The Garden City Park Water District (GCPWD) is the vanguard of our community’s water utility, and as our community grows, safeguarding our water supply requires a tremendous amount of vigilance and foresight. In 2020, our District and the Town of North Hempstead came to a resolution on a $30 million bond to accommodate the enhancements necessary to achieve our mission as identified in the GCPWD capital improvement plan. “Our capital improvement program is complex, multifaceted and heavily focused on addressing emerging contaminants. We have worked tirelessly with our team of engineers, superintendent, and support vendors to carefully manage and implement a phased approach ensuring the best service with the least amount of burden on our community,” remarked Water Commissioner Peter Chimenti. “It includes new water treatment technology, repairs and upgrades to aging facilities, as well as rehabilitating and refurbishing wells and tanks.”

Ahead of the Curve: New Water Treatment Technology

New water treatment technology for emerging contaminants is a large part of the program and will accommodate the New York State and Department of Health mandate, which recently granted a 2-year deferral to water suppliers with treatment process plans in place. GCPWD is pleased to inform our consumers we are ahead of the game and construction is already underway supplementing the processes we currently have in place. We qualified for the deferral, yet never had to rely on it. “We’re proud to say we’ve constructed some of the most advanced water treatment systems in the country, with the ability to carry our vision into the future,” noted Water Commissioner Kenneth Borchers.

Left to right: Kelley Dearing Smith, Public Affairs Council Chair AWWA;
Joseph Renta, Supervisor of Water Plant Operations GCPWD;
Brian Sibiga, PE, NYSAWWA Chair.

Joseph Renta, Supervisor of Water Plant Operations, Garden City Park Water District, took home the prestigious AWWA Operator’s Meritorious Service Award at the American Water Work Association’s Annual Conference – New York Section in Saratoga Springs this past April. The award is presented to only one operator, recognized at the section level for:

• Continuous compliance with all public health standards in treated drinking water
• Consistent outstanding contribution to plant maintenance
• Special efforts in the training of plant operators
• Demonstration of dedication to the public beyond operating responsibilities

Joseph began his career with GCPWD in 1988 as a water servicer, becoming plant operator in 2008 and moving his way up the ranks to supervisor by 2016.

Congratulations, Joe!

Dennis Peitler of Mineola High School is the recipient of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association ‘Nicholas J. Bartilucci Manhattan College Scholarship Award’. The award is presented to a student for their scholastic achievement and desire to enter any engineering program as a full-time course of study at Manhattan College.

“Garden City Park is proud of Dennis’ accomplishments and all of our future engineers,” remarked Water Commissioner Peter Chimenti, who presented the award to Dennis alongside Water Commissioner Kenneth Borchers.

The annual scholarship is open to entering freshmen enrolled full-time in any engineering degree program at Manhattan College with emphasis placed on academic credentials.

Left to right: Ray Averna, Massapequa Water District Commissioner; Patricia Peterson, Locust Valley Water
District Chairperson and NSWCA President; Kenneth Borchers and Peter Chimenti, Garden City Park Water District
Commissioners; and Dennis Peitler along side his parents Maria and John Peitler.

 

Water/Fire Commissioner
Alan Cooper, Ph.D.

This past December, Alan Cooper, Ph.D. was elected Garden City Park Water/Fire Commissioner. Dr. Cooper is currently the Associate Dean of the Willumstad School of Business at Adelphi University, and owner of the Tudor Advisory Group, a management consulting firm. He also serves on the North Hempstead Housing Authority. Dr. Cooper brings a wealth of experience in working with municipal organizations and institutions. “With all the changes and challenges facing our community, I am excited to bring my experience, education and background to the task,” said Dr. Cooper. Dr. Cooper also brings familiarity to the position, having served as commissioner with the Garden City Park Water/ Fire District in prior years. Welcome back, Alan!