Midland Park April 29, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 The school budget was approved and a newcomer was elected in Midland Park’s school board election last week. With 976 voters (20 percent) casting ballots, newcomer Maryalice Thomas Hagerty defeated Michael Hahn for the two-year unexpired term of the late Joan Vandervliet. Hahn, a former trustee, had been appointed to serve out Vandervliet’s term until the election. Voters OK budget, elect newcomer to unexpired term Thomas Hagerty received 501 votes to Hahn’s 298. The three incumbents running for reelection to full three-year terms, William Sullivan, Robert Schiffer and Paula Lein, received 648, 626 and 567 votes, respectively. “I would like to thank the people of Midland Park for their support. I am excited about the work ahead of me as a trustee of the BOE and look forward to learning how to be the most effective board member I can be,” Thomas Hagerty said, adding, “As a stakeholder I would like to thank Michael Hahn in all that he did for the MPBOE, especially in assisting in the upgrading of the computer system as well as his service on the Special Education Committee.” The total school budget for 2009-10 of $19,581,346 was approved 556 to 407. The amount to be raised by taxation, $16,623,104, will result in a tax increase of $222.97 on a house assessed at $300,000, the borough’s average. “The board is pleased that the community supported the children of Midland Park by approving the budget,” commented board President Rich Venditti, calling it “responsible in terms of expenditures.” “I feel that the community recognized the fact that state aid and federal aid are The Midland Park Council is considering what to do about parking at Veterans Plaza in Wortendyke and are looking into options before making a decision. Borough Administrator Michelle Dugan told the governing body that a resident had called to complain about the condition of the area designated for parking, which she said has large puddles and uneven surfaces. The woman asked that the area be paved, Dugan said. Addressing the situation is not that simple, officials said at a recent council meeting. The borough would have to determine exactly where the property lines are, for which a survey may be needed. The railroad, lessees of railroad property, the adjacent building and the roadway all have convergent interests there. Improvements can be expensive and should be well thought out, council members said. “We may be trying to do a nice thing, but if we go down that road, we have to Council eyes commuter parking think of drainage, curbing, paving, etc. We first have to decide if we have the right to do it, and then if it is worth it,” cautioned Councilman Bernie Holst. Dugan said she would visit the site with DPW Foreman Rudy Gnehm and the borough engineer and get their recommendations. She said that if paving were recommended, the improvement would have to wait until 2010, because this year’s capital budget is already finalized. The area in question, adjacent to the bus shelter in Veterans Park, is used by resident commuters, who must have a permit. There is no charge for the spots, which are occupied on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking for residents and non-residents is also available in the NJ Transit lot half a block away behind Rosario’s restaurant on Central Avenue, but there is a charge. Permits for that lot are on sale at borough hall. Some meter parking is also available there. inadequate and that the school district should not be penalized. Education is even more important today as we see the day of having a job until retirement evaporate, and we need to give our children every opportunity to succeed< Venditti said. “Going forward, personally, I think the board needs to start thinking about the 2010-2011 budget and ways we can bring in more revenue and reduce costs,” he added. “I would like to commend all citizens who took part in Tuesday’s vote,” commented Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Heebink. “We are naturally most gratified by the tally. The final count was a wonderful statement by the citizens of the importance that the school system is to Midland Park’s students, property values, and special identity. Such support in these difficult times was most commendable,” Heebink concluded. Flowers last a week... Memories . e.. last a lifetim ’s Day, This Motherne frame o for Mom! Hours: Tues-Fri 10-5:30, Sat 9-4:30 27 East Prospect St. Waldwick, NJ 201-670-7666 ������������������������������ �������������������������������������� ���������������������������� � � � � � � � � � ��� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ��������������� �� � � ����� �� �� ��� � �� �� ����������� � � � � � � � � � ��� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ��� � � � � � � � �� � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ������������������������������������������� � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � ��������������� � � ��� � � � �� � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � ��� � � �� � � � �� � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � 2 Locations Glen Rock & Passaic PASSAIC LOCATION NOW OPEN SUNDAYS! We Offer Line Of Credits And Financing Plans 201.345-5621 ��������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������