Mendham News Blog

3/28/07 - 4/14/07 Money for Nothing [...and the nappy headed tennis ho chicks aint even free]

Summation of the Arpil 2 meeting of the town council Next meeting of the town council April 16, 2007

Consent Agenda:

Approval of the minutes of the executive session meeting of March 19, 2007-not to be released to the public
Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of March 5, 2007
Res. #66-07-Sewer Connect Application, B801, L20
Res. #67-07-Recycling Resolution-Tonnage Grant
Res. #68-07-HPC Appt. -John Dannenbaum-Alternate II Member
Res. #69-07-Contract Fetterville Sales-WRF Pole Barn
Res. #70-07-Roxiticus Golf Club-Fireworks

High-school budget: Some representatives of the Board of Education provided the council with a presentation regarding the high school budget. The total high-school budget will be $45,959,00 -- an increase of some 5.83% over last years budget. The high-school accounts for about 30% of your total property-tax burden. In spite of previous promises made to the voters regarding a "no tax impact" transfer of funds that effectively required certain capital projects to be canceled, the school board is planning use $500,000 in capital reserve funds (money they effectively intend to spend twice) plus an additional 250,000 from this year's annual budget to fund the now $750,000 tennis courts. I would argue that people should not be taxed out of their home to provide this form of "public education". MORE

Municipal budget: the town budget was previewed (not officially introduced) by the town council. Preliminary figures call for another 15% increase over last year's double-digit increase. Council members lamented the increase but countered with "right direction" rhetoric. There was a lot of talk regarding repaying debt but budget figures do not demonstrate that there is any "Walk" going with that talk.

$2,000 catchall: There was a final vote of approval on a ordinance intended to provide a fee/fine/penalty structure for violations of local law that have a no explicitly defined punishment. Basically the new generic fee ordinance gives the judge,or copper, or the Borough official some kind of discretionary right to impose up to a $2,000 fine and or some number of days in jail based on their personal preferences or bigotries.

Senior discount: There was a brief reference to the town's investigation into the possibility of providing a discount for seniors on sewage rates. It was stated that the only known town to provide such a discount is long-hill Township, and that the rate reduction is only $15.

Public comment: During the public comment portion of the meeting a resident complained of the $1,100 he had to pay in fees to secure a variance to replace an existing fence. The resident specifically reference excessive fees paid to Borough contracted engineers. Councilmembers generally conceded that the fees "might not be correct"... and suggested the relevant ordinance may need to be modified.

My public comment questions:

permanent link: Summation of the April 2, 2007 meeting

3/13/07 - 3/28/07 The Signs of the Times [. ... are all leaning the wrong way .]

Summation of the March 19th meeting of the town council Next meeting of the town council April 2, 2007

Consent Agenda:

Approval of the minutes of the executive session meeting of March 5, 2007 not to be released to the public
Raffle License- The Minutemen Sports Club 50/50 Cash On Premise Raffle
Raffle License- The Minutemen Sports Club- Draw Raffle
Facility Use Agreement-The Pastime Club, Inc.-Labor Day Carnival-Borough Park Field and Field House-8/22/07-9/10/07
Res. #56-07- Sewer Connection Application of International Alloy-B2701, L5, CO20F
Res. #57-07- Sale of a 1986 Pierce Minuteman Pumper Fire Truck-Omaha Public Power District
Res. #58-07- Professional Svc. Agreement-Peter A. Fico, Esq. -Municipal Prosecutor
Res. #59-07- Refund 2006 Tax Overpayments
Res. #60-07- Sewer Connection Application-Krasney Financial
Banner Request-West Morris Soccer Club- 4/16/07-4/23/07-Registration
Res. #61-07- Amend Temporary Current Budget
Res. #62-07- Amend Temporary Sewer Budget
Res. #63-07- Transfer Appropriation Reserves

Firetrucks: The meeting began with some discussion, regarding some firetruck issues I raised with the council. The town is purchasing a new $500,000 firetruck which is scheduled to be delivered in June. Pretty much immediately, on passage of a resolution at this meeting, the town is selling the (a) old fire truck to a power company in Nebraska for $37,000. I questioned how urgent our need for new fire truck was if we could apparently afford it get rid of the old one before the new one would be delivered. The explanation offered went through a couple of transitions. First it was logically pointed out that we could not use the old truck without risking doing damage that might void the contracted sale. Then it was some ambiguous mush, regarding coordinating the dates of the sale and delivery of the new truck... than the truth slipped out and the fire chief admitted that the old truck isn't being utilized anyway. In my opinion a Truck that's worth $37,000 in Nebraska (plus whatever its going to cost them to get it to Nebraska) can't be that useless, and I think This new truck purchase might be more about parade pride then public protection.

Storage units: The council discussed a proposed ordinance that would regulate the use of temporary storage units on properties. The new law will require a $50 fee and limit use to 30 days... with the option of a 30 day extension. The stated of intention of the law is to prevent the unsightly problem of temporary storage becoming semi-permanent storage. The council did not mention if there would be any exemption for storage units on properties that can be seen from no public road or residential home... I suppose I would argue if a storage unit isn't anyone's eyesore it shouldn't be anyone's business.

Easements: Another proposed ordinance will require the marking of public easements on new development property. The law will require a developer to install a corner section of split rail fencing, marking the corner boundaries of public easements. It was stated that there may be as many 100 easements in the town and that eventually it may be legislated that they all be marked in the same manner.

Temporary signs: Also discussed was a proposed ordinance regulating what signs can be placed on properties. the discussion focused on the business district and business use of signs for advertising. There was some disagreement among the council regarding whether there should be a 21 day time limit on temporary signs, or just a limit on the number of signs, one council member even sensibly proposed just prohibiting all extra off-business commercial signs. It would appear that the majority of votes will endorse one sign per property without a time limit and presumably with a yearly permit fee.

Emergency un-parking: The council also discussed another proposed ordinance that would regulate "emergency lanes". Apparently properties in congested areas that have street parking contingent to their property, will be required to finance the placement of 12 x 18 no parking sign OR road surface striping. There wasn't any mention in the discussion regarding how many parking spaces will be eliminated or how many property owners affected.

Pole barn: The council basically approved proceeding on the construction of a barn at the wastewater facility.... an initial contract for $63,000 will apparently only include the building and insulation (no utilities)... and presumably the town will re-contract for the required extras [how much you wanna bet the finished product is going to end up costing 25% more this way]

Tax Collector: Apparently the town is having some problem finding a replacement for the retiring tax collector. The Borough administrator commented that it takes some three years to acquire the required state certifications. Frankly it all sounds like a big giant pile of BS. I bet you could train a frigging monkey to collect taxes... it shouldn't take three years to learn how to read numbers on on a check, and stamp a rubber-stamp. The town ought to just abolish the official position and have one of the other under worked Borough employees perform the brainless service. If we were actually living in 2007, instead of 1984, you would be able to pay taxes electronically, without penalty, or the indignity of overpaying a shiftless government bureaucrat.

DPW: Council members heaped praise on the New superintendent of the Department of Public Works. Apparently he is instituting some better accountability policies. It was also mentioned that the department intends to train one of its employees as a tree climber, and use the old sewage plant jetVAC-truck as a utility truck with an attached wood chipper, So the town can perform more tree maintenance services In-House. Regarding trees, Apparently the town is going to be planting some $5,000 worth on some of the main thoroughfares.

Senior discount: Apparently at a coming meeting a proposal for a senior discount on sewage rates will be introduced.

Centennial book: With phrases like "real great" and "a good piece of work" council members praised the 100th anniversary book committee... there was the suggestion of a official thank-you resolution. It was my impression that council members were kind of searching for their praise... I've seen the book, and frankly it's a bit of a disappointment. it seems obvious there wasn't much community help in providing photographs and content. It basically just summarizes the already published generic history, and frankly it doesn't feel much like anything relevant to the 35 years I lived here. I think they probably could have got more interesting content just republishing the best of all of the available school yearbooks. Generally speaking the text is dull and the photos don't say much either. Hear is a visual best-of From my perspective, but maybe it should be called a less-worst of.

lower resolution
higher-resolution

My public comment questions:

permanent link: Summation of the March 19, 2007 meeting

2/13/07 - 3/13/07 Better Late Than Never [.. but in this case maybe not.]

Summation of the March 5th meeting of the town council Next meeting of the town council March 19th

Consent Agenda:

Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of January 15, 2007
Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of February 5, 2007
Approval of the minutes of the executive session meeting of February 5,2007-not to be released to the public
Banner Request-Interchurch of the Mendhams-Easter Sunrise Svc.-4/02/07- 4/09/07
Banner Request-Mendham Borough Public School-School Election-4/09/07- 4/16/07
Banner Request-Interchurch of the Mendhams-Nat'l. Day of Prayer-4/23/07- 4/30/07
Banner Request-St. Mark's-Art Show-4/30/07-5/07/07
Banner Request-Just Joy Of Mendham- May In Mendham-5/07/07-5/14/07
Banner Request-Garden Club-Annual Plant Sale-5/14/07-5/21/07
Banner Request-Pastime Club-Labor Day-8/20/07-9/4/07
Raffle License-The Minutemen Sports Club-Project Graduation 2007-5/3/07
Raffle License-Pastime Club- Labor Day Carnival-9/3/07
Res. #44-07-Sanitary Sewer Connection Application of Mendham Holding,LLC Block 601/L10
Res. #45-07-Contract Acute and Chronic Bioassay- QC, Inc.
Res. #46-07-Appt. Laurie Felber-Alternate I Member-Environmental Commission
Res. #47-07-Overpayment of 1st Qtr. Taxes-Block 1102, Lot 126
Res. #48-07-Refund 2006 Tax Overpayments
Res. #49-07-Redemption Tax Sale Certificate-Block 406, Lot 12
Res. #50-07-Return Cash Bond- Block 2001, Lot 6
Res. #51-07-Sanitary Sewer Connection Application of Borkan Enterprises, LLC Block 2701, Lot 5, CO18E

Items within the consent agenda, all passed without substantive discussion...

Best of...the Administrators Report

: Fire Truck Purchase/Sale. The Fire Department has received a quote from the Omaha Public Power District to purchase the 1986 pumper for $34,500. Since the sale would be to another governmental agency the only action necessary would be to approve it by resolution of the Borough Council. Unless otherwise directed I will have the Borough Attorney's office prepare a resolution for the next meeting.

Daytop: The local drug rehab facility is submitting an application for state grant money to install some air-conditioning. As a matter of procedure, they are obliged to formally inform the council. Funny how the council isn't required, like the public, to read microtype notices in for-profit proprietary newspapers to be formally informed.

Fee ordinance: The council passed some kind of generic maximum "fee for all crimes" ordinance. apparently they need the flexibility to be able make up any old time for the crime, and maybe send "some" jaywalkers to Guantanamo Bay.

New fire truck: Apparently they are adding warp-drive to the features included with the new $500,000 fire truck. The council seemed very pleased with itself because it is using money rebated back for prepayment to cover the cost.

Free money: There was brief reference to the annual grant money the town receives for drug abuse programs (uniforms for the Hitler Youth) and "Clean communities"... I don't know where they keep the $5,000 scrub brush. There was some related reference to some stream embankment problem presumably somewhere in the area of the mud hole dam.

Field usage: There was quite a bit of talk regarding how for-profit organizations, and out of the area sports clubs, should be charged for their use of public recreation facilities. There was suggestion that it be ascertained what it costs to repair and maintain the fields so some real-world fee can be established...[Why is any of this sports crap a public tax responsibility in the first place.]

Some member of the public asked some weirdass question about historic signs, she was referred to the "historic preservation Commission"

My public comment questions:
In honor of "sunshine week" the council, and their enabling attorney, pretty much mooned my "public comment" questions with big fatass evasion... again.

permanent link: Summation of the March 5, 2007 meeting

1/19/07 - 2/13/07 What's Yours is Their's [... and what's their's, can end up way over there]

Summation of the February 5th meeting of the town council. Next meeting of the town council March 5th

Consent Agenda:

Approval Blue Light Permit-Peter Taylor-Mendham Borough Fire Department
Approval Blue Light Permit-Robert C. Collins-Mendham Borough Fire Department
Approval of use of alcohol-Newcomers & Neighbors of Mendham Pot Luck Dinner-3/25/07-Garabant Center
Approval of NJ State Firemen's Assoc. Membership App.-Joshua A. Small
Banner Request-Mendham High School-Spring Musical-3/5/07-3/12/07
Approval of the minutes of the reorganization meeting of January 1, 2007
Approval of the minutes of the executive session meeting of January 15, 2007
Banner Request-Strawberry Festival-Mendham Township-5/28/07-6/4/07
Res. #33-07-Transfer of Appropriation Reserves

Items within the consent agenda, all passed without substantive discussion...

Best of...the Administrators Report

: Fire Truck Replacement/Sale. Several members of the Fire Department are flying out on February 8th to conduct a fire truck pre-building construction meeting. The department will be reviewing compartment, pump and phone layout. As a result of a posting on a clearinghouse website the Fire Department has been in contact with the Omaha Public Power District, a subdivision of the State of Nebraska. The power district is very interested in purchasing the fire truck and is flying two representatives out next week, Tuesday the 6th, to inspect the truck. The Borough had in the past sold a fire truck to a New Jersey governmental entity, but never one that was located outside of the state. As a result, I asked the Borough Attorney to review documentation submitted by the power district and issue an opinion as to whether the Borough could sell Truck #18-81 to the district. Fred's opinion, which is attached, indicated that the Borough could sell equipment, without publicly bidding, to any governmental entity in the United States.

New DPW Superintendent: It was announced that a new Department of Public Works Superintendent [Kenneth O'Brien] has been hired.

DPW addition: The council approved a resolution to pay an architect a few thousand dollars for design work for a addition to the Department of Public Works.

Ice Skating; There was a brief discussion regarding the opening of the Borough pond for ice skating. Apparently, the Borough government couldn't find any written protocol at the borough offices regarding how many inches thick the ice should be before opening the pond for skating. After some research, they have settled on a recommendation of something over 5 in.

Poll Barn: Apparently in a second round of bidding, no bids came in under the $128,000 appropriated for construction of a new building. Apparently this circumstance now allows the town to "negotiate" a price with individual contractors.

Municipal Prosecutor: The Township and Borough have agreed on a New municipal prosecutor. The part-time employee will be paid $28,000 and it was stated he currently works 4 other jurisdictions.

Recreation: It was reported that negotiations with other local towns are progressing regarding establishing a regional schedule to better rest and utilize available facilities. It was also commented that the Triborough Bears have some plan to raise some $600,000 to artificial turf a couple of fields.

Highlands: It was briefly commented that the 90 day extension for comment will likely be granted, and that there have already been some lawsuits filed.

COAH rules: There was Brief comment that a separate court judge ruling has "thrown the old rules out the window"

OPRA compliance: There was discussion regarding the need for council action (an ordinance) to require departments of local government to expedite document requests made through the clerk's office... to prevent the clerk from being held responsible for unlawful delays.

My public comment questions:

permanent link: Summation of the Febuary 5, 07 meeting

12/29/06 - 1/19/07 Local Control Freak Government [...calling the regional control freaks, freaking secretive]

Summation of the January 15 meeting of the town council

Highlands: A large chunk of the long and boring meeting was devoted to discussion of the highlands plan and the question of whether or not the Borough should sign on. Ironically, or preposterously, considering the reluctance of local government to make public information publicly accessible, YOUR local government officials spent a lot of time complaining that they haven't been provided access to specific information, and that their questions haven't been answered.

As to cost to benefit analysis it's was basically concluded that it is a little too early to know what exactly the upside advantages verses downside risks are. The potential upside of signing on maybe extra grant money for land preservation and infrastructure. It can also be assumed that cooperative municipalities will likely receive better, more cooperative, treatment from any eventual enforcement agency. The potential downside might be an excessive loss of local control that might leave us vulnerable to abuse by some outside agenda.

I would offer the opinion, that I think there is some rational obligation to do some regional planning-- especially to protect water resources. Although the borough has little property threaten to be devalued by a prohibition against development... I think the Borough has a keen interest in any regional proposal that might actively, or inadvertently, prevent further regional development that might increase traffic through Mendham Borough.

Fee ordinance: Consistent with my published complaint... the council attorney reported on some necessary changes to the proposed fee ordinance. He pointed out to the council that legally fees needed to reflect actual cost of production, without considering labor costs. Unfortunately, it was not suggested that the $50 fee for a copy of the master plan be similarly reduced, and the fee is being justified applying what the law describes as a "not to exceed a maximum". I will challenge the council at the next meeting to defend their rationale for applying this not to exceed maximum, rather than actual cost standard.

Tax Assessor: There was some discussion regarding the appointment of a new tax assessor. In a rare moment of rationality, councilmembers' actually discussed, with a tone of dissatisfaction, the fact that this part-time employee would be entitled to automatic pay increases, and silly benefits like tenure. A council member even suggested it might be advisable to fire the individual after four years to avoid the contractual obligations of tenure. Contrary statements by others suggested this individual would prove himself worth the seemingly excessive salary and perks.

Public Works Superintendent: It was reported that 3 candidates will be considered for the very high pay position of Public Works Superintendent. There was some question raised regarding how the position was advertised... the overpaid, incompetent, and dishonest, Borough administrator remarked that the position was advertised through the "League of Municipalities" which I believe is nothing more than a fascist elitist "managerial" subchapter of the retarded "government workers union". To add some typically silly government employe logic, the Borough administrator claimed it would have cost "several thousand dollars" to advertise the position in newspapers... of course he made no mention of the free option of advertising online.

Vouchers: The overpaid, incompetent, and dishonest, Borough administrator suggested that the council consider approving the bill list instead of individual vouchers. To the council's credit, members expressed concern that the bill list provides inadequate specifics to allow any practical scrutiny. It was suggested that the administrative staff may be able to generate a more concise, and yet comprehensive, listing of vouchers. Hopefully the council will see no cause to prevent the public from also having access to a more comprehensible Voucher document.

Speaking of vouchers, later in the meeting, Barbara Stanton raised a question regarding the $2,300 spent on tree removal... suggesting that this maybe should have been in-house by the the DPW. It was explained that the trees involved were very large trees in the vicinity of the nursery school and basketball courts.

Recreation: There was a good deal of discussion regarding of use of ball fields, and arrangements for the summer camp. It was pointed out that all the town ball fields are classified under "Green Acres" restrictions. It was suggested that a maintenance deposit should be required for commercial use to cover any potential costs of damage. The substance of the discussion involved, rather tedious details, regarding what town, uses what when, and who pays what percentage, of what maintenance. It is my opinion that all this crap should be some private athletic organizations problem... and public responsibility should be minimized.

As for summer camp it was generally agreed that the camp program that used to make $25,000 a year... shouldn't lose money ...and the council approved a fee structure providing a substantial discount for participants to sign up early. Mother Stanton also suggested that more attention needs to be paid to "kids with issues".

Command Center: Barbara Stanton made some unexplained weird reference to some mysterious command center problem and stated for who knows who's benefit, that the problem has been resolved.

Document Requests: In another surprisingly lucid moment, there was a suggestion by the Borough attorney that an ordinance be drawn to compel all Borough employees to recognize that they must fully cooperate with OPRA document requests made through the clerk's office... as to ensure that the Clerk is not held responsible for not meeting the requirements of the law because other departments of the government are not providing expedient access to the information requested.

MASH FEE: the Council of approved a resolution waiving $500 or so in permit fees relevant to remodeling to take place at the Mendham area senior housing complex.

My public comment questions:...The council attorneys response to my question of dec.

permanent link: Summation of the January 15 meeting

12/10/06 - 12/28/06 End of The Krappola Era [...beginning of the hillbilly Henry even Darker age]

Summation of the December 18th meeting of the town council Next meeting of the town council January 1st

Library: A representative of the library requested the council provide another $10,000 in extra funding for 2006 expenses. The library has previously made a request to substantially increase its budget for 2007. The council seemed agreeable to the request and it seems likely money will be transferred from other overfunded accounts after the end of the year.

Highlands: It was suggested that the town council should request an extension of the public comment period regarding the highlands master plan. The mayor suggested other towns should be contacted to support and coordinate the request.

Phoenix House Garden: There was a request by the Garden Club for $123,000.00 for a restoration of the less than ideally located Phoenix House Garden. There was some vague discussion regarding alternative financing through grants and private donations/sponsorships-- but the Garden Club representative expressed no confidence that significant revenue could be generated through fund-raising. Soon to be ExMayor Dick "the pipe man" Kraft did offer to donate whatever piping is required for a watering system. more/discussion

Town Prosecutor: There was some discussion regarding finding a replacement for the prosecutor shared by the two towns. Concern was expressed that there was no advertisement posted for the position and only one individual has been interviewed. The council generally agreed that necessary interim arrangements should be made to provide time for the post to be advertised providing more candidates for evaluation.

MASH: There was brief discussion, and general support, to waive $750 in town construction fees regarding the refurbishment of the community room at the Mendham area senior housing complex.

Gypsy Moths: It was reported that the county found no significant gypsy moth problem in the Mendham area.

Storm Water: It was briefly reported that apparently storm sewers will be labeled with some appropriate decal by Boys Scouts at a cost of $750

Town Book: It was reported that the hundredth anniversary book will be printed this month and presumably shipped early next year

Deer Management: It was stated that some 50 deer have been killed so far this season through the deer management program. Councilman Louis Garubo shared with the council the recent personal experience of colliding with a 10 point Buck at the high-school intersection. It was humorously related that the animal recovered from the experience and proceeded to block traffic. The council seemed thoroughly entertained by the "funny" example of their ineffective, and doomed to fail, mismanagement [through pointless cruelty] policy.

Sewage Rate Discount: There was again discussion regarding the possibility of providing a senior citizen discount on sewer rates. The town attorney reported/confirmed that there are no legal impediments to providing the discount. Council members gave little indication whether they would support such a proposal.

Last Rights: The mayor briefly eulogized his eight "good years" as mayor stating he, in general, enjoyed it. He did make vague disparaging reference to past members of the council he claimed were "trying to run the town" rather than providing that "the town be well run". I would argue that the Mayor's hands-off approach was a Titanic failure... the town's Titanic debt has been more than doubled... and like the Titanic, the mayor has sunk this ship of state in a dead calm [economic] sea because he wasted time placating elitist patrons, rather than fulfilling practical responsibilities.... he was also short, power drunk, and a petty thief.

My public comment questions:

permanent link: Summation of the December 18th meeting