TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING- 11/20/08
A meeting that began unremarkably ended in a tirade directed at Ms. Cernitz for approaching Councilman Creighton, as an elected leader with a background in law enforcement, to do an investigation within the Town. Issues  surfaced during the last BZA meeting on 11/12/08. The first public comment in regard to corruption was noted at that meeting as well as further commentary by an attorney who noted the approvals for a building that was non-compliant. Of interest is the fact that the Supervisor would rather slam a citizen's character then take up the baton and right the wrongs. As said by Ms. Cernitz during her time at the podium, Dante (Alighieri ) said, " The hottest seat in hell is reserved for those that do not do the right thing". Councilman Creighton corrected it ( rightly ). The actual quote is, " The hottest seat in Hell is reserved for those who, in time of great moral crisis, chose to do nothing."

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING OF 5/6/08 (w/ Post Script)
UNEQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW...At a Town Board Meeting sparks were ignited when the Supervisor wouldn't listen to the plight of residents of St. James who for thirty years have endured a private school Carnival annually on their doorsteps. Other issues also were aired at this meeting, FOILS and Superintendent Dan Ryan spoke, this time passionately, about the state of the roads in Smithtown; pleading on behalf of residents for a budget to cover the needed work. Most importantly see the Post Script. Local Views gave the family time to review their story for the public. The same story the Supervisor refused the time needed to be heard.

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING OF 5/22/08
A continuous wave of issues that brought many people to speak at the podium. Not all of the people received a welcome from the supervisor. His character and personality are strikingly evident in his manner from those he has orchestrated to perform to those he wishes had not appeared before him. A long meeting but it is necessary to remain tuned to the end. (NOTE - Edited for time constraints)

SMITHTOWN TOWN BOARD MEETING 6/10/08
Contentious meeting in regard to the Carnival that will be taking place at the Sts. Phillip and James school parking lot. Noted to be out of compliance with town codes, the Supervisor and Board Members voted to give the Carnival a permit ( depite it's illegality), but with conditions. Neighbors of the Carnival will still face serious consequences of a situation far out of place in a small venue. At this time 6/16/08 - the Carnival has rolled in it's 60 plus trucks through the night; highly irregular, and there has been no oversight by town officials nor any visible acts of conformation by the organizers as was promised would occur by board members for the neighborhood. Whether conditions were placed on the permit or not, no promises made were kept and no one from the fund organization has provided relief. This will end in a serious law suit against the Town and the taxpayers will foot the bill. What kind of government does Smithtown have at it's helm? Other issues were aired at this meeting; the Fallica civil suit against the Town and the issue of FOILS and a continuation of the Town not conforming to the Law.

SMITHTOWN Town Board Meeting - 6/26/08
The public portion of this town board Meeting brought more than the usual number of residents to the podium to speak about issues that have befallen them. Carl Fallica read a letter to the Board members concerning the Town tax assessor skipping out on an appointment with him. He addresses the issues. Yours truly, Lenore Cernitz spoke about the on-going problems getting the Town, the Town Attorney and the Board of Ethics (imagine the "ethics board" ) to adhere to the Rule of Law. They are making up their own rules as they go along - in my attempt to obtain public records of Financial Disclosure documents. The New York State Freedom of Information Law clearly states what is obtainable and what the public is entitled to. Financial Disclosure is just that: disclosure. The intent of the Law is to enable citizens to have information available in an open atmosphere. These folks find all kinds of excuses to stall and disable the process. They all but thumb their nose at you. Clearly, not in keeping with the Rule of Law.

Smithtown Town Board Work Session - 07/15/08
Short session as usual. Planning department discusses several new  items. Interesting point: The subject of Edgewood Ave intersection at Landing Ave. was raised with information that a study done had recommended that the intersection be returned to it's former pattern of moving the traffic. The Supervisor however appears to dismiss the recommendation when he questioned if no one was complaining then making the change he feared " lots of people would come out of the woodwork to stir the pot" Councilwoman Biancaniello had something to say but called for an executive session to air it. This too is an interesting point. Executive sessions may be called for if it is stated it is for strategy in a law suit and name the law suit. No mention of the matter.

SMITHTOWN Town Board Meeting - 07/15/08
Councilman Creighton had his debut reading the add on to the agenda. Three speakers at the Public Portion:
(1) Passionate denouncement of treatment by Ethics Board Member Howard Knispel when Lenore Cernitz met him to view and get copies of financial disclosure statements.
(2) Statement by resident Carl Fallica of egregious treatment in attempts to obtain permits to improve property.
(3) Denise Creighton...daughter of Councilman Creighton....suggests that the Town Board censor speakers. Restraining speech is against the First Ammendment Freedom of Speech; a given in our Constitution. George Carlin had it right. If you don't like what you hear - there are two buttons on your T.V. One to turn it off and one to change the channel.  

Smithtown Town Board Work Session - 08/12/08
During the work session of the Town Board the discussion provided information that Senator Flanagan was procuring $750,000 allocated for both drainage problems and sidewalks. The Supervisor has not yet finalized  how to get the funding but would be making the calls. The Parks Dept. surveyed areas receiving the improvements.  Discussion also held on the Youth Bureau. Following with the issue of getting the agenda
for Town Meetings up on the computer in a timely manner, Ms. Biancaniello would like to change the day for completion to Thursday, but the Supervisor saw issues with additional read ons. Additionally, the Councilwoman suggested formalizing a technology department with it's own department head. This is currently being handled through the comptroller's office.

SMITHTOWN Town Board Meeting - 08/12/08
The Town Board meeting had many resolutions apparently due to the fact that the last meeting was on 7/15/08 and the next meeting is not until September. Planning Department Director Frank DeRubeis outlined two amendments to Codes; one on Nursing homes and Assisted Living that would have a provision that lessened the code requirements for those facilities when in or adjacent to the downtown area. It, in fact, left it to the Supervisor to wave requirements for a 75,000 square foot facility when he deems it warranted in that location.  The second was on underground parking in the downtown area now, and later in other
commercial areas - as well as raising the issue of eliminating the parking garage ordinance that is currently not being used. The public portion of the meeting had civic activist Lenore Cernitz speaking on the purpose of the Freedom of Information Law and the elected officials use of their position of power to thwart, to stall, and to block the efforts of private citizens. In this she called to mind the Founding Fathers that recognized the problem of power, and knew there was a need to limit power and control it.

SMITHTOWN Town Board Work Session & Meeting - 09/09/08
The short work session ended abruptly without mentioning having to exit for executive session and without mentioning why there was a need to go into executive session. Another lapse of transparency and another failure to follow procedure according to the Freedom of Information Law. The Supervisor was secluded with the budget during this session. He did however, appear for the Town Board Meeting. Those that spoke at the public portion had significant issues relative to their homes. One man from St. James, who has appeared previously again reviewed the problem of water run-off that causes him significant flooding. The Supervisor as always looks for wiggle room. Perhaps he should know that water run-off in the Nissequogue River corridor is a no-no and address the issue. Instead the citizen is left to fend for himself. Another group spoke about a serious concern with a neighbor who has erected a steel structure and received a permit for a retaining wall in his backyard impacting on all those around him. The neighbors spoke about the error of the permit and the new regulations for retaining walls. The Town Attorney did not want anything discussed as there is an ongoing federal law suit. But the neighbors continued stating this is an issue differing from the law suit. The new concern for the community is how many law suits are presently ongoing at Town Hall? And as the Supervisor seemed surprised by the fact that there was a law suit in regard to this, how many law suits sail by under the radar of the Town Supervisor?

SMITHTOWN Town Board Meeting - 09/25/08
The 7 pm. Town Board meeting at the Senior Citizen Center on Thurs. Sept. 25, 2008 was absent of Supervisor Vecchio and Councilwoman Biancaniello' presence. No reason given. One resolution that needed a super majority to pass was taken off the agenda for this meeting. Several residents spoke during the public portion, the most significant being Highway Superintendent Ryan, who answered a constituent's concerns.

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN WORK SESSION - 10/07/08
The working session of the Town Board included several different issues of interest. Importantly, the budget was briefly brought up by Councilwoman Biancaniello who had some questions. Rather than discuss any issues during this working session which would give the public insight into the thinking of members of the board and the issues in question, it was put side to be discussed again outside of the publics' view. The budget itself will be presented on October 30th and then voted upon. What impact can the public have under such a process? The budget itself has been questioned by two of our local newspaper editors who find fault with the fact that the Supervisor ( the chief architect of the obscure Smithtown budget ) is asking to purchase bonds and increase taxes despite the soundness of the Town's finances and no new projects or programs. While we have a 28 million dollar surplus, something over 6 million is being set aside to off set expected lower mortgage tax income to the Town, not applying it to new projects or programs. In light of this, the Supervisor's intent is to raise the Town taxes and bond more than 1 million dollars. Why??? Will he wait to have more and then next year when he runs for office he can say that he is saving us money? This is the year that everyone can feel the pressure of the economy and would benefit from a zero budget increase, or even a reduction with so much in reserve. No amount of money in reserve ( as the Supervisor claims benefits the taxpayer ) in this financial climate will save the taxpayers money if there is a need to purchase bonds. We do not need to borrow, if we have so much money in hand.
Check out the Hess gas station issue and the 24/7 hours that residents have petitioned the Town to change. 

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 10/07/08
Of interest at this meeting was the public portion that had several residents speaking on their own behalf. Lenore Cernitz is still discussing the issue of FOILs, but making headway inch by inch. The Supervisor has now granted permission for me to receive a copy of ONE of his many years of financial disclosure documents. Councilman McCarthy has granted nothing. Unfortunately, as Lenore has now made a request to see three consecutive years, she is only getting a copy of one year. Oh well, back to the Board. Perhaps the promised new code will be ready for the public and the Town will come into compliance with the Freedom of Information Law.  Perhaps...

Town of Smithtown Budget Hearing & Board Meeting - 10/30/08
As the budget hearing was set to coincide with the Town Board meeting, those that had something to discuss about the 2009 budget were heard first. Several residents spoke about: (1) the amounts budgeted for highways and, if nothing was budgeted on one line then where was it now presented; and (2)  The issue of the St. James Fire Department's hand written budget without detail on estimates; unlike any other Fire District and from what the citizen said, it was not according to municipal law; and (3) the issue of raising taxes for 2009 when there was twenty-one (21) million dollars in surplus. The prior year was left with more than 28 million in surplus, so over 6 million was being shifted into 2009 but still the supervisor was raising more than a million dollars in taxes with much leftover in the surplus budget???
Councilwoman Biancaniello was surprised that the budget was put up for a vote as she had requested a meeting to address her issues. I wonder if one might have been the Supervisor's salary increase of $10,500. The seventh in eight years, and she (Ms. Biancaniello) never takes her increases.
The Town Board Meeting followed and several citizens spoke. When the issue of F.O.I.L.s was brought up the Supervisor announced that the new code with copies available for Financial Disclosure would occur after January 1, 2009. This announcement was coupled with a response to the questioner that he found her to be "invasive". Some may think that coming into compliance was the legally responsible action of a democratic government.

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN WORK SESSION - 11/04/08
Three items at this work session of Town Board members were concerning the town of St. James; -- two (2) banks to be built and a TelCom application at the St. James Plaza. The TD Bank (previously known just as Commerce Bank) going in on Lake Ave. will now have a two faced clock erected in front as a condition of the Planning Board. The bank was required to revamp it's style and brick. Check all conditions. And the second bank, not heard about before, to be built on Route 25a on the site of the abandoned Shell Station. The style does not appear to be anything of note but the condition is that it have traditional brick. Will that make a difference?
Councilwoman Biancaniello brought up the issue of clerical understaffing for the school age child program. 

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING- 11/04/08
Another Town Board Meeting done in record time. The resolutions were read by Councilman McCarthy who spun past all the negative SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act) and the LWRP's (Local Waterfront Review Program).  One particular negative was the TD Bank on Lake Avenue in St. James, that is to be erected on the property which has been occupied for many years by an auto body shop. A negative SEQRA means that no environmental impact study needs to be done.

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN WORK SESSION - 12/02/08
A shocking decision to make a temporary wrong ... PERMANENTLY WRONG!. Without warning to an aggrieved family and the surrounding community, the Town paved the way after 13 years of non-compliance to Town codes; (on a variety of egregious issues ) and the customary practice of not allowing trailers in R-10 zoning, to legitimize a "temporary trailer." This act is one in a continuous series of scandalous decisions that has gone down against neighbors by the Town but for an institution that pays no taxes, flaunts code violations, and trounces the rights of neighbors. It is particularly noticeable when the active resident within that community has beseeched this municipality to protect the rights of the homeowner/taxpayer and has itemized the code violations, only to be, figuratively, thrown beneath the bus.
How inhumane, how unglorious!!

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 12/02/08
Another 12 minute meeting, without indication from the resolutions, "what is" a significant issue or "what is" meant to go over the taxpayer's head without notice. A patronizing practice from those who believe they know better than the masses, whom are valued only long enough to extract tidy sums in order for officials to continue their sham.  What does manage to slip out though; is another law suit, but only a tad of info, for it is identified strictly in alphabet letters with no clue to the issue. But $15,000 is being set aside.
Could there be another aggrieved party?

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN WORK SESSION - 01/06/09
1. The gathering before the work session of the town board was about accepting a $25,000 check from LIPA. The check wasn't accepted by vote. This only could have been done during the 2 pm. meeting of the Town Board in a resolution ( but wasn't). The board doesn't vote resolutions during a work session. Only it seems when they decide they want it so; as in the December 2nd meeting when they failed to alert a particular neighborhood they were going to legitimize an illegal trailer. So as the line goes in the Jerry MacQuire flick "Show me the Money".
2. Councilwoman Biancaniello has begun to understand that there are no procedures when it comes to making appointments. Appointments are made by majority rule and the inside track. Those who have been following town politics clearly understand what commands "that process". Supervisor Vecchio found something to preoccupy him during this discussion. Not to take away from the appointed candidate for we know almost nothing of the listed qualifications or how those qualifications stand against any others, but listening to the majority of the board in defense of their positions should be of concern to the community. And someone should remind Councilman Wehrheim that in the 21st century we recognize that a candidate for a professional office is a candidate and not " that lady ".

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 01/06/09
How can a town benefit from a six minute Board Meeting? An agenda that provides no transparency, a work session where in the Supervisor is not in attendance, and the majority of a council that will not cooperate in order to improve a flawed system when it is pointed out to them.

 

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 01/22/09
A hearing on proposed amendments as it relates to parks, beach and recreation was read by the town attorney Yvonne Lieffrig who had difficulty clearly expressing the changes. A helping hand/ or prompting was offered by Supervisor Vecchio.
****Important advertising for public hearing on Feb. 26, 2009 for changes to a code recommended by the Board of Ethics that will relate to financial disclosure documents as well as copies of those same items. This is a issue that LOCAL VIEWS has pursued. Further reading and analysis will be done on this change by LOCAL VIEWS before the hearing.
Finally, a citizen came up to complain about the amendments to the code for parks. Interesting comments that one can see show that writing a code change needs intelligent and careful wording before it is brought before the community.

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN WORK SESSION - 02/03/09
Another one of those sessions when the Supervisor can be observed dismissing topics that are brought up intentionally to be shared/discussed amongst board members. Interesting and insightful bantering amongst the members. No executive privilege requested. Surprise. This was the week of the Cosmo story and the related temporary CO that was hastily issued, as well as, a new law suit.

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 02/03/09
Short meeting. Business as usual. Another law suit with a resolution for attorney fees to Devitt, Spellman & Barret not to exceed $20,000 without approval by board.

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 02/26/09
1) Hearing on Amendments made to the Code of Ethics as well as Amendments to Code for Financial Disclosure. Essentially the issue that Local Views has pursued in order to obtain copies of documents of financial disclosure. Lenore Cernitz takes issue on additional point. Incorporated into the amendment is a sentence that give the members of the Board of Ethics the ability to grant confidentiality and/or an exemption if "they" are of the opinion that parts pose no conflict of interest. Checked with the Committee on Open Government, this should be taken out and reworked. Still ongoing.
2) Hearing on amendment to law for telecommunications facility and definitions. Citizen's concern LWRP should not be superseded. Another citizen advances idea for KPPC cell sites.
3) Citizen speaks on Drug evidence in Sy Donnelly Park. A big and growing problem in Smithtown.

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN WORK SESSION - 03/10/09
1) One Site Plan to consider on "Kondenar"; west side of Southern Blvd. ( much controversial re zoning). Zone change from LI to WSI. Ready for approval subject to 8 conditions. Pieces going from residential to office; change of use; modifications to site; permits required; numerous variances from the BZA. Attorney Zollo represents owner .
2) Councilman McCarthy has new interest in underground and above ground parking as well as changing restrictions on building heights.
3) The Supervisor returns and opens up the discussion of the day.  

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 03/10/09
Short meeting, short agenda. Two citizens speak up on their concerns:
(1) the KPPC and the visit from NYS Parks Commissioner Carol Ash
(2) the problem of street parking on Lake Ave in downtown St. James.

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN WORK SESSION - 04/14/09
A discussion involving Councilman McCarthy regarding change of zoning in the WSI ( Wholesale and Service Industry) corridor on Route 25, east of Main Street in Smithtown -- brings in the issue of conflict of interest as the councilman has empty property since closing his car dealerships. Where is this going and should he be involved?
Letter on the issues can be seen in "Call for Justice" section of LOCAL VIEWS website dated 4/20/09.
Meeting session longer than usual.

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 04/14/09
The St. Patrick's Church (Smithtown) announcement of a Carnival became an issue when there were no signs displayed for this day's hearing. Interestingly, the follow-up has produced more concerns for the community. See Letter from Lenore Cernitz in the "Call for Justice" section of LOCAL VIEWS website dated 4/20/09....Proposed amendments to special Events and Parades was announced but not discussed.....Lenore Cernitz also spoke again on the FOIL issues that have not been resolved by this Town Board....STOP came to the Town Board to talk about the disposal of hazardous waste. They brought 3000 signatures signed by residents to support this cause.

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN WORK SESSION - 05/05/09

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 05/05/09

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 05/28/09

EXCERPT OF TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 05/28/09

Caldarola Family

Caldarola v. Town of Smithtown, et al.

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN WORK SESSION- 06/09/09

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 06/09/09

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 07/14/09

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN WORK SESSION - 08/11/09

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 08/11/09

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN TOWN BOARD WORK SESSION - 09/08/09

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 09/08/09

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 09/24/09

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 10/06/09

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN TOWN BOARD WORK SESSION - 11/10/09

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 11/10/09

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 11/19/09

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 04/22/10

"GROUNDWATER ISSUES"

(section of Town Board meeting containing speakers on Groundwater Issues)

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 05/20/10

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN BOARD MEETING - 06/08/10