ISLAND COMMUNITY BOARD
P.O. Box 371, Fishers Island, NY 06390
Tel: 631-788-7990
Email: finy.southold@gmail.com
ICB August 2025 Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, August 13th , 2025, 5:00 pm
In person & Zoom Meeting
Total Participants: 69
This meeting was be held in person at the Community Center’s Great Room and on Zoom.
Agenda for WEDNESDAY, August 13
Louisa Evans – Southold Update
Beth Cashel – Zoning Update
Tom Siebens & Tommy duPont – Utility Company Update
Dave Congdon – Walsh Park Update
Total Participants:
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).
John McGillian welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order.
ICB Meeting Updates and Discussions
John McGillian mentioned that ICB is revisiting the topic of a four-way stop sign at the ball
diamond, acknowledging community support for it despite a previous petition’s failure. Plans
were made to approach the Highway Department again regarding this issue.
Town Board Meeting Overview
Louisa Evans shared insights from a recent town board meeting (August 5th ), which featured a more focused group of officials and discussions on zoning and infrastructure. She noted the
positive feedback regarding the meeting’s format and mentioned ongoing projects, including
sidewalk proposals. Additionally, there was a reminder about a cell service poll and the
procedure for requesting new road signs.
Zoning Committee Update
Beth Cashel discussed the ongoing rezoning process for Fishers Island, emphasizing the
importance of community feedback and engagement. Heather, the planning board director, has acknowledged the community’s active participation and is reviewing suggestions submitted by residents. Beth encouraged everyone to review the zoning code and provide comments, as the town is receptive to input.
Seawall Issue Discussion
Dicky Riegel discussed the seawall issue, noting that a sinkhole had opened behind the seawall in 2021, prompting safety measures from the town. A recent meeting revealed that the owners of the three sisters’ cottages are responsible for the seawall, which complicates the situation. The city has indicated that access to the road will not be permitted until the seawall is fully dismantled and rebuilt, with costs estimated at several million dollars.
Tom Siebens reported on the utility company’s ongoing projects, indicating that engineering
studies are complete and funding from the USDA is expected soon. He mentioned that while the company can secure long-term low-interest loans, the process for rate case approval with the Public Service Commission will take approximately a year and a half. Siebens also addressed the risks associated with aging infrastructure, including the trunk main and marine cables.
Tom Siebens indicated that the utility challenges are being addressed and updates will be
provided soon. Tom duPont highlighted the necessity for the community to grasp the problem’s scale and history, recommending the utility company’s podcasts for valuable insights. He noted that the financial implications of rebuilding the systems will likely lead to increased future rates.
Electric Supply and Solar Energy Discussion
Beth Cashel questioned the implications of potential cable failures on electric supply, prompting Tom Siebens to outline the current load management strategies and the challenges posed by aging infrastructure. Tom also discussed the viability of solar energy, indicating that while it could play a role in the future, redundancy in cable supply is a priority. Brad Burnham added that local generation could enhance resilience but requires careful planning and community input.
Capital Expenditures Discussion
Richard Miller discussed the significant capital requirements of the island’s utility infrastructure and other projects pursued by various organizations, such as the ferry district and the school. He proposed compiling a list of mandatory payments from households to help residents make informed decisions during votes on tax increases. It was suggested by a conference room participant that the list should also clarify whether proposed projects are needs or wants. It emphasized the importance of facilitating discussions among tax districts to prioritize expenses.
Walsh Park Update and Community Housing Discussion
Dave Congdon reported that a meeting was held with Town of Southold officials regarding the
.5% increase in the real property transfer tax, aimed at supporting community housing initiatives. Walsh Park representatives, including Linda Mrowka, answered questions about their organization and discussed the town’s early-stage plans for affordable housing development. The city is currently working on criteria to access the funds generated by the tax.
Discussion on Zoning Variance for Utility Company Land
Thomas duPont responded to John Trevor’s inquiry about the zoning variance for utility
company land, indicating that discussions are ongoing regarding its future use. He noted that the land is already zoned into three parcels and highlighted the importance of focusing on energy supply. Tom Siebens suggested that rezoning to Hamlet density could allow for multiple dwellings, which would benefit year-round utility company employees. Sarah Porter expressed concerns about the property, citing wetlands and its proximity to a cemetery, and called for further community research.
Discussion on Solar Energy and Infrastructure
Alex Norton inquired about the potential for residential solar panels to help offset summer
energy loads during infrastructure repairs. Thomas duPont explained that zoning laws are the
primary obstacle to solar installations, while Tom Siebens highlighted the need for battery
storage and the complexities of grid interconnection. Siebens emphasized that a holistic
engineering approach is necessary to accommodate solar energy effectively.
With no further comments or questions, John McGillian thanked everyone and adjourned the
meeting.
