BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
OLD FIRST REFORMED CHURCH
729 CARROLL STREET
NOVEMBER 14, 2012
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
E. ANDERSEN R. BASHNER P. BELLENBAUM
N. BERK-RAUCH F. BROWN E. CAUSIL-RODRIGUEZ
SR. R. CERVONE M. CHIRICO N. COX
N. DUTTA P. FLEMING Y. GIRELA
J. HEYER H. HUGHES G. KELLY
J. KLETTER D. KUMMER R. LEVINE
H. LINK R. LUFTGLASS T. MISKEL
C. PIGOTT L. PINN G. REILLY
R. RIGOLLI M. RUIZ M. SHAMES
E. SHIPLEY M. SILVERMAN B. SOLOTAIRE
L. SONES E. SPICER J. THOMPSON
S. TURET M. VERRET D. WILLIAMS
EXCUSED:
J. BERNARD D. BRAVO E. FELDER
M. KOLMAN N. LALLI S. LONIAL
A. MCKNIGHT G. O’CONNELL, JR. M. SCOTT
D. SCOTTO
ABSENT:
D. GIULIANO R. GRAHAM
GUESTS:
HON. BRAD LANDER, COUNCIL MEMBER
HON. FÉLIX ORTIZ, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER
HON. KEVIN PARKER, STATE SENATOR
B. NOBLE, BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARKOWITZ’ REPRESENTATIVE
M. SARCI, COUNCIL MEMBER LEVIN’S REPRESENTATIVE
A. ALEXIS, COUNCIL MEMBER GONZALEZ’S REPRESENTATIVE
C. ZINNEL, COUNCIL MEMBER LANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE
T. SMITH, ASSEMBLY MEMBER MILLMAN’S REPRESENTATIVE
O. JONAS, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY’S REPRESENTATIVE
J. LEVINE, STATE SENATOR SQUADRON’S REPRESENTATIVE
P. WEISS, STATE SENATOR PARKER’S REPRESENTATIVE
P. RHÉAUME, CONGRESS MEMBER CLARKE’S REPRESENTATIVE
D. WILEY, CONGRESS MEMBER VELÁZQUEZ’ REPRESENTATIVE
D. WHITE, NYC COMPTROLLER LIU’S REPRESENTATIVE
Complete list of meeting attendees on file at District Office 1
Chairperson Daniel Kummer called the meeting to order at 6:48pm.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Board Member Roger Rigolli made a motion to accept the minutes of the June general meeting, seconded by Board Member Noel Berk-Rauch.
VOTE: 30 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 6:49 P.M.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT………………………………………………………....….DANIEL KUMMER
Chairperson Daniel Kummer began his report by reminding everyone that this year's annual holiday party is going to be held on Monday, December 17th from 6-9pm, at the Sheep Station on the corner of 4th Avenue and Douglass Street. The cost is $30 per person and we will get hors d'oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages included. This event is also an end-of-the-year fundraiser for our non-profit organization so tax-deductible donations above the $30 are encouraged. To that end we usually have a raffle of prizes that board members collect and donate for that purpose. Please let District Manager Craig Hammerman know if you'd be willing to solicit raffle prizes and help work at the event itself. This is a great opportunity for us to socialize, and I'd highly recommend that everyone make a special point of attending especially our newer board members.
Chairperson Kummer reported that Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts are still underway in our district. As of today there are still a few buildings without electricity in Red Hook Houses and all of Gowanus Houses has been restored. The tidal surges experienced in our community had a devastating effect on some of our businesses, many of whom are not fully insured and are wondering how they will be able to continue. Thankfully, the flow of information from our district office, from our local elected officials - particularly Council Member Lander's office - has enabled us to plan, act and react accordingly. The tremendous outpouring of volunteer efforts and donations - contributions of time, talent and resources - has been nothing short of extraordinary. While the experience is still fresh in our minds, I've asked our Economic/Waterfront/Community Development & Housing Committee to host a discussion on the hurricane impacts and particularly the responses we saw from our public agencies and organizations so that we could put together some recommendations in areas that can be improved. For example, it took NYCHA over one week to have information posted on their website about which of their buildings was without electricity, heat and elevators. Clearly, they could have done a much better job managing the public's expectations if they were faster getting information out. I would encourage anyone who is interested in participating in this discussion to come to their next meeting which will be at 6:30pm on Monday, November 19th at SUNY-Downstate LICH, Atlantic Avenue & Hicks Street.
Chairperson Kummer ended his report by advising the board that at last month's meeting we discussed the developing issue regarding a proposal to establish a 170-bed single adult male shelter at 165 West 9th Street in Carroll Gardens. We held an extremely well-attended meeting on October 24th in the largest venue we could find in Carroll Gardens and it was a standing room only event. He thanked our Human Services Co-Chairs, Benjamin Solotaire and Paige Bellenbaum who made sure our meeting was both informative and orderly since this issue has evoked a strong emotional reaction by many neighbors. We will be hearing from them when they give their committee report, but I thought you should know that as a result of Hurricane Sandy, another contracted shelter facility at Borden Avenue in Long Island City was affected so on Tuesday, November 6th the Department of Homeless Services temporarily relocated 120 homeless male veterans into the W 9th Street building. We have been told that they expect to be there "less than a month" while the Borden Avenue facility 2
is under repair, and the department is in the process of setting up a Community Advisory Committee meeting for some time next week.
2nd Vice Chair Lou Sones stated that the outpouring of volunteers to help with the restoration of Red Hook after Hurricane Sandy from Red Hook Initiative, National Guard, Community Board 6 district, and neighbors has been extraordinary. There are still families in Red Hook Houses without heat and hot water and very spotty electricity. There are many seniors and sick people who cannot get up and down in the buildings. Red Hook GAGS is looking for donations to hire a person to visit 30 families for the next two weeks who have medical conditions to check on them and bring water, food and medication.
DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT………………………………………….…….CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by informing the board that the Lower East Side Ecology Center's electronic waste recycling program is a unique and innovative program allowing residents to dispose of working and non-working electronics in an environmentally responsible way. Their e-waste warehouse is located at 469 President Street (at Nevins Street) in our district. Anyone can drop-off unwanted electronics for free. If your equipment works, let them know and they will try to reuse it, if not they will recycle it. They will guarantee data security. Drop-off hours are as follows: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays – 10am-5pm; Wednesdays 12pm-5pm; Saturdays 10am-4pm. They will be hosting an electronic waste (e-waste) recycling event at P.S. 321,180 7th Avenue between 1st and 2nd Streets in Park Slope on December 8th from 10am-4pm.
District Manager Hammerman reported that the SLA public hearing for Kemistry Entertainment Group LLC located at 260 Flatbush Avenue in the Park Slope section of our district has been rescheduled for November 21 at 11am. The hearing will take place at 317 Lenox Avenue in Manhattan.
District Manager Hammerman advised the board that the Department of Transportation has sent us a list of approved CityBench sites in our district. The CityBench program is a three-year federally-funded initiative to increase the amount of public seating on New York City’s streets, particularly for elderly and mobility-impaired individuals. The locations in our district are as follows: 7 Wolcott Street, 315 4th Avenue, 248-250 4th Avenue, 35 4th Avenue, and 250 9th Street.
District Manager Hammerman ended his report by informing the Board that some of the messages that we were sending regarding the storm on the various social media tools were helpful in responding to the hurricane. It allowed everyone to disseminate accurate and timely information to residents and business owners regarding hazardous conditions, street closures, service changes, the need for volunteers, etc. In a normal week Community Board 6 has about 900-1,200 constituents who receive our Facebook postings or tweets. During the entire week of the hurricane that number jumped to 25,000, an increase of over 2000%. This shows that social media is a powerful tool to get information out there in the district. We at the district office would like to have a focus group discussion to develop a comprehensive plan for using the various social media tools. It would be useful to have a number of people to talk to inside, and outside, of the board to discuss this topic. If you are interested in participating in this discussion please let our District Manager know.
Chairperson Kummer recognized elected officials representatives
Boris Noble, representing Borough President Markowitz, stated that his office has received over 900 emails regarding the proposed homeless shelter on 9th Street. The veterans that have been relocated their because of Hurricane Sandy will only be there for approximately 1-2 weeks until their facility is repaired. The Borough President looks forward to working with everyone in regards to the long term goals of 165 West 9th Street.
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Anthony Alexis, representing City Council Member Gonzalez, thanked everyone for the support to the residents of Red Hook after Hurricane Sandy. He informed the board that the Councilwoman helped gets the Addabbo Family Health Center in Red Hook up and running. She is also in the process of facilitating various meetings with NYCHA and the tenants of Red Hook East and West.
Tamar Smith, representing Assembly Member Millman, reported that the residents of Gowanus Houses who were without power, heat or hot water for over a week have now been restored. The Assemblywoman is very concerned with the City’s response to NYCHA residents and would like to have a further discussion at a later date. Anyone who needs assistance with storm recovery is welcome to come to their office at 341 Smith Street for help. For federal assistance, register with FEMA through www.disasterassistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362. After residents and businesses are registered with FEMA, they may apply for a disaster loan from the SBA at www.sba.gov/content/applying-disaster-loan or 1-800-659-2955. Individuals receiving Food Stamps who live in zip code 11231 will automatically be issued a 50% increase in their benefits for the month of November. She will try and get 11217 included in that increase as well. To apply for disaster Unemployment Assistance call 1- 888-209-8124. You must apply by December 3rd.
Oscar Jonas, representing State Senator Montgomery, stated that the Red Hook Initiative has an online volunteer form for anyone who would like to help with the relief effort in Red Hook. To learn about available aid for recovery and opportunities to be of service during the recovery please downloading a Resource Guide compiled by the Senator’s District Office at http://www.nysenate.gov/files/pdfs/Resource%20Guide.pdf. The Guide will be periodically revised so check back for the most current information.
Jordan Levine, representing State Senator Squadron, asked if you or someone you know – especially the elderly or medically-vulnerable – is in the 25th Senate District without power or heat and stuck in a building in need of assistance, and it's not an emergency, please contact my office at squadron@nysenate.gov or 718-875-1517. The Senator has set up a resource page on his website to give anyone updated information regarding assistance from Hurricane Sandy. Please visit http://www.nysenate.gov/blogs/2012/nov/04/sandys-aftermath-resource- page-what-expect.
Patrick Rhéaume, representing Congress Member Clarke, reported to the board that the Congresswoman is opposed to the “New York City Natural Gas Supply Enhancement Act,” a proposal to build a natural gas pipeline in the Gateway National Recreation Area in Brooklyn.
Metin Sarci, representing Council Member Steven Levin stated that the Councilman’s office will be used as a drop-off center for donations to areas hard hit by Hurricane Sandy. Gowanus Houses’ power was restored last Friday. He is also concerned with NYCHA response to its residents in the aftermath of the hurricane. He ended by inviting everyone to participate in the Councilman’s Participatory Budgeting process tomorrow night at Borough Hall. For more information please call 718-875-5200.
Darryl White, representing NYC Comptroller John Liu stated that the Comptroller toured Red Hook in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and offered his support in the relief efforts. He has put out a call for volunteers to help the residents and businesses of Red Hook in any way they can.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
ELECTION COMMITTEE……...…………………………..………………......PETER FLEMING, CHAIR
Election Committee Chair Peter Fleming announced to the Board that since all officer positions were uncontested, there would be no need for an election and effective January 1, 2013, would be filled as follows:
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Chairperson - Daniel M. Kummer 1st Vice Chairperson - Thomas L. Miskel 2st Vice Chairperson - Lou Sones Treasurer - Gary Reilly Secretary - Elizabeth Shipley
YOUTH/HUMAN SERVICES/EDUCATION COMMITTEE
………..……JAMES BERNARD, YOUTH SERVICES CO-CHAIR
............BENJAMIN SOLOTAIRE, HUMAN SERVICES CO-CHAIR
.…...…….PAIGE BELLENBAUM, HUMAN SERVICES CO-CHAIR
………………….……..MARK KOLMAN, EDUCATION CO-CHAIR
..….…………..………SUZANNE TURET, EDUCATION CO-CHAIR
Human Services Co-Chairpersons Paige Bellenbaum and Benjamin Solotaire both reported to the Board that the committee reviewed an application for the use of 165 West 9th Street as a 170 bed shelter for single adult males.
Motion: by Board Member Richard Bashner, seconded by Board Member Peter Fleming; Recommendation to oppose the use of 165 West 9th Street as a 170-bed shelter for single adult males, and call upon the Department of Homeless Services to reject the application based on the lack of both process and merits.
Board Member Hildegaard Link stated that she has had direct experience with Aguila Inc., she has done a lot of lighting and mechanical inspections and find their facilities to be fairly restrictive. Quite frankly she is horrified at the restraint of personal freedom that the residents experience. It seems as though there is some degree of security and structure, but having said that she would not want this facility near her.
Board Member Dolly Williams asked if the men would come from the surrounding area. Human Service Co- Chairperson Bellenbaum stated no, they would be referred via the intake center in Manhattan.
Board Member Noel Berk-Rauch spoke in favor of the motion stating that this vote is only advisory because we do not have a formal role to play in this process. It was also brought up at the committee meeting that there was alleged conflict of interest between the landlord and the housing group. For that reason the Board should take a more pro-active and aggressive role in this process.
Board Member Roger Rigolli asked if the homeless men would be working. Chairperson Kummer responded that they would be employable, and some would be working.
Board Member Neena Dutta stated that we should be also sending a letter to the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). District Manager Hammerman stated that if the motion passes we will be sending a letter to all City and State agencies that are involved in this decision.
Board Member Judith Thompson stated that the current lot is 45ft wide by 100ft deep with a floor area ratio (FAR) of 3. The maximum size of building that should be there is 13,500 square feet. At the meeting they mentioned that the current size of the building is 25,000 square feet. She does not see how it can be legal to have a building that large. She also asked where the beds will be placed in the facility and it was stated that they would be placed all over the building not just in the apartments but also in the commercial space. How can this be a wise use of the City’s money to pay $110 a night to house men in a dormitory-style facility. Also, how can this be a safe environment for men because some of the men could have a criminal background since they do not do background checks. 5
Board Member Suzanne Turet stated that when the members created the motion it was implicit that we had major concerns with the process. We also wanted to bring out that there were going to be too many men in that space and that they should not be subjected to inhumane conditions.
Board Member Monique Verret stated that short of over-crowdedness these homeless men will be employable and hopefully will receive some training so they would be working. She understands that there are a number of facilities in our district but we must not lose sight of the concerns of those less fortunate than us that need these services.
Board Member Rigolli stated that we as a board should really be asking pertinent questions about the homeless men quality of living in this shelter.
Board Member Sr. Rosanna Cervone asked about the ratio between men to showers. She does not believe that 15 men per shower is a good ratio.
VOTE: 31 YEAS, 1 NAY, 3 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:54 P.M.
Chairperson Kummer recognized Assembly Member Felix Ortiz who gave an overview of the cleanup in Red Hook since Hurricane Sandy. He first thanked everyone for their donations and especially for volunteering. He stated that 90% of electricity has been restored to NYCHA developments. There are still some buildings without heat or hot water. They will be installing three generators and by Saturday all buildings will have electricity and heat and hot water. He is working with the Governor, Mayor, FEMA and the Secretary of Labor to get the necessary resources to Red Hook residents as well as the business that have been destroyed. He is arranging for the Secretary of the Commerce to come to Red Hook and speak to the business owners. He invited everyone to come to Borough Hall next week where there will be a summit to discuss the response to the hurricane by various agencies and utility companies. One of the reasons why it’s taking so long to get everything in working order is because so many boilers were destroyed. There will be a march tomorrow to let NYCHA know it is taking too long to get the vital services back to the residents. He ended by informing the Board of the passing of Angela Wardlaw long-time representative from his office.
Senator Kevin Parker thanked all the board members for their support to get him elected. He stated that he will fight not to raise the taxes for the middle class. Some of the issues he will be working on are hydrofracking and minimum wage to name two. He introduced his representative that will be attending our meetings, Peter Weiss. He ended by thanking the Board for all they do in serving the residents of the district.
Dan Wiley, representing Congress Member Nydia Velázquez, stated that the Congresswoman feels the disaster relief money for small businesses should be a grant not a loan. He stated that FEMA has set up a recovery center at IKEA in Red Hook. He ended by inviting everyone to attend an Emergency Relief Forum on November 20th at Borough Hall.
Committee Reports (continued)
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION/PERMITS & LICENSES COMMITTEE
…………………....GARY REILLY, PERMITS & LICENSES CHAIR
……………………MARK SHAMES, ENV. PROTECTION CHAIR
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Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Gary Reilly reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 454 Van Brunt Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Major Otis LLC, at 454 Van Brunt Street between (Reed Street/Beard Street).
Board Member Lou Sones stated that this applicant is a very good neighbor. They cooked 1,400 lbs of meat and donated it to the Red Hook community during the recovery efforts.
VOTE: 35 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:12 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly also reported that the committee reviewed an unenclosed sidewalk cafe permit application renewal at 72 5th Avenue.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve an unenclosed sidewalk cafe permit application renewal submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of Peperoncino at 72 5th Avenue (between Prospect Place/St Marks Avenue) to permit 10 tables and 20 seats.
VOTE: 35 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:13 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly further reported that the committee reviewed an unenclosed sidewalk cafe permit application renewal at 210 Smith Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve an unenclosed sidewalk cafe permit application renewal submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of Clover Club at 210 Smith Street (between Butler/Baltic Streets) to permit 6 tables and 12 seats.
VOTE: 35 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:14 P.M.
LANDMARKS/LAND USE COMMITTEE………….…...….ROBERT LEVINE, LANDMARKS CHAIR
…………………...….PETER FLEMING, LAND USE CHAIR
Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine reported that the committee reviewed a “Minor Modification” application at 363-365 Bond Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission new door opening to the terrace at the lot line wall, 7
replacement of the parapet railings, and new pergola at the Montauk Club, 25 8th Avenue (northeast corner Lincoln Place/8th Avenue), Park Slope Historic District with the following conditions: Lintels should have similar (not exact) ornamentation; Railings should not be a mesh design, but vertical rails; Pergola should not have covering or attachments that provide for covering.
VOTE: 35 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:18 P.M.
Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine also reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application for the installation of replacement entrance doors, signage and banners at the Park Slope Armory YMCA, 361 15th Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to conditionally approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for a rear yard addition and modification to the existing front entrance vestibule at this two-story townhouse located at 545 8th Street (between 8th Avenue/Prospect Park West), Park Slope Historic District with the condition that 6- over-1 windows of similar look and size to original.
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:24 P.M.
Chairperson Kummer recognized Council Member Brad Lander who also thanked everyone for their donations and volunteer efforts in Red Hook. He stated that the veteran’s shelter that was relocated to 165 9th Street because of Hurricane Sandy will be leaving very soon once their facility has been restored. The hurricane showed us what the City should do in a true emergency by “laxing” the rules on this building and allowing the veterans to be housed there on a short-term basis, but to try and do the same for the long-term without an adequate process for the community to have input needs to change. The EPA has taking water samples after Hurricane Sandy and have made public the results, which are available on the Council Member’s website at: http://bradlander.com/news/updates/epa-results-of-post-sandy-tests-in-gowanus. He will try to get the EPA to come to a public meeting to discuss results. In light of the hurricane he has asked The Lightstone Group to hold off on their development of the 363-365 Bond Street site. They have rejected his request and he will try as hard as he can to put a halt to the development until further studies can be done in regards primarily on the infrastructure and building design. He ended by thanking the Youth/Human Services/Education Committee for co-hosting the public Town Hall meeting on education back in October. It had a good impact on the Department of Education who revised their proposal on school zoning because of the feedback they received.
Committee Reports (continued)
Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine further reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application of 20 Montgomery Place.
Motion: by Committee;
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Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the lowering of the cellar and underpinning of 20 Montgomery Place (between 8th Avenue/Prospect Park West), Park Slope Historic District.
VOTE: 35 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:38 P.M.
Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine additionally reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application at 364 Henry Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to disapprove a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for comprehensive renovations and alterations to the building and carriage house located at 364 Henry Street (northwest corner Congress/Henry Streets), Cobble Hill Historic District.
Board Member Mark Shames spoke in favor of the motion.
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:44 P.M.
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE…….............................................THOMAS L. MISKEL, CO-CHAIR
Transportation Committee Chairperson Thomas Miskel reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a proposal by the Boerum Hill Association and the Department of Transportation to designate the Boerum Hill Neighborhood Slow Zone, the area bounded by Atlantic Avenue, Smith Street, Union Street and 3rd Avenue.
Motion: by Board Member Nica Lalli, seconded by Board Member Ben Solotaire; Recommendation to approve a proposal to designate the Boerum Hill Neighborhood Slow Zone, the area bounded by Atlantic Avenue, Smith Street, Union Street and 3rd Avenue with the condition that we encourage DOT to provide “greening” measures at the gateways/entrances to the zone.
VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 4 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:56 P.M.
COMMUNITY SESSION
Emi Wang, representing the Citizen Committee for New York City stated that the committee is awarding nearly $600,000 in micro-grants and providing hundreds of hours of skills-building workshops and project planning assistance to more than 300 neighborhood groups. The various grants that they offer are loved your block grants, community grants and hurricane relief grants. For more information please go to http://www.citizensnyc.org/programs/grants.
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NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
Board Member Roger Rigolli stated that Floyd Bennett Field has been activated as a Marine base to help with the cleanup from Hurricane Sandy.
Motion: by Board Member Roger Rigolli, seconded by Board Member Elizabeth Shipley; To adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 35 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 9:00P.M.
Minutes submitted into the district office by Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch on November 30, 2012.
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