Town of North Hempstead Town Board Regular Meeting - November 18, 2025

The Town Board held its regular meeting on November 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included continuations, public hearings, and adoption of numerous resolutions. Key items included a failed attempt to restrict taxpayer-funded mailers within 60 days of an election, extension of a moratorium on battery energy storage systems, approval of a $17.563 million bond for Albertson Water District PFAS treatment, and adoption of a fencing height increase for interior lots. Public comments addressed concerns about excessive golf course outings, animal welfare, construction safety, and campaign mailers.

Consent Calendar

• Routine approvals and unanimous actions: Items 13 through 50 and 52 were adopted en bloc by a 7-0 vote. These included resolutions setting hearing dates for fire protection contracts, handicap parking spaces, traffic ordinances, property maintenance violations, grant applications, gift acceptance, budget appropriations, awards, agreements, amendments, and miscellaneous items. Notable: Resolution 36 authorizing an agreement with Nassau County for license plate readers at Plandome Road and Andrew Street was adopted; the town only provides right-of-way access for cables. Resolution 35 authorizing use of an OMNIA agreement with Advance Stores Company for auto parts was adopted; the town anticipates saving approximately $170,000 annually. Resolution 27 authorizing an agreement with H2M Architects and Engineers for stormwater outfall inspections was adopted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Harbor Links Golf Course Outings – Melissa Magario (Manhasset) and Stephen Grife (Port Washington) criticized the number of outings (up to four per week) at Harbor Links Golf Course, stating it limits resident access, especially after Labor Day. They requested a limit of one outing per week, consistent with other public courses. The Town Attorney offered to discuss the contract interpretation with them.
• Animal Welfare/Cats – Stuart Kroll criticized the town’s lack of a cat shelter and weak TNR program, noting no monthly clinic in six months and underuse of vouchers. He urged more funding and action. Supervisor DeSena countered that 28 vouchers were taken and 27 used that month.
• Construction Safety – Theodore Caucus (Manhasset) described safety hazards from a neighboring construction site at 127 Vanderbilt Ave, including inadequate fencing and expired insurance certificates. He requested a meeting with the board to address code enforcement.
• Public Campaign Mailers – Multiple speakers (Nina Gordon, Julie Appell, Jason Liu, Francesca O'Connor, Antonio Siderakakis, Doug Ogenthaler) spoke in support of Item 5 (Chapter 24 amendment to restrict taxpayer-funded mailers within 60 days of an election), arguing that recent mailers from the Town Clerk and Supervisor’s office gave incumbents an unfair advantage. Some suggested removing names and photos from town mailers.
• Battery Energy Storage Moratorium – Numerous residents (Christine Kramer, Karen Riskin, John Fabio, Christine Panzaca, a Glen Head mother, Donald Sinski (Chief of Glenwood Fire), Linda Delgaudio, Joan Matthews, Gary Bachner, Doug Ogenthaler, Lori Golden, Arthur Schnee, Vincent Suraci) spoke in favor of extending the moratorium. They cited risks of toxic fires (e.g., Moss Landing), lack of fire department preparedness, and potential harm to health, environment, and property values. Chief Sinski stated Glenwood Fire lacks equipment and manpower to handle lithium-ion battery fires. John Fabio urged a permanent ban. Letters of support from Congressman Tom Suozzi, Senator Jack Martins, and Nassau County legislators were read into the record. No speakers opposed the moratorium.
• Other – Tom McDonough (CSEA) questioned the stormwater outfall contract (Item 27) and the switch from NAPA to Advance Auto Parts (Item 35), expressing concerns about parts availability and union jobs. He also spoke about bond savings and tax refunds. The town’s procurement representative explained cost savings.

Discussion Items

• Item 1: Zoning Amendment – Erroneous Building Permits – Adopted (7-0) as Resolution 602-2025, Local Law 17-2025. Clarifies payment of additional permit fees for permits issued between 2000-2006.
• Item 2: Fencing Height Increase – Adopted (7-0) as Resolution 603-2025, Local Law 18-2025. Allows 6-foot-high fences on side and rear yards of interior residential lots, not extending forward of the front building line. Public comments: Michael O'Donnell asked for clarification; Alina Uzilov (Rosalind Country Club Civic Association) spoke in support; John Fabio (former BZA member) noted it would reduce variance requests.
• Item 3 & 4: Albertson Water District Bond – Public hearing held. Anthony Egan (DMB Engineers) presented the need for PFAS treatment at Well 5 due to new EPA regulations effective 2029. Total cost: $17,563,000, offset by a $5 million grant. Estimated monthly increase of $10-$20 for average residential customer. Bond authorization provides flexibility for other needs. Alina Uzilov questioned the ad valorem assessment method and whether the treatment is necessary given potential federal regulatory changes. The district explained that two contaminants are not subject to repeal, and ad valorem is the historical method. Items adopted (7-0) as Resolutions 604-2025 and 605-2025.
• Item 5: Governmental Operations – Campaign Mailer Restrictions – Failed (3-4). A motion to adopt a local law amending Chapter 24 to prohibit use of town resources for political advantage, including a 60-day blackout on mailers over 250 recipients, was made by Councilwoman Dalimonte. After extensive debate, the vote was: Ayes – Troiano, Liu, Dalimonte; Nays – Walsh, Adhami, DeSena, Scott. Supervisor DeSena moved to continue but was overruled. The resolution failed. Councilwoman Dalimonte vowed to reintroduce.
• Item 6: Tow Trucks – Credit Cards – Continued to December 9, 2025 by unanimous vote.
• Item 7: Waterways and Boats – Adopted (7-0) as Resolution 606-2025, Local Law 19-2025. Codifies portions of NYS Navigation Law.
• Item 8: Battery Energy Storage Moratorium Extension – Adopted (6-1). Councilman Troiano voted no, arguing the town should study the issue and develop codes rather than extend moratorium. He referenced a year-old promise to study. Councilman Scott, Walsh, Liu, Adhami, Dalimonte, and Supervisor DeSena voted yes, citing fire department concerns, lack of state guidelines, and volunteer firefighter strain. Adopted as Resolution 607-2025, Local Law 20-2025.
• Item 9: Port Washington Parking District – Continued to December 9, 2025.
• Item 10: Handicap Parking Space (23 Herbert Dr) – Continued to December 9, 2025.
• Item 11: Rushmore Avenue Parking Restriction – Initially struck due to synopsis error (agenda said 8 AM-4 PM, resolution and public notice said 8 AM-12 PM). After Town Attorney clarification, the hearing was reopened, corrected to 8 AM-12 PM Monday-Friday, and adopted as Traffic Ordinance 43-2025 (7-0).
• Item 12: Cherry Lane Parking Rescission – Continued to December 9, 2025.
• Item 51: Personnel Resolutions – Adopted (7-0) after striking item 1 (hire of Efrain Fontanet) for the second consecutive month. Items 2-23 approved, including hires, status changes, resignations, and a title correction.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted Local Laws: Local Law 17-2025 (permit fees), Local Law 18-2025 (fencing height), Local Law 19-2025 (waterways/boats), Local Law 20-2025 (battery storage moratorium extension).
• Bond Authorization: $17,563,000 for Albertson Water District PFAS treatment (Resolution 605-2025).
• Failed Resolution: Chapter 24 amendment (campaign mailer restrictions) failed 3-4.
• Continued Hearings: Items 6, 9, 10, 12 continued to December 9, 2025.
• Traffic Ordinance 43-2025: No parking 8 AM-12 PM, Monday-Friday on Rushmore Avenue, Carle Place.
• Consent Calendar: All items 13-50 and 52 adopted unanimously.
• Personnel Actions: Resolution 648 adopted (items 2-23) with item 1 struck.
• Next Meeting: December 9, 2025, 7:00 PM.