Summation of the January 16th meeting of the town council

The meeting began with some minor controversy over the consent agenda. apparently the town council has become too Catholic to have enough voting members left to vote on any issues affecting the Catholic church/school. They passed some special provision that basically allows them to ignore the appearance of a conflict of interest by simply acknowledgeing it exists.

Library Presentation: Members of the management of the Borough library presented rather lengthy explanation/justification for maintaining and increasing the budget of the Borough library. Council members were provided with budget documents in advance of the meeting that were not made part of the agenda documents I was able to secure by request. The facts and figures I could glean from what was said indicates that the library has ...

• 10 staff members and with a payroll of $186,000 .
• 12 volunteers, and 200 "friends"
• the library "earns" about $40,000 in interest on a donation trust fund
• they apparently collect another $27,000 using fund drives (I think they said these fund drives have expenses of $20,000)
• I think they are requesting that the Borough increase the public subsidy $37,000 (I think that will push the annual contribution somewhere over $150,000)

Referenced programs was the new children's Spanish program, A dog therapy program (kids apparently read to the dog), some sort of holiday reading program, a morning yoga class, knitting, crafts, story time, and the history of the Jersey tomato....

There was some reference to a books on wheels program but apparently it only services MASH. There was also talk of some PC training program.

It was stated that things are really hopping at the library, and use is growing.... apparently the DVD collection is very popular. There were a few light moments in the presentation, most especially when reference was made to Gerald Dolan having his argument over an overdue book interrupted by the announcement that he won $2,000 in a 50/50 drawing. (it was stated that he donated/returned half the money to the library)

The mayor commented that the library should look into the fiber optic broadband services offered by verizon as an alternative to the T1 access now purchased through some consortium. (It was stated that verizon will be making a presentation at the next council meeting)

Some council member commented that it is a privately run library and that if it was completely public it would cost a gazillion more.

National Guard recruiting effort: The council unanimously rejected a request by the National Guard to use a helicopter landing as part of a recruiting pageant.

Dear Management A council member expressed surprise at learning that the town pays for butchering.... it was reported that there are few participants in this year's program implying delay in implementation, as the cause. It was stated that the bow and arrow cullers are using existing signs in areas where they are active. (from other references it seems probable that the vast majority of cullers are members of the Mendham Police Department.)

The Mendham Messenger: It's probable that next month will be the last addition of the Mendham Messenger. The council discussed options for the production of a newsletter that included working with the library, and the high school. (Considering that the town leases copying equipment for $40,000 this really should be a no extra cost basic government function (outside the cost of postage) it really is way way way short of brain surgery.)

Council Attorney: The council apparently has a new attorney who is local and named Fred.... I wonder if he knows that renters are still Americans.

The Budget: It was stated that department's are keeping expenses down to last year's levels. There was also some talk of the 10 year capital plan, and debt restructuring. Apparently there will be some consultation with the accountants/auditors regarding a way to make it make sense to save borrowed money.

Clerk Praised: The clerk was praised for her job performance. The mayor made some reference to how the volume of papers he has to deal with is down 70% as a result of more expanded use of e-mail. ( considering that the public's access to electronic data hasn't seen any similar revolution -- the mayor and clerk deserve unemployment not praise )

Public Safety Junk: Barbara Stanton, the head of the "mind everybody's business committee" spoke of her continuing effort to legislate underage drinking and snow removal. Her modified plan for a snow removal ordinance would only impact what she termed the "safe walking district". ( At some point in the meeting Barbara suggested that the town announcements, in smaller type of course, could be made part of the Catholic Church bulletin-- Apparently, she was out scolding some juvenile delinquent the day they taught the First Amendment at law school)

Fishing Contest It was announced the Borough and township police departments will be sponsoring a fishing contest at the mudhole on mother's Day. Of course Mother Barbara reacted as if fishing on such a day would be some ultimate heresy.... it was explained, that the day is chosen based on there being no conflicts with other junior recreations typically suspended on that day. It was also pointed out that the contest takes place in the morning presumably leaving adequate time for afternoon blood sacrifices to the mother god.more relevant information

Emergency Planning: There was rather extensive discussion regarding the adequacies and inadequacies of the town's capacity to usefully react in the "minor emergency" circumstance of protracted power failures and such.

Nepotism Ordinance: The mayor proposed, now that the council no longer has any obvious nepotism issues, that there be law written prohibiting the hiring of the family members of elected officials. Barbara Stanton apparently didn't understand the obvious appearance problem and needed it explained that it is a cleaner way of doing business. ( when they get around to a ban on hiring morons and Nazis... that will be real progress)

Public Comment: Besides my questions to the council public comment was kind of thin one resident expressing support for the library and deer killing, another pointing out that no one on Dean road even uses the sidewalks, preferring to walk in the street.

Regarding Vouchers: ( it should be noted that the town refuses to provide the public with a coherent record of purchases made... ie vouchers) A couple of purchases receipts were challenged by council members.... one referencing an apparent double billing ...another issue involving emergency radio equipment was resolved with the explanation that some police scanners also needed to be replaced.

permanent link: Summation of the January 16th meeting

In his annual reorganization speech Tricky-Dick Kraft has again decided to ignore the obvious truth and referred to the DeNeufville library land exchange as a "donation". Considering that the mayor, no doubt, supported the impeachment of Bill Clinton for defining "sexual relations" as exclusively "sexual intercourse" it would seem only fair that the mayor also support my suggestion that he be unelected this November for having the duplicity to call a profitable exchange a "donation". -- factual discussion

There were a lot of little murders of the truth in the Mayor's speech, I found this little piece of mush to be ludicrous enough to have entertainment value.

"2005 saw the beginning of accepting property tax payments via the internet and in 2005 a total of $12,728.38 in property tax payments was received via online payments in 2005. One resident used the online service while he was out of the country to avoid a delinquency.
To date the Borough is on a course for a 98.6% collection rate with $19,531,500.00 in taxes collected for 2005. The bulk of these taxes are for schools."

If you lost a football game 1534 to 1 ...could you find words to make that sound like a success? Clearly... Online tax payment (for a fee) isn't even anything a significant minority finds useful ...yet, the mayor touts it as a successfully accomplished public-service.

On the subject of the revaluation the mayor again reiterates that

"The amount of money we collect in taxes does not change, it is only how the pie gets cut up."

At best, this seems a incomplete truth. As he points out "the bulk of taxes are for schools" and the bulk of that school money goes to satisfy regional and county obligations. Those obligations may in fact be implicated by the revaluation as approximations of total asset value used to assess the town's proportional obligations may be impacted. (I say maybe, as I have no certain knowledge regarding how or when county and regional approximations are readjusted)

The mayor also points out the pending substantial problem of water infiltration into the sewer system. What the mayor doesn't explain is that the council appropriated resources to make some effort to specifically diagnose the where and hows of this problem and apparently no such diagnoses ever took place.

Not mentioned in the Mayor's speech is the cell tower that may be coming to a neighborhood near you. The minutes from this board of adjustment meeting provide some details if you have a high tolerance for technical jargon. The corporately owned federal government has basically decided that for-profit communications companies should be allowed to "eminent domain" you out of your property value and the aesthetics of your neighborhood.... in the end, "progress" will likely MacCell Tower the Borough ....and we will no longer have to live in the dark-age of occasionally interrupted live sex chat while driving (steering with our chins) down Route 24.

In other (Township) news, I've basically informed the similarly corrupt government across the street so-to-speak to comply with the law or face legal process. It is discouraging, and depressing, to face the realization that even neighborhood government... just plain sucks! There really is no legitimate excuse for the people's public government to make any effort to avoid public scrutiny, and ultimately public accountability. Freedom, and the accessible knowledge the gives it meaning, isn't a possession of government, it is the property of the people that government is supposed to be defending. In simple truth, our public "servants" are stealing the public property of our constitution and we should hang a few for that treason.

Related documents:
REORGANIZATION MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Resolutions

permanent link: Reval property, Reorganize gov., and Redefine

There won't be any inmendham.com summation of the December 19th meeting as the mayor and town council chose to use some problem with the heating system at the Garabrant Center as excuse to have an unrecorded meeting at the firehouse. Considering that the town has a $7,000 recording system that is laptop based --the idea that the system isn't portable is as "silly" as some of the content on Channel 25. The fact that town officials apparently don't have a backup plan-- like access to a $25.00 portable cassette recorder-- to ensure the creation of some kind of verbatim record regarding what takes place at council meetings, speaks of gross incompetence or gross duplicity.... Either way, this is the kind of bad government that has earned government its reputation.

On Tuesday the 20th I happen to be down at the mud hole at around 9:00 a.m. and witnessed something that seemed pretty bizarre. I don't know much about turkey vultures... well actually I know quite a bit... like they don't build nests, and their white, fluffy, but still ugly offspring just kind of hide near rocks or under hollow logs and come out to be fed. Anyway, I've never seen a gathering like this without any obvious purpose-- I didn't even think there were this many turkey vultures in all of Mendham. I'm not a superstitious person, but I have to admit it was kind of ominous and creepy... kind of makes you wonder if they know something we don't?

To finish out what has been a pretty crappy week... from my perspective-- Some reference to Lisa Appelbaum seems appropriate. These little, out of the blue, and blow up the red and green, lightning-bolt horrors that life imposes... just plain suck.... the only silver lining, is the less then cheerful fact that it could always be worse. In my opinion, if there is a god he's the one in serious need of some therapy and I think a little time in prison wouldn't hurt either.... what a jerk.

Sorry, being part of the 9% minority who doesn't feel inspired to thank God for this kind of crap... I realize, I probably should just keep my mouth shut.

Anyway, I did set up a Memorial page for Lisa anticipating that some might feel a need to pay some tribute, and there really isn't anyplace locally online to do that. I've said before that is seems to me one of the greatest failures of the Internet that it's great capacity to provide for permanent memorials has not been exploited. Considering the fact that a thousand people attended her funeral --maybe among them will be a person with the skills and inspiration required to create some online tribute... If nothing is known to be in the works, and somebody, reading this, is so inspired, I certainly don't mind doing the technical work required-- if you don't mind contacting those closest to Lisa to get the materials, consent, and guidance required to do it right. e-mail la@inmendham.com

permanent link: 50 Buzzards a Buzzarding

Summation of the December 5th meeting of the town council

Next meeting December 19, 2005

The consent agenda and most ordinances were passed without comment or discussion

TV 25: -- There was a presentation by a representative from the townships TV 25 "Steering Committee" regarding Borough participation in production of the television channel. It was explained at the Township has set up the foundation for a wonderful local television station... and unlike newsletters and websites there is "nothing like television"... there was some talk of "wonderful technology" and "talented people".... and new programming in the works.... like photographs of local college students and maybe pets. It was stated that it was desirable to perhaps build a sound studio and purchase some editing equipment and some sophisticated cameras (presumably so when pets are interviewed we miss no Nuance)

The town council was agreeable to moving forward. There probably will be a resolution defining an inner local agreement where the two communities will pool the resources given to them by the cable company to equip the television station. Although they have not accepted my repeated efforts to volunteer my services to the production of the station -- They apparently have seen a need to pay for the services of some guy who apparently is affiliated with other towns and the production of their television broadcasts. There is apparently other committees overseeing the cable television channel ...but I don't have a blueprint of the chain of command and "control". Discussion

Brush, leaf and yard waste: -- There was discussion regarding the general inadequacy of the system in place to provide for the disposal of yard waste. It was suggested that there should be investigation into how other similarly situated towns deal with this problem. ....there was no indication of any immediate action.

Snow and ice removal: -- There was discussion regarding an ordinance introduced by Barbara Stanton of the public safety committee that would establish a legal requirement to clear sidewalks of snow and ice. The mayor pointed out that such ordinances have been tried and failed in the past. There was discussion regarding time limits for snow removal.... the problem of re-plowed snow blocking cleared sidewalks ...and the problem of senior health concerns regarding them attempting to remove snow and ice themselves. The primary purposes of such an ordinance was stated to be to provide safe walking conditions for school children. The option of the town returning to a procedure where the Department of Public Works clear the main thoroughfares was suggested... there was general approval with the caveat that commercial property owners still fulfill their responsibility to maintain their property-- The Audi dealership was criticized for leaving their sidewalks impassable. The ordinance was sent back to committee to be improved for possible reintroduction.

An interesting bit of information revealed came from the council attorney when asked what the liability status was. Apparently in New Jersey a homeowner has no liability for sidewalk accidents, even if there is a snow removal ordinance. The law only imposes liability for accidents on commercial properties. (I would suggest if you're going to walk on a risky sidewalk you make sure it's in front of a business address.)

100th anniversary: -- It was stated that a preliminary date of May 20th would-be the probable date of the hundredth anniversary celebration Fun Day . . There was talk of providing a lobster dinner, live music, fireworks and games like egg toss and 3 legged races... and maybe a fishing contest. Apparently when the Phoenix House was refurbished a time capsule from 1974 was removed for safekeeping-- It was suggested that it could be opened and New items added as part of the festivities. An approximate budget figure of $20,000 was mentioned... The Mayor stated that a precise budget should be drawn up. There was general agreement that everyone likes a party and that the hundred anniversary of our stupid divorce from the Township over water rights is a good excuse for a party.

Merged library: -- This issue was first discussed when Barbara Stanton "the lawyer" inquired regarding an apparent contradiction in the language of the agreement that would provide for the eventual donation of the land to be used by the library. It was explained the one section of the contract deals with what the Borough is getting-- land in "as is" condition, and the other section outlines what the town must do before the land will be donated. The discussion did provide definition of a few terms.

A "cluster zone" which the property is zoned for-- allows a developer to consolidate buildings in one area of a property up to the number of units that would have been allowed for the entire property. The reasonable purpose of such zoning is to provide for more open space around developments.

A Development "Unit" -- is essentially a house -- so relevant to this land "donation" agreement, the developer is essentially getting back in a unit Credit what he is "sacrificing" by donating the property. The donation is in essence an exchange of value for value. [.... plus the extra value of the access road being upgraded to a public road, and bureaucratic processing through a paid consultant with the Environmental Protection Agency. I think obviously, this agreement is more accurately described as a land exchange agreement ]

The town council unanimously approved the agreement.

Later in the meeting during the public comment portion the mayor rather hastily and sloppily read my comments regarding the merged library.

Regarding the merged library:

As your response to my previous inquiry would suggest, you are apparently not very willing to engage in reasonable discussion regarding the merits of this proposed, and secret committee developed/orchestrated $6 million public/private financed library merger. Obviously you are satisfactorily convinced that it is the public's will, and it is in the public interest, that this new library be built. I would inquire to know what facts-- perhaps actual citation to a credible statistic-- inspire such confidence.

As a follow-up question, it seems quite obvious that the development company is receiving "benefits" in return for their land donation that actually exceed the real value of the land being "donated". In practical effect, the construction of this library will in fact facilitate the development of the connected property by making development less-expensive and substantially improve the property by connecting it to a neighborhood enhancing piece of social infrastructure. In my opinion using the words "gift" or "donation" implies something that is not taking place here. I would inquire if the council feels any similar discomfort with this "appearance problem".

The mayor also stated that a survey was done and people overwhelmingly supported the new library (I believe some 1500 surveys were sent out and only 75 returned-- obviously people who had no interest would not fill out such a survey) The mayor also cited increased usage at the local libraries, but as usual provided no details substantiating that "perception".

Another member of the public also reference the library and a concern that it may have been zoned for commercial development. The Mayor stated that there has been no such zoning change, and the Council indicated they would not support such a zoning change. The member of the public also pointed out concern that in an economic downturn this library may not be perceived as a very wise investment. The mayor pointed out that the town's contribution would be $1.5 million (another 1.5 from the Township) and that the merged library will be responsible for raising enough funds to maintain a trust fund that will enable it to finance its portion of construction and staffing the library. (the library will need to raise some 3 to $4 million) Discussion

Subsidized housing: -- The ordinance regarding development fees and the COHA plan regarding use of those fees passed without comment. [ In reading over the legalese there seemed a lot of funny numbers -- Over, I think, the next 10 years the town expects to raise a few million dollars and to collect in interest alone some $500,000 ... this interest figure seems very unrealistic considering the obligation to "spend" some portion of the money collected.. The fact that the town intends to legally siphone from the fund 20% for "administrative costs" gives this the smell of a typically wasteful government program. $350,000 to subsidized a few dozen rents and process a few forms. I would wild guess that Borough personnel spends may be 50 hours on this stuff a year ...at $1,000 an hour apparently slumlording pays pretty well. Another curious provision is a requirement to spend some portion of the money on "real poor people".... but the town hasn't outlined a plan to do that yet.]

Phoenix House garden: -- without comment or discussion the council approved paying $5,000 for a landscape architect, who specializes in historic preservation-- but doesn't have a website-- to redesign the Phoenix House gardens.

Deer culling/torture: -- A council member inquired as to the status of the culling program. It was stated that culling probably won't commence until the end of the month. Discussion

Anniversary flags: -- Apparently some graphic depicting what the woman's club sponsored flags would look like was provided to the council. The council seemed generally pleased with the design but there was concern regarding what color the flags would be. Approval of the design was held to the next meeting.

re-evaluation: -- It was stated that personnel from the company doing the reval will be available during scheduled evening hours (along with business hours) to discuss questions or concerns of property owners. Discussion

Mayor's items -- The mayor pointed out that there were some problems regarding the timeliness of snow removal. He also referenced a problem at the DPW recycling station indicating it was not well set up. He also pointed out that the Mendham Messenger made the mistake of calling the Borough the Township of.

Police Log Information: -- During the public comment portion of the meeting the mayor did hastily and sloppily read my comments regarding public access to police log information.

Regarding: Police Blotter or Emergency Log

Borough administrative staff claims that the police department retains no computer records detailing or even summarizing police activity--at least they have not complied with my repeated legal request to access the information in the most economical format retained by the Borough. For the record I have made the request over a period of years now, and never objecting to the reasonable removal of personally sensitive information.

I would claim that information is power, and as a practical truth lives might actually be saved by the knowledge and "warning" log information could provide. We should take every opportunity to learn from each other's mistakes. We should also be afforded the opportunity to know when others are in trouble, as we might be able to provide some needed help. In my opinion the police department insults us as individuals, and as a community, when it deliberately denies us the "service" of knowing what's happening in our own town-- your tolerance and/or orchestration of this circumstance is in my opinion likewise insulting.

permanent link: Summation of the December 5th meeting

Summation of the November 21th meeting of the town council

Next meeting December 5, 2005

The consent agenda and most ordinances were passed without comment or discussion

School Board liaison: The council agreed that Neil Henry would be the council liaison to the regional high-school board of education... and mayor Kraft would be the liaison to be local school board.

Pet license late fee: The council agreed to a $10 late fee. Concern was raised that people may choose not to license their pet to avoid the fee... There was discussion regarding a "pet census" done in previous years... but it was stated that this was a labor-intensive process. This discussion led to related discussion regarding St. Huberts and animal control. There was general agreement that it might be preferable to find some local individual capable of providing animal control services. There was criticism regarding the delay in picking up animals that has been experienced. (I can attest that it did take over 24 hours for me to get a nearly dead stray cat picked up). The yearly service contract with St. Hubert's is slated to increase to $10,000 .... just to pick up dead or stray animals and not necessarily capture.

Police salaries: There was no discussion of the salary ordinance... but the salary for the police chief will be increased from $90,000.00 to $105,000.00 per annum.

Library land "gift": An Resolution/ordinance regarding the donation agreement was held to the next council meeting as some members of the council had not yet read the revised agreement. Revisions to the agreement substantially involve runoff issues and access to a tree farm. In summary the land "gift" or "donation" will "earn" the developers

• A development unit credit negating any loss of developable land value.
• The conversion of the access road into a public road providing accessibility to the development property and farmland.
• Borough processing of a substantial portion of DEP land-use approvals.

Wastewater issues: There was a brief mention of some further cost overruns regarding the still proceeding plant upgrade. Later in the meeting, the mayor made mention of the fact that some action needs to be taken by the council regarding the problem of water infiltration. The mayor suggested that feed lines will need to be relined and the cost may be in the millions. There was also some mention of some new regulations that the Mayor stated would "shut down all development". He advised council members to write letters stating their opposition to the proposed regulations.

Sidewalk Repairs: It was stated that work should begin, weather permitting, after Thanksgiving. Council members expressed dissatisfaction with DPW for the delay in this work commencing.

The Re-evaluation: The mayor reacted rather harshly to a comment by Barbara Stanton to the effect that reassessments will not make a very good Christmas present. The mayor reiterated that reassessment won't necessarily involve a tax increase stating that some residents will see a tax decrease. The Mayor stated that there is misinformation on the subject [I would point out that the reassessment "may" effect the estimate of the total asset value of the town that is used to apportion county and regional tax contributions. I will also point out that the absence of readily available factual information regarding how taxes are apportioned is the fault of government noncompliance--including Borough Government--with the intent of "public access" and "sunshine" legislation.]

Dear Management: There was extensive discussion regarding some revisions to the towns deer management plan: The most significant change is that the parks will now be left open even when bow hunters are actively hunting-- this action was taken against the advice of the council's attorney. Another change was to put management of the program under police authority. Apparently a 30 second background check will be performed before "culling agents" are approved. It was stated that the police "chief has a lot of excellent hunters on his staff". It was also stated that signs will be posted warning that hunting may be taking place in the park.

It was stated that the "only" alternative to our "recreational hunter culling program" was to pay some Indian $350 per deer to "professionally" shoot a deer with a bow and arrow. It was also stated that county statistics demonstrate that there has been no Hunter, to non Hunter, Bow hunting accidents in the last 20 years. It was also re-implied that in previous years only one deer was not immediately recovered after being shot with an arrow.

A few residents made public comments enthusiastically supporting the program... they spoke of anecdotal evidence of deer reduction. Lyme disease, car accidents, and property damage were cited as justifications. The speakers stated they feel no risk walking in the park while hunting is taking place. There was no substantial opposition voiced and of course the fact that "hunters" have every desire to perpetuate rather than eliminate the problem was not addressed. [extensive relevant discussion here]

100th Anniversary: There was a brief mention at a couple of points in the meeting regarding plans. Apparently the committee chair person wants to put a downpayment on some bands-- apparently for the "fun" event day. It was stated that the text for the history book is nearly complete but that more photos from the 40's '50's and '60's the to be secured.

The Budget: There was a brief mention of the need to incorporate five-to-10 year plans into a capital budget. It was stated that the Borough is currently carrying some $4.2 million in debt. A 100% increase over the last few years. It was also stated that increases in pensions and health-insurance are a significant problem.

Phoenix House Garden: the Borough administrator stated that the $5,000 for design changes to the Phoenix House garden could be paid out of grant money left over in the fund to finance repairs to the Phoenix House.

Later in the meeting the mayor read the question I submitted to the council regarding this issue. The Mayor stated emphatically that it was unacceptable to exchange any garden space for parking spaces. It was later pointed out that the Garden is historically registered and therefore presumably cannot be adjusted in terms of its foot print. Another council member argued that the garden must be hysterically, I mean historically, preserved.

To my surprise an apparent Garden Club member did speak up generally supporting the jist of my raising of the issue of design approval. The Mayor stated that it was a valid question and pointed out that it is not a vacuum process and that nothing will happen without council approval. The speaker suggested that there should be community involvement and encourage suggestions. It was implied that it is likely that the landscape architect will be presenting his conception for council consideration through a power point presentation.

High-school Gate: It was pointed out that the gate at the high-school has again been broken. It was stated that there might be a possibility that this will corrupt the data from the traffic study. There was the hopeful suggestion that because it was planned that the gate be open during peak traffic hours that there may be no significant corruption.

Katrina relief : Barbara Stanton pointed out that there is some "kid care" girl scout effort to provide relief to some particular school in New Orleans. There was suggestion that town resources like the Mendham messenger be used to support this effort.

Channel 25 : It was again suggested that the Borough should move forward in working with the Township regarding sharing the resource of the cable Channel 25. The Council was supportive, and it was stated that personnel working on the channel for the Township could be available for any questions regarding current plans at the next meeting. -discusion

Talmadge road accident: There was mention of a nearly catastrophic accident where a child was hit by a person crossing the double line to pass a moving truck. Apparently the child survived the incident without incurring any injury. There was some talk of reducing speed limits, but the suggestion of perhaps posting some "kids at play" signs seems the more likely action/reaction

Open Space: Councilman Haverkost reported on the $17 million granted throughout the county to preserve open space. Apparently some book or booklet was produced referencing the various projects approved and Councilman Haverkost provided it to the town administrator to make it available to the public for inspection. This newspaper article provides some details regarding some projects.

Mountain Avenue gas main break: A councilmember reference some concern regarding repairing the area dug up to make repairs. Later, the mayor pointed out that he was never notified of this and other incidences [welcome to our world] and stated that there is requirement that he be notified.

The town website: There was rather extensive but pretty convoluted discussion initiated by the mayor regarding the inadequacies of the borough's website.... "coincidentally" this was an issue I referenced in the comments I sent to the council. To the Mayor's credit he attempted to make the point that if the town is going to have a website, it needs to provide current and useful information. Council members [Haverkost in particular] made arguments suggesting that the website shouldn't provide meeting minutes at all-- suggesting information overload. [he also stated that only one person reads the minutes of every meeting... implying me] The point was made that only minutes from recent meetings should be provided... at one point it was stated that it is no big deal to post the minutes, at another point the Borough administrator approximated it took an hour of his time to convert the document to PDF format and upload. There was mention of space limitations on the server [preposterous nonsense]. There was the suggestion that issue or event summaries be provided on the website... there was also the suggestion that a street banner be used to point out the address of the "offical" Mendham website. In general just the lot of talk about nothing relevant to producing a truly useful website.

The Mendham Messenger Newsletter: It was stated that the publisher will require the Borough to provide $7,000 a year to subsidize publication of the newsletter as it is currently published with advertising. Without advertising the town was quoted the figure of $1,300 for a 4 page issue not including postage. The council agreed to provide the $100.00 monthly increase to $7,000 a year.

During the public comment portion of the meeting the mayor did read my suggestion to cut costs by offering the choice of receiving the publication electronically through e-mail or the Internet. Neither the mayor or council responded to the suggestion.

Law Enforcement: There was a brief discussion regarding the need to better distribute black-and-white police presence during peak traffic periods.

Cell Tower: In response to a public comment regarding the inability to even find what time meetings take place on the website... A council member referenced the fact that there is little public knowledge regarding deliberations taking place through the planning board regarding a proposal cell tower. ... it was advised that planning board meetings take place the first Tuesday at 8:00 .

Mendham Spa: A member of the public pointed out that a building owned by the Mendham spa is in visible disrepair and requested that the council take some action. The mayor and administrator discuss the inadequate vagueness of current ordinances... Yet also stating that county ordinance are too detailed. It was generally agreed that the construction code official should inspect the property.

Building Department: During the public comment portion of the meeting the Garden Club president who is also an employee of the building department pointed out that they have created a Web page on the town site that provides a lot of useful information and links. [unfortunately the actual construction code is not a document available on-line-- I would digitize it at no cost and create an online copy -- but someone else will have to put up the 40 bucks they want for a hard copy.] The speaker conclude with some repeat reference that it be made known what the "official" website address is.

permanent link: Summation of the November 21 meeting

Summation of the November 7th meeting of the town council

Next meeting November 21, 2005

The consent agenda and ordnances were passed without any significant discussion.

There was rather substantial discussion regarding Channel 25 the townships public access cable television channel. The proposal was made by a council member that the Borough should combine with the Township in providing content for the channel. It was stated that the Township intends to produce some programming that will include news and events ( school sports theater etc.) ... the news was described as having segments that would include community, police, schools etc.

The council seemed generally agreeable to using the money it received from Patriot media as part of the franchise contract to contribute programming. There was statement to the effect that programming by non public entities would require "sponsorship"... but details were not provided. The cable channel was described as "another way to reach the community". The Mayor stated that we have a website, but that it gets limited use (I would point out that the rather useless content provided on the website is responsible for any failure in it attracting users). The mayor also made the point that the Mendham Messenger is very popular... he did not provide any information regarding how he has assessed this popularity.

At a couple of points in the meeting there was general discussion of the importance of volunteers and the town's responsibility to show appreciation. It was resolved that the town will return to the old meeting schedule where the reorganization meeting was held on the first of January and included some ceremony thanking those leaving town service and welcoming new replacements.

Other volunteer appreciation initiatives discussed were the possibility of having them march in the parade, a holiday reception, awards and proclamations.

The progress of the revaluation was briefly discussed-- it was stated that new assessments would be mailed out before the first of December giving residence approximately one month to make an initial appeal of those assessments with the company doing the reassessing. It was suggested that staff from the company be available at the borough offices during business hours to discuss assessments with residents.

There was some talk of having a permanent drop-off site for recyclables at the DPW to offset the inconvenience of holiday disruptions in roadside pickup and residents missing recycling days.

There was discussion regarding late fees for pet licenses... It was stated that revenues are not covering the expense of animal control services. It was also stated that the state limits the amount that can be charged for licenses. The proposal made, was to increase the late fees to $5 a month for cats and $10 for dogs... There was concern expressed that some people who vacation towards the end of the year might inadvertently incur a late charge It was stated that the public should be informed of the changes in policy. Barbara Stanton suggested that the fees for dogs and cats should be the same --reasoning that there is no difference. (obviously she has not considered the fact that dogs present a substantially more expensive public "control" problem)

There was discussion regarding a request from Daytop to allow a helicopter to land on the property. As the purpose of the on site landing was stated to be so a monsignor could make a personal inspection-- the council concluded that the purpose did not merit the public expense and safety risk such a landing would impose.

During a brief discussion of soon to be announced grants from the Open Space Trust Fund. Councilman Haverkost volunteered to serve another year on the county[?] Open Space Trust Fund committee fulfilling the term he agreed to before deciding to retire from the council. As there is no legal impediment the council appreciated and accepted his offer. This issue led to discussion regarding vacancies that need to be filled on various Borough committees. Although the mayor suggested at the aggressive effort should be made to find willing volunteers he also expressed a concern that they be "qualified"... suggesting historical engineering or architectural knowledge. It seems apparent from the discussion that the mayor has substantial discretion over approving applicants.

There was brief discussion regarding the need to hire a more skilled DPW mechanic. Apparently neither the town or the current semi-skilled mechanic are comfortable with the current arrangement.

There was a brief discussion regarding some memo relevant to salary/contract provisions to be included in the contract with the new police chief and replacement officer.-- no details were provided ...presumably an ordinance will be introduced containing the contract stipulations.

There was some discussion regarding a request by the Garden Club for up to $5,000 to hire a particular landscape architect (John Charles Smith) to redesign the Phoenix House garden. In spite of expressed budget concerns the council seemed agreeable to incurring the expense... paying perhaps $2,000 out of this year's budget and the $3,000 out of next year's. (The whole concept of a historically accurate Garden lacks any meaning to me... a competent redesign creating a pleasant public space can probably be done for a 10th of this expense)

permanent link: Summation of the November 7 meeting