Friday, October 13, 2006
DID OCEANPORT DEMOCRATS MISS THE BOAT ON SHARED SERVICES
SHARED SERVICES:
This short article appeared in the Asbury Park Press on Thursday, October 12, 2006.
OFFICIALS EYEING CONSOLIDATING RUMSON, FAIR HAVEN, LITTLE SILVER POLICE DEPARTMENTS
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 10/12/06
OFFICIALS EYEING CONSOLIDATING RUMSON, FAIR HAVEN AND LITTLE SILVER POLICE DEPARTMENTS
STAFF REPORT
Officials announced plans Thursday to study consolidating police in Rumson, Fair Haven and Little Silver.
The towns would create a Two River Shared Services Committee to apply for a state grant for the study.
Police would be the first municipal service studied but the committee would later look at other services to share to achieve savings for the three towns, said Little Silver Borough Councilman Declan O'Scanlon.
OCEANPORT NOT MENTIONED, WHY? WHY DOESN’T THE DEMOCRATIC CONTROLLED OCEANPORT GOVERNMENT VENTURE OUTSIDE THEIR TOWN FOR ASSISTANCE OR INNOVATIVE IDEAS? WHY DOESN’T OCEANPORT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS GRANT MONEY OR ANY OTHER GRANT MONEY FOR OTHER PROJECTS?
IS IT BECAUSE THEY COULD BE EXPOSED FOR LACKING THE ABILITIES TO ACTUALLY ENTER INTO MEETINGS OF THIS CALIBER OR IS THERE SOME OTHER UNDERLYING REASON WHY THE TOWN DOES NOT WANT ANY OUTSIDE AGENCY LOOKING AT THEIR OPERATION? HMMM… MAKES AN INQUISITIVE PERSON WONDER; IS IT MISMANAGEMENT OR LAZINESS, OR BOTH? CERTAINLY RAISES THE QUESTION AS TO WHY THEY WANT TO BE IN OFFICE IF THEY CAN’T HANDLE THE JOB.
IT APPEARS THAT THE DEMOCRATS WANT THE POSITION OF MAYOR OR COUNCIL PERSON, BUT DON’T WISH TO PUT FORTH THE EFFORT OR THE HOURS INTO DOING WHAT THE POSITIONS CALLS FOR.
SINCE THE DEMOCRATIC FLYER IS ALREADY OUT, AND THEY DID NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT SHARED SERVICES, YOU CAN BET THEY WILL ADDRESS THE ISSUE ABOUT SHARED SERVICES IN SOME OTHER FORUM BEFORE THE ELECTION.
JUST LIKE THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AFFECTING THE BOROUGH. THE OCEANPORT DEMOCRATS ARE CLEARLY RE-ACTIVE INDIVIDUALS, NOT PRO-ACTIVE. THEY DON’T ADDRESS ANY ISSUE UNTIL IT IS BROUGHT TO THEM BY WAY OF A LAW SUIT OR A NEWSPAPER ARTICLE.
THIS ISSUE CERTAINLY DOES RAISE A LOT OF CONCERN AND QUESTIONS AS TO WHY? WHY WOULDN’T THE BOROUGH WANT ASSISTANCE FROM THE STATE, OR ANY NEARBY BOROUGH, OR ANY OTHER OUTSIDE SOURCE IF THE POTENTIAL OF SAVING A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS HAS PRESENTED ITSELF?
WHY WOULDN’T THE BOROUGH OF OCEANPORT ACCEPT GRANT MONEY TO STUDY THE IDEA?
THIS IS REPREHENSIBLE THAT THE BOROUGH WOULD NOT CONSIDER TAX SAVING MEASURES DURING THIS TIME. ONE WOULD NEED TO ASK WHAT NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES ARE THERE SINCE OCEANPORT NEGLECTED TO INCLUDE THEMSELVES IN THE SHARED SERVICES PROGRAM..
WELL THERE COULD BE MANY. ONE CONSEQUENCE TO CONSIDER; WILL THE STATE CUT OFF GRANT MONEY TO THOSE TOWNS THAT DON’T CONFORM TO THE GOVERNOR’S APPEAL OF SHARING SERVICES.
WHICH BRINGS TO MIND; HOW MANY GRANTS HAVE THE DEMOCRATIC CONTROLLED GOVERNMENT APPLIED FOR IN THE LAST TEN YEARS, EXCLUDING THOSE ANNUAL ROADWORK GRANTS THAT ARE ROUTINELY PROVIDED TO THE BOROUGH BY THE STATE?
HOW MANY FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS HAVE THE DEMOCRATS ACTUALLY APPLIED FOR?
DOES ANYONE IN BOROUGH HALL HAVE THE ABILITIES TO WRITE A GRANT? MAYBE AN OPRA REQUEST COULD ANSWER THIS QUESTION?
JUST CECK THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND RESEARCH THE FACT THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL GRANTS AVAILABLE TO OCEANPORT. THEN WHY ISN’T ANYONE WRITING GRANT APPLICATIONS?
This short article appeared in the Asbury Park Press on Thursday, October 12, 2006.
OFFICIALS EYEING CONSOLIDATING RUMSON, FAIR HAVEN, LITTLE SILVER POLICE DEPARTMENTS
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 10/12/06
OFFICIALS EYEING CONSOLIDATING RUMSON, FAIR HAVEN AND LITTLE SILVER POLICE DEPARTMENTS
STAFF REPORT
Officials announced plans Thursday to study consolidating police in Rumson, Fair Haven and Little Silver.
The towns would create a Two River Shared Services Committee to apply for a state grant for the study.
Police would be the first municipal service studied but the committee would later look at other services to share to achieve savings for the three towns, said Little Silver Borough Councilman Declan O'Scanlon.
OCEANPORT NOT MENTIONED, WHY? WHY DOESN’T THE DEMOCRATIC CONTROLLED OCEANPORT GOVERNMENT VENTURE OUTSIDE THEIR TOWN FOR ASSISTANCE OR INNOVATIVE IDEAS? WHY DOESN’T OCEANPORT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS GRANT MONEY OR ANY OTHER GRANT MONEY FOR OTHER PROJECTS?
IS IT BECAUSE THEY COULD BE EXPOSED FOR LACKING THE ABILITIES TO ACTUALLY ENTER INTO MEETINGS OF THIS CALIBER OR IS THERE SOME OTHER UNDERLYING REASON WHY THE TOWN DOES NOT WANT ANY OUTSIDE AGENCY LOOKING AT THEIR OPERATION? HMMM… MAKES AN INQUISITIVE PERSON WONDER; IS IT MISMANAGEMENT OR LAZINESS, OR BOTH? CERTAINLY RAISES THE QUESTION AS TO WHY THEY WANT TO BE IN OFFICE IF THEY CAN’T HANDLE THE JOB.
IT APPEARS THAT THE DEMOCRATS WANT THE POSITION OF MAYOR OR COUNCIL PERSON, BUT DON’T WISH TO PUT FORTH THE EFFORT OR THE HOURS INTO DOING WHAT THE POSITIONS CALLS FOR.
SINCE THE DEMOCRATIC FLYER IS ALREADY OUT, AND THEY DID NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT SHARED SERVICES, YOU CAN BET THEY WILL ADDRESS THE ISSUE ABOUT SHARED SERVICES IN SOME OTHER FORUM BEFORE THE ELECTION.
JUST LIKE THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AFFECTING THE BOROUGH. THE OCEANPORT DEMOCRATS ARE CLEARLY RE-ACTIVE INDIVIDUALS, NOT PRO-ACTIVE. THEY DON’T ADDRESS ANY ISSUE UNTIL IT IS BROUGHT TO THEM BY WAY OF A LAW SUIT OR A NEWSPAPER ARTICLE.
THIS ISSUE CERTAINLY DOES RAISE A LOT OF CONCERN AND QUESTIONS AS TO WHY? WHY WOULDN’T THE BOROUGH WANT ASSISTANCE FROM THE STATE, OR ANY NEARBY BOROUGH, OR ANY OTHER OUTSIDE SOURCE IF THE POTENTIAL OF SAVING A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS HAS PRESENTED ITSELF?
WHY WOULDN’T THE BOROUGH OF OCEANPORT ACCEPT GRANT MONEY TO STUDY THE IDEA?
THIS IS REPREHENSIBLE THAT THE BOROUGH WOULD NOT CONSIDER TAX SAVING MEASURES DURING THIS TIME. ONE WOULD NEED TO ASK WHAT NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES ARE THERE SINCE OCEANPORT NEGLECTED TO INCLUDE THEMSELVES IN THE SHARED SERVICES PROGRAM..
WELL THERE COULD BE MANY. ONE CONSEQUENCE TO CONSIDER; WILL THE STATE CUT OFF GRANT MONEY TO THOSE TOWNS THAT DON’T CONFORM TO THE GOVERNOR’S APPEAL OF SHARING SERVICES.
WHICH BRINGS TO MIND; HOW MANY GRANTS HAVE THE DEMOCRATIC CONTROLLED GOVERNMENT APPLIED FOR IN THE LAST TEN YEARS, EXCLUDING THOSE ANNUAL ROADWORK GRANTS THAT ARE ROUTINELY PROVIDED TO THE BOROUGH BY THE STATE?
HOW MANY FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS HAVE THE DEMOCRATS ACTUALLY APPLIED FOR?
DOES ANYONE IN BOROUGH HALL HAVE THE ABILITIES TO WRITE A GRANT? MAYBE AN OPRA REQUEST COULD ANSWER THIS QUESTION?
JUST CECK THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND RESEARCH THE FACT THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL GRANTS AVAILABLE TO OCEANPORT. THEN WHY ISN’T ANYONE WRITING GRANT APPLICATIONS?
THE ANSWER: OCEANPORT DOES NOT HAVE A BOROUGH ADMINISTRATOR.
JUST CLCIK HERE AND CHECK YOURSELF FOR AVAILABLE GRANTS:
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
ALSO ASK THE DEMOCRATS WHERE THEY FORMALLY DOCUMENT COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE BUILDING INSPECTOR AND ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL WORKING FOR THE BOROUGH? THERE IS NO PROCESS, SO YOU WILL NEVER KNOW HOW MANY COMPLAINTS ANY ONE INDIVDIUAL HAS RECEIVED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME……… GREAT MANAGEMENT ISN’T IT……. AGAIN NO ACCOUNTABILITY UNDER THE DEMOCRATS…………
DOES THE BOROUGH NEED A BOROUGH ADMINISTRATOR WITH THE CREDIENTIALS TO MANAGE A SMALL TOWN AND THE KNOWLEDGE TO WRITE GRANTS TO HELP OFFSET THE BUDGET?
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
ALSO ASK THE DEMOCRATS WHERE THEY FORMALLY DOCUMENT COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE BUILDING INSPECTOR AND ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL WORKING FOR THE BOROUGH? THERE IS NO PROCESS, SO YOU WILL NEVER KNOW HOW MANY COMPLAINTS ANY ONE INDIVDIUAL HAS RECEIVED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME……… GREAT MANAGEMENT ISN’T IT……. AGAIN NO ACCOUNTABILITY UNDER THE DEMOCRATS…………
DOES THE BOROUGH NEED A BOROUGH ADMINISTRATOR WITH THE CREDIENTIALS TO MANAGE A SMALL TOWN AND THE KNOWLEDGE TO WRITE GRANTS TO HELP OFFSET THE BUDGET?
THE ANSWER IS, ABSOLUTELY…….
OCEANPORT IS SO FAR BEHIND THE CURVE THEY ARE IN LAST PLACE.
OCEANPORT IS SO FAR BEHIND THE CURVE THEY ARE IN LAST PLACE.
A CHANGE IS NEEDED IN OCEANPORT.
PLEASE VOTE REPLUBICAN FOR A FRESH START……………………….
Now read the following listed articles. They are very informative articles regarding a shared service program that is an innovative idea of saving a substantial amount of taxpayer money, which is offered by the State. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POSTING THOUGH
Where is Oceanport with this? Was a representative from Oceanport even at this meeting this past Saturday? If a representative was attending this meeting, where is the report and when will the public be informed of what Oceanport plans to do with SHARED SERVICES?
Now read the following listed articles. They are very informative articles regarding a shared service program that is an innovative idea of saving a substantial amount of taxpayer money, which is offered by the State. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POSTING THOUGH
Where is Oceanport with this? Was a representative from Oceanport even at this meeting this past Saturday? If a representative was attending this meeting, where is the report and when will the public be informed of what Oceanport plans to do with SHARED SERVICES?
AGAIN, A LACK OF COMMUNICATION WITH THE RESIDENTS OF OCEANPORT.
Governor Corzine has been promoting SHARED SERVICES; however the Democratic controlled government in Oceanport is very reluctant to even consider this avenue of saving taxpayer money.
The State has offered assistance to any Borough, Town or City by developing a program called, (SHARING AVAIALIBILITY RESOURCES EFFICIENTLY) PROGRAM, which offers up to $300,000.00 to those towns who wish to participate in a study to determine if SHARING SERVICES is feasible. Apparently the towns of Little Silver, Fair Haven and Rumson have made great strides to consolidate their services. WHERE IS OCEANPORT?
Here is a statement from Rumson Mayor, John C. Ekdahl concerning SHARED SERVICES:
If the study says we can provide the same level of service to the three towns without diminishing response time and save significant tax dollars, we have no choice but to implement,'' Rumson Mayor John C. Ekdahl said.
Ekdahl said Two River officials want to be proactive and take advantage of state grants to conduct the merger study instead of waiting for the state to mandate such studies, without funding.
Will Oceanport wait until this study is mandated by the State? If Oceanport does not act now, Oceanport Taxpayers may be at risk of paying a large sum of money to conduct a State Mandated Study?
Governor Corzine has been promoting SHARED SERVICES; however the Democratic controlled government in Oceanport is very reluctant to even consider this avenue of saving taxpayer money.
The State has offered assistance to any Borough, Town or City by developing a program called, (SHARING AVAIALIBILITY RESOURCES EFFICIENTLY) PROGRAM, which offers up to $300,000.00 to those towns who wish to participate in a study to determine if SHARING SERVICES is feasible. Apparently the towns of Little Silver, Fair Haven and Rumson have made great strides to consolidate their services. WHERE IS OCEANPORT?
Here is a statement from Rumson Mayor, John C. Ekdahl concerning SHARED SERVICES:
If the study says we can provide the same level of service to the three towns without diminishing response time and save significant tax dollars, we have no choice but to implement,'' Rumson Mayor John C. Ekdahl said.
Ekdahl said Two River officials want to be proactive and take advantage of state grants to conduct the merger study instead of waiting for the state to mandate such studies, without funding.
Will Oceanport wait until this study is mandated by the State? If Oceanport does not act now, Oceanport Taxpayers may be at risk of paying a large sum of money to conduct a State Mandated Study?
IF OCEANPORT ACTS NOW THEY WILL RECEIVE GRANT MONEY FOR THE STUDY AT NO COST TO THE TAXPAYERS.
MORE QUESTIONABLE DECISIONS BY THE DEMOCRATS
Hey Democrats wake up? THE GRANT MONEY IS AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW Oceanport Borough wasn’t included because the Democratic Controlled Town made it clear that they don’t wish to be included in any SHARED SERVICE PROGRAMS that could save the taxpayers a large amount of money.
AGAIN THE TAXPAYER WILL SUFFER UNDER THE DEMOCRATIC CONTROLLED TOWN. IT IS CLEARLY TIME FOR FRESH FACES, WITH NEW IDEAS AND SOLID LEADERSHIP SKILLS.
WHAT OR WHO ARE THE OCEANPORT DEMOCRATS PROTECTING HERE?
Council Sharkey brought this issue to the table back in February, 2006 by meeting with representatives from West Long Branch, Ocean Twp., Little Silver, Councilman Ted Ibex and Briscione from Oceanport and others. However, the Democrats of Oceanport where very guarded and really did not show signs of being interested in the proposal while the representatives from the other towns were very attracted to the idea.
The Democrats have dragged their feet for the LAST EIGHT months or better and missed the boat on the SHARED SERVICES PROGRAM with Little Silver, Fair Haven, Rumson, West Long Branch, and Shrewsbury.
WHAT ARE THE SLUGGISH DEMOCRATS THINKING?
MORE QUESTIONABLE DECISIONS BY THE DEMOCRATS
Hey Democrats wake up? THE GRANT MONEY IS AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW Oceanport Borough wasn’t included because the Democratic Controlled Town made it clear that they don’t wish to be included in any SHARED SERVICE PROGRAMS that could save the taxpayers a large amount of money.
AGAIN THE TAXPAYER WILL SUFFER UNDER THE DEMOCRATIC CONTROLLED TOWN. IT IS CLEARLY TIME FOR FRESH FACES, WITH NEW IDEAS AND SOLID LEADERSHIP SKILLS.
WHAT OR WHO ARE THE OCEANPORT DEMOCRATS PROTECTING HERE?
Council Sharkey brought this issue to the table back in February, 2006 by meeting with representatives from West Long Branch, Ocean Twp., Little Silver, Councilman Ted Ibex and Briscione from Oceanport and others. However, the Democrats of Oceanport where very guarded and really did not show signs of being interested in the proposal while the representatives from the other towns were very attracted to the idea.
The Democrats have dragged their feet for the LAST EIGHT months or better and missed the boat on the SHARED SERVICES PROGRAM with Little Silver, Fair Haven, Rumson, West Long Branch, and Shrewsbury.
WHAT ARE THE SLUGGISH DEMOCRATS THINKING?
ACCORDING TO THE COUNCIL MINUTES OF AUGUST 17, 2006, CHAUMP, BRISCIONE, AND IBEX ARE STILL TRYING TO PREPARE A REPORT CONCERNING SHARED SERVICES, SIX MONTHS AFTER THE MEETING.
THIS REPORT MUST BE AT LEAST A 5000 PAGE REPORT, CONSIDERING THE TIME SPENT ON IT. YOU WILL EVENTUALLY SEE THAT THE DEMOCRATIC CONTROLLED OCEANPORT GOVERNMENT WILL NOT FAVOR SHARED SERVICES WHEN IT IS ALL SAID AND DONE.
CLICK HERE FOR MINUTES
AUGUST 17, 2006 COUNCIL MINUTES
HOPEFULLY THE REPUBLICANS CAN RESURRECT THE IDEA AFTER THE ELECTIONS. AT MINIMUM THE REPUBLICANS CAN START DIALOG WITH THE OTHER TOWNS AND START THE PROCESS OF APPLYING FOR THE NEEDED GRANT FUNDING TO CONDUCT A STUDY. THIS IS EXACTY WHAT THE TOWN NEEDS AFTER MANY YEARS OF MISMANAGEMENT.
3 "TWO RIVER' TOWNS MULL A JOINT POLICE DEPARTMENT
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 10/13/06
BY LARRY HIGGS
COASTAL MONMOUTH BUREAU
3 TWO RIVER TOWNS MILL A JOINT POLICE DEPARTMENT
A second group of Monmouth County communities is considering merging police departments to save money and reduce taxes, as officials announced plans Thursday to study consolidation in Rumson, Fair Haven and Little Silver.
The three borough councils will be asked to pass a resolution to form the Two River Shared Services Committee, which will apply for a state grant to do the study. Little Silver officials, who meet Monday night, could be the first group to take the idea up, with Rumson following on Thursday.
"It could be one of the biggest changes on the peninsula,'' Little Silver Councilman Declan O'Scanlon said.
Each borough would vote on forming the commission and allocating $2,000 each to provide a match to a $20,000 state grant to conduct the study, he said.
While police work would be the first municipal service studied, the committee would ultimately look at other municipal operations areas for potential savings, he said.
However, there are some ground rules. A consolidation would be gradual and officials would reduce staff by attrition rather than layoffs or firing, he said.
"If the study says we can provide the same level of service to the three towns without diminishing response time and save significant tax dollars, we have no choice but to implement,'' Rumson Mayor John C. Ekdahl said.
Police accounts make up the largest share of municipal budgets and a merger could yield significant tax savings, Fair Haven Council President Thomas Gilmour said in a prepared statement.
8-TOWN STUDY UNDER WAY
This is the second proposed police merger undergoing examination in the Shore area. This summer, Belmar officials proposed creating a regional force with police departments in Brielle, Lake Como, Manasquan, Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights and Wall.
Two Morris County towns, Wharton and Mine Hill, have consolidated police departments, and O'Scanlon said Two River officials are interested in looking at that consolidation.
Police in Little Silver, Rumson and Fair Haven already provide mutual aid for one another, he said.
Pending votes by the three borough councils, Two River officials could apply for the state grant in 30 days and estimate they could have an answer 30 days after that, Ekdahl said.
"It would probably be another five to six months before we have (a study) on our desk,'' he said.
Each of the three police departments has a new police chief, which is helping foster the discussion, O'Scanlon said. Officials have met with their respective police chiefs.
"If the feasibility study says it looks like it makes sense, we promised them they have job security and that right sizing would happen through attrition,'' Ekdahl said. "From our chiefs' comments, they have some buy-in. They're taxpayers, too. I sense cooperation.''
State officials have created committees working on government worker pensions, school tax reform and shared services as part of the ongoing property tax reduction debate.
Ekdahl said Two River officials want to be proactive and take advantage of state grants to conduct the merger study instead of waiting for the state to mandate such studies, without funding.
MAYORS WEIGH STUDY OF SHARED SERVICES
STATE OFFICIAL SAYS GRANTS AVAILABLE TO FUND FEASIBILITY STUDIES
BY LAYLI WHYTE
Staff Writer
LITTLE SILVER - The idea of conducting feasibility studies for shared services between Fort Monmouth and neighboring communities was discussed at last Saturday's meeting of the Two River Council of Mayors.
John Rasimowicz, manager of regional and special services with the state Department of Community Affairs, was at the meeting to discuss ways the 14 municipalities whose mayors are members of the council could fund shared service studies.
He told the group there are three types of state grants available in different amounts for various projects.
According to information provided by Rasimowicz, the state has implemented the new SHARE (Sharing Available Resources Efficiently) program, which makes it easier for municipalities, counties and regional organizations to study and implement shared services.
Rasimowicz said feasibility study grants worth up to $20,000, with a 10 percent local match, are available through the SHARE program to fund studies on either specific shared services programs or to study the needs and assets of municipalities in order to determine in which areas services can be shared.
The grants are available on a reimbursement basis, and after the study is completed there is no obligation to implement any recommendations that may result from the study, Rasimowicz said.
"Should you decide to implement any of the recommendations," he said, "you can then apply for an implementation grant worth up to about $200,000 with no local match. This is also on a reimbursement basis."
Rasimowicz said that the state is also offering a COUNT grant to counties and other regional organizations, used to identify potential shared services opportunities.
"This can be a multiyear grant," he said, "up to three years for a total of $300,000 with no matching funds needed."
He said Monmouth County is waiting for a response from the state regarding its application for a COUNT grant for the establishment of the position of coordinator of shared services, who would identify and establish shared services within the county.
"Admittedly," said Rasimowicz, "not all shared services will save money."
He added that the Two River Council of Mayors would be the kind of regional organization that would qualify for a COUNT grant.
Shrewsbury Mayor Emilia Siciliano said that she would like to see a feasibility study done regarding shared services between the towns and Fort Monmouth, especially in the area of fire prevention and protection.
Red Bank Borough Administrator Stanley Sickels said he agreed that the help Fort Monmouth already gives to local municipalities to fight fires is irreplaceable.
Sickels said that the hazardous material (hazmat) vehicle used by the Fort Monmouth Fire Department has helped in many local fires.
"I think we should actually try to do this," said Little Silver Mayor Suzanne Castleman. "If we lose that, we're all in trouble."
Fort Monmouth Garrison Cmdr. Ricki Sullivan was also at the meeting and said that the hazmat vehicle costs about $3.3 million, but the real cost is in the training of personnel to run the equipment.
"You cannot sustain a service like that with volunteers," he said.
The great majority of fire departments in the area are completely volunteer, and with Fort Monmouth slated to be closed, local municipalities are trying to find ways to fill the void in services that will be left.
Sullivan said the fort will likely not be closed until 2011, and the equipment now based at the fort, including the hazmat vehicle, will probably be stationed closer to Washington, D.C.
Siciliano said she would like to have a feasibility study done to see how the local municipalities could share more services with Fort Monmouth, during the time that the fort is still in existence, especially in the areas of fire protection, recreation space and public works.
Rasimowicz said that the work that the municipalities have already done in consolidating and sharing services should be a model for other places in the state.
"I commend you for doing what is the most important factor in shared services," he said, "and that is talking to your neighbors. This is exactly the kind of get-together that brings communication and trust-building."
Rasimowicz said that many municipalities, including some in Monmouth County, do not communicate on a regular basis and do not share services.
Ocean Township Mayor William Larkin said that the big-ticket items are also the least likely to be consolidated.
"When it comes to shared services," he said, "the big savings come from police, fire and public works. I don't think that will happen unless the state steps in."
According to a press release from the office of Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck (R-12), the Joint Legislative Committee on Government Consolidation and Shared Services has considered legislation sponsored by Beck that would create a bipartisan, independent statewide commission to study potential municipal consolidations.
"Under the Beck bill, AJR-69," according to the release, "the state would establish a Municipal Alignment Reorganization and Consolidation Commission to develop a plan to consolidate groups of municipalities. This commission would then submit its recommendations to the Legislature for a final vote of approval."
According to the release, the commission would consist of nine public members, appointed in a bipartisan fashion by legislative leadership, Gov. Jon Corzine, and the Chief Justice of the state Supreme Court.
The commission would establish criteria to determine which groups or pairs of municipalities would benefit from consolidating, using such information as geographic and economic considerations, costs and benefits, and potential tax savings.
Eatontown Mayor Gerald J. Tarantolo said that the towns in this area of Monmouth County are already working well together and he is not in favor of the state stepping in.
"We already have a mutual aid agreement with our fire departments," he said. "What really bothers me is the implication from Trenton that we don't have a clue. Now we're being directed to do what we've been doing for years."
Tarantolo said that Eatontown recently bought a cherry-picker in conjunction with Tinton Falls, and that both municipalities will benefit.
Red Bank also has many shared services programs with neighboring communities such as Tinton Falls and Little Silver, and is currently in talks with Fair Haven to see what services can be shared.
Fair Haven Mayor Joseph Szostak said he would like to be able to put out a wish list for his town, as well as a list of what his town has to offer, and have other municipalities do the same.
The council is planning to continue the discussion of shared services at its next meeting on Nov. 4 at the Little Silver Municipal Building, and may make the topic a regular part of every meeting.
WLB MULLS SHARING MUNICIPAL COURT WITH OCEAN TWP.
OFFICIALS: SHARING COURT COULD CUT COST OF PROPOSED POLICE STATION
BY SUE MORGAN
Staff Writer
WLB MULLS SHARING MUNICPAL COURT WITH OCEAN TWP.
WEST LONG BRANCH - Council-woman Bettina Munson would like to hear how residents feel about traveling to Ocean Township for municipal court.
The idea of moving local court functions out of town comes down to saving taxpayer money, according to Munson, who oversees the borough's buildings and grounds.
By holding court in another town, the borough could save money on personnel, utilities and other expenses now associated with housing a courtroom and a judge's chambers inside the current police headquarters located at the troubled 95 Poplar Ave. building, several officials told residents during the Borough Council's Oct. 4 caucus session.
Munson, like Mayor Janet W. Tucci, believes moving the municipal courtroom to Ocean could result in cost savings to taxpayers.
Because Ocean Township has offered to share its courtroom facilities with nearby municipalities, West Long Branch officials believe it's an option worth exploring.
Nonetheless, Munson said she would like to hear borough residents' views about the idea.
"What would West Long Branch residents think about having to go to the next town for court?" Munson said. "I'd like to know about it."
Weary of rising property taxes, financially strapped residents are leaving the borough and ultimately the state, said Tucci, who noted that the borough will explore other ways to share services.
"We're looking at shared services with other towns," Tucci said. "It's the only way small towns like ours can survive."
Borough resident Mary Lynch encouraged officials to pursue the idea.
"That's a great way to start," said Lynch, a frequent speaker at meetings. "I as a taxpayer would appreciate it."
How not to burden property owners in town with even more taxes while trying to resolve poor working conditions inside the 95 Poplar Ave. structure, which also houses the municipal construction offices, is a hot topic for officials.
During the meeting, Tucci and the council took a first look at an architect's concept plan for a brand-new, two-story, 16,780-square-foot facility to house the police, municipal court and construction offices behind the current borough hall at 965 Broadway for an estimated cost of $5.6 million.
If the council shifted its municipal court to Ocean Township, the 2,600-square-foot courtroom space drawn in by the architect, Andrew Trocchia Jr., could be cut out, a move that would shave some money off the final cost, Munson said.
"If we [shared the court with Ocean Township], we could eliminate the court space and have a smaller building," Munson said after the meeting."
The council asked Trocchia to edit out the courtroom facilities and resubmit them at a future date.
In addition, T&M Associates of Middletown, the borough's contract engineering firm, will be assigned to draw up its own conceptual engineering drawings for the proposed building, which would stand alone in the vacant area behind the present borough hall, Munson said.
"We're moving along," she said of the project.
Although the borough is exploring the option of constructing a new police headquarters on land that is now open, residents who have been waiting for the town to convert the area to a playground and a ballfield need not be alarmed, Munson said.
"There still will be a ballfield and a playground," she said. "The architect has shown that there will be enough room for building the playground with ballfields."
The council is still considering a complete renovation of the water-logged structure at 95 Poplar Ave., which until about four years ago housed all borough offices.
However, renovating and thoroughly patching up the 78-year-old building could cost the town about $6.2 million, not including site work, civil engineering and new furnishings, according to Trocchia.
Mold, mildew and flooding inside the building, particularly its basement, have resulted in hazardous working conditions for the police and other borough employees, who deserve better, Munson said after the meeting.
"We cannot let these people continue to be in this building," she said. "I'm going to fight to get the police a new building."
Councilman Thomas DeBruin, who is also the borough's police commissioner, and Councilman Joseph Woolley, who has worked in construction trades, sit on the Building and Grounds Committee chaired by Munson.
Trocchia's conceptual plans also show that the existing 52-stall parking lot outside 965 Broadway, a former church, would be doubled in size if the new police headquarters is built there.
The notion of constructing a new police headquarters is still only in its conceptual stages and remains to be decided by the governing body, Munson stressed.
If the council decides to build a new structure, it would search for a new use for the upstairs portion, but not the basement of 95 Poplar, she noted.
"There can be new uses of 95 Poplar Ave.," Munson said.
According to Munson, the borough has received three quotes from air quality firms seeking to remediate mold found inside the police station's booking room last month.
During a series of tests conducted by an air quality testing firm last month, mold levels in that room were found to be slightly higher than those in other rooms, but were still found to be within acceptable limits, Munson said.
At the next scheduled meeting on Oct. 18, the council is expected to select one of the three air quality firms to remediate the mold in the single room, she went on.
Employees will be able to remain in the building while the remediation, which is expected to take less than two days, is going on, Munson said.
The tests were conducted after a female police officer in reportedly good health, suffered an asthma attack while working inside the building. However, officials said the officer's condition could not be linked to the mold.
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AUGUST 17, 2006 COUNCIL MINUTES
HOPEFULLY THE REPUBLICANS CAN RESURRECT THE IDEA AFTER THE ELECTIONS. AT MINIMUM THE REPUBLICANS CAN START DIALOG WITH THE OTHER TOWNS AND START THE PROCESS OF APPLYING FOR THE NEEDED GRANT FUNDING TO CONDUCT A STUDY. THIS IS EXACTY WHAT THE TOWN NEEDS AFTER MANY YEARS OF MISMANAGEMENT.
3 "TWO RIVER' TOWNS MULL A JOINT POLICE DEPARTMENT
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 10/13/06
BY LARRY HIGGS
COASTAL MONMOUTH BUREAU
3 TWO RIVER TOWNS MILL A JOINT POLICE DEPARTMENT
A second group of Monmouth County communities is considering merging police departments to save money and reduce taxes, as officials announced plans Thursday to study consolidation in Rumson, Fair Haven and Little Silver.
The three borough councils will be asked to pass a resolution to form the Two River Shared Services Committee, which will apply for a state grant to do the study. Little Silver officials, who meet Monday night, could be the first group to take the idea up, with Rumson following on Thursday.
"It could be one of the biggest changes on the peninsula,'' Little Silver Councilman Declan O'Scanlon said.
Each borough would vote on forming the commission and allocating $2,000 each to provide a match to a $20,000 state grant to conduct the study, he said.
While police work would be the first municipal service studied, the committee would ultimately look at other municipal operations areas for potential savings, he said.
However, there are some ground rules. A consolidation would be gradual and officials would reduce staff by attrition rather than layoffs or firing, he said.
"If the study says we can provide the same level of service to the three towns without diminishing response time and save significant tax dollars, we have no choice but to implement,'' Rumson Mayor John C. Ekdahl said.
Police accounts make up the largest share of municipal budgets and a merger could yield significant tax savings, Fair Haven Council President Thomas Gilmour said in a prepared statement.
8-TOWN STUDY UNDER WAY
This is the second proposed police merger undergoing examination in the Shore area. This summer, Belmar officials proposed creating a regional force with police departments in Brielle, Lake Como, Manasquan, Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights and Wall.
Two Morris County towns, Wharton and Mine Hill, have consolidated police departments, and O'Scanlon said Two River officials are interested in looking at that consolidation.
Police in Little Silver, Rumson and Fair Haven already provide mutual aid for one another, he said.
Pending votes by the three borough councils, Two River officials could apply for the state grant in 30 days and estimate they could have an answer 30 days after that, Ekdahl said.
"It would probably be another five to six months before we have (a study) on our desk,'' he said.
Each of the three police departments has a new police chief, which is helping foster the discussion, O'Scanlon said. Officials have met with their respective police chiefs.
"If the feasibility study says it looks like it makes sense, we promised them they have job security and that right sizing would happen through attrition,'' Ekdahl said. "From our chiefs' comments, they have some buy-in. They're taxpayers, too. I sense cooperation.''
State officials have created committees working on government worker pensions, school tax reform and shared services as part of the ongoing property tax reduction debate.
Ekdahl said Two River officials want to be proactive and take advantage of state grants to conduct the merger study instead of waiting for the state to mandate such studies, without funding.
MAYORS WEIGH STUDY OF SHARED SERVICES
STATE OFFICIAL SAYS GRANTS AVAILABLE TO FUND FEASIBILITY STUDIES
BY LAYLI WHYTE
Staff Writer
LITTLE SILVER - The idea of conducting feasibility studies for shared services between Fort Monmouth and neighboring communities was discussed at last Saturday's meeting of the Two River Council of Mayors.
John Rasimowicz, manager of regional and special services with the state Department of Community Affairs, was at the meeting to discuss ways the 14 municipalities whose mayors are members of the council could fund shared service studies.
He told the group there are three types of state grants available in different amounts for various projects.
According to information provided by Rasimowicz, the state has implemented the new SHARE (Sharing Available Resources Efficiently) program, which makes it easier for municipalities, counties and regional organizations to study and implement shared services.
Rasimowicz said feasibility study grants worth up to $20,000, with a 10 percent local match, are available through the SHARE program to fund studies on either specific shared services programs or to study the needs and assets of municipalities in order to determine in which areas services can be shared.
The grants are available on a reimbursement basis, and after the study is completed there is no obligation to implement any recommendations that may result from the study, Rasimowicz said.
"Should you decide to implement any of the recommendations," he said, "you can then apply for an implementation grant worth up to about $200,000 with no local match. This is also on a reimbursement basis."
Rasimowicz said that the state is also offering a COUNT grant to counties and other regional organizations, used to identify potential shared services opportunities.
"This can be a multiyear grant," he said, "up to three years for a total of $300,000 with no matching funds needed."
He said Monmouth County is waiting for a response from the state regarding its application for a COUNT grant for the establishment of the position of coordinator of shared services, who would identify and establish shared services within the county.
"Admittedly," said Rasimowicz, "not all shared services will save money."
He added that the Two River Council of Mayors would be the kind of regional organization that would qualify for a COUNT grant.
Shrewsbury Mayor Emilia Siciliano said that she would like to see a feasibility study done regarding shared services between the towns and Fort Monmouth, especially in the area of fire prevention and protection.
Red Bank Borough Administrator Stanley Sickels said he agreed that the help Fort Monmouth already gives to local municipalities to fight fires is irreplaceable.
Sickels said that the hazardous material (hazmat) vehicle used by the Fort Monmouth Fire Department has helped in many local fires.
"I think we should actually try to do this," said Little Silver Mayor Suzanne Castleman. "If we lose that, we're all in trouble."
Fort Monmouth Garrison Cmdr. Ricki Sullivan was also at the meeting and said that the hazmat vehicle costs about $3.3 million, but the real cost is in the training of personnel to run the equipment.
"You cannot sustain a service like that with volunteers," he said.
The great majority of fire departments in the area are completely volunteer, and with Fort Monmouth slated to be closed, local municipalities are trying to find ways to fill the void in services that will be left.
Sullivan said the fort will likely not be closed until 2011, and the equipment now based at the fort, including the hazmat vehicle, will probably be stationed closer to Washington, D.C.
Siciliano said she would like to have a feasibility study done to see how the local municipalities could share more services with Fort Monmouth, during the time that the fort is still in existence, especially in the areas of fire protection, recreation space and public works.
Rasimowicz said that the work that the municipalities have already done in consolidating and sharing services should be a model for other places in the state.
"I commend you for doing what is the most important factor in shared services," he said, "and that is talking to your neighbors. This is exactly the kind of get-together that brings communication and trust-building."
Rasimowicz said that many municipalities, including some in Monmouth County, do not communicate on a regular basis and do not share services.
Ocean Township Mayor William Larkin said that the big-ticket items are also the least likely to be consolidated.
"When it comes to shared services," he said, "the big savings come from police, fire and public works. I don't think that will happen unless the state steps in."
According to a press release from the office of Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck (R-12), the Joint Legislative Committee on Government Consolidation and Shared Services has considered legislation sponsored by Beck that would create a bipartisan, independent statewide commission to study potential municipal consolidations.
"Under the Beck bill, AJR-69," according to the release, "the state would establish a Municipal Alignment Reorganization and Consolidation Commission to develop a plan to consolidate groups of municipalities. This commission would then submit its recommendations to the Legislature for a final vote of approval."
According to the release, the commission would consist of nine public members, appointed in a bipartisan fashion by legislative leadership, Gov. Jon Corzine, and the Chief Justice of the state Supreme Court.
The commission would establish criteria to determine which groups or pairs of municipalities would benefit from consolidating, using such information as geographic and economic considerations, costs and benefits, and potential tax savings.
Eatontown Mayor Gerald J. Tarantolo said that the towns in this area of Monmouth County are already working well together and he is not in favor of the state stepping in.
"We already have a mutual aid agreement with our fire departments," he said. "What really bothers me is the implication from Trenton that we don't have a clue. Now we're being directed to do what we've been doing for years."
Tarantolo said that Eatontown recently bought a cherry-picker in conjunction with Tinton Falls, and that both municipalities will benefit.
Red Bank also has many shared services programs with neighboring communities such as Tinton Falls and Little Silver, and is currently in talks with Fair Haven to see what services can be shared.
Fair Haven Mayor Joseph Szostak said he would like to be able to put out a wish list for his town, as well as a list of what his town has to offer, and have other municipalities do the same.
The council is planning to continue the discussion of shared services at its next meeting on Nov. 4 at the Little Silver Municipal Building, and may make the topic a regular part of every meeting.
WLB MULLS SHARING MUNICIPAL COURT WITH OCEAN TWP.
OFFICIALS: SHARING COURT COULD CUT COST OF PROPOSED POLICE STATION
BY SUE MORGAN
Staff Writer
WLB MULLS SHARING MUNICPAL COURT WITH OCEAN TWP.
WEST LONG BRANCH - Council-woman Bettina Munson would like to hear how residents feel about traveling to Ocean Township for municipal court.
The idea of moving local court functions out of town comes down to saving taxpayer money, according to Munson, who oversees the borough's buildings and grounds.
By holding court in another town, the borough could save money on personnel, utilities and other expenses now associated with housing a courtroom and a judge's chambers inside the current police headquarters located at the troubled 95 Poplar Ave. building, several officials told residents during the Borough Council's Oct. 4 caucus session.
Munson, like Mayor Janet W. Tucci, believes moving the municipal courtroom to Ocean could result in cost savings to taxpayers.
Because Ocean Township has offered to share its courtroom facilities with nearby municipalities, West Long Branch officials believe it's an option worth exploring.
Nonetheless, Munson said she would like to hear borough residents' views about the idea.
"What would West Long Branch residents think about having to go to the next town for court?" Munson said. "I'd like to know about it."
Weary of rising property taxes, financially strapped residents are leaving the borough and ultimately the state, said Tucci, who noted that the borough will explore other ways to share services.
"We're looking at shared services with other towns," Tucci said. "It's the only way small towns like ours can survive."
Borough resident Mary Lynch encouraged officials to pursue the idea.
"That's a great way to start," said Lynch, a frequent speaker at meetings. "I as a taxpayer would appreciate it."
How not to burden property owners in town with even more taxes while trying to resolve poor working conditions inside the 95 Poplar Ave. structure, which also houses the municipal construction offices, is a hot topic for officials.
During the meeting, Tucci and the council took a first look at an architect's concept plan for a brand-new, two-story, 16,780-square-foot facility to house the police, municipal court and construction offices behind the current borough hall at 965 Broadway for an estimated cost of $5.6 million.
If the council shifted its municipal court to Ocean Township, the 2,600-square-foot courtroom space drawn in by the architect, Andrew Trocchia Jr., could be cut out, a move that would shave some money off the final cost, Munson said.
"If we [shared the court with Ocean Township], we could eliminate the court space and have a smaller building," Munson said after the meeting."
The council asked Trocchia to edit out the courtroom facilities and resubmit them at a future date.
In addition, T&M Associates of Middletown, the borough's contract engineering firm, will be assigned to draw up its own conceptual engineering drawings for the proposed building, which would stand alone in the vacant area behind the present borough hall, Munson said.
"We're moving along," she said of the project.
Although the borough is exploring the option of constructing a new police headquarters on land that is now open, residents who have been waiting for the town to convert the area to a playground and a ballfield need not be alarmed, Munson said.
"There still will be a ballfield and a playground," she said. "The architect has shown that there will be enough room for building the playground with ballfields."
The council is still considering a complete renovation of the water-logged structure at 95 Poplar Ave., which until about four years ago housed all borough offices.
However, renovating and thoroughly patching up the 78-year-old building could cost the town about $6.2 million, not including site work, civil engineering and new furnishings, according to Trocchia.
Mold, mildew and flooding inside the building, particularly its basement, have resulted in hazardous working conditions for the police and other borough employees, who deserve better, Munson said after the meeting.
"We cannot let these people continue to be in this building," she said. "I'm going to fight to get the police a new building."
Councilman Thomas DeBruin, who is also the borough's police commissioner, and Councilman Joseph Woolley, who has worked in construction trades, sit on the Building and Grounds Committee chaired by Munson.
Trocchia's conceptual plans also show that the existing 52-stall parking lot outside 965 Broadway, a former church, would be doubled in size if the new police headquarters is built there.
The notion of constructing a new police headquarters is still only in its conceptual stages and remains to be decided by the governing body, Munson stressed.
If the council decides to build a new structure, it would search for a new use for the upstairs portion, but not the basement of 95 Poplar, she noted.
"There can be new uses of 95 Poplar Ave.," Munson said.
According to Munson, the borough has received three quotes from air quality firms seeking to remediate mold found inside the police station's booking room last month.
During a series of tests conducted by an air quality testing firm last month, mold levels in that room were found to be slightly higher than those in other rooms, but were still found to be within acceptable limits, Munson said.
At the next scheduled meeting on Oct. 18, the council is expected to select one of the three air quality firms to remediate the mold in the single room, she went on.
Employees will be able to remain in the building while the remediation, which is expected to take less than two days, is going on, Munson said.
The tests were conducted after a female police officer in reportedly good health, suffered an asthma attack while working inside the building. However, officials said the officer's condition could not be linked to the mold.
# posted by Stop The Corruption @ 1:33 PM
