Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Their View: Courier and Home News Tribune Urge Caution on LibraryPlan
To see the Courier News and Home News Tribune editorial on the library plans being considered by the Zoning Board of Adjustment, click here
Over 200 Turn Out to Clean Up
(reader submitted)
Over 200 resident turned out on April 17th for South Plainfield's annual litter clean-up, an all-volunteer event sponsored by the Environmental Commission and the Clean Communities Advisory Board.
Volunteers gathered 165 bags of trash at last count by cleaning 6.3 miles of roads and 67 acres of open land. In all, volunteers picked up over half a ton of trash, everything ranging from fast-food wrappers to plastic soda bottles,.
According to Dr. Alice Tempel, the borough's environmental specialist, she's noticed a trend recently, and it's a good one: The past two years have seen a decline in the amount of trash on our roadways. "We may be making progress in the fight against litter and illegal dumping," she explained.
Over 200 resident turned out on April 17th for South Plainfield's annual litter clean-up, an all-volunteer event sponsored by the Environmental Commission and the Clean Communities Advisory Board.
Volunteers gathered 165 bags of trash at last count by cleaning 6.3 miles of roads and 67 acres of open land. In all, volunteers picked up over half a ton of trash, everything ranging from fast-food wrappers to plastic soda bottles,.
According to Dr. Alice Tempel, the borough's environmental specialist, she's noticed a trend recently, and it's a good one: The past two years have seen a decline in the amount of trash on our roadways. "We may be making progress in the fight against litter and illegal dumping," she explained.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
New Board Members Take Office
New Board of Education members Chris Hubner and Gary Stevenson took their oath of office last night, joined by returning Board members Debbie Boyle and Pio Pennisi.
Boyle was the top vote-getter in last week's election, followed by Hubner and Stevenson. Pennisi was sworn in to a one-year term and fills the spot created when Tim Morgan resigned last month.
Once the new members were voted in, they chose current Board President Jim Giannakis to continue in that role, with Pennisi being elected vice president. Giannakis appointed Boyle to a one-year spot as delegate to the New Jersey School Boards Association, with Board member Sharon Miller being named alternate.
Boyle was the top vote-getter in last week's election, followed by Hubner and Stevenson. Pennisi was sworn in to a one-year term and fills the spot created when Tim Morgan resigned last month.
Once the new members were voted in, they chose current Board President Jim Giannakis to continue in that role, with Pennisi being elected vice president. Giannakis appointed Boyle to a one-year spot as delegate to the New Jersey School Boards Association, with Board member Sharon Miller being named alternate.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Contamination Delays New Market Extension
Progress on the already-delayed New Market Avenue extension hit another roadblock with the discovery of contaminated soil. To find out more, click here
Friday, April 23, 2010
Zoning Board Debates Library Move
The Zoning Board of Adjustment is considering whether to grant a use variance to the Library Board, which would allow the Board to move the library to Montrose Avenue.
The site is zoned for light industrial and commercial. The zone prohibits libraries unless the applicant obtains a use variance.
To read the Courier News article on the library's move, click here
The site is zoned for light industrial and commercial. The zone prohibits libraries unless the applicant obtains a use variance.
To read the Courier News article on the library's move, click here
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Governor Visits SP
Governor Chris Christie visited South Plainfield yesterday to talk about renewable energy. To read the story, click here
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Voters Say "No" to Schools Budget
Voters tonight turned down a $52 million schools budget that included a seven-point tax increase. Had the budget passed, it would have meant a $100 increase for the average homeowner whose house is assessed at $122,000.
The budget will now go to the Borough Council, which by law can cut as little or as much as it deems necessary.
Most polling places reported high turnout, with returns showing that about 25% of eligible voters went to the polls. The final tally showed 1,398 people voting yes and 2,096 voting no.
In addition to the budget, three Board of Education seats were also on the ballot, with three residents seeking those spots. Next week the Board will swear in incumbent Debbie Boyle to a second term, as well as newcomers Christopher Hubner and Gary Stevenson. Boyle was the top vote getter, with 2,131 votes, followed by Hubner with 1,930 and Stevenson with 1,901.
The budget will now go to the Borough Council, which by law can cut as little or as much as it deems necessary.
Most polling places reported high turnout, with returns showing that about 25% of eligible voters went to the polls. The final tally showed 1,398 people voting yes and 2,096 voting no.
In addition to the budget, three Board of Education seats were also on the ballot, with three residents seeking those spots. Next week the Board will swear in incumbent Debbie Boyle to a second term, as well as newcomers Christopher Hubner and Gary Stevenson. Boyle was the top vote getter, with 2,131 votes, followed by Hubner with 1,930 and Stevenson with 1,901.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Town Borrows $800,000 for Golden Parachutes
After obtaining permission from the State, the Mayor and Council tonight put the finishing touches on a plan to borrow $800,000 to help pay sick and vacation payouts to retiring Borough employees.
According to CFO/Administrator Glenn Cullen, about 15% of the Borough's workforce is retiring this year, and these retirements account for over 40% of the town's accumulated sick and vacation leave. The cost for retirement payouts is unprecedented this year and is expected to top a million dollars. This is about four times what the Borough normally pays in a year.
Most of the retiring employees were hired in the early to mid 1980s, when the Borough did not have a policy in place capping sick or vacation time, and because of that, several retirees either have received or will receive over $100,000 upon retirement.
By borrowing part of the money for the payouts, the Council hopes to avoid the huge spike in the tax rate that would otherwise occur if the funds were paid out of current expense. The cost will now be spread over five years, with the town taking advantage of a low-interest loan to keep the costs down.
According to CFO/Administrator Glenn Cullen, about 15% of the Borough's workforce is retiring this year, and these retirements account for over 40% of the town's accumulated sick and vacation leave. The cost for retirement payouts is unprecedented this year and is expected to top a million dollars. This is about four times what the Borough normally pays in a year.
Most of the retiring employees were hired in the early to mid 1980s, when the Borough did not have a policy in place capping sick or vacation time, and because of that, several retirees either have received or will receive over $100,000 upon retirement.
By borrowing part of the money for the payouts, the Council hopes to avoid the huge spike in the tax rate that would otherwise occur if the funds were paid out of current expense. The cost will now be spread over five years, with the town taking advantage of a low-interest loan to keep the costs down.
Brembt Becomes Chief; New Market to Get Upgrade
The Borough Council promoted Captain Paul Brembt to acting Police Chief tonight, effective immediately. To see the Courier News and Home News Tribune profile on Captain Brembt, click here.
Brembt takes over for retiring Chief John Ferraro. Ferraro is officially on the books for six more months, so Brembt will be acting chief in the meantime. His official appointment will come in September.
In addition to the promotion, the Council also approved a major road reconstruction project for part of New Market Avenue. The project will cost $675,000, with $356,000 coming from a state grant. It includes road reconstruction, as well as curbing, driveway aprons, and ADA curbing.
The reconstruction will begin near South Clinton Avenue and end east of Highland Avenue. It is expected to take several weeks, with construction to begin in a few months.
Residents have been complaining about the condition of the road since it was made a truck route about two years ago. In addition to repairing the road itself, the reconstruction project is expected to reduce the noise and vibrations caused by the trucks.
Brembt takes over for retiring Chief John Ferraro. Ferraro is officially on the books for six more months, so Brembt will be acting chief in the meantime. His official appointment will come in September.
In addition to the promotion, the Council also approved a major road reconstruction project for part of New Market Avenue. The project will cost $675,000, with $356,000 coming from a state grant. It includes road reconstruction, as well as curbing, driveway aprons, and ADA curbing.
The reconstruction will begin near South Clinton Avenue and end east of Highland Avenue. It is expected to take several weeks, with construction to begin in a few months.
Residents have been complaining about the condition of the road since it was made a truck route about two years ago. In addition to repairing the road itself, the reconstruction project is expected to reduce the noise and vibrations caused by the trucks.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Your View: Budget Should Go Down; Board Still Optimistic
Over 58% of readers say in an 07080 web poll that they will vote "no" on this year's school budget. About 41% held the opposite view, saying they will support the budget when they go to the polls.
The $52 million budget will raise taxes about four percent, which means a $100 increase for the average home assessed at $122,000. The jump would have been higher but for a correction that will appear on this year's tax bills. The mistake occurred a few years ago when officials over-taxed residents by several hundred thousand dollars.
As it stands, the budget includes staff and program cuts caused by a drop in state aid. It will result in 33 layoffs, and several sports programs are being eliminated, including all freshman sports, winter track, competition cheerleading, swimming, and fall weight training. The district also cut summer school and the adult high school.
But according to Business Administrator Richard Guarini, the budget also includes money for pay increases. Guarini announced at Thursday night's budget meeting that over $1 million is set aside for teacher raises.
The $52 million budget will raise taxes about four percent, which means a $100 increase for the average home assessed at $122,000. The jump would have been higher but for a correction that will appear on this year's tax bills. The mistake occurred a few years ago when officials over-taxed residents by several hundred thousand dollars.
As it stands, the budget includes staff and program cuts caused by a drop in state aid. It will result in 33 layoffs, and several sports programs are being eliminated, including all freshman sports, winter track, competition cheerleading, swimming, and fall weight training. The district also cut summer school and the adult high school.
But according to Business Administrator Richard Guarini, the budget also includes money for pay increases. Guarini announced at Thursday night's budget meeting that over $1 million is set aside for teacher raises.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
SP Junior Baseball Opening Day Pics
To see pics of the parade celebrating the opening day of baseball in SP, click here
SPHS Baseball Triumphs Over Woodbridge
To see the Courier News & Home News Tribune story on SPHS's win over Woodbridge, click here
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
272 Units Approved for Celebrations
The Planning Board last night approved an application to build 272 multi-family housing units (apartments and condos) on the site of the old Tingley Rubber factory. The project, known as Celebrations, was originally supposed to be restricted to those 55 and over, but a new law passed last summer allowed the owners to come back and seek to remove the age restriction.
The vote to approve the project was 6-3, with board members Bill Thomas, Paul Grzenda, and Mary Beth Khidre voting against the plan.
Mayor Charles Butrico, Councilman Franky Salerno, and former Mayor Dan Gallagher voted "yes," as did board members John Papanastasiou, Jack Pederson, and John Mocharski.
07080 tried to contact the mayor and councilman by e-mail for comments regarding the decision. No response has been recieved as of yet.
The vote to approve the project was 6-3, with board members Bill Thomas, Paul Grzenda, and Mary Beth Khidre voting against the plan.
Mayor Charles Butrico, Councilman Franky Salerno, and former Mayor Dan Gallagher voted "yes," as did board members John Papanastasiou, Jack Pederson, and John Mocharski.
07080 tried to contact the mayor and councilman by e-mail for comments regarding the decision. No response has been recieved as of yet.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Breaking News: Mayor's Race will Pit English Against Anesh
Democrat Michael English will take on Republican Matt Anesh in this year's race for mayor. English is filling the spot of current Mayor Charles Butrico, who chose not to run for re-election.
English is a former mayor and former school-board member. Anesh currently serves as council president.
In addition to mayor, there are two three-year seats on the Borough Council up for grabs. The Republican Party will back incumbent Councilmen Tim McConville and Ray Rusnak, and the Democrats will be supporting newcomers Jeff Williams and John Sorrentino.
Several weeks ago, Middlesex County Republicans announced that South Plainfield resident Dick Frank will be a candidate for freeholder. There are no other South Plainfield residents on the ballot this year from either party. By contrast, last year several residents sought county or state offices, including Frank, who ran for freeholder, and Patrick Diegnan and Robert Jones, who ran for state assembly.
English is a former mayor and former school-board member. Anesh currently serves as council president.
In addition to mayor, there are two three-year seats on the Borough Council up for grabs. The Republican Party will back incumbent Councilmen Tim McConville and Ray Rusnak, and the Democrats will be supporting newcomers Jeff Williams and John Sorrentino.
Several weeks ago, Middlesex County Republicans announced that South Plainfield resident Dick Frank will be a candidate for freeholder. There are no other South Plainfield residents on the ballot this year from either party. By contrast, last year several residents sought county or state offices, including Frank, who ran for freeholder, and Patrick Diegnan and Robert Jones, who ran for state assembly.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
No-Knock Ordinance Added
Find out about the new ordinance that allows you to be added to a no-knock list. Click here.
Riley Fourth Grader Wins Essay Contest
Kaylee Horne, a fourth grader at Riley School, entered and won for the district, the "What New Jersey Means to Me" essay contest. Senator Barbara Buono presented Kaylee with her award at a ceremony held on March 24, 2010 in the Riley School gym. The ceremony was attended by her classmates, teachers, Mr. Czech, Mr. Negron and several school board members. Below is her essay:
To read Kaylee's essay, click "read more" below:
Friday, April 9, 2010
Sewer Rate Up After County Jacks Up Costs
South Plainfield sewer rates will go up about $15 a year due to a rate hike by Middlesex County. Read about it here.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Land Sale One of Many Cost-Cutting Ideas Cosidered
Courier News & Home News Tribune report on the many ways South Plainfield is looking to cut costs.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Anesh Announces Bid for Mayor
Update: Courier News & Home News Tribune Story on Anesh's Announcement
(Reader Submitted Story)
Council President Matt Anesh has announced that he will be seeking the Republican nomination for mayor. Anesh is a two-term councilman and received the most votes for council in November, when he was elected a second time to the council.
“I’m excited about bringing new leadership to South Plainfield,” said Anesh in announcing his bid. “This is probably the most challenging time in recent memory to be in local government,” he said. “The mistakes of the past twenty to thirty years are catching up, and we need strong, effective leadership to fix them and get us on the right path. That’s something I know I can do for South Plainfield.”
Councilman Rob Bengivenga, who ran for council last year with Anesh, called the decision “good news” for South Plainfield. “Matt will make a superb mayor,” Bengivenga said. “He knows how to work with people and how to lead in a way that brings everybody together.”
Councilman Ray Rusnak echoed Bengivenga’s enthusiasm: “Matt will be a very different type of mayor than we’ve seen in the past. He knows the importance of listening, collaborating, and working together. He’s always taken a bipartisan approach to governing and he’s shown he can be both independent and effective.”
“Matt’s focus is the future,” added Councilman Tim McConville. “He’s about looking to the future, not the past, and making the decisions today that will make South Plainfield better tomorrow.”
(Reader Submitted Story)
Council President Matt Anesh has announced that he will be seeking the Republican nomination for mayor. Anesh is a two-term councilman and received the most votes for council in November, when he was elected a second time to the council.
“I’m excited about bringing new leadership to South Plainfield,” said Anesh in announcing his bid. “This is probably the most challenging time in recent memory to be in local government,” he said. “The mistakes of the past twenty to thirty years are catching up, and we need strong, effective leadership to fix them and get us on the right path. That’s something I know I can do for South Plainfield.”
Councilman Rob Bengivenga, who ran for council last year with Anesh, called the decision “good news” for South Plainfield. “Matt will make a superb mayor,” Bengivenga said. “He knows how to work with people and how to lead in a way that brings everybody together.”
Councilman Ray Rusnak echoed Bengivenga’s enthusiasm: “Matt will be a very different type of mayor than we’ve seen in the past. He knows the importance of listening, collaborating, and working together. He’s always taken a bipartisan approach to governing and he’s shown he can be both independent and effective.”
“Matt’s focus is the future,” added Councilman Tim McConville. “He’s about looking to the future, not the past, and making the decisions today that will make South Plainfield better tomorrow.”
Monday, April 5, 2010
Bidders a No-Show at Land Sale
The Borough Council was hoping to net over $600,000 from a land sale tonight, but something got in the way: lack of bidders.
The property, which sits on Plainfield Avenue, was slated for a new library before voters turned down the plan in 2008. After the Library Board of Trustees voted to move their facility to Montrose Avenue last month, the Council decided to sell the property to offset extraordinary costs from retirements in this year's budget.
Mayor Charles Butrico opened the bidding during the Council's regular business meeting tonight, but nobody stepped up to bid. Onlookers blamed the poor economy and struggling real-estate market for the lack of interest.
In other business, the Council voted to ask the state to allow it to borrow $1.1 million to cover sick and vacation payouts from retirements. Borough policy allows employees to bank unlimited sick and vacation time and then get paid for it upon retirement.
This year, the Borough is facing the most retirements it's ever seen in one year, with the sick-and-vacation payouts estimated to break the million-dollar mark. In fact, nearly half a dozen employees have received or will receive payouts topping $100,000.
The borrowing plan would offset these one-time costs with a low-interest loan and spread them over three years.
A new state law signed by Governor Christie last week limits payouts to $15,000, but it does not affect employees already in the system.
The property, which sits on Plainfield Avenue, was slated for a new library before voters turned down the plan in 2008. After the Library Board of Trustees voted to move their facility to Montrose Avenue last month, the Council decided to sell the property to offset extraordinary costs from retirements in this year's budget.
Mayor Charles Butrico opened the bidding during the Council's regular business meeting tonight, but nobody stepped up to bid. Onlookers blamed the poor economy and struggling real-estate market for the lack of interest.
In other business, the Council voted to ask the state to allow it to borrow $1.1 million to cover sick and vacation payouts from retirements. Borough policy allows employees to bank unlimited sick and vacation time and then get paid for it upon retirement.
This year, the Borough is facing the most retirements it's ever seen in one year, with the sick-and-vacation payouts estimated to break the million-dollar mark. In fact, nearly half a dozen employees have received or will receive payouts topping $100,000.
The borrowing plan would offset these one-time costs with a low-interest loan and spread them over three years.
A new state law signed by Governor Christie last week limits payouts to $15,000, but it does not affect employees already in the system.
Your View: SP Public Employees Should Take Freeze
An overwhelming number of readers participating in an 07080 web poll say public employees, like teachers and police, should take a pay freeze to help balance the Borough and school board's budgets.
Of the 64 people taking the poll, 78% favored a one-year freeze. The remainder (21%) disagreed, saying there is no need for it.
Wage freezes have been a hot topic ever since Governor Chris Christie reduced state aid to schools and municipalities last month, citing the state's dire finances resulting from a $10.5 billion budget deficit. Since then, Christie has been urging school employees to take a one-year freeze, pointing out the disparity between raises in the public and private sectors.
Board of Education member Debbie Boyle recently called upon the school district's unions to freeze their wages for one year, but the unions never responded to her request. As a result, the board enacted a budget with over 30 staff layoffs (teachers, aids, and secretaries), along with program cuts that include elimination of summer school and freshman sports. The planned $52 million budget will also raise taxes by slightly over $100 per household.
The Borough is also looking at ways to cut. Although it's already eliminated a half dozen jobs through attrition, more layoffs are likely. The Borough has also discussed renegotiating its contracts as a means to balance its budget, which will be down $700,000 in state aid. In addition, the Borough is facing several hundred thousand dollars in retirement costs from workers who are entitled to unlimited compensation for unused sick and vacation time.
Of the 64 people taking the poll, 78% favored a one-year freeze. The remainder (21%) disagreed, saying there is no need for it.
Wage freezes have been a hot topic ever since Governor Chris Christie reduced state aid to schools and municipalities last month, citing the state's dire finances resulting from a $10.5 billion budget deficit. Since then, Christie has been urging school employees to take a one-year freeze, pointing out the disparity between raises in the public and private sectors.
Board of Education member Debbie Boyle recently called upon the school district's unions to freeze their wages for one year, but the unions never responded to her request. As a result, the board enacted a budget with over 30 staff layoffs (teachers, aids, and secretaries), along with program cuts that include elimination of summer school and freshman sports. The planned $52 million budget will also raise taxes by slightly over $100 per household.
The Borough is also looking at ways to cut. Although it's already eliminated a half dozen jobs through attrition, more layoffs are likely. The Borough has also discussed renegotiating its contracts as a means to balance its budget, which will be down $700,000 in state aid. In addition, the Borough is facing several hundred thousand dollars in retirement costs from workers who are entitled to unlimited compensation for unused sick and vacation time.
Friday, April 2, 2010
No More Sorting! New Recycle Plan Starts Monday
South Plainfield's new recycling schedule starts Monday, and here's the best part: no more sorting!
The new plan will save the Borough just short of $30,000 per year (over the county plan) and includes what's called "Single Stream Recycling." That means putting all your recyclables in one container (paper, plastic and metal). According to the Borough website, people can now put out an unlimited amount of recyclables too.
There are some changes though. The town is broken into ten districts, so most people will see their pick-up date change.
The new plan came about after the council bid out the recycling plan for the first time. Several haulers submitted sealed bids, and Midco Waste had the lowest. Midco already serves many of the households in town.
To get the word out about the changes the town used an automated phone call directing people to the Borough website. Midco is also mailing residents a recycling schedule, as well as publishing the schedule in a local newspaper.
The new plan will save the Borough just short of $30,000 per year (over the county plan) and includes what's called "Single Stream Recycling." That means putting all your recyclables in one container (paper, plastic and metal). According to the Borough website, people can now put out an unlimited amount of recyclables too.
There are some changes though. The town is broken into ten districts, so most people will see their pick-up date change.
The new plan came about after the council bid out the recycling plan for the first time. Several haulers submitted sealed bids, and Midco Waste had the lowest. Midco already serves many of the households in town.
To get the word out about the changes the town used an automated phone call directing people to the Borough website. Midco is also mailing residents a recycling schedule, as well as publishing the schedule in a local newspaper.
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