ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADOPTION

ADOPT: A happily married couple promises cozy home, secure future, extended family, unconditional love for baby of any race. Expenses paid. Leslie/ Daniel TOLLFREE 1-855-767-2444. danielandleslieadopt@gmail.com

ADOPTION- Happily married, nature-loving couple wishes to adopt a baby. We promise love, laughter, education, and security. Expenses paid. www.DonaldAndEsther.com. (Se habla espanol.) 1-800-965-5617.

AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS

GET A FREE VACATION as well as IRS tax deduction BY DONATING your vehicle, boat, property, collectibles to DVAR. Help teens in crisis. Call: 1-800-338-6724.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 HELP WANTED

 BOND NO 9 is now recruiting full time sales associates for its perfume store located at the American Hotel in Sag Harbor. Please send resume to careers@bondno9.com or fax resume (along with a handwritten cover letter) to 212.677.5289.8X3/28-5/16/13.

DRIVERS- HIRING EXPERIENCED/INEXPERIENCED TANKER DRIVERS! Earn up to $.51/mile! New Fleet Volvo Tractors! 1 Year OTR Exp. Req.-Tanker Training Available. Call Today: 877-882-6537 www.OakleyTransport.com

DRIVER- One Cent Raise after 6 and 12 months.$0.03 Enhanced Quarterly Bonus. Daily or Weekly pay. Hometime Options. CDL-A, 3 months OTR exp. 800-414-9569 www.driveknight.com

EXPERIENCED CARPENTERS WANTED. Must have tools and transportation, Call my cell in the evening: 516-220-3194. P.2X5/9-5/16/13.

HIRING SALES AND MANAGEMENT for summer furniture pop-up. Best location in East Hampton and merchandise will sell itself. Top pay, fun environment, ideal summer job. Contact bmayrock@gmail.com. P.1X5/16/13.

JANGEORGe SAG HARBOR is looking for a part time sales assistant. Please send resume to jangeorge@jangeorge.com including picture. 1X5/16/13.

PART-TIME CHURCH SECRETARY with computer & bookkeeping skills. Flexible hours. Old Whalers’ Church. 725-0894. P.4X4/25-5/16/13.

PART TIME OFFICE WORK for Sag Harbor Construction Company. General office skills required. Email resume to: alex@adbcinc.com. P.2X5/9-5/16/13.

SALES & CUSTOMER SERVICE POSITION. Must be PC literate, duties include fielding customer calls, emails & faxes. Order entry via PC Excel/Word required. Full Time year round in-house position, no travel. Pay based on experience. Full Benefits package. Dortronics is a growing manufacturer in the Security & Door control industry located in Sag Harbor, NY. Email John@dortronics.com or Fax resume to (631-725-8148) or Call John @ DORTRONICS (631-725-0505) to apply. P.1X5/16/13.

SECRETARY/ASSISTANT for Landscaping Company. Full-time/part-time. Experience in QuickBooks. Call 631-445-2046. B.4X5/16-6/6/13.

THE VILLAGE OF SAG HARBOR is currently accepting applications for the following positions at Haven’s Beach:

(4) Beach Attendants

(4) Life Guards

Persons interested in applying may obtain an application at the Village Office located at 55 Main Street, Monday through Friday, 9AM-4PM. EOE.

b.2X5/16-5/23/13.

 MERCHANDISE

LOST & FOUND

FOUND: CALICO CAT. In North Haven on North Haven Way. No collar. Please call 631-655-2438.c.

LOST CAT- 4/19.”Linus” Black/gray Tabby w/white chest, 16 yrs. old, male, no collar. North Haven, Actors Colony Rd. area. 631-899-4550 or 899-4551.c.

MERCHANDISE WANTED

BUYING/SELLING: Gold, gold coins, sterling silver, silver coins, silver plate, diamonds, fine watches (Rolex, Cartier, Patek), paintings, furs, estates. Call for appointment 917-696-2024 JAY.

CASH FOR COINS! Buying ALL Gold & Silver. Also Stamps & Paper Money, Entire Collections, Estates. Travel to your home. Call Marc in NYC 1-800-959-3419.

WANTED FOR MY COLLECTION: Old guns, powder horns, swords & cannons. Indian arrowheads too. Richard G. Hendrickson, 332 Lumber Lane, Bridgehampton. 537-0893.c.

SERVICES

CAREER TRAINING

AIRLINES ARE HIRING- Train for high paying Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified- Job Placement Assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866)296-7093.

MAKE YOUR MARK by studying in Criminal Justice! Study Law Enforcement, Corrections, Security, Investigations. Briarcliffe College. CALL NOW 877-460-5777 Briarcliffe College, Bethpage NY, Queens NY, Patchogue NY. Programs vary by location. www.briarcliffe.edu

CHILD CARE

LOOKING FOR A DEPENDABLE, FUN, CARING, RESPONSIBLE NANNY FOR YOUR KIDS THIS SUMMER? I have extensive experience as a nanny, including experience w/special needs children, working at a children’s sports gym running classes & running birthday parties. I am a motivated two sport D2 athlete, trained in CPR & first aid as well. I can send references upon request. I’m available Monday-Fri every week starting mid-May through beginning of August! If you’re interested or have any questions contact me: eloebs@mail.smcvt.edu or 978-844-1111. Ask for Emily Loebs.c.

COMPUTER ASSISTANCE

ANALYZE WEBSITE RESULTS. Analyze PPC campaign performance numbers, understand Google analytics, Excel, make recommendations. (631) 329-3850. P.2X5/9-5/16/13.

CONSTRUCTION

HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers Inc., for straightening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLD-BARN. www.woodfordbros.com.Suffolk Cty~ License #41959-H Nassau Cty~ License #H18G7160000.

DOG TRAINING

DOG TRAINING- Veterinarian recommended, humane methods. Dan Gebbia 631-287-4460. www.dangebbiadogtrainer.com. p.4X5/16-6/6/13.

EDUCATION

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE FROM HOME. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice, *Hospitality, Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV Authorized. Call 888-201-8657. www.CenturaOnline.com

FURNITURE REFINISHING

GRIOT FINE CUSTOM REFINISHING.Any and All Furniture: antique, new, old, used, abused, neglected, cherished, salvaged… big, small, sleek, clunky. All pieces handled with the greatest of care. (631)749-0090. GriotRefinish@optimum.net. P.4X5/9-5/30/13.

INSTRUCTION

ITALIAN GROUP meets 1x a week. Would like addt’l students. Location: East Hampton. 917-226-2000. ehss@aol.com. P.4X4/25-5/16/13.

LAWN & GARDEN

LANDSCAPING SPECIALIST. Planting & transplanting of trees & shrubs. Custom design & installation. Beautiful ponds installed, all sizes. Rock gardens. Hedge & bush trimming. Grading & drainage problems solved. Driveways & tractor work. 725-1394. B.4X4/25-5/16/13.

 MOVING & STORAGE

RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & AUTOMOBILE STORAGE AVAILABLE. Affordable rates & climate control. 631-537-4500. p.24X3/21-8/29/13.

PET SITTING

PET SITTING IN YOUR HOME. Dogs, cats and other assorted pets. From Southampton to Springs. References and Vet recommended. Call Judy 258-2318/725-5134.c.

TREE SERVICES

PRUNING & REMOVALS. Topping for views & sunlight. Fruit tree pruning, ornamental shaping, fertilizing, stump removals, wood chips & firewood. 725-1394. P.4X4/25-5/16/13.

TUTOR

ENGLISH TUTOR. New York State Certified English Language Arts. College University Teaching experience. Kaitlin J. Daniels, M.A. 516-318-9001.C.

YARD/ TAG SALES

BIG SALE! Sat., May 18^th. Rain or shine. 9AM–3PM. Antiques, furniture, glassware, dishes, paintings, mirrors. 324 Hedges Lane, Sagaponack. Proceeds to benefit The Southampton Animal Shelter. B.1X5/16/13.

ESTATE SALE. May 17, 18 & 19. 9AM-5PM. 61 Barker’s Island Rd. (behind Sebonac Golf Course) north on Tuckahoe Rd. NYC new shipment. Colefax Fowler, Ralph Lauren City Modern chests, designer furniture, outdoor furniture, Sunbrella navy lounge cushions, designer clothing/jewelry, European finds, artwork, designer/collectible rugs, builders items, antiques, Pottery Barn wicker sofas, etc. Sunday everything $5.  p.1X5/16/13.

FRIDAY, MAY 17 & SATURDAY, MAY 18. 9AM-3PM. Brand new household items, designer clothing, electronics, paintings, lamps, & much more. 14 Sunset Road, North Haven. P.1X5/16/13.

MOVING SALE. May 18 & 19. 9AM-4PM. No early birds! 2803 Noyac Rd (between Millstone & Maple). P.1X5/16/13.

 REAL ESTATE

FOR RENT

COMMERCIAL FOR RENT

NOYAC- Prof. suite available. Approx. 550 sq. ft. 3 offices & waiting room. Nancy 725-0948. P.4X5/16-6/6/13.

NYC RENTAL

STUDIO APT. CHELSEA. Brownstone. Renovated. Furnished. Available two to three nights a week ongoing. Call 212 675 8628.c.

RENTAL WANTED

GARAGIO WANTED- Modest sized. Combination living/working space for mother & daughter. Anywhere between Southampton & Amagansett. Year-round preferred. 631-764-3261. P.1X5/16/13.

WEEKEND ARTIST seeking to rent studio near Sag Harbor/Noyac.Insulated “bonus room” above a detached 2 car garage w/good light or a commercial space w/running water to clean brushes. gxw@aol.com or 917 885 0990. P.4X5/2-5/23/13.

SUMMER RENTALS

SAG HARBOR WF- Lovely 2BR cottage on bay, beautiful gardens, private, peaceful. . June $6,000, July $9,000. 631-357-0300. P.3X5/16-6/6/13.

VACATION PROPERTIES

POCONOS - 3BR, 2BA, new, boat, golf, ski. $229,000. Griffing & Collins 631-374-9745.

VACATION RENTALS

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com

YEAR-ROUND RENTALS

SHELTER ISLAND- 2BR, 1BA, porch, bsmt. $1,300/ mo. Griffing & Collins Real Estate. 749-0500.

SHELTER ISLAND- 1BR, 1BA cottage, new kitchen. $1,300/mo. Griffing & Collins Real Estate. 749-0500.

FOR SALE

AUCTIONS

SULLIVAN COUNTY REAL PROPERTY TAX FORECLOSURE AUCTION: 300+/- Properties† June 13+14 @ 9:30AM. At The Sullivan Route 17 Exit 109. 800-243-0061 AAR. & HAR, Inc. FREE brochure: www.NYSAuctions.com

COMMERCIAL

SAG HARBOR CINEMA- Loaded w/history & potential. $12,000,000. #40002. 631-283-1133. seashell-realestate.com.

FORECLOSURES

SAG HARBOR FORECLOSURE:  2+ ac., 4000+ sf.  Call Joan for further info. Seashell Real Estate- 631 283-1133.

HOUSES

$240,000- Southampton.Summer cottage, needs work, sizeable lot.  O’Donoghue Real Estate. 283-0042.

$525,000- East Hampton Ranch. 3BR on large property. O’Donoghue Real Estate. 283-0042.

$549,000- Large 5BR, 2 story home w/water rghts. O’Donoghue Real Estate. 283-0042.

$575,000- Shinnecock. 2 family home w/ htd. pool, ¾ ac. O’Donoghue Real Estate. 283-0042.

$650,000- Southampton Village. 4BR, 4 car garage on ½ ac. O’Donoghue Real Estate. 283-0042.

$695,000- Shinnecock south. Poss. mother/daughter, 2 story, 4BR. O’Donoghue Real Estate. 283-0042.

$975,000- Southampton Village. 2 story home. New to market. O’Donoghue Real Estate. 283-0042.

__________________________________________________________

BAY HAVEN – Beach comm. 3BR, Contemp. $1.399M. IN#30107.

SAG HARBOR – 5BR, rm. pool, shy 1/2 ac. $675k. IN#25070.

SAG HARBOR – Trad. w/cottage/pool hse., 4BR, 3.5BA, 2 ac. $1.650M. Folio # 43962.

SAG HARBOR –3BR, 3BA, room/pool $865k. IN#37730.

SAG HARBOR – WV Ranch, 2BR, 1 BA $495k. IN#30011.

NORTH HAVEN – 2BR Ranch, pool or  New 4,000 sq. ft. Trad. $850k/$1.595M IN#20008.

SAG HARBOR – 4BR, 3.5BA, htd. pool, 1.4 ac. $1.150M. IN#32789.

SAG HARBOR – 3BR, 1,200 sf. cottage, Walk/beach. $460k. IN#18721.

SAG HARBOR –3BR, 3BA, htd. pool, rm./tennis. $998k. IN#22977.

SOUTHAMPTON –Estate w/dock, rm./pool, incl. extra lot. $5.5M. IN#24325.

Simon Harrison Real Estate Brokers

On the Long Wharf

Sag Harbor, NY 11963

725-4357

SimonTheBroker.com

__________________________________________________

HAMPTON BAYS – 2BR Ranch, garage. Exclusive $280,000. Web #10072. Seashell Real Estate. 283-1133.

SAG HARBOR- 2/3BR, 2BA, fpl., Walk to Long Beach. Just renovated. Must see. Bargain. $498,000. For sale by owner. 321-952-2354/516-924-4105. P.1X5/9/13.

________________________________________________________

SAG HARBOR- 4BR 2.5BA. New Construction. $899,000. IN# 48800.

SAG HARBOR VILLAGE- 3BR 3BA w/guest house. $1,695,000. IN# 19032.

SAG HARBOR VILLAGE- Office space/rent. 220 sq. ft. $2,000/mo. IN#09039.

SAG HARBOR VILLAGE - 4BR, 3BA Saltbox, rm. for pool. $675,000. IN#061882.

SAG HARBOR- Beach cottage. 3BR 1BA $499,000. IN#24212.

SUNSET SHORES- Contemp., 3BR 2BA w/heated pool. $610,000. IN# 31493.

SAG HARBOR- Beach comm. 3BR 2.5BA Ranch. $699,000. IN# 18564.

NOYAC- 2BR, 1BA cottage w/1BR, 1BA guest house. $499,000. IN #43525.

Douglas Elliman

138 Main Street

Sag Harbor, NY 11963

631-725-0200

________________________________________________

Sales

WATER MILL-3 BR, 2BA,. .54 ac., fpl., garage, rm. pool. $650K. IN#54536.  

SAG HARBOR-4BR, 3.5BA, shy 1/2 ac. Abutting golf course. $859K. IN#24594.

SAG HARBOR- 4BR, 2.5BA Contemp. .5ac., htd. pool. $795K. IN #40626.

WATER MILL-Luxury Offices for Sale starting- $385K.

Land

SOUTHAMPTON-. 34 ac. lot w/rm.  pool. Beachfront comm. $309K. IN#7268.

BRIDGEHAMPTON-4.6 ac. lot w/rm. pool/tennis. $899K.

Rentals

WATER MILL-Luxury Offices for Lease starting- $1,550 mo.

WATER MILL- 5BR, 5.5BA, w/ htd. pool, tennis, 4.6 ac. MD-LD $95K. IN #92832.

SAG HARBOR- 4BR, 3.5 BA, 3000 sq. ft., CAC, .50 ac., htd. pool. Aug-LD $25K.  IN#57634.

SAG HARBOR VILLAGE- 2BR, 1BA w/ CAC. $18K MD-LD, $15K July-LD.  IN#73614.

631-725-2626

www.strough.com

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SHELTER ISLAND- 5BR, 4.5BA, 2 fpl., Exclusive. $925,000. Griffing & Collins Real Estate. 749-0500.

SHELTER ISLAND- WF, 2BR, 1BA, ac., private. Exclusive. $1,390,000. Griffing & Collins Real Estate. 749-0500.

SHELTER ISLAND – 2.6 ac. WF, 3BR, 2BA, B zone. Co-Exclusive. $1,690,000.. Griffing & Collins Real Estate. 749-0500.

SHELTER ISLAND- 4BR, 3.5BA, WV, pool, stunning. $1,450,000. Griffing & Collins Real Estate. 749-0500.

SHELTER ISLAND- 3BR, 1.5BA, cottage, 3.5 ac., pondfront. Exclusive $835,000. Griffing & Collins Real Estate. 749-0500.

SHELTER ISLAND- 3BR, 2BA, private road. Exclusive $595,000. Griffing & Collins Real Estate. 749-0500.

SHELTER ISLAND- 2 homes, exc. condition, 3/2 & 1/2, 1 ac. $825,000. Griffing & Collins Real Estate. 749-0500.

____________________________________________________

SHELTER ISLAND HOUSE & LOT- 2BR, 1BA cottage + ½ ac. Exclusive $495,000. IN#18522.

SHELTER ISLAND ANTIQUE FARMHOUSE- 2BR, 2BA. Exclusive $495,000. IN#47441.

SHELTER ISLAND – Ranch. 3BR, 1BA, garage. Co-exclusive. $510,000. IN#39084.

SHELTER ISLAND RANCH- Assoc. beach & boating, 5BR, 3BA, sunroom. Exclusive $550,000. IN#21572.

SHELTER ISLAND COUNTRY COTTAGE- Redone granite & stainless KIT, 3BR, 2BA.Exclusive $550,000.  IN#27354.

SHELTER ISLAND CRAFTSMAN- Commercial 3BR, 2.5BA, owner/broker. Exclusive $675,000. IN#36390.

SHELTER ISLAND - 4BR, 3BA, deck w/hot tub, near marina. Exclusive $739,000. IN#37199.

SHELTER ISLAND CONTEMP W/ POOL- 4BR, 2.5BA, dock. Exclusive $779,000. IN#37185.

SHELTER ISLAND HOUSE & COTTAGE- Live in one, rent other. $799,000. IN#18376.

SHELTER ISLAND WF - 3BR, 2BA Cape, dock. Exclusive. $929,000. IN#53559.

Georgiana B. Ketcham

Licensed Real Estate Broker

90 South Ferry Rd

Shelter Island, NY 11964

631-749-0800

www.ketchamproperties.com

__________________________________________________________

SOUTHAMPTON VILLAGE- 3/2.5, htd. pool/spa. $1,395,000. Summer- $60K Exclusive. #10000. Seashell Real Estate. 631 283-1133.

SOUTHAMPTON COVE- 3BR ,1.5 BA, WF. Exclusive. $465,000. #10023 Seashell Real Estate. 631 283-1133.

SOUTHAMPTON- 4/4, 4000 sq. ft., 1 ac., pool. $1,495,000. Summer $65k. Web# 10076.  Seashell Real Estate. 631-283-1133.

TIANA BAY- Open WF. 130′ bulkheaded, new fiberglass 100′ permanent dock. 3/3. Exclusive $1,495,000. #50009. Seashell Real Estate. 631 283-1133.

WATER MILL- New 5,000 sf., htd. gunite pool. #10074. Exclusive. $2,195,000. Seashell Real Estate 631 283-1133.

______________________________________________________

INTERIOR DESIGN 

Eugènia Au Kim, IIDA, Interior Design & Space Planning

www.designstudio-ny.com

631-537-1999

p.1X5/16/13.

______________________________________________________

LAND

$240,000-$300,000- Range. Bldg. lots available, different areas. O’Donoghue Real Estate. 283-0042.

$300,000-$400,000- Range. Choice of 8 lots, Southampton area.O’Donoghue Real Estate. 283-0042.

$699,000- 1 ac. on cul-de-sac + small WF lot. West Neck. O’Donoghue Real Estate. 283-0042.

DEERFIELD ESTATE AREA- WV. 2 ac. Room for tennis. Exclusive. $1,450,000. #10010. Seashell Real Estate. 631-283-1133.

SOUTHAMPTON SHORES- 1.2 ac. beach/boating. $385,000. #30014. Seashell Real Estate. 631 283-1133.

SHELTER ISLAND- 1.4 ac., level, adjacent preserve. Exclusive. $225,000. Griffing & Collins Real Estate. 749-0500.

SHELTER ISLAND- 1 ac. Exclusive. $445,000. Griffing & Collins Real Estate. 749-0500.

____________________________________________________

SELECT BUILDABLE LOTS

WALK TO BEACH- ½ acre-$275,000.

C ZONE- elevated acre- $299,000.

PASTURE VIEW AC. – $325,000.

COUNTRY ACRE- $350,000.

CONSERVANCY ESTATES- 1.6 acre. $359,000.

WATER ACCESS ACRE- $365,000.

PRIVATE ROAD- 1.2 acres – $375,000

HILLTOP LOT W/ASSOC. BEACH- $525,000.

2 ACRE- AA zone. $775,000.

DERING HARBOR- 3 acres. $900,000.

Georgiana B. Ketcham

Licensed Real Estate Broker

90 South Ferry Rd

Shelter Island, NY 11964

631-749-0800

www.ketchamproperties.com

____________________________________________________

OUT OF TOWN-LAND

LAKE SALE: 6 acres Bass Lake $29,900. 7 acres 400 waterfront $29,900. 6† lake properties. Were $39,900 now $29,900. www.LandFirstNY.com Ends May 31st Call Now! 1-888-683-2626.

LENDER ORDERED SALE! 5 acres – $19,900. Organic farmland, giant views, fields, woods! 1 hour from Albany! EZ terms! (888) 905-8847 newyorklandandlakes.com

UPSTATE NY COUNTRYSIDE SPRING LAND SALE $5,000 Off Each Lot 6 AC w/ Trout Stream: $29,995 3 AC / So. Tier: $15,995 5.7 AC On the River: $39,995 Beautiful & All Guaranteed Buildable. Financing Available. Offer Ends 5/31/13. Call Now: 1-800-229-7843 www.landandcamps.com

By Annette Hinkle

Jeff Robinson, the park manager of Mashashimuet Park in Sag Harbor talks about keeping the park green and clean.

You’re starting your third season as park manager and replaced Joe Burns when he retired after more than 20 years in the position. What was the transition like?

The park board loved Joe – but they thought it was time to get someone in here who was a little younger with a little more energy. Joe was so humble and handed me the reins of the park. He said, “You’re in charge of the park now, so you do what’s best.”

And when it comes to the park, what’s best?

Keeping it clean, taking care of it, encouraging people to use it as a place for meeting people when they’re here — just giving them a place to have recreation. The park is wonderful, to me it’s such a community park – there’s an ownership with the people of Sag Harbor — there’s no problems with graffiti. This is their park and I’m proud to see what goes on here.

Tell me about your background and how it fits into this job.

I have a BS in recreation and leisure management and went to Michigan State for its grass turf  program —–the agronomy and soil science. That’s where my golf course background came from and that’s what first brought me to this area. I was looking to get out of golf courses and combining the two degrees seemed like a natural fit.

The education helps me with the IPM – Integrated Pest Management — and we’re doing things here naturally. It’s all about being green and trying to do things organically the best we can.

With golf courses, the threshold is impossible to maintain. I call it the Augusta look – it’s so manicured you can’t have one weed out there. But it’s not natural. Here at the park, clover is ok. It fixes nitrogen by itself. Dandelions are not a big deal either. It’s grass, it always recovers and unlike golf courses, there are no chemicals here. Any fertilizer we use is organic so it’s a safer environment.

The fields look great — you definitely know what you’re doing.

I like to keep it nice for JV and Pierson varsity — it’s their home field. The kids recognize what a great field they have and that’s something from my background I can bring.

What are some of the highlights of your day?

I see kids learning how to ride bikes every day. I get to see that and because I have a 5 year old daughter, experience it.

The park setting is so wonderful. I’ve got an osprey nest for an office. The park abuts the Greenbelt Trail. The trail heads begin here – its just a great nature center and we encourage that.

Now that it’s warming up, what kind of events will be here at the park?

It’ll be summer time soon — we have the great summer camp — it might be $20 if not free and is the cheapest camp around. The park tries to provide those opportunities. There’s also the tennis program and the Whalers collegiate baseball team that plays here and the men’s softball league.

We have the handball wall, which is a great tennis practice area. There are so many things that go underused — the trails, there’s also horseshoes and shuffleboard here. We have some of the equipment, but it hasn’t been used in so long. That’s something I’d like someone to say, “Can we play shuffleboard?” I’d say “Have at it.”

I think its important to know you don’t have to come and spend money here. It’s a free place to recreate, come with the family — we have a picnic area that barely gets used. I got 20 picnic tables — I would love for people to come use them.

I also just put up a couple tether ball courts too.

Tether ball! I remember that game. But I always wondered, are there any actual rules?

Have fun, that’s the rule.

By Kathryn G. Menu

Just days after the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) closed shell fishing in Sag Harbor Cove and Upper Sag Harbor Cove, Simon Harrison was approved by the village board to raise oysters on a fixed village dock next to the Breakwater Yacht Club on Bay Street.

Harrison, owner of Simon Harrison Real Estate on Long Wharf, said this is a program he hopes will continue to benefit water quality around the village and become a part of a larger effort to educate people about the crisis local waters currently face.

Harrison earned the support of the village Harbor Committee on Monday night before gaining approval from the Sag Harbor Village Board Tuesday night.

Harrison has been working with the Southold Project in Aquaculture (SPAT) through the Sag Harbor Oyster Club — founded in 2009 — to raise the oysters underneath the village’s Bay Street dock, formally the Mobil pier. This will be his second year using that location.

The oysters are harvested and released into Sag Harbor before they are large enough to be considered marketable, and therefore, poachable. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) prohibits shell fishing between the bridge and the breakwater because of water quality concerns.

Harrison obtains his oyster spat, or seeds, from the SPAT program on the North Fork and releases the full harvest back into Sag Harbor.

“The whole point is to release the oysters so they reproduce and clean our water,” said Harrison.

Oysters act as natural filters, consuming algae and filtering as much as two gallons of water per hour. With the introduction of an oyster reef or garden, bay grasses thrive, which in turn increases oxygen levels in the water, preventing erosion and creating habitats for marine life.

Harrison has between 5,000 and 6,000 oysters at his location, which will be released before reaching maturity.

Harrison noted a number of waterfront homeowners, including those in the oyster club, have dedicated themselves to raising oysters for these very reasons, with those in the coves facing challenges last season when those waterways experienced a harmful red tide algae bloom for the first time.

Last week the DEC announced that as of sunrise on Friday, May 10, both Sag Harbor Cove and the Upper Cove would be closed to shell fishing as a result of the discovery of a marine biotoxin. The harvest of both shellfish and carnivorous gastropods, like whelks, conch and moon snails, is prohibited by the DEC on a temporary basis until further notice.  According to the DEC, carnivorous gastropods feed on shellfish and may accumulate biotoxins at levels that are hazardous to human health.

The impacted area includes about 490 acres — all areas of the cove and its tributaries lying westerly of the northbound lanes of the Lance Corporal Haerter Veterans Memorial Bridge.

The DEC made the decision after shellfish collected in the cove tested positive for saxitoxin, a biotoxin that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning.

According to a DEC statement, the agency will test the coves on a weekly basis and once three consecutive tests have shown no traces of the biotoxin, the area will be re-opened to shell fishing.

Oysters are filter feeders, meaning once the algae bloom dissipates the shellfish will filter the toxin out of its flesh and become safe for consumption again over time.

The DEC is maintaining an updated recording regarding the shellfish closure, which can be heard at 444-0480.

It’s closures like these that worry Harrison, who believes the community should be rallying around the issue of water quality. To that end, Harrison said he would like to work with local government officials and community members on creating a local guide about waterfront protection similar to Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod’s guides through the publication “Island Pages.”

Based on a publication from Puget Sound, the 50-page manual is envisioned as being one distributed to every household with the goal that it becomes a go-to family guide for everything related to water quality from ecological lawn care to non-toxic bottom paints for boats to general best practices as homeowners living on the waterfront.

Harrison has permission to use the “Island Pages” format, he said, and is looking for partners in the initiative.

“I like everything you are doing,” said Harbor Committee chairman Bruce Tait on Monday. The board said it would review the Island Pages idea to see what kind of help it can offer Harrison.

In other Harbor Committee news, the board held a discussion with attorney Dennis Downes over a proposal by his client, Todd Rome, to build a modular home, new pool and deck at his Terry Drive property.

That project earned a pyramid variance from the Sag Harbor Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) earlier this spring.

Downes said in addition to building the modular home and deck on the narrow lot, a pool was also proposed. A 15-foot vegetative buffer is proposed to the beach grass, said Downes, which is 10-feet less than the minimum requirements under the village code.

Downes argued this is technically not a wetlands buffer as the closest wetlands would be in the water off the beach. He added no other houses in the neighborhood have vegetative buffers.

“But they will have to have a buffer when they rebuild,” said Tait.

The village’s environmental planning consultant Richard Warren added that the code actually requires 75-feet of buffer but on undersized lots the committee has the ability to reduce that to 25-feet.

He added if the pool was reconfigured more buffer space could be accommodated.

“We are talking about giving them relief for accessory structures,” said Warren. “I don’t sit up there. I don’t vote. But I think you have to think about that.”

Tait said he would like to see a revision that presents an “honest effort” at trying to create a 25-foot vegetative buffer.

Lastly, Madeline and David Haver and Loren Taggart were approved for a fixed and floated dock at their Redwood Road home, although the permit is conditional on an approved planting plan by the committee.

Sag Harbor Mayor Brian Gilbride and Sag Harbor PBA President Patrick Milazzo spar during a village board meeting Tuesday night. 

By Kathryn G. Menu

Tension has continued to mount over the course of the last two months as the Sag Harbor Village Board contemplated and eventually adopted a budget that lays off an officer from the Sag Harbor Village Police Department.

On Tuesday, that tension boiled over during a village board meeting.

Mayor Brian Gilbride sparred with Thomas Fabiano, village police chief, Sag Harbor Patrolman Benevolent Association (PBA) President Patrick Milazzo and Southampton PBA Vice President Kevin Gwinn, as the latter three attempted to convince Gilbride, and the rest of the village board, to keep 11 officers in the Sag Harbor Village Police Department after the 2013-2014 budget takes affect in July.

That would save the position of officer David Driscoll — present with his family at Tuesday night’s meeting. Being the last officer hired in the department, Driscoll’s position was cut during the budget process. At the same time, the village has been in a contract dispute with the Sag Harbor PBA, which has been working without a contract for two full years as of June 1. That negotiation is in arbitration.

“One last appeal,” said chief Fabiano. “I know you don’t want to hear it.”

Board member Kevin Duchemin asked about the ability for the village to apply for a grant which, according to Gilbride, would provide $125,000 over three years for new hires or re-hires in a police department.

Fabiano did not return calls on Wednesday to confirm the details of the grant.

On Tuesday night, Duchemin — who would later say he was unaware he was voting for the police department’s budget when he and the rest of the board unanimously adopted the 2013-2014 general fund last month — wondered if the 11^th position could not be saved while Fabiano was applying for this grant.

“No,” said Gilbride, adding the grant would not take affect until the fall and the position was unfunded in the budget.

At the end of April, the village board unanimously adopted a $8.2 budget that left the Sag Harbor Village Police Department with 10 officers and its chief — a reduction of two officers when compared to last year’s budget.

In addition to Driscoll’s position, the village board removed the position of officer Michael Gigante through attrition. Officer Gigante left the department last fall for a position in another department amid the stalled contract negotiations.

“What would the cost savings be on cutting one officer on a household basis,” asked Milazzo.

While Gilbride did not have a solid figure Tuesday night, Milazzo said he believed it would be $49.79 a year, $4.15 a month or $0.14 a day — a figure Gilbride disputed.

On Wednesday, Gilbride said Sag Harbor Village Treasurer Eileen Tuohy has drawn up figures for the cost of an officer with a year-round base salary of $175,000 on the average homeowner, although those figures were not immediately available. Gilbride did say it was a figure larger than what Milazzo presented on Tuesday night and noted that based on the contractual 238 days an officer must work that salary results in a daily pay of $735.29.

On Tuesday night Milazzo was adamant his figures were accurate.

“According to my math it is and I think that is a small price to pay given the service we provide the village,” he said.

Milazzo questioned why the village would be cutting an officer at a time it has a surplus in its fund balance, particularly when it is buying new equipment for the village’s public works department like a $200,000 street sweeper.

“Why when the chief found $75,000 was the idea of not cutting a position not given a second thought,” asked Milazzo.

Gilbride countered he attended the most recent arbitration hearing in an effort to save this position, but the union was unable to offer any concessions to save Driscoll’s job — something Milazzo denied.

Milazzo also wondered how the department could be properly staffed, but Gilbride said while the schedule would be difficult to figure out with 10 officers he believes it is possible to schedule two officers for every shift and have an extra 190 shifts available after they meet their contract days.

“As of right now we work shifts alone and we have 11 officers,” said Milazzo. “You are setting us up for failure.”

“We are a committed group of officers who have tried to remain professional throughout the whole process, but we can’t remain silent anymore as the mayor sits by, pushing his own agenda,” said Milazzo. “We ask the board to reconsider the layoff.”

Milazzo noted the decision not only impacts the department, entering the summer season, but also families.

“This is a serious decision — something that needs a little bit more thought and consideration — and you guys need to see what is going on.”

Gilbride attempted to go into executive session, but at the protest of the crowd Gwinn was allowed to speak.

Gwinn is not only with the Southampton Town PBA, but is also a member of the Suffolk County Police Conference.

“I have a great deal of respect for you and your board,” said Gwinn. “These are brutal times.”

Gwinn said an officer’s salary should not be valued by the calls they get, but rather the risk they are at every time they are on the job.

“This isn’t Southampton,” said Gilbride, adding police services are getting too expensive for Sag Harbor. “We don’t have the resources or the tax base.”

He added police budgets generally account for the largest section of a municipal budget.

“Otherwise you don’t have your nice schools, you don’t have your Main Street,” he said.

Gwinn estimated for a house valued at $795,000 he believes they would pay $21.90 a month to cover the cost of an officer. He added while Southampton is losing officers, it is through attrition, not layoffs.

Gwinn then raised the question about whether or not the full board really voted unanimously for the budget, which was when Duchemin said he did not intend to approve the police budget.

Duchemin, a sergeant with the East Hampton Village Police Department, is the PBA president there and like Gwinn is a member of the Suffolk County Police Conference.

Given Duchemin’s admission, Gwinn asked the board to revisit the budget again.

“It’s a tight budget,” said Gilbride. “There are a lot of things we need to get done. It’s a no.”

Gwinn called that a “disgraceful answer.”

Last month, Southampton Town Highway Superintendent Alex Gregor put out a call for bids for the traffic calming project known as 7A to be installed along the stretch of Noyac Road in front of the Cromer’s Country Market/Whalebone General Store shopping plaza.

Five bids came back as a result and Gregor reports they ranged as high as $741,147 — with the lowest qualified bidder, South Fork Asphalt, coming in at $509,450.

“It’s a great deal. They’re a local firm so I’m asking the town to award the bid to them,” said Gregor who would like the Southampton Town Board to decide on acceptance of the bid by the end of May.

The problem is, the town board has not endorsed the plan, which has been heavily criticized by many residents and the business owners who will be directly affected. As a result, in March, the town board failed to put forth a motion to bid out the project and Gregor proceeded with the bidding process on his own, which he’s entitled to do as a department head in the town who has already been earmarked funding.

But now, he needs board approval to accept the bid and proceed with the work.

“We have money for the Cromer’s project,” said Gregor. “If it goes forward we have $450,000 for the project now and can take the balance from paving programs.”

The 7A plan includes widening and shifting of Noyac Road 17-feet to the south as well as installation of raised center medians, turn lanes and a “back-stop” style curb to prevent cars from pulling in and out directly onto Noyac Road.

However, according to Gregor, gone is the most controversial aspect of the plan — the conversion of Bay Avenue and Elm Street into one-way roads heading north and south respectively — which residents opposed because they felt it would channel traffic into the quiet Pine Neck neighborhood.

“The plan is not changing – we can just paint Bay Avenue and Elm Street to be two way, with no left turn out of Bay going east on Noyac Road. You could go east and west out of Elm – it’s just changing the painting and making them both two way.”

“The town board has to award the bid – it’s a town board of indecision,” said Gregor who has criticized the board for caving into pressure from residents and business owners that oppose the plan. “We have seven to 12,000 vehicles a day going east and west on that road. For 14 years the town has worked with the community to find a solution. We believe we found the solution.”

“Now it takes the courage of the board to say the needs of many outweigh the needs of a few,” added Gregor. “This plan doesn’t change the character of Pine Neck.”

According to Jennifer Garvey in Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst’s office, while Gregor recently told Throne-Holst he had an idea to alter 7A, he has yet to officially present those changes to the board.

“He was suggesting this plan would avoid the issue [of the one-way streets]. But if he wants to continue to enlist the town board’s support, he has to show the plan formally,” explained Garvey. “She [Throne-Holst] said to him, ‘Come tell us about it.’ We have to see what he’s talking about. The big issue is people are saying ‘We don’t want this.’ He should shop it to residents and then come before the board.”

Coincidentally, the exchange between Gregor and Throne-Holst came during another recent traffic calming meeting held on site with members of the Noyac Civic Council further west on Noyac Road. It was instituted by resident Dorothy Frankel who is seeking the town’s help in slowing the traffic in front of her home.

Though Gregor suggested instituting measures there such as center road cones and signage, he also stressed there was no money in his budget to actually implement those measures.

There is, however, money for the Cromer’s project and Gregor, who would like to see construction of the plan begin by late fall, said it would take 80 days to complete.

“We actually took our time to make sure it can be done to maintain two-way traffic on Noyac Road,” said Gregor.

To urge the board to take action on the bid, in a May 3, 2013 letter to the town board, Gregor wrote “Time is of the essence. The potential for the next major pedestrian or vehicular accident in this area is imminent and litigation costs potentially associated with same could be enough to repave all of the roads in the Town of Southampton. The Town has been made fully aware of this unsafe section of Noyac Road for at least ten (10) years.

“Therefore,” continued Gregor, “the Highway Department respectfully requests that the Town Board award the ‘Noyac Road Traffic Calming Project’ contract to South Fork Asphalt in the amount of $509,450.00”

At this point, acceptance of the bid would require the board to prepare a resolution and Gregor would need the support of at least three town board members as well.

“The tough thing is, the data shows these traffic calming measures do work and need to be implemented,” said Gregor. “The business owners perceive this as ruining their business. I like Cromer’s and the Whalebone, but I have a responsibility to the public so they can drive, walk and cycle safely.”

“I’m not doing anything cutting edge that hasn’t been implemented in the past.”

Educators and business owners, lifetime locals and recent transplants, parents and grandparents, are all represented in the diverse pool of candidates vying for four spots on the Sag Harbor School Board.

The six contenders debated during a Meet the Candidates forum on Friday, May 10, an annual event hosted by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA). It was moderated by Sag Harbor Express publisher Bryan Boyhan.

The candidates include three incumbents: Noyac resident Edward Drohan, whose grandson attends Sag Harbor Elementary School; Southampton native and Pierson parent Susan Kinsella; and Chris Tice, who has three children in the district.

The three challengers are social worker Daniel Hartnett, who has served two previous terms on the board; David Diskin, a parent and local business owner; and attorney Thomas Ré, whose daughter attends Pierson Middle/High School.

When asked what kind of priority the school district should give substance abuse education and which grade levels this effort should involve, all the candidates agreed it should be a top priority.

“It should be involved from the lowest grade level on up,” said Drohan. “It has to be set by family example. I’d like to see more of the clergy and parishes and different churches involved. That’s part of the family community.”

“Our issues are national issues and there’s always two ways to look at it,” said Hartnett. “There is the enforcement piece and there is the treatment piece. I believe strongly in a balance of both.”

“What we really want is a cultural change here,” Kinsella said. “Because we are a small area and because we don’t have a lot of services outside the district, our alternative would be to implement these programs inside the district.”

“It’s an environmental issue,” explained Ré. “We have to approach it not just from the children and not just from the parents. We have to have our vendors get involved; we have to have our faith-based community get involved; we have to have our enforcement involved. It should start right away.”

Tice agreed that preventative education “should start at a very young age.”

“The conversations obviously are different, but it should be at every age, at every grade,” she said. “While the school is going to improve what they do, this is truly where it takes a village.”

“It’s a spectrum that needs to be done at every level,” agreed Diskin. “The district can do a great effort in supplying the support and resources that kids that don’t have support at home — or in other things — can look to and find that.”

Candidates were asked how the new International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum should be evaluated and whether there are ways it should be changed or expanded.

“IB is a no-brainer in this community,” said Hartnett. “It builds skills that kids need to work in this century. Every student in this district is going to benefit from IB because of its inquiry based methodology.”

“We’re going to have to depend on our administrators to evaluate the program,” said Kinsella who said she favors expansion in the future but added, “what should be happening now is there should be training not only at the current levels, but at the lower levels so that we’re prepared.”

“We made a decision that the program has value for our children and for our community,” said Ré. “I think we should have a freshman and a sophomore exposure, so that the children themselves can see the differences and the parents can also.”

“It’s not just about training the teachers who are directly teaching IB course,” said Tice, “but it’s making sure that training trickles down to the entire staff, so that from the very first classroom experience that a student has here, the IB way of learning is reinforced.”

“The real measures of success in this program will be the enthusiasm the children have to collaborate and get engaged in it and to see the feedback of the parents and educators,” responded Diskin. “Is it sparking attachment to learning and critical, engaged thinking? That’s why we brought it here.”

“We’re the 16th most expensive school in the state out of 694 on a cost-per-pupil basis and we’re by far the smallest school. These are both difficult factors to get by,” said Drohan. “It has the potential to be a great program. We’re into a process.”

When asked how the search for a full-time superintendent should be conducted and what qualities the next superintendent should have, Kinsella cited the desirable qualities of the current interim superintendent, Dr. Carl Bonuso.

“I love that Carl is really immersed in our community,” she said. “We also need someone who is innovative in that we are facing a lot of financial challenges.”

“The search should be conducted the same way it has been in the past with the same School Leadership firm that we’ve used before,” added Kinsella referring to the independent consulting firm used by the district in previous administrative staff selections.

“I’m not sure that we should have the same firm,” countered Ré. “I want to understand why we are doing it.”

As for qualities in a superintendent, he added, “one of the most important things is that they have leadership. We have the ability to be able to hire somebody that has that kind of educational background and experiences and has the children at heart.”

“We should really continue to involve the community in the process,” Tice said. “It’s important to hear from the different constituencies what you’re looking for.”

Referencing Dr. Bonuso, Tice added, “You want someone who viscerally understands what it’s like to be in a classroom with students and motivate their learning.”

“The primary quality is, of course, somebody who is passionate about education,” said Diskin. “Someone who understands that the end goal of this is to make sure that each and every student gets from our district the best education that they possibly can. You’ve got to marry that with someone who’s got fantastic administrative skills, understands finance, and understands how to put a budget together properly.”

Drohan also questioned the effectiveness of School Leadership after a community survey conducted by the firm failed to ask respondents how they would feel about having “somebody local as opposed to somebody that’s outside” filling the position.

“We may as well be grooming the next leader internally,” said Drohan. “We have some great administrative people and we’ll have what we want.”

Boyhan asked the candidates to contemplate ways through which the district would be able to share services with other school districts and whether Sag Harbor should consider consolidation with another district. Tice responded that the district already engages in shared services in many areas.

“But it’s not enough,” she said. “And I think we should do more. We have to explore every opportunity.”

Tice also expressed her desire to have community forums on the subject.

Diskin agreed that “on every logistical level, it would probably make a lot of sense. It could be fantastically beneficial. It’s something that has to be studied and something that the people of all the districts would have to want.”

“I think people are afraid of [shared services] because they think it’s a move toward consolidation,” said Drohan, adding that any implementation “should have very good planning.”

Hartnett expressed his disappointment “that the consolidation study wasn’t pursued and that local districts didn’t look to continue it.”

He cited issues such as autism and bilingual education that each district must address, saying that it is “as if we were all inventing our own wheels.”

“We’re really working very hard” on sharing services, said Kinsella. “We have to have every community on board that wants to join forces. It does seem silly to have all these districts with all the same repetitive capital costs, etc.”

Ré agreed in finding more opportunities for shared services. Regarding consolidation, “I would not take it off the table, I would look at it,” said Ré. “All these things have to be examined openly.”

The Sag Harbor School Board election will be held on May 21 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Pierson High School gymnasium.

The Sunday Bus Service program is the product of legislation sponsored by Suffolk County Legislator Schneiderman and approved by the County Legislature in 2011. After the success in 2011 and 2012 the level of use demonstrated the clear need for public transportation on Sunday’s.

“Sunday is a busy day for retail and service-oriented businesses,” said Schneiderman. “Employees need to get to work and employers need a workforce they can depend on,”

It will impact the S92 and 10C lines. The S92 bus line runs from Orient Point to East Hampton, making stops in Sag Harbor, Water Mill, Southampton Village, Hampton Bays, Flanders and Riverhead. The 10C line connects East Hampton riders to the S92 route making stops in Montauk, Amagansett and East Hampton.

The bus schedule is available on the Suffolk County Transit Bus website at www.sct-bus.org.

The bill provides a legal option for such victims. Under current law, only the State Attorney General is empowered to bring legal action against violators of the price gouging statute. This bill would leave those powers intact, but would also permit individual victims of price gouging to sue unscrupulous businesses directly.

In addition to the right of action granted to the Attorney General, this legislation gives victims of unlawful price gouging the right to sue for injunctive relief, and/or recovery of actual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater. It also permits the court to award an additional penalty of up to $5,000 for a willful or knowing violation and reasonable attorney’s fees.

“During Superstorm Sandy, my office had received several calls from constituents with price gouging complaints,” said Thiele. “Retailers, who artificially inflate the prices of necessities during storms and emergencies, should be punished. Consumers shouldn’t be taken advantage. This legislation will send a loud and clear message — price gouging will not be tolerated in New York.”

A proposed revision on the public input policy for Sag Harbor School Board meetings, which board president Theresa Samot says aims to increase public participation, would also give the board the right to suspend community members’ privilege to speak should their conduct be considered inappropriate.

A second reading of the proposed changes to the board’s existing policy, Public Expression at Meetings, will be held at next Monday night’s board meeting. The board has two readings on a policy before it is approved.

“The thought behind this policy is to allow more public input and more flexibility,” Samot said of the proposed changes.

The current policy, which has been under scrutiny by the board for over a year, asks community members to submit a reservation to speak during Public Input I — at the beginning of school board meetings — prior to noon on the Friday before the board meets. It stated, “Speakers will not be precluded from speaking if they do not sign up ahead of time.”

Which means, although community members are encouraged to submit requests before they speak, it is not technically mandated.

“There has been a lot of confusion and discussion as to if people were following that rule or not,” said board member Mary Anne Miller on Tuesday, who noted she was not speaking on behalf of the board as a whole but as an individual board member.

The new policy allows the public to sign up for Public Input I at any time prior to the start of the meeting.

“That will certainly give people more flexibility to sign up,” said Samot.

Drafted by Miller and board vice president Chris Tice, the revisions follow a template provided by the New York State School Board Association.

“What we essentially did was completely start from scratch,” said Miller. “The other policy had a lot of extra information in it that didn’t seem necessary and complicated the issue.”

The revisions clarify the time limit on public input speakers. The existing policy permitted a time limit of “three to five minutes,” while the new policy clearly limits input at five minutes. According to Samot, the limit “is open to board discussion.”

“If we have many people that want to speak on a topic, we can certainly extend that,” she said.

The revised policy was first read aloud at the board meeting on Monday, May 7. Following the reading, board member Susan Kinsella proposed that an additional sentence be included in the policy.

“There should be some kind of recourse on the part of the board if someone does something egregious in public input,” said Kinsella.

Kinsella proposed the following sentence: “If a member of the community fails to conduct themselves appropriately or violates the rules set forth herein, the board has the right to suspend that community member’s privilege of speaking during public input.”

Kinsella could not be reached for comment this week.

The board agreed to include the sentence in the second reading of the proposed policy on Monday, May 20, during which it will be addressed and potentially reconsidered.

“I’m not 100 percent comfortable with this statement,” said Miller. “I believe it needs more clarification. I intend to ask a few more questions about it.”

“People acting inappropriately is sort of addressed already in the policy,” said Miller. The initial revision, as drafted by Tice and Miller, includes a statement on appropriate conduct: “All speakers are to conduct themselves in a civil and respectful manner. Obscene language, libelous statements, threats of violence, statements advocating racial, religious, or other forms of prejudice will not be tolerated.”

The sentence proposed by Kinsella calls into question the bounds of what is considered disrespectful and how the decision to terminate a community member’s participation would be made in a fair manner. It does not clarify whether the community member would be temporarily dismissed from speaking at board meetings or banned entirely.

When asked how the board would decide what is considered appropriate, Samot replied, “Using vulgar language and violence, something that would be considered unacceptable behavior in any arena.”

“We often have passionate discussions and people disagreeing,” said Samot. “We certainly want to hear everybody’s opinion. It certainly wouldn’t be that, it would be something very inappropriate.”

“There’s an interpretation issue in there that we would need to hash out if I were to agree with it,” said Miller of the addition. “I don’t think we should only be speaking about suspending community members’ privileges, without speaking about the board, the staff, and the community as well.”

The board will review the proposed changes in the second reading of the policy during Monday’s board meeting, which begins with a scheduled executive session at 5:30 p.m. followed by the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Pierson High School library.

By Amy Patton

With all three Bridgehampton School Board candidates coming out of the gate in support of a referendum on this year’s ballot — one that would extend busing to non-public schools outside of district to 25 miles— on Tuesday night the uncontested candidates fielded queries about the future of the school at a “Meet the Candidates” event sponsored by the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).

The three candidates include Jennifer Vinski who is running for the first time and works as a kindergarten inclusion teacher in the Southampton school district. Vinski is a parent to twin boys enrolled in Bridgehampton’s elementary program.

Gabriela Braia, who was appointed to the board last summer to replace Elizabeth Kotz after her resignation from the board, is also running for election as is incumbent Lawrence LaPointe, who is seeking is second, three year term. Board member JoAnn Comfort, who was elected to the board in 2010, is not seeking reelection.

Sag Harbor Express publisher Bryan Boyhan moderated the evening. While the candidates offered their support of the busing referendum which voters will weigh in on when they go to the polls next Tuesday, they also vowed to find ways to attract new students to the school.

“All we can do is work to strengthen our programs,” said Braia, a local real estate agent whose two young children attend the school. “My goals as a candidate are basically to improve things here. The needs of the students, like all of the board members, are my top priority.”

The referendum, if passed, would allow busing limits to be extended for private school students in the district from a state mandated 15 miles to 25 miles at a cost not to exceed $60,525. This would specifically enable transportation for Bridgehampton students to attend Bishop McGann-Mercy Diocesan High School in Riverhead, the closest Catholic high school to the East End.

“It will make it easier on parents who have work obligations,” noted LaPointe. “I think the public will vote in favor of it. They are taxpayers who contribute to the district also and we’re only talking about a few students here who need this service.”

“I’m in favor of it,” said Vinski. “There are already students attending schools in other districts and you don’t want to put the kids in a compromising position where they already have friends and are established. For them, it’s the most beneficial answer.”

Not all who attended the meeting, however, were pleased with the proposed funding and availability of extended-mileage transportation.

“A rule is a rule,” opined Dorothy White, who is the grandmother of two Bridgehampton children in fifth grade and ninth grade. “I’m a little upset about it. What’s the point of the board setting these types of things if they then just vote to change them?”

“But,” she conceded, “Everyone has opinions. I have mine and they have theirs.”

During the meeting, questions about the district’s financial management were also put to the candidates by Boyhan.

“Are there any concerns that you have about the upcoming budget in general,” he asked the panel.

“So far we’ve been lucky about crunching the numbers,” said Braia. “We don’t want to have to cut off any programs. The two percent tax cap though is affecting what we can do. Taxes are an issue but we don’t want to have to deny students anything.”

Vinski agreed.

“I hope that the budgetary tax cap doesn’t affect programs or directly affect opportunities for children in the district,” she said. “The most important thing for me is that we have to look carefully at every number and every dollar that comes in and out of the door here.”

LaPointe, who is parent to a seventh-grader, has two more children who have already graduated from the district.

“We’ve done our homework,” he said of the budget. “We have unchangeable teacher’s salaries to deal with and the state-mandated benefits that come with that. So much of the budget deals with things we can’t work around. But, that said, in my second term, I’d like to work on building a better system.”

LaPointe added, “It’s not easy passing budgets. We don’t want to see taxes going up in our district. We work hard to find cost-cutting solutions without seeing our children sacrifice educational opportunities.”

LaPointe said that he would like to see a stronger athletic program in place at the school.

Also addressed was the issue of career counseling for high school students, particularly in the Bridgehampton School’s “Career Academy.”

Several years ago, the school unveiled a learning academy focused on landscape design and began to develop the school’s edible schoolyard as a result. The idea is to give students an experiential educational experience. Originally, the concept involved expanding the learning academy into other areas of focus like business or health care.

All three board candidates voiced support for the program.

“I would like to expand it further,” said LaPointe. “We have a lot of college acceptances linked to this. I would like to see it continue to grow.”

District residents can vote for school board candidates and referendums on Tuesday, May 21 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Bridgehampton School gym.