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Gerardryan
| | Posted on Monday, July 2, 2001 - 11:30 am: |     |
Here is the agenda for the next Township Committee meeting.
Meetings begin at 8PM in Maplewood Town Hall on Valley Street, and are broadcast live on Comcast Channel 35.
Note that at this meeting we will finalize our budget. Because the county will not be finalized in time, we will be issuing estimated tax bills. The estimated tax bills will be based on the new assessments, the school rate, the town rate, and an estimated rate for the county (estimated to be unchanged). The tax rate on the estimated bills will be 2.98%. That rate will change if the county budget changes.
Post questions as a followup here and I will try and answer them.
Jerry Ryan
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AGENDA
TOWNSHIP OF MAPLEWOOD
JULY 3, 2001
1. STATEMENT
2. ROLL CALL
3. RESOLUTION ö Participation of Public
4. 8:00 P.M. ö Regular Session
5. SALUTE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG
6. STATEMENT
7. ROLL CALL
8. BL/GR CONSENT AGENDA
9. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
a. Arts/Maplewood ö 17 vacancies
b. Cable Television ö 2 vacancies
c. Environmental Committee ö 1 vacancy
d. General Board of Assessment ö 1 vacancy
e. Pool Advisory ö 4 vacancies
f. Rent Leveling Board ö 1 vacancy (tenant) 1 vacancy
(landlord) both alternates
g. Safety Committee ö 1 vacancy
h. Transportation Committee ö 1 vacancy
i. Youth Recreation ö 2 vacancies
j. Juvenile Conference Committee ö 3 vacancies
10. BL/CK RESOLUTION (Read by Title)(Res. No. 101-01)
BUDGET AMENDMENT
Hearing on Budget Amendment
Statement by Finance Chair
ADOPTION OF THE 2001 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
MOTION
SECOND ö Roll Call
11. GR/BL ORDINANCE ON FINAL PASSAGE (Read by Title)
(Ord. No. 2166-01)
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
(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 ö Roll Call
12. CK/BL ORDINANCE ON FINAL PASSAGE (Read by Title)
(Ord. No. 2170-01)
AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH
PROMOTIONAL PROCEDURES FOR
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WITHIN
THE TOWNSHIP OF MAPLEWOOD
(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 ö Roll Call
13. CK/GR INTRODUCTION OF NEW ORDINANCE
(Read by Title)(Ord. No. 2171-01)
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING A
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION
OF $50,000.00 FOR SEVERAL
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MAIN POOL
IN AND BY THE TOWNSHIP OF
MAPLEWOOD, IN THE COUNTY OF
ESSEX, NEW JERSEY AND AUTHORIZING
THE ISSUANCE OF $47,500.00 BONDS OR
NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP FOR FINANCING
PART OF THE APPROPRIATION.
MOTION
SECOND ö Roll Call
(hearing to be held July 17, 2001)
14. INVITATION TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE
15. REPORTS OF TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS
1. Police Chief ö May 2001
2. Chief Financial Officer ö May 2001
3. Director Memorial Library ö May 2001
16. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A. Administrator ö Michele Meade
B. Township Attorney ö Roger J. Desiderio, Esq.
C. Chief Financial Officer ö Colleen Honan
D. Township Engineer ö Douglas Ball
E. Township Clerk ö Elizabeth J. Fritzen
17. REPORTS OF ELECTED OFFICIALS
18. GR/BL RESOLUTION (Read by Title)(Res. No. 102-01)
AUTHORIZING ESTIMATED TAX
BILLS
19. INVITATION TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE
20. DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Cater Building
2. Communications Methods
3. Boy Scouts
21. ADJOURNMENT ö To meet again July 17, 2001 |
Lseltzer
| | Posted on Monday, July 2, 2001 - 4:23 pm: | |
Jerry,
I believe 2.98% is a big jump from last year's rate (adjusted). Where is the increase going? |
Eliz
| | Posted on Monday, July 2, 2001 - 4:51 pm: | |
If last year's adjusted rate is 2.66 then we are looking at an increase of 12%... I too would like to know where the increase is going. |
Dave
| | Posted on Monday, July 2, 2001 - 8:17 pm: | |
[edited to add: I just realized I'm in the Official Maplewood section. These questions should be addressed by appropriate people, not me. Posting deleted.] |
Gerardryan
| | Posted on Monday, July 2, 2001 - 10:19 pm: | |
The "2000 rate" was 2.77% (see the latest spreadsheets). The increase is in the town and school budgets (about 9 in the school and 12 in the town). See tomorrow night's meeting for details. The meeting will amend the introduced budget to account for additional grants and aid. |
Johnny
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 3, 2001 - 9:08 am: | |
It seems that 2.98% is much higher than earlier estimates for this years tax rate when the controversy about the revaluation was taking place. I remember hearing about 2.6%, then 2.7%, and so on. How could the town underestimate so badly. This whole process has left me very disappointed in the town government. |
Njjoseph
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 3, 2001 - 9:36 am: | |
Johnny, I was actually thinking how much LOWER it was. There reports that the estimate was up to 3.11%. Now I feel (a bit) better, but I don't believe it will end up being 2.98%. I think there will be enough increase in the county budget to push it over 3%. |
Gerardryan
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 3, 2001 - 9:40 am: | |
All of the numbers that have been discussed on this board have been very very very clearly identified as an indication of what the taxes WOULD HAVE BEEN in 2000 IF the revaluation had been in effect for that year. Those were not estimates, they were calculations based on actual information.
There was a LOT of speculation about what 2001 taxes would be, but you NEVER heard me or anyone else on the TC making a guess as to what the 2001 tax rate would be. We never knew what it would be, and we never said what it would be. We ALWAYS said that it would depend on the budgets that were passed. Many other people speculated 3.25% or higher on this board... that was pure speculation. |
Njjoseph
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 3, 2001 - 9:53 am: | |
Jerry, I know that, so I hope I didn't lead you to think that believed it. But some of our erudite posters were making estimates based on increases in the school budget and other little tidbits they heard about in the municipal budget. I'm sure you understand the concern of budgeting when the difference between 2.75% and 3.25% is thousands of dollars for some of us. When you think that the entire increase is spread over only two payments in the last half of the year, that makes it more important to have these estimates. |
Jgberkeley
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 3, 2001 - 1:19 pm: | |
I would like to see the budget sent back for rework. I would attend the meeting tonight to express this view, however, it is a holiday travel day and I have a family commitment to get to.
Rather than the town and the school get approval for funding increases, I'd like to see both be tasked to come in with a 5% each reduction from last years run rate. That would mean wiser use of funding and cutting of marginal programs.
Here, where I work, we are in our 3rd round of layoffs since January as sales are down. We have stopped programs and are reducing costs in all departments.
And, given the shock of the effect of the Reval, would it not be wise of the town to reduce expenses and not hit the tax payers with a double blow? |
Njjoseph
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 3, 2001 - 1:37 pm: | |
JG (I got it right, this time!), I understand exactly what you're saying. I'm not as optimistic as you are on this one, though, at least not with the municipality. Things like snow removal were very high this year compared to the almost non-existent costs for the last several years. Many roads are being repaved this year, but I suppose we can put some off for a year. We are also taking on Springfield Ave., which increases our costs.
I myself would look to the school system, but that is a very, very touchy area. We need to have our schools spend more time with our children than they had, say 30 years ago, but with this comes higher expenses. I know of no parents who can come up with programs that can result in lower costs, or ways of reducing teacher expenses, etc. All I seem to read is that this program or that is needed and can't be cut. Aren't they all, however? I, personally, can see where I'd make changes, but I'd be in the minority. I would, however, look to have parents pay or pay more for some of the programs that are currently free or very low cost especially for programs where a relatively low percentage of students take advantage. This could include a nominal charge for having your child in the tutoring program, dues for band members, paying for music lessons and after school programs. I would at least investigate along these lines. |
Jgberkeley
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 3, 2001 - 1:54 pm: | |
Njjoseph,
I'd like to see the schools address waste and un-wise spending. For example, I live next to a school. Two years ago A/C was added to large areas. I noted last summer, that while the school was closed the A/C was running all summer including a few older window units. Now, with no one in the building, how can it be that the A/C needs to be running when 2 years ago it did not exist. Update, lastnight, while I'm resting under the cool breeze of the cool night with the help of my whole house fan, I could hear the A/C units at the school running. For What?
I'd like to see school budgets pay for basic school expenses in support of educations. I'd question having the general budget pay for programs such as this plastic baby thing I'm reading about. If a parent wants their child to be in a program like that, let it have a fee.
Like a use tax I pay for my dog's license each year, let the users of 'not basic' education pay for the use the the extra event.
In fact, I'd like to see the school budget. I've not tried so far, but I hear that the BOE does not allow it to be viewed. Is that true? |
Njjoseph
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 3, 2001 - 1:59 pm: | |
JG, I agree. I suggest you let the school know directly that you're watching their A/C usage! 
But really, these kinds of things are probably not even considered when the budgets are created and the checks are written, which is very unfortunate. Maybe we should send a note directly to the school reminding them of some of these wastes. |
Lseltzer
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 3, 2001 - 2:20 pm: | |
JG: The afternoon before it is to be adopted you want the budget sent back? Have you taken the opportunity to be involved with the budget process before this? You did have opportunities before, you know. |
Jgberkeley
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 3, 2001 - 3:13 pm: | |
I accept the comment. And no I've not taken the opportunity to be involved before today.
I've been spending a lot of my efforts for civic issues working on my appeal to the firm that evaluated my home, then the tax assessor directly, then the appeal to the county. In fact I've been kept pretty busy because I also do it for two neighbor ladies both living alone and over 65.
I kinda assumed (and I know what that spells) that the Town and School budgets would stay the same. I remember that that was the case last year, but, I would have to check.
It was not until I read the above post from Mr. Ryan, today that I became aware of a 12% increase for the town and 9% for the school.
Yes, I guess I could have been a better watch dog before today, but, man, I'd have to be working this effort all day.
My point is, yes it is last minute, but we do not have to approve it just because it is late.
I am not buying a car this weekend because I'm not sure I can afford it. Why would I want this increased budget that I'm sure I can not afford, approved?
I can just say no. |
Jgberkeley
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 3, 2001 - 3:36 pm: | |
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
I note in the agenda for tonight, and I've never looked before, that a number of positions are open. I have no direct interest in any of the posted spots.
However, I would like to see a Committee to oversee the budget of the BOE. Citizens from say, 1/2 from SO and 1/2 from MA. This group would provide direction on wise spending and cost reductions.
What steps would be needed to set that up?
or
do we have someting like that? |
Jem
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 3, 2001 - 4:08 pm: | |
JG,
There is indeed such a committee, constituted exactly as you describe, with reps from both towns' governments and the school board. I believe that there are also citizen representatives, but I could be wrong about that. |
John
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 3, 2001 - 5:18 pm: | |
Yes - as usual weâve waited too long. But - I keep seeing that the budgets are not finalized.
I probably can not make it to the meeting tonight. Iâll take the results as they come.
However, ask yourself these few questions. And if you make it to the TC Meeting could you raise some of them with the committee members, or ask your own, PLEASE.
1. Did you get a raise this year? What percentage? Was the raise as a result of, or combined with, a promotion?
2. What is the current rate of inflation?
3. Are there new projects in town this year? Are they replacing other projects or, do the projects just keep accumulating? What will be their costs? How does that compare to last year?
4. Can we reject the county budget?
5. Can we reject the school budget?
6. What is changing in the schools to necessitate a higher budget?
7. Can we cut Administrative costs in the schools?
8. What is the percentage increase in Teaches salaries? Are they associated with promotions? (individual Salaries not spending on Salaries)
9. What is the percentage increase in administrative salaries? Are they associated with promotions? (individual Salaries not spending on Salaries)
10. What is the cost of replacing the computers as opposed to running the A/C in the schools?
11. If the books are in danger, what did the schools do before they had air-conditioning?
12. Are the schools spending more or just receiving less aid? What is the breakdown as far as the budget increase?
13. If the BOE needs to address any of questions 6-12, how can our TC approve their budget without full knowledge of where the money is going?
14. Will you be satisfied with the results of lower spending are (at least initially) poorer services?
15. Are you willing to put in the time the members of the TC, BOE· put in to make up the budgets? |
Bobk
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 3, 2001 - 5:31 pm: | |
There is probably good reason for the school budget going up. We have an awfully lot of new kids in the district who came from schools worse than ours. They need special help. I think the school population is also going to be up significantly next year.
It does take a certain, well, arrogance for the TC to go with a 12% increase this year given that many people are going to be struggling to meet their new taxes. |
Gerardryan
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 3, 2001 - 5:58 pm: | |
There is a Citizen's Budget Advisory Committee that has been looking at town budgets and school budgets for several decades. Join up.
The town's budget was introduced in February or so, publically, and has been a matter of public record for all that time.
The school budget is also a matter of public record. All budgets are available for inspection by anyone. The CBAC gets the budget pretty early. |
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