Newsletter
November 2014

 

201 McCouns Lane

Old Brookville NY 11545

Tel: 516.671.4664

Fax: 516.671 4725

village@oldbrookville.net

 


VILLAGE OF OLD BROOKVILLE

 

 

Alert - Telephone Scams

Involving Green Dot Moneypak Cards

 

The Old Brookville Police Department has seen an uptick in reported scams involving Green Dot MoneyPak cards which can be purchased at local convenience or drug stores.

 

Some of the "hooks" incluce mention of:

Lottery Win

Relative Needs Help

Internal Revenue Service

PSEG

 

There have been a few successful scams.  The Police Department recommends you respond to any such or similar calls with suspicion.

 

You can view the Old Brookville Police alert here.

Aircraft Noise Monitoring

 

The village has contacted the Port Authority regarding an air traffic pattern used frequently which is directly over our Village. As a result the Port Authority is beginning a study of aircraft noise and is placing noise monitoring equipment in our Village, one of 50 in the metropolitan region.  The P.A. and Village are discussing the location for this monitor now.  Many municipalities lie under regular flight paths and have complained, and the hope is that flight patterns may be varied so that no one area consistently suffers this noise disturbance.

 

 

 

Farrells departing -- New board members

 

We wish long time residents Eileenand Jim Farrell well since leaving Old Brookville after many years.  Eilene served on the Zoning Board of Appeals and Jim on the Planning Board.  Frank Galusso has been appointed to fill Eilene's unexpired term on the ZBA and John Golden will finish Jim's term on the Planning Board. Thanks to both for offering their time and effort for the benefit of all residents.  And thanks to the departing Farrells for their years of service! 

 

 

Louis C. Clark Sanctuary

 

Some residents may not be aware of the nature sactuary in our village on Valentine's Lane.  It's part of what makes the  character of our Village special.

 

 


VILLAGE HALL HOURS

 

Mon - Fri  9:30 - 12:30

 

Closed Fridays in August and legal holidays

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS

 

ELECTION DAY

Tuesday Nov. 4

 

5am - 9:30pm

Village Hall Closed

 

Note: This is the general election, not village election.  Vote at your usual polling place.

 

 

VETERAN'S DAY

 

Tuesday Nov. 11

Village Hall Closed

 

 

Planning Board

 

Thursday Nov. 6

7:00 PM

@ Village Hall

 

Board of Trustees

 

Monday Nov. 17

6:30 PM

@ Village Hall

 

Architectural Review Board

 

Thursday Nov. 13

9:00 AM

@ Village Hall

 

Village Court

 

Thursday Nov. 20

7:00 PM

@ Village Hall

 

Zoning Board of Appeals

 

Wednesday Nov. 26

6:30 PM

 

@ Village Hall

 

Thanksgiving

 

Village Hall Closed

Nov. 27 - 28

 

 

Feedback

 

If you have comments or news of interest to our community please let us know.

 

Rick Shaper

rshaper@

oldbrookville.net








Village of Old Brookville 
Newsletter - August 2014

 

Village Hall is open to visitors weekdays from 9:30am to 1:00pm, except holidays

 

Email:  village@oldbrookville.net

Web:  oldbrookville.net

Phone: 526 671 6474

Fax:      516 671 4725

 

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS

 

 

 

Planning Board

No August meeting

 

Architectural Review Board,

Thurs. Aug 14, 9am

 

Village Court

Weds. Aug 13, 7pm

 

Board of Trustees

Monday Aug 18, 6:30pm

 

Zoning Board

Aug 27, 6:30pm

 

 

Additional information and updates mayl be posted to the village site and calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net for later updates.




 

 

 

 

Village Hall will be closed Fridays during the month of August.

 

 

 

 

Election Results -

Organizational Meeting

 

Matt Schamroth and Richard Shaper were re-elected Trustees in the June election. 

 

The July Trustee meeting after each election year is the organizational meeting.  Candidates to fill various positions or to continue on various boards and commissions are proposed and ratified by the board.  Of note Matt Schamroth continues as our Commissioner to the 6 village Old Brookville Police Department.  Rick Shaper is Deputy Police Commissioner and also Deputy Mayor. 

 

The next village election will be in June 2015.

 

 

 

Women's Amateur Golf Championship at  Nassau C.C.

August 2-10

 

Emily Talley 2013 Champion and Parents

 

A prestigious golfing event is being held right next door in Glen Cove.  Nassau Country Club is the site for the 2014 US Womens Amateur Championship, exactly 100 years since the last Womens Championship was held there. 

 

The top amateurs will compete, including Annie Park from Long Island.  Winners of major reginal turnaments are invited and other players compete in qualification tournaments around the USA to qualify to play in the Championship. There will be great golf to watch, and it's free.

 

Anyone interesting in volunteering in the event may get information or contact the Committee at:

 

www.2014uswomensam.com

 

volunteer@2014uswomensam.com

 

 

 

NCVOA -- New Officers Named

for 2014-15

 

 

The Nassau County Village Officials Association (NCVOA) cooperates on the efforts for legislation and coordination with State and County governments.  The new officers were inducted at a recent meeting.  Below is a previous gatherning and presentation by County Executive Ed Mangano,

 

 

From left to right, Bernie Ryba 2nd VP, David Tanner, imnmediate past President of NCVOA, Ed Mangano County Exec, Barbara Donno, 1st VP, Peter Cavallaro incoming President.

.

 

 

PSEG Long Range Plan

 

Escerpts from a communication from Julia Bovey:

 

As the newly named Director of the Department of Public Service Long Island Office ........


My  commencement  as Director coincides with the  first annual  submission by PSEG-LI of its Utility
2.0  Long Range Plan  (Utility 2.0 Plan).  This is particularly significant because as the development of energy  efficiency,  distributed  generation,  advanced  grid  and  related  technologies  and  programs  is  a priority of the Department of Public Service and New York State.


All of us at the DPS-Long Island office are eager to hear from the public regarding their thoughts on
PSEG-LI's  Utility  2.0  plan,  which  can  be  read  online  here:


http://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/MatterManagement/CaseMaster.aspx?MatterCaseNo=14-01299&submit=Search+by+Case+Number

 

I  anticipate  the  continued  evolution  of  the  Utility  2.0 Long  Range  Plan,  based  in  part  on  feedback  and  comments  from  the  public,  to  improve  system efficiency,  increase  customer  choice,  and  increase  development  and  implementation  of  clean generation and energy efficiency technologies.

 

As  described  in  this  notice,  please  find  the  schedule  for  the  DPS-LI  review  of  the  Utility  2.0  Plan pursuant to the requirements of the LIPA Reform Act. The  aggressive  schedule  will enable  the  DPSLI  to  complete its review and provide its recommendations  to  the LIPA Board of Trustees  (BOT)  in early November.  The BOT can consider the recommendations and  act on the Utility 2.0 Plan prior  to December.


If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office 516.490.2345.


Sincerely,

Julia Bovey, Director
Department of Public Service, Long Island Office 

.

 

Local Laws ratified

 

At the regular Trustee Board meeting on Monday, June 16 three final hearings were held for new Local Laws. The following were enacted:

 

Local Law 3-2014, Outdoor Lighting

Local Law 4-2014, Property Maintenance

Local Law 5-2014, Noise Control

 

 

 

Feedback   

If you have comments or news of interest to the community please contact Rick Shaper: 

rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   



  June 2014 Newsletter -- CORRECTED 

 

Village Hall is open to visitors weekdays from 9:30am to 1:00pm, except holidays

 

Email:  village@oldbrookville.net

Web:  oldbrookville.net

Phone: 526 671 6474

Fax:      516 671 4725

 

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS

 

Village Elections

Tues. June 17

12pm - 9pm @

Village Hall

 

Planning Board

Thurs. June 5, 7pm

 

Architectural Review Board,

Thurs. June 12, 9am

 

Village Court

Weds. June 11, 7pm

 

Board of Trustees

Monday June 16, 6:30pm

 

Zoning Board

June 25, 6:30pm

 

 

Additional information and updates mayl be posted to the village site and calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net for later updates.




 

 

 

Village Elections

 

Village elections will be held on Tuesday June 17 at Village Hall, 201 McCouns Lane, from 12pm to 9pm.  Two Trustee positions are up for election. We are fortunate to have a local government watching over our interests.  Please take a few minutes to register your vote.

 

Date:  Tuesday, June 17 --CORRECTION

Time:  12pm to 9pm

Place:  Village Hall, 201 McCouns Lane

 

 

 

 

Election deadlines

 

Register to vote:  If you need to register to vote, contact the Nassau County Board of Elections by Friday June 6.


Absentee Ballots Mailed:  Contact the Village Clerk by Tuesday June 10 to request an absentee ballot by mail:  671 4664 or Village@OldBrookville.net

 

Absentee Ballots in Person:  Must be requested at  Village Hall and turned in by Monday, June 16. 

 

 

.

 

Board of Trustees Meeting

 

On Monday, June 16 the preliminary agenda for the Board of Trustees agenda includes:

 

Reintroduce Local Law 3-2014, Outdoor Lighting

 

Continued hearing, Local Law 4-2014, Property Maintenance

 

Introduce Local Law 5-2014, Noise Control

 

 

 


Congressional Primary Election

 

The primary elections will be held at your usual voting location on Tuesday June 24, from 5am to 9:30pm.

 

 

 

Feedback   

If you have comments or news of interest to the community please contact Rick Shaper: 

rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 

 





Village of Old Brookville 
May 2014 Newsletter

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS

 

 

Please consult the website shortly for the 2014 Calendar update.

 

Planning Board

Thu June 5, 7pm

 

 

Village Court

Thurs May 15, 7pm

 

Architecture Board

Thu May 8, 9am

 

 

Board of Trustees

Mon May 19, 6:30pm

 

Zoning Board

t.b.d.

 

 

Additional information and updates may be posted to the village site and calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net for later updates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 


MESSAGE FROM THE TOWN OF OYSTER BAY

 

2nd Half 2013-2014 School Tax Due

Dear Town of Oyster Bay Taxpayer:

As a service to our registered online users, this reminder email is being sent to let you know that the 2nd half 2013-2014 School Tax is due.  May 12th is the final date on which you can pay your taxes and avoid including a late payment penalty.

You may pay in one of the following ways:

In person:  at either Town Hall North or Town Hall South with a check or money order.  Cash payments are only accepted at Town Hall North in Oyster Bay.Through the mail: your payment must have a United States Postal Service cancellation mark dated on or before May 12th or 2% penalty will apply.  Please send your check or money order (along with payment stub) to:

James J. Stefanich

Receiver of Taxes

74 Audrey Ave

Oyster Bay, NY 11771-1539

Online: Taxpayers may pay online (for a fee) by electronic ACH check or by American Express, MasterCard, Discover, or VISA credit card. (www.oysterbaytown.com  - click on the link on the right hand side of screen, labeled "View and Pay Your Property Tax On Line”).

The online service fees are as follows:

o   Credit card payments will be charged 2.75% of the payment amount (including penalties).

o   ACH Check fees are:

                        $2 for payments up to $10,000

                        $4 for payments between $10,000 to $15,000

                        $6 for payments between $15,000 to $20,000

                        $10 for payments greater then $20,000.

Please note that NY State law mandates that the Town of Oyster Bay receives no portion of the service fee – this fee is retained by the payment processing vendors enabling the transaction.

WARNING: If the online payment system should experience an outage due to technical problems, your payment must still be paid by midnight, May 12th.  Unavailability of the online system does not excuse late payment of taxes or penalties due.

Any question regarding School tax rates or budget amounts should be addressed to your School District. Their telephone number appears on the back of the tax bill and on the Town’s website, www.oysterbaytown.com.


Questions relating to property market value, assessed taxable valuation, STAR and Senior exemptions should be addressed to the Nassau County Department of Assessment at 516-571-1500. They are responsible for all property assessment issues.


If you do not want to receive e-mail notifications in the future, send your request to receiveroftaxes@oysterbay-ny.gov.  Remember to include your account’s user name, full name and property address.  We will then inactivate your property tax viewing and payment account.

 
James J. Stefanich
Receiver of Taxes
Town of Oyster Bay - Town Hall West
74 Audrey Ave
Oyster Bay, NY 11771-1539
Phone: 516.624.6400
Fax: 516.624.6415
E-mail:  receiveroftaxes@oysterbay-ny.gov

 

 

 

Feedback   

If you have comments or news of interest to the community please contact Rick Shaper: 

rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 

   



Village of Old Brookville

April 2014 Newsletter

 

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS

 

 

Please consult the website shortly for the 2014 Calendar update.

 

Planning Board

Thu Apr 3, 7pm

Thu May 1, 7pm

 

 

Village Court

Wed Apr 9, 7pm

 

Architecture Board

Thu Apr 10, 9am

 

 

Board of Trustees

Mon Apr 21, 6:30pm

 

Zoning Board

Wed Apr 23 6:30pm

 

 

Additional information and updates may be posted to the village site and calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net for later updates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 


Three Local Laws have been prepared for public hearings at the next Board of Trustees meeting, Monday April 21, 6:30PM at Village Hall, 201 McCouns Lane:

 

 


LOCAL LAW 2-2014
“WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES OR COMPLEXES


A local law to adopt new Article VI, entitled “Wireless Telecommunications Facilities,” of the Zoning Code of the Village of Old Brookville.

 

 


LOCAL LAW 4-2014
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

A local law entitled “Property Maintenance” which will provide for and ensure the proper use of property and prevent the unsafe, hazardous or dangerous conditions upon property in the Village.

 

 

 

LOCAL LAW 3-2014
“EXTERIOR LIGHTING”

A local law entitled “Exterior Lighting,” of the Incorporated Village of Old Brookville to adopt lighting regulations for properties within the Village.

 

 

Copies of these proposed local laws are available at Village Hall.

 

 

 


                     VILLAGE FINANCIAL RATING

Each year Standard & Poors reviews the Village's financial condition in order to reaffirm or adjust the rating for the Village's long term debt.  Most recently, Sandy Albro, Village Clerk & Treasurer, Mayor Bernie Ryba, and the Village's financial adviser, David Tanner, participated in two conference calls with S&P to discuss the Village's financial condition.  Mayor Ryba is pleased to advise that Standard & Poors has confirmed that the Village rating has been reaffirmed as AA, or unchanged from the previous year.

 

 

 


PUBLIC HEARING


A public hearing on the budget for the 2014-15 Fiscal Year will be held at the next Board of Trustees meeting, Monday April 21, 6:30PM at Village Hall, 201 McCouns Lane.  Copies of the proposed budget are available at Village Hall.

 

In February, the Board of Trustees passed a local law allowing the Village to exceed the NY State tax cap as a defensive measure since the penalty for unintentionally exceeding the tax cap is severe.  The Mayor and the Village's trustees can now confirm that the proposed budget does not exceed the Village's tax cap.

 

 


                               PUBLIC HEARING


A public hearing on the Old Brookville Police Department budget for the next fiscal year will be held at the next Board of Trustees meeting, Monday April 21, 6:30PM at Village Hall, 201 McCouns Lane.  Copies of the proposed budget are available at Village Hall.

 

 

 

Feedback   

If you have comments or news of interest to the community please contact Rick Shaper: 

rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 



NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PROPOSED LOCAL LAW 2-2013

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF OLD BROOKVILLE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before and by the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Old Brookville, Nassau County, New York at the Village Hall located at 201 McCouns Lane in said Village on Monday, September 23, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.

The hearing will be on whether to enact proposed Local Law 2-2013, entitled “Terms of Office,” which will extend the terms of office of the Mayor and Trustees to four years in the Village of Old Brookville and establish biennial elections in odd-numbered years.

A copy of the proposed Local Law 2-2013 is on file at the Village Hall located at 201 McCouns Lane, Old Brookville, New York, where it may be reviewed between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. during usual business days until the time of the hearing.

All interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard at said hearing.

Dated: 23 August 2013

By Order of the Board of Trustees                        Sandy Albro Village Clerk/Treasurer

The proposed Local Law 2-2013 can be found here


Village of Old Brookville 
July-August 2013 Newsletter- revised

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS- Revi

Planning Board

Thu Aug 25, 7pm


Architecture Board

Thu Aug 8, 9am

Village Court

Wed Aug 14, 7pm

Board of Trustees

Mon Aug 19, 6:30pm

Zoning Board

Tue Jul 30 6:30pm.

Additional information and updates may be posted to the village site and calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net for later updates.

 




 

  FEMA Reimbursement

The Village is pleased that we received on July 10 a $643,317 check from FEMA which covers 90% (only 75% was anticipated) of the expenses related to the Hurricane Sandy clean-up.  The elapsed time to receive reimbursement of eight months was about the same as for Hurricane Irene reimbursement. These funds will be used to the extent necessary to repay the $725,000 budget note due in February, 2014.  In the meantime, the Village will invest the reimbursement funds in a six month CD.  While Hurricane Sandy was an unusually destructive storm, thankfully we have our own Sandy Albro, clerk/treasurer, to help us pick up the pieces.  While Sandy and Bernie Ryba worked on the Hurricane Irene & Sandy applications together, Sandy A. did the bulk of the work in gathering the documentation and coordinating the process with the New York State OEM (Office of Emergency Management) and FEMA.  On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you Sandy for a job well done.

 

 

  Election 2013

Mayor Bernie Ryba and Trustee Michael Degarabedian were re-elected.  The Village thanks residents for participating and showing interest in Village government.  The yearly organizational meeting of the Trustees nominated and confirmed Amy Schamroth as a new member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.  Amy has a passion for the village and for its preservation.

 

  Locust Valley Leader  -  Public Notices

The Locust Valley Leader is now the official newspaper for the Village for all public notices going forward  -- no longer the Record Pilot.  The Leader can be purchased in Glen Head at the Glen Head deli and at Tobacco King by the Glen Head train station.  The change back to the Leader was made since all of the Villages we work with including Upper Brookville and Brookville have the Leader as their official newspaper.

The Online Edition can be ordered here: 

http://www.theleaderonline.com/View/Online-Edition

 

  LIGHTNING SAFETY GUIDANCE FROM NOAA.GOV

Summer is the peak season for lightning-related deaths and injuries, though people are struck by lightning year-round.

General Tips

•  No outdoor area is safe when you hear thunder.

•   If you hear thunder, find a safe indoor shelter (a substantial building or enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with the windows up).

Indoor Safety Tips

•    Stay off corded phones, computers, and other electrical equipment.

•    Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths, and faucets.

•    Stay away from porches, windows, and doors.

•   Never lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.

Outdoor Safety Tips

No outdoor area is safe during a thunderstorm, but if you're caught outside with no safe shelter options, take these steps to reduce your risk of being struck by lightning:

•    Come down from elevated areas.

•    Never lie flat on the ground.

•    Never shelter under an isolated tree.

•    Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.

•   Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.

•    Stay away from objects that conduct electricity, such as wire fences.

For more information regarding lightning safety week, please click the link below.  Thanks to Michael Gange, Director of Emergency Management, Town of Oyster Bay for this information.

 

http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/index.htm

 

 

  Aircraft Noise Study passes New York State Legislature

From the Port Washington Patch.....

"The Part 150 Bill passed the state assembly on June 17, 86-2. The bill passed the senate May 20th. Next milestones are the Governor and the NJ legislature !!
Thanks to Senator Tony Avella and assembly memeber Ed Braunstein for helping bring much needed attention to the aircraft noise issue, to Senator Hannon who submitted the Senate Bill and with Senator Jack Martins got the bill through the senate without a single "no vote". Michele Titus of Queens was also key because without her we would not have received the support to get a bill in the assembly to match the bill in the senate and Michelle Schimel without whose guidance and help this would not have happened."

 

  And, Locally re: Aircraft Noise.....

On July 15 ,Congressman Steve Israel (D-Huntington) and Village of Old Brookville Mayor Bernie Ryba cohosted a meeting for local Long Island Mayors from the North Shore to discuss the issue of aviation noise with a representative from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The meeting was organized due to numerous complaints of increased airplane noise resulting from the use of Runway 22 at JFK Airport and the impact it’s having on the quality of life for many Long Islanders. Also discussed was the issue of helicopter noise.

Rep. Israel said, “This meeting was an opportunity for Mayor Ryba and other local mayors to begin a dialogue with the FAA about the impact that airplane and helicopter noise are having on those in their communities. I will continue working with the FAA and local mayors to continue the communication and see that we arrive at an acceptable resolution to this quality of life issue.”

Mayor Ryba remarks, “I was happy to open the doors of Old Brookville Village Hall for a constructive meeting with the FAA. There are action items to follow-up on, and the other mayors and I who  participated in the meeting look forward to continuing our dialogue with the FAA in the near future.”

 

 

Long Time Residents' Passing

We are saddened by the recent loss of two long time residents.  Mrs. Reed (Magdelaine) Anthony was wife of Reed Anthony, a dedicated Village official who predeceased her.  Reed was a respected Village volunteer, including Road Commissioner and Building Inspector '61-'73, Trustee '73-'85, Historian '79-'95, and Mayor '85-'95, and again Trustee '93-95 to fill the unexpired term of William (Bill) Savino who then became Mayor.  We were fortunate for Magdelaine's patience with the time Reed spent on Village affairs, and we regret the loss of our neighbors the Anthony's.

Spencer Kellogg II lived on Valentine's lane.  He was appointed Treasurer in '66 and served until '79.  He was appointed Trustee in '79 to fill the unexpired term of Richard K. Webel and continued to be elected and serve until '92 when he resigned, his unexpired term being filled by Robert (Bob) Whiting.

 

 

Feedback   

If you have comments or news of interest to the community please contact Rick Shaper: 

rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   




  Village of Old Brookville
May / June 2013 Newsletter

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS

 

Village Hall Closed

Memorial Day

May 27

 

Planning Board

Thu June 6, 7pm

 

Village Court

Wed JUne 12, 7pm

 

Architecture Board

Thu June 13, 9am

 

 Board of Trustees

Mon June 17, 6:30pm

 

ELECTION

Tuesday, June 18

12 - 9pm

 

Zoning Board

Wed June 26, 6:30pm.

 

 

Additional information and updates may be posted to the village site and calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net for later updates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 

 

Village Elections 2013

 

We urge all registered voters to participate in the election.

 

The positions of Mayor and two Trustees are up for election this year. Election day is Tuesday June 18 from 12pm to 9pm at Village Hall, 201 McCouns Lane. If you are a resident but not registered to vote in Old Brookville you may register with the Nassau County Board of Elections by June 7. Requests for absentee ballots to be mailed to you must be made by June 11 with the Village Clerk.  Absentee ballots may be picked up in person at Village Hall by June 17. Absentee ballots must be received at Village Hall by election day, June 18.  If you have special needs or questions please contact Village Hall: 671 4664.

 

 

Phase IV Road Repair and Restoration

 

 

The final phase of the Village's road improvement project has been awarded to McGowan and Sons. The original lowest bidder, Carol Lizza & Sons Paving, subsequently withdrew their bid claiming they misunderstood the terms of the request for proposal. Rather than insisting Lizza perform to the contract when they clearly indicated they would lose money, the Trustees had the option to award the contract to the next lowest bidder. After consulting with the Village Engineer the Trustees took the latter option. McGowan is thoroughly familiar with our village roads and did an excellent job in a previous phase of our road projects.

 

 

 

 

 

Discourage the Theft of Your Car !

 

A recent message from the Old Brookville PD details an upsurge in car thefts in our area. The Village strongly recommends residents to read this message here:

 

http://www.oldbrookville.net/uploads/cartheftprevention.pdf

 

A further suggestion: Use your home alarms. 90% of burglaries occur in homes without an armed alarm. Let's keep our Village from becoming an easy target thieves will want to return to.

 

 

 

A message from Trustee Mike Degarabedian

 

"I have just learned that I have been nominated to sit on the United States national committee to save wrestling for the Olympics.  The committee consists of 18 people throughout the Untied States and will join forces with Russia, Iran, and other powerful wrestling countries in a concerted effort to restore our sport as a core event in the Olympics."  

 

For more infomration see:

 

http://themat.com/section.php?section_id=3&page=showarticle&ArticleID=26084

 

 

 

 

 

Feedback   

If you have comments or news of interest to the community please contact Rick Shaper: 

rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 

 



Village of Old Brookville
March 2013 Newsletter

 

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS

 

Planning Board

Thu Mar 7, 7pm

 

Village Court

Wed Dec 12, 7pm

 

Architecture Board

Thu Mar 14, 9am

 

Village Court

Thu Mar 21, 7pm

 

Board of Trustees

Mon Mar 18, 6:30pm

 

Zoning Board

Wed Mar 27 6:30pm.

 

 

Additional information and updates may be posted to the village site and calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net for later updates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 

 

 

NYIT Expansion

 

The New York Institute of Technology which borders Old Brookville is planning a $100,000,000 expansion consisting of 700 dormitory rooms, a dining hall, academic, executive, and other buildings.  The Trustees and Mayor are concerned with the impact this can/will have on our village during and after construction. We are in discussions with NYIT, Old Westbury, in whose village the construction will occur, and the Village of Brookville which also borders the campus. We will do the utmost as a neighboring village to prevent any significant impact on our community.

 

 

Hurricane "Sandy"

 

This storm -- not named after our hard working and very competent Village Clerk -- has added greatly to village expenses amounting to approximately $700,000. The village is applying for FEMA funds and has engaged US-PACT (Public Assistance Closeout Team), a firm experienced in FEMA applications, to assist in our effort for storm cost reimbursement. In light of the endless sequester battle, and the original fight over appropriations for FEMA, the Trustees believe that this moddest consulting investment will pay off in our reimbursement effort which can possibly add up to 75% of our actual costs, plus up to 12.5% NY State reimbursement (assuming they will participate). In addition the services will of great assistance to Village Clerk Sandy Albro and Mayor Ryba to complete our application.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Road Bond Issue

 

The village has secured and closed on Feb 27 a bond offering for the balance of the previously authorized road repair and re-construction. The new bond issue is for $2M and the Trustees are extremely pleased at our AA rating the low interest rate of 1.86%.

 

 

 

 

" Another Valentine’s Day Massacre"

 

Unrelated to our own Valentine’s Lane near disaster ! --

 

From a Feb 14 news release by NYCOM (New York Conference of Mayors), pension costs for public safety employees in 2013 will amount to 25.8% of payroll, a 19% increase over 2012 rates. These costs are mandated by the State and not under local control, and they are 71% higher than 2010 rates. Please see the link below for the news release from  NYCOM. 

 

On a better note, The 5 year contracts with the Old Brookville PBA and Dispatchers (30 employees in all) povides fo a total 9.5% increase in base salaries over the five years -- less than 2% per year.

 


http://oldbrookville.net/uploads/Pension_News_Release_2_14_2013.pdf

 

 

 

Feedback   

If you have comments or news of interest to the community please contact Rick Shaper: 

rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 


 

Village of Old Brookville 
December 2012 Newsletter

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS

 

Planning Board

Tue, Jan 3, 7pm

 

Village Court

Wed Dec 12, 7pm

 

Architecture Board

Thu Dec 13, 9am

 

Board of Trustees

Mon Dec 17, 6:30pm

 

Village Hall Closed

Christmas Dec. 25

 

Zoning Board

Wed Jan 23, 6:30pm.

 

 

Additional information and updates may be posted to the village site and calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net for later updates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 

 

NY Times column: "Living In Old Brookville"

 

This column in the Real Estate section of the weekend NY Times was very complementary to our village.  If you missed it, click here for a copy of the article.

 

Here are some excerpts:

"Land has always had cachet in Old Brookville, an enclave of single-family homes with a 'history of elegance of a bygone era..."

 

"Sales and prices are up.  From January through November 2011, 21 homes took an average 244 days to sell for an average price of $2,235,012.  During the same time frame this year, 24 homes sold, after an average 176 days on the market, for an [average] of $2,658,750."

 

""...Old Brookville still has plenty of giant old trees left; their majestic canopy shades winding country lanes leading to super sized homes on cul-de-sacs and down long estate driveways."

 

 

 

Updates for Our Fire & EMS Company

 

Glenwood Fire Company serves Old Brookville and nearby communities.  Thanks to volunteer Tom Castle for the information that follows.

 

For fastest response dial 742 3300 when you have an emergency which reaches the Company even faster than 911.

 

Update your alarm contact list with your central station service and the Police Dept.  An accurate contact list could help avoid unnecessary forced entry into your premises when a fire/carbon monoxide alarm is triggered.

 

Chief Tom McGillicuddy, after serving three two year terms, hands the reins to new chief Mike Riccardo.  Mike is a 25 year veteran of the Company. 

 

Our volunteer Glenwood Company responded to approx. 150 calls in the Village during the past year and 47 calls during the Sandy/snowstorm events.  Glenwood upgrades responders' training regularly at the Fire Department Academy.  They also plan to hire additional paid EMT's to improve response times and service for our residents during the Monday-Friday period when many volunteers are at their jobs.

 

Company equipment includes 3 Class A Pumpers, a Tower Ladder truck, Heavy Rescue truck, Class A Brush Truck for tight quarters, 2 Ambulances, Foam Trailer, boat, van, EMS Flycar, and 3 Chief cars.  One 20 year old Pumper will be replaced by a new, state-of-the art vehicle.

 

Old Brookville Board of Trustees approved the 2013 contract with Glenwood Fire Co which increased our costs  by a small % including the above mentioned upgrades to the Department.

 

Recovery

I'm sure we all hope that we have seen the last of the big storms.  Click here for a LIPA message regarding billing and FEMA Aid.

 

 

 

 

Debris Accumulated from Clearing Village Roads

 

 

 

Feedback   

If you have comments or news of interest to the community please contact Rick Shaper: 

rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 

 

  Copyright © Village of Old Brookville. All Rights Reserved.


Village of Old Brookville 
Update 10pm, Nov. 11, 2012

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS

 

Please check with Village for the rescheduling of meetings and events for the remainder of November

 

Tues Nov 6, Election Day

 

Thursday Nov. 22

Thanksgiving

 

Friday Nov. 23

 

 Village Hall will be open 9:30am - 8pm until Tuesday Nov. 13 to address your questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 

 

A Message from Mayor Ryba

November 11, 2012

 

Dear Neighbors:

Thirteen days after Hurricane Sandy, the LIPA response to restoring power to our community continues to be unacceptable. While approximately 75-85% of Old Brookville residents have had their power restored, remaining residents without power continue to live in cold and darkened homes. Please be assured that the Village will continue to do whatever it can to assure that power is restored to all residents in the next few days.

 

During the past two weeks, I have taken time off from my regular job and have continuously remained in the Village as a full-time mayor to coordinate disaster recovery and power restoration efforts. Most recently, I have been advised by LIPA that it is their goal to restore power to all of Old Brookville by Monday evening, November 12th.  Should you not have power restored by Tuesday evening , November 13th, please send an Email to Village@OldBrookville.net with NO POWER in the Subject heading and your name and address in the body of the message. We will use this information to contact information to re-emphasize the specifics of your outage to our LIPA contacts.

 

At this time, while Village Hall has power, it still does not have phone or internet service (though we now have a work-around for email). We have set up an alternate phone number for messages: 516 629 6561.

 

Despite the problems with power restoration, I am pleased to say that our contractors controlled by the Village (ie; landscaping, debris removal) as well as the Old Brookville Police have done an outstanding job. While crime has not increased the Department will continue to maintain increased patrols throughout the Village until all power is restored. The Village’s contractors; Woody Tree Service, John McGowan & Sons and Pascarella Landscaping have provided excellent service and began their clean-up efforts immediately after the hurricane subsided. During this week's 6” snow event, John McGowan & Sons was ready to plow and salt our roads when called upon on short notice. Again, an outstanding job.

 

Next week, most of the clean-up work will be completed. Total storm clean-up costs will approximate $400,000 – $500,000. The Village will apply for reimbursement from FEMA (75%) and New York State (12.5%) shortly. These funds should be received by the Village in 8-10 months similar to Hurricane Irene.

 

I look forward to seeing the Village return to normal in the days and weeks ahead. As always, should you have any concerns, suggestions or comments, please contact me directly at mayor@oldbrookville.net.

 

Yours truly,

Bernie Ryba - Mayor

 

P.S.

We have been sending out updates through the Village Newsletter to 400+ email addresses signed up. If you haven't subscribed you can at www.oldbrookville.net, and click Email Sign Up. If you do not have access to the Village website, respond to this message with SIGN ME UP in the Subject heading your email address will be added to the Newsletter list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feedback   

If you have comments or news of interest to the community please contact Rick Shaper: 

rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 

 



Village of Old Brookville 
Update 9pm, Nov. 5, 2012

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS

 

Please check with Village for the rescheduling of meetings and events for the remainder of November

 

 

Village Office Closed:

 

Tues Nov 6, Election Day

 

Thursday Nov. 22

Thanksgiving

 

Friday Nov. 23

 

 

Beginning Wednesday Nov. 7, Village Hall will be open 9:30am - 8pm during the  restoration period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 

The LIPA website reports the following customer outages for the North Shore Area as of this evening. 

Future updates can be viewed at:

http://stormcenter.lipower.org/report.html

 

 

Brookville                 756

Cove Neck               342

Lattingtown              594

Mantinecock            350

Mill Neck                1749

Muttontown              300

Old Brookville           447

Upper Brookville    1030

 

 

Township totals:

Hempstead              53,685

North Hempstead    31,524

Oyster Bay              32,409

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feedback   

If you have comments or news of interest to the community please contact Rick Shaper: 

rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 




Village of Old Brookville 
Hurricane Sandy Recovery Update -- Nov. 5, 2012

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS

 

Please check with Village for the rescheduling of meetings and events for the remainder of November

 

 

Village Office Closed:

 

Tues Nov 6, Election Day

 

Thursday Nov. 22

Thanksgiving

 

Friday Nov. 23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 

Dear Residents,

 

We have all suffered disruption and damage to varying degrees as a result of an event unprecedented in memory. We can only be thankful we are not located near the south shore. We hope and pray for the most unfortunate and unlucky of us whether in our Village or elsewhere.

 

For those receiving this Email message please spread this information to your neighbors and friends in the event they are not able to receive it.

 

VILLAGE HALL and ELECTION, TUES. NOV 6

 

Village Hall will have a commercial generator and serve as a polling location for those who normally vote there.

 

Beginning Wednesday, Village Hall will be open for business from 9:30am through 8pm until further notice while restoration of power to the village is in process. Mayor Ryba will be at Village Hall each evening to receive residents' questions and work towards resolution of their problems and concerns. Note the normal holiday closures on the left panel of this message.

 

There will be heat, light and power to charge cell phones and laptops. Please charge only essential devices as we do not want to overload the circuits. Bring extension cords that provide additional outlets.

 

LIPA has advised Mayor Bernie Ryba that "...the Brookvilles will have power restored incrementally and could take a week or longer after Nov. 7 to complete the process..." Areas will be powered up according to what is possible, prudent, and efficient based on damage and the power grid layout. In addition a Northeaster with high wind gusts and heavy rain is predicted for mid week which has the potential for additional damage and disruption of recovery work. Please remain patient in this unprecedented emergency.

 

 

The Village commends the following for their expeditious assistance:

 

-Woody's Tree Service for the timely removal of trees blocking Village Roads. (Note that Rt. 107 and 25A are state roads, Chicken Valley and Piping Rock are county roads , and the Village does not and cannot maintain them).

 

-Pascarrella Landscaping for clearing the smaller branches and catch basins.

 

-McGowan and Sons for road clearing and traveling to Maryland to pick up the generator for Village Hall.

 

From the Mayor and Trustees:

 

Residents needing repairs to their homes due to damage by Hurricane Sandy will not be charged a permit fee; nevertheless, plans must be submitted to the Building Department for approval. The Building Department will issue approvals without waiting for monthly Trustee Meetings.

 

Tree removal related to storm damage may continue without permits until further notice. For all other tree removal, the usual permit process will be followed.

 

The cost to the Village for cleanup could run in the neighborhood of $400,000 based on the experience last year's Hurricane Irene. The Village will apply for FEMA reimbursement at a rate of 87.5% of approved costs which may take a year or more to receive. We have taken many pictures of the destruction for application to FEMA, and if any residents have compelling photos of the damage along Village right-of-ways please forward them to the email address below.

 

From the Old Brookville Police Department

 

VOB Police are on overtime during this crisis although there is no reported increase in criminal activity at this time. To contact the Police Department, call 626 1300.

 

Tree and line damage at Wishing Well Lane, Oct. 30

 

A crew from Buffalo working @ Wishing Well Lane, Nov. 4

 

 

 

Feedback   

If you have comments or news of interest to the community please contact Rick Shaper: 

rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 

 



Village of Old Brookville 
LIPA Announcement

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS

 

 

Village Office Closed

Tues Nov 6

Election Day

 

 

Planning Board

Thurs. Nov 1, 7pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional information and updates may be posted to the village site and calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net for later updates.




 

 

 

 

October 27, 2012
 
 LIPA Prepared for Hurricane Sandy, Severe Storms
 
Extra crews and equipment being mobilized as storm approachesCustomers encouraged to prepare for the possibility of extended outages lasting 7-10 daysUniondale, NY - The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and National Grid continue to prepare for Hurricane Sandy as the storm moves northward. Severe weather including heavy rain, flooding and damaging sustained winds is expected to impact LIPA’s service territory Sunday with the full brunt of the storm hitting the area on Monday and Tuesday.
 
LIPA urges customers to prepare and plan for power outages which based on the current track could last between 7-10 days. Storm safety tips, power outage information, and preparedness tips are available for our customers at http://www.lipower.org/stormcenter. An informational video and guidance on LIPA and National Grid’s approach to storm restoration is also available on LIPA’s Storm Center at: http://www.lipower.org/stormcenter.Proactive outreach efforts continue to be made to critical care and special needs customers as the storm approaches.While customers may not see restoration crews working specifically in their neighborhoods following the storm, crews will perform damage surveys as soon as possible during and after the weather-related incidents following established safety guidelines.
 
Customers are encouraged to pre-register their cell phones in order to report outages and receive restoration updates via text. To register, please text REG to 695472 (myLIPA). After registration, to report an outage please text OUT to 695472 (myLIPA).Customers without power can also call 1-800-490-0075. Always report an outage to LIPA. By reporting your outage, you will be able to receive timely information regarding the status of your outage and estimated restoration times.
 
In order for all employees to support restoration efforts, LIPA’s walk-in customer service centers will be closed Monday and Tuesday and may be closed through the end of the week. Customers should call 1-800-490-0025 to check the status of the centers to make sure they are open.
 
LIPA would like to remind customers to be alert. Please drive carefully, as there will be repair crews throughout the Island working as safely and quickly as conditions allows. Expect delays and exercise caution when driving near any of the repair crews working to restore your power. If you see downed wires assume it is live and do not go near it. Report it immediately to 1-800-490-0075.
 
Storm Preparations Plans: 

How LIPA and National Grid are preparing:

  • Closely monitoring the storm's progress on and around-the-clock.Coordinating preparation efforts with state, New York City, county and local emergency management organizations.
  • Communicating preparations and restoration procedures with public officials.Ensuring that all LIPA and National Grid personnel are ready to respond.
  • Securing additional utility and tree trim crews to supplement our existing workforce.
  • Reinforcing all communication and information technology systems necessary to support our restoration efforts.
  • Ensuring that all supply inventories and equipment are fully stocked to support restoration efforts.

Steps Customers Can Take As the storm approaches, customers should take the following steps to prepare:

  • Never touch or go near fallen wires, even if you think they are safe. Parents can use this opportunity to remind children that wires are dangerous. If you are in a vehicle that comes in contact with a downed wire, stay in your vehicle until help arrives.
  • Make sure you have a working, battery powered radio or TV and a good supply of fresh replacement batteries.
  • Have flashlights available for all family members.
  • If an electric pump supplies your water, fill spare food-grade containers with water for cooking and washing in anticipation of a possible power interruption.
  • Make sure all motor driven equipment, such as garage door openers, can be operated manually.
  • When using a portable generator, make sure all LIPA-powered equipment is disconnected. This will avoid severe hazards when reconnecting the power to your home or business.
  • Have a first aid kit at home and check its contents to make sure they are complete and up to date. If you have family members with special medical needs, such as insulin or other prescription drugs, check to make sure you have an adequate supply.
  • Do not use charcoal to cook indoors; deadly carbon monoxide gas can accumulate in your home.
  • If you have an elderly neighbor, be a Good Samaritan and check on his or her status. Even a quick telephone call during a storm can provide much appreciated assurance that help is nearby if needed.
  • Should an electric power interruption occur, all sensitive equipment, such as computers and TVs should be disconnected until service is restored. 

 

 

 

Feedback   

If you have comments or news of interest to the community please contact Rick Shaper: 

rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 


VILLAGE OF OLD BROOKVILLE

IMPORTANT NEWSLETTER UPDATE

SEPT 21, 2012

 

Raccoon Rabies Vaccine Distribution Sept. 24 - Oct 19

 

Dear Residents,

 

The Village received today the important message below. 

 

We have contacted the Nassau County Dept. of Health who expect to begin the distribution of baited vaccines in western Nassau, working north and east.  Old Brookville will likely be baited later in the 3 week period.  We requested to be notified when our area will be addressed by this program and will alert residents when that notice occurs.

 

Please forward this message to all other residents you know and urge them to subscribe to the village email list to receive timely announcements and information.  

 

 

Best regards,

Rick Shaper

Trustee

Communications Director


Map of vaccine baiting area

 

 

 

Nassau County Department of Health Continues Rabies Baiting Program

 

Raccoon Rabies Vaccine to be distributed by Truck

 

Continuing the effort to maintain a successful raccoon rabies program in Nassau County, Nassau County Department of Health and Cornell University will again distribute raccoon rabies vaccine bait to protect residents from rabies. Rabies vaccine baits will be distributed in the northwestern portion of the county in response to the most recent case of rabies reported in Queens.

 

What:  Rabies bait*, which is attractive to raccoons and includes a vaccine packet, will be distributed in raccoon habitats which include woods, bushes, streambeds and sewers.

 

*There is a label that clearly identifies the bait packet: “Rabies Vaccine Live Vaccinia Vector.  Do Not Disturb, Merial, Inc Us Vet Lic. No. 298 1-877-722-6725.”

When: Weather permitting, truck distribution will be from September 24th through October 19th

          

Where: The baiting area will cover the following towns and villages;

 

 

Town of Hempstead...

 

 

 

Town of North Hempstead....

 

 

Town of Oyster Bay

 

Brookville, East Hills, Glen Cove, Glen Head, Glenwood Landing, Greenvale,

 

Matinecock, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Roslyn Harbor, Sea Cliff, and Upper

 

Brookville.

 

Why:

Although Nassau County has not seen raccoon rabies since 2007, rabies has been reported to Nassau County in the past, with 67 raccoons confirmed to be infected since 2004.  Because of the threat to wildlife and domestic animals from terrestrial rabies, action needs to be continued to prevent rabies from becoming endemic here in Nassau County.

 

How:

Raccoons are attracted by the scent of the bait and are immunized when they eat the contents of the vaccine packet.

 

Recommendations:  The Nassau County Department of Health recommends:

  • To avoid inadvertent contact with the baits, supervise children’s outdoor activities both during and for approximately one week following the bait distribution.

  • Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately in the unlikely event that a child bites through the packet and ingests the liquid, or if there is any human contact with the bait.

  • Wash hands immediately before calling to report the exposure if anyone comes in bare-hand contact with the bait (even if the bait is intact.) The bait packet itself will not harm anyone.

  • Keep all dogs and cats indoors or on leashes during the oral bait distribution and for about a week afterwards.  This will allow raccoons to eat the vaccine-laden baits and become immunized and will decrease the chance of pets eating the baits.  Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 if you have seen your pet with bait in its mouth.

  • The baits are not harmful to dogs or cats, but a pet may vomit if they eat a large number of them.  Do not try to remove a packet from an animal’s mouth.

  • Remember that it is not possible to get rabies from the vaccine.  The vaccine does not contain the rabies virus. It does contain attenuated vaccinia virus, a weakened version of the virus.

  • If residents find bait near their homes, but not in the open, leave it alone. The bait packets have a strong fishmeal smell that is not attractive to people or to most other animals.

  • If the bait is intact and out in the open where pets or children are more likely to encounter it, toss it into deeper cover under trees or bushes while wearing gloves or using a plastic bag.

  • Residents who see raccoons should NOT try to trap the raccoons themselves.  Call a licensed trapper.

 

General Information:

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system of raccoons and other mammals, including humans.  The disease is essentially always fatal once clinical signs of infection occur.  Vaccination will greatly decrease the chance of human and domestic animal contact with rabid raccoons. Rabies is transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. However, the virus may also be transmitted when the saliva of a rabid animal comes into contact with cut or scratched skin lesions.

For additional information regarding rabies and baiting, call Nassau County Department of Health at (516) 227-9663 weekdays from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM or visit the department website at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health/rabies.html or the state website at www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies.

 

 

 

Village of Old Brookville 
Newsletter - September 2012

 

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS

 

 

 

Village Office Closed

Mon Oct. 8

Columbus Day

 

 

Planning Board

Thurs. Oct. 4, 7pm

 

 

Architectural Review Board,

Thurs. Sept 13 , 9am

 

 

Board of Trustees

Mon. Sept 24, 6:30pm

 

 

Village Court

Thurs. Sept 27, 7pm

 

 

Zoning Board

Weds. Sept 26, 6:30pm

 

 

 

 

Additional information and updates may be posted to the village site and calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net for later updates.




 

 

 

Verizon FIOS TV

 

A few years ago Verizon approached several north shore villages requesting franchises for FIOS TV service.  Verizon subsequently abandoned their requests.  Responding to a recent query by a resident, Trustee Rick Shaper sent a letter to the office of the president of the northeast area for Verizon.  A representative from the Verizon office called and explained that obligations to satisfy compliance regulations, and buildouts, for the already existing 170 municipal franchises is consuming all their resources, and they have no firm plans or dates for addressing additional communities' FIOS TV service at this time.    

 

 

 

AIRPLANE NOISE OVER LONG ISLAND

 

Trustee Ken Casatuta has been following the Town-Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee's initiative to reduce air traffic annoyance overhead. A meeting was held August 27, 2012 and the minutes can be accessed here.  Also the Floral Park Dispatch recently published an informative article about this effort.  Appearances were made by consultant Henry A.F. Young, and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy and opponent Frank Scaturro in the upcoming election for the 4th CD.

 

Click for a link to the article

 

 

 

 

With Regrets .....

 

Two officials associated with the Village for a long time recently experienced losses of loved ones. Richard Pechure, late husband of Leslie passed away two weeks ago.  Leslie has served for many years as Village Clerk and Assistant Clerk.   More recently Mary Huber,  clerk of the Village Court and previously on the clerical staff of the OBPD, lost her mother, Katherine Maier.  Our sympathies go out to both.
 

 

 

DID YOU KNOW .....

 

The Nassau Village Officials Association represents the 64 incorporated villages - 435,000 residents in total -- including Old Brookville.. There are 12 members on the Executive Committee, among them the mayors of Great Neck, Westbury, Garden City, Rockville Centre, Massapequa Park, and Mayor Bernie Ryba.  The Association has a close working relationship with Assemblywoman Schimel and Senator Martins.  During the past year, representatives from Homeland Security, the Fire Academy and the Police Academy have addressed the Executive Committee


The Village Association also meets with County Executive Mangano (most recently August 21st) to discuss Village issues involving the County such sales tax revenues afforded to the Villages, the Nassau County Police HQ tax, landscaping and Nassau County property maintenance issues, among others.

 

Feedback   

If you have comments or news of interest to the community please contact Rick Shaper: 

rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 

 

  Copyright © Village of Old Brookville. All Rights Reserved.



Village of Old Brookville 
Newsletter - August 2012

 

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS

 

 

 

Village Office Closed -

Fridays in August

 

 

Planning Board

Thurs. Sept 6, 7pm

 

 

Architectural Review Board,

Thurs. Aug 9, 9am

 

 

Board of Trustees

Monday Aug 20, 6:30pm

 

 

Village Court

Thurs. August 8, 7pm

 

 

Zoning Board

Weds. Aug 22, 6:30pm

 

 

 

 

Additional information and updates mayl be posted to the village site and calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net for later updates.




 

 

 

Village Organizational Meeting

 

Every July the Mayor and Trustees hold the annual organizational meeting, making appointments for the upcoming year.  The new additions to officers and staff are:

 

Ken Casatuta - Board of Trustees - to fill the 1 year remaining term of Marilyn Genoa who was elected to the office of Village Justice.

 

Nancy Taylor -- Planning Board  -- Nancy is returning to the board on which she served many years and provided valuable service, especially with her professional horiticultural background.

 

David Borg -- Zoning Board  -- David is an insurance executive and anxious to be of service to our community.

 

Lori Golder  -  Board of Ethics  --  This board is charged with revewing any issues of ethics in conducting village business.

 

The Board of Trustees thanks our residents who volunteer service to our Village and community.

 

 

Village Hall Closed Fridays in August

 

Please plan to conduct any business with the village office on Mondays through Thursdays for the month of August.

 

 

 

 

GLEN DANCE STUDIO TO PERFORM IN LONDON DURING SUMMER OLYMPICS

 

Thirty-one dancers from the Glen Dance Studio performance companies, comprised of dancers aged 8 to 15 years and a selection of the Studio's teachers are leaving Monday to perform together in London, to entertain visitors to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in the prestigious English Arts Festival, an invitational three week dance exhibition organized by the American Alliance of Performing Arts Educators (AAPAE).

 

Three of the dancers are from Old Brookville:

Jessica, Reilly and Mackenzie Hannon

 


Click here for the full story

 


"Rumble Strips" for Route 25A

 

Old Brookville and other local villages received a letter from the NYS Dept. of Transportation informing of the planned installation of centerline rumble strips as a safety improvement on Northern Boulevard.  To quote from the letter, "These rumble strips save lives ... by alerting drivers with an audible warning (rumbling sound) that they are leaving their driving lane ... They help combat distracted driving and can alert drivers to lane limits when weather conditions reduce driver visibility or roads are covered with snow."  The D.O.T. cites a national study indicating a 64% reduction in head-on and opposite-direction sideswipe crashes resulting in injuries or fatalities in urban areas.

 

These devices are already in use in 29 other states and several locations in Long Island, and are scheduled for installation later this year on Rt. 25A:

 

    Between approx. Addison Lane in Greenvale/Old Brookville, east to approx. Mill River Road in Muttontown;

    And, east of Annandale Drive in Oyster Bay Cove to approx. Moores Hill Road in Laurel Hollow.  

 

 

Feedback   

If you have comments or news of interest to the community please contact Rick Shaper: 

rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 

 

  Copyright © Village of Old Brookville. All Rights Reserved.




__________________________________________________________________________________

Village of Old Brookville 
Newsletter - July 2012

 

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS

 

 

Village Office Closed -

July 4

 

Village Office Closed -

Fridays in August

 

 

Planning Board

Thurs. July 5, 7pm

 

 

Architectural Review Board,

Thurs. July 12, 9am

 

 

Board of Trustees

Monday July 16, 6:30pm

 

 

Village Court

Thurs. July 19, 7pm

 

 

Zoning Board

Weds. July 25, 6:30pm

 

 

 

 

Additional information and updates mayl be posted to the village site and calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net for later updates.




 

 

 

Village Election Results

 

Matt Schamroth and Rick Shaper were elected to two-year terms as Trustees beginning July 2. Marilyn Genoa was elected Village Justice, a 4 year term, with the balance (1 year) of her term as Trustee to be filled pursuant to NYS Village Law para.3-312 which provides for the Mayor to make the appointment   As well Rick Shaper has resigned from the Zoning Board as required of Trustees by NY Village Law.

 

 

Village Reimbursed for Hurricane Irene

 

Mayor Ryba reports that the Village has received the second installment from FEMA for Hurricane Irene clean-up totaling $152,219.  This follows the initial installment of $10,684 which was received on February 14th and completes the Federal obligation for reimbursement to the Village.  Still to be received is the New York State share of the reimbursement of about $25,000.  FEMA reimbursements are not automatic; there were meetings with FEMA, site visits with FEMA representatives of the affected areas and frequent follow-up.  Our thanks to Sandy Albro for assisting in the overall coordination of the effort and John Chase for reaching out to State Senator Marcellino in order to accelerate the receipt of the funds.

 

 

Village Acquires Parkland

 

After long and extensive negotiations, the Village has acquired approximately two acres of land at the corner of Wishing Well and McCouns Lane, just across from Village Hall. The purchase price amounted to unpaid taxes on the property of $38,000 which will be sourced from Village parkland funds - not property taxes.  Cedar Creek runs through this property and plans for its preservation as open space or perhaps a small nature walk will be considered at future Trustee meetings.

 

.

 

Proclamation for Sgt. Michael Clarke

 

Sgt. Michael Clarke's life saving action was reported in the March issue of this newsletter (available in the Newsletter Archive). Recently the Board of Police Commissioners issued Sgt. Clarke a proclamation at a ceremony in Village Hall, pictured here with Mayor Bernie Ryba:

 

The Old Brookville Board of Police Commissioners is proud to recognize those outstanding individuals who have rendered significant contributions to the enhancement and betterment of our six village community; and

 

Sergeant Michael Clarke is one of those outstanding individuals who personifies the core values of integrity and professionalism which are the cornerstones of the mission statement of the Old Brookville Police Department; and

 

Sergeant Michael Clarke during his career has undertaken numerous life saving efforts and most recently while passing through the hamlet of Oyster Bay came to the aid of a male in cardiac arrest and by utilizing an automated external defibrillator was able to successfully resuscitate the victim; and

 

The Old Brookville Board of Police Commissioners gives special recognition to those who excel in the field of law enforcement and have performed their duties in an exemplary way.

 

The Old Brookville Board of Police Commissioners hereby extends its deepest appreciation to Sergeant Michael Clarke for his continued service and selfless acts of heroism which have benefitted all of the citizens of this six village community and wish him continued success in his career.

 

Matt Moed's 90th Birthday

 

As the longest serving Village official, Matt Moed has held the position of Building Inspector for Old Brookville since 1979. Matt graduated from the University of Michigan in 1942, is a Licensed Professional Engineer and certified Building Inspector in the State of NY.  In his long career he has been a developer (including the Michael's Lane neighborhood), a consultant, and B.I. for three other villages. His long experience and equally long memory have been a great asset to the Village. The photos are from a celebration in Village Hall.

 

                                       

               

                           

 

 

 

Feedback   

If you have comments or news of interest to the community please contact Rick Shaper: 

rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 

 

  Copyright © Village of Old Brookville. All Rights Reserved.




Village of Old Brookville 
Newsletter - June 2012

 

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS

 

Village Elections

Tues. June 19

12pm - 9pm @

Village Hall

 

Planning Board

Thurs. June 7, 7pm

 

Architectural Review Board,

Thurs. June 14, 9am

 

Village Court

Weds.June 13, 7pm

 

Board of Trustees

Monday June 18, 6:30pm

 

Zoning Board

June 27, 6:30pm

 

 

 

 

Additional information and updates mayl be posted to the village site and calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net for later updates.




 

 

 

Village Elections

 

Village elections occur in June each year.  This year two Trustee positions are up for election, as is the Village Justice. We are fortunate to have a local government watching over our interests.  Please take a few minutes to register your vote.

 

Date:  Tuesday, June 19

Time:  12pm to 9pm

Place:  Village Hall, 201 McCouns Lane

 

 

Election deadlines

 

Register to vote:  If you need to register to vote, contact the Nassau County Board of Elections prior to Friday June 8.


Absentee Ballots Mailed:  Contact the Village Clerk by Tuesday June 12 to request an absentee ballot by mail:  671 4664 or Village@OldBrookville.net

 

Absentee Ballots in Person:  Must be requested @ Village Hall and turned in by Monday, June 18. 

 

 

.

 

Priciest Small Towns in America

 

Bloomberg News compiled real estate values across small towns in America. Old Brookville ranked #19 on the list, just below Brookville and above Old Westbury. An article about the study can be found here:

 

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/02/23/BUL81NAMQ5.DTL&feed=rss.business

 

Civility Matters

 

On Tuesday, May 15 the Nassau County Bar Association sponsored a forum on the "Rules of Professional Conduct" for lawyers.  Among the distinguished panel presenting the forum were the Hon. Steven M. Jaeger, Acting Justice, Nassau Supreme Court,  and Old Brookville Trustee Marilyn K. Genoa. Lawyers attending the forum received 2.0 credits in Ethics and Professionalism.

 

Foxes on the North Shore

 
A wildlife spokesperson has been invited to Engineers Country Club to address the community and answer any questions you may have regarding the foxes and other wildlife we have living in our area.
 
The presentation will be held at Engineers Country Club on TUESDAY JUNE 12, 2012 @ 7:30PM
 
A flier for this event can be found here:
Click "Presentation: Foxes on the North Shore"

 

Feedback   

If you have comments or news of interest to the community please contact Rick Shaper: 

rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 

 

  Copyright © Village of Old Brookville. All Rights Reserved.


 

Village of Old Brookville 
Newsletter - May 2012

 

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and EVENTS

 

Village Elections

Tues. June 19

12pm - 9pm @

Village Hall

 

 

Architectural Review Board,

Thurs.May 10, 9am

 

Village Court

Weds. May 17, 7pm

 

Board of Trustees

Monday May 21, 6:30pm

 

 

Zoning Board

May 23, 6:30pm

 

Planning Board

Thurs. June 7, 7pm

 

 

 

 

Additional information and updates mayl be posted to the village site and calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net for later updates.




 

 

 

 Update to Village and Police Budgets

 

The updated Village and Police budgets, to be discussed at the Board of Trustees May 21 Meeting, is posted here:

http://www.oldbrookville.net/villagenews.aspx

.

Glenwood Power Plant Updates

 

The Legislative Action Committee (LAC) has updated the initiative to phase in the tax assessment reduction for the National Grid / Glenwood power plant. Old Brookville resident Robin Charlow has provided instructions and addresses of legislative contacts for expressing concerns by residents.  For the update and cover letter please see: 

http://www.oldbrookville.net/villagenews.aspx

 

Mayor Ryba has also sent a 2nd letter to Assemblyman Montesano about this issue.  It is posted to the website above along with his and Montesano's previous correspondence.

 

Trustee Degarabedian Honored

 

Michael Degarabedian was recently inducted into the College Hall of Fame for Wrestlers.  Details of his college wrestling career can be found through the links below.  Congratulations Michael!

 

http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-wrestl/spec-rel/123011aaa.html

 

http://www.friendsoflongislandwrestling.com/induct1.html

 

 Additional Data Provided by Crowne Castle

 

Crowne Castle appeared before the Board of Trustees in April with a proposal to install antennas for mobile service, known as Distributed Antenna Systems, or DAS.  Due to some residents' questions, additional information was requested by me on behalf of the Village.  This information is now posted on the website.  It is to be determined whether Crowne Castle will appear at the May Trustees meeting or a following meeting. To view this new information please check here:

http://www.oldbrookville.net/villagenews.aspx

 

A 109 page full engineering report and power point presentation which are too large to post on the website are available by request via email .

 

 

     

 

If you have comments or suggestions about the Old Brookville newsletter please contact Rick Shaper:  rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 

 

  Copyright © Village of Old Brookvi



Village of Old Brookville 
Supplemental Newsletter - April 2012

 

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and

EVENTS

 

 

Architectural Review Board,

Thurs.May 10, 9am

 

Village Court

Weds. May 17, 7pm

 

Board of Trustees

Mon. April 23, 6:30pm

and

Monday May 21, 6:30pm

 

Crime Prevention Meeting,Tues. April 24

6:30pm, Village Hall

 

Zoning Board

Weds. April 25, 6:30pm

 

Planning Board

Thurs. May 3, 7pm

 

 

 

 

Additional information and updates mayl be posted to the village site and calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net for later updates.




 

 

 

Crime Prevention &/Safety Meeting

Time and Place Scheduled

 

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

6:30 PM at Village Hall

 

For details please see the Village

home page:

www.oldbrookville.net

 

.

Glenwood Power Plant -- Update

 

Last month, Mayor Ryba wrote a letter to New York State Assemblyman Michael Montesano voicing his concerns over the closure of the Glenwood Landing Power Plant and requested his support to preserve the excellent education provided by the North Shore School system.  Assemblyman Montesano's letter in response as well as Mayor Ryba's request are

located here:

 

http://www.oldbrookville.net/mayor.aspx

 

Please be assured that the Mayor and the Board of Trustees will continue to support our elected New York State representatives and the North Shore School Board of Education regarding this important matter.  As the situation develops and the Village learns more, the Mayor and Board of Trustees will share this information with you.

 

Special Trustee Meeting

 

A Special meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held Monday, April 23, 6:30 PM in Village Hall for the purpose of reviewing the Village and Old Brookville Police Department budgets for the coming fiscal years.

 

Note to Residents

 

You may have received this message per your request for the time/date of the Security Meeting.  

 

Please sign up or stay signed up to this Village Newsletter and encourage your neighbors in the community to sign up for Email updates at:

 

http://www.oldbrookville.net/newsletter.aspx

 

We will continue to send news of important issues via surface mail, however, Email updates on a regular schedule will provide timely information and save approximately $500 over each direct mailing.

 

 

     

 

If you have comments or suggestions about the Old Brookville newsletter please contact Rick Shaper:  rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 

 

  Copyright © Village of Old Brookville. All Rights Reserved.

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Village of Old Brookville

Supplemental Newsletter March 10, 2012

 

 

Decommissioning of Glenwood Power Plant  ---

-- N.S. School District Lost Tax Revenue

 

 

The decommissioning of the LIPA/National Grid power facility on the harbor in Glenwood Landing, expected by 2013, will result in an enormous tax loss for the North Shore School District and and other tax entities that have jurisdiction over this property. 

 

The lost tax revenue from the plant, estimated at as much as $8-14 million in school tax revenue alone, could result in an estimated $2000 increase in individual school tax bills for the average $750,000 home in the district. The newly formed citizens’ Legislative Action Committee (LAC) was appointed by the School Board recently to represent the community in regard to issues involving government policy and action.

 

LAC and the Board are lobbying our local representatives in Albany in an attempt to have legislation enacted which would require National Grid at least to phase in the tax consequences over a ten year period, so that the impact on local residential taxpayers would not be as dramatic and devastating as it might otherwise be.

 

LAC is targeting the current state budget cycle taking place this Spring, so that the School Board and other affected municipalities can reliably budget for the next year.  In this regard, members of the Board and LAC will be in Albany next Wednesday to speak with our local State Senator Marcellino, who is apparently committed to drafting legislation, and Assemblymen Montessano, Lavine, and Senator Martins. 

 

As part of this effort, Old Brookville residents may join in by contacting our representatives Marcellino and Montessano through individual residents' letters. Their addresses and sample letters are included below.

 

 

Prior to this recent initiative by LAC, last summer Mayor Ryba discussed this issue at length with Carolyn Genovese, Chair of the North Shore Schools Board of Education who promised to keep our village advised as discussions between the school district, LIPA and the State of New York progressed.

 

Last fall, Bruce Kennedy, Mayor of Sea Cliff, representatives of our local legislators and Mayor Ryba attended a public meeting at North Shore HS that was also attended by about 200 residents, where the Mayors were recognized for their support for the N.S. Board of Education's efforts.

 

On November 18 Mayor Ryba, Trustess Matt Schamroth and Michael Degarabedian participated in the Viking Foundation's kick-off reception at the North Shore Country Club, in support of N.S. Schools. Speaking to School Superintendent Melnick about the status of the discussions with LIPA and the State of New York, Mayor Ryba was advised that our local State Legislators were all very supportive and were doing what they could in order to phase in over a 10 year period the tax effect of shutting down the LIPA / National Grid facility.

 

These efforts will be aided greatly by a public campaign of letters by residents to our representatives, as suggested by LAC.

 

 

 

Sample letters below may be used or paraphrased:

 

 

Senator Carl L. Marcellino

Room 811

188 State Street

Legislative Office Building

Albany NY 12247

 

Dear Senator Marcellino:

 

I am writing to express my great concern over the closing of the LIPA/National Grid power plant in Glenwood Landing and its likely impact on the North Shore School District and its residents.

For decades this community and other power plant communities across Long Island have tolerated in their backyards the enormous brick buildings, towering concrete smokestacks, expansive steel power- line stanchions, and the environmental harm that such plants potentially pose, only with the understanding that the utility takes on a portion of the community’s tax burden.

 

The loss of a large portion of the $14 million tax dollars that LIPA/National Grid contributes to our schools will create a tremendous hardship for our outstanding district and its residents. Already districts across Long Island have been forced to make significant cuts due to the tax levy limit, and in anticipation of courts upholding the repeal of the County Guarantee. Our district will be forced to make even deeper cuts, greatly harming students as class sizes will surely rise and programs are eliminated.

 

As for taxpayers in the North Shore community, L LIPA/National Grid’s obligation will be shifted to them, costing individual homeowners thousands of dollars each year, and the likely decrease in their property values. Not only will residents take a significant hit in the short term, but, for the foreseeable future, the district will have an enormous hole in its tax base as environmental and other issues will have to be worked out before the land can once again be developed. LIPA’s financial commitment to the district should not be allowed to end as quickly as it takes to decommission a power plant.

 

I greatly appreciate all the work that you have done in the past fighting for the interests of your constituents who live in the North Shore School District. I urge you and the state legislature to take quick action to lessen the devastating financial impact that the decommissioning of the Glenwood Power Plant will have on this community.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

Assemblyman Michael Montesano

Room 633

188 State Street

Legislative Office Building

Albany NY 12247


Dear Assemblyman,

 

I write to you requesting your assistance with a serious matter facing our community. As a member of this community, a homeowner and a parent to school age children, I am deeply concerned about the closure of the National Grid building at the end of Glenwood Road on Hempstead Harbor. The tax loss from the closing of this facility combined with the tax levy limit would be devastating to our schools and our community. We are a small community with a mixture of old and new families who may be forced out due to an excessive and immediate rise in their taxes. I have heard about Senator Marcellino’s bill to require the power company to gradually withdraw its tax obligations over time. I urge you to support these efforts and help us preserve our schools and our community for the present and the future.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

If you have comments or suggestions about the

Old Brookville newsletter please contact Rick Shaper: 

rshaper@oldbrookville.net      

_
 
 

Village of Old Brookville Newsletter
March 2012

 

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and

EVENTS

 

 

Architectural Review Board,

Thurs. Mar. 8, 9am

 

Village Court

Weds. Mar. 15, 7pm

 

Board of Trustees

Rescheduled --

Mon. Mar 26, 6:30pm

 

Zoning Board

Weds. Mar. 28, 6:30pm

 

Planning Board

Thurs. Apr. 5, 7pm

 

 

 

 

Additional information and updates mayl be posted to the village site and calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net for later updates.




 

 

 

 

Beautification for Village Hall

 

Those twelve naked trees planted recently on the Village Hall lawn will soon bloom into beautiful flowering Pear trees that have been generously donated by Pall's Nursery.  The white ribbons tied at each tree symbolize peace and unity for the New Year, 2012. 

They are a much hardier variety than the more common flowering pear trees and grow into a perfect symmetrical, oval shape, with every spring showing a long lasting explosion of white flowers. Their foliage turns from a deep summer green to a dark scarlet red in the fall.  What a splendid contribution to our Village. 

Thank you Paula Aureliano Leighton!

 

 

For the gardners among us....

Botanical name:  Prunus Calleryana "Cleveland Select"

Common name:  Cleveland Select Pear Tree


 

 

Tax Cap Law Passed by Trustees

 

At the February 27th Board of Trustees meeting, the Board unanimously passed a local law permitting the Village to override the state-mandated tax cap for the June 1, 2012 - May 31, 2013 fiscal year.  Over 100 municipalities in New York State including all the villages served by the Old Brookville Police Dept. have or are expected to pass local laws to override the tax cap as recommended by the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM).

 

Like Old Brookville, these municipalities are concerned that the complexities of the N.Y. State tax cap legislation are not fully understood even by the government agencies charged with its interpretation and enforcement.  The financial penalties of inadvertently exceeding the tax levy limit would be severe for future village budgets, or possibly imperil the Village without recourse to sustain proper oversight of Village maintenance and safety.

 

The Village's draft budget and the tax cap calculation for the fiscal year June 1, 2012 - May 31, 2013 will be presented to the Board of Trustees at the next Board meeting on March 26th.  A public hearing on the budget will be scheduled for the Board of Trustees meeting on April 16th.

 

 

.

 

Saving a Life ... all in a day's work for the Old Brookville Police

 

Our alert and competent Old Brookville PD is an asset to the six villages it serves, and even to our neighbors. On Tuesday, Jan 31, 2012 Sergeant Michael Clarke was driving through Oyster Bay on his way to the Village of Cove Neck when he was flagged down and informed that a 59 year old male was unconscious in a commercial building used for boat restorations in Theodore Roosevelt Park. 

Finding the victim unconscious with bystanders performing CPR, Sergeant Clarke utilized an automated external defibrillator device (AED) and administered one shock to the man’s heart in an effort to revive him. Within 30 seconds of delivering the shock the male victim regained a pulse and began breathing on his own. The man was successfully revived and was transported to Syosset Hospital for further treatment. Michael Clarke is a 22 year veteran of the Old Brookville Police Department and previously served in the NYPD for 4 years.

 

     

 

If you have comments or suggestions about the Old Brookville newsletter please contact Rick Shaper:  rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 

 

  Copyright © Village of Old Brookville. All Rights Reserved.

Village of Old Brookville
Newsletter February 2012

 

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and

EVENTS

 

 

Village Office closed:

Monday, Feb. 20

President's Day

 

Village Court

Weds. Feb. 8, 7PM

 

 Architectural Review Board,

Thurs. Feb. 9, 9am

 

Planning Board

Thurs. Feb. 16, 7pm

 

Zoning Board

Weds. Feb. 22, 6:30pm

 

Board of Trustees

Mon. Feb. 27, 6:30pm

 

 

 

Additional information and updates will be posted to the village calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net, click Calendar, and click on a meeting in the calendar to see the agendas (when posted).




 

 

 

Police Contract Agreement Reached

Mayor Bernie Ryba and Police Commissioner Matt Schamroth are pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached with the Old Brookville Police Benevolent Association for a new contract extending through May 31, 2017.  This was the product of much hard work by representatives from the Board of Police Commissioners and the PBA who, in the best interests of our residents, came to terms on an agreement which not only permits us to continue to provide superior police protection service to our communities, but does so with cost savings measures that will make a significant and favorable impact on our budgets next year and into the future.  This agreement is contingent on the Villages of Old Brookville, Brookville, Upper Brookville, Mill Neck, Cove Neck and Matinecock entering into a new Police Protection Contract to succeed the one which expires May 31, 2012.  We expect the new six village Police Protection Contract to be finalized in the coming weeks, after which the Village will provide details of the new PBA agreement.

 

 

.

 

 

Judge John Case Retires

 

Village Court hears cases involving vehicle and traffic violations and Village ordinance matters.  Mayor Bernie Ryba accepted, with regret, Judge Case's resignation on December 19.

 

John Danford Case, Jr writes,

"It has been a High Honor and Privilege to serve the Village for the past 27 years.  I have been honored to hold the Office, humbled by its real power to affect people's lives, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve.  It is time for me to retire, and to pass the (non-existent) gavel to the Acting Village Justice, Edward Jenks."...

 

..."in the Village Courts we are  'The Courts Closest to The People'.  In most cases we are the only judges a person ever sees or has interaction with.  So, the real experience of people who have been compelled to appear in this Court, who appear without Counsel for the most part, seems vastly important as a demonstration of the law in action.  I am pleased...that over the years...there has never been a complaint of bias, unfairness, or misfeasance raised against our Court."

 

The Village is fortunate to have had an articulate and dedicated Judge such as John Case to serve us.  The Village will be requesting a 25 year plaque of service from the NY Conference of Mayors which will be presented to John most likely at the May Board of Trustees meeting. 

 

.

 

 In Memoriam, Edward M. "Ned" Miller

 


We regret the recent news of Edward Miller's passing.  Ned was elected Trustee on June 18, 1996 and served until he resigned on June 30, 2005.  He served as Road Commissioner during his tenure until June 30, 2002, and Deputy Road Commissioner for two more years, and finally served on the Zoning Board of Appeals in '05 and '06.  Many of us knew him as a genteel and dedicated servant and neighbor of the Village of Old Brookville.  The internment was private.  A memorial service will be held at St. Patrick's Church in Glen Cove, Thursday, Feb. 3 at 10am.

 

 

     

 

If you have comments or suggestions about the Old Brookville newsletter please contact Rick Shaper:  rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 

Village of Old Brookville
Newsletter January 2012

 

 

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and

EVENTS

 

 

Village Office closed:

Monday Jan. 2

Monday Jan. 16

 

Planning Board 7pm

Thurs. Jan 5

 

Architectural Review Board, 9am

Thurs. Jan 12

 

Board of Trustees - 6:30pm

Monday Jan. 23

 

Zoning Board of Appeals-

6:30pm

Weds. Jan 25

 

 

Additional information and updates will be posted to the village calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net, click Calendar, and click on a meeting in the calendar to see the agendas (when posted).




 

 

 

Happy 2012 to all residents, friends and associates !

 

 

 

Boy Scouts repair foot bridge

 

You may not be aware of a bit of nature in the James Perserve off Valentine's Lane.  A dilapidated footbridge across Cedar Creek was in need of TLC, and Eagle Scout candidate Tim Mahony came to its rescue.  First he contacted the North Shore Land Alliance for approval.  Then, recruiting a crew, an all-day re-construction was led by Tim (in the blue shirt) and the effort was acknowledged at the Dec. 19 Trustees Meeting at Village Hall.  Thank you Troop 170!

 

Before                                                           

After


 

Mayor Bernie Ryba acknowledges Tim with a proclamation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

Meet your Police Department

 

Life Saving Action by Old Brookville Police

Police Officers Anthony Lamardo, Michael Marino, and Millie Rosado werre recently honored for their response to a building collapse in Brookville which had trapped and buried several workers.  Working with fire department personnel the officers were able to free the trapped workers and have them transported to local hospitals where they were treated for their injuries.  Officer Lamardo is a 22 year veteran of the Department.  Police Officers Marino and Rosado have served our community for 14 years.

            

                 

  Old Brookville Police Officers

Anthony Lamardo, Michael Marino, Millie Rosado                                                          

 

 

     

 

If you have comments or suggestions about the Old Brookville newsletter please contact Rick Shaper:  rshaper@oldbrookville.net                                                                   

 

 

  Copyright © Village of Old Brookville. All Rights Reserved.

 
 

Village of Old Brookville
Newsletter December 2011

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and

EVENTS

 

 

Village Office closed: Dec. 26

 

Architectural Review Board -Dec. 8, 9am

 

Village Court- Dec. 14, 7pm.

 

REVISED MEETING:

Zoning Board of Appeals- Dec. 19, 5pm

 

REVISED TIME:

Board of Trustees - Dec. 19, 7:00 pm

 

Planning Board- Jan. 5, 7pm

 

 

Additional information and updates will be posted to the village calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net, click Calendar, and click on a meeting in the calendar to see the agendas (when posted).




 

 

 

Fire Protection Contract - Village Continues to Hold the Line

 

At a public hearing for the 2012 Glenwood Fire Department contract with the Village, the Board of Trustees was advised by the Fire Department that there will be a slight reduction in year over year expenses for 2012This marks the third consecutive year that the Village will experienced either no increase or a slight decrease in the cost for fire protection and ambulance service.

 

 

Meet your Police Department

 Lieutenant James "Jim" McCarty


James B. McCarty was recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and is designated as the Deputy Commanding Officer of the Police Department. Lieutenant James “Jim” McCarty has been a member of the police force for 26 years and prior to his promotion held the ranks of police officer (1986-1999), detective (1999-2001) and detective sergeant (2001-2011). As the deputy commanding officer of the Department. Lieutenant McCarty routinely provides administrative support to the Chief of Police and during the Chief’s absences assumes responsibility for all operational issues. Jim is married and has two children.

 

 

Outline for Building Permit process
During our residency in the village most of us will want to make
some changes or renovations to our property. The permitting
and review process may be unfamiliar to those residents not
involved in village governance. Below is a quick outline of what
occurs. A building permit application is required for any
structural construction on your property, change of grade,
driveway (pavement or gravel), or any impervious surface
(preventing natural drainage). The Building Inspector reviews
the plans for proper construction practices and against the
Zoning Code. The village is tasked to protect residents from
their own as well as their neighbors' construction projects.
The Planning Board reviews the plans for aesthetics, impact,
and suitable site design. If the plans violate any zoning
provisions, an application to the Zoning Board of Appeals for
relief of the constraint will be required, which may or may not
be granted. Finally, for any visual building construction
(including fences) an appearance at the Architectural Review
Board is required. All village boards are staffed by volunteer
residents who have an appreciation for residents' needs and
an interest to serve our community. This year a committee of
board members will meet to address and improve the permitting
process. If you have comments or suggestions please direct
them to my email address at the bottom of this newsletter.

For more detailed guidance for your particular project please
contact the village office.

 

 

 

If you have suggestions about the Old Brookville Newsletter please contact Rick Shaper:  rshaper@oldbrookville.net

 

 

 

 

 
 


Newsletter November 2011

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS and

EVENTS

 

 

Village Office closed: Nov 8, Election Day, and Nov. 11, Veterans Day

 

Village Office closed, Nov. 24-25, Thanksgiving

 

Architectural Review Board - Nov 10, 9am

 

Village Court Nov. 17, 7pm.

 

Board of Trustees - Nov. 21, 6:30 pm

 

Zoning Board of Appeals-

Tentative: Nov. 30, 6:30pm

 

Planning Board, Dec. 1, 7pm

 

 

 

 

Additional information and updates will be posted to the village calendar.  Go to oldbrookville.net, click Calendar, and click on a meeting in the calendar to see the agendas (when posted).




 

 

 

Welcoming  Committee


Did you know Old Brookville has a Welcoming Committee to greet new residents?  They will be warmly welcoming our new neighbors in the upcoming weeks with baked goods and useful information about our special village. Let Co-Chairs Deborah Vena (deevee62@aol.com) and Rimona Yagoubi (rimonay@gmail.com) know when you learn of new residents.

 

The Welcoming Committee was formed in 2010 by residents who are proud of our village and are committed to keeping it an exceptional place to live.

 

Other members of the Committee are Amy Schamroth, Carol Bellofatto, Amy Goldstein, Maria Vasilakis and Jackie Sacher.  They are all looking forward to meeting our new neighbors and evoking an "Old Tyme" feel with their visits! 

 

 

Meet your Police Department

 

Chief Richard H. Smith

 

   

 

Richard H. Smith is just the 4th Police Chief in the 62 year history of the Department. A veteran of over 26 years of police service, Chief Smith rose through the ranks from police officer (1985-1989), detective (1989-1990), sergeant (1990-2000), lieutenant (2000-2005), captain (2005-2011), before being sworn in as Chief of Police on June 17, 2011. Chief Smith was appointed just as the Police Department was undergoing a major restructuring and to date has maintained the personal and professional police service that the residents of Old Brookville have come to expect. Chief Smith has been


Chief Richard "Rick" Smith has a reputation as a committed and innovative leader who commands by example.  In his spare time he enjoys working out and playing an occasional round of golf.  He has been married for 27 years and has three children; two have graduated from college and a third is currently attending.

 

 

 

If you have comments or suggestions about the Old Brookville newsletter please contact Rick Shaper:  rshaper@oldbrookville.net

 
 
 
 
Raccoon Rabies Vaccine Distribution 10/11 through 10/29
_______________________________________________________

Mayor Ryba asked to post this message just issued from the Nassau County Department of Health.  Please note especially the precautions for children and pets in the highlighted sections.   Please alert all other residents you know and urge them to subscribe to the village email list to receive timely announcements and information.  To subscribe, click the Email Sign Up link on the left of the home page.

 

Rick Shaper

Communications co-director

 

by Judi Bosworth on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 11:43am

 

Nassau County Department of Health Continues Rabies Baiting Program

Raccoon Rabies Vaccine to be distributed by Truck

 

Continuing the effort to eradicate raccoon rabies in Nassau County, Nassau County Department of Health and Cornell University will again distribute raccoon rabies vaccine to protect residents from rabies. Rabies vaccine “baits” will be distributed in the northwestern portion of the county in response to the most recent case of rabies reported in Queens.

 

What:  Rabies bait*, which is attractive to raccoons and includes a vaccine packet, will be distributed in raccoon habitats which include woods, bushes, streambeds, sewers and other areas.

*There is a label that clearly identifies the bait packet: “Rabies Vaccine Live Vaccinia Vector.  Do Not Disturb, Merial, Inc Us Vet Lic. No. 298 1-877-722-6725.”

 

When: Truck distribution will be from October 11th through October 29th, weather permitting. 

 

Where: The baiting area will cover the following towns and villages;

 

Town of Hempstead....

 

Town of North Hempstead....

 

Town of Oyster Bay

Brookville, East Hills, Glen Cove, Glen Head, Glenwood Landing, Greenvale, Matinecock, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Roslyn Harbor, Sea Cliff, and Upper Brookville.

 

Why:

With 67 raccoons confirmed to be infected in Nassau County with rabies since 2004, there is a probability that other raccoons can be infected.   Because of the threat to wildlife and domestic animals from terrestrial rabies, action needs to be continued to prevent rabies from becoming endemic here in Nassau County.

 

How: Raccoons are attracted by the scent of the bait and are immunized when they eat the contents of the vaccine packet.

 

Recommendations:  The Nassau County Department of Health recommends:

§  To avoid inadvertent contact with the baits, supervise children’s outdoor activities both during and for approximately one week following the bait distribution.

§  Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately in the unlikely event that a child bites through the packet and ingests the liquid, or if there is any human contact with the bait.

§  Wash hands immediately before calling to report the exposure if anyone comes in bare-hand contact with the bait (even if the bait is intact.) The bait packet itself will not harm anyone.

§  Keep all dogs and cats indoors or on leashes during the oral bait distribution and for about a week afterwards.  This will allow raccoons to eat the vaccine-laden baits and become immunized and will decrease the chance of pets eating the baits.  Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 if you have seen your pet with bait in its mouth.

§  The baits are not harmful to dogs or cats, but a pet may vomit if they eat a large number of them.  Do not try to remove a packet from an animal’s mouth.

 

§  Remember that it is not possible to get rabies from the vaccine.  The vaccine does not contain the rabies virus. It does contain attenuated vaccinia virus.  This is a weakened version of the virus used in people for smallpox vaccination.

§  If residents find bait near their homes, but not in the open, leave it alone. The bait packets have a strong fishmeal smell that is not attractive to people or to most other animals.

§  If the bait is intact and out in the open where pets or children are more likely to encounter it, toss it into deeper cover under trees or bushes while wearing gloves or using a plastic bag.

§  Residents who see raccoons should NOT try to trap the raccoons themselves.  Call a licensed trapper.

 

General Information:Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system of raccoons and other mammals, including humans.  The disease is essentially always fatal once clinical signs of infection occur.  Vaccination will greatly decrease the chance of human and domestic animal contact with rabid raccoons. Rabies is transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. However, the virus may also be transmitted when the saliva of a rabid animal comes into contact with cut, open, or scratched skin lesions.

For additional information regarding rabies and baiting, call Nassau County Department of Health at (516) 227-9663 weekdays from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM or visit the department website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health/index.html or the state website at www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies.

 

__________________________________________________________________________________
 
Village of Old Brookville

Newsletter October 2011

UPCOMING MEETINGS and

EVENTS

 

Village Office closed, Oct 10, Columbus Day.

 

 

Zoning Board of Appeals - Oct. 11, 6:30pm

 

Architectural Review Board - Oct 13, 9am

 

Village Court Oct. 12, 7pm.

 

Board of Trustees - Oct. 17.  6:30 pm

 

Planning Board, Nov. 3, 7pm

 

Election Day, Nov. 8.  Office Closed.

 

Architectural Review Board, Nov. 10, 9am.

 

Veterans Day, Nov. 11.  Office Closed.

 

 

Additional information may be available.  Go to oldbrookville.net, click Calendar, and click on a meeting in the calendar to see the agendas (when posted).




 

 

 

Board of Trustee meeting Monday, Oct. 17, 2011, 6:30 PM at Village Hall

 

 

 

 Intern assisting Village office


Through a program sponsored by St. Johns University, the village has engaged a pre-law student to assist our village clerks.  Victoria has been given the task of computerizing property records that now exist only as paper records.  These property records provide critical cross-references to building permit history for each parcel in our jurisdiction, and are invaluable.  Using a data base, the task is to make records searchable through Section, Block, Lot, owner name, permit number, etc.  This will be an important help to our clerks Sandy and Leslie as well provide insurance against loss of these paper records.

 

Fall Festival 10-29-2011

 

By now you should have received the invitation to our family festival, 12:00pm to 3:00pm at Village Hall.  We hope to see you there, and please let Village Hall plan for it by letting them know you are coming.  Call 671 4664 or send us an email: oldbrookville@optonline.net.  See you there!

 

Spread the word

 

As we expand communication to residents, please forward this newsletter to any other residents to encourage them sign up to get news and information from village communications.  Doing so not only will increase communication but also save postage and   allow for more frequent updates.

 

To sign up go to www.oldbrookville.net and click Email Sign Up.

  Copyright © Village of Old Brookville. All Rights Reserved.


Village of Old Brookville
Newsletter September 2011

UPCOMING MEETINGS and

EVENTS

 

Architectural Review Board - Sept 22

 

North Shore Land Alliance - Sept 24.

 

Zoning Board of Appeals - Sept. 28

 

Planning Board - Oct. 6

 

Village Office closed, Oct 10, Columbus Day.

 

Village Court Oct. 12.

 

Archetectural Review Board Oct 13. 

 

Board of Trustees - Oct. 17.

 

Zoning Board of Appeals Oct. 26

 

 

Please see the Village calendar for times and details.  Go to oldbrookville.net, click Claendar, and click on a meeting in the calendar to see the agendas (when posted).




 

 

 

Board of Trustee meeting Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, 6:30 PM at Village Hall

 

 

 

North Shore Land Alliance annual wine auction & dinner - September 24.

 

The North Shore Land Alliance will be holding its annual wine auction and dinner at Young's Farm in Old Brookville on Saturday, September 24 starting at 6:00PM and about 300 people are expected to attend.  This year's event is centered around the successful preservation of 60 acres of Banfi property along Hegeman's lane and County Executive Mangano, the Mariani Family and I will be receiving Certificates of Appreciation from the NSLA.  While the preservation of open space in Nassau County is always a noteworthy accomplishment, the Village of Old Brookville and its residents most directly benefit from this achievement.  For further information about this evening of celebration, please visit the NSLA website at northshorelandalliance.org or call the NSLA offices at (516) 626-0908.

 

Bernie Ryba

Mayor

 

  Copyright © Village of Old Brookville. All Rights Reserved.

Village of Old Brookville
Newsletter August 2011

UPCOMING MEETINGS and

EVENTS

 

Zoning Board of Appeals - Aug 24

 

Planning Board - Sept. 1

 

Labor Day - Village Hall closed

 

Architectural Review Board - Sept 8

 

Village Court - Sept 15

 

Board of Trustees - Sept. 19

 

 

Board Meeting agendas  become available approx. 10 days before meetings.  Go to oldbrookville.net, click Claendar, and click on a meeting in the calendar to see the agendas.




 

 

 

Board of Trustee meeting Monday, Aug. 15, 2011, 6:30 PM at Village Hall

 

AGENDA

 

 

Approval of Minutes of July 18, 2011

 

Approval of Bills

 

Residents having Village business

 

Visitors:

Roger Cocchi; Village Engineer-Sidney Bowne & Son

Cedar Brooke Court and Penny Pond Court

Road maintenance bid package

 

Communications:

--  Spencer Investigations Report

 

Reports

Building Inspector – Matt Moed

Fire & Parks Commissioner --

          – Trustee Dergarabedian

Clerk/Treasurer - Ms. Albro

Village Attorney – John Chase

Mayor Ryba

          OBPD resolutions

          Banfi land swap

--Trustee Genoa

--Trustee Sacher

 

New Business

Public Comment

Draft Exterior Lighting Ordinance

Insurance – final due diligence report

Family Day; October 29th

Assistant Building Inspector

 

Old Business

Cablevision Franchise Agreement

 

Executive Session:

56 Woodland Road

  Copyright © Village of Old Brookville. All Rights Reserved.

 
 
OLD BROOKVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Message from Acting Chief Rick Smith June 15, 2011
 

Dear Resident,

As the newly appointed acting Chief of Police, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide our residents with an update on the state of the Police Department in light of the Village of Muttontown withdrawing from our police protection contract and thus reducing our operating budget by over three million dollars.

The loss of a village and the corresponding multi-million dollar decrease in our operating budget has led to a needed reduction in the size of our workforce. Muttontown had accounted for approximately 25% of our jurisdiction and population and we have reduced our marked patrols units by an equivalent amount. This reduction in patrol units will be monitored very closely to insure that response times and the services these officers provide to our communities will remain the same as they have always been. We will continue our targeted, pro-active policing strategies and work diligently to offset these reductions.

Our dispatch service will continue as usual. Our police communication operators are well-trained and have a wealth of experience dealing with the residents of our villages. They have access to critical information and a detailed knowledge of the area allowing an enhanced response to any calls for service.We will continue to provide this valuable service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Our detective services will now be provided by the Nassau County Police Department 2nd Squad in Woodbury. We have always maintained a close working relationship with the 2nd Squad detectives and this service is funded under the Police Headquarters portion of your existing Nassau County tax bill. Our current fiscal and manpower constraints have forced us to place our detectives back in uniform and on patrol. Our patrol force is the backbone of our Department and the most essential of our functions and needs to be adequately staffed. These detective services will also be strictly monitored to insure that our residents still receive a proper investigatory response should we need to avail ourselves of this service.

Even with these staff reductions, we are left with a core of dedicated, veteran police officers and our mission will remain unchanged. We will continue to protect and serve our six village jurisdiction with integrity and professionalism. Each of our officers strongly believes that the safety and security of our residents is paramount. We will continue to provide the most personal and professional of police service that you deserve and have come to expect. I want to assure you that public safety has not and will not be compromised in anyway by these new staffing levels. Your interest and participation will also be vital to our continued success and I welcome your input in order to address your needs and concerns.

Sincerely,
Richard H. Smith
Acting Chief of Police

TO PROTECT AND SERVE WITH INTEGRITY AND PROFESSIONALISM
 
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS FOR THE
OLD BROOKVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

5701 NORTHERN BOULEVARD • OLD BROOKVILLE, NEW YORK 11545
SERVING THE VILLAGES OF
OLD BROOKVILLE • BROOKVILLE • UPPER BROOKVILLE • MATINECOCK • MILL NECK • COVE NECK

June 18, 2011

Dear Resident,

      The departure of Muttontown from the Old Brookville Police Department has reduced the area, population and number of households served by roundly 30%. More importantly, it has reduced the income available to support the department by over 25%. Notwithstanding our admiration for the department and its personnel, our residents cannot be put in the position of subsidizing Muttontown's leaving.

      About 90% of the expenses of the department relate to personnel. Salaries, benefits and retirement costs average over $250,000 per officer, not including future health care expense liability of over $400,000 per active and retired officer.

      While we have worked closely with management to down size with the least bad effects, we are constrained by Civil Service and Union agreements as to the steps we can take.

      We are disappointed at the confrontational attitude taken by the Union (the PBA), which despite assurances to us of cooperation, negotiation and assistance continues to issue inflammatory letters full of misstatements of fact while accusing your Mayors and Trustees of bad faith.

      The shrinkage in the Department is being accomplished mainly by attrition, retirements and resignations, and should result in continuation of the high level of service you have all come to expect. Attached is a Facts Sheet that provides detailed information on various aspects of our police services. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,




FACTS SHEET
OLD BROOKVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
June 18, 2011
FACT #1:
On March 25, 2011, after 62 years, the Village of Muttontown elected to opt out of the OBPD. The approved OBPD operating budget for the upcoming 2011/2012 year (June 1 - May 31) was $13, 321,204 which left a $3,059,608 shortfall caused by Muttontown’s departure. Needless to say, the loss of 26% of the OBPD operating revenue left the remaining six villages not only with less money but also with a need for fewer officers because of the reduced coverage area.

FACT #2:
In our efforts to do the best job possible, we consulted with two outside independent and objective police consultants. It was their opinion that the reduction of the police force to 18 police officers, plus six sergeants, six police communications operators and two typist clerks would provide the residents of the six Villages with an equivalent level of police protection services. The restructured police force in place as of June 1, 2011 will provide for a four-car patrol service (three police officer patrol cars plus one sergeant’s car) for the six Villages as compared to the previous five police officer patrol cars plus one sergeant’s car when Muttontown was included in the service area. (It is important to note that Muttontown had accounted for approximately 25% of the OBPD jurisdiction and 30% of our population.) The OBPD will continue to have its own dispatch service as before with the OBPD HQ desk manned on a 24/7 basis.

FACT #3:
Each resident pays an annual Headquarters Tax directly to Nassau County. In part, the purpose of that tax is to pay for Nassau County detectives – whether or not we use them. In the past we had the luxury of having our own detectives pursue investigations in cooperation with larger departments, but in these severe economic times, difficult decisions had to be made and we stand by our decision that our first priority would be to use available manpower to patrol our Villages on a daily basis. If the available funding can be found in the future, Detective service would be reconsidered at that time. However until then, the most important element that our own Chief of Police believes and supports and which was confirmed by our police consultants is that the first line of protection and the one that best serves our residents is the officer in the patrol car riding through your neighborhood. In the restructuring, we did not terminate detectives – they are continuing their work as uniformed officers or sergeants.

FACT #4:
The PBA was unwilling to make any concessions of a meaningful nature which would have avoided or minimized any of the layoffs. Our labor attorney suggested looking at the calculation of termination pay, health insurance benefits and the 5% raise effective June 1, 2011 which was negotiated almost five years ago, well before the current fiscal morass facing all municipalities. The union was not willing to grant any concessions with respect to the same for the upcoming year. The only concession the union was willing to offer was to defer one paycheck which would mean all officers would get paid 25 of 26 paychecks, and when the officer left the force, he or she would get that paycheck at their then rate of pay. In effect, it is a savings account for the officers, which continues to grow as their salaries increase. Further, they conditioned this offer on no layoffs. Deferring one paycheck would result in a short-term savings of approximately $150,000.00, while no layoffs would have cost well over a million dollars, hardly something we could have agreed to. The PBA finally offered to defer one paycheck and to give up one paycheck next year. The savings this final offer would generate was only a small percentage of what it would take to avoid layoffs.

FACT #5:
We have used our best effort to minimize the restructuring. Between transfers to other Departments and recent and pending retirements, all but two police officers are now employed.


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Village of Old Brookville
201 McCouns Lane   Old Brookville, New York 11545
Tel. (516) 671-4664 Fax. (516) 671-4725
June 16, 2011
Dear Neighbor:

      Two years ago, when we took our respective positions in this Village we never imagined that we would be forced to send out the type of letter we are now writing. You may have seen a letter from Officer Sweeney of the Old Brookville PBA ("PBA") accusing the current administration of "dismantling and destroying our police department", "shrinking the department to unimaginable low staffing levels", and "jeopardizing your public safety" and saying we have "little or no regard for human decency". Such attacks are unconscionable, factually wrong, obviously politically motivated, and insult not only those of us who have volunteered our time and efforts to serve this community, but our residents, who are entitled to accurate facts. Having devoted countless hours to the Old Brookville Police Department as the Police Commissioner, Deputy Police Commissioner, and Mayor of Old Brookville, we are deeply disappointed that the PBA would resort to such inflammatory and sensational rhetoric on this important matter, the purpose of which can only be to panic our community, and we are compelled to write to set the record straight.
 
      It is important to recognize that the PBA is a union whose primary goal is the enhancement of the compensation and benefits of its members. Although not a new negotiating tactic of public employee unions, it is unfortunate that the PBA has chosen to insert itself in our local village elections in an obvious effort to improve its own goals.

      As you may be aware, for 62 years, our Village has been only one of the Villages that comprise the Old Brookville Police Department ("OBPD"). Our police department is the Old Brookville Police Department in name only. The budget for 2011-2012 for the OBPD was passed in February 2011, based on the vote of all of the 7 Villages that made up the OBPD, and included, among other things, a line item designating specific funds for termination pay reserve. Muttontown announced its unilateral decision to leave the OBPD to form its own police department after the 2011-2012 budget had been approved with virtually no advanced warning. As a result, and solely because of Muttontown's departure, the OBPD had to be restructured. The remaining six Villages had to operate on a budget reduced by approximately 26% or $3,059,608.00 from the 2011-2012 operating budget. Unfortunately that was not the only problem we faced. Almost simultaneously with the departure of Muttontown, the Village of Upper Brookville announced that, as a result of its concerns about the long term financial impact of Muttontown's departure, it was considering severing its relationship with the OBPD, in which event, OBPD would have to vacate its present headquarters in Upper Brookville. As fiduciaries and leaders of our Village, we were faced with determining how best to: (i) negotiate a resolution which would maintain the relationship between all of the six remaining Villages, including Upper Brookville (which was successfully accomplished); (ii) attempt, if possible, to come to terms with Muttontown which would afford us the appropriate time to properly restructure if Muttontown remained determined to leave, and (iii) ensure that the OBPD would remain a strong viable force which could continue to provide our residents with the essential police services we have come to expect, and maintain the present levels of police patrol coverage to each participating Village (again, which was accomplished).

      Contrary to Officer Sweeney's allegations, the Villages followed the staffing recommendations made by the independent police consultant called in to assist with the tasks at hand and attempted to work with the PBA with regard to the staffing necessary to ensure continued protection for our community. Since only six communities will now be patrolled, the OBPD could operate with fewer officers. Muttontown's departure reduced the area, population and number of households served by approximately 30%. We, as you, are residents of this community. We, as you, rely on the OBPD for our protection and the protection of our families. We are proud of our department and the fine officers who put their lives on the line every day. We are not politicians, we are residents like yourselves who volunteer tens of hours weekly to this community. What possible personal or political motive would we have for "targeting" or "dismantling" our police department, the very men and women we have always respected and upon whom we rely to keep our community safe? To thoughtlessly level baseless accusations like that is shameful. Decisions were made only after countless hours of discussions and input from the administration and the outside consultants. Throughout this process, our residents' safety has always been our primary concern. We will still have a Chief, a Lieutenant, 18 police officers, 6 sergeants, 6 police communication operators and 2 typist clerks. We will have a four car patrol service in the six Villages, only one car less than the five we had when there were seven Villages to patrol. Of critical importance, there will still be a 24/7 Old Brookville Police Department dispatch service.

      Officer Sweeney has vilified us for eliminating our Detectives. While we certainly would have preferred to keep some of our own Detectives rather than completely relying on Nassau County, very difficult decisions had to be made. It is important to recognize, however, that we have always utilized the Nassau County Detective Squad and task forces for major crimes and burglaries in conjunction with our own Detectives. The Nassau County Detective Squad and task forces have, and will remain, part of the services that are provided to our Village by virtue of the Headquarters Tax, which is part of our County Taxes. It is our hope that we can continue our efforts to bring back two Old Brookville detectives. Officer Sweeney does not tell you that the possibility of bringing back some detectives has been discussed with him. However bringing back two detectives does not simply mean restoring detective status to two police officers. Rather, it means bringing back two of the police officers who have been laid off, which, when combined with the additional salaries of the detectives, would cost the department close to half a million dollars. Difficult decisions had to be made, and we stand by our election to, as a first priority, use available man power to patrol our villages on a daily basis. The most important statement that our own Chief of Police has confirmed and supports, and which was confirmed by our police consultant, is that the first line of police protection, and the one that best serves our residents, is the officer in the patrol car patrolling your neighborhood.

      Officer Sweeney states that the PBA was willing to make concessions in order to avoid layoffs, and that it made a "very generous offer" in order to save jobs. He does not tell you the specifics of what was offered, nor does he tell you all the facts about the negotiations that took place. Why?
 
      From the onset the PBA was advised of the OBPD's willingness to work with them in an attempt to either avoid, or at the very least, minimize layoffs which would require reviewing the PBA contract to see if cost savings changes could be made to save jobs. Officer Sweeney mentions the labor counsel retained by the OBPD to assist with the restructuring and negotiations with the PBA and their attorneys. Although it is not surprising that the union would have preferred the OBPD to come to the table without benefit of an experienced labor attorney, it was clearly in the best interests of our residents that we retain someone who could address the PBA contract. After careful consideration and vetting to assure that there were no conflicts with any of the six Villages, Mr. Cohen's firm ("labor" counsel referred to) was retained.

      About 90% of the expenses of the police department relates to personnel salaries, benefits and retirement costs which average over $250,000 per officer not including future health care expense liability of over $400,000 per active and retired officer. We therefore first suggested looking at the calculation of termination pay, a very costly benefit which the officers are paid when their employment ends, but the PBA was only willing to discuss this as part of a new multi-year PBA contract. As the six Villages are themselves presently working under a one year extension agreement of the OBPD contract, negotiating an entirely new PBA contract was not something we were realistically able to entertain under the severe time constraints. Accordingly, the union refused to consider any concessions with respect to termination pay. We also raised the issue of health insurance benefits, which we continue to pay with no employee contributions being made. Again, the union refused to consider any concessions with respect thereto. Attempts at early retirement incentives to save jobs were also rejected by the union. Despite what the PBA had been telling our residents, it was unwilling to forego the 5% raise which was to become effective June 1, 2011, to avoid layoffs. This would have gone a long way to significantly minimizing, if not avoiding, layoffs altogether.

      The only change the union initially offered was to defer one paycheck. This would mean all officers would get paid 25 of 26 paychecks, and, when the officer left the force, he or she would get that paycheck at their then rate of pay. In effect, it is a savings account for the officers, which continues to grow as their salaries increase. Further, the union conditioned this offer on no layoffs. Deferring one paycheck would result in a short term savings of approximately $150,000.00 next year only, while no layoffs would have cost well over a million dollars, a condition which we could not entertain. The union then offered to defer two paychecks next year, which would have resulted in a short term savings of approximately $300,000.00. However, a deferral of wages to some time in the future, requiring us to pay whatever higher salaries are in effect at that time, was not something which would have avoided layoffs. The union was finally willing to not only defer, but to give up one paycheck next year. Although this move on their part was appreciated, the savings would only result in a small percentage of what we would need to avoid layoffs.  Again our attorney asked the PBA to consider foregoing the raise. The PBA did not respond and there was no possible agreement being considered, so, on May 30, 2011, we did what we had to do and effectuated layoffs, effective close of business May 31, 2011.

      However, our efforts to avoid the layoffs did not stop. Having received written notice that three of our officers would be retiring in the very near future, on June 1, 20 11, our attorney sent the PBA attorney an agreement which would have rescinded some of the layoffs. The PBA never signed this agreement. On June 3, 20 11, the PBA attorney was sent another agreement, which did not require the PBA to give up anything, but which: (1) allowed for one officer to retire as a detective instead of a police officer (at additional cost to the Department); (2) allowed other laid off officers, who will be recalled to work in less than a month, to keep some of their vacation and personal leave accruals for future use, an additional benefit to them; and (3) kept the health insurance in effect for the four police officers who were laid off, but who will be shortly returning to the force. It was not until June 8, 2011 that the PBA finally signed this agreement.

      At this point in time, there are two police officers who have not yet found other positions and will not be recalled to the force without some agreement with, and concessions from, the PBA. We continue to remain hopeful, but with each day that passes without any encouraging communication from the PBA, our hope diminishes. The proverbial ball is in their court.

      It was with great surprise that we read in Officer Sweeney's statement to our residents that "all negotiations have been terminated." We certainly did not terminate the negotiations, and our attorney was never advised by the PBA attorney that it was no longer willing to meet in an effort to reach an agreement that would bring back some of our laid off police officers. In fact, it was only last week that our attorney called the PBA attorney to set up a meeting to discuss a new multi-year agreement with the PBA, in yet another effort to encourage movement by the union. Apparently the PBA has unilaterally decided that the negotiations are over, at least until they see if they can effectuate a change of administration. It was also interesting to see his take on pension costs. He boldly states that those costs, which are significant, are expected to drop in five years. Not only does he fail to state where his expectations come from, he does not tell you how the costs will likely continue to increase before any decrease or leveling off is realized. He states that future retirements will reduce the size of the workforce through attrition, thereby avoiding the need for layoffs. However, by saying that there is no need to replace someone when they retire, isn't he is implicitly stating that we currently have more officers than are necessary, and acknowledging that an early retirement incentive program would have saved jobs?

      It is indeed ironic that Officer Sweeney ends his letter with a statement regarding agendas backed by inaccurate and misleading information. Whereas he is correct in the fact that the Old Brookville Police Department has treated its officers fairly for over sixty years, he is incorrect in his implication that the Old Brookville Police Department has not continued in its efforts to do all that it can to treat its officers with the respect and fairness that they deserve. The PBA must accept its share of responsibility for what has occurred.  How could it have been in the best interest of the more junior officers for the PBA not to have agreed to hold the line on salaries and/or benefits to avoid layoffs? Why would early termination incentives for those officers who planned on leaving within the next year not have been something they were willing to discuss? Officer Sweeney further attempts to obfuscate the issues we have dealt with by alleging that we are throwing money at a "plethora" of attorneys rather than use the funds to pay our own police personnel. First, there is no "plethora" of attorneys. The OBPD (all six Villages) have retained only one firm-which Officer Sweeney refers to as the "labor" attorney.
Each Village is also represented, as it always has been, by its own individual counsel. What Officer Sweeney neglects to tell you is that the majority of the counsel fees to date have resulted from responsive papers and appearances in a lawsuit commenced by the PBA against the Old Brookville Police Department and all 7 Villages individually. We would have preferred to direct our energies towards meeting with the PBA for as long as it took in an effort to save jobs. Unfortunately it sadly appears that it is the PBA that has another agenda.

      Muttontown's unfortunate departure was outside of our control. We have worked tirelessly to ensure the continuation of a strong and viable police department and to save our police officers. The restructuring of the department was carefully analyzed and studied to promote the best protection to our residents with the funding available. The result is an OBPD that, as the Old Brookville Police Department acting Chief of Police, Richard H. Smith, stated in his letter of yesterday, "will continue to provide the most personal and professional of police service that you deserve and have come to expect. I want to assure you that public safety has not been and will not be compromised in any way by the new staffing levels." The success ofthe police department has always depended on diplomacy and the compromise of many opinions, the Village of Old Brookville's being just one viewpoint. We have always been and continue to be strong advocates of the Old Brookville Police Department and have always voted for more rather than less. We assure you of our continued commitment to you, our neighbors and friends, and to the officers of the Old Brookville Police Department and will continue to work to ensure that our residents continue to receive the services we need, pay for and deserve.

      We urge you to attend the Board of Trustees Meeting this Monday, June 20 at 6:30 at Village Hall when the Old Brookville Police Department will obviously once again be a main topic on the agenda.
 
With great respect,

Mayor Bernard D. Ryba        Commissioner Matt Shamroth
Deputy Commissioner Marilyn K.Genoa



INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF OLD BROOKVILLE

201 McCOUNS LANE

OLD BROOKVILLE, NEW YORK 11545

(516) 671-4664
 
May 3, 2011 
OLD BROOKVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Today, I am pleased to report that the Village of Upper Brookville has agreed to rejoin theVillages of Old Brookville, Mill Neck, Brookville, Matinecock and Cove Neck in a six village inter-municipal agreement to receive police protection from the Old Brookville PoliceDepartment for the following year. As you know, several weeks ago Upper Brookville tentatively decided to evaluate its options concerning the partnership with the Old Brookville Police Department and whether it should contract with the remaining villages in the agreement after Muttontown decided to pull out of the seven village inter-municipal agreement as of May 31st. Since that preliminary decision by Upper Brookville on March 31st, I have been engaged in continual discussions and frequent meetings with Police Chief Sullivan, Upper Brookville Mayor Thielen and the Police Benevolent Association. Working with the mayors of Brookville, Mill Neck, Matinecock and Cove Neck, your Old Brookville Police Commissioners Matt Schamroth, Marilyn Genoa and I were part of a multi-village team which worked tirelessly on behalf of Old Brookville to reach this successful conclusion. While much remains to be done, the foundation has been established to have the Old Brookville Police Department provide service to this new six village police protection service area for years to come. Announcements to this effect will be made on all six village websites shortly and a hard copy mailing of this news with a comprehensive backgrounder for your information will be sent to all Old Brookville residents. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to volunteer their services to assure that Old Brookville residents continue toreceive the best in police protection. As always, it continues to be my pleasure to serve the Village and the residents of Old Brookville.

Yours truly,

Bernie Ryba

Mayor - Village of Old Brookville