Exec director gets $17K raise
This past March 8, the Guttenberg Housing Authority passed a resolution at its public meeting but declined to say what it was about, only referring to it as “the contract discussed during closed session.”
The Hudson Reporter submitted a request on March 9 through the state’s Open Public Records Act and waited the legally expected seven days for the documents, but the GHA said they never received the request. After dropping off another request at the GHA office on March 19, they sent a fax stating the resolution was “in use” and thus could not be given out. They said the request would be available on April 12. However, the Reporter did not receive it by then.
Two weeks ago, the Reporter finally received Resolution 2010-19. It amended the contract of GHA Executive Director Barbara Criscione.
The GHA is the body that oversees federally subsidized public housing in the township.
The resolution increased Criscione’s annual salary to $174,900. According to the Asbury Park Press’s public official salary search, Criscione earned $157,169 in 2008, the most recent year records were available.
The resolution was approved by every commissioner except Julio Pena and Ana Betances, who were absent. They have both missed more than 10 meetings since January 2009.
The new contract will span five years.
Senate approves E-Z Pass theft bill
The New Jersey Senate Transportation Committee last week unanimously approved a bill sponsored by state Sen. and North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco that would provide protections for E-Z Pass customers who are victims of theft.
The bill would classify the theft of an E-Z Pass as a disorderly person’s offense and would carry a minimum penalty of $500 and a maximum of $10,000.
It would also protect theft victims from exorbitant charges racked up by a thief, as long as the victim reports the loss of the device in a timely manner to the E-Z Pass authorities. They would not be liable for charges of $50 or more incurred prior to reporting the theft, or for any unauthorized charges that occurred after making the report. The bill will also waive the fee for victims to purchase a new E-Z Pass transponder.
“Unfortunately, stolen E-Z Pass transponders are a common occurrence,” said Sacco, who is also the chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “Consumers deserve to be protected from charges that occurred at no fault of their own, much like in the case of credit card theft. This bill also sends a clear message to thieves that this matter will not be taken lightly.”
The bill now heads to the Senate for a vote.
High Tech continues quiz show victory on TV
Last week, High Tech High School students attempted to continue their winning streak on MSG Varsity’s “The Challenge,” an academic quiz show that tests students’ knowledge in a “Jeopardy”-style format. Students have won on two previous shows, which appeared on Cablevision’s MSG Varsity, a 24/7 television network dedicated to everything high school.
Neck and shoulder pain seminar at PMC
On May 19, Palisades Medical Center will a host a free health seminar on non-operative treatments for neck and shoulder Pain.
Information will be available in both English and Spanish. The featured speaker will be Dr. Daniel Mendez.
Free transportation to PMC will be available from 5:30 p.m. at 60th Street and Bergenline Avenue. The event will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
For more information, contact Nikki Mederos at (201) 854-5702.