The Town of Hempstead’s board passed a local law that establishes a 50% tax exemption for surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty at its Tuesday, March 10, meeting.
Town Supervisor John Ferretti said this law shows the town’s gratitude to police officers and their families.
On another front, members of the public said tree roots are damaging sidewalks and pose a danger to the community. The town’s Highway Department Commissioner, Antonio Fanizzi, said it is the homeowner’s responsibility to come to the village and obtain a permit to replace slabs in front of homes.
Michael Cannamela, a veteran who owns a Yard Smart LI that has tried to bid on the town grounds and maintenance contract, spoke to the board. He said the perennial contract holder submitted a bid exactly 7.6% lower than his, making it barely below his bid, which has a 7.5% vendor preference for being veteran-owned under village procedures.
He said the winning vendor may have had previous knowledge of the cost of his bid. The town attorney said the purchasing procedures are clear, that the town follows them closely and that the bids are all posted publicly at the same time.
Volunteers from the Town of Hempstead’s animal shelter addressed the board about the shelter’s history and said past attempts to share criticism with the board have been met with intimidation.
Other members of the public asked the board to hold more pet adoption events in the town, which Ferretti said he would work to accomplish.
Patti Harris, of Uniondale, said there are road signs on Front Street and Newport Road that need to be repaired or upgraded. She asked the town to relocate a sign in memory of her husband.
The board approved numerous contracts, including one for water quality reports to Pace Analytical Services, of Eurofins Eaton Analytical, LLC. Members of the public asked if the results of that study would be published.
Commissioner of the Department of Water, John Reinhardt, said the results are published annually on the town’s website and that all wells will be inspected.
