Cyberbullying, Open Space poll results are in
In a Hudson Reporter poll featured last week in connection with the story “Sex, spies, and videotape,” we asked readers if they believed specific laws should be created to address online harassment and cyberbullying. The response was very strong. To find out the results, go to www.hudsonreporter.com. Two weeks ago, the Hudson Reporter featured an online poll in conjunction with “The future of open space” on whether a half a cent per $100 in assessed property should be collected for the Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund. To find out the results, go to www.hudsonreporter.com.
Guttenberg hires grant consultant for rec center
The Guttenberg Town Council during their special meeting held on Oct. 13 approved a six-month contract with Bruno Associates that will not exceed $30,000. Mayor Gerald Drasheff said that the council wants a grant consulting firm that will focus just on finding funding for their prospective town recreation center.
This year, the town proceeded with demolishing 300-302 68th St., which along with Guttenberg Board of Education parcels would be the prospective site of a community center that would also function as a school expansion building. Drasheff has previously stated that the entire project could cost upwards of $25 million.
Due to the economic climate, Drasheff said that the council is anxious to know what grants could be possible and if the project, as it is currently imagined, is possible right now. The town would want to know the answer by the end of the contract.
They also want Bruno Associates to find out whether $3.7 million promised to the Guttenberg Board of Education for the project during the last few days of former Gov. Jon Corzine’s administration is still available.
Previously the town’s grant consultant Millennium Strategies LLC was working on finding grants, but had not been able to come up with anything, said Drasheff.
“I’m not comfortable that every rock has been turned over with this particular project,” said Drasheff.
A sub-committee comprised of Drasheff and two council members will meet with Bruno Associates every few weeks.
The town also introduced 3.5 percent raises for most non-union town employees through a salary ordinance, which would be retroactive to July 1.
Drasheff said that the raises were necessary, since many of their employees were one year behind, and received lesser salaries when compared to nearby municipalities. He also said that this may be the last time they can give wage increases because they face a tough budget next year.
Some employees received larger raises because they took on responsibilities or because the council felt they deserved more in their position. Drasheff said that some of the salaries were “really out of whack” with comparable jobs elsewhere.
The recreation director’s salary went up to $25,000, said Drasheff. He said that one administrative assistant who managed both the public safety and business departments was given a raise from $20,000 up to $25,000 as well.
Drasheff also said that tax bills for the fourth quarter would be going out soon and that, since the state approved their tax revaluation that morning, notices for three upcoming public meetings would be sent out shortly as well.
North Bergen extends coat drive
North Bergen Township employees in collaboration with the Woodcliff Community Church will be collecting coats of all sizes, from infant to adult, which will be distributed to local families in need.
From now until Oct. 22, you may make your donation at the North Bergen Town Hall, located at 4233 Kennedy Blvd, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the North Bergen Public Library, located at 8411 Bergenline Ave, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the North Bergen Parking Authority, 7224 Bergenline Ave., Monday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; The North Bergen Urban Enterprise Zone, located at 7616 Broadway, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Woodcliff Community Church, located at 7605 Palisade Ave., Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
PMC to host breast cancer seminar
Palisades Medical Center is scheduled to host a breast cancer seminar on Oct. 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Registration will begin at 6 p.m., with the event running until 8 p.m. Admission, parking, and refreshments are free, as well as transportation from 60th Street and Bergenline Avenue.
For more information, call (201) 854-5000 or visit www.palisadesmedical.org.
Fundraiser to benefit food bank
The Essex County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section and the honorary chairman, County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. are hosting a food-raising event at the Turtle Back Zoo Carousel, Northfield Ave. West Orange, to benefit the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. Adult contribution is $10. Musical entertainment will be provided by Brandon Sheer along with Manny Scarpinato and Joey Jarroush. Unlimited carousel rides and complimentary child identification cards will be provided by the New York Life Insurance Company. Canned foods will be accepted. Please, no glass containers. Date: Saturday, Oct. 23, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Community Food Bank of NJ serves the following food pantries/programs in Hudson County: Old Bergen Church in Jersey City, Palisade Emergency Residence Corp. in Union City, Holy Redeemer Church in West New York, and Gospel Tabernacle Church in North Bergen.