By Stephanie Mariel Petrellese

The Garden City Board of Trustees approved a five percent increase in the water rate at their May 22nd meeting. This is the second year in a row that the rate has increased by five percent.

"The rate increase was necessary due to the extensive capital project investments made in adding treatment facilities to the system," Village Auditor Jim Olivo told the Garden City News in an e-mail after the meeting.

The rate increases substantially after a homeowner or business uses more than 6,000 cubic square feet. The current rate is 16.80 per 1,000 cubic feet for those who use 2,000 to 6,000 cubic feet. The rate jumps to 25.20 for those who use over 6,000 cubic feet.

As of June 1st, the new rate will be 17.65 per 1,000 cubic feet for those who use 2,000 to 6,000 cubic feet. The rate increases to 26.50 for those who use over 6,000 cubic feet. The minimum charge will be $35.30. Many residents easily surpass 6,000 cubic feet in the summer when they water their lawns.

Mayor Peter Bee is expected to explain the water rate in fuller detail in an upcoming "From the Mayor's Office" column, which can be found every week in The Garden City News.

In other water news, Steve Cabrera of Dvirka & Bartilucci gave his annual presentation on the village's storm water management plan at the May 22nd Board of Trustees meeting. This presentation is required by the New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation.

Cabrera stressed the importance of increasing public awareness of the dangers of pollution. Storm water pollution is defined as "anything that gets in the path of a raindrop." Examples of possible pollutants include sediment, trash, automotive fluids like used oil or antifreeze, grass clippings, leaves, yard waste, excess fertilizers, animal waste and pesticides.

The Village is in full compliance with the Department of Environmental Conservation's regulations. The annual report can be reviewed by the public at Village Hall. For more tips to prevent storm water pollution, visit the administration page at the Village's Web site www.gardencityny.net and click on "Storm Water Report."