Village Board Discusses Rooftop Bar Proposal for Kasey's and Capital Projects

The Village Board convened on Thursday night for a public work session and discussed a proposal for a rooftop bar at Kasey's, upcoming capital projects for 2011, and the possibility of the village updating its computer accounting program.

For the past few months, the owners of Kitchen and Cocktails, Tom McNicholas and Anthony Geraci, have gone back and forth with the village board on a proposed rooftop bar for their Park Avenue establishment, altering its plans and making adjustments to comply with village and county codes. Trustee David Krasula expressed concerns about how late the music would stay on at night, the age of patrons on the rooftop bar and what type of security would be employed.

Commissioner Charles Gennario said he also had concerns with the outdoor music, as well as the age of those on the rooftop. "If you're letting in 21-year-olds, they're going upstairs, and I have concerns with that," Gennario said.

Geraci and McNicholas agreed to shut off live music by midnight, allow only 25 or older patrons on the rooftop — there would be a separate entrance to it — and have everyone off the roof by 2 a.m.  They also agreed to work with police in installing security measures around the bar, as well as possibly investing in an ID card reader to ensure that everyone on the roof is 25 and older.

"We are going to do the right thing," McNicholas said. 

The Village Board did agree to allow Kasey's to play low-volume, piped in music after midnight — which would be shut off by 2 a.m. — as long as neighboring residents do not complain. The board said it will vote on the matter on Monday.

The board also discussed resolutions for eight separate capital projects, including renovation to a certain village water tank, upgrading 25 village computer work stations, replacing a 22-year-old police/fire vehicle, as well as roadway and electrical upgrades. Trustees debated investing in a new accounting system that would allow for residents to pay for utility bills and tickets electronically, among other things. Trustee Ed Oppenheimer said he thinks a switch would be a prudent move for the village.

"Economically, we need that accounting program," he said.

The board did not take any action on the capital projects or the accounting system, and will discuss it at Monday night's meeting.

Other items discussed include the possible renovation of Tighe Field, possibly altering a local law concerning when construction can start in the morning, and the implementation of the county's sewer usage fee. Officials said the fee could generate as much as $40 million for the county, and VFWs, fire districts and places of worship would be exempt from paying it.