10/15/24 Board Report

PBA Arbitration

Back at the December 6, 2022 Board Meeting I mentioned that during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Floral Park PBA commenced an arbitration proceeding against the Village seeking double time pay during COVID pursuant to the “holiday” pay provision of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”) between the Village and the PBA. It was the Village’s position that the CBA’s “Holiday” pay provisions were inapplicable, were never triggered in this instance, and that the PBA’s claims were without merit. The New York State Supreme Court, Nassau County, agreed with the Village and enjoined the PBA’s arbitration from proceeding back in 2022. However, the New York State Appellate Division later ruled that the merits or lack of merit of the PBA’s claim should be determined by an arbitrator and not the courts.

Over the past 6 months the Village and PBA went before an arbitrator to state their claims.  I am happy to announce that last week the Arbitrator decision was received.  The ruling was in the Village’s favor stating that there was no “holiday” declared and that the members of the PBA are not entitled to any additional compensation for the extended period they were claiming.  This is an important decision as it removes what was a significant potential financial liability which we disclosed in various documents over the past few years.

I would like to thank our Village Attorney John Ryan, Marylou Conrow from Coughlin & Gerhart and Village Administrator Gerry Bambrick for their time and efforts they put in to ensure the Village presented our case in the best manner possible.

NYRA

We have been alerted by NYRA and the Floral Park Police Department that teens are trespassing on Belmont property and causing destruction both personal and physical. I would like to remind our residents, especially our younger ones, that even though one may think it’s a rite of passage to go over into Belmont Park property, both Floral Park and NYRA will prosecute to the full extent of the law for any criminal activity that may occur. I know NYRA is taking this very seriously due to some recent incidents that have occurred. On a more positive note, its my understanding that the Value Retail at Belmont Park Village (Mall) has had a soft opening today. There is a lot more work to be done but enough has been completed that they were have a soft opening.

Trustee Chiara and I had the privilege of working with NYRA and the Community Advisory Committee. Last Wednesday we had a tour of the ongoing construction that is occurring at Belmont Park. It is a massive facility and only when you are on the property do you realize how big it actually is.  They are moving along at a good pace and are either on or ahead of schedule. We are looking forward to continued cooperation with them. The new facility should be completed by the end of 2026.

Hurricane Relief Help

Lastly, late this afternoon I received a request from our fellow neighboring Village of New Hyde Park. They have adopted the towns of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure of North Carolina and are having an emergency relief drive tomorrow and Thursday at New Hyde Park Village Hall, to provide assistance to those towns. They are looking for various nonperishable items, cases of water, flashlights, and other items listed on their website. If you would like to donate, please check their website for a full list.