Village Board Roundup: Debate Over Parking, Approve Service Contracts

The Village Board approved a resolution at Monday's meeting to publish a legal notice to host an Aug. 29 public hearing on proposed local law 1111 — legislation that would eliminate ticketing for metered parking spaces after 6 p.m. in the village. 

As of now, parking in the downtown after 6 p.m. is free, but this legislation would officially change the municipal law. Mayor Francis Murray has the authority to direct code enforcement to stop ticketing after 6 p.m., even though legislation to change the code has not been passed.

Trustee Ed Oppenheimer was the lone trustee to vote against the resolution to host a public hearing, but said it was not because he was against the law. Oppenheimer explained that he wanted to discuss with the board the ramifications of the law, how it would impact the daytime businesses and if there were any alternatives.

"I have not said I'm against the law," he said. "I just have too many questions."

Murray said moving forward with the legislation was a quality of life issue and is vital to the sustainability of the downtown business district. "This is very important as far as I'm concerned," Murray said.

Trustee Mike Sepe said the village survived before night time parking fees were enforced, and encouraged those for and against the local law to attend the public hearing on Aug. 29.

In other news, the board approved service contracts for the following professional services:

1. Gymnastics Instructor Pamela Long — $12,000
2. Gymnastics Instructor Heather Knoch — $15,000
3. Gymnastics Instructor Michele LoPalo — $12,000
4. Swimming Instruction @ Freeport Rec — $11,000
5. Happy Piano program - $22,500
6. RVC Lanes bowling instruction - $14,000
7. L&M Sports - $21,000

The board, along with former mayors Eugene Murray and Mary Bossart, honored counsel to the Zoning Board James Rochford for his 12 years of counsel service. "It's no small thing to say that you trained the residents of Rockville Centre in zoning law," Bossart said.

The next briefing session is on Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.