Borough to Fund Volunteer Squads Drug Testing Costs

As the borough currently covers the background check costs for its volunteer coaches, the governing body has agreed to sign off on paying the $45 fee for new volunteer firefighters and rescue squad members to submit their drug testing applications.

"These are guys who are volunteering their time," Council President Michael Rohdieck said.

According to Borough Administrator Joe D'Arco, the fire department had requested a waiver from the $45 fee but the council could not approve it if the governing body was also willing to waive the fee for any rescue squad members as well.

Borough attorney Brian Giblin added that additional precedent already exists in that the borough does waive any fees associated for municipal pool employees that earn less than $500.

"If you pay for an employee that makes under $500, then it tends to support that you would pay for a volunteer who is not getting paid," Giblin said.

Paramus firefighter Guy Picone stated that the department has approximately half a dozen new volunteers that join each year.

Other Paramus News

Councilman Dennis Arslanian stated that Father Donald Hummel will be the fire department's chaplain. Hummel also currently serves as the chaplain at Paramus Catholic High School and Immaculate Heart Academy in Washington Township. The West Caldwell native was the Director for Continuing Education for Priests and served on the National Council of Catholic Scouting.

During the offseason the borough's municipal pool commission is working on creating its list of upcoming additions, repairs and maintenance work that will need to be completed before the 2012 season.

"They are looking to upgrade to a faster, better service at the restaurant with a new stove and refridgerator," Rohdieck said. "There are several bond ordinances that still have funding attached to them, approximately $15,000 just for restaurant improvements. They are also looking to redo the men and women's bathrooms, to upgrade and include additional privacy."

The governing body will next meet on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 7pm.

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