POENB Minutes

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

The meeting was held at the EN Firehouse from 7:30 pm to 9:25 pm.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited followed by a roll call of officers.

Officer Roll Call

• Tom Kehoe – President (ABSENT)
• Steve Neuf – Vice President
• Sally Neal – Treasurer and Recording Secretary
• Nancy Regan – Corresponding Secretary
• Paul Dippolito – Assistant Vice President (ABSENT)
• Michael Ien Cohen – Assistant Vice President (ABSENT)
• Heather Warrington – Assistant Vice President

Attendance

There were 20 members physically in attendance, not including four officers.

Steve Neuf’s motion to accept last month’s minutes as published on the POENB Website was seconded.

Correspondence – Nancy Regan

The Board received 20+ separate emails and texts since POENB’s member meeting on August 6, 2025.  This correspondence has been consolidated and organized by topic.

• Valley Grove Drainage – Town of Huntington (TOH) advised that they will find funding in their budget to repair or replace both sets of stairs at Valley Grove as part of the Bulkhead and Outfall Pipe Project as outlined in the Nelson and Pope engineer’s report.  POENB gave the DEC permission to inspect the VG property; at the request of the TOH, the DEC signed a “hold harmless/indemnification agreement.”  Bonnie Schalle, (44 Westview), who owns the adjacent property to Valley Grove, was sent a copy of the correspondence between the Town of Huntington and the DEC.  Bonnie asked if the POENB was aware of the correspondence.  Tom Kehoe told Bonnie that POENB was aware of the plans and that the plans did not include the removal of the old pipe and pilings.

• Dinghy/Kayak Storage – A member asked about procuring storage spaces for dinghies and kayaks.  All emails were addressed to and answered by Michael Ien Cohen

• Music at Prices Bend –Paul Parenti, a member, offered to hold a “classic rock concert” to help raise funds for beach security at PB and general beach improvements.  This fundraiser would be sponsored by POENB. A tentative date for the concert is Saturday, September 27^th.  See details in the Social Committee section.
• Wine Tasting at Prices Bend – Another member offered to host a Wine Tasting event at PB to help raise funds for PB beach security.  This event is scheduled for Saturday, September 20^th.  See details in the Social Committee section.
• Insurance – POENB sent an email to our insurance broker Assured Partners asking to amend the additional insured endorsement on the policy.  The broker responded and will speak to our insurance carrier regarding same.
• Cold Spring Fire Department (CSFD) – The CSFD emailed POENB and asked about the process used to start a Junior Firefighters Program.  POENB forwarded the email to ENFD Chief Pokorny.
• Misc. Correspondence – POENB received an email from an attorney representing There A. Logan at 110 Eaton’s Neck Road.  Ms. Logan is in the process of selling her home and the title company has asked POENB, “as an HOA, to confirm in writing that  there were no outstanding HOA dues or fees on her home.”  POENB advised the attorney that POENB is a 501c4 nonprofit that owns two beaches.  It is not an HOA and that membership in POENB is voluntary.  
• Valley Grove Barbecue – POENB installed a new barbecue grill at Valley Grove.  POENB received several emails from one resident about safety concerns.  The resident asked how grill usage would be monitored given VG’s close proximity to neighboring properties and also asked POENB to reconsider the installation decision and remove the grill.  A grill at Valley Grove has been requested by several members at multiple meetings for more than a year.  Given that the cost to buy and install the VG grill ($~3K) was included in the 2025 budget and was under the amount needed for a Key Vote ($5K), the grill was installed.  POENB advised the member that the grill would not be removed but rules on the use of the grill will be posted on POENB’s website.  See detail on the grill in the Beach Committee Section. 
• Leak at Valley Grove – A resident advised that there was a leak in the pipe at Valley Grove.  A plumber was called to repair the leak.
• Asharoken Seawall – During a Asharoken Board meeting on September 2nd, the Mayor and Asharoken Board of Trustees decided to reject the $1million Schumer /Suozzi Earmarked NYSDOT Grant for “Emergency Repairs to the worst 200 feet of the Seawall.  The grant required that the VOA provide matching funds of 20% ($200K) and Asharoken was unwilling to do so.  VOA also had issues with certain provisions of the grant. 

On a related but positive note, the TOH has approved a $25,000 Grant to conduct a feasibility study to “Raise the Road” on Asharoken Avenue.

See additional detail on these issues are provided in the Bevin Seawall section.

Nancy Regan, Corresponding Secretary, then read the rules on the use of the Grill at VG into POENB’s official minutes.  These rules will be published on the POENB website. 

Notice to All Members Regarding the New Charcoal Grill at Valley Grove

Dear Members

We are pleased to announce the installation of a new charcoal grill at Valley Grove for the enjoyment and convenience of our members. This addition is intended to enhance your experience at the beach while aligning with our mission to maintain these spaces for all members. To ensure the safe and responsible use of this facility, please be advised of the following:

1. User Responsibility: Individuals who choose to use the charcoal grill are solely responsible for its proper operation, including but not limited to safely lighting and extinguishing the coals, monitoring it at all times during use, and ensuring all ashes are fully cooled and disposed of afterward. Users are also responsible for any accidents, injuries, damages, or liabilities arising from their use of the grill.

• Safety Guidelines:
• When lighting, arrange charcoal in a pyramid and use only charcoal starter fluid—never gasoline or other flammables.
• Cap the fluid immediately and store it away from the grill.
• Keep flammable materials at least 10 feet away, never leave the grill unattended, and supervise children and pets at all times.
• Do not add lighter fluid to an existing fire.

• Extinguishing and Disposal: Allow coals to burn out completely or close vents to suffocate the fire, then douse with water if needed.

Let ashes cool before disposing in a non-combustible metal container—never in plastic, paper, or directly on the ground.

• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Users must clean the grill after each use, removing food residues and cooled ashes, and dispose of all waste properly to keep the area tidy and prevent attracting wildlife.

• Reporting Issues: If you notice any maintenance needs or safety concerns with the grill, please report them immediately to the Board at info@eatonsneck.org.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all of our members. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out. Thank you for your continued support of our beaches.

Sincerely, The Board of Directors of POENB

Social Committee – Heather Warrington

Heather provided additional detail on the two fundraisers. 

1. Wine Tasting

The wine tasting event, called “A Night in Tuscany,” will be held at PB on Saturday, September 20 from 5 pm to 7 pm.  Donations are $25 per person and all proceeds will be used to improve security at PB.  In addition to wine tasting flights and cheese pairings, there will also be story telling about the wines and tips members can use when pairing wine at their own parties.   This event, while sponsored by POENB, has been organized, underwritten and hosted entirely by an extremely generous member, Caterina Velez, who is a Director and Brand Ambassador at Ruffino Estates.  This is sure to be a fun and exciting event. 

The event is open to members and their non-resident guests.  If you are not a member, you can join POENB on the day of the event and then make your donation “at the door.”  

However, as a courtesy to Caterina and other members (and their non-resident guests), we ask that members pay in advance or, at a minimum, RSVP to help ensure a sufficient supply of wine and cheese. 

Members:

• To pay in advance, please either (1) drop off your check in the POENB mailbox – make the event payable to POENB and note “wine tasting” on the memo line or (2) send payments via Venmo @PaulDippolito.

• To RSVP to HeatherMarieWarrington@gmail.com” or call her to register at 917-887-0939.

It is absolutely critical that we have a solid and reliable estimate to properly determine the amount of wine, cheese, glasses and other materials to make this event a resounding success. 

• Classic Rock Concert

A member, Paul Parenti has a classic rock band and has volunteered to play to raise funds for the PB security gate.  The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 27 from 4 pm to 6 pm. 

The event location is TBD but may be held at VG given logistical considerations. 

A donation of $10 for an adult and $5 per child will be collected. 

POENB will not be providing food or drinks for this event. 

We are, however, investigating whether it is economically feasible to ask Shrimpies to set up their food truck and allow members and their non-resident guests to buy food and drinks. 

Shrimpies wants a sales guarantee to participate.  If the guarantee is not met, POENB would need to make up the difference.  Given POENB’s tight finances and the need to maximize the net proceeds from all fund raising events, POENB may not be able to commit to the sales guarantee. 

Additional details will be posted on the website and Facebook closer to the event.

Beach Committee – Steve Neuf

• Grills at VG and PB – Steve said that he and Kevin O’Neill installed a new grill at VG.  During the meeting, a member and former Board member said that the grill at VG had been approved 17 years ago but was never installed.  Steve Neuf also said that POENB copied ENFD Chief Pokorny on the rules for using the grill at VG (read into the minutes by Nancy Regan) so that the ENFD was aware of the equipment.  Chief Pokorny did not reply or comment on the “heads up” POENB provided.    A new grill will also be installed at PB. 

• Benches – Steve said that a bench at PB will be moved to VG in the next few weeks.

• Missing split rail fence pieces – Steve is aware that parts of the split rail fence are missing from PB (section near Argyle).  Recently, around 11 pm, several cars of non-residents used the opening in the split rail fence to drive their cars onto PB  – since the “chain across the PB parking lot had been put up.  Steve said that he has NOT been able to find replacement fence parts – after trying to source materials from Home Depot, Lowe’s and Riverhead Building Supply. 

If anyone knows from whom the rails and posts could be purchased, please contact Steve at info@eatonsneck.org.

• Lantern Flies – In the August 2025 minutes, a resident noticed a serious infestation of lantern flies in the cluster of Trees of Heaven near the Hobart side of Prices Bend. The Board has found a generous patron who will spray the trees for free.  If spraying doesn’t eliminate these pests, the trees may be removed and arborvitaes planted in their place. 

Treasurer’s Report –Sally Neal

The Treasurer’s Report (shown separately) includes the Income Statement for the period January 1, 2025 to September 3, 2025 and a partial Balance Sheet as of September 3, 2025.  Please note, given space limitations, some financial statement line items have been aggregated.

Total Revenue was ~ $81,200. 

The largest revenue items were:

• Membership Dues ($64K)
• Watercraft Fees ($4.1K)
• Social Income – including merchandise sales ($3.6K)
• Donations ($4.1) of which $1.3K was for the 4^th of July and $2.8K for the security gate

Another $565 in gate security donations was collected (post the cut-off period for September) that hasn’t yet been recorded. 

Total funds collected for the gate are $3.365K – with additional pledges of $4.5K for a total of $7.865K

POENB’s breakeven budget was based on 245 members and a ratio of 45/55 special to standard members.

Since the early bird payment discount ended on March 31, membership has slowed.  

As of September 3, POENB had 233 members (an increase of one (1) from August 6, 2025).  POENB is still short 12 members from a budgeted revenue perspective.

Total Expenses were $24,700

• Changing Tides $2.5K
• Social – including merchandise expense – $7K
• Beach expenses – landscaping, security, utilities – $12.8K
• Other $2.4K

Net income for the period ended September 3, 2025 was $56,500. 

As of September 3, 2025, POENB had approximately $80K in cash.  

Two large expenses ($8.3K) have not yet been recorded, since they were received after the September cut-off period:

• POENB’s donation to the ENFD of $2K for the 4^th of July Parade
• Grills/benches for VG and PB for $6.3K (included in the budget)

Please recall that POENB routinely has very large expenses in September and October related to final payments to the beach vendors for landscaping, beach grooming, the port-a-pot, and the dumpster as well as POENB’s annual insurance premium (which is the Association’s third largest expense).  Therefore, the $80K cash on hand will decrease considerably by December 31, 2025.

A member stated that there is a misperception among several members and residents that POENB is “flush with cash” and asked that the Treasurer (at the next meeting) provide a more in-depth overview of POENB’s finances and financial position.

Sally Neal said that she was happy to communicate how the budget was created and the key sources and uses of funds.  She reiterated that on an annual basis, POENB tries to “break even” so that revenues equal expenses.  However, in selected year, there is sometimes a small profit or small loss.   

Given that membership is down, it is currently unclear if POENB will break even in 2025.   The Board is carefully monitoring POENB’s financial situation.

A member inquired why the names (if consent was provided) and addresses of all POENB members had not yet been published in the CT.  The names should be published in the November issue of the CT.

Bevin Seawall – John Ballow

John said that the VOA met on September 2 to vote on whether they would accept the $1 million Schumer/Suozzi grant money that the Village spent 4 or 5 years trying to obtain.  John said that the Village decided to reject the grant because they did not want to provide the required $200K match.   Congressman LaLota is looking for ways to provide VOA with the $200K so that the grant could be accepted. 

In addition to the VOA rejecting the Schumer/Souzzi $1 million grant given VOA’s decision not to provide the required $200K match, John also said that the TOH has approved $25K to study the feasibility of raising and relocating a portion of Asharoken Avenue near the Seawall.  Specifically, the road would be pushed 30 feet into “the swamp” (area between LI Sound and Northport Bay near Bevin Road).  This causeway would be similar to one at Lloyd’s Neck where waters flows underneath the road. 

John Ballow submitted a Notice of Defect to the VOA for the Seawall given that (1) the rock repair was not what the engineers specified and (2) the seawall – per VOA’s own engineers is undermined and structurally unsound/ failed.:  John recently took pictures of the road that showed that the 12” of concrete and 2” of asphalt” is unsupported.  The concrete and asphalt road sits atop a 5’ “hole” with nothing underneath to support it.

A member asked about getting more media attention specifically Newsday and New 12 – Newsday’s parent company.  John said that a report from Newsday, Deborah Morris attended the VOA meeting and an article on the wall is supposed to be published on Thursday, September 5th. 

PB Security Gate – Sally Neal

Several members asked about the security gate at PB.  Sally Neal reiterated comments she and others made at the July and August meetings.

In late June/early July, some members contacted the Board about installing a security gate at PB.  These members pledged to donate $5,000 toward the cost of the gate, if the following three conditions were met.

1. The members remain anonymous
2. Other members provide matching funds that equal (or exceed) the $5,000, and
3. The gate is installed no later than 12.31.25

If all three conditions were NOT met, the pledges would be withdrawn/cancelled.

To take advantage of these members’ generous offer, Sally Neal, Treasurer and Recording Secretary, started a “Gate Working Group.”

The Gate Working Group (1) contacted and obtained bids from four (4) qualified vendors who could supply the gate, (2) identified two of the four vendors to “short list,” and solicited donations from members.

Sally also created a list of ~60 FAQs and categorized them into six (6) major groups

1. POENB Inc. Physical Assets, Legal Obligations, Rights and Governance Structure
   1. Current PB Security Situation
   1. Benefits of a Gate at PB
   1. Features of the Recommended Gate
   1. Gate Financials – cost and funding sources
   1. POENB Policy, Process, and IT Changes Needed to Successfully Implement the Recommended Gate

Sally said that given “tribal lore, beliefs and half-truths” about POENB’s origins, legal construct, and governance, there was a need to “set the record straight” (Section A).  There are approximately 15 FAQs related to Section A and 23+ related to Section D – the features of the gate.. 

As of  September 3, $3.365K in donations has been collected with additional pledges of $4.5K for a total of $7.865K

The estimated total cost of the security gate is $22K – $15K for the gate and installation, $3-4K for electrical and $2K for signs/shrubs.   

Sally said that a “WORKING DRAFT” of the FAQs will be published toward the later half of the week of September 8^th.   

The FAQ Working Draft is a “living document.”  It is intended to be shared and discussed and then revised and edited as new information and additional input is received.

Several residents wanted to know whether a key vote would be required to approve the gate.  From the by-laws, Sally read Article IV, Voting, c) Key Issues, Voting Procedures and Requirements – that identifies five situations that require a key member vote.

Key votes are required for:

1. Election of Officers
   1. Adoption of Annual Budget
   1. Single Expenditures in excess of $5,000, except taxes, insurance and items previously approved in the annual budget,
   1. Any changes to Association properties (except those necessary to preserve their general good appearance) including the construction of any permanent building or fixtures which would permanently alter the appearance of such properties or cause the Association to pay additional taxes, insurance or utility payment, and
   1. Board decisions to borrow from any persons, partnerships, or corporations such sums of money as may be necessary to carry on the purposes of the Association.

An argument could be made for not requiring a key vote given:

1. The gate is funded entirely by member donations and POENB will not borrow money to pay for the gate. 
2. While the Board does NOT currently plan to use POENB funds, if funds were used it would not be more than $3K (less than the $5K threshold), and
3. The gate is unobtrusive (located between two existing pillars) and would not permanently alter the appearance of the property. 

However, several members stated that they believed POENB was “buying” the gate.

Sally said that while POENB was the “conduit” for the gate (soliciting and collecting money, conducting due diligence on the vendors, etc.), an argument could be made that POENB was the de facto principal on the gate transaction. 

Sally said a Key Vote will be held to approve the security gate at PB – preferably at the October meeting.

To help ensure that the time, effort and resources of multiple members who have been working diligently on investigating the feasibility of a security gate are used effectively, and to meet the installation by 12.31.25 deadline, a notice of the Key Vote, in the form of a blast email and posts on social media (Facebook) will be made on or around September 20.

DRAFT Notice of a Key Issue Vote: 

Please join us for POENB’s October Association Meeting on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 7:30 pm.  The meeting will take place in person at the Eaton’s Neck Firehouse.  At the meeting, members will be asked to approve the installation of a security gate (barrier arm) at PB.  The Key Vote will be held in person and shall be carried by a simple majority of votes cast.  POENB members in good standing (dues paid) shall by represented by one (1) vote per property lot.  

Next Meeting

Next month’s meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 7:30 pm at the EN Firehouse.  The meeting may also be available via Zoom.  Given a Key Vote will be Held on the PB Security Gate, all members are encouraged to attend.