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Board approves administrative calendar (items 8–45); speakers pressed town on lawsuits, a water‑well project and settlement spending
Summary
The Hempstead Town Board approved its administrative calendar (items 8–45) at the Sept. 3 meeting. Public speakers asked for details about a water‑well construction amendment at Roosevelt Field Well 10, a $5,000 payment to FASTSIGNS for banners, the hiring of outside counsel for litigation and a $180,000 bond to finance a settled injury claim.
The Town of Hempstead Town Board approved its administrative calendar (items 8–45) at the Sept. 3 meeting after public comment. The roll call on the motion to approve recorded unanimous ‘‘Aye’’ votes from Supervisor John Ferretti, Councilman Dunne, Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby, Councilwoman Miller, Councilman Muscarella, Councilwoman Ryder and Councilman Schneider.
Public speakers raised questions about several calendar items:
- Roosevelt Field Well 10 (Item 23): Commissioner Reinhardt of the Department of Water said that the project moved from study and design to construction after the health department approved plans. He described the initial contract as for study and design because contaminant concentrations initially left the scope unclear; with approved plans the item was amended to cover construction work.
- Payment to FASTSIGNS (Item 14): A resident asked for the dollar amount and purpose. Town staff said the payment was approximately $5,000 and covered banners for a July town event.
- Outside counsel / lawsuits (Item 34): Multiple speakers asked why the town hires outside counsel and whether that practice saves money. A town official said the town has reduced in-house staffing and from time to time hires outside counsel for specialized matters; the town said this can save benefits costs but declined to discuss pending litigation specifics in the public meeting.
- Bond resolution for settled claim (Item 36): The board approved a bond resolution authorizing financing of a $180,000 payment to settle a tort claim alleging a defective diving board caused a serious leg injury. Town staff described the appropriation and said the parks department routinely inspects pools; the item authorized borrowing to finance the settlement.
Speakers emphasized concerns about transparency and fiscal accountability. Diane Madden and others pressed the board for restored agenda transparency on personnel actions and questioned whether the hiring/promotion details previously on the agenda had been removed. Several residents accused board members of corruption related to recent personnel and appointment decisions; board members declined to discuss ongoing litigation during the meeting.
After public comment, the board approved the administrative calendar by unanimous roll call. The clerk’s roll call shows the motion carried with seven ayes.
