In an effort to upgrade Nassau County's technological capabilities, Legislator Patrick Williams (D-Uniondale) and the members of the Democratic majority passed an ordinance during the November 19 legislative meeting that will establish a Technology Fund.

Use of the fund, which is not to exceed $15 million, will be restricted to the payment for technology and related expenditures, including but not limited to purchases of equipment, software and the retention of consultants. The initiative is expected to save the county millions annually by minimizing staffing needs, enhancing energy conservation, better controlling inventory and improving customer service.

In addition, the legislature approved an amendment to a recently adopted law granting benefits to county employees who are members of military reserve or National Guard Units and who are called to active duty during Operation Enduring Freedom. The amendment would grant employees the right to exhaust all or a portion of all accrued vacation and sick days, or the right to receive lump sum or incremental payments in the amounts equivalent to or not exceeding the dollar value of all accrued time which would have been paid upon termination.

Other items approved during the meeting are:

• approval of a map showing real property and easements to be acquired by the County for the improvement of Plainview Road from East Marie Street easterly to South Oyster Bay Road in the Town of Oyster Bay for safety precautions.
• a refunding ordinance authorizing the issuance of refunding serial bonds of the County of Nassau, for a variety of sewer projects. This initiative is designed to take advantage of the current low interest rates. The total amount of the refinancing is more than $200 million and the present value savings to the County is projected to be about $18 million.
• a resolution ratifying action of the Commissioner of Department of Public Works of Nassau County in preparing a map showing real property and working easements to be acquired by the County for the improvement of Glen Cove Road in the vicinity of Greenvale, Town of North Hempstead. This project involves widening Glen Cove Road just north and south of Northern Boulevard. It also involves extending the southbound left turn lane and adding a left arrow on the traffic signal. Furthermore, it will add one southbound through lane, through the intersection. Some acquisition or property will be needed although no buildings will be demolished.
• a resolution authorizing the County Executive to execute a grant agreement with the New York State Division of Probation and correctional alternatives in relation to its Intensive Supervision Program. The program provides intensive supervision to certain defendants, selected in accordance with criteria and guidelines, established by the NYS Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives, sentenced to probation or conditional release, for their law abiding adjustment in the community, while also ensuring the protection of the community through intensive supervision. The grant agreement is totally State funded.
• a resolution authorizing the County Executive to execute an agreement with the Nassau County Federal Credit Union in relation to the placement of an ATM in the Traffic and Parking Violations Agency. This won't cost the County any money and will render a service. Three proposals have been obtained and the contract was awarded to the proposal of greatest revenue. The County will receive two-thirds of any fee charged for usage of ATM. However, members of the credit union will not be charged for using the machine. So, the County will receive $1.00 of the $1.50 fee collected. Minimum amount to be paid to County will be $500 per month. County's only obligation is to provide space and electricity for use of the Credit Union's ATM.
• A resolution authorizing the County Executive to execute an agreement with Lockwood, Kessler & Bartlett, Inc. for field inspection during construction pertinent to the resurfacing and rehabilitation of county roads.