From time to time I will use my blog to communicate what holding elected office means to me; here are some of my random observations after my first 6 months on the job:
1. The elected office is bigger than any person; people come and go but the title of the elected office prevails. Even on the local level, this premise holds true.
2. 2010 being my first year on the Finance subcommittee, I look forward to serving in the same capacity during next year’s municipal budget preparation. I am following our different department’s spending patterns so as we go through this budget cycle next year I will have had the advantage of observing a spending cycle.
3. It has been a busy 6 months- some of the issues that I spent substantial time with included the defeated fire budget, the Wahba hearing, preparing the municipal budget, and the defeated school budget. All of these issues were very important and I could not imagine not giving each issue 110% of my effort and time.
4. The June primaries have resulted in most likely two new committeepersons being sworn to office in January 2011- Vigdis Austad, and Sue Campbell. Congratulations to them both and I look forward to working with them. I have heard some folks grumbling about why Sue and Vigdis haven’t yet attended a committee meeting and I have this to say: I didn’t begin to attend regularly until after the November elections- out of respect for the person I was replacing on the Committee. After November I began getting my involvement with more intensity so I would be able to hit the ground running in January. So Sue and Vigdis- enjoy your nights for now because work awaits you!
5. I am planning on spending the remaining 2010 working on 1) next year’s municipal budget, 2) help the Board of Education- however I can- on completing their addition on time, 3) working with the Land Use Board and Environmental Commission with some ordinances that have been “hanging around” for awhile, 4) continue to work with the Recreation Commission on their projects and programs, and 5) whatever else pops up on the radar.
6. I have begun exploring the options/costs for a “community shred” at one of our household cleanup Saturdays… a shred event for sensitive papers, etc. Some towns do it and I am following up on some internet resources I found. If anyone reading this is a) vehemently opposed to this, or b) is in favor and would like to help, please email me or call 908-797-4140.
7. The online news sources are here to stay. I still subscribe to the Hunterdon Democrat newspaper but I also read the local online news sources- including the comments section which I joking refer to as the peanut gallery. The comment section on the online news provides people with a way to be heard with an option of not revealing one own’s identity; views range from contributory and sensitive, to the inaccurate and hurtful. This anonymity bothers some people, others are indifferent to it, and some ardently support the right to anonymity. I fall into the indifferent category. One thing I’ve learned while a committeeman- my thoughts and decisions are public fodder and are attributed to me- for better or for worse and it would be nice if everyone could contribute to the issues with the same courtesy. I consider “peanut gallery” comments a fact of life, and something that has a place in the public record so type away keyboard cowboys but before hitting “send” I ask that you read what you have typed aloud and imagine saying it at a packed public forum.
8. At the June 7 Board of Ed meeting Rich Cavallaro spoke to the Board about the possibility of a public park at the parcel behind the school that the Board owns. This discussion has sparked the debate about the need / desire to have a public park, and if so, where, and what will it have? The Township Committee has requested that the Land Use Board take the helm on this one and prepare a Recreation Element for our Master Plan. An example of a Recreation Master Plan Element can be found for Hopewell Township here: http://www.hopewelltwp.org/Open_Space-Recreation_Plan_Element.pdf Each town is different, and we have a lot of this information already, it has not been collected and reviewed as a whole. The master plan is considered the guiding document of a municipality and with a Recreation Element we can make sure that any public time or monies that are invested into a park we will know that the decision to do so was made with up to date, accurate information with the recommendations of the Land Use Board. I fully expect the Recreation Commission to have a say in the preparation of this Element so stay tuned.
Overall, I am truly enjoying being a Committeeman. The subject matter is exciting, the work is for a good cause. As always, I want to hear what you have to say so speak up, it is your right.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
June 13 – June 26, 2010
Tuesday June 15 REPAIR Meeting (Restore Programs and Improve intra-community Relations)
Those present: Chris Piparo, Kate Mahoney, John Gomez, Lyn Charibind, Paul Dahan, Alba Burdick, Dan Connor, Janine Gordan, Joanne Coe, Christine Thompson, Minga Cullen, Dr. Harttraft, Delores Wright, Nicky Noscar, Roberta Fleming, and Kim Lundgren
Mr. Piparo provided a PowerPoint handout- it was very brief and covered ground rules, topics, objectives, committee members. Summarized quickly, there are 4 important subject matter: 1) short term budget issues, 2) public perception / communication, 3) getting future school budgets approved, and 4) long term planning issues.
The meeting also included discussion on the following:
1) whether an "educational foundation" is needed to do this type of work rather than the REPAIR committee;
2) a change in public perception is needed;
3) there is a need to publicize the good things the school does with the community, not just for themselves, i.e.: food bank, jeans day for charity- "there is good stuff the school is doing that is not getting across"
4) the town should look for ways to increase the tax base;
5)"this is a bridge year, we are looking for ways to bring back funds and build revenue".
6) work on publicizing the program called CAST: "community and staff working together... another way of asking residents to work lunch and playground duty.
7) there is a successful "artist-in-residency" program; talk of expanding that idea into other careers / hobbies and interests..
There are 2 more meetings scheduled: July 13, and August 17. There were some folks who were invited but were not in attendance. All those present expressed no objection to being named as a REPAIR member. Mr. Piparo did mention that some folks he approached did not want to be part of the committee. The meeting started at 3:30 PM and ended promptly at 5:00pm.
Comments #4 concerning increasing our tax base and #5 about generating revenue are areas where I know I can be the most helpful, so I am looking forward to the next 2 REPAIR meetings to see how we brainstorm on ways to increase our tax base and increase revenue for the school.
===========
Wednesday June 23 Franklin Land Use Board Meeting
The Board heard 2 zoning applications of which both I had to recuse myself- a proposal to add panels to an existing communications tower, and the second application seeking variances to construct a garage. At the next meeting (July 14), the school board is expected to be in attendance to provide a status update on the school addition.
===========
Thursday June 24 Township Committee Meeting
Where is everyone? Nothing else better to do on a Thursday night? Come on down to the municipal building- we have air conditioning! We also have a pretty lousy sound system at this time which we hope to remedy soon.
Highlights from the meeting include:
1. Approved 5/27 and 6/10 meeting minutes;
2. Payment of Bills, we are going to look into the Aramark floor rug service- we think it might be not necessary and will give us some additional savings.
3. Public Safety: An emergency drill is scheduled at the township school on Monday June 28.
4. First reading of ordinance 2010-06 authorizing the purchase of a sport utility vehicle for the Dept of Public Safety for $37,000
5. Approved Resolution 2010-51 granting a liquor license renewal for the Quakertown Recreation Club
6. Approved Resolution 2010-52 granting a liquor license renewal for the Clinton Elks Lodge
7. Approved Resolution 2010-26A and 26B granting a liquor license renewal for Clinton Wine & Spirits, Inc.
8. Rich Cavallaro spoke to the Committee about his meeting with the Board of Education in which he discussed having a public park behind the school building. His talk generated comments from those present in the audience.
9. John Demarais of the Open Space Committee gave us a report on ongoing land acquisitions and possible future acquisitions.
10. Land Use Board Chairman Jim Stryker gave us a Land Use Board update, and provided comment on the public park discussion.
11. I announced that the Environmental Commission is going to help prepare an insert about septic maintenance which will be included in the tax bills which go out to property owners annually in July.
12. Plumbing Subcode Official Stewart Doddy announced his retirement effective August 1, 2010.
13. We went into executive session and came out with a publically announced decision: we let go our township attorney Valerie Kimson and hired Anthony Koester as her replacement effective June 25. Mr. Koester is part of the law firm of Dilts & Koester in Flemington. Their website is: http://www.hunterdonlegal.com/. Things just were not working out with Ms. Kimson; I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.
Those present: Chris Piparo, Kate Mahoney, John Gomez, Lyn Charibind, Paul Dahan, Alba Burdick, Dan Connor, Janine Gordan, Joanne Coe, Christine Thompson, Minga Cullen, Dr. Harttraft, Delores Wright, Nicky Noscar, Roberta Fleming, and Kim Lundgren
Mr. Piparo provided a PowerPoint handout- it was very brief and covered ground rules, topics, objectives, committee members. Summarized quickly, there are 4 important subject matter: 1) short term budget issues, 2) public perception / communication, 3) getting future school budgets approved, and 4) long term planning issues.
The meeting also included discussion on the following:
1) whether an "educational foundation" is needed to do this type of work rather than the REPAIR committee;
2) a change in public perception is needed;
3) there is a need to publicize the good things the school does with the community, not just for themselves, i.e.: food bank, jeans day for charity- "there is good stuff the school is doing that is not getting across"
4) the town should look for ways to increase the tax base;
5)"this is a bridge year, we are looking for ways to bring back funds and build revenue".
6) work on publicizing the program called CAST: "community and staff working together... another way of asking residents to work lunch and playground duty.
7) there is a successful "artist-in-residency" program; talk of expanding that idea into other careers / hobbies and interests..
There are 2 more meetings scheduled: July 13, and August 17. There were some folks who were invited but were not in attendance. All those present expressed no objection to being named as a REPAIR member. Mr. Piparo did mention that some folks he approached did not want to be part of the committee. The meeting started at 3:30 PM and ended promptly at 5:00pm.
Comments #4 concerning increasing our tax base and #5 about generating revenue are areas where I know I can be the most helpful, so I am looking forward to the next 2 REPAIR meetings to see how we brainstorm on ways to increase our tax base and increase revenue for the school.
===========
Wednesday June 23 Franklin Land Use Board Meeting
The Board heard 2 zoning applications of which both I had to recuse myself- a proposal to add panels to an existing communications tower, and the second application seeking variances to construct a garage. At the next meeting (July 14), the school board is expected to be in attendance to provide a status update on the school addition.
===========
Thursday June 24 Township Committee Meeting
Where is everyone? Nothing else better to do on a Thursday night? Come on down to the municipal building- we have air conditioning! We also have a pretty lousy sound system at this time which we hope to remedy soon.
Highlights from the meeting include:
1. Approved 5/27 and 6/10 meeting minutes;
2. Payment of Bills, we are going to look into the Aramark floor rug service- we think it might be not necessary and will give us some additional savings.
3. Public Safety: An emergency drill is scheduled at the township school on Monday June 28.
4. First reading of ordinance 2010-06 authorizing the purchase of a sport utility vehicle for the Dept of Public Safety for $37,000
5. Approved Resolution 2010-51 granting a liquor license renewal for the Quakertown Recreation Club
6. Approved Resolution 2010-52 granting a liquor license renewal for the Clinton Elks Lodge
7. Approved Resolution 2010-26A and 26B granting a liquor license renewal for Clinton Wine & Spirits, Inc.
8. Rich Cavallaro spoke to the Committee about his meeting with the Board of Education in which he discussed having a public park behind the school building. His talk generated comments from those present in the audience.
9. John Demarais of the Open Space Committee gave us a report on ongoing land acquisitions and possible future acquisitions.
10. Land Use Board Chairman Jim Stryker gave us a Land Use Board update, and provided comment on the public park discussion.
11. I announced that the Environmental Commission is going to help prepare an insert about septic maintenance which will be included in the tax bills which go out to property owners annually in July.
12. Plumbing Subcode Official Stewart Doddy announced his retirement effective August 1, 2010.
13. We went into executive session and came out with a publically announced decision: we let go our township attorney Valerie Kimson and hired Anthony Koester as her replacement effective June 25. Mr. Koester is part of the law firm of Dilts & Koester in Flemington. Their website is: http://www.hunterdonlegal.com/. Things just were not working out with Ms. Kimson; I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
May 30 – June 12, 2010
Tuesday June 1 was the monthly Recreation Commission meeting. A quorum was not present so no official business could be conducted. Summer Program Director Joanne Hyland was in attendance and she presented the Summer Recreation program being held July 12-23. For more information on the summer program check out:
http://www.franklin-twp.org/Franklin_Township_Recreation_registration_school.pdf
I learned that at the May 27 Township Committee meeting, resident Richard Cavallaro was appointed to the Recreation Commission. Welcome aboard Richard, thank you for volunteering your time to Franklin Township.
==========================
Tues June 7: the Board of Education meeting.
The Hunterdon Democrat filed two reports on the meeting- one on the impacts of the school board budget, and the second- a presentation on ideas for a public park.
First, the school budget:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2010/06/franklin_township_school_offic.html
I attended the meeting, and while the impact of the budget is substantial, I was encouraged by Minga Cullen- a teacher at the school and head of the teacher’s local union. As the paper reported, she told parents to “try to get some sleep, and things will work out”. Listening to Ms. Cullen I was given the impression that the teachers are ready to perform under the new budget and are ready for the challenge of a new teaching plan.
Here is Superintendent Dr. Chrys Hartraft’s latest update (June 11) on the school budget and building addition:
http://www.ftschool.org/FTS_HOME/FTS_Home_New_files/parent%20ltr%206-11.pdf
Second, the Idea of a Public Park:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2010/06/franklin_twp_school_build_a_pa.html
Richard Cavallaro spoke to the Board about the possibility of building a park on a 20.8 acre parcel the school owns- behind the school abutting Locust Grove Road. I am glad the topic of an active recreation park is being discussed, the concept is something that I support but I am not sure if this location is the best for the township. All options should be explored, beginning with hearing from residents of the pros and cons of a park in the township and an inventory / cost and benefit assessment of potential park locations. This isn’t something that is going to happen overnight; I want to hear from you what- if any- park you envision for Franklin. I am a land use planner and I have some ideas but I want to hear from you too. A few side notes / commentary about the presentation by Mr. Cavallaro: 1) Rich was just appointed to the Rec Commission- so recently that he hasn’t yet to be formally introduced to them - that should happen at the July meeting. Rich and I discussed this and he went into the meeting not as a Rec Commission representative, but as a resident. While the Rec Commission discusses what their role should be- if any- with the park, I ask that the Land Use Board look into preparing a Recreation Element to the master plan.
This June 15 I will be attending the first meeting of a community group called REPAIR- Restore Programs and Improve intra-community Relations. The group will include teachers, school board members, members of the Township Committee, and citizens. I am eager to come up with some workable solutions to reinstating the programs that were cut and to generate new channels of communication and relations.
===============
Tues June 8: the Primary Election
Congratulations to Susan Campbell and Vigdis Austad for winning the Republican primary for Township Committee (3 year term). Get to know them at their website
http://www.ftvote.com/Site/Meet_the_Township_Committee_Candidates.html
Should there be no challenges in the General election this November, I look forward to working with Ms. Campbell and Ms. Austad on the Township Committee in 2011.
Congratulations also to elected County Republican Committee members Scott Sautner & Laura Gilmore (District 1), Martin Bercaw & Susan Blew (District 2), and Mike Innella & Matt Peterson (District 3). To learn more about the newly elected Republican Committee members, check out their bios at:
http://www.ftvote.com/Site/Meet_the_County_Republican_Committee_Candidates.html
Susan Blew is not listed on the above website, but here is some info on the farm Susan and her family own and operate:
http://www.ftschool.org/fourth/historic.farms/oak.grove/oak.grove.index.html
I am eager to meet with the Republican Committee members; they all play an important role in choosing candidates to run on the Republican Party platform here in town, and they also vote at county Republican functions. I think it would be great and would welcome and applaud the move to put together a website to inform the public with what the Republican Committee does, when they meet, etc.
==========
Thursday June 10 was the Township Committee meeting. A quick rundown of our actions:
1. We approved meeting minutes for May 18 (Special and Executive Session).
2. We approved Ordinance 2010-02 which amended the “Police Department” Chapter 75 of the Code book. The changes were “house cleaning” in nature- deleted the title “Director of Public Safety, and replaced it with “Police Director”. The notice was printed in the Hunterdon Democrat on June 3 and is now available at the Clerk’s Office for review.
3. We approved Bond Ordinance 2010-04 authorizing the improvement of West Sydney Road- a $350,000 job. Our bond down payment is 10%, or $35,000. The NJ Department of Transportation is contributing $150,000 towards the project.
4. We approved Ordinance 2010-05 authorizing the replacement of an Alamo boom mower head for the Dept. of Public works at a cost of $12,000- the funds coming from the Capital Improvement Fund. http://www.alamo-industrial.com/products/productview.asp?childcategoryid=9&parentcategoryID=4&productid=59
5. Tax Collector Linda Swackhamer reported for May 2010 we collected $2,053,555 in taxes.
6. We paid the bills. Of note: $2,080 paid to Ardito & Co. for the school budget audit$1,140 to Kasper Disposal for May household cleanup, and $22,250 to Stephen F. Smith, Jr., retired judge who was the hearing office for the Wahba matter.
7. Police Director Ken Mandoli gave his May 2010 monthly report which included 193 motor vehicle summonses, 158 motor vehicle warnings, 8 adult arrests, and 4 juvenile arrests.
8. Dept. of Public Works Supervisor submitted his May 2010 monthly report.
9. We passed Resolution 2010-48 certifying that the monies we received from a recycling tonnage grant are deposited in a dedicated recycling trust fund to be used solely for the purpose of recycling.
10. We passed Resolution 2010-49 which accepted bids for 2010 roadway maintenance and repair materials- we combined purchasing power with Delaware and Kingwood Townships to help get the best prices. Of the 4 bidders (Stavola, Flemington Bituminous, Trap Rock Industries, and Garden State Asphalt), Stavola was the winning bidder.
11. We approved a 39 month, $153 / month copier lease for our Cannon Image Runner 3245 copier.
12. We approved Resolution 2010-46 re-appointing Township Clerk Ursula Stryker as municipal clerk for June 14, 2010 – June 14, 2013. You do a great job Ursula, congratulations!
13. We authorized a professional services agreement with John O’ Reilly, Esq. for a single matter pertaining to Wahba litigation in an amount not to exceed $20,000. For more information on the Wahba matter, go to the Hunterdon County Superior Court in Flemington and ask to see docket # L-287-10. You will have access to everything the Town Committee has, and you can draw your own conclusion.
14. Our Township Zoning Office submitted his monthly report for May 2010- six zoning applications.
15. We approved Resolution 2010-44 agreeing to hire George Reichert as Construction Official on an as-needed basis for $25.00 per inspection.
16. We approved Resolution 2010-45 agreeing to hire Phillip Izzo as substitute inspector (Building Dept.) for $25.00 per inspection.
17. We approved Resolution 2010-41 setting the open space tax rate at 5 cents per $100 of assessed value.
18. We approved Resolution 2010-47 agreeing to a construction and maintenance agreement for common access to Lots 1.03, 1.04, and 1.02 in Block 25 with the condition that the existing driveway be relocated within 60 days or less and that the area of the previous driveway be restored to grass.
19. We approved Resolution 2010-50- a “resolution of appreciation” for the following volunteers that ensure that the Township newsletter reaches residents in a timely manner: Joan Boyd, Carol Fox, Dottie Hartsell, Beverly Hockenbury, Helen Ihling, Karen Mullen, and Dot Ruggerio. Thank you ladies, your work is not unrecognized.
=========
http://www.franklin-twp.org/Franklin_Township_Recreation_registration_school.pdf
I learned that at the May 27 Township Committee meeting, resident Richard Cavallaro was appointed to the Recreation Commission. Welcome aboard Richard, thank you for volunteering your time to Franklin Township.
==========================
Tues June 7: the Board of Education meeting.
The Hunterdon Democrat filed two reports on the meeting- one on the impacts of the school board budget, and the second- a presentation on ideas for a public park.
First, the school budget:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2010/06/franklin_township_school_offic.html
I attended the meeting, and while the impact of the budget is substantial, I was encouraged by Minga Cullen- a teacher at the school and head of the teacher’s local union. As the paper reported, she told parents to “try to get some sleep, and things will work out”. Listening to Ms. Cullen I was given the impression that the teachers are ready to perform under the new budget and are ready for the challenge of a new teaching plan.
Here is Superintendent Dr. Chrys Hartraft’s latest update (June 11) on the school budget and building addition:
http://www.ftschool.org/FTS_HOME/FTS_Home_New_files/parent%20ltr%206-11.pdf
Second, the Idea of a Public Park:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2010/06/franklin_twp_school_build_a_pa.html
Richard Cavallaro spoke to the Board about the possibility of building a park on a 20.8 acre parcel the school owns- behind the school abutting Locust Grove Road. I am glad the topic of an active recreation park is being discussed, the concept is something that I support but I am not sure if this location is the best for the township. All options should be explored, beginning with hearing from residents of the pros and cons of a park in the township and an inventory / cost and benefit assessment of potential park locations. This isn’t something that is going to happen overnight; I want to hear from you what- if any- park you envision for Franklin. I am a land use planner and I have some ideas but I want to hear from you too. A few side notes / commentary about the presentation by Mr. Cavallaro: 1) Rich was just appointed to the Rec Commission- so recently that he hasn’t yet to be formally introduced to them - that should happen at the July meeting. Rich and I discussed this and he went into the meeting not as a Rec Commission representative, but as a resident. While the Rec Commission discusses what their role should be- if any- with the park, I ask that the Land Use Board look into preparing a Recreation Element to the master plan.
This June 15 I will be attending the first meeting of a community group called REPAIR- Restore Programs and Improve intra-community Relations. The group will include teachers, school board members, members of the Township Committee, and citizens. I am eager to come up with some workable solutions to reinstating the programs that were cut and to generate new channels of communication and relations.
===============
Tues June 8: the Primary Election
Congratulations to Susan Campbell and Vigdis Austad for winning the Republican primary for Township Committee (3 year term). Get to know them at their website
http://www.ftvote.com/Site/Meet_the_Township_Committee_Candidates.html
Should there be no challenges in the General election this November, I look forward to working with Ms. Campbell and Ms. Austad on the Township Committee in 2011.
Congratulations also to elected County Republican Committee members Scott Sautner & Laura Gilmore (District 1), Martin Bercaw & Susan Blew (District 2), and Mike Innella & Matt Peterson (District 3). To learn more about the newly elected Republican Committee members, check out their bios at:
http://www.ftvote.com/Site/Meet_the_County_Republican_Committee_Candidates.html
Susan Blew is not listed on the above website, but here is some info on the farm Susan and her family own and operate:
http://www.ftschool.org/fourth/historic.farms/oak.grove/oak.grove.index.html
I am eager to meet with the Republican Committee members; they all play an important role in choosing candidates to run on the Republican Party platform here in town, and they also vote at county Republican functions. I think it would be great and would welcome and applaud the move to put together a website to inform the public with what the Republican Committee does, when they meet, etc.
==========
Thursday June 10 was the Township Committee meeting. A quick rundown of our actions:
1. We approved meeting minutes for May 18 (Special and Executive Session).
2. We approved Ordinance 2010-02 which amended the “Police Department” Chapter 75 of the Code book. The changes were “house cleaning” in nature- deleted the title “Director of Public Safety, and replaced it with “Police Director”. The notice was printed in the Hunterdon Democrat on June 3 and is now available at the Clerk’s Office for review.
3. We approved Bond Ordinance 2010-04 authorizing the improvement of West Sydney Road- a $350,000 job. Our bond down payment is 10%, or $35,000. The NJ Department of Transportation is contributing $150,000 towards the project.
4. We approved Ordinance 2010-05 authorizing the replacement of an Alamo boom mower head for the Dept. of Public works at a cost of $12,000- the funds coming from the Capital Improvement Fund. http://www.alamo-industrial.com/products/productview.asp?childcategoryid=9&parentcategoryID=4&productid=59
5. Tax Collector Linda Swackhamer reported for May 2010 we collected $2,053,555 in taxes.
6. We paid the bills. Of note: $2,080 paid to Ardito & Co. for the school budget audit$1,140 to Kasper Disposal for May household cleanup, and $22,250 to Stephen F. Smith, Jr., retired judge who was the hearing office for the Wahba matter.
7. Police Director Ken Mandoli gave his May 2010 monthly report which included 193 motor vehicle summonses, 158 motor vehicle warnings, 8 adult arrests, and 4 juvenile arrests.
8. Dept. of Public Works Supervisor submitted his May 2010 monthly report.
9. We passed Resolution 2010-48 certifying that the monies we received from a recycling tonnage grant are deposited in a dedicated recycling trust fund to be used solely for the purpose of recycling.
10. We passed Resolution 2010-49 which accepted bids for 2010 roadway maintenance and repair materials- we combined purchasing power with Delaware and Kingwood Townships to help get the best prices. Of the 4 bidders (Stavola, Flemington Bituminous, Trap Rock Industries, and Garden State Asphalt), Stavola was the winning bidder.
11. We approved a 39 month, $153 / month copier lease for our Cannon Image Runner 3245 copier.
12. We approved Resolution 2010-46 re-appointing Township Clerk Ursula Stryker as municipal clerk for June 14, 2010 – June 14, 2013. You do a great job Ursula, congratulations!
13. We authorized a professional services agreement with John O’ Reilly, Esq. for a single matter pertaining to Wahba litigation in an amount not to exceed $20,000. For more information on the Wahba matter, go to the Hunterdon County Superior Court in Flemington and ask to see docket # L-287-10. You will have access to everything the Town Committee has, and you can draw your own conclusion.
14. Our Township Zoning Office submitted his monthly report for May 2010- six zoning applications.
15. We approved Resolution 2010-44 agreeing to hire George Reichert as Construction Official on an as-needed basis for $25.00 per inspection.
16. We approved Resolution 2010-45 agreeing to hire Phillip Izzo as substitute inspector (Building Dept.) for $25.00 per inspection.
17. We approved Resolution 2010-41 setting the open space tax rate at 5 cents per $100 of assessed value.
18. We approved Resolution 2010-47 agreeing to a construction and maintenance agreement for common access to Lots 1.03, 1.04, and 1.02 in Block 25 with the condition that the existing driveway be relocated within 60 days or less and that the area of the previous driveway be restored to grass.
19. We approved Resolution 2010-50- a “resolution of appreciation” for the following volunteers that ensure that the Township newsletter reaches residents in a timely manner: Joan Boyd, Carol Fox, Dottie Hartsell, Beverly Hockenbury, Helen Ihling, Karen Mullen, and Dot Ruggerio. Thank you ladies, your work is not unrecognized.
=========
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
May 16 - May 29, 2010
This entry is a two for one special: two weeks in one post. For those of you who were left chomping on the bit last Monday without your weekly update of Franklin First- I apologize. To the rest of you: how lucky can you get?
Tuesday May 18 the Town Committee called for a "special meeting"- to discuss and take action on a revised resolution certifying the local tax levy for the Franklin Township School District (aka the school budget). The reason for the 5/18 special meeting: the previous resolution the Township Committee approved on 5/13 that included debt service levy- this should not have been included because that amount was previously approved by the voters in 2005. The special meeting would correct this oversight and substitute the $ difference by additional salary reductions. Another reason for the special meeting: there were some surplus corrections made by the Board of Education regarding anticipated amounts, and conflicting county recommendations on maintaining a minimum surplus amount.
When all was said and done we voted to keep the same $398,000 reduction we voted for on 5/13 (which was an increase of $25 per $100,000 assessed) but in order to keep the same reduction and accommodate the debt service the assessment was increased to $32 per $100,000 assessed.
On Saturday May 22 I attended a Land Use Board workshop session. Our planning, engineering, and law experts were on hand to update us on the latest in stormwater management, septic maintenance, planning, and land use law.
I was out of town and missed the May 26 Land Use Board meeting (d-variance hearings I couldn't participate anyway), and the May 27 Committee meeting. I understand that the municipal budget was passed. Once meeting minutes are available for me I will have more to report. The May 24 Environmental Commission meeting was canceled.
Tuesday May 18 the Town Committee called for a "special meeting"- to discuss and take action on a revised resolution certifying the local tax levy for the Franklin Township School District (aka the school budget). The reason for the 5/18 special meeting: the previous resolution the Township Committee approved on 5/13 that included debt service levy- this should not have been included because that amount was previously approved by the voters in 2005. The special meeting would correct this oversight and substitute the $ difference by additional salary reductions. Another reason for the special meeting: there were some surplus corrections made by the Board of Education regarding anticipated amounts, and conflicting county recommendations on maintaining a minimum surplus amount.
When all was said and done we voted to keep the same $398,000 reduction we voted for on 5/13 (which was an increase of $25 per $100,000 assessed) but in order to keep the same reduction and accommodate the debt service the assessment was increased to $32 per $100,000 assessed.
On Saturday May 22 I attended a Land Use Board workshop session. Our planning, engineering, and law experts were on hand to update us on the latest in stormwater management, septic maintenance, planning, and land use law.
I was out of town and missed the May 26 Land Use Board meeting (d-variance hearings I couldn't participate anyway), and the May 27 Committee meeting. I understand that the municipal budget was passed. Once meeting minutes are available for me I will have more to report. The May 24 Environmental Commission meeting was canceled.
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