Mineola, NY - Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) was joined by members of the Democratic majority in authorizing bids for a fire alarm system for the Cow Barn at Sands Point Preserve during the October 9 meeting of the Nassau County Legislature. The Cow Barn, which is used to house the Police Department's horses and medieval show horses, is one of several historic buildings at the Preserve that contains valuable collections.

While a capital project request was made in 1987 and approval from the Capital Projects Committee was granted in 1992, the work was never performed. Officials said it is essential for public safety and care of the collections to begin installing permanent systems in those buildings that are in full use. The work includes pull stations, smoke detectors, heat detectors, and visual and audible alarms. The estimated cost of the project is $116,500.

Also approved during the meeting:

• An ordinance appropriating $93,750 for Police Department Criminal Justice Records Improvement from 10/1/01 to 3/31/02. The purpose of this program is to improve criminal history record information through the implementation of digital fingerprint imaging system for the electronic capture and transmission of arrest data and fingerprint images to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. The funds are 100% reimbursable by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.
• An ordinance appropriating $50,000 for Legal Services Intervention & Police Project for the period of 5/1/01 to 4/30/02. The purpose of this program is to provide legal services and advocacy for victims of domestic violence in family court and with police, criminal justice personnel and others. The funds are 100% reimbursable by the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services.
• An ordinance appropriating $235,000 for D.A. Automobile Insurance Task Force for the period of 4/1/01-3/31/02. The purpose of the program is to increase the number of auto theft and related insurance fraud investigations, arrests and prosecutions (through the creation of a multi-agency task force), implementation of a community outreach program and the development of undercover sting investigations. The funds are 100% reimbursable by the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services.
• An ordinance supplemental to annual appropriation ordinance appropriating monies not otherwise appropriated in connection with the 1999/2000 State Aid - Nassau Community College (additional state aid) in the amount of $85,025.
• An ordinance appropriating $5,894 for a program administered by the District Attorney's office that is designed to enhance compliance with the sales tax law. The funds are 10% reimbursable by the NYS Sales Tax.
• An ordinance appropriating $35,565 for Police Dept. Headquarters. The funds are derived from the sale of seized vehicles, in connection with a program entitled Nassau County Police Dept. Narcotics Enforcement. Proceeds of the sales must be used to fund law enforcement activities, such as narcotics undercover investigations.
• An ordinance appropriating $292,060 for E.A.C. Bail Bond Program. The purpose of this project is to secure the release on bail and exercise close supervision for adult pretrial detainees in the Nassau County Correctional Center who have been in detention for at least 10 days and who have a bail amount not exceeding $10,000. Expected number of clients to be served is 129. The program is 100% reimbursable by the NYS Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives.
• An ordinance appropriating $20,000 for the continuation of the Care Givers Program which offers informal caregivers of the homebound elderly training and support. While the funding level has remained the same, the number of clients it is expected to serve is 6,700, an increase from 4,300.
• An ordinance appropriating $93,750 for the H.I.V. Prevention for the period of 7/1/2001-6/30/2002. The funds are 100% reimbursable by the NYS Dept. of Health.
• A resolution ratifying a grant application with NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services whereby the County will receive $140,250 in state funds towards the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program. There is also a County cash contribution in the sum of $11,152. Term: 8/1/2001-7/31/2002.