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Allan J Rosen
Citizen
Username: Allanrosen
Post Number: 25
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, November 15, 2003 - 9:51 pm: | 
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The Conference Agenda continuation meeting as well as a continuation of the Special Meeting convenes at 7:30 PM, Village Hall on Monday, Nov 17. That meeting will also be televised. |
Washashore
Citizen
Username: Washashore
Post Number: 101
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, November 15, 2003 - 10:24 pm: |
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Ooops. Thanks MHD. I was a week ahead.
VG, see on the 17th (I'll be the one in the front row, right side.) |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 6
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, November 16, 2003 - 2:07 pm: |
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What I get from this dialogue is that no one can articulate a clear understanding of what has been agreed to or status with the various projects. I am concerned that we are delaying projected tax revenues due to delays and facing additional interest expense on "borrowed" money.
Do we have a developers agreement for the Pulte project - that would define if there will be access - I am not concerned about access today but will it occur when construction is finished - btw what is the definition of "finished" ? Were there permits issued for the current "Blasting & Drilling" activities - see below from Rosner response: "As for the easement, that was not to be done until all construction was finished as I understand it. As of this point, I think it would not be safe to start wandering around the quarry. Drilling and blasting will probably be starting soon." |
mayhewdrive
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 538
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, November 16, 2003 - 5:48 pm: |
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Fairly good article in today's Star Ledger regarding the clearcutting that has been done on the site:
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/essex/index.ssf?/base/news-4/106899677288100.xml |
mayhewdrive
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 543
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 10:31 pm: |
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Back to the topic of this thread - A recap of tonight's Trustee's Meeting through 10:30pm...
Wow...what a difference a week makes. It seems like someone in Village Hall got the message that people are tired of the secrecy and the BOT/Matthews/Gross actually shared some information tonight.
We found out that the mysterious 3rd property still not owned by the Village for the Shop Rite site is the Shop Rite liquor store. According to Matthews, it has not closed simply so the liquor store can remain in business (& not cause another empty store) & continue to pay taxes until the supermarket project is ready to go forward. Supposedly this is not a significant obstacle for the supermarket to go forward and can happen on relatively short notice. (although the environmental cleanup is a bigger issue).
We also found out that the Village may apply for a Brownfields grant for the environmental cleanup. This grant would be for $350,000, HOWEVER, the Village would have to pay a 20% match of that grant. Certainly an issue, but I'm glad it was discussed in public.
We also found out there was some internal debate whether or not to take down the "Coming Soon" sign in the Supermarket. A good point was raised that if it were taken down, it might cause people to think the project was permanently cancelled (instead of indefinitely delayed) which could cause more confusion.
Someone spoke regarding the Animal Shelter project & I believe he presented materials showing that the shelter may be on Green Acres property. Looks like this issue isn't over yet....
As posted in another thread, the BOT reiterated the position that construction in the quarry will not take place on the weekends.
Someone complained there is no fence around the quarry site. I would concur that the plastic fence surrounding the site does not decrease the potential hazard and should be improved upon. The Village said they would look into it.
Shame of the week this week to Steglitz, who got up and left his seat at least twice while members of the public were speaking. He was also chastised by Shelly Stile for mumbling under his breath and talking to another member of the BOT while Shelly was speaking. Shame on you, Steglitz - show some courtesy.
I've had enough Civics for one night. Tune in next week for another installment of "As the Village Turns...." |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 7
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2003 - 9:08 am: |
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A strong message came out of a productive/enlightening meeting last evening - open the lines of communication!
What seems obvious to us who have dialogue on this Blog is not to the BOT. We have a vehicle - www.southorange.org - for communication but there is a sense that their use of the official SO Web site would be viewed as propaganda. I would urge Mark/Alan who contribute to this dialogue to push the administration to use the SO Web to articulate the redevelopment projects.
The site currently has the structure - just needs someone to keep it current. It does not have to interactive but current.
A ooint well taken on the lack of coverage/editoral review from the Newsrecord. Hope they got the message! |
deepthroat
Citizen
Username: Deepthroat
Post Number: 10
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 12:53 pm: |
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I'm still amazed that the Board of Trustees has refused to acknowledge Matthews's screwup. It's unconscionable that the BOT remains silent on the subject. The responsibility lies squarely on the shoulders of our village administrator, and his silence can only lead us to the inference that he owes Matthews something or Matthews has something on him. That is the only conclusion that can be reached!
I'll keep digging, just for you!
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Silvio Dante
Citizen
Username: Silviodante
Post Number: 7
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 11:54 pm: |
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DT: It is a quite evident that the village counsel looks the other way while the village admin consorts with one of the village trustees. The village admin looks the other way on the village attorney's incompetence, in return.
We called this Omerta in the mother country.
} |
Washashore
Citizen
Username: Washashore
Post Number: 107
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 8:04 pm: |
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DT and Silvio: While I agree that there is "somthing foul in Denmark" as regards the Village Administrator, Village Attorney, and a certain Village Trustee, I think it is not the case that "the responsibility lies squarely on the shoulders of our village administrator" as DT suggests. Rather, the responsibility for the continued malfeasance and mismanagement manifested by the Administrator and Attorney, and the conflicts-of-interest so blatantly flaunted between the VA and a certain member of the BOT lies squarely on the shoulders of the Village President, who alone has the power to hire and fire.
The full BOT also shoulders some of the responsibility, since a majority of them have yet to vote No Confidence in the Administrator, which would force the Village President to act.
How about a Citizens' Referendum on a Vote of No Confidence for the Village Administrator and the Village Attorney, and while we're at it, the Village President (since the buck stops at his chair)?
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mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 801
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 5:00 pm: |
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Howard: I agree the village needs to make better use for the website to communicate. At one point, I would like it to be interactive. I just don't know how much money we should spend to bring it up to speed but I think in the long run some of the cost could be justified.
Despite some criticisms, the website is much better today than one year ago. |
mayhewdrive
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 559
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 11:37 pm: |
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The big story at tonight's meeting was DUGOUTS.
Discussion went on for some time about the various aspects of the project & the pros/cons of the issue. Andy Brady stated that time was running out to be able to complete construction in time, if the issue was not finalized very soon. Believe it or not, kudos to Steglitz tonight (there's a first time for everything) for stating that simply because Seton Hall is in a rush, that doesn't mean the Village should rush into this project before making sure it is asthetically appropriate.
The other items of interest from the meeting...according to Bill Calabrese we will be hearing "within 1 or 2 weeks" about the announcement of the agreement between the Village & Seton Hall on SOPAC. I guess this means an announcement will be made by Dec 8. We'll be waiting....
It finally occurred to me what makes Trustee Joyce so effective....he listens and he ASKS QUESTIONS. As various people came to the podium to speak they were repeatedly lectured to in a very condescending tone by Taylor & Theroux. However Trustee Joyce showed empathy & actively listened to what the people had to say.
Richard Bell, who is fighting the building of the animal shelter potentially on Green Acres property gave another good presentation & kept his composure during a pretty fierce confrontation with the BOT.
Finally, there was some quite heated debate about the upcoming budget near the end of the meeting. It seems that a 20% increase is still a possibility next year and some serious examination is going to be need to be done.
Until next month.....
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vermontgolfer
Citizen
Username: Vermontgolfer
Post Number: 231
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 8:19 am: |
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thank you cub reporter, mayhewdrive, sounds like the meeting was more interesting than the Giants game! |
Dave Ross
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 5757
Registered: 4-1998
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 10:35 am: |
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Perhaps Andy Brady shouldn't have already torn down the fences around the backstop. Or was SHU acting unilaterally? Glad to see Trustees asking questions. That's all we really want. |
Allan J Rosen
Citizen
Username: Allanrosen
Post Number: 35
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 11:57 am: |
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For those of you who appreciate watching the BoT (and other) meetings on local cable TV,we (The South Orange Cable TV Committee) is badly in need of volunteers to man the camera(s) for the meetings. Those interested in helping will be trained in everything or anything from shooting independent videos to running the camera at the Village Meeting. Please contact Village Hall 378-7715 or Fran Saliani 973-313-9842 or myself 973-763-8425 if you are interested in helping. |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 363
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 1:07 pm: |
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Any chance that an alliance with the CHS TV Studies department would be helpful Mr Rosen?
If SO can't pay the kids, at least the school might give them credit?
My daughter took a couple of those courses -- and I'll add she had a great excited/entusiastic, motiviating teacher, too.
Pete
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mayhewdrive
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 560
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 1:28 pm: |
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Allan,
I heard last night that tapes are available & that meetings will be re-run. Certainly, sitting through it ONCE is more than enough for me, but for people who miss a meeting on Monday when it is broadcast live, is there a fixed date/time that the meetings will be re-run for people who want to watch? (i.e. Friday nights at 9pm) |
Allan J Rosen
Citizen
Username: Allanrosen
Post Number: 38
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 5:07 pm: |
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pg: South Orange Cable TV is in fact linked with the High School TV Studios as we participate with Somacom (SO-Maplewood Community TV) and in fact shoot most of our independent offerings in those studios (eg, Meet the Artist or South Orange Report). We would love to have kids, if they are available, volunteer to run the cameras. So far we haven't had much luck, as Mr. Mullin, who oversees the studies there says the kids don't have enough time for manning the cameras either in South Orange or Maplewood. If something could be worked out, it would be great. |
Allan J Rosen
Citizen
Username: Allanrosen
Post Number: 39
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 5:18 pm: |
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mhd: It's not that tapes are available; it's that we can make copies of the tapes if desired (for a reasonable price, cost of tape and manhours).
All Trustee meetings are rerun. Firstly, the following Monday, if there is not a new Trustee meeting at that time. So last night's meeting will be rerun next Monday evening. They are also rerun the following day (Tuesday), starting at noon I Believe. Then they are also rerun over the weekend period (includes Friday). Thus, for example, the Nov 17 meeting was rerun this past Sunday at 9 PM. The information is usually available on the Channel 19 bulletin board. I will try to get more exact schedule information for you, if I can, as soon as I can. |
mayhewdrive
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 562
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 5:40 pm: |
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Thanks, Allan.
I thought the meetings were re-run, but like the past 3 weeks there has been a NEW meeting, so I had no idea what other days the meetings were re-run. The rebroadcast schedule might be a good thing to add to either the Village website, or some other website?
Maybe if Steglitz saw how nasty he really was to you in particular last night, perhaps he would tone it down a bit. It really was disgraceful. |
mary032
Citizen
Username: Mary032
Post Number: 18
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 - 8:37 am: |
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MHD,
For those of us who didn't watch Monday's meeting would you please describe Steglitz's demeanor, and what exactly did he do, say, to trustee Rosen? Thanx.
Mary |
mayhewdrive
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 563
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 - 9:23 am: |
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Mary,
The incident I had in mind was during Monday's meeting when Dr. Rosen brought up the budget & strongly urged that it needed to get done sooner rather than later. (not a direct quote, but that was the general message).
Steglitz ripped into Dr. Rosen with such an absolutely arrogant tone. I wish I could recall the exact words. I just remember thinking how obnoxious it was to treat a colleague, let alone any other person, like that.
I encourage you to watch the rebroadcast & see for yourself. |
Allan J Rosen
Citizen
Username: Allanrosen
Post Number: 40
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 27, 2003 - 12:14 pm: |
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Over this Holiday weekend, the rebroadcast schedule for the Trustees Conference Agenda November 17 meeting on Channel 19 is Saturday afternoon Nov 29 at 2:30PM and Sunday evening Nov 30 at 8:30PM.
Apologies but the normal rebroadcast time on Tuesdays is 12:30PM. Also the following Monday evenings at 8PM. But this Monday may be the Planning Board hearing on the recreational open-space elements of the Master Plan. |
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