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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMPD-07/05/2014 SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA Mattituck Park District Board of Commissioners Special Meeting Saturday, July 5, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. Presiding Commissioners Russell Williamson, Chairperson Gerard Goehringer Michael Ryan Call to Order Pledge PUBLIC COMMENT SESSION ON AGENDA ITEMS All other comments regarding non-agenda items will be held at the end of the meeting Please limit comments to no more than 5 minutes FEMA Update PUBLIC COMMENT SESSION RECEIVED p 2014 Q Sou old Town �Ierk MATTITUCK PARK DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES July 5, 2014 Attendance Russell Williamson, Commissioner Gerard Goehringer,Commissioner Michael Ryan,Commissioner David Prokop, Legal Counsel Lydia Tortora,Clerk Lynne Krauza,Secretary CALL TO ORDER D. Prokop and R.Williamson called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. D. Prokop stated that today's meeting is to discuss R.Williamson's withdrawal of the Park District's Project Work Sheet with FEMA(hereinafter"application"). R.Williamson stated that he will provide an update as to why he withdrew the Park District's application. He stated that FEMA's Tom Aloi called him at home. He then stated that about two months ago he had a conversation with his personal attorney about the Park District's application. R.Williamson said he expressed to his attorney that he suspects that FEMA is receiving false information from the Park District to collect monies. His attorney said that what any of the other Commissioners do all Commissioners are responsible. He then stated that his attorney suggested that he contact FEMA. R. Williamson then stated that he was not making any charges and that he just thought he should make it clear that he is not going to be responsible for any statements that are not true about Hurricane Sandy. He then stated that he asked a few times in the office for any numbers and got numbers from a letter D. Prokop sent in response to Tom Aloi. R.Williamson said he emailed Tom Aloi and Mr.Aloi got right back to him. He then stated that he told Tom Aloi that he feels that some of the information FEMA was receiving from the Park District was not correct and wanted to make sure that he is involved in this. He then said he "didn't mention any names." R.Williamson further stated that his attorney advised him that if one of the Commissioners made false statements to FEMA to collect monies for the Park District that the other Commissioners are responsible and Tom Aloi said that this was absolutely right. R. Williamson then stated that Tom Aloi called him the next day and asked if he could come to their Mineola office and meet with him. R. Williamson then stated that he had a doctor's appointment on June 12 and would meet with him at 11 a.m. He said he met with Tom Aloi,Jeremy, Mark Mondel (sp. ?) and Fred Kristastamo (sp. ?) on June 12, 2014. D. Prokop asked R.Williamson if he went to the June 12 meeting on behalf of the Park District or on his own behalf. R.Williamson then stated that he just made the statement that if any Commissioners do something illegal they are all responsible. R. Williamson then stated that he met with FEMA as a taxpayer and not as a Park District Commissioner. R.Williamson further stated that FEMA has documented everything and have all of his emails. R.Williamson then stated that Fred from FEMA asked him about the bulkhead and was nasty but not to R. Williamson. He stated that Fred said that the bulkhead was damaged and in disarray so bad and then Mark from FEMA said the material list for the maintenance supposedly done on the bulkhead was -1- ridiculous,a couple of 2x4s and a piece of plywood. R.Williamson then stated during this meeting that he never saw any of these lists and never got any information from the Park District. D. Prokop then stated to R.Williamson that this was not true and that he was part of all meetings discussing the bid, application,etc. R.Williamson then stated that Fred asked him what he felt about the bulkhead that was there prior to Hurricane Sandy. R.Williamson stated it appeared to be in good shape because it wasn't in the water and that as far as maintenance that he doesn't see how maintenance was done when it was covered with brush,trees hanging over the side and the top was missing. R.Williamson then stated that Fred showed him a photo(R.Williamson held up the photo)that R.Williamson said was taken in 1954. He then spoke about a house bought by a friend's family that was moved and that is how he obtained the photo. D. Prokop asked R.Williamson why he would take it upon himself to meet with FEMA and why he wouldn't come to the Board collectively. R. Williamson then stated that L.Tortora did not help him out. D. Prokop stated that that was not true. R.Williamson then stated that Fred said he was disgusted with the whole thing. D. Prokop then stated that our Saturday morning is being wasted because of this and R.Williamson replied that we were "wasting his fucking time". R.Williamson then stated that Fred from FEMA said he was withdrawing the Park District's application and that he did not say it. R.Williamson then stated what do you think Tom Aloi would do if they had sent this check out and then found out that information was bogus,they would have gone to the AG and someone would have gone to jail. R.Williamson then stated that is why I'm here, I am not going to be involved in this. R.Williamson then stated that he asked FEMA what they suggest he do and FEMA asked him to withdraw the Park District's application and R.Williamson said he agreed to do this based on the information Fred gave him that the bulkhead was in shambles. D. Prokop then asked R.Williamson what authority he had to withdraw the application and R. Williamson stated that FEMA asked him to withdraw the application as Chairperson and then stated that Fred had already withdrew our application. R. Williamson then stated that D. Prokop was always against him. D. Prokop then stated to R. Williamson,what makes you any better than me and further stated,don't make this personal. D. Prokop then stated that we will have to resubmit our application and asked if R.Williamson was going to be part of it. R.Williamson then stated that his plan was to protect himself. R.Williamson then stated to M. Ryan that he should get in touch with Tom Aloi because he wasn't involved in the bulkhead project and he needs to say he wasn't involved with the information sent to FEMA and he should protect himself. R.Williamson then stated that"it was going to Court". M. Ryan stated he was having a hard time wrapping his head around R. Williamson's actions. M. Ryan further asked R.Williamson why he didn't give them a heads up on the June 12 meeting. M. Ryan further stated that today was the first time he has heard any objection from R.Williamson to the application. M. Ryan further stated to R.Williamson that he did not have the authority to withdraw our application. M. Ryan further asked R.Williamson why he did this when we were so close to getting the monies. R.Williamson stated to M. Ryan that he has said it 3 times already. R.Williamson further stated that FEMA thanked him for meeting with them. M. Ryan then stated that FEMA just wants an excuse for not writing a check. R.Williamson stated again that Mark said the 2004 material list we submitted with our application was ridiculous. -2- M. Ryan then asked R.Williamson why he never said anything to anyone before he withdrew our application and R.Williamson replied that he didn't have to say anything before because he suspected it. R.Williamson then stated that during a meeting with a FEMA rep shortly after Hurricane Sandy with G. Goehringer that FEMA asked what happened to the remnants and G.Goehringer stated that they blew into the water. R.Williamson stated that they have this information documented. He further stated that he met with FEMA because he felt he had to go. R.Williamson stated that the only document he brought to the June 12 meeting was a survey. D. Prokop asked R.Williamson who his personal attorney is and R. Williamson stated that that wasn't necessary information. D. Prokop told R. Williamson that he spoke with Tom Aloi and that Tom said that R. Williamson had an entire portfolio of documents with him at the June 12 meeting. R. Williamson stated that he only brought the survey with him to this meeting. R.Williamson further stated that FEMA needed proof that he was Chairperson and that he gave them copies of the Minutes appointing him Chairperson. G. Goehringer then stated that the first meeting with FEMA where R. Williamson was present that R. Williamson was the one who said the remnants went out in the bay. R.Williamson said G.Goehringer was wrong and that FEMA has it documented. R. Williamson then stated that he was finished here and that he said his statement. He then stated that Fred will be sending him a letter stating why the application was withdrawn. He stated again that Fred withdrew our application first and asked R.Williamson to withdraw it also because of what Tom said that if they gave us a check and found out false information they would go to AG. L.Tortora stated to R.Williamson that she tried to give information that FEMA asked for and that it is not clear to her what information is not true. R.Williamson said the wall badly damaged and wasn't maintained (he said it was referring to the retaining wall down west). D. Prokop stated that FEMA requested the information for maintenance and materials. D. Prokop stated that R.Williamson had his letter also and R.Williamson stated that he only had it today. D. Prokop stated that R.Williamson was at the meeting and agreed to it and that that would have been the time to say something if he objected. D. Prokop further stated that R.Williamson's actions were after the fact. R.Williamson stated that FEMA knows he has security clearance with Homeland Security. M. Ryan then asked what the relevance was with that statement and that because he has security clearance that that doesn't make you honest. R.Williamson then stated that he was leaving and that he didn't have to listen to this BS. R. Williamson further stated that he sent the email to FEMA because he didn't want to be part of collecting monies we weren't entitled to. L.Tortora stated that the cement retaining wall originally wasn't going to be bulkheaded and that R. Williamson agreed. She further stated that upon excavation there was a crack in the middle and then they decided to bulkhead it. R.Williamson said that FEMA was not going to give us any money for that. R. Williamson then stated that Fred brought up during his June 12 meeting that they will need 3 prices to replace the concrete wall and whatever the difference was they would give us money for it. L. Tortora then stated that FEMA was aware of this and why didn't they say something 4 months ago. R. Williamson said FEMA brought that up and not him and that they also brought up the parking lot. R. Williamson said he told them we got bids for$40,000 more than they gave us for the parking lot and -3- FEMA told him to submit the bids and they will review them and possibly give us the difference to do it right. M. Ryan then stated to R.Williamson that even if you think you are morally right on this issue don't you think it still has to go through the Board of Commissioners. R.Williamson stated that because his attorney said if you suspect any wrongdoing to collect money that all the Commissioners are responsible that is why he did it. He further stated that he isn't accusing anybody and that he just thought that FEMA should know that he is not involved in this and that was his reason and then all the other stuff came up. M. Ryan stated that he perceives R.Williamson's actions as going behind their back. R.Williamson then stated that FEMA said they were going to send a letter to him with their reason for withdrawing our application. R.Williamson then stated that it is not over. D. Prokop asked R.Williamson if he was tendering his resignation and explained that he was trying to understand what he meant by"leaving". D. Prokop stated that we have resolutions to pass and asked R. Williamson if he is going to stay and participate. R. Williamson said he is still part of the Park District. D. Prokop asked R. Williamson how are we going to resolve the bulkhead situation. R.Williamson stated that no one was giving him any information and D. Prokop stated that that was false. D. Prokop reiterated that R. Williamson was present at all meetings involving FEMA and the Bulkhead Project and never objected to anything during those meetings. D. Prokop stated that R.Williamson's MO is that you know nothing and basically go after everyone. M. Ryan then asked R.Williamson what else he has done and asked if he was hiding anything. R. Williamson said nothing. D. Prokop then asked R.Williamson how he was going to lead us through the FEMA situation. R.Williamson said to forget about the application and start all over on the cement wall and parking lot and that FEMA is not going to give us any money for the bulkhead. He said Fred told him they will not give us anything on the bulkhead. R.Williamson then stated that we need to give Fred 3 prices to replace the cement wall including thickness and footings. R.Williamson then stated that it was Fred that said he didn't believe anything that was sent to him on the bulkhead. G. Goehringer said it will be difficult to get estimates on something that has already been completed and we may have to pay for the estimates. He further stated that the original FEMA rep said we wouldn't get anything and then G. Goehringer inquired about maintenance records for the Belt Parkway and at that point everything changed. He also said there are enough cement companies from mid Brookhaven out but we may have to pay for the estimates. M. Ryan agreed. RESOLUTIONS Resolution 2014-61 rescinding Resolution 2014-1 authorizing R. Williamson as Chairperson. Motion by G. Goehringer,seconded by M. Ryan, all in favor and motion carried 2 to 1 to adopt Resolution 2014-61. Resolution 2014-62 rescinding Resolution 2014-7 authorizing R.Williamson to oversee the maintenance employees. -4- Motion by G. Goehringer,seconded by M. Ryan, all in favor and motion carried 2 to 1 to adopt Resolution 2014-62. Resolution 2014-63 authorizing the Park District to resubmit an application to FEMA for reimbursement regarding the Vets Park Bulkhead Project due to R.Williamson's actions in independently withdrawing same. Motion by G. Goehringer,seconded by M. Ryan, all in favor and motion carried unanimously to adopt Resolution 2014-63. Resolution 2014-64 authorizing Park District counsel to retain outside counsel to advise the Park District with respect to the unauthorized actions taken by R.Williamson in connection with his withdrawal of our FEMA application. Motion by M. Ryan,seconded by G. Goehringer,all in favor and motion carried 2 to 1 to adopt Resolution 2014-64. R.Williamson then yelled that we have a hell of a nerve. R.Williamson then said it is over and that he will make sure that it is known that G.Goehringer and L.Tortora are liars. D. Prokop then stated to R. Williamson that we need him as a Commissioner and asked for his help. R.Williamson then said don't worry you are going to see a lot going on here. At this time, R.Williamson left the meeting. D. Prokop then stated that we will proceed with G.Goehringer and M. Ryan. D. Prokop then recommended that we have another Special Meeting and document the resubmission process to FEMA. D. Prokop further stated that Tom Aloi told him that Tom needs to come back out to the Park District to do a site inspection. L. Krauza will add a resolution to the July 9, 2014 meeting Agenda authorizing the Park District to request a site inspection with FEMA for resubmission of our application. D. Prokop stated that he will speak to Eric Bressler, Esq. regarding R. Williamson's independent actions. M. Ryan posed the question as to whether the Park District can seek financial restitution and D. Prokop said he believes we can. G. Goehringer stated that he and M. Ryan will meet with Ed Grohoski today regarding the new oversight of the maintenance crew. G.Goehringer will speak to Tim Pumillo tomorrow. G.Goehringer will preside over the July 9,2014 meeting. Miscellaneous G. Goehringer and M. Ryan agreed to a 1%increase in the budget for 2015. This discussion will be placed on the meeting Agenda for the July 9, 2014 meeting. The renewal of the Field Use Agreement with the Mattituck-Cutchogue UFSD will be discussed at a Special Meeting to be scheduled for July 2014. M. Ryan asked Chris Dwyer to review the drainage issues at Aldrich Lane fields. Mr. Dwyer will get back to us. -5- M. Ryan stated that he spoke with Nancy Hartmann and Nancy Hartmann told him that she had an in- person meeting with the Lifeguards hired for the Park District for the 2014 Summer Season and told them during said meeting that there were security cameras and M. Ryan reiterated to Nancy Hartmann that the security cameras were not Park District cameras. L.Tortora discussed the need for a Scout's Policy for the Lodge. She is having difficulty with one Troop leader. It was agreed that L.Tortora will draft a Policy for approval and a resolution will be added to the July 9 meeting Agenda. L.Tortora will email the draft Policy to the Commissioners for approval. L.Tortora stated that we need a resolution today authorizing Rebecca Piriano to serve as a hostess in the Community Room at$15.00/hour. She is working an event this evening. L.Tortora will provide Rebecca with G. Goehringer and M. Ryan's phone numbers. M. Ryan said he will stop by the event this evening to check on things. Resolution 2014-65 authorizing Beach Attendant Rebecca Piriano to serve as a hostess in the Community Room at$15.00/hour. Motion by G.Goehringer,seconded by M. Ryan, all in favor and motion unanimously carried to adopt Resolution 2014-65. L.Tortora told Tara Kipecki that we don't rent the Community Room for free and has not heard back from her regarding an event. A possible location for this event is the Lodge and those details can be discussed. M. Ryan and G. Goehringer did not agree to the Seminar Event request. L.Tortora will notify them. G. Goehringer said he and M. Ryan will discuss with Ed Grohoski today his new position and what he is obligated to do. M. Ryan will draft a Duty Statement for Ed Grohoski and will prepare schedules for the maintenance work to be done. M. Ryan will be preparing the Maintenance Reports going forward for the meetings. G. Goehringer stated that he spoke with Supervisor Russell and Highway Superintendent Vincent Orlando regarding our speed bump at Breakwater. We await a response. L. Krauza will rescind Resolution 2014-56 in its entirety and amend Resolution 2014-43 for maintenance crew summer hours on Saturdays and Sundays to reflect 9 to 5:30 with a half hour for lunch. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no one in attendance from the public. There being no further business to come before the meeting,motion by G.Goehringer, seconded by M. Ryan,all in favor and motion carried to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 a.m. -6- RESOLUTION NO. 2014-61 RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION 2014-1 RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of the Mattituck Park District hereby rescinds Resolution 2014-1 to the extent that Russell Williamson was appointed Co-Chairperson and authorized to chair all meetings and hereby appoints Gerard Goehringer to be Co-Chairperson with Michael Ryan for the remainder of calendar year 2014 with either Co-Chairperson being authorized to preside over all meetings for the remaining term of calendar year 2014. RESULT: ADOPTED 7/5/14 (2 to 1) AYES: G. Goehringer and M. Ryan NAYES: R. Williamson RESOLUTION NO. 2014-62 RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION 2014-7 RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of the Mattituck Park District hereby rescinds Resolution 2014-7 appointing Russell Williamson to oversee the Park District maintenance employees and hereby appoints Michael Ryan and Gerard Goehringer to oversee the Park District maintenance employees for the remaining term of calendar year 2014. RESULT: ADOPTED 7/5/14 (2 to 1) AYES: G. Goehringer and M. Ryan NAYES: R. Williamson RESOLUTION 2014-63 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PARK DISTRICT TO RESUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO FEMA FOR REIMBURSEMENT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of the Mattituck Park District, having received notice from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that the pending application for reimbursement for the Veterans Park bulkhead was independently withdrawn by Russell Williamson without the authorization of the Park District, hereby authorizes the Park District to resubmit an application to FEMA for reimbursement. RESULT: ADOPTED 7/5/14 (Unanimous) RESOLUTION 2014-64 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARK DISTRICT COUNSEL TO RETAIN OUTSIDE COUNSEL RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of the Mattituck Park District, having received notice from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that the pending application for reimbursement for the Veterans Park bulkhead was independently withdrawn by Russell Williamson without the authorization of the Park District, hereby authorizes Park District counsel to retain outside counsel to advise the Park District with respect to the unauthorized actions taken by Russell Williamson. RESULT: ADOPTED 7/5/14 (2 to 1) AYES: G. Goehringer and M. Ryan NAYES: R. Williamson RESOLUTION 2014-65 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REBECCA PIRIANO TO SERVE AS HOSTESS FOR EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY ROOM RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of the Mattituck Park District hereby authorize Beach Attendant Rebecca Piriano to serve as hostess for events held in the Community Room at an hourly rate of$15.00 effective July 5, 2014. RESULT: ADOPTED 7/5/14 (Unanimous) NOTE: Russell Williamson was not present during this resolution.