Among some of the projects for 2008 presented at West New York’s first Board of Commissioners’ meeting on Jan. 16 was the relocation of the Fire Prevention Bureau.
Currently, under the wing of Public Safety, West New York’s Fire Prevention Bureau will now be a sector of the Department of Public Works, something town officials say will result in better efficiency for the bureau.
“Construction code officials are under DPW [Department of Public Works],” said Town Administrator Nicholas Goldsack, “and because inspectors, and property maintenance falls under construction code officials, the commissioners thought [the fire prevention bureau] would run more efficient under the DPW.”
An ordinance was also voted on and finalized that would approve the acquisition of new computer equipment for the town. Funds totaling $200,000 (all but $10,000 are sellable bonds) will outfit the town with various computer equipment including computers, servers, routers, and network upgrades.
The trend of upgrading is something Goldsack said will continue through the year.
“Renovations will be an ongoing thing for ’08,” said Goldsack.
The next town meeting will be held Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. at the court chambers on the second floor of the town’s municipal building.
Budget proposal
During the meeting, the 2008 fiscal budget was also introduced.
The proposed budget this year is $64.5 million.
Although the budget is still in its preliminary stages, according to Goldsack, taxes to fund the “still working document” could possibly increase anywhere between 3.5 and 4 percent.
“We have to wait for the N.J. Division of Local Government Services and the Local Finance Board for approvals and recommendations,” said Goldsack.
Final adoption and public commentary of the fiscal budget will take place during the March 19 commissioners’ meeting held at Town Hall at 7 p.m.
New hires
Among those issues discussed during the monthly meeting was the introduction of three new West New York officials.
Rolando Criberio was sworn in at the meeting as the newest member of the Board of Commissioners of the Town of West New York’s Parking Authority. Together with wife and son, Criberio pledged his new job in which he will serve a staggered term expiring in three years.
Donna Davis, the town’s new municipal court director, was also sworn in at the new meeting. Lastly, Maria Calvo was sworn in as the newest member of the West New York Public Library Board.
Holiday decoration contest winners Before the public commentary portion of the town meeting began, Mayor Silverio “Sal” Vega took the time to award residents, business owners, and city officials alike for their holiday cheer.
Mayor Vega and the commissioners awarded plaques to the recipients as a public thanks in participating in West New York’s holiday decorating contest, which was held in late December.
Among the residential winners were Oscar Moreno, Ramon and Lourdes Reyes, and Francisco De La Sota.
Those businesses awarded in West New York were Caridad Ortega from El Bambi, Alba Valez from Castle of Flowers, Luis Ramache from Azucar Bakery, and Alberto Abreu from Superstar Unisex.
Town officials also made it a point to award those that worked within the city. Best Town Hall decoration awards were given to Robert Cabana from the Bureau of Housing Assistance, Maria Varela of the Planning and Zoning Board office, and Vincent Rivelli of the Health Department.
Mayor Vega concluded the ceremony by publicly thanking the people of West New York for “decorating for a time of joy and helping one another out.”
Nicolas Millan can be reached at NMillan@hudsonreporter.com.