Once in a while a problem arises which cannot be solved to anybody's satisfaction. The concession stand at West Harbor Beach was up for bids, as is customary at the start of each summer season. Two applicants, A and B, entered sealed bids at the appointed time, and A outbid B by no more than one dollar. Before the mayor and trustees had a chance to announce their decision, applicant B alleged that the deal had been fixed from the start. Both parties had been invited to a board meeting at village hall to straighten out the matter, but only A attended.

The mayor explained that "the village has a duty to avoid any appearance of impropriety," and that the only solution was to reject both bids and to reopen the bidding process. This will give both parties, plus any additional bidders, a chance to try again.

To no one's surprise, this angered applicant A. "I have done everything the proper way, entered my bid at the appointed day, and it's not true that anything had been fixed." He added that it would be unfair to have him run the risk of losing the next round of bidding.

The mayor and trustees sympathized with his complaint and could fully understand his point of view. However, the mayor repeated that the village had to clear itself of even a suspicion of impropriety for the benefit of all residents, and that there was no other choice but to reject both bids and to start all over again. The only alternative would be not to have a concession stand, as had been the case for many years in the past. Applicant A said he would prefer this solution to having someone else win the next bid.

The board voted unanimously to reject both bids and to reopen the bidding process.

Four years after purchasing the burned-out ruin of the former Gian Lorenzo restaurant, the present owner gave up hope of receiving the necessary permits for opening a new restaurant on the site. The sanitary systems required for the projected restaurant would have interfered with federal and state environmental laws governing this ecologically sensitive wetlands area. The owner requested that the fee of $1,000 for the building permit, paid to the village four years ago, be returned to him. The mayor and trustees (with one exception) agreed that never in the past had a building permit fee been returned for any reason whatsoever, and that to do so in the present case would set a precedent for future occasions.

The unsightly ruin will continue to disfigure the strip opposite Ransom Beach, until a new purchaser can be found who will use the site for a business that will not require an extensive sanitary system.

On Thursday, May 21, 7:30 p.m. a public hearing will be held at village hall during which residents will have an opportunity to view and discuss the plans for the Bayville Commons to be built on the site of the former Pegno property at the corner of Bayville and Ludlam Avenues. The blueprint is designed to combine a mini-park area with additional parking facilities.

The mayor was pleased to announce a $75,000 multi-model grant obtained through Assemblyman Sidikman's office. The money will be used to fix the driveway of Bayville's Community Center, repair the holes in the parking area surrounding village hall, repair street curbs, and fix potholes on Perry Avenue. Another grant, through Senator Marcellino's office, has not yet been received. The mayor had applied for additional grants, $7,500 for sport fields, $2,500 for the Bayville Little League, another grant for sand replenishment on beaches, all of which had been vetoed by Governor Pataki under his budget restrictions.

A defensive driving course, open to all drivers regardless of age, will be offered on two Wednesdays, June 10 and 17, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Bayville Free Library, 34 School Street, Bayville. Attendance at the two sessions is necessary in order to qualify for a certificate of completion which entitles participants to a reduction of up to four driving violation points and a 10 percent insurance premium reduction for three years. Registration is required and begins May 26 for Bayville residents. Registration for others will start on June 2.

Fee for the course is $38, payable to the Bayville Free Library when registering. Call 628-2765 for further information.

Open registration for the summer basketball program: Fee is $30. Boys and Girls in grades 6, 7 and 8 for the fall of 1998. When: May 29, 6 - 9 p.m. and May 30, 1 to 3 p.m. Where: Bayville Community Center.

The Village of Bayville summer recreational basketball program will be starting on June 5. This notice is to advise you of the registration times and places.

The season will begin on Friday June 5 and will conclude on Sunday, August 9.

We also encourage adult volunteers to help coach, referee, keep score, plan awards ceremony and supervise the community center facility during games and practices. We are looking forward to a fun filled and exciting summer

Please contact Peter Miller at 628-9046 after 6 p.m. or Jeff Davis at 628-1439 for further details.

Applications and information to exhibit your wares are now available for the Bayville Seaside Festival at Charles Ransom Beach, Bayville, hosted by OSIA Brian Piccolo Lodge #2467 on Sept. 13. Contact Jean at 628-1099.

The Village of Bayville and American Legion Parade will take place on Monday, May 25 at 1 p.m.

There will be a short ceremony at 12:30 p.m. to honor members of the Armed Forces, who gave their lives for us and their country, at the Village Hall Horseshoe.

"In the past there has been disruption of the ceremony, by loud talking and yelling, of musical instruments, and kids running around. If you don't want to take part in the ceremony, don't show up until 12:50 p.m.," said Jack Hellyer Past Commander.

After the ceremony the parade will line up around the Village Horseshoe and step off at 1 p.m. on School Street to Bayville Avenue, East on Bayville Avenue to the Village Sound Side Beach.

All cars, pickup trucks and floats will line up on Bayville Avenue facing East. Someone will be there to assist you.