ISLAND COMMUNITY BOARD
P.O. Box 371, Fishers Island, NY 06390
Tel: 631-788-7990
Email: finy.southold@gmail.com
ICB February 2025 Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, February 11th, 2025
5:00 pm
Zoom Meeting
Agenda for Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Louisa Evans and Al Krupski (Town Supervisor) – Southold
Kate Stevens – Waste Management Update
Charlie Wilmerding – Insurance Update
Total Participants: 74
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).
Minutes:
John welcomed Louisa Evans and asked her to provide an overview of her responsibilities as Town Board Member and Justice for Fishers Island. Louisa began by stating her intention to retire at the end of her term in December 2025. Before she could elaborate on her responsibilities, Al Krupski (Town Supervisor) acknowledged Louisa’s extensive contributions to the Town and thanked her for her many years of service. Louisa reminded attendees about the March 3rd deadline for property tax exemptions (non-profit/senior citizen). She emphasized the need for community engagement in the upcoming zoning updates and expressed concerns about housing challenges on the island, particularly regarding the maintenance and use of police barracks. This brought up a discussion about the police barracks as well as the Town taking the 357 Whistler building for police use, without the consent of the Ferry commissioners, as established in the Enabling Act.
Staley Sednaoui shared her experience from a decade ago when the Theater Committee sought to buy the theater from Southold. Still, the ferry commissioners denied the request based on the Enabling Act. She noted a perceived inconsistency in how the Enabling Act is applied in the current case of 357 Whistler. Louisa Evans interjected that the Enabling Act only covers sales or transfers of property, not rentals. Staley suggested the need for a clearer understanding of the Enabling Act and its implications among all community members. The question was raised about whether the Town intends to pay rent for 357 Whistler after the Fishers tax payers paid a large amount of money for the recent renovation. It was stated that the ferry offered the Town the Coast Guard house as an excellent housing alternative for the police. Al Krupski said the Town Engineer deemed the Coast Guard house unacceptable because it’s in a floodplain. One of our residents commented that 95% of Fishers Island is in a floodplain.
Al Krupski emphasized the importance of understanding the management of town properties, particularly on Fishers Island, where infrastructure costs are significantly higher than on Long Island. John McGillian raised issues regarding the gap between tax revenues and the services provided, suggesting that residents feel underserved. Louisa Evans acknowledged the slow pace of improvements but noted increased police attention. John McGillian said that communication was paramount between parties involved and Al agreed. Tom Cashel, a Ferry Commissioner, then said that the Ferry Commissioners tried to sit down with Al Krupski in December, before the police took the house, offering to come over to Southold and were flatly rejected.
Staley Sednaoui questioned Al about the rationale behind the new requirement to register our fire alarms with Southold, especially with any fines go back to Southold. How does that help us in Fishers. Louisa Evans explained that the fines are directed to the town’s General Fund. Al Krupski added that a law from the 90s established a three-strike system for false alarms, with fines imposed after multiple incidents. He said the Town police on Fishers must respond to false alarms.
Al Krupski emphasized the town’s commitment to infrastructure improvements, mainly drainage and stormwater management. Louisa Evans pointed out the complications surrounding federal funding for water projects, which were affected by timing issues with utility companies. Staley Sednaoui raised concerns about communication failures regarding local road projects and the need for better coordination with emergency services, esp. with regards to the Town’s actions on the crumbling seawall near West Harbor. Al Krupski said he wasn’t aware that the Town road people didn’t contact our Utility company or our emergency services before the installed fencing.
Al Krupski will ensure that the Town’s commitment to fixing the trooper barracks is communicated and a complete renovation plan is developed. John McGillian will follow up with Al Krupski to identify a point person for communication regarding ongoing projects and issues on Fishers Island. Al Krupski will assist John McGillian by providing necessary information regarding taxes and services on Fishers.
Kate Stevens – Waste Management Update
Kate Stevens reported on the Fishers Island Waste Management District, noting the departure of Beth Stern after three decades of service. The district is hiring for various positions and planning significant upgrades, including a new cardboard compactor and a routine maintenance contract for equipment. Additionally, Stevens highlighted the district’s mission to divert waste and promote a circular economy. Kate Stevens will finalize the hiring process for part-time and summer seasonal positions at the Fishers Island Waste Management District and post the job listing on the website.
Charlie Wilmerding – Insurance Update
Charlie Wilmerding provided insights into the insurance landscape for Fishers Island, noting that the market has become increasingly difficult due to natural catastrophes leading to significant losses for insurers. He mentioned that while insurance is still obtainable, it is more expensive and offered by fewer companies, with many clients considering self-insurance for wind coverage.
Charlie Wilmerding expressed concerns about the diminishing relevance of insurance for homeowners, noting that insurers have withdrawn from covering risks like floods, earthquakes, and wind damage. He explained the distinctions between flood and water damage, emphasizing that many homeowners lack adequate flood coverage. This situation could pressure the real estate market on Fishers Island, as rising insurance costs may deter potential buyers. Charlie Wilmerding concluded by offering to provide assistance in understanding and reviewing insurance policies for those on Fishers who need help or interpretation of their poliicies.
From the chat, Staley Sednaoui relayed a question about the economic viability of capturing bottle and can-deposit revenue, to which Kate Stevens responded by discussing the effectiveness of current recycling programs on Fishers Island. She mentioned that while the island already has good recycling practices, there is potential for a pilot project to explore this revenue opportunity further.
John McGillian notified everyone about the ICB meeting schedule change to the second Wednesday of the month starting in March. With no further business, he thanked everyone for attending and adjourned the meeting at 6:15 PM.
