Under discussion and review for several months, the application by St. Francis Hospital to build an underground parking garage was formally approved by the trustees of the Village of Flower Hill at this month's public meeting. Speaking for the Building Committee that monthly reviews all permit applications, Trustee William Clemency explained that the approval was contingent upon final tabulations regarding size and height, and also that the plans be in compliance with the guidelines called for in the covenant that the hospital holds with the village.

The convenant, which is due to expire in 1999, has, in recent months, been a topic of review for the board. Although the trustees maintain that much of what is protected in the convenant is now also covered in the changes made to the village code in recent years, at this meeting village attorney Harvey Eyesman announced that he is working on a proposal to extend the covenant "in perpetuity." He gave few details, other than to note that there would be no major changes to the new agreement; it would follow the covenant now in use. Trustee Norman Glavas, chair of the committee working on code recodification for the village, briefly questioned Mr. Eyesman regarding the work his committee is doing, and what, if any, actions would change if a new covenant was agreed to. It was then that Mr. Eyesman reiterated that much of what the convenant holds is also taken care of in the code itself.

Technology was also a lengthy part of this month's meeting as the board listened to a presentation from Metricom, a wireless data communication company that would like to operate in the village. Representative Joanna Glasby described her company's wireless internet access service as a series of devices that are attached to street lights within an area that communicate via radio waves. "The system is called Ricochet. They (the devices) have a one watt output each, equal to that of a baby room monitor," and that it would be a "benefit to the community" to have the service. The benefits she described include income from pole rental, applicable franchise fees and an additional aid for emergency communications. Glasby said the devices "are small, with minimal visual impact," and the residents could subscribe to the system with "a secured, encrypted transmission, no busy signals," like other internet providers. The cost of a subscription is $29.99 a month. If the village approved the agreement, it would be the first community on Long Island with the wireless system. According to Glasby, the City of New York has signed on, but their system is not yet operational. The board tabled discussion, allowing time before the next public meeting so two trustees could visit an operational site.

Technology needs also had the board reviewing proposals gathered by trustee Tab Hanser to upgrade the village's computer system. After a brief discussion, they approved the purchase of $7,000 worth of hardware from Act Labs, and a software package to be installed by A&R of East Hills.

Mayor Damascus also had a technology announcement. He informed those present that the village's website is "up and running." I'm proud of it; I hope it helps to reach out to the residents." He noted that he has an email on the site and invited residents to contact him in this way. The address is www.villageflowerhill.com. The cost of funding the building of the website was donated by the mayor.

Although technology dominated the agenda, the issue of unlawful tree removal was another topic that prompted lengthy discussion. Several months ago, an elderly resident filled out an application to permit a tree to be removed from her property for, she maintained, safety reasons. It was denied by the board, based on the assessment of trustee Ann Frankel, who suggested several ways the resident could improve the area without removing the tree. At last month's meeting, the board heard that the tree was removed, and something else had been planted in its place. It was confirmed at this month's meeting that the tree had been removed, so the board voted to issue a summons to the resident.

The trees in the Manhasset Glen area also were discussed by building inspector, Jim Gilhooly, who was asked by the board to review the site after they received resident complaints. While that investigation is ongoing, Gilhooly did note that "In most new construction projects, trees are frequently brutalized. It happens through clumsy equipment usage, earth removal, and improper use of tree wells." It was Mr. Gilhooly's suggestion that when the recodification committee reviews the tree laws, they include a mandatory tree identification program for the village.

The board authorized the sale of the village's old copier, a Toshiba. Interested parties should call the village to obtain a price quote.

Citing a smoother work flow and a daily lead time of at least an hour, the maintenance crew put forth a request to the trustees to change operational hours. After a brief discussion, the board approved a trial period. The maintenance workers' hours are currently 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; they will be changed to 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

In response to a resident request, Mayor Damascus released a schedule of salaries for the village employees. Additionally, he announced the appointment of former mayor John Walter as village registrar for a sum of one dollar per year. The revenues traditionally shared by the village clerk and deputy clerk for that position will now be divided between the newly appointed village clerk, Leslie Ann Taggard, and court clerk Susanne Kreischer, who were also appointed sub-registrars.

The next meeting of the Village of Flower Hill will take place on Monday, Oct. 5, 8 p.m. at the Village Hall, One Bonnie Heights Road.