Ho-Ho-Kus January 25, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 7 Four local streets to be resurfaced; co-op will seek bids by Jennifer Crusco This year, four Ho-Ho-Kus streets -- Ackerman Avenue from Sheridan Avenue to Gilbert Road, Bridle Way, Hollis Drive, and Wyncote Road -- will be resurfaced. Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Administrator Don Cirulli said the Northwest Bergen Cooperative Resurfacing Program, a consortium of which Ho-Ho-Kus is a member, will go to bid next month with the street paving projects for the various member municipalities. Councilman Kevin Shea asked how the borough determines which roads will be resurfaced each year. Mayor Thomas Randall explained that the Ho-Ho-Kus Department of Public Works prioritizes borough roads that are in need of attention, and those that are considered the top priorities in a given year are selected. Randall said the aim is to address the resurfacing projects equitably. The Northwest Bergen Cooperative Resurfacing Program is a consortium of multiple Bergen County municipalities that was formed to allow its members to receive significant savings on road resurfacing projects. Member municipalities receive a bulk discount by pooling their tonnage needs for annual road resurfacing projects. The municipalities present one project to potential bidders, and the large volume tends to attract a large pool of contractors, allowing each participating town to stretch local tax dollars. Once the main contract is awarded, each individual member municipality awards a separate contract and deals directly with the successful bidder. Ramsey acts as lead agency for the consortium, which was developed approximately two decades ago by the members of the Northwest Bergen Mayors Association. A shared-services coordinator was added in 1998. The consortium is a regional cooperative pricing system, one of the state’s approved forms of shared services among municipalities. Members are required to pass a resolution to join the group. The Northwest Bergen Cooperative Resurfacing Program currently includes Allendale, Waldwick, Wyckoff, Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Ho-Ho-Kus, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Mahwah, Oakland, Midland Park, Ramsey, and Franklin Lakes. Representatives meet regularly and attempt to use the system to realize savings. Road resurfacing contracts generally include nine or more of the 13 municipalities. Chamber hosts program on business trends Brian Moran (pictured), executive director of sales development at the Wall Street Journal, will present “Small Business Trends for 2012” at the Ho-Ho-Kus Chamber of Commerce’s first multi-Chamber event. The program will be held Feb. 7 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, 1 East Franklin Turnpike in Ho-Ho-Kus. Moran will discuss how business owners can use social media, how businesses can reach customers who are always on the go, and alternative forms of financing that are currently available. This networking event is being held in conjunction with the Allendale, Franklin Lakes, Montvale, Park Ridge, Waldwick, and Wyckoff chambers of commerce. The cost is $25 and includes a light buffet dinner, a complimentary beer or wine, a goody bag, and the presentation. Cash or checks payable to the Ho-Ho-Kus Chamber of Commerce will be accepted. Complimentary valet parking will be available. Space is limited, so RSVP to Kelly at (201) 497-1229 or kvelasquez@oritani.com by Jan. 31. Participants are encouraged to bring their business cards.