Mineola Mayor Jack M. Martins said at last Wednesday's public meeting of the board of trustees that a report on the feasibility of Mineola starting its own police force could come in either August or September.

The mayor, in response to quality of life issues, commissioned a task force to study whether it is economically possible for Mineola to have its own police force. The task force included John Curry, chairman, Edward Curran, MFD Former Chief Walter Crosby, Linda Doell, Ray Leonard,Tom Rudolph, MAPD Chief Michael Spae, Larry Speciner, MFD Chief Scott Strauss, Rick Ueland and Jim Lamonica.

Mayor Martins said he purposely appointed some members who originally thought Mineola having its own police department was a bad idea in order to get a fair and objective study.

Currently, village taxpayers pay $10 million yearly to the Nassau County Police Department, $4 million of which is for services rendered from headquarters such as detectives, investigators, homicide squads and other broad county personnel and equipment.

The village, even if it had its own police force, would have to pay the $4 million for headquarters. However, instead of paying the $6 million for coverage from the 3rd Precinct, which amounts to an average of four patrol cars, one of which is shared with East Williston, the village will fund its own police force.

Mayor Martins commissioned the task force to begin the study because he believes more can be done to protect and serve village residents.

If it is determined by the committee that it is economically feasible for the village to have its own police force, the public will ultimately decide through a referendum.

At last Wednesday's board of education meeting, the subject of a village police department was brought up. One resident who feels it would be a good idea was Russ Sutherland, who said the village having its own police department is a matter of personal safety.

Last month, an applicant appeared in front of the village board for a special use permit for food use at 109 Mineola Boulevard, the former location of La Cisterna Restaurant. The members of the board believed they were going to hear an application for a sit-down restaurant. However, the applicant communicated the intention to open up a Dunkin' Donuts.

Last Wednesday, the board unanimously rejected the application. The prevailing feeling is that a high volume establishment such as a Dunkin' Donuts would create further traffic and parking problems in the downtown area.

In August, the board is expected to conduct a hearing for a local law having to do with restaurant use. It is expected that whether different criteria should be used to consider an application for a sit-down restaurant as opposed to a takeout restaurant will be discussed.

In the building department report, superintendent of buildings, Dan Whalen, gave a summary of the department's activity for June 1, 2004 to May 31, 2005. In that time, the revenue generated by the building department, which includes revenues from permits issued, title searches, licenses to do business, certificates of occupancy and fines collected in justice court amounted to $555,907.

Whalen said the department is only as good as its staff and said how much he appreciated the work of the staff of the building department. Mayor Martins and the trustees also complimented the work of the building department.