Town News – Spring 2013

The Town has spent the Winter, and is entering the Spring, cleaning up from Superstorm Sandy and the many nor’easters that hit us this winter. Sand from dredging the mouth of West Neck Bay is being moved to replenish damages to Shell Beach. The Town has accepted hundreds of tons of storm debris and is busy converting it to wood chips and compost that can be used by our residents. As part of that process, the Town has committed to purchasing a screening plant to help create a useful product.

The Town plans to use FEMA funds to purchase generators for several public buildings, so that public services can continue to be provided even if storms cause power outages. There has also been a focus on emergency preparedness and getting emergency shelters ready in case of need. FEMA has offered its services to work with the town to address ongoing storm-related issues.

In addition, the Town has adopted a law that requires the boats that are kept on town landings and beaches not only be marked, but be removed from Town property during the winter from December 15 to March 30. The storms during the winter cause havoc to such boats and they are far safer on the owner’s own property.

The Town purchased a Lucas chest compression system, which mechanically assists CPR. The Town’s integration with the volunteer ambulance corps has been a success and the new Shelter Island EMS continues to provide essential services to Islanders.

The Town Board has approved stewardship plans for two open space properties—Cackle Hill and Turkem’s Neck. The volunteer Vinebuster group has been working to clear these properties of overgrown invasives so that they can be accessed and enjoyed by members of the public.

The Town’s Green Committee will be holding the annual Environmental Fair on Saturday May 18 at Legion Hall. The Green Committee is lining up many exciting panelists for this exciting event – both popular favorites from prior Fairs as well as some new participants. Make a note: the Highway Superintendent will be bringing the popular “supershredder” truck back for this event, so be sure to bring anything you need shredded to the environmental fair on May 18 from 10am to 1pm.

The Town is working on a number of significant plans. The Shelter Island Watershed Plan has been in the works for many months, and the Recommendations for dealing with current problems are in the process of being discussed and prioritized. A copy of the Shelter Island Watershed Inventory and Recommendations are on the town’s website under Committees/MS4. The Town is also working on a comprehensive review of town fees. Work on an updated Solid Waste Management Plan has also commenced.

Keep an eye on the newspaper for weekly reports on Town news and on this webpage for quarterly updates.