The Williston Park Board of Trustees Monday night recognized Edwin Steck, who retired this year from the village’s Zoning Board of Appeals after serving for 48 years. 

Mayor Paul Ehrbar presented Steck, who has lived in the village with his wife, Joan since 1969, with a proclamation while thanking him for his dedication to Williston Park.

“Thank you for what you’ve put in,” Ehrbar said prior to the meeting. “The Zoning Board is not an easy job. Sometimes you have to make decisions that are not very popular, so we thank you for that.”

Before serving on the Zoning Board, Steck served for two years on the village’s Library Board starting in 1973, Ehrbar said. Steck is a Korean War veteran and retired in 1999 from working in the commercial printing industry for 48 years.

“It was our honor for him to serve and the current board will remember him for his guidance and wisdom,” Ehrbar read from the proclamation. 

Steck will be replaced on the board by Tim Flood, who was present Monday night alongside fellow board member Bill Wylie. Also present Monday were members of Steck’s family, which includes four children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

“I appreciate it all very much,” Steck said. “It was a pleasure.” 

When told he could finally enjoy his retirement, Steck sarcastically retorted that maybe he will get a job. 

In unrelated village news, the board unanimously approved three amendments to local laws that increased the fines for violating codes. The sections of village code that were amended included “general penalty,” “enabling penalties” and “enforcement; penalties for offenses.”

Ehrbar said the amendments are not intended to be used as a revenue stream in the village but for the fines to be more of a deterrent to violations. 

“We do want to deter people from violating various aspects of our code and hopefully the value of the violation fines will prevent people from ignoring them,” Ehrbar said. 

Village trustees also thanked the Department of Public Works and Beautification Committee for their efforts during the holiday seasons thus far, including the tree and menorah lighting earlier this month.

The winter gazebo concert, which was canceled due to inclement weather this past weekend, was rescheduled to this Saturday at 4:40 p.m. Music will be provided by DJ Steve Griffin and refreshments will be served.

Prior to adjourning the meeting, the village officials wished everyone a happy holiday and new year. 

The next meeting for the Williston Park Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, Jan. 22.