Mayor's MessageWell, it has been a while since we have had an edition of The Bulletin. We will try, in the future, to get back to the every other month schedule.
I would like to congratulate our Fire Department on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary. The department celebrated with a dinner dance for its members at The Wheatley Hills Country Club on March 9, 2002. The members volunteer so much of their time and talent for our village and, I know, the residents are grateful. So if you see a member in town congratulate them on this milestone and thank them for their hard work.
I am pleased to report that EOC I, Emergency Operations Center for the First Battalion, is now headquartered at our firehouse. If a catastrophic incident were to take place in the County, or the First Battalion, then EOC I would become the 'nerve center' for our area which is roughly Bellerose Terrace to Mineola. Ex-Chief Tom Mylod of our fire department is the Co-Chairman of EOC I.
As I mentioned in a previous notice that was delivered in March, I will propose a tax increase for this coming fiscal year which will raise our assessment from $3.85 per $100 of assessed property value to $3.90 per $100 of assessed property value. This modest increase will cost the average home owner an additional $27 per year, or $2.25 per month.
Spring is here and it is expected that the Recreation Area will open in mid-April. The frame of the play area is being reinforced with new lumber and new fibar is being installed. As soon as that work is done ' we're a 'go' for the area. However, some work may need to be done to the tennis courts which may cause them to be closed for a few days in the warmer weather. We'll keep you posted on that. Please remember to wear your Recreation Area pass buttons when using the area.
The Landscaper License law, which was passed in June, 2001, will now be enforced. This law restricts the hours of landscaper operation for the quiet enjoyment of your neighbors and has other regulations and guidelines in it which should be followed for the betterment of the entire village. Please note that Landscapers are now required to apply for a license/permit to operate within the Village of Bellerose. Please notify your landscaper to contact Rosemary Stimpfel for more information.
The Four Village Studio is going strong and continues to look for volunteers to help with the taping, directing, producing, etc. of television shows of interest to the Bellerose, Floral Park, South Floral Park and Stewart Manor areas. So, if you're interested in helping out, please call Jimmy Green at 516-326-1150. Don't worry, the staff of Four Village Studio is friendly and is willing to train you.
George Schatiloff of Hudson Road has served two years as Chief of our Fire Department and his term came to a close on April 2. George did a great job as Chief and gave selflessly of his time to the department to make it one of the best in Nassau County. Thank you, George for a job well done! Our new Fire Chief, George Krug, assumed his duties on April 2 and we wish him well in this important job. He will be assisted by Wayne Weber as Assistant Chief.
It is expected that during the month of June we will continue with our ongoing program of road work and sidewalk replacement, so please pardon our appearance during that time.
I understand the trees on Jericho Turnpike are expected to be replaced by the State. I think they will be a fine re-addition to the island there.
That's it for now. As always, thank you for your continued cooperation and support and for the opportunity of being your mayor.
