In recognition of Garden City’s 30th year as a designated “Tree City U.S.A.” community, a flag is flying at Village Hall and Recreation Commissioner Paul Blake presented Mayor Cosmo Veneziale with a plaque in fitting recognition of this honor during the Oct. 7 board meeting.
“Thirty years is quite an achievement,” Blake said. “We have already begun the application process for this year as well.”
This national recognition, granted by the National Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service with the National Association of State Foresters, recognizes communities that meet detailed, objective standards applied to trees on public property. These standards involve ongoing tree planting, maintenance and preservation of trees and the variety of trees planted per year in the community. Evaluations are made based on four standards: a legally constituted municipal tree body, the adoption of tree ordinances, a comprehensive Community Forestry Program and the observance of Arbor Day.
“Residents of Garden City should be proud to live in a community that makes the planting and care of trees a priority,” Dan Lambe, Arbor Day Foundation president, said. “We celebrate your commitment to the people and trees of Garden City and thank you for helping to create a healthier planet for all of us.”
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The Garden City Police Department will be participating in the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 23, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. A collection center will be maintained at Garden City Police Department Headquarters at 349 Stewart Ave. This event provides an opportunity for residents to safely discard unwanted, unused and expired medications.
As per the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.”
The police department advises the Garden City and DEA Drug Take Back programs allows for the safe disposal of drugs instead of flushing, burying, or throwing them out in the garbage, which poses significant environmental and health risks.
Parking Ticket Management System
The board has contracted with FBS Parking Solutions to replace the antiquated parking ticket writer system the police department currently uses with their “ConnectSmart Parking” system. Under the current parking ticket program, machines are constantly breaking down, tickets are occasionally unretrievable in the court management system, and the court payment system experiences delays. At no cost to the village, FBS will provide ticket writers, printers, and software, as well as necessary maintenance and training.
FBS will also provide the village court with a New York State compliant parking management and payment solution system. According to Police Commissioner Kenneth Jackson, the department will realize a savings of $1,350 per month in maintenance fees as well as additional equipment and operational costs. Over the last five years, Commissioner Jackson estimates the department has spent approximately $150,000 on the current program. FBS will act as a third-party collection agency for all delinquent tickets and will be able to file judgments on behalf of the village. FBS will only collect a percentage of delinquent fines received, not for tickets paid on time or dismissed by the court. The villages of Mineola, Hempstead, Freeport, Floral Park and Lynbrook already utilize FBS.
Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fire Chief Devyn Moody advises all residents to check all detectors monthly to ensure they are in working order.
“We have seen a rise in alarms in residences with non-working and out-of-date detectors,” Chief Moody said. “These detectors are your first line of defense to alert you and your family at your home or business.”
With Daylight Saving Time next month, it’s also a good idea to change your batteries as well.
—Submitted by the Village of Garden City
