School Board Issues Note on Next Steps for Facilities Planning
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(This letter was sent to the community by School Board President Lee Maude and School Board V.P. Bill Natboony on June 27, 2017)
Board of Education Message:
Facilities and Bond Planning Update
To the Scarsdale Community:
On behalf of your Scarsdale Board of Education, we write to advise you of the status of ongoing discussions regarding facilities needs and planning for the District's schools, and to advise of next steps, including a meeting of the Board where facilities plans will be discussed on July 6, 2017 in Rooms 170-72 of the Scarsdale High School, beginning at approximately 9:00 A.M.
As you likely know, the Board of Education has for several years been engaged in various analyses and reviews of the facilities needs for the schools in our District. While much public and Board discussion has centered around how to address facilities issues at the Greenacres Elementary School, the District Administration and various consultants have recently completed a comprehensive review of all of the District's facilities (including Greenacres) and a prioritization of needed work. While the District's annual budget does allocate resources towards maintenance and some facilities projects, the current and future facilities needs of the District are extensive and, it appears, cannot be funded without bond financing. With repayment of certain long term bond debt for the District to be completed in 2019, the Board has been discussing a referendum for new bond issuance to fund major facilities work.
The District Administration is preparing a recommendation for the Board on how to address the District's facilities needs moving forward, including necessary facilities work relating to Greenacres. The Administration has indicated the recommendation will be based upon numerous factors, including the educational goals of the District, information from the District's architects (past and present), consultants and experts, Building Committees, significant community input, and the Board members' recent statements about the desired size of any bond and the relevance of the concept of tax neutrality.
At the July 6, 2017 Board meeting, BBS, the District's architects, will provide certain updates and additional analysis regarding its recent work, and the Administration is expected to provide details and an underlying explanation of its recommendations concerning the work to be financed by an upcoming bond. The Board is expected to discuss the Administration's recommendation, including the recommendation on how to proceed with work relating to Greenacres, and whether, and to what extent, the Board is in a position to give guidance to the Administration on how to proceed.
The Board has, over an extended period of time, received extensive comments on the facilities issues, and in particular Greenacres, from many members of the Scarsdale community, including many members of the Greenacres community. These comments are appreciated. To the extent you can or wish to, the Board would welcome any additional comments prior to its July 6, 2017 meeting. There will also be the opportunity at the July 6, 2017 meeting for any member of the public or community group to comment on facilities issues prior to the Board's discussion that morning.
The Board agenda for July 6, 2017 will include the Board reviewing and discussing the Administration's recommendations and, to the extent the Board believes it appropriate based on the information before it, giving guidance to the Administration on how to proceed. The Board's discussions at that time will inform whether, and to what extent, the Board will attempt to schedule additional meetings over the summer. If you are interested in information regarding District facilities issues, we urge you to review the District website, and in particular the Facilities sections, which contain information concerning the process so far. As more information becomes available, it will be posted on the District's website, along with the Board's meeting agendas.
Sincerely,
Leila S. Maude
President, Scarsdale Board of Education
William J. Natbony
Vice-President, Scarsdale Board of Education
Weekend Open House Tour
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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There's still time to buy a house in move in before the opening of the school year in September. Here's 
a nice list of weekend open houses to check out:
Open Houses:
27 Murray Hill Road, Scarsdale
Open House: Sunday June 25, 1-3 PM
Magnificent "Way Beyond Green" new construction by Healthy Home Builders! located in the Heathcote estate section of Scarsdale, this stunning Georgian colonial, with exquisite stone exterior and circular drive, incorporates classic architectural details with the most advanced, non-toxic building materials, exquisitely landscaped grounds, sophisticated indoor air and water purification and filtration systems, whole house 
generator and smart home technology. This thoughtfully designed residence is not only grand and luxurious, but is also engineered with state of the art systems for a most healthy and energy conscious living environment. Listing agent: Dawn Knief --Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty, 914.393.1159, Co-listed with Diana Plunkett - Houlihan Lawrence. Learn more here:
List Price: $6,950,000
31 Paddington Road Scarsdale
Open House Sunday June 25, 2-4 PM
Not to be missed, this exceptional newly constructed Colonial is ideally located in the heart of Fox Meadow and close to the train, Scarsdale village, and schools. This fabulous home boasts a desirable open layout with oversized windows and
extra high ceilings throughout! High-end professional-style chef's kitchen. Scarsdale Office: 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $3,350,000
116 Fox Meadow Road, Scarsdale
Open House Sunday June 25, 2-4 PM
Privately set Fox Meadow Colonial offers open floor plan and walk to train location on large, level property. This home has is all! Stunning entryway to greet your guests, wonderful flow for entertaining, high-end chef's kitchen with adjacent family room, music room for all those piano lessons, a proper office/library. Scarsdale Office: 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $3,175,000
30 Carriage House Lane, Scarsdale
Public Open House: Sunday June 25, 1-3 PM
Gorgeous young new construction Colonial on a flat .61 acres of sprawling property in Quaker Ridge. This is truly a house that has it all -- a kitchen/great room that everyone dreams of, ideal back yard with room for a pool, circular driveway, herringbone floors and wide plank floors throughout. 5 generously sized bedrooms on the second floor. Sonos sound 
system throughout the house, security camera system, Generac generator and more. Listing Agent: Randi Culang 917.957.2700. Learn more here:
List Price: $3,100,000
29 Fairview Road, Scarsdale
Open House: Sunday June 25, 2-4 PM
Exceptional new construction with large perfectly flat park like property nestled on a quiet location in sought after Scarsdale school district! This impressive house was crafted by a well, respected builder and exhibits the highest quality finishes.
Listing Agent: Angela Retelny 914.450.5106. Learn more here:
List Price: $3,350,000
66 Brookby Road Scarsdale
Open House Sunday June 25, 2-4 PM
This handsome stone and shingle new construction offers 7000+ square feet on four spacious floors and an inviting floor plan marrying the traditional and the transitional. This attractive home offers comfortable perfection and ultimate convenience. Construction excellence is the hallmark for this seasoned Scarsdale builder. Scarsdale Office: 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $2,999,000
48 Harvest Drive, Scarsdale
Open House Sunday June 25, 2-4 PM
Sophistication and superior craftsmanship is the hallmark of this impeccably designed 5 bed, 5.2 bath home custom built and expanded in 2004 using only the finest materials. Perfect for today's lifestyle, the unique open layout of the kitchen, dining and family room will beckon you to linger as overlook the lush .60 acres. Scarsdale Office: 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $2,685,000
8 Murray Hill Road, Scarsdale
Open House Sunday June 25, 12-2 PM
Location and timeless elegance in this classic center hall Colonial on gorgeous property in Murray Hill! Move-in ready with 6 bedrooms, 6 full and 2 half baths, and a huge master suite with 2 full baths, marble fireplace, dressing room with built-Ins, walk-in closet and office/sitting room. This home features high ceilings, crown moldings, elevator, 2 sets of back stairs, formal living room has fireplace and floor to ceiling windows, high end custom kitchen-Subzero/Viking/Bosch, granite countertops, The living room, dining room 
and library lead to deck for entertaining. Professional office with separate entrance, 2-car attached garage. Listing Agent: Stephen Rogalski Mobile: 914-391-9963. Learn more here.
List Price: $2,195,000
94 Spier Road, Scarsdale
Open House Sunday June 25, 1-3 PM
This amazing Quaker Ridge Colonial has unbelievable space that was expanded and updated in 2004 and now features a 2017 newly renovated, sleek white kitchen with top-of-the-line stainless appliances (Viking stove and Sub-Zero refrigerator) and breakfast area with soaring ceiling and windows all around. Scarsdale Office: 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,850,000
286 Soundview Avenue, White Plains
Open House: Sunday June 25, 1-3PM
Fabulous manor style home offers a grand lifestyle on over one acre of lush property in Soundview. Welcoming entry foyer leads to an over-sized living room with beamed ceiling and elegant fireplace with French doors opening to the library, sunroom and magnificent garden courtyard. A formal dining room with beamed ceiling and fireplace is a delightful setting for entertaining. The family room offers flexible space with a separate outdoor entrance and a PDR. An expansive updated kitchen with breakfast room features a butler's pantry with custom cabinetry, granite countertops and Dacor Professional range and oven with Sub zero refrigerator. The 1st floor is completed by a sunny separate studio with PDR and entrances at the rear of the two-car garage. The 2nd floor offers a luxurious master bedroom suite with marble bath, a dressing antechamber and study. 5 more bedrooms provide ample space + 3 additional full baths. Romantic and gracious in every way yet perfect for today's lifestyle. Listing agent: Angela Manson: (914) 420-9878
Learn more here:
List Price: $1,649,000
52 Black Birch Lane Scarsdale
Open House Sunday June 25, 1:30-3:30 PM
Renovated Quaker Ridge home with craftsman styling and Mid-Century flair offers flexible interior living space with lots of light, large updated kitchen, renovated bathrooms, and wonderful outdoor spaces for entertaining. Features include new Pella Windows (2005), new HVAC 2 zone system (2006), and so many other upgrades! Scarsdale Office: 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,225,000
77 Tunstall Road Scarsdale,
Open House Sunday June 25, 12- 2 PM
A one of a kind, this gem is rare in both flow, scale, and level of detail. A stunning entrance hall offers full view of the staircase and introduces the living room through exquisite French doors. Situated on a dead end, this special home enjoys a tranquil setting and offers endless possibilities for classic to engage with modern. Scarsdale Office: 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,200,000
285 Old Army Road, Scarsdale
Open House: Sunday June 25: 12-2PM and 2:30-4:30PM
Situated on .24 acres this charming 1906 cape code with large wrap around porch boasts modern amenities. Formal large living room with custom built-ins, masonry fireplace and French door to wrap around porch and fabulous yard for entertaining. Formal Dining room leads to updated kitchen and breakfast room. Easy living with master bedroom and en-suite bath on first floor. Additional 2 bedrooms on 2nd level with oversized hall bath. Conveniently located a short walk to school and train. Contact Felicia Frey, To-Dao Casey or Jason Mehler at (914) 723-1331. Lean more here:
List Price: $895,000
10 Alpine Road, New Rochelle
Open House: Saturday June 24, 2-4PM
Great value in northern New Rochelle with low taxes. Gracious entry foyer leads to spacious living room with crown molding and open flow to family room and formal dining room. Sunny eat-in-kitchen leads to slate patio and level rear yard on .23 acre. Comfortable three bedrooms on second floor with updated bath. Large 4th bedroom on third floor with dressing area and en suite bath. Hardwood floors. Listing agent: Angela Manson: (914) 420-9878. Learn more here:
List Price: $650,000
105 Lyons Road, Eastchester
Open House: Sunday 6/25, 2-4 PM
First time on the market in 52 years! This lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath Colonial has it all! This is located in the Eastchester school district and offers bus services to Waverly and Greenvale elementary schools. Close proximity to Scarsdale train station. Walking distance to shops and restaurants! Improvements include: roof/2008,Havc/2014. In 1982 a lovely extension
was built and used as a family room with sliding glass doors to wood deck overlooking private backyard. Attached one car garage and level driveway. Contact Julia Ricciuti, 914-391-6994. Learn more here:
List Price: $629,000
Open Houses Galore!
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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If you are thinking of moving to lower Westchester, here's a great opportunity to visit homes in all price ranges in many neighborhoods. Check out this big list of weekend Open Houses from Houlihan Lawrence:
Scarsdale
9 Autenreith Road Scarsdale
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 06/11/17 12:30PM-2:30PM
This stunning 2011-built center hall Colonial is just steps away from Scarsdale's downtown and train station. Recent significant architectural and cosmetic exterior changes and substantial interior upgrades present a clean lined, modern home. A+ location, superb schools and fantastic commute -- this home has it all. Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $2,998,000
7 Harcourt Road Scarsdale
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 06/11/17 11:00AM-12:30PM
Spectacular, fully renovated, expanded center hall brick Colonial set on 0.31 acres in the heart of Fox Meadow. Tremendous curb appeal and pristine property. This home is a perfect blend of old world charm and modern amenities. Classic detailing throughout including a gracious entry hall, beautiful staircase, and more. Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $2,975,000
23 Cooper Road Scarsdale
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 06/11/17 2:30PM-4:30PM
Beautifully maintained sun-filled home on a picturesque street in the heart of Murray Hill. The spacious kitchen boasts 3 year old stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and a gorgeous breakfast room with cathedral ceiling and an abundance of sunlight capturing the beauty of nature. Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $2,495,000
28 Parkfield Road Scarsdale
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 06/11/17 1:30PM-3:30PM
Enjoy a short walk to train (32 minute express to Grand Central) from this ideally located and newly renovated Fox Meadow Colonial in Scarsdale! This home features a fabulous layout for casual living and formal entertaining with a gorgeous open-plan new premium eat-in chef's kitchen. Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $2,198,000
35 Sage Terrace, Scarsdale
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 06/11/17 2:30PM-4:30PM
Greenacres is the place to be! A beautifully maintained Manor-style Tudor with serious curb appeal in Greenacres. This home features an extra wide staircase, arched doorways, original stained glass accent windows, hardwood floors and imported limestone floors. Oversized dining room with a wall of windows. Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $2,100,000
61 Drake Road, Scarsdale
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 06/11/17 2:00PM-4:00PM
Meticulously renovated Heathcote Tudor boasts timeless chef's kitchen with custom cabinetry, two dishwashers, two sinks, limestone countertops, Viking range, SubZero refrigerator, large banquette and radiant heated floors. Other features include expansive step down 25' x 28' living room/family room, six bedrooms, and more. Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,750,000
29 Kingston Road Scarsdale
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 06/11/17 1:00PM-4:00PM
Much admired Greenacres Colonial set on beautiful corner 1/2 acre property in a walk to train location. Be captivated by the curb appeal and sprawling lawn of this charming home located one long block from the elementary school. Perfect layout for modern living and entertaining, cookouts on summer evenings, and more. Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,639,000
64 Walworth Avenue Scarsdale,
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 06/11/17 2:00PM-4:00PM
Enjoy the 21st century open floor plan in this thoroughly updated 20th Century Dutch Colonial. The seamless flow of light filled rooms is so right for today's living and entertaining. It is an easy walk to the train from this .3 acre, 3,300 square foot home in the sought-after Greenacres neighborhood. Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,595,000
21 Robin Hill Road Scarsdale
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 06/11/17 1:00PM-3:00PM
Exceptional, renovated Edgemont Colonial set in an ideal location on tranquil street close to schools, train, village and shops. Great layout with new kitchen open to family room with vaulted ceiling/skylight and door to large deck partially covered with redone gazebo and a few steps to private backyard - perfect to relax! Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $985,000
15 Plymouth Drive Scarsdale
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 06/11/17 12:00PM-2:00PM
Whether it's a magical night of Halloween on the green, or the annual Wilmot Woods party, this special neighborhood is utterly sweet and abundantly charming. So it is with this perfect four bedroom gem featuring a stunning yard, a year round sunroom AND a screened in porch, all to emphasize the exquisite setting. Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $665,000
Hartsdale
75 West Hartsdale Avenue #4 Hartsdale, NY
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 06/11/17 1:00PM-3:00PM
Stunning and fully renovated townhouse leaves nothing else to do...except move right in! Beautiful wood floors throughout, with an onyx tile floor in the powder room. New recessed lighting or track/pendant lighting in all rooms. Living room and dining area share the wood-burning fireplace. Kitchen with stainless steel! Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $700,000
White Plains
225 Saxon Woods Road White Plains
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 06/11/17 1:00PM-2:30PM
Come and see this private paradise offering tranquility and natural surroundings like no other offering. Gorgeous outdoor views from every room will take your breath away. Upon entering this classic Contemporary home, you will notice the dramatic two story entrance leading into the naturally lit living room. A rare find! Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $747,000
105 Barton Road White Plains
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 06/11/17 1:00PM-4:00PM
Enter and be swept away by the elegant front hall and dramatic stairway. This French Normandy Colonial features graciously proportioned rooms, a fabulous kitchen with granite counters, large center island and breakfast bar, a vaulted skylight overhead, Bosch dishwasher, Marvel wine fridge, garbage disposal and much more! Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $899,000
46 Hillair Circle White Plains
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 06/11/17 1:00PM-3:00PM
Majestic stone and shingle Colonial on close to an acre of magnificent property, backing onto woods on coveted Hillair Circle. Completely updated and move-in ready. Improvements include new kitchen with granite counters, new bathrooms, newly painted exterior, gorgeous landscaping, re-built stone walls and more.Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,129,000
6 New York Avenue White Plains
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 06/11/17 1:00PM-3:00PM
When you visit this handsome Prospect Park Colonial, you'll never want to leave! Every space beautifully detailed, possessing wonderful character. Impressive Colonial with 9' ceilings unfolds to rooms of grand proportions, so inviting for lively, large gatherings of family and friends! Freshly painted, updated bathrooms. Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,139,000
16 Vermont Avenue White Plains,
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 06/11/17 1:00PM-3:00PM
Iconic renovated Prospect Park Victorian with sweeping front lawn and wrap around porch. On .87 park-like, level acre, this warm and inviting home is a perfect blend of period finishes and modern conveniences. 9' ceilings and decorative detail throughout. Gorgeous staircase. Imagine a modern décor against period detail! Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $1,149,000
Rye Brook
72 Doral Greens Drive West Rye Brook
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 06/11/17 2:00PM-4:00PM
Beautiful three bedroom, two-½ bath home with elevator. Sunlight abounds in this easy living home all on one level. A quick ride in the PRIVATE ELEVATOR brings you from the garage up into the main living area. The master bedroom overlooks the golf course and features a walk-in closet, plus more. Scarsdale Office 914-723-8877. Learn more here:
List Price: $780,00
Village Launches New E-Newsletter and Asks for Your Input on Communications
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The Village of Scarsdale Ad-Hoc Committee on Communications has developed a short survey to gain insights into how satisfied you are with the official local government information you receive, the communication channels through which you receive official news and information, and how the Village of Scarsdale could improve its resident communications. Please help the committee to advocate precisely for what you need by completing the survey no later than July 1st. You can complete the survey by clicking here.
In other news, the Ad-Hoc Committee on Communications has collaborated with staff to develop a new e-newsletter titled "Scarsdale Official." The newsletter will come out twice a month and will feature timely, very brief news items in a mobile-friendly format.Content will include a combination of community happenings, major project updates, and Village Board meeting actions, among other official, local tidbits. To sign up, visit the "Notify Me" page of the Village website.
Consultants to be Hired to Review the Village Assessor's Office
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It seemed like old times at Village Hall on Tuesday night June 6 when some of the most vocal opponents of the 2016 revaluation returned for a meeting on hiring a consultant to conduct an independent review of the Village Assessor's office. The Village held a similar meeting with the consulting firm Management Partners in late February, but at the time the trustees decided to wait to make a decision on retaining them until they could answer more questions on their expertise on revaluations.
Kevin Knutson from Management Partners explained that he was a former Village Manager of Coral Gables Florida who now works at Management Partners, an 85-person firm with over 700 clients in 41 states. All of the firms' employees formerly worked in government. For this meeting, Knutson brought in Thomas Frey, who has worked as an assessor, appraiser and as a project consultant on a revaluation in Mamaroneck to serve as a technical consultant on the work in Scarsdale.
The consultants will be charged with doing a review of the assessor's office, evaluating practices and processes with an eye toward improving their efficiency and effectiveness. Village Manager Steve Pappalardo said, "The study will not involve forensic evaluations of the Tyler and Ryan models," but will be an analysis to help improve processes. The project is anticipated to take four to five months to complete and the consultants would be paid $34,990 which will come out of the FY 2016-17 budget.
Frey introduced himself, explaining that he has been an assessor for 42 years, worked as an assessor for a municipality for 32 years and also as an instructor in the field. He has worked as a consultant for the City of White Plains and did appraisals for SCARS hearings. In Mamaroneck, he was the Project Manager for what he called a "reasonably successful" revaluation. When asked what he believed was the key to a good revaluation, Frey said, "...Explain what you are going to do and be as transparent as possible." Asked what he has seen as issues with the assessor's offices in other towns, he said, "They often don't have enough staffing." In response to a question about his role in Mamaroneck he said, "I worked on the RFP, met with contractor and the assessors office, communicated with the town board and rechecked samples of the data collection ... serving as the monitor."
Frey also commented on whether it was possible to conduct a revaluation without doing another round of data collection. He said, "Yes, as long as you maintain good records of sales and demolitions. Sometimes you can just "tweak" the values."
He said he did that within the office without hiring an outside firm. The comment about "tweaking" brought to mind Ryan's claim before he conducted the 2016 revaluation, using data collected for the prior revaluation in 2014.
Mayor Hochvert asked, "How do you fairly assess the quality and condition of a home? How do you develop these parameters? What does the range denote? AAA? C? Frey responded, "Condition and quality are the hardest to do – as they are subjective. Simplifying the grade is better. When the range gets too big it is hard to keep consistency." He added, "We do mass appraisal. We aim toward the middle and go up or down from there."
Amy Parlato wanted to know how Frey would get feedback, and the consultants said they would visit the office 4-5 times and interview residents. Mayra Kirkendall Rodriguez wanted to know what model Frey worked with when he was an assessor and he explained that he used "a model provided from New York State and adjusted for our municipality that worked with the RPS system." Asked if he back tested the model, he said yes.
About the diversity of the housing stock he explained that Mamaroneck was similar to Scarsdale in the range of housing. To another question from Steve Rakoff about what to do when there is a shortage of comparable sales during a specific period, Frey said that the office extends the sales period to gather more values. His wife Amy asked if Frey was aware of the situation in Scarsdale and he said that all he knew was what he read in the media.
At one point, the clear divide in opinion about future revaluations surfaced in the room; Bob Berg affirmed his desire for the consultants to work independently to analyze and make their recommendations and said, "I think we all agree that we need to do another revaluation in the near future," which brought cries of disagreement from Ron Parlato and Steve Rakoff who said, "No we don't... don't speak for us!"
Michael Levine who is a statistician commented that it would be difficult to separate problems in the assessor's office with issues with the models used. He said to the consultants, "I understand that this is a limited engagement. You may think you can get at this by analyzing the procedures. But below it is perceived flaws in the results that resulted from perceived flaws in the methodology or land evaluation. You will get into these questions. I suggest you anticipate this and when you see it you don't ignore it. Notice that and be aware – even if it's outside the scope of your work."
At the conclusion of the meeting it appeared that both the trustees and community members in attendance were in agreement that the consultants should be retained to do the study. Following the meeting, the trustees asked village managers to draft a resolution to hire the consultants. This will be voted on at the June 13th meeting of the board of trustees.
