ISLAND COMMUNITY BOARD
P.O. Box 464, Fishers Island, NY 06390
Tel: 631-788-7990
Email: ficommunityboard@gmail.com
ICB March Meeting
Tuesday, March 12, 2018
5:30pm
Community Center Multi-Purpose Room
Attendance 34
ICB Representatives Present: Tom O’ Neil (President), Candace Whitman (Year-Round), Meg Atkin (Year-Round), Chris Finan (Utility Company), Matt Edwards (Walsh Park), Christian Arsenault (School), Geb Cook (Ferry District), David Burnham (Waste Management)
On-Call: Willard Soper (Treasurer), Dicky Riegel (Seasonal), Elizabeth McCance (Museum)
Absent: Nate Malinowski (Year-Round), Marc Rubenstein (IHP), Tom Sargent (Conservancy), John McGillian (FIDCO)
Staff: Zack Hoch (Secretary)
Public: Mary Horn, Bob Evans, Jim Baker, Ken Edwards, Chris Edwards, Jay Cushing, Tim Patterson, Susie Allan, Courtney Allan, Nancy Tirabassi, Janelle Senator, Michelle Klimczak, John Klimczak, Nick Klimczak, Pierce Rafferty, Staley Sednaoui, Jeanie Cook, Elizabeth Reid, Jim Reid, Jane Ahrens, Gordon Murphy, Laurie Finan
Welcome
President Tom O’ Neil greeted all in attendance and those on-call. Tom then introduced new Waste Management representative, David Burnham. David will be replacing Greg Thibodeau. Greg will remain as the Fire District representative.
Approve February Minutes
Tom O’ Neil motioned to approved the ICB February meeting minutes written by Zack Hoch. The Board seconded and the minutes passed unanimously.
Southold Update
Google Docs aka Island Initiatives
Tom reported the updated Google Docs composed by Mere Doyen was send out to the Board for review. Upon approval, the document can be made public knowledge as a way to inform the community what is happening on Fishers Island. All entities are represented on the document. Any updates or changes should be reported to Mere.
Recreation Path
Scott Russell has been notified that the Navy has approved the extension of the Recreation Path to run parallel to the fence along the main road. It must now go through its due process. Tom commends all involved for doing their due diligence to make the extension possible.
Quarterly Letter to Southold
Tom O’ Neil and Mere Doyen have drafted the first quarterly letter to Southold in 2019. If approved, it will be sent to Southold.
DMV
Requests have been made to schedule the DMV to visit Fishers Island. Tom O’Neil and Christian Arsenault will look into the matter.
Community Center
Jeanie Cook reported that last fall a 6-foot tall fence was installed around the basketball courts and a 10-foot tall fence around the tennis courts. Jeanie stated the community center plans to fix the outdoor light for the courts. The school cleared the connecting path from the courts to the school. Jeanie noted the poles holding the tennis nets are decaying and she is exploring options going forward and open to all feedback.
Utility Company
Briar Patch
Chris Finan reported there was a public hearing on February 26th regarding the zoning change to the Briar Patch property. The lot currently is approved for a single family unit, the zoning would allow for the construction of a duplex. Housing is critical for the Utility Company and their on-call staff. The building will complement the Doctor’s Office. Both units to have off-street parking. The Town Board will now vote to pass or not. More information can be found on FishersIsland.net at https://fishersisland.net/southold-considers-zone-change-to-hamlet-density-for-briar-patch-property/
Pipe Replacement
Chris stated the bid package for the piping project has gone out and he hopes construction will start by September. There are challenges with the main water line and the Utility Company received a grant from the town to replace the service lines on Fort Stretch and all properties on the road. The sidewalk project is waiting on the final site map for the piping project. The Utility Company wants to engage further with the Fire District because the Fire District currently is not up to plan. Paul Giles is the likely point of contact for the Fire District.
Walsh Park
Matt Edwards reported that on February 20, Walsh Park signed a non-binding letter of intent with Fishers Island School to acquire a 2.5 acre parcel of land located on the corner of Winthrop and Whistler Ave. The school board concluded that a sale to Walsh Park would be the best use of the property. The money for the school will go towards the Capital Improvement Project. Details can be found at www.walshpark.org
Matt reported the Walsh Park Ferry Building Project will go through the zoning board this week and he does not anticipate any static. Chris Finan noted upgrades for the water are needed but possible.
Fishers Island School
Christian Arsenault reported Fishers Island School has selected an architectural firm to begin working with them to plan out a long-term Capital Improvement Plan. There are no specifics on the timeline or costs to this point. Everything is in the early stages. Christian requests community feedback at this time. The Capital Improvement Prioritization document can be found at www.fischool.com
Treasurer’s Report
Willard Soper reported ICB has approximately $4,300 in funds. Most donations came directly after the Annual Appeal was sent out. The Conservancy and Museum were big contributors. Most other organizations did not contribute in 2018. Tom O’ Neil asks all representatives and organizations to donate.
Waste Management
David Burnham reported Waste Management ‘s new Plan will be added to the website and they are hoping for community feedback. By mid-April, the WM board hopes to submit their plan.
Ferry District
Geb Cook reported the Ferry District received a permit to dredge Silver Ele. This work must by complete by May and could start in April and take around 5 days. Silver Ele was last dredged in 1992. Parking restrictions will be enforced. Excess sand can be used for other projects.
The Ferry District and the Museum have been in contact with the Coast Guard about the sunken vessel.
Sea Stretcher
Timmy Hoch and Harrison Hall have been named new Sea Stretcher Navigators.
Adjourned 6:45pm
Next ICB meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 9th at 5:30pm in the Community Center multi-purpose room.
