TOWN OF SMITHTOWN
Work Session &
Board Meeting
9/09/08

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?