HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB-08/05/1987-FI 285
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD
FISHERS ISLAND
AUGUST 5, 1987
The Southold Town Board, along with elected and appointed, offi.ci'als:of.the
Town of Sou..thQld.;. County of Suffolk, and State of New York, departed. from
Claudio's Dock, Greenport.,. at 9:'00 A.M., Wednesday,. August 5, 1987, aboard
the MIV Munnatawket for their'annual trip to Fishers Island. The boat arrived
at 11 :00 A.M. at Fishers Island. 12:'00. Noon lunch was served at dock side.
REGULAR MEETING
1 :00 P.M.
A. Regular Meeting.of.the Southold Town Board was held. on Wednesday, August
5, 198T,, at the, Fishers:.lsland School, Fishers Island,. New York. Supervisor Murphy
opened the, meeting at 1:00. .P.M.. with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present: Supervisor ,Francis J. Murphy
Justice Raymond W.: Edwards
Councilman Paul Stoutenburgh
Councilman James A. Schondebare
ounciCman;.=Georgie. 1.:' .PenYv . lV, .
.Town. Clerk Judith T. Te.rry
Absent: Councilwoman Jean W. Cochran
Also in' attendance: Town of Southold elected and appointed officials, Village
of Greenport Board,='numerous elected and appointed- State and County officials,
including Suffolk County Executive Michael A. LoGrande.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: - I would like to call this Town Board meeting to order. The
first order of business is 'a resolution to approve the minutes of the July 28th regular
Town Board meeting.
Moved by Councilman Stoutenburgh, seconded by Councilman Schondebare, it was -
RESOLVED that the minutes of the July 28, 1987 Southold Town Board meeting
be and hereby are approved.
Vote of .the. .Town Board : .Ayes: Councilman Penny, Counci Iman Schondebare, Council-
man Stoutenburgh,. Justice Edwards, Supervisor Murphy.
This resolution was declared duly. ADOPTED.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Okay, 'we have only one resolution on and the reason we
have it on is: very important., It's to accept a bid' for a dredging firm to help
clean out the lagoons in' the landfill; and w th.,this 'dry weather we didn't want
to wait 'until our next meeting. So, who would like to.-make that?
I.-Moved by Councilman Schondebare, seconded by Justice Edwards, it was
RESOLVED that the _Town. Board of the Town of Southold hereby accepts the bid'
of Latham Sand .8 Gravel"for the removal of sludge from the scavenger waste lagoons
at the Landfill Site, Cutchogue, in the amount of $725._00 for an eight (8) hour
day, for .an estimated number of fifteen (15) . days.
I.-Vote of the Town Board : Ayes: Councilman Penny, Councilman Schondebare,
Council-man Stoutenburgh, Justice Edwards., ..Superv.is6r Murphy.
This ' resolution was. declared duly ADOPTED.-
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Okay, I would like to now open this up. We have quite
a few people who came over with us. There is 'a list that we have in the back
for anyone who would like one, of all the various agencies of the State and County
and Town government who are here. I don't .want to really call out -everybody's
name. It's going to be to long and just a waste of time, but the list is here. Please
check it. If you have any specific'problem our Highway Superintendent is "here.
286 AUGUST 5, 1987
If you have any highway problems see him in the back, or if you'd like to ask
a question on the floor, fine, but the list is here. I would like to acknowledge
the attendance today, and this is, I guess, the second time for Fishers Island
that we've had our County Executive here. He. came over on the ferry with us
and at this 'time I'd like to introduce Michael. LoGrande, the Suffolk County Executive.
MICHAEL A. LoGRANDE, SUFFOLK COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Thank you very much.
Let me express, at least from the County government our pleasure of being here
today. We had. a marvelous tour of the Island which Bob White took us around
and showed us the .museum and we got a good view of it and I think we .concluded
that the best thing that we could 'do for Fishers Island is probably not come back
unless you invite us to come back. -There is something obviously very unique
and very beautiful about Fishers Island. We in' government like to see areas that
are self=sufficient and do a beautiful job this way, but we do know that you have
V.i:!):.'ii�,, "al c.;miie up occasionally, and that in' government in we can; aithough'
it's usually one of the favorite lines that people say, "We hear from government
if 'we want help." We do in'this 'case want to seelf we can assist Fishers Island
any way that we- can. 1 understand from our brief tour that there's going to be
some changes in'things with respect to solid waste, and also the drinking water
supply; that you have the only surface water supply system in all of our County,
and that obviously the planning of this facility will have to at some point be shut
down for repairs. I would. like to tell you one thing that perhaps you may want
to give some thought to. as Islanders, and that isthat there will' be on the ballot
this .November, on the referendum, a 'project which is 'designed to-preserve our _
drinking water supply in' Suffolk County. And there is one aspect of that plan
you should give support to, which would be applicable to Fishers Island as well,
and that is 'the Water Quality Protection Program that- will' be funded out of the
quarter cents sales tax. And just to tell you very briefly, the.plan is there for
you people of Suffolk County; obviously the residents. of Fishers Island as well,
and the Town of Southold, if they would like to extend the quarter cents sales
tax that you have been paying- right now to the South West Sewer District, to
preserve the groundwater and the groundwater supply system to our County. And
there are different aspects of it 'if we do that. There is 'no increase in the sales
tax, but the sales tax would remain today at its prime level to the year 2000. We
think for the mainland part of our program that obviously there's some great advantages
to a program like this; and we're hoping that the people of Suffolk County will'
vote for it 'in' the referendum. But for Fishers Island there is '-even though you
have no Pine Barrens, the substantial'part of the program is 'to acquire Pine Barren
in' Suffolk County--there are significant amount of dollars that will go into improve-
ments for water quality programs, water systems that we have that `are -currently
in' Suffolk County.. We think that the people of Fishers Island should take a good
look at that one and that hopefully you would vote for it: We do know that the
programs are designed specifically like the ones that you have .to help improve
and stabi hie'. your current system. Other the_ n that I can leave part of this .open
to questions._ if there is anyone here that. has any questions of our many County
officials that are here, including Dr. Harris 'from the Health Department. Every
aspect of County government would _like to answer some of your questions. .1 also
want to take this 'moment for a minute to salute Fishers Island and present a Proc-
lamation--something that we delight in'doing all the time--and it's a proclamation
that says: "WHEREAS, the almost 400 year-around residents of Fishers Island .
reside in' the most beautiful and relatively unknown. surroundings in' Suffolk County;
and WHEREAS, for.mo.re,than 100 years, since 1879, Fishers Island has
_ been part-of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Fishers Island, as the home of Fort Wright, protected Long
Island Sound for potential. attack during World War 11; and
WHEREAS, the residents of this self-sufficient community reflect the
spirit that is 'rarely seen in'our modern society; now, therefore, 1 , Michael LoGrande,
as County Executive of the County.of Suffolk,...do hereby proclaim August 5th,.
1987, as a Salute to Fishers Island Day in •Suffolk County.. And..l placed my signature
on this 'day-.of August 5th, f987. 1 present this on behalf of Suffolk County's
1. 3 million residents,. to a little island called. Fishers Island. Thank you very much.
If'you have any questions concerning either the Health Department or the
different aspects of County government I'll either entertain them now, or shall.
Wait until it's open to general session?
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: When do you have to go?
COUNTY EXECUTIVE LOGRANDE: I have a little bit '.more time.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Why don't you.-take some questions.
COUNTY EXECUTIVE LOGRANDE : Okay. Yes?
JUSTICE EDWARDS: Now on that water program, inasmuch as Fishers Island i.s
going to need some help down. the road, a very close road, and inasmuch as the
water company is 'a privately owned company, how will' that affect our funding?
AUGUST 5, 1987 2 V /-
COUNTY EXECUTIVE LOGRANDE: ' Well- t`hat's' -a-good question. I think that where
there may be some public aspect of it, and if there is some public mechanism by -
which we can do this, we probably can provide for aide, even if it's in -the .form
of a loan. We may be able to--if'we do nothing else--to give it some government
sanction. We may be able( to do it 'on the basis of a either low interest or no interest
loan for the project. If it had some official status, whether it be a Town function
or some governmental function, I think we could probably do it.'. . . .
JUSTICE EDWARDS: What if it was turned into a. tax district?
COUNTY EXECUTIVE LOGRANDE : If you do, then you would be eligible for funding.
JUSTI CE' EDWARDS : Thank you,....
COUNTY-EXECUTIVE"LOGRANDE: Yes; ma'am..
CHERRY RAFFERTY: I'd like to remark also about. the Pine Barrens. Here at
Fishers Island we have lots of wetlands and salt marshes and so forth that really
qualify as the Pine Barrens, and, therefore might quality for .extra help in' the area
that you were speaking of. And I also felt that it might be possible to get help
for our we're just about at saturation. point in building new homes and
new septic systems and repairing old ones. We're getting lots of complaints, odors
shall we say, at this 'time of the year particularly from a point of use. Would. you
care to mention anything of this sort. Plus I would like to ask of your County
Health Department if.'when you come over you could--before a home is built, if ' .
you can check out, to.save some money from coming over .here more often--if °'you
could check out areas that are going to be used for septic systems, because there
are several of them that.:are very close to our water sources. We have a 'different
kind of a water system then you all do on the mainland. We're really in' trouble
if we aren't. very, very careful. about our Do you want my name? Cherry
Rafferty. Individual, request also member o�the Conservancy, There's another
request as former Civic Associationiipresident,-the third.
COUNTY EXECUTIVE. LOGRANDE': Okay, that makes it, pretty offici'aL Thank
you. Perhaps I could respond to the first part of it, and that is that we originally
designed the Water Protection Program . for Suffolk County, which is going to be
on the. November ballot, in' a way that we would allow for maximum flexibility, and
hopefully-with Toans, and knowing that we have myriad forms of government and
special districts and what hav ex you --that we designed it 'in' a way we at least
enough flexibility to`assist in every case. There is 'a part of our-program that
talks about preservation of aquifers, and what .with the Pine Barrens, or crucial
aquifers that you use as a. support system,, I could see how we could--not generalize
this. but understand that if you're not using groundwater for the purposes, of
irrigation you would be using up valuable clean.water systems, for example, that
probably could serve .as reservoirs. So we could also see how you could legitimately
protect even those groundwater systems, even though they may not be a potable
water supply. There are ways in which. I think these things could. be worked out
in' a program. . I also know that that kind of -a program will be coming thro.ugh
to the Town government, through your Town Board and Supervisor, as a request
to the County, and I'm sure that we should be able to give you support under
that program. as well. Whether we have moneys for acquisition, that- I'm not sure,
because we did' specify pretty much that the acquisition should be concentrated
in those areas that are considered Pine Barrens that overlay the critical magothy
.layers of Zone 3, .and it's on the mainland and. you don't have anything like that
here. - But I do know that we can probably fund many of the support facilities
and those kind of services. Solid waste is 'also an. eligible expense where 'it may
in some way affect the groundwater, even the disposal of ash, which we understand
you're going to be building two incinerators. That too will be eligible for. grant
moneys and some assistance. The rest of it 1 think "either Bob Villa or -Dr. Harris
perhaps .could answer.
COMMISSIONER DAVID HARRIS, Suffolk County Department of Health Services: Let
met start by saying you're quite right that Fishers. Island deserves the full protection
of the Sanitary Code in development of buildings and septic and waste disposal
systems, and Bob Villa and .his staff do work with the community here. . Perhaps
Bob would like to say something:. division to regulate environmental. quality.
Mayble Bob would like to comment on the :field he's been doing. Bob?
RO BERT VILLA. Suffolk County Department of. Health Services: There's several
aspects that._we get involved, in We did''have something to do in the applications
up around Barlow Pond" which we tried to mitigate and tried .to get FIDCO to finally
file their map which had been kicking°around for .a long time, .and finally we've
gotten that map finalizEd so we know where:the.boundary lines are in' trying to
minimize any further building around Barlow . Pond: We'd like to see . but
unfortunately We are trying to maximize the distance from the Pond
with any future systems we do. We try to scrutinize every application. And any
application like that that is Involved with the wetlands -or anything else we require
288 AUGUST 5, 1987
the necessary DEC permits in place before we do issue any County approval. So
we try to coordinate with. DEC, with your Town Trustees, with everyone involved,
and we'll be glad to work
CHERRY RAFFERTY: Do you have a list of all septic systems and a map of all
the septic 'systems on the .lsland?
ROBERT VILLA: . Only on new construction. And as you're saying, you're coming
to a maximum saturation. That's a tough statement. • Your density over here is '
rather low. What's happening is 'some of these systems are very old and .they do
tend to plug up and basically what you need to do is put in some additional leaching
facilities. This ' happens to any below ground system after a period of time, it
does plug up.
CHERRY RAFFERTY: We are unusual in having a tremendous amount.of swamp
land here and I think this is 'our water study--is 'one of the reasons we .want to
find out just how much water we have in' terms of the groundwater system` and
our wetlands. We are coming into a p.roblem there where there's--the leachate
bit is something that we have to. . ... .
ROBERT VILLA: any inspection. procedures that are.involved in that.
And we do have a couple or our engineers and one.o_ f our
are here today trying to establish sort of a well network in' establishing .a monitoring
system. We study your groundwater elevations, study any fluctuations they might
have
JOHN THATCHER, President, Fishers Island Conservancy: : 1 wanted ask you if'
I could get something on this Water Study. We are trying to have this 'done on
Fishers Island. Believe it or not no one has ever done a complete water study of
our Island,. so we really don't know how far it extends, whether there's salt water
intrusion, etcetera, etcetera. We'd love to find out and if 'we could get more informa-
tion about what the County would like to do, or how they.can help us or the water
water
company- we-would love to find that out.
COUNTY EXECUTIVE LOGRANDE: We would be very happy to supply you. with
the study done for the. North Fork, the Southold study that's recently been complete
think Dr. Harris--if 'you give him' your name afterward--will supply you with
a copy of that one. And then you can see what's done with that study. Perhaps
we could' sit down and come up with the kind of study that you think is for the -
Island.
JOHN THATCHER: I have read that study. It only gives Fishers Island two paragraphs
It really doesn't tell us anything.
COMMISSIONER,HARRIS': Bob Villa mentioned that what some of our staff are doing
right now issetting up a network of wells and monitoring points so that we will
have greater information about the hydrogeology of Fishers Island, and I think
that these. very questions are. very opportune and perhaps after the meeting is
over, right today, we can sit down and talk a:.bit and we'll have.you involved
and you'll see the information as it 'develops and we'll share it with you on a timely.:; .. _
.basis.
COUNTY' EXECUTIVE. LOGRANDE: Perhaps you could meet right after this 'meetin'
JOHN THATCHER: I'd be glad to.
COUNTY. EXECUTIVE, LOGRANDE: They'll fill you in on the Pine Barrens and
Water Protection Program and the different aspects of that I'll be happy to send
you a.copy of one our staff reports on that. Thank you. Any other questions?
(None.) I f'not I'll leave you with the words that 1 always tell my sons, "Write
if 'you need help." Thank you very much.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Thank you,. Michael. Mike has to leave. He has a meeting
'in Hauppauge at 2:30,. so that's why we had him' go on first. So now I would like
to introduce the Town Board; Southold Town Board members who are here. On
my left the first. person is our very capable Town Clerk Judy Terry. Next is
Councilman George Penny. George, do you have. anything you :would like to say?
COUNCILMAN GEORGE L. PENNY IV: It's a pleasure to be back here on the Island._
I'm sorry I missed last year's meeting, but I was on vacation. If there are any
questions or anything I can help anybody with at any time, if 'you can!t:-contact
me directly, you can do it through Ray Edwards. I'll be very happy to respond.
I've been talking to John Clavin' following the brief tour that we had of the affordable
housing project for Fishers Island, and I'm going to be very -happy to offer whatever
cooperation=that I can to the Fishers Island Civic Association, because at` the time
that we drafted. our Affordable .Housing Legislation I was a- member of .the Town
AUGUST 5, 1987 2 8 9
Housing Committee. So I'm sure that John will get back to me on that one. But
if there's any w;ay that we can help the residents of Fishers Island with any problems,
please feel free to call. Thank you.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Thank you, George. . Next on the left is 'Jay Schondebare.
COUNCILMAN JAMES A. SCHONDEBARE: This is my fourth Board meeting on
your loveJy Island and my last. I'll. be going off the Board on December 31st, . .
and I just want to thank you, for your hospitality in' the last four years. It's been
a pleasure coming over here. Thank you.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Thank you, Jay. Next on his left is Paul Stoutenburgh.
COUNC.ILMAN PAUL STOUTENBURGH: I'm following in Jay's footsteps in the sense
this .is my iast"Hoard meeting, official Board meeting here, but let me tell you Fishers
Island holds. a. .very dear spot in;my heart... As a matter of fact when they say
there's going to be a Board meeting here I take the opportunity to sail over here. .
came over last night and I'll be going back tomorrow. So I get three days on
this sort of a. visit. And I will be, again, visiting your Island continually. It's.
a wonderful spot and keep it 'the way it. is: Thank you.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: - Thank you, Paul. Jean Cochran could not be here today.
Sh&s; very sorry, but she sends her best, and she is always interested and loves
Fishers Island. Next is our Judge from Fishers Island, Ray Edwards.
JUSTICE RAYMOND W.. EDWARDS: To begin with I have a letter here written
by Jean Cochran that she wanted: me to read to the group. "Dear Southolders
of Fishers Island: Judge Edwards, Councilman (question mark) shared with the
Town Board a copy of the Fishers Island Civic..Association Annual Report for .1986---
87. Upon reading the report a sense of working together and developing community-
communication
came through strongly. Your growth plan, the new Fishers Island
Gazette, the environmental concerns are positive steps toward unity and°.responsibility
to the future. My congratulations to the Fishers Island Civic .Association on' the
celebration of their '.40th Anniversary. I read. with keen interest your eight. growth
plan goals. Judge: Edwards has told me of your concept plans for affordable housing
on the Island. My compliments. to. Fishers Island .on striving to solve a real problem.
Your unique situation is .a plus for solving many problems.. May I reinforce my
pledge to you to always keep an open mind to your priority needs and uniqueness.
In the Fishers Island Development Corporation Report I noted• the position on crack-
ing down on speeding and intoxicated driving. As a member of the C.A.S.T. Sub-
stance Abuse committee and a member of the community, I feel strongly government
has to be involved in social preventive programs. Judge Edwards has graciously
offered to present to you, in'my abasence, a Designated Drive Program recently
developed by Jim McMahon, Community Development Director, Mary Ann Fleischman,
JAB Youth Services, and Jean Cochran, Councilwoman. I was also delighted with
the young people substance abuse exchange program developed through -C.A.S.T.
involving both Fishers Island and the mainland. In the area of the environment,
we also have talked on several occasions of the damaging effect of Tributal-Tin'
on marine life. I would welcome testing information data. that you may have to
date. May I offer my sincere regrets for being unable to join you today. Best
wishes for a `successful "Town Fathers Day:'. Sincerely, Jean W. Cochran. "
And as for my own report I want to thank the County. Executive for being
here,• Mike'( LoGrande, and also say goodbye. by Fishers Island--goodbye to my two
colleagues here on the right, and we've got something for them. I present. this
to. Mike Lo6rande first. A Fishers Island tie. We're going to be looking for more
money. And I'll .take care of Jay, but to Paul. Stoutenburgh, we've been on the .
opposite side of the fence now and then, but l think we all agree--both agree- that
conservation is 'the way to go.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Thank you, Ray. 1 would just like to acknowledge two
other people. We have the honor of having the Mayor of-Greenport ..with us: today,
George Hubbard, and Trustee Gail Horton. I'm. glad they could come over and
I would just like to add .a few. more thanks. One is .to Phil. Knauff and the Ferry.
District for providing the great weather and the great ride over, here today. And
also to Tom Roy in the school for this 'meeting. As well as over this 'last year,
from our last meeting, many, many people who the Town Board, myself, have worked
with; on Fishers Island on many important projects. I appreciate the help of the
many people on Fishers Island, and more important, their dedication to a cause
to the interest of making_1ife safe, much better, .on -Fishers Island, and making
sure you're going to have a future here. Okay,. I salute your growth plan. _. . Fishers
Island is not much different, except in size and numbers, then Suffolk County,
then Southold Town, then Islip Town and the other towns in' Suffolk County. We
all- basically have the same problems and I think we could all learn from each other.
The growth plan is. very good. I think it's most important .that Fishers Island
work with Southold Town, work .with Suffolk County, work with New -York State..
290 AUGUST 5, 1987
All agencies I think have been excellent. We support the need for a school.
had a call this 'morning, at 7:30 this 'morning, from George Hockbrueckner, who
was on his 'way to the Capitol in' Washington and apologizing. He had to be down
there and he's fighting that amendment on the Nuclear Regulatory Agency,. and
he called from his car and said' that he is .still' looking. He came over here one
day and is still trying to deal with the Navy, not getting much results, and with.
the Coast Guard, and getting a less results with them. He does have some promise
with the service, he's not.sure anything is "going to develop. He's in a very good
position on the Armed Forces Committee. He is 'also talking to the new Commissioner
of Education to see about .the legality of having Connecticut students go into New .
York schools. So he is 'working and I .know he will- try to help the school district..
The Water Study--we all have water problems, and. we're foolish if'we don't start
to look into them and address them and I would like to thank Bob Villa, Joe. Baier.
and Dr. Harris 'for having their 'people come over. Joe Baier came_ over, here,
met with a group from the Civic Associations or the Conservancy, and started mapping .
out the wells. This 'is the first time it 'was done. This is the first stage of a
complete water study and I'm sure, in particular if 'we get this quarter cent sales
tax extended by our State. Legislature, that we will' have some help from our County
Executive .next year. And .the overdevelopment. is so important all over. Housing
I'm glad to see progress is 'being made on Fishers Island. Progress has to be
made all over. I really think the only way we're going to do it is to put the money
up ourselves. We're looking in Southold Town also for unique financing. Hopefully
something can be done. I would. like. to mention the cooperation of the Vector Control.
and John Thatcher on your Mosquito Program, over here. I think working with
the Town, working with the County and with the Fishers Island people that I think
we have an excellent program here. I hadn't been bit 'at lunch .time so I guess
it's a pretty good success. I would like to mention we are in the final phases
of adopting Southold T.own's Master Plan. This is.'very important. It's very important
for the mainland, it's.-'very important for Fishers .Island. We are hopefully going
to receive the final draft of the Generic 'Environmental Impact Statement. Hopefully
we could have a public hearing scheduled 'some time early in' September if all goes
well. The only other thing I would like to report on is over here at the Civic .
Association meeting, and I'm sorry to say we don't have good news on the. Land
Transfer Tax. It did' get. very close this 'year. It was passed in' the Senate, and
it 'did' not make it 'out of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. It was very
strange. We had tremendous" help from Joe Sawicki, 'John Behan, Ken LaValle: -
They really worked. very hard, and we almost made it.' But it just did' not come
out of the: Ways and Means Committee. and it 'was very strange because the prior
three years the first place it 'got out of was the Assembly Ways and Means Committee
and would have been voted on if the Senate. had. voted oniit. The Senate previously
had never. voted on. it; but I think with the lobbying efforts of. Mike LoGrande,
through all the Supervisors, all the Town Board, interested groups, people .from
Fishers Island, that the Senate did' see the good in'this 'bill' in' the wisdom of trying
to put it `in place. It would have made a tremendous difference. It would have
made money. available so that we could buy, as Mrs. Rafferty was talking about,
water sensitive-areas, drainage areas. We have many in Suffolk County... We have
many in Southold Town that it was really needed. Unfortunately it didn't go through.
We will try again next year. So, rather than take up any more time, do you have
any questions of me as the Supervisor, any members of the Town Board, or any
of the agencies that are here? -John?
JOHN THATCHER: Frank,. very quickly, as co-chairman of the Fishers Island
Mosquito Control Committee I would. very much .like to thank the entire Town. Board
and Frank, especially you, ,you gave us a truck this year and the girls ,are doing
wonders with it.' And I also want to thank Dr. Harris who is here,. and the County _
Executive. We do get money from the County. This isa program .which all too
often is taken for granted, and we. really shouldn't. We're not eliminating mosquitoes
on Fishers Island. We do make-a dent in' them, a. very sizable one with BTI, .which
is ahe most harmless substance still-labeled an intectiside its=-heUnited States.. : And
I also wanted the Town Board to attach .faces to names and .numbers. We have
our two mosquito people with us today. Margaret Neiman, and Sheila Doppelhammer,
right next to her. These are the two young ladies that are doing a terrific job for
us, and please give them a little hand. Secondly, if'l could, Frank, shifting hats,.
as President of the Fishers Island .Conservancy, the Conservancy would be most
interested in' receiving anything on the Master Plan, on its progress, .so we could
.make statements at public'hearings. We -would: be very appreciative to have. any
plan of this nature and the environmental aspect. We'd certainly appreciate that
kind of input from the Town of Southold.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: You will' be notified. The Town Clerk will have maps
come over here and dates will' be set and everything. Sir?
BOB WALL: My name is Bob Wall. . I have a question. For two years the there
has been double taxation. on the Garbage District, what I understand is double
taxation. We're paying for Cutchogue's Landfill'over there, and we also have our
own District. indicates that it's at a stalemate and nothing is going to
happen and we w� continue to pay double taxes. Is this *correct, and why is
it? .
AUGUST 5, 1987 291
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: It's .correct. t'First-;of all .it's correct because Fishers Island
elected to have and form 'a°Garbage Dis`trict`some`yeaH ago and are doing a very
good job. Probably much better and more efficient than .if the Towni was trying
to do it 'over here. Somebody had to do..it.' I agree you should be ,separate. We
were told by our Town Attorney who is also the attorney for the Garbage District,
was doing something with Joe Sawicki's' office, our Assemblyman, and evidentially
Bob got sick this 'year and nothing was put into--was submitted to Joe Sawicki's
office for a Home Rule Message to separate. We will look into separating it ,from
the Town side now, if 'it means we might have to form a special district.. F know
the State is.'very leery of these special districts. Joe, Sawicki did an excellent
job of getting the Home Rule Message on the Ferry District, on the the sale of
land here to make it 'harder for the Town government to sell your property off..
This 'was passed this 'year. It 'was only on. a great effort on Joe's part that it
he�was able to get this•type of Home Rule Message. The Assembly seems to be
changing .`cheir ways and going away from these Hume Rules: HopefUily"rnaybe
next year we could form a district in Southold and which then you would be exempt
of that cost, to hold the capital cost and operating: cost of the Landfill just on .
the mainland of Southold. It would probably stand a better chance of going through
then the .way. Bob Tasker was trying to have this district here exempted. It would
be very hard. I don't know what happened with Bob, why he didn't get it.' We
were told--he wrote me a letter last December telling me that he is submitting it
to Joe Sawicki, but I guess it 'was never done. Bob got sick so we can't do anything
about it. We have no great capital cost coming up right away so you will not be
affected on your tax rate next year any more so then you are now. But I .think
it's wise that you are separated all together. It's only fair.. Couldn't agree. with
you .more. 1 think- the whole Town Board agrees with this.' Anything else, Bob?
BOB WALL: No. That's .about it. "
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Anyone-.else? Yes.
JOHN CLAVIN: Are you saying now that you and the Town Board will now take
the responsibility for getting that legislation at least introduced into Albany, as
opposed to the Town Attorney?
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: I have asked .our Town Attorney, our Acting Town Attorney,
who is. workingi-for us on a per diem basis 'to look into the matter and see about
doing it: Unfortunately nothing will be done this year, for this 'year's taxes, it
will' have to be put in' place before next July 1st, and when the._State" government
goes back in business `in January.
JOHN CLAV.IN': A similar subject. I know that fire districts and the Island hioalth. <"
people have written to you and the Town Board. about the fact that .the Town of
Southold is under contract with. New York Telephone Company to put in Emergency
911 system, and you've put in"a new headquarters dispatch unit, of which Fishers
Island pays 8. 60 of. We're not covered by that' 911 service; and we in' fact have
to have our own 911 service, which is paid for by the fire district, and byf.donations
from the Island Health Project. We'd like to -`know when the Town of Southold. will
pick up the charges for 911 on Fishers Island, just like they do. for the rest of
the Town of Southold.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: O.kay, .it's not Emergency. 911, it's Expanded 911 system
that we're talking about. The telephone company was very gracious .and sent over
two representatives today, they came over on the boat with us. They met down
with John Clavin' and it 'appears that it cannot be tied into our E911 system that
we're installing-on the mainland of Southold which covers Southold, Shelter Island
also. And we do dispatching for .fire departments and all. But this system could
not be expanded out to here, and they have recommendations which they'll be talking
to us about, but I appreciate the phone company coming over, taking an interest
and see if it can. There's nothing more to be done this 'year because of budgeting.
Next year it will be in the budget what we're allowed to pay as a Whole Town charge
for this service, and I think the Town Board will' take it up in our budget and
relieve the local residents of again double` taxation.
JOHN CLAV.I N': Thank you..
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Any other questions? Yes, ma'am.
ANN MORRELL: We have a service road in' back of-our house a.good road
and some is 'not, but .the garbage department and the fire department have to. use
that road ink case it's zneeded, and nobody does anything about the road and I would
like to know why?
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Well, first. we have to know about it. Is it a Town Road?
ANN MORRELL: No. It's a service road.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: What do. you mean by a-service road?
292 AUGUST 5, 1987
ANN MORRELL: Well, it goes in back of the main street.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Who owns this road?
ANN MORRELL: I guess the people that own the property owns it, but the-.garbage
department uses it; the fire department has to use it.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: - You can talk to Mr. Jacobs after, but I know we're not
allowed to spend any highway funds on private property. Now, if'something wanted
to be worked out where maybe we took of a parking field or a service road was
necessary, thinigs can be worked out. But I know we can't spend money, but
suggest Ray is here today, maybe take him' down and show it to him. We could
do a little research on it 'and see if 'anything can be done. But he is held back
by rules and regulations on how he can spend the budget. . But if it's legal,and .
we could work something out I'm sure he'd be happy to.
ANN MORRELL: The garbage has. to be put out front and I don't think anybody
likes it to be seen ;out front on the .main' road.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Again we're just talking about legalities. You're going
to have to work--I .would suggest, Ray is over here--blue shirt--see him' during
the meeting and go over, show him' the property. We'll do some research for you.
Okay?
ANN MORRELL: Thank you. very much.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Surely. . Any other questions? There must be more. Yes?
ROBERT VILLA: Getting back to the question about land preservation, you might
want to mention this impending bond issue that we'll probably have on the. ballot
this fall for the other two or two half million dollars you're talking about.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Yes, we're talking about developing--we ha-d . a Farmland
Preservation bond abouti three-years ago to buy farmland development rights. We're
going to have a local issue--we wouldn't have had to have it if 'we had the two
percent tax, because that question would have been on the ballot instead. But
we're not sure we're .ever going to get this; and to buy critical watershed protection
areas, woodland, in'the -critical water divide in the Town. We're going to have
another bond issue put up to the people. Definitely Fishers Island .would- be considc i
as part of any acquisition for protection of watershed areas. It will be run through
the same Farmland Committee that. Bob .is'a member and they have done an excellent
job on it 'and hopefully we'll have the support not only of the .people of Fishers
Island, but the entire Town of-Southold in' supporting this much needed bond.
Any other questions on it? We are getting very close--Southold Town will work
with your garbage district--we're getting very close to 1990. Something .has to
be done to redace volume, to do more recycling, pull some materials that are very
hazardous out of the waste stream and come up a solution. Southold. Town is fortunate
that we are not--in.one way it's. very fortunate,-we are not in a deep recharge
area, so we are allowed .to have the landfill' after 1990 .provided that it 'is 'lined,
and .weQ have resource recovery and..we have recycling in place. But this and water
and overdevelopment is. very important and that's why we ask your support for
our Master Plan, we ask your support for this bond issue, and when we go back
if the State.. Legislators go back this year, fine we will push again to try to get
the Assembly to push, but if 'not we intend to reintroduce t.hat legislation, and
with the support of all organizations, anybody:.who is interested in trying to preserve
so that we do have a future for. our kids and thei r'kids, otherwise it's going to
be too late. Okay, anything else? . Any other agency like to say anything?
Anyone? We've. got quite a few .here. Our Police Chief is 'here, Dan Winters. Dan
was responsible by way of getting that. vehicle over here. Dr. Harris.
COMMISSIONER DAVID HARRIS: I'd like to say one thing. 1 want to express
admiration to this community for the Island Health Project. .I had a chance to take
a look at it today and see some of the people who work there. It's marvelous.
You have, by your own efforts, and as a community example, and you really are _
showing-many communitys in.;Eastern .Long Island .who are rather remote, general
medical services,,and how to solve the problems. I am. very impressed,- and
want you to know that. It's a -good job.,
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Yes, I would like to also thank the people on Fishers Island.
think you .deserve an awful lot of credit 'for taking the initiative:
TOWN TRUSTEE PRESIDENT HENRY P°. .SMITH: I envy your Island. I envy your
life- style. For God's .sake, don't stop it; because it works.
JOHN CLAV.IN :- I would just like to take this opportunity to thank your Highway
Department and your Marine Division of the Police Department. They're so helpful
to-Fishers Island in' providing us with the material for West Harbor, all of the channel
markers. They really have done a great job.
293
AUGUST 5, 1987
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Good. Thank=Uji' '`=:"F,think- -yes?
BERNADETTE WALSH: Frank, as long as we're thanking everybody, I'd would
just like to say thanks to the many of the residents on Fishers Island who give
many, many dollars for affordable housing, Island People's Project, whatever. There
are lots of people who have given a lot of money on behalf of Fishers Island.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Yes. Bernadette, I couldn't agree with you more and
really any resident on Fishers Island I think your Town Board echos those sentiments
and I know right from Michael LoGrande down to myself everybody appreciates
the great efforts and contributions that the people have made to make Fishers Island
the great place it is; and let's hope it stays this way. Okay.
JUSTICE EDWARDS : One other thing. John, did yoga know of the two other bisn%ic
they sent over today?
JOHN CLAVI N': Yces, I saw them.
JUSTICE EDWARDS: Okay. Are they off the ferry then?
JOHN CLAV.I N :.. I'll.get them off before they leave.
JUSTICE EDWARDS: Okay, thank you.
SUPERVISOR MURPHY: Okay, thank you, and I'd like to entertain' a motion to
adjourn.
Moved by Councilman Schondebare, seconded,,.by Justice. Edwards, it was
RESOLVED that this Town Board meeting be and hereby is 'adjourned at 1 :55 P.M.
Vote of the Town Board : Ayes: Councilman Penny, Councilman- Schondebare, .-
Councilman Stoutenburgh,. Justice Edwards, Supervisor Murphy.
This ' resolution .was declared duly ADOPTED.
1'1� udith T. Terry
Southold Town Clerk