A regular meeting of the board of trustees was held on Oct. 18, at 8 p.m.
Prior to the regular meeting, Mayor Tweedy announced that NYCOM Public Service Recognition Certificates were being presented to six employees who have reached milestones in their careers. Mayor Tweedy said our village is a product of the efforts they make every day and that we would not be a full-service village were it not for these exemplary employees.
Michael Naylor, who has 25 years of service, began his career with the village in 1986 as a laborer in the Department of Public Works. After holding several positions in DPW, he was promoted to Highway Supervisor in 2010. The second child of Helen and Alfred Naylor, Mike was raised in Floral Park since the age of four and currently lives on Aspen Street. He has one sister, Susan, and three brothers, Thomas, Peter and Matthew. Mike enjoys reading a good book and attending rock and classical concerts as well as traveling into New York City to catch an occasional Broadway play. Showing his more adventurous side, Mike also likes cliff diving! His many years of service to the Village have made him a valued employee of the Department of Public Works as well as the residents of Floral Park.
Joseph Oswald, who has 30 years of service, was hired as a Police Officer in April 1981 and in August 1988 he was promoted to Sergeant, the position he currently holds. Joe and his wife, Kim, live in Floral Park with their four children, Michael, Katelyn, Ryan and Gregory. Joe is a well-known figure in sports activities in Floral Park having coached baseball, football, hockey, soccer, basketball and softball. Joe is an avid fisherman and during his free time, chances are you can find him casting for the “catch of the day.” He is also a member of the Floral Park Fire Department and Knights of Columbus. Joe’s many years of service to our Police Department have made him a real benefit to our community.
William Zask, who has 25 years of service, was hired by the village as a police dispatcher. In 1986, he transferred to the Department of Public Works as an Automotive Servicer and he is currently an employee of the Sanitation Department. Bill and his wife, Kathleen, live in New Hyde Park. They have three children, William, Kenneth and Kaitlin. They recently became the proud grandparents of a beautiful baby boy. Bill is an ex-captain of the Hook & Ladder Company of the Floral Park Fire Department and is interested in antique fire trucks. He also likes spending time with his family, especially his new grandson. Bill’s dedication has proven to be a great asset to the Department of Public Works.
The three other NYCOM Public Service Recognition Certificate recipients who were unable to attend the board meeting were Frank DeMasi, a police officer for 30 years; Michael Reid, a member of the Floral Park Police Department for 35 years and currently a lieutenant; and James Karpowicz, a motor equipment operator for 35 years.
Mayor Tweedy also presented Certificates of Appreciation to volunteers who gave so generously of their time during Hurricane Irene. Attending the meeting were Tracy Cabibbo, Brian Greene, Daniel Joinnides, Stephen McCaffrey, John Michon and Allison Rossi. Additional recipients who were not able to attend the meeting were Vincent DeMartino, Nicholas Dunbar, Donald Haug, Jr., George Herger, Tom Merle and Evan Wagner. Certificates were also presented to Four Village Studio volunteer Veronica Venturi and 4VS Manager Jim Green who manned the studio for the duration of the storm providing important information to our residents. Mayor Tweedy thanked them for their dedication.
Department of Public Works
Trustee Longobardi reported the Department of Public Works received a new meter truck. The Parking Meter Division needs this vehicle in order to maintain all of the parking meters throughout the village. This truck will also be used as a snow removal vehicle.
Routine pothole repair and street maintenance continues throughout the village. Catch basins are being cleaned in order to stay ahead of rain and falling leaves to prevent flooding where possible. The leaf loaders used to clear the streets of leaves are being prepped and made ready for the upcoming season.
The 500-gallon storage tank on Active’s pumper fire truck cracked. It will be repaired in house.
Floral Park Public Library
At the last board meeting, Trustee Fitzgerald reported that the online resources, Tutor.com and Learning Express, are available to residents. There is, however, another online Research Database that can assist students in researching a multitude of topics, whether it is the War of 1812 via the Annals of American History or family life during the Roman Empire via Daily Life Online. These databases are available 24 hours a day. Most of the information contained in these databases is edited but generally not free. Make sure you have your library card handy, as you will need it to access these powerful and useful databases.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Tweedy said that on Saturday, Oct. 15, the Recreation Center was again host to Liz’s Day, the annual charity event for breast cancer awareness in the Village of Floral Park. This event is held in honor of the memory of Liz McFarland, a resident of Floral Park, who lost her life to breast cancer. Both Mayor Tweedy and Recreation Commissioner Tomecki thanked Superintendant of Recreation Kurt Meyfohrt and his staff for their tireless efforts that day. Their hard work and dedication helped to make Liz’s Day a fun and successful event.
On motion by Trustee Rhatigan, seconded by Trustee Fitzgerald, and carried unanimously, Mayor Tweedy recessed the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
