PUBLIC DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE CORNERSTONE RENTAL PROJECT APPLICATION:
There are two PDF documents posted. The first (right side) is a letter from an environmental coalition sent to Mayor Pontieri expressing concerns about the project. The second (left side) is a summary taken from a far larger report that evaluated soil contamination and other potential pollutants at the proposed Cornerstone site that was commissioned by the developer and has been entered into the public record. Those seeking to see the full report may do by filing a freedom of information request with Patchogue Village. These documents are posted in the public interest and do not reflect the opinions of this organization at this time.
There are two PDF documents posted. The first (right side) is a letter from an environmental coalition sent to Mayor Pontieri expressing concerns about the project. The second (left side) is a summary taken from a far larger report that evaluated soil contamination and other potential pollutants at the proposed Cornerstone site that was commissioned by the developer and has been entered into the public record. Those seeking to see the full report may do by filing a freedom of information request with Patchogue Village. These documents are posted in the public interest and do not reflect the opinions of this organization at this time.
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GENERAL NOTE: WE HAVE NOT BEEN TAKING CONSISTENT VIDEO OF VARIOUS VILLAGE BOARD MEETINGS NOW FOR SOME TIME. THAT EFFORT WAS SUSPENDED IN ORDER TO MAKE A STATEMENT AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF DOING SO. OUR POLICY IS THAT THE VILLAGE OF PATCHOGUE SHOULD BE UNDERTAKING VIDEO EFFORTS NOT AN UNDERFUNDED UNDERSTAFFED GROUP OF VILLAGE VOLUNTEERS SINCE THERE ARE NO FISCAL REASONS PREVENTING THE VILLAGE BOARD FROM DOING SO.
THAT SAID ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE VIDEO THAT WE STILL CONTINUE TO TAKE FROM TIME TO TIME ABOUT IMPORTANT VILLAGE ISSUES CAN BE FOUND WHEN THAT HAPPENS. THE FACEBOOK PAGE PAGE REMAINS A MORE CURRENT REFERENCE SOURCE FOR THE PUBLIC WHO WISHES TO SEE MORE TIMELY VIDEO THAN THE VIDEO CLIPS FOUND ON THIS PAGE.
THE VIDEO ON THIS WEBSITE HOWEVER DOES REPRESENT WHAT MIGHT BE ONE DAY SO WE LEAVE THEM POSTED AS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT THE PUBLIC OUGHT TO SEE AS A REGULAR PUBLIC SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE ELECTED LEADERS OF PATCHOGUE VILLAGE ONE DAY WE STILL HOPE.
John Bogack, Executive Director, 6/2/19
THAT SAID ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE VIDEO THAT WE STILL CONTINUE TO TAKE FROM TIME TO TIME ABOUT IMPORTANT VILLAGE ISSUES CAN BE FOUND WHEN THAT HAPPENS. THE FACEBOOK PAGE PAGE REMAINS A MORE CURRENT REFERENCE SOURCE FOR THE PUBLIC WHO WISHES TO SEE MORE TIMELY VIDEO THAN THE VIDEO CLIPS FOUND ON THIS PAGE.
THE VIDEO ON THIS WEBSITE HOWEVER DOES REPRESENT WHAT MIGHT BE ONE DAY SO WE LEAVE THEM POSTED AS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT THE PUBLIC OUGHT TO SEE AS A REGULAR PUBLIC SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE ELECTED LEADERS OF PATCHOGUE VILLAGE ONE DAY WE STILL HOPE.
John Bogack, Executive Director, 6/2/19
Mayor and Trustee Board Say No to Village Itself Taking Video of Trustee Meetings to be Shared with Public 8/24/15
This video clip not routine, this narrative not usual either. The above clip from the 8/24/15 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees is the most important video that we have ever posted on this site.
In it the total rejection by Mayor Pontieri and a majority of the Trustee Board on this issue: the Village filming its own Trustee meetings and sharing that video with the public.
The Mayor by force of his authority dominates this video clip. Essentially the video is his turn to explain his policies. This posting and related materials our turn to have our say.
This clip is considered important because its subject matter goes to the heart of what the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government has been working on now for almost three years: opening Village government up to the people of the Patchogue Village through videotaping of Trustee meetings. We do film other Boards, and other events but the bulk of our time, and effort and money has been devoted to bringing to the public a visual record of what decisions are being made in the name of the public by its elected officials.
Now about to come to an abrupt and unexpected end of sorts.
Some back ground to help put things in context.
Why We Began
In 2012 during the Mayoral campaign the issue of videotaping Board meetings came up more than once and there did seem to be some positive hints from the Mayor that he did support filming meetings. After the election no action was taken and in the early Fall of 2012 this writer addressed the Mayor and asked him directly about whether videos were indeed going to be filmed by the Village itself. His answer: in his view it was too expensive. He floated a figure of 20,000 dollars as an estimated expense and citing that expense rejected the idea of Village videotapes. In response a promise was made to video tape anyway and in November of that year videotaping by this private group of resident citizens began. It has continued from that date to the date of this video clip.
Two of us, myself and Jo Miller have attended every meeting of the Trustee Board without a break as part of our commitment to a faithful record of Trustee meetings.
Annually the Citizens Campaign has asked the Mayor to reconsider his original decision. Annually he has refused. Only recently he was asked again by email copy below:
THE EMAIL
Mayor Pontieri
I am writing to you on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government on the subject of Trustee Board videos.
When the Village announced its plan to outsource management of its website and upgrade it I wrote to Deputy Mayor Krieger suggesting to him that the Village take advantage of this improvement. Specifically I recommended to him that like Mastic Beach Village that Patchogue Village could use its improved website to host Trustee Board videos. He replied by referring me to you.
In a few short months the Citizens Campaign will mark a three year anniversary from when we began to video Trustee and other Board meetings. We are proud of the contribution we have made to the Village’s civic life in that time. However this private effort is not indefinite. It was always our hope that Patchogue Village would adopt this function as its own. We have always believed it’s a needed public service for a variety of reasons.
We understand that Cablevision, as it did for Mastic Beach Village, stands ready to provide grant funds for equipment. There will be no need to go through the more complicated process of placing the video on Cablevision as a hosted website would do just as well. There would be some need to dedicate staff time to manage the videos on line but as a test we would suggest just filming the Trustee meetings. It's my impression that Mastic Village has placed it's camera in its meeting hall in such a way as to eliminate the need for a staff person to actually video. If so duplicating this strategy should reduce needed staff hours to get the videos on line efficiently.
Here is a link to a video on the Mastic Beach Village website relating to a budget meeting to provide an example of what is now being advocated by this organization: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9nwrhY5Rtc&feature=youtu.be
We stand ready to help with such a transition in any way we can. But with or without our assistance we urge that the Village adopt this public service as soon as practical.
Sincerely
John Bogack
Executive Director
8/12/15
Mayor Pontieri did not respond to the email but did comment on the night of the 8/24/15
THE MAYOR’S POSITIONS
The Mayor’s first response was to re-assert that he felt his administration was an open one.
Our reply now: it could be more open.
A second reason from the Mayor for not videotaping: too much mugging for the camera. As per the Mayor videotaping encourages the public to appear to get on television. If only that were true. Several hundred videos later the documentary record is there for all to see. The behavior the Mayor thinks he sees is not there, or when someone might turn to the camera and not address the Board the Mayor has remedied that quickly…the person in error is told to face forward, they always do, the meeting always continues on.
another reason he presented in the Mayor’s view videotaping kept people out of the public eye because they did not want their actions before the Board videotaped. Or in the alternative the camera encouraging people to attend “who had no business” attending.
Our reply: yes there is a loss of some privacy. But sometimes privacy yields to other concerns as the Mayor and the Board know fully well. Indeed now all those street cams on Main St to hold people accountable installed for the purpose of accountability no less a value that holding people accountable on Baker St too. If setting up cameras is good enough for everyone one of us who walks on Main St. seems to us that should also include those who put them there too.
Lastly the Mayor recounts the Mastic Beach Village history of installing video cameras and concludes it led to harsh time limits on speakers and chaos in their proceeding leading to deployment of officers to control an unruly public inspired to such actions by the notion of video tapes.
This appears to be a distortion of the facts.
Two Newsday stories linked here documenting that the issues in Mastic Beach Village’s not linked in any way to videotaping.
And as for time limits, this is a not a federal rule that requires an act of Congress to adjust. There is no three minute rule set in stone. Whatever limit is judged best by Patchogue Village gets decided by Patchogue Village and no one else.
The words that did count
In the end the Mayor is going to get his way. We will be suspending our routine videotaping of Trustee meetings instead returning to video only when there are important public matters that need to be recorded. But it’s not the Mayor’s words that have brought us to this position. It’s the comments from Deputy Mayor Krieger that have.
In his comments Deputy Mayor Krieger lays out his reasons why the Village does not have to video tape its own meetings: and that’s because the Citizens Campaign is doing that already.
That answer totally misrepresents reality. Our organization, not helped with a penny by the Village has never had the ability to reach a majority of residents in the village. If asked we would have gladly confirmed all of those facts.
For the village to now claim our work as a substitute for the work that the village could and should be doing is puts this organization in the position of making believe that the myth being perpetrated by the Deputy Mayor’s view is true when we know that is not.
We can't be a part of that. It’s not true.
Sadly our effort to promote videotaping on a routine basis must end. We cannot allow the village to take credit for something it has no just basis for taking credit for in the slightest. More importantly we cannot continue on when that gives the Village government an excuse for continued inaction either.
We have spent nearly three years showing the value of videotaping Trustee meetings on a regular basis. Their absence may now encourage a more informed public to seek their return but next time via the Village instead which as we have felt all along should have been filming long ago as a public service.
We are still filming other subjects. The Trustee Board has not been the only subject matter we have filmed over the years and all that filming will continue on. We remain in existence to promote our primary goal of open government. In the time ahead we are just going to have to adapt to changed circumstances and find other ways of doing so while continuing to advocate for filming by the Village, an idea whose time has not yet come but we believe will.
References
Mastic Beach Video Links
Mayor Biondi takes the blame: http://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/mastic-beach-mayor-adds-timer-security-to-keep-order-at-unruly-board-meetings-1.9600655
New Mayor takes charge enforces rules: http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/new-mastic-beach-mayor-cracks-down-on-disorderly-meetings-sets-timer-for-comments-1.10269559
NY State Open meeting law legislative intent
§100. Legislative declaration.
It is essential to the maintenance of a democratic society that the public business be performed in an open and public manner and that the citizens of this state be fully aware of and able to observe the performance of public officials and attend and listen to the deliberations and decisions that go into the making of public policy. The people must be able to remain informed if they are to retain control over those who are their public servants. It is the only climate under which the commonweal will prosper and enable the governmental process to operate for the benefit of those who created it.
For the full text of the law: http://www.dos.ny.gov/coog/openmeetlaw.html
John Bogack
Executive Director
9/15/15
In it the total rejection by Mayor Pontieri and a majority of the Trustee Board on this issue: the Village filming its own Trustee meetings and sharing that video with the public.
The Mayor by force of his authority dominates this video clip. Essentially the video is his turn to explain his policies. This posting and related materials our turn to have our say.
This clip is considered important because its subject matter goes to the heart of what the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government has been working on now for almost three years: opening Village government up to the people of the Patchogue Village through videotaping of Trustee meetings. We do film other Boards, and other events but the bulk of our time, and effort and money has been devoted to bringing to the public a visual record of what decisions are being made in the name of the public by its elected officials.
Now about to come to an abrupt and unexpected end of sorts.
Some back ground to help put things in context.
Why We Began
In 2012 during the Mayoral campaign the issue of videotaping Board meetings came up more than once and there did seem to be some positive hints from the Mayor that he did support filming meetings. After the election no action was taken and in the early Fall of 2012 this writer addressed the Mayor and asked him directly about whether videos were indeed going to be filmed by the Village itself. His answer: in his view it was too expensive. He floated a figure of 20,000 dollars as an estimated expense and citing that expense rejected the idea of Village videotapes. In response a promise was made to video tape anyway and in November of that year videotaping by this private group of resident citizens began. It has continued from that date to the date of this video clip.
Two of us, myself and Jo Miller have attended every meeting of the Trustee Board without a break as part of our commitment to a faithful record of Trustee meetings.
Annually the Citizens Campaign has asked the Mayor to reconsider his original decision. Annually he has refused. Only recently he was asked again by email copy below:
THE EMAIL
Mayor Pontieri
I am writing to you on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government on the subject of Trustee Board videos.
When the Village announced its plan to outsource management of its website and upgrade it I wrote to Deputy Mayor Krieger suggesting to him that the Village take advantage of this improvement. Specifically I recommended to him that like Mastic Beach Village that Patchogue Village could use its improved website to host Trustee Board videos. He replied by referring me to you.
In a few short months the Citizens Campaign will mark a three year anniversary from when we began to video Trustee and other Board meetings. We are proud of the contribution we have made to the Village’s civic life in that time. However this private effort is not indefinite. It was always our hope that Patchogue Village would adopt this function as its own. We have always believed it’s a needed public service for a variety of reasons.
We understand that Cablevision, as it did for Mastic Beach Village, stands ready to provide grant funds for equipment. There will be no need to go through the more complicated process of placing the video on Cablevision as a hosted website would do just as well. There would be some need to dedicate staff time to manage the videos on line but as a test we would suggest just filming the Trustee meetings. It's my impression that Mastic Village has placed it's camera in its meeting hall in such a way as to eliminate the need for a staff person to actually video. If so duplicating this strategy should reduce needed staff hours to get the videos on line efficiently.
Here is a link to a video on the Mastic Beach Village website relating to a budget meeting to provide an example of what is now being advocated by this organization: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9nwrhY5Rtc&feature=youtu.be
We stand ready to help with such a transition in any way we can. But with or without our assistance we urge that the Village adopt this public service as soon as practical.
Sincerely
John Bogack
Executive Director
8/12/15
Mayor Pontieri did not respond to the email but did comment on the night of the 8/24/15
THE MAYOR’S POSITIONS
The Mayor’s first response was to re-assert that he felt his administration was an open one.
Our reply now: it could be more open.
A second reason from the Mayor for not videotaping: too much mugging for the camera. As per the Mayor videotaping encourages the public to appear to get on television. If only that were true. Several hundred videos later the documentary record is there for all to see. The behavior the Mayor thinks he sees is not there, or when someone might turn to the camera and not address the Board the Mayor has remedied that quickly…the person in error is told to face forward, they always do, the meeting always continues on.
another reason he presented in the Mayor’s view videotaping kept people out of the public eye because they did not want their actions before the Board videotaped. Or in the alternative the camera encouraging people to attend “who had no business” attending.
Our reply: yes there is a loss of some privacy. But sometimes privacy yields to other concerns as the Mayor and the Board know fully well. Indeed now all those street cams on Main St to hold people accountable installed for the purpose of accountability no less a value that holding people accountable on Baker St too. If setting up cameras is good enough for everyone one of us who walks on Main St. seems to us that should also include those who put them there too.
Lastly the Mayor recounts the Mastic Beach Village history of installing video cameras and concludes it led to harsh time limits on speakers and chaos in their proceeding leading to deployment of officers to control an unruly public inspired to such actions by the notion of video tapes.
This appears to be a distortion of the facts.
Two Newsday stories linked here documenting that the issues in Mastic Beach Village’s not linked in any way to videotaping.
And as for time limits, this is a not a federal rule that requires an act of Congress to adjust. There is no three minute rule set in stone. Whatever limit is judged best by Patchogue Village gets decided by Patchogue Village and no one else.
The words that did count
In the end the Mayor is going to get his way. We will be suspending our routine videotaping of Trustee meetings instead returning to video only when there are important public matters that need to be recorded. But it’s not the Mayor’s words that have brought us to this position. It’s the comments from Deputy Mayor Krieger that have.
In his comments Deputy Mayor Krieger lays out his reasons why the Village does not have to video tape its own meetings: and that’s because the Citizens Campaign is doing that already.
That answer totally misrepresents reality. Our organization, not helped with a penny by the Village has never had the ability to reach a majority of residents in the village. If asked we would have gladly confirmed all of those facts.
For the village to now claim our work as a substitute for the work that the village could and should be doing is puts this organization in the position of making believe that the myth being perpetrated by the Deputy Mayor’s view is true when we know that is not.
We can't be a part of that. It’s not true.
Sadly our effort to promote videotaping on a routine basis must end. We cannot allow the village to take credit for something it has no just basis for taking credit for in the slightest. More importantly we cannot continue on when that gives the Village government an excuse for continued inaction either.
We have spent nearly three years showing the value of videotaping Trustee meetings on a regular basis. Their absence may now encourage a more informed public to seek their return but next time via the Village instead which as we have felt all along should have been filming long ago as a public service.
We are still filming other subjects. The Trustee Board has not been the only subject matter we have filmed over the years and all that filming will continue on. We remain in existence to promote our primary goal of open government. In the time ahead we are just going to have to adapt to changed circumstances and find other ways of doing so while continuing to advocate for filming by the Village, an idea whose time has not yet come but we believe will.
References
Mastic Beach Video Links
Mayor Biondi takes the blame: http://www.newsday.com/long-island/towns/mastic-beach-mayor-adds-timer-security-to-keep-order-at-unruly-board-meetings-1.9600655
New Mayor takes charge enforces rules: http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/new-mastic-beach-mayor-cracks-down-on-disorderly-meetings-sets-timer-for-comments-1.10269559
NY State Open meeting law legislative intent
§100. Legislative declaration.
It is essential to the maintenance of a democratic society that the public business be performed in an open and public manner and that the citizens of this state be fully aware of and able to observe the performance of public officials and attend and listen to the deliberations and decisions that go into the making of public policy. The people must be able to remain informed if they are to retain control over those who are their public servants. It is the only climate under which the commonweal will prosper and enable the governmental process to operate for the benefit of those who created it.
For the full text of the law: http://www.dos.ny.gov/coog/openmeetlaw.html
John Bogack
Executive Director
9/15/15
SUF. CO. 2015 MARATHON ROAD RULES
The Suffolk County Half and Full Marathon, a first time event, is scheduled for this Sunday 9-13-15. Patchogue Village is the mid turn around point for the runners now in the thousands. Patchogue Village will have many of its own events in play as the runners and their fans arrive in the Village. The color theme for Main St. businesses is red, white, and blue since this race honors Veterans.
The race also includes an unprecedented road closure of Montauk Highway from Great River to Ryder Ave. in Patchogue Village. To avoid traffic issues on the date of the event viewers are encouraged to review the PFD document below provided to this organization courtesy the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce of which this organization is a civic member. It contains current traffic control information for the date of the event.
We will be filming this event as part of our Community Video outreach project. Look for our video after the race.
The race also includes an unprecedented road closure of Montauk Highway from Great River to Ryder Ave. in Patchogue Village. To avoid traffic issues on the date of the event viewers are encouraged to review the PFD document below provided to this organization courtesy the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce of which this organization is a civic member. It contains current traffic control information for the date of the event.
We will be filming this event as part of our Community Video outreach project. Look for our video after the race.
| marathon2015.pdf |
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Mt. of 7/13/15
To see the video content easier keep this hint in mind:
In the video above look in the lower right corner for the icon that says “You Tube”. Once clicked the video opens in YouTube. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the video box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate. If any viewer has a problem navigating the time codes please see our email address below
Time Code and narrative for Patchogue Village Board of Trustee meeting of 7/13/15
In minutes and seconds
6:31 Deputy Mayor Krieger…Patchogue Pride Awards (two)
7:56 Public Hearings for property at 37 Maple Ave…adjourned to 8/24/15 and public hearing for the property at 82-84 rescheduled to 7/22
9:56 Public hearing for property located at 70 River Avenue, Board votes to declare property unsafe clearing the way for its demolition.
11:20 Public hearing for property at 180 River Avenue, one member of the public present to comment John Bogack who advocates the demolition of this and other properties judged to be unsafe on River Ave. Board approves unsafe declaration clearing the way for eventual demolition.
18:40 David Kennedy, Ex. Dir. Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce…multiple issues
33:45 Dennis Smith, Ex. Director of the Patchogue Business Improvement District begins annual report by introducing founding members of the BID who later are given certificates of recognition for their efforts to improve Patchogue Village.
Comments from Mayor Pontieri preceding actual award of certificates
Comments from Abe Siegel one of the awardees about the honor bestowed upon him and others so recognized
Certificates awarded by Mayor Pontieri
56:10 Deputy Mayor Krieger seeks approval and gets it for initial engineering work on renovating the Patchogue Theater. He comments that Theater will be made whole so that it will last a hundred years. Mayor Pontieri and Deputy Mayor Krieger discuss specifics of renovation effort that will begin January 1 2016 until mid-March of that year with the Theater closed during that period of time.
Now in hour, minutes and seconds
1:03:52 Trustee Keyes reports…final approval for lighted crosswalk project at the Patchogue Theater cross walk approved with some discussion by Board members
1:05:21 Trustee Ferb reports…applauds aggressive effort by the Board to deal with derelict homes in the village…opens extensive discussion about Patchogue Garden club, off screen comments from Jo Miller twice, founder of Garden Club who comments on early history of the Garden club. Later Trustee Ferb comments about recent garden tour and 4th of July parade in the village.
1:13: 40 Trustee Devlin reports
1:20: 19 Trustee Hilton reports
Public Portion
1:30:59 Resident John Bogack asks about approval of traffic study earlier in the meeting to assess traffic issues at the intersection of River Ave and Division St. Discussion with comments from Village Attorney Egan regarding extensive legal issues. Resident advised that study will result in recommendations in a few months that will result in a plan to remedy traffic issues.
Meeting ends.
Video filmed by Jo Miller, this narrative by John Bogack
In the video above look in the lower right corner for the icon that says “You Tube”. Once clicked the video opens in YouTube. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the video box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate. If any viewer has a problem navigating the time codes please see our email address below
Time Code and narrative for Patchogue Village Board of Trustee meeting of 7/13/15
In minutes and seconds
6:31 Deputy Mayor Krieger…Patchogue Pride Awards (two)
7:56 Public Hearings for property at 37 Maple Ave…adjourned to 8/24/15 and public hearing for the property at 82-84 rescheduled to 7/22
9:56 Public hearing for property located at 70 River Avenue, Board votes to declare property unsafe clearing the way for its demolition.
11:20 Public hearing for property at 180 River Avenue, one member of the public present to comment John Bogack who advocates the demolition of this and other properties judged to be unsafe on River Ave. Board approves unsafe declaration clearing the way for eventual demolition.
18:40 David Kennedy, Ex. Dir. Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce…multiple issues
33:45 Dennis Smith, Ex. Director of the Patchogue Business Improvement District begins annual report by introducing founding members of the BID who later are given certificates of recognition for their efforts to improve Patchogue Village.
Comments from Mayor Pontieri preceding actual award of certificates
Comments from Abe Siegel one of the awardees about the honor bestowed upon him and others so recognized
Certificates awarded by Mayor Pontieri
56:10 Deputy Mayor Krieger seeks approval and gets it for initial engineering work on renovating the Patchogue Theater. He comments that Theater will be made whole so that it will last a hundred years. Mayor Pontieri and Deputy Mayor Krieger discuss specifics of renovation effort that will begin January 1 2016 until mid-March of that year with the Theater closed during that period of time.
Now in hour, minutes and seconds
1:03:52 Trustee Keyes reports…final approval for lighted crosswalk project at the Patchogue Theater cross walk approved with some discussion by Board members
1:05:21 Trustee Ferb reports…applauds aggressive effort by the Board to deal with derelict homes in the village…opens extensive discussion about Patchogue Garden club, off screen comments from Jo Miller twice, founder of Garden Club who comments on early history of the Garden club. Later Trustee Ferb comments about recent garden tour and 4th of July parade in the village.
1:13: 40 Trustee Devlin reports
1:20: 19 Trustee Hilton reports
Public Portion
1:30:59 Resident John Bogack asks about approval of traffic study earlier in the meeting to assess traffic issues at the intersection of River Ave and Division St. Discussion with comments from Village Attorney Egan regarding extensive legal issues. Resident advised that study will result in recommendations in a few months that will result in a plan to remedy traffic issues.
Meeting ends.
Video filmed by Jo Miller, this narrative by John Bogack
Patchogue Village Bd. of Trustees 6/22/15 Mt. Part Two
This video for the second part of the long Patchogue Village Board of Trustees meeting that occurred on 6/22/15 the first part of the meeting on that date taken up with a public hearing on repealing the Village’s limited anti-franchise ban. This second video the rest of the business that was on the schedule for the same meeting.
Time line and narrative provided to help navigate the video. All times are approximate.
In minutes and seconds
0:21 Mr. Murray, owner of Kilwin’s franchise recently approved for entrance into the Village thanks the Board for its approval granted earlier in the meeting.
1:44 Public Hearing on the issue of limiting commercial and public use of powered tools on holidays, weekends by limiting hours of use. Discussion by the Board leading to a vote approving the proposal with amendments.
11:55 Dennis Smith Executive Director of the Patchogue Business Improvement District reports on multiple uses included in his remarks news that the parks survey sent out to the public has obtained 390 responses and is considered statistically valid…thanks to the Citizens Campaign made as the Campaign assisted in an online effort to encourage responses…other comments about the new Farmers Market on Main St. Sundays in the village and other subjects touched on
15:30 David Kennedy Ex. Dir of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports….summer events…AA5 progress report and news of a new retail “happy hour” promotion to boost retails sales during evening hours on Main St.
21:40 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports…comments on recently completed road repaving of So. Ocean Ave and Terry St.
22: 56 Trustee Keyes begins to report but then Deputy Mayor Krieger remembers additional comments he omitted when he spoke
27:09 Deputy Mayor Krieger provides a report on the money earned from parking meters in the village over the village’s last fiscal year
28:11 Trustee Keyes resumes his report and seeks approval for further repaving of village streets which are approved. He also comments about the recent repair of numerous cross walks in and around the main St. Business district that are ongoing and slated for completion soon
30:45 Trustee Felice reports….provides a report on the activity of the Building and Housing division, activity and fees collected and adds another home to be considered unsafe for a public hearing to be held on 7/13/15
35:05 Trustee Ferb reports…various approvals sought and gained to bring about a change in the village insurance policies to deal with rising worker’s compensation claims including the village entering into a self-insurance contract
36: 15 Trustee Devlin reports…issue of design for an artistic decoration a cross walk near the Patchogue Theater including the installation of new lighting to make pedestrian crossing safer discussed with Board members
39:54 Trustee Hilton reports regarding various issues relating to Parks and Recreation including the hiring of additional summer staff
Public Portion
42:10 Resident Mary Kassner asks if Cedar Grove Street is going to be repaved and is advised that it will be.
Meeting ends.
Time line and narrative provided to help navigate the video. All times are approximate.
In minutes and seconds
0:21 Mr. Murray, owner of Kilwin’s franchise recently approved for entrance into the Village thanks the Board for its approval granted earlier in the meeting.
1:44 Public Hearing on the issue of limiting commercial and public use of powered tools on holidays, weekends by limiting hours of use. Discussion by the Board leading to a vote approving the proposal with amendments.
11:55 Dennis Smith Executive Director of the Patchogue Business Improvement District reports on multiple uses included in his remarks news that the parks survey sent out to the public has obtained 390 responses and is considered statistically valid…thanks to the Citizens Campaign made as the Campaign assisted in an online effort to encourage responses…other comments about the new Farmers Market on Main St. Sundays in the village and other subjects touched on
15:30 David Kennedy Ex. Dir of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports….summer events…AA5 progress report and news of a new retail “happy hour” promotion to boost retails sales during evening hours on Main St.
21:40 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports…comments on recently completed road repaving of So. Ocean Ave and Terry St.
22: 56 Trustee Keyes begins to report but then Deputy Mayor Krieger remembers additional comments he omitted when he spoke
27:09 Deputy Mayor Krieger provides a report on the money earned from parking meters in the village over the village’s last fiscal year
28:11 Trustee Keyes resumes his report and seeks approval for further repaving of village streets which are approved. He also comments about the recent repair of numerous cross walks in and around the main St. Business district that are ongoing and slated for completion soon
30:45 Trustee Felice reports….provides a report on the activity of the Building and Housing division, activity and fees collected and adds another home to be considered unsafe for a public hearing to be held on 7/13/15
35:05 Trustee Ferb reports…various approvals sought and gained to bring about a change in the village insurance policies to deal with rising worker’s compensation claims including the village entering into a self-insurance contract
36: 15 Trustee Devlin reports…issue of design for an artistic decoration a cross walk near the Patchogue Theater including the installation of new lighting to make pedestrian crossing safer discussed with Board members
39:54 Trustee Hilton reports regarding various issues relating to Parks and Recreation including the hiring of additional summer staff
Public Portion
42:10 Resident Mary Kassner asks if Cedar Grove Street is going to be repaved and is advised that it will be.
Meeting ends.
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees 6/22/15 Part One
This video featuring 15 members of the public. Interlaced into their testimony and questions replies from the Mayor, Village attorney Egan and comment too from various Trustees. This video, at its end too, has about ten minutes of the full roundtable discussion by the Board members prior to their vote and Trustee Ferb’s motion to approve the repeal of the ban. Part two yet to be posted, the second business section of the meeting video.
To help seeing all this a time code and a very bare bones narrative. Our apologies to any person whose name has not been spelled correctly.
To see the video content easier keep this hint in mind:
In the video above look in the lower right corner for the icon that says “You Tube”. Once clicked the video opens in YouTube. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the video box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate. If any viewer has a problem navigating the time codes please see our email address below
Time Code and Narrative
The video begins with regularly scheduled business that precedes the public hearing.
4:46 Village Clerk Seal announces the public hearing and states its purpose.
5:16 Mayor Pontieri asks David Kennedy Executive Director of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce to read into the record a letter from the Chamber asking the Board to consider the repeal of the ban.
8:05 Mayor Pontieri sets the rules of the road for the public hearing
9:15 Dave Rogers…resident
10:36 Kyle Kelly…public
12:36 Mark Siegel…main st business owner Blums’
13:20 Mr. Robert Aiello owner of the building that will house the franchise business
27:27 Evan Clossen…main st business owner…Roast
29:31 Village Attorney Egan…extended remarks about the present law
30:59 David Kennedy returns for further clarification of the present ban
35:30 Mr. Murray who will operate proposed franchise business appears to explain his business plan and related subjects
45: 44 Ms. Grande…public
47:49 Don Markowitz…resident
52:51 Robert Fleming…resident…extended response from Mayor Pontieri
Now in hours, minutes and seconds
1:00:05 Jo Miller resident
1:03:21 Mary Kassner resident
1:05:25 David Kennedy appears third time follow up to Mr. Fleming’s comments
1:07: 34 Vanessa Lauger resident
1:10: 35 Lauren Murray (wife of franchise owner)
1:12:08 Fern Nesmith resident
1:20: 10 Mayor Pontieri explains why New Village commercial spaces have not rented out in line with public expectations
1:22:03Trustee Keyes begins roundtable discussion by Trustee Board members only ending with Trustee Hilton’s comments
1:38:05 Trustee Ferb makes a motion to repeal the present ban, approved. Trustees Felice, Ferb, Krieger and Devlin in favor, Trustees Keyes and Hilton opposed, Mayor Pontieri not voting.
Mayor welcomes Mr. Murray to the village; meeting is adjourned for a recess before the rest of the night’s business is taken up later.
From the proceedings of the 6/22/15 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees. Filmed by John Bogack, this narrative also John Bogack
To help seeing all this a time code and a very bare bones narrative. Our apologies to any person whose name has not been spelled correctly.
To see the video content easier keep this hint in mind:
In the video above look in the lower right corner for the icon that says “You Tube”. Once clicked the video opens in YouTube. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the video box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate. If any viewer has a problem navigating the time codes please see our email address below
Time Code and Narrative
The video begins with regularly scheduled business that precedes the public hearing.
4:46 Village Clerk Seal announces the public hearing and states its purpose.
5:16 Mayor Pontieri asks David Kennedy Executive Director of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce to read into the record a letter from the Chamber asking the Board to consider the repeal of the ban.
8:05 Mayor Pontieri sets the rules of the road for the public hearing
9:15 Dave Rogers…resident
10:36 Kyle Kelly…public
12:36 Mark Siegel…main st business owner Blums’
13:20 Mr. Robert Aiello owner of the building that will house the franchise business
27:27 Evan Clossen…main st business owner…Roast
29:31 Village Attorney Egan…extended remarks about the present law
30:59 David Kennedy returns for further clarification of the present ban
35:30 Mr. Murray who will operate proposed franchise business appears to explain his business plan and related subjects
45: 44 Ms. Grande…public
47:49 Don Markowitz…resident
52:51 Robert Fleming…resident…extended response from Mayor Pontieri
Now in hours, minutes and seconds
1:00:05 Jo Miller resident
1:03:21 Mary Kassner resident
1:05:25 David Kennedy appears third time follow up to Mr. Fleming’s comments
1:07: 34 Vanessa Lauger resident
1:10: 35 Lauren Murray (wife of franchise owner)
1:12:08 Fern Nesmith resident
1:20: 10 Mayor Pontieri explains why New Village commercial spaces have not rented out in line with public expectations
1:22:03Trustee Keyes begins roundtable discussion by Trustee Board members only ending with Trustee Hilton’s comments
1:38:05 Trustee Ferb makes a motion to repeal the present ban, approved. Trustees Felice, Ferb, Krieger and Devlin in favor, Trustees Keyes and Hilton opposed, Mayor Pontieri not voting.
Mayor welcomes Mr. Murray to the village; meeting is adjourned for a recess before the rest of the night’s business is taken up later.
From the proceedings of the 6/22/15 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees. Filmed by John Bogack, this narrative also John Bogack
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees 6/8/15 Full Proceedings
To see the video content easier keep this hint in mind:
In the video above look in the lower right corner for the icon that says “You Tube”. Once clicked the video opens in YouTube. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the video box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate. If any viewer has a problem navigating the time codes please see our email address below
Time Code and Narrative for 6/8/15 Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Meeting
Pictured from left to right: Trustees Keyes, Felice, Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan.
In Minutes and seconds
Meeting opens, Clerk Seal presents bills to be paid in absence of Village Treasurer
1:56 First Patchogue Pride award presented
4:10 Brian McGarrett from the Suffolk County Executive’s office appears to discuss planned Suffolk County Marathon’s impact on Patchogue Village on 9/13/15.
10:45 Public Hearing on approving the installation of 25 m.p.h speed sigs on Jennings Avenue. One person from the public speaks Richard Kemp in opposition. Motion approved.
19:05 Second Patchogue Pride presentation
20:30 Public Hearing requested approval to demolish unsafe structure at 16 South. St. Board discussion and approval.
25:23 Mayor Pontieri asks David Kennedy Ex. Dir. Of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce to read into the record a request from the Chamber to reconsider the ban on formula-franchise businesses in Patchogue Village. He does so and a public hearing is set on a motion to rescind the ban, date of public hearing is set for 6/22/15.
27:40 Single Use Plastic and Single Use Paper Bag ban returns for discussion and vote. All members of the Board are polled one by one for their views. Vote occurs; it is approved by a vote of 4-2 Mayor Pontieri not voting.
47:00 One taxi license cancelled. Attorney Egan presents case for doing so. Approved.
50:12 New webmaster services for village website approved.
52:13 Dennis Smith, Ex. Dir. BID, Business Improvement District, reports…street cam project progress report…hanging baskets deployment….Sunday Framers Market event begins…master plan for village parks discussion of survey outreach and other steps towards that goal that are ongoing…other issues
57:41 David Kennedy, Ex. Dir. Of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports…comments in support of the passage of the single use plastic and paper bag ban…refers to New Village Taste of Patchogue fund raiser raising 4,000 dollars for community improvements…Alive After Five about to begin…Retail Happy Hour program about to start…other issues
Now In hour, minutes and seconds
1:04:13Depute Mayor Krieger reports
1:04:43 Trustee Keyes reports
1:13:20 Trustee Felice reports
1:15:38 Trustee Ferb reports
1:15:40 Trustee Devlin reports
1:18:04 Trustee Hilton reports
Public Portion begins
1:20:50 Donald Wachsmuth asks Mayor Pontieri for a clarification of the term formula business and the Mayor explains and provides back ground information about what has led the Village to reconsider its present ban on such businesses in parts of the village
1:23:30 Adrienne Esposito, Ex. Dir. Of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment thanks the Board for its approval of the single use plastic and paper bag ban and offers help in the follow up effort to come
1:26: 28 Resident Al Schefer complains of continuing noise and other neighborhood quality of life issues near the Emporium nightclub. Mayor Pontieri discloses recent meeting with the owner and the Suffolk County Police to address quality of life issues
1:30:21 Resident Richard Kemp raises issues of feral cat control with reply from Village attorney Egan
1:34:30 Resident John Bogack reminds Mayor and Board that the Village Zoning Board has imposed strict rules on the Emporium nightclub in exchange for a one year renewal of its special zoning permit. Village Attorney Egan reports that the Village is monitoring those terms…other issues…asking Brookhaven Town to join the single use plastic and paper bag ban to make the ban more effective…request for parking meter revenue report…question about who is in charge of reviewing suggests for village website over haul.
Meeting ends and adjourns.
Feedback: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack Executive Director 6/22/15
In the video above look in the lower right corner for the icon that says “You Tube”. Once clicked the video opens in YouTube. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the video box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate. If any viewer has a problem navigating the time codes please see our email address below
Time Code and Narrative for 6/8/15 Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Meeting
Pictured from left to right: Trustees Keyes, Felice, Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan.
In Minutes and seconds
Meeting opens, Clerk Seal presents bills to be paid in absence of Village Treasurer
1:56 First Patchogue Pride award presented
4:10 Brian McGarrett from the Suffolk County Executive’s office appears to discuss planned Suffolk County Marathon’s impact on Patchogue Village on 9/13/15.
10:45 Public Hearing on approving the installation of 25 m.p.h speed sigs on Jennings Avenue. One person from the public speaks Richard Kemp in opposition. Motion approved.
19:05 Second Patchogue Pride presentation
20:30 Public Hearing requested approval to demolish unsafe structure at 16 South. St. Board discussion and approval.
25:23 Mayor Pontieri asks David Kennedy Ex. Dir. Of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce to read into the record a request from the Chamber to reconsider the ban on formula-franchise businesses in Patchogue Village. He does so and a public hearing is set on a motion to rescind the ban, date of public hearing is set for 6/22/15.
27:40 Single Use Plastic and Single Use Paper Bag ban returns for discussion and vote. All members of the Board are polled one by one for their views. Vote occurs; it is approved by a vote of 4-2 Mayor Pontieri not voting.
47:00 One taxi license cancelled. Attorney Egan presents case for doing so. Approved.
50:12 New webmaster services for village website approved.
52:13 Dennis Smith, Ex. Dir. BID, Business Improvement District, reports…street cam project progress report…hanging baskets deployment….Sunday Framers Market event begins…master plan for village parks discussion of survey outreach and other steps towards that goal that are ongoing…other issues
57:41 David Kennedy, Ex. Dir. Of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports…comments in support of the passage of the single use plastic and paper bag ban…refers to New Village Taste of Patchogue fund raiser raising 4,000 dollars for community improvements…Alive After Five about to begin…Retail Happy Hour program about to start…other issues
Now In hour, minutes and seconds
1:04:13Depute Mayor Krieger reports
1:04:43 Trustee Keyes reports
1:13:20 Trustee Felice reports
1:15:38 Trustee Ferb reports
1:15:40 Trustee Devlin reports
1:18:04 Trustee Hilton reports
Public Portion begins
1:20:50 Donald Wachsmuth asks Mayor Pontieri for a clarification of the term formula business and the Mayor explains and provides back ground information about what has led the Village to reconsider its present ban on such businesses in parts of the village
1:23:30 Adrienne Esposito, Ex. Dir. Of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment thanks the Board for its approval of the single use plastic and paper bag ban and offers help in the follow up effort to come
1:26: 28 Resident Al Schefer complains of continuing noise and other neighborhood quality of life issues near the Emporium nightclub. Mayor Pontieri discloses recent meeting with the owner and the Suffolk County Police to address quality of life issues
1:30:21 Resident Richard Kemp raises issues of feral cat control with reply from Village attorney Egan
1:34:30 Resident John Bogack reminds Mayor and Board that the Village Zoning Board has imposed strict rules on the Emporium nightclub in exchange for a one year renewal of its special zoning permit. Village Attorney Egan reports that the Village is monitoring those terms…other issues…asking Brookhaven Town to join the single use plastic and paper bag ban to make the ban more effective…request for parking meter revenue report…question about who is in charge of reviewing suggests for village website over haul.
Meeting ends and adjourns.
Feedback: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack Executive Director 6/22/15
Cavalcade of Bands/ Videos AA5 2014 Community Outreach Video Series
Less than a month to AA5 2015 so we are refreshing our video series from last year for another look. We are not just about filming governmental events but we also film community events too. It's our opinion that a lot of them have no or less than adequate video history so we are making that history by paying attention to those events and getting them on video.
This is a video series that has already gotten 1200 views and all through the year has slowly accumulated some more views every month. They all come with time codes and narrative to help viewing. And this year unlike last year we have a better sense of how You Tube can be used to pin point any one band that anyone would like to see and some directions on how to do that will soon follow.
First AA5 date this year is 7-9-15 and we will be out there filming our second series of video.
Above a compilation video of bands and right below a narrative and time code. For the other videos in this series you will find links to where they can be seen on You Tube, each one of them also have separate time codes and narratives.
How to find your way quickly through a video
To see the video content easier keep this hint in mind:
Click the video and it will take you to You Tube where it will open. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the comment box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate. If any viewer has a problem navigating the time codes please see our email address below for help.
Below our website software has already hyper texted music sections appearing in blue so the directions above will not have to be used. But it is an example of what you should find on every other video if the directions above are followed.
Cavalcade of Bands Video
This video is a re-edited remix of six previous videos plus some new content. AA5 a big event, here about half the music heard, two thirds of the stages played at so no “Best Of” video. That said 14 Bands cutting across a musical universe. Plenty of crowd scenes and dancing weaving all together. Good to remember the this unifying theme: the video represents a variety of sounds and that is what is pictured and heard. You Tube video editor: flawless at times, not so flawless at other times. Hand held video mostly, street view. 92 minutes of content.
Filmed as part of the Community Outreach Project of the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government. We are Patchogue Village residents who otherwise film local village government in action to promote public information and by doing so strengthening the democratic process. For more content visit us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevil...
Below some helpful information about stage areas, video list of performances in this video, You Tube video history for the Community Outreach Video Project Alive After Five video series.
Stages filmed
Stage A at Maple Avenue and E. Main St. (furthest east stage)
Stage D at the Village Idiot bar on E. Main St near the 4 corners
Stage E location alternated between front of Meetballs restaurant and front of the Brick House Brewery Main Street location.
Stage F opposite the Tap Room bar located near Rail Road Avenue and Main Street
Stage G West Main Street and Claire Rose Blvd on W. Main St (furthest west stage)
Video List in order of appearance first to last
At about in minutes and seconds then hour, minutes, seconds
1. Time 0.00: video begins with this set. Funkin’ A: AA5 Theme/Shakedown Extended street mix , 8/14/14, Stage E
2. Time: 16:13 Milagro , 8/14/14, Stage E.
3. Time: 22: 30 Next Level 7/17/14, Stage E
4. Time: 30:15 Soul Junkies 7/31/4, Stage F
5. Time: 36:17 Tumi Arts 7/31/14 Stage A
6. Time 40:53 The Putnam Brothers 8/28/14, Stage F
7. Time: 45:31 Gnarly Heads 7/17/14, Stage D
8. Time: 48:51 J Haus Band 7/17/14, Stage F
9. Time: 55: 36 Rick’s Rising Stars 7/17/14, Stage G
10 Time: 1:01:53 Twelve X 8/14/14, Stage D
11.Time: 1:09:38, School of Rock 8/14/14, Stage G
12.Time: 1:13:25 Kid and the Koots 8/14/14, Stage E
13.Time: 1:17:48, DJ Torres with break dancers at 8/28/14, Stage G
14 Time: 1:20:31 The Dust Rays 8/28/14, Stage G
15 Time: 1:32:13 End words: Voice of James Skidmore 8/28/14, Stage G
You Tube Video history Alive After Five video series 2014
July 17 2014 First AA5
1.PATCHOGUE VILLAGE ALIVE AFTER FIVE MID FESTIVAL HAND HELD VIDEO 7/17/14. Link: http://youtu.be/mYgJkkWkZ9Q
Published to You Tube 7/18/14
July 31 2014 Second AA5
2.AA5 Patchogue Village 7/31/14: Bands/Dancers/Street Scenes. Link: http://youtu.be/iH7SBC7sQh0
Published to You Tube 8/6/14
August 14 2014
3.AA5 2014 First: "Alive After Five" Theme/ Extended Jam-FUNKin'A Link: http://youtu.be/XywoEj5AO2E
Published to You Tube 8/16/14
4.ALIVE AFTER FIVE 2014: School of Rock... Main St. Night Walk East... Tumi Arts. Link: http://youtu.be/3cJrxGVyIXg Published to You Tube 8/17/14
5.AA5 2014: Ballerinas/Breakers/Street Moves: JUMP UP!
Link: http://youtu.be/H1QYbdRaqdQ
Published to You Tube 8/19/14
August 28 2014 Fourth and final event
6.AA5 Patchogue Village 8/28/14 at Of Colors Stage: Honors/DJ Torres/ Dust Rays. Link: http://youtu.be/fAhQ1Y0mJSM
Published to You Tube 9/1/14
7.The Dust Rays at Alive At Five Patchogue Village 8/28/14 Live Audience Whole Set Only. Link: http://youtu.be/Y1OucYTfl48
Published to You Tube on 9/4/14
Feedback: CC40VG@aol.com
And here is a link to the AA5 website for current information about that upcoming event:
http://www.aliveafterfive.com/
This is a video series that has already gotten 1200 views and all through the year has slowly accumulated some more views every month. They all come with time codes and narrative to help viewing. And this year unlike last year we have a better sense of how You Tube can be used to pin point any one band that anyone would like to see and some directions on how to do that will soon follow.
First AA5 date this year is 7-9-15 and we will be out there filming our second series of video.
Above a compilation video of bands and right below a narrative and time code. For the other videos in this series you will find links to where they can be seen on You Tube, each one of them also have separate time codes and narratives.
How to find your way quickly through a video
To see the video content easier keep this hint in mind:
Click the video and it will take you to You Tube where it will open. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the comment box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate. If any viewer has a problem navigating the time codes please see our email address below for help.
Below our website software has already hyper texted music sections appearing in blue so the directions above will not have to be used. But it is an example of what you should find on every other video if the directions above are followed.
Cavalcade of Bands Video
This video is a re-edited remix of six previous videos plus some new content. AA5 a big event, here about half the music heard, two thirds of the stages played at so no “Best Of” video. That said 14 Bands cutting across a musical universe. Plenty of crowd scenes and dancing weaving all together. Good to remember the this unifying theme: the video represents a variety of sounds and that is what is pictured and heard. You Tube video editor: flawless at times, not so flawless at other times. Hand held video mostly, street view. 92 minutes of content.
Filmed as part of the Community Outreach Project of the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government. We are Patchogue Village residents who otherwise film local village government in action to promote public information and by doing so strengthening the democratic process. For more content visit us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevil...
Below some helpful information about stage areas, video list of performances in this video, You Tube video history for the Community Outreach Video Project Alive After Five video series.
Stages filmed
Stage A at Maple Avenue and E. Main St. (furthest east stage)
Stage D at the Village Idiot bar on E. Main St near the 4 corners
Stage E location alternated between front of Meetballs restaurant and front of the Brick House Brewery Main Street location.
Stage F opposite the Tap Room bar located near Rail Road Avenue and Main Street
Stage G West Main Street and Claire Rose Blvd on W. Main St (furthest west stage)
Video List in order of appearance first to last
At about in minutes and seconds then hour, minutes, seconds
1. Time 0.00: video begins with this set. Funkin’ A: AA5 Theme/Shakedown Extended street mix , 8/14/14, Stage E
2. Time: 16:13 Milagro , 8/14/14, Stage E.
3. Time: 22: 30 Next Level 7/17/14, Stage E
4. Time: 30:15 Soul Junkies 7/31/4, Stage F
5. Time: 36:17 Tumi Arts 7/31/14 Stage A
6. Time 40:53 The Putnam Brothers 8/28/14, Stage F
7. Time: 45:31 Gnarly Heads 7/17/14, Stage D
8. Time: 48:51 J Haus Band 7/17/14, Stage F
9. Time: 55: 36 Rick’s Rising Stars 7/17/14, Stage G
10 Time: 1:01:53 Twelve X 8/14/14, Stage D
11.Time: 1:09:38, School of Rock 8/14/14, Stage G
12.Time: 1:13:25 Kid and the Koots 8/14/14, Stage E
13.Time: 1:17:48, DJ Torres with break dancers at 8/28/14, Stage G
14 Time: 1:20:31 The Dust Rays 8/28/14, Stage G
15 Time: 1:32:13 End words: Voice of James Skidmore 8/28/14, Stage G
You Tube Video history Alive After Five video series 2014
July 17 2014 First AA5
1.PATCHOGUE VILLAGE ALIVE AFTER FIVE MID FESTIVAL HAND HELD VIDEO 7/17/14. Link: http://youtu.be/mYgJkkWkZ9Q
Published to You Tube 7/18/14
July 31 2014 Second AA5
2.AA5 Patchogue Village 7/31/14: Bands/Dancers/Street Scenes. Link: http://youtu.be/iH7SBC7sQh0
Published to You Tube 8/6/14
August 14 2014
3.AA5 2014 First: "Alive After Five" Theme/ Extended Jam-FUNKin'A Link: http://youtu.be/XywoEj5AO2E
Published to You Tube 8/16/14
4.ALIVE AFTER FIVE 2014: School of Rock... Main St. Night Walk East... Tumi Arts. Link: http://youtu.be/3cJrxGVyIXg Published to You Tube 8/17/14
5.AA5 2014: Ballerinas/Breakers/Street Moves: JUMP UP!
Link: http://youtu.be/H1QYbdRaqdQ
Published to You Tube 8/19/14
August 28 2014 Fourth and final event
6.AA5 Patchogue Village 8/28/14 at Of Colors Stage: Honors/DJ Torres/ Dust Rays. Link: http://youtu.be/fAhQ1Y0mJSM
Published to You Tube 9/1/14
7.The Dust Rays at Alive At Five Patchogue Village 8/28/14 Live Audience Whole Set Only. Link: http://youtu.be/Y1OucYTfl48
Published to You Tube on 9/4/14
Feedback: CC40VG@aol.com
And here is a link to the AA5 website for current information about that upcoming event:
http://www.aliveafterfive.com/
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees 5/26/15 Meeting
To see the video content easier keep this hint in mind:
In the video above look in the lower right corner for the icon that says “You Tube”. Once clicked the video opens in YouTube. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the video box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate. If any viewer has a problem navigating the time codes please see our email address below
Video Time Code and Narrative for 5/26/15 Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Meeting
In minutes and seconds
0:55 Mayor Pontieri’s comments on Memorial Day Parade
2:45 Treasurer’s report…687 K paid out in bills
5:11 nonunion employees approved for 2.5 percent pay increase effective 6-1-15
5:35 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports on Patchogue Theater.
7:50 Deputy Mayor Krieger offers resolution to pay unionized public safety officers 2.5 percent pay increase beginning 6=1-15 and approval of three year contract.
8:53 Deputy Mayor Krieger seeks and gets approval for 600 K maximum bond for new theater renovations…discussion of what will be bought with bond monies and comments about value of Theater to the village
15:11 Trustee Keyes reports...assesses installation of speed tables on Jennings and Cedar…discusses possible future solar power installations for village parking meters and street lights…discusses ongoing program to upgrade sidewalk curbs and handicapped ramps
18:35 Trustee Keyes seeks and gets approval for a public hearing to mandate 25 mile per hour speed limit for Jennings Avenue, date set for 6-8-15
19:22 Trustee Felice reports…additional hiring of staff to augment staff due to injuries of some present staff and introduces and gets approval to set a date for a public hearing on 6/22/15 to amend the village code to limit outdoor noise from powered garden equipment on weekends and holidays. …approval gained for various fee charges by Housing and Building Department in the range of twenty percent for each category…approved…civil service waiver letter
approved to be sent to Civil Service State on behalf of Jim Berberich
21:54 Trustee Felice reports that Rhum Bar and Village Walk (assisted living facility) are both about to begin to move ahead with their plans in the first case to open soon, in the latter case to begin building operations.
22:33 Trustee Ferb reports…comments on Theater bond…seeks and get approval for a 15 year bond in the amount of 509K to purchase various trucks and other equipment for the village…discusses ongoing beatification effort in village…presents a series of resolutions to allow for outside funding of a projected pocket park on E. Main street dependent on funding being obtained.
25:56 Trustee Hilton reports…recreation flyer sent out to all village residents along with questionnaire concerning future planning for the park system…comments about Memorial Day parade…approval of a list of summer staff
Public portion
34:44 Mark Siegel village business owner describes public safety issue on Main Street. Mayor Pontieri comments and promises police involvement
37:02 Village resident John Bogack makes multiple comments…video of Memorial Day parade…traffic issue at River Avenue and Division street with Board discussion and approval of a public hearing to discuss safety measure for that intersection set for 6/22/15…question as to why there is no central resource to assist people to move into the village as home buyers…comments from Trustee Hilton about neglected area near Shore front park brought to his attention earlier by same speaker and promise to address issue
45:02 Village resident Dennis Ross discusses multiple issues….renews request that village meters by programmed not to accept parking fees on Sundays when parking is free…discussion with Board….warns the parking meter money collectors are at risk since they collect money when on single assignment and are vulnerable to being robbed. Discussion by Board
Meeting adjourns
Feedback: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack 6/6/15
In the video above look in the lower right corner for the icon that says “You Tube”. Once clicked the video opens in YouTube. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the video box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate. If any viewer has a problem navigating the time codes please see our email address below
Video Time Code and Narrative for 5/26/15 Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Meeting
In minutes and seconds
0:55 Mayor Pontieri’s comments on Memorial Day Parade
2:45 Treasurer’s report…687 K paid out in bills
5:11 nonunion employees approved for 2.5 percent pay increase effective 6-1-15
5:35 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports on Patchogue Theater.
7:50 Deputy Mayor Krieger offers resolution to pay unionized public safety officers 2.5 percent pay increase beginning 6=1-15 and approval of three year contract.
8:53 Deputy Mayor Krieger seeks and gets approval for 600 K maximum bond for new theater renovations…discussion of what will be bought with bond monies and comments about value of Theater to the village
15:11 Trustee Keyes reports...assesses installation of speed tables on Jennings and Cedar…discusses possible future solar power installations for village parking meters and street lights…discusses ongoing program to upgrade sidewalk curbs and handicapped ramps
18:35 Trustee Keyes seeks and gets approval for a public hearing to mandate 25 mile per hour speed limit for Jennings Avenue, date set for 6-8-15
19:22 Trustee Felice reports…additional hiring of staff to augment staff due to injuries of some present staff and introduces and gets approval to set a date for a public hearing on 6/22/15 to amend the village code to limit outdoor noise from powered garden equipment on weekends and holidays. …approval gained for various fee charges by Housing and Building Department in the range of twenty percent for each category…approved…civil service waiver letter
approved to be sent to Civil Service State on behalf of Jim Berberich
21:54 Trustee Felice reports that Rhum Bar and Village Walk (assisted living facility) are both about to begin to move ahead with their plans in the first case to open soon, in the latter case to begin building operations.
22:33 Trustee Ferb reports…comments on Theater bond…seeks and get approval for a 15 year bond in the amount of 509K to purchase various trucks and other equipment for the village…discusses ongoing beatification effort in village…presents a series of resolutions to allow for outside funding of a projected pocket park on E. Main street dependent on funding being obtained.
25:56 Trustee Hilton reports…recreation flyer sent out to all village residents along with questionnaire concerning future planning for the park system…comments about Memorial Day parade…approval of a list of summer staff
Public portion
34:44 Mark Siegel village business owner describes public safety issue on Main Street. Mayor Pontieri comments and promises police involvement
37:02 Village resident John Bogack makes multiple comments…video of Memorial Day parade…traffic issue at River Avenue and Division street with Board discussion and approval of a public hearing to discuss safety measure for that intersection set for 6/22/15…question as to why there is no central resource to assist people to move into the village as home buyers…comments from Trustee Hilton about neglected area near Shore front park brought to his attention earlier by same speaker and promise to address issue
45:02 Village resident Dennis Ross discusses multiple issues….renews request that village meters by programmed not to accept parking fees on Sundays when parking is free…discussion with Board….warns the parking meter money collectors are at risk since they collect money when on single assignment and are vulnerable to being robbed. Discussion by Board
Meeting adjourns
Feedback: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack 6/6/15
Memorial Day Parade Patchogue Village May 25th 2015
Video taken at the intersection of Academy and So. Ocean Avenue. This is a twenty minute video and it is the full parade but the parade did take longer...this video is edited and delays and waits due to such things for example as trains crossing the tracks and holding up traffic not here.
Sunny and beautiful day, crowds on main street obviously not pictured but this video does focus on the marchers and viewers get to see them all.
Filmed as part of the Community Video Outreach Project of the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government.
Video and narrative provided by John Bogack 5/25/15
Sunny and beautiful day, crowds on main street obviously not pictured but this video does focus on the marchers and viewers get to see them all.
Filmed as part of the Community Video Outreach Project of the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government.
Video and narrative provided by John Bogack 5/25/15
5/11/15 PV Board of Trustees: Regular Business Agenda
After an extended public hearing on a proposed ban of single use plastic bags, the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees returns to its regular agenda.
Time code and narrative as follows:
In minutes and seconds
0:28 Dennis Smith Ex. Director Business Improvement District reports….status of street cam project…Memorial Day preparations…status of Sunday Farmer’s market at the Four Corners….status of Master Park planning discloses that poll will be undertaken of village residents to assess park needs…discussion of hanging plant on main street improvements with Trustee Hilton recommending replacing live plants with imitation ones
13:33 Ex. Director David Kennedy, Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, comments on just completed public hearing on proposed ban of single use plastic bags…discusses other upcoming events e.g. Reggae on the River…
17:15 Deputy Mayor Krieger discussed commercial garbage clean up issues in the village with Mayor Pontieri indicating that increased code enforcement will be needed to insure clean facilities
25:05 Trustee Keyes reports…various approvals sought
27:01 Trustee Felice reports…two additional public safety officers hired on a part time basis
28:57 Trustee Ferb reports…resignation of Mr. Swinson from the Community Development Agency board accepted with regret
30:00 Trustee Devlin reports on multiple issues…denial of Sid’s Drinking Den’s application for a new bar by the Planning Board…approvals sought for 15th Annual Garden club event…approval sought for Jerry Jam event with organizer John Cinno appearing and explaining plans for event and suggesting declaration of annual Jerry Garcia day with reference as well to Log Jam No. 6 fund raiser for the Patchogue Arts Council, event approved
37:00 Trustee Hilton reports…annual recreation brochure is now online. Various other approvals sought and gained
Public Portion
39:45 Resident John Bogack asks Trustee Devlin for more details about denial of Sid’s Drinking Den application which are provided, Deputy Mayor Krieger comments that if approval is eventually obtained business will operate publicly under another name
40:44 George Hoag, owner of Brickhouse Brewery inquires about parking lot closure for Taste of Patchogue and Mayor Pontieri explains that decision still under assessment, various other traffic improvement and outstanding traffic control issues in and around the Brick house brewery also discussed
Meeting ends
John Bogack 5/25/15
Time code and narrative as follows:
In minutes and seconds
0:28 Dennis Smith Ex. Director Business Improvement District reports….status of street cam project…Memorial Day preparations…status of Sunday Farmer’s market at the Four Corners….status of Master Park planning discloses that poll will be undertaken of village residents to assess park needs…discussion of hanging plant on main street improvements with Trustee Hilton recommending replacing live plants with imitation ones
13:33 Ex. Director David Kennedy, Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, comments on just completed public hearing on proposed ban of single use plastic bags…discusses other upcoming events e.g. Reggae on the River…
17:15 Deputy Mayor Krieger discussed commercial garbage clean up issues in the village with Mayor Pontieri indicating that increased code enforcement will be needed to insure clean facilities
25:05 Trustee Keyes reports…various approvals sought
27:01 Trustee Felice reports…two additional public safety officers hired on a part time basis
28:57 Trustee Ferb reports…resignation of Mr. Swinson from the Community Development Agency board accepted with regret
30:00 Trustee Devlin reports on multiple issues…denial of Sid’s Drinking Den’s application for a new bar by the Planning Board…approvals sought for 15th Annual Garden club event…approval sought for Jerry Jam event with organizer John Cinno appearing and explaining plans for event and suggesting declaration of annual Jerry Garcia day with reference as well to Log Jam No. 6 fund raiser for the Patchogue Arts Council, event approved
37:00 Trustee Hilton reports…annual recreation brochure is now online. Various other approvals sought and gained
Public Portion
39:45 Resident John Bogack asks Trustee Devlin for more details about denial of Sid’s Drinking Den application which are provided, Deputy Mayor Krieger comments that if approval is eventually obtained business will operate publicly under another name
40:44 George Hoag, owner of Brickhouse Brewery inquires about parking lot closure for Taste of Patchogue and Mayor Pontieri explains that decision still under assessment, various other traffic improvement and outstanding traffic control issues in and around the Brick house brewery also discussed
Meeting ends
John Bogack 5/25/15
The Public Speaks: Single Use Plastic Bag Ban Hearing
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Mt. 5/11/15
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Mt. 5/11/15
This is a long video and can be navigated in several ways. Below a time code and narrative for full video viewing. Secondly You Tube itself offers a way to see sections of interest quickly. This is how that can be done.
In the video above look in the lower right corner for the icon that says “You Tube”. Once clicked the video opens in YouTube. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the video box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate. If any viewer has a problem navigating the time codes please see our email address below. Contact us for help.
Pictured in the video at the Board table from left to right: Trustees Keyes, Felice, Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri center, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan. Village Board of Trustees meeting of 5/11/15 public hearing on proposed ban of single use plastic bags.
After the presentations and Board discussion 14 speakers take their turn.
Below time code and narrative
In minutes and seconds
0:00 comments begin in progress David Zegel owner of David"s Shoe Emporium concerning type of bags that will be allowable under the ban leading to a discussion about permitted uses
3:29 David Kennedy, Ex. Director of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, village resident…clarifies that Chamber has not formally voted to approve ban however he expresses his support for the proposed ban
7:21 Mark Siegel, village business owner comments that his business uses paper bags to give to his customers. He does not think that the ban will affect his business.
8:36 Colony shop co-owner Lorice Fiala comments that her business may have issues with plastic bag ban and request further clarification about permitted uses under the ban for plastic bags
9:53 Don Wachsmuth, village resident, expresses support for the ban on environmental grounds
11:44 Richard Kemp, village residents, asks about permitted uses for plastic bags under the ban
15:10 Jane Dsillo, Sierra Club member, non-village resident, expresses support for the ban based on environmental reasons
21:25 Lynn Dwyer, village resident, expresses support for the ban based on environmental reasons and advocates for the idea that residents of poor economic means are nevertheless supportive of environmental reforms since they too wish to live in trash free neighborhoods
24:30 Richard Siegel, village business owner raises issue about use of single use paper bags under the ban
27:21 Village attorney Egan replies to his question
28:40 Tegron Holtz, non-village speaker, supports ban citing need to reduce pollution of village waterways from discarded plastic bags
30:25 Joanne Drake, nonresident speaker, supports ban for environmental reasons
33:05 Mayor Pontieri asks the two representatives from Southampton Town to return to the podium to provide details about how the ban there affected use of bags plastic and paper by business owners.
They return and explain how Southampton Town managed impacts
37:05 Lori Belmonte, village business owner again asks about permitted bag uses under the ban
37:55 Paul Criannello, village business owner, objects to the ban on the basis this his business product…live bait, fish, etc cannot be transported by customers once bought by paper bags.
40:57 Jim Daytre, nonresident speaker, addresses Board on behalf of village owner (Bravo supermarket). He objects to the ban for several reasons: takes issue with validity of surveys taken measuring support, rebuts some prior testimony by Adrienne Esposito Citizens Campaign for the Environment, and denies that Bravo supermarket ever gave unconditional support for the ban when first suggested.
46:55 Mr. Daytre raises the issue that the ban can never succeed because outside sources for plastic bags, all surrounding areas, are not banned and bags will continue to be imported into the village. He suggests Brookhaven wide ban first. Questions alleged support of the Chamber of Commerce leading to comments from Mayor Pontieri about the role of the Chamber
49:05 Mayor Pontieri explains invited role of the Chamber of Commerce in the planning for the proposed ban. Advocates for middle course to resolve issues. Recommends that the meeting be closed but public comment to be allowed until 6/1/15. Says that on 6/11/15 final bill will be presented for a vote.
Mr. Daytre attempts to continue his remarks but he is asked to submit remainder of them in writing.
54:52 Mayor Pontieri moves to close public portion, Board approves and public hearing ends.
55:36 Resolution to designate Patchogue Village as lead agency for SEQA purposes proposed and approved.
56:11 At the Mayor’s request Village attorney Egan explains SEQA resolution that has just passed and one yet to come and re-assures public that the approvals do not represent any final approval of the proposed ban itself.
56:55 Board approves second required SEQA related resolution.
Meeting adjourns for ten minutes for business portion of the agenda not yet addressed.
Note: public comment on the proposed ban may be sent by email to Village Clerk Patricia Seal up until 6-1-15 after which time the door for public comment closes.
She can be reached by email: PSeal@patchoguevillage.org
Comments to our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens
Email at: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack Executive Director 5/23/15
In the video above look in the lower right corner for the icon that says “You Tube”. Once clicked the video opens in YouTube. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the video box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate. If any viewer has a problem navigating the time codes please see our email address below. Contact us for help.
Pictured in the video at the Board table from left to right: Trustees Keyes, Felice, Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri center, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan. Village Board of Trustees meeting of 5/11/15 public hearing on proposed ban of single use plastic bags.
After the presentations and Board discussion 14 speakers take their turn.
Below time code and narrative
In minutes and seconds
0:00 comments begin in progress David Zegel owner of David"s Shoe Emporium concerning type of bags that will be allowable under the ban leading to a discussion about permitted uses
3:29 David Kennedy, Ex. Director of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, village resident…clarifies that Chamber has not formally voted to approve ban however he expresses his support for the proposed ban
7:21 Mark Siegel, village business owner comments that his business uses paper bags to give to his customers. He does not think that the ban will affect his business.
8:36 Colony shop co-owner Lorice Fiala comments that her business may have issues with plastic bag ban and request further clarification about permitted uses under the ban for plastic bags
9:53 Don Wachsmuth, village resident, expresses support for the ban on environmental grounds
11:44 Richard Kemp, village residents, asks about permitted uses for plastic bags under the ban
15:10 Jane Dsillo, Sierra Club member, non-village resident, expresses support for the ban based on environmental reasons
21:25 Lynn Dwyer, village resident, expresses support for the ban based on environmental reasons and advocates for the idea that residents of poor economic means are nevertheless supportive of environmental reforms since they too wish to live in trash free neighborhoods
24:30 Richard Siegel, village business owner raises issue about use of single use paper bags under the ban
27:21 Village attorney Egan replies to his question
28:40 Tegron Holtz, non-village speaker, supports ban citing need to reduce pollution of village waterways from discarded plastic bags
30:25 Joanne Drake, nonresident speaker, supports ban for environmental reasons
33:05 Mayor Pontieri asks the two representatives from Southampton Town to return to the podium to provide details about how the ban there affected use of bags plastic and paper by business owners.
They return and explain how Southampton Town managed impacts
37:05 Lori Belmonte, village business owner again asks about permitted bag uses under the ban
37:55 Paul Criannello, village business owner, objects to the ban on the basis this his business product…live bait, fish, etc cannot be transported by customers once bought by paper bags.
40:57 Jim Daytre, nonresident speaker, addresses Board on behalf of village owner (Bravo supermarket). He objects to the ban for several reasons: takes issue with validity of surveys taken measuring support, rebuts some prior testimony by Adrienne Esposito Citizens Campaign for the Environment, and denies that Bravo supermarket ever gave unconditional support for the ban when first suggested.
46:55 Mr. Daytre raises the issue that the ban can never succeed because outside sources for plastic bags, all surrounding areas, are not banned and bags will continue to be imported into the village. He suggests Brookhaven wide ban first. Questions alleged support of the Chamber of Commerce leading to comments from Mayor Pontieri about the role of the Chamber
49:05 Mayor Pontieri explains invited role of the Chamber of Commerce in the planning for the proposed ban. Advocates for middle course to resolve issues. Recommends that the meeting be closed but public comment to be allowed until 6/1/15. Says that on 6/11/15 final bill will be presented for a vote.
Mr. Daytre attempts to continue his remarks but he is asked to submit remainder of them in writing.
54:52 Mayor Pontieri moves to close public portion, Board approves and public hearing ends.
55:36 Resolution to designate Patchogue Village as lead agency for SEQA purposes proposed and approved.
56:11 At the Mayor’s request Village attorney Egan explains SEQA resolution that has just passed and one yet to come and re-assures public that the approvals do not represent any final approval of the proposed ban itself.
56:55 Board approves second required SEQA related resolution.
Meeting adjourns for ten minutes for business portion of the agenda not yet addressed.
Note: public comment on the proposed ban may be sent by email to Village Clerk Patricia Seal up until 6-1-15 after which time the door for public comment closes.
She can be reached by email: PSeal@patchoguevillage.org
Comments to our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens
Email at: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack Executive Director 5/23/15
Second Video: Plastic Bag Ban Public Hearing
5/11/15 Patchogue Village Board of Trustees
5/11/15 Patchogue Village Board of Trustees
Navigating the Video for Quick Viewing
This is a long video and can be navigated in several ways. Below a time code and narrative for full video viewing. Secondly You Tube itself offers a way to see sections of interest quickly. This is how that can be done.
In the video above look in the lower right corner for the icon that says “You Tube”. Once clicked the video opens in YouTube. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the video box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate. If any viewer has a problem navigating the time codes please see our email address below. Contact us for help.
Pictured in the video at the Board table from left to right: Trustees Keyes, Felice, Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri center, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan. Village Board of Trustees meeting of 5/11/15 public hearing on proposed ban of single use plastic bags.
Time code and narrative
In minutes and seconds
0:00 Lynn Arthur from the Southampton Town Green Sustainability Advisory Committee continues her presentation about how the single use plastic bag ban impacted consumer and business practices in Southampton which recently adopted such a ban.
Questions from Trustees
She is followed by Dieter von Lehsten who shares with Board members the need for public education and tells them that the motto of their local campaign is “We Bag to Differ”. He refers to a You Tube video that was used to promote the education campaign. That video and additional information about the committee can be found here: http://www.southamptontownny.gov/835/We-Bag-To-Differ
15:15 Prof Kirk Lawrence from St. Joseph’s college reports on a survey taken of Patchogue area residents about the ban. On questioning he discloses that only 30 percent of those polled were self- identified as Patchogue Village residents. The survey otherwise shows strong support for an effort to control use of single use plastic bags.
At the conclusion of this the last presentation of the meeting Mayor Pontieri begins a poll of each Trustees for any additional comments and remarks.
18:56 Comments from Trustee Keyes who indicates he supports the proposed ban.
19:57 Comments from Trustee Felice who indicates his support for the proposed ban.
20:45 Trustee Ferb raises his reservations about the ban particularly the potential for burdening the village with legal costs to defend the ban if challenged in court. He appears to be leaning to vote against the ban.
24:59 Deputy Mayor Krieger expresses his support for the ban.
26:13 Trustee Devlin expresses her support for the ban but asks Village Attorney for further clarification of legal issues involved in the adoption of the proposed ban.
32:22 Village Attorney responds to Trustee Devlin’s question and provides his legal assessment of the application of the Environmental Conservation law as it applies to the proposed ban…additional comment from Trustee Devlin in response
35:57 Trustee Hilton expresses a divided view about the proposed ban but appears to favor its adoption and an expansion of its sweep to include dealing with maritime plastic waster found in the Village’s waters
36:00 Mayor Pontieri presents a summary of the views already expressed during the meeting and also expresses some of his personal views. He does not express an opinion in favor or against the proposed ban.
Note: any law to meet approval must have a majority of votes in favor abstentions (i.e. not voting either for or against) if they occur do not count one way or the other.
Video ends with comments from Trustee Keyes that the ban will not affect non-profits and then technical issue arises just before Mayor Pontieri opens the meeting to public comment.
Technical issue: underestimation of needed memory for camera video requiring switch to back up camera after first camera reaches memory limit.
Next and final video will take up from the first speaker in the public portion.
Note: public comment on the proposed ban may be sent by email to Village Clerk Patricia Seal up until 6-1-15 after which time the door for public comment closes.
She can be reached by email: PSeal@patchoguevillage.org
Comments to our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens
Email at: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack Executive Director 5/21/15
This is a long video and can be navigated in several ways. Below a time code and narrative for full video viewing. Secondly You Tube itself offers a way to see sections of interest quickly. This is how that can be done.
In the video above look in the lower right corner for the icon that says “You Tube”. Once clicked the video opens in YouTube. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the video box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate. If any viewer has a problem navigating the time codes please see our email address below. Contact us for help.
Pictured in the video at the Board table from left to right: Trustees Keyes, Felice, Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri center, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan. Village Board of Trustees meeting of 5/11/15 public hearing on proposed ban of single use plastic bags.
Time code and narrative
In minutes and seconds
0:00 Lynn Arthur from the Southampton Town Green Sustainability Advisory Committee continues her presentation about how the single use plastic bag ban impacted consumer and business practices in Southampton which recently adopted such a ban.
Questions from Trustees
She is followed by Dieter von Lehsten who shares with Board members the need for public education and tells them that the motto of their local campaign is “We Bag to Differ”. He refers to a You Tube video that was used to promote the education campaign. That video and additional information about the committee can be found here: http://www.southamptontownny.gov/835/We-Bag-To-Differ
15:15 Prof Kirk Lawrence from St. Joseph’s college reports on a survey taken of Patchogue area residents about the ban. On questioning he discloses that only 30 percent of those polled were self- identified as Patchogue Village residents. The survey otherwise shows strong support for an effort to control use of single use plastic bags.
At the conclusion of this the last presentation of the meeting Mayor Pontieri begins a poll of each Trustees for any additional comments and remarks.
18:56 Comments from Trustee Keyes who indicates he supports the proposed ban.
19:57 Comments from Trustee Felice who indicates his support for the proposed ban.
20:45 Trustee Ferb raises his reservations about the ban particularly the potential for burdening the village with legal costs to defend the ban if challenged in court. He appears to be leaning to vote against the ban.
24:59 Deputy Mayor Krieger expresses his support for the ban.
26:13 Trustee Devlin expresses her support for the ban but asks Village Attorney for further clarification of legal issues involved in the adoption of the proposed ban.
32:22 Village Attorney responds to Trustee Devlin’s question and provides his legal assessment of the application of the Environmental Conservation law as it applies to the proposed ban…additional comment from Trustee Devlin in response
35:57 Trustee Hilton expresses a divided view about the proposed ban but appears to favor its adoption and an expansion of its sweep to include dealing with maritime plastic waster found in the Village’s waters
36:00 Mayor Pontieri presents a summary of the views already expressed during the meeting and also expresses some of his personal views. He does not express an opinion in favor or against the proposed ban.
Note: any law to meet approval must have a majority of votes in favor abstentions (i.e. not voting either for or against) if they occur do not count one way or the other.
Video ends with comments from Trustee Keyes that the ban will not affect non-profits and then technical issue arises just before Mayor Pontieri opens the meeting to public comment.
Technical issue: underestimation of needed memory for camera video requiring switch to back up camera after first camera reaches memory limit.
Next and final video will take up from the first speaker in the public portion.
Note: public comment on the proposed ban may be sent by email to Village Clerk Patricia Seal up until 6-1-15 after which time the door for public comment closes.
She can be reached by email: PSeal@patchoguevillage.org
Comments to our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens
Email at: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack Executive Director 5/21/15
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees First Part 5/11/15
Public Hearing: Proposed Ban of Single Use Plastic Bags
Public Hearing: Proposed Ban of Single Use Plastic Bags
Navigating the Video for Quick Viewing
This is a long video and can be navigated in several ways. Below a time code and narrative for full video viewing. Secondly You Tube itself offers a way to see sections of interest quickly. This is how that can be done.
In the video above look in the lower right corner for the icon that says “You Tube”. Once clicked the video opens in YouTube. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the video box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate. If any viewer has a problem navigating the time codes please see our email address below. Contact us for help.
In minutes and seconds
0:58 Meeting opens
2:00 Treasurer’s report
3:07 Clerk Seal announces public hearing
3:48 technical issue arises with microphones for both public use and Trustees
9:13 Mayor Pontieri lays out goals of the public hearing
11:02 Trustee Keyes explains origin of the proposed law to ban single use plastic bags in Patchogue Village
16:08 Mayor Pontieri explains order of speakers: presentation by advocates on both sides of the issue, Board members to be canvassed for their opinions following presentations, public portion to occur, end actions thereafter.
17:35 Trustee Keyes clarifies that proposed law is not to promote paper bags over plastic bags
18:08 First presentation: Adrienne Esposito Ex. Director of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment offers multiple reasons for the adoption of the proposed law by Patchogue Village and advocates for its adoption
Here is a link to the organization’s website with more info: http://www.citizenscampaign.org/campaigns/plastic-bags.asp
29:13 Jay Pelz, attorney for the Food Industry Alliance presents the FIA case against the ban focusing on their interpretation that state law bans the village from taking action as such action must occur by state law not local village law. He refers to ongoing case not yet decided involving the Village of Hastings on the Hudson. Also indicated formally that Krasdale food chain and Bravo supermarket are opposed to the proposed ban
Here is a link to the FID website for more info: http://www.fiany.com/
He also refers to the issue of an a SEQR a mandated state environmental quality review report that he claims the village will have difficulty complying with. For more information about what that review does require see this link: http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/357.html
38:05 Village attorney Egan and Mr. Pelz engage in a discussion about underlying legal issues with particular reference to whether the village is pre-empted by the State of NY in adopting any such ban.
41:12 Clerk Seal reads into the record a letter from Shop Right supermarket chain opposing the proposed ban
43: 12 Adrienne Esposito returns to the podium and offers rebuttal testimony to earlier testimony provided by FIA attorney Pelz. She cites other NY State localities which have adopted similar laws without state approval, rebuttal from Trustee Ferb on the issue of compliance with an environmental impact study and reply to same
48:32 Trustee Ferb has more questions particularly with respect to “life cycle” of various bags in question i.e. plastic, paper, and reusable bag of different material
50:40 Attorney Pelz responds to Trustee Ferb’s question and offers additional rebuttal of Ms. Esposito’s just concluded testimony
54:54 Attorney Egan and attorney Pelz discuss current case litigation which may provide legal guidance namely the Village of Hastings on the Hudson case
Here is a link to information about the legal case in question: http://plasticbaglaws.org/the-village-of-hastings-on-hudson-sued-by-grocers-industry-group-over-bag-ban-court-opinion-expected-soon/
57:11 Citizens Campaign Ex. Director Esposito returns again to discuss the costs of plastic bags versus other bags i.e. paper
58:58 Clerk Seal reads into the record a letter of opposition from the owner of Bravo supermarket Patchogue Village based business
In hour, minutes and seconds
1:00:50 Mayor Pontieri speaks on his own personal use of re-usable shopping bags
1:01:18 Trustee Keyes introduces next set of presenters: representatives from the Town of Southampton Sustainability Committee, Dieter von Lehsten, with Lynn Arthur who address the practical issues of implementing and enforcing a ban in a locality where such a ban currently exists the Town of Southampton with focus on impact on merchants and educating the public.
Note: This section of the three part video ends in mid presentation and is picked up in the second video still to be published.
Here is a link to the Southampton Town Green Advisory Sustainability Committee: http://www.southamptontownny.gov/231/Sustainable-Southampton-Green-Advisory-C
More to come
Comments to our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens
Email at: CC4OVG@aol.com
PDF copy of the draft law (subject to revision certainly after this public hearing) below
John Bogack Executive Director 5/19/15
This is a long video and can be navigated in several ways. Below a time code and narrative for full video viewing. Secondly You Tube itself offers a way to see sections of interest quickly. This is how that can be done.
In the video above look in the lower right corner for the icon that says “You Tube”. Once clicked the video opens in YouTube. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the video box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate. If any viewer has a problem navigating the time codes please see our email address below. Contact us for help.
In minutes and seconds
0:58 Meeting opens
2:00 Treasurer’s report
3:07 Clerk Seal announces public hearing
3:48 technical issue arises with microphones for both public use and Trustees
9:13 Mayor Pontieri lays out goals of the public hearing
11:02 Trustee Keyes explains origin of the proposed law to ban single use plastic bags in Patchogue Village
16:08 Mayor Pontieri explains order of speakers: presentation by advocates on both sides of the issue, Board members to be canvassed for their opinions following presentations, public portion to occur, end actions thereafter.
17:35 Trustee Keyes clarifies that proposed law is not to promote paper bags over plastic bags
18:08 First presentation: Adrienne Esposito Ex. Director of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment offers multiple reasons for the adoption of the proposed law by Patchogue Village and advocates for its adoption
Here is a link to the organization’s website with more info: http://www.citizenscampaign.org/campaigns/plastic-bags.asp
29:13 Jay Pelz, attorney for the Food Industry Alliance presents the FIA case against the ban focusing on their interpretation that state law bans the village from taking action as such action must occur by state law not local village law. He refers to ongoing case not yet decided involving the Village of Hastings on the Hudson. Also indicated formally that Krasdale food chain and Bravo supermarket are opposed to the proposed ban
Here is a link to the FID website for more info: http://www.fiany.com/
He also refers to the issue of an a SEQR a mandated state environmental quality review report that he claims the village will have difficulty complying with. For more information about what that review does require see this link: http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/357.html
38:05 Village attorney Egan and Mr. Pelz engage in a discussion about underlying legal issues with particular reference to whether the village is pre-empted by the State of NY in adopting any such ban.
41:12 Clerk Seal reads into the record a letter from Shop Right supermarket chain opposing the proposed ban
43: 12 Adrienne Esposito returns to the podium and offers rebuttal testimony to earlier testimony provided by FIA attorney Pelz. She cites other NY State localities which have adopted similar laws without state approval, rebuttal from Trustee Ferb on the issue of compliance with an environmental impact study and reply to same
48:32 Trustee Ferb has more questions particularly with respect to “life cycle” of various bags in question i.e. plastic, paper, and reusable bag of different material
50:40 Attorney Pelz responds to Trustee Ferb’s question and offers additional rebuttal of Ms. Esposito’s just concluded testimony
54:54 Attorney Egan and attorney Pelz discuss current case litigation which may provide legal guidance namely the Village of Hastings on the Hudson case
Here is a link to information about the legal case in question: http://plasticbaglaws.org/the-village-of-hastings-on-hudson-sued-by-grocers-industry-group-over-bag-ban-court-opinion-expected-soon/
57:11 Citizens Campaign Ex. Director Esposito returns again to discuss the costs of plastic bags versus other bags i.e. paper
58:58 Clerk Seal reads into the record a letter of opposition from the owner of Bravo supermarket Patchogue Village based business
In hour, minutes and seconds
1:00:50 Mayor Pontieri speaks on his own personal use of re-usable shopping bags
1:01:18 Trustee Keyes introduces next set of presenters: representatives from the Town of Southampton Sustainability Committee, Dieter von Lehsten, with Lynn Arthur who address the practical issues of implementing and enforcing a ban in a locality where such a ban currently exists the Town of Southampton with focus on impact on merchants and educating the public.
Note: This section of the three part video ends in mid presentation and is picked up in the second video still to be published.
Here is a link to the Southampton Town Green Advisory Sustainability Committee: http://www.southamptontownny.gov/231/Sustainable-Southampton-Green-Advisory-C
More to come
Comments to our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens
Email at: CC4OVG@aol.com
PDF copy of the draft law (subject to revision certainly after this public hearing) below
John Bogack Executive Director 5/19/15
| proposedlocallawplasticbagban.pdf |
3/18/15 Public Forum: Proposed Single Use Plastic Bag Ban
Monday 5/11/15 the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees will be holding a public hearing that will regulate the use of single use plastic bags in Patchogue Village. We have a copy of the draft law and it can be found as a PDF document on this website
On 3/18/15 a public forum was held at the Patchogue Theater to explain why this law was being proposed. As part of this organizations’ community video project that meeting was filmed. This video, long, comes in two sections. In the first section various speakers are introduced who then in turn provide information about the long term negative effects of single use plastic bag use on the environment including the environment of Patchogue Village.
The second portion of the meeting was a question and answer session. That session resulted in a lively discussion of the proposed ban and also included even more comments from the original group of speakers. End result: a sharper view of just what the proposed ban would and would not too and steps that are going to be taken if the law is passed to implement its restrictions over time.
Just a note about this video: it was filmed in March. There are references in it relating to a public hearing to be held in April. That did not occur. The public hearing is this Monday. As well Trustee Keyes at times can be heard stating that the law has not yet been put into draft form. That was true at the time of his statements. Now weeks later a draft form of the proposed law does exist and as stated earlier can now be seen on our website.
Navigating the Video for Quick Viewing
This is a long video and can be navigated in several ways. Below a time code and narrative for full video viewing. Secondly You Tube itself offers a way to see sections of interest quickly. This is how that can be done.
In the video above look in the lower right corner for the icon that says “You Tube”. Once clicked the video opens in YouTube. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the video box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate.
Time code and narrative
In minutes, and seconds
Opening remarks from David Kennedy who moderates the public forum from beginning to end.
0:48 Deputy Mayor Krieger…introductory remarks
2:10 Trustee Keyes…back ground information about the origins and goals of the proposed ban of single use plastic bags in Patchogue Village
6:05 PEP (Protecting the Environment in Patchogue Village committee) members are identified
10:04 David Kennedy resumes moderator role and begins introduction of guest speakers
10:35 Village Clerk Patricia Seal, and PEP member, presents statistical top 10 list of negative impact of plastic bags on Ocean environment
14:25 Adrienne Esposito, Ex. Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, and Patchogue Village resident, offers her views about the importance of the proposed ban
35:31 Dr. Larry Swanson, Stony Brook University, offers his views on the proposed ban
59:37 Robert Giovani, Ex. Director of the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research offers his views on the proposed ban
Now in hour, minutes and seconds
1:14:03 Kirk Lawrence, professor at St. Joseph’s college presents results of a poll taken of village residents on the use of single use plastic bags. Two students who participated in the poll also present explanatory views of the poll results
1:22:45 Question and Answer Period begins when David Kennedy resumes moderator role
First person to ask questions is Mr. Daytre and this then leads to more interaction with speakers who have already appeared. Session does result in multiple questions being asked and responded to for the duration of this question and answer period
1:42:19 David Kennedy…ends question and answer period…closing remarks…meeting ends
Resource tools:
During the forum Clerk Seal refers to a documentary video called “Bag It”. This video is available on line for viewing but not for free. However a video trailer does exist and can be seen here: https://youtu.be/hP88eNhE4vg
On Monday 5/11/15 members of the public will have a chance to ask questions about the proposed ban and express their views about adopting it before the Board of Trustees votes on it. The public hearing is generally one of the first orders of business on the meeting agenda. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. and will be held at Village Hall.
John Bogack Executive Director 5/8/15
Feedback, technical issues, help, questions: CC4VOG@aol.com
Below a copy of the proposed law in PDF form for viewing and downloading. Note: the proposed law refers to enforcement penalties that can be found by viewing the village website, look for the tab "Code Book" and navigate the search bar that is provided: http://www.patchoguevillage.org/
On 3/18/15 a public forum was held at the Patchogue Theater to explain why this law was being proposed. As part of this organizations’ community video project that meeting was filmed. This video, long, comes in two sections. In the first section various speakers are introduced who then in turn provide information about the long term negative effects of single use plastic bag use on the environment including the environment of Patchogue Village.
The second portion of the meeting was a question and answer session. That session resulted in a lively discussion of the proposed ban and also included even more comments from the original group of speakers. End result: a sharper view of just what the proposed ban would and would not too and steps that are going to be taken if the law is passed to implement its restrictions over time.
Just a note about this video: it was filmed in March. There are references in it relating to a public hearing to be held in April. That did not occur. The public hearing is this Monday. As well Trustee Keyes at times can be heard stating that the law has not yet been put into draft form. That was true at the time of his statements. Now weeks later a draft form of the proposed law does exist and as stated earlier can now be seen on our website.
Navigating the Video for Quick Viewing
This is a long video and can be navigated in several ways. Below a time code and narrative for full video viewing. Secondly You Tube itself offers a way to see sections of interest quickly. This is how that can be done.
In the video above look in the lower right corner for the icon that says “You Tube”. Once clicked the video opens in YouTube. Look for the words “show more”, click. When that happens a comment box opens up. Use your cursor to shade the video box. The time codes will appear in blue, they are in hypertext at that point. Hit any time code and a viewer will be taken directly to that point in time of the video. This avoids a hunt and peck experience. It’s quick to find exact sections of the video of interest. The time codes are closely approximate.
Time code and narrative
In minutes, and seconds
Opening remarks from David Kennedy who moderates the public forum from beginning to end.
0:48 Deputy Mayor Krieger…introductory remarks
2:10 Trustee Keyes…back ground information about the origins and goals of the proposed ban of single use plastic bags in Patchogue Village
6:05 PEP (Protecting the Environment in Patchogue Village committee) members are identified
10:04 David Kennedy resumes moderator role and begins introduction of guest speakers
10:35 Village Clerk Patricia Seal, and PEP member, presents statistical top 10 list of negative impact of plastic bags on Ocean environment
14:25 Adrienne Esposito, Ex. Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, and Patchogue Village resident, offers her views about the importance of the proposed ban
35:31 Dr. Larry Swanson, Stony Brook University, offers his views on the proposed ban
59:37 Robert Giovani, Ex. Director of the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research offers his views on the proposed ban
Now in hour, minutes and seconds
1:14:03 Kirk Lawrence, professor at St. Joseph’s college presents results of a poll taken of village residents on the use of single use plastic bags. Two students who participated in the poll also present explanatory views of the poll results
1:22:45 Question and Answer Period begins when David Kennedy resumes moderator role
First person to ask questions is Mr. Daytre and this then leads to more interaction with speakers who have already appeared. Session does result in multiple questions being asked and responded to for the duration of this question and answer period
1:42:19 David Kennedy…ends question and answer period…closing remarks…meeting ends
Resource tools:
During the forum Clerk Seal refers to a documentary video called “Bag It”. This video is available on line for viewing but not for free. However a video trailer does exist and can be seen here: https://youtu.be/hP88eNhE4vg
On Monday 5/11/15 members of the public will have a chance to ask questions about the proposed ban and express their views about adopting it before the Board of Trustees votes on it. The public hearing is generally one of the first orders of business on the meeting agenda. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. and will be held at Village Hall.
John Bogack Executive Director 5/8/15
Feedback, technical issues, help, questions: CC4VOG@aol.com
Below a copy of the proposed law in PDF form for viewing and downloading. Note: the proposed law refers to enforcement penalties that can be found by viewing the village website, look for the tab "Code Book" and navigate the search bar that is provided: http://www.patchoguevillage.org/
| proposed_plastic_bag_ban2015.pdf |
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees 4/27/15 Meeting
4/27 Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Time Code and Narrative
Just a reminder again before we begin. You Tube has a very user friendly service: if you look at the comment section that comes with the video in You Tube the time code is hyper texted. Hit the time code and you will be taken directly to the time coded portion of the meeting. No having to hunt and peck to find the section you want to see: automatic clipping of the larger video. Steps: find video in You Tub by clicking icon lower left in video above that says You Tube, then look for “show more”, click, use the cursor to shade the comments and the time codes will appear as blue hyper texted. Click at will.
Time Code (time stops are pretty close)
3:12 Village Treasurer Krawczyk discusses traffic court amnesty program and estimates it will take in 100K in fines that otherwise might not have been collected with comments from the Mayor
4:46 Mayor Pontieri explains why funds are needed for an upgrade of the Village’s website and what advantages will occur
5:26 “Master Calendar” explained by Trustee Hilton
7:30 Trustee Ferb provides Business Improvement District report…status of street cam deployment…status of four corners Farmers Summer Market discussed
9:30 Mayor Pontieri discloses village wide polling for input concerning new master plan for the Village’s park system
11:20 Trustee Krieger reports….refers to resolution of complaint concerning traffic issue at Roe Blvd…Patchogue Theater calendar discussed
13:49 Trustee Keyes reports….crosswalk initiative for main street area discussed…handicapped access to be improved for crosswalks…traffic improvements for Jennings and Cedar avenue explained with Board discussion (e.g. speed tables).
17:52 Discussion led by Mayor Pontieri: new traffic plan for New Village rental complex….impacts on Oak St. and Jennings Avenue explained.
32:31 Trustee Felice reports…approval to move ahead with a public hearing to authorize demolition of 16 South St home as dangerous discussed and approved
Trustee Felice also provides statistical information regarding Building and Housing activity for April 2015
26:00 Trustee Ferb reports on rental status of New Village complex and some information about commercial rental plan for that same property
27:34 Trustee Devlin reports…arts report, Art Space activities and Plaza Mac theater events
28:31 Trustee Devlin announces new joint program for children between the YMCA and Plaza Mac theater to form summer culture workshops…report on plans for tree acquisitions in the future for village streets
29:57 Trustee Hilton reports….Shorefront Park events…
Public Portion
32:34 Dennis Ross…multiple issues beginning with a call to close all main clubs at 3 a.m. with response from Trustee Devlin
40:08 Jo Miller…burned out house on West Ave…legal status report from Village Attorney Egan
43:55 Richard Kemp…multiple issues
55:58 John Bogack…call to impose uniform rule on speaking time
Meeting ends.
Narrative provided by John Bogack, Ex. Director 5/6/15
Contact: CC4OVG@aol.com
Just a reminder again before we begin. You Tube has a very user friendly service: if you look at the comment section that comes with the video in You Tube the time code is hyper texted. Hit the time code and you will be taken directly to the time coded portion of the meeting. No having to hunt and peck to find the section you want to see: automatic clipping of the larger video. Steps: find video in You Tub by clicking icon lower left in video above that says You Tube, then look for “show more”, click, use the cursor to shade the comments and the time codes will appear as blue hyper texted. Click at will.
Time Code (time stops are pretty close)
3:12 Village Treasurer Krawczyk discusses traffic court amnesty program and estimates it will take in 100K in fines that otherwise might not have been collected with comments from the Mayor
4:46 Mayor Pontieri explains why funds are needed for an upgrade of the Village’s website and what advantages will occur
5:26 “Master Calendar” explained by Trustee Hilton
7:30 Trustee Ferb provides Business Improvement District report…status of street cam deployment…status of four corners Farmers Summer Market discussed
9:30 Mayor Pontieri discloses village wide polling for input concerning new master plan for the Village’s park system
11:20 Trustee Krieger reports….refers to resolution of complaint concerning traffic issue at Roe Blvd…Patchogue Theater calendar discussed
13:49 Trustee Keyes reports….crosswalk initiative for main street area discussed…handicapped access to be improved for crosswalks…traffic improvements for Jennings and Cedar avenue explained with Board discussion (e.g. speed tables).
17:52 Discussion led by Mayor Pontieri: new traffic plan for New Village rental complex….impacts on Oak St. and Jennings Avenue explained.
32:31 Trustee Felice reports…approval to move ahead with a public hearing to authorize demolition of 16 South St home as dangerous discussed and approved
Trustee Felice also provides statistical information regarding Building and Housing activity for April 2015
26:00 Trustee Ferb reports on rental status of New Village complex and some information about commercial rental plan for that same property
27:34 Trustee Devlin reports…arts report, Art Space activities and Plaza Mac theater events
28:31 Trustee Devlin announces new joint program for children between the YMCA and Plaza Mac theater to form summer culture workshops…report on plans for tree acquisitions in the future for village streets
29:57 Trustee Hilton reports….Shorefront Park events…
Public Portion
32:34 Dennis Ross…multiple issues beginning with a call to close all main clubs at 3 a.m. with response from Trustee Devlin
40:08 Jo Miller…burned out house on West Ave…legal status report from Village Attorney Egan
43:55 Richard Kemp…multiple issues
55:58 John Bogack…call to impose uniform rule on speaking time
Meeting ends.
Narrative provided by John Bogack, Ex. Director 5/6/15
Contact: CC4OVG@aol.com
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees 4/13/15 Meeting
Time code and narrative for Patchogue
Village Board of Trustees Meeting of 4/13/15
A lot of video with a time line to help see it all. This is like a ten course dinner but not one that has to be eaten all at once. Take advantage of You Tube. In the comments sections of the video on You Tube the time code is hyper texted. Any person can jump to anywhere they want to go: in other words clips a la carte. This is how you do that. In the lower right hand corner of the above video click the "You Tube" icon. When the video opens look for the words "show more", click and the comments will appear with hypertext links to each time code noted below.
The time line a summary of high lights, as always to see everything the whole video should be seen if time allows.
In minutes and seconds
6:55 Mayor Pontieri discusses South River Avenue sewer project and upcoming sewer project for a larger south Village project still to come
8:55 More sewer comments from the Mayor
10:05 Dennis Smith, Ex. Dir. BID (Business Improvement District) reports…streets cams…Sunday Farmer’s market…other improvement projects for main street…new master parks master plan
21:50 Mayor Pontieri discloses that Dennis Smith who also serves as his assistant has been appointed to head Master Parks Plan project
22:52 David Kennedy, Ex. Dir Chamber of Commerce reports….comments about plan to deal with main street vandalism….grand openings…fund raiser for beautification…upcoming Suffolk Co. marathon race…
32: 42 Trustee Keyes reports…vandalism of Patchogue Lake sign…public hearing set for new stop sign request at corner of Campbell and Cedar streets…discussion of pedestrian crosswalk signals at four corners…approvals for paving of several village streets…other crosswalk approvals for improved handicapped access
42:25 Trustee Felice reports
42:30 Trustee Ferb reports
42:39 plans for art work on muralized crosswalk at Library discussed refers to Baltimore Arts Project as model see this link: http://www.baltimorearts.org/a-hopscotch-a-monster-and-a-zipper-baltimores-new-assets/ for reference…new seating at Plaza Mac theater disclosed upgrading venue…approval for site plan analysis of proposed Campbell street riverfront bar/restaurant gained
49:21 Trustee Hilton reports…discussion of new master park plan and hoped for effects e.g. better use of existing park land, new parkland acquisitions, and flood control. He refers to Greenport Village as model example see this link for more detail about that model: http://www.qrpartners.com/firm/firm-profile/
New recreation park programs…new additional date for Great South Bay Music festival
Public Portion
In hours, minutes and seconds
1: 00:32 Donald Wachsmuth…garbage, littering, excess street signage issues and village code enforcement issues
1:05:53 Mark Siegel…garbage issues
1:08:12 Judy Pepinella…residential garbage issues, disorderly commercial neighbor and code enforcement issues
1:16:05 Joan Lawlor…missing street light repair issue and discussion of overall village plan to fix lights
1:19:44 Jo Miller…garbage issues and code enforcement issues
1:21:32 Richard Kemp… garbage issues at 1:25:07 begins discussion of a renewed plea for moratorium on new bars starting with Campbell street proposed riverfront bar..comments terminated by Mayor Pontieri
1:28:13 John Bogack…question about new hotel prospect…..amount of Park Master Plan grant….discount tickets for residents for Great South Bay Music Festival…continues Mr. Kemps comments about bar moratorium and issues about outdoor amplified music in general
1:33:32 Alice McHickory…asks about south of village sewering plan with response from Mayor Pontieri that plan still evolving
1:34:41 Mr. Kemp is recognized to speak again by the Mayor…feral cat issue
1:37:40 Mr. Daytre speaks about pending village wide ban of single use plastic bags
Meeting ends
Feedback to our Facebook page:
http://www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/
JOHN BOGACK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 4/26/15
A lot of video with a time line to help see it all. This is like a ten course dinner but not one that has to be eaten all at once. Take advantage of You Tube. In the comments sections of the video on You Tube the time code is hyper texted. Any person can jump to anywhere they want to go: in other words clips a la carte. This is how you do that. In the lower right hand corner of the above video click the "You Tube" icon. When the video opens look for the words "show more", click and the comments will appear with hypertext links to each time code noted below.
The time line a summary of high lights, as always to see everything the whole video should be seen if time allows.
In minutes and seconds
6:55 Mayor Pontieri discusses South River Avenue sewer project and upcoming sewer project for a larger south Village project still to come
8:55 More sewer comments from the Mayor
10:05 Dennis Smith, Ex. Dir. BID (Business Improvement District) reports…streets cams…Sunday Farmer’s market…other improvement projects for main street…new master parks master plan
21:50 Mayor Pontieri discloses that Dennis Smith who also serves as his assistant has been appointed to head Master Parks Plan project
22:52 David Kennedy, Ex. Dir Chamber of Commerce reports….comments about plan to deal with main street vandalism….grand openings…fund raiser for beautification…upcoming Suffolk Co. marathon race…
32: 42 Trustee Keyes reports…vandalism of Patchogue Lake sign…public hearing set for new stop sign request at corner of Campbell and Cedar streets…discussion of pedestrian crosswalk signals at four corners…approvals for paving of several village streets…other crosswalk approvals for improved handicapped access
42:25 Trustee Felice reports
42:30 Trustee Ferb reports
42:39 plans for art work on muralized crosswalk at Library discussed refers to Baltimore Arts Project as model see this link: http://www.baltimorearts.org/a-hopscotch-a-monster-and-a-zipper-baltimores-new-assets/ for reference…new seating at Plaza Mac theater disclosed upgrading venue…approval for site plan analysis of proposed Campbell street riverfront bar/restaurant gained
49:21 Trustee Hilton reports…discussion of new master park plan and hoped for effects e.g. better use of existing park land, new parkland acquisitions, and flood control. He refers to Greenport Village as model example see this link for more detail about that model: http://www.qrpartners.com/firm/firm-profile/
New recreation park programs…new additional date for Great South Bay Music festival
Public Portion
In hours, minutes and seconds
1: 00:32 Donald Wachsmuth…garbage, littering, excess street signage issues and village code enforcement issues
1:05:53 Mark Siegel…garbage issues
1:08:12 Judy Pepinella…residential garbage issues, disorderly commercial neighbor and code enforcement issues
1:16:05 Joan Lawlor…missing street light repair issue and discussion of overall village plan to fix lights
1:19:44 Jo Miller…garbage issues and code enforcement issues
1:21:32 Richard Kemp… garbage issues at 1:25:07 begins discussion of a renewed plea for moratorium on new bars starting with Campbell street proposed riverfront bar..comments terminated by Mayor Pontieri
1:28:13 John Bogack…question about new hotel prospect…..amount of Park Master Plan grant….discount tickets for residents for Great South Bay Music Festival…continues Mr. Kemps comments about bar moratorium and issues about outdoor amplified music in general
1:33:32 Alice McHickory…asks about south of village sewering plan with response from Mayor Pontieri that plan still evolving
1:34:41 Mr. Kemp is recognized to speak again by the Mayor…feral cat issue
1:37:40 Mr. Daytre speaks about pending village wide ban of single use plastic bags
Meeting ends
Feedback to our Facebook page:
http://www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/
JOHN BOGACK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 4/26/15
Community Video: Greater Patchogue Historical Society Meeting of 4/16/15 Public Presentation: "Spies"
This is some new video from our Community Outreach Project. Some time ago this organization decided that we needed to widen our video of Patchogue Village official business to other areas of Patchogue Village life often over looked for video. It’s also our way of getting out of the bubble of Village Hall directly into the life of the Village. We are a community civic organization wedded to the village as we are also all village residents. The Community Outreach Video Project helps keep us in touch and relevant.
This meeting of the Greater Patchogue Historical Society met our standard for filming. They met on 4/16/15. The attendance was quite high and the room was filled. The title of the talk this night was: “Spies”.
This video does two things. It is firstly a visual record of the talk about the Revolutionary War era Culper Spy Ring which does figure into the history of Patchogue itself. Secondly it may the only video of a meeting of the Patchogue Historical Society itself.
In any case we are glad to have helped form an historical visual record of this event. And also glad that we are able to post this video on the 225th anniversary of President George Washington’s stop at Hart's Tavern in Patchogue.
And just a quick word about the video itself. The audio is good but if anyone has an issue please check the audio control of whatever device is being used to screen the video and remember that You Tube itself also has an audio control icon too. Lighting is good through out but the speaker Mr. Tyler does lower the lights to display a graphic presentation. That graphic is sharp through the video but Mr. Tyler placed himself in the darkest part of the room at times. He is visible but dimly at times. If you want to see a larger image again look to You Tube and find the “full screen” button. The picture will open up to the full dimensions of whatever screen of whatever device is being used to see the video.
That housekeeping out of the way here is a concise time code and narrative to help navigate through the more than one hour long video.
In minutes and seconds
Opening remarks from Linda DiLauro, first vice president of the Greater Patchogue Historical Society, references to historical society business issues and then a brief introduction of the speaker Mr. Bev Tyler of the Three Village Historical Society.
3: 23 Mr. Tyler begins his talk that will proceed for the majority of this video. He uses a graphic screen to illustrate his comments and no other narrative of his discussion is provided here. Simply follow the talk which is organized by its own time line and quite well. Mr. Tyler’s graphic presentation does make use of the murals of Vance Locke for illustration purposes. To learn more about them: http://www.threevillagehistoricalsociety.org/?page_id=4583
59:14 Mr. Tyler begins a question and answer period by canvassing members of the audience until the conclusion of his remarks.
In hour, minute and seconds
1:14:00 Jim Roselle President of the Greater Patchogue Historical Society resumes control of the meeting, thanks all for attending and the speaker for his talk, meeting then ends.
Here are some useful links:
Culper Spy Ring: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culper_Ring
Greater Patchogue Historical Society: http://www.greaterpatchoguehistoricalsociety.com/
Three Village Historical Society: http://www.threevillagehistoricalsociety.org/
This meeting was held at the Patchogue Medford Library that has also been adding to the information about the Culper Spy Ring and as well the TV Series Turn! which is a TV re-creation of the events of this era and the Culper spy ring.
See their contribution here: http://www.pmlib.org/2015/04/20/spy-ring-discovered-on-long-island/
Video issues or feedback to the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government: by email to CC4OVG@aol.com
To see our other videos including the unveiling of the Patchogue Historical Map by the Greater Patchogue Historical Society please see our website:
http://www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/
You can see just the video on You Tube for that event here: https://youtu.be/yAsm6oXSClU
For more information about the historical map please visit the website of the Greater Patchogue Historical Society link provided above.
John Bogack, Executive Director 4/22/15
This meeting of the Greater Patchogue Historical Society met our standard for filming. They met on 4/16/15. The attendance was quite high and the room was filled. The title of the talk this night was: “Spies”.
This video does two things. It is firstly a visual record of the talk about the Revolutionary War era Culper Spy Ring which does figure into the history of Patchogue itself. Secondly it may the only video of a meeting of the Patchogue Historical Society itself.
In any case we are glad to have helped form an historical visual record of this event. And also glad that we are able to post this video on the 225th anniversary of President George Washington’s stop at Hart's Tavern in Patchogue.
And just a quick word about the video itself. The audio is good but if anyone has an issue please check the audio control of whatever device is being used to screen the video and remember that You Tube itself also has an audio control icon too. Lighting is good through out but the speaker Mr. Tyler does lower the lights to display a graphic presentation. That graphic is sharp through the video but Mr. Tyler placed himself in the darkest part of the room at times. He is visible but dimly at times. If you want to see a larger image again look to You Tube and find the “full screen” button. The picture will open up to the full dimensions of whatever screen of whatever device is being used to see the video.
That housekeeping out of the way here is a concise time code and narrative to help navigate through the more than one hour long video.
In minutes and seconds
Opening remarks from Linda DiLauro, first vice president of the Greater Patchogue Historical Society, references to historical society business issues and then a brief introduction of the speaker Mr. Bev Tyler of the Three Village Historical Society.
3: 23 Mr. Tyler begins his talk that will proceed for the majority of this video. He uses a graphic screen to illustrate his comments and no other narrative of his discussion is provided here. Simply follow the talk which is organized by its own time line and quite well. Mr. Tyler’s graphic presentation does make use of the murals of Vance Locke for illustration purposes. To learn more about them: http://www.threevillagehistoricalsociety.org/?page_id=4583
59:14 Mr. Tyler begins a question and answer period by canvassing members of the audience until the conclusion of his remarks.
In hour, minute and seconds
1:14:00 Jim Roselle President of the Greater Patchogue Historical Society resumes control of the meeting, thanks all for attending and the speaker for his talk, meeting then ends.
Here are some useful links:
Culper Spy Ring: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culper_Ring
Greater Patchogue Historical Society: http://www.greaterpatchoguehistoricalsociety.com/
Three Village Historical Society: http://www.threevillagehistoricalsociety.org/
This meeting was held at the Patchogue Medford Library that has also been adding to the information about the Culper Spy Ring and as well the TV Series Turn! which is a TV re-creation of the events of this era and the Culper spy ring.
See their contribution here: http://www.pmlib.org/2015/04/20/spy-ring-discovered-on-long-island/
Video issues or feedback to the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government: by email to CC4OVG@aol.com
To see our other videos including the unveiling of the Patchogue Historical Map by the Greater Patchogue Historical Society please see our website:
http://www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/
You can see just the video on You Tube for that event here: https://youtu.be/yAsm6oXSClU
For more information about the historical map please visit the website of the Greater Patchogue Historical Society link provided above.
John Bogack, Executive Director 4/22/15
Public Safety in the Village: Summary Report
About the video that appears above…some more comments later.
On 3-26-15 this organization published a video concerning the Mayor’s promise to crack down on civil disorder incidents in the Village. It can be seen here for reference: https://youtu.be/3Z7By4oqoOE
Since its publication it has gotten 190 views. It has been the most seen video that we have ever published concerning any issue raised at a meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees. That tells us that village residents are interested in this subject. At the next meeting of the Trustee Board (4/13/15) David Kennedy, Executive Director of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, had some follow up comments about this subject. His comments have previously been posted on our Facebook page and the video where they can be found can be seen here: https://youtu.be/UY53ij4AD98
Mayor Pontieri’s response to those comments was limited and provided no additional details.
We feel that due to the public concern about this issue that the public would be served by a summary of what information does exist about safety planning. So here it comes.
A Village Rises
Some back ground is useful. Due to revitalization the hoped for goal of Patchogue Village as a “destination” for recreation has already occurred and the momentum in that direction is still moving forward. New bars, restaurants, the mega Club Emporium, the Patchogue Theater, Plaza Mac and Art Space, and a host of clubs ringing the Patchogue riverfront have already propelled the Village into a hub destination for many particularly during the summer season. And more bars and restaurants are inching forward to opening during this next summer season soon upon us.
It’s very plausible to believe that Patchogue Village hosts on a summer weekend tens of thousands of visitors. And that number may even be conservative on weekends where super events like the Great South Bay Music Festival or Alive After Five are occurring. Both those events still evolving and growing in attendance.
Success has had its drawbacks. Mayor Pontieri has often commented that whenever a large crowd exists in that crowd some number of bad apples can be found sufficient in number to create problems for the vast majority of otherwise peaceful visitors and residents. The most recent example being this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Lest anyone thing that the Village has not been seeking to put a lid on these activities what follows is a summary of what has been done so far and what is most probably the base upon which any new initiatives that the Mayor is now seeking to employ does rest.
We are providing this information to give the public some sense of what steps have already been taken. And to give the public some sense of what else might need to be done too.
What the Police are Doing
The Suffolk County Police are stationed at the 5th Precinct within the borders of the Village. This is a convenient base of operations for the deployment of officers that does regularly occur in the village. In addition the public should know that the Police do have undercover officers on the street. Their goal is obvious: to discover crimes that otherwise would be invisible: prostitution, and drug sales being some of the more important ones along with containing any violent acts that might occur in their presence. Police sobriety check points are also deployed at some entrance and exit streets from the village to crack down on impaired drivers of all categories. In addition patrols of parking lots occur including at times enforcement of traffic rules such as illegal parking and expired car registrations.
This presence of course a display of police not just to stop crime when it occurs but to deter crime from occurring in the first place by being visible.
What the Village is Doing
The Village has stepped up its Public Safety force hiring more and more officers, two more just recently for weekend assignment. Members of the public are reminded however that Public Safety officers despite being uniformed are not police or peace officers, “Constables” or law enforcement officers of any type. Their legal status is that of a security officer. They have no weapons, and no arrest powers. They do however fit in within an overall “broken window pane” enforcement policy of strict enforcement of civil rules. That theory being that if you pay attention to even the “small” rules a larger sense of respect for the law is created thus avoiding larger infractions. And very importantly they do serve as on the spot liaison to the Police.
Their main role: to enforce parking issues, ticketing where needed for illegal parking and unregistered or expired vehicle registration issues. They also ticket aggressively to deal with open drinking, public urination, and public sex too all violations can be heavily fined by the Village Justice Court. The maximum fine for public urination for example is 500 dollars.
Where crimes are thought to be occurring their role is to stand back and contact the Police. It is a limited role but an important one as there should be no doubt that their calls get priority and can result in a quick Police response.
They too serve another important liaison function to reach out to the Patchogue Ambulance Service who are the true medical first responders called into duty probably more often than any of us truly know.
The Village also has a twenty four hour seven days a week emergency decision making operation: we have a Public Safety chief always on call and after him there is Trustee Felice Commissioner for Code Enforcement and of course the Mayor himself.
There are some new wrinkles too in the public safety net.
Emporium Special Rules
The Emporium nightclub has recently been granted a renewal of its zoning permit but with some new mandates. Some key provisions as follows. It now has to deploy two security guards in nearby parking lots to control rowdy behavior from 9 p.m. until one hour after closing. It now must keep security footage for at least 30 days after filming and without reservation turn that footage over when the Police demand it as part of any criminal investigation that the Police may be involved in within 48 hours of such a demand.
In sum in and around the Emporium itself closer scrutiny of everything in the name of public safety.
Cameras Up On High
On the horizon the Village is within days of this writing at the beginning at long last of a street surveillance camera operation. When operational parts of Main Street in the vicinity of the Patchogue Theater and the Four Corners will be under street surveillance and so will the Church St parking lot adjacent to the Emporium. This system will be expanded. The videos are important because there have been any number of violent incidents reported on main street. Having the video at the ready immediately accessible to the Police cannot but help catch criminals.
The River of Alcohol
While the above strategies are useful other factors too must be accounted for which brings us to the video above.
Businesses that dispense alcohol must do so according to law. They too have been taking steps to see that their sales are conducted within the confines of the law by making sure that staff is properly trained not to serve in violation of the law. Excesses that might be occurring nevertheless may still be occurring and the video of Village Attorney Egan relates to that last part of any enforcement plan: the public.
His advice in a nutshell: if you see something say something…it counts.
Big crowds, bigger crowds on the way, a village struggling to get the upper hand. We can only hope that when all the various strategies are truly in place that is exactly what will happen.
In the spirit of Mr. Egan’s charge to the public to get involved a list of key persons and links to enforcement resources
Village
Contact Persons Public Officials
Mayor Pontieri
Trustee Salvatore Felice who is Code Enforcement Commissioner and Liaison to the Patchogue Village Ambulance Company
Deputy Mayor Krieger Parking Commissioner
Email addresses for all above here: http://www.patchoguevillage.org/officials.html
Peter Sarich Code Enforcement Chief Administrator (also Village Fire Marshal)
James Berberich Assistant Chief Administrator to Mr. Sarich who is also responsible for day to day operations of the Code Enforcement Division
From the Village website this information:
"The office of Public Safety and Code Enforcement is tasked with diligently enforcing Village Codes to assure the health and safety of Village residents and to address issues related to quality of life.
The Department is also charged with preserving the public peace and protecting property through education and enforcement. All residents in need of public safety assistance should contact 475-1225."
Practical information: when calling Code all calls are taken by a Dispatcher who screens calls for appropriate referral. Complaints and other issues may also be discussed directly with Code Enforcement by visiting their office in Village Hall during normal work hours and asking to speak with on duty staff.
NY State Liquor Authority
Complaints can be made by email: https://www.sla.ny.gov/register-a-complaint
Suffolk County Police
Website including information about the 5th Precinct monthly community at which any resident may attend and raise issues directly with the 5th Precinct Police Commander
http://apps.suffolkcountyny.gov/police/5th.htm
John Bogack Executive Director 4/21/15
Feedback: comments section of our Facebook page at....
http://www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/
Email: CC4OVG@aol.com
On 3-26-15 this organization published a video concerning the Mayor’s promise to crack down on civil disorder incidents in the Village. It can be seen here for reference: https://youtu.be/3Z7By4oqoOE
Since its publication it has gotten 190 views. It has been the most seen video that we have ever published concerning any issue raised at a meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees. That tells us that village residents are interested in this subject. At the next meeting of the Trustee Board (4/13/15) David Kennedy, Executive Director of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, had some follow up comments about this subject. His comments have previously been posted on our Facebook page and the video where they can be found can be seen here: https://youtu.be/UY53ij4AD98
Mayor Pontieri’s response to those comments was limited and provided no additional details.
We feel that due to the public concern about this issue that the public would be served by a summary of what information does exist about safety planning. So here it comes.
A Village Rises
Some back ground is useful. Due to revitalization the hoped for goal of Patchogue Village as a “destination” for recreation has already occurred and the momentum in that direction is still moving forward. New bars, restaurants, the mega Club Emporium, the Patchogue Theater, Plaza Mac and Art Space, and a host of clubs ringing the Patchogue riverfront have already propelled the Village into a hub destination for many particularly during the summer season. And more bars and restaurants are inching forward to opening during this next summer season soon upon us.
It’s very plausible to believe that Patchogue Village hosts on a summer weekend tens of thousands of visitors. And that number may even be conservative on weekends where super events like the Great South Bay Music Festival or Alive After Five are occurring. Both those events still evolving and growing in attendance.
Success has had its drawbacks. Mayor Pontieri has often commented that whenever a large crowd exists in that crowd some number of bad apples can be found sufficient in number to create problems for the vast majority of otherwise peaceful visitors and residents. The most recent example being this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Lest anyone thing that the Village has not been seeking to put a lid on these activities what follows is a summary of what has been done so far and what is most probably the base upon which any new initiatives that the Mayor is now seeking to employ does rest.
We are providing this information to give the public some sense of what steps have already been taken. And to give the public some sense of what else might need to be done too.
What the Police are Doing
The Suffolk County Police are stationed at the 5th Precinct within the borders of the Village. This is a convenient base of operations for the deployment of officers that does regularly occur in the village. In addition the public should know that the Police do have undercover officers on the street. Their goal is obvious: to discover crimes that otherwise would be invisible: prostitution, and drug sales being some of the more important ones along with containing any violent acts that might occur in their presence. Police sobriety check points are also deployed at some entrance and exit streets from the village to crack down on impaired drivers of all categories. In addition patrols of parking lots occur including at times enforcement of traffic rules such as illegal parking and expired car registrations.
This presence of course a display of police not just to stop crime when it occurs but to deter crime from occurring in the first place by being visible.
What the Village is Doing
The Village has stepped up its Public Safety force hiring more and more officers, two more just recently for weekend assignment. Members of the public are reminded however that Public Safety officers despite being uniformed are not police or peace officers, “Constables” or law enforcement officers of any type. Their legal status is that of a security officer. They have no weapons, and no arrest powers. They do however fit in within an overall “broken window pane” enforcement policy of strict enforcement of civil rules. That theory being that if you pay attention to even the “small” rules a larger sense of respect for the law is created thus avoiding larger infractions. And very importantly they do serve as on the spot liaison to the Police.
Their main role: to enforce parking issues, ticketing where needed for illegal parking and unregistered or expired vehicle registration issues. They also ticket aggressively to deal with open drinking, public urination, and public sex too all violations can be heavily fined by the Village Justice Court. The maximum fine for public urination for example is 500 dollars.
Where crimes are thought to be occurring their role is to stand back and contact the Police. It is a limited role but an important one as there should be no doubt that their calls get priority and can result in a quick Police response.
They too serve another important liaison function to reach out to the Patchogue Ambulance Service who are the true medical first responders called into duty probably more often than any of us truly know.
The Village also has a twenty four hour seven days a week emergency decision making operation: we have a Public Safety chief always on call and after him there is Trustee Felice Commissioner for Code Enforcement and of course the Mayor himself.
There are some new wrinkles too in the public safety net.
Emporium Special Rules
The Emporium nightclub has recently been granted a renewal of its zoning permit but with some new mandates. Some key provisions as follows. It now has to deploy two security guards in nearby parking lots to control rowdy behavior from 9 p.m. until one hour after closing. It now must keep security footage for at least 30 days after filming and without reservation turn that footage over when the Police demand it as part of any criminal investigation that the Police may be involved in within 48 hours of such a demand.
In sum in and around the Emporium itself closer scrutiny of everything in the name of public safety.
Cameras Up On High
On the horizon the Village is within days of this writing at the beginning at long last of a street surveillance camera operation. When operational parts of Main Street in the vicinity of the Patchogue Theater and the Four Corners will be under street surveillance and so will the Church St parking lot adjacent to the Emporium. This system will be expanded. The videos are important because there have been any number of violent incidents reported on main street. Having the video at the ready immediately accessible to the Police cannot but help catch criminals.
The River of Alcohol
While the above strategies are useful other factors too must be accounted for which brings us to the video above.
Businesses that dispense alcohol must do so according to law. They too have been taking steps to see that their sales are conducted within the confines of the law by making sure that staff is properly trained not to serve in violation of the law. Excesses that might be occurring nevertheless may still be occurring and the video of Village Attorney Egan relates to that last part of any enforcement plan: the public.
His advice in a nutshell: if you see something say something…it counts.
Big crowds, bigger crowds on the way, a village struggling to get the upper hand. We can only hope that when all the various strategies are truly in place that is exactly what will happen.
In the spirit of Mr. Egan’s charge to the public to get involved a list of key persons and links to enforcement resources
Village
Contact Persons Public Officials
Mayor Pontieri
Trustee Salvatore Felice who is Code Enforcement Commissioner and Liaison to the Patchogue Village Ambulance Company
Deputy Mayor Krieger Parking Commissioner
Email addresses for all above here: http://www.patchoguevillage.org/officials.html
Peter Sarich Code Enforcement Chief Administrator (also Village Fire Marshal)
James Berberich Assistant Chief Administrator to Mr. Sarich who is also responsible for day to day operations of the Code Enforcement Division
From the Village website this information:
"The office of Public Safety and Code Enforcement is tasked with diligently enforcing Village Codes to assure the health and safety of Village residents and to address issues related to quality of life.
The Department is also charged with preserving the public peace and protecting property through education and enforcement. All residents in need of public safety assistance should contact 475-1225."
Practical information: when calling Code all calls are taken by a Dispatcher who screens calls for appropriate referral. Complaints and other issues may also be discussed directly with Code Enforcement by visiting their office in Village Hall during normal work hours and asking to speak with on duty staff.
NY State Liquor Authority
Complaints can be made by email: https://www.sla.ny.gov/register-a-complaint
Suffolk County Police
Website including information about the 5th Precinct monthly community at which any resident may attend and raise issues directly with the 5th Precinct Police Commander
http://apps.suffolkcountyny.gov/police/5th.htm
John Bogack Executive Director 4/21/15
Feedback: comments section of our Facebook page at....
http://www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/
Email: CC4OVG@aol.com
Patchogue Village Board 4/14/15 2015-16 Budget Vote
Something a bit different with this post: to see the time line code and narrative for the above video please see the comment box in You Tube that comes with the video. If things are working right simply by clicking the various time stops any viewer should be able to come to any one particular area of interest without having to weave through any of the video: in other words you can see a clip at any point along the included time code. This should be a user friendly way of seeing the 50 minute video.
Short cut: look to the bottom right hand of bar beneath the above video. Click the You Tube icon. Immediately down from the displayed video look for the words "SHOW MORE" on the left hand side. Then click on those words and all will appear.
What Happened?
The 2015-16 Budget Hearing and vote comes at last and with it comes some sober realizations. A very small turnout by the public leaving advocates for budget change at a loss to explain the apathetic response. The budget is passed after what still is a spirited discussion inspired by those residents who have shown up.
Setting the record straight
One result of the meeting is this clarification arising out of comments indirectly critical of the Citizens Budget Guide which guide has appeared here on this website prior to the meeting and authored by this writer. Now here is a personal response to that inference.
When the Citizens Budget Guide was announced it was introduced with a qualification. It began with an admission that it was not being written by an accountant or a person intimately familiar with budget terms. But it was not written in isolation from available facts either. The characterization of the proposed budget as a “deficit” budget was based on what information was out there. It does turn out that this is something of a term of art and since the Citizens Guide has always been driven by a desire to get to the facts some needed clarification now has to be made.
Turns out that the term “deficit” budget refers only to when a budget is adopted without sufficient funds to pay for projected expenses (expenses exceed revenues) which then must be borrowed to bring the budget into balance. In the case of Patchogue Village since funds are not borrowed but transferred from an existing surplus, whether in the past or currently, this is not considered “deficit” spending as per law. We are still looking for a correct term to describe the process by which a budget is adopted and balanced by a draw down from an existing surplus and that term will be used in the future once determined.
That said if there was a misinterpretation of that term it certainly was not made intentionally. Other sources existed which would lead a reasonable person to think that the budget being proposed for adoption was a deficit budget. Specifically exhibit one: on the very first page of the proposed budget copy for example figures identified as a “deficit” are plainly visible.
In addition, second exhibit, we have run video in the past picturing Trustee Ferb committing to an effort last year to reduce a 600,000 “deficit”. He uses that term at a meeting (4/14/14) with every member of the Board present and the Village Treasurer is as well. He has since stated his use of that term was a “vocabulary error”. Note that in the video no member of the Board or the Treasurer objects at the time to the use of that term by him. Later this video would become one of the primary sources used to describe the current budget.
In other words if misinformation occurred in the current Citizens Guide it occurred because sources provided by the Village itself turned out not as reliable as first thought. That information now corrected with this narrative and misinformation that will not be repeated in the future.
Here is a link to the video relied on and referred to above as further documentation: https://youtu.be/yvI760WrE7I
The Residents Do Not Turn Out
This meeting certainly did not meet the expectations of all those who attended, elected officials and interested members of the public taken together. Nevertheless during the 50 minute meeting an excellent discussion of where the village’s finances stand, and where they might stand did occur. Some alternative views about village spending also were represented too. And maybe most importantly for the future the beginnings of a dialogue about how to effectively engage the public in the budget process one day. For itself within the ranks of this organization we are now undergoing an internal review about how to form more effective strategies for public engagement.
New Resource
One last comment: as we have done all along we have published source materials from all sources available to help citizens under the Village’s finances and tax rates. During the discussion on 4/14/15 Mayor Pontieri does defend the health of the village’s finances over all. He refers to what he calls a fiscal “stress test”. This is an index of fiscal factors assessed by the NY State Comptroller’s’ Office. It has been since reviewed and the Mayor’s comments are accurate. The Comptroller’s office does not view the village’s finances at risk.
To see the Village’s fiscal stress test report and to learn more information about this process see this link: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/fiscalmonitoring/
John Bogack Executive Director 4/19/15
Next: the Budget…After the Vote Where Do Taxpayers Stand Going Forward?
Short cut: look to the bottom right hand of bar beneath the above video. Click the You Tube icon. Immediately down from the displayed video look for the words "SHOW MORE" on the left hand side. Then click on those words and all will appear.
What Happened?
The 2015-16 Budget Hearing and vote comes at last and with it comes some sober realizations. A very small turnout by the public leaving advocates for budget change at a loss to explain the apathetic response. The budget is passed after what still is a spirited discussion inspired by those residents who have shown up.
Setting the record straight
One result of the meeting is this clarification arising out of comments indirectly critical of the Citizens Budget Guide which guide has appeared here on this website prior to the meeting and authored by this writer. Now here is a personal response to that inference.
When the Citizens Budget Guide was announced it was introduced with a qualification. It began with an admission that it was not being written by an accountant or a person intimately familiar with budget terms. But it was not written in isolation from available facts either. The characterization of the proposed budget as a “deficit” budget was based on what information was out there. It does turn out that this is something of a term of art and since the Citizens Guide has always been driven by a desire to get to the facts some needed clarification now has to be made.
Turns out that the term “deficit” budget refers only to when a budget is adopted without sufficient funds to pay for projected expenses (expenses exceed revenues) which then must be borrowed to bring the budget into balance. In the case of Patchogue Village since funds are not borrowed but transferred from an existing surplus, whether in the past or currently, this is not considered “deficit” spending as per law. We are still looking for a correct term to describe the process by which a budget is adopted and balanced by a draw down from an existing surplus and that term will be used in the future once determined.
That said if there was a misinterpretation of that term it certainly was not made intentionally. Other sources existed which would lead a reasonable person to think that the budget being proposed for adoption was a deficit budget. Specifically exhibit one: on the very first page of the proposed budget copy for example figures identified as a “deficit” are plainly visible.
In addition, second exhibit, we have run video in the past picturing Trustee Ferb committing to an effort last year to reduce a 600,000 “deficit”. He uses that term at a meeting (4/14/14) with every member of the Board present and the Village Treasurer is as well. He has since stated his use of that term was a “vocabulary error”. Note that in the video no member of the Board or the Treasurer objects at the time to the use of that term by him. Later this video would become one of the primary sources used to describe the current budget.
In other words if misinformation occurred in the current Citizens Guide it occurred because sources provided by the Village itself turned out not as reliable as first thought. That information now corrected with this narrative and misinformation that will not be repeated in the future.
Here is a link to the video relied on and referred to above as further documentation: https://youtu.be/yvI760WrE7I
The Residents Do Not Turn Out
This meeting certainly did not meet the expectations of all those who attended, elected officials and interested members of the public taken together. Nevertheless during the 50 minute meeting an excellent discussion of where the village’s finances stand, and where they might stand did occur. Some alternative views about village spending also were represented too. And maybe most importantly for the future the beginnings of a dialogue about how to effectively engage the public in the budget process one day. For itself within the ranks of this organization we are now undergoing an internal review about how to form more effective strategies for public engagement.
New Resource
One last comment: as we have done all along we have published source materials from all sources available to help citizens under the Village’s finances and tax rates. During the discussion on 4/14/15 Mayor Pontieri does defend the health of the village’s finances over all. He refers to what he calls a fiscal “stress test”. This is an index of fiscal factors assessed by the NY State Comptroller’s’ Office. It has been since reviewed and the Mayor’s comments are accurate. The Comptroller’s office does not view the village’s finances at risk.
To see the Village’s fiscal stress test report and to learn more information about this process see this link: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/fiscalmonitoring/
John Bogack Executive Director 4/19/15
Next: the Budget…After the Vote Where Do Taxpayers Stand Going Forward?
Emporium Decision: the ZBA Votes 4/15/15
A bit more than two minutes of video and it was over. The Patchogue Village Zoning Board of Appeals renders its decision about renewing the special zoning permit for the Emporium nightclub. It’s approved with conditions. We have filmed six meetings of the ZBA from 10/14/14 to 4/15/15 as this application meandered through the hearing process. It began late as it was and in the end took another six months to come to an end as the Zoning Board realized that a routine assessment could not be done; it had to look closely into the issues involved.
In this video only the actual vote of the members of the Board who are asked by Chairperson Fuccillo on a roll call vote to cast their votes. The devil is in the details and that is in the PDF copy below of the actual decision that resulted from that vote.
A quick assessment: a one year grant only that will force a more timely review of the multiple conditions imposed. The clock on that one year beginning this date. Those multiple conditions can be again concisely summarized. One…no changes to the site plan without consultation and approval from the Board. And two an extensive list of security measures the Emporium must undertake to control perceived incidents of disorder and negative impacts on the surrounding residential and commercial neighborhoods. Of particular note a requirement that compels cooperation with the Police when the Police are investigating any crimes (e.g. owner must comply with a timely request from the Police for all video camera footage). Of some interest to all: a requirement that the club station two credentialed security guards in and around the club to monitor the immediate vicinity of the club including the nearby municipal parking lots until one hour after the club closes. See the PDF document though for a complete accounting of all the conditions.
With this post we finish our series on this application. To see the videos that have proceeded it see the list below. Click links or paste links as needed.
1ST HEARING (10/15/14): https://youtu.be/pfHQSoNdcIo
2ND HEARING (12/3/14) : https://youtu.be/Um9DZ4dvK2s
3RD HEARING (1/7/15): https://youtu.be/HjWhaIJXUDE
4TH Hearing (1/21/15): https://youtu.be/qUjT4F3i7tc
5th Hearing (2/18/15): https://youtu.be/-Xw4I6z0lw0
Viewers are also reminded that by scrolling down our webpage that they can find the original postings for all these videos and some of those posting also include other relevant PDF documents relating to the issues raised, discussed and resolved by the ZPA decision.
John Bogack Executive Director 4/16/15
In this video only the actual vote of the members of the Board who are asked by Chairperson Fuccillo on a roll call vote to cast their votes. The devil is in the details and that is in the PDF copy below of the actual decision that resulted from that vote.
A quick assessment: a one year grant only that will force a more timely review of the multiple conditions imposed. The clock on that one year beginning this date. Those multiple conditions can be again concisely summarized. One…no changes to the site plan without consultation and approval from the Board. And two an extensive list of security measures the Emporium must undertake to control perceived incidents of disorder and negative impacts on the surrounding residential and commercial neighborhoods. Of particular note a requirement that compels cooperation with the Police when the Police are investigating any crimes (e.g. owner must comply with a timely request from the Police for all video camera footage). Of some interest to all: a requirement that the club station two credentialed security guards in and around the club to monitor the immediate vicinity of the club including the nearby municipal parking lots until one hour after the club closes. See the PDF document though for a complete accounting of all the conditions.
With this post we finish our series on this application. To see the videos that have proceeded it see the list below. Click links or paste links as needed.
1ST HEARING (10/15/14): https://youtu.be/pfHQSoNdcIo
2ND HEARING (12/3/14) : https://youtu.be/Um9DZ4dvK2s
3RD HEARING (1/7/15): https://youtu.be/HjWhaIJXUDE
4TH Hearing (1/21/15): https://youtu.be/qUjT4F3i7tc
5th Hearing (2/18/15): https://youtu.be/-Xw4I6z0lw0
Viewers are also reminded that by scrolling down our webpage that they can find the original postings for all these videos and some of those posting also include other relevant PDF documents relating to the issues raised, discussed and resolved by the ZPA decision.
John Bogack Executive Director 4/16/15
| emporium_zoning_board_decision__4-16-15.pdf |
Citizens Guide to the PV 2015-15 Budget:
Tax Cap and End Issues
Tax Cap and End Issues
The Tax
Rebate That Never Was/End Issues
This is the fifth and last section of the Citizens Guide to the 2015-16 Patchogue Village Budget. It actually marks 10 sections that have appeared in two guides. The first being the Citizens Budget Guide to the 2014-15 budget. Along with all the written content has also come 11 videos most drawn from our archives picturing various aspects of the budget process. In addition we have PDF copies of both budgets not available anywhere else on line. And some other links to other important documents including two more that are posted here at the end of this post. Here more information for the public to see than can be found anywhere else in one place.
Today a look at the Tax Cap and then some final observations about the budget process.
The Tax Cap It’s the Law….Maybe
When the tax cap was approved by the NY State Legislature the hope was that it would force down local spending by first setting a goal line in terms of tax increases although not a mandatory one. The cap which is set at two percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower, can be over ridden by either 60 percent of the voters or 60 percent of their representatives as in Patchogue Village which has no option for a direct vote by its residents on the budget. We have some video featuring Governor Cuomo presenting the view that because of the 60 percent requirement that the odds were now more in favor of the tax payers that their taxes would be lowered. His failsafe mechanism to do so however relied on the belief that tax payers would actively participate in the budget process and push adoption of any budget in that direction. “Democracy works best when every citizen participates” he says. Here is some video from the Governor explaining his views in 2012 still relevant today: https://youtu.be/gbZ27clNfWg
Tax Cap: Mayor Says Not So Fast
There are two reasons why the state tax cap have not impacted on village taxes as the law fully provides. In truth in Patchogue Village the tax cap has not gotten a warm welcome. It is true that as a result of the cap that the Village tax rates have moderated and while exceeding the cap have not wildly exceeded it. But that has been its total effect. Reducing village costs by two percent in the first year of compliance and then again another one percent in the second year of compliance, also terms of the tax cap, have never been seriously attempted. And as a result small tax rebate checks of two percent or less have not been paid out because of this noncompliance. Mayor Pontieri has had a different and in our case a more controlling view of the tax cap. In the video that appears here he makes clear that he favors what he calls moderate taxation in order to make sure that infrastructure for example roads are not neglected. And at other times in other settings he has also expressed his objection to the cap as setting a limit on village spending by the State when the State had not placed any limits on mandated spending for example pension contributions. The end result have been budgets with deficit spending, drawdowns from the village cash surplus to contain even higher tax increases, resulting moderate tax increases somewhat in excess of the cap amounts and more bonding and therefore more debt by the village for such things as road and Patchogue Theater roof repairs for example.
See the whole video for his full comments, and also public comments at the last Budget public hearing here: https://youtu.be/K940jvWd07M
Village Finances Good For Now....But
It has to be acknowledged that for the moment his strategy appears to have worked. There are two PDF documents included here from two different bond rating agencies which provide a generally favorable over view of the Village’s finances so far. There is an important qualification about those favorable reviews and it is this one from the Standard and Poors bond rating agency : “If Patchogue Village were to add more formal management policies and if debt were to decrease in the future, we could raise the rating. At the same time, if finances were to experience a sharp and unforeseen decrease, we could lower the rating”. In other words the favorable reviews are not set in stone. Viewers are however urged to read the documents below and reach their own conclusion.
The Invisible Public
The second major reason that the state tax cap has not impacted village tax payers as originally hoped for relates not to the Mayor, the Board or the general financial practices of the Village. The second major reason relates to the virtually nonexistent role of village tax payers in the budgetary process. Tax payers engaged actively in the budget process, so far, for whatever reasons there are, just a few in number. The fail safe device envisioned by the Governor has never gone off as a result.
Thinking the Unthinkable
Originally this section was intended to list a variety of cost saving ideas but in truth no such list has a chance of success until there has been a profound re-thinking of the Village’s finances both by its elected leaders and by the people they represent.
In the case of the Mayor and the Board thinking the unthinkable for them would be to reconsider if a policy of tax and spend is sustainable over the long term. If not then they could still act to effect real changes. That would be a game changing event.
In the case of the public thinking the unthinkable means shaking off apathy and becoming active and committing to a cause to drive down taxes as low as they think that they can go indeed even lower than any two percent rebate would mean and still have an effective village government just one that cost far less than the present one.
Community based action committees, civic organizations and civic associations, and even the birth of new political parties all would serve such a cause.
Until that time these Guides we hope help. And as always we recommend getting involved now. The next public hearing on the current budget is in just a few days. The time to begin changes for the better can begin as soon as that meeting. The start date for that change whatever its date is always a decision that rests with the people.
Please see the PDF library below:
And one more link: the Tax Cap website referred to by Gov. Cuomo in the video linked to above. It provides more facts about the cap and how to take action: http://reforminggovernment.ny.gov/reforminggovernment/guide-to-the-property-tax
John Bogack, Executive Director 4/12/15
This is the fifth and last section of the Citizens Guide to the 2015-16 Patchogue Village Budget. It actually marks 10 sections that have appeared in two guides. The first being the Citizens Budget Guide to the 2014-15 budget. Along with all the written content has also come 11 videos most drawn from our archives picturing various aspects of the budget process. In addition we have PDF copies of both budgets not available anywhere else on line. And some other links to other important documents including two more that are posted here at the end of this post. Here more information for the public to see than can be found anywhere else in one place.
Today a look at the Tax Cap and then some final observations about the budget process.
The Tax Cap It’s the Law….Maybe
When the tax cap was approved by the NY State Legislature the hope was that it would force down local spending by first setting a goal line in terms of tax increases although not a mandatory one. The cap which is set at two percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower, can be over ridden by either 60 percent of the voters or 60 percent of their representatives as in Patchogue Village which has no option for a direct vote by its residents on the budget. We have some video featuring Governor Cuomo presenting the view that because of the 60 percent requirement that the odds were now more in favor of the tax payers that their taxes would be lowered. His failsafe mechanism to do so however relied on the belief that tax payers would actively participate in the budget process and push adoption of any budget in that direction. “Democracy works best when every citizen participates” he says. Here is some video from the Governor explaining his views in 2012 still relevant today: https://youtu.be/gbZ27clNfWg
Tax Cap: Mayor Says Not So Fast
There are two reasons why the state tax cap have not impacted on village taxes as the law fully provides. In truth in Patchogue Village the tax cap has not gotten a warm welcome. It is true that as a result of the cap that the Village tax rates have moderated and while exceeding the cap have not wildly exceeded it. But that has been its total effect. Reducing village costs by two percent in the first year of compliance and then again another one percent in the second year of compliance, also terms of the tax cap, have never been seriously attempted. And as a result small tax rebate checks of two percent or less have not been paid out because of this noncompliance. Mayor Pontieri has had a different and in our case a more controlling view of the tax cap. In the video that appears here he makes clear that he favors what he calls moderate taxation in order to make sure that infrastructure for example roads are not neglected. And at other times in other settings he has also expressed his objection to the cap as setting a limit on village spending by the State when the State had not placed any limits on mandated spending for example pension contributions. The end result have been budgets with deficit spending, drawdowns from the village cash surplus to contain even higher tax increases, resulting moderate tax increases somewhat in excess of the cap amounts and more bonding and therefore more debt by the village for such things as road and Patchogue Theater roof repairs for example.
See the whole video for his full comments, and also public comments at the last Budget public hearing here: https://youtu.be/K940jvWd07M
Village Finances Good For Now....But
It has to be acknowledged that for the moment his strategy appears to have worked. There are two PDF documents included here from two different bond rating agencies which provide a generally favorable over view of the Village’s finances so far. There is an important qualification about those favorable reviews and it is this one from the Standard and Poors bond rating agency : “If Patchogue Village were to add more formal management policies and if debt were to decrease in the future, we could raise the rating. At the same time, if finances were to experience a sharp and unforeseen decrease, we could lower the rating”. In other words the favorable reviews are not set in stone. Viewers are however urged to read the documents below and reach their own conclusion.
The Invisible Public
The second major reason that the state tax cap has not impacted village tax payers as originally hoped for relates not to the Mayor, the Board or the general financial practices of the Village. The second major reason relates to the virtually nonexistent role of village tax payers in the budgetary process. Tax payers engaged actively in the budget process, so far, for whatever reasons there are, just a few in number. The fail safe device envisioned by the Governor has never gone off as a result.
Thinking the Unthinkable
Originally this section was intended to list a variety of cost saving ideas but in truth no such list has a chance of success until there has been a profound re-thinking of the Village’s finances both by its elected leaders and by the people they represent.
In the case of the Mayor and the Board thinking the unthinkable for them would be to reconsider if a policy of tax and spend is sustainable over the long term. If not then they could still act to effect real changes. That would be a game changing event.
In the case of the public thinking the unthinkable means shaking off apathy and becoming active and committing to a cause to drive down taxes as low as they think that they can go indeed even lower than any two percent rebate would mean and still have an effective village government just one that cost far less than the present one.
Community based action committees, civic organizations and civic associations, and even the birth of new political parties all would serve such a cause.
Until that time these Guides we hope help. And as always we recommend getting involved now. The next public hearing on the current budget is in just a few days. The time to begin changes for the better can begin as soon as that meeting. The start date for that change whatever its date is always a decision that rests with the people.
Please see the PDF library below:
And one more link: the Tax Cap website referred to by Gov. Cuomo in the video linked to above. It provides more facts about the cap and how to take action: http://reforminggovernment.ny.gov/reforminggovernment/guide-to-the-property-tax
John Bogack, Executive Director 4/12/15
| moodys_2012_financial_report_patchogue_village.pdf |
| standard_poors_report_2014_patchogue_vilage_finances.pdf |
PM Library 2015-16 Budget and Candidates Forum 4/7/15
PM LIBRARY BUDGET AND TRUSTEE CANDIDATES FORUM 4/7/15
Another in our continuing series of community videos this time a first time filming of a public forum held at the main branch of the Library. This forum held to present and explain a proposed 2015-16 budget and to introduce two candidates running for one open Trustee position on the library Board.
And before proceeding on some housekeeping to help viewers hear and see this 51 minute video clip. Audio issues can occur if so please make sure that your computer or other device being used to see this video has its audio turned up. Also the You Tube video itself comes with an icon controlling audio levels. If any problems are occurring double check that icon as well. Lastly You Tube does come with an icon as well to see the video in full screen and actually when in that setting the video becomes sharper. And one last tip: this is not a long video but if a viewer is interested in only some areas of the video to watch this video does come with a time code and a narrative. In the You Tube comments box that time code is hyper texted meaning that any one section of the video can be easily found by a simple click on the hyper texted time code.
This video taken on the night of 4/7/15, a small but engaged public audience can be seen in the video. The video comes in two sections. In the first section Library Director Lauren Nichols explains the proposed budget. In the second session Claire Siegel, President of the Friends of the Library opens the candidates forum. She introduces Linda Morrison also a member of the Friends of the Library who presides over the candidates forum.
Ms. Morrison explains the rules of the forum. The candidates both begin with opening statements. Ms. Morrison then questions them based on questions obtained from the audience that has already been canvassed. After the questions have been asked and answered the candidates both are given a short time to voice closing statements. The video then ends with some end comments from Ms. Morrison and a thanks to all for attending.
Time Code and Narrative in Minutes and Seconds
Public hearing is opened by Harold Trabold Trustee Board President and Ms. Nichols is introduced. Ms. Nichols then explains the proposed budget to the audience.
Note: see PDF document below documenting the proposed budget for reference
16:35 Budget public hearing is closed by Trustee Trabold.
16:59 Claire Siegel opens candidates forum and introduces Linda Morrison who will preside over the forum and who then explains rules of procedure for the candidates forum
22:03 Krystle L. DiNicola gives her opening remarks
24:18 Elizabeth Ambrosio Kennedy gives her opening remarks
26:31 Ms. Morrison begins asking a series of questions of both candidates two of which are noted here
36:32 Question about the Carnegie Library acquisition
39:41 Question about creating a branch library in the Medford community
48:15 Closing statement by Elizabeth Kennedy
49:05 Closing statement by Krystle DiNicola
50:10 End comments by Ms. Morrison who closes the forum and ends the event
And just some end comments of our own. The PM Library is a valuable community resource and for Patchogue Village a magnet drawing 500,000 visits a year. Voting on 4-14-15 is worthwhile for all these reasons. All are urged to vote.
And one additional PDF below: a brochure giving some back ground about both candidates.
Looking for voting information? if so here is a link to the PM Library with vote information: http://www.libraryaware.com/…/aad4bf9e-59d1-4304-8e89-1daa6…
John Bogack Executive Director 4/9/15
Another in our continuing series of community videos this time a first time filming of a public forum held at the main branch of the Library. This forum held to present and explain a proposed 2015-16 budget and to introduce two candidates running for one open Trustee position on the library Board.
And before proceeding on some housekeeping to help viewers hear and see this 51 minute video clip. Audio issues can occur if so please make sure that your computer or other device being used to see this video has its audio turned up. Also the You Tube video itself comes with an icon controlling audio levels. If any problems are occurring double check that icon as well. Lastly You Tube does come with an icon as well to see the video in full screen and actually when in that setting the video becomes sharper. And one last tip: this is not a long video but if a viewer is interested in only some areas of the video to watch this video does come with a time code and a narrative. In the You Tube comments box that time code is hyper texted meaning that any one section of the video can be easily found by a simple click on the hyper texted time code.
This video taken on the night of 4/7/15, a small but engaged public audience can be seen in the video. The video comes in two sections. In the first section Library Director Lauren Nichols explains the proposed budget. In the second session Claire Siegel, President of the Friends of the Library opens the candidates forum. She introduces Linda Morrison also a member of the Friends of the Library who presides over the candidates forum.
Ms. Morrison explains the rules of the forum. The candidates both begin with opening statements. Ms. Morrison then questions them based on questions obtained from the audience that has already been canvassed. After the questions have been asked and answered the candidates both are given a short time to voice closing statements. The video then ends with some end comments from Ms. Morrison and a thanks to all for attending.
Time Code and Narrative in Minutes and Seconds
Public hearing is opened by Harold Trabold Trustee Board President and Ms. Nichols is introduced. Ms. Nichols then explains the proposed budget to the audience.
Note: see PDF document below documenting the proposed budget for reference
16:35 Budget public hearing is closed by Trustee Trabold.
16:59 Claire Siegel opens candidates forum and introduces Linda Morrison who will preside over the forum and who then explains rules of procedure for the candidates forum
22:03 Krystle L. DiNicola gives her opening remarks
24:18 Elizabeth Ambrosio Kennedy gives her opening remarks
26:31 Ms. Morrison begins asking a series of questions of both candidates two of which are noted here
36:32 Question about the Carnegie Library acquisition
39:41 Question about creating a branch library in the Medford community
48:15 Closing statement by Elizabeth Kennedy
49:05 Closing statement by Krystle DiNicola
50:10 End comments by Ms. Morrison who closes the forum and ends the event
And just some end comments of our own. The PM Library is a valuable community resource and for Patchogue Village a magnet drawing 500,000 visits a year. Voting on 4-14-15 is worthwhile for all these reasons. All are urged to vote.
And one additional PDF below: a brochure giving some back ground about both candidates.
Looking for voting information? if so here is a link to the PM Library with vote information: http://www.libraryaware.com/…/aad4bf9e-59d1-4304-8e89-1daa6…
John Bogack Executive Director 4/9/15
| 2015-16_pm_library_proposed_budget.pdf |
| 2015_pm_library_trustee_candidates_back_ground_histories.pdf |
Citizens Budget Guide 2.0 Section 4: The Price of Garbage
Refuse Fees: The Price of Garbage
In Section 4 of the Citizens Guide to the 2015-16 Patchogue Village Budget a look at just one item: refuse fees.
Refuse fees deserve attention for some very good reasons. The collection of refuse in the village is one of the four village’s million dollar plus budget lines: 1,113, 325 dollars.
Of that sum 640,000 dollars is for staff salaries not including fringe benefits (e.g. pension contributions). Next highest cost within that budget line the cost of hiring an outside contractor to cart the refuse to be dumped out of the village: 410,000 dollars (i.e. “tipping fees” at a price of 65 dollars a ton).
The remainder of the more than one million dollars is spent for such items as equipment.
Refuse fees however is also one of the leading sources of Village revenue: 2,038,782 dollars.
On first blush the difference between revenue and costs which is 924,748 dollars might appear as a surplus in that amount. While there might be a surplus the amount of that surplus if any is hard to understand at this point. The budget is silent on two very important factors. One, the number of employees who get fringe benefits who work taking care of the village’s refuse. Two it’s silent on just how much in fringe benefits in addition to the 640,000 dollars in salaries are paid on top of that sum to get to the true cost for salaries and fringe benefits for whatever sized work force is deployed to remove refuse. There are no break outs of these statistics in the budget for this service or any other service for that matter either.
If those factors are ever truly known then someday the answer to the question: shouldn’t these costs be contracted out as in Brookhaven Town will then be able to be answered.
In the meantime these comparison figures and practices between Patchogue Village and the Town of Brookhaven serving here as a nearby jurisdiction that has contracted out refuse costs.
In dollars and cents
Village of Patchogue Town of Brookhaven
One family pickup: 610 359.86
Two family pickup: 1,499 539.79
Three family pickup: 2,546 719.72
Four family pickup: 3,483 1,079.58 (4 and above same)
Five family pickup: 4, 618 same as above
Condos 500 No pickup by Town
Condo responsibility
Co-op 500 Same as condos
Senior One family 457 359.86 (no income reduction)
Senior Two family 1,349 539.79 (no income reduction)
This comparison chart is not totally inclusive of all refuse pick up scenarios in Patchogue Village. Some co-op complexes have opted out of Village pickup. There are also commercial users who have opted in and opted out. No figures are available here, yet, to cover those situations.
For verification of these figures Brookhaven Town does have its garbage pick-up rates posted on the net and here is a link to find them (paste address omtp search bar) http://www.brookhaven.org/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=8202&PortalId=0&TabId=134
Patchogue Village by contrast does not have that same information posted on its website but we do. You can find a PDF document with the most current rates on our website just look for the identified PDF link and open it here: http://www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/village-budgets.html
Certainly on review of the above totals the issue of just how much it does cost the Village to collect refuse, a very expensive budget item, is a worthwhile area of investigation to explore to see if taxes could be lowered. And this too an issue worthwhile to consider which brings this section to a discussion of the video that comes with this section. The video is entitled Trustees Keyes Introduces resolution to lower condo fees but it could have just as well been entitled the “politics of garbage”.
At the 4-14-14 Board meeting Trustee Keyes introduces a resolution to lower condo fees to 500 dollars from the prior single family rate of 610 dollars per unit. Presented in favor of that reduction are a number of factors: it takes less time to pick up condo garbage than residential garbage. There is also some sense that a great condo rebellion is brewing and condo complexes which have the legal option, unlike the rest of the residents to choose their own carters, are on the verge of bolting from the system and need to be mollified by being granted a cheaper rate in order to stay. And finally there is a call for “fairness”.
The view expressed is that condo users should be charged a fee rationally related to the alleged lesser costs for pick up. And indeed as the video documents that is what happens. Although not mentioned at the meeting is that this price reduction reduces fees to the system by a minimum of a quarter of a million dollars for the next ten years. This is not a onetime reduction but an institutional change in the rate that will accumulate in lost revenue over time and a loss that will grow as more condo units are added all paying lesser fees.
The politics of garbage which exemplifies a decision making system that is far from fair for everyone other than condo users. The video is worth a look to see the end process of the decision making process that is used to reach decisions about refuse rates a decision that affects all who pay for this service.
Unexpectedly condo rates become an issue of concern. Somehow a consensus about a change is reached out but out of sight of the public. A resolution is then presented reducing fees with little notice to the public beforehand and presented before there can be any public comment about it in the name of fairness.
But what’s fair about that? If fairness is the standard for judging costs why not find a system fair to all and not just a few? How about reducing costs for all users for example as a better standard of fairness to search for and find? Indeed the politics of garbage making plain that it’s not just trash that is being taken to the dump but democracy too. When decisions are made that are not transparent, and favors some but not others at the expense of those not included there is nothing fair in any such decision ever.
This is a reminder that the Budget is not just about numbers. It is not just a financial document. It is at times a political document too and that too is information about the budget that every tax payer needs to keep in mind from time to time as well.
Next
Time is catching up with us all and in a few days the public hearing on the 2015-16 budget and a vote on it will occur. In the next few days two final sections and the curtain comes down on this series. In Section 5 we are going to post a series of pdf documents that offer some outside views about the village’s finances and its budget. They are all favorable accounts of the Village’s financial practices and will be posted to offer some balance to what has appeared here before.
And lastly “thinking the unthinkable” some common sense and some harder to think about but necessary ideas that if adopted could wipe out the budget deficit, and put village tax payers in line not just for a meager one or two percent reduction in taxes but for substantial tax reductions “unthinkable” at the present time.
Feedback: to our Facebook page for comments....
https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens
Email for questions: CC4VG@aol.com
John Bogack Executive Director 4/8/15
In Section 4 of the Citizens Guide to the 2015-16 Patchogue Village Budget a look at just one item: refuse fees.
Refuse fees deserve attention for some very good reasons. The collection of refuse in the village is one of the four village’s million dollar plus budget lines: 1,113, 325 dollars.
Of that sum 640,000 dollars is for staff salaries not including fringe benefits (e.g. pension contributions). Next highest cost within that budget line the cost of hiring an outside contractor to cart the refuse to be dumped out of the village: 410,000 dollars (i.e. “tipping fees” at a price of 65 dollars a ton).
The remainder of the more than one million dollars is spent for such items as equipment.
Refuse fees however is also one of the leading sources of Village revenue: 2,038,782 dollars.
On first blush the difference between revenue and costs which is 924,748 dollars might appear as a surplus in that amount. While there might be a surplus the amount of that surplus if any is hard to understand at this point. The budget is silent on two very important factors. One, the number of employees who get fringe benefits who work taking care of the village’s refuse. Two it’s silent on just how much in fringe benefits in addition to the 640,000 dollars in salaries are paid on top of that sum to get to the true cost for salaries and fringe benefits for whatever sized work force is deployed to remove refuse. There are no break outs of these statistics in the budget for this service or any other service for that matter either.
If those factors are ever truly known then someday the answer to the question: shouldn’t these costs be contracted out as in Brookhaven Town will then be able to be answered.
In the meantime these comparison figures and practices between Patchogue Village and the Town of Brookhaven serving here as a nearby jurisdiction that has contracted out refuse costs.
In dollars and cents
Village of Patchogue Town of Brookhaven
One family pickup: 610 359.86
Two family pickup: 1,499 539.79
Three family pickup: 2,546 719.72
Four family pickup: 3,483 1,079.58 (4 and above same)
Five family pickup: 4, 618 same as above
Condos 500 No pickup by Town
Condo responsibility
Co-op 500 Same as condos
Senior One family 457 359.86 (no income reduction)
Senior Two family 1,349 539.79 (no income reduction)
This comparison chart is not totally inclusive of all refuse pick up scenarios in Patchogue Village. Some co-op complexes have opted out of Village pickup. There are also commercial users who have opted in and opted out. No figures are available here, yet, to cover those situations.
For verification of these figures Brookhaven Town does have its garbage pick-up rates posted on the net and here is a link to find them (paste address omtp search bar) http://www.brookhaven.org/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=8202&PortalId=0&TabId=134
Patchogue Village by contrast does not have that same information posted on its website but we do. You can find a PDF document with the most current rates on our website just look for the identified PDF link and open it here: http://www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/village-budgets.html
Certainly on review of the above totals the issue of just how much it does cost the Village to collect refuse, a very expensive budget item, is a worthwhile area of investigation to explore to see if taxes could be lowered. And this too an issue worthwhile to consider which brings this section to a discussion of the video that comes with this section. The video is entitled Trustees Keyes Introduces resolution to lower condo fees but it could have just as well been entitled the “politics of garbage”.
At the 4-14-14 Board meeting Trustee Keyes introduces a resolution to lower condo fees to 500 dollars from the prior single family rate of 610 dollars per unit. Presented in favor of that reduction are a number of factors: it takes less time to pick up condo garbage than residential garbage. There is also some sense that a great condo rebellion is brewing and condo complexes which have the legal option, unlike the rest of the residents to choose their own carters, are on the verge of bolting from the system and need to be mollified by being granted a cheaper rate in order to stay. And finally there is a call for “fairness”.
The view expressed is that condo users should be charged a fee rationally related to the alleged lesser costs for pick up. And indeed as the video documents that is what happens. Although not mentioned at the meeting is that this price reduction reduces fees to the system by a minimum of a quarter of a million dollars for the next ten years. This is not a onetime reduction but an institutional change in the rate that will accumulate in lost revenue over time and a loss that will grow as more condo units are added all paying lesser fees.
The politics of garbage which exemplifies a decision making system that is far from fair for everyone other than condo users. The video is worth a look to see the end process of the decision making process that is used to reach decisions about refuse rates a decision that affects all who pay for this service.
Unexpectedly condo rates become an issue of concern. Somehow a consensus about a change is reached out but out of sight of the public. A resolution is then presented reducing fees with little notice to the public beforehand and presented before there can be any public comment about it in the name of fairness.
But what’s fair about that? If fairness is the standard for judging costs why not find a system fair to all and not just a few? How about reducing costs for all users for example as a better standard of fairness to search for and find? Indeed the politics of garbage making plain that it’s not just trash that is being taken to the dump but democracy too. When decisions are made that are not transparent, and favors some but not others at the expense of those not included there is nothing fair in any such decision ever.
This is a reminder that the Budget is not just about numbers. It is not just a financial document. It is at times a political document too and that too is information about the budget that every tax payer needs to keep in mind from time to time as well.
Next
Time is catching up with us all and in a few days the public hearing on the 2015-16 budget and a vote on it will occur. In the next few days two final sections and the curtain comes down on this series. In Section 5 we are going to post a series of pdf documents that offer some outside views about the village’s finances and its budget. They are all favorable accounts of the Village’s financial practices and will be posted to offer some balance to what has appeared here before.
And lastly “thinking the unthinkable” some common sense and some harder to think about but necessary ideas that if adopted could wipe out the budget deficit, and put village tax payers in line not just for a meager one or two percent reduction in taxes but for substantial tax reductions “unthinkable” at the present time.
Feedback: to our Facebook page for comments....
https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens
Email for questions: CC4VG@aol.com
John Bogack Executive Director 4/8/15
Citizens Budget Guide 2.0 Section Three 2015-16 Draft Patchogue Village Budget: Metered Parking and Related Enforcement Costs and Revenues
Question: How has the Village Budget been impacted by the costs of the parking meter program and enhanced Code and Village Court enforcement?
HISTORY
Over the past several years the Village of Patchogue has undergone a dramatic change. Mayor Pontieri’s pro-business policies and his embrace of smart growth policies have accounted for the investment of several hundred million dollars of private and public money in the rebuilding of the village. A once dormant main street transformed. It’s vibrant now. The number of empty store fronts has been reduced and businesses are moving in. New housing has been located in and around Main Street boosting the population of the village: the practical meaning of the official mantra of “feet on the street”. And more is still to come.
But with these changes have come social costs for example widely perceived loss of quality of life due to traffic, noise, and increasing concerns about civil misbehavior incidents. Less talked about is how revitalization might be impacting the Village budget. In this section a look at how it might be and what it means for the next budget. And here is a short answer: the numbers while not great are good.
TWO BUDGET IMPACTS
The Village’s finances have been impacted by revitalization in two particular ways. One parking, once abundant, is now seen as in need of vast expansion. In reaction the Village began to look for solutions hitting upon parking meter revenue as a way of financing new parking spaces. Village officials in a flush of optimism initially predicted that the parking meter revenues both acquired from the meters themselves and Court enforced fines would produce as much as a million dollars annually to offset the costs of the metering plan.
The video posted above is from the 7/22/13 from a meeting of the Board of Trustees when Mayor Pontieri and Deputy Mayor Krieger made their prediction of a million dollars in revenues annually from the metered parking plan. On 4-28-14 at another Board meeting Deputy Mayor Krieger gave his view that a ten million dollar plan to fully fix the parking crisis rested as well on this revenue too as an alternative to raising village business taxes as seen in this video: https://youtu.be/HJ28Lywk4bI
MORE HISTORY
Indeed at the beginning the Village Court was flush with money all designated for the general fund and in fiscal year 2013-14 the Village Court was able to deposit what would turn out to be a high water mark of 601,000 dollars in revenue.
At this time the Village took on the costs of hiring an expert to flesh out a plan, then lease equipment, repaved, restriped and numbered parking spaces, and hired more code enforcement staff to deal with monitoring its expanded meter parking plan.
The Court too in reaction to increased tickets also adapted to the impact of a bigger case load. First due to crowd concerns at the Court additional court officers were hired now armed. A new court clerk was hired. Later the armed officers would ask for a raise which they got. The Village prosecutor citing his increased work load also asked for and got an increase in the fees he charged for his work.
Increased crowds on the village streets led to increased concerns about crowd control and more code officers were hired to curb a rising wave of civil offenses in the village: illegal parking, public urination, public sex, and other forms of anti-social behavior.
At the same time the parking meter roll out turned out to be harder to implement than first thought. The initial start date was cancelled, revised, then a partial metering plan was implemented only to fall victim to a snowy winter that revealed a chink in the armor: snow covered parking spaces could not be ticketed with this result: less income.
Opposition from some residents to having their streets metered led to some of the originally designated areas for metering to be excluded from metering reducing future revenue. Opposition from business leaders also led to a slowdown of the second phase of the metering plan. Again weather factors delayed the repaving of lots and the installation of meters resulting in the final phase of metering occurring months after first being proposed and then when implemented further reduced to accommodate business concerns about the number and location of metered stations. At the 9/22/14 PV Trustee meeting Deputy Mayor Krieger disclosed that taking into account all community and business concerns the original plan of 600 metered spaces had been reduced to 454.
BUDGETARY COST TRENDS
Looking at budget figures here is a progression of costs related to the issues above:
Note: the term adjusted figure is used here. Adjusted means that a final figure has not yet been arrived at and cannot be until the close of this fiscal year which does not occur until 5/31/14.
The Village Court (all operating costs)
Actual 2012-13: 153,129
Actual 2013-14 187,953
Adjusted 2014-15 210,449
Projected 2015-16 240, 531
Code Enforcement
Actual 2012-13: 403,720
Actual 2013-14 485,294
Adj. 2014-15 552,601
Projected 2015-16 708,798
Cost of On street Parking
Actual 2012-13 3,261
Actual 2013-14: 179,732
Adjusted 2014-15 186,356
Projected 2015-16 117,240
BUDGETARY REVENUE TRENDS
These increased costs related to parking and crowd control are offset by two sources of revenue. The first source of revenue is what the Village Court has brought in from collecting fines subject to this rule offered by the Mayor himself: for every one dollar taken in for parking meter fees add one dollar in related parking fines.
Actual 2012-13 558,583
Actual 2013-14 601,909
Adjusted 2014-15 450,000
Projected 2015-16 500,000
The second source of revenue: what the on the street and parking lot meters have brought in themselves exclusive of the railroad parking lot meters
Actual 2013-14 55,914
Adjusted 2014-15 225,000
Projected 2015-16 200,000
Rail Road Metered Parking Income
Actual 2012-13 27, 135
Actual 2013-14 20, 764
Adjusted 2014-15 20,000
Projected 2015-16 45,000
DOING THE MATH
Doing the math for all above categories for a three year period dating from when parking meters actually began to operate 2013-14 and ending at the projected fiscal year of 2015-16:
Estimated figures
Practical real world cost of parking meter program
And enhanced court and code enforcement: 852,547
Estimated revenues (all sources)
for same period of time: 1,139,956
Surplus for three year period of time: 287,409
Yearly average surplus of: 95,809
FIGURES ARE FLUID
How reliable are these figures? They are of course subject to change. For example while the adjusted budget for 2014-15 counts 225,000 dollars in revenue from the On Street and Parking Lot meters, exclusive of the meters at the train station, the actual income for that same fiscal year is still out. Whatever they turn out to be will have some impact either up or down. Or not to be ruled out, going back to that beginning video, there is a real possibility that a parking meter system going at full throttle for a year might indeed produce that one milion dollars in revenue predicted. Remember all estimates here are based on a three year period that does not end until the next fiscal year by the end of May 2016. Ahead only time will let us all see what a fully functional and deployed parking meter system can actually produce in terms of revenue. Could be a game changing impact on the Budget.
The final report of that figure could impact the estimates provided here earlier all across the board. However until then these temporary conclusions:
PROVISIONAL FINDINGS: BETTER THAN EXPECTED
Parking meter and code enforcement costs have not impacted the Village budget in a negative manner. While the surplus from parking meters and increased court fines has not met the original announced expectations for those revenues there has been enough revenue originating from both metered parking and enhanced code enforcement sufficient to justify the claim originally made that parking meter revenue and court fines would pay for the costs of the parking meter program and related increased costs and then some.
Impact on the budget: a modest positive at the present time with the possibility that greater revenue than planned for might occur.
NEXT
Next section of the Citizens Guide to the Village 2015-16 Budget: the wonderful world of garbage collection.
Feedback: please direct comments to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens
Email questions to: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack, Executive Director 4/5/15
HISTORY
Over the past several years the Village of Patchogue has undergone a dramatic change. Mayor Pontieri’s pro-business policies and his embrace of smart growth policies have accounted for the investment of several hundred million dollars of private and public money in the rebuilding of the village. A once dormant main street transformed. It’s vibrant now. The number of empty store fronts has been reduced and businesses are moving in. New housing has been located in and around Main Street boosting the population of the village: the practical meaning of the official mantra of “feet on the street”. And more is still to come.
But with these changes have come social costs for example widely perceived loss of quality of life due to traffic, noise, and increasing concerns about civil misbehavior incidents. Less talked about is how revitalization might be impacting the Village budget. In this section a look at how it might be and what it means for the next budget. And here is a short answer: the numbers while not great are good.
TWO BUDGET IMPACTS
The Village’s finances have been impacted by revitalization in two particular ways. One parking, once abundant, is now seen as in need of vast expansion. In reaction the Village began to look for solutions hitting upon parking meter revenue as a way of financing new parking spaces. Village officials in a flush of optimism initially predicted that the parking meter revenues both acquired from the meters themselves and Court enforced fines would produce as much as a million dollars annually to offset the costs of the metering plan.
The video posted above is from the 7/22/13 from a meeting of the Board of Trustees when Mayor Pontieri and Deputy Mayor Krieger made their prediction of a million dollars in revenues annually from the metered parking plan. On 4-28-14 at another Board meeting Deputy Mayor Krieger gave his view that a ten million dollar plan to fully fix the parking crisis rested as well on this revenue too as an alternative to raising village business taxes as seen in this video: https://youtu.be/HJ28Lywk4bI
MORE HISTORY
Indeed at the beginning the Village Court was flush with money all designated for the general fund and in fiscal year 2013-14 the Village Court was able to deposit what would turn out to be a high water mark of 601,000 dollars in revenue.
At this time the Village took on the costs of hiring an expert to flesh out a plan, then lease equipment, repaved, restriped and numbered parking spaces, and hired more code enforcement staff to deal with monitoring its expanded meter parking plan.
The Court too in reaction to increased tickets also adapted to the impact of a bigger case load. First due to crowd concerns at the Court additional court officers were hired now armed. A new court clerk was hired. Later the armed officers would ask for a raise which they got. The Village prosecutor citing his increased work load also asked for and got an increase in the fees he charged for his work.
Increased crowds on the village streets led to increased concerns about crowd control and more code officers were hired to curb a rising wave of civil offenses in the village: illegal parking, public urination, public sex, and other forms of anti-social behavior.
At the same time the parking meter roll out turned out to be harder to implement than first thought. The initial start date was cancelled, revised, then a partial metering plan was implemented only to fall victim to a snowy winter that revealed a chink in the armor: snow covered parking spaces could not be ticketed with this result: less income.
Opposition from some residents to having their streets metered led to some of the originally designated areas for metering to be excluded from metering reducing future revenue. Opposition from business leaders also led to a slowdown of the second phase of the metering plan. Again weather factors delayed the repaving of lots and the installation of meters resulting in the final phase of metering occurring months after first being proposed and then when implemented further reduced to accommodate business concerns about the number and location of metered stations. At the 9/22/14 PV Trustee meeting Deputy Mayor Krieger disclosed that taking into account all community and business concerns the original plan of 600 metered spaces had been reduced to 454.
BUDGETARY COST TRENDS
Looking at budget figures here is a progression of costs related to the issues above:
Note: the term adjusted figure is used here. Adjusted means that a final figure has not yet been arrived at and cannot be until the close of this fiscal year which does not occur until 5/31/14.
The Village Court (all operating costs)
Actual 2012-13: 153,129
Actual 2013-14 187,953
Adjusted 2014-15 210,449
Projected 2015-16 240, 531
Code Enforcement
Actual 2012-13: 403,720
Actual 2013-14 485,294
Adj. 2014-15 552,601
Projected 2015-16 708,798
Cost of On street Parking
Actual 2012-13 3,261
Actual 2013-14: 179,732
Adjusted 2014-15 186,356
Projected 2015-16 117,240
BUDGETARY REVENUE TRENDS
These increased costs related to parking and crowd control are offset by two sources of revenue. The first source of revenue is what the Village Court has brought in from collecting fines subject to this rule offered by the Mayor himself: for every one dollar taken in for parking meter fees add one dollar in related parking fines.
Actual 2012-13 558,583
Actual 2013-14 601,909
Adjusted 2014-15 450,000
Projected 2015-16 500,000
The second source of revenue: what the on the street and parking lot meters have brought in themselves exclusive of the railroad parking lot meters
Actual 2013-14 55,914
Adjusted 2014-15 225,000
Projected 2015-16 200,000
Rail Road Metered Parking Income
Actual 2012-13 27, 135
Actual 2013-14 20, 764
Adjusted 2014-15 20,000
Projected 2015-16 45,000
DOING THE MATH
Doing the math for all above categories for a three year period dating from when parking meters actually began to operate 2013-14 and ending at the projected fiscal year of 2015-16:
Estimated figures
Practical real world cost of parking meter program
And enhanced court and code enforcement: 852,547
Estimated revenues (all sources)
for same period of time: 1,139,956
Surplus for three year period of time: 287,409
Yearly average surplus of: 95,809
FIGURES ARE FLUID
How reliable are these figures? They are of course subject to change. For example while the adjusted budget for 2014-15 counts 225,000 dollars in revenue from the On Street and Parking Lot meters, exclusive of the meters at the train station, the actual income for that same fiscal year is still out. Whatever they turn out to be will have some impact either up or down. Or not to be ruled out, going back to that beginning video, there is a real possibility that a parking meter system going at full throttle for a year might indeed produce that one milion dollars in revenue predicted. Remember all estimates here are based on a three year period that does not end until the next fiscal year by the end of May 2016. Ahead only time will let us all see what a fully functional and deployed parking meter system can actually produce in terms of revenue. Could be a game changing impact on the Budget.
The final report of that figure could impact the estimates provided here earlier all across the board. However until then these temporary conclusions:
PROVISIONAL FINDINGS: BETTER THAN EXPECTED
Parking meter and code enforcement costs have not impacted the Village budget in a negative manner. While the surplus from parking meters and increased court fines has not met the original announced expectations for those revenues there has been enough revenue originating from both metered parking and enhanced code enforcement sufficient to justify the claim originally made that parking meter revenue and court fines would pay for the costs of the parking meter program and related increased costs and then some.
Impact on the budget: a modest positive at the present time with the possibility that greater revenue than planned for might occur.
NEXT
Next section of the Citizens Guide to the Village 2015-16 Budget: the wonderful world of garbage collection.
Feedback: please direct comments to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens
Email questions to: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack, Executive Director 4/5/15
Citizens Budget Guide 2.0: Proposed 2015-15 Patchogue Village Budget
Citizens Budget Guide 2.0: 2015-16 Proposed Village Budget
Village Budget Costs…Rising Higher
As the Village moves closer to the date of the public hearing on the proposed 2015-15 budget and vote by the Board of Trustees on the same date, this second section of the Citizens Guide to the Patchogue Village budget. The public hearing on the proposed budget will be held on 4-14-15 at 6 p.m. for those wishing to attend.
As with our previous posts this section begins with relevant video. The above video clip is taken from the 11/24/14 meeting of the Board of Trustees. In it Village Treasurer Krawczyk asks the Board to hold a public hearing on 12/8/14 to consider piercing the two percent tax cap. A discussion then occurs in which he explains that the chief reason for seeking to break the cap is to make sure that if the village has to pay an increased contribution to the New York State pension system that the village can do so without penalty. He then cites some supportive facts. He asks for and gets approval to pay 823,000 to the pension system. He then reports that in 2004 that same bill was 54,000. A discussion then occurs with Mayor Pontieri in particular commenting about the explosive growth in pension costs. Both conclude that the village is held hostage to cost formulas imposed by the State and guaranteed by the NY State Constitution. A six minute video another must see video for anyone trying to understand one of the factors contributing to the village’s expenses. Below we will be getting back to some of the content in that video.
Cost Factors Driving Village Budget Costs 2015-16
In looking at the overall budget while pension costs are a significant factor driving village finances holding them alone responsible for that rise does not seem to completely explain the rise in village spending. Here is a look at pension costs today and other expenses driving village costs.
Pension costs
Well a funny thing happened on the way to the proposed budget: pension costs for the next fiscal year are lowered and substantially: 672,855.
So where are costs otherwise being driven higher?
Workers Compensation
In the budget there is a substantial increase in worker’s compensation costs. They rise from 492,692 to 626,024
As no one in the village has commented on this fact the reasons for this rise are not presently known.
Public Safety and Housing Inspections
Costs for code enforcement are also increased in the proposed budget rising from 551,601 to 706,798 dollars.
And inspections costs rise from 344,153 to 378,688
This would be apparently be in reaction to increased demands for more code enforcement officers to deal with a rising tide of reported incidents on main street where in persons and property have been seen at risk plus an increased need to manage the village’s parking meter plan too. They can be seen too as one of the unintended consequences of the Village’s revitalization campaign: a rise in businesses serving entertainment needs has also brought with it instances of civil disorder in the village needing to be curbed to protect the gains of the revitalization campaign.
EPA Compliance
Little referred to in April 2014 the EPA cited the Village for clean water act violations. The village has now spent nearly 70,000, not planned for in its 2014-15 budget to hire outside consultant services to resolve this issue relating to its storm water management program. While those costs are not projected to re-occur in the next budget, that is 70,000 less dollars left around to deal with future costs and are mentioned here for that reason.
Executive Pay
In the 2015-16 budget the Mayor proposes raising his salary from about 35,000 to 55,000. This is an institutional increase meaning that while that change will not only effect the Mayor this year but in the event of his re-election to office in 2016 will also impact his future salary too. Projecting a five year period of time….the end of his current term and the full four year term if re-elected the costs of a an elected Mayor rises by 100,000 extra dollars.
Trustees are set to see their salaries increase from 12,000 to 18,000 annually. Again this is a future institutional cost of additional 180,000 for the six trustees over the next five years.
As the Mayor and the Trustees also receive a pension as a fringe benefit these increased amounts will ultimately impact their future pension costs as well cost unknown at this point in time.
The budget does not explain how these costs will be paid for but they do contribute to the proposed cost of the next budget and will for future budgets going forward.
Other factors: the Cumulative Effect
Outside of these big ticket items when looking through the numerous budget lines the impression gained is this one. By small amounts the majority of budget lines are increased slightly while a minority are reduced slightly. Village workers do get a two percent pay increase. Inflation costs do impact other costs and services that the village has to pay or such as utilities. The net effect is a cumulative increase in expenses over all and when other more potent fiscal drivers are added in the result is what we have now: a deficit budget, increased taxes, and the prospect that to keep taxes from sky rocketing that there will be another draw down from the village surplus. This is not exactly credit card living because the surplus is not a loan with interest but the surplus is essentially the savings of the village tax payers and living off of savings instead of living within one’s means, whether as an individual, or a village, does represent an issue of solvency whether long or short term a discussion for another section.
Next section: the price of revitalization…unacknowledged costs.
Tools: viewers are reminded we do have a copy of the proposed budget online for review and downloading which can be found here: http://www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/village-budgets.html
And don’t forget the Citizens Budget Guide 1.0 a guide to the 2014-15 village budget that also offers back ground information that helps explain the current proposed budget too by providing some historical back ground and explanation of the budget process not found here. It’s right here on webpage just scroll down to find it the five sections, video, and related document links.
Feedback: comments please to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens
Email to: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack Executive Director 4/3/15
Village Budget Costs…Rising Higher
As the Village moves closer to the date of the public hearing on the proposed 2015-15 budget and vote by the Board of Trustees on the same date, this second section of the Citizens Guide to the Patchogue Village budget. The public hearing on the proposed budget will be held on 4-14-15 at 6 p.m. for those wishing to attend.
As with our previous posts this section begins with relevant video. The above video clip is taken from the 11/24/14 meeting of the Board of Trustees. In it Village Treasurer Krawczyk asks the Board to hold a public hearing on 12/8/14 to consider piercing the two percent tax cap. A discussion then occurs in which he explains that the chief reason for seeking to break the cap is to make sure that if the village has to pay an increased contribution to the New York State pension system that the village can do so without penalty. He then cites some supportive facts. He asks for and gets approval to pay 823,000 to the pension system. He then reports that in 2004 that same bill was 54,000. A discussion then occurs with Mayor Pontieri in particular commenting about the explosive growth in pension costs. Both conclude that the village is held hostage to cost formulas imposed by the State and guaranteed by the NY State Constitution. A six minute video another must see video for anyone trying to understand one of the factors contributing to the village’s expenses. Below we will be getting back to some of the content in that video.
Cost Factors Driving Village Budget Costs 2015-16
In looking at the overall budget while pension costs are a significant factor driving village finances holding them alone responsible for that rise does not seem to completely explain the rise in village spending. Here is a look at pension costs today and other expenses driving village costs.
Pension costs
Well a funny thing happened on the way to the proposed budget: pension costs for the next fiscal year are lowered and substantially: 672,855.
So where are costs otherwise being driven higher?
Workers Compensation
In the budget there is a substantial increase in worker’s compensation costs. They rise from 492,692 to 626,024
As no one in the village has commented on this fact the reasons for this rise are not presently known.
Public Safety and Housing Inspections
Costs for code enforcement are also increased in the proposed budget rising from 551,601 to 706,798 dollars.
And inspections costs rise from 344,153 to 378,688
This would be apparently be in reaction to increased demands for more code enforcement officers to deal with a rising tide of reported incidents on main street where in persons and property have been seen at risk plus an increased need to manage the village’s parking meter plan too. They can be seen too as one of the unintended consequences of the Village’s revitalization campaign: a rise in businesses serving entertainment needs has also brought with it instances of civil disorder in the village needing to be curbed to protect the gains of the revitalization campaign.
EPA Compliance
Little referred to in April 2014 the EPA cited the Village for clean water act violations. The village has now spent nearly 70,000, not planned for in its 2014-15 budget to hire outside consultant services to resolve this issue relating to its storm water management program. While those costs are not projected to re-occur in the next budget, that is 70,000 less dollars left around to deal with future costs and are mentioned here for that reason.
Executive Pay
In the 2015-16 budget the Mayor proposes raising his salary from about 35,000 to 55,000. This is an institutional increase meaning that while that change will not only effect the Mayor this year but in the event of his re-election to office in 2016 will also impact his future salary too. Projecting a five year period of time….the end of his current term and the full four year term if re-elected the costs of a an elected Mayor rises by 100,000 extra dollars.
Trustees are set to see their salaries increase from 12,000 to 18,000 annually. Again this is a future institutional cost of additional 180,000 for the six trustees over the next five years.
As the Mayor and the Trustees also receive a pension as a fringe benefit these increased amounts will ultimately impact their future pension costs as well cost unknown at this point in time.
The budget does not explain how these costs will be paid for but they do contribute to the proposed cost of the next budget and will for future budgets going forward.
Other factors: the Cumulative Effect
Outside of these big ticket items when looking through the numerous budget lines the impression gained is this one. By small amounts the majority of budget lines are increased slightly while a minority are reduced slightly. Village workers do get a two percent pay increase. Inflation costs do impact other costs and services that the village has to pay or such as utilities. The net effect is a cumulative increase in expenses over all and when other more potent fiscal drivers are added in the result is what we have now: a deficit budget, increased taxes, and the prospect that to keep taxes from sky rocketing that there will be another draw down from the village surplus. This is not exactly credit card living because the surplus is not a loan with interest but the surplus is essentially the savings of the village tax payers and living off of savings instead of living within one’s means, whether as an individual, or a village, does represent an issue of solvency whether long or short term a discussion for another section.
Next section: the price of revitalization…unacknowledged costs.
Tools: viewers are reminded we do have a copy of the proposed budget online for review and downloading which can be found here: http://www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/village-budgets.html
And don’t forget the Citizens Budget Guide 1.0 a guide to the 2014-15 village budget that also offers back ground information that helps explain the current proposed budget too by providing some historical back ground and explanation of the budget process not found here. It’s right here on webpage just scroll down to find it the five sections, video, and related document links.
Feedback: comments please to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens
Email to: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack Executive Director 4/3/15
Planning Board Slows Sid's Drinking Den Application Over Safety Issue
Tim Lorito the owner of the successful mega entertainment center better known as the Emporium nightclub has applied to open a new bar on W. Main St across from Briar Cliff College. His application has proceeded along for some month but now has slowed due to concerns about a safety issue at the new location. Specifically does the owner have legal access to an alleyway that will serve as a vital second exit from the club in case of fire or emergency. We have been filming all the proceedings concerning this application due to the intense interest in Patchogue Village concerning the concentration of bars in the village. Our previous video documented an appearance by a representative speaking for the owner who presented documents which he claimed proved that the owner did have legal rights to access the alleyway.
At this meeting however Chairperson Rocco dismisses that claim and says that more proof must be submitted. No representative from the new club is present at the meeting to discuss the Chairperson's concerns or present new information. Just before the matter is adjourned until this legal issue can be resolved Planning Board member Weeks asks about a related issue whether the owner has conformed to another requirement imposed by the Zoning Board namely proof of a lease showing that 20 parking spaces will be available for patrons and staff to use.
Planning Board Coordinator Carol Ciglio slightly off screen to the right can be heard indicating that the owner has not yet provided proof of such a lease.
The application is then adjourned pending further documentation but Chairperson Rocco does say that the limit for presenting this information is 90 days after which the application will be determined on its merits and per the rules of the Planning Board.
Here are links to the previous You Tube videos.
The first video pictures the original application appearance at the Planning Board: https://youtu.be/06IdjzwDgmU
The second video pictures a follow up meeting at which the issue of emergency access if fully discussed but not resolved:
https://youtu.be/dQoaBeBuHP8
John Bogack Executive Director 3/30/15
At this meeting however Chairperson Rocco dismisses that claim and says that more proof must be submitted. No representative from the new club is present at the meeting to discuss the Chairperson's concerns or present new information. Just before the matter is adjourned until this legal issue can be resolved Planning Board member Weeks asks about a related issue whether the owner has conformed to another requirement imposed by the Zoning Board namely proof of a lease showing that 20 parking spaces will be available for patrons and staff to use.
Planning Board Coordinator Carol Ciglio slightly off screen to the right can be heard indicating that the owner has not yet provided proof of such a lease.
The application is then adjourned pending further documentation but Chairperson Rocco does say that the limit for presenting this information is 90 days after which the application will be determined on its merits and per the rules of the Planning Board.
Here are links to the previous You Tube videos.
The first video pictures the original application appearance at the Planning Board: https://youtu.be/06IdjzwDgmU
The second video pictures a follow up meeting at which the issue of emergency access if fully discussed but not resolved:
https://youtu.be/dQoaBeBuHP8
John Bogack Executive Director 3/30/15
Citizens Guide to the Patchogue Village 2015-16 Budget: Overview/Executive Salaries
Citizens Budget Guide to the 2015-16 Budget
Above a video from the 11/10/14 meeting of the PV Board of Trustees is included here. With every section of the past Citizens Budget guide and now with this new chapter we will be including video from our library as an additional reference tool. This video offers a positive view of the Village’s finances for the fiscal year June 2013 to May 2014. It offers some balance to what some might consider a rather more gloomy view suggested by current events. Worth the eight minutes to look at to get important back ground facts.
Before this begins a reminder of what has come before: the first Citizens Budget Guide. That guide in five sections can be found on our website just scroll down. The 2014-15 Village Budget, the current one, was a reference tool. A review of it should provide useful to anyone seeking to learn more about what is an otherwise complicated document. We created it though for just that reason; being complicated it needed to be broken down for easier understanding. It is not just a collection of numbers. In that guide some insights too about general trends and some tips about how to read which is not just one budget but three which collectively make up the “village budget”.
This guide begins as well with this in mind too. The public now has a draft budget to look at. When announced this last Monday Mayor Pontieri made it clear that the draft figures are subject to change before a final vote on 4-20-15. The public will have those final figures some time prior to the meeting probably within a week perhaps only a few days in advance. That was the case last year.
A copy of the draft budget can be seen online only on the website of the Citizens’ Campaign and can be found here: http://www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/uploads/1/7/7/7/17776131/draftpvbudg_2015-16.pdf
Patchogue Village for whatever reasons never makes a copy of any budget, adopted, or draft online. Residents who wish their own copy may however go to the Village Clerk’s office and obtain free of charge by asking.
So for the moment other than noting that tax rates in all categories are raised just some general observations.
Once again a deficit budget but this time higher than last year. If adopted as it stands, the budget will come with a 700K deficit price tag which if not somehow reduced during the course of the next fiscal year 6/1/15 to 5/31/16, will have to be made up from the village’s surplus account. While stabilizing the tax rate that procedure does draw down on surplus funds that might be used for other purposes. There are consequences and that would be one of them.
Deficit budgets lately are not the exception they are the rule and they have been rising:
2012-13: 480,000
2013-14 515,000
2014-15 612,572
2015-16 Draft 700,000
At this point in time Village spending rises from the adopted 2014-15 amount of 13,532,036 to: 14,367,972. This is an increase of 844,936 dollars.
In this section a look at one of the more potentially controversial parts of the budget namely salary increases for the Mayor, the Board of Trustees.
In this budget the Mayor proposes raising his salary from 35,200 to 56,000 annually. This is an increase of 20,800 per year.
Trustee salaries are raised from 12,000 to 18,000 annually. This is an increase of 6,000 per year per Trustee.
The top three compensated village officials would find their budget lines impacted as follows:
Village Attorney Egan, paid on a fee basis for his work, would remain the highest compensated village official at the amount of 155,000. However it should also be noted that no increase in his fees is called for in this budget and he will be paid in the new budget the same amount he was paid in the last budget.
Supt. of Highways Joe Dean will be paid 104,581 up from 101,983 dollars.
Village Clerk Patricia Seal will see her salary rise to 82,996 from 80,968 dollars.
All are reminded that in looking at the budget that all Patchogue Village elected officials also serve in a dual capacity. They are also trustees of the Sewer District. Their salaries are paid in the General Budget and then there is a supplemental allocation in the Sewer District. To get to their full amount both budget lines must be counted. This rule also applies to Village officials Dean and Seal and several other village officials as well.
The Mayor and Trustees also receive fringe benefits, e.g. pension referred to above and medical insurance with a payout stipend if they opt out of medical coverage. There are no budget lines specifically translating out the costs of these various fringe benefits for analysis as they are lumped into the general costs of these costs for all village staff taken as a whole.
Next Section: Cost factors driving village spending and taxing: Reality versus Myths
John Bogack Executive Director
Feedback: comments are welcome on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens or by email: CC4OVG@aol.com
And feedback to the Mayor and the Board: public hearing prior to a vote on the proposed 2015-16 budget on April 14, 2015 at 6 p.m. Public welcome to speak.
Above a video from the 11/10/14 meeting of the PV Board of Trustees is included here. With every section of the past Citizens Budget guide and now with this new chapter we will be including video from our library as an additional reference tool. This video offers a positive view of the Village’s finances for the fiscal year June 2013 to May 2014. It offers some balance to what some might consider a rather more gloomy view suggested by current events. Worth the eight minutes to look at to get important back ground facts.
Before this begins a reminder of what has come before: the first Citizens Budget Guide. That guide in five sections can be found on our website just scroll down. The 2014-15 Village Budget, the current one, was a reference tool. A review of it should provide useful to anyone seeking to learn more about what is an otherwise complicated document. We created it though for just that reason; being complicated it needed to be broken down for easier understanding. It is not just a collection of numbers. In that guide some insights too about general trends and some tips about how to read which is not just one budget but three which collectively make up the “village budget”.
This guide begins as well with this in mind too. The public now has a draft budget to look at. When announced this last Monday Mayor Pontieri made it clear that the draft figures are subject to change before a final vote on 4-20-15. The public will have those final figures some time prior to the meeting probably within a week perhaps only a few days in advance. That was the case last year.
A copy of the draft budget can be seen online only on the website of the Citizens’ Campaign and can be found here: http://www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/uploads/1/7/7/7/17776131/draftpvbudg_2015-16.pdf
Patchogue Village for whatever reasons never makes a copy of any budget, adopted, or draft online. Residents who wish their own copy may however go to the Village Clerk’s office and obtain free of charge by asking.
So for the moment other than noting that tax rates in all categories are raised just some general observations.
Once again a deficit budget but this time higher than last year. If adopted as it stands, the budget will come with a 700K deficit price tag which if not somehow reduced during the course of the next fiscal year 6/1/15 to 5/31/16, will have to be made up from the village’s surplus account. While stabilizing the tax rate that procedure does draw down on surplus funds that might be used for other purposes. There are consequences and that would be one of them.
Deficit budgets lately are not the exception they are the rule and they have been rising:
2012-13: 480,000
2013-14 515,000
2014-15 612,572
2015-16 Draft 700,000
At this point in time Village spending rises from the adopted 2014-15 amount of 13,532,036 to: 14,367,972. This is an increase of 844,936 dollars.
In this section a look at one of the more potentially controversial parts of the budget namely salary increases for the Mayor, the Board of Trustees.
In this budget the Mayor proposes raising his salary from 35,200 to 56,000 annually. This is an increase of 20,800 per year.
Trustee salaries are raised from 12,000 to 18,000 annually. This is an increase of 6,000 per year per Trustee.
The top three compensated village officials would find their budget lines impacted as follows:
Village Attorney Egan, paid on a fee basis for his work, would remain the highest compensated village official at the amount of 155,000. However it should also be noted that no increase in his fees is called for in this budget and he will be paid in the new budget the same amount he was paid in the last budget.
Supt. of Highways Joe Dean will be paid 104,581 up from 101,983 dollars.
Village Clerk Patricia Seal will see her salary rise to 82,996 from 80,968 dollars.
All are reminded that in looking at the budget that all Patchogue Village elected officials also serve in a dual capacity. They are also trustees of the Sewer District. Their salaries are paid in the General Budget and then there is a supplemental allocation in the Sewer District. To get to their full amount both budget lines must be counted. This rule also applies to Village officials Dean and Seal and several other village officials as well.
The Mayor and Trustees also receive fringe benefits, e.g. pension referred to above and medical insurance with a payout stipend if they opt out of medical coverage. There are no budget lines specifically translating out the costs of these various fringe benefits for analysis as they are lumped into the general costs of these costs for all village staff taken as a whole.
Next Section: Cost factors driving village spending and taxing: Reality versus Myths
John Bogack Executive Director
Feedback: comments are welcome on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens or by email: CC4OVG@aol.com
And feedback to the Mayor and the Board: public hearing prior to a vote on the proposed 2015-16 budget on April 14, 2015 at 6 p.m. Public welcome to speak.
Citizens Budget Guide to the 2014-15 Patchogue Village Budget
Section 5: Staffing, Salaries and Public Duty
Section 5: Staffing, Salaries and Public Duty
Section Five: Staffing Levels and a Partial Look at Salaries
We’ve begun each of these sections with some video. The above is from April 2014 taken from the Board of Trustees meeting at which the 2014-15 budget was discussed and then approved. Mayor Pontieri explains the basis for the tax increase with additional comments from Village Treasurer Krawczyk. The video illustrates key financial issues identified by Village decision makers and spending priorities controlling how money is allocated and it just as relevant today as it was then.
Section 5 of the Citizens Budget Guide to the 2014-15 to the Patchogue Village Budget closes with a look at the last eight pages of the budget which is posted here with a PDF copy below. In looking at the information in those pages while a lot of information can be found there is also a lot of information that still remains to be discovered.
The limits of privacy
The budget is a public document and salaries are not protected information so this section does disclose that kind of information. Times change and over time it’s become a public policy goal to publish this kind of information and post-employment income as well from the most powerful to the humblest worker. On a personal note I found this to be true for myself as well. I am a retired public employee. My pension information is online too along with hundreds of thousands of other public retirees: http://seethroughny.net/index.php?cID=147
Information not found
While the budget does contain much information, as a written document it is not inclusive of all relevant employment information. It is a limited document. Not found for example are these relevant factors about over all staffing trends and income results:
Ratio of employees by gender and rate of compensation by gender is not present. That would be valuable information that would be good to determine how the Village’s income policies conform to national trends for example it’s statistically true that women are generally paid less than men. Also true for Patchogue Village?
A breakdown by gender, absent here, would also be useful in determining whether within employee hiring practices there may be pockets of employment that are dominated by one gender only and whether there are rational work related reasons for those kind of collections. For example Code enforcement officers dominated by men, clerical positions dominated by women might suggest hold over stereotypes concerning the allocation of staff by gender. Again also true for Patchogue Village?
There is no plain statistical information available in the budget pages too with reference to number of union employees, employees with civil service status, full versus part time employees, independent contractors serving in full or part time capacities but who are for all intents and appearances village workers. As well there is no percentage breakdown for the average costs for fringe benefits per worker. These are useful facts that someday may surface in some document in time.
Village Government the Mighty Economic Engine
That said within the budget pages these important pieces of news: the Village has on its payroll 200 either full and/or part time employees making it a large employer in the village and a big economic engine of the Village economy.
The facts speak for themselves. In addition to a sizable work force: total spending 13,532,036 dollars plus and something not discussed earlier: the fourth Village budget namely the budget of the Community Development Agency a veritable fountain of federal grant money: 2,385,521 dollars. Combine those figures and its nearly 16 million dollars annually being invested in the Village and local economy. Plus just this year several millions of dollars in bonded projects for the Theater, sewer expansion and infrastructure and road improvements even more proof that Village governmental spending is a key part of the Village’s revitalization accounting in no small part however for an ever rising budget and taxation to pay for it.
Who gets paid what?
The budget pages in the PDF document do identify by last name the title and pay of quite a few village employees and individuals who are paid for their services to the village like the Village Attorney who strictly speaking is not a village employee but an independent contractor who bills for this services. Typically independent contractors and consultants get no fringe benefits and pay all taxes on their income without any employer contribution of any kind.
This section is not going to look at all those salaries but here is a look at some areas where public attention is often focused: the pay for elected officials and some other top appointed or contracted Village officials.
Tip: back in the first chapter it was explained that the current Board of Trustees and some village officials serve in a dual capacity. They are officers and or officials of both the Village of Patchogue and the Sewer District. Their salaries can only be found by adding totals from both budgets to come up with a combined figure. Some of those to whom this rule applies are now listed below.
Mayor Pontieri: 28,000 from the General Budget, 7,200 from the Sewer District. His salary is 35,200.
Note: The Mayor along with all Trustees also receive pension credits and medical benefits with a buy out bonus if they choose not to belong to the village medical plan (bonus payback amount unknown). The budget does not break out the cost of these fringe benefits in their case and in fact in no case is this done for any employee or official receiving these benefits.
Trustees: are paid 10,800 from the general budget and get another 1,200 from the Sewer District resulting in a combined total of 12,000 individually.
Note 2: all elected positions are considered part time. In truth all of the listed positions below particularly Trustees are full time. Trustees work flexible schedules as they are expected to attend events on behalf of the village nights and weekends. Some manage Departments with budgets in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. All, with some more so than others, are on call at any time for emergency duties.
The Supt. of Public works is paid 63, 739 dollars from the General Fund and also is paid 38,244 from the Sewer District for a combined total of: 101,983.
The Village Clerk is paid 60,276 from the General Fund and is also paid 20,242 dollars from the Sewer District for a combined total of: 80,518.
The Village Attorney is paid on a fee for service basis of: 140,000 from the General budget and is also paid 15,000 dollars from the Sewer District for a grand total of: 155,000.
The Village Attorney is the highest paid Village official by this reckoning.
And so ends this basic guide to the 2014-15 budget. As stated before this guide is a work in progress and still open to revision as new information arises.
All viewers of this guide are reminded they can conduct their own review by looking at the PDF document posted below.
To the Public: The work ahead
As this guide ends news that the Mayor is about to set a date for the public hearing on the 2015-16 budget. It’s been the intent of this guide all along to assist village tax payers by educating them about basic facts related to the budget process. The public should put that knowledge to good use by attending the public hearing date when the next budget comes up for public review and a vote. Over the past few years historically the public has not turned out in any significant numbers to express its views. When the numbers of Board members exceed the public turnout is it any wonder then that public officials conclude that public silence is approval. It should come as no wonder at all.
There are multiple reasons for this but ultimately the public alone has the duty to attend despite whatever barriers are placed in its way like a relatively early meeting time. When the going gets tough the tough gets going is a useful motto that the Public needs to recall. Apathy is no solution to anything and in the case of the budget can cost the public in expenses not avoided and taxes not reduced. Elected officials do need to hear from the tax payers before reaching their decision about allocating tax money from the Public Treasury: enough said.
Comments: our Facebook page is available: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens
Other questions please email: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack Executive Director 3/22/15
We’ve begun each of these sections with some video. The above is from April 2014 taken from the Board of Trustees meeting at which the 2014-15 budget was discussed and then approved. Mayor Pontieri explains the basis for the tax increase with additional comments from Village Treasurer Krawczyk. The video illustrates key financial issues identified by Village decision makers and spending priorities controlling how money is allocated and it just as relevant today as it was then.
Section 5 of the Citizens Budget Guide to the 2014-15 to the Patchogue Village Budget closes with a look at the last eight pages of the budget which is posted here with a PDF copy below. In looking at the information in those pages while a lot of information can be found there is also a lot of information that still remains to be discovered.
The limits of privacy
The budget is a public document and salaries are not protected information so this section does disclose that kind of information. Times change and over time it’s become a public policy goal to publish this kind of information and post-employment income as well from the most powerful to the humblest worker. On a personal note I found this to be true for myself as well. I am a retired public employee. My pension information is online too along with hundreds of thousands of other public retirees: http://seethroughny.net/index.php?cID=147
Information not found
While the budget does contain much information, as a written document it is not inclusive of all relevant employment information. It is a limited document. Not found for example are these relevant factors about over all staffing trends and income results:
Ratio of employees by gender and rate of compensation by gender is not present. That would be valuable information that would be good to determine how the Village’s income policies conform to national trends for example it’s statistically true that women are generally paid less than men. Also true for Patchogue Village?
A breakdown by gender, absent here, would also be useful in determining whether within employee hiring practices there may be pockets of employment that are dominated by one gender only and whether there are rational work related reasons for those kind of collections. For example Code enforcement officers dominated by men, clerical positions dominated by women might suggest hold over stereotypes concerning the allocation of staff by gender. Again also true for Patchogue Village?
There is no plain statistical information available in the budget pages too with reference to number of union employees, employees with civil service status, full versus part time employees, independent contractors serving in full or part time capacities but who are for all intents and appearances village workers. As well there is no percentage breakdown for the average costs for fringe benefits per worker. These are useful facts that someday may surface in some document in time.
Village Government the Mighty Economic Engine
That said within the budget pages these important pieces of news: the Village has on its payroll 200 either full and/or part time employees making it a large employer in the village and a big economic engine of the Village economy.
The facts speak for themselves. In addition to a sizable work force: total spending 13,532,036 dollars plus and something not discussed earlier: the fourth Village budget namely the budget of the Community Development Agency a veritable fountain of federal grant money: 2,385,521 dollars. Combine those figures and its nearly 16 million dollars annually being invested in the Village and local economy. Plus just this year several millions of dollars in bonded projects for the Theater, sewer expansion and infrastructure and road improvements even more proof that Village governmental spending is a key part of the Village’s revitalization accounting in no small part however for an ever rising budget and taxation to pay for it.
Who gets paid what?
The budget pages in the PDF document do identify by last name the title and pay of quite a few village employees and individuals who are paid for their services to the village like the Village Attorney who strictly speaking is not a village employee but an independent contractor who bills for this services. Typically independent contractors and consultants get no fringe benefits and pay all taxes on their income without any employer contribution of any kind.
This section is not going to look at all those salaries but here is a look at some areas where public attention is often focused: the pay for elected officials and some other top appointed or contracted Village officials.
Tip: back in the first chapter it was explained that the current Board of Trustees and some village officials serve in a dual capacity. They are officers and or officials of both the Village of Patchogue and the Sewer District. Their salaries can only be found by adding totals from both budgets to come up with a combined figure. Some of those to whom this rule applies are now listed below.
Mayor Pontieri: 28,000 from the General Budget, 7,200 from the Sewer District. His salary is 35,200.
Note: The Mayor along with all Trustees also receive pension credits and medical benefits with a buy out bonus if they choose not to belong to the village medical plan (bonus payback amount unknown). The budget does not break out the cost of these fringe benefits in their case and in fact in no case is this done for any employee or official receiving these benefits.
Trustees: are paid 10,800 from the general budget and get another 1,200 from the Sewer District resulting in a combined total of 12,000 individually.
Note 2: all elected positions are considered part time. In truth all of the listed positions below particularly Trustees are full time. Trustees work flexible schedules as they are expected to attend events on behalf of the village nights and weekends. Some manage Departments with budgets in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. All, with some more so than others, are on call at any time for emergency duties.
The Supt. of Public works is paid 63, 739 dollars from the General Fund and also is paid 38,244 from the Sewer District for a combined total of: 101,983.
The Village Clerk is paid 60,276 from the General Fund and is also paid 20,242 dollars from the Sewer District for a combined total of: 80,518.
The Village Attorney is paid on a fee for service basis of: 140,000 from the General budget and is also paid 15,000 dollars from the Sewer District for a grand total of: 155,000.
The Village Attorney is the highest paid Village official by this reckoning.
And so ends this basic guide to the 2014-15 budget. As stated before this guide is a work in progress and still open to revision as new information arises.
All viewers of this guide are reminded they can conduct their own review by looking at the PDF document posted below.
To the Public: The work ahead
As this guide ends news that the Mayor is about to set a date for the public hearing on the 2015-16 budget. It’s been the intent of this guide all along to assist village tax payers by educating them about basic facts related to the budget process. The public should put that knowledge to good use by attending the public hearing date when the next budget comes up for public review and a vote. Over the past few years historically the public has not turned out in any significant numbers to express its views. When the numbers of Board members exceed the public turnout is it any wonder then that public officials conclude that public silence is approval. It should come as no wonder at all.
There are multiple reasons for this but ultimately the public alone has the duty to attend despite whatever barriers are placed in its way like a relatively early meeting time. When the going gets tough the tough gets going is a useful motto that the Public needs to recall. Apathy is no solution to anything and in the case of the budget can cost the public in expenses not avoided and taxes not reduced. Elected officials do need to hear from the tax payers before reaching their decision about allocating tax money from the Public Treasury: enough said.
Comments: our Facebook page is available: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens
Other questions please email: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack Executive Director 3/22/15
| salaries_2014-15_budget.pdf |
Citizens Budget Guide Section 4:
Sewer and Business Improvement Districts
Sewer and Business Improvement Districts
Each of
these online sections of the Citizens Guide to the 2014-15 Village Budget has
begun with a video. This section too has video, a short one, but an important
one. In this video clip Mayor Pontieri explains what the term sewer surplus
means particularly the use of the term “key money” an initial amount that major
users such as the Riverwalk condo complex as an example pays just for the right
to connect to the Sewer district in the first place.
This is the fourth and next to last section of the Citizens Guide to the 2014-15 Patchogue Village budget. Done now with the General budget we now look at the two smaller budgets that along with the General budget make up what is known collectively as the Patchogue Village budget. These two budgets are: the Sewer District and Business Improvement District budgets. These budgets are much smaller than the General budget. We are going to look at both expenditures and revenues for each in this single section.
The total Sewer District Budget is 1,395,851 dollars. Raised by sewer fees to meet that expense 1,271,752 and by other revenues means 124,099.
Not everyone pays sewer fees or taxes. Taxation occurs when at least one these circumstances occur. Your home or business must be in the sewer district itself. If you are then you pay an ad valorem fee on assessed value whether you use the system or not. If you actually use the system there is a usage fee based on gallons used. If you are a commercial enterprise all users annually pay one flat rate on top of usage and ad valorem fees: $995. In other words a number of factors contribute to the final tax or fee that is paid.
Of the 1,395,851 budgeted 676,712 dollars is dedicated to administrative and staff expenses, the remainder of the allocated budget is for other expenses related to the operation of the sewer district.
Later a PDF document further documenting the breakdown amounts for the various fees listed above and a complete list of appropriations and revenues for the Sewer District for reference.
The Business Improvement District is the smallest of the three budgets. Its entire budget is paid for by taxes imposed only on members of the Business Improvement District not the general public.
The total budget of the BID is: 161,257 dollars. Of that sum 76,880 dollars are allocated for staff expenses. As with the Sewer District there is a PDF document included here documenting its appropriation line.
And that’s it for these two budgets but this observation about the Sewer District.
The Sewer District budget is sure to expand dramatically over the next five years and that is because the Sewer District, already expanding, is set for unprecedented growth. It is only already gaining new customers as the River Walk condo project continues to build out and that project is still if far from sold out. The Sewer District was recently expanded and a line runs east down main street into E. Patchogue. Slowly but surely businesses and housing complexes have been connecting to it and that is an ongoing process.
Heading back into the village, Village Walk a five story assisted living facility that will be located on E. Main Street once built. will also connect to the Sewer District. In the north western corner of the Village, just on the outskirts of the Village boundary, a massive condo complex the Vineyards at Blue Point will be paying 1.5 million dollars in “key money” to connect and then hundreds of new condo units will be connected becoming future customers.
Last but not least another super massive project the sewering of South Patchogue Village, an 18 million dollar plan, that will hook up perhaps as many as 600 residents to the system. Commercial hookups still may be possible as word on that option still needs to be heard.
Ongoing has been two construction projects both bonded; several million dollars now committed. One project sewering the south end of River Avenue will bring another 50 or so customers and probably one rental complex located in the same area. The sewer district is also presently in the process of revamping its pump station that runs a line up and down South Ocean avenue an infrastructure project that insures that the system will be able to deal with future increased needs.
In others words the system is growing and its budget is sure to expand dramatically over the next half decade.
Next: Section 5 a look at Village government staffing levels.
The PDF library below: one PDF document that shows various taxation rates for all three budgets, a second PDF relating to the Sewer districts, its costs and revenues and the third PDF showing the appropriations for the Business Improvement District.
Comments: please use our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens or email: CC4OVG@aol.com
Next the final section, section 5, a look at Village government staffing levels and some selected salary information
This is the fourth and next to last section of the Citizens Guide to the 2014-15 Patchogue Village budget. Done now with the General budget we now look at the two smaller budgets that along with the General budget make up what is known collectively as the Patchogue Village budget. These two budgets are: the Sewer District and Business Improvement District budgets. These budgets are much smaller than the General budget. We are going to look at both expenditures and revenues for each in this single section.
The total Sewer District Budget is 1,395,851 dollars. Raised by sewer fees to meet that expense 1,271,752 and by other revenues means 124,099.
Not everyone pays sewer fees or taxes. Taxation occurs when at least one these circumstances occur. Your home or business must be in the sewer district itself. If you are then you pay an ad valorem fee on assessed value whether you use the system or not. If you actually use the system there is a usage fee based on gallons used. If you are a commercial enterprise all users annually pay one flat rate on top of usage and ad valorem fees: $995. In other words a number of factors contribute to the final tax or fee that is paid.
Of the 1,395,851 budgeted 676,712 dollars is dedicated to administrative and staff expenses, the remainder of the allocated budget is for other expenses related to the operation of the sewer district.
Later a PDF document further documenting the breakdown amounts for the various fees listed above and a complete list of appropriations and revenues for the Sewer District for reference.
The Business Improvement District is the smallest of the three budgets. Its entire budget is paid for by taxes imposed only on members of the Business Improvement District not the general public.
The total budget of the BID is: 161,257 dollars. Of that sum 76,880 dollars are allocated for staff expenses. As with the Sewer District there is a PDF document included here documenting its appropriation line.
And that’s it for these two budgets but this observation about the Sewer District.
The Sewer District budget is sure to expand dramatically over the next five years and that is because the Sewer District, already expanding, is set for unprecedented growth. It is only already gaining new customers as the River Walk condo project continues to build out and that project is still if far from sold out. The Sewer District was recently expanded and a line runs east down main street into E. Patchogue. Slowly but surely businesses and housing complexes have been connecting to it and that is an ongoing process.
Heading back into the village, Village Walk a five story assisted living facility that will be located on E. Main Street once built. will also connect to the Sewer District. In the north western corner of the Village, just on the outskirts of the Village boundary, a massive condo complex the Vineyards at Blue Point will be paying 1.5 million dollars in “key money” to connect and then hundreds of new condo units will be connected becoming future customers.
Last but not least another super massive project the sewering of South Patchogue Village, an 18 million dollar plan, that will hook up perhaps as many as 600 residents to the system. Commercial hookups still may be possible as word on that option still needs to be heard.
Ongoing has been two construction projects both bonded; several million dollars now committed. One project sewering the south end of River Avenue will bring another 50 or so customers and probably one rental complex located in the same area. The sewer district is also presently in the process of revamping its pump station that runs a line up and down South Ocean avenue an infrastructure project that insures that the system will be able to deal with future increased needs.
In others words the system is growing and its budget is sure to expand dramatically over the next half decade.
Next: Section 5 a look at Village government staffing levels.
The PDF library below: one PDF document that shows various taxation rates for all three budgets, a second PDF relating to the Sewer districts, its costs and revenues and the third PDF showing the appropriations for the Business Improvement District.
Comments: please use our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens or email: CC4OVG@aol.com
Next the final section, section 5, a look at Village government staffing levels and some selected salary information
| bid_2014-15_budget.pdf |
| sewerbudget.pdf |
| 2014-15_taxation_rates.pdf |
Citizens Budget Guide Section 3:
Revenues 2014-15 Village General Fund
Revenues 2014-15 Village General Fund
Section 3: Revenue Sources General Fund 2014-15 Budget
Now here is a quick comment about the video that comes with this section. The other two published sections of this guide displayed video that showed Village officials looking for way to find revenue to offset present and future costs. In this video village officials are pictured actually finding some money in this case for the Sewer District that substantially offset costs at least affecting the sewer district. While this section is about revenues for the General Fund having an adequate surplus in the Sewer Fund prevents having to dip into the General fund to pay for bonding for sewer projects. This year the Board in fact approved two bonds for sewer district projects and in no case had to tap surplus funds in the General Budget to help pay for them. These funds are separate but are at times practically inter-related and good news for one means good news for both.
In the first two sections of this guide we have looked at some of the top expenses that the Village has to pay out. Now a look at where the Village gets its money to pay for those expenses for the General Fund.
Real property tax levies account for 8,395,605 dollars of that income.
Fees, fines, licenses and a long list of other collections account for the remaining 4, 399,660 dollars that are raised.
Here are two break downs. First a list of the top sources of non-property tax income. Secondly a link to a PDF document that charts out all the other sources of income, lesser streams that collectively arrive at the four million plus figure above.
The PDF link is a source document, three pages long and a very useful tool for looking at the overall picture from which the data below has been taken. It’s on the webpage below this content.
Top Non Property Tax Village Income Sources
Refuse and Garbage Fees 2,043,916
Fines and Forfeitures (Village Court) 450,000
Parking Meters 245,000
Franchises (Cablevision) 210,000
Permits (Building Dept.) 200,000
Elec. And Gas Gross Receipts 170,000
Culture and Recreation (all fees) 150,000
Dispatch Services (Fire Dept.) 121,314
Other Public Safety Fees 121,314
To see the remaining sums a review of the PDF document has to be done.
Next: Expenditures for the Sewer and Business Improvement Districts the other two budgets that along with the General Fund comprise what is generally known as “the Village Budget”.
John Bogack , Executive Director 3/20/15
Now here is a quick comment about the video that comes with this section. The other two published sections of this guide displayed video that showed Village officials looking for way to find revenue to offset present and future costs. In this video village officials are pictured actually finding some money in this case for the Sewer District that substantially offset costs at least affecting the sewer district. While this section is about revenues for the General Fund having an adequate surplus in the Sewer Fund prevents having to dip into the General fund to pay for bonding for sewer projects. This year the Board in fact approved two bonds for sewer district projects and in no case had to tap surplus funds in the General Budget to help pay for them. These funds are separate but are at times practically inter-related and good news for one means good news for both.
In the first two sections of this guide we have looked at some of the top expenses that the Village has to pay out. Now a look at where the Village gets its money to pay for those expenses for the General Fund.
Real property tax levies account for 8,395,605 dollars of that income.
Fees, fines, licenses and a long list of other collections account for the remaining 4, 399,660 dollars that are raised.
Here are two break downs. First a list of the top sources of non-property tax income. Secondly a link to a PDF document that charts out all the other sources of income, lesser streams that collectively arrive at the four million plus figure above.
The PDF link is a source document, three pages long and a very useful tool for looking at the overall picture from which the data below has been taken. It’s on the webpage below this content.
Top Non Property Tax Village Income Sources
Refuse and Garbage Fees 2,043,916
Fines and Forfeitures (Village Court) 450,000
Parking Meters 245,000
Franchises (Cablevision) 210,000
Permits (Building Dept.) 200,000
Elec. And Gas Gross Receipts 170,000
Culture and Recreation (all fees) 150,000
Dispatch Services (Fire Dept.) 121,314
Other Public Safety Fees 121,314
To see the remaining sums a review of the PDF document has to be done.
Next: Expenditures for the Sewer and Business Improvement Districts the other two budgets that along with the General Fund comprise what is generally known as “the Village Budget”.
John Bogack , Executive Director 3/20/15
| revchartbudget.pdf |
Citizens Budget Guide Section 2: Other Top Budget Costs
Section 2: 2014-15 General Budget Expenditures Above 100,000 K
Just a quick word about the video posted with this section. Further here Ambulance costs are noted as one of the 16 top expenditures in the General Budget. The Ambulance contract listed below has been the subject of some concern for some years now. The video documents a promise to reduce those costs and is included here as it remains a current concern.
In the first section some necessary back ground and a look at million dollar plus expenditure lines in the Village General Budget. Now in section two a look at lesser budget lines all above 100,000.
Here are the top 16 areas of spending in this category:
Top 16…more than 100K less than a million K
Less than 800K in expenses
1. Culture and Recreation: 735,685
Just a quick look at this the highest budget line in this group. This expense covers costs for administration, Parks and Recreation, Pool, Marina, Youth and Adult recreation. Cost of staff for all these various services from the above line: 492,716
Less than 700k in expenses
2 Central Garage 662,818
Of this staff costs 140,056
3 Security Patrol (Code Enforcement) 651,038
Of this staff costs: 551,601
4 Ambulance Service contract 633,000
300K or more expenses
5 Safety Inspections (Building Dept.) 344,153
Of this staff costs: 318.153
6 Village Clerk 347,259
Of this staff costs: 221,456
200K or more expenses
7. Public Safety 276,215
(Fire Dept. Dispatchers)
Of this staff costs: 263,140
8. Village Court 262,522
Of this staff costs: 217,722
9. Street Lighting 232,000
10. Unallocated Insurance 225,000
(Insurance premiums for village)
11. Village Treasurer Office 201,568
Of this staff costs 194,868
Less that 200K expenses
12. Snow Removal 188,000
Of this staff costs 75,000
14. Engineering 165,000
Services contracted out by the Village
15. Village Attorney 141,000
16. Village Hall (Building and care) 121,532
Of this staff cost 62,557
All are reminded to dig deeper into the figures the best place to go is to the source a copy of the 2014-15 posted online on our website. Go to:http://www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/
Once there look up on the front page, find the More tab, click it, a drop down menu will then appear, click village budgets and a PDF copy of the 2014-15 budget appears as a link that can be downloaded.
Next a focus on where the village gets it money to pay its General Budget bills.
Comments: our Facebook page is available, other questions please email: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack Executive Director 3/19/15
Just a quick word about the video posted with this section. Further here Ambulance costs are noted as one of the 16 top expenditures in the General Budget. The Ambulance contract listed below has been the subject of some concern for some years now. The video documents a promise to reduce those costs and is included here as it remains a current concern.
In the first section some necessary back ground and a look at million dollar plus expenditure lines in the Village General Budget. Now in section two a look at lesser budget lines all above 100,000.
Here are the top 16 areas of spending in this category:
Top 16…more than 100K less than a million K
Less than 800K in expenses
1. Culture and Recreation: 735,685
Just a quick look at this the highest budget line in this group. This expense covers costs for administration, Parks and Recreation, Pool, Marina, Youth and Adult recreation. Cost of staff for all these various services from the above line: 492,716
Less than 700k in expenses
2 Central Garage 662,818
Of this staff costs 140,056
3 Security Patrol (Code Enforcement) 651,038
Of this staff costs: 551,601
4 Ambulance Service contract 633,000
300K or more expenses
5 Safety Inspections (Building Dept.) 344,153
Of this staff costs: 318.153
6 Village Clerk 347,259
Of this staff costs: 221,456
200K or more expenses
7. Public Safety 276,215
(Fire Dept. Dispatchers)
Of this staff costs: 263,140
8. Village Court 262,522
Of this staff costs: 217,722
9. Street Lighting 232,000
10. Unallocated Insurance 225,000
(Insurance premiums for village)
11. Village Treasurer Office 201,568
Of this staff costs 194,868
Less that 200K expenses
12. Snow Removal 188,000
Of this staff costs 75,000
14. Engineering 165,000
Services contracted out by the Village
15. Village Attorney 141,000
16. Village Hall (Building and care) 121,532
Of this staff cost 62,557
All are reminded to dig deeper into the figures the best place to go is to the source a copy of the 2014-15 posted online on our website. Go to:http://www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/
Once there look up on the front page, find the More tab, click it, a drop down menu will then appear, click village budgets and a PDF copy of the 2014-15 budget appears as a link that can be downloaded.
Next a focus on where the village gets it money to pay its General Budget bills.
Comments: our Facebook page is available, other questions please email: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack Executive Director 3/19/15
First Ever Citizens Guide to the Patchogue Village Budget
A Citizens Guide to the Patchogue Village Budget
In a few weeks first news of the proposed 2015-16 Village Budget will start to become known to the public. In advance of that event we begin a basic guide to the Village Budget with this post. We are going to use the 2014-15 Village Budget as a reference until the new budget is released. And some upfront full disclosure. This is a guide being written by a tax payer with no special knowledge of finances. I am no accountant. With that mind I will however try and make this is as plain as I can. And while this first section is long, sections that follow are not.
There is a real need for public information when it comes to the Village Budget. It is a long document; the 2014-15 Budget is 49 pages. Plus the budget is not always organized in a user friendly way. The mass of content and its style discourages review. But as is said: it is what it is. Posted on line this organization does have a copy of the last budget. That posting is now an every person’s link to the Budget courtesy of the net. It can be downloaded and printed. It’s the key document now about to be broken down for easier understanding. Recommended: link to it; look at it because despite its flaws as a written document any gaps here are going to be filled in by looking at the source. To find the link: on our website, look up to the More tab, click, drop menu opens, click village budgets and find the PDF for tentative budget (approved) 2014-15.
First facts the Village Budget is really three budgets all voted upon on the same time. The Village fiscal year is from 6/1/14 to 5/31/15.
So the guide will start first with the General Budget: expenditures, and revenues. Once that is done we will move on to expenditures and revenues for the Sewer District and the Business Improvement District. Then we are going to look at staffing levels and patterns of employment. Lastly impressions and recommendations for change.
The Three Budgets: Gross Amounts
General budget: total amount is 11,973,929.
Note: when the 2014-15 budget was passed the above sum included a deficit amount of 612,572 that was to be balanced out by withdrawing a like sum from the village’s multimillion dollar surplus account if needed by the end of the current budget year. The video link above pictures Trustee Ferb and Mayor Pontieri explaining, just after the 2014-15 budget had been approved, how they planned to deal afterwards with the budget deficit: worth a look for the Mayor’s view about Village finances in general.
There is a budget for the Sewer District which is not independent of the Village government but a division of it with the Mayor and Trustees serving as the Trustee Board of the Sewer district at the same time. The current Trustees are in fact dual trustees. Other village officials for example the Village Clerk also serve as functionaries of the Sewer District too. The total amount of the Sewer District budget is: 1,395,851.
Lastly a budget for the Business Improvement District which is independently run but substantially dependent on the budget approved by the Board of Trustees. However that Budget is funded by business taxes that fall only on the businesses within the taxing district of the BID: total amount is 162,257.
Total Village Budget for all three accounts: 13,532,036
Here is a breakdown of the four highest budgeted expenses all from the General Budget first.
Four Highest Budgeted Expenses
Employee Benefits 3,043,476
Street Maintenance 1,043,814
Refuse and Garbage 1,033,357
Debt Service 1,008,356
The above budget items are the only budget items with million dollar plus lines.
Here is a better break down of the single largest expense (after employee salaries not listed here yet). Note: Misc. employee benefit charges below 10,000 not counted. The guide then continues on with less detailed breakdowns of the other million dollar expense lines.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Hospital and Medical Insurance 1,339,468
State Retirement 725,523
Workers Compensation Ins. 472,669
Social Security 323,893
Fireman’s Retirement 143.000
Dental Insurance 28,800
Unemployment Ins. 10,000
2nd Highest budget expenditure
REFUSE AND GARBAGE 1, 043,814
Of this line staff expense is: 556,684
3rd Highest budget expenditure
STREET MAINTENANCE 1,033,357
Of this line staff expense is: 825,232
4th Highest budget expenditure
DEBT SERVICE 1,008,356
Note: without taking into consideration any new bonds that may be issued in the near future one of the bonds that the Village is currently paying down, a four million dollar plus bond that funded the first massive renovation of the Patchogue Theater, will be paid off on 7/17 and 350,000 now being spent to pay that bond will cease as an ongoing expense.
That’s a “quick” review of the four highest expense lines in the 2014-15 Budget.
And lastly just a reminder to all that this guide is just beginning: it is truly a work in progress. When looking at a budget line of 3 million dollars plus just for fringe benefits the normal reaction might be sticker shock. Let’s remember that still to come is how village staff offset the expense of their employment. They are not just sitting around. They are collecting fines, fees, and bringing in revenue in other ways. And the same to be said too about other budget lines that appear here. There are offsets not yet accounted for. The account of all that activity is still to come.
Next post: other General Budget expenses above 100,000
Comments: our Facebook page is available, other questions please email: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack Executive Director
3/18/15
In a few weeks first news of the proposed 2015-16 Village Budget will start to become known to the public. In advance of that event we begin a basic guide to the Village Budget with this post. We are going to use the 2014-15 Village Budget as a reference until the new budget is released. And some upfront full disclosure. This is a guide being written by a tax payer with no special knowledge of finances. I am no accountant. With that mind I will however try and make this is as plain as I can. And while this first section is long, sections that follow are not.
There is a real need for public information when it comes to the Village Budget. It is a long document; the 2014-15 Budget is 49 pages. Plus the budget is not always organized in a user friendly way. The mass of content and its style discourages review. But as is said: it is what it is. Posted on line this organization does have a copy of the last budget. That posting is now an every person’s link to the Budget courtesy of the net. It can be downloaded and printed. It’s the key document now about to be broken down for easier understanding. Recommended: link to it; look at it because despite its flaws as a written document any gaps here are going to be filled in by looking at the source. To find the link: on our website, look up to the More tab, click, drop menu opens, click village budgets and find the PDF for tentative budget (approved) 2014-15.
First facts the Village Budget is really three budgets all voted upon on the same time. The Village fiscal year is from 6/1/14 to 5/31/15.
So the guide will start first with the General Budget: expenditures, and revenues. Once that is done we will move on to expenditures and revenues for the Sewer District and the Business Improvement District. Then we are going to look at staffing levels and patterns of employment. Lastly impressions and recommendations for change.
The Three Budgets: Gross Amounts
General budget: total amount is 11,973,929.
Note: when the 2014-15 budget was passed the above sum included a deficit amount of 612,572 that was to be balanced out by withdrawing a like sum from the village’s multimillion dollar surplus account if needed by the end of the current budget year. The video link above pictures Trustee Ferb and Mayor Pontieri explaining, just after the 2014-15 budget had been approved, how they planned to deal afterwards with the budget deficit: worth a look for the Mayor’s view about Village finances in general.
There is a budget for the Sewer District which is not independent of the Village government but a division of it with the Mayor and Trustees serving as the Trustee Board of the Sewer district at the same time. The current Trustees are in fact dual trustees. Other village officials for example the Village Clerk also serve as functionaries of the Sewer District too. The total amount of the Sewer District budget is: 1,395,851.
Lastly a budget for the Business Improvement District which is independently run but substantially dependent on the budget approved by the Board of Trustees. However that Budget is funded by business taxes that fall only on the businesses within the taxing district of the BID: total amount is 162,257.
Total Village Budget for all three accounts: 13,532,036
Here is a breakdown of the four highest budgeted expenses all from the General Budget first.
Four Highest Budgeted Expenses
Employee Benefits 3,043,476
Street Maintenance 1,043,814
Refuse and Garbage 1,033,357
Debt Service 1,008,356
The above budget items are the only budget items with million dollar plus lines.
Here is a better break down of the single largest expense (after employee salaries not listed here yet). Note: Misc. employee benefit charges below 10,000 not counted. The guide then continues on with less detailed breakdowns of the other million dollar expense lines.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Hospital and Medical Insurance 1,339,468
State Retirement 725,523
Workers Compensation Ins. 472,669
Social Security 323,893
Fireman’s Retirement 143.000
Dental Insurance 28,800
Unemployment Ins. 10,000
2nd Highest budget expenditure
REFUSE AND GARBAGE 1, 043,814
Of this line staff expense is: 556,684
3rd Highest budget expenditure
STREET MAINTENANCE 1,033,357
Of this line staff expense is: 825,232
4th Highest budget expenditure
DEBT SERVICE 1,008,356
Note: without taking into consideration any new bonds that may be issued in the near future one of the bonds that the Village is currently paying down, a four million dollar plus bond that funded the first massive renovation of the Patchogue Theater, will be paid off on 7/17 and 350,000 now being spent to pay that bond will cease as an ongoing expense.
That’s a “quick” review of the four highest expense lines in the 2014-15 Budget.
And lastly just a reminder to all that this guide is just beginning: it is truly a work in progress. When looking at a budget line of 3 million dollars plus just for fringe benefits the normal reaction might be sticker shock. Let’s remember that still to come is how village staff offset the expense of their employment. They are not just sitting around. They are collecting fines, fees, and bringing in revenue in other ways. And the same to be said too about other budget lines that appear here. There are offsets not yet accounted for. The account of all that activity is still to come.
Next post: other General Budget expenses above 100,000
Comments: our Facebook page is available, other questions please email: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack Executive Director
3/18/15
EPA Policy Study Update No. 3: Village Moving to Fix Violations
EPA AUDIT UPDATE No. 3
On 10/25/14 this organization published the first in this ongoing series of policy reports concerning a finding by the Environmental Protection in April 2014 that based on an audit conducted by it in November 2013 that Patchogue Village was in violation of the Clean Water Act with respect to its management of its federally licensed storm water management program.
On 11/23/14 we published a second update reporting on a contact by this organization with the EPA that clarified the report conclusions and we reported that the EPA finding did not imply that Patchogue Village had been responsible for any pollution of the Patchogue River and or any associated streams or bodies of water. However that contact did emphasize that serious issues had been raised by the audit’s findings that needed to be remedied which it appeared to the EPA Patchogue Village was in the process of resolving.
On 11/24/14 representatives from this organization met with Mayor Pontieri and other village officials. At that meeting our reports were discussed with the Mayor who conceded that he should have been more direct with the public about the findings of the audit when those findings had first become known to the Village. He also stated that remedial actions were ongoing and would effectively resolve all the issues detailed in the audit report.
At that point this organization paused its research efforts to allow time for those remedial actions to go forward.
This update originates from two recent actions taken by the Village in the last few weeks that bear noting in line with the Mayor’s promise that remedial steps were urgently moving forward.
The above video clip documents the first of those recent events namely the re-hiring of expert consultant Brian McCaffrey to provide continuing storm water management administrative services to assist the Village in bringing its storm water management program into conformity with EPA mandates ($4,185.) His initial payment was 6,000. A copy of the report from the consultant has been reviewed. It outlines various steps ahead while also reporting that the number of violations cited by the EPA in April 2014 has now been reduced to 4 (down from 22).
On March 9 the Village took an additional step and renewed a second contract with Cornell Extension to further manage its storm water management program again to assist with the overall management of that program and to avoid current and or future issues with the EPA ($22,000).
Note: first contract for Cornell Extension for same purpose approved 6/13/14 in the amount of $35,000.
The Village has now spent an estimated $65,000 to remedy the issues mandated for change by the April 2014 order from the EPA relating to storm water management. That amount should be viewed in this context: if the Village had failed to act fines from the EPA in theory could have been imposed in an amount that would have wiped out the Village surplus of several million dollars and otherwise could have resulted in crippling tax increases to pay off (i.e up to 37,000 dollars a day for each day of the continuing violation).
These facts lead us to the inescapable conclusion that although in the past there were circumstances of disputed practices that led to a negative EPA audit; since the EPA intervened the Village has been aggressively engaged to fix the problems identified by the EPA. That is certainly good news for the environment of the Village’s waterways both large and small. Therefore we feel that once again the Village is due some more time to see remaining actions take place before a final assessment of this entire issue can be considered and reported out as concluded.
It’s useful to remind all that this organization is not an investigative body. Our policy studies from time to time however do seek to focus public attention on urgent issues such as this one. We do feel that this is public information that needs to be known by the public who so informed may then do their own research or take additional actions either as individuals or collectively. Beyond us there is always the Public.
To that end this update brings forward some relevant content from the first two updates to provide some historical back ground. We are reposting two PDF document that taken together describe the audit itself and what the EPA found warranting its intervention in the first place
Otherwise until this policy area has matured further we again take a pause in our own public policy research effort.
PDF LIBRARY
There are two PDF documents that contain all the pages from the EPA audit itself.
Below a narrative guide to assist reviewing the contents of the lengthy EPA report which appears in two PDF documents.
Doc 1 municipal Storm water drain Audit
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Audit of the Village of Patchogue (YR20268) November 19, 2013 through November 21, 2013
See Page 2 for a table of contents which orders the next 24 pages of information.
In this report EPA auditors meet with various village officials during their assessment of issues. Their contacts are forthrightly recorded and as 23 pages of material would suggest are extensive
Of some note see page 9, paragraph 2 discussion of potential of conflict interest issue raised during the audit.
Page 24 a list of attachments enumerating materials presented to the EPA prior to and during the audit (no actual copies provided as part of the EPA report and none therefore scanned as part of this PDF document).
Doc 2 Audit Pics
Page 25: A set of documentary photographs labeled Attachment B which are all labeled and end on page 40 of the report and conclude the documents contained in the PDF document.
John Bogack Executive Director 3/15/15
On 10/25/14 this organization published the first in this ongoing series of policy reports concerning a finding by the Environmental Protection in April 2014 that based on an audit conducted by it in November 2013 that Patchogue Village was in violation of the Clean Water Act with respect to its management of its federally licensed storm water management program.
On 11/23/14 we published a second update reporting on a contact by this organization with the EPA that clarified the report conclusions and we reported that the EPA finding did not imply that Patchogue Village had been responsible for any pollution of the Patchogue River and or any associated streams or bodies of water. However that contact did emphasize that serious issues had been raised by the audit’s findings that needed to be remedied which it appeared to the EPA Patchogue Village was in the process of resolving.
On 11/24/14 representatives from this organization met with Mayor Pontieri and other village officials. At that meeting our reports were discussed with the Mayor who conceded that he should have been more direct with the public about the findings of the audit when those findings had first become known to the Village. He also stated that remedial actions were ongoing and would effectively resolve all the issues detailed in the audit report.
At that point this organization paused its research efforts to allow time for those remedial actions to go forward.
This update originates from two recent actions taken by the Village in the last few weeks that bear noting in line with the Mayor’s promise that remedial steps were urgently moving forward.
The above video clip documents the first of those recent events namely the re-hiring of expert consultant Brian McCaffrey to provide continuing storm water management administrative services to assist the Village in bringing its storm water management program into conformity with EPA mandates ($4,185.) His initial payment was 6,000. A copy of the report from the consultant has been reviewed. It outlines various steps ahead while also reporting that the number of violations cited by the EPA in April 2014 has now been reduced to 4 (down from 22).
On March 9 the Village took an additional step and renewed a second contract with Cornell Extension to further manage its storm water management program again to assist with the overall management of that program and to avoid current and or future issues with the EPA ($22,000).
Note: first contract for Cornell Extension for same purpose approved 6/13/14 in the amount of $35,000.
The Village has now spent an estimated $65,000 to remedy the issues mandated for change by the April 2014 order from the EPA relating to storm water management. That amount should be viewed in this context: if the Village had failed to act fines from the EPA in theory could have been imposed in an amount that would have wiped out the Village surplus of several million dollars and otherwise could have resulted in crippling tax increases to pay off (i.e up to 37,000 dollars a day for each day of the continuing violation).
These facts lead us to the inescapable conclusion that although in the past there were circumstances of disputed practices that led to a negative EPA audit; since the EPA intervened the Village has been aggressively engaged to fix the problems identified by the EPA. That is certainly good news for the environment of the Village’s waterways both large and small. Therefore we feel that once again the Village is due some more time to see remaining actions take place before a final assessment of this entire issue can be considered and reported out as concluded.
It’s useful to remind all that this organization is not an investigative body. Our policy studies from time to time however do seek to focus public attention on urgent issues such as this one. We do feel that this is public information that needs to be known by the public who so informed may then do their own research or take additional actions either as individuals or collectively. Beyond us there is always the Public.
To that end this update brings forward some relevant content from the first two updates to provide some historical back ground. We are reposting two PDF document that taken together describe the audit itself and what the EPA found warranting its intervention in the first place
Otherwise until this policy area has matured further we again take a pause in our own public policy research effort.
PDF LIBRARY
There are two PDF documents that contain all the pages from the EPA audit itself.
Below a narrative guide to assist reviewing the contents of the lengthy EPA report which appears in two PDF documents.
Doc 1 municipal Storm water drain Audit
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Audit of the Village of Patchogue (YR20268) November 19, 2013 through November 21, 2013
See Page 2 for a table of contents which orders the next 24 pages of information.
In this report EPA auditors meet with various village officials during their assessment of issues. Their contacts are forthrightly recorded and as 23 pages of material would suggest are extensive
Of some note see page 9, paragraph 2 discussion of potential of conflict interest issue raised during the audit.
Page 24 a list of attachments enumerating materials presented to the EPA prior to and during the audit (no actual copies provided as part of the EPA report and none therefore scanned as part of this PDF document).
Doc 2 Audit Pics
Page 25: A set of documentary photographs labeled Attachment B which are all labeled and end on page 40 of the report and conclude the documents contained in the PDF document.
municipal_storm_sewer_drain_audit.pdfDownload File
audit_pics.pdfDownload File
John Bogack Executive Director 3/15/15
Patchogue Village Bd. of Trustees 3/9/15 Full Proceedings
3/9/15 Board Meeting Summary
A quick meeting the Board went through its agenda pretty fast and there was no public comment. Perhaps the shortest meetings in recent memory.
This time code and narrative is provided as a guide. At just less than 34 minutes perhaps worth a full look to see everything left out of the narrative.
At the meeting table from left to right: Trustees Keyes, Felice and Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustee Hilton, Village attorney Egan. Absent: Treasurer Krawczyk (ill) and Trustee Devlin.
In minutes and seconds
1:13 Clerk Seal asks for approval of bills in the absence of the Treasurer
2:22 Public hearing to amend taxable properties that fall under the jurisdiction of the Business Improvement District. All properties subtracted and all properties added relate to New Village. Mayor Pontieri and Village attorney explain why.
No public comment, motion is approved.
5:04 Out of village sewer connection approved (2)
6:10 property tax reduction for home recently burned down on Jennings Ave approved.
7:36 Business Improvement Ex. Dir. Smith explains delay in street surveillance camera project and also discussed future locations and capacities.
11:32 Trustee Ferb reports on Chamber of Commerce events in the absence of Ex. Dir. David Kennedy.
13:56 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports…numerous parking issues discussed...parking ticket amnesty program…written parking guide imminent for distribution…smartening meters to allow for remote refilling from all locations…extensive rendition of Patchogue Theater calendar
22:18 Trustee Keyes reports. Off the agenda request to rehire Cornell University to manage the Village’s storm water program specifically to help the village avoid future EPA issues
Trustee Felice reports. Second off agenda item of the night Trustee Felice offers a resolution to manage traffic patterns at New Village by opening up several roads to the complex. Comments from Mayor Pontieri, members of the public on an impromptu basis, other board members. Measure is approved with the Mayor noting that signage and traffic light at Oak St issues still to be worked out.
Measure is approved
28:14 Trustee Ferb on behalf of absent member Devlin provides brief cultural events report
33: 58 Trustee Hilton reports on changes to the St. Patrick’s Day parade schedule, and asks for volunteers to help staff parade management issues…
Mayor Pontieri asks for public comment. There is none. The meeting is adjourned.
Narrative provided by John Bogack 3/11/15
A quick meeting the Board went through its agenda pretty fast and there was no public comment. Perhaps the shortest meetings in recent memory.
This time code and narrative is provided as a guide. At just less than 34 minutes perhaps worth a full look to see everything left out of the narrative.
At the meeting table from left to right: Trustees Keyes, Felice and Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustee Hilton, Village attorney Egan. Absent: Treasurer Krawczyk (ill) and Trustee Devlin.
In minutes and seconds
1:13 Clerk Seal asks for approval of bills in the absence of the Treasurer
2:22 Public hearing to amend taxable properties that fall under the jurisdiction of the Business Improvement District. All properties subtracted and all properties added relate to New Village. Mayor Pontieri and Village attorney explain why.
No public comment, motion is approved.
5:04 Out of village sewer connection approved (2)
6:10 property tax reduction for home recently burned down on Jennings Ave approved.
7:36 Business Improvement Ex. Dir. Smith explains delay in street surveillance camera project and also discussed future locations and capacities.
11:32 Trustee Ferb reports on Chamber of Commerce events in the absence of Ex. Dir. David Kennedy.
13:56 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports…numerous parking issues discussed...parking ticket amnesty program…written parking guide imminent for distribution…smartening meters to allow for remote refilling from all locations…extensive rendition of Patchogue Theater calendar
22:18 Trustee Keyes reports. Off the agenda request to rehire Cornell University to manage the Village’s storm water program specifically to help the village avoid future EPA issues
Trustee Felice reports. Second off agenda item of the night Trustee Felice offers a resolution to manage traffic patterns at New Village by opening up several roads to the complex. Comments from Mayor Pontieri, members of the public on an impromptu basis, other board members. Measure is approved with the Mayor noting that signage and traffic light at Oak St issues still to be worked out.
Measure is approved
28:14 Trustee Ferb on behalf of absent member Devlin provides brief cultural events report
33: 58 Trustee Hilton reports on changes to the St. Patrick’s Day parade schedule, and asks for volunteers to help staff parade management issues…
Mayor Pontieri asks for public comment. There is none. The meeting is adjourned.
Narrative provided by John Bogack 3/11/15
Patchogue Village Planning Bd. 2/24/15 Full Proceedings
This is video for the full meeting of the Patchogue Village Planning Board od 2/24/15. The time code and concise narrative provided is meant as a guide. As we always comment to see everything the best way of doing so is to see the whole video.
This video consists of two parts. The bulk of the video relates to a number of applications appearing either for the first time or subsequently to resolve issues from prior appearances. In some cases the Board does arrive at decisions about the application and the narrative does note those decisions. The second part of this video is “the decision calendar”. The Board reaches decisions about applications heard previously. The two parts flow into each other: at the end of the first call an adjournment is reached, at the start of the decision calendar the meeting is brought out of recess and begins again.
8 applications on the agenda a view of how both the humble home owner who wants a second front door and the successful millionaire nightclub owner who wants a new bar and everyone in between… all have to present their plans and have them examined in equal measure by what the law requires.
Seating from left to right: Board members Michael Vigliotta, Patti Kelly, Chairperson John Rocco, Board attorney Joseph Buzzell, Board members Kevin Weeks and Eva Rodriguez-Greguski, Coordinator Carol Giglio (not a Board member).
In minutes and second
1:25 Application by Alterations by Lucy at 29 South Ocean Ave. Presentation, questions from Board, no public comment, discussion.
9:19 Application by Painting the Town Studio at 73 No. Ocean Ave. , an art studio also serving alcohol during the painting sessions. Presentation by applicants, questions from Board, public comment, further questions from Board.
20:43 Application by 29 Nail Salon at 225 E. Main St. Presentation by applicants, questions from Board, no public comment, further discussion by the Board.
29:01 Carl Hogan at 5 Leo St. Application by private home owner to add second front entrance to his home, discussion by Board, no public comment.
37:03 Application by Jaewook Joo to build new one story 366 square foot retail store one part of which will be a dry cleaning facility at 445 W. Main St. Extensive discussion by the Board. Public comment concerning parking issues….more discussion by the Board. Decision deferred pending the resolution of a number of issues that arise during the discussion.
Now in hours, minutes and seconds
1:01:40 Subzero Ice Cream shop at 38 W. Main Street, applicant returns for further discussion by the Board. Chairperson Rocco reads into the record an official legal advisory from Village Attorney Egan, more discussion, one public comment in opposition to the application, more discussion.
1:10:40 Conversion of machine shop to professional insurance office space at 284-288 Waverly Avenue applicant Steve Klinzing, presentation of plan, discussion and approval by Board.
1:23:48 Application from Sid’s Drinking Den Tim Lorito owner, a new bar proposed for 184 W. Main St returns to the Board for further discussion of a remaining safety issue. Architect for the applicant presents new information, one public comment, some further discussion with the Board reserving decision pending a further review of the issues still to be determined.
Decision Calendar
After a short recess the Planning Board reconvenes and discussion and decisions about the applicants who have appeared before it occurs.
1:31:22 Chairperson Rocco reconvenes the meeting.
In the course of the remainder of the video the following decisions with discussion occur
1:31:27 Alterations by Lucy….approved
1:32:33 Paint the Town art studio…approved with conditions directed at making sure that alcohol is served consistent with the business model and hours presented by the owners
1:37:07 29 Nail Salon…approved with routine conditions
1:38:37 Private residence application…decision reserved pending contact with Housing Dept.
1:39:07 Jaewook Joo decision reserved pending further inspection of the site
1:39:56 Subzero Ice Cream….approved application.
Meeting ends.
This video filmed by John Bogack, narrative by John Bogack 3/8/15
This video consists of two parts. The bulk of the video relates to a number of applications appearing either for the first time or subsequently to resolve issues from prior appearances. In some cases the Board does arrive at decisions about the application and the narrative does note those decisions. The second part of this video is “the decision calendar”. The Board reaches decisions about applications heard previously. The two parts flow into each other: at the end of the first call an adjournment is reached, at the start of the decision calendar the meeting is brought out of recess and begins again.
8 applications on the agenda a view of how both the humble home owner who wants a second front door and the successful millionaire nightclub owner who wants a new bar and everyone in between… all have to present their plans and have them examined in equal measure by what the law requires.
Seating from left to right: Board members Michael Vigliotta, Patti Kelly, Chairperson John Rocco, Board attorney Joseph Buzzell, Board members Kevin Weeks and Eva Rodriguez-Greguski, Coordinator Carol Giglio (not a Board member).
In minutes and second
1:25 Application by Alterations by Lucy at 29 South Ocean Ave. Presentation, questions from Board, no public comment, discussion.
9:19 Application by Painting the Town Studio at 73 No. Ocean Ave. , an art studio also serving alcohol during the painting sessions. Presentation by applicants, questions from Board, public comment, further questions from Board.
20:43 Application by 29 Nail Salon at 225 E. Main St. Presentation by applicants, questions from Board, no public comment, further discussion by the Board.
29:01 Carl Hogan at 5 Leo St. Application by private home owner to add second front entrance to his home, discussion by Board, no public comment.
37:03 Application by Jaewook Joo to build new one story 366 square foot retail store one part of which will be a dry cleaning facility at 445 W. Main St. Extensive discussion by the Board. Public comment concerning parking issues….more discussion by the Board. Decision deferred pending the resolution of a number of issues that arise during the discussion.
Now in hours, minutes and seconds
1:01:40 Subzero Ice Cream shop at 38 W. Main Street, applicant returns for further discussion by the Board. Chairperson Rocco reads into the record an official legal advisory from Village Attorney Egan, more discussion, one public comment in opposition to the application, more discussion.
1:10:40 Conversion of machine shop to professional insurance office space at 284-288 Waverly Avenue applicant Steve Klinzing, presentation of plan, discussion and approval by Board.
1:23:48 Application from Sid’s Drinking Den Tim Lorito owner, a new bar proposed for 184 W. Main St returns to the Board for further discussion of a remaining safety issue. Architect for the applicant presents new information, one public comment, some further discussion with the Board reserving decision pending a further review of the issues still to be determined.
Decision Calendar
After a short recess the Planning Board reconvenes and discussion and decisions about the applicants who have appeared before it occurs.
1:31:22 Chairperson Rocco reconvenes the meeting.
In the course of the remainder of the video the following decisions with discussion occur
1:31:27 Alterations by Lucy….approved
1:32:33 Paint the Town art studio…approved with conditions directed at making sure that alcohol is served consistent with the business model and hours presented by the owners
1:37:07 29 Nail Salon…approved with routine conditions
1:38:37 Private residence application…decision reserved pending contact with Housing Dept.
1:39:07 Jaewook Joo decision reserved pending further inspection of the site
1:39:56 Subzero Ice Cream….approved application.
Meeting ends.
This video filmed by John Bogack, narrative by John Bogack 3/8/15
Patchogue Village Bd. of Trustees 2/23/15 Full Proceedings
Below a time code and concise narrative of events that occurred at this meeting. As always nothing beats seeing the full video if you have the time. The narrative highlights some but not all of the matters discussed and or decided at this meeting.
At the meeting table from left to right: Trustees Keyes, Felice, and Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village Attorney Egan. Excused absence: Treasurer Ron Krawczyk.
In minutes and seconds
3:25 Mayor Pontieri re-opens public comment with respect to opening village streets and parking lots inside New Village so that can access can be had from Havens Avenue and Lake St.
4:25 Garret Travis and his wife, both residents of New Village comment
6:46 Richard Kemp Jayne street resident comments
20:26 Tom Murray Jennings Ave resident comments
23:23 Dennis Ross, Main St resident comments
26:56 George Hoag Brick House Brewery owner comments
After the public comment there is additional discussion by the Mayor and the Board about some of the recommendations made on what action to take decision is reserved for another meeting and public comment is closed.
39:26 Dennis Smith, Ex. Dir. Business Improvement District reports…street camera project now functional…
39:26 David Kennedy, Ex. Dir. Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports…St Patrick’s Day parade plans and events…grand opening news…electrification of LIRR to Patchogue….Lori Belmonte selected as Woman of the Year by Brookhaven Town…request from the Mayor for email addresses to allow for better communication with business owners when emergency issues arise
48:40 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports….Parking meters and parking comments…amnesty program for unpaid parking tickets…land purchase on Church street for new parking spaces…report on intended repairs and additions for the Patchogue Theater…
Now in hours, minutes and seconds
1:09:05 Trustee Keyes reports…PEP forum the Patchogue Theater for 3/18/15…comments about single stream garbage planning…approval of 30 crosswalks for Main Street….hiring of storm water management contractor related to EPA mandates
1:13:22 Trustee Felice reports….hiring of 2 additional code enforcement officers to bolster weekend end staffing
1:15:39 Trustee Ferb reports…request for public hearing date to consider amending BID taxing district…
1:17:20 Trustee Devlin reports…appointment to Suffolk County Cultural and Arts Advisory Board…AARB vacancy search status report…comments about issues relating to pedestrian use of four corners….request that a speed measuring sign by assigned to Jennings Ave…report about PACMAC theater’s campaign to add new seating and install outside marquee
1: 24:50 Trustee Hilton reports…watershed planning program for Tuthills’ Creek…approval for St. James festival with comments from Mayor Pontieri explaining joint celebration with celebrants in Gualeco Equator
1:36:10 Mayor Pontieri observes that snow removal from village sidewalks is poor and is leading to safety issues requiring review of village enforcement policies with Trustee Hilton in agreement
Public Portion
1:37:27 Gail Hoag…comments about purchase on land on Church St by the village…issue with meter use and signage issues relating to parking
1:43:25 Dennis Ross…multiple issues
1:51:48 George Hoag…issues relating to parking lots near the Brickhouse Brewery
1:52:50 Richard Kemp…multiple issues
Meeting is adjourned
Narration provided by John Bogack 3/8/15
At the meeting table from left to right: Trustees Keyes, Felice, and Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village Attorney Egan. Excused absence: Treasurer Ron Krawczyk.
In minutes and seconds
3:25 Mayor Pontieri re-opens public comment with respect to opening village streets and parking lots inside New Village so that can access can be had from Havens Avenue and Lake St.
4:25 Garret Travis and his wife, both residents of New Village comment
6:46 Richard Kemp Jayne street resident comments
20:26 Tom Murray Jennings Ave resident comments
23:23 Dennis Ross, Main St resident comments
26:56 George Hoag Brick House Brewery owner comments
After the public comment there is additional discussion by the Mayor and the Board about some of the recommendations made on what action to take decision is reserved for another meeting and public comment is closed.
39:26 Dennis Smith, Ex. Dir. Business Improvement District reports…street camera project now functional…
39:26 David Kennedy, Ex. Dir. Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports…St Patrick’s Day parade plans and events…grand opening news…electrification of LIRR to Patchogue….Lori Belmonte selected as Woman of the Year by Brookhaven Town…request from the Mayor for email addresses to allow for better communication with business owners when emergency issues arise
48:40 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports….Parking meters and parking comments…amnesty program for unpaid parking tickets…land purchase on Church street for new parking spaces…report on intended repairs and additions for the Patchogue Theater…
Now in hours, minutes and seconds
1:09:05 Trustee Keyes reports…PEP forum the Patchogue Theater for 3/18/15…comments about single stream garbage planning…approval of 30 crosswalks for Main Street….hiring of storm water management contractor related to EPA mandates
1:13:22 Trustee Felice reports….hiring of 2 additional code enforcement officers to bolster weekend end staffing
1:15:39 Trustee Ferb reports…request for public hearing date to consider amending BID taxing district…
1:17:20 Trustee Devlin reports…appointment to Suffolk County Cultural and Arts Advisory Board…AARB vacancy search status report…comments about issues relating to pedestrian use of four corners….request that a speed measuring sign by assigned to Jennings Ave…report about PACMAC theater’s campaign to add new seating and install outside marquee
1: 24:50 Trustee Hilton reports…watershed planning program for Tuthills’ Creek…approval for St. James festival with comments from Mayor Pontieri explaining joint celebration with celebrants in Gualeco Equator
1:36:10 Mayor Pontieri observes that snow removal from village sidewalks is poor and is leading to safety issues requiring review of village enforcement policies with Trustee Hilton in agreement
Public Portion
1:37:27 Gail Hoag…comments about purchase on land on Church St by the village…issue with meter use and signage issues relating to parking
1:43:25 Dennis Ross…multiple issues
1:51:48 George Hoag…issues relating to parking lots near the Brickhouse Brewery
1:52:50 Richard Kemp…multiple issues
Meeting is adjourned
Narration provided by John Bogack 3/8/15
Patchogue Theater Finances Policy Study-Final Update
Our last update on the policy study concerning the financial status of the Patchogue Theater ended with a promise that we would revisit this area once the Theater had posted a more recent report with the NY State Attorney General’s office. As it has this update will now concisely assess that report.
First off to see a copy please follow this link and click the hypertext for the fiscal year of 2013-14 or paste in the web address at:
http://www.charitiesnys.com/RegistrySearch/show_details.jsp?id={2FFFD227-40B4-4012-91F2-8BD70E3D9AFC}
That will bring up a host of documents detailing various tax and financial reports as well as a current auditor’s statement.
This assessment is limited by the fact that this organization lacks the services of a volunteer accountant. Accordingly this assessment must be seen as an impression and not a definitive evaluation of the information reported in the various forms identified above.
That said the most recent report differs from the last filing in these ways. One, Village Trustee Krieger has been removed as being reported as a member of the Theaters’ Board of Directors as promised in correspondence to our organization by the Theater Board’s Chairperson (see PDF copy below of that letter). Two, John Ashline, Executive Director, is more clearly identified as a village employee (i.e. Cultural Affairs Supervisor). Three, and most importantly, the Theater’s over all finances are reported strongly in the black. A one million dollar grant obtained in 2013 is showing up as an asset now underpinning the Theater’s finances overall. However Theater rental and ticket fee income only slightly up from the year before suggesting that some of that one million dollars, now in secure investments, may need to be directed to boost ticket sales and rental income in the future.
While other members of the public may choose to explore the documents further for our purposes our study of the Theater’s finances is now concluded. We have in prior posts provided various links to assist any person of a mind to do further research if they choose. Those tools have been reposted at the end of this study update for reference.
The above video clip that has been posted today taken from the 1/12/15 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees meeting of that date represents the one continuing issue involving the tax paying public of Patchogue Village. That issue: further expenditures that may be needed to repair and or renovate the Theater building which is the property of Patchogue Village. That issue remains to be determined by further study by the Village of Patchogue with a report regarding measures needed and costs associated with effecting those measures expected sometime this year. When that information is reported out we will be following up as part of our usual coverage of Patchogue Village affairs.
And last but not least, some new video posted in the cause of inclusive fact finding. Taken from two prior meetings of the Board of Trustees but not published before, are video comments from the Mayor and Deputy Mayor Krieger. Taken together they represent the views of top Village officials making their case for the Theater as an economic engine and community asset.
Mayor Pontieri at the 10-14-14 Board meeting says Theater is economic engine of village Main Street, other comments. Click or paste link: http://youtu.be/a_o3XRDjNZ0
Deputy Mayor Krieger at the 10-28-14 Board meeting says Theater is bound up in the life of the village’s community and cultural life, other comments. Click or paste link: http://youtu.be/4sQupM-6_MI
For further civic information research these tools from our previous posts
Tools for public research
Note: all the web addresses are direct links to specific areas identified in the narrative that follows. Where hyperlinks do not appear simply paste in web addresses as provided into a search bar.
1. Website of the Patchogue Theater (general information and some financial information as well): http://patchoguetheatre.com/frequently-asked-questions
2. Website of the NY State Attorney General (fiscal information, audits, and tax filings): http://www.charitiesnys.com/RegistrySearch/search_charities_action.jsp
3. Website for ProPublica (independent source of financial reporting): http://www.propublica.org/search/search.php?qss=patchogue+village+center+for+the+performing+arts&x=13&y=12&csrf_token=f38307fb5b4582163040171e05164530a8e113003f2f76d855c3059b0e42b85b
4. Suffolk County Civil Service (i.e. title of Cultural Affairs Supervisor): https://apps.suffolkcountyny.gov/civilservice/civilserviceinquiry/TitleAction.aspx
5. Village Budgets: http://www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/village-budgets.html
6. History: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patchogue_Theatre
7. Video: 2013 appearance of the Patchogue Theater Board before the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees explaining its plans for financial stability: http://youtu.be/tgwez7MLQas
8. Freedom of Information Requests:
Patchogue Village: “FOIL REQUESTS” at http://www.patchoguevillage.org/clerk.html
Suffolk County (Each department has its own procedures for freedom of information requests and needs to be contacted directly for its procedures)
And any person seeking more information about what we have already published or for other help may contact us by email: CC4OVG@aol.com
This narrative written by: John Bogack Executive Director CC4VOG 2/22/15
First off to see a copy please follow this link and click the hypertext for the fiscal year of 2013-14 or paste in the web address at:
http://www.charitiesnys.com/RegistrySearch/show_details.jsp?id={2FFFD227-40B4-4012-91F2-8BD70E3D9AFC}
That will bring up a host of documents detailing various tax and financial reports as well as a current auditor’s statement.
This assessment is limited by the fact that this organization lacks the services of a volunteer accountant. Accordingly this assessment must be seen as an impression and not a definitive evaluation of the information reported in the various forms identified above.
That said the most recent report differs from the last filing in these ways. One, Village Trustee Krieger has been removed as being reported as a member of the Theaters’ Board of Directors as promised in correspondence to our organization by the Theater Board’s Chairperson (see PDF copy below of that letter). Two, John Ashline, Executive Director, is more clearly identified as a village employee (i.e. Cultural Affairs Supervisor). Three, and most importantly, the Theater’s over all finances are reported strongly in the black. A one million dollar grant obtained in 2013 is showing up as an asset now underpinning the Theater’s finances overall. However Theater rental and ticket fee income only slightly up from the year before suggesting that some of that one million dollars, now in secure investments, may need to be directed to boost ticket sales and rental income in the future.
While other members of the public may choose to explore the documents further for our purposes our study of the Theater’s finances is now concluded. We have in prior posts provided various links to assist any person of a mind to do further research if they choose. Those tools have been reposted at the end of this study update for reference.
The above video clip that has been posted today taken from the 1/12/15 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees meeting of that date represents the one continuing issue involving the tax paying public of Patchogue Village. That issue: further expenditures that may be needed to repair and or renovate the Theater building which is the property of Patchogue Village. That issue remains to be determined by further study by the Village of Patchogue with a report regarding measures needed and costs associated with effecting those measures expected sometime this year. When that information is reported out we will be following up as part of our usual coverage of Patchogue Village affairs.
And last but not least, some new video posted in the cause of inclusive fact finding. Taken from two prior meetings of the Board of Trustees but not published before, are video comments from the Mayor and Deputy Mayor Krieger. Taken together they represent the views of top Village officials making their case for the Theater as an economic engine and community asset.
Mayor Pontieri at the 10-14-14 Board meeting says Theater is economic engine of village Main Street, other comments. Click or paste link: http://youtu.be/a_o3XRDjNZ0
Deputy Mayor Krieger at the 10-28-14 Board meeting says Theater is bound up in the life of the village’s community and cultural life, other comments. Click or paste link: http://youtu.be/4sQupM-6_MI
For further civic information research these tools from our previous posts
Tools for public research
Note: all the web addresses are direct links to specific areas identified in the narrative that follows. Where hyperlinks do not appear simply paste in web addresses as provided into a search bar.
1. Website of the Patchogue Theater (general information and some financial information as well): http://patchoguetheatre.com/frequently-asked-questions
2. Website of the NY State Attorney General (fiscal information, audits, and tax filings): http://www.charitiesnys.com/RegistrySearch/search_charities_action.jsp
3. Website for ProPublica (independent source of financial reporting): http://www.propublica.org/search/search.php?qss=patchogue+village+center+for+the+performing+arts&x=13&y=12&csrf_token=f38307fb5b4582163040171e05164530a8e113003f2f76d855c3059b0e42b85b
4. Suffolk County Civil Service (i.e. title of Cultural Affairs Supervisor): https://apps.suffolkcountyny.gov/civilservice/civilserviceinquiry/TitleAction.aspx
5. Village Budgets: http://www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/village-budgets.html
6. History: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patchogue_Theatre
7. Video: 2013 appearance of the Patchogue Theater Board before the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees explaining its plans for financial stability: http://youtu.be/tgwez7MLQas
8. Freedom of Information Requests:
Patchogue Village: “FOIL REQUESTS” at http://www.patchoguevillage.org/clerk.html
Suffolk County (Each department has its own procedures for freedom of information requests and needs to be contacted directly for its procedures)
And any person seeking more information about what we have already published or for other help may contact us by email: CC4OVG@aol.com
This narrative written by: John Bogack Executive Director CC4VOG 2/22/15
| theaterletter2014.pdf |
Tuthill's Creek Watershed Management Plan: Community Meeting 2/4/15 Full Video
On 2/4/15 our Community Video Outreach Project filmed the first of three community meetings that will be held as part of a two year plan to assess the current and recommended state for Tuthill’s Creek. For those not familiar with this somewhat hidden gem Tuthill’s Creek lies between Corey Creek in Blue Point and the Patchogue River. Like the Patchogue River, Tuthill’s creek flows south into the Great South Bay. It’s upper reaches, it head waters, spring from an area north of Sunrise Highway then flows south through Pine and West Lakes finally to Patchogue Bay part of the larger Great South Bay.
This meeting was held to familiarize citizens with what planning is being intended and to get public comment on it and to hear from the public about issues known to the public that the planners wanted identified for further study. As well comments were sought by the planners to hear about future uses the public would like to see incorporated into planning.
This video breaks into several parts and a concise time line is later provided here to help guide viewers through the bit more than one hour long video. There are some issues with this video. The meeting is held while other meetings are also occurring at the Patchogue Medford Library. Sound from those meetings sometimes intrude. One person only has a microphone, comments from the public are sometimes made softly and they may need volume adjustment to hear clearly. Unless speakers self- identify there is no identification of the names of those speaking otherwise provided here.
Time Code and Narrative
The meeting begins with a general description of intended planning
Minutes and seconds
19:14 The meeting is opened to public comment about general issues of public concern
38:11 The meeting is opened to specific concerns from the public
51:48 The meeting is opened to public comments recommending future uses of the watershed area as a whole
In hours and minutes
1:01 End comments from the consultant representatives
Attendance by about 50 members of the public. Two officials in attendance: Bill Hilton Patchogue Village Trustee, and Brookhaven Councilperson Neil Foley.
Here are some helpful links:
Tuthill’s Creek Management Plan Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TuthillsCreekWMP
Tuthillls’ Creek Management Plan website: https://tuthillscreekwmp.wordpress.com/
Comment concerning this video please use this email address: CC4OVG@aol.com
This meeting was held to familiarize citizens with what planning is being intended and to get public comment on it and to hear from the public about issues known to the public that the planners wanted identified for further study. As well comments were sought by the planners to hear about future uses the public would like to see incorporated into planning.
This video breaks into several parts and a concise time line is later provided here to help guide viewers through the bit more than one hour long video. There are some issues with this video. The meeting is held while other meetings are also occurring at the Patchogue Medford Library. Sound from those meetings sometimes intrude. One person only has a microphone, comments from the public are sometimes made softly and they may need volume adjustment to hear clearly. Unless speakers self- identify there is no identification of the names of those speaking otherwise provided here.
Time Code and Narrative
The meeting begins with a general description of intended planning
Minutes and seconds
19:14 The meeting is opened to public comment about general issues of public concern
38:11 The meeting is opened to specific concerns from the public
51:48 The meeting is opened to public comments recommending future uses of the watershed area as a whole
In hours and minutes
1:01 End comments from the consultant representatives
Attendance by about 50 members of the public. Two officials in attendance: Bill Hilton Patchogue Village Trustee, and Brookhaven Councilperson Neil Foley.
Here are some helpful links:
Tuthill’s Creek Management Plan Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TuthillsCreekWMP
Tuthillls’ Creek Management Plan website: https://tuthillscreekwmp.wordpress.com/
Comment concerning this video please use this email address: CC4OVG@aol.com
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees 2/9/15 Mt. Full Video
Below a time code and concise narrative for the 2/9/15 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees. As always the time code and narrative provides a concise guide to the events of this meeting and does not capture every event that occurred at the meeting. The best way of seeing all that occurred is simply to see the whole video.
Sitting from left to right at the meeting table: Treasurer Ron Krawczyk, Trustees Keyes, Felice, Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Trustees Devlin, and Hilton, Village Attorney Egan.
In minutes and seconds
6:19 First public hearing. Zoning change No. Ocean Avenue conversion of auto body shop to insurance office approved. Letter from Planning Board read into the record, comments from Mayor, presentation from perspective business owner.
15:26 Second public hearing. Fire code upgraded approved for new construction and where as a result of substantially renovations a presently existing CO might be impacted. One public comment along with legal definition for change presented by village attorney Egan
20:04 Mayor Pontieri presents two tax rebate bills for payment…225K tax grievance settlement discussed by Mayor with additional legal opinion from village attorney Egan, some Board member comments about source of repayment, settlement is approved.
25: 47 BID Ex. Dir. Dennis Smith reports….summary of downtown improvement grants that resulted in 950,000 in grant money being leveraged into 2.6 million dollars in improvements….report on delays setting up street camera surveillance on main street…imminent publication of parking meter/parking hand held brochure as well as electronic content for the net.
35:15 David Kennedy Ex. Dir. Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports…concerns about street crime expressed…discussion of restaurant coupon promotion tied to feeding poor in the village….St. Patrick’s Day event details…announcements about upcoming store openings…planned meeting with the Mayor to further retail business in the village….
43:15 Trustee Keyes reports…approval for 3 way stop sign on corner of Cedar and Campbell sought and later approved discussion by Mayor, Trustee Ferb, and Trustee Devlin about traffic issues ….approval for work to begin So. River avenue sewer extension project with comment from the Mayor about how costs are being managed…
52:21 Trustee Felice reports with discussion from the Mayor about number of fire safety inspections done in the village annually
53:42 Trustee Ferb reports…Community Development agency proceeding along with initial planning for a vest pocket park to be located at Ryder and E. Main Street vicinity in time…numerous village event dates approved for the year.
59:17 Trustee Devlin reports on approval of Toast restaurant by the Planning Board…PAC MAC festival dates of 10/3 /15 to 10/11/15 announced…report on some village movie and cultural events…request to Village attorney Egan to clarify existing code rules about location of franchise businesses in the village with attorney Egan then doing so
In hours, minutes and seconds
1:12:40 Trustee Hilton reports…Parks and Recreation report and approval for various event dates at Shorefront Park and elsewhere sought and approved
Public Portion
1:12:40 Mark Siegel comments about issues relating to access to parking meters, parking lot lighting…
1:20:05 Tiffany Rivera asks the Board to oppose location of any future Starbucks store on main street
1:20:05 Resident William Lewis talks about ineffective follow up by the village regarding sidewalk repairs on West Avenue and aggressively removing residential eye sores from the street. Mayor Pontieri promises to look into allocating more money to repair sidewalks but admits that the village has experienced issues enforcing housing code in some instances
1:25:30 Resident Kevin Carlson also asks the Board to oppose location of Starbucks store on main street if Starbucks makes a move to do so.
Meeting then adjourns.
Sitting from left to right at the meeting table: Treasurer Ron Krawczyk, Trustees Keyes, Felice, Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Trustees Devlin, and Hilton, Village Attorney Egan.
In minutes and seconds
6:19 First public hearing. Zoning change No. Ocean Avenue conversion of auto body shop to insurance office approved. Letter from Planning Board read into the record, comments from Mayor, presentation from perspective business owner.
15:26 Second public hearing. Fire code upgraded approved for new construction and where as a result of substantially renovations a presently existing CO might be impacted. One public comment along with legal definition for change presented by village attorney Egan
20:04 Mayor Pontieri presents two tax rebate bills for payment…225K tax grievance settlement discussed by Mayor with additional legal opinion from village attorney Egan, some Board member comments about source of repayment, settlement is approved.
25: 47 BID Ex. Dir. Dennis Smith reports….summary of downtown improvement grants that resulted in 950,000 in grant money being leveraged into 2.6 million dollars in improvements….report on delays setting up street camera surveillance on main street…imminent publication of parking meter/parking hand held brochure as well as electronic content for the net.
35:15 David Kennedy Ex. Dir. Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports…concerns about street crime expressed…discussion of restaurant coupon promotion tied to feeding poor in the village….St. Patrick’s Day event details…announcements about upcoming store openings…planned meeting with the Mayor to further retail business in the village….
43:15 Trustee Keyes reports…approval for 3 way stop sign on corner of Cedar and Campbell sought and later approved discussion by Mayor, Trustee Ferb, and Trustee Devlin about traffic issues ….approval for work to begin So. River avenue sewer extension project with comment from the Mayor about how costs are being managed…
52:21 Trustee Felice reports with discussion from the Mayor about number of fire safety inspections done in the village annually
53:42 Trustee Ferb reports…Community Development agency proceeding along with initial planning for a vest pocket park to be located at Ryder and E. Main Street vicinity in time…numerous village event dates approved for the year.
59:17 Trustee Devlin reports on approval of Toast restaurant by the Planning Board…PAC MAC festival dates of 10/3 /15 to 10/11/15 announced…report on some village movie and cultural events…request to Village attorney Egan to clarify existing code rules about location of franchise businesses in the village with attorney Egan then doing so
In hours, minutes and seconds
1:12:40 Trustee Hilton reports…Parks and Recreation report and approval for various event dates at Shorefront Park and elsewhere sought and approved
Public Portion
1:12:40 Mark Siegel comments about issues relating to access to parking meters, parking lot lighting…
1:20:05 Tiffany Rivera asks the Board to oppose location of any future Starbucks store on main street
1:20:05 Resident William Lewis talks about ineffective follow up by the village regarding sidewalk repairs on West Avenue and aggressively removing residential eye sores from the street. Mayor Pontieri promises to look into allocating more money to repair sidewalks but admits that the village has experienced issues enforcing housing code in some instances
1:25:30 Resident Kevin Carlson also asks the Board to oppose location of Starbucks store on main street if Starbucks makes a move to do so.
Meeting then adjourns.
Patchogue Village Zoning Board Hearing No. 5: Emporium Application Police Issues at Issue
The fifth hearing on issues relating to the special permit renewal being sought by the owner of the Emporium from the PV Zoning Board of Appeals. Months earlier the Zoning Board had sought some information about contacts between the Suffolk County Police and the club.
Somewhat off the radar due to the intervention of Leg. Calarco the Suffolk County Police recently forwarded a summary report of their contacts for 2014. Read into the record at a recent meeting not filmed by the Citizens Campaign that reading brought on a request to the owner to comment on the information contained in the report.
At this the hearing the owners did appear to respond to the report with resultant Board comment, one member of the public commenting as well before the application is once again closed for decision.
From left to right at the meeting table: Zoning Board members Lewis and Kearns, attorney Maier, initially Chairperson Fuccillo who later recuses himself, Board members Burton and Homfeld, Coordinator Giglio. Appearing for the Emporium owner Lorito, his attorney Mr. Trimarco and a third unidentified person.
Commenting in an individual capacity resident John Bogack.
This video is 16 minutes long and is short enough not to need a time code or narrative except as provided above.
A PDF copy of the Suffolk County Police summary report referred to by all parties in this video can be found on our website for reference. Individual incident reports are not included in the summary and are not part of the PDF document posted on our website.
This video filmed by Jo Miller, this narrative provided by John Bogack. Filmed 2/18/15
Somewhat off the radar due to the intervention of Leg. Calarco the Suffolk County Police recently forwarded a summary report of their contacts for 2014. Read into the record at a recent meeting not filmed by the Citizens Campaign that reading brought on a request to the owner to comment on the information contained in the report.
At this the hearing the owners did appear to respond to the report with resultant Board comment, one member of the public commenting as well before the application is once again closed for decision.
From left to right at the meeting table: Zoning Board members Lewis and Kearns, attorney Maier, initially Chairperson Fuccillo who later recuses himself, Board members Burton and Homfeld, Coordinator Giglio. Appearing for the Emporium owner Lorito, his attorney Mr. Trimarco and a third unidentified person.
Commenting in an individual capacity resident John Bogack.
This video is 16 minutes long and is short enough not to need a time code or narrative except as provided above.
A PDF copy of the Suffolk County Police summary report referred to by all parties in this video can be found on our website for reference. Individual incident reports are not included in the summary and are not part of the PDF document posted on our website.
This video filmed by Jo Miller, this narrative provided by John Bogack. Filmed 2/18/15
| emporiumscpd.pdf |
Patchogue-Medford 2015 Library Election Guide and Draft Budget 2015-16
Earlier this week we posted notice of our Elections Information Project (EIP). Following up on that here is some information about the first election on the calendar: the Patchogue Medford Library Budget and Trustee election. On Tuesday 4-14-15, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. , voters can cast their ballots at the main library for one PM Library Trustees position and the Annual Budget. We have contacted PM Library Executive Director Lauren Nichols who has provided some needed back ground information about both ballot issues.
Just a reminder: this project by the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government has no end purpose of endorsing any vote for the draft budget or any candidate for Library Trustee. Through promoting public information we support the goals of an informed public from which eligible citizens may be encouraged to run for office, actively engage in their public library however they feel free to do so, and vote when elections are held.
That said there is a vote on the library budget and we now have a copy of the draft budget. It can be found on our webpage in PDF form so that it be reviewed and downloaded. The draft budget projects an increase of 1.49 percent in spending, is consistent with both tax cap and tax freeze legislation and if adopted will result in rebate checks being sent to all tax payers.
And here is some interesting news: there is still an open slot on the Trustee Board for which no one is yet running. Three requirements to get on the ballot: 1. you must be 18 years old, 2. you must live in the library district and 3. you must get on the ballot via a petition signed by 25 signatures of eligible voters who live in the library district. A petition may be picked up at the Library main desk and must be returned by no later than 3-16-15.
Trustees serve a five year term of office.
On April 7th at 6 p.m., at the main library, there will be a budget hearing and a candidate’s forum. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the public is welcome to attend to ask questions. This event will be filmed by the Citizens Campaign as part of its community video outreach project and later posted on our website.
And before then if any member of the public does have a follow up question about the election information printed here Ms. Nichols has advised she may be contacted. She can be visited at the main library at 54-60 E. Main St, called at 631-654-4700, ext. 300 or emailed at www.pmlib.org.
In sum
Petition period for getting on the ballot to run for one open Trustee position is now open.
3-16-15 Deadline for returning petitions to run for Library Board Trustee
4-7-15 Budget and Candidates Forum
4-14-15 Budget and Trustee Vote
Just a reminder: this project by the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government has no end purpose of endorsing any vote for the draft budget or any candidate for Library Trustee. Through promoting public information we support the goals of an informed public from which eligible citizens may be encouraged to run for office, actively engage in their public library however they feel free to do so, and vote when elections are held.
That said there is a vote on the library budget and we now have a copy of the draft budget. It can be found on our webpage in PDF form so that it be reviewed and downloaded. The draft budget projects an increase of 1.49 percent in spending, is consistent with both tax cap and tax freeze legislation and if adopted will result in rebate checks being sent to all tax payers.
And here is some interesting news: there is still an open slot on the Trustee Board for which no one is yet running. Three requirements to get on the ballot: 1. you must be 18 years old, 2. you must live in the library district and 3. you must get on the ballot via a petition signed by 25 signatures of eligible voters who live in the library district. A petition may be picked up at the Library main desk and must be returned by no later than 3-16-15.
Trustees serve a five year term of office.
On April 7th at 6 p.m., at the main library, there will be a budget hearing and a candidate’s forum. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the public is welcome to attend to ask questions. This event will be filmed by the Citizens Campaign as part of its community video outreach project and later posted on our website.
And before then if any member of the public does have a follow up question about the election information printed here Ms. Nichols has advised she may be contacted. She can be visited at the main library at 54-60 E. Main St, called at 631-654-4700, ext. 300 or emailed at www.pmlib.org.
In sum
Petition period for getting on the ballot to run for one open Trustee position is now open.
3-16-15 Deadline for returning petitions to run for Library Board Trustee
4-7-15 Budget and Candidates Forum
4-14-15 Budget and Trustee Vote
| proposedlibrarybudget.pdf |
Patchogue Village Planning Board Full Meeting 2/3/15
Meeting of 2/3/15. There are numerous applications that were considered by the Planning Board on this date. A time code and concise narrative offered for only the top items on the agenda.
Chairperson, John Rocco, center seated.
In minutes and seconds
7:23 Approval with conditions for a new eatery on So. Ocean Ave
15:54 Application by SubZero ice cream shop proposed for west main street address. Applicant appears, members of the public offer comment, decision deferred due to legal issues that need to be clarified and return date for the application is 2/24/15
38:10 Application for Toast Coffee shop, east main street location. Applicant appears, public comment, further comment from Chairperson Rocco including comment about the need for a village master plan, applicant appears again. Approval voted with conditions
55:42 Desi Enterprises, approval gained for 4,284 of new retail space on east main street
Now in hour, minute and seconds
1:07 From the decision portion of the agenda, application by Sid's Drinking Den for a new bar on west main street deferred pending resolution of remaining issues. Return date 2/24/15
1:08: 34 Decision regarding application by the owner of the Tap Room to expand business by using a new second floor space. Approved with extensive conditions read into the record
Meeting adjourns
Chairperson, John Rocco, center seated.
In minutes and seconds
7:23 Approval with conditions for a new eatery on So. Ocean Ave
15:54 Application by SubZero ice cream shop proposed for west main street address. Applicant appears, members of the public offer comment, decision deferred due to legal issues that need to be clarified and return date for the application is 2/24/15
38:10 Application for Toast Coffee shop, east main street location. Applicant appears, public comment, further comment from Chairperson Rocco including comment about the need for a village master plan, applicant appears again. Approval voted with conditions
55:42 Desi Enterprises, approval gained for 4,284 of new retail space on east main street
Now in hour, minute and seconds
1:07 From the decision portion of the agenda, application by Sid's Drinking Den for a new bar on west main street deferred pending resolution of remaining issues. Return date 2/24/15
1:08: 34 Decision regarding application by the owner of the Tap Room to expand business by using a new second floor space. Approved with extensive conditions read into the record
Meeting adjourns
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees-Full Proceedings 1/26/15
This is a short video and comes with no time code or narrative due to its brevity. An approaching storm accounts for the shortened meeting at which however a number of residents did appear nevertheless to weigh in on issues before the Board. Minutes for the meeting can be found on the Village's website and do provide a rough time code and a complete narrative of the video content.
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Edited Proceedings 1/9/15
The first three minutes and thirty eight seconds of this video has not been published. An error in recording failed to record the audio for the Clerk and Treasurer's reports prior to the comments from Mayor Pontieri where this video begins. With that exception this video is otherwise a full recording of the proceedings of the meeting. No time code or narrative provided with this posting. However for a rough equivalent minutes for this meeting posted on the Village's website are available as a guide.
Emporium Special Permit Hearing No. 4 1/21/15 PV Zoning and Appeals Board
Here is a time code narrative for the proceedings of the 1/21/14 meeting of the Patchogue Village Zoning Board meeting concerning the renewal application of the owners of the Emporium for a new special permit.
This video is about 71 minutes long the time code will allow viewers to find areas of special interest. As we always advise, if a viewer has the time, the best viewing is to see the whole video as the narrative is just a summary and does not note every issue covered during the course of the meeting.
Although this meeting was called to discuss the revised floor plan that issue was quickly submerged by a variety of other issues that take up the bulk of the time spent at this meeting: safety, parking and noise being the top three topics of this meeting.
Seated from left to right at the meeting table: Zoning Board members Chavat, Lewis, Tassone, Kerns and Board attorney Maier Jr., Chairperson Fucillo, and later Acting Chair Homfeld, Board members Burton and Laura Feitner-Calarco, Coordinator Carol Ciglio.
Testifying for the Emporium: owner Litoto, attorney Trimarco, architect Santoro.
One speaker from the public: Mr. Vasquez
Meeting is called to order: applicant initially not present then appears
1:58 Mr. Homfeld asks about recent incidents at the Emporium since the last Zoning Board meeting a subject that will be returned to several times during the course of the meeting
3:03 Floor plan revisions discussed leading to a broader discussion as to just what the actual legal occupancy of the Emporium is in fact
12:57 Board attorney Maier discusses each statutory element that the Board must consider when deciding an application…the read through is long but offers a comprehensive review of the relevant elements that go into making a decision
19:41 Board attorney Maier discusses “safe guards” that the Zoning Board may impose and later special conditions to effect them
22:26 Attorney Trimarco suggests that incidents at the Emporium doorstep or vicinity may not be related to the club
25:00 Emporium owner offers to provide internal security reports on a quarterly basis to the Village to help monitor alleged incidents at the club
Extensive discussion about the impact of other clubs on the Emporium for example loudness, parking, noise.
40:21 Board member Feitner-Calarco raises issue about how RR Avenue became a one way street and suggests new traffic study
43:04 Discussion about how incidents are handled in the club and why there are apparent incidents of customers found on its doorstep in distress
45:06 Attorney Trimarco advises Police told the Village that one way street needed to be made near club and that Village complied
Note: please see this reference to the minutes of the PV Board of Trustees, top of page 6 that completely explains the one way road change to RR Avenue and substantiates Mr. Trimarco explanation: http://www.patchoguevillage.org/minutes/2012/Board%20Meeting%2009%2024%202012.pdf
48:22 Emporium owner rejects paying for new traffic study
48:42 Board member Burton refers to alleged incidents in January 2015 and dismisses them
Note: for a viewer’s own examination of the various reports from the Patchogue Ambulance Company and Village Code enforcement on this website can be found their complete reports as presented at the last Zoning Board meeting held on this application of 1/7/15. Scroll down directly from this video to an update section for the this meeting where PDF documents can be downloaded and read.
50:38 Owner outlines hours of operation of the club
52:38 Architect Santoro asks about just what plans the village does have to remedy parking shortage with reply about village’s current plans
Note: Patchogue Village is in fact considering purchasing nearby properties to expand surface parking at the nearby Church St. parking lot and as well may construct a two story parking garage at the same location. This decision is still under consideration but an announcement concerning that decision is expected sometime this year. An excellent video on this subject that clearly identifies the Church as the site of a proposed two story parking garage can be found here: http://buildabetterburb.org/main-street-brackets-shared-parking-in-patchogue-presentation-by-architect-michael-piper/
As well the Business Improvement District did in fact conduct a parking and traffic study of the village and its contents and recommendations including changes for the Church St parking lot can be found here: http://www.patchoguebid.com/images/2012-jan-parking-study.pdf
Public Portion
55:25 Mr. Vasquez, owner of a nearby apartment building, provides more detail about the early January incident at the Emporium claiming police arrested four persons, he further asks for sound abatement claiming his building shakes from vibrations originating from concerts and in general he feels that the business is improperly sited as too large for its location
In hour, minutes and seconds
1:02:41 Owner of Emporium rebuts Mr. Vasquez’s statement but does offer to work with him individually to resolve future issues
Meeting adjourns with no decision reached however “Decision section” reopens meeting shortly afterwards
1/7/15 Emporium Special Zoning Permit Hearing No. 3
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1/17/15 UPDATE
Above this update is video for the third Zoning Board hearing regarding the Emporium nightclub. Below this update is the original narrative posting for that video. Mentioned at that meeting were references to a history of contacts by Village Code and as well the Patchogue Ambulance service with the Emporium. Those reports were entered into the public record on the date of the third Zoning Board meeting and were not available for public review prior to the meeting. They are now published here as PDF documents for public review. There are two such documents. The first is a report from the ambulance service. It is not a complete history from day one to the day of the hearing; please note in the report itself dates that are actually covered. The second document is history of contacts by Code enforcement since the club opening till the date of the third hearing. It begins with a master listing. Please note check marks next to the dates reported as it is those dates that actually have field reports attached for review. There is no history of contacts by the Suffolk County Police at the club address. Although the village has asked for copies of field reports the village has been told to formally file for such copies. It is unknown whether the Village has done formally by filing a freedom of information request. Normally such requests may take some months to be answered. The documents where needed have been redacted and the names of alleged victims and those alleged of committing crimes have been removed. Just a quick impression of the information that is available....a sad history of incidents providing a view of the underside of club life in Patchogue Village and some testimony too to the challenging situations faced by Village officers and ambulance first responders. After reviewing the information in the documents please remember that the video that has been published by this organization, from all three sessions already held, is available on this website for viewing. Scroll down from the third video directly above to find the other videos as well as other PDF documents that have been posted about other aspects of this application. With the posting of these PDF documents the public has an essential history of the written information upon which the Zoning Board of Appeals will rest it ultimate decisions about this application. Next and probably last hearing on this special permit this Wednesday 1/21/15 at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall. The meeting is open to the public. John Bogack, Executive Director ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PV Zoning Board 1/7/15 Third Emporium Special Permit Hearing Time Code Narrative: Just one note before getting to the narrative. There was a technical issue with this video. Two cameras were put to use as the first camera’s memory card failed. Luckily we had a second on hand to continue filming after a very short break in the narrative. But you can see the change in the quality of the recording at about time code 27 minutes, 38 seconds. This video less than 40 minutes long. The time code should provide a good guide to finding subjects of interest or just let it play out and see it all which is always recommended. Present for the Board left to right at the meeting table: Seating from right to left: Board member Frank Tassone, Board attorney Ernie Maier Jr, Chairperson Nick Fuccillo, Board members George Homfeld, Charles Burton, Laura-Feitner Calarco and Coordinator Carol Ciglio. At the podium left to right: Tim Lorito Emporium owner, his architect Mr. Santoro, and his lawyer Mr. Trimarco. At the beginning of the meeting Mr. Fuccillo chairperson recuses himself as he done before and turns the meeting over to be presided by Mr. Homfeld. Mr. Homfeld then begins with an unexpected inquiry about the kitchen area of the club (at the close of the last meeting security issues were to be the main focus of this hearing). In minutes and seconds 1:21 Mr. Trimarco, Mr. Lorito and the architect then for the next fifteen or so minutes react to various questions about the kitchen area which it turns out when a village code enforcement officer came to look at it on 12/11/14 could not be found. Questions also arise about other changes made at the building of which there are no record with an agreement that a current floor plan will be presented. At the very end of this part of the meeting Mr. Homfeld thanks Mr. Trimarco for receipt of a security plan not otherwise referred to or discussed during the first fifteen minutes of this hearing. Public portion 15:32 The public is asked for comment John Bogack offers some. Questions asked about whether the Zoning Board is in receipt of documents it had previously identified as needed: police history, ambulance response history, code enforcement response history. This leads to a disclosure that some documents have been provided to the Board just ahead of the meeting and with the comment because they have they have not been reviewed due to lack of time. Speaker Bogack also refers to a recent Newsday story relating to a violent incident at the club with an appeal that the Zoning Board before it reached its decision review all any police report about that incident and all other documents from all sources to fully assess security issues at the club before granting a renewed special permit. 21:48 Sound study allegedly documenting that the Emporium was within village sound code is disputed by the same speaker by examination of the criteria used by the club’s own study with an appeal that the music be lowered on behalf of nearby neighbors 24:17 Discussion of length of next permit is had with a request from the speaker that the term of any future renewal be limited in order to promote scrutiny of how the club complied with conditions attached to any such special permit Public comment ends 25: 22 Before the owner and his lawyer offer rebuttal to the public remarks Acting Chairman Homfeld reads into the record the contents of an email from John Rocco chief of the PV ambulance service regarding part of their response history to the Emporium nightclub. 27:38 Mr. Trimarco responds to issues raised during public portion by addressing issue of suit by the owner against the Suffolk County Police, noise study findings revisited by him, and lastly he comments on the report from Mr. Rocco concerning ambulance responses to the club that report having been read into the record earlier by the Acting Chairperson. Meeting ends with agreement as to final documents e.g. floor plan that will be submitted to the Board before the time of the next scheduled meeting; 1/21/15. Meeting then ends. This video filmed by Tony Wenderoth and John Bogack, narrative provided by John Bogack | ||||
First Ever "Midnight on Main St" Ball Rise Patchogue Village 2014
As the title says first ever event. Edited clip of more than one hour event..street scenes of several hundred revelers....ball rise, fire works, end comments from MC and music as the crowd thins.
This clip filmed and edited by John Bogack
This clip filmed and edited by John Bogack
Patchogue Board of Trustees Mt. 12/8/14: Full Proceedings
12/8/14 Bd Mt Narrative
In minutes
2:44 First public hearing. Discussion including public comment on the issue of permissive resolution allowing the Board to pierce the two percent tax cap next year when it votes on the next budget. Discussion of how village pensions impact on budget, motion approved.
14:47 Second public hearing. Special permit approved for self-storage facility on Waverly Avenue for three year period.
18:15 Third public hearing. Height requirements raised for coastal residential properties. Presentation by Code Enforcement chief Peter Sarich who explains why increase is needed. Motion approved.
28:09 Mayor Pontieri goes off the agenda to comment on a recent assault incident that occurred on Jennings Avenue a few days earlier.
31:05 Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce Director Dave Kennedy begins his report on Chamber activities and ends with discussion about issues relating to Midnight on Main street event.
34:40 Midnight on Main Street security issues discussion with Mayor Pontieri discussing immediate security issue raised by the Police and probable plan to amend event
40:35 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports on revenue raised in November 2014 from main street meters and meters at the train station then discusses imminent plan to meter several village parking lots early in 2015
42:27 Trustee Keyes reports
47:25 Trustee Felice provides November report for the Building Department
48:56 Trustee Ferb reports on imminent deployment of street surveillance camera by providing their intended location…also comments on recent Tour of Historical Houses of Worship in the village
51:07 Trustee Devlin also reports and comments on the historical tour as well
52:53 Trustee Hilton reports…comments about Toy Trot event at Shorefront Park and recent Christmas parade on Main Street
Now in Hour, minutes and second
1: 01:15 Mayor Pontieri reports on recent award given to the village for “innovation”
Public portion begins
1:03:10 Donald Wachsmuth talks about exercise equipment at Shorefront Park …abandoned bike lockers at train station…traffic issues at the Four Corners
1:06:41 resident Richard Kemp comments on multiple issues….alleged inefficient use of village highway staff….complaint about amplified music levels….recent assault on Jennings Avenue of village resident and receipt of anonymous letter complaining about code violations at 16 Jennings a rooming house…approvals given to alcohol related businesses and renewed call for a moratorium with discussion at all points with Mayor Pontieri, Village attorney Egan and other Board members
1:20:40 resident John Bogack reminds all that the police can be addressed on neighborhood issues at their monthly community meeting…appeal to public to disavow anonymous literature
1:26:45 Jennings avenue resident Tom Murray discussed recent assault incident near his home, discusses as will other issues relating to code enforcement and crime suppression on his street, is critical of what he views is ineffective police response…Mayor agrees to meet with him to discuss issues more in detail
1:26:45 resident Jo Miller disputes Mayor Pontieri’s viewed expressed earlier that no steps could be taken to limit alcohol related businesses that were otherwise in compliance with zoning, health, and planning Board requirements. She cites recent village prohibition of hookah lounges as an example of legal drug related business banned from the village.
Meeting ends.
In minutes
2:44 First public hearing. Discussion including public comment on the issue of permissive resolution allowing the Board to pierce the two percent tax cap next year when it votes on the next budget. Discussion of how village pensions impact on budget, motion approved.
14:47 Second public hearing. Special permit approved for self-storage facility on Waverly Avenue for three year period.
18:15 Third public hearing. Height requirements raised for coastal residential properties. Presentation by Code Enforcement chief Peter Sarich who explains why increase is needed. Motion approved.
28:09 Mayor Pontieri goes off the agenda to comment on a recent assault incident that occurred on Jennings Avenue a few days earlier.
31:05 Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce Director Dave Kennedy begins his report on Chamber activities and ends with discussion about issues relating to Midnight on Main street event.
34:40 Midnight on Main Street security issues discussion with Mayor Pontieri discussing immediate security issue raised by the Police and probable plan to amend event
40:35 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports on revenue raised in November 2014 from main street meters and meters at the train station then discusses imminent plan to meter several village parking lots early in 2015
42:27 Trustee Keyes reports
47:25 Trustee Felice provides November report for the Building Department
48:56 Trustee Ferb reports on imminent deployment of street surveillance camera by providing their intended location…also comments on recent Tour of Historical Houses of Worship in the village
51:07 Trustee Devlin also reports and comments on the historical tour as well
52:53 Trustee Hilton reports…comments about Toy Trot event at Shorefront Park and recent Christmas parade on Main Street
Now in Hour, minutes and second
1: 01:15 Mayor Pontieri reports on recent award given to the village for “innovation”
Public portion begins
1:03:10 Donald Wachsmuth talks about exercise equipment at Shorefront Park …abandoned bike lockers at train station…traffic issues at the Four Corners
1:06:41 resident Richard Kemp comments on multiple issues….alleged inefficient use of village highway staff….complaint about amplified music levels….recent assault on Jennings Avenue of village resident and receipt of anonymous letter complaining about code violations at 16 Jennings a rooming house…approvals given to alcohol related businesses and renewed call for a moratorium with discussion at all points with Mayor Pontieri, Village attorney Egan and other Board members
1:20:40 resident John Bogack reminds all that the police can be addressed on neighborhood issues at their monthly community meeting…appeal to public to disavow anonymous literature
1:26:45 Jennings avenue resident Tom Murray discussed recent assault incident near his home, discusses as will other issues relating to code enforcement and crime suppression on his street, is critical of what he views is ineffective police response…Mayor agrees to meet with him to discuss issues more in detail
1:26:45 resident Jo Miller disputes Mayor Pontieri’s viewed expressed earlier that no steps could be taken to limit alcohol related businesses that were otherwise in compliance with zoning, health, and planning Board requirements. She cites recent village prohibition of hookah lounges as an example of legal drug related business banned from the village.
Meeting ends.
Emporium Second Hearing: PV Zoning Board of Appeals 12/3/14
Below a lot of information and something new for a Zoning Board video: PDF documents that will allow viewers to have their own look at key documents referred to during the course of the meeting that the public did not have a chance to review until later. Following this meeting an inspection of the public file regarding this application was made. From that inspection a number of documents were foiled (freedom of information request). They provide information in a number of ways. The first PDF documents the original Zoning Board approval made in 2012 and that document is actually the base line for all the discussion that has occurred at both hearings so far and the one to come in early 2015. The second PDF displays two letters. The first of the two letters is a notice sent to the owner in April 2014 reminding him that his special permit had expired. The second in September 2014 is in response to a request from the owner to the Planning Board to expand his nightclub by expanding the beer garden area and adding a rooftop deck. The request being denied as the permit remained expired with a suggestion again that the renewal process begin with an application to do so. The third PDF is a copy of a sound study undertaken by the owner. The fourth PFD is a copy of a parking study undertaken by the owner.
For additional reference with respect to assessing the sound study report please note that the maximum decibel permitted level is 70 decibels. For additional reference to the claim that the club is open primarily at 9:30 p.m. in terms of parking demand please see online actual schedule of the club for comparison: http://theemporiumny.com/
All are reminded that this organization has no official position regarding this application. Our purpose as always is to provide the public with information to help the public decide what actions if any need to be taken. There remains a third public hearing to be held on this application on 1/7/15 the focus of which is security measures at the club. The public will have a last chance to express itself about the entire application at that meeting if anyone chooses to do so. At the first public hearing five members of the public did speak. At the second public hearing no one from the public expressed an opinion.
The time code narrative
What follows is a time code narrative for the meeting. The Emporium section of the meeting is the last item of business attended to and the video for that entire section is about thirty minutes in length. The narrative offers some insight into subject areas. There is however never a substitute for seeing the whole video to catch all that the camera has captured.
This meeting was filmed primarily as on the agenda the second hearing on a renewal request from the owner of the Emporium nightclub to review his two year special permit.
Seated from left to right: Board members Mark Lewis, Frank Tassone, Brian Kerns, Board attorney Ernie Maier Jr, Chairperson Nick Fuccillo, Board members George Homfeld, Charles Burton, Mark Chaval and Coordinator Carol Ciglio. Absent Board member Laura Feitner-Calarco.
Note: during the video of the Emporium application some members of the Board cannot be seen due to how speakers at the public podium are standing. The narrative the follows does note who is speaking however when sight is not clear.
This video begins with a call for the Emporium applicant who is not present on first call. It then proceeds with two other applications which are briefly noted. On second call the Emporium application begins.
In minutes and seconds
1:51 Gerogio application
9:25 Application for 152 No. Ocean Ave.
17:02 Emporium (Fo-Fo Toys corporate name) begins with Tim Lorito owner, his attorney Mr. Trimarco, and assistant Mr. Santoro offering comment
17:39 Question from Acting Board Chairman Homfeld asking first about the corporate status of the application and then with an additional question about security plans for the club with responses
22:17 Board Attorney Maier asks about recent reported safety incidents at the club
22: 35 Board secretary Carol Giglio reads into the record reports of several safety issues at the club in the last few weeks
24:30 Attorney Trimarco replies to safety issues
26:36 Board member Kerns raises issue of expired special license and change of uses with Attorney Trimarco admitting to lapses and promising to avoid same in the future
27:34 Owner Lorito asks for and gets a better definition of the term “special permit”
30:03 Attorney Trimarco rebuts claims that club is exceeding noise limits in local neighborhood and presents private study substantiating his claim
30:57 Board member Lewis raises recent safety issue that has come to his personal discussion…attorney Trimarco promises a review of the alleged incident and discussion occurs about security plan for the club
33:50 Board attorney Maier asks about what current uses are in effect at the club with resultant discussion
36:27 Owner discusses parking issues, denies that the club has contributed to them to the extent claimed, presents private parking study that claims that most nearby parking is nearly all taken before 9:30 p.m. start of the club’s activities.
Presentation ends, call for public comment and with no one standing up to speak, meeting resumes with discussion of setting a third hearing date for 1/7/15 with focus on security issues at the club.
Meeting adjourns.
The PDF document file:
For additional reference with respect to assessing the sound study report please note that the maximum decibel permitted level is 70 decibels. For additional reference to the claim that the club is open primarily at 9:30 p.m. in terms of parking demand please see online actual schedule of the club for comparison: http://theemporiumny.com/
All are reminded that this organization has no official position regarding this application. Our purpose as always is to provide the public with information to help the public decide what actions if any need to be taken. There remains a third public hearing to be held on this application on 1/7/15 the focus of which is security measures at the club. The public will have a last chance to express itself about the entire application at that meeting if anyone chooses to do so. At the first public hearing five members of the public did speak. At the second public hearing no one from the public expressed an opinion.
The time code narrative
What follows is a time code narrative for the meeting. The Emporium section of the meeting is the last item of business attended to and the video for that entire section is about thirty minutes in length. The narrative offers some insight into subject areas. There is however never a substitute for seeing the whole video to catch all that the camera has captured.
This meeting was filmed primarily as on the agenda the second hearing on a renewal request from the owner of the Emporium nightclub to review his two year special permit.
Seated from left to right: Board members Mark Lewis, Frank Tassone, Brian Kerns, Board attorney Ernie Maier Jr, Chairperson Nick Fuccillo, Board members George Homfeld, Charles Burton, Mark Chaval and Coordinator Carol Ciglio. Absent Board member Laura Feitner-Calarco.
Note: during the video of the Emporium application some members of the Board cannot be seen due to how speakers at the public podium are standing. The narrative the follows does note who is speaking however when sight is not clear.
This video begins with a call for the Emporium applicant who is not present on first call. It then proceeds with two other applications which are briefly noted. On second call the Emporium application begins.
In minutes and seconds
1:51 Gerogio application
9:25 Application for 152 No. Ocean Ave.
17:02 Emporium (Fo-Fo Toys corporate name) begins with Tim Lorito owner, his attorney Mr. Trimarco, and assistant Mr. Santoro offering comment
17:39 Question from Acting Board Chairman Homfeld asking first about the corporate status of the application and then with an additional question about security plans for the club with responses
22:17 Board Attorney Maier asks about recent reported safety incidents at the club
22: 35 Board secretary Carol Giglio reads into the record reports of several safety issues at the club in the last few weeks
24:30 Attorney Trimarco replies to safety issues
26:36 Board member Kerns raises issue of expired special license and change of uses with Attorney Trimarco admitting to lapses and promising to avoid same in the future
27:34 Owner Lorito asks for and gets a better definition of the term “special permit”
30:03 Attorney Trimarco rebuts claims that club is exceeding noise limits in local neighborhood and presents private study substantiating his claim
30:57 Board member Lewis raises recent safety issue that has come to his personal discussion…attorney Trimarco promises a review of the alleged incident and discussion occurs about security plan for the club
33:50 Board attorney Maier asks about what current uses are in effect at the club with resultant discussion
36:27 Owner discusses parking issues, denies that the club has contributed to them to the extent claimed, presents private parking study that claims that most nearby parking is nearly all taken before 9:30 p.m. start of the club’s activities.
Presentation ends, call for public comment and with no one standing up to speak, meeting resumes with discussion of setting a third hearing date for 1/7/15 with focus on security issues at the club.
Meeting adjourns.
The PDF document file:
| 2012_zoning_approval_emporium.pdf |
| 2014_advisory_letters_2014_emporium.pdf |
| sound_study_emporium_2014.pdf |
| parking_study_emporium_2014.pdf |
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees 11/24/14-Full Proceedings
Below a concise time code narrative for the full proceedings of the 11/24/14 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees. As has been said many times before this narrative does not capture every issue discussed or decided at the Board meeting. There is no substitute for seeing the whole video to see all that occurred.
Sitting from left to right at the meeting table: Treasurer Ron Krawczyk, Trustees Keyes, Felice and Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan.
In minutes and seconds
3:10 Village Treasurer Krawczyk asks for the introduction of a resolution at the next meeting permitting the Board to exceed the two percent tax cap when it considers approval of the next budget if needed. Discussion of the impact of pension costs on future budget costs and approval of request.
10:08 Ex. Dir. Dennis Smith Business Improvement District reports…among other issues imminent deployment of a test series of surveillance cameras on Main Street
15:32 Ex. Dir. Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce Dave Kennedy reports on holiday activities upcoming
22:20 Rev Wolter is permitted to speak out of the regular agenda order and he addresses the Board about social issues in the village and seeks support for a fund raiser to raise money to feed the poor in the village.
34:39 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports on parking meter issues with a discussion of fees for handicapped drivers among the items raised and discussed
42:30 Trustee Keyes reports…notable issue approval gained to pave three new village streets: Gillette, Ketcham and W. Lake Dr.
45:27 Trustee Felice reports
47:05 Trustee Ferb reports
47:14 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports again: parking meter revenues from Jan to Oct 2014 reported
48:34 Trustee Devlin reports…Swan Lake preserve discussed
50:05 Trustee Hilton reports….intends to present a request to limit for profit events at Shorefront Park in the future with discussion
Public Portion
52:50 Resident Mark Siegel discusses village parking issues
55:00 Resident Charlie Hoban asks about the future South Village Sewering Project with comments in reply from Mayor Pontieri
Sitting from left to right at the meeting table: Treasurer Ron Krawczyk, Trustees Keyes, Felice and Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan.
In minutes and seconds
3:10 Village Treasurer Krawczyk asks for the introduction of a resolution at the next meeting permitting the Board to exceed the two percent tax cap when it considers approval of the next budget if needed. Discussion of the impact of pension costs on future budget costs and approval of request.
10:08 Ex. Dir. Dennis Smith Business Improvement District reports…among other issues imminent deployment of a test series of surveillance cameras on Main Street
15:32 Ex. Dir. Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce Dave Kennedy reports on holiday activities upcoming
22:20 Rev Wolter is permitted to speak out of the regular agenda order and he addresses the Board about social issues in the village and seeks support for a fund raiser to raise money to feed the poor in the village.
34:39 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports on parking meter issues with a discussion of fees for handicapped drivers among the items raised and discussed
42:30 Trustee Keyes reports…notable issue approval gained to pave three new village streets: Gillette, Ketcham and W. Lake Dr.
45:27 Trustee Felice reports
47:05 Trustee Ferb reports
47:14 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports again: parking meter revenues from Jan to Oct 2014 reported
48:34 Trustee Devlin reports…Swan Lake preserve discussed
50:05 Trustee Hilton reports….intends to present a request to limit for profit events at Shorefront Park in the future with discussion
Public Portion
52:50 Resident Mark Siegel discusses village parking issues
55:00 Resident Charlie Hoban asks about the future South Village Sewering Project with comments in reply from Mayor Pontieri
EPA Report: Update
This is our second comment on the recent EPA audit of the Village’s Storm Water Management Plan. On 10/15/14 we published on this website a copy of the EPA’s audit of the Village’s storm water management. It is still posted for reference on this site. Since that date these events have occurred.
On 11/10/14 the Patchogue Board of Trustees met. The Mayor went off the official agenda to direct some remarks with respect to the EPA report. He also has some remarks for unidentified “bloggers” whom he claimed had accused him of polluting the Patchogue River which he angrily denied.
When you strip the anger out of the Mayor’s comments he did provide a first time public accounting of a number of steps that the Village has taken with respect to remedial actions undertaken by it since the EPA ordered a remedial plan. Those steps appear be extensive.
Others events also occurred following the Board meeting of 11/10/14.
This organization contacted the EPA directly to get an independent view of just what the EPA did conclude and order to remedy the issues it had identified as needing remediation.
Their response:
1. The Village of Patchogue has not polluted the Patchogue River or any other lake, stream, or natural body of water affected by its storm management plan.
2. The Village is acting to remedy issues identified by the EPA
3. The EPA remedial plan has been ordered to prevent the pollution of the Patchogue River and other natural bodies of water affected by the Village’s storm water management plan and the remedial plan was important to effect, compliance was expected.
And for the record below is a PDF copy of the administrative compliance letter that is the subject of the EPA’s attention: one potent page of information. The existence of this letter cannot be denied.
Closer to home this organization responded to the Mayor’s direct appeal made on the 10th that if anyone did have questions about the EPA report to contact him. We did so specifically asking for copies of documents he referred to during the meeting of the 10th so that they could be posted online allowing the public to view them.
That contact has resulted in a planned meeting this Monday with the Mayor and other Village officials at which time that request and related matters to the EPA report are on the agenda for discussion.
We are going into that meeting with the same mindset that we had the night of the 10th when later there was a response to the Mayor’s earlier comments. Anger was not returned with more anger but with facts. What he was told: Yes we have published without judgment information that the public has a right to know. All documents obtained by freedom a freedom of information from the Village.
Those are simply the facts.
Ahead hopefully a reconnection to what should be everyone’s goal: protection of the environment. Distractions need to be put aside and the public needs a factual report about the current state of the matters that originally caused concern by the EPA. We will do our best to keep on that course and we will help the Village as best we can reach out to the public with accurate information about what it has been doing since the EPA determination. The only side we are on is whatever side the facts take us.
Following the meeting we will report on its result.
And for the last part of this update we do have an outstanding request with the EPA for additional documents. It has not yet been processed but when it has those documents will be posted as well for the same reason we posted the first set: the public has a right to know.
This is our second comment on the recent EPA audit of the Village’s Storm Water Management Plan. On 10/15/14 we published on this website a copy of the EPA’s audit of the Village’s storm water management. It is still posted for reference on this site. Since that date these events have occurred.
On 11/10/14 the Patchogue Board of Trustees met. The Mayor went off the official agenda to direct some remarks with respect to the EPA report. He also has some remarks for unidentified “bloggers” whom he claimed had accused him of polluting the Patchogue River which he angrily denied.
When you strip the anger out of the Mayor’s comments he did provide a first time public accounting of a number of steps that the Village has taken with respect to remedial actions undertaken by it since the EPA ordered a remedial plan. Those steps appear be extensive.
Others events also occurred following the Board meeting of 11/10/14.
This organization contacted the EPA directly to get an independent view of just what the EPA did conclude and order to remedy the issues it had identified as needing remediation.
Their response:
1. The Village of Patchogue has not polluted the Patchogue River or any other lake, stream, or natural body of water affected by its storm management plan.
2. The Village is acting to remedy issues identified by the EPA
3. The EPA remedial plan has been ordered to prevent the pollution of the Patchogue River and other natural bodies of water affected by the Village’s storm water management plan and the remedial plan was important to effect, compliance was expected.
And for the record below is a PDF copy of the administrative compliance letter that is the subject of the EPA’s attention: one potent page of information. The existence of this letter cannot be denied.
Closer to home this organization responded to the Mayor’s direct appeal made on the 10th that if anyone did have questions about the EPA report to contact him. We did so specifically asking for copies of documents he referred to during the meeting of the 10th so that they could be posted online allowing the public to view them.
That contact has resulted in a planned meeting this Monday with the Mayor and other Village officials at which time that request and related matters to the EPA report are on the agenda for discussion.
We are going into that meeting with the same mindset that we had the night of the 10th when later there was a response to the Mayor’s earlier comments. Anger was not returned with more anger but with facts. What he was told: Yes we have published without judgment information that the public has a right to know. All documents obtained by freedom a freedom of information from the Village.
Those are simply the facts.
Ahead hopefully a reconnection to what should be everyone’s goal: protection of the environment. Distractions need to be put aside and the public needs a factual report about the current state of the matters that originally caused concern by the EPA. We will do our best to keep on that course and we will help the Village as best we can reach out to the public with accurate information about what it has been doing since the EPA determination. The only side we are on is whatever side the facts take us.
Following the meeting we will report on its result.
And for the last part of this update we do have an outstanding request with the EPA for additional documents. It has not yet been processed but when it has those documents will be posted as well for the same reason we posted the first set: the public has a right to know.
| epaonepage.pdf |
Patchogue Theater Financial Study: End Summary
This is the fourth essay on the subject of the finances of the Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts and our last for now. Along with this one all are of record on this website. The purpose of this update is to provide a summary of the information learned during the last several months this organization has been actively exploring the financial status of the Theater.
Useful to go back to the beginning for a moment and recall our explanation for the beginnings of this survey that started on 9/21/14 which was:
“This report arises from an event which occurred recently at the 8/25/14 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees. At that meeting resident Richard Kemp, rose to speak during the public portion and directed a question at Deputy Mayor Jack Krieger. His request: a report about the finances of the Patchogue Theater from Trustee Krieger who acts as the liaison between the Board of Trustees and the Executive Board of the Patchogue Theater. Trustee Krieger deferred answering Mr. Kemp’s question. His basis: that the Patchogue Theater acts as a separate body and that it alone should be reporting on its finances. Trustee Krieger also told Mr. Kemp and the public at large that the finances of the Theater were after all a matter of public record. He suggested that if anyone was interested in getting more information they could investigate on their own beginning by contacting the Theater directly.”
Beginning on that date a mass of information not so easily available to the public as it first appeared has been amassed and published. This has included information from the Theater website, the website of the NY State General, video documenting representations made by the Theater Board itself concerning its finances, most importantly a letter from the Theater Board addressing questions that arose during this process among some of the sources that have been cited during this information survey.
Our effort was never intended as more than fact finding. We are not an investigatory body. We did find facts, some unexpected, questions arising of those discoveries where asked and answered sometime fully sometimes still needing further clarification. However in our candid opinion chasing down every issue that needed a complete explanation would take us way beyond our core mission which is mainly video publication of village governmental events by which this organization chiefly informs the public about public matters in the Village of Patchogue.
For those in the public who wish to pursue matters on their own the good news is that assembled here is a variety of tools to do so and this comment will end with a listing of those resources.
While this study is ending we will next year look at this issue again following the release of the financial report by the Theater for the most current year not on line and not required to be online and filed with the NY Attorney General until 1/31/15.
We do end with this general impression: the good work of the Theater is hobbled by a general lack of funds. While the Theater has nearly overcome a burden of past debt it is still not showing a profit (barring some better news in its next filing). The good news is the existence of a one million dollar endowment which may in the end allow the Theater to program events that ultimately will produce the kind of profits that will secure its future. We wish them well towards that goal.
Tools for public research
Note: all the web addresses are direct links to specific areas identified in the narrative that follows. Where hyperlinks do not appear simply paste in web addresses as provided into a search bar.
1. Website of the Patchogue Theater (general information and some financial information as well): http://patchoguetheatre.com/frequently-asked-questions
2. Website of the NY State Attorney General (fiscal information, audits, and tax filings): http://www.charitiesnys.com/RegistrySearch/search_charities_action.jsp
3. Website for ProPublica (independent source of financial reporting): http://www.propublica.org/search/search.php?qss=patchogue+village+center+for+the+performing+arts&x=13&y=12&csrf_token=f38307fb5b4582163040171e05164530a8e113003f2f76d855c3059b0e42b85b
4. Suffolk County Civil Service (i.e. title of Cultural Affairs Supervisor): https://apps.suffolkcountyny.gov/civilservice/civilserviceinquiry/TitleAction.aspx
5. Village Budgets: http://www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/village-budgets.html
6. History: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patchogue_Theatre
7. Video: 2013 appearance of the Patchogue Theater Board before the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees explaining its plans for financial stability: http://youtu.be/tgwez7MLQas
8. Freedom of Information Requests:
Patchogue Village: “FOIL REQUESTS” at http://www.patchoguevillage.org/clerk.html
Suffolk County (Each department has its own procedures for freedom of information requests and needs to be contacted directly for its procedures)
And any person seeking more information about what we have already published or for other help may contact us by email: CC4OVG@aol.com
And one last resource see below a PDF document describing the duties of Cultural Affairs Supervisor (see Theater Board reply letter PDF posted earlier on this website for relevance of this information):
John Bogack
Executive Director
11/19/14
| culturalaffairssupervisorcivilserv.pdf |
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Meeting 11/10/14
Meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees on 11/10/14: full proceeding. A bit over one hour. The meeting did have some important information and the time code and narrative below does highlight top topics that came up during the meeting.
NEW FEATURE: we are now able to provide a PDF copy of the agenda for additional reference.
In Minutes
4:06 Three audits of village finances: General Fund, Justice Court and Community Development Agency disbursement of federal funding discussed.
12:06 Mayor Pontieri discusses the village’s response to the EPA audit to its storm water management program and denies that the Village has polluted the Patchogue River
See later rebuttal provided during public portion to some of the Mayor’s remarks
17:33 Public hearing on a zoning variance for property located at 129 River Avenue and approval
20:14 Trustee Devlin introduces resolution to accept donation of public art sculpture located at the Terry St. Garden. Remarks from artist Dave Rogers
26:48 Carol Tvelia announces tour of historic religious buildings
33:03 Business Improvement District report by Ex. Dir. Dennis Smith
37:35 Chamber of Commerce report by Ex. Dir. Dave Kennedy….fall activities including Boat Parade details
47:17 Trustee Keyes reports….potential dredging of Patchogue Lake….impact of 18.1 million dollar cesspool abatement plan for south Patchogue Village…status report on South River Avenue cesspool abatement plan independent of larger plan…re-grassing of Shorefront park to create hardier grass cover
51:55 Trustee Felice…monthly statistical report for Building and Housing department
53:19 Trustee Devlin reports on the 6th Annual Marcelo Lucero Memorial gathering
56:00 Trustee Hilton…holiday parade, boat parade, Toy Trot details
59:42 Public Portion….resident John Bogack rebuts Mayor confirms posting of EPA report concerning the EPA’s assessment of the village’s storm water management plan and invites feedback from Mayor and Board concerning any issues arising from that posting or any other one in the future.
Meeting adjourns
Note: see PDF copy of agenda posted on our website for further reference that includes subject matter not referenced in this narrative.
NEW FEATURE: we are now able to provide a PDF copy of the agenda for additional reference.
In Minutes
4:06 Three audits of village finances: General Fund, Justice Court and Community Development Agency disbursement of federal funding discussed.
12:06 Mayor Pontieri discusses the village’s response to the EPA audit to its storm water management program and denies that the Village has polluted the Patchogue River
See later rebuttal provided during public portion to some of the Mayor’s remarks
17:33 Public hearing on a zoning variance for property located at 129 River Avenue and approval
20:14 Trustee Devlin introduces resolution to accept donation of public art sculpture located at the Terry St. Garden. Remarks from artist Dave Rogers
26:48 Carol Tvelia announces tour of historic religious buildings
33:03 Business Improvement District report by Ex. Dir. Dennis Smith
37:35 Chamber of Commerce report by Ex. Dir. Dave Kennedy….fall activities including Boat Parade details
47:17 Trustee Keyes reports….potential dredging of Patchogue Lake….impact of 18.1 million dollar cesspool abatement plan for south Patchogue Village…status report on South River Avenue cesspool abatement plan independent of larger plan…re-grassing of Shorefront park to create hardier grass cover
51:55 Trustee Felice…monthly statistical report for Building and Housing department
53:19 Trustee Devlin reports on the 6th Annual Marcelo Lucero Memorial gathering
56:00 Trustee Hilton…holiday parade, boat parade, Toy Trot details
59:42 Public Portion….resident John Bogack rebuts Mayor confirms posting of EPA report concerning the EPA’s assessment of the village’s storm water management plan and invites feedback from Mayor and Board concerning any issues arising from that posting or any other one in the future.
Meeting adjourns
Note: see PDF copy of agenda posted on our website for further reference that includes subject matter not referenced in this narrative.
| 111014agnd.pdf |
Patchogue Theater Board Responds Explaining Issues Relating to Finances
This is an update regarding our policy study of the finances of the Patchogue Theater. The Theater Board has responded to our questions in the form of a letter. The letter appears here in PDF form with no additional comment. We are however near completion of this study we simply before doing so wish to give the public some period of time to consider the contents of this letter and to comment on our Facebook page if so inclined before we publish an end summary of information learned as a result of this study. 11/13/14
Here is the PDF:
This is an update regarding our policy study of the finances of the Patchogue Theater. The Theater Board has responded to our questions in the form of a letter. The letter appears here in PDF form with no additional comment. We are however near completion of this study we simply before doing so wish to give the public some period of time to consider the contents of this letter and to comment on our Facebook page if so inclined before we publish an end summary of information learned as a result of this study. 11/13/14
Here is the PDF:
| theaterletter2014.pdf |
Patchogue Village Zoning Board 11-5-14: Sid's Drinking Den Inc.
Zoning Board
11/5/14: Sid’s Drinking Den Inc. Application
Below video for the Patchogue Village Zoning Board of Appeals meeting of 11/5/14. From that meeting a clip concerning an application for a new bar at 186 W. Main St. Below as well a time code and event narrative to help viewing.
Seated from left to right: Seated from left to right in the video at the meeting table: Mr. Lewis , Frank Tassone, Board attorney Ernie Maier Jr. and Chairperson Nick Fuccillo, Mark Charvat, George Homfeld, Laura Feitner-Calarco, Coordinator Carol Ciglio (non-member).
Note: placement of podium blocks seeing Board members Lewis and Tassone until the very end of the video. They can be heard from time to time.
Meeting begins with Chairman Fuccillo reading the formal application announcement.
Applicant Tim Lorito (who owns the Emporium nightclub in Patchogue Village) appears along with assistant James Santuro. Both then present initial facts concerning the application: 50 seats on main floor, 18 seats at the bar itself (later applicant will say occupancy will be slightly less than one hundred people), no cooking on the premises although food will be served, initially dance floor and stage described (later amended by applicant), total gutting and renovation of inside of building planned. Discussion of past history of space used as bar. Applicant also explains that Sid’s Drinking Den is the corporate name but the bar will have another name when opened.
5:03 Chairman Fuccillo raises the issue of the nearby proximity of the Rock Church and applicant explains State Liquor Authority exemption that removes this issue for consideration
6:38 Parking discussion and use of back are for smoking disclosed
10:05 Applicant discloses he does not own building and has a lease at present only for lower first floor of building….outside appearance of bar to be made more attractive
13:20 Board member Feitner-Calarco asks about impact of dancing on use of site, applicant clarifies there will be no dance area but small stage for acoustic acts and his plan to establish “craft beer pub” similar to Tap Room…parking concerns again discussed
18:02 Chairman Fucillo discusses “unique situation” of the applicant’s use of this space
Public Comment portion
19:02 Thomas Diaz, owner of several buildings adjoining the proposed bar opposes application and explains why…intensified use will interfere with nearby pharmacy, doctor’s office and lawyer whom he fears will see their parking used by bar patrons. He explains he owns private parking lot on Hammond which he is concerned will be used by bar patrons again interfering with the use of his tenants. He refers as well to recent Halloween party held in the back of the property wherein chaotic conditions arose from over use by persons attending party.
22:35 John Bogack, speaks in favor of the application but with qualifications.
Issue of adequate notice to the public raised….negative impact on other local businesses identified for example nearby Laundromat and bodega whose customers will depend on the very same parking spaces when those businesses are open congruent to the 5 p.m. opening hour of the bar and for several hours thereafter every day…appeal that owner act responsibly and follow all rules for example to report as required any future change of use promptly to the Zoning Board and to not permit the expiration of any permits (e.g. Emporium).
Public comment ends
28:40 Applicant and assistant return to react to public comments
Applicant is asked about apparent use of space for Halloween party, denies knowledge of same, member of the public John Bogack offers explanation…building was used illegally for bar by tenant living on second floor of the building and that applicant not implicated in this event.
Applicant states public notice was made, sign posted at window of 182 W. Main which is part of the larger first floor (note: application is actually for 186 W. Main)
Applicant says Hammond Street parking lot he will have to assess. He promises to make sure that private lot is not used illegally by customers of the bar. Hours of operation will be from 5 p.m. to as long as liquor license allows. Applicant is reminded by Chairman Fuccillo if there any changes in use must be reported forthwith to the Zoning Board to assess impact on permit. Applicant discusses parking and infers that Briarcliff college lot at night will offer additional parking.
36:22 Member Feitner-Calarco asks about a possible formal lease arrangement with Briarcliff College for additional parking
Applicant discloses he most likely will not enter into a formal lease arrangement with Briarcliff for any use by his customers for their lot but he will assign staff to keep it clean
38:28 Member Feitner-Calarco reminds all that the use of the lot at the District Court cannot be factored into parking resources as it is not a municipal lot.
Applicant then promises additional document and application is held for decision in the future (no additional public hearings or meetings to be held).
Meeting is recessed.
Below video for the Patchogue Village Zoning Board of Appeals meeting of 11/5/14. From that meeting a clip concerning an application for a new bar at 186 W. Main St. Below as well a time code and event narrative to help viewing.
Seated from left to right: Seated from left to right in the video at the meeting table: Mr. Lewis , Frank Tassone, Board attorney Ernie Maier Jr. and Chairperson Nick Fuccillo, Mark Charvat, George Homfeld, Laura Feitner-Calarco, Coordinator Carol Ciglio (non-member).
Note: placement of podium blocks seeing Board members Lewis and Tassone until the very end of the video. They can be heard from time to time.
Meeting begins with Chairman Fuccillo reading the formal application announcement.
Applicant Tim Lorito (who owns the Emporium nightclub in Patchogue Village) appears along with assistant James Santuro. Both then present initial facts concerning the application: 50 seats on main floor, 18 seats at the bar itself (later applicant will say occupancy will be slightly less than one hundred people), no cooking on the premises although food will be served, initially dance floor and stage described (later amended by applicant), total gutting and renovation of inside of building planned. Discussion of past history of space used as bar. Applicant also explains that Sid’s Drinking Den is the corporate name but the bar will have another name when opened.
5:03 Chairman Fuccillo raises the issue of the nearby proximity of the Rock Church and applicant explains State Liquor Authority exemption that removes this issue for consideration
6:38 Parking discussion and use of back are for smoking disclosed
10:05 Applicant discloses he does not own building and has a lease at present only for lower first floor of building….outside appearance of bar to be made more attractive
13:20 Board member Feitner-Calarco asks about impact of dancing on use of site, applicant clarifies there will be no dance area but small stage for acoustic acts and his plan to establish “craft beer pub” similar to Tap Room…parking concerns again discussed
18:02 Chairman Fucillo discusses “unique situation” of the applicant’s use of this space
Public Comment portion
19:02 Thomas Diaz, owner of several buildings adjoining the proposed bar opposes application and explains why…intensified use will interfere with nearby pharmacy, doctor’s office and lawyer whom he fears will see their parking used by bar patrons. He explains he owns private parking lot on Hammond which he is concerned will be used by bar patrons again interfering with the use of his tenants. He refers as well to recent Halloween party held in the back of the property wherein chaotic conditions arose from over use by persons attending party.
22:35 John Bogack, speaks in favor of the application but with qualifications.
Issue of adequate notice to the public raised….negative impact on other local businesses identified for example nearby Laundromat and bodega whose customers will depend on the very same parking spaces when those businesses are open congruent to the 5 p.m. opening hour of the bar and for several hours thereafter every day…appeal that owner act responsibly and follow all rules for example to report as required any future change of use promptly to the Zoning Board and to not permit the expiration of any permits (e.g. Emporium).
Public comment ends
28:40 Applicant and assistant return to react to public comments
Applicant is asked about apparent use of space for Halloween party, denies knowledge of same, member of the public John Bogack offers explanation…building was used illegally for bar by tenant living on second floor of the building and that applicant not implicated in this event.
Applicant states public notice was made, sign posted at window of 182 W. Main which is part of the larger first floor (note: application is actually for 186 W. Main)
Applicant says Hammond Street parking lot he will have to assess. He promises to make sure that private lot is not used illegally by customers of the bar. Hours of operation will be from 5 p.m. to as long as liquor license allows. Applicant is reminded by Chairman Fuccillo if there any changes in use must be reported forthwith to the Zoning Board to assess impact on permit. Applicant discusses parking and infers that Briarcliff college lot at night will offer additional parking.
36:22 Member Feitner-Calarco asks about a possible formal lease arrangement with Briarcliff College for additional parking
Applicant discloses he most likely will not enter into a formal lease arrangement with Briarcliff for any use by his customers for their lot but he will assign staff to keep it clean
38:28 Member Feitner-Calarco reminds all that the use of the lot at the District Court cannot be factored into parking resources as it is not a municipal lot.
Applicant then promises additional document and application is held for decision in the future (no additional public hearings or meetings to be held).
Meeting is recessed.
Community Video Outreach: PAC MAC "We Are All Connected"
Tina Folks, Natural Pulse and many other dedicated artists bring We Are All Connected to Capital One Plaza E. Main St Patchogue Village. Part of the PAC MAC festival as an outdoor artistic performance. Edited Video, hand held at times hopefully faithful to the spirit of the day. Scenes: opening words, the fire is lit, grounding ceremony, intentions offered, dancing circle, last set by Natural Pulse and two women dancing before saying good bye.
And thanks to all those unnamed here without whose help this event would not have happened. This event was a unique plus for Patchogue Village.
This video published as part of the Community Video outreach effort of the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government,
And thanks to all those unnamed here without whose help this event would not have happened. This event was a unique plus for Patchogue Village.
This video published as part of the Community Video outreach effort of the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government,
Patchogue Theater Study: Update....full text of letter to Theater Board
Ms. Barbara Kane
Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts
PO Box 2400
Patchogue, NY 11772.
Dear Ms. Kane
The Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government has begun an information survey about issues relating to the financing of the Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts. The origin of this study arises from a recent invitation made by Trustee Krieger at a meeting of the Patchogue Board of Trustees for the public to do so if inclined by either searching the public record and/ or contacting the Theater Board directly. We are so inclined consistent with our organizational goal of reporting reliable facts to the general public.
That said these are the issue areas of interest to our goal:
Executive Compensation of the Executive Director John Ashline
The most recent tax form of record reports this information: “FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15A: THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION FOR JOHN ASHLINE IS DETERMINED BY AND BILLED TO THE CENTER BY THE VILLAGE OF PATCHOGUE.”
We have determined by a freedom of information request that this practice is still current and that indeed the village does bill the Theater with an expectation of full compensation for the money paid to Mr. Ashline. What is the reason for this practice?
Governance
The tax form last of record contains this information: “PATCHOGUE VILLAGE CENTER FOR THE Form 9gO(2012) PERFORMING ARTS 11-3586794 Page Part VII Compensation of Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors”
Village Trustee Jack Krieger is listed as an “individual trustee or officer”. Is he a trustee or officer of the Theater Executive Board?
Rent
The accountant’s most recent report includes this information:
NOTE 3- DONATED RENT
“Since 2008, the Center has been provided the use of the Patchogue Theatre on a reduced-rent basis through a cancelable lease agreement with the Village of Patchogue for ten years at a rate of $2,000 per month ($24,000 per year) expiring in August 2018. Effective June 1, 2012, the rate increased to $3,000 per month.”
We have obtained by a freedom of information request a copy of the lease agreement between the Village and the Theater Board. Absent an amendment to the lease not produced by the Village we find no provision for a rent amount in the above sum of 3,000 dollars a month. That amount appears to be in excess of the original lease amount. The question about this matter would be: why?
One Million Dollar Donation
Great news about this donation but no history that can be found about how it has been put to practical use. What is the status of this donation?
Those are our questions although in closing we make one additional request and offer one friendly recommendation.
We do request a copy of the Theater Budget for this year and last.
And we would like to suggest that the Theater revamp one page of its website. At present the Theater does provide information about its financial operations and does refer interested members of the public to search for more by going to the Attorney General’s website. We think it would be useful to do two more things. One, the name of the Theater for search purposes is actually the Patchogue Village Center for the Performing Arts. We think that should be stated plainly on the Theater website. And two, the Theater could easily provide a direct link to the Attorney General’s site and simply should. Taking these two steps would strengthen what the Theater has invited the public to do: search for public information but more effectively.
We await a response from the Theater Board. If there any questions about this request always feel free to reach out by letter.
Sincerely,
John Bogack
Executive Director
Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government
10/22/14
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Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts
PO Box 2400
Patchogue, NY 11772.
Dear Ms. Kane
The Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government has begun an information survey about issues relating to the financing of the Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts. The origin of this study arises from a recent invitation made by Trustee Krieger at a meeting of the Patchogue Board of Trustees for the public to do so if inclined by either searching the public record and/ or contacting the Theater Board directly. We are so inclined consistent with our organizational goal of reporting reliable facts to the general public.
That said these are the issue areas of interest to our goal:
Executive Compensation of the Executive Director John Ashline
The most recent tax form of record reports this information: “FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15A: THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION FOR JOHN ASHLINE IS DETERMINED BY AND BILLED TO THE CENTER BY THE VILLAGE OF PATCHOGUE.”
We have determined by a freedom of information request that this practice is still current and that indeed the village does bill the Theater with an expectation of full compensation for the money paid to Mr. Ashline. What is the reason for this practice?
Governance
The tax form last of record contains this information: “PATCHOGUE VILLAGE CENTER FOR THE Form 9gO(2012) PERFORMING ARTS 11-3586794 Page Part VII Compensation of Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors”
Village Trustee Jack Krieger is listed as an “individual trustee or officer”. Is he a trustee or officer of the Theater Executive Board?
Rent
The accountant’s most recent report includes this information:
NOTE 3- DONATED RENT
“Since 2008, the Center has been provided the use of the Patchogue Theatre on a reduced-rent basis through a cancelable lease agreement with the Village of Patchogue for ten years at a rate of $2,000 per month ($24,000 per year) expiring in August 2018. Effective June 1, 2012, the rate increased to $3,000 per month.”
We have obtained by a freedom of information request a copy of the lease agreement between the Village and the Theater Board. Absent an amendment to the lease not produced by the Village we find no provision for a rent amount in the above sum of 3,000 dollars a month. That amount appears to be in excess of the original lease amount. The question about this matter would be: why?
One Million Dollar Donation
Great news about this donation but no history that can be found about how it has been put to practical use. What is the status of this donation?
Those are our questions although in closing we make one additional request and offer one friendly recommendation.
We do request a copy of the Theater Budget for this year and last.
And we would like to suggest that the Theater revamp one page of its website. At present the Theater does provide information about its financial operations and does refer interested members of the public to search for more by going to the Attorney General’s website. We think it would be useful to do two more things. One, the name of the Theater for search purposes is actually the Patchogue Village Center for the Performing Arts. We think that should be stated plainly on the Theater website. And two, the Theater could easily provide a direct link to the Attorney General’s site and simply should. Taking these two steps would strengthen what the Theater has invited the public to do: search for public information but more effectively.
We await a response from the Theater Board. If there any questions about this request always feel free to reach out by letter.
Sincerely,
John Bogack
Executive Director
Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government
10/22/14
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EPA ISSUES: Patchogue Village Study
This is the second in our continuing series of policy studies of Patchogue Village public issues. And like the first a study of the finances of the Patchogue Village Performing Arts Theater is a work in progress.
It began unexpectedly with the introduction of two resolutions by Trustee Ferb at the 9/8/14 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees. On that date Trustee Ferb asked for and got approval for two public hearing on two new laws he was proposing that night. One new law to control the dumping of animal waste into the village sewer system. The second to control feeding of avian wildlife in the Village. He explained that there had been an April audit conducted by the EPA (note: audit actually conducted in 2013 formally presented to the village in April 2014 in written form) and that among their recommendations had come the two which he was now proposing should be enacted. Mayor Pontieri provided additional information. The Mayor confirms the audit and indicates that a part of the audit was a review of the village code with changes recommended which he says are “extensive” and over the next few months more changes will be discussed for action. These remarks can be viewed in the video compilation clip posted as part of this report and can be found above.
Following that disclosure a freedom of information request was filed seeking a copy of the report. It was denied. The denial was a narrow one: no copy was on file in the Clerk’s office so none could be produced.
On 9/22/14 the first of the two public hearings that had been approved on 9/8/14 was held. At the first of the hearings clarification about the EPA report was asked about. During the discussion that included the Mayor and Village attorney Egan the report is variously described as an audit, a list of recommendations, and a letter. Village Attorney Egan is not sure that a freedom of information request can be submitted but new language is suggested for a second foil (freedom of information request) with a promise from both the Mayor and Village attorney Egan that if the report can be released it will. That discussion can be found in the second part of the two section compilation video found above.
The next day a new foil was filed using the suggested language and after the passage of some days a report was in fact released. Released on that date: a cover letter from the EPA citing the Village for violations of the Clean Water Act (Compliance Order), a listing of those violations, a plan for remedial action, an audit report, and a panel of photos documenting some of the alleged violations plus one other document referred to later in this narrative.
What is posted here for the public to review is this:
One, a factual description of the materials released.
Two, a limited narrative to guide the public through the mass of data so that relevant sections can be reviewed for the purpose of encouraging public comment in the future.
Missing from this assessment are a number of things: for one the village’s written response to the EPA compliance letter for starters. And our report makes no assessment of the contents of the EPA materials. It is far too premature for us to do so particularly since we need the assistance of the public yet to come to fully assess the impact of the information contained in the EPA materials.
That said posted here: the EPA report which comes in three sections with each section scanned and can be found on this website as a downloadable PDF document.
Doc 1 US EPA Violation
Key Notations
From the first page: “Clean Water Act Administrative Compliance Order”
The first paragraph indicates that the EPA Region 2 “has made a finding that the Village of Patchogue…is in violation of the Clean Water Act…for failure to comply with conditions and limitations of the NY State Department of Environmental State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System…General Permit for Storm water Discharges from Municipal Separate Sewer Systems MS4 General permit."
This first page also clearly bears this stamp: “Received Village of Patchogue April 15 2014 Village Clerk’s Office”-
Administrative Compliance Order CWA-02-2014-3034
See Legal authority with an excellent definition of what an MS4 is a term that will appear often in future pages. See Pt 12 on numbered page 2 of this section
See Section B page 3 Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law which further describes the Village’s MS4….”includes at least 57 outfall pipes…to West Lake, Tuthill Creek, Patchogue River, Patchogue Lake, and Patchogue Bay….
Then on page 4 see Pt 9 which then begins a listing of 22 alleged violations read through to page 8 now Section C
Section C
Schedule of Remedial Actions to be undertaken to resolve alleged violations
Pages 8-12
Page 13
The rights of the village to appeal these findings are set forth and penalties for noncompliance detailed i.e. civil penalties of 37,500 per day for each violation.
There is also a two page Water Inspection Report attached ending the documents in this first PDF.
Doc 2 Municipal Storm Sewer Drain Audit
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Audit of the Village of Patchogue (YR20268) November 19, 2013 through November 21, 2013
See Page 2 for a table of contents which orders the next 24 pages of information.
In this report EPA auditors meet with various village officials during their assessment of issues. Their contacts are forthrightly recorded and as 23 pages of material would suggest are extensive
Of some note see page 9, paragraph 2 discussion of potential of conflict interest issue raised during the audit.
Page 24 a list of attachments enumerating materials presented to the EPA prior to and during the audit (no actual copies provided as part of the EPA report and none therefore scanned as part of this PDF document).
Doc 3 Audit Pics
Page 25: A set of documentary photographs labeled Attachment B which are all labeled and end on page 40 of the report and conclude the documents contained in the PDF document.
Appeal to the Public
As explained earlier this study contains no evaluation of the information reported by the EPA. The assistance of the public among who are those more familiar with the environmental and other issues raised by the audit is truly welcomed. One set of eyes can only see so much…more can see more and with that in mind comment is certainly welcomed either on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens or by email: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack
Executive Director
10/25/14
Village Public Documents
For additional resources the Village of Patchogue does post various reports under the tab “storm water” on its webpage including annual reports: http://www.patchoguevillage.org/stormwater.html
PDF DOCUMENTS
It began unexpectedly with the introduction of two resolutions by Trustee Ferb at the 9/8/14 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees. On that date Trustee Ferb asked for and got approval for two public hearing on two new laws he was proposing that night. One new law to control the dumping of animal waste into the village sewer system. The second to control feeding of avian wildlife in the Village. He explained that there had been an April audit conducted by the EPA (note: audit actually conducted in 2013 formally presented to the village in April 2014 in written form) and that among their recommendations had come the two which he was now proposing should be enacted. Mayor Pontieri provided additional information. The Mayor confirms the audit and indicates that a part of the audit was a review of the village code with changes recommended which he says are “extensive” and over the next few months more changes will be discussed for action. These remarks can be viewed in the video compilation clip posted as part of this report and can be found above.
Following that disclosure a freedom of information request was filed seeking a copy of the report. It was denied. The denial was a narrow one: no copy was on file in the Clerk’s office so none could be produced.
On 9/22/14 the first of the two public hearings that had been approved on 9/8/14 was held. At the first of the hearings clarification about the EPA report was asked about. During the discussion that included the Mayor and Village attorney Egan the report is variously described as an audit, a list of recommendations, and a letter. Village Attorney Egan is not sure that a freedom of information request can be submitted but new language is suggested for a second foil (freedom of information request) with a promise from both the Mayor and Village attorney Egan that if the report can be released it will. That discussion can be found in the second part of the two section compilation video found above.
The next day a new foil was filed using the suggested language and after the passage of some days a report was in fact released. Released on that date: a cover letter from the EPA citing the Village for violations of the Clean Water Act (Compliance Order), a listing of those violations, a plan for remedial action, an audit report, and a panel of photos documenting some of the alleged violations plus one other document referred to later in this narrative.
What is posted here for the public to review is this:
One, a factual description of the materials released.
Two, a limited narrative to guide the public through the mass of data so that relevant sections can be reviewed for the purpose of encouraging public comment in the future.
Missing from this assessment are a number of things: for one the village’s written response to the EPA compliance letter for starters. And our report makes no assessment of the contents of the EPA materials. It is far too premature for us to do so particularly since we need the assistance of the public yet to come to fully assess the impact of the information contained in the EPA materials.
That said posted here: the EPA report which comes in three sections with each section scanned and can be found on this website as a downloadable PDF document.
Doc 1 US EPA Violation
Key Notations
From the first page: “Clean Water Act Administrative Compliance Order”
The first paragraph indicates that the EPA Region 2 “has made a finding that the Village of Patchogue…is in violation of the Clean Water Act…for failure to comply with conditions and limitations of the NY State Department of Environmental State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System…General Permit for Storm water Discharges from Municipal Separate Sewer Systems MS4 General permit."
This first page also clearly bears this stamp: “Received Village of Patchogue April 15 2014 Village Clerk’s Office”-
Administrative Compliance Order CWA-02-2014-3034
See Legal authority with an excellent definition of what an MS4 is a term that will appear often in future pages. See Pt 12 on numbered page 2 of this section
See Section B page 3 Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law which further describes the Village’s MS4….”includes at least 57 outfall pipes…to West Lake, Tuthill Creek, Patchogue River, Patchogue Lake, and Patchogue Bay….
Then on page 4 see Pt 9 which then begins a listing of 22 alleged violations read through to page 8 now Section C
Section C
Schedule of Remedial Actions to be undertaken to resolve alleged violations
Pages 8-12
Page 13
The rights of the village to appeal these findings are set forth and penalties for noncompliance detailed i.e. civil penalties of 37,500 per day for each violation.
There is also a two page Water Inspection Report attached ending the documents in this first PDF.
Doc 2 Municipal Storm Sewer Drain Audit
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Audit of the Village of Patchogue (YR20268) November 19, 2013 through November 21, 2013
See Page 2 for a table of contents which orders the next 24 pages of information.
In this report EPA auditors meet with various village officials during their assessment of issues. Their contacts are forthrightly recorded and as 23 pages of material would suggest are extensive
Of some note see page 9, paragraph 2 discussion of potential of conflict interest issue raised during the audit.
Page 24 a list of attachments enumerating materials presented to the EPA prior to and during the audit (no actual copies provided as part of the EPA report and none therefore scanned as part of this PDF document).
Doc 3 Audit Pics
Page 25: A set of documentary photographs labeled Attachment B which are all labeled and end on page 40 of the report and conclude the documents contained in the PDF document.
Appeal to the Public
As explained earlier this study contains no evaluation of the information reported by the EPA. The assistance of the public among who are those more familiar with the environmental and other issues raised by the audit is truly welcomed. One set of eyes can only see so much…more can see more and with that in mind comment is certainly welcomed either on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens or by email: CC4OVG@aol.com
John Bogack
Executive Director
10/25/14
Village Public Documents
For additional resources the Village of Patchogue does post various reports under the tab “storm water” on its webpage including annual reports: http://www.patchoguevillage.org/stormwater.html
PDF DOCUMENTS
| us_epa_violation.pdf |
| municipal_storm_sewer_drain_audit.pdf |
| audit_pics.pdf |
Patchogue Village Zoning Board 10/15/14: Emporium Special Use Permit Hearing
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This is video for the 10/15/14 meeting of the Patchogue Village Zoning Board and Board of Appeals. While this is the full video the time code and event narrative is only partial. For technical and other reasons a viewer is going to have jump around a bit and go back to two smaller videos of this meeting which have already been published to our Facebook page where full narratives for those clips have been published but due to their different length since they are stand-alone videos their individual time codes are measured differently and not coordinated with the time line for this longer video. This is small inconvenience we hope that saves us a lot of time by avoiding having to retime all prior entries to fit this time line narrative. When taken altogether the full narrative can be found that will still in the end make viewing this video easier. Links will be provided in the body of this narrative to direct viewers to find for the first two videos in this series that concludes with this full video.
Seated from left to right in the video at the meeting table: Mark Chaval, Frank Tassone, Brian Kerns, Board attorney Ernie Maier Jr. and Chairperson Nick Fuccillo, Charles Burton, George Homfeld, Laura Feitner-Calarco, Coordinator Carol Ciglio (non-member). 0:32 Application by Jaewook Joo to extend commercial parking lot. 11:32 Matthew Trinkwalk request to convert from two family home to one family home 15:11 Applicant FOFO’s Toys (dba Emporium) seeks renewal of special zoning permit. Applicant and attorney make initial presentation. Video can be seen here but for better event narrative see this clip instead: http://youtu.be/iALdgoRpoiI (paste into search bar) 34: 50 Comments from five members of the public. Video can be seen but for a better narrative please see this clip instead: http://youtu.be/pknWaz-kwyc (paste into search bar) 48:34 Mr. Trimarco applicants’ attorney returns to the podium to respond to public comments. Reminds Board that parking issues exist on a global nature in the village at this time and Emporium alone not responsible for parking issues in surrounding parking lots. Also claims Emporium has not been ticketed for any noise originating from inside it. 50:16 Tim Lorito, applicant and owner explains steps taken to acoustically sound proof business to prevent escape of noise to outside areas. Observes that there are other businesses creating parking pressures in the village: Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts, and nearly competitors namely Tap Room and Meetballs eatery. Applicant admits to 33 percent loss of business on weekends due to parking issues. 52:41 Applicant attributes street sounds reported by residents during public portion to live bands at Meetballs that are situated open air directly onto Main St. 54:07 Attorney Trimarco explains steps taken to utilize court house parking and opening up alleyway with unexpected result that all of general public made use of spaces 55:31 Board attorney Maier reviews conditions of special permit again and indicates that Planning Board report and Code enforcement reports will have to be produced and reviewed. Owner assets no police calls about any music from club since opening. 57:26 Board member Kerns reminds audience they have a right to call Code Enforcement to control noise complaints. 59: 33 Applicant reminds Board that Emporium is not the Dublin Deck, club is located in more impacted area filled with other businesses that are producing noise 1:01 Applicant encourages public contact about noise issues to be better able to track any relating to his business 1:01:20 Board member Feitner-Calarco states all criteria for renewal must be met and Board attorney Maier suggests adjournment to allow for review 1:02:14 Board member Feitner-Calarco asks about one way street change and observes this change had a negative impact on some nearby businesses. Owner denies knowledge of origin of changes but his attorney suggests Police requested change. 1:04:42 Board member Feitner-Calarco asks about any history of concerns by the Patchogue Ambulance Company and requests that this issue be further looked into 1:07:12 Security for club assessed, Mr. Trimarco advises all patrons are patted down, and there is monitoring for illegal drug use Meeting adjourns application to 12/3/14 with public invited to return and then takes short recess 1:10:34 Last agenda item, “Decision Calendar” section of meeting. Board attorney Maier reads decision regarding Ryan Murray seeking permission to erect fence and deck into the record Meeting ends. Patchogue Village Community Development Agency Meeting of 10/2/14: Community Grant Funds Public Hearing
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Timeline narrative for Community Development Agency Mt. 10/2/14
What follows a partial time line narrative for this meeting. Because there had been some discussion on our Facebook page about the hour that this meeting was called both Jo Miller and I intended to address that issue and other issues in our remarks during the public hearing. Indeed the audience for the meeting was exactly two persons. However our presence sparked a rare public examination of the issue of public participation and related issues and the bulk of this video and the meeting evolved into a long ongoing discussion of the role of the public. Now here is a question I have for all who view this video: if two people could ignite a useful public discussion by village officials struggling with how indeed to include the public more what might have 22 people inspired? Seated from left to right at the meeting table: Ex. Dir. Marian Russo, Village Trustee Tom Ferb, Toni Dean, Chairperson Elizabeth Marino, Deputy Chair Donald Wachsmuth. 2:26 Opening remarks from Ex. Dir. Marian Russo explaining the purpose of the public hearing 3:48 Jo Miller begins public hearing with question directed to the Chair questioning meeting time with resultant reply 7:37 John Bogack begins his public comment. First issue: addressing anti-graffiti needs in the village to protect public art murals with discussion. Second issue: deployment of security cameras to protect public art in the village with discussion. Third issue: need to change meeting time to allow for more input with more discussion. 22:03 Jo Miller returns to the podium and asks CDA Board to involve public even after the public hearing by posting its goals for the 147K in grant funds for the goals of the grant as described in Ms. Russo’s opening remarks with discussion 27:20 Marion Russo responds to Jo Miller’s appeal and details her goals: one is to support vest pocket parks in the village 31:15 Jo Miller returns again to urge CDA continue to inform the public about its goals….long discussion by all present about how to do so, issues involved, agreement eventually reached that the CDA would, despite limited time before it had to vote on the grant, try to include the public more in commenting on the use of the grant funds 54:14 Public portion ends. No further time line is provided here. Viewers are instead urged to take an unguided tour through the remaining thirty minutes of video and see for themselves the various activities that the CDA Board is involved in: public art, beautification of the village, administration of Section 8 housing among the many topics touched on during the remainder of this meeting. In closing I want to add this. During the course of the meeting Ex. Dir. Marian Russo did say that the CDA does maintain a presence on the village website. Indeed it does, perhaps overlooked by the public, there is in fact much information posted about the CDA on the village’s website. The CDA is also the only Board other than the Board of Trustees that regularly publishes minutes of its meeting another resource for the interested public. Lastly posted as well its budget. The CDA it turns out administers a budget of 2, 349, 908 dollars almost all federal funded. In comparison the Village general budget stands at about 12 million dollars, the Sewer District about 1.4 million and the Business Improvement District 162,000. CDA link: http://www.patchoguevillage.org/cda.html This video filmed by Jo Miller and this narrative edited by John Bogack Patchogue Village Zoning Board of Appeals Mt. 10/1/14
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This is a time line narrative for the Patchogue Village Zoning and Appeals Board meeting of 10/1/14. Of interest to the general public several items on the agenda: a proposed second story of the Tap Room, new commercial space located in the shopping center across from Burlington’s department store on E. Main St, and a renewed request from the owners of Lindy’s Taxi to remain in their present location with modified uses.
Inside these appearances viewers will find frank discussions about the Village’s parking issues (i.e. Tap Room application), how residents view commercial expansion (commercial building expansion), and during the discussion of the Lindy’s taxi cab application disclosures concerning collateral effects arising from the building of New Village to be found in the presentation made by their attorney, and later from a nearby business owner. Special areas of interest are highlighted but in general presentations occur for each application in this manner: applicant presents, public comments, applicant responds with involvement by Zoning Board members all along the way at times. Pictured from left to right at the meeting table: Frank Tassone, Brian Kerns, Ernie Mayer Jr (Counsel), Chairperson Nick Fucccillo, Mark Charvat. George Homfeld, Laura Feitner Calarco and Board Secretary Carol Ciglio. In minutes and seconds 0:34 Applicant presents case for commercial expansion of existing shopping center on E. Main Street across from Burlington’s store. 13:45 First speaker from the public: Joseph Casina 16:00 Second speaker from the public: Chris Kane Applicant then returns for final comments and matter is adjourned 27:36 Application for a fence by a private home owner 31:44 Owners of the Tap Room bar present their application for an expansion to a second floor, 45 additional seats with a requirement of producing 23 additional parking spaces for which they have not presented a plan 40:45 Public comment: John Bogack 42:55 Owners return to offer additional remarks about their plan which includes comments about the village’s parking situation at present, application is adjourned for further consideration 50: 41 Attorney for Lindy’s taxi presents appeal for continued use of present location with modifications 52:00 Lindy’s taxi attorney explains impact of New Village on their former site and how that is connected to their present difficulties Now in hour, minutes and seconds 1:15:12 First public comment: John Bogack 1:17:18 Second public comment: Chris Kane 1:21:20 Third public comment Gaspar Salaro (who also presents alternative view of impact of New Village on the applicant) 1:28: 08 Attorney for Lindy’s returns to speak in reaction to public comments and makes final comments 1:38:04 Other matters not otherwise addressed are addressed by adjournment, meeting then closes. |
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Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Meeting of 9/22/14 Full Proceedings
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Time line narrative below for the full proceedings of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees meeting of 9/22/14. The main topic the newly revised plan for rolling out the last meters in the Village. Please note that several portions of this video have already been clipped and can be seen on our Facebook page. The narrative high lights key areas of the business conducted at the meeting but as indicated before if a viewer wants to see all that happened there is no substitute for seeing the whole video. One additional tool as a guide: approved minutes posted on the village website which offers another view of content not high lighted in this narrative.
Seating from left to right at the meeting table: Trustees Felice and Ferb, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustee Hilton and Village attorney Egan. Absent: Trustees Keyes and Devlin.
In minutes and seconds
2:40 Deputy Mayor Krieger discusses the Village’s most recent plan for metered parking, takes numerous questions from the public along the way before ending.
59:17 1st. Public Hearing: disposal of animal waste into public sewer system…one member of the public speaking who asks for clarification of EPA back ground for proposal
Now in hour, minutes and seconds
1:02:59 2nd public hearing: prohibition against feeding avian wild life
1:04:02 Mayor Pontieri explains purpose of hiring BID Director as part time employee of the Village of Patchogue
1:09:13 Dennis Smith Business Improvement District (BID) reports
1:12:21 Trustee Ferb comments on one part of Mr. Smith’s report concerning street security cameras.
1:19:32 David Kennedy Executive Director Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports
1:28:22 Trustee Felice reports
1:30:59 Trustee Ferb reports and offers resolution concerning removal of bamboo from one village owned property with comments from the Mayor explaining purpose of 17,000 dollar expense to do so
1:34:00 Trustee Hilton reports
Public portion begins
1:36:14 Resident Jo Miller discusses homeless intrusion on Community Garden leading a discussion about homeless encampment in the village and steps that will be taken to secure Community Garden
1:40:42 Resident Mrs. Sigel talks about traffic issues in the village
1:49:15 Resident John Bogack also talks about traffic issues and also about recently posted citizen study of the financing of the Patchogue Theater inviting feedback from elected officials.
Meeting ends.
John Bogack
Seating from left to right at the meeting table: Trustees Felice and Ferb, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustee Hilton and Village attorney Egan. Absent: Trustees Keyes and Devlin.
In minutes and seconds
2:40 Deputy Mayor Krieger discusses the Village’s most recent plan for metered parking, takes numerous questions from the public along the way before ending.
59:17 1st. Public Hearing: disposal of animal waste into public sewer system…one member of the public speaking who asks for clarification of EPA back ground for proposal
Now in hour, minutes and seconds
1:02:59 2nd public hearing: prohibition against feeding avian wild life
1:04:02 Mayor Pontieri explains purpose of hiring BID Director as part time employee of the Village of Patchogue
1:09:13 Dennis Smith Business Improvement District (BID) reports
1:12:21 Trustee Ferb comments on one part of Mr. Smith’s report concerning street security cameras.
1:19:32 David Kennedy Executive Director Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports
1:28:22 Trustee Felice reports
1:30:59 Trustee Ferb reports and offers resolution concerning removal of bamboo from one village owned property with comments from the Mayor explaining purpose of 17,000 dollar expense to do so
1:34:00 Trustee Hilton reports
Public portion begins
1:36:14 Resident Jo Miller discusses homeless intrusion on Community Garden leading a discussion about homeless encampment in the village and steps that will be taken to secure Community Garden
1:40:42 Resident Mrs. Sigel talks about traffic issues in the village
1:49:15 Resident John Bogack also talks about traffic issues and also about recently posted citizen study of the financing of the Patchogue Theater inviting feedback from elected officials.
Meeting ends.
John Bogack
Parking Meter Plan: Next Steps PV Board Meeting of 9/22/14
This video “clip” is almost an hour long. To ease access a time line narrative is provided below. Please keep in mind that the audience is not in the picture and voices heard from behind the camera which are not identified are those of village residents who attended the meeting.
All times provided below are on or about
Opening comments by Deputy Mayor Krieger who provides an overview village parking resources
3:50 Details relating to re-alignment of parking meters on main street
5:20 Details concerning plan for metering selected parking lots
7:05 New rules concerning both street and lot parking…cost…time allowed…time effected
8:35 Presentation about how Terry St. Lot will be metered
11:40 Presentation about how Church St. lot will be metered
16:50 Presentation about how Oak St. will be metered
22:15 statistics provided enumerating paid parking spots versus free spots
25:35 Report concerning current revenue totals from metering last eight months and projection of future revenue. Question and answer relating to overall costs of metering plan so far
28:17 Response to question about collection procedures and discussion about means of payment i.e. smart phone use
31:30 Response to question about Court ticket back log….comments from Mayor Pontieri regarding new court procedures effected to speed processing
34:10 Discussion about Logo use by merchants to educate their customers about paid parking
36:51 Response to question about how much allowance is provided before expired spaces are enforced by ticketing
34:50 Clerk Seal reminds all that a “down” meters is no excuse for parking in them anyway…ticket will occur
39:30 Question as to where parking meters revenues wind up
41:40 Discussion of safety issues when using parking lots at night
42:35 Mayor Pontieri refers to LI Advance article documenting that parking meters first installed in village perhaps as long as 75 years ago at one time
43:46 Questions about whether employees of main street businesses need to pay for parking and disclosure that no parking permits for employees being considered anymore
45:59 More discussion about employee parking and disclosure that village is considering building one lot just for employees of local businesses and discussion of shuttling service to help workers get to work and avoid parking fees
48:57 Discussion of valet services, expansion of service
50:00 Questions again about Church St. lot and question about possible purchase of additional land to expand parking with disclosure that up to 300 additional free spots are being considered once land has been bought sometime in the future
52:03 Question about when Tritec streets will be opened up so that Jennings St. lot can be better used
52:15 Reminder to get parking stickers if a resident (or to pay for one if not) to avoid strict enforcement ticketing penalties
53:10 Admission that village has stepped away from original plan to install approximately 600 meters
54:00 discussion about handicapped parking
55:05 discussion about why no special categories allowed to avoid fees for example fire fighters, veterans etc.
55:45 Deputy Mayor Krieger provides email and cell phone number and encourages feedback regarding any issues relating to the metering plan which he reminds all is still a “work in progress”
Presentation ends, meeting continues with other scheduled agenda items.
All times provided below are on or about
Opening comments by Deputy Mayor Krieger who provides an overview village parking resources
3:50 Details relating to re-alignment of parking meters on main street
5:20 Details concerning plan for metering selected parking lots
7:05 New rules concerning both street and lot parking…cost…time allowed…time effected
8:35 Presentation about how Terry St. Lot will be metered
11:40 Presentation about how Church St. lot will be metered
16:50 Presentation about how Oak St. will be metered
22:15 statistics provided enumerating paid parking spots versus free spots
25:35 Report concerning current revenue totals from metering last eight months and projection of future revenue. Question and answer relating to overall costs of metering plan so far
28:17 Response to question about collection procedures and discussion about means of payment i.e. smart phone use
31:30 Response to question about Court ticket back log….comments from Mayor Pontieri regarding new court procedures effected to speed processing
34:10 Discussion about Logo use by merchants to educate their customers about paid parking
36:51 Response to question about how much allowance is provided before expired spaces are enforced by ticketing
34:50 Clerk Seal reminds all that a “down” meters is no excuse for parking in them anyway…ticket will occur
39:30 Question as to where parking meters revenues wind up
41:40 Discussion of safety issues when using parking lots at night
42:35 Mayor Pontieri refers to LI Advance article documenting that parking meters first installed in village perhaps as long as 75 years ago at one time
43:46 Questions about whether employees of main street businesses need to pay for parking and disclosure that no parking permits for employees being considered anymore
45:59 More discussion about employee parking and disclosure that village is considering building one lot just for employees of local businesses and discussion of shuttling service to help workers get to work and avoid parking fees
48:57 Discussion of valet services, expansion of service
50:00 Questions again about Church St. lot and question about possible purchase of additional land to expand parking with disclosure that up to 300 additional free spots are being considered once land has been bought sometime in the future
52:03 Question about when Tritec streets will be opened up so that Jennings St. lot can be better used
52:15 Reminder to get parking stickers if a resident (or to pay for one if not) to avoid strict enforcement ticketing penalties
53:10 Admission that village has stepped away from original plan to install approximately 600 meters
54:00 discussion about handicapped parking
55:05 discussion about why no special categories allowed to avoid fees for example fire fighters, veterans etc.
55:45 Deputy Mayor Krieger provides email and cell phone number and encourages feedback regarding any issues relating to the metering plan which he reminds all is still a “work in progress”
Presentation ends, meeting continues with other scheduled agenda items.
Patchogue Theater: Financial Overview Study from Public Sources and Updates
NOTE: The report below has been updated and will continue to be updated in the days ahead. Updates will appear from time to time and will be posted following the text of the initial study report found below:
How this report came to be
As the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government continues to evolve and grow a new service for the public: a citizens fact finding report. Here in one place critical information about the finances of the Patchogue Theater. This report arises from an event which occurred recently at the 8/25/14 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees. At that meeting resident Richard Kemp, rose to speak during the public portion and directed a question at Deputy Mayor Jack Krieger. His request: a report about the finances of the Patchogue Theater from Trustee Krieger who acts as the liaison between the Board of Trustees and the Executive Board of the Patchogue Theater. Trustee Krieger deferred answering Mr. Kemp’s question. His basis: that the Patchogue Theater acts as a separate body and that it alone should be reporting on its finances. Trustee Krieger also told Mr. Kemp and the public at large that the finances of the Theater were after all a matter of public record. He suggested that if anyone was interested in getting more information they could investigate on their own beginning by contacting the Theater directly.
For reference here is a link to video documenting that exchange: http://youtu.be/N751hPakWQE
The video clip is two minutes long and worth the time to understand the exact issues raised at the meeting by both men.
Theater and Village are Bound Together financially in truth
One of the core beliefs of this organization is that the public should be informed about important facts relating to how village government functions. Indeed in this instance while it is true that the Theater is a separate legal body there is a key relationship between the Village and the Theater namely a financial one. Three bonds have already been taken over the years, one this year, all together amounting to nearly five million dollars. All three bonds are still being paid off. Additionally the Board is soon to consider yet another bond in the amount of several hundred thousand dollars to fund even more repairs and improvements to the Theater. Since the building which houses the Theater is owned by the Village, as owner, it has from the beginning had fiscal duties to renovate and then keep renovating and repairing the building. So while legally true that the finances of the Theater are separately managed just how they were being managed in light of all this money spent, and more to come, does appear to be a valid public concern.
So as Executive Director of this organization I decided to take Trustee Krieger up on his recommendation and do what he has long suggested the public should do: find out independently based on public documents what the state of the Theater’s finances actually are.
Finding Facts
First stop was the website of the Theater itself. There was information there explaining the finances of the Theater in general with declarations that its records were public and could be researched. One page of the website is devoted to presenting information about the legal organization of the Theater and also addresses questions about its finances and like the video earlier and all the links to come is a page worth visiting for background: http://patchoguetheatre.com/frequently-asked-questions
Since the Theater is organized as a nonprofit corporation and a charity the State Agency that collects information about such an organization turns out to be the NY State Attorney General’s office which does have a search engine for its reports. Typing in Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts resulted in no search results.
This inconsistent result then led to the filing of a freedom of information request with Village Clerk Seal for a copy of the Theater’s audit report. Within a few days the audit was produced and reviewed. More about that audit report later. The immediate result from reading the audit was the discovery that the Theater is actually organized under a different name: the Patchogue Village Center for the Performing Arts with the name Patchogue Theater for the Performing acting only as a DBA (doing business as) designation.
The Facts Pour In
Returning to the Attorney General’s website, now searched under the correct name, reports did become available for review and can be seen by anyone with PDF copies available too. Several years of reports are in fact online; this survey looked at only the most recent ones. Here is the link for the Attorney General’s site: http://www.ag.ny.gov/ (if hypertext does not appear paste in web address into search bar). Note: at the AG's site look for the Charities Registry which also permits a search and then type in Patchogue Village Center for Performing Arts to access information.
For the purposes of this report the annual filing dated year end 5/31/13 was reviewed (form CHAR500). Other years can also be reviewed. In addition pdf documents also exist for IRS tax filings and can be found simply by scrolling past the annual report information and after the IRS forms (form 990) can also be found an audit report for the years 2012 and 2013 (the one obtained earlier by a foil). The annual filing reviewed for this survey is the one for the period dated 6/1/12 ending 5/31/13, the same period of time as the IRS tax form. The audit report covers two years: for the years ending on 5/31/12 and 5/31/13.
There is also more information available from other sources and one of the best is a quick snap shot of the Theater’s finances for the last three years published by an organization called Pro Publica: http://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/113586794
Three Key Facts Emerge
Some highlights of the various reported information:
The Theater lost money in 2012-2013 the last period of time for which reports are available. Amount: $19, 369 (source Form 990)
In September 2013 the Theater obtained a one million dollar grant to be used towards an endowment fund which appeared to have been deposited in a CD while details of the endowment fund were established. (source audit report). There is no further information about the source of this money, conditions attached if any, or plan for its use other to fund an endowment.
In a separate note the auditor described the rather generous terms of the lease arrangement between the Village and the Theater and its impact on reported income:
NOTE 3- DONATED RENT
“Since 2008, the Center has been provided the use of the Patchogue Theatre on a reduced-rent basis through a cancelable lease agreement with the Village of Patchogue for ten years at a rate of $2,000per month ($24,000 per year) expiring in August 2018. Effective June 1, 2012, the rate increased to $3,000 per month. The estimated fair value of such occupancy, based on the surrounding real estate market, was determined to be $137,000, and as such, the remaining $101,000 was added to occupancy expense with a corresponding amount recorded as donated rent revenue. The Village of Patchogue reserves the right to cancel the lease agreement with six months written notice.”
An additional matter also arose during our review of the reported information which is not reported here but is the subject of a new freedom of information request and until that foil has been returned other than to note the possible existence of an issue nothing else can be reported about that matter at this time.
This is a work in process. This report does offer the public some tools by which to assess some of the issues involved regarding the fiscal health of the Patchogue Theater.
We have also foiled a copy of the lease arrangement between the Village and the Theater as that information also seems important for the public to know firsthand.
Some Other Sources to Look at:
On May 28, 2013 the Patchogue Theater Board did appear before the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees to discuss its “strategic five year plan”. At that meeting extensive comments were made by the Mayor, Trustee Krieger and others about their theories about why the building has to be maintained despite the costs to the tax payers.
We have prepared a video clip of that entire appearance and recommend it too be viewed as an excellent source of information about the plans of the Theater to address its future needs. Among such needs in addition to the new roof that has since been put on the Theater: new seats, new flooring, painting, bathroom repairs, expansion or reconstruction of the lobby bar, renovation of the coat rooms among other future needs identified during the course of the presentation. Plus the video provides real time representations of those in charge putting real faces to names always a good way of assessing the credibility of any person or group of persons. That video may be found on You Tube: http://youtu.be/tgwez7MLQas
Tip: please look at the caption that comes with the video since it contains a time line narrative that will making viewing the forty five minutes of video easier.
And one more link: a quick history of the Patchogue Theater which touches in its most recent accounts on the effort to rescue the Theater from oblivion and the renovation effort that an energized Village undertook to do so: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patchogue_Theatre
Finally one more fact to be considered: the following statement made by Mayor Pontieri taken from the minutes of the 5-13-13 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees about the Theater: “In 2001 we bonded four million dollars which was for the construction on it and the sound system. That bond will be paid in 2016 and it about 350,000 a year. At that point and time, we will be able to sit back and see what their needs are-the chairs, a coat room and work on the house floor”. Source: 5-13-13 Board minutes, page 4, online: http://www.patchoguevillage.org/minutes/2013/Board_Meeting%20-%2005%2013%202013.pdf
Those wishing to comment on this report may do so by going to our Facebook page from which this report originated.
In closing let us all remember that the reports referred to here date from late 2013. It is now many months into 2014 and how events have changed fiscally in that period of time is not publicly reported. Those facts too remain to be discovered and factored into everyone’s impressions and are included in this last promise: more information to be reported as it becomes available.
John Bogack, Executive Director 9/21/14
Update: 10/18/14
Following the publication of the above initial study results the Citizens Campaign was contacted by a member of the Theater Board who offered to take a list of questions from this organization for presentation to the Theater Board. This was agreed to and a list was emailed to that Theater Director. On 10/15/14 the Theater Board met and the Citizens Campaign was notified that an email submission was not acceptable despite our initial impression that it was. Instead a formal written request was asked for. Subsequently the Executive Committee of the Campaign voted to submit that request in the form sought and that is being prepared. Regretfully this misunderstanding has resulted in a loss of time to find needed information but that said it appeared to us we had no other choice and so we chose to comply consistent with our overall goal: learn more needed facts to inform the public adequately about the issues involved.
One day earlier on 10/14/14 the Patchogue Board of Trustees met and two items of interest concerning the Patchogue Theater occurred on that date. The Board approved money to pay for an engineering study to study the floor of the Patchogue Theater for new seating. The amount of that study does not appear on the agenda. This is instead a bill bundled into "Top Five Bills to be paid" and it is further bundled into a line that reads as follows:” Jr Holzamcher 18, 598.60 Theater Seats/Planning Board/Assist Living”.
There is no breakdown of how much of that sum is for the study and as a specific sum was not mentioned during the course of the meeting the exact sum out of the 18K amount remains unclear at this time. The Board for some months from time to time has been discussing that a new bond may have to be authorized to replace all the Theater seating and to address other structural issues that could bear improvement as well. The engineering study would appear then to be a concrete step in the direction of determining just how much new seating will cost. Now that a new roof has been installed on the Theater new seating is thought to be the most expensive item on any list of future repairs.
Also later at that same meeting Mayor Pontieri, during Deputy Mayor Krieger's Theater report, spent several minutes defending the spending of something like three million dollars over the past years (three bonds still being paid off in various stages of maturity) on capital improvements for the Theater. Those comments will be the subject of a video clip and some independent analysis in the near future.
NOTE: The report below has been updated and will continue to be updated in the days ahead. Updates will appear from time to time and will be posted following the text of the initial study report found below:
How this report came to be
As the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government continues to evolve and grow a new service for the public: a citizens fact finding report. Here in one place critical information about the finances of the Patchogue Theater. This report arises from an event which occurred recently at the 8/25/14 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees. At that meeting resident Richard Kemp, rose to speak during the public portion and directed a question at Deputy Mayor Jack Krieger. His request: a report about the finances of the Patchogue Theater from Trustee Krieger who acts as the liaison between the Board of Trustees and the Executive Board of the Patchogue Theater. Trustee Krieger deferred answering Mr. Kemp’s question. His basis: that the Patchogue Theater acts as a separate body and that it alone should be reporting on its finances. Trustee Krieger also told Mr. Kemp and the public at large that the finances of the Theater were after all a matter of public record. He suggested that if anyone was interested in getting more information they could investigate on their own beginning by contacting the Theater directly.
For reference here is a link to video documenting that exchange: http://youtu.be/N751hPakWQE
The video clip is two minutes long and worth the time to understand the exact issues raised at the meeting by both men.
Theater and Village are Bound Together financially in truth
One of the core beliefs of this organization is that the public should be informed about important facts relating to how village government functions. Indeed in this instance while it is true that the Theater is a separate legal body there is a key relationship between the Village and the Theater namely a financial one. Three bonds have already been taken over the years, one this year, all together amounting to nearly five million dollars. All three bonds are still being paid off. Additionally the Board is soon to consider yet another bond in the amount of several hundred thousand dollars to fund even more repairs and improvements to the Theater. Since the building which houses the Theater is owned by the Village, as owner, it has from the beginning had fiscal duties to renovate and then keep renovating and repairing the building. So while legally true that the finances of the Theater are separately managed just how they were being managed in light of all this money spent, and more to come, does appear to be a valid public concern.
So as Executive Director of this organization I decided to take Trustee Krieger up on his recommendation and do what he has long suggested the public should do: find out independently based on public documents what the state of the Theater’s finances actually are.
Finding Facts
First stop was the website of the Theater itself. There was information there explaining the finances of the Theater in general with declarations that its records were public and could be researched. One page of the website is devoted to presenting information about the legal organization of the Theater and also addresses questions about its finances and like the video earlier and all the links to come is a page worth visiting for background: http://patchoguetheatre.com/frequently-asked-questions
Since the Theater is organized as a nonprofit corporation and a charity the State Agency that collects information about such an organization turns out to be the NY State Attorney General’s office which does have a search engine for its reports. Typing in Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts resulted in no search results.
This inconsistent result then led to the filing of a freedom of information request with Village Clerk Seal for a copy of the Theater’s audit report. Within a few days the audit was produced and reviewed. More about that audit report later. The immediate result from reading the audit was the discovery that the Theater is actually organized under a different name: the Patchogue Village Center for the Performing Arts with the name Patchogue Theater for the Performing acting only as a DBA (doing business as) designation.
The Facts Pour In
Returning to the Attorney General’s website, now searched under the correct name, reports did become available for review and can be seen by anyone with PDF copies available too. Several years of reports are in fact online; this survey looked at only the most recent ones. Here is the link for the Attorney General’s site: http://www.ag.ny.gov/ (if hypertext does not appear paste in web address into search bar). Note: at the AG's site look for the Charities Registry which also permits a search and then type in Patchogue Village Center for Performing Arts to access information.
For the purposes of this report the annual filing dated year end 5/31/13 was reviewed (form CHAR500). Other years can also be reviewed. In addition pdf documents also exist for IRS tax filings and can be found simply by scrolling past the annual report information and after the IRS forms (form 990) can also be found an audit report for the years 2012 and 2013 (the one obtained earlier by a foil). The annual filing reviewed for this survey is the one for the period dated 6/1/12 ending 5/31/13, the same period of time as the IRS tax form. The audit report covers two years: for the years ending on 5/31/12 and 5/31/13.
There is also more information available from other sources and one of the best is a quick snap shot of the Theater’s finances for the last three years published by an organization called Pro Publica: http://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/113586794
Three Key Facts Emerge
Some highlights of the various reported information:
The Theater lost money in 2012-2013 the last period of time for which reports are available. Amount: $19, 369 (source Form 990)
In September 2013 the Theater obtained a one million dollar grant to be used towards an endowment fund which appeared to have been deposited in a CD while details of the endowment fund were established. (source audit report). There is no further information about the source of this money, conditions attached if any, or plan for its use other to fund an endowment.
In a separate note the auditor described the rather generous terms of the lease arrangement between the Village and the Theater and its impact on reported income:
NOTE 3- DONATED RENT
“Since 2008, the Center has been provided the use of the Patchogue Theatre on a reduced-rent basis through a cancelable lease agreement with the Village of Patchogue for ten years at a rate of $2,000per month ($24,000 per year) expiring in August 2018. Effective June 1, 2012, the rate increased to $3,000 per month. The estimated fair value of such occupancy, based on the surrounding real estate market, was determined to be $137,000, and as such, the remaining $101,000 was added to occupancy expense with a corresponding amount recorded as donated rent revenue. The Village of Patchogue reserves the right to cancel the lease agreement with six months written notice.”
An additional matter also arose during our review of the reported information which is not reported here but is the subject of a new freedom of information request and until that foil has been returned other than to note the possible existence of an issue nothing else can be reported about that matter at this time.
This is a work in process. This report does offer the public some tools by which to assess some of the issues involved regarding the fiscal health of the Patchogue Theater.
We have also foiled a copy of the lease arrangement between the Village and the Theater as that information also seems important for the public to know firsthand.
Some Other Sources to Look at:
On May 28, 2013 the Patchogue Theater Board did appear before the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees to discuss its “strategic five year plan”. At that meeting extensive comments were made by the Mayor, Trustee Krieger and others about their theories about why the building has to be maintained despite the costs to the tax payers.
We have prepared a video clip of that entire appearance and recommend it too be viewed as an excellent source of information about the plans of the Theater to address its future needs. Among such needs in addition to the new roof that has since been put on the Theater: new seats, new flooring, painting, bathroom repairs, expansion or reconstruction of the lobby bar, renovation of the coat rooms among other future needs identified during the course of the presentation. Plus the video provides real time representations of those in charge putting real faces to names always a good way of assessing the credibility of any person or group of persons. That video may be found on You Tube: http://youtu.be/tgwez7MLQas
Tip: please look at the caption that comes with the video since it contains a time line narrative that will making viewing the forty five minutes of video easier.
And one more link: a quick history of the Patchogue Theater which touches in its most recent accounts on the effort to rescue the Theater from oblivion and the renovation effort that an energized Village undertook to do so: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patchogue_Theatre
Finally one more fact to be considered: the following statement made by Mayor Pontieri taken from the minutes of the 5-13-13 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees about the Theater: “In 2001 we bonded four million dollars which was for the construction on it and the sound system. That bond will be paid in 2016 and it about 350,000 a year. At that point and time, we will be able to sit back and see what their needs are-the chairs, a coat room and work on the house floor”. Source: 5-13-13 Board minutes, page 4, online: http://www.patchoguevillage.org/minutes/2013/Board_Meeting%20-%2005%2013%202013.pdf
Those wishing to comment on this report may do so by going to our Facebook page from which this report originated.
In closing let us all remember that the reports referred to here date from late 2013. It is now many months into 2014 and how events have changed fiscally in that period of time is not publicly reported. Those facts too remain to be discovered and factored into everyone’s impressions and are included in this last promise: more information to be reported as it becomes available.
John Bogack, Executive Director 9/21/14
Update: 10/18/14
Following the publication of the above initial study results the Citizens Campaign was contacted by a member of the Theater Board who offered to take a list of questions from this organization for presentation to the Theater Board. This was agreed to and a list was emailed to that Theater Director. On 10/15/14 the Theater Board met and the Citizens Campaign was notified that an email submission was not acceptable despite our initial impression that it was. Instead a formal written request was asked for. Subsequently the Executive Committee of the Campaign voted to submit that request in the form sought and that is being prepared. Regretfully this misunderstanding has resulted in a loss of time to find needed information but that said it appeared to us we had no other choice and so we chose to comply consistent with our overall goal: learn more needed facts to inform the public adequately about the issues involved.
One day earlier on 10/14/14 the Patchogue Board of Trustees met and two items of interest concerning the Patchogue Theater occurred on that date. The Board approved money to pay for an engineering study to study the floor of the Patchogue Theater for new seating. The amount of that study does not appear on the agenda. This is instead a bill bundled into "Top Five Bills to be paid" and it is further bundled into a line that reads as follows:” Jr Holzamcher 18, 598.60 Theater Seats/Planning Board/Assist Living”.
There is no breakdown of how much of that sum is for the study and as a specific sum was not mentioned during the course of the meeting the exact sum out of the 18K amount remains unclear at this time. The Board for some months from time to time has been discussing that a new bond may have to be authorized to replace all the Theater seating and to address other structural issues that could bear improvement as well. The engineering study would appear then to be a concrete step in the direction of determining just how much new seating will cost. Now that a new roof has been installed on the Theater new seating is thought to be the most expensive item on any list of future repairs.
Also later at that same meeting Mayor Pontieri, during Deputy Mayor Krieger's Theater report, spent several minutes defending the spending of something like three million dollars over the past years (three bonds still being paid off in various stages of maturity) on capital improvements for the Theater. Those comments will be the subject of a video clip and some independent analysis in the near future.
Patchogue Village Board 9/8/14 Full Proceedings
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This is a time line narrative for the Patchogue Village Board meeting of 9/8/14. As stated before the time line high lights important issues but not every issue discussed during a Board meeting is so time lined. There is never any substitute for seeing the whole video to get a complete idea of all the business discussed and acted on at a Board meeting.
Additionally shorter video clips of certain sections of the Board meeting can be found on our Facebook page only and they are noted in the time line summary where appropriate Seated from left to right at the meeting table: Trustees Felice, Ferb, Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, and village attorney substitute attorney Chris Bianca. Absent: Trustee Keyes and Village attorney Egan. In minutes and seconds 2:59 Deputy Mayor Krieger awards Patchogue Pride award with comments afterwards by Mayor Pontieri (clip on Facebook) 5:25 First public hearing of the meeting regarding approval of a four way stop sign at Jennings Ave. and Lake St. (clip on Facebook) 7:16 Second public hearing of the meeting up zoning of 36 properties on River Avenue to C residential zoning status (clip on Facebook) 10:19 Presentation by Health First and request from same for approval for several promotional events including amplified outdoor sound. 24:56 Dennis Smith, Business Improvement District Ex. Dir. Reports 32:34 David Kennedy, Ex. Dir. Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports…AA5 2014 summary report included in his remarks 41:00 Deputy Mayor Krieger substitutes for absent Trustee Keyes and presents his report 44:52 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports in his own right but limits his comments only to notice that a plan for metering certain village parking lots is imminent (clip on Facebook) 45:30 Trustee Felice reports Building and Housing latest statistics regarding activity in both departments 49:12 Trustee Ferb provides brief CDA, Community Development Agency, report and requests two public hearings related to changes arising out of recommendations from a recent EPA report (clip available) 52:00 Trustee Devlin reports…PAC MAC status report…other issues Public Portion begins time line narrative now in hour, minutes and seconds 1:00:21 Don Wachsmuth comments on multiple beautification issues 1:07:17 Diego Luezeurigia comments on use of residential soccer fields requesting use of same where he lives AA5 2014 Calvalcade of Bands Video Mix
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This is the latest video produced as part of our Community Outreach Video Project and the last video in the series devoted to Alive After Five. We are using what we do, filming, to include other parts of the Patchogue Village community as a way of increasing the visibility of this organization and doing the same too for others as well. This video is a re-edited remix of six previous videos plus some new content. AA5 a big event, here about half the music heard, two thirds of the stages played at so no “Best Of” video. That said 14 Bands cutting across a musical universe. Plenty of crowd scenes and dancing weaving all together. One unifying theme for the video is that it moves from daylight to twilight to night. Good to remember the second unifying theme: the video represents a variety of sounds and that is what is pictured and heard. You Tube video editor: flawless at times, not so flawless at other times. Hand held video mostly, street view. 92 minutes of content. Filmed as part of the Community Outreach Project of the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government. We are Patchogue Village residents who otherwise film local village government in action to promote public information and by doing so strengthening the democratic process. For more content visit us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens Below some helpful information about stage areas, video list of performances in this video, You Tube video history for the Community Outreach Video Project Alive After Five video series. Filmed by John Bogack this narrative provided by same. Stages filmed Stage A at Maple Avenue and E. Main St. (furthest east stage) Stage D at the Village Idiot bar on E. Main St near the 4 corners Stage E location alternated between front of Meetballs restaurant and front of the Brick House Brewery Main Street location. Stage F opposite the Tap Room bar located near Rail Road Avenue and Main Street Stage G West Main Street and Claire Rose Blvd on W. Main St (furthest west stage) Video List in order of appearance first to last At about in minutes and seconds then hour, minutes and seconds 1. Time: video begins with this set. Funkin’ A: AA5 Theme/Shakedown Extended street mix , 8/14/14, Stage E 2. Time: 16:13 Milagro , 8/14/14, Stage E. 3. Time: 22: 30 Next Level 7/17/14, Stage E 4. Time: 30:15 Soul Junkies 7/31/4, Stage F 5. Time: 36:17 Tumi Arts 7/31/14 Stage A 6. Time 40:53 The Putnam Brothers 8/28/14, Stage F 7. Time: 45:31 Gnarly Heads 7/17/14, Stage D 8. Time: 48:51 J Haus Band 7/17/14, Stage F 9. Time: 55: 36 Rick’s Rising Stars 7/17/14, Stage G 10. Time: 1:01:53 Twelve X 8/14/14, Stage D 11. Time: 1:09:38, School of Rock 8/14/14, Stage G 12. Time: 1:13:25 Kid and the Koots 8/14/14, Stage E 13. Time: 1:17:48, DJ Torres with break dancers at 8/28/14, Stage G 14. Time: 1:20:31 The Dust Rays 8/28/14, Stage G 15. Time: 1:32:13 End words: Voice of James Skidmore 8/28/14, Stage G You Tube Video history Alive After Five video series 2014 July 17 2014 First AA5 1. PATCHOGUE VILLAGE ALIVE AFTER FIVE MID FESTIVAL HAND HELD VIDEO 7/17/14. Link: http://youtu.be/mYgJkkWkZ9Q Published to You Tube 7/18/14 July 31 2014 Second AA5 2. AA5 Patchogue Village 7/31/14: Bands/Dancers/Street Scenes. Link: http://youtu.be/iH7SBC7sQh0 Published to You Tube 8/6/14 August 14 2014 3. AA5 2014 First: "Alive After Five" Theme/ Extended Jam-FUNKin'A Link: http://youtu.be/XywoEj5AO2E Published to You Tube 8/16/14 4. ALIVE AFTER FIVE 2014: School of Rock... Main St. Night Walk East... Tumi Arts. Link: http://youtu.be/3cJrxGVyIXg Published to You Tube 8/17/14 5. AA5 2014: Ballerinas/Breakers/Street Moves: JUMP UP! Link: http://youtu.be/H1QYbdRaqdQ Published to You Tube 8/19/14 August 28 2014 6. AA5 Patchogue Village 8/28/14 at Of Colors Stage: Honors/DJ Torres/ Dust Rays. Link: http://youtu.be/fAhQ1Y0mJSM Published to You Tube 9/1/14 7. The Dust Rays at Alive At Five Patchogue Village 8/28/14 Live Audience Whole Set Only. Link: http://youtu.be/Y1OucYTfl48 Published to You Tube on 9/4/14 Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Meeting of 8/25/14 Full Proceedings
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There is no substitute for seeing the whole video if you have the time. Time line summary narrative for Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Meeting of 8/25/14 below.
Also on our Facebook page mini videos, clips appear of selected portions of the To begin with: this is a summary, not every event is time lined there are too many meeting. Where those clips exist they are noted as FBC…Facebook Clip. At the meeting table from left to right: Village Treasurer Ron Krawczyk, Trustees Keyes, Felice, Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, and Village Attorney Egan. In minutes and seconds 5:18 Treasurer Krawczyk asks for approval of two BANS (Bond Anticipation Notes) essentially short term (up to five years) bonds one in the amount of 1.1 million dollars for various infrastructure projects. Mayor Pontieri explains why the item has not appeared on the agenda. Discussion and vote to approve both BANS. FBC 8:06 Mayor Pontieri advises that a public hearing that had been scheduled to consider changing the zoning of 36 properties on River Avenue has been delayed. Village Attorney Egan explains why. New date of 9/8/14 approved FBC 12:24 Dennis Smith, Ex. Dir. Business Improvement District (BID) reports 19:34 David Kennedy Ex. Dir. Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports…multiple issues including last Alive After Five event 28:28 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports…discusses final planning for last stage of metered parking plan FBC 33:07 Trustee Keyes reports…multiple approval sought for various infrastructure repairs and upgrades throughout the village 37:47 Trustee Felice reports 39:14 Trustee Ferb reports on status of New Village and Riverwalk, discloses future park on Riverwalk property and greenbelt, and future acquisition of internal roads within New Village and infers Alive After Five event may expand to this location in the future FBC 43:02 Trustee Devlin reports….extensive report concerning PACMAC October festival FBC 49:28 Trustee Hilton reports….various issues relating to the Parks and Recreation Department discussed…cites positive email from resident FBC Public Portion 57:52 Richard Kemp, village resident, raises multiple issues among them security for AA5, theater financing by Village Now in hour, minutes and seconds 1:09:28 John Bogack, village resident raises multiple issues: PACMAC, permissive referendum definition sought, AA5 safety issues FBC multiple 1:16:30 Gil Pardy, village resident raises issue of bamboo control 1:20:38 Jo Miller also raises issue of bamboo control and meeting ends. Our Facebook link: www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens |
Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting of 7/28/14 Full Proceedings
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This is the video for the 7/28/14 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees. This time line narrative is minimal and the one major reason for that is that on our Facebook page there are twelve shorter video clips culled from this meeting with additional descriptive narrative. That cache of videos provides more than enough narrative for the meeting. Plus just as a reminder no time line narrative is ever complete due to the large content of events at any meeting. To see everything a viewer should look at the whole video. There is always content not noted in the time line narratives or even the video clip series that come with the whole meeting video.
Our Facebook link: www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens At the meeting table from left to right: Trustees Keyes, Felice, Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton and Village Attorney Egan. In minutes and seconds 3:01 Public Hearing begins on a requested zoning change that will affect the building of a self-storage facility on River Avenue. Presentation by Attorney Egan, presentation by the business owner, public comment, Board comment and vote. Note: this section of the meeting is the subject of 6 video clips that can be found on our Facebook page: 28: 01 Dennis Smith, Business Improvement District Ex. Dir. Reports. Note: there is one video clip on our Facebook page concerning street cameras to view 43: 22 Dave Kennedy, Ex. Dir. Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports. Note: there is one video clip concerning valet parking on our Facebook page to view 54: 38 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports Now in hours, minutes and seconds 1:02:44 Trustee Keyes reports. Note: there is one video clip on our Facebook page concerning a proposed change in village crossway appearances in certain locations of the Village on the Mayor’s initiative 1:13:18 Trustee Felice reports 1:14:40 Trustee Ferb reports 1:15:28 Trustee Devlin reports Note: there is one video clip on our Facebook page regarding traffic conditions on River Ave 1:20:22 Trustee Hilton reports Note: there is one video clip concerning the successful outreach efforts of the Recreation Department this season on our Facebook page Public Portion Jo Miller…advocating recognizing private business efforts to beautify village (clip) Mark Siegel….rowdy behavior on Main Street (clip) Gil Parney….controlling bamboo….residential invasion Donald R. Wachsmuth..various beautification recommendations John Bogack….Mascot dock repair status, final parking meter roll out, visual inspections by Code of residences (clip) |
ALIVE AFTER FIVE 7/31/14 Community Outreach Video Project
The Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government is a civic member of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce. As a from of contribution from our organization we have decided to create a documentary history of this event which by now is a part of the social life of Patchogue Village and is known now far and wide. To help viewers see the video content a time line narrative has been provided below:
This is a video of the 7/31/14 AA5 event. A bit different this time for a number of reasons then the first in this series. One, at some points a tripod is used: less shake. But where due to crowd conditions that was not possible the camera is hand held. This video focuses more on some of the bands that played the day and night of the event and unlike the first video in this series this video captures AA5 during its last half and includes night time street scenes. A time line narrative is provided to help guide viewers through the multiple sections of this edited video.
The Bands
At Stage A near Maple Avenue/E. Main St: Tumi Arts: South American sounds and please note the variety of instruments in use faithful to the continent from which they come from: flutes, rain sticks, and drums among numerous other instruments. Their set also included two dances, based on Ecuadorian folk dance traditions.
13:58
Ecuadorian children’s dance troupe followed by Amanda Cervone who performs a dance with veil. My take: if someone could remix some of those traditional dance songs to house music they would sweep a modern dance floor….uplifting sounds, colorful costumes, swirling dancers and second solo dancer who captures children and adults alike with her dancing.
27: 53
Turning from them: a brief clip of the ending of a set by Kid and the Koots at Stage E near the Brickhouse outside: rocking electric guitar.
30:06
Then onto Stage G western end point near the Carnegie Library building: Rick’s Rising Stars. Catch three tykes dancing to the music which at that point was a Talking Heads cover and if David Byrne was around those three kids would have made him smile. They channeled the spirit of his song.
36:44
One song afterwards and then heading back west down main street a cool dancer as the Soul Junkie set catches the eye and then an extended set from that band showcasing a charismatic lead singer and an exciting band that revved up some adult dancers in front of their stage. At Stage F near the Tap Room.
Evening now coming and back to a longer set from Soul Junkies with a deep soul set of Reggae music and more dancing.
59:33
Kid and the Koots this time a bit more of their powerful guitar playing.
1:03:54
Walk east filming street scenes of a good looking, youngish, well behaved street crowd. But also see parents pushing their kids on strollers also part of the street crowd too.
1:07:28
Then a filmed set at the Village Idiot stage D with Where Stars Collide doing an inspired cover song, then across the street catching Pete Moss and the Fertilizers at Stage C ending their set in front of Public House with dancers again.
Then street scenes past Latinology who had finished their set but left their instruments to be packed up….regrets not to have heard their music as their pictured drums looked like the real deal….then a last walk back to where the video began at Maple Avenue with crowd scenes and a video look back down the length of Main Street night now having fallen.
Just as a final note: this AA5 video is actually the second in a series that will span all four AA5 events this season. To see video from the first event please go to our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens and find the video for the 7/17/14 event posted there on 7/30/14. Video from the third event will soon be posted to Facebook and the last video in this community outreach series will be posted in early September.
This is a video of the 7/31/14 AA5 event. A bit different this time for a number of reasons then the first in this series. One, at some points a tripod is used: less shake. But where due to crowd conditions that was not possible the camera is hand held. This video focuses more on some of the bands that played the day and night of the event and unlike the first video in this series this video captures AA5 during its last half and includes night time street scenes. A time line narrative is provided to help guide viewers through the multiple sections of this edited video.
The Bands
At Stage A near Maple Avenue/E. Main St: Tumi Arts: South American sounds and please note the variety of instruments in use faithful to the continent from which they come from: flutes, rain sticks, and drums among numerous other instruments. Their set also included two dances, based on Ecuadorian folk dance traditions.
13:58
Ecuadorian children’s dance troupe followed by Amanda Cervone who performs a dance with veil. My take: if someone could remix some of those traditional dance songs to house music they would sweep a modern dance floor….uplifting sounds, colorful costumes, swirling dancers and second solo dancer who captures children and adults alike with her dancing.
27: 53
Turning from them: a brief clip of the ending of a set by Kid and the Koots at Stage E near the Brickhouse outside: rocking electric guitar.
30:06
Then onto Stage G western end point near the Carnegie Library building: Rick’s Rising Stars. Catch three tykes dancing to the music which at that point was a Talking Heads cover and if David Byrne was around those three kids would have made him smile. They channeled the spirit of his song.
36:44
One song afterwards and then heading back west down main street a cool dancer as the Soul Junkie set catches the eye and then an extended set from that band showcasing a charismatic lead singer and an exciting band that revved up some adult dancers in front of their stage. At Stage F near the Tap Room.
Evening now coming and back to a longer set from Soul Junkies with a deep soul set of Reggae music and more dancing.
59:33
Kid and the Koots this time a bit more of their powerful guitar playing.
1:03:54
Walk east filming street scenes of a good looking, youngish, well behaved street crowd. But also see parents pushing their kids on strollers also part of the street crowd too.
1:07:28
Then a filmed set at the Village Idiot stage D with Where Stars Collide doing an inspired cover song, then across the street catching Pete Moss and the Fertilizers at Stage C ending their set in front of Public House with dancers again.
Then street scenes past Latinology who had finished their set but left their instruments to be packed up….regrets not to have heard their music as their pictured drums looked like the real deal….then a last walk back to where the video began at Maple Avenue with crowd scenes and a video look back down the length of Main Street night now having fallen.
Just as a final note: this AA5 video is actually the second in a series that will span all four AA5 events this season. To see video from the first event please go to our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens and find the video for the 7/17/14 event posted there on 7/30/14. Video from the third event will soon be posted to Facebook and the last video in this community outreach series will be posted in early September.
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Full Proceedings 7/14/14
Below a time line narrative to make accessing the whole video easier. Just a note before beginning doing so. Now our on our Facebook page clips www.facebook.com/patchgue villagecitizens of the full proceedings are posted and they are not posted here on this website. Those clips sometimes provide more information about events which here are more simply reported as for example “Trustee Hilton reports….”.
And please also remember that the time line is not a complete narrative for each and every event that occurs at a meeting just highlights. There is never a substitute for viewing the whole video to get the best and most complete view of the full meeting proceedings.
9:43 David Kennedy Ex. Dir. Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports
19:10 Mayor Pontieri requests approval of a PILOT agreement with the future property owners of Village Walk….future assisted living facility on Main Street.
See clip on Facebook
20:20 Trustee Krieger reports
21:16 Trustee Keyes reports
22:55 Trustee Felice reports
See clip on Facebook
25:02 Trustee Ferb reports
26:38 Trustee Devlin reports
See clip on Facebook
31: 15 Trustee Hilton reports…overall recreation department report included
40:55 Public portion begins with Mark Siegel reporting on local business news
41:53 Sal Misosin remembers past days in Patchogue school system
45:15 Sue Scala asks for new sidewalks on West Avenue, and three way stop for River Avenue and Division street intersection
See clip on Facebook
49:35 Richard Kemp offers miscellaneous views
53: 11 Tom Murray talks about continuing traffic issues on Jennings Avenue
See clip on Facebook
58:15 Andre Costa talks about parking issues near his home off Shorefront Park
59:58 Linda Scaturo talks about traffic issues on Railroad Avenue
See clip on Facebook
Now in hours minutes and seconds
1:01:10 Ann Marie Rothe talks about road conditions on Park Avenue
Meeting ends.
Below a time line narrative to make accessing the whole video easier. Just a note before beginning doing so. Now our on our Facebook page clips www.facebook.com/patchgue villagecitizens of the full proceedings are posted and they are not posted here on this website. Those clips sometimes provide more information about events which here are more simply reported as for example “Trustee Hilton reports….”.
And please also remember that the time line is not a complete narrative for each and every event that occurs at a meeting just highlights. There is never a substitute for viewing the whole video to get the best and most complete view of the full meeting proceedings.
9:43 David Kennedy Ex. Dir. Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports
19:10 Mayor Pontieri requests approval of a PILOT agreement with the future property owners of Village Walk….future assisted living facility on Main Street.
See clip on Facebook
20:20 Trustee Krieger reports
21:16 Trustee Keyes reports
22:55 Trustee Felice reports
See clip on Facebook
25:02 Trustee Ferb reports
26:38 Trustee Devlin reports
See clip on Facebook
31: 15 Trustee Hilton reports…overall recreation department report included
40:55 Public portion begins with Mark Siegel reporting on local business news
41:53 Sal Misosin remembers past days in Patchogue school system
45:15 Sue Scala asks for new sidewalks on West Avenue, and three way stop for River Avenue and Division street intersection
See clip on Facebook
49:35 Richard Kemp offers miscellaneous views
53: 11 Tom Murray talks about continuing traffic issues on Jennings Avenue
See clip on Facebook
58:15 Andre Costa talks about parking issues near his home off Shorefront Park
59:58 Linda Scaturo talks about traffic issues on Railroad Avenue
See clip on Facebook
Now in hours minutes and seconds
1:01:10 Ann Marie Rothe talks about road conditions on Park Avenue
Meeting ends.
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Full Proceeding 6/23/14 Part One
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Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Full Proceedings 6/23/14 Part Two
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This the time line narrative for the Patchogue Village Board Meeting of 6/23/14. A long meeting the video is broken into two parts. Numerous clips were produced from this meeting and can be found on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/patchoguevillagecitizens. Where such clips have been produced they are noted in this narrative. The clips focus on key points of different parts of the meeting.
Sitting from left to right: Village Treasurer Krawczyk, Trustees Keyes, Felice and Ferb, Village Clerk Patricia Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustee Devlin and Village attorney Egan. Absent: Trustee Hilton. Part One time line narrative Most of Part One is devoted to a public hearing. 1:58 Mayor Pontieri muses about his trip to Italy (video clip) 8:53 Public hearing begins on proposed rezoning of a property located at 172 No. Ocean Ave. The Mayor introduces the subject, turns the meeting over to Village Attorney Egan for some back ground, he then asks the lawyer for the applicant to appear and speak, numerous speakers both for and against the application then appear and speak, Deputy Krieger then introduces and explains a motion to deny the application, a denial vote occurs, the meeting is then briefly adjourned and the rest of the scheduled agenda is then taken up in Part Two of these companion videos. Part Two Time Line Narrative In minutes and seconds The meeting adjournment ends and Mayor Pontieri introduces various issues O:27 Mayor Pontieri seeks and obtains approval for a Hispanic Festival event at the Patchogue Medford Library with Library Ex. Dir. Nichols appearing and explaining the event 2:17 Mayor Pontieri requests a public hearing for late August to consider rezoning most of upper River Avenue 3:35 Ex. Dir. David Kennedy reports on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. Included in his report is a request for the village’s approval of a valet parking initiative for Main Street and then later initial approval for a Midnight on Main Street New Year’s event (both approvals obtained). Note: there are clips available to see each of these separate issues….other issues discussed other chamber events and brief discussion of ongoing parking issues. 19:32 Abe Siegel is given special consideration to address the Board out of scheduled agenda order: parking concerns. Note: clip available. 26:19 Trustee Keyes reports 32:30 Trustee Felice reports…regulation of outdoor sidewalk areas discussed but not voted on. Note: clip available 37:46 Trustee Ferb reports…discussion of New Village Grand Opening event 42:07 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports 43:07 Trustee Devlin reports on multiple art related events in the village and also provides progress report on Roe Walkway Mural project Public Portion 47:21 Resident John Bogack asks about noise code enforcement procedures 55:29 Resident Richard Kemp speaks about a variety of issues One hour 6 minutes: Jo Miller speaks about Bamboo issues in the village Meeting ends. |
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Meeting 6/9/14 Full Proceedings Part One
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Full Proceedings 6/9/14 Part Two
What follow is a time line narrative for the proceedings of the 6-9-14 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Parts One and Two recording the full proceedings of this meeting both video parts appearing above. This was a long meeting and the recorded time of the video exceeded You Tube upload limits. As a result the video has been published in two parts. And just as a reminder this narrative does not note every issue discussed at a Board meeting. It highlights only those with some general importance. There is never any substitute for seeing the whole video to see all the business that is conduced. Also please note ambient sound heard on the video is from the air conditioner in the room. Viewers may have to turn up their playback volume at times to hear clearly.
Sitting from left to right at the meeting table: Trustees Keyes, Felice, Ferb, Deputy Mayor Krieger chairing the meeting, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village Attorney Egan…Mayor Pontieri and Treasurer Krawczyk absent.
Part One
In minutes and seconds
2:57 Deputy Mayor Krieger presents a Patchogue Pride award
4:48 Public Hearing held on rezoning approval for property at 205 So. Ocean Avenue (Old Town Hall) with information about the change request provided by village attorney Egan. Attorney Egan provides extensive narrative about what steps the new owner must take to preserve certain historical aspects of the building and other concessions made as part of the purchase agreement.
11:01 Dennis Smith Ex. Dir. of the Patchogue Business Improvement District presents his annual report
25:03 David Kennedy Ex. Dir. Of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce presents his report among issues touched on….valet parking proposal being explored…other parking issues…upcoming events…various grand openings of new businesses also cited including opening of New Village rental and commercial complex.
34:55 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports…theater issues…plans for numbering parking spaces and changes to penalties for parking fines also referred to including new two hour time limit
39:57 Marion Russo begins extensive explanation prior to seeking and obtaining approval from the Board for three grant requests: one for theater repairs, a second for sewer repairs for the River Ave sewer extension project and a grant proposal for design of a village parking deck. Discussion between Trustees Ferb and Hilton regarding how village will pay for matching funds for theater repair grant.
55:30 Deputy Mayor Krieger resumes his report with a request to set a date for a public hearing to hear a request for an up zoning request for properties located at 114, 120, 128 and 132 River Avenue the subject of a Planning Board request for approval of a self-service storage facility.
58:44 Trustee Keyes reports….parking lot renovations schedule referred to….extensive changes to sidewalk in front of Burlington Coat factory building noted….contract for storm water management education and outreach program sought and approved and full funding for the River Ave sewer extension project sought and obtained.
Now in hours, minutes and seconds
1:04:24 Trustee Felice reports on the status of demolition of degraded property at 203 West Avenue
1:05:51 Trustee Ferb reports….worker’s compensation study approval sought and obtained
1:13:09 Trustee Devlin reports…extensive discussion about pictorial historical display of Patchogue Village’s history about to be installed at Art Space with commentary from representative from the Greater Patchogue Historical Society….various art and entertainment events also referred to
1:14:52 Trustee Hilton reports….various approvals for events sought and obtained
1:31: 09 Public Portion begins with comments from Mary Cohler expressing safety concerns…clip ends before her comments are completed and are picked up at the beginning of Part Two
Part Two
In minutes and seconds
0:00 Mary Cohler’s comments continue with Board member comments reacting to her appeals
4:01 Resident Richard Kemp also expresses concerns about public safety and also has other issues he discusses with the Board
17:09 Resident John Bogack reminds public and Board members that Police Community meetings are held to hear concerns about public safety…comments about existence or lack thereof of village law protecting removal of large trees in the village with a request that the Trustees consider same if there are none
19:58 Resident Neal Courney asks about bamboo prevention laws in the village.
Public portion and meeting ends.
Sitting from left to right at the meeting table: Trustees Keyes, Felice, Ferb, Deputy Mayor Krieger chairing the meeting, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village Attorney Egan…Mayor Pontieri and Treasurer Krawczyk absent.
Part One
In minutes and seconds
2:57 Deputy Mayor Krieger presents a Patchogue Pride award
4:48 Public Hearing held on rezoning approval for property at 205 So. Ocean Avenue (Old Town Hall) with information about the change request provided by village attorney Egan. Attorney Egan provides extensive narrative about what steps the new owner must take to preserve certain historical aspects of the building and other concessions made as part of the purchase agreement.
11:01 Dennis Smith Ex. Dir. of the Patchogue Business Improvement District presents his annual report
25:03 David Kennedy Ex. Dir. Of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce presents his report among issues touched on….valet parking proposal being explored…other parking issues…upcoming events…various grand openings of new businesses also cited including opening of New Village rental and commercial complex.
34:55 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports…theater issues…plans for numbering parking spaces and changes to penalties for parking fines also referred to including new two hour time limit
39:57 Marion Russo begins extensive explanation prior to seeking and obtaining approval from the Board for three grant requests: one for theater repairs, a second for sewer repairs for the River Ave sewer extension project and a grant proposal for design of a village parking deck. Discussion between Trustees Ferb and Hilton regarding how village will pay for matching funds for theater repair grant.
55:30 Deputy Mayor Krieger resumes his report with a request to set a date for a public hearing to hear a request for an up zoning request for properties located at 114, 120, 128 and 132 River Avenue the subject of a Planning Board request for approval of a self-service storage facility.
58:44 Trustee Keyes reports….parking lot renovations schedule referred to….extensive changes to sidewalk in front of Burlington Coat factory building noted….contract for storm water management education and outreach program sought and approved and full funding for the River Ave sewer extension project sought and obtained.
Now in hours, minutes and seconds
1:04:24 Trustee Felice reports on the status of demolition of degraded property at 203 West Avenue
1:05:51 Trustee Ferb reports….worker’s compensation study approval sought and obtained
1:13:09 Trustee Devlin reports…extensive discussion about pictorial historical display of Patchogue Village’s history about to be installed at Art Space with commentary from representative from the Greater Patchogue Historical Society….various art and entertainment events also referred to
1:14:52 Trustee Hilton reports….various approvals for events sought and obtained
1:31: 09 Public Portion begins with comments from Mary Cohler expressing safety concerns…clip ends before her comments are completed and are picked up at the beginning of Part Two
Part Two
In minutes and seconds
0:00 Mary Cohler’s comments continue with Board member comments reacting to her appeals
4:01 Resident Richard Kemp also expresses concerns about public safety and also has other issues he discusses with the Board
17:09 Resident John Bogack reminds public and Board members that Police Community meetings are held to hear concerns about public safety…comments about existence or lack thereof of village law protecting removal of large trees in the village with a request that the Trustees consider same if there are none
19:58 Resident Neal Courney asks about bamboo prevention laws in the village.
Public portion and meeting ends.
Patchogue Village Board Meeting 5/28/14 Full Proceedings
Below is a time line narrative for the Patchogue Village Board meeting of 5/28/14, a short meeting.
Sitting from left to right at the meeting table: Treasurer Ron Krawczyk, Trustees Keyes and Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan (Trustee Felice absent)
In minutes and seconds
After bill payments Mayor Pontieri talks about the meaning of Memorial Day weekend in Patchogue Village, refers to vandalism at the Carnegie Library (clip on Facebook)
8:56 Trustee Keyes explains that several village parking lots will be upgraded as a needed step before their metering. He indicates that there will be three days of disruptions (clip available on the organizations Facebook page).
15:08 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports and gives a report on the Patchogue Theater among other subjects including some details about how new seating is being planned for at the Theater.
19:38 Trustee Keyes reports…43,000 allocation out of surplus funds sought and approved with Mayor Pontieri stating that funds for the allocation may be available without dipping into surplus funds
23:32 Trustee Ferb gives Trustee Felice’s report and then give his own report
26:29 Trustee Devlin reports….discusses Wall Street Journal article about rising real estate values in Patchogue village and surrounding area….Plaza Mac activities and Planning Board actions also discussed (clip of WSJ discussion on Facebook)
41:55 Trustee Hilton reports...discussion of various offers from outside contractors to take over village recreation department referred to
50:28 Public Portion ...Two speakers one of whom asks Board for pavement of his street which turns out to be a private road, second speaker asks about garbage fee costs (clip on Facebook)
Meeting ends.
Note: to see the video clips referred to above search Facebook for Patchogue Village Citizens for Open Village Government: they are all there.
Sitting from left to right at the meeting table: Treasurer Ron Krawczyk, Trustees Keyes and Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan (Trustee Felice absent)
In minutes and seconds
After bill payments Mayor Pontieri talks about the meaning of Memorial Day weekend in Patchogue Village, refers to vandalism at the Carnegie Library (clip on Facebook)
8:56 Trustee Keyes explains that several village parking lots will be upgraded as a needed step before their metering. He indicates that there will be three days of disruptions (clip available on the organizations Facebook page).
15:08 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports and gives a report on the Patchogue Theater among other subjects including some details about how new seating is being planned for at the Theater.
19:38 Trustee Keyes reports…43,000 allocation out of surplus funds sought and approved with Mayor Pontieri stating that funds for the allocation may be available without dipping into surplus funds
23:32 Trustee Ferb gives Trustee Felice’s report and then give his own report
26:29 Trustee Devlin reports….discusses Wall Street Journal article about rising real estate values in Patchogue village and surrounding area….Plaza Mac activities and Planning Board actions also discussed (clip of WSJ discussion on Facebook)
41:55 Trustee Hilton reports...discussion of various offers from outside contractors to take over village recreation department referred to
50:28 Public Portion ...Two speakers one of whom asks Board for pavement of his street which turns out to be a private road, second speaker asks about garbage fee costs (clip on Facebook)
Meeting ends.
Note: to see the video clips referred to above search Facebook for Patchogue Village Citizens for Open Village Government: they are all there.
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees 5/12/14 Full Proceedings
Below is a time line narrative summarizing time marks that corresponds to the official agenda. The narrative does not note every single discussion or decision that occurred at the meeting due to the multiple number of discussions and decisions that are made typically at a Board meeting. To see everything there is no substitute for viewing the entire video. In addition viewers are reminded that a series of shorter video clips that high light some areas of discussion or decision can be found on the Facebook page of this organization by going to Patchogue Village Citizens for Open Village Government where they can be seen in order of their publication. The existence of such clips is indicated in the time line narrative.
Sitting from left to right at the meeting table: Trustee Keyes, Felice and Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan.
In hours and minutes
3:03 Mayor Pontieri responds to Newsday article questioning legal sufficiency of notice relating to the public hearing held on the recently adopted village budget with comments from Village attorney Egan (Video clip available on Facebook)
7:30 Mayor Pontieri describes concerns about rising workmen’s compensation costs and asks and gets approval for a risk management study in the hope that future costs can be reduced
8:35 Mayor Pontieri seeks and gets approval to rename the Ryder Avenue ball fields in memory of former Mayor Waldbauer
15:10 Dennis Smith Business Improvement Executive Director reports
26:10 David Kennedy, Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce Executive Director reports
33:51 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports…parking issues…approval obtained to hold a public hearing on a requested rezoning for a property located at 172 No. Ocean Avenue with a public hearing date of 6/23 approved
38:57 Trustee Keyes reports…top issue 138K approval sought and obtained to repave Bay Avenue in conjunction with the Town of Brookhaven
43: 34 Trustee Felice reports (Video Clip available on Facebook)
45:08 Trustee Ferb reports (Video Clip available on Facebook)
49: 50 Trustee Devlin reports…progress of various street murals discussed and other art events in the village
54:00 Trustee Hilton reports with Mayor Pontieri at the end of his report explaining fund raiser approval sought for IGHL (Independent Group Homes and Living)
Now in hours, minutes and seconds
Public to Be Heard
1:00:40 John Bogack: request for greater public involvement in budget approval process, follow up question regarding garbage pick-up rates, clarification sought regarding increased spending for tax grievances recently approved by the Board
Video clip available on Facebook
1:09:29 Gerry Dwyer speaks about issues relating to handicapped parking in the village with a response from Deputy Mayor Krieger about the village’s plans to re-assess same
Video clip available on Facebook
1:15:55 Mark Siegel raises issue about malfunctioning parking meter on main street
1:17: 00 Resident Tom Murray raises traffic safety issues on Jennings Avenue
Video Clip available on Facebook
Meeting is adjourned
Sitting from left to right at the meeting table: Trustee Keyes, Felice and Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan.
In hours and minutes
3:03 Mayor Pontieri responds to Newsday article questioning legal sufficiency of notice relating to the public hearing held on the recently adopted village budget with comments from Village attorney Egan (Video clip available on Facebook)
7:30 Mayor Pontieri describes concerns about rising workmen’s compensation costs and asks and gets approval for a risk management study in the hope that future costs can be reduced
8:35 Mayor Pontieri seeks and gets approval to rename the Ryder Avenue ball fields in memory of former Mayor Waldbauer
15:10 Dennis Smith Business Improvement Executive Director reports
26:10 David Kennedy, Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce Executive Director reports
33:51 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports…parking issues…approval obtained to hold a public hearing on a requested rezoning for a property located at 172 No. Ocean Avenue with a public hearing date of 6/23 approved
38:57 Trustee Keyes reports…top issue 138K approval sought and obtained to repave Bay Avenue in conjunction with the Town of Brookhaven
43: 34 Trustee Felice reports (Video Clip available on Facebook)
45:08 Trustee Ferb reports (Video Clip available on Facebook)
49: 50 Trustee Devlin reports…progress of various street murals discussed and other art events in the village
54:00 Trustee Hilton reports with Mayor Pontieri at the end of his report explaining fund raiser approval sought for IGHL (Independent Group Homes and Living)
Now in hours, minutes and seconds
Public to Be Heard
1:00:40 John Bogack: request for greater public involvement in budget approval process, follow up question regarding garbage pick-up rates, clarification sought regarding increased spending for tax grievances recently approved by the Board
Video clip available on Facebook
1:09:29 Gerry Dwyer speaks about issues relating to handicapped parking in the village with a response from Deputy Mayor Krieger about the village’s plans to re-assess same
Video clip available on Facebook
1:15:55 Mark Siegel raises issue about malfunctioning parking meter on main street
1:17: 00 Resident Tom Murray raises traffic safety issues on Jennings Avenue
Video Clip available on Facebook
Meeting is adjourned
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Meeting 4-28-14
Narrative for 4/28/14 Board Meeting
Below is a time line narrative for the above date. Use the time references where they appear to speed to any particular section of interest if you are not looking at the whole video.
Seated at the meeting table from left to right: Treasurer Krawczyk, Trustees Keyes, Felice, Ferb, Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan.
In minutes and hours
4:15 approval of 400,000 to settle back tax claims
7:05 approval to condemn home at 203 West Avenue, reasons for doing so followed by a discussion of the actual process to occur
14:38 David Kennedy begins Chamber of Commerce report then his time is taken to hold public hearing on the effect of parking meters on main street businesses
Fifteen members of the public then take the podium during the course of more than an hour to express their views with Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger also responding at times to views that are expressed.
Note: a series of video clips that high light some of the speakers including elected officials can be found on the Facebook page of the Citizens Campaign by searching Facebook for our page: Patchogue Village Citizens for Open Village Government
Now in hours, minutes and seconds
1:22:38 Deputy Mayor ends public hearing with concluding remarks
1:26: 17 after a brief recess while members of the public exit Deputy Mayor Krieger makes his trustee report
1:26:48 Trustee Keyes reports
1:28:07 Trustee Felice reports on drive by inspection push to begin, provides statistical report on recent activity by Building, Housing and Code enforcement sections
1:34: 18 Trustee Ferb “no report”
1:34:25 Trustee Devlin reports on various art events in and around the village
1: 39:18 Trustee Hilton reports…tree donation described
Public Portion
1:42:58 Resident John Bogack offers rebuttal to claims that enforcement is harassment
1: 44: 28 Dave Siegel comments on tree planting near his business on Main Street
Meeting ends
Below is a time line narrative for the above date. Use the time references where they appear to speed to any particular section of interest if you are not looking at the whole video.
Seated at the meeting table from left to right: Treasurer Krawczyk, Trustees Keyes, Felice, Ferb, Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan.
In minutes and hours
4:15 approval of 400,000 to settle back tax claims
7:05 approval to condemn home at 203 West Avenue, reasons for doing so followed by a discussion of the actual process to occur
14:38 David Kennedy begins Chamber of Commerce report then his time is taken to hold public hearing on the effect of parking meters on main street businesses
Fifteen members of the public then take the podium during the course of more than an hour to express their views with Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger also responding at times to views that are expressed.
Note: a series of video clips that high light some of the speakers including elected officials can be found on the Facebook page of the Citizens Campaign by searching Facebook for our page: Patchogue Village Citizens for Open Village Government
Now in hours, minutes and seconds
1:22:38 Deputy Mayor ends public hearing with concluding remarks
1:26: 17 after a brief recess while members of the public exit Deputy Mayor Krieger makes his trustee report
1:26:48 Trustee Keyes reports
1:28:07 Trustee Felice reports on drive by inspection push to begin, provides statistical report on recent activity by Building, Housing and Code enforcement sections
1:34: 18 Trustee Ferb “no report”
1:34:25 Trustee Devlin reports on various art events in and around the village
1: 39:18 Trustee Hilton reports…tree donation described
Public Portion
1:42:58 Resident John Bogack offers rebuttal to claims that enforcement is harassment
1: 44: 28 Dave Siegel comments on tree planting near his business on Main Street
Meeting ends
Public Hearing on Parking Issues PV Board of Trustees 4-28-14
This video clip, a bit more than one hour long, is taken from the proceedings of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees meeting of 4/28/14. This clip is the full video for the public hearing on parking issues held on that date. The public hearing was held to hear the concerns of business owners regarding the recent installation of parking meters on Main Street and the intended installation of additional parking meters in several nearby parking lots.
Some notices: 1. there is ambient noise from the air conditioning in the meeting room. If speakers cannot be heard clearly on viewing turn up both the volume control icon on You Tube, and as well whatever personal computer is being used to view the video clip. 2. Names of speakers not always exactly recorded, apologies to those whose names maybe misspelled.
The clip begins when Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce Ex. Dir. David Kennedy reads into the official record a policy statement from the Chamber regarding issues related to parking after which he ends his remarks and the public hearing then continues with speakers commenting on a wide range of experiences and offering just as wide a range of recommendations during which at times elected officials offer their comments too.
Order of speakers: Mayor Pontieri announces rules for speaking and then turns meeting over to Deputy Mayor Krieger who chairs the hearing. Speakers appear in this order afterwards: Lori Bellmonti, David Zeigel, Mark Siegel, Raphael Carrasquel, Georgia Thieben, Patricia Trish Reale, Kathleen Zgoris, Pamela Barr…Mayor Pontieri breaks order of speakers with his own comments in reaction to first set of speakers and is then followed by Deputy Mayor Krieger who also has his reactions to share…then Lari Fiala, George Stein, John Hess, Christy Joland, Dan Welsh, Dennis Ross, Mike Nardilla, Dave Zeigel (off camera), concluding remarks by Deputy Mayor Krieger ending public hearing.
Meeting filmed by Jo Miller.
Some notices: 1. there is ambient noise from the air conditioning in the meeting room. If speakers cannot be heard clearly on viewing turn up both the volume control icon on You Tube, and as well whatever personal computer is being used to view the video clip. 2. Names of speakers not always exactly recorded, apologies to those whose names maybe misspelled.
The clip begins when Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce Ex. Dir. David Kennedy reads into the official record a policy statement from the Chamber regarding issues related to parking after which he ends his remarks and the public hearing then continues with speakers commenting on a wide range of experiences and offering just as wide a range of recommendations during which at times elected officials offer their comments too.
Order of speakers: Mayor Pontieri announces rules for speaking and then turns meeting over to Deputy Mayor Krieger who chairs the hearing. Speakers appear in this order afterwards: Lori Bellmonti, David Zeigel, Mark Siegel, Raphael Carrasquel, Georgia Thieben, Patricia Trish Reale, Kathleen Zgoris, Pamela Barr…Mayor Pontieri breaks order of speakers with his own comments in reaction to first set of speakers and is then followed by Deputy Mayor Krieger who also has his reactions to share…then Lari Fiala, George Stein, John Hess, Christy Joland, Dan Welsh, Dennis Ross, Mike Nardilla, Dave Zeigel (off camera), concluding remarks by Deputy Mayor Krieger ending public hearing.
Meeting filmed by Jo Miller.
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Meeting of April 14, 2014
This is the full video for the 4/14/14 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees. Sitting from left to right at the meeting table: Treasurer Ron Krawczyk, Trustees Keyes, Felice, Ferb, deputy clerk Detmer, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, village attorney Egan
Below is a time line with major items noted but not all. Nothing substitutes for seeing the whole video to see all events that occurred at the meeting.
In hours and minutes
4:57 Mayor Pontieri introduces resolution to amend contract with Vine yards at Blue Pt allowing for acceptance of an advance fee for future sewer needs under contract with that developer. Extension discussion of issue and vote to approve.
10: 56 Mayor Pontieri introduces a resolution to request a change of zoning for property known as Old Town Hall, discussion and approval.
12:46 Business Improvement Ex. Dir. Smith reports
20:30 David Kennedy, Ex. Dir. Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports…sandwich board issue, parking among other issues reported…
30:04 Depute Mayor Krieger reports….roof repair of Theater is done…parking enforcement also discussed
37:11 Trustee Keyes reports…sidewalk repair project discussed among other issues including reduction in condo garbage pick-up fees
47:10 Trustee Felice reports and offers resolution to increase the pay of court officers, discussed and approved
50: 04 Trustee Ferb reports refers to bonding recommendation from Standard and Poor’s rating agency and promises to present solutions to the village’s deficit budget issues
53:16 Trustee Devlin reports on two grants approved for village art projects, and other issues
59: 17 Trustee Hilton reports
Now in hours, minutes and seconds
1:04:52 BID Ex. Dir. returns to the podium to deliver and off the agenda second report with consent of Mayor Pontieri
Public Portion
1:11:30 John Bogack raises questions about recently approved budget and reduction in garbage pick-up fees for condos
1:20:17 Megan Miller asks about metered parking
1:21:48 Jo Miller asks about condo garbage fee rate reduction
1:22:48 Richard Kemp asks about condo garbage fee reduction and contracting out of garbage services, extensive discussion with Mayor and Village Attorney Egan…Mayor ends public portion by executive decision
Viewers are reminded that along with the whole video seven additional video clips have been produced that relate to particular issues shown on the larger video. They can be seen by going to our Facebook page, search for Patchogue Village Residents for Open Village Government. Like us if you do, show your support for the video project by doing so. Join in moderated discussion of village civic issues and be first to get notice of clips as they are posted.
Next video: 4/28/14 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees.
Below is a time line with major items noted but not all. Nothing substitutes for seeing the whole video to see all events that occurred at the meeting.
In hours and minutes
4:57 Mayor Pontieri introduces resolution to amend contract with Vine yards at Blue Pt allowing for acceptance of an advance fee for future sewer needs under contract with that developer. Extension discussion of issue and vote to approve.
10: 56 Mayor Pontieri introduces a resolution to request a change of zoning for property known as Old Town Hall, discussion and approval.
12:46 Business Improvement Ex. Dir. Smith reports
20:30 David Kennedy, Ex. Dir. Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports…sandwich board issue, parking among other issues reported…
30:04 Depute Mayor Krieger reports….roof repair of Theater is done…parking enforcement also discussed
37:11 Trustee Keyes reports…sidewalk repair project discussed among other issues including reduction in condo garbage pick-up fees
47:10 Trustee Felice reports and offers resolution to increase the pay of court officers, discussed and approved
50: 04 Trustee Ferb reports refers to bonding recommendation from Standard and Poor’s rating agency and promises to present solutions to the village’s deficit budget issues
53:16 Trustee Devlin reports on two grants approved for village art projects, and other issues
59: 17 Trustee Hilton reports
Now in hours, minutes and seconds
1:04:52 BID Ex. Dir. returns to the podium to deliver and off the agenda second report with consent of Mayor Pontieri
Public Portion
1:11:30 John Bogack raises questions about recently approved budget and reduction in garbage pick-up fees for condos
1:20:17 Megan Miller asks about metered parking
1:21:48 Jo Miller asks about condo garbage fee rate reduction
1:22:48 Richard Kemp asks about condo garbage fee reduction and contracting out of garbage services, extensive discussion with Mayor and Village Attorney Egan…Mayor ends public portion by executive decision
Viewers are reminded that along with the whole video seven additional video clips have been produced that relate to particular issues shown on the larger video. They can be seen by going to our Facebook page, search for Patchogue Village Residents for Open Village Government. Like us if you do, show your support for the video project by doing so. Join in moderated discussion of village civic issues and be first to get notice of clips as they are posted.
Next video: 4/28/14 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees.
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Meeting: Re-Organizational Meeting 4/7/14
On April 7th 2014 the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees held two meetings. Above is video for the first of those meeting what is called the Reorganizational Meeting. At this meeting various members of different Boards are appointed. Additionally other special appointments and other administrative acts needed for the upcoming year are also approved. Minutes for this meeting will be available on the village website typically about two to three weeks after the meeting date. Those minutes will contain a complete list of all appointments made and actions approved and can be seen for reference in the future. Below a brief time line narrative for the short meeting.
In minutes and hours
1:05 Mayor Pontieri’s comments on various issues: Mascot Dock repair delay, “services for salt” agreement with Suffolk County, New Village development, Village parking issues and parking meter roll out, meaning of election results.
6:50 Village Clerk swears in newly elected Trustees Hilton and Felice, and Village Court Justice Romeo
10:55 Various appointments and authorizations made for the next year. (See Village Board minutes when approved on line for list of all appointments and measures approved)
22:26 Meeting is recessed pending re-opening of meeting to consider approval of the 2014-15 Village Budget and public hearing on the same issue.
In minutes and hours
1:05 Mayor Pontieri’s comments on various issues: Mascot Dock repair delay, “services for salt” agreement with Suffolk County, New Village development, Village parking issues and parking meter roll out, meaning of election results.
6:50 Village Clerk swears in newly elected Trustees Hilton and Felice, and Village Court Justice Romeo
10:55 Various appointments and authorizations made for the next year. (See Village Board minutes when approved on line for list of all appointments and measures approved)
22:26 Meeting is recessed pending re-opening of meeting to consider approval of the 2014-15 Village Budget and public hearing on the same issue.
Patchogue Village Board of Trustees Budget Meeting 4-7-14
Second meeting of the same date: budget meeting. At this meeting the village 2014-15 budget was presented and explained. A public hearing was held and residents spoke about their concerns and asked questions from public and appointed officials. Following the public hearing the Board voted to approve the draft budget. The following time line provides an index to main sections of the video but not all the events that occurred. A complete viewing of the entire video provides the best information about all events filmed at this meeting.
Time line in minutes and seconds
0:42 Village Clerk announces meeting purpose
1:13 Mayor Pontieri explains proposed budget increase
2:46 Village Treasurer reports on budget and is joined by Mayor Pontieri in discussion of issues
7:06 Trustee Ferb presents a report on his assessment of village expenditures
19:18 Public Hearing begins with first speaker John Bogack…salary of village attorney…tax rate increase for sewer district…request to raise fees for amplified noise license….request to study cost of privatizing garbage pickup service…parking meter revenue…confirmation that sales tax income not allocated to village treasury in any amount….request to study why ambulance fees are not billed to medical insurance companies and are subsidized by all taxpayers
29:00 Resident Richard Kemp…privatization of garbage pickup…other various issues including costs for renovating recreational building on Bay Avenue
49:15 Ed Russell…question about garbage pickup rates
50: 05 Village resident Jo Miller asks Board to consider long range impact of continued tax increases even moderate ones
57:20 Mrs. Siegel questions parking plan…extensive discussion with Deputy Mayor Krieger concerning over view of parking plan, meters, future bonding for deck and surface parking and impact of all of this on future village spending
Time line in minutes and seconds
0:42 Village Clerk announces meeting purpose
1:13 Mayor Pontieri explains proposed budget increase
2:46 Village Treasurer reports on budget and is joined by Mayor Pontieri in discussion of issues
7:06 Trustee Ferb presents a report on his assessment of village expenditures
19:18 Public Hearing begins with first speaker John Bogack…salary of village attorney…tax rate increase for sewer district…request to raise fees for amplified noise license….request to study cost of privatizing garbage pickup service…parking meter revenue…confirmation that sales tax income not allocated to village treasury in any amount….request to study why ambulance fees are not billed to medical insurance companies and are subsidized by all taxpayers
29:00 Resident Richard Kemp…privatization of garbage pickup…other various issues including costs for renovating recreational building on Bay Avenue
49:15 Ed Russell…question about garbage pickup rates
50: 05 Village resident Jo Miller asks Board to consider long range impact of continued tax increases even moderate ones
57:20 Mrs. Siegel questions parking plan…extensive discussion with Deputy Mayor Krieger concerning over view of parking plan, meters, future bonding for deck and surface parking and impact of all of this on future village spending
Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting 3/24/14
| 032414trusteepacket.zip |
| 2014certifiedelectionresults.zip |
Just a word about trustee packets before the narrative below. Trustee packets contain the information that trustees get to see during the meeting and to which they sometime refer to on the video. The campaign does obtain a copy via a freedom of information request and that packet can be seen here and downloaded as a PDF document for further reference. See above for the link. Also provided a link to the election results that preceded the Board meeting of this date for the 3 Trustee position and Village Court justice, see above for that link too.
You have the seen the clips now comes the whole video! And if you have not there are on our Facebook page: Patchogue Village Citizens for Open Village Government where they have been previously posted.
Below time line narratives for the PV Board meeting of 3/24/14. From left to right at the meeting table: Trustees Keyes, Crean and Ferb, Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan.
Absent: village treasurer Krawczyk.
In minutes and hours
4:18 Mayor Pontieri introduces reasons for tax cap piercing enabling legislation. Approved by Board after public hearing at which no member of the public spoke.
Note: see Facebook page as identified above for a video clip. Also see this site for a copy of a summary page from the provisional draft of the 2014-15 budget that discloses tax rate for next year (please keep in mind that provisional amount reported has already been disowned by the Mayor who has said since the meeting it will be lower than projected when the final draft is released on 4/3 or 4/4.) Look at this site More...find tab for village budgets.
7:56 Second public hearing, village attorney Egan explains reasoning for altering enforcement powers to ticket for meter violations. No member of the public speaks. Board approves changes.
12: 55 Mayor Pontieri calls for date of 4-7-14 for date of public hearing on soon to be proposed 2014-15 Village budget. He announces as well that a first draft has been agreed to. Also advises that on 4-7-14 the Board will meet for its annual Reorganizational meeting at which appointments for various Board and positions will be made by the Mayor and the Board and that the meeting will be held at 5 p.m. that date.
19:06 approval of various tax grievances as presented to the Board
22: 53 BID (Business Improvement District) report made by Ex. Dir. Dennis Smith that touches on various grant projects and street camera test program soon to be implemented in the village in certain locations.
Note: see our Facebook page for a video clip on camera project.
34:07 David Kennedy Ex. Dir. Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports on various subjects leading to discussion of a new end time for AA5 (Alive at Five) event dates and his introduction of James Skidmore event organizer
42:50 Mr. Skidmore presents his ideas for revised programming goals for AA5 both short and long term. Discussion of proposed time change then discussed by the Board and approved provisionally.
Note: see our Facebook page for a video clip of Mr. Skidmore's presentation.
54:45 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports…progress of Theater roof repair….parking meter roll out status…enforcement status for metering among key topics
Now in hour, minutes and seconds
1:00:58 Trustee Keyes reports…pots hole repair plan…resolution offered to decommission South Ocean Avenue sewer pump prior to replacement (approved)
1:02:42 Trustee Crean reports…makes farewell remarks as he has retired from office.
Note: see Facebook page for video clip of Trustee Crean's farewell remarks.
1:06:55 Trustee Ferb reports refers to housing and building department enforcement and license activity from 7/1/13 to 2/28/14. Also refers to collection of parking fees for new business that plans to open on So. Ocean Avenue (in part of old Jay’s space, restaurant will be opening). Rental fees from New Village also referred to.
Note: see our Facebook page for a video clip of Trustee Ferb's statistical report on violations and other related activity.
1:10:54 Trustee Devlin reports…art scene events with discussion with Mayor Pontieri announcing future display of historical picture archive to be show cased at Art Space and other locations in the village in the summer
1:14:48 Trustee Hilton reports…St Patrick ’s Day parade details, approval sought and granted for St. James festival
Public To Be Heard
1:18:22 Jo Miller speaks on AA5 programming suggesting additional music choices for it
1:20:59 Dennis Ross speaks: various issues
Meeting ends
Next meeting: 4/7/14 Reorganizational Meeting at 5 p.m. Regular meeting with public hearing on proposed budget at 6 p.m.
Content authored by John Bogack
You have the seen the clips now comes the whole video! And if you have not there are on our Facebook page: Patchogue Village Citizens for Open Village Government where they have been previously posted.
Below time line narratives for the PV Board meeting of 3/24/14. From left to right at the meeting table: Trustees Keyes, Crean and Ferb, Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan.
Absent: village treasurer Krawczyk.
In minutes and hours
4:18 Mayor Pontieri introduces reasons for tax cap piercing enabling legislation. Approved by Board after public hearing at which no member of the public spoke.
Note: see Facebook page as identified above for a video clip. Also see this site for a copy of a summary page from the provisional draft of the 2014-15 budget that discloses tax rate for next year (please keep in mind that provisional amount reported has already been disowned by the Mayor who has said since the meeting it will be lower than projected when the final draft is released on 4/3 or 4/4.) Look at this site More...find tab for village budgets.
7:56 Second public hearing, village attorney Egan explains reasoning for altering enforcement powers to ticket for meter violations. No member of the public speaks. Board approves changes.
12: 55 Mayor Pontieri calls for date of 4-7-14 for date of public hearing on soon to be proposed 2014-15 Village budget. He announces as well that a first draft has been agreed to. Also advises that on 4-7-14 the Board will meet for its annual Reorganizational meeting at which appointments for various Board and positions will be made by the Mayor and the Board and that the meeting will be held at 5 p.m. that date.
19:06 approval of various tax grievances as presented to the Board
22: 53 BID (Business Improvement District) report made by Ex. Dir. Dennis Smith that touches on various grant projects and street camera test program soon to be implemented in the village in certain locations.
Note: see our Facebook page for a video clip on camera project.
34:07 David Kennedy Ex. Dir. Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports on various subjects leading to discussion of a new end time for AA5 (Alive at Five) event dates and his introduction of James Skidmore event organizer
42:50 Mr. Skidmore presents his ideas for revised programming goals for AA5 both short and long term. Discussion of proposed time change then discussed by the Board and approved provisionally.
Note: see our Facebook page for a video clip of Mr. Skidmore's presentation.
54:45 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports…progress of Theater roof repair….parking meter roll out status…enforcement status for metering among key topics
Now in hour, minutes and seconds
1:00:58 Trustee Keyes reports…pots hole repair plan…resolution offered to decommission South Ocean Avenue sewer pump prior to replacement (approved)
1:02:42 Trustee Crean reports…makes farewell remarks as he has retired from office.
Note: see Facebook page for video clip of Trustee Crean's farewell remarks.
1:06:55 Trustee Ferb reports refers to housing and building department enforcement and license activity from 7/1/13 to 2/28/14. Also refers to collection of parking fees for new business that plans to open on So. Ocean Avenue (in part of old Jay’s space, restaurant will be opening). Rental fees from New Village also referred to.
Note: see our Facebook page for a video clip of Trustee Ferb's statistical report on violations and other related activity.
1:10:54 Trustee Devlin reports…art scene events with discussion with Mayor Pontieri announcing future display of historical picture archive to be show cased at Art Space and other locations in the village in the summer
1:14:48 Trustee Hilton reports…St Patrick ’s Day parade details, approval sought and granted for St. James festival
Public To Be Heard
1:18:22 Jo Miller speaks on AA5 programming suggesting additional music choices for it
1:20:59 Dennis Ross speaks: various issues
Meeting ends
Next meeting: 4/7/14 Reorganizational Meeting at 5 p.m. Regular meeting with public hearing on proposed budget at 6 p.m.
Content authored by John Bogack
Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting: March 10, 2014
Part 1 above
| 031014trusteepacket.zip |
Just a word about trustee packets before the narrative below. Trustee packet contain the information that Trustees see and sometimes refer to in the video that they use as back ground when making decisions at Board meetings. These packets are obtained by a freedom of information request and a PDF document can be clicked here, read and downloaded as further reference for any member of the public. See file above.
Part 2 above
Below a time line narrative for the above videos to help viewers navigate the topics discussed at the meeting.
Present at the meeting table from left to right: Trustees Keyes, Crean and Ferb, Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan. Village Treasurer Krawczyk not present.
This video has been screened for technical issues and has none. Viewers are reminded that from time to time off screen comments are made by members of the public whom the Mayor recognizes from where they are sitting. Those comments not identified in the time line narrative.
Due to You Tube restrictions this video is divided into two parts.
Video filmed by Jo Miller on behalf of the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government a resident group organized to promote public information about Patchogue Village Government.
Part One Time Line
In minutes
3: 18 Mayor Pontieri introduces speakers making a presentation explaining imminent River Avenue Sewer extension project (Mapes, Sunset and Price streets vicinity).
30:05 Tax Cap override public hearing date set for 3/24/14
31:05 Chamber of Commerce Ex. Director Dave Kennedy reports…AA5 time limits revisited with public discussion from various business owners, Mayor Pontieri and members of the Board before being deferred for a decision at next meeting of the Board
50:15 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports…theater roof repair has begun…parking meter status commented upon….
Time line now in hour, minutes and seconds
1:00:17 Trustee Keyes reports….pot hole issues…e. main street sidewalk repair project repair status
1:03:25 Trustee Crean reports
1:05:00 Trustee Ferb reports….status report on growth of New Village rental project and Riverwalk condo project…housing issue enforcement concerns and actions
1:12:31 Trustee Devlin reports….introduces amplified music waiver for Jerry Jam events leading to testimony from promoter and extensive discussion of noise issues by Board members…video ends with Mr. Cino commenting
Part Two
Now in minutes
Part Two picks up where Part One ended with Mr. Cino commenting…more discussion and then Board votes modified approvals for time limits for amplified music
Trustee Devlin continues her report with discussion of various art events in the village
5:45 Trustee Hilton reports….seeks approval for amplified music for Act 1 Bloc Party event, Board approves event with new time limits set on amplified music times
10:55 Public To Be Heard section begins with Jo Miller commenting on lack of resident involvement concerning extending time limits for amplified music at AA5
12:30 John Bogack comments…River Avenue extension project…AA5 amplified music concern as it applies to riverfront clubs with Mayor Pontieri excluding any extensions granted from riverfront area in his response….request that Board consider holding public hearings to allow residents to speak prior to granting any exceptions to usual amplified music noise controls….timing of budget hearings
17:43 Mayor Pontieri discusses upcoming election
18:58 Attorney Egan discussed conclusion of 8 year federal lawsuit against the village that is dismissed in the village’s favor: housing enforcement related
22:18 Resident Johnson asks Mayor Pontieri about the status of Mascot Dock repairs
Meeting ends.
Viewers are reminded that the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government is now on Facebook. We can be found at Patchogue Village Citizens for Open Village Government. Please like us if you do, join in moderated discussion on village issues. Liking us says you support the goal of public information.
Next video: 3-24-14
Part 2 above
Below a time line narrative for the above videos to help viewers navigate the topics discussed at the meeting.
Present at the meeting table from left to right: Trustees Keyes, Crean and Ferb, Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan. Village Treasurer Krawczyk not present.
This video has been screened for technical issues and has none. Viewers are reminded that from time to time off screen comments are made by members of the public whom the Mayor recognizes from where they are sitting. Those comments not identified in the time line narrative.
Due to You Tube restrictions this video is divided into two parts.
Video filmed by Jo Miller on behalf of the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government a resident group organized to promote public information about Patchogue Village Government.
Part One Time Line
In minutes
3: 18 Mayor Pontieri introduces speakers making a presentation explaining imminent River Avenue Sewer extension project (Mapes, Sunset and Price streets vicinity).
30:05 Tax Cap override public hearing date set for 3/24/14
31:05 Chamber of Commerce Ex. Director Dave Kennedy reports…AA5 time limits revisited with public discussion from various business owners, Mayor Pontieri and members of the Board before being deferred for a decision at next meeting of the Board
50:15 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports…theater roof repair has begun…parking meter status commented upon….
Time line now in hour, minutes and seconds
1:00:17 Trustee Keyes reports….pot hole issues…e. main street sidewalk repair project repair status
1:03:25 Trustee Crean reports
1:05:00 Trustee Ferb reports….status report on growth of New Village rental project and Riverwalk condo project…housing issue enforcement concerns and actions
1:12:31 Trustee Devlin reports….introduces amplified music waiver for Jerry Jam events leading to testimony from promoter and extensive discussion of noise issues by Board members…video ends with Mr. Cino commenting
Part Two
Now in minutes
Part Two picks up where Part One ended with Mr. Cino commenting…more discussion and then Board votes modified approvals for time limits for amplified music
Trustee Devlin continues her report with discussion of various art events in the village
5:45 Trustee Hilton reports….seeks approval for amplified music for Act 1 Bloc Party event, Board approves event with new time limits set on amplified music times
10:55 Public To Be Heard section begins with Jo Miller commenting on lack of resident involvement concerning extending time limits for amplified music at AA5
12:30 John Bogack comments…River Avenue extension project…AA5 amplified music concern as it applies to riverfront clubs with Mayor Pontieri excluding any extensions granted from riverfront area in his response….request that Board consider holding public hearings to allow residents to speak prior to granting any exceptions to usual amplified music noise controls….timing of budget hearings
17:43 Mayor Pontieri discusses upcoming election
18:58 Attorney Egan discussed conclusion of 8 year federal lawsuit against the village that is dismissed in the village’s favor: housing enforcement related
22:18 Resident Johnson asks Mayor Pontieri about the status of Mascot Dock repairs
Meeting ends.
Viewers are reminded that the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government is now on Facebook. We can be found at Patchogue Village Citizens for Open Village Government. Please like us if you do, join in moderated discussion on village issues. Liking us says you support the goal of public information.
Next video: 3-24-14
Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting: February 28, 2014
Just a quick word about trustee packets before the narrative begins below. Trustee packets contain information only seen by Board members as their reference guide during the meeting. These are back ground documents that are at times referred to by Trustees and the Mayor during the meeting. The packet has been obtained by a freedom of information request and offers some more information about how decisions are made by the Trustees. A PDF document has been included here to be looked at and downloaded if wished:
| boardmeeting102813.pdf |
Above is the latest video from the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government. See time line narrative below for a quick guide to events.
This was a short meeting and the video is short too but nevertheless some important issues did come up during the course of the meeting and are a worth a look: tax cap piercing request, AA5 dates and time restrictions, potholes, parking meter status report and enforcement plans, and a public portion where questioning from the public revealed information about Village bonding plans and plans for a proposed two story parking garage. To see every issue there is no substitute for seeing the whole video.
Viewers are reminded that the Campaign does have a Facebook page. Like us if you do, join in civic discussion of civil matters by commenting on our moderated page. Find us on Facebook at: Patchogue Village Citizens for Open Village Government.
From left to right sitting at the meeting table: Treasure Krawczyk, Trustees Keyes, Crean and Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustee Hilton, Village attorney Egan. Absent: Trustee Devlin.
Time line narrative in minutes and seconds
2:56 Treasurer Krawczyk asks the Board to set aside an April meeting date to vote on piercing tax cap prior to voting on next Village budget.
3:49 Mayor Pontieri announced sidelining of request by Flower Time business for use of a village parking lot…discussion from public present (off camera but voices recorded)
8:09 Reduction in polling places requested by Village Clerk Seal in advance of 3-18-14 general election date
11:31 Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce Director David Kennedy begins report that ultimately leads to discussion of Alive at 5 dates and requested approval for exceeding noise code limits from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
16:54 Comments from Trustee Crean beginning formal discussion of changing time of the event
22: Comments from Trustee Hilton expressing concern about allowing event to be scheduled to 10 p.m. as waiving noise limits might impact riverfront neighborhoods as a result.
26:53 Trustee Crean cites prior public safety concerns about late night activities in opposition to waiving noise and time limits for AA5
Board discussion continues until AA5 dates and time limits are approved without granting exception to allow event to continue to 10 p.m. nor amplified outdoor music to exceed normal time limit of 9 p.m. cutoff too.
44:06 Trustee Krieger reports….Theater events….parking meter roll out status and enforcement plans….sandwich board issues…
49:49 Trustee Keyes reports….pothole repair strategy….Mayor suggests that costs to repair potholes may have to be bonded…
54:31 Trustee Keyes offers public organic fertilizer at low cost
55:49 Trustee Crean and Trustees Ferb defer reporting
56:03 Trustee Hilton reports
58:28 Village Attorney reminds public that there is an already existing code regarding sandwich board sign displays and reads code regulations into the record
59: 50 Public To be Heard portion begins with Jo Miller….question about bonding for sewer repair and costs to public with Mayor Pontieri responding and others…question about proposal to provide grants to allow residents to hook up to the sewer district with Mayor Pontieri responding….question about potential bonding costs for proposed “Brackets” and two story parking garage with Trustee Ferb and Mayor Pontieri responding…Mayor disclosed decision will be made with 3 to 6 months….
Now in hour, minute and seconds
1:08:05 Mark Siegel asks about ticketing policy for meter violations on Sundays
1:10:14 Donald Wolsmouth raises issue of defacement of mural located at Bravo market and asks about plans for repair with responses from Trustee Ferb, Mayor Pontieri and Chamber Director Kennedy.
Meeting ends.
Next video: Monday 3-10-14 at 6 p.m. Village Hall.
This was a short meeting and the video is short too but nevertheless some important issues did come up during the course of the meeting and are a worth a look: tax cap piercing request, AA5 dates and time restrictions, potholes, parking meter status report and enforcement plans, and a public portion where questioning from the public revealed information about Village bonding plans and plans for a proposed two story parking garage. To see every issue there is no substitute for seeing the whole video.
Viewers are reminded that the Campaign does have a Facebook page. Like us if you do, join in civic discussion of civil matters by commenting on our moderated page. Find us on Facebook at: Patchogue Village Citizens for Open Village Government.
From left to right sitting at the meeting table: Treasure Krawczyk, Trustees Keyes, Crean and Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustee Hilton, Village attorney Egan. Absent: Trustee Devlin.
Time line narrative in minutes and seconds
2:56 Treasurer Krawczyk asks the Board to set aside an April meeting date to vote on piercing tax cap prior to voting on next Village budget.
3:49 Mayor Pontieri announced sidelining of request by Flower Time business for use of a village parking lot…discussion from public present (off camera but voices recorded)
8:09 Reduction in polling places requested by Village Clerk Seal in advance of 3-18-14 general election date
11:31 Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce Director David Kennedy begins report that ultimately leads to discussion of Alive at 5 dates and requested approval for exceeding noise code limits from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
16:54 Comments from Trustee Crean beginning formal discussion of changing time of the event
22: Comments from Trustee Hilton expressing concern about allowing event to be scheduled to 10 p.m. as waiving noise limits might impact riverfront neighborhoods as a result.
26:53 Trustee Crean cites prior public safety concerns about late night activities in opposition to waiving noise and time limits for AA5
Board discussion continues until AA5 dates and time limits are approved without granting exception to allow event to continue to 10 p.m. nor amplified outdoor music to exceed normal time limit of 9 p.m. cutoff too.
44:06 Trustee Krieger reports….Theater events….parking meter roll out status and enforcement plans….sandwich board issues…
49:49 Trustee Keyes reports….pothole repair strategy….Mayor suggests that costs to repair potholes may have to be bonded…
54:31 Trustee Keyes offers public organic fertilizer at low cost
55:49 Trustee Crean and Trustees Ferb defer reporting
56:03 Trustee Hilton reports
58:28 Village Attorney reminds public that there is an already existing code regarding sandwich board sign displays and reads code regulations into the record
59: 50 Public To be Heard portion begins with Jo Miller….question about bonding for sewer repair and costs to public with Mayor Pontieri responding and others…question about proposal to provide grants to allow residents to hook up to the sewer district with Mayor Pontieri responding….question about potential bonding costs for proposed “Brackets” and two story parking garage with Trustee Ferb and Mayor Pontieri responding…Mayor disclosed decision will be made with 3 to 6 months….
Now in hour, minute and seconds
1:08:05 Mark Siegel asks about ticketing policy for meter violations on Sundays
1:10:14 Donald Wolsmouth raises issue of defacement of mural located at Bravo market and asks about plans for repair with responses from Trustee Ferb, Mayor Pontieri and Chamber Director Kennedy.
Meeting ends.
Next video: Monday 3-10-14 at 6 p.m. Village Hall.
Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting: February 10, 2014
Part 1 February 10 Meeting above
Part II February 10 Meeting above
| boardmeeting020114.pdf |
Latest videos and documents for the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees meeting of 2/10/14 are above. This meeting lasted almost three hours. Due to time limit restrictions imposed by You Tube the meeting video has been divided into two parts. The video has been reviewed prior to publication and is free of any technical issues. Please note however that at times distractions do occur such as off camera comments and cell phone rings. Video filmed by Jo Miller and the video is a true account of the events of this date.
What follows is a time line narrative that provides time marks for important sections of the video. The narrative is not meant to provide a time mark for every issue discussed or referred to at the meeting just those of more public note. To see all issues covered at the meeting the complete video must be seen.
And before beginning that video viewers are reminded that the public may now use the Facebook page of the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government to comment. Discussion is moderated: no anonymous comments are welcome. No personal attacks on anyone posting is allowed. We are as an organization seeking to promote civic discussion in a civil manner. Ideas may be in conflict but no person should worry that their views will invite comments of a degrading kind. Please like us on our Facebook page: Patchogue Village Citizens for Open Village Government: join the discussion, stay in touch for updates and alerts concerning village issues of public concern.
Time line for Part One:
Sitting from left to right at the meeting table: Treasure Ron Krawczyk, Trustee Keyes, Crean, Ferb, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustee Devlin, village attorney Egan. Note: Mayor Pontieri and Trustee Hilton not in attendance.
In minutes and seconds
Public Hearing on Proposed rules to regulate sandwich board signs on village owned sidewalks begins
Note: apologies to all on spellings of last names
5:08 Dep. Mayor Krieger comments as well as Village attorney Egan offering legal comment on village liabilities in some cases for signs. Other Board members comment including Trustees Ferb and Devlin prior to public comments.
10:39 Jo Miller
11: 58 Don Wachsmouth
13:27 Dennis Ross
14:50 Dave Kennedy
17:08 Jerry Roe
18:25 John Sarno
Note: Trustee Krieger at this time raises the issue of the village charging a fee for sandwich board signs to offset village liabilities.
23:12 James Montiri
47:25 Trustee Devlin comments further on potential fee to offset village liabilities
49:12 David Kennedy makes second comment
55:51 Don Wachsmouth comments for a second time
57:03 John Bogack
Now in hour, minutes and seconds
1:00:21 James Montiri comments for a second time
1:01: 58 Dep. Mayor Krieger begins closing of public hearing reminding all that written comments are welcome. Dennis Smith then comments before the meeting is closed but no decision reached by the Board on the proposed changes.
1:08:58 Discussion of bonding in the amount of 350, 000 to fix the roof of the Patchogue Theater is introduced. Discussion by Treasurer Krawczyk and Trustee Ferb approved. Also discussion at times of companion bonding issue for 800,000 for a pump station replacement for the sewer district.
Board approves Patchogue Theater roof bond.
1:13:51 Board begins formal discussion of 800,000 bond (also referred to as BAN, bond anticipation note). Comments by village attorney Egan.
Board approves sewer bond.
1:16:35 Business Improvement Report (BID) by Executive Director Dennis Smith
1:20:15 Discussion of cameras for some parts of main street by Dennis Smith with added comment from Trustee Ferb.
1:28:35 Chamber of Commerce report by Executive Director David Kennedy….Alive at 5 dates and times discussed …no Friday event to be planned but extending time of all AA5 events to 10 p.m. remains an issue….
Video ends with David Kennedy addressing above issue.
Time line narrative for Part Two
In minutes and seconds
0:00 Video picks up from where Part One ended with continuing comments from David Kennedy regarding planning for Alive at 5 events.
2:05 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports…theater report
5:20 Trustee Keyes reports
8:36 Trustee Crean reports…closing on Old Town Hall near final stages, proposed plan for private development of site also discussed
12:56 Trustee Ferb reports
13:24 Deputy Mayor Krieger returns to the agenda and reports on the current status of the parking meter roll out and effect of weather on fees also announced that enforcement of fines will begin soon
15:24 Trustee Devlin reports…sale of Blue Pt. Brewery noted…village art news…various grant initiatives reported as well as proposed new one week art extravaganza for October 2014 (week of art, music, and film events)…mural projects for different parts of the village also noted…
Public to Be Heard Portion of Meeting
22:56 Dennis Ross comments…responsibility for maintaining snow free sidewalks…enforcement comments in reply made by Village Clerk Seal and Board members and village attorney Egan….security camera project also commented on with reply from Trustee Ferb and others…other issues raised
32:25 Richard Kemp…multiple issues raised…sewer hookup for Old Town hall development….request for anti-nepotism policy….issue of feeding of wild animals on private property….future issues relating to parking in and around Jennings and Union as New Village rolls out with extensive discussion by Board members and village attorney Egan…potential village liability for allegedly exposed lighting outlets on some village street lamps…noise levels protested particularly impact on local residents by Alive at 5 events….request for more reporting of Theater financing information with discussion by Village attorney Egan about legal status of the theater explaining why reporting to the village has been minimal…promise from Deputy Mayor Krieger to report out remaining obligation on 15 year bond incurred to renovate theater.
Meeting ends.
Anyone interested in commenting on the above issues are invited to do so by joining the civic discussion in a civil manner by going to our Facebook page. Please like us if you do.
Next video: 2-24-14 Village Hall at 6 p.m.
What follows is a time line narrative that provides time marks for important sections of the video. The narrative is not meant to provide a time mark for every issue discussed or referred to at the meeting just those of more public note. To see all issues covered at the meeting the complete video must be seen.
And before beginning that video viewers are reminded that the public may now use the Facebook page of the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government to comment. Discussion is moderated: no anonymous comments are welcome. No personal attacks on anyone posting is allowed. We are as an organization seeking to promote civic discussion in a civil manner. Ideas may be in conflict but no person should worry that their views will invite comments of a degrading kind. Please like us on our Facebook page: Patchogue Village Citizens for Open Village Government: join the discussion, stay in touch for updates and alerts concerning village issues of public concern.
Time line for Part One:
Sitting from left to right at the meeting table: Treasure Ron Krawczyk, Trustee Keyes, Crean, Ferb, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustee Devlin, village attorney Egan. Note: Mayor Pontieri and Trustee Hilton not in attendance.
In minutes and seconds
Public Hearing on Proposed rules to regulate sandwich board signs on village owned sidewalks begins
Note: apologies to all on spellings of last names
5:08 Dep. Mayor Krieger comments as well as Village attorney Egan offering legal comment on village liabilities in some cases for signs. Other Board members comment including Trustees Ferb and Devlin prior to public comments.
10:39 Jo Miller
11: 58 Don Wachsmouth
13:27 Dennis Ross
14:50 Dave Kennedy
17:08 Jerry Roe
18:25 John Sarno
Note: Trustee Krieger at this time raises the issue of the village charging a fee for sandwich board signs to offset village liabilities.
23:12 James Montiri
47:25 Trustee Devlin comments further on potential fee to offset village liabilities
49:12 David Kennedy makes second comment
55:51 Don Wachsmouth comments for a second time
57:03 John Bogack
Now in hour, minutes and seconds
1:00:21 James Montiri comments for a second time
1:01: 58 Dep. Mayor Krieger begins closing of public hearing reminding all that written comments are welcome. Dennis Smith then comments before the meeting is closed but no decision reached by the Board on the proposed changes.
1:08:58 Discussion of bonding in the amount of 350, 000 to fix the roof of the Patchogue Theater is introduced. Discussion by Treasurer Krawczyk and Trustee Ferb approved. Also discussion at times of companion bonding issue for 800,000 for a pump station replacement for the sewer district.
Board approves Patchogue Theater roof bond.
1:13:51 Board begins formal discussion of 800,000 bond (also referred to as BAN, bond anticipation note). Comments by village attorney Egan.
Board approves sewer bond.
1:16:35 Business Improvement Report (BID) by Executive Director Dennis Smith
1:20:15 Discussion of cameras for some parts of main street by Dennis Smith with added comment from Trustee Ferb.
1:28:35 Chamber of Commerce report by Executive Director David Kennedy….Alive at 5 dates and times discussed …no Friday event to be planned but extending time of all AA5 events to 10 p.m. remains an issue….
Video ends with David Kennedy addressing above issue.
Time line narrative for Part Two
In minutes and seconds
0:00 Video picks up from where Part One ended with continuing comments from David Kennedy regarding planning for Alive at 5 events.
2:05 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports…theater report
5:20 Trustee Keyes reports
8:36 Trustee Crean reports…closing on Old Town Hall near final stages, proposed plan for private development of site also discussed
12:56 Trustee Ferb reports
13:24 Deputy Mayor Krieger returns to the agenda and reports on the current status of the parking meter roll out and effect of weather on fees also announced that enforcement of fines will begin soon
15:24 Trustee Devlin reports…sale of Blue Pt. Brewery noted…village art news…various grant initiatives reported as well as proposed new one week art extravaganza for October 2014 (week of art, music, and film events)…mural projects for different parts of the village also noted…
Public to Be Heard Portion of Meeting
22:56 Dennis Ross comments…responsibility for maintaining snow free sidewalks…enforcement comments in reply made by Village Clerk Seal and Board members and village attorney Egan….security camera project also commented on with reply from Trustee Ferb and others…other issues raised
32:25 Richard Kemp…multiple issues raised…sewer hookup for Old Town hall development….request for anti-nepotism policy….issue of feeding of wild animals on private property….future issues relating to parking in and around Jennings and Union as New Village rolls out with extensive discussion by Board members and village attorney Egan…potential village liability for allegedly exposed lighting outlets on some village street lamps…noise levels protested particularly impact on local residents by Alive at 5 events….request for more reporting of Theater financing information with discussion by Village attorney Egan about legal status of the theater explaining why reporting to the village has been minimal…promise from Deputy Mayor Krieger to report out remaining obligation on 15 year bond incurred to renovate theater.
Meeting ends.
Anyone interested in commenting on the above issues are invited to do so by joining the civic discussion in a civil manner by going to our Facebook page. Please like us if you do.
Next video: 2-24-14 Village Hall at 6 p.m.
Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting: January 27, 2014
| advanced_accounting_school_seminar_approval_request.pdf |
| agenda_for_board_meeting_of_january_27_2014.pdf |
| agenda_items_for_the_village_board_meeting_on_012714.pdf |
| bills_for_the_board_meeting_of_012714.pdf |
| carol_giglio_email-011414.pdf |
| january_27-recreation_agenda.pdf |
| legal_notice-notice_of_public_hearing.pdf |
| notice_of_tax_sale-020614.pdf |
| patchogue_lions_club_letter-012214.pdf |
| plaza_cinemamedia_arts_center-012314.pdf |
| tax_receiver_report-2013-2014.pdf |
Above is the new video from the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government, as well as all related documents for the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees meeting of 1/27/14.
Shortest video in a while, yet the most problems with its quality. As per our policy all videos are screened before being published to You Tube. This filming was plagued by two memory card failures. There is a two minute gap in one section and the final section of the Public To Be Heard section was not filmed at all. Where this occurs in the video is identified further in this narrative. A reminder to all that this is a volunteer effort subject to technical issues that do occur that however planned against may sometimes occur anyway. We are old school: when there problems we admit to them, take responsibility, learn from them so that we can and do avoid them in the future.
The video otherwise is a true account of the meeting. Filmed by this writer.
From left to right at the meeting table: Treasurer Ronald Krawczyk, Trustees Keyes and Ferb, Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, attorney Chris Bianco. Absent: Trustee Crean and Village attorney Egan.
And once again the time line narrative that follows does not track every single event that occurred at the meeting. We do and try to track more important ones. The most complete account is always found by looking at the whole video.
In minutes and seconds:
6:04 Mayor Pontieri clarifies that there will be public comment taken from speakers at the next meeting of the Board when the subject of sandwich board restrictions next appears on the agenda not while the subject is discussed during regular business. He does indicate that public comments can be made at the end of the meeting however. In the meantime written comments are welcomed.
10:17 Public Hearing: permit only parking on the east side of Railroad avenue from Church street to Gerard street proposed. Two public comments: Anthony Vasquez and Richard Kemp. Resolution is approved.
14:45 BID report by Dennis Smith Executive Director: various facade projects...sidewalk repair to front of Burlington's department store...new hanging baskets plan...grant initiative by Patchogue Arts Council...
21:08 BID report continues with extensive discussion regarding public toilets in the village with Mayor Pontieri, and other trustees...Mayor discloses that public toilets may be installed in proposed two story parking garage when such a structure may be approved in the future...other sites for public toilets also brought up by Trustees.
25:39 Chamber of Commerce report by Executive Director David Kennedy:...sandwich board restrictions discussed leading to extensive discussion by the Mayor and other trustees....dates for Alive at Five presented calendar drops request for one Friday date but issue of whether the event will begin at 6 and end at 10 a time change deferred...parking meetings and Parking Plus proposal referred to.
46:28 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports: theater event roundup...status of parking meter roll out....
55: 08 Trustee Keyes reports...BREAK IN VIDEO...
56:08 Trustee Ferb reports video picks up after he has started
57:24 Mayor Pontieri introduces resolution to upgrade position of Code enforcement head in terms of pay and civil service status
59:20 Trustee Devlin reports: various art events discussed
Now in hour, minute and seconds:
1:01:40 Trustee Hilton reports
1:06:08 Public to be Heard section begins with Mark Siegel referring to garbage issues, SECOND break in video his final comments and all of the comments of the only other speaker of the night Richard Kemp not recorded.
Meeting ends.
For those interested in finding more information about those parts of the meeting not recorded minutes of the meeting will be available on line after they are approved at the next Board meeting. As well other parts of the meeting not included in the time are also tracked by the minutes and reading the minutes always adds to learning fully about all the meeting events of this meeting and any other. Minutes are regularly posted and past minutes archived on the village Website soon after their approval: www.patchoguevillage.org.
And some new news: we are now on Facebook see Patchogue Village Citizens for Open Village Government. Like us if you do. Our Facebook page is meant to serve a number of purposes. We are regularly for example promoting links to videos and articles about village issues in addition to our videos. Plus Facebook does allow for comments and we are forging a public space for the discussion of public village issues where comments are not anonymous to encourage responsible and respectful public discussion.
Next video: 2-10-14 meeting of the Board of Trustees at which a continuation of the public hearing that began several weeks ago will occur: topic will be sandwich board restrictions.
Shortest video in a while, yet the most problems with its quality. As per our policy all videos are screened before being published to You Tube. This filming was plagued by two memory card failures. There is a two minute gap in one section and the final section of the Public To Be Heard section was not filmed at all. Where this occurs in the video is identified further in this narrative. A reminder to all that this is a volunteer effort subject to technical issues that do occur that however planned against may sometimes occur anyway. We are old school: when there problems we admit to them, take responsibility, learn from them so that we can and do avoid them in the future.
The video otherwise is a true account of the meeting. Filmed by this writer.
From left to right at the meeting table: Treasurer Ronald Krawczyk, Trustees Keyes and Ferb, Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, attorney Chris Bianco. Absent: Trustee Crean and Village attorney Egan.
And once again the time line narrative that follows does not track every single event that occurred at the meeting. We do and try to track more important ones. The most complete account is always found by looking at the whole video.
In minutes and seconds:
6:04 Mayor Pontieri clarifies that there will be public comment taken from speakers at the next meeting of the Board when the subject of sandwich board restrictions next appears on the agenda not while the subject is discussed during regular business. He does indicate that public comments can be made at the end of the meeting however. In the meantime written comments are welcomed.
10:17 Public Hearing: permit only parking on the east side of Railroad avenue from Church street to Gerard street proposed. Two public comments: Anthony Vasquez and Richard Kemp. Resolution is approved.
14:45 BID report by Dennis Smith Executive Director: various facade projects...sidewalk repair to front of Burlington's department store...new hanging baskets plan...grant initiative by Patchogue Arts Council...
21:08 BID report continues with extensive discussion regarding public toilets in the village with Mayor Pontieri, and other trustees...Mayor discloses that public toilets may be installed in proposed two story parking garage when such a structure may be approved in the future...other sites for public toilets also brought up by Trustees.
25:39 Chamber of Commerce report by Executive Director David Kennedy:...sandwich board restrictions discussed leading to extensive discussion by the Mayor and other trustees....dates for Alive at Five presented calendar drops request for one Friday date but issue of whether the event will begin at 6 and end at 10 a time change deferred...parking meetings and Parking Plus proposal referred to.
46:28 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports: theater event roundup...status of parking meter roll out....
55: 08 Trustee Keyes reports...BREAK IN VIDEO...
56:08 Trustee Ferb reports video picks up after he has started
57:24 Mayor Pontieri introduces resolution to upgrade position of Code enforcement head in terms of pay and civil service status
59:20 Trustee Devlin reports: various art events discussed
Now in hour, minute and seconds:
1:01:40 Trustee Hilton reports
1:06:08 Public to be Heard section begins with Mark Siegel referring to garbage issues, SECOND break in video his final comments and all of the comments of the only other speaker of the night Richard Kemp not recorded.
Meeting ends.
For those interested in finding more information about those parts of the meeting not recorded minutes of the meeting will be available on line after they are approved at the next Board meeting. As well other parts of the meeting not included in the time are also tracked by the minutes and reading the minutes always adds to learning fully about all the meeting events of this meeting and any other. Minutes are regularly posted and past minutes archived on the village Website soon after their approval: www.patchoguevillage.org.
And some new news: we are now on Facebook see Patchogue Village Citizens for Open Village Government. Like us if you do. Our Facebook page is meant to serve a number of purposes. We are regularly for example promoting links to videos and articles about village issues in addition to our videos. Plus Facebook does allow for comments and we are forging a public space for the discussion of public village issues where comments are not anonymous to encourage responsible and respectful public discussion.
Next video: 2-10-14 meeting of the Board of Trustees at which a continuation of the public hearing that began several weeks ago will occur: topic will be sandwich board restrictions.
Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting: January 13, 2014
Part 1 above
Part 2 above
Bellow are the documents related to the above meeting video:
| agenda_for_board_meeting_of_january_13_2014.pdf |
| agenda_items_for_the_village_board_meeting_on_011314.pdf |
| bills_for_the_board_meeting_of_011214.pdf |
| general_village_election_polling_locations.pdf |
| greater_patchogue_chamber_of_commerce_2014_events_letter.pdf |
| intermunicipal_agreement.pdf |
| january_13_recreation_agenda.pdf |
| longisland_growers_market_llc.pdf |
| notice_of_public_hearing.pdf |
| notice_of_public_hearing-2.pdf |
| patchogue_village_justice_court.pdf |
| resolution.pdf |
| resolution-appointing_patricia_k._romero.pdf |
The above video filmed by the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government, a resident citizens group.
The narrative below provides a concise time line of major events at the meeting and is not meant to note every single issue taken up at the meeting. The video has been viewed for technical issues. There are some those issues are brief and corrected during the course of the filming. Video taken by Jo Miller.
Part One in minutes and seconds.
2:40 Board accepts resignation of Village Justice Chris McGuire and then approves Mayoral appointment of Patricia Romeo as Acting Chief Village Justice.
5:02 Acting Judge Romeo sworn into office by former State Court Justice Underwood.
10:47 First public hearing....permit parking on west side of Railroad avenue from Church street to Unity place. One speaker: John Bogack....clarification of permitted parking sought and obtained...village attorney Egan explains legal limits on approval...resolution is approved but Ferb amendment to include east side of Railroad avenue from Church street to Gerard as permit parking too is scheduled for public hearing on 1/27/14 and vote thereafter.
16:41 Second public hearing of the meeting regarding restrictions on size of sandwich boards and placement...Trustee Devlin explains issues and initial proposal...public comment begins
31:59 Pamela Barr
34:38 Nicole Roamer
35:48 Lori Belmonti
35:36 John Bogack
41:55 Dennis Ross
50:03 David Kennedy
56:55 Lori Belmonti (second appearance)
After further Board discussion the issue is deferred for further review, additional public comment on 2/10/14 and the matter is adjourned until then.
Time line now in hour, minutes and seconds:
1:01:29 Ownership transfer of Carnegie Library to the Patchogue Medford Library system...village attorney Egan explains legalities...approved
1:03:37 PM library representatives appear thanking the Board for its action and pledging a complete historical restoration and reuse of the building by the community once done.
1:08:13 Polling stations for village election in March designated and approved.
1:09:23 Chamber of Commerce Director Kennedy reports...Art Space exhibit...new publication to track arts events weekly...dates for Alive at Five 2014...parking meter issues...garbage collection issues on main street referred to...further comment on proposed calendar dates including Alive at 5 events deferred till later in the meeting.
1:19:50 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports....Patchogue Theater events....parking metering discussed with disclosure that 1500 dollars had been raised in first week of operation...fines of 25 dollars per violation set by Board....Mayor speculates on 6 million dollar cost for new parking spaces and refers to expected announcement of a new design plan that will address parking issues in the village...
1:33:11 Trustee Keyes reports...CDA budget imminent...additional payments for completed road repairs sought
1:35:35 Trustee Crean reports...beginning of discussion of approval of dates for various village events beginning with discussion of St. Patrick day event....Chamber Executive Director Kennedy returns to the public podium and begins discussion of this event....Part One ends.
Part Two:
0:00 Video resumes with Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kennedy commenting on planning for St. Patrick's day event...other events discussed...Pet Parade...Nautical festival.
5:07 Exec. Dir. Kennedy begins what turns out to be an extensive discussion of Alive After Five proposed dates that includes request for consideration of two new aspects: changing the hours to close the event at 10 pm and reinstating one Friday evening...Board and some public comment thereafter about the implications of those proposed changes...end result dates are provisionally approved with final approval reserved for further assessment of security concerns and other factors.
33:10 dates for farmer market approved
36:38 Trustee Ferb reports....comments about Carnegie Library...discussion of future enforcement strategies by village Code Enforcement.
40:18 Trustee Devlin reports...survey of current art scene in village
43:48 Trustee Hilton reports..
Public To be Heard
45:46 Mary Kassner: issue of enforcement of zoning code presented
49:47 Pamela Barr seeks clarification of village rules regarding to some parking at the Congregational Church...reminds officials and public that the church has historical records available to the public going back to the foundation of the church 221 years ago
52:18 Nicole Roamer...issue of employee parking permits and access...Trustee Krieger states that employees may purchase 6 dollar monthly permit however permit does not guarantee any special access to metered parking spaces just reduced cost (main street use metered for all).
58:36 Richard Kemp....ineffective noise controls protested in vicinity of New Village...Mayor responds...need for road repairs brought up...public safety issue regarding village lighting on No. Ocean avenue also brought up
Now hour, minute and seconds
1:09:19 John Bogack....legal loopholes in village noise controls brought up...Mayor responds, public portion is closed....meeting is adjourned.
Just a reminder in closing. The Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government also posts a PDF copy of what is called the Trustee Packet. That copy is obtained by a freedom of information request prior to every meeting. The documents in that packet are the same ones that Trustees refer to during the course of a meeting and are not otherwise public record. They are posted on our site however consistent with the policy goals of the organization: public information ought to be shared where possible whenever possible.
Next video: Monday 1-27-14 6 p.m. Village Hall.
The narrative below provides a concise time line of major events at the meeting and is not meant to note every single issue taken up at the meeting. The video has been viewed for technical issues. There are some those issues are brief and corrected during the course of the filming. Video taken by Jo Miller.
Part One in minutes and seconds.
2:40 Board accepts resignation of Village Justice Chris McGuire and then approves Mayoral appointment of Patricia Romeo as Acting Chief Village Justice.
5:02 Acting Judge Romeo sworn into office by former State Court Justice Underwood.
10:47 First public hearing....permit parking on west side of Railroad avenue from Church street to Unity place. One speaker: John Bogack....clarification of permitted parking sought and obtained...village attorney Egan explains legal limits on approval...resolution is approved but Ferb amendment to include east side of Railroad avenue from Church street to Gerard as permit parking too is scheduled for public hearing on 1/27/14 and vote thereafter.
16:41 Second public hearing of the meeting regarding restrictions on size of sandwich boards and placement...Trustee Devlin explains issues and initial proposal...public comment begins
31:59 Pamela Barr
34:38 Nicole Roamer
35:48 Lori Belmonti
35:36 John Bogack
41:55 Dennis Ross
50:03 David Kennedy
56:55 Lori Belmonti (second appearance)
After further Board discussion the issue is deferred for further review, additional public comment on 2/10/14 and the matter is adjourned until then.
Time line now in hour, minutes and seconds:
1:01:29 Ownership transfer of Carnegie Library to the Patchogue Medford Library system...village attorney Egan explains legalities...approved
1:03:37 PM library representatives appear thanking the Board for its action and pledging a complete historical restoration and reuse of the building by the community once done.
1:08:13 Polling stations for village election in March designated and approved.
1:09:23 Chamber of Commerce Director Kennedy reports...Art Space exhibit...new publication to track arts events weekly...dates for Alive at Five 2014...parking meter issues...garbage collection issues on main street referred to...further comment on proposed calendar dates including Alive at 5 events deferred till later in the meeting.
1:19:50 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports....Patchogue Theater events....parking metering discussed with disclosure that 1500 dollars had been raised in first week of operation...fines of 25 dollars per violation set by Board....Mayor speculates on 6 million dollar cost for new parking spaces and refers to expected announcement of a new design plan that will address parking issues in the village...
1:33:11 Trustee Keyes reports...CDA budget imminent...additional payments for completed road repairs sought
1:35:35 Trustee Crean reports...beginning of discussion of approval of dates for various village events beginning with discussion of St. Patrick day event....Chamber Executive Director Kennedy returns to the public podium and begins discussion of this event....Part One ends.
Part Two:
0:00 Video resumes with Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kennedy commenting on planning for St. Patrick's day event...other events discussed...Pet Parade...Nautical festival.
5:07 Exec. Dir. Kennedy begins what turns out to be an extensive discussion of Alive After Five proposed dates that includes request for consideration of two new aspects: changing the hours to close the event at 10 pm and reinstating one Friday evening...Board and some public comment thereafter about the implications of those proposed changes...end result dates are provisionally approved with final approval reserved for further assessment of security concerns and other factors.
33:10 dates for farmer market approved
36:38 Trustee Ferb reports....comments about Carnegie Library...discussion of future enforcement strategies by village Code Enforcement.
40:18 Trustee Devlin reports...survey of current art scene in village
43:48 Trustee Hilton reports..
Public To be Heard
45:46 Mary Kassner: issue of enforcement of zoning code presented
49:47 Pamela Barr seeks clarification of village rules regarding to some parking at the Congregational Church...reminds officials and public that the church has historical records available to the public going back to the foundation of the church 221 years ago
52:18 Nicole Roamer...issue of employee parking permits and access...Trustee Krieger states that employees may purchase 6 dollar monthly permit however permit does not guarantee any special access to metered parking spaces just reduced cost (main street use metered for all).
58:36 Richard Kemp....ineffective noise controls protested in vicinity of New Village...Mayor responds...need for road repairs brought up...public safety issue regarding village lighting on No. Ocean avenue also brought up
Now hour, minute and seconds
1:09:19 John Bogack....legal loopholes in village noise controls brought up...Mayor responds, public portion is closed....meeting is adjourned.
Just a reminder in closing. The Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government also posts a PDF copy of what is called the Trustee Packet. That copy is obtained by a freedom of information request prior to every meeting. The documents in that packet are the same ones that Trustees refer to during the course of a meeting and are not otherwise public record. They are posted on our site however consistent with the policy goals of the organization: public information ought to be shared where possible whenever possible.
Next video: Monday 1-27-14 6 p.m. Village Hall.
Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting: December 9, 2013
Below is a narrative providing time stops for the most recent video of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees. The video taken by the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government, an organization compromised of village residents promoting public information about village government.
Viewing the video from left to right at the meeting table: Trustees Keyes, Crean, Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan.
The time stops narrative below is not a full summary of every issue taken up by the Board on this date. The narrative does represent significant events that are noted for that reason.
Time stops now provided in minutes and seconds.
Meeting begins with payment of five largest bills but Mayor Pontieri adds surprise item: payment to RAM associates in the amount of several hundred thousand dollars. Discussion by Board members with Trustee Crean questioning missing documentation at meeting. Attorney Egan responding to his question. Approved.
10:10 Public Hearing regarding banning of Hookah lounges in village. Discussion by Mayor, Board members, Village Attorney Egan. No member of the public speaks. Approved.
20:00 Dennis Smith Executive Director BID (Business Improvement District) reports.
25:36 David Kennedy, Executive Director Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports.
30:48 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports....theater roof bid approved with repair to begin mid January 2014...theater calendar roundup...parking meter start up commented on...other issues
41:19 Trustee Keyes reports...surprise agenda item request to approve contract for brine for village roads....Laurel street bulkhead repair planned...bike locker fees reduced
53:45 Trustee Crean reports...discussion of finding revenue stream to pay for recently approved Patchogue Theater roof repair...Mayor discloses FEMA repayment for Mascot dock storm repairs may be diverted into surplus funds to help pay for roof...other methods to pay for repairs discussed by Mayor and other Board members including special surcharge on tickets leading to disclosure that surcharges already exist to pay for salary expenses at the Theater.
Time line now in hour, minutes and seconds
1:03:02 Trustee Ferb reports
1:04:27 Trustee Devlin reports...extensive discussion of various funding sources present and future to pay for cultural activities in Patchogue Village...Plaza Mac improvements...filling of vacancy on the Village Planning Board
1:09:14 Trustee Hilton reports:...Christmas parade comments...vendors, pedestrians and hot rodders gone wild...protective steps taken already others planned...Public hearing scheduled to respond to neighborhood complaints about parking issues relating to the Emporium night club to provide resident parking on west side of Railroad avenue...dates for Great South Bay music festival announced with discussion relating to reimbursement issues from the last festival leading to village loss of tax revenues to provide services to otherwise profitable event
1:20:14 Trustee Devlin returns to the agenda to request approval for a public hearing to approve new regulations regarding the display of sandwich boards on village streets.
Public Portion
1:20:27 Non resident Dennis Zyburo reminds Board that in his opinion the village is woefully under insured for liability issues and he raises question about the amount of commission for the amount of insurance that the village has obtained. He cites the New Village complex as a potential future source of lawsuits involving the village due to the potential of ice, sleet, snow fall from the roofs of the complex that may fall on anyone below. No rebuttal from Mayor or Board members.
Further concern raised about local jobs created by the New Village project. Mayor Pontieri and other Board members respond by advising that local LI jobs have been produced by the project.
1:29:50 John Bogack...continuing issue of Carnegie Library not being transferred to the Patchogue Medford Library...Mayor and Village attorney Egan respond by stating that the process is ongoing but will end in the next few weeks.
Meeting adjourns.
Next video will be the 1/13/14 meeting of the Board which has two public hearing scheduled for that date. There will be a public hearing to provide resident only parking on the west side of Railroad Avenue. And there will be a public hearing to regulate sandwich board displays in the village too. Any member of the public with an opinion about either or both of these subjects may speak when they come up. At the end of the meeting the Public To Be Heard portion of the meeting will close out the meeting. Any member of the public may speak on any issue of concern.
And just to add one final thing. The Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government is now distributing what we are calling the “Public Packet”. It contains the agenda for the meeting to help the public follow along as the meeting progresses. Copies are limited due to printing costs and are handed out on a first come first served basis.
Video filmed by John Bogack.
Viewing the video from left to right at the meeting table: Trustees Keyes, Crean, Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan.
The time stops narrative below is not a full summary of every issue taken up by the Board on this date. The narrative does represent significant events that are noted for that reason.
Time stops now provided in minutes and seconds.
Meeting begins with payment of five largest bills but Mayor Pontieri adds surprise item: payment to RAM associates in the amount of several hundred thousand dollars. Discussion by Board members with Trustee Crean questioning missing documentation at meeting. Attorney Egan responding to his question. Approved.
10:10 Public Hearing regarding banning of Hookah lounges in village. Discussion by Mayor, Board members, Village Attorney Egan. No member of the public speaks. Approved.
20:00 Dennis Smith Executive Director BID (Business Improvement District) reports.
25:36 David Kennedy, Executive Director Patchogue Chamber of Commerce reports.
30:48 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports....theater roof bid approved with repair to begin mid January 2014...theater calendar roundup...parking meter start up commented on...other issues
41:19 Trustee Keyes reports...surprise agenda item request to approve contract for brine for village roads....Laurel street bulkhead repair planned...bike locker fees reduced
53:45 Trustee Crean reports...discussion of finding revenue stream to pay for recently approved Patchogue Theater roof repair...Mayor discloses FEMA repayment for Mascot dock storm repairs may be diverted into surplus funds to help pay for roof...other methods to pay for repairs discussed by Mayor and other Board members including special surcharge on tickets leading to disclosure that surcharges already exist to pay for salary expenses at the Theater.
Time line now in hour, minutes and seconds
1:03:02 Trustee Ferb reports
1:04:27 Trustee Devlin reports...extensive discussion of various funding sources present and future to pay for cultural activities in Patchogue Village...Plaza Mac improvements...filling of vacancy on the Village Planning Board
1:09:14 Trustee Hilton reports:...Christmas parade comments...vendors, pedestrians and hot rodders gone wild...protective steps taken already others planned...Public hearing scheduled to respond to neighborhood complaints about parking issues relating to the Emporium night club to provide resident parking on west side of Railroad avenue...dates for Great South Bay music festival announced with discussion relating to reimbursement issues from the last festival leading to village loss of tax revenues to provide services to otherwise profitable event
1:20:14 Trustee Devlin returns to the agenda to request approval for a public hearing to approve new regulations regarding the display of sandwich boards on village streets.
Public Portion
1:20:27 Non resident Dennis Zyburo reminds Board that in his opinion the village is woefully under insured for liability issues and he raises question about the amount of commission for the amount of insurance that the village has obtained. He cites the New Village complex as a potential future source of lawsuits involving the village due to the potential of ice, sleet, snow fall from the roofs of the complex that may fall on anyone below. No rebuttal from Mayor or Board members.
Further concern raised about local jobs created by the New Village project. Mayor Pontieri and other Board members respond by advising that local LI jobs have been produced by the project.
1:29:50 John Bogack...continuing issue of Carnegie Library not being transferred to the Patchogue Medford Library...Mayor and Village attorney Egan respond by stating that the process is ongoing but will end in the next few weeks.
Meeting adjourns.
Next video will be the 1/13/14 meeting of the Board which has two public hearing scheduled for that date. There will be a public hearing to provide resident only parking on the west side of Railroad Avenue. And there will be a public hearing to regulate sandwich board displays in the village too. Any member of the public with an opinion about either or both of these subjects may speak when they come up. At the end of the meeting the Public To Be Heard portion of the meeting will close out the meeting. Any member of the public may speak on any issue of concern.
And just to add one final thing. The Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government is now distributing what we are calling the “Public Packet”. It contains the agenda for the meeting to help the public follow along as the meeting progresses. Copies are limited due to printing costs and are handed out on a first come first served basis.
Video filmed by John Bogack.
Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting: November 25, 2013
Part 1 above
Part 2 above
The above video has been broken into two parts as You Tube imposes a two hour limit on our upload. The meeting was long due to three public hearings and a better than usual turn out from the public asking questions about the agenda items. The two videos have been screened and are free of any technical issues. The two videos together present a complete viewing of the meeting. Video filmed by Jo Miller.
To aid with viewing the content of the videos a time line with narrative is provided below. In addition viewers are reminded that they can go to the village website and download a copy of the meeting agenda: www.patchoguevillage.org. The agenda will help provide a road map for the meeting events.
While in the past the Campaign has also provided a trustee packet, a copy of documents only provided to Trustees and not to the public in attendance, that PDF document has not been posted at the time of this blog. It will be. We are working on obtaining additional documents relating to the zoning changes in the D3 business district that were not released prior to the meeting. In addition we are seeking a copy of the approved bid for the rebuild of the roof of the Patchogue Theater. When those documents are available for posting they will be posted along with the other documents that make up the trustee packet (all documents obtained by freedom of information requests).
Also please remember that the narrative notes in the time line do not capture every single decision made or matter discussed. The narrative notes highlight decisions or discussions which seem of more importance. In the end the most complete record is always the video content.
Sitting from left to right at the meeting table: Treasurer Ronald Krawczyk, Trustees Keyes, Crean, Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan. Mayor Pontieri not in attendance as he was on a holiday trip visiting family out of state.
Part One (in minutes and seconds)
1:27 Board approves payment of one million dollars in bills
5:27 First Public Hearing: repeal of moratorium limiting intensified use of businesses in D3 business district…Attorney Egan provides back ground, no members of the public speak…approved
7:05 Second public hearing: approval for intensified use of space in D3 district with expansion leading to mandatory payments in lieu of parking fee in certain cases…attorney Egan provides back ground…extensive Board discussion…public comment from residents Fuhrman, Donnelly, Siegel, Bogack, Hough, and Ross during public hearing section…Board resumes discussion…attorney Egan amends proposed law…resolution approved with Trustee Ferb voting no.
Now at hour, minutes and seconds:
1:05:45 Resolution to seek in lieu of parking fee…extensive Board discussion…Board approves resolution to create structure for collecting fees and then approves 1500 fee per parking space at end of discussion
1:19:38 Third public hearing of the night begins…attorney Egan provides back ground….Board discussion begins
Part One video ends as Trustee Devlin is speaking
Part Two In minutes and seconds
0:00 Trustee Devlin’s comments continue
8:07 public comments begin: Miller, Bogack, Fuhrman
18:28 Board resumes discussion after public comments end and then approves measure with one amendment permitting use of glassware and metal utensils in rooftop dining area
21:34 Chamber Commerce report by Exec. Dir. David Kennedy
32: 08 Trustee Krieger introduces resolution to permit sale of Old Brookhaven Town building by Brookhaven Town…other matters reported
43:41 Trustee Krieger offers resolution to pay for roof repair of the Patchogue Theater in the amount of 314 thousand dollars, approved by Board.
45:40 Trustee Keyes reports requests approval for additional signs relating to new parking meters…other matters introduced
48: 36 Trustee Crean reports and makes request to Village Treasurer Krawczyk for itemized break down of all costs associated with the implementation of the new metered parking plan…discussion of possible tenant for Old Town hall building if interested buyer closes on the property…New Year ball drop plan deferred with discussion about that decision
53:46 Trustee Ferb reports
55:22 Trustee Devlin reports…Village Walk assisted living facility owners appearing next night for final Planning Board meeting (hopefully)…other matters discussed
57:39 Trustee Hilton reports Now in hour, minutes and seconds
1:01: 39 Public Portion begins: George Hoag asks about time table for purchase of additional parking;
Jo Miller asks about approval by the village for Brookhaven Town to sell Old Town Hall nominally village property;
John Bogack asks about source of funding to pay for roof repairs to Patchogue Theater and about legality of sale of Old Town Hall;
Joel Fuhrman asks about Old Town Hall sale, roof repair to Patchogue Theater, raises vandalism issue of multiple window storefronts and inquires about on street video surveillance by Village in near future.
Meeting ends.
Three hours plus, the narrative above just hitting the surface of discussions about parking, business expansion, the future of the revitalization of the village, expenditures for the Patchogue Theater, roof top dining safety issues among a host of relevant topics raised by Board members and members of the public. Again: lots of video but worth the look for a view into present issues and future directions for our village that is better seen than read about.
One last reminder: the Patchogue Village website offers a host of important public services. Among them are at least these: Board meeting agendas, minutes of minutes, a calendar for officials meeting dates such as the Planning Board and email access to elected officials. These are important tools for any resident seeking to know more about their village government and participating as active citizens: www.patchoguevillage.org.
Next video: 12-9-13 meeting of the Board of Trustees their last meeting of the year as the Board begins a month long break until early January 2014 thereafter.
To aid with viewing the content of the videos a time line with narrative is provided below. In addition viewers are reminded that they can go to the village website and download a copy of the meeting agenda: www.patchoguevillage.org. The agenda will help provide a road map for the meeting events.
While in the past the Campaign has also provided a trustee packet, a copy of documents only provided to Trustees and not to the public in attendance, that PDF document has not been posted at the time of this blog. It will be. We are working on obtaining additional documents relating to the zoning changes in the D3 business district that were not released prior to the meeting. In addition we are seeking a copy of the approved bid for the rebuild of the roof of the Patchogue Theater. When those documents are available for posting they will be posted along with the other documents that make up the trustee packet (all documents obtained by freedom of information requests).
Also please remember that the narrative notes in the time line do not capture every single decision made or matter discussed. The narrative notes highlight decisions or discussions which seem of more importance. In the end the most complete record is always the video content.
Sitting from left to right at the meeting table: Treasurer Ronald Krawczyk, Trustees Keyes, Crean, Ferb, Village Clerk Seal, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Village attorney Egan. Mayor Pontieri not in attendance as he was on a holiday trip visiting family out of state.
Part One (in minutes and seconds)
1:27 Board approves payment of one million dollars in bills
5:27 First Public Hearing: repeal of moratorium limiting intensified use of businesses in D3 business district…Attorney Egan provides back ground, no members of the public speak…approved
7:05 Second public hearing: approval for intensified use of space in D3 district with expansion leading to mandatory payments in lieu of parking fee in certain cases…attorney Egan provides back ground…extensive Board discussion…public comment from residents Fuhrman, Donnelly, Siegel, Bogack, Hough, and Ross during public hearing section…Board resumes discussion…attorney Egan amends proposed law…resolution approved with Trustee Ferb voting no.
Now at hour, minutes and seconds:
1:05:45 Resolution to seek in lieu of parking fee…extensive Board discussion…Board approves resolution to create structure for collecting fees and then approves 1500 fee per parking space at end of discussion
1:19:38 Third public hearing of the night begins…attorney Egan provides back ground….Board discussion begins
Part One video ends as Trustee Devlin is speaking
Part Two In minutes and seconds
0:00 Trustee Devlin’s comments continue
8:07 public comments begin: Miller, Bogack, Fuhrman
18:28 Board resumes discussion after public comments end and then approves measure with one amendment permitting use of glassware and metal utensils in rooftop dining area
21:34 Chamber Commerce report by Exec. Dir. David Kennedy
32: 08 Trustee Krieger introduces resolution to permit sale of Old Brookhaven Town building by Brookhaven Town…other matters reported
43:41 Trustee Krieger offers resolution to pay for roof repair of the Patchogue Theater in the amount of 314 thousand dollars, approved by Board.
45:40 Trustee Keyes reports requests approval for additional signs relating to new parking meters…other matters introduced
48: 36 Trustee Crean reports and makes request to Village Treasurer Krawczyk for itemized break down of all costs associated with the implementation of the new metered parking plan…discussion of possible tenant for Old Town hall building if interested buyer closes on the property…New Year ball drop plan deferred with discussion about that decision
53:46 Trustee Ferb reports
55:22 Trustee Devlin reports…Village Walk assisted living facility owners appearing next night for final Planning Board meeting (hopefully)…other matters discussed
57:39 Trustee Hilton reports Now in hour, minutes and seconds
1:01: 39 Public Portion begins: George Hoag asks about time table for purchase of additional parking;
Jo Miller asks about approval by the village for Brookhaven Town to sell Old Town Hall nominally village property;
John Bogack asks about source of funding to pay for roof repairs to Patchogue Theater and about legality of sale of Old Town Hall;
Joel Fuhrman asks about Old Town Hall sale, roof repair to Patchogue Theater, raises vandalism issue of multiple window storefronts and inquires about on street video surveillance by Village in near future.
Meeting ends.
Three hours plus, the narrative above just hitting the surface of discussions about parking, business expansion, the future of the revitalization of the village, expenditures for the Patchogue Theater, roof top dining safety issues among a host of relevant topics raised by Board members and members of the public. Again: lots of video but worth the look for a view into present issues and future directions for our village that is better seen than read about.
One last reminder: the Patchogue Village website offers a host of important public services. Among them are at least these: Board meeting agendas, minutes of minutes, a calendar for officials meeting dates such as the Planning Board and email access to elected officials. These are important tools for any resident seeking to know more about their village government and participating as active citizens: www.patchoguevillage.org.
Next video: 12-9-13 meeting of the Board of Trustees their last meeting of the year as the Board begins a month long break until early January 2014 thereafter.
Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting: November 12, 2013
| 11.12.13_agendaforboard.pdf |
| 11.12.13_billsfortheboard.pdf |
| 11.12.13_meeting_docs.pdf |
Above is the Video for the most recent meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees of 11/12/13.
Also above, PDF document that includes a copy of the meeting agenda a basic road map to the meeting’s events. The PDF document also includes other documents referred to during the course of the meeting by the Trustees. It is a copy of what is called the “Trustee Packet” documents not otherwise available to the public but which have been obtained via a freedom of information request. These documents are not posted anywhere else online.
Before posting a time line narrative I wanted to make these comments. This video marks one year of filming meetings of the Village Board by the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government a resident group of village citizens. This is an independent effort. We get no funds from any government body. All work is the result of volunteer efforts and all costs born by the organization to publish the videos and various documents such as the Trustee packets have been funded by voluntary donations made by the members of the Citizens Campaign. Our goal is and remains to provide public information to the residents of Patchogue Village. We have chosen filming Trustee meetings and sometimes other Boards such as the Zoning, Planning, and CDA with that goal in mind. Our approach has been, as best as is humanly possible, to provide the video in a neutral matter. Our motto: seeing is believing, the facts speak for themselves. We expect to continue this effort for the foreseeable future.
In the past extensive notes have been provided for the meetings. I have been changing that format recently concentrating instead on noting significant events for possible viewing. That said there remains much in this video and any video of the Board that should be seen by any person wanting to get deeper insight into how the village government works. As well often the great span of events that is part of village life is also captured in the reports and discussions by members of the Board and the public too who also have a role in these meetings. No narrative, short or long, can capture all that does occur at a meeting and in the end for a complete picture viewing the whole video is often the best way of getting a sense of that broad view of what is happening in Patchogue Village often not reported in main stream media too for a host of reasons.
This video is about an hour and half long. Like all videos that are published by the Citizens Campaign it has been reviewed for technical issues. There is one in this video: a few seconds of video are lost during one discussion due to a tripod issue. The video is otherwise without issues and is a faithful and true representation of the meeting.
Time line narrative in minutes (highlighted events only)
From left to right sitting at the meeting table: Trustees Keyes, Crean and Ferb, deputy Clerk Irene Detmer, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Chris Bianco village assistant attorney. Treasurer Krawczyk, Village Clerk Seal, Village attorney Egan absent.
At start: after formal opening of meeting approval of bills including payment of all bills due to 66k overrun for road repairs (previously filmed and available for viewing on the Campaign’s website video for 10-29-13 Board meeting go to segment beginning at 32 minutes, twelve seconds in that video for more detail.)
4:25 Special permit requested for one riverfront business preceded by Public Hearing
8:30 During public hearing comments from resident Dennis Ross advocating that five year permits only be granted to allow the Board to review compliance with their terms. Mr. Ross citing his view that a pattern existed in the village whereby various businesses have appeared for permits promising one thing and then doing something else once they had obtained them with the village then not being to do anything when this occurred.
10:45 Public hearing date set for permits to allow rooftop dining in the D3 business district
14:43 Trustee Keyes reports…of note plans to begin parking lot repairs starting on 11/18/13.
28:45 Dennis Smith, Ex. Dir. BID (Business Improvement District) reports…various projects discussed including preliminary exploration of video camera installation for main street (at 33:09)
35:39 David Kennedy, Ex. Dir. Chamber of Commerce reports…various holiday events discussed e.g. Boat parade and plans for proposed but not yet approved “Midnight on Main Street” New Year street event…parking meter impact also referred to….
47:50 Trustee Krieger reports…Theater events round up
52:34 Trustee Crean reports….more discussion of Midnight on Main Street proposed event
54:38 Trustee Ferb reports…discussion of Marcelo Lucero vigil
56:05 Trustee Devlin reports…further discussion of Marcelo Lucero vigil and reference to recent book on this subject (publication of book “Hunting Season”)….news that Plaza Mac cinema space will soon have new lounge area with bar…appeal for resumes for an opening as an alternate member of the Planning Board.
1:00:19 Trustee Hilton reports…various holiday events including Christmas Parade discussed…bocce courts at Father Tortora Park now going forward towards being laid for future use by the public Public Portion (residents address Board on any matters of concern)
1:07:27 Mary Kassner…thanks to Board and Leg. Calarco for resolving crossing safety issue affecting neighborhood children on No. Ocean avenue…concerns expressed about persistent alleged zoning allegations for a property located at 172 No. Ocean Avenue with a request for the Board to act
1:13:21 Jean Donnelley resident and Board officer of the Riverwalk Condo complex presents the Board with a petition asking for parking relief on the west side of Railroad Avenue….complaints about the impact of the Emporium nightclub voiced
1:15:25 Lori Belmonte asks the Board to assess aggressive panhandling issue at 7/11 located on east main street
1:22:23 John Bogack…question about status of the Carnegie Library building ownership transfer to the PM Library…question about status of the plan to move the bus stop from South Street to Unity Place….additional complaint about aggressive pan handling at Walgreens on River avenue and main street
1:24:00 Dennis Ross…complaint about jack hammer concrete repair work by local business undertaken at 6 a.m.
Meeting ends
Next video: 11/25/13 Board meeting at which no less than three public hearings are now scheduled: a change to parking requirements for businesses seeking to expand in the D3 business district (particularly main street area), end of moratorium now in effect preventing existing businesses in D3 zone from “intensifying use” for example converting second floor spaces for rooftop decks, lastly public hearing allowing rooftop deck areas in the D3 business district by special permit granted by the Board of Trustees. The public is welcome to speak at each of the three public hearings and as per routine at the end of the official agenda the meeting members of the public are allowed to speak on any subject of concern during the Public Portion. Also residents are reminded that they may email their elected leaders via the Village website that does have an email option to do so: www.patchoguevillage.org.
As always the Citizens Campaign urges all who can go to the Board meetings to do so. It is important that those elected officials who represent us hear what the public has to say so that they can reach decisions in the name of the people they represent by knowing first hand just what those views actually are.
Also above, PDF document that includes a copy of the meeting agenda a basic road map to the meeting’s events. The PDF document also includes other documents referred to during the course of the meeting by the Trustees. It is a copy of what is called the “Trustee Packet” documents not otherwise available to the public but which have been obtained via a freedom of information request. These documents are not posted anywhere else online.
Before posting a time line narrative I wanted to make these comments. This video marks one year of filming meetings of the Village Board by the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government a resident group of village citizens. This is an independent effort. We get no funds from any government body. All work is the result of volunteer efforts and all costs born by the organization to publish the videos and various documents such as the Trustee packets have been funded by voluntary donations made by the members of the Citizens Campaign. Our goal is and remains to provide public information to the residents of Patchogue Village. We have chosen filming Trustee meetings and sometimes other Boards such as the Zoning, Planning, and CDA with that goal in mind. Our approach has been, as best as is humanly possible, to provide the video in a neutral matter. Our motto: seeing is believing, the facts speak for themselves. We expect to continue this effort for the foreseeable future.
In the past extensive notes have been provided for the meetings. I have been changing that format recently concentrating instead on noting significant events for possible viewing. That said there remains much in this video and any video of the Board that should be seen by any person wanting to get deeper insight into how the village government works. As well often the great span of events that is part of village life is also captured in the reports and discussions by members of the Board and the public too who also have a role in these meetings. No narrative, short or long, can capture all that does occur at a meeting and in the end for a complete picture viewing the whole video is often the best way of getting a sense of that broad view of what is happening in Patchogue Village often not reported in main stream media too for a host of reasons.
This video is about an hour and half long. Like all videos that are published by the Citizens Campaign it has been reviewed for technical issues. There is one in this video: a few seconds of video are lost during one discussion due to a tripod issue. The video is otherwise without issues and is a faithful and true representation of the meeting.
Time line narrative in minutes (highlighted events only)
From left to right sitting at the meeting table: Trustees Keyes, Crean and Ferb, deputy Clerk Irene Detmer, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, Chris Bianco village assistant attorney. Treasurer Krawczyk, Village Clerk Seal, Village attorney Egan absent.
At start: after formal opening of meeting approval of bills including payment of all bills due to 66k overrun for road repairs (previously filmed and available for viewing on the Campaign’s website video for 10-29-13 Board meeting go to segment beginning at 32 minutes, twelve seconds in that video for more detail.)
4:25 Special permit requested for one riverfront business preceded by Public Hearing
8:30 During public hearing comments from resident Dennis Ross advocating that five year permits only be granted to allow the Board to review compliance with their terms. Mr. Ross citing his view that a pattern existed in the village whereby various businesses have appeared for permits promising one thing and then doing something else once they had obtained them with the village then not being to do anything when this occurred.
10:45 Public hearing date set for permits to allow rooftop dining in the D3 business district
14:43 Trustee Keyes reports…of note plans to begin parking lot repairs starting on 11/18/13.
28:45 Dennis Smith, Ex. Dir. BID (Business Improvement District) reports…various projects discussed including preliminary exploration of video camera installation for main street (at 33:09)
35:39 David Kennedy, Ex. Dir. Chamber of Commerce reports…various holiday events discussed e.g. Boat parade and plans for proposed but not yet approved “Midnight on Main Street” New Year street event…parking meter impact also referred to….
47:50 Trustee Krieger reports…Theater events round up
52:34 Trustee Crean reports….more discussion of Midnight on Main Street proposed event
54:38 Trustee Ferb reports…discussion of Marcelo Lucero vigil
56:05 Trustee Devlin reports…further discussion of Marcelo Lucero vigil and reference to recent book on this subject (publication of book “Hunting Season”)….news that Plaza Mac cinema space will soon have new lounge area with bar…appeal for resumes for an opening as an alternate member of the Planning Board.
1:00:19 Trustee Hilton reports…various holiday events including Christmas Parade discussed…bocce courts at Father Tortora Park now going forward towards being laid for future use by the public Public Portion (residents address Board on any matters of concern)
1:07:27 Mary Kassner…thanks to Board and Leg. Calarco for resolving crossing safety issue affecting neighborhood children on No. Ocean avenue…concerns expressed about persistent alleged zoning allegations for a property located at 172 No. Ocean Avenue with a request for the Board to act
1:13:21 Jean Donnelley resident and Board officer of the Riverwalk Condo complex presents the Board with a petition asking for parking relief on the west side of Railroad Avenue….complaints about the impact of the Emporium nightclub voiced
1:15:25 Lori Belmonte asks the Board to assess aggressive panhandling issue at 7/11 located on east main street
1:22:23 John Bogack…question about status of the Carnegie Library building ownership transfer to the PM Library…question about status of the plan to move the bus stop from South Street to Unity Place….additional complaint about aggressive pan handling at Walgreens on River avenue and main street
1:24:00 Dennis Ross…complaint about jack hammer concrete repair work by local business undertaken at 6 a.m.
Meeting ends
Next video: 11/25/13 Board meeting at which no less than three public hearings are now scheduled: a change to parking requirements for businesses seeking to expand in the D3 business district (particularly main street area), end of moratorium now in effect preventing existing businesses in D3 zone from “intensifying use” for example converting second floor spaces for rooftop decks, lastly public hearing allowing rooftop deck areas in the D3 business district by special permit granted by the Board of Trustees. The public is welcome to speak at each of the three public hearings and as per routine at the end of the official agenda the meeting members of the public are allowed to speak on any subject of concern during the Public Portion. Also residents are reminded that they may email their elected leaders via the Village website that does have an email option to do so: www.patchoguevillage.org.
As always the Citizens Campaign urges all who can go to the Board meetings to do so. It is important that those elected officials who represent us hear what the public has to say so that they can reach decisions in the name of the people they represent by knowing first hand just what those views actually are.
Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting: October 28, 2013
| boardmeeting102813.pdf |
Above are documents related to the Board meeting of 10/28/13.
This is the most current video filmed by the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government, a resident group of village residents.
This is video for the October 28th 2013 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees. Usually each of these videos come with an extensive time line narrative. Now for something different: a less is more approach.
Today a focus on just two areas of the video:
At 32 minutes, 12 seconds the beginning of a little bit more than twenty minute segment relating to a 66 thousand dollar shortage for a road contract regarding Cleveland, Grant, and Wood streets. Comments from Commissioner Joe Dean, the Mayor, Board members and village attorney Egan.
Note: recorded events not completely reported in the LI Advance, Newsday or the Patch prior to the publication of this video on the Patch.
And at the very end of the video at one hour fifty four minutes, Mayor Pontieri, in response to a question from a member of the public, explains the village plans for the future rebuilding of Mascot dock.
This is a long video filled with rich information about life in Patchogue Village effected by decisions of the Board of Trustees. For a more traditional road map than the time line narratives which have been usually provided please see the “trustee packet” that is included as a PDF document also on our website. A copy of the agenda is also provided and will help any person move through the content of the video.
This is the most current video filmed by the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government, a resident group of village residents.
This is video for the October 28th 2013 meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees. Usually each of these videos come with an extensive time line narrative. Now for something different: a less is more approach.
Today a focus on just two areas of the video:
At 32 minutes, 12 seconds the beginning of a little bit more than twenty minute segment relating to a 66 thousand dollar shortage for a road contract regarding Cleveland, Grant, and Wood streets. Comments from Commissioner Joe Dean, the Mayor, Board members and village attorney Egan.
Note: recorded events not completely reported in the LI Advance, Newsday or the Patch prior to the publication of this video on the Patch.
And at the very end of the video at one hour fifty four minutes, Mayor Pontieri, in response to a question from a member of the public, explains the village plans for the future rebuilding of Mascot dock.
This is a long video filled with rich information about life in Patchogue Village effected by decisions of the Board of Trustees. For a more traditional road map than the time line narratives which have been usually provided please see the “trustee packet” that is included as a PDF document also on our website. A copy of the agenda is also provided and will help any person move through the content of the video.
Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting: October 15, 2013
| boardmeeting10.15.13.pdf |
Above are documents provided in the Trustee Packet for this meeting.
| audit_doc_1.cover_letter.pdf |
| audit_doc_2.audit_report.pdf |
| audit_doc_3.federal_single_audit_report.pdf |
| audit_doc_4._justice_court_audit_report.pdf |
Above are documents associated with an Independent Audit done by accounts Cullen & Danowski on Village of Patchogue's Finances that is discussed at this meeting.
What follows is a time line narrative for the above video filmed by the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government. Just by quick way of explanation this video has been filmed by a resident group of Patchogue Village residents. We film and post our video on You Tube to provide members of the public with this public information for those who can not make the meeting. The videos represent as well an unofficial documentary history of these meetings. The time line provides time marks that allow any viewer to see any part or parts of the video that they wish to without having to see the whole video.
Also above are links to PDF documents for the recently completed audit of village finances and the “Trustee Packet”. The packet are those documents in the possession of Board members to guide them in their discussions when they meet. This packet also includes a copy of the meeting agenda too. All the documents posted were obtained as a result of a freedom of information request.
The video has been reviewed prior to posting and is free of any technical issues that would interfere with viewing. The video is a faithful reproduction of the proceedings. The video was filmed by Jo Miller.
This narrative below does not note every issue touched on at the meeting. In the course of a meeting a hundred different issues were covered. In fact as mentioned in earlier blogs these videos of Board meeting provide one of the richest sources of information about events of all kinds that have occurred or will occur in the village. The time line tries to take into account some of the most important issues that came up during the meeting.
From left to right sitting at the meeting table: Treasurer Ron Krawczyk, Trustee Crean, Village Clerk Patricia Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, sitting in for village attorney, a member of his law firm, Christopher Bianco. Trustees Keyes and Ferb absent.
Timeline narrative in minutes and seconds
1:11 tax rebates authorized
1:59 retroactive tax rebate for former four corners building with discussion
3:45 Treasurer Ron Krawczyk introduces additional tax rebate payments
NOTE: PDF documents as a part of trustee packet identifies recipients and amounts for various tax grievance rebates: see citizens campaign website. www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com.
5:03 Mayor Pontieri leads discussion of services for salt agreement with Suffolk County and new duties by village public works under that agreement
6:24 Chris Reno discusses results of annual village financial audit including audit of the Village Justice Court.
NOTE: extensive discussion of FEMA money to repair Mascot dock…intended future follow up to look at village capital projects with reference to audit results arising from NY State Comptroller’s recent audit of village finances…Mayor Pontieri comments
NOTE : on the website for the citizens campaign there are PDF documents that can be downloaded providing a complete audit report, link:www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com.
As well any person who would like to review the Comptrollers audit of the village’s finances can go to this link to see that report. What follows is in the words of the Comptroller’s office not mine. It is an extract summary of that report from the Comptroller’s website and a link:
Audit No: 2012M-76
Audit Year: 2012
Release Date: 08/24/2012
Audit Name: Patchogue Selected Financial Activities and Information Technology (Village)
Report: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/villages/2012/patchogue.htm
Summary:
The Board did not properly authorize all capital projects, nor did it effectively monitor them. As a result, the Village had $284,808 in unauthorized expenditures and experienced cost overruns in two of the five projects reviewed totaling $1,900,957. In addition, the Village issued debt to reimburse the general fund for capital expenditures totaling $549,015, in violation of the Local Finance Law. In addition, the Village did not receive all fees required before customers were allowed to hook up and discharge into the Village’s sewer system resulting in the Village not receiving revenues totaling $77,294. The Board also did not audit and approve claims prior to payment as required by Village law and has not established policies and procedures over the claims audit process. Finally, the Board has not established policies and procedures relating to the security of data and assets, including a formal disaster recovery plan.
NOTE: The Village Board did adopt a Community Action Plan (CAP) to deal with the above cited criticisms last year. However a status report addressing the status of that plan does not seem to appear in the current audit.
22:25 2013 local audit results accepted and approved by the Board
22:23 Public hearing on local law easing requirements for seniors to retain eligibility for reductions for village taxes, discussion and approval
27:08 Mayor Pontieri leads discussion of first out of sewer district approval for businesses located outside of the village along the east main street corridor. Mayor indicates that revenue will now start to flow to village as hook up fees occur and expansion of service begins.
NOTE: extensive report on this can be found as a PDF document on the citizens campaign website. www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com.
30:19 BID report by Executive Director Dennis Smith…extensive outlining of main street grant program with specific recipients identified, estimate that seed money provided as the result of about 200 K in grant money matched by another 400K by businesses participating in grant program…hanging baskets issue discussed
45:40 Chamber of Commerce report by Executive Director David Kennedy who discusses multiple topics…chamber awards dinner…Harvest Festival planning….other various holiday events…Halloween Happenings…Homecoming Parade'..Boat Parade approval obtained for 11/24/13 and provisional advisory opinion about permitting tattoo parlor in village business zones where now prohibited…Mayor Pontieri comments
Time line now in hours, minutes and seconds
1:01:56 Marian Russo speaking about activities of COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disasters), a new organization established post storm Sandy to coordinate services to disaster victims whether hurricane or other emergencies
NOTE: those interested in getting more information or helping out Marian can contact her via the village website link. Look for the departments tab and find the drop down menu for the CDA (village Community Development Agency) of which Marian is the Executive Director, link at: www.patchoguevillage.org.
1:14:32 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports…theater program outlook for next several months…Parking lot plans explained as part of larger parking meter initiative discussed with approvals for some street improvements authorized, announcement that early stages of parking meter roll out will begin with warnings for meter violations instead of actual fines…delay for full metering of planned parking lots till spring to allow for repairs in better weather
1:24:20 discussion and approval for Oak street road upgrade
1:29:00 Trustee Crean reports…Christmas Boat parade…set 10/28/13 for two public hearings relating to change in rental laws and demolition of eye sore buildings
1:33:44 Trustee Devlin reports…discussion of installation of new public art sculpture to be dedicated Sunday 10/20/13 eventual relocation of art work to site of Carnegie Library building property
1:37:00 Trustee Hilton reports
1:40:45 Public portion, one speaker from the public John Bogack… discussion of safety planning for Haunted Pirates Ferry event, Board discussion.
Meeting ends.
All residents are reminded that elected village officials may be contacted by email at the village website at : www.patchoguevillage.org
Next video that will be taken by the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government will be the Tuesday 10-22-13 meeting of the Patchogue Village Planning Board (Assisted Living facility on the agenda for final approvals). And approval for a clam bar at the Oar House. Meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and there are opportunities for residents to speak on most of the applications on the agenda. Meeting is held at village hall.
Next video after that will be Village Board of Trustees Monday 10-28-13, meeting begins at 6 p.m. All residents may participate in the public portion and address the Board on any matter of importance. The public portion is the last agenda item for the night. There will be at least two public hearing held that same date at which members of the public will also have a chance to speak on those specific issues. Agendas of the Board meeting usually appear on the Friday before the meeting date and a copy is posted online at the village website for viewing:www.patchoguevillage.org.
Finally feedback welcome please use our email link on this website.
Also above are links to PDF documents for the recently completed audit of village finances and the “Trustee Packet”. The packet are those documents in the possession of Board members to guide them in their discussions when they meet. This packet also includes a copy of the meeting agenda too. All the documents posted were obtained as a result of a freedom of information request.
The video has been reviewed prior to posting and is free of any technical issues that would interfere with viewing. The video is a faithful reproduction of the proceedings. The video was filmed by Jo Miller.
This narrative below does not note every issue touched on at the meeting. In the course of a meeting a hundred different issues were covered. In fact as mentioned in earlier blogs these videos of Board meeting provide one of the richest sources of information about events of all kinds that have occurred or will occur in the village. The time line tries to take into account some of the most important issues that came up during the meeting.
From left to right sitting at the meeting table: Treasurer Ron Krawczyk, Trustee Crean, Village Clerk Patricia Seal, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin and Hilton, sitting in for village attorney, a member of his law firm, Christopher Bianco. Trustees Keyes and Ferb absent.
Timeline narrative in minutes and seconds
1:11 tax rebates authorized
1:59 retroactive tax rebate for former four corners building with discussion
3:45 Treasurer Ron Krawczyk introduces additional tax rebate payments
NOTE: PDF documents as a part of trustee packet identifies recipients and amounts for various tax grievance rebates: see citizens campaign website. www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com.
5:03 Mayor Pontieri leads discussion of services for salt agreement with Suffolk County and new duties by village public works under that agreement
6:24 Chris Reno discusses results of annual village financial audit including audit of the Village Justice Court.
NOTE: extensive discussion of FEMA money to repair Mascot dock…intended future follow up to look at village capital projects with reference to audit results arising from NY State Comptroller’s recent audit of village finances…Mayor Pontieri comments
NOTE : on the website for the citizens campaign there are PDF documents that can be downloaded providing a complete audit report, link:www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com.
As well any person who would like to review the Comptrollers audit of the village’s finances can go to this link to see that report. What follows is in the words of the Comptroller’s office not mine. It is an extract summary of that report from the Comptroller’s website and a link:
Audit No: 2012M-76
Audit Year: 2012
Release Date: 08/24/2012
Audit Name: Patchogue Selected Financial Activities and Information Technology (Village)
Report: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/villages/2012/patchogue.htm
Summary:
The Board did not properly authorize all capital projects, nor did it effectively monitor them. As a result, the Village had $284,808 in unauthorized expenditures and experienced cost overruns in two of the five projects reviewed totaling $1,900,957. In addition, the Village issued debt to reimburse the general fund for capital expenditures totaling $549,015, in violation of the Local Finance Law. In addition, the Village did not receive all fees required before customers were allowed to hook up and discharge into the Village’s sewer system resulting in the Village not receiving revenues totaling $77,294. The Board also did not audit and approve claims prior to payment as required by Village law and has not established policies and procedures over the claims audit process. Finally, the Board has not established policies and procedures relating to the security of data and assets, including a formal disaster recovery plan.
NOTE: The Village Board did adopt a Community Action Plan (CAP) to deal with the above cited criticisms last year. However a status report addressing the status of that plan does not seem to appear in the current audit.
22:25 2013 local audit results accepted and approved by the Board
22:23 Public hearing on local law easing requirements for seniors to retain eligibility for reductions for village taxes, discussion and approval
27:08 Mayor Pontieri leads discussion of first out of sewer district approval for businesses located outside of the village along the east main street corridor. Mayor indicates that revenue will now start to flow to village as hook up fees occur and expansion of service begins.
NOTE: extensive report on this can be found as a PDF document on the citizens campaign website. www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com.
30:19 BID report by Executive Director Dennis Smith…extensive outlining of main street grant program with specific recipients identified, estimate that seed money provided as the result of about 200 K in grant money matched by another 400K by businesses participating in grant program…hanging baskets issue discussed
45:40 Chamber of Commerce report by Executive Director David Kennedy who discusses multiple topics…chamber awards dinner…Harvest Festival planning….other various holiday events…Halloween Happenings…Homecoming Parade'..Boat Parade approval obtained for 11/24/13 and provisional advisory opinion about permitting tattoo parlor in village business zones where now prohibited…Mayor Pontieri comments
Time line now in hours, minutes and seconds
1:01:56 Marian Russo speaking about activities of COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disasters), a new organization established post storm Sandy to coordinate services to disaster victims whether hurricane or other emergencies
NOTE: those interested in getting more information or helping out Marian can contact her via the village website link. Look for the departments tab and find the drop down menu for the CDA (village Community Development Agency) of which Marian is the Executive Director, link at: www.patchoguevillage.org.
1:14:32 Deputy Mayor Krieger reports…theater program outlook for next several months…Parking lot plans explained as part of larger parking meter initiative discussed with approvals for some street improvements authorized, announcement that early stages of parking meter roll out will begin with warnings for meter violations instead of actual fines…delay for full metering of planned parking lots till spring to allow for repairs in better weather
1:24:20 discussion and approval for Oak street road upgrade
1:29:00 Trustee Crean reports…Christmas Boat parade…set 10/28/13 for two public hearings relating to change in rental laws and demolition of eye sore buildings
1:33:44 Trustee Devlin reports…discussion of installation of new public art sculpture to be dedicated Sunday 10/20/13 eventual relocation of art work to site of Carnegie Library building property
1:37:00 Trustee Hilton reports
1:40:45 Public portion, one speaker from the public John Bogack… discussion of safety planning for Haunted Pirates Ferry event, Board discussion.
Meeting ends.
All residents are reminded that elected village officials may be contacted by email at the village website at : www.patchoguevillage.org
Next video that will be taken by the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government will be the Tuesday 10-22-13 meeting of the Patchogue Village Planning Board (Assisted Living facility on the agenda for final approvals). And approval for a clam bar at the Oar House. Meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and there are opportunities for residents to speak on most of the applications on the agenda. Meeting is held at village hall.
Next video after that will be Village Board of Trustees Monday 10-28-13, meeting begins at 6 p.m. All residents may participate in the public portion and address the Board on any matter of importance. The public portion is the last agenda item for the night. There will be at least two public hearing held that same date at which members of the public will also have a chance to speak on those specific issues. Agendas of the Board meeting usually appear on the Friday before the meeting date and a copy is posted online at the village website for viewing:www.patchoguevillage.org.
Finally feedback welcome please use our email link on this website.
Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting: September 23, 2013
Below is Part 1 of September 23 Meeting
Below is Part 2 of September 23 meeting
Below are the documents associated with the September 23 Meeting that are known as the “Trustee Packet." These documents have been obtained by a freedom of information request and contain the same materials that Trustees have for their guidance at meetings. This paperwork is not distributed to the public at these meetings, but they have been posted for public information purposes. The PDF document does include the meeting agenda which usually can be found at the village website. All are also reminded that any resident can email any member of the Board including the Mayor on any issue of interest as email addresses for that purpose also appear on the village’s website: www.patchoguevillage.org
| boardmeeting092313.pdf |
The above videos are of the most recent in a series of videos taken of the Patchogue Village Board’s proceeding by the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government. This organization is made up only of village residents who have undertaken as a volunteer effort documenting meetings of the Board as a public record available to all particularly those village residents not able to make the meeting due to its scheduled time.
This video has been split into two videos. The reason for this is that these videos are hosted on You Tube and there is a two hour limit to any one video posted. This meeting went over that limit. All videos have been previewed prior to posting. The two videos combined are a true representation of the whole meeting. There are no audio or visual issues that anyone should experience viewing the videos.
Below is a time line narrative allowing any person to go directly to agenda items of particular interest.
The narrative for both Parts One and Two are somewhat edited. I have not marked every section of the more than two hours of video highlighting instead what I felt were the most relevant subjects.
Time line narrative for Part One in minutes and seconds:
4:04 Patchogue Pride Award presentation
7: 48 Deputy Mayor Krieger begins his report by submitting for approval a final plan for electronic parking meters in Patchogue Village…discussion…vote follows
10: 25 Chamber of Commerce report by Executive Director David Kennedy, issues touched on …Pet Parade…St. Liberata Festival…Fall Harvest Festival…Riverfront Committee Haunted Pirates Ferry rides and Christmas Holiday Boat Parade (discussion of legal issues affecting proposed Haunted Pirates Ferry rides….Tattoo parlor ban repeal
27:23 Presentation regarding repeal of Tattoo parlor ban in certain zoned business districts of Patchogue Village…discussion by Board members, Mayor Pontieri and Village attorney Egan
43:53 Trustee Keyes reports: proposed bike racks…CDA funding public hearing…bid for sidewalk snow shoveled…per diem hiring for weather related emergencies
56:35 Trustee Crean reports: mention of recognition of riverfront business dinner event
57: 27 Trustee Ferb reports…discussion of volunteer activities in village…fire at home at West Avenue and illegal nature of tenancy at site
(Now time reference in hour, minute and seconds)
1:03:40 Trustee Devlin reports: village undergoing outside study for recommendations regarding future planning for village parking…various art events discussed…announcement that proposed assisted living facility owners are nearing a presentation of their business before the Planning Board for final approvals
1:08:40 Trustee Hilton reports: Comments about Pet Parade and Liz Kelly Run for the Sun event….discussion about new putting green at Shorefront Park…vote by Board to approve spending for same…presentation by Kiwanis Club representative regarding Toy Trot and approval of date for event
1:28:14 Public portion begins with comments from Jo Miller regarding the Channel 21 airing of the movie “Deputized” comments by Mayor Pontieri Ferb, and Crean till end of part one of video
Time line for Part Two in minutes and seconds
Part 2 begins with the Public Portion of the meeting
(Note: apologies to all for any misspelling of anyone’s names)
0:00 Public portion picks up immediately from the end of Part One with Trustee Crean completing his comments about the movie “Deputized”
0:30 Abe Segal: garbage issue involving Tritec corporation
1:50 Richard Kemp addresses a variety of issues…costs relating to the repair of the roof of the Patchogue Theater…parking meters…bond costs to pay off prior improvements to the Patchogue Theater…Mayor Pontieri, Trustees Krieger and Crean and Village attorney Egan participating at points of the discussion
14:24 Denise Ryan and Arlene Aspensi commenting on housing issues on West Avenue
19:20 Barry Burrell makes additional comments regarding housing issues on West Avenue
24:18 Dennis Ross comments: OSHA reimbursement training resource for village workers…Bikes storage on main street and bike use of sidewalks…7 Express liquor license issue…need for more trash cans on main street or their redeployment.
Meeting adjourns.
One final note: our website continues to be undergoing a make over. The vast majority of previous videos taken are off line and will be restored when the site has been relaunched. In the meantime the organization continues to video meetings of the Board of Trustees.
Next we will be filming the 10-3-13 public hearing being held by the Community Development Agency (CDA) and members of the public are reminded that a public hearing is scheduled for 5 p.m. on 10-3-13. Members of the public are certainly welcome to speak up and give their ideas at the hearing. The CDA has a large block of money to spend for community projects. They are seeking ideas about how that money should be spent. For more details contact Marian Russo, Executive Director of the CDA by email on the village website: www.patchoguevillage.org
This video has been split into two videos. The reason for this is that these videos are hosted on You Tube and there is a two hour limit to any one video posted. This meeting went over that limit. All videos have been previewed prior to posting. The two videos combined are a true representation of the whole meeting. There are no audio or visual issues that anyone should experience viewing the videos.
Below is a time line narrative allowing any person to go directly to agenda items of particular interest.
The narrative for both Parts One and Two are somewhat edited. I have not marked every section of the more than two hours of video highlighting instead what I felt were the most relevant subjects.
Time line narrative for Part One in minutes and seconds:
4:04 Patchogue Pride Award presentation
7: 48 Deputy Mayor Krieger begins his report by submitting for approval a final plan for electronic parking meters in Patchogue Village…discussion…vote follows
10: 25 Chamber of Commerce report by Executive Director David Kennedy, issues touched on …Pet Parade…St. Liberata Festival…Fall Harvest Festival…Riverfront Committee Haunted Pirates Ferry rides and Christmas Holiday Boat Parade (discussion of legal issues affecting proposed Haunted Pirates Ferry rides….Tattoo parlor ban repeal
27:23 Presentation regarding repeal of Tattoo parlor ban in certain zoned business districts of Patchogue Village…discussion by Board members, Mayor Pontieri and Village attorney Egan
43:53 Trustee Keyes reports: proposed bike racks…CDA funding public hearing…bid for sidewalk snow shoveled…per diem hiring for weather related emergencies
56:35 Trustee Crean reports: mention of recognition of riverfront business dinner event
57: 27 Trustee Ferb reports…discussion of volunteer activities in village…fire at home at West Avenue and illegal nature of tenancy at site
(Now time reference in hour, minute and seconds)
1:03:40 Trustee Devlin reports: village undergoing outside study for recommendations regarding future planning for village parking…various art events discussed…announcement that proposed assisted living facility owners are nearing a presentation of their business before the Planning Board for final approvals
1:08:40 Trustee Hilton reports: Comments about Pet Parade and Liz Kelly Run for the Sun event….discussion about new putting green at Shorefront Park…vote by Board to approve spending for same…presentation by Kiwanis Club representative regarding Toy Trot and approval of date for event
1:28:14 Public portion begins with comments from Jo Miller regarding the Channel 21 airing of the movie “Deputized” comments by Mayor Pontieri Ferb, and Crean till end of part one of video
Time line for Part Two in minutes and seconds
Part 2 begins with the Public Portion of the meeting
(Note: apologies to all for any misspelling of anyone’s names)
0:00 Public portion picks up immediately from the end of Part One with Trustee Crean completing his comments about the movie “Deputized”
0:30 Abe Segal: garbage issue involving Tritec corporation
1:50 Richard Kemp addresses a variety of issues…costs relating to the repair of the roof of the Patchogue Theater…parking meters…bond costs to pay off prior improvements to the Patchogue Theater…Mayor Pontieri, Trustees Krieger and Crean and Village attorney Egan participating at points of the discussion
14:24 Denise Ryan and Arlene Aspensi commenting on housing issues on West Avenue
19:20 Barry Burrell makes additional comments regarding housing issues on West Avenue
24:18 Dennis Ross comments: OSHA reimbursement training resource for village workers…Bikes storage on main street and bike use of sidewalks…7 Express liquor license issue…need for more trash cans on main street or their redeployment.
Meeting adjourns.
One final note: our website continues to be undergoing a make over. The vast majority of previous videos taken are off line and will be restored when the site has been relaunched. In the meantime the organization continues to video meetings of the Board of Trustees.
Next we will be filming the 10-3-13 public hearing being held by the Community Development Agency (CDA) and members of the public are reminded that a public hearing is scheduled for 5 p.m. on 10-3-13. Members of the public are certainly welcome to speak up and give their ideas at the hearing. The CDA has a large block of money to spend for community projects. They are seeking ideas about how that money should be spent. For more details contact Marian Russo, Executive Director of the CDA by email on the village website: www.patchoguevillage.org
Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting: September 9, 2013
Below are documents related to the above meeting video of September 9. 2013.
| agendaforboardmeetingofseptember92013.pdf |
| billsfortheboardmeetingof090913.pdf |
| patochoguetheaterroofreplacement-091113.pdf |
The above video, and all video's appearing on this site, are provided as a public service. Many residents do not attend these meetings most likely as they are held at 6 p.m. because residents are coming home from work. The meetings are also filmed to document in real images decisions made by our elected village officials in the name of the public.
A time line narrative is provided here to allow viewers to go to any part of the more than one hour video that may be of interest.
From left to right at the meeting table: Trustee Keyes, Crean, Ferb, Deputy Clerk Irene Detmer, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin, and Hilton, attorney Chris Bianco.
Absent: Village Clerk Seal and Village Attorney Egan.
Time line as follow for first hour in minutes and seconds:
1:23 Mayor Pontieri introduces bills to be paid including 119K payment to the Community Development Authority (CDA)
3:11 Mayor Pontieri announces provisional award of grant money to the village for sewer hookups for 55 homeowners living at the bay end of River Avenue.
4:45 Suffolk County Legislator Calarco explains how grant was obtained, its terms and discussed purposes intended by aiding residents in hooking up their homes to the Village sewer system
12:02 Mayor Pontieri introduces resolution to hold public hearing on easing burden on senior residents who have or will apply for senior tax exemptions
13:23 Chamber of Commerce report by Executive Director David Kennedy
27:42 Deputy Mayor Krieger initiates presentation regarding proposed roof repairs to the Patchogue Theater, questions from Board members…no decisions reached
55: 31 Report from Trustee Keyes
59: 02 Report from Trustee Crean
59: 35 Report from Trustee Ferb
59:36 Report from Trustee Devlin
Now time points in hour, minute and seconds
1:02:01 Report from Trustee Hilton
1:17:07 Public portion begins (two residents speak)…resident concerns about holiday boat parade traffic issues, tree issue on main street
Meeting is adjourned.
Next meeting: Monday 9/23/13 at which meeting there will be a public hearing about relaxing the prohibition against tattoo shops in the village among other topics of interest. Meeting begins at 6 p.m. Public portion at which any member of the public may speak before the board begins at the end of the official agenda except that where there is a public hearing members of the public may speak on the specific issue at hand.
Also residents are reminded that the village website does allow for email contact with any member of the Board including the Mayor: http://www.patchoguevillage.org/
And lastly, our websiteis now undergoing a revamp. Only the most recent videos taken by the group are currently posted. When our site is relaunched all prior videos will be reposted to serve as a permanent library of past meetings of the Board of Trustees and other Boards of the Village.
Link: www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/
A time line narrative is provided here to allow viewers to go to any part of the more than one hour video that may be of interest.
From left to right at the meeting table: Trustee Keyes, Crean, Ferb, Deputy Clerk Irene Detmer, Mayor Pontieri, Deputy Mayor Krieger, Trustees Devlin, and Hilton, attorney Chris Bianco.
Absent: Village Clerk Seal and Village Attorney Egan.
Time line as follow for first hour in minutes and seconds:
1:23 Mayor Pontieri introduces bills to be paid including 119K payment to the Community Development Authority (CDA)
3:11 Mayor Pontieri announces provisional award of grant money to the village for sewer hookups for 55 homeowners living at the bay end of River Avenue.
4:45 Suffolk County Legislator Calarco explains how grant was obtained, its terms and discussed purposes intended by aiding residents in hooking up their homes to the Village sewer system
12:02 Mayor Pontieri introduces resolution to hold public hearing on easing burden on senior residents who have or will apply for senior tax exemptions
13:23 Chamber of Commerce report by Executive Director David Kennedy
27:42 Deputy Mayor Krieger initiates presentation regarding proposed roof repairs to the Patchogue Theater, questions from Board members…no decisions reached
55: 31 Report from Trustee Keyes
59: 02 Report from Trustee Crean
59: 35 Report from Trustee Ferb
59:36 Report from Trustee Devlin
Now time points in hour, minute and seconds
1:02:01 Report from Trustee Hilton
1:17:07 Public portion begins (two residents speak)…resident concerns about holiday boat parade traffic issues, tree issue on main street
Meeting is adjourned.
Next meeting: Monday 9/23/13 at which meeting there will be a public hearing about relaxing the prohibition against tattoo shops in the village among other topics of interest. Meeting begins at 6 p.m. Public portion at which any member of the public may speak before the board begins at the end of the official agenda except that where there is a public hearing members of the public may speak on the specific issue at hand.
Also residents are reminded that the village website does allow for email contact with any member of the Board including the Mayor: http://www.patchoguevillage.org/
And lastly, our websiteis now undergoing a revamp. Only the most recent videos taken by the group are currently posted. When our site is relaunched all prior videos will be reposted to serve as a permanent library of past meetings of the Board of Trustees and other Boards of the Village.
Link: www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/
Village of Patchogue Village Board Meeting: August 26, 2013
Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting: July 22, 2013
Part one of July 22, 2013 Village Board Meeting
Part two of July 22 Village Board of Trustees
This blog is about the latest video
brought to the public by the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government an
independent resident group of Patchogue Village citizens. It is a
videotape of the July 22nd meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees
the main subject of this just a bit more than two hours of video: new
parking meter zones proposed for the village.
This narrative will provide time
lines to allow a user friendly access to that length of video. As well as I
have done before there will be some additional comment about the video and the
current status of the Campaign’s various projects.
The video is presented in two parts
with the first and longer part mostly devoted to the discussion about the
village’s proposed metered parking plan. While over time our project has
resolved any number of technical issues relating to the quality of published
video we have now encountered a problem yet to be resolved with You Tube where
all our videos are posted: two hour time limit for any one video. Regretfully
this video had to be broken in two to get under that limit and this is an issue
for us. We do want our videos to be one continuous video and we are working on
a solution. In fact if there are any viewers out there who are You Tube savvy
advice about this particular issue would be most welcome and should be sent to
our website via email.
The good news about this video is
that the new camera that we are now using continues to film without distracting
audio/visual out of sync issues that we did have from time to time. It does now
however record audio very crisply and sounds even in the hallway are sometimes
picked up just to note.
I was present at the meeting, filmed
the video and reviewed the published video and taken together the two parts are
a true representation of the events of that meeting.
To add to the information that the
videos offer as has been our practice please see as well a PDF document
available on our site that accompanies this video. It is a copy of what is
called the “trustee packet”. This packet, obtained by a freedom of information
request, contains back ground documents that normally would only be seen by
Trustees when they meet. It is their package of documentation for various
agenda items.
The PDF in this case does include the
agenda for the meeting which can be seen as a road map for the items discussed
during the night. Normally any person can find the meeting agendas by going to
the village website where they are routinely posted prior to the Trustee
meeting. That site can be found at: www.patchoguevillage.org
One thing I do want to say about
the video content: this is the video to see if you have any questions about the
parking meter plan for the village. Trustee Krieger provides an excellent
overview of the Village’s immediate plan and there is also information about
long range planning as well.
Before getting into the actual time
line one last issue. From time to time members of the audience, sometimes off
camera, do comment and are not identified in the timeline to come. These
interruptions are tolerated by the Mayor. We only film what happens and have no
control over events otherwise.
Part One
Meeting begins with payment of bills
Clerk Seal offering payments for approval.
In minutes and seconds
1:37 First public hearing: approval for stop sign at intersection of Price
and River Avenue
4:39 Second public hearing on parking meter zones begins.
Trustee Krieger offers extensive overview of the meter parking zones and as well
presents an overview of various strategies the Village is considering relating
to increasing parking resources in the village in the immediate future
18:02
Trustee members join in discussion with questions about the plan
25:01
Village attorney Egan offers opinion about any prior covenants stemming from
past village land purchases for parking lots
29:43 Public comments begins
with Deborah Kernin (and please apologies to all regarding spelling of last and
first names beginning now and right to the end of the narratives for both video
sections). Comments about impact on employee parking once plan is
effected.
33:00 Jo Miller comments about proposed fines
35:49 Board members again
enter discussion with questions
36:32 Arthur Fuccillo asks for warnings first
before fining
38:00 Vincent Canazio owner of Gino’s Pizza comments on
plan
40:15 Rev. Walters comments on plan
43:05 Dennis Ross comments about
concerns for Church street lot
45: 43 Trustee Krieger re-enters the
discussion with more information about the plan
49:55 Dennis Smith, Executive
Director for the BID (Business Improvement District) comments
51:49 Mayor
Pontieri thanks parking committee for its help and advised again that he is
hopeful that the village will be selected for a study regarding the feasibility
of Tiered Parking by the LI Index.
52:57 Thelma Green, representative from
Cooper Beech Condo association comments about impact of Emporium on parking
there and concerns about future impacts once meters are placed on Railroad
avenue and the Church St. Lot
54:41 Public comment at the meeting closed but
public comment period by the public extended by written means until 8/6/13.
Issue discussion now ends at this meeting and the meeting returns to its planned
agenda
Note: public comment may be made by email (and other written forms too)
until 8/6/13. To do so by email please go to the village website where a
special link has been set up to allow for this:
www.patchoguevillage.org
57:42 Marion Russo explains VOAD program. (Disaster assistance volunteer
initiative to provide help to present disaster victims and future ones)
Now time line in hours, minutes and seconds
1:04:50 Jodi Lutwiggen, village resident, comments on the program and
appeals to Board members to support the initiative
1:07:13 River Avenue
sewer extension discussed and approved
1:07:46 Mayor Pontieri offers
resolution approving transfer of ownership of the Carnegie Library building from
the Tritec corporation to the Village of Patchogue. This discussion also
includes comments from Village attorney Egan regarding expenses relating to the
preservation of the building by the village. Comments from the Mayor regarding
unfinished tasks before building is permanently sited.
1:13:57 Mayor
explains use of child labor at the site
Ownership transfer is
approved.
1:14:28 second resolution regarding Carnegie library
presented, and discussed regarding subdivision of the land upon
which the library will be sited. Public hearing date set for 8/26/13.
1:16:22 BID (Business Improvement District) report presented by Executive
Director Dennis Smith covering a range of topics: pending store improvements,
way finder sign program, extension discussion initiated by Trustee Crean
regarding possible improvements to the sidewalk area in front of Burlington Coat
factory store including improved street scape, sidewalk, plantings, and
lighting.
1:29:52 Chamber of Commerce report presented by Executive Director
David Kennedy subjects include: position on parking meters, Great South Bay
Music festival event, St. Liberata event, Pet Parade, and revised estimates for
attendance at first Alive at Five event.
1:36:57 Trustee reports begin with
Trustee Krieger who begins with a report on the Patchogue theater….Part One
video ends see Part Two for continuation of his comments and the remainder of
the meeting.
Part Two Timeline
Video begins with continuation of Trustee Krieger’s comments that began on
Part One of the two videos for this meeting. Discussion of plans to repair roof
of some note.
2:55 Trustee Keyes reports: of note repairs to bulkhead at Mulford
street
3:51 Trustee Crean reports: traffic signal and traffic concerns at
North Ocean avenue discussed
7:42 Trustee Ferb reports: safety concerns for
New Village discussed, progress of Riverwalk condo project also
discussed
8:27 Trustee Devlin reports: new traffic enforcement near Ferry
noted, Shapiro Plaza improvements discussed, Art Council show discussed, ARB
(Architectural Review Board) appointment presented and approved.
11:19
Trustee Hilton reports: approved plans for Pet Parade presented and discussed.
Trustee Ferb raises issues about future parade approvals and discussion. Comment
about employee contributions to their health plan, approval for Liz Kelly Run
for the Sun benefit
23: 30 Public Portion begins when John Bogack asks
Trustee Ferb about progress towards village plan to cooperate with FEMA to
reduce flood insurance premiums. His response, offer of help then made. Charles
Plesh comments about traffic concerns at Highland and Wilson streets, subsequent
discussion about signage to control parking issues contributing to traffic
issues.
Meeting is adjourned.
In closing several last things. One
all are reminded that village residents can contact by email Village trustees
and the Mayor about any issue at any time by sending emails via the Village
website at: www.patchoguevillage.org
Email options can be found there by
looking up elected officials listed on the site. Two, the Board will not be
meeting again until late August. The next video will be about the August 26th
meeting. It will take place at 6 p.m at Village Hall, an agenda for the
meeting is usually posted the Friday afternoon prior to the meeting date.
Public portion at the end of the meeting and residents will have the chance to
address the Board about any concerns.
Feedback always welcome to do so
please email our site at: www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/
brought to the public by the Citizens Campaign for Open Village Government an
independent resident group of Patchogue Village citizens. It is a
videotape of the July 22nd meeting of the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees
the main subject of this just a bit more than two hours of video: new
parking meter zones proposed for the village.
This narrative will provide time
lines to allow a user friendly access to that length of video. As well as I
have done before there will be some additional comment about the video and the
current status of the Campaign’s various projects.
The video is presented in two parts
with the first and longer part mostly devoted to the discussion about the
village’s proposed metered parking plan. While over time our project has
resolved any number of technical issues relating to the quality of published
video we have now encountered a problem yet to be resolved with You Tube where
all our videos are posted: two hour time limit for any one video. Regretfully
this video had to be broken in two to get under that limit and this is an issue
for us. We do want our videos to be one continuous video and we are working on
a solution. In fact if there are any viewers out there who are You Tube savvy
advice about this particular issue would be most welcome and should be sent to
our website via email.
The good news about this video is
that the new camera that we are now using continues to film without distracting
audio/visual out of sync issues that we did have from time to time. It does now
however record audio very crisply and sounds even in the hallway are sometimes
picked up just to note.
I was present at the meeting, filmed
the video and reviewed the published video and taken together the two parts are
a true representation of the events of that meeting.
To add to the information that the
videos offer as has been our practice please see as well a PDF document
available on our site that accompanies this video. It is a copy of what is
called the “trustee packet”. This packet, obtained by a freedom of information
request, contains back ground documents that normally would only be seen by
Trustees when they meet. It is their package of documentation for various
agenda items.
The PDF in this case does include the
agenda for the meeting which can be seen as a road map for the items discussed
during the night. Normally any person can find the meeting agendas by going to
the village website where they are routinely posted prior to the Trustee
meeting. That site can be found at: www.patchoguevillage.org
One thing I do want to say about
the video content: this is the video to see if you have any questions about the
parking meter plan for the village. Trustee Krieger provides an excellent
overview of the Village’s immediate plan and there is also information about
long range planning as well.
Before getting into the actual time
line one last issue. From time to time members of the audience, sometimes off
camera, do comment and are not identified in the timeline to come. These
interruptions are tolerated by the Mayor. We only film what happens and have no
control over events otherwise.
Part One
Meeting begins with payment of bills
Clerk Seal offering payments for approval.
In minutes and seconds
1:37 First public hearing: approval for stop sign at intersection of Price
and River Avenue
4:39 Second public hearing on parking meter zones begins.
Trustee Krieger offers extensive overview of the meter parking zones and as well
presents an overview of various strategies the Village is considering relating
to increasing parking resources in the village in the immediate future
18:02
Trustee members join in discussion with questions about the plan
25:01
Village attorney Egan offers opinion about any prior covenants stemming from
past village land purchases for parking lots
29:43 Public comments begins
with Deborah Kernin (and please apologies to all regarding spelling of last and
first names beginning now and right to the end of the narratives for both video
sections). Comments about impact on employee parking once plan is
effected.
33:00 Jo Miller comments about proposed fines
35:49 Board members again
enter discussion with questions
36:32 Arthur Fuccillo asks for warnings first
before fining
38:00 Vincent Canazio owner of Gino’s Pizza comments on
plan
40:15 Rev. Walters comments on plan
43:05 Dennis Ross comments about
concerns for Church street lot
45: 43 Trustee Krieger re-enters the
discussion with more information about the plan
49:55 Dennis Smith, Executive
Director for the BID (Business Improvement District) comments
51:49 Mayor
Pontieri thanks parking committee for its help and advised again that he is
hopeful that the village will be selected for a study regarding the feasibility
of Tiered Parking by the LI Index.
52:57 Thelma Green, representative from
Cooper Beech Condo association comments about impact of Emporium on parking
there and concerns about future impacts once meters are placed on Railroad
avenue and the Church St. Lot
54:41 Public comment at the meeting closed but
public comment period by the public extended by written means until 8/6/13.
Issue discussion now ends at this meeting and the meeting returns to its planned
agenda
Note: public comment may be made by email (and other written forms too)
until 8/6/13. To do so by email please go to the village website where a
special link has been set up to allow for this:
www.patchoguevillage.org
57:42 Marion Russo explains VOAD program. (Disaster assistance volunteer
initiative to provide help to present disaster victims and future ones)
Now time line in hours, minutes and seconds
1:04:50 Jodi Lutwiggen, village resident, comments on the program and
appeals to Board members to support the initiative
1:07:13 River Avenue
sewer extension discussed and approved
1:07:46 Mayor Pontieri offers
resolution approving transfer of ownership of the Carnegie Library building from
the Tritec corporation to the Village of Patchogue. This discussion also
includes comments from Village attorney Egan regarding expenses relating to the
preservation of the building by the village. Comments from the Mayor regarding
unfinished tasks before building is permanently sited.
1:13:57 Mayor
explains use of child labor at the site
Ownership transfer is
approved.
1:14:28 second resolution regarding Carnegie library
presented, and discussed regarding subdivision of the land upon
which the library will be sited. Public hearing date set for 8/26/13.
1:16:22 BID (Business Improvement District) report presented by Executive
Director Dennis Smith covering a range of topics: pending store improvements,
way finder sign program, extension discussion initiated by Trustee Crean
regarding possible improvements to the sidewalk area in front of Burlington Coat
factory store including improved street scape, sidewalk, plantings, and
lighting.
1:29:52 Chamber of Commerce report presented by Executive Director
David Kennedy subjects include: position on parking meters, Great South Bay
Music festival event, St. Liberata event, Pet Parade, and revised estimates for
attendance at first Alive at Five event.
1:36:57 Trustee reports begin with
Trustee Krieger who begins with a report on the Patchogue theater….Part One
video ends see Part Two for continuation of his comments and the remainder of
the meeting.
Part Two Timeline
Video begins with continuation of Trustee Krieger’s comments that began on
Part One of the two videos for this meeting. Discussion of plans to repair roof
of some note.
2:55 Trustee Keyes reports: of note repairs to bulkhead at Mulford
street
3:51 Trustee Crean reports: traffic signal and traffic concerns at
North Ocean avenue discussed
7:42 Trustee Ferb reports: safety concerns for
New Village discussed, progress of Riverwalk condo project also
discussed
8:27 Trustee Devlin reports: new traffic enforcement near Ferry
noted, Shapiro Plaza improvements discussed, Art Council show discussed, ARB
(Architectural Review Board) appointment presented and approved.
11:19
Trustee Hilton reports: approved plans for Pet Parade presented and discussed.
Trustee Ferb raises issues about future parade approvals and discussion. Comment
about employee contributions to their health plan, approval for Liz Kelly Run
for the Sun benefit
23: 30 Public Portion begins when John Bogack asks
Trustee Ferb about progress towards village plan to cooperate with FEMA to
reduce flood insurance premiums. His response, offer of help then made. Charles
Plesh comments about traffic concerns at Highland and Wilson streets, subsequent
discussion about signage to control parking issues contributing to traffic
issues.
Meeting is adjourned.
In closing several last things. One
all are reminded that village residents can contact by email Village trustees
and the Mayor about any issue at any time by sending emails via the Village
website at: www.patchoguevillage.org
Email options can be found there by
looking up elected officials listed on the site. Two, the Board will not be
meeting again until late August. The next video will be about the August 26th
meeting. It will take place at 6 p.m at Village Hall, an agenda for the
meeting is usually posted the Friday afternoon prior to the meeting date.
Public portion at the end of the meeting and residents will have the chance to
address the Board about any concerns.
Feedback always welcome to do so
please email our site at: www.patchoguevillagecitizens.com/
