June 24, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 13
Paperless meetings
(continued from page 5) the municipal clerk to find documents when they are needed, making compliance with the Open Public Records Act easier. In addition, he noted that many non-permanent documents can be recycled, freeing up space and reducing fire hazards. Documents can be shared via a networked system, through information burned onto CDs, or sent via e-mail. Hart also pointed out the benefits of integrating a document management system with a GIS, or geographic information system, which would allow a public official to access pertinent views of a particular region or lot. He emphasized the importance of providing instruction and training to those who plan to use the paperless system. Ramsey Borough Clerk Meredith Bendian enthusiastically endorsed the paperless system now in use in that municipality. She acknowledged that multiple laptops were required for the council members, mayor, administrator, borough attorney, and for herself. She also noted that a scanner and server are necessary. “Everyone should do this,” Bendian said in a telephone interview last week. “It saves so much paper.” The clerk noted that Ramsey, which is currently in its second year of using the paperless system, is also saving time searching for documents. She said the paperless system allows her easy access to a wide variety of information, and allows her to arrange that information in relevant categories as needed. “The system allows you to search for documents,” Bendian explained. “You can put in one word, and all the related documents come up.” She added that she has been using CDs to assemble the information packets she distributes to Ramsey Mayor Christopher Botta and the borough council members. “With the reusable discs, we’re saving in the long run.” Access to documents is further enhanced through the use of links that are provided on the copies of the agendas the mayor and council receive. Bendian explained that a public official who clicks on a link has immediate access to any documents relating to that agenda item. She added that council members also receive “FYI” notices via the paperless system. “I can e-mail items and send scanned documents,” she said, adding that the new system has greatly improved organization at borough hall.
Marie Hornstein, an ESL volunteer at the Upper Saddle River Public Library for over five years, received the 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award from the Literacy Volunteers of Pascack Valley at the USR Library’s International Luncheon. The Upper Saddle River Library, a member of the Literacy Volunteers of Pascack Valley, offers an ongoing ESL Program. The sessions, which are free of charge, provide English as a Second Language instruction to USR Library cardholders. Hornstein (at right) is pictured with Catherine Kim.
Volunteer honored
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