At the urging of Councilman Morrison during last night's Borough Council meeting, Councilman Weber moved to have a special session on to publicly debate the budget line by line. Before the vote, some of the longer tenured Council members questioned the value of this meeting without the state aid numbers (they won't be available until mid-March) and argued the process might be better served if the Council members reviewed the budget individually, discussed any issues they had with the Borough Administrator (the Administrator puts budget together), and then presented their conclusions at the regularly scheduled meeting on March 16.
In the end, Councilman Morrison's position that there would not be enough time to get to everything during a normal Council session and that these discussions should be held publicly won out and the Council unanimously voted to hold a special meeting on March 9 at 7:30.
Oh well--the people of Edison will decide. I look forward to it.
I agree the budget is not funny...but neither is using the name ding ding Choi.
You are funny. The budget is not.
Who is writing this stuff Daniel Carver or David Duke?
ding ding Choi? Sounds racist to me!
Oh yes, I think you are so right. However, ask the question then go into your little party groups of R/D's and make your proposals to cut and come back to us with the assurance that you are not just doing a subtraction/guess exercise on paper. You and I can do that and we can smell it too. Council should be doing programmatic cuts, but you need to learn the budget to do that. Finally, you should not be wasting time proposing cuts when you do not yet know what the heck the state is cutting you in the first place.
In the end, the administrator executes the actions of the council who are supposed to represent our views. But as to oversight, these guys need to learn how to work together. Look at the closing sessions on TV. They are both on separate sides of the room now. To put it plain their body language stinks. We do not need that here and now in a time of national crisis. The 3R's are just as guilty as the 3D's.
You know if I had to reinvent Metuchen government, I would have 3R's/3 D's and a Mayor. Put the whole darn thing on live TV like we do now with a voting screen in a split screen mode on the TV and allow the council then to be the presenters of the R/D sides. We then vote from our home electronically based on which side either the R/D presentation did best and carried the day. That way the council can really be part time. The safety check would be the council could over rule as an upper house if in their view the people were wrong. Enough dreaming better chances of watching Designing Women.
What is driving property taxes and I hate to sound like drone Jim Gerhardt on 101.5 but there are three major things Salary/Pensions; indirect contributions to the Abbot School districts and affordable housing requirements (COAH) which have blown property taxes through roof in NJ and we refuse to deal with it. In other words, the state gives Metuchen less in entitlements because it puts more money into education for these Abbott districts instead of to Metuchen schools. The same goes for housing.
I would also be remiss if I did not speak of our corruption on a 10 scale in NJ. As an example, Newark's spending six or seven years ago of Homeland Security Dollars for air conditioned garbage trucks did not get us goodwill in DC either. To think that this state is now on a par or now excels both Rhode Island or Louisiana in corruption is disgusting. We are all paying for the free train ride and I just do not know where we are getting the money anymore. You know, from the sound of Corzine neither does he.
Isn't that the whole point of this process. I suppose that they could have couched these as questions -- "why is it that we are planning to spend $X more on this line item than we ever have in the past?", but at the end of the day, isn't it the same thing -- having an open questioning and discussion of the budget. It may very well be that the Administrator knows best, and that none of these suggestions make sense. But isn't asking the questions the essence of oversight?
By the way -- I would think that the first order of business should be explaining, in terms that lay people can understand, what is driving the large increase in taxes -- and how they get around the 4% cap? And -- what has happened to the $$ allocated but unspent on these line items in the past? Has that money been "saved" (and thus applied to the following year's budget?), or has it been transferred to some other line items that are consistently over-spent?
Yes you are correct state mandate. Well then, let them meet three by three and to be fair mix the R&D's or in body politic at full open session but just to learn not opine. But going forward know the budget cold before I see another proposed cut from either party.
The state Open Meetings Act says that a quorum (majority) of the Council cannot meet in private, other than in specific exceptions (such as personnel matters). The Council cannot meet as a whole with Bill to discuss the budget -- any such meeting must be properly advertised & open to the public.
"They can't all meet with Bill in private at the same time." Please enlighten me as to why our elected officials who raised their right hands can not meet with Bill at the same time? They certainly do that with him at BC meetings. If this is a possibility for some, I suggest anyone not capable of doing that and there could be some simply because they did not know what raising their right hand meant put their right hand down pick up a pen in their writing hand state the following words "Effective this date I hereby resign my office." No shame and no dishonor. I would be hard pressed to believe that any of them would do that.
They didn't appear to prose any service cuts
So what was the purpose of the department heads presenting their budgets. All budgets that came in so far before the council were decreased substantially by the administrator or the head of the department. I would imagine what was left is needed, maybe not leaf bags or water.
I think they need more information before they can make drastic cuts like they are proposing. This caviler attitude of the R's could be more harmful than good. The whole picture needs to be looked at. Besides they way this state works, Trenton will expect deeper cuts next year. How much service are we willing to give up?
They can't all meet with Bill in private at the same time.
In Edison you have to go to town hall and pick up your own leaf bags if you want them. Having pickup means the people who don't use them won't bother to get them. We don't use them. We compost our leaves. Great for the tomato garden.
That's one I agree with Justin on. Try 100-170 bags on quite a number of lawns. 20 is a drop in the bucket. Like Rich said put it to cleaning Main Street. Fred is also right. Personal delivery of bags. Personally, you think you live in Rumson and they do not even do that there. No wonder the Boro employees think we are rich. Living above our means.
Eliminating leaf bags? Aside from those homeowners who hire lawn services to remove their leaves, how will the townsfolk collect their leaves? Purchase them from a local businessman who will now reap the profits?
huh?
Justin Good Morning. That's good but your opening statement says a hell of a lot. "We recognize that there may be information we do not possess which may change our views." You just admitted that you, Chris and Will simply do not understand the budget enough yet. Nor, would I disagree or do I defend "them" your 3 D colleagues if said the same thing. I am sure they do not understand the budget either at least two of them. Rich you maybe get a pass. When you raised your right hand to take office that means what ever it takes to get the job done. Well what it takes is what it takes.
You and your other five colleagues should know the budget via either open or public meeting before you even suggest a cut. Even if everyone of your proposals which are apparently based on "Kentucky windage" are right on the mark, you still guessed at it. That ain't good. Not reassuring. May I suggest all six of you or all seven of you if you want to include Tom go at for at least one time in private with Bill to educate yourselves of any ignorances you have. If I were Bill I would tell you all to drop dead if you made 80 separate phone calls at me. I have done that too and you know what I never got fired. Bill's got Metuchen residents calling me all day long with their problems and I guarantee you those problems seem bigger then yours to them. All six or seven of you should quit wearing people out voters and municipal employees alike and learn on an economy of scale to get things done. Then go public and tell people what line by line and why as to what. But, stop making theories and assumptions like Chris did the other night on the subscription fees till you know what is really in them. Ask what is in the line line first item by item, before you assume you can make a savings.
It did not take much from the last meeting to see that all of you did not know the budget. Me, when I walk into a budget meeting either in government or private sector and I have been in both I walked into budget sessions with control of a lot more money then in Metuchen's budget I knew it cold. I sometimes did not see my family for days and you know what no one gave a rats toot. Why, because I raised my right hand. Unacceptable that none of you do, and I am not playing R or D here.
If you read this morning's paper ding ding Choi is proposing to make his job a full time one by resolution vice going to the voters. What kind of democracy is that Justin? It sounds like how people acted South Korea in the early 1980's. I would like to avoid forever the spector of an Edison/Metuchen merger here and now by you guys working together in a real budget session that educates both you and us the public with consensus on what should be cut. Timing is everything. In the past 48 hours Corzine's news articles indicate that the bomb is coming. Organization and process will be the key to preserving order. Justin, if you work that way; people will recognize what the R's or D's did and reward those who performed better in the next election despite being a "Dem" town. The voters in Metuchen are pretty smart.
Will, Chris and I would like to announce the availability of our 2009 budget discussion presentation. For those who are not aware, the Borough Administrator presented his recommended budget to the Mayor and Council last week. While he has done a good job reducing expenses, the budget as presented calls for an 8.5% or 7.3 point tax increase.
All 3 of us ran on platforms that contained open government and open budgeting as a theme. We believe you are owed an explanation of how your money is being spent and the knowledge that we have done everything within our power to control your municipal taxes. As just part of meeting our obligation to you, we present these recommendations as ways that we think we can further reduce the proposed spending plan by over $215,000 or 2.2 tax points.
We ask that you take a look at it or at a minimum attend or listen to the conversation during Monday night's special budget hearing where we will review these items. Please feel free to provide us with either positive or negative feedback. It helps us to ensure we are doing our best to carry out the will of the people.
It is my hope to provide additional slides between tomorrow and Monday night that give you a broader picture on the challenges we face and the history that has led us to this point. I will also try to answer any questions or feedback items you might have. Please understand that I will be attending my son's wrestling tourney most of the day tomorrow so I might be a little slow to respond.
http://www.justinmanley.com/dnn/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=%2fZkL7a%2fqtMM%3d&tabid=72&mid=402&forcedownload=true
Gee, seems a lot of things have destroyed our country. Must be depressing in your world.
Corporate Greed destroyed our once great country. Living beyond your means destroyed our country, Saying everyone even those who can't afford have a right to own a house that they can't afford. Spending money like drunken sailors destroyed our country. Sept. 11th basically destroyed our country particularly our economy,its been downhill ever since then.
On those trees, I am glad to see this article has generated more comment now than the trees. At least we do have our priorities straight.
I think GWB was in on the cutting down of trees, too.
The way Bush destroyed our country, none of this is surprising.
Expect more pain to come.
I don't think they want to change the way the budget is formatted. They just want to understand what is in each line item. If you ask at a BOE meeting what is in a line item, Harvier can tell you immediately. Notice they are no longer using the miscellaneous line, but have more specifically categorized some items.
Again, if that is there it is the State that mandates it and not Metuchen. No Councilmen has the authority to change it.
And the one thing that should not be allowed on the budget is the category "other" or "miscellaneous" expense.
If some department has that, they should be there to explain exactly what that means.
I agree again with you. I have lived in a half a dozen states Jersey is home but boy do we still do things out of the 19th century. Our budget methodology is state designed. Not Metuchen designed. Such that it is a methodology. You will note that it has categories which have descriptions which lead one to think something is in an object class other than what it is. Example-Chris' question about library subscriptions the other night in each different department and Bill's answer that the money in question was not for that but grouped there because that is where the state identifies it should go. Bill is the authority on it, not Chris. But to do it the right way you and Chris want means you have to change the state not Metuchen's way of doing business. We have been doing this methodology in the state for many and R/D governor. If you told me back to Woodrow Wilson, I would not be surprised. For those of you who do not know Wilson was our governor before he was President. He was from VA. Sorry John history is not going to replicate the same on you. I woul be scared with you in another real war for Democracy.
The State deadline to file for extraordinary aid is April 1st this year. Usually it's the middle of March. In order to apply for the aid, the budget has to be introduced by Council. It can certainly be amended after introduction but some on Council think we should do just what you said. Get our ducks in a row, talk with the public and prepare to deal with whatever happens. Sitting around and just blaming the State is not a good plan.
I agree with your points, there are things that just can not be changed because of mandates. Sure, there might be things that can't be touched (contract salaries, police car milage) but without knowing where all the money is going, there is no way to know if there are saving opportunities.
If we have to wait for the state allocations anyway, what is the time frame crunch for looking at what we are proposing? Why not have our ducks in a row when that number comes down so we will know where we can cut or where we can increase depending on what the state does?
Everything in the budget should be categorized in different sections. Must have (which can't be touched) nice to haves and want to have. That way when the final number does come down, everything is already prioritized.
Ummm I agree with you comments. The objections to line items review are not so clear cut. Two possibilities and both may apply. First the amount of time involved in to do a line item review may not be feasible or realistic. Second, an NJ budget (local or state) is not the Federal budget. Towns do and very quickly run into charges of Municipal interference on budget cuts such as public safety. Try and cut the required number of fire arms qualifications by cutting the number of rounds fired and you got interference with police. Make no doubt. That is just one example. Years ago, the state had a ruling that no police car in any municipality may exceed 100K in mileage. I bet they still do. If we have a police car over 100K and our Council said too bad use it, well the poop hits the fan. At times it is very questionable with all the mandates and requirements the state levies when someone went over the line. In this state they slap the action on you before you realized you went too far even in an honest attempt. That is out of everyone's control.
Ah that tracks on Vahalla. Thank you.
True. Mayor Vahalla announced a salary freeze at the Feb 2nd meeting. From the minutes on the Boro site: Mayor Vahalla stated that due to the economic time, there will be a hold on raises for non-union employees until the Borough knows what the budget is. The Mayor stated that all contractual obligations will be honored.
Ummm, making comments on a site doesn't make you a blogger, it makes you a poster.
The people that write the initial articles are bloggers. Good ones from what I can tell.
What Chris did at the meeting in calling for a public line by line review of the budget should be commended. I don't understand some on the councils objections to that. Didn't Obama campaign with the issue of going through the federal budget line by line? Why should we expect anything less in our town. I know our council isn't full time, but our budget isn't as large as the federal budget either.
I find it interesting that members who objected to a line by line review would be willing to send the finalized budget to Trenton without knowing exactly what is in it. Their names go on it, one would think they would want to know.
Ed and the silent majority, of which Tom and Rick were a part of. Over $5 million in surplus, gone. $14 million in capital spending, yikes. 0% tax increases? Dumb.
You know I learned a long time ago. If you say something nasty about someone directly post in true name. People can respect that. Otherwise post something that is focused on the direct problem which is the special meeting on the budget. If Ed was a D or an R. I could careless. He is not the Mayor anymore. Just like when Choi is out of office, he will not be the Mayor anymore.
If the shoe fits...
"It's all Ed's fault."
Nothing but the same old finger pointing...
You are not going to get people to relax. The rest of your statement does not even come close to getting someone to relax. Some blogger here just said Tom made a statement on freezes. True or False? Who knows. If he does not respond we can assume what we want. Who got us here? Both you I and everyone else in Metuchen. And, no Metuchen still is notmerging into Edison. If this is an R Blog trying to score point ain't going to work and if D's are not going to win either.
History surely shows us that the town was managed about as well as Enron over a period of 5-7 years after the turn of the century. 0% tax increases during economic good times while wasting away the reserves at a staggering rate and borrowing money like there was no tomorrow has led Metuchen into a hole that will take more years to get out of than it took to get into. There's no doubt that these decisions were politically convenient and nothing more. The Republicans promised to open it up and show everyone where we're at. They seem to want to discuss items and work with the public to seek common ground and try to keep the tax increases as low as possible while of course not destroying the morale of the employees. I haven't heard a proposal from anyone so it's probably best if people just relax and see what is said Monday night. There is no pending vote, just a discussion. See what is said first and comment after. Right now this is all vicious rumor being stirred up for political advantage. Nothing more. Don't lose sight of who got you here, who proposed the salary freeze, who has cut your workforce by 30%, who didn't want to replace cops.
Waiting at work (private company) for 10am for next round off layoffs.
Get a grip. First is the meeting you are talking about after the last 3 plus 1/2 hour BC meeting? Second, according to the department heads presenting, the number of non-union people could be counted at less then 10. As to playing with people' lives 651,000 Americans were just reported as losing their jobs in February about 30 minutes ago. It doe not take much to see we are in a depression. Now you were saying?
Vahalla at a meeting decided to freeze wages of non union employees. Budget coming in under last years budget by about $200k. Both sides have agreed to freeze non-union employees. I guess it pays to a member of a union or start up a union. Still paying for those zero tax increases during the last Mayor's reign. Now both D's & R's are at to screw the employees who have no protection. What a system. Playing with peoples lives to save maybe $5.00 per year per household. They are my heroes. Is it really worth that $5.00 lousy dollars. See how much work you get out of everybody.
Confused, I think you are reading people venting about Boro Employees on this blog. If you are concerned someone made pronouncements about Boro jobs on budget documents relaesed tonight. Do not worry. They did not.
Well, nothing except that is what you want to tell the state on how to do it's business and not Metuchen. Please go to the Boro link posted tonight for the Budget. If you review Bill's letter to the council, you will see that his initial draft budget is based on the town receiving no more then last year. He did that to get the ball rolling. Now what the real number is will be provided by the State and that is another thing. If you you use 5% increments for cuts you would have to draft 20 models for the budget to council. Ah--this is not Edison and they do not even have the resource (manpower) do do that. With Metuchen staffing be happy with one plus revisions. Of course we can hire an additional person just to work on the budget. Not with my money. I can just see the 3R's and 3D's reading 20 budget models. Excuse me for laughing. That's funny.
I got to ask what are people talking about? I see the budget on town site but is there some other documents? Where did someone say anything about boro employees? I dont get it
What is wrong with working on the budget and building in contingency plans depending on what the state gives? That way once the word does come down we are not running around with our heads cut off.
I don't know, that's what we do at our work.
No the crazy part comes talking about a budget till you have all the information . Gov Corzine delayed the state guidance on how much aid the State is giving till his State of the State. After you get that guidance you can then begin to make cuts. Pete is saying and I think correctly that it will all change after Corzine delivers his guidance. So talking till then it is just talking about the budget it means nothing. What is said on this blog is just talking till we get the numbers. Talking serves one purpose in my mind to educate people about budget. The down side is the fear factor created for so many people which if you do not have the experience can be very bad.
Every year the borough has to make their budget decisions in March even though they won't know their actual state aid figures until after July 1. This is not new this year. If it's crazy this year then it has been crazy every year. What's crazy is adopting a budget after most of the year is over already.
You know if you are going to be in a discussion be in a discussion, and read everything. Unless you are a kid which I am beginning to think some bloggers here are. Most of the bloggers here have written for and defended the Boro employee (Police, Fire & DPW and Administration) from cuts. I am personally content with what the department heads recommended. I will leave that up to the 3 R's and 3 D's. Tom gets the hit is it is a split vote.
As to the School System (our BOE). They know they have a budget problem a big budget problem. Cuts are coming.
Of course all this is moot, till Corzine gives Metuchen its guidance. Pete's right. Crazy discussing what we do not know. But let's discuss.
As to Edison, I don't think so and neither do a lot of other people scientific or unscientific polls included. I don't need a poll to tell me that.
Lets merge already with Edison, what are we waiting for.
why blame Boro employees. How about the good old school teachers. Never say anything about the schools. Metuchen does not have too many on staff. Matter of fact they have very few employees. When times were good the employees still were treated poorly. Many people need a history lesson right here in Metuchen. I think we all have worked hard to get where ever we may be. Pitting one against the other is not good. Unions get raises because they donate to politicians, non union people get the big one. Hypocrits galore here in Metuchen.
Interesting. Graziano gets a salary and pension credit for being OEM Coordinator.
Budget docs up on town website! Get'em while they're hot.
http://www.metuchennj.org/2009_budget_documents.html
One more thing about your assumptions. This one is right from the History Channel As FDR passed through Newark on the train carrying him to the inauguration from Hyde Park, he had to face the fact that good old Newark (anything different) was about to cease paying its' government employees because they were broke. They had too many people on the payroll. General MacArthur as his Chief of Staff for the Army was preparing counter revolutionary action. Makes you think does it not? Good thing when times are tough we know had to make it.
You make a lot of assumptions the big house bonuses more money. You did read did you not? Did you not read self-employed? No job security. Killed for my food. Saved and scraped and put a lot down on a conventional loan? No 0-5%- Nor, do I do not have a big house, 1,300 sq feet, nor, did I get a bonus (I have had one in 12 years and I darned near got killed earning the last one) and my cars are approaching the 15 year mark. I just made it too, just like the Boro workers and I saved just like everyone else. I feel sorry for you you who assume way too much. I still did not say cut the Boro Workers. I said how do we pay when there is nothing to pay with?
As for government service I put many years of my life into prowling some of the worst crap holes in the world keeping trying to keep you safe to let you make wide mouth assumptions at a 26-30% pay differential over private sector. I then left government service and went into my own for business and there are a lot more like me then then the rich people you make out there are in Metuchen.
All those Boro employees how do you feel now about the R's
So because someone decided tp seek employment in the public sector, he should feel the same pain of those who decided to work in the private sector. Private sector always made more money than public sector. The good thing about public jobs, going back even to the great depression was job security. You always had job security, never got rich but a steady paycheck. Now those who are losing their jobs, I feel sorry for ,but what about when you were making more money,had your big house, received bonuses. The public worker just made it. The shoe is on the other foot.
I stand behind out Boro employees too. I do not want to see them cut. I think you are right on your feelings. There is a lot of political grandstanding. There is one problem with your thought. If we can not pay how do we pay?
I am not making any money, business is way off. No one is buying my house. If I am forced to sell they are going to have to foreclose. The honorable way. A regular home loan bought in a time with a lot of money down. But that forclosing is a way's off yet. My medical insurance just went from $400 a month to $1127 per month, since my spouses co-pay was just zeroed out and my tax refund is half of last year because I zeroed out a 401K to remain debt free. I can't qualify for unemployment--self employed and no one wants to hire a young middle aged white male. Try it. I am a guy who made it in life up from the boot straps just like a minority story with no mommy or daddy to help him and just like a hell of a lot of other Americans too.
How long can that go on? Yet,I will bet. I am in better shape then a lot of you. Becuase I alwys was taught do with less. There is not one I repeat not one bit of that stimulus plan that is going to help me. It is a blue collar package extravaganza. Not designed to help someone like me or a lot of others in Metuchen. Now get a grip. Tougher days ahead. If we work together we will survive and we can keep our beloved employees. The blame is on all of us for saying more and not less and walking away from the person who said less is better.
The problem is the politicians, special interests and corruption. That is why we are in this mess. It is not the fault of hardworking, dedicated, loyal employees. This is all about greed, and the continuous caving in to small groups. Keep giving to those who don't contribute a penny in taxes. It can't go on. Now that there is a problem created, the blame game begins. Be careful what you wish for, you get what you pay for. All of this will end up costing more in the long run.Everytime there is another layoff it is another person not paying into the system, not being able to help the economy
Right
Folks are being laid off or getting salary cuts in every town, state or PRIVATE COMPANY in the US. Quit your whining. Things suck right. Everywhere.
Unemployment number comes out tomorrow AM, be glad your not one of them.
Borough Employees are being used as scapegoats for this years budget. Already underpaid Borough employees are now getting kicked again by our wonderful politicians. To bad they don't know how to lead or manage money. Pompous,selfish people.
It's great to be able to use and say ain't nowadays. I remember when you were looked down upon for using ain't. Ain't is in the dictionary!
And you can bet he ain't doing for FREE!
Good point. You're right. When I read the flyer at the meeting I missed that because I knew. You are correct in pointing out that not everyone would know that. Sorry for the confusion. For those who don't know, in addition to what was mentioned above, Jim Graziano is a local resident and partner attorney in a firm he co-founded. His focus is personal injury litigation, worker's compensation and product liability claims. He's ideally suited for the discussion.
As a follow up on the budget documents, they were sent to the web master first thing Tuesday morning and we expect they will go up on the Borough site today.
That's great but the flyer says nothing about who he is and what his credentials are. It does give a description for the other speakers.
Excellent job. Thank you.
Thanks. I happened to meet with one of the homeowners on Prospect earlier this morning and discussed the issue at length. I plan to follow up and look more into it with a greater audience. I am hopeful that we may be able to find a solution that will satisfy everyone.
Good job Justin and while you are at it. Let's see if we can bring the business owners and residents together on Prospect before the Boro Hall meeting for a POW WOW.
I will find out what is going on with the budget documents getting on the web.
To be fair, I asked that the Know Your Liability forum announcement be placed on the web. I am liaison to the Metuchen Alliance / Youth Service Board and can tell you the challenges we face with drug and alcohol use and addiction in our youth is not a partisan issue. I am thankful for Jim's help period.
Wont have to do that if we move them off pensions to 401K, but the unions will never go for that. SO we have to bow down to the mighty PBA!
One problem is now that people are living longer we are paying them pensions for longer than they worked.
try filing a tax appeal next year. many people are successful with those and get their assessments reduced.
My taxes have increased 40% in the last 5 years. That is unacceptable. I will have to sell my house and move if they go up another 40% in the next five years. It is sad but something has to give!
In this environment, we have to look at all costs, especially the big ones, and come up with ways to cut them.
Unless you want your taxes to keep climbing higher and higher.
I think we should leave the police department alone. Lets face it...we want to be able to hire officers that are tall enough to reach the clowns hand before they get into one of those new police cruisers!
If you noticed, I said 60 to 63 if they want to work is okay with me. On a small police force that is about as far as you want to push it. On the down side it also pushes you average salary up. Same as in private industry. I have seen a few guys that age on small police forces. Sometimes it works and somethimes it does not. It is about 50/50.
The pension system in NJ of which we are a part of in Metuchen needs a real real long look. The USG has been on a 401K system for 23 plus years now. Despite what some people argue. There are not a whole lot of civil service Feds left.
I see where you are coming from. It does cut both ways. But I do not try and manipulate to prove a point. The old boy is a given to not be physically capable by everyone who sees him. I have seen women say "that is protecting me"? Just take a look at him. The young officer also illustrates the point that if you do not feel physically capable that you are going to resort to deadly force. When you should not. Show me one current MPD officer who is not fit. They all are and they can handle their job. To be even clearer, the Bart Officer was trying to restrain someone with his weapon that was handcuffed. It is on You Tube. Judge for yourself. He could not control the guy so he shot him. Accidental but he killed him.
I know plenty of guys in their sixties who could outrun and out punch any criminal out there
First you say that older experienced police officers are a danger on the job. Then you talk of the case of a young (27) police officer who shoots someone and causes a riot. Whats your point?
That a old cop is a danger to himself and a young one is a danger to others?
2009 Budget docs still not on town website. You can read the letter from the borough attorney on which he wasted 20 hours and $3000 but not the 2009 budget!
Announcement about the Underage Drinking Forum was put up, though. I guess everyone is supposed to know who Jim Graziano is without their saying so? I guess he assumes everyone in town knows he is the chair of the democratic party committee in addition to being the parking authority attorney and the coordinator of the Office of Emergency Management. Busy guy.
The best is the people who retire at 55 then get hired back as a consultant.
Give me a freaking break. Retire at 55 with full bennies?
Nothing but a ripoff
Pensions are killing our towns and states, move em to 401Ks and let them suffer like the rest of us.
There is only one problem with that at age 70. Capability and $80K desk jobs are not acceptable. Anyone going into New York Penn Station can see the 65 plus year old police Sergeant on active patrol. I recall him being 67 last I knew. Sad. He is so old that they have him riding a Segway. Take note close by is a young officer to protect him. It is obvious and he is a danger to himself and his partner. It is fairly obvious. A lot of cops like to stay to age 60 or 63 that is their right. Frankly in this economy, that's what I would do. But, make no mistake this is a young person's game and when you take down a 6 foot 2 195-300 male on a traffic stop or a B&E. You need every and I mean every physical ounce of strength you have. Tough enough for a young person. Or, you could point a gun to the suspect like the a youngBart Police Officer in Oakland stupidly did and accidentally pull the trigger and spend the rest of your days thinking about it in jail. After the riot ends which you started of course. I heard it was a hell of a riot. He has been in jail since on January 4, 2009 for this January 1, 2009 incident.
For many years the towns did not have to contribute to the pension system, governors continue to raid the pension system to pay for their pet projects. Now it is coming home to roost. Its the politicians not the police who squander our money, oh and believe it or not police also pay taxes. Oh and how about teachers and their pensions and benefits, look at your tax bill. See where your money is going. Democrats are nothing more than TAX & SPEND. Discontinue entitlements, programs, stop rewarding people who don't pay any tax or contribute a penny to the system. How about that!!!
Pensions are draining our town and and state. Retire at 55 with full benefits? You must be kidding if you think we can still afford that.
Let the police suffer like the rest of us with 401Ks and retiring at 70.
Police Dept. is the only department of the Borough that actually brings in revenue to Metuchen coffers. Last year about $400,000.00 . Reduce the police, kill morale, and then see what happens,save $100,000.00 and then lose $200,000.00 or more. Now that makes sense. I say Metuchen should just merge with Edison.
Wrong!!! Police do contribute to their pensions. 8.5% annually of their salary. So that is $8500.00 a year for someone making $100k. What is the real savings, divide the savings into the amount of tax payers in Metuchen. The savings is about $20k divided by 5400 houses equals Approx. $3.70 savings per household. So go ahead screw the managers for a savings of $3.70 a year and then see what you get in return. Remenber the old saying "you get what you pay for". Are you aware that $100k equates to about $19.00 per year per home a littel over $1.00 per month for one officer. Everyone knows that times are tough, but trying to save a few pennies on the backs of those who make things happen in Metuchen is not right.
I watched the meeting and it seems from the questions asked by Councilman Waldron that he may target whatever raises were proposed for the non-union employees. He asked both the Police Chief and the Head of DPW who the non-union employees were in each department. The Chief said it was himself, the Captain, and the lieutenant. The Head of DPW said it was himself, this assistant and a secretary. It seems that the only people who are not subject to the mandatory raises negotiated by the unions are the top guys at the managerial level. (except for the DPW secretary) I also assume that folks like the Administrator, Tax Assessor and CFO are not subject to a union contract. I haven't seen the budget but I presume they were given raises which were comparable to those that their union coworkers got. In the private sector no one is expecting a raise this year, and in some companies, people are taking a CUT in pay just to keep their job. On top of that, many companies are not making 401k contributions this year and the employees still have to make sizable contributions toward their health insurance. While I appreciate all of the work that our Borough Employees do for us, I don't think it would be unreasonable to not freeze the salaries of the top earners there. They are making over $100k already and don't have to worry about pension contributions or health care contributions, so let them cut back this year just like all the rest of us.
This discussion about reduction in service and police officers is a red herring. It is a very old tactic to stop any discussion about budget reduction to say the first thing to go is the police and the services they provide. It is a tactic that discourages discussion of any budget reduction out of fear. Its true in NYC, and its apparently true here in Metuchen. You say you want to reduce the budget, then those opposed don't go looking for fat or inefficientcies (like say, spending $654,0000 we don't have), they saw we will have to reduce police first. Its a scare tactic and a distraction. Don't buy it.
prospect sticker parking is proposed for monday through friday 6 am to 8 pm and saturday 6 am to 12 noon.
I live on a street with sticker parking and it is not a big problem. If a friend is visiting during the day, I park in the street and tell them to park in the driveway. The sticker we got in 2002 was good for six years. Most of the time if you have a party it is in the evening or on the weekends when the restictions don't apply. When we had a birthday party during the day for the kids, one call to the PD to tell them about it was not a big inconvenience. The police do not usually issue tickets unless someone calls and complains.
How about the school teachers and administrators, the school tax is the one that is killing us. Municipal taxes are not that bad considering what we receive. Why cut the municipal tax so drastically
Reasonable. That's what one would hope would happen when reasonable people talk. I hope the entertaining view turns into a positive experience. When you get your council involved it should be proactive. They all have limited options in how they can help. Whether you like them or not at Prospect you are all neighbors. Talking is the best option. I hope to see all involved the business owners, the concerned residents and the council work together and address the issues w/o a parking restriction. Coffee and cake at someones home or business would have been a lot better then a meeting in Boro Hall. You can still make the effort to do that. Also, promote a block party/barbecue neighbors and business in the summer. I learned a few things about a China Grill and the best roasted pig in my life at one. Making friends as they say viva Cuba sans Castro.
i am replying to the first comment about prospect street parking. the man who spoke seemed angry last night but he is just fed up with the situation and what happened at the meeting before this one on 2/17. i live on prospect street and attended the meeting on 2/17 regarding the parking by "permit only" during certain hours. permit parking is simply an inconvenience and the entire street pays the price for one or two angry neighbors complaining. it isn't fair. you get angry at your neighbors because they are getting what they want and you lose out to a problem that doesn't effect you to begin with. i live farther down the street where there are no parking issues and tried to compromise. the people complaining (who did not attend the meeting last night) don't want any type of compromise. parking has gotten 85% better because these businesses have tried to fix the problem. too bad the complainers will never admit it, get their way and then sell their house. then we are left with the aftermath of visitors moving cars and renewing decals. the next meeting should be pretty entertaining.
Based on the guidelines at the DOJ site, you can hire new officers or replace or rehire laid off officers. Doesn't say anything about replacing retiring officers. A rep at the 800 number said the guidelines have not been finalized and there will be changes to what is now on the web site, probably by the end of March.
The grant is part of the stimulus package. Here's a link to info: http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/Default.asp?Item=2108
Local Republicans support applying for the grant, Dyas and Vahalla oppose it. Cammarano and Weber want more info. Tax payers say???
How soon we forget. Burglaries, home invasions, drugs,car theft, traffic, so on & so on. Go ahead reduce the force, see where your property values go. Police should be the last to go.
they said it was a federal grant from the dept of justice
If there is a grant to help offset the cost of replacing police officers , the Borough should go after it. Who is providing this grant?
Westfield has a lot dedicated to employees. I saw a car on Main Street last night that was buried in snow. The meters are supposed to be for 2 hours max and feeding them is illegal. I bet if the town hired a meter maid they could pay for themselves. The parking authority has surplus that could be well spent on this item.
The parking sructure submitted as a potential stimulus project is on Halsey Street, which I would think would be for commuters, not customers of the downtown. I guess if there was more commuter parking over there, then there could be more downtown parking on the other side.
The Chamber members are their own worst enemies when it comes to making parking available for their customers. They take the best spots for themselves.
True on business owners and parking. I've seen the owners and employees of Main Street businesses monopolize the spaces in front of their own businesses and feed the meters all day long. That is not good for business. Leave the best spots for the customers. Many years ago if you went to Menlo early in the day you could see which were the employees' cars because they were all parked far away by the park.
There is no question that the entire Council seemed supportive of the police. Dyas stated that he wouldn't mess around with backfilling for the retirees and Manley seems to be pushing for the town to apply for a grant to pay for those new cops. Seems like win-win to me.
I used to work in the police department, and it is run very well, they do an excellent job. I was always very proud to be a Metuchen Police Officer. The Chief does a good job, the officers working for him work hard and are very dedicated. The people of Metuchen get a good bang for their buck.
It is very hard to cut a police budget w/o running through the AG/CP/MJ to why? MPD runs lean. MPD received good reviews with DCA reports on performance unlike Edison. Which I think was a 40 position reduction. So how do you cut a small lean efficient force. Chief Kean's recommendations were prudent well thought out and reasonable. Some police managers are not as good.
Political debate is healthy and is not bickering. Just try to keep it civil.
The question is...Did last night's meeting enlighten the public on how our hard earned tax dollars are spent and is it possible to take an already lean municipal organization and make it function better and with less tax dollars? I have learned more from last nights meeting than from the last 5 years worth of meetings. I also did not hear anyone looking to make any cuts in the police department. There were only questions.
Everyone should look at the 3 1/2 hour plus tape but there will be a lot opinions and not just one way or the other yours or mine. As to business owners and parking if you listen to the Chamber of Commerce; customer parking is a huge concern. Last night's meeting indicated that one of the projects under the new economic package was that parking garage which is for customer parking.
Lets be clear here, when business owners complain about parking, it sure isn't for their customers, its for themselves and their employees.
Which, in my opinion, is backward thinking by the business owners themselves.
No one should make up their minds based on web blogs or comments posted on the web. The fact that half of our council had to be shamed into this meeting is very disturbing. It will be very interesting to see how certain councilmen will act during the next meeting on March 9th. I think their will be a 180. That is why it is extremely important that everyone watch last nights meeting before the next one. Looks like someone will not be back this November and METV should have closed the telecast with that one hit wonder from the group STEAM. What was the name of that song again? Maybe I should Google it?
The police don't often write tickets for non-resident parkers anyway. You have to call in and complain and hope they're not busy with something more important.
Good to off street parking. I would hope these business people would show up. They caused a mess. I think our council learned a lesson. Restricting commuters is one thing restricting an existing approved business well that one needs a different view. Not saying to do not do it just needs a different view as to when you do it. Now how to clean the mess up.
Actually they appear to be parking on the vacant lot that was formerly Metuchen Marine.
Lots of streets in town have resident-only sticker parking. All the streets near downtown have it, mainly to keep train commuters from parking on the streets all day long.
No one from the company was there to present their case to the council. Maybe they will come next time. They still haven't voted on it because they amended it.
You said the Republicans are going to try to balance the budget by going after the cops? What meeting were you watching and have you been paying attention in town? The Republicans supported the replacing of 2 officers when the former Democratic Mayor wanted to ax them. The Republicans are the ones who continue to want the recommendations of the State DCA report enacted. All you heard last night, if you even watched it, was the Republicans asking for greater scrutiny of the entire budget and a complete opening of the process to the public. No one voted on any matter. It was purely deliberations and discussions.
I read Title 40A and no where in it does it say that a governing municipality can not publicly discuss and ask for public input on the way a municipality spends its money. Come on. What appears to be happening is that someone out there is afraid to either let the taxpayers know what is going on or is afraid that something was done illegally in the past that they do not wish to be made attention of. There can be no other explanation.
I urge everyone to Google Title 40A New Jersey and read it! And you will see what I mean. Then make up your OWN MIND.
John Q. Public
RIVL
Registered Independent Voter for Life
Let's take each one. Speaking ill of those no longer in place tends to turn people off. You just described Metuchen as a place of intellectuals. I would hope that means balance, that's why we now have a 3/3 council so why speak of the dead. As to R and D if you are either one how do you not have an issue over spending more or less in Metuchen. As I recall the pluralities for the R's was small. Which means they worked darned hard to win. Congratulations.
So, Let' speak of the living. Anti-Business well. Let's talk about Prospect Avenue which was a small part of last night's meeting. This 3/3 council on the basis of neighbor complaints moved to a meeting for a resolution to restrict parking involving one of the few successful businesses in our town which is a car repair and towing service. The 3 young guys that you state went along with it as Republicans. It did not make much sense Republicans--anti-business. They fell into a trap. Someone should have told the business owner to straighten it out with his neighbors first, before they started a process to restrict. Looks like someone did now and the owner has his employees parking correctly on the business property. Do you still need the restrictions? It impacts lifestyle. The gentlemen last night was angry about the restrictions. I will bet you there are other neighbors on Prospect who will be too. Our young council members should have known better as well as our more seasoned council members. They should have gotten everyone together first. TALK first then shoot. Where were the 3 R or D's on this. You know, the process got opened up so much that it made everyone angry. I would not want to take on the guy appearing last night. He looked mean and nasty about his neighbors. We will see how it goes at the next meeting. Are we going to be paying for a police presence at the next BC Meeting to make sure things do not get out of hand with the Prospect Avenue neighbors? I hope not.
Better closely read Title 40A Mr. Morrison.
Maybe one police car won't matter too much, but a 10% reduction in the police force would be catastrophe. Liability,safety, quality of life,morale. Republicans sound like they want to balance the budget by going after the cops. This should be a good year, get ready for a major contest. Looks like the dems are more sensitive to the people working for the Borough than the Republicans. Stay tuned.
If this were truly a Democratic vs Republican issue then why aren't they debating abortion, gun control and the Iraq war? Replacing Status Quo councilpersons seems to be the towns new trend and I am all for it. In fact I am thinking of starting a new party and taking a shot at one of the seats. Any intrerest in the RIVL Party?
John Q Public
RIVL
Registered Independend Voter for Life
No wonder so many people don't want to get involved in politics. Look at you folks bickering.....constantly.
Frank Hague? Are you serious? I hope the Dems aren't modeling themselves after his legacy.
"Metuchen is a Dem town". Then please explain to me why 3 Republicans have won in the last 2 elections. Especially this past year where given the big Dem victory you reference, it meant nothing locally. It looks to me like the Repubs are a lot closer to the wishes of the people than the Dems are.
Metuchen is first and foremost the Brainy Borough. It is filled with intellectuals and hard working families who cut through the non-sense and choose a good course based on common sense. It is true that the national party affiliations overwhelmingly favor Democrats in Metuchen but those are not the issues of our town. The local Dems have led Metuchen on the wrong course for too long and it is catching up. There's no surplus to weather our rainy days, the downtown is filling with vacancies created by the anti-business climate and as result of mismanagement the local planning theory has become jam 'em in and build it up.
The people of Metuchen have begun a course correction by selecting 3 young guys who are really showing the people their desire to work and open up the process. Councilman Dyas' desire to cling on to the practices of the past will make it all the easier for Metuchenites to thank him for his service and send him on into retirement.
Households are cutting their budgets. Stay home and watch cable instead of going to the movies. Night out at LaRosa's instead of at the Metuchen Inn. No more manicures.
It won't kill the town's desirability if we buy one new police car this year instead of two. The problem really is the fear that we will be punished in the future for frugality today. If we cut the budget now, then when fiscal conditions improve, we are limited by the cap law on how much we can increase it to make up for what we cut this year.
Considering, however, that Metuchen voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of the high school bond referendum a few years ago, if we had to have a cap referendum for the town budget in a few years to catch up with where we would have wanted to be absent this year's cuts, I have no doubt that it would pass.
John Q is right. A 3/3 council brought progress and process. Listen to the meeting it is over 3 and one half hours long. Yet, they want to talk more and more. Good for them. You sure can draw your own views. It took me over 3 1/2 hours to do that. I agree with Metuchen being on lean terms with their budget. Be careful what you wish for.
Metuchen is alreday very lean in terms of their budget. They always have been. Employees are at an all time low , there is no where to cut, unless you do eliminate services and programs. Is that what we want to do ,if so do it, but don't complain later, when no one is there to help you with something , like trees, garbage , parks police and so forth. There is a cost to doing business and Metuchen is a business. There are expenses much like a household, there are cuts here and there. How far do you go before Metuchen is no longer a desirable town to live in. Property values go down, services down ,crime is up . Be careful what you wish for.
How about the laws that say they ARE in charge of the borough's finances?
It should be noted that if the Borough was a "Faulkner Act" municipality, administrative budget hearings held in November would be required by law.
40A:4-2. Definitions
The following words, as used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
"budget" means the budget of a local unit.
"cash basis budget" means a budget prepared in accordance with this chapter, and in such form that based on the limitations, percentages and estimates hereinafter provided there will be sufficient cash collected to meet all debt service requirements, necessary operations of the local unit for the fiscal year and, in addition, provide for any mandatory payments required to be met during the fiscal year.
"governing body" means the board of chosen freeholders of a county, or the commission, council, board or body having control of the finances of a municipality.
L.1960, c. 169, s. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1962.
40A:4-3. Annual budget
The governing body of each local unit shall adopt a budget for each fiscal year. The budget of each local unit shall be prepared on a cash basis unless otherwise permitted by law.
L.1960, c. 169, s. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1962.
40A:4-4. Procedures for adoption of budget
All budgets shall be introduced, approved, amended and adopted by resolution passed by not less than a majority of the full membership of the governing body.
The procedure shall be as follows:
a. Introduction and approval.
b. Public advertising.
c. Public hearing.
d. Amendments and public hearings, if required.
e. Adoption.
L.1960, c. 169, s. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1962.
Everyone please watch the meeting and make up your own minds!
Sincerely,
John Q Public
RIVL
Registered Independend Voter for Life
You can only scream that rubber stamp for so long. I also learned time ago to never speak ill of the "dead" or departed". Including Frank Hague. We are three months into a 3/3 council. Metuchen is a Dem town and the US just voted decisively for the Dem's. If you keep rubbing someones nose the wrong way why trying to bring the change you want. You are going to get nothing. I mean nothing. Bill Clinton learned that the hard way too. Then got what he wanted. Council is doing just that and it was all of them not just Morrison.
I urge everyone to watch the entire meeting as I did last night. Watch for body language, demeanor and overall enthusiasm by each of the councilmen. What I saw was a genuine attempt to streamline our government and increase efficiency. There is definitely dead wood on the council and he nearly jumped out of my flat screen. I don’t want to name anyone but you will see for yourself and can do something about it in November
Dyas is from the old council, when everyting was rubber stamped and O'Brien made all decisions. There was hardly any input from the council and zero from the public. I applaud Councilman Morrison. At least make an attempt see waht is going on and them make an informed decision.
Well that is a nice thought. I am glad you have a salary there are a lot of us who shoot for our food by owning businesses and paying others. Fixed costs in municipalities like in our homes do go up. As you may guess the largest part of increases for both Boro and School are salaries. Most of these people are under a NEGOTIATED CONTRACT. Zero or Zed is not a probability. A re-negotiation is a possibility but you have to see where you are first. A lot of that is going to be determined like it or not by the position put forth in Corzine's speech. How the state goes on that influences what we shall do.
The cap is a CEILING. Let's not pat ourselves too hard on the back for coming in under the cap. Do the families in Metuchen get a cap? Are they allowed to raise their household spending 4% every year when they aren't getting a raise or worse losing their jobs. The Mayor said last night that the budget raises taxes by 7 points but that that was a good thing because the introduced budget last year raised them 9 points. I got a 0% raise and no bonus this year. Why doesn't the town start with a 0 point increase and work up from there instead of starting with an allowable cap and trying to work backwards to an acceptable number.
Question - If some of the longer tenured council members questioned the value of meeting without state aid numbers, why did they all vote to have the meeting?? There's only two council members that have been there longer than two years, Weber and Dyas. Weber made the motion. I guess I'd better tune in and catch the meeting.
It is tough to discuss without guidance from the state. As Cammarano said crazy, but let's do it. BC came in last night at 174K below cap. As Councilmen Dyas stated do not expect to get awarded for that. Imagine our discussion here if they were over cap to start. As Dyas said, the state wants you to max out your credit card before they help. I say no. As to 8 weeks on the School budget. I would hope they spent that much time. That is where the money is really being spent. I have seen two blogs so far on busing or pseudo busing. Any wonder? If the school board is smart and I think they are they they will keep it in the cap.
You are equating a budget review to line item areas. There are boundries like it or not. There is nothing to give up. Start with the police department and see how far you get with the state. A few short years ago Edison got a private warning about interfering in the police department and a direct threat of take over. Despite what you may like to think it involved money do not kid yourself.
Tough to discuss any budget without the state aid numbers.
I guess they should just operate on the worst case scenario position, going to take a long time to dig our town/state/country out of the mess of the last 8 years, even with the quick actions of the current Prez.
Time to start coming up with lists of layoffs needed, maybe something like 10% cops, 15% borough employees, etc. Also need to start taking a look at renogiating some of the contracts the town has with the various unions.
Just come up with some real ideas, not just twiddling around wiht budget numbers that they tried to do last year.
And that means layoffs and service reductions.
I would love to see the law that says the elected officials are not allowed to go through the town's budget. That's absurd. What on earth did we elect these people to do? Why hasn't the Board of Education been run in on charges? They meet for 8 weeks straight, going over every nickel. Give it up. If the AG wants to talk to Metuchen, they should start with the major accounting mistakes.
George also to be clear. Part of that argument last night was was about process besides progress. Certain members of the Council raised legitimate concerns about going into direct line item operating issues which are the germaine of the administrative heads of government. The issue there is to what extent can one? Well it varies. A council person needs to be careful when doing that, and should know before they do it. Like it or not. The state sets guidelines and mandates. Political interference has run many a good Mayor and many a good council person in New Jersey a visit from the AG's office/County Prosecutor or Municipal judge to watch them P's & Q's. You do not see/hear about that because it is in-camera and is the warning for the start of a criminal probe. We have got a lot of attorney's on BC, I expect them to know the law.
It was very interesting to see how the two sides presented their arguments. It seemed to me the Republicans wanted to roll up their sleeves and go through the budget line by line in hopes of looking for reductions. Councilman Morrison did a good job pushing the issue and trying to gain access for the public. On the other hand Councilman Dyas was pretty dug in on "status quo" and that the town should just accept what the Borough Administrator suggested. I am glad that Councilman Weber made the motion he did. It's obvious that he is much more in tune with the wishes of the people and is quite aware he's running for re-election. Mr. Dyas on the other hand seems to want the title Councilman but not the work. I suspect the people will have their say on that in November.
George. It was a little more then that. You are correct in what you state the jist being progress, but the real argument put forward was Corzine's State of the Union and it's impact on the budget. Which between then and now no one knows what the cuts are it mutes any discussion on Metuchen's budget till the speech because you will most likely have to rework the budget again anyway. Still it is good to meet. Did everyone not agree to it? Morrison's got a point. DCA did not change its guidance on submission the date of the budget. So we can not either. One day is stupid. DCA should have. Why. Does anyone think much of our state government?