Summation of the April 4th meeting of the town council

Next meeting April 18th

The meeting was dominated by budget presentation and discussion. the West Morris Regional High School District budget for 2005-6 will be $42,840,000 a 2.7% increase that somehow translates into a 4.3 % tax increase[?]. There will be an election April 19th where the budget can be approved or disapproved. If disapproved or rejected the regional town governments will suggest specific budget cuts that the schoolboard will be semi-obligated to accept. An expenditure it would appear likely to be cut if the voters do the right thing and reject the budget is a $500,000 white elephant expense on five or six tennis courts to be built at Mendham high-school. As the budget includes $2,376,000 for yearly debt service-- talk about how the tennis courts are to be paid out of existing capital reserves (accrued surplus) seemed kind of silly. Apparently the school board maintains two reserve accounts that together contain more than $6 million. The excuse for previously overtaxing to create this "gross" surplus was stated to be to create a pay-as-you-go system-- if you're going to "borrow" $36 million for expansion isn't the pay-as-you-go cat out of the bag and being eaten somewhere in China? It seems apparent that the reserve is only created so as to create the illusion of extra money and in tern a justification for wasting the money on silly expenditures. I think in the real world creating capital reserve accounts when you have unpaid debt is something less than a zero sum game.

[Sorry about the excessive amount of commentary but this is a very irritating summary to write. I had hoped I could just provide a link to the WMRHSD website to provide budget details... unfortunately and OUTRAGEOUSLY considering there's an election one week from now-- the website is currently "under construction" and provides no budget details. I would scan the information provided in the "mailing" that went out last week but it so horribly formated that I'm not willing to make the extra effort TO DO THEIR STINKING JOB when they're getting paid a small fortune. In real practical fact it might take a reasonably competent technology person may be 30 minutes to convert the raw data files used to publish the mailing, into web presentable information. Of course I would volunteer the time, but no one's asking for my help or accepting my offer.... but even if it was reasonable that they had to pay for the service when they have 2500 students[?] that might benefit from the "learning experience" of doing the work, how can they not find the money to provide this basic service to the tax paying public in a $42 million budget? ]

Ironically when it was time to discuss the Town budget, the "brilliant" idea of creating a capital reserve account dominated discussion. If I heard correctly the town will be paying some $400,000 in debt service next year. It seems to me more logical that the town should retire or prevent that "credit card" debt before attempting to slush up any fake surplus reserve. The proposed budget is not yet available to the public but the preliminary indication is that there will be a 3.5% increase or some $181. per $100,000 of assessed property value. If the $50,000 the town apparently WILL be getting in federal "homeland security" pork is put toward tax reduction next year's increase will be $150 per 100,000 . From the tone of the council it seems more likely that at least part of the $50,000 will be used as initial contribution to a "capital reserve fund" and not for tax/DEBT reduction.

There were a half-dozen or so ordnances introduced... most related to state requirements regarding better maintenance of the storm sewer system. It was mostly common-sense stuff like don't litter, cleanup after dog, and don't throw junk in the street.

Next on the agenda was discussion of the $45,000 in grant money from the state the towns will receive towards the upgrading of the MASH (Senior Citizen) van. The new van is proposed to be a 12 passenger -- stand-up entry-- modern conveyance that will cost some $70,000. It seems probable that the two Mendhams will split the burden of making up the difference.

Briefly discussed was the need to put the fire department issue of the leadership living locally back on the agenda.

There was also very brief mention of the DPW truck issue. Apparently the administrator issued a memo that resolve's the issue... but no details were mentioned... I will endeavor to secure a copy of the memo to find out what the resolution is.

There was some discussion of the multimillion-dollar library merger. The town will likely be investing another $35,000 in this project that is generally described as only having a 50/50 chance of surviving regulatory obstacles. It was reported that the library was aggressively working on fund-raisers but no details regarding the success of those fund-raisers were provided. An issue also raised was the possibility of paying lobbyists to attempt to influence the state legislature on our behalf.

There was more talk regarding COAH funds (affordable housing). Generally, there's general uncertainty regarding how high-school expansion and expansion at Daytop will affect fund balances and obligations. There was vague mention of some perhaps intriguing properties available for reclamation.

A member of the public requested clarification regarding the dumping of brush and such. It was stated that last year's resolution is still in effect and nonresident contractors will be excluded from using the public dumping facilities.

A member of the public also inquired regarding the results of the "poll" regarding the issue of "a skateboard park". Councilman have a cross reported the poll results were generally 75% favorable regarding providing such a facility, he also intimated that popularity may change depending on whos-backyard, and how much it costs. [these childish polls (ie. new library, skateboard park. etc.) have no credibility as an actual representation of public support and really shouldn't have any relevancy in a logical decisionmaking process.]

permanent link: March 21 meeting, InMendhmm 3/21/05

Summation of the March 21st meeting of the town council

Next meeting April 4th

The consent agenda was approved but there was brief discussion regarding a couple of items. The mayor referenced some problem regarding a banner request that was apparently not honored because the request had expired or was more than a year old. it was established that banner requests can be made a year in advance and that more attention will be paid to avoid misunderstanding and oversight.

A council member requested that a reference to a "jet pack" be corrected to "jet vac". This 200 thousand to $400,000 storm sewer maintenance vehicle was referenced a couple of times during the meeting. New state laws require enhanced maintenance of storm sewers and there has been the "suggestion" that the town has some requirement to acquire use of this machine-- apparently used to blowout or clean storm sewer feed lines. The town is apparently looking into the possibility of leasing the equipment vs making the out-right purchase. There was also the suggestion that the law can be satisfied using human personnel to physically clean the drains.

There were a number of ordinances passed:

5-05 is some zoning ordinance that cover such issues as requirements to keep livestock, fences, sheds, tennis courts, etc. The council passed the ordinance without any discussion.

[I read it over once, and found it a bit convoluted and confusing. Instead of defining some general principles and guidelines of "good and safe neighborly conduct" the ordinance establishes a bunch of arbitrary rules that in many circumstances probably aren't a practical or useful imposition. The town ought to allow people to make "reasonable" (not unsafe or an eyesore) modifications to their property without having to satisfy unnecessary bureaucracy. Every resident should have a liberal right to beautify, or make more useful, their property with the simple understanding that the town council or zoning board would have the authority to declare some "improvements" unneighborly, inconsiderate, and destructive to overall quality of life in the Borough of Mendham. This presumed guilty until bureaucratically approved and permitted-- law by legalese-- doesn't feel very American.]

There was rather extensive discussion regarding the Wilson Street parking ordinance. There were a few "what if" questions that seemed pretty pointless as there are many streets in Mendham narrower than Wilson street that would obviously fail similar "what if" scrutiny. There also was some talk about expanding the Garabrant center parking lot and a resident of the street made a public comment regarding concern that children were going to get run over and that the road is used like a race track. The ordinance, re-allowing both side of the street parking on Wilson Street will be up for final approval April 18th .

Another simple ordinance that actually did run-aground [voted down] on some pretty irrelevant complexity was ordinance 7-05 that would permit a minority of the head officials of the fire department to live outside of town, but still within a 10 mi. radius. As the fire department is all volunteer this doesn't seem an unreasonable latitude to offer to help facilitate cohesive, best qualified, leadership. The council got into concerns regarding the command vehicle "staying in town"... the vehicle was actually purchased by the fire department and the town only pays for registration and insurance. There was a lot of "what if" scrutiny that really didn't seem relevant to the practical reality that many highly experienced volunteers can't afford to live in the Borough of Mendham.

The last ordinance addressed was ordinance 3-05 that establishes fees for basic access to basic public information. Here is a transcript of the proceedings beginning with the reading of a note I sent to the council.

[GM note] -- Regarding ordinance 3-05 (fees): If the ordinance is not withdrawn for revision... please address these questions in the "comment" period provided before final passage.

What is the justification for charging hard-copy fees for digitized "copies" that require no printer, no paper, no ink, no envelope, and no postage?

And how do you justify the $5 charge for a copy of a CD?

Was any effort made to evaluate/approximate actual costs?

Gary Mosher Ironia Rd

[other public comment]

[Ex-Councilman Dolan] --The cost of doing this is not just paper (mumble, mumbal) it's digging the records out, reproducing it, getting it back to the person.... the fees are justified.

[the mayor]-- thank-you.

Anyone else.

I'm going to ask the Attorney to respond to his comments as well.

[The council attorney] -- As far as.... we are not charging hard copy fees in order to provide a digitized copy... we are actually having to scan these pages in order to produce a digitized copy and the fee is for the time and the equipment involved in scanning into making a digitized copy.... if it's already a digital copy there is no charge. and as far as the $5 charge for a copy of a CD that is the charge that was recommended in a model ordinance provided by the jiff[?] and the mealis[?] as part of the settlement brought for Municipal Court discovery costs. $5 is considered to be a reasonable fee that reflects the cost of the CD plus the work involved in producing that CD so those are both defensible, justifiable costs

[the mayor]-- thank-you I will close the public portion of the meeting....

[Councilman PBA Witczak ] -- I just want to clarify what Paula has said, it's an employee of the Borough, that employee draws a salary, that employee is covered by health benefits, that employee has certain employee benefits under our policies... there was time and labor involved.

[ In my opinion the town has chosen a course of conduct that in-traps them in a cage made of ugly undeniable truth. They have rejected my claims, without fulfilling their responsibility to exercise reasonably informed judgment. They have maliciously, with petty intent, violated their oath to the Constitution. Relevant state law states--

"The actual cost of duplicating the record shall be the cost of materials and supplies used to make a copy of the record, but shall not include the cost of labor or other overhead expenses associated with making the copy."

Clearly indicating a legislative intent that basic (First Amendment necessary) "free" (open) access not be unnecessarily converted into a "pay to play" privilege only available to the wealthy elite.

Clearly councilmen who make laws, without being bothered to read relevant existing laws, can't in my opinion be described as responsible public servants. The fact that pending litigation, has not provoked council members to be diligently thorough and accurate to insure themselves against a claim of repeated and therefore intentional (liable) recklessness-- indicates they are only guided by illegal pettiness and not constitutional principle.

Additional laws of the United States have also been violated by the Borough of Mendham relevant to the passage of this ordinance-- but I will save those arguments for court. Just as an FYI I have made the offer to produce free copies (for any sincere Borough resident) of any documents or CDs I acquire from the Borough of Mendham. The $120 a year or $10 a month I now, under Law, have to pay to receive JUST the information relevant to the production of this summation is now the largest expense of producing this website. The "utility bill" for hosting this site on the Internet is about $110 a year. Obviously at these prices I could go broke very fast trying to provide this public service and the exercise of my First Amendment rights.] -- more

The next item discussed was the 2006 budget. There might be something like an eight point increase in the tax rate (very large by historical standards) As the school is proposing an 8% increase in their budget this would add another couple of points to the tax rate. The re-evaluation, storm sewers, and the discontinuation of the $50,000 Home Land Security Federal Pork Subsidy were some of the items cited as responsible for the "uncontrollable" budget inbalance. It is apparently a suggestion of the auditors that the blunt impact of the increase be softened by dipping into the million dollar "surplus" that is held over year to year as insurance against emergency expenditures and delinquent collection of tax receipts.

The mayor suggested using the overpriced $5,000 newsletter (The Mendham Missionary... I mean Messenger) to explain to the public how it is not the council's waste of money on overpriced jerks and junk ... but someone else's fault the budget is unbalanced.

There was a brief discussion of the for-profit "sports camp" razed at the previous meeting. It was reported that insurance cost would be approximately $5 per participant or between 2000 and $2,500 per year. The council seemed agreeable that the costs should be passed on as part of the registration fee. Not addressed, was the issue of this private for-profit organization using public school property.

There was kind of redundant conversation regarding COAH funds (low-income housing subsidy). The new information provided was the fact that there is now $149,000 .00 currently in the fund. There was general agreement to take another couple of weeks to consider options. One of the options under consideration is a proposal to use some $40,000 to upgrade some already federally subsidized senior housing.

the mayor made these comments regarding "the truck".

[Mayor Kraft] -- I have one more item and I would like public works or... personnel... actually or somewhere between the two.... We have the Superintendent of Public Works who is driving a very expensive truck as a personal vehicle back and forth to work... I would like to know why!... it's not being used for snow plowing.... it's not being used for anything other than coming back and forth from work... as far as I have been told. I would like to know more... if I'm wrong I would like to be [mumble mumble] corrected[?]..... if that's the case I would like to know why? [end quote]

The $100,000.00 Borough Administrator... and the rest of the town council had nothing to say on the subject. --MORE

permanent link: March 21 meeting, InMendhmm 3/21/05

Summation of the March 7th meeting of the Borough Town Council

Next Meeting March 21st

The consent agenda (banner approvals & club drinking permits) was approved without comment

There was a presentation by the vice-president of the contracting company that is overseeing the $2.5 million improvements to the sewage facility. The purpose of the presentation was to outline the progress of the construction and explain reasons for a requested increase in the contract price. The cost overrun exceeds $100,000 and it was cited that an underestimation of the cost of on-site inspections regarding equipment and materials was responsible. Apparently there was a major oversight in the drafting of the original contracts that did not account for concrete testing. To avoid the catastrophic costs that would likely be incurred if concrete was found (later) to be of inadequate quality-- samples of each load of concrete is poured into a test cylinder and tested for pressure strength.

Although the mayor and council members were satisfied that the overall construction project has gone very well, there was general agreement that overruns of this magnitude must be avoided in the future. The mayor cited a need for greater department consultation before contracts are drafted.

A revision of the fee ordinance regarding Public Records was reintroduced. The council members approved this first reading without discussion. [

I again will be writing the council in opposition to this ordinance. Among the fees established is a $5 charge for a copy of a CD -- On my computer, that is made of used parts, I approximate I could make some $150 an hour if I could find enough fool's willing to pay me $5 to copy CDs of generally low data density. Blank CDs are literally almost a dime a dozen, and as the computer literate know, clicking a couple of software buttons isn't exactly hard labor.

Another blatantly excessive (well beyond actual cost) fee is for scanning paper documents. The borough is attempting to charge the maximum permitable fee for paper to paper copies... for copies that require, no paper, no ink, no printer, no postage. Obviously the town council is made up of regressive, technically illiterate, flat-earth morons who just don't care about the environment or the constitutional principle of fair and equal access.

In a related event, I and hopefully this website are to be featured in a soon to be published Daily record article regarding the Government Records Council and the law they are embodied to enforce the Open Public Records Act. ]

The contract for the fire department emergency scene monitoring system was approved without much discussion.

The council also approved elevating probationary police officer Parrillo to permanent status. (includes a salary increase)

It was reported from the recreation committee that a problem has been discovered regarding some sports camps that are apparently managed financially through the Borough but the Borough retains no portion of the fees and is likely incuring an insurance liability. As I could understand the situation apparently some coaches from the high-school are running a for-profit "sports camp business" using the high school facilities and the town's secretaries and insurance. Councilmen Lawrence Haverkost defended the camps as a "necessary program" but did appreciate that some arrangement must be made formalizing and legalizing the borough's involvement. Providing for background checks, and insurance coverage were the major points discussed. It was pointed out that if the town sets the precedent of subsidizing insurance costs for a for-profit organization, other nonprofit organizations like Little League are going to expect equal treatment.

The Council briefly discussed a proposal by the Pastime Club to replace the scoreboard at pastime field. The Club will incur the $3,000 cost of the new scoreboard with the understanding that the town will provide for operation and maintenance. The council seemed generally agreeable to the proposal.

There was discussion regarding celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the petty squabbles over water rights that led to the dissolving of Mendham into two towns. It was suggested that there needs to be communication and cooperation between committees which led to the proposal that a "ad hoc" committee be formed. As "ad hoc" committees have been used in the past to insulate decision making from public inspection, or consultation, or consent... this writer finds this a disturbing proposition.

There was talk about the town financing the publishing of a book, documenting history and the break-up celebration itself. No doubt this "history" will be written, and published, without all interested citizens having an opportunity to even suggest "fact checking" edits.

The council members seemed of the impression that this book publishing adventure would be a profitable enterprise. [of course they may not be anticipating that I will be attempting to publish every page of it prior to publication and certainly will publish it here (under fair use copyright) after publication.]

As anticipated... the public safety committee suggested that an ordinance be drawn re-allowing all side of the street parking on Wilson Street.

There was a brief mention of the "resource officer" in connection with the high-school. later in the meeting it was explained that the resource officer will be some sort of police officer that will have directing traffic as part of his/her duties. This should solve the longstanding complaint the Borough has had with the circumstance of its officers being used to mitigate high-school specific traffic problems.

Councilperson Barbara Stanton proposed some underage drinking ordinance. The council seemed agreeable to applying some ordinance being used in some other town to give police officers more power to prosecute underage drinkers. This sounds like the kind of law that will make more rebels, than it will convert or prevent.

There was a brief mention that the head of the Public Works Department should be in town during snowfalls.

There was rather extensive discussion regarding the fact that there was some deficiencies found in a recent inspection of the Mendham Area Senior Housing (MASH). The Mayor pointed out that the housing was built in 1980 and that no less than a dozen units need the bathrooms and kitchens upgraded. It was stated that the deficiencies are not severe enough for there to be any legal requirement to do any rehabilitation. It was the mayor's suggestion that perhaps COHA [?] funds could be used to subsidize the repairs. The downside of this approach would be the town would not receive "rehabilitation credits" and depleting the coha funds would reduce the town's options regarding other assisted housing projects.

The mayor and council "thanked" for her "service" the student representative from the high-school (Kristen Badal) who has been attending council meetings over the past year.... and the new student representative was introduced.

During the public comment portion of the meeting the fire chief complained that he has not been consulted regarding any of the construction plans for the high-school. The mayor pointed out that the Board of Education is generally cooperative regarding consultations, but also pointed out that the schoolboard has virtual autonomy as long as they meet code requirements.

Near the conclusion of the meeting there was some controversy regarding some unsigned vouchers with particular reference to "special funds" allocated to the first-aid squad. Apparently when the first-aid squad separated from the fire department provision was not made to reallocate the minor "reward for service money" paid to the volunteers of the fire department and first-aid squad. Previously the group's received a total of $4,500-- after the split the fire department still received the $4,500 and a separate $1,500 "increase" for the first-aid squad was never officially approved through resolution. The council seemed agreeable to the increase and formal approval will likely happen at a subsequent meeting.

General note: The recording of the meeting was very garbled --some voices too loud others inaudible-- I guess $7,000 doesn't buy as much of a tape recorder as it used to.

permanent link: March 7 meeting, InMendhmm 3/07/05

Summation of the February 22nd meeting of the town council

The meeting didn't contain much discussion, or provide much information, beyond the agenda outline. Unfortunately, the audio quality was pretty poor-- a lot of amplified background sounds of paper rustling and such. Apparently a $7,000 recording system isn't much good if you don't properly position microphones.

The first issue of substance discussed was the fact that Charles Topping is resigning his position with the Morris County Historical Society (health/family reasons) and It is desirable that Mendham have a representative on the board. The town will be seeking a suitable volunteer who will be required to have some experience or expertise relevant to historical preservation.

There was a slight alteration of process to accommodate the need to invoke an emergency funding gimmick that will allow the town to proceed with the finalization of a contract (to be paid over five years) for the state mandated, town wide, real-estate re-evaluation. Last year's contract that couldn't be finalized was for $163,000... the new contract quotes a total price of $183,000. to be paid over five years.

It wasn't really discussed, just approved... The town will be paying some $28 an hour for a temporary replacement for a secretary who will be out on maternity leave.

There was some brief remarks regarding the "rapid notification system". The county provides a service that basically can dial every phone number in town and play a recorded message. Emergency notifications (ie. boil water, duck and cover...etc) are free but the town would have to pay 16¢ per phone number dialed to broadcast a non-emergency message (ie. don't take any wooden nickels). Councilperson Barbara Stanton inquired regarding the possibility of using the service to broadcast school closing information as the current chain calling system has broken links do to a lack of volunteers. The mayor suggested that the school should contact the county directly from more information. [ Consistent with the council's hear, speak, and THINK no value in exploiting the efficiencies of modern technology there was no mention of using the I-n-t-e-r-n-e-t as a mechanism for efficient information distribution.]

There was some discussion regarding the suggestion that the town reinstitute a bidding system for the recycling contract. Currently the town pays the county to pick up recyclables and there seems to be the general perception that we're paying too much for too little service.

A council member made some vague reference to some problem regarding snow removal. No details provided.

There was some mention of some negotiations with the high-school regarding "resource officers". ???

The issue of parking on Wilson and Gunther streets during meetings of the senior citizens group was again referenced after being off the radar for a couple of months. Measurements have been made and the streets are more than physically wide enough to accommodate parking on both of the sides of the street. Apparently a past problem regarding a concern that emergency vehicles would not be able to access the roads if parking were allowed on both sides of the street-- was more a matter of perception than reality. It seems likely a new ordinance will be passed re-allowing both-side of the street parking.... maybe with some provision that car's parked more than 4 ft. from the curb will be impounded until the driver can prove they can operate their vehicle without being a public menace.

Apparently, now that the Shared Services Committee has accomplish their mission to avert even any public discussion of the possibility of merging the police forces- interest in serving on the committee has dissolved... Apparently the Hir Fuehrer of the committee, and others, feel they have accomplished their "public service" to subvert the Constitution and are too busy working on other unAmerican plots to be bothered trying to maintain the pretense that the Shared Services Committee was anything but a sham created to hide the truth that the police union actually owns this towns government.

The mayor made mention of some problem relaied to him regarding a blind couple and the problem of their guide dog leading them onto the road because sidewalks are impassable due to snow. The mayor explained that sidewalk shoveling ordnances were abolished because of poor compliance. There was the suggestion that the "mash" van that is used to assists seniors could be made available to help out in this circumstance. [ It is a pretty sad commentary regarding the character of this town that this problem couldn't be fixed without action of the town council]

Members of the council have been invited to serve as dignitaries at some sort of retarded buffoon redneck festival... I think it was called something like the county St. Patrick's Day Parade... don't forget your smoke bombs.

After an executive session break, the council return to open session already engaged in discussion regarding participation in the state affordable housing program. Apparently the town receives grant money based on some equation that considers such things as employment created. The town also contributes money to a fund based on a tax assessment on new construction. The town has the broad requirement to use the money to provide low-income housing-- it can either subsidize rents or it can buy a house and resell it to a qualified applicant.. At one point in the discussion the mayor referenced that council members should be on the lookout for homes that have fallen into disrepair and are in need of rehabilitation. The hard-to-hate Councilman Haverkost joked "like Gary Moshers Place"-- the joke was received with a few seconds of dead silence... but I laughed.
sound clip : gm0502.wav 150k

permanent link: Feb 7 meeting, InMendhmm 2/07/05

Summation of February 7th meeting of the town council

Next Meeting 2/21/05

The consent agenda was unanimously approved

The meeting began with a presentation by the Great SwampWatershed Association. The purpose of the presentation was apparently to inform the council of the 501c3 organizations activities and abilities. My impression was that the association is seeking consulting work or maybe even a direct funding contribution.

The next issue on the agenda was a grant application on behalf of DayTop. From what I could glean from the rather convoluted mumbled discussion-- DayTop is seeking state grant money to "upgrade" their facilities-- the upgrade apparently would not include an increase in patient enrollment. Apparently, such grant requests must be made through the local municipality. The council's only obligation at this stage in the process, is just to discuss the proposal and no action is required. Concern was expressed regarding past problems where law-enforcement was not informed regarding AWOL patients. There was also concern regarding unsatisfied site plan requirements. It was explained by a council member that the proposal to upgrade the facilities is connected to state requirements regarding providing for the needs of those classified as "special needs children" among the enrolled population.

There was general agreement that relevant subcommittees should address the relevant unresolved issues.

The next item on the agenda was to be final passage of an ordinance regarding fees paid for the copying of public documents. The mayor passed the issue to the borough attorney for explanation regarding an impediment to final passage. The attorney explain that an e-mail had been received from a Borough resident objecting to the ordinance. The attorney stated "when you cut through the diatribe the individual actually makes a couple of valid points" after explaining how the ordinance is in fact substantially flawed it was the attorney's recommendation that the Council vote to withdraw the ordinance so it can be rewritten to comply with existing law. The council subsequently voted unanimously to withdraw the ordinance. [As the author of the e-mail this is the result I requested and expected. What I didn't expect, and don't appreciate, is the "professional" lawyers characterization of my e-mail as a "diatribe". As I provided the Council the latitude of not reading my remarks into the public record, I expected the reciprocal courtesy of not having my remarks maligned by a highly paid shyster. As I could not be provided that courtesy it seems appropriate that I publish what I did not intend to be public commentary.]

The next item discussed was the need to rebid a contract for a fire department monitoring system that would electronically monitor the location of fire personnel at the scene of an emergency. Apparently the bids for the equipment were too high and new bids will be accepted.

There was very brief discussion regarding toxic waste dump litigation in which the Borough is one of a half-dozen named defendants. The council passed a resolution authorizing joining mediation for a joint settlement. The Borough administrator quipped that we're getting sued for "dumping a dirty Kleenex into a landfill".

There was discussion regarding some town parking issues. In overview, it seems likely that the town will hire some sort of meter-maid to provide for the enforcement necessary to expanded parking regulations.-- or they will acquiesce to the police-union and over-pay another cop to perform the rather perfunctory duty.

There was brief discussion regarding a few sewage plant issues. The first issue involves updating the contract for the $3 million plant upgrade. It is apparently the a administrators' opinion that some cost overruns are warranted. Another issue was the weekend failure of the two main pumps that were recently replaced-- apparently some $1,000 repair/damage costs will have to be recovered from a contractor who installed the pumps.... likely through litigation. Also discussed was the need for some sort of $400,000 Jet-Truck that is apparently sparsely used to perform some sort of necessary maintenance. It was the General Agreement of the council that an effort should be made to share the cost with neighboring communitie[s].

There was discussion regarding securing some sort of "reverse 911" service that would enable town officials to quickly notify residents in some emergency situation. Apparently the county can provide the service-- and it was suggested that details regarding authorization and procedures be researched and defined.

Council member Stanton reported that the public safety committee is researching a proposal to provide seniors and children with some sort of photo I.D. cards. She provided the anecdotal evidence that there are some seniors with poor memories wondering about, who don't know who they are, and that it is problematic to search there person looking for identification.

A council member pointed out to the Borough administrator some problem regarding Borough personnel not using available Borough vehicles to attend education courses.

There was mention of a request made by the family of a little girl who died in a fire last year to establish a park bench style memorial. The council seemed agreeable an official resolution will likely be presented in the near future.

The fire chief reported on the progress of fire hydrant replacement.

permanent link: Feb 7 meeting, InMendhmm 2/07/05

Summation of the January 17th meeting of the town council

This was the first official meeting of the council that included new members Murphy and Stanton ... Based upon their incredibly uninspiring, issueless, start we can all thank the lovely voters for absolutely nothing. The new blood, apparently has no new agenda, and plenty of old bad agenda... and the new town council will likely be more corrupt, dishonest, and inefficient at serving public-interest than it was powered by the old, tired, yet pompous, Dolan blood that has been bled into retirement.

The first issue discussed at length was the towns semi-public semi-free Library[s]. In a very relaxed and almost jovial manner the mayor announced that the merger of the library's is moving along nicely... with only the slight problem that there's a 50/50 chance the project (along with the substantial money already invested) is heading into a brick wall. Apparently there are some "land use" issues that will require the town to apply for some kind of hardship voucher. The application will require the expenditure of another $35,000 for a site plan--just good money after bad? Adding to the white elephant appearance of this investment in antiquity-- the "current" library has requested that the council approve increasing the town's annual contribution another $50,000 to $196,000 .

Personnel from the library, and the mayor, (I suppose anticipating some noise from those among us who are pretty sure the earth is round) did try to put a progressive spin on increased investment. It was reported that the library has installed new computers and a T1 line (Internet backbone) and that there are lots of high-school students who make use of the technology-- Good use, or bad use? It was also "argued" that the library's access to pay databases is also very useful-- maybe so, but does it justify $196,000? -- discussion

Councilmembers Murphy and Stanton made no relevant comment indicating that they had anything like an "opinion"?

The next item discussed was "another" revision of the fee ordinance that legislates the cost of copies of public information. Apparently some 300 local governments in the state are required by decisions in some class-action lawsuits, to revise the fees they charge for "discovery" materials. Apparently towns have been charging flat fees for things like accident reports that were much higher than the maximum per page fees outlined in the Open Public Records Act. Unfortunately, being forced to fix one thing doesn't stop our secretive local government from taking the opportunity to break something else. Slipped-in with the mandated repairs to the ordinance, the town has given first reading approval to increases in the fees I pay for the public information I publish on this website. Why? ...well because their petty jerks of course. On the bright side some the fees they will be establishing are blatantly illegal (legal authorities have ruled on the issues). The good part is this petty action, by the town council, only strengthens my legal action, and my resolve to see it to any conclusion-- No matter how ugly. This kind of nonsense really is the antithesis of good honest government-- I suppose that makes it spectacularly American.

For the more money I will pay to do this "First Amendment" thing, I guess the added value I get is the charming privilege of knowing that you good voters elected another two pieces of crap-- Murphy and Stanton --who voted "yes" to secret government -- right along with the rest of the manure pile. -- discussion

Another issue discussed was a proposal that the town purchase some small tract of land in the center of town that has become available. No details were offered regarding where the land is or what value it would have to the town.

The Borough administrator announced that the company whom the town had originally contacted to do the reappraisal is willing to do the work next year-- at a price not "significantly" higher than the original (very low bid) contract.

The council adjourned after about 40 minutes and went into a executive secret session to discuss the Ex-fire chief's literal "keep the home fires burning" policy. As the mayor imposed crucifixion in a previous party "smoke bomb" incident-- Consistency would I suppose demand that this actual "fire bombing" hypocrite be drawn and quartered and his remains be hung from the Phoenix house balcony as bird food.

permanent link: Jan 17 meeting, InMendhmm 1/17/05