Village Board Hears Capital Project Proposals

By Meg Morgan Norris

The Garden City Board of Trustees started its annual budgeting process with a meeting to discuss the capital projects proposed by the various department heads in the Village.

According to Village Auditor James Olivo, in previous years spending on capital projects (including debt service) has ranged from about 10% to 17% of the total Village budget. This year, the proposed outlay would be about 10.12% of the budget.

Mr. Olivo noted that by 2013 most of the Village's debt would be paid off, and this relatively low level of debt has earned the village an excellent bond rating by Moodys.

Among the capital improvements sought by village departments are:

+ Technology: $138,000 for items including improvements to mobile computer terminals in police cars. In a recent incident a mobile computer came loose during an automobile accident and became a projectile.

The technology department also seeks increased use of hand held devices in other areas of the village, such as by department of public works engineers.

+ Fire Department: $250,000 for replacement of several new vehicles. In addition, the fire department is seeking funds to install emergency power generators at its outlying fire stations for $30,000 and $40,000 respectively.

+ Police Department: The police department is seeking funds to replace six vehicles, as well as provide officers with a new weapon. According to Police Commissioner Ernest Cipullo, Garden City officers train three times a year with their weapons, and fire about 500 rounds a year. The weapons are 16 years old, and according to Mr. Cipullo there have been some issues with metal fatigue.

+ Library: The Library is seeking funds for improving its computer network, as well as funds to do an engineering study on the aged heating and air conditioning system.

+ Department of Public Works: the DPW is seeking funds for replacement of several large pieces of equipment including a 60 foot tree trimming truck and a sanitation truck. Altogether, the DPW maintains 100 pieces of equipment. The costs for road repairs has risen steeply due to the rise in the cost of asphalt which is derived partly from petroleum. Repaving of parking field 7N will be deferred until the next fiscal year.

+ The Recreation Department requested money for replacing several maintenance vehicles, and for upgrading equipment at Edgemere playground. The Rec Department is also seeking an improved area at Community Park called Athlete's Square that would feature shade areas and seating and a food concession.