Area June 27, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 NBCUA commissioners retain jobs, benefits The seven Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority commissioners who received dismissal letters from Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan in April will retain their jobs, compensation, and benefits. In his ruling, Bergen County Superior Court Judge Alexander Carver III found that Donovan had acted beyond the scope of her authority when she attempted to fire the commissioners for refusing to stop accepting their medical benefits and $5,000 stipends. Judge Carver also overturned Donovan’s vetoes of the authority’s minutes. An appeal of his decision is expected. Earlier this year, the county counsel’s office filed a lawsuit to recover the compensation paid to the seven commissioners since November 2011. The commissioners were charged with accepting the stipends and health benefits despite Donovan’s vetoes, which were upheld by the New Jersey Division of Local Government Services. The NBCUA’s suit challenged Donovan’s vetoes and her right to fire the authority’s commissioners. Before Judge Carver rendered his decision, the Bergen County Board of Freeholders voted unanimously to halt The Volunteer Center of Bergen County recently welcomed its new officers and directors. David Warshaw of Ho-Ho-Kus has been elected president of the Volunteer Center of Bergen County. Warshaw is founder/principal of Vistas Volunteer Management Solutions and former manager of corporate communications at General Electric. He has served on the Volunteer Center’s board since 2003. Bob Relay of River Vale is second vice president. Relay is vice president/director of national accounts for OTC International Ltd., NYC, and mentor in the Volunteer Center’s youth program since 2001. Center welcomes officers, directors any future pay and benefits to Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority commissioners, thereby rescinding a 1979 ordinance. The seven commissioners who received dismissal letters from Donovan include Chairman William F. Dator of Mahwah, Vice Chairman Michael Kasparian of Ho-HoKus, and Commissioners Brian Chewcaskie of Allendale, Peter Dachnowicz of Waldwick, Frank Kelaher of Ramsey, Marion Plumley of Midland Park, and Jason T. Shafron of Wyckoff. Newly-appointed Commissioners Elizabeth Salazer of Saddle River and Kenneth Gabbert of Upper Saddle River, who had not taken stipends or received health benefits, did not receive the dismissal letter. Roberta Sonenfeld of Ridgewood is secretary. Sonenfeld is formerly senior vice president of Emigrant Bank, NYC, and a graduate of Bergen LEADS Class of 2010. Sonja Clark of Hackensack is the first vice president. Clark is director of community relations for United Water, and a member of the Northern New Jersey Business Volunteer Council. Re-elected officials include David Dubin, Richard Garcia, Dennis Sacco, and Ridgewood resident Mike Stern. Newly elected individuals include: Katherine Norian, Jose Vincente, and Joanne Westphal.