I truly hope that the board of trustees (BOT) will continue to discuss elements of the current 8-0 resolution (11/21/04) on the table. This compromise resolution for public/private use of the HMB/10-acre site included a) a public needs assessment for public use, b) publishing an RFP, c) stabilization measures, and d) seeking home rule.

At a following meeting it was agreed that more data was needed for the public needs assessment. Since that time no progress has been made. At the end of the last BOT meeting (Dec. 2), where a heated discussion took place for over an hour regarding elements of the final stages of the St. Paul's playing fields' project, a resident who attends almost all BOT meetings asked if the board was going to discuss the RFP. I answered that given the lateness of the hour and no response from BOT, I could only conclude that the RFP would not be discussed.

I intend to keep my promise of asking the BOT to continue to discuss the HMB/10-acre site at the next BOT meeting. I encourage you to come to the next BOT meeting Thursday, Dec. 16, at 8 p.m. and let us know your thoughts.

I realize it is a very hectic time for everyone but this is your village. Quite frankly, the longer the BOT takes no action on this compromise resolution, the more I am compelled to find a way to reassure the residents that this HMB/10-acre site remains in village control like the 38 acres of playing fields-one of the common themes I hear from just about every resident I talked with, listened to at BOT meetings or read letters sent to me. For the BOT to take active steps toward furthering the current resolution takes discussion and a vote. I hope the BOT agrees to action at our next meeting.

The village board of trustees and I extend to residents of the village a Happy Hanukkah and a happy and healthy holiday season.

The 50th annual holiday tree lighting ceremony took place on the Village Green Dec. 5. On behalf of the board of trustees, I want to thank everyone for their participation in this annual event. I especially want to begin by thanking our village employees who decorate our village each year for the holiday season.

In addition, special thanks to the Garden City Chamber of Commerce for coordinating this event and to Astoria Federal for its sponsorship once again. This year provided us with music from the Village Music Makers and from the talented Garden City High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble, whose holiday carols made it very festive. Also, thank you to Kings for sending Kingsley Bear once again to interact with the youngsters. A special thank you to the Garden City Fire Department for arranging the safe arrival of Santa Claus and to our police and special police for assisting with street crossing in the area. Santa and Chairman and CEO, George Engelke did an excellent job of assisting me in lighting the Christmas tree.

On behalf of the village board may I extend my best wishes to everyone during this holiday season. This is just another demonstration of collaboration between the village and the business community.

Be it in the classroom, on the athletic field or out in the community, our young people consistently bring credit to our village through their good work and achievements. I was pleased to learn that Terence Hartigan, captain of the Garden City High School varsity football team, was awarded the Thorp Award, as Nassau County's best high school football player, as well as the Piner Award for being the county's best linebacker. Congratulations Terence, Coach Flatley and the varsity football team.

With the winter season upon us, I would like to take this opportunity to remind village residents and merchants to cooperate when there is a snowstorm by shoveling walks within 24 hours following the snow fall. The following suggestions are offered in an effort to reduce inconvenience to residents and to assist the village in serving your needs.

If possible, wait until the village plows the street to clear the snow from your driveway entrance. If you can't wait, shovel to the right onto your curbside, since most snow plows push to the right. Do not shovel snow back into the cleared street. This will reduce the accumulation of snow that will be pushed back into your driveway. This is a chronic problem. Plow operators have been reminded to reduce the speed of their vehicles in order to lessen the amount of snow that is pushed back into driveways. Please be aware that the Department of Public Works cannot shovel out driveway entrances nor can it plow any private property.

When you hear that a storm is expected, move your car off the street into your driveway. This will speed up the plowing operation. Park your car, or cars, as close to the end of the driveway as is safely possible. This eliminates the need for shoveling the entire driveway to free your car when the storm has ended and the roads are safe to travel.

If you are unable to shovel snow or are going to be away, make arrangements to have the snow cleared from your sidewalk. One source of assistance is to contact PAVES to obtain the help of our village youth, who are looking for employment - 248-0390. Please remember that you are responsible to shovel your walk within 24 hours after the storm. The police department will enforce this. This is also applicable to the business community.

When using power equipment to blow snow please do not blow the snow in the street. Please clear snow away from all hydrants so that the fire department can reach them without delay. Also, make sure that the snow is not blocking the address to your house.

To facilitate safe garbage collections, a walk should be made from the sidewalk to where the garbage is kept. If this is not possible, it is suggested that the garbage be carried to the curb for pickup.

Again, thank you for your cooperation.

I know that I often mention "Shop Garden City" and there is no better time than now to mention it again. Residents in the Village of Garden City are very fortunate in having a vital business community comprised of merchants who are committed to serve us from their shops along Franklin Avenue, Seventh Street and New Hyde Park Road. I urge each of you to continue to patronize these local businesses during the holiday season and throughout the year. Our business community wants to know how they are doing, so take a minute the next time you are shopping and let them know what you think about the quality of their products and attention to customer service. Quality, selection and outstanding customer service. Shop Garden City first.