Town Board - Regular Meeting

Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Right. Um, is there anyone from the public who wishes to make a comment on anything that has is not subject to public hearing or on today's agenda? Okay. Um then we will go to the top lot upgrade and grant funding. Lisa Shaw, you're here to present. Good morning everybody. Um we uh [snorts] you'll see a sign hopefully soon in front of what is the top lock on full street and we want to undergo we're planning an upgrade for that area. 30 years ago, a wonderful group of moms got together and put together a plan and did some fundraising and created that space for, in my opinion, an underserved uh population in Shelter Island, which is the little guys. You know, we take care of a lot of people on Shelter Island, but we don't take care of our little ones always. So, um, and that was 30 years ago. It was a wonderful spot. A lot of kids have used it over time, but it needs an update. It is in some places dangerous and um there's some compliance that issues that we've want to address. So, I'm just here to let the town board know that this is an undertaking that um we've talked about this committee for about four months. And so to keep you apprised of where we're going and what we would like to do, um, as I said, it's about 30 years old. It's utilized. I started taking my granddaughter there 3 years ago and in the summertime there were count one day 15 children there.

And uh, it primarily was created and we're looking at it for the 2year-old to 5year-old segment of the population. the kids that go to school during the school year have the other playground they can use which is another issue that when school's in session nobody can use that playground over there only the kids in the school. So this tot lot is the only playground facility and you that can be used during those periods of time. Um so our upgrade our goal is to upgrade the level of safety also the ADA compliance there um it's very insufficient with regards to children with handicap so we want to bring it up to standard and um ensure that children in wheelchairs children who have um perhaps mobility issues have a place and something to do in the top lot and make it safe for them. Um, we also want to demonstrate visibly visually that we care about our little kids and [clears throat] just make it a kind of a nice pleasant place that kids will want to come to. Currently, there's no shade. So, in the middle of the summer, like in July when it's really hot, it's hard for the children to use those slides because they'll burn their little legs on them. So, we're putting in um we're putting in structures with shades on them so that it's safe and safe to use and that they can get the most out of it. So, I'm going to ask Christina if she could bring up the design for us so you can take a look at what we're [clears throat] Now, we've been talking about all of the all of the issues that we want to address and on the I I guess this would be whatever direction the side closest to us.

Let me know where you are. Yeah, that if you could blow that up a little bit, Christina, is it is possible to do so? So, I can sort of itemize what we've got. We worked out this design with Liberty. Um, you know what? This is not like a typical presentation. It's okay.

Liberty Parks and Playgrounds. We've been talking Tim's been talking with them and they came up with a couple of designs and this is sort of the one that we settled on. The bank of swings that's closest to you uh has a swing that a handicapped child can use on the far right. They can be lifted in and get to use that. We have toddler swings and then swings for um the older children to use. There are different there's a structure in the far corner that is a slide structure with a shade on it.

Go ahead. I'm just telling her, see if she moves past the play right there. There you go.

And um then we also have little structures for children with mobility issues that goes around and I I think we call it the turtle. And um then there is another swing set for children with mobility issues to use as well. The substrate is rubber. We're hoping that we can go with this design because it makes it easier for children to move. Right now moving through the wood chips is a little hard again and it's also very dirty. [clears throat] So um it collects more. It's harder to see the glass. It's hard to see debris. So, we're hoping that this rubberized um substrate will is something that we can put together and afford to to do the um this you can't see it really well. So, I'm just going to run through what some of the some of the uh yeah, we're having uh freestanding swings. a seessaw, a spinner, a a climber, that's the one with the with the shade over it. Um, a baby turtle climber. And so there are about 20 different structures in this design. And then that's a good one. So in the right hand corner, you can see that there's a sensory area uh for children to go through. Um, and this is all in the existing space. that there is. We kept the uh ramp that is closest where it's farther away on the left hand side that uh concrete apron. We're going to keep that and

we're going to um and obviously this parking lot is over in this yes left hand bottom side, but that's sort of a a bird's eye view of of how it's going to be. So, we um talked long and hard about what we'd like to see happen here and how much the cost was going to be and we talked about some fundraising ideas. It's a one-time cost, so putting this in isn't going to be a burden to any taxpayer. And um we're hoping to do a lot of fundraising over the over the summer. This is a 27 project and it will take about a month to complete and so for one month um that playground will be unavailable for the public and new new equipment will be put in. Um the Lions Club is currently scheduled to gala for different endeavors around the island and we're included in that and that will be in July. I've also spoken to uh a couple of people in the community, Max Bellier um about setting up booths for different community events so we can if we don't raise that much money at these events, we at least are going to let public know that this is what we'd like to see happen. Um and we'll be distributing information, requesting donations, and the donations will all run through the Lions Club. And uh we'll work with ten with um Ken Beckio on that. As far as the total cost goes, um well, we got a quote for about $300,000, but that's not set necessarily. There's some costs that we'd like to talk about, negotiate, but that's approximately what we're talking

about. And I know that Joe Fenora is working um with the town uh grant writer as far as getting a grant from the county um to help defay the cost of this. So that is our plan and we'll be spending the next year fundraising and looking for u donations either by way if somebody wants to buy a piece of equipment [clears throat] or if they want to make a general donation we sort of itemize that and that will all go on the sign that we hope to install shortly. So, I would like just, you know, we want to let the town know what we're doing because you're going to get questions.

People going to say, "What? What's going on over there?" Um, and Ken may have more to add to that. Uh, are there any questions from anybody? I just had one question. So, the substrate the is that um the rubberized part is just underneath the swings and then is it the green part? Like I noticed it would like look slightly different in the rendering. Yeah. Is that also rubberized? Okay. I wasn't sure if that was rubberized or actually it's not. It's turf.

Oh, it's a turf. It's similar to what you It's not like the Wallfield turf. It's uh it's the same sort of turf, but instead of having that rubberized pellets that you see like at football fields and stuff like that, it's actually got a uh a microbial sand that gets put inside of it that anti sorry anti microbial anyway a a antimicrobial sand in that's inside of it. So it's you don't get those black rubber pallets popping up on kids but well so it's like it's all like a like it looked like there was just like two different colors of like different grass on the other side.

Right. It's a combination of that turf and then a and then an engineered wood fiber. Okay. I'll let Joe do this. Okay, cool. All right. I was just like what? Yeah. So it's a combination of both. this engineered wood fiber would be under the swings. Sweet.

Um, so the the main reason for this discussion today is really to brief the board on the work that's been done so far. Uh, Lisa, I thank her for uh organizing this and for pulling together a group of volunteers. But that's really what um how this project has advanced. We have a group of community members who are volunteering their time to take up this cause. and we're gathering what we believe to be a critical mass mount to move forward. And we're seeking, I guess, um, support from the town board authorization to move forward with things like, uh, utilizing town resources such as the town's grant writer to pursue funding channels for this project. So um what we have to date is um a design proposal and estimates and uh I think at maybe a subsequent time we can talk through the specifics of the design. You'd be surprised at how much thought goes into playground layouts now to make sure that it's functional for all different types of kids. And uh I was really impressed with the um manufacturer and designer and how much um you know how much nuance there is to making sure that the equipment is suitable for the age group and it matches the site conditions. Um but we could talk about that in the future. I think that'd be really beneficial for the community to see. At this stage um we have two funding opportunities that that would uh help offset the cost or maybe even cover the cost of this project. The first is through the county's community block development

grant BB DG

and we have historically applied for similar types of projects within the town through that funding mechanism. So we have received funding for things like um the uh ramp the ADA ramp at the Legion. We have funding through this grant program for the uh ADA lift going in at Go Hill. So we have a reputation with that agency for doing this type of work and preliminarily when we spoke to them they feel this is a good fit for for funding. We have actually had this project on our capital planning list from previous years and made a request to the CBDG uh program but we made it for a lower amount of money. So, one thing that the town can do to support this project in the immediate sense is simply changing that request uh from I I think it was about $100,000 to the maximum request which is $200,000. And we have some other small requests that were in there. Um, so potentially if this project was approved, uh, we could receive up to about $195,000 from this grant program towards the total cost of the playground. So that's something that the town board, if they chose to uh take action on right right away, u would would make a meaningful difference. The second opportunity, unrelated to the first, is that there's a a grant program through New York State, uh, that supports playgrounds and parks that we qualify for. It's, uh, as an application period, uh, that begins in June, [clears throat] uh, with an evaluation period over the summer and an award period at the end of the summer. um if we were to do the both of those and uh were awarded both of those uh grant programs, we could potentially cover the full cost of the uh of the playground. So the specific ask for that

is the town board's you know nod to allow u can and I to utilize town grant writer to produce an application and file for uh file for that opportunity. Um the total cost for the design that uh that Lisa presented today, it's actually a little bit steeper than that. Uh it's a little bit north of $400,000, about $425,000. And the reason for that is that we have uh other costs for tax that the town is going to provide. Not a direct cost, but things like replacing the fence. Uh so uh the parking lot resurfacing things like that that the town was uh offering through the public works office as a way to control co overall cost of the project by not having the playground contractor or associated contractor do. So, our total budget for the design that you saw is $425,000. And [clears throat] it includes the rubberized I'm sorry, the u the artificial turf surface and then a natural wood fiber surface for the u non impact areas around the uh I don't want to call the rides, but like the obstacles, swings. Yeah, exactly.

Um

so those are the two things that we're seeing specific [clears throat] support for. And then obviously with regard to the finances, it's a little bit open-ended at the end uh when you play this uh you know this grant game. If you award if you're awarded the grants then obviously u you don't have to worry about the the funding conversation. But certainly if you're not um you know then there's a there's a shortfall and that's what the volunteers have already uh started to raise community support about. And so I don't think there's a specific request from the town at that point, but certainly if we go down this path, there is the [clears throat] potential for a funding shortfall where the town, you know, might be expected to or asked to uh to participate. Is there a way we could scale the project differently if we don't have the like um one of the asks for today from the town board is um I want to have Barbara investigate increasing the um CDBG grant request. It was $104,000 put in for the playground to up that to $194,000.

But if we and then we have a um deadline date of June 15th for applying for the state parks um grant. and I didn't um hear back from Jennifer as to what that potential dollar amount is. So um we would need to do a resolution to apply for that grant um at our June 8th meeting. So depending on where those fall out, my question is is if we don't get all of the funding and the community can't raise like $200,000, can we scale the project back in some fashion? Yes, there are certainly levers that we could pull to reduce those costs. At at that point, it would always come at the reduction of the scale of the or the outcome of of the project. So, I think for our purposes um now we we wouldn't want to go down the redesign phase to specifically examine uh those things because with grant opportunities before us, it certainly makes sense to ask for and propose the um the design as you saw today. Um, but there are some task items that can be removed. I don't want to call them optional or wish list items because things like, you know, resurfacing the parking lot are not necessarily a wish list item, but they are choices that we can make to help control costs if that became a factor.

Board have any other questions? So I know we have a um an [clears throat] issue with not an issue but a understanding with the school the school property and what what what is the specifics of that?

I we have um sent over we've been going back and forth on the lease term and also trying to understand what the um the state and the county need because we don't own the property what the term of the lease needs to be. And yesterday Dr. Dolier did confirm that um 10 years is what um Jen Meziano told me that the state would require. So I went back to him yesterday and he said that um he does not think that 10 years will be an issue. Having talked to um the board president and at their meeting next Monday they will approve signing the lease agreement with the town. we on the 18th will approve signing the lease with the town and then we can get that to um Suffach County so that it will meet their needs for um increasing the you know for releasing funds and increasing the grant amount from 104 to 194 and then we'll also have it on hand for um submitting with our state grant application.

All right. So we know that it's a lease arrangement. It's not an impediment. No obtaining grant money. Good. Yes. we just needed a lease term that met their their um restrictions. So that would be three things that would be forthcoming is approving to sign that lease agreement. Um, I Barbara will check to see what the county needs, if they need a resolution for us increasing our application on the CDBG from 104 to 194. And then when we get further down the road with the New York State Parks grant application, we will need a resolution to submit with that grant application.

I'm okay with all of those things. That sounds great. I'm just really excited that um folks have come together to address the top loss. Yes, it's it definitely could use the love. Thank you, Joe. Lisa, thank you for your efforts working on this. Thank you. Okay, so yeah, I was going to say, are there any questions from the public? Please talked about little toes getting burned. If you could come up if you could come up to um the uh the podium and state your name for the record. We talked about getting burnt in the sun and I didn't If I could just stop you. Um, what your name? Just for the record.

My name is Katherine Roberts. Uh, I live on Shelter Island and Lisa talked about little tushes getting burnt in the sun, but I did not see any shading over the swings. Thank you. They will they will look at that when they review the design, I'm sure. Can I answer up? Um I'm sorry. Catherine the uh the shade is over the over the slides the plastic slides cuz that direct all comments to the board.

That is where the uh that they are the ones pieces of equipment that get very hot that the kids can't use. The swings are they can use them without burning their butts so to speak. [laughter] So it's the slides that we are most concerned about. [clears throat] Thank you, Pam.

Hi there. Good morning. Um, I'm just considering this lease agreement now. Is this going to a public hearing or is this administrative? I mean, the town just bought two school street that's going to need at least a half a million dollars in renovation to do something with. And now you're looking at doing another $400,000 into the tot lot, which I'm not saying doesn't need the repair, but uh I'm I'm just concerned about where all this funding is going to be coming from and what really is the arrangement with the school and again, is this lease agreement going to come up for a public hearing?

Um, no, it will not come up for a public hearing. And it is um an existing lease that we have that just needs to be renewed. And I'm looking to see I think it's is it a dollar a year in Yeah, that's my recollection. Yeah, I have to just reread this.

But it's um so it's it's an existing agreement that has been in place for 30 plus years when I first got involved with building the first top. So everyone's happy with it. Um all right. Um that's it for that um topic. Thank you very much. We'll we'll get the uh needed resolutions. All right. Next on the agenda is Westneck Water District. And um at the past two West Neck Water District meetings um that have taken place, the um there has been discussion about the rates and when Suffach County Water Authority first took over the district back in 2022, I believe it was um the Westnip Water Rates in order to um cover the search charge there was 1.7 million. Well, the town was obligated for $1.7 million worth of equipment upgrades, new well, um new mains, um the meters at the um street that um could be instead of someone having to grant access to Suffach County Water Authority to enter and read the meters, um they were remotely read. Um Suffach County Water Authority actually ended up putting in a second well at their cost, not the town's cost. Um, but that extra money of $1.7 million when the rates were set back um in 2022, they doubled. They went um pretty much just doubled. And that covers both Suffach County Waters operating agreement, the rate as well as covering most but not all of the

um sir charge. Fredfield was able to obtain a um DASE grant, a dormatory dormatory. Oh my gosh. Thank you. [laughter] I'm like putting those two words. Yes. Um gr uh grant for us 500,000. So that reduced the annual search charge. And Christina, if you could pull up the PDF that's posted on the website for Westnick Water District. It's it's under the discussion documents. And this I had circulated it through the town board as well. Um, and give Christine a minute to find that. Yes. Um, so if you could blow this up a little bit. So, um, I did an analysis for the Westnneck Water Board looking at if there was no WestNC water increase until it's actually needed. So, oh, we're leaving out a part. Um, WestNC water um had been collecting over the years um with their um hookup charges um slightly higher rates. they had accumulated a reserve because when west when the town and westnic water district um board was trying to make some of the improvements that were necessary such as a new well main upgrades they had been accumulating funds and so that money is sitting in a reserve account. Um so in the first year that we had the agreement with Westneck Water um the at the time doubling the rates was deemed to be a hardship enough for the West Neck Water District. So it was approximated that 20 to 30 thou 25 to $30,000 would come out of that reserve account in order to um cover the

shortfall. Um we were pretty close that first year. The second and third years um the amount that needed to come out was about um net $1,500. Um eating down on those reserves. So, um, on the next couple of screens, um, I'll we'll go over the assumptions that were made and how long that, um, that reserve would last until the rates would absolutely have to go up because the West Mcwater district pays for the search charge. Um, it's not no one else in the town. It's only the rateayers for the district and there's um, there's no mechanism for the town to cover that um, any shortfall in any given year. So it was good that we did have a reserve. So usage might change um you know costs might change etc. So if we didn't do anything the anticipated rate increase would happen in 2040. I gave a couple of um scenarios to the um Westneck Water Board and the proposed path that they chose was to for the next 10 years do a rate increase of half a percent a year and then in 10 years a 1.8% increase until the end of the search charge period and the um searchcharge period was 25 years. Um but Christine if you could go to the next slide. Um, and if you want to blow it up a little bit just so that the highlighted stays on the screen, the later stuff can come off a little bit. So, um, what we have, what I've done here is if you could, um, show the column headings. So, for each of the years, we have assumptions that the sub the Westnic billing um, presuming what monies would come in um, if things remain flat with no rate increase, approximately $97,000 was the average billings. The first year was $100,000. The second year was

85,000, but there was um a mistake that was made where a couple commercial entities did not get bill properly and that was made up in the following year. So the assumption is $97,000 at the current rates. Suffach County Water Authority bills us at their island rates. So the first year it was $35,9.95. Um and then it I have an assumption well it went up um for the next two years. Those are actual Suffach County Water Authority costs. And there after that, I just assumed a 3% rate increase. And I had checked with um Suffach County Water Authority to what their increases have been over the past few years, and the average was 3%. Um if you look at what the customers are build minus what the cost is, Suffach County Water Authority, that's the money that's available to pay the search charge down. The first year before we got the grant, it was a $91,661 search charge. After that $500,000 was um factored in, the search charge is now $61,892 and that stays in place through 20 2047. So then it shows what we owe um each year. So in 2023 we owed 27,000 which was right in where you know the estimate was between 25 and 30,000. We owed 10,000 in 2024 but then when the billings got caught up um there was actually we had excess money of 9,000. So those two got netted. We have um the Westnet water um district has their quarterly meetings. So there are office costs for salaries. You can see they're very small. the money that's sitting in the reserve account earns interest each year. So I have that declining each year. I'm assuming um I think a 3% uh

rate on that which is it's in our class account. So the outflow is what we need to pay out each year or if we have a little bit extra. You can see the final column is when we entered into the agreement with Suffach County Water Authority um the reserve was $156,618. Um we aren't it ended last year at 147948 and if you just look at that column going down you'll see that in 2040 is when we run out of reserves and so the rates would have to increase at that point. If you go to the next slide Christina what I looked at here is what would the increase in rates have to be if we just waited until we fall off the cliff. um and that would have happened in 2040 and then rates would have to go up 18% but then they could level out at 2 and a.5% increases. Um this of course is all based on assumptions. Um we've got many variables in there. We've got um what will Suffach County Water Authority rate increases be each year? What is the usage um that happens with the customer base? um you know, do we have a year where for some reason second homeowners don't come out and they don't use their homes um for water? You know, the commercial customers have a banner year, they use more water. They don't have a banner year, they use less water. Um what is the interest rate on the reserve account? So, there's all sorts of variables that could factor in and change this schedule. So, we'll continue the Westnight Water um board will continue to monitor the schedule from year to year, but if the um if they had done nothing, the anticipation would have been an [clears throat] 18% increase in 2040. And then Christina, if you go to not the next one, but the one after that.

So this is what the Westmouth water board decided was rather than having a big increase at a later date, let's go with something more palatable, small increase, a half a percent for the next 10 years and then it might be 1.8% thereafter until the um debt service is paid off. So that is their proposal to us. Um the West Neck Water um board is not um the decision-making authority. We are. And so we have to approve what the rate increases would be and then that gets communicated to um Suffach County Water Authority who can implement those increases. Um the West Neck um water board would like to implement this um in the next cycle which would be the June 1st cycle. So, if we choose to adopt this um as of at our May 18th meeting, that can be communicated to SEA County Water Authority and they can get that implemented and then we would be on track for this schedule so that for the fiscal year end 2027, the fiscal year end is um May 31st year end. So, we would get those rates. Um it's a very small increase. Um, so we're going from $97,000 of expected billings to $97,485. So it is is not a large um increase and they thought that was the most prudent approach.

So that's a lot lot of detailed numbers and assumptions, but I wanted to sort of put it all out there for the board to understand. So thoughts? I guess my question is is like is there a reason why it's so small rather than doing like a 1% or something like that in order for it to actually like just for like understanding if you go back up a slide that was my original was saying okay if what would it take to be just consistent over the yeah that's kind of I was like

was.9%. So it's still not a large increase. However, we don't know where all you know like where is it actually going to fall. So like they thought let's just do something small and take it from there and re-evaluate it every you know every every year or every few years. So you know and there is a little bit you know that the reserve was built up let the you know let the reserve get used up and then start hitting the customers again others you know like let's preserve some of the reserve because we need to have

not for any infrastructure changes because um Suffach County Water Authority is responsible for all of those so that if another um well needs to be put in if there's you know problems with one of the mains. They take care of all of that and it doesn't get build back um directly to Westnneck Water District. It gets absorbed by the entire Suffach County Water Authority infrastructure program. Um, the thing to keep in mind is if um at the end of our 40-year lease um operating agreement with them, if we choose to take back the system and not have them continue to operate it, we would have to buy out any of those improvements that they have paid for that did not get directly paid for by Suffach County by the West Neck Water District. Of course, they'd be depreciated, but yeah, that was built into the agreement. Um, I'm okay with the half% if that's what the committee felt comfortable with because I know that they will be re-evaluating and reassessing it and as we see what the interest rate does and what the actual billings come in at, I think they'll be able to keep adjusting accordingly. So, um, if that's what they feel comfortable with at this moment, I'm okay with that.

Yeah. And the board is made up of um five members who are Westnneck Water District rate payers. I suspect in a few years they're going to have to increase it. So yeah, I was like I mean I think start off small, let them get your feet wet, but I do anticipate them ending up. You can um Christina, you can drop for share. Yeah, I mean I'm fine if that's how they want to start, but yeah, they kind of made the decision where they want to be. I guess, you know, it's difficult how to qualify the unknowns. Yeah.

That are going to affect um their rates. It's we don't really have a very long track record yet. No, once they have [clears throat] more years under their belt, they'll understand what the trends are and be able to

is there like a like a process or just like do they look at this every year like how does this work like the like or do they reconsider the rates every year like or we've talked about it. Um it was more the first year it was like okay let's see where things land and so it landed right where um the schedule at the time was great between 25 and 30,000. The second year we were working on um when we looked at the total um bill that came in, it looked five based upon what we knew. So we Lisa, Sean, and I like spent a lot of time going like digging through and looking at what took place. So that wasn't a good year. We needed this next year for them for the the billing to get corrected. Got it.

So now was a good time for us to take a look at it. So, and then each year that spreadsheet can be updated. Sure. So, when I'm no longer here, someone else can take over that. [laughter]

If there's no questions from the floor, I'll open it up to the public.

Okay. I I have some questions for Oh, sure. in as [clears throat] a whole what's that quarter district um last meeting I'm not quite sure Joe Bourney had mentioned that there are customers that are paying their clothes the water bills and that [clears throat] that's not Suffach County Waters authority they don't deal with that so who's dealing with that um we are in discussions with them because Westneck Water District or someone didn't pay their bill would turn off the water That's not necessarily Suff County Water Authorities's um right um policy and we're the board is talking to them about that. Okay.

To get that changed because um it it's we are such a small district that someone not paying their bills hurts the rest of the customer base eventually. Yeah. Um so um we we don't want to be treated the same way. West Border District had its own rules and regulations. Are we We're not really Are we Who who's responsible for those and who's following up on them? That's all the board is um is in the process of looking at that. Okay. Yeah, they kind of let that go ever since we turned over the district to manage.

Yes. I believe that they've taken some updates and um using chat GPT, they've been doing some comparison between what Suffach County Water Authority rules and regulations are and theirs. And so the um at the next meeting I think they'll be looking at that. And I you know the old shelter island pipeline I hear that there is irrigation systems in Westnak water district and Joe Picornia at a previous meeting earlier said we don't want irrigation in the district you know water usage whatever. So, are we looking at that or I I I [clears throat] that's something that's gonna I'm hoping will be looked at.

I think I think that's in part of the rules and regulations as a mechanism for enforcement of that. Reading to see usage if somebody has a pool, are they topping off just Yeah, [clears throat] I think I think they want to like tighten that up so that it can be turned over to the building department um for enforcement issues. Okay. All right. [clears throat] It tastes there are a few people in Westlake water district that have irrigation wells. Yes. So some people might have irrigation tied into an irrigation well not the water district. So that's something to look at too. I guess there there seems to be a gap in oversight. That's why.

Yes. Yeah. And I that's why now that we're done with the rate thing they're going to pick back up on the rules and rights. Yeah. It's definitely a good point. Okay. Um, next topic is return of ZBA fee score and didn't bring it with me. we just pull up. Okay. So, the um the SEO at 13 Spring Garden Avenue had submitted a ZBA application that has been withdrawn without prejudice prior to the hearing. Um, so they are requesting that the unused portion of their ZBA fee be refunded. They have a $1,000 application fee. And as far as direct expenses for public notices, $71.30 um was um spent. So they would like to I'm sorry. What?

Oh, share. Yes. Yeah. Um, so they would um like to request a refund. So that's fine with me. Seems fine. I mean, my understanding with this, this came right up to the day that they were supposed to have the hearing and the applicant just said no. They pulled out. Um, I would think that the ZBA had looked at spent time looking at the application. Yes. Um, prior to that is that yes, was it did the clerk was there clerk time? Well, um, everyone the neighbors calling or getting more information. I I don't

Yeah. No, there is. I mean, the thing to keep in mind is everyone is on salary. So, it fits into the time that they are paid for depend, you know, independent of what they worked on. So, it's not as if the clerk had additional hours for this application. It was just part of their I guess it's not just the applica. It's not just the the the notice, the posting in the newspaper. Is that what you're saying? That that's what

Yeah. Um generally, I mean, we're looking at what the um direct expenses are for this application. And even when we um implemented the new um fees last year, we don't we can't bill applicants for um overhead costs. So the ZBA members salaries, you know, stipens really um is an overhead cost. The clerk time is an overhead cost. So we can't we don't bill those when we're looking to bill additional fees. So, I'm I sort I sort of view it that way. I mean, you can make the argument that we we could ask them to quantify the time spent on it, but it just seems like this this was involved.

I mean, I'm sure the height spent time on this. Their property and roads committee spent time on it. That's outside of the town. I know. But um and to pull the hearing at the last minute. I mean, that's kind of [clears throat] Yeah. I mean, we could impose a penalty, I guess. I like I don't know about the legality of that. That would be a Thomas question to research. They're just Excuse [clears throat] me. They're just asking for a refund of the application fees that they they withdrew the application prior to hearing. Yeah. Just prior to hearing, I think. I mean, it's really up to the board. fun the whole thing have abortion whatever you know

but we don't have any legal um prohibition against I don't think so I mean you know typically when an applicant withdraws an application you know it's I mean it's usually after the hearing but there's no there's usually not a refund at that point so before the hearing I guess you could but yeah there's not any I don't believe there's any legal issues around, you know, requiring to give back a portion of the money or all of it. Mhm. About half. How do you feel about half? I mean, I Yeah, I that's where I'm going. Okay. I just think it this took a lot of time involved to just terminate it. Yeah. Especially so close to the

Yeah. And how does everyone else feel about refunding 500? Um, sure. Yeah. [laughter] I mean, yeah, I Benjamin, you're on. Do you want to weigh in? I don't know if you have access to

I have um looked at it. I mean, they waited till last minute. It seems like um the money has been spent and if they withdrew it voluntarily, it's kind of on them. It's my opinion. Right. I'm going to propose. I mean, if you want to do anything, I mean, they don't we don't have any rules around this, but you can give them a credit if they come back, but cutting them a check to refund the money. I'm don't think that makes any sense.

Oh, okay. So, you're saying don't refund anything, just give them a credit. Yeah, because if they reinstitute the application, sure, you know, we give them a $500 credit. I don't have a problem with that. Like awful to keep track of this. Like they might come years later. Yeah. I was just trying to say, yeah, let me just see if there's Yeah, I don't see anything that speaks to needing needing it. Um, you know, that they're going to re resubmit something. I think I'm more inclined to go with refunding half. I like your idea. Okay. I mean,

if that's still your, you know, one way or the other, I don't we we don't have to go hardcore, but I just think, you know, this took time. There was time involved in this application and then they pulled it at the last minute. It was all set to go. So, there has to be some um consequence for that really. Yeah. Yeah. My recollection watching the um agendas was that it was done at the like the day of Yeah. Yeah. They told us Yeah. So I figure they put in half the work, half the work, half the refund. That's true. Okay. All right. We will go with that.

All right. Um, next on the agenda is the Overbrook waterways application and the public hearing. [laughter] We didn't have any public comment. Um, this is fairly straightforward. Um, moving and replacing. I don't think I had anything that flipping through. I think we would just put our normal bulkhead restrictions in place.

Yeah. Yeah. Nothing. Straightforward. Yeah.

Yeah. Sylvester I'm doomed. What? It said it got me to do with Sylvester. [laughter] Yeah. Yeah. I went through it this morning and I didn't Yeah. I couldn't come up with I couldn't I couldn't come up with any questions that I had on [laughter] here and I still I still didn't have them [clears throat] even with a cup of coffee in the morning. Yeah. So I would say Thomas, you know, take our, you know, standard bulkhead. Yeah. Yeah. I mean in kind and in place. Yes. Wish fancy. Okay. Just think the location. Make sure all the staging is on the property. Yes. Not on the road.

Yep. Mhm. Yeah. You heard that, Thomas? Yes, I got it. Yes. It could all be that easy. I know. [laughter] All right. Next was um the local law amending chapter 36 to change the definition of season.

That one too. Yeah, that one. And I know um at the public hearing um it was brought up about having resident defined here and then it's defined elsewhere. Um and that has been looked at um when we've looked at other code sections before over the years and I remember one town attorney in particular did want to take a look at having a set of definitions at the start of the town code um to apply throughout the code. But then as he dove into it realized that there are reasons that we have definition like specific definitions within specific sections like here a resident is all dolaries um owners of real property and less of real property situated in the town of Shelter Island. There are other places. I meant to go like look to see like a different definition elsewhere, but that like that might be a problem in a different section.

Right. So, um we even the town attorney at the time after researching it decided no, it's not a good idea to move all the definitions in one place. At some point we should after the comprehensive plan is done do an overhaul of our code in its entirety and we can look at it again. But I think for what we wanted to accomplish with beaches and parks and getting the definition of um season to May 15th to September 15th to align with our enforcement of it. Yeah. That I I'm good with this. Yeah, I didn't see that.

Okay. All right. So, we can go ahead and adopt that on the 18th. All right. Next on the list is site plan review. So, you get to excuse yourself. Fantastic. We'll see. Come and find me. Benjamin, you get to excuse yourself, too. Yes, I will drop off as well. Thank you. Do you want us to text you when you to come back or No, I'm I'm I'm at my destination. So, uh, good luck. Okay. Thank you.

Oh, I should have stated Benjamin was able to participate because he is out for a medical appointment that he was not able to change today. So, is on his way. Um I guess Thomas um turn it over to you first to talk about the SERA to talk about um you know we we had a hiccup wondering if we needed to reopen the public hearing and so you've looked into the two issues.

Right. So on first run the SERA um based on what was originally proposed, it was most likely a type two action. Um the building inspector determined that as part of their change of use that they needed to upgrade the entryway into the facility. Um, with that I reviewing the [snorts] secret regulations felt like it was probably more appropriate to list to have it be an unlisted action. Um, in that process I also reviewed the type one list for both the town and the state. I did not feel that what they were proposing with the entryway uh added to it met any any of the items on the type one list. So um feel pretty comfortable that it's an unlisted action. Um after the record closed, the applicant met with the building inspector about um you know additional work to about converting the farmhouse that is on um that's at 82 North Ferry Road, lot 700815 5.3 to an office. Um there's an you know there was a question about whether or not that would be considered segmentation under secret. Um there are two reasons two separate independent reasons why after looking at this we don't think that there's a segmentation issue. The first is is that um you know the ZBA con considered granted a special permit um about 6 months ago and in the resolution it references both lots. Um it does not reference specifically converting that building to an office. Um, I've asked Tim Hill, you know, to confirm [clears throat] whether or not, you know, the ZBA's determination includes both properties. He hasn't gotten back to me yet, but I think

separately and independently, um, what they were proposing to do with the building inspector as far as converting that into an office would be a type two action. Because it's a type two action, um, you know, there's no further secret review required. So I don't believe that there would be a segmentation issue with that. Um so you know for that reason I don't believe that we need to reopen the hearing with respect to converting that building into an office. Um you know if the board feels it needs to reopen the hearing for other reasons then you're entitled to do that. Um but specifically on SRA and segmentation I don't feel that it's necessary. Uh so anyway, so I think you know uh legally it you know my recommendation is that the board proceed with this as an unlisted action um and you know have PW GERE do the parts two and three uh EF parts two and three and examine the environmental impacts of the site plan project that they proposed with the entryway reconfiguration. So that's really that's all I have.

And if um Sylvester Manor does submit a building permit in order to convert the house into office space, that would then trig it would trigger the building department to review for site plan, right? Yeah. So

its own site plan review. It would be an independent, it would be a separate site plan application. And you know, if this ZBA resolution that granted them the special permit did not involve that lot, then they would need to get a special permit to first before doing the site plan. So, um yes, there would be a separate review for that process uh for that for you know that conversion. I think ultimately this is the eventuality. They're planning on using the home as office space. So I I don't see anything in the ZBA resolution that touched on that at all in that resolution. Uh I I feel to be prudent it [clears throat] should go back to the ZBA and be considered a change in use and then reopen the site plan review for the entire entity. I think it's prudent of the board to do this. No, I I I I don't I mean, Sylvester Manor is a wonderful asset to Shelter Island, but I think it's very prudent on our part to go through the application and check the boxes thoroughly. That's all.

Okay. I mean, I I I I just feel strongly in that. Well, so in the ZBA determination, you're saying that that property wasn't considered?

I don't think it was. There's nothing in the resolution that references it. It It's referenced on the top the first page, the lot number, but there's nothing referencing the creation of an office within that property, a parking area for the for the office space. I I just think let let's just be clean. Let's send it back to the ZBA. Let them go through the process. They're going to create an office in there anyway. So, let's do it now. Let's just do it all in one shot rather than peace meal. I mean I think that because it's a separate and distinct parcel then it can have its own review like it can go to the ZBA for approval to convert it to real

without us going through the entire package again. I think it's a much smaller scale request. I think this is kind of the big ask and I don't I think we could handle it as a separate site plan application. We know it's coming. Let's do it now. That that's all I think I I the Do we know if Sylvester Manor got um the final decision from the DOT?

I've been told I can't talk. Okay. [clears throat] I mean I know that that was apparently forthcoming. I mean that's a big part of the application [clears throat] really the safe plan review we do and that's part of this application like that's that entryway reconfiguration is part of this we were going to draft the resolution such that if the DOT doesn't approve it as submitted to us

that then they have to come back to us to get whatever changes approved I mean just like so rather than holding it up. I mean is it eminent? I don't know. Like I just think you should have the information. We need to go through the process. That's all. That's my deal. Which I mean which part? like the DOT like DOT should

the DOT I mean I like just because a member of the public has said that he thinks that the like the approval is you know the I'm not I'm not concerned about that I you know that's [clears throat] I'm just looking at it myself as a big issue potentially an issue the um the the new entrance the Yeah. In the location, but we have to legally make a decision on this by I think it was like June 5th or something. Um yeah, 62 days from when it closed, which was April 6th,

so it'll be like May by June 8th or something. It's I think it's expires just before our next our next because this has come to light. uh 82 North Ferry Road being an [clears throat] office building that really needs to go back to the ZBA. Doesn't that prelude any termination? But we haven't set a date. We haven't actually received an application for 82 to be converted to office space, have we? No.

Okay. So, we have nothing to act on when it comes to that lot because we haven't received an application. So, the building department hasn't even received something that they can write a denial letter on. So, we can't reopen. I don't I I just don't feel like we can reopen the hearing based on hearsay if there is no application. If it happens in the future, then it would go through the same process with the ZBA and the building department and the site plan review. But without an application to review, I don't see how we can reopen this hearing for a separate and distinct application. [snorts] Does that make sense? That's a legal question that I have.

Yeah. I mean, I think that's correct. that I don't there's no my concern with them approaching this issue with the belly inspector segmentation because what they would be proposing to do is a type two action there's no further secret review required of that action u you know so when they if if or when they come forward with a a plan to convert the off to convert that building to an office if they haven't gotten a special permit to do that then they'll have to go to ZBA to get a special permit to do that. If they have if this does cover that conversion, then they'd have to come back for site plan to do that specific project.

Right. So, you know, I my the only reason I was concerned about this was segmentation and I think we've resolved that issue. If the board feels like it needs more information to make a decision on this site plan application, then you're entitled to reopen the record. But I don't feel it's necessary for the secret segmentation part of this. If we were to reopen the public [snorts] hearing, what what is the rationale that um we would base it on, Thomas?

Just needing more information to make a decision on this site. Uh it wouldn't be I I don't think it would be necessary to reopen the hearing to get any information on a conversion of 82 North Berry Road into an office because that project doesn't exist. So yeah, it it you know like any project if if the board feels it needs more information to make a decision on it, then you can reopen the record. But, you know, I don't think it's really necessary for secret the secret prize.

Have to agree because there's only three of us. I mean, to to reopen the record would be an affirmative action. So, it would take three votes to do that, right? puts you at a disadvantage. Albert [laughter] talking about I I I mean I'm kind of I we we we know this is an eventuality and I think it should be taken care of now. It should have been part of the CPA [clears throat]

here at the time. I mean, I feel like Sylvester Man knew that this was part of their application. There was something it was it was in the mix. It was something that they were going to do, wanted to do, and it should have been gone through the CBA. I feel like we will like it it will take place if they proceed the conversion. So, we will we will look at it. It's not like we won't we won't have a bite of that. No, I get that.

Yeah. I just I just, you know, I think it's smacks of segmentation. I know you're saying no, but for me personally, [clears throat] it just smacks of that. That's all. And I I want to go through the I I think we should go through the process clean. Then if we reopen it and we ask for more information, they're not in a position right now to make that application. You don't know that it came up after the hearing was closed. It was brought to the building department the building inspector his attention. So it it is an intent. I don't know why that wasn't brought up before.

Mhm. I mean, it just seems after we close the hearing, I I Mhm. I have trouble with that. Actually, if it's something that may not happen for a year or two, more then we leave this open for that period of time or force them to. No,

if it's in their plan, it's just taking it to the ZBA and and getting going through the ZBA process. That's all. That's they have to have a plan. They have to apply like there's a whole I feel like it's for something that legally is not segmentation. I don't think we can require that they submit an application to convert a building that they may choose not to convert in the end. You know what I mean? I feel like they may not decide to use it for office space. They might decide to use it for something else in the future. So, us dictating the type of application that they should submit doesn't really make sense to me. If eventually in the future they want to convert it to office space, then they'd have to submit that application to the building department to make those changes. if they instead choose to keep it for residential housing for their staff, then they would have to submit an application to building permit for whatever those changes might be. So, I think that if we were to go and say we want to reopen the hearing because we want to see an application for the manor to convert 82 North Ferry Road to office space. That's us mandating that they make changes to a property that they may have chosen not to do after talking to the building inspector. You know, I I don't know. But it's one of those things where they could have been spitballing. Hey, what would it take to use this building as office space while we do the renovations instead of getting office trailers that we just park and use temporarily and then get rid of? So, I mean, I don't think it's our job to demand an application for something that the man or mayor may not, you know, end

up doing in the end. You know, I it it just seems backwards to me. I agree with that perspective. Um, you know, I mean, because anybody can go to the building department and ask questions. You know, if I do X, Y, and Z, what are the consequences or what is the path? Um, and then they take that information and decide, you know what, that's a big hassle I'm not doing yet. Maybe I'll come up with a better solution that's easier for me, you know? So, it could have just been one of those things where they're asking questions and decided that the answer was too much work. [snorts] So, um, you know, I think they have alternative options to converting that building. That would probably be more expedient and effective for what they're intending to do. you know, I think that if they have a timeline to try to get the grants done and actually start fixing the building, um, then I don't think they're going to waste their time trying to convert a building if there's a a better option for them that wouldn't require the ZBA and site plan and everything else. So, I I don't I don't I don't think it's appropriate for us to mandate an application from them for something that they may choose not to be doing. Thomas, can you make a call to the uh DOT and find the status of the application now? Just get that information if you would.

I mean, just to understand and what's involved. I think the town got a letter from the DOT, I think yesterday. It's not part of this record obviously, but I'll forward it to you. Um, but anyway, it it hadn't it had the status of the application. So, I I think it's being it's in the in the process of being approved.

There was no indication of timeline or anything. I don't think so. Okay. All right. Just

agencies like the DOT don't like to give you false hope. [laughter] What was that? I said agencies like the DOT and the health department don't like to give you false hope by giving you a timeline. Oh, [laughter] yeah. [clears throat] Yeah.

All right. Last time when we were talking about this, um, if we choose not to open a public hearing and proceed, um, what conditions, changes, stipulations do we want to put in here? My big thing was the parking and making sure that we properly word that if the DOT does not approve the exact plan, then they must come back to the town board to have that reviewed or any subsequent needs on our part seeing issue with the intersections

if it requires Yeah. Can we can we word it maybe not necessarily that the DOT if the DOT were to approve some alternate plan but that the mayor and the DOT work in conjunction with the town to find an appropriate solution for the entrance and the intersection. Um, I know with the state road we don't we probably don't have too much say over what the DOT deems appropriate for it, but I think they would end up working with Ken Lewis

and coordinating because Manur is one of our roads how the intersections would combine and flow. So, um, maybe not that because I mean we're not going to necessarily be able to be like, oh, I know the DOT wants X, but we're going to change what the DOT is allowing. Right? So the DOT sort of has final say on approval of the application, but um there should be a way where we can coordinate with them so that it's a general understanding that final intersection is one that works for everybody. Okay, you get to figure that one out, Thomas. Okay,

Thomas, you you indicated on the EAF you're gonna fill out two and three, right? So, Caitlyn at Grosser is going to do is going to do parts two and three and I I guess we'll have to do that next week or session next week is go through the parts two and three o over the environmental impacts. Um, so yeah, Thomas, can you forward me the email from the DOT? Thank you. The issue that I brought up the last time we talked about it was the fire department review. Is that has that been done or where?

Yes, actually they had um they have discussed it at a fire commissioner's meeting and they um the one thing that they had said was that I think at one point I um Theresa Mason had suggested a fencing that would delineate like where the wetlands lines were. They did not like um fencing. They did not want the fencing because um they want to be able to pull the trucks down to get access to water. So, as long as they have unobstructed access to surrounding waters, that we're good. That makes sense.

Yeah. Oh, here's Caitlyn. Okay. Did they feel any need for assistance on the property? No, because of the I think the um the act close proximity to water like it's right there, right? I mean, I can't make so I don't want to make them put in, but I just think sisterns would be something that might be prudent. Maybe a sister near the windmill. It's a long way from the water, but that's that's their decision. I'd be [clears throat] ashamed to lose to learning.

Um, Caitlyn, I see you've joined us. Hi, good morning. Good morning. Um, were you going to go over the EAF parts two and three with us today or you're just listening into the discussion so that you can complete that? I was going to listen into the discussion and if there are any questions for the seeker um here to answer that as well um and then I will be moving forward with the parts two and three and I can provide that in draft form uh for the board. Okay. Yeah, that would be good if we could get that before next Tuesday.

Okay. The other thing that I had um that I wanted to see incorporated was the traffic flow. There was that road that was going to be used for contractor deliveries during construction that that continue to be a an access point.

Yes, after construction. I'm trying to find where I the one from coming up of Manhattan. Yes. Yes. Thank you. So, keep that after the fact for fire access and other emergency access. Yeah.

Especially until the front entrance gets widened. Yeah, just because the traffic flow Did anyone have anything else? Um, I was going to say that I didn't like the idea of the fence on the wetlands boundary, but since neither did the fire department, I think

I'm okay with their recommendation to not fence in the whole wetlands boundary. And then we did have comments about um creating like no parking areas like designating certain spots that were in the wetlands as no parking. So for example, yep to the north of um of the manor itself like here on this turn where it's you know pretty much in the wetlands this section. Mhm. Um it's not very conducive to parking anyway, but it is Mhm.

So it's like you have the the handicap parking and then essentially on that dirt access road is really what it is. You know that was one area where we had talked about that. Yeah. I think also any temporary structures that went up for any events would be taken down within 48 hours. Yeah, within 48 hours. That was the rule of like the tents.

[laughter]

Just I'm just looking. I know I have the note on I have the same note on the ED parking spaces, right? That's a physical bar barrier to prevent encroachment. definitely use this language.

Think if we don't already, we need we should have copies of all the uh [clears throat] conservation easements. Oh yes. Just just to clarify any development rights [cough] for the [clears throat] future.

Yes. I mean basically like the you know reed the disturbed areas

once they're done with the construction make sure everything's receded in a very timely fashion so that there's limited runoff. Um the soap fencing it's all part of the application. Final environmental analyst review.

Yeah. prohibition of any tree clearing between March 1st and November 30th for one year bats. Right. That's the DEC regulation. Yeah. I'm like looking at like various Teresa stuff, known invasive species introduced to the site. We vegetate with native species that. Mhm.

It's All I have for the moment, but Thomas, if you draft this and we get a chance to review it later this week, we can any comments next Tuesday. Yeah. Anything else? No, that's Anything else, Albert? No, I'm just going to reserve the right motion for I just want to ruminate.

Yeah. Yeah, I was going to say so Thomas gets us what he drafts up then when we look at it we may see like anything else that's missing and then Caitlyn will circulate the EAF parts two and three. We can review that. Yes, I will.

All right. Okay. All right. Christina, if you want to let um Liz know, she can come back in around the teeth. One thing I have is um Tia OA is the Suffach County regional representative for the state and she is coming to meet with me on Thursday. After we set up the meeting, she was like, "Oh, and I wouldn't mind like meeting the whole town board." But I told her like we

is she coming? She's coming on Thursday. I said, "Oh yeah, we can't meet except for on a you know work session altogether. However, I will put it out there that um on Thursday, she will be here at Let me just peek at the calendar. So, if um we wanted to schedule two board members at a time, um that's at 1:00 on Thursday. So, she'll probably be here from 1 until 2. So, if people want to like just let me know times if you're available to come in, she might be able to stay as like it's late. audit. Oh, that's not possible. Yes. Have a great time. Yes. [laughter]

Yeah. I was going to say so, you know, one or two of us, you know, at a time could meet with her. And she said she can always come back another time. Okay. To meet those that are not available this week. So, yeah. Yeah. I'm sorry to miss it. And she's always at um Suffach County Supervisors meetings and also um Eastand Supervisors and Makers Association meetings. So, I have met her over the past year or so. Um, she took over for John Bouvier when he retired from that position. Anyway, so just let me know anybody who wants to come on Thursday. We'll say, you know, we'll break it up into smaller groups so that she can hire.

She just wants to really like check in with the town. What, you know, what what can the state do for the town? I've got so many. I have so many things to talk to her about. It's great. And then also um just to get to know the town a little bit better and what our needs and you know what we're looking at.

Last week I had was it last week? Yeah, last week um I think or the week before um two representatives from Senator um Joe Grant's office came in and so we had a chat and just talked about like um community development spending um that the you know we put in for some PD you know vehicles and body worn cameras and things like that. So they will that went through Lelo's office but um they will also support that from Joel Brand's side and we can also talk to Schumer's office to get support for that to see if we can get that funding and you know we just I went through any other you know things that we were going for federal money on you know just updating you know that we have the EPA grant that we're working on and where we stood with the facilities master plan and then we would come up with how to utilize those funds and um you know things that you if there's ever a whisper that that funding is being pulled to let them know and we'll get on it to make sure that that one and a quarter million is, you know, continues to be preserved for us. There is no current um expiration date on that. So, and then when asked, you know, like and just on a global scale, what would be a good um you know, any concerns for the town? And I'm like fix immigration. [laughter]

Yeah. So anyway, so that's one of the things I had. We are continuing to look for green options committee members and water quality improvement advisory board members, lifeguards. Um we advertise it for those or just

Yeah, they do get advertised, you know, periodically. They're on our website. Um I don't like to put an ad in week after week just because that costs money. Okay. So that's why I keep saying it here and like we will you know periodically put in a collective app and all of those and part-time senior office assistant for the police department um that application deadline is this Thursday. I'll start doing some interviews next week. We um learned that civil service um even though this is a part-time position deems it not a part-time position because it's 24 hours and we have to canvas the civil service list and just the east end civil service list was 54 candidates. Oh boy.

But how about it was 30 hours. Did they change their rules? Yeah, it apparently maybe they changed the rules or they're now forcing the rules, but because it's a 40 hours they consider full-time and this is 24 hours, it's more than 20 hours and therefore must canvas the list. Crazy. Okay.

Even though there's it's not like we don't consider it full-time and there's no benefits associated with it. So, we'll see we'll see how that plays out. But that was a hiccup um between Friday and yesterday. I know that's something that they talked about at association towns is working with civil service so that it makes sense and it's more efficient than the current way civil service functions. So hopefully push on that a little bit. We

they pushed it up and what we did get is that rather than us having to print the letters and mail them out to the tune of you know $400 worth of postage um civil service is going to send it out on our behalf. So going forward going forward they are always going to send out our canvases and save us all that postage. Perfect. Yeah. They took away in one part but gave us back in the different so save the taxpayer dollars. That's fine. Yes. In time especially for the hassle and the Yeah.

Yeah. Because generally Yeah. It takes a lot of time. Like it takes staff time to you know mail out over 500 letters. I think it's going to be bigger once the rest of cuz that was just the east end list. If we have to canvas, we canvas the entire list because if we don't get three willing acres from the local, then we have to expand it to greater than local. So, we might as well just send it out full-blown at the first first time. But what we end up finding is the commute to Shelter Island is daunting. And when people like um

and we do try and schedule the interviews in the mornings so that applicants will see like this is what my commute looks like during rush hour because we have had people like oh like I've already been on the ferry line for an hour and 40 minutes. I guess I'm not going to make it right. Exactly. Yes. So that they understand you know they come at 2:00 on you know in the middle of the day. Oh this is easy. and then later discover on, you know, coming to like fill out paperwork like, "Oh, no. Yeah, this this is not what I anticipated." Well, we've had people call us on the way to the interview and we're like, I'm not coming just because this is not for me. This is not, you know, this this ferry line, paying for the ferry, the time it's taking me, it's not

also commuting during, you know, if they're coming from the Southport, the trade parade. Yeah, it's a lot. It is. Yeah. So anyway, so that's that's an update and I'm trying to think if I had anything else. Um, but if anyone else wants to chime in while I double check my list.

Um, we had a meeting of a subcommittee of the community housing board to start working on the contract framework. Um, well basically there's like three different ones. Um, so that is going really well. So, we'll talk a little bit in executive session about just kind of the framework and kind of thinking about the town's non-negotiables that we want to kind of come to them with. Um, Espen uh Seagull, who's on the a newer member of the community housing board, has a lot of experience in this and he's really been invaluable and kind of putting that together. Also, Nadine Mala, another new member, like a very recent member. Anyway, so much talent on there. It made me feel like I was sitting across from like Bill. He's there as the lawyer and you know um but it anyway felt really really good about how that's going but we'll look at that a little bit in executive session. Um and so we've actually felt so confident that we've actually set it to Miriam to start drafting. Obviously any notes that are going to come from us or the community housing board which is next week next week. Yeah. Um will be kind of incorporated but those are like really long legal documents. So really excited that those are getting started. Um we did the parade committee y

met last night. It's going really well. Um it's was like a short meeting. Um and anyway, it's uh it looks like it's all kind of in order. Um just as a reminder for everybody, we're going to have a parade at 10:00 a.m. on the 4th of July. It's going to be so fun. Um, so if you're interested in doing a float or marching, um, there are flyers up on social media. I think we're going to put some flyers around town. Um, and then you can donate or submit a float or walk or whatever you want to do in the parade. No horses though, to my sadness. Um, on the chamber website. [laughter] Um, let's see. the irrigation subcommittee met and make all but uh it's I'm really glad it seems like we're got that we're going to bring it back to the contractors and it's like I feel like it's in a good

everybody today. Yeah, it's in a great space over the weekend. That's amazing. Um set that for not yet. I want to run it past everybody like now that the changes are all consolidated. I want to send it back back out to everybody, make sure they're correct on the sub on the subcommittee and then once I get feedback, then we'll come back to the board. We had like a really productive meeting. It was very it was amazing.

Um and then just as a reminder, the task force that's meeting to discuss the OLA legislation is going to be meeting here in town hall Monday at 10:30. Um, and then the last thing I did want to talk about is just everybody probably knows the school budget vote is May 19th. Um, and what people might not know, um, but I just wanted to get out there is how to absentee vote, right? Um, I am actually going to be traveling and so I had to find this information out. Um, so if anybody else needs to know, basically you go into the school, you request your absentee ballot application, you can complete and return the application right there and you can get a ballot at the same time and then you can basically fill it out immediately and submit it on the spot. Then you're done. Um, you can also request that your ballot be mailed to you from the school. Just be sure to do that as soon as possible so you have enough time to receive the application, return it, and get your ballot in in time to vote. So if you are is interested. Um, and you know, obviously the school is very important. Um, and so we'd like to see a good turnout for this vote, but if you're not going to be here, you can still vote. All right, that's all I got. Um, so let's see. Actually, I don't have a lot coming up this week. The, um, health survey is still live online. I've received a little over 350 responses. I know that the Heights just recently sent it out to all of their residents and so did Hay Beach. So, um we'll keep it open through the end of this week. So, if you um go to the town website, there's a link you can fill it out. If you prefer paper copies, which I've had a lot of people tell me that they do, those are available at the library, town hall, the

senior center, and the fit center. Um, and so I just encourage everybody to sign up so we can get an idea of what the needs are for the community so that our efforts are put in a productive direction. Um, so I'm excited by the amount of responses I've had so far. I do have like a stack of paper responses that I have to submit like enter in online now. So I don't know how many of those I have, but it's pretty significant pile. [laughter] I don't know what the total number of responses is yet until after I finish uploading all of those. Um, but other than that, I I don't have much on for the rest of this week. Um, the site plan review is going to be looking at that legislation again. That subcommittee is going to be meeting this week. And, um, that's Yeah, that's all I got. That's the question. You were talking about the irrigation subcommittee. [clears throat] Is is the heights been involved in that?

Um, they're not on that current subcommittee. That's an internal working group of different committee members. They have given us a ton of feedback. So, we have like definitely like long emails of questions and stuff like that. So we have yeah they gave us feedback in the hearing and then we basically took that and the feedback that we gotten from some of the landscapers and kind of brought it back to the internal working group to try to synthesize all that. So we've incorporated a lot of their comments into this latest draft. So [laughter] yeah, no good. I mean they are the largest water supplier on the island and it's impactful to them. [clears throat] Okay. Yeah. Good.

Thanks. The only other thing that I had is the Presbyterian Church and the nutrition program. They are like working to try and get that kitchen finished. Um it's still I think a couple of weeks away. One of the things that came up was the refrigeration. We had two refrigeration units um and I think a freezer and the in the reconfiguration one of our um units was um in need of repair. Um Suffet County Health Department had cited us on like needing to like there was some covering that was missing. And then the other one um the way the space is reconfigured does not fit back into the space. So, we do need to um replace that unit. And at first, I was pushing back because it was two units that needed to be purchased. The Presbyterian Church is

[clears throat] um I think found funding and they are going to pay for one of those two refrigeration units and asked that we pay for the other one. Um because the renovation is taking longer. Um we had budgeted rent of $4,000 actually $4,100 a month, but we've been paying $2,000 a month because we've still had access to the pantry um lean to in the back. Um so with the extra savings, we can do a money transfer from rent to equipment to cover. It's going to cost $3,95. So you will see that budget transfer on the next um town board meeting. We just wanted to let everybody know. So, it's kind of nutting out. Yes. But okay. Yeah.

Which initially I was like, wait, if we have a perfectly usable refrigerator, but it won't um it won't fit. So, and when I met with the staff and also the Presbyterian church, it was like, okay, now I understand. I'll stop pushing. Now I have to find money. [laughter] So, um that's all that I have. So, if um we'll u make a motion to go into executive session to talk about contracts. Second closure. All in favor? I thank you.