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Politics & Government

Village Honors Retiring Water Commissioner

Frank Flood takes leave of overseeing Massapequa's water supply after almost 20 years.

After almost 20 years of service to Massapequa, Water Commissioner Frank Flood is calling it a day.

At this week's Village Board meeting, Massapequa Park Mayor James Altadonna and his Board of Trustees honored Flood for his tireless community service by presenting him not only with a commemorative plaque, but their everlasting gratitude.

"Frank Flood moved into Massapequa Park in 1962, and he was elected to the Water Commission in 1995," Altadonna said. "I've always felt comfortable knowing he was part of the Water Commission, because I felt that we were getting the best water that he could possibly give for all of Massapequa. I'm grateful for that, because I know how hard that job is...it is rewarding, but it is difficult making those decision every day."

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"You did a wonderful job, and retirement is well deserved. You've earned it," Altadonna added. "This Board and I can't say enough about your contributions to this community. You yourself were once a Trustee on this Board, and your involvement in Massapequa Park and what it's grown into today is second to none."

When asked to say a few words about his retirement, Flood instead chose to reciprocate the praise that Altadonna had heaped upon him. Presenting the Mayor with a plaque of his own, Flood recalled a promise that Altadonna had kept to him several years ago.

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“I and the other residents of Spruce Street signed a petition asking the Board to repave our block,” Flood said. “We made an appointment with Mayor Altadonna, and he appeared and walked the street with us. And lo and behold, we had our street repaved. So, in appreciation for a promise kept, I’d like to thank you for everything you’ve done.”

Also covered at the meeting was the announcement that the Village had arrived to an agreement with NextG Networks of NY for utility installations in the public right of way.

“For almost a year, we’ve had these discussions with Next G about installing cell phone boxes in Massapequa Park,” he said. “The laws do not favor municipalities, so our best bet was to work with Next G to minimize the size of the boxes, and try to have locations that were not offensive, or least offensive.”

The agreement is for ten years; there are also several five year extensions that either Next G or the Village can opt out of if both parties agree.

The Mayor also said that the Village would be advising the Office of Community Development that, as of January 2012, they would be limiting Community Development funds provided by the County to $10,000 to $12,000 per residence, except when the Board authorizes an exception.

“We don’t get a substantial amount of money here in Massapequa Park...usually between $40,000 and $50,000,” he said. “Depending on the project, one household can take up the whole amount. So, we’ve asked residents to only do what is necessary...this way, we can take this money and stretch it out to other community members.”

The Village will also be disposing of some surplus computer equipment, and will be advertising the sale of surplus vehicles in the near future.

The next meeting of the Massapequa Park Village Board will be on Monday, Feb. 6, at 8 p.m.

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