Call To Action: Binding Arbitration
For nearly four decades mayors and members of the village boards of trustees have reported frustration over the fact that within New York State, the Police and Fire Unions are covered under a binding arbitration statute. In the event an impasse is reached in collective bargaining with our police or fire union, the final step in the impasse resolution process is the use of compulsory, or binding, interest arbitration. The three-person arbitration panel has significant power and may issue an award which requires tax increases. The panel is not responsible to the taxpayers nor responsible for its award.
The statute is due to expire on June 30 and your board of trustees has joined with its elected counterparts from throughout New York State in writing to the governor and our legislator urging them to be proactive in allowing the binding arbitration to expire. Please join us by taking the time to contact the Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, NYS State Capitol Building, Albany, NY 12224, Senator Kemp Hannon, 595 Stewart Ave., Garden City, NY 11530 and Assembly Member, Edward P. Ra, 1225 Franklin Ave., Suite 465, Garden City, NY 11530, asking for their support.
Backflow Tests Mandatory For Lawn Irrigation Systems
I would like to remind everyone that has an automatic lawn sprinkler system, that your backflow prevention assembly unit must be tested annually, as mandated by the Nassau County Health Department.
Notifications have been sent throughout the year to reach out and alert residents of this agreement. If you have still not done so, please have your backflow prevention assembly tested as soon as possible. The Nassau County Health Department has mandated all devices must be tested annually and has designated the Water Purveyor, (Village of Garden City) responsible for enforcement. The Health Department considers all untested devices a hazardous threat to the water supply. As such, they have given the authority to the village, to shut off water services to residences that do not conform. In addition, the village risks incurring a fine by the Nassau County Health Department which would be passed on to the residences.
If you have any questions or need a list of certified backflow testers, please do not hesitate to call Kevin Barry of the Garden City Public Works Department at 516-465-4005.
Board Of Trustees Meetings
The next meeting of the board of trustees will be on Thursday, June 6 and Thursday, June 20 at 8 p.m. I encourage all residents to attend board of trustees meetings so as to be thoroughly informed of village issues from a first-hand perspective.
