Ho-Ho-Kus March 7, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 7 Former councilman named to recreation commission by Jennifer Crusco Former Ho-Ho-Kus Councilman John Mongelli may have concluded his service as a member of the governing body in 2011, but he is still active in the borough. Last week, the borough council named him to the local recreation commission. Earlier this year, Mongelli was named to the Ho-Ho-Kus Library Board, and has since been selected as that organization’s president. Mongelli had served on the council for 15 years, and was serving as council president when his term ended on Dec. 31. Last year, he announced that he planned to move to a home in another nearby community. “If I’m going to be around, I will assist, but not from a council seat,” he told Villadom TIMES last year. “I’ve enjoyed every minute and I’m always willing to be of assistance.” The veteran councilman has lived in HoHo-Kus for 33 years. He holds a bachelor’s The Ho-Ho-Kus Council last week approved a resolution memorializing its approval of the terms and the conditions of the new collective bargaining agreement between the borough and the Ho-Ho-Kus Public Works Employees Association. The prior contract expired on Dec. 31, 2010. According to the new three-year agreement, DPW employees will receive two percent raises for 2011, 2012, and 2013. The new contract has increased the number of salary steps from six to eight. According to the memorandum of understanding, an appendix will be added to the contract that will apply to employees hired on or after Jan. 1, 2011. “Such schedule shall provide for a first step (date of hire) salary of $36,042 and shall consist of eight equal annual steps to a top salary,” the memorandum states. The memorandum also notes that the appendix will be fixed during the term of the contract so increases will be limited to guide move- DPW contract is approved gelli served as police, fire, and recreation commissioner. He also helped with the production of the borough newsletter and calendar. Most recently, Mongelli was involved in the latest round of PBA contract negotiations, and the DPW contract talks. When Mongelli reported that he would not seek a new term, Republican newcomer Steve Shell announced his candidacy for Mongelli’s seat. Shell ran unopposed in the primary and general elections. Top 10 responders named In other business before the Ho-Ho-Kus Council last week, Mayor Thomas Randall presented plaques to the top 10 emergency responders for 2011. “Volunteers are the town’s lifeblood,” Mayor Randall said. “Thank you for doing what you do and keep on doing it.” The following emergency responders received recognition: Karen Zatorski, Staci Warr, Gary Tyler, Carol Tyler, Christina Tyler, Timothy Schreur, Gary Schauer, Eric Schauer, Andrew Palella, and Gordon Hamm. Palella was recognized at the meeting, but was not present to accept the award in person. ment. Effective Jan. 1, 2011, the seniority principle was amended so it will only be used for the scheduling of vacation time. According to the memorandum, “The principle of seniority shall have no application to layoffs and recalls. In such instances, the ability of an employee to perform the work in a satisfactory manner shall be the primary factor in designating those employees to be affected. Such determination will be made at the sole discretion of the borough and will not be subject to the grievance procedure.” As of Jan. 1, 2012, the shoe allowance was increased from $250 per year to $275 per year, and compensation for standby duty for water only was increased from $300 a week to $325 a week. The meal allowance during overtime was eliminated; however, the amount of $250 will be paid once a year to each association member. J. CRUSCO John Mongelli degree in marketing and advertising from Long Island University, and is a member of Alpha Delta Sigma national advertising fraternity. Mongelli’s professional career has included serving as president of John R. Mongelli & Associates, Inc., a marketing, communications, and graphic design firm in New York City, and heading The Crystal Vineyard, an Internet-based concern. During his service to the council, Mon-