• $15,000 for rails to create the fence enclosure

• $12,600 to purchase a bike rack, two trash bins, picnic tables of durable plastic which are wheelchair accessible; 5 benches, and a gazebo.
     For water conservation, the Committee recommends installing a cistern and drip irrigation, as the most cost-effective method. But before work begins, the Committee believes the bulkhead should be re-examined for necessary repairs, having noticed increased leakage and soil loss in one corner. She and engineer Matt Sherman plan to meet with a representative of Costello Marine to do necessary repair before other improvements are put in place.
     Supervisor Dougherty said the Town¹s goal is to get the park at least partly usable before the end of June. Vicky and Matt outlined the steps: bulkhead repair first, then grading, a crushed concrete base, construction of a boardwalk, railing, plantings and some benches to be in place before July 1.
     Councilman Peter Reich asked if the Board wanted to discourage dinghies from tying up at this spot? If so, a fence would limit access to street level; perhaps there should be a gate. Councilwoman Chris Lewis opined that the Town doesn’t really need to accommodate dinghies at this spot. Councilman Glenn Waddington asked Highway Superintendent Ketcham if the Town planned to put a handicap parking space somewhere on Bridge Street. The answer was yes, probably in front of Dering Harbor Realty, adjacent to the Town Dock. Supervisor Doughterty commended the Park Committee for its work. Councilman Brown asked if the boardwalk path could be staked out so people could get an idea of where it would be. Vicky said this is a good idea and will be done.

Lindsey Quiggle of Energy Consultant Specialists [ECS] – Highway Superintendent Ketcham introduced Tracy Penner of ECS, who gave a presentation to the Town Board outlining what her company can offer to the Town: a plan already being used by Riverhead, Southampton and Farmingdale so far. It works like this: when the company is notified by the New York State Independent Systems Operator (SISO) that a potential for power brownouts is looming (usually 24 hours’ notice), then the company asks its customers to cut back on electricity use. In return for doing so, the company reimburses its customers $30 for every kilowatt conserved. Theoretically, if the Town used its 180-kilowatt generator at the Highway Dept. to full capacity, the Town could be reimbursed as much as $6K. Last summer there were no brownout “events”, she noted, but the company pays its customers just for being on call (standby) to reduce power; and another payment is made if an “event” takes place. The company would notify a customer 24 hours in advance to turn down its air conditioners. The company also provides its customers with a free meter, to yield interval data for each day the Town is in the program. Also, the company will provide a free audit. Enrollment in the program is free, and there is a cash rebate for each event, no matter how many hours it lasts. Measurement is calculated by studying a customer¹s LIPA bill for the previous year, to determine past peak demand periods.
     Mark Ketcham commented that past Town administrations have talked about doing an energy audit; he observed that since this doesn’t cost the town anything to sign up for the program, it’s a win-win situation for us. Tracy added that the company even would reimburse the Town for the fuel it used to run its generator during an “event.”
     Town Attorney Dowd noted that the Town has six facilities; how would rebates be apportioned? Tracy answered that it all depends on the size of each facility; each one could receive a separate payment, or they could be enrolled together. Councilman Brown wondered how the company makes its money? Tracy answered that the company is paid by SISO, and then can sell the KWs saved on the open market. Emory Breiner asked who notifies the company of a potential brownout? Answer: SISO.

Joan Gilroy,Cablevision-Digital Conversion– Ms. Gilroy explained the upcoming digital conversion which TV set owners will need to participate in. Laury Dowd noted that the first is taking place in just two weeks. Ms. Gilroy explained this is “digital migration,” shifting analog reception to digital for 9 cable channels: C-Span; C-Span 2; The learning Channel; Arts & Entertainment; Science Fiction; Educational TV; Animal Planet; Travel & QVC. Beginning May 13, these channels will be deleted from analog transmission and can be seen only on digitally-equipped sets. 85% of Cablevision’s customers now have digital reception, but the remaining 15% will be out of luck to see those channels after May 13, unless they install a digital box.

     To make things easier for customers, Cablevision will offer one box for “IO navigation” to each customer, free for one year, if it is obtained by the customer by August 10. The current monthly charge for a box is $6.50; Ms. Gilroy declined to respond to questions by Mark Karnavogel about what the charge will be after one year. The digital installation will not affect reception for CD and DVD players.
     Ms. Gilroy went on to explain that beginning February 17, 2009, Congress has mandated that all broadcast channels (networks) must begin transmitting in digital signals. This mandate is called “broadband reclamation,” and has been devised as a result of 9/11, when the government realized that it did not have enough broadband access for emergency purposes. The price of this digital box will be $70, but each household will be entitled to two $40 rebate coupons. TV sets more than two years old will need a converter box. Channel 22 will not be affected. Chris Tehan wondered if his bill would go down if his access to those 9 channels is cut off. Answer: no, because Cablevision will be offering a greater number of channels with the box. Councilman Waddington and Mark Karnavogel each wondered if a household would need two boxes. Ms. Gilroy said this was speculative, but reiterated that one free box is offered now.
The issue of traveling to Riverhead to get a box was discussed. Ron Lucas suggested distribution might be coordinated through the Senior Citizens Center. Ms. Gilroy said Cablevision could arrange, through the Town, to spend a day on Shelter Island and hook up everyone who needs a box.

FEMA Funding of Shell Beach Restoration –  Mark Ketcham reported that the State Emergency Management Office notified him that he would be receiving all necessary  documentation for the Town to receive a $640K grant for re-building Shell Beach. It arrived today, and with a flourish he presented it to the Board. Meanwhile, the Town will continue to appeal FEMA’s ruling from its Washington HQ denying us the additional $300K grant. However, work can commence during the appeal process. Supervisor Dougherty noted that Congressman Tim Bishop’s office was instrumental in helping us learn who at FEMA in DC was disapproving of the project, and in unraveling some of the red tape.
     Meanwhile, Supervisor Dougherty has received a call from Gretchen Madlen in the New York State Department of Coastal Management, notifying him that since the Army Corps of Engineers (which must issue the final permit) coordinates with her office, her office wants to verify that our project is consistent with their policies. A conference call between the Supervisor, Mark Ketcham and the State Coastal Management office was postponed from today to 10:30 a.m. tomorrow. The Supervisor says apparently the State wants to make the scope of our project smaller by eliminating groins and jetties which, he noted, will allow the erosion to continue. He wants to see the beach usable by some point this summer, but Mark Ketcham said he cannot seek bids for the work until we get the OK from the State. “If it isn’t one agency, it’s another,” he observed, prompting the Supervisor to recollect that it was the Fish & Wildlife Service which derailed the Ram Island Causeway project.  Emery Brenner wondered if the Town has been caught in the Peconic Estuary’s goal of eliminating all groins.

Goat Hill Historic Designation – After recognizing SICC President, Betty Kontje, Ron Lucas, Trustee of the Shelter Island Country Club [“Goat Hill”] reviewed the status of long-discussed historic designation of SICC.  He noted that in the mid-1980s, the Heights received Historic District designation, but at the time Goat Hill was eliminated from the District because of concerns about the clubhouse. The Trustees believe there are no restrictions now, and want to apply for historic district designation for the golf course as well as the clubhouse, noting that the golf course was laid out in 1901-- one of the first in the U.S. – and has remained virtually unchanged since having been designed as a Scottish Links course.. They are asking for a statement of support from the Town Board, which will be given by adopting a resolution “right after May 9th,” authorizing the SICC trustees to proceed with the application on the Town’s behalf. “It’s a jewel really,” said Jim Dougherty, to which Mr. Lucas replied, “Yes, it is.  And we want to make it a diamond.”

Mooring Decisions – Mooring/dock decisions: three had been postponed: Tamarkan’s mooring with swim float on Peconic Avenue; Bergman’s dock on Little Ram; and King’s application, which it was decided, would not be approved until trees planted on Town property had been removed. Councilman Ed Brown raised the issue of safety on the swim float mooring and wondered if it should be “tossed back to the WMAC.  Councilwoman and Deputy Supervisor pointed out that the WMAC had approved 5-0.  “Riparian rights are a strong influence and we have to take a leap of faith here,” opined Jim Dougherty. The Board tentatively agreed to vote on all three next Tuesday, since it will not have a quorum on May 9, due to the absence of councilman Reich and Councilwoman Lewis.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Barbara Lieblein Allen, Shelter Island resident, asked for clarification of terms from the recent hearing on affordable housing, specifically, confirmation of 5-year permit(s) and annual inspections.  Town Attorney, Laury Dowd confirmed terms as proposed, noting that no action has yet been taken by the Town.

   Ms. Allen also questioned the safety and/or proper use of  waterfront property on Winthrop road as a boat launching since to do so requires backing into an intersection, which she noted she had personally observed.  There was some discussion about Town or private ownership – Linda Holmes thought it might have been owned by Andrew Fiske – with conclusion being in favor of the latter.  Mark Ketcham noted it was not marked as a Town landing; Peter Reich pointed ut there is no other access to the water in Dering Harbor – and that it is permissible to drive on and launch from any beach with a Shelter Island beach permit.

Highway Superintendent, Mark Ketcham reported that going to meetings and meeting legislators – “Advocacy Day” in Albany with other East End Town Highway Superintendents –  has really paid off.  The $78K he got for Shelter Island last year (used for paving) has been increased to $90K this year, he said.

     Mr. Ketcham also reported on the results of a spring service analysis on the used-oil burner in the Highway Building – 2,235 hours of use, averaging $2.78 [per gallon?], resulting in a $17K savings to the Town.

     He also reported the VAC Truck has been delivered; Ed Brown requested a review of costs -

•  Bid a $280, Came in at $249K + a 50 percent grant from the DEC, resulting in an actual cost of $120K (for a $250K piece of equipment) – plus, additional savings to be realized from “Shared Services” agreements, specifically with Southold and Greenport, and shared-services grants (reimbursements from NYS), which will pick up the slack where quid quo pro match-ups are not made.

        Ed Brown asked if the VAC Truck would be used on private properties, the answer to which was “not without Town approval.”  He also asked about Wade’s Beach, and Mr. Ketcham recapped progress –