The Sea Cliff Village Board met Monday night for the final meeting of the year, wrapping up an eventful year.

The board opened the public hearing on the franchise agreement it looks to renew with Cablevision, Mayor Eileen Krieb noting that the village has been working on adding new provisions to it. Cablevision representative John Clark spoke to the board and residents on the new agreement and answered questions. He explained that the agreement is bound by law, giving residents access to Cablevision services while requiring the company's compliance with local, state, and federal laws.

It was reported that last Wednesday's Waterfront/Environmental Committee public meeting was a success, with many residents putting forth worthwhile and varied comments and ideas. The committee will continue to consider residents' suggestions and respond to them in the upcoming months. In the interim, the committee is still welcoming written suggestions, c/o Sea Cliff Village Hall.

The village recently met with the City of Glen Cove, Nassau County and a design firm regarding grants to improve the Glen Cove Avenue, Sea Cliff Avenue and Glen Avenue intersections. All three parties will review the options presented by the design firm, recommend changes and hold a public hearing the first week in February, date to be determined.

The mayor extended commendations to the public works crews for their diligent work in clearing the snow from the recent snowstorms and wished all residents "happy holidays and a healthy, prosperous new year." To ring in 2004, there will be a New Year's Eve bonfire in Clifton Park on December 31 at midnight to which everyone is invited.

Trustee Villafane swore in new fire department member John Hesse II, a fourth generation firefighter.

The board conference scheduled for Dec. 22 has been rescheduled for Dec. 29. The meeting coincides with the last day for leaf pickup in the village. After Dec. 29, all leaves must be bagged for rubbish pick-up; none are to be placed in the street. The board also passed a resolution allowing the village clerk to advertise the bid request for the annual tree removal and pruning.

Deputy Village Clerk Pat Guy stood in for Village Clerk Peter Hesse, who was injured last week and is expected to return from his convalescent spell next Friday. Deputy Clerk Guy noted that second half village taxes were due December 1 to village hall and can be paid without penalty until January 2, 2004.

A reminder: in observance of the holidays, village hall will be closed December 25, Christmas Day, with no garbage pickup that day; the same holds the following week for New Year's.

The trustees wished everyone happy holidays and thanked residents who have put in their time and energy for the benefit of the village, also giving a nod to our troops still stationed around the world during this holiday season.