Town of Sewalls Point

COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 9,2024

After an absence of several years, Vinny Barile was once again sworn in as a commissioner. If Commissioner Barile is anything like he was during his last stint serving the people of Sewall’s Point, the town should be happy. Welcome back Vinny.

At the last meeting, the commission approved several changes to the town charter that the charter committee had requested. The commission instructed Manager Daniels to come back with a price estimate of how much it would cost to have a referendum. To place the revisions on the ballot in November, it will cost $1930, plus approximately $500 for advertising, and $2000 for attorney expense.

The town attorney expense would be the same even if the commission had decided to just make the changes by ordinance. Mayor Tompeck preferred the ordinance route but if the rest of the commission wanted to have the decision made by referendum, then he would go along. All the rest of the commission wanted the residents to vote. A motion was made by Barile and seconded by Fender to go to referendum. It passed 5-0.

Also, at the last meeting, the commission asked how Snyder Marketing will be paid. The total cost is $36,500 for the two proposals adopted. It will be covered by reallocating funds from surpluses in existing budget lines. You can see Daniel’s memo here  

Commissioner Kurzman wanted to discuss not allowing tree cutting or trimming on Saturday. He also wanted to see about requiring a permit to be shown at the front of the property similar to any other building permit. He was reminded by the attorney that state law allows arborists to certify if a tree should be cut. In that case, there is no permit required.

The town attorney will look into the matter. Barile spoke about property rights as did a member of the audience. This is not the first time this has come up and probably won’t be the last.

Kurzman also spoke about contractors that arrive prior to 8 am and then park in the street as early as 6:30 waiting for the time to be able to begin work. Residents can park on the street overnight if they have a sticker. Some of the contracting jobs have been going on for several years.

The larger the house, the more workers on the job. Therefore, all the cars do not fit on the property, and they must park in the street. The staff and attorney will see whether building permits can be limited to two years.

The police chief spoke to remind the commissioners that the two issues should not be conflated. Marked trucks are not allowed on the street before 8 am. What the commissioner was seeing were the employees who may arrive early and eat their breakfast in their own cars while waiting to begin work. Unless they were making noise, there wouldn’t be any current laws being broken. If people believe something should be checked out, they should call and the police will investigate.

Joe Capra, the town engineer gave a status update on the projects. I have enclosed it here