BY SARA GILBERT
The Town of Haverstraw board met Monday, June 25 to present three local families with checks from the 3-mile Fun Run and discuss purchases, the town’s audit and residents’ concerns.
Once the pledge of allegiance was recited, roll call was taken, and adoption of the June 11 meeting was passed, Supervisor Howard T. Phillips called all the members of the Fun Run committee to the front of the room.
“Over nine years ago, we got together with this idea of an event, a Fun Run,” said Phillips. “We weren’t sure is anyone would even come out for it. The overwhelming response has amazed us. And it has evolved to be one of the most amazing events we have all year and we have a number of great events here.”
Stony Point and Haverstraw work together each year to make it better, said Phillips. Participation has gone from about 200 people to more than 500.
The 3-mile Fun Run raised just more than $27,000 this year. Phillips gave each of the three families the run raised funds for a check for $9,000.
Unfortunately, Brenda Fay, who has been battling breast cancer, took a turn for the worse and no family members were present that evening. But members of the DiCarlo and Santiago families were both there. Gabrielle DiCarlo is a 6-year-old diagnosed with cancer and Krystian Santiago is a 13-year-old diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome.
“The event has really turned into something spectacular,” said Michael Greco, past-president of the Rockland Road Runners Club. “It’s an honor and privilege to be part of it. This race is stronger than ever. And I’m convinced that the reason it continues to grow in support is because of North Rockland. I’m proud to be part of this community.”
Noreen Ann Smith, recreation facilities supervisor for Stony Point, was present as well. “We love doing it. It’s not just for the families we’re helping, it’s for everyone in the community,” she said.
Once the checks were handed to each family and well wishes were made, the meeting proceeded with regular business.
The fire department amended the Haverstraw fire district maps and the board accepted the changes. They are viewable at Town Hall.
The board agreed to advertise for a bid for Belgian block curb improvements. The sealed bid proposals are due by 10:30 a.m. on August 3, 2012 at the Town Hall, 1 Rosman Road in Garnerville.
Korn Rosenbaum, LLP of Pomona completed the audit of the Town of Haverstraw and the report was approved by the board.
“Every year we must do an independent audit, this is according to state law,” said Phillips. The 2011 audit just completed “shows the town is in excellent condition and everything is in order. I want to compliment all departments because it’s a joint effort and it’s been done meticulously. We’re very pleased with the report.”
The board approved the agreement with Rockland County Intelligence Center for reimbursement of a police officer assigned to Rockland County from January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012 for $62,500.
Cornell Cooperative Extension will provide educational services to Haverstraw, phase two of the storm water educational program, from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013.
The board agreed to allow a community development block grant for additional lighting at Bowline Point Park. This project will cost $80,000.
The board approved the agreement between the Town of Haverstraw and Infogroup of Papillion in Nebraska to provide an online cross-reference directory for the Town Police Department and Town Hall for a total of $625.
In it’s final motion of business, the board awarded the job of upgrading the heating and cooling systems in the Town’s Justice Court to Raffa Plumbing, Heating & A/C, Inc. of Haverstraw for their lowest bid of $7,300.
According Phillips, it’s simple, “we need to maintain the building.”
During the public participation, one resident asked the board if there was anything they could do about the noise from lawn blowers. “It’s fine that people want their lawns to look nice, but I’m asking that you at least pass an ordinate limiting it to 8-5 and only during the weekday. That should be enough,” he said, describing how even with his windows closed he can hear the noise. Several towns in Westchester have already passed laws banning the usage of lawn blowers due to their loud noise.
Phillip’s response was skeptical, but he said he would look into it.
Another resident suggested “police activity consolidation” especially now with the county under such economic pressures. “I think we need to give a hard and fast look at a county-wide police force. We should be able to operate with one unified force,” he said.
Phillip’s response to this was agreement, but, he said, “I don’t think anyone would be willing to give over more power to the county right now. Unfortunately, people are very angry and upset with the county and so even though you are right you won’t get even five percent to agree to it.”
In announcements, Phillips congratulated the 90 plus residents of Haverstraw who were celebrated at an event earlier that day. He also pointing out that five of them are over 100 years old. “Every year the number keeps growing – it’s incredible,” he said.
He reminded everyone to come out to the July 4th celebrations with music and fireworks on Tuesday, July 3.
Phillip’s closed out the meeting with remembering seven local residents lost recently and unfortunately.
Town of Haverstraw Hands Over $27,000 to Local Families at Board Meeting added by dskriloff on
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