HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB-07/23/1996 SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD
JULY 23, 1996
WORK SESSION
Present: Supervisor Jean W. Cochran, Councilwoman Alice J. Hussie, Councilman
Joseph L. Townsend, Jr. , Councilwoman Ruth D. Oliva, Justice Louisa P. Evans,
Councilman William D. Moore, Town Clerk Judith T. Terry, Town Attorney Laury
L. Dowd.
9:05 A.M. - Solid Waste Coordinator James Bunchuck met with the Board to review
a proposed letter to the NYS-DEC requesting variances to the DEC's setback and
sloping requirements pursuant to the Stipulation of Settlement signed by the Town
and DEC in October, 1994, as well as the understanding reached at the meeting
,between the DEC and the Town Board this past April.----At the conclusion of the
foregoing discussion, Justice Evans updated the Board on the Fishers Island Metal
Dump excavation project. She explained the need to engage a contractor to fill and
grade certain areas of the dump to complete the project, and -to engage someone to
install fencing. She said she has a Fishers Island contractor who will do the
grading for about $7000.00, and the Board directed the Town Attorney to prepare
a contract to accomplish the task, and a resolution (19) was placed on the agenda
for the Supervisor to sign the contract.
9:30 A.M. - Greg Snider, Matt-A-Mar Marina, Mattituck, appeared before the Board
to request a Special Permit to hold a non-profit canoe-kyak slalom race on Mattituck
Inlet on the evening of August 31st. The Board examined the proposal; and
determined that the race would take part in the section of the inlet that is too
shallow for most powerboats, and has no powerboat traffic because it is a dead-end
with no other boat docks. A resolution (20) was placed on the agenda to grant
approval for the event.
9:40 A.M. - Land Preservation Chairman Joseph Gold met with the Town Board to
discuss the offer of land in the Angel Shores Subdivision. (Councilman Moore ,
excused himself from the discussion as Mr. & Mrs. Laoudis are former clients.) The
land. in question ,consists of one parcel of wetlands and woods, and two parcels of
plowed land, basically buffers- from the road. The committee recommends that the
Town acquire the wetlands parcel, but the other two parcels will remain forever open
under the terms of the Planning Board's grant of a subdivision, and there is no
particular benefit to the ownership: of the two parcels by. the .Town, and • in ":fact, .
the committee believes they would be- a liability. Although Supervisor Cochran and
Councilwoman Hussie were in favor of acquiring the property, the remaining members
were opposed, therefore, Supervisor Cochran will notify the developer of the
rejection of the offer.----Mr. Gold spoke to the Board about the upcoming
referendum at the General Election for a $2 Million bond issue for the purchase of
development rights in agricultural land. He said the Land Preservation Committee
is prepared to publicize the proposal in any way the Town Board deems appropriate.
1 10:05 A.M. - Police Lieutenant Joseph Conway met with the Board to discuss police
overtime. He explained that he is functioning at the present time with five-man
squads, which due to days off equals four-man squads, and if someone is off for
any reason, they are down to three-man squads. He feels that if there is sufficient
manpower and there are six-man squads. the overtime would be reduced substantially.
Appointment of additional police officers as discussed with regard to the fact they
must attend the police academy, which begins in early September and does not end
JULY 23, 1996
until March. Lastly, the Board discussed hiring seasonal police officers for 1997.
Lieutenant Conway explained that new appointees must attend a course of training,
which begins in , October, therefore, it would be a good idea to advertise for
Seasonal Police -Officers now, so they will be ready to go on the street next May
(resolution 21) .
z
10:55 A.M. - Neb Brashich, Rita Costello Cohen, and Gail Marriner-Smith met with
the Town Board to discuss the Southold Promotion Committee. Mr. Brasich advised
the Board that Dick Noncarrow, Chairman of the Promotion Committee, has resigned,
and Neb and Rita have been asked to take Co-Chairperson positions, and this
meeting with the Board will assist them in making a decision. Mr. Brashich asked
the Board to consider a $7,000 increase in the Promotion Committee funding (from
$28,000 to $35,000 for 1997) . They would like to take over the management of the
Chamber Booth in Greenport, so all of the chambers may advertise in both the
Greenport and Laurel booths equally. Currently the Greenport-Southold Chamber
members pay an extremely high amount of dues in order to cover the expenses of
the booth. Supervisor Cochran and Town Attorney Dowd will research the question
of ownership of the Greenport' booth, and the Board will consider the $7,000 request
during the upcoming budget process.
11 :35 A.M. - The Town Board began a review of the proposed ,Employee Handbook.
They accomplished half of the review, and will continue at the August 6th Work Session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
12:25 P.M. - On motion of Councilwoman Hussie, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
Resolved that the Town Board enter into Executive Session to discuss the
contract for the terms and conditions of employment for..,the Chief of Police. Vote
of the Board: Ayes: Councilwoman Hussie, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman
Oliva, Justice Evans, Councilman Moore. (Supervisor Cochran excused herself from
this discussion.) Also present: Town Clerk Terry, Town Attorney Dowd.
E
1 :45 P.M. - Recess for lunch. '
2 :00 P.M. - Work Session reconvened. The Town Board reviewed a proposed Local
Law in Relation to Bulk and Parking Schedules and placed a resolution (24) on the
agenda to refer it to the Town and County Planning Boards for recommendations.----
Supervisor Cochran presented a letter from the United Transportation Union bringing
to the Town's attention the fact the Long Island Rail Road has established regular
night maintenance work gangs, which will impact adjacent neighbors during evening,
night and early morning hours, and asked the Town to join with the union in
objecting to the continuance of such inappropriate practice.----The Board planned
•to discuss a. possible Retirement Incentive Program, but realized they need additional
information before address.ing;:this•. issue Councilman Townsend invited • Town
Investigator Edward Forrester -to 'meet with the Board to discuss the possibility of
weekend ordinance enforcement. Councilman Townsend has observed numerous code
violations, including � illegal ?parking, road-side sales and signs, lack of shellfish
permits.----Letter from the American Littoral Society asking the Town to assist them
in spreading the call for volunteers for the 1996 International Coastal Cleanup to
be held September .21st. Supervisor. Cochran will obtain additional information, and
this matter will be discussed again on August 6th.----The Board held a lengthy
discussion with regard to a proposed Local Law in Relation to Speed Limits - Boats,
particularly with regard to the distance from the shoreline, and the implications of
jet skis to other motor crafts. This law will go back to the Code Committee for
further study.----Town Board placed resolutions (25, 26,, 27) on the agenda to
make an appointment to the Board of Ethics, and appoint an EISEP Coordinator and
SNAP weekend cook.----Board again discussed an offer from the County of Suffolk
of a canal that is adjacent to the Cove at Southold, Main Bayview Road, Southold, J .
and decided they did not wish to acquire it.----Discussion was held with regard to
a temporary Clerk Typist position in the Building Department to replace an employee
on maternity. leave, and agreed to go with a part-time person. Advertisement is
already in the newspaper.
= JULY 23, 1996
EXECUTIVE SESSION
3:25 P.M. - On motion of Councilwoman ' Oliva, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
Resolved to enter into Executive Session. Vote of the Board: Ayes: Supervisor
Cochran, Councilwoman Hussie, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Oliva, Justice
Evans, Councilman Moore.----The Board discussed personnel, hiring additional police
officers (resolution 28) , CSEA negotiations.
4:30 P.M. - Discussion was held with regard to parking problems in the area of
Town Beaches, whereby guests of residents who do not have sufficient parking on
their own property, park at the Town parking areas, and then are ticketed.
Kenney's Beach is one example. Supervisor Cochran suggested a visitor's pass,
and the Town Attorney will put together a proposed local law for discussion at the
August 6th work session.----Councilwoman Hussie asked the Town Board to ,consider
the preservation of Town-owped parks through conservation methods used by other
agencies. She said she would like to see all Town areas known as parks to have
NYS designation, which would prevent them from be used improperly, or possibly sold,
Without approval of the NYS Legislature. She made particular reference to Laurel
Lake Park. Councilwoman Hussie agreed to research the legal procedure for State
designation and report back to the Board.
4:45 p.M. - Town Board reviewed the resolutions to be voted on at the 7 :30 P.M.
regular meeting.
5:20 P.M. - Work Session adjourned.
REGULAR MEETING
A Regular Meeting of the Southold Town Board was held on July
23, 1996, at the Southold Town Hall, Main Road, Southold, New York.
Supervisor Cochran opened the meeting at 7:30 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
Justice Louisa P. Evans
Councilman William D. Moore
Town Clerk Judith T. Terry
Town Attorney Laury L. Dowd
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Can I have a motion to approve the bills of July
23, 1996.
Moved by 'Councilwoman Oliva, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
RESOLVED that the following bills . .be and hereby ordered paid:
General Fund Whole Town bills in the amount of $124,180.17; General Fund
Part Town .bills in the amount of $13,948.18; Highway Fund Whole Town
bills in the amount of $75,815.31; Highway Fund Part Town bills in the
amount of $18,179.27; Fishers Island Metal Dump Capital bills in the
amount of $482.00; Employee Health Benefit Plan bills in the amount of
$25,076.59; Fishers Island Ferry District bills in the amount of
$17,555.66; Refuse and Garbage District bills in the amount of
$102,721 .57; Southold Wastewater District bills in the amount of
$1,101 .73; Fishers Island Sewer District bills in the amount of $126.75;
Southold Agency E Trust bills in the amount of $521 .08 CR; Fishers
Island Ferry District Agency E Trust bills in the amount of $657,44.
Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Approval of the minutes of July 9, 1996?
4 JULY 23, 1996
Moved by Justice Evans, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, it was
RESOLVED that the minutes of the July 9, 1996, Town Board meeting
be and hereby is approved.
Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: ' Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman .Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: A resolution setting the next Town Board
meeti ng.
Moved by Councilwoman Oliva, seconded by Councilwoman Hussie, 'it
was
RESOLVED that the next regular meeting of the Southold Town Board
will be held at 4:30 P. .M., Tuesday, August 6, 1996, at the Southold
Town Hall, Southold, New York.
Vote ' of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: At this time we have special presentations by
the Historic Landmark Committee and Designations, and Cliff, maybe you
.would like to introduce your committee to those attending this evening.
CLIFF BENFIELD: Thank you. I would like to introduce three members
of our committee, and Barbara Jones, an intern, who is doing a great job
with us this summer, John Stack, Bob Kassner, Ralph Williams, and
finally Barbara Jones, and myself, Cliff Benfield. This evening we're
giving out to the people of Cutchogue, who have already received
Landmark status prior to this year, and that is to give them the bronze
medallion for their home, and we hope they will put it in places fairly
prominent, and . it will be a perpetual marker for your house. The other
opportunity, and` 1 brought these along as samples, is that a nominal fee
of $25.00 if you desire text copy, names, dates, we would do something
like this to be placed under the Landmark sign on your house, or
property, as you would see fit. This is a sample, and was done for the "
lighthouse, but if you would just want the name of a house, like
Honeymoon Cottage with the date, it would be less. It wouldn't be as 'big
as this sign. It would be shorter. But it would be the same type. It
would be highly visible. That's at your discretion. The one that the
Town has done for the Commoners Property in Cutchogue was done for the
people that are donating this material to the Town. You see we have the
landmark. So, our Supervisor will make these awards.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: I would be very honored to hand out the
plaques, I think as Chairman, of the Committee I would like you to just
give a very short recap of why these are being placed in the landmark
category. Just give people a feel and an idea of the kind of preservation
the Town is doing.
CLIFF BENFIELD: You will have to believe I haven't . got these
memorized. Some of the places in Cutchogue that we would have awarded
tonight; people have rented their homes, and they are out of town,. and
for some reason couldn't be here, so probably only half of the .property
owners are here tonight. Let's start with the Old House of Cutchogue. I
think we all know about the Old House, and why it's a landmark. It's on
the National Registrar already, and it's been on ours for awhile. It was
the Horton-Wickham-Case House, though there's always a discussion of who
has' what. But, it's probably one of the earliest, and best preserved
buildings in our township, so would Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Metzner come
forward. The Wickham Farmhouse was built in 1704 by Caleb Horton, one
of the first settlers. Also, in the house that you're taking care of was
born the first white child in the Town of Southold. That's a good reason
to have it a landmark. The other one, of course, is the Old House, and,
we all know the Old House, the old Wickham house. The next one we
have is the Moore-Lizewski House. Joe? There's a fireplace in a typical
Old Cape Cod style. It has 1860 English style barn on part of the
grounds. Is Mrs. Wickham here? This is a house that was built around
1798 This part is very much like the Wickham Farmhouse, with it's center
JULY 23, 1996 '
chimney plan, and one and. 1/2 story height. The 19th century addition
was brought to this site by ox team in 1875. The Early Colonist's House,
this is an early colonist house. The original building included a parlor,
kitchen, pantry, bedroom -and entrance area, and two Rumford
fireplaces, hand hewn beams and sills. It's an old building. Molding on
the door frame are early 1825.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: I can't say wear it with honor, so hang it in
honor. We're absolutely delighted when people in the community do agree
that their house is a landmark. There's a whole procedure you follow.
CLIFF BENFIELD: Anyone who has a Landmark house know, that you
must apply for it. We just don't recognize designated properties to the
Town Board. The property owner must apply for it, and contrary to a lot
of belief, or folklore, the committee can not tell you what to do or what
not to with your property. It's a matter of pride to have it become a
landmark. As a matter of fact, if you read the real estate advertising,
it seems to be an added feature to have a' landmark house on the market,
so I hope it raises the value of your property. The next one is the
Hamid House, Lillian Melville Hamid. In 1876 an old wing was removed
and new one built. At the same time the chimney was rebuilt, and new
windows added. The house was built in the early 19th century, and
originally was a Presbyterian Manse. I hope that keeps .you well. The
Cutchogue Library, as you know the Cutchogue Library was formerly the
Independent Congregational Church led by William Wickham, and in 1861 he
abdicated from the church across the street, and built a church, and now
it is the library in Cutchogue. Jane Minerva, Cutchogue Library Director
was present to accept the plaque. This is for the
Buckingham-Case-Richmond House. Buckingham House has its name
because of Daniel Buckingham who presumably built much of it, in 1845,
and his nephew, William Buckingham who was deeded it in 1849. The
latter was a blacksmith. His shop stood along the highway a bit west of
Buckingham House. Johnathan Horton figures in earlier land ownership,
as does Benjamin Case and Erstus Hallock, but it is not known if the
oldest foundation that is under the house was there or not. Very possibly
it could be.
DORIS RICHMOND: I would like to call it Albert Richmond House. He
was born in that house, and he lived there for a few years until his
family left, and we returned there after we were married, and for sixty
years I lived in that house with Albert until he died. I would like to
call it the Albert Richmond House. He served the Town of Southold for
twenty years as an elected official, as Judy will tell you, and I'd like
to think of the house, as he did, and anyone asking where he lived,
maybe some of you have heard him say this, he would say, I live on the
corner of the King's Highway and Skunk Lane in the Buckingham House.
CLIFF BENFIELD: The ,next one is the Richard Hallock House. The
oldest deed found on this land and house showing Richard Hallock and
Mary as grantors and Van Rensselaer Howell, dated in March 2, 1838.
The house is in the oldest part. Van Rensselaer Howell was the son of
Johnathan' Howell. They ` had seven children, and three marched in the
parade. . I don't know if that's important. Congratulations.
LAWRENCE WAITZ: Thank you,-- sir. I have a deed when the first
Hallocks sold the house in 1814. It was a farm, so it must have been
there for awhile before that even. Other than that, I'm happy to be here.
CLIFF BENFIELD: Is Edward Nixon here, Hurricane Hall? Marion
McCall, Einstein House? Those are two persons, that couldn't make it
this evening. We will hold these plaques, and contact the other people.
Some said they would like to come in at a different time. We'll have a
meeting and collect all the ones that couldn't be here at this time.
Thank you very much.
JULY 23, 1996
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Thank you. I would like to share something
with you. When I was serving on the Town Board many years ago, there
were times when we would do some of these other things. This committee
has changed a little bit, but you have some of the same members. 1 joined
them in investigating a house in Orient. Well, you never saw anything like
the way these guys go at this. They climb under old cellars. They climb
through crawl spaces. All the time they are investigating and looking at
this house to see the age, and they argue, and they carry on, yes, you.
are right, and no, you are not right. So, I know when they come in.
They are laughing. They know. But, I know when they come in with a
house, they say should be preserved, and it is a landmark, it really is
so, because they've investigated it. Thank you, gentlemen. At this time
I would like to present a proclamation.
Moved by Supervisor Cochran, seconded by the Entire Town Board,
WHEREAS, one of the illnesses most commonly transmitted by the bites of
ticks is Lyme disease, . which if left untreated, can lead to serious
medical complications, and a lifetime of major medical problems; and
WHEREAS, on eastern Long Island many local areas harbor large
numbers of infected ticks, who prefer to live in similar habitat - wooded
areas and nearby grasslands, where they are spread by birds and wild
animals, and where people and pets spend recreation time; and
WHEREAS,. the Danger Months for deer tick bites on eastern Long Island
is May through August, but in some more protected areas ticks may be
active all year 'round; and
WHEREAS, Lyme Disease is evenly distributed between males and
females, and all age groups are affected; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
proclaims the week of JULY 21-27, 1996 as LYME DISEASE AWARENESS
WEEK IN THE TOWN OF SOUTHOLD.
DATED: July 23, 1996.
Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: We feel that it's 'very important that people are
educated to Lyme Disease. We know it is here. We do not feel that it -
hinders tourism, but we feel that we have duty to people, their health and
welfare, that we distribute as much information as we can. We did contact
Southampton' Hospital. In checking with Mr. Nostram, who works out of
our Human Resource Center, and another couple from Orient, who goes .
into the schools, and teaches the young school children about Lyme
Disease, and the preventive measures, or early detection. They ,
recommended the piece from Southampton Hospital, so we contacted
Southampton Hospital. They were gracious in sharing this with us. We
have several large cases. .We� will be putting them in the front hall up
here, and probably down by Judy Terry's Office also. So, if there's
anyone who would like' to" know a little bit more about Lyme Disease we
will it is important; and so we have dedicated the week to awareness.
Thank you.
I . REPORTS.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Next on our agenda is reports. All of our
reports are filed in the Town Clerk's Office. They are listed on the
agenda. If there any that you are interested in you may go down to the .
Town Clerk's Office, and obtain a copy for the information - you seek.
Also, Public Notices and Communications are ,listed on the agenda.
1 . Southold Town Clerk's Monthly Report for June, 1996.
2. Southold Town Justice Evans' Monthly Court Report for June, 1996.
3. Southold Town Justice Price's Monthly Court Report for June, 1996.
1996.4. Southold Town Community Development Monthly Report for June,
5. Southold Town Police Department Monthly Report for June, 1996.
6. Southold Town Planning Board Monthly Report for April, 1996.
7. Southold Town Planning Board Monthly Report for May, 1996.
8. Southold Town Trustees' Monthly Report for June, 1996.
JULY 23, 1996
II . PUBLIC NOTICES.
1 . Army Corp of Engineers, New York District, Request for
comments and public hearing on Proposed Nationwide Permits issued on a
nationwide basis to authorize minor activities. Comments to be received by
August 16, 1996.
2. New York State, Department of Transportation Notice of Order to
reduce speed limit in the Fleet Neck area.
3. Corp. of Army Engineers, New York District, application of
fl Crescent Beach Condo Association to construct pier extension, relocate
float, install six mooring piles to provide additional slips for small
craft, to be used by association residents only.
Ill . COMMUNICATIONS.
1 . Gerald V. Cronin, Director Transportation Operations Suffolk
County Department of Public Works in regard to Supervisor Cochran's
request the extension of bus services to Orient State Park.
2. Charles I . Massoud, President of Long Island Wine Council,
thanking Supervisor Cochran and' the Southold Town Board for the
proclamation that was issued in conjunction with the Focus on Phenolics
symposium.
3. Arline Richter, President of the Kenny's Beach Civic
Association in support of the Peconic County referendum on November
ballot.
4. Allan S. Connell, District Conservationist, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, in regard to USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Service's Wetland Reserve Program.
5. Abigail A. Wickham writing to Elaine Axien in regard to
subdivision approvals.
6. Michael DesGaines, Environmental Educator of Cornell
Cooperative Extension asking for Supervisor Cochran's support of their
On-Farm Compottting Program.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS. None.
V. RESOLUTIONS.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: As you know the Town Board has a policy that
if there -is any resolution upon which we will acting, if you would like to
address the Board in relation to the resolution we will accept that now
before we go into resolutions. If you. would like to share something with
the Town Board other than a resolution, at the end of the meeting we give
anyone the opportunity to address the Board with any of their concerns.
So, if there is anyone that would like to address any of the resolutions
that are on the Town Board agenda, we certainly will take that information
now. Yes, ma'am?
MARY RASKAUSKAS,: This is more in the nature of a question, rather
a comment, relating to Resolution 18. What is the Elder Forum? They're
advertising it, and I wasn't sure.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: It's a forum, which is held, and it's planning
your health care future, and it's done at the Human Resource Center
through Ve McKieghan, who is our Director. They will have guest
speakers, and you will be receiving information tablets for community and
health services, free blood pressure screening, brown bag medication
evaluation, managing your medications, and reading nutrition labels, and a
free continental breakfast. It's being held August 3rd, 8:30 to 2:00
P.M. at the Human Resource in Mattituck.
MARY RASKAUSKAS: Thank you. That was really more information than
I wanted.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: You certainly did open it up so I had the
opportunity to tell the watching public, and perhaps we'll have more
people attend. Is there anyone else, that would like to address the Board
in relation to a resolution? (No response.) Hearing none, we will begin
the resolutions.
JULY 23, 1996
1 •- Moved by Justice Evans, seconded by Councilwoman Hussie, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of ' Southold hereby
authorizes the following modification to the 1996 General Fund Whole Town
1996 budget to provide for vacation -earnings for the recently separated
Data Control Supervisor and a higher than budgeted salary for the
recently hired Computer Programming Supervisor:
To:
A.1680.1 .100.100 Central Data Processing
Personal Services
Full Time Regular Earnings $ 2,000
A. 1680.1 .100.300 Central Data Processing
Personal Services
Full Time Vacation Earnings 3,625
From:
A.1680.1 .200.100 Central Data Processing
Personal Services
Part Time Regular Earnings $ 5,625
I .- Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
2.- Moved by Councilwoman Hussie, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby grants
Highway Department employee Peter Gatz a three month leave-of-absence
for medical reasons, without pay, effective August 1, 1996 through
October 31, 1996.
2.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
3.- Moved by Councilwoman Oliva, seconded 'by Councilwoman Hussie, ' it
was
WHEREAS, Peconic Properties Management, Inc. has made application to
the Town Board of the Town of Southold to dedicate certain roads in
Southold, New York, to be known as "JASMINE LANE" "APPLE COURT",
and "BLOSSOM LANE", as shown on subdivision map entitled, "Map of
Southold Villas", filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of
Suffolk on August 1l, 1993 as Map No. A-4311, together with release
executed by the owner thereof; and
WHEREAS, the Southold Town Superintendent of Highways has inspected
the said highways and has advised the Town Board that said proposed
highways comply in all respects with the specifications for the dedication
of highways in the Town of Southold; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that in accordance with Section 171 of the Highway Law of
the State of New York, consent be and the same is hereby given to the
Superintendent of Highways to make an order laying out the aforesaid
highways, to consist of' lands described in said application as shown on
certain reaps attacl7ed to sa.id.application; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Clerk be and she hereby , is
authorized. and .directed to forthwith cause the dedication, release, and
deed to be recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk,
New York.
3•- Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
4.- Moved by Councilman Townsend, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, . it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes the following modification to the General Fund Whole Town 1996
Budget to amend and correct prior appropriations of Park f, Playground
funds for various purposes:
JULY 23, 1996
T
Ai2ProPGations:
A.7110.2.500.600 Parks, Equipment
Other Equipment
Building at Town Beach 1,500.00
Revenuess
A.2025.00 Special Recreation Facilities $ 9,250.00
A Progriations:
A.7110.2.500.300 Parks, Equipment
Other Equipment
Batliroom Improvements S 1,250.00
A.7110.2.500.350 Parks, Equipment
Other Equipment
Beacli Improvements 3,500.00
A.9901.9.000.100 Transfers to Other Funds
Transfers to Capital Fund 6,000.00,
4•-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
5.-Moved by Justice Evans, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes and directs Supervisor Jean W. Cochran to execute a Project
Agreement Amendment between the New York State Office of Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Town of Southold, to extend
the Mattituck Inlet Park contract no. C002051 from October 5, 1987 -
March 31, 1994 to October 5, 1987 - December 31, -1996.
5.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
6.-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 Central Data Processing 1996
Budget to allow for the purchase of Microsoft word, Microsoft excel, and
Microsoft windows, upgrades:
To:
A.1680.2.4.00.520 Computer Software $ 600.00
From
A. 1680.1 .200.100 Part-time Employees $ 600.00
6.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
7.-Moved by Councilman Townsend, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes the following modification to the Central Data Processing 1996
Budget to cover tuition for classes on the AS/400:
To:
A.1680.4.600.200 Meetings and Seminars $ 1,800.00
From:
A.1680.1 .200.100 Part-time Employees $ 1,800.00
7.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
�:. JULY 23, 1996
AMENDED August 6, 1996 by Resolution #3
8.-Moved by Justice Evans, seconded by Councilwoman Hussie, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby grants
permission to Computer Programming Supervisor Mary Serafino to attend
the following IBM AS/400 workshops at the IBM Education & Training
Center, 590 Madison Avenue, New York, New York: System Operator
Workshop, beginning at 9:00 A.M., Monday, July 22, 1996 through 4:30
P.M. , July 24, 1996, tuition $945.00, and System Administration and
Control, beginning at 9:00 A.M. , Monday,, September 30, 1996 through
12:00 P.M., October 4, 1996, tuition $1,300.00; . and the necessary
expenses for travel, and meals shall be a legal charge to the Central Data
Processing 1996 Budget.
8.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This 'resolution was duly ADOPTED.
9.- Moved by Councilwoman Hussie, seconded by Councilman Townsend, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes and directs Supervisor Jean W. Cochran to execute an
Extension Agreement between the Suffolk County Office for the Aging and
the Town of Southold for extension to the term of the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for the term of March 31, 1996
through March 31, 1997, at a cost not to exceed $31,510.00, all in
accordance with the approval of the Town Attorney.
9.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: We are going to hold Numbers 10, 11, and 12,
which is a change of zone application for Flower Hill Building Corporation.
13.-Moved by Councilwoman Oliva, seconded by Justice Evans,
WHEREAS the Scavenger Waste Treatment Plant is closed on Sundays and
holidays and the Town must incur additional expenses to operate the plant
on an emergency basis on those days; now therefore be. it
RESOLVED that a $100.00 surcharge -is imposed on all scavenger waste
disposals occurring on a day in which the scavenger waste treatment plant
is closed. The surcharge shall be in addition to the usual disposal fee.
13.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
.14.-Moved by Councilwoman Hussie, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes Lawrence Heathcare Administrative Services, Inc. to pay the
'medical claim,- of .Town employee Randall Wells, which claim was submitted
more than 90 days after service by the provider.
14.-Vote of . the jowri Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,.
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
15.-Moved by Councilman Townsend, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes the following modification to the General Fund Whole town 1996
Budget to appropriate additional morii.es received from Columbia Pictures
Productions, Inc. representing reimbursement for services provided by the
Bay Constable:
Revenue:
A.1589.00 Other Public Safety Income
Columbia Pictures $ 2,700
Appropriations:
A.3130.4.400.650 Bay Constable Contractual Expenses
Contracted Services
Vehicle Maintenance E Repairs $ 2,700
15.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
JULY 23, 1996 1.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Just by way of explanation, when the movie was
filmed in Greenport, and .we sat down and worked out traffic control,.: and
so on, and so forth, of course one of the first questions 1 asked was, do
you have a budget? They did have a budget, and thanks to Lieutenant
Conway he worked with the movie people, and we have been reimbursed
for the time that our Bay Constables gave to keep order while they filmed
the movie.
16.-Moved by Councilman Oliva, seconded by Councilman Townsend, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes and directs Supervisor Jean W. Cochran to execute the 1996
Community Development Block Grant Agreement between the Town of
Southold and the County of Suffolk.
16.-Vote - of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
17.-Moved by Justice Evans, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes the establishment of the following Capital Project to include
the new sign and replacement windows for the Human Resource Center:
Capital Project Names: Human Resource Center Improvements
Financing Method: Transfer from General Fund Whole Town
Budget: Revenues:
H.5031.70 Transfers from Otlier Funds S 2,700.00
Appropriations:
fi.1620.2.500.200 Buildings & Grounds, Capital Outlay
Fee for Services, von-employees
Sian 3 1,100.00
H.1620.2.500.300 Buildings & Grounds, Capital Outlay
Fee for Services, von-employees
Windows S 1.600.00
17.- Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
18.- Moved by Councilwoman .Hussie, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
RESOLVED that • the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes Venetia . McK.eighan, Director of Human Services, to
advertise the Elder Forum in The Traverler-Watchman.
18.- Vote of 'the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman „ Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
19.- Moved by Councilwoman Oliva, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
authorizes and directs Supervisor Jean W. Cochran to execute an
agreement between the Town of Southold and John Ski, Fishers Island,
N.Y., to fill and grade certain areas at the Fishers Island Metal Dump to
accomplish the completion of the excavation project.
19.- Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilwoman Hussie, Supervisor Cochran.
Abstain: Councilman Townsend.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
12 JULY 23, 1996
20.-Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold,_.in accordance
with Chapter 32, Boats, Docks and Wharves„ of the Code of the Town of
Southold, hereby grants a Special Permit to Matt-A--;Mar Marina, Mattituck,
N.Y., to hold a non-profit canoe-kyak Slalom Race on Mattituck Inlet on
Saturday, August 31, 1996, beginning at 9:30 A.M. and ending at
approximately 5:00 P.M., with course construction and practice from 1 :00
P.M. to 5:00 P.M.on August 30th; provided they file with the Town
Clerk a One Million Dollar Certificate of Liability Insurance naming the
Town of Southold as an additional insured.
20.-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This 'resolution was duly ADOPTED.
21 .-Moved by Councilwoman Hussie, 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
Seasonal Police Officers for 1997, at a salary of $12.00 per hour.
21 .-Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman OI va, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
22.- Moved by Councilman Moore, seconded by Councilwoman Oliva, It was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
appoints Joseph A. Conway, Sr. provisionally as Chief of Police of the
Town of Southold, effective immediately.
22.- Vote . of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
23.- Moved by Councilman Hussie, seconded by Justice Evans, 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 Chief of Police Joseph A. Conway,
Sr. for the terms and conditions of his employment.
23-- Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
24-- Moved by Councilwoman Oliva, seconded by Justice Evans,
WHEREAS, there has been presented to the Town Board of the Town of
Southold, on the 23rd day. of. July, 1996, a Local Law entitled, "A Local
Law in Relation to Bulk and Parking Schedules"; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that , the Town Clerk be and she hereby is directed to
transmit this Local' Law to, the Southold Town Planning Board and the
Suffolk County Department of Planning for their recommendations and,
reports, . -all in accordance with the Southold Town Code and the Suffolk
County Charter. This Local Law reads as follows:
A Local Law in Relation"to Bulk and Parking Schedules
BE IT ENACTED, by the Town Board of the Town of Southold as follows:
I . Chapter 100 (Zoning) of the .Code of the Town of Southold is
hereby amended as follows:
1 . Section 100-32 (Bulk, area and parking regulations) is
hereby amended by adding the following:
No building or premises shall be used and no building or
Part thereof shall be erected or altered in the
Agricultural Conservation District and in the Low Density
Residential Residential R-80 District unless the same
conforms to the Bulk Schedule and Parking Schedule
'incorporated into this chapter with the same force and
effect as If such regulations were set forth herein full.
24•- Vote of the ' Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
4 2 ie 9
JULY 23, 1996 I j
25.- Moved by Councilman Townsend, seconded by Councilwoman Hussie, it
was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
appoints James Christopher Hudson as a member of the Southold Town
Board of Ethics, effective immediately through December 31, 1999, he to
serve without compensation.
25.- Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
Amended September 3, 1996 by Resolution #10
26.- Moved by Councilwoman Hussie, seconded by Justice Evans, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
appoints Nancy Thompson as Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly
Program (EISEP) Coordinator, effective July 24, 1996, 17-1/2 hours per
week, at a salary of $7.00 per hour.
26.- Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
27.- Moved by Justice Evans, seconded by Councilwoman Hussie, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
appoints Loraine Murphy as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP) Weekend Cook, effective July 24, 1996, 10 hours per
weekend, at a salary of $8.57 per hour.
27.- Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This' resolution was duly ADOPTED.
AMENDED August 20, 1�96 b Res I t'on 31
28.- Moved by Councilwoman Oliva, sYeconde� 1�y ouncilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby
appoints the following individuals as Southold Town Police Officers,
effective upon the the commencement of the Suffolk County Police
Academy, at a salary of $23,194.00 per annum: Scott Latham, Frank J .
Mele, Joseph S. Wysocki, Steven Zuhoski, Peter J . Dicandia,
Kenneth D. Richert.
28.- Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: If I may at this time, we had made the decision
today to hire police officers, and I might add for clarification, we have
six, because we feel that in the next year, at the beginning of the year,
possible the end of the year, we might have two more retirements, and
rather than ' be caught behind, instead of ahead, or at least unbalanced,
we made the decision to hire six police officers. They were notified this
afternoon. If -any of these. police officers are here we would like to have
you stand, and introduce you to the Town Board. Scott Latham, I see
Scott -Latham is here. Congratulations on behalf of the Board, Scott.
Frank Mele, congratulations on behalf of the- Board. Joe Wysocki,
don't think Joe is here tonight. He, might be working. Steven Zuhoski,
congratulations on behalf of the Board. Peter J. Dicandia, am I saying
that right? Kenneth Richert, congratulations. I would like to say that
we welcome you to the Southold Town Police Force. We expect a
professional job, and you'll give us your all. It's a good job in the
town. I think any young man is fortunate to have it, and we look
forward to your good career in joining a professional police force. At
this time I would like to call forth Lieutenant Joe Conway, who is now
Chief Conway. On behalf of the Town Board we congratulate you, Joe.
We know that you will do a good job for us, and we will let you hang in
for a little while, so congratulations. At this time may I call Mrs.
Conway, Maggie, up front here. We're going to ask Maggie to do the
honor of pinning the Chief's badge on her husband. At this time we ask
14 JULY 23, 1996
if there is anyone in the audience, that would like to address the Town
Board, but first I would. like to make several comments. There's been a
great deal of information, mailings, letters. Not only are we getting
letters con, and so there is all fractions, and what we would like to do
is begin, or to try to clarify some of the information that is being
dispersed in relation to the Cross Sound Ferry. I am calling on July
30th, which is next Tuesday, a special meeting here at Town Hall at
7:30. Hopefully the Channel 27 can be with us. We're very fortunate in
that they cover these kinds of meetings, so that a greater audience than
what attends in person can also watch and hear. The meeting will consist
of Richard Ward from the Planning Board, Gerry Goehringer from the
Zoning Board, Frank Yakaboski, who is our special attorney, and Laury
Dowd, our Town Attorney, and myself. I'm asking the Town , Board
members to attend.. We will share with you information as to the process,
what is happening, and what position we are at, at this time. Following
that, I would say within the next three weeks, as soon as we can get the.
letter out, we will be inviting County and State officials down here to
Southold. I will be requesting of them that they support us, and try and
help us, and find ways in solving this problem. We don't say that there
is going to be an end to the ferry, because that is not realistic, but the
problem of traffic throughout the town belongs to all of us from Laurel to
Orient Point. It is not just an Orient problem. It is a problem for the
entire township. Many of you are aware this summer of the many, many
accidents we have had on the North Road. We are having difficulty. We
are still trying to, get the light on Horton's Lane, and I think it is time
that we hold County and State officials as resposible for some of what
must happen, and looking at this entire problem. So, the meeting is next
Tuesday, July 30th, here at Town Hall at 7:30. Following that you will
be given the date for the meeting with the County and State officials. At
this time now I will go, into taking any comments from the audience, if
there, is anything you would like to share with the Town Board at this
time. Anna?
ANNA COSIMANO: My name is Anna Cosimano. I'm a resident of
Southold. I didn't think I would be back at the Town Hall again, but 1
would clarify two things that were in the local paper last week. Number
one, Councilwoman Alice Hussie was ultimately excepted as a member of
the North Fork Animal Welfare League. Number two, the hearing date is
set for Wednesday, August 28th, not the 23rd. Number three, the
Suffolk County SPCA never spoke to me, or the other workers at the
Shelter, so how can they say the vet's act of kicking the dog in the head
was acceptable. Number four, area veterinarians did not recommend the
euthanasia of Yana. The area vets, so to speak, are the two vets that
work at the shelter, and one of them was the one who kicked a large,
quote, unquote, dog in the head, as he was being held down by an animal
worker. Number five, all the checks and 'cards that were among the 158
where all authorized. I, myself, wrote fifteen- checks for people who
didn't have their checks with them at the time, at the time they signed
up, so I took their money, and made a check out in their name together
with the card that had' their name, address, and telephone number on it.
If the . league was' so worried about (tape change) The six member
committee who secretly euthanasia Yana, consisted of two veterinarians,.
two Board of Directors, and .-two workers on the Euthanasia Committee.
These six people, again, I say secretly euthanasia Yana on March 6,
1996 without telling the workers, "the other Board of Directors, or the
lawyers. The adoption was still in litigation. Why would they do something
like this so secret? I'I I tell you why. On December 17, 1995, when
workers would not sign a form stating that Yana was vicious, and was
unadoptable. When I heard what they were going to do to Yana, I
immediately called the lawyer to help me adopt her. As I was turned down
in November, 1995, after the vet incident at the shelter. That's why
these six people killed her secretly. It's sad and unfortunate I couldn't
save Yana, but there's many, many animals still at the shelter, that the
ad hoc Animal Rescue Committee can save, and that's in answer to a lot
of questions that have been asked to me from, you know, ,the response in
the paper last week, so thank you.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Thank you, Anna, Mr. Bitses?
' � 1
JULY 23, 1996
JIM BITSES: As most people know by now, the ad hoc Rescue
Committee was formed to rescue the animals in the Shelter. The Shelter
has been taken over by six people, and the first thing they did was to
block public access, and public scrutiny. They stopped the voluntary
programs, and eventually they closed the gates, and built a Berlin wall
around the Animal Shelter, so that no one could determine the condition of
the animals, or what was happening to them. A group of public spirited
citizens got together, and 158 of them applied for membership. The idea
being 158 people would go in there, and vote these people out of office.
These six people intend to stay in office at any cost, particularly cost
to the animals. The short of it is they rejected out of hand 158
memberships, which included of course, as you know by now, the current
Supervisor, and our senior Board member Alice Hussie. In any event,
they .relied on a section of the by-laws, which says they have a right to
reject any individual member or cause. Before I get to the judge, we
therefore took the suggestion of Bill Moore here, and went into court
because that's about we could do at that point. The reason we went into
court was to have equitable hearing, and stop any prospective vote before
it would be analyzed, and decided upon by a judge of the Supreme Court.
We made a motion to our attorney to adjourn the election, and the Judge
granted our motion, and did adjoin the election. They can not hold the
election on July 31st. The reason I mentioned July 31st is that on
the 89th day before July 31st they started to sign up members
knowing full well that the by-laws said that you have to be a member for
ninety days before you can vote. This is the kind of chicanery that they
have been using all along, and it all started with the assassination of
Yana. These are the kind of people who are controlling the Animal
Shelter, and who are hanging in there, even though they are going to be
cannon balled out at the next election. The next election will be called
by, the judge., The judge will tell us ' when the next election is going to
be. Now, these people use the simplistic method of invoking the by-laws.
The by-laws say this, and the by-laws say that, even though for thirty
years the by-laws have never been invoked for any of the purposes, that
they mentioned. What happens is, that they have invoked the
exclusionary clause improperly, as the judge pointed out. The judge
pointed out that the exclusionary clause involves individuals. It does
not involve an in mass exclusion. It involves proper cause, which they
have never approached because they don't have proper cause. Also, their
lawyers have forgotten that the law is not just the written law. It is
not just the statutory law. It is not just the word of the law. It is an
equity in the law, and equity springs from the canonical law of the Middle
Ages, when people could not get redress of grievances by rich, which was
the written law in those days, even though they had justice on their side
they would go to the Bishop's Courts, and say, give us equity here. We
are in distress,and that how canonical courts rose to a level equal to the
lower courts, and in fact eventually the equity in the lower courts,
joined, and now, if you fail to .recognize equity you do so at your peril..
The equity law, part that •is -called equity, seems to be more important
than the statutory part, which is rigid or major. People are always being
excluded because, of wording. In this case, one of the first things the
judge said was .there are certain equities to be considered. As soon as he
said that the shooting match was over, because when you consider the . .
equities - the fact that the sections there in the vote have never in vote
in the past.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Mr. Bitses, would you address the Town
Board, and please, bring it to conclusion. We would like to move along,
and give other people the opportunity.
JIM BITSES: We are very close to the conclusion. And the judge will
conclude this matter, I believe, to our satisfaction, and to the Town's
satisfaction. I'm going to ask the people out there to help us in this
effort, to join with us in this effort. Thank you, folks.
SUPERIVSOR COCHRAN: Will there anyone else that would like to
address the Town Board? Mr. Siegmann?
16 JULY 23, 1996
ED SIECMANN: Madam Chairman, and the rest of
heBoard,
I would
give you
like to make a request for TaxPac to the Boartonight.
my reasons why, and I'll give you some results of what I think can come
out of what we're going to propose. Number one, you know that in the
last Board they appointed a Taxing Committee to investigate all of the
taxing agencies in Southold Town. For some reason, whatever reason it
is, that taxing committee after making their report, and then going to the
next step of trying to make some recommendations. I understand that
taxing committee has been dismissed. We would like to see that taxing
committee again be revived. Let me tell you what prompted this. I read in
the paper last week about how Town Board says Southold has the type
that relevant. I also see that the public has been notified by the
Mattituck-Laurel Library, that they intend to put in an extension on the
library for a million and half dollars. Now, you can build six $250,000
houses for a million and half dollars. Why it would take a million and a
half dollars to put. an extension on the Matti tuck-Laurel Library? We don't
quite understand. 'The Mattituck School put an extension on two stories,
two classrooms, a. nurse's office, and hallways, and an elevator that
stopped at four floors, for $550,000. If they can do that over at the
school I can't imagine what a $1,500,000 would buy over at the library.
We believe that if' these libraries are brought together, discussions took
place, there could-,- be a lot of economical advantages for the taxpayer in
Southold Town. The next thing that we're interested in is all of the
schools are now scrambling to have construction of some kind, which they
need, because their enrollment is going, and there has to be more
classroom space ' made for the children. They should look at the
possibility of making a central high school. If - you made a central high
school there would be plenty of space in the buildings that are left for
your primary school, and for your middle school. Riverhead has a central
high school. It works. . Plus the fact that the State is willing to give
money to the schools out here in Southold for study on what it would mean
to build a central high school, and if that study could show that money
could be saved through having a central high school, there is money
available from the' State for construction. Now, I know it's going to be
problem to try to get all these school boards together, to agree on
something like this, but I think it's the duty and the responsibility of
our leaders in Southold Town, even though they don't sit on the school
board. ' It's the duty of the leaders to look into the future of what it
means as far as taxes concerning the public mean to them, and if these
things were brought together, these organizations were brought together,
I think some of this business would be eliminated where one small town
builds something, next town looks at it in the same category, and says,
hey, me, too, I have got to top that, and down the list everybody has got
to top what the other town did. I think if you got some of these taxing
agencies together, and discussed these problems with them, I think you
could well achieve some of the things we're interested in. Just let me
close by giving you one example of how things can be achieved. I think
one of the things that we see- happening are these golden parachutes when
people retire, and I think you know what I mean by a golden parachute..
There are people retiring out of the school system, that are receiving as
much as: $47,000 ;the day ;that they retire for unused sick leave. They are
allowed to add that to their pension time for the last five years to
increase - their - pensions. In= the Mattituck-Cutchogue school district the
Board did an excellent job in the last negotiations. They eliminated that
for all new teachers that are 'starting there now. If they hadn't
eliminated just let me show you what that means to the taxpayer. Starting
two years ago, and a period of ten years if all of the teachers who
reached the age of 55 would retire, it would cost the Matti tuck-Cutchogue
taxpayer two and a half million plus. Now, we're not going to save that
money now, because the present teachers that are working there when
they retire they are still going to get this money. But what was achieved
by TaxPac in that operation is to the benefit of the people that are
going to be here later on. They won't be faced with a two and a half
million dollars payment, and this is one of the reasons, that we think you
ought to take an interest in it, reappoint, that committee, and we can be
helpful for that committee in any way, we will. Thank you.
JULY 23, 1996
17
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Thank you, Ed. We've had part of this
conversation before in relation to the committee. The committee was
created, and finished it's work under the last administration. They
presented their report, that they were an ad hoc committee. The time
frame had run out. It is my philosophy, as Supervisor, that the Town
Board is elected to do the job of keeping an eye on taxes, and presenting
a budget that the community can live with. As far as your libraries, and
your school boards, the public elects people to represent them in those
areas, and it is a matter of getting schools to work together. I think
you have to work through the schools themselves, and you have to work
through the libraries themselves, if you want to see a centralization, and
a bringing together. I have been asking, and seeking, the interest of
some of these groups in, at least, getting together, and sitting down, and
discussing vandalism, and graffiti throughout the town. This has not yet
been successful. For the first time we got together park districts last
year, and had them work together in solving some of the problems. When
the community elects people to represent them on the school board. These
are the people they expect to make the decisions within the school area.
We have been elected as, town officials. We are the legislatures of the
Town of Southold. It does not mean to say that we certainly would not be
interested, but I think it is the role of the school, and the libraries to
take the lead. That's my philosophy. Thank you, Mr. Siegmann.
ED SIEGMANN: Can you answer me, please.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: I don't know if there is an answer. I'm making a
statement.
ED SIEGMANN: I'd like_ to give you answer to what you say.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Go ahead.
ED SIEGMANN: I don't have any quarrel with the fact that these people
in separate towns, they elect their people to represent them on these
matters. But, I think when there is a attitude, and this is what I was
told, when I went to the Board meeting for Mattituck-Cutchogue in
reference to the $1,500,000, here's the answer I. got. Well, let's put it
up to the voter. If they vote for it, fine. If they vote it down we'll go
back to the drawing board. Now, if that's the attitude, then I think the
responsibility ought to come to the people, who represent the entire town,
who I'm not saying to tell them what they have to do, but to try to get
them together, not to have that type of an attitude. There are a lot of
people in this town, that can afford to pay tax increase, but there are a
lot of people can't afford to pay.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: We realize that, Ed. Thank you for your input.
Is there anyone else that would like to address the Board?
HANK KUHN: Hank Kuhn, Oakwood Road in Laurel. Were there
any discussions concerning the replacement over Brushes Creek, public
discussions before ,this project?
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Not =really, no. It's under the jurisdiction of
the Highway Department. We went to bid for it. The money came from
the State. It's part of the Highway, so it more or less does fall under
the jurisdiction of the Highway Department, Superintendent of Highways.
HANK KUHN: The problem is, that the people on North Oakwood
Road have lost some of their property rights by the reduction of the
height of the bridge, either property rights, or property value,_ however
you want to look at it. I feel there should have been a broader discussion
of the changes of the old bridge to the new bridge before the construction
proceeded.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: I can say, as Supervisor, I was concerned. I
did have calls on it. It was after the fact. It is really a horrible
looking bridge. I think the Engineer, if 1 remember correctly now, I think
it was a matter of a difference of four inches. I offered to go under it
with him.
HANK KUHN: Irrespective of that fact you changed the type of the
bridge. You had a flat bridge, and you changed it to a. .
JULY 23, 1996
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: It's a pre-constructed bridge. It was $35,000
cheaper than the next option that they could have. The money wasn't
there.
HANK KUHN: If you have four inches in the center, but if you have a
four or six inch rowboat, it multiplies several times, so . by the two sides
you've got twelve or fourteen inches.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: When I had the complaints I called the Town
Engineer to go down. I went down with Jim McMahon from Community
Development. We talked to neighbors down there. They seemed to be
satisfied once the bridge was completed, and they were still able to have
access to the bay.
HANK HUHN: Very limited access.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: It was limited before, depending on the tide,
also.
HANK HUHN: You reduced that access even further.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: If you would like to come in and talk with the
Superintendent of Highways. It's under his jurisdiction.
HANK HUHN: I've tried to call him. I've spoken to Jamie Richter.
I've spoken to someone in the Board of Trustees. I forget their name.
The problem as I see it is that without giving adequate voice to the
people in the community on projects such as this, it gets going, and it's
finished, and then you're faced with a completed fact, and there's nothing
you can do about it. You're living in a community in which boating is a
large. component. There was no consideration, as far as I could tell . to
any boating interests. The Town is giving permits for 'docks north of
that bridge, and yet boating was not considered. If you stand on that
bridge on both sides you can see boats, and yet . boating was not
considered. It just doesn't make sense to me. The Highway Department
was concerned about the highway. The Trustees are concerned about
water flow. The Engineer was concerned about cost, and strength, but no
one was concerned about access to the bay by the people who live on that
creek. I think there should be some provision by the Town Board to look
into these things in the future, and get some access to the public before.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: We certainly will in the future. Thank you for
your suggestion. Is there anyone else who would like to address the
Town Board?.
JACK HOFFMAN: My name is Jack Hoffman. I represent the Fleet's Neck
Property Owners Association here tonight, and it's in regard to public
notices, item number two; New York State DOT Notice of Order of
Reduction of 35 MPH speed limit to 30 MPH in the Fleet's Neck area. I
would assume that would. mean from the Main Road down into Fleet Neck.
Is that-correct? ,1 `would Just like to bring this back to the membership.
Does this mean, no matter what it covers, I assume it would cover
Pequash...Avenue right down to the Fleet's Neck area. Would this mean
that this is final now, this will be enforced by the Southold Town Police?
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Yes, it would be. The change will probably
have to be posted. The Highway will change the signs down to thirty.
JACK HOFFMAN: The signs will be changed within a reasonable length of
time?
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Then I'm sure the Police Department will be
enforcing that change. Usually we work, and no one ever asks a question
about public notices, and they are back on the bulletin board.
TOWN CLERK TERRY: And it does describe the length of the area in
question.
JACK HOFFMAN: Thank you very much.
t i
JULY 23, 1996 ,
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Would anyone else like to address. the Town
Board? (No response.) If not, I will call on the Town Board, if they
have anything to report at this time. Louisa? Alice?
COUNCILWOMAN HUSSIE: I don't have anything to report, but I would
like to reiterate, and bring to the people's attention again the fact that
this week is Lyme Disease Awareness Week. I am a recipient of Lyme
Disease, I guess you can call it. I have to tell you, if you catch it
early, it's not bad, and please, come and get one .of these booklets that
talks about it. It starts out almost as if you have the flu, but don't be
fooled, especially at this time of year. That's all I want to say. I'm
glad that we're doing this.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Mr. Townsend?
COUNCILMAN TOWNSEND: I haven't got too much to say, but I would
like to address the comments, that Mr. Seigmann gave relevant to the
Committee on Local Taxes. They presented two reports, and it's been
discussed here, and the results were discussed. The results of the
reports were also discussed. As the Supervisor pointed out the committee
was intended to serve for a certain length of time, and come up with a
preliminary and filed report. The first report dealt with the nature of
the increase of taxes, where it comes from, where the dramatic increases
have been, and it was very, very informative. We learned what had
grown most rapidly in town, what areas we had to look out for, and so
forth. The second offered some theoretical possibilities in terms of
reducing costs in those areas. The largest cost of the town to deal with
is labor. That has grown the fastest, as one would expect. I'm not going
to bore you with statistics, but it has been dramatically increased over
the past ten years. What the Town Board is doing is to look at that very
carefully. A couple of days ago we had a meeting of a .group that was
looking at police management, not to scare the policeman that come in.
It's a very good job, and. it will continue to be a good job, but we're
looking. at ways in which we might reduce labor costs,- and have even a
more effective police force. We're going to take the precepts, and the
suggestions of that committee, and I think we're going to use them to the
benefit of the town as we deal with the budget, at least that is my
intention, and I think there's a good possibility that, that tax committee
will have served a very good purpose.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Thank you, Joe. Ruth?
COUNCILWOMAN OLIVA: As you know we had a conference about the
problem, not just with Goldsmith's Inlet, but from Duck Pond Point to
Horton Point. We had three consultants come, very well known consultants
come here from Florida, and South Carolina, and the University of
Maryland. They are busy preparing a report, which will be collated by the
Department of State. We will be having an informational meeting for all
those people that live west of Goldsmith's Inlet, as well as those people
living east of Goldsmith's Inlet, August 5th. It's a Monday night at
7:30 P.M., and we invite everybody to come. We will be sending out
notices to those people that were here. But those people who were not
here, we invite you to come to listen to the report, that will be given by
the Department of State. Thank you.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: Thank you, Ruth. Bill?
COUNCILMAN MOORE: Our Code Committee met last week. One of the
issues that . was bouncing around the last couple of weeks was jet skis,
and the personal watercraft. We thought we had some consensus on how
to go about doing something. We were going to move forward today. As we
met as a Board we began to ask more questions, than we had answers to,
so we bounced that back to try to address overall watercraft, and safety
concerns as to swimming areas, and windsurfers, and a variety of other
things. The Code Committee is going to take a look at that. On Joe's
comment to you, Mr. Siegmann, the final report that came out on that
tax group made one interesting comment, and that was we haven't
attempted to address implementation of these ideas, specifically in the
State of New York, or the Town of Southold. When you read their report
it's helpful, and it has a lot of good ideas, and I've read other reports,
and books on consolidation, and saving money. You can really feel
handcuffed by some of the processes by which you have to work, and the
tricky part here is finding an ability to implement some of the ideas in
JULY 23, 1996
those reports within the framework, that we have to work in. In going to
the Association of Towns meeting back in February I went to one program
specifically, police department's label, privatization, and programs ..for
tax savings. It was a , fifteen minute program. The guy was not
particularly well prepared, and there was no way you could implement
some of the these ideas that people have talked about theoretically within
some of the constraints with which we operate in the government system,
in Civil Service, and other things, so don't think we haven't attempted to
read about, think about, and try to find ways. Each time we go to spend
money we are constantly thinking of ways to save .at the same time with
retirement incentives, and some other things as well. So, that report
hasn't sat on the shelf unthought about.
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: I would just like to share with you that I did
attend a opening of a retreat in Riverhead hospital, Central Suffolk. It's
been a long time coming, but we now have an agency in the hospital in
Riverhead for the purpose of battered members of the family, male,
female, children. So, that',s a plus, and Southold will be taking advantage
of that. In fact, we have one judge that has already made a 'referral, so
that's a plus. Also, I'd like to thank the Cutchogue Fire Department. We
had a small little "blaze up at the landfill. Our piles of wood chips, and
compost were too tightly packed, and too high, so they've been knocked
down to smaller piles, but the Cutchogue Fire Department was called, and
so on behalf of the Board I extend a thank you for the service that you
provided the town. Nancy, congratulations on your new position with the
town. Good luck to you. You were hired tonight by the town to work for
the Human Resource Center, and good luck to you on your job. I would
like to close tonight's meeting with a moment of silence. Sir, you raised
your hand.
JULIS 'CARGANI : I'm Mr. Gargani, Southold. It relates to what Mr.
Townsend was saying, and I'll keep it very short, because. I spend a lot
of time on the bench outside his store, and I enjoy it very much. What
I'm getting at really is when you envision tax increases, obviously you
have to pay strict attention to bills that have to be paid. What I'm
wondering is, is any projection given to the demographics of new
construction. Is there any balance, for instance, between population, new
increases, construction, etc. as it relates to a proposed budget?
SUPERVISOR COCHRAN: I would like to close tonight's meeting with a
moment of silence for the passengers of TWA Flight 300. Would you,
please, join me in a moment of silence. Amen. May I have a motion to
adjourn?
Moved by Councilwoman Oliva, seconded by Councilman Moore, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board meeting be and hereby is adjourned at
8:4F P.M. .
Vote of the Town Board: Ayes: Councilman Moore, Justice Evans,
Councilwoman Oliva, Councilman Townsend, Councilwoman Hussie,
Supervisor Cochran.
This resolution was duly ADOPTED.
udith T. Terry
Southold Town Clerk