SOUTHAMPTON — By now, it shouldn’t be a secret that CSEA members make communities run seamlessly.
That is certainly the case in the Town of Southampton, where our members’ efforts are a big reason why the town has become a major seasonal resort destination.
At the Town Clerk Annex office, CSEA town clerk employees are archiving and maintaining records for the town. They are also assisting community members who are in need of documentation such as a FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) request, which allows the public to access the records of governmental agencies.
Town Clerk Candace Brambley searches for the paperwork to respond to a FOIL request.
Town of Southampton Town Clerk Candace Brambley is happy to be of service.
“We are here to help. Anything that we can do to make the lives of the people in this community easier, we’ll do,” said Brambley.
In the town’s senior center, you will find our members providing supervised, recreational in-house activities and organized field trips.
“We provide a variety of activities,” said Recreation Program Planner Heather Smith. “As people age, it’s important to keep them socially, physically and emotionally engaged.”
Town of Southampton Unit President Laura Smith visits CSEA peace officers at the Southampton Town Justice Court. Far right, Laura Smith. Far left, John Grodsia and Ron Carter. Peace officers not seen, Steve Tria and Mark Sidor.
Over in the Town of Southampton Justice Court, CSEA court officers are ensuring visitors are able to tend to legal matters safely.
“One of our main duties is screening the public before they enter the building,” said Town of Southampton Court Officer Ron Carter. “This courthouse is one of the busiest in the state. We see hundreds of people a day.”
Members in this position also direct people to the proper service area as well as transfer prisoners, offer security during court proceedings and other duties.
Fire Marshall Brian Williams prepares to restock emergency vehicles on hazmat day.
Next up, the town Public Safety Office, where Fire Marshal Brian Williams and other town divisions are busy reloading trucks as part of “hazmat day.”
“We make sure proper safety precautions are exercised as to limit the possibility of fire activity in town buildings and at events,” said Williams. “We also work with other town employees to form the town’s hazmat team.”
The town also has CSEA members who work as engineers in the Department of Municipal Works.
Assistant Town Engineer Tom Houghton reviews plans for a new project.
“My primary purpose is so review submissions from planning and building to ensure that they are in conformance with construction plans. I also to do site inspections and manage town capital projects,” said Assistant Town Engineer Thomas Houghton. “I help departments get permits for projects, as well.”
The many projects that cross Houghton’s desk can last from one month to a couple of years.
In the Town of Southampton Citizens Response Center, our members field questions about town policies and permits in addition to working on the town’s website and media information.
Graphics Supervisor Colleen Jones looks through the new budget that members in the Citizens Response Center print, bind and post online.
Our members produce multiple forms of collateral on behalf of the town, which is then distributed to the public.
“The mass distribution of information really gives the town more of an open government feeling,” said Graphic Supervisor Colleen Jones. “I like being able to provide the convenience to residents of being able to find the information they need by reading it on their phone, or computer, rather than having to come to our office.”
The Land Management Department is where you’ll find Assistant Town Planning Director Janice Scherer. Department workers provide professional and technical planning services for zoning projects and additional regulations for development projects. The projects quickly transitioned into a variety of committees, which will address issues of sustainability, resiliency and various long rage issues that could impact zoning projects in the future.
Assistant Town Planning Director Janice Scherer looks through one of many books that detail the town’s zoning projects.
“I would say that we go into communities and help residents manifest what they would like their community to look like,” said Scherer.
Also important is the town Highway Department, where workers are responsible for maintaining approximately 230 roads, which is a lot of work for a small group of nine employees.
Highway Department members also repair signage, clean up debris and repair potholes.
Members working in the town’s highway department are a tight group. From left, Kyle Capanzano, Zane Najdzion, Labor Crew Leader Nate Roach and Allen Reeves.
“Anything that normally has something to do with the highway, we take care of it,” said Southampton Town Highway Department Labor Crew Leader Nate Roach. “I really enjoy my job and that has a lot to do with how well our crew gets along.”
Heather Smith enjoys the sing-a-long at the Town of Southampton Senior Center. Standing, Heather Smith. Sitting, from left, Daphne Cerina, Jean Carvis and Emily Parry plays the piano.
Town of Southampton Unit President Laura Smith already knows her unit members’ work is exemplary.
“I’m really proud of our members; they take such pride in what they do,” said Smith. “It’s nice to be a part of a team like ours.”
— Wendi Bowie
