At the beginning of the last Williston Park Village meeting Ken Pritchard reported on Storm Water Management in Williston Park.

He explained that the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) now requires that a report be made to every village once a year and the program must be fully implemented by 2008.

He explained that the process must have six minimum control measures.

1. Public education and outreach and repository. He explained that the village does have a small repository where residents may go and read articles regarding this topic some of which have been published in the Village Green. The village has participated in the county coalition and the library has that latest information.

2. Public involvement and participation. He explained that includes a public meeting, which is tonight's meeting and the participation of residents in the Town of North Hempstead's STOP (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) program, which includes motor oils, pesticides and household chemicals. He said that often, when doing catch basin inspections there is evidence that residents have deposited motor oil into the catch basins. He said that in some places people actually do oil changes over catch basins.

3. The DPW regularly checks for any illegal discharges in any of the catch basins because if allowed will go right into the system and could affect the drinking water.

4. At a construction site or at any site when it has been raining a lot and dirt washes into the street, this, too, is a form of pollution. To that end a village representative has attended a county sponsored training centers regarding construction site runoff water.

5. Post-construction storm water management to prevent pollutants from running off into the street. He said that the village has site plan reviews and inspections and is involved with the county coalition. He said that village representatives have attended county training sessions regarding this phase.

6. Pollution prevention and good housekeeping. He said this refers to the village's own operation of cleaning the catch basins and changing the oil on their vehicles. He said that the village catch basins are inspected and cleaned annually and the village sweeps 200 lane miles of streets and they make sure it isn't swept into the ground water; batteries are recycled and waste oil is disposed of properly.

In summary Pritchard said, "We can report that the village is in compliance with the state's storm water management and is achieving the goals outlined in the 2003 plan. In addition, as required, the program is on schedule and will be fully implemented and operational by 2008.

Pritchard then asked for questions and the first resident wanted to know if the oil drain into the catch basin happened at another location and not in Williston Park and he was assured that was the case.

A woman resident wanted to know if gardeners in the area required to post when they use pesticides on the lawn. He said he doesn't think they are required other than to post yellow flags on the lawn.

Building Inspector Kerry Collins said, "Gardeners who use pesticides are regulated by the DEC and the health department and they have to be certified pesticide applicants. Further, they have to notify the adjacent neighbors for any aerial use of pesticides and then they have to flag the lawns."

The discussion explained how harmful bug, weed and grub killers are to lawns and then a resident wanted to know how you could tell if the landscaper was certified to spread herbicides and it was determined that they must have a DEC triangle on their truck stating that they are certified.

Another resident said, "Unfortunately, many of the landscapers don't understand. He said many of the worms have been affected and poisoned and then they are eaten by the birds and that causes the birds to disappear. We now have a much smaller wild bird population in Williston Park than we did 40 years ago. With regards to the oil, if you do see someone emptying an oil pan over a grate, whom do you call? And how do you get rid of batteries, not just car batteries but the AA, AAA and small button batteries?

Deputy Mayor Saporita said to call the village regarding the oil because they are enacting a law that prohibits that. And, the STOP program by the Town of North Hempstead is setup to take all batteries for recycling.

He than thanked Mr. Pritchard for his comprehensive report and went on with the rest of the meeting reading all the abstracts (bills) and the board approved the payment of the bills.

Saporita continued, "One of those things that we are moving ahead on are the Ackerman grants. You know we have been granted a million dollars by Congressman Ackerman to fix our roads. Then we realized that we applied for all of the grant money in construction. So, we went back and reapplied for the grant because we wanted to pay for the design portion of the project. So, we are waiting for the approval of our reapplication."

"In the meantime we went out for review of the qualifications of the design firms of the project. We are not allowed to bid on price. Eight firms responded and we are in the process of reviewing them and we will pick the most qualified. However, we can't do anything until we get the approval from New York State."

Saporita said, "Both Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello and New York State Senator Craig Johnson have toured the village making note of the needs of the village. To that end they have written letters to the various highway and department of state agencies and to the police department who can help us."

"Let me give you an example, Rich Nicolello walked up and down Willis noting things that could be improved and one was the grid box in front of the fire department. So Rich sent a letter to the county and to 3rd Precinct Inspector Robert Turk to ask him to help us to try to keep that box clear for fire trucks."

"Richard Nicolello, in conjunction with trustee Kevin Dunn, also sent a letter, which ties in with the long-term planning committee regarding traffic calming. As you go north on Willis Avenue, it goes from a two lane and then across Hillside to a one lane. The only place that Willis is a four-lane highway is between Hillside and Jericho. So, the request that was made was to begin south of Hillside to begin to narrow down to one lane, have a turning lane, but make the traffic lanes come together so that when you come across the traffic will have been slowed down. We appreciate Kevin's initiative as well as Rich Nicolello's."

Saporita continued, "At the same time Senator Craig Johnson has sent a letter to the New York State DOT (Department of Transportation) for a traffic light at Hillside Avenue and Broad Street. We are in the process of requesting one more meeting with the New York State DOT for issues that are open regarding Hillside Avenue improvements and we are formalizing the letter. Besides the traffic light we are also requesting the closing of the median at Park Avenue.

"St. Aidan's Pastor Father Robert Hayden has requested, from Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, strip markings in front of the church, that were there before the road was repaved. Again, Richard Nicolello, has sent a letter to Country Executive Suozzi. So, we are particularly grateful to the efforts of Trustee Dunn and Mayor Odierna for their efforts in these regards."

Saporita reported that the Architectural Review Committee met on May 7 and they reviewed and approved four plans. He said, "They also reviewed an amendment to an ordinance for exterior lighting. Apparently there is no ordinance that prevents a next-door-neighbor from having a 'Luna Park' in their yard. The board of appeals has several items that routinely require permits. For example fences and a comment was made to just put it into an ordinance. We need to work on these problems now that the budget has been approved."

Saporita then called for trustee reports starting with Crista Mills.

The concerts start with a kickoff on June 14 at the Gazebo. For that concert hot dogs and chips will be served. She said that the other concerts would be listed in the Village Green which should be ready soon for mailing.

Mills than thanked both Jennifer and Debbi, who work in the office, for all their hard work in getting bills paid, etc. for the village.

Mills continued with her report announcing that the pool would hold a free open house on June 16 from 10 a.m. to 9 p. m.

She said, "Any volunteer committees in the village that would like to have a table at the open house would be welcome. It is a way to acquaint any newcomers with what they do and she particularly mentioned that the Historical Committee, under the direction of Rita Hess would most certainly have a display table."

She also said that Chase Bank would like to meet with the employees of the village to offer them free checking and various other advantages of banking with them.

Trustee Smith announced that Henninger Park is being renovated with new equipment and with ADA compliance swings and rock climbing. It is being financed by the Nassau County Development Fund. She said that the equipment should be delivered in four to six weeks and shortly after installation should be ready to use.

Smith also announced that the Annual Village of Williston Park Midnight Cruise will be held on July 27 and on July 11 they will be sponsoring a Pops Concert at the Cross Street School. In case of rain the concert will held at the Cross Street Auditorium.

She mentioned that she is trying to regroup and reorganize the block captains that make up the Neighborhood Watch.

Smith also mentioned that if anyone sees anything suspicious don't take any changes, just pick up the phone and dial 911, not the precinct but 911 and they will eventually respond.

She gave the police report. She said, "We have had a few burglaries in the area. They have been getting through back doors and windows. And, again, if you see something, please call 911. The areas that burglaries have occurred are on Colonel and Cornwell and an attempted burglary on Willis and those occurred in April."

Smith continued, "The police department issued six parking violations and six moving violations. We have had 11 auto accidents and no injuries."

Trustee Dunn announced that Judge Alan Reardon heard 234 cases collecting fines of $13, 085 together with surcharge of $675. Judge Edward Emanuele heard 21 cases collecting fines of $2, 970 together with a surcharge of $220.

He thanked the Beautification Committee for their planting flowers in the buckets on the village grounds as well as planting flowers in flower buckets along Hillside Avenue and at the clock tower.

Attorney Reers said he had just a few items to report on. One he said was that the village is changing the swimming pool, on your property, laws. He said they are trying to simplify the process so that the village won't have to hold a hearing every time a permit is requested. Burnell announced that his men have been busy working at the opening up the pool. They have scrubbed it down and now they are refilling it. He added, "It's looking very good."

He said that it's a great time for homeowners and that many homes of are being expanded so there is a lot of activity going on.

Deputy Mayor Saporita then opened up the meeting to the public.

One resident wanted to know what was being done with Kelliher Park since Henninger Park was being renovated. Burnell said part of the Community Development money was being spent on Henninger Park and part at Kelliher Park. He explained that the Public Works Department would be doing all the landscape work after the equipment was installed.

Another woman wanted to know if the "Welcome to Williston Park" sign would be fixed and she was assured that it would be fixed.

Former Williston Park Trustee Rocco Iannarelli and current North Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes wanted to know if the budget, that has been passed, at a public hearing.

Deputy Mayor Saporita said he had checked it out with Village Clerk Walter Mologhney, who is ill, and he said that they held a public hearing in April. He said all of the budget information would appear in the next issue of the Village Green.

Iannarelli said, "What are the provision for paying bills that are due on June 1 if the budget is not adopted or are you going to adopt it?"

Saporita said, "I talked to Walter to make sure that we followed procedure in terms of public hearing which we did have in April and we certainly adopted the budget. It will be published in the Village Green and then we will have comments."

Iannarelli continued, "So, all those bills you announced today will be paid out of last year's budget?"

Saporita said that yes they would be paid out of last year's budget.

James Bumpstead wanted to know if individuals could attend the Water Board Meeting. He was assured that he could. Then he said that the water at his home has a residue of a white substance.

Burrell wanted to know how old the water heater was and he was told it was fairly new. He said it could be electrical conditions but he said he would drop by to see what was the problem.

Bumpstead also said that on his street there is problem with dog droppings.

Another resident suggested that a letter be sent to new homeowners stating the rules and regulations of the village. It was stated that so many new residents just don't know what is accepted and what isn't.

The same resident wanted to know what the situation was regarding a new home being constructed and Inspector Collins said that the building has been revisited and the builders are conforming to the rules of the village.

Another resident wanted to know about the trimming of trees. She said was a walker and there are some sidewalks she can't walk on due to the overhang of trees.

Supervisior Burrell said that he has 50 trees waiting to be trimmed. He added, "You can trim your own tree but since they belong to the village we are a little bit fussy as to how you trim them. For instance, we don't want you to take any trees down. So just drop us a note and we will get to it."

Attorney Reers was asked how residents dispose of the water in their pools. He said, "Technically, the water is to be deposited on the property of the owner, which he added, is almost impossible."

A resident wanted to know what the law was on door-to-door soliciting. Attorney Reers said that he is not aware of anyone being allowed to soliciting in the village and if they do the homeowner is to call 911. He said, "Let the police check it out."

Another resident suggested that perhaps some kind of identification could be issued to the boy scouts or the children from St. Aidan who are going door-to-door to fundraiser.

Attorney Reers said that it would be something that the board should review and perhaps issue identification to the boy and girl scouts.

Another resident wanted to know the increase in the budget for this year. Saporita said it was 3.97 percent. The resident continued, The budget was very sloppy this year and it was never presented to the public.

It was established that the tax bills would be sent out on May 31.

He also said that a neighbor has a tent that extends the property line and that has been there for six months.

Inspector Collins said that there is nothing on the books that says this cannot be on the property.

Iannarelli asked again if the budget had been presented to the public.

Saporita said that each department presented it own budget at a public presentation. But, what was finally approved was not presented to the public.

Reers said it was presented in a series of hearings.

Iannarelli said, "Once again, I recall from having been on the board, normally the different departments would come before the board and then a public hearing would be held, after a notice in the paper, Did that happen or didn't it?"

Reers said, "I don't know if that specifically happened."

Iannarelli said, "How can you not know/"

Saporita, "Things are being done differently it is true." Both Walter and the attorney both said that the process we had, the public hearing we had was in fact the public presentation of the public."

Iannarelli, "Was that his interpretation or the law/"

Saporita, "That is what I was told."

Iannarelli, "I would respectfully respect that before you pass anything that you hold a public hearing."

A storeowner at 632 Willis complained that her clients are receiving $100 for tickets for 90 minute parking and she said they are losing business.

She suggested perhaps a two-hour parking. Trustee Smith said that there is only 90 minute parking in the village. The businesswoman said that it isn't fair to have such high tickets. They said they drive but have canes and walkers. Trustee Mills said that the fines are set by the judge. The storeowner said that they are losing business.

Another resident said that the tickets have gone from $20 to $100 and who approved these fines. It was established the fines have been set by the judge. No one will come into the village to shop. She then presented a petition of names protesting the increased fine.

Saporita said he would check into it. He said, "You raise a question that I hadn't thought of. Maybe we need to have handicapped parking in that lot for the senior problems."

Iannarelli, "From my recollection the judge may set the fines, but isn't it up to the board to finally set the fines?"

Reers answered, "No, in the code the elected village justice sets the fines." But it has been my recommendation to the board that they review the fines."

President of Chamber of Commerce of The Williston's Maura Clancy said, "Communication has to be addressed and one of the fears of this community is not using the Williston Times as a vehicle to spread the word about what is going on in town. We are using it to spread the word about the pool, Now, the Illustrated News is a wonderful newspaper, but it is not widely distributed within Williston Park. But, is there alternative ways, to make known to the public when public hearings will be held. Just an alternative. I understand you don't want to have formal notices in both papers. The public is confused as to why the switch was made."

Saporita said, "You raise a good question and the board has continued to discuss the decision to go to the Illustrated News as the official newspaper of Williston Park. All I can say is we are still open and we have not come to the conclusion that instead of only one paper, there could be two. Right now, Lud gave you his answer as to why. But, it wasn't explained before the vote. We are looking for input and we are listening."

One resident said, "I for one am glad you went to the Illustrated because I was tired of playing, 'Where's Waldo.' Everything about Williston Park was at the back of the paper (Williston Times). I come to the hearing and read about part of the hearing and I feel that the Williston Times just wasn't covering our meetings. Plus, the things that were covered were not put into until too late. It was frustrating to have to call the village every time to find out what was going on. So I support your decision."

The conversation continued regarding parking with one woman complaining about those parking in fire hydrants and those at the end of the street that hang out so that you can't see around to pull out of the street.

A resident wanted to know if Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy has been contacted for funds for the streets and he was told she has been and she will be discussing her grant situation shortly.

The meeting finally ended and the next regular board meeting will be held on June 18 at 8 p.m. at village hall, on Willis Avenue, Williston Park.