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 (18^thLegislative 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 (18^thLegislative 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.

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.

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. 

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

 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.”