Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • April 27, 2011 Ho-Ho-Kus Lease concept unpopular with governing body by Jennifer Crusco The Ho-Ho-Kus Historical Association may soon gain permission to meet at the borough-owned Ho-Ho-Kus Train Station’s waiting room, but a formal lease agreement appears unlikely. At last week’s council work session, Councilman Phil Rorty launched the discussion, expressing his view that the association should not receive a “carte blanche lease.” “I would agree with that,” Councilman John Mongelli responded. Mayor Thomas Randall also supported the view that the borough should not enter into a lease agreement. Borough Attorney David Bole suggested a hold harmless agreement, but was informed that groups that meet at borough hall are not required to have these agreements. “Whatever our policy is, we’ll make sure the borough is protected,” Mayor Randall said, adding that consent for the meeting space in the train station should not involve a “full-blown lease.” Councilman Mongelli noted that no groups currently meet at the train station. Councilman Kevin Shea asked if the council would be opening a can of worms by allowing the use of the station, which is reportedly heated, but not air conditioned. Councilman Kevin Crossley asked if there is janitorial service at the station building. His peers said there is no service at present, and those who use the station pick up after themselves. Crossley also asked why the association would not use the borough hall as a meeting venue, and Councilman Doug Troast pointed out that the group is interested in meeting in a building with intrinsic historical significance. In March, Ho-Ho-Kus Historical Association officers Kevin Pianfetti and Stanley Kober offered to answer any questions the council might have about the group’s request. In a March 8 letter to Mayor Randall and the council, Kober explained that the non-profit group was pursuing a “simple lease” and would be willing to pay a nominal, annual fee of $1 per year to use the space in the train station. The letter also indicated that the association would get insurance and name the borough on the rider. Pianfetti and his wife, Nancy, who is the Ho-Ho-Kus Historical Association’s current president, have been working to gain approval for signs commemorating the race track that was in operation in the borough until the late 1930s. The Pianfettis reside on Arbor Drive in the area that was once the track’s grandstand. This year, the Ho-Ho-Kus Volunteer Fire Department will celebrate its 100th year of service to the borough. A June 25 event is being planned to mark this milestone, and the community is invited to the town-wide centennial celebration, which will be held in and around the town center from 5 to 10 p.m. Plans call for a display of antique fire engines from Ho-Ho-Kus and the surrounding communities, food, beverages, activities, and live music. In an effort to offset the costs of this celebration, area residents are also being invited to become event sponsors. Several options are available. Two gold sponsorships, which are available for $2,000 each, will allow each sponsor at this level to have his or her company’s name featured in press releases and official updates, on the main stage, downtown, and on preevent promotional banners, and on the commemorative 100th Anniversary mug. Gold-level sponsors will also have access to a VIP section in the main food and beverage tent, including concierge service, and will be given 10 of each of the commemorative mugs, T-shirts, and pint glasses. Four silver sponsorships are available at $1,500 each. Each silver-level sponsor will have his or her company’s name featured on the downtown banners and the pre-event banner, and on the commemorative mug. Silver sponsors will also receive five passes to the VIP section in the main food and beverage tent, including concierge service. These Fire department turns 100; sponsors sought for celebration sponsors will also receive five of each of the mugs, T-shirts, and pint glasses. Eight bronze-level sponsorships are available at $500 each. Each bronze-level sponsor will have his or her company’s name on the downtown banners and on the commemorative mug, and will be entitled to five each of the mugs, T-shirts, and pint glasses. Supporting sponsorships are available at $250 each. Each sponsor at this level will have his or her company name listed on the commemorative mug. For additional information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Sean Healy at (201) 857-2520 or sean@healycorp.com. The Ho-Ho-Kus Volunteer Fire Department was officially established on Nov. 23, 1911. In 1912, the Ho-Ho-Kus Council approved the construction of a firehouse. The firehouse, which was constructed for $2,000 on East Franklin Turnpike, opened in November of that year. Current officers include Chief Christopher Raimondi, Assistant Chief Mark Zatorski, Captain Matthew Menzel, First Lieutenant Edmund Iannelli, Second Lieutenant Brian Dench, President Waldemar Kuenzel, Vice President Christopher Joy Sr., Secretary Walter Peterson, and Treasurer Richard Keely. J. CRUSCO Call Today to Advertise in our Special Mother’s Day Section Publication Date: Wednesday, May 4th Advertising Deadline: Wednesday, April 27 email: sales@villadom.com ������������ YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSPAPER