The East Williston board of trustees has scheduled a public hearing on re-bidding its garbage collection contract for March 11 at 8 p.m. The village is under contract with Albertson-based DeJana Industries, which was the lowest bidder, after Meadow Carting, of Carle Place.
DeJana bid with the option to continue rear-yard pickup, which according to Mayor David Tanner, would save an estimated $10,000, should the village opt for that company.
Choosing Meadow Carting would result in savings in the neighborhood of $6,000 per year, according to village officials.
“Everyone should keep in mind, had we not bid, the cost would have gone up another $7,000,” Tanner said. “Regardless of who we end up selecting, we have a nice savings.”
Requesting that both carting companies attend the public hearing, Tanner said they would give presentations on recycling, specifically addressing what residents can do to improve the recycling conditions in the village.
“It’s been an ongoing issue, whether or not our carters are properly recycling. We want to hear from them to see if they have anything to suggest to our residents,” Tanner said.
Last May, the board approved of a new three-year contract with DeJana, which received a considerable amount of objection from residents.
On another matter, Village Attorney Jeffrey Blinkoff updated residents on the uninhabited property at 8 Sumter Street, owned by John Muzio, announcing that the property is now in contract for sale. All bids to either refurbish or demolish the property will be open on Feb. 22.
Trustee Robert Vella said the village was contacted by Muzio’s lawyers to inform them of the contract for sale, and the village board will proceed as if it’s “status quo.” Vella also said that there are contingencies in the contract, and until they are met, “there is no contract, there is no sale.”
The property has been the source of controversy with residents, largely due to infestation of raccoons and squirrels that have inhabited the property. One resident informed the board that one raccoon is so large, that it waddles when it crosses the street.
Trustee Bonnie Parente said the village has caught five raccoons from the property so far, and the board assured residents they will continue to trap them.
In Other News
In light of the recent snowstorm, East Williston Fire Department Chief Patrick Theodore asked village residents to clear snow off fire hydrants. “If we have a fire and need to find a hydrant, the last thing we want to have to do is search for it through the snow,” Theodore said. “It’s happened in the past, and it costs critical delays.” Theodore also urged residents to check on the elderly in the village to ensure their safety through the weather.
Move The Cars
Trustee Christopher Siciliano, in his Department of Public Works report, addressed an issue of parked cars in the roads during the snowstorm last week. Siciliano reminded the residents in attendance of village code which states that in four inches of snow or more, cars must be parked off the road.
“Even if its forecasted and it doesn’t come true, they have to be off the road,” Siciliano said. “It’s hard for the guys to see the cars, and we have to clear the streets for fire trucks and emergency vehicles.”
Another issue Siciliano mentioned was following the plows coming through the streets, residents were using snow blowers on their driveways, emptying the snow back onto the streets. “Please face it to your own home so we can keep the roads clear,” Siciliano said.
Historian Sworn In
The board swore in Judy Buonocore as Historian for the Historic Committee, replacing Tom Morhman; as well as Lisa Feiner as Chair of the Beautification Committee, replacing Mary-Ellen Cocchi.
Wheatley Student Obtains Girl Scouts Gold Award
Alexandra Blach, a sophomore at the Wheatley High School, gave a presentation on obtaining a Girl Scouts Gold Award by utilizing the East Williston Village Hall on Saturday’s this past January to hold sewing classes for girls in fourth to sixth grade. The Gold Award represents the highest achievement a girl scout can obtain.
During those four weeks, each girl Blach taught learned how to sew, thread a machine, make a bobbin, pin and lay out a pattern.
“I feel that too many girls are constantly using technology,” Blach said. “I wanted to show them that there are other ways to have fun, feel good about themselves, and hoped sewing would make a difference in who they are.”
Presenting beanbags that Blach sewed herself to the board, she received a round of applause and praise from the board, including Parente, whose niece participated in Blach’s classes. “It was an absolutely wonderful experience,” Parente said.
Memorial Day Antique Car Show?
Regarding Memorial Day this year, Siciliano shared an idea to have residents in the village who own antique cars to drive veterans in their parade. “We want to honor our veterans and get more people involved,” Siciliano said.
Trustee Caroline DeBenedittis is in the process of making flyers to send out in the village.
