The voices of our youngsters singing carols and playing seasonal melodies with their instruments created a festive atmosphere at the Floral Park tree lighting ceremony. The Junior Woman's Club sponsored the event. Chair Liz O'Toole organized the ceremony and Club President Karen Sommer served as MC.

A group of children helped Trustees Phil Guarnieri, Kevin Greene and Tom Tweedy and me light the tree. The Christmas tree, in all its splendor, was the center of attention until the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus and their elves via transport by a Floral Park Fire Department Active Company fire engine. Monsignor Charles Nosser offered greetings and prayers. Our Lady of Victory chorus and the Floral Park Memorial High School band performed without the chill of the night interfering with a single note.

I want to thank our public works crews, volunteer firefighters, police officers, the chamber of commerce and Associated Food Store, Lions Club, the Woman's Club, G&Q Productions, local Scout troops and Our Lady of Victory Church and School for their generous support of the event. A hot chocolate and donut reception in Our Lady of Victory's cafeteria followed. A cheerful thank you to the Junior Woman's Club.

In November the village board conducted a public hearing regarding a special use permit application for a three-tiered employee parking garage by the owner of the property at 15 Verbena Avenue, Universal Sports Publications. The lengthy hearing was adjourned until Jan. 20, 2004. The hearing record was left open so as to admit additional submissions and comments. After the hearing, John Ryan, the village board's attorney, wrote to the applicant's attorney requesting additional information, including environmental impact analysis and traffic flow study.

The owner's attorney then notified the village that his client withdrew the application. At this time I do not have any additional information regarding the matter. Should there be any future developments, our residents will be kept informed.

In November, an arbitration hearing took place after negotiations between the village and the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) had failed to result in a contract. The current contract ended in June 2002. Talks between the parties eventually led to an impasse. Mediation and pre-arbitration meetings followed.

This week, the village counsel will submit to the arbitrator responses to the demands and the documents submitted by the PBA at the hearing. The PBA will also make submissions to the arbitrator in answer to the village's demands.

Leading up to this phase of the process, a legal consultant, with extensive expertise in police matters, was asked to assist the village's negotiating team. The arbitrator is expected to study the information both parties submit. He will make the final decision regarding salary increases and several other items that have a financial impact upon the village budget.

By state law, the arbitrator's decision is binding, meaning both parties must abide by the terms he outlines in his decision. The arbitrator can only make a decision that's binding for a two-year period, unless both parties agree to a longer contract. Currently, most contracts are for three to four years.

Residents will receive their 2004 Trash/Recycling calendars in the mail soon. Often, residents forget that during holiday weeks, the collection day may be different. Please keep your calendars handy. The calendar is also posted on the village website, www.fpvillage.org. The color-coded calendars indicate the pick-up schedule for different areas of the village. The calendar also provides information about special collections, such as appliances, appliances with Freon, painted cans and bulky items. If you don't get it by Jan. 1 or if you misplace it during the year, call public works at 325-6320. Give your address and a calendar will be sent to you. Recently, Public Works Commissioner Phil Guarnieri worked with Public Works Superintendent Ken Tymecki to make recommendations for updating our village garbage regulations. The village board adopted the recommendations. The updated regulations concerning dumpsters, disposal of hazardous items, such as diabetic syringes, and more will be introduced and implemented during the first quarter of 2004.

Public works crews tackled two snowfalls for over 40 straight hours the weekend of Dec. 5. This past weekend, it snowed but rain and sleet turned it into slush. Weather reports say there's a possibility of more snow this week. Every weather situation presents different challenges for public works.

After visiting my home care patients living in other areas of the county, I concluded that our village crews did an equal or better job plowing, sanding, removing snow and clearing storm drains than most other communities during the recent storms.

The public can help make the job of snowplowing and sanding easier and more efficient. Heed snow forecasts and plan to keep your vehicles in your driveway. Several complaints came in about neighbors' vehicles blocking the plows from doing their job. I won't embarrass folks by naming the streets. Residents and business owners should park their car(s) in the driveway. Please do not park a vehicle so that it overhangs the driveway apron or sidewalk. This is illegal.

Additionally, I want to stress the importance of clearing the sidewalks of snow within 12 hours after a snowfall. This should be done not only because it is a local law, but because it will allow mailmen and pedestrians to walk safely. Remember to shovel or blow snow onto your own property and always to the right of your driveway. Never shovel or blow snow into the street. This impedes effective snowplowing. While you're at it, clear snow away from any fire hydrants near your home.

A display of photojournalism contest entries can be seen at Washington Mutual Bank, located at 350 Hillside Avenue in New Hyde Park, until Dec. 19. The theme, "Home of the Free," depicts activities such as fire and police department personnel and government officials in action. Students from Floral Park Memorial High School participated in the nationwide program sponsored by Canon and Washington Mutual. A Canon camera, donated to the school, was used to take pictures at my office, one of which is on display. More information can be found at www.wamuhomeofthefree.com.