Allendale March 6, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 9 Borough plans summer merger with United Water by John Koster The Borough of Allendale is advancing with negotiations to allow United Water to handle the administration and operation of Allendale’s municipal water company, with the friendly takeover tentatively slated for June. Mayor Vince Barra said negotiations with United Water were not yet concluded and he and the council are not at liberty to discuss the complete package, but that the public would have a chance to provide input before any contract is signed. The agreement must also be approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities once the details are ironed out between Allendale and United Water, which already supplies Allendale residents with water in emergency demand periods. The water rate for larger commercial enterprises in Allendale will go up three percent, but the rate for smaller commercial enterprises and residential homes will remain flat. Mayor Barra said the superintendent who is now in charge of the Allendale Water Company has been offered a job with United Water and would be taking the offer, and the other two full-time employees would be moved to the Allendale Department of Public Works, where both had worked previously. No full-timers would be let go if and when the contract is approved after public hearings. In other business, the council introduced an ordinance to create the position of deputy borough clerk, a position that will offer $17 per hour for what is expected to be a 25-hour week. Coleen Goddel, who reported to work last week, will be appointed to the position once it is formalized by adoption of the ordinance on March 14. The borough bade a fond farewell to Pam Knispel, who had assumed some of those responsibilities of the deputy clerk’s position without the title. Knispel left Allendale’s municipal staff last week after 26 years of service. Mayor Barra called Knispel “the face of Allendale” because she was usually the first person visitors to borough hall saw when they stopped in for information. Allendale Borough Council members and administrative official Gwen McCarthy agreed that Goddel, who has an associate degree, was an excellent choice to fill the new position. “We had an amazing number of great resumes, but I think we picked the best candidate for the position,” said Councilwoman Elizabeth White. “I think the resumes reflected the situation of the job market in America,” Barra said. He agreed that Goddel was a great choice for the new position. “She’s just a lovely person and I’ve enjoyed working with her,” McCarthy said of Goddel, who had started a (continued on page 15) Author and artist Steve Henry will present “Picture This: One Illustrator’s Story of Creating a Children’s Book from First Sketch to Publication” at Allendale’s Lee Memorial Library on March 7 starting at 7 p.m. Henry will discuss a book’s journey, and will comment about the creativity, the persistence, and the professional partnerships and that an nurture idea through a convergence of talents. People who attend the lecture will be able to see some of the original art that went into his forthcoming book, “The Happy Cat.” A question and answer session will follow. This informal lecture is free, but pre-registration is requested. Visit the circulation desk or call (201) 327-4338. The library is located at 500 West Crescent Avenue in Allendale. Henry’s program will be held in the loft. Illustrator/author to visit library Author and artist Steve Henry