At its first Board of Trustees meeting since a new administration took office, the Village of Saddle Rock signaled a sharp shift in tone Wednesday, May 13, as officials emphasized legal compliance, procedural order and calmer public discussion after months of controversy surrounding the village’s former leadership.
About 40 residents attended the hour-long meeting, much of which was devoted to public questions and concerns. Unlike previous meetings, which residents described as emotional and confrontational, Wednesday’s discussion remained largely orderly and conversational as villagers raised issues ranging from lawsuits and code enforcement to trees, drainage, lighting, and public access to village property.
Much of the evening’s tone was shaped by newly appointed village counsel Keith Corbett, who carefully administered procedural votes, explained legal constraints and repeatedly stepped in to clarify exchanges between residents and the board.
Mayor Kambiz “Eli” Akhavan repeatedly stressed that restoring compliance with state and local law would be the administration’s top priority.
“It bears mentioning that village counsel has been very helpful in making sure we’re compliant with all the pertinent state, federal and local laws,” Akhavan said.
During the meeting, trustees passed a series of resolutions related to ethics, procurement, utility, employment and workplace harassment policies, as well as fire protection and facility management agreements. The board also voted to move regularly scheduled village meetings to the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.
Residents also pressed officials about ongoing lawsuits tied to actions taken under the previous administration, including litigation involving the village’s stop-sign camera enforcement program.
The program, implemented under former Mayor Dan Levy in 2023, issued $60 tickets through camera-monitored stop signs and has generated more than $434,000 in revenue for the village, according to a recent report. The program drew criticism from residents who questioned the legality of the enforcement system, as no state law specifically authorizes stop-sign camera enforcement in villages.
Resident Martine Alter asked officials about the liability associated with the lawsuit and the village’s plans moving forward. Corbett responded that the litigation has been adjourned for 60 days while the new administration reviews the matter and consults with trustees.
Corbett also said the current enforcement system remains in place for now because abruptly changing or suspending it could create additional legal exposure for the village.
Source: LI Press
