Smithtown Town Board Meeting: May 21, 2026 - Public Hearings, Employee Recognition, and Local Laws
Smithtown Town Board Regular Meeting – May 21, 2026
The Smithtown Town Board held a regular meeting on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Victor T. Liss Board Room. Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim, Councilman Thomas J. McCarthy, Councilwoman Lynne C. Nowick, and Councilwoman Lisa M. Inzerillo were present. Councilman Thomas Lohmann Sr. was absent. The meeting opened with the recognition of employee Alison Murray for her contributions, followed by a public hearing, approval of a consent agenda, several resolutions, personnel actions, and a public comment period.
Employee Recognition
- Alison Murray was honored as Employee of the Month. Murray, who began her career with the town in December 2003 as a planning aide and now serves as Assistant Planning Director, was recognized for her role in securing a $10 million downtown revitalization initiative award from New York State for Kings Park and for her work on the comprehensive plan, zoning updates, and environmental initiatives.
Public Hearing
- Proposed Local Law #10-2026 (Emergency Scene Solicitation and Board-Up Services) was presented by Town Attorney Rachel Lenberger. The law aims to regulate commercial solicitation at emergency scenes, prohibiting unauthorized following of emergency vehicles, misrepresentation of affiliation, and refusal to leave. Violations carry a penalty of up to a $1,000 fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days. The hearing was closed unanimously (4-0).
Consent Calendar
- Minutes Approval: The minutes of the May 5, 2026 meeting were accepted.
- Comptroller Items (11 items): Approved unanimously, including:
- Acceptance of a $600 escrow for landscaping at 238 Pulaski Road, Kings Park.
- Transfers and budget adjustments including $80,932 for road maintenance, $17,000 for Survivors Park improvements, and various lease reclassifications.
- Resolution: Accepted donations for Survivors Park totaling $17,000 from four donors (Survivors Park Charitable Fnd Inc., Sunshine Physical Therapy PC, The Greater Commack Chamber of Commerce, Silver Spoon Diner).
Discussion Items
- No separate discussion items were held; all resolutions were voted en masse after the consent calendar. Key approvals included:
- Award of Bid #26-030 for Masonry Supplies to State Material Mason Supply Corp. and Contractors Market Inc.
- Extension of Bid #24-049 for Signal Mast Arms with Hinck Electrical Contractor Inc. through July 15, 2027.
- Extension of Bid #25-106 for Lumber, Plywood & Building Supplies with Sider Lumber through December 31, 2026.
- Agreement with Newist Corp. (dba Bagel Toasterie) to operate concessions at Flynn Memorial Park, Short Beach, and Long Beach from April 1, 2026 through November 30, 2029.
- Appointment of Megan Trezza as Petty Cash Officer and Cash Drawer Custodian for Parks, Buildings and Grounds effective May 22, 2026.
- Ratification of Supervisor's execution of a liquor authorization form for JYC Social (dba Tapville Social) for the Nesconset Spring Fling event.
- Agreement with Thomas Vulpis Jr., RA for a permanent pergola at Short Beach.
- Donation of Time Agreement for Employee #007232 of the Highway Department.
- Adoption of a schedule of fees for Wireless Telecommunications Facilities applications (filing fee $800, $2,400 for unapproved construction).
- Extension of agreement with Global Fueling Systems, Inc. for fuel tank monitoring services.
- Extension of Bid #25-059 for Traffic Signal Maintenance Materials with Kelly & Hayes Electrical and Traffic Systems Inc.
- Stipulation of settlement for eight tax certiorari matters, including cases involving Commerce Drive Hauppauge, Black Dog Realty, Home Depot, Walmart, and others.
- Acceptance of a proposal from RTP Environmental Services to review NYSDEC Air Permit documents for a private site in Kings Park.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Kristen Smith O'Neill (9 Royal Court, Wisconsin? likely Nesconset) expressed concerns about the school age child care program, particularly transportation and consistency for her child with autism. She urged the town and school district to review policies to better support families with special needs children. Councilwoman Nowick noted she would set up a meeting with the relevant department.
- Moira A. Alexander (resident of Smithtown for 48 years) spoke about the deteriorating condition of the Sweet Briar nature education center, where she maintains an observation beehive. She highlighted that the building and grounds have suffered from neglect, mentioning lack of plants, window issues, and only recent power washing. She asked why there are no short- or long-term goals for the property. Supervisor Wehrheim responded that the town is aware of Sweet Briar's importance and is working through capital budgets and grants to restore the building, which had been unmaintained for about 30 years before being leased to the center for $1 per year.
Key Outcomes
- Adoption of Local Laws (unanimous 4-0):
- Local Law #6-2026: Amendments to Chapter TC7 (Off-Road Vehicles) regulating electric bicycles, including definitions, operation restrictions on Town-owned property, impoundment procedures, and redemption fees ($250 for first e-bike violation, $500 for second; $500/$1000 for motorized devices). Parental responsibility for minors.
- Local Law #7-2026: Amendments to Chapter 101 (Parks, Buildings, and Grounds) prohibiting e-bikes and motorized devices in parks, beaches, trails, and recreational facilities unless designated by the Town Board. Requires helmets and age restriction (16+).
- Local Law #8-2026: Extension of the moratorium on Battery Energy Storage Systems for an additional six months (adopted after a public hearing on April 23, 2026).
- Personnel Actions (unanimous):
- Reassignment of Ashley Gordon (Senior Office Assistant) from Town Clerk to Parks, Buildings and Grounds effective June 1, 2026.
- Seasonal appointments/reappointments in Recreation Department and Parks Department (numerous positions with hourly rates from $15 to $21.50).
- Promotion of Frank Esposito to Traffic Engineer I ($35.52/hr) effective May 23, 2026.
- Full-time appointment of Hannah Dockery as Office Assistant in Building Department ($22.33/hr) effective June 1, 2026.
- Unpaid medical leave for Employee #006783 (Public Safety) up to 12 months.
- Promotion of Laura Cristello to Senior Account Clerk ($30.78/hr) effective May 23, 2026.
- Settlement Approved: Jeanette Roth v. Town of Smithtown in the amount of $370.09.
- Authorizations: Supervisor authorized to execute agreements with Smithtown Historical Museums (fiscal agent for American 250 Celebration), Smithtown Summer Camp Inc. (2026 summer programs), and H2M architects + engineers (land survey services for Oakside Drive boundary, cost not to exceed $6,400).
Meeting adjourned at approximately 3:30 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Board meeting join us for the pledge. Pleasure to the flag and two publication on the justice for all roll call. Supervisor Well Hunt. Here. Councilman McCarthy. Councilwoman Lord. Councilwoman and Zrollo. Okay, before we begin this afternoon, um, we want to recognize public servants who truly stand out here in the town of Smithtown for 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. Alison Murray. For more than two decades, Allison has been one of the quiet driving forces behind many of Smithtown's most important planning and revitalization efforts. Finally known throughout Town Hall as a person you call when something seems impossible. Allison has built a reputation for finding solutions, tackling challenges head-on, and always being willing to lend a hand whenever it is needed. Since beginning her career with the town in December of 2003, as a planning aide, Allison has steadily risen through the ranks. Sounds familiar, from planner to senior planner to principal planner, and now serving as assistant planning director. Her fingerprints can be found on countless initiatives that are helping shape the future of Smithtown, including the comprehensive plan, the King's Park Master Plan, environmental initiatives, zoning updates, sewer infrastructure planning, and critical grant administration work. Most notable, Allison was one of the key driving forces behind Smithtown, securing the prestigious $10 million downtown revitalization initiative award from New York State for King's Park. An achievement that will benefit our community for generations to come. But beyond her impressive professional accomplishments, Allison is simply one of the most pleasant, dependable, and respected people to work with. Whether she's assisting with a complex planning matter, helping out community events, or apparently changing a car tire faster than most of us in this room can. She approaches everything she does with positivity, professionalism, and heart. A proud graduate of Lyndonhurst High School and Cornell University. Allison's greatest pride is undoubtedly her family, her husband Sean, and their three children, Julie, Lena, and Jacob. Congratulations. Sorry. Don't move. I gotta get you out in the move. Thanks. Congratulations. Congratulations, Allison. All right, we will move to the agenda this afternoon. Deputy Clerk. For correspondence, King's Park Chamber, King's Park rocks Monday on Maine, July 13, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. And building department report, April 2026. There's one public hearing today to be presented by Rachel Lindberger. Good afternoon, Supervisor and members of the board. The purpose of today's public hearing is to consider the adoption of a new article of chapter 215 as it relates to emergency scene solicitation and board up services. The purpose of this article is to regulate solicitation at emergency scenes within the town while recognizing the licensing authority exercised by Suffolk County over board up businesses and similar contractors. The restrictions contained in this article are directly solely at commercial solicitation practices occurring at emergency scenes and are necessary to protect public safety and prevent interference with emergency operations. The proposed amendments establish restrictions on conduct at emergency scenes, including prohibiting the unauthorized filing of emergency vehicles, misrepresentation of affiliation with emergency agencies, and refusal to comply with lawful orders to leave an emergency scene. Violations of this article would be enforceable by the town fire marshal, the Suffolk County Police Department, Town Code Enforcement Officers, or any other authorized officers with penalties up to a thousand dollar fine or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days. Unless there are any questions that concludes this public hearing. Any questions by the board? No. Anyone in the audience wish to be heard on this public hearing? There being none, I'll move to close. Supervisor Wilhard. Yes.
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