Neena Singh to join Louise Wilson on Democratic Ticket for Montgomery Township Committee
Montgomery Township, NJ … Committeewoman and former mayor Louise Wilson will run for re-election to the Montgomery Township Committee. Joining Wilson on the Democratic ticket is Montgomery resident Neena Singh. Committeeman Brad Fay will not seek re-election.
Wilson is running for a fourth three-year term on the Committee. She was first elected in 2001 and served six years as mayor and one as deputy mayor between 2002 and 2009, during which time her party held a majority on the five-member Township Committee, Montgomery’s local governing body. She is a member of the State Planning Commission, serves on the League of Municipalities executive board and is president of the League’s Educational Foundation.
During her eight years on the Township Committee, Wilson has championed ethics reform, environmental best practices, open space preservation, innovative land use planning, volunteerism and fiscal discipline.
Among other accomplishments, as Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Wilson shepherded the 256-acre NPDC/Skillman Village property through the acquisition and environmental clean-up process.
Wilson also led Montgomery’s successful fight against an old design of the Hillsborough Bypass that would have bisected the Pike Run neighborhoods and vastly increased traffic volume on Rt. 206 and side-roads through Montgomery.
“People expect and deserve local leaders who listen carefully, work hard, put people before politics and deliver results,” said Wilson. “That’s what we’re about.”
“I’m just delighted to be running with Neena Singh,” Wilson continued. “Neena is all about community. She’s one of the most service-oriented people I know. With her unique blend of warmth, energy and intelligence, she will make an outstanding committeewoman.”
Singh, mother of three children, all Montgomery school attendees (past and present), is a senior partner at Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty in Montgomery. She is a founding member and past President of MILAN -- the Montgomery International Ladies Association -- an organization of women dedicated to community service, outreach and cultural enrichment. Neena is also active in the PTA and has co-chaired the publicity and grants committees as well as volunteers at numerous PTA events. Neena serves on the Multicultural Outreach Committee, a joint committee among the PTAs to promote awareness of the rich cultural diversity in the Montgomery Township school district.
In 2009 Neena Singh received the Wynona M. Lipman Synergy Award, which recognizes an individual or organization for making distinct and definitive positive change in their community.
“I have always believed in giving back to the neighborhood and promoting community service and I appreciate this opportunity to make a difference,” said Singh. “Montgomery is a great town and has provided our family with great opportunities. I can’t wait to work for its progress and bright future.”
“I could not be more proud of our candidates,” said Montgomery Democratic Chairwoman Nickole Forbes. “Louise has given so much to Montgomery and was a driving force behind a great many achievements in her years of leadership. Neena Singh shares that same commitment to the community, and has proven a very capable leader in her own right. Montgomery needs people like Louise and Neena on Township Committee -- people who have proven records of service and success.”
Election Day is November 2.
Montgomery Township Republican Organization Announces 2010 Candidates
The Montgomery Township Republican Organization has announced that the Republican candidates for the two open Montgomery Township Committee Seats this year are Ed Trzaska and Pat Graham, both of Belle Mead. In the 2009 election, the Republican party gained a majority of the Montgomery Township Committee seats with the election of Mayor Mark Caliguire and Township Committee member Thom Carter. Deputy Mayor Kacey Dyer was elected in 2008. A key issue in both the 2008 and 2009 elections was the Republican plan to sell the Skillman Village property to Somerset County for use as a county park. In addition to working toward this sale, since their swearing-in last January, Caliguire, Dyer and Carter have devoted substantial effort to Montgomery’s budget issues, working to hold down taxes and spending in very difficult economic times.
“I am completely on-board with the Republican plan for Montgomery. We need to sell Skillman Village to the county and create Skillman Park. We also need to reduce township debt, and make the necessary, if sometimes difficult, choices to cut spending and hold down taxes in order to make and keep Montgomery affordable,” said Ed Trzaska.
Ed and his wife, Jaci, have lived in Montgomery for 6 years. They reside in the Greens section of Pike Run and are members of St. Charles Borromeo. Ed and Jaci are avid hikers at the Sourland Mountain Preserve and recently completed an energy efficiency renovation of their townhouse – reducing their energy consumption by more than 40%.
Ed is currently an advisor to Montgomery’s Planning Board and a member of the Pike Run Homeowners Association. He holds a BS in chemical engineering and an MBA from Rutgers University. Ed works in the pharmaceutical industry and has significant experience managing large budgets. He is running to protect and improve our quality of life and believes in Mayor Caliguire’s vision for Montgomery: create Skillman Park, reduce township debt, and do more with less regarding the township’s budget.
Pat Graham lives in Belle Mead with her husband Frank Pontillo and their two children. A practicing attorney and commercial litigator for over 20 years, she would bring to the Township Committee her substantial experience in commercial, litigation, real estate and employment matters. As a member of the Montgomery Township Republican Committee, Pat has been active in local politics for several years, having strongly supported the Republican plan to sell Skillman Village to Somerset County. She also serves on the Somerset County Open Space Advisory Committee and believes strongly in the preservation of open space throughout Somerset County as well as Montgomery.
Pat also views Montgomery’s taxes and finances as key issues for the campaign. “In these tough economic times, Montgomery’s high taxes and enormous debt load are simply unsustainable. I want to be able to retire in Montgomery, and to have my children be able to afford to live here. There will be substantial work to make that happen, but now, under the direction of Mayor Caliguire, the Township Committee is finally working to address those problems. I fully support, and would continue, those efforts.”
Somerset County United Way Invites Community to Help Stuff the Bus
Somerset County, NJ- Somerset County United Way is coordinating their annual Stuff the Bus program. Each year, local companies, organizations, civic groups and community individuals, organize drives and collections of new school supplies for local elementary and middle school children in need.
In 2009, more than 40,000 items including back packs, crayons, notebooks, pens and pencils, etc. were collected and distributed to schools and agencies in Somerset County for children from low-income families. The items are distributed by the school nurse or administrators, as they are most familiar with the children in greatest need of the supplies.
“Each year, more and more children are added to the list of those who need help with school supplies,” said Irene Natale, manager of the program for Somerset County United Way. “This year, the number of children eligible to receive items through this program includes 500 more children than last year. Because of the kindness of individuals who donate items to this program each year, thousands of children will enter school in September with the supplies they need and a better chance at academic success,” said Natale.
Children who receive supplies through this program are given the tools they need to begin the school year ready to learn. For struggling parents, providing the necessary school supplies can be a financial hardship. When their children receive school supplies through this program, parents are better able to utilize their limited financial resources to pay for basic needs such as food, utilities, rent, etc. In addition, children have greater self-esteem when they have the school supplies they need, and the same school supplies as their peers.
Somerset County United Way will be collecting the new school supplies on Monday, August 23, 2010 at the rear entrance of the United Reformed Church at 100 W. Main Street in downtown Somerville between 9 am and 4 pm. Before that time, please visit our website at www.SCUW.org to find community drop-off locations or bring new school supplies to Somerset County United Way office at 1011 Rt. 22 W, Bridgewater.
If you, your company, or your group would like to help out with this very real need in our community, please contact Irene Natale at (908) 253-6511 or e-mail irene.natale@scuw.org for more information.
14th ANNUAL BAYOU FEST COMING TO DUKE ISLAND PARK ON SUNDAY, JULY 25
Concert begins at special time - 5:30 p.m.
BRIDGEWATER, NJ - The 14th Annual Somerset County Park Commission Bayou Fest is scheduled for Duke Island Park on Old York Road in Bridgewater on Sunday, July 25, 2010, beginning at the special time of 5:30 P.M. The Bayou Fest will feature a sensational selection of Cajun and Southern cooking and the best Louisiana dance music to be found in the Northeast. Featured performers are The VooDUDES and Lil’ Malcolm & the Zydeco House Rockers.
Taking the stage at the special starting time of 5:30 P.M. will be New Jersey’s own Mardi Gras Party Band, the VooDUDES who will strut their musical stuff to kick off this year’s Bayou Fest. A mixed bag of Creole Soul, Swamp Funk, and Bayou Boogie, the VooDUDES incorporate elements of R&B, boogie-woogie, Zydeco, Latin, honky-tonk gospel, southern folk, and island music into their own distinctive blend of what can only be described as Louisiana music with a New Jersey accent
Following at 7:00 P.M., will be the featured attraction, Lil’ Malcolm & The House Rockers, a five-man band centering on guitarist Percy Walker and his two sons, drummer Percy Walker, Jr. and accordionist Lil’ Malcolm Walker. Inspired by Zydeco legends such as Buckwheat Zydeco and Rockin’ Dopsie, the band creates shows that are exciting and fun. They will often invite audience members to join them on stage to dance and play their brand of pure, solid Zydeco.
Concert sponsorship provided by DoubleTree Hotel.
Concert-goers are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for seating, in addition to their appetites, as traditional food will be prepared and sold by Touch Bayou. Ample parking is also available
Montgomery Youth Development Soccer Program Fall 2010 Registration
The Montgomery Travelers Soccer Club is accepting registrations for the fall 2010 season for its Youth Development Program (YDP). This soccer program is available to boys and girls born between August 1st, 2000 and July 31st, 2005, regardless of their skill level or experience
The program offers an excellent opportunity for children to learn and enjoy the game of soccer. Professional trainers and trained volunteers guide the players through a best practices curriculum which emphasizes development over winning, small sided games as a teaching tool, player time on the ball to build self confidence and fun. Optional “travel” opportunities are offered to older players.
Sign on to www.montgomerysoccer.org and select the “Youth Development Program” tab for additional information. Registration can be initiated on line. Questions should be directed to Bruce Guest, Director of Coaching, at Guehouse@aol.com or 908 904-9428.
Montgomery Township School District Board of Education Adopts 2010-11 Budget
On Tuesday, July 6th, the MTSD Board of Education adopted a 2010-11 school budget of $77,294,716. The budget included $69.9M in general fund spending, $6.8M in debt service spending and $0.9M in grant spending.
This year's budget process presented many challenges to the district, not the least of which was the transition in the Governor's office in Trenton and the devastating state aid cuts that followed, totaling more than $5M, leaving the district in the unfortunate position of having to cut programs and services for the 2010-2011 school year. Despite increases in enrollment, this new budget represents a $206K decrease over the 2009-10 school year and despite this decrease in spending, property taxes on the average home in Montgomery Township and Rocky Hill Borough will rise $271 and $49 respectively.
Executive County Superintendent, Trudy Doyle, made several recommendations to the district which are reflected in the newly-approved budget, including a general fund spending decrease of $770K, increases in activity and facility-rental fees, and reductions in operations and maintenance areas. The district also had to eliminate 25 full-time positions and reduce 9 positions from full-time to part-time. Selected bus routes will be eliminated, maintenance projects will be postponed, summer staffing will be reduced and communications services will be eliminated.
Notably, there is no change in busing or school starting times for the 2010-11 school year. Triple-tier busing will not be introduced in 2010-11, but the County Superintendent has directed the district to implement this busing plan in the 2011-12 school year. In addition to this directive, the district will be reviewing all transportation services to identify other potential tax savings for the residents.
"The Board of Education has acted swiftly to meet the directives of the County Superintendent, but remains deeply concerned with some of the County's recommendations for the 2010-11 school year and their certain impact on the2011-12 school year," says Superintendent Earl T. Kim. "As a result of the state aid cuts and the County's directive to appropriate any current surplus to2010-11 instead of 2011-2012, we are looking at a $3.5M revenue shortfall in 2011-12, which will result in significant program and staff reductions." The MTSD Board of Education has already initiated a review of several programs and services which have the potential to generate tax savings in 2011-12. Transportation, custodial and maintenance services, elective programming and co-curricular programming are just a few of the areas under consideration.
With the budget for the 2010-11 school year approved, the Board of Education and Central Office can renew their focus on our highest priority - the business of educating children. The Montgomery Township School District remains a highly efficient and productive district with a passionate and talented staff devoted to enriching the lives of our children on a daily basis.
To see more information on the 2010-2011 school budget, a message from Superintendent Earl Kim and a specific list of reductions approved for the coming school year, please visit our website at www.mtsd.k12.nj.us.
NJDEP Recommends Limiting Water Use
NJDEP is recommending voluntary water conservation measures due to the exceptionally dry weather, but has not yet imposed formal drought restrictions. The current conditions are starting to offset plentiful water reserves generated by a wet winter and spring.
While reservoir levels are still relatively high, statewide reservoirs have begun to decline due to sparse rainfall and high demand. High water demand already has led to some restrictions in other parts of New Jersey. (If drought restrictions are imposed, an ebulletin and website posting will be released by our Health Dept.)
To avoid this, residents are being asked to use water wisely and efficiently, particularly as outdoor consumption increases due to lawn and landscape irrigation, agricultural needs and other outdoor water use activities.Here are some suggested water conservation tips:
* Do not over-water lawns and landscaping. Two times per week for 30 minutes in morning or late evening typically is sufficient. Use a hose with a hand-held nozzle to water flowers and shrubs. Consider drip irrigation for gardens.
* To save water at home, fix leaky faucets and pipes.
* Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth and shaving.
* Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full.
* Do not wash cars in the driveway, go to a commercial car wash.
* Install high-efficiency, water saving toilets, faucets and shower heads.
More information on water conservation and water supply status can be found at www.njdrought.org/ideas.html and www.njdrought.org/status.html
Nine Montgomery Seniors Attend American Legion Jersey Boys State, “A Week That Shapes the Future”
This June, nine rising Montgomery High School seniors had the honor of attending the Jersey Boys’ State program run by the American Legion and held on the campus of Rider University. The group included Nick Bradley, Jacob Burns, Andrew Chen, Kevin Bielawski, David Zhao, Eric Kopelson, Patrick Huang, Bill McKechnie and Taisu Kumar.
American Legion Jersey Boys’ State is a weeklong government and politics program that simulates a mythical fifty-first state. Boys are sponsored at Boys’ State by their local American Legion posts and nomination by a teacher or a coach is required for a boy to attend. At Boys’ State, nine hundred boys from New Jersey are divided into two parties – the “Nationalists” and the “Federalists” – and are grouped in “cities” of fifty boys and “counties,” that are comprised of two cities.
Starting the very first day, boys have the opportunity to run for city, county and state positions including election board official, city party chairman, state assemblyman, governor and Boys’ Nation senator. At Boys’ State, Kevin Bielawski was appointed to his county council; Jacob Burns was appointed Health Commissioner of his county; Nick Bradley, Taisu Kumar, Patrick Huang and David Zhao were elected to the State Assembly and David was also elected to the position of Assembly Minority Leader. Legislation passed included a repeal of “Kyleigh’s Law” and a bill that legalized civil unions for all citizens and defined the concept of “marriage” as purely a religious term. This year’s Jersey Boys’ State Governor was Federalist Anthony Covington of Bordentown (Legion Post 26) and his Lieutenant Governor was Federalist Eric Tang of Princeton (Legion Post 168). Bills signed by Governor Covington will be presented to Governor Chris Christie.
MHS’s delegates to American Legion Jersey Boys’ State spent an incredible week immersed in the world of local and state politics. They learned lessons in the importance of civic duty and voting as well as in communication and self-advocacy. MHS’s Boys’ State delegates wish to thank their sponsor post, American Legion Post 12 in Somerville, for its generosity in sponsoring them at American Legion Boys State.
CVCCs Donna Cortina Fires Two Aces in one Round at TPC at Jasna Polana
Skillman, NJ July 13, 2010-According to Cherry Valley Country Club’s Director of Golf Allan Bowman, “the odds of making two hole in ones during the same round of golf are sixty seven million to one.” But that’s exactly what his student, Skillman, New Jersey resident Donna Cortina accomplished on July 12th as a guest in TPC Jasna Polana’s summer member-guest tournament. Cortina, the mother of three, ultimately fired a seventy eight after her aces on the second hole, using a gap wedge, and the seventeenth hole where she used an eight iron.
“Donna is Cherry Valley’s current Senior Club Champion and plays to a five handicap, says Bowman. I have worked with her for several years both at the club and in Florida where I co-host a golf school with legendary teacher Craig Shankland. However, you never expect an accomplishment such as this from even the greatest tour players. I checked Google and found that this has only happened on four other occasions in history.”
For Bowman, Cortina’s feat comes directly on the heels of fellow Cherry Valley member and Bowman student Peggy Ference’s fine showing on national television where she competed in Golf Digest’s U.S. Open Challenge at Pebble Beach alongside movie star Mark Wahlberg, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. Says Bowman, both Donna and Peggy are great players and I’ve connected with them. I wish I could take the credit but let’s face it, Peggy earned her way to Pebble by winning a contest against thirty thousand others. I thought that was a longshot until I heard about Donna today. I know I speak for all of our members when I say that I’m thrilled for both of these extraordinary ladies.”
Carnegie Lake and in Mercer Masters Rowing Club compete
Carnegie Lake Rowing Association and the Mercer Master Rowing Club enjoyed some friendly two-club racing on Mercer Lake recently. There were men's and women's four with coxswain and mixed eights competing. It was spirited racing with a social hour after the rowing, hosted by the Mercer club. Pictured are the women's masters four with coxswain. Rowing for Carnegie Lake, winners in their race, in the far boat were (from the left) Linda Strange, Barbara Hogan, Martha Moore and Allison Polini. Barbara Heck was the coxswain.
Carnegie Lake Rowing Association is a community rowing (crew) team which rows on Lake Carnegie out of the Princeton University Boathouse. Their learn-to-row program, for anyone 14 and older (no upper age limit) who has never rowed before begins the weekend of September 18 and continues through November 25. Further information is available and applications are now available for download on their website: www.clra.com.
Montgomery Town, Schools Picked for Solar Program
Montgomery Township's community center and three of its schools are among an initial pool of public facilities included in Somerset County's Renewable Energy Program. They have been targeted as suitable sites for solar photovoltaic panel installations by the Somerset County Improvement Authority (SCIA). Program participants will partner with the County to reduce their retail electricity cost with no out of pocket cost to them.
The proposed projects include a rooftop 16 kW size solar PV panel system on the Otto Kaufman Community Center, a 1031 kW rooftop system at Montgomery High School, a 426 kW ground-mounted system at the Upper Middle School, and a 380 kW rooftop system at Orchard Hill Elementary School. Montgomery High School is the largest project the SCIA has identified to date.
Montgomery Mayor Mark Caliguire stated, "We are thrilled to be included in the County's plan. By working together, our community and others will benefit from the program's economy of scale. Besides the savings, this is also a wonderful educational opportunity - our students will learn first hand what solar technology can do."
Some benefits to the Township include:
§ No upfront costs to the Township
§ Better economies of scale - aggregated county-wide RFP
§ Better pricing of the power purchase agreement
§ Ability for smaller facilities to take part in a PPA
§ Budgeting certainty
Each local entity will sign a license agreement and a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a bidding private solar developer. By this agreement, the locality agrees to allow the leasing of their space and receives in return a reduced contracted charge for their electricity for years, with no upfront costs for installation. This approach allows the private developer to obtain federal energy credits and share the offset with both the SCIA and the hosts. By bundling the projects together, the SCIA can negotiate a better price per watt of electricity.
Montgomery Township Committee is expected to adopt a resolution at its meeting tonight agreeing to participate and to assist the SCIA in preparing documents needed for bond issuance. All the projects will be funded through the Authority's Somerset County Renewable Energy Lease Revenue Bonds, not to exceed $55 million. The initiative is completely tax payer neutral. The SCIA bond debt service will be paid by the selected solar developer(s). It is anticipated that the initiative will begin in late July with the issuance of a RFP for development of the electric-generating systems at the various public facilities.
Over 30 projects are included in this first of three planned pools or "tranches". Other towns included in this tranche are Bound Brook, Bridgewater, Franklin, and Manville. Other school districts include Branchburg, Bridgewater-Raritan, Franklin, Green Brook, Manville, and Somerville. A project at Raritan Valley Community College is also included.
Montgomery Township and the other participants answered a feasibility survey and underwent a
detailed technical analysis by which facilities were evaluated for viability. The assessment included the current electricity use at the facility, the availability of adequate, unobstructed roof or ground-mounting space and southern sun exposure, and the age and condition of roof.
The State of New Jersey Master Plan calls for the state to meet or exceed a goal of 30% energy from renewable sources by 2020. "The Solar Energy Advancement and Fair Competition Act" was signed into law this January. The Act requires development of 4,335 MW of New Jersey based solar electric power by 2026. At the end of last year, the State of New Jersey has installed 126 MW of solar capacity. Use of solar PV systems lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependent on fossil fuel energy sources.
Karen Zimmerman, the Director of the Otto Kaufman Center, is so glad their building was selected.
"I'm looking forward to lower energy bills while generating clean energy at our community center!"
MONTGOMERY FARMERS MARKET Rain or Shine
The forecast says rain, but that just makes the heat more bearable, right? It's time to make your weekly run to the market to stock up on fresh & local foods. Make room for a new crop of Jersey sweet canteloupe, sugar baby watermelons, peaches, white nectarines, green peppers, eggplant, white potatoes, tamatillos, scallions, field tomatoes, fresh herbs, & more! There are lots of great things in season. For a list of what's in season, check out the Natural Resources Defense Council web site. We'll also have fresh breads and baked goods, poultry, and flowers along with some locally made teas, popcorn and other non-perishables to get you through the summer.
Boy Scouts of America Honors a Deserving Montgomery Scout
Montgomery, New Jersey, June 29, 2010 – On February 17, 2010, David Elisha Curry-Bryan earned the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 15—one of the youngest individuals in his troop to attain such an accomplishment. He is the first known male in his family to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. David was honored in an Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony performed on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at the Christian Community Chapel in Hillsborough, NJ. The Four Winds ceremony was performed by the Sakuit Lodge’s Order of the Arrow’s Ceremonial Teal in full Native American regalia valued around $3,000. Mayoral proclamations from Frank DelCore (Hillsborough, Antonia Ricigliano (Edison), and Peter Cantu (Plainsboro), and two written letters of commendation were publicly presented. Additionally, a commendation memoir book containing over 100 letters and certificates from federal, state, county, and local municipality officials; national athletic clubs; historic agencies, and numerous corporations was presented by Terri McDonald-Hartel, a member of the Central New Jersey Council Eagle Committee. Over 30 scouts from more than three New Jersey troops and one Maryland troop were on hand for the celebration.
For his Eagle Scout project, he decided to construct a wooden park bench and erect split rail fencing to be placed within Cheesequake State Park of Matawan, New Jersey. The project was completed on November 7, 2009. Before the project began, he created a draft of his plans to submit to the park’s project representative. Once given the approval to begin, the first phase started on October 9, 2009. He organized and led a group of 17 scouts, adult scouters, and parents in constructing the bench that was placed alongside the park’s lake. On October 23, 2009, the next phase of the project began which included constructing over 100 feet of split rail fencing to be placed along the park’s Red Trail. This phase was completed with the help of 33 scouts, adult scouters, family, and friends who volunteered their time to assist. In total all the volunteers completed over 301 hours assisting with David’s project. To complete the project, donations were given to David from The Home Depot®, Pride Landscaping, Suburban Fencing, National Fence Systems, Inc., AKA, Inc., Walmart, and Dunkin’ Donuts®, Stop & Shop®, and Shoprite®. An application for inclusion in the “Cache to Eagle Program” for the Central New Jersey Council Boy Scouts of America has been submitted.
David’s 10-year scouting career began with Cub Scout Pack #246 & Boy Scout Troop #1246 of Sayreville New Jersey. He transferred to Troop #193 of Plainsboro upon his family’s move to Montgomery. David has earned numerous achievement awards such as Cub Scout pins with belt loops, the Arrow of Light Award, 44 merit badges, and the Bronze Eagle Palm Rank Award. As a Senior Patrol Leader in July 2009, was the first to earn the “Honor Patrol Award” for the Kittatinny Mountain Scout Reservation’s Provisional Super Troop. David’s other scouting achievements include the Honor Camper of the Week Award in 2006, the Civil War Historic Camporee Award, and National Youth Leadership Training. David is currently a member of the Order of the Arrow Boy Scout National Honor Society and the Order of the Arrow Ceremony Team.
In addition to David’s scouting achievements, he has received awards in academics and athletics. Three very notable academic recognitions include his Who’s Who Registry of Academic Excellence Award achieved in 2007, and the National Society of High School Scholars. David received a first place award in the Junior United States Tennis Association’s Winter Team Tennis. He is a sophomore at Montgomery High School, is a member of the Symphonic Band as an alto saxophone player, a member of the Student Government Association, and Future Business Leaders of America. His future career goals include the business of healthcare.
For more information about David’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony, please contact DavidCBEagleHonorCourt@gmail.com.
Montgomery Township, Schools Picked for Solar Program
Montgomery Township's community center and three of its schools are among an initial pool of public facilities included in Somerset County's Renewable Energy Program. They have been targeted as suitable sites for solar photovoltaic panel installations by the Somerset County Improvement Authority (SCIA). Program participants will partner with the County to reduce their retail electricity cost with no out of pocket cost to them.
The proposed projects include a rooftop 16 kW size solar PV panel system on the Otto Kaufman Community Center, a 1031 kW rooftop system at Montgomery High School, a 426 kW ground-mounted system at the Upper Middle School, and a 380 kW rooftop system at Orchard Hill Elementary School. Montgomery High School is the largest project the SCIA has identified to date.
Montgomery Mayor Mark Caliguire stated, "We are thrilled to be included in the County's plan. By working together, our community and others will benefit from the program's economy of scale. Besides the savings, this is also a wonderful educational opportunity - our students will learn first hand what solar technology can do."
Some benefits to the Township include:
§ No upfront costs to the Township
§ Better economies of scale - aggregated county-wide RFP
§ Better pricing of the power purchase agreement
§ Ability for smaller facilities to take part in a PPA
§ Budgeting certainty
Each local entity will sign a license agreement and a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a bidding private solar developer. By this agreement, the locality agrees to allow the leasing of their space and receives in return a reduced contracted charge for their electricity for years, with no upfront costs for installation. This approach allows the private developer to obtain federal energy credits and share the offset with both the SCIA and the hosts. By bundling the projects together, the SCIA can negotiate a better price per watt of electricity.
Montgomery Township Committee is expected to adopt a resolution at its meeting tonight agreeing to participate and to assist the SCIA in preparing documents needed for bond issuance. All the projects will be funded through the Authority's Somerset County Renewable Energy Lease Revenue Bonds, not to exceed $55 million. The initiative is completely tax payer neutral. The SCIA bond debt service will be paid by the selected solar developer(s). It is anticipated that the initiative will begin in late July with the issuance of a RFP for development of the electric-generating systems at the various public facilities.
Over 30 projects are included in this first of three planned pools or "tranches". Other towns included in this tranche are Bound Brook, Bridgewater, Franklin, and Manville. Other school districts include Branchburg, Bridgewater-Raritan, Franklin, Green Brook, Manville, and Somerville. A project at Raritan Valley Community College is also included.
Montgomery Township and the other participants answered a feasibility survey and underwent a
detailed technical analysis by which facilities were evaluated for viability. The assessment included the current electricity use at the facility, the availability of adequate, unobstructed roof or ground-mounting space and southern sun exposure, and the age and condition of roof.
The State of New Jersey Master Plan calls for the state to meet or exceed a goal of 30% energy from renewable sources by 2020. "The Solar Energy Advancement and Fair Competition Act" was signed into law this January. The Act requires development of 4,335 MW of New Jersey based solar electric power by 2026. At the end of last year, the State of New Jersey has installed 126 MW of solar capacity. Use of solar PV systems lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependent on fossil fuel energy sources.
Karen Zimmerman, the Director of the Otto Kaufman Center, is so glad their building was selected.
"I'm looking forward to lower energy bills while generating clean energy at our community center!"
REMINDER: Donated School Supplies Needed for Food Bank Families
Drop Off Donations Through Aug. 16. You can help local children get off to a good start in school this fall. Donated school supplies are being collected through Aug. 16 for the Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women’s annual “Project First Class.” Children of families served by the Food Bank Network of Somerset County will benefit from the donations this year.
Although any types of new school supplies will be welcome, the children are most in need of backpacks, notebooks, three-ring binders, highlighters, markers and reference books on CD-ROM, including dictionaries, thesauruses and atlases.
Donations may be dropped off to the Somerset County Freeholders’ Office on the third floor of the county administration building at 20 Grove St., Somerville, now through Aug. 16. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free parking is available in the adjacent Bernie Field Parking Deck off East High Street.
“This is an opportunity to help kids who might otherwise have no way of getting the necessary supplies for the new school year,” said Freeholder Director Jack M. Ciattarelli, commission liaison. “This is critical in the current economy, when families are struggling to meet their basic needs. For this reason, we are especially appreciative of the Commission’s efforts in carrying out this important annual event.”
The SCCSW serves as an advisory board to the Board of Chosen Freeholders to address present and potential needs of women and to develop a greater public awareness of women’s issues.
Project First Class co-chairs are Commission members Paula Marasco and Dawn Guttschall. For more information, contact Paula Marasco at (908) 953-0791.
Jack
Somerset County Population Still Growing - Housing, Jobs Have Slowed
Somerset County’s population remains one of the fastest-growing in New Jersey, with a 1.1-percent net gain from 2008 to 2009. New Jersey as a whole had an annual growth rate of only four-tenths of a percent from 2000 to 2008 and one-half percent from 2008 to 2009.
Population projections indicate Somerset County population will grow slightly – 2.5 percent – by 2018 and then grow faster – by almost 6.5 percent – from 2018 to 2028. Somerset County’s population grew 9.1 percent from 2000 to 2008. Its 2010 population estimate was 324,563.
The statistics are part of a report on “Housing, Population and Economic Trends: A Driving Force” presented at the July 20 meeting of the Somerset County Planning Board. Click here to view the presentation.
“Although Somerset County has sustained job losses and diminished population and housing growth during the economic downturn, we are poised to take advantage of the inevitable recovery thanks to our well-educated workforce and strong infrastructure,” said Freeholder Patrick Scaglione, planning liaison.
The number of jobs in Somerset County grew 40 percent from 1990 to 2000, but has declined along with the state and the nation in the face of the current recession. Somerset County’s June 2010 unemployment rate was 7.8 percent, compared to the state’s 9.5 percent. The statewide unemployment rate is predicted to fall to 9.1 percent by the end of 2010.
Since 2000, the growth in the number of housing units in Somerset County has slowed compared to the 21-percent growth the county experienced from 1990 to 2000. Growth in the number of housing units is projected to begin to grow in 2018 on through to 2028.
Somerset County has experienced a large decrease in the number of proposed residential lots and nonresidential space from 2000 to 2009. A surplus of large, single-family and already-built housing types currently exists that will have to be exhausted before large numbers of new homes are constructed.
The “new normal” calls for slow growth with a shift in housing preferences for smaller, more affordable, compact development within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, health care, education and public transit. Redevelopment and reuse will dominate the commercial-development market.
The report also addressed the Access to the Region’s Core (ARC) project that will result in 62 rail stations gaining a one-seat ride into Manhattan with stations on the Raritan Valley line becoming magnets for transit-oriented development. Ridership on NJ Transit’s rail network has quadrupled since 1984 and is forecast to double again over the next 20 years. The ARC project is projected to attract public investment and economic development to New Jersey
Summer Enrichment Success
In a town where the academic scene has undergone some drastic changes in the past few months, one thing has remained the same: for another year, the Montgomery Township School District has again successfully run its Summer Enrichment Program.
Learning in an environment that is academically stimulating, yet with a camp-like atmosphere, students of all ages had a wide variety of classes in which they could partake. They had the option of refining skills that will help when school starts in September, in classes such as “Discover Your Roots,” a class in which students learned about the roots of vocabulary; “Math Challenge,” a class in which students practiced their arithmetic skills; or, “Science by Consensus,” a class in which students learned concepts that could be applied to a wide variety of scientific fields.
For older students, those preparing for the college application process had options of SAT Prep classes for both the math and verbal sections. For the younger scientists, the Mad Science Organization came to the LMS campus to teach classes ranging from “Secret Agent Lab,” where kids used science to be sleuths, to “Mad Machines and Jr. Engineers,” where students explored the mechanical side of science.
Students looking for a more camp-like class nevertheless found themselves learning something new each day in classes such as “Rocket Design Blast-Off”, “Express Yourself”, “Robotics” and “Let’s Put on a Musical”. This year’s musical class culminated in two wonderful productions of ‘Cinderella’ on Friday, July 16th, after two weeks of casting, rehearsal, and set design.
This year’s program was another success by all accounts, not least of which was program director Meredith Quick, who said, “the Montgomery Summer Enrichment Program continues to run smoothly year in and year out due to the outstanding participation of parents and students, as well as a great faculty who truly have a passion for what they do.” She went on to say, “we feel that we’ve achieved our goal of providing children with the chance to exercise their minds and broadening their horizons during the summer months.” Whether they were decorating cakes, putting on musicals, building robots or blasting off rockets, this year’s Summer Enrichment Program was surely rewarding for all involved.
11th ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY IN COLONIAL PARK
Saturday, July 17, 2010 – 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ - The Somerset County Park Commission Horticulture Department invites the public to the 10th annual “Garden Party” featuring lectures; unusual specialty plants, perennials, and garden sculptures for sale by Daisy Garden Center & Sculpture; complimentary refreshments; and live classical music.
The Garden Party will be held in the Perennial Garden, Colonial Park, Parking Lot F, East Millstone, Franklin Township, on Saturday, July 17, 2010 from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.. Admission is free with a $1 per person donation suggested.
The schedule for the afternoon is as follows:
11:30 to 12:15pm “ORNAMENTAL GRASSES FOR NJ GARDENS”
Lecture by Bruce Crawford, Director of Rutgers Gardens.
12:45 to 1:30pm “BUTTERFLIES, MORE THAN YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW”
Lecture by Rick Mikula, an internationally recognized
lecturer and proprietor of Hole-In-Hand Butterfly Farm.
2:00 to 2:45pm “CHOOSE NATIVE PLANTS FOR LANDSCAPE SUCCESS”
Lecture by Claire Liptak, Research Center Horticulturist, Soil Testing Lab, Cook College.
Live classical music throughout the event will be provided by the New Jersey Youth Symphony. Visitors are invited to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the music. Unusual specialty plants & perennials, and garden sculptures will be offered for sale by Daisy Garden Center & Sculpture.
Sponsors include Automated Climate Controls, Inc., Messina Wildlife Management, Storr Tractor Company, Four Seasons Nursery & Landscape Company, ShopRite of Somerset, Barton Nursery, Inc., and Somerville Spade & Hoe Garden Club.
For information, call 732-873-2459 or the NJ Relay Service at 711 for individuals with a hearing or speech impairment.
State Commissioner of Ed Affirms Twp School Budget
The Commissioner of Education has affirmed the recommendation of the Executive County Superintendent(ECS):
-$830K in reductions to programs and staffing
-$890K in surplus appropriation
-$350K in additional "promised" State Aid
In anticipation of the Commissioner's decision, the BOE has made additional program and staff reductions for 2010-11: reductions in custodial, maintenance and support staff, increases in class sizes, limitations on elective offerings at the high school, reductions in professional development and curriculum/assessment work, among other things.
The BOE will consider the implications of the revenue shortfall created by the $1.9M State Aid withholding in 2009-10 and exacerbated by the ECS-directed $890K surplus appropriation on 2011-12 budget development in the months ahead. Specifically, the BOE will be seeking ways to mitigate or avoid the fiscal instability created by this State-imposed revenue shortfall in 2011-12.
The tax increase for an average Montgomery home - $271
The tax increase for an average Rocky Hill home - $49
The issue of the $2,500 difference between the bill for Rocky Hill students, somke $15,000 each, and for Township students, some $12,500, hqs not beenm resolved.
Montgomery News Awards Two Scholarships
The Montgomery News is proud to announce that we presented scholarships to two graduating Montgomery High School seniors, Niki Bhargava and Marisa Iati, at the annual Senior Class Awards, held on June 2. There are 415 MHS graduates this year.
This year’s event raised over $90,000 in total grants and awards to 47% of graduating seniors. 110 students received scholarship amounts from Montgomery Township groups and organizations, such as the Rotary, the Montgomery Education Foundation, and the Boy Scouts, as well as from local businesses and families. One senior, James Loupos, will be attending the Naval Academy.
This fall, Niki Bhargava wil be attending Smith College. Marisa Iatio will be attending Notre Dame to study economics.
Dog Attack in Van Horne Park
Rocky Hill Borough Acting Borough Clerk Rebecca Newman reports that a dopg being walked by his owner was attacked by two Rhodesian Ridgebacks in Van Horne Park. The attack was sometime during early June.
The two dogs apparently broke free from their owners, two women, and attacked his dog. The two women indicated that they were Rocky Hill residents, but Ms. Newman says that the dogs do not appear to have been registered in the Borough. The owners were driving a red SUV. If anyone has information regarding these dogs or their owners, Ms. Newman asks that they contact her at 609-924-7445.
Notes From the Township Administrator - July/August 2010
As we enter the summer season the Township Public Works Department will be gearing up for road repair. Some work will be done in-house and some will be bid out. A significant portion of Orchard Road has been designated for reconstruction. A joint project between Montgomery, Princeton Township, and Mercer County will improve the area of Cherry Valley Road identified as the Jefferson Curve. The Township is also proposing to reconstruct Cherry Valley Road from Rutgers Road to Rt. 206. Public Works will also chip seal roads as needed.
The Engineering Department will be overseeing the upgrade of the Skillman Village and the upgrade and expansion of the Pike Brook wastewater treatment plants. At the same time this department will be working very closely with Public Works on the road reconstruction projects. Staff will also be working on inspecting public improvements constructed by developers to insure proper construction, compliance with applicable codes, and comportment with Planning Board and/or Zoning Board approvals.
As residents spend more time outdoors during the summer they become more aware of their surroundings and issues that affect their quality of life. Our police department sees an increase in the number of calls received involving complaints about noise and related nuisances. Please be considerate of your neighbors loud parties or events lasting late into the evening can be problematic. Turn the volume down after 10 p.m. sound travels a great distance on warm summer evening and can disturb someone trying to relax or go to bed early on a summer evening. If you are having an outdoor event with amplified music/sound please contact the Township Clerks Office for an Amplification Permit as Township regulations require a prior approval before the event. More details can be found on the Townships web site.
From time to time we notice homeowners dumping grass clippings and/or brush into drainage swales, conservation easements, and open space. Not only is that environmentally irresponsible, it is a violation of local ordinances and other applicable regulations. Furthermore, it creates drainage problems and pollutes groundwater and storm water run-off. Please be environmentally sensitive and dispose of this vegetative waste appropriately. Please have a safe and enjoyable summer.
Mark Caliguire Reflects on His First Six Months as Mayor
It has been half a year since Mark Caliguire became Mayor of Montgomery Township, in some of the toughest economic times in recent memory. He comments "This has been a tough time for any elected official in New Jersey. From the governor on down to every local governing body and school board we have had to make very tough decisions about what we will cut; how we can keep taxes down.
“I had a former mayor tell me a couple of weeks ago he did not envy the job I had right now because being mayor at this time is about cutting and doing more with less, not about preserving as much open space and creating programs. But I understand the Township Committee needs to make those decisions, so I have done my best to see that we keep local government living within its means, just like Montgomery families do every day. The fact is, this state is going through a financial crisis, and unless we want to end up in a statewide financial meltdown, we all need to roll up our sleeves at every level of government and find ways to deliver services at the spending levels we are at."
When asked what has been the toughest challenge he has faced, he cites that the Township Committee vote on the school tax levy amendment, which ended in a deadlock, "was particularly hard with very strong passions on both sides of the issue. As a parent of children in our schools I understand just how critical it is that our schools maintain educational excellence, but the majority of Montgomery residents either do not have the money to pay higher taxes or simply have had enough of taxes rising far in excess of the inflation rate.
“The education budget was overwhelmingly defeated by the voters. So our special school budget committee worked diligently to make the cuts that would not increase class size; would not reduce core education; and would not damage the reputation of our schools. Of course, there is no such thing as cutting without some impact, so the cuts we sought would have altered busing and dismissal schedules, would have increased fees for sports and certain extracurricular and would have asked the school administration to do more with less in their office."
Still, Caliguire hopes for unity regardless of the differences of opinion. "Despite the fact that the school budget issue is still not resolved, I do hope that the community can come together on this issue soon, for the sake of the future of the schools and for our kids. My goal in the process was to make sure that taxpayers felt the cuts to the school tax increase were significant enough, by cutting the proposed tax levy increase 55% - and yet did not impact our children's education. That is a tough balancing act, and people on both sides of this issue must feel their concerns are addressed so that going forward school budgets will be regularly supported by voters once again."
Caliguire notes the many people who were helpful in determining the tax levy amendment. "The special school budget review committee, including the school board and school administration members, spent over 15 hours in working meetings on this issue. I can't thank them enough for their sacrifice. We also received hundreds of e-mails from residents on both sides of the issue with some really constructive advice. Many of their ideas made it into the final result."
Working through this year's budget has been another challenge that required sacrifice and compromise, but Caliguire is "proud of the fact that the budget for this year will not raise taxes one penny on Montgomery residents. But it did come at a price. We did have to lay off employees in certain areas, cut costs and do more with less. We did have to reduce the budgets of certain boards and commissions and cut the amount of money traditionally contributed to the library and EMS."
Laying off municipal employees was a tough decision Caliguire had to make, affecting not only those who lost their jobs but those who remained. "In the municipal building many have stepped up and sacrificed. I am proud of them. Many on our staff have not seen a salary increase in over two years and yet are taking on more responsibilities. They understand this is what many of the taxpayers who ultimately pay their salaries are going through, and they are willing to do their part."
He regrets having to cancel Montgomery's July 4th fireworks display, a tradition for many years. "I hated to do that but I could not have supported spending over $40,000 on a celebration at the same time we laid off staff. We are, however, working with the Economic Development Commission to solicit corporate sponsors and volunteers to see if we can make this work off budget for 2011. I will do all I can to help bring this event back."
On the positive side, he says, "If you are mayor you can't help but be pleasantly surprised by the people you see every day making a difference. I am constantly amazed at the level of involvement of so many people in our community. If you are involved in baseball, soccer, or football, or any other sport, you probably know a number of people who give hours and hours of thankless service. If you are involved in scouting there are folks who are critical to the positive experience so many of our young people have. I am always surprised at the number of hours EMS and fire company volunteers give to emergency calls at all hours of the day and night. I don't think many people know how many hours our school board or members of any number of municipal boards and commissions give to public service. There are so many ways to serve in this community, and, believe me, people do. They don't get mentioned in the local newspaper (reporter's note: except here!) but they are so very important to this town."
Where has Caliguire seen Montgomery at its best in the last six months? "Go to the opening day ceremony for Montgomery Baseball (by the way, I still contend the first pitch I threw out was a strike); attend a Court of Honor Ceremony for Boy Scouts or a Rotary Breakfast; watch Open Space Committee members plant trees or clear trails and you will feel really good about this town and its people. As mayor you see these types of events all the time and it helps you understand what makes a community a 'community'."
He points out the benefits of being involved and encourages others to do the same. "It is so gratifying to see that people still can and do make a difference in their community and in the lives of others. So when an issue becomes contentious, as the school budget issue recently did, I remind myself that public service is always worth it and that the most rewarding kind of life is a life spent serving others. So, I would encourage anyone 'sitting on the sidelines' to jump in and get involved - you will be better off for it and so will your community."
What lies ahead for Montgomery? "We will have another tough budget year next year. I certainly don't anticipate more State aid. And I don't see any significant increase in our tax ratable base coming right away. So we are working now to find savings such as shared services and consolidations, and looking for additional revenues. Our CFO estimates that we will have a gap of about $1.5M to fill next year so we are doing what we have to now to close it - waiting until the end of the year will not do. It seems like this is the path we will be on for a while and it is quite a challenge but I know we can get it done."
Caliguire adds, "I am honored to serve as mayor. Public service at any level is a privilege and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in Montgomery." He notes that he is available to meet with residents or groups who have questions or concerns on most Wednesdays in his office in the municipal building. Appointments can be made through the municipal clerk's office.
County Superintendent Recommends Tax Levy Amendment
Awaits Review by State Education Commissioner - Executive County Superintendent (ESC) Trudy Doyle recommended that the tax levy for the Montgomery Township School District be reduced by $2.08M, up from the $1.9M reduction developed by the Township's School Budget Review subcommittee. Doyle directed the Board of Education to study triple tier bussing and outsourcing of custodians and bus drivers, and submit plans for these to her by January. She also recommended an examination of the District's business office to find efficiencies. New Jersey State Education Commissioner Bret Schundler is reviewing Doyle's recommendations and will forward his comments to the Board by June 30.
The amended tax levy recommended by Doyle was $63.36M, which is a 2.29% increase from the previous year. "We recommended an adjustment to reduce the tax levy, including a $770K reduction in appropriations (from sources such as student activity fees) and $1.3M in additional revenue." Regarding the proposed activity fees, Doyle noted, "We thought that it was a bit high. We suggested $26K, not $200K, in additional revenue, or $5 per child. Moving to three-tier bussing (in September) would be very hard; contracts were already awarded and would have to be rescinded. You'd have to change bell schedule." Doyle has asked the District to reduce its transportation budget by $125K. Noting that the District's business office has nine fulltime staff, she asked, "Can they run with less people?"
Doyle projects that the District will receive $350K in State aid for extraordinary special education, which is granted when at least one student in a district requires $40K or more in education costs.
Doyle explains "Montgomery knew this number but did not include it as revenue. They were concerned with the cut in State aid, although historically the State has funded this."
The Board has qualms about receiving this aid, noting "No proof of that has been presented to the District; we have extremely grave concerns with the ESC's projections of additional State aid."
Doyle stated that the State will "absolutely" provide it. Doyle says the District will attain $900K in surplus for the 2010-2011 school year. "We looked at their unencumbered balances, what we think will be left over by June 30 - knowing they would have outstanding bills. We came up with $578K in unencumbered balances from this year as of May 24 and $320K in additional surplus from their own revenue. We looked at budgeted compared with actual revenues."
Montgomery Superintendent of Schools Earl Kim says, "We disagree with the ESC's surplus projection because she grossly underestimated our May and June expenses using a flawed methodology. In a brief phone conversation, we demonstrated that she had failed to account for at least $400K in June expenses. This deflated her projected surplus to $500K. We then offered to sit down with her, as reviewing a 100-page document over the phone is not practical, but we have not been invited to a meeting. If the ESC's recommendations are approved by the Commissioner, it will likely trigger an appeal, or further significant reductions in programs and services to generate surplus."
The Board says money will be needed to address an expected $2.3M revenue shortfall for the 2011-2012 school year. According to Kim, "The ESC is essentially ensuring that we cut programs next - or the following - school year, depending on how the Commissioner rules. Appropriating surplus to 2010-11 actually increases the revenue shortfall to $3.2M for 2011-2012. To generate $3.2M in savings for the 2011-2012 school year would require a reduction of 32 teachers. 70% of reductions would have to be staff. Even if we budgeted with a 4% cap, we would fall at least a half of a million dollars short of revenue. Any surplus generated in the current year should be directed to fill that void to prevent a fiscal train wreck."
Doyle admitted, "It might be true. They may need more. They think we overestimated revenue, but we stand by our numbers." She added, "You have another year to look at your total operation and look for efficiencies that might eliminate this revenue shortfall."
Regarding the Board, Doyle comments, "They did a good job estimating what they needed. But the budget was defeated by the voters; therefore the budget must be reduced. The message from the Governor and Education Commissioner is 'contain cost'; that's the only way you can control property taxes. They have a wonderful school district, but it's expensive. There's a person at the end of the line who has to pay that bill." Concerning the state's recommendation to limit raises, Doyle notes "If the teacher's union had agree to a pay freeze, it would have resulted in tremendous goodwill in the community; you could take that to the bank!"
Kim counters that the district delivered $2.2M in reductions to salary and benefits - including administrative, support, and teaching staff - that exceeded the $1.6M, which might have been saved through a freeze. "While it may have made for good politics, it would not have helped us to make up for the deficit created by shifting more of the school funding burden from a progressive income tax to a regressive property tax. In addition, it would have made the District less competitive in the teacher labor market."
Doyle says the process that was started when the Montgomery Township Committee was unable to reach a consensus on the tax levy amendment "was intense and not easy. You hope this never happens." Out of the 17 school budgets that were voted on in Somerset County, 15 were defeated; while throughout the State, 315 out of 538 were voted down. In eight New Jersey districts (none in Somerset County), the towns' governing bodies certified, or approved, a tax levy amendment, but their school districts did not accept them and have appealed to the State Education Commissioner.
The final tax increase for Montgomery and Rocky Hill taxpayers, specific cuts within the District, and fees to be paid by students are all yet to be determined.
Montgomery Introduces Reduced 2010 Municipal Budget
The 2010 Montgomery Township Municipal budget has been introduced. The proposed tax rate is flat at thirty cents per $100 value. This is the same rate as in 2009 and 2008. The average municipal tax is projected to be $1,521 on a home assessed at the township average of $507,138.
The total municipal budget for 2010 is $25,772,876. This represents a reduction of 10.39% or $2,986,972 from the 2009 budget of $28,759,848.
Like most municipalities, Montgomery continues to grapple with decreases in revenue, including a 23.6% decrease in state aid this year, down to $1.38 M from $1.81 M in 2009, less development activity, and associated permit fees; coupled with significant increases in costs associated with utilities, pension payments, health insurance, road salt, affordable housing mandates, and water service.
Montgomery Mayor Mark Caliguire commented on the budget:
"These are extraordinary economic times in New Jersey. Taxpayers are literally tapped out and the township committee went into this budget season aware that it was imperative that we not add to an already onerous property tax burden. I am proud to say that with a lot of hard work and with a number of tough decisions we did achieve our goal," he said.
The 2010 budget reflects cuts associated with:
- Reduced workforce through layoffs, work hour reductions, and attrition (down 34 positions since 2005).
- Continued salary freeze for all non-union employees with additional health insurance contribution requirement.
- Implementing employee cost-saving suggestions, including incentives to reduce employee multiple carrier coverage for health insurance.
- Transition to regional services, including feasibility studies regarding consolidation of municipal court, code enforcement, tax assessment and police services.
- A $0 capital improvement budget.
- Reduced services, including foregoing this year's Independence celebration and changes to the township newsletter, which is no longer printed and mailed but is distributed electronically.
- Substantial cuts to budgets for recreation, parks & playgrounds, clerk, finance, GIS, tax assessment, and construction/code.
- Library and EMS aid cuts. Montgomery Township reduced by half from the previous year its funding to the Mary Jacobs Library, but still provided $42,500. Volunteer emergency medical services aid has been cut to $32,500 from $48,000.
Municipal services provided include public safety, road maintenance/repair and snow plowing, public health, animal control, parks and recreation, senior programs and services, code enforcement, engineering, planning and zoning, capital projects, emergency management, municipal court, recycling, and utility services such as street lights and fire hydrants.
A property owner may calculate his or her municipal taxes for 2010 by multiplying the assessed value of the property by .003. Note: this does not include taxes for public schools, county services, fire district, county library system, or open space.
Until a final tax levy is determined for the school district, which is being reviewed by the NJ Dept. of Education, the percentage breakdown of a tax bill for the municipal portion versus the remainder of the property tax bill cannot be determined. To give some idea of relative proportions, last year the municipal budget (2009) represented about 11.5% of the property tax bill. The remaining portion consists of school taxes (about 68.1% in 2009), county taxes (17.4% in 2009), fire district taxes (1.5% in 2009) and the open space tax (1.5% in 2009).
The municipal budget was introduced June 3rd and a public hearing will be held on July 1st when the proposed budget is slated for adoption. A copy of the budget is available in the Office of the Municipal Clerk, 2261 Rt. 206, Belle Mead during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each weekday. Call 908-359-8211 for information.
Letters to the Editor - July/August 2010
To the Editor:
Last fall, my wife and I completed an energy efficiency renovation of our Pike Run townhouse via the state’s Home Performance with Energy Star Program. The results have been amazing - a 40% reduction in our energy consumption and utility bills!
The program started with a comprehensive energy audit of our home. We were very surprised to find out that our biggest problem was improper air sealing and insulation, especially in the attic. This is a common problem with many homes. Most of the work that we had done focused on this problem, but we also installed a new 98%-efficiency furnace and direct-vent water heater. Our home is so much more comfortable now. The few drafty rooms we once had are now perfectly controlled.
Based on the winter months alone, we have already saved about $800 on our utility bills. And the best part of our experience is that we only paid for about 50% of the work. The Home Performance program offers very generous rebates and we also took advantage of the $1500 federal energy efficiency tax credit.
Whenever I speak about the program with my neighbors, I always receive great feedback and interest. It is important for society to reduce energy consumption and Montgomery should lead the way! I believe that some of the program’s features have changed, but the core format of it remains the same.
Thanks!
Ed Trzaska
Belle Mead
Dear Editor:
I am preparing a move to Barnegat, NJ and we have been engaged in the typical home clean up and packing that all people go through to prepare to move. We assembled a number of books into a box. The box of books weighs about 50 pounds. I brought the box of books to the Mary Jacobs Library this afternoon to donate the books to the library. The Mary Jacobs Library refused receipt saying that they could not take the books because some were too old. They also started to tell me that some books need special clearance to be accepted by them. What! I said. Do you mean to tell me that you cannot take possession of these books that are being donated? No, they said that they understand my frustration but that they could not accept the books. Instead, they were better prepared to provide instructions to me as to how to tear the books apart so that I could prepare the books better for recycling. Recycling books this way doe not make sense to me!
So, some one needs to explain to me that a box of books that consumed valuable resources (i.e., consumption of paper and trees, the time expended to be written by some authors, printed, bound, distributed and sold to us over the years) is better placed into recycling than for some disadvantaged person to have and read! It seems that the best way to recycle books is to get used books into the hands of PEOPLE that can make good use for them, PEOPLE that cannot afford to buy books otherwise.
So, I came back home with my 50 pound box of used books, very upset and irate that my efforts to do the right thing resulted in such a fiasco. I cannot believe the experience I just went through and I would appreciate you getting the word to your readership that the Mary Jacobs Library is not a depot for good conditioned used books. They are just merely a center that destroys used books for recycling purposes!
Michael A. Dimino,
Princeton
To the Editor:
The Mary Jacobs Library is in serious financial trouble, and she needs our communities’ help now so we can keep its doors open.
As Lea Florentine explained in her excellent and informative front-page article in the June issue of the Montgomery News, “Township Halves Grant to Library,” the Mary Jacobs Library is funded differently than other libraries. While other Somerset county library buildings are owned and maintained by the local towns they serve, the MJL building is privately owned by The Mary Jacobs Memorial Library Foundation (MJMLF). The Foundation pays for all of the building renovations, repairs, furniture, shelving, heating, insurance, lighting, grounds maintenance, etc. This represents a huge savings for the taxpayers – not only are they paying less to maintain a library, but they did not have to pay for constructing a multi-million dollar building in the first place.
MJL is fortunate to have the Somerset County Library System provide books, DVDs, materials, technology and staff – but that is of no use if there is not a house to put them in. The Mary Jacobs Library, through its Foundation, is providing that house for you.
As stated in Ms. Florentine’s article, although physically located in Rocky Hill, 92% of MJL’s customers are residents of Montgomery. To meet the demands of Montgomery’s usage and provide a larger and more state of the art library, the MJMLF endowment was reduced 2/3rd when the building was doubled in size in 2005. The expansion was undertaken with the assumption that there would be a continuing level of municipal support to ensure the fiscal stability of the endowment.
The Library’s 2010 building and grounds operating budget is $187,500. Montgomery Township has provided $85,000 and Rocky Hill $10,000 per year toward this budget. This year, however, Montgomery has cut their contribution in half; Rocky Hill has not. The Trustees of the library are grateful for these and all contributions, but the Foundation is still responsible for the $135,000 balance – and possibly more in the years ahead if these donations are reduced.
Endowments are meant to grow to provide for the future. Obviously without outside funding, the Trustees will be forced to deplete the Foundation’s remaining endowment to fund operating expenses – until the money runs out. The future of your library is in jeopardy.
In short, we are facing a true crisis because the MJL Foundation will not be able to indefinitely sustain the library building without additional funding.
Since the Library opened its doors in 1974, we have never asked individuals to help fund its building’s expenses, but now we must in order to keep the doors open.
I urge all residents of Montgomery and Rocky Hill to think about what it would mean to them to lose their library, and what they can contribute to keep the doors open. We will soon begin our fundraising campaign. Anyone who would like to help, please contact me at the Library.
Brenda Fallon
President, MJMLF
To the Editor:
In the heat of day-to-day politics, let’s not forget all the things a candidate has done over a long period of time. My association with Louise Wilson dates back at least ten years. It has been my privilege to listen to her and watch her manage political and governmental complexities for the benefit of the people of Montgomery Township and beyond. While I may not agree with every vote she has taken, Louise has done many very good things of lasting value for the benefit of the township.
Louise has stood up for Montgomery even to the point of suing her own party leaders to correct deplorable conditions at the old NPDC property. She has prevented noise and pollution for the community by successfully preventing the Hillsborough bypass from blasting into Montgomery right through Pike Run. During her years as mayor, she and her team dramatically slowed residential development.
And not to forget, Louise has been in the forefront of ethics reforms and environmental best practices.
It’s early yet, however, now is the time to note that a vote for Louise Wilson and Neena Singh in the November election will help assure that our township will continue to have experienced and wise voices on the township committee.
Perry Davis, 34-year resident of Montgomery Township;
Former member of the Mayor's Roads Committee,)
Princeton, NJ
To the Editor:
In the weeks since the Township Committee's split vote on the school budget, I've heard from quite a few people who are upset that the decision about budget cuts went to the county and state, when they could have been dealt with here in Montgomery.
I agree that it should have been possible to make that decision locally. That might have been possible if the school funding subcommittee recommendations and their impacts had been discussed openly with the school community and the public at large. They weren't.
Some decisions made by Mayor Caliguire made the divided outcome almost inevitable:
- The mayor added a $400,000 in cuts to what the schools were prepared to accept after they were asked to leave the last meeting of the subcommittee.
- The mayor declined to hold a joint meeting of the Montgomery Township Committee and Rocky Hill's Borough Council, so it was impossible for all members of both councils to discuss a reasonable level of cuts. Instead, he let Rocky Hill take the lead by voting first, even though they account for less than 5% of our students and budget.
- The mayor scheduled our vote for the last possible evening, after Rocky Hill, signaling that public input received at our meeting would count for nothing.
In the end, I voted for a cut of more than $1 million in the budget, versus the mayor's plan for a $1.9 million cut. The two proposals called for the same administrative cuts; the main difference was I was I could not support a new busing schedule that would have had our first graders arriving home after sunset.
Looking forward, our goal as a community should be to convince the State to overturn the 68% budget cut assigned to Montgomery. We have a strong case.
The State acknowledges Montgomery spends less than "adequacy" on education, and that local taxpayers pay more than their "fair share" to support our schools. But the State cut Montgomery's budget by a much bigger percentage than it cut aid to districts that spend twice what we do and are over-funded according to a court-sanctioned formula.
We are not looking for a handout from the State. This is our money, and we should be getting a reasonable share. Right now, Montgomery residents send Trenton about $70 million annually in income taxes, while receiving back between $1 and $2 million for our schools. If Montgomery received the funding we are due under the state's school funding formula, our property taxes would plummet.
Is overturning the State's decision a reasonable goal? I think so. Three years ago, we successfully lobbied the State to revise the court-approved funding formula in ways that brought more funding to Montgomery schools. Now, the task should be easier: We just need to persuade the governor to follow that same court-approved formula.
Back in April, our Township Committee unanimously passed a resolution calling governor's cuts to our schools "excessive, unwarranted, unfair, and entirely at odds with the Governor's expressed intention to reward districts that demonstrate excellence and fiscal accountability."
That is exactly right. We should all come together around that sentiment, and press our case to Trenton for the sake of our taxpayers, for our property values, and especially for our children.
Sincerely,
Brad Fay
Township Committeeman
To the Editor,
The budget process this year has been a rancorous one. The massive cuts in State Aid throughout the state and our recently defeated budget have put the Montgomery Township Schools in an unenviable position the likes of which has not been seen in recent history. It has been a rollercoaster of sorts forcing the district to address changes on a daily basis and casting a pall of uneasiness over the staff and faculty while we wait for final budget figures.
We completely respect all of the parties that have come to the table and the many hours that have been dedicated to protecting the excellence of our schools. The local governing bodies, the Executive County Superintendent, and the State Commissioner of Education have all focused a keen eye on our district with the goal of sustaining the unequivocal quality of our school system.
While we appreciate the thoughtful considerations, several concerns remain. We take issue with the Executive County Superintendent’s projection of $900K in surplus this year and how any surplus, if realized, should be allocated. We are concerned about the 2011-12 school year and a known $2.3M revenue shortfall that looms in that year. We believe any surplus from this year, if realized, should be applied to 2011-12, as opposed to the ECS’ directive to apply it to this next school year – an action that would increase the projected revenue shortfall from $2.3M to $3.2M in 2011-12.
The ECS has also suggested that we have not “booked” $350K in State aid for which we were provided a “promissory note” last month. At the time of this writing, we have received no additional state aid and if we did, we would have to apply it to the additional out-of-district tuition payments that have materialized since the budget was struck on April 1.
Residents are deeply concerned about the option of Triple-Tier busing and increases in activity fees. People throughout Montgomery and Rocky Hill are talking about Middle School Sports, bus aides, world language cuts, technical support cuts, etc. The discussions are passionate and rightly so. We all moved here because of the schools and want to protect that value of our schools and the value of our properties.
We look forward to the State’s determination of our final tax levy, the next steps in closing this budget process and moving on to what we do best – educating our children. We have great plans for the coming school year and look forward to forging new pathways to success. We are, and always will be, a district rich in talent, passion, creativity and commitment. We will weather this storm and come out of it stronger.
We look forward to a wonderful 2010-2011 School Year. Have a wonderful summer.
Dave Pettit
President – Board of Education
Montgomery Township School District
To the editor:
Montgomery taxpayers should sit up and take notice of proposed changes to the township’s affordable housing plan. The plan has been worked on quietly for six months and is just now seeing the light of day. Fortunately, it has not yet been adopted. (The new housing plan was on the Planning Board's June 14 agenda for public hearing and possible adoption, but the meeting did not happen for lack of quorum.)
The new housing plan, developed at the behest of Mayor Caligure and supported by Deputy Mayor Kacey Dyer and Thom Carter, calls for removing senior housing and adding several hundred more houses for families. It includes nearly 700 new houses overall, including a 250-house project on 25 wooded acres adjacent to existing homes on one-acre lots. These numbers do not include new houses already approved but not yet built, such as the Westwinds development across from the middle schools.
This new plan, if adopted, will bring hundreds more school children than the township’s 2008 housing plan. The impact on Montgomery schools and property taxes would be severe. And shoehorning more than 400 new, unrestricted houses into the most congested area of town without any dollars set aside for road improvements, sidewalks or public space is irresponsible.
This plan signals a retreat from Montgomery’s diligent efforts to minimize residential development and encourage healthy expansion of clean, high-value business ratables – with good jobs – to achieve a better balance in our tax base. The new plan is a gift to housing developers, placing them in the driver’s seat and diminishing the township’s control.
It’s no secret that I object to the substance of this housing plan. It represents a big, expensive step backward for Montgomery. I also object to the fact that homeowners who stand to be drastically affected have never been notified or consulted – nor has the general public. That, too, is a retreat from good government and good planning principles.
If the Township Committee votes on this housing plan, I expect the vote will split along party lines. My opinions and convictions about this matter have nothing to do with party or politics, however. This is about the future of our community – its character, its affordability, its principles and priorities. The new housing plan is not in the best interests of Montgomery.
Louise Wilson
Township Committeewoman
Hollow Road,
Report from Rocky Hill Jul/August 2010
A short snappy thunderstorm on May 31 resulted in power outages throughout Rocky Hill, as well as lack of telephone service for “10 to 20 customers,” said Verizon spokesman Rich Young. He said that a tree downed along River Road, pulled down three poles, and caused high-power lines to arc, which then burned through telephone cables.
Although power was restored within hours for most customers by PSEG, telephone service wasn’t restored until the evening of June 2, just in time for dinnertime telephone solicitors to pitch unwanted products. Happy days.
What had become an annual event, the Rocky Hill bike race, was cancelled this year. The promoter sited lack of sponsorship and a poor economy for the reason. The Borough returned checks to local sponsors, which would have gone to support the library, and emergency services.
Mayor Zimmerman noted that this year there were seven Rocky Hill graduates among this years MHS senior class – best wishes to all.
Liquor licenses were renewed for the Rocky Hill Inn and something called Cajo Enterprises.
Much discussion was made over a row of shrubs at the corner of Washington and Montgomery Avenue, which prevent drivers coming off of Montgomery from seeing traffic coming from the left. This is a safety hazard, and the Borough has been seeking a way of phrasing a resolution to require the homeowner to cut the bushes back or remove them. The County has offered to remove them at no cost to the Borough or homeowner, but requires an enabling ordinance from the Borough, something remarkably difficult to do.
An ordinance was approved to pay for an audit of the First Aid Squads books. Apparently this hasn’t been done in several years, but should be done annually.
Other ordinances passed at the June 21 session approved payment to Mastroianni Landscaping to pick up the remaining tree stumps from the March storm, and to approve fees at cost for photocopying Borough documents, and applying for a $1,000 grant to pay for participating in “Sustainable Jersey Municipal Certification Program.”
Another ordinance was introduced to require a 45 period for the Borough to declare a development plan approved or incomplete. If incomplete, the applicant has 45 days to correct it. This allows a work-around for the new State law regarding freezing zoning laws at the time of application, a wonderfully bad State law from the perspective of most municipalities and of benefit only to developers of the more rapacious sort.
The biannual animal survey, which hasn’t been done in recent decades, came under discussion, especially after an event at Van Horne Park, when two large dogs got off their leashes and attacked a smaller dog. Also, an unlicensed dog from a Washington St. home escaped, was found by a local homeowner, who called the S. Brunswick Animal Control Officer. The dog was kept at the pound overnight, with the Borough bearing the cost. The Council felt that the dog owner should be fined for having an unlicensed animal. Licenses are required for all dogs and cats and applications are available on the Borough website. Few municipalities have done this survey as required by State law.
The Borough approved an application for a full-time member of the Fire Dept., Dylan Talarick, who is a third-generation member of the Fire Company. He was formerly a cadet fireman.
The Borough Court collected$3,618 receipts in June, of which $1,016.35 is the Borough’s share.
Residents pulled 2,418,000 gallons of water from the well, which tested OK for everything during May.
Mayor Zimmerman reports that during discussions with the County Superintendent of Schools Trudy Doyle, Ms. Doyle agreed that the Borough (and not just the Borough, Millstone Twp. as well) has been getting shafted: taxpayers are being billed $2,503 more per child than Township residents are billed. That works out to $800 per home, more or less. She also seems to think that pending the Courts resolution of the Borough suit against the State, that Rocky Hill should have a permanent seat on the Township school board. She also agreed that language used in the past referencing “Rocky Hill’s ability to pay,” was a mistake. Indeed.
The mayor says, “A permanent seat is probably as good as having our own board.” Especially as there are no Borough expenses involved for the Borough.
The 4th of July parade will kick-off at 4 pm, with picnic to follow behind Borough Hall.
Dredging will begin along the D & R Canal, from Amwell to Rt. 27, 10 ½ miles total, with engineering to begin during July. It should take about a year to complete.
The Borough will go on the summer meeting schedule, with Council meetings at 7:30 pm on July 19, August 16, and September 20. For more information online, www.rockyhill-nj.gov.
Iraq and Afghanistan War Dead -July/Aug 2010
Since March 19, 2003, when the second Iraq War began, there have been 4408 American military personnel killed in Iraq, and 31,865 wounded, as of April 15, 2010.
In Afghanistan, 1,132 have been killed, and 2,853 wounded since Sept. 11, 2001.
For more information, www.antiwar.com/casualties.
MONTGOMERY FARMERS MARKET - Summer Has Begun
Last week we had a great showing for the Fresh and Local Foods poster contest, sponsored by Girl Scout Troop 60386!! The artwork was incredible. We'll be using the posters throughout the season to advertise our market.
We'll continue to have great offerings from our farmers and vendors: C&M Produce, Griggstown Farms, Orchard Farm Organics, Suydam Farms, Tree-licious Orchards and Bakery, bread from Witherspoon Bakery, plus a few new faces as the season progresses.
Make room for a new crop of white corn, greenhouse tomatoes, hand-picked green beans, bunch radish, beets, carrots, basil, blueberries, white peaches, lettuce, arugula, & more! There are lots of great things in season. For a list of what's in season, check out the Natural Resources Defense Council web site. We'll also have fresh breads and baked goods along with some locally made teas, popcorn and other non-perishables to get you through the coming summer.
LANCE PRESENTS BELLE MEAD STUDENT WITH CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL
WASHINGTON – During a special ceremony at the United States Capitol, Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) presented Shreshth Bajaj with a congressional youth service award in recognition of her extensive volunteer activities throughout Somerset County.
Lance presented Shreshth, 18, with the Congressional Award Gold Medal, which is Congress’ highest honor for youth service. To earn the award, young people must set and achieve personally challenging goals in public service, personal development and physical fitness.
Shreshth is a student at Montgomery High School and the son of Ajay and Yash Bajaj.
“Shreshth is a sharp and dedicated young person who is deserving of this honor,” Lance said. “He sets a positive example for other young people, and I’m proud of him and impressed by his accomplishments.”
“I am very proud to serve the people of my community and to receive this special congressional award,” Shreshth said after receiving the award.
To earn the award, Shreshth completed over 600 hours of voluntary public service work at various hospitals and libraries. Additionally, he also played baseball, badminton, and cricket. Lastly, he planned and executed a four-night camping trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to learn about the Amish lifestyle.
HOPEWELL WOMAN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH FATAL MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT
SOMERVILLE - Somerset County Acting Prosecutor A. Peter DeMarco, Jr., Acting Chief of Detectives Stuart Buckman and Montgomery Township Police Director Robert E. Palmer report that at approximately 9:16 p.m. on Sunday June 27, 2010 a fatal motor vehicle collision occurred on Cherry Hill Road in Montgomery Township. The crash occurred when a 2007 Chevy Tahoe, driven by Amy Locane-Bovenizer, age 38, of West Prospect Street in Hopewell, struck the passenger side of a 2010 Mercury Milan driven by Fred Seeman as he was attempting to enter his driveway on Cherry Hill Road. Defendant Locane-Bovenizer was driving north on Cherry Hill Road when she struck the vehicle being operated by Fred Seeman which was traveling south. The passenger, Helene Seeman, was pronounced dead at the scene. Fred Seeman was airlifted by Medevac to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital with serious injuries. Defendant Locane-Bouvenizer sustained minor cuts to her right foot.
Acting Prosecutor DeMarco stated that responding officers detected the odor of alcohol on defendant Locane-Bouvenizer’s breath and observed other signs of impairment. Defendant Locane-Bouvenizer was arrested for DWI and transported to Princeton Medical Center for treatment.
During the investigation it was discovered that defendant Locane-Bovenizer was involved in a minor hit and run motor vehicle accident in Princeton Township a few miles from Cherry Hill Road just prior to the fatal collision. Defendant Locane-Bovenizer rear-ended another vehicle at an intersection in Princeton. Both drivers exited the vehicles, but when the other driver attempted to contact police to report the incident, defendant Locane-Bovenizer got back into her vehicle and left the scene. Defendant Locane-Bovenizer was followed by the other driver and she was observed swerving and knocking down several mailboxes prior to impacting the Seeman vehicle on Cherry Road.
Defendant Locane-Bouvenizer has been charged with Vehicular Homicide, 2nd degree and Assault by Auto, 3rd degree and is lodged in the Somerset County Jail.Bail was set at $50,000 cash or bond - no 10%. She faces 5 to 10 years in State Prison with 85% of the term imposed to be served without parole pursuant to the No Early Release Act.
Acting Prosecutor DeMarco and Director Palmer state that the Montgomery Police and the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Collision Analysis Reconstruction (C.A.R.) Team are continuing their investigation and request that anyone with any information concerning the crash please contact the Montgomery Township Police Department at 908-359-3222, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office C.A.R. Team at 908-231-7100 or the Somerset County Crime Stopper's TIPS Line at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www.888577tips.org . All calls are confidential.
Revaluation To begin In Rocky Hill
At the June 7 Rocky Hill Borough Council meeting, representatives of Appraisal Systems Inc. gave a presentation regarding the upcoming property revaluation in Rocky Hill. In the process, CEO Ernest Del Guercio tried to dispel at least one idea about property revaluation; he said that the whole idea of it was, “To fairly and equitably distribute the burden of taxation.” In the process, some properties will go down, some will go up in value, and some will remain the same.
“New Jersey,” he noted, “is number one of all states in the USA to rely on property tax for local government,” and as a consequence, Somerset County requires each town to revaluate property at two-year intervals. Rocky Hill managed to put this off for at least a year, but the entire revaluation process must be complete by October 1, 2010. Furthermore, Mr. Del Guercio said that all property must be revaluated at 100% of its true value, rather than Rocky Hill’s current rating of 43% of value.
Mayor Zimmerman pointed out several months ago that now would be a good time to do the revaluation process as property values have declined. Indeed, Mr. delGuercio said that values peaked in 2005 statewide.
The process takes into account a number of complex issues, including the age of the home, the size, quality of care, number of rooms, baths, decks, swimming pools or private tennis courts (does anyone have a private tennis court?) kitchen improvements, on so on. A kitchen improved recently with a center-island, 6-burner gas stove, and a walk in refrigerator would rate higher than one renovated last during the Hoover administration. Equally, a bathroom with a sauna and a hot-tub would be of greater value than one lacking room to swing a cat, if one were of a mind to do such a thing. Even the view from the front porch adds or detracts value – woods, field and stream are good; industrial park and traffic are not so good. “The old rule of location, location, location is still important,” he said.
Furthermore, they compare a number of things such as recent building permits, sale history of the home, and sale history of neighbors’ homes to get an idea of valuation. Equally, they examine current economic issues, such as a decline in value of some kinds of homes: split-levels were popular in the 60’s but not so popular now, for instance.
Also, such intangibles as the Historic District Zoning, the potential for floods – any older home in Rocky Hill might be in that category – and the existence of unique sorts of neighborhoods, such as homes on a cul-de-sac, or homes all built during a similar period, can affect value.
Mr. Del Guercio noted that revaluation begins with a site visit by an inspector, who will physically measure the exterior of the home with a tape measure, and note such features as the general type of home, number of floors, garage, etc.
If the home owner is home, he will try to do an inside inspection in order to note the general quality of the home, as well as the condition of the kitchen, baths, number of bedrooms, basement finish, and attic finish. He said that inspectors rarely inspect attics with pull-down steps as, “We’ve never seen or heard of a finished attic with pull-down steps.”
If the homeowner isn’t home during the first site visit, the inspector will leave a yellow card with an appointment schedule for an inside inspection. The hours for such a visit would be from weeknights from 5 to 7 pm, or Saturdays during the day.
He pointed out that if the homeowner refuses an inside visit, as some do, then the inspector has to make a best guess of inside features, and is required by law to use the highest value possible. This puts the onus on the homeowner to make a case to lower his property values: if the basement floods regularly, show the inspector the pumps or the waterline (mine’s about half-way up the oil burner). If a bathroom is unusable, show the inspector, and if a home has no closets, as is the case with many of the older homes, show the inspector.
Commercial property owners must show proof of income from the property, as well as other information, and meet a different standard than residential property owners. Such information will be confidential, Mr. Del Guercio said.
When the inspections are complete, the results will be posted on their website, asinj.com, and probably from the Borough website also. Homeowners will then have a chance to review the information or contest it with an appraiser.
All of the homes in the Borough will be listed. A homeowner will have several shots at contesting the valuation by appealing to the County, the State, and even the Supreme Court. Any appeal would be just for the current tax year, bust must be made by May 1, 2011.
However, Mr. Del Guercio said that a homeowner may not use the value of a similar property as grounds for appeal – all homes are different in some way, and the law doesn’t permit such an appeal. Mr. Del Guercio says that homeowners will begin to see notification of inspection towards the end of June, and the process should take about a month in Rocky Hill.
The results will not change the total municipal tax levy, but it may change individual tax burdens.
Zimmerman Wins Both Republican & Democrat Nomination For Mayor Of Rocky Hill
Rocky Hill has always been a contrarian sort of place, and elections are a prime example. During the June primaries, voters nominated Ed Zimmerman, Independent and currently the mayor, for both the Republican and Democrat candidate for mayor. However, Zimmerman, who says he will continue to run as an Independent, cannot by law accept both nominations.
There were on the Republican side, 19 write-in votes, 18 of which went to Zimmerman., and one vote to former mayor Brian Nolan. On the Democrat side, there were three write in votes, 2 for Zimmerman and 1 for Bill O’Brien.
Because of a particularity of the rules, the Republican candidate must have at least four votes and win among all the candidates to qualify for the nomination; the Democrat’s rule requires at least one vote and, obviously, must also be the winner – don’t ask – to qualify for the nomination. Consequently, there is no official Republican candidate for mayor of Rocky Hill, but possibly, if he chooses to run, Bill O’Brien may be the official candidate for mayor as a Democrat.
Meanwhile, for two Council seats in November, Republicans gave Jim Banks 39 votes, Josh Hochberg got seven votes, Mark Germain and Brian Nolan each received one vote.
Democrats gave Josh Hochberg two write in votes for Council, one for Bill O’Brien and one for Jane Oakley, who is no longer a Borough resident.
Meanwhile, Tom Bremner has filed to run in November as an Independent also for one of the two open Council seats. Consequently, there are three candidates for a seat on the Council: Jim Banks, Josh Hochberg, and Bremner.
Mayor Zimmerman says that both he and Hochberg are both registered Republicans, but are running as Independents.
Republicans gave 41 votes to Jim banks for Committeeman, and one to Tom Roshetar. Grace Engelbrecht got 39 votes as Republican Committeewoman, and Peggy Harris got one write n vote. Democrats gave Bill O’Brien one vote for Committeeman, and Jane Oakley as Committeewoman.
Montgomery Township voters gave former mayor Louise Wilson 294 votes to Neena Singh’s 291 votes for the Democratic nomination for Township Committee. The Republican voters gave Patricia Graham 637 votes to Ed Traska’s 637 votes. There will be two seats open on Township Committee.
Zoning Board Hearings on Cell Tower Continue
The Montgomery Township Zoning Board held its third hearing on the cell tower proposed for 139 Green Avenue in Belle Mead on April 27. Radio frequency engineer Fahit Kananeh, a consultant for T-Mobile, presented a map showing the cellular phone coverage that would be provided by the proposed cell tower’s antennas. He stated that there is a “significant gap in service” in this area.
According to Kananeh, a signal strength of -76 dBm (negative decibels) provides in building service, equivalent to five bars. A -84 dBm signal would provide in vehicle service, comparable to three bars, and a -95 dBm signal would provide ‘not reliable’ service, or one bar, where calls may be dropped.
When Board Member Michael Gamache asked “What empirical data do you have regarding dropped calls or customer complaints?” Constantine Stamos, attorney for T-Mobile, stated that they have drive test data. Jonathan Drill, the Board’s attorney, referenced a court case in Easttown, which stated that a board does not have to accommodate a signal level of -85 dBm if the cellular provider does not “establish a correlation between the -85 dBm standard and users’ ability to access the national telephone network.” He later asked “Do you have data about the percentage of dropped calls? It’s relevant whether the gap is significant.” Kananeh eventually agreed to provide this data.
Kananeh exhibited a map showing the search ring T-Mobile used to identify potential cell tower sites. Stamos stated that in order for a cell tower to be feasible, it would have to be located within this area. Possible sites in the area and their distance from the search ring were discussed. These include a site at 26 Dead Tree Run Road (1.8 miles from the search ring); a 47-foot silo at 204 Bridgepoint Road (2 miles); three 48-foot silos on Willow Road in Hillsborough (1.5 miles); the 47-foot silo at the corner of Matthews Farm and Rutland Roads (2.2 miles) and a silo at Millpond Park (1.8 miles). A site at 447 Griggstown Road was eliminated because the owners were not interested even though it lies within the search ring.
Congregation Kehilat Shalom at 253 Griggstown Road and, across the street, the Montgomery Evangelical Free Church with its 35-foot steeple, are 1.25 miles from the search ring. But with existing antennas only half a mile away, they would provide an overlap of, instead of additional, coverage. Montgomery Township Planner Richard Coppola added that the Congregation’s18 acre site is surrounded by residences and slopes down to a stream, which qualifies as wetlands. Also, the slope might necessitate a higher tower.
After being questioned by the Board, Kananeh agreed that the area east of the Church has -95 dBm or better coverage from the cell tower on Old Georgetown Road in Franklin Township. The Board pointed out that the Church or Congregation site would “add coverage where it already exists.” Board Member Mark Petraske commented, “Maybe this isn’t the right location.”
Kananeh stated that the Millstone River affects coverage, but Charles Hecht, a radio frequency expert hired by the Township, disagreed, saying, “The river is not wide enough to affect service.” Later on, Matt Rosenthal, who lives near the Green Avenue site and is a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Congregation, proposed putting a pole higher than 120 feet at the Congregation. Stamos said he would consider this request.
When questioned by Drill and Coppola, Kananeh admitted that T-Mobile had not spoken with the Planner prior to selecting a site; rather a T-Mobile engineer issued a search ring. This information was then given to a site acquisition specialist familiar with zoning regulations to identify available properties within the ring. Lastly, a radio frequency engineer investigated coverage provided by available sites.
Township Halves Funding to Mary Jacobs Library
The Mary Jacobs Memorial Library, which serves residents of Montgomery and Rocky Hill, will receive $42,500 – half the usual amount - from Montgomery Township for fiscal year 2011. This is one of the cuts the Township has made in light of decreased revenues and a reduction in aid from the State of New Jersey. Montgomery residents comprise over 90% of the library’s patrons.
Meanwhile, the library’s operating expenses and usage of its materials, services, and programs have both increased. The library will be looking to the users it serves to help close its gap in funds.
Originally, the library anticipated that all of its funding would be cut. “The Township was a true advocate for the library” when it saved half of the funding according to Brenda Fallon, President of the Mary Jacobs Memorial Library Foundation. “As soon as we found that we had some financial flexibility, we looked to restore some of the funding to the library” explained Township Administrator Donato Nieman. Cindy Mangel, Director of the library, commented “They really do want to help in any way they can.” Rocky Hill Borough, whose residents make up nearly 5% of the library’s patrons, has decided to continue its annual $10K donation to the library for next year.
Mangel says that “when the economy goes down library usage goes up.” Mary Jacobs is no exception to this nationwide trend. In 2009, the library has seen an 8% increase in circulation; a 15% jump in the number of groups (62) which used its meeting rooms (totaling 352 times); and a 14% increase in requests made at the reference desk. Attendance at library programs has gone up 42%, and the summer reading program had more participants for all age groups - 28% more teens; 23% more children; and 49% more adults. Fallon points out that “funds are being cut for something that is more heavily used.”
Mary Jacobs Library functions differently from other Somerset County Library System branches. It was not built by the towns it serves, but is privately owned by the Mary Jacobs Memorial Library Foundation. The Foundation – and the library building - started with an endowment Harold Jacobs gave to Rocky Hill (Mary Jacob’s birthplace) to create a landmark in his wife’s honor. The Foundation is responsible for all physical plant expenses for the Library including shelving, furniture, maintenance, insurance, utilities, and landscaping. Somerset County taxes pay for staff, computers, books, audio and video materials (including CDs and DVDs), and periodicals such as magazines and newspapers at Mary Jacobs and all other branches in the County.
To meet the needs of Montgomery’s rising population, the Trustees of the Foundation decided to double the size of the library in 2005. The Foundation made the largest single contribution of funds for the expansion, which exhausted two-thirds of the remaining endowment. The library’s larger size has resulted in increased operating expenses.
Mangel and Fallon note that the towns and residents the library serves are partners who are needed to ensure it is able to continue serving the community. The Foundation will begin reaching out to the community for financial contributions. Fallon says “For the first time, we’re asking library users to support operating expenses.” Mangel adds, “We are asking people to a part of the sustainability of the library.”
For more information, contact Cindy Mangel, Director of the Library, or Brenda Fallon, President of the Foundation, at 609 924-7073.
Township Finalizing Municipal Budget; No Tax Increase
The revised Montgomery Township budget planned for calendar year 2010 will not raise residents’ taxes despite a 23% cut in aid from the State of New Jersey. Out of the $1.8M in aid that the Township traditionally receives from the State, $422,000 was cut. According to Township Administrator Donato Nieman, “We were expecting a decrease in aid of about half of what actually was taken away.”
Cuts in funding were made to emergency medical services, reduced to$32.5K; Mary Jacobs library, halved to $42.5K (see related story); operating expenses, cut by $1.4M; and boards and commissions. Capital projects have been eliminated with the exception of paving roads. These projects will be prioritized and then completed based on available funding. In addition, salaries for all 55 non-union employees were frozen. No additional Township staff will be laid off beyond the four layoffs and three reductions from full to part-time originally proposed.
Mayor Mark Caliguire stated “With the reductions and cost savings we have enacted, despite the significant cut in State aid and other revenues, we have introduced a budget that will not increase taxes on Montgomery residents.” Nieman notes “We have been cutting back for years and have a very lean program here.”
The budget was originally introduced in mid-April. The revised budget, changed after State aid was cut, is expected to be reintroduced at the June 3 Township Committee meeting and adopted sometime thereafter.
Letters to the Editor - June 2010
To the Editor
The good people of Rocky Hill will be receiving a sample ballot for the June Primary Election from the Somerset County Clerk in the next few days. On it they will see that the Mayor’s position and two Borough Council seats are up for election this year. They will notice that there are no candidates for Mayor by either party and only Jim Banks on the Republican slate for one of the two Council seats.
To clear things up, I wanted to make sure that our voters know that as announced earlier this year, I, Ed Zimmerman, the current Mayor of Rocky Hill, will be seeking re-election as a “nominated by petition” or “independent” this fall. This past Tuesday, I, along with Josh Hochberg, who will be running for the other Council seat, filed our petitions with the Somerset County Clerk to be on the November General Election ballot.
Josh is a bright young lawyer living on Washington Street that I believe will be a good solid member of the Council. He has big shoes to fill in replacing retiring Linda Goldman, who has been one of the most hardworking, dedicated and thorough Council members in recent history. I am confident he is up to that challenge.
Josh and I have chosen not to run on a party line because the ugly partisanship of years past seems to finally be behind us now and we did not want reinvigorate it in this election. We also believe that the common issues like policing, plowing, parks and potholes are not partisan issues.
Josh and I both support the reelection of Jim Banks and respect his decision to run on the Republican line so that he can also run for and serve as the Republican County Committeeman. Jim is another outstanding member of the current Council and the community as a whole and deserves to continue his service.
While there may or may not be additional candidates filing as “independents” by the June 8th deadline or write-ins at the primary, I know that if elected , Jim, Josh and I will continue to serve our community with the pride and passion you have come to know.
Ed Zimmerman, Mayor, Rocky Hill Borough
Dear Editor:
After living in Montgomery Township for nearly 20 years, I have decided to retire to the Jersey shore. I have most recently resided in a townhouse at 51 Manor Drive in Montgomery for seven years. While the townhouse was very well prepared for sale and was very professionally marketed by Henderson Sotheby, it was the quality of the school system in Montgomery that was most responsible for its quick sale. It was under contract in three weeks.
Almost all people that looked at the townhouse had the high quality of our public school system in mind that attracted them to consider purchasing the townhouse. The point of all of this is that Montgomery residents should not be so near sighted as to think that the short-term cost of our education system does not have a long-term benefit. The fine quality of our school system keeps our real estate values stable, and in a good real estate market at a premium, compared to other municipalities that do not have as good of a school system.
The current high cost of education pales compared to the value these school costs add to property values. When Montgomery residents decide to sell their properties, they will suddenly appreciate the benefit of the past cost of education, just as I have recently experienced.
Recently, early in the morning on the way out to the local gym, I passed over an enormous pothole located on Blue Spring Road. If the pothole was not a big enough matter, the very large piece of asphalt (presumably originating from the pothole) lying next to the pothole was a larger potential menace.
I made a round of calls into Montgomery Township and after many calls I discovered that there is a Montgomery Pothole Hot line number (908-874-8947). My initial reaction to discovering that we actually have a pothole hotline number was one of “Of all the things to have, a pothole hotline number! Now I have seen everything!”
However, after this sarcastic humor to myself, just a few hours later, in my return from the gym, I discovered that the hole was fully repaired. I could not believe my eyes when I could no longer find the pothole! I want to compliment Montgomery for establishing a Pot Hole Hot Line.
Residents should call this number if you discover potholes in your neighborhood. It really works!
Michael A. Dimino
Princeton, NJ
To the Editor:
The Board of Trustees of the Van Harlingen Historical Society would like to thank the gracious homeowners and churches who participated in our May in “Old” Montgomery: Tour of Historic Homes in Rocky Hill on May 8. Preparing a home for the public to view is time consuming to say the least, and we are grateful to the participating homeowners for opening their lovely houses for our benefit.
Similarly, staff and members of the First Reformed Church of Rocky Hill, Trinity Church of Rocky Hill and St. Elizabeth’s Russian Orthodox Church could not have been more helpful and gracious in opening their beautiful sanctuaries for our tour. These church congregations are wonderful participants in caring for our community.
In addition, we would like to thank local businesses, whose advertising in our program is so important for our financial success – Rocky Hill Inn Eatery Tavern for opening for lunch especially for our event and Robinson’s Fine Candies for again selling tickets.
Last but not least, we thank our docents, many of whom sacrifice their time for every tour. They are a remarkable group of women. And thank you to those who attended May in “Old” Montgomery and helped in financially supporting the work of our society.
Montgomery and Rocky Hill have deep roots going back centuries, and Van Harlingen Historical Society strives to preserve that important heritage. We are always happy to have new members and participants. Please visit www.vanharlingen.org for more information or call 908-874-4820.
Jackie Weitzner, President
Van Harlingen Historical Society
To the Editor:
Mayor Mark Caliguire, Deputy Mayor Kacey Dyer, and Committeeman Thom Carter fully support the recommendations of the Montgomery School Budget Sub-Committee. In the official vote last night, Mayor Caliguire and Committeeman Carter voted to adopt a resolution accepting the sub-committee's proposal to cut the school budget and substantially reduce the school board's proposed tax increase. Deputy Mayor Kacey Dyer was forced to recuse herself from the vote at the instruction of the Township counsel, because her mother is a school teacher in Montgomery. Ms Dyer later expressed frustration because she also supported the sub-committee's recommendations and would have voted with Caliguire and Carter in favor of the resolution.
After several weeks of hard work, the sub-committee recently presented their recommendations for reducing the school board's proposed $65,439,585 school tax levy, which was overwhelmingly defeated by township voters last month. The school board's defeated budget would have necessitated a tax increase of nearly 6%, $546 on the average Montgomery household.
The sub-committee's recommended adjustment of $1,952,000 would have had little or no impact on classroom instruction and would have reduced the proposed tax increase to less than 2.5%, or approximately $258 for the average Montgomery household.
Democrats Louise Wilson and Brad Fay voted against the sub-committee's recommendation, instead proposing an alternate budget that would necessitate an additional $900,000 tax levy over and above the subcommittee's recommended budget. Under the Wilson/Fay alternate budget, taxes on the average Montgomery home would increase by $391.
"I am very proud of the hard work that the sub-committee put in over the past few weeks", stated Mayor Caliguire, who voted for the sub-committee's proposed budget last night. "Throughout the process we had two guiding principles, protect the classroom and respect the will of Montgomery voters. In order to achieve both, we went line by line and came up with difficult, but well-reasoned reductions that will not negatively impact the classroom."
"The people of this township have continued to say that they are sick and tired of their taxes going up as business as usual," said Committeeman Carter, who also voted in favor of $1.952 million adjustment. "They want strong leaders who will stand up for the best interests of the entire township. In light of this clear message and the condition of our economy, we had to reduce the proposed tax increase. Two members of the Committee voted with the will of the people, but the other two, Wilson and Fay, voted for higher taxes and the status quo. It is even more frustrating that Mr. Fay, a member of the sub-committee, after spending hours working with the school board, school officials and Rocky Hill, would turn his back on the process. People in Montgomery are struggling, they asked us to cut taxes; some of us listened, the others ignored. It breaks my heart."
Deputy Mayor Dyer expressed support for the sub-committee's recommendations and added, "I am very surprised that our Democratic colleagues on the Township Committee decided to ignore the will of our voters. We were sent a clear message last month. This is not the time to fight for more spending and increasing taxes."
In numerous emails to the Township Committee, residents have already expressed dismay and disappointment in the Democrats' vote, demanding to know how two people, Wilson and Fay, can decide to overrule the will of the voters. Because of the tie vote, the matter will now be decided by the County Superintendent of Schools.
Patricia Graham
Montgomery Township Republican Committee
To the editor:
On May 18, the Township Committee met to listen to the public and discuss cuts to the school budget. Unfortunately, we failed to reach agreement on an appropriate level of cuts. Brad Fay and I voted for cuts of about a million dollars, while Mark Caliguire and Thom Carter voted for cuts of about $2 million.
The school budget was rejected by the voters in April, and substantial cuts are in order. The cuts that Brad and I proposed and voted for would have been deeper than those made in any comparable district. I simply could not support cuts of almost $2 million. They were too deep – excessive – and I believe would represent a retreat from our core values as a community.
I agree with all the administrative cuts and non-personnel cuts proposed by Mayor Caliguire. I disagree with the mayor's proposal for a radical change in the busing schedule that would result in 5, 6 and 7-year olds having an extremely long school day and getting off the buses after sunset, during rush hour. In addition to safety, I'm concerned about havoc the plan would wreak on two-income families who can't put their children on the bus as late at 9 am, and the additional traffic generated by parents who will opt out of busing altogether.
The $700k that the Caliguire busing plan would save is not worth the safety risks, family sacrifices, and general disruption to the community. I also disagree with tripling activity fees and deep cuts to student guidance, which has improved greatly in recent years and is critical to college planning, to overall student wellbeing and to the quality of our district.
Governor Christie cut Montgomery's school budget disproportionately. We already spend less per pupil in Montgomery than any comparable district and less than any other Somerset County district. Our teachers earn less than the state average and much less than in comparable districts. Our schools' budget is well below what even the state considers “adequate,” and yet the governor cut our state aid by 68%.
I have worked hard, as have others, to get more state aid from Trenton for our schools. Last year and the year before, our state aid rose substantially. Mr. Christie's cuts erased those gains, and then some. Notwithstanding the hand we've been dealt, I could not approve cuts that cause the damage a $2 million cut would bring.
The matter is now in the hands of the County Superintendent Trudy Doyle. A mediation session will happen shortly involving Mayor Caliguire, Brad Fay and representatives from Rocky Hill. I expect there will be substantial cuts as Ms. Doyle considers our township committee's two votes -- one tie vote to cut the budget by $2 million, and one tie vote to cut it by $1 million.
A compromise will be necessary. I am receptive to that, as long as we don't compromise the core values of our community.
Louise Wilson
Skillman
To the Editor,
I would like to congratulate the School Budget Subcommittee for their hard work. The subcommittee was tasked to reduce the $65 million tax levy proposed by the Montgomery Township Board of Education.
Last month, the Board's budget was overwhelmingly defeated for good reason.
The proposed $550 tax increase per household was unacceptable and quite honestly, insulting. It was by far the largest tax increase proposed by any town's Board of Education in the entire county! Bernards Township was second highest at $338. This is truly unbelievable.
The Subcommittee recommended $1.95 million in cuts, which would have reduced our tax increase to $258 per household. Sadly, this common sense compromise wasn't passed due to Township Committee members Louise Wilson and Brad Fay. Both not only voted against the recommendations, but they also pushed for $900,000 in additional taxes!
Under their plan, our tax increase would still have been by far the highest in the county. Do Ms. Wilson and Mr. Fay think the residents of Montgomery print their own money? Don't they see the for sale signs around town? People are being driven out of Montgomery and are reluctant to move here because of the taxes.
Ms. Wilson talks about preserving quality of life, but how can we preserve quality of life when the township is unaffordable?
We all voted on the school budget for one reason, to be heard. When the public overwhelming defeats a budget, with record turnout, the Township Committee must respect the will of the people. I am still shocked that both Ms. Wilson and Mr. Fay would so brazenly thumb their noses at the 2,500 residents that voted for lower taxes. Please remember this in November. Louise Wilson is running for re-election and I'm looking forward to voting against her!
Margaret M. Windrem
Blawenburg, NJ
To the Editor,
Last month, the residents of Montgomery Township convincingly defeated the proposed school budget by the Board of Education. Our message was clear: enough is enough. Taxes are way too high in town and we can’t afford another massive tax increase – almost $550 per household. The people of Montgomery did their job! Now it was time for our elected officials on the Township Committee to do their job and listen to the people.
Over the past few weeks, I have closely followed the process and eagerly waited for the recommendations from the School Budget Subcommittee. Their proposed $1.95M in reductions was the perfect compromise and I thought the Township Committee would unanimously approve this plan.
However, I was shocked to find out that two of our officials, Louise Wilson and Brad Fay, voted against these sensible reductions. In addition, they pushed for an additional $900,000 in taxes. Do they remember last month’s vote? Do they understand that most folks in town can’t afford this tax increase? Don’t the wishes of the voters count for anything in this country anymore – even at the local town level?
Thank goodness, Mr. Fay is not running for reelection this year but Mrs. Wilson is again running for office. She refused to listen to the voters this time, but she will not be able ignore us come November. We will be voting her out of office. Enough is enough and Louise Wilson has got to go!
Kathleen Eberhardt
Skillman, NJ
To the Editor:
When Montgomery residents overwhelmingly defeated the proposed school budget - and the accompanying $546 average tax increase - by the biggest margin for a defeated budget in Somerset County, homeowners sent a clear message: they could not afford it. I never believed the vote against the budget was a vote against our great schools in Montgomery; it was a vote against higher property taxes. The proposed tax increase was the largest in Somerset County and considerably higher than increases in Princeton or West Windsor.
These are tough times. Many are unemployed, live on fixed incomes, have taken salary cuts or gone without a raise for some time. We shouldn’t ignore these facts. I won’t.
Montgomery’s excellent schools benefit everyone as property values are tied closely to high quality schools. We won’t compromise on our children’s education. But, property values also depend on people being able to afford to buy a home here and pay the property taxes, so keeping them low is also important.
With those two factors in mind, and with input from hundreds of residents, the school budget subcommittee worked diligently to reduce taxes, protect educational excellence, and avoid impacting the core classroom experience. At the outset, the subcommittee unanimously agreed that we would release a consensus document because it was critical that everyone, school board representatives included, support the final product for the sake of our community and the future of our schools.
The reductions we recommended achieved our goals by focusing on administration, travel and conferences, extracurricular fees and transportation. No additional teacher lay-offs or increases in class size were recommended.
The budget was discussed line by line with school board representatives. The Board proposed the change in bussing noting that it was something they were already considering for the future. Recognizing that some would object to change, we all agreed in the end that saving $700,000 without impacting education was worthwhile. The Board also agreed to increased activity fees pledging to implement them in a fair and responsible way. As a group, we recognized that change would be difficult, but it was necessary and we committed to work together toward success.
While some ideas were rejected because of legitimate concerns raised by the board, the school board representatives helped develop and agreed with reductions totaling $1.52 million. The only areas of disagreement included in the final product were $400,000 - less than half a percent of the total budget - from reductions in administrative staff, travel, and budgeted surplus.
At the subcommittee’s final meeting, everyone agreed to the $1.952 million reduction, including Brad Fay. Louise Wilson never participated in the process, nor did she raise any opposition to the plan until the day of the vote.
By unilaterally changing course at the last minute, Wilson and Fay abandoned the principles that guided our work, made a difficult situation worse, and supported higher taxes. The school board’s decision to seemingly reverse course is equally puzzling and disappointing.
I believe the reductions we recommended were the right ones made for the right reasons. We must keep our eye on what’s best for our kids and for our taxpayers and work together as a community to ensure that Montgomery is known as an affordable community with excellent schools.
Mark Caliguire
Mayor of Montgomery Township
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