Millwood Matters

May 23, 2008
by Gene Nadel

+Neil Gollogly honored for his 50 years in Millwood Fire Company
+Delay on Needs Assessment Report, NCCTV schedule for replays of May 19, 2008 meeting
+Ossining School Board and Budget

Tribute to Neil Gollogly for 50 Golden Years of Volunteer Service
Immediately following the formalities of the Annual Inspection of the Millwood Volunteer Fire Company, at Fire Station # 1 last Friday evening, the assembled group adjourned to a local restaurant for its annual Inspection Dinner and an evening of festivities featuring a sincere and enthusiastic tribute to veteran fire company member, Neil Gollogly. Earlier this year, Neil completed 50 years of service with the Millwood volunteers during which time he served (in ascending order) as a firefighter, 3rd, 2nd and 1st Lieutenant, 2nd and 1st Asst Chief, Chief of Department, Fire Company Vice-President and as a Fire Commissioner. Specific recognition of each of these posts was marked by a presentation to Neil from the Fire Company of a beautiful shadow box collection of badges for each firematic office.

A Proclamation from the County Board of Legislators recognizing his achievements and establishing a “Chief Neil Gollogly” day in Westchester was read and presented by County Legislator Michael Kaplowitz, and similar accolades were received on behalf of the State of New York through the office of Assemblyman Adam Bradley, a plaque from the Town of New Castle presented by Supervisor Barbara Gerard, a proclamation from the Firemen’s Association of New York (FASNY) by James Farrell, a Certificate of Appreciation from the Hudson Valley Fireman’s Association by Donald Farrell, and last, but certainly not least, a plaque of Appreciation from the Millwood Board of Fire Commissioners presented by Commissioner Hala Makowska. All of these tributes along with a multitude of well deserved congratulations and best wishes were offered to Neil from the guests in attendance. Company Fire Chief Jan Schwark acted as Master of Ceremonies for the program.

Fifty years of commitment in any endeavor, be it marriage, employment or any other relationship, is certainly a benchmark to be admired. When those fifty years represent voluntary service to one’s community, particularly in an activity as potentially dangerous as firefighting, they certainly earn the individual special thanks and appreciation. Neil sets an example of civic responsibility of which he should be justifiably proud and which we can all strive (albeit for shorter periods) to follow. Thank you, Neil Gollogly.

Millwood Fire Commissioners May Meeting; Consultant Report Delay
Meeting replays are on the web, on demand click here to see video and on TV this weekend on Channel 78 on Friday - 11am, Saturday - 5pm, Sunday - 11am amd Monday - 5pm.

Consultant John Nickerson

Fire commissioners hear Nickerson’s report

Many members of the public attending Monday evening’s Board of Fire Commissioners May meeting were disappointed when they learned that the scheduled issuance of the Consultant’s Needs Study Report was once again postponed. The delay was for some editorial revisions, not for any changes in basic recommendations, according to John Nickerson of JNL Associates. It was clear that the consultants have compiled a substantial amount of data to support their findings as demonstrated in their slide presentation and oral comments, but residents appeared anxious to receive some written material that could be studied, understood and reviewed.

One highly significant piece of information revealed by the consultants was their recommendation for the projected size for a new fire house of approximately 17,250 square feet. This is less than the 19,800 building currently being considered by the commissioners, and more than a smaller building proposed by the West End Neighborhood Taxpayers (WENT) under a conceptual plan that they have attempted to submit to the Commissioners.

Fire Commission Chairman Anthony Olenik indicated that the report should be ready for public inspection within approximately two weeks and will be posted on the District web site, millwoodfiredistrict.org.

Kurt Kleinmann, Chairman of WENT’s Firehouse Committee suggested that a representative citizen’s committee be established to include members from the Board, the fire company, the public (and, presumably, the consultant) in an effort to resolve any disagreements. WENT has previously expressed its major concern over the cost of the proposed project and has long been on record that it would not support a bond issue if it exceeded a certain figure.

The Millwood Task Force (MTF) has never attempted to set a specific limitation on the amount of a prospective bond issue. Rather, MTF has long urged the hiring of a competent independent consultant, and applauded the retention of JLN in the hope and expectation that the consultant’s recommendation would be followed by the Board and bolster public confidence in the ultimate decision. MTF has regularly expressed the belief that the public recognizes the need for a new fire house and will support the necessary bond issue if convinced that the structure is the proper size, properly planned, and, therefore, the proper decision to make.

Progress in this area is of major interest to residents and will continue to be followed on a regular basis.

Ossining School Board Election and Budget

Current board members Alice Joselow and Amanda Curley and new candidate Charles Cooks all ran unopposed for the three seats on the Ossining Board of Education.
Voters also approved the $100.4 million budget by a vote of 996 to 799. The change in tax rate was a 4.31 % increase in Ossining and a staggering 11.66% tax increase for residents in New Castle.