Category: Village of Ridgewood

>Fact: On March 1, 2006, the Bergen County Board of Taxation officially notified Village officials of the need to perform a complete tax revaluation.

Fact: On April 19, 2006, Ridgewood’s 2006 Municipal Budget was publicly introduced. Professional services fees associated with the aforementioned mandated tax revaluation were not included in the budget.

Fact: The 2006 Ridgewood Municipal Election was held on Tuesday, May 9. Incumbents David T. Pfund and Patrick A. Mancuso were reelected to office.

Fact: On August 9, 2006, Council members voted unanimously to introduce Ordinance # 3018, a “Special Emergency Appropriation” in the amount of $580,000, for “the preparation and execution of a complete program of revaluation of real property in the Village of Ridgewood.”
Yes; that’s right – $580K. The public hearing for this ordinance is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, September 13, 2006.

Question: If Mayor Pfund and Village Council members knew about the required tax revaluation on March 1, 2006, which they did, why weren’t estimated expenses for engaging a revaluation firm included in the 2006 Municipal Budget?

>The Ridgewood BOE intends to spend the entire 2006-2007 school year conducting a nationwide search for a new Schools Superintendent. At their August 21 public meeting, BOE members agreed to engage the services of an as yet to be named personnel search consultant. It was revealed that search consultant fees would probably exceed $20K, not including newspaper advertising expenses.

Questions: 1) How does the BOE know ahead of time that it’s going to take a full year to find someone? 2) Is there any documented correlation between the duration of a personnel search and the quality of the chosen candidate; i.e., if they search for a year, does that mean we get the best possible superintendent? 3) Also, isn’t there anyone in house who could handle the job? 4) Why shell out $20K+ in consultant’s fees, search over hill and dale, and pay relocation expenses if an excellent candidate is right under your nose?

The Ridgewood Public Schools System is a $76 million business. No private corporation in their right mind would allow a CEO position to remain vacant for a full year. Why in the world are Mr. Bombace and his merry crew dragging this search process out?

>Nearly one-quarter of New Jersey’s public and charter schools are “in need of improvement” after failing to meet federal targets on reading and math tests this past spring, state Education Department officials said Tuesday. Ridgewood High is one of 35 schools in Bergen County that was given “early warning” status, meaning it will be placed on the “improvement” list if it fails to measure up next year.

24 percent of New Jersey schools are “in need of improvement” under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, up from 23 percent last year. The label is based on statewide math and reading test scores. Students in Grades 3-8 and 11 are tested every year. Test results are analyzed by subgroup, based on students’ race, economic status and whether test takers are English-language learners or receive special education services. Traditionally, many schools have fallen short when a single subgroup missed the target.

A school’s target passing rates depend on the subject and grade level. In reading, it’s 75 percent of elementary students, 66 percent in middle school and 79 percent in high school. In math, the passing rate is 62 percent of elementary students, 49 percent in middle school and 64 percent in high school. The target rates increase every few years.

The law, which is up for reauthorization by Congress next year, states that 100 percent of students must pass the tests by 2014. That goal is controversial, with some educators arguing it is unrealistic for special-needs students or students who have not mastered English

>Ok so the last couple of years have had a lot of ups and downs and now you’re looking for ways to get your financial house in order.First it is important to understand that you’re not going to fix something in a week that you have gotten your self into over years. Once you except that this is a process that’s like going to the gym and is going to take regular effort on your part.

First its important to know where you are so take an inventory of all your Assets and Liabilities another words figure out what you owe (bills and debts) and what you own (property ,stocks ,bonds and so on) .It is very important to figure out exactly what you owe and what your monthly payments are . Next you need to figure out a budget, a real budget .Not an “about” budget. If you have not set up an emergency fund of at least $1000 you need to get this set up and tosses in savings ASAP. Most people need anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months of money to pay bills in reserve (savings accounts) .

Most of you need to start out by paying off all your credit cards and miscellaneous debt ,paying off your smallest debt to your largest .Once you pay down one you take all the money your using to pay down that debt and add it to the next creating a snow ball effect. While you’re doing this if it available you should be maximizing out your 401K options many companies offer matching contributions, this is a painless way to increase your savings. For most people it takes any were from 18 months to 2 years to make this happen.

Too be continued……

James Foytlin
Investment Representative to the Stars
(201)652-3003

>… the NJDEP permitted level of chlorine currently being used at
Graydon Pool, .1 ppm, will not control bacteria. That is, the amount of
chlorine permitted by law in natural bottom swimming ponds will not
disinfect contaminated water.

Chlorine concentrations in the .1 ppm range will only control algae.
Typically, levels of 1 ppm to 4 ppm are necessary for disinfection purposes.
At Graydon, one-tenth of the amount necessary for disinfection purposes is
routinely being deployed (in accordance with established regulations).
So the nagging question remains, do you think the water at Graydon is safe
for swimming? Has the time come to shut down Graydon and build an all
season cement bottom pool?

>Russ Titus has resigned as Interim Superintendent (leaving in September)? So, now we’re out scouting for an Interim Superintendent AND a Superintendent to eventually replace that Interim Superintendent. Also, heard a rumor that Brian Bolger (Ridgewood Schools Director of Human Resources) is looking elsewhere for a job … that means that we are out looking to replace the two top positions in our school district..yikes!

>that a former Village employee dismissed for barrowing equipment and not returning is now suing the Village to get his old job back in order to gain greater retirement benefits.

>Lawmaker targets school activity fees
Courier-Post 8/15/06
A bill introduced by Rep. John Burzichelli, D-Paulsboro, would prohibit school districts from charging students an extra fee to participate in sports and other after-school activities.
Four school districts collect or plan to collect a fee: Haddonfield, Ridgewood in Bergen County, and East Brunswick and Washington Township in Mercer County, Burzichelli said.
The Haddonfield School District charges a flat-rate activity fee of $100.
School districts should try to find ways to eliminate wasteful spending before considering the assessment of participation fees, Burzichelli said.His bill was referred to the Assembly Education Committee.Published: August 15. 2006 3:10AM

Readers Speak out…

Mark,
We are a very high tax Village and County. Yet, sadly, we find ourselves in the company of only 3 other districts that could not restrain themselves from adding just another school “tax.” One wonders how districts like Glen Rock, Midland Park, Allendale, et al manage NOT to do this. Perhaps they are adept at management and leadership, skills we are still learning. I know how tempting and easy it must be to just keep sticking it to the silent majority, while continuing to view us as the pliable public. BTW, what specifically are Ridgewood’s fees for and how much do they total? Thank you,Frances

>Emergency appropriations introduced subsequent to presentation of the 2006
Village of Ridgewood Municipal Budget:

$42,000 – Preparation of Recreational Master Plan
$66,000 – Planning Board Overspend (unanticipated legal fees) $585,000 – Tax Revaluation Services
Total: $693,000
as of 8/9/06

>The Ridgewood Planning Board is projected to exceed its 2006 budget by 109%, primarily due to unanticipated legal expenses submitted by Planning Board Attorney Gail L. Price. The Planning Board blew its 2005 budget by a mere 10.4% (still unacceptable).
Hopefully, whatever disease the Planning Board has doesn’t spread within Village Hall.

>Has noticed that the field at Ben Franklin Middle School was being watered last night in violation of the stage 2 water restrictions ,…..no watering on mondays folks!