-94-

MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY
June 4, 2008

The Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, met in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building, 205 Claremont Avenue, for a Special Meeting at 6:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor Remsen, Deputy Mayor Michaelson and Councilors Freier, Lang and Schlager.
Absent: Councilors Mattox and Tobin

STATEMENT OF SUNSHINE NOTICE

Review of agenda for the Regular Meeting.

***

Township Manager Joseph Hartnett presented a Municipal Budget working paper which would bring the 2008 Municipal Budget under CAP.

In reference to Councilor Schlager’s question, Mr. Hartnett noted that the Montclair Free Public Library is exempt from CAP laws. Thus any reduction in its budget would not affect the municipality’s CAP restriction; however it would help to reduce taxes.

MONTCLAIR EARLY CHILDHOOD CORPORATION

Mr. Hartnett reported that additional state funding for this institution may not be available until next year. If the Township were to provide $113,000 in a lump sum payment, the Pre-K would be able to manage during the summer months when funds are scarce. However, the Pre-K indicates that $213,000 was needed to “keep them whole.”

***

STAFF COMMENTS:

The Council received comments from staff members including:

Police Chief David Sabagh
Fire Chief Kevin Allen
Director of Community Services Steve Wood
Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs Pat Brechka

***

COUNCIL COMMENTS:

• Endorse privatization of Clary Anderson arena

• Consider closing Essex Pool (investigate possible ramifications of Green Acre funding for Nishuane and Essex pools)

• Consider the need for three free standing firehouses.

• Study utilization of pools and/or firehouses

• Consider privatization of refuse collection

Mayor Remsen emphasized the need to maintain funding levels for outside groups, i.e. Montclair Arts Council, Homecorp.

Both the Mayor and Councilor Lang questioned the long-term sustainability of funding affordable housing through developer’s fees.

***

PUBLIC COMMENT

Renee Baskerville, Fourth Ward Council-elect, asked how savings could be realized by reducing community police officers during the summer months since officers would still be assigned to patrol cars. Answer: reduction in overtime.

Cary Africk, Second Ward Councilor-elect, asked if personnel issues could be addressed by internal moves within departments. The Township Manager will consider.

Roger Terry, Councilor-at-Large elect asked why Glen Ridge’s shuttle service is so effective in contrast to Montclair’s service. Answer: different geographical layout.

Katherine Weller, Councilor-at-Large elect asked the timetable for a study of Montclair’s shuttle service. Answer: early 2009.

Ms. Weller asked for the projected increase in the per gallon rate for gasoline used by the municipality. Answer: approximately 23% over 2007 rate.

She also questioned the utilization of the Project Manager position to “fill holes in other departments.” (Mayor Remsen characterized this as an executive on loan scenario.)

Jerry Fried, Mayor-elect, questioned the CAP restrictions: i.e. comparison of tax “items” vs. fees. He believes this may push the Township towards additional privatization scenarios. Mr. Fried also asked how expenditures are allocated to capital vs. operating expenses. Other concerns: hiring of grant writer on a commission basis.

***

At 8:36 P.M., on motion made by Mayor Remsen and duly seconded, the Special Meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.
___________________________________________
ED REMSEN MAYOR

ATTEST:
________________________________________
LINDA S. WANATMUNICIPAL CLERK