ISLAND COMMUNITY BOARD
P.O. Box 371, Fishers Island, NY 06390
Tel: 631-788-7990
Email: finy.southold@gmail.com
ICB Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 5:00 pm
Zoom Meeting
Total Participants: 42
ICB Representatives: John McGillian (President), George de Menil (Vice President), Staley Sednaoui (Vice President), April White (Year-Round), Richard Miller (Seasonal), Linda Mrowka (Year-Round).
Agenda April 8, 2026
Kate Stevens – Update on Southold
Charlie Wilmerding – Property Insurance Update
Bonnie Benkard – Library Update
Josh Theodore – Waste Management Update
Minutes:
John McGillian opened the meeting and thanked everyone for participating. He then invited Kate Stevens to report.
Kate Stevens – Update on Southold
Kates@southoldtownny.gov 631-948-2434
Kate reported that she continues to focus on communication between the Town and Fishers Island. She provided updates on several surveys. The short-term rental survey showed 78% of respondents supported maintaining the island’s exemption from Southold Town’s 2-week minimum rental requirement. The DMV access survey revealed 79% of residents use DMV services, and 81% consider on-island access important or extremely important.
Kate announced plans to arrange a visit from town officials, including Supervisor Krupski to discuss resiliency, emergency management, and infrastructure, potentially including a listening session with residents during lunchtime. Kate also proposed potential office hours on the first Friday of each month from 4 to 7 PM at the Community Center, inviting feedback from the community on days and timing. Additionally, she updated the group on recent Fishers Island activities, including eco-mooring plans and decisions regarding the southernmost ferry ramp. Kate discussed a $3 million budget request for Fishers Island and mentioned several key topics for upcoming consideration, including the police barracks, town barn, ferry upgrade, and water, sewer, road, and sidewalk improvements in the Fort area.
Charlie Wilmerding – Property Insurance Update
Charlie provided an update on the homeowner’s insurance market on Fishers Island, noting that while the market has remained relatively stable over the past year, insuring property on the island remains very expensive due to the high concentration of risk. He explained that some major insurers are reducing their presence on the island, and underwriters are now more selective about the condition and maintenance of homes. Charlie also discussed the difference between admitted and non-admitted insurers, warning that while non-admitted carriers like Lloyd’s are still available, their coverage may be less robust and more expensive. When asked about the future of homeowners insurance, Charlie expressed concern that it may become less relevant as private insurers continue to withdraw from certain risks, and he suggested that self-insuring for wind and hurricane damage may become more common in the future.
Bonnie Benkard – Library Update
Bonnie Benkard, president of the Fishers Island Library Association Board, provided an update on the library’s activities and upcoming plans. She highlighted the celebration of librarian Ann Bank’s 50th year and the library’s strategic planning process with consultant Steve Pratt. Bonnie discussed summer programs, collaborations with local organizations, and the search for a part-time children’s program manager for the summer (10 hours a week). She also mentioned the library’s digital resources available through their website and the Suffolk Cooperative Library system. The conversation ended with a brief mention of upcoming presentations and the potential for future collaborations, including a possible event featuring Jimmy Wall.
Josh Theodore – Waste Management Update
Josh provided updates on waste management operations, including the replacement of a cardboard compactor and recent brush chipping efforts that will produce compost. He discussed ongoing challenges with feral cats at the transfer station, noting approximately a dozen cats present, and mentioned efforts to collaborate with the Conservancy on spay/neuter programs rather than extermination. Kathy Panza, the new business office administrator at Waste Management, introduced herself and shared her background in education administration. The group also briefly discussed a solar project on Waste Management property, which is currently working through zoning changes from R120 to allow for a solar field.
With no further questions or business, John adjourned the meeting at 5:50 PM.
