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Ridgewood Police Continue to Report Incidents of Identity Theft

Ridgewood _police_theridgewoodblog
file photo by Boyd Loving
November 7,2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police reported several incidents or identity theft last week , on October 29, 2015, a Bogert Avenue resident reported fraudulent charges had been made on his/her credit card. It is extremely important that if you become the victim of identity theft, you make proper notifications to help prevent further victimization, starting with a report to your local police department. Information is available at the police desk concerning reporting and prevention of identity theft incidents.

On Tuesday, November 3, 2015, a South Van Dien resident reported that he/she had received a letter from the United States Social Security Administration advising him/her that someone had changed his/her direct deposit account information with that agency. Fortunately, the fraudulent account change was discovered before the victim’s social security account could be compromised.

Once again, be aware that information is available at the police desk concerning reporting and prevention of identity theft incidents.

What to do if you think you have been subject to identity fraud (https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/identity-theft-stolen-checklist-29691.html )

1. Start a log. As you make phone calls or send letters, keep notes of your conversations and correspondence with authorities and financial institutions, including dates, names, and phone numbers. Also keep track of all time spent and expenses you incur; you can deduct theft-related expenses on your income tax return, assuming you itemize deductions, and you may be able to seek compensation if you are ever able to sue the thief. (https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/identity-theft-stolen-checklist-29691.html )

2. Contact the credit bureaus. Call or visit the websites of the three major credit bureaus and ask that they issue a fraud alert and attach a statement to your credit report.

Equifax: 800-525-6285 or www.equifax.com
Experian: 888-397-3742 or www.experian.com
TransUnion: 800-680-7289 or www.transunion.com

Also, get copies of your credit report from each of the credit bureaus. Look for all possible signs of trouble: accounts you didnt open, inquiries you didnt initiate, and defaults and delinquencies you didn’t cause. Also check your identifying information carefully.

3. Review your credit reports. After you receive your credit reports from the three credit bureaus, review them thoroughly. Make sure that all your personal information, including name, address, and Social Security number, is correct and that there are no fraudulent accounts or inquiries. Look for accounts that you didn’t apply for or open, inquiries that you didn’t initiate, and defaults and delinquencies that you didn’t cause. Immediately report any suspicious information or activity to the credit bureau that issued the credit report.

4. Call the Ridgewood police. File a report of the crime with your local police department. Provide as much evidence as you can, and ask the officer to list all fraudulently accessed accounts that you know about on the police report. Be sure to get copies of the police report, because creditors will probably ask to see them. Remember to log the phone numbers and names of all the law enforcement agents that you speak to; creditors may want this information.

5. Fill out an Identity Theft Victim’s Complaint and Affidavit. The form is available from the Federal Trade Commission atwww.ftc.gov/idtheft. Creditors may accept this affidavit when you claim that you are not responsible for a new account or for transactions on an existing account. The information that you provide will enable the creditor to investigate your claim. (The creditor may require you to submit additional information or a different form.) This affidavit also will be useful if you request copies of the thief’s application and transaction records . Follow the instructions that accompany the form. (https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/identity-theft-stolen-checklist-29691.html )

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Vehicle tagged “Ridgewood Water” being driven by VOR Code Enforcement Officer

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November 6th 2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ , Several residents in the area of South Monroe Street and Washington Place reported to The Ridgewood Blog’s tip hotline that a vehicle displaying markings of RIDGEWOOD WATER was being used by Ms. Tracy Jeffrey, the Village’s new Code Enforcement Officer.  Ms. Jeffrey was observed issuing written leaf collection policy warnings late this week to residents in leaf pick up area “D.”

https://www2.ridgewoodnj.net/department_detail.cfm?dept_id=53

Vehicles assigned to RIDGEWOOD WATER employees are paid for with revenues generated from RIDGEWOOD WATER subscribers.  A pending lawsuit by the municipalities of Glen Rock, Midland Park, and Wyckoff suggests that the Village of Ridgewood is improperly using these revenues to support operations exclusive to the Village of Ridgewood.  Ms. Jeffrey’s use of a RIDGEWOOD WATER vehicle may be a case in point.  At least two of the tipsters who left messages on The Ridgewood Blog tip hotline questioned the connection, if any, Ms. Jeffrey’s code enforcement work has with RIDGEWOOD WATER.

What are your thoughts?

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Valley Hospital : Illuminating the Roadmap to Easier Blood Draws

blood bank1

November 5, 2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  Blood drawing for patients with hard-to-reach veins just became a lot easier and less painful at The Valley Hospital, thanks to a small hand-held device that lights up veins like a roadmap.  With the AccuVein illumination device, the need for multiple needle sticks to try to hit a good vein for a blood draw is a thing of the past.

Hemoglobin in the blood absorbs the infrared light of the device. When the device is held above the skin, veins appear noticeably different than the surrounding tissue. The vasculature shows up clearly on the skin’s surface, aiding in vein location to collect a blood sample or administer IV medications.

When a vein is reached on the first attempt, it is much more comfortable for the patient since they have significantly less pain and swelling, if any, during and after the draw.

“Patients at Valley, especially those with hard-to-reach veins, are happy about our use of the vein illuminator,” said David Rivera, Director of Cardiac Services at Valley Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute. “Several patients have commented that they have felt a lot more comfortable during blood draws and IV insertions with the vein illuminator because of not needing multiple sticks. Valley is proud to be the first Bergen County hospital to have a large-scale deployment of the AccuVein device.”

Very often, elderly patients and children have hard-to-reach veins that cause the procedure to be more painful.  Dehydration, obesity, certain medications, and drug abuse can also contribute to having hard-to-reach veins.

Ron Goldman, Chief Executive Officer of AccuVein, said, “The Valley Hospital is a recognized leader in patient safety and their large scale adoption of vein illumination is further evidence of their commitment to excellent patient care.”

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Antarctica is gaining ice, NASA study says

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By Jareen Imam and Brandon Miller, CNN

Updated 5:00 PM ET, Tue November 3, 2015

(CNN)Antarctica is gaining more ice than it has lost, according to a new study by NASA.

A NASA team came to this conclusion after scientists examined the heights of the region’s ice sheet measured from satellites.

The new methods used by scientists to come to this study’s conclusion, such as measuring small height changes in the ice over large areas, warrant consideration. But the findings do conflict with more than a decade of research indicating that Antarctica is losing ice and that the loss has contributed to rising global sea levels.

The continent is roughly the size of the United States and Mexico combined, and changes in the ice are not uniform across Antarctica. Some places are gaining ice, and some are losing ice.

Many scientists agree that the Antarctic Peninsula and parts of West Antarctica are losing ice and that the rate of loss is increasing. In the eastern part of the continent and part of the interior, there have been ice gains. These gains, scientists from the study say, are more than the losses in the rest of the region.

https://www.cnn.com/2015/11/03/world/antarctica-ice-gain/

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Readers say with Pension Reform Immediate solutions for long term problems, are just not reasonable or possible.

Chris_christie_theridgewoodblog

All of the changes contained in the 2011 law that haven’t already taken effect will be fully implemented in just over 1 year. This law wasn’t designed to show a substantial immediate savings. It was designed to implement changes over a period of years and once ALL of those gradual changes were completed the impact of those changes going forward would have a positive effect on the states financial condition. Immediate solutions for long term problems, are just not reasonable or possible.

The full story on the Chapter 78, P.L. 2011 pension reforms… the problems are unfortunately still very much with us. Here are the facts: cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) were suspended for current and future retirees and beneficiaries from July 2011, but there’s been no inflation in NJ since 2008, so this is not an issue. The increases in employee contribution rates towards their own pensions are only gradual: from 5.5% to 6.5% plus an additional 1% phased-in over 7 years through 2019 for TPAF and PERS; from 3% to 12% for JRS phased-in over seven years; from 8.5% to 10% for PFRS members; and, from 7.5% to 9% for SPRS members. Given the “special” retirement option available only to PFRS members, who can retire after 20-25 years and earn more from their defined benefit pensions for life in retirement then they earned in compensation while serving, they should be contributing more than 10%. As for the increased health benefit contributions, employees subject to any collective negotiations agreement in effect on the effective date of the law in July 2011, i.e. CBAs, that had an expiration date on or after the expiration of the health care contribution provisions of the law, haven’t been subject to the new higher contribution rates yet. In Ridgewood, only Fire is now paying a higher contribution amount, while the PBA and the REA haven’t yet agreed to new CBAs that would trigger higher health benefit contribution rates… so Ridgewood taxpayers have yet to see much, if any benefit from the pension reforms of 2011.

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Rep Scott Garrett bill to pushes for transparency and accountability for Financial Stability Oversight Council

scott-garrett

“This complete lack of transparency and accountability is an affront to anyone who believes that government should operate as a fair and open servant to the American people “,  Scott Garrett

Garrett Bill to Shed Light on FSOC Passes Committee Activities 
Nov 4, 2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05), Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government-Sponsored Enterprises, issued the following statement after the Financial Services Committee passed his bill, H.R. 3557, the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) Transparency and Accountability Act:

“The Financial Stability Oversight Council is a powerful government body created by Dodd-Frank that holds closed-door meetings, refuses to publish substantive transcripts, and stonewalls requests from Congress when we need more information about its operations. This complete lack of transparency and accountability is an affront to anyone who believes that government should operate as a fair and open servant to the American people. With the committee passage of my bill, the FSOC Transparency and Accountability Act, the American people are one step closer to seeing behind the shroud of this secretive and unaccountable government body.”

The FSOC Transparency and Accountability Act would:

  • Subject the FSOC to the Government in the Sunshine Act
  • Subject the FSOC to the Federal Advisory Committee Act
  • At all FSOC meetings, allow for the participation of all members of the Commissions and Boards represented
  • Require that any vote taken by the principal of a Commission or Board represented must first be taken by that Commission or Board and the principal must then in turn vote that same decision at the Council
  • Allow for Members of Congress on the Congressional oversight committees of FSOC to be able to attend all FSOC meetings
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In case you were looking for an excuse…Don’t rake your leaves, scientists say

fallleaves artchick.biz

photo by Artchick https://artchickphotography.com/

USA TODAY NETWORKDan Cassuto, KING
9:32 a.m. EST November 19, 2014

SEATTLE, Wash. — Here’s an excuse to use the next time someone asks you to rake the leaves: Science.

The National Wildlife Federation is encouraging people to leave the leaves.

On its website, the NWF says dry, dead leaves are important habitats for all kinds of critters, reports KING.

Butterflies, salamanders, chipmunks, box turtles, toads, shrews, earthworms, and other creatures live, lay eggs in or eat from leaves, according to NWF’s plea with the public to let the leaves stay where gravity left them.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/11/19/do-not-rake-your-leaves/19266079/

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Village of Ridgewood Leaf Removal Schedule

leaves1_theridgewoodblog

2015 LEAF PICK UP SCHEDULE – ENFORCEMENT OF SCHEDULE

NOTICE CONCERNING LEAF REMOVAL FOR 2015

Last year the Village of Ridgewood implemented a pilot program to outsource a portion of our leaf removal service. After reviewing and evaluating input that was provided by you regarding the success of this change, we again will be using the services of a third party contractor in Area B. The combined effort of the Village staff and this contractor will enforce our continuing commitment to improve your Village services.

In accordance with last years’ schedule, residents in Area B will remain the same with the exception of the following streets which will now be considered “Area D” for leaf season only.

Beechwood Rd. Unadilla Rd.

Carlton Terr. Valley View Ave.

Elm Ct. Waiku Rd.

Kemah Rd. Wastena Terr.

N. Monroe St. (house #108 – 412) Windsor Terr.

Palmer Ct. Woodland Ave. (house #116 – #223)

Sheridan Terr.

Area A

Oct. 19 – 22

Nov. 5 – 10

Nov. 30 – Dec. 3

Area B

Oct. 21 – 27

Nov. 9 – 13

Nov. 30 – Dec. 4

Dec. 14 – 18

Area C

Oct. 23 – 28

Nov. 12 – 18

Dec. 7 – 11

Area D

Oct. 29 – Nov. 4

Nov. 19 – 25

Dec. 14 – 18

Leaves must be placed directly in the street no more than 7 days prior to your scheduled pick up date. Please have your leaves in the street on the first day scheduled for collection. If you employ the services of a landscaper communicate these dates to them. No brush will be collected during leaf season. You may continue to bring leaves as well as brush to the Recycling Center. The hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Leaves can also be placed in paper biodegradable bags. Bags will be available at the Recycling Center on a first come, first serve basis. When using bags please place them on the curb area and they will be collected separately.

The most vocal comment heard from residents last year was on properties who did not comply with the schedule. Therefore enforcement will be vital to the Village’s success to improve this service. An enforcement agent NOW ISSUING SUMMONS to those that violate these guidelines.

As weather is a key component to this operation, if changes become necessary it will be posted on the Village of Ridgewood website. In addition you are encouraged to sign up for e-mail notifications via the Village website and to share this information with your neighbors. As a reminder, use caution when our leaf removal crews are on your block. When possible please take an alternate route to ensure the safety of all. Should you have any questions, please call the Street Division at (201) 670-5585.

Our motto is – “Leave” no leaf behind!

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

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Ridgewood Police Thanks Residents another safe Halloween

ridgewood police glow sticks
photo courtesy of Ridgewood PD
November 2,2015

the staff of the Ridgewood Blog

Ridgewood Nj, the Ridgewood Police  would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and efforts towards another safe Halloween. Our officers distributed over 3200 glow sticks and tubes. We were pleased to observe that the vast majority of trick or treaters were properly illuminated and practicing properly pedestrian safety.

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Secret Independent Influence on Elections at ‘Astounding’ Levels

money_theridgewoodblog

Secret Independent Influence on Elections at ‘Astounding’ Levels

There is no better illustration of the dominant role in elections undertaken by independent groups in New Jersey than this year’s Assembly contest. Jeff Brindle, PolitickerNJ Read more

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For Bergen County Freeholder: Mitchell, Tyburczy and Ortiz-Berger

FREEHOLDERS

We would like to add good luck today for

Bergen County Freeholder: Mitchell, Tyburczy and Ortiz-Berger

Assemblyman Robert Auth  New Jersey’s 39th Legislative District.
Assemblywomen Holly Schepisi New Jersey’s 39th Legislative District.

The Cosgrove Team for Fair Lawn Council

from the staff of the Ridgewood blog

 

By Paul Nichols
Friday, Oct 30, 2015

When thinking of who to vote for in the 2015 election for Bergen County Freeholder we must look ahead. This year three seats on the board of seven are on the ballot, all three are currently held by Democrats who make up a 5-2 majority.

In 2016 voters again will choose three people to represent them on the board however two of those seats include the two republicans who currently make up the minority. Simply put, a victory for the Democrats in 2015 means two years of Democrat control of the Freeholder Board as well as the office of County Executive.

To operate properly government requires a system of checks and balances. The Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders is an important and necessary means of oversight in our form of government in Bergen County.

While the Freeholder Board has little control over the day-to-day operation of our county’s government it acts as a financial backstop overseeing the County’s purse.

https://bergendispatch.com/articles/37538333/For-Bergen-County-Freeholder-Mitchell-Tyburczy-and-Ortiz-Berger.aspx#.VjZUIjexOU8.facebook

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Reader says once again a private email listing was used by one of our elected officials to promote the VOTE YES campaign

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Does the fact that this Parking Garage Plan up for a vote mean that it is a political issue? Please read the following:

——————————–

A quote from the IRS web site is below.
(begin quote)
The Prohibition on Political Campaign Intervention
Under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. The prohibition applies to all campaigns including campaigns at the federal, state and local level. Violation of this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes. Those section 501(c)(3) organizations that are private foundations are subject to additional restrictions that are not described in this fact sheet.
What is Political Campaign Intervention?
Political campaign intervention includes any and all activities that favor or oppose one or more candidates for public office. The prohibition extends beyond candidate endorsements. Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made by or on behalf of an organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition on political campaign intervention. Distributing statements prepared by others that favor or oppose any candidate for public office will also violate the prohibition. Allowing a candidate to use an organization’s assets or facilities will also violate the prohibition if other candidates are not given an equivalent opportunity. Although section 501(c)(3) organizations may engage in some activities to promote voter registration, encourage voter participation, and provide voter education, they will violate the prohibition on political campaign intervention if they engage in an activity that favors or opposes any candidate for public office. Certain activities will require an evaluation of all the facts and circumstances to determine whether they result in political campaign intervention.
(end quote)
Some more info at this link:
https://www.blueandco.com/nfp_03082012.html

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The above is from The Blog in 2012 regarding Mr. Aronsohn using a Jamboree emailing list to promote his own campaign. Now we have a situation where a private email listing was used by one of our elected officials to promote the VOTE YES campaign. What does anyone think about this? I mean, besides the fact that it was unethical and just plain wrong. For his information, it totally pissed off some of those who received it, who felt it was beyond the pale. Can you say BACKFIRE?

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When a restraining order isn’t enough: Midland Park slaying throws spotlight on struggle to protect domestic abuse victims

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OCTOBER 31, 2015, 11:41 PM    LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2015, 1:17 AM
BY ABBOTT KOLOFF AND MONSY ALVARADO
STAFF WRITERS |
THE RECORD

Could it have ended differently?

Suzanne Bardzell left a long trail of criminal complaints against her ex-boyfriend over the past month leading up to her death. She obtained a temporary restraining order and called Midland Park police in desperation again and again to report he violated that order. At some point, perhaps fearing for her life, she had a camera surveillance system installed at her home.

For all of her precautions, police say her former boyfriend fatally stabbed her in her driveway on Oct. 22 after a tumultuous 17 days that began when he allegedly broke into her home, threatening her life, and included a massive manhunt after he allegedly violated a restraining order. The available court records in Bardzell’s case are incomplete, and make it unclear, in hindsight, whether any steps were missed by law enforcement and the court system in their efforts to protect her.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/when-a-restraining-order-isn-t-enough-midland-park-slaying-throws-spotlight-on-struggle-to-protect-domestic-abuse-victims-1.1445879

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The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood joined more than 450 other hospitals in 70 health networks to settle charges of improper billing

valley_hospital_theridgewoodblog

N.J. hospitals, health system settle improper billing claims, feds say
By Tim Darragh | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
October 30, 2015 at 4:30 PM, updated October 30, 2015 at 7:01 PM

Five New Jersey hospitals and a health system are among hundreds across the United States that settled charges they improperly billed Medicare for implanting cardiac defibrillators, the Justice Department said Friday.

Cooper Health System in Camden, Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, Hackensack University Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick and The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood joined more than 450 other hospitals in 70 health networks to settle the charges. Catholic Health East, which operates in several states and includes St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, St. Michael’s Medical Center in Newark and Lourdes Health System in Camden, also settled for some of the hospitals outside New Jersey in its chain.

In total, the health systems repaid the federal government more than $250 million to settle the charges, which cover operations going back years.

“While recognizing and respecting physician judgment, the department will hold accountable hospitals and health systems for procedures performed by physicians at their facilities that fail to comply with Medicare billing rules,” Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, said in a news release. “We are confident that the settlements announced today will lead to increased compliance and result in significant savings to the Medicare program while protecting patient health.”

https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2015/10/five_nj_hospitals_settle_improper_billing_claims_f.html

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Controversy over Historic Preservation Commission Letter on Village Website Grows

parking garage cbd

October 23, 2015 

At its monthly meeting on October 15th, the Historic Preservation Commission met with representatives from Desman Associates regarding the proposed parking garage on Hudson Street and Broad Avenue. Many people realize Ridgewood’s need for such a facility as part of our infrastructure. 
However, the commissioners were, and remain, primarily concerned with the visual impact of this multi-story structure on the streetscape. For example, a strictly functional, concrete construction—such as the new parking garage in Hackensack—would not only present a modern, monolithic contrast to the small-scale, older-style buildings on those streets, but also would create a visual barrier from the opposite street sides. 
What is needed here is an architectural design that acts as a seam, harmoniously joining together the sides of both streets, and thus maintains the character of the district. Happily, one architectural design—the one we endorse—offers an excellent complement to the streetscape. Its brick façade, varied surface dimensions and upper sightlines; the streetlevel, arched pedestrian walkways; and corner tower combine to produce an edifice that works. It incorporates elements of what already exists in nearby buildings, thereby complementing what is there, while cleverly muting the reality that it is a parking garage. 
Also, the design team has agreed to return to an HPC meeting for its review of the final plans to enable us to ensure the compatibility of the garage with its neighborhood. 
Taking all of this into consideration, the Historic Preservation Commission supports approval of the parking garage and encourages all residents to vote “yes” for the November 3rd referendum. 
Vincent N. Parrillo, 
Chair Ridgewood Historic Preservation Commission

 

 

Dear Roberta,
Please immediately  remove the Historic Preservation Commission letter, dated 10/23/15, from the Village website. (reference: https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/manager/2015HPCPGLStatement.pdf)

The letter does not accurately reflect the Historic Preservation Commission meeting held on October 8, 2015.  Minutes and audio are available from Michael Cafarelli or I can send a direct link to access.

Thank you,
Susan

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dear Susan,

As you know from the email we received today at 2:57 PM, Vince Parrillo stands by the letter and has affirmed through polling all of the HPC members today (one could not be reached) that they all agree that the letter truly reflects the HPC position.

Thanks, Roberta

Best regards,

Roberta

Roberta Sonenfeld
Village Manager
201-670-5500, ext. 203