Councilmember· January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2027
Denise Merrifield
Town of Riverhead
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 48
- Total speaking time
- 2:29:44
- Avg per meeting
- 3:07
- Segments
- 2772
Want every word Merrifield has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Merrifield said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)(Public Safety)
RVAC Ambulance Barn Project and 75-Year Lease
An $8-9 million project funded by donations and ambulance revenue, not taxes.
ICE Enforcement and OLA Safety Law Debate
Tooker warned of potential civil liability if officers are drawn into immigration enforcement.
Brush fire staging area at Veterans Park (EPCAL)
$100,000 in state grant funding; a hydrant placement will also fix the ice rink's CO issue.
Formation of town HazMat response team
Equipment has been acquired largely through county surplus and grants; a dedicated apparatus will require future funding.
Fireworks permit process streamlining
Commercial Fire Protection Compliance
Involves a nominal filing fee paid by service providers through the third-party platform.
Councilmember Waski Social Media Post Controversy
Proactive code enforcement expansion
The new part-time positions are expected to be self-sustaining through fines, though clerical and legal support costs may grow.
FOIL Redactions of Hispanic Committee Emails
Police staffing and recruitment
Federal funding for police vehicles
$250,000 in federal money covering four new police vehicles, sparing the local budget.
Sound Avenue / Toomey Avenue No-Parking Zones
Minimal — signage and enforcement costs only.
Bail reform impact on policing and costs
Councilmembers said bail reform is costing taxpayers through repeated arrests and the need for a larger police force.
New Riverhead Ambulance District building
Expected to cost taxpayers nothing — RVAC's billing revenue and donations cover the bond.
E-Bikes and E-Scooters on Town Trails
Fines up to $500 would stay in town instead of going to the county.
Mobile Stroke Unit location on Route 58
No taxpayer cost — Stony Brook is spending about $2 million of its own money.
FEMA grant for high-speed patrol boat
Federal grant funding would offset the vessel purchase cost.
Police body camera program benefits
Program has costs but reportedly pays for itself by cutting legal claims; alarm billing remains a revenue struggle.
Arming Riverhead fire marshals
The town is budgeting for four Glock 19 firearms and waiting on insurance quotes to cover the four fire marshals.
Post-July 4 Storm Recovery and Yard Waste Relief
Cleanup costs aren't itemized, but overtime and debris disposal will strain town budgets.
Decisions during term (3)
Recorded while Merrifield was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Voting record (2)(Public Safety)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.