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Residents press Hempstead board on communications contract and animal‑shelter reforms
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Summary
Public commenters at the April 14 meeting questioned a recurring communications contract with Z Creative Communications, urged no‑kill practices and operational changes at the town shelter, and raised local infrastructure concerns including the Uniondale water tower and littered parking lots.
During the public‑comment portion following the formal meeting, several residents raised concerns about the town’s public‑information services agreement with Z Creative Communications (item 36), animal‑shelter operations and local infrastructure.
Kelly Johnson (who said she prefers to be called "Miss DEI") asked why the town pays an outside firm—cited in the resolution as having an hourly cap—when the town already has a communications director. The town attorney responded that the firm provides specialized expertise on issues such as grants, environmental communications and occasional lobbying contacts, that the contract has been in place for multiple years and that the contract is a professional‑services arrangement not subject to an RFP requirement. Residents pressed for specifics: whether the firm is registered as a lobbyist, how many hours the firm will work and whether the firm will be used for routine mailings; the town attorney said those details could be provided after the meeting.
Animal‑welfare advocates urged stronger shelter practices. Hillary Flanagan, a volunteer ambassador for Best Friends Animal Society, asked the board to support Best Friends’ no‑kill empowerment and to attend a meeting planned for the next day to implement best‑practice reforms. Several residents raised concerns about long‑term dogs at the shelter (named in public comments) and urged the town to accelerate rescue and foster partnerships. A recently hired animal‑shelter consultant, referenced by a speaker, was discussed; one resident said that 72 days into the consultant’s 90‑day term she had seen limited placements and asked for updates.
Other public comments urged action on street‑level maintenance and water‑tower replacement in Uniondale, neighborhood graffiti removal and tree‑preservation enforcement. The board listened and directed residents to follow up by email for specifics and to consult posted budget and contract documents for financial details.
What’s next: the town attorney and staff indicated they would provide additional procurement and budget details upon request; Best Friends’ meeting and further shelter updates were scheduled to occur outside the board meeting.
