Updates from Village Hall
Starting this month and for each month thereafter, the Village website will be updated with news items of the month. The information will provide residents of Old Westbury with updates on activities taking place at Village Hall and around the Village. These updates will provide reminders of Village wide mailings, upcoming meeting dates and other items of general interest. If you have a suggestion for the Village on these upcoming “Monthly Updates”, please let us know by contacting Brian Ridgway, our Village Administrator directly at bridgway@vowny.org.
June Monthly Update
Old Westbury Pond Beautification Project:
The Old Westbury Pond Beautification Project is almost completed. This project includes improvement to the border of the ponds edge, guiderail improvements, post and rail fence replacement and the installation of two water fountains that will improve the overall water quality while maintaining the rustic charm of the pond and surrounding area. Over 550 new plants were added that will provide color and style throughout the year. Some of these plantings include: Black Eyed Susan, Swith Grass, Soft Rush, Blue Flag Iris, Northern Sea Oats, Royal Fern and Red Twig Dogwoods, to name a few. When visiting the area please be mindful of these new plantings as well as of the small residents of the pond such as turtles, frogs and small birds. See the attached selection of photos. More photos will appear in the “July Monthly Update” once the project is complete.
Village Hall Scheduled to Reopen on Monday, June 8th:
Following all safety measures and direction of the Governor’s Office, the doors of Village Hall are tentatively scheduled to be open on Monday, June 8th between the normal hours of 9AM to 4:30PM. Several safety measures will be in place such as a plexiglass divider at the front counter, and an exterior signboard reminding visitors that a mask will be required before entering. For those seeking a Building Department building permit, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with Building Department Superintendent, Michael Malatino, by calling Village Hall at 626-0800.
Village Hall Annual Plantings:
With the upcoming reopening of Village Hall tentatively scheduled for Monday, June 8th to the general public, some exterior beautification and general cleaning is underway; the front of Village Hall is being power-washed, minor exterior painting of trim and the annual plantings will provide a wide range of color.
Public Meetings:
Since April, all the Village Public Meetings for all three Boards (Planning, Zoning and Board of Trustees) have been conducted via conference call or Zoom. Since Legal Notices are required for these meetings, all meetings scheduled for June will continue to be held remotely. “Call-In” information for each of these Public Meetings are available at the top of the selected “Agenda” that are posted on the Village Web-Site.
Tax Billings:
The annual Village tax invoices were mailed on May 29th. At the direction of Mayor Carillo and Trustee Edward Novick, our Budget Officer, a request to The Office of the Governor was made for a 21-day extension of the due date of the tax invoice was made. The request was granted under Executive Order #202.32. Therefore, full payment of the Village’s tax invoice is due no later than Wednesday, July 22, 2020 rather than by July 1st. For residents wishing to deliver their payment directly to Village Hall a “drop box” will be in the lobby of Village Hall after our reopening.
Village 2020/2021 Budget Approved:
The Board of Trustees approved the Village Budget and once again stayed under the New York State Tax Cap. Each budget line was thoroughly reviewed by, Village Trustee and Budget Officer, Edward Novick. To ensure the Village maintains tight controls of all financial matters, monthly Department Heads’ meetings are conducted, and upgraded accounting software will aid in this oversite.
Water Capital Projects:
The majority of the Water Capital Projects that were undertaken by the Village have been successfully completed on-time and within budget. The remaining projects are on schedule and should be completed by the late Spring of 2021.
Annual Village Elections:
The annual Village election scheduled for Tuesday, June 16th was postponed by Executive Order of the Governor to Tuesday, September 15th – additional election information will be provided when known.
Web-Site Communication App Enhancement:
The Village’s Web-Site will soon be receiving an enhanced “app” called CP Mobile that will allow the Village to utilize push notification to send information to residents. Those who sign up will receive these communications from Village Hall without delay. More information will be in the “July Monthly Update”.
License Plate Cameras:
The Old Westbury Police Department has for, several months, been actively working with other law enforcement agencies and Trustee Edward Novick to purchase and install a License Plate Reading network at all entry points of the Village. This sophisticated system will provide an additional tool for our Police Department to use for the benefit of our residents in traffic monitoring activity. Installation of this system is anticipated to be fully operational in the next several weeks.