A mass mailing updating residents on St. Paul's went out last weekend to keep villagers, particularly those new to the community, abreast of what the board is planning to do with the historic landmark. Einhorn, Yaffee Prescott (EYP), an architecture and engineering consulting firm members of the mayor's committee on St. Paul's told board members that the building's deteriorating roof would not make it through another winter and admitted they cannot recommend a temporary or phased approach.

The mailing, dubbed Village Facts, also went out because of Judge Burke's May 2001 ruling that stated the property must be for municipal use and could not be used for private operations. Further, the mayor's committee strongly urged against demolishing St. Paul's but recommended tearing down Ellis Hall and the cottages "in the best interest of the village."

Trustee Jon Segerdahl said the mailing's impetus first began when he was president of the Eastern Property Owners Association (EPOA). Approximately 7,100 households received the mailing, which presented residents with a chronology of important events that have transpired with regard to the building and more importantly, the possibility of moving all village hall functions to the historic main building and additional 10-acre site.

EYP presented their renovation plan to the board, media, Chamber of Commerce representatives and POA presidents during a recent special meeting. They will present their findings for the rest of the village Thursday. The other approximate 38 acres of open playing fields that residents have used since the village acquired the property in 1993 will not be discussed.

Trustee John Mauk mentioned his concern with some of the wording used in the mailing during a July 8 board work session "because it comes across as something we as a village board have agreed to and I'm really very concerned with the advocacy approach that's being presented," he said. "We need to take a step back and say we have a conceptual plan but we also have other options as well."

Mauk also admitted his concern with the $23 million figure EYP presented and thinks their renovation plan is $10 million off. "There's zoning issues with the current village hall that haven't been addressed. We should use caution as a body and take a more thorough approach," he added.

"What EYP has suggested is just one alternative. We have to be honest and forthright with residents. People have to have the opportunity to compare options. I'm not pleased with the idea that all of our names are on this and we're moving forward with this as a group. I don't think people are going to be so much concerned with the chronology of the building but what is going to become of it and I think that should be the focus of this mailing."

Trustee Peter Negri said he thinks the mailing is an important step since many consultants sent up a strong warning to do something as soon as possible. "I think it's imperative we keep moving on this subject and not make a decision based on catastrophic circumstances, which is very possible if that building goes another year."

Despite Mauk's concern, the board voted in favor of the mailing. Mauk abstained and trustee Peter Bee was not present.

A committee worked on the mailing for over a month. The July 18 meeting will be held at 8 p.m. in the library's lower level meeting room where EYP will present an overview, including the cost for the possible relocation.