Smithtown Town Board Regular Meeting - April 7, 2026
Smithtown Town Board Regular Meeting - April 7, 2026
The Smithtown Town Board met on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Victor T. Liss Board Room. All five board members were present: Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim, Councilman Thomas J. McCarthy, Councilwoman Lynne C. Nowick, Councilwoman Lisa M. Inzerillo, and Councilman Thomas Lohmann Sr. The meeting covered public hearings on an unsafe building and a sports facility expansion, advertisements for future public hearings on a battery storage moratorium and e-bike regulations, numerous resolutions, and personnel actions. Public comments focused on persistent noise from the Hauppauge Industrial Park.
Employee of the Month
- Rachel Lenberger, Assistant Town Attorney, was recognized as Employee of the Month for April 2026. She was praised for her professionalism, dedication, and successful handling of her first case independently.
Correspondence
- Parade permits were issued for Memorial Day 2026: Smithtown Fire Department (12:00–2:00 PM), American Legion Post 944 (9:00–11:00 AM), and VFW Post 395 (10:00 AM–1:00 PM).
- The March 2026 Building Department report was accepted.
Public Hearings
- Unsafe Building at 21 Main Street, Kings Park: The Board considered entry onto the property to remediate/remove the fire-damaged structure. Rachel Lenberger (Assistant Town Attorney) presented photos showing structural damage. The owner's representative, Jean Brookston, requested the Board allow time for repairs, noting plans were submitted on April 1, 2026, and revised on April 7. The contractor, Barry Munski, stated they are ready to start immediately upon permit approval. Two residents spoke: Tom Rothimo asked to avoid an empty lot; Claudia Sampson inquired about the restoration appearance. The Board directed the owner to stay in touch with the building official and town attorney for a possible 30-day extension. The hearing was closed unanimously.
- Special Exception #2026-01 – Prospect Sports Partners, LLC: The applicant sought modifications to a 2014 special exception for commercial public recreation on 44.5 acres north of Old Northport Road, Kings Park. Proposed changes: reduce lighting setback from 750 to 710 feet east and 195 feet north (already approved by ZBA on March 10, 2026); eliminate a 12-foot emergency access driveway to residential streets; add a 40-foot-tall permanent air bubble structure for indoor lacrosse, soccer, and basketball. Yuliya Viola (applicant's attorney) detailed compliance with town code. Three residents spoke in opposition: Gerard Cairns (Kings Park Country Point HOA president) complained about lack of notice for the ZBA meeting and concerns about light height, parking reduction, and traffic. Susan Simon (111 Manitou Trail) worried about lights shining into bedrooms, noise, property values, and buffers. Another resident asked for drawings showing proximity to homes and who would plant buffers. The Board referred residents to review plans with planning staff after the meeting. The hearing was closed unanimously.
Advertise for Public Hearing
- April 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM: Proposed Local Law #7-2026 – extending the moratorium on Battery Energy Storage Systems for six months (Chapter 324). Adopted unanimously.
- May 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM: Proposed Local Law #8-2026 – amending Chapter TC7 (Off-Road Vehicles) to regulate electric bicycles and motorized devices, including impoundment and redemption fees. Adopted unanimously.
- May 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM: Proposed Local Law #9-2026 – amending Chapter 101 (Parks, Buildings and Grounds) to prohibit electric bicycles and motorized devices in parks/beaches unless designated, with penalties. Adopted unanimously.
Consent Agenda
- Minutes of March 19, 2026, approved.
- Comptroller items approved: transfers totaling $100,000 for road maintenance; $1,820,000 for CP26 Road Improvement Program; $75,000 for online beach permitting equipment; $10,000 for motor vehicle maintenance; $260 for uniform allowance.
- Resolutions approved: Harbormaster Dylan Harris to attend Marine Patrol Vessel Operator's Course; Town Assessor Louis Necroto to attend online Ethics for the Assessor class ($120).
Key Outcomes (Resolutions)
- SEQRA Negative Declarations: Issued for Change of Zone Petition #2025-A (Cosentino Realty) and for adoption of Local Laws #2-2026 and #3-2026 (wireless telecommunications facilities). Unanimous.
- Bids: Authorized advertising for Bid #26-029 (Long Beach Marina South improvements) and Bid #26-030 (Masonry Supplies). Awarded Bid #26-018 (Bamboo Removal & Drainage Improvements) to Quintal Contracting Corp. Unanimous.
- Adoption of Local Laws: Local Law #2-2026 (new Chapter 242 – Wireless Telecommunications Facilities) and Local Law #3-2026 (amending Chapter 322 – Zoning re: wireless facilities). Both adopted unanimously.
- Amendments: Adopted amendments to Chapter 101 (parking permit registrations) and approved Conditional Zone Change Petition #2025-A increasing maximum gross floor area from 528,537 to 555,713 sq ft (subject to sewer connection conditions). Unanimous.
- Procurement and Agreements:
- Emergency procurement of marine pilings ($41,570) from Chesterfield Associates.
- Purchase of License Plate Recognition Cameras from T2 Systems.
- Rental of compact track loader from All Island Equipment.
- Highway Road Program amendments: added Sunken Meadow Rd (storm drains) and Landing Avenue.
- Donation of time for Employee #006783.
- Renewal of CTRNY Time and Attendance hosting.
- Grants: Accepted three DRI funding awards: Branding/Marketing Strategy ($400,000), Unified Contract for pedestrian improvements ($6,222,000), and Small Project Fund ($600,000). All require no matching funds.
- Donation: Accepted $20 from Benedetto Cardamone in memory of Rich Bryne for the Animal Shelter.
- Supervisor Authorizations:
- Amendment to Smithtown Landing Country Club management agreement (greens/cart fees).
- Renewal with Auctions International.
- Agreement with Michael's Pack Dog Training.
- Lease of Caretaker's Cottage at Sweetbriar Farm to Dierdre DiPenta ($2,900/month, one year).
- Engineering services with Hayduk Engineering for downtown parking lot improvements.
- Zumba Gold/strength training classes ($75/class) by Frances Ferriso.
- Nurse practitioner services (Sean Thomas) for Horizons Counseling.
- Adaptive Sports Program with The Sports Arena.
- Personnel:
- Brandon Modrov made permanent Superintendent of Recreation II (retroactive to March 20).
- Seasonal appointments in Recreation Department (10 aides) and Parks, Buildings and Grounds (26 laborers/beach managers).
- Part-time appointment of Rosalind Polner (Office Assistant, $16.50/hr).
- Two unpaid medical leaves in Senior Citizens Department (through May 12 and up to six months).
- Termination of Employee #009046 in Youth Bureau (effective April 8).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Three residents spoke about a persistent humming/ringing noise coming from the Hauppauge Innovation Park. Kristen Mann presented a petition with over 375 signatures; John Mann expressed frustration with the daily disruption. Scott Munro requested the town work with the Hauppauge Industrial Association to enforce noise standards. The Board acknowledged the issue, noted that Public Safety is investigating, and pledged to continue working with management.
Adjournment
- The Board moved into executive session after public comments and then adjourned.
Meeting Transcript
I've had my agents for liberty justice for all. Roll call. Supervisor Wellhard. Here. Councilman McCarthy. Councilwoman Noick. Here. Councilwoman Anzarolo. Here. Councilman Loman. Yeah. All right. Before we begin our meeting this afternoon. We are going to announce our employee of the month. Each month we take a moment to honor an employee whose dedication, talent, and character have made a meaningful impact on our community. Today it is my privilege to recognize someone who embodies professionalism, positivity, and a genuine passion for public service. Rachel Lenberger. Town of Smithtown is proud to recognize Rachel as our employee of the month, a rising star within our workforce, whose commitment to excellence has already made her an invaluable member of the town attorney's office. Rachel's journey with the town began while she was still attending Toro Law School, joining us as a summer intern in 2022. It didn't take long for her work, ethic, and eagerness to look to learn to stand out. She was invited back again the following summer. From the very beginning, Rachel demonstrated a level of dedication well beyond her years. After graduating from law school, passing the bar, and being admitted as an attorney in May of 2024, Rachel was officially appointed as an assistant town attorney by this board in November. And here's the fun fact. She shares something in common with our town attorney, Mr. Jacobowski. Rachel was also hired at the age of 28. The last time we brought someone on a dead age. It worked out pretty well. Yes, it's 26. Since her appointment, Rachel has approached every assignment with determination, professionalism, and a willingness to grow. She has trained alongside a talented team of attorneys, soaking up knowledge, sharpening her skills, and recently reached an exciting milestone. Successfully defending the town in her first case, which she handled independently from start to finish. That kind of accomplishment speaks volumes, not just about her legal ability, but about her confidence, preparation, and commitment to serving the town with integrity. Rachel, your positive attitude, strong work ethic, and dedication to public service do not go unnoticed. You represent the very best of what it means to serve the people of Smithtown. On behalf of the entire town board, I want to congratulate you on being named our employee of the month for April 2026. We're incredibly proud of you, and we know this is the only the beginning of what will be a long, successful and impactful career. Rachel, congratulations. Congratulations, Rachel. Okay, we will begin this afternoon sitting as Board of Water Commissioners. Deputy Clerk. Minutes approval, March 19, 2026. Release escrow Oakwood Building Group, Plymouth Estates to the Smithtown Water District and further authorize a budget modification. Councilman Lowman. Yes. Councilwoman Anzarello? Yes. Councilwoman Lower. Yes.
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