Hydrant Marker Flags, Property Tax Discussed at Fire District Meeting

A deal with the Massapequa Water District, property tax exemption, and the bargain sale of some outdated vehicles were among the issues dealt with at the most recent meeting of the Massapequa Fire District's board.

Chairman Michael Hanna, who usually presides over the meetings, was absent, and taking his place temporarily in the big chair was trustee Thomas McCarthy.

One of the main orders of business conducted by the board at this meeting was the approval of a contract with the Massapequa Water District to attach marker flags to their fire hydrants in anticipation of the upcoming Winter snow.

"In snowstorms some of the hydrants can be a little difficult to locate," said McCarthy. "So, in conjunction with the Water District, we're going to attach flags on the hydrants on the main roads and such so they'll be easier to find. For example, on Sunrise Highway in front of one of the shopping centers last Winter, the hydrant was buried- you couldn't find it. It took 15-20 minutes to dig it out. The flags will make them more accessible."

As part of the contract, the Fire and Water Districts will split the cost of the marker flags.

The board also confirmed that a new property they had acquired, located at 10/14 Brooklyn Avenue, had recently been cleared for tax exemption status.

"We have a building down the block that we're paying property taxes on," said McCarthy. "It's now been confirmed that we don't have to do that anymore, because Fire Department buildings are exempt property taxes."

Also, payment was received by the Fire District for the sale of two former Fire Chief vehicles, which have been replaced by newer models. A money order in the amount of $2,850.00 was accepted for the sale of a 1995 Ford pickup, and a check was accepted in the amount of $4,700.00 for the sale of a GMC Yukon.

Naturally, any marking designating the two vehicles as representative of the Fire District will be removed prior to the new owners taking possession.

Also, as part of the treasurer's report, it had been discovered that the Fire District had been mis-billed on a Statutory Disability insurance policy by policy carrier The Hartford since January of 2010, resulting in a refund (in the form of credit) to the District in the amount of $548.

The next regularly-scheduled meeting of the Massapequa Fire District is on Monday, Sept. 26, at 8 p.m.