ISLAND COMMUNITY BOARD
P.O. Box 464, Fishers Island, NY 06390
Tel: 631-788-7990
Email: ficommunityboard@gmail.com
ICB Meeting Monthly Minutes
September 11, 2017, 4:00pm
Community Center
Directors Present: Tim Patterson (Waste Management), Ace Ahrens (Ferry District), Matt Edwards (Walsh Park), Candy Whitman (Year-Round Rep), Willard Soper (Treasurer, Seasonal Rep), Meg Atkin (Year-Round Rep), Tom Sargent (Conservancy), Christian Arsenault (School)
Call In: Tom O’ Neil (President), Nate Malinowski (Year-Round Rep), Dicky Riegel (Seasonal Rep)
Staff: Zack Hoch (Administrator/Secretary)
Approve Minutes: The board unanimously motioned to approve the minutes from the August meeting. The approved minutes will be posted on fishersisland.net.
Election Results: Meg Atkin won the election and will serve her first term as an Island Community Board year-round representative. Meg previously completed Heather Burnham’s term.
Communications
Annual Report
Nate Malinowski will assemble this year’s Annual Report as he did last year. Last year an email solicitation was distributed to 23 organizations operating on Fishers Island. Each organization was asked to submit basic organizational data and a one page report of activities throughout the past year. Sixteen organizations responded. The ICB hopes to increase that number. Nate has the same contact information as last year and organizations can fill out the form online then submit. Candy Whitman likes the form and wonders if a save feature could be added to simplify the process year to year. Organizations have 3 weeks to complete the form. Nate is hopeful the report can be finalized by Thanksgiving and booklets could be ready for the Turkey Trot. The ICB is considering printing 10-20 paper copies in addition to digital copies. Nate stated he can call Minuteman Press for a quote.
Walsh Park
Enhancing Communications ICB & Walsh Park
Candy Whitman reported the content of a conference call she had with Andrew Burr and Ned Carlson regarding affordable housing and Walsh Park. Matt Edwards was present for the conversation. Candy stated Ned and Andrew did have projects in various stages to add to the available housing stock. The budget is small so they will not buy at market value and will spend strategically. When Candy asked if the Big Club would be able to open up some of their staff housing to island residents, Andrew and Ned said it is unlikely. Kandi Sanger’s Tiny House Project has been tabled due to issues with the water company, and she awaits the impact of Waste Management’s potential move. When asked about accessory apartments, Andrew and Ned stated there may be available backyard and garage apartments. However, year-round rent and seasonal rent differ. Candy then asked about what role Walsh Park might like to play in the affordable housing initiative. They are available to consult on any housing initiatives, but indicated that Walsh Park housing currently helped meet the needs of the island by requiring community service; and that affordable housing might not alleviate inventory issues since most occupants of Walsh Park would exceed income levels for town projects.
Willard Soper suggested Walsh Park contact HP Bunaes. HP purchased a home that was transported on the ferry already assembled. Once permits were granted and the foundation was poured, the house was delivered to the site on a trailer and ready for use in a matter of weeks. This is a cost effective strategy. These homes are 20ft wide and 40ft long and include 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen and living room. All that is needed is land.
Environmental Update
Parade Grounds
Tom Sargent opened discussions about the 175 acres of land between Race Point and Race Rock stating that land has never officially been considered open space and it is difficult to convert town-owned land to open space. There is a 2% transfer tax with specific guidelines. Tom will meet with Melissa Spiro. $6-10 million comes from the town annually and can go towards any type of land: marsh or agricultural. The Ferry District has authority and conversations will continue.
Tom O’ Neil asked about approaching Southold with the Conservancy’s priorities. Tom Sargent stated if the right properties become for sale and the Conservancy would like to preserve them, they can buy development rights and then buy outright. Funds shall not be used on the Parade Grounds because that land is under constraints.
Willard Soper raised concerns about Eelgrass being broken up by anchoring boats. Possible solutions include designating anchoring locations or tying boats to buoys. Tom O’Neil proposed forming a committee to see any spaces that qualify. Tom Sargent stated there are programs that we have not taken advantage of. Meg Atkins thanked the Conservancy for creating all the paths within the Parade Grounds and the work done on the Trooper property.
Administrator Position
Tom O’ Neil drafted a job description for a part-time administrator for the ICB the town will pay for. Tom would like board members to review the description and have their thoughts to him within a week so Louisa Evans can present it to Scott Russell. Candy Whitman thinks the job description gives the impression as a leadership position. Dicky Rigel proposed presenting it in draft form. Scott Russell previously stated the position could be filled by January 1st, 2018. There is interest in the position. A timeframe is to be established for a hire date and when applications can be submitted.
Recreation Path
Path Extension
John McGillian spoke on possibilities of extending the recreation path and creating a plan of action with the ICB. John suggested extending the path on the south side of the Navy fence is still the best option. If the extension was put on the other side of the street, the path would have to cross the road and a few driveways, also creating more unsafe intersections. Another possibility is using the road that runs through the Navy property. John believes the money can be self-raised and feels Southold may be more likely to listen if money is not being requested. John will continue conversations with Tom O’ Neil and Louisa Evans.
2018 Priorities
Each year the ICB establishes a list of priorities. Tom listed some of 2016 and 2017 priorities which consisted of obtaining 500 members, hiring a part-time manager, infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, rec. path), creating an annual report, annual elections, healthcare, environmental stewardship and administrative leadership. The board was pleased to hear that list as it was a reminder of the progress the ICB has and continues to make. Now is the time to begin brainstorming 2018 priorities.
Next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 7th at 4:30 pm at the community center.
Meeting adjourned.
