Board of Commissioners
Arduino “Eddy” Marinelli, Chairperson
Arduino Marinelli – Eddy as he is known – is a proud resident of Port Washington, where he lives with his wife of 34 years, Marianne (a Port native), and their three children.
Eddy has accumulated over 40 years of business and employee management experience while owning and operating restaurants in 5 locations across Long Island. Most notably, he is co-owner of one of the North Shore’s well-loved Italian restaurants, DiMaggio’s Trattoria. His many patrons and loyal employees have become an extension of his family since doors opened in 1978.
Eddy has translated this expertise to other business ventures and to the Water Pollution District, of which he has been a commissioner since 2018. He recognizes the importance of an efficient sewer system and he is committed to updating the existing infrastructure to preserve the environment. As a business owner and resident, he is focused on managing costs and minimizing impacts on the taxpayer.
Eddy is a first-generation Italian-American. He is proud of his Italian heritage and grateful for the sacrifice his parents made to afford him the opportunity to realize the American Dream. He enjoys serving his community not only in his restaurant, but also by supporting many local charities and fundraisers. In his free time, he enjoys spending time on the golf course and with friends and family.
Brandon Kurz, Treasurer
Brandon Kurz is a 43-year resident of Port Washington where he resides with his children, Gracie and James. His children are 5th generation Port Washington residents.
Brandon has served as the Executive Director of Port Washington Youth Activities (PYA) for ten years. PYA a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing sports programs for children and teens, ages 4-18, at Lions Field and surrounding athletic facilities. Brandon also works as a plumber for long time Port-Washington-based company, Plumbing Pro.
Brandon is passionate about the Port Washington community. In addition to serving as Executive of PYA, Brandon volunteers as a baseball coach for the Port Washington Legends, a travel baseball team for youths between the ages of 6-18. He is on the Board of Directors of PW Green, an environmental organization dedicated to protecting and improving Port Washington’s natural environment. Brandon has also been a long-time member of the Port Washington Lions Club. The Lions are dedicated to helping less fortunate Port Washington residents. They help feed the hungry, aid our disabled residents, and provide helpful services to our elderly citizens.
Brandon is grateful for the opportunity to serve the Port Washington community. He looks forward to helping improve the town’s sewer infrastructure and overall environment.
Melanie Cassens, Secretary & Assistant Treasurer
Melanie Cassens is a fifth-generation resident of Port Washington, a small business owner, and a mother of two children in the Port Washington school district. With a degree in Finance and a background in Project Management, Melanie brings her time management and demand for credibility to the District. Elected in 2018, Melanie has taken an active role in the District to ensure efficient and effective sewer systems, contributing to the well-being of our community.
Outside of her work at the District, Melanie is on the Executive HSA Board of her children’s school, volunteers her time at St. Peter’s of Alcantara Church, and spearheaded the formation and runs a free summer art program for the Town of North Hempstead. She takes a lot of pride in Port Washington and wants to ensure the sewer district keeps an active role in the protection of our beautiful waterfront.
Melanie Cassens is a committed community member, utilizing her professional background and skills to contribute to the betterment of Port Washington and its residents. Her involvement in various community organizations and volunteer activities demonstrates her dedication to Port Washington.