North Hempstead Town Board Regular Meeting – October 5, 2026

The Town of North Hempstead Town Board met on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Present were Supervisor DeCena, Councilmembers Walsh, Levy, Delimonte (also noted as Del Monte), and Scott. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence in remembrance of October 7, 2026 (three years since the 2023 attacks). The board then heard 30 minutes of public comment, followed by adoption of the consent calendar (with one item discussed), a lengthy debate on a resolution concerning the Long Island Nets practice agreement, and final votes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Scott Wolfe (Great Neck Estates resident) criticized Supervisor DeCena for skipping two candidate forums and eliminating the Q&A portion of the State of the Town address, calling it an “unprecedented insult” and a failure of civic engagement. He asked for an on‑the‑record response.
• Stuart Kroll (unaffiliated resident) condemned the town for lacking a cat shelter despite having over $30 million in capital funds, while $850,000 was spent on a dog shelter HVAC system. He argued the town’s TNR program is the worst on Long Island and accused the administration of ignoring animal advocates. He urged support for candidate Sorne McCarthy.
• Liz Diamond (unaffiliated) echoed frustration over the lack of a cat shelter, stating that advocates have borne the financial and emotional burden alone for five years. She noted that after the death of advocate Chris Arsenal, there are fewer resources, and accused the board of having “blood on your hands.”
• Gloria Grafer (Port Washington) asked repeatedly why the board refuses to meet with cat advocates, and noted that although the town added a voucher program, it replaced the monthly TNR program. She requested a creative solution and emphasized the need for a dedicated building for cat care.
• Allegra Hall Ciampi (Roslyn Heights) expressed shock that North Hempstead is the only Long Island town that does not accept abandoned companion felines. She cited state Companion Animal Capital Fund grants available to municipalities and argued the town’s choice to not accept cats is a failure of public service.
• Francesca (Port Washington, Manor Haven) supported the cat advocates and also criticized Supervisor DeCena for declining debates. She raised concerns about overdevelopment in Port Washington, poor communication between town and villages, and neglected beaches (Manor Haven beach).
• Sharada Jay Gopal (East Williston) clarified the difference between stray and feral cats, and described the need for a dedicated facility for post‑surgical recovery, medical care, kitten housing, and assistance for owners who can no longer care for cats. She called a cat shelter a “basic necessity.”
• Stephen Sombrato (Port Washington) spoke on Resolution 10 (budget receipt) about the Port Washington Water Pollution Control District operating recreational facilities (Sunset Park) beyond its statutory authority. He asked the town board to enforce state law and questioned the district’s 10‑year naming agreement with the PAL. The Town Attorney responded that the State of New York is the enforcing body for special districts.

Discussion Items

• Consent Calendar and Budget Work Session Debate (Resolution 10): Councilwoman Del Monte requested a work session to review the 2027 tentative budget, noting that the board received it that night and would vote on it October 28. She argued a workshop would allow cross‑questioning of department heads. Supervisor DeCena stated the town is following state requirements and all municipalities have access to commissioners individually. Councilman Walsh defended the practice of open workshops, while Supervisor DeCena pointed to three years of tax decreases under his administration. The consent calendar was later adopted with a vote of 5‑0.
• Long Island Nets Agreement (Resolution 11): Councilman Triano led a detailed discussion. The agreement would allow the Long Island Nets (NBA G League) to use the Yes We Can Community Center as a practice facility for a minimum fee of $58,000 (down from $72,000 the previous year). Concerns included:
  • The effective date (retroactive to September 1, 2025, corrected to 2026).
  • Exclusive use of a “team locker room” – clarified it is a separate basement locker room, not the public men’s/women’s locker rooms, with exclusive use only during 9 AM–1 PM practice hours.
  • The ability for the Nets to offset fees by providing tickets and clinics (up to 30 tickets and 10 clinics) – Councilman Triano argued the ticket credit is unrealistic given low attendance.
  • Councilman Walsh emphasized that the Yes We Can Center was built for the community and expressed reluctance to grant exclusive use of any locker room. Councilwoman Del Monte moved to table the item until the next scheduled meeting on October 13, 2026, to allow time for clarifications. The motion carried 5‑0.
• Employee Resolution (Resolution 30): Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar Adopted (5‑0): Resolutions 1–10, 12–14, 15–20, 21–29, 31–32 were approved as a group. (Resolution 11 was tabled; Resolution 30 voted separately.)
• Resolution 11 Tabled (5‑0): The Long Island Nets agreement will be reconsidered at the October 13, 2026 board meeting after the Town Attorney and Parks Commissioner correct the effective date, clarify locker room exclusions, and address council concerns.
• Resolution 30 Adopted (5‑0): Employee appointments, transfers, and salary adjustments authorized.
• Meeting Adjourned after the final vote.