Dear Neighbors:
As of this writing the wading pool is doing fine. Hopefully, it will freeze and the skating season can begin.
Leaf removal season is well over and the total cost of the process was roughly 5,000.00 dollars, opposed to around 19,000.00 dollars when we outsourced the job. Budget time is coming upon us and the chairmen who did not submit your wish lists should do so promptly. Financially we are in good shape at the moment. But some tough budget decisions need to be made. Dominic is a one-man show and that needs to be changed. We will be looking at hiring another part time person as well. The Village is aging, the streets, buildings (particularly the firehouse), curbing and tennis courts are in need of repair. So we will need to address the cost of such repairs.
I am excited to announce that the Master/Beautification Plan is ready for its unveiling. A presentation to the Village residents, Business District owners and their tenants is planned for 7:00 p.m., February 27th at the Village Hall. The plan includes curbing, paving, street lighting, possible bus shelters, benches, trash receptacles, landscaping and tree planting. I urge all to attend. There will be a question and answer period following the presentation. Your input is appreciated. This is the start of better things to come.
Plans are being set in motion regarding our historic landmark status. Alan Woodruff, chairman, Carol Mylod, historian, and committee members will meet with Rich Handler and myself, to put together a report to be presented to the state preservation board. Alan is planning on hopefully being able to attend a few lectures on historic preservation questions. Rich Handler, Alan Woodruff and I plan on attending a lecture in March on the economics of preservation.
I have included information on some training sessions through the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team Training). I hope that some residents of the Village will find the time to attend. The course is free and will be given at the Floral Park Village hall. I strongly urge residents to try to attend these successions. It is important that we have an extra set of trained hands in an emergency situation. Even if you cannot attend all the sessions, I feel whatever knowledge you may receive from the ones you do attend will be helpful. I will also be working with the mayors of our surrounding communities on implementing an aggressive emergency preparation plan for our villages.
Tax grievance day is scheduled for the 21st of February from 4:00 p.m.' - 8:00 p.m. February 7th is the first day for accepting signed nominating petitions for the office of village trustee. February 14th at 5:00 p.m. is the last day. Absentee ballot applications are available at the Village Hall. The applications are due back to the Village clerk no later than March 14th. The actual ballot is due back no later than March 21st, Election Day.
I thought the meeting on February 9th with Councilman Ed Ambrosino and his staff had gone extremely well. It's a reassuring experience having a dialogue face to face with one of your political representatives. The doors have been open for better communication and I am sure they will be revolving. Again, I would like to thank Councilman Ambrosino and his staff for coming.
The Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Monday, February 27th immediately following the Master/Beautification plan presentation. Hope to see you at the meeting.
