Ho-Ho-Kus October 2, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 7 Trustees collecting data on track, turf field by Jennifer Crusco Northern Highlands Regional High School Superin- tendent John Keenan and FieldTurf representative Perry DiPiazza recently handled a number of questions from the Ho-Ho-Kus Board of Education. The trustees are gathering information about a possible installation of an artificial turf field and a new track at Lloyd Field. The property is located next to the school building on Lloyd Road and now includes a natural grass field and a cinder track. The facility is used by students from the school and by local recreation teams that include young athletes from Saddle River and Ho-Ho-Kus who participate in a variety of sports. Keenan, a former sports coach, shared his personal experiences with the installations of the track and turf field at Highlands. He explained that current high school track was updated in 1993, and the artificial turf field was added inside the track six years ago. “I have lived it and can answer many of your questions,” Keenan told the Ho-Ho-Kus trustees. “I have been through it once, and it was one of the most pleasurable construc- tion experiences at Highlands…It’s difficult to describe the value you get.” Keenan added that the project is visible and both the track and field get a significant amount of use. Trustee Cinzia D’Iorio asked if Keenan would recom- mend pursuing the project in two phases. Keenan said it would be best to handle both projects at once due to the related drainage issues. He also explained that the field installation had been a challenge because the track was already in place, and the preventive measures to protect the track add to the cost of the field work. He said the field was a gift from various elements of the community, including recreation teams, the Home & School Association, parents, and the music and performing arts organizations. School board member John Buffa asked Keenan if the high school’s track and field facility is used after school by recreation teams. “It is. It is used to the fullest capacity,” Keenan said, adding that some lighting is provided and some residents walk the track until dusk. He said the property is also used for special events, although some “down time” is provided in deference to the neighbors. Buffa asked about the fundraising efforts involved. Keenan said a $650,000 total donation was provided toward the field project. However, the superintendent said the time needed to raise the money was considerable, adding that it took two years to raise the funds needed for the Highlands project. (continued on page 29) Accreditation firm hired Ho-Ho-Kus has taken another step toward an accredited police department with the award of a $39,000 contract to the Rodgers Group, an organization that con- ducts the related departmental evaluations. David Bole, the borough attorney, explained that Ho-Ho-Kus had received just one bid, and said that proposal met the town’s specifications. In addition, Bole indicated that the contract will be paid in 12 monthly installments. In July, the Ho-Ho-Kus Council approved a grant application to help fund the cost of either state or national accreditation for the police department. The grant application, which was provided by the Joint Insurance Fund, acts as the application for both the $25,000 grant and the grant agreement. According to the application, the Com- mission on the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies and the State of New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police offer accreditation programs. JIF provides grants, not to exceed $25,000, as a means of encouraging police departments to pursue accreditation. JIF provides reduced liability insurance premiums to police departments that successfully attain accreditation. In addition, accreditation can help a municipality manage its liability and work- ers compensation insurance exposure. (continued on page 23)