April 24, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 7 Ho-Ho-Kus Borough working with DEP to reduce water fine by Jennifer Crusco Ho-Ho-Kus officials are currently working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in an effort to reduce the $76,250 fine the state agency issued the borough for overuse of water in 2011. The borough had been anticipating this fine since last year. In the summer of 2012, Ho-Ho-Kus officials reported that the borough had exceeded its 2011 annual water allocation by approximately 40 million gallons. Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Administrator Don Cirulli explained that the borough received notice of the fine at the end of 2012. He said he responded by writing a letter to appeal the fine and to request a meeting. Cirulli said the fine was high because this is the borough’s second offense. The borough was previously fined $23,000 for exceeding its 2010 water allocation. The New Jersey DEP allots a specific amount of water that may be used by each municipality. If a municipality pumps more water than is allotted by the NJDEP, that municipality becomes subject to fines. In Ho-Ho-Kus, the daily water allocation is just under one million gallons a day. Last year, the borough initiated a process with the NJDEP that could ultimately allow the borough to have its allocation increased. Water use has been a key issue in Ho-Ho-Kus, particularly in the past three years. Earlier this month, the borough issued its watering schedule for residents and businesses. Zone 1 is west of West Saddle River Road and south of Hollywood Avenue. Watering is permitted in this zone on Thursday and Sunday. Zone 2 is west of West Saddle River Road and north of Hollywood Avenue. Watering is permitted in this zone on Wednesday and Saturday. Zone 3 is east of West Saddle River Road. Watering is permitted in that zone on Tuesday and Friday. Automatic sprinkler systems may be used from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. on designated watering days. Portable sprinklers and soaker hoses may not be used from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., even on designated watering days. Such sprinklers are permit- ted at other times on designated watering days. Hand-held hoses may be used to water flower and vegetable gardens any day except Monday. Residents are urged not attempt to water a lawn with a hand-held hose as it creates an excessive use of water. Anyone who is found watering on a Monday, or on a day not permitted in his or her area, will be subject to a surcharge. No outside watering is permitted on Mondays. This includes the watering of lawns or flower beds, the filling of swimming pools, and the washing of cars. Automatic water sprinkling systems should not be installed or repaired and then tested on a Monday. The Ho-Ho-Kus Chamber of Commerce recently formed a Parking Committee to discuss issues and concerns related to the availability of parking in the borough’s downtown business district. “We are working with the borough to try to make it a more parking-friendly downtown area,” Ho-Ho-Kus Chamber President Steve Sager explained. “We’re open to Chamber of Commerce committee reviews parking in downtown area all ideas.” The committee is exploring various topics, including ways to open up additional parking spaces for customers and the employees of local businesses. Anyone who wishes to provide ideas regarding downtown parking is invited to do so online at facebook.com/ HHKChamberofCommerce.