The Hempstead Town board Tuesday unanimously approved a law requiring gas stations pumping more than 100,000 gallons a month to have generators as backups in case of electrical outages — an effort to mitigate fuel shortfalls in the future.

Under the superstorm Sandy-inspired law, all newly constructed gas stations would be required to comply immediately once the law goes into effect on May 1. Existing gasoline retailers that meet the pumping minimum would have until Jan. 1, 2015, to come into compliance. Businesses with monthly sales of 100,000 gallons or less are exempt.

Similar laws were approved in Florida and Louisiana, town officials said, after hurricanes in those states.

The law — proposed by Supervisor Kate Murray and senior Councilman Anthony Santino — is intended to prevent long fuel lines and gasoline shortages during power outages like those endured by residents in the wake of Sandy. Both officials acknowledged that getting fuel shipments into local ports and to area gas stations was a problem, but said that several stations had gasoline that they could not pump out of their underground tanks because they didn’t have electricity.

Town officials revised the legislation to apply only to stations pumping more than 100,000 gallons after requests by several gas retailer advocates and station owners during a November hearing on the proposed law.

Before the board made its decision Tuesday, advocates argued that requiring expensive generators would pose an unfair financial burden on retailers and would result in steeper prices for consumers.

“I don’t think putting generators in are going to be a solution,” said Kevin Beyer, president of the Long Island Gas Retailers Association. “To spend $40,000 on a piece of equipment that I would use for three days doesn’t make sense . . . It is not a good return on an investment.”

Adam Wolf, a Jericho-based Shell distributor, said, “Having a generator on-site doesn’t mean that stations would have gas.”

The town’s building commissioner will outline regulations governing the type of generator required, minimum power capacity and installation standards for the on-site generators. Violators could face a $500 fine per day.

“We’re giving them two years to comply,” Santino said. “Two years to come up with the money . . . It is a sufficient amount of time to do that.”

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“The Town of Hempstead has worked quickly in addressing this storm water accumulation issue so that we can continue to protect the homes and property of our neighbors on Woodside Avenue,” stated Murray. “I am happy to let homeowners know that existing storm drains have been cleaned, and we have installed two new catch basins to significantly reduce storm water build-up on Woodside Avenue.”

“We are confident that this project will improve the quality-of-life for local Baldwin neighbors,” said Goosby.

Added Santino, “We were eager to work alongside residents in finding a solution to this problem on Woodside Avenue.”

The Supervisor and Councilmembers aggressively responded to the concerns of Baldwin residents on Woodside Avenue, immediately dispatching town officials upon being notified of the problem. As Woodside Avenue is one of the lower-elevation points in Baldwin, the town installed two storm drain basins at Schuman Avenue and Mattison Street, just east of Woodside Avenue.

Town officials have met with Nassau County staff, since a major contributor to the water ponding problem is storm water runoff from Grand Avenue, a county road.

“The town is committed to improving quality-of-life issues such as storm water accumulation,” concluded Murray. “What’s more, we stand ready to assist Nassau County as they focus on remediating additional storm drainage issues along Grand Avenue, which have contributed to water accumulation on Woodside Avenue.”

Many non-profit and charitable organizations set up collection bins that take in donations of clothing, toys and other items that ultimately benefit people in need in our local communities. Under the new law, collection bin operators are now required to obtain an identification sticker through Hempstead Town’s Building Department. The sticker will signify it as a town-permitted collection bin for use in connection with charitable purposes.

This legislation prevents profiteering individuals from setting up drop boxes in our communities. Many of these profiteers deceive unsuspecting residents by misrepresenting their bins as collection boxes for worthy philanthropic endeavors. These “for profit” groups resell many of the items and convey only a small fraction of the proceeds to charitable causes.

“Our hard-working charitable organizations and kind-hearted residents deserve protection from those who prey on the generosity of our neighbors,” Murray said. “This law will ensure that items donated in collection bins will go toward worthy endeavors.”

“This new law will finally ensure that the charitable donations made by Hempstead Town residents benefit those who need it the most – and not just go to those seeking to make a profit off of the kindness of neighbors,” said Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino.

“The law will also mandate that the benefiting organization or entity be clearly identified on the bin, along with a phone number and address,” Hudes pointed out. “I strongly suggest that residents only donate to organizations who have drop boxes with a Town of Hempstead permit. It’s your assurance that your donation goes to truly worthy causes.”

“With this legislation, we are protecting the groups, organizations and individuals who go out of their way to help people in need,” Murray said. “We want to make sure their fine efforts are not negatively impacted by the deceptive practices of others.”

The officials, joined by a 20-year-old Hofstra student, Adam Sackowitz, announced their preservation plan for the property in the shadow of Westbury’s Source Mall, which is slated to go on the auction block on August 28th.

Murray, Santino and Goosby are working to safeguard the historically significant site, concerned that it could potentially be threatened with development under any change of ownership that may occur after the auction.

“This site is one of the most important locations in aviation history, as well as the history of our nation,” observed Murray. “We must take steps to preserve the place where the Spirit of St. Louis began its ascent on its journey to France in 1927.”

“There’s no greater friend to posterity than historic preservation. Eighty-five years ago, the nation and the world’s focus was right here in Hempstead Town as the Spirit of St. Louis took off to be the first non-stop transatlantic flight. That aircraft is honored in Washington, hung from the ceiling of the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum for all to remember. We’re now doing our part to preserve history right in our own backyards,” said Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino.

In response to a request by Adam Sackowitz, the Hofstra student, to see the Lindbergh historical monument behind the Source Mall protected from prospective development, Murray, Santino and Goosby pledged to recommend the site for landmark status by the Town of Hempstead. The granting of landmark status entails a review of the property in question by the township’s Landmarks Preservation Commission. After a review by the Commission, the site could be recommended to the Town Board, on which Murray, Santino and Goosby sit, for landmark status consideration.

The Town officials expressed confidence that the Landmarks Commission and their colleagues on the Town Board would look favorably on the proposal.

“This site deserves landmark status,” stated Goosby. “I am committed to working with Kate Murray and the entire Town Board to see that Lindbergh’s take-off location receives designation as a landmark.”

“Landmarking this parcel of land where the Spirit of St. Louis took off, propelling itself into history, will greatly benefit generations to come while recognizing our township’s amazing past,” said Senior Councilman Santino.

Upon the granting of landmark status, the monument would benefit from protection against alteration, development or other construction. Specifically, property owners would be required to seek the approval of the town’s Landmarks Commission to make any alterations to the monument and a small section of grass surrounding it. At the same time, the officials stated that the designation would not hamper commercial development of the rest of the property, which is currently home to the Source Mall.

The Supervisor, Senior Councilman and Councilwoman pointed out that the area under consideration for landmark status is a small grassy median and the stone monument, which are on a perimeter roadway median behind the mall. What’s more, the designation would not impact the site of the mall building or any likely replacement structure.

“Granting the site where Charles Lindbergh began his historic trans-Atlantic flight landmark status will protect the site and preserve it for generations to come,” said Murray. “At the same time, we will take steps to ensure that future commercial development at the Source Mall site is not adversely impacted.”

Murray, Santino and Goosby displayed a sample of a Hempstead Town historical marker that would be placed at the site upon designation by the town. A replica sign was given to Adam Sackowitz in recognition of his efforts to protect the important historical location.

“Protecting our region’s history is part of preserving our identity,” concluded Murray. “I am grateful that Senior Councilman Santino, Councilwoman Goosby and I have an opportunity to work with Adam Sackowitz to safeguard part of the Lindbergh legacy.”

Payments for the second half 2012 General Taxes received or postmarked by the August 10 deadline will be penalty-free.

“Take advantage of our drive-through payment windows, where you can pay your taxes from the comfort of your car, or pay your tax bill electronically using e-check,” said Clavin. “Our mobile office brings town government to local neighborhoods, while satellite offices in Hicksville and Lawrence serve communities some distance from Town Hall.”

“We’re constantly looking to add user-friendly services that are helpful to all town residents. Taxpayers in America’s largest township deserve the best; that’s why we’re proud to offer so many convenient options to pay property taxes,” added Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino.

The E-Z Pay Drive Thru payment windows are located behind the main tax office at 200 North Franklin Street in Hempstead (follow the signs on the corner of North Franklin and Bedell Streets). Open business days August 1 through August 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the drive-through windows accept check and money order payments only.

During peak collection times, hours of operation at the main Tax Office will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (August 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10).

“Our main office can assist taxpayers with all forms of payments as well as account inquiries,” Clavin stated.

Satellite offices at Rock Hall Museum (199 Broadway, Lawrence) and Levittown Hall (201 Levittown Parkway, Hicksville) will be open to receive checks and money orders for tax payments from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on August 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Residents who would like to pay via credit card or e-check may log onto the town’s website and follow the “Receiver of Taxes” link to “Online Tax Payments,” or call Official Payments Corporation at 1-877-306-6056. A 2.5 % convenience fee for credit card transactions will be incurred, while a flat fee of $2 will be charged for electronic check payments. Hempstead Town receives no portion of these fees, which are charged by the company that processes the transactions.

The Mobile Tax Office is scheduled to visit the following locations from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.:

Wednesday, August 1- Merrick Senior Center, 2550 Clubhouse Rd., Merrick

Thursday, August 2- Town Parking Lot O-3, Davison Ave., Oceanside (directly across from Oceanside Library)

Friday, August 3- Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont

Monday, August 6- Franklin Square Senior Center, 1182 Martha Pl., Franklin Square

“From bringing town government to local neighborhoods to supplying residents with beneficial information that can help reduce their tax burden, Supervisor Murray, Councilman Santino and I are committed to assisting taxpayers in every possible manner,” concluded Clavin.

Taxpayers should bring their entire tax bill when making payments in person. Tax stubs should not be detached from the bill. For further information please visit the town’s website or call the Office of Receiver of Taxes at (516) 538-1500.

Frequently stationed on sidewalks and intersections, the signs have been known to topple over into roadways and walkways, creating potential dangers for drivers and pedestrians. The signs, often made of fabric attached to long poles, are also distracting to drivers.

“These signs are an advertising gimmick that constitutes a distraction to motorists, a hazard to pedestrians, a nuisance for neighbors and a potential source of danger to all who come across their path,” Murray said. “What’s more, and on a personal note, they are making Long Island’s commercial roadways look like a giant garage sale.”

“This seedy form of advertising is not only an eyesore for our residents, but it is also a nuisance,” Santino said. “These unattractive signs are increasingly lining up on main roadways and are becoming obstacles for pedestrians and a distraction to drivers.”

Hempstead Town’s new law will go into effect on January 1, 2013, giving shopkeepers and others who utilize the signs time to comply with the new “quality of life” legislation. The law is similar to legislation put into effect in cities like Lincoln, Nebraska.

In 2009, the Hempstead Town Board passed a law that prohibits “walking billboards,” commonly referred to as “sandwich signs.” The signs were affixed to people who stood or walked on public sidewalks. Similar to “feather signs,” these advertisements promoted all kinds of businesses, services and products while creating a dangerous distraction.

“Laws like these reflect our commitment to preserving the quality of life that we enjoy in the Town of Hempstead,” Murray said. “Protecting the safety of our residents and the beauty of our neighborhoods is a priority for us as elected officials.”

On a first-come, first-serve basis, the Animal Shelter will perform 40 free spay/neuter surgeries on cats trapped by town residents.

“On July 28, the Hempstead Town Animal Shelter will ensure that at least 40 feral cats will be spayed/neutered so that they cannot further contribute to the stray population,” said Animal Shelter Director Cynthia Iacopella.

Feral cats brought to the shelter on this date will also receive a rabies vaccine, a 5-in-1 one-year vaccine, 30-day flea control and mandatory left ear tipping. Appointments must be made in advance. To schedule an appointment, please contact the Animal Shelter’s TNR coordinator, Steve Reichert, at sreichert@tohmail.org or (516) 785-5220, ext. 4630.

Cats must be brought to the Animal Shelter in a trap (no pet carriers) between the hours of 6-7:30 a.m. Pets are returned (to those residents who dropped them off) from 3-5 p.m. the same day.

The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter is located at 3320 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh. For more information, call the shelter at (516) 785-5220 or visit www.toh.li/animal-shelter.

“As the health and well-being of our mature residents is an important concern, I invite seniors to take part in our Annual Health and Wellness Fair,” stated Murray. “Attendees will have an opportunity to receive a number of important health screening services free of charge as well as obtain valuable health related information and referral services.”

“There’s no more important issue that the health and welfare of our seniors.  I encourage them to take advantage of these valuable and important free services being offered through the Town of Hempstead,” stated Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino.

The Senior Health and Wellness Fair is sponsored by the Town of Hempstead in cooperation with Dr. Richard Amato, Franklin Hospital, Hearing Center of Long Island, Mercy Medical Center, Howard Modiano, DDS, North Shore University Hospital/LIJ, Long Beach Medical Center, Nassau University Medical Center, New York Chiropractic College, South Nassau Communities Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital and Winthrop University Hospital.

Among the free services provided at the fair are screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, dental, hearing, chiropractic, podiatry, posture/spinal analysis, blood glucose, allergy awareness, nutrition, height and weight measurement and PSA testing. Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., guest lecturers will make informative presentations on health related topics and CPR demonstrations will be given.  Seniors may register for the town’s Vial of Life Program, a program that includes a health care proxy and emergency health care information. Those planning to travel abroad may apply for a U.S. Passport at the town’s Mobile Passport Facility.

New at this year’s event will be the township’s Senior I.D. Program. Through the program, seniors can secure a credit card sized identification document that offers valuable health related information to first responders in the event of an emergency.

“I am pleased that the town is making all of these beneficial health-related screenings available and I urge senior residents to take advantage of this opportunity,” concluded Supervisor Murray.

“It’s important for every senior and their family to take the time to ensure their health.  This way, they can more fully enjoy everything life has to offer,” stated Santino.

Lido Beach Town Park is located at 630 Lido Boulevard in Lido Beach. Free transportation is available from all of the town’s sixteen senior centers. There is ample free parking at Lido Beach Town Park for those participants who prefer to drive. It is suggested that seniors bring lunch to the health fair. For further information, please contact the Department of Senior Enrichment at (516) 485-8100.

This amazing accomplishment confirms Supervisor Kate Murray and Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino’s vision that the answer to clean, renewable energy is truly “blowin’ in the wind.”

Sitting behind the wheel of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered town vehicle – the fuel created as the result of the wind turbine powering the town’s water-to-hydrogen conversion process – Murray drove through a “finish line” banner marking the passing of 125,000 kilowatt hours.

Joining the Town at the ceremony to mark this green accomplishment were representatives from the wind turbine’s manufacturer, Northern Power Systems; and installer, Aegis Wind. The town also welcomed the United States Department of Energy, Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), Renewable Energy LI, EmPower Solar, Wilke Engineering, the Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition, the Lido Beach and Point Lookout Civic Associations and the Point Lookout-Lido Fire Department.

“I am proud to announce that the Town of Hempstead’s wind turbine has generated over 100,000 kilowatt hours since December, helping to power Long Island’s only hydrogen fueling station,” stated Murray. “Powered by the winds off Point Lookout, this wind turbine provides an almost constant supply of clean, renewable energy for the town.”

“Wind power is an integral part of our energy future,” said Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino. “I am proud that we, America’s largest township, have been able to marshal our local resources to produce local, green energy that also keeps costs down.  I’m proud to celebrate this important milestone with Supervisor Kate Murray and our green energy partners,” noted Santino.

To date, the wind turbine has provided an estimated 128,000 kilowatt hours. To put this in perspective, the amount of energy generated could power 14 Long Island homes (based on the average home’s electricity demand) for an entire year! What’s more, according to LIPA, the wind turbine is well on its way to generating between 180,000 and 240,000 kilowatt hours annually.

At the town Department of Conservation and Waterways, the wind turbine is used to power a water-to-hydrogen conversion process that results in the creation of hydrogen fuel. This fuel is then stored on location at the town’s hydrogen fueling station, utilized by the town’s fleet of Toyota fuel-cell vehicles, which include a hydrogen/natural gas bus.

Energy experts estimate that the United States produces over 2,200 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually to create electric power. In fact, if the town had produced these 128,000 kilowatt hours of energy using standard fossil fuels, over 171,000 pounds of carbon dioxide would have been created. Instead, utilizing the wind turbine, the town has generated these 128,000 kilowatt hours without creating a single pound of carbon dioxide.

“We are very excited to have the Town of Hempstead included in our growing global 100kW wind turbine fleet,” said Trevor Atkinson, of Northern Power Systems. “Their vision, leadership and commitment to demonstrating 21st century energy sustainability is extraordinary. This clean energy project sets the bar for all others to follow in their footsteps.”

“The Town of Hempstead has been a leader in the pursuit of new, clean ways to generate the energy we use,” said Michael D. Hervey, Chief Operating Officer of the Long Island Power Authority. “LIPA has supported many of the Town’s initiatives and is pleased to have provided technical and financial assistance as the Town’s investment in its Energy Park has grown. I salute Town Supervisor Kate Murray and her team for this latest achievement, powering a hydrogen refueling station with electricity generated by the wind.”

The wind turbine, which cost an estimated $615,000, was funded through a $4.6- million United States Department of Energy grant secured by the Town of Hempstead. The town has also utilized this grant to finance the construction of a 60K solar field, two solar trackers (solar panels which follow the path of the sun), a solar-powered carport and a geothermal energy project that will address heating and cooling needs at the town’s Conservation and Waterways facility.

Set along the beautiful beachfront at Town Park Point Lookout, the Triathlon begins with a hearty three-quarter mile ocean swim.  After emerging from the surf, competitors set off on a ten-mile bike through the streets of Point Lookout and Lido Beach.  The final leg of the Triathlon is a five-mile run to the finish line at Town Park.

“Always a thrilling event, the Triathlon showcases the athletic skill and competitive spirit of each participant,” commented Supervisor Murray.  “We look forward to hosting a full field of 300 contestants and expectations are high for record-breaking performances in both the men’s and women’s categories.”

“There’s no question that Town tri-athletes will enjoy a home field advantage as they compete against racers from the entire metropolitan area,” said Senior Councilman Santino.  “I encourage local residents to join us at beautiful Point Lookout Beach to cheer on their hometown favorites and neighbors participating in this event for the health of it,” he added.

To receive a 2012 Triathlon application, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Town of Hempstead Triathlon, Department of Parks and Recreation, 200 North Franklin Street, Hempstead, New York 11550.  Registration fees, set at $44 for a town resident, $66 for a non-resident and $22 for a town senior or veteran, are payable by check or money order made out to the Town of Hempstead.  The deadline for registration is Friday, August 31.

In addition to presenting each participant with a souvenir tee-shirt and a special race memento, the Triathlon will bestow handsome awards on the top male and female finishers in each of ten age categories.  Championship trophies will also be presented to the overall men’s and women’s winners. 

NEW YORK COMMUNITY BANK returns in 2012 as the primary sponsor of the Town of Hempstead Triathlon.  The town also acknowledges the support of BRANDS CYCLE AND FITNESS, AHLOE CAL CRUZ SURF AND VOLLEYBALL SHOP, EMPIRE KAYAKS, KING KULLEN and ARROW PRODUCE.