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MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY
May 15, 2008

The Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, met in the Conference Room in the Municipal Building, 205 Claremont Avenue, for a Special Meeting at 7:36 P.M.
Present: Mayor Remsen, Deputy Mayor Michaelson and Councilors Freier and Mattox.
Absent: Councilors Lang, Schlager and Tobin

STATEMENT OF SUNSHINE NOTICE

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

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Township Manager Joseph Hartnett reviewed the Municipal Budget process for 2008. He referenced the recent cap law which prohibits the Township from spending 3½% more than the prior year. In addition the State also instituted a 4% tax cap. He noted that “the time has come for hard choices to be made.” Montclair funds a number of discretionary events and services in order to preserve and maintain values in Montclair. The problem will be to maintain a balance between competing interests. Mr. Hartnett announced that the budget as introduced this evening is “just a starting point.” However, a number of substantial reductions must be made in order to stay within the cap. He highlighted six mandatory costs, which when implemented, represent an 11.6% increase in municipal taxes.

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NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Remsen introduced the following ordinance and made a motion which was duly seconded, that it pass first reading and be further considered for final passage at a regular meeting of the Township Council to be held on June 17, 2008.

“ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14)” (08-16)

The motion was adopted by the following vote: “Ayes” Mayor Remsen, Deputy Mayor Michaelson and Councilor Freier. “Nay” Councilor Mattox.

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INTRODUCTION OF THE 2008 BUDGET

Municipal Clerk Linda S. Wanat read the following resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that the following statements of revenues and appropriations shall constitute the Municipal Budget for the year 2008:

Amount to be Raised by Taxes for Support of Municipal Budget:

Local Tax for Municipal Purposes Including Reserve for Uncollected Taxes:$43,305,154.83

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the budget will be published in the Montclair Times in the issue of May 29, 2008.

Ayes: Mayor Remsen, Deputy Mayor Michaelson and Councilors Freier,

Nay: Councilor Mattox

Absent: Councilors Tobin, Lang, and Schlager.

Notice is hereby given that the Budget and Tax Resolution was DEFEATED by the Governing Body of the Township of Montclair, County of Essex, on May 15, 2008.

A hearing on the Budget and Tax Resolution will be held at the Municipal Building, on June 17, 2008 at 8:00 o’clock P.M. at which time and place discussions to said Budget and Tax Resolution for the year 2008 may be presented by taxpayers or other interested persons.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Al Weller, 187 Cooper Ave, asked if the disposition of property located on College Avenue would be a part of any negotiations with Montclair State University.

Robin Woods, 50 Pine Street, asked why copies of the budget were not available prior to this evening’s meeting.
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At 8:15 P.M., on motion made by Mayor Remsen and duly seconded, the Special Meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

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ED REMSEN MAYOR

ATTEST:

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