Steven Shelley was sworn in as superintendent of public works for the Village of Williston Park by Mayor Paul Ehrbar at the Board of Trustees meeting on Monday night.
He succeeded Keith Bunnell, who retired.
Shelley’s first report in his new position was providing updates for the roads project in the village. At the last meeting, the village announced that Colonial Avenue and the first section of Cushing Avenue, from Hillside Avenue to Lafayette Street, were going to get repaved, which has been completed.
Hawthorne Street, which connects Willis Avenue and Park Avenue, will be repaved next, alongside Lindberg Place, which connects Hawthorne and Center Street. Village officials have said that the road project will continue until the weather gets too cold and will resume in the spring.
For blocks where roadwork has been completed, Shelley said, the village will be planting trees this time of the year, in addition to other spots in the village.
On another issue, Shelley said mechanical issues with two garbage trucks prompted the village to skip heavy trash pickup on Tuesday.
Ehrbar was very appreciative of Shelley and the Department of Public Works throughout a tough transition period.
“It’s been a very hectic six months, and Steven has really been thrown into the fire,” Ehrbar said during his report. “He’s been good, and I have to compliment the employees because they really picked up the pace with everything going on in the village. We thank you for what you’re doing.”
Also during his report, the mayor said the village will improve its IT security. “We take safety very seriously,” Ehrbar said. “Cybersecurity is becoming more prevalent and we want to invest to keep up on that.”
Deputy Mayor Kevin Rynne reminded the audience of the seventh annual Williston Park Family Fun Run/Walk being held on Saturday, Nov. 27, at Kelleher Field. Rynne said after speaking with families involved in planning there are over 200 applications, and more information can be found on the village’s website.
The board also unanimously approved an application for an Indian restaurant at 74A Hillside Ave. filed by Varli DS Hospitality Inc. During the vote, Ehrbar urged those attending to shop local when given the chance. According to the mayor, Williston Park has over a 90% occupancy rate, which he says is, “unheard of” considering the pandemic.
