Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water reports its progress on upgrading infrastructure piping at 4 Stream Crossings in the Village of Ridgewood . Three of the four stream crossings will be operational by the end of this week. Final connections are wrapping up at Linwood Avenue as we speak.
In the meantime, Deven’s Construction will mobilizing back to the fourth and final stream crossing, Spring Avenue, to finish the remaining piping, testing and connections. We anticipate approximately 3 weeks for completion of the Spring Avenue stream crossing barring any unforeseen conditions.
Fred Devens will be coordinating with the Ridgewood Police who will be directing traffic around work areas on an as needed basis. Expected work hours will be Monday through Friday, 7am – 5:00pm, weather permitting.
Trenton NJ, The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is currently reporting widespread influenza (flu) activity in all regions of the state. The flu can cause mild to severe illness. Young children, older people and people with certain health conditions are among the people who are at high risk of serious flu complications. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalizations or sometimes death. NJDOH has been receiving numerous outbreak reports which have generated questions from school and local health departments on reporting requirements. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we are receiving as well as links to valuable resources schools can use. What should schools expect to see during widespread flu activity? With widespread influenza activity, schools should expect to experience increased absenteeism among students and staff with respiratory symptoms. NJDOH recommends that schools continue to monitor students and staff for sudden fever and respiratory illness symptoms. What should school do about increased absenteeism for influenza like illness (ILI)? NJDOH recommends that schools and childcare settings monitor attendees for sudden fever and respiratory illness symptoms. School or childcare attendees and staff with sudden fever and respiratory illness symptoms should be sent home with instructions to stay at home until fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication. Instructions should be given to seek medical care with worsening of symptoms.
How does a school know if a respiratory outbreak is occurring? Often in the school setting, it is difficult to determine if an outbreak exists. An outbreak may be occurring if you are experiencing clusters of ill students and/or staff that are in the same classroom, same grade or wing of the facility or have attended a common event. If you think an outbreak may be occurring, contact your local health department for guidance. During flu season we would expect a school to experience cases of flu or ILI. Unless you are experiencing clusters as described above and in the NJDOH General Guidelines for the Control of Outbreaks in School and Child Care Settings, it is not necessary to contact public health. What should a school do if they are experiencing an outbreak of ILI? If you suspect an outbreak is occurring, the school should report the outbreak to the local health department to ensure that public health recommendations are implemented. Some control measures that a school will be asked to implement include: Isolating ill students/staff from well students/staff until they can be sent home.
Increasing frequency of cleaning of common areas and frequently touched surfaces. Encouraging frequent hand hygiene. Reinforcing respiratory etiquette to students and staff.
What preventative measures should a school take? NJDOH recommends that schools and childcare setting increase education on respiratory hygiene. Staff and children (as developmentally appropriate) should all be taught and asked to follow these steps that prevent the transmission of infections such as influenza: Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve, not your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Wash hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing. Stay home if you’re sick, especially with a fever.
Additional preventative measures include: Routine cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu. Have an adequate supply of tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs and disposable wipes. Adhere to exclusion recommendations from public health. For ILI; fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication. Doctors notes for return do not supersede public health recommendation.
When should a school close for outbreaks?
Although school dismissal and closure are not recommended for the control of seasonal flu, schools should work with state and local health officials to determine if and when you should dismiss students based on the severity of disease in your school community. Some schools may decide to close based on local considerations, such as high student and staff absenteeism. If this is the case, schools should consult public health and school district medical personnel before closing. Schools should update emergency plans, so they are in place before an outbreak occurs.
The New Jersey Department of Health asks that everyone take steps to prevent the flu: Get a flu shot – it’s not too late to be protected! Wash hands often. Cover coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue. Avoid sick people. Stay home if sick. Keep students home if they are sick too.
School outbreak guidance and exclusion information can be found at https://nj.gov/health/cd/topics/outbreaks.shtml#2. For information about flu, go to the New Jersey Department of Health flu website at https://nj.gov/health/cd/topics/flu.shtml.
Notification from: Mahwah Township School District
Dear Mahwah Families and Faculty, The Mahwah School District is committed to the safety and education of all of our students. Essential to this is a commitment to communication with parents about potential safety issues. For this reason, I want to make you aware of related facts surrounding an ongoing investigation by the Mahwah Police Department. Several months ago, a student made a threat “to shoot up” Ramapo Ridge Middle School, on Friday, February 23. From the onset, school administration has taken this above matter very seriously by investigating the threat and addressing the issue with the student and his parent with urgency. The matter was also simultaneously referred to the Mahwah Police Department who conducted their own thorough investigation that also included meeting with the student and the student’s parents(s) several times. Because of this, a series of interventions were put into place, and appropriate measures have been taken to remove the student from the school for the remainder of the school year. At the end of the school day, on February 22, the school will be secured, and on February 23, the Mahwah Police Department will have officers present in the school throughout the entire school day. Additional policing measures will also be in place, but will remain confidential, in an effort to not compromise these strategic security procedures. There will continue to be a heightened presence of Mahwah Police officers throughout the school district as we work to maintain a safe learning environment for students, parents, staff, and faculty. Our district continues to work with our police department to fully investigate any potential safety concerns, as the protection of our students’ safety is our priority. Ultimately, we understand that situations may arise and are concerning to parents, students, and the surrounding community, and we want to make you aware that we diligently address any and all issues related to your child’s safety.
Sincerely, C. Lauren Schoen James N. Batelli C. Lauren Schoen, Ed.D. James N. Batelli Superintendent of Schools Mahwah Chief of Police
Ho Ho Kus NJ, the Ho Ho Kus Library will be hosting a , “How to Respond to an Active Shooter Incident” , presented by Ho-Ho-Kus’ emergency services. This event will discuss strategies you can use if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation. Registration is required, and space is limited.
The event will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2018 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Attendees will be provided with advice and instruction on three types of a “Civilian Response to Active Shooter or Similar Incident” to aid in their odds of surviving such a life-threatening incident; some background and statistics on Active Shooter incidents; description of “profiles” of an Active Shooter; and time permitting, among many other items, reviewing at least one recent Active Shooter incident.
The presenter is an experienced, Vietnam Infantry, decorated combat Veteran who also has 10 years of managing and coordinating a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) under the auspices of the municipality’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM); giving many associated, relevant presentations; and receiving certification/training in multiple areas of emergency services and incident command management, while participating and providing CERT leadership in numerous events and incidents in Bergen County.
Sign up : https://bccls.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=139451&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2018%2F03%2F01
Ridgewood NJ, here are some reminders on Village of Ridgewood protocol on snow and ice events :
REMINDER ABOUT GARBAGE PICKUP DURING SNOW AND ICE EVENTS
As a reminder, if it is snowing when you leave your home in the morning or if it is icy, please place your garbage cans at the end of your driveway for collection. The Village will resume rear yard garbage collection as quickly as possible after the snowstorm, but please continue to put your garbage cans at the end of your driveway until you have a clear path to them. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our Village employees safe.
REMINDERS ABOUT SNOW/ICE REMOVAL
All sidewalks in residential districts must be cleared within 24 hours of the snow falling. Please do not place snow into the street; instead, place it back onto your own property. In addition, if you have a fire hydrant on your property, please clear it of any snow accumulation.
Stanley A. Kober, KC2ZXB([email protected]), Historic Ho-Ho-Kus Researcher, A.L.I.C.E. Certified Trainer, Former Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus CERT Program Manager (T-T-T) , Former CERT/Bergen County R.A.C.E.S. Deputy Liaison Officer
Ho Ho Kus NJ, Every organization whether for profit or not for profit, professional, religious, veterans, law enforcement, historical, military, municipal, emergency
services, amateur radio operations, etc., should have the strategy to operate in the most efficient and effective means as possible. Actually, that applies to each
of us as individuals as well. Not only does it have the ability to save money (and possibly lives), it allows us to do more things in the same amount of time. After
all, time is fixed and no one can change that construct.
In order for us to accomplish an organizational or personal strategy we more likely than not use technology, but technology changes over time. The
Washington Post had an on-line article that presented those changes very well at https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/entertainment/tech-generations/?utm_term=.58e805b0d158. Unless you are a Luddite, you use technology every day. [A Luddite as described in the www.UrbanDictionary.com is one “who fears technology (or new technology, as they seem pleased with how things currently are…why can’t everything just be the same?)”]
In this short article, I’m going to address just one aspect of that change which is becoming more and more evident to us on a daily basis through the use of our smartphones. That “new” technology is called “QR Codes” or “Quick Response Codes”. You know, you’ve seen that little square with all the funny black lines and boxes in advertising circulars, newspapers, etc., but don’t be fooled, these ARE NOT BARCODES. On the right is one of my own examples that I have created. If you have a smartphone, iPad, tablet, or similar device with a camera and the applicable software installed to read the code, you should be able to go to this fantastic FaceBook®page. Not all reading software is the same, so some features may not work in the software on your device that will work in other software. In other words, “Caveat Emptor”—”Buyer Beware”.
Allow me to put it in a nutshell why one should use a QR Code in their literature, signage, advertising materials, documents, procedures, manuals, etc.
Let’s take one example that was used earlier in this article—the Washington Post article on technology. In most, if not all paper printing by newspapers,
hyperlinks associated with what was displayed in print (on-line publications are different) are removed. NOTE: A “hyperlink” is the underlined portion of the
reference that allows you to click on it and bring up the article on the website.
Can you imagine how long it would take you to enter that WaPo reference into the address line of your device’s internet web browser and when you make one
wrong character you need to restart? I’m certain you wouldn’t waste your time February 07, 2018 Page 2 of 3 by entering all those characters. There we go again—that fixed construct called “time” rears its head.
In order to save “time”, because “time” is money, one can use a device that has a camera and the appropriate software to read the QR Code and go DIRECTLY to the associated reference, in this case the Washington Post article referenced earlier. Read the QR Code at the right with your smartphone and appropriate software. But, just a point of caution,
newspaper articles may not be in the same place for very long, so the link eventually might not work when going to
the original website of the media.
We know that technology is great and can do many things for us if we have the right tools with which to work. For example, QR Code generating software is all over the Internet and the software to read the codes that are
generated are abounding as well. However, when shopping for the ability to generate or read the QR code you need to have in mind what you really want to do with it—in other words, what is your goal. Remember I talked about “strategy” at the beginning of this article? Well, a “strategy” is the place where we want to be and the “goal” or “objective” is what we need to do to get there.
For example, one “strategy” might be that we want to operate in the most efficient and effective fashion as possible. One “goal” or “objective” to attain that “strategy” would be to utilize technology to the greatest extent as possible. Within “goals” or “objectives” are “tasks” that we do to meet a “goal” or “objective”. Using QR Codes is a “task” that we would use to meet our “goal” of using technology to attain our “strategy” to operate in the most efficient and effective fashion as possible. OK, enough of Management Theory, but I just wanted to put this capability in its proper perspective for
you. Now, let’s get back to QR Codes.
The first tool you need is a smartphone, iPad, tablet or similar device to be able to read the generated code. On that device you need a camera and the appropriate software to
read the code. An excellent listing of that software for many devices is found here at QR Phone Software (click on the link at the left or use your camera device to read the code at the right.)
Once you have the appropriate device and the optimal reading software, you need to have the proper software to create the QR Code that we want to use. Again, “Caveat Emptor”—”Buyer Beware”. There are many software packages on the market, but you need to test for the one you select to ensure that it operates the way YOU want it to do. For example, when I looked for my optimal reading software, one “free” package that I tested allowed me to get to the website that I wanted OK, but when I tried to download an Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format file (PDF), it would not allow me to do so. I deleted that installation immediately and moved on to others. So, in short, in selecting code generator software as well as reading software, compare the “free” packages, (called “free” even though they are coupled with advertising galore, so
they are really not “free” because it takes “time” to cancel them) and those that February 07, 2018 Page 3 of 3 might cost something for the generating software. The optimal one that I have found for my use is found at QR Code Generator. (click on the link at the left or use your device to read the code at the right.) It has many options, capabilities and truly free code generation even for testing. You might want to look at the informational videos and articles as well on that site while you’re there. By the way, if you still get ads in your reads, it’s not the QR Code generator that I am recommending here,
it’s your reading software.
Speaking of the code generator, one quick point I will add is that when you chose a QR Code type, you need to have the ability to select either a “static” OR “dynamic” code. Some software may allow only one, but you need to have both options for testing and live operations. Select “dynamic” even if you have other reasons, but especially if you have any intention of making changes to the code link (remember the news article referenced earlier that might have moved to another location?), even if you can’t think of something now, or you might want to do some analytics on the actions of the code (where did the access come
from; how many clicks were made on the code; etc.). In my opinion, there are very few activities which would require a “static” QR Code.
Before concluding, I’d like to give two examples of QR Codes in which one goes to an on-line website for a senior citizens organization and the other for use by emergency services personnel. The use of a QR Code for those in emergency services is at the right. For example, as a first responder you have a requirement to look at an instructional manual, procedure, or in this example, the latest Emergency Response Guide on line, but no one around you has a computer and you don’t have the time to search online for it on your device. In your preplanning for being an effective first responder, you have created a QR Code Card with your important links on it and you have it/them in your vehicle (POV and ERV), your pocket, your go bag, go kit, your trailer, wherever. Immediately, you can click on the QR Code like the one on the right and go directly to the guide on your device. By the way, you need to think about how you place the QR Codes on the card because if they are not sized and spaced properly you will get wrong launches and errors.
The last example for the Senior Citizens site is located at https://bcscccouncil.wordpress.com/ and the QR Code
for that site is at the right. It saves Seniors keystrokes!
So, in conclusion, if you want to get “ahead of the pack” and do things that will save you time and money, as well as give you broader access to your market or to materials that may be lifesaving, then use QR Codes in your technology goal for your organization. You will be amazed at what they can do for you.
WASHINGTON DC, Aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain a major threat to taxpayers, headlining the annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams for the 2016 filing season, the Internal Revenue Service announced today.
The IRS has seen a surge of these phone scams as scam artists threaten police arrest, deportation, license revocation and other things. The IRS reminds taxpayers to guard against all sorts of con games that arise during any filing season.
“Taxpayers across the nation face a deluge of these aggressive phone scams. Don’t be fooled by callers pretending to be from the IRS in an attempt to steal your money,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. “We continue to say if you are surprised to be hearing from us, then you’re not hearing from us.”
“There are many variations. The caller may threaten you with arrest or court action to trick you into making a payment,” Koskinen added. “Some schemes may say you’re entitled to a huge refund. These all add up to trouble. Some simple tips can help protect you.”
The Dirty Dozen is compiled annually by the IRS and lists a variety of common scams taxpayers may encounter any time during the year. Many of these con games peak during filing season as people prepare their tax returns or hire someone to do so.
This January, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) announced they have received reports of roughly 896,000 contacts since October 2013 and have become aware of over 5,000 victims who have collectively paid over $26.5 million as a result of the scam.
“The IRS continues working to warn taxpayers about phone scams and other schemes,” Koskinen said. “We especially want to thank the law-enforcement community, tax professionals, consumer advocates, the states, other government agencies and particularly the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration for helping us in this battle against these persistent phone scams.”
Protect Yourself
Scammers make unsolicited calls claiming to be IRS officials. They demand that the victim pay a bogus tax bill. They con the victim into sending cash, usually through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. They may also leave “urgent” callback requests through phone “robo-calls,” or via a phishing email.
Many phone scams use threats to intimidate and bully a victim into paying. They may even threaten to arrest, deport or revoke the license of their victim if they don’t get the money.
Scammers often alter caller ID numbers to make it look like the IRS or another agency is calling. The callers use IRS titles and fake badge numbers to appear legitimate. They may use the victim’s name, address and other personal information to make the call sound official.
Here are five things the scammers often do but the IRS will not do. Any one of these five things is a tell-tale sign of a scam.
The IRS will never:
Call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill.
Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.
Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS and asking for money, here’s what you should do:
If you don’t owe taxes, or have no reason to think that you do:
Do not give out any information. Hang up immediately.
Contact TIGTA to report the call. Use their “IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting” webpage. You can also call 800-366-4484.
Report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Use the “FTC Complaint Assistant” on FTC.gov. Please add “IRS Telephone Scam” in the notes.
If you know you owe, or think you may owe tax:
Call the IRS at 800-829-1040. IRS workers can help you.
Stay alert to scams that use the IRS as a lure. Tax scams can happen any time of year, not just at tax time. For more, visit “Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts” on IRS.gov.
Each and every taxpayer has a set of fundamental rights they should be aware of when dealing with the IRS. These are your Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Explore your rights and our obligations to protect them on IRS.gov.
Washington DC, The Department of Justice announced that a grand jury in the District of Columbia today returned an indictment presented by the Special Counsel’s Office. The indictment charges thirteen Russian nationals and three Russian companies for committing federal crimes while seeking to interfere in the United States political system, including the 2016 Presidential election. The defendants allegedly conducted what they called “information warfare against the United States,” with the stated goal of “spread[ing] distrust towards the candidates and the political system in general.”
“This indictment serves as a reminder that people are not always who they appear to be on the Internet,” said Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein. “The indictment alleges that the Russian conspirators want to promote discord in the United States and undermine public confidence in democracy. We must not allow them to succeed. The Department of Justice will continue to work cooperatively with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and with the Congress, to defend our nation against similar current and future schemes. I want to thank the federal agents and prosecutors working on this case for their exceptional service.”
According to the allegations in the indictment, twelve of the individual defendants worked at various times for Internet Research Agency LLC, a Russian company based in St. Petersburg, Russia. The other individual defendant, Yevgeniy Viktorovich Prigozhin, funded the conspiracy through companies known as Concord Management and Consulting LLC, Concord Catering, and many subsidiaries and affiliates. The conspiracy was part of a larger operation called “Project Lakhta.” Project Lakhta included multiple components, some involving domestic audiences within the Russian Federation and others targeting foreign audiences in multiple countries.
Internet Research Agency allegedly operated through Russian shell companies. It employed hundreds of persons for its online operations, ranging from creators of fictitious personas to technical and administrative support, with an annual budget of millions of dollars. Internet Research Agency was a structured organization headed by a management group and arranged in departments, including graphics, search-engine optimization, information technology, and finance departments. In 2014, the agency established a “translator project” to focus on the U.S. population. In July 2016, more than 80 employees were assigned to the translator project.
Two of the defendants allegedly traveled to the United States in 2014 to collect intelligence for their American political influence operations.
To hide the Russian origin of their activities, the defendants allegedly purchased space on computer servers located within the United States in order to set up a virtual private network. The defendants allegedly used that infrastructure to establish hundreds of accounts on social media networks such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, making it appear that the accounts were controlled by persons within the United States. They used stolen or fictitious American identities, fraudulent bank accounts, and false identification documents. The defendants posed as politically and socially active Americans, advocating for and against particular political candidates. They established social media pages and groups to communicate with unwitting Americans. They also purchased political advertisements on social media.
The Russians also recruited and paid real Americans to engage in political activities, promote political campaigns, and stage political rallies. The defendants and their co-conspirators pretended to be grassroots activists. According to the indictment, the Americans did not know that they were communicating with Russians.
After the election, the defendants allegedly staged rallies to support the President-elect while simultaneously staging rallies to protest his election. For example, the defendants organized one rally to support the President-elect and another rally to oppose him—both in New York, on the same day.
On September 13, 2017, soon after the news media reported that the Special Counsel’s Office was investigating evidence that Russian operatives had used social media to interfere in the 2016 election, one defendant allegedly wrote, “We had a slight crisis here at work: the FBI busted our activity…. So, I got preoccupied with covering tracks together with my colleagues.”
The indictment includes eight criminal counts. Count One alleges a criminal conspiracy to defraud the United States, by all of the defendants. The defendants allegedly conspired to defraud the United States by impairing the lawful functions of the Federal Election Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of State in administering federal requirements for disclosure of foreign involvement in certain domestic activities.
Count Two charges conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud by Internet Research Agency and two individual defendants.
Counts Three through Eight charge aggravated identity theft by Internet Research Agency and four individuals.
There is no allegation in the indictment that any American was a knowing participant in the alleged unlawful activity. There is no allegation in the indictment that the charged conduct altered the outcome of the 2016 election.
Everyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. At trial, prosecutors must introduce credible evidence that is sufficient to prove each defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, to the unanimous satisfaction of a jury of twelve citizens.
The Special Counsel’s investigation is ongoing. There will be no comments from the Special Counsel at this time.
February 15, 2018 Dear Nutley Parents, Staff and Community, Tonight, the district administration became aware of a security threat. The police are actively investigating. As it gets later in the evening, we have decided to err on the side of safety and close schools tomorrow, February 16, 2018. We will use one of our two remaining emergency days and close the Nutley Public School district, for all students, staff and personnel. All evening events at our schools for Friday, February 16 will be canceled, as well. Schools will reopen, after winter break, on Monday, February 26 for students and teachers and the district offices will reopen on Tuesday, February 20. As both the Superintendent of the Nutley Public Schools and as a parent, and because of the nature of the world in which we live, there was no other decision to be made. Please rest assured that the safety and security of all our students and staff in the Nutley Public Schools remains our first priority. Sincerely, Dr. Julie Glazer
Ridgewood NJ, In a unanimous vote, the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors approved Kevin Corbett as the next Executive Director of NJ TRANSIT during the regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting today. The appointment is effective starting on Monday, February 19, 2018.
“Kevin is taking on one of the toughest jobs in New Jersey – turning NJ Transit around and restoring it as a world-class transportation agency that our commuters can rely on. Every New Jerseyan who takes the train or bus every day, and the thousands of employees who show up for work, deserves visionary leadership committed to getting this system right. Kevin’s confirmation signals that we have begun the difficult process of rebuilding NJ TRANSIT and, in time, regaining commuters’ trust in the system,” said Governor Phil Murphy.
“I would like to thank Governor Murphy and the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve the state of New Jersey,” said incoming Executive Director Kevin Corbett. “I look forward to working with the dedicated men and women of NJ TRANSIT in restoring the transportation system to the national leader it once was, providing safe and reliable service and boosting economic development in New Jersey.”
Prior to incoming Executive Director Corbett’s appointment, he served as Vice President, Cross Services at AECOM, one of the world’s premier transportation and infrastructure companies. In this role, Mr. Corbett drew on the extensive resources from across AECOM’s various business lines to provide optimal solutions for AECOM’s clients.
AECOM projects that Mr. Corbett was Principal-In-Charge of or actively served in a management role included Moynihan Station Phase one, Amtrak’s Gateway Program, Second Avenue Subway – Phase one, Penn Vision, Penn Station Critical Improvements, One WTC Interim Loading Dock, Post-Sandy PATH Restoration and other related regional resiliency and restoration projects. Previously, Mr. Corbett was responsible for the global marine and freight business for DMJM+HARRIS, a legacy AECOM company, as well as other AECOM subsidiaries.
In the civic realm, Mr. Corbett currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Regional Plan Association (RPA) and is Co-Chair of its Transportation Committee. He also serves on the board of the Maritime Association of the Port of New York & New Jersey (President), Tri-State Transportation Campaign and The New York League of Conservation Voters (Chairman).
Mr. Corbett is a graduate of Georgetown University and serves as a Blue & Gold Officer for the U.S. Naval Academy.
Ridgewood NJ, PSEG today announced a joint promotion with BMW of North America to offer PSE&G customers $10,000 off the best negotiated price for a new BMW i3. The promotion is open to customers of PSE&G and is available Feb. 15 through April 30, 2018.
“PSE&G is proud to partner with BMW of North America – not just a leader in electric cars, but also a customer of PSE&G,” said Courtney McCormick, Vice President, Renewables and Energy Solutions for PSE&G. “We hope this offer will encourage our customers who might be in the market for an electric vehicle to give the BMW i3 serious consideration.”
In addition to the $10,000 rebate off MSRP from BMW, customers could be eligible for up to $7,500 federal tax credit. Sale of the all-electric i3 is not subject to sales tax in New Jersey.
“The BMW i3 is the best-selling premium electric vehicle in the world,” said Magnus Aspegren, Strategy Manager, Electromobility at BMW of North America. “With a range of up to 114 miles on a single charge and the same uncompromised driving performance typical of every BMW model, the BMW i3 is also proof that driving electric is as practical as it is fun.”
The BMW incentive and potential federal tax credit together equal roughly one-third of the base i3 model price. The BMW incentive is off the best offer negotiated with a dealer and is given at the time of sale.
To take advantage of this offer, a PSE&G customer must download a PSEG\BMW Customer Information Form at PSEG.com/goelectric and take it to any authorized BMW dealership (the dealer can be outside the PSE&G territory) along with a copy of their PSE&G bill.
For more information, go to PSEG.com/goelectric
In 2016, PSEG received recognition from the state of New Jersey for its leadership in promoting electric cars and investing in electric car infrastructure. These efforts include:
PSEG runs the largest electric car employee incentive program in the state with more than 45 chargers installed at company locations.
In October 2017, PSE&G, in partnership with EVgo, installed two fast chargers at the Molly Pitcher Service Area on the New Jersey Turnpike.
PSE&G has provided 135 car chargers to 23 New Jersey hospitals, colleges and businesses to encourage their employees to commute in electric cars.
PSE&G has 17 electric cars in its company fleet, as well as many partially electric-powered trucks.
20180214 – Village Council Regular Public Meeting
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING FEBRUARY 14, 2018
8:00 P.M.
Call to Order – Mayor
Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act
Roll Call – Village Clerk
Flag Salute and Moment of Silence
Acceptance of Financial Reports
Approval of Minutes
Proclamation
Dad’s Night Days – Hawes School and Somerville School
Read Across America Day
Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 3 minutes per person – 40 minutes in total)
Village Manager’s Report
Village Council Reports
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION – RIDGEWOOD WATER
NONE ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – RIDGEWOOD WATER #3631 – Bond Ordinance – Granular Activated Carbon Treatment System – Carr Well Field ($3,570,000) RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-34 THROUGH 18-40 ARE TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL. THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE EACH RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EACH RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
18-34 Title 59 – Pipe, Appurtenances, and Service Materials
18-35 Award Contract – Pipe, Appurtenances, and Service Materials (NTE $225,000)
18-36 Title 59 Approval – Tree Maintenance Service
18-37 Award Contract – Tree Maintenance Service (NTE $40,000)
18-38 Award Contract – Sole Provider – Furnish Corrosion Inhibitor (NTE $170,000)-
18-39 Award Professional Services Contract – Surveying of Elks Club Property -(NTE $2,200.00)
18-40 Authorize Signing of Water Utility Easement Agreements
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-41 THROUGH
18-42, WILL BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:
18-41 Title 59 – Customer Billing Portal, Communications and Consumption Analytics Software 18-42 Award Contract – Customer Billing Portal, Communications and Consumption Analytics Software (NTE $157,840)
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION
3633 – Amendment to Municipal Complex Parking
3634 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Significant Sewer Discharger Fees
3635 – Amend Chapter 145 – Fees – Sewers and Sewage Disposal – Connection Fee for Residential and Non-Residential Development
ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING
3632 – Bond Ordinance – Street Paving and Streetscape ($2,160,000)
ORDINANCES – CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
3625 – Amend Chapter 190 – Land Use and Development – Allow Certain Illuminated Interior Signs in the Central Business District
RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 18-43 THROUGH 18-67 ARE TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL. THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE EACH RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EACH RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
18-43 Approve Budget Reserve Transfers
18-44 Approve Bergen County Concept Plan – Improvements to Intersections/Traffic Signals
18-45 Title 59 Approval– Horticultural Supplies
18-46 Award Contract – Horticultural Supplies (NTE $45,000)
18-47 Award Contract under State Contract – 2018 Parts and Related Services (NTE $55,000)
18-48 Award Professional Services Contract – On- Call Traffic Engineering Services (NTE $10,000)
18-49 Award Professional Services Contract – Land Surveying Services – Upgrade of Intersections/Traffic Signals (NTE $17,100)
18-50 Award Professional Services Contract – 2018 Land Surveying Services Retainer for Preparation of Tax Assessment Map (NTE $1,700)
18-51 Approve Shared Services Agreement – Bergen County Police Chiefs Association Mutual Aid Plan and Rapid Deployment Force
18-52 Declare Building Department Vehicle Surplus Property
18-53 Accept Donation for Community Center from North Jersey Masters
18-54 Accept Donation – Windscreens – Somerville Tennis Courts
18-55 Authorize Increase of Petty Cash Account for Fleet Services
18-56 Authorize 2018 Prepaid Property Tax Refunds
18-57 Authorize Application for Sustainable Jersey PSE&G Grant
18-58 Designate Acting Municipal Court
Administrator (NTE $35/hour)
18-59 Approve Transfer of Liquor License – FISH Ridgewood to Oak Street Liquors
18-60 Appoint Members to Library Board of Trustees
18-61 Appoint Members to Open Space Committee
18-62 Appoint Members to Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee
18-63 Appoint Member to Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission
18-64 Appoint Members to Ridgewood Green Team Advisory Committee
18-65 Appoint Members to Citizens Safety Advisory Committee
18-66 Appoint Members to Historic Preservation Commission
18-67 Authorize Release of Bid Bond for Public Valet Parking
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 18-68, WILL BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL: 18-68 Authorize Execution of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Treatment Works Approval (TWA) for Multi-Family Housing Projects Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)
Resolution to go into Closed Session
Closed Session
Personnel – Appointments to Boards and Committees
Adjournment
Union County, NJ yesterday Bob Hugin, formerly the CEO and Executive Chairman of worldwide bio-tech leader Celgene, kicked off his campaign for U.S. Senate to unseat the embattled and sometime ethically challenged Bob Menendez .
Menendez, whose approval ratings plunged as he was under the cloud of a long-running federal investigation, hasn’t officially announced his reelection campaign. But with the probe over, his top adviser has said there’s a “100 percent” chance he will run.
Hugin, 63, retired late last month as executive chairman of Celgene Corp., a global biopharmaceutical company based in Summit, N.J.
Hugin grew up in a diverse, hardworking neighborhood in Union City, Hudson County, where his parents instilled in him an obligation to serve others. He was the first person in his family to attend college, earning a full scholarship to Princeton University. After graduation, at a time when it wasn’t popular, Bob joined the United States Marine Corps where he served as an active duty infantry officer from 1976 to 1983. Bob participated in multiple deployments and was an instructor at the Landing Force Training Command, Atlantic. He continued to serve as a Reserve Officer from 1983 to 1990, where his assignments included commanding officer roles in Virginia and Battalion staff officer assignments in New York.
Upon leaving active duty in 1983, Hugin earned his MBA from the Darden School of Graduate Business Administration at the University of Virginia. In 1985, he joined J.P. Morgan, ultimately leading several businesses and rising to be a Managing Director, until joining a struggling bio-tech company called Celgene in 1999.
At the time, Celgene had approximately 200 employees and less than six weeks of cash. Under Hugin’s leadership and through the work of its employees, Celgene was transformed into one of New Jersey’s largest private sector employers – an innovative bio-tech company that is now known around the world for leading the fight against cancer and chronic disease. Forbes honored Celgene as #5 on a list of “America’s Best Midsize Employers” and #14 on a list of the “World’s Best Employers” in 2017.
Hugin recently completed 19 years of leadership in healthcare and has been a leading advocate for modernizing the American healthcare system during his time as Chairman and CEO of the Celgene Corporation and as a Trustee of the Atlantic Health System for the last decade.
Hugin also volunteered his time to the Board of Trustees of Princeton University, the Darden Foundation at UVA, and Family Promise, a national non-profit network assisting homeless families. He has also served on the NJ-based think tank Garden State Initiative and is the President of the trustees of his church. Bob also previously served on the board of Choose New Jersey and as past Chairman of the Healthcare Institute of NJ.
At home Bob Hugin and his wife of thirty years, Kathy, are the proud parents of three children. Daughter Hilary is a Manager of Media Investments and Connections Planning at Chobani. Sons Robbie and Mac are both officers in the United States Marine Corps. Bob and Kathy are strongly committed to their community and not-for-profit work. A community service-focused individual, Kathy has positions on the Institutional Review Board of the Atlantic Health System and the Board of Directors of Georgetown University. Kathy also previously served as a trustee of the Kent Place School and the Pingry School.
Ridgewood NJ, councilmen Ramon Hache gave us an update on the Valley Hospital Litigation and what it means for the Village of Ridgewood . According to the councilmen , “On December 29, 2017, the New Jersey Department of Health granted The Valley Hospital a Certificate of Need to relocate its acute care and inpatient facility from Ridgewood to Paramus. The Village Council did not receive a copy of the Department of Health letter via email until January 22, 2018. The granting of the Certificate of Need now puts into play certain factors of the settlement agreement pertaining to the existing Ridgewood campus.”
Hache goes on , “During the 120 days that follow, the Village Planning Board will be working to adopt an amendment to the H zone ordinance that will make the existing Ridgewood facility conforming as to the existing bulk dimensions and size of the current facility to satisfy the terms of the settlement agreement. Simply put, this will allow interior and exterior changes to be made to the existing Ridgewood facility buildings as long as no additional square footage or height is added to the existing buildings. A copy of the settlement agreement is available upon request to the Village. “
Ridgewood NJ, Senator Gerald Cardinale (R- Bergen and Passaic) said that the arrest of three sexual assault suspects in Bergen County shows the need for cooperation among local and federal law enforcement agencies.
“A woman was gang-raped by three men Bergen County, while ‘incapacitated and physically helpless.’ This makes me physically ill,” said Cardinale, the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “We need to do everything we can to protect and ensure justice for this helpless victim.”
On February 5th, an adult female victim reported she was gang-raped in Bergen County. An investigation was conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the East Rutherford Police Department, leading to the arrest of three suspects.The three accused have been charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault and Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have placed detainers on the three men who are believed to be in the country illegally.
According to ICE, detainers are placed on people who have been arrested on local criminal charges and for whom ICE possesses probable cause to believe that they are removable from the United States so that ICE can take custody of the person when he or she is released from local custody.
“It’s clear that the suspects in this horrific sexual assault should not be set free, even if local authorities choose not to keep them in detention until trial. I’m glad that ICE is stepping up to keep these accused rapists off the streets. This horrible tragedy provides a clear example of why we need local, state, and federal law enforcement officials to work together to ensure public safety.”
Governor Murphy has proposed making New Jersey a “sanctuary state,” preventing local law enforcement agencies from coordinating in this fashion.
“Survivors of sexual assault need to know that their perpetrators will be held accountable, and communities need to know that criminals won’t escape justice and end up back on the streets,” added Cardinale. “The Governor’s sanctuary state plan is contrary to those needs. In this case, he’d protect the accused rapists by preventing the coordination need to keep them in custody of law enforcement. That’s not good for the victim, and it’s not good for public safety in New Jersey. While defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, I hope and pray this victim receives the justice she deserves.”
