Nicholas Bartilucci was not only a founding member and past President of the NSWCA, but a man whose observations, experience and technical engineering expertise made him a thought leader far beyond our local arena. His achievements are well documented and his steady presence and willingness to help in every situation will be sorely missed by all.
At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting hosted by Franklin Square Water District Commissioners Salvatore Intagliata, Madeline Presta and Ralph Pugliese, guest speaker Mr. Andrew McLoughlin, Territory Manager from Mueller Co., presented a program on the advancements in fire hydrant technology.
Mr. McLoughlin discussed the history and construction of fire hydrants, bringing the commissioners up to the present with new painting systems, the use of personalized color, hydrant QR tagging, and the and latest security devices.
“Performance and longevity are the real tests of a fire hydrant.” Mr. McLoughlin commented. “Lives and property depend on the swift delivery of water through an easily accessed hydrant.” In addition to the PowerPoint presentation, Mr. McLoughlin demonstrated the internal workings with a cutaway model of a typical hydrant and the tools necessary to repair and maintain a hydrant in the field.
“The march of technology continues even with something as time-proven as the fire hydrant.” Raymond Averna, President of the NSWCA and Massapequa Water Commissioner said. “As stewards of the water supply here on Long Island, the NSWCA is always eager to learn about new and innovative ideas. I thank Mr. McLoughlin for this very detailed and informative presentation.”
Photo: L to R: Plainview Water Commissioner and NSWCA First VP Andy Bader; Mueller Territory Manager Andrew McLoughlin; NSWCA President and Massapequa Water Commissioner Raymond Averna; Hicksville Water Commissioner and NSWCA Treasurer Bill Schuckmann; Oyster Bay Water Commissioner and NSWCA Secretary Michael Rich.
Come to the Safety Seminar & Expo on October 24 to see Keynote Speaker Roger Sampson of New York 811* and review some of the industry’s leading equipment vendors and distributors. Light Refreshments, Raffles and Giveaways All included with Entrance Fee.
Admission is $50. RSVP by 10.14.16 to: Karl@hicksvillewater.org
Equipment Vendors / Distributors
*Established in 1990, New York 811 is a nonprofit organization that acts as a communications link between utility companies planning any digging activity in the five boroughs of New York City and Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. By relaying these requests, New York 811 helps protect one of the most vast, congested and complicated underground infrastructures in the nation.
At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting hosted by Franklin Square Water District Commissioners Salvatore Intagliata, Madeline Presta and Ralph Pugliese, guest speaker Mr. Andrew McLoughlin, Territory Manager from Mueller Co., presented a program on the advancements in fire hydrant technology.
Mr. McLoughlin discussed the history and construction of fire hydrants, bringing the commissioners up to the present with new painting systems, the use of personalized color, hydrant QR tagging, and the and latest security devices.
“Performance and longevity are the real tests of a fire hydrant.” Mr. McLoughlin commented. “Lives and property depend on the swift delivery of water through an easily accessed hydrant.” In addition to the PowerPoint presentation, Mr. McLoughlin demonstrated the internal workings with a cutaway model of a typical hydrant and the tools necessary to repair and maintain a hydrant in the field.
“The march of technology continues even with something as time-proven as the fire hydrant.” Raymond Averna, President of the NSWCA and Massapequa Water Commissioner said. “As stewards of the water supply here on Long Island, the NSWCA is always eager to learn about new and innovative ideas. I thank Mr. McLoughlin for this very detailed and informative presentation.”
Photo: L to R: Plainview Water Commissioner and NSWCA First VP Andy Bader; Mueller Territory Manager Andrew McLoughlin; NSWCA President and Massapequa Water Commissioner Raymond Averna; Hicksville Water Commissioner and NSWCA Treasurer Bill Schuckmann; Oyster Bay Water Commissioner and NSWCA Secretary Michael Rich.
Insurance discussion ruled the evening in an NSWCA meeting hosted by Garden City Park Water District Commissioners Kenneth Borchers, Peter Chimenti and Chris Engel. Guest speaker Mr. Ray Florio, representing Allstate Benefits, educated the assembly on the advancements in voluntary benefits and disability benefits. Mr. Florio also discussed the latest changes and features in other topics typically of interest to Districts such as accident coverage, group critical illness and universal life coverage.
The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), recently held a Special Information Session. Guest speakers Joseph C. Ferreira and Thomas J. Ruggiero, Partners at Hauppauge-based AVZ & Co. P.C. Certified Public Accountants, addressed the Commissioners on the topic of “New York State Comptroller Audits.” Albertson Water District Commissioners Howard Abbondondelo, Richard Ockovic and Kenneth Vey hosted the session.
The focus was on the constitutional and statutory objectives of auditing. “The difference between independent audits and comptroller audits includes scope and materiality,” Mr. Ferreira stated. “Being thoroughly prepared includes operational and control considerations, especially internal operations, as well as compliance with NYS general municipal law and their own internal policies and procedures.”
Mr. Ruggiero added, “There is a distinct need to have policies for traditional topics such as purchasing, investments, and fixed assets. In today’s world, IT, disaster recovery and business continuity must also have policies in place.”
NSWCA President Raymond Averna commented, “The subsequent hands during the Q&A session brought deeper discussion of several interrelated topics, including the Top 10 internal controls, and delved into important governance issues that concern all member District Commissioners. Mr. Ferreira and Mr. Ruggiero graciously enlightened us with their expertise and insights.”
Mr. Ferreira (Smithtown, NY) is a Hofstra graduate and a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the NYS Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA) and past-chairperson of the Real Estate/Construction Committee for the Suffolk Chapter of NYSSCPA.
Mr. Ruggiero (Port Jefferson Station, NY), a Dowling College graduate, is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the NYS Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA), The NYS Government Finance Officers’ Association (NYSGFOA), the NYS Association of School Business Officials (NYSSASBO), the NYS Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) and the NYS American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACECNY).
From the welcoming remarks by LIWC Chairman Ralph Pugliese to Stan Carey’s closing words, the 2016 Legislative Breakfast was informative and well received by all attending. Paul Ganger, Legislative Committee Chair, provided remarks and keynote speaker Jim Tierney (NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Deputy for Water Resources) gave a detailed presentation. New York State Senator Jack Martins was honored with a plaque presentation for his considerable support for LI water conservation, sustainability, and the health of our sole source aquifer.
Guest speaker Mr. Paul J. Ponturo, P.E., Senior Water Resources Engineer at H2M Architects & Engineers (Melville, NY) addressed the commissioners with scientific information and data regarding the water contamination crisis in Flint Michigan.
“When Flint changed its water source from treated Detroit Water and Sewerage Department water sourced from Lake Huron and the Detroit River to the Flint River, officials failed to apply corrosion control treatment to the new water source,” Mr. Ponturo observed. “This culminated in lead contamination, creating a serious public health danger. The corrosive Flint River water caused lead from aging pipes to leach into the water supply, causing extremely elevated levels of lead.”
Mr. Ponturo added that while many Long Island water providers utilize “infrastructures that are almost 100 years old New York State has strict water management compliance regulations. Each District continually maintains their respective infrastructure to avoid potential contamination including lead leaching intrusion.”
Hicksville Water Commissioner Bill Schuckmann; Oyster Bay Water Commissioner Michael Rich; H2M Senior Water Resources Engineer Paul Ponturo; NSWCA President and Massapequa Water Commissioner Raymond Averna; Plainview Water Commissioner Andy Bader.
Local Long Island water districts get their water from “a sole source subterranean aquifer as opposed to lake or river water,” Ray Averna, President of the NSWCA and Massapequa Water Commissioner observed. “While our raw water contains virtually no lead even before treatment, the public can see complete information on what’s in the water of our 21 commissioner-run NSWCA member Districts in each respective District’s annual Drinking Water Quality Report.”
Established in 1926 when Calvin Coolidge was President and the Roaring Twenties were going full blast, The West Hempstead Water District has served residents by delivering high quality water virtually without interruption for 90 years.
Congratulations to the staff of WHWD, Commissioners C. John Sparacio, Joseph M. Marando and Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr, and Superintendent Robert P. York, on a job well done!
Former 2015 Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) President Thomas P. Hand of Massapequa Water District was recently awarded a citation from the Nassau County Office of the Executive, recognizing “Outstanding individuals who render significant contributions for the enhancement of our region and the betterment of our residents.”
2016 NSWCA President Raymond J. Averna of Massapequa Water District presented Mr. Hand the award, commenting, “Thomas truly deserves our appreciation for his leadership and guidance during his tenure. His commitment to NSWCA and the communities we serve merit recognition.”
Mr. Hand currently serves as a Massapequa Water District Commissioner and continues to be active in NSWCA.
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