A regular meeting of the board of trustees was held on April 3, at 8:40 p.m.
Building Department
Trustee Rhatigan reported that this is his final report as liaison to the building department. He thanked Superintendent of Building Department Steve Siwinski and his entire staff for all of their help and cooperation during the time in which he had the pleasure of working with them.
The building department reports that permit activity is increasing as we enter the spring months. The biggest increase is in commercial applications. Property title searches have also increased. During the winter months, the department has been focusing on contacting owners of old open permits and working with them to close them out. If there is an open permit still on record, then a refinance or a sale of property can be held up at closing. Since January, 79 permits have been closed and certificates of completion have been issued. Boilers, pools, plumbing, electrical work, renovations and additions need certificates to close out permits. If you have had any work done in your house and did not get a certificate of completion, please call the building department to find out what you need to do to resolve any issues.
Police Department
Trustee Rhatigan reported that during the month of March, the police department issued 211 moving summonses which included 20 speeding, nine passed red lights, 44 passed stop signs and 52 registrations/inspections.
Trustee Mary-Grace Tomecki
Trustee Tomecki said she was very pleased to report that she will now be commissioner to the building department. However, Trustee Tomecki, wished to recognize that as commissioner for the past three years to the recreation department the wonderful work and dedication of Superintendent of Recreation Kurt Meyfohrt, pool director Tom Dillon and their entire staff. The Recreation Center is an area that is vital to the quality of life in Floral Park and Trustee Tomecki also wished to thank the volunteer members of the Recreation Committee and Pool Committee who have so generously donated their time and advice.
Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee
Trustee Tomecki said that she will continue her role as aircraft safety & noise abatement officer. Trustee Tomecki said that on Monday, March 26, she attended the regularly scheduled meeting of the Town-Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC) held at Lawrence Village Hall. Representatives from the FAA and Port Authority were in attendance and they spoke about issues that were not related to the Village of Floral Park. However, this was an opportunity to address them regarding the recent increase of the use of Runway 22 Left for arrivals at Kennedy Airport especially during the overnight hours. For the first time, the Port Authority admitted the closure of several runways at Kennedy during overnight hours forcing traffic to Runway 22 Left. They said these runway closures are expected to continue throughout the month of May. The Port Authority did not divulge the cause of the runway closures. They also said that Runway 22 Left will also be closed intermittently during the month of April, which may provide some relief to our residents. As always, Trustee Tomecki said, this conversation will continue.
Department of Public Works
Trustee Longobardi, who is continuing as liaison to the Department of Public works, reported that as a true sign of spring the department has serviced and put the snowplows away as well as placed all the salt and sand in storage until next year. Hopefully we will continue to enjoy the great weather.
The replacement of the diesel tank located in the Recreation Center/DPW parking lot has been completed. All certification tests have been passed. In addition, a new fire suppression system has been installed over the dispensing pump. This project was extremely important as this tank serves not only the village but is the main station for all our neighbors including the Floral Park-Bellerose School District and the Villages of New Hyde Park and Stewart Manor. By using the power of volume purchasing and intergovernmental cooperation, we are able to reap the benefit of saving money. Trustee Longobardi thanked the Village of Garden City and their Public Works staff for allowing us to use their gas facilities while ours were not operational.
Trustee Longobardi reported that DPW has begun a new road program. Crews have begun prepping roadway sections in anticipation of new equipment being delivered in the next few weeks. Once the equipment arrives, these road projects will be completed. By doing the work “in-house,” it is anticipated that not only will more work be accomplished, but it will be done at less the cost of hiring an outside contractor.
As a reminder, parking meters in the village have increased to 25 cents per half hour. Please make certain that you place the proper number of quarters in the meter for the amount of time you need.
Floral Park Public Library
Trustee Fitzgerald reported that the new reference desk is operational. Trustee Fitzgerald thanked Superintendent of Public Works Steve Siwinski and his department for fixing the electrical wiring problem. The computers have been moved from the back room to the ledge. The back room is currently being reconfigured as a quiet study area.
Trustee Fitzgerald said that he is looking forward to working with the Recreation Department as its new commissioner.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Tweedy reported that Monday, April 2 was reorganization night, which is the legislative kick-off to the year. New appointments to committees were made and newly-elected trustees Jim Rhatigan and Kevin Fitzgerald were sworn in. Mayor Tweedy extended his congratulations to both of them. The mayor also thanked the residents who serve on our volunteer committees and boards who work very hard to keep Floral Park a great place to live and raise a family.
On motion by Trustee Rhatigan, seconded by Trustee Tomecki, and carried unanimously, Mayor Tweedy recessed the meeting at 9 p.m.
