We are pleased to learn from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada this week that the Village's Comprehensive Annual Finance Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2000 earned a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting and its accomplishment by the village.

It is with great pleasure that I announce that Garden City has once again been awarded the designation of Tree City USA.

This award, granted by the National Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the US Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters, recognizes communities which meet detailed, objective standards applied to trees on public property. These standards involve ongoing tree planting, maintenance and preservation of trees and the number and variety of trees planted per year in the community. Evaluations are made on the basis of four standards: a legally constituted municipal tree body, the adoption of tree ordinances, a comprehensive Community Forestry Program and the observance of Arbor Day.

I have received a number of compliments from residents and visitors over the beautiful tulip plantings on various village properties. The credit goes to the talented members of our Parks Division of the Public Works Department who plan and plant these beds throughout the year to make our village the showplace that it is. We truly value and appreciate their efforts.