The newly elected members include Elena Hofschneider (Finance), Randall Nelson (Student Services), Joyce Taro (Academic Programs), John Manalo (Community Programs), Sue Palacios and Isabel Sablan (Office of the President), Jack Kiyoshi (Human Resources), Clarice DLG. Arriola (TRIO Student Support Services) and James Santos (Information Technology).
Joyce Taro was elected president of the Staff Senate.
The NMC Staff Senate, which serves as the official representative body of all staff members, participates in maintaining the integrity of the operational and academic processes at the college.
The Staff Senate also assists in determining needs, initiating and developing policies and mandates, and reviewing policies on administrative matters affecting the welfare of the college.
“The Staff Senate plays an integral role in the decisions that are made at the college,” said NMC President Dr. Carmen Fernandez. “I am highly confident in the abilities of all the new Senate members and look forward to working closely with them to further enhance the services we provide to our students.”
In addition to the Staff Senate, other governance councils at the college include the Planning, Budget and Evaluation Council; the College Council; the Academic Council; the Faculty Senate; and the Associated Students of NMC.
Governor signs updated 2008 Saipan zoning law
(Zoning Board) — On Dec. 5, Gov. Benigno R Fitial signed into law the Saipan Zoning Law of 2008.
“This law refines and updates the zoning law that went into effect in February 2008. The changes will improve our ability to attract new businesses and to reuse our existing buildings,” the governor said.
The law went into effect immediately and all new development proposals will be reviewed and approved under the new law.
The 2008 law has a number of key features. The law:
• Requires adult businesses to be separated from each other by 500 feet in an adult business overlay zone
• Provides special standards for reusing large commercial and industrial buildings
• Provides a deadline for removal of nonconforming banners signs
• Prohibits banner signs with advertising except when they are related to an event
• Prohibits signs that project above the level of the roof
• Increases the number of lots that may be subdivided in a “minor” subdivision
• Allows up to six children in a home day care business
• Allows temporary uses to be permitted for up to a year rather than just six months
• Reduces the lot area and setback requirements in some zones
• Provides more flexibility in permitting roadside merchandise stands
• Provides new standards for fences and retaining walls
• Establishes a parking improvement fund for Garapan
• Exempts political campaign signs from permits if they are more than 50 feet from an intersection and no more than 6 ft high
• Provides a simpler process for making lot line adjustments.
Dr. Elizabeth Rechebei, acting chairwoman of the Zoning Board, said, “The board has been working on this update for many months and we are grateful for the governor’s leadership and support as well as the support and assistance we received from the Saipan and Northern Islands legislative delegation. We recognize the need to keep the law current and respond to new opportunities. We have been very grateful to the Saipan business community and the public for the tremendous efforts they have made to comply with the zoning law.”
The new zoning law can be viewed on the publications page of the zoning Web site at www.zoning.gov.mp. Anyone with questions can also call or visit the Zoning Office at 234-9661, 2nd Floor, Joeten Building, Dandan.
(KagHS) — Kagman High School has scheduled the following events:
• Dec. 8 – Constitution Day, no classes
• Dec. 12 — JROTC manamko’ visit
• Dec. 16 — PTSA in Kagman High School cafeteria. The school will connect with Tanapag Elementary School library. Parents/guardians from the northern side of Saipan can come to Tanapag and partake in this meeting via teleconference/polycom from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Dec. 17 — Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
• Dec. 18 — Principal’s meeting
• Dec. 22 — accreditation Team meets with BOE/COE
• Dec. 23 — Christmas ’08 Bash on campus from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Dec. 24 to Jan. 4, 2009 — Christmas Break 2008
• Jan. 5 — Class resume
MVA meeting to discuss status of tourism industry
(MVA) — The Marianas Visitors Authority will hold its next general membership meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Saipan World Resort.
The highlight of the meeting will be “Insights and Update on Japan and Korea Markets” presented by Michael Merner of AVIAREPS Marketing Garden and MVA Japan and Korea representative.
The MVA general membership meeting is held bi-annually to update members, legislators, government officials, and the general public about the status of tourism in the CNMI.
This month’s meeting will also include an update on the China and Russia markets, committee reports on destination enhancement and niche marketing, and recognition of the 2008 Top Contributor.
The meeting will be held in the hotel’s Taga Hall from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by lunch. The cost of the membership meeting and lunch is $20 for members and $30 for non-members.
The meeting also provides an ideal opportunity for people to join MVA and gain the membership advantage.
MVA membership is $100 per year. Membership applications are available under the MVA Members section at www.mymarianas.com.
Membership inquiries and membership meeting reservations may be made by contacting John Palacios no later than noon on Dec. 9 at 670-664-3200 or [email protected].
HAGÅTÑA (Continental Micronesia) — A Continental Micronesia employee who had perfect attendance from January to July this year received a car for her dedication and reliability.
Guam-based flight attendant Irene Redona-Carle, a 14-year veteran and Japanese language speaker, received an invitation to Houston to meet with Larry Kellner, Continental Airlines chief executive officer and chairman, and Jeff Smisek, Continental Airlines president and chief operating officer.
Continental officers drew Redona-Carle’s name and eight others from among the thousands of qualified employees entered in the perfect attendance drawing. Redona-Carle chose the Ford Escape Hybrid among the other two car choices available: a sporty Ford Mustang or a Ford Explorer.
Since 1996, Continental Airlines has awarded employees to promote perfect attendance, giving away over 100 brand new cars, jet skis, and computers.
For each six-month period, employees qualify to enter a drawing for a Ford Explorer, a Ford Mustang, or a Ford Escape Hybrid. The company also has a rolling six-month award for those who had any consecutive six months of perfect attendance. The prize selections are two one-way coach or first class passes.
