>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!
>The fly on the wall has learned……
>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
>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
>Just a reminder…..
>$7 Million Referendum to expand Ridge and Willard – The Ridgewood BOE has tentatively approved the development of a proposal to expand the Ridge and Willard schools if funding is authorized by a referendum in either September or December of 2006
Ridgewood to Start Revaluation The Village of Ridgewood has recently been ordered by the Bergen County Board of Taxation to perform a revaluation for the year 2008.
>Notes on the Village Budget
>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%
>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.
>the Fly On the Wall ….
>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!
Mayor David T. Pfund and the Village council have decided against endorsing the design proposals submitted by NJ Transit for the Train Station
During the 8/9/06 Village Council Public Meeting, Mayor David T. Pfund
announced that Council members have now decided NOT to endorse any of the
design proposals submitted by NJ Transit for a proposed ADA compliant
renovation of Ridgewood’s train station.
In his public statement, Mayor Pfund cited the following concerns relative
to the three potential design schemes: 1) emergency access to the westbound
platform, 2) the proposed station’s proximity to existing senior citizen
housing, 3) potential changes in motor vehicle traffic patterns in the
vicinity of Ridge Road, and 4) increased walking distances for commuters.
So, it would seem as though we’re back to square one again. Only time will
tell if NJ Transit gets annoyed enough to take legal action.
>the lazy ,hazy hot days of summer
>
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>A Public Hearing on the proposed Athletic Field & Recreational Facilities Use policy will take place August 9th at 8pm
>8/7/06 Update: PROPOSED ATHLETIC FIELDS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES — USE POLICY**A Public Hearing on the proposed Athletic Field & Recreational Facilities Use policy will take place August 9th at 8pm at the Village Council Public Meeting, Village Hall, 131 N. Maple Ave.
>I could be way off base but……
>
Well once again its all about the train station and I only have a couple of questions ,first if the train station is going to bigger ,how come there is going to be less ,that’s right less parking? I agree the old place needs a bit of a fixing up, but $27 million dollars worth? Isn’t that the very size of the budget deficit of New Jersey Transit? Are there not some more effective cost solutions like perhaps double Decker trains? What about the air quality for the senior citizens living over the proposed track extension? Perhaps we could have full time porters to help anyone needing help boarding or leaving the train, I don’t think that would cost $27 million.
Highlights from 8/3/06 Village Council Work Session:
>The subject of creating a redevelopment district to facilitate rapid construction of a parking garage again surfaced. Council members seem intent on finding a legal method of distancing themselves from the word “condemnation.” Block 3806 (Oak/Walnut between Franklin & Maple) is the targeted redevelopment district
Although in agreement that NJ Transit’s plans for a $27 million ADA upgrade to Ridgewood’s train station make no fiscal sense whatsoever, Council members agreed that conceptual plan number three would be the lesser of three evils. An appropriate resolution is being drafted and will be forwarded to NJ Transit.
To appease taxpayers living near Linwood Avenue and Sollas Court, Council members agreed to formally request the County of Bergen not to bring their planned bike path extension onto Village of Ridgewood owned property north of the Wild Duck Pond area.
It was revealed that the Planning Board is estimated to overspend their 2006 budget allocation by $66K. Council members were less than amused at the news that legal & other professional services fees exceed plan. Note: Mayor Pfund and Councilwoman Ringler-Shagin sit on the Planning Board but seemed surprised by the news also. Duh?
Plans to expand the Village Hall parking lot by 13 spaces were approved. The additional parking area will be located near the northeast corner of the building.
Council Members grilled Building Department Director Tony Merlino for over 45 minutes regarding his progress, or lack thereof, in implanting recommendations made last year by an external auditor. Clearly, those on the dais were not happy with Mr. Merlino’s progress report.
The Village’s Health, Building, and Tax departments will be folded into a new “Department of Community Services.” A Director is will be recruited (most likely from within).
Plans to discontinue use of a water meter reading system based on use of telephone lines were approved. Replacement water meters will be read using a two way radio system.
A revised commercial filming ordinance will be introduced.
The 2007 Village Calendar theme will center around famous people from Ridgewood. “Pioneering Women” was originally suggested as a theme; it died a quick death at the suggestion of Councilwoman Kim Ringler-Shagin.
>Be cool
>Cooling Center – Village of RidgewoodThe National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for Bergen County for Tuesday, August 1st and Wednesday, August 2nd. The Ridgewood Cooling Center will be located in the Community Center, lower level of Village Hall, 131 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood
>need a quickie?
>
If you have any late night snack food desires ,Ridgewood has a new merchant called “the quickie mart “ open late it’s a drive thru place to pick up those last minute things like snack items ,dairy products, baby products or some groceries. Located at 121 Franklin Ave, you can call in in advance for your last minute late night or early morning needs.(201)689-0099 or fax (201)689-0066 or check them out on the web at https://www.thequickiemartstore.com/
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