At the last Williston Park Village Board meeting, Mayor Ludwig Odierna announced that Village Clerk/Treasurer Rae Caramanica, after many years of devoted service, will retire as of Aug. 14.

The mayor then announced that the new village/clerk treasurer would be Walter Moloughney, of Floral Park. Moloughney, an attorney, has extensive experience in the workings of a village as he was the village clerk in the Village of Mineola for many years. He also worked as a special assistant to former Mineola Mayor John P. Colbert.

Odierna said, "We are sad that Rae Caramanica has decided to retire, but we are delighted to obtain the services of such an experienced administrator as Walter Moloughney."

Because of a deficit of $300,000 in the Water Department the water rates were adjusted as follows, approved by the board and then filed with the Secretary of State.

1. The following scale of rates for water supplied by meter is hereby established to be effective as of July 1, 2006.

(a) For Residential Usage:

• At the rate of $3.30 per 1,000 gallons for water supplied up to 99,999 gallons.

• At the rate of $3.45 per 1,000 gallons for water supplied from100,000 gallons and over.

(b) For Commercial Usage:

• At the rate of $3.65 per 1, 000 gallons for water.

(c) For Wholesale Usage:

• For water supplied to the Incorporated Village of East Williston, at the rate of $2.85 per 1,000 gallons for water

2. Notwithstanding the above, the basic bill for residential water usage from 0 to 20,000 gallons shall be $66.

3. Notwithstanding the above, the basic bill for commercial water usage from 0 to 20,000 gallons shall be $76.

Mayor Odierna commented that because of the water deficit the village is receiving a poor bond rating and consequently if the village should want to borrow money it would have to pay more.

It was pointed out that the last time water rates were increased was in 1994, now new meters have been installed on the outside of homes.

Residents were not happy about the deficit and several of them suggested alternate ways to make up the deficit. Another resident said that he didn't want to come to a meeting next year and find out that the rates had been increased again.

The board then voted to authorize the treasurer to adjust the '05-'06 budget to supplement unemployment insurance in the amount of $1,851.78. This action will not increase the budget, but simply redistribute the budget.

The board then voted to approve the application submitted by Slender Lady of Williston Park for 61B Hillside Avenue, Williston Park with the stipulation that the decibel reading not be higher than 70 at the side of the store that abuts the bagel store. This decibel reading is consistent with the other exercise facilities in the village.

However, the board denied the special exception application of BLR Associates, doing business as O'Brien's, at 607 Willis Avenue, who wanted to extend the hours of its "live" music.

In response to an inquiry regarding the traffic light proposed for the intersection of Broad Street and Hillside Avenue, Mayor Odierna said that he has not heard from the Department of Transportation (DOT), but has contacted both New York State Senator Michael Balboni and Assemblyman Thomas McKevitt and they have both promised their help because the light is essential to the safety of the residents of Williston Park.

Mayor Odierna also announced that an Ethics Committee is being formed for the village.

Mayor Odierna then requested a motion to allow Boy Scout Troop 200 to hold its Annual Fall Flea Market on Oct. 14 at parking field No. 5 in the village. It was approved.

A motion was also approved to authorize adding HSBC as a Village of Williston Park bank depository.

A proposal for three block parties to be held in the village:

one on Aug 19, one on Aug. 12 and one on Sept. 9. They all must end by 11 p.m. The streets will be blocked off by the Village Department of Public Works.

The mayor then called for trustee reports.

Deputy Mayor Saporita made a motion to change the Building Advisory Committee to the Architecture Review Committee. It was approved by the members of the board.

Saporita announced that the Finance Committee will meet to review the audited financial results for 2005-2006 as well as the Long Term Planning Committee spending. He also said that the Long Term Planning Committee would be meet on July 19.

He also said that the firm of Dvirka & Bartilucci is revising their recommendations for the village in regards to the Congressman Gary Ackerman grant.

Saporita also announced that the DOT has sent a letter outlining traffic calming devices that Dvirka & Bartilucci is going over and they will get back to the board with their recommendations.

Trustee Smith announced that there were 228 tickets issued in June; and three injuries due to auto accidents and 11 summons for moving violations.

She also announced that Nassau Pops would be performing their Annual Concert in Cross Street Park July 20 and that the Moonlight Cruise would take place on July 28 from 7:30 to 11:30 at Point Lookout.

Further, Trustee Smith announced that the National Night Out for Safety is Aug. 1 and all residents are urged to leave their porch lights on to honor the event.

Looking ahead to the fall, Trustee Smith announced that once again Maureen O'Connell, who is now Nassau County Clerk, would orchestrate the Flu Shot Program for village senior citizens. It will be held on Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the American Legion Hall on Willis Avenue, Williston Park.

Trustee Smith then made a motion, and it was accepted, to accept the application of Kelly Fay to the Williston Park Fire.

Trustee Dunn announced that 186 cases were heard by Honorable Judge Alan Reardon amounting to fees totaling $9, 420 including the mandatory surcharge of $1, 575, Honorable Judge Edward J. Emanuele heard 54 cases amounting to fees of $3, 265 including the mandatory state surcharge of $110.

Trustee Christa Mills announced that more than 200 children are enrolled in the library summer reading program.

She also said that during the extreme hot spell the pool extended its hours to 10 p.m.

Mills also announced that the Pool Party to dedicate the pool to former Williston Park Mayor Roger Fay, who was responsible for building the pool, was set for July 22.

Movie Night at the pool will be held on July 28.

The mayor then asked Building Inspector Terry Collins the progress of the Chase Bank. Collins said that the demolition of the building was in progress and was extremely interesting as to the method they are using to bring down the building.

Village Attorney Richard Reers discussed the village code regarding swimming pools. He said that all pools that are three feet or deeper require a special exception permit.

The issue of pigeons was discussed by the board especially those that are being housed at the intersection of Hillside Avenue and Willis Avenue. In fact, Mayor Odierna mentioned that one such pigeon coop was fitted with stained glass windows.

The board, after hearing various complaints from residents regarding stop signs and various other matters adjourned the meeting.

The next workshop meeting for the board will be held on Aug. 7 and the next board meeting will be held on August 21 at 7 p.m.