tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32496062136003643662024-03-21T10:59:22.998-04:00LawrenceTownshipNJManagerKPNThis blog exists to engage the Lawrence community in a more personal and substantive way. To inform residents about important issues affecting the community, and to provide my perspective and thought process so there is a clear understanding (whether you agree or disagree with me) of how or why a decision has been made. This blog does not represent the opinions of our elected officials unless I specifically indicate so. Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-62963625068401411722024-01-04T17:11:00.001-05:002024-01-11T15:31:55.514-05:00This blog will provide no content until further notice. There will be no replies by the Manager for comments on the articles. Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-5324897998171574332023-12-07T14:41:00.007-05:002023-12-08T10:23:25.015-05:00Comment and clarification on the grant-funded study for a potential central Emergency Management Operations Center.<p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> <span>As all of you may now be aware from my earlier blog articles and posts on FB, the Township was the recipient of a $725,000 grant award from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for the engineering and architectural design, environmental studies, and preparation of bid documents for a new centralized Emergency Management Operations Center. Importantly, the grant has no requirement that our town take action to build a central station. The link to the grant award is here: </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:us:8defb050-9055-49ce-b33e-d55b848e261a</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> We announced (in a prior blog article - the link is here: </span><a href="https://lawrencetownshipnjmanagerkpn.blogspot.com/2022/07/725k-grant-received-for-study-and.html">LawrenceTownshipNJManagerKPN: $725K Grant Received for the Study and Design of a New Emergency Management Facility</a>) and other social media sites when we received this grant award, and then the community rumor mill went wild, not unexpectedly. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span>At the time, back in July 2022, though many found the news to be good, concern resonated with our volunteer fire companies, which they took as a signal of their demise. Despite assurances that was not the case at all, it persisted. They provide a valuable service to our community, and we are deeply indebted to all past and present volunteer firefighters. Then, when we announced that the initial location for a potential site shifted from the Lawrence Road Fire House site at 1252 Lawrence Road (a site we believed when we applied for the grant was township-owned but was revealed to be owned by the fire company instead - long story about a reverter clause in a deed decades old) to a section on the southern portion of municipal land where our municipal building and police building presently exist, the concern grew from just the volunteers to residents that live near the municipal complex. As a result, a group of those residents attended the last two council meetings, expressing their concerns about the need for a central station and, of course, its location at the municipal complex. To quell a concern that was raised by one of the residents who spoke at the last meeting, the Township was authorized to use the grant funds to study the municipal complex as the possible site. Here is a link to the emails from the NJDLGS to us confirming approval: </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:44beb64b-952e-4f5d-8c9a-9af1dca8595b</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Importantly, I want to emphasize to all, two critical points: 1) what we are doing is compiling information to better understand what we would need as a community if we decided upon a central emergency management facility, and 2) once we understand the type of building that would be necessary to meet all of the federal and state standards to house a Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services and 911 Dispatch center, where it can and should be located to best serve our community in a fiscally responsible way. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> There is no question that our community needs to seriously study our present firefighting program, which includes a combined career and volunteer force. As with many other communities in our state and around the country, the ranks of volunteer firefighters are at an all-time low. Communities (like ours) that relied historically (and) entirely on volunteers for fire response and now, more recently, with a combined fire department must (if responsible leadership means anything) require us take a good hard look at our present and future fire response to make important decisions in the best interests of public safety for our community. The irrefutable data tells us we need to undertake this fact-gathering now with the understanding that there will be pushback from those who feel deep concern about a potential decision made by our elected officials that may impact them personally, whether real or perceived (and both are valid). </span><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> This grant allows us a unique opportunity to fact-gather using funds that would otherwise come from the community's taxpayers. At the end of the process, we will understand exactly what would be involved in transitioning to a central location for our Fire/EMS and 911 departments. We will understand the type and quality of the facility that will be necessary to conduct operations and have a good basis to estimate the total cost involved (and potential long-term savings). It is the only way for our elected officials to make an informed decision on the present and future of a critical element of our overall public safety obligation to the community. </span><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> The elected officials are committed to ensuring the process includes public meetings to allow for public comment and questions so they can better understand the opinions and concerns of the community. These meetings will come once we have completed a needs assessment, and the elected officials have done their due diligence in better understanding the data and the opinions rendered by the professionals we engage to conduct the studies. We will request that the representatives of the firm we engaged in conducting the studies participate in the meetings to ensure the meetings are productive and involve a meaningful exchange of information among the participants. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> I have seen a post or two on FB expressing ideas about the Township acquiring a commercial property to locate a central facility. At this time, the use of currently owned township property makes much better sense financially for two reasons: (1) We don't incur the cost of having to purchase commercial property (at a time when we don't even know if we are going to build one) and, (2) we don't take a property currently paying taxes off the township tax rolls - which would require taxpayers to make up for the lost revenue in future budgets. Also, locating a facility on already existing township-owned property (in the same area experts deemed appropriate) makes sense since it would be a facility on township property being used for an important public safety purpose. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> However, NO DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE to have a central emergency management facility or where one would go, but we must go through the process of fact-gathering to put the elected officials in the best position to make an informed decision. They may decide at the end of this process that this idea of a central facility is inappropriate for our community and that other steps should be taken to address the public safety needs. But given our present circumstances, I believe it is their responsibility to take on this difficult issue to meet their obligations to the community they serve. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> Stay tuned for further updates!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-57002313133626265992023-11-13T11:59:00.002-05:002023-11-13T12:02:18.804-05:00Manager's Report for the November 9, 2023 Council Meeting<p> </p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> 1. <b><u>Mike
Rodgers Retirement</u></b>:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Our
Construction Official, Michael Rodgers, is scheduled to retire on November 30,
2023. Mike has served Lawrence Township
since July 23, 2001. He became our
Construction Official after Anthony Cermele’s retirement in July 2020. Mike has done a tremendous job, and I enjoyed
working with him. I want to publicly
thank him for his good work and wish him the best in his retirement.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We
have a succession plan, and an announcement will be made shortly concerning promoting
a current staff member to the position of Construction Official.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Keeping
in line with the Construction Office, some of you may know that we have
transitioned our permit process to an online portal (accessed through our
township website) for residents and business owners working with the
Construction Office for building inspections. The entire staff underwent extensive training
over the past year. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The
system is by Mitchell-Humphrey and is called FastTrackGov. Its purpose is to make the permitting process
more transparent and user-friendly. It
allows applicants to view the progress of their permits and identifies whatever
issues must be addressed. This system reduces
phone calls to the office and provides immediate information to the end users –
our residents and business owners. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Recently, we included the ability to pay online with a credit
card. Our inspectors were also provided
with field handheld devices to input their findings, reduce paperwork, and
streamline their process. Additionally,
the plan is to transfer all available historical public documents (documents
subject to OPRA) to reduce the staff hours necessary to respond to OPRA
requests. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4.5pt; text-indent: 31.5pt;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Our Health Department has begun the training for a similar
transition to streamline health inspections and better serve our residents and
the business owners in our community. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <b><u>Safety
Concerns at Route 206 and Eggert Crossing Road intersection</u></b>. </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0.25in;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.75in;"><span> </span><span> </span>As you may know, this intersection
is rather busy during school hours with motor vehicle traffic and pedestrian
traffic (mostly students walking to and from school).</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.75in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.75in;">Over the past several years, the intersection
has been the subject of study to determine how it can be made safer.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.75in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.75in;">Route 206 is a State-owned road, which limits
our ability to address the issue on a local level</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.75in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Recently,
our Municipal Engineer was able to advocate successfully to the NJDOT for
positive changes. It has agreed to add a
4-inch wide stripe along the curb line of Eggert Crossing Road at Route 206 and
widen the sidewalk area to increase the buffer zone (motorists' travel lane and
the sidewalk). Additionally, we
petitioned the NJ DOT to create a 25 mph School Zone at the intersection in
both directions along Route 206 to include flashing lights to warn of children
in the area. In a letter dated October
27, 2023, the NJ DOT informed us that its Division of Traffic Engineering will
investigate the current conditions to determine if the requested 25 mph is
warranted. I will report back once we receive their conclusions. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> <b><u>Federal
City Road and Federal Point Warrant Analysis for Traffic Light</u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">As
you know, we have a 55+ community located on Federal City Road known as
Traditions at Federal Point. This site
borders Hopewell Township which had approved a 300-unit housing development
known as Woodmont directly across the street from the entrance at
Traditions. With the approval of this
large development on the border of Hopewell, the impact to traffic in the area
is evident and the concerns of residents living nearby were justified. Specifically, our Lawrence residents our
currently experiencing difficulty in safely exiting from their development onto
Federal City Road and Ewing and Lawrence Residents near the intersection of
Bull Run Road and Federal City Road have the same concerns. As a result, officials from Hopewell,
Lawrence, Ewing and Mercer County met to determine how best to address the
issues with traffic lights at the forefront – first at Bull Run Road. Since we believed this light would not
adequately address the specific needs of our residents, we undertook a warrant
analysis study to determine whether a traffic light was justified at the
entrance of Traditions. Before
installing a traffic light, this type of analysis is required by the
NJDOT. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We
recently received the report from our traffic consultant, and I shared it with
you yesterday by email. A summary of the report is as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The traffic signal warrant analysis is a comprehensive
investigation of traffic conditions and physical characteristics. This analysis
is required to determine the necessity for the installation of a new traffic
signal. Additionally, the analysis is
performed to properly assess the roadway infrastructure design and smoother
operation of traffic flow. The field observations, existing traffic volumes and
roadway characteristics were compiled and executed in traffic signal warrant
analysis worksheets as set forth in the <i>Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices for Streets and Highways, 2009 Edition (“MUTCD”) Revisions 1, 2 &
3. </i>The MUTCD guidelines are published by the Federal Highway Administration
(“FHWA”).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">A traffic signal warrant analysis generally involves the
investigation of the existing or proposed traffic conditions, pedestrian
characteristics, and geometric alignment of a study location. The traffic
signal warrant investigation is comprised of analyzing several factors related
to the existing operation and safety of the study location. The factors are
utilized to determine if signalization will improve the traffic flow compared
to unsignalized conditions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The MUTCD outlines a total of nine (9) traffic signal warrant
criteria, which are applied to determine if signalization is justifiable. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The 105-page report essentially
states the following:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">The intersections of Federal City
Road with Bull Run Road and Federal Point Boulevard both meet the warrant for a
traffic signal.</span></li><li><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">While signals are recommended at
both intersections, it would be most beneficial to Lawrence Residents to have a
signal at Federal Point Boulevard.</span></li><li><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">A signal at only Federal Point
Boulevard will provide minimal benefit to the intersection of Bull Run
Road. Similarly, a signal at only Bull Run Road will provide minimal
benefit to the intersection of Federal Point Boulevard.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">There should be no issue with the
proximity of US Route 295.</span></li><li><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Widening for opposing left turn
lanes would likely be recommended at Federal Point Boulevard. This will
result in increased costs and utility impacts. <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span> </span><span> </span>Our Traffic Consultant wasn’t
asked to provide an estimate, but our Municipal Engineer believes the cost
would be in the $500,000 range for a signal at either location. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> I
plan to meet with officials from Hopewell and Ewing to discuss plans if our governing body is supportive.
It is my recommendation, based on public safety needs, that we
aggressively pursue the traffic signal at Federal Point and seek the
cooperation and contribution of Hopewell and Ewing for this work. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">POST SCRIPT: At the council meeting, the governing body supported the plan to install the light after reaching an agreement with the adjacent towns (Hopewell and Ewing) on sharing costs. </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> 4. <b><u>Hero
Park</u></b>:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span> </span><span> </span></span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">If you drive
by Hamnett Park off Ohio Avenue, you see the active work being done to create
our dog park, which will include two dog-run areas and a walking path around
the perimeter for pedestrians to use for exercise.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">We expect the work to be completed in about a
month.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">We need several months for grass
to grow within the areas before opening up for use.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">April 2024 is the target time frame for a
more formal opening.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">5.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> 5. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><u><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Colonial Lake Park</span></u></b><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span> </span><span> </span></span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">As you may
have heard, the walking path on the Northern side of the Lake has been
completed, which completes the loop around the lake.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">We have a Lake Management Grant of $316,800
funds available for hydro-raking, shoreline restoration, and asphalt removal of
that portion of the Sheft property we acquired behind the bowling lane
building.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Our match to this grant is
$79,200.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">6.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> 6. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Eldridge Park</span></u></b><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span> </span><span> </span></span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">NJ DOT
presented us with an opportunity to apply for the funding of a local project
involving pedestrian improvements.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">It is
a Pilot Program to install porous pavers on a Township site to showcase the
product and other park improvements.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The
project would be administered as a grant, but all aspects – design,
construction, and inspection – would be funded by the state.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">We were identified as a possible recipient
based on our reputation and ability to deliver funded projects.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We identified
Eldridge Park as an area that could be improved with a porous walking path
around the park's perimeter. It is
envisioned as a gently curving path outside the drip line of the mature trees,
constructed of porous materials to minimize stormwater impact. Our application includes a request for four
designated parking spaces, including a handicapped accessible space at the
existing depressed curb on Tulane Avenue and miscellaneous park improvements
such as benches, trash receptacles, and additional landscaping. The cost estimated and applied for is
$415,725. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">This project,
if awarded, would complement the planned equipment upgrade through the NJ DCA
Local Recreation Grant of $65,000 we received and recently were approved to
spend and will provide linkages between play areas.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">I believe it
is critical for us as a municipal government to make sure that all areas of our
community are meaningfully addressed for capital improvements – and our
community parks are good means to improve the quality of life for the nearby
residents.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">7.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> <b><u>Lawrence
Nature Center</u></b>:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span> </span><span> </span></span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">As you know,
we received grant funds for $88,000 for improvements to the exterior grounds of
the Nature Center.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">For design work to
create and install a more formal parking area, fix the patio on one side of the
building, and install lighting to better improve accessibility to the building.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">We have begun the design work.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">We also have some funding designated in the
Capital fund to complete this work.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In addition
to the exterior work, we are exploring possibilities for a project that will include
interior furnishings and lighting upgrades for potential displays and exhibits
for the ground floor of the Nature Center and detached garage. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">8.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> <b><u>Career
Firefighter Hiring’s</u></b>:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span> </span><span> </span></span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">We received
the list of eligible firefighters from NJ Civil Service. Those who were
eligible were required to take the physical skills examination, and once that
was completed, we received the final eligibility list.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">We then conducted six interviews for the
three available positions. Offers of employment will be going out over the next
couple of days. </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">9.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">9. </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Report and
Recommendations for a <b><u>New Fire &
EMS Station for Lawrence Township</u></b>:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">As everyone
knows, we received a grant from the NJ Department of Community of Affairs for $725,000. The grant award aims to provide funding for
engineering and architectural design, environmental studies, and preparation of
bid documents for a new centralized Emergency Management Operations Center. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The township
engaged Cotter Strategies, LLC, a fire and emergency services consulting firm,
for the first phase of the process.
Specifically, to study the existing fire stations and perform a need
assessment to better understand what will be required for a new central
station. This determines the type and
size of the facility we will need as a community for a central fire/EMS and 911
facility. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">We do expect
to receive the report in the coming weeks.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The preliminary conclusion is that the study team supports the
construction of the new facility at the proposed location adjacent to the
Municipal Building and that a central facility will provide important
benefits.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Reducing the number of fire
station houses will reduce duplication of equipment and apparatus, resulting in
significant cost savings for taxpayers.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Moreover, a new facility will provide improved facilities for the health
and safety of personnel, integration of the EMS and Fire Operations, further
integration of career and volunteer members as a part of a combination
organization, co-location of the Office of Emergency Management, the Emergency
Operations Center, the local 911 emergency communications center and potential
other administrative offices.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Once the
report is received, it will be shared with you and the community. </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">I will say this again publicly: I value the
volunteer fire companies' service to our community in the past, the present, and for
the foreseeable future.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">I am committed
to taking responsible action to support and improve the volunteer firefighter
service to our community.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face="Calibri Light, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">POST SCRIPT: At the meeting, a resident stated during public participation that he felt we should be taking our time and proceeding slowly. We are. But we must begin, and that is what we are doing. </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">Putting our heads in the sand and hoping things improve</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> is not a valid or responsible plan. We identified that our community has a serious public safety issue, and we applied for and received a grant for $725,000 to study the issue and provide our elected officials with all of the information necessary for them to make an appropriate decision on behalf of the community - to answer the question of whether to build a central Fire/EMT facility and if the Municipal Campus is the appropriate place to do so. </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">We must begin the process to make these decisions</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">, not let important projects languish. We will rely on the objective data </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">related to our community and our response record to fire calls, etc., the advice and recommendations of highly qualified professionals we retain to act in our best interests and in the interest of public safety, and our </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">judgment on the proper course of action to take. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face="Calibri Light, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">For whatever reason, people wrongfully believe that a decision is to be made soon on these very serious community issues, and that is simply not the case. The matter will be researched, studied, and investigated, and once all of the information is compiled, the elected officials will decide whether to move </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">forward -</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> and will do so after public meetings and listening to comments and opinions from residents. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">10.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><u><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Craft Cleaners site and the Pit
Stop site</span></u></b><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">:</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span> </span><span> </span></span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">1840
Brunswick Avenue is presently a vacant and abandoned lot along Brunswick Avenue
(across from Burger King) that we have targeted to address in some meaningful
as it languished for decades first as an abandoned building that used to be the
site of a local business known as Craft Cleaners, which was demolished through
township efforts years ago.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The land is
currently owned by a defunct LLC with unresponsive members who acquired the
property, I believe, through a sheriff sale but then realized its potential for
being contaminated, and the LLC simply ceased operating as a business entity,
leaving the land unattended and left to accumulate tax liens.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span> </span><span> </span></span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">As we began
the process of actually doing the work necessary to improve the Brunswick
Streetscape, a concept in existence for decades but not meaningfully acted
upon, we identified this vacant site as an important piece to address.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span> </span><span> </span></span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">Much like we
have handled the Pit Stop site, we applied for an NJ EDA under the HDSRF
Program and received a grant for $132,845.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">
</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">The grant was to fund a Preliminary Assessment and Site Investigation of
the property to determine the extent of the contamination and the need for
remediation.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span> </span><span> </span></span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">Since
receiving approval, we have engaged Langan Environmental Group to perform the
assessment and site investigation.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">That
work has started, and that process will take time.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">Once it is completed, we will better understand the remediation work necessary to get the property “clean.”</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">Once the NJDEP issues a No Further Action
Letter, we hope to obtain title through foreclosure. However, in contrast to
the “Pit Stop” application, the ultimate goal for the site is for redevelopment
consistent with our overall goal of improving Brunswick Avenue as a pedestrian-friendly
mixed-use area.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">The
Preliminary Assessment and Site Investigation have been completed for the Pit
Stop, and the final report has been submitted to the NJDEP for review.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">We await their response to pursue further grant
funding for the remediation work.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: -4.5pt 0in; text-indent: 0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">11.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">2024 Budget Process</span></u></b><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: -4.5pt 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">Department heads had submitted their
budgets to our CFO, Peter Kiriakatis.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">
</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">Pete has provided me with a copy and has conducted his preliminary
meeting with the department heads.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">We
will then get together to begin the preparation of the recommended budget to
present to the governing body.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">Once the
new council members are sworn at reorganization, the governing body can work
out the plan for the public budget process.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: -4.5pt 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">12.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> <b><u>Grant
Game</u></b>:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: -4.5pt 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span> </span><span> </span></span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Throughout my report, you have heard the word
grants.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">We are committed to keeping our
community vibrant and moving forward with improvements by funding these
projects from grants.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">As I began as the
Municipal Manager, it was readily apparent that we did not have a formal grant
program with a designated and dedicated staff member to the point person.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">We made the decision to make our part-time
Municipal Engineer, Brenda Kramer, full-time and have her take over as our
designated grant person.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">She has done an
amazing job, and we have improved our ability to identify grants, apply for
them, and execute them when funds are received.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">It has also motivated our department heads to find grant opportunities
to help realize their vision for the services they help provide to the
community.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: -4.5pt 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">For 2023, we have applied for over $6,088,847
grants and have been awarded $3,608,847 in grant funds, with applications for
over $2,934,732 and $675,867 already awarded for 2024.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">These funds allow us to improve upon our
infrastructure when our finances would preclude us from doing so, and also reduce
the amount we would need from our taxpayers by the amount we are rewarded.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Millions of dollars each year. </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: -4.5pt 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">13.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> <u>From the Rec Department</u>:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Deck the<i>
Town</i> Hall Tree Lighting and More<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">December
8th, starting at 6 pm:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Cookie Decorating<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Reindeer Food Making<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Trackless Train Rides<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Mechanical Reindeer-<i>new this year</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Hot Chocolate<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Cookies<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Holiday
House Decorating Contest:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">December
1-14<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Houses around town compete for the title of the
best-decorated holiday house and other categories.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Jolly
Trolley:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">December
15th<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Drive around town in a Victorian-style trolley and
enjoy the wonderfully decorated houses in Lawrence Township.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-78250179651777355072023-10-23T14:54:00.003-04:002023-10-23T14:55:33.583-04:00"Change is the law of life...."<p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: #f3f3f3;"> <span> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I was reading an article in the
most recent edition of NJ Municipalities.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">It was on the subject of Municipal Capital Projects.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">It started with the following quote from John
F. Kennedy,</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: #f3f3f3;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="background-color: #990000; color: #f3f3f3;">“Change is the law of
life. And those who look only to the
past or the present are certain to miss the future.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: #f3f3f3;">I had not heard it before, but it did resonate with me. I love a good quote! As Municipal Manager, I have encountered many
people who subconsciously fear change and consciously oppose issues that move
our town forward, whether it involves development, redevelopment, capital
improvements, municipal services, or restructuring a fire department to answer
the community's public safety needs. No
matter the issue or the actions the elected officials or I take that are
intended to impact the community positively; there will undoubtedly be opposition
and disagreement in some form or another.
In my first few years, I had the naïve thought that there was no way
someone could be against “this or that,” but it never took too long to understand
how wrong I was. As I approach my
seventh year in the position, though I strive for universal approval, I
understand it is impossible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: #f3f3f3;"> <span> </span>Several
months ago, at a council meeting where a redevelopment project was being
discussed, an elderly man approached the podium to participate in public
comment. I know this man to be a good
man with a good heart and a strong interest in our community and its governance. He said that “<i>we don’t need any more apartments</i>” in our community in an effort to
oppose a potential housing project. It
followed up on a similar position espoused by a former elected official from
our town. I found the comment to be
disappointing and shortsighted. The idea of “closing borders” is in the
national conversation, and at times, it also becomes a local battle cry. But for the local issue, I think some aspects
need to be considered that are not. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: #f3f3f3;">I am certain this man has lived in
this community for decades in a house he owns that probably does not have a
mortgage. So, when he says the town
doesn’t need any more apartments, he is coming from the mindset that he does
not have a need for an alternative housing situation in our town. But many people do. I can’t tell you how often I have heard that
younger people who grew up in Lawrence Township and want to stay and live here in
their young adulthood can’t afford to.
Or for the elderly person (or couple) looking to downsize, sell their
home, and can’t find an affordable rental situation in town. Or Lawrence Township’s never-ending obligation
to provide and meet affordable housing requirements (by creating new housing) as
determined by the NJ Supreme Court. We
call it an obligation, but it is better stated to be our responsibility that we
should want to meet – and we do! Like it
or not, we need to remain a thriving community, and housing is interwoven with what
a thriving community means. This is not
to say that there should be a frenzy of new housing built in our town, but
responsible growth is necessary. And
for those who will argue that our schools are overcrowded as a way to fight new
housing developments, I will tell you that the data shows this is not true. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: #f3f3f3;"> Opposition
to change is also present in our efforts to transition from a volunteer firefighting
force to a combined volunteer-career fire department. You see it on the various community FB pages
and in letters directed to our elected officials. Though the struggle to find and have
volunteer firefighters join a fire company and <u>respond</u> to calls is a national
problem being addressed by thousands of communities just like ours, there is a
small group of volunteers who have a difficult time adjusting from their autonomous
status of self-rule as a fire company serving our community to one providing
fire protection within a combined fire department under the supervision and
command of a township official. We all knew
that this period of transition was going to be challenging – because change is difficult. But our elected officials and I are
responsible for ensuring public safety.
If we put community first above the wants and needs of a volunteer firefighter
and individual volunteer fire company, the path forward is clear – though the
road will be bumpy. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: #f3f3f3;">Since 2017, we have made substantial
efforts to support the volunteer fire companies, honor their service, and
responsibly address the serious needs of our community for firefighting
services. Will we ever get to the point where
every individual volunteer firefighter will accept the change or agree with the
decisions made in the interests of the entire community? No – most assuredly,
no. But that’s not the goal – and it can’t
be the goal. Whether it relates to capital
improvement projects, residential and commercial development projects, or addressing
serious public safety issues, change is the law of life, and we can’t miss our
future. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: #f3f3f3;">We want Lawrence Township to thrive,
to take action that allows us to continue to provide the services our residents
deserve and expect, and to make our community diverse and dynamic. </span><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkHWuyP3El-Wym81lR2Z-ca_I7v_OmRisVDzzx709oPgyomj6obyVl1wK8lnbvMmnoO3lV-TiXSRKzw0C-rfW9tVAEXdWgnwLG6FDEk8ZbCjtuSVQ9T-MNPYD8X0dS_AuKCOuRBGTfxLDR9fSG4e0BzWM5dVjmDcvWK6WLXyuQiaNUWY8SUEAUnBEwGI/s494/Change.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="494" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkHWuyP3El-Wym81lR2Z-ca_I7v_OmRisVDzzx709oPgyomj6obyVl1wK8lnbvMmnoO3lV-TiXSRKzw0C-rfW9tVAEXdWgnwLG6FDEk8ZbCjtuSVQ9T-MNPYD8X0dS_AuKCOuRBGTfxLDR9fSG4e0BzWM5dVjmDcvWK6WLXyuQiaNUWY8SUEAUnBEwGI/s320/Change.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br /></p>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-53585435326561672262023-09-12T10:54:00.005-04:002023-09-12T11:34:20.824-04:00The speech delivered by Chief of Emergency Medical Services, Christina Vincent, at our 9/11 Memorial Service (delivered on September 11, 2023). <p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Yesterday, we held our annual 9/11 memorial service. As a part of our service, our very own Chief of Emergency Medical Services, Christina Vincent delivered the </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">speech.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> In short, she did an amazing job describing her experiences on that day and her reflections of its impact on all of us, and I wanted to share her words with you all on my blog. The following is the speech: </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: white;">0700
September 11,2001</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">As I
stepped out into the bright sunlight and beautiful clear blue skies on that
warm summer morning from the dimly lit hospital EMS crew room, I had only two
things on my mind: getting home as quickly as I could to begin the usual rushed
morning routine to spend an hour with my 11-year-old daughter over breakfast
before school and attempting to encourage myself mentally that I only had 12
hours to go before I could lie down and sleep. I had just finished my third,
very busy night shift in a row in the city and, as was normal at the time, was
heading in for my first of two dayshifts. Exhaustion was a common, constant
trait for most in emergency services, and with it, at times, came an air of
complacency. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">When I pulled into the parking lot of this very
building to start my dayshift tour, my partner MaryAnn was already outside with
our ambulance running. She appeared unusually anxious, rushing me to the truck
to take a call before our shift began, telling me that planes had crashed into
the Twin Towers in NY and that our entire county was inundated with backed-up
911 calls. I remember telling her the entire weekend had been busy, and I
thought it was probably a small twin-engine type plane.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">When we returned to our station, she quickly
turned on the news, and it was at that moment I saw the footage for the first
time of flight 11 striking the WTC North Tower at 0846, immediately followed by
the footage of flight 175 striking the WTC South Tower at 0903. As the live
updates continued coming in, it was reported that Flight 77 had crashed into
the Pentagon at 0937. We, the United States of America, were under attack, and
it wasn’t over. These reports were interrupted by live streams from NYC at
0959. We watched helplessly as the South Tower’s massive 110 floors collapsed
to the ground, almost as if in slow motion. And then again at 1028 when the
North Tower collapsed. My heart sank, and the immediate gut-wrenching reality
sank in. It had only been 3 hours since my only thought was to get through
another routine dayshift so I could go home to my family and sleep. In the
blink of an eye, there were now hundreds of emergency personnel and thousands of
civilians perishing right before our eyes who would never again have that
privilege and there was nothing we could do about it. News images and reports
continued. Fire trucks, Ambulances, Law enforcement, and citizens could be seen
rushing through the streets of NYC through the chaos, smoke, and dust plumes to
help in any way they could, covered with the aftermath remnants of toxic dust
and debris.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">Stepping
outside our station there was an eerie silence since all aircraft, nationwide,
had been grounded. The common thought of all emergency personnel working that
day was, “Are we next”? The sounds of dispatched tones and pager alerts rang
differently that day. The sounds of sirens from responding units to routine
calls in our area were accompanied by heart-wrenching thoughts for their
safety. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: white;">The
thoughts kept running through my mind of all the emergency personnel in NYC
that morning when they received the initial dispatch for a plane into the North
Tower. A half cup of coffee was left on the crew room table, never to be
finished. The table conversations with co-workers that had started at the
beginning of the shift…… friendly bantering between crew members about the past
weekend’s baseball games and whose team was better. Or who had the best fantasy
football picks for the upcoming season? Or possibly partners bragging to each
other about their kids or maybe an upcoming family vacation. Older members pick
on the rookies, or rookies pick on the old dinosaurs. Yet each one would put
themselves in harm's way for the other.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">Within
two hours, they were all gone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Today,
we gather here at this solemn 9/11 memorial to remember and reflect upon one of
the darkest days in our nation's history. Twenty-two years have passed since
our world was forever changed, but let the memories and lessons of September
11, 2001, remain etched in our hearts and minds forever.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">On that tragic day, our nation faced an
unprecedented act of terrorism brought to fruition because of what was later
described as a lack of imagination of what true evil is capable of. It was a
day marked by unimaginable loss, heroism, and resilience. We remember the
nearly 3,000 innocent lives taken from us, and we honor their memory. We pay
tribute to all of the first responders, EMS, firefighters, police officers, and
emergency personnel who rushed into danger to save lives, many making the
ultimate sacrifice. Their bravery serves as a testament to the indomitable
spirit of the United States of America.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">In the aftermath of 9/11, our nation came
together in an outpouring of unity and solidarity. We demonstrated that even in
the face of unspeakable horror, we could rise above our differences and stand
united as one people. This spirit of unity must never be forgotten. Today, as
we look back on the events of that day, let us also remember the families and
communities devastated by profound loss who found the strength to rebuild and
carry on. We also remember the heroes who have fought and continue to fight to
keep us safe in the aftermath of 9/11. Our military, law enforcement, and
intelligence agencies have worked tirelessly to protect us from further acts of
terrorism. Their dedication and sacrifice deserve our gratitude and support. To
the multitudes of people who worked tirelessly on the rescue and recovery
efforts, those who survived the attacks or were lower Manhattan residents who
have suffered long-term illness, injuries and even death after being exposed to
the hazards and toxins. To those who continue to struggle with mental health of
PTSD from witnessing firsthand the horrific scenes from that day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">Never
forget:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">For
those who sat in terror on planes<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">For
those who never saw it coming in buildings<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">For
those who jumped instead of burning, (some holding hands)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">For the
Firefighters who NEVER stopped fighting <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">For the
Police officers who never stopped protecting<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">For the
EMS personnel who never stopped caring for or giving medical treatment<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">For the
search and rescue teams including their faithful and trained K9s who worked
days on end in the hopes of finding and saving just one life<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">For the
co-workers who died together<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">For the
ordinary people who became extraordinary examples of heroism and courage<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">For the
loved ones of the lost and for the lost themselves<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">And for
the uncommon valor in the face of unspeakable evil<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">Please NEVER
FORGET.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">Looking
forward, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles that define our
nation: liberty, justice, freedom, compassion, and equality for all. Let us
ensure that the memory of 9/11 continues to inspire us to build a world where
hatred and violence have no place and where respect, diversity, and
understanding prevail. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">In closing, let us remember that while the scars
of 9/11 may never fully heal, they serve as a reminder of our shared humanity,
our capacity to endure, and our determination to stand up against evil. As we
leave this memorial today, let us carry with us the lessons of 9/11: the
importance of unity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the values that
make our nation great.</span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">May we never forget those we lost that day. May
we continue to honor their memory through our actions and our commitment to a
better, more peaceful world.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">NOTE: The ceremony was held at our 9/11 Memorial Park located on Pilla Avenue. I encourage you all to visit as a way to never forget that fateful day. For more information on the park that was donated to the Township by the Lawrence Township First Aid Squad, here is the link: <a href="https://www.lawrencetwp.com/LawTwpResp911Mem">Lawrence Township New Jersey - Lawrence Township First Responder 9/11 Memorial (lawrencetwp.com)</a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvn08cb6TxpqSNiN-TcdtiW50jV1B_UckIvwWrs9Sl6LwXMFi36wAgQeYRjNneMEZYs-i7zx6sg-yML0fs6GXdTQ-Qne2BtEKBsNOpihp8TlndSfpUo__Mj03Wjt9E9k9DLCh8Fk5c_NRbi4DdnBLyWXZ2p6a6bis1ZJcIeGHV-Baqo5DER4H4qg181k/s1194/9%2011%20pic%20of%20gazebo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1194" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvn08cb6TxpqSNiN-TcdtiW50jV1B_UckIvwWrs9Sl6LwXMFi36wAgQeYRjNneMEZYs-i7zx6sg-yML0fs6GXdTQ-Qne2BtEKBsNOpihp8TlndSfpUo__Mj03Wjt9E9k9DLCh8Fk5c_NRbi4DdnBLyWXZ2p6a6bis1ZJcIeGHV-Baqo5DER4H4qg181k/s320/9%2011%20pic%20of%20gazebo.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-36285792937519941432023-08-21T13:42:00.003-04:002023-08-22T11:47:36.742-04:00An Area In Need of Redevelopment, a peak under the hood…..<p> <span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">For those of you with more than a passing interest in the issues being addressed by your local
government, you may have come across the term “redevelopment.” It is most often in addressing areas within
the town that are distressed or failing and require some form of rehabilitation
or repurposing. Again, this is one of
those subject matters that entire books (and laws) are written to describe and
explain, but I thought it a good idea to provide you with a basic understanding
and a good starting point should you want to explore it more thoroughly. Here it goes….</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> The type of redevelopment in this
article involves private property owners and developers (known as “redevelopers”)
entering into an agreement and working with local government under a set of
laws known as the “<i>Local Redevelopment and
Housing Law</i>” (under N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1 et seq) to redevelop or rehabilitate
an area in need of redevelopment.<a href="file:///H:/AAA%20Mun%20Manager%20Misc/Blog%20Articles/Redevelopment%20article.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">The best way I can explain this topic is to provide you with a
real-life example of an area within our community that is in the latter stages
of <i>redevelopment</i> under the law, 40
Enterprise Avenue (a commercial property situated in the southern portion of
the town that borders Hamilton and Trenton).
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">For decades this property languished with a series of
significantly deteriorated buildings (some vacant and some occupied) that proved
to be a severe fire hazard and a dangerous situation for first responders frequently
called to the site for various reasons. Simply put, it was an eyesore of epic
proportions and fell well short of what we would want for our community, and,
as a result, it was something we needed to address in some significant way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">Under the law, a “redeveloper” is defined as any person,
firm, corporation, or public body that enters into a contract with a
municipality to develop or rehabilitate an area in need.<a href="file:///H:/AAA%20Mun%20Manager%20Misc/Blog%20Articles/Redevelopment%20article.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> To determine whether an area is “in need,” an
investigation is conducted by a qualified professional (i.e., Municipal
Planner), a properly noticed public hearing is held, and the governing body must
determine that one of the established criteria is met (under <u>N.J.S.A.</u>
40A:12A-5). <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">In the case of 40 Enterprise Avenue, the governing body found
criteria (a) of the statute had been met; <i>the
“generality of the buildings are substandard, unsafe, unsanitary, dilapidated,
or obsolete, or possess any such characteristics, or are so lacking in light,
air, or space as to be conducive to unwholesome living or working conditions</i>.<a href="file:///H:/AAA%20Mun%20Manager%20Misc/Blog%20Articles/Redevelopment%20article.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">Notably, one
of the seven criteria <u>must</u> be met for an area to be “in need of
redevelopment” under the law. It is not
an easy burden to meet, and such projects happen, if at all, only occasionally within
a community. Additionally, if the project is not one that the governing wants, a majority vote (3 of 5 members) will end the process very early on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">You may be wondering why the governing body gets involved in a
private issue involving private property owned by a private person or entity. The simple answer is that without local
government involvement, there is no financial pathway for a land owner or developer
to redevelop the property. As a result,
the property languishes and deteriorates…to the detriment of the community and,
most significantly, those residents and businesses nearer to the property. The local government can work with and
provide incentives to the redeveloper by entering into agreements to reduce
property taxes for a specified period of time.<a href="file:///H:/AAA%20Mun%20Manager%20Misc/Blog%20Articles/Redevelopment%20article.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">Local government must address these problem areas, and the law
gives the municipality the responsibility for implementing the redevelopment
plans and projects. The result is that the
local government has a significant say (and unique opportunity) in the planning
and details of the project to ensure that the community's goals are met. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">For 40 Enterprise Avenue, the project involved demolishing
existing buildings and structures, remediating existing environmental conditions,
developing a warehouse/distribution center, and related improvements that included
parking, stormwater management, lighting, and landscaping improvements.<a href="file:///H:/AAA%20Mun%20Manager%20Misc/Blog%20Articles/Redevelopment%20article.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> The project dramatically changes the character
and property for the better, and its location is warehouse appropriate. I know….. some of you will say, “We don’t
need more warehouses.” But the reality
is that local government can’t force redevelopment upon a person or
entity. It requires an agreement of the
parties (redeveloper and local government) and always includes the incentive
for realizing a profit for the redeveloper. That is just how it is, and we must
navigate the process within those foundational elements for the greater good to
our maximum benefit. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">In a community like ours that is essentially built out (i.e.,
a suburban community with limited opportunities for the development of vacant
land), the redevelopment law is an essential tool for the local government to
use to fight blight, increase property values, and return languishing
commercial properties to the tax rolls.
By doing so, the local government can also better maintain the type and level
of municipal services it provides to the community without turning automatically
to increasing taxes to accomplish that goal. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span></p>
<div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><br clear="all" />
</span><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/AAA%20Mun%20Manager%20Misc/Blog%20Articles/Redevelopment%20article.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> An
“area in need of redevelopment” is a legal term under the law that provides for
specific criteria to be present to allow the redevelopment process to take
place. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/AAA%20Mun%20Manager%20Misc/Blog%20Articles/Redevelopment%20article.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
This definition is modified to apply to the process in the project I am
describing. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/AAA%20Mun%20Manager%20Misc/Blog%20Articles/Redevelopment%20article.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Other
criteria were met under the statute, but I found unnecessary to detail for this
article. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/AAA%20Mun%20Manager%20Misc/Blog%20Articles/Redevelopment%20article.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
These agreements are called PILOTs (Payments in Lieu of Taxes).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/AAA%20Mun%20Manager%20Misc/Blog%20Articles/Redevelopment%20article.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
The full plans are here: <a href="https://www.lawrencetwp.com/media/Departments/EngineeringPlanningZoning/ActiveApplications/Enterprise%20Avenue%20Redevelopment/210929%2040%20Enterprise%20RD%20Plan.pdf">210929
40 Enterprise RD Plan.pdf (lawrencetwp.com)</a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-40422196809424738892023-07-17T15:08:00.090-04:002023-07-20T15:53:05.119-04:00What’s this Lawrence Township Master Plan thingy people are starting to chirp about?<p>To listen to this article: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvRtZy2MgkU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvRtZy2MgkU</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span> As I have done in past articles, I qualify what I am
about to write on this particular matter (the “Master Plan”) by emphasizing
that it’s the main subject of entire books containing hundreds of pages,
usually targeted to people who navigate in the field of municipal law. As a
result, my realistic goal here is to provide the reader with a basic
understanding and peak their curiosity enough to do their own research or,
ideally, involve themselves in the process and have their opinions heard when
they matter most. Yes, this is not only an informative article; it is an
invitation to get involved! <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> Our community is about to undertake the comprehensive process
of preparing and adopting a “Master Plan.”
In the broadest terms, the Master Plan, a written and formal document, articulates
the community’s vision of what it wants to be socially, economically, and
physically. In less broad terms, it is the document that creates the foundation
for the local zoning and land ordinances that govern development within the
community to protect its public health, safety, and general welfare and preserve
our quality of life. It is a big deal. The Master Plan describes the town's current and proposed patterns of land use in text, maps and diagrams. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> The <i>NJ Municipal
Land Use Law</i> (MLUL) requires towns to adopt a Master Plan or prepare a Re-Examination
Report every ten years. Our last re-examination report occurred in 2013<a href="file:///H:/Blog%20Articles/2023%20July%2017%20Article%20on%20the%20Master%20Plan.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.lawrencetwp.com/media/Departments/EngineeringPlanningZoning/Reports%20MP%20Ammendments/Reexamination%20Report%20of%20the%20master%20Plan,%20dated%20May%2020,%202013.pdf">https://www.lawrencetwp.com/media/Departments/EngineeringPlanningZoning/Reports%20MP%20Ammendments/Reexamination%20Report%20of%20the%20master%20Plan,%20dated%20May%2020,%202013.pdf</a>.
Our last comprehensive Master Plan was adopted in
1995 <a href="https://www.lawrencetwp.com/media/Departments/EngineeringPlanningZoning/Reports%20MP%20Ammendments/Master%20Plan%20of%20the%20Township%20of%20Lawrence%20dated%20June%201995.pdf">https://www.lawrencetwp.com/media/Departments/EngineeringPlanningZoning/Reports%20MP%20Ammendments/Master%20Plan%20of%20the%20Township%20of%20Lawrence%20dated%20June%201995.pdf</a>. Though we have remained compliant with the law, I think
it is fair to say that things have changed significantly in all respects (i.e.,
socially, economically, physically, technologically and atmospherically, etc.) since
1995 and, as a result, now is the time to undertake this essential process to establish
who we are, what we want to be, and how we can get there by revising our Master
Plan. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The Lawrence Township Planning Board and the Lawrence Township Municipal
Council members have agreed to and enthusiastically support this process. Interestingly, the Master Plan process is controlled by the Planning Board, not our Governing Body (i.e., council members). What the Governing Body does in this process is appoint Planning Board members (already completed) to serve specific terms, and they adopt the municipal budget that funds the Master Plan process in the year the process is to be undertaken. In addition, there are two council members who also serve as Planning Board members, and they will be directly involved in the preparation of the Master Plan. But this gig is, by law, performed by the Planning Board, the appointed professionals, and, of course, with public participation as a priority component. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> As a community, the next twelve or so months will involve
a two-step process: (1) preparing and adopting a less onerous re-examination
report (before the expiration of 2023) and (2) preparing and adopting a new Master
Plan. For this article, the following will focus on the Master Plan process. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> Creating a new Master Plan starts with a process initiated and undertaken
by the Planning Board guided by our Municipal Planner, Elizabeth McManus, PP,
AICP, LEED AP of KMA Associates, Hopewell, NJ. In Ms. McManus’s proposal to the
board, she states, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> “<i>an updated [plan] will allow the Township to adjust or
create new policies to account for new
development and development approvals, and market conditions that have arisen over the last several years,
many of which have been exacerbated by the Covid- 19 Pandemic. Additionally, with the threats of climate change
becoming more of a reality, comprehensive
planning is crucial to the health and well-being of communities…</i>” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Once the process is
completed and deemed acceptable to the Planning Board members, it is adopted by resolution and provides the framework for the Planning Board and the governing body to develop the elements of good land use, including meeting local housing and economic development needs and protecting open space and important natural resources. For me, the preparation of a comprehensive Master Plan is by far the most important responsibility the Planning Board undertakes - and it happens every ten years. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> Under NJ law, a Master Plan <u>must </u>contain our community's (1) statement of objectives, principles, assumptions, policies, and standards upon
which development proposals are based; and (2) a land use element that considers
natural conditions, including topography, soil conditions, water supply, drainage,
floodplain areas, marshes, and woodlands. It should show existing and proposed
land use and describe population and development intensity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> In addition to what it must contain, a Master Plan has optional elements, which include assessing community facilities, conservation, circulation, economic
development, historic preservation, housing, recreation, recycling, and
utilities. Something of interest to everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> Importantly, our Elected Officials and the Planning Board
members are committed to a robust and transparent process that will include a comprehensive
plan for public participation (multiple public sessions on specific subject
matters) to help ensure the input received reflects representative sections of
our community, committees, and organizations, and will also ensure that documents created along the way are easily accessible
via our website. Knowing our community as I do, I am sure many interested
residents will be attending and participating in this critical process – which
is a great thing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> As we navigate this process, I will update you on my blog
</span><a href="mailto:LawrenceTownshipNJManagerKPN@blogspot.com">LawrenceTownshipNJManagerKPN@blogspot.com</a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">. Until then, if someone asks
you what the Master Plan thingy is all about, now you are in the know!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9Ai5I7S-AqPIAnfAH0SogOxlcg60lVAV-Q88ed_iKQ2KcbdkSDvUY__F19ur3tZT1hgMmtxhtnF1fqVjlOODMdcAzr70EigUXVZbm_9mrXOfe0SlTgTXASbz_0AgQq6PzvP5Z-Q3hWKR-Q5GTbVmRIgnct2rx8h0iRI9a7vWUe6I67GiACBc8F0ARHY/s610/Public%20Participation.JPG" style="background-color: #990000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="610" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9Ai5I7S-AqPIAnfAH0SogOxlcg60lVAV-Q88ed_iKQ2KcbdkSDvUY__F19ur3tZT1hgMmtxhtnF1fqVjlOODMdcAzr70EigUXVZbm_9mrXOfe0SlTgTXASbz_0AgQq6PzvP5Z-Q3hWKR-Q5GTbVmRIgnct2rx8h0iRI9a7vWUe6I67GiACBc8F0ARHY/s320/Public%20Participation.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></p>
<div><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span><br clear="all" />
</span></span><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><!--[endif]-->
</span><div id="ftn1">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/Blog%20Articles/2023%20July%2017%20Article%20on%20the%20Master%20Plan.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">A re-examination
report must contain the following: </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br />
<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">a.The major problems and objectives relating to
land development in the municipality at the time of the adoption of the last
reexamination report.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />
<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">b.The extent to which such problems and objectives
have been reduced or have increased subsequent to such date.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />
<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">c.The extent to which there have been significant
changes in the assumptions, policies, and objectives forming the basis for the
master plan or development regulations as last revised, with particular regard
to the density and distribution of population and land uses, housing
conditions, circulation, conservation of natural resources, energy
conservation, collection, disposition, and recycling of designated recyclable
materials, and changes in State, county and municipal policies and objectives.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />
<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">d.The specific changes recommended for the master
plan or development regulations, if any, including underlying objectives,
policies and standards, or whether a new plan or regulations should be prepared.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />
<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">e.The recommendations of the planning board
concerning the incorporation of redevelopment plans adopted pursuant to the
"Local Redevelopment and Housing Law," P.L.1992, c.79 (C.40A:12A-1 et
al.) into the land use plan element of the municipal master plan, and
recommended changes, if any, in the local development regulations necessary to
effectuate the redevelopment plans of the municipality.</span></span></span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-18484135907302449662023-06-21T14:06:00.003-04:002023-06-22T12:54:49.361-04:00"The Right To Clean Water is a Human and Constitutional Right" - A Story About Our Town and TWW<p> <span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"> </span><span style="color: white;">From time to time, I check on the various community Facebook
pages to see what members are interested in.
A topic that seems to come up often
is Trenton Water Works and, more specifically, what the Township is doing on
behalf of its residents to address the poorly performing water utility that
serves a majority of our community. Surprisingly,
many comments demonstrate a lack of awareness of the actions taken by the
municipal government over the past several years to address the issue. In response, I thought I would pull together information
shared on the township website (<a href="http://www.lawrencetwp.com/">www.lawrencetwp.com</a>)
and my blog (<a href="https://lawrencetownshipnjmanagerkpn.blogspot.com/">https://lawrencetownshipnjmanagerkpn.blogspot.com/</a>). Both sources provide information on all
things “Lawrence Township” and should be a part of your “search” for
information on any given topic related to the community. The information is also frequently shared on our
Facebook page (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TownshipofLawrence/">https://www.facebook.com/TownshipofLawrence/</a>). We can only make the information available to
you, but you must take a step to receive it.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> Many,
but not all, of our residents, are customers of Trenton Water Works. Over the years, customers (including me) have
received alarming notices from the utility about one issue or another relating
to the quality of water we drink and use. As
you may know, Trenton Water Works is a public utility owned and operated by the
City of Trenton (one of the oldest in the country). With more than 225,000 customers, it serves the City
of Trenton and portions of Hamilton, Ewing, Lawrence, and
Hopewell. It has been operating, believe it or not,
since 1804! In our recent history, over
the past several decades, the aging infrastructure and poor management have
been a consistent concern for all. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> In
2010, there was a serious initiative to sell TWW water lines and other infrastructure
that serves the “outside water users ” (Hamilton, Lawrence, Hopewell, and Ewing)
to New Jersey American Water for $80 million.
The sale met with opposition from customers from the townships concerned
that the deal would result in higher water costs and resistance within the City
that it would lose a significant asset that funded a portion of Trenton’s budget. Ultimately, the residents of Trenton voted against
the sale. I was the Municipal Attorney
for Lawrence Township back then, and my personal opinion then, as it is now, was
that the deal with NJ American Water was good for the customers in the
Township. NJ American Water was a professionally
managed water utility serving millions of customers in more than 20 states. It had the means to replace the old water
lines (with many being lead-based) and would be able to improve (pledging to
commit millions of dollars to do so) and operate the facility with the highest
standards. Instead, we were left with
TWW being owned and maintained by the City of Trenton and beholden to a
dysfunctional city council that voted against funding much-needed improvements to the facility. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> In
2020, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection filed a
lawsuit against Trenton and TWW to compel the water utility to take certain
corrective actions to improve the infrastructure and operations of the facility. I provided a copy of a Press Release
explaining the action taken by the State against the City and then wrote a blog article that fully discusses the lawsuit.<a href="file:///H:/Blog%20Articles/TWW%20article.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
After
NJDEP’s lawsuit was filed and made public, township officials from the outside
water users (Hamilton, Lawrence, Ewing, and Hopewell) met to discuss the civil
action and agreed that the towns should join the lawsuit to advocate on behalf
of their residents who were customers of TWW.
As a result, the towns joined together and filed a motion to intervene
in the lawsuit. In an article I posted
in my blog dated July 13, 2020<a href="file:///H:/Blog%20Articles/TWW%20article.docx#_edn2" name="_ednref2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[ii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
I explained the action taken by the town to join the lawsuit to ensure they had a “seat at the table” to advocate for its residents. In their filing, the townships demanded that “<i>Trenton and TWW provide safe and clean drinking
water for its residents. The right to
clean water is a human and constitutional right. This is non-negotiable. It is clear that Trenton and TWW have
repeatedly and egregiously missed benchmarks in fulfilling their obligation to
provide safe and clean water for the customers</i>.” Another demand was asking
the court to force Trenton to sell the portion of TWW that serves their townships “<i>because TWW has proven incapable of consistently
producing safe drinking water</i>.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> Since
the time the townships joined the lawsuit (during the time of the pandemic, which slowed the progress of the case), there have been many court conferences
among the parties, site inspections and reviews, and many positive actions by
TWW to improve the facility, infrastructure, and management. In addition, the new makeup of the Trenton
City Council is a significant and positive development for the success of TWW. Mayor Reed Gusciora was never the problem. He understood the need for TWW to improve in
all respects, and now, I believe the new governing body has demonstrated
through their actions and vote that they know and understand that the facility
needs to be properly funded to meet the demands and conditions set by NJDEP
officials. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> Since NJDEP
is the administrative entity that has the authority over water utility companies
operating in New Jersey, it is best positioned to enforce the regulations, identify
the issues causing TWW to operate below standards, and compel specific and
necessary action for it to improve. Remember, in addition to your township, the State of New Jersey and Mercer County are public entities that represent you and your interests as residents. I
have read many comments on Facebook by residents that believe nothing is being
done by their municipal officials. It’s
not true. Improving a failing water
utility with infrastructure that is aged and operated by underqualified professionals
for decades will take time. Have the
actions taken by NJDEP and the townships to compel TWW to improve worked? Yes, but we ain't done yet! TWW has made progress, but it still has a long way to go to get where it
needs to be to regain the confidence of its customers. Confidence that the water we all drink and
use and pay for is safe. Not from time
to time, but always. Getting all of us
to that mindset will take sustained and effective efforts by the City of Trenton
and TWW to work to do what needs to be done.
Until that day happens, rest assured, the NJDEP and the townships will be
relentless in their efforts to achieve the goal we all want – consistently safe
water to drink and use – and one day not worrying whether it is or not. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> For
those wanting to take a deeper dive into this subject matter, I encourage you
to visit my blog, where I go into more detail and provide links to pleadings by
the parties. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div><!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><br clear="all" />
</span><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1">
<p class="MsoEndnoteText"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/Blog%20Articles/TWW%20article.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <a href="https://lawrencetownshipnjmanagerkpn.blogspot.com/2020/06/nj-ags-civil-action-against-city-of.html">https://lawrencetownshipnjmanagerkpn.blogspot.com/2020/06/nj-ags-civil-action-against-city-of.html</a> and <a href="https://lawrencetownshipnjmanagerkpn.blogspot.com/2020/06/to-those-who-want-to-better-understand.html">https://lawrencetownshipnjmanagerkpn.blogspot.com/2020/06/to-those-who-want-to-better-understand.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoEndnoteText"><o:p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> </span></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="edn2">
<p class="MsoEndnoteText"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/Blog%20Articles/TWW%20article.docx#_ednref2" name="_edn2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[ii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <a href="https://lawrencetownshipnjmanagerkpn.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-municipalities-file-their-motion-to.html">https://lawrencetownshipnjmanagerkpn.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-municipalities-file-their-motion-to.html</a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-38079015623107116862023-05-24T13:22:00.004-04:002023-05-24T17:35:58.575-04:00What a long strange trip it's been….. The Boulevard at Brunswick Pike<p><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">About two weeks ago, many of you saw
actual work to further the project that, through many iterations, became known
as "</span></span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: white;">THE BOULEVARD AT BRUNSWICK PIKE – A UNIFIED STREETSCAPE." On February
20, 2020, I published an article detailing the long history of the project and explaining
some key factors, including a timeline for work to commence. Little did I know
that in just several weeks, a health pandemic would rock our world in too many
ways to describe here. Needless to say, this capital improvement project, along
with many others (worldwide), was sidelined to allow government officials to
focus on the immediate health and safety challenges presented by an unprecedented
event where no playbook existed. Witnessing
the "shovel in the ground" on this project was an incredible and long-awaited
moment for our community. The following incorporates some of the information
I shared in my 2020 article and some present-day facts to get you all up to
date.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">In checking the
records in our engineering department, the earliest documentation we found
about the Township's efforts to improve the streetscape along Brunswick
Pike date to 2005. For those involved in all things "Lawrence"
back then, you may have a personal recollection of discussions on this topic
before 2005, but for our purposes, I am putting 18 years as the most accurate
time frame. Records I have reviewed indicate that our Township officials
agreed with NJDOT (2010) on a plan to create a pedestrian-friendly urban streetscape
that promotes commercial development. The agreement included slowing
traffic speed, improving pedestrian circulation and connectivity, and adding
aesthetic elements to provide context for a "Main Street"
environment. The design and planning were completed in 2015.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">For those who may not be aware, this
section of road between Brunswick Circle to Lake Drive (U.S. Route 1) has
always been owned and maintained by the State of New Jersey. For the past
several years, the Township took over that portion by agreement with the State
after the State completed improvements that included the construction of the round-a-bout
at Whitehead Rd, created on-street parking, widened the grass medians, and installed
pedestrian crosswalks. These improvements provided the "bones" for
the Township to complete the final improvements in creating a more pedestrian-friendly
("Main Street") environment.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Once that work was completed, the
Township immediately applied for and received a $60,000 grant to study and
design a streetscape. We then had our "community conversation" at
several meetings (2/11/20 – Growth and Redevelopment Committee Meeting, 3/11/20
at the Slackwood Fire House, and council meetings) and obtained feedback and
support from the stakeholders (i.e., our residents). </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: white;"> This has been a very long
process, but our commitment to get this done was strong and sincere. This
section of our town deserves the attention we are giving it now after a long strange
trip to get here. Though some may believe the plan falls short of expectations
or possibilities, these improvements are thoughtful, significant, reasonable,
and represent a fiscally responsible project. And when you throw in the fact that we won a
$700,000 grant from the State of New Jersey to do this work, it is hard to see
a downside. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The goals and framework we followed for this
project are as follows:</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">• Integrate the commercial corridor with the surrounding
residential neighborhoods;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: white;">• Create safe pedestrian connections; <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: white;">• Transform a highway to a more pedestrian-oriented "place";
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: white;">• Honor the history of this transportation corridor; and <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: white;">• Engage the community in design development<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Though our community discussions and
planning involved the installation of "wind turbines" on the Whitehead
Road round-a-bout, they have proven problematic from a traffic safety standard.
We are opting for landscaping and planting a mature Red Bud tree at the center.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I hope that our community can rally
behind this project and appreciate the importance of responsibly making the
strategic improvements we can and should make throughout our town.
Eighteen years is a long time, but over the last six years, we recentered our
focus, kept our eye on the prize, and are getting it done!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: white;">The link to the report on the streetscape purpose and elements is here: </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.lawrencetwp.com/media/Departments/EngineeringPlanningZoning/Reports%20MP%20Ammendments/Brunswick%20Pike%20Streetscape%20Design%20May%202020.pdf">https://www.lawrencetwp.com/media/Departments/EngineeringPlanningZoning/Reports%20MP%20Ammendments/Brunswick%20Pike%20Streetscape%20Design%20May%202020.pdf</a></p><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb94e5HXOkGDVVfyPXaSbFT9MD7K4ox5mEHpv6No6OUUC4wGZT6ckXHBElVowx_1U4d_uSvqLVQ7YC0y9Kb9DI9JvGek4qh8FHv5wZwd7iDTKEKDnSzUD__kCDOAjroeGLL32Leqsq6YuKL17Re3XfV2mP6upN7RtSu8KlkbVpHWZh5hK_cJWlYMxe/s500/Red%20Bud%20tree%20pic.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="465" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb94e5HXOkGDVVfyPXaSbFT9MD7K4ox5mEHpv6No6OUUC4wGZT6ckXHBElVowx_1U4d_uSvqLVQ7YC0y9Kb9DI9JvGek4qh8FHv5wZwd7iDTKEKDnSzUD__kCDOAjroeGLL32Leqsq6YuKL17Re3XfV2mP6upN7RtSu8KlkbVpHWZh5hK_cJWlYMxe/s320/Red%20Bud%20tree%20pic.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-81302006529212564572023-05-23T14:10:00.002-04:002023-05-24T10:54:13.633-04:00Embracing the Sense of Community - Lawrence Township Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony<p> <span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">Memorial
Day holds a special place in the hearts of Lawrence Township residents. It's a
time when the community comes together to honor and remember those who made the
ultimate sacrifice for our country. However, as the years have passed, the
significance of Memorial Day has often been overshadowed by barbecues, pool
parties, and trips to the shore. It should be a time for us to pause, reflect,
and rekindle the true spirit of this important day.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> In
Lawrence Township, I believe our sense of community is strong. It's a place
where neighbors help neighbors, and unity is valued. The Memorial Day Parade is
a powerful reminder of the collective spirit within our town. It is a day when
residents put aside their busy lives to pay tribute to the brave men and women
who have served in the military. As a child in the 1970s, I fondly remember attending
and participating in the parade. I remember the streets lined with residents waving
flags, fire trucks blaring their sirens, and kids running along the parade route
pretending they were a part of it all – and they were! And, of course, the free
candy that was thrown out to everyone from the floats that passed by -- only the strong survived the mad dash for
the pack of Smarties and gum on the roadway!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> In
Lawrence, we have worked hard over the past several years to promote and make
the parade a bigger and better event. Our Recreation Superintendant, Nancy
Bergen, and her staff work hard behind the scenes to make it all happen, along
with the support and assistance of the Township's Patriotic Committee. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> The
parade and ceremony offer a unique opportunity to unite our community.
Regardless of our backgrounds, political affiliations, or personal beliefs, we
can all connect to honor our servicemen and servicewomen. By taking just a
couple of hours out of our holiday festivities, we can come together as one,
demonstrating our shared values and gratitude for the sacrifices made by our
military personnel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> The
parade is a platform for various volunteer groups to showcase their dedication
and commitment to serving others and for all of us to acknowledge and thank the
local organizations that help make our community a special place to live and
work. By attending the parade, we ensure that their efforts do not go unnoticed
and that we stand behind them as they march in honor of our fallen heroes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> The
parade culminates in a solemn ceremony (at Veterans Park), adding another layer
of significance to the day. The ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the
true purpose of Memorial Day and helps us reflect on the sacrifices made by our
fallen heroes. We have named Paul Tweedly the Grand Marshal for the parade this
year, leading the procession along the route and speaking at the ceremony. Paul
is a retired captain from the Trenton, N.J. Fire Department and proprietor of Captain Paul's
Firehouse Dogs in town.</span> <span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He has shown exceptional
dedication to emergency services, the military, and their families, as well as
unwavering commitment to our community.
He is a true community all-star. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> Join us on May
27, 2023, at 10:00 AM for the start of the Parade at Lawrence High School,
which culminates in the ceremony at Veterans Park. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">See our related press release for more information on our Grand
Marshal and parade and ceremony details: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.lawrencetwp.com/media/Departments/Recreation/Grand%20Marshal%202023-%20Paul%20Tweedly.pdf">Grand Marshal 2023- Paul Tweedly.pdf (lawrencetwp.com)</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS14MRdDBK-MN1eo_Qb9c-z2g1t-yLPTX8Earc5wcxg2oDu3aKBgU4A230VONHL_D4bySnEqpp1tAMe-KzqVyN3tn7Iz0HyFaTVR2GHYKGrKJhT_mkEhDkecs3gyZuAF86JkSV_UDZlYw3zM14e7x8YaxMxMwVMLcbvsnBdRKArYjE_5hEwTBhF7E/s338/Memorial%20Day%20pic%202023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="338" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS14MRdDBK-MN1eo_Qb9c-z2g1t-yLPTX8Earc5wcxg2oDu3aKBgU4A230VONHL_D4bySnEqpp1tAMe-KzqVyN3tn7Iz0HyFaTVR2GHYKGrKJhT_mkEhDkecs3gyZuAF86JkSV_UDZlYw3zM14e7x8YaxMxMwVMLcbvsnBdRKArYjE_5hEwTBhF7E/s320/Memorial%20Day%20pic%202023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><u><br /></u><p></p>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-44130112535836396302023-04-24T12:46:00.009-04:002023-04-25T12:42:18.433-04:00If it's on the internet, it must be true.......ehhh, not really! A brief history of my salary and my responsibilities. <p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">I recently
came upon a Facebook post on one of the several community pages that stated the
following: </span></span></p><p><i><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">While raising our taxes, the town manager went
from a salary of about $140000 to</span></span></i></p><p><i><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">$225,000. Why is the council making these
moves. Did anyone else ever get a salary increase like</span></span></i></p><p><i><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">that???????! No wonder
the manager wants behind-closed-doors meetings instead of public </span></span></i></p><p><i><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">discussions.</span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">So, I thought,
ok -- this may be the time where I peel
away the onion of misinformation and celebrate a little more transparency with
facts and context. My salary was an
issue at the last election, and it seems like it may be again in this year's
election. I responded to the post as
follows (with some slight modifications included):<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Hey Everyone;
not everything you find and read online is true or provides context or
explanation. The Employment Agreement I executed with the Township of Lawrence
is dated April 28, 2017, and is available to anyone who makes an OPRA request.
I took over the position of Municipal Manager from my predecessor, Richard Krawzcun,
who was earning approximately $227,000 annually (yes, six years ago). My initial salary was $164,000,
not $140,000, as the post suggests. More than $60,000 less than the predecessor Municipal Mananger. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">The Employment
Agreement provided for annual adjustments based on the cost of living increases
received by other "Unclassified and/or Exempt" personnel working for
our town. In addition, the Agreement provided for <i>performance appraisals</i> conducted on a semi-annual basis for
December 2017, 2018, and 2019 and June 2018, 2019 (a probationary period to allow
the elected officials to evaluate my performance more regularly and make incremental
salary adjustments to close the salary gap with my predecessor). These
performance reviews were negotiated and built into the Agreement because the
disparity between the initial salary of $164,000 and the salary of my
predecessor was substantial, and I would not accept the position otherwise. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">The Township
hired me as the <i>Municipal Manager</i> and
<i>QPA</i> (Qualified Purchasing Agent has a separate average statewide salary of approximately $45,000). In addition to the responsibilities of a
municipal manager by statute in our form of government, I am the Director of
Community Development (previously a full-time township position) a member of
the Planning Board and <i>Director of
Public Safety</i>. Also, when the <i>Director of Affordable Housing</i> (Andrew
Link) retired (earning a salary and benefits that totaled more than $120K), I
took on his responsibilities because I knew affordable housing from when I worked
with him as the Municipal Attorney. I did this for <u>no additional
compensation</u> (and hired an outside firm to process applications for less
than $12,000 annually, so we didn't have to employ any support staff - saving the Township
approximately $115,000). <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">With these
savings, we were able to add the <i>Community
Aide</i> position to our operations -- providing the Township with a
professional and designated information officer to better communicate with our
residents on various platforms and support new businesses. The governing body
wanted to implement this for several years, and we seized the opportunity to do
it at the right time. We accomplished this AND reduced THE OVERALL costs to the
taxpayer. In addition, for those that have stated publicly and incorrectly, I
do NOT take health benefits from the Township, which can cost more than $20,000
for families. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Moreover,
because of my experience as the Municipal Attorney for the Township, I
frequently review and prepare documents that, under my predecessor, were done
by the Township Attorney (charging an hourly rate). There are way too many
instances to name where my prior municipal attorney experience has allowed our
community to save thousands of dollars in legal fees because we do not have to
engage and pay a private attorney to do the work or provide guidance on issues.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Finally, when
my contract was renewed and extended in July 2020 (also available to anyone who
makes an OPRA request), the governing body included that I am to maintain a
social media presence on various social media sites (which consists of a blog
site) and to roll out a committed social media program and communications plan for
the Township. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">So, if you judge
me......please consider the facts and what I do for the community. Also, please
do not compare me to <i>Business
Administrators</i> within Ewing Township, Hamilton Township, Trenton, or any
other community with a directly elected Mayor. That would be comparing apples to
oranges. They have fewer
responsibilities than <i>Municipal Managers</i>.
We are a Council-Manager form of government. Our elected officials are
part-time. Our Mayor has no authority or responsibility over municipal
operations or even an office in our Municipal Building. A municipal manager is
responsible for all of the day-to-day operations of the municipal government
(and all that it entails with 12 departments and more than 200 employees
providing services to our community) AND is ultimately responsible for resident
concerns. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">For directly
elected Mayor towns, along with a full-time business administrator, the Mayor is a full-time position, earning a full-time
salary (and benefits), with authority to hire and fire department heads,
handles constituency concerns, and is involved more directly in preparing the
municipal budget. And has one or more full-time assistants. That is not what we
do here. Our elected officials appoint the municipal manager, set policy and are responsible to adopt a municipal budget and pass other important ordinances and resolutions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">I hope this
shines more light and clarifies how much I am paid, how my salary has increased
over the six years I have been working here (which is close to equal to my predecessor of six years ago), and my overall responsibilities. I
will leave for another day how we transformed our grant program to bring in
millions of dollars more annually to this community compared to past years. As opposed to how the person who posted on FB about my salary increases, the other way to look at it is that our elected officials required the newly hired municipal manager to prove his value over a period of 2.5 years instead of simply matching the salary of the prior manager. Six years into this job, I am now at the salary level of my predecessor. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">As for the
comment that I want "behind closed doors meetings," I can only say
that it is not only false, it is simply incredible in light of all of the
information I have made available to all of you in the past six years. The effort I have made to explain our
decisions or the process we follow is well documented, and the community is
more informed now than ever before. </span></span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-68066558429738228972023-03-27T11:37:00.006-04:002023-05-05T09:20:41.568-04:00The Municipal Budget Process - Part II<p> <span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: white;">I intend this article to
better inform those interested in our public budget process. Although it is a
bit choppy with dates and descriptions, I hope that by the end of the article, the
reader will be more informed about what we do and when, and maybe prompt them to
participate or follow along more closely.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> Here we go:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> By mid-January, the CFO (Peter Kiriakatis) prepares a detailed
municipal budget after reviewing the departmental budgets and having multiple
meetings with me that provide him with the necessary budget forecasting to
accurately determine costs (i.e., appropriations) and revenues anticipated for
the coming year. From this process, Peter prepares the <i>2023 Recommended Budget</i>. This document contains all the budget
details (broken down line by line), so anyone can identify the expenses and
revenues involved in running the municipal government. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> At the January 17 council meeting, I presented the <i>Recommended Budget</i> to the elected
officials (i.e., council members), and Peter provided a presentation identifying
specific factors that impacted us this year. We then made the <i>Recommended Budget</i> available on our
website and social media pages. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> On January 20, 2023, I published an article, "<i>A Story About Our Budget Process and the
Lawrence Community,</i>" on my blog, website, and social media sites. The
Lawrence Gazette also published it so we ensured it reached as many people as possible. The article intended to give the reader a broad sense of our budget
preparation process. Part two explains how we involve the public. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> From when I provided the <i>Recommended Budget</i> to the council members to when we formally
introduced the <i>2023 Municipal Budget</i>
in early March, the budget is revised as we receive information that more
accurately presents the picture of 2023 municipal finances. During this time, I
provide our elected officials with updated information as they go through their
process.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> On January 24, 2023, I provided council members with a
document titled "<i>The 2023 Budget
Message</i>." It explains the thought process and factors considered that
helped determine what we believe is the most fiscally responsible budget for
the coming year. Since the budget changes (over these early months), I modified
the budget message multiple times and released the final version to the public at
the formal introduction of the budget at the March 7 public meeting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> Adopting the municipal budget is the most important
authority our form of government grants to the council members. The voters
elect the council members, who are responsible for thoroughly reviewing the
budget, questioning it, working with the Municipal Manager on modifying it, and
ultimately adopting a budget they can support and believe to be in the community's
best interests. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> There are five council members, and a majority vote is
required to adopt the budget. Of course, there are times when some members
disagree on budget matters, but the majority rules whether to adopt or reject
the budget.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> From late January through February, the department heads
present their budgets to the council members at open public meetings. These
occurred on February 7 and February 21. If a department head cannot participate
in the meeting, the presentation is available on our website for the community
to review.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> On March 7, 2023, I formally introduced the <i>2023 Municipal Budget</i> to the council
members at a public meeting with a decreased tax increase at the request of council
members. At my request, our CFO attended the January 17, February 7, February
21, and March 7 meetings and was ready to answer any questions the public had. According
to NJ Budget Law, we must adopt the municipal budget by April 28, 2023. We have
scheduled our public hearing to adopt (or reject) the budget for April 18,
2023. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> When the council members appointed me, they made it clear
they wanted our process to be more transparent and for me to step out from my
office and engage the public more meaningfully through social media and any other
means possible. With this in mind, the budget process we engage in allows any
interested resident to be better informed. In addition to how we put
information out, any resident may contact me to ask questions. I am happy to
meet with anyone should a phone call or email not satisfy them. My predecessor
often met with residents regarding the budget. However, I believe the
information we provide to the public on the website, social media sites, local
newspapers, public meetings, and my blog reduced the need for those types of
meetings. To date, I received two telephone calls regarding this year's budget,
and both were a "thank you" for the article in the Lawrence Gazette.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> As for our budget this year, the tax increase of 2.50
cents (1 cent = $470,635) is driven by several factors. First and foremost, we
are not immune from the higher costs of almost everything due to post-pandemic
inflation. In addition to inflation factors, we identified serious public
safety issues to address this year. Our Fire Chief and Police Chief at the
public meeting on February 7 thoroughly explained these issues. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> We are hiring three firefighters, two emergency medical technicians,
two civilian employees for the LTPD (to return police officers to doing police
work), and two public works employees to better manage our parks and township
lands. These additions to staff
represent 1.0 cent of our (2.50 cent) increase. Also, due to the NJ Budget Law,
we could not claim (or add to our revenue) $450,000 of the cannabis tax we will
receive in 2023. Our inability to claim this revenue makes our budget 1.0 cent more than we actually need. So we are up a cent for the 2024 budget! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> If we didn't have a serious public safety issue to
address or could have claimed the cannabis tax revenue, we would be down to a
.005 cent increase. The remaining half cent increase over last year is primarily explained
by contractual increases (salaries, township share of pension contribution, ELSA,
health insurance, 911 dispatch, and garbage collection) totaling more than one
million dollars which we were able to offset by increased revenues. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> The township's finances are strong. Each year we reduce
our debt (and expect to be debt free in 2027), increase our Surplus Fund (so we
borrow less), and enjoy the highest credit ratings that allow us to get the
best financing terms when needed. We also remain the 3rd lowest tax rate in Mercer County while seeing the values in houses increase. We have rebuilt our staff to better meet the
services that our community expects and demands. For those who want us to use
more from our Surplus Fund to reduce this year's tax increase</span></span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">, the answer is that is shortsighted and simply
fiscally irresponsible. When you use more Surplus than you can regenerate, you trigger
a downward financial spiral that leads us to areas we have been before not so
long ago (2009 through 2015) – and I won't
allow us to go back to those troubling times without a fight. </span></p>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-53540692150671955432023-03-10T10:38:00.001-05:002023-04-27T16:30:43.270-04:00REVISED 2023 Municipal Budget Message <p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Below is the revised version of a previously released budget message. The revised message provides for a reduction of the tax increase from 2.75 cents to 2.50 cents. This is what is in the budget introduced to the governing body at the March 7, 2023 meeting.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;">Key facts to help you understand the budget comparison from 2022 to 2023. First, the 2023 Municipal Budget Amount is <b>$61,763,587</b>, which is<b> $8,983,314 </b>more than the 2022 Municipal Budget. However, the growth in the budget is driven primarily by two factors: 1) <b>$4.9 million</b> in grant funds received; and 2) the transfer of <b>$3,350,000 </b>from our Surplus Fund to our Capital Improvement Fund. These two factors total <b>$8,250,000</b>, and <u>both have absolutely nothing to do with an increased burden on our taxpayers but must be included in our budget as required by law.</u> </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;">The difference in the <i>Amount to be Raised by Taxation from 2022 to 2023</i> is <b>$1,259,547.27</b>. This translates to an increase of $18.75 (or $75 annually) quarterly to a taxpayer with a home assessed at $300,000. The increase is more fully explained in the message below.</span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">2023
Lawrence Township Budget Message<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.5pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.5pt;">The
challenges we face in our 2023 municipal budget are the challenges we all face
as individuals; the rising costs of all things across many industries in a
post-pandemic world otherwise known as inflation.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.5pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.5pt;">Fortunately, we are well positioned to meet
this challenge because our budgets over the past several years have conservatively
addressed our needs, reduced our debt</span><a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Budget%20Message%20KPN%20FINAL%20w%202.50%20cent%20increase.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 107%;">[1]</span></span></span></a><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.5pt;">,
and maintained the services to the community at the levels we expect and demand.</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.5pt;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.5pt;">This year we planned a budget and our future
on fiscally solid ground.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> With
inescapable increases across all categories of appropriations (i.e., costs)
partially offset by an increase in ratables, a half year of a new cannabis tax, and a successful grant program,<a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Budget%20Message%20KPN%20FINAL%20w%202.50%20cent%20increase.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 107%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> we
are still able to address serious public safety needs by funding three new
firefighter and two new EMT positions<a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Budget%20Message%20KPN%20FINAL%20w%202.50%20cent%20increase.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 107%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
and recommend a budget that provides for a 2.50 -cent tax increase. We continue to maintain and increase our <i>Surplus Fund<a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Budget%20Message%20KPN%20FINAL%20w%202.50%20cent%20increase.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 107%;">[4]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></i>
by using only as much as can be regenerated by year-end. By doing this, we can better maintain our
high credit rating and enjoy the benefits of the best rates for financing our essential
community projects and infrastructure improvements. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> Additionally, this year we plan to transfer
$3,350,000 from our<i> Surplus Fund</i> to
our <i>Capital Improvement Fund</i> to fund
our future capital improvement projects to avoid paying higher financing
charges from bonding for the work. Importantly,
this transfer does <u>not</u> factor in the amount to be collected by
taxation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> The
recommended municipal tax rate for 2023 is <b>.6520</b>
[".6270], which represents a 2.50¢ increase<a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Budget%20Message%20KPN%20FINAL%20w%202.50%20cent%20increase.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 107%;">[5]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></sup></a>. One (1) cent = <b>$470,635.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> The
<i>Amount to be Raised by Taxation</i> in
2023 is <b>$30,686,650.90</b> [$29,427,103.63],
which is $1,259,547.27 over 2022.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 106%; margin-right: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 106%;">The
Levy Cap Bank available from 2021 and 2022 is <b>$1,978,355 [$</b>1,353,473<b>]</b>,
and we will use $0 to remain within the 2% tax levy cap. NOTE:
The 2023 Recommended Budget is <b>$3,595,303</b>
[$895,916] under the Levy Cap and is available for "Banking." This
addition to the 2021 and 2022 banks will leave a usable "cap bank" of
<b>$5,573,658</b> [$2,249,389] for future
budgets. <br />
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 106%; margin-right: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 106%;">The
2022 year-end <i>Surplus Fund</i> balance is
<b>$20,687,139.52</b> versus a 2021
year-end balance of $17,529,312.69, an increase of $3,157,826.83 <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 106%; margin-right: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 106%;">The
Surplus balance remaining available after applying an amount as anticipated
revenue will be <b>$10,772,139.52</b> [$10,679,312.69],
an increase of <b>$92,826.83</b> over the
2022 remaining balance. <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 106%; margin-right: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 106%;">The
cash reserve balance for tax appeals is <b>$6,219,491.18</b>
[$6,219,491.18].</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 106%; margin-right: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 106%;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 106%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 106%; text-indent: -0.25in;">The
decrease in outstanding debt continues.
The 2010 closing balance was <b>$30,797,000</b>. The 2022 closing balance is <b>$13,210,850</b> [$15,631,000]. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> Fiscal
strength is evident as <b>$9,915,000</b> [$6,850,000]
in <i>Surplus Fund</i> used in the 2023
budget has been regenerated at the close of 2022. Surplus Fund is the excess in the following
Balance Sheet categories: <i>Amount to be Raised by Taxation</i>, <i>Miscellaneous Revenues Anticipated</i>
(MRA), <i>Delinquent Taxes</i>, <i>Prior Year Appropriations Lapsed</i>, and <i>Miscellaneous Revenues Not Anticipated</i>
(MRNA). <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> In
2023, we recommend utilizing <b>$9,915,000.00
</b>from <i>Surplus Fund</i>, <b>$20,331,936.67 </b>in <i>MRA</i>, <b>$830,000</b> in <i>Delinquent Taxes</i> and <b>$30,686,650.90 </b>in <i>Amount to be Raised for Taxes</i>.
The total of these balance sheet categories equates to the municipal
budget of <b><u>$61,763,587.57</u></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: right 261.0pt;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 14pt;">s/Kevin P. Nerwinski</span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.5pt;"> 2/27/2023</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: right 261.0pt;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: right 261.0pt;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">Kevin
P. Nerwinski, Esq.
(Date)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: right 261.0pt;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">Municipal
Manager/QPA<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: right 261.0pt;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">Township
of Lawrence <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p>
</p><div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><br clear="all" />
</span></span><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Budget%20Message%20KPN%20FINAL%20w%202.50%20cent%20increase.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> We
are on schedule to be debt free at the end of 2027 if no new debt is taken on. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Budget%20Message%20KPN%20FINAL%20w%202.50%20cent%20increase.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> 1)
ELSA increase; 2) Health Benefits increase; 3) Contractual increases to Salary
& Wages; 4) New Hires (i.e., three firefighter, two EMTs and two PW
employees); 5) Increase in Uncollected Taxes; 6) Increase in Debt Service
(principal and interest/Capital Improvement Funding); 7) Increase in solid
waste collection; and 8) Increase in Public Employee Pension contributions; and
Emergency Dispatch Service incease. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Budget%20Message%20KPN%20FINAL%20w%202.50%20cent%20increase.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Multiple hires for Fire and EMT positions is required so that we can create an
additional shift for each department. Less than these numbers will not
accomplish our goal. At this point, it
is either all or nothing to address this important need. NOTE:
We are also adding two new Public Works laborers to address increased
responsibilities to maintain Brunswick Avenue Streetscape, Hero Dog Parks, and
our other community parks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Budget%20Message%20KPN%20FINAL%20w%202.50%20cent%20increase.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
This is also known as Fund Balance on our General Ledger. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Budget%20Message%20KPN%20FINAL%20w%202.50%20cent%20increase.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
<span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">NOTE: Figures in [ ] are
2022 amounts included for comparison. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><o:p style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-20022385171028169032023-02-21T15:22:00.000-05:002023-02-21T15:22:27.686-05:002023 Lawrence Township Budget Message<p> <b style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">2023 Lawrence
Township Budget Message</span></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> The challenges we face in our 2023 municipal budget are the challenges we all
face as individuals; the rising costs of all things across many industries in a
post-pandemic world, otherwise known as inflation. Fortunately, we are
well positioned to meet this challenge because our budgets over the past
several years have conservatively addressed our needs, reduced our debt</span><a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Lawrence%20Township%20Budget%20Message%20%20FINAL%202023%20Feb%2021.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[1]</span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">, and maintained the services to the
community at the levels we expect and demand. This year we planned
a budget and our future on fiscally solid ground.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> With inescapable increases across all categories of appropriations (i.e.,
costs) partially offset by an increase in ratables, a half year of a new
cannabis tax, and a successful grant program,</span><a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Lawrence%20Township%20Budget%20Message%20%20FINAL%202023%20Feb%2021.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[2]</span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">
we are still able to address serious public safety needs by funding three new
firefighters and two new EMT positions</span><a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Lawrence%20Township%20Budget%20Message%20%20FINAL%202023%20Feb%2021.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[3]</span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">
and recommend a budget that provides for a 2.75-cent tax increase. We
maintain and increase our </span><i style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">Surplus Fund<a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Lawrence%20Township%20Budget%20Message%20%20FINAL%202023%20Feb%2021.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b>[4]</b></span></a></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">
by using only as much as can be regenerated by year-end. By doing this,
we can better support our high credit rating and enjoy the benefits of the best
rates for financing our essential community projects and infrastructure improvements.
Additionally, this year we plan to transfer $3,350,000 from our</span><i style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> Surplus Fund</i><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">
to our </span><i style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">Capital Improvement Fund</i><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> to fund our future capital improvement
projects to avoid paying higher financing charges from bonding for the
work. Significantly, this transfer does </span><u style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">not</u><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> factor in the </span><i style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">Amount to be Collected for Taxation</i><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">. </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> The recommended municipal tax rate for 2023 is </span><b style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">.6545</b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> [".6270],
which represents a 2.75¢ increase</span><a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Lawrence%20Township%20Budget%20Message%20%20FINAL%202023%20Feb%2021.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;" title=""><sup>[5]</sup></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">. One (1) cent = </span><b style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">$470,635.</b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> The </span><i style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">Amount to be Raised by Taxation</i><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> in 2023 is </span><b style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">$30,804,309.70</b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">
[$29,427,103.63], which is </span><b style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">$1,377,206.7</b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> over 2022.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 105%; text-indent: -0.25in;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 105%; text-indent: -0.25in;">The Levy Cap Bank available from
2021 and 2022 is <b>$1,978,355 [$</b>1,353,473<b>]</b>, and we will use $0 to
remain within the 2% tax levy cap. NOTE: The 2023 Recommended
Budget is <b>$3,477,645</b> [$895,916] under the Levy Cap and is available for
"Banking." This addition to the 2021 and 2022 banks will leave a
usable "cap bank" of <b>$5,456,000</b> [$2,249,389] for future
budgets. </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.5pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 105%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 105%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The 2022 year-end <i>Surplus Fund</i>
balance is <b>$20,687,139.52</b> versus a 2021 year-end balance of
$17,529,312.69, an increase of
$3,157,826.83 <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.5pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 105%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 105%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Surplus balance remaining
available after applying an amount as anticipated revenue will be <b>$10,772,139.52</b>
[$10,679,312.69], an increase of <b>$92,826.83</b> over the 2022 remaining
balance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 12.5pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 105%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 105%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The cash reserve balance for tax
appeals is <b>$6,219,491.18</b> [$6,219,491.18].<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 105%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 105%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The decrease in outstanding debt
continues. The 2010 closing balance was <b>$30,797,000</b>. The
2022 closing balance is <b>$13,210,850</b> [$15,631,000]. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">
Fiscal strength is evident as <b>$9,915,000</b> [$6,850,000] in <i>Surplus Fund</i>
used in the 2023 budget has been regenerated at the close of 2022.
Surplus Fund is the excess in the following Balance Sheet categories: <i>Amount
to be Raised by Taxation</i>, <i>Miscellaneous Revenues Anticipated</i> (MRA), <i>Delinquent
Taxes</i>, <i>Prior Year Appropriations Lapsed</i>, and <i>Miscellaneous
Revenues Not Anticipated</i> (MRNA). <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> In 2023, we recommend utilizing </span><b style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">$9,915,000.00 </b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">from </span><i style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">Surplus Fund</i><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">, </span><b style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">$20,276,842.93
</b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">in </span><i style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">MRA</i><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">, </span><b style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">$830,000</b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> in </span><i style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">Delinquent Taxes,</i><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> and </span><b style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">$30,804,309.70
</b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">in </span><i style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">Amount to be Raised for Taxes</i><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">. These balance sheet
categories equate to the municipal budget of </span><b style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"><u>$61,826,152.63</u></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 14pt;">s/Kevin P. Nerwinski</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;">
2/21/2023</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt;"><span style="color: white;">NOTE
to be included in a published article: The budget message and recommended
budget are prepared by the Municipal Manager (and Chief Finance Officer) and
presented to the Lawrence Township Municipal Council for review and
consideration. The elected officials will review the proposed budget,
consider the presentations by department heads and pose questions to the
Municipal Manager and Chief Financial Officer, and, ultimately, decide whether
to approve the budget as recommended or make adjustments they deem necessary
and appropriate. </span></span></p>
<div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><br clear="all" />
</span></span><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Lawrence%20Township%20Budget%20Message%20%20FINAL%202023%20Feb%2021.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[1]</span></a> We are on
schedule to be debt free at the end of 2027 if no new debt is taken on. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Lawrence%20Township%20Budget%20Message%20%20FINAL%202023%20Feb%2021.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[2]</span></a> 1) ELSA
increase; 2) Health Benefits increase; 3) Contractual increases to Salary &
Wages; 4) New Hires (i.e., three firefighter, two EMTs and two PW employees);
5) Increase in Uncollected Taxes; 6) Increase in Debt Service (principal and
interest/Capital Improvement Funding); 7) Increase in solid waste collection;
and 8) Increase in Public Employee Pension contributions; and Emergency
Dispatch Service incease. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Lawrence%20Township%20Budget%20Message%20%20FINAL%202023%20Feb%2021.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[3]</span></a> Multiple
hires for Fire and EMT positions is required so that we can create an
additional shift for each department. Less than these numbers will not
accomplish our goal. At this point, it is either all or nothing to
address this important need. NOTE: We are added two new Public
Works laborers to address increased responsibilities to maintain Brunswick
Avenue Streetscape, Hero Dog Parks, and our other community parks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Lawrence%20Township%20Budget%20Message%20%20FINAL%202023%20Feb%2021.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[4]</span></a> This is
also known as Fund Balance on our General Ledger. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="file:///H:/Budget/Budget%202023/2023%20Lawrence%20Township%20Budget%20Message%20%20FINAL%202023%20Feb%2021.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[5]</span></a>
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;">NOTE:
Figures in [ ] are 2022 amounts included for comparison. </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-43175754128598028662023-01-20T11:56:00.000-05:002023-01-20T11:56:50.698-05:00A story about the budget process and the Lawrence Township community…..<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">Who
is interested in a short story about the municipal budget process for Lawrence
Township? Hmmm, well, I am going to proceed as if there are more than a few
that are curious enough to read this article with the hope of being more
informed on a topic that is generally a mystery to most. Before we begin, the NJ Municipal Budget Law and the books written in an
attempt to interpret it are much more extensive and include much more details
than the conversational description that follows. Please proceed with the
knowledge that I intend to avoid the weeds….!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> First
things first: a budget is the funding tool for the various operations of the
municipal government and the delivery of services to the community. In addition,
it lays out the capital program for the maintenance and expansion of the town's
infrastructure, equipment, and buildings. In our form of government (Council-Manager),
the Municipal Manager is responsible for preparing the municipal budget, and
the governing body (Council Members) is responsible for reviewing, considering,
and adopting the budget by their majority vote at an open public meeting. By doing
it this way, there is a check and balance system where the elected officials
act on behalf of the taxpayers in an open and transparent process to ensure that their money is used responsibly
to provide the essential services the community expects and deserves. Adopting a
budget is the most critical function of the governing body. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Our
"budget season" starts in October of the preceding budget year when
the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (Peter Kiriakatis) directs the various
department heads of the municipal government (i.e., Public Works, Police, Fire/EMT,
Recreation, Health, Finance, Construction, Court, etc.) to prepare their
budgets. It requires them to determine what they need to deliver the services their
department provides to the community and how much it will cost. It also requires
them to forecast for anticipated and unanticipated future challenges and set a
course to improve and enhance the services over time. Once the departmental
budgets are received, they meet with the CFO to make changes, if necessary, to
better conform with the overall budget strategy created through the collaboration
of the CFO and the Municipal Manager. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> The
Municipal Manager and the CFO often can determine early in any given year the
financial challenges they must address in the next budget year. For example,
this past year, we are all aware of the economic fallout from the world health
pandemic, with shortages across many industries that have led to inflation and
higher costs in all areas of our lives (i.e., energy, fuel, insurance, etc.,
etc., etc.). You need to know that the higher cost of living you are dealing with
in managing your household finances is the same challenge that municipal
governments face when preparing a budget to deliver services to the community
in the coming year. The only difference is that a municipal government must, by
law, prepare and adopt a budget that can only spend (appropriations) the same
amount it expects to receive in revenue or through taxation. It is called a balanced
budget, and unanticipated costs that arise during any given year are always problematic.
Preparing a thoughtful and responsible budget is crucial for a town's
financial strength. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> After
the department heads complete their budgets, the CFO and Municipal Manager have
broader budget discussions and make decisions that result in the preparation of
a "recommended budget" presented to the governing body formally at a
council meeting. The CFO and Municipal Manager intend for the recommended
budget to reflect and be consistent with the policies the governing body has
established and directed them to achieve yearly.
The "recommended budget"
was presented to the council members on January 17, 2023, with a presentation by
the CFO providing a broad overview. It is available on our website for those
that are interested. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> In
February, the department heads will appear at council meetings (open to the public)
and present a summary of their budget to the governing body and answer questions.
Also, during this period, the council members will review the recommended
budget line by line and often have questions or provide comments to the
Municipal Manager in anticipation of the formal "Introduction of the
Budget" scheduled to occur in the first meeting of March 2023. The budget
presented in the "Introduction" often differs from the "recommended"
budget after the governing body provides its input and direction for a budget it
would accept and adopt. But that's not
all! At the public hearing on the adoption of the budget, the public will have
an opportunity to comment and let their opinions and concerns be known to the
council members before they vote. We anticipate the public hearing and adoption
of the budget will take place on April 18, 2023. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Before
the "Introduction of the Municipal Budget" in March, I will be
preparing a "Budget Message" that I will share with the community to
provide explanations, reasons, and financial numbers that support the budget
offered for adoption.</span></span><div><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI81hJCurR_FKnsZa9wKQrqOptfnS2_AHI5ySQV4ovj99vsbV8lN9eOZ9ih9M9e0TeaPNhVZxtLZLrzevDU_AR04vp4tYoCbSyZNWHhnyEINYxs6Ri9bmuNd4yseBhIH2VOAmMuODAbUKIMPzlBkQTFYSxUdXGBSHxO35m28yfoev5MHpT8izuVRMT/s494/budget%20process.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="451" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI81hJCurR_FKnsZa9wKQrqOptfnS2_AHI5ySQV4ovj99vsbV8lN9eOZ9ih9M9e0TeaPNhVZxtLZLrzevDU_AR04vp4tYoCbSyZNWHhnyEINYxs6Ri9bmuNd4yseBhIH2VOAmMuODAbUKIMPzlBkQTFYSxUdXGBSHxO35m28yfoev5MHpT8izuVRMT/s320/budget%20process.JPG" width="292" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-51072659972364113512022-12-19T12:36:00.011-05:002023-01-24T15:47:05.034-05:00The process before the process -- a story about land development applications.<p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> <span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">As I look back on 2022, I can definitively say that land developers and business owners </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">are actively looking to recover from lost time and money
since the beginning of the world health </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">pandemic, Covid-19. I come to this
conclusion based on my seat as the Municipal Manager for the </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Township of
Lawrence. From early 2020 to early 2022, one aspect of my job decreased
dramatically, </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">and Covid-19 filled the void with new and different challenges. But
the winds of change are upon us </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">again, with developers and business owners acting
with a sense of confidence in the future. Whether </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">we like it or not, Lawrence Township
remains an appealing option to those seeking to invest their time, </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">effort, and
money in their business pursuits. To some, that's a good thing, and to those who view new </span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">and different things negatively, it isn't. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> What
aspect of my job "decreased dramatically," you ask? The answer is, meeting
with property owners, developers, and their professionals as they "pitch"
their idea for a new "this or that" in our community. Judging
by comments on the various social media sites, at public meetings, or to me
directly while I am out and about in town, there seems to be a lack of understanding
about the development process and the local government's involvement in it. So,
I thought I would take a stab at giving a broad and general description of what
typically happens before land developers submit applications to the Zoning Board or
Planning Board (with board members from each appointed by our elected governing body "council members"). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> Before
a property owner or developer commits their time and money to a given project,
more often than not, they will reach out to a local official (i.e., Mayor, Municipal
Manager, or Zoning Officer) and request a meeting to get a sense of whether their
idea would be received positively or not in the community. Usually, they have prepared concept plans and
offer a general description of their vision. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> Jim
Parvesse (Municipal Engineer/Zoning Officer) and I take these meetings because,
in our form of government (Council-Manager), the elected officials are
part-time, and the Mayor's role is limited beyond the governing body's collective and significant legislative power. We differ from Hamilton, Ewing, Trenton,
Princeton, and others because voters do not elect our Mayor directly, and the Mayor is not a full-time position. Instead, the
elected council members select the Mayor (by a majority vote) to serve a
two-year term. In addition, those same elected officials appoint the Municipal
Manager to a full-time position to oversee the day-to-day operations of the
municipal government, much like a Chief Executive Officer in a private
corporation. As a result, it falls on the Municipal Manager and staff to take
these meetings. They are called "courtesy meetings" and are not
required by law. However, it is a good practice for the town and the developer to
meet to discuss potential projects because it is often where bad ideas die or potentially
good ideas are improved before the developer submits an application for
consideration by the planning or zoning board. There is no science to these
meetings nor polls conducted in the community. We provide some honest and, at
times, critical feedback that may guide the next steps taken. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> Importantly,
the township does not seek out land development within its borders; it is not a
function of our government. What we (i.e., elected and appointed officials of
our town) do is less direct. We work hard to make our community a desirable
place to live, work and play and let the economics take care of the rest. We
are not "Big City USA" and don't have an economic development
department in our municipal operations. So, when developers call to meet with us,
it is not a return call. They initiate it, and as a responsible government, we
take the call and take the meeting no matter what. But here is the critical
part, no decisions or agreements are EVER made between developers and municipal
officials behind closed doors. It doesn't happen here. Neither myself nor our
engineer (Mayor or council members) has the legal authority to approve or deny development
applications. The development process is an open, public process that occurs at
the Planning Board or the Zoning Board upon proper notice to the public, where
all can participate and express an opinion before the appointed members vote to
approve or deny applications based upon the facts and the law which they have
taken an oath to abide. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> And,
here is the kicker, even if Jim or I (or the Mayor or Council Members) hate the
development project for whatever reason (i.e., it's too big, too loud, too much
traffic, or we "don't need another one of those," etc.), the
developer has the legal right to move forward and make the application before
the Zoning Board or Planning Board (which I am a voting member of) for consideration. When that happens, the
community tends more often than not to support our negative feeling about the project, and they come
out in droves to express their opinions.
Also, it is common for us
to meet several times with the same developer of a proposed project who works
with us to implement the improvements we express are needed before they file their
application. Those are received better by the boards and the community because they are scaled-down and
have the elements we value as a community. And sometimes, a project that we think is excellent
for the community is met with strong opposition (usually by those living near the site). The board members earn their keep at those times by approving or
rejecting the application. In the end, however, all should rest assured that we
always follow the lawful process before development occurs in our
community. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX92uH33GH4z7jojBXdTGnhrYBdLr82h1jlBFvzDCVFdio00xE0wfWdkpgbzEDyidlw6WirhWRj9mbe5H5oEs9TNlgEa8bI-GK0_Mo1whsm0lkpnQPFqCRQ8TjIWfsbGDcTysCZTfZGgY4KFziOkXRuMILTO2ZkW08u9LrpqkZPOLDbS4blXCdPQzi/s199/Process%20pic.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="198" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX92uH33GH4z7jojBXdTGnhrYBdLr82h1jlBFvzDCVFdio00xE0wfWdkpgbzEDyidlw6WirhWRj9mbe5H5oEs9TNlgEa8bI-GK0_Mo1whsm0lkpnQPFqCRQ8TjIWfsbGDcTysCZTfZGgY4KFziOkXRuMILTO2ZkW08u9LrpqkZPOLDbS4blXCdPQzi/s1600/Process%20pic.JPG" width="198" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><br /><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><br /></span></p>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-10561891537951688362022-11-18T14:28:00.003-05:002022-11-18T14:28:34.330-05:00 Improving Communications with the Community<p><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white; font-size: medium;"> A
seemingly very long time ago, the days before the world health pandemic called
Covid-19, the members of our governing body and I had discussions about making
a more substantial effort to improve communications with the community and
better support our local businesses. Operating our municipal government in a
fiscally conservative manner (i.e., with departments appropriately staffed -
but not overstaffed, and maintaining the
services we provide at a level acceptable to a reasonable person standard - but
not more), the concept of improving and delivering something new and more to
the residential and business community translated into a commitment beyond
using what we had and making it better; a thought process that has and will be
the first consideration.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white; font-size: medium;"> Over the
past several years, advancing this plan was “tabled” for budgetary reasons to
minimize tax increases and maintain the good services we provide to our
residents and business. Also, and just as important, we had not found the
“right person” for a position that would be unique to our municipal operations
and advance our effectiveness as a municipal government serving its community. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white; font-size: medium;"> About a
year ago, a young man responded to our advertisement for a position within our
recreation department. Nancy Bergen (Superintendent of Recreation) reviewed his
resume, was intrigued by his qualifications and interviewed him. Nancy came to
my office after the interview and recommended that I meet with him because her
sense was he may be perfect for the long-unfilled position we called “Community
Aide.” She told me she was impressed
with him and his ideas and skillset and believed the Township might be better
served with him in this role as opposed to working in her department. So I met
with Craig Dinwoodie, and I agreed. It was one of those times as a manager when
having an “open door policy,” creating an environment of trust and a sense of
“team” to empower your staff, paid off and continues to daily. Well done, Nancy!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white; font-size: medium;"> Craig
was hired about eleven months ago and has worked to define his role within our
municipal operations and community in a manner consistent with the vision of
our elected officials. Whether it is improving the delivery of information to
the community in the digital landscape of social media, creating the monthly
“Senior Connect” for the elderly, being the first point of contact for
businesses (new and existing) to assist in their interactions with various
municipal departments and the community, or working with Township committees to
advance their missions, he finds himself in the mix in a lot good and positive
ways. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white; font-size: medium;"> The
“Community Aide” is an evolving position within our municipal operations,
making it unique to it as well. Here is
a link to the Community Aide page on our website for a closer look: <a href="https://www.lawrencetwp.com/directory/CommunityAide">https://www.lawrencetwp.com/directory/CommunityAide</a>.
If you are curious about how the Community Aide may be of assistance to you,
don’t hesitate to give him a call and find out. His email is <a href="mailto:cdinwoodie@lawrencetwp.com">cdinwoodie@lawrencetwp.com</a>, and
his telephone number is 609.844.7074. </span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL50_ZWWAHcePNlvNxmiS9NTpIDjJM7nI4m5qpj0D4G6P78ooHfaj0GhWeif8ne9t9XNl-3jNoL8ltLkKE5ip5NrkN_PqLx9H9_-zAQqnhfHpSqWYjzg3Sr2K7vf2YDB-nq-p4iBRZdpuFt1h6BR4gaosXbWB5heIt6hsJwdLm39SkTY91w4mOPpDi/s243/community%20pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="243" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL50_ZWWAHcePNlvNxmiS9NTpIDjJM7nI4m5qpj0D4G6P78ooHfaj0GhWeif8ne9t9XNl-3jNoL8ltLkKE5ip5NrkN_PqLx9H9_-zAQqnhfHpSqWYjzg3Sr2K7vf2YDB-nq-p4iBRZdpuFt1h6BR4gaosXbWB5heIt6hsJwdLm39SkTY91w4mOPpDi/s1600/community%20pic.JPG" width="243" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: white; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-34113322317560179592022-10-14T12:28:00.000-04:002022-10-14T12:28:04.584-04:00Governor Murphy Announces NJDEP To Directly Oversee TWW Operations....and more<p><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;">By now, most of you know that the State NJ Department of Environmental Protection will have "direct operational" oversight of Trenton Water Works. Governor Murphy issued the following Press Release:</span></span></p><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><a class="x1edh9d7 xmper1u x1fey0fg" href="https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562022/approved/20221012b.shtml">https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562022/approved/20221012b.shtml</a><br /><br />From the Press Release, the Governor writes, "<i>Despite many recent efforts at the local level to improve operating conditions and advance long-overdue capital improvements at TWW, the system continues to struggle in maintaining compliance with regulatory obligations and requirements. To ensure that maintenance and operational needs crucial to the protection of public health are met, and that long-overdue capital improvements may receive the benefit of new and considerable state and federal funding, DEP has determined that a capacity-building program with direct operational oversight is necessary to ensure TWW’s near- and long-term success in meeting the needs of the 200,000+ residents served by the system in Trenton, as well as portions of Ewing, Hamilton, Hopewell, and Lawrence.</i>"<br /><br />Though the advocacy to improve TWW has gone on for years, the Township joined other municipalities to intercede and participate in a civil action initiated by the NJDEP (in 2020) against the City of Trenton and TWW in response to sustained poor performance of the water utility. I described the process in a blog article dated July 13, 2020 (which supplemented other articles I wrote about the issue).<br /><br /><a class="x1edh9d7 xmper1u x1fey0fg" href="https://lawrencetownshipnjmanagerkpn.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-municipalities-file-their-motion-to.html">https://lawrencetownshipnjmanagerkpn.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-municipalities-file-their-motion-to.html</a><br /><br />Since that time and throughout the litigation, the municipalities (its officials and legal counsel) aggressively pursued legal arguments to compel the City of Trenton to properly fund TWW and take the necessary steps to improve the facility and its operations. Though we saw progress, it was always "a step forward and a few steps backward." Seeing the City of Trenton council vote down critical funding for infrastructure improvements to the water utility was frustrating, to say the least. From my vantage point, despite the best efforts and advocacy by Mayor Gusciora, it was clear that the only viable option to properly fund the water utility was either a sale to a well-funded and established water company or a State takeover. Thankfully, the State took action we needed it to take!<br /><br />The news that the NJDEP will now have direct oversight over the facility and its operations is, without a doubt - very good news. Having the State take such action will give us all the best chance to remove our (conscious and subconscious) fear of using unsafe water in our daily lives. It will take time to get to this head space....but we are on our way. And this doesn't mean we turn our attention away from this issue. We will continue to advocate for all of the community's residents and visitors using water provided by TWW. </span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sP_A-zE9mNZN_GbowxO5LIzzGfaf4Ja8fWjR0YsBnmjWTott-OHiurUr1nlrKoDf8x0FEGkdGALAwjHGB4b33JjRULxVvZB8sN08TDB0VJk83Yenvpl3MIkPPkHASZxRxpCQfvDR1yHZ8bqqxH8joFDoJ0VxTAtjKtNGCuq01OD0xy3Nz-kQnp_M/s198/Positive%20Pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="196" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sP_A-zE9mNZN_GbowxO5LIzzGfaf4Ja8fWjR0YsBnmjWTott-OHiurUr1nlrKoDf8x0FEGkdGALAwjHGB4b33JjRULxVvZB8sN08TDB0VJk83Yenvpl3MIkPPkHASZxRxpCQfvDR1yHZ8bqqxH8joFDoJ0VxTAtjKtNGCuq01OD0xy3Nz-kQnp_M/s1600/Positive%20Pic.JPG" width="196" /></a></div><br />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-57367556500881968962022-10-03T09:15:00.004-04:002022-10-03T09:32:44.769-04:00Paying Your Property Tax Bill With Your Online Bill Pay Feature From Your Bank? Consider this......<p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;">For those
that don't have the time for all of my words (people say I am a bit "wordy"),
I am starting with my conclusion so you can move along with your day. If you
have a hard deadline for bill payment, DON'T use your online bill pay feature
with your private bank. There is no guarantee that your physical check will be
mailed in time to meet the deadline (even after you do your calculations and
conclude that the date you select is plenty of time). And if you use your
online bill payment feature to pay your property tax bill to Lawrence Township,
understand the risk involved. If the Township does not receive your check by
the deadline (which always includes a grace period), interest and a penalty will
be imposed. Ok, if you want the full, long-winded version why, keep reading.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;"> It seems
like at the same time each year (3<sup>rd</sup> Quarter Tax Payments), the
Lawrence Township Tax Collector and her staff are on the receiving end of angry
and frustrated taxpayers that received a notice that their property tax
payments were late and that interest and penalties are being imposed (as
required by N.J.S.A. 54:4-66). It doesn't
matter whether the interest is.08 cents or $25 or more, the degree of anger and
disrespect delivered from the property owner to the Tax Collector and her staff
is the same. And when they hear that the interest and penalty will not be
waived, the level amps up --- and then I receive the phone call. The
conversation I have with the callers doesn't give them the relief they demand because
waiving the interest and penalty are not optional. The callers offer all kinds
of excuses, and some demand for the Township to <u>prove their check was
received late</u>. A policy that empowers a municipal employee to use
discretion on voiding interest and penalties creates an unrealistic situation to
manage. Undoubtedly, those denied will feel unfairly treated, and accusations
of wrongdoing and favoritism will abound – wasting even more time and
resources. It just won't work. So, I thought, why not write a blog article
about this issue and, hopefully, get out in front of the problem for the next
go-round? <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;"> Ninety
percent of the time, the late payment involves a taxpayer's use of the online
bill payment feature offered by their private lender. The taxpayer believes their
payment was mailed on the day they scheduled it. That may be the case, but it
doesn't mean the check will be received by the deadline. What people don't know
or realize, despite their bank's notice that it does not guarantee delivery of
payments by a specific date, the thousands and thousands of online bank payments
are physical checks released by their bank on the day scheduled but are seemingly sent to
a clearing house and ultimately collected together and mailed in bulk --- not necessarily on the day you expected
it to be sent. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;"> When tax
payments are due and collected, the Tax Collector's office receives hundreds
and hundreds of physical checks mailed in bulk daily. These checks are often
dated differently and days apart from one another. Meaning a check dated
September 15 and a check dated September 20 are in the same bulk delivery to
the Township by U.S. Mail. Notably, the day the check is physically received by
the Township is the day it posts it to your account – without fail. No check is
left unposted for a day or days in the tax office. It doesn't happen. People
seem to assume that their property tax payments are handled similarly to the I.R.S.
and State tax returns, with the date they are mailed being the date that
counts. It's not true. The date the payment is received is the date that matters
for collecting property taxes --- everywhere, not just Lawrence Township. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;"> To assist
taxpayers in making sure they meet the deadline (and the grace period), Lawrence
Township offers four ways for you to pay your taxes: (1) A taxpayer may take the short ride to the
municipal building Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM to make
their payment in person. The added benefit to this option is that you can offer
some warm greetings to the municipal staff as you see them in the hallways; (2)
A taxpayer may take the short ride to the municipal building and use the
secured black box positioned at the North Entrance to make their payment. It is
available 24/7, 365 days a week. The box is checked multiple times a day and
first thing Monday morning. The added benefit to this is that you can avoid all
human contact and take care of business and move along with your day; 3) A
taxpayer, comfortable in using an online payment option, can use our E-check
payment feature to make sure the date you make the payment is the date it will
be posted to the account. The administrative fee for this is $2. And, no, it is
not a grand scheme to make revenue for the "Township." It is a fee paid
by the "user" of the service, with the "Township" making no
money from it. Unlike your online bill payment option from your lender, this
option is received and posted to your tax account on the same day, and (4) A
taxpayer can pay by credit card. Some like getting the points, I guess. But to
use this, there is a more significant fee based upon a percentage of the total
payment made. If you are unnerved by being assessed interests and penalties,
this option is not for you!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;"> Do your due
diligence by contacting your bank to verify how online bill payment works. You
will most likely find the information on the site where you use the feature. So, if you have a hard deadline for payment,
don't use your online bill payment feature!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;"> Now, on a
personal level, most of you may not understand the kind of verbal abuse (and,
at times, threats) our Tax Collector and her staff take from residents and business
owners who fail to take the proper steps to ensure they pay their taxes on time.
Trust me; it is unsettling, to say the least. We also have many saved envelopes
with the most disgusting things written on them from people who take their "tax
payment" anger out on our staff. I guess it makes them feel good – at the
expense of the good people who work here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #990000; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; background: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;"> As I try
to do from time to time when I write on social media, I again want to remind
you that all of us working for the Township are living and breathing human
beings. Many of us live in town. We are your friends, neighbors, and family
members. And, no, we all are not working in concert with one another to bilk
you for $10, $15, or $50 in interest in late fees. Contrary to some who believe
the worst, we are not corrupt or evil. We come to work each day and do the job
the community needs us to do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> Oh, one
other thing, for as long as I can remember, the August tax payments are
customarily billed later than the other quarters. We send out the tax bills immediately
after we receive the County tax rate from the County. It just is what it is (and it has nothing to
do with us) – and all that we can do is promptly send out the bills when all of
the information is received – and we do.
We also provide an extended grace
period when tax bills are later than expected. Ok, no more “words” for now! Have a great day, Everyone!</span><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJ_RYTFe_bIxby5a4JkckrJE_yEdFmsVQjI_SYE1ahJhFtwbcFXAFTNIVXLQO2W3IST4wmv7lYJQ-b3xfDZElyJuaxOCidKOyov6AxakRMXqr7zAj0s0X-J3rZ-LQr0wCDi68Yi4uJNqBtRcGh_Hbujp8pLsYvzp8RrBx5Q5Qexlxbv3Coo6AvwwZ/s796/Online%20Bill%20Payments.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="796" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJ_RYTFe_bIxby5a4JkckrJE_yEdFmsVQjI_SYE1ahJhFtwbcFXAFTNIVXLQO2W3IST4wmv7lYJQ-b3xfDZElyJuaxOCidKOyov6AxakRMXqr7zAj0s0X-J3rZ-LQr0wCDi68Yi4uJNqBtRcGh_Hbujp8pLsYvzp8RrBx5Q5Qexlxbv3Coo6AvwwZ/s320/Online%20Bill%20Payments.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Segoe UI Historic",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(240, 242, 245); color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-82513317121973807142022-09-26T14:54:00.001-04:002022-09-26T14:54:38.863-04:00Pasquale A. Colavita, Jr. (January 5, 1945 – September 20, 2022)<p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Californian FB", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The following are my thoughts and reflections. </span><span style="font-family: "Californian FB", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Californian FB", serif; font-size: 12pt;">They are not to be considered official statements
of the municipal government or the elected officials of Lawrence Township. If
you have no interest in what I think, move along, and have a wonderful day!</span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Californian FB", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;">Pasquale
A. Colavita, Jr. (January 5, 1945 – September 20, 2022)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Californian FB", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: white;"> Today, September 26, 2022, Pasquale "Pat"
Colavita, Jr. was laid to rest at a funeral mass at St. Ann Parish. I have known
Pat pretty much my entire life. The Colavitas from the Eldridge Park area are a
family engrained in the DNA of our community, and our families have always been
fondly connected through longstanding friendships. As a life-long resident, Pat's
light shown brightly during his life as a teacher, public servant, community
leader, and a warm, loving, charismatic yet humble human being. For those who
may not know him, over decades, he served his community in a variety of elected
positions: Lawrence Township Board of
Education, Lawrence Township Municipal Council (and as Mayor), and Mercer
County Freeholder (now known as Commissioner) and gave his time and talents to
too many charities to mention here. His
daughter, Courtney Colavita, gave a wonderful eulogy – one of the best I have
heard in the many funerals attended. She eloquently captured the "man"
that proudly was her father. Setting aside the list of his accomplishments
(which were many), she focused on his human qualities that deeply connected him
to so many people from so many walks of life. Of the many characteristics of
her father she talked about, the one that resonated the most with me is that when
you spoke with him, he made you feel like you were the most important person in
a room filled with "important" people. He was present in the moment
and made sure to personally connect with you – and just as quick, he was off
speaking with someone else, giving them that same feeling! The man could work a
room like no other!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Californian FB",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> From time to time, I have "difficult"
conversations with residents when they call to complain about one thing or
another. It is a part of the gig but never fun. About two weeks ago, I had a
resident call to complain about an incident that had nothing to do with
municipal operations. I directed him to the utility involved and moved along
with my day. A short while later, he called back to tell me that the matter was
taken care of, but he wanted me to know I was no help to him. Quite
surprisingly, and out of nowhere, the resident blurted out, "<i>you are just like your father and just like
Pat Colavita!</i>" Now, being an astute listener and hearing the tone in
his voice, I quickly realized his comment was meant to hurt me. I further surmised
he was someone that judged the character of a person by their voter registration.
I ended the call - leaned back and rubbed my eyes - readying myself for the next
challenge of the day. But as the surprise of his comment wore off, and I
implemented some positive thinking strategies, a smile crossed my face, and I
thought… "<i>OK, I am just like my Dad
and Pat Colavita, huh?</i>" "<i>Not
too shabby, Kevin.</i>" I will take that comment "FOR THE WIN!" God
bless you and rest in peace, Pasquale. You, Sir, had a life well lived, and you
did it with style and grace!</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Californian FB",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87bdvapJ7Bz1LtiH-BNmWnbngWyvDHSI0Iuw88FSlrf0UZnWJXQgWR6x1TwHYr_ZJ4Fi8zTUn1oxX21o1O8nZFdFprnGz1U9-Rhe72VX2RBpSxCpDaUH_L6azqbzfZUzMOqoht7_FqKtSLgs1XT442z46bgKy9IRoIrSzL9_C2xnpENCMJKZQ4os5/s449/Pat%20Colavita.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="286" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87bdvapJ7Bz1LtiH-BNmWnbngWyvDHSI0Iuw88FSlrf0UZnWJXQgWR6x1TwHYr_ZJ4Fi8zTUn1oxX21o1O8nZFdFprnGz1U9-Rhe72VX2RBpSxCpDaUH_L6azqbzfZUzMOqoht7_FqKtSLgs1XT442z46bgKy9IRoIrSzL9_C2xnpENCMJKZQ4os5/s320/Pat%20Colavita.JPG" width="204" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Californian FB",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><br /></span></span></p>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-5169685314555106792022-07-26T15:13:00.002-04:002022-07-27T09:17:24.484-04:00 $725K Grant Received for the Study and Design of a New Emergency Management Facility<p><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> In a letter issued to Mayor John T. Ryan dated July 6,
2022, Senator Shirley K. Turner (15<sup>th</sup> District) advised that the State
allocated $725,000 to Lawrence Township in the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget for the
study and design of a new emergency management operations facility, tentatively called "Lawrence Road Emergency Management Operations Center." <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;"> Specifically, we requested funding for the research and
development of a new, centralized facility to house our Fire and EMS operations
at the site currently occupied by Lawrence Road Fire Company (1252 Lawrence
Road). The funding will cover the study of the grounds (including
environmental), creation of site plans, architectural plans, bid preparation,
and the costs associated with effective public outreach. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;"> Presently, our community is served by three volunteer
fire companies (Slackwood FC, Lawrence Road FC, and Lawrenceville FC, located
in the south, central and northern areas of town) and career staff. Our career firefighters cover the day shift
Monday through Friday, and our volunteers cover the evening, weekends, and
holidays. As with many local governments, there has been a dramatic decrease in
volunteer firefighters, and our community is no different. Given this fact, we
had a fire study prepared in 2020 by The Rogers Group (link to the report is here: </span></span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"><a href="https://www.lawrencetwp.com/media/Departments/EmergencyManagement/RodgersGroupStudy11-12-20.pdf"><span style="color: white;">https://www.lawrencetwp.com/media/Departments/EmergencyManagement/RodgersGroupStudy11-12-20.pdf</span></a>) </span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> that provided a detailed
assessment of our current firefighting program, which included thirty-eight
recommendations for improvements. Since the report issuance, we have
systematically implemented most of these recommendations. The most significant is
</span><i style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Recommendation 19,</i><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> which provides, “</span><i style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Revise the municipal ordinance to create a
single, combination volunteer and career fire division under the authority of a
full-time, career fire chief</i><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;">.”</span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> (The link to this new ordinance is here:</span><span style="color: white;"><a <span style="background-color: #990000;">href="https://ecode360.com/33962393" target="_self">§ 20-13: Division of Emergency Management.</a</span>></span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;">We
took this action and are working through the challenges involved in combining
the volunteers and career firefighters with our Emergency Medical Services
professionals.</span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;">The benefit of this change is readily
apparent, and the future is looking bright. We needed the volunteers and career staff to buy in, and they have.</span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Another recommendation in the report (#5) provides (in
part), “</span><i style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;">the Township should undertake an
in-depth study… to determine the feasibility of constructing a new fire station
in a central location...A new fire station should be designed to accommodate
the Fire Department, EMS, and Emergency Management functions of the Township.</i><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;">”</span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Our application to the State of New Jersey
for the funding was a direct response to this recommendation.</span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;">This money allows us to strategically plan
for the future to deliver the best fire and emergency medical services to our
community.</span><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;"> I am sure some may take this as a signal of the end of
the volunteer fire companies, and they would be wrong. The long, proud
tradition of Slackwood Fire Company, Lawrence Road Fire Company, and
Lawrenceville Fire Company will continue for years and remain an essential part
of our overall public safety plan. We need them, and we value their service.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;"> Why do this now if we have no immediate plans for change?
Well, we knew the grant money was available now, with no guarantee that it
would be available in subsequent state budgets. The saying “strike while the
iron is hot” is applicable here. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: white;"> As a result, we made our case for this funding from the State.
We argued that “<i>development and
improvement plans to enhance the safety of the community with coordinated and
efficient emergency response is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars. A
centralized emergency operations center will have a lasting beneficial impact
on the community by providing necessary responsive emergency assistance</i>.” We apparently were persuasive enough to
receive the total amount we requested. It seems clear that we will not need
funds from our municipal budget to complete this work. An ideal situation (says,
Captain Obvious).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;"> We are grateful to Senator Shirley Turner, Assemblyman
Anthony S. Verelli, and Assemblywoman Verline Reynolds-Jackson for supporting
and advocating for funding this vital project. I am equally thankful to our
Mayor and Council Members. They have consistently supported our volunteer fire
companies and have the wisdom to commit to planning for our future to ensure
the best public safety for the community. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-18589698915666120302022-05-26T11:39:00.002-04:002022-05-26T11:39:54.075-04:00A personal reflection on the mass shooting in Texas...<p><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU ARE UNINTERESTED IN MY PERSONAL REFLECTIONS ON THE TEXAS SCHOOL SHOOTING. </span></p><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;">Though these tragedies happen far too often, they should always be reflected upon anew, giving due thought, compassion, and empathy for the family, friends, and loved ones of those murdered and for the first responders that are called upon to handle the crisis in real-time while it is occurring and handle the devastating aftermath. </span></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;">We simply can't begin to imagine the pain of loss in such a violent manner, but we can collectively mourn and pray for those involved. </span></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;">Why these mass shootings occur most often in America must be examined. We are failing in all respects: morally, politically, legally, and as a society and we must do better. An 18-year-old should not be allowed to legally purchase assault weapons and Kevlar protection....period. </span></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;">A genuine start to addressing these tragedies is in the law; regulating in the strictest manner possible, the ability for citizens to purchase assault weapons. The Second Amendment was most assuredly not enacted to make it as easy as possible for someone who is not even able to legally drink alcohol to purchase firearms. And, please, I am not saying this is the answer to it all. It isn't. Social media and genuine hate that is so easily spewed by so many, video games that feature shooting people, racism, mental health -- the list goes on. But we need to start somewhere. </span></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;">Yes, I am outside the parameters of my role as Municipal Manager. I am posting this to the people who are my FB friends not to the community at large. I am speaking as a member of our society and a father of two children that prays every day for their health, safety, and success. Let's all collectively mourn this tragedy and reject the notion that it is just another one to add to our collective conscience and rationalize it away. </span></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;">Peace and love....peace and love!</span></span></div></div>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-31455986644534164242022-05-23T12:26:00.001-04:002022-05-26T11:41:54.304-04:00A little look under the hood to see what's going on…..<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Over the past five-plus years as the
Municipal Manager, the one thing that has become crystal clear to me is that significant
capital improvement projects progress at a snail's pace, and rightfully so from
the perspective of private citizens.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
pace is slow for various reasons, but most assuredly because the use of public
funds requires compliance with local, state, and federal laws at every stage.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Though at times frustrating to navigate
through, these laws are a good thing enacted with the best intentions.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">This may not be readily apparent to some or most
of you, but I offer it up to all of you to factor in when trying to wrap your
head around why things take so long to complete!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Trust me when I tell you that work is happening
even if it is not visible from your vantage point. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I thought I would take the time to
inform you of the status of some of the projects that we continue to work on
behind the scenes:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Pit Stop</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "</span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pit Stop</b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">" is more formally known as 1175 Lawrence Road. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Historically, it was the site of several gasoline
service stations, the last being the "Pit Stop." </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">To get you up to speed, I encourage you to check
out my April 10, 2019, and July 12, 2021 articles in this blog</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Since then, we have completed the demolition
of the long-standing and dilapidated building and are now working through the site's
Remedial Investigation to determine the extent of environmental contamination.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We hope to meet with NJDEP in the coming
months to discuss the project and our next steps in applying for additional
funding to finalize the site clean-up.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The goal is for the site to be certified by the NJDEP to be "clean."
We will then take ownership of the property and repurpose it as a passive
community park with a gazebo and other aesthetically pleasing elements which
are more appropriate for this prominently situated site within our town, turning
it from a source of embarrassment to one of pride.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hero
Dog Park</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hero Dog Park will be constructed at
the long underused Hamnett Park located on Ohio Avenue.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Please refer to my June 1, 2021, and June 17,
2021 blog articles for more background information. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We have the park advancing through the design
plan phase (as we continue to hunt for grant funding).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In addition to two fenced-in areas (one for
small and one for large dogs), the plans include a multipurpose walking path
around the perimeter, pedestrian-scale lighting, shade structures, landscaping,
and other related amenities. We anticipate bidding on the project for
construction in the fall of this year. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Brunswick
Streetscape</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Yeah, this one is taking long!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">But I am happy to report that we received
$700,000 in funding to install streetscape improvements along Business Route 1
from the Brunswick Circle to Lake Drive. The project is in the final
design stage and will include improved sidewalks, high visibility crosswalks,
pedestrian-activated beacons, center median street trees, lighting, and other
amenities. Please refer to my February 20, 2022, blog article for more
details.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We anticipate bidding on the
project for construction in the fall of this year.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Craven Lane Improvements</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Township received an $80,000
grant for pedestrian safety improvements along Craven Lane between
Lawrenceville Elementary School and US Route 206. The project will
include sidewalk and intersection improvements, high visibility crosswalks, and
a pedestrian-activated beacon at the Johnson Trolley Line crossing. This
project is in the design phase, and we plan to bid the project for construction
in early 2023.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We are also in the running
for additional grant funding that may be a gamechanger on this project!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Colonial
Lake Park Improvements</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Township received a $75,000
grant to install a multipurpose path through the recently acquired Sheft
Property to complete the trail network around Colonial Lake. This project
is in the design and permitting phase, and we plan to bid the project for
construction in early 2023.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We also
intend to improve the recently acquired portion of the park (adjacent to the
bowling lane) as a passive park with enhanced parking.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Electric Vehicle
Fleet and Infrastructure</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Township received an $8,000
grant to install a second fleet charging station at the Municipal
Complex. We are continuing to expand our fleet of electric cars to pursue
our sustainable goals and reduce our GHG emissions. We anticipate
installation in the fall of this year.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cold Soil
Road Improvement</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The Township is planning
improvements to Cold Soil Road this summer that will include a sidewalk
connection along the east side of the roadway from US Route 206 to Bergen
Street. Back in 2020, the residents in this area petitioned the Township
to evaluate the potential for a sidewalk connection. In 2021 the Township
applied for and received a $550,000 grant from NJDOT to improve the roadway and
install the sidewalk connections.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LA Fitness</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The project is still on hold;
however, there is a potential that it could get started this summer. We
are hoping to get an update from the ownership later this month.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">As I have said publicly before, I think the
addition of LA Fitness at the Lawrence Shopping Center is a critical piece to
continue the resurgence of the center and the surrounding commercial sites
along US Route 1.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">So far, we can all agree
that LSC is making a solid comeback with further improvements pledged by the
owners.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Keep supporting our local
businesses!</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">40
Enterprise Avenue Site</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Township identified this
property as an area in need of redevelopment. After completing a
preliminary investigation, it was determined that the site contained vacant,
sub-standard, dilapidated structures that were unsafe and detrimental to the
community's health, safety, and welfare. A redevelopment plan was
developed and adopted by the Planning Board and Governing Body. In June
of this year, we anticipate an application being heard before the Planning
Board to create a 261,000 square foot warehouse with aesthetically pleasing
elements that will significantly improve this long-languishing area just within
the boundary of the Township next to the City of Trenton. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">And
before you say we don't need more warehouses in our town, I remind you that it
doesn't work that way.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We don't get to
tell private property owners what to do on their land.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Please refer to my December 1, 2020, blog
article that explains the development process.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I also suggest that as long as we all love the convenience of ordering
items online and having them delivered to our homes, we will need more
warehouses.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8TVvS2Bpb5pc6n-pFALn1UgzYPhkKyCmjWbO-dQvn_4UlvFvm6stKOxtWDgbEI0fB13S7CjLqEn2nNcjkVIrNZeTnzI8ymlL1x7qWD_VnL9ErPT7mP7kJqofK-Oj7LujHqlTW52MowgVSPqOpC0q6qXeP_I-ZF3ab7XvAcLc8WHOFNH21CYBk44M/s391/Status%20Report.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="391" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8TVvS2Bpb5pc6n-pFALn1UgzYPhkKyCmjWbO-dQvn_4UlvFvm6stKOxtWDgbEI0fB13S7CjLqEn2nNcjkVIrNZeTnzI8ymlL1x7qWD_VnL9ErPT7mP7kJqofK-Oj7LujHqlTW52MowgVSPqOpC0q6qXeP_I-ZF3ab7XvAcLc8WHOFNH21CYBk44M/s320/Status%20Report.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-37455457292710397272022-04-25T11:06:00.003-04:002022-05-11T09:58:08.313-04:00Shoulda Coulda Woulda is not a great plan during a pandemic....<p><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span> </span><span> </span>Several days before the start of the Easter and Passover holiday
weekend, our Health Officer, Keith Levine, expressed his concern about the steady
increase in Covid-19 cases in our area and the expectation of an uptick
following the weekend when many people will gather to celebrate the holiday.
Keith has routinely kept me informed of positive cases in our town and trends
in our county and state. Since we are all aware that this virus will be with us
for some time, there will be periods when the spread of the virus will spike
and decrease, whether in the short term or the long term. As a result, it
becomes necessary for us to be proactive in responding to the data compiled and
published by public health officials if the primary goal is to ensure that we
maintain government operations without disruption. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span> </span><span> </span>Since
we are more than 2-years into this pandemic, we have become much more
knowledgeable about actions we can take to protect ourselves and others. Just as important, we should also gain back
some of the personal freedoms we lost as we grappled with how to fight the spread
of the virus. I firmly believe that private
business owners should be free to restrict their patrons by requiring mask-wearing
if they conclude it is in the best interests of their employees and gives them
the best chance of not shutting down should the virus spread among them. This
freedom also extends to the patrons of those businesses. They can freely choose
to give them their business or not as they decide whether the restrictions are something
they can tolerate. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span> </span><span> </span>Most of
what we do in life is by choice. We can choose to attend family functions,
sporting events, business openings, public meetings, etc. We will always have
the personal option to wear a mask if that is what you think is necessary to
best protect yourselves from the virus. Just as importantly, you can choose not
to wear a mask should the event not require you to do so for whatever reason
you deem justified. I think what we
have all learned after living through this pandemic is that we have a lot of
power to take whatever steps we believe are necessary to protect ourselves
(i.e., mask-wearing, keeping social distance, vaccinations, booster shots, etc.),
and we should be able to do that without ridicule or judgment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span> </span><span> </span>But
there are also times that it is necessary to take reasonable precautions to better
protect against the spread of the virus that may impact what others can and can't
freely do. With the primary goal of ensuring our municipal government continues
to deliver the services that residents and businesses deserve, expect, and
require, I decided that we should close the municipal building to visitors following
the holiday weekend. I based it on the data that showed the increase
in covid-19 cases leading up to the weekend and the anticipated further
increase after many gather with friends and family to celebrate their holiday. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span> </span><span> </span>My
thought process was that "we" (the municipal government) do not
function without the people who work for the Township. To safeguard against a
shutdown and create an environment within the municipal building that reduces
the potential for the spread of the virus from visitors without disrupting the
services we provide seemed like a no-brainer to me. Every employee and every department (Clerk, Tax
Collector, Tax Assessor, Construction, Inspections, Engineering, Health, Recreation,
Finance, and Fire administration) are still working and doing their job to
serve the community with the building closed to visitors. When the building is closed, all visitors are
greeted at the North Entrance by a staff member who facilitates whatever business
the visitor needs to conduct with the Township.
Absolutely everyone is assisted,
and every township employee is doing their job. And if you simply need to drop something off, there is a locked, black box at the North Entrance that is checked throughout the day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span> </span><span> </span>My decision
to take the precaution of closing the building to visitors to keep the environment
safer for our employees from the spread of the virus did result in me receiving
some angry emails and FB comments from those who felt it was an "overreaction" a "power grab," a "denial of their freedom to enter a public
building" or "hypocritical" because I was seen out in public without
a mask. Some others believed that since schools were
open, we should be "open." Or, since other towns didn't close their
municipal building, we shouldn't either. All that I can say is that my only
consideration is the obligation to take whatever reasonable actions are necessary
to protect our employees and maintain an operating government for the benefit
of the community. Making decisions based solely on what other towns or
administrators do was a mistake that my Mom and Dad taught me at a young age.
Remember the adage, would you jump off a bridge if your friends did? So, no, I
will continue to make decisions based upon credible information, careful
consideration, and what ultimately is best for our town. Princeton, Hamilton,
and Ewing can do what is right for them.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span> </span><span> </span>I will
end by reminding all that the services provided by the Township to residents
and business owners can't be duplicated by going down the road and getting them
someplace else or provided to you virtually.
We must do what we can to stay
operational. I would rather take the criticism instead of having to shut down because I failed to act. Shoulda Coulda Woulda is not a great plan in a pandemic. From time to time, when proactive caution requires it, the municipal building will be closed from week-to week. We are back open right now. Stay safe and well, everyone!</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;">Mercer County Covid-19 Cases Chart:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFzU2oEGy2Q2qxhIt1JeaYIQ4OK64-xnMsG7SOc64gmx3iU_ybTWOwGuXzeag2GehqQb9v_fSAnQj36iTkbeiWzc22Y-CUQMS8OrZKIFVt8QMEj1lWquqnc3dYfGbGoLvhIPBJOZjEmxmO1mFZbxtxy7GJHcCugRxhYTvtxQU1_0hIMQox5wm4e-U/s904/Mercer%20County%20Covid%20Cases.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="904" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFzU2oEGy2Q2qxhIt1JeaYIQ4OK64-xnMsG7SOc64gmx3iU_ybTWOwGuXzeag2GehqQb9v_fSAnQj36iTkbeiWzc22Y-CUQMS8OrZKIFVt8QMEj1lWquqnc3dYfGbGoLvhIPBJOZjEmxmO1mFZbxtxy7GJHcCugRxhYTvtxQU1_0hIMQox5wm4e-U/s320/Mercer%20County%20Covid%20Cases.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: #990000;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtB3a4Zw_B2YJuES4EElT-QNb7N1ZXjdbNYWcGDht-8BMzqpbSmDZbafMtSOVbINO409BnmDo1a8-SeNQVFc1XEVR8XtWNogatpkMqLZ2-Gnb2MYYdANU8_Id6nqfep96Ju0lKs831BoRJXQ1t9BHLhzzTiwaPmr7SLxidiH9al00UXbYeh7j5o6BE/s1288/NJ%20Covid%20Trends%202022%20May%2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1288" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtB3a4Zw_B2YJuES4EElT-QNb7N1ZXjdbNYWcGDht-8BMzqpbSmDZbafMtSOVbINO409BnmDo1a8-SeNQVFc1XEVR8XtWNogatpkMqLZ2-Gnb2MYYdANU8_Id6nqfep96Ju0lKs831BoRJXQ1t9BHLhzzTiwaPmr7SLxidiH9al00UXbYeh7j5o6BE/s320/NJ%20Covid%20Trends%202022%20May%2011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: white;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></p>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249606213600364366.post-91777023735059218342022-03-21T09:40:00.003-04:002022-03-21T09:40:52.258-04:00Rest In Peace, Rudolph A. "Rudy" Fuessel (1936 - 2022)<p><span style="background-color: #990000;"> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">During
the week of March 14, 2022, we had a fire apparatus from Station 21 (Slackwood
Fire House) parked at the front of the Municipal Building, adorned with
memorial bunting, and our flags were at half-staff in honor of Rudolph "Rudy"
Fuessel, a man that dedicated more than 65 years of service to the Lawrence
community as a volunteer firefighter out of Slackwood Fire House.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chief
Fuessel passed away at his home on March 14, 2022, at 85. Many claim him to be
their mentor or the reason they became a firefighter. I remember him most as a
young boy in the 1970s while my Dad served as Mayor for the Township, and he
was the Fire Chief at Slackwood. I remember his trademark sideburns that always
fascinated me as I looked up to him when my Dad would bring me over to say
hello at a pancake breakfast or some other event at Slackwood Fire House, to
give respect to a man that deserved our respect.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">His
impact on so many first responders that served and continue to serve our
community is immeasurable. He and my father always had a great relationship and
mutual respect. Chief Fuessel sent me some old photos he found with him and my
Dad about a year ago. One of them (posted here....seems like the early Seventies)
has been on my office wall as a proud reminder of my past and respect for my
elders.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
spoke with the Chief on the phone some time ago during some challenging time I
was having with the volunteer firefighters as we grappled with how best to
preserve these great fire companies (Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, and
Slackwood). He called to tell me that I was doing a good job and keep doing
what I was doing, and "to hell with those guys," giving me a hard
time. I thanked him, hung up the phone, and instantly felt - better about
things.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In
preparing this article, I knew it wouldn't be complete without contributions
from a couple of the men and women he helped to shape into the professional
first responders they are today. Their reflections of him are below:</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chrissie
Vincent (a career Emergency Medical Technician for Lawrence Township and
current Chief of Emergency Medical Services) explained the Chief's impact on
her career this way:</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">"<i>I
moved to Lawrence in 1989. I met Rudy at Station 21 while working an EMS shift
as a new per diem for the Township. We had stopped there to drop some paperwork
off for our boss, and in true "Rudy fashion," he was all smiles and
welcomed me to the Township and said if any of these boys (meaning his
firefighters) give you any trouble, you come to see me! He was always protective
of the ladies. We were friends from that point on.</i>"</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">"<i>In
1994, when I began working with Maryann Russell Nester as my full-time partner,
he dubbed us "The Lawrence EMS Angels." Whenever he would see us, he
would always say, how are my angels doing today? He and his wife Sue have
always been so welcoming and treated you like family. Rudy was just one of
those people that never had to say call me if you need anything. You just knew
you could. You could be stuck out in the south Pacific Ocean stranded and call
him, and he would immediately be on the phone with the United States Coast
Guard or Navy getting an aircraft carrier dispatched to your location to pick
you up. It didn't matter what it was or how tedious it seemed; you could always
count on Rudy for any help you needed. He was a man of his word, and I truly
believe in my heart that there was no task that was too big for him to handle.</i>"</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jack Oakley (Chief of Fire and
Emergency Services and the Emergency Management Coordinator for the Township)
said the following about the Chief:</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">"<i>I was introduced to
the Slackwood Fire Company at the age of 16. The Chief was Rudy Fuessel,
and he knew my father, a Trenton Firefighter. When I started to hang
around the firehouse, even to a young man like myself, it was apparent that
Chief Fuessel was indeed the leader. He instilled a sense of respect,
honor, and commitment in the membership. That was his make-up. He made
sure mistakes never happened twice and guided you with knowledge and wisdom far
beyond expectations. Chief Fuessel always expected 100% on the
fire grounds, and when he told you he was proud of you for what you had done,
you truly believed him. We affectionately called him "Dad"
because that's what he was to us, a second father. A few people in my
life shaped my firefighting career, Chief Rudy Fuessel being predominant</i>."</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: white;"> Ron
Dziminski (retired City of Trenton Firefighter and longtime member of Slackwood
Fire Company) said, "<i>Rudy (aka 210) was a true hero to me! He was the man
that pushed me into becoming a professional firefighter more than 30 years ago.
As a volunteer firefighter, he taught many young volunteers and me throughout
the state. The most important lesson I learned from him was that a true hero
doesn't wear a cape, they wear a uniform, and they put their lives on the line
24/7. Thank you for your service and the knowledge you shared with many of us.
Rest in peace, 210.</i>"<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #990000; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: white;"> He
was a giant of a man at a time when there aren't many giants left. No one will
match his years of dedicated service to this community and his calling as a
firefighter. We are left with his long legacy of service to the community and
his positive impact on the many lives that crossed paths with him. He was,
simply put, a good man that lived a life of service to others. I can't think of
much better than that to say about anyone. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
ask all of you to pray for his wife, family, friends, and fellow firefighters as
they grieve his loss in their lives. Rest in Peace, Rudolph A. “Rudy” Fuessel.
God bless you, Sir. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ6GVM6ie6n9dBqQw4d7O95YhegQkgQc0M6m7wXycQbNj-m2ZJb4rOXy7vZiNYEMubEYZxpZKFsmhvdcLWrW_AgkvY9fnw9EzHhsJd2QJKwZmJdplhmMnCjf-A_-1lQNZg2JTdaC3o0kYKa9tqnJQaIKsuggtwN_smBL8hOpGs0v-ISZHvbIHy1wL5=s518" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="453" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ6GVM6ie6n9dBqQw4d7O95YhegQkgQc0M6m7wXycQbNj-m2ZJb4rOXy7vZiNYEMubEYZxpZKFsmhvdcLWrW_AgkvY9fnw9EzHhsJd2QJKwZmJdplhmMnCjf-A_-1lQNZg2JTdaC3o0kYKa9tqnJQaIKsuggtwN_smBL8hOpGs0v-ISZHvbIHy1wL5=s320" width="280" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_UYloo5z2zwy1FcHXZrXkkO8EpHDGQpkQYG2nVbcz9R6_OF4PgKUQJhH2EsxXfybNWoHhe7l92sMLGfVNlVV1Rtz9VoJV6BZeY3OIG7ADWkrfZGw4yZgQmdKW5oP0-Q6MnS274PUHoQ05qHbJoE-DRshSduUAGSfFJhmkBy1CQztaCP4O_3Rs9ef_=s338" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="226" data-original-width="338" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_UYloo5z2zwy1FcHXZrXkkO8EpHDGQpkQYG2nVbcz9R6_OF4PgKUQJhH2EsxXfybNWoHhe7l92sMLGfVNlVV1Rtz9VoJV6BZeY3OIG7ADWkrfZGw4yZgQmdKW5oP0-Q6MnS274PUHoQ05qHbJoE-DRshSduUAGSfFJhmkBy1CQztaCP4O_3Rs9ef_=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658903760477334073noreply@blogger.com0