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Gerardryan
Citizen
Username: Gerardryan
Post Number: 901
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 2, 2002 - 4:06 pm: |     |
The next meeting of the Township Committee will be on Tuesday, August 6 at 8PM in Town Hall on Valley Street. The meeting will be simulcast on Comcast Channel 35. Post any questions that you might have as a followup to this thread and I will be glad to get them answered for you.
Jerry Ryan
Township Committee
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AGENDA
TOWNSHIP OF MAPLEWOOD
AUGUST 6, 2002
1. SALUTE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG
2. STATEMENT
3. ROLL CALL
4. REPORTS FROM DEPARTMENTS
5. HONORARY RESOLUTIONS – Monique Woodland
Tracey George
6. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
A. Swimming Pool Advisory Committee
Deb Ceccacci
7. BOARD OF HEALTH
8. GR/BL ORDINANCE ON FINAL PASSAGE
(Read by Title)(Ord. No. 2191-02)
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 271
OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF
MAPLEWOOD ENTITLED “ZONING AND
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS”
(Statement by Chair that the Ordinance has been published,
copies posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal
Building and copies made available to the general public
in accordance with the law)
HEARING
MOTION
SECOND – Roll Call
9. DH/GR ORDINANCE ON FINAL PASSAGE
(Read by Title)(Ord. No. 2194-02)
AN ORDINANCE REQUESTING THE ESSEX
COUNTY CLERK TO PRINT ON THE NOVEMBER 5, 2002 GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT OF THE VOTERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MAPLEWOOD A REFERENDUM ON THE QUESTION OF A STATE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
(Statement by Chair that the Ordinance has been published,
copies posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal
Building and copies made available to the general public
in accordance with the law)
HEARING
MOTION
SECOND – Roll Call
10. CK/BL RE-ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE
(Read by Title)(Ord. No. 2193-02)
BOND ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF
MAPLEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF ESSEX,
NEW JERSEY RE-APPROPRIATING $180,675.49
PROCEEDS OF OBLIGATIONS NOT NEEDED FOR THE ORIGINALLY AUTHORIZED PURPOSES AND RE-APPROPRIATING THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $180,675.49 TO FINANCE VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS OF THE TOWNSHIP
MOTION
SECOND – Roll Call
11. PUBLIC COMMENT
12. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A. Township Administrator – Michele Meade
B. Township Attorney – Roger J. Desiderio, Esq.
C. Township Engineer – Douglas Ball
D. Township Clerk – Elizabeth J. Fritzen
13. REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS
14. AUTHORIZATION TO RECEIVE BIDS – Engineering
1. Springfield Avenue Improvements Phase 1 – Revised
2. North Terrace Beacon Light Replacement
3. Replacement of the Hilton Branch Boiler
4. Civic House Electric Supply Improvements
15. DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Inspection and Licensing of all rental units
2. New and Used Car Dealer Licensing
3. Villa Terrace Parking
4. Dog Run
5. Shade Tree Report
6. September 11th Memorial Event
16. CONSENT AGENDA
17. PUBLIC COMMENT
18. ADJOURNMENT – To meet again September 3, 2002
CONSENT AGENDA
AUGUST 6, 2002
1. RESOLUTION NUMBER 97-02
CONTRACT EXTENSIONS FOR POOL
CHEMICALS
2. RESOLUTION NUMBER 100-02
AUTHORIZING THE CANCELLATION OF
UNREDEEMED CHECKS
3. Approval for “Maplewood in Motion” to hang a banner in
Maplewood Village from October 6 through October 20, 2002
for their “Maplewood in Motion SK”
4. Approval for the following Block Parties:
A. St. Lawrence Avenue on Saturday September 3rd with
a rain date of Sunday September 4, 2002 from 5:00 P.M. until 10:00 P.M.
B. Highland Avenue between Parker Avenue and
Midland Blvd., on Saturday September 14th with a
rain date of Saturday September 21, 2002 from
3:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
C. Plymouth Avenue between Summit Avenue and
Burnett Avenue on Saturday September 14th with a
rain date of Saturday September 21, 2002 from
3:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
D. Plymouth Avenue between Ivy Terrace and Oakland
Road on Saturday September 7th with a rain date of
Sunday September 8, 2002 from 2:00 P.M. until
7:00 P.M.
E. Euclid Avenue between Ridgewood Road and Wyoming Avenue on Saturday September 14th with
a rain date of Saturday September 21, 2002 from
3:00 P.M. until 10:00 P.M.
5. Bills and Claims
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Joancrystal
Citizen
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 882
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 2, 2002 - 7:48 pm: | |
Jerry:
Two questions on the Constitutional convention issue which I posted to Vic's thread in soap box last week but which have yet to receive an answer last time I looked:
1. Assuming that a constitutional convention is approved, would this convention focus exclusively on school funding or would it be able to address any State constitutional issues? If yes, what other issues are likely to be discussed? Is it likley that school funding would be discussed at all?
2. Assuming that a constitutional convention were to be held for the express and exclusive purpose of exploring alternatives to school funding, what is the liklihood that any new means of allocating school funding directly by the State would result in Maplewood receiving even less funding than it does at present? In other words, could such a convention harm us if there were not enough votes present among the deligates to pass measures favorable to school districts like ours with a large school-age population and few non-residential ratables? |
Gerardryan
Citizen
Username: Gerardryan
Post Number: 902
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 4, 2002 - 12:28 am: | |
Joan: Your questions speculate as to what might happen and what might be approved. I don't know that it is possible for anyone to give a specific answer to either of your questions. Everyone talking about this issue is talking about a constitutional convention limited to the school funding question, but who knows what, if anything, might be approved by the legislature? And since no such convention has been called, answering question two would be nothing but the purest speculation, both on a personal level and on a townwide level.
What seems fair to me is that some or all of the state-mandated per-student T&E funding come from the state. I hope we can convince the state to make that happen. |
Joancrystal
Citizen
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 890
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 4, 2002 - 1:56 pm: | |
Thanks, Jerry. |
Ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 406
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 4, 2002 - 3:14 pm: | |
Vic or Jerry,
It appears that the TC has a lot on the plate for this coming weeks township committee meeting. However, I still would like to receive answers on my previously asked questions on the restricted parking issue. Can we handle this on line, or shall we do it Tuesday night?
Q1. Who is monitoring the trial period on Parker and Burr; what was the result of the study; why has it taken an extra six plus months to complete; is the study complete; has anyone notified the church; and who will be doing the monitoring on Elmwood Avenue, and is there anything I can do to hurry up the process?
Q2. Exactly what is being monitored; what purpose does the monitoring serve; and could the study result in an repeal of the ordinance?
Q3. Is it written anywhere what process a resident must take to repeal an ordinance, or to at least bring it back before the TC for reconsideration? If so, where do I get a copy?
While we're at it, I would appreciate answers to several other questions regarding the towns failed Order to Show Cause Motion last week, which the TC filed against Les Saisons and me. During the past week I have received many requests for information that the town is better qualified to answer then I am.
Q4.1. Would you please share your comments with the community on the outcome of the Order To Show Cause court hearing held last week?
Q5. Is the town willing to take a neutral position on this matter, or is it the intention of the committee to continue to put my bed and breakfast and me out of business?
Q6. Do you agree with the Superior Court of NJ recommendation that the Board of Adjustment is where this matter should be resolved?
Q7. Being that I have agreed to come before the Board of Adjustment tomorrow night, is the town now willing to withdraw its own application to the Board on my property, and allow mine to go forward as originally filed?
I was informed on-line that it’s not right to question our town volunteers on political matters, so a few more questions please…
Q8. In this weeks NR, Anne Jungkvist, in a Letter to the Editor stated, “All the funds needed for past and future projects come out of our pool revenue, not tax dollars.” I was told the TC borrowed money from the pool fund and pays on a Bond with our tax dollars, to repay the money. What is the town’s position on this issue? (6(A))
Q9. Isn’t there a similar matter with the TC borrowing money from the Friends of the Library Fund? Is this money also being repaid through another Bond issue? Is the Bond before the committee for repairs to the library such a bond?(14(3))
Q10. I understand that our reserve account is at the lowest level in many years. Is this reserve a place where the TC also goes for money when it needs it? I understand it is a reserve account, but a reserve for what? I always thought it was for an emergency, not just money to run the town.
Q11. Being these are mostly financial questions handled by a financial officer, has the town hired a new one yet? No offense to either of you, but I always believed the financial officer had one of the most important positions in town.
Q12. Will the TC vote on the "Perfect Solution" for the dog run issue this week? (15(4))
I’m sorry to put forth so many questions at one time, but I have so many more I need answered. I feel this might be best to handle some questions on-line, rather than take up too much time at the public meeting. Thank you. Art Christensen
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Cfa
Citizen
Username: Cfa
Post Number: 522
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 5, 2002 - 2:56 pm: | |
Art,
You had your questions numbered 1 through 12 but I counted 25 questions asked. Is this a little excessive? I am glad you asked them here, rather than the TC meeting. That would make for a loooonnnnnggggg night.  |
Drewdix
Citizen
Username: Drewdix
Post Number: 198
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 5, 2002 - 4:02 pm: | |
Jerry,
Can you briefly outline how the "constitutional convention" would convene if it happened, and how it interacts, or does not, with the existing elected state govt.?
I understand it would be a separate body of new individuals; which I suspect is why the Governor isn't visible on the matter because of a potential loss of power. |
Vicdeluca
Citizen
Username: Vicdeluca
Post Number: 158
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 5, 2002 - 5:11 pm: | |
Drew and Joan
There are bills in the Senate and Assembly that explain the proposed convention.
You can get info by visiting www.njleg.state.nj.us
Go to Bill Search on the right side of the window.
Enter S478
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Gerardryan
Citizen
Username: Gerardryan
Post Number: 903
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 5, 2002 - 5:45 pm: | |
Art: see you at the meeting.
I've already stated any times, to you and to many others, that you are supposed to appear before the board of adjustment. All activity by the town has been toward that end, as you well know.
I'll leave the rest of your statements to the rhetoric of your political campaign :-)
The township HAS interviewed a new CFO. The person's name, and the details about start date, etc. will probably be announced on Tuesday.
Drew: if approved, there would be an election for delegates to the constitutional convention. I think there are a set of delegates from each legislative district, plus some appointees. The delegates would have to draw up a constitution, or a series of amendments, that would then be submitted to the voters... perhaps it would have to go past the legislature first. I don't know if the "loss of power" is what folks fear. We are in an environment where all taxes are viewed as bad, and anyone who raises 'em is worse. Legislators may be looking at a new constitution as an automatic higher income tax (which it would be), and they may oppose it for that reason. Another possible reason to oppose it would be the fear of a weakening of or loss of home rule. |
Ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 410
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 5, 2002 - 5:54 pm: | |
Cfa,
As you can see on this thread, questions are asked and no answers are given, why is that?
Could you see how after a reasonable time the questions begin to build up? Are they hard questions? Are they fair questions? Are they stupid questions? Do they deserve any answers? Do any of them? Would you like to answer them? Can anyone reading the thread answer them?
Can you see how fast they ad up? Lets see, how many questions is that? Are you glad you asked? |
Ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 411
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 5, 2002 - 6:35 pm: | |
Jerry,
As I've already stated many times, to you and to many others; I proved the use to the town years ago, that's in writing. The town made no demand to go before the Board in 1998, because it was only necessary to do so if I wanted a Certificate of Non-conformity which I didn't.
In early 2002, when the town denied the Certificate of Non-conformity they sent me on September 19. 2000, the one I that I never asked for, I then agreed for the sake of cooperation to apply to the Board.
After I applied, the town then issued summons and brought me to Municipal Court. That not being enough, you brought me to Superior Court, that not being enough you file your own application before the Board in addition to mine....
Now you want me to believe "All activity by the town has been toward that end." What end, I applied already!
Jerry, as you well know, and I hope the rest of the town will see, all your activity opposing this matter, and all of your statements defending it, are rhetoric of your own political agenda.
Yes, and I'll see you tonight.... |
Brianoleary
Citizen
Username: Brianoleary
Post Number: 618
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, August 5, 2002 - 6:39 pm: | |
Jerry, the bills proposed in the legislature were drafted to create a funding solution that is revenue neutral. While the income tax is an option to replace or reduce the overreliance on property taxes to fund public education, the convention could and probably would consider a variety of options, including things like a statewide property tax rate or an amended sales or business tax.
I think the reticence to hold a convention comes from several quarters, among them the concern you've heard me express that this convention would be used to reverse Abbott vs. Burke. The most troubling thing to me is that the legislature has the power now to do what the convention is nominally expected to do. If this is not about Abbott, why can't our elected officials just do it? |
Cfa
Citizen
Username: Cfa
Post Number: 523
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 5, 2002 - 9:07 pm: | |
Whew! My head is spinnin!  |
Nohero
Citizen
Username: Nohero
Post Number: 961
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 5, 2002 - 9:44 pm: | |
The constitutional convention being endorsed would deal only with the issue of property taxes. The "thorough and efficient" clause of the state constitution would not be on the table.
I agree, it would be better if the legislators simply acted to remedy this situation, and to end the over-reliance on property taxes. There is, of course, one small obstacle to get around with respect to this eminently reasonable, and more desirable, result:
THESE BOZOS ARE SO AFRAID OF PHONIES LIKE CHRISTIE WHITMAN, WHO GET ELECTED BY RUNNING AGAINST THE INCOME TAX, AND THEN BALANCE THEIR BUDGETS BY CUTTING LOCAL AID AND MORTGAGING THE FUTURE, THAT THEY ARE PARALYZED INTO INACTION.
That is why a community such as ours needs to express its will through the proposed referendum. |
Brianoleary
Citizen
Username: Brianoleary
Post Number: 621
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 6, 2002 - 11:11 am: | |
lol.. good use of color, but I am reserving judgement on the all caps, Nohero. We differ on the wisdom of the convention, but in the Springsteen universe, this is a small diversion |
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