November 17, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 3 Ridgewood Village council introduces five percent water rate hike by John Koster The Ridgewood Village Council has introduced an ordinance providing for a five percent water rate increase and a five percent facilities increase for home water service to Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Midland Park, and Wyckoff customers. An adoption hearing will be held Dec. 8. Wyckoff Mayor Rudy Boonstra and several other Wyckoff Township Committee members have indicated that they would be present at the adoption hearing. Wyckoff was the lead town in a legal action to require Ridgewood to justify water rate increases. The Nov. 10 introduction of the ordinance took place without public comment. Ridgewood Village Administrator Ken Gabbert, speaking after a recent meeting with Wyckoff, Glen Rock, and Midland Park officials, but before last week’s Ridgewood Council vote, said the 2011 rate increase was a legitimate attempt to share the Ridgewood Water Company’s operating costs equitably among the four towns the company serves -- though only Ridgewood Council members are able to vote on rate increases. “Due to the very dry summer, we had water restrictions in place,” Gabbert said. “Hence, consumption declined, creating a projected shortfall in revenue which will ultimately create an operating deficit for 2010. Any operating deficit must be raised in the 2011 water utility budget. Water rate increases will hopefully cover the operating deficit to be raised, and normal operations in 2011. In 2010, we are projecting the total gallonage of water consumed was well below budgeted. The Village of Ridgewood makes up any revenue shortage until enough revenue is produced to cover the deficit.” Gabbert added, “One of the capital improvements is a new tank for Wyckoff that will allow for currently suspended water hookups to be reinstated.” Gabbert explained that the hookups had been suspended by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. “That tank alone will be in the $3 million to $4 million range. Wyckoff by far has the largest amount of Ridgewood Water capital projects with all users of Ridgewood Water footing the bill. Improvements made in one town allow for greater reserve for the other towns. Ridgewood Water has extensive capital invested in each of the four municipalities.” Wyckoff officials were surprised to learn the Ridgewood (continued on page 7) Call Now! Credit Cards Welcome. YOUR BEST HOLIDAY EVER! LOSE WEIGHT LOOK GREAT! In Home PERSONAL TRAINING • Flexible Scheduling • Nutrition Guidance • Sports Specific Training • Men, Women, Children & Couples ONE DAY ONLY Monday, Nov. 22, 2010 Lowest Price of the Year! REDUCING PROGRAM CALL NOW! 201-652-4447 1973 - 2010 ~ 37 Years of Excellence PRE-HOLIDAY SALE With Brad 7:30 am - 7:00 pm 25% OFF Lose 20 lbs in 10 Weeks Insured Degreed & Certified For Free Consultation call: TONE UP/LOSE FAT/ FEEL GREAT 201-925-0381 MIDLAND PARK 24 Godwin Avenue 304 S. Van Dien Avenue Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-8200 R e h a b i l i tat i o n C e n t e r f o r H o s p i ta l A f t e r C a r e OUR NEWEST STATE OF THE ART DENTAL OFFICE The Van Dyk name is as good as our word. Simply stated, you can trust that we will treat your family as if they were our family. That care and compassion is the foundation that established our reputation in 1953. Our post-acute program, AfterCare, provides the patient with excellent medical and rehabilitation therapy between hospital and home. Van Dyk AfterCare includes post-acute care for: � ����� ��������� 266 Harristown Rd, Suite 102, Glen Rock www.exceldentistry.com GLEN ROCK PLAZA 201.345.5621 � � � � Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Physiatrist Assessments I.V. Therapy � Wound Care Stroke Rehabilitation Pain Assessment and Management U.S. News & World Report Ranks Van Dyk Manor THE BEST IN NEW JERSEY LASER & COSMETIC DENTISTRY FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY FULL SERVICE DENTAL CARE • Orthodontics • Invisalign (Invisible Braces) • Porcelain Veneers • Implants • Teeth Whitening • Oral Cancer Screening • Periodontal Treatment We Offer Oral Sedation Van Dyk Health Care, Inc. represents a continuum of senior care services including: Van Dyk Manors of Montclair and Ridgewood offering rehabilitative and long term care services, Van Dyk Park Place Assisted Living in Hawthorne, and Van Dyk at Bald Eagle Commons Assisted Living and Senior Apartments in West Milford. Fa m i ly C a r i n g f o r Fa m i ly S i n c e 1 9 5 3 www.vandykhealthcare.com Mayra Modesto-Garrido D.D.S We Offer Line Of Credits And Financing Plans Free Consultation • We Accept Most Dental Insurance