Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-February 2, 2011 Issue

Ho-Ho-Kus February 2, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 9 Proposal would require landscapers to register, pay fee by Jennifer Crusco Landscapers who work within the borders of Ho-HoKus may soon be required to register with the borough if the council approves Ordinance 976 as introduced last week. “No person shall landscape or engage in any landscaping or tree removal on any public or private property within the borough for hire without first registering with the municipal clerk on forms to be supplied by the borough,” the newly-introduced ordinance states. “The purpose of this chapter requiring landscaper and tree removal company registration is to ensure that the borough knows the names of landscape and tree removal companies within the borough to assist residents seeking to avoid those who engage in improper or unscrupulous business practices since the borough determines that it is in the best interest of the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the borough for this protective measure.” If the ordinance is approved in its current form, registration would be required on an annual basis, effective Feb. 1 of each year. An annual fee of $10 would be charged. Registrations could be revoked by the council upon the recommendation of the borough engineer or superintendent of public works, or a designee of one or both of those individuals. The revocation process would include a notice and an opportunity for a hearing. In emergency situations involving the public health, safety, or welfare, contractors’ registrations could be temporarily suspended. According to the ordinance, registrations would not be required for property owners, lessees, or tenants who personally perform activities that would otherwise require a registration. Ho-Ho-Kus Mayor Thomas Randall said the move toward registration was prompted by the desire to have some control over when contractors place fall leaves out for pickup – an ongoing concern. In some cases, leaf piles are being left in the borough’s streets, rather than behind the curb as required in Ho-HoKus. Concerns associated with the practice of piling leaves in the street include the narrowing of the borough’s streets – a safety issue for motorists and pedestrians, and the effect the leaves have on the waterways. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regulates the disposition of leaves due, in part, to the effect of leaves on the acidity of local streams. One of the state-mandated regulations dictates that leaves may not be left within 10 feet of any storm drain. Ho-Ho-Kus requests that leaves not be placed at the curb more than seven days prior to the scheduled collection. “This (ordinance) will help us keep a tighter rein and improve the communication with the contractors,” Randall said. “This is directed at coordinating the leaf pickup.” Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Administrator Don Cirulli acknowledged that the ordinance would allow the borough to maintain better control over the activities of local contractors, and to ensure that they are taking the proper actions when they are working in Ho-Ho-Kus. The council will hold a public hearing on this proposal at the Feb. 22 council session, at which time the ordinance will also be considered for final adoption. This meeting will begin at 8 p.m. at borough hall, 333 Warren Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus. The Ho-Ho-Kus Chamber of Commerce recently elected its officers for 2011. They are: Andrew Ripps of Ho-Ho-Kus Bagels, president; Steven Sager of Stonegate Communications, vice president; Michael Zeale of Bank of America, treasurer; and Kelly Velasquez of Oritani Bank, secretary. Two seats have been established for advisory members. Chamber elects ofﬁcers, sets meeting Chip Gildea of Marron, Gildea, & Donohue Realty and Chuck Russo of Carlo Russo’s Wine and Spirits have been named to those seats. The Chamber will meet on Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. in the ambulance corps meeting room on the second floor of borough hall, 333 Warren Avenue. Light refreshments will be served. Lynn’s Pet Care Going on vacation? Away for the weekend? Work long hours away from home? We’ll care for your pets when you can’t. Please call 201-493-8442 Lynnspetcare18@Yahoo.com �� SPACIOUS 2 BR APT. FOR RENT 201-488-5085 �� Keeping Families Warm Since 1929.�� Serving All Your Home Heating Needs Prompt, Reliable Service You Can Depend On, Plus The Personal Attention You Deserve. • Oil Heat Systems Serviced & Installed • Automatic Fuel Oil Deliveries • Tank Insurance Available Cash ts Discougn il n O On Heati s Deliverie 24 Hour 201-891-1000 Emergency Service ��