001East Hampton Town Board. We are live. >> We are. >> Thank you, LTV. Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the East Hampton Town Board meeting of Thursday, August 21st, 2025. Carol, if you could please read the roll call. >> Present. Present. >> Present. We could all stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> So tonight we have actually no public hearings. So then we will um move to public portion and then followed by our resolutions. But before we get to public portion, we've got our town historian here. Welcome, Hugh. >> Thank you, Madam Supervisor. Tonight is the last of our police chiefs, U Eddie
002Ecker Jr. >> What he really wanted to be when he grew up was a train conductor working on the Long Island Railroad. He kept at his house a set of trains that his wife inherited from a family member. He said he used to work bartending and waiting tables at the Blue Marlin restaurant. >> Let's go try. >> My apologies. My apologies. That's my fault. >> Okay. Sorry. You want to start from the top? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Take two. >> Eddie Jr. really wanted to be a train conductor when he grew up. Okay. He wanted to work on the Long Island Railroad. He kept at his house a set of trains that his wife inherited from a family member. And he said he used to work bartending at the waiting tables at the Blue
003Marlin restaurant which was right next door to the Montalkque train station. It was perfect. All the conductors would come in and we'd talk. Well, thank heaven for the town to be Sam and that didn't happen. Um he joined the the department as a patrolman in 1982. He was promoted to detective in 1986 and stayed with that division for 14 years. Being a detective and delving into police work was the highlight of my professional career, he said. In 1989, he was promoted to detective sergeant for 12 weeks. In 1992, he attended the FBI academy. He was where he was taught management skills, including leadership, budgeting, and public speaking. In his rookie days, he came through the ranks with some really good police officers, including Chiefs Todd Saris and Tom Scott. He remained in the detective division
004for 14 years, earning the rank of detective sergeant in 1989 and detective lieutenant in 1996. As a sergeant, he never went back into the uniform division. He was a graduate of the elite FBI academy where he attended for 12 weeks in 1992. In 1999, he was named the commander of the Montalk precinct, a move that took him out of the detective squad. In 2003, he was promoted to captain, staying in Montalk until he became the executive officer two years later. And in 2010, he was appointed chief. Okay. Well, there's another Eddie Eka. Um, do you know that the town board used to be made up of four justices of the peace and the supervisor? That used to be the town board. But that changed in 1965 when for the first time someone was elected a
005council person. Who was it? Eddie Ecker, >> senior. >> Okay. He was the first council member we had. Okay. Now, I'm going to talk about the Fiser House. Okay. There had been three lectures down there on prohibition. Um, but the fourth one was done last Thursday by Francine Whitney and she covered something we never thought about, the music of Prohibition. So she not only talked about the music, she had examples of the music before Prohibition, during Prohibition, and after Prohibition. And we come to find out that the Fischer House is not airond conditioned. [Laughter] But boy, she persevered. I want to tell you that. Okay. And her and then the last thing is what's the most uh the most popular song in 1933? Everybody thought it was Happy Days Are Here Again. >> How Dry
006I Am. >> Right. It wasn't. It was Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf >> was the most popular song in 1933. And we're trying to figure out why. One reason, of course, the depression. The wolf is at the door. >> And the other I think it was because of the rise of Nazism in in in Germany. Who's afraid of the big bad wolf? Okay, that's it. See, >> question for you. Can you carry a tune? >> Absolutely not. >> Thanks, Hugh. Okay, since I said upfront that we didn't have any public hearings, we're going to move right into public portion. Would everyone would anyone like to address the board? >> Good evening. Welcome. >> Hi, good evening. Um, my name is John Selli. I'm a Springs resident and I'm here to share my concerns
007about the lengthy process and lack of clear timeline lines in obtaining a residential building permit in our town. Over the years and especially recently, the permitting process has become incre increasingly slow and inefficient using publicly available census data and online directories uh which may not be um fully uh accurate. Um, but our building department appears under staff relatives to our neighbors in Southampton, Riverhead, South Hold, and the village. As one data point, the village has three building inspectors, including our former chief inspector. Um, and the town also has three building inspectors. Yet, the town has over 12 times more housing units than Eastampton Village. When compared to Riverhead and Southold in Southampton, our three inspectors cover about twice as many housing units as the inspectors in those towns. While data on how long it takes
008to process a building permit application in those towns as well as our own is not available and varies case by case, I can say that the current processing time here is unacceptable. From my firsthand experience this year, an updated CO required to close on a property purchase in Springs took about a month, as did a rental registry application for the same property after closing. With regards to a building permit, I've been in the queue for three months now with no progress. While the building department employees have been helpful over the phone, they're obviously overwhelmed and recently told us they were working on applications filed in February. That implies at least a six-month processing time. To me, that's unacceptable. The impact this has on homeowners is significant from an economic perspective. High interest rates, rental prices,
009carrying costs, inflation, potential tariffs on building materials all hit residents. For the construction industry, long permitting and inspecting inspection timelines create delays and uncertainty. This leads to unpredictable work schedules which increase overhead costs, squeeze thin margins, reduce contractor efficiency, and directly hit the bottom line of these local businesses. And let's not ignore the reality that when the permitting process is this long and uncertain, some homeowners and contractors avoid permitting altogether, which undermines building standards, removes oversight, takes revenue away from the town, and risks public safety. I saw this week's news that the building department will no longer be open to the public on Wednesdays. I think that will help on the margin and is a step in the right direction, but it feels to me like a band-aid on a gunshot wound. The department needs
010a permanent head, additional inspectors, and hands-on involvement from the board to ensure progress is being made. I understand it's not easy to hire out here, but it's been nearly 5 months since our chief inspector left. Around that time, the board pushed through the controversial GFA changes that not only added to the background to that only added to the backlog on an already strained department without leadership in place. Um, so why is this week's news the first public sign of urgency with respect to addressing the department's inefficiency? I believe I speak for many frustrated residents, builders, contractors, subcontractors, and likely department employees as well when I say that the current state of affairs is unacceptable. So I ask you, the board to please take action. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> John, would you mind leaving
011your contact details with the clerks? I >> absolutely. Thank you so much. Yeah, sure. If you could, I can hand you a pen if you >> would anyone else like to address the board. >> Jason, is there anyone on the line? >> One moment. >> Hey, Anthony Town, this is Jason Hour calling in to make sure that everyone knows the phone lines are up and operational. We have no callers on the line except for myself to listen in. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. So, we're going to move on to resolutions. Tom. >> Thank you, Madam Supervisor. My first resolution is 20251117. Uh this is a warrant number on number 8B for approval of claims in the amount of $2,250,614.83 and in the amount of $62,240.35. >> Second. >> All in favor? >>
012I. >> 2025118 is to renew agreement for Uni Solutions Questa. Be it resolved that Quest should be paid the sum of $22,89.13 for services for the term August 31st, 2025 through August 30th, 2026 with $17,671.30 to be paid from budget accounts uh and um $4,41783 to be paid from a different budget account. >> Second. >> All in favor? 2025119 is to retain Elcllay McLean services uh for professional engineering services for the historic lighting improvements for the Amigam Main Street. Be it resolved that such cost uh in the amount of $71,280 um shall be paid from account number HA122052000923101. >> Second. >> All in favor. 20251 1120 is to authorize payment for sanitation sanitation for Gabrielli truck services for a past due invoice. This is in the amount of $27652. >> Second. >> All in favor?
013>> I. >> 1121 is a notice to biders uh bid number EH25042 for the printing of sanitation permits and other forms for 2025. Bids are available as of August 28th, 2025 and due September 18th, 2025. For more information, um, interested parties can contact the purchasing department, purchasing at emptonny.gov, or by calling 631-324183. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> 20251 1122 is to accept bid number EH25033, sanitation garage drainage improvements. This contract is awarded to Keith Grimes. Be it resolved the bid of Keith Grimes for total cost of $296,293.75 um is uh for um coming from fund line in the total amount of $29623.75 75 sorry I apologize second >> all in favor >> I >> 20251 1123 is uh for a transfer from the John Beham Memorial Reserve um uh this is to
014move the amount of $1,340.77 7 cents from the John Behan Reserve to the town budget code to pay for um late electric at this location. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I 20251 1124 is a budget modification for the sanitation department to move uh one uh so $110,000 from solid waste fees to um lease of equipment. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I'm happy to be able to offer resolution 2025 1125. This is the terminate seasonal lifeguard in the recreational department effective August 6, 2025. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. >> 1126 is terminate seasonal lifeguard and the recreation department uh retroactive to May 25th, 2025. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. >> 1127 is a pay upon resignation for O'Neal Edwards and uh for a total gross payout of
015$2,533. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. 1128 is authorized payment of prior year's invoice for the highway department for from Verizon in the total amount of $336. >> Second. All in favor? >> I 1129 is authorized payment to national grid for invoice for 2024 in the amount of $2,536.99. >> Second. All in favor? >> I 11:30 is the approved 2025 annual annual turkey run for fun. Uh this is for November 27th, 2020. >> Uh I'll start again. Resolution 2025 11:30 is the approved 2025 annual turkey run for fun. This is in Monttok Plaza at 8 a.m. on Thursday, November 27th, 2025. Ian will be there at 7 a.m. and all and resolve the positions of water stations, markers, safety arrangements are all subject to direction of town police and recreational department. >> Second. All
016in favor? >> I 11:31 is approved Elite Feets Incorporated for the 2025 uh 2025 Turkey run for fun. Uh and again uh their timing services or approve elite fees the race to be taken for budget line uh below. >> Second. All in favor? I >> 11:32 is approve elite fees for online registration for the turkey run for fund which is also again November 27th 2025 and they will collect an administration fee of $2.75 plus 3.5% online registration fee uh which is a $20 signup fee and that is it. >> Second. All in favor? >> And it's incredible that it'll be the 49th annual. >> Is it great? And all the proceeds are divided upon uh divided by by the town food pantries. Um thank you very much everyone. Okay. Uh 1131 is reject RFP EH2025101
017license to utilize uh agricultural land and ambiganit. >> Second. >> Uh discussion if you don't mind. >> Sure. >> So uh I I I will I put the motion on the floor floor here. Then two it's been seconded. Personally, I would love to try to see this piece of property u go out for a potential RFP again. Any type of a use on this land and for land that we purchase for a lands, I'd hope we can do again in the future. I know we've been unsuccessful here. Uh or the board's not supporting this, but uh I wanted to just put that on that I think a lands should be used for a uses in the future. >> All in favor? I >> I >> 1134 is notice for biders EH25-041. This is the annual
018drainage contract. A, B, and C. The bid is available August 21st, 2025. That bid is due back September 10th, 2025. Please contact the purchasing department at the town of East Hampton 631 3244183 with any questions. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. >> 11:35 is a notice of biders for Bid Eh25-037. This is for the town hall window and facade restoration. The bid is available August 21st, 2025. The bid is due back September 18th, 2025. There will actually be a pre bid meeting held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025 uh at 159 Panagle Hall, East Pano Road, East Hampton, New York. Attendance is strongly suggested. Any questions, please contact the purchasing department. >> Second. All in favor? >> I >> 11:36 is a notice of bid biders for EH25-039. This is the Mtok
019Police substation IIIA sanitary system. The bid is available August 21st, 2025. The bid is due back September 10th, 2025. Please contact the purchasing department with any questions. >> Second. All in favor? I >> I 11:37 is a notice of biders for EH25-038. This is for the CDCHIA sanitary system. Uh the bid is available August 21st, 2025. The bid is due back September 10th, 2025. Please contact the purchasing department at 6313244183 with any questions. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. 1138 retain LK MLAN Associates DPC professional engineering services for the Lee Hayes Lieutenant Lee Hayes youth park expansion and building upgrades. Um the financial impact of this is $168,730 from my proposal dated September 20 excuse me July 29th 2025. Second. All in favor? >> I. >> 11:39 is retained LK MLAN Association DPC Professional
020Engineering Services for the Terry Kink Field Sports Netting. Um they have a proposal that was also dated July 29th, 2025, a lump sum not to exceed $16,280. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. I have resolution 1140 which is a notice of public hearing to accept scenic easement and urban renewal map URP61 and UR map EH2A. Uh a public hearing was held on this uh uh scenic easement on June 5th. However, the property was sold prior to the recording of the scenic easement and a new scenic easement has been executed by the property owner. The public hearing will be on September 4th, 2025 at 6 p.m. at town hall right here in the meeting room. The grtor is to Mulford LLC. The location is two Mulford Avenue, East Hampton. And the town board's a reviewing
021agency. >> Second. >> All in favor? I. 11:41 is a grant of a scenic easement. Uh, and this is also a notice of public hearing for a grant of a scenic and conservation ement um at 71 Jaclyn Drive, Amaganz. This public hearing will be held on Thursday, September 4th, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. The grtor is Stuart Leech and Anna Militch. And again, it's 71 Jaclyn Drive, Amaganzit. The reviewing agency is the zoning board of appeals. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Uh, next 11:42 is a pro promotion and provisional appointment to environmental analyst for Samantha Shur. uh resolved that Samantha Sherby be uh promoted and appointed on a provisional basis to the full-time position of environmental analyst which is $73,330.19 annually for a 40hour work week. This is retroactive to August 15,
0222025. >> Second. >> All in favor? I I >> 1143 is to accept a road wide widening easement in urban renewal parcel 61 in EH2- A and again the grantor on this is to Mulford Avenue LLC uh in Port Jefferson the location in East Hampton is to Molford Avenue East Hampton >> second. >> All in favor I >> 1144 is a budget modification for the adjudication bureau. Uh, this is decreasing contingency in the amount of $9,435, increasing subcontractor cost in the amount of $7,000, and office expense in the amount of $2,435. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Resolution 1145 is to up an updated fee resolution for tier 1 A and B. And this is pursuant to uh zoning chapter 255926. The town board is authorized by resolution to amend existing fees
023or institute new fees for other renewals, reviews, permits or approvals required of local agencies. Whereas a town code was recently amended to create tier 1 A and tier 1B applications for personal wireless facilities on poles in the right of way where T uh tier 1A is defined as a personal wireless facility on existing poles and tier 1B is defined as a personal wireless facility on new or replacement PO poles located in the town right away. Whereas fees associated with the tier tier 1B wireless facilities are not adequately covered by the existing fee se fee section resolve that the existing fee schedule is reproduced below with the new fees added. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Resolution 1146. This is a notice of a public hearing uh to adopt a local law to
024amend chapter 255 zoning of the East Hampton Town Code. Section 255-1-20 definitions and section 255-5-50 specific standards and safeguards to provide for a new affordable multiple residence use. A public hearing will be held on September 18th at 6 p.m. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Uh resolution 1147. This is uh for the Office of Housing and Community Development to accept MRI software proposal. Uh, this is for a 5-year period commencing December 1st, 2025 through November 30th, 2030 in the amount of $17,221.72. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Resolution 1148. This is to authorize a capital project for Milburn Flooring. This is for the Lamb building to assist in the removal and storage of furniture in the amount of $2,481.60. second >> work other work the replacing the ex existing
025floors is the res is the whereas above it for >> oh I'm sorry it's for it's for the floors and for removing the furniture and storing >> second I mean I'm sorry >> and I'm sorry and the amount the amount of the the floor proposal is uh $49,79 >> second >> all in favor >> resolution 1149 uh this is to amend affordable housing ground lease Um this is upon mutual agreement of two parties on a lease to remove one of them. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Resolution 1150. This is to retain a professional accounting service for Nan McKay Associates. Uh this is relating to section 8. Uh the services rate is $130 per hour for a maximum of 310 hours for an amount not to exceed $40,000 $40,300. >> Second. >>
026All in favor? I >> I. Resolution 1151. This is a budget modification for the finance department. This is a modification for the tax receivers annual postage to increase budget revenue line for boat slips in the amount of $11,692. For fire inspection fees in the amount of $3,897 for interest on investments in the amount of $1,172 and for solid waste permits in the amount of $1,619. and to increase expenditure lines for for postage in various budget lines in the same amount. >> Second. >> All in favor? I. Resolution 2025 11152 is a payout upon retirement for James Frasier. James Frasier retired from his position as an auto automotive mechanic 4 with the East Hampton Town Police Department effective July 25th, 2025. in audited time records indicate that he has acred vacation time, acrewed sick personal time,
027and acred compensatory time. So resolve that the finance office is authorized to cut a check through payroll for a gross total of $59,399.39 payable to J James Frasier as a final payout. And uh as folks know, we have hired um Jim to be our security guard greeter here. and it's he's spent nearly 40 years working for the town and we're grateful to have him back on a part-time basis. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> 1153 is to amend the town of East Hampton's 401A special pay plan to include department heads. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> 1154 is to accept the 2024 annual comprehensive financial report and audits. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. 2025 11:55 designates August 26 as Amastad day to honor the arrival of
028the schooner la Amastad and the bravery of the Africans. >> Second, >> I was going to read the since I didn't have an opportunity to discuss this at uh our work session on Tuesday. Uh whereas the town of East Hampton, New York and specifically Cologne Point in Montalk holds a unique and significant place in American history as the arrival site of the Skooner La Amastad in August of 1839. And whereas the Africans aboard the La Amastad had been illegally enslaved and demonstrated extraordinary courage and skill by rising up against their captives, navigating the vessel east in a profound quest for liberty. And whereas their arrival in Monttoque marked a pivotal moment in the journey toward freedom, culminating in a landmark Supreme Court case that affirmed their humanity and set a powerful precedent for human rights.
029And whereas it is the duty of our community to honor this history to preserve the sacred place in space where this event unfolded and to ensure that the facts are accurately and compassionately taught for all future generations. Now therefore, be it resolved that the town of East Hampton hereby declares August 26 as Amastad Day in perpetual remembrance and commemoration of this historic event and in honor of the courage and spirit of those who fought for their freedom. And be it further resolved that this dedication shall serve as a solemn call to action for the entire community to tell the whole story of La Amastad to renew our commitment to preserving the past for the present and to ensure that the educational facts of this remarkable struggle are never forgotten. >> Second. All in favor? >>
030I. 20251 1156 is to amend the town credit card policy and this is as it relates to the use of the credit card for certain employee travel expenses. Second all in favor. >> 1157 is to amend the budget accounts for assistant town attorney John Jel Nikki. Uh Mr. Jelniki will be paid uh from three different budget accounts. Uh a third from the community housing fund, a third from CPF and a third from water quality. Second. All in favor? >> I. 1158 is to hire Gilroy, Kernan, and Gilroy to comply with the provisions of the federal affordable care act. Second. All in I'm sorry. The financial impact is $16,500. Second. All in favor? >> I. >> Yeah. >> I have an additional resolution of 2025 1159. This is a point seasonal lifeguards to the recreational department
031retroactive to August 18th, 2025. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. 1160 is a resolution to authorize lease agreement between the town of Eastampton and the Montalk Playhouse Community Foundation regarding the Monttok Playhouse Aquatic Center. Whereas the town of Eastampton, the Montalk Playhouse Community Foundation Incorporated have jointly and in good faith renovated restored the first floor of the western section of the Montalk Playhouse Community Center and constructed aquatic and cultural center within the centers. Whereas the foundation graciously donated $ 8.25 25 million towards the project in addition to donating architectural plans to the town which has led to the completion of the center. And whereas the town and the foundation have now set additional common goals of providing social, cultural, wellness, and aquatic fitness programming in the restored spaces. And whereas the accomplishment to accomplish
032these goals, the foundation of the town have decided to amend and modify the prior lease agreement dated March 3rd, 2016 to further specify duties and responsibilities and staffing operational of the center and and as well as to provide the separate leases governing the two different finished spaces within the center that have differing operational and community benefits. Whereas the town of East Hampton recognizes benefit of having the foundation operate and manage the centers and the town desires to contract the foundation undertake the operational management of the center. Whereas now resolved that the town board hereby authorizes the supervisor to enter into such a lease agreement. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. 1161 is a resolution to authorize license agreement between the town of East Hampton and the United United States the East Hampton Union Free
033School District regarding the use of the multi-purpose uh turf sports field at the Honorable Fred W. The Steel Jr. Recreational Facility at Steven Hans Path. >> Second. All in favor? >> I thank you. >> I have resolution 1162 which is a uh extend temporary appointment of principal offices assistant in the building department. Resolved that Anne Glennon's appointment to temporary principal office assistant be extended through September 30th, 2025 at no change in all hour hourly rate or budget account effective August 22nd, 2025. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Resolution 1163 is to schedule a special meeting for Monday, August 25th at 3 p.m. for the purpose of holding an executive session to conduct personnel interviews. Second. All in favor? >> I. 1164 is to terminate a part-time employee in the Marine Patrol Department effective August
03420th, 2025. Second. All in favor? I. >> 1165 is to authorize a letter agreement with Long Island Electric Utilities Serve Co. LLC doing business as PSEG to offer non-exclusive license for a portion of land at East Hampton Town Airport. And this is for them to stage uh for the purpose of parking trucks and vehicles and storing equipment during storm conditions. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. So, those are all the resolutions we have. Uh before we close, I wanted to just make a brief statement and provide an update on Hurricane Aaron. The prep work to keep the town beaches and ocean water safe went well yesterday and this morning. Our highway crews placed protective sand at ditch planes in South Edison to help shield the dunes and prevent breaches. Beach
035access points were fenced off by parks and lifeguards. It was extremely helpful to have PD and marine patrol officers helping to keep folks from entering the beach and putting themselves in others in harm's way. As of now, the models for the surf activity from Aaron has tapered down. We are no longer seeing surf height in the range of 12 to 25 ft as Aaron has pushed north and east. The newest models show surf heights to the level of 8 to 12 feet for the remainder of today and through 6:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. From that point, it is predicted to drop to 6 to 8 feet by noon and then drop again 5 to 7 feet by 6:00 p.m. Town staff will be reconvening early tomorrow morning to discuss the possibility of opening our beaches to
036foot traffic while we continue the no swimming per the Suffach County Department of Health Services. We wish to thank the town lifeguards, East Hampton Town Police Department, Marine Patrol, Parks and Wreck Department, Highway Department, and our emergency preparedness coordinator, Bruce Bates. They had a lot of area to cover and worked well together to organize and keep our beaches safe and we are tremendously grateful for all of their efforts. So, >> yes, we are and grateful that the storm didn't come anywhere near her. >> Yes, dodged a bullet there. So, does anyone have anything else they need to bring up? >> No, I did not. >> All right. Do I have a motion to close? >> Motion to close. >> Second. >> All in favor? Bye.