Ridgewood has new building official
OCTOBER 6, 2014 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD — The new chief of the village’s Building Department starts today, months after the unit was overhauled.
Thomas Yotka has more than 25 years of experience in code enforcement and administration, according to Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld.
Yotka possesses all of the necessary state licenses and holds a zoning official certificate from Rutgers University.
“Prior to joining Ridgewood, Tom has served as construction official, building and fire subcode official and building and fire inspector in several municipalities where he spearheaded efforts to improve processes, enhance customer service as well as increase efficiencies by implementing performance and software technologies,” Sonenfeld said in an email to the staff.
Since 1999, Yotka has taught building and fire code courses for the state’s Department of Community Affairs at the County College of Morris, and two years ago was retained by the agency to provide continuing education seminars to licensed code officials and design professionals.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/village-has-new-building-official-1.1103172#sthash.tIxwE4qn.dpuf
Does this mean Merlino is out?
I don’t think so. I seem to remember this was reported previously and it was noted that this is just some reorganizing. You see, in the real world, a move like this would mean a more competent person replaced the less competent person, with the latter being let go. However, in the alternate universe known as Government employement, you just to keep your job and salary and just get your job description altered.
Maybe he can get moved to leaf and snow removal? Or shade tree pruning?
“you just to keep your job and salary and just get your job description altered”
Just like the Village Manager who just hired a Human Resources person. .
Do we have a Village of Ridgewood Chaplin ? Oh I forgot we have THE RIGHT REV AL. Has he give his blessing to this hiring?
The Ridgewood News’ article states that Tony Merlino and Mike Barker will be taking a pay cut since their respective job responsibilities have been cut in connection with the hiring of Mr. Yotka.
Check out Mr. Yotka’s Linkedin profile. Quite a checkered job history. Just like our new Village Manager, the most recent job was a self employed consultant. Translation = could not find a real job. And the man teaches at a community college but doesn’t have a 4 year degree himself? Hmmmm.
The new HR manager has no experience in government. She worked in the health care industry before getting this job. This is going to be fun.
Thank goodness the new HR manager has no experience in government !! She comes from the “real world”. We need more like her.
Ridgewood has had enough of government workers and look where it got us. The likes of Ken Gabbert,, Tony Merlino etc, etc
Get a job in Ridgewood Municipal Government no experience need. The VM will provide you with on the job training and hide you mistakes.
Does anyone remember that article on this Blog that I wrote recently about the 800lb gorilla in the room? It was all about hiring and issues of cronyism.
Well Declan who does this person know? Who does the new HR person know?
The new HR person graduated from the same Bergen County training program that Roberta Sonenfeld attended. Asked and answered.
Thanks #13 for the info. I ask and you gave me the answered.