HIGHLIGHTS | 3 Village Street Sweeping Schedule | 4 Baxter Beach Update | 5 New Tree Law | 7 Pool & Hot Tub Permits

GREETINGS FROM MAYOR NORA HAAGENSONDear Residents:

Spring is in the air and the Board of Trustees is discussing a number of initiatives for the Village. The 2018–2019 Village Budget has been approved and includes funding for public works services and Village

beautification to maintain our wonderful quality of life.

We continue to have a number of new families moving into the Village. Some of our longtime residents have re-located to other areas, replaced by younger families who will now enjoy the benefits of living in our beautiful village on Manhasset Bay.

I continue to meet with all the mayors in Port Washington and Manhasset. We share ideas with other villages, enabling us to decrease some costs. I also discuss with the mayors on the peninsula all the issues and mandates which have come from the County and the State, and which place constraints on all of us. I have met with County Executive Laura Curran, with Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, with Senator Elaine Phillips, with Congressman Tom Suozzi, with Legislator Delia DeRiggi-

Whitton, with Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio, and with Assemblyman Tony D’Urso regarding projects within the Village as well as addressing challenges we might face. These have been meaningful conversations and have led to a continuing dialogue as we move forward. I continue to pursue grant opportunities to help fund major endeavors such as stabilization efforts for our beach, parkland revitalization, and capital improvement projects such as repaving our roads and retaining walls.

There is other news to share. We have a new Building Inspector, a newly established independent Village Planning Board, an amended Tree Law, a Village Hall dedication and celebration planned for October 11, and even more information in this

newsletter.As a final note, I want to address

the subject of inappropriate behavior toward one another and toward Village personnel. Rude, threatening discourse or physical confrontation are not acceptable. The “I CAN SAY AND DO ANYTHING I WANT” attitude which seems to be permeating our country right now will not be tolerated. Please think before you speak or act.

Lastly, congratulations to our Village Clerk-Treasurer, Chrissy Kiernan and her husband Matt, on the birth of their first child, Theodore John Kiernan, born on November 27.

Enjoy the spring and summer!As always, it is my privilege and my

pleasure to serve as your Mayor.

Nora HaagensonMayor

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE VILLAGE OF BAXTER ESTATES MAY 2018

Pictured from left to right: “Angry Faced Tree” in front of 11 Shoreview Road, “Wizard of Oz Apple Tree” near 7 Hilltop Road, “Blowing a Kiss Tree” in the backyard of 23 Hilltop Road, “The Leaning Tower of Treeza” on Overlook Drive just before the Village of Baxter Estates sign. Photo credit: Paul Mauriello, a newly appointed member of the Tree Commission.

2 | THE BAXTER POST MAY 2018

LEAF PICKUP SERVICE SUSPENDEDAt the Budget Hearing held on April 5, 2018, the Board of Trustees voted to suspend the leaf pick-up service. Many issues have arisen in the Village over the past several years relating to this service which led us to do a lot of research regarding this topic. Safety and cost were among our biggest concerns.

Landscapers often added debris to the leaf piles. Young children love to jump in leaf piles and with added branches, stones, and other non-leaf objects, the leaf piles become dangerous. Frequently residents’ leaf piles blow and spread all over the street creating a safety hazard for pedestrians and vehicles, especially during wet roadway conditions.

Leaf collection costs have increased

each year, and for the past two years directly increased due to extra pickups. Weather conditions causing late leaf falling required additional pickups not budgeted for. This past fall was particularly difficult for us. There was a demand from a couple of residents for an additional pickup as late as Christmas Eve!

It is well known that Baxter Estates provides leaf pickup service. Illegal dumping of leaves from non-Village trees by outside landscapers has become an issue which is almost impossible to control. Unless caught in the act, the landscapers get away with this and the Village has to remove the piles. It is expensive to remove illegally dumped, highly compacted leaf piles. There is also

a limited number of vendors who provide this service making it almost impossible to receive competitive bids.

The Mayor plans to introduce a bill to establish landscaper permits, requiring landscapers to register their information with our Village Clerk. Flower Hill, Sands Point and Manorhaven have successfully done this. We will then be able to control who can work in our village.

This fall, please arrange for your leaves to be carted away, or bag them and put them at the curb for pick-up by Meadow Carting. Yard waste is now picked up on Wednesdays. Landscapers are required by law to remove any yard waste created as a result of their commercial activities. B

STREET SWEEPING SCHEDULEThe initial sweep takes place in April. Schedule thereafter: May 8, May 22, June 5, June 19, July 10, July 24, August 7, August 21, September 4, September 18, October 9, October 30.

These dates are subject to change pending weather conditions. In order for Dejana Industries to do the best possible job, it is important to park

your car in your driveway and not in the street on street sweeping days. We appreciate your anticipated cooperation. B

VILLAGE ESTABLISHES INDEPENDENT PLANNING BOARDThe Board of Trustees has established an independent Planning Board separate from the Board of Trustees. Members reside from all over the Village and include Jerry Hallissy as Chairman, with Susan Athanasian, Andrea Falino, Brian Reardon, and Peter Steincke as members. We thank them for their willingness to serve in this volunteer capacity. This Board will oversee comprehensive planning, site plan review, and sub-division review on single family zoned homes. It is important to have an independent body overseeing matters which have an impact on our Village as New York State has encouraged us to do. B

NEW BUSINESSES We have two new businesses in the Village. The Port Washington Mailroom opened in November at 119 Main Street, which provides mailing services, photocopying services and other products.

A/R Workshop at 273 Main Street, is planning an opening later this spring, providing do-it-yourself craft workshops for adults and children.

We wish both businesses success. B

MAY 2018 THE BAXTER POST | 3

NEW VILLAGE APPOINTEESTHE VILLAGE BOARD APPOINTED BOB BARBACH AS OUR NEW BUILDING INSPECTOROur former Building Inspector, Joseph Saladino, retired and Robert Barbach has been hired as our new Building Inspector. Bob is a registered architect and comes to us with many years of experience in the private and municipal government sectors. We share him with the Village of Port Washington North and with the Village of Great Neck. In addition, Bob has his own private architectural practice. Sharing his services allows us to fulfill one of the State’s requirements of shared services with other villages. Bob is here in the Village on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3 P.M. to 5 P.M. and on Wednesdays from 8 A.M. to Noon. We are delighted to have him!

The Building Inspector enforces zoning ordinances, inspects plans, and also issues building permits and certificates of occupancy. Since permits are required for all alterations and additions or other structural changes, residents are advised to check with the Village Office when planning home repairs and improvements. Email inquiries to the Building Inspector may be sent to building@baxterestates.org. You may also leave messages for the Building Inspector with the Village Clerk-Treasurer or Deputy Village Clerk, who may also make appointments for him when necessary.

PROJECTS THAT REQUIRE PERMITS:General Building Permit—example: kitchen renovation, bathroom remodeling, oil to gas conversion, sprinkler installation

◾ Accessory Building Permit

◾ Air Conditioning Permit ◾ Antenna Permit ◾ Awning Permit ◾ Cesspool Permit ◾ Demolition Permit ◾ Dumpster Permit ◾ Fence Permit

◾ Generator Permit ◾ Pool/hot tub Permit ◾ Sewer Installation Permit ◾ Shed Permit ◾ Sign Permit ◾ Special Event Permit ◾ Street Opening Permit ◾ Tree Permit ◾ Wood Deck Permit

If you are unsure if the work you are interested in doing requires a permit, please call us, otherwise hefty fines may be incurred for work completed without a permit!

JOSHUA SPEISMAN COMPLETES COURSEWORK TO BECOME CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL Josh Speisman, Chairman of the Tree Commission, is now also our Code Enforcer. He has completed his course

requirements to be licensed by the State of New York. Bravo to Josh! Josh inspects residents’ pools for safety, and carbon monoxide detectors in our commercial locations, and enforces all other code-related matters.

PAUL MAURIELLO JOINS THE TREE COMMISSIONPaul Mauriello has just been appointed to the Tree Commission. He sits on the Commission with Josh Speisman and Brian Reardon, and Alternate Member, Lance Wagner. Paul has photographed many trees finding wonderful faces and images in them, some of which are in our newsletter. His commitment to preserving our trees and even finding inspiration in them make him an ideal addition to the Commission. We are delighted and thank him for volunteering to serve. B

INDUCTION & SWEARING IN CEREMONYTrustees Baldwin and Peckelis were re-elected to two-year terms on Tuesday, March 20, 2018. Village Attorney Christopher J. Prior, a partner in the law firm McLaughlin & Stern LLP, performed the swearing in ceremony at the Board of Trustees Annual Meeting held on Thursday, April 5, 2018. B

Pictured at right: Deputy Mayor Comer voting in our Antique Voting Booth. Below left: Board of Trustees from left to right: Chris Ficalora, Alice Peckelis, Nora Haagenson, Charles Comer and Doug Baldwin. Below right: Attorney Prior swears in Trustees Peckelis and Baldwin.

4 | THE BAXTER POST MAY 2018

NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE LAURA CURRAN TOURS BAXTER ESTATES

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran joined me and Deputy Mayor Charles Comer for breakfast here at Village Hall on December 20th, 2017, shortly before being sworn into office on January 1st, 2018. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the County Executive to Baxter Estates, walk along our beach, and get to know

who we are. She was impressed with how well-kept, idyllic, and beautiful our little village is and particularly likes our proximity to the bay and the lovely views. B

BAXTER BEACH UPDATEIt has been three years since I first began speaking with officials regarding Baxter Beach. Although the beach is not one for swimming, it offers lovely views of the bay, sunsets, and even New York City. We all know that the beach and Shore Road flood with heavy rains. I have compelled our elected officials to realize that this is a problem for all of Port Washington as many residents north of Baxter Estates use Shore Road daily. In our Village, it is an evacuation route for Bayside Avenue and the houses along Shore Road. For the rest of Port Washington, it is an evacuation route for a portion of Port North, all of Manorhaven, and even a portion of Sands Point. After many meetings, photographs showing the flooding and erosion of the beach over time, and walk-thrus with elected officials, I think we have all agreed that a feasibility study of the beach area is necessary. I am more optomistic now than I have been previously. I am hoping Nassau County, with the leadership and support of our Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, will consider funding a revitalization effort of Baxter Beach to extend the baywalk, stabilize the beach, stop the erosion on the road, and beautify the waterfront in the next County Capital Plan. Stay tuned! B

Deputy Mayor Charles Comer, Nancy Comer, Mayor Nora Haagenson and Nassau County Executive Laura Curran

WATER CONSERVATIONPlease conserve water. It is our most valuable resource. The Village of Baxter Estates partners with the Port Washington Water District, Residents Forward (formerly Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington), the Western Nassau County Aquifer Committee*, and the Manhasset Bay Protection Committee to protect our water. We are a village which borders beautiful Manhasset Bay.

◾ Follow specific guidelines for watering lawns and using fertilizers.

◾ Please clean up pet waste. It is the law.

◾ Know what can be put down the drain.

◾ Please visit www.pwwd.org for more information.*The Western Nassau County

Aquifer Committee, which is comprised of elected officials, water suppliers, environmental advocacy organizations, and individuals in Nassau County, work collaboratively with all levels of government to ensure the proper science and technology is in place to shape best management practices of our fragile sole source aquifer. B

MAY 2018 THE BAXTER POST | 5

NEW TREE LAWMaintaining the trees which give the Village of Baxter Estates much of its character is the responsibility of each resident. To ensure this legacy for current and future residents, the Village has strengthened our Tree Preservation and Protection Laws. The Village Tree Code requires that removal of trees on private property follow prescribed procedures, based on a tree’s diameter in inches, and that removal of certain trees requires replanting of new trees.

The amendments to the Tree Code now requires that a resident volunteer Tree Commission makes the final decision on whether a Tree Removal Permit is to be issued and what the conditions for removal will be. The Commission can meet as needed, speeding up the process for obtaining a permit. Previously, the Board of Trustees would review the Tree Commissioner’s report and make the determination and since the Board only meets once a month this delayed the process for many residents. The Tree Commission Chair has completed a hazardous tree safety course and will be training commission members. The criteria for removal are listed in the Tree Code.

The Commission’s primary responsibilities are to: maintain the Village’s tree environment, provide information to residents about their trees, facilitate Tree Code compliance, and document the removals and new plantings of trees.

The Tree Commission Members are available to provide assistance via email. The Village posts Commission Meetings on our website and complies with the Open Meetings Law when publicizing a meeting. Anyone may attend these meetings.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:When do I need a permit?If a tree is at least 7" in diameter or greater at a point 5 feet above ground level, then it is classified as a Class B Tree and a removal permit must be requested by filling out and submitting a Tree Removal Permit Application Form, and paying the permit processing fees.

Where can I obtain a permit and how do I submit my permit?You may download a permit on our website, www.baxterestates.org, or obtain a hardcopy at Village Hall during regular business hours. You can mail the permit back to Village Hall, scan and email it, leave it in our mailbox during non-business hours or personally deliver it to the Clerk’s Office during regular business hours.

What is the permit fee?The non-refundable permit fee is $50 for up to two trees and $25 for each

additional tree. A minimum deposit of a $250 per tree, which is at the discretion of the Tree Commission, is also required and will be deposited into the Village Tree Relief Fund. Your deposit may be refunded should you agree to replant a tree under the terms stipulated by the Tree Commission.

When is a permit issued?A permit will be issued only after the Tree Commission visits the site, examines the tree, the Commission determines that the tree should be removed at a meeting of the Commission, the Building Inspector signs the permit approval, and all required fees are paid.

Do I have to replace my tree and what do I do if I do not want to replace my tree?For any tree which requires a permit to be obtained, a replacement tree must be planted on the resident’s

property. This replacement tree must be of a size and species as approved by the Tree Commission. If you do not wish to replant a tree, a fee at the discretion of the Tree Commission of a minimum of $250 per tree removed must be paid. These fees will be added to the Village of Baxter Estates Tree Relief Fund to plant a tree elsewhere in the Village. The Board feels this is a fair approach.

What if my tree is dead?A dead tree is not a tree, but the Village still needs to deem the tree dead so please call us to have us send our Building Inspector, Code Enforcement Official, or a Member of the Tree Commission to take a look. Sending us a photo prior to inspection speeds up the process, so feel free to do so by email to staff@baxterestates.org

What if I have a tree emergency or my tree becomes dangerous?There is an exception for emergencies. If the Tree Commissioner or the Building Inspector determines that an emergency situation exists with respect to any dangerous tree that requires the immediate removal or alteration of a tree to prevent imminent danger to human life or property, then the Tree Commissioner or the Building Inspector may direct the landowner immediately to take such corrective or removal action as the Commissioner or the Building Inspector so directs. Email us at staff@baxterestates.org or phone us at 516-767-0096.

Please refer to the Village Code and Village Fee Schedule for additional information. B

6 | THE BAXTER POST MAY 2018

THE BOARD RECOGNIZES RESIDENT CHARLOTTE KERPEN FOR ORGANIZING PORT FOR PARKLAND FUNDRAISER AND AWARENESS EVENT

Charlotte Kerpen, daughter of Carrie and David Kerpen, received a citation from the Board of Trustees at their April meeting, recognizing her commitment to raise awareness for gun control. Charlotte, a freshman at Schreiber High School, was inspired to organize a benefit concert at Landmark on Main Street on March 14 to benefit the Broward Schools Foundation

for the victims’ families of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida and also the Sandy Hook Promise. Charlotte raised over $30,000. We salute this young resident! B

GRANTSWe have four state and municipal facilities grants pending with Senator Elaine Phillips and NYS Assemblyman Tony D’Urso for capital improvements. These are earmarked for the replacement of four retaining walls in the Village, roadwork, repaving the Village Hall parking lot, and replacing the windows at Village Hall. Additionally, Mayor Haagenson has had conversations with State Senator Phillips about revitalizing our parklands. We are grateful to our State government officials for all they have done and continue to do to help us. They have been willing partners in our efforts to improve our Village. Court grants have allowed us to install safety features such as security lighting in the parking lot, camera surveillance, window blinds, purchase new file cabinets and furniture, purchase a PA system, and install a building alarm system. All of this has been desperately needed. B

New York Senator Elaine Phillips visits our Village on December 13, 2017

New York State Assemblyman Tony D’Urso visits our Village on September 22, 2017

NEW RESIDENTS: SEND US YOUR EMAIL ADDRESSIf you are a new resident, please contact the Village Clerk’s Office and provide us with your email address so that we may send you important notifications and updates.

IN MEMORIAM

JOHN H. WEAVER, VILLAGE OF BAXTER ESTATES MAYOR 1999–2001; TRUSTEE 1977–1999

The Hon. John Henry Weaver, Jr. passed away on December 21, 2017, at the age of 97. He and his wife and family lived on Bayside Avenue from 1956 until 2002 when his wife died. John Weaver was very proud of his service in the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. He served as Mayor of the Village from 1999 to 2001, having been a Trustee of the Village from 1977 to 1999. B

PORT WASHINGTON-MANHASSET MAYOR’S ROUNDTABLE

Mayor Haagenson hosted a roundtable meeting on November 15, 2017 with the Port Washington and Manhasset Mayors to continue dialogue on ways to benefit one another, to share ideas, and to collaborate on initiatives.

MAY 2018 THE BAXTER POST | 7

POOL AND HOTTUB PERMITS AND ANNUAL INSPECTIONSAll swimming pools and hot tubs must have a permit and are inspected annually. The permit application can be obtained at the Village Office and will be mailed to all residents who have a pool or hot tub on record. If you do not receive your pool permit application by Memorial Day Weekend, please contact us to obtain your permit and schedule your annual inspection.

Pool inspections follow prescribed procedures by New York State so that a pool does not become a danger. The pool area must be completely enclosed with a good quality fence four feet in height. Every gate in the fence must be equipped with self-closing and self-locking devices. Pools must be completely drained in the winter and provided with tight fitting covers. Provisions must be made for draining the pool on premises. A pool should never be emptied into the street. B

REMINDER REGARDING PROPERTY MAINTENANCENo brush, grass, or weeds in excess of 10 inches shall be permitted to grow or remain on any property in the Village. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Combustible waste, refuse and large quantities of dry vegetation, which by reason of their proximity to buildings or structures would constitute a fire hazard or contribute to the spread of fire, shall be removed. No dead tree or dead limb or branch of any tree shall be permitted to remain on any property. No rubbish shall be stored or permitted to accumulate or remain upon any property, except upon authorization by special permit issued by the Board of Trustees upon application therefore. B

VILLAGE CONSTRUCTION HOURS INCLUDING LANDSCAPING & GROUNDS MAINTENANCEExcessive noise of any kind in an outdoor living area before 8:00 A.M. or after 10:00 P.M. is prohibited if the sound is audible and could constitute a disturbance to other residents. Construction is permitted Monday to Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. and on Saturdays from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

The operation in a residential district of any power equipment for grounds improvement or maintenance is permitted between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. on Mondays through Fridays, 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. on Saturdays and 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. on Sundays. In addition, owners themselves may operate power equipment between 6:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M Monday through Friday. Power equipment includes generators, lawn mowers, garden tools, snow removal equipment, power saws, chain saws, leaf blowers, lawn edgers, and wood, branch and leaf chippers.

If you find that someone is in violation of the noise ordinance, we encourage you to speak with your neighbor before reporting it to the Village Clerk’s office. Kindness goes a long way! B

VILLAGE PROPERTY TAXES ARE DUE WITHOUT PENALTY BY JULY 1June 1 begins annual tax collection. Taxes may be paid between 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday thru Friday (except holidays) to Chrissy Kiernan, Village Clerk-Treasurer & Tax Collector, at Village Hall, 315 Main Street, Port Washington, NY 11050. If mailing your payment, we recommend that you ask the postal clerk to date stamp your tax payment envelope when mailing.

New York State Law Section 924A requires that a penalty of 5% be added for the first month or fraction thereof on taxes remaining unpaid after July 1. Monthly interest after July 31 will be added at the rate of 1% per month. B

CATCH BASIN CLEANINGPlease be advised, the Village will be performing our routine maintenance of our catch basins in early May. B

BOARD OF TRUSTEESNora Haagenson, MayorCharles Comer, Deputy MayorDoug Baldwin, TrusteeChris Ficalora, TrusteeAlice M. Peckelis, Trustee

JUSTICE COURTElizabeth S. Kase, Village JusticeGale D. Berg, Associate Village JusticeLinda Kropacek, Court Clerk

ADMINISTRATIONChrissy Kiernan, Village Clerk-TreasurerElisabeth Roberts, Deputy Village ClerkChristopher J. Prior, Village AttorneyRobert Barbach, Building InspectorJoshua Speisman, Code Enforcement Official

CONTACT US!staff@baxterestates.org516-767-0096 Phone516-767-0058 FaxVisit us on the Web: www.baxterestates.orgwww.facebook.com/baxterestatesvillage/

315 Main StreetPort Washington, NY 11050

VILLAGE CELEBRATION PLANNED FOR OCTOBER 11The bond to buy the John T. Bird House for our

Village Hall will be satisfied this summer! To celebrate

this important and exciting event and to dedicate

our Village Hall to our residents, we are planning

to hold a celebration on Thursday, October 11, from

6 P.M. to 9 P.M. We intend to have a pot luck supper

for residents and are looking for volunteers to help

us. There will be several public officials in attendance

and a few surprises. Please call our Village Clerk,

Chrissy Kiernan, if you would like to participate on the

Planning Committee, donate your favorite dish, or if

you can volunteer on the day of the celebration.