Thursday May 13 was our regularly scheduled Township Committee meeting. Since the school budget was on the agenda, a change of venue took place- the meeting was held ad the Faith Chapel Wesleyan Church on 43 Lower Landsdown Road. There were perhaps 40-50 people in attendance.
The following Township Committee actions were taken:
1. Adopted meeting minutes (including executive session) for April 22 and April 29, 2010.
2. We approved the Tax Collector's April report for receipts and disbursements: we received $927,746 in taxes, which also include $38,969 in taxes from 2009.
3. We "paid the bills" by approving the check control register for dates 4/22/2010 to 5/13/2010. Big buck items included the 4/23 municipal payroll ($49,714), transfer the tax levy for the county, library, and county open space (total $523,085), transfer the tax levy for the township board of education ($822,374), and transfer the tax levy for the regional high school tax ($546,372).
4. We conducted the school budget hearing. Since the school budget vote, all committee members were very busy meeting / phone calls / emails with the Board of Education, school staff, and residents ; while all of this was taking place the accounting firm Ardito & Co. of Frenchtown examined the budget and identified potential budget reductions and revenue increases. The accountant recommended the following:
a) Increase by $120,000 surplus utilized as revenue. The district anticipates a $100,000 in free fund balance as of 6/30/11, also the district has $20,000 in food service surplus.
b) Transfer $72,248 in interest earnings from the capital projects fund to the debt service fund and use the funds as anticipated revenue in the 2010-2011 debt service budget.
c) Additional appropriation reductions totaling $206,266, including the reduction of 2 full time employees making $70,000 each, and 1 full time employee making $28,069.
The Committee agreed with the accountant’s recommendations and reduced the budget levy from $5,862,688 to $5,464,174 which results in a 2010 school tax increase by $25.65 for every $100,000 of assessed valuation- approximately a $100 increase for a property assessed at $400,000. The proposed school tax increase went from $213.59 additional tax for the average assessed value ($433,500) to $119.19 additional tax- a 55% decrease.
Personal commentary: I came to an initial conclusion that the budget should not be increased at all; I put pen to paper and was initially able to come up with $178,000 in reductions- and that included the 4.3% cut in teacher salaries. The accountant who reviewed the budget earned his $3,000 and provided us with a clear, concise report on how we can reduce the budget using accounting techniques, and by implementing reductions that would have the least impact on the students. I am disappointed that the teachers union did not agree to renegotiate raises or contract but that shoe is yet to drop- next year is a contract year and our fiscal issues may be settled now for 2010-2011 but they are far from over. The school and the committee will have to work together in years to come to explore ways to save money and increase revenue. As always, I welcome your comments.
5. Our Police Director gave his report for April 2010. Ten adult arrests were made, 122 motor vehicle summonses were made, 142 motor vehicle warnings were given.
6. Our DPW Supervisor gave his report for April 2010. Highlights include various DPW and Police vehicle service and repairs, road repairs, and equipment service and repair.
7. Mayor Jacukowicz and I gave our report for Planning, Zoning, and Construction Subcommittee: 6 zoning applications for April, zoning violation letter 4/22 for accessory structure built without a permit (Block 36, Lot 37), zoning violation letter 4/22 for outdoor storage violation (Block 36, Lot 30). Both of these violation letters are public record and are viewable at the Municipal Building.
8. Township Committee approved a resolution certifying the tax levy for the North Hunterdon- Voorhees Regional High School District representing a tax levy reduction of $406,000.
9. Township Committee approved a resolution authorizing the contract for professional services of Ardito and Co., LLP (school budget accountant) for an amount not to exceed $3,000 based upon an hourly rate of $165.00
10. Township Committee acted in the capacity of the Board of Health at which time we heard and approved a series of septic waiver requests for Block 30, Lot 4.
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On May 11 Tim Wahba filed a Notice of Appeal to the Superior Court in Flemington- within the allotted legal time frame for appeal.
Don't forget: May 27 is the public hearing for the municipal budget.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
May 2 - May 8, 2010
Tuesday May 4 I attended a Board of Education meeting which was originally scheduled as a combined Township Committee / Board of Education meeting to discuss the recently defeated school budget. Here is a link to the meeting announcement:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2010/05/franklin_twp_committee_cancels.html
I attended the meeting as a member of the public but let's be honest, as a committeeman I wanted to hear what the public had to say about the budget. I will never by-pass an opportunity to hear what the public has to say about any issue. There were probably about 70-90 folks at the meeting and about 30 of them spoke publicly of their support for the school budget and teachers. BOE President Chris Piparo did a splendid job presenting the budget which included new information from the 3/29 public hearing. The link to the BOE webiste is http://www.ftschool.org/FTS_HOME/BOE.html but you can't click on many of the budget powerpoint presentations.. disappointing.
The Township Committee is deciding on the budget on at 7:30 PM, Thursday May 13 at the Faith Chapel Wesleyan Church, 43 Lower Landsdown Road http://www.faithchapelwesleyan.com/DIRECTIONS.php
Since the school budget vote I have received many phone calls and emails from Franklin residents; I am diligently gathering information and public opinion and I will be ready to cast my vote on May 13. Even if you have thought about dropping me a line or a emailing me- do so- I've learned a-plenty from our residents.
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Due to the Board of Education meeting I was not able to attend the Recreation Commission meeting- I have not yet received an update from the Commission on what happened but as soon as I do I will let you all know.
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Thursday May 6 I attended the monthly Rural Awareness meeting
http://www.ruralawareness.org/
The winners of the annual student essay contest were announced, members were updated on the October House Tour, they agreed to allocate $1,500 for the repair of the little red schoolhouse roof, there was a brief discussion about their mission statement, the Hiram Deats Award, the pros and cons on joining Preservation New Jersey, and the recent removal of 2 Norway maple trees in front of the municipal building. I really enjoy attending the Rural Awareness meetings- even if I weren't in public office I would be a part of Rural Awareness- they do good work and they care about Franklin.
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Of note: it's pothole season... you don't need a hunting license and there is no limit.. if you notice potholes on township roads report it by contacting Public Works manager Alan Dilley at 908-735-8384. When he gets a call a crew goes out there and fixes it. We have about 35 miles of township roads that Alan and his crew does an excellent job maintaining them. To report a pothole on a county road call the Department of Roads and Bridges at 908-788-1178; for potholes on state highways call 800-768-4653.
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2010/05/franklin_twp_committee_cancels.html
I attended the meeting as a member of the public but let's be honest, as a committeeman I wanted to hear what the public had to say about the budget. I will never by-pass an opportunity to hear what the public has to say about any issue. There were probably about 70-90 folks at the meeting and about 30 of them spoke publicly of their support for the school budget and teachers. BOE President Chris Piparo did a splendid job presenting the budget which included new information from the 3/29 public hearing. The link to the BOE webiste is http://www.ftschool.org/FTS_HOME/BOE.html but you can't click on many of the budget powerpoint presentations.. disappointing.
The Township Committee is deciding on the budget on at 7:30 PM, Thursday May 13 at the Faith Chapel Wesleyan Church, 43 Lower Landsdown Road http://www.faithchapelwesleyan.com/DIRECTIONS.php
Since the school budget vote I have received many phone calls and emails from Franklin residents; I am diligently gathering information and public opinion and I will be ready to cast my vote on May 13. Even if you have thought about dropping me a line or a emailing me- do so- I've learned a-plenty from our residents.
====
Due to the Board of Education meeting I was not able to attend the Recreation Commission meeting- I have not yet received an update from the Commission on what happened but as soon as I do I will let you all know.
====
Thursday May 6 I attended the monthly Rural Awareness meeting
http://www.ruralawareness.org/
The winners of the annual student essay contest were announced, members were updated on the October House Tour, they agreed to allocate $1,500 for the repair of the little red schoolhouse roof, there was a brief discussion about their mission statement, the Hiram Deats Award, the pros and cons on joining Preservation New Jersey, and the recent removal of 2 Norway maple trees in front of the municipal building. I really enjoy attending the Rural Awareness meetings- even if I weren't in public office I would be a part of Rural Awareness- they do good work and they care about Franklin.
====
Of note: it's pothole season... you don't need a hunting license and there is no limit.. if you notice potholes on township roads report it by contacting Public Works manager Alan Dilley at 908-735-8384. When he gets a call a crew goes out there and fixes it. We have about 35 miles of township roads that Alan and his crew does an excellent job maintaining them. To report a pothole on a county road call the Department of Roads and Bridges at 908-788-1178; for potholes on state highways call 800-768-4653.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
April 25 - May 1, 2010
"Captain's Log, Stardate 43125.8. We have entered a spectacular binary star system in the Kavis Alpha sector on a most critical mission of astrophysical research."
Whoops, wrong blog; sorry.
April 26 found me at our Environmental Commission meeting where the Commission discussed different ideas for an article for the May township newsletter, the draft solar energy ordinance, and assisting with implementing the recently enacted septic maintenance ordinance. Commission member Jennifer Fisher updated the Commission on the Land Use Board applications. I updated the Commission on Township Committee activities. Overall, a good meeting. Too bad no one from the public attends- the Commission meets the last Monday of each month, 7:30 PM in the municipal building.
Due to a work related commitment I was unable to attend the April 28 Land Use Board meeting. As soon as I am provided with a copy of the meeting minutes I will update my blog to include what happened at the Land Use Board.
April 29 was my father’s birthday, and it was also the night that the Township Committee met and after deliberation we unanimously decided to terminate Patrolman Tim Wahba from the police department. Here is a link to the news article:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2010/04/franklin_township_officials_fi.html
Someone in the audience was filming and I heard the meeting may wind up on YouTube.. if it does I will provide the link because I believe it is important that the public be afforded the opportunity to see their governing body in action. YouTube just isn’t for music videos and stupid pet tricks.
My comments from the meeting (not verbatim- going by my notes) are as follows:
“As opposed to Committeeman Tarshis who is beginning his third term, I just finished my fourth month on the Committee. On this matter I had a lot of catching up to do: I read the hearing transcripts, the decision, and transcript of the recommendations of the hearing officer, Tim’s personnel file, and the Township Ordinance addressing police policies and procedures. As everyone else in this room, I am not thrilled to be here either. Keeping in mind the sensitivity of this personnel matter and the possibility of an appeal, I am keeping my comments to a minimum. However, I do urge the public to learn from the public record should this matter become public. I am comfortable with my vote to dismiss Tim Wahba from the police force; it is the right decision to make.”
The public portion of the special meeting started at 8:00 PM, and we adjourned at 8:33 PM. Neither Mr. Wahba nor his attorney was present. Public comment was minimal. As your elected official I will field all of your questions, I just can’t guarantee I can give you a complete and thorough answer unless the matter becomes available for public consumption compliments of the Superior Court in Flemington.
This is the first time I have been in a position of firing someone- not fun; I took this task very seriously. It seems that Tim has supporters in town-I hope now that they, his friends, and family can help him out as he begins a new chapter in his life.
Whoops, wrong blog; sorry.
April 26 found me at our Environmental Commission meeting where the Commission discussed different ideas for an article for the May township newsletter, the draft solar energy ordinance, and assisting with implementing the recently enacted septic maintenance ordinance. Commission member Jennifer Fisher updated the Commission on the Land Use Board applications. I updated the Commission on Township Committee activities. Overall, a good meeting. Too bad no one from the public attends- the Commission meets the last Monday of each month, 7:30 PM in the municipal building.
Due to a work related commitment I was unable to attend the April 28 Land Use Board meeting. As soon as I am provided with a copy of the meeting minutes I will update my blog to include what happened at the Land Use Board.
April 29 was my father’s birthday, and it was also the night that the Township Committee met and after deliberation we unanimously decided to terminate Patrolman Tim Wahba from the police department. Here is a link to the news article:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2010/04/franklin_township_officials_fi.html
Someone in the audience was filming and I heard the meeting may wind up on YouTube.. if it does I will provide the link because I believe it is important that the public be afforded the opportunity to see their governing body in action. YouTube just isn’t for music videos and stupid pet tricks.
My comments from the meeting (not verbatim- going by my notes) are as follows:
“As opposed to Committeeman Tarshis who is beginning his third term, I just finished my fourth month on the Committee. On this matter I had a lot of catching up to do: I read the hearing transcripts, the decision, and transcript of the recommendations of the hearing officer, Tim’s personnel file, and the Township Ordinance addressing police policies and procedures. As everyone else in this room, I am not thrilled to be here either. Keeping in mind the sensitivity of this personnel matter and the possibility of an appeal, I am keeping my comments to a minimum. However, I do urge the public to learn from the public record should this matter become public. I am comfortable with my vote to dismiss Tim Wahba from the police force; it is the right decision to make.”
The public portion of the special meeting started at 8:00 PM, and we adjourned at 8:33 PM. Neither Mr. Wahba nor his attorney was present. Public comment was minimal. As your elected official I will field all of your questions, I just can’t guarantee I can give you a complete and thorough answer unless the matter becomes available for public consumption compliments of the Superior Court in Flemington.
This is the first time I have been in a position of firing someone- not fun; I took this task very seriously. It seems that Tim has supporters in town-I hope now that they, his friends, and family can help him out as he begins a new chapter in his life.
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