Hempstead Town Board Meeting Gets Heated, Gas Station Law

The Town of Hempstead board meeting was cut short Tuesday after resident Felix Procacci went over the three-minute span of allotted speaking time.

Procacci was discussing the recent lawsuit settlement between the town and three banned, volunteer animal rescue workers formerly of the Hempstead Town Animal Shelter.

After a warning to stop speaking from Senior Councilman Anthony Santino, Procacci ignored the request and continued speaking. It was at this point that Procacci's mic was turned off and the meeting was ended.

Click here to watch the video of what happened at the board meeting.

Hempstead Town Board Approves Gas Station Generator Law

Supervisor Kate Murray, Senior Councilman Anthony Santino and members of the Town Board passed a new Gas Station Generator Law on Tuesday in an effort to prevent the long fuel lines during major power outages.

The legislation was promoted by the seemingly endless gas lines endured by residents in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. While a major part of the problem was getting fuel shipments into local ports and to area gas stations, several fueling stations had gasoline in underground tanks, but had no way to fill up cars because stations lacked the electricity needed to pump fuel into the vehicles.

The new legislation requires gas stations in the township to have back-up generator power capable of operating fuel pumps in the event of a power outage. The officials said the legislation will help mitigate the impact of the type of fuel shortage that occurred in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Gasoline stations that pump more than 100,000 gallons a month would be required to comply with the town’s new generator law.

Existing gasoline retailers would have until Jan. 1, 2015, to come into compliance with the new legislation. Newly constructed facilities would immediately be required to build gas stations to the new standard. Similar legislation has gone into effect in Florida and Louisiana.

Deadline Approaching to Nominate Women for Town's 2013 Pathfinder Award

During the month of March, nationally recognized as Women’s History Month, the town’s Pathfinder Award is presented to local women who have excelled in their careers, the arts, education and volunteer activities, among other areas. The town is reminding residents to send in their nominations for women who are deserving of this recognition by the Feb. 5 deadline.

Each nominee will be carefully considered in the category specified by the person or organization making the recommendation. Award winners will be honored at a special ceremony on March 5 before their friends and family.

Nomination forms with an explanation of the various award categories can be obtained by downloading the form at http://www.toh.li//files/pdfs/th_pathfinder-nomination-form.pdf.

TOH Announces New Children's Art Programs in East Meadow

The Town of Hempstead recently announced new and free children's art programs that will take place in East Meadow during the winter season.

Recreation instructors will guide the children in an array of artistic projects. Parents may only enroll their children by calling the individual park. Age requirements vary by location and proof of age is required at the first class.

Parents will have to register for the winter programs by phone or in person at each park beginning on Jan. 28 at 9 a.m.

The classes will meet at the following locations on Saturdays from Feb. 2 to March 23.

• Salisbury Park Drive Ball Fields: Classes will take place from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. for children ages 5 to 10, (516) 997-4534.   
• Veterans Memorial Park: Classes will take place at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for children ages 5 to 10, (516) 296-7791.