Summation of the August 1st meeting of the town council

Next meeting August 15th

The audio quality of the recording of the meeting I received was very poor. I would speculate that administrative staff still hasn't learned how to properly use the $7,000 recording equipment as it seems apparent that only one microphone was properly connected. I have in the past expressed some resentment at having to pay $5 for each recording-- and having to pay $5 for a barely audible recording that makes writing this summary twice as unpleasant is damn irritating.

The meeting began with a very brief presentation by someone affiliated with the shift nature reserve. Apparently with open space grant money the reserve is going to buy a half acre lot with a existing in need of repair house. It is apparently the intention to use the property as an access point from the Borough to the shift natural reserve. It was stated that there is no anticipation that there will be any Borough expense involved in the purchase.

There were a number of resolutions finalizing some inter-local agreements and such-- briefly discussed and passed were resolutions regarding: [details regarding these resolutions available on this agenda document]

Res.# 122-05 Amend Rules & Regulations/Police Department
Res.# 123-05 Appoint Carl Callahan/ Darren Thau- DPW
Res.# 125-05 Interlocal Agreement-West Morris Regional High School District
Board of Education for a School Resource Officer.
Res.# 126-05 Interlocal Agreement-Mendham Borough/Mendham Twp. Mash Vehicle
Res.#127-05 Contract Paulus, Sokolowski, Sartor, LLC/WRF Conduct Infiltration & Inflow Evaluation [--$17,000] [The mayor suggested that the town might consider passing an ordinance that would mandate the inspection of all homes for illegal sump-pump connections to the wastewater system. He argued that this would negate any prohibitions against making illegal searches. The problem that needs to be addressed is that the sewage system is pushed beyond capacity after heavy rains as there is an inflow infiltration into the system of hundreds of thousands of gallons of rain water.]
Res.#128-05 Police Extra Duty [During the public portion of the meeting there was discussion regarding the $25 per hour fee (above the $65 an hour) if the rent a Mendham cop uses his police car-- it was pointed out that perhaps the fee should be $25 a day to keep our rented cops competitive with other rentable cops.]
Res.#129-05 Mendham Memories Publishing Contract-Donning Co. Publishers of Lanexa Viriginia [A contract is hereby awarded to The Donning Company Publishers of Lanexa, Virginia, for the publication of a pictorial history of the Borough of Mendham for the amount of $20,982.50 for 750 copies]
Res.#130-05 Deferred Compensation/Met Life
Res.#131-05 Peter Henry, Esq. Special Atty. -Historic Preservation Commission

There was brief discussion regarding the possibility of a special election to address some financing issues regarding the high-school expansion. Apparently, the proposed expansion is going to cost more than anticipated and some $2 million will need to be reallocated. It would appear that the proposed $500,000 tennis courts will not be constructed to make up for part of the shortfall created by the other preposterously expensive and unnecessary improvements.

There was some convoluted discussion regarding sludge-halling. Apparently the company providing the service to the county co-op doesn't know it's working for the county-- or something like that... at any rate, the contract will be put up for rebid.

There was again more lengthy discussion regarding de-regionalization and the "funding formula" regarding the regional high schools. The discussion focused on organizing a public meeting that would "educate our citizens". An issue of concern was how you can educate without complete and accurate information regarding the financial and legal implications. Options like holding a referendum or joining the other towns in the financing of a study were again mentioned. A proposal by Barbara Stanton [a lawyer] to pursue litigation to resolve the perceived inequity received more council interest this time around. Miss Stanton theorizes that a constitutional "taxation without representation" claim can be made in federal court. [I have argued that this is preposterous legal theory as the organization of the regional system was by voluntary contract and unless the town can somehow prove that it was incompetent to enter into that contract there isn't anything in the Constitution that would allow us to rewrite or break that contract now. In other words, I don't think there's any chance in hell that any federal court is going to declare "progressive taxation" unconstitutional, which in essence, is the only way Rich Mendham can escape its extra "proportional" contracted burden.]

There was a brief discussion regarding grounds maintenance at hilltop school. Apparently the grass and the front yard isn't being rarely cut and there is a dilapidated fence in back that has not been replaced or repaired. Also briefly discussed was the problem of beer cans at the basketball courts and a recurring problem regarding at-night lighting-- it was explained that the timer for the lights is knocked out by a power failure-- the option of a timer with a battery backup system seemed an agreeable solution.

The mayor made mention of a letter he received from our congressman regarding establishing some kind of "community emergency response" thing. During a public comment portion of the meeting the captain of the first-aid squad expressed a very unfavorable opinion regarding the proposal basically stating that untrained personnel might just create chaos and disorder. Another member of the public related her positive experience with similar programs established by the Red Cross.

Apparently the mayor also received a letter from Habitat for Humanity requesting some sort of participation in the program.

Briefly discussed was the fact that the town needs to find a constructive way to spend some $80,000 in "affordable housing" moneys that must be spent by the end of the year or given to the state. [proposal offered out of my personal self-interest-- why not just give a $2000 "housing subsidy" to the 40 poorest long time residents in the town]

permanent link: Summation of the August 1 meeting

Summation of the July 18th meeting of the town council

Next meeting Aug 1st

There were a couple of ordinance passed regarding the financing of the revaluation and the master plan. Put simply, or perhaps incomprehensibly, The town intends to essentially borrow the money from itself to provide for up-front financing of the expenditures. The town maintains a reserve fund it calls the "surplus" ...as the town carries millions of dollars in debt the terminology is euphemistic. Anyway, the plan is to return the money to the reserve account in installments over the next few years. This method of borrowing is sensible in that it avoids the financing cost of interest payments, but when one considers that we are "effectively" already borrowing (with an interest penalty) the money in the reserve account the net effect is the same as borrowing the money directly. In other words, on the one hand the town is saving money by not borrowing more money-- on the other hand the town is already borrowing more (a lot more ie. $1,000,000.00) money than it is spending which is kind of stupid ...correct that, which is very stupid.

There was some discussion regarding some maintenance work on Patriots path. The town is attempting to secure some state or county grant money to finance improvements. Apparently, the issue of paving with blacktop some portion of the path would somehow affect what money can be applied for-- the council agreed that there should be no paving. The administrator suggested using a "compacted aggregate", the mayor suggested using surplus wood chips [later in the public portion of the meeting a resident advised woodchips might have a negative environmental impact on the stream] and a councilperson suggested that the nice, but expensive, option of ground tires might be considered.

There was some discussion regarding the revaluation. Apparently there have been some complaints regarding visits by inspectors on nights and weekends. It was agreed that inspectors should call first before making weekend visits... the mayor pointed out the need for evening visits as many residents are not at home during regular business hours. Approximate some 900 out of the 1600 homes have been inspected and residents should be receiving their new appraisal between October 1st and November 15th .

A council person reported on the need for the Historical Preservation Committee to secure some legal counsel. The subject inspired the mayor to point out the desirability of consolidating legal services between various committees. no action was taken.

It was reported that the administrator of the "joint library" has resigned to pursue some better opportunity.

The mayor reported that the town is in good shape regarding its affordable housing obligation. Apparently credits held over from construction of senior housing in past years created a circumstance where the town does not need to produce any new affordable housing. The issue of how to best spend the 80,000 or so dollars the town must spend on subsidies remains unresolved.

The deNeufville development property was again discussed. A councilperson raise the issue that the proposed full service retirement community would be a for-profit enterprise and implied that it would be inappropriate to facilitate any such business enterprise in exchange for a few acres for the library. The mayor emphatically stated that there was no Quid-pro-quo between the land donation and any development plans. The mayor also pointed out that the variances required would have to be processed by the various committees and that the proposal is currently only theoretical-- although it is the preferred course of the landowners. The alternative was again stated to be housing on 3 acre lots. A member of the public expressed the opinion that the land should not be developed (implying that the town perhaps purchase the land as open space) as it possesses exceptional natural beauty and preservation worthiness. It was also pointed out that the land is rather environmentally sensitive and borders the shift natural preserve.

There was discussion regarding a concern about some sidewalks --due to the growth of shrubbery and trees forcing walkers onto the street. It was suggested that property owners should be advised to do what trimming is required to keep the sidewalk on their property passable. There will likely be a Mendham Messenger (newsletter) notice on the subject.

There was some discussion regarding the proper cleanup and disposal of pet waste. Apparently the town is going to be placing some signage with disposable bags in various areas.

There was mention of the fact that there has been a cell tower application through one of the development committees. Apparently "a private landowner" has decided to sellout his neighborhood for a few stinking dollars. Councilperson Barbara Stanton expressed an intention to attend the next relevant committee meeting. No other details were provided.

There was some contention over a motion passed to honor the fire department by allowing it to lead the Labor Day parade accompanied by the marching band of its choice. The point was made that the recreation committee usually decides such issues. The mayor pointed out that it is perfectly appropriate for the council to make recommendations-- or more precisely exercise its will.

Apparently there has been a request by the town clerk that the November council meeting that proceeds election day be canceled... The mayor suggested that the meeting be abbreviated rather than cancelled... A council person question the practicality of attempting to abbreviate a meeting. Ultimately it was generally agreed that the meeting would be abbreviated. Apparently this problem arose because the administrator had scheduled his vacation time for this period and there will be a staff shortage to prepare for the election.

permanent link: Summation of the July 18th meeting

Summation of the July 5th meeting of the town council

Next meeting July 18th

The meeting began with a presentation by some nonprofit housing partnership organization that helps municipalities develop plans to fulfill their affordable housing obligations. The town apparently must spend some $87,000 of the $126,000 it has in reserve for this purpose. The money has been collected through a tax on new construction. Basically the partnerships advice is that the town should partner with some nonprofit organization in the business of providing affordable housing. Because of limitations imposed by the size of the town and the unavailability of land for development and the high price of existing properties that could be potentially converted the town has limited options. One downside of the whole program is that the town would have little control over who occupies any new affordable housing created. Tenants or prospective buyers of subsidized housing would be chosen from a regional or state list of approved candidates.

Most of the projects discussed during the presentation were of a scale that didn't seem at all relevant to the $87,000 the town has to spend. An option I didn't hear mentioned (audio quality was not very good) was "partnerng" with an existing landlord to make some existing rental housing more affordable. I believe this simple approach would fulfil the town's obligations without creating the problems associated with the town attempting to finance or manage any new development.

Another issue that consumed a good portion of the meeting was discussion of the formula to be used in deciding Police Department Promotions to command positions. Apparently the council feels there is a need to establish this "formula" to prevent any individual councilmember from distorting or sabotaging the promotion process. The formula developed by the public safety committee basically awards points based on test scores, further Education (financed by the town of course), seniority and committee review of personnel files/interviews. The stated objective is to create a fair process with built-in checks and balances.

Council ended discussion in basic agreement regarding the formula an ordinance for adoption will be drafted.

[In my opinion what should qualify a police officer for promotion is, "outstanding" job performance, a demonstrated devotion to fairness, and simple integrity. Keeping leadership free of corruption should be a first priority and I don't think "the formula" will provide any enhanced protection. Knowledge of the law, and having the discipline to fairly inforce it are not synonymous. As for seniority, being able to fulfill the minimum standards of employment over a longer-term doesn't prove our demonstrate much]

Final passage of the towing fee ordinance, the fire department leadership ordinance, and the $100,000 for "consultants" to help in developing a "master plan" ordinance was approved without much comment.

A resolution regarding fees charged for extra duty police service was tabled to provide opportunity to formulate an administrative fee that more closely approximates the actual expenses incurred by the town.

There was very brief discussion regarding a copier leasing resolution. The town intends to pay $42,000 to lease 3 copiers for 3 years. One council member questioned how the choice of lease provider was made-- the explanation provided was something like because we like them. There was no other discussion and the expenditure was unanimously approved. [more/discussion]

There was brief discussion regarding the progress of the revaluation. Apparently people have had very different experiences regarding the revaluation process-- some reporting that the process was very professional others commenting that the "professionals" showed up in Hawaiian shirts and spent about three minutes evaluating the property.

During the discussion The Borough administrator explained that all the investigators have been provided copies of the "cards" kept on file regarding improvements made to individual properties. He explained that all the cards had to be individually photocopied for the company doing the revaluation. [In my opinion this circumstance provides more evidence of our towns inapt administration. Affordable technology to digitally convert information and make it easily updated in (or reproduced from) a computer database has been around for over a decade. There is no explanation/excuse -- beyond deliberate "make-work" "keep-control" disfunction-- for our town being this far behind the efficiency/technology curve.]

There was lengthy discussion regarding the denewfeild property and its eventual development. Apparently the developers wish to consolidate two parcels of 90 and 100 acres into one managed property. In discussions with the mayor it has been proposed that the land could be developed into a "constant care retirement community" of some 140 units. The retirement village may contain some affordable units but would primarily consist of condominium style accommodations sold at market value with a contract providing for complete till-end-of-Life Care. Apparently the developers wish to solicit public opinion regarding such a project as they do not wish to attempt it without public support. There was some discussion regarding the infrastructure implications of creating such a community. The Mayor stated that some sort of development is likely inevitable and that if this proposal was not viable the property would likely be developed as a subdivision zoned for residential housing on 3 acre lots. (60 or so units). The mayor also stated that waste water issues will likely hold up any development for at least a few years [ As context: A 5 acre portion of this development property is slated to be donated to the town[s] for construction of a merged library. Also somehow related is some property referenced as the Thomas property that would be converted into open space ]

permanent link: Summation of the July 5th meeting

Summation of the June 20th meeting of the town council

Next meeting July 5th

The meeting was rather brief (45 minutes) and frankly uninteresting.

There was discussion regarding use of the Phoenix House for events. Apparently a family related to a "founding father" of Mendham is "rededicating" their dead relative with a new tombstone and some sort of ceremony at the Phoenix House. It was explained that the Phoenix House is available, like any other public building, for special event use pretty much at the discretion of the town council. This special use was approved.

There were a number of resolutions passed regarding the purchase of surfacing materials through a Morris County government contractor. Apparently towns can get a better price buying materials collectively through the county.

Some cost overruns/contract extensions were approved regarding the improvements to the wastewater facility.

The purchase of the MASH or senior citizen van was approved. State grant money will cover the initial purchase but the town will expend some 10 to $15,000 on maintenance per year.

Apparently the town is considering changing its contractor for "sludge hauling". Concern was expressed that any new contract be very clear regarding liability issues. The council seemed unconvinced regarding the wisdom or need to move from the county contractor.

There was some update information provided regarding the progress of the revaluation. Apparently inspectors are in the field-- and there has been some complaints regarding the policy of unannounced visits by inspectors. There was also discussion of using the re-evaluation to catch residents who have performed "unpermitted" property improvements. It seems there is every probability that some residents will be paying for some previously unpurchased building permits.

In a very brief discussion of the master plan a council member defended the hundred thousand dollars expense by pointing out that the Township spent $104,000.

A council member pointed out the "good work" in investigating some contractor who had some outstanding warrants.

There was a brief discussion of the high-school parking problems that will be made worse by the construction work being done.

It was stated that the special meeting on de-regionalization will probably take place in mid September. later this subject did again come up and the mayor announced that he had a meeting scheduled for June 23rd with most of the other mayors. there was again some talk about others investing political capital to get their citizens to do what isn't in their best interest.

There were some brief comments regarding the progress of the library merger. Apparently the town is very close to reaching agreement on the donation of the property. Apparently, in exchange for the 5 acres that will be donated to a library, the town is to agree to some development perks (perhaps some waste water variances) regarding the rest of the property.

Work on sidewalks in need of repair should be beginning shortly. (I will request a copy of the work schedule if one is produced)

The mayor mentioned some complaints received regarding the noise problem of some weekend construction and the need to enforce ordnances.

permanent link: Summation of the June 20th meeting

Summation of the June 6th meeting of the town council

Next meeting June 20th

The meeting began with substantial discussion regarding the One-hundredth anniversary celebration. The mayor basically solicited councilmembers and the public to express their opinions regarding the right kind and level of celebration. Food (at 1906 prices), parades fireworks, a picnic, music, a book... etc. were discussed as possible celebration "fun". Of course there was no mention of the fact that what the town intends to "celebrate" was arguably the blackest day in "Mendham" history. What the town intends to celebrate is basically a ugly divorce that stripped each Mendham of half of its history and in turn half of its character.... but any excuse for a party, right?

A interesting fact revealed in the discussion: The annual Labor Day Parade cost the town some $26,000 when you include the expense of extra police. The council seems to be leaning toward the idea of expanding the traditional parade into a larger event. There was talk that upwards of another $40,000 would be spent on the "celebration". The discussion also included a lot of conversation regarding alternative methods of financing. For example: buying commemorative bricks that would be inserted into the sidewalks contiguous to the center of town. Also mentioned were banners as a promotion/financing option.

The Mayor stated that "Mendham, unlike Randolph, is a community" [I guess we got rights to the "community" in the divorce settlement]. There was talk that the celebration would provide the opportunity to aknowledge, and thank, town volunteerism. [As a volunteer who got used like toilet paper by the town government --I'm figuring that town volunteers might be offered the "privilege" of being the official lawn-dart catchers at the town picnic]

An extensively discussed option was producing a 9 by 12 coffee-table-style 100 years commemorative Mendham history book. The cost to publish the book (1,000 copies) was estimated at between 27 and $35,000. It was stated that selling half the books at $50 each with just about cover the cost of publication. The "plan" is to solicit the participation of longtime residents in compiling the "storybook" history. A financing scheme mentioned by Barbara Stanton was laughed off-- but it actually might have been quite brilliant. The idea was to allow people/families to pay a sponsorship to have their photograph included in the town history book. Figuring you could easily place 25 small pitchers on a 9 by 12 page-- for the cost of five double-sided pages the book could be financed and offered at a 1906 price. [Some obvious observations: The town already possesses a substantial amount of historical information and artifacts-- why not publish that information with photographs on the Internet???? Why not just create a digital book on CD and save the expense of paper publication? With $40,000 the town could produce some quality local interests content that could be broadcast on the free cable access they are currently squandering-- wouldn't that be a better way to "celebrate" and improve our town-- than giving away hot dogs and beer that is only going to end up as you know what, you know where.]

In other news the fee for towing a impounded vehicle will be increased from $75 to $95

The financing of the "master plan" received extensive discussion thanks to Councilman Haverkost who had the appropriate good sense to ask a question. Why are we wasting 100 thousand dollars on consultants to tell us what we already know? [[ The "master plan" is a forward-looking document the town is required by state law to maintain. Its intent is to basically out-line long-term or projected infrastructure problems and the town's intended solutions.]] As Councilman Haverkost so aptly put it "we already know there's too much damn traffic". The mayor, and the rest of the council attempted to provide a justification for the expenditure, but the justification seemed quite empty and they certainly didn't.point to any previous "consultant study" that proved to be richly informative. The council approved the expenditure-- to their credit Witczak and Haverkost voted no.

Without comment or explanation Councilman Witczak voted no regarding approval of an ordinance that would allow some percentage of the leadership of the fire department to live out of town.

Some reapplications for liquor licenses were approved. Apparently state regulation limits consumption licenses to one per 10,000 of population. Apparently the Black Horse license has been grandfathered as it existed previous to the new regulation--At least that was the Mayor's explanation. Apparently the state limits the fee for the license to some $2,100 [ I as an individual pay MORE THAN that in cigarette taxes--apparently, smoking in your own home is more of a social blight than drunk drivers]

The salary resolution was passed-- Interestingly, Some individuals hold more than one job and receive more than one salary.

At perhaps the next Borough meeting there is going to be a presentation by a consultant from affordable housing explaining the options regarding expenditure of the money the Borough has collected to provide for "affordable housing".

A council member made a complaint regarding persistently receiving voucher information on Monday and therefore too late to realistically scrutinize expenditures. (the voucher information I receive isn't just too late it's too incomprehensible) It was also mentioned that policies to be clear regarding employees using the "company car" for things like going to school. (no doubt publicly financed "how to be a maniacally evil public servant" class's)

There was some mention of some problem with the backstops at the baseball fields... the council member suggested that the fencing needs to be placed on the inside of the cage-- he apparently brought a piece of piping that fell from the backstop to the council meeting. He also pointed out that the handicapped accessible ramps have settled and become somewhat dysfunctional.. There was also some mention of a need for handicapped parking particularly at the pastime field.

Deregionalization was again brought up-- Same old unrealistic mush that we are somehow going to threaten Washington Township into voting against their own interest by pre announcing that our threat to break up the system is insincere. Apparently, some members of the council have the unrealistic perception that Washington Township politicians are going to "risk political capital" and show "political leadership" by screwing their own citizens --because the people of Mendham don't like progressive taxation.

There was a brief mention of the fact that the "Library of the Mendhams" is still trapped in suspended bureaucratic animation. Apparently as a consequence the contract with the fund-raiser will not be renewed. (more seed money wasted on an infertile idea)

There was some talk about creating an "event ordinance" to prevent private events from disrupting public space. No example of an incident where such an ordinance would have prevented some endured horror was provided.

Councilman Haverkost again mentioned some illegal horse manure being dumped near India brook in close proximity to the sewage plant. The administrator concocted some weird explanation that they are letting the DEP handle the investigation. (I think resolution might just require a phone call to the residents requesting that they dump the manure further back in the woods... but the administrator likes doing things the hard, stupid, and inconsiderate way)

permanent link: Summation of the June 6th meeting

I gave our crackhead InMendham.com consumer reporter the assignment to get the scoop on the borough's "big dump of wood chips/mulch" for $25 bargain. After extensive research (actually buying a load) he has come to the conclusion that it really is a bargain-- although, the purchasing process leaves a lot to be desired.

Our investigation uncovered these facts:

Depending on circumstances you may have a choice of two types of material: The probably always available "double-ground" mulch (which we selected) or lighter, dryer, wood chips.

The mulch isn't free of aberrant material (unground roots, vines, logs, dert, civil war cannonballs, etc.) but we didn't find any body parts in ours-- your results may vary.

On arrival and upon spreading the mulch does smell a little, but the smell dissipates as it dries.

The average truckload is stated to be about 5 or 6 cubic yards-- we probably got a little more than that, and I would approximate that a truckload might cover as much as 700 sq. ft.

In our experience it took a full week from the time we decided to purchase a truckload to the time it was delivered. Unfortunately, it appears the Borough government doesn't have a very high opinion of the average property owners credit rating and demands payment in advance. You also must submit a signed release form with your payment. In our opinion, the town wouldn't be risking Armageddon by streamlining the process to allow property owners to sign the release and make payment upon delivery. Unfortunately, our opinion isn't very well respected so here's a rundown on the process as it will likely remain until hell freezes over-- or a bureaucrat grows a brain .

The first step is to get a signed copy of the form and your payment to the financial officer. There's a few ways you can do this: You can go to the Phoenix House get a copy of the form from the clerk, fill it out, sign it and make your payment of $25 .

If you don't want to make a trip to the Phoenix House, the form is available at the Borough website (PDF FILE) and you can print a copy, and send it with your check to: SUE GIORDANO, CFO, 2 WEST MAIN ST., MENDHAM, NJ 07945 As an alternative I have created a copy of the release form in html format which allows you to type in the required information, and create a already filled in copy of the Form that can be printed from your Web browser. Although this form is not "official" the content is the same and the Borough should find it acceptable (I submitted a nonstandard copy of the form and it was accepted).

After Borough processing, your request will eventually get to the Department of Public Works. Depending on their schedule (pre-existing obligations) you will be contacted regarding arranging a delivery date/time. I perhaps expedited the process a little bit by preemptively calling the Department of Public Works to make arrangements for delivery. If you do need to contact them I found that calling around 8:00 am. will likely guarantee you'll receive a live person to talk to. The phone number is 1-(973) 543-6535.

Quick tips based on our experience: Have a tarp or something to place on the driveway or directly adjacent ground for the mulch to be dumped on. I also found that a tarp works very well for moving the mulch-- it's fairly easy to push a lot of mulch on to the tarp and then drag it where you need it. If you choose to shovel the mulch into some other kind of container for distribution a pitchfork works a lot better than an actual "shovel". In locations where you really wanna make sure weeds don't push through I have found that putting down a layer of plastic (even just some cheap garbage bags) is worth the little extra trouble.

permanent link: Double Ground--mulch

Summation of the May 16th meeting of the town council

Next meeting June 6th

The mayor was again absent from the meeting.

The meeting began with a pretty tedious run through the arcane mush the goes with the introduction and passage of ordnances.

None of the ordnances passed was discussed to any relevant degree. The Municipal budget passed as did a salary ordinance and a bond ordinance. Introduced was a soil erosion ordinance and a solid waste ordinance. Because of some previous deficiency in previous process a couple of bond resolutions needed to be re-resolved. Of perhaps future interest there was a resolution regarding the refinancing with a new lender of some $1,280,000 of debt-- it is yet unknown what the new interest-rate will be.

The resolutions regarding the "voter rejected" school budgets were both passed unanimously. Both budgets were reduced by less than 1%. The local/grammar school budget was not discussed. In discussion of the regional budget Councilman Haverkost described the process of the negotiations, and the rationale for the eventual agreement to make what was described as a token $160,000 cut in the $42 million budget. Apparently if Mendham Township hadn't insisted on this budget cut no cut in the budget would have been made at all. [that last election really was a waste of time].

The strangest part of the, cuts would be "devastating to the school system", mushy dissertation was the explanation that the tennis courts were immune to consideration because the voters had previously approved the construction as a minor part of the school expansion referendum passed last year. Legally, I think this theory is contrived nonsense, the tennis courts were part of the budget presentation materials put before the voters by the school board --they were clearly and unequivocably part of what the voters were voting for or against. Any theory that a previous election result takes precedent over the most current election result is just plain old cover-your-ass BS. [The simple truth is your town council just ignored the election results and is very happy to force you to finance through public taxation $500,000 worth of recreation equipment that only has a single use and is therefore only useful to a very small minority of students[?] . This vision of our obligations to a public education system is in my opinion "way out of bounds" -- damn "borrow and spend", really stupidly, Republicans]

One council member closed the propaganda session up, with some remarks regarding how wonderful the school board is because it gave the town the money to pay for half-a-cop, or as they describe it a "resource officer"--directing traffic really shouldn't be a $50 an hour job.

Some sort of salary resolution was withdrawn because some council member apparently didn't think the salaries were high-enough.

A resolution awarding Blue Diamond the "bulk" item pickup contract was passed-- Barbara Stanton voted no, citing the objections she brought up the last meeting.

It was announced that Ralph Blakeslee the Borough administrator received a summons for jury duty--and maybe required to sit on a jury in a civil matter for much of the week (last week). He stated he tried to get out of it but he could not find any apparent conflict of interest. [I think if the plaintiff's find out he is basically a defendant in a civil suit they are going to excuse him pretty quickly].

There were a few brief remarks regarding the grand opening ceremonies for the "newly improved" Phoenix House. Apparently about a hundred or so people showed up, and a good time was had by all.

There was a brief discussion regarding a request to use the Phoenix House in the production of some low-budget movie. The council basically sanctioned the use with general restrictions against causing a disruption.

Councilman Haverkost gave kind of a lengthy report regarding negotiations with Little League. Apparently the consensus opinion is that the fields need upgrading if they are to host a championship game. Their were quite a few problems outlined.

• Apparently the contractors who rebuilt the fields a few years ago did not make durable improvements.
• It was implied that the DPW does not have the required expertise to properly maintain the fields.
• Apparently there has been a problem with the Little League using the fields when wet, over the objections of the recreation director.
• Apparently there has been some vandalism to the Carriage House bathrooms, and some illegal drinking at the basketball courts. It was mentioned that there was discussion regarding the installation of some sort of camera surveillance.

Described by a councilmen as a "hot topic" de-regionalization of the high-school district was again discussed. Barbara Stanton expressed some urgency that the Council Act to schedule and publicize a special meeting on the subject. Other council members expressed a "the Township can do whatever the hell they want" attitude. In the end there was basic agreement that changing the "Tax Formula" and not de-regionalization was the desired goal. (this takes us pretty much back to the beginning where the (empty) threat of de-regionalization was contrived to extort Washington Township to abandon progressive taxation and their own best interest.)

If there is going to be a special meeting , it probably won't take place until the second half of September. There was lots of talk regarding how to promote the event that included mention of advertising in the Observer Tribune, the Mendham messenger, and of course using the town's decaying website [talk but never any action]. some council member mentioned the words "Patriot Media" implying using the free access they offer the town but it was like the inquisitioners ax fell and that heresy was quickly passed over.

Everyone seems to be of the opinion that the popularly spouted numbers regarding the funding formula are simplistic, and inaccurate-- of course only when spouted by the opposing propagandists. [As far as I know no one publishes a copy of the funding agreement. From what I have gleaned each town is assessed a tax obligation (an amount to collect) that is based on the total asset value of all the properties in the town. I think[?] each town has some discretion in deciding what formula they use to collect that money from their citizens (ie. Commercial tax rate verses residential tax rate). "Simplistically" there isn't much wrong with the regional formula-- The problem is "natural" segregation has caused towns to evolve "demographically" in very different directions. Put simplistically Washington Township is a younger, less wealthy, population with a higher percentage of children per person (and $) than the complaining communities of the Mendhams and Chesters. What the complaining communities would like to do, is change the formula to assess towns a tax liability based on how many students they send to the high-school. I would argue that if that makes sense, it would make even more sense to go the final mile down that road and only school tax people who have had children. In the end this formula issue is just a small scale parallel to the national --consumption vs flat vs income vs inheritance vs wealth-- tax, greed vs need, progressive vs regressive, debate.]

In defending how great our school system is, a council member made mention of the fact that Mendham high-school was ranked 140 in the nation by Newsweek. I haven't bothered to look to see what "formula" Newsweek used to apportion praise-- but I'm sure the system didn't appreciate things like graduating a high percent of hiv crack babies being raised by their grandmother.

Of particular interest to me were some remarks by a council person praising the current clerk and maligning the previous clerk for pointing out that she was under worked over skilled and overpaid. As the current clerk, is too computer Illiterate to find a file in a specifically defined folder without doing what she defines as "research"-- what she deserves is some mandatory classroom time in a hilltop computer lab and certainly not praise.

permanent link: May 16th meeting, InMendhm 5/16/05

May 2ed meeting, InMendhm 5/02/05
April 18th meeting, InMendhm 4/18/05
April 4th meeting, InMendhm 4/4/05
March 21 meeting, InMendhm 3/21/05
March 7 meeting, InMendhm 3/07/05
Feb 22 meeting, InMendhm 2/07/05
Feb 7 meeting, InMendhm 2/07/05
Jan 17 meeting, InMendhm 1/17/05
Rome is Burning
Dec.20 meeting, InMendhm 12/20/04
Dec. 6 meeting, InMendhm 12/06/04
Nov. 15 meeting, InMendhm 11/15/04
Nov. 1st meeting, InMendhm 11/1/04
Oct. 18th meeting, InMendhm 10/18/04
Oct. 4th meeting, InMendhm 10/4/04
Sept 20th meeting, InMendhm 9/20/04
Sept 7th meeting, InMendhm 9/7/04
August 16TH meeting, InMendhm 8/16/04
August 2ed meeting, InMendhm 8/02/04
...Millions On A Book Museum
...July 19th meeting, InMendhm 7/19/04
...9 on the maximum possible disaster scale
Sharing Isn't A Sin, InMendhm 7/6/04
...Apparently the plan is to soak 'big contributors" 6/21/04
...the Borough administrator mentioned a videotape 6/7/04
...I'm fighting an impulse to do some "bird flipping"
...you think maybe it is "posterous"
...The May 17th meeting
...willing to wager a few toes and a finger or two
...the May 3rd meeting
... It's still too big and ugly
...have to live in a free country to do that
...Summation of the April 19th town council meeting
...April 5th town council meeting
...Just a couple of last-minute
...March 15th meeting
...I would sue these jerks... if I wasn't already
...those of us who survive will live like giant cockroaches
...March 1st town council meeting
...February 17th town council meeting
...my constitutional right to get electrocuted
...this Mendham-Gate iceberg
...the duplicity of both town governments
...national beat up on town administrators month
...the harsh physics of bureaucrat/porkie aerodynamics
...dysfunctional local manifestation of tyrannical Government
...this sites dismal search engine profile
...It's too bad this isn't the 21st century
...we surely do deserve to go directly to Hell
Summation of the December 15th meeting
... just put on a long brown coat, and a set of antlers
.... we won't have any more of those ex-homicidal maniacs volunteering
December 1st & November 17th meeting
...complaint with the United States Department of Justice
...the maniacally evil Borough Council
...a discredit to the community
Summary of the October 20th & November 3rd meeting
...the town is guilty of in practical fact stealing
...October 6th meeting of the Mendham Borough Town Council
...It was all black with a yellow band right behind its head
...The borough administrator is, in a word, "crazy"
September 15th meeting of the Town Council
...Teach Audi of Mendham a Little Respect.
...leave [or elect] weasels to watch the worm cans
...a-$0.50 smoke bomb-molehill
..August 18th meeting
...maybe it was just "bucket lag"
...Borough has gotten pretty thoroughly soaked
...a willingness to risk being arrested as a suspected terrorist
...some interesting general information and the bonus of
...the business of yard stinkification
...the "S.S . Zappum", a vessel of no doubt historic adventure
... treat them like dirt, and
... a quality of ugly perfection
... dysfunction is, in fact, by deliberate design