OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Huntington Town Board, Board of Trustees, and CDA Joint Meeting - June 9, 2026

Meeting Portal — Tuesday, June 9, 2026
BodyHuntington, New York
SessionMeeting Portal
DateTuesday, June 9, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:37:15

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

Please join Councilwoman Lupinacci for the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:23

Well, good evening, everyone.

0:24

Thank you for coming out today.

0:26

We have quite a few presentations to make.

0:28

And we will start with the first one is from Councilman Dave Bernardo with a proclamation.

0:37

Absolutely.

0:38

I I think it's no secret that in the town of Huntington we have some of the most incredible emergency uh service personnel anywhere in the United States of America.

0:46

They receive they respond collectively as departments to thousands of calls a year.

0:52

And they and I say literally thousands of calls, um, rushing from their homes as we sleep to others' homes so we can sleep soundly.

1:00

And um collectively, they're amazing.

1:05

However, there is an individual who thinks she's here to receive award on behalf of all of the New York State uh EMS workers, and she's probably not figured it out.

1:15

But um Karen Rames is an individual who is put in nearly 50 years between the Huntington Community First Aid Squad and the Greenlawn Department.

1:26

Um I happen to know her personally as my captain, um teaching me every day, but we all know her as the guardian angel who comes through our doors at any time of day or night.

1:38

Um, on behalf of a grateful town, Karen, on behalf of people who know that you're special and that you dare to be different.

1:46

We thank you, we salute you, and we commend you.

1:49

And come on up and receive your proclamation in a well deserved.

2:16

Gene and Junior, come on.

2:17

You all can turn it in.

2:21

You know, while they take these pictures, I'll just also add Karen also trained my nursery school staff in CPR for I don't know how many years in a row, and she did it so that we could afford it, and she made sure that we knew what we were doing, and we are forever grateful, Karen.

2:38

Thank you.

2:48

Thank you.

2:48

Thank you to our journey and the Chief Paul for joining us tonight.

3:03

And all of our fire departments are looking for volunteers, so if you have any interest, contact any one of your fire departments and they'll be put you in touch with the chief, and you can find out more about it.

3:16

And at this time, I would like to make a presentation.

3:21

And I think we're gonna well, let me do I'll read the proclamation first, and then we have a we have a resolution that we might take out of order.

3:29

But at this time, the town is going to be ceremoniously renaming a section of East 23rd Street between New York Avenue and Holmcrest Road in honor of Rob Bob Tellifson.

3:43

And at this time, I would like to invite the Huntington Manor Fire Department members who are here to come on down.

3:58

This is Chief John Hoffman, Lieutenant Patrick Brady, ex-Chief Chuck Brady, and Tob Snapkowski.

4:14

Chuck, come on in the pr you're in the picture, Chuck.

4:16

Don't worry, we have people that do that.

4:20

We'll send you the pictures.

4:21

There you go.

4:24

So thank you all for being here.

4:26

Bob Tellefson was the very definition of a dedicated public servant, a very proud family man and a true son of Huntington.

4:34

After growing up in the Huntington School District, Bob answered the call to of his country in 1966 and proudly served as a U.S.

4:41

military police officer in the Army, and he was stationed in South Korea.

4:46

When he returned home, that drive to protect and serve never wavered.

4:50

For 45 years, Bob put his life on the line as a volunteer firefighter, serving with distinction in both the Huntington Fire Department and the Huntington Manor Fire Department, frequently responding right out of Station 2 on New York Avenue and East 24th Street, just a stone's throw from the very road we are dedicating tonight.

5:07

But Bob's impact didn't stop at the firehouse doors.

5:11

Whether he was supporting fellow veterans through his lifetime membership with the VFW, or spending over 30 years on the water with the Harbor Boating Club, or practicing his craft as a talented woodworker, Bob brought an irreplaceable energy, kindness, and work ethic to everything he did.

5:26

Above all, Bob was a devoted husband to his wife Eileen for over fifty-five years, a loving father to Anne and son-in-law Wyatt, and a loving grandfather.

5:37

By ceremoniously renaming this street, we're ensuring that future generations of Huntington residents look up and see his name and are reminded of what it means to live a life dedicated to family, country, and community.

5:50

It is an honor to sponsor the resolution renaming the street for Robert Bob Tellifson.

6:41

Excellent.

6:41

Should I call them up to the parking lot?

6:43

Absolutely.

6:44

Okay, so we would like to call Giovanni Moss and Natisha Campbell Moss to the front of the room so we can honor you for your extraordinary feat that you did.

6:58

Welcome to both of you.

7:01

So Councilwoman Mari and I are really honored to recognize two extraordinary members of our community, and I'm apologize.

7:10

Natisha Campbell Moss and her son Giovanni Moss, whose courage, selflessness, and quick thinking demonstrate mean demonstrated how to be a wonderful neighbor and a citizen.

7:20

On the morning of March 31st, 15-year-old Giovanni Moss noticed that a neighbor's home across the street was engulfed in flames.

7:28

Rather than panic, Giovanni immediately took action.

7:31

He contacted his mother, Natisha, and then calmly called 911, providing critical information to emergency responders with a level of composure far beyond his years.

7:41

Natisha rushed outside and discovered that their neighbor was still inside the burning home, unaware of the danger, and without hesitation and with complete disregard for her own safety.

7:51

Natisha forced entry into the residence and alerted her neighbor to the fire.

7:56

Throughout the entire ordeal, Giovanni remained on the phone with emergency services, refusing to leave for school until he knew that his mother, neighbor, and the first responders were safe.

8:06

His compassion continued long after the emergency ended, as his first concern later that day was checking on the well-being of his neighbor.

8:15

Tonight, we recognize not only a heroic act, but also the values that inspired it.

8:21

Courage, compassion, responsibility, and a commitment to helping others.

8:25

Natisha and Giovanni remind us that heroes are not defined by titles or positions, but by their willingness to act when others are in need.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████16%
Zoning And Land Use████████████████16%
Technology and Innovation█████████████13%
Veterans Recognition███████████11%
Public Safety███████████11%
Parks and Recreation██████6%
Public Engagement█████5%
Fiscal Sustainability█████5%
Community Engagement████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Huntington Town Board, Board of Trustees, and Community Development Agency Joint Meeting - June 9, 2026

The Town of Huntington held a combined meeting on June 9, 2026, beginning at approximately 6:00 PM at Town Hall. The meeting included presentations and proclamations, three public hearings (one for each body), public comments, and the adoption of numerous resolutions. Key topics included a newly enacted six-month moratorium on battery energy storage systems, a scheduled public hearing on a potential tax levy override, and multiple land-use and property maintenance issues.

Presentations

  • Proclamation for Karen Rames: Councilman Bernardo honored Karen Rames for nearly 50 years of service with the Huntington Community First Aid Squad and Greenlawn Fire Department.
  • Street Naming for Robert Tellefson: A portion of East 23rd Street between New York Avenue and Holmcrest Road was ceremoniously renamed in honor of Robert “Bob” Tellefson, a U.S. Army veteran and 45-year volunteer firefighter.
  • Heroism Recognition: Natisha Campbell Moss and her son Giovanni Moss were recognized for rescuing a neighbor from a house fire on March 31, 2026. Giovanni called 911 and Natisha entered the burning home to alert the resident.
  • Social Justice Ambassadors: Over two dozen high school students from multiple districts were recognized for their work promoting tolerance and inclusivity.
  • Military Enlistees and ROTC Cadets: Proclamations were presented to young men and women enlisting in the armed forces, entering ROTC, or attending service academies.
  • Watch Party Appreciation: Supervisor Smith thanked town staff and the Suffolk County Police Department for organizing a successful Knicks game watch party at Heckscher Park the previous night.

Public Hearings

  • Town Board Hearing #1 (Blighted Property): A hearing to declare the property at 5 Floor Street, Cold Spring Harbor, a nuisance and authorize remediation. No speakers signed up; hearing was closed.
  • Board of Trustees Hearing #1 (Nathan Hale Beach Club Dock): A hearing to extend a license agreement for a recreational dock assembly (fixed pier up to 125 feet, ramp, and float) for 25 years. No speakers; hearing closed.
  • Community Development Agency Hearing #1 (Annual Action Plan): A hearing to obtain public comment on the Second Year Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2026. No speakers; hearing closed.
  • Note: A second Town Board public hearing (Local Law Introductory No. 22-2026 regarding Jericho Turnpike property) was rescheduled due to improper notice.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • James Ryder (Wilchary Drive, Commack): Expressed frustration over a long-neglected blighted property at the corner of Jericho Turnpike and Wilchary Drive, citing 15 years of complaints, code enforcement failures, and safety hazards. He urged the town to take stronger action.
  • Jordan Christensen (Citizens Campaign for the Environment): Thanked the board for facilitating a meeting with fire chiefs on battery storage and urged the board to avoid a moratorium, arguing that a thorough review process already exists.
  • Matthew Becker (East Northport): Described a 20-year abandoned property at Larkfield Road and Fourth Avenue, noting safety concerns, overgrowth, and missing fencing. He asked the town to clear sidewalks and consider blight designation.
  • Daniel Carpin (Harbor Hill Drive, Huntington): Opposed the proposed alienation of parkland for an African American museum, suggesting an existing vacant Citibank building at Park Avenue and Pulaski Road instead. He also criticized the town for not allowing public comment at the May 19 meeting.
  • Amanda Miller (Melville, employee at Houghton Group): Supported battery energy storage systems (BESS), citing grid reliability, safety standards, and cost benefits to ratepayers.
  • Doug Ogenthaler (Glenhead): Opposed BESS, arguing that lithium fires are uncontrollable and pose evacuation risks. He urged a pause until technology matures.
  • Christine Panzacca (Glenhead): Opposed BESS and the Propel New York transmission project, asserting that the state’s energy mandates strip local control and that the projects are not safe or beneficial to Long Island.
  • Robert Lamont (Dix Hills area): Questioned the single-bid award to Steel Equities for a development and criticized overbuilding of apartments and mansionization, advocating for accessory dwelling units.
  • Lucia Yu (Key Capture Energy project developer): Opposed the moratorium, warning it would deter investment in Huntington and lead to higher electricity costs and grid instability. She highlighted recent power outages and urged project-specific reviews.
  • Lauren Doolin (Alliance for Clean Energy New York): Opposed the moratorium, stating that local control is exercised through project review, not postponement. She conveyed support from the Nassau Suffolk Building Trades for safe, responsible battery storage development.
  • Melanie De Palma (Huntington Station): Supported BESS, emphasizing cost savings for ratepayers (citing potential savings of $200–$300 per year) and the need for grid modernization.

Discussion Items

  • Late Addition Resolution (2026-372): Added to the agenda, authorizing a license agreement with the Sorentino Family Foundation for a San Gennaro Festival on September 13, 2026, co-sponsored by the town board.
  • Resolution 2026-370 (Financial Impact Agreement for School Districts): Introduced by Councilman Bernardo, this resolution schedules a public hearing to amend the town code to require financial impact agreements between developers and school districts for certain mixed-use developments. The motion passed after an amendment to the header.
  • Resolution 2026-359 (Tax Levy Override Hearing): A procedural resolution to schedule a public hearing on a local law authorizing override of the state tax levy limit. Councilwoman Lupinacci voted no, stating she wants every effort to stay under the cap before considering an override. The resolution passed 4–1.
  • Resolution 2026-312 (Battery Storage Moratorium): Enacted a six-month moratorium on permits and approvals for battery energy storage systems. The resolution required a supermajority vote and was adopted (5–0, though not a roll call; Councilwoman Lupinacci did not speak against it). Multiple public speakers opposed the moratorium, but the board proceeded.
  • Other Resolutions: The board adopted a consent agenda of numerous resolutions (2026-313 through 2026-372, excluding those already voted) covering park improvements, donations, Special Olympics use of town facilities, professional services agreements, budget amendments, street abandonments, and appointments.

Key Outcomes

  • Adopted Battery Storage Moratorium (Resolution 2026-312): A six-month moratorium on battery energy storage system permits was enacted, effective immediately. The board noted that a meeting with fire chiefs had been productive but more study was needed.
  • Scheduled Public Hearing on Tax Levy Override (Resolution 2026-359): A public hearing will be held to consider a local law authorizing the town to override the state tax cap. The hearing date was not specified but will occur before the November budget vote.
  • Approved Street Dedication for Robert Tellefson (Resolution 2026-311): Adopted unanimously.
  • Approved Water and Sewer District Bonding: Four resolutions (2026-364 through 2026-367) were adopted for $6.2 million in South Huntington Water District improvements (wellhead treatment for PFAS, including $3 million in bonds) and $875,000 for Huntington Sewer District improvements, all via supermajority roll call votes (5–0).
  • Approved Late Resolution for San Gennaro Festival (2026-372): Adopted.
  • Scheduled Public Hearing on Noise Code Amendment (2026-358): A hearing will be held in September 2026 (not sooner) to allow for a night meeting and broader public participation.
  • Scheduled Public Hearing on Clark Gillies Arena Pro Shop Concession (2026-361): Adopted.
  • Adopted Resolutions on Consent: All remaining items (2026-313 through 2026-372 as amended) passed unanimously.

Meeting Transcript

Please join Councilwoman Lupinacci for the Pledge of Allegiance. Well, good evening, everyone. Thank you for coming out today. We have quite a few presentations to make. And we will start with the first one is from Councilman Dave Bernardo with a proclamation. Absolutely. I I think it's no secret that in the town of Huntington we have some of the most incredible emergency uh service personnel anywhere in the United States of America. They receive they respond collectively as departments to thousands of calls a year. And they and I say literally thousands of calls, um, rushing from their homes as we sleep to others' homes so we can sleep soundly. And um collectively, they're amazing. However, there is an individual who thinks she's here to receive award on behalf of all of the New York State uh EMS workers, and she's probably not figured it out. But um Karen Rames is an individual who is put in nearly 50 years between the Huntington Community First Aid Squad and the Greenlawn Department. Um I happen to know her personally as my captain, um teaching me every day, but we all know her as the guardian angel who comes through our doors at any time of day or night. Um, on behalf of a grateful town, Karen, on behalf of people who know that you're special and that you dare to be different. We thank you, we salute you, and we commend you. And come on up and receive your proclamation in a well deserved. Gene and Junior, come on. You all can turn it in. You know, while they take these pictures, I'll just also add Karen also trained my nursery school staff in CPR for I don't know how many years in a row, and she did it so that we could afford it, and she made sure that we knew what we were doing, and we are forever grateful, Karen. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to our journey and the Chief Paul for joining us tonight. And all of our fire departments are looking for volunteers, so if you have any interest, contact any one of your fire departments and they'll be put you in touch with the chief, and you can find out more about it. And at this time, I would like to make a presentation. And I think we're gonna well, let me do I'll read the proclamation first, and then we have a we have a resolution that we might take out of order. But at this time, the town is going to be ceremoniously renaming a section of East 23rd Street between New York Avenue and Holmcrest Road in honor of Rob Bob Tellifson. And at this time, I would like to invite the Huntington Manor Fire Department members who are here to come on down. This is Chief John Hoffman, Lieutenant Patrick Brady, ex-Chief Chuck Brady, and Tob Snapkowski. Chuck, come on in the pr you're in the picture, Chuck. Don't worry, we have people that do that. We'll send you the pictures. There you go. So thank you all for being here. Bob Tellefson was the very definition of a dedicated public servant, a very proud family man and a true son of Huntington. After growing up in the Huntington School District, Bob answered the call to of his country in 1966 and proudly served as a U.S. military police officer in the Army, and he was stationed in South Korea. When he returned home, that drive to protect and serve never wavered. For 45 years, Bob put his life on the line as a volunteer firefighter, serving with distinction in both the Huntington Fire Department and the Huntington Manor Fire Department, frequently responding right out of Station 2 on New York Avenue and East 24th Street, just a stone's throw from the very road we are dedicating tonight. But Bob's impact didn't stop at the firehouse doors. Whether he was supporting fellow veterans through his lifetime membership with the VFW, or spending over 30 years on the water with the Harbor Boating Club, or practicing his craft as a talented woodworker, Bob brought an irreplaceable energy, kindness, and work ethic to everything he did. Above all, Bob was a devoted husband to his wife Eileen for over fifty-five years, a loving father to Anne and son-in-law Wyatt, and a loving grandfather. By ceremoniously renaming this street, we're ensuring that future generations of Huntington residents look up and see his name and are reminded of what it means to live a life dedicated to family, country, and community. It is an honor to sponsor the resolution renaming the street for Robert Bob Tellifson. Excellent. Should I call them up to the parking lot? Absolutely. Okay, so we would like to call Giovanni Moss and Natisha Campbell Moss to the front of the room so we can honor you for your extraordinary feat that you did. Welcome to both of you. So Councilwoman Mari and I are really honored to recognize two extraordinary members of our community, and I'm apologize. Natisha Campbell Moss and her son Giovanni Moss, whose courage, selflessness, and quick thinking demonstrate mean demonstrated how to be a wonderful neighbor and a citizen.

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