The Flower Hill Board of Trustees failed to pass a resolution Tuesday evening that would have continued to provide health and life insurance benefits to elected officials in the village.

Village Hall was packed to capacity. Marc Kramer, a village resident, began the comment section by reiterating that public opinion not to support such a motion wasn't an indictment against performance. He said, "It's just plain wrong – and not fair to do this without a vote by the people."

Other residents agreed. Larry Helft, a Flower Hill resident for 22 years and the president of The Community Synagogue, talked about the voters' level of frustration and anger. He noted that his friends that also serve in public capacities are "flabbergasted with the Village's audacity to grant themselves this inappropriate gift."

Although benefits have been paid for five years or so, John Farrell, a former village attorney, said that "village tradition is one of contributed services" and that he was very surprised that the concept was gone. Dr. Jolie Pataki said, "I don't want to pay for your health insurance, I don't have it for my son although I'm a physician."

Mayor Charles Weiss who voted yes for the resolution expressed dismay with the evening's outcome.

"Never have I been as disappointed with my board and the residents as I am tonight," he said. "You forgot we're your neighbors and you seem to have gotten involved in this negative mentality."

Votes:

Elaine Phillips - No

Tab Hauser - Yes

Aviva Pinto - Abstain

Avery Ryan - Yes

Norman Glavas  - Abstain

William Clemency - Abstain

Mayor Weiss - Yes

The next regular meeting/public hearing will be Tuesday August 2 at 8pm.