In an effort to curb the proliferation of clothing and other collection bins throughout the Town, Babylon officials have instituted a moratorium, saying they won't issue any new permits or authorize placement at any new locations. TheTown wants to get a handle on the number of bins throughout the Town, their locations, condition and the individual or organizations who place them. Under Town code, anyone who puts a bin in the Town must have a permit," said Ron Kluesener, Chief of Staff for Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone. "Right now there are many out there and we just have to stop, take a breath, and make sure that they are all legal." Town officials said they also want to make sure that the containers are properly placed, do not infringe on any walkways, private properties or streets and don't interfere with vehicular traffic. Kluesener said that most of the clothing collected in these bins is sold to Third World countries and that only a portion, if any of the money raised from those sales goes to a charity. "Most people don't know that," said Kluesener. Town officials said they did not know how long it would take them to document all of the containers currently placed in the Town, but the moratorium is for one year. In other business, the Town held a public hearing in reference to amending the Town code dealing with pawnbrokers and second-hand dealers. Under the law, operators of these types of commercial establishments must be have a permit from the Town of Babylon. Thenew code establishes a definition for these types of businesses and authorizes the Town Clerk to accept applications for the licenses. A general license would require a $2,000 bond; a manager's license a $10,000 bond together with license fees. All facilities must also maintain and make their records available for inspection by a police officeror any inspector of licenses duly authorized in writing by the Town Board.

Donation bins are soon to be regulated by the Town of Babylon "Essentially, this helps to ensure that no stolen property is being sold at these establishments," said Babylon Town Attorney Paul Margiotta. "It puts into place a system whereby the police can come to us for a list of these kind of establishments as they investigate thefts and other crimes."

TheTown also is scheduled to: •approve a bid for $81,081 for improvements at the Great Neck Marina in Copiague, including constructing four new boat slips there; •confirmed membershp into the North Amityville Fire Company for Garrett Aiken, Monique Jackson and Kevin Hoppenhauer.