Tempers flared at the Third Street Firehouse Monday as a resident asked Mayor David Nyce to discuss ongoing negotiations between the North Ferry Company and the Village of Greenport over a proposed agreement that would allow the company to rent the west pier at Mitchell Marina.
Resident John Saladino asked the mayor why he could not discuss the matter at a public meeting; Saladino said he spoken to the Suffolk County attorney’s office and been told that no law prevented the mayor from discussing the issue if he so chose.
“The village wouldn’t be put at a disadvantage,” Saladino said.
Saladino maintained that the village could collect $18,000 more that the proposed $8000 to $8500 they would receive from the North Ferry in a proposed long-term lease agreement, by renting the pier to the sea of boats that currently have to be turned away from the dock.
The pier, he said, could generate at least $26,000 as a flood of large boats seek to dock at the west pier, Saladino said after the meeting, adding that the village has made a “significant investment” in electric at the marina last year.
“This is literally something that could put this marina on the map,” Saladino said at the meeting. “We shouldn’t limit our options by taking away rental space. I honestly believe this is something residents should know about. It’s a village asset that produces income for the village, and $18,000 is a lot of money.”
Nyce said the board was “not discussing” the issue “at this time at the advice of counsel, while we are negotiating. The information you have is not complete. We are requested not to discuss this in the public domain. When we are at the point to enter an agreement, we will discuss,” publicly, Nyce said.
Saladino then requested to discuss the matter with Village Attorney Joseph Prokop and asked Nyce if he could do so.
“You are out of order, Mr. Saladino,” Nyce said.
Saladino said he was not out of order. “You’re not being responsive to the public,” he said.
“I”m going to ask you to leave in a minute,” Nyce said, using his gavel.
“This is okay with you guys?” Saladino asked the rest of the board.
“You are out of order, sir,” Nyce said, adding, “That was interesting.”
“It really was,” Saladino said.
“Would you like to leave now, please?” Nyce asked. “Until you come back into order and remain in order you will be asked to leave.”
“I am not leaving. I didn’t do anything,” Saladino said.
“You will remain quiet. Next time you are out of order you will be asked to leave,” the mayor said.
