Shelter Island meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Town Board approves building permit changes, new assessor

The Shelter Island Town Board made several decisions at its Aug. 10 meeting, including adopting changes to the building permit law and appointing a new assessor. The board also authorized a grant application for a recycling payloader and approved more than $274,000 in claims.

Town Board actions

The board adopted a local law amending Chapter 43 (Building Construction) to update building permit requirements and exemptions. It appointed Laurel Hardy as Sole Appointed Assessor at an annual salary of $87,500. The board also authorized a $119,063.30 grant application to the state Department of Environmental Conservation for a new recycling payloader.

In other action, the board approved Green Expo signage at eight locations with safety conditions, and scheduled public hearings for Sept. 21 on two waterfront dock applications: one for Tarkettle Road and one for Shelter Waterfront Associates. It approved a mooring permit for Bingo Projects Solutions LLC and approved $274,265.53 in general, highway, and other claims.

At a special meeting Aug. 11, the board unanimously (5-0) approved an outdoor assembly permit for the Shelter Island Fire Department's Country Fair, set for Aug. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center Firehouse grounds, along with a noise ordinance exemption.

Other meetings

Several committees met during the past two weeks, but most were agenda-only sessions with no published minutes.

• The Community Preservation Fund Advisory Board discussed land acquisition in executive session, along with financial reports and stewardship plans for Cedars and Tuttle Creek.
• The Water Advisory Committee reviewed well levels and drought conditions, considering updates to the drought declaration and possible further restrictions. It also received updates on private well testing and USGS studies.
• The Planning Board held a public hearing on a lot line adjustment for properties on S. Cartwright and Congdon Road, and discussed a wetlands code update.
• The Taylor's Island Preservation and Management Committee reviewed cabin maintenance, landscaping, and finances.
• The Community Housing Board received updates on the Housing Needs Assessment, the ADU Plus One program, and the 114 Rental Project.
• The Waterways Management Advisory Council reviewed dock and mooring applications, including for Tarkettle Road and Tropin, and discussed a mooring code revision.
• The Board of Ethics held a work session and scheduled an executive session on employee employment history.
• The Green Options Committee discussed solar installations at the Recycling Center and finalized exhibitor plans for the Aug. 22 Green Expo.

Coming up

The Town Board will hold a special meeting Aug. 25 to vote on a filming permit for Anthropologie at 60 Peconic Avenue (Aug. 31–Sept. 3), a sign permit for the 'Vigil of Hope' event, and an introduction of a wetlands code update. The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet Aug. 26 to consider a resolution for 25 Smith Street and approve June 24 minutes.

Shelter Island boards review fees, flood mitigation, and environmental plans

Shelter Island town boards and committees met over the past two weeks to review capital requests, building fees, irrigation legislation, and environmental programs. All meetings were agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published, so no formal decisions were recorded.

Town Board work sessions

The Town Board held two work sessions. On July 28, members discussed building department fees, an update to the Community Preservation Fund (CPF) Acquisition Plan, irrigation legislation, and a sign request for the Green Expo. The session also included an executive session for contract negotiations and employee history.

On August 4, the board reviewed financial reports for June 30, 2026, along with recycling center and building department fee structures. The agenda also included a discussion of the irrigation code and a facility master plan update presented by Joe Finora.

Committee meetings

The Capital Planning & Grants Committee met on July 28 to review capital requests, including AI training for the Building Department and the Ferry Flood Hazard Mitigation project. The committee also reviewed all capital requests with recommendations.

The Conservation Advisory Council met on August 4 to review and approve minutes from July 7, 2026, discuss a revision to its mission statement, and receive updates on nature preserve reports. Members also followed up on the Know Your Water Weekend event and planned for the Green Expo scheduled for August 22, 2026.

The Deer and Tick Committee met on August 5 to discuss deer management updates, an educational report, and the upcoming Green Expo.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days.

Shelter Island adopts volunteer responder tax exemption, tightens drought water rules

Shelter Island's Town Board approved a 10% property tax exemption for eligible volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers and imposed new daytime limits on well-water irrigation during ongoing drought conditions, according to official minutes from two July meetings.

Volunteer responder tax exemption adopted

On July 20, the Town Board adopted Local Law No. 4-2026, providing a 10% real property tax exemption for eligible volunteer emergency responders. The same meeting produced several other decisions:

• Approved a site plan for SI Corner LLC to convert 4 Manwaring Road into a coffee shop with packaged goods.
• Approved a noise ordinance exemption for the Shelter Island Lions Club Foundation event on July 25, 2026.
• Approved a noise ordinance exemption for the Sylvester Manor Educational Farm "Creekside Concert" on August 8, 2026.
• Approved an outdoor assembly application for the Taylor's Island Foundation benefit on August 15, 2026.
• Scheduled an August 10, 2026 public hearing on a bulkhead replacement at 74 Peconic Avenue.
• Scheduled an August 10, 2026 public hearing on a riparian mooring installation by Bingo Projects Solutions LLC.

Water restrictions tightened

On July 21, the Town Board adopted Resolution 2026-380, amending prior water restrictions in response to ongoing drought conditions. The resolution prohibits sprinkler use of well-drawn water between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and limits well-drawn water for swimming pool top-offs to two inches every five days.

The Water Advisory Committee met the day before, on July 20, to review well levels and a cumulative precipitation report and to discuss the current drought declaration and potential further restrictions. Greg Toner presented well levels; Dave Ruby presented the cumulative precipitation report. The committee also discussed planning for "Know Your Water Weekend" and received an update from Andrew Chapman and Joe Finora on Center Triangle private well testing. No formal decisions were indicated on that agenda; minutes have not yet been published.

Capital planning and fees under review

On July 28, the Shelter Island Capital Planning & Grants Committee was scheduled to discuss capital requests including AI training for the Building Department and to review the Ferry Flood Hazard Mitigation project. Jennifer Mesiano's report was also on the agenda. Minutes have not yet been published.

The Town Board held a July 28 work session agenda covering Building Department fees, a CPF Acquisition Plan update, irrigation legislation, a sign request for the Green Expo, and an executive session for contract negotiations and employee history. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **August 4 — Town Board work session:** Financial review for June 30, 2026; Recycling Center fee review; Building Department fee review; Irrigation Code discussion; Facility Master Plan update by Joe Finora.
• **August 4 — Conservation Advisory Council:** Review and approval of July 7, 2026 minutes; CAC Mission Statement revision; nature preserve reports; follow-up on Know Your Water Weekend; planning for Green Expo on August 22, 2026.
• **August 5 — Deer and Tick Committee:** Deer management update; educational report; Green Expo planning for August 22, 2026.
• **August 10 — Town Board public hearings:** Bulkhead replacement at 74 Peconic Avenue and riparian mooring installation by Bingo Projects Solutions LLC.

Shelter Island Town Board approves World Cup beach broadcast, fireworks amendment, and AI assessment contract

The Shelter Island Town Board unanimously approved three resolutions at its July 7 meeting, including an outdoor assembly permit for a World Cup final broadcast on Crescent Beach. All three votes were 5-0.

Town Board — July 7

The board took the following actions, each by a 5-0 vote:

• **Outdoor assembly approved** for a World Cup final broadcast on Crescent Beach.
• **Fireworks resolution amended** to specify launch barge coordinates, with alternate locations identified.
• **AI readiness assessment contract authorized**, with the supervisor directed to sign an agreement with Empire Nexus Systems.

No dollar amounts for the Empire Nexus Systems contract were included in the available record.

Advisory Committees and Planning Board — July 7 through July 16

Several committees and the Planning Board held meetings between July 7 and July 16. Official minutes have not yet been published for these sessions, so the items below reflect agendas rather than confirmed decisions.

Conservation Advisory Council (July 7): Scheduled to revise its mission statement, review nature preserve walk-through reports, and plan two public events — Know Your Water Weekend on July 25–26, 2026, and the Green Expo on August 22, 2026.

Taylor's Island Preservation and Management Committee (July 8): Listed cabin interior and exterior maintenance, landscape and grounds work, and review of bank balances in Chase Public Funds and NYClass accounts, plus outstanding AT&T dividend checks.

Community Housing Board (July 9): Set to discuss updates on the Housing Needs Assessment, the ADU Plus One program, and the 114 Rental Project, along with a fund update.

Health and Wellness Committee (July 10): Planned discussion of a community needs assessment, a Bicycle Safety Presentation follow-up, a Vigil of Hope Event, the August 22 Green Expo, and a proposed program on financial well-being and fraud protection.

Waterways Management Advisory Council (July 13): Listed a Whang Mooring Application and the O'Sullivan Bulkhead project at 74 Peconic Ave for discussion.

Community Preservation Fund Advisory Board (July 13): Scheduled review of stewardship plans for the Cedars and Tuttle Creek properties, plus a motion to enter executive session to discuss land acquisition.

Town Board Work Session (July 14): Agenda included an Oyster Keepers Inc. request for new locations, a Lions Club Snapper Derby outdoor assembly application, a Community Housing Board 10-unit project financial overview, and a Sylvester Manor site plan review.

Planning Board (July 14): Listed payment of two professional service invoices — $2,244.00 from Whalen Filer and $1,882.50 from the Raynor Group for June 2026 services, totaling $4,126.50 — and action on scheduling a public hearing for the Kinney/Bakal Lot Line Adjustment (application #6-2026). Pending deadlines noted: Bloom Minor Subdivision final application due August 11, 2026; West Neck Creek Cottage LLC Subdivision final application due October 13, 2026.

Green Options Committee (July 16): Set to discuss solar installations at the Recycling Center, community solar options, and Green Expo planning for August 22, 2026.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Water Advisory Committee:** Will review well levels and a cumulative precipitation report, discuss the current drought declaration and possible additional water use restrictions, and plan Know Your Water Weekend.
• **July 20 — Town Board:** Will hold public hearings on a bulkhead replacement permit at 74 Peconic Avenue (SCTM #700-25-1-6) and a riparian mooring permit at latitude 41.06717 N, −72.30653 W (Bingo Projects Solutions LLC), with both hearings scheduled for August 10, 2026. The board will also consider approving the site plan for SI Corner LLC's Stars Cafe conversion at 4 Manwaring Road, adopting Local Law No. 4-2026 (a 10% property-tax exemption for qualified volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers), and noise-ordinance exemptions for the Shelter Island Lions Club Foundation (July 25 event at 12 Dinah Rock Road) and Sylvester Manor Educational Farm (August 8 "Creekside Concert").
• **July 21 — Town Board Work Session:** Will consider irrigation legislation to be sent to a public hearing and review site-plan applications for Sylvester Manor and the SCWA/West Neck Water District. An executive session is scheduled for contract negotiations and review of an employee's employment history.

Shelter Island Roundup: Senior Tax Exemption Raised to 65%, Museum Barn Approved, World Cup Beach Broadcast Set

The Shelter Island Town Board raised the senior property tax exemption to up to 65% and approved a site plan for the Shelter Island History Museum barn renovation during its June 29 meeting, both by unanimous vote. The board also cleared an outdoor World Cup final broadcast at Crescent Beach on July 7.

Town Board — June 29

The board approved a site plan for the Shelter Island History Museum to convert an accessory barn into habitable space, adopted unanimously. In the same meeting, the board voted unanimously to adopt an increase of the senior property tax exemption to up to 65%.

A public hearing was scheduled — also unanimously — to correct a dock code scrivener's error. A local law that would grant property tax exemptions for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers was tabled due to lack of quorum.

Town Board — June 30 (Work Session)

Minutes have not yet been published for this work session. The agenda listed discussion of Wireless Communication Master Plan survey results, an outdoor assembly permit for a Taylor's Island Foundation fundraiser, and an amendment to the SCWA/WNW operating agreement. The board was also set to consider a grant application for a payloader and site plan applications for STARS at White Oak, Sylvester Manor, and a Suffolk County Water Authority project.

Town Board — July 7

The board approved three resolutions, all by 5–0 votes:

• An outdoor assembly permit for a World Cup final broadcast at Crescent Beach.
• An amendment to a fireworks resolution specifying launch barge coordinates with alternate locations.
• Authorization for the supervisor to sign an AI readiness assessment contract with Empire Nexus Systems.

Water Quality Improvement Advisory Board — July 2

Minutes are not yet published. The agenda included review of rebate application WQI #02-2026 (TB) for Davidson at 9 W. Thomas Street, an update from the Peconic Bay Regional Advisory Committee, discussion of commercial I/A grants, a search for new board members, and a financial report review.

Conservation Advisory Council — July 7

Minutes are not yet published. The council was scheduled to review and approve June 2, 2026 meeting minutes, consider a revision to its mission statement, and receive reports from recent nature preserve walk-throughs. Upcoming public events on the agenda included Know Your Water Weekend on July 25–26, 2026 and the Green Expo on August 22, 2026.

Taylor's Island Committee — July 8

Minutes are not yet published. The agenda listed review of June 17 meeting minutes, cabin interior and exterior maintenance, landscape and grounds work, and financial matters including bank balances in Chase Public Funds MMDA and NYClass accounts and outstanding AT&T dividend checks.

Community Housing Board — July 9

Minutes are not yet published. The board was set to review updates on the Housing Needs Assessment, the ADU Plus One program, and the 114 Rental Project, along with a fund update and a Town Board liaison report. Approval of June 11, 2026 meeting minutes was also on the agenda.

Health and Wellness Committee — July 10

Minutes are not yet published. The committee was scheduled to discuss a community needs assessment update, a Bicycle Safety Presentation follow-up, a Vigil of Hope event, the August 22, 2026 Green Expo, and a proposed program on financial well-being and fraud protection.

Coming Up

The Town Board holds a work session on July 14, 2026. The agenda includes a request from Oyster Keepers Inc. for new locations, a Lions Club Snapper Derby outdoor assembly application, a Community Housing Board 10-unit project financial overview, and a Sylvester Manor site plan review.

Shelter Island Town Board raises senior property tax exemption to 65%; ZBA approves two variances

The Shelter Island Town Board voted unanimously on June 29 to raise the senior property tax exemption to up to 65%, the most consequential decision in a busy two-week stretch of local government meetings. The same meeting approved a site plan allowing the Shelter Island History Museum to convert an accessory barn into habitable space.

Town Board: June 29 decisions

The board approved three items unanimously, according to official minutes:

• **Senior property tax exemption**: Increased to up to 65%.
• **History Museum barn renovation**: Site plan approved for the Shelter Island History Museum to convert an accessory barn into habitable space.
• **Dock code correction**: Scheduled a public hearing to fix a scrivener's error in the dock code.

A local law granting tax exemptions for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers was tabled due to lack of quorum.

Zoning Board of Appeals: Two variances approved

On June 24, the Zoning Board of Appeals approved two variance applications, each by a 5-0 vote:

• **44 Gardiners Bay Drive** (Alphanest LLC)
• **44 St. Mary's Road** (Shelter Mary Property LLC)

No other substantive decisions were made at that meeting.

Town Board work sessions: agendas only

Minutes have not yet been published for several Town Board work sessions, so only agenda topics are known.

June 23 work session topics included outdoor assembly applications for fireworks fundraisers at Salt, a request from Oyster Keepers Inc., a dock code update to section 53-8 G subject to a public hearing, Water Advisory Committee recommendations for drought restrictions, and proposed local laws for tax assessment exemptions for seniors, fire/EMS volunteers, and accessory dwelling units. An executive session on contract negotiations was also scheduled.

June 30 work session topics included results of a Wireless Communication Master Plan survey, an outdoor assembly permit for a Taylor's Island Foundation fundraiser, an amendment to the SCWA/WNW operating agreement, a grant application for a payloader, and site plan applications for STARS at White Oak, Sylvester Manor, and a Suffolk County Water Authority project.

Capital Planning & Grants Committee: June 23

Agenda items (minutes not yet published) included review of capital requests from multiple departments: police body-worn cameras, Crescent Beach cameras, a Congdon Road boat ramp, a work boat, AI training for the Building Department, HR software, and a car for the Senior Center. The committee also planned to discuss ferry flood hazard mitigation and hear a report from Jennifer Mesiano, and to approve May 12 minutes.

Water Quality Improvement Advisory Board: July 2

Agenda items (minutes not yet published) included review of a rebate application, WQI #02-2026 (TB), from Davidson at 9 W. Thomas Street, an update from the Peconic Bay Regional Advisory Committee, discussion of commercial I/A grants, a search for new board members, and review of June meeting minutes and a financial report.

Coming up

• **July 7, Town Board** (work session and special meeting): The special meeting will vote on a Sunset Beach outdoor assembly permit for a free World Cup final viewing event on July 19, 3–6 PM, with conditions. The work session will discuss a Tot Lot grant application, outdoor assembly permits for Sylvester Manor and Lions Club events, and an SCWA/WNWD operating agreement amendment for past due accounts.
• **July 8, Taylor's Island Preservation and Management Committee**: Will review June 17 minutes and discuss cabin maintenance, landscape and grounds work, bank balances in Chase Public Funds and NYClass accounts, and outstanding AT&T dividend checks.

Shelter Island Raises Senior Tax Exemption to 65%, Approves Museum Barn Plan

The Shelter Island Town Board voted unanimously on June 29 to increase the maximum senior property tax exemption to 65 percent and to approve a site plan allowing the Shelter Island History Museum to convert an accessory barn into habitable space. The Zoning Board of Appeals also approved two variances by 5-0 votes on June 24.

Town Board Actions

At its June 29 meeting, the board adopted a local law increasing the senior real property tax exemption to as much as 65 percent. The vote was unanimous. A separate local law that would have granted tax exemptions for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers was tabled because the board lacked a quorum to act on it.

The board also gave unanimous approval to a site plan for the Shelter Island History Museum. The plan permits the museum to convert an existing accessory barn into habitable space.

A public hearing was scheduled to correct a scrivener’s error in the dock code; the vote to set the hearing was unanimous.

Zoning Board Decisions

The Zoning Board of Appeals acted on two applications during its June 24 session. It approved a variance for a property at 44 Gardiners Bay Drive (Alphanest LLC) by a 5-0 vote and a variance for 44 St. Mary’s Road (Shelter Mary Property LLC), also by a 5-0 vote. No other decisions were made.

Other Town Discussions

The Town Board held work sessions on June 23 and June 30 to discuss a range of matters for which no final votes were taken. Topics included outdoor assembly applications for fireworks fundraisers at Salt, an update to the dock code, Water Advisory Committee drought-restriction recommendations, the results of a wireless communication master plan survey, an operating-agreement amendment with the Suffolk County Water Authority, a grant application for a payloader, and site plan applications for STARS at White Oak, Sylvester Manor, and a SCWA project.

The Capital Planning and Grants Committee reviewed departmental capital requests on June 23, including police body cameras, beach cameras, a boat ramp, a work boat, HR software, and AI training for the building department. The Water Quality Improvement Advisory Board on July 2 was scheduled to review a new rebate application for 9 W. Thomas Street and to discuss commercial I/A grants and the search for new board members. No decisions from those committee meetings were reported.

Coming Up

The Town Board will hold a special meeting on July 7 expected to include a vote on an outdoor assembly permit for a World Cup final viewing event at Sunset Beach. The free event, proposed for July 19 from 3 to 6 p.m., would carry conditions. The work session preceding the vote will cover a grant application for the Tot Lot, outdoor assembly permits for a Sylvester Manor concert and the Lions Club’s Rocking the Rock event, an amendment to the SCWA/WNWD operating agreement regarding past-due accounts, and the Comprehensive Plan timeline. The board will also meet in executive session for contract negotiations and interviews.

The Taylor’s Island Preservation and Management Committee meets July 8 to review financial balances, outstanding dividend checks, and maintenance items for cabins, landscape, and equipment.