Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • July 27, 2011 Ramsey Ramsey has received three bids for its water and sewer system, and all three proposals are currently under review. Bidders who responded by last week’s deadline included Aqua New Jersey, which was the high bidder at $13 million; United Water, which bid, $11,000,001; and Middlesex Water, which bid $10 million. Ramsey Mayor Christopher Botta and Borough Administrator Edward Sandve confirmed that the bids are being evaluated by the borough’s consultants and attorneys. Sandve added that he expects a related report at the July 27 council meeting. The borough decided to pursue bids for the potential sale of Ramsey’s public water and sewer system assets earlier this year. Ramsey has been faced with high costs associated with keeping up with water standards, which have become increasingly stringent in recent years. The bidding process does not assure that the borough’s assets will be sold. Voters would be required to approve a referendum in order for any sale of assets to take place. Officials review three water & sewer system bids Now that the bids have been opened, the council and the Ramsey Board of Public Works will decide whether proceeding with the sale is a viable option for the borough. The winning bidder must be able to own, operate, and provide public water and public sewer service to the residents of Ramsey in accordance with all state and federal regulations. Components of the bid consist of the sewer and water infrastructure, including the wells, the physical assets, and the licenses and permits that the municipality owns for the water/sewer system. Net proceeds of any potential sale would be primarily used to pay off existing municipal debt and to stabilize municipal taxes pursuant to a well-drawn plan over an extended period of time, borough officials said. Botta has also said that the borough seeks to avoid the cost and uncertainty of future capital expenditures and environmental unknowns, while stabilizing municipal taxes for the foreseeable future. The three borough staff members employed by the water department would reportedly be offered positions within the municipality in a similar or equivalent job if they decide not to accept employment with the potential winning bidder. The Village of Ridgewood, which had originally expressed interest in the bidding process in Ramsey, decided not to submit a formal proposal. Ridgewood officials reviewed the request for bid documentation and developed a working plan as part of a formal bid proposal, but opted not to submit a bid by last week’s deadline. In a statement issued to the press, Ridgewood officials reported, “The Village of Ridgewood, with the operational efficiencies of Ridgewood Water, has the potential to meet Ramsey Water and Sewer customer needs, while enhancing the long term Ridgewood Water operations and doing so at a benefit to current and future Ridgewood Water customers. “While there is promise for a linking of the two water operations and management, such an event will be reserved for the future.” The Ridgewood Water Company supplies Glen Rock, Midland Park, Wyckoff, and Ridgewood. New members are always welcome at the Bergen Highlands-Ramsey Rotary Club’s weekly meetings on Mondays at 12:15 p.m. Meetings are held at Houlihan’s in Ramsey. The Bergen Highlands-Ramsey Rotary Club is a member of Rotary International and sponsors activities that benefit both the local community and international public service projects. Those projects include a school, clinic, and orphanage in Haiti. On the local level, the club provides extensive support for the Center for Food Action Rotary Club welcomes new members and Habitat for Humanity, and scholarships for local students. Rotary Club members also participate in Ramsey Day, Upper Saddle River Day, and Mahwah Day, with all proceeds from these events going toward the club’s charitable activities. For more information about club activities or becoming a member, call Bob Baron at (201) 934-7441, e-mail bob@baronpoolservice.com or visit www.bergenhighlandsrotary.org.