June 27 – July 10, 2010

It has been interesting watching the action in Trenton over the last few weeks as our state legislators and Governor wrangled over and finally agreed to a 2% cap on property tax increases. There are exceptions to the rule which include healthcare costs, pension costs, debt service, capital expenditures and emergency allocations. To exceed the cap there needs to be voter approval (50 percent plus one).
As a local elected official does the 2% cap make my job easier or harder? Let’s just say at this point in time it makes it more “interesting”. There are many state reforms in the works for property tax relief initiatives. As your locally elected official I need to continue to find ways to stretch our dollar when it comes to our municipal budget and expenditures. While we just passed the 2011 budget in May, it is never too early to be thinking about next year’s budget. As the folks in Trenton flex their muscles, I will do my best to report back to Franklin residents how we will be affected.

Monday June 28 Environmental Commission
The Commission lacked a meeting quorum so they were not able to act on official business but there were enough present to have some lively, non-binding discussions! The Committee will meet again on July 12 and they intend on working on a septic maintenance education document that will be inserted into all resident’s tax bill in August. We have had over 60 responses to our voluntary septic registration form- thank you to all who have participated so far!

Thursday July 8 Township Committee
Boy was it hot on the second floor of the municipal building. Sure we had 2 AC window blasting but a little extra ice in the drinks wouldn’t have hurt. Since we all wanted to be home before Lebron James made his big announcement we trudged mightily through the democratic process and ended our meeting at 8:50 pm. I am kidding about us all wanting to go home early because of King James- I think our meeting was shorter than usual because Committeeman McGeary was absent but that’s just my opinion.

On our agenda and official business conducted included the following:
• We approved our June 24 executive session and regular meeting minutes.

• Out tax collector reported collecting $106,036.79 for the month of June. We “paid the bills”- the check run totaling $989,085.86.

• We approved Ordinance 2010-16 authorizing $37,000 for the purchase of a sport utility vehicle for the Department of Public Safety.

• We approved Resolution 2010-54 increasing the bid threshold for contracting units governed by the Local Public Contracts Law from $21,000 to $26,000. We established our quote threshold at $3,900. Both of these figures will be in effect fro 5 years. When preparing myself for this vote I found this link from the NJ League of Municipalities most helpful: http://www.njslom.org/magart0607_pg34.html

• Quakertown Fire Company Chief Brad Patkochis gave the Committee a 6 month status report since the QFC took over the EMS services in town. The original study recommended 6 month status reports. Thank you Brad for following the recommendations made in the report. Chief Patkochis reported 90 medical emergencies since 12/18/2009; in no instances have they not been able to field a crew for a call. They continue to recruit new people, and they have been able to deliver emergency medical services to the town as promised. Chief Patkochis continues to talk with residents and community groups about the EMS services. For more information on the QFC check out their website at http://www.quakertownfire.com/ or just stop by the station I am sure they would be happy to give you a tour.

• We approved Resolution 2010-57 declaring that third quarter 2010 tax bills will not be available for mailing prior to the “the 25th day preceding August 10 (you do the math) and that the taxes are not subject to interest “until the later of: August 1; or the 10 day grace period, or the 25th day after the tax bills for third quarter are mailed”. File under “boring but important”.

• We approved Resolution 2010-58 acknowledging receipt of a redeemed tax sale certificate for Block 16, Lot 56 in the amount of $11,053.74, and $6,300,00.

• Police Director Mandoli gave his June 2010 report which included 145 motor vehicle summonses, 126 motor vehicle warnings, four adult arrests, and 3 warrants served. There were 16 animal complaints and besides the dog and cat calls there were a number of bear calls as well. Bears are no joke for those who have been a little too close for comfort- I have twice while hiking Mt. Tammany at the Delaware Water Gap. Here is a website that offers tips on dealing with bears: http://www.njskylands.com/ecobears.htm. Director Mandoli also reported on the a full scale emergency exercise was held at the township school- 150 emergency responders had the opportunity to practice their life saving skills in an emergency scenario which was in this case a straight line wind reaching 80 mph and then a tornado hitting the school. Sound far-fetched? Not to me- last July a straight line wind hit my property and knocked 2 trees onto the roof of my house!

• The Committee accepted the Public Works June monthly report. The DPW has been busy with mowing, equipment maintenance and repair, hot asphalt repairs, sign installations, and maintaining our recycling center on Locust Grove Road.

• James Ingram of Evergreen Environmental http://www.evergreenenvironmental.com/main.html spoke to the Committee about the possible outright purchase or purchasing an easement from the town on a township owned property- Lot 17.04 in Block 26 (the EMS Building on CR 513). Reason being: Evergreen Environmental creates/restores/enhances / preserves wetlands, riparian buffers, and wildlife habitats. They were hired by TRANSCO- Transcontinental Pipeline Company to restore wetlands for them as they disturb wetlands in areas where they are expanding / building natural gas pipelines. Evidently TRANSCO is in the neighborhood and Lot 17.04 is a good candidate for wetlands restoration. The Committee expressed an interest in this proposal and asked our township attorney to look further into it. There is more to it than what I can explain in this blog- call me should you have any questions I can explain it better in person.

• Our township clerk gave us her monthly report- highlights include receipt of 60 septic registration forms, OPRA request update, and working with the State Division of Archives and Records Management on records retention matters.

• We approved Resolution 2010-55 acknowledging the retirement of Plumbing Subcode Official Stewart Doddy effective August 1, 2010.

• I reported to the Committee that the Recreation Commission did not meet in July due to lack of a meeting quorum.

In my last blog entry I forgot to mention that we received our Year 2009 Audit. Good reading if you like audits- regardless for those armchair economists who believe they can help the township save on costs, stop down to the municipal building and ask to see a copy of the 2009 audit. I welcome your comments and thoughts.