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Trustees press staff on insurance for car wash, 5K permits at Valley Stream parks
Summary
Trustees questioned whether homeowners' insurance satisfies permit requirements for two upcoming events — a car wash by a sixth-grade class and a family 5K — and asked staff to verify coverage. Staff will follow up and report back before the events.
Trustees at a Valley Stream work session raised insurance and liability concerns about two permit applications for village facilities: a Brooklyn Avenue car wash organized by a sixth-grade class scheduled for Oct. 19 and a family 5K walk/run scheduled for Oct. 26.
Paul (trustee) introduced the item listing the two facility uses and noted the applications were signed by individuals rather than organizations. Trustees asked whether an indemnification clause and a homeowners insurance declaration page provided by an individual signing the permit would satisfy the village's required minimum liability coverage — trustees noted a common minimum of $300,000 liability for events on village property.
Barbara Cassidy (village staff) and other staff members said applicants typically provide a certificate of insurance but that some individual applicants have attempted to substitute a homeowners policy. Trustees asked staff to verify whether the homeowners policy language actually covers off-premises or organized public activities. One trustee said the coverage summary did not clearly show a $300,000 minimum and asked staff to confirm in writing.
Trustees discussed the practical effect of strict insurance requirements on volunteer-run activities and school-related fundraisers; several trustees said the village has historically allowed many school or PTO events but emphasized the board's responsibility to reduce risk. The board also discussed whether the village is insulated from some lawsuits when events occur on public property, but staff noted prior litigation experience and urged caution.
Action and next steps: staff will verify insurance sufficiency for both permits, confirm whether homeowners insurance can be accepted in lieu of a general liability certificate, and report back to trustees. One trustee said she would allow the events to proceed while staff completes the insurance check; staff flagged the events as two weeks away and will follow up.
No formal vote with recorded tally appears in the transcript; trustees directed staff to investigate and verify coverage documentation before the events.
