The Hoboken Journal

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Mike Lenz Fundraiser Thursday June 24 7:00PM - Tonight!

Update: This event is coming up tonoght. Timothy Occhipinti who will be challenging Mike Lenz for his 4th Ward Seat had his initial fundraiser last week.

Original Post 6/21/2010: An event is being organized for Mike Lenz's run for 4th Ward City Council in the special election this fall.......

Event: Mike Lenz Fundraiser for 4th Ward Election
Location: The Stuiver's Home Apt #2 Courtyard
227 Adams St Hoboken, NJ
When: Thursday, June 24, 7:00PM
Phone: 201-982-4712

Invite: Please join us for a Celebration of change that is working and the part Mike Lenz is playing in that, as we begin to prepare to retain /defend his 4th Ward seat -- and the reform majority -- this November.

Guest of Honor, Mayor Dawn Zimmer
Wine and Hors D'Oeuvres
To RSVP call Thomas Greaney at 201.982.4712
Donations of within NJ ELEC limits* can be made to Friends of Mike Lenz for Council *The Maximum contribution per person or entity is $2,600

◦

The Hoboken CERT Team - Not just for disasters

The Hoboken CERT Team graduating class number 1 recently completed training and was out and about last weekend helping out with crowd control for the Puerto Rican Flag ceremony. This all-volunteer team will deployed not just for potential disasters should they occur but also for events with large crowds such as the 4th of July Fireworks display. Look for the green vests and congratulate the Class of 2010's Hoboken CERT Team for their volunteerism.......

◦

HUMC Meeting Video Recap from 6/23/2010

Last night I attended the HUMC monthly meeting to get a sense where the hospital is financially as a taxpayer of Hoboken who is on the hook due to the unique public/private relationship of this hospital and its source of municipal financing. I will have a more extensive writeup later but for now here are the two main clips from the officers most accountable for the state of the HUMC currently:

CEO Report by Spiros Hatiras on the Hospital Overall 6/23/2010:

HUMC Finance Report by acting CFO Vincent Riccitelli 6/23/2010:

Note: There is a humming sound in the background as the air conditioning for the Assumption Hall meeting room had yet to be installed. Despite the sweltering temperature of the room the meeting had a very even keeled decorum. Kudos to Chair Toni Tomarazzo for running a professional meeting. ◦

Photo of the Day: Pier C Park Photo- Steel Sphere of Fun

Here is another photo of Pier C that features another kid favorite attraction, the steel sphere of fun. KIds will be able to test their balance on this feature and rely on the soft padding below should they lose their balance (especially giant kids like me).

◦

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Municipal Hospital Authority Meeting tonight June 23, 2010 7PM - Assumption Hall

The Municipal Hospital Authority meeting is tonight (June 23, 2010) at 7 PM at Assumption Hall....

HOBOKEN MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY JUNE 23, 2010 MEETING AGENDA

7:00 pm Regular Meeting

1. Open Public Meetings Act Disclosure Statement
2. Roll-Call
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Board of Commissioners Presentation
5. Approval of Minutes
May 26, 2010 Regular Session
June 7, 2010 Training Seminar
6. Executive Session Closed to the Public (IF NECESSARY)
7. Report from the Hospital CEO
8. Report from the Authority
• NJHA Class Trustees Role in Physician Credentialing and Privileging by Commissioner Kurta
9. Committee Reports
Finance
Quality/ Patient Safety
Strategic Planning
Audit & Compliance
10. Finance Report by Vincent Riccitelli, Acting CFO
11. New Business (Consent Agenda*)
• Resolution Authorizing Payment of Claims
• Resolution Approving the Credentials Committee Report
• Any other matters that may come before the Board
12. Discussion Items including the Mock Survey
13. Public Comments
14. Adjournment of Meeting

* All resolutions will be packaged as one vote. Any Commissioner has the right to withdraw a resolution to be discussed separately.

ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AT THIS MEETING

MEETING PLACE

ASSUMPTION HALL
HOBOKEN UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
308 WILLOW AVENUE, HOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY ◦

Meetting Reminders- Two Transportation Meetings Tonight

There are two transporation realted meetings tonight as noted in this update from City Hall:

REMINDER: TWO TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY MEETINGS TONIGHT

Residents are reminded of two transportation-related community meetings taking place on Wednesday, June 23rd.

A community meeting to discuss transportation issues and concerns with residents will also be held tonight, Wednesday, June 23rd from 7pm to 9pm at the Jubilee Center, 601 Jackson Street.

Director of Transportation and Parking Ian Sacs will discuss transportation issues including the Hop (formerly Crosstown shuttle), car-sharing, traffic in Southwest Hoboken, and more, and Mayor Dawn Zimmer will also attend to answer questions.

Also, an Open House on the Jersey City/Hoboken Subregional Transportation Study will take place from 4pm to 8pm at the Multi-Service Center, 124 Grand Street. Residents are invited drop in at any time to share their thoughts on improvements to the Southwest Hoboken area for drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians and transit users. More information is available at: http://www.jerseycityhobokenstudy.com/ ◦

Max Pizzaro - Article on Zimmer, Christie and Municipal Tax Reform

Max Pizzaro of PolitickerNJ.com has a well written article posted yesterday on Dawn Zimmer and her interactions with Chris Christie, the Republican Governor of New Jersey on reforms needed for municipalities and real tax relief. It also features quotes from Mike Lenz and 4th Ward candidate Timothy Occhipinti taking shots but once again not offering any constructive solutions. Below is an excerpt....

Zimmer leans on legislative leadership to post Christie property tax reforms

Another release from the office of Gov. Chris Christie this afternoon featured another prominent quote from Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer, who has become Christie's go-to urban Democrat to help sell the governor's property tax cap plan.

"Mayors are on the front line of the property tax crisis every day and witness the devastating impact the highest-in-the-nation property taxes have had on families and businesses in the Garden State,” said Zimmer, before pointing a finger at the legislative leadership of her own party and telling them to get to work.

To read the whole story go to:

http://www.politickernj.com/max/39901/zimmer-leans-legislative-leadership-post-christie-property-tax-reforms ◦

44th Annual Puerto Rican Flag Ceremony Photo Recap

I am a bit late getting this out but such is the dilemma of a part time blogger......

Last Saturday June 19th Hoboken held its 44th annual celebration of Puerto Rican Day in City Hall with a flag rising. The ceremony was held in honor of Don Jaime Muńoz (1924-2009), the founder of the United Political Progressive Association for Hispanics in Hoboken. Three scholarships were given out to three high school students of Puerto Rican Descent to the tune of $1,000 each. State Assemblyman Ruben Ramos gave a moving speech on how the struggle for equality is still an issue for Hispanics today alluding to recent developments in Arizona.

I did reflect on the ceremony that day as I found it remarkable how tight knit the Hispanic Community seemed to be in this proud display of their cultural heritage. Perhaps I too could start a community of Lithuanian giants but perhaps the numbers aren't there. Just kidding:)

Ruben Ramos' speech, a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, and the graciousness of the three High School students in receiving their scholarships based on achievements were the top three highlights for me.

Here are some photos of the event:

◦

Hoboken Special City Council Meeting Recap Vidoes

Last night the City Council tabled a resolution which would have allowed Mayor Dawn Zimmer the authority to negotiate one lease agreement with a Jersey City landlord. The other potential sites that were returned in the two RFPs were discussed as well and there will be follow up at another special City Council meeting most likely next week.

Since I was busy running the live blog, here is a nice recap from Hoboken Patch:

http://hoboken.patch.com/articles/city-council-tables-resolution-to-lease-alternative-site-for-municipal-garage

Here are video replays of the special Hoboken City Council meeting last night in two parts:

Hoboken City Council Special Meeting 6/22/2010 Part 1 of 2:

Hoboken City Council Special Meeting 6/22/2010 Part 2 of 2:

◦

Hoboken Photo of the Day - Pier C Steps to Slide

Today's Hoboken Photo of the Day is another shot from Pier C park of the stairs that lead up to the big metal slide. Kids are going to love this park!

◦

Pages