Ho-Ho-Kus June 24, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 Administrator, clerk study paperless meeting models by Jennifer Crusco Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Administrator Don Cirulli and HoHo-Kus Borough Clerk Laura Borchers have been exploring the concept of paperless meetings for the governing body. Last week, Cirulli advised Ho-Ho-Kus Mayor Thomas Randall and the council members that he had spoken about the idea with Franklin Lakes Borough Administrator Gregory Hart, who has successfully implemented the program in that municipality. Cirulli and Borchers also visited the Nick Saros, the borough administrator in Ramsey, where a paperless system has been in use since January 2008. Cirulli advised the Ho-Ho-Kus Council that this program can involve a substantial initial outlay. After the meeting, Cirulli told Villadom TIMES that the startup expense could be in the $40,000 range, which would include the software and the laptops for the mayor, council members, and staff members who attend the meetings. A scanner would also be needed to facilitate the system. Cirulli said he and Borchers began exploring the paperless meeting concept after a council member commented on the large amount of paperwork being generated every month. The administrator added that he plans to put together a report on this system for the benefit of the council. According to a research paper on the concept prepared by Hart and reviewed by Cirulli, paperless meeting allows council members opportunities to research issues quickly and compile information efficiently, which can lead to more informed decisions. Hart noted that municipalities stand to realize savings on the cost of paper, copier and printer maintenance, and time spent searching for documents and conducting research. Hart also wrote that paperless meetings allow the organization and indexing of documents and information in a customized format. Quick retrieval of documents, Hart pointed out, allows (continued on page 13) 875 Route 17 South, Ramsey 201-934-0020 ���������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������� ��������������������� � ����������������� �������� �������� ���������������������������������������� � ���������������������������� ���������������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� ���������������� ������ ���������������������������������������� �������� �������� Large and Elegant Ranch on Expansive Property ������������������������������������� ������������������������������������� ���������� ����� ������ � ������� ����������� ���������� �� ���� �������� � ����������� ������������������������ $1,149,000 ����������������������������� �������������������� ����������������������������� �������������������������������� ��������������������������� ������������������� Caring for Your Beautiful Landscape is our Specialty LET THE PROFESSIONALS SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY Seasonal garden care program Hand pruning of ornamental shrubs for natural shape ��������������������� Overgrown landscapes are our specialty ���������������������������������������� Landscape design & construction – Design fees apply ��� Irrigation & Lighting services Residential & Commercial We are a call or a click away One Call www.chrisjameslandscaping.com • N.J.D.C.A. Lic#13VH01114000 cjlinc1@aol.com • N.J.D.C.A. Lic#13VH01114000 All major credit cards accepted (201) 670-9000