March 13, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 Ho-Ho-Kus New background checks approved by Jennifer Crusco A new background check procedure has been approved for the volunteers and employees associated with recreation program in the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus. The Ho-Ho-Kus Council approved the related ordinances at the last public meeting. When the ordinance was introduced, Ed Gartner, the recreation director for Ho-Ho-Kus and Upper Saddle River, told Villadom TIMES that the proposal involves the use of fingerprinting to conduct the background checks. Rather than just using a person’s basic information and Social Security number, the use of fingerprinting provides more accurate results, he said. Gartner also said this procedure has been in use in Upper Saddle River for about a year, and is working well. Asked about the process, Gartner explained that the person undergoing the check would be vetted by a Para- mus-based facility that works on behalf of the New Jersey State Police. The individual being vetted would pay for the fingerprinting service when the appointment is made. The cost would be approximately $26, and the service would be good for three years. According to Ordinance 1015, the criminal history background check involves a determination of whether a person has a criminal record by cross-referencing that individual’s name and fingerprints with those on file with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and with the New Jersey State Police. The check includes a search for arrests, indictments, formal criminal charges, convictions, dismissals, and correctional supervision. Under the terms of the newly-approved ordinance, a person may be disqualified from serving as an employee or volunteer of a nonprofit youth-serving organization if the background check indicates conviction for crimes or (continued on page 18) Chris Raimondi has resigned as Ho-Ho-Kus Fire Chief, citing personal reasons and business commitments. “The membership will assure an orderly transition, and fire protection for the borough will remain fully intact,” Raimondi wrote in a letter addressed to HoHo-Kus Mayor Thomas Randall, Council Members Maryellen Lennon and Steve Shell, and Ho-Ho-Kus Fire Department President Chris Joy. “It has been a pleasure working with each and every one of you to create a symbiotic relationship for the borough residents and the fire department.” All of the department’s officers have moved up one level on an acting basis. Mark Zatorski, who was elected assistant chief for 2013, is now serving as the department’s acting chief. Zatorski served as assistant chief in 2011 and 2012, and had previously served as captain. The department’s members will now submit nominations for officers and an April election will be held. “On behalf of the entire department, I’d like to thank Chris (Raimondi) for his service and contributions as chief for the past two years. Moving forward, we will continue to benefit from his fire-service experience as an active member of the fire department,” President Joy said. J. CRUSCO Fire officers have new roles