With the trial brought against the Village on St. Paul's concluded, it is timely to bring residents up-to-date with what is occurring with plans for the Historic Main Building.

The trial in New York State Supreme Court ended on June 29 with Justice Burke calling for briefs from both sides by a date in early September. At this time, it is anticipated that a decision will be issued by Justice Burke during mid- to late autumn.

Acknowledging that the Village must move forward on this important project and find the most appropriate use and users for the Historic Main Building, I reconvened the Mayor's Committee on St. Paul's at the last Village Board of Trustees meeting on July 13. I also appointed former Mayor Brian Deveney to, once again, assume the chairmanship of the committee and asked that he contact each of the prior members to request that they, once again, share their time and talents with the Village. During the prior phase, the committee held in excess of 11 meetings and is well-versed with the many facets of this project.

At the July 13 meeting the board unanimously voted to find the CareMatrix Corporation and the Chancellor Senior Housing Group, Inc. in default of their agreement with the Village and directed Village Counsel to take the appropriate action to serve notice on them.

During the next month the Mayor's Committee will be meeting to further explore what will be the most appropriate use of the Historic Main Building, review a number of letters of interest from senior assisted living providers, or their agents, examine the prior Request For Proposal (RFP) and make adjustments which will be submitted to the Village Board; and then, ultimately, move forward with the RFP process. At this time and without input from the Mayor's Committee, I am unable to provide a time schedule.

During early August, the Village will receive an updated draft from an independent structural engineer/architect on the scope of the work which is to be done to stabilize the Historic Main Building and to prevent any further deterioration.

The Village Board of Trustees joins me in expressing its sincere gratitude to Mr. Deveney, the members of the Mayor's Committee and their families for their major ongoing contribution to our Village - one which will benefit future generations.

During the past weeks we have seen a good deal of media coverage on the regional threat of the West Nile Virus, a disease transmitted by the common house mosquito, Culex Pipiens.

The key to controlling mosquitoes is to remove the standing water in which they breed before they become flying biting adults. The County Department of Health recommends that we immediately take the following steps:

* Remove or empty standing water from old tires, garbage cans, pails, children's toys, or any object that can hold water.

* Keep swimming pools chlorinated and their covers free of stagnant water.

* Clean and unclog rain gutters to keep them draining properly.

* Change the water in bird baths every two or three days.

* Install window and door screens and keep them in good repair.

* Avoid using bug zappers since they also kill beneficial insects.

* Replace outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights.

* Avoid mosquito populated areas if possible.

* Join your local Fight the Bite community cleanup activities.

* Report mosquito complaints of dead birds to Nassau County Mosquito Control, 571-8707.

On Thursday, July 27 the Recreation Department will be presenting Tom Wagner and the Village Musicmakers, featuring great big band tunes.

The program, which will be held at the Garden City Gazebo, located at the corner of Hilton and Stewart Avenues, will begin at 7:15 p.m. and admission is free. Please bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a very pleasant evening. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the Cultural and Performing Arts Center at Cluett Hall at the St. Paul's School. Please contact the Recreation Department Program Line (742-5888) with questions pertaining to the concert.