The Huntington Town Board held its February 1 meeting, where they appointed key leadership positions for the Departments of Engineering, Maritime Services and Transportation & Traffic Safety.
The Town Board appointed Michael Vogeli as Acting Deputy Director of the Department of Engineering Services, which oversees the Building Permit Division. Experienced construction professional Michael Vogeli has served as a Senior Building Permits Coordinator for the Town since February 2021, previously serving as a Town Building Inspector since 2015 and as an Ordinance Inspector since 2012. Prior to joining the Town, Mr. Vogeli worked in construction for 25 years and owned a general contracting company from 1992-2010.
"Decades of experience in the construction industry and a customer-first work ethic makes Mike Vogeli integral to the success of the Building Department," said Supervisor Ed Smyth, who, on day one of his administration, tasked construction industry veteran and new Councilman Sal Ferro with advising the Town's Building Department on cutting red tape and modernizing operations to improve efficiencies for the overall building permit approval process. "Together with Interim Director Jim Ahrens and Councilman Ferro, Mr. Vogeli will help provide the leadership that will make our Building Department the envy of all Towns on Long Island."
Councilman Sal Ferro stated, "One of my key initiatives was to improve government services, promoting Mike Vogeli is a huge step in that direction for the Building Department. Mike Vogeli will have a large role in helping implement the change and improvements necessary to make our building department the best we can be."
In other action, the Town Board:
- Appointed Lloyd Harbor resident and experienced, lifelong boater Garrett Chelius as Deputy Director of the Department of Maritime Services, supported by letters of recommendation including those from Village of Lloyd Harbor Mayor Jean Thatcher; Village of Huntington Bay Mayor Herb Morrow; Greater Huntington Council of Yacht & Boating Clubs Commodore Ed Carr, former Town Director of Maritime Services; Todd Willis of Willis Marine Center; Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society President Pamela Setchell and others. Since 2018, Garrett Chelius has worn multiple hats in the Town's Department of Planning & Environment, serving as Executive Assistant to the Department Director; vetting telecommunication/cellular site permit applications; supporting the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals; and serving as the Department's FOIL officer. Mr. Chelius currently serves as Secretary to the Town's Environmental Open Space & Parks Advisory Committee (EOSPA); Chairman of the Suffolk County Legislature's Coindre Hall Advisory Board (since 2021), and as a member of the Fiddler's Green Association (FGA) Harbor and Dock Committees (since 2012).
- Appointed Greenlawn resident Lynn Bauers as Deputy Director of the Department of Transportation and Traffic Safety. Since 2018, Lynn Bauers has served the Department of Transportation and Traffic Safety in various roles, as Executive Assistant to the Department Director; conducting fieldwork on the HART Bus system to evaluate ridership and improve the effectiveness of the bus shelter commercial advertising program; handling constituent services and various projects in support of operational efficiency. Prior to joining the Town, Ms. Bauers served as a Legislative Aide in the Suffolk County Legislature (since 2008) and was self-employed for 30 years in creative consulting.
- Appointed alternate members of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA): Huntington resident and former New York State Supreme Court Justice Hon. Robert A. Lifson and real estate and insurance professional James J. Basso.
- Authorized the Supervisor to execute a Grant Agreement and receive funds under the New York State Infrastructure Program for wellhead treatment of Plant Number 5 on behalf of the Dix Hills Water District.
- Accepted a donation of kitchen cabinets from Councilman Salvatore Ferro for the Town Council Office in Town Hall.
- Named the entrance road to Manor Field Park at 90 East 5th Street in Huntington Station as “William Thomas Way;” William Thomas was a longtime resident and youth football advocate who dedicated his life to the children of the Huntington Youth Bulldogs Football PAL at Manor Field, working tirelessly to use the sport as a vehicle to help young people improve their lives.
- Waived the public session fee and skate rental fee for thirty (30) children for the Suffolk County Police Department 2nd Precinct Skate with a Cop event at the Dix Hills Ice Rink on Monday, February 21, 2022.
- Accepted the donation and installation of backless park benches at the Town of Huntington’s Elwood Park by Jake Lauto for his Eagle Scout Service Project.
- Authorized the Community Development Agency (CDA) to distribute COVID-19 over-the-counter tests to the residents of the Town of Huntington.
- Authorized the Director of the CDA to execute a contract with Value Drugs for the purpose of administering rapid tests onsite to the residents of the Town of Huntington.
- Amended the definition of “food shop” to be consistent with State law.
The Town Board scheduled public hearings for the Tuesday, March 15, 2022 Town Board meeting at 2:00 PM to consider the granting of a variance and the issuance of a special use permit and the execution of a license agreement pursuant to the Marine Conservation Law, Town Code Chapter 137 for the construction of a residential fixed pier and floating dock assembly. Applicant: Marc Allen Location: 399 Asharoken Avenue, Northport, NY S.C.T.M. #0401-004.00-02.00-073.000.
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