Ridgewood NJ, while everyone was watching the Yankee game , the two candidates for New Jersey Governor had their second debate . Most New Jersey voters seemed to be resigned to coming calamity and have zero faith in New Jersey politicians .
Republican Kim Guadagno has attempted to stay on her tax cutting message . During the debate she appeared calm, confident and comfortable and in an attempt to distance her self from Governor Chris Christie , she unequivocally pledged not to appoint him to the U.S. Senate in the event that Senator Bob Menendez resigns.
Voters seem luke warm to her tax cut pledge , most feeling Trenton lakes any credibility and Kim often comes off sounding like former governor and EPA chief “the air is ok, barrow from the pensions” Whitman .
On the other hand Democrat Phil Murphy known as Corzine 2.0 , has promised to make New Jersey a “sanctuary state” , he says he will raise your taxes in a massive tax increase of $1.3 billion . He treads water and will not commit to extending the 2% arbitration cap for police and firefighter salaries and would not say weather the ethically challenged Democratic Senator Bob Menendez should resign if convicted of bribery. Murphy continues to push the Connecticut model, under the “tax the rich” mantra . The Connecticut model fell flat ,because the “rich” moved and so did General Electric and Aetna the states two largest tax payers and employers ,leaving Connecticut on the verge of bankruptcy and collapse .
In probably the most telling question in the debate , Murphy clams to like New Jersey grapefruit’s and broccoli yes you heard me , while Kim likes Jersey tomatoes and cranberries, once again proving that you can buy a nomination , but it helps to live here and know something about the state your trying to govern .
FBI uncovered Russian bribery plot before Obama administration approved controversial nuclear deal with Moscow
By John Solomon and Alison Spann – 10/17/17 06:00 AM EDT
Before the Obama administration approved a controversial deal in 2010 giving Moscow control of a large swath of American uranium, the FBI had gathered substantial evidence that Russian nuclear industry officials were engaged in bribery, kickbacks, extortion and money laundering designed to grow Vladimir Putin’s atomic energy business inside the United States, according to government documents and interviews.
Federal agents used a confidential U.S. witness working inside the Russian nuclear industry to gather extensive financial records, make secret recordings and intercept emails as early as 2009 that showed Moscow had compromised an American uranium trucking firm with bribes and kickbacks in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, FBI and court documents show.
They also obtained an eyewitness account — backed by documents — indicating Russian nuclear officials had routed millions of dollars to the U.S. designed to benefit former President Bill Clinton charitable foundation during the time Secretary of State Hillary served on a government body that provided a favorable decision to Moscow, sources told The Hill.
The racketeering scheme was conducted “with the consent of higher level officials” in Russia who “shared the proceeds” from the kickbacks, one agent declared in an affidavit years later.
photo courtesy of the Ridgewood High School Alumni Association
October 18,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Last week the eminent physicist Dr. David Coward spoke to RHS students. Physicist, Emeritus at Stanford University and a member of RHS Class of 1952, Dr. Howard was part of the collaboration that ultimately led to the discovery of quarks in 1968, for which the 1990 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded. He is also a member of RHS Distinguished Alumni.
David Coward received his Bachelor of Engineering Physics from Cornell University and his Ph.D. in Physics from Stanford University. An experimental physicist at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC), he made indispensable contributions to the SLAC-MIT experiments that discovered the quark structure of the proton and neutron. The 1990 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for his work. As a member of CERN’s NA31 Collaboration, he shared the 2005 European Physics Society High Energy and Particle Physics Prize. He is now Physicist Emeritus at Stanford University. Inducted 2008.
David Coward, was awarded the RHS Distinguished Alumni Award during the 60th reunion of the class in October 2012.
South Hackensack NJ, Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced that a Newark man pleaded guilty today to a first-degree human trafficking charge for trafficking a girl, 16, from New York to New Jersey and making her work as a prostitute in the prostitution ring he ran, which advertised on Backpage.com.
Glen Bowman Sr., 42, of Newark, N.J., pleaded guilty today to first-degree conspiracy to commit human trafficking before Superior Court Judge Robert M. Vinci in Bergen County. Under the plea agreement, the state will recommend that Bowman be sentenced to 13 years in state prison, including five years of parole ineligibility. Bowman ran the prostitution ring with his wife, Ernestine Bowman, 33, of Orange, N.J. Ernestine Bowman pleaded guilty in December 2016 to second-degree facilitating human trafficking. She is awaiting sentencing and faces a recommended sentence of 10 years in prison, with 39 months of parole ineligibility.
Deputy Attorneys General Brandy Malfitano and Jamie Picard are prosecuting the case, and Malfitano took the guilty plea today for the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau, Human Trafficking Unit.
Five defendants were indicted in April 2015, and all have pleaded guilty, as a result of an investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice and the South Hackensack Police Department. The defendants were charged with conspiring to traffic the 16-year-old from Brooklyn, N.Y., to make her work as a prostitute at motels in South Hackensack and Clifton, N.J. The couple’s son, Glen Bowman Jr., 23, of Brooklyn, N.Y., pleaded guilty to second-degree conspiracy to promote prostitution and faces a recommended sentence of seven years in prison. Jessica Copeland, 29, of Newark, N.J. – who acted as boss or “bottom” over the prostitutes in the ring – pleaded guilty to second-degree facilitating human trafficking and faces a recommend sentence of six years in prison, including three years of parole ineligibility. Tokina Williams, 33, of Raleigh, N.C., pleaded guilty to second-degree promoting prostitution.
Sentencing for Glen Bowman Sr. is scheduled for Nov. 14. The other defendants, with the exception of Williams, are scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 25.
“This man threatened to beat the 16-year-old victim if she didn’t follow his orders and perform to his expectations for clients of his prostitution ring,” said Attorney General Porrino. “This plea will ensure that Bowman serves a lengthy sentence behind bars, where he can no longer subject young women and children to an unspeakable life of brutality and sexual slavery. I commend the South Hackensack Police and our attorneys for rescuing the victim and bringing those responsible to justice.”
“Our Human Trafficking Unit will continue to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to apprehend and convict human traffickers,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “Human traffickers typically isolate their victims and remove them from any support system, so it is critical that members of the public notify us if they see a young woman or child in questionable circumstances. We will move swiftly to investigate and save victims like the teenage girl in this case.”
Attorney General Porrino and Director Honig urged anyone who suspects that individuals are engaged in sex- or labor-related human trafficking to confidentially report such activity by calling the Division of Criminal Justice’s 24-hour NJ Human Trafficking Hotline 855-END-NJ-HT (855-363-6548).
“Our department has been committed to conducting these undercover operations to flush out the criminality of prostitution and narcotics in our motels,” said Chief Joseph Terraccino of the South Hackensack Police Department. “We remain committed to rescuing these victims from the underworld and arresting the predators who are responsible.”
Deputy Attorneys General Malfitano and Picard are prosecuting the case for the Division of Criminal Justice Human Trafficking Unit, within the Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Annmarie Taggart and Bureau Chief Lauren Scarpa Yfantis. The investigation was conducted for the Division of Criminal Justice by Detective Timothy Savage, Sgt. Noelle Holl, Lt. Lisa Cawley and the other detectives in the Human Trafficking Unit. Attorney General Porrino thanked the South Hackensack Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Joseph Terraccino, for their investigation and referral. Capt. Robert Kaiser, Lt. Robert Chinchar and Detective James Donatello led the investigation for the South Hackensack Police Department.
The investigation began as an undercover operation by the South Hackensack Police Department targeting a prostitution ring that advertised on Backpage.com. Such rings typically offer “escort services” and display nude or semi-nude photos of young women. An undercover officer responded to an advertisement that included a photo of a very young-looking female with her breasts exposed. The officer phoned the number in the ad on Oct. 1, 2014, and a woman told him that he could have “full sex” for $160 cash at a motel on Route 46 in South Hackensack.
The undercover officer was directed to a room, where a teenage girl answered the door. She repeated that the price of “full sex” was $160 and accepted $160 cash from the undercover officer. He asked why the bathroom door was closed and learned there was a woman in the bathroom, who turned out to be Tokina Williams. The teenage girl invited Williams to come out and told her that the client had paid to have sex with both of them. At that time, backup officers entered and arrested Williams and the teenage girl. The teenage girl was determined to be a 16-year-old who was reported missing out of New York State. She was the young female whose breasts were exposed in the photo in the ad on Backpage.com.
Further investigation revealed that the defendants had conspired to lure the 16-year-old victim into a life of prostitution. The victim met Glen Bowman Jr., in Brooklyn, N.Y., several months earlier, and he conspired with his father, Glen Bowman Sr., to traffic her to New Jersey to work in the prostitution ring. Both Glen Bowman Sr. and Copeland threatened the 16-year-old with physical violence if she did not follow their rules and perform to their expectations. The defendants drove the victim and other prostitutes to hotels and motels in South Hackensack, Clifton and other locations in northern New Jersey, where they serviced clients. At the end of the day, the defendants picked them up and collected the money they had been paid. Glen Bowman Sr. was the primary leader of the prostitution ring, but Ernestine Bowman took on a greater leadership role after her husband was arrested and imprisoned in New York in August 2014.
Ridgewood NJ, The Village Of Ridgewood has a number of streams with a flood plain associated with it, Ho-Ho-Kus Brook, Saddle River, Goffle Brook, Diamond Brook, and SproutBrooka nondelineated stream behind Gateway Road.
These streams are limited in capacity and tend to exceed there banks during heavy rain falls similiar to Tropical Storm Floyd on September 16, 1999 and Hurricane Irene on August 28, 2011 (both of which can be considered a 100 year flood event). Additionally, the Nor’easter on April 15, 2007 can be considered a 20 year storm event.
As each storm event varies in duration and inches of rainfall, flow varies through each section of the stream dependant on flow restrictions ie, bridges, culverts, dams and weirs. Preventitive maintenance to keep these areas clear is the Village’s primary goal in keeping flooding to the minimum.
Flood information for the Village is available in the Engineering Division Office. Flood maps from FEMA and the New Jersey Department Of Environmental Protection are available. Documentation from FEMA is available stating the property and/or structure is located in the floodplain.
Flood Insurance
The Village of Ridgewood participates in the Community Rating System (CRS) and has a rating of Class 7, which is administered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Because we participate in the CRS program, anyone in the Village of Ridgewood can purchase flood insurance. Please note that standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover damage from floods. Most homeowner’s who have paid off their homes do not continue the flood insurance as required by most mortgage companies. Here are some common Myths and Facts about the National Flood Insurance Program.
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water will be performing system flushing. This work will include the operation of fire hydrants at flow velocities sufficient to remove naturally occurring minerals that have precipitated out of the water and settled. This may temporarily discolor the water so we will be conducting this activity late at night to minimize the effect on consumers. There are no health concerns associated with the minerals that get stirred up, but residents are urged to avoid doing laundry while crews are working. Ridgewood Water will notify residents using the Swiftreach calling system in advance of the work in their specific areas. Residents may register to receive these calls by clicking on the SwiftH2O link on the bottom of this page.
-To determine which flushing route you are in, or to see a video on the hydrant flushing process, please click here:
Flushing will begin in Route 1 on Monday, October 16th, between 9:00pm and 4:30am.
Tips for our customers:
Tap water may be discolored while crews are flushing in your area (9:00pm-4:30am) so you should avoid the use of washing machines and dishwashers during those hours. Even when it is discolored, the water is safe for consumption.
Discolored water may linger in your pipes after the flushing work has been completed. If so, run the cold water until the water runs clear.
Check at a nearby faucet for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap before doing laundry or running the dishwasher. If your laundry inadvertently becomes stained, DO NOT PUT YOUR LAUNDRY IN THE DRYER. Rewash clothes immediately using detergent and a rust remover such as “Red B Gone”. This product will be available from Ridgewood Water if needed. Most rust removers can also be used on stained fixtures such as sinks, tubs, and toilets.
If water pressure or water volume at the tap seems unusually low after flushing has been completed in your area, check your faucet aerators for trapped particles.
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is once again waging its annual battle against Mother Nature and fallen leaves on the rails. NJ TRANSIT is deploying its two AquaTrack machines throughout the fall season.
The AquaTrack equipment is a high-pressure power-washing system which removes leaves and oily residue from the tracks in an effort to prevent train delays caused by “slippery rail” conditions.
Last year, NJ TRANSIT unveiled its second AquaTrack unit which allows the cleaning process to maintain a larger coverage area in helping to prevent delays.
“While there is no way to completely eliminate the effect Mother Nature has on the railroad, the AquaTrack units have had great success in managing leaf-related slippage on our rails,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steve Santoro. “By utilizing these two highly specialized pieces of equipment, we can keep the rails free and clear of fallen leaves, increasing safety and keeping trains running on time.”
Fallen leaves left on rail tracks can cause a condition known as “slippery rail” – a challenge facing all railroads in the Northeast and other parts of the world where deciduous trees are prevalent. The decaying leaves create an oily residue that coats the rails and causes poor traction. The decreased train speeds, in turn, create delays.
The AquaTrack system has been in use by NJ TRANSIT since October 2003. It consists of two 250-horsepower diesel-engine units mounted on a flat car with an operator control cab. Two pressure-pump units dispense water up to 20,000 pounds-per-square-inch directly to the top of the rail. The process uses 17 gallons of water per minute.
The original AquaTrack operated primarily on the M&E and Montclair-Boonton lines, which face particular challenges including the hilly areas around Glen Ridge and Summit stations, washing the rails twice a day Monday through Friday—once overnight and again during midday hours. On weekends, the Pascack Valley and Main/Bergen County lines are usually covered. The addition of a second unit last year added cleaning on the Raritan Valley and North Jersey Coast Lines.
In addition to AquaTrack, NJ TRANSIT strategically spreads sand on the rails in front of peak-period trains to increase traction. NJ TRANSIT also trims trees to help stem the amount of leaves on the tracks. The leaf clearing operation runs from mid-October through mid-December.
Research reinforces interest expressed by families and girls nationwide as organization looks to offer programs that meet the needs of today’s families
Irving, Texas , Today, the Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors unanimously approved to welcome girls into its iconic Cub Scout program and to deliver a Scouting program for older girls that will enable them to advance and earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout. The historic decision comes after years of receiving requests from families and girls, the organization evaluated the results of numerous research efforts, gaining input from current members and leaders, as well as parents and girls who’ve never been involved in Scouting – to understand how to offer families an important additional choice in meeting the character development needs of all their children.
“This decision is true to the BSA’s mission and core values outlined in the Scout Oath and Law. The values of Scouting – trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, brave and reverent, for example – are important for both young men and women,” said Michael Surbaugh, the BSA’s Chief Scout Executive. “We believe it is critical to evolve how our programs meet the needs of families interested in positive and lifelong experiences for their children. We strive to bring what our organization does best – developing character and leadership for young people – to as many families and youth as possible as we help shape the next generation of leaders.”
Families today are busier and more diverse than ever. Most are dual-earners and there are more single-parent households than ever before [1], making convenient programs that serve the whole family more appealing. Additionally, many groups currently underserved by Scouting, including the Hispanic and Asian communities, prefer to participate in activities as a family. Recent surveys [2] of parents not involved with Scouting showed high interest in getting their daughters signed up for programs like Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, with 90 percent expressing interest in a program like Cub Scouts and 87 percent expressing interest in a program like Boy Scouts. Education experts also evaluated the curriculum and content and confirmed relevancy of the program for young women.
“The BSA’s record of producing leaders with high character and integrity is amazing” said Randall Stephenson, BSA’s national board chairman. “I’ve seen nothing that develops leadership skills and discipline like this organization. It is time to make these outstanding leadership development programs available to girls.”
Starting in the 2018 program year, families can choose to sign up their sons and daughters for Cub Scouts. Existing packs may choose to establish a new girl pack, establish a pack that consists of girl dens and boy dens or remain an all-boy pack. Cub Scout dens will be single-gender — all boys or all girls. Using the same curriculum as the Boy Scouts program, the organization will also deliver a program for older girls, which will be announced in 2018 and projected to be available in 2019, that will enable them to earn the Eagle Scout rank. This unique approach allows the organization to maintain the integrity of the single gender model while also meeting the needs of today’s families.
This decision expands the programs that the Boy Scouts of America offers for both boys and girls. Although known for its iconic programs for boys, the BSA has offered co-ed programs since 1971 through Exploring and the Venturing program, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2018. The STEM Scout pilot program is also available for both boys and girls
Ridgewood NJ, Pearl Restaurant Offers 3 Course Prix Fixe Menu for only $26.95 per person ;
Sunday-Thursday
3 Course Prix Fixe Menu for only $26.95 pp
Our Prix Fixe Menu includes; choice of one appetizer, one entree, one of our delicious desserts and coffee/tea! (Not Available on Holidays, Not to be combined with any coupon/discounts).
Check out our Today’s Special Menu! We have your favorites being featured tonight!
Make your reservation today
(201)857-5100
The Pearl restaurant is as unique as the pearl, blending the old and the new. They provide a superb dinner experience using only the freshest, exquisitely prepared foods with gracious and friendly service in a small, elegant setting, accented with soft lighting and music.
At Pearl Restaurant, your host Maximilian, a second-generation restauranteur, will make you feel at home with warm and friendly service.
There is no microwave and no freezer. The menu will change daily based on the freshness and availability of special meats and fishes selected from the market. We’ll use only homemade pastas and most of our desserts are prepared table-side. So come and indulge!
CELEBRATING SPECIAL EVENTS AT PEARL RESTAURANT
Book your special event today!
Speak to our Event Coordinator, Jackie or Max, Sr.,
Call us for more information
201-857-5100
BIRTHDAY, ANNIVERSARY, CORPORATE, GRADUATION, MILESTONE EVENT
& MANY MORE
Get 10% OFF when you sign up EARLY (before Nov. 1st) for your Christmas Party (Min 12 person)
See our website for our private party menu options.
We have a 50 Person Party Room Available for any occasion.
Party menus are flexible !
Spend more time with your family and let us take care of the cooking! www.pearlridgewood.com
Midland Park NJ, Midland Park Police spoke at Midland Park High School Career day . According to the Midland Park Police ,they had an opportunity to meet many students at the MPK HS career day. They had a great time talking to the students and showing them some of the equipment we use.
The career day event was followed by an inspirational speaker. Lt. Joe Torillo (Ret.) FDNY who survived being buried twice on 9/11 detailed his experience on 9/11 and inspired all of us to be the best we can be. His story is miraculous and his message to the students was memorable. The link below is from one of his speaking events it’s worth viewing.
FIRE DEPT OPEN HOUSE – Sunday, October 15th 1:30pm – 3:30pm
October 13,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Fire Department, 201 East Glen Avenue, invites residents to their Annual OPEN HOUSE on Sunday, October 15th from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Events will include Fire Extinguisher Training & Demonstration; Engine Ladder & Rescue Company Demonstrations. Refreshments will be served.
Raindate: October 22, 2017
Washington DC, President Donald J. Trump is taking action to improve access, increase choices, and lower costs for healthcare. The President thru executive action on Thursday , the president said , “The time has come to give Americans the freedom to purchase health insurance across state lines, which will create a truly competitive national marketplace that will bring costs way down and provide far better care.”
EXPANDING ACCESS TO MORE AFFORDABLE OPTIONS: President Donald J. Trump is taking action to increase the healthcare choices for millions of Americans, potentially allowing some employers to join together across State lines to offer coverage.
• President Trump signed an Executive Order to reform the United States healthcare system to take the first steps to expand choices and alternatives to Obamacare plans and increase competition to bring down costs for consumers.
• The order directs the Secretary of Labor to consider expanding access to Association Health Plans (AHPs), which could potentially allow American employers to form groups across State lines.
o A broader interpretation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) could potentially allow employers in the same line of business anywhere in the country to join together to offer healthcare coverage to their employees.
It could potentially allow employers to form AHPs through existing organizations, or create new ones for the express purpose of offering group insurance.
o By potentially making it easier for employers to band together, workers could have access to a broader range of insurance options at lower rates in the large group market.
o Employers participating in an AHP cannot exclude any employee from joining the plan and cannot develop premiums based on health conditions.
• The order directs the Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services to consider expanding coverage through low cost short-term limited duration insurance (STLDI).
o STLDI is not subject to costly Obamacare mandates and rules. One study found that on average STLDI costs one-third the price of the cheapest Obamacare plans.
o Despite its low cost, STLDI typically features broad provider networks and high coverage limits.
o The main groups who benefit from STLDI are people between jobs, people in counties with only a single insurer offering exchange plans, people with limited coverage networks, and people who missed the open enrollment period but still want insurance.
• The order directs the Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services to consider changes to Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) so employers can make better use of them for their employees.
o HRAs are employer-funded accounts that reimburse employees for healthcare expenses, including deductibles and copayments.
o The IRS does not count funds contributed to an HRA as taxable income.
o Expanded HRAs could potentially give American workers greater flexibility and control over how to finance their healthcare needs.
OBAMACARE IS FAILING: The status quo is not delivering quality healthcare options for the American people, who are facing higher premiums and fewer options.
• The percentage of workers at small firms receiving coverage through their employer has declined from nearly half in 2010 to about one-third in 2017.
• In 2018, more than 1,500 counties (nearly 50 percent of all counties) are projected to have only one option on their individual insurance exchanges, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
o This means 2.6 million Americans, or nearly 30 percent of exchange participants, will be left without a choice of insurers.
• From 2013 to 2017, average premiums for individual health insurance plans have doubled, increasing by $2,928 according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
o During this period, every State using www.healthcare.gov saw individual insurance premiums increase.
• Americans are departing the Obamacare exchanges and millions are choosing to pay the law’s penalty instead.
o 500,000 fewer Americans enrolled in an Obamacare plan in 2017 compared to the prior year.
o Current exchange enrollment is 60% below what the Congressional Budget Office expected when the law took effect.
o 6.7 million Americans chose to pay the Obamacare penalty in 2015 rather than purchase insurance on the exchanges. 37% of penalized households made less than $25,000, and 79% of penalized households made less than $50,000.
Ho Ho Kus NJ, according to the Ho Ho Kus Police another burglary was discovered today on Ardmore Rd. Following are some good advice for residents of Ho Ho kus, Ridgewood , Glen Rock , Midland Park , Hawthorne ,Washington Twp, Paramus and so on .
Again, please do not hesitate to call the Ho Ho Kus Police at anytime. Always go with your gut. If something doesn’t seem right, you heard a strange noise, or see something unusual, call immediately and we will always check it for you. 201-652-1700 or Dial 911 in an emergency.
Ridgewood Police (201) 652-3900
Glen Rock Police (201) 652-3800
Washington Twp Police (201) 664-1140
Paramus Police (201) 262 -3400
Hawthorne Police (973) 427 -1800
Midland Park Police (201) 444-2300
Tips to prevent home burglaries:
Start outside: Burglars target your house by how it appears from the outside. Reformed burglars tell police they avoid houses with good lighting, any crunchy surface on driveways and patios that could make noise, an alarm box, cameras and signs of a dog in the house.
Tips to deter burglars on the outside of your home:
*Keep your home well lit—motion sensors, dusk-to-dawn lighting or timers all work
*Keep your shrubs and hedges trimmed—burglars love to hide behind shrubbery Gates, shrubs, etc. should be less than a couple feet high so your house is visible from the street
*Place a brightly colored burglar alarm to the front of your house in a prominent place
Items like prickly bushes and flower pots under windows make a burglar’s life more difficult
*If you have a dog, make sure the burglar knows it, as most burglars won’t target a house that could have dogs
*Install video cameras
*In the backyard, a tall fence is a good security measure, but make sure it is topped with trellising that can’t support the weight of a human—most burglars are athletic and will try to jump a fence if they can, but tend to avoid those that might break underneath them or draw attention to them
*Don’t leave anything outside that would make the burglar’s life easier—this includes tools, gardening equipment, ladders, garden furniture, etc.
Tips to secure your garden shed:
*Make sure your shed is up to the task—if you think the structure won’t stop burglars, don’t leave anything of value in the shed, including tools, lawnmowers and bicycles
*Fit the shed windows with steel grates, if you can
Install a cage inside your shed for valuable tools—but make sure it is securely attached
*Lock down ladders that could be used by a burglar to gain access to your home
cartoon-burglar
*When you’re home, don’t leave downstairs windows open in rooms you’re not occupying; burglaries happen very quickly and the 10 minutes you spend in another part of the house could be a burglar’s chance to climb in, take your belongings and leave before you’ve even realized he was there.
*Single-glazed windows are particularly vulnerable to attack by burglars since plain glass is easily breakable. Consider replacing them if it is within your budget.
*Be sure to add additional locks to wooden and metal windows, sash windows in particular. They’re easy to install and the added safety will help secure your home.
*Regardless of the type of windows you have, they should be locked at all times you’re not using them.
*Don’t forget to shut and lock your windows when you go out or go to bed. Upstairs windows should always be locked when you’re not home, and if you’re not using them when sleeping.
*Doors and mail slots tempt would-be thieves—so if you have a mail slot, use a basket or cage on the inside, making it difficult or impossible for thieves to use a tool such as a fishing rod, stick or metal bar to steal items like your car and house keys. If you use a basket or cage on the inside of your mail slot, remove the bottom to prevent mail theft.
*When it comes to doors, locks are king. Here are some things to look out for:
*Make sure your door frames are strong and fit well
Ensure you have five-lever mortice deadlock (if your door is over 44mm)
*Have an internal security chain or stopper
*Glazed panels on doors should be avoided; if used, they should be laminated glass (two pieces of glass bonded together with a sheet of laminate), as laminated glass is much tougher to break
*UPVC doors normally come with deadlock shoot bolts or a multi-point locking system, adding several bolts from the door into the frame
*Install a peep hole or video camera, so you don’t open your door without knowing who is on the other side
*French doors and patio doors are often the weak link in a house’s security—ensure they have extra locks and security precautions installed; consult your local police or an expert for more information on securing these types of doors
*Keep valuables out of sight, even if you’re leaving the room for just 10 minutes.
*Keep car keys far away from doors and windows, and never on display
*Keep laptops hidden securely when not in use
*Keep mobile phones and tablets away from prying eyes at windows, and when not in use, store them securely
*Don’t leave handbags, wallets, purses, checkbooks, cash or credit cards on display
Other home security and protection considerations
*If you’re going away, don’t advertise it on social media
*When you’re out of town, ask a neighbor to take out your trash
*Stop all deliveries if you’re out of town
*If you’re going on vacation, either leave your car in the driveway or ask a neighbor or friend to park there
*Don’t hide keys to your home outside—burglars know the spaces where people hide them, and it isn’t worth the risk
*Keep suitcases in the attic, as thieves will use these to carry away your valuables.
*Make sure you have sufficient insurance to protect you in case all of your precautions still result in your house being burgled
*Periodically take photos of the inside of your house and date them, so you can prove what items you own should you need to make an insurance claim.
*Mark your belongings with an anti-theft marking pen, as this can help not only with you getting your items back, but also prosecuting the thief.
Ridgewood NJ, At their June 29 meeting, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee amended and released without recommendation, S-1045, which amends the Open Public Meetings Act, and S-1046, which amends the Open Public Records Act. The bills now await consideration by the full Senate, although we do not expect a vote until after the November election. The Assembly companion legislation is referenced to the Assembly Judiciary Committee and has not advanced.
Unfortunately, the League and others were unable to testify in opposition to the bills at the June 29 hearing. While we did present detailed written comments on the bills, no verbal testimony was taken from anyone other than the bill’s sponsor. During her remarks, Senator Weinberg noted that she had sent a letter to all the Mayors in the State and only heard back from one Mayor expressing concerns with the proposed legislation. If you have not already done so, we strongly suggest that you contact Senator Weinberg expressing your concerns with the proposed legislation.
The amendments to the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) bill include provisions, which:
Change the requirements on petitions for a protection order to limit the number of and scope of requests, as follows:
Requires a filed verified petition to the Superior Court instead of an appearance before Superior Court.
Must allege that the requestor has sought records, under OPRA, for the sole purpose to harass a public agency.
Add language that permits the governing body to enter into an agreement with a volunteer fire company or volunteer fire department so the municipal clerk can serve as the records custodian for the volunteer fire company/department.
Amend the alarm system exemption in OPRA to only private alarm systems and surveillance cameras.
Add “an intern and volunteer employee” to the definition of Public Employee.
Remove the language that exempted from OPRA the disclosure of personal identifying information of persons under the age of 18.
Remove the address of record provision of the bill which would have permitted an individual to provide an address other than their home address for disclosure purposes.
Add the award of any contract to “advisory, consultative or deliberative material” definition. As a result, material that is used and relied upon during the consultative process prior to the completion of a competitive application, the award of any contract, or adoption of an ordinance, rule, regulation…..would be considered “advisory, consultative, or deliberative” and exempt from OPRA.
Add e-mail addresses provided to the public agency as contact information on any official government form as an exemption to OPRA
Add EZ pass records (or substantially similar) to the definition of public record thereby making it subject to OPRA. However, law enforcement usage of EZ pass would be exempt.
Change requirements for redaction of records, as follows:
Permits the records custodian to provide a certified statement instead of an affidavit.
Requires the custodian to redact information by deleting or obscuring only that information; while not altering, in any manner, the space in the government record formerly occupied by such redacted information.
Amend the provision that allows the records custodian to direct the requestor to the public agency’s website where the records can be found and deem the request to be fulfilled. The language amended requires the requestor, within 7 business days, to “respond to the records custodian with specificity” that they prefer to purchase copies rather than “advising the requestor”.
Add the requirement that the public agency which maintains a government record in a format or medium that can be inspected without charge to the requestor to:
Inform the requestor of the place and time that the record will be available for inspection in such format or medium;
Permit the requestor to purchase copies of such records, at the requestor’s option; and
Allow the requestor 7 business days to respond to the custodian, specifying that they prefer to purchase the copies, otherwise the request may be deemed fulfilled.
When the request is a commercial request:
The public agency may charge, in addition to the actual cost of duplicating the record, a special administrative charge;
A special administrative charge shall be reasonable and related to ongoing operational expense and shall be for expenditures eligible for inclusion;
GRC is to establish the criteria and parameter for expenditures eligible for inclusion; and
The commercial requestor must certify to the fact that the request is for commercial use.
The public agency may require a requester to state whether the requested records are for a commercial purpose
However, the public agency shall not require the requestor to provide the exact purpose of the commercial request
Provide that a Municipal records custodian:
May direct any officer or employee of that municipality having custody of the record to act on the records custodian behalf and make the record available for inspection, examination, copying, or purchase of copies.
However, such direction does not relieve the records custodian of any responsibility under OPRA.
Amend the composition of the Government Records Council, as follows:
1 person who has experience with the news media (instead of 2).
1 person who is a member of the Municipal Clerks Association (instead of a person who has experience with powers, functions or duties of a municipal clerk).
1 person who is a member of the New Jersey Press Association.
The person with experience in State government must have experience as public records custodian.
The amendments to the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) bill include the following:
An amended definition of Agenda, which would:
Remove the language “for which notice was given 48 hours prior to the meeting”. Instead, the bill states “no public body shall act upon a matter that is not listed on the agenda.” Please note, the bill still permits the adding on an agenda item after the agenda becomes available, if a majority votes that the item is “of such urgency and importance that a delay for the purpose of providing adequate notice would likely result in substantial harm to the public interest” and the minutes must include the reason why it was added, not on the original agenda, and why delaying action would result in substantial harm to the public.
Remove the requirement to simultaneously make available any government record that is an attachment, appendix, or other documents on the public body’s website.
Add a requirement that the agenda must include a statement that an attachment, appendix or other documents that are a government record is available for inspection, copying or purchase of copies. If such a request is received at least 24 hours prior to the meeting, the records custodian must send an electronic copy of the government record. If such a request is received within 24 hours of a meeting, the documents must be made available to the requestor at the meeting of the public body.
The timeframe, in which minutes must be made available to the public, would be changed from 60 days after the meeting to “15 days after the next meeting of the public body occurring after the meeting for which the minutes were prepared.” The bill still includes the language with the exception of closed session matters.
Removal of the requirement to include copies of any electronic communications that may take place during a public meeting. Instead, the electronic communication must be filed with the municipal clerk for a period of time determined by the State Records Committee to “permit their use in litigation, to enforce the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act, or for public access”.
Changes to the requirements for posting minutes on the municipal website. Municipalities will still be required to post their minutes, except closed session. However, a statement that the closed session minutes are available upon request if those minutes have been deemed a government record pursuant to OPRA.An added requirement that reports of the subcommittees be open to the public in the same manner as minutes.
As a result of the amendments, the League has the following new concerns with the legislation:
Protection Order: The bill changes the requirements of a records custodian or public agency seeking a protective order limiting the number of and scope of the request. The new language requires that the public agency/custodian allege that the requestor has sought records for the sole purpose to harass a public agency. This threshold makes this provision a ‘toothless tiger’ and will never be met.
Expand the definition of public employee: The bill would expand the definition of public employee to include interns and volunteers. This provision is too broad, unnecessary, and otherwise ambiguous. Currently, any work product of an intern is subject to OPRA under the definition of a government record. However, we question who will fall under the definition of volunteer. For example, is it the member of the volunteer first aid squad that is a non-profit or the Little League football coach to be considered a public employee?
Exemption of alarm systems and surveillance cameras: The bill would limit the disclosure of information, including location, of alarm systems and surveillance cameras to private systems only. As a result, publicly owned alarm system and surveillance camera information, including location, would be subject to disclosure under OPRA. The League is concerned regarding security and privacy issues that may arise as a result of public disclosure of the location of the publicly owned alarm systems and surveillance cameras.
Release of Minutes: The bill would require that minutes be made available as soon as possible, but no later than 15 days after the next meeting of the public body occurring after the meeting for which the minutes were prepared. The League appreciates the intent of this provision, however, this mandated requirement will be challenging in smaller municipalities and in municipalities with limited resources.
Municipal Clerks as Volunteer Fire Company Records Custodian: The bill would permit a municipality to enter into an agreement with its volunteer fire company/department where the municipal clerk would serve as the records custodian for the volunteer fire company/department. Significant implementation and practical issues could arise from this well-intended provision. By their very definition, most volunteer fire companies/departments are independent of the municipality. They have their own headquarters, leadership, and policies and procedures. How will the records custodian be able to ascertain if a record exists or access the records?
The League continues to be concerned with the following outstanding issues:
Subcommittees: The definition of subcommittees has been changed to “any subordinate committee of a public body, except the Legislature, regardless of label, that is formally created by that body, comprised of two or more members, but less than a quorum, of the public body, and recognized by the public body as a subcommittee thereof.” Subcommittees would be required to prepare at least quarterly reports of their meetings that must include; the number of meetings held since the last report, the names of members of the subcommittee, and a concise statement of the matters discussed. Every subcommittee must file at least one report with the public body. A subcommittee report is available for public access in the same manner as minutes of a meeting of the public body. If the subcommittee has given an oral report at a meeting of the public body, then they are not required to submit the written report for that quarter. The public body must determine if a subcommittee meeting is open to the public. If the meeting is open to the public, adequate notice must be provided. The purpose of subcommittees is to make recommendations to the governing body for the governing body to take action. Subcommittees are designed to digest and vet information informally. Subcommittees do not expend public funds nor make binding decisions. That power remains with the governing body. Therefore, they should not be subject to the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act. Please note that Senator Weinberg strongly believes the language in the bill permits the governing body to make a subcommittee open to the public but does not mandate the requirement. We respectfully disagree.
Prevailing Attorney Fees: The OPRA bill continues to mandate prevailing attorney fees for violation of OPRA, and the OPMA bill is changing prevailing attorney fees from permissive to mandatory. The Courts and the Government Records Council need the flexibility to award reasonable attorney’s fees based on the given circumstances of a particular case. The inherent ambiguities of OPRA often times require clarity which can only be achieved through the GRC. The cost for clarifying these ambiguities is more often than not bore entirely by municipalities and property taxpayers.
Expands the definition of Government Records: The bill expands the definition of government record to include a record that is “required by law to be made, maintained or kept on file.” Currently, if an OPRA request is received for a document that does not exist, the OPRA request is denied and there is no violation of OPRA. By expanding the definition, a Records Custodian will be in violation of OPRA if the record was required to be made (e.g. an old municipal budget) but they are unable to locate the archived record. The bill does provide protections to limit the record custodian liability, but the Records Custodian will still be in violation of OPRA.
Exemption of the Legislature: Both bills continue to exempt the Legislature from many requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act and all of the requirements of the Open Public Records Act. In the interest of transparency and openness, the various exceptions in the Open Public Meetings Act and Open Public Records Act that applies to the Legislature should be removed. The rules that the legislation makes applicable to other governmental bodies should apply equally to all governmental levels and officials.
The League remains concerned with the legislation’s impact on daily operations, staff time and resources, with the subcommittee language, with the continued exemption of the Legislature, and with a municipality’s increased exposure to liability and frivolous lawsuits.
We ask you to carefully consider the impact that these bills would have on municipal operations and budgets. Based on those considerations, please contact your State Legislators, urging them to oppose S-1045 and S-1046.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Senior Legislative Analyst, [email protected], 609-695-3481 x112.
20171011 – Village Council Public Meeting VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING
OCTOBER 11, 2017
8:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order – Mayor
2. Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act
3. Roll Call – Village Clerk
4. Flag Salute and Moment of Silence
5. Acceptance of Financial Reports
6. Approval of Minutes
7. Proclamation
National Diabetes Awareness Month
Honor Robert Paoli
8. Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 3 minutes per person – 40 minutes in total)
9. Village Manager’s Report
10. Village Council Reports
11. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION – RIDGEWOOD WATER
NONE
12. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – RIDGEWOOD WATER
NONE
13. RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-294 THROUGH
17-305 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:
17-294 Title 59 Approval – Laboratory Analysis Services
17-295 Award Contract – Laboratory Analysis Services
17-296 Title 59 Approval – Service and Repair of Electric Source
17-297 Award Contract – Service and Repair of Electric Source
17-298 Title 59 Approval – Furnishing and Delivering Sodium Hypochlorite Solution
17-299 Award Contract – Furnishing and Delivering Sodium Hypochlorite Solution
17-300 Title 59 Approval – Emergency Generator Installations
17-301 Award Contract – Emergency Generator Installations
17-302 Title 59 Approval – Service and Repair of Potable Water Pumping Facilities
17-303 Award Contract – Service and Repair of Potable Water Pumping Facilities
17-304 Authorize Change Order – Professional Services for Glen Tank Rehabilitation (NTE $3,602.41)
17-305 Authorize Execution of Lease – Co-Location of Wireless Telecommunication Antennas – Glen Avenue Tank
14. ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION
3618 – Supervisors Salary Ordinance
3619 – Non-Union Salary Ordinance
3620 – Management Salary Ordinance
3621 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – South Hillside Place
3622 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Establish Stop Signs at Hope Street and Gilbert Street
15. ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING
3613 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Parking, Prohibition of U-Turns, Prohibition of Stopping and Standing for Municipal Complex Parking Lot and Time Limit Parking on North Maple Avenue
3614 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic –
Maltbie Avenue – 2-hour Parking
3615 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Establish Bus Stop on Goffle Road
3616 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Designate
CBD Employee Parking Spaces – North Walnut Street
Parking Lot
3617 – Amend Chapter 145 Fees – Emergency Medical Services Third-party Billing Plan Fees
16. RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-306 THROUGH
17-327 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:
17-306 Award Contract – Layout, Printing, and Distributing of 2018 Village Calendar
17-307 Title 59 Approval – Repair of Stairs – Train Station
17-308 Award Contract – Repair of Stairs – Train Station
17-309 Title 59 Approval – Repair of Stairs – Corsa Terrace to Pease Library Building
17-310 Award Contract – Repair of Stairs – Corsa Terrace to Pease Library Building
17-311 Award Contract Under State Contract – Recapped Tires (NTE $55,000)
17-312 Award Contract Under State Contract – Ford F250 Pickup Truck with Snowplow – Engineering Division (NTE $37,406.50)
17-313 Award Second Additional Partial Contract – Tree Planting (NTE $50,000)
17-314 Award Third Additional Partial Contract – Road Resurfacing and Repair (NTE $)
17-315 Award Contract – Odor Control System – Water Pollution Control Facility (NTE $)
17-316 Award Professional Services Contract – Odor Control System – Water Pollution Control Facility
17-317 Award Professional Services Contract – Grant Writing and Consulting Services (NTE $)
17-318 Award Professional Services Contract – Professional Engineering Services – Preparation of Plans for Bids – Improvements to HVAC System in Village Hall (NTE $26,800)
17-319 Authorize Submission of 2018 NJDOT Paving Grant Application
17-320 Approve Eagle Scout Project – Building of Raptor Nests
17-321 Accept Annual Audit Report
17-322 Authorize Corrective Action Plan
17-323 Authorize NJDOT Grant Application – Hillcrest Road
17-324 Oppose Amendments to OPRA and OPMA
17-325 Authorize Settlement of Claim
17-326 Amend Resolution – Pilot Program for Central Valet Parking in Central Business District
17-327 Award Contract – Operation and Maintenance of Chestnut Street Dumpster Pad
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 17-328, WILL BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:
17-328 Hudson Street – Area in Need of Redevelopment
17. Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)
18. Resolution to go into Closed Session
19. Closed Session
20. Adjournment
![glen-bowman-sr[1]](https://theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/glen-bowman-sr1.jpg "Five defendants Plead Guilty of Human Trafficking and Prostitution Out of South Hackensack Motel")
