Adapting to Fiscal Change the Budget Shared Services Pension & Benefits Interest Arbitration Municipal Aid

In this Issue.....Greetings from Governor Christie, Page 5

Winter 2010

Conference Quarterly Magazine Adapting to Fiscal Change The Budget Shared Services Pension & Benefits Interest Arbitration Municipal Aid

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Member FDIC President Brian C. Wahler, Piscataway Township Vice Presidents Thomas Arnone, Neptune City Boro David DelVecchio, Lambertville City Gary Giberson, Port Republic City VP, Treasurer Christine Schaumburg, Clinton 2010 New Jersey Conference of Mayors Immediate Past President onference uarterly agazine Colleen M. Mahr, Fanwood Borough C Q M Executive Director Albert LiCata Published quarterly by the New Jersey Conference of Mayors. Officers Steven S. Glickman, Esq., General Counsel Editor: Al LiCata Richard Mroz, Esq., Legislative Counsel John F. Morrissey, MEAC Chairperson Capitol View Offices 2010 NJCM OFFICERS NJCM, 150 West State Street, 1st Floor Trenton, NJ 08608-1105 P: 609.989.9216 | F: 609.989.9595 Atlantic County Monmouth County email: [email protected] Chuck Chiarello, Buena Vista Twp. Thomas A. Arnone, Neptune City Boro Gary Giberson, Port Republic City Michael J. Halfacre, Fair Haven Boro www.njcm.org James McCullough, Egg Harbor Twp. Susan Howard, Monmouth Beach Boro Bergen County Gerald J. Tarantolo, Eatontown Boro Vincent J. Barra, Allendale Boro Morris County CONTENTS Louis V. D’Arminio, Saddlebrook Twp. James P. Dodd, Dover Town President’s Message ��3 Paul Hoelscher, Harrington Park Glenn Sisco, Kinnelon Boro Governor’s Message to NJCM ��5 Arthur Ondish, Mt. Arlington Boro Burlington County COAH: Sweeping Changes on the Horizon ��7 Randy Brown, Evesham Twp. Ocean County DIRECTORS The Price of Consolidation of Services ��9 Dr. James A. Fazzone, Burlington City Steve Acropolis, Brick Twp. Thomas E. Harper, Wrightstown Boro Chris Boyle, Pine Beach Boro Hot Topics, Cool Mayors ��11 st Camden County Ronald S. Dancer, Plumsted Twp. Spotlight: NJCM 1 Vice President ��13 Ron Jones, Beachwood Boro PNC Committed to Providing Quality Services Fred Costantino, Pine Hill Boro Jason Varano, Berkeley Twp. BettyAnn Cowling-Carson, Magnolia Boro to New Jersey’s Government Agencies ��15 Frank Delucca Jr., Lindenwold Boro Passaic County Outgoing President Brian Wahler ��17 Gary J. Passanante, Somerdale Boro William Steenstra, Bloomingdale Boro Saying Goodnight to Politics as Usual ��19 Jose “Joey” Torres, Paterson City Cape May County 2010 Annual Spring Conference ��20 William Pikolycky, Woodbine Boro Salem County Energy Joint Meeting Yields Success ��25 Suzanne M. Walters, Stone Harbor Boro John J. Elk, Elsinboro Twp. NJCM Attends Washington Mayors Summit ��27 Cumberland County Somerset County Generating Revenue Through Demand Response James B. Begley, Bridgeton City Albert S. Ellis, Watchung Boro Programs for Municipalities ��29 Renee Blizzard, Downe Twp. Ray Heck, Millstone Boro Cultivated Dunes: Simple But Not Easy ��31 George W. Garrison, Commercial Twp. Carey Pilato, Bound Brook Boro Fredon Township, Past and Present ��33 Essex County Sussex County Spotlight: NJCM 3rd Vice President ��35 Cory Booker, Newark City Paul Marino, Hamburg Boro NJCM Business Council Robert L. Bowser, East Orange City Union County Wayne Smith, Irvington Twp. Business Council to Sponsor First Annual Mayors Golf Outing ��37 Victor Deluca, Maplewood Joseph Delorio, Roselle Park Boro Franklin Township ��37 Colleen Mahr, Fanwood Boro Gloucester County Sharon M. Robinson-Briggs, A Look Back at 2009 ��40 John J. Burzichelli, Paulsboro Boro Plainfield City New Mayor Training Welcomes Mayors Michael K. Galbraith, Westville Boro Warren County From Across The State ��Inside Back Cover Frank W. Minor, Logan Twp. Timothy C. McDonough, Hope Twp. Hudson County Mike Lavery, Hackettstown Jerramiah Healy, Jersey City Kevin Duffy, Hardwick Article submission deadline for the Spring NJCM Richard F. Turner, Weehawken Twp. Hunterdon County Quarterly is Thursday, April 29, 2010. David M. Delvecchio, Lambertville City James A. Gallos, Milford Boro Christine Schaumburg, Clinton Ronald Sworen, Frenchtown Boro Mercer County Please note our equal space policy of printing differing viewpoints John Bencivengo, Hamilton Twp. on major New Jersey issues. Articles presented are not necessarily the David Fried, Robbinsville Twp. opinion of NJCM. The NJCM Conference Quarterly Magazine, (ISSN Douglas Palmer, Trenton City #10656510) Vol. 48, No. 1 is a published quarterly in Feb., May, Aug., Anthony Persichilli, Pennington Boro and Nov. for its members by The New Jersey Conference of Mayors, 1st Floor, 150 W. State St,. Trenton, NJ 08608-1105. Periodical Postage paid Middlesex County at (Trenton, NJ) and additional mailing offices. Gloria M. Bradford, Milltown Boro John McCormac, Woodbridge POSTMASTER: Send address changes to New Jersey Conference of Brian Wahler, Piscataway Twp. Mayors, 1st Floor, 150 West State St., Trenton, NJ 08608-1105. ©Copyright, New Jersey Conference of Mayors, 2010 Building a community takes a ﬁ rm ﬁ nancial foundation.

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2 New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 New Jersey Conference of Mayors NJCMSince 1963 www.njcm.org

President’s Message By: Mayor Brian Wahler, NJCM President recently attended the 78th Winter must change existing investment mecha- COPS Office received 7,200 applications IMeeting of the U.S. Conference of nisms and ensure that precious and limited requesting $8.36 billion to hire, rehire, or Mayors (USCM) in Washington, D.C., federal resources are targeted directly to avoid layoffs for 39,000 officers. Only one and along with 230 Mayors from across the America’s cities and the metro areas that in eight of the requests were funded. More country, eleven from New Jersey were in- will determine if our country can and will funding could immediately allow the hiring vited to the White House where President compete in the world economy.” President of additional officers or avoid laying-off Barack Obama addressed us on Jobs and Obama in his State of the Union address current officers. These projects, as well as the Economy. Some members of the to the Congress and the nation on January funding for summer youth jobs, more local President’s Cabinet were also present and 27th said that more of the resources must transportation funding, school construc- as you might imagine, when the session be provided directly to cities and local tion and small business access to credit are opened for questions, regardless of what areas in order to have the most immedi- all necessary steps in order to achieve a full part of the country a Mayor was from, ate impact on job savings and creation. economic recovery. Not only will a full re- the comments were basically the same. On January 28th he announced plans covery help our cities and towns but it will Almost every Mayor mentioned hearing for a $33 billion tax credit to encourage make us a stronger nation with an economy from the residents of their community small businesses to hire workers and boost that will lead the world for decades to come. who have lost their jobs, are concerned wages. It is hoped that these initiatives will about losing their job, worried about help to spur the economy. Time will tell. s Mayors we need to continue to ad- losing their homes and are desperate for Avocate for targeted fiscal relief for our some kind of advice and assistance. While hile the American Recovery and cities and towns. It’s clear that we have our some of the answers provided a glimmer of WReinvestment Act (ARRA) con- work cut out for us but as leaders of our hope, it was clear there is no one answer tained funding for the Energy Block communities it is not only our duty but our to the myriad of problems we all face and Grant (EECBG), the Community obligation to do whatever we can in order certainly nothing suggesting a quick fix. Development Block Grant (CDBG), the Community Oriented Policing Services t was noted at the meeting, that the na- (COPS) Program, the Byrne/Justice Ition’s 363 metro economies proved to be the driving force of the nation’s economic performance, accounting for 90.1% of the gross domestic product (GDP), 90.3% of Brian Wahler, NJCM President is also the wage and salary income, and 86.2% of all Mayor of Piscataway Township jobs in 2009. Despite expected employ- ment growth in many metro areas’ labor markets during the first half of 2010, the unemployment rate will remain painfully high in those same areas over the next four Assistance Grant Program, transit grants, years. It was generally agreed that as a Metropolitan Planning Organization result of the information presented at this (MPO) funding for transportation proj- meeting, closer attention must be paid to ects, and Summer Youth, not even one to help put our people back to work and to the relationship between the economic percent of ARRA funds were provided bring business back to our cities and towns. health of our nation’s metro areas and the directly to cities. I’ve listed below what health of the nation as a whole. While both additional funding might do for our cities hifting gears…plans for the NJCM may be on the mend, albeit slowly, the and towns if directed to specific programs. Sconference, scheduled to begin on Administration believes that the national April 27th at the Borgata in Atlantic economy can recover more quickly by y providing additional funding for City, are well under way. The confer- more directly delegating federal funds to Bthe EECBG, additional green jobs ence sessions will discuss, among other cities and their metro economies. We agree. will be available in community-based items, shared services and property taxes. carbon reduction projects. One in 10 new We look forward to a productive confer- rior to the White House meeting the jobs generated through 2038 will be in ence where sharing ideas and possible PUSCM had reached much the same the “green” sector. The steady erosion of solutions to the issues at hand can only conclusion. We know that the recession is CDBG funding has short-changed low improve the well-being of our citizens. taking a terrible toll on American citizens, and moderate income communities in businesses, and communities. Elizabeth their efforts to revitalize neighborhoods. Kautz, USCM President and Mayor of Mayors could put people back to work Burnsville, Minn., said, “Quite simply, we immediately with additional funding. The

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Governor’s Message to NJCM

By: Governor Christopher Christie ince taking office on January 19th, proposed regulations that are currently long, COAH has made planning in our Smy Administration has taken swift, frozen. In addition, the Red Tape Review towns a confusing, onerous nightmare. It necessary action to address some of the is examining regulations already on the is my directive to this group to provide a most pressing issues facing New Jersey books to determine their economic impact, new path forward for planning that allows in order to rebuild our economy and get effectiveness, and efficiency. This review us to meet the constitutional obligations our people working again. Since my first is being done with the care it deserves – of the Mt. Laurel court decisions in a day in office, I’ve issued 14 Executive regulations were frozen as long as they did manner that is consistent with sound plan- Orders that will have a direct impact on not compromise public health or safety, ning and economic growth for the State. the operations of state government, and jeopardize federal funding or impede your work at the municipal level. These the necessary operations of any agency. Budget Solutions orders begin the process of fundamental On February 11, 2010, I declared that reform that is so desperately needed if Common Sense Principles New Jersey is facing a fiscal emergency. we have any hope of closing the existing Executive Order 2 lays out a set of It should come as no surprise to anyone budget gap and lowering the tax burden “Common Sense Principles” that will that we are facing a daunting budget gap make the regulatory process in New Jersey and an economy that is struggling to y transition team, my Administra- transparent and accessible. Our Common survive. My Administration moved to im- Mtion, and I have listened to the public, Sense Principles Executive Order makes mediately address the $2.2 billion budget elected officials, and business owners from important changes to the State’s regula- shortfall we inherited for FY 2010 with a across our State describe the challenges tory process. The order specifically directs comprehensive set of solutions. Yes, these they face and their need for action and ef- state agencies to detail and justify when a solutions represent the beginning of the fectiveness from Trenton. As a result, my proposed rule exceeds the requirements of Administration has outlined an aggressive a federal law of regulation; solicit advice agenda to rebuild our economy, and we’ve and views from academia and the private already begun the difficult work needed to sector to provide insights on proposed achieve long-term reform. Through executive order, I’ve enacted a set of Common Sense principles for rule-making and per- mitting, created a Red Tape Review Group Governor Christopher Christie, to evaluate current and proposed regula- Governor of the State of New Jersey. tions, started the process of unwinding COAH and changing planning policy in New Jersey, and directed state agencies not to create any unfunded mandates. Each of these steps, and further action as a result of rules before they are proposed; and culti- these policies, will change the way business vate an approach to regulations that values many tough choices that lie ahead for the is done across every level of government. performance-based outcomes and compli- Garden State. However, these difficult ance over penalties for technical violations choices provide the opportunity to build a imply put–New Jersey can no longer that do not result in negative impacts to foundation for stability and reform for the Safford to spend uncontrollably. The days public health, safety or the environment. future. My Administration will not avoid of spending without paying any attention tough choices any longer and allow these to the cost, efficiency and effectiveness of COAH problems to fester for a future generation. the programs we are funding are over. Some As I promised when running for Governor, Through Executive Order 12 and other of the early steps we’ve taken to change the I have taken swift, decisive action to reform proposals, our FY 2010 budget solutions existing regulatory structure and eliminate the Commission on Affordable Housing. focused on programs that were facing the job killing policies that stifle growth In Executive Order 12, I have created the surplus balances, ripe with waste and and hamper our competitiveness include: Housing Opportunity Task Force, initiat- inefficiencies, opportunities for long-term ing an immediate review of the COAH and reform and simply good programs where The Red Tape Review Group its continued existence. I’ve asked this Task we had little choice. There is no other Created in Executive Order 3, this bipar- Force to examine the regulations and meth- way to rebuild our economy and close tisan group is chaired by Lt. Governor odologies of COAH, the Fair Housing Act our budget gap, but my Administration Guadagno and is reviewing the 172 (FHA) and the State Planning Act. For too has stepped up and made the hard, continued on Page 13

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6 New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 New Jersey Conference of Mayors NJCMSince 1963 www.njcm.org COAH: Sweeping Changes on the Horizon

By: Mayor Colleen Mahr, Fanwood has certainly started off with a in the midst of various redevelopment he formulated S-1. We will be sitting down 2010renewed focus and discussion projects in an effort to keep our commu- and working closely with Chairwoman & on a topic that affects every single Mayor, nities vibrant, increase our ratable base, former Senator Marcia Karrow, Mayors all 566 of us – COAH reform. After being create jobs and make sure that we have real Wilda Diaz, of Perth Amboy & Frank stymied, frustrated and outright angry over choice of housing opportunities so that Drutzler, of Morris Plains and the remain- what is commonly referred to as A500 our towns remain attractive yet affordable. or COAH’s Third Round Rules, NJCM Mayors are now energized and engaged hat Mayors will oppose is any in creating a new successful plan for pro- Wcontinuation of COAH in its pres- viding affordable housing in New Jersey. ent form. For the last round has exposed COAH for what it is, a series of complex he recent introduction of S-1 by Senator Raymond J Lesniak, T is the Mayor of Fanwood (D-Union) and Co-sponsored by Senator Colleen Mahr Christopher Batman (R-Somerset) abol- and Immediate Past President of NJCM ishes COAH and offers sweeping reform to the Fair Housing Act. That was followed convoluted rules that make no sense, by an Executive Order by Governor Chris and a bureaucracy that has stymied local Christie which freezes for 90 days, any new governments for years with administra- Regulations on new certifications and on tive rules. As a result, Mayors across New ing members of the Governor’s Fair Housing all pending mediations. Governor Christie Jersey have had to deal with unexpected Review Committee so that they too, can also Created the Housing Opportunities and unnecessary revenue expenditures hear comprehensive suggestions and con- Task Force, a 5 member Fair Housing to question and defend our actions to cerns as they seek to advise the Governor. Review Committee headed by former COAH. We believe the time is now to do Senator Marcia Karrow (R - Hunterdon). the right thing and bring about manage- ne thing is for sure that any changes able smart growth with an eye towards Owill have a direct impact on a com- oth actions have all stakeholders sit- providing a variety of housing options. munity’s obligations to provide affordable Bting up and paying attention which housing and a developer’s ability to pro- is a good thing for New Jersey Mayors. he NJCM supports the abolishment duce such housing. In my testimony on We applaud our statewide leaders for Tof COAH. We agree that the state S-1, I told the committee that the “devil taking on this issue that effect us regard- should be prevented from calculating is in the details”, and we want to ensure less of location, population, whether prospective need for affordable housing this new foundation for how affordable suburban or urban. Our collective voices which has been passed on to the local gov- housing obligations are understood, of disapproval have finally been heard. ernments. We support the elimination of determined and met can be fully sup- municipal obligations for any 2nd round ported by the New Jersey Conference of s I have traveled the state speaking unmet needs in addition to eliminating Mayors in its final version. We would want Awith my colleagues it is clear we all the highly suspect 3rd round numbers. any new legislation to include the clear have been working for decades on this issue The NJCM supports the grandfathering of formulation of criteria for determining and do not seek to shy away from our con- regional contribution agreements (RCA’s). whether a community has complied with stitutional responsibility of providing vari- S-1 proposes that instead of being driven its obligation under the fair housing act. ous housing options in our municipalities. by a state calculation of need, communities We all understand that having a diverse may administer their own obligation and he NJCM will be advocating on behalf community benefits everyone. Many are this obligation may be addressed by the re- Tof those communities who already habilitation of existing sub standard units. incurred enormous expense and effort by addressing their affordable housing n February 1st, a group of Mayors requirements. With the possible option Omade public comments before the of obtaining credit for previously filed Senate Economic Growth Committee on housing elements and fair share plans. Yet, Senator Lesniak’s S-1. We all came with we also know that the wild card in this supportive suggestions and thanked the reform is the anticipated decision from Senator for taking on this issue, not in a the Appellate Division of the Superior piece meal fashion that was marked by the Court based on appeals that have attacked last legislation session, but in a compre- COAH’s third round rules. Sweeping hensive thoughtful manner that listened to changes are coming one way or the other the Mayors and our numerous concerns. on how New Jersey provides affordable Mayor Colleen Mahr–Fanwood, Mayor Tom Arnone– Neptune City and Mayor Wilda Diaz–Perth Amboy housing and the Mayors of New Jersey address Senator Lesniak and the Senate Economic he NJCM thanks Senator Lesniak for will be standing front and center as this Growth Committee on February 1st, 2010 Thaving our organization at the table as critical discussion and debate unfolds. New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 7 We are invested in New Jersey. New Jersey American Water is invested in the future of the communities we serve. From improving infrastructure to proactive planning that will help us meet future demand, we are dedicated to meeting the needs of our customers.

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8 New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 New Jersey Conference of Mayors NJCMSince 1963 www.njcm.org The Price of Consolidation of Services By: Mayor Victor J. Sordillo, Warren Township hen considering the impact of consol- Warren Township contributes $13.2 mil- ome services are best handled locally. Widation of services opportunities with lion to the County or $825 per person. SWe all have experienced the consolida- the County, you must evaluate the financial North Plainfield contributes $5.1 mil- tion of call centers for computer support impact to your town. On the surface the lion to the County or $232 per person. by major corporations. Now when we call overall cost of consolidating services appears up a manufacturer for information on their to demonstrate a clear savings. This may arren pays the County over product, we are routed to India and have be true in the aggregate, but is the savings Wthree and one-half times the per to deal with delays and language issues. equally shared by all towns in the County? person cost. So we would expect that Warren Township would have fewer hat would we think if Exxon de- any have argued that service quality saving (if any) than North Plainfield. Wcided to have only one central gas Mwill deteriorate through consolida- station in the County? It would certainly tion and over time the bureaucracy of bigger f we look at the cost per person of our cost less to operate than 50 in the county. government will lead to greater waste and an Iexisting system and the cost per person We could save 5 or 10 cents per gallon. eventual eroding of savings. It is clear that of the consolidated system, we would They certainly would not make that move the smaller towns operate more efficiently. pay more than our current $350,000 because they understand that services All one has to do is to calculate the cost of even though the total aggregated cost is should be close to the consumer. If they operating a major New Jersey city on a per- less. The County distributes cost based did consolidate, most of their custom- resident basis and compare it to a smaller on asset values of a community. It is a ers would start using a competitor’s fuel town to see the higher spending in the larger form of wealth redistribution. It takes and Exxon would never see the benefits. towns. Small towns like Warren Township place at every higher level of government. benefit from volunteers such as fire fighters e should consider shrinking and lower compensated elected officials. f we each saved 20% or $70,000, the Wcounty and state governments Isystem would be fair and it would make instead of the more efficient munici- s an example, let’s take a look at sense for us to participate. Unfortunately, palities. It has happened in states like Athe centralization of police dis- we pay almost 8% of the County budget so Connecticut and Massachusetts with patch which is an objective of Somerset our cost would be almost $450,000 or about beneficial results. A movement is also County. I will use whole numbers and $100,000 more than we pay while separate. underway in New York State to reduce some estimates to simplify the example. the size of county and state government. n the other hand, North Plainfield onsider the cost and savings to Owould pay $168,000 for dis- CWarren Township as opposed to patch. Their savings is huge. They only North Plainfield. Although they have a contribute 3% to the County budget. smaller geographic area, dispatch activity is primarily governed by population. Victor J. Sordillo is the Mayor of Warren Population: Township. He is presently a Vice President and Warren Township – 16,000 the Home Office Loss Control Manager at the North Plainfield – 22,000 Chubb Corporation Somerset County – 298,000

Geographic Area: t the present time, the County is Warren Township – 20 square miles Adistributing the cost to all towns North Plainfield – 3 square miles regardless of whether they join County he counties could start by turning Somerset County – 305 square miles dispatch. This is unfair and is using finan- Tover the county road system and cial pressure to coerce towns into joining. open space to the towns and give the would estimate the cost of dispatch The system should be designed like the cost saving back to the municipalities. A Ito be around $350,000 for each library system. Towns should be charged simple example of savings is demonstrated town. For this example, the numbers an apportioned cost if they participate in by recent snow removal. Towns raise the do not have to be accurate as the pur- any consolidation program. Although the blades on their snow plows when behind pose is to demonstrate relative costs. library system has flaws as the host town the county trucks to get to the side roads. pays the full maintenance and building Since our trucks have to cover the same f we assume that the total cost of dispatch costs, it is better than the dispatch model. roads, we could put the blades down and Ifor the County prior to any consolidation not need the county for snow removal. was $70,000,000 and the consolidated cost here have been discussions relative to a was reduced by 20%. The cost to be spread Tcontinued build up of the County gov- over the County would now be $56,000,000. ernment. These include combining police The savings is $14 million dollars. This departments and school systems. Will these sounds great, but how is it distributed? penalize one town to benefit the other?

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Hot Topics, Cool Mayors By: Amy Osborn

Name: Ron Sworen Name: Paul Medany Town: Frenchtown, Hunterdon County Town: Deptford, Gloucester County Profession: IT Consultant Profession: Project Manager/ Years in office: 15 UA Local Union 322 Political Party: Republican Years in office: 4 Political Role Model Political Party: Democrat on National Level: John McCain Political Role Model on National Level: Andrew Jackson

Most admired Mayor on the other side of the aisle Most Admired Mayor on the other side of the aisle and why: Dave Del Vecchio is constantly improving Lambertville and and why: Mike Batten, the Mayor of Pitman, continues to improve has fun doing it. Has shown me ways to get grants and help Frenchtown. Pitman’s Main Street. He had made Pitman into a role model for what He’s always willing to advise, recommend, and introduce if he thinks it other towns can do to attract business. Lou Manzo of Harrison Town- could help. He has been a good friend. Tim McDonough, the Independent ship is a great example of a Mayor working with both political parties to Mayor of Hope, is a “Mayor’s Mayor” and a great asset. He’s always gone benefit his town. He was instrumental in getting the first county-wide out of his way to guide me and get me involved in issues and causes that property tax re-evaluation legislation passed, which should benefit his are important such as supporting our National Guard. He does this with residents tremendously. all of the Mayors he meets. He is our “go to” guy regardless of Party affilia- tion. I believe every Mayor in the state knows and likes Tim.

Osborn: Did your township experience business advisory group. They are active Medany: I think a nominal fee should be any snow removal issues this winter and in networking and have committees to charged. There are certainly costs we need if so, how did you handle them? explore attracting more business and such to cover and this is a way to recoup them concerns as crime prevention and commu- without unfairly burdening our residents. Sworen: We were prepared for the storms. nity activities. Contributions to local orga- We have no controversy here per se. Our only issue is that they keep coming! It nizations have fallen off though as business reminds me of 1996, but thankfully not as revenue decreases. Also an area of concern Osborn: Political views aside, what bad. I was the Mayor for two weeks and we is commercial tax appeals which are cer- you would personally like to have seen had the worst storm in 40 years (36 inches tainly hurting our main revenue source. President Obama do differently during of snow) with a new S & R Supervisor. But overall business is good in Deptford. his first year in office?

Medany: The major issue is the impact Osborn: There has been much debate Sworen: 1. Keep some of his campaign on our budget. We have dealt with three over the fees imposed for dog licensing promises rather than focusing on the major storms so far and our crews have in municipalities. Do you believe it’s fair healthcare smokescreen. 2. Focus on jobs done an excellent job. We certainly need to charge your taxpayers an additional and the economy to help the citizens help from FEMA and Mother Nature. fee to register their pets? Do you think who are losing their homes and families. licensing would be just as effective if they 3. I would like Obama to stop being the Osborn: What has been the impact of were made to register but not pay? “royalty to the world”, so to speak, and to the poor economy on businesses in your focus on being the President of the United town? Sworen: The reason for licensing is to make States. He needs to address and work with sure dogs and cats get their rabies shots. We the American people to help solve our Sworen: Slowdown for all business with have had rabies in our area. Extra cost is problems first. Bowing down to foreign some heading for shutdown and had some needed for the time spent making sure all leaders is not what he was elected to do. empty store fronts. Worked to get the are protected and the cost of advertising and National Hotel reopened with new owners paying for the clinics. The owners would Medany: The president inherited a 1.3 tril- and find new home for Two Buttons whose otherwise have to take their animals to the lion dollar debt, a nation at war and the warehouse store had been closed by the vet for a higher cost. We are also required to worst economy since possibly the depres- state. This resulted in full store fronts and make sure that all are licensed. We have kept sion era. Both sides of the aisle must focus more tourists and an ok holiday season. our fees and fines lower than most towns. on job creation and getting America back as the world leader in manufacturing and Medany: Deptford is a retail store based continued on Page 23 economy. We have a major indoor mall which so far has weathered the economic Amy Osborn is a Business Development Consultant and owner of Capitol Concepts. Ms. Osborn serves on the Selective downturn. We also have many of the areas Service Board and has worked with the U.S. Department of State, major home improvement centers, cloth- Defense and Labor, nationally and internationally. You can visit her ing stores, sporting goods stores and a great website at www.capitolconcepts.com variety of restaurants. We have a terrific

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Spotlight: NJCM 1st Vice President

By: Mayor Thomas A. Arnone, NJCM 1st Vice President s a lifelong resident of the Borough of a very interesting process and the ability to Assembly and new Senate President. All ANeptune City I have enjoyed watching improve an area that is in need is integral Cabinet positions are new, not to mention my town grow and improve over the years. for the well being of our community. we all know revenues are tight at best. This It is a very fulfilling experience to be a part is why attending our Spring Conference of the growth my town has experienced. ere at the NJCM, we are experiencing is so vital to your community. Come My interest in local government began in Ha renaissance. Over the past year, our listen to the Governor’s plans moving the early 1990s when I was appointed a Organization has increased its membership, member of the Land Use Board. I became established new programming for Mayors’ a Councilman in 1997 and I have served benefit, opened a new office to better meet as chairperson and member of most our growing needs, and become highly every Council Committee, most notably engaged in legislative efforts in Trenton the Public Works and Administration of Justice and Finance Committees. In 2004, I was fortunate to be elected as the Mayor Thomas A. Arnone is the Mayor of of the Borough of Neptune City and I the Borough of Neptune City and NJCM 1st Vice have prided myself in taking a proactive President. approach for our town and our residents.

he ability to look forward diminishes Tthe need to be reactive in situations. and Washington. The energy is contagious Of course, the funds to be proactive are and I highly encourage all Mayors to get not always readily available, therefore I involved with the NJCM and benefit forward, meet Cabinet Officials, learn have made it priority to apply for grants from participation! Whether serving on a first hand from our Assembly & Senate to fund these projects. Recently some of committee, attending programs, helping leaders on their plans for the new session. the grants that the Borough has been in lobby bills we support or oppose, coming What happens in Trenton truly effects receipt of have been to assist with redevel- to the Spring Conference & Fall Summit us all. Get in front of the issues facing opment, to demolish a vacant building, to educate yourself on all the current issues us by attending the Spring Conference. to re-roof our Community Center and to of the day that effect our communities, make major improvements to our parks. you will find your NJCM is your source, gain, it is a pleasure to serve you and your partner for better government. Athe NJCM. I look forward to doing nother area of town that requires a my part to help us get through these dif- Abit of foresight is the Steiner Avenue ur Spring Conference is set for April ficult times. Join me in this effort. In 2010 Redevelopment Area. Currently a redevel- O27 - 30th, at the Borgata Conference it is my vision to continue to move us opment plan exists and I am looking for- Center. “Adapting to Fiscal Change” is our ahead in a positive direction. As President ward to the time when the area is fully rede- theme. New Jersey has a new Governor of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, I veloped and once again a rising part of our with a very different direction than in look forward to achieving this endeavor. community. The redevelopment process is years past. We have a new Speaker of the

Governor Christie continued from Page 5 necessary choices that will fundamen- is too big to ignore and I am pleased that ith the highest property taxes in the tally change the budget process in Trenton. numerous legislators, including Senate Wnation, double-digit unemployment President Sweeney, have embraced the chal- and an unprecedented budget deficit, New Pension Reform lenge ahead of us. The legislation currently Jersey’s challenges are formidable. We One of the areas most in need of reform making its way through the Legislature know that the solutions will be difficult is our pension system. Our obliga- represents a good starting point. I look and require shared sacrifice. As we con- tions remain high, our contributions forward to working with the Legislature tinue to bring the change New Jerseyans insufficient, and the system broken. My to ensure reform is comprehensive, costs are demanding, I look forward to partner- Administration is working in a bipartisan are fairly shared, and that our many ing with you, our local leaders, to con- fashion to address this pressing issue, not dedicated public servants can look to at a tinue improving government at all levels, to deny benefits to anyone, but to save system that is solvent on which to depend. and working to rebuild our economy. the system from insolvency. This problem

New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 13 DDI-6344 Girl NJ 7x10 10/14/09 4:00 PM Page 1

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14 New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 New Jersey Conference of Mayors NJCMSince 1963 www.njcm.org PNC Committed to Providing Quality Services to New Jersey’s Government Agencies

By: Frank J. Fuzo, Senior Vice President Government Banking

oday, PNC stands as the fifth largest gives our government bankers the opportu- On-line banking solutions. Clients can Tretail bank in the country. Through nity to be more innovative in our approach access general account information, trans- executive leadership, strategic invest- to dealing with our clients problems. action history, current day activity detail, ments and employee volunteerism, PNC transaction history, or check imaging is helping to build strong communities NC government banking group distin- through on line banking. Sophisticated and create financial opportunities for Pguishes itself among New Jersey Banks treasury management needs can be sup- individuals, families, businesses and through a deeply rooted relationship focus. ported through Pinacle Web, a solution municipal governments. PNC has re- At PNC account relationships are sup- that provides customized reporting mod- ceived outstanding ratings for exceeding ported locally by your branch personnel, ules such as information reporting (cur- Community Reinvestment Act standards. assisted by a team of dedicated govern- rent day, previous day, special reports and ment bankers. This assures you are always bank statements), transaction initiation he PNC Foundation forms partner- working with bankers who know you and (account transfer, ACH, funds transfer, Tships with nonprofit organizations understand your needs. There is always check management and positive pay), to advance mutual objectives driven by someone available to give you immediate receivables information (paper and elec- two priorities, early childhood educa- service. In addition we operate a toll free tronic activity, remittances and images), tion; and economic development for the dedicated “hot line” that provides a direct online client service includes notifica- communities where we live and work. connection to our government banking tions, image on demand, issue reporting area in New Jersey. PNC’s experience, and tracking and online training sessions. NC offers a wide range of services for expertise and results oriented track record Pall our customers, from individuals and position us as one of the largest providers Workplace banking offers various banking small businesses, to corporations and gov- of banking services currently serving mu- services to employees at free or reduced ernment entities. No matter how standard nicipal and school board clients in New rates. Representatives from the Workplace or complicated the need, we are focused Jersey. Our products and services include: Banking area will handle any paperwork on delivering the products, knowledge for employees. They are also available to and resources necessary to achieve a broad Core Deposit Service; includes our conduct seminars or on-site training for range of financial goals and objectives. MuniPlus checking, certificates of de- a range of topics such as identity theft. posit, and escrow web express solutions. hinking green? We’re a bank that Tmeasures our success not just in prof- Credit Card Services is one of the most cost its but in energy savings, gallons of clear effective credit card processing services in water and breaths of fresh air. We’re one of the greenest banks in the business and that means much more than paperless Frank J. Fuzo, an experienced government statements and online banking. It means banking executive, is a former Hunterdon having the most newly constructed certi- County Freeholder and former member of the fied green buildings on earth. It also means Lambertville City Council, he also served as its building with reclaimed and recycled elected Mayor materials that otherwise would have gone into a landfill. We’re a company committed to lighting the path to a greener way the industry, and spans corporate credit and of doing business and a greener way of life. debit cards, as well as purchasing solutions. NC’s government banking goal is oday’s economic environment for local Deposit On-Site provides an efficient way Pto create and maintain long- term, Tgovernment has created challenges for to streamline deposit preparation and meaningful relationships with its cli- not only elected officials but for the banking eliminate daily trips to the bank. You can ents and the communities they serve. community as well. The government bank- easily capture images of checks received For additional information about the ing unit at PNC is familiar with the chal- at your office and then transmit those government products and services lenges faced by our clients, not only from images to PNC for processing, reduc- available through PNC please call our the perspective of a government banker, ing administrative time and expense. Government Hotline at 877‑861‑6649 but through the eyes of an experienced to speak with any member of our team. professional who has faced those challenges On-line Treasury Management Services as a Councilman, Mayor and County is designed to meet a variety of needs Freeholder. Having faced those challenges through our Pinnacle Web or standard

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16 N-LIBE-021210-Mayors.indd New Jersey 1Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 2/12/10 12:40 PM New Jersey Conference of Mayors NJCMSince 1963 www.njcm.org Outgoing President Brian Wahler

The NJCM wishes to thank NJCM President Brian Wahler, Piscataway for his efforts to elevate NJCM to a higher level on a national stage.

His tireless efforts in conjunction with the US Conference of Mayors has created opportunities for federal funding, corporate support and a unified voice for the Garden State. President Wahler is joined with other NJCM Mayors in this effort and we thank him for his leadership on the national stage.

Mayor Brian C. Wahler with The Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr., Attorney General, U.S. Dept. of Justice Mayor Brian Wahler with new attendees at the orientation for our 2010 Winter Meeting.

Mayor Brian Wahler speaking to new attendees at our 2010 Winter Meeting, CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran in the background.

Mayor Brian Wahler asking a question to Senator Mark Begich at the USCM 2010 Winter Meeting.

Mayor Brian Wahler at our 2009 Annual Mayor Brian C. Wahler, The Honorable Tom Vilsack, Meeting in Providence, RI Secretary of Agriculture and Mayor Wilda Diaz, Perth Amboy

New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 17 BGIA_Ad_FullPgBW_Final.qxp:Layout 3 12/1/08 3:43 PM Page 1

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Saying Goodnight to Politics as Usual

By: Mayor Nancy Malool, Scotch Plains

t has been said that, in politics, you Trenton would have allowed us at the of politics as usual have come to an end. Ican either eat well or sleep well. I have local level to delay the pain of increased I applaud and fully support the Governor always chosen the latter, but there are taxes in the short term. It might even have and his efforts to change the way things those who continue to act in their own allowed us to fool our constituents long are done in Trenton and across our state. self-interest rather than the public’s in- enough to survive the elections in our terest. The status quo has been in place respective communities. In Scotch Plains, ew Jersey government, at both the long enough; it is time for a change. we decided that it was wrong to burden Nlocal and state levels, is fraught with future taxpayers just to avoid making the bad policy perpetuated by political favorit- tatus quo is defined as “the existing state difficult decisions this year. People have ism. Taxpayers continue to bear the burden Sof affairs.” Many believe that elected been mortgaging our future for too long. of those ‘back room deals.’ Not every elected officials should simply maintain the status official fits this bill, and they are the people quo. People often justify the way govern- fter rejecting the pension deferral, who Governor Christie is going to have to ment operates by declaring, “that is the Awe endured cap issues, layoffs, an rely on to help him reshape our reputation way things have always been done” or “if increase from the Rahway Valley Sewerage and policymaking process. Breaking the it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” New Jersey is Authority resulting in the creation of a status quo isn’t easy, but it is worth the broke, both literally and figuratively; pre- sewer utility, reductions in state aid, de- serving the status quo is longer acceptable. creases in interest income and property tax payments, increases in unemployment, erving as the mayor of a mid-sized insurance and pension payments – and re- Ssuburban town for the past year has certainly been an enlightening experience. I have compared this year in Scotch Plains Mayor Nancy Malool has been Mayor to this year’s New Jersey Jets. The Jets have of Scotch Plains since January, 2009. Prior to a new coach and a rookie quarterback. being elected Mayor, she served on the Township They started the season strong with a lot Council for seven years. of potential - but then the quarterback started making some rookie mistakes. The season went on, with a mix of highs and lows, but ultimately the team worked duction in overall services to our residents. together and they made it to the playoffs. No doubt 2009 was one of the worst years effort. It allows us to control costs, improve in recent memory, but our team came services and create an environment where n Scotch Plains, we have a new Township together and met the challenges head on. citizens are proud of their community. IManager and this was my rookie year as I am trying to do my part by asking the Mayor. Last year, I was filled with ambi- efore I took this office, I promised right questions, listening to people from tious plans, and along the way I made a Bmyself I would remain true to my all segments of the population, setting few rookie mistakes. I asked my colleagues ideals by making decisions based on what the bar higher for our professionals, and on the council and our employees to work was in the best interest of the town. I working as a team to confront and over- together as a team so we could make it quickly learned, however, that there are come the challenges facing our township. through a difficult year. Our decisions could many who are content with the status quo not be based on potential “votes” but rather and defiant towards change. Nevertheless, hange is inevitable. The President on how our residents would be impacted. we as public servants must remain vigilant. Cpromised it at the national level, The public interest must trump special our Governor is delivering it at the state aced with a true budget crisis, we interests or personal or political gain. level, and I am starting to see it at the Fencountered a decision that would set local level although there is so much our priorities for the next several years: ome have told me that this line of left for us to do. Maybe one day in tax ‘relief’ from the state in the form of Sthinking is “naïve.” Maybe so, but the near future we will all sleep well! a pension deferral. This gimmick from with Governor Christie in office, the days

New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 19

New Jersey Conference of Mayors -1105 st Floor, Trenton, NJ 08608 -989-9595 150 West State Street, www.njcm.org-989 1 -9216 ● Fax 609 Phone 609 [email protected] President

Mayor Brian C. Wahler Piscataway Township

s Vice President

Mayor Thomas A. Arnone

Neptune City Borough

Mayor David M. DelVecchio Lambertville City March 2010

B. Giberson Mayor Gary Port Republic City Colleague/Exhibitor: th nference Mayor, Mayor Emeritus, Annual Co Dear 47 - 30, 2010 for our City. Mayor Christine Schaumburg April 27 Spa in Atlantic Clinton you to join us We cordially invite floor hours offering and Exposition at the commanding Borgata Hotel Casino we & have extended Immediate Past President Mayor Colleen M. Mahr last years Conference, Fanwood Borough Because of the great success of

everyone more time to visit the exhibits. Executive Director daptin g to Fiscal Change”. Come join us as we address issues such Hon. Albert LiCata Our theme this year is “A Mayor Emeritus

as The Budget, Shared Services, Pension & Benefits, Interest Arbitrationn this excitingand Municipal NJCM Aid.event. Advisory Council

for continued updates o John F. Morrissey, Chairman www.njcm.org Please visit our website, BORGATA) and use -MY- Attorneys -6742 (866

The NJCM has negotiated a special room rate of just $125.00 per night. Make your Richard S. Mroz, Esquire reservations by calling the Borgata at: (866) 692 Legislative Counsel

reservation code GJCMD10. , Esquire he NJCM as we continue our mission of advocacy and Steven Glickman Labor Relations Counsel We thank you for working closely with t

education.

Respectfully,

Hon. Albert “Al” LiCata Executive Director, NJCM Hon. Brian C. Wahler President, NJCM

The Nation’s Largest and Oldest Statewide Mayor’s Organization

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22 New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 New Jersey Conference of Mayors NJCMSince 1963 www.njcm.org Amy Osborn continued from Page 11 technology creation. We need to push re- or bring your favorite adult beverage to Osborn: What has been the value of your search and development of energy sources one of our other great restaurants includ- membership with the NJ Conference of to wean us off of our dependence on ing gourmet Italian for the price of pizza or Mayors? foreign oil. But given the economic crisis Mexican. If you are too tired to drive home, that began under the previous administra- stay at one of our B&B’s. (great price point) Sworen: Our membership has been in- tion the President has performed very well. Then you can do it over again on Sunday. valuable. Relationships that have been cultivated and knowledge gained from Osborn: It’s Friday night and I’m trying Medany: Deptford is a wonderful place to Mayors around the state has helped to decide how to spend my Saturday be any day of the week. We have a great geo- me to improve Frenchtown and has al- afternoon. Why should I consider coming graphical location centered between major lowed me to implement positive ideas to your town? highways with easy access. Depending on and programs to improve our resident’s the season we offer many choices. Summer lives. It has made me a better Mayor. Sworen: Relax, slowdown, and enjoy. Park could find you canoeing on Big Timber in our riverside lot, if you ride, park in one Creek and enjoying the natural habitat or Medany: Membership in the NJCM has of our 3 prime motorcycle lots. Walking walking in one of our green acre parks. Our provided us with countless opportunities and shopping is easy in Frenchtown shopping opportunities are endless. we and ideas. The organization gives us the with a 5 block downtown. Enjoy lunch/ offer our Deptford Mall, Home improve- opportunity to have a collective voice in home-made dessert at one of 12 different ment centers for any project and almost Trenton. The quarterly magazine is full of restaurants then shop at many unique anything one would need from clothing to valuable information. The Mayors manual shops, local clothing designers and artist appliances. After shopping you can go to is a great reference point for myself and our owned galleries including handmade candy dine at any one of our excellent restaurant council members. Networking with other and a world famous stained glass artist. choices. From fine dining to hamburgers to Mayors and Municipalities is a terrific source Then take a walk or bike ride (bikes can be fast food we have it all and are well known of information to improve our Township. rented) on the bike path overlooking the as a dining destination. From enjoying a river and bridge (photo op) and visit Two hometown little game to running in the For more information on these two fine Buttons (Liz Gilbert and Felipe’s shop) for Mayors 5k run there are a multitude of communities, please visit their websites jewelry and treasures from Fiji/Bali and activities and opportunities to experience. at www.frenchtown.com or www.french- other exotic locations and next door to townnj.org and www.deptford-nj.org. Your Bluefish. When you are done, enjoy dinner suggestions are always welcome! Please at the Frenchtown Inn or National Hotel, email me at [email protected]

New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 23 VE NOW – SA SAVE LATER

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24 09-T1-059_NJCM_7.5x10_4C.indd New Jersey Conference 1 of Mayors - Winter 2010 2/9/10 11:13 AM New Jersey Conference of Mayors NJCMSince 1963 www.njcm.org Energy Joint Meeting Yields Success By: Mayor M. James Maley, Jr., Collingswood Borough and Richard M. Brook, Township Administrator, Florence Township ne of the largest and most unpre- the aggregation of municipal energy n February 11, 2010, the New Odictable operating costs facing New needs. The NJSEM has established a State OJersey Board of Public Utilities Jersey municipalities and other public Management Committee, comprised of (BPU) approved the results of the state’s entities today is that of natural gas, elec- individual member public entities, which ninth annual electricity auction for Basic tricity and other forms of energy which is organized for governance into County Generation Service (BGS), which deter- have steadily increased over the past several Management Sub-Committees. Each of mines the cost of Fixed Price (FP) and years. Coupled with these rising costs is the these subcommittees appoints a repre- hourly priced electricity for most of New reduction of state aid and the societal and sentative to serve on the State Executive Jersey’s ratepayers. While the BPU auction regulatory pressures to reduce dependence Committee, which has adopted rules and resulted in average prices for all utility ter- on foreign oil. In 2008, several New Jersey regulations to provide for the conduct of its ritories that are slightly below last year’s municipalities decided to find a better, more meetings and the duties and powers of the rates, there is a clear indication that the efficient and economical method to address chairman and any other officers or employ- NJSEM can secure prices from third party their energy needs. This included Bellmawr, ees appointed by the Executive Committee. suppliers below the BPU’s price to com- Brick, Brielle, Collingswood, Dover, pare and save its members additional cost. Florence, Manchester, Piscataway, Saddle he NJSEM’s first initiative was to This is primarily due to the fact that the River, Stafford, Summit, and Woodbridge. Tsecure competitive natural gas pricing BPU’s FP rate is blended with the results for its 112 members (100 municipalities of this year’s auction along with higher he goals established by these and 12 municipal utility authorities). In rates from the past two auction years. Tmunicipalities were as follows: early February 2010, after several months of gathering natural gas account informa- he NJSEM was created to serve • Reduce the extreme volatility in tion for all members and preparing a public Tits members as a knowledge-based actual energy costs municipalities Request for Bid, the group secured twelve were experiencing versus budget months for the unregulated portion of their gas service at a fixed price of $8.84 per • Procure energy more economically dekatherm using a reverse auction internet by taking advantage of economies procurement process. Over the past two of scale and the favorable “portfolio effects” of an aggregated load profile Mayor M. James Maley, Jr. currently • Reduce the demand for, and the serves as the Mayor of Collingswood Borough cost of energy procured from non- and is also the legal counsel for the New Jersey renewable sources through the use of Sustainable Energy Joint Meeting. energy conservation and efficiency technologies

• Increase the use of renewable energy years, prices for the unregulated sources, thereby reducing overall portion of a municipality’s gas Richard M. Brook currently serves energy costs service have ranged from a low as the Township Administrator of Florence of $6.50 per dekatherm to a high Township and is also the Chairman of the New • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions of $16.75 per dekatherm on a Jersey Sustainable Energy Joint Meeting Executive monthly basis. There were several Committee • Provide a more ecologically friendly bidders competing to supply gas and a healthier environment for service in response to the Request employees and the surrounding for Bid. Woodruff Energy of Bridgeton, NJ energy-purchasing group designed to help community was the winning bidder for this contract New Jersey municipalities and other public which begins on the first day of April 2010. entities reduce their energy costs and ul- n 2009 after multiple meetings with the An earlier bid attempt to secure natural timately meet their social and regulatory INew Jersey Department of Community gas pricing was rejected by the Executive obligations. Membership continues to be Affairs (NJDCA), a Joint Meeting, currently Committee, as it did not produce a bid open to all public entities with a one-time known as the New Jersey Sustainable Energy result below the NJSEM’s price to compare. initial cost of $600.00. If you are interested Joint Meeting (NJSEM), was established. in being part of the next energy procure- he next initiative of the NJSEM will ment opportunity, you must join the ew Jersey law authorizes the governing Tbe the procurement of electricity NJSEM by no later than March 31, 2010. Nbodies of two or more municipalities for its current membership with a con- to enter into a joint contract, for a period tract that will initiate on June 1, 2010. If you would like to learn more about the not to exceed forty years to provide for joint NJSEM, please visit their website at operation of any public services, including www.njsem.org.

New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 25 Is your organization looking to purchase a new telephone system or just looking to reduce cost on your local. Long distance, Internet, and data services? If so, VoIP Networks is your single source provider for “state-of-the-art” telecom solutions and carrier services. For over 28-years VoIP Networks has been an industry leader in providing telecom services for thousands of businesses, municipalities, and school districts throughout the United States and we are an approved vendor on the State of New Jersey contract: NJ State Contract 42300 & 42333 (Telecommunications Equipment-wired) Index Number: T1316 1-800-220-6483 www.voipnetworks.com

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26 New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 NJCM Attends Washington Mayors Summit

Left to Right: Mayor Wilda Diaz, Perth Amboy, Mayor Antonia Ricigliano, Edison, Mayor Brian C. Wahler, Piscataway, The Honorable Mark Begich, Senator Alaska, Mayor Wayne Smith, Irvington, Mayor Timothy McDonough, Hope

Left to Right: Mayor Robert L. Bowser, East Orange, Mayor Antonia Ricigliano, Edison, Mayor Wayne Smith, Irvington, The Honorable Rosie Rios, Treasurer of the U.S., Mayor Brian C. Wahler, Piscataway, Mayor David DelVecchio, Lambertville, Mayor John F. Bencivengo, Hamilton, Mayor Wilda Diaz, Perth Amboy Left to Right: Mayor Timothy McDonough, Hope, Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator, EPA, Mayor Antonia Ricigliano, Edison, Mayor Brian C. Wahler, Piscataway, Mayor Wilda Diaz, Perth Amboy

Left to Right: Mayor Wilda Diaz, Perth Amboy, Mayor Brian C. Wahler, Piscataway, The Honorable Shaun Donovan, Secretary, U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, Mayor Antonia Ricigliano, Edison Left to Right: Mayor David DelVecchio, Larry Summers, Director White House National Economic Council, Mayor Brian C. Wahler, Piscataway Invested. Involved.

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28 New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 New Jersey Conference of Mayors NJCMSince 1963 www.njcm.org Generating Revenue Through Demand Response Programs for Municipalities By: Barry Lefkowitz, President of MGR, Inc. ith economic growth and commer- ten-minute response and are short in facilities as well as our residents. Demand Wcial and residential development the duration (thirty minutes maximum) Response can also empower municipalities lowest in recent memory, what municipal- and can be called once each month. to negotiate more attractive retail rates with ity and Mayor would not like to benefit competitive electricity suppliers as well as financially? Mayors and their municipali- The self-scheduling program allows mu- help control peak demand for electricity. ties now have a fantastic opportunity to nicipalities to receive real time payments develop a new source of revenue and at for energy curtailment; this can be based on unicipalities are well positioned to the same time reduce energy consumption! an alert to a high price for electricity or con- Mtake advantage of Demand Response tracts for agreed to intervals of reduction. to generate a significant recurring rev- here is a program called “Demand enue stream. Their assets include back-up TResponse” that pays the municipal- The capacity program is a day ahead alert generation, municipal buildings, schools, ity (and its school district) based on based on capacity constraints within the wastewater treatment plants and recycling their ability to lower their electrical grid based on peak demand usage. This facilities. The municipality can expect to load by the reducing or shifting electri- program is for peak summer demand pe- receive as much as $50,000 per megawatt cal usage. Incentive payments are made riods from June through September. The of load reduction annually. More impor- to encourage facilities to reduce electric program requires a two-hour notice and tantly, you are receiving revenue whether consumption when the grid is in jeopardy. the ability to curtail electrical usage for two or not an emergency event is called. You to six hours. Schools are especially able to are paid by the grid operator for being a ou may recall the massive brown/black comply during the peak demand season. standby source to reduce electrical demand. Youts that affected the country and parts of New Jersey in August of 2003. This was here are a number of ways to comply due in large part to the grid operators in- Twith reducing electric demand. The ability to quickly reduce load in times of peak electrical consumption. If municipalities are willing to reduce their consumption Barry Lefkowitz is President of MGR, of electricity during certain times, they will Inc for 39 years as a Lobbyist and Economic be paid the market value of the electricity. Development Consultant at the State and Federal levels and had been NJCM’s Legislative Agent for here are several programs that mu- 15 years and its Economic Development Advisor Tnicipalities can participate in based the past 5 years on their ability to reduce electric demand. More importantly all of the programs are strictly voluntary and are specifically most common and easiest would be to designed not to disrupt or jeopardize op- through on-site generation. Most mu- erations. In addition, there are no out of nicipalities have generators at various sites articipation in Demand Response pocket costs to participate, nor are there that are in place in case of a power failure. PPrograms is quickly becoming an penalties for non-compliance. The pro- These generators can be run at times of essential component of a municipal- grams are designed to maximize potential peak electrical usage and used as assets ity or an organization’s overall strategy to revenue for clients and payments to the to generate a new source of revenue by reduce energy costs, improve profitability municipalities are guaranteed whether returning electricity back into the power and promote environmental responsibil- an event is called or not. In other words grid. Other load reduction strategies in- ity. By participating you receive recurring a municipality can receive recurring rev- clude reducing the use of HVAC units, revenue, enjoy lower electric rates due to enue simply for being on call to reduce its air handlers, chillers and lighting for short peak load reductions and the environ- electrical demand in case of an emergency. periods of time. This can easily be ac- mental benefits of using less electricity. It complished through the synchronization is a winning solution for all involved. he programs are based on several fac- of existing building automation systems. Ttors all serving as a resource for the Participation in the above and a variety If we have peaked your interest for produc- grid operator to help reduce peak trans- of other strategies could transform your ing a source of income for your municipality mission congestion, offset the loss of a facilities into highly efficient power plants. and contributing to energy reduction please major generating unit or to simply reduce feel free to call Gary Bell at 908-770-6812 peak demand. The programs include: rom a state perspective this is extremely or via email [email protected] to Fimportant. Electricity providers in New help guide you through the process. A short notice immediate response Jersey are having serious infrastructure prob- program when the grids reliabil- lems, raising questions of grid reliability as ity may be in question. Calls require a rates continue to rise rapidly for municipal

New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 29 Rooted in the Community

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30 New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 New Jersey Conference of Mayors NJCMSince 1963 www.njcm.org

Cultivated Dunes: Simple But Not Easy

By: Mayor Julie Schreck, Bradley Beach radley Beach has dunes, thanks to a issues, who can’t easily walk down onto the and wider, and eventually migrate onto Bproject initiated a few years ago by our beach to see the water. This is a very real the boardwalk and across Ocean Avenue. Department of Public Works (DPW) to loss to a considerable number of people cultivate dunes using discarded Christmas who worked their whole lives before retir- believe that climate change is real, and trees. Following a major, federally-sub- ing here, and dreamed of sitting on those Isea level rise is real, and that if not in sidized beach replenishment, our DPW benches, watching the waves for years to my lifetime, certainly in my child’s, our set out the trees along the beach in a line come. It’s also a loss to people who less beach will move west. But for as long as about 30 feet from the boardwalk, for the than 10 years ago purchased homes with possible, we want to provide a boardwalk entire length of our beach. Openings for a water view, and no longer have that and protect the adjacent roadway. We want walkways were laid out with an overlap view (or at least not from the first floor). to keep the dunes at about their current pattern, opening to the southeast, away size and location, a goal which can be at from the brunt of the onshore winds (and ust as significantly, once we had dunes, odds with DEP’s preference to give nature water) out of the northeast. The trees Jthe Department of Environmental greater leeway. Also, we’re starting to see in- caught the blowing sand, it settled over Protection (DEP) began requiring us to vasive plants -- including the astonishingly them, and the dunes were established. follow its standards for natural dunes, adaptable “Tree of Heaven” – take root in even though ours are essentially artificial. our dunes. DEP rules restrict the methods he dunes do several things for us: (1) Our DPW moves sand that accumulates one can use to remove vegetation from Tthey serve as a backstop for wind- in the entryways and behind the dunes, dunes. Only hand-weeding from around blown sand, keeping most of it on the and pushes it back out onto the beach. beach, rather than on the boardwalk or in the roadway; (2) they form a last line of defense against a storm surge, protecting Mayor Julie Schreck is the first woman our oceanfront structures and the homes Mayor of Bradley Beach. She was directly elected across the street; and (3) they create a Mayor in May 2008, after serving as a Borough physical and psychological separation from Councilwoman for one year. She also currently ordinary life for the beachgoer. When you serves on the Monmouth County Greenhouse walk out onto our beach, you don’t hear or Gas Reduction Advisory Committee. see the roadway, and you can feel as if you are in a far more remote or undeveloped place than coastal Monmouth County. This process maintains the accessibility ast fall, in many towns in our im- to the beach for pedestrians, in keeping Lmediate area, storms blew thousands with the public trust doctrine. DEP the borders of the dunes is permissible, and of tons of sand onto Ocean Avenue, the agrees that this practice is appropriate. that’s not going to get the job done for us. county roadway that traces the shore. Our dunes kept the sand on our beach, saving ess clear have been the issues of mini- wholeheartedly support environmental us the effort and expense of moving the Lmizing the natural movement of sand Iprotection, and I respect the efforts sand back where it belongs (including po- onto the dunes and over them, and the and dedication of the DEP staff who’ve tentially needing to clean sand that would issue of managing invasive species that have worked with us to come to agreement have been contaminated by litter or other taken root in the dunes. Our DPW finds on managing the sand, as well as to help waste during its stay on the roadway). that placing a snow fence strategically on us with other environmental matters in the beach impedes the natural movement town. The issue of the reduced views of ur dunes have turned out to have a big of sand away from the water and onto the the water, and the question of what rights Oupside. Nevertheless, maintaining the dunes. Trapping the sand before it settles we have to manage and maintain artificial dunes requires balancing complex issues. on or migrates over the dunes allows us to dunes are matters of balancing conflicting return the sand to the beach, rather than needs and goals, each one of which has or example, as the dunes have grown, donate it to the dune. This protects the in- legitimate merit. Bradley Beach continues Fthey’ve blocked the view of the ocean vestment that all of us made in beach replen- to work at achieving the right balance. from most of the benches along our board- ishment several years ago. Left to nature, walk – a problem for people with mobility the dunes would probably grow taller

New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 31 32 New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 New Jersey Conference of Mayors NJCMSince 1963 www.njcm.org

Fredon Township, Past and Present

By: Mayor James W. McCracken, Fredon Township redon Township is located in the not have a “village center” or a “main Isaac’s death, the position was taken over Fnorthwestern part of New Jersey, ap- street”, it is this portion of Route 94— by his son, William P. Coursen, until 1881. proximately fifty (50) miles west of New with the school and its additions, the York City. It is situated in the south central municipal building, and the firehouse— log cabin was most likely the first section of Sussex County, just west of the that is still today the core of the township. Abuilding on the present site of the Highlands Preservation and Planning Coursen House at this highway junction. Areas. While the township is not techni- n the mid 18th Century, two de- The Coursen mansion was built circa cally located within the Highlands areas, Iscendents of New Amsterdam Dutch 1805. It contained four rooms on the first it contains several of the environmental families, Johannes (John) Coursen, and his floor with a chimney across the corner of and aesthetic characteristics that the lands wife, Gertrude Van Tuyle, arrived in the two rooms. There were three bedrooms on located in the Highlands district possess. Fredon area. The Colonel John Coursen the second floor. The kitchen, located on Homestead, located across from the town- the southern end of the house had a large ampton and Stillwater Townships ship school, was purchased by Fredon bake oven to the right of the chimney. Isaac Hborder Fredon to the west. It is Township in 1994 as part of developing Coursen added a first floor parlor and two along this border, through the Paulinskill Lodestar Park, immediately adjacent to the more bedrooms upstairs as the family grew. Valley, that the New York Susquehanna house. It is being refurbished by the Keepers & Western Railroad operated from 1872 of Coursen’s Corners, a not-for-profit group, until 1962, taking agricultural products to be used by small community groups. and Pennsylvania coal to the cities of eastern New Jersey and New York City. Mayor James W. McCracken has Today, the right-of-way has been devel- served on the Fredon Township Committee oped into the Paulinskill Valley Trail, since 2003 and became Mayor in 2010. A strong a non-motorized multi-use trail that is believer in civic involvement, Mayor McCracken part of the Kittatinny Valley State Park. is a Past President of the Sussex County League History Of Fredon Township of Municipalities, a member of the Hackettstown Rotary Club and a Leadership New Jersey Fellow. Fredon Township, an 18.3 square mile He earned a Master of Health Care Administration community, was incorporated in 1904, from the University of New Hampshire and when it became the youngest township in presently serves as the CEO of The House of Sussex County. It was formed from parts of the Good Shepherd Continuing Care Retirement Andover, Green, Hampton and Stillwater s mentioned above, this junc- Community in Hackettstown, New Jersey Townships. The main roadway in Fredon, Ation, along with its history and Route 94, was once a dusty, rutted, narrow important community buildings, dirt road which traveled through a busy little he farmstead reflects the history of ag- serves as the “core” of Fredon Township village in the 1800’s known as Coursen’s Triculture and Fredon’s role in commu- today. Fredon Township is governed by a Corners, located at the intersection of nity development. In 1763, Johannes pur- Township Committee. Committeepersons Phil Hardin Road and Stillwater Road. chased over 800 acres, which included land are elected for three (3) year terms and extending from Paulinskill Road past the the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are chosen redon was described in 1939 as “a four-corners area by Stillwater Road. When annually at the reorganization meeting for Fhighway junction with a small white he died, his property was inherited by two a one (1) year term by the Committee. schoolhouse”. In addition to the school, of his sons — the Paulinskill Mill Farm by the area had a blacksmith shop, tannery, Jacob Coursen, and the four-corners land tailor shop, chapel, two stores and a post by Colonel John. Starting in 1811, Colonel office. In close proximity, the Fountain John’s sons built and operated a blacksmith’s House was a favorite stopping place for shop, a tannery, a store, and later a tailor travelers between Newton and Blairstown. shop. Also, his son Isaac established a post It is still in operation today, but not for office and was the first postmaster. After overnight customers. While Fredon does

New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 33

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Spotlight: NJCM 3rd Vice President

By: Mayor Gary Giberson, City of Port Republic just watched an old time movie on TV. the largest part of this great river and hauled woman who was as good or better at all IA famous Hollywood actor was telling tons of ﬁsh from the nearby Mullica River. I could do, had wonderful children who a story after the picture show about how I could have been a fur trapper, sawyer, followed great morals, and they all mar- movies were made and how actors and commercial fisherman, or a boat builder, ried great husbands who follow their leads. actresses learned through experiences in as I had learned to do all their tasks well. life’s situations. The conversations led me was asked to get into politics and run for to come to write about my life and how loved sports, especially Baseball. I won Ia city council seat. I went to a council or what could I have done to walk a differ- Ibatting titles in the American Legion meeting to get an idea what I was getting in ent path or choose another road to follow. league, high school and later played in semi- to. I asked the Mayor if he was going to run pro leagues. I even hit over three hundred s I grow older, I look back at ca- in fast pitch soft ball. I was offered a con- Areers that could have made me a tract to play in a Southern double “A” team whole different person and imagine the life that would have brought with it had I chosen a different path. I some- times wonder now and say “What if?” Mayor Gary Giberson is the Mayor of the City of Port Republic and 3rd Vice President he first thing that comes to mind of NJCM Tis that I could have been a famous actor. As a child, I had a vivid imagination and loved to play out fictitious characters by myself in the middle of the woods. for twenty one hundred dollars a year. Yes, I imagined that I was a knight in King I could have played professional baseball. Arthur’s Court. Facing me were not corn- again for reelection and he replied, “Not if stalks, but a whole army, ready to march think it was my love of climbing trees that you will run against me.” So in 1985, I on my king’s castle and run off with the Ilead me to be a lineman. I had studied became Port Republic’s Mayor. This year I princess. I yielded my wooden sword, beat electricity with my father who was a radio start my seventh, four year term and start my the heck out of all the cornstalk soldiers engineer, and I was fascinated with heights twenty-fifth year as Port Republic’s Mayor. and saved the princess. Every school play and loved the dangerous challenges of line I was in, I always ended up with the lead work. One day, while setting transform- am proud to be a member of role. Yes, I could have been an actor, but ers on a pole to operate a brand new golf Ithe New Jersey Conference of actors live in New York City or Hollywood driving range we were all given a bucket of Mayors. The camaraderie with other - both too far away from Port Republic. balls to swat out over the brand new field. I mayors can not be praised enough. hit one to the right, switched my grip and y grandfather taught me how to build sent it off to the left. I griped that club in ave you ever wondered what you Mand set traps to capture creatures that the middle and hit the rest of the bucket Hcould have been if ???? We follow lived on the meadow and woods we owned. all out over the three-hundred yard mark. our passions where ever they lead, and Pelts were worth big monies in the forties Everyone stopped to watch including the I am so lucky to have walked the paths and we always had fresh meat on the table. folks working at the range and shook their that I have, followed the roads and the Grandfather Alonzo’s family had cedar saw heads... I had never stepped onto a golf compass needles that led me to be who I mills and I learned to chop down huge course before. It’s possible that I could have am today...A seventy ﬁve year old man cedars, trim them for proper lengths for been very good at playing professional golf. with great memories, and the Mayor lumber to sell to boat builders from Toms of the greatest town in New Jersey. River to Cape May. Alonzo with his broth- retired from line work to become a ers owned the fishing rights for Swan Bay, Iprofessional artist, married a great

New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 35 Team allRisk is proud to be a Silver Business Council Member

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36 New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 New Jersey Conference of Mayors NJCMSince 1963 www.njcm.org NJCM Business Council Business Council to Sponsor First Annual Mayors Golf Outing By: Gary Passanante, Director, NJCM Business Council s we prepare for our upcoming spring or those readers not familiar with the organization where the best and brightest Aconference, I am excited to announce FBusiness Council, we are a subsidiary minds in our respective arenas can gather our first annual Mayors Spring Atlantic of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors. and work in unison to restore economic Golf Classic. This NJCM event is being Our mission is to bring Mayors and busi- stability in our communities. Now is the sponsored by the Business Council and nesses from across New Jersey together in time to invest in our future by creating new will be held on Tuesday, April 27th at the a unique public/private partnership. We Atlantic City Country Club just minutes are now in a second full year of existence from our conference at the Borgata. This and boast nearly 35 businesses and almost “scrambles” golf event will benefit the 500 Mayors as members. Things are chang- NJCM and provide a great venue including throughout our great country and the ing breakfast, a top notch golf course, cocktail hour with hot Hors d’ Oeuvres and an open bar. Best yet, you’ll have a Gary J. Passanante is the Director of wonderful opportunity to share some one- NJCM Business Council on-one time with Mayors, business leaders, legislators and others in a fun-filled event. And even if you don’t golf, we invite you public and private worlds are more closely to join us at a reduced rate to share in entangled and aligned than ever before. the networking and camaraderie. We are New Jersey state government is facing a taking reservations now and you can get budget crisis unparalleled in its history. jobs and expanding our tax base through more event information on the Business The Legislative and Administrative actions the streamlining of regulations and laws. Council website at www.NJCMBC.org being taken are rippling through to each or by calling or emailing me directly using and every municipality, challenging every If you have not yet joined the Business the information listed below. And by the Mayor and business leader to think outside Council, I urge you to contact me by email way, we have special discounted rates for the box in navigating their way through [email protected] or by phone at Mayors and Mayor Emeritus members. So this mine field of economic disasters. As (856) 207-9142. I would be happy to don’t miss out on this great opportunity! we work together to solve our economic discuss our membership and the full set of challenges, the NJCM Business Council benefits available is ready and able to act as the “go to”

Franklin Township By: Mayor Mark Blaszka, Franklin Township, Warren County ranklin Twp in Warren County is a farms, and fresh vegetable stands. One will offices as well as the community center. Fcombination of three villages that work marvel in the morning and evening hours There is no debt associated with this facil- together in everyday life. One can hear as hot air balloons sail and land in our town ity. A recent Eagle Project with volunteers the Church bells ring on Broadway, get or horses are rode through Historic Asbury. a cup of coffee at Rossini’s, an ice cream at Home Plate in New Village, or stop by e have one of the most active the Asbury Deli for a bite for lunch. Our WCommunity Centers in the area. It rural community of 23 sq. miles is home is busy with activities 7 days a week includ- to many different activities. One of the highlights of the spring is the “Run for the Mayor Mark Blaszka is Product Manager River” sponsored by the Musconetcong for Asbury Graphite Mills. Mark graduated from Watershed Association (MWA) which this Edison High School, later earning an MBA from year is being held on May 2nd. This event, Seton Hall University. In 13 years of public service, a 4-mile run attracts runners throughout Mayor Blaszka has served on the Township and the state. The MWA is a non-profit orga- Land Use Boards as well as a Board Member on the nization whose mission is to protect and Franklin Township and Warren Hills enhance the Musconetcong River and related resources. Their headquarters was donated by Asbury Graphite Mills, Inc. ing basketball, soccer, field hockey, pine from several of the groups helped clean and renovated through grants with the wood derby, baseball, and softball. This and paint the community center, mount Warren County Freeholders. Please visit 10,000 sq foot facility is used by our local a new bulletin board and hang new ban- their website at: www.musconetcong.org. organizations and is self funded through ners to make it have that home town rental for events to outside groups. This feel. We are a town that understands the e also have an organic farm where building was purchased on a foreclosure word community and live it everyday. Wone can purchase shares, several dairy and renovated to house the municipal New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 37 New Jersey Conference of Mayors NJCMSince 1963 www.njcm.org

A New Leader Working Hard To Serve Mayors Across The State Al LiCata, the NJCM Executive Director has proven to be the person that our organization needs in these tough fiscal times.

When most of the responsibility is placed on local governments, we as Mayors must join together to fight for our constituents. This is why I am asking all Mayors to join this organization and to attend the 2010 Spring Conference. Attending the conference in April will help you better understand your responsibilities and help you build on the knowledge you will need in your position as Mayor. At this conference you will meet with other Mayors who share your concerns. What We Can

You will also be meeting and speaking with legislators, Members of Imag ine Do for You! www.chacompanies.com the Governor’s Cabinet, and State business leaders. The contacts you 1.800.836.0817 make at this conference will prove to be invaluable to you and your municipality. Many of you already know that the NJCM will always work closely with other organizations that place the concerns of the taxpayers first.

The one message that Mayors who serve on the front line of government must always remember……We are always held accountable! Looking forward to seeing you at the conference, please, stop by the registration booth and say hello.

Sincerely, Anthony DeCicco Mayor Emeritus Past President NJCM

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|FACT| State officials have announced an +18% about the NJCM Quarterly Magazine, events premium rate increase for the State Health and sponsorship opportunities, please email Benefits Plan and a +23% rate increase for the State Educators Health Benefit Plan. our office at [email protected] There is an alternative….the PERMA Health JIF. Advantages include: > Ability to predict and control future healthcare costs > Local control over your insurance plan Our staff will get you engaged with New > Maintaining your current level of benefits on an “equal to or Jersey decision makers through participation better than basis” > Influence over claim costs through improved program management with the NJCM. > Reduced administrative expenses through increased negotiating clout > Access to your own claims data It’s not too late to start saving and protecting your future. Contact Joseph DiBella directly at 856-552-4618 or [email protected]. New Jersey Conference of Mayors 150 West State Street Trenton, New Jersey 08608-1105 Telephone: 609.989.9216 | Fax: 609.989.9595 www.njcm.org

New Jersey Conference of Mayors - Winter 2010 39 In 2009 The NJCM experienced a turning point in our long history. A successful Spring Conference was held at the Borgata to welcomed praise from Mayors and the Business Community alike. We welcomed a larger involvement in the USCM in 2009, with USCM Executive Director, Tom Cochran speaking at our Conference.

We opened a new office to better meet the needs of our growing Organization. New programs were established that will help train our membership and provide education on important issues of the day.

Our presence in Trenton increased, as did our membership and unified voice. Our quarterly magazine was upgraded, A Look Back at 2009 A and a new NJCM website was launched. The new NJCM Staff put the past to rest and continues to this day in moving the NJCM forward in a positive direction. With all these improvements we still reach higher in improving communication from our office to you, and more opportunities for training and education. We ask now more than ever before, be an active part of the NJCM Experience! Working together we can address major issues con- fronting us, benchmark off best practices and help our communities and State through these difficult times. NJCM New Mayor Training Welcomes

Mayors From Across The State By: Hon. Albert LiCata

artnering with the NJ Municipal Clerks Association, Everything from storm water management, smart growth, Pthe NJCM provided a one day, comprehensive, master plans and so on were addressed with solid detail. training program for Mayors this past January. This program took place in the newly opened NJCM he afternoon session included, Litigation, run by Conference Room and over 30 Mayors were welcomed. TJohn Belardo, Partner McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP and NJCM General Counsel Steve essions included: “The Role of Mayor - Responsibilities, Glickman of Ruderman & Glickman. Belardo also partici- SLiabilities, Vision & Direction” NJCM 1st VP Thomas pated in the session titled, “Handling the Media & OPRA, Arnone and NJCM Legislative Counsel Richard Mroz along with Mayor Wilda Diaz, Perth Amboy and Mayor provided a well organized outline for Mayors, along with Carey Pilato, Bound Brook. Additional comments on han- the Legislative efforts the NJCM provides for its members. dling the media also came from Mayor Robert Bowser, East Vincent Buttiglieri, President of the NJ Municipal Clerks Orange. The Q & A also provided Mayors with opportuni- Assoc., NJCM VP, Mayor Christine Schaumburg, Dr. Izzy ties to ask specific questions as they related to their commu- Posner, PhD, Richard Stockton College and Hon. Alex nities. Many took note of John Belardo’s points on OPRA. Marino, MA, Richard Stockton College discussed and demonstrated how Mayors can run meetings and set agendas. As “We understand Mayors are busy dealing with their part of this session, Dr. Posner & Hon. Marino conducted communities, work and families. That’s why we ran the meeting scenario situations and ways Mayors can handle program as a one day event. As a former Mayor, I know, the many different things that occur during meetings. no one was there giving you a handbook on how to be Mayor as you took the oath of office. This program was “The NJ Municipal Clerks Association is pleased and looks offered to new Mayors and those that have been serv- forward to working with the NJCM on programs like this ing, to provide the most up to date benchmarks, new one. We know education is key to good government. Our laws and information to make the role of being Mayor partnership with the NJCM is the right step to fostering much easier,” comments Al LiCata, E.D., NJCM. positive communication between the legislative and administrative parts of municipal government,” notes Joel Popkin, he program continues to receive positive comments from Executive Director, NJ Municipal Clerks Association. Tthose that attended and presented. The NJCM will make this an annual program for Mayors to take advantage of, espe- ormer NJ State Treasurer, Mayor John McCormac cially in these uncertain times. The NJCM wishers to thank Fhosted a session on preparing local budgets. The Verizon, The NJ Municipal Clerks Association and Capable Mayor had the benefit of providing those in attendance Communications for their sponsorship of this program. with detailed information to consider on the local level and an overview of the state’s current climate. Mayors also Look for additional educational opportunities heard from Jennifer Beahm, VP of Birdsall Engineering coming from the NJCM in the near future! and Peter Messina, P.E., P.P., CME, LEED AP, Township Engineer, Bernards Township on Planning & Zoning. BE PART OF THE NJCM EXPERIENCE!

New Jersey Conference Of Mayors Annual Spring Conference APRIL 27-30, 2010

THE BORGATA HOTEL CASINO & SPA • ATLANTIC CITY Visit www.njcm.org for up to date information and registration forms