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Huntington
(631) 421-5164

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Don’t forget – Vote for the School Board & Budget is May 20^th, in the meantime...

Notes on the Town Board Work Session
May 13, 2008

1. Jim Dougherty, Supervisor, made two announcements:

A. Attorneys for Rehab center proposed for Ram’s Head Inn called. Claiming that they do not have to go to ZBA. Town disagrees. Town position is that they have to go to ZBA
B. Vincent Palmer, Deer and Tick Committee reported that they can increase the number of stations. Town Board still concerned about residents’ continuing issues.. Have now over 50, goal was 60. Can increase beyond that, but no pressure to do so.

2. Water Advisory Committee

John Halliman, Chair, presented data for monitoring wells. Looked at averages over 20 years. Down from 7% to 61%. Ponds are down. Last year was a stronger recharge year. This year not getting the recharge. Had meeting last night and suggest more monitoring of sprinklers, which are the worse culprit for water use (abuse).
Police give warnings not tickets.

Will take another reading soon.

Will up educational activities. Articles in paper. Ad in paper with the data.

Recommend having two wells for new houses that are near wetlands..

Open space acquiescing in fragile areas will help.

3. Mark Ketchem

A. Town Hall Generator— No money available from State or County authorities.

B. First Causeway - Went to DEC to review permits. They want more elaboration on the necessity of the project.

C. Second Causeway - Visitor from NYS Transportation Dept. They have to approve before US Highway Dept. can fund.

D. New Town Bailer for cardboard at Recycling Center. - Needs fixing. Under warranty.

E. Recycling - Mark went to a conference at Lake George.
Need new scales.

F. Wades Beach
Volleyball court ready soon
Building needs upgrading.

4. Proposed amendments to Community Land Preservation Law (2% Funds)

James Dougherty: Bill introduced that addresses East Hampton issues not necessarily all of the 5 towns. Seems East Hampton may have abused 2% funds.

5. First Quarter Review of Financials

A. Good news: Budget vs. Actuals – there are no significant variances
B. Bad news: Town runs seasonally, so hard to project for whole year.

6. Auditors Management Letter
Do not have sufficient checks and balances in Town functions—Problem is small staff. Not worth hiring more staff to provide checks and balances.

7. Wetlands’ permits

A. Crocker—Little Ram Island

Public hearing—water issue from neighbors

Reich: geothermal issues—deep drilling which can bring salt water into aquifer.

Two wells would help.

Tennis court

B. Harris—Montclair Colony
Not discussed


8. Around the Table

A. Ed Brown

Ell Grass projects

Beaches—Wade’s Beach will be positive. Very important given Shell Beach and Crescent Beach problems

B. Peter Reich

Utility poles are being replaced—good sign, they are being proactive.
Responding to pressure

C. Jim Dougherty

Sunset Beach—met with the management. Went over list of issues. They seemed to be responsive.
Will stay on top of this and keep meeting with Sunset Beach.
Fireworks permit—finally received request from the Chamber of Commerce
Continuing to purchase land and development rights through 2%.

D. Glenn Waddington
Water issues
Cablevision concerns

E. Chris Lewis

Joined Jim at the Sunset Beach meeting

Adjournment

Stephen Gessner
for The League of Women Voters of Shelter Island