A Word From Garden City Mayor Don Brudie

FIREWORKS INJURIES

As adults we know that it is illegal to possess and/or use fireworks. The main reason they became illegal is because they cause injury. Residents are reminded that the police department will be on alert to interdict illegal fireworks use to prevent community disruption and often needless injury. I strongly urge parents, who are the ultimate and most effective preventers, to ban the use of fireworks.

INDEPENDENCE DAY - THE FOURTH OF JULY

Retail sales will be prohibited in the village between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4. Certain exceptions are restaurants, delicatessen items and alcoholic beverages.

In observance of Independence Day, municipal offices will be closed on Wednesday, July 4 and will reopen on Thursday, July 5.

NO SANITATION COLLECTION - INDEPENDENCE DAY - JULY 4

There will be no garbage and recycling pickup on Wednesday, July 4. The western half of the village (west of Rockaway Avenue) will have garbage pickup on Monday and Friday and the eastern half of the village (east of Rockaway Avenue) will have garbage pickup on Tuesday and Saturday. There will be rubbish pickup on Thursday for the entire Village. Residents scheduled for recycling on July 4 are asked to put their recyclables out on Wednesday, July 11. All other recycling days remain the same.

PROPER DISPOSAL OF DOG WASTE - BARKING DOGS - LICENSING OF DOGS

Our local law requires dog owners to leash their pets and to clean up after them when they have relieved themselves upon any areas used in common by the public. These areas include median strips, curbs, gutters, park areas, streets, etc. By way of clarification, the Village’s Local Law is very specific as to the prohibition “No person who owns … any dog shall … permit or allow such dog to urinate, defecate or commit any other nuisance upon any public street, thoroughfare, sidewalk, gutter … or park … [or] any place where people congregate, or upon any private property without permission of the owner thereof. The term “sidewalk” as used herein shall mean the area between the curb, or traveled portion of the street if there be no curb and the property line of the abutting property owner”.

Regulations require that dog waste be placed with the rubbish for curbside collection on Wednesdays and be containerized or placed in a plastic bag which is properly secured. It must NOT be placed in storm drains for obvious health reasons.

Please be considerate of those village employees who are working to keep our community beautiful by cleaning up after your dog and by properly disposing of the waste. In consideration of your neighbors and the health and quality of life within our village, I ask that all cooperate with this law so that it will not be necessary to have the Police Department issue appearance tickets to violators.

We all know barking dogs can be a helpful security device and vandalism deterrent. But recently several residents have mentioned that neighbors are leaving barking dogs outside for extended periods of time and it is having an impact on their quality of quiet enjoyment in their homes. I ask that as a courtesy to all, please monitor dogs that are left outside for extended periods of time and be aware how this may be affecting your neighbors and friends.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind all residents that all dogs in New York State are required to be properly licensed and all rabies certifications must be updated. For more information consult the Village website for the new regulations to license your dog in Garden City.

SANITATION/RECYCLING GUIDELINES - 2012/13 SCHEDULE

The Sanitation/Recycling Collection Schedule and Guidelines for 2012/13 were mailed to residents last week. I encourage you to review the schedule and to please retain it as a reference source for the upcoming year. If anyone has not received a copy, please call the Department of Public Works at 465-4003.

CONCERT AT GAZEBO

Once again, compliments are due to the recreation department for arranging the 2012 season's outstanding concert series at the village gazebo, located on the village green at the corner of Stewart and Hilton Avenues.

Next week’s program is scheduled for Thursday, July 5, and will feature The Devotions - playing the sounds of the '50s.

The program will begin at 7:15 p.m. and admission is free. Please bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a very pleasant evening. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the Cultural and Performing Arts Center at Cluett Hall at the St. Paul's School. Please call the Recreation Office at 465-4075 if you have any questions pertaining to the concert.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES' SUMMER MEETING SCHEDULE

During July and August the board of trustees will meet only one time each month. The dates are Thursday July 19 and Thursday, Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. These meetings are held in the board room at Village Hall I encourage all residents to attend board of trustees meetings so as to be thoroughly informed of village issues from a first-hand perspective.