The 2013 Congressional Art Competition has begun, and I am currently accepting submissions in my New Jersey district offices.
The Congressional Art Competition is sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives, and it is open to all 9th-12th graders. The first-place winner from each congressional district is invited to attend a reception in Washington, D.C., and the winning artwork is displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year.
On this page, you will find the 2013 guidelines and the Student Release form. Artwork may be dropped off at the Eastern District Office, 266 Harristown Road, Suite 104, Glen Rock (201-444-5454) or at the Western District Office, 83 Spring Street, Suite 302A, Newton (973-300-2000) between now and Monday, April 22, 2013. Please call in advance to let my staff know you will be dropping off the artwork.
I sincerely hope you will consider participating in this wonderful opportunity. Please do not hesitate to contact Christina Garfinkle at my Eastern District Office at (201) 444-5454 if you have additional questions.
New Jersey’s lone marijuana dispensary overwhelmed with requests
Monday February 4, 2013, 10:54 PM
BY MARY JO LAYTON
STAFF WRITER
The Record
Patients registered in New Jersey’s medical marijuana program are waiting weeks — even months — for appointments to obtain the drug from the only dispensary in the state.
The waits are not likely to end soon. The number of patients continues to grow — 645 people are registered, more than twice the amount the dispensary in Montclair anticipated in its first year. Meanwhile, other dispensaries aren’t expected to open for months as they go through a rigorous process to meet state regulations for medical marijuana centers.
A GUIDE TO THE NEW JERSEY OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT WHAT IS THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW?
The Open Public Meetings Law, which is commonly referred to as the “Sunshine Law”, was enacted in 1975. It establishes the right of all citizens to have adequate advance notice of all public meetings and the right to attend meetings at which any business affecting the public is discussed or acted upon. – N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 to 10:4-2
IS THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW THE SAME THING AS THE RIGHT-TOKNOW
LAW?
No. The Open Public Meetings Law refers to public meetings. The Right-to-Know Law refers to public records. N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 to 47:1A-4
TO WHOM DOES THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETING LAW APPLY?
The law applies to any public body of the state, county, or municipal level of government that has legal authority to vote on public matters or to spend public funds.
TO WHOM DOES THE LAW NOT APPLY?
The law specifically exempts the Judiciary, grand and petit juries, parole boards, the State Commission of Investigations, The Apportionment Committee and any political party committee. In addition, the Law exempts informal or purely advisory bodies and meetings of a
public official with subordinates.
ARE ALL GATHERINGS OF PUBLIC BODIES SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS
OF THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW?
No. In order to be covered by the provisions of the Law, a meeting (whether attended in person or conducted by means of communications equipment) must be:
(1) open to all the public body’s members, (2) attended by an effective majority of the members of that public body, and (3) the members present must intend to discuss or act upon public business. For example, political caucus meetings and change encounters of members of public bodies, or gatherings attended by or open to all members of three or more similar public bodies are not covered by the Law.
However, the Open Public Meetings Law specifically prohibits any person or public body from failing to invite a portion of its members in order to avoid the requirements of the Law.
WHAT MUST A PUBLIC BODY DO TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE
OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW?
The Law requires public bodies to provide the public with: (a) adequate advance notice of all its meetings, (b) the right to attend its meetings, and (c) reasonable comprehensive minutes of all its meetings. In each of these areas, the Law sets forth specific requirements:
A. ADEQUATE NOTICE
The Law requires the public bodies provide the public with adequate advance notice of all its meetings. This can be accomplished by either:
(1) an “Annual Notice” or (2) a “48-hour notice.” The “Annual Notice” containing the time, date, and, to the extent known,
the location of each meeting, must be provided within seven days of the annual organization or reorganization meeting of the public body. If there is no organization or reorganization meeting, “Annual Notice” must be provided by January 10th.
A “48-Hour Notice” is required when a public body wishes to convene a meeting which has not been listed on the annual notice or regularly scheduled meetings. The Law mandates the public body to provide a written notice at least 48 hours prior to the convening of the meeting.
The “48-Hour Notice” must contain the time, date, location and, to the extent known, the agenda of the meeting.
Both the “Annual Notice” and the “48-Hour Notice” must be (1) prominently posted in at least one public place reserved for such announcements, (2) transmitted to two newspapers in time for publication 48-hours in advance of the meeting, (3) filed with appropriate Municipal or County Clerk or the Secretary of State if the public body has statewide authority, and (4) mailed to any person upon request.
B. MEETINGS
The Law requires that public bodies permit all members of the public to attend their meetings. However, the right to attend meetings does not entitle members of the public to participate in the meetings. The public body may exclude the public only from portions of a meeting
known as the “executive” or “closed session.” Prior to excluding the public, the public body must first adopt a resolution at a meeting which is open to the public indicating generally what matters will be discussed in closed session and when these discussions will be disclosed to the
public. The following items are permitted to be discussed in closed session.
1. Any matter considered confidential by federal law, state statue,
or court rule;
2. Any matter in which the release of information would impair the receipt of federal funds;
3. Any material which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy if disclosed;
4. Any collective bargaining agreements or other discussion of the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement,
including negotiations leading up to such an agreement.
5. Any matter involving the purchase, lease or acquisition of real property with public funds, the setting of banking rates or investment of public funds where disclosure of such matter could adversely affect the public interest.
6. Any tactics and techniques used in protecting the safety and property of the public and investigations of violations or possible violations of the law.
7. Any pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiations in which the public body is or may become a party, and any matter falling within the attorney-client privilege, to the extent that confidentiality is required to preserve the attorney-client relationship.
8. Personnel matters related to the employment, appointment or termination of current or prospective employees, unless all individuals who could be adversely affected request, in writing, that the matter be discussed at a public meeting.
9. Any deliberations of a public body occurring after a public hearing that may result in the imposition of a fine upon an individual or the suspension or the loss of license or permit belonging to an individual. The New Jersey courts have recognized the potential for misuse of the closed session exceptions by public bodies and have, therefore, strictly construed these exceptions in an effort to further the legislative intent of providing open public meetings in most instances.
C. MINUTES
The Law requires the public body to keep reasonably comprehensible minutes of all its meetings, showing the time and place, the members present, the subjects considered, the actions taken, the votes of each member and any other information required by law to be recorded by
minutes. These minutes are to be made promptly available to the public. In addition, the Law requires that a statement be entered into the minutes at the outset of each meeting indicating (1) that adequate notice has been provided (specifying the time, date, and manner in which the notice was provided), or (2) that adequate notice was not provided and an explanation for the failure of public body to provide adequate notice.
Ousted insurance broker cries foul
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
BY JEFF PILLETS
STAFF WRITER
The Record
Bergen County’s longtime insurance broker, replaced last month with a firm headed by South Jersey political kingmaker George E. Norcross, is asking state and federal authorities to investigate the county’s new deal.
Brown & Brown Metro, Bergen’s broker since 2003, has also sent letters to the county’s health care providers warning them not to deal with the Norcross brokerage, Conner Strong & Buckelew of Marlton.
The county has fired back with cease-and-desist letters to Brown & Brown, and asked the state attorney general to investigate what one provider viewed as “threats” by the broker, in a controversy that has rapidly morphed into something uglier than a typical legal dispute.
“This is a big mess,” said County Administrator Ed Trawinski.
Village of Ridgewood Village Council ,Boards and Meetings
02/05/13 7:30PM Planning Board Public Meeting
02/06/13 7:30PM Village Council Public Work Session
02/11/13 7:30PM Planning Board Special Public Meeting
02/12/13 7:30PM Board of Adjustment Public Meeting
02/13/13 8:00PM Village Council Public Meeting
02/19/13 7:30PM Planning Board Public Meeting
02/26/13 7:30PM Board of Adjustment Public Meeting
02/27/13 7:30PM Village Council Public Work Session
Senator Menendez at Ridgewood REORG Photo by Boyd Loving
New Jersey’s Editorial Boards Turn On Bob Menendez, Question Fitness For Office Over His Mounting Scandals
by Noah Rothman | 11:17 am, February 4th, 2013
New Jersey’s Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez surely wishes the allegations he faces, which include using his position to benefit a campaign contributor’s business interests and patronizing prostitutes in the Dominican Republic, would just go away. New Jersey’s junior senator is getting no help from two of his home state papers in making the scandal disappear, however, as two of them recently published editorials voicing serious concerns about the allegations and Menendez’s ability to perform ethically in office.
Consumers Taking Financial Hit From Rising Fuel Prices
By: Sharon Epperson
CNBC Senior Commodities Correspondent & Personal Finance Correspondent
Consumers have been spending more on gasoline than they have in nearly three decades.
With pump prices at their highest level on record for this time of year, the stage is set for an even greater climb in gasoline prices and expenditures than in 2012. Retail gasoline prices have surged 17 cents in a week to top $3.50 a gallon on average, posting the highest prices on record for the beginning of February.
According to AAA, the national average price of regular gasoline is $3.52 a gallon, 4 cents higher than the average price a year ago. The average price was $3.35 a gallon a week ago and $3.30 a gallon a month ago.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported Monday that gasoline expenditures in 2012 for the average U.S. household reached $2,912, or just under 4 percent of income before taxes. This was the highest estimated percentage of household income spent on gasoline in nearly three decades, with the exception of 2008, when the average household spent a similar amount. Gasoline prices averaged $3.63 a gallon in 2012, according to EIA.
Although overall gasoline consumption has decreased in recent years, a rise in average gasoline prices has led to higher overall household gasoline expenditures, according to the EIA.
NBA Hall of Fame Player Dennis Rodman at Bookends Wednesday, February 6th @ **6:00pm**New Time
NBA Hall of Fame Player, Dennis Rodman, will sign his new book for children, Dennis the Wild Bull
Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.
Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.
While we try to insure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed. We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.
Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-0726
Great Bargins – Annual Fundraiser – February 21, 22, 23, 24
Book sale now in February! College Club members are hard at work preparing for its 58th annual — USED BOOK SALE taking place this year in February because the April school break was shortened by days lost to Hurricane Sandy. The Book Sale is February 21-24 at Somerville School, 45 S. Pleasant Ave. Ridgewood, NJ. Preview and Sale: Feb. 21, 4 pm -8 pm, $25 admission charge, Feb. 22 and 23, 10 am to 5 pm, no admission charge, and Feb. 24, 10 am to 2 pm, half price sale.
Thousands of books at bargain prices including: mass market fiction and mystery paperbacks ($0.50 each), trade paperbacks ($2 each), new hardcover fiction and mysteries ($1-$3 each), new books (2007-20112) ($2 and up), non-fiction ($0.50 and up), children’s paperbacks ($0.50), children’s hard cover ($1.00 and up), videos ($0.50 and up), DVDS, books on CD, 1st editions, puzzles, foreign language books, art books, reference books, cook books and how-to’s. Information: 201-670-9689
Tiger Team Recommendations: Establish a Five-Year Staffing Strategy
The Village should establish a five-year staffing plan that incorporates anticipated attrition, compensation rates for new hires, outsourcing, civilianization opportunities and modeling of efficient staffing levels.
Personnel costs, staffing levels, and service offerings are some of the main drivers of the excessive operating costs of the Village. Historically, when one Village employee retires, another is hired as a replacement with little or no attempt to reengineer other employees’ duties to consolidate positions or reduce cost.
Across the Village, a significant number of employees are near or currently eligible for full-time retirement benefits. These long-term employees are at the highest end of the pay scale and it is critical for Village management to evaluate the cost-benefit for them to continue working for the Village or attempt to accelerate their retirements and replace them, if necessary, with lower cost employees. This must be facilitated under collective bargaining agreements. In order to properly evaluate this, the concessions from existing employees, as well as the terms of contracts for new hires must be known. Therefore, this analysis should be performed in conjunction with collective bargaining agreement negotiations, in collaboration with the FOB, and in alignment with the Strategic Financial Plan.
The manner in which services are delivered must be closely evaluated for every service offering throughout the Village. If the Board of Education can save hundreds of thousands of dollars by terminating the use of Village services and outsourcing them, it is only logical that the Village itself could save significantly larger amounts by doing the same. As referenced throughout this report, Village management must carefully evaluate the cost-benefit of outsourcing the delivery of all service offerings.
The analysis of all of these components requires coordination among numerous departments and Village management. In order to more effectively manage future personnel levels and compensation/benefit costs, in terms of the immediate and long-term impact, the committee believes it is critical for management to develop a five-year staffing plan.
Ridgewood schools budget breakdown is in the early stages
Monday February 4, 2013, 1:33 PM
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
Residents who see the Ridgewood Board of Education’s (BOE) 2013-1014 budget summary on the district website should not be alarmed, Superintendent of Business Angelo DeSimone said at a BOE meeting last week.
About 96 percent of the budget is already committed, and the board is not in danger of going over budget, DeSimone said. “Committed,” he noted, includes purchase orders made as well as bills that have been paid.
A large portion of the committed budget goes toward projected contractual pay and the cost of employee dental and medical insurance, DeSimone said.
Also, the board still has |millions of dollars not yet |committed.
“Four percent of $90 million is about $4 million,” he noted.
According to DeSimone, next year, school district employees will pay a cumulative 19.2 percent of medical premiums, a significant increase from two years ago when they paid less than 5 percent.
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee Picks Theme for 2013 Parade
Theme Chosen “Honoring our Declaration of Independence”
Grand Marshal Thornton Lockwood, “Thorny”, is a descendant of Declaration signer Josiah Bartlett
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee is proud to announce their theme for the 2013 celebration. The theme will be “Honoring our Declaration of Independence”.The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee will sponsor its annual celebration on Thursday, July 4, 2013.
The purpose of the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the USA and its history and to honor American Patriots of all times. For 2013, we would like to focus on the Declaration of Independence. We will celebrate the people and events involved with creating this important American document.
Our committee is thrilled to have a descendent of a signer of the Declaration of independence as our Grand Marshal. Thornton Lockwood, “Thorny”, is a descendant of Declaration signer Josiah Bartlett, and a first cousin, eight times removed, of Benjamin Franklin.
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration began in 1910 when the local papers, the civic section of the Woman’s Club and the Ridgewood Fire Department joined forces to create a “safe and sane” holiday with an emphasis on Patriotism. It has grown into one
of the largest celebrations in the New York City area.
For many years the Readers of 201 Magazine have named our parade and fireworks as best in their Best of Bergen poll. Additional information
and answers to many of your questions can be found on the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee’s website at www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org.
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is organized by the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, Inc., an all-volunteer community group. All aspects of this annual Celebration including fireworks, bands, evening performers, insurance, and police and fire personnel are funded by voluntary contributions from businesses and individuals.
Be a part of the Tradition – Participate in the parade, be a financial supporter or join the committee
Readers says The valley fiasco didn’t really turn out all that bad, Mayor Pfund is the judge now
The valley fiasco didn’t really turn out all that bad, mayor Pfund is the judge, Tom Richie got elected to the council, Keith Killion got elected to the council and ultimately took care of unfinished business he had at village hall.
Tom Richie was excoriated on this blog as a traitor by those who supported him but he’s still on the council. Now you have the Mayor and deputy mayor being accused of the same wrongdoings as mayor Pfund was during his tenure but he’s a municipal judge now.
Strange business this politics, no one is ever satisfied, lots of people complain and accuse as a tactic to slow or stop governmental process. No wonder it’s so hard to get anything done.
Additional crews and equipment on hand to restore service
Ridgewood NJ , Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) Company, New Jersey’s largest electric and gas utility, is closely monitoring the track of the approaching nor’easter and is making emergency preparations should the storm bring heavy snow and strong winds to our service territory. At this time, the storm is expected to begin impacting New Jersey on Friday and continue through Saturday, with the full brunt of the storm hitting the area on Friday night.
In anticipation of the storm, PSE&G is taking the following steps to ensure that the utility is ready to respond to what may be widespread power outages:
• Ensuring that all available personnel are ready to respond beginning Friday.
• Arranging for contractors, including tree crews, to assist the utility’s own skilled workforce.
• Ensuring that additional supplies, such as poles, transformers and other pole-top equipment, are on hand.
• Ensuring that all vehicles are fueled and ready to go.
• Testing generators at utility locations.
• Coordinating with county and municipal emergency management personnel to inform them of outages and expedite restoration efforts.
Snow, by itself, does not pose a serious problem for utilities, but heavy snow, icing and strong winds can increase the possibility of downed wires and associated power outages. Cars striking utility poles can also cause wires to come down. And cold weather can affect the number of calls we receive from customers with insufficient or no heat.
Depending on the severity of the storm, response times for both electric and gas emergency services may be longer than usual. PSE&G asks for our customers’ patience and cooperation as we work to safely restore service as quickly as possible. As the storm gets closer, the utility will provide information about estimated restoration times.
To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG. PSE&G uses an automated system to handle customer calls as efficiently as possible. Customers who get an automated response when calling PSE&G are encouraged to use it, as it is designed to route their calls to the right destination quickly. The system also provides the option to speak directly to a customer service representative. If you have specific information regarding damage to wires, transformers or poles, we ask that you speak with a representative to provide that information.
Customers with a handheld device, or who are at an alternate location with power, can also report power outages and view the status of their outage by logging in to My Account at pseg.com.
General outage activity throughout our service territory is available online at www.pseg.com/outagecenter and updates are posted on pseg.com during severe weather.
In addition, if outages are widespread, the utility will activate its Twitter page to keep the public informed about our restoration progress. Sign up as a follower at https://twitter.com/psegdelivers to monitor restoration progress.
This storm clearly has the potential to interrupt service, and customers should prepare for the possibility of long outages. PSE&G offers the following tips:
DOWNED POWER LINES
Accumulation of ice and heavy snow may weigh down power lines and as a result cause power lines to come down. Downed wires may appear dead but should always be considered “live.” STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES. Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with. Parents are urged to check for downed wires in areas where their children might play and to remind the children to stay far away from any wires. If a wire falls on a vehicle, passengers should stay in the vehicle until help arrives. To report a downed wire, call 1-800-436-PSEG and tell PSE&G the nearest cross street.
CUSTOMERS WITH LIFE-SUSTAINING EQUIPMENT
Individuals who rely on electricity to operate life-sustaining electronic equipment, such as a respirator or dialysis machine, should pre-register with PSE&G to receive priority attention in the event of an outage. To request the service, call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG. They should also inform their rescue squads and fire departments of their needs, in case of emergency. Even though customers with life-sustaining equipment who have registered with PSE&G will receive priority attention during outages, they should also have emergency back-up equipment on hand, since immediate restoration cannot be guaranteed.
IF YOU LOSE POWER
First check your neighborhood. If you are the only one without power, check your fuse box for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. If that’s not the problem, look outside at the wire between your house and the utility pole. If it is down, report it immediately to PSE&G.
GENERAL TIPS
Mother Nature can be unpredictable. It’s wise to have an emergency kit on hand year round. Here are some things to include:
• A battery powered radio.
• A corded telephone. (Cordless phones will not work if the power is out.)
• Flashlights and extra fresh batteries.
• A first-aid kit.
• Bottled water and an adequate supply of non-perishable food.
• A non-electric can opener.
• Matches and candles with holders.
• Extra blankets and sleeping bags.
• A list of emergency phone numbers, including PSE&G’s Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG. Call this number to report power outages or downed wires.
NJ TRANSIT Announces Systemwide Cross-Honoring in Advance of Winter Storm – Friday, February 8 and Saturday, February 9, 2013
In preparation for the impending winter storm, NJ TRANSIT operations, customer service and police personnel are taking steps to minimize delays and ensure service reliability and safety. Customers are strongly advised to check njtransit.com before traveling for up-to-the-minute service information.
Full System-wide cross-honoring in effect: NJ TRANSIT will offer full systemwide cross-honoring for the entire service day Friday, February 8 and Saturday, February 9, enabling customers to use their ticket or pass on an alternate travel mode—rail, light rail, NJ TRANSIT bus or on private bus carriers at no additional cost.
Additionally, NJ TRANSIT is encouraging customers to consider traveling early on Friday due to the expected impact of the storm on the evening commute. Early getaway service will be offered on select rail lines Friday afternoon.
View schedules for Friday here.
View rail schedules here.
Northeast Corridor
The following trains WILL operate: Train 8849 (the 2:02 p.m. NY departure), Train 8851(the 2:24 p.m. NY departure) and Train 8855(the 3:27 p.m. NY departure). These trains are shaded in red on the weekday FROM (outbound) panel of the October 14 public timetable. (NOTE: Getaway Trains 8845 and 8847 WILL NOT operate on Friday.)
Thefollowingregular trains WILL NOT operate: Train 3867 (the 5:21 p.m. NY departure), Train 3955 (the 5:45 p.m. NY departure), and Train 3961 (the 6:39 p.m. NY departure). These trains are shaded gray on the weekday FROM (outbound) panel of the October 14 public timetable, and are normally cancelled on getaway days.
Please note that NJ TRANSIT will closely monitor the crowds at New York Penn Station, Hoboken Terminal and the Port Authority Bus Terminal and make further adjustmentsto service as necessary.
Customers are advised of the following:
Systemwide: NJ TRANSIT plans to operate a regular weekday schedule on Friday, February 8, and a regular weekend schedule on Saturday, February 9. Depending on the impact of the storm, it may be necessary for NJ TRANSIT to modify service as conditions change.
Bus Service: While every effort will be made to continue operating bus service throughout the state, customers may experience delays or detours on their routes in the event of extreme winter weather conditions. Customers are advised to plan accordingly and anticipate disruptions to bus service.
Travel Advice: For the latest travel information, visit njtransit.com or access our Twitter feed at @NJ_TRANSIT prior to starting your trip. In the event of delays or service adjustments, NJ TRANSIT will provide the most current service information via the My Transit alert system, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cellphone, PDA or pager. (If you are not yet a My Transit subscriber, we encourage you to sign up at njtransit.com/mytransit) Service information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.
Stairs, flooring and platforms can be slippery, so please use caution when walking along wet surfaces or any outdoor surface exposed to the weather. Use extra care when boarding or exiting buses and trains. Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or NJ TRANSIT staff.
During this time, customers should allow for additional travel time. For further information, please call NJ TRANSIT Customer Service at (973) 275-5555.
