A little look under the hood to see what's going on…..

 

             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.  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.  Though at times frustrating to navigate through, these laws are a good thing enacted with the best intentions.  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!  Trust me when I tell you that work is happening even if it is not visible from your vantage point.  

            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:

 The Pit Stop

             The "Pit Stop" is more formally known as 1175 Lawrence Road.   Historically, it was the site of several gasoline service stations, the last being the "Pit Stop."  To get you up to speed, I encourage you to check out my April 10, 2019, and July 12, 2021 articles in this blog.  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.  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.  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.

 Hero Dog Park

             Hero Dog Park will be constructed at the long underused Hamnett Park located on Ohio Avenue.  Please refer to my June 1, 2021, and June 17, 2021 blog articles for more background information.  We have the park advancing through the design plan phase (as we continue to hunt for grant funding).  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.  

Brunswick Streetscape

             Yeah, this one is taking long!  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.  We anticipate bidding on the project for construction in the fall of this year.

 Craven Lane Improvements

             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.  We are also in the running for additional grant funding that may be a gamechanger on this project!

 Colonial Lake Park Improvements

             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.  We also intend to improve the recently acquired portion of the park (adjacent to the bowling lane) as a passive park with enhanced parking.

Electric Vehicle Fleet and Infrastructure

             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.

Cold Soil Road Improvement

            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.

LA Fitness

             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.  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.  So far, we can all agree that LSC is making a solid comeback with further improvements pledged by the owners.  Keep supporting our local businesses!

40 Enterprise Avenue Site

             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.   And before you say we don't need more warehouses in our town, I remind you that it doesn't work that way.  We don't get to tell private property owners what to do on their land.  Please refer to my December 1, 2020, blog article that explains the development process.  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. 

 

Shoulda Coulda Woulda is not a great plan during a pandemic....

        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. 

        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. 

        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.

        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.

        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.

        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. 

        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!

Mercer County Covid-19 Cases Chart:

Rest In Peace, Rudolph A. "Rudy" Fuessel (1936 - 2022)

             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.

             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.

             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.

             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.

             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:

             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:

 "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."

 "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."

             Jack Oakley (Chief of Fire and Emergency Services and the Emergency Management Coordinator for the Township) said the following about the Chief:

 "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."

            Ron Dziminski (retired City of Trenton Firefighter and longtime member of Slackwood Fire Company) said, "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."

            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.

             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. 

Helping Our Seniors Connect with Our Community....

 

            Since March 2020, we have all been forced to navigate through something new and challenging;  a world health pandemic known as Covid-19.  We are doing better in limiting the spread of the virus and reducing the consequences of infection by following through on strategies of masking, social distancing, testing, and vaccinations.  It hasn’t been easy, and we have not all chosen to join together to fight this thing, but we are getting through and hopefully, the better days we see ahead are real and attainable.  But there is one group in our community that has suffered most from the isolation made necessary to protect against the spread of the virus upon a vulnerable population, our Senior citizens.   

        Whether Seniors with family members fearful of infecting them and keeping their distance, Seniors with no family who rely upon meeting other Seniors at organized events and gatherings that are now infrequent if at all, or Seniors who were homebound before the pandemic that found themselves dip deeper into their solitary lives, most are feeling disconnected and lonely as never before.  Now, more than ever, we all need to do something to reach out to them in some small or big way.   

            You may have heard of our Senior Connect newsletter, but never taken the time to participate in its goal to help Seniors feel connected and informed about the community they reside in.  The link to it can be found on our website at www.lawrencetwp.com .  The latest newsletter is here: https://www.lawrencetwp.com/media/Departments/Community%20Aide/Senior%20Connect%202.15.22.pdf.

             Here is my pitch to you:  So, you are asking what little thing you can do that may make a positive difference in someone else's life? I have the perfect easy and caring act you can do for a fellow Senior resident of Lawrence Township.   If you have an elderly relative, friend, or neighbor that you are pretty sure is not on the internet and receiving community news, how about taking some initiative and printing out our Senior Connect newsletter and delivering it to them with a friendly smile and greeting? Senior Connect is meant to give Senior residents a social media experience in hard copy for their easy read and enjoyment, and keep them informed and....wait for it.....feel connected!

            Three good things happen: 1) You are doing a selfless act for someone in need; 2) You engage and interact with a Senior who may really be feeling alienated and alone during this really difficult pandemic time, and 3) The Senior feels better connected to the community and knows someone cares enough to do this for them.  I am sure there are more good things that come out of this, but those are my big three.  The simple and greater goal of this is to have people act with a good heart and let the Senior know someone cares. Corny - yes, I know.... but I think we need a lot more "corny" in my opinion.   If you are a Senior and you would like to receive a copy of the newsletter, please ask a family member, friend, neighbor or Craig Dinwoodie, our Community Aide to print you out a copy.  He can be reached at his office number (609) 844 7074 or his email cdinwoodie@lawrencetwp.com.  He is the staff member that creates this monthly newsletter and is doing a great job!   Peace and love…..Peace and love!!!

2022 Lawrence Township Recommended Municipal Budget Message

FOREWORD:  A "recommended" budget is intended to be exactly as it is named; a budget as recommended by the Municipal Manager and the Chief Financial Officer to the governing body.  It is a starting point for the public budget process (work on the budget actually begins in October of the prior year).  In our form of government (i.e., Council-Manager), the elected officials (i.e., the five elected council members) have the responsibility to review and, if they deem appropriate, revise the budget in some manner that the majority of the council members support and they believe is in the best interest of the community. Ultimately, the elected officials will be required to vote on whether to adopt the final version of the budget as it goes through the review process.   

Our process involves multiple public meetings (open to the public) that include each department head (i.e., Police, Fire/EMS, Public Works, Health, Recreation, Municipal Court, Finance and Construction) appearing before the governing body to discuss their departmental budget, its needs, and the forecasting of issues that may negatively or positively impact its operations.  During these presentations, council members ask questions to better understand the budget as presented to them for consideration.  After all department heads have presented,  we then have the "Introduction of the 2022 Municipal Budget" which may very well be different than the document introduced.  Finally, we have a public hearing on the adoption of the budget.  In every calendar year, there are important "budget" dates that guide the preparation and adoption of our municipal budget.  For 2022, they are as follows:

1.  December 31, 2021 is the close of the 2021 Fiscal Year;

2. January 18, 2022 is the date the Recommended Budget is offered to Council;

3. January 31, 2022 is the date that the Annual Debt Statement is due to the Division of Local Government Services for the State of New Jersey;

4. February 10, 2022 is the date that our Annual Financial Statement is due to the Division of Local Government Services for the State of New Jersey;

5. March 15, 2022 is the date we are targeting to Introduce the Municipal Budget to Council;

6. April 19, 2022 is the date scheduled for the Public Hearing for the Adoption of our 2022 Budget.

The following is a budget message that I have prepared that is intended to offer some reasoning behind the budget we have recommended. 

2022 Lawrence Township Budget Recommendation

            The world health pandemic known as Covid-19 continues to dominate our thought process and considerations for the preparation of the 2022 municipal budget.  To be candid, as recent as this past November, we were fairly confident that we were past the worst of the pandemic and would be able to return to a budget that plans for a certain near and distant future.  But, given the resurgence of the virus and a faster spreading variant (Omicron), the confidence that we are trending toward pre-pandemic normalcy is no longer present.  However, over the course of these past two years, we have learned how to address the challenges the pandemic has wreaked upon us and, most importantly, we understand that this situation is and always will be fluid, and demands us to be ready, willing and able to adjust to whatever confronts us.   

            In crafting the previous 2021 budget, we described our approach as “remaining calm in the eye of the storm” and delivered a budget that was less than the year before and provided for no increase in taxation in an effort to offer some relief to our residents feeling the financial impact of the pandemic.  The description we used in 2021 remains as relevant today as it did back then.  The difference, however, is that we now better understand the financial impact a pandemic can cause our municipal government, and we also know the level of financial assistance we have and will receive from our County, State, and Federal governments.  With this knowledge and experience, we can recommend a budget that is fiscally responsible with eyes wide open.  

            With inescapable increases to key appropriations that total $1,717,711 or 3.67 cents[1], we are able to craft and recommend a budget that provides for a 3.50 cent tax increase.[2]  Importantly, this budget provides for the preservation of our Surplus balance.  We have planned to use only as much as we can regenerate so that the balance does not reduce in each subsequent year.  By doing this, we are better able to maintain our high credit rating and enjoy the benefits of the best rates for financing our important community projects and infrastructure improvements.

            The recommended municipal tax rate for 2022 is .632 [“.597”] which represents a 3.5¢ increase^[3].  One (1) cent = $469,312.11.

            The Amount to be Raised by Taxation in 2022 is $29,659,134.15 [$27,760,451.69] which is $1,898,682.46 over 2021.

ü The Levy Cap Bank available from 2020 and 2021 is $1,353,473, and we will use $0 to remain within the 2% tax levy cap.  NOTE:  The 2022 Recommended Budget is $767,025 under the Levy Cap and is available for "Banking." This addition to the 2020 and 2021 banks will leave a usable "cap bank" of $2,120,498 for future budgets.       
 

ü The 2021 year-end Surplus balance is $17,529,312.69 versus a 2020 year-end balance of $17,162,489.74, an increase of $366,822.95.  

ü The Surplus balance remaining available after applying an amount as anticipated revenue will be $10,679,312.69 [$10,312,489.74], an increase of $366,822.95 over the 2020 remaining balance.        

ü The cash reserve balance for tax appeals is $6,219,491.18 [$4,119,491.18].

ü The decrease in outstanding debt continues.  The 2010 closing balance was $30,797,000.  The 2021 closing balance is $15,631,000.   

            Fiscal strength is evident as $6,850,000 in surplus (also known as Fund Balance) used in the 2020 budget has been regenerated at the close of 2021.  Fund Balance is the excess in the following Balance Sheet categories:  Amount to be Raised by Taxation, Miscellaneous Revenues Anticipated (MRA), Delinquent Taxes, Prior Year Appropriations Lapsed, and Miscellaneous Revenues Not Anticipated (MRNA). 

            In 2022, our recommendation is to utilize $6,850,000 in surplus, $15,612,169.38 in MRA, $830,000 in Delinquent Taxes and $29,659,134.15 in Amount to be Raised for Taxes.  The total of these balance sheet categories equates to the municipal budget of $52,951,303.53.  

---

[1] 1) ELSA increase; 2) Health Benefits increase; 3) Contractual increases to Salary & Wages; 4) New Hires (i.e., firefighter and inspectors); 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.

[2] We have been able to offset the 3.67 cent increase by certain factors within our budget (i.e., anticipated recreation fees, increase in our ratable base (i.e., Cobblestone and Amazon warehouse, etc.), QBM police staffing reimbursement, etc.)

[3] NOTE:  Figures in [ ] are 2021 amounts included for comparison.

 

 

As Covid-19 rages on......medical treatment at hospitals is compromised.

    Hey Everyone:

I just wanted to share a poignant story I heard today from our Fire/EMS Chief, Jack Oakley. An elderly, blind woman sustained a severely fractured leg and was taken to a local hospital for emergency treatment. The hospital was filled with mostly Covid-19 unvaccinated person cases and tried to deny her admission because they had no ability to treat her. But there was nowhere else to take her. She waited hours (I believe 6 hours) in pain for initial treatment having to splint her own obviously deformed, broken leg.

For all of you who say this is just the flu....or mainstream media is making this bigger than it is.....or the implementation of Covid-19 safeguards and protections (the temporary closing of schools and other buildings) is just the government taking away your personal freedoms....just take a moment (just several breaths) before you dismiss this all as nonsense. It isn't...and it is getting worse.

Waiting for severe illness or death to happen to you or a family member from this virus for the reality of this world health pandemic to sink is just too damn late. It is NOT a political issue. It's a health issue.

Yes, you can still get the virus if you are vaccinated....BUT the great majority who do get breakthrough cases get the mild version that doesn't take away valuable and limited medical resources at our hospitals. And that is the point...protecting our limited medical resources for EVERYONE who needs treatment.

I know people who say that they will NOT let this virus cause them to stop living their lives as they choose to. That is simply a dangerous, selfish choice. For those who identify with this thinking, it is fine to put your own life on the line, but you need to know you are also putting others at risk of severe illness or death. To expect a hospital bed and a ventilator should you need one is a gamble you may not win.

No one wants to live a modified lifestyle (masking when necessary, keeping a distance from others when you can, washing your hands often), but a world health pandemic....the type of which that hasn't occurred in 100 years should cause you to think that maybe for the sake of others.....you can live a modified life until this health crisis is over. No one is asking or expecting anyone to take such action forever....but just for a while. It is not an unreasonable request of any of us.

I am sorry for getting on the soapbox and sharing my thoughts, but geez, we should be doing so much better than we are.

Peace and love....Peace and love!

Visit the COVID-19 Information Center for vaccine resources.

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Lawrence Township's Grant Matrix dated January 2022

 

Below is the link to our latest Grant Matrix dated January 2022.  This tracks our applications and awards for grants for projects that improve our community.

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:18da47be-feb7-472d-be5b-c410e6547b4f

Happy New Year, Everyone!