Monday, February 20, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
President’s Day, 2012.
On December 18, 1999, I attended the 200th Anniversary reenactment of George Washington’s funeral at Mount Vernon http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/154157-1
This reenactment made me think about many of Washington’s virtues, one of his most important in my opinion, being not to make “President” a title for life. Term limits- arguably keeps us from the revolutions you see in countries around the world. Eight years is all you get at the most powerful job in the world.
From constitutional musings to my subcommittee reports…..
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
I don’t want to jinx the mild winter we have been having, but it really helps our DPW budget so I am going to keep this report short! My comments made at our Feb 9 Committee meeting about the costs related to removing a fallen tree in the Capoolong Creek along Stone Barn Road made nj.com and apparently hit a nerve with some: http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2012/02/franklin_township_officials_be.html#incart_mce
Since Feb 9 I learned that the costs also involved sediment removal as a result of the fallen tree. I also learned that we are not required to perform this work, but if we do, we are now aware of the costs that are involved.
PLANNING, ZONING, & CONSTRUCTION
The Zoning Board is beginning the formal hearings for the township’s first solar farm application. While I am on the Board, I cannot participate in this application because it involves a use variance. It is standard legal operating procedure that the Mayor and Committee member serving on the Zoning Board do not hear use variances because if those decisions are appealed, the Committee hears the appeal. Our Zoning Officer issued 9 zoning permits, and 12 food licenses in January. Our Construction Official reported for 2011 the Building Department received and reviewed 376 applications, resulting in 256 permits issued, and $117,260 in fees collected.
POLICE, FIRE, PUBLIC SAFETY, & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Deputy Mayor Polkowitz and I continue to work with Officer in Charge Zeveney and Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office on mutually agreeable goals for the police department. From an administrative perspective, we have been able to find savings in routine purchases and services. I welcome George Reichert as our new Coordinator. George has been a Deputy Coordinator for many years so we have had a seamless transition. Thank you George and to our OEM volunteers as well.
OPEN SPACE
We are working with the SADC (State Agriculture Development Committee) on having our Farmland Preservation Plan approved so we can utilize $1.25 mil in farmland preservation grant funds. For more on the SADC farmland preservation programs, check their website: http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/sadc/
HEALTH, RECREATION, & ENVIRONMENT
At our February 9 Committee meeting, members of the Environmental Commission requested that we consider keeping the Commission secretary position in the salary ordinance. Presently Township Clerk Ursula Stryker also serves as the Environmental Commission Secretary for $1,316 / year (2011). We asked for a description of the work she does for the Commission and I look forward to seeing it before I make any decision regarding the Commission Secretary position.
WHAT ELSE?
1. At our February 9 Committee meeting, we hired a part time township administrator named Jesse Landon. Mr. Landon is the township administrator for Tewksbury and he will be making recommendations to us regarding the administration of our governing responsibilities. I believe Jesse will meet and exceed our expectations of reviewing and revamping our policies / procedures so that we are more time efficient and cost effective. Our employees will work smarter, and not necessarily harder. Jesse is hired for 20 hours per month at $2,000 ($100/hour). This is not an appointed position but a professional services contract which both parties can terminate with 30 days notice.
2. Our Tax Assessor reported that ratio of assessed value to market conditions are between 100-101%. Our total taxable value decreased from 2011 to 2012 ($556,235,018 to $542,255,888). There are 1,141 residential properties with an average value of $428,606 and an annual property tax of $10,127.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
January 12, 2012: Township Committee Meeting
12:00 AM and waiting for snow that was supposed to be here by now......
The Township Committee met on January 12, and conducted the following business:
We approved Resolution 2012-13 adopting 2012 salaries of $91,199 for all five police officers covered under the collective bargaining agreement and memorandum of agreement. Resolution 2012-14 was approved which appointed three special officers at $17 / hour for 2012.
We approved Resolution 2012-12 adopting salaries for two public works employees covered under collective bargaining agreement for 2012 at rates of $26.52 / hr, and $32.39 / hr, plus longevity for each.
We authorized our township’s Certified Recycling Professional, Alan Diley, to review Delaware Township’s recycling reports and submit it on be half of their recycling coordinator- an estimated two hours of time spent. Presently Delaware does not have certified recycling professional at the moment.
Our Fair Housing Administrator, Lloyd Wismer, gave a presentation on a proposed accessory apartment application that was recently reviewed by the Land Use Board.
We discussed our situation with the Shared Court and other municipalities who have expressed in sharing their court services with us.
We appointed Nisivoccia LLP as our accountants for 2012 for $21,900. We RFP’d this service and conducted interviews. I am glad they will be working with us on our annual budget and for assistance with our municipal budget as well.
Members of the public voiced their opinion on the Committee’s decision to not reappoint Ken Mandoli (or any one for that matter) as Police Director.
Our next meeting is January 26, 7:30 PM at the municipal building.
The Township Committee met on January 12, and conducted the following business:
We approved Resolution 2012-13 adopting 2012 salaries of $91,199 for all five police officers covered under the collective bargaining agreement and memorandum of agreement. Resolution 2012-14 was approved which appointed three special officers at $17 / hour for 2012.
We approved Resolution 2012-12 adopting salaries for two public works employees covered under collective bargaining agreement for 2012 at rates of $26.52 / hr, and $32.39 / hr, plus longevity for each.
We authorized our township’s Certified Recycling Professional, Alan Diley, to review Delaware Township’s recycling reports and submit it on be half of their recycling coordinator- an estimated two hours of time spent. Presently Delaware does not have certified recycling professional at the moment.
Our Fair Housing Administrator, Lloyd Wismer, gave a presentation on a proposed accessory apartment application that was recently reviewed by the Land Use Board.
We discussed our situation with the Shared Court and other municipalities who have expressed in sharing their court services with us.
We appointed Nisivoccia LLP as our accountants for 2012 for $21,900. We RFP’d this service and conducted interviews. I am glad they will be working with us on our annual budget and for assistance with our municipal budget as well.
Members of the public voiced their opinion on the Committee’s decision to not reappoint Ken Mandoli (or any one for that matter) as Police Director.
Our next meeting is January 26, 7:30 PM at the municipal building.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
January 4, 2012 Reorganization Meeting
Congratulations to Sue Campbell for being Mayor of Franklin for 2012. Congratulations also to Bruce Polkowitz for being sworn in for his 3 year term as Committeeman, and for serving as Mayor Campbell’s Deputy. Speaking of Deputy Mayors, I want to thank former Committeeman Rob McGeary for serving as my Deputy in 2011. He offered his advice and assistance to me during my first year in 2010; Rob’s presence on the Committee will be missed and I wish him the best of luck and the best in life.
At our reorganization meeting, we appointed official banks, newspapers, and various professionals for 2012. We set the interest rate for tax delinquency, and placed a spending limit on Subcommittees. We also adopted a temporary budget from January 1 to the date of the adoption of the 2012 budget (not to exceed 26.5% of the 2011 general appropriations. We established meeting dates, approved mayoral appointments, and appointed Subcommittees.
For 2012 I will be serving on the following Subcommittees:
Department of Public Works
Planning, Zoning, & Construction
Police, Fire, Public Safety, & Emergency Management
Open Space
Health, Recreation, & Environment
I will also be serving as the “Class III” representative to the combined Land Use Board.
In my opinion, the biggest news of the meeting was the elimination of the Police Director title, who was filled for many years by Ken Mandoli. Instead, our Police Department will maintain operational efficiency with an Officer-In-Charge. The 2012 Officer-In-Charge is Dominick Zeveney. I have full confidence that our Officers will adapt well to this new organization plan. I look forward to working
with our Officers on this transition- they have my support.
Ken Mandoli retained the Office of Emergency Management Coordinator- his 3 year appointment continues through 10/1/2013. Ken has done a great job at this capacity in the past and I look forward to working with him as our OEM Coordinator.
Presently we are working on our department budgets and preparing the township’s 2012 budget. I am looking forward to seeing the public at our meetings.
PS: Check out this useful salary comparison website: http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/sharedservices.htm
At our reorganization meeting, we appointed official banks, newspapers, and various professionals for 2012. We set the interest rate for tax delinquency, and placed a spending limit on Subcommittees. We also adopted a temporary budget from January 1 to the date of the adoption of the 2012 budget (not to exceed 26.5% of the 2011 general appropriations. We established meeting dates, approved mayoral appointments, and appointed Subcommittees.
For 2012 I will be serving on the following Subcommittees:
Department of Public Works
Planning, Zoning, & Construction
Police, Fire, Public Safety, & Emergency Management
Open Space
Health, Recreation, & Environment
I will also be serving as the “Class III” representative to the combined Land Use Board.
In my opinion, the biggest news of the meeting was the elimination of the Police Director title, who was filled for many years by Ken Mandoli. Instead, our Police Department will maintain operational efficiency with an Officer-In-Charge. The 2012 Officer-In-Charge is Dominick Zeveney. I have full confidence that our Officers will adapt well to this new organization plan. I look forward to working
with our Officers on this transition- they have my support.
Ken Mandoli retained the Office of Emergency Management Coordinator- his 3 year appointment continues through 10/1/2013. Ken has done a great job at this capacity in the past and I look forward to working with him as our OEM Coordinator.
Presently we are working on our department budgets and preparing the township’s 2012 budget. I am looking forward to seeing the public at our meetings.
PS: Check out this useful salary comparison website: http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/sharedservices.htm
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Adieu 2011
It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the Mayor of Franklin Township for 2011. Thank you to the Committee, our municipal employees, and our residents for placing your trust with me over this past year; I took each day and each decision I made very seriously with only the best interests of the township in mind.
From each Committee meeting to visits with residents at their homes, to my talks with our students at FTS, to working with our police officers, attending firefighter / EMS meetings, attending our Boy Scout's Court of Honor, and being in the dunk tank on Community Day... I have learned so much of the history and traditions of Franklin, but more importantly, I observed how active our residents are in local affairs- volunteerism, dedication, and sharing their talents and skill impressed me the most. Some folks love the budget, others the environment, and others take pride in teaching our next generation of residents. And if you love run-on sentences, then you loved the first sentence of this paragraph!
As I enter the third year of my term, I look forward to working with our new Mayor and the Committee in 2012. My blog updates in 2011 were not as frequent as they were in 2010 but fear not, I will provide even the most diehard readers of The Franklin First with a plethora of entries for the year to come. Happy New Year.
Scott
From each Committee meeting to visits with residents at their homes, to my talks with our students at FTS, to working with our police officers, attending firefighter / EMS meetings, attending our Boy Scout's Court of Honor, and being in the dunk tank on Community Day... I have learned so much of the history and traditions of Franklin, but more importantly, I observed how active our residents are in local affairs- volunteerism, dedication, and sharing their talents and skill impressed me the most. Some folks love the budget, others the environment, and others take pride in teaching our next generation of residents. And if you love run-on sentences, then you loved the first sentence of this paragraph!
As I enter the third year of my term, I look forward to working with our new Mayor and the Committee in 2012. My blog updates in 2011 were not as frequent as they were in 2010 but fear not, I will provide even the most diehard readers of The Franklin First with a plethora of entries for the year to come. Happy New Year.
Scott
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Open Letter from JCP&L Concerning Snowstorm
http://www.scribd.com/doc/70772884/JCP-L-Prepares-for-Snowstorm
Looks like we are all learning from the Irene / Lee bashing we took back in August.
Other important local links in times of emergency:
http://www.quakertownfire.com/
http://www.franklin-twp.org/
http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/oem.htm
======
Haven't been posting much but that will change.
Scott
Looks like we are all learning from the Irene / Lee bashing we took back in August.
Other important local links in times of emergency:
http://www.quakertownfire.com/
http://www.franklin-twp.org/
http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/oem.htm
======
Haven't been posting much but that will change.
Scott
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
June - July 2011
It has been a very exciting summer serving as your mayor. Our Memorial Day ceremony always puts things into proper perspective about what “sacrifice” is and how sacred our freedom is in our country. Our first annual Community Day was a great success thanks to countless volunteers and everyone who made the event special. In case you missed it, I spent some time in the dunking tank- perhaps I have started a new mayoral tradition? I was honored to be part of our school awards ceremony; I told our children who were moving onto high school that they should be prepared to have their values, bodies, and brains challenged as they grow into young adults, and they should cherish the friends they made in Franklin.
I would like to thank Ron Matthews for serving as our Chief Financial Officer; Ron retired on July 1 and served as our CFO for many years. I wish Ron the best and welcome Diane Laudenbach as our new CFO. Diane has been a certified municipal financial officer since 1994 and has CFO experience in many Hunterdon County municipalities; the Township Committee and I look forward to working with Diane.
Looking back on my first seven months as mayor, I can say that the experience has been very challenging, humbling, and rewarding. The most rewarding aspect of the job is that I have met so many residents who were more than willing to volunteer their expertise to a township issue regardless of its complexities- that says a lot about the folks who live here. I am pleased that many members of the public have attended our Committee meetings and have been vocal about their opinions and beliefs. I also want to make it known that our municipal employees have been very patient and professional during our budget hearings. As a part-time mayor, I rely on our employees for many things- they are the faces you see at the municipal building, they are the ones who plow our roads, and protect our residents. Our employees deserve all of our thanks and support- I receive many phone calls and emails from residents saying what a great job our employees do and that makes me proud as well.
There is only so much I can communicate in our newsletter but the conversation shouldn’t stop here- attend our Committee meetings, email me, or call me with your ideas and comments- I would love to hear from you. Have a safe summer.
I would like to thank Ron Matthews for serving as our Chief Financial Officer; Ron retired on July 1 and served as our CFO for many years. I wish Ron the best and welcome Diane Laudenbach as our new CFO. Diane has been a certified municipal financial officer since 1994 and has CFO experience in many Hunterdon County municipalities; the Township Committee and I look forward to working with Diane.
Looking back on my first seven months as mayor, I can say that the experience has been very challenging, humbling, and rewarding. The most rewarding aspect of the job is that I have met so many residents who were more than willing to volunteer their expertise to a township issue regardless of its complexities- that says a lot about the folks who live here. I am pleased that many members of the public have attended our Committee meetings and have been vocal about their opinions and beliefs. I also want to make it known that our municipal employees have been very patient and professional during our budget hearings. As a part-time mayor, I rely on our employees for many things- they are the faces you see at the municipal building, they are the ones who plow our roads, and protect our residents. Our employees deserve all of our thanks and support- I receive many phone calls and emails from residents saying what a great job our employees do and that makes me proud as well.
There is only so much I can communicate in our newsletter but the conversation shouldn’t stop here- attend our Committee meetings, email me, or call me with your ideas and comments- I would love to hear from you. Have a safe summer.
Monday, May 30, 2011
May, 2011
May 9: Township Committee Special Budget Work Session
This meeting was a very unique meeting of the Township Committee. We needed the work session in order to introduce the budget amendment at the May 12 meeting. Either the Finance Subcommittee could have met, formed the amendments and brought them to the full Committee for review, or the Committee could meet and form the amendments in a public venue and discuss the budget at the work session. I chose to have the budget work session so the public can have a chance to observe and comment on the way we amended the budget. Every line item was announced and either approved as presented or amended; our accountant and Finance Director were on hand to offer us advice and to record our decisions. Ron Matthews and Bill Colantano deserve recognition for working with us and for turning around the changes we made into the amended budget in short time.
May 11: Land Use Board
As Mayor, I am a voting member of the Land Use Board, and on May 11 the Board began public hearings on the Garden State Growers property. The hearing addressed storm water management issues and site specific agricultural practices. The public was given ample time prior to and during the Applicant’s testimony to comment and view the plans. After several hours of testimony and public comment, the hearing was carried to June 8, 2011. For those who wish to view the plans or hydraulic studies, contact our Township Clerk.
May 12: Township Committee Regular Meeting
We accepted resignations effective June 30 from our Director of Finance Ron Matthews, his assistant Joan Tigar, and our Chief Municipal Finance Officer Michael Balogh. We are actively advertising for a replacement CFO and are willing to go the shared services route.
We introduced and approved the 2011 Amended Municipal Budget and scheduled the public hearing for May 26. The budget for 2011 is $2,732,362.92.
The Committee agreed to a Memorandum of Agreement between the Township and the Franklin Police Department. The concessions made by our officers helped us bridge the budget gap for 2011. A lot work by both the Committee and the officers resulted in cooperation and communication in a way that allowed such an agreement to transpire. Our police department budget remains a very large ticket item and I look forward to working with the police- and each of our departments for that matter- on working together for ways to decrease expenses and increase revenue, if appropriate.
We approved Resolution 2011-33 establishing employee benefits cost sharing plan. Non-union employees are now paying back 10% of their health insurance cost and 20% for family; these contributions will continue to increase up to 30% for individual health insurance and 100% of family cost by 2015. New employees will be contributing 30% of individual and 100%.
School Budget: In April, voters rejected the proposed tax levy of $4.9 million to support the school’s $5.06 million operating budget by 315 votes to 260. Defeated school budgets go before the Township Committee- we can decrease the budget, approve it as presented, or increase the budget. After the budget was defeated, our school subcommittee met with the school officials and went over their budget line by line. Prior to the school budget vote, I met with school officials and familiarized myself with the budget. Given the amount we cut from the 2010 budget (about $450,000), and this year’s budget reflected a two percent increase ($90,000), the Committee unanimously agreed to approve the budget as presented by the Board of Education. This was not a vote I took lightly: on one hand you respect the majority of voters, and on the other you need to do what is best for the community. Through my communication with residents and reading the comments on nj.com, I have observed and experienced just about the same amount of “thanks” and “anger” from residents for voting the way I did. Of our approximate 2,200 registered voters, I am bit disappointed that only 570 (26%) voted on the school budget- we’re talking about two thirds of your property tax bill, folks. Gov. Christie wants to move the school board elections to the November general elections- now that is something I bet we can all agree on. The Hunterdon Democrat covered our Committee’s decision here:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2011/05/franklin_twp_committee_votes_t.html
May 21: Ribbon Cutting at the Silver Oak Learning Center
My son Ryan and I attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Silver Oak Learning Center (formerly KnowledgePoints) located at 62 Walmart Plaza (second level). President and owner Jim Helriegel gave Ryan and me a tour of the facility. Please visit Jim and I am sure he will be more than happy to show you how he and his staff teach children to be lifelong learners. http://www.silveroaklearningcenters.com/. Jim can be reached at jim.helriegel@silveroaklc.com
May 23: Environmental Commission meeting
When I first moved into town in 2002 I joined the Environmental Commission. While I am not a member of the Environmental Commission anymore, I do enjoy attending their meetings and working with the members. We have some volunteers ready to fill the membership vacancies. The Commission discussed the status of the solar ordinance, and tree ordinance. The Commission is looking into applying to become a sustainable municipality. Sustainable New Jersey is a certification program for municipalities in New Jersey that want to go green, save money, and take steps to sustain their quality of life over the long term ( http://www.sustainablejersey.com ). Participating in the program costs the municipality nothing and it is good for the environment. The Commission will be providing the Committee with some information on the program and will be requesting a resolution from us supporting the program. I look forward to receiving the information and deliberating the subject with the rest of the Committee.
May 24: My Visit to the Franklin Township Elementary School
Since becoming Mayor in January I made it a point to visit our students once a month- one grade each month. This month I visited our 4th and 5th grade classes. Unlike the earlier grades, I just can’t get away with reading some stories and answering a few questions. Fourth and fifth graders are much more of a challenge and it demonstrated to me just how much a child learns and progresses in the first few years of their lives. I am looking forward to participating in the school awards ceremony in June.
May 25: Land Use Board Work Session
Our work session consisted of discussing a farmland preservation plan and farmland master plan element. We also discussed the basis for our current zoning, the status of the solar ordinance, and reviewing the need for a long range strategic township plan.
May 26: Township Committee Work Session Meeting
The Committee unanimously adopted resolution 2011-43 approving the 2011 amended municipal budget. Over the last 4 months the Committee has diligently reviewed the budget by line item, and every consideration has been given to keep the tax impact at minimal level. Given current economic conditions and with state aid remaining flat, the Committee explored partnering with neighboring municipalities for police services, building department services, and municipal court services. Even though we are allowed to raise the appropriation by two percent, there will be no municipal tax increase. The State of New Jersey controls the increases in insurance and pension cost, which was the biggest jump in our budget. Non-union employees are now paying back 10% of their health insurance cost and 20% for family; these contributions will continue to increase up to 30% for individual health insurance and 100% of family cost by 2015. New employees will be contributing 30% of individual and 100% of family cost from the get go. Every municipality in this State has a tough challenge ahead of them. We are proud of the fact that we are not cutting any services to the Township residents. The Hunterdon Democrat covered our budget vote in this article:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2011/05/franklin_twp_sets_public_heari.html
In an effort to reduce costs, the Committee is considering eliminating the position of Public Safety Director. Many supporters of our Public Safety Director came to this meeting to express their support and to tell us of his contributions to the community. As I told residents that night, you are never, ever wasting your time participating in the democratic process- and what appeared to be a “done deal” by those present, turned into a reprieve (approved by the Committee 4-1) giving the Committee two weeks to focus on the responsibilities of Public Safety Director, and to revisit some fiscal negotiations with our employee that were not clear when first concluded by members of the Committee. The Hunterdon Democrat covered this topic in this article:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2011/05/franklin_township_officials_ap.html
We approved ordinance 2011-05 which amended our construction fees. The Township had not revised construction fees in several years and some categories were much lower than our neighboring municipalities and the state minimum requirements. While it is never a joyous occasion to increase user fees, it was necessary to do so.
May 30: Memorial Day Service
While I did not serve in our nation’s military, my father served with the Coast Guard in Viet Nam, my grandfather with the Navy Seabees in World War II, and my great-grandfather with the Army in World War I.
Our service honored five township residents who died fighting during World War II: Orrin Boice, Fred Dissler, Andrew Hodulik, Robert Leusenring and Porter Little.
Elementary School essay winners Anna Piparo read aloud her essay on pioneer aviator Jacqueline Cochran ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacqueline_Cochran ), and Frank Jannuzzi read his essay on Deborah Sampson ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deborah_Sampson )who impersonated a man and served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
Following the essays, Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm Persian Gulf War veteran Candace Padover spoke about her experiences growing up in a military family and serving our country during a time of war.
After the ceremony I took a few minutes to view the monument dedicated to our five township residents who gave themselves for our country. I drive by this monument nearly every day, and on my school visits I’ve stopped by to read the monument, but today was special; I would love to know who these men were but the page of history is quickly turning on those still alive to remember. The Hunterdon Democrat covered the Service and the article can be viewed here: http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2011/05/at_franklin_township_school_re.html
This meeting was a very unique meeting of the Township Committee. We needed the work session in order to introduce the budget amendment at the May 12 meeting. Either the Finance Subcommittee could have met, formed the amendments and brought them to the full Committee for review, or the Committee could meet and form the amendments in a public venue and discuss the budget at the work session. I chose to have the budget work session so the public can have a chance to observe and comment on the way we amended the budget. Every line item was announced and either approved as presented or amended; our accountant and Finance Director were on hand to offer us advice and to record our decisions. Ron Matthews and Bill Colantano deserve recognition for working with us and for turning around the changes we made into the amended budget in short time.
May 11: Land Use Board
As Mayor, I am a voting member of the Land Use Board, and on May 11 the Board began public hearings on the Garden State Growers property. The hearing addressed storm water management issues and site specific agricultural practices. The public was given ample time prior to and during the Applicant’s testimony to comment and view the plans. After several hours of testimony and public comment, the hearing was carried to June 8, 2011. For those who wish to view the plans or hydraulic studies, contact our Township Clerk.
May 12: Township Committee Regular Meeting
We accepted resignations effective June 30 from our Director of Finance Ron Matthews, his assistant Joan Tigar, and our Chief Municipal Finance Officer Michael Balogh. We are actively advertising for a replacement CFO and are willing to go the shared services route.
We introduced and approved the 2011 Amended Municipal Budget and scheduled the public hearing for May 26. The budget for 2011 is $2,732,362.92.
The Committee agreed to a Memorandum of Agreement between the Township and the Franklin Police Department. The concessions made by our officers helped us bridge the budget gap for 2011. A lot work by both the Committee and the officers resulted in cooperation and communication in a way that allowed such an agreement to transpire. Our police department budget remains a very large ticket item and I look forward to working with the police- and each of our departments for that matter- on working together for ways to decrease expenses and increase revenue, if appropriate.
We approved Resolution 2011-33 establishing employee benefits cost sharing plan. Non-union employees are now paying back 10% of their health insurance cost and 20% for family; these contributions will continue to increase up to 30% for individual health insurance and 100% of family cost by 2015. New employees will be contributing 30% of individual and 100%.
School Budget: In April, voters rejected the proposed tax levy of $4.9 million to support the school’s $5.06 million operating budget by 315 votes to 260. Defeated school budgets go before the Township Committee- we can decrease the budget, approve it as presented, or increase the budget. After the budget was defeated, our school subcommittee met with the school officials and went over their budget line by line. Prior to the school budget vote, I met with school officials and familiarized myself with the budget. Given the amount we cut from the 2010 budget (about $450,000), and this year’s budget reflected a two percent increase ($90,000), the Committee unanimously agreed to approve the budget as presented by the Board of Education. This was not a vote I took lightly: on one hand you respect the majority of voters, and on the other you need to do what is best for the community. Through my communication with residents and reading the comments on nj.com, I have observed and experienced just about the same amount of “thanks” and “anger” from residents for voting the way I did. Of our approximate 2,200 registered voters, I am bit disappointed that only 570 (26%) voted on the school budget- we’re talking about two thirds of your property tax bill, folks. Gov. Christie wants to move the school board elections to the November general elections- now that is something I bet we can all agree on. The Hunterdon Democrat covered our Committee’s decision here:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2011/05/franklin_twp_committee_votes_t.html
May 21: Ribbon Cutting at the Silver Oak Learning Center
My son Ryan and I attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Silver Oak Learning Center (formerly KnowledgePoints) located at 62 Walmart Plaza (second level). President and owner Jim Helriegel gave Ryan and me a tour of the facility. Please visit Jim and I am sure he will be more than happy to show you how he and his staff teach children to be lifelong learners. http://www.silveroaklearningcenters.com/. Jim can be reached at jim.helriegel@silveroaklc.com
May 23: Environmental Commission meeting
When I first moved into town in 2002 I joined the Environmental Commission. While I am not a member of the Environmental Commission anymore, I do enjoy attending their meetings and working with the members. We have some volunteers ready to fill the membership vacancies. The Commission discussed the status of the solar ordinance, and tree ordinance. The Commission is looking into applying to become a sustainable municipality. Sustainable New Jersey is a certification program for municipalities in New Jersey that want to go green, save money, and take steps to sustain their quality of life over the long term ( http://www.sustainablejersey.com ). Participating in the program costs the municipality nothing and it is good for the environment. The Commission will be providing the Committee with some information on the program and will be requesting a resolution from us supporting the program. I look forward to receiving the information and deliberating the subject with the rest of the Committee.
May 24: My Visit to the Franklin Township Elementary School
Since becoming Mayor in January I made it a point to visit our students once a month- one grade each month. This month I visited our 4th and 5th grade classes. Unlike the earlier grades, I just can’t get away with reading some stories and answering a few questions. Fourth and fifth graders are much more of a challenge and it demonstrated to me just how much a child learns and progresses in the first few years of their lives. I am looking forward to participating in the school awards ceremony in June.
May 25: Land Use Board Work Session
Our work session consisted of discussing a farmland preservation plan and farmland master plan element. We also discussed the basis for our current zoning, the status of the solar ordinance, and reviewing the need for a long range strategic township plan.
May 26: Township Committee Work Session Meeting
The Committee unanimously adopted resolution 2011-43 approving the 2011 amended municipal budget. Over the last 4 months the Committee has diligently reviewed the budget by line item, and every consideration has been given to keep the tax impact at minimal level. Given current economic conditions and with state aid remaining flat, the Committee explored partnering with neighboring municipalities for police services, building department services, and municipal court services. Even though we are allowed to raise the appropriation by two percent, there will be no municipal tax increase. The State of New Jersey controls the increases in insurance and pension cost, which was the biggest jump in our budget. Non-union employees are now paying back 10% of their health insurance cost and 20% for family; these contributions will continue to increase up to 30% for individual health insurance and 100% of family cost by 2015. New employees will be contributing 30% of individual and 100% of family cost from the get go. Every municipality in this State has a tough challenge ahead of them. We are proud of the fact that we are not cutting any services to the Township residents. The Hunterdon Democrat covered our budget vote in this article:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2011/05/franklin_twp_sets_public_heari.html
In an effort to reduce costs, the Committee is considering eliminating the position of Public Safety Director. Many supporters of our Public Safety Director came to this meeting to express their support and to tell us of his contributions to the community. As I told residents that night, you are never, ever wasting your time participating in the democratic process- and what appeared to be a “done deal” by those present, turned into a reprieve (approved by the Committee 4-1) giving the Committee two weeks to focus on the responsibilities of Public Safety Director, and to revisit some fiscal negotiations with our employee that were not clear when first concluded by members of the Committee. The Hunterdon Democrat covered this topic in this article:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2011/05/franklin_township_officials_ap.html
We approved ordinance 2011-05 which amended our construction fees. The Township had not revised construction fees in several years and some categories were much lower than our neighboring municipalities and the state minimum requirements. While it is never a joyous occasion to increase user fees, it was necessary to do so.
May 30: Memorial Day Service
While I did not serve in our nation’s military, my father served with the Coast Guard in Viet Nam, my grandfather with the Navy Seabees in World War II, and my great-grandfather with the Army in World War I.
Our service honored five township residents who died fighting during World War II: Orrin Boice, Fred Dissler, Andrew Hodulik, Robert Leusenring and Porter Little.
Elementary School essay winners Anna Piparo read aloud her essay on pioneer aviator Jacqueline Cochran ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacqueline_Cochran ), and Frank Jannuzzi read his essay on Deborah Sampson ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deborah_Sampson )who impersonated a man and served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
Following the essays, Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm Persian Gulf War veteran Candace Padover spoke about her experiences growing up in a military family and serving our country during a time of war.
After the ceremony I took a few minutes to view the monument dedicated to our five township residents who gave themselves for our country. I drive by this monument nearly every day, and on my school visits I’ve stopped by to read the monument, but today was special; I would love to know who these men were but the page of history is quickly turning on those still alive to remember. The Hunterdon Democrat covered the Service and the article can be viewed here: http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2011/05/at_franklin_township_school_re.html
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