Village Board Notes: February 16, 2012

A regular meeting of the Floral Park Board of Trustees was held on Feb. 7, at 8:30 p.m.    

 Building Department

Trustee Rhatigan reported that last week the Building Department filed their annual report with the state on the Department’s activity for 2011. The Department reported that 125 residential and commercial building permits were issued; 14 permits were issued for in-ground pools, garages and accessory structures; 566 permits were issued for fences, signs, above-ground pools, pool renewals, electrical and plumbing permits. They also issued 261 certificates of completion and certificates of occupancy. The estimated construction cost for the year was $6,560,250. Other than permits, the Building Department issued 162 ‘in lieu of’ certificate of occupancy letters and approved 16 renewals for expired permits. The months of January and February are historically quiet at the Building Department with respect to building permit activity. This time is filled with fire inspections, multiple housing inspections and contacting property owners about their expired permits.

Trustee Tomecki reported that on Thursday, Feb.16, beginning at 8 p.m., Jonnell Davis, a representative of LIPA, will serve as the guest speaker at an important meeting of the North End Civic Association. Mr. Davis will address the concerns of residents who were adversely affected by Hurricane Irene in August of 2011. Following the storm, several homes within the Village of Floral Park were without electricity in excess of 24 hours and even upwards of five to seven days, such as those located on Hawthorne, Hinsdale and Irving avenues. One concern repeatedly expressed by residents was the failure of LIPA to communicate accurate information to homeowners. In addition, Mr. Jonnell will speak about areas of the village that have experienced power outages in recent years independent of adverse weather occurrences.

Trustee Tomecki extended a special thanks to Village Administrator Patrick Farrell for assisting with the North End’s efforts to secure Mr. Davis as a guest speaker. As in the past, the meeting will be held at the Reliance Firehouse, located on Holland Avenue, and as the liaison to the North End Civic Association, Trustee Tomecki encouraged all residents to attend.

Trustee Longobardi reported that ‘routine maintenance’ is the word for the week.  It is always a great thing when you can knock off a few items from the old list ‘of a million things to do.’ Painting in Village Hall has been completed. Compost was spread along the islands of Floral Parkway in preparation of spring plantings. The Belmont Sump was cleaned out, including such items as sofas and other garbage. Pothole repair and street cleaning continue on schedule.  Leaks were repaired at Centennial Hall. Fence repairs were made throughout the Village and various other sundry projects were completed. Superintendent of Public Works Steve Siwinski is working with Village Administrator Pat Farrell on next year’s proposed budget. All in all, it was truly a good week to get things accomplished.     

Trustee Longobardi reported that the next meeting of the Covert Chamber of Commerce will be on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Trustee Longobardi wished their wonderful President, Cathy Grassman from Jo-Mar Dog and Cat Grooming, a speedy recovery from her recent back surgery. Trustee Longobardi said he knows she would much rather be out and about on Covert Avenue than resting at home.  

Trustee Fitzgerald reported that the library would like to remind residents of two topical upcoming events:

Starting on Feb. 7, AARP volunteers will be at the library on Tuesdays from 10:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. to assist low-income senior citizens in preparing simple tax returns.  All returns will be prepared electronically.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, Ellen O’Brien, Host/Producer of Four Village Studio’s CAREERfare, will present the second of her two-part series “Self-Marketing in Today’s Job Market,” offering step-by step guidelines to get you closer to ‘You’re hired.’  Included will be a discussion of ‘the elevator pitch’ and how to use LinkedIn.

Trustee Fitzgerald reported that as many of you know, one of the staircases on Platform A, that is the platform on the north side of the tracks, has been closed for repairs. Over the past two weeks, Trustee Fitzgerald has been in contact with the Hempstead Line Manager who has provided various updates as to what has been and will be occurring.  As of now, it still has not been determined if repairs can be made to the existing staircase or if a full replacement will be necessary. As the situation develops, Trustee Fitzgerald will continue to be in contact with the MTA and provide updates as they occur.

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, Mayor Tweedy, Trustee Rhatigan, Trustee Longobardi and Trustee Fitzgerald attended an Open House on the Nassau Hub. The session featured some of the suggested transportation alternatives that are being considered and the potential routes that are being proposed. Although there appeared to be no direct impact to Floral Park, based on the proposed alternatives which are still in the nascent stage, we will continue to remain vigilant to on-going transportation developments in Nassau County to ensure that the village is not negatively affected. If residents would like additional information on the Nassau Hub Study, please go to www.nassauhub.com.

On motion by Trustee Tomecki, seconded by Trustee Fitzgerald, and carried unanimously, Mayor Tweedy recessed the meeting at 8:35 p.m.