For the first time in many a month, the Glen Cove City Council meeting of Wednesday, Nov. 12 was routine, civil (dare we say affable?) and short. Representatives of the Republican party were in the audience, present for the administrative and business sections of the meeting.

In the absence of Mayor Mary Ann Holzkamp, Councilman Mike Norman presided over the meeting, offering a small number of ordinances and resolutions to the rest of the council for approval or rejection.

Charges for towing and storage of impounded vehicles have been raised due in part to the city's costs going up and the need to keep Glen Cove's costs in line with other municipalities. Resident Jeff Peress objected to the arrangement, stating that the "select enforcement" could result in more cars staying in impound. "If I have a $200 car, higher costs to get it out of impound could cause me to leave it there, especially since I probably don't have the money to remove it." Mike Norman thanked Mr. Peress for his comments and noted them.

After the reading of the warrants paid and to be paid, Tip Henderson asked for a breakdown of the spending, and was told he could receive a copy from Mr. Norman.

During the public comments section of the meeting, Mr. Peress brought up the subject of no heat and hot water in some homes in Kennedy Heights, a development under the jurisdiction of HUD, a part of the Federal Housing Authority. He also remarked that residents have told him of rats and insect infestation in the community. Mr. Norman told Mr. Peress that the city council has met with the board at Kennedy Heights and the groups are working together. Following Mr. Peress, Drew Fonrose took the podium to state that he was told people have had to heat their homes with ovens for the past few months and asked what has been done. Mr. Norman repeated his answer that the city council has responded to concerns that were raised and would not let such important problems be ignored. Councilman Charles Lavine remarked that boilers and hot water heaters were being replaced in the community, ergo, no hot water could be available during that time. This was an ongoing project, and residents were informed about it well in advance.

This reporter later spoke to Eric Wingate, acting executive director of the Glen Cove Public Housing Authority. Mr. Wingate informed the Record Pilot that since HUD is a federal agency, the City of Glen Cove has no control over the public housing.

Regarding the "no heat and hot water" allegations, Mr. Wingate assured us that "We've just put $500,000 into new boilers, hot water heaters, windows and roofs. While the project originated in 2002, the actual work was begun in early October 2003 and finished in early November. Residents received notices letting them know the work was being done, and they were kept abreast of the operation as it went along. We have completed this part of the project, and will be going on to roofs and windows. It was an unfortunate inconvenience, but the benefits will far outweigh the inconvenience." The project is coordinated between the New York State Weatherization Project and the Housing Authority. Mr. Wingate also remarked that residents were fortunate that the weather stayed temperate while the major part of the work was being done on boilers and hot water heaters. He is quite pleased with the outcome, and has not heard complaints from residents.

Mr. Henderson, who is the leader of the Republican party in Glen Cove, came forth to congratulate the winners of the election on behalf of the Republican party. He added that "I am here to let you know that the Republicans in Glen Cove intend to continue to debate with you in a healthy, productive manner. We will question the roadway, taxes, redistricting and the preservation of our suburban way of life. We are here to challenge you and it will be a challenge for us, too, the party that is 'out.' I look forward to the debates." Mr. Norman agreed that government is a challenge, and on behalf of the mayor and city council, said he looked forward to interaction with all political parties. "Government should not be partisan," he said. "We appreciate your comments all along the way."

Glen Howard requested that a yellow line be painted down the center of Landing Road, "so people can know where they're driving." He also agreed that good government should be open to discourse with all political parties, including the "Ancient Order of Curmudgeons" of which he may or may not be a member.

The next meeting of the Glen Cove City Council will be on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in city hall main chambers.