Snow removal idea iced for now in Ridgewood
MONDAY JULY 23, 2012, 1:10 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
A proposal from Ridgewood public works officials prompted cool thoughts in the midst of a summer heat wave, but some council members want to put the idea on ice.
The preliminary discussion to change Ridgewood’s snow and ice removal policy was met with resistance after several members of the council took issue with the proposed amendments.
The Ridgewood Engineering Department presented its ideas to Village Manager Ken Gabbert, who reviewed the proposed changes at last week’s work session. The department recommended the following: a stiffer penalty for individuals and store owners who violate the snow removal policy; specifying the officials and departments that have authority to enforce the policy; and establishing a maximum height of 16 inches for snow mounds piled between the curb and sidewalk.
According to Gabbert, the changes have been proposed to “strengthen” the snow removal ordinance and increase safety and enforcement.
\New Jersey a long way from recovery, report shows
The jump in New Jersey’s unemployment rate last month to 9.6 percent — the farthest the state has been above the national average in 30 years — is just the latest in a series of sobering statistics on the state’s economy and budget.
The 0.4 percent increase from May’s unemployment rate put New Jersey 1.4 percent higher than the national average of 8.2 percent, although the bad news was offset somewhat by a gain of 9,900 jobs during the month. But more troubling news came out of the State Budget Crisis Task Force report issued last week by a blue-ribbon panel of economists. It warned that New Jersey and other state governments faced looming fiscal crises in the years ahead that will require new revenues or draconian cuts. (Magyar, NJ Spotlight)
Traffic Alert 7/23/12 Reminder from the Ridgewood Police Department
West Glen Ave will be closed between North Monroe Street and Fairview Ave in Midland Park starting at 8:00 am today until late afternoon. This will continue on a daily basis for the rest of this week while a sewer tie in project is underway in Midland Park at the Ridgewood border. Detours are in place.
Retail strong in N.J., but vacancy rate shows slight uptick
Occupancy at malls and outlet centers remains the strongest among northern New Jersey retail properties, outpacing smaller shopping centers and freestanding stores, according to analysts at the CoStar Group.
In its midyear market report, the commercial real estate research firm found conditions to be mostly flat for the region. During the second quarter, the total amount of occupied space decreased slightly by about 330,000 square feet, with vacancy rising from 6.6 to 6.8 percent. (Burd, NJBIZ)
PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING THE PROPOSED CONSOLIDATION OF THE BERGEN COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT INTO THE BERGEN COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
MONDAY, JULY 23, 5 PM
NJ Tea Party Coalition
Eagle Forum of New Jersey
Carolee Adams, State President
MONDAY, JULY 23, 5 PM, ONE BERGEN COUNTY PLAZA, 5TH FLOOR, HACKENSACK, NEW JERSEY
OR CONTACT OUR 7 BERGEN COUNTY FREEHOLDERS
(CONTACT INFORMATION AT END)
The Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders will convene a second public hearing concerning the proposed consolidation of the Bergen County Police Department into the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office. Savings could amount to $17.7 Million by the third year of implementation. The first public hearing was aborted due to a protest regarding an unrelated matter. It has been reported that some Freeholders may seek to punt the decision to a “non-binding” public referendum this November.
Background:
In May 2011, the Bergen County Prosecutor ordered an independent, professional study of the subject officially titled: “The Bergen County Law Enforcement Consolidation Study.” The Study cost $623,000 and was paid by forfeiture funds/seized criminal funds from the Prosecutor’s Office. The Study offered 3 options, compacted here:
1.Reduce the size of the County Police
2.Initial reduction of the County Police, followed by a second reduction prior to a transfer of the remaining personnel, functions, etc. to the Sheriff’s Department
3. Eventual elimination of the County Police with a transfer of its key functions to the Sheriff’s Department to save $17.0 – $17.7 million per year by the third year of its implementation.
Here is the link to this 190+ page study by Guidepost Solutions LLC:
Highly politicized within the Republican Party, itself, Bergen County Executive, Kathleen Donovan, who considered the elimination of the County Police as ill advised, formed her own task force, commonly known as the Creamer Taskforce, to counter the proposal. Its members, such as J. Fletcher Creamer, contractor; Maura DeNicola, Freeholder; Jeffrey Bader, Woodcliff Lake Councilman, issued its own 35-page report.
SOME CONSIDERATIONS
-Bergen County is one of only 2 NJ counties (Union is the other) with a county police.
-Over the past 20 years, Essex and Hudson counties have eliminated their county police and Middlesex dropped its parks’ police department.
-Reportedly, the bulk of the 2010 County Police calls for service occurred in Hackensack, Paramus, Teaneck, Englewood, and Mahwah – all representing relatively large police departments. In effect, the majority of Bergen County municipalities required minimal assistance, most local police departments patrol county roads in their communities, and numerous police chiefs interviewed for the study concluded that the County Police routine patrol function was not a primary benefit offered by the agency.
-The county patrols county parks and county facilities.
-It is suggested that critical public safety functions of the county police including, but not limited to SWAT; K-9; and Bomb Squad, can be effectively accomplished with consolidation into the Sheriff’s Department within a year.
SOME CONCERNS:
SAFETY-ALWAYS. In light of the horrific tragedy in Aurora, Colorado, and added public anxiety, continued public safety must ever be assured. In Aurora, the key law enforcement agencies involved are: local police; county Sheriff’s Department; and the FBI.
The Guidepost Study clearly states that this consolidation can be accomplished without jeopardizing public safety. The emphasis of the consolidation is to save on duplication in two areas: the patrol function with local towns and command structure.
INFORMED PUBLIC
If the Board of Freeholders decides to place this on a “non-binding” referendum in November, will the majority of the public be sufficiently informed to knowledgeably vote? This writer invested 40 hours to become better aware of the county’s role in law and public safety including the initial Guidepost Study presentation; the first public hearing; 16 hours covering 3 days of budget hearings of the County Police; the Prosecutor’s office; and the Sheriff’s Department* where I was the only member of the public to attend; and local public/private meetings and conversations. Shouldn’t the freeholders have all the information they need to vote NOW on the consolidation?
If the Board of Freeholders places this on a non-binding referendum, and the public passes it, will the current Freeholder Board act immediately to implement, or wait until a new Freeholder Board takes effect in 2013 despite changes that could occur post the November election?
FINANCIAL
Will the bulk of the $17+ million savings be returned to the taxpayers/municipalities after all the costs of the merger are deducted? If no, where will the funds be used?
CONCLUSION
It is important to develop your own informed opinion about this proposal. Also, discuss with your local Mayor and Council and encourage a representative to attend the hearing and contact the Freeholder Board, too. While Bergen County municipalities are concerned about a “cap”, the savings provided by the consolidation will help to safely and prudently meet local budgets and reduce taxation.
Importantly, the Sheriff has offered the Bergen County Police Chief a role of Chief within the consolidation. Further, due to approximately 70 upcoming retirements, it has been suggested no jobs will be lost.
When I attended the aforementioned Bergen County law and safety budget hearings, I was immensely impressed with the *presentation by the Sheriff’s Department. It ranked with some of the finest corporate budget presentations I have attended in the past. Top notch. Sheriff Saudino’s control of overtime, expense control, and knowledge of law enforcement appear outstanding. With that, I believe a consolidation into the Sheriff’s Department will not only be cost effective, but professional and with the utmost of safety awareness and implementation. And, as taxpayers, we must ensure that such an impression continues over time.
I join with State Senator Gerald Cardinale and Freeholder Candidate Peg Watkins to support this common sense consolidation. I believe our safety will be well upheld and continue to be modernized. Personally, I am an ardent advocate of law and order on all levels and fully respect, admire, and support the men and women in uniform who bravely and professionally provide for our safety and peace. I trust the resolution of this issue will be exemplary: safety wise, fiscally responsible, honorable, and reached within a similar peaceful environment that such law and order engenders.
WRITE/CALL/E-MAIL/FAX YOUR OPINION
BERGEN COUNTY BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS
ONE BERGEN COUNTY PLAZA, HACKENSACK, NJ 07601-7076
(Fax remains the same for all: 201.336.6290)
John D. Mitchell, Chairman – 201.336.6277 jmitchell@co.bergen.nj.us
John A. Felice, Vice Chairman – 201.336.6275 jfelice@co.bergen.nj.us
Maura R. DeNicola – 201.336.6276 mdenicola@co.bergen.nj.us
John Driscoll, Jr. – 201.336.6281 jdriscoll@co.bergen.nj.us
David L. Ganz – 201.336.6280 davidlganz@co.bergen.nj.us
Robert G. Hermansen – 201.336.6278 rghermansen@co.bergen.nj.us
Christie signs bill that will lead to private provider expansion
Gov. Chris Christie signed a bill today that’s expected to lead to an expansion in services for addiction treatment providers.
The bill, S-881, allows more drug offenders to be placed in treatment programs rather than being incarcerated. It also establishes a pilot program in two counties that would mandate nonviolent drug offenders be placed in treatment programs.
Over the next five years, the state is planning to expand the mandatory services throughout the state, a priority of Christie’s.
“This is going to be a big challenge for the private treatment folks, who will have to step up and expand,” Christie said at press conference at the Rescue Mission of Trenton, a nonprofit treatment provider. (Kitchenman, NJBIZ)
Gov. Christie among those applauding Obama for fast-tracking Bayonne Bridge project
The local shipping industry, port officials and New Jersey’s Republican governor are applauding President Obama’s decision to fast-track a project to raise the Bayonne Bridge roadway.
“This is great news for New Jersey and great news for the region,” Gov. Chris Christie said in a statement tonight. “In addition to the job growth and economic activity created by this project — putting thousands of hardworking men and women of our building trades back on the job — this world-class project will secure the Port of New York and New Jersey’s role as the premier port of the east coast and as a powerful engine of our state and regional economies.” (Strunsky, The Star-Ledger)
Offshore wind developers worry that state will divert funds
The state’s efforts to develop offshore wind farms along the Jersey coast have run into an “unexpected” snag — fears that revenues targeted to projects for generating electricity may be diverted to cope with New Jersey’s budget problems.
The concern has stalled efforts to establish a financing mechanism to help make the projects economically feasible, so much so the state is on the verge of hiring a consultant to try and resolve the issue.
Unless the problem is resolved, no banks would be willing to provide the financing to construct the wind farms, which will cost more than $1 billion, according to people involved in the effort. (Johnson, NJ Spotlight)
Heated debate over Meadowlands casino, but immediate action unlikely
State lawmakers and stakeholders gathered today to debate the merits of building a casino in the Meadowlands, bringing attention to an issue that inspired heated discussion but is unlikely to advance any time soon.
At a hearing hosted by a state legislative panel, the debate focused on whether opening a North Jersey casino would steal gaming revenue from Atlantic City, which already is mired in uncertainty. The South Jersey resort destination is trying to rebrand itself and recover from years of rising competition and declining gaming revenues. (Burd, NJBIZ)
Those without souls have only themselves to sell which was exactly the point of the original posting. “You are known by the company you keep” my ma always told me. Aronsohn’s besties include one ethical nightmare after another (Bradley excluded). Richardson, Clinton, MCGREEVEY….His public image consultants, White Horse Strategies (Henne & Shields), hasn’t scrubbed him clean (yet). Henne who? you might ask…his company bio states that he “spent two years as a Communications Aide in the Office of the New Jersey Governor.” Yep, THAT NJ Governor..A 2004 Bergen Record article states, “Joshua Henne, 26, worked on McGreevey’s campaign before becoming a governor’s aide. A 2000 Emory University graduate with no experience outside of New Jersey political campaigns and government, he held the $45,000-a-year aide position for less than nine months before moving to the Board of Public Utilities.” NJ Governor James E. McGreevey hires a dozen “Pretty Boys”, Big jobs: No experience needed Bergen Record ^ | 10.10.04 Again, from his bio ,”Joshua has drafted remarks for Governors, Senators, Congressmen, State Legislators, Mayors, Council members”…ever watch Aronsohn in a meeting?? Can’t seem to stay off the personal communications device…..he’s either mute or parroting “drafted remarks” that rode in on a White Horse..as one politcal analyst put it, “Mayors are control freaks because you can do it.” Not so sure it’s a good idea to model yourself after the former mayor of Woodbridge, Paul
The state’s unemployment rate jumped slightly in June, according to the latest data from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Unemployment in June rose to 9.6 percent from May’s 9.2 percent, according to the agency’s release, which boasted the state’s employers added 9,900 jobs to their payrolls.
Despite the increase in the joblessness rate, the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development stated that combined with May’s jobs growth, the state has added 25,000 jobs, the largest two-month gain in over 12 years. (Arco, PolitickerNJ)
Percentage of Federal Income Tax Revenue from Filers Making Over $200,000
July 16, 2012
By: Nick Kasprak
Today’s Map looks at the percentage of federal income tax revenue from each state that is paid by filers with incomes over $200,000. Such filers make up a small percent of the population but pay a high percent of total tax revenue.
Given that President Obama proposes to let the Bush tax cuts expire for single filers earning over this threshold (and for married filers earning over $250,000) this map gives an idea of the states that would be most affected.
Woody Guthrie Festival ALL ABOARD— Celebrate Woody Guthrie in Poetry and Song September 8th @ 1 pm
RIDGEWOOD – Calling all poets, musicians, foodies, fans, and anyone else who’s interested — or curious — to celebrate the 100th birthday of Woody Guthrie on Saturday, September 8 at 1 p.m. at Ridgewood Christian Reformed Church (271 Lincoln Avenue at West End Avenue).
The festival will celebrate the life, music, and legacy of Woody Guthrie–the legendary folk singer/writer–upon the centennial of his birth. Contact ERGO at ergo.therefore@gmail.com for more information or to be included in the roster of participating poets, musicians, or chefs.
All poets are invited to attend and read their works that reflect the many themes of social, political, and spiritual justice in Woody’s “people songs.” Musical performers are welcome to share Woody’s music or their own folk music. Any chefs willing to share the foods of America are welcome to participate. This event follows similar events by New Jersey poets, musicians, and chefs who gave successful tributes to Fats Domino and Elvis Presley at the same church.
Come join the train…we’re bound for glorifying this wonderful land!
Featured participants include:
Laura Boss, the Editor of Lips literary magazine and recipient of first place award in Poetry Society of America’s Gordon Barber Poetry Contest;
Maria Mazziotti Gillan, Director of The Poetry Center in Paterson, has received the 2011 Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award from Poets & Writers and the 2008 American Book Award;
James Gwyn, first prize winner in the 2008 Allen Ginsberg poetry contest and recipient of five Pushcart prize nominations;
Charles H. Johnson, winner of the 2010 Paterson Poetry Prize for Literary Excellence and the 2011 New Jersey Poets Prize;
Laine Sutton Johnson, published poet and songwriter as well as recipient of the 1998 New Jersey Governor’s Award for Outstanding Speech and Theatre Teacher;
Chef Jesse Jones, winner of Bergen County’s Ultimate Chef Competition for 2010 and known for his Southern cooking with a French twist;
Victoria Warne, songwriter and lead singer and guitarist with her Victoria Warne Band, has performed at the JVC Festival, many other New York area venues, and internationally.
12U Players (L to R): Chris Symington, Jake Dowson, Michael Dyrhaug, Bobby Sullivan, Timmy Conklin, Drew Granski, Matteo Conn, Charlie Cardew, Jack Neilson, Patrick Cummings, Davis Weil, Parker Scott
Coaches (Lto R): Terry Cardew, Head Coach Chip Conklin, Chris Dyrhaug, Bob Sullivan
Little League baseball: Ridgewood stays alive
SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012
BY GREGORY SCHUTTA
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD
PISCATAWAY – Ridgewood American coach Chip Conklin wasn’t talking about how his players’ backs were against the wall Saturday. Instead, he simply sent them out on the field and let them do what they do best.
Ridgewood 12-year-old squad, here recently with title banner, was up to the challenge Saturday against Somerset Hills.
Chris Symington stroked a two-run single in the first inning and retired four of the final five batters at the end to notch the save as Ridgewood held off Somerset Hills, 6-4, to stay alive in the Little League Section 1 tournament.
“There was no win one for the Gipper speech,” Conklin said. “This team doesn’t have a Gipper. These kids just never quit. They’re resilient and every time they were stretched, they came back.”
Ridgewood Post Office Steps Up Saves the Day July 22,2012 PJ Blogger
Ridgewood NJ , Just a quick note about the Ridgewood post office while they have been getting a lot of flack lately on this very blog , I was at the Ridgewood post office on Saturday and got distracted leaving my keys in the Ridgewood Blogs PO Box .
The post office was already closed but within a matter of minutes I received a phone call from someone telling me I had left my keys in my box . I was still in front of the building looking at my mail and they even made a second call telling me they were closed but just ring the bell. The quick action saved the day I had a thumb drive on the key chain that was irreplaceable .
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