Nationwide, more than 1 trillion gallons of water leak from U.S. homes each year. That’s why WaterSense is promoting Fix a Leak Week from March 15 to 21, 2010, to remind Americans to check their plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks.

Fixing Leaks Across the Nation
Help make Fix a Leak Week a flowing success! Visit the WaterSense website and click on Flow to learn about events and programs taking place near you. Also find step-by-step instructions on how to fix a leak and much more!

Subcommittee reports:

Green Building Ordinances: Tom Chartier reported on the group’s progress in drafting green building ordinances for Hoboken starting with a focus on redevelopment zones. It would establish a Green Building Compliance Officer, a role for someone currently in the planning/building departments of City Hall. That person’s job would be to educate the various city departments (fire, building, sewerage) to help them understand the various changes in green building materials and standards and how to promote their use. To earn approval in a redevelopment zone, a developer would have to follow these guidelines, which are based on LEED Silver (or equivalent in similar rating system) for larger buildings, or LEED basic (or equivalent) for smaller ones.

The group recommends allowing the option of self-certification instead of USGBC certification to reduce resistance and cost. The builders would have to document the steps they’re taking to meet LEED requirements, and the Compliance Officer would check for completeness.

Regardless of certification method and system, there would be follow up check-ups before final Certificate of Occupancy (or final building inspection – whatever is required in Hoboken) is issued, to make sure the builders are making progress (or financial penalty for builders that don’t want to meet certification, fines based on square footage and points missing for LEED Silver certification of the equivalent). Some elements specific to Hoboken are encouraged, such as bike racks, water retention solutions, etc.

Members of the Subcommittee met with City Community Planning Director Brandy Forbes, who provided some input, and the group is now floating the draft ordinance around for comment before presenting it to City Council. Currently, there’s no zoning officer, so that’s holding up the review. [note, Ann Holtzman has since been appointed zoning officer.] Also, there is no designated Redevelopment Counsel for the city. When those positions are filled, the group will ask them to review the proposal.

Director Forbes had asked about how the fines would be accounted for if a builder opted to pay instead of complying. Tom recommended establishing a fund from these fines for other green projects – but the group would need to check into legal restrictions on this use of funds. Other towns that have tried these ordinances and failed have largely failed because there was no effective penalty for noncompliance.

Discussion: Paul suggested that building department is ultimately responsible for approving construction permits, not sure that planning dept./board are strong enough. Pat Samperi recommended setting up some kind of incentive or selling point for builders – use a carrot, not just a stick. Tom responded that the goal is for the compliance officer to educate builders and other city departments about the benefits of using certain green aspects. Jason asked whether, from a regulatory perspective, the equal protection principle may not allow the city to attach an extra burden on builders that goes above and beyond state building regulations. He also asked if the vertical integration (?) of the plan makes it easier to challenge in court; meanwhile, city undertakes so many projects in so many different areas of responsibility, how will this ordinance affect projects in multiple zones overseen by different agencies? Jason also recommended that instead of using a penalty, the city should start by assessing a fee for all builders in redevelopment zones, then refunding it in pieces as builders meet certain thresholds, established by the building, plumbing, electric, fire departments – the four building inspectors in Hoboken.

Other Green Building ordinances: The subcommittee is also researching ordinances for non-redevelopment zones, using a combination of requirements and incentives. Ideas include property tax abatements (like NYC has for green roofs and solar power installations) to encourage builders/building owners to install them. Not sure where the money would come from, but could use reductions of application fees. Incentives and requirements for energy efficiency – the city could grant variances in exchange for builders who meet LEED certification standards. Not just compact fluorescent lightbulbs, but combustion and leakage testing, insulation, etc.

Sustainable Jersey & NJ Clean Energy Community Partners program:
JD and Melissa explained that Sustainable Jersey is a certification and incentive program that rewards municipalities in New Jersey that go green, save money, and take steps to sustain their quality of life over the long term. Sustainable Jersey designates certain “actions” that municipalities can implement to receive the certification, along with cash incentives to help communities fund their marketing and community outreach/education programs. These actions address issues such as global warming, pollution, biodiversity, buying locally, community outreach, green building, and sustainable agriculture.

Hoboken has not yet enrolled, but QLC is already enrolled as a Community Partner in the companion NJ Clean Energy program, which also awards grants for completing certain steps. The community needs to pass an ordinance, appointing a designated champion and a green team and then the programs offer support and guidance for accomplishing the programs. Visit sustainablejersey.com and NJCleanEnergy.org for more information. CGH should propose to City Council and the Mayor that they choose someone to spearhead the program and designate CGH as the supporting Green Team.

Energy Audit: Brad gave an update on the status of the Energy Audit implementation. Concord Engineering recommends using Direct Install program of BPU – cost is a little higher than projected, since the plan is to replace fixtures, not just bulbs. City Hall project is underway. Firehouses and police HQ will come next, then the Boys & Girls Club building. Stimulus money will be used to replace HVAC system at the Multiservice center. The City’s newly hired Environmental Services Director comes with experience of Sustainable Jersey program in Plainfield.

Recycling: Jason Tecza reported that because of the change in leadership in the city’s Environmental Services department, the Recycling subcommittee hasn’t made much progress in finding out details on Hoboken’s recycling. For starters, the city’s recycling poster is outdated – needs updating. There’s very little education of homeowners and landlords, virtually no enforcement – the city needs to step up. Need penalties and enforcement. Recycling is only picked up one day a week. He estimates that the city is only picking up 8 – 10% of separated garbage. Other complication is that private businesses use private haulers. There are fines for garbage pails sitting out at the wrong time of day, but it’s easy to protest mixed-disposal fines, as it’s hard to prove that passers-by didn’t simply add recyclables to regular trashcans as they pass your building.

Jason gave an overview of typical “Pay as you Throw” programs: Many cities use special cans, bags or stickers to designate recycling refuse. Fees are based on size of cans, number of garbage bags or stickers affixed to bags. There are 7,000 PAYT cities in the U.S. Economics are compelling. Cities like Worcester, Ma., cut their solid waste disposal costs by $1.2 million in garbage and increased recycling rate from 3 – 36%. Need to treat waste removal as a utility, not as a public service. Some cities require homeowners to contract for garbage pick-up, which changes behavior. You could split it out from general municipal taxes. For starters, you can reduce the number of days that garbage is picked up and step up number of days that recycling is picked up. Composting can be a business – works in BPC in NYC.

Tom has been talking to Eagle recycling (mostly building materials) and the owner is interested in participating in community education about different types of plastic and where the money is. Cardboard and plastic values fluctuate. Plastics numbered 3 – 7 are not accepted in municipal recycling. JD – need to phase in change: education, then new voluntary options, then enforcement. City garbage contract is up for renewal in the next six months – we could intervene and offer suggestions for making it more cost-effective.

Outreach:

Spring Arts & Music Festival – May 2, we’ll have two tables; invite reps from the Sustainable Jersey program with NJ Clean Energy sign-up forms and lightbulbs to hand out at one table, and our group can use the other. Let’s aim to get some recycling separating bins installed someplace prominent and use the event to talk it up. Get a high-profile resident to help with a photo-op. Composting demo? Or get high school kids to help us at the booth to encourage people to sort garbage.

Green Expo: Tom Chartier mentioned Ecoventions and the Meadowlands accelerator program – groups who can help us put on a program to talk to businesses about how to go green. One for business owners, another for homeowners. Need to set some dates and get some volunteers to help plan. Need contacts with Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club or Jaycees. Email JD if you’re interested in being on a planning committee.

Green Drinks: The last Green Drinks event, was a special Green Drinks and Eats held on Thurs., Feb. 18, hosted by “The Skinny Chef” Jennifer Iserloh and husband Ulli at their home. The event was well attended and lots of fun! Stay tuned for the next event – back at a local establishment.

To help address this problem, WaterSense was launched in 2006. WaterSense is an EPA-sponsored partnership program that seeks to protect the future of our nation’s water supply by promoting water efficiency and enhancing the market for water-efficient products, programs, and practices.

WaterSense brings together local water utilities and governments, product manufacturers, retailers, consumers, and other stakeholders to:
* Decrease indoor and outdoor non-agricultural water use through the adoption of more efficient products and practices.
* Help consumers make water-efficient choices, including differentiating between products and services in the marketplace and adopting simple daily activities that reduce water use.
* Encourage innovation in manufacturing
* Establish and standardize rigorous certification criteria that ensure product efficiency, performance, and quality.

WaterSense helps consumers identify water-efficient products and programs that meet WaterSense water efficiency and performance criteria. Products carrying the WaterSense label perform well, help save money, and encourage innovation in manufacturing.

WaterSense partners with manufacturers, retailers and distributors, and utilities to bring WaterSense labeled products to the marketplace and make it easy to purchase high-performing, water-efficient products.

WaterSense also partners with irrigation professionals and irrigation certification programs to promote water-efficient landscape irrigation practices.

Check out the WaterSense website to see what you can do!

It is the second of four seminars the QLC and the Citizens’ Campaign plan to host. St. Matthew’s Parish Hall is located at 8th and Hudson Street.

What Do the Local Political Party Committee People Do?

Every district of every ward in Hoboken elects both a Democratic and Republican committeewoman and committeeman. The party committees exist to represent the interests of local voters to the party, and to raise funds and rally support for party candidates.The responsibility taken on by each committee person depends completely on the level of involvement they choose. Many run for committee to promote change in local government or to help build a political platform. Others see it as an introduction to the political process or a chance to socialize with politically like minded neighbors. The local committee people also represent Hoboken at the county level by helping to choose the county party leaders.

The June election is a great chance to dip your toe in the political waters. Only a few signatures are needed to get on the ballot and, depending on your district and party affiliation, getting just a half dozen votes may get you elected .

The goal of the Citizens’ Campaign in sponsoring this event is to inspire citizens to participate in the leadership of their communities and reverse the tide of government waste and corruption.

The first seminar in the Paths to Service series was presented December 17. Click on the video below to watch.

Hoboken Call to Service from Eric Kurta on Vimeo.

Bob Duval, board member of the QLC, presents the Hoboken Civic award to Roy Hueilbig, who accepted the award on behalf of the American Legion Post No. 107. Photo credit: John Branciforte

Those being honored this year are:
Larry Henriques who receives the Community Awareness Award.
John De Palma to his family is granted posthumously the Service Award
Toni Tomarazzo is given the Civic Award
Ron Hine receives the Renee Steinhagen Public Advocacy Award
Dan Tumpson will take the Citizen Activist Award

A reception will follow the presentations. Everyone is invited to attend. Reservations are NOT required. A $5 donation will be requested at the door. This donation includes one free drink. And there will be a beer/wine cash bar with non-alcoholic beverages also available. Free parking with Museum-stamped ticket in the garage with entrances on 12th St or Shipyard Lane.

Architect's rendering of proposed amended Water Music redevelopment project

Join the Quality of Life Coalition for a presentation on the Water Music Project and the Hoboken Arts Center on Thursday, November 5, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the St. Matthew Trinity Lutheran Parish Hall, 8th Street between Hudson and Washington Streets.

Also on the agenda: Learn about the court challenge of the Hudson County Freeholders’ refusal to hear an appeal of a County Planning Board decision that approves building on the steep slopes of the Palisades. (Hoboken QLC is a participant in this case.) Peggy Wong. President, Coalition to Preserve the Palisades Cliffs, will address the issue. [photo by Greg Remaud, NY/NJ Bay Keeper]
“]

The “Look, Learn, Act” series is part of the mission of the Quality of Life Coalition to keep the community informed about major developments that will impact our quality of life. We hope to stimulate informed dialogue between members of the community and our elected officials.

Vote Now

The most important thing you can do to participate in our democracy is to vote. If you’re not registered, please sign up using the resources below.

The New Jersey Division of Elections website is your one stop shop for everything you need to know about voting in New Jersey.

How to register and where to register to vote depends on what county in New Jersey you live in. Make your voice heard and register now!

The Quality of Life Coalition and the Citizens’ Campaign of NJ presented the “Call to Service” forum held in Hoboken on Dec. 10, 2009.

Developed by the Citizens Campaign, a non-partisan group dedicated to rebuilding a culture of public service in New Jersey, the forums teach citizens how to gain appointments to non-elected positions on municipal boards and commissions.

Attendees at the Hoboken forum learned about the various municipal boards and commissions on which Hoboken residents may serve, the current service opportunities available, the appointments processes for each, and inside tips for seeking and gaining an appointment.

Eric Kurta from People for Open Government and Pat Samperi also from the QLC assisted with the event, which was hosted by Our Lady of Grace in the OLG School Hall. More than fifty people attended the very informative event, which can be viewed by clicking on the video below.
For more information about the Jersey Call to Service and how you can apply for a position on a Hoboken Board or Commission, visit;
JointheCampaign.com

Hoboken Call to Service from Eric Kurta on Vimeo.

1. Set your hot-water heater to 118 degrees farenheit.

2. Get a low flow shower head at your local hardware or home improvement store.

3. But a digital shower timer. These can range from inexpensive to expensive models which shut off the water after a certain period of time. Make sure you buy one that you will be able to see through the steam of the shower and doesn’t wake up the household!

The 5 Percent website has some good tips!

We’re offering non-partisan information to help you make an informed decision on who to vote for in Hoboken’s mayoral contest – a video of the latest Hoboken Mayoral Candidates’ Forum. For the third time in 2009, a Candidates’ Forum took place in the auditorium of Our Lady Of Grace School, this time on Wednesday, October 14 featuring the seven candidates running for mayor in the November 3, 2009 election. All seven candidates participated to the rapt attention of the 250 people in the audience.

Earlier in the year there had been a council-at-large candidates’ forum and a mayoralty forum as well as a mayoral debate between the two candidates in the run off. The resignation of Mayor Peter Cammarano prompted the need for a new election and the mayoral forum. The forums are sponsored by Our Lady of Grace /St. Joseph Parish, People for Open Government, The Church @ Hoboken and the Quality of Life Coalition. The proceedings of the October 14 forum were taped and may be viewed in their entirety on Channel 78 (running alternately with city council meetings) and by using the link below.

Regarding ballot question 1, the League of Women Voters has listed both the pros and cons of voting YES. You can read their ballot analysis and decide for yourself.