RSS 2.0 FeedThursday, January 26, 2012, Freeport-Baldwin Leader
Freeport will participate in Irene relief program
Contracts also awarded during session.
Freeport residents who have suffered at least 50 percent damage to their homes caused by Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee may be eligible for tax relief under a new reassessment program approved by the state.
At their agenda meeting on Monday, village trustees approved the participation of Freeport in the program.
Freeport Assessor Paul Nehrich explained at the meeting that at least four houses would qualify for the program, which would provide tax relief for one year. After that period, the property “would revert to its previous value,” Mr. Nehrich said.
“We don’t know how many [applicants] may come out of the woodwork once this legislation passes,” he said.
The assessor also noted that the Building Department would be relied upon to determine whether a property qualifies for a reassessment and there would be an appeals process involving the Village Board.
The board would have the final ruling on appeals,” said Mr. Nehrich, adding, “If there are more houses out there, we want to help them.”
Mayor Andrew Hardwick said the village “may need to create a team to walk an area and knock on doors” to inform residents of their options in the program. “People just don’t know.”
In the brief agenda meeting, trustees approved contracts for lot clearance and boarding up unused buildings and other purchases.
Contracts were awarded to the following businesses:
- Cipco Boarding Co. Inc., of East Rockaway, $25,355 for the annual “board up” contract.
- United Rubbish Removal of Huntington Station, $84,112 for the annual lot clearance contract (inorganic materials).
- F. Acosta Landscaping of Freeport, $69,632 for the annual lot clearance (organic materials) contract.
- ENOSERV of Tulsa, Okla., $24,470 for a software package for the Electric Utility for use in testing. Mayor Hardwick said the software would save money since there would be no need for outside technicians to perform the work.
The board also voted to renew the one-year agreement with the Freeport Exempt Firemen’s Association at a cost of $5,000.
In other actions prior to the public comment segment, trustees approved the hanging of banners at various intersections to promote the Black History Month celebration at the Recreation Center on February 3.
Public comment
Resident Anthony Miller probably expressed the sentiments of many about the conduct of not only Monday’s public comment segment, but of many going back several years.
After what seemed like a public trial as various speakers brought up complaints of malfeasance centering on the audit report of the state comptroller on the village’s budgets under the Glacken administration or of Mayor Hardwick’s handling of various issues, Mr. Miller called for a constructive relationship between the village board and members of the public.
“I have the utmost respect for people sitting on this dais,” he said. “I don’t like to see political theater. It seems like that is what we’ve been getting the past three years and it seems to have been getting stronger over the past year.”
Mr. Miller, a former mayoral candidate, also suggested that some speakers who leveled sharp criticism at certain trustees “to save it for the election.” He added, “If anything bad happened, I’m sure the state police would have come in by now.”
He urged the board to work to promote Freeport’s economy. “People under 30 look for economic development,” he said.
Among those speaking to the issue of the state audit was attorney Cheryl Clark, who asked the board “What legal action do you propose to take against the prior administration” regarding the findings of the audit.
She also called for the removal of the two trustees from the previous administration, William White Jr., and Jorge Martinez.
Ms. Clarke also complained of the “incompetence of employees,” alleged dereliction of duties by government officials and violation of oaths by board members. “It’s outrageous,” she said. I am highly disturbed by this. I think you owe us money.”
Trustee Robert Kennedy replied that “We have made substantial cuts in salaries of up to 30 percent.” He also noted that contracts had been cut significantly and bid amounts were “triple checked” before a decision to award a contract was made.
Mayor Hardwick added that “some salaries had been cut by 50-plus percent.”
He continued, “We’ve been thinking about the future, and going after more grants” and looking at various ways of raising revenue from sources other than taxes.
A former candidate for the board, Annette Dennis, questioned Mr. White on his past association with the former mayor and village attorney, Harrison Edwards, and about the approximately $4.2 million cost of a settlement made by the village following a traffic accident in Massapequa involving former police Chief Michael Woodward that resulted in a pedestrian injury. The former chief was off-duty and driving a village vehicle.
Mr. White responded by asking if his answer would air on the subsequent airing of the meeting on Channel 18, citing past airings in which his answers to questions did not receive airplay.
This led to a lengthy side discussion on the videotaping process.
Another resident, Pat Rowan, questioned the mayor about whether he supported a recently re-introduced bill in the state Legislature by Assembly woman Earlene Hooper that would have granted the former National Guard Armory to the village for $1.
Mayor Hardwick said the village did not support the bill and did not want the armory, which carries hidden costs such as taxes and upkeep.
He added that the state subsequently decided to tear down the structure.
Another speaker asked about the status of the Nautical Mile Festival held in June.
The mayor replied that the board is seeking ways of expanding the event to two days “and to have it pay for itself.
“Our biggest concern is to have it pay for itself and keep it safe,” he added.
The mayor added that the village has received complaints in the past, mostly from some businesses and residents in the area, and that the police and fire departments “have their concerns.”
He also raised the prospect of charging up to $3 a person for admission, which drew mixed reaction from other board members.