City Hall Accomplishments

In just a few short weeks, Mayor Dawn Zimmer is putting Hoboken back on the right path. Here are just a few of  a growing list of accomplishments:

Cutting the Budget

• Cut Mayor’s Salary by 10%
• Cut Directors' Salary by 10%
• Ended longevity pay for Directors: any future salary increases will be based solely on merit, not years on the job.
• Changed salary ordinance so vacation pay for directors vests on a pro-rated basis not all at once at the start of the year.
• Completed energy audit of city buildings and initiated implementation of action plan to save thousands on energy costs.

Restoring Local Control

• Worked with the State Local Finance Board on a fiscal road map to end state supervision within one year.  Mayor Zimmer has established sound fiscal guidelines that will return “home rule” to Hoboken as soon as possible so that we can chart our own fiscally responsible future.

Restoring Balance of Power between City Council and Mayor's Office

• Returned the power of Zoning Board appointments to the City Council. This power had been shifted to the Mayor from the City Council under the Russo administration.
• Reestablished City Council advice and consent for Rent Control Board appointments, ending the illegal practice of past administrations of making these appointments through “Communications” from the Mayor’s Office, 

Standing Up Against Over-development

• Joined City Council colleagues in opposing proposed legislation in the New Jersey State Senate that would permit New Jersey Transit to unilaterally change the character of our City by building 50-70 story towers over the rail yards in south Hoboken without our consent.
• As a direct result of Mayor Zimmer's advocacy, legislation sponsor Senator Sarlo agreed not to advance the bill in the Senate this session, and to modify the legislation to address Hoboken’s concerns before moving forward in the next session.

Flooding:  Advocacy for a Southeastern Pump Pays Off

• Thanks in part to Mayor Zimmer’s strong advocacy in support of the critically important Southeastern pump, Hudson County granted the North Hudson Sewerage Authority an easement to build the pump on County property.  This most important pump should be completed in about 12 to 18 months, finally giving residents relief from the flooding that has plagued southwest Hoboken. This project ends our dependence on the out of scale proposed NJ Transit development project for flood relief, enabling us to evaluate that project free of the pressure caused by combining the two issues.
• Pursued implementation of wireless sensor technology to make best use of the new pumping system and to ensure that additional pumps to be financed by the city are as cost effective, environmentally friendly and efficient as possible.  Mayor Zimmer is seeking consent of the North Hudson Sewerage Authority which is required for implementation of this important technology. 

Increased Transparency in City Hall

• Called for resumes for Director positions for the first time in Hoboken.
• Worked with Council colleagues to create an open process for submitting resumes for board appointments (Zoning, Rent Control, Historic Commission, Library, Hospital, Housing Authority, Shade Tree Commission, Alcoholic Beverage Control).
• Began the process of using basic technology to make City Hall more efficient including: use of shared folders, requiring that government use official HobokenNJ.org email addresses exclusively, ending the long standing practice of using multiple e-mail addresses, and better use of the City Hall website and Twitter feed for breaking news and press releases.

Kept a Close Watch over the Public Health and Quality of Life

• Established Swine Flu Task Force and began implementation of action plan.
• Restored cross-town bus service with new cost-effective approach.
• Created new Parking and Transportation Department allowing parking and transportation issues to be addressed in an integrated manner.
• Restarted stalled process for remediation of 1600 Park/Hoboken Cove with grant money from the State and Federal governments.
• Took immediate emergency action to reinforce crumbling waterfront piers.  Breaking from the past, Mayor Zimmer has moved quickly to ensure the safety of residents and tourists while protecting the city against future lawsuits.

Assembled a Highly Qualified Team to Lead Hoboken Forward

• Ian Sacs – Director of Transportation and Parking,
• Brandy Forbes – Director of Community Development
• Leo Pellegrino – Director of Health and Human Services