Westbury, NY - June 10, 2015 - At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) Special Training Session hosted by Westbury Water District Commissioners Vincent Abbatiello, Kenneth O. Jones and William C. Olson, municipal law expert Michael F. Ingham, Esq. of Farmingdale-based Carman, Callahan & Ingham LLP addressed the topic of “Water Commissioner Management Powers and Responsibilities”.

Focusing on the legal duties and powers of elected commissioners, Mr. Ingham began with a historical perspective that included a discussion of the Kirkland Act.  He then discussed the powers of water commissioners set forth in Town Law §215 and a special State statute empowering local water districts set forth in the Nassau County Civil Divisions Act.  The training also included appropriate subjects to be conducted in executive sessions and the requirement that work sessions be open to the public. The subsequent Q&A brought deeper discussion of several interrelated topics, including Long Island’s sole source aquifer.

NSWCA President Thomas P. Hand of Massapequa Water District commented, “This is the latest installment of our Continuing Education and Training Series.  The hands on training sessions delve into important governance issues that concern all commissioners, superintendents and professional personnel from commissioner-elected water districts. Mr. Ingham’s extensive field knowledge and ability to interpret complex laws and regulations in a simplified way that could be easily absorbed was greatly appreciated by all attendance.”

A graduate of Hamilton College, Mr. Ingham received a Masters’ in Public Administration from New York University and earned his Law Degree from St. John’s University School of Law.  He joined Carman, Callahan & Ingham in 1981 and specializes in municipal law, complex insurance coverage litigation and Appellate Practice.

Organized and chartered in 1981, Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) is comprised of water commissioners from 21 Nassau and Suffolk County water districts.  The NSWCA is dedicated to promoting environmental excellence and best practices as well as maintaining the highest standards of water quality and supply. NSWCA sponsors regular educational meetings on topics that include the environment, security, economics, rules and regulations, among other related issues. 

Pictured: From left to right at a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting that focused on water district management and responsibilities training are NSWCA 2nd VP Andrew N. Bader of Plainview Water District, Guest Speaker Michael F. Ingham of Carman, Callahan & Ingham LLP, NSWCA President Thomas P. Hand of Massapequa Water District, and NSWCA Secretary Vincent Abbattiello of Westbury Water District.