The village is preparing to purchase a new fire truck. According to John Blascovich, chairman of the Plandome Fire Department Truck Committee, several factors have contributed to this decision. With the development of Manhasset Glen and the modification of many of the 438 homes in the community, modern equipment is required to handle a more complex community. The age of the present equipment and changes in NFPA standards have also contributed to this need.

Since 1985, significant changes have occurred in the NFPA standards. All personnel must ride in enclosed areas; antilock brakes are required; and auxiliary braking systems are recommended. Plandome's two fire trucks both predate these safety-related features.

The committee has developed a specification for the new vehicle that would "be cost-effective, have a 25-year projected service life and support fire suppression and rescue attempts in the village." The new truck would conform to NFPA latest standards, support ISO insurance rating standards, have a Class A pumper, 1250 or 1500 gallons per minute capacity; have ladders to support initial search and rescue operations, store hose lines, air packs and tools required to achieve mission; be capable of operating in mutual aid situations in neighboring districts and have maneuverability to navigate all village roads.

The committee hopes to finalize its proposal by early fall and submit purchase request to the board at that time. The new fire truck will replace the American LaFrance, which is 23 years old. The actual cost and financing will also be available by then. The new truck could cost anywhere from $200,000 to $300,000. Delivery of the vehicle would be for June 1999.

Fire Commissioner Scott Wilson praised John Blascovich for his analysis and thanked him for his continuing contribution to the fire department.

The board approved three new active members to the fire department. They are Gina Wood, Ed Henderson and James Paterek.

The board unanimously approved the changes to the village map that were reviewed in a public hearing on June 9. The removal of the designation of "private road" from certain areas in the village will be forwarded to Bowne Engineering.

Trustee Betty Craco updated the board on the Shade Tree Program. In the three years since its inception, considerable progress has been made. With work on the critical trees completed, 82 younger trees have been selected for pruning and fertilization. Twenty-two new trees will be planted in the village. Residents have a choice of Silver Linden, Shade Master Locust of Patmore Green Ash. Arbortist Mike Rosicke continues to work with Trustee Craco and Phylis Durbin. This new phase of work ensures the health of Plandome's present stock of trees.

Highway Commissioner Henry Sikorski gave a program report on the Plandome Road Improvement Project. Henry Sikorski asked the board to consider the proposal of improving the 2000 feet of Plandome Road by retaining the existing concrete road and water mains; installing underground water drainage at the low point in the road; and restoring the gutter area with concrete resulting in a road surface of 26 feet wide expanded from the present 18 feet width. The cost would be $400,000. The proposal resembles Option 3 of the proposals presented in the June meeting but differs in that the underground drainage is more limited in scope. Trustees Scott Wilson, Michael Donoghue and Craco did not wish to initiate such a project without the information on the traffic study that is to begin in September.

The Plandome Road Truck Traffic Study is designed to collect data that will determine the volume and type of trucks on the road.

There is no regular trustee meeting scheduled for August. The next board meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Village Hall.