HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB-04/16/1996 31� •
SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD
APR I L 16, 1996
WORK SESSION
Present: Supervisor Jean W. Cochran, Councilwoman Alice J. Hussie, Councilman
Joseph L. Townsend, Jr. , Councilwoman Ruth D. Oliva, Councilman William D.
Moore, Town Clerk Judith T. Terry, Town Attorney Laury L. Dowd. Absent:
Justice Louisa P. Evans (bad weather prevented travel from Fishers Island) .
9: 10 A.M. - Bob Link, accompanied by Merle W)ggin, Michael Marren, and Bill
Claudio, met with the Town Board to present his firm's proposal, Maraculture
Technologies Inc. , to culture summer founder. Thee overall project encompasses the
rearing of summer °flounder from egg to market size, including the harvesting,
processing and marketing of the resultant fish products for consumer use. The
proposed project is comprised of three basic components: Hatchery, Growout and
Processing. The project would be located at Clark's Beach, Greenport, on
Greenport Village property, which the Village has asked the Town to rezone to
Marine District. Mr. Link said he anticipates the project will bring about 150 jobs
to the Town. A DEIS has been prepared and circulated and the Town is in the
process of submitting comments. To date the Village has not submitted a petition for
a change of zone.
9:40 A.M. - Assessor Chairman Scott Russell met with the Town Board to discuss
(1) hiring a full-time Clerk Typist for the summery season (resolution 22) , (2) a
possible year-round part-time Clerk Typist who could possibly be the summer season
employee if that person were interested, and (3) hiring a Stenographer for the
Board of Assessment Review (resolution 38) .
9:50 A.M. - Richard Hilary, Executive Assistant Jim McMahon, and Solid Waste
Coordinator Jim Bunchuck, met with the Town Board to discuss a new program -
S.O.A.R. , Stewards of America's Resources, a comprehensive organized and properly
supervised youth program with diversified environmental projects that are "hands
on", and foster a feeling and strengthen the stewardship ethic. The immediate
proposal is a project tentatively named "Kans for" Kids", whereby aluminum cans
would be collected at the Disposal Area and sold directly to a firm that would pay
5C each, and the revenue• used to fund the various programs under S.O.A.R. The
Town Board gave their full support to the program. ; Mr. Hilary will now approach•
the town Boards of Education to gain their support for the program.
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10:20 A.M. - Nancy Peters and Margaret Cowden, North Fork Animal Welfare League,
Inc. , met with the. Town Board to discuss the Southold Town Dog Pound and current
controversy concerning the euthanasia of a dog named Yana, which they defended.
Ms. Peters and Ms. Cowden explained some of the new procedures implemented at
the pound for liability and safety purposes. Supervisor Cochran asked them to
submit monthly reports detailing how the Town's $118,000, paid to the League to
manage the pound and provide ..dog control services, is spent. A meeting will be
scheduled between Councilwoman Oliva, Town Attorney Dowd, and representatives j
of the NFAWL to review the expenditure of the money paid by the Town for their
services.
10:40 A.M. - Edward Siegmann, representing the Town senior citizens, met with the
Town Board to request them to increase the senior citizen tax exemption from the
current $21,299 maximum to a $25,900 maximum. He 'said the Assessors estimate the
increase would be 35� per $1,000 of assessment, or an average increase of $2.24 per
year per taxpayer. The Town Board will consider this and discuss it again at the
April 30th Work Session.
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�APRIL 16, 1996 313 ,
11 :05 A.M. - Solid Waste Coordinator Jim Bunchuck; and Recycling Coordinator Mary
Mulcahy met with the Town Board to review the upcoming Waste Watch publication.
With minor-changes;•Bdard:'authorized printing of same. Mr. Bunchuck then spoke with
the Board about the need to replace one of the computers in the scaleliouse
(resolution 36) ; requested authorizing to attend a solid waste conference in Saratoga
Springs, N.Y. in May (resolution 27) ; creation of capital project for recycling area
improvements (resolution 28) . Plans are underway for the improvement of the
curbside recycling drop-off area, with initial work for installation of stormwater
drainage pools and ,cement slab for the commercial area. Mr. Bunchuck submitted
a chart with regard to recyclables available for youth environmental programs. He
estimates that there is a potential value of at least $15,000 from the 5� redemption
on cans. Anotheehlsubject.' i;or• discussion' was the purchase `.of a - trommel.. screen -for.
the Disposal Area. The trommel screen would save a considerable amount of money
by screening out dirt from CSD. Using the rented; trommel screen recently showed
approximately 20a of the screened material was ejected as dirt. Secondly, with the
use of a trommel screen, the screened material could be passed over a magnetic
conveyor, extracting the considerable amount of metal in the C6D, for which the
Town would get a substantial income. The Town :Board authorized Mr. Bunchuck
to secure specifications and a bond resolution to go forward with the proposed bid
for a trommel screen. Lastly, Mr. Bunchuck asked the Town Board to consider the
need to proceed with plans for a new transfer station building. He was asked to
first take this proposal to the Solid Waste Task Force for their recommendations.
12 :15 P.M. - Town Board discussed decision on a proposed Local Law requiring
parking permits year round. Councilmen Townsend and Moore are opposed to the
concept. They agreed to require them year round at road ends, but only from May
15th to October 15th at Town Beaches. The Town- Attorney will rewrite the Local
Law so it may be reviewed at the April 30th work session.----Discussion on the
Suffolk County Industrial E Commercial Incentive Board's proposed legislation
whereby the Town would be able to provide partial exemption from full taxation over
a ten year period for new business investments in locally strategic industries located
within geographic ,areas. The Board felt they were not fully enough informed at
this time to make a commitment. Councilwoman Hu,ssie said she opposes targeting
industries and areas. Supervisor Cochran advised the Board she has asked Senior
Planner Scopaz to keep the Board up to date on the progress of this proposed
legislation.----Discussed remarks of F.M. Flynn at the April 2nd Board meeting.
Councilwoman Oliva said that the Planning Board and Site Plan Reviewer Kassner
are reviewing Mr. Flynn's letter and will report to the Town Board on April
30th.----Town Board reviewed a proposed "Local Law in Relation to Fire Wells", and
placed a resolution (29) on the agenda to hold a public hearing on the law on April
30th.----Board discussed a proposed "Local Law in Relation to Fire Lanes", and due
to the number, of changes to the proposal, the law will be redrafted by the Town
Attorney for consideration at the April 30th work session.----Letter from the State
Liquor Authority asking whether the Town Board has any objection to the issuance
of an on-premises .liquor license to North Fork F. Spoon Inc. , d/b/a Bagels Yourway,
Route 48, Southold. Town Board has no objection and the Town Clerk will respond
to the Liquor Authority.
12 :50 P.M. - Recess for lunch.
1 :30 P.M. - Work Session reconvened. Town Board placed a resolution (30) on the
agenda appointing two part-time Public Safety Dispatchers; a resolution (31 ) appoint-
ing three Seasonal Police Officers; a resolution (32) appointing a Scale Operator,
and a resolution (33) terminating a Scale Operator; "and a resolution (34) appointing
three Home Health Aides for the Adult Day Care Center.----The Town Board placed
a resolution (35) on the agenda to advertise for resumes for two additional members
for the Conservation Advisory Council, between the ages of 16 and 21 , as provided
in the General Municipal Law.----Board set 9:30 A.M. , April 25th to interview
applicants for the Transportation Committee and Court Officer.----Town Board set
9:00 A.M. , April 29th to interview candidates for Computer Programming Supervisor
and Data Control Supervisor.----Discussion on Fishers Island Sewer District RFP's
for a management contract was held for April 30th when Justice Evans will be in
attendance.----Town Board awarded 1996 grants, to three more organizations
(resolution 37) .----Board reviewed several policies. Suggestions were made for
changes to some.%-olf,ithose - policies. They will be redrafted and submitted for review
by .the Board at their Appil 30th work session.----Resumption of the Fishers Island
Metal Dump Excavation was held for April 30th !when Justice Evans will be in
attendance.----Town Board discussed a letter received from the YMCA stating the
YMCA's Board of Directors has elected to discontinue its financial support related
to conducting a capital campaign, which decision puts to closure the Y1V1CA's
APRI L 16, 1996
initiatives for the proposed facility in Southold Town.----Discussion was held with
regard to the direction the Town should go with regard to the Scavenger Waste
Treatment Facility. This matter was referred to Councilman Moore's committee which
is reviewing the operation of the plant.----Letter :from Cameron Engineering, P.C.
transmitting a copy of an application on behalf of the Town of Southold, for a grant
for a marine/portable toilet waste pump-out receiving facility.----Copy of the State
legislation with regard to issues _ of traffic safety1 on eastern Long Island. Town
Board finds . the legislation does not pertain to Southold Town whereas they refer
to towns with populations of 40,000 or more.----Town Board discussed manner- of
accountability for income received by some departments for copies. Town Attorney
Dowd was asked to draw up` a policy, and Town Clerk Terry will design a receipt
book.----Memorandum from Town Attorney Dowd with regard to the H,2M bid
specifications for long term hauling of scavenger waste from the Town's facility in
Greenport.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
4:15 P.M. - On motion of Councilwoman Oliva, seconded by Councilwoman Hussie,
it was Resolved that the Town Board enter into Executive Session to discuss a
disciplinary hearing and litigation. Vote of the Board: Ayes: Supervisor Cochran,
Councilwoman Hussie, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Moore.
Also present; Town Clerk Terry and Town Attorney Dowd.
4:25 P.M. - Work Session adjourned.
REGULAR MEETING
A Regular Meeting of the Southold Town Board was held on April
16, 1996', at the Southold 1Town Hall, Main Road, Southold, New York.
Supervisor Cochran opened the meeting at 11:30 P.M. with the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.,
Present: Supervisor Jean W. Cochran
Councilwoman Alice J:• Hussie
Councilman Joseph L. Townsend, Jr.
Councilwoman Ruth D. 'Oliva
Councilman William D. Moore
Town Clerk Judith T. Terry
Town Attorney Laury L. Dowd
Absent: Justice Louisa P. Evans
SUPERVISOR. COCHRAN; May I have a motion to approve the bills of
April 16, 1996?
Moved by Councilman Townsend, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, it .
was
RESOLVED that the following bills be and hereby ordered paid:
General Fund Whole Town bills in the amount of $199,414.65; General Fund
Part Town bills in the amount of $11,923.33; Highway Fund Whole Town
bills in the amount of $10,084.74; Highway Fund Part Town bills in the
amount of $18,356.65; Ag land Development Rights bills in the amount of
$1,000:00; Employee Health Benefit Fund bills in the amount of $40,052.97;
Fishers Island 'Ferry District bills in the amount of $16,733.38; Refuse
and Garbage District bills in the amount of $105,243.69; Southold
Wastewater District bills in the amount of $18,011 .86; Fishers Island
Sewer District 'bills in the amount of $12342; Fishers Island Ferry
District Agency E Trust bills in the amount of $,746.41 .
Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN% Minutes of the April 2, 1996 meeting.
APRI L 16, 1996 315
Moved by Councilwoman Oliva, seconded by Councilwoman Hussie, it
was
RESOLVED that the minutes .of the April 2, 1996, Town Board meeting
be and hereby are approved.
Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
Moved by Councilwoman Hussie, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the next regular meeting of :the Southold Town Board
will be held at 7:30 P.M., Tuesday April 30, 1:996, at the Southold Town
Hall, Southold, New York.
Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
I . REPORTS.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: As you see, for those you who have an agenda,
we do have reports that come in monthly to the Town Board, so they can
review the different departments, and keep an eye on the Budgets and so
forth. They are on file in the Town Clerk's, Office, and you are free to
see, or review them at any time, and you can request the information from
the Town Clerk.
1 . Southold Animal Shelter Monthly Report for February, 1996.
2. Southold Town Trustees' Monthly Report for March, 1996
3. Southold Town Justice Bruer Monthly Court Report for March,
1996.
4, Lawrence Healthcare PBA Benefit Claim Report for March, 1996.
5. Lawrence Healthcare Town Benefit Claim Report for March, 1996.
6. Southold Town Scavenger Waste Treatment Facility Monthly Report
for March, 1996.
7. Southold Town- Recreation Department Report for March, 1996.
11 . PUBLIC NOTICES.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Public notices are part of our agenda.
1 . Corp of Army Engineers, New York District, application of
Armando and Jacqueline Grassi to install a- timber groin in Great
Peconic Bay, Laurel, New York. Comments to be heard by May 9, 1996.
2. Corp of Army Engineers, New York District, application of United
States Department of Agriculture, Plum Island - Animal Disease Center to
install a submarine cable crossing Plum Cut, Long Island Sound between
Orient and Plum Island, New York. Comments by May 10, 1996.
3. Corps of Army. Engineers, New York District, application of John
La Force to construct a pier and float for recreational use. Project
located in Howard's Creek, Mattituck, New York.
Ill . COMMUNICATIONS.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Communications, we tend to get quite a few
letters from people, especially the last couple, of weeks with Newsday
hanging the the newspapers on the mailboxes, and I will report to you on
that a little bit later.
1 . Phyllis Dillon, Director of Oysterponds Historical Society,
Inc. thanking Supervisor Cochran for the grant to the museum.
2. Catherine H. Lester, Supervisor of East Hampton, announcing
hiring an Executive Assistant.
3. James F. Haag, Jr., asking for Supervisor Cochran's full
support in having a full site plan review and environmental impact study
conducted for any proposed cross sound ferry plans..
4. Fred W. Thiele, Jr., Member of New York Assembly, relating to
the the Long Island Railroad/MTA plans to make service changes.
5. Arthur Nordstrom to Supervisor Cochran in relation to the
wonderful care given to the victims of Alzheimers at the Human Resource
Center.
31.6 APRIL 16, 1996
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS. None.
V. RESOLUTIONS.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: We went through many discussion items today.
It's been a long day, and a busy day for the Town Board. At this point
we go into resolutions. As you know there is a Town Board policy, that
covers resolutions. If there's any resolution :on the agenda, that you
have before you, . you may, have this opportunity to speak to the Town
Board on any, items under the resolutions. If there's nothing under
resolutions that. you . would like to share with us, then at the end of the
meeting you have the opportunity to address , the Board on any given
topic, that you'. so desire. Is there anyone that would like to speak to
the Town Board on any of the resolutions? You may do so now. ,(No
response.) Hearing none, we will commence with resolutions. Before we
get into resolutions, though, I would like to just share with you that
Louisa Evans, our Judge and Councilwoman from Fishers Island, is not
with us today, and that is due to the weather. They stopped running the
ferries this morning, and it wasn't a day for ,flying, so she stayed on
Fishers Island, and probably baked an apple pie, or read a good book,
like all of us would like to have done today, but we did miss Louisa, and
I'm sure she'll be with us at the next meeting. So, we'll move on to
resolutions.
I .-Moved by Councilwoman Hussie, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby amends
resolution no. 36, adopted. on March 19, 1996, appointing part-time Public
Safety Dispatchers, by deleting the name of Susan Brigham, who declined
the position.
I .-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
2.-Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby grants
permission to the Southold Town Tree Committee; to place .a display ad in
The Long Island Traveler and The Suffolk Times to .promote the Memorial
Tree Program; cost not to exceed $500.00 to be charged to the Tree
Committee's 1996 Budget.
2.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
3.-Moved by Councilwoman Oliva, seconded by Councilman -Moore, it was
RESOLVED that . the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
establishes a $100.00 Petty Cash fund for Corinne -Bednoski, Southold
Scavenger Waste Treatment Facility, said charge to be made to SS1 .210.
3.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
4.-Moved by Councilman Townsend, seconded byl Councilwoman Oliva, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board . of the Town of Southold hereby accepts
the resignation' of Peter Griffin, Aide in the Human Resource Day Care
Center, effective April 5, 1996.
4.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
APRIL 16, 1996 317
5.-Moved -by Councilwoman Oliva, seconded by ;Councilman Townsend, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
accepts, with regret the resignation of Robert T. Bayley, member of the
Landmark Preservation Commission, effective April 16, 1996.
5.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
6.-Moved by Councilwoman Hussie, seconded, by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes and directs the Town Clerk to advertise for resumes for one
member of the Landmark Preservation Commission; through April 5, 1997, to
fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Robert T. Bayley.
6.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
7.-Moved by Councilwoman Hussie, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that . the. Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes and directs Supervisor Jean W. Coch'ran to execute a Contract
Budget Modification Request to the County of 1 Suffolk for the Nutrition
Program, for the period of January 1, 1995 through December 31, 1995,
which modification results in a zero net change.
7.-Vote of the ' Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman . Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
8.-Moved by Councilwoman Oliva, seconded by Councilwoman Hussie, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby grants
permission to Supervisor Jean W. Cochran to lexecute a lease agreement
between Rothman's Department Store and the Town for the property
used as a municipal parking, field, south of Traveler Street, Southold, for
a two (2) year period,from June 1, 1996 through May 31, 1998, at an
annual rent of $150.00; said agreement all in accordance with the approval
of the Town Attorney.
8.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
9.-Moved by Councilwoman Hussie, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva,
WHEREAS, there was presented to the Town Board of the Town of
Southold, on the 2nd day of April, 1996, a Local Law entitled, "A Local
Law in Relation to Certificates of Occupancy"; and
WHEREAS, this Local Law was referred to the Southold Town Planning
Board and Suffolk County of Planning for their recommendations and
reports; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby sets 8:00 P.M. , Tuesday, April
30, 1996, Southold Town Hall, 53095 Main Road, Southold, New York, as
time and place for a pubic hearing on this Coca[ Law, which reads as
follows:
A Local Law in Relation to Certificates! of Occupancy
I . Chapter 100 (Zoning) of the Code of the Town of Southold is hereby
amended as follows:
1 . Section 100-284(H)(g) is amended as follows:
(g) Copies of certificates of occupancy: -twenty
dollars -($2fl:) twenty-five cents; (251)
9.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
318 APRIL 16, 1996
i
10.-Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes the closure of Love Lane and Pike; Street, east and west of
Love Lane, Mattituck, from 8:00 A.M. `to 4:30 ' P.M. , Saturday, July 13,
1996, - to permit the Mattituck Chamber of Commerce to hold their 19th
Annual Street Fair, provided they file with the Town. Clerk a One Million
Dollar Certificate of Liability Insurance naming the Town of Southold as
an additional insured.
10:-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: , Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
11 .-Moved by Councilman ' Townsend, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
declares the two (1) 1990 150 HP Johnson Outboard Motors as surplus,
and 'authorizes and directs the Town Clerk to ;advertise for bids for the
sale of both motors in as-is condition, at a minimum.. bid of $500.00 for
both motors.
11 .-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
12.-Moved by Councilwoman Oliva, seconded The Entire Town Board, it was
RESOLVED that the Town-Board of the Town of Southold hereby goes on
record MEMORALIZING The Honorable George; E. Pataki, Governor of
the State of New York, to proclaim MAY 7, 1996 as "SENIOR CITIZEN
DAY" in the Town of Southold.
12.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
13.-Moved by Councilwoman' Hussie, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby grants.
permission to Martha Jones, Clerk Typist in the Planning Board office, to
attend a computer software training seminar at Melville, N.Y. , on Friday,
June 21, 1996, and the $99.00 tuition, and expenses for lunch and travel
shall be a legal charge to the Planning Board 19;96 Budget.
13 .-Vote' of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
14.-Moved by Councilman Townsend, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby engages
the emergency services of Don Patanjo Cesspool Service Corp.,
Brookhaven, N.Y., to transport liquid wastei from the Southold Town
Scavenger Waste Treatment Facility, Greenport, to Bergen P. int, at an
agreed price of $52.75 per thousand gallons, effective April 8, 1996.
14.-Vote of the,::, Town Board: Ayes:. Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
15.-Moved by Councilwoman. Oliva, seconded by Councilman Townsend, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
designates Councilman William D. Moore to act as Hearing Officer in a
disciplinary action against a Town employee based on events of March 16,
1996.
15.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman. Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution. was duly ADOPTED.
APRI L 16, 1996 319
16.-Moved by Councilwoman Hussie, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes an advance fee check in the amount of $35.00 to enable
Recreation Supervisor Kenneth Reeves to attend the Long Island Leisure
Services 8th Annual Spring Conference to be ,held on May 10, 1996 at
Bethpage State Park; charge to be made to A7020.4.600.200, Recreation
Administration (meetings & seminars), check made payable to Long Island
Leisure Services Association.
16.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, . Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
17.-Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilwoman Hussie, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby accepts
the bid of Chemung Supply Corporation, Elmira, N.Y. , for supplying
the Southold Town Highway Department with "10,000 linear feet of Snow
Fence (more or .less as may be needed) at a cost of $57.97 per 100 ft. roll
delivered, and 500 6 foot studded steel T-Posts: (more or less as may be
needed) at a cost of $3.17 per post delivered; said items all in
accordance with the bid specifications.
17 .-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
1B.-Moved by Councilwoman Oliva, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
appoints Ann Banks and Susan Horn as School Crossing Guards for
Fishers Island School, effective April 29, 1996, .at a salary of $23.39 per
day. Ms. Banks and Ms. Horn will share the responsibility for the Fishers
Island School `crossing.
18.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
19•- Moved by Councilman Townsend, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town -of Southold hereby accepts
the bid of. Paul Corazzini Jr. & Sons Inc., Creenport, N.Y., in the
amount of $.85 per square yard for surface treatment of Town Roads with
Polymer Modified Emulsified. Asphalt Pavement (Type II Micro-Surfacing),
all in accordance with the bid specifications.
1 9•- Vote of. the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
20.- Moved by Councilwoman Hussie, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of - the Town of Southold hereby
requests the New York State Department of Transportation to conduct a
traffic survey of the roads in Laughing Waters, Southold, for the purpose
of reducing the speed limit in that residential area.
20.- Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman . Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
21 .- Moved by Councilman Townsend, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town. of Southold hereby grants
permission to Griswold-Terry-Glover Post No,, 803, American Legion,
Southold, N.Y., to use the following Town Road's for the annual Memorial
Day Parade to be, held on Monday,,, May 27, 1996, �beginning at 10:00 A.M. ,
provided they file with . the Town of Southold as an additional insured:
Boisseau Avenue. (south of the railroad tracks to NYS Route 25) for
line-up, Hobart Lane (south of NYS Route 25 to L'Hommedieu Lane)
for line-up, Tuckers Lane (south of the railroad tracks), Griswold
Street, Terry Court, and Glover- Street.
21 .- Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
320 APRI L 16, 1996 i
22 .- Moved by Councilwoman Hussie, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold authorizes and
directs the Town Clerk to advertise for resumes for a seasonal Clerk
Typist for the Board of Assessors, 35 hours per week, $6.82 per hour,
for the summer season:
22 .- Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly.ADOPTED.
23.- Moved by Councilwoman Oliva, seconded by Councilman Townsend, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes the following modification to the Solid Waste. Management 1996
budget to cover petty cash expenses through the remainder of the year,
which most consist of bridge tolls incurred when trucking recyclables:
To:
SR.8160.4.600.800 Petty Cash Expenses $ 2,000.00
From:
SR.8160.4.400.820 Plastic Recycling $ 2,000.00
23 .-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
24.-Moved by Councilman Townsend, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town 'Board of the Town of; Southold hereby modifies
the General Fund Part Town 1996 Budget to appropriate the New York
Planning Federation grant for the business study:
Revenues:
B.2705.10 Gifts E Donations
New York Planning Federation Grant $ 4,000.00
Appropriations:
B.8020.4.600.900 Planning, Contractual Expenses
Business Study $ 4,000.00
24.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
25.-Moved by Councilwoman Hussie, seconded by 'Councilman Townsend, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby accepts
the bid of Stanley Skrezec,.: 50 Gull Pond Lane, Greenport;- N.Y. , in the
amount of $2,650.00, to construct concrete slabs for baseball field #3 at
Tasker Park, Peconic, N.Y., all in accordance with bid specifications.
25.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend., Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
26 .-Moved by Councilwoman Hussie, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes and directs Supervisor Jean W. Cochran to execute a contract
between the Town of Southold and Stanley Skrezec, 50 Cull Pond Lane,
Greenport, N.Y., for the construction of concrete slabs for baseball field
#3 at Tasker Park, Peconic, N.Y., at a cost of- $2,650.00, all in
accordance with the bid specifications.
26.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
APRI L 16, 1996 321
27.-Moved by Councilman Townsend, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby grants
permission to Solid Waste Coordinator James Bunchuck to attend a joint
conference sponsored by the New York State Association for Solid Waste
Management and the Solid Waste Association of North America, from May
5-7, 1996, in Saratoga Springs, New York, and the necessary expenses
for registration, transportation, meals and lodging shall be a legal
charge against the 1996 Solid Waste Management District budget.
27.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
Rescinded October 1 , 1996 by Resolution #3
28.-Moved by Councilwoman Oliva, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes the establishment of the following Capital Project, effective
immediately, for the improvement of the curbside recycling drop-off area
at the Disposal Area:
Capital Project Name: Recycling Area Improvements
Financing Method: Transfer from Solid Waste Management District
Budget: Revenues:
A.5031 .60 Transfers from Other Funds $ 25,000.00
Appropriations:
H.8162.500.600 Refuse E Garbage, Capital Outlay
Improve Recycling Area $ 25,000.00
28.-Vote of the Town Board: - Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
29.-Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilwoman Hussie,
WHEREAS, there has been presented to the Town Board of the Town of
Southold, on the 16th day of April, 1996, a Local Law entitled, "A Local
Law in Relation to Fire Wells"; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the. Town. Board hereby sets 8':02 P.M., Tuesday, April
30, 1996, Southold Town Hall, 53095 Main Road; Southold, New York, as
time and place for a 'pubic hearing on this Local Law, which reads as
follows:
A Local Law in Relation to Fire; Wells
BE IT ENACTED, by the Town Board of the Town of Southold as follows:
I . Chapter 92 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the Code of the Town
of Southold is hereby amended by adding the following:
92-47. Fire Wells. The stopping, standing, or parking
of .vehicles is hereby prohibited at all times within
fifteen (15) feet of a fire well.
If . This Local Law shall take effect upon filing with the Secretary
of State.
* Underline represents additions.
29.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
30 .-Moved by Councilwoman Hussie, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
appoints Michael C. Boken and Andrew 13% McCaffery as part-time
Public Safety Dispatchers, effective immediately 17-1/2 hours per week, at
a salary of $8.60 per hour; said appointments are subject to the
candidates satisfactorily passing evaluation by the Suffolk County
Department of Civil Service.
30.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
322 APRI L 16, 1996
31 .-Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilwoman Hussie, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
appoints Michael Joseph Biehl, Robert B. Boyl;e, and Robert W. Culver
as Seasonal Police Officers, May 13, 1996 through September 16, 1996, at a
salary of $12.00 per hour.
31 .-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran. 1
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
32.-Moved by Councilwoman Oliva, seconded by iCouncilman Townsend, it
was
RESOLVED that . the Town ' Board of the Town of Southold hereby
appoints Michael Anasagasti, from the Suffolk County Department of Civil
-- Service Certification of Eligibles, to the position of Scale Operator,
effective April 25, 1996, at a salary of $27, 144.00' per annum.
32.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
33.-Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilman Townsend, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
terminates the employment of Provisional Scale Operator Robert A.
McCaffery, whereas Mr. McCaffery was not reachable on the Suffolk
County Department of . Civil Service Certification of Eligibles for the
position of Scale Operator; effective April 24, 1996.
33.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
34.-Moved by Councilman Townsend, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
appoints Alphenic E. Martin, Elizabeth Simcik, and Catherine , C.
Steadman as Home Health Aides for the Adult Day Care Center, effective
immediately, 11-1/2 hours per week, at a salary of $6. 18 per hour. .
34,-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
COUNCILMAN MOORE: This is a special resolution. The Town has a
special interest in seeing young people get involved 'in what goes on in
government, and by this resolution, what we're going to do is expand the
membership of. our Conservation Advisory Council from seven to nine
members. The two additional members are designated for youth on that
Board between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one. So, this. resolution
authorizes advertising for resumes for two new members between the ages
of sixteen and -twenty-one for the Conservation 'Advisory Council. I move
that resolution with great happiness.
35.-Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, it was
RESOLVED that the Town, Board of the 'Town of Southold hereby
authorizes and directs the Town Clerk to advertise for resumes for two
(2) members, between the ages of 16 and 21, for the Conservation
Advisory Council:
35.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva,. Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
APRIL 16, 1996 :123
36.-Moved by Councilwoman Oliva, seconded by Councilwoman Hussie, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes the following modification, to the Southold Solid Waste
Management District 1996 budget:
To:
SR.8160.2.200.400 Refuse E Garbage, Equipment $ 3,350.00
Computer Equipment
From:
SR.8160.4.400.805 Refuse E Garbage, Contr. Exp. $ 3,350.00
MSW Removal
36.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
37.-Moved by Councilwoman Hussie, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
allocates the following funds for 1996 under the Southold Town Grants
Program:
East End Arts Council - $800.00
East. End Seaport E Marine Foundation - $800.00
The North Fork Early Learning Center, Inc. - $3,500.00
37.- Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
38•- Moved by Councilwoman Oliva, seconded by ' Councilman Townsend, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes and directs the Town Clerk to advertise for resumes for a
temporary Stenographer for the Board of Assessment Review for the 1996
sessions beginning May 21, 1996, at a salary of $8.50 per hour.
38.- Vote of the Tovyn Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor-
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: That is the end of our resolutions. At this time
I'd like to ask if there's anyone in the audience, that would like to
address the Board at this time? This is your, opportunity. Would you,
please, state your name after you get to the mike, so it can be recorded.
MILDRED BOYCE: My name is Mildred Boyce. I served as President
of the North Fork Animal Welfare League from 1990 to 1992, and Secretary
from 1990 to my resignation last month. In the past year seven members
of the Board have resigned, all. except one, under some sort of duress. In
March of 1995 when the new Executive Board took over certain perimeters
were established early on, that clearly showed the direction in which the
new Board wished to go. Immediately Board members were discouraged
from visiting the Shelter unless they had some specific reason to be
there. The Shelter would now be run by, what they considered, quote,
professionals. Shelter workers were told not engage in conversations with
Board members, and to mind their own business. Workers who questioned
orders, or treatment of animals or in some way displeased, the Shelter
coordinator, or kennel manager, soon found themselves forced to resign.
Forget about democratic procedures. Letters of complaint were beginning
to be received by the North Fork Animal Welfare League Board of
Directors from former employees, volunteers, and community residents.
Telephone calls of complaints were, also, starting to be received by the
Town. Meanwhile Board meetings were becoming increasing acrimonious.
One by one Board members resigned feeling that their contribution was of
XZ4 APRI L 16, 1996
little value. It was far more than simple disagreements. I, myself,
resigned the day after the incident. The decision to euthanasia the dog
was not discussed with the full Board, and we were in shock when we
heard what had happened. For me it was the end of a very unhappy
year. Also, the '96 membership cards and checks made out to the North
Fork Animal _ Welfare League, and amounting j to over $1,500 represent
funds, which the League should be using to help defray costs of operating
the shelter, and caring for it's animals, yet the present Board refuses to
accept this money from Southold Town residents. It is beyond my
understanding. Thank you.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Thank you. Is there anyone else who would
like to address the Board?
ANNA COSIMANO: My name is Anna Cosimano. I come out there .from
this morning's meeting, number one, yes, they; did put new pens, bigger
pens, for the dogs to run around, but they don't. They just sit, and
they look out. There's nobody to claim them, so the pens are really
obsolete.- Yes, Phil Wood is wonderful. He's one of the greatest men with
dogs there, but he only walks them four times :a week, four hours a day.
That's not getting all forty dogs the exercise ;and socialization that they
need. Three, if Yana was so unadoptable, why was I then led to
believe all summer by the shelter coordinator every time I would walk
Yana, your dog, Anna, when are you taking her home? Again, she was
unadoptable, and why did the Board of Directors take a vote on whether
to give her to me or not? I might add, after two Board of Directors who
would have voted, yes, left the meeting. Orr 'inally the vote would have
won five to four in favor of my getting Yana.. They adopted a dog out
in 1995 by the name of Roe Dog, who wasi also labeled unadoptable,
because he nipped when he had to be put back in his pen. But, he was
adopted out. Volunteers have been walking the animals since 1980 with no
liability suit against the shelter, so this just doesn't make sense to me
why .they. stopped all these volunteers, because of the liability. Today I
went down to the Suffolk Times. You may make a copy of this, if you
want. This was in the Suffolk Times paper, Yana, and nine other dogs
up for adoption. In 1994 this is the unadoptable dog. I have here the
original letter, that had given to The Suffolk Times and The
Traveler-Watchman. This was the night I got word they euthanasia
Yana. They never printed the letter, but they made the story from it,
but I would like to read it to you. Dear Editor. This letter is in
regard to the Southold Animal Shelter. There are six people, and I use
that term loosely, that seem to run the Shelter. These six are probably
having a good laugh .tonight, March 6, 1996, by killing a perfectly,
healthy, loving dog today. That dog's name is Yana. Yana didn't die
because she was sick, or vicious. She's been at the shelter for two
years. She died because the system stinks from what I saw at the Shelter
on September 14, 1995. 1 saw the Shelter vet, shall I use names? No?
Okay. Kick the dog in the head as he was being held down by an
assistant, was furious with the doctor, and was asked to come into the
office, where . the . Shelter Coordinator, a Board of Directors, and the
doctor were. • They were trying to convince me what the doctor did was
justified, and she was right in doing so. I now believe the stories I've _
heard about the abuse from the doctor on other animals. I only hope that
the people, who have seen these abuses will come forward now, that they
don't have to worry about losing their jobs. Needless to say, they didn't
convince me, and I brought this incident to the Board of Directors, Mr.
Wickham, and the S.P.C.A. The outcome was, ; the doctor would not work
on the dogs, only the cats. She likes cats, so she stayed on. After this
incident things weren't the same with the Shelter Coordinator, and myself,
and I had a feeling they were getting even with me for what I did to their
friend, the doctor. The Shelter Coordinator told me later, that the Board
of Directors refused the application, when in fact the Board never
received it. That was the first time. The Shelter Coordinator was using a
ballot to refuse it on her own. So, to be able to walk the dogs, and be
close to Yana, I sent a letter to the Board of Directors asking to be a
Board member, and was refused, again. Let me start from the
beginning. I was one of many volunteer dog walkers since January 1995.
Some volunteers have been there for five years. This was a wonderful
program, as many of the dogs brought into the shelter were abused, and
neglected. The volunteers not only walk the dogs, the socialize them, and
gave them trust in people again, which made! it easier for them to be
APRI L 16, 1996 ��
adopted out. I was one of those volunteers, who did everything a paid
worker did, and enjoyed every minute ,of it. I even gained Yana's love
and trust, and everyone at the shelter knew it. We grew to love each
other very much. After the doctor incident I wasn't allowed to walk
Yana in the street, because of the liability" insurance. Then they did
away with the volunteer program. Being I couldn't walk the dogs any
more I used ` to go see Yana, and then I wasn't allowed to touch here.
There are all the Shelter coordinators new rules. On December 17th,
1995, 1 heard they were going to kill Yana; and immediately called a
lawyer to help me adopt her. I even went to the Town Board for help,
but to no avail. These six people said she wars unadoptable, because she
bites. She's never bitten me from the first day I walked her, and I was
there ten months walking her, when in fact they adopted out a dog, who
was unadoptable, in late 1995, and that dog's name is Roe Dog. Then
they hide behind the insurance liability reason, and feel they're right,
but morally and humanely they're wrong. The death of Yana was to
spite me, and they're not going to get away with it. I'm asking for any
public help to rid the Shelter of these people: The Shelter should 'have
loving, caring, compassionate people running it, not these people. This is
not the end. This is just the beginning. Yana's death will not be in
vain, and I came only to walk the dogs, and .here I am getting more
involved, because you have to when you see what's going on in that
Shelter. That's all I have to say. Thank you very much.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Thank you, Anna. Is there anyone else?
LAURIE CENOINO: My name is Laurie Cenoino. I'm here today, I'd
like to address the Board on the matter of the Animal Shelter. About
three weeks ago I had gone down to the Shelter to complain. The
complaint was about a pack of dogs, that was on our property. I was
really concerned, because they killing pets; and I have four small
children, and .they were coming very close to our house. They told me
that, if I see dogs between 8:30 and 4:00, they'd come down, but after
that, you'd have to call the police. The dogs don't come around during
the day. They came around at dawn and dusk; and so that's why I asked
if they had a trap, that we could use, and we , could borrow to trap these
dogs. They said, they didn't have one, that they preferred the loop with
the pole, which Ps fine with me. I don't have a problem with that, as
long as they come down, and help us out. The guy said, if it wasn't
during work hours they weren't going to help us. So, I asked if there
were any other organizations around, that could help us with these dogs.
They said, no: I called around, and there are organizations, and they told
us to come back to our town, and call the Shelter, and tell them to help
US. Since they wouldn't, I called your office, and spoke to your
secretary,. and they had gotten hold of the Shelter, and their response to
your secretary was, that, yes, they do have a trap, and they were
concerned about using that trap, because they were afraid a dog was
going to be harmed. Now, I ask everybody here today, is a dog's safety
more of a priority, than my children's safety?
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: . Certainly, not.
LAURIE CENOINO: So, we waited for them to call me, to come down.
Needless to say, it's taken three weeks. I've put in several calls. I
finally got a hold of them, and I finally got a trap. It shouldn't have
taken three weeks for them to respond. Furthermore this is a problem
that they've been aware about for over a year. My neighbors have had
problems. One of the dogs is a female who has had a litter of puppies
that they picked up, and they never bothered to look for the other dogs.
I'm here because something has to be done. This is ridiculous. I'm very
concerned. I'm disappointed, that this has , been going on, and the
response up at the Shelter. I'm here to urge you to really look into
this, and look. . it's obvious chaos over there; and people are on power
trips, not wanting to do anything. If we have ! a Shelter, and they're not
willing to help out the community, then why do .we have a Shelter?
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: What area do you live in?
LAURIE CENOINO: I live in Peconic. Thank you.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Is there anyone else that would like to address
the Board?
326 APRI L 16, 1996
i
JIM BITSES: Jim Bitses, resident of Southold. We have a rotten
situation here. Something is rotten in Southold. You've heard people
giving you chapter and verse. I had occasion to speak to one of the
members of the Board. I mentioned the fact, that this Animal Welfare
League, it's a public institution. Oh, no, : it's a private institution,
and we are the institution, the six of us. Since when? There are 118,000
reasons why it is ;a public institution, and , the people out here pay
$118,000 a year in taxes to run that Shelter. It's enough. That Shelter _
requires the monetary assistance of the public. It requires donations,
just as Salvation Army is not a private institution. It requires the
assistance of the public, just as the Red Cross is not a private
institution. It, also, requires the assistance, of the public. They have
refused to accept $1,500 in $10. donations by people, who are in effect
becoming members of the Animal Welfare League, which they have a right
to do under the terms of the by-laws. We have given them 123
membership cards, totally $1,230, and I offered them another 31, and they
refused. There's $310 here, Madame Supervisor, and I would hope that
you would shove that down somebody's throat over at the Animal Welfare
League.
SUPERVISOR COCHR'AN: What you're telling me is, they have refused to
accept this membership, and the funds?
JIM BITSES: They! refuse to cash the checks that we gave them two
weeks ago. They think they are running a; private institution. They
think they can win through intimidation. They intimidated all the humane
members of the Board right off the Board. They couldn't take any more
of their guff. Win through intimidation, and they've lowered an iron
curtain, in which no one can determine what they are doing behind the
iron curtain. . In any event, it is not a private organization. It is a
public organization, land this establishes that fact, and $118,000 a year
establishes the fact� that the people out there are the ones, who are
footing the bill. We: should have some feedback. We should have access
to this organization. j In fact, you heard other speakers very eloquently
describe privations !of these animals. These animals are in solitary
confinement. They, arse in solitary confinement., A man comes in two days
a week, puts them in a bigger cage for four hours, puts them back in the
smaller cage, where 'they stay until the following Tuesday, when the man
comes in, and takes jthem out of the smaller cage, puts them in a bigger
cage, and so on. This is an inhumane way , to treat people. It's called
solitary confinement !in the pen, and an inhumane way to treat animals.
Now, I noticed that they have a trust fund. They turned the trust fund
over to a bank, a local bank. Not so bad, one bank is as good as
another. They're all .thieves, but anyway, the thing is one-third of the
trust fund is invested in common stocks,„ two-thirds are invested in
T-bonds with the Federal government backing ;them, but the one-third I'm
talking about are invested 'in common stocks, and thereby hangs the
danger. They are literally gambling with trust funds. Not only that, but
this market has been going up and down. . It's a porpoising market,
typical of the 1929 market, that also did exactly the same thing before it
took a dive. It is a probability that this market will also take a dive,
a very good ,probability, but anyway, there are economic reasons for that
statement, which. I won't go into. The only way we can correct this, the
only way we can correct, is to have what in Europe they call, a
plebiscite,' what we call an election. If you wait until July things will
have happened that are irreversible. I.'m going to make a suggestion, that
I made two weeks ago, that a vote be taken on May 18th at high noon in
the Presbyterian Church, that all the people who are former members, and
former members, and ,down, and either elect the Board, re-elect the Board
that's in, or elect a new Board. Now, the usual response is that while we
have no control, well, we do have control, there is a lease, and there's a
clause in that lease. ,Paragraph two, the Town may terminate the lease at
any time without cause. The town may terminate the lease at any time. I
don't expect you to invoke. I don't want you to invoke that. It would
disturb the entire situation. But, what I would suggest is that you might
suggest to the six, who are running the Shelter, that either they have an
election on .May 18th, Saturday afternoon at high noon in the
Presbyterian Church,', with Justice Rudolph °Bruer running the election,
and that's very important. As protean Chairman, he runs the election,
and whoever wins, wins, and we have month, for both sides to do their
campaigning. Nothing could be fairer than that. Now, they don't have to
do what they tell them, except you have an 'axe, sort of, hanging over
them, or maybe you have a cat of nine tails, that Mr. Moore was going to
use when he disciplines this individual.
�I
APRI L 16, 1996 32 e
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Jim, what does their by-laws call for the
election? When? I'm not privy to the by-laws. July?
JIM BITSES: July, any time in July.
COUNCILWOMAN HUSSIE: Why do you think doing this May 18th is
better than July? Why should anything be done prior to that, rather than
wait until July? (tape change.)
JIM BITSES: So I would suggest May 18th, one month hence.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Jim, they can't build a new Shelter without
coming to the Town Board.
JIM BITSES: I know. ' You have absolutely veto power, and I'm glad to
see that in the agreement.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: So, I don't see them doing anything in relation
to a Shelter, unless you know something I don't.
JIM BITSES: The condition of the animals continues. It's deplorable.
Every day that goes by these animals are being kept in solitary
confinement, which they are.• It is a wound toi any feeling person. So, I
respectfully request, that this suggestion of a vote on May 18th with
Judge Rudolph Bruer running the election, be held in order to clear the
air of this poisonous situation, and believe me it is poisonous. Thank
you.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Jim, I'm going to ask you to take these back.
JIM BITSES: What am I going to do with them? They're not mine.
They are theirs.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: They're not mine. I think it's important that
you continue to try to enlist these people as members.
JIM BITSES: We `will continue. We will not cash the checks. What shall
we do?
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: They have more in addition to these?
JIM BITSES: Another 123, and they refuse to cash the checks, so what
do we do? They need the money to run the" Shelter. You can not run
the Shelter on $118,000 a year. You've got to Have input from the public.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Bill, do you have a thought?
COUNCILMAN MOORE: Mr. Bitses, you are good lawyer, and I'm not
trying to pass the buck here from the Town, but we're being asked to get
pulled into a membership situation, when we have an existing contract with
the corporation, the entity. In my opinion, we really can't do that, but
there exists mechanisms in the law, that deal with. .you know, you look at
your by-laws, and how to handle the elections, and things like that.
JIM BITSES: We don't intend to go to the law. We intend to go to our
Town Board.
COUNCILMAN MOORE: I understand that, and you're asking . us to get
into the middle. .
JIM BITSES: It's too litigious, much too litigious.
COUNCILMAN MOORE: I don't argue that for a minute.
JIM BITSES: There are too many lawyers in this country, believe me.
328 APRI L 16, 1996
I
COUNCILMAN -'MOORE: Two lawyers would not; disagree. You know, you
and I, no argument there, Mr. Bitses. What I'm saying is, there are
occasions when the 'laws there to be used appropriately, and I wouldn't
suggest this is an inappropriate time.
JIM BITSES: You see, Mr. Moore, Counselor,, that's their tactic. They
have three or four lawyers lurking in the background. Who the hell is
paying them, we don't know. We don't operate that way. We don't
operate. We are not litigious. We are too vain.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Jim, . l would think that you want to stay within
the boundaries of their by-laws to a certain point, because if you change
your Board of Directors through a vote, you're certainly going to have to
have some guidelines as far as running the organization. I just can't
understand why. . l would continue whether it's legal or not to see' that
these are accepted as members. These are people in good faith that have
given their money, filled out a card, and I would go in the direction that
seeing that these are accepted, because that membership is going to the
vote in July.
JIM BITSES: They don't want these people voting against them.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: I understand that, but there must a legal. .some
mechanism that forces them to take this membership. I'm not a lawyer.
You already said there's too many. I'm not going to go to law school. But,
I think there has be something, and you as an attorney should look for it.
JIM BITSES: Order .to show cause, that's not the way we operate.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: I can't understand your reasoning. In all
honesty I can't, why you won't take the legal action to see that these
people accept. .in good faith people have given these for membership.
They have no right to refuse them. There's got to be somethi��g there.
JIM BITSES: Mr: Moore, what action would you take?
COUNCILMAN MOORE: I like your order to show cause.
JIM BITSES: In any, event, we don't want to-,go that way.
l
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: After this morning's meeting, and you were
there, sir, we are sitting down with them, and we are going to review the
contract, and we have asked for financial records, because we would like
to see how the taxpayers $117,000 is being spent. Yes, we, also, have
concerns, and I think we have to all look for answers.
JIM BITSES: Thank you for listening to me.
ANNA COSIMANO: The reason given .for not, accepting the checks, and
cards, are because we had the cards made up without their permission,
and that doesn't .made sense, because all the cards that we haJ made up,
the checks goes with the cards, and they're ;all stapled together. So,
this is what they're saying, because they didn't give us permission to
have the cards made. They're not legal. Well;; the checks are certainly
legal. They're made out to the North Fork Animal Welfare League.
JIM BITSES: May I clarify that point? These; cards are not membership
cards. They are bookkeeping entries of the North Fork Animal Welfare
League, bookkeeping entries, and nothing more. If they were membership
cards for members, they would have been issued to the members. These
cards go back to the League to let them know l in a concise way, which is
in the file. Who paid the check is the important thing. The check is the
thing that establishes the membership, not the lcard. The card• is a mere
bookkeeping entry. It's baloney about who is not legal. Of course, it's
legal, because most of these cards are from the original group that we
originally had. _ It's another ploy that they're using to throw sand in the
air. In any event, you'll keep trying. We'll keep recruiting.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: We'll be meeting with some members Joe, you
had something to say?
APRI L 16, 1996 32
COUNCILMAN TOWNSEND: Just basically, what I said to the people that
spoke to us, that are on the Board now. The issue here is the animals,
and I know from my own experience as 'an animal owner, and also from the
experience of sitting on this Board, and watching from time to time, large
groups of people coming in concerned about 'the future animals. That
should be the primary focus here. Regardless ;of what legal things go on,
I would hope that this -group would continue to make efforts to work with
the Board there. I know there is a lot of hard feelings, but keep in mind
that the animal, the conditions of the animals, and the future of animal
care in this town, you know, is at stake, and try to work something out
now, or in July. I think it's important to keep the lines of
communication open, not to create a situation that will ultimately blow
the Animal Welfare. League out of the water, or ,create a situation where we
go back to the old system of having a Dog Warden, that comes in, keeps
dogs a few days, and then we put them down. I would hate to see that,
and I see -a potential rift here forming. It's formed, that I'm ' very
concerned about. I would hope that if there'sil any way that you can deal
with the existing Board, that you attempt to do so, maybe get some
meetings together. I ask the same thing of them.
JIM BITSES: I don't want to be pretentious, but you have a good
point. However, this morning I tried to deal with the Board, hand in
$310. They absolutely refused it. Get lost.
COUNCILWOMAN HUSSIE: Jim, can I ask you a question? If you know,'
or perhaps Mildred, are these checks that you have renewal membership,
or are these new recruits? Are they. renewals?
JIM BITSES: Some are. Some are from 194. Some are repeats from 195,
rather. It's a mixer..
MARY RAKOWSIS: My name is Mary Rakowsis. The thing I don't
understand is the sort of, what would appear to be, the sort of casual
concern to the Board about these cards, and the donations, because it
seems to me as though the donations in themselves constitute a sum of
money, that you` �don't. have to pony up at some future point in time.
Let's suppose I gave them a check for a thousand dollars, and they said,
sorry, the current organization that runs the Board, that runs the
Shelter, won't take it. It would then mean, I would think, that you would
have to fill the gap somehow.
COUNCILWOMAN OLIVA: Not as long as we have the contract, which has
a specified amount per year, that we have contracted to the Animal Welfare
League to run the Shelter.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Donated funds doesn't replace Town funds.
MARY RAKOWSIS: In other words, it doesn't matter how much is
donated, the Town still has to pony up a certain amount of money.
COUNCILWOMAN OLIVA: Yes, by contract. ' It's a three year contract
that ends in 1997.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: That's why we want this financial report, so we
can see. exactly what our funds are doing, - but it doesn't change any
donations, anything over and above what we support. They can raise as
much as they want.
MARY RAKOWSIS: I see. So one has no" effect on the other. Okay.
} Thank you.
z
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Is there anyone else;, that would like to address
the Board on any topic? (No response.) If not, I will call on the Board
if they have anything to report, or anything they would like to share with
the public, and I'll start with Alice. Councilwoman Hussie?
330 APRIL 16, 1996
COUNCILWOMAN HUSSIE: I have a question, and that is to whomever is
writing to me, and has over the last six or eight months, and never signs
the letters. Whoever you are, you are talking about a variety of things,
that you don't like that I have either said or clone, or not done or not
said, and really, if you're that interested, I would love to be able to
talk to you, and perhaps straighten it out, or maybe you could straighten
me out. So, if ever you write to me again, ''and let me know who you
are. That's it.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: I received a letter from the same person, and if
you ever find him, maybe I could sit in. Councilman Townsend, do you
have anything to report?
COUNCILMAN TOWNSEND: Only that I haven't been receiving any
letters.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Anything, Ruth?
COUNCILWOMAN OLIVA: I don't think so, but I haven't received any
letters, either.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Mr. Moore?
COUNCILMAN MOORE: Just one last comment ,on what you've said, lest
you go out the door misunderstanding my concern. I heard three things
today, which are of interest to me relative to the Town's contract with
the Welfare. League. One was the hours of operation, that you discussed.
I'd like to go back, and look at the contract, and see whether the
services we're contracting for are being provided. The question you
raised as far as what we had as a contract to deal with. The second one
was raised here, which is the refusal of membership. Y e have a
contractual obligation to show, what have you spend on the Town's ledger,
and what have you spent on your own. I think that is an interesting
turn of events.. I'm glad you brought it to our; attention. The third one
is the allocations of inhumane treatment of the ;animals up there. I think
those three things `are things they get our Board immediately tuned into
looking at the . contract it has for the services ithat have been contracted
out to have provided for us. When it comes ;to your membership, and
they refuse ;to accept Mr. Bitses', I think there is provision. I know
people don't'like lawyers, and don't like to go to court, and things like
that, but there are processes that you can get your membership
addressed. I can't believe the membership will hold things in the
balance. People do it on scraps of paper, and; send a check for $10.00,
and you're a member happily of any organization. I have never heard of
a group decline to accept membership, 'to try to keep the voting under
control. I think, that's an area that membership, and membership drives
can expand upon, and follow. But, those are three things that, as is your
matter of the trust money. That's a second one,;1 that you can as members,
deal with. But I see three things this Board can look with resnect to the
contract that we have with. the Town. Thank you for bringing that to our
attention in that matter.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: I have several things I'd like to share with
you. . One I would like to welcome the Red Cross to Southold Town. I
had the pleasure of being a part of the ribbon cutting the other day, and
their office is located in the Human Resource Center in Mattituck. So, we
say to the American Red Cross; welcome to Southold. Also, I would like
to extend a -sincere thank .you to Bob Bayley. iHe has been a member of
our Transportation Committee, and Landmark Preservation Commission, and
the United K Commission, and we wish to extend to him happiness in his
new home in the state of. Montana. Also, I'd like to just talk to you a
moment about the booth. I'd like to discuss with you a little bit about
the booth that's being built down in Orient. We had many complaints in
this area. There are people that feel that it is being placed too close
to the highway. There are people who support where it's being placed. It
took them a year; almost a year and a half because of the permits from
APRI L 16, 1996 ` 3-L
the DEC. This is in Orient State Park. So, there's been quite a bit of
controversy, and so what,I have done, I am calling together, and we'll be
meeting this week, the gentleman from the State Parks, that is responsible
for the project, the Manager of the State Park in Orient, a State
engineer, a representative from Assemblywoman Pat Acampora's Office,
Councilwoman Oliva, myself, members of the Civic Association from
Orient. We're going to look at the entire problem. Many people feel that
they no longer have access to the park. How the State works is that
seniors can go Monday through Friday from eight to four without any
charge whatsoever. Also, the park when it closes at four o'clock, there
is no one there to accept the $4.00, that is going to be the charge. The
park is open, so if you're concerned that you ;want to have a hamburger
with Rick, this is still possible for people to do. We're going to all
go down there.- We're-. to discuss it, and see what solutions can be
reached, and that we'll go from there. I just want you to be aware that I
have had complaints. I - acknowledge, those complaints, and we'll be
discussing it with the State. In addition, another area that we've been
having complaints is the little plastic bags hanging on all the mailboxes
filled with the Newsday paraphernalia with, I guess, the ads and so
forth for the grocery stores. We used to get them in the post office.
They have now hired a private firm, and they're being placed on
mailboxes throughout Southold. We've had many complaints in relation to
these. What. they do is put a little plastic hook, and hook it on the
outside, because legally they can not touch the mailbox, or put it
inside. Those of us who do not have a Newsday box, or a mailbox to
be stapled with this hanger, -it's thrown in our driveways, and mine has
been thrown in my driveway. So, we did write a letter to Newsday
expressing to them, that I am not happy. Dear Mr. Jensen, Newsday
is creating ill will for itself 'in advertising; by it's new method of
distributing advertising circulars to residents In the Town of Southold.
I'm sorry. This is the letter. We have many things stapled together. I
did get a letter out. Dear Newsday, The level of frustration reached by
the Town of Southold since you began dropping circulars in our
driveways, and on our mailbox posts is beyondi description. My office is
deluged with calls daily, as I understand yours is, and I can not
comprehend your seeming reluctance to effectively deal with the
situation. Our town from Laurel through Orient has a tremendous summer
population. I'm sure you realize that old circulars piling up in
driveways, and on lawns, is an open invitation to anyone interested in the
fact that a home is not occupied. This combined with the fact that there
is unsightly litter everywhere with Newsday's name on it would seem to
be a public relations nightmare for you. I was told that you stopped
delivering these circulars through the post office as a cost cutting
measure. I implore you to reconsider this policy, and at the same time
restore your good image with the people of Southold. Very truly yours.
We did get a letter back from Newsday. I was cited the First
Amendment, and so forth, but something that is of interest to the public
would be that in the letter it says that a customer service number would
be prominently displayed on each bag, so the residents may call VSA,
this is the firm, to ' request that deliveries to their homes stop, either
temporarily or permanently. In addition we will not make repeat
deliveries to any home where the prior delivery was not retrieved. So,
they seem to feel that by, you know, papers left there for a week, or two
weeks, they will take' it back. Hopefully they, will. But, it's already
caused problems with litter along the highways,; and I talked to the Town
Attorney, and I don't like to see, you know, ..one ordinance after another
put into operation, because many people feel that government is already
too much involved in their lives, but we can legislate against these
flyers, in addition, telephone books are another big problem, that are
left all over the "place, and we just kind of think that they put it there,
they should pick up. So, we will continue to try to work with
Newsday, and see if we can have something, done in that direction.
Something on a little note, we will be having Ruth Chapman corning from
Southwold, our mother town in England, and lfrom time to time people
from Southold go over to England to visit Southwold, and every once in
awhile we have visitor from Southwold. I think she's arriving either
today or tomorrow. She'll be staying with Peg Murphy over here, and
April 23rd at 3:00 P.M., we're going to have is small reception here In
332 APRI L 16, 1996
Town Hall. We could say that since she's English we will do High Tea, so
we invite you to join us, and anyone in the ;public, that would, like to
come, and greet Ruth Chapman, and say, hello, we would certainly
would welcome you. It's going to be at 3:00 P.M on the 23rd here. I
have one other thing to report. Today the program SOAR, you know you
soar like an eagle, you soar like an osprey. This is a program that was
presented to the Board today, and is an environmental program for youth,
which makes them stewards of America's resources. The Board is very
supportive of this. I think they all worked hard in cooperating, so we
can get this in place. One of the ways we feel -that this can be done
without any cost to the taxpayer, we feel through this program, because
we will work in conjunction with the schools, that we will reach 2,000
kids, and we feel very strongly after attending '.some of the drug programs
that Mattituck School has been giving, and there is a philosophy that if
involve kids, and make them responsible, and give there ownership, that
you're instilling values, and changing philosophies within young people,
so we feel this is an excellent program. We're very proud of it, and we
going to be presenting it. One of the ways we're going to raise money,
and we need cooperation from everyone in town, the aluminum cans that
are collected, and go to the Landfill. We ; feel that there is about
$15,000, that is. .if you recycle a can, and you, turn it in for the rebate
you get a nickel a can. If they're squashed, and go through the process,
you get a penny, a can. That's a difference of four cents. We feel we
can use all those four cents to do a program .for our youth. So, what
we're going to do is put a container, receiving area, up at the landfill,
where you may bring your aluminum cans. Now, you have many
nonalcoholic beers. They're all aluminum cans, and they don't give
refunds, or a nickel back out of the machine anyhow. We could probably
process some of that as aluminum, but my point is that many of you don't
like standing in front of .the machines zapping" ih the soda cans, we'd love
to have them. When we get organized we'll be publicizing it, and we'd
love to have you bring them up to the Landfill, and throw them in the
proper containers, because you, too, can soar ,like an eagle. Thank you
very much for joining us today. May I have a motion to adjourn?
Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board meeting be and hereby is adjourned at
5:r10 P.M.
Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Councilwoman
Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman fiussie, Supervisor
Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
J
� l
�udith T. Terry
Southold Town Clerk