February 27, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 Ho-Ho-Kus Program manager seeks VIP benefits for CERT by Jennifer Crusco The Ho-Ho-Kus Community Emergency Response Team has logged several “firsts” in the county and state since the group was organized in the fall of 2004. Now, the Ho-Ho-Kus organization could become the first CERT group to become eligible for volunteer incentives. Last week, Ho-Ho-Kus CERT Program Manager Stanley Kober asked the borough council to consider adding CERT to the list of Ho-Ho-Kus volunteers who are eligible to receive Volunteer Incentive Program benefits. VIP, which was approved by borough voters in a 2002 referendum, extends financial benefits to fire department and ambulance corps volunteers. VIP stipends are provided based on a volunteer’s participation in various activities and educational programs. An ordinance that amended firefighters’ qualifications for VIP benefits was approved in 2012. As he addressed the council last week, Kober said, “We know we’re not the fire department or ambulance corps, but we do stand in for them.” Kober told the governing body he believes incentive pay would help CERT increase its membership. Asked about the group’s current numbers, Kober indicated that CERT currently has 62 members, about 15 to 17 of whom are active. He added that, of the active members, he can generally rely on about half – although not always the same half – to turn out. Councilwoman Maryellen Lennon asked how many of the current CERT members would now be eligible for VIP. Kober estimated that, if VIP eligibility for CERT took effect next year, approximately six to eight members could receive VIP benefits. He added that there is a possibility that this number could increase in the future. Councilman Kevin Shea asked Kober why he was requesting VIP benefits for CERT, and specifically asked if the group’s members were seeking the stipend. Kober said the members had not made the request, and clarified that he is asking on behalf of CERT. Mayor Thomas Randall prefaced his comments by commending CERT’s work at the shelter that was set up after Hurricane Sandy left much of the borough without power. Randall then continued, added that most towns in the area have LOSAP (Length of Service Award Programs) for their volunteers. Randall said most people are volunteers because they care. He called VIP “a bit of a hybrid,” since it is not based on length of service. He characterized the borough’s program as a symbolic stipend, and questioned which groups should be included under the VIP umbrella. “Where does it end?” Shea asked, questioning if council members and zoning and planning board members should be included. Kober noted that CERT falls under the category of emergency services. The unit was established at the request of Ho-Ho-Kus Office of Emergency Management Director Jay Ludwig and former Police Chief Gregory Kallenberg. Rorty asked if any other CERT unit now has VIP-style benefits. Kober said no, but pointed out that CERT could be considered part of the OEM. “It’s something I think we can discuss,” Randall said, noting that the council would have to look at how the request might be fulfilled – and whether it could be. He added that he wanted to discuss the issue when Council Members Kim Weiss and Steve Shell were available. Neither was present at last week’s meeting. “You’ve boldly gone where no CERT has gone before (by making this request),” Randall told Kober. Shea said he wanted to get a sense as to whether the “rank and file” would value inclusion in VIP. Randall acknowledged that feedback from CERT members would be helpful, noting that the council did not want to pursue something the membership did not value. Shea asked Kober about the group’s ability to fundraise. (continued on page 21)