Mayor Charles Butrico will lead the South Plainfield Labor Day Parade as this year's grand marshal.
Butrico was chosen for the honor by the Public Celebrations Committee from among several other nominees. He was elected mayor in 2006 and announced this year that he wouldn't seek re-election.
According the Borough website, the Public Celebrations Committee consists of Donald Alexa, Chrissy Buteas, Matthew Anesh, Gary Prendergast Jeffrey Williams, John Sorrentino, Jinesh Shah, Joseph Scrudato, Debra Anne Leporino, Patricia DeSantis, and Deborah Boyle.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
State Awards Funds to BOE
South Plainfield's school board has received funding from the state to renovate the boys' and girls' restrooms at the Middle School. The funds are part of the state's school facilities grant program, which were announced last week by the Department of Education.
According to a listing of grants on the Department's website, the total project will cost $230,000, with the state chipping in $92,000. The board will be responsible for the remaining $138,000.
The listing of grant information, covering the entire state, is available here
According to a listing of grants on the Department's website, the total project will cost $230,000, with the state chipping in $92,000. The board will be responsible for the remaining $138,000.
The listing of grant information, covering the entire state, is available here
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
BOE Promotes Hajduk; Music Cuts Criticized
Beginning next week Kevin Hajduk, the Middle School assistant principal, will take the reins from retiring Principal Steven J. Novak.
The Board of Education tonight unanimously voted to promote Hajduk during a special meeting at which it was also supposed to appoint a replacement for retiring High School Principal Dr. Kenneth May. That appointment was left blank on the agenda without explanation.
Board Member Carol Byrne urged the Board to work on finding new leadership for the high school "as soon as possible" and raised the possibility of appointing one of the assistant principals temporarily since school is only a month away.
Hajduk's appointment proved quite popular, with members of the audience complimenting the Board on its decision. Less popular is the Board's decision to eliminate a music teacher at Riley School. About a half dozen speakers questioned splitting three music teachers among four elementary schools.
"The students will suffer," said Riley School Principal Al Czech after approaching the podium and asking the Board to reconsider.
According Czech, the move will mean students at Riley, Kennedy, and Franklin Schools will only receive music once a week. Meanwhile, Roosevelt School students will have a dedicated teacher who visits classrooms twice weekly.
Kennedy School music teacher Barbara Habeeb echoed Czech's concerns, stating that eliminating a music teacher would require curriculum changes and lead to fewer special programs for the kids, like plays and recitals.
"It's not fair," Kennedy School parent Danielle Leonardis told the Board. Leonardis said her daughters enjoy their music classes and should not be forced to endure a cut, when at the same time, Roosevelt School students would continue with their music programs intact.
Czech, a former Athletic Director, suggested the Board look at cutting other programs, like freshman sports, instead of music. The Board recently reinstated freshman sports, which had been cut during budget negotiations in April.
Board Vice President Pio Pennisi responded to parent concerns by saying he would have his Curriculum Committee look at class sizes and "revisit" the issue. But he urged Czech and parents to "stay positive" and not "point the finger at other programs" like freshman sports. "If we do what you want, they'll be here next month," he said.
The Board of Education tonight unanimously voted to promote Hajduk during a special meeting at which it was also supposed to appoint a replacement for retiring High School Principal Dr. Kenneth May. That appointment was left blank on the agenda without explanation.
Board Member Carol Byrne urged the Board to work on finding new leadership for the high school "as soon as possible" and raised the possibility of appointing one of the assistant principals temporarily since school is only a month away.
Hajduk's appointment proved quite popular, with members of the audience complimenting the Board on its decision. Less popular is the Board's decision to eliminate a music teacher at Riley School. About a half dozen speakers questioned splitting three music teachers among four elementary schools.
"The students will suffer," said Riley School Principal Al Czech after approaching the podium and asking the Board to reconsider.
According Czech, the move will mean students at Riley, Kennedy, and Franklin Schools will only receive music once a week. Meanwhile, Roosevelt School students will have a dedicated teacher who visits classrooms twice weekly.
Kennedy School music teacher Barbara Habeeb echoed Czech's concerns, stating that eliminating a music teacher would require curriculum changes and lead to fewer special programs for the kids, like plays and recitals.
"It's not fair," Kennedy School parent Danielle Leonardis told the Board. Leonardis said her daughters enjoy their music classes and should not be forced to endure a cut, when at the same time, Roosevelt School students would continue with their music programs intact.
Czech, a former Athletic Director, suggested the Board look at cutting other programs, like freshman sports, instead of music. The Board recently reinstated freshman sports, which had been cut during budget negotiations in April.
Board Vice President Pio Pennisi responded to parent concerns by saying he would have his Curriculum Committee look at class sizes and "revisit" the issue. But he urged Czech and parents to "stay positive" and not "point the finger at other programs" like freshman sports. "If we do what you want, they'll be here next month," he said.
Courier News / Home News Tribune on SP Taxes Dropping
To read the Courier News and Home News Tribune story on South Plainfield's taxes dropping, click here
Monday, July 26, 2010
New Budget Provides $175 Tax Break
The Borough Council tonight passed a 2010 budget that will give homeowners tax relief, cut spending, and result in a smaller Borough workforce. Under the measure, the average homeowner will pay $175 less in taxes in 2010 than in 2009.
The tax reduction represents the first significant tax cut in recent memory according to Council President Matt Anesh. “Since I purchased my home I’ve never seen any significant tax relief. This is the first time.
“We made some hard decisions,” said Anesh in discussing the new budget. “In this economy, everyone has to trim costs.”
“We worked hard to cut spending yet keep services intact,” said Ray Rusnak, head of the Council’s finance committee. “Taxpayers will see the results in their tax bills. The average taxpayer will see a $175 decrease, but the best way for people to see what they saved is to compare their bills from 2009 to 2010.”
Councilman Tim McConville was pleased with the result: “It felt good to vote for a budget that lowered taxes.”
In addition to cutting taxes, the budget also streamlines borough government.
“We’ll have about a dozen fewer employees this year than last,” Anesh explained. “The result is a smaller, more efficient Borough workforce.”
But despite fewer employees, the Borough has not resorted to significant layoffs.
“We did it through attrition and reorganization,” said Rusnak. “We cut positions, not people.”
In addition to fulfilling a promise to taxpayers, the cost cutting was also required by an approximate $600,000 loss of state aid. “We had to make that amount up without raising taxes,” said Anesh.
Anesh and Rusnak also pointed to two other measures that helped bring down costs: refinancing the Borough’s debt and bidding out its recycling programs.
The Borough will save $135,000 over three years on its recycling programs, which include curbside collection and the Kenneth Avenue Recycling Center.
The tax reduction represents the first significant tax cut in recent memory according to Council President Matt Anesh. “Since I purchased my home I’ve never seen any significant tax relief. This is the first time.
“We made some hard decisions,” said Anesh in discussing the new budget. “In this economy, everyone has to trim costs.”
“We worked hard to cut spending yet keep services intact,” said Ray Rusnak, head of the Council’s finance committee. “Taxpayers will see the results in their tax bills. The average taxpayer will see a $175 decrease, but the best way for people to see what they saved is to compare their bills from 2009 to 2010.”
Councilman Tim McConville was pleased with the result: “It felt good to vote for a budget that lowered taxes.”
In addition to cutting taxes, the budget also streamlines borough government.
“We’ll have about a dozen fewer employees this year than last,” Anesh explained. “The result is a smaller, more efficient Borough workforce.”
But despite fewer employees, the Borough has not resorted to significant layoffs.
“We did it through attrition and reorganization,” said Rusnak. “We cut positions, not people.”
In addition to fulfilling a promise to taxpayers, the cost cutting was also required by an approximate $600,000 loss of state aid. “We had to make that amount up without raising taxes,” said Anesh.
Anesh and Rusnak also pointed to two other measures that helped bring down costs: refinancing the Borough’s debt and bidding out its recycling programs.
The Borough will save $135,000 over three years on its recycling programs, which include curbside collection and the Kenneth Avenue Recycling Center.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Council to Update Shadyside Park
The Borough Council voted 5-1 tonight to buy new playground equipment for Shadyside Park, the only park on the south side of Route 287.
In a rare show of bipartisanship, Democrat Councilman Franky Salerno voted yes on the proposal, while fellow Democrat Chrissy Buteas opposed the purchase.
Buteas said she disagreed with borrowing the $38,000 needed for the project.
Councilman Rob Bengivenga explained to Buteas, however, that the Borough would be receiving a low-interest loan, with a rate lower than 1%.
According to Bengivenga, borrowing is down this year compared to last year, and the equipment in place needs to be removed because it is unsafe under current standards. He said the Borough tried to obtain grant money for the project but was turned down by the county.
In other action, the Council set a special meeting for next Monday, July 26th, to formally adopt the 2010 budget, which was just approved by the state. At the last budget hearing Councilman Ray Rusnak announced that the average resident would see a $175 savings compared to 2009.
During tonight's meeting, the Council amended the budget by reducing expenses slightly. Buteas cast the lone dissenting vote, while Salerno voted yes. He was joined by Council President Matt Anesh, Bengivenga, Rusnak and Councilman Tim McConville.
In a rare show of bipartisanship, Democrat Councilman Franky Salerno voted yes on the proposal, while fellow Democrat Chrissy Buteas opposed the purchase.
Buteas said she disagreed with borrowing the $38,000 needed for the project.
Councilman Rob Bengivenga explained to Buteas, however, that the Borough would be receiving a low-interest loan, with a rate lower than 1%.
According to Bengivenga, borrowing is down this year compared to last year, and the equipment in place needs to be removed because it is unsafe under current standards. He said the Borough tried to obtain grant money for the project but was turned down by the county.
In other action, the Council set a special meeting for next Monday, July 26th, to formally adopt the 2010 budget, which was just approved by the state. At the last budget hearing Councilman Ray Rusnak announced that the average resident would see a $175 savings compared to 2009.
During tonight's meeting, the Council amended the budget by reducing expenses slightly. Buteas cast the lone dissenting vote, while Salerno voted yes. He was joined by Council President Matt Anesh, Bengivenga, Rusnak and Councilman Tim McConville.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
BOE Awards Nearly $164,000 to Retirees, Hires Lawyer
Eighteen retiring employees received at total of nearly $164,000 in reimbursement for unused sick and vacation time at Wednesday's Board of Education meeting.
The biggest payouts went to two retiring administrators, High School Principal Ken May and Middle School Principal Steve Novak. May received $37,569.28, the bulk of which was for unused vacation time. Novak received $45,400, most of which accounted for unused sick time.
Teacher payouts for unused sick time are capped at $15,000, with teachers Ann Zajkowski and William Mosca receiving the maximum. The remaining payouts ranged from $200 to $9,210.
The Board also voted to hire a lawyer for an undisclosed purpose at $160 per hour. When asked what the lawyer would be doing, board attorney Nicholas Celso declined to comment, saying it could not be disclosed. Celso also could not predict the expected cost for the services, other than to quote the hourly rate.
Speculation is that the attorney will represent BOE member Carole Byrne, who according to sources is the subject of an ethics charge filed with the State Ethics Commission. Byrne abstained from the vote, as did BOE member Debbie Boyle, who is rumored to be a witness in the case.
In other action, the Board accepted the resignation of Russ Matoon, longtime technology director. Matoon will be taking a position in Essex County.
The biggest payouts went to two retiring administrators, High School Principal Ken May and Middle School Principal Steve Novak. May received $37,569.28, the bulk of which was for unused vacation time. Novak received $45,400, most of which accounted for unused sick time.
Teacher payouts for unused sick time are capped at $15,000, with teachers Ann Zajkowski and William Mosca receiving the maximum. The remaining payouts ranged from $200 to $9,210.
The Board also voted to hire a lawyer for an undisclosed purpose at $160 per hour. When asked what the lawyer would be doing, board attorney Nicholas Celso declined to comment, saying it could not be disclosed. Celso also could not predict the expected cost for the services, other than to quote the hourly rate.
Speculation is that the attorney will represent BOE member Carole Byrne, who according to sources is the subject of an ethics charge filed with the State Ethics Commission. Byrne abstained from the vote, as did BOE member Debbie Boyle, who is rumored to be a witness in the case.
In other action, the Board accepted the resignation of Russ Matoon, longtime technology director. Matoon will be taking a position in Essex County.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
BOE Brings Back Sports
Freshman sports, swimming, and winter track are all back for the 2010-2011 school year, after the BOE voted last night to add them back into the budget. The special meeting was called to address additional funds that are avaialble since the board laid off employees and cut programs in May.
In addition to bring back sports programs, the Board also voted to bring back several staff, including Director of Adult Continuing Education, Sophia Domogala. The staff included classroom aids, as well as a nurse.
Members of the teacher's union turned out in force for the meeting, outfitted in green shirts. According to one teacher, the board and union are at a bargaining stalemate. The issue was not discussed publicly however.
In addition to bring back sports programs, the Board also voted to bring back several staff, including Director of Adult Continuing Education, Sophia Domogala. The staff included classroom aids, as well as a nurse.
Members of the teacher's union turned out in force for the meeting, outfitted in green shirts. According to one teacher, the board and union are at a bargaining stalemate. The issue was not discussed publicly however.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Gator Found in SP
A two- to three-foot alligator was found in South Plainfield in the parking lot of the Ramada Limited on Hamilton Boulevard. To read more, click here.
Borough Budget Will Give Taxpayers $150 Cut
Homeowners could see a $175 cut in the municipal portion of their tax bill under a budget proposal spearheaded by Councilman Ray Rusnak (R), head of the Council's finance committee.
The budget was the key item for discussion at Monday's Council meeting. Originally Council members were scheduled to vote on the spending plan that evening, but due to delays in the state approving it, the vote was postponed. Council members unanimously approved an estimated tax bill for the third quarter instead.
According to Rusnak, the 2010 budget trims the number of borough employees and cuts expenses. In addition, the average homeowner will see the municipal portion of the bill drop by about $175 when compared to 2009.
Mayor Charles Butrico (D) took issue with the tax reduction, saying the Borough would actually see an increase in the tax levy when compared to the last full-year budget. He said the tax levy would go up about a million dollars the way he saw it.
But Rusnak explained that the mayor's comparison was faulty because Butrico was comparing this year's calendar-year budget to a fiscal-year budget that was in place 18 months ago. In the meantime the Borough converted to a calendar year and had a six-month transition budget in between.
Rusnak said homeowners could simply compare their 2009 tax bills to their 2010 tax bills to see their savings. Another council member reminded the mayor that he himself had said this would be the proper comparison last year when the Council switched away from a fiscal-year budget and changed to a calendar year.
Based on the reduction, homeowners will also see a drop in their overall 2010 taxes. The schools part of the bill will be down slightly, but the part of the bill managed by the county will go up.
In other action, the Council approved the promotions of Lieutenant James Parker to Captain and Sergeant Philip Aquilina to Lieutenant. The two were sworn in by Council President Matt Anesh (R), and a reception at Flanagan's followed.
The budget was the key item for discussion at Monday's Council meeting. Originally Council members were scheduled to vote on the spending plan that evening, but due to delays in the state approving it, the vote was postponed. Council members unanimously approved an estimated tax bill for the third quarter instead.
According to Rusnak, the 2010 budget trims the number of borough employees and cuts expenses. In addition, the average homeowner will see the municipal portion of the bill drop by about $175 when compared to 2009.
Mayor Charles Butrico (D) took issue with the tax reduction, saying the Borough would actually see an increase in the tax levy when compared to the last full-year budget. He said the tax levy would go up about a million dollars the way he saw it.
But Rusnak explained that the mayor's comparison was faulty because Butrico was comparing this year's calendar-year budget to a fiscal-year budget that was in place 18 months ago. In the meantime the Borough converted to a calendar year and had a six-month transition budget in between.
Rusnak said homeowners could simply compare their 2009 tax bills to their 2010 tax bills to see their savings. Another council member reminded the mayor that he himself had said this would be the proper comparison last year when the Council switched away from a fiscal-year budget and changed to a calendar year.
Based on the reduction, homeowners will also see a drop in their overall 2010 taxes. The schools part of the bill will be down slightly, but the part of the bill managed by the county will go up.
In other action, the Council approved the promotions of Lieutenant James Parker to Captain and Sergeant Philip Aquilina to Lieutenant. The two were sworn in by Council President Matt Anesh (R), and a reception at Flanagan's followed.
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