February JCTA Meeting Minutes

JCTA of LBI Meeting of 2/7/11

Attendees:

Steve Rabbitt                  Barnegat Light                   Bill Kunz                        Brant Beach

Charlie Gaver                 Harvey Cedars                    Bob Irvine                     LBT 10

Trish Monaco                Loveladies Harbor            Bob Monaco                 Loveladies P. O.

Pat Moran                       North Beach                       Jane O’Brien                Barnegat Light

Barbara Lehman          Harvey Cedars                    Charlie Kistler              Surf City

The meeting was called to order at 7 PM; president Pat Moran presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance followed.

Since we had a quorum available the minutes of the December and January meeting  were approved as presented.

Treasurer Bob Monaco presented his report our current balance is $4,802.32. Bob also reported a high Bar Harbor paid both their 2010 and their 2011 dues; however, only at $100 per year.

It was moved ,seconded and approved that the dues for 2011 the of hundred dollars per organization. President Moran will notify all organizations of the dues due.

Old business:

There were no discussions regarding Southern Regional.

LBI Consolidated:

Bulk of the meeting revolved around the feasibility study starting LBI Consolidated. President Pat Moran had a full copy of the study (at a cost of $37). While the report basically suggested that the Ethel Jacobson School be the surviving entity, albeit witha fairly significant additions. The report tended to focus on simply the construction issues without any commentaries on operating cost savings or increases, the deed restrictions and with what appears to be a simplistic approach to the financing of these additions.

The Superintendent made reference to misleading information from taxpayer groups during the budget approval last year. The JCTA suggested that he point out any points in question and we would be glad to take another look at them. It’s our belief that everything presented was factual and supportable.

The suggestion that a Citizens’ Committee be formed to assist the Board in implementing the suggestions was not met with much enthusiasm. Hopefully this will change with some reflection on their part.  It is worth noting that the JCTA is in full support of LBI Consolidated having a grammar school on the Island, and in general with the recommendations of the Feasibility Study.

JCT -  2 – 2/7/1

It is perhaps interesting that Surf City and Mayor Connors would prefer  to have the Ethel  Jacson School closed so that they would gain ratable.   How this will play out is yet to be determined.

A motion was made, seconded and passed directing the President to invite selected members of the LBI Consolidated to meet with the JCTA at our March meeting (3/7), and the Island members of the Southern Regional Board to our April (4/4) meeting.

Bill Kunz brought us up to date on Beach Replenishment – basically there is a question as to whether there will be any funds available for it this year, with the current atmosphere in Washington toward earmarks, and the like.

A motion was made and the meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.

Charlie Gaver

Next Meeting March 7, 2011.

December JCTA Meeting Minutes

JCTA of LBI

Meeting of 12/06/10

Attendees:

Mary T. Schartz –  Barnegat Light            Bill Kunz –  Brant  Beach

Charlie Gaver- Harvey Cedars         Bill Hutson –  Holgate

Bob Irvine –  LBT 10        Trish Monaco- Loveladies Harbor

Bob Monaco –  Loveladies PO            Dick Jeffries –  Surf City

Jane O’Brien

Meeting called to order at 7:04 PM – Secretary Charlie Gaver presiding in the absence of President Pat Moran (delayed by business).   Pledge of Allegiance followed.

Treasurer’s Report –balance remains at $4602.32.  High Bar Harbor dues for 2010 are still not paid presented by Treasurer Bob Monaco.

Bob made a suggestion for consideration that the dues move back to $100.00 per organization for 2011, unless we are forecasting significant additional expenditures for the coming year.  A discussion followed with suggestions that as an alternative to reducing dues we might want to .find some worthy places to donate funds.  Suggestions included The Southern Regional Foundation,  “Rachel’s Challenge”, or others.  Please bring suggestions (and specifics) to the January meeting.

Southern Regional:

Little to discuss, other than a brief review of the Asbury Park Press’s November 17^th article regarding Special Ed  issues (Jacob/Parker) that Barbara Lehman sent.   While on one hand as a taxpayer one should perhaps be glad at the rate charged per out of district student, one wonders what the fact that it is one of the highest in the state indicates for the cost discipline at SRHS.

LBI Consolidated:

The “Feasibility Study” will probably not be available to the public before February.  Apparently, the draft was “sent back” with a request for some further input on transportation issues, and some Beach Haven School questions.

Apparently – and these are strictly hearsay – there are deed restrictions involving both the Ethel Jackson School Property and that of the Beach Haven School, with both of them supposedly to revert if they are no longer used as schools – interesting, if true.

Bill Kunz suggested that the JCTA establish a committee to study and develop the JCTA comments on the Feasibility Study, once it is released.  The JCTA should certainly be in a position present a critique (positive and negative) regarding the recommendations. Interested parties please be ready to volunteer at the January meeting.  A motion was made, seconded and passed supporting establishing said committee.

It was also suggested that the JCTA consider establishing a Traffic/Highway Committee to attempt to coordinate/facilitate roadway markings and signage throughout the Island, promote the rework of the Boulevard/Causeway redo, and whatever else is appropriate.

Copies of Peter Trainor’s  and Ben Tabarini’s Letters to the Editor of Nov. 17, 2010 were presented by Mary Schartz.  Peter’s was discussed briefly.

Meeting was adjourned by motion at 8:10 PM.

Charlie Gaver

NEXT MEETING JANUARY 3, 2011

2011 MEETING SCHEDULE

Jan 3, 2011             May 2, 2011                 Sept 12, 2011

Feb 7, 2011              Jun 6, 2011                 Oct  3, 2011

Mar 7, 2011            Jul 11, 2011                  Nov 7, 2011

Apr 4, 2011            Aug 1, 2011                   Dec 5, 2011

November JCTA Meeting Minutes

JCTA of LBI

Meeting of 11/01/10 – Minutes

Attendees:

Mary Schultz          Barnegat Light TA         Bill Kunz               Brant Beach Homeowners

Charlie Gaver         Harvey Cedars                  Bill Hutson       Holgate Taxpayers

Bob Monaco         Loveladies P. O.                  Pat Moran               North Beach Taxpayers

Barbara Lehman Harvey Cedars                  Jane O’Brien    Barnegat Light T. A.

Jennifer Bott         Ship Bottom                  Dick Jeffries     Surf City Taxpayers

Meeting called to order by President Pat Moran at 7PM.

Pledge of Allegiance followed.

Bob Monaco presented the treasurer’s report – balance unchanged since the last meeting at $4602.32.  High Bar Harbor Taxpayers 2010 dues are still unpaid.

OLD BUSINESS:

Southern Regional’s ranking in the state per New Jersey Monthly magazine was disappointingly low ~ 270 out of 380 rated schools.

No other items regarding Southern Regional; except that Peter Trainor’s letter to the editor in the Sandpaper regarding the Board’s stonewalling tactics was calm and reasoned.

LBI Consolidated’s feasibility study should be received by the Board in November; there are some issues regarding transportation and the possible inclusion of  Beach Haven (even though they have no interest). It is projected that the report, possibly with Board comments will be released to the public in the December/January time frame – presumably after the Island’s mayors have had an opportunity to review it.

The Board has apparently received the test scores but is not releasing them yet.

Heather Henry resigned from the Board.

“Choice” Program apparently still has some issues; but LBI Consolidated will offer 10-12 places.

A general discussion followed over a number of the issues regarding LBI Consolidated including successors to the Supervising Principal and the Business Manager; busing issues, and the accuracy of some of the statements attributed to the JCTA.  JCTA statements were defended as being accurate; although perhaps critical. It was also agreed that consolidation of LBI Consolidated with Stafford’s elementary makes no sense on a number of levels – financial, student experience wise, etc.

Meeting was adjourned via a motion and second at 7:50PM.

Charlie Gaver

NEXT MEETING – 12/6/10 @ 7PM

October JCTA Meeting Minutes

JCTA of LBI

Meeting of 10/04/10 – Minutes

Attendees:

Scott Sharpless          Barnegat  Light                        Charlie Gaver            Harvey Cedars

Bob Irvine                    LBT 10                                       Bob Monaco               Loveladies POA

Pat Moran                   North Beach TO                       Ken Martell                Seaview Beach

Dick Jefferies             Surf City TO                               Barbara Lehman      Harvey Cedars

Mary  Schwartz         Barnegat Light                         Jane O’Brien             Barnegat Light

Meeting was called to order at 7:00PM; President Pat Moran presiding.

Pledge of Allegiance followed.

Bob Monaco, Treasurer reported our current balance is $4602.32.  Two recent expense items were Liability Insurance – $232, and NJ registration – $25.

OLD BUSINESS:

Southern Regional:

The new Business Administrator, Steve  Terhune, replaced Lynn Shugars who went to Moorestown. The school’s insurance has been moved to a new insurance carrier resulting in significant premium savings.

Pension billings (from the State) came in at 3%+ over the estimates.  This is true for LBI Consolidated as well.  This will be a budget problem for both Boards.

LBI Consolidated:

The open meeting regarding the possible consolidation study was held on Sept. 28^th and was attended by 70 or or so residents.  It was an “open meeting” – the Board of Education members simply observed. The designated consultant firm, LAN of Milltown, NJ was in attendance.  Apparently, there were opinions expressed both for and against consolidation.

Some general discussion followed within the JCTA members regarding the rationales and protocols being incorporated in the study.  Apparently the initial report is due within a month or so.

Other Business:

Peter Trainor and Rick Jones have resigned from LBT 10 (and also therefore presumably from the JCTA.

Scott Sharpless has resigned as President of Barnegat Light Taxpayers since he is running (unopposed) for the Barnegat Light Town Council.  Good luck  to  Scott.  He introduced the incoming President, Mary Schwartz.

Pat Moran reminded all that now is the time to begin looking at the town budgets;  both current and next years.

Meetin was adjourne at 8:15 PM.

Charlie Gaver

Next Meeting November 1, 2010 @ 7PM