Our POENB meeting was held via zoom conference and began approximately 7:05PM.
Frank opened this meeting with a request the everyone stay muted with the exception of our guests who are speaking. He asked if anyone has a question to please type into the chat window. A POENB board member will ask the candidates our questions from the group. Frank turned over to Julie to moderate.
Julie announced that the POENB is proud to host nine (9) candidates for the Town of Huntington offices; election day is November 2nd. The candidates were given introductions to our property owners group and our prevailing issues. Candidates will speak in alphabetical order by office. Each candidate will have three (3) minutes to introduce themselves and speak about their campaign then five (5) minutes for Q&A.
[Please note that the following meeting record reflects each candidate’s statements regarding their platform and positions. POENB is presenting the following record for members’ information only and does not endorse any candidates or their statements.]
Candidates for Town Supervisor
1. Councilmember Eugene Cook
Councilmember Cook thanked us for inviting him and the others to our meeting and requested mutual respect amongst all parties, as they are all seeking, “to do the right thing as they see fit”. He is running because he is unhappy with what he has seen going on lately. Having solicited over 2000 signatures to run under the Stop LIPA line, Councilmember Cook is excited to run for Town Supervisor. Two (2) years ago he started to work on financing through the federal government for projects at Valley Grove beach & some of the piping issues in Eaton’s Neck. Covid derailed that opportunity however, those are the projects he would like to get done. Other issues include drainage, septic system problems & pollution into the water. More funding is needed into the Highway department. He will make sure the budget is allocated properly.
Ryan posed the first question:
Q: Eaton’s Neck has been suffering with an antiquated, insufficient storm water management system. Many streets run to just a few catch basins which are not well maintained and end up backing up leading to wash-out damages; specifically at Price’s Bend and Valley Grove beach. Possible solutions include: more catch basins, higher curbs or lower catch basins. Senator Gaughran has advised us that towns with shovel ready plans will be the first to receive federal funds when and if they become available. Would you make Eaton’s Neck a priority and work quickly with the town engineering department to generate plans to reduce the strain on Eaton’s Necks’ storm water system? Not more testing; meaningful infrastructure improvements.
A: Councilmember Cook responded, “One word answer, absolutely!” He stressed the importance of such projects for the future of the town as evidenced by his previous funding outreach. “A doer, not a talker.”
Q: Running on the Stop LIPA Now line, can you tell us about the case and what you expect the outcome to be. Some of us on Eaton’s Neck were in favor of the LIPA settlement; can you speak to these issues please?
A: In 2013 Councilmember Cook spoke with a state senator who told him, “It’s a done deal, make a settlement and get the best you can get.” This guidance was given despite issues which Councilmember Cook voiced concern over. His further examination revealed fraud on the part of LIPA. Battling LIPA’s press agency which put out a strong message of them needing more money, “the poor people on the block” proved difficult. LIPA is 11 billion dollars in debt. Councilmember Cook filed lawsuits and funded same himself. He will continue to pursue them which will likely take another two (2) years. It is fine if you were in favor of the settlement; these cases will continue to be fought. Councilmember Cook recently joined a federal lawsuit between the Long Island power and cable company and LIPA as an intervener, wherein he has laid out all of the fraud surrounding the case. The federal judge has handed the case off to the magistrate. It is unclear at this time what exactly this means but Councilmember Cook equated this perseverance to true leadership. If you want someone who will fight for you until the bitter end then he is your guy.
2. Rebecca Sanin
Ms. Sanin thanked us for inviting her. As a lifelong public servant her career has been in the government in the non-profit sector she is running because she loves our town and believes this is a unique time to improve the lives of our residents. Ms. Sanin pivoted to what matters to Eaton’s Neck. As a strong environmental candidate, she appreciates the work we have done to protect our beaches, she recognized the importance of protecting the former Morgan estate from development and the importance of sand deposits along our western shore. If elected she will work to forge an equitable distribution agreement. Ms. Sanin also committed to bringing together a community forum to address the water quality and storm runoff issues. She would put resources into grant writing because she is aware there is funding to be had. Echoing Senator Gaughran’s plea to have shovel ready plans in order to claim federal funding, Ms. Sanin committed to having those plans in place. She also noted the town has storm water runoff improvements budgeted for 2022; perhaps some of that money can go to Eaton’s Neck. She also committed to improved disaster management plans for the Neck.
Ryan offered the following preamble to the question.
The western shoreline of Eaton’s Neck has been starved of sand by Coast Guard dredging for nearly 100 years. The TOH has allowed the erosion to occur by not advocating for its adequate protection via sand replenishment. The Coast Guard unit out of Rhode Island handles the dredging of the inlet; this action has stopped the natural drift of sand southward along our western shore. What remains is now exposed black rock & clay. Realizing the dire situation (in the 1970’s) the Town of Huntington required landowners to bulkhead their properties.
The POENB has advocated for an equitable sand replenishment policy with only mediocre, inconsistent results. These issues not only affect the POENB but also land owners & the ToH at Hobart beach.
Q: What do you think should be done about this?
A: Ms. Sanin recognized our issues and our experience of gaining the town’s interest followed by long periods of inactivity. If elected she would immediately work on negotiating a solution that includes the federal government – citing her working history with our federal representatives. The town supervisor must collaborate with the residents; something that is missing from the current administration. Ms. Sanin also recognized the Asharoken sea wall issue as requiring similar attention.
Q: What can be done to speed up the process in the building department?
A: The building department is one of the worst departments in the town due to poor leadership. She would analyze the workflow process, identify and remove bottlenecks and accurately measure and track benchmarks. Then she will look into digitizing much of the processes and improving the customer service aspect of the department. Ms. Sanin then referenced a few stories of residents having a difficult time with the current department.
3. Councilmember Ed Smyth
Running on a platform of continued investment on the town’s infrastructure; storm water management, sewers, road surfacing, bulkheads and docks, Councilmember Smyth wants to update the town’s aging rolling stock (vehicle fleet). The current inventory is negatively impacting the town’s ability to respond to emergencies.
Councilmember Smyth is a lifelong resident and is currently raising his children here and hopes they will return to raise their children. He is currently on the board as deputy supervisor and has been practicing law in Huntington village for the past 24 years. He is a Marine Corps veteran and will bring a blunt leadership style to the supervisor’s office, bringing clear directions and requiring accountability – no surprises, no drama. Operational goals are to streamline functions and to put as many online as possible and to fix the issues within the building department. Councilmember Smyth will maintain fiscal responsibility. References were made here in favor of the LIPA settlement. He is discussing the town purchasing its own dredging barge. The need is great enough to use 365 days / year and would give the town the ability to control the locations of spoil deposits. Mail in permit applications during covid led to the building departments’ current disarray. He gave credit to the town’s successes i.e., bond rating and LIPA settlement.
Q: (consolidated from multiple members) We understand that storm drains are cleaned at a frequency of only once every 25 years, please comment. What is your record on infrastructure and how would some of your planned improvements be paid for?
A: First step on storm drain situation is to disconnect upstream connections to the outflows. Current construction trends are to dissipate water over larger areas prior to collection piping. Vegetative swales have proven successful at Crab Meadow golf course. Grant writing “artists” would be employed to retain federal funds to the largest degree possible. Infrastructure projects are appropriate for funding through the debt market; long term bonds. Especially in light of the current low interest rate market. We have 34 miles of sewage system piping, some of which are still clay pipes. These projects need to happen; they are long overdue. Regarding track record: Most infrastructure funding has gone to the towns rolling fleet & the Halesite sewage treatment plant – a project that was grossly overdue.
Q: Frank P asked a follow up question. Having a chair at the council table, do you find it alarming that our storm drains are being cleaned only once in 25 years on average?
A: Yes, its absurd. It should be happening every 2-3 years. Many are in sad shape; this is not a new problem. We will be playing catch-up to get to a sustainable preventative maintenance schedule. These systems have been neglected for decades.
Candidates for Town Council
1. Dr. Dave Bennardo
Dr. Bennardo lives in Greenlawn with his family and just retired from the South Huntington School superintendent position after nine years of service. Prior to the South Huntington position, he was the principal of Harborfields High School also for nine years. Dr. Bennardo has a history of success working with diversified boards and finding amicable resolutions to problems. Beaches are important to him as a boater & a lifelong lifeguard he is passionate that they need to be protected. He will advocate for funding to resolve runoff & pollution issues.
Q: What would be your priority for budgeting infrastructure projects to help these issues? (Beach quality / storm water collection / runoff mitigation)
A: Safety & Infrastructure both need to be put first; often infrastructure gets put off because those projects are not “sexy – (no flair)”. Dr. Bennardo recognizes this & the importance of infrastructure projects and will make sure they are prioritized together.
Q: There has been some local concern over deer hunting as it relates to safety, perhaps you could speak to that.
A: While Dr. Bennardo is a sportsman, he does fish & shoot, he is not in favor of such activities in residential areas.
Q: There has been mention of increased funding for the highway department and its possible impact on taxes; perhaps reallocations can be done within the budget rather than raising taxes.
A: Raising taxes is last on the list for Dr. Bennardo in terms of funding a particular need. His first is lobbying state and federal governments – something he has a lot of experience with. Third comes from grant writing (another skill of his). 3a would be re-allocation of existing budget. Tax increase is the last place he would go.
2. Salvatore Ferro
Mr. Ferro thanked us for the opportunity to speak and agreed with Dr. Dave Bennardo – that the candidates are all involved for the right reasons: to serve the residents of Huntington. Mr. Ferro lives in Commack with his family, he is a business owner (not a life long politician). He has decided to merge his business skills and non-profit experience skill sets and serve the Town of Huntington. Fiscal responsibility and protecting the environment are important to him. The building department is an area of particular experience for Mr. Ferro, both as a contractor and an advisor. He served on an advisory board that helped the Town of Hempstead go from “worst to first”. Where they improved systems and brought processes online.
Q: How does your experience relate to having shovel ready projects ready to go in terms of applying for federal funding?
A: This will start with relationships and working with all parties. A large part of Mr. Ferro’s experience serving the LI Builders Institute was lobbying. They made projects happen by advocating for the town and the developer both at the State and Town level. Mr. Ferro committed to lobbying for issues of importance to Eaton’s Neck; such as PSEG addressing tree trimming needs.
Q: The community feels some regular meetings with our elected officials would be helpful. Are you open to that?
A: Definitely open to that. Mr. Ferro has discussed each member of his slate working with separate sections of the township. This will allow each towns’ unique issues to be concentrated on.
3. Jen Hebert
Ms. Hebert is a lifelong Long Island resident and has resided in Huntington for the past 25 years. This is her first time running for a political office; previous experience includes serving on the Huntington School board for 9 years. She appreciates each hamlet’s own unique needs & issues. Very approachable and solution driven – has been for the past 9 years. Ms. Hebert welcomed the regular meeting suggestion and appreciated the walk-thru afforded by Ryan & Julie. She recognized our can-do approach as similar to her own.
Q: What do you think the town’s role should be on these environmental issues we have been discussing and what would you bring to the table in a leadership position?
A: As a great listener & great learner Ms. Hebert is comfortable learning on her feet. Her approach would be direct contact with every stake holder that could help find a solution; not just emails and phone calls – face to face conversations in person which she would facilitate.
Q: What experience do you bring to health, safety and human services?
A: This is the one area that ties everything together. Making Town Hall work more efficiently and eliminate wasteful processes and positions is where Ms. Hebert would have the most impact; prioritized spending.
Q: Our main access road often breaches in a storm – please comment.
A: In an emergency you could be stuck. This is not acceptable. Extreme weather is becoming more prevalent so solutions “need to be found sooner rather than later and that’s where that infrastructure money comes from.” Ms. Hebert will have plans ready to reap federal funds as they become available.
4. Joe Schramm
Mr. Schramm is a Northport homeowner, community leader & small business owner. His professional experience includes working with the Boy Scouts of America, Cablevision and his own advertising agency, specializing in sports, TV, trade associations and non-profits; this includes grant writing and proposals. As a Northport resident Mr. Schramm emphasized his issues and concerns are the same as ours. If elected he would be the first representative from our area in a generation. He has served on several local committees. As consensuses maker, he stressed the need to work together: work with the County to get funding to dredge the harbor.
Q: Valley Grove hosts the best sunsets & worst beach water quality ratings! Save the Sound has recommended we get in touch with our elected officials. Typically, we hear how our aging septic systems are to blame. However, Hobart test results are often much better. Some place the blame on many streets funneling into one outlet, some say it’s a lack of filtration. What are your thoughts on this?
A: Mr. Schramm said he would inquire about similar issues in the surrounding areas and make a commitment to get serious about finding a solution. Testing would then be done to determine the source of the problem. He committed action to find a solution to the problem.
Q: Our community needs a place for our children to socialize and be safe, such as a movie theater and/or community center. What are your thoughts?
A: Mr. Schramm recognized that our entire community (Asharoken, Crab Meadow, The Village and Eaton’s neck) has always been family oriented. The village park benefits from our local police department. The pandemic changed the use of brink & mortar facilities. He anticipates re-purposed store fronts and facilities; more social interactions. Rec & youth centers should be invested in. A cooperative township approach is Mr. Schramm’s idea for this concept.
Candidates for Town Highway Supervisor
1. Superintendent Kevin Orelli
Superintendent Orelli is a third generation Huntington resident, loves it here and would never leave. Prior to public service he was an excavation and drainage contractor. He has already started working on plans to mitigate excessive runoff issues at Valley Grove. Superintendent Orelli presented photos of a recent outflow pipe replacement at Argyle Street. Valley Grove and Essex Street replacement projects are in progress. DEC permits are being sought to fill in sand where necessary to bring equipment up from Hobart. He has an engineer doing investigative work to address the excessive water runoff at Valley Grove. He has submitted a PO application for a test boring company to do some tests and is in communication with Jim Gaughran regarding funding. However, these projects are not dependent on receipt of additional funds. Superintendent Orelli has been installing drainage structures almost daily since elected. A preliminary plan was presented indicating 37 leaching pools shown upstream of Valley Grove. He clarified the 25,000 catch basins (previously mentioned) which require cleaning. That is not entirely accurate. There are 25,000 drainage structures; some of which are leaching pools which do not require regular cleaning.
Q: Regarding the recent storms & debris removal and lack of communication with community residents – please comment.
A: The Highway Department is responsible for maintaining and cleaning the street. They are not responsible for cleaning resident yard waste, that falls under the Sanitation Department, which will clean such waste provided it meets the required sizing and bundling requirements. In the past, when the Town Supervisor declares an emergency the Highway
Department is given the go-ahead to do whatever it takes to get the job done. When in doubt call the Town before moving your debris to the street. The TOH will also be sending out communications when and & if an emergency is declared.
Q: Please speak about your road maintenance plans moving forward.
A: On average 25 miles of road are paved annually; this translates to each road being paved every 32 years. Should be 50 miles/year should be done. Funding needs to be allocated.
2. Andre Sorrentino, Jr.
Born and raised in Huntington; Mr. Sorrentino has been the Huntington Fire Commissioner for the past 8 years with a budget of $3.5 million. His background is in heavy truck repair and recently sold his street sweeping company. He is a director for general services; charged with building maintenance and repairs. Mr. Sorrentino feels his background is perfectly suited for the Highway Superintendent position – something he has been seeking since he was 17.
Q: What would be your approach to the issues you have heard about here tonight pertaining to Eaton’s Neck.
A: Mr. Sorrentino recalled working with previous highway superintendents that would stage personnel and equipment at the Lloyd Neck Fire Department and Caumsett park in advance of storms. He stressed the importance of preparedness & noted similar vulnerability of Lloyd Neck to ours.
Q: What needs to be done moving forward regarding the budget and the maintenance cycle of our roads?
A: Mr. Sorrentino described the required dynamic between the superintendent positions and the town board. Superintendents need to go to board meetings and fight for money. He attends each and every meeting. Upon entering general services, he was faced with dilapidated equipment and had to fight for the money to get what he needed.
Q: What implications will these budgeting issues have on our tax bill?
A: Mr. Sorrentino feels the money is there, it just needs to be allocated properly. He stated his department [unintelligible] never exceeded a tax cap; his budget only raised taxes by 37 cents per household over 8 years. Not interested in photo ops; he gets things done – he doesn’t talk about it.
Mutual thanks were shared for the forum and the opportunity to speak to our community.
POENB Officers in attendance at the meeting:
Frank Bonomo, President; Ryan Cote, Vice-President; Julie Hendricks-Atkins, Assistant Vice President; Nora Beck, Treasurer; Frank Pasquale, Corresponding Secretary; Steven Neuf, Recording Secretary; Bethany Pokorny, Assistant Vice President.
Minutes (Readings and Update):
A motion was raised to accept the minutes of our September meeting as printed in the changing tides. The motion was seconded and approved.
Membership in attendance:
Approximately 51 during the forum and 23 after.
Correspondence:
Board Reports:
Frank B recapped the storm / beach damage. He then recognized the repair work done by Herman Lindau and Frank P. Emergency funds were used for these repairs; money still remains in the budget. Frank passed to Nora.
Treasury Report:
Even though we have completed and paid for the VG wall. Frank noted that this is close to the same financial state as when this board came on.
Small end of season projects need to be done.
Frank laid out the remining board duties for this time of the year. Succession planning, nominating committee.
Julie detailed the next slate is elected at our Dec meeting. By Nov 5th we need to be able to announce the slate. We are looking for volunteers for the board positions and nominating committee.
Ryan gave CT tides help plea (described in the recent issue)
Frank announced this is a year we would typically be removing watercraft from the beaches. Expect some form of electronic registration next year. Need to clear the watercraft areas for maintenance. Please remove your craft ASAP deadline is Dec 1st.
A member asked about the kayak locks. Since the price has tripled, we are investigating taking a deposit. More to come…
A question was asked if the pilings are capped. Cut spots are vulnerable spots. Steve committed to investigating and following up.
A member asked about decking options from the bottom of the stairs to the new platform. The board is following up with pricing. Frank P was thanked for fixing the hole at the body of the stairs.
Membership Update:
None new since last meeting. 244 members to date.
Social:
Unfortunately, we had to cancel Eatons Neck got talent due to low enrollment. We suspect the start of school played a role in everyone getting busy
New Business:
We adjured at approximately 9:10PM
Our next meeting is scheduled for November 5th.
