Midland Park February 10, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 Background checks likely for local sports personnel All personnel involved in the sports organizations in Midland Park, both paid and volunteer, will likely have to undergo background checks and fingerprinting going forward. The requirement is part of a recent insurance policy the borough took out for the town’s independent sports organizations, known as “quasis.” To cover the startup costs, Recreation Director Lori Dent is looking into a grant from the Megan Kanka Foundation that would offset the costs to the coaches and other volunteers. Dent said that for municipalities that require fingerprint background checks for their volunteers, the foundation will cover the cost of the check for the entire first year of implementation and possibly further if federal funding continues to be available. Dent has investigated and recommended Sagem Morpho Inc. of Paramus, which charges $26.25 per check. She told the council this company’s reports following the background checks are very thorough, yet streamlined to make it easier for the police department to spot any problems. The company makes the determination as to who passes or doesn’t pass the check based on the state police and FBI codes. “It’s not up to our police to go through all the records and decide who passes or not,” said Dent. The independent company is contracted by the state police to do the checks because the state agency could not keep up with the demand. Police Chief John Casson cautioned about confidentiality, including who will have access to the information and how it will be protected. Dugan said she is working on the policies and procedures for the background checks to ensure confidentiality. “Nothing is decided as to how we are going to proceed,” said Borough Administrator Michelle Dugan. “The council wants to know what options are available, including grants, before going forward,” she said. ‘Burgermeister’ retiring Brian Welish, center, who recently retired from the Midland Park Burger King after 30 years broiling burgers at the local restaurant, receives a plaque from owners Michael Wallstein, left, and Drew Paterno. ‘He did a great job,’ said Paterno, who estimated that Welish cooked 4,300,000 burgers during his tenure. Welish is now doing volunteer work in the kitchen at the Moriah School in Englewood. S H AY FIS W AL SH E FR PETER’S FISH MARKET Look For Daily Specials During Lent MA VOT RK ED ET BE IN ST BE SE RG AF EN OO CO D UN TY Jonah Crab Cocktail Claws Tuna Swordfish Sea Scallops Pompano Grouper Fillet Salmon Fillet Alaskan King Cra Jumbo b Leg Little Ne s c Clams k Salads Daily Assortment of Prepared Foods Cod Fillet Lemon Sole Salmon Grey Sole Halibut Fresh Squid Shrimp l Cocktai Florida Stone C rab Claws 201-444-3331 86 GODWIN AVENUE, MIDLAND PARK Hours: Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 8-5 Celebrating Our 35th Year!