Hempstead, Oyster Bay Announce SENWA Recommendations

In keeping with their promise, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto jointly announced the recommendation of five individuals to serve on a reactivated Southeastern Nassau County Water Authority (SENWA) on Friday afternoon.

Under the New York Public Authorities Law both town boards are allowed to appoint members to the authority, which was created by the state in 1991 to explore the area's water supply options, but its board was abandoned in 1997. The Authority, a public benefit corporation, is an independent governmental entity. The Authority is also authorized to commence a takeover of Aqua New York, Inc. (Aqua) if its findings indicate such an action would be beneficial.

Murray announced in January that the board would be re-constituted following a public outcry over the rates charged by Aqua, which serves Bellmore and several other Long Island towns.

"Despite the apparent decision of the previous Water Authority board not to pursue a public takeover, it's time to take a fresh look at the issue," stated Murray.

"Given changes in the economic climate and the 12 percent rate increase recently granted to Aqua over a three-year period, a reconstituted Water Authority will look at how to best serve Aqua ratepayers armed with new, updated information," added Venditto.

Aqua has argued that because they are a private company, they've had to pay taxes that public utilities don't have to pay.

"We understand that some of our customers are concerned with how our rates compare with those of neighboring water systems," Spokeswoman Donna Alston said. "We have explained that the primary difference in our rates and those of other area water providers is the fact that approximately 35 percent of our water bill is comprised of taxes. All of our rate requests are reviewed and approved by the Public Service Commission, which is charged with balancing the interests of the consumers and the utility. With regards to the authority appointees, they should serve at the will of the public they are charged with serving."

Recommended Appointees

John Reinhardt of Merrick, commissioner of Hempstead Town's Department of Water, is uniquely qualified and possesses a high level of expertise in water district management and operations. The Water Commissioner is responsible for six water districts, serving 115,000 residents. The department includes 31 wells and pumps 20 million gallons of water per day. A budget of over $16 million funds department operations, and 80 part-time and full-time staffers comprise an efficient and effective work force.

Richard Ronan of Merrick is a professional engineer and the outgoing commissioner of the Town of Hempstead Department of Sanitation. He oversaw a staff of 572 and a $125 million budget. The department collects waste from 81,000 homes. Ronan was a driving force behind the closure of the former Merrick landfill and its conversion to the award-winning Norman J. Levy Nature Preserve.

John Molloy of Wantagh is a Professional Engineer and the Chairman, President and CEO of H2M, architectural, engineering and environmental consultants. The company includes 260 employees and Molloy has extensive experience in water supply system engineering, operations and water quality. As H2M's direct representative for the Hicksville and South Huntington Water Districts, serving 115,000 people, Molloy is engaged in capital planning, engineering design, operations and cost analysis for both operations.

Edward "Woody" Kennedy is a lifelong Massapequa resident, living in the Aqua service area for 45 years. He is a former Town of Oyster Bay Parks Commissioner.

Walter D'Amato is a community activist from Massapequa, serving as president of the Nassau Shores Civic Association for over 10 years, and also as 3rd vice president of the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce.

Hempstead and Oyster Bay Town Supervisors indicated that they anticipate the recommended candidates to be considered by the respective town boards at an upcoming public meeting.

"Hempstead and Oyster Bay Towns are doing the right thing by reactivating the Water Authority of Southeastern Nassau County," said Councilman Gary Hudes "Board members of the Authority will be working hard with a complete focus on seeking ratepayer relief and that is what's truly important," added Hempstead Councilwoman Angie Cullin.