| Author | Message | ||
     Jerry Ryan Citizen Username: Gerardryan Post Number: 1168 Registered: 5-2001 |
The Township Committee will meet on Tuesday March 4 at 8PM in Maplewood Town Hall on Valley Street. The meeting will be simulcast on Comcast channel 35. I am including the draft agenda, below; if you have any questions, post them here and I will try and get them answered. Jerry Ryan ----- AGENDA TOWNSHIP OF MAPLEWOOD MARCH 4, 2003 1. SALUTE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG 2. STATEMENT 3. ROLL CALL 4. REPORTS FROM DEPARTMENTS 1. Library Director – January 2003 5. BOARD OF HEALTH 6. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES 7. SPECIAL PRESENTATION TO GOVERNING BODY – Maplewood Village Alliance – 2003 Budget 8. BUDGET INTRODUCTION 9. DH/FP INTRODUCTION OF NEW ORDINANCE (Read by Title)(Ord. No. 2206-03) AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 123 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MAPLEWOOD ENTITLED “FEES” MOTION SECOND – Roll Call (hearing to be held March 18, 2003) 10. PUBLIC COMMENT 11. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS A. Michele Meade, Township Administrator B. Roger J. Desiderio, Esq., Township Attorney C. Peter Fresulone, Chief Financial Officer/Tax Collector D. Douglas Ball, Township Engineer E. Elizabeth J. Fritzen, Township Clerk 12. REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS 13. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Parking Restrictions on Elmwood Avenue near Winchester Gardens 2. Redevelopment Zones 14. IG/FP CONSENT AGENDA 15. PUBLIC COMMENT 16. ADJOURNMENT – To meet again March 18, 2003 CONSENT AGENDA MARCH 4, 2003 1. RESOLUTION NUMBER 31-03 DESIGNATING A BUS STOP WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP OF MAPLEWOOD, ESSEX COUNTY NEW JERSEY 2. RESOLUTION NUMBER 32-03 EXTENDING LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MAPLEWOOD AND CROWN ATLANTIC COMPANY, LLC 3. Approval of January 21, 2003 Minutes 4. Bills and Claims | ||
| Ed May Citizen Username: Edmay Post Number: 1220 Registered: 9-2001 |
Jerry What time is the Public Comment? Can I be the first to speak out against the anti-war resolution that you, Vic and David passed over the objections of Ian and Fred? Please allow plenty of time for all the people speaking out against that resolution. Ed May | ||
| anon Citizen Username: Anon Post Number: 403 Registered: 6-2002 |
Ed: I thought people were most upset that the TC spent so much time on this. Now you want them to spend more time? Why will that do any good? And wouldn't your time be better spent getting signatures on a petition supporting your point of view? | ||
| sbenois Citizen Username: Sbenois Post Number: 987 Registered: 10-2001  |
Dearest Anon, Prior to 9 PM on 2/18, the Township of Maplewood did not have an official position on whether the United States of America ought to be entering into a war with Iraq. Unfortunately, all five members of the TC then decided to allow a scheduled presentation to be made on the subject. Two hours and 45 minutes later, the town DID have an official position thanks to three of them. It is now completely fair game to raise because it is on the town's books. We own it. The TC, by passing the resolution, MADE it a local issue. One could argue, quite easily, that there is far greater justification for the debate NOW than there was prior to 9pm two weeks ago. It is a BIG difference. But while I have the attention of all of the wizards, may I make a special request? As you will undoubtedly soon realize, my 1000th post is coming shortly along with all of the maudlin moments that I will make up. In my honor, I was wondering if you would introduce a resolution to formally proclaim March Sbenois Month. As you all know, being Maplewood's leading salesman, industrialist, and second best pancake flipper, I have done so much for the town that it really does cry out for recognition. Or something. Originally, I had hoped to have Baker street renamed in my honor but then I was told that it would cost too much money to have the maps changed because I wanted BLVD fully spelled out. Anyway, it would be awully nice if you internationally focused boys would do something to let the people of the world know that you cherish peace and good looking local industrialists. I know I can count on you. | ||
| Ed May Citizen Username: Edmay Post Number: 1228 Registered: 9-2001  |
Number One: Maybe the TC will recant (recount?)before the meeting so that we do not waste any more time. Number Two: Why should I gather signatures to oppose something that the TC had no business ruling on in the first place? Number Three: If I got signatures on a petition, what would keep the TC from changing whatever our resolution said? Number Four: If enough people come to the microphone to complain against the resolution maybe the TC will hear our voices and do the right thing. Number Five: Maybe the local media will report the growing opposition to the resolution if we all come up to the microphone. Number Six: Citizens of Maplewood standing at the microphone calling the TC to task for creating foreign policy will make an interesting sound bite for the NYC TV station that may be covering the event. Ed May | ||
| jgberkeley Supporter Username: Jgberkeley Post Number: 2860 Registered: 5-2001 |
Rather than Blvd. spelled out,would Rue work for you? | ||
| anon Citizen Username: Anon Post Number: 408 Registered: 6-2002 |
Ok, I guess there is going to be further discussion at the TC of foreign policy and the juridiction of the TC. Then might there be a repeal of the Resolution or a new Resolution and then might those who disagree with that action come to the next TC meeting and on and on and on.... Ed, I didn't mean that the petition supporting the President would necessarily be presented to TC, but that it would just be a way for Maplewoodians who support the Pres. and disagree with the TC to express themselves. | ||
| Joan Citizen Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 1461 Registered: 5-2001 |
I agree with Anon. Too much of the TC's time has already been spent on national foreign policy. It is time to move on. Please allow the TC to deal with the matters they were elected to give the majority of their attention to. | ||
| Dave Ross Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 4324 Registered: 5-2001  |
Ed and others have as equal a right to address the TC as did the SMPA. Perhaps moreso, as they didn't download a commando PR packet from a neo-marxist political group's web site. | ||
| Joan Citizen Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 1463 Registered: 5-2001 |
Dave: As Sbenois so eloquently pointed out, we all now have the right to address this TC on any issue of national or global impct we choose, not just the "anti-war" resolution adopted at the last TC meeting. Just because we have this right, doesn't mean it is in the best interests of our community for us to do so. If our elected TC can't show a little discretion in these matters, perhaps it is up to the rest of us to show them how. | ||
| mck Citizen Username: Mck Post Number: 502 Registered: 5-2001 |
Sorry Joan, I disagree with you and agree emphatically with Dave. I don't want another resolution, or petition for the reasons Ed said. But 10-15 minutes spent objecting to the TC's overreaching in response to SMPA's underhandedness will be well spent. I will also ask them to direct Mr. Paul and Miss Mary to get Maplewood's name off the citiesforpeace web site. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 926 Registered: 9-2001 |
Given all the comments thus far, I have to agree with Ed when he said: "Number One: Maybe the TC will recant (recount?) before the meeting so that we do not waste any more time." That would make the most sense and probably end this type of thing for the future. Hey, there's nothing wrong with eating a little crow now and again.  | ||
| Paul Surovell Citizen Username: Paulsurovell Post Number: 71 Registered: 2-2003 |
Ed et al, At the last TC meeting everyone wishing to oppose the resolution was given an opportunity to speak. I'm not seeing any arguments on this thread that were not made on Feb 18th. In fact, someone (sorry I didn't get her name, maybe she's on this thread) read a statement from Ed May opposing the resolution on the 18th. In the interest of avoiding a time-consuming rehash of the arguments made on February 18th by advocates from both sides, and in the interest of furthering community harmony, I suggest the two sides jointly prepare a document which lists the views of each side that would be presented to the TC during the public comment section. The document could also be presented to the News-Record for the community's consideration. The presentation could include comments by a representative from each side, up to 5 minutes. I would be happy to work on this Sunday and/or Monday evening. Anyone interested? (973-763-9493) | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 928 Registered: 9-2001 |
Paul, Your plan appears to be a fairly practical and wise idea. The only problem is, I'm afraid you're a day late, and a dollar short.  Your suggestion would have had a better chance to resolve this issue if presented at the get go. The argument now is not so much about the war as it is the right for the TC to represent Maplewood, for, or against the war! Please, ask yourself if the issues of America going to war were NOT the purpose to address the TC at the last meeting, would you really still want your TC spending their time on all the other national issues handled by the US Congress? I hope not! Look, opinions are like you know what, we all have one! I’m sorry, but I still have to favor Ed’s suggestion that the TC renounce last weeks decision before the next meeting so that we all don’t waste any more time on this heart wrenching subject. One last thing Paul, giving them the benefit of the doubt, I hope we all agree that the TC only wants to allow residents the opportunity to be heard on the issues. So they listened, and they listened, and they listened… They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and I believe it’s true! This Tuesday night the residents again want to be heard; only now because of putting themselves in the middle of all this, the TC also stand responsible for pulling us all apart as a community. Therefore, if we want peace in our town, as much as we want peace in the Middle East, I hope we will all realize that the best solution for Maplewood is to request that the TC gets back to the business of running our town, NOT continue to set as rivals, neighbors against neighbors. Thanks, and best wishes. Art | ||
| Dave Ross Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 4327 Registered: 5-2001 |
Actually, Paul, there was NO discussion after the edits to the resolution and before the vote. | ||
| Paul Surovell Citizen Username: Paulsurovell Post Number: 72 Registered: 2-2003 |
Art and Dave, It is my recollection that every speaker who opposed the resolution on Feb 18th opposed it on the basis that the TC has no business passing a resolution on national issues. I haven't seen any arguments on this thread that weren't already addressed to the TC. My proposal is intended to provide a mechanism and a structure to enable both sides to address the issue as an alternative to both sides lining up at the mic to speak. Again, I'm speaking not of the merits of whether the US should launch war without UN Security Council approval, but of whether the TC has the right to pass a resolution on such an issue. At the same time a document representing both sides could be created and distributed to the public via publication in the News-Record (hopefully) or distributed directly to the public by the interested parties. This way the issue could be considered by a wide range of the community. Of course, we could do both -- line up at the mic at the next TC meeting, and afterwards create a document for distribution. My offer stands for either scenario. | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 930 Registered: 9-2001 |
Paul, you just don’t get it, do you? For God’s sake man, there’s nothing to be considered at town hall!!! Please, let me try again. As is suggested, if the TC just backs away from their past position and refuses to hear anything more on issues of national concern, then the entire matter is mute... It's the end of the story, everyone can contact their representatives in congress and go back home happy!! (Well, in a manner of speaking they can.) | ||
| Ed May Citizen Username: Edmay Post Number: 1233 Registered: 9-2001 |
I still plan to speak out against the resolution and the damage it is doing at the next TC meeting as planned and I hope others will do the same. Ed May | ||
| ajc Citizen Username: Ajc Post Number: 938 Registered: 9-2001 |
Jerry, I didn't notice any mention on the agenda as to when the committee plans to allow further discussion on the SMPA issue. IMHO, and in the spirit of fairness for those not involved in that issue, would you all be willing to please hold off any further public comment on that matter until after the committee has addressed the regular full TC agenda for the evening? ie: 13. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Parking Restrictions on Elmwood Avenue near Winchester Gardens.  2. Redevelopment Zones. 14. IG/FP CONSENT AGENDA 15. DISCUSSION BY TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE – Regarding introducing a resolution to formally proclaim March as "Sbenois Month." 16. DISCUSSION BY TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE – Regarding presentation by South Mountain Peace Action. 17. PUBLIC COMMENT  18. ADJOURNMENT – To meet again March 18, 2003. | ||
| Steven Brent Citizen Username: Sbrent Post Number: 167 Registered: 9-2002  |
Quote from Paul: It is my recollection that every speaker who opposed the resolution on Feb 18th opposed it on the basis that the TC has no business passing a resolution on national issues. (end quote) That's inaccurate. My main argument was that the SMPA and its representatives had no business manipulating the machinery of our local government in order to confer a false legitimacy and "weight" to a petition which ought to have been submitted in the names of the organizations and individuals who favored it. Others listened to the words of Zurofsky and others and heard, not a message of Peace, but a denunciation of America as a force for good, snide remarks about the illegitmacy of our current administration, and a cheap attempt to paint George Bush in the same colors as Saddam Hussein. Apparently the majority of our town council fell for the ruse. Some of us, however, are not so gullible and are not so easily swayed. this space for rent |
