The meeting was held in person from 7:00 pm to 8:10 pm at the Eaton’s Neck Firehouse and was also simultaneously broadcast on zoom. 

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

Officer Roll Call

• Tom Kehoe – President 
• Ryan Schaefer-Walker – Vice President and Treasurer
• Anthony Fusaro – Assistant Vice President 
• Yvonne Lambertson – Assistant Vice President (Technology, Web and Communications) 
• Steve Neuf – Assistant Vice President (Engineering and Special Projects) 
• Sally Neal – Recording Secretary
• Nancy Reagan – Corresponding Secretary 

Attendance  

Approximately 15 members, NOT including officers, attended in person or dialed in on zoom.  

Tom Kehoe’s motion to accept last month’s minutes as posted on the POENB website and in the Changing Tides (CT) was seconded and the minutes were approved. 

Key Vote – 2024 Budget  – Ryan Schaefer-Walker

In January, the Board proposed a budget for FY 2024.  This budget was included in the January CT and was posted on the POENB website (eatonsneck.org).  The budget was passed unanimously.  

Correspondence – Nancy Reagan

Nancy reviewed correspondence the Board received since the last POENB meeting.   Items of note included

• Emails regarding a recent CT meeting – see details in the CT section 
• Emails from members in response to Board requests to immediately remove all watercraft.  Details provided in the Watercraft section.
• Multiple emails from John Ballow updating the Board on PSEG activities.  Details provided in the Public Safety / Welfare section 
• Multiple emails from John Ballow updating the Board on the Bevin Seawall.  Details are provided in the Public Safety/Welfare section
• Email from Michael Cohen providing additional details on software productivity tools that could possibly be used by POENB.  Unfortunately, those tools are targeted at 501c3 organizations;  POENB is a 501c4
• Routine correspondence from POENB vendors regarding invoices and other matters

Changing Tides –  Ryan Schaffer-Walker and Yvonne Lambertson

The CT is a widely-read and routinely enjoyed source of news for EN.  It is also produced and distributed entirely by approximately 30 volunteers. 

Ryan and Yvonne organized a meeting of the CT editorial (Ryan Cote) graphics, printing, and other production staff as well as distribution personnel (e.g., Block Captains) to (1) thank them for their service to the community, (2) discuss current pain points,  and (3) identify how the delivery process could be made more efficient and timely.  

While not all volunteers were able to make the meeting, the persons who did attend had a productive discussion.  The group agreed that:

• Multiple notification mechanisms (emails, texts, phone calls) should be used to let Block Captains know when the CT will be available for delivery
• Issues beyond the control of volunteers (e.g., timely receipt of content – articles and ads or snowy or rainy weather) requires that key events on the timeline be expressed in terms of a range of dates (vs. a single date), and
• Block Captains should place a copy of the CT on the outside of the mailbox (secured with the flag) – or in a resident’s driveway – since only Federal postal workers are allowed to put materials inside a mailbox

At the meeting, several new volunteers were also identified to help with CT production and distribution.

Tom Kehoe stated that in addition to Rich Baer’s fire safety article included in the CT, ENFD Chief John Pokorny will provide other fire-related information. 

Beach Report –  Sally Neal and Tom Kehoe

As discussed at the January meeting, Sally and Tom are meeting with local area landscapers to obtain quotes on three potential contracts:

1. Routine cleaning and landscaping services for PB and VG
2. Landscape concept plan for PB
   1. Is a drawing that provides a framework for future planning and implementation activities 
   2. Is intended to make the beach space more

• Aesthetically appealing
• Functional and flexible to accommodate a range of recreational activities (swimming, boating, sunbathing)
• Secure, and
• Environmentally compliant

3. Identifies the number, type, and location of 

• Foliage (trees, shrubs and plants) 
• Signage
• Lights / fences / security equipment
• Parking, and 
• Amenities (shed, shower, toilet, trash collection, play /athletic areas, picnic/grilling areas, watercraft storage)

3. Repair of VG stairs – immediate and LT

At VG, members must go down two tiers of stairs to access the beach.  There are two sets of stairs on the first tier:  one is made of stone and the other of wood. 

There is only one option for the second tier – a set of wooden stairs.

Historically, both tiers of these wooden stairs (and their banisters) have not been durable.  They rapidly decay, become rickety and splinter-ridden and must be repaired/replaced every 3 to 5 years.   

Multiple factors may be causing the limited useful life of the wooden stairs:  

1. Drainage pipes – that collect water from Carlisle and funnel it into the LI Sound – may “flood” the stairs from behind causing them to buckle 
2. Prolonged exposure to salt water and strong winds, and 
3. Questionable construction choices (e.g., not considering composite materials, not using 8’ pillars embedded into rebar reinforced cement to support the stairs)

The Board, therefore, will be “roping off” the first set of wooden stairs that lead down to the beach.

If members believe it is absolutely necessary to access the VG beach, the Board advises (1) using extreme caution and (2) taking the stone steps first and then transferring to the second set of wooden stairs. 

As an immediate step, Steve Neuf, AVP of Special Projects, will contact handymen to implement a “temporary fix” to make the banister and stairs more sturdy.   

As part of the longer term solution, Sally and Tom are consulting with landscapers and masons to consider several options.  

Mr. Cartolano, a member with beach front properties, offered to help identify potential solutions and suggest reputable masons / vendors.  

While all quotes have not yet been obtained, the Board realizes that the cost of these improvements may be significant.  Over the next few weeks, the Board will be critically reviewing POENB’s current and forecasted financial condition. 

Watercraft – Yvonne Lambertson and Tom Kehoe

The deadline for removing watercraft from both beaches was December 1, 2023.  

While most of the boats on the PB racks near Worcester Drive have been removed, there are still ~20 craft on the rack along Birmingham Drive.  Pictures of these boats, several which appear to be derelict, are shown on the POENB website. There are also ~5 boats at VG.

Over the last two months, the Board has sent several direct (to individual owners) and blast emails (to the community) – with limited effect. 

Boats not removed by February 15 will be transferred from the racks to the parking lot.  These boats will then either be sold or thrown away.  The proceeds from the sold boats will be retained by POENB.  Members will be billed for the cost to haul/trash any boats not sold.  

Please note that unless the watercraft are moved, some of the funds spent to clean and groom PB and VG will be wasted since the landscapers will not be able to fully  access areas under/around the watercraft rafts.  Please be respectful of other members by immediately removing your watercraft

2024 is a watercraft reassignment year. All members requesting and receiving a watercraft spot are asked to affix stickers. 

Public Safety/Public Welfare 

Per its by-laws, POENB has two missions:  (1) protect and maintain the beaches for members and (2) advocate for the public safety and welfare of all EN residents.  

Hobart Beach – Phil Cuiffo, Sr. 

Hobart is one of 9 beaches maintained by the TOH. 

Historically, Hobart has received significantly fewer funds and less attention than other TOH beaches.  Therefore, POENB has had to routinely remind the TOH about its obligation to properly maintain and enforce beach rules related to non-resident  access, dumping, driving vehicles on the beach, camping, fishing without licenses, and overnight parking/ early morning rendezvouses.

Because Hobart abuts PB, the cleanliness, maintenance, and enforcement of permitted activities at Hobart directly impacts 

• The condition and attractiveness of PB
• The cost to maintain PB – since some individuals who use Hobart have vandalized boats and equipment, dumped garbage and boat waste and thrown impromptu parties at PB, and
• The quality of life on EN

Phil, as the head of a Citizen’s Watch Group, communicates with TOH officials (Public Safety, Maritime Services and Parks) and SCPD (2nd Precinct and Car 216) about Hobart issues.

TOH Public Safety:   631 351 3234

TOH Harbor Master:  631 351 2192 

Phil stated that the SCPD suggested residents call 911 regarding issues at Hobart (or trespassing/vandalism at PB).  The SCPD dispatcher will direct the call as appropriate.  Phil noted that SCPD has been extremely responsive; officers get out of their car and walk onto the beach to issue tickets/summons.  

Finally, Phil quoted a Newsday article that stated that Hobart will be eliminating booth attendants and the old “sticker system.”  Instead, residents will use an online portal to register their vehicle’s license plate.  A license reading vehicle from TOH will patrol the parking lot, scan license plates and issue summons to violators. 

Phil, based on a conversation with the TOH, also learned that (1) violators will be “mailed” a summons (not asked to leave the beach immediately) and (2) the TOH had not yet determined when and how often parking lots will be patrolled.  

PSEG – John Ballow

PSEG is expected to finish burying the lines, strengthening the poles, and trimming the trees by March 31.  A wrap up meeting is scheduled on March 15th with David Lyons, interim CEO of PSEG-LI, several TOH, VOA, SC, and NYS government officials, ENFD chiefs and representatives from the Eaton’s Neck Community Working Group (“ENCWG”) (8 associations that represent ~750 homeowners).  

The reliability of electricity on EN has been an issue since 1968 (when POENB was incorporated).  Through the years, there have been multiple instances when EN residents were without power for 3-4 days and many others which lasted 2 to 48 hours.  

Despite prior valiant efforts, nothing changed.  That’s why the success of the most recent advocacy effort borders on “miraculous.”  Thank you John (POENB’s representative) and the other members of the ENCWG for thinking strategically and focusing relentlessly.   Reliable electrical service will greatly increase the quality of life on EN.    

Road Repairs – Bob Dennis

PSEG has allocated funds to repair parts of EN Road that were damaged by burying lines and trimming trees.  In the spring, the TOH will embark on its general road repair activities.  

Bob Dennis is representing POENB with both PSEG and TOH to (1) widen the road shoulders, (2) paint a line to denote a jogging/bike path, (3) install a “blind hill/do not pass” sign on both sides of the road between Locust Lane and Winkle Point Drive, and (4) potentially grind unsightly tree stumps on the old Morgan Property.

Bevin Seawall – John Ballow

There are three options regarding the public safety hazard (aka the Bevin Seawall)

1. Wait for a catastrophe to occur
   1. Disaster = Seawall breached and EN residents living at or above Bevin unable to exit by land 
   2. Most likely option from timing perspective given wall has deteriorated since 2023 and severe storms occur frequently
   3. Interim request – FEMA conducts “pre-assessment” on wall and VOA and TOH to prepare and discuss emergency evacuation plan with FEMA
2. Support VOA’s efforts to “go it alone”
   1.  VOA obtained $50K grant and two $1 million grants (both with local cost share) 
   2. Used $20K of $50K to put down more boulders in vulnerable parts of wall.  Remaining $30K held in reserve
   3. First $1 million grant

• Used to conduct engineering study to create a LT plan
• RFPs sent out 
• Given expected cost, VOA will need funds from TOH, SC, NYS and feds 
• Estimated time to complete, approve, fund and execute plan = 10 years

4. 2nd $1 million grant

• NYS grant to be used only for capital improvements
• VOA plans to use funds for additional rocks and steel fencing
• NYS clawing back funds because rocks and steel are “maintenance” not “capital improvements”

3. Pressure/ask the Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE) to fix the wall
4. ACOE denied request to be involved because

• VOA refuses to provide “public access” to beaches
• No federal property at risk – USCG station “not adjacent” to wall (requirement per law/regulation)
• No historic property at risk (EN Lighthouse) – lighthouse “not adjacent to wall”
• No public property at risk (although gas, electrical and telephone wires run along street next to wall)

2. Contacted Rep. LaLota and Sen. Schumer to request ACOE’s engagement  

John and the ENCWG will continue to push ahead since a wall breach could be a matter of life and death.

Please sign the Change.org petition – The Late Great Bevin Seawall – R.I.P.   ENCWG needs 5K signatures.  Friends and family of residents can sign.

https://chng.it/myJMJnn5qY

Fourth of July Parade 

The ENFD would like to remind all residents that water balloons and water / water balloon fighting will NOT be allowed this year.  

In 2023, aggressive “fighting” (e.g.,  balloons launched with lacrosse sticks and slingshots) resulted in residents and a local politician being hit directly in the head and balloon remnants created significant debris.

Incorporation 

In response to member requests, POENB has explored the pros and cons of becoming an incorporated village.  At the next meeting, the Board will provide a brief introduction to this issue along with recent incorporation trends in NYS and Suffolk County. 

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 7th at 7:00 pm both on Zoom and at the Firehouse.  Zoom (and dial in details) will be provided via email closer to the meeting.