discussion on that, yes.
COUNCILMAN MOORE: Well, it is a classical matter, the Board approves, as far as the Animal
Shelter goes, we have not only the gift from Mr. Raynor which exceeds ....
MS. POLAK: Yes, I heard about the gift.
COUNCILMAN MOORE: I haven't finished, please.
approximately $60,000.
MS. POLAK: Right, $67,000.
$250,000 plus an additional gift of
February 25, 2003 7
Southold Town Board meeting
COUNCILMAN MOORE: Thank you and the Town Board itself, put in the capital budget this year
$750,000 which you are probably aware of, brings you to $1,000,000 so in think that the Board has
shown its commitment to this facility.
MS. POLAK: Alright, it may not be on the agenda now...
COUNCILMAN MOORE: This is a different community need that has been expressed and as Josh
said, the Recreation Committee sat down and looked at a variety of things, a soccer field, ball
diamonds and tennis courts and this is some of the recreational needs that the community has identified
that they want to have.
MS. POLAK: Since you brought up the Animal Shelter expenditure...
COUNCILMAN MOORE: You brought it up.
MS. POLAK: Well, I brought it up first and you followed through with the money idea. If I may ask,
does the Town have any idea when they intend to start construction?
COUNCILMAN MOORE: As soon as possible.
MS. POLAK: Like when? Spring? May, June, April?
COUNCILMAN MOORE: I would like to see it happen this summer.
MS. POLAK: I would too, because we heard it would start last summer and it didn't.
COUNCILMAN MOORE: Well, the Town put the extra money in this year's budget, not last year.
MS. POLAK: So it will definitely be going up this summer?
COUNCILMAN MOORE: I sure hope so. There is a whole process by which you approve the design,
you ....
MS. POLAK: I understand all of that.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: If you don't mind, this portion of the meeting, in keeping with protocol...
MS. POLAK: I understand that, I don't mean to stray away.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: No, not at all. They were very pertinent questions.
MS. POLAK: Okay. John looks at me like I am nuts and he says what is she up to? Thank you very
much.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Would anyone else care to address the Town Board on the resolutions?
February 25, 2003 8
Southold Town Board meeting
CATHERINE STEADMAN: Catherine Steadman, Mattituck. I would just like to commend the
Adamowicz family and the County and the Town for the purchase of the property for preservation. It
is a great thing. There are a lot of animals there that, open space if fine but they need cover as well.
You are doing a great thing and hopefully, I know Carol Sullivan had sent a fax to Melissa Spiro
regarding the Tsontos property, which is the 7 acres to her east and perhaps they will consider putting
that into the greenways program as well. And as far as, just a comment back to #116 and #117,
computers-there are a wealth of information out there but nothing beats sitting in a room with people
and nelworking and getting information and feedback because different areas have different problems
and you can't find that on a computer.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you very much. On the printed resolutions, would anyone else care
to address the Town Board?
FRANK CARLIN: Frank Carlin, Laurel. #124, why so much? The senior citizens this year only got a
1.4% in their Social Security, inflation is only about 1.5%. How come 6.5%?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: That was the percentage that the Ferry District deemed appropriate for the
position, Mr. Doherty, he is the manager of the Ferry District.
MR. CARLIN: Wait a minute. Who determines the amount of percentage of the raises? The people
who run the ferry or the Town Board?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: The Commissioners of the Ferry District.
MR. CARLIN: Well, then they can come along and say to you that they want a 12% raise and you
have to go along with it, right? You just said that you don't control the amount of the percentage of
the raises, right? Forget it.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Mr. Carlin, I think that the Commissioners felt that that salary had been
extremely low for a long time and was brought up.
MR. CARLIN: Well, our senior citizens feel the same way, they should have got more than 1.4% in
their Social Security but we couldn't do nothing about it, either. He can do what he wants about it, he
wants 6.5%.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you, Mr. Carlin. Would anyone else care to address the Town
Board?
MRS. EGAN: Where is Cochran Park?
COUNCILMAN ROMANELLI: Peconic Lane.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: It is on Peconic Lane, Mrs. Egan.
along with the reading of the resolutions.
With that being said, we will move
February 25, 2003 9
Southold Town Board meeting
#106
Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilman Richter, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby permanently appoints Patricia
Conldin and Damon Rallis to the full-th-ne position of Building Permits Examiner in the Building
Department effective inunediately, in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the
Suffolk County Department of Civil Service.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#107
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Richter, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby modifies the 2003 ¢ommuni~
Preservation Fund as follows:
To:
Site Development
Full Time Regular Earnings $ 21,350
GPS Equipment 5,500
Supplies & Materials 93,150
H3.1620.1.100.100
H3.1620.2.500.100
H3.1620.4.100.100
From:
H3.8660.2.600.100
Vote of the Town Board:
Supervisor Horton.
Land Acquisitions $120,000
Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#108
Moved by Councilman Richter, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby appoints John Morgan as a part-
th-ne Deckhand for the Fishers Island Ferry District effective February 13~ 2003, at a rate of $8.66
per hour.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#109
Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilman Romanelli, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby accepts the following two (2)
bids for the three (3) used vehicles, in accordance with the bid specifications and the approval of the
Town Attorney:
ASSET # DESCRIPTION VIN # AWARDED TO:
2515 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
2519 1999 Ford Crown Victoria
2FAFP71W1XX194069
2FAFP71W5XX 194073
Grace's Quality Used Cars
$3636.00
Grace's Quality Used Cars
$3636.00
February 25, 2003 10
Southold Town Board meeting
2518 1999 Ford Crown Victoria 2FAFP71W5XX194072 Police Cars Unlimited
$2727.00
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#110
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Richter, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby grants permission to the
Mattituck Lions Club to hold their annual Strawberry Festival and Country Fair, Route 48,
Mattituck from Friday, June 13, 2003 through June 15, 2003 provided they file with the Town Clerk a
one million dollar Certificate of Liability with the Town Clerk. Lt. Flatley to be contacted at least ten
(t0) days prior to the event to coordinate traffic control.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#111
Moved by Councilman Richter, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby modifies the General Fund
~Vhole Town 2002 budget as follows:
To:
Buildings & Grounds, Capital Outlay
Cochran Park
A.1620.2.500.825
From:
$19,300.00
Buildings & Grounds, Capital Outlay
A. 1620.2.500.850 Tasker Park Tennis Courts $19,300.00
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#112
Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilman Richter, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby grants permission to the
Southold Village Merchants to use the Main Road beginning at the comer Boisseau Avenue
heading west to Tuckers Lane~ Southold~ New York. for their "Home Town Parade" on Friday,
July 4~ 2002~ beginning at t t :00 a.m. and ending by 12:00 p.m. noon, provided they file with the
Southold Town Clerk a One Million Dollar Certificate of Liability Insurance naming the Town of
Southold as the additional insured. Lt. Flatley to be contacted at least ten (t0) days prior to the event
to coordinate traffic along route.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
February 25, 2003 11
Southold Town Board meeting
#113
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby appoints James Richter, Town
Engineer to the Southold Town Transportation Commission, term to expire December 31, 2004.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#114
Moved by Councilman Richter, seconded by Councilman Romanelli, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby changes the title of the Planning
Department's part-time employee, Victor L'Epplattenier, from Senior Planner to Site Plan
Reviewer, effective February 25, 2003 (no salary change).
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#115
Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilman Richter, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby modifies the General Fund
Whole Town 2003 budget as follows:
To:
A. 1680.2.400.400 Data Processing, Equipment,
Printers $185.26
A.1990.4.100.100 Unallocated Contingencies $185.26
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#116
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Richter, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold authorizes Detective Beth Dzenkowski
to attend the Executive Board meeting of the New York Police Juvenile Officers Association as
2''4 Vice President, on Thursday, March 6, 2003 through Friday, March 7, 2003 in Albany, New
York; transportation expenses (approximately $45) to be a legal charge to the Juvenile Aid Bureau
budget.
Vote of' the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#117
Moved by Councilman Richter, seconded by Councilman Romanelli, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold authorizes Sit. Richard Perkins to
attend the Grant Writing Course (LE) sponsored by the Northeast Counterdrug Training Center
February 25, 2003 12
Southold Town Board meeting
from Monda¥~ March 17~ 2003 through Friday March 2L 2003 at Fort Indiantown Gap~ Annville
Pennsylvania; transportation costs (tolls and fuel) to be a legal charge to the Police Department
budget.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#118
Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilman Romanelli, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby modifies the Fishers Island
Ferry District 2002 budget as follows:
To:
SM.5610.4 Elizabeth Airport $28,000
SM.5710.1 Ferry Operations, P.S. 58,000
SM.5711.4 Office Expense 7,000
SM.9010.8 Retirement Benefits 5,000
SM.9030.8 Social Security Benefits 2,500
SM.9060.8 Hospital & Medical Benefits 2,500
From:
SM.9730.7 B.A.N., Interest $103,000
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#119
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby modifies the 2002 budget as
follows:
General Fund Whole Town
To:
A.1010.4.500.200 Town Board, Labor Relations 5,500
A.1010.4.500.300 Town Board, Environmental Consultant 2,500
A.1010.4.600.750 Fishers Island Harbor Committee 200
A.1110.1.100.100 Justices, FT Regular Earnings 200
A.1110.4.100.100 Justices, Supplies & Stationary 250
A. 1110.4.500.200 Justices, Court Reporters 850
A. 1110.4.500.300 Justices, Interpreters 200
A.1220.4.100.100 Supervisor, Office Supplies 350
A.1220.4.200.100 Supervisor, Cellular Telephone 300
A. 1330.1.100.100 Tax Receiver, FT Regular Earnings 600
A. 1330.1.300.200 Tax Receiver, Seasonal Overtime 100
A. 1330.4.100.100 Tax Receiver, Office Supplies 600
A. 1330.4.600.100 Tax Receiver, Legal Notices 10
February 25, 2003
Southold Town Board
A.1355.1.200.100
A.1410.1.100.200
A.1410.1.100.300
A.1410.1.100.400
A.1410.4.100.125
A.1420.1.200.100
A.1420.4.100.200
A. 1420.4.600.200
A.1620.1.100.100
A.1620.2.500.200
A.1620.4.100.200
A.1620.4.100.300
A.1620.4.100.550
A. 1620.4.200.200
A. 1620.4.400.700
A.1620.4.400.800
A.1620.4.600.100
A. 1670.2.200.400
A. 1670.4.400.600
A.1680.4.400.556
A.3020.1.100.100
A.3020.1.100.200
A.3020.1.100.300
A.3020.1.100.400
A.3020.1.100.500
A.3120.1.100.200
A.3120.1.200.100
A.3120.1.300.200
A.3120.4.100.200
A.3120.4.100.550
A.3120.4.100.800
A.3120.4.400.400
A.3120.4.400.650
A.3120.4.400.700
A.3120.4.500.200
A.3120.4.600.600
A.3130.1.100.200
A.3130.4.100.200
A.3130.4.100.600
A.3130.4.400.650
A.3130.4.600.200
13
meeting
Assessors, PT Regular Earnings
Town Clerk, FT Overtime Earnings
Town Clerk, FT Vacation Earnings
Town Clerk, FT Sick Earnings
Town Clerk, Law Books
Town Attorney, PT Regular Earnings
Town Attorney, Books
Town Attorney, Meetings & Seminars
Buildings & Grounds, FT Regular Earnings
Buildings & Grounds, Vacuum Equipment
Buildings & Grounds, Gasoline & Oil
Buildings & Grounds, Janitorial Supplies
Buildings & Grounds, Equip Parts/Supplies
Buildings & Grounds, Light & Power
Buildings & Grounds, Building Rental
Buildings & Grounds, Equipment Rental
Buildings & Grounds, Property Taxes
Central Copying & Mailing, Postage Machine
Central Copying & Mailing, Equipment Maint
Data Processing, Town Clerk System Maint
PSD, FT Regular Earnings
PSD, FT Overtime Earnings
PSD, FT Vacation Earnings
PSD, FT Sick Earnings
PSD, FT Holiday Earnings
Police, FT Overtime Earnings
Police, PT Regular Earnings
Police, Seasonal Overtime Earnings
Police, Gasoline & Oil
Police, Flares, Oxygen, Ammo
Police, First Aid Supplies
Police, Laundry & Dry Cleaning
Police, Vehicle Maint & Repairs
Police, Vehicle Impound
Police, Interpreter Service
Police, Dues & Subscriptions
Bay Constable, FT Overtime
Bay Constable, Gasoline & Oil
Bay Constable, Uniforms & Accessories
Bay Constable, Vehicle Maint & Repairs
Bay Constable, Meetings & Seminars
210
1,600
4,700
12,000
300
200
225
200
35,000
5OO
500
200
50
12,000
200
100
110
700
100
600
10,000
11,500
4,800
10,500
6,500
7,200
16,200
1,300
1,300
700
250
4,000
2,100
700
800
210
6,600
400
300
1,700
100
February 25, 2003
Southold Town Board
A.3157.1.100.200
A.3157.1.100.500
A.3157.1.600.100
A.3310.2.100.100
A.3610.1.200.100
A.3640.4.400.100
A.3640.4.600.200
A.5182.2.500.500
A.5182.4.100.200
A.5182.4.100.500
A. 5182.4.400.700
A.6772.1.100.200
A.6772.4.600.300
A.7180.4.200.400
A.7510.4.100.100
A.7520.1.200.200
A.8090.1.100.100
A.8090.4.100.100
A.8160.4.500.400
A.8710.4.400.100
A.9030.8.000.000
14
meeting
JAB, FT Overtime Earnings
JAB, FT Holiday Earnings
JAB, DARE Promotional Handouts
Traffic Control, Devices
Examining Boards, PT Regular Earnings
Emergency Preparedness, FI Deputy
Emergency Preparedness, Meetings
Street Lighting, Fixtures
Street Lighting, Gasoline & Oil
Street Lighting, Motor Veh Parts/Supplies
Street Lighting, Pole Rental
Programs for the Aging, FT Overtime
Programs for the Aging, Travel Reimb
Beaches, Water
Historian, Office Supplies
Landmarks Preservation, PT Overtime
Trustees, FT Regular Earnings
Trustees, Office Supplies
DEC Monitoring Expense
Land Preservation Committee
Social Security Benefits
25
700
25
1,400
700
5OO
125
1,000
25
1,300
5OO
8OO
25
1,000
200
50
300
100
11,000
6,400
400
From:
A.1010.4.100.125
A.1010.4.500.400
A.1010.4.500.500
A.1010.4.600.200
A.1010.4.600.600
A.1110.1.200.100
A.1330.1.300.100
A.1355.1.300.100
A.1410.1.100.100
A.1420.4.500.100
A.1620.4.400.100
A. 1620.4.400.600
A.1670.2.200.500
A.1680.4.400.552
A.3020.4.200.100
A.3120.1.100.100
A.3120.1.100.300
A.3310.4.100.995
Town Board, Code Updates & Law Books
Town Board, Medical Consultant
Town Board, Planning Consultant
Town Board, Meetings & Seminars
Town Board, Dues & Subscriptions
Justices, PT Regular Earnings
Tax Receiver, Seasonal Earnings
Assessors, Seasonal Earnings
Town Clerk, FT Regular Earnings
Town Attorney, Legal Counsel
Buildings & Grounds, Building Maint/Repairs
Buildings & Grounds, Equipment Maint/Repairs
Central Copying & Mailing, Copy Machines
Data Processing, Financial System Maint
PSD, Telephone
Police, FT Regular Earnings
Police, FT Vacation Earnings
Traffic Control, Signs
2,500
1,500
2,000
2,000
2OO
1,500
1,310
210
18,600
625
30,000
18,660
800
600
5,000
15,000
67,910
1,400
February 25, 2003
Southold Town Board
A.3610.4.500.300
A.3640.1.200.100
A.5182.4.200.250
A.6772.1.100.100
A.7020.1.100.200
A.7510.4.400.300
A.7520.4.100.100
A.8090.1.200.100
A.8090.4.400.600
A.8090.4.600.100
A.8090.4.600.300
A.8710.4.400.200
A.9010.8.000.000
15
meeting
Examining Boards, CAC
Emergency Preparedness, PT Regular Earnings
Street Light Power
Programs for the Aging, FT Regular Earnings
Recreation, Overtime Earnings
Historian, Printing & Engraving
Landmarks Preservation, Supplies & Materials
Trustees, PT Regular Earnings
Trustees, Equip Maint
Trustees, Legal Notices
Trustees, FI Travel
Land Preservation, Consultants
Retirement Benefits
700
625
2,825
825
1,000
200
5O
5O
5O
200
100
6,400
12,050
General Fund Part Town
To:
B.8010.1.100.100
B.8010.1.200.100
B.8020.1.100.200
Zoning, FT Regular Earnings
Zoning, PT Regular Earnings
Planning, Overtime Earnings
From:
B.9010.8.000.000
Retirement Benefits
Highway Fund Whole Town
To:
DA.5140.4.100.550 Miscellaneous, Equipment Parts/Supplies
DA.5140.4.400.200 Miscellaneous, Property Maintenance
From:
DA.5140.1.100.100
Miscellaneous, FT Regular Earnings
Highway Fund Part Town
To:
DB.9030.8.000.000 Social Security Benefits
From:
DB.9040.8.000.000
Workers Compensation Benefits
Community Preservation Fund
To:
5,500
8OO
200
6,500
1000
8OO
1,800
4,200
4,200
February 25, 2003
Southold Town Board meeting
H3.8660.2.500.200
H3.8710.1.200.100
H3.8710.2.400.100
From:
H3.8660.2.600.100
H3.8710.2.400.200
16
Appraisals
PT Regular Earnings
Land Use Consultants
Land Acquisitions
Land Stewardship/Management
2,000
3OO
4,000
2,300
4,000
Employee Health Plan
To:
MS.1420.4.500.100
MS.1910.4.000.000
From:
MS.1989.4.000.000
Plan Trustee Legal Counsel
Insurance
Medicare Reimbursement
1,600
11,500
13,100
Solid Waste District
To~
SR.1490.1.100.200
SR.8160.1.100.200
SR.8160.1.100.300
SR.8160.1.100.400
SR.8160.1.200.100
SR.8160.4.100.565
SR.8160.4.100.640
SR.8160.4.100.650
SR.8160.4.400.670
SR.8160.4.400.806
SR.8160.4.400.810
SR.8160.4.400.820
SR.8160.4.400.850
From:
SR.1420.4.500.100
SR.1910.4.300.100
SR.8160.1.100.100
SR.8160.1.100.500
SR.8160.4.100.200
SR.8160.4.100.573
Administration, FT Overtime
Refuse & Garbage, FT Overtime Earnings
Refuse &
Refuse &
Refuse &
Refuse &
Refuse &
Refuse &
Refuse &
Refuse &
Refuse &
Refuse &
Refuse &
Garbage, FT Vacation Earnings
Garbage, FT Sick Earnings
Garbage, PT Regular Earnings
Garbage, Maint Mack Quarry Truck
Garbage, Maint Trailer Fleet
Garbage, Garbage Bags
Garbage, Repair Mack Quarry Truck
Garbage, MSW Disposal
Garbage, C & D Removal
Garbage, Plastic Recycling
Garbage, Refrigerant Removal
Refuse & Garbage, Legal Counsel
Insurance, Inland Marine
Refuse & Garbage, FT Regular Earnings
Refuse & Garbage, FT Holiday Earnings
Refuse & Garbage, Diesel Fuel
Refuse & Garbage, Maint Trommel Screen
100
17,200
15,400
49,300
6,400
225
5O
2,300
10
42,000
10,000
300
300
10,200
6,500
9,000
3,000
9,000
7,000
February 25, 2003
Southold Town Board meeting
SR.8160.4.100.575
SR.8160.4.400.100
SR.8160.4.400.805
SR.8160.4.400.815
17
Refuse & Garbage, Maint Leaf Shredder
Refuse & Garbage, Engineering
Refuse & Garbage, MSW Disposal
Refuse & Garbage, Scrap Tire Removal
8,000
5,000
82,400
3,485
February 25, 2003 18
Southold Town Board meeting
Wastewater Disposal District
To:
AppropHations:
SS1.8130.1.200.100
SS1.8130.4.100.125
SS1.8130.4.200.200
SS1.8130.4.200.400
SS1.8130.4.400.800
SS1.8130.4.500.900
PT Regular Earnings
Miscellaneous Supplies
Light & Power
Water
Sludge Removal
Shelter Island Settlement
Revenues:
SS1.5990.00
Appropriated Fund Balance
From:
Approp~ations:
SS1.8130.1.100.100
SS1.8130.1.100.200
SS1.8130.4.100.100
SS1.9010.8.000.000
SS1.9030.8.000.000
SS1.9040.8.000.000
SS1.9055.8.000.000
SS1.9055.8.000.300
SS1.9901.9.000.000
FT Regular Earnings
FT Overtime Earnings
Office Supplies
Retirement Benefits
Social Security Benefits
Workers Compensation Benefits
CSEA Benefit Fund
Disability Benefits
Transfers to Health Plan
8OO
3OO
1,600
120
11,300
60,000
26,260
28,900
2,000
1,100
2,500
2,400
8OO
6OO
160
9,400
Fishers Island Sewer District
To:
SS2.1440.4.000.000
From:
SS2.8160.4.000.000
Vo~ of the Town Board:
Engineering 4,000
Refuse & Garbage 4,000
Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#120
Moved by Councilman Richter, seconded by Councilman Romanelli, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby modifies the Fishers Island
Ferry District~ 2003 budget as follows:
February 25, 2003
Southold Town Board meeting
To:
SM.9010.8
From:
Retirement Benefits
19
$60,000
SM.9730.7 B.A.N., Interest $60,000
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#121
Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilman Romanelli, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby accepts the bid of All Island
Equipment Corp. in the amount of $69,750.00 for a new asphalt paver and 10 ton equipment
trailer for use by the Southold Town Highway Department.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#122
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Richter, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby accepts the resignation of
Nicholas Kastanias, part-time Food Service Worker at the Southold Town Human Resource
Center, effective January 31, 2003.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#123
Moved by Councilman Richter, seconded by Councilman Romanelli, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby grants permission to
Superintendent of Highways, Peter W. Harris, to purchase one new asphalt roller from the
Suffolk County Contract (Letting No.: 22-02.8.8, Item 1) for the sum of $28,500.00
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#124
Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilman Richter, it was
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Southold authorizes a salary increase of 6.5%
retroactive to January 1, 2003, to Thomas F. Doherty, Manager, Fishers Island Ferry District.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#125
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
February 25, 2003 20
Southold Town Board meeting
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby appoints Bruno Semon to the
full-time position of Senior Site Plan Reviewer in the Planning Department at a yearly salary of
$45,188.27, effective February 27, 2003.
COUNCILMAN ROMANELLI: Bruno is currently a Building Inspector in the Town and this is a
lateral move to the Planning Department.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#126
Moved by Councilman Richter, seconded by Councilman Romanelli, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby appoints Vanessa Patterson as a
volunteer Student Intern to assist the Town Historian with an archive project during the month of
March, 2003.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#127
Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilman Romanelli, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby authorizes and directs
Supervisor Horton to execute the Congregate Services Initiative contract agreement with the
County of Suffolk for the period of April 1, 2002 through March 31, 2003 all in accordance with the
Town Attorney.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#128
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Moore,
BOND RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF SOUTHOLD, NEW
YORK ("TOWN"), ADOPTED FEBRUARY 25, 2003,
AUTHORIZING THE TOWN TO JOIN WITH THE UNITED
STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ("GOVERNMENT")
AND THE STATE OF NEW YORK ("STATE") IN THE
PREPARATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE MITIGATION
OF SHORELINE EROSION DAMAGE STUDY AT MATTITUCK
INLET ("STUDY"), IN THE TOWN, AND TO SHARE IN THE
COST THEREOF; STATING THE ESTIMATED MAXIMUM
COST OF CONDUCTING THE STUDY IS $485,000, OF WHICH
$242,500 IS THE PORTION TO BE EXPENDED BY THE STATE,
SUBJECT TO REIMBURSEMENT BY THE TOWN IN THE
AMOUNT OF $72,750 AT THE COMPLETION OF THE STUDY;
APPROPRIATING NOT TO EXCEED $72,750 THEREFOR PLUS
$10,000 FOR PRELIMINARY COSTS AND COSTS INCIDENTAL
THERETO AND THE FINANCING THEREOF AND
February 25, 2003 21
Southold Town Board meeting
AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $82,750
SERIAL BONDS OF THE TOWN TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, due to increased concern as to the problem of erosion of the shoreline east of Mattituck
Inlet (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "Inlet"), in the Town of Southold (hereinafter sometimes
referred to as "Town"), in the County of Suffolk, New York, the United States Army Corps of
Engineers (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "Government") and the Department of Environmental
Conservation of the State of New York (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "State") have entered into
an agreement pursuant to Section 111 of the River and Harbor Act of 1968, as amended, following a
determination of the Government that further study, in the nature of a "Feasibility Phase Study", is
required, inter alia, to assess the extent of the Government's interest in participating in a solution to the
problem; and
WHEREAS, the State has the authority and capability to cooperate with the Government in the
conduct of such a study and is willing to participate in sharing the cost and financing pursuant to the
terms of such agreement in the same percentage as the purposes of the project as specified in Section
105 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-662) to the extent that the State
shall contribute cash and in kind services equal to fifty percent (50%) of such costs; and
WHEREAS, the State has the authority pursuant to Section 1536 of Chapter 7 of Title 4 of the New
York Unconsolidated Laws to represent the Town in matters concerning the study and the Town has
the authority and capability to furnish the non-Government cooperation and has asked the State to
represent its interests concerning preparation and development of such study entitled "Mitigation of
Shoreline Erosion Damage Study at Mattituck Inlet" (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "Study") and
has consented to enter into an agreement with the State whereby the non-Government's share of the
costs, estimated to be $242,500, will be reimbursed to the extent of $72,750, being thirty percent
(30%) of said non-Government's cost and it is necessary and in the public interest for the Town to
provide the requisite financing for said reimbursement;
Now therefore,
THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF SOUTHOLD, IN THE COUNTY OF
SUFFOLK, NEW YORK, HEREBY RESOLVES (by the favorable vote of not less than two- thirds
of all the members of said Town Board) AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The Town is hereby authorized to join with the Government and the
State in the preparation and development of the Mitigation of Shoreline Erosion Damage Study
at Mattituck Inlet, the Town's interest to be represented by the State, as authorized pursuant to
Section 1536 of Chapter 7 of Title 4 of the New York Unconsolidated Laws, all as hereinabove
referred to in the Recitals hereof and to enter into an agreement with the State concerning the
methodology participating in the Study and to share the costs thereof. The estimated maximum
cost of the Study, including the contributions by the Government, the State and the Town, is $485,000
of which $242,500 is to be expended by the State subject to reimbursement by the Town at the
completion of the Study. The estimated maximum cost of the reimbursement to be paid by the Town to
the State, as hereinabove referred, to is $72,750, plus preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and
to the financing thereof in the amount of $10,000 and the respective amounts are hereby appropriated
therefor. The plan of financing includes the issuance of $82,750 serial bonds of the Town to finance
the said appropriation and the levy and collection of taxes on all the taxable real property in the Town
to pay the principal of said bonds and the interest thereon as the same shall become due and payable.
Section 2. Serial bonds of the Town in the principal amount of $82,750 are hereby
February 25, 2003 22
Southold Town Board meeting
authorized to be issued pursuant to the provisions of the New York Local Finance Law, constituting
Chapter 33-a of the Consolidated Laws of the State of New York {herein called "Law"), to finance the
said appropriation.
Section 3. The following additional matters are hereby determined and declared:
(a) The period of probable usefulness applicable to the specific object or purpose
described in Section 1 hereof, being the planning for a future capital improvement, for which the serial
bonds authorized pursuant to this resolution are to be issued, within the limitations of Section 11.00 a.
62. of the Law, is five (5) years.
(b) Pursuant to the provisions of Section 99-d of the New York General
Municipal Law, the Town shal 1 not have power to authorize any action with respect to erosion control
or related work resulting from the recommendations of the Government or the State or the Town with
respect to the results of the Study until at least one (1) year after the date of the original issuance of
said bonds or any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the sale of said bonds.
(c) The proceeds of the bonds herein authorized and any bond anticipation notes
issued in anticipation of said bonds may be applied to reimburse the Town for expenditures made after
the effective date of this resolution for the purpose for which said bonds are authorized. The foregoing
statement of intent with respect to reimbursement is made in conformity with Treasury Regulation
Section 1.150-2 of the United States Treasury Department.
(d) The Town Board of the Town, acting as Lead Agency pursuant to the New
York Environmental Quality Review Act ("SEQRA "), has determined that the Study is a Type II
Action and will not have a significant impact upon the environment and that no further review is
required.
(e) The proposed maturity of the bonds authorized by this resolution will not
exceed five (5) years.
Section 4. Each of the bonds authorized by this resolution and any bond
anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the sale of said bonds shall contain the recital of validity as
prescribed by Section 52.00 of the Law and said bonds and any notes issued in
anticipation of said bonds shall be general obligations of the Town, payable as to both principal and
interest by general tax upon all the taxable real property within the Town without limitation of rate or
amount. The faith and credit of the Town are hereby irrevocably pledged to the punctual payment of
the principal of and interest on said bonds and any notes issued in anticipation of the sale of said bonds
and provision shall be made annually in the budget of the Town by appropriation for (a) the
amortization and redemption of the bonds and any notes in anticipation thereof to mature in such year
and (b) the payment of interest to be due and payable in such year.
Section 5. Subject to the provisions of this resolution and of the Law and pursuant
to the provisions of Section 21.00 relative to the authorization of the issuance of bonds with
substantially level or declining annual debt service, Section 30.00 relative to the authorization of the
issuance of bond anticipation notes and of Section 50.00 and Sections 56.00 to 60.00 of the Law, the
powers and duties of the Town Board relative to authorizing bond anticipation notes and prescribing
the terms, form and contents and as to the sale and issuance of the bonds herein authorized, and any
bonds heretofore or hereafter authorized, and of any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of
said bonds, and the renewals of said bond anticipation notes, are hereby delegated to the Supervisor,
the chief fiscal officer of the Town.
Section 6. The validity of the bonds authorized by this resolution and of any notes
issued in anticipation of the sale of said bonds may be contested only if:
February 25, 2003 23
Southold Town Board meeting
(a) such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which the
Town is not authorized to expend money, or
(b) the provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of the
publication of such resolution are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding
contesting such validity is commenced within l-vventy days after the date of such publication, or
(c) such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the
constitution.
Section 7. This bond resolution shall take effect immediately, and the Town Clerk
is hereby authorized and directed to publish a summary of this bond resolution, together with a Notice
attached in substantially the form prescribed by Section 81.00 of the Law in "THE TRAVELER
WATCHMAN," a newspaper published in Southold, New York, having a general circulation in the
Town and hereby designated the official newspaper of said Town for such publication.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: That brings us to the current end of our resolutions. The next three we
have to hold our public hearings before we can vote on them, so what I would like to do is move into
our public hearings. We don't have our usual public hearing notice reader with us so I would ask
Councilman Moore to start off with the first one.
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that this Town Board meeting be and hereby is recessed at 8:00 PM for the purpose of
holding five (5) public hearings 1. Hearing on application requesting a waiver from the provisions
of the Local Law entitled "Temporary Moratorium on the Processing~ Review of~ and Making
Decisions on the Applications for Ma[or and Minor Subdivisions and Special Use Permits and
Site Plans Containing Dwelling Unit(s) in the Town of Southold" for the minor subdivision of
Edgar and Arlene Marvin~ SCTM #1000-117-10-09; 2. Hearing on the application requesting a
waiver from the provisions of the Local Law entitled "Temporary Moratorium on the
Processing~ Review of~ and Making Decisions on the Applications for Maior and Minor
Subdivisions and Special Use Permits and Site Plans Containing Dwelling Unit(s) in the Town of
Southold" for the ma[or subdivision of Zoumas at Ba.yview~ SCTM #1000-79-4-17.14 and 17.17;
3. Hearing on the purchase of the property of Adamowicz and others~ SCTM #1000-121-5-4.1;
4. Hearing on "A Local Law in Relation to Implementing Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance
Workers Real Property Tax Exemption." 5. Hearing on the Adoption of a Cable Franchise
Agreement with Cablevision.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
Meeting reconvenedat
#129
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Moore,
February 25, 2003 24
Southold Town Board meeting
WHEREAS, on July 2, 2002, the Town Board of the Town of Southold held a public hearing and
elected to purchase 69.4 acres of the subject property in a 50%/50% partnership with the County of
Suffolk as tenants in common; and
WHEREAS, the partnership in the project has changed in that the County of Suffolk is now
purchasing approximately 59.4 acres and the Town of Southold is purchasing approximately 10 acres;
and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Southold held another public hearing on the question of
fee title acquisition of the 10 acre area of property of Michael Adamowicz and Others on the 25th day
of February 2003, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 6 (Community Preservation Fund) of the
Town Code, at which time all interested parties were given the opportunity to be heard; and
WHEREAS, said property is located on the south side of Sound Avenue in Mattituck and is identified
as SCTM #1000-121-5-4.1; and
WHEREAS, the acquisition is pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 6 (2% Community Preservation
Fund) of the Town Code; and
WHEREAS, the property is listed on the Town's Community Preservation Project Plan as property
that should be preserved. The property is significant for open space and recreational (trail) purposes
and is located within the Special Groundwater Protection Area; and
WHEREAS, the subject property is adjacent to and in the vicinity of over 400 acres of preserved land;
and
WHEREAS, the Town Board deems it in the best public interest that the Town of Southold purchase
the subject property, for open space preservation purposes. Proposed uses of the property shall be in
conjunction with the existing preserved land in the vicinity, which may include the establishment of a
nature preserve, passive recreational area with trails and parking for access purposes; and
WHEREAS, the purchase price is $27,000 (twenty-seven thousand dollars) per acre for the 10 acre
acquisition. The exact area of the purchase is subject to a survey acceptable to the Land Preservation
Committee and the County of Suffolk. Other than the land acquisition cost, all additional costs
associated with the acquisition are to be shared between the Town of Southold and the County of
Suffolk and will be based on the percentage of land acquired by the Town (currently standing at
approximately 14%); be it therefore
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby elects to purchase 10 acres of the
71.4 acre parcel identified as SCTM# 1000-121-5-4.1 at the purchase price of $27,000 (twenty-seven
thousand dollars) per acre, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 6 of the Code of the Town of
Southold. Other than the land acquisition cost, all additional costs associated with the acquisition are
to be shared between the Town of Southold and the County of Suffolk and will be based on the
percentage of land acquired by the Town (currently standing at approximately 14%).
SUPERVISOR HORTON: I would just like to say again, Melissa, on behalf of the Board, thank you.
You come in early, you leave late and as a result the majority of the area around Laurel Lake is
preserved, so thank you. While you are clapping you should give yourself a round of applause because
it is the taxpayer who is providing the money.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#130
Moved by Councilman Richter, seconded by Councilman Moore,
February 25, 2003 25
Southold Town Board meeting
WHEREAS, there has been presented to the Town Board of the Town of Southold on the 4th day of
February, 2003, a Local Law entitled, "A Local Law Implementing Volunteer Firefighter and
Ambulance Worker Real Property Tax Exemption", now, therefore, be it
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on this Local Law on the 25th day of February 2003, at which
time all interested persons were given an opportunity to be heard thereon, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold ENACTS the following Local Law:
LOCAL LAW NO. 4 - 2003
A Local Law in Relation to Implementing Volunteer Firefighter and Ambulance Worker Real
Property Tax Exemption
BE IT ENACTED BY THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF SOUTHOLD as follows:
Legislative Intent.
This Town Board hereby finds and determines that volunteer firefi~hters and ambulance
workers are amon~ the first service units to respond in the event of an emergency. In servin~ their
communities, these firefi~hters and ambulance workers selflessly sacrifice their times money and even
their lives.
This Town Board also finds and determines that increased efforts should be made to recruit and
retain these volunteers.
This Town Board further finds and determines that section 466-c of the New York Real
ProperW Tax Law, authorizes localities such as the Town of Southold to provide a partial real properW
tax exemption for eligible volunteer firefi~hters and ambulance workers to support the recruitment and
retention of these volunteers.
2. Amendment.
Chapter 85 of the Cod~e o_f thee Town o_f Southold, Article V, § 85-10 is hereby amended b5 thee
addition of a new Article V to read as follows:
Article V
§ 85-10. Exemption ~ranted; volunteer firefi~hter and volunteer ambulance
workers.
A~ Qualif¥in~ residential real property, under § 466-c of the New York State Real ProperW Tax
Law owned by an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or
incorporated voluntary ambulance service or such enrolled member and spouse residin~ in Suffolk
O
Count-f, shall be exempt from taxation to the extent of 10 ~/o of the assessed value of such property four
city, village, town, part town~ special district, county or school district purposes, exclusive of special
assessmentss howevers that such exemption shall in no event exceed three thousand dollars multiplied
~_v the latest state equalization rate for the assessin~ unit in which such real properW is located.
Such exemption shall not be ~ranted to an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire
company, fir~e department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service residin~ in such county unless:
(1) the applicant resides in the city, town or village which is served by such incorporated
fire company or fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service
(2) the properW is the primary residence of the applicant
(3) the property is used exclusively for residential purposes; provided: however~ that in the
event any portion of such property is not used exclusively for the applicant's residence
but is used for other purposes, such portion shall b~e subject to taxation and the
remainin~ portion only shall be entitled to the exemption provided by this section
(4) the applicant has been certified b2/the authority havin~ jurisdiction for the incorporated
volunteer fire company or fire department for at least five years or the applicant has
February 25, 2003
Southold Town Board meeting
26
been certified by the authority havin~ jurisdiction for the incorporated voluntary
ambulance service as an enrolled member of such incorporated voluntary ambulance
service for at least five years. It shall be the duty and responsibility of the municipality
to determine the procedure for certification.
C Any enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or
incorporated voluntary ambulance service who accrues more than twenty years of active service and is
so certified by the authority havin~ jurisdiction for the incorporated voluntary fire company or fire
department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service, shall be ~ranted the ten percent exemption as
authorized b_v this section for the remainder of his or her life, as lon~ as his or her primary residence is
located with the Town of Southold.
D~ Application for such exemption shall be filed with the assessor or other a~ency, department or
office designated by the municipality offerina such exemption on or before the taxable status date on a
form as prescribed by the State Board.
Incorporated volunteer fire companies, fire departments and incorporated volunteer ambulance
services shall file lists of its enrolled members eligible for the exemption provided by this section with
the assessor or other a~ency, department or office designated by the municipality offerin~ such
exemption on or before the taxable status date on a form as prescribed b_v the State Board.
No applicant who is a volunteer firefi~hter or volunteer ambulance worker who, by reason of
such status is receivin~ any benefit under the provisions of this article on the effective date of the
section, shall suffer any diminution of such benefit because of the provisions of this section.
~ 85-11. Applicability.
This article shall apply to assessment rolls prepared on the basis of taxable status dates
occurrin~ on or after March L 2003.
3_. Severability.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision~ section, or part of this law or the application
thereof to any person, individual, corporation, firm, partnership, entity, or circumstance shall be
adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unconstitutional~ such order or
judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its
operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision~ section, or part of this law: or in its
application to the person, individual, corporation, firm, partnership, entity, or circumstance directly
involved in the controversy in which such order or judgment shall be rendered.
4. Effective Date.
This law shall take effect immediately upon filin~ in the Office of the Secretary of State and
shall apply to assessment rolls prepared on the basis of taxable status dates occurrin~ on or after March
L 2003.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romandli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
#131
Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilman Richter, it was
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Southold entered a Franchise Agreement with CSC
Acquisition - NY, Inc. (Cablevision) which was subsequently confirmed by New York State; and
WHEREAS, Cablevision has constructed, operated and maintained the cable television system
pursuant to the terms of its previous franchise agreement and I accordance with the Rules and
February 25, 2003 27
Southold Town Board meeting
Regulations of the Federal Communications Commission and the New York State Public Service
Commission, and
WHEREAS, said franchise has expired and Cablevision is operating under temporary authority from
the New York State Public Service Commission while renewal was being negotiated; and
WHEREAS, on February 25, 2003, the Town Board of the Town of Southold held a public hearing
affording due process to review the application and the terms of the proposed Franchise Agreement;
and
WHEREAS, the agreement complies with the standards of the New York State Public Service
Commission and will be submitted to that agency for formal certification, now therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold grants a non-exclusive cable television
franchise to Cablevision and authorizes the Town Supervisor Joshua Y. Horton to execute such
agreement with it as approved by the Town Attorney, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Attorney shall coordinate with Cablevision to file the
franchise certification application with the New York State Public Service Commission for its
approval.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: That concludes the voting on our printed agenda, on the resolutions that
we have before us. At this point, I off'er the floor to the public to address the Town Board on town
related business.
MR. CARLIN: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of the Board. Frank Carlin, Laurel. In 1986, I
ran for Tax Assessor, I was up against a tough opponent, Watts. And I lost. But I went about my
business and I was satisfied with the amount of votes that I got and I put it aside and went about my
business but something came up at this last problem I was in, this election and at the Recreation
Center, February 8, North Fork Animal Welfare League election and I can't say that, the reason why I
gave it up and went about my business in 1986 is that it was on more level ground but I can't say this
about this one. I wasn't going to do anything about it and I wasn't going to say any remarks about it
but this made me change my mind. When Lorraine Andrade and her mother and I were walking out of
that election that morning, February 8, we were going to get in the car, you were already gone, John, a
woman came out in the car and she swore at us. Now, I would like to tell you what she called us but
the children here, I believe, and I am on TV and I don't want to put my first class FCC license into
jeopardy because I might be in violation by swearing over public television. But it wasn't nice. And
that made me decide that I am going to take this now as a personal offensive. And to make it very
interesting, the woman, I am not going to mention her name; I am a gentleman, not too, her daughter
was just elected on the Board of Directors. And the other daughter is a volunteer worker there. John,
you were there; I am surprised you weren't there, Bill. I am not going to ask you for your opinion of
what you thought about the whole operation, that would be unfair to you but what I will say to you and
the members of the League, search your own conscience and make up your own decision. It is a
shame that it wasn't televised. But they made sure of that on item 4 of their rules of the meeting by
saying that there will be no recordings or video taken at this meeting and election. If a member is
caught, that they would lose their membership. This one was before you came, they got off on the
wrong foot. The meeting opened at 9:00, my group went there at 9:00. We go to go in, you can't
come in until 9:30. We were going to stand out in the cold for half an hour? Well, I can assure you of
February 25, 2003 28
Southold Town Board meeting
one thing, I happened to be with my group and we went in and we were going to go in. What Mr.
Wolfe said, February 13 in the newspaper, the Suffolk Times, hit the nail right on the head. Not one
thing in their agenda here said anything about questions and answers to be asked at the meeting. We
weren't allowed to ask questions and answers. I managed to shoot one in there, at the accountant. But
he couldn't answer it. Then they broke for half hour break, to count their proxies. Incidentally, we
weren't allowed to have anybody from our side to verify the proxy, while they were counting. They
had their own election inspector. I stood up and mentioned, being that we have a half hour, why don't
we let this be open for the members to ask any question being that we are not going to be doing
anything for half an hour while they are counting their proxies. The reply was, we will get to that later
if we have time, we have got to be out of here by 12:00 because the Boy Scouts are coming in but the
Boy Scouts weren't coming in until 3:00 and then when we did get to the time, we were allowed a
maximum of five minutes, one minute a piece. That reminds me, and that makes Tom Wickham look
sick when he used to put a timer on me for five minutes to speak. We had to listen to that abuse when
we walked out, I wish I could say what we were called but I can't, I can't do it. They forget and
nobody mentioned, does the Town Board know that I have been working for 17 years to try to get this
Animal Shelter built and I can prove it here with letters and letters and letters that I have sent from
1986 to 2002, when Frank Murphy was even the Supervisor. Okay? You Board don't know, do you,
that Lorraine Andrade spent $140 out of her own pocket back in 2000 to buy some plastic
windbreakers that the Animal Shelter needed. Nobody knows that, do they? You don't know that
Lorraine Andrade spent at one time for an animal, nobody knows that, do they? When somebody calls
me a name, you are in trouble. And I am not forgetting. Mr. Horton, I want to ask you a question
here. Mr. Schwartz, the fellow running around with the white dog, John, when I first went there, I got
confused. I thought I was in the Westminster Dog Show instead of an annual meeting. He is the
fellow that reads poems. He said in the Suffolk Times, February 13; "It remains to be seen if the Town
Board will develop a new attitude towards working with the North Fork Animal Welfare League." I
think that I can answer that because I know you are and I know you have been. But I am going to do
this up right tonight because I go all the way. And I can prove everything that I am saying. January
17, 2002 there was a work session and you all will remember this, I think, there was a work session,
some of the members of the North Fork Animal League were there and you were going over the
specifications and here is what was said, here is what the Board said, 'it doesn't like many aspects of
the current specifications for a new building.' It wants the Town Board to start the planning process
over again, now Supervisor, you said, 'I am taken aback by you coming to us now, just two days
before the bid is opening.' That was 13 months ago and I can prove it right here in the Suffolk Times.
Another thing Mr. Schwartz said, I would like to verify this with you Mr. Moore, he said that the
donations will be given to either the North Fork Animal League or the Foundation. I thought that we
had that agreement with you that all donations go to either the Town or the Foundation. Not the North
Fork Animal League, for the new Shelter. Did you know about that? Because I asked you that
question a month ago and you said, that is right, Frank. Only authorized people to receive a donation
for the new Shelter is the Foundation or the Town. Now, why are they getting involved in this war?
When they were asked at one time or not asked, I will say this much, never offered any financial
support for this building because they claimed they didn't own it. I got more here, I could read this
stuff up to you, I could prove for hours because when you fool with Frank Carlin, you fool with
somebody. I like to be a nice guy but don't call me names and don't degrade me. You are in for
trouble. I work hard in this Town, I have lived here for 50 years and I have stood up for a lot of things
for this Town and I don't need this stufl~ to be insulted. We had good intentions, an ordinary Board
will try to work for an election like you people do. Had the right thing in mind and I showed you what
February 25, 2003 29
Southold Town Board meeting
we had in mind at the last Board meeting. And John you were there. Too bad all of you weren't there.
Because like the old saying is, one picture is like a thousand words. Enough is enough and anybody
wants to try to challenge me, just go to the North Fork Animal League.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Mr. Carlin, ma'am, I am not going to have a .... This is... Mr. Carlin, I
would like to say something....I am going to attempt to bring this meeting back to order. Mr. Carlin, I
am going to say on behalf of the Board, the Board recognizes how helpful you have been in giving
guidance and direction towards achieving the goal of the new Animal Shelter but I can't have debate
that is not directly related to the Town.
MR. CARLIN: Fine, I was addressing the Board. But if they want to debate me someplace, fine. In
fact, I will tell you the truth, when we were running, I suggested let's have a debate one on one
because that is how you do it but they didn't want it. And I regret that we didn't have it. Because you
know you can fool some of the people some of the times but you can't fool them all of the time.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you, sir. Would anybody else care to address the Town Board on
town related issues?
ANNA COSIMANO: My name is Anna Cosimano, I am President of North Fork Animal Welfare
League. I am not here to debate anything. I wasn't even at the meeting. Okay?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Anna, it is time to address the Board on town related issues.
MS. COSIMANO: All I know is, when you have the people behind you, you are a winner because it is
the people who get you elected and it is the people who come to the elections and sign proxies. We
won that election, almost 4 to 1. And if they don't like that, let them take us to court.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you, Ms. Cosimano. I appreciate that. Would anyone else care to
address the Town Board on town related issues?
PEGGY GRIGONIS: My name is Peggy Grigonis, I live in Southold Town. As you know, we just
had this unbelievable snowstorm and we had a combination of frozen ground, snow and then the rain.
And I live on a farm and we are talking about preserving farmland and it is very difficult living on a
farm because we are dealing with Mother Nature. As we have lived back there for 15 years, slowly
houses are being built around our farm and the people so far who have been building around our farm
have been incredibly wonderful people, they are taking the problems of living on, you know, flooding,
agricultural area very well in spite of the fact that they have never lived on a farm and they don't
understand all of the dynamics that happen. Unfortunately, there is a young couple that was given a
piece of property by their parents, as the result, I guess of a divorce situation. The mother had looked
at that piece and said that it was unbuildable. I don't want that piece in the divvying up of the properly,
I would prefer the buildable lot. She was a very wise woman, she took that. In the meantime, it was
given to her daughter and it is a recharge area, my properly is 2/3 underneath water during this type of
storm, but I own two acres, I don't own the farm. My father-in-law, who is 93 years old owns the farm
above us. Above us is Moffats and the Krupski farm. And A1 Krupski has rented our farm and put his
pumpkins there and he saw what is happening out there. So the responsibility of this water was never
ours to begin with. On Sunday, the Southold Town Police came to our door and said that the guy next
February 25, 2003 30
Southold Town Board meeting
door wants permission to trespass on your property, knock down your grading and get rid of that snow
that you have~ou know, if you live where I live, to even get a tractor back there to even get your car
out; we both have full time jobs, is incredibly difficult. And for some reason, this kid thought that we
had plowed the snow in such a way so that he would flood. But he would have flooded anyway. Now,
Ed Forrestor and Mike Verity worked so closely with everybody in the neighborhood on this and it
was a very frustrating three years. Having somebody build on this property that really was not that
easy to build on. I know that in Chardonnay Estates people were able to take a certain amount of fill
and they had to put their basements 8 feet up in the air like this young man had to do to put his house
there. I just felt that when a policeman came to my door, I have lived there for 15 years, and asked
permission for this neighbor to do this, I thought 'what is happening in this Town to people who have
lived here'. My father-in-law farmed that property for many, many years prior to my ever even being
born so, I am not saying that I have a right to live there any more than anyone else who pays taxes and
all of that but I feel that Southold Town is giving out permits on pieces of property that may be too
fragile to carry the load of everything, I really believe that this has something to do with road run-ofl~
that is where is originates and it collects and then it shoots down. And it was unfortunate because this
family had to pump all night long but the design of what they did isn't going to stop the flow of water,
this problem is not going to go away. So ultimately when he pumped out, he flooded a woman from
Manhattan's property, he flooded Gary Lillis and he flooded Chardonnay Estates. So, as neighbors
and I know that all of these people were all in here from Bayview but this is Old North Road, this is
maybe not as popular, it is more rural but we need the Town to come out there on days like that and
help us come up with a better plan to take care of this water so that people can have access out. If
there was an emergency, if we needed an ambulance, a young couple had just moved into a house up
above, they have children. They could have never gotten out. So, rather than point fingers at anybody
or get angry about it, I don't know what our next step is as homeowners and I tried to call but the
Town was closed for two days, I was just trying to call somebody and say 'help me, where do we go
from here, how do we get the help to maybe do something about this runoff because there are going to
be more houses built up around there, too. And really most of the people who are moving in around us
are really great people and we are all in this together and they are not here tonight because we are all
not sure of where we are supposed to go and what we should do next. And I just wanted to say that is
the problem with the building in the Town and what the people in North Bayview are facing, we are
facing in other areas, too. And it is farmland, you know, it is not as easily drained as other properties
are.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Right, right. Could you leave your phone number with the Town Clerk
and I will have my office give you a call and see if we can't get together with Highway and the
Building Department and see if we can't find some resolution on that. And again, I am sorry for Town
Hall being closed today, it was an emergency. Would anyone else care to address the Town Board on
town related business?
GUNTHER GEISS: Supervisor Horton, ladies and gentlemen of the Board, I am Gunther Geiss, I am
a resident of Southold and a member of the North Fork Animal Welfare League and I would like to
talk to you about the Southold Town Animal Shelter and the operator of the Shelter, the North Fork
Animal Welfare League which I will refer to as NFAWL to keep it short because the hour is getting
late. As Frank has told you, the 2002 NFAWL annual meeting was finally held February 8 per the
court settlement and the suit that we brought was to simply allow members, other than current Board
members, to compete for Board seats. The meeting was plainly illegal, as the directors and their
February 25, 2003 31
Southold Town Board meeting
Manhattan attorneys blocked discussion, forced rule changes-including passing a by-law change
without a quorum. Those who signed the NFAWL proxies gave the directors a blank check, which
they used in a dictatorial manner. And I respect Ms. Cosimano's leadership but 170 to 350 is not 4 to 1
in anybodies book. So, as it happens, because there was no discussion, NFAWL members can only
ask the questions they would have asked at the annual meeting at a Town Board meeting. And in fact,
it is proper since the Town administration and the public itself should be asking these same questions.
And Ms. Neville, I have a copy of this for you, to make your life easy. Some will say that we are sore
losers and they are entitled to their belief but we know that the campaign of the Sunshine and Fresh Air
for Sheltered Animals group was about improving conditions at the Shelter for both the animals and
the stafl~ It was about getting improved animal care beyond mere satisfactory and it was about getting
a new shelter built now. It was not about those false and nasty rumors that were passed around. If
discussion had been allowed, neither the President, Anna Cosimano nor her husband Treasurer,
Bernard Cosimano, were present to respond. They agreed to the meeting date, December 2 in court.
They took their vacation anyway. The questions that we should have been able to ask; 1. How much
did NFAWL spend to prevent the Sunshine slate for running for director seats? We estimate from their
financial reports that they spent more than $20,000 by September and the court case ran through
December. Why did they spend so much just to prevent some members for running for office or to
prevent members from reading the Board and Annual meeting minutes or to avoid giving members the
audit and financial reports to which we are entitled. Did this money come from donations or
contributions meant for the care of animals? Ultimately, the NFAWL directors gave us everything we
sued for after we subpoenaed the financial records. 2. Speaking of contributions and donations, why
does the Treasurer demand that volunteers give him the cash from the donation cans that you see all
over Town, into which locals and visitors generously donate? In the past, volunteers would simply
deposit the collected funds into the specific bank account and give the Treasurer the deposit slip. Good
cash management. Why does the Treasurer need the cash? Why are checks for the collection not
acceptable? How much is received from the donation cans? Why does that not show up separately in
the financial reports? Why do Board minutes not contain complete and regular Treasurer reports?
How does the Board manage League funds without regular Treasurer reports? 3. You may have seen
these ads, which were in the local paper the week before the election. One of the items said they spent
$25,000 in maintaining the current Town Shelter. When was that spent and for what? There is so
much to be done at the Shelter, their own expert reported to them in February of 2001, item 11 on a
punch list- on the exterior on the kennel, there are several general maintenance items that have never
been taken care of that now need replacement. These areas are impossible to keep clean. Item 14, the
washer and drain lines come out of the side of the building and when the temperature is below
freezing, the drain lines freeze up, so the staff has to disconnect the drain line and let it run on the
ground. This drain line needs to be properly connected and protected from freezing. Note he mentions
nothing about the environmental issues about dumping gray water onto ground. In conclusion, says
the architect, the existing facilities are deplorable. They are difficult to maintain, difficult to function
in and are a concern in regard for the health, safety and welfare of both the staff and the resident
animals. Change gears, the Town Board minutes of December 12, 2000; "They (the employees) arrive
at the facility at 7:00 AM in the morning, you have cesspools backing up, you have no hot water, you
have no ventilation, you very often have no heat. And I think these are deplorable, disgraceful
conditions." The quote goes on, "The NFAWL has an obligation to its employees to provide a safe
and healthy workplace." We are talking about dangerous, hazardous conditions for the workers who
are employed by the NFAWL and I don't think that is fair and that is what this issue is about." That
statement was made by NFAWL Vice-President Theres McGuinness, they recognize the conditions.
February 25, 2003 32
Southold Town Board meeting
They unfortunately blame them on you. The fact is, the contract that you have with NFAWL says that
they do the maintenance. Have all of these maintenance failures been put right by that $25,000
expenditure that they claim? 4. Do the NFAWL directors really care about the staff'? Unsolicited, a
former employee wrote to us, "I found the conditions at the Shelter to be very dangerous to the animals
and to the workers. Clorox was used in close quarters in cleaning and the employees, including
myself, were breathing it in with no ventilation. Hoses were leaking and had to be used in the winter
out doors, so we would end up getting wet and then have to work dogs in wet clothing in the freezing
cold. I was very upset with the conditions there and contacted OSHA, the Occupational Safety and
Health Association, for a lot of the violations. OSHA found the violations and wanted them rectified.
They requested pictures instead of a full inspection. One was chosen to stand with the same fire
extinguisher in every corner to prove it was there. This was one fire extinguisher for the entire place.
The director pulled one standing fan out of storage and placed it in different areas and took photos.
OSHA seemed satisfied. While working there, I had gotten bitten by a pitbull and found there was no
bandaids or medicinal products for the employees. There was no first aid kit on the premises. I
believe that is a violation of the State Labor law. The lack of proper first aid kit has been confirmed by
Southold Fire Department EMT's reporting to accidents at the Shelter. How, I ask you, do NFAWL
directors show their care and concern? 5. Again, the ads say that nearly $200,000 was raised for the
shelter through the thrift shop. You remember the thrift shop in Greenport? NFAWL financial reports
show that actually $176,000 was the total receipts at the thrift shop. Less expenses, the profit or
surplus was $126,000. Far less than the claimed $200,000 but more importantly the monies raised by
the thrift shop were dedicated, at it's opening, to the building of a Shelter. In addition, NFAWL has
carried a building fund for $100,000 for years. In 1994, then President Bruce Isaacs promised to use
$250,000 of NFAWL funds to build a shelter on Town leased land. There is even a photo in the paper
and I am sure that my friend, Frank Carlin has it someplace. In 2000, Anna Cosimano claimed she
signed the 1999-2000 contract because of a verbal promise, unverified, that the Town would build a
shelter. In July 2002, the NFAWL Board of Directors voted to merge the building fund with other
funds and at the annual meeting, CPA Joseph Irwin stated that there were no restricted funds, in simple
terms, no promises as to how any gifted funds would be used. Some people contributing to the
NFAWL and to its donation cans, think they are giving to the shelter, not to its operation. The
question is, why has the NFAWL fund balance, bank account in simple terms, grown from $396,167 in
1997 to $525,468 in December 2001. A 33% gain in four years and I am sure that Frank Carlin wants
to know who the investment advisor is, while the animals live in poor conditions, the staff works in
hazardous conditions and the Directors demand that the Town pay more to NFAWL. 6. Again, with
the ads, it says "We are the first on Long Island to institute a professional evaluation and temperament
test for sheltered animals." A survey of sheltering experts say not likely true. Worse, how did they
evaluate a dog, later determined to be stone deaf, and then allow adoption by an elderly couple hoping
for a dog that could alert them to changes on their property. Board minutes of February 17, 2000 and I
quote, "Over-population" and I will repeat that, the opening phrase of the minutes, "Over-population"
Temperament tests on dogs to get Sue Sternberg to evaluate dogs, to get more information on this
ASAP. I note that Sue Sternberg did not do the evaluations for NFAWL. There were 58 dogs
sheltered at that time. December 21, 2000, the League Board minutes read "Down to 30 in the dog
department, much better than last year but beagles season is upon us" What had happened? They
euthanized 22 dogs that year. Typically, they euthanize 6 or 7 in a year. The League newsletter says
that they only euthanize for health or severe behavioral reasons. The newsletter reports how they cry
when they have to make a decision to euthanize, and I can empathize with that but the newsletter never
tells members how many dogs had been euthanize. Only the Board minutes tell why and only the
February 25, 2003 33
Southold Town Board meeting
Shelter report to the Town tells you how many. Is this why they fought so hard to keep members from
reading the Board minutes? 7. The animals are not treated as well as you are told by the NFAWL
leaders and the NFAWL newsletter. In the recent spate of cold weather, we have reports of dogs not
being walked before 11:30 AM, water frozen in their bowls, no blankets for dogs to lie on, etc. During
summer in high temperatures there was no water for dogs after hours and no shade to retreat to during
the day. I will read again from their own expert, Dennis Bradley, item 17, "The runs in the yard are
inadequate, they are typically bare earth and are a concern regarding cross contamination of disease.
They should be covered with a hard surface that can be cleaned. There is no way to thoroughly clean
the runs. During inclement weather with the fragmented facilities and the scattered structures, the
difficulties the staff has in performing their duties must be tenfold. This is a poorly laid out and
maintained facility from which to provided animal care." The Sunshine Group and its supporters have
achieved a significant victory despite Ms. Cosimano's statement. For the first time in 6 1/2 years, there
has been an election with real choice and over 500 members voted as compared to at the most, 50, in
the past. Now, why don't you, the Town Board, the public, the NFAWL contributors, NFAWL
members, take the trouble to go and see the Shelter and the animals for yourself. You cannot rely on
what you are being told by NFAWL directors, seeing is believing. Thank-you very much.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Would anyone else care to address the Town Board on town related
business?
SCOTT RUSSELL: I want to shift gears a little bit and get on a different subject, so if anyone wants
to finish up.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Mr. Russell, I will let you continue.
MR. RUSSELL: The reason that I want to speak tonight is I am trying to get an understanding for a
recent proposal that you made that would seek to eliminate people from participating in political
parties. I think that I need to understand your motives behind that and what do you see as what the
inherent problems are?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Actually, the proposal that has been put forward hasn't been discussed by
the Town Board yet and has been referred to the Town Attorney's Department to research some
legalities of it. So until it comes forward by the Town Board for discussion, we will take it up at that
time.
MR. RUSSELL: Yes, but how about you. You have commented on it quite at length with the papers
so are you prepared to tell us why you are even proposing such a measure? I mean, what are your
goals? What do you see as the problems with people serving on a political committee and serving the
people of Southold Town at Town Hall? Why do you think there was a need for such a proposal?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: I think it is an effort on my behalf and I certainly seek the input of Town
Board members. Essentially, I think to instill further public trust in our local elected officials and our
appointed officials. I think anything that we can put forward that would eliminate the possibility of
undue political influence within Town Hall I think is something to be researched. So as I said, Mr.
Russell, it has been put forward to the Town Board and we haven't discussed it yet.
February 25, 2003 34
Southold Town Board meeting
MR. RUSSELL: Okay. Then is the concern the practice of politics on Town time, in Town Hall, with
Town resources? Is that what the goal is? Let me just, I am looking at a list of people I just jotted
down. Joe Gold; Joe Lizewski; Jim DiNizio, who I see over there, one of the most honest people I
know, incidentally-his honesty hurts sometimes because we have butted heads in the past; Artie Foster;
Albert Krupski; John Nicols; John Bednoski; Ellen Latson; Frank Kujaski; Ray Jacobs; Judy Terry;
Betty; are any of these people selling their constituency short by serving on a political committee? Are
they doing something wrong that we need to know about? What is the goal here?
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Again, I haven't mentioned any specific party or specific individual and I
think that it is important that the Town Board discuss this as a generic proposal put forth. So again,
that is where it is at, Mr. Russell.
MR. RUSSELL: But you need to have a motivation for proposing something. You don't just propose
it and say that you don't really have an idea in mind.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: I think that anything that we can do to further instill the public trust and
remove politics from within Town Hall, I think is something that is worth discussion and I think that
the Board agrees that it is worth discussion.
MR. RUSSELL: I agree 100 %. And I think that the one way that you can do that is to start to set a
better example from yourself. Because nobody has trampled the line of politics in Town government
more than you in my 12 years of being an office holder. Let's go back to the beginning, when you first
got elected, you were in my office nearly every morning to discuss politics with me. A Republican
event couldn't take place the night before, an event, a fundraiser, a meeting, without you coming into
my office and prodding me for information. 'What did Craig Richter say? What did this one say?
Who is going to be your new Chairman?' You even spent one day at length trying to talk me into
running for County Legislator as a Democratic candidate. You have utilized Town resources and
Town staff to further your political goals. You had your secretary send secret missives to the Board of
Elections. That is inappropriate. Highly inappropriate. Let's talk about some other things that you
have done. You have actually, during the election last year where you very publicly backed one
candidate for Tax Receiver, you instructed a Town employee, a fairly well-paid data processor, to sit
with your candidate and brief him on all the issues facing the Tax Receivers Office. Specifically, and
more importantly, the issue of the new computer system. That is inappropriate and that was at the tax
payer expense. If you really want to take politics out of Town Hall, you need to set a better example.
A farmer just told me the other day that you visited him several times during the campaign, during the
day with a Town car to lobby for support for your candidate for Receiver of Taxes. And don't get me
wrong, he is a good man and they were both good candidates for election but the fact that you are out
there politicking on Town time using the taxpayers gas, is inappropriate. Now you are coming along
and proposing that we some how have been serving the public short by wearing two hats. Let me tell
you, I was elected by the Republicans of my district because the reason that I ran, I have only been a
Committeeman for about two years, but the reason I ran was because I didn't like the direction that the
Republican was going in and I wanted to do something about it. I didn't like the rezoning effort on the
North Road, I didn't like the proposal for five-acre zoning so I tried to do something. I went out, I
went door to door, I called people, I solicited support from those people. Those are the same taxpayers
that put me in the office of Assessor, they are the same taxpayers that, 120 people voted in that
election. 110 of them voted for me. Because they liked the idea that they were going to have
February 25, 2003 35
Southold Town Board meeting
somebody that stood up there and tried to change the direction of the party. How, by circumventing
the democratic process, are you furthering the interests of Town government? I don't understand that.
I see Democrats, Republicans, United Southold people every day working hard to make this a better
community. Some of them hold positions in Town government, whether they are volunteers or
otherwise, some don't. But the fact is, that the issue of ethics needs to be addressed by focusing on
people. Generally speaking, people are either ethical or unethical. Institutions aren't, committees
aren't, you need to judge an individual by his actions not by his associations. And I think what you are
proposing is either one of two things, either you have an axe to grind because Republicans weren't
quick to embrace your candidacy for Supervisor or it is just another smoke screen, it is an empty
gesture, it is an empty, hollow effort to make it look like you are doing something about ethics at the
same time trying to maybe obscure your own political activities in Town Hall. Incidentally, a business
owner just called me again today to let me know that they were solicited by your secretary, a $50,000 a
year secretary by the way-a position that you created when you first got into office, one of the highest
paid secretaries in Town Hall. She was soliciting a business, on Town time, for support for a
fundraiser you are holding in a couple of weeks. And you want to eliminate politics from Town
government? You really need to start looking at yourself. And if you, also, I have for you since your
eyes are rolling, I have the letter that was submitted by your secretary to the Board of Elections. It
actually requested information regarding the Supervisor's race of 2001. I don't see how that serves the
interests of the people of Southold Town but it is quite clear to me how it serves your interests. And
she even says in the cover letter, 'if you have any questions, please call me at 765-1889. As I do share
an office, I would appreciate the utmost discretion when calling.' This is your $50,000 per year
secretary. This is the taxpayers secretary, doing your political bidding on Town time. That is
inappropriate. While we are on the issue of taxpayers and wasting their money, this mailer that you
sent to all the people of Southold Town taxpayer expense. That is inappropriate. This is clearly, this
has obviously some public benefit to these things although most issues were covered in the Suffolk
Times, at length, if you felt the need to repeat these issues in this letter, fine. But there is a clear, clear
serendipitous political benefit to mailing this out. Do you know how many times your name is
mentioned in this? It is a four page letter, your name is mentioned eight times, along with a big picture
up front. And you used the taxpayers to foot the bill. Now, when Tom Wickham was Supervisor back
in 1993 and he did some mailers, like community minded mailers that we send out to the public, I can't
speak to him but I think that he recognized the fact that there is a public benefit and there is a clear
political benefit. He didn't ask the taxpayers to pay for this, his supporters paid for it. And that was
the appropriate tact to take. So if you really want to clean up politics in Town Hall, if you really want
to clean up ethics, get your hand out of the taxpayers pockets and start doing our political bidding on
your own time.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you, Mr. Russell. Would anyone else care to address the Town
Board?
MS. EGAN: Well, to kind of break the tension here. Today is February 25, I hope that your Christmas
bills are paid and 10 months from today is Christmas. I hope that you started your shopping. Okay,
who wants to be first? Mr. Yakaboski, this is a letter that Mr. Yakaboski sent to me...
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Mrs. Egan, this is a time to address the Town Board.
MS. EGAN: This is the Town Board, this is very important.
February 25, 2003 36
Southold Town Board meeting
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Mr. Yakaboski is not on the Town Board. Address the Town Board on
town business, I am happy to entertain it.
MRS. EGAN: Well, I believe that he is a public servant, that my taxpayers.., how do I then get to the
public, what Mr. Yakaboski wrote to me. Kicking me almost out of his office, telling me that I could
never come to his office again because he and Mr. Moore and he did not do anything for me. So I
can't read the letter? Maybe I will take an ad in the Suffolk Times. Maybe Mr. Russell will help me
do that. So, you want me to leave that one alone? I think that I got that one the record anyway, didn't
I? Good for Joan. Okay, so who else. Mr. Richter, ah, you knew that you were coming next, didn't
you, darling. A friend of mine observed you in the City. Now, ....
COUNCILMAN RICHTER: Excuse me?
MRS. EGAN: I didn't say which city.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: She meant the city of Greenport.
MRS. EGAN: At the last Town Hall meeting I presented you with the fact that I signed a sworn
statement regarding Mr. Chris Mohr. That I observed his people urinating outside my window. Did
you check out for me, like I asked you, what town, what the Police Department does with that sworn
statement and is it addressed to Mr. Chris Mohr. Did you find that out?
COUNCILMAN RICHTER: No.
MRS. EGAN: Great.
COUNCILMAN RICHTER: You're welcome.
MRS. EGAN: I also at last, I don't find anything funny about it, Mr. Richter. No, no. You are being
rude.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Please continue, Mrs. Egan.
MRS. EGAN: Too bad about you. Now, I also signed a sworn statement about something that
happened on St. Agnes' property on a Saturday night with people who go to the Spanish mass. Did
you find out whether the nun who runs that was advised of that fact? Through the police? Did you
find ....
COUNCILMAN RICHTER: No.
MRS. EGAN: No, I see. This liaison that you supposedly had with the Police, I don't believe that it
ever happens. I ask you to contact the Chief in regard because you are such a good friend of former
Supervisor Cochran. I don't know what you really do for the Town, Mr. Richter. I know that I have
been insulted by you here, many times. That is enough for you, go to the back of the class. Mr.
Romanelli, how are you doing tonight, darling?
February 25, 2003 37
Southold Town Board meeting
COUNCILMAN ROMANELLI: Fine, how are you tonight, Mrs. Egan?
MRS. EGAN: Well, I will tell you, Mr. Romanelli, I am quite ticked ofl~ I see nothing but negativity,
I see nothing done, I listen to all of these people and I see nothing really being done in a positive
manner to make this Town better. All I hear about, building permits and five-acre zoning and one-acre
zoning, that ain't important. It ain't important at all, and I will tell you why. Because if you don't
have a decent town for people to live in, no matter whether it is five-acres or half an acre or quarter of
an acre, the important thing is to get our Town cleaned up. Now, down there, Riverhead lumber, in
Greenport, that is nothing but a mud slide. Now, maybe Mr. Harris or I think that is under, I think that
is 25, maybe he can address that issue. Certainly, I have asked you to do it. Now, I have spent at least
a half hour on the telephone last night with Peconic Landing. That all of you who have been out here
for a long time, didn't scoop that place up and preserve it in its entirety is an absolute disgrace. I was
not a year round resident at the time. The place has been raped and mined, you have lost your best
emergency doctor at Eastern Long Island Hospital but more importantly, much more importantly,
through the New York State Police, through the Southold Police Department, the accidents that were
caused by when they were developing it and even to this day. The dirt on the road, the ice, the
indentations from their big trucks. I will tell you this, dear, over on the South shore when they have
developments, they check them out, they do it appropriately. I called them last night, number one:
their service entrance there, when their people come out, they have their cartons of coffee and when
they finish them-they throw them on the road. They have their little styrofoam boxes of food and
when they finish them, they throw them on the road. And it is a mess, it is a horrible mess. So I called
them last night because through my efforts and the help of Mr. Harris I got the DOT to give them,
Peconic Landing, a citation. Which I informed the Chief of Police here and the State Police that if they
disobeyed and didn't get their act cleaned up, they could get cited. Correct, Mr. Harris? Right. Now, I
got lip service from this little chippie up there. You know what she says to me? She said, "I am only
in charge of keeping the people who live here happy." And I said, 'Are you really?'
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Mrs. Egan.
MRS. EGAN: No, this is important. Be still. This is very important. You know what she told me-to
keep them happy. I said now, keep them happy? The roads are important, our lives are important. I
said, you disobey the law there, DOT may close your roads. Maybe they will clean it up a little bit.
Okay, I am not finished. So, now Mr. Moore, of course, you have done nothing. Mr. Yakaboski we
are not allowed to touch him. He lives, I wonder what your little parade in and out of here is about...
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Mrs. Egan.
MRS. EGAN: Oh, noise control. When are we going to do something about that? Summer is coming,
the windows will be open. Huh? When are we going to do something about that? When are we going
to do something for the people of the Town? When are the people from Driftwood Cove going to get
some building permits? So many of them have no place to live. And you are worried about houses, 22
houses. Take care of the people that are here now. Bye.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Would anyone else care to address the Town Board?
February 25, 2003 38
Southold Town Board meeting
MRS. COSIMANO: This is not Town business, but it will be Town business at the next Town
meeting. For all of Mr. Geiss' insinuations, we will come back with the truth. Because we know the
truth for the last six years. As Bill Moore, Romanelli and Craig Richter know the truth, one day they
will admit it.
DAN ROSS: Dan Ross, Woodcliff Drive, Mattituck. I am here again to state my continued objection
to the burned out deli on Route 25 in Mattituck at one of the entrances to the Town. It seems as though
nothing has been done since last I addressed the Board last year on this matter. You could forgive
something happening slowly, if you attempted to do something and it didn't work out, you could
forgive that. But no action is really not forgivable. Mr. Richter, you wrote a letter to the paper earlier
in the year indicating that Code Enforcement personnel for the Town had always done what you asked
them, so I ask you and the rest of the Board members; have you asked the Town employees to do
something about this. It has been there for 2 or 3 years, it is not a difficult problem. It will take some
time but it is not a difficult problem to address.
COUNCILMAN RICHTER: Dan, I will definitely talk to Ed tomorrow and I will get right back to
you.
MR. ROSS: I think that you are going to need someone a little higher on the Code Enforcement chain.
COUNCILMAN RICHTER: We will do whatever we have to do because that is a blight, it does not
look good, I agree. I will get back to you with that.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Would anyone else care to address the Town Board?
DOUG COOPER: Doug Cooper, Mattituck. I think there have been few Supervisors here that have
pushed the question of ethics more than our current Supervisor has, Mr. Horton. For Scott Russell to
bring up inappropriate, in his opinion ....
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Mr. Cooper, if this is a rebuttal to somebody's comment, if you have
current business with the Town Board, we will have that but I ask that we not have a rebuttal between
members of the public.
MR. COOPER: Very good, thank you.
MR. CARLIN: I want to address Mr. Moore about building on the Animal Shelter. Bill, we have
been, we came close 13 months ago when you were going to put out the bid and you had $500,000 at
that time. You have over $1,000,000 now, let's start in. At least, get the building built. Forget about
the fringes, forget about the landscaping probably that can come along later. Things like that. If we
get almost this building built with that money, let's get the bids out as soon as possible, before the
prices keep going up and up and up and we will never get to it. Let's get on it. We can wait for an
intercom system, we can wait for our leather couches, we can wait for our shrubs, probably people will
volunteer for that but let's, we have been now 13 months. We have spent $18,000 in this thing. Let's
get it going. Let's get this thing built by this time next year. The longer we wait, the more it is going
to cost. We come close, almost a year ago, when you were going out for bids and you only had
$500,000 or $700,000, you have a million now. That could build a building. Never mind the stuff like
February 25, 2003 39
Southold Town Board meeting
painting and stufl~ Maybe volunteers will do it or something.
these animals. That is what we want to do.
Well, let's get the building built for
COUNCILMAN MOORE: It is going to happen, Frank.
MR. CARLIN: Well, I hope that it is going to happen, Bill but the longer that you wait the more the
prices are going to go up. Especially with union labor.
COUNCILMAN MOORE: I don't want to wait any longer than we have to, Frank. The plans are
being looked at. Jamie Richer is chomping at the bit to get to work on doing the specs and getting the
package done. So bear with me.
MR. CARLIN: There is one more thing. This is your Shelter; you own it. You build it; if you are
satisfied with the plans, you build it. You own the Shelter; remember that.
COUNCILMAN MOORE: We understand.
MR. CARLIN: It is your Shelter. If you like the plans, if you are satisfied with the plans, you build it.
Now, you didn't answer those questions about the donations going to the North Fork Animal Welfare
League. Does it go to the Town and the Foundation or does it go to them, too?
COUNCILMAN MOORE: The Town received a gift from Mr. Raynor of the $250,000 part of that
included a stipulation that the Town, which can not actively solicit funds for a project, set up or we
were authorized to set up an entity that could do so. That led to the creation of the Foundation. The
Raynor Foundation that you referred to before. Designated as a catch basin, the holder of donations,
are authorized to receive donations for the Shelter. There is nothing that keeps the League from
making a donation.
MR. CARLIN: Oh, from making a donation? Not accepting donations? That is what I asked you.
COUNCILMAN MOORE: The designated entity is the Foundation or the Town. The Town has a
fund created, in fact, Mr. Raynors' initial donation went to the Town.
MR. CARLIN: What about the League? If they want to donate; but not to receive.
COUNCILMAN MOORE: Correct.
MR. CARLIN: That is my answer, thank you.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Would anyone else like to address the Town Board?
JIM DINIZIO: Jim DiNizio, Sound Road, Greenport. I admire your patience in dealing with the
Animal Shelter; I commend you all. My comment is on what I read in the paper and what I read in the
paper was that Supervisor Horton suggested that perhaps we look at people who are on political
committees resigning those committees when they do work for the Town. My preference would be, if
I were, my suggestion would be maybe Councilman, elected Officials and appointed Officials and I am
February 25, 2003 40
Southold Town Board meeting
saying that in the context that you can't serve two bosses. You can't serve two masters. Being a
political animal and you all know that I am, I know the pressures that all of you are under from both
sides. But when you are elected, you have to serve all of the people of the Town. And our ethics law,
correct me if I am wrong, deals partly with the appearance of impropriety. The appearance of
unethical behavior. The, opening yourself up to allegations, okay, be they true or untrue but that
someone could come to a Town Hall meeting and make allegations that may appear to be true puts you
all in a very difficult situation. And I think that what Supervisor Horton is suggesting through eyes of a
babe, for a lack of better, a person who hasn't been politically involved as long as most of us in this
room; what he sees in my opinion, is that you can't serve two masters. And once you are elected, you
should step away from the political part of your life. The Committee part, okay? Because we all know
what happens to Committeemen when they don't listen to the will of the party. We have all
experienced that and I think that the suggestion is: to look at it and perhaps just discuss it amongst
yourselves and come up with maybe something that would maybe appear, that would pull yourself
away from an accusation that whether founded or unfounded, can't just be tossed out at a meeting such
as this. I would urge you all just to consider Supervisor Horton's suggestion, because that is what I
think it is and that is what I think you all should be doing; is making suggestions to make the Town
better. I think you should take it in that reference. Don't take it in, you know, he is trying to destroy
something. I am reading all of this stuff in the papers and I think that really that all it is is to open up a
discussion and let's see what can happen. I think that the ethics law works fairly well, we didn't have
it before Tom Wickham and we need to refine it a little more. And I think that this may be a step in
the right direction. You may not come to the point where you have to resign that position but I think
that it is something that you should just consider. Throw it out to the public, let the public comment on
it and come back. But you know, to hold yourself up to that, to hold yourself up to a standard and then
to, in my opinion, and take an attack like you had tonight, is not something I want to see my Town
Board members having to worry about. I want you to worry about my business, I want you plowing
my roads, I want you approving my subdivisions or disapproving my subdivisions, buying my land.
And not having to worry about whether some Joe Schmoe says 'you said to me this, five years ago,
blah, blah, blah.' That shouldn't happen, that shouldn't be. You guys shouldn't be supposed to that.
So, please, if you could, consider it and maybe come out with something that might be good. Thank
you very much.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you, Mr. DiNizio.
COUNCILMAN RICHTER: I would like to just say something. Jim, just to make one comment on
this. I think that it is a topic for discussion but a couple of things that I want to point out. One is when
you are a Committeeman, from across the Town the number of districts, you have representation from
every hamlet and from every area across the Town and what that does, it is politics and what that does
is give you a flavor of what everybody's concerns are across the Town in your political party choice.
Serving two masters, I don't think anyone on this Town Board-definitely not me, serves two masters.
When I got elected to this position, I am going to do the best that I can here, nobody is going to tell me
how to vote. Because it is worthy of discussion.
MR. DINIZIO: That is exactly what I am talking about, Craig. I know none of you up there would do
anything that you didn't think was right, in your mind. I know that you would not. You are all very
strong in character. As I am, I would not. Some people call me honest, some people call me ...... but
it comes to, but you know, that is part of how you get involved in this type of business. It is part of
February 25, 2003 41
Southold Town Board meeting
your character. I know Craig for many years, I know once Craig makes up his mind, I know that he
has listened to everything, he is going to do what he wants. I don't agree with it but that is fine. You
don't have to agree with it but also you don't have to open yourself up to you know what, maybe
maybe can be suggested that, you know, hey this guy is doing this, this guy is doing that. You know,
when you get these things thrown out, it is just one more thing that gets in the way of good
government. One more thing that is not necessary for you to do your job after you are elected. There
are plenty other guys out there that would like to be Committeemen, like I said, I am in a small party
and I know how hard it is but I think it is just one small thing, I mean I can't see the policemen, I can't
see the secretary, I mean those people, you know, let them be Committeemen. They are the people that
you want to be Committeemen. But you guys who are elected, your appointed officials, just in my
opinion and being involved for 16 years, I can see where you can hold yourself up to accusations. Be
they true or not true. More times, they will not be true. But what happens, when you say one thing
and they hear another and then someone else hears and blah, blah, blah. You know what happens.
And it just comes to who gets the most votes as to why you are up there. I know the Committee, I am
not accusing anybody and I don't think Mr. Horton was accusing anybody, I think that he just sees it
through a different light than we hear it and I think that you ought to consider it. I think that it is not a
difficult thing to resign that Committee members position when you are in Office. I don't think that is
going to hurt you one bit. And we can debate what happened a few years ago, with the Republican
Committee but it is just one of those things that I think you guys could do that would show at least, that
would take that one little thing away. That one little accusation, that one little mudslinging thing that
comes, you could hold yourself up a little higher, it may make the Town government run more
efficiently. Thank-you.
PETER HARRIS, SOUTHOLD TOWN HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT: I wanted to stop here
tonight, I was told that some things were said about me earlier tonight, in a good light but I felt it is
important for me to address the Town Board and the citizens of Southold Town from my perspective to
say thank-you to the 36 employees that worked for me during the blizzard of 2003 and this past
weekend when we were inundated with 2-3 inches of rain. Also, I had a couple of employees from Mr.
Bunchuk down at the landfill that came in and ran payloaders for me also. It is very nice to be able to
sit home in a warm, cozy house. I thank the Supervisor and the Deputy Supervisor, Chief Cochran
expediting the fact that we declared a snow emergency in Southold Town to keep every non-essential
person off the road. That made our lives as highway individuals, so much easier. The fact that, by
noon, the day after the storm on Tuesday every single road in Southold Town was open, sanded and
salted. That, in my opinion, was a major feat that 36 people put forth for this community. At times it
is not the most elegant job to hold, walking down along the side of a road with a stick with a nail in it
picking up the debris that people just throw out the window because they are too lazy to put it in the
trash receptacle or take it home or whatever, it is not all the glorious jobs. I received a tremendous
amount of accolades because I was the Superintendent of Highways. But believe me, for 28 years, I
was behind the wheel of one of those trucks and I know what it is like to fight a storm. So I just want
to address you people and the people in the Town, when it is nice to get an accolade but I need to give
my people the same due. Thank-you.
SUPERVISOR HORTON: Thank you very much for attending.
~
.
February 25,2003
Southold Town Board meeting
Moved by Councilman Romanelli, seconded by Councilman Richter, it was
RESOLVED that this Town Board meeting be and hereby is declared adjourned.
Vote of the Town Board: Aye: Councilman Richter, Councilman Romanelli, Councilman Moore,
Supervisor Horton.
This resolution was declared duly ADOPTED.
* * * * * *
42
U~h/~{)~
Elizabeth A. Neville
Southold Town Clerk