Public Meetings - Smithtown, New York

The Smithtown Town Board held a regular meeting on December 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM in the Victor T. Liss Board Room. The meeting covered a consent agenda, numerous resolutions including appointments, fee changes, and a major zone change petition, all adopted unanimously. Key actions included the approval of a 71.1-acre planned residential development in Kings Park, fee increases at the Municipal Services Facility, adoption of a noise ordinance amendment, and various personnel and financial transfers. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from December 2, 2025. - Approved 25 comptroller budget transfers (e.g., $60,000 for Parks maintenance, $123,726.29 contingency to capital, $47,366 for pool complex contingency, etc.). - Approved three resolutions: rental of a loader bucket for Highway Department, disposal of computers/equipment, and disposal of 12 pieces of office equipment. Discussion Items - Zone Change Petition 2023-02 – Beechwood Smithtown, LLC (71.1 acres, Kings Park): The Board unanimously approved changing the zoning from R-21 (single-family residential) to PRD (Planned Residential Development) for the development of 288 condominium units, including 29 affordable units. The project will feature 53 detached single-family homes, 153 townhouses, and 82 flats. Councilman McCarthy expressed strong support, noting the alternative could have been 140-150 large single-family homes or an industrial warehouse, and praised the two-bedroom layout as beneficial for seniors and young people. Supervisor Wehrheim concurred, stating the development will be good for the Kings Park community. Approval is subject to extensive environmental conditions (e.g., a 124,200 gpd membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment plant with 37,800 gpd excess capacity for future area connections, preservation of a wooded buffer, traffic mitigations at four intersections, and a soil management plan). Key Outcomes - SEQRA Negative Declaration issued for T-Mobile site plan at 160 Adams Ave., Hauppauge (unanimous). - Bid authorizations: Town Clerk authorized to advertise for plow blades and cutting edges (Jan 8, 2026), coach bus rental (Jan 15, 2026), and cast iron drainage items (Jan 15, 2026). - Bid awards: Lumber/building materials to Sider Lumber Co.; Portland cement powder to Elm Transit Mix; sale of recycled materials to Gershow Recycling Corp. - Appointments/Reappointments: Thomas D. McCarthy as Registrar of Vital Statistics and Records Management Officer; Paul Rubano as Town Comptroller; Matthew V. Jakubowski as Town Attorney and FOIL Officer; Barbara DeSorbe as Planning Board Chair; Anthony Tanzi as Board of Zoning Appeals Chair; various board members to Planning Board, Zoning Appeals, Conservation Board, Youth Advisory Board, etc. (all unanimous). - Fee increases: Municipal Services Facility tipping fees for construction/demolition debris increased to $20 minimum, $0.10/lb or $200/ton effective January 2, 2026. - EV charging station fee: Set at $0.28 per kWh, effective January 1, 2026, revenues deposited into account A.0000.2657. - Local Law 10-2025: Adopted amendments to Chapter 207 (Noise) regarding public assembly, after a December 2, 2025 public hearing. - Water district extension: Approved extension for Oakside Drive and Landing Avenue, subject to permissive referendum. - Settlements approved: Michael J. Scarito ($3,734.13), LIPA/PSEG ($7,500.00), Kimberly Cunningham ($196.08). - Personnel actions: Seasonal intern appointments, promotions, salary adjustments (e.g., Allyson Murray promoted to Assistant Town Planning Director at $143,835/year; Matthew Calado to Principal Planner at $49.46/hour; salary increase for Jennifer Luikart to $79,747.78). - Other: Authorized repair of drainage structures along Old Willets Path (NYSDEC permit); lease of three copiers; agreement with Peconic Solutions for grant writing; ratification of settlement agreement in lieu of Section 75 proceeding; establishment of Highway Superintendent's standard workday; and several sole-source purchases (Laserfiche software, traffic signal controllers from New England Traffic Solutions, Miovision traffic detection system).

The Smithtown Town Board held a regular meeting on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center. The meeting included two public hearings, a consent agenda, numerous resolutions, and time for public comment. The primary focus was on a controversial zone change petition by Beechwood Smithtown, LLC for a 288-unit condominium development known as Country Pointe Estates at Kings Park. The board also considered a noise law amendment, approved various administrative items, and heard public comments on a proposed battery storage facility and the town budget. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from November 13, 2025. - Comptroller transfers: 17 budgetary transfers and escrow releases, including fund shifts for dues, conferences, printing, supplies, and maintenance across departments (Comptroller, Tax Receiver, Parks, Highway, Town Clerk, Planning & Community Development, Town Attorney). All items were adopted unanimously. Public Hearing: Zone Change Petition 2025-02 (Beechwood Smithtown, LLC) (Note: The agenda lists this as 2025-02, while the minutes reference 2023-02; this discrepancy is noted.) The applicant, represented by attorney Vincent Pizzulli of Beechwood, proposed a zone change from R-21 to Planned Residential District (PRD) for 72.6 acres at the northwest corner of Lawrence Road and Old Northport Road. The plan calls for 288 condominium homes (259 market-rate, 29 affordable), a clubhouse, pools, pickleball courts, and other amenities. The project would reduce density from 6 to 4 units per acre, replace 156 attached units with 53 detached single-family homes, and add a second entrance to avoid neighborhood cut-through traffic. A Membrane BioReactor sewage treatment plant would be installed. Applicant’s Position (Vincent Pizzulli): - The plan is consistent with the 2024 Comprehensive Plan and addresses housing needs for seniors and young people. - Population in Kings Park has declined, with a growing proportion of residents over 55. The project would generate at most 38 students in Kings Park schools, far fewer than recent enrollment losses. - Tax benefits: $2.79 million in new property taxes, a $1.77 million increase for Kings Park School District, and $220 million total investment. - The project would create 500–550 construction jobs and 10–12 permanent jobs. - The applicant submitted 73 letters of support from town residents and 9 from out-of-town interested buyers; 261 people have registered interest. - The Public Hearing was closed by unanimous vote of the Town Board. Public Speakers in Support: - Diane Motherway (Lakebridge Drive resident and Kings Park Chamber of Commerce Executive Director): Expressed personal and organizational support; noted the Raleigh family’s stewardship and the need for change. - Douglas Serrato: Supported the Raleigh family; warned that without rezoning, industrial uses like Amazon could take over; emphasized tax revenue and jobs. - Winsome Cameron (original homeowner in Country Pointe at Kings Park): Saw positive ripple effects from prior Beachwood projects; cited economic stimulus and quality of life benefits; retired LIRR conductor choosing to stay in Kings Park. - Seth Kneer (Operating Engineer Local 138): Praised Beechwood’s professionalism and job quality. - Michael Miller (Lakebridge Club renter): Wanted to downsize but stay in the area; supported the project for affordable 55+ housing. - Albert Fox (retired dentist, East Setauket): Spoke for seniors seeking to downsize; current options are limited and costly. - Steve Paglino (Smithtown resident 28 years): Supported more housing inventory for all ages. - Angelo Alfieri (Local 1298, Agile Contracting): Longtime Beechwood worker wishing to buy in. - Jake Colletti (Smithtown Tara resident): Supported based on Beechwood’s past work. - Paul Kassay (Local 25 electrical contractor): Praised Beechwood’s reliability. - William Moser (IBEW Local 25): Supported project for economic benefit. - David O’Connell: Supported as opportunity for American dream; criticized local government overreach. - Richard Bivone (Kings Park resident): Shared story of Beechwood CEO’s past philanthropy; asked board to approve. Public Speakers in Opposition: - Michael Kettell (20 Linden Avenue, adjacent property owner): Argued zoning should protect neighborhood character; questioned public benefit and student generation data; believed project would erode small-town feel. - Rocco Caporaso (18 Linden Avenue): Objected to condos in residential area; cited existing traffic congestion at Starbucks and summer camps; worried about wildlife loss; preferred single-family homes. - Mike Rosato (Kings Park Community Association): Called applicant’s presentation misleading; claimed 60 acres of old-growth forest would be bulldozed, density could double, and legality of zoning change engages political favoritism (stated that over 90% of nearby residents signed a petition requiring a supermajority vote). Association urged denial. - Elizabeth Maffe (lifelong resident 63 years): Opposed rezoning; urged board to protect community character and honor residents’ trust; said “we already have more condominiums than we should.” Public Hearing: Proposed Local Law 14-2025 – Noise Amendment - The board considered amending Chapter 207 (Noise) to exempt non-commercial public speaking and assembly on public spaces/rights-of-way. No public comments were offered. The hearing was closed unanimously. Resolutions and Other Business - SEQRA Negative Declarations: Issued unanimously for six applications: Steel Forest (500 Commack Road), Raising Cane’s (Vanderbilt Motor Parkway and Commack Road), Kinexion (300 Kennedy Drive, Hauppauge), Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle playground expansion, and two marine law permits for Suffolk County DPW (Nissequogue River and Stony Brook Harbor dredging). - Bid Award: Demolition of unsafe structure at 306 Third Avenue, St. James, awarded to Watral Brothers, Inc. (Bid 25-094). - Other Approvals (all unanimous): - Adoption of Community Development Program Year 2026. - Ratification of natural gas fixed pricing agreement with NRG Business Marketing. - Extension of Smithtown Water District boundary and water main for Oakside Drive and Landing Avenue (subject to permissive referendum). - Extensions of asphalt supply bids and cesspool cleaning services. - Authorization for comptroller to purchase insurance. - Actuarial consulting extension with Risk Strategies Consulting Inc. - Renewals of OpenGov subscription, Microsoft Volume Licensing, and computer hardware maintenance. - Rejection of bids for Long Beach Marina South improvements and office cleaning services. - Award of audit/accounting services to EFPR Group. - One-month loader bucket rental for Highway Department. - Armored car services agreement with Safe & Sound Armed Courier. - Ratification of veterinary services agreement with Save a Pet Vet Clinic. - Authorization to prepare permit applications for drainage repairs along New Highway in Commack. - Sole source purchase of Miovision traffic detection system. - Adoption of Title VI Program. - Purchase of office cleaning services from NYSID. - Approval of marine law permits for Suffolk County DPW dredging projects. - Adoption of 2026 Town Board meeting schedule. - Submission of DHSES Cyber Security Grant application (up to $50,000). - Coastal Consistency determinations for Nissequogue River and Stony Brook Harbor dredging. - Acceptance of donations for Senior Citizens Department memory flag and plaque program. - Acceptance of H2M proposal for Local Solid Waste Management Plan biennial compliance report. - Authorization for voluntary vacation/sick time transfers for two employees. - Intermunicipal agreement with Town of Brookhaven for film plastic disposal. - Agreement with Maccarone Plumbing for bathroom installation at Senior Center. Personnel Appointments (all approved unanimously) - John LoGiudice: Building Inspector ($29.11/hr, probation 26 weeks, effective Dec. 8). - Natalie Rudolph: Assessment Clerk ($24.34/hr, pending medical/drug screen). - Unpaid medical leave for employee 008602 (Parks, Buildings & Grounds) retroactive to Nov. 13. - Andrew Epstein: Seasonal Student Intern II ($16.00/hr, Dec. 29–Jan. 30). - Cathleen Falk: Promotion to Principal Account Clerk ($38.23/hr, probation 12 weeks, effective Dec. 8). - Chelsy McCann: Park Ranger I ($29.11/hr, 52-week probation, pending exams and background). - Shane Weeks: Park Ranger I (same conditions). Public Comments (To Be Heard) - James Marsala spoke about a proposed lithium-ion battery storage facility at 220 Rabro Road in Hauppauge (Town of Islip). He raised safety concerns regarding fires, toxic gases, and groundwater contamination. Supervisor Wehrheim noted that Smithtown has a moratorium on such facilities and the town is in contact with Senator Mario Mattera on the issue. Marsala urged the board to work with Islip to stop the project. - Irwin Izen, a registered Republican and organizer of a recent tax rally, criticized the budget process. He argued that the final 2026 budget did not reduce the proposed 10% tax increase and that opportunities to cut spending were missed. He questioned staffing levels in Parks and Highway departments and called for a more transparent and collaborative process. He thanked the board for hearing him. Key Outcomes - The public hearing on the Beechwood zone change petition was closed. No vote on the petition itself was taken at this meeting; it will be considered at a future date, likely requiring a supermajority (4 of 5 votes) given the petition from nearby homeowners. - The public hearing on Local Law 14-2025 (Noise amendment) was closed. - All consent agenda items, SEQRA negative declarations, bid awards, resolutions, and personnel items were approved unanimously. - The board acknowledged concerns about the battery storage facility in Islip and pledged to monitor the issue.

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Victor T. Liss Board Room, Smithtown Town Hall (99 West Main Street, Smithtown, NY), the Town Board held its regular meeting. Present were Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim, Councilman Thomas J. McCarthy, Councilwoman Lisa M. Inzerillo, and Councilman Thomas Lohmann Sr.; Councilwoman Lynne Nowick was absent. The Board briefly convened as the Board of Water Commissioners before the regular Town Board agenda. Unless otherwise noted, all actions were approved unanimously (4-0), with Supervisor Wehrheim moving and Councilman McCarthy seconding. Board of Water Commissioners - Based on the raw transcript (not reflected in the official minutes), the Board approved water-related items including ratification of the Chairman's execution of an agreement with the New York Environmental Facilities Corporation grant for water main improvements on Oakside Drive, authorization to advertise Bid 25-105 for the 881 West Jericho Turnpike Water Main Extension, award of RFP 25-074 for the design of a new water main for Oakside Drive, and a transfer item. Correspondence - Accepted the Building Department October 2025 Report. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the October 23, 2025 and November 4, 2025 Town Board meetings. - Adopted unanimously the block of 24 Comptroller transfer items and two levy-of-cost resolutions: 20 Dawson Avenue, Kings Park ($4,416.11) and costs against seven properties. - Note on discrepancies: the agenda lists two consecutive Comptroller transfers as resolution 3191, while the minutes assign the second DEW Environmental Protection transfer the number 3216; the agenda also repeats item numbers 3191 and 3204 for different matters. Public Hearings - Community Development Program Year 2026: Kelly Brown, Housing Rehabilitation Administrator, presented the funding request. The projected funding amount is $216,000. Past-year projects included full renovation and handicap accessibility of the men's and ladies' restrooms in Town Hall, outdoor handrails on seniors' homes, the senior citizen home chore program, and first-time funding for the Smithtown Food Pantry, which helps over 170 families per month. The hearing was closed unanimously. - Smithtown Water District Boundary and Water Main Extension for Oakside Drive and Landing Avenue: Rachel Lenberger presented. The proposal includes two boundary extensions: Oakside Drive adding 25 parcels and Landing Avenue adding 9 parcels, giving private-well parcels the option to connect to public water. The improvements would be financed by $1.667 million in bonds assessed on the entire water district, reduced by any federal, state, or county grants. The hearing was closed unanimously. Advertise for Public Hearing - Authorized advertising two public hearings for Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center: Zone Change Petition 2023-02 Beechwood Smithtown, LLC, and Proposed Local Law 14-2025 amending Chapter 207, 'Noise,' as it relates to exceptions. Adopted unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Rosado spoke in opposition to the proposed Beechwood 'Country Point Estates' project, a 288-unit condominium development on 71 acres that he described as the largest privately owned area of forested land in Smithtown. He stated Beechwood owns 27 of the 71 acres, and is under contract to purchase the adjoining 17-acre Raleigh farm and another 27 acres owned by the Korea family. He said County Legislator Rob Trotter had approached the owners about selling to the county, but the Raleigh and Korea families declined after Beechwood made a much higher bid based on the town's signaling it would increase density from half-acre residential to planned residential development (PRD). He noted current zoning allows two homes per acre, while PRD zoning allows six units per acre, and raised concerns about environmental, traffic, and school impacts, the town's master plan, and the precedent that could allow similar density on 42 adjacent acres, potentially increasing homes in that Kings Park area to 500, an almost 10 percent increase in the hamlet. He also alleged a pattern of impropriety favoring well-connected interests and campaign voters, and stated that the Kings Park Community Association had over 20 percent of homeowners within 100 feet of the project sign a petition forcing a supermajority town board vote. He submitted the petition to the Town Clerk. No other public speakers were heard. Discussion Items - 2026 Preliminary Budget (Resolution 3206): Councilman Lohmann made a statement before the vote, saying that preparing a municipal budget is difficult because of unpredictable revenues, rising fixed costs, pensions, infrastructure, services, and competing departmental priorities. He said he could not support the reduction of 46 full-time employees and hundreds of part-time youth employees in parks, beaches, and recreational camps to stay under the 2% tax cap, but he voted yes. The budget was adopted unanimously. - Zoning amendment: The Board adopted an amendment to Chapter 322 of the Town Code, 'Zoning,' related to mixed-use buildings in the Hauppauge Industrial Park Overlay District. Key Outcomes - Approved bid advertisements for Bid 25-103 (Sale of Surplus Metals), Bid 25-104 (Bulk Delivery of Portland Cement Powder), and Bid 25-106 (Annual Supply Contract for Lumber, Plywood and Building Materials), all returnable December 4, 2025. - Awarded Bid 25-091 for Pre-Cast Concrete Drainage Items to Pelkowski Precast Corp. and Bid 25-092 for Recycling of Electronic Waste to Cornerstone Technologies, Inc. - Approved agreements and authorizations including the National Grid St. James Gas Replacement Project ratification, extension of resident parking permits from December 31, 2025 to March 31, 2026, the Hayduk Engineering amendment for Paul T. Given Park bridge work, extension of the Urban Forestry Management bid with Long Island Tree & Landscaping Service, Inc., software maintenance renewal with SHI Government Solutions, a one-month loader bucket rental, an agreement with The Timmons Group Geospatial Solutions, the Suffolk County Horizons prevention services contract, the 2026 Youth Sports and Education Grant application, the ASPCA Animal Shelter grant application, and multiple Supervisor-authorized agreements (including SCWA easement amendment, Horizons Optum Health renewal, employee leave transfer, Nurse Practitioner Kristen Carman consulting agreement, Suffolk County traffic signal agreement, Zag's Photo Booth for the Holiday Tree Lighting, and Site Tech Wireless lease assignment to SBA Towers XI, LLC). - Accepted donations of $1,330 from Partnership for Children, Youth and Families for the Youth Bureau and $30 from STS. Philip and James R.C. Church for the Animal Shelter. - Approved settlements as recommended by the Town Attorney: Instyle Nail & Spa v. Town of Smithtown ($5,706.00), Anthony D'Angelo III v. Town of Smithtown ($300.00), Lois Aprile v. Town of Smithtown ($193.84), and Paul Kruger v. Town of Smithtown ($981.66). - Approved personnel matters: part-time appointments of Tara Murphy and Nadia Guagliano as Recreation Aide II at $16.00/hour, effective November 14, 2025; full-time appointment of Keith Barters as Park Ranger I at $29.11/hour, effective November 24, 2025; and provisional promotion of William Sabid to Senior Building Plans Examiner at $37.40/hour, effective November 17, 2025, including appointment to assist the Chief Building Inspector with Board of Zoning Appeals hearings.

The Smithtown Town Board held a regular meeting on November 4, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center. The main agenda items were a public hearing on the preliminary 2026 operating budget and a resolution to adopt Local Law 9-2025 to override the state tax cap. After extensive public testimony, the board voted unanimously to override the tax cap and close the hearing. Public Comments & Testimony - Fred Gorman (resident): Opposed piercing the tax cap for the first time. He argued the town should use its $45 million fund balance instead of raising taxes, and warned that breaking the cap would harm the Republican Party. - Irwin Izen (resident): Thanked the board for past adherence to the tax cap but criticized the proposed 10% tax hike. He called for innovation, consolidation of departments, and a more transparent budget format. He also noted he had not received a return phone call from the comptroller. - Robert Murphy (Highway Superintendent): Detailed 50–83% cost increases for salt, sand, dump fees, and vehicle purchases since 2012. He stated the highway department has already reduced staff from 140 to 120 through attrition, and a further 10% reduction would delay snow removal and severely impact brush and leaf pickup. - Janice Melrose Brown (CPA, resident): Questioned the math behind the claimed $3/week increase, pointing out that for a resident with $10,000 in total property taxes, a 10% town tax increase would be $1,000, not $160. She requested clearer communication from the town and the comptroller. - Catherine Caillat (Deputy Director of Public Safety): Urged the board to override the tax cap to maintain public safety staffing, training, and equipment. She stated that without the override, critical services could be reduced or eliminated. - Doreen Perrino (Senior Center Program Director): Provided statistics showing over 11,000 meals served, 15,766 transportation trips, and 1,093 repair jobs completed in 2025. She warned that a 10% cut would devastate senior services, as the department already operates with a lean staff of 20 full-time and 30 part-time employees. - Joseph Arico (Director of Buildings & Grounds, Parks): Detailed that budget cuts would force closure of water parks, abbreviated field schedules, closure of picnic areas, cancellation of camping, and reduced hours at Hoyt Farm. He said all town facilities would face delayed openings. - Brandon Modrov (Recreation Department): Encouraged residents to enjoy the town's recreation programs, noting thousands of children, families, and seniors benefit annually. He referenced the negative impacts of COVID shutdowns and argued that cuts would harm youth development. - Mike Englemann (Solid Waste Coordinator): Explained that the town manages waste for 37,000 households. He said cuts would reduce collection frequency, volume, and quality, and could impair compliance with state mandates. He noted disposal costs have risen due to contractual escalators and stagnant electricity rates. - Kathi LaPointe (lifelong resident, first-time speaker): Opposed overriding the tax cap, asking for scrutiny of vehicle fleet purchases and raises for town hall employees. She requested tax relief programs for struggling residents. - Barbara Coniglio (Youth Advisory Board adult member): Spoke about the positive impact of the Youth Bureau on the community, including bullying prevention, food drives, and intergenerational programs. She also expressed support for the Department of Public Safety for assisting her after a hit-and-run. - Alexandra Wasielesky (Youth Advisory Board Chair): Stressed that the Youth Bureau provides mentorship and life skills, and urged the board to continue funding the bureau. - Liana Cheng (Youth Bureau Secretary): Highlighted the bureau's fundraising, donation drives, and events like Mad Scientists, and asked for continued funding. - Dolores Riconda (resident): Opposed the tax increase, suggesting volunteers, internships, and salary freezes. She argued that government should focus on essentials only. - Emma Schultz (Smithtown East student): Described how the Youth Bureau has positively impacted her and her community through volunteerism and friendship. - Eileen Cook (resident): Opposed the increase, noting she had been laid off. She argued that residents face the same constraints and called for using reserves and fighting unfunded mandates at the state level. - Mike Rosato (resident): Stated that no school district in Smithtown has broken the tax cap, and accused the board of giving themselves raises while planning a 10% tax increase. He also alleged wasteful spending on artificial turf fields and nepotism. He raised a procedural objection to town officials speaking during the public portion. - Leigh Wixson (Animal Shelter Director): Noted that the shelter already operates with only 10 staff and cannot afford cuts. She warned that reductions could lead to failing state inspections and jeopardize the town's no-kill policy. - Brianna Pelletieri (Youth Bureau employee and parent): Emphasized the bureau's partnerships with school districts and its impact on children and families. She said a funding cut would severely limit services with a small staff. - Andrew Greene (unemployed resident): Called for due diligence and transparency. He questioned specific expenditures such as $300,000 in office supplies and an $850,000 increase for ReWorld, and urged the board to avoid assumptions that all residents can afford a tax hike. - John Banzer (resident): Expressed anger at the board, accusing it of wasteful spending and poor communication. He demanded pay cuts for officials and said the town should prioritize filling the food pantry and infrastructure. Discussion Items Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim opened the public hearing with a video presentation explaining the 2026 preliminary budget. The video stated that the town faces a $7 million deficit due to unfunded mandates, inflation, and rising costs. The proposed budget would increase town taxes by about $161 per year ($3/week) for the average household, a 9% rise. The video argued that staying under the tax cap would require laying off 46 full-time and 132 part-time employees, cutting senior transportation, youth programs, recreation, and leaf/brush removal. The town has never pierced the state tax cap before. Supervisor Wehrheim noted that 82% of the tax increase is needed to cover the $7 million in unfunded mandates, and that discretionary spending would remain at 2025 levels. During the public portion, Supervisor Wehrheim gave a brief clarification that the town does not receive state aid like school districts, and that tax breaks for commercial businesses are under county jurisdiction (County IDA), not the town. Key Outcomes - The public hearing on the 2026 preliminary budget was closed by unanimous vote (5-0). - The Town Board adopted Local Law 9-2025, entitled "A Local Law to Override the Tax Cap," by unanimous vote (5-0). This law authorizes the town to adopt a budget for fiscal year 2026 that exceeds the state tax levy limit, as permitted under General Municipal Law Section 3-c. The action was deemed a SEQRA Type II action. - The meeting was adjourned.

The Smithtown Town Board met on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM in the Victor T. Liss Board Room. The meeting featured a public hearing on Proposed Local Law 13-2025 to override the 2026 state tax cap, approval of a consent agenda with 19 comptroller items, numerous resolutions (including SEQRA negative declarations, bid awards, and operational approvals), personnel actions, and a general public comment period. All votes were recorded as unanimous (5-0) except as noted in the minutes. Public Hearings - Tax Cap Override (Local Law 13-2025): The Town Board held a public hearing to consider a local law overriding the 2026 tax cap. Town Attorney Matthew Jakubowski explained that the tentative budget requires piercing the cap, but adoption of the law is a prerequisite, not a mandate. Seven residents spoke in opposition: Irwin Izen questioned budget deficits and line items; Hector Gavilla (Republican resident) asked for a Department of Government Efficiency and noted the Supervisor's salary increase from $112,000 to $161,000 (a 44% rise); Joanne Grove cited a healthy fund balance and poor road conditions; Maria Maguire opposed the tax levy, criticized long-standing tax breaks like the Tanzi Plaza project, and called for salary freezes; Andrew Greco (recently laid off) appreciated town services but urged fiscal due diligence; Barbara Kruger (55-year resident) raised concerns about Kings Park Bluff deterioration and highway delays, and urged a 0-2% increase. Supervisor Wehrheim responded that Smithtown operates on 11.5 cents of every tax dollar for 116,000 residents, noted the town has never pierced the cap (the only municipality to do so), but that 7 out of 10 towns will this year due to state-mandated health care (8-10% increases) and pension costs beyond the 2% cap. He invited the public to the November 4, 2025 preliminary budget hearing at 7:00 PM at the Senior Center. The hearing was closed unanimously (Resolution 2025-1052). Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved minutes of October 2, 2025. - Comptroller Items 1-19: Approved unanimously, including budget transfers (e.g., $940.19 for cyber security software, $249,343.62 for Senior Bus Federal Grant, $75,000 for litigation, $147,153.68 for roadway restoration, $40,000 for MSF plant maintenance, $49,732.00 for cyber security grant FY22), escrow deposits, bond release ($457,908.75 for Nottingham Acres), and donations ($500 from Smithtown Charitable Fund). Resolutions (Selected) - SEQRA Negative Declarations: Issued for McDonald's site plan (Commack 100 LLC) and for an amendment to Town Code Chapter 322 reducing parcels for mixed-use buildings. - Bid Awards: Awarded contracts for commercial driver training (Sunny Truck Driving School), van conversion (Subzero Insulation), janitorial supplies (Amity Vacuum and WB Mason), road/landscape supplies (six vendors), and automotive parts (four vendors). - Local Law Adoption: Adopted Local Law 8-2025 (Noise – officer observations) after a September 9, 2025 public hearing. - Other Approvals: Authorized pedestrian bridge design at Given Park (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit), levy of unpaid Suffolk County Water Authority charges and solid waste fees on 2025/2026 tax bills, emergency demolition of an unsafe structure at 306 Third Avenue, St. James, rescheduling of November and December meetings, change orders for Charles P. Toner Park sports fields, grant applications (FTA Section 5310 for senior buses, Short Beach renovations, NYS Cyber Security Grant), and various agreements (e.g., Big Brothers Big Sisters, Long Island Bike, FPM Group groundwater monitoring, Snow & Ice contract supplement, etc.). Personnel - Approved appointments, promotions, and salary changes: Brittini Henslik (Youth Counselor, $30.53/hr), Michael Rubino (Mini Bus Driver, $20.20/hr, part-time), Brian Simmons (Maintenance Mechanic IV, $45.78/hr), salary adjustments for Assistant Group Leaders and Group Leaders in School Age Child Care (retroactive to Sept. 1, 2025), side letter with Smithtown Administrators Guild for Matthew Laux (Sanitation Supervisor), Paul Saladino (Maintenance Mechanic III, $37.62/hr), Kerry Moran and Laura Ten Brink (Group Leaders, $27.88/hr, part-time), Salvador Matos-Hernandez (Network & Systems Technician, $36.17/hr), Donna Vicari (Assistant Group Leader, $21.31/hr, part-time), Paul D. Colletti (Building Inspector, $29.11/hr), Joanne Overton (Principal Office Assistant, $32.43/hr). Public Comments (General) - John Fontana (resident of 80+ years) presented a petition with 69 signatures requesting a four-way stop at Grandview Lane and Laurel Drive in Smithtown Pines, citing a dangerous intersection and frustration with the traffic safety department's inaction over a year. Supervisor Wehrheim stated the traffic safety director is studying the feasibility and will review the petition. - Jane Lombardo (Sweetbriar Nature Center) thanked the board for support and reported that a viral video of a monarch butterfly wing reconstruction garnered over 30 million views and international media coverage. She invited the board to the Treats and Trails event on Saturday, 1-4 PM. - Anita Castorina commented that board members should recuse themselves from votes on matters where they have a personal interest, referencing the Tanzi building. Supervisor Wehrheim confirmed that Mr. Tanzi had recused himself. Key Outcomes - Public hearing on tax cap override closed unanimously (5-0). - All consent agenda items, resolutions, and personnel actions were adopted with 5-0 votes, with one discrepancy: The minutes for Resolution 2025-1046 (Kerry Moran appointment) list "Ayes: None" yet the result is marked "Adopted (UNANIMOUS)" and the transcript indicates unanimous approval. This appears to be a clerical error in the minutes. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 2:40 PM.

The Smithtown Town Board met on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Victor T. Liss Board Room, Town Hall, Patrick R. Vecchio Building, Smithtown, NY. Present were Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim, Councilman Thomas J. McCarthy, Councilwoman Lynne C. Nowick, Councilwoman Lisa M. Inzerillo, and Councilman Thomas Lohmann Sr. The board recognized Adrian Kelly, an IT network and systems administrator and 25-year town employee, as Public Servant of the Month; approved routine correspondence and a large consent agenda; conducted four public hearings; approved numerous resolutions, personnel actions, a site plan, and ended with public comment. Correspondence - The board authorized a Parade/Run/Walk permit for the Kings Park High School 5K on November 15, 2025, from 8:30 A.M. to approximately 10:00 A.M., with a rain date of November 23, 2025. Public Hearings - Zone Change Petition 2025-A (Cosentino Realty Commack PJ, LLC): The applicant requested modification of Zone Change 92-2 to increase the maximum gross floor area of the shopping center at Henry Street and Crooked Hill Road, Commack. The agenda and closing resolution state an increase from 528,537 s.f. to 555,713 s.f.; the applicant's engineer, Tom Filazzola, described it as an increase of 26,636 s.f., approximately 5%. He said the request would allow a 26,990 s.f. Marshalls retail building, a 4,950 s.f. satellite building, and 17,874 s.f. held in reserve for possible future Costco expansion. The engineer acknowledged some parking loss and said parking and front-yard variances would go before the Zoning Board of Appeals. Kings Park resident Sheila Pascucci spoke against what she called reckless, cumulative overdevelopment and alleged a pattern involving the developer; the exchange became disruptive, her time was ended, and board members responded that she was running for a County Legislature seat without local jurisdiction. The hearing was closed unanimously. - Chapter 322 Mixed-Use Buildings / Hauppauge Industrial Park Overlay District: Planning Director Peter Hans presented amendments to allow accessory residential units only along Motor Parkway frontage, removing interior sites surrounded by pharmaceutical and distribution uses. The eligible site count would drop from 13 to 6 unless developers assemble properties. No public comment was offered, and the hearing was closed unanimously. - Smithtown Water District Boundary and Water Main Extension: The board heard a proposal to extend public water to private-well parcels in two areas: 25 parcels on Oakside Drive and 9 parcels on Landing Avenue. The $1.667 million bond-financed project would be assessed on lots in the existing water district and reduced by any federal, state, or county grants. No public comment was offered, and the hearing was closed unanimously. - 306 Third Avenue, Saint James (Emergency Structure Removal): Assistant Town Attorney Martin Simon said the property was declared unsafe and uninhabitable on September 12, 2025, after an administrative search warrant was executed. Chief Building Inspector Joseph Lorefice documented mold, debris blocking exits, severe structural rot, roof collapse risk, and lack of life-safety devices; the dwelling was placarded, its electric supply terminated, and it was boarded. Property owner Karl Walz Sr. and his adult sons opposed the action, citing lack of housing help, a neighbor dispute, health issues, and loss of belongings. The Town said Adult Protective Services found the family income too high for emergency housing assistance and that a prior grant referral was denied for the same reason. The hearing was closed unanimously. Advertise for Public Hearing - The board voted unanimously to authorize the Town Clerk to advertise an October 23, 2025, 2:00 P.M. public hearing on Proposed Local Law 13-2025, entitled A Local Law to Override the 2026 Tax Cap. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of September 18, 2025. - Adopted Comptroller items 1 through 15, including: release of a $139,655.00 performance bond and $3,500.00 cash deposit for Marchant Drive, St. James; release of a $10,375.00 bond and $1,000.00 deposit for Nottingham Acres; acceptance of landscaping escrow deposits of $1,000.00, $1,000.00, and $600.00; multiple budget transfers, including $118,037.30 to Parks maintenance, $75,000.00 to road maintenance, $136,400.00 for highway heavy equipment, $65,233.51 for park improvements, $48,926.93 in NYS OPRHP grant funds, and $300,000.00 for the Lake Avenue sewer installation; and miscellaneous account adjustments. - Approved Resolution 3019 for disposal and recycling of computers and equipment at the Materials Recovery Facility. Resolutions and Approvals - Issued SEQRA negative declarations for the Mannino site plan at 769 Middle Country Road, St. James, and for MLC Holdings LLC (BZA Case 18970) in Kings Park. - Authorized advertising of Bid 25-092 (Recycling of Electronic Waste) and Bid 25-094 (Demolition of Unsafe Structure at 306 Third Avenue, St. James), returnable October 23, 2025, and Bid 25-096 (Annual Contract for Office Cleaning Services), returnable October 30, 2025. - Awarded Bid 25-088 (Construct Paver Walkway at Survivors Park) to Laser Industries and Bid 25-083 (Demolition of Unsafe Structure at 20 Dawson Avenue, Kings Park) to Rayco Restoration & Construction Co., the latter conditioned on New York State Department of Labor registration within ten business days. - Approved purchases, extensions, and other actions, including Proofpoint email protection from SHI Government Solutions; extension of Bid 25-025 with Lacal Equipment; rescission of the NYS DOT Route 25A snow and ice MOU; Highway Road Program addition of Franklin St., Monroe St., and Ketchum Ave.; Change Order 1 with Laser Industries for Charles P. Toner Park sports fields; extension with L.K. McLean Associates for landfill settlement survey services; acceptance of a $20.00 Animal Shelter donation from the Beigelbeck Family; extensions for screened sand, hazardous household waste disposal, and polyethylene bags; purchase of Meraki network hardware from SHI International Corp.; approval for AMA and Associates representatives to meet interested employees; adoption of Local Law 7-2025 amending Chapter 112 on OSHA safety training requirements; and rescheduling of the November 20, 2025 Town Board meeting to 7:00 P.M. at the Eugene A. Cannataro Senior Citizen Center. - Issued Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan consistency determinations for Coastal Consistency Review 2025-12 (Anaty & Stephen Bonasera) and Coastal Consistency Review 2024-04 (Knight Lane Stormwater Outfall Repair), with conditions from the Planning Director. - Approved a $1,000.00 settlement in Tara Cesarski v. Town of Smithtown. Site Plan Approval - Acting as the Board of Site Plan Review, the board conditionally approved the site plan for 769 Middle Country Road, St. James, the former Empire restaurant site. The proposal demolishes the vacant restaurant and adjacent single-family residence and constructs an 8,750-square-foot, two-story building for office and food retail use with a drive-through lane, 65 parking stalls, a new curb cut on Hobson Avenue, and a right-in/right-out on Middle Country Road. The applicant agreed to eight conditions, including monument-style signage, tree preservation, fire marshal review, highway and NYSDOT permits, utility pole removal, landscaping, and stormwater pollution prevention plan maintenance. Personnel - Extended seasonal laborer termination dates for Dean Falcone, Giuliana Sheppard, and Jared Schaffer from September 5, 2025 to November 28, 2025. - Changed Irene Bautista, Kristin Doran, and Alexa Stern, Horizons Counseling & Education Center employees, from provisional to permanent status, retroactive to September 19, 2025. - Ratified the Supervisor's signature on a Stipulation of Settlement agreement in lieu of a Section 75 proceeding for employee 008455. Public Comments & Testimony - Jarrod Behringer advocated for an inclusive, heritage-inspired destination playground in Smithtown Hamlet, citing a cost range of $750,000 to $1.5 million, a projected community return on investment of up to 4 to 1, and $10 to $20 spending per visit at local businesses. He recommended a mix of public funds, grants, and private donations. Supervisor Wehrheim asked him to call his office to set up meetings with planning and parks staff. - Cathy Sciacca discussed Toner Park pickleball courts, saying one tennis court had been converted into four poorly done pickleball courts that are cracked, puddle-prone, and too close together. She requested that the remaining tennis court be redone to create six total courts with more spacing. The Supervisor replied that the request is listed in the 2026 capital program and that staff would meet with her, with the work expected to go out to bid. Key Outcomes - All votes taken during the meeting were unanimous 5-0, with Supervisor Wehrheim and all four board members voting aye; no dissents were recorded. - Four public hearings were closed, and the board authorized the advertisement of the 2026 tax cap override public hearing for October 23, 2025. - The consent calendar, all resolutions, Local Law 7-2025, the 769 Middle Country Road conditional site plan approval, personnel actions, and the Tara Cesarski settlement were approved. - The tentative 2026 operating budget was distributed to the Town Board during the public portion. - The supervisor directed staff follow-up on the playground proposal and the Toner Park pickleball court redesign. - The meeting adjourned and the board moved to closed session.