Category Archives: Uncategorized

Siela Bynoe at Training Session

NSWCA commissioners and water district superintendents attended a training session of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association which was held on Wednesday, January 15th, 2020, at the Westbury Fire Department, 355 Maple Ave., Westbury.

NSWCA President William Schuckmann welcomed the Commissioners and Superintendents to the training session and welcomed guest speaker and Nassau County Legislator from the Second Legislative District, Siela A. Bynoe.  Commissioners Patricia Peterson (Locust Valley Water District), Rodney Caines and Barry V. Green (Westbury Water District) and Lawrence F. Zaino Jr. (Carle Place Water District) were in attendance.

Ms. Bynoe engaged the audience by providing input and opinions on four topics important to all Long Islanders:

  1. The initial availability of $100,000 in 2020 from Nassau County for residents who do not have incentive programs to purchase and install irrigation Smart Controllers. The County is hopeful to expand the program to improve water conservation efforts.
  2. The proposed bill to re-institute the Groundwater and Public Water Supply Facts Report for Nassau County. Environmental groups, suppliers, engineers and regulators had found the report a resourceful tool in the past when analyzing groundwater issues and trends.
  3. The availability of Nassau County Legislative grant funds for tangible items.
  4. The impact, timeframe, and cost concerns of 1,4 Dioxane treatment.

Ms. Bynoe is a 40-year resident of Westbury, a graduate of Westbury High School, received her BA from Hofstra University and her Master’s in Public Administration from C.W. Post, Log Island University.

Left to right:  Commissioner Patricia Peterson , Commissioner and NSWCA President William Schuckmann, Commissioner Rodney Caines,  Legislator Bynoe, Commissioner Barry V. Green, Commissioner Lawrence F. Zaino Jr.

Jericho Dedicates Bartilucci Building

The distinguished accomplishments of one of New York’s leading experts on water supply, conservation and sustainability were further memorialized by a host of dignitaries with the official dedication of the Nicholas J. Bartilucci Administration Building Operations Complex, 125 Convent Road, in Syosset, New York, by the Jericho Water District (JWD).

The late Mr. Bartilucci, a Jericho Water District Commissioner for more than 45 years and a founding member and past President of the Nassau-Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association, was a recognized industry spokesperson whose expertise and leadership were relied upon by water providers, consumers and governments alike.

 Left to right:  Jericho Water District Commissioner James Asmus; Oyster Bay Town Council member Vicki Walsh; Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca; Jericho Water District Commissioner Patricia Beckerle; Jericho Water District Board Chairman Commissioner Thomas Abbate; Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino; Mrs. Joan Bartilucci; Jericho Water District Superintendent Peter Logan; Nassau County Legislator Josh LaFazan (18thLegislative District).

Late NSWCA President and Jericho Water District Commissioner, Nicholas J. Bartilucci.

 

Commissioner Thomas A. Abbate, Chairman of the Board of the Jericho Water District, hosted the ceremony and JWD Superintendent Peter Logan spoke on behalf of the District and Commissioners James Asmus and Patricia Beckerle.

The Reverend Michael T. Maffeo, Pastor of St. Edward the Confessor Church (Syosset, NY) gave a blessing as new signage marking the event was unveiled. Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino spoke and presented a proclamation to Mrs. Joan Bartilucci which cited her and Mr. Bartilucci’s contributions to the Long Island community and beyond.

Father Mike Maffeo, Joan Bartilucci  and Jericho WD Superintendent, Peter Logan.

Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (18thLegislative District) presented a citation from the Nassau County Legislature to Joan Bartilucci in memory of Nicholas J. Bartilucci noting “service to the community, neighbors and families, and in recognition of your leadership to enriching the lives of others.”

Former NY State Senator Carl Marcellino, Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh and Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca spoke, acknowledging the many contributions of Mr. Bartilucci during his long and storied career. Mr. Steven A. Fangmann, President of D&B Engineers and Architects, P.C., the Woodbury-based engineering firm founded by Mr. Bartilucci, presented a beautiful etched glass trophy award in the shape of a water droplet to mark the event.

West Hempstead Wins Diamond ACEC!

The West Hempstead Water District’s (WHWD) new elevated storage tank was submitted on behalf of H2M architects + engineers (H2M) to the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC New York) 2020 New York State Engineering Excellence Awards.  The project proudly received the highest honor of a Diamond Award!

ACEC New York is a proactive coalition of almost 300 firms representing every discipline of engineering related to the built environment – civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, environmental, geotechnical – and affiliated companies.  Their shared goals are to further the business interests of their membership, enhance the quality and safety of the environment we  live and work in, and help ensure the vitality of our communities.

Each year, over 60 member firms submit projects that are judged on a rigorous set of criteria, which includes complexity, innovation, and value to society.  These projects are judged by a panel of industry experts, which includes military and government officials, ACEC National and International leadership, educators from college and university departments, and leadership from other organizations dedicated to the built environment.  Awards are distributed based on the average scores received by these judges and are assigned one of four levels (in ascending order): Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.

To celebrate the awarded projects, the 53rd Annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala will take place on April 4, 2020.

Paul Tonna Sworn In

On January 7, 2020 Commissioner Paul J. Tonna was sworn in to his 3-year term as Water Commissioner with the South Huntington Water District.

Commissioner Tonna, who  originally came to the South Huntington Water District board in 2006 and was re-elected to the position on December 10, 2019, began his new term on January 1, 2020. He will serve through December 31, 2022.

Congratulations, Commissioner Tonna.

Left to right: South Huntington Water District Commissioner Paul J. Tonna and South Huntington Water District Commissioner Joseph Perry at swearing in ceremony.

Voters Elect Commissioners For 2020

Voters in Nassau and Suffolk Counties Elect 22 Water Commissioners.

Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) welcomes new and re-elected members.

Huntington Station, New York USA…..As a result of local elections, water commissioners have been elected by voters in 21 Long Island water districts. All elected commissioners will begin their three-year terms effective January 1, 2020.Long Island water commissioners who have been newly elected or re-elected by Long Island voters, are being welcomed as members of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA).

NSWCA President and Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner Michael F. Rich III commented on the election results. “Once again, voters used the opportunity to cast their ballots for the men or women of their choice in meaningful local elections,” he said. “Since commissioners are elected, not appointed, and must reside in their respective districts, this is an excellent example of local control by each community at work. I am extremely pleased to welcome both our new and returning colleagues to NSWCA.”

The NSWCA congratulates and welcomes the following newly elected and re-elected commissioners:

  • Albertson Water District Commissioner Kenneth Vey
  • Bethpage Water District Commissioner Theresa M. Catapano-Black
  • Carle Place Water District Commissioner Tim Stellato
  • Cathedral Gardens Water District Commissioner Joseph Corino
  • Franklin Square Water District Commissioner Ralph Pugliese
  • Garden City Park Water District Commissioner Ken Borchers
  • Glenwood Water District Commissioner Peter A. Hesse
  • Greenlawn Water District Commissioner John McLaughlin
  • Hicksville Water District Commissioner Nicholas Brigandi
  • Jericho Water District Commissioner James Asmus
  • Locust Valley Water District Commissioner Peter Brown
  • Massapequa Water District Commissioner Raymond J. Averna
  • Massapequa Water District Commissioner Michael E. Mazzola
  • Manhasset-Lakeville Water District Commissioner Steven Flynn
  • Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner Michael F. Rich III
  • Plainview Water District Commissioner Amanda Field
  • Port Washington Water District Commissioner Mindy Germain
  • Roslyn Water District Commissioner Dr. Sanford Klein
  • South Farmingdale Water District Commissioner Gary Brosnan
  • South Huntington Water District Commissioner Paul Tonna
  • West Hempstead Water District Commissioner C. John Sparacio
  • Westbury Water District Commissioner Barry Green

 

 

Digital Provisions On Security

The NSWCA recently welcomed speakers Peter Noonan and Brian McCabe of Digital Provisions (Ronkonkoma, NY), a leading Long Island-based security integration company founded in 2000.  The pair provided an educational talk, discussing new ways to help secure infrastructure and to keep water district employees safe while on the job.

Mr. Noonan and Mr. McCabe described many new products and techniques, including video management systems, deployment of surveillance cameras, access control, one button lockdown and details of visitor management. They revealed potential applications for wireless technology cameras that can be viewed anywhere at any time from a Smartphone, Tablet or PC; thermal or infrared cameras for nighttime viewing; optical zoom cameras to monitor gauges, generators, RPZ valves and other high-value items; and text notifications when a failed entry attempt is made.

Training was a big component of the presentation. “Success in the security industry is measured in what situations do not happen or are prevented”, Peter Noonan stated. “Many companies install and move on quickly, which doesn’t necessarily solve the problem or lessen the threat. Beyond hardware, end-user training is critical to the success of the security system, and Digital Provisions trainers are dedicated to making a difference right from the beginning.”

“The security of our staff members and of our infrastructure are top priorities for all Association members,” said NSWCA President and Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner Michael F. Rich III. “Being able to see what is going on at remote locations from a centralized position in real-time is invaluable. We thank Peter and Brian for the detailed information provided and their ability to put it in proper perspective.”

Photo:  Left to Right:  Larry Zaino Carle Place Water District Commissioner and NSWCA Treasurer; Amanda Field Plainview Water District Commissioner and NSWCA Secretary; Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr., West Hempstead Water District Commissioner and NSWCA 2nd Vice President; Michael F. Rich III, Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner and NSWCA President;  Peter Noonan, Digital Provisions Vice President of Sales ; Brian McCabe, Digital Provisions Sales Manager. 

Legislators Walker and Schaefer at NSWCA

The NSWCA was pleased to welcome Nassau County legislators Rose Marie Walker and Laura Schaefer and to a recent training meeting held at the Westbury Fire house. Ms. Schaefer and Ms. Walker have long been huge advocates of clean water for all Long Island communities. Matters discussed the meeting were the many new developments that are affecting water districts and residents, the need for conservation as well as long term sustainability.

Ms. Walker has represented Nassau County District 17 since 2009. The 17th District encompasses Hicksville, Massapequa, Bethpage, Farmingdale, Seaford, Wantagh and portions of Old Bethpage. She currently serves as the Chair of the Health and Social Services Committee, Vice Chair of the Minority Affairs Committee and as a member of the Veterans and Senior Affairs Committee and Finance Committee.

Ms. Schaefer represents Nassau County District 14. First elected to the Nassau County Legislature in 2013 Laura was re-elected by wide margins in 2015 and again in 2017. Legislative District 14 includes Garden City, Garden City South, Carle Place and portions of Westbury, Jericho, Hicksville, Bethpage, Plainview, West Hempstead, Hempstead and Franklin Square.

The Nassau County Legislature: The Nassau County Legislature, formed in 1996, is the legislative arm of the Nassau County government. Comprised of single representatives from each of the County’s 19 districts, it is the Legislature’s duty to draft and approve local laws that affect the County and its residents.

Photo:  Left to Right:  Larry Zaino Carle Place Water District Commissioner and NSWCA Treasurer; Legislator Laura Schaefer; Michael F. Rich III, Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner and NSWCA President; Amanda Field Plainview Water District Commissioner and NSWCA Secretary; Legislator Rose Marie Walker.

 

Former Commissioner Thomas J. Murray

Former Port Washington Water Commissioner and NSWCA member Thomas J. Murray has passed away.

Tom led a life of service to his community and to his nation. In his 22 years as a Port Washington Water District Commissioner he presided over numerous changes, dealt with issues confronting the District including saltwater intrusion, and ensured the future of the area’s water supply through preventive maintenance programs.

His service to the community at large was extensive. Tom was a member of the Port Washington Fire Department for 47 years, Flower Hill Hose Co. #1, serving as Chief and Assistant Chief for six years. He also held the position of Chairman of the Nassau County Fire Commission and President of the Nassau County Fireman’s Association. Tom was on the Nassau County Vocational Education and Extension (VEEB) Board for a number of years.

A U.S. Marine during the Vietnam War, and Purple Heart recipient, Tom proudly served his country with distinction and honor in combat.

His guidance and professionalism will be greatly missed.

Honoring President Abbatiello

Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA  Honors Former President Vincent Abbatiello

 Franklin Square, NY, USA……………………….At a recent meeting of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) sponsored by Westbury Water District Commissioners Barry V. Green, William C. Olsen and Rodney Caines, honored former NSWCA President Vincent Abbatiello.

Mr. Abbatiello, currently a Westbury Village Trustee and Commissioner of Claims, received the honorary award in recognition of his term as President of the NSWCA. During his tenure, Mr. Abbatiello directed NSWCA positions on water conservation and sustainability and supervised educational speaking sessions with luminaries such as New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and Garden City Park Water District Superintendent Michael Levy on a pilot program to remove 1,4 dioxane, as well as the sponsorship of NSWCA’s Nicholas Bartilucci Manhattan College scholarship to a deserving student.

Left to right: NSWCA President Michael F. Rich III; former NSWCA President Vin Abbatiello; NSWCA Secretary and Plainview WD Commissioner Amanda Field; NSWCA First Vice President and Hicksville Water Commissioner  Bill Schuckmann; NSWCA Second Vice President Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr.

 

NSWCA President and Commissioner Oyster Bay Water District, Michael F. Rich III commented, “We are grateful to former Commissioner Vincent Abbatiello for all his efforts on behalf of this organization and to the 600,000 people we represent. His vision has helped ensure the purity of our water and the continued compliance with all federal, local and New York State laws and regulations.”

Westbury Commissioner Barry V. Green (above)  addressed the group providing details on the Westbury Water District which was formed in 1911. Commissioner Green discussed the infrastructure necessary to provide water to a population of 40,000, including 10 wells, 785 fire hydrants and 92 miles of distribution water mains.

 

McEvoy on Financing Water Projects

McEvoy on Financing Water Projects

 The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) provides information through its Educational Speaker Series and was proud to be addressed by former NSWCA President Robert McEvoy who provided an in depth look into financing water projects by issuing bonds. Mr. McEvoy is a former Comptroller, Town of Oyster Bay, and a current Commissioner from the Oyster Bay Water District.

 “Commissioner-run water districts are sub-units of towns, but are subject to Section 202-b Town Law.” Mr. McEvoy stated. “There are multiple steps that must be observed in order to  finance a project. These steps begin with commissioners as a ‘local agency’ under SEQRA (New York State Environmental Quality Review Act) petitioning the Town Board, scheduling of a public hearing, and eventually, adoption of the Public Interest Order and bond resolution. And larger projects may require preliminary financing for planning and development.”  

 

Left to right: Robert McEvoy, Michael F. Rich III

NSWCA President Michael F. Rich III commented, “We are grateful to Bob McEvoy for a such a detailed presentation about an important subject. Given the current climate on Long Island and in New York State, all Districts should be aware of the policies and procedures that are required to finance water-related projects to ensure compliance with all local, state and federal regulations.”