The following are trustee reports from the Sept. 7 village board meeting. Prior to the meeting, a brief informational hearing was held for the benefit of residents who may have questions on the referendum for the fire department service award program, which will be voted on by residents Tuesday, Sept. 27, between noon and 9 p.m. at the recreation/pool building. See full story on page 1.

Deputy Mayor Kevin Greene said he had the honor, along with fellow board members, to lead the First Battalion Fire Department parade Saturday, Aug. 27. The parade was held in honor of Rescue Company, which celebrated its 75th anniversary. Deputy Mayor Greene congratulated the officers and members of Rescue Company on their anniversary but more importantly thanked all of the medical responders for their commitment and dedication to the residents of Floral Park for the past 75 years. He also thanked employees of the Department of Public Works for assisting in preparing for the parade and cleaning up after the parade and to the Floral Park Police Department for keeping the event safe.

Deputy Mayor Greene also noted that the department is expecting the arrival of the smoke house simulator in October. The simulator was purchased through New York State grants with the assistance of Senator Michael Balboni. The simulator will be used to demonstrate the proper evacuation from a smoke filled room. "We hope that the simulator will make its first appearance at the Fire Prevention Program in October. If any organization or school is interested in having a fire prevention presentation in October or November, contact the fire chief's office at 326-6327 or village hall at 326-6300.

He further thanked the department for assisting victims of Hurricane Katrina. Members ran a clothing drive that collected over two truckloads of clothing. Moreover, the department responded to 103 calls during August.

Deputy Mayor Greene reported that the school crossing lines have been repainted with a brighter and more visible paint. Moreover, the contractor is currently preparing to overlay Stewart Street. Deputy Mayor Greene says he realizes that the residents of Stewart Street have been inconvenienced for several months with the Water Authority systems and now with the street overlay but hopes the project will be completed by the end of this month.

Trustee Gerry Bambrick reported that the department is patrolling areas around school bus stops for motorists who pass stopped school buses when their red lights are flashing and Stop signs are displayed. For the safety of children, motorists must be aware of school bus areas and obey traffic laws.

Trustee Bambrick further noted that a new commercial building permit has been filed for the building at 115 Jericho Turnpike and is currently being reviewed. The application for this building went to the Zoning Board of Appeals and received a variance. The building will have a retail store on the first floor and two apartments on the second floor. The two existing buildings on the property are slated for demolition.

Swimming pool renewals have been finalized. The department inspects 75 pools on a yearly basis. Pools that the department was unable to inspect were served with a Notice of Violation.

The building permits for two new houses on Childs Avenue were approved and are in the process of being issued.

Trustee Bambrick also reported on the village's ongoing efforts to reduce excessive air traffic over Floral Park. One of the major reasons for the excessive air traffic this summer has been the ongoing construction during the night at Kennedy Airport on Runways 13 and 31, making it necessary for planes to land on Runway 22. The village has received written confirmation from the FAA that they have rescinded a provision of the New York TRACON'S (Air Traffic Controllers) Standard Operating Procedure. The provision of the Standard Operating Procedure that was rescinded had mandated that the "instruments only" approach to Runway 22 be utilized for 16 out of 24 hours each day (including all flights between 11 p.m. and 7 p.m.). The instruments only approach brings the air traffic in a direct path over Floral Park.

"The village has been vigorously lobbying for this change for more than a year and a half. The change in the TRACON's Standard Operating Procedure is small but it is significant in that it allows for a more equitable distribution of flights, thus diminishing air traffic over Floral Park," Trustee Bambrick explained. "Significant resistance to the village's request was met from the FAA but after several meetings with representatives from the FAA, Port Authority, Aviation Development Council and representatives from Floral Park, including Mayor Phil Guarnieri, Trustee Bambrick, Linda Dersch and Joe Reekie and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, a successful conclusion was achieved."

Trustee Tom Tweedy reported that the pool season is officially over. Along with fellow trustee, Jim Rhatigan, and Mayor Phil Guarnieri, Trustee Tweedy said he attended the annual senior citizen picnic, which was enjoyed by more than 120 senior friends and neighbors. "With the heat wave that was experienced this summer, the pool remained open an extra hour on 12 days," Trustee Tweedy said, thanking the staff for the extra effort.

Registration for the Recreation Center's first session classes went very well. Five of the 12 course offerings have already been closed out. The Slimnastics and aerobic classes run for 17 weeks, the senior exercise classes run for 12 weeks and all other classes run for 10 weeks beginning the week of Sept. 25 and conclude at the end of November. Senior citizens may attend the first class to decide if they want to enroll in the entire session. Call the Recreation Center at 326-6336 for availability.

The Village Run will take place this Saturday, Sept. 25, beginning at 10 a.m. There will be a 2K and a 5K race. Registration took place Sept. 10-11.

Trustee Tweedy reminded residents that Breast Cancer Awareness Day will be celebrated at the Recreation Center Saturday, Oct. 1. Details of the day may be found on the village's website, www.fpvillage.org, Four Village Studio Community Bulletin and the local newspaper.

Trustee James Rhatigan said he, Mayor Phil Guarnieri and Trustee Tweedy had the pleasure of being in attendance as Assemblyman Tom Alfano presented grant funds to representatives of the Heritage Park Committee. These monies will help the committee maintain the space across from village hall and make additional improvements. The committee worked closely with Assemblyman Alfano to see the process through and they should be commended for their efforts, Trustee Rhatigan added.

Trustee Rhatigan further reported that the Conservation Society has been busy this summer working to enhance the beauty of Centennial Gardens. "While most of us welcomed our sun-filled summer days, the Society would have been happier with a few more rainy summer nights," Trustee Rhatigan said. "But in spite of the dry weather, their work continues to show great results. Centennial Gardens is expected to remain open on Sundays, at least through October, so that more of our residents can take advantage of a peaceful stroll through the gardens."

The Society also welcomes anyone wishing to assist with its work. Residents may simply stop down any Saturday or Sunday to help.

Trustee Rhatigan noted that the library resumed its weekend hours of service from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Further, work continues toward the completion of the HVAC renovation at the library. Controls are being installed and boiler work is underway. Finalization of the project is expected by the end of this month.

"As summer comes to a close and children return to their studies, this is a good time for all of us to think of returning to or beginning our community involvement. A number of clubs and committees will be coming off their summer hiatus this month and will be looking for help," Trustee Rhatigan said. He encourages all residents to fit at least one community service activity into their busy schedules. "The rewards can be outstanding," he added.

Mayor Phil Guarnieri reported that he and the village board, on a "very important and proud occasion," marched with the Floral Park Fire Department, along with 12 other fire departments, in honor of Rescue Company's 75th anniversary. "It was a great day and I am deeply proud of all the individuals of the fire department." He recognized Rescue Company, which he described as the workhorse of the fire department. Rescue Company responds to more than 900 calls a year. The mayor said the village is trying to recruit more volunteers to be part of this proud department and he understands that there have recently been more applications submitted for membership.

The mayor also said he attended, along with Trustees Tweedy and Rhatigan, the senior citizen picnic, which is the culmination of the pool season. He said the seniors enjoyed the lunch, good company and Bingo. He was happy with the extra efforts the recreation center staff showed by keeping the pool open an additional hour on 12 separate occasions.

On motion by Deputy Mayor Greene, seconded by Trustee Rhatigan and carried unanimously, Mayor Guarnieri recessed the meeting at 8:40 p.m.