The remodeling of our Farmingdale Village Hall office has been recently completed. The computers and software programs have been upgraded and/or replaced and a Local Area Network (LAN) has been installed. It has been my administration's goal to upgrade and update our operating systems. We want to take advantage of the technology available to make our operation as efficient and cost effective as it can be. With the new infrastructure now in place, we have now started to put the technologies to use. One of the additional responsibilities that our new Village Clerk Administrator Dave Smollett has is that of chief technology officer. Dave has a wealth of experience in this field. Under Dave's watchful eye, we have begun to implement many new and exciting programs.

• LAN - provides access to the Internet so we can communicate with the various New York State, federal agencies and internally amongst our own departments. Most of the required documents and reporting that the Village is required to complete has to be sent via the Internet. Our Internet capabilities now also allow our court to access many federal, state and other electronic databases to check for out of state warrants, and other background information.

• ADP employee time system - new biometrics system (handprint scan instead of punch cards) allows for more accurate reporting and timely uploading of all payroll processes. This also helps eliminate mistakes and incorrect readings of the handwritten cards. It also provides a more accurate system for auditing and monitoring of overtime.

• Checklist Software- allows tracking and logging of the building permit process and code enforcement violations. It provides a quick, easy to use history of every permit or code violation.

• Village vehicle fuel monitoring system - this system monitors both the maintenance and fuel usage for our vehicles. It allows us to track usage, utilization and maintenance records. It also can provide an early warning of impending mechanical problems (by reviewing and evaluating the gas mileage, oil usage etc...).

• Automated wireless water meter reading system -While the new Sensus system will gradually be installed, the new software will allow us to significantly reduce labor costs while also allowing the Village to implement quarterly or semiannual billing. It will help eliminate mistakes and will provide early warning and notification of customer water leaks or other problems .The system can read the meter daily -providing a baseline for tracking. A pipe break or serious problem can be discovered with the new system.

These are some of the major projects that are under way. We have many more that we are already working on, such as having our Village Code available electronically, accepting payment for various fees, permits, fines via credit card. You can be assured that we will continue to investigate and evaluate additional software programs that will enable us to provide additional or improved services or reduce the cost of the existing services.