meeting minutes

may 22, 2003

I. Opening

Meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:35 p.m.

II. Reading of the Minutes

Minutes of April 24, 2003 meeting were distributed and read through. A change was made to the opening: John Huck gave a very nice tribute to Ed Lapham at the beginning of the April meeting. It was not just a moment of silence. Minutes were approved.

III. Treasurer’s Report

$3,393.61 in Civic Account, $1,839.89 in Duck Pond account.

VI. Unfinished Business (Part I)

A. Nominees and Proposed Amendments: Elections will occur at the June Meeting. Members will also vote on three proposed changes to the bylaws:

1. Change in dues structure - $15/couple, $10/individual annually.
2. Change provision for meeting dates from Wednesday to Thursday.
3. Change in executive positions: A second Vice President will be added.

Helga Guthy of the nominating committee announced the following slate of candidates:

President, Sid Bail
First Vice President, Jill Lewis
Second Vice President, Nicole Fanelli-Burke
Treasurer, Carol Mishkin
Recording Secretary, Laurie Ettlinger
Membership Secretary, Eileen Drower

Additionally, the following are nominated for Trustee positions:
Terri Knietel, Bob Kohlus and Michael Light.

B. Last Chance Riverhead! Jill Lewis updated the group on Riverhead’s latest progress on the Master Plan. The coalition is concerned that public input is not actually being considered. The coalition submitted its list of concerns and as of 4/24/03 had not heard from the town regarding them. The coalition supports a three month moratorium versus a 6 month moratorium, which would bring Riverhead town beyond November elections.

C. Status of “Airpark” rules and regulations: The April 15 public hearing was a discussion of proposed airpark rules. Many residents of WR came out to support speakers not in favor of the broader allowances suggestion by this draft. Councilwoman Barbara Blass seeks to clarify inconsistencies in current zoning of the property. May 15th there will be “scoping hearings”. Ms. Blass understood aviation was to be used as an accessory use, but the wording in the zoning doesn’t clarify what uses are permitted. The town board is still open to public comments on the rules and regulations until May 15.

V. Guest Speaker - Riverhead Town Supervisor, Robert Kozakiewicz

A. Riverhead Master Plan update: The supervisor reviewed the history of the plan and informed that the plan is still at the level of Planning Board recommendations. These recommendations should be coming back to the town board very soon. The next step will be to adopt Master Plan and make necessary zoning changes.

B. Airport Rules and Regulations: Supervisor gave some history. The April 15 hearings public input period is now closed. The town will be hiring an aviation expert as an advisor to the Town Board on aviation issues. She will address zoning codes.

C. The supervisor informed the group that Riverhead has won another law suit and the town attorney’s office is doing a great job.

D. Also, the town attorney’s office has made large contributions to the community service program.

E. Field Day Fest Concert in Calverton: Suffolk County will make a determination whether they will support Riverhead with permits and police protection within the next few days. Hopefully the town will not have to “pull the plug”. The supervisor feels that plans have been made well in advance and that with the help of the Riverhead police department and local fire departments, all will go smoothly. This event should bring lots of money to the area.

F. Questions from audience included many concerns about traffic and safety issues during the weekend of the concert. Riverhead Police chief Hagermiller as well as WR Fire Chiefs were on hand to answer questions specifically. Also regarding the Master Plan and the impending end of the moratorium. Suggestions were made as to how the moratorium should be indefinite until all zoning changes go into effect. Also suggested, a committee of “Last Chance Riverhead” coalition members should be assembled to be available for zone changes. Also a question regarding the dredging of the Wading River Creek. Mary Gardener does not feel it would be wise to dredge the creek without other improvements made simultaneously such as improving and maintenance plans for the boat ramp and parking area.

IV. Committee Reports

A. BNL – Clean up needs to happen right away and without conflicts, Helga Guthy informs. There will need to be face to face meetings between all parties.’

B. Riverhead R.A.B. : A cleanup has begun at this site to remove all contaminated material from the former Grumman plant. The US Navy is removing all materials.

C. Pondscape update: met with Lou Ramos of PPL. They are interested in helping out in an environmental/educational way.

IIV. Unfinished Business (Part II)

A. Last Chance Riverhead Rally scheduled for June 3 at 6:15 p.m. at Riverhead Town Hall.

B. Downtown Wading River sign will be painted and improved by Tom Baird and his family. Thank you to Tom

This concludes the minutes of the WRCA for May 22, 2003.