After a brief public hearing on a code amendment concerning the number of stories permitted for dwellings, the Sands Point Board of Trustees began its first meeting of 2016 with a report from Water Commissioner Daniel Scheyer. The village used more than 456.8 million gallons of water in 2015, exceeding total usage in the prior three years. As consumption and usage continue to be of concern, Commissioner Scheyer suggested the board consider replacing resident water meters with smart meters.
Currently, meters are read by village employees three times a year. As a result, a malfunctioning meter or leakage at a property may not be discovered in a timely manner. Collecting data on usage and consumption is time-consuming and causes delays in enforcement efforts. Commissioner Scheyer further pointed out that many meters in the village have exceeded their useful life and will need to be replaced. Smart meters allow the water district to monitor usage in real time on a regular and consistent basis
and improve efficiencies in terms of malfunctions, leaks and code violations, saving money over the long term. Commissioner Scheyer also suggested that the board consider reviewing the code to consider amending or adding additional regulations as part of a long-term solution to control water consumption and cost.
After discussing Commissioner Scheyer’s recommendations, the board passed a resolution to reorganize the Village Club governance structure by replacing the Village Club Commission with a new system. Mayor Edward Adler explained the rationale behind the move as a way to reduce the time member volunteers spend in meetings so they can focus on the work of their individual committees. The new approach will allow each committee to report directly to the board of trustees. The mayor characterized the initiative as an ongoing process and was hopeful it would develop into a system everyone will like.
The board also discussed at length what to do about the building housing the old pro shop and will take up this matter in the future once the board has an opportunity to tour the building and review the financial impact of the proposals being considered. The board received updates concerning improvements at the club, including the status of the Golf Cart GPS initiative and food-service upgrades. The board voted to be a party to the Manhasset Bay Protection Committee Agreement. Finally, the board set
the dates for assessed valuation
and tentative assessment rolls
(Feb. 1), Grievance Day (Feb. 16) and the Public Hearing date for the village budget for fiscal year 2017 (March 22).
