The following are trustee reports from the Jan. 2 and Jan. 15 Floral Park village board meetings.

Deputy Mayor Kevin Greene reported that during December, the department issued 13 building permits, 21 plumbing permits, 15 electrical permits, five fence permits and six miscellaneous permits.

The Zoning Board of Appeals will be hearing five cases Feb. 15.

The Building Department is currently inspecting places of public assembly for their occupancy postings. Premises that have no postings are being posted. The Building Department also processed 312 licenses for plumbers, electricians and contractors and 646 applications were sent out.

Trustee Tom Tweedy reported that the recent mild weather gave the village tree planting contractor the opportunity to do this year's tree planting. One hundred twenty-four trees were planted at various locations in Floral Park. If you had a tree planted in front of your property, you can call the Department of Public Works to find out the type of tree that was planted. This year, 61 of the trees planted were deemed wire-friendly by LIPA. Each one of these trees earned the village a $50 per tree rebate from LIPA, which is twice as much as in past years.

The Department of Public Works is in the process of repairing potholes that developed due to the many heavy rainstorms this fall and freezing and thawing temperatures. Sometimes potholes develop overnight. If someone sees a bad pothole that needs immediate attention, do not hesitate to call Public Works at 326-6320.

In case of a snowstorm, Public Works would like to remind residents not to throw snow into the street. It is unsafe and causes more work, slowing down the overall snow removal process. Cold temperatures after a storm also create icy road conditions. As a rule, plowing does not start until at least 3 inches of snow have fallen. Please remove cars from the street during a snowstorm. After 4 inches of snow hav fallen, it is considered a snow emergency and car removal is mandatory. Residents may take sand, which is available in the parking lot on Stewart Street across from the Recreation Center near the Stop sign. The best results for ice build up on sidewalks is to use an ice melter with calcium chloride or potassium chloride. Avoid rock salt or sodium chloride.

Trustee Jim Rhatigan reported that while it must be noted that the success of the opening centennial celebration held on New Year's Day was made possible through the efforts of a number of committees and individuals, he would like to take a moment to commend the members of the village departments to which he serves as liaison.

Trustee Rhatigan was extremely proud of the hard work of the recreation department, under the supervision of recreation director Kurt Meyfohrt. "The recreation center was decked out as a holiday wonderland with set up and cleanup accomplished in fine order and with a smile for every visitor to the park," Trustee Rhatigan said. "It is evident that our recreation employees take pride in their work and it shows in their accomplishments."

Trustee Rhatigan also commended the fire chief's staff and members of the volunteer fire department who made certain that the fireworks display went off in a safe and secure manner. "Special thanks are to be given to our 'fuse man' for the day, Chief Frank Wakely, Jr., who coordinated the fireworks show with the pyrotechnical professionals from Bay Fireworks," he added. "If our opening event of our centennial year is any indication of what's to come, we are in for a very exciting 2008."

Trustee Mary-Grace Tomecki said a new year translates into new and exciting programs for children, teens and adults at the library. For the youngest patrons, ages 18 months to 5 years, the library is hosting a tots night out Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. Children in grades K-3 will have the opportunity to create their own Valentine's Day cards in a special arts and crafts program scheduled for Jan. 29 at 4 p.m. If your child is in Grades 3-6, they will have the chance to make beautiful Valentine trinket boxes on Jan. 31 at 4 p.m.

Patrons of all ages should plan to visit the library during the month of January at which time a comprehensive exhibit on the topic of "Censorship in Public Libraries and Schools" will be on display. Sponsored in part by the Nassau Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union, the exhibit will provide insight into the challenges to freedom of expression in the U.S. over the past 100 years. Through an illustrated journal display, the exhibition focuses on 32 incidents of censorship in public libraries and public schools that have occurred on a national level.

For more information on this important and timely exhibit, call 326-6330.