As I discussed last week, I will be using these columns, in an effort to better familiarize residents with the roles of the various boards and commissions. This week I would like to address the operation of the Planning Commission.

One of the fundamental powers of any municipality is the ability to control land use within its boundaries. The basic statutory authority for planning is granted to villages in New York state's village law and general municipal law. The village's Planning Commission was established under the General Municipal Law.

Essentially the role of the Planning Commission is advisory and includes the authority to make investigations and reports in connection with the planning and development of the village. It also has a major role in the site plan review process. Site plan review examines the intended layout arrangement and design of development on parcels of land. Factors such as the adequacy of parking, means of access, drainage, landscaping, relationship of structures to one another, as well as other aspects of development, are taken into consideration.

The Planning Commission is comprised of seven members each of whom serves a three-year term. Appointments are made by the mayor and board of trustees based upon recommendations from the Property Owners' Associations.

The Planning Commission members are: Jack A. DeFranza (chairperson) (1990), James P. Noonan (1996), Charles L. Koester, Jr. (1992), Charles Minicus (1994), H. Bradford Gustavson (1999), William E. Ellis (2000) and Robert L. Schoelle, Jr. (1980). The Planning Commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month in the board room at Village Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m.

We are most grateful for their expertise and willingness to provide this service to their community on a volunteer basis.

Recently Village Administrator Bob Schoelle and Director of Public Works, Robert Mangan, PE, represented the village at a special meeting conducted by the Nassau County Department of Health on the subject of the West NileVirus and mosquito control. Commissioner David M. Ackman of the Health Department provided a most informative overview of the problem, discussed what Nassau County is doing to prevent and control mosquitoes and advised what municipalities should do to inform residents.

Over the next several weeks, and periodically thereafter, I will be using this column to discuss this issue. For further information Dr. Ackman has encouraged contacting the Nassau County Mosquito Control number 571-8707 or visiting the Nassau County website at http://www.co.nassau.ny.us. Literature is also available at the business office at Village Hall.

The Health Department advises that most mosquitoes do not transmit disease. However, West Nile Virus (WNV), a disease carried by mosquitoes, was identified within Nassau County last summer. It is distressing to note that the Culex pipiens mosquito, the primary transmitter of West Nile Virus lives and breeds on our properties wherever water can accumulate and stand for more than four days. Rain gutters, children's toys, plant pots, birdbaths or any other objects that can collect rainwater can become mosquito breeding sites.

Mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus usually do not travel more than 200 feet from their original breeding site. That is why it is so important for us to eliminate breeding sites on our property.

A reminder to residents that the village's law with regard to water conservation (Local Law 3-1987) is now in effect. The restrictions are:

* Lawn sprinkling and garden irrigation only from April 16 to Nov. 30 of each year and only during the hours of 5 to 10 a.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.

* The days a person may water are:

+ odd numbered properties on odd numbered days

+ even numbered properties on even numbered days

+ properties with no numbers on even numbered days

* Automatic sprinkler systems:

+ all newly installed systems must have moisture sensors approved by the Department of Public Works. For more information please call 465-4012 regarding sprinkler systems.

* Miscellaneous

+ all home car washing must be done with hoses fitted with spray nozzles with automatic shut-off.

+ use of water for washing down driveways or walkways is prohibited.

Please cooperate by observing these restrictions. The Police Department has been requested to issue appearance tickets to those persons found to be in violation of this law.