OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Town of North Hempstead Town Board Meeting – August 11, 2026

Town Board — Tuesday, August 11, 2026
BodyNorth Hempstead, New York
SessionTown Board
DateTuesday, August 11, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:02:00

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

If you'd all please stand and join me in placing your right hand over your heart.

0:05

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

0:09

And to the Republic for which it stands.

0:12

One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

0:23

Good evening, everybody.

0:28

August 7, 2026.

0:31

Present.

0:33

Here.

0:36

Present.

0:39

She's here.

0:40

No dead.

0:42

Supervisor Decinno.

0:43

Here.

0:44

Thank you.

0:45

Okay, good evening, everybody.

0:55

He is in our higher our highway department.

0:58

And he is also a member of the Great Neck Alert Fire Department.

1:02

So I I thank I thank the fire service always and um perhaps it is that training that had him so aware and so willing to help.

1:17

Jonathan was right here in Manhasset on Bayview Avenue, waiting at a traffic light in his uh street sweeper on duty.

1:27

Um when he saw an older gentleman try to cross, then try and cross the other way.

1:34

He didn't notice that there was a car traveling very fast southbound on Plannedome Road.

1:41

Um but thinking fast and knowing that saving a life is the most important thing.

1:46

Jonathan leaned on his horn like uh like you know, maybe sometimes we want to do, but he leaned on it in a very, very hard way, and this gentleman turned around.

1:56

It took a while.

1:57

Well, but he did it.

1:58

He turned around to see what was happening, and when he come came back narrowly missed being hit.

2:07

In fact, Jonathan, you said that the his jacket blew in the wind.

2:14

Will you come up to the actually why don't please come up to the microphone?

2:18

And uh tell us a little bit, what happened what went through your mind.

2:22

So uh I was by Starbucks, I was at the light uh Bayview Avenue facing Planham Road.

2:31

And I the judgeman is wearing uh uh a hat, uh a nice stylish hat, so I was watching him.

2:36

He tried to cross my light, the light changed, so I was watching him.

2:40

And then he started heading uh I don't need a microphone.

2:44

He's not heading so we started heading a couple of things.

2:45

No, please no talking to the microphone.

2:47

That way we can record.

2:51

And so I was watching this gentleman for a while.

2:54

A while like twenty second like twenty seconds.

2:57

Yeah.

2:58

And then uh I I noticed the car because I where I was parked, waiting for the light, I could see past the butcher on the corner, and I saw this car flying down the road.

3:09

And this gentleman unaware, didn't even look, didn't even turn his head to the left, start across the street.

3:16

He was in the middle of the street when I car was coming.

3:18

And all I could see, I don't want to tell you what I could what I was picturing.

3:23

Right.

3:24

But so I saw a hook in the horn.

3:26

And the sweep of horn is very low.

3:29

It's like an e, you know, European sound.

3:32

But uh everybody's looking at me.

3:35

Everyone by Starbucks on the corner, why'd this guy hucking a horn?

3:38

I'm hocking pointing, pointing.

3:40

Somebody get this guy's attention.

3:42

This car is coming very fast.

3:44

And the last second, the gentleman, you know, he heard the horn the last second, as he turned around, the car passed him.

3:52

And you could see the movement of his jacket from the wind of the car speeding by So uh one of the people who witnessed this wrote to us telling us about uh how this that happened.

4:07

So I I thank you, Jonathan.

4:14

I I thank the fire service for investing time and training in you.

4:19

And um, you know, this is right of the block from town hall, so you know I don't know who that gentleman was.

4:25

He could have been one of my neighbors.

4:27

Um so thank you, and uh we have a proclamation we'd like to give you.

4:32

Your son is here, would would you like to join us or or take a photo?

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████████████18%
Personnel Matters█████████████████17%
Transportation Safety█████████████████17%
Public Safety████████████████16%
Animal Welfare█████████9%
Procedural██████6%
Community Engagement█████5%
Environmental Protection█████5%
Public Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Town of North Hempstead Town Board Regular Meeting – August 11, 2026

The Town Board held its regular meeting on August 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM. The meeting began with a proclamation honoring highway worker Jonathan for helping an elderly man avoid a car accident, and recognition of retiring union leader Tom McDonough. Public comments addressed cat shelter needs, traffic safety, building complaints, and the Propel energy project. The board then conducted public hearings and voted on numerous resolutions, most passing unanimously. Key items included approvals for a dock extension, a gas station redevelopment with security camera conditions, an unsafe building demolition, new traffic ordinances, and a new five-year collective bargaining agreement with the CSEA union.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Liz Diamond (Roslyn) – Expressed frustration about the lack of a town cat shelter and inadequate TNR program, citing suffering outdoor cats and personal financial burden. She also raised a sidewalk safety issue.
  • Hank Ratner (Port Washington) – Criticized the board for limiting public comment to three minutes and for approving the Inspiration Wharf project after only one hearing, despite significant opposition from experts. He argued the board should have held the record open longer.
  • Michael O’Donnell (New Hyde Park) – Asked for a follow-up on a building complaint (54 Nugent Street) filed July 24, noting construction without apparent permits. Councilwoman Liu agreed to look into it.
  • Roberto Bonelli (Albertson) – Voiced strong support for a cat shelter, warning of a political campaign to replace board members who oppose it. He mentioned a planned vote for Bruce Blakeman due to his animal welfare platform.
  • Stuart Kroll – Criticized the town for not spending on a cat shelter while funding a $52,000 dog park. He urged cat owners to vote against current board members.
  • Wendy Boncheck (Roslyn Heights) – Raised concerns about stop sign violations at McGregor Avenue and Garfield Place, and noted that Mineola School District recently opted into the school bus arm camera program. She reported receiving a ticket from a bus with improperly deployed lights.
  • Christine Pansecka – Opposed the Propel transmission line project, arguing it would cost $3.26 billion without solving Long Island's reliability issues. She submitted articles and LIPA sworn testimony, urging the board to push for the project's dismissal.
  • Tom McDonough (retired union leader) – Thanked the board for passing the CSEA collective bargaining agreement, stating he leaves the town in a better place.

Consent Calendar

  • The board adopted a consent calendar comprising resolutions 8–48 (excluding 27 and 49) and 51–54 unanimously (7–0). Notable items included:
    • Setting public hearing dates for Verizon cable franchise, Bolla EM Realty gas station redevelopment, honorary street namings, and a commercial truck restriction on I.U. Willets Road.
    • Accepting a $20,504 gift from The Shelter Connection for synthetic turf at the town animal shelter.
    • Supplemental budget appropriation of $18,468 for employee training safety purchases (PERMA grant).
    • Amendment to the 2023 Capital Plan repurposing funds for general improvements at Whitney Pond and Ridders Pond Parks.
    • Grant application to NY Kicks Program ($200,000 with $200,000 match) for soccer field renovation at Martin “Bunky” Reid Park.
    • Debris cleanup in Manhasset Bay on October 6, 2026.
    • Award of bid for Westbury Avenue improvements to Stasi General Contracting LLC for $3,737,276.
    • Award of bid for Barracuda support and maintenance to vCloud Tech Inc.
    • Intermunicipal agreements: Mineola School District bus arm camera program, Roslyn Harbor salt storage, federal tree planting program with multiple villages and school districts, Nassau County air compressor for Albertson Fire District.
    • Ratification of agreements with US Aerials & Equipment LLC for light towers at town events.
    • Agreements for engineering services (NV5 for Westbury Avenue, Nelson & Pope for Harbor Hills bathhouse feasibility study, USGS for groundwater well monitoring).
    • Amendments to contracts for waste collection (Jamaica Ash), OSHA respirator evaluations, HVAC services, emergency notification system (Onsolve), accounting services, printing/mailing, Core BTS Barracuda support, Global Fueling fuel system maintenance, and lease of space at 176 Plandome Road.
    • Amending resolutions for appellate printing name change (Counsel Press to Proceed Legal), separation benefits for exempt employees, Firefly Admin GASB 73 disclosure package (adding two terms totaling $2,000), and clarifying extension dates for door/gate repair contract.
    • Authorizing payment to Harbor Links Golf Group for State of the Town address and senior luncheons ($3,000 + $8,700).
    • Purchasing software maintenance: MicroForce for Microsoft Dynamics ($2,250) and Motorola Solutions for 311 system ($96,444).
    • Authorizing indirect supervisory arrangements for relatives in Parks Department (Francis and Matthew Chiella) through September 30, 2026.
    • Approving firefighter membership changes (Great Neck, Port Washington companies).

Discussion Items

  • Langdon Road Stop Signs (Continued) – A public hearing on installing all-stop signs at Langdon Road and Garson Road, Carle Place, was continued from June 9, 2026. Resident Tom McDonough expressed concerns about overgrown bushes causing a hazard. The board voted 7–0 to continue the hearing to September 15, 2026.
  • Dock Appeal – Ming C. Cheung (200 The Tideway, Plandome Heights) – The applicant (Dan Hall, Land Use Ecological Services) sought to extend an existing dock by 100 feet to reach navigable water, exceeding the 150-foot limit and six-foot width. The Waterfront Advisory Commission recommended approval. No public cards. The board voted 7–0 to grant the appeal, reversing the Building Department’s disapproval.
  • Tabs Motors Gas Station Redevelopment (200 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park) – Two hearings (Special Use Permit and underground storage tank waiver) were merged. The applicant proposed removing an outdated 6,000+ sq ft building, installing a 1,250 sq ft convenience store, four pump islands (eight positions) under a canopy, and two 12,000-gallon double-wall fiberglass tanks. Key improvements included channelized curb cuts on Hillside Avenue to prohibit left turns, a consolidated driveway on North Second Street shifted 60 feet from the intersection, and enhanced landscaping. Traffic engineer Nicholas Tortorella testified the project would generate only 30 new peak-hour trips and improve safety. Board members requested additional channelization of the Hillside entrance driveway to further discourage illegal left turns, and added a condition requiring security cameras on the east, west, and center of the convenience store front. The board voted 7–0 to approve both items, with the resolution amended to include the camera condition.
  • Unsafe Building – 76 Lee Avenue, Albertson – A hearing to consider demolition of a structurally unsound dwelling. Neighbor John Badami (59 Lee Avenue) testified about blight and rodent issues, supporting demolition. The board voted 7–0 to adopt the resolution, giving the owner until August 25, 2026 to secure permits or face town-ordered demolition.
  • Reserved Parking Space – 41 Madison Avenue, New Hyde Park – No public comments. The board voted 7–0 to establish a reserved parking spot.
  • No Commercial Parking Ordinance – Union Turnpike, New Hyde Park – Michael O’Donnell (Lakeville Estates Civic Association) asked about signage and the 12 a.m.–6 a.m. gap, which was confirmed as intentional to allow some commercial deliveries. The board voted 7–0 to adopt the ordinance (Traffic Ordinance No. 11-2026).
  • CSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement (Resolution 27) – A five-year contract for CSEA Local 1000 covering January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2031, with 17% cost-of-living wage increases over five years and an inflation protection clause (if federal COLA exceeds 3%, wages increase up to 4%). Town Attorney Joe Scolaro explained concessions included a first-ever review of departmental work rules. Councilman Troiano abstained due to his wife being a union member. The board voted 6–0 (Troiano abstaining) to ratify.
  • Payment of Claims (Resolution 49) – Settlement of two claims: Henry Tao ($400) and Matthew Davis ($45,000). Councilman Troiano abstained due to a personal relationship with one claimant. The board voted 6–0 to approve.
  • Personnel Actions (Resolution 50) – Bulk approval of hires, title changes, and separations. Councilwoman Dalimonte thanked departing legislative aide Aaron Molinar. All items passed 7–0.

Key Outcomes

  • Continued Hearings: Langdon Road stop signs continued to September 15, 2026.
  • Approvals (all 7–0 except where noted):
    • Dock appeal granted (Resolution 360-2026).
    • Tabs Motors special use permit and underground storage tank waiver approved with added security camera condition (Resolutions 361 & 362-2026).
    • Unsafe building demolition authorized with 14-day permit deadline (Resolution 363-2026).
    • Reserved parking space established (Resolution 364-2026).
    • No commercial parking ordinance adopted (Traffic Ordinance No. 11-2026).
    • Consent calendar resolutions adopted (including all routine items).
    • CSEA contract ratified 6–0 (Resolution 409-2025/2026).
    • Claims settlement approved 6–0 (Resolution 410-2026).
    • Personnel actions approved 7–0 (Resolution 411-2026).
  • No Action Taken on Cat Shelter: Public commenters requested a shelter, but board did not respond; no resolution was introduced.
  • Upcoming Hearings: Several items set for public hearing on September 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

Meeting Transcript

If you'd all please stand and join me in placing your right hand over your heart. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Good evening, everybody. August 7, 2026. Present. Here. Present. She's here. No dead. Supervisor Decinno. Here. Thank you. Okay, good evening, everybody. He is in our higher our highway department. And he is also a member of the Great Neck Alert Fire Department. So I I thank I thank the fire service always and um perhaps it is that training that had him so aware and so willing to help. Jonathan was right here in Manhasset on Bayview Avenue, waiting at a traffic light in his uh street sweeper on duty. Um when he saw an older gentleman try to cross, then try and cross the other way. He didn't notice that there was a car traveling very fast southbound on Plannedome Road. Um but thinking fast and knowing that saving a life is the most important thing. Jonathan leaned on his horn like uh like you know, maybe sometimes we want to do, but he leaned on it in a very, very hard way, and this gentleman turned around. It took a while. Well, but he did it. He turned around to see what was happening, and when he come came back narrowly missed being hit. In fact, Jonathan, you said that the his jacket blew in the wind. Will you come up to the actually why don't please come up to the microphone? And uh tell us a little bit, what happened what went through your mind. So uh I was by Starbucks, I was at the light uh Bayview Avenue facing Planham Road. And I the judgeman is wearing uh uh a hat, uh a nice stylish hat, so I was watching him. He tried to cross my light, the light changed, so I was watching him. And then he started heading uh I don't need a microphone. He's not heading so we started heading a couple of things. No, please no talking to the microphone. That way we can record. And so I was watching this gentleman for a while. A while like twenty second like twenty seconds. Yeah. And then uh I I noticed the car because I where I was parked, waiting for the light, I could see past the butcher on the corner, and I saw this car flying down the road. And this gentleman unaware, didn't even look, didn't even turn his head to the left, start across the street. He was in the middle of the street when I car was coming. And all I could see, I don't want to tell you what I could what I was picturing. Right. But so I saw a hook in the horn. And the sweep of horn is very low. It's like an e, you know, European sound. But uh everybody's looking at me. Everyone by Starbucks on the corner, why'd this guy hucking a horn? I'm hocking pointing, pointing.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com