This page shares with HCTA members that latest meeting minutes of the Joint Council of Taxpayer Associations of LBI. The HCTA Representative to the JCTA meetings is Charles Gaver.
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JCTA of LBI
Meeting of 3/01/10 – Minutes
Attendees:
Charlie Gaver Harvey Cedars Taxpayers Bob Irvine LBT10
Peter Trainer LBT 10 Bob Monaco Loveladies POA
Trish Monaco Loveladies HOA Bill Kunz Brant Beach HOA
Barb Lehman Harvey Cedars Taxpayers Rick Jones LBT 10
Meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM; Vice President Brick Jones presiding.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes of the last meeting were approved as submitted.
Treasurer’s report by Bob Monaco – current balance $4075.32 – accepted as presented.
OLD BUSINESS:
Southern Regional:
Discussions ensued regarding Kevin Lyons’ letter to the editor and his call to Peter Trainer, and what the JCTA’s response might or should be. In general, it was felt that we had to respond, although perhaps not in kind.
At our last meeting, President Pat Moran was to draft and send a letter to Supt. Henry advising him of the call, and querying whether it was done on behalf of the Board of Education. Was such done – what if any reaction or response to date?
The possibilities explored included:
A letter to the editor program-how many read them; who writes them, etc.
An open meeting sponsored by JCTA with Craig Henry but open to the public-
Time to organize: would Supt. Henry attend, etc
Try and work with or through our three reps-already attempted, without any response.
One or more issue-oriented ads in the Sandpaper, sponsored by the JCTA-would provide a visible response and at the same time increase the JCTA visibility on the Island and presumably with the Board of Education.
After much discussion, it appears that the Ad approach was favored; although we do have a time frame issue (Budget vote on 4/20). It was decided that the education committee would attempt to draft a number of “Bullet Point” items for the ad by March 14th; post themvia Email to Pat Moran for review, comment or modification. Pat would then circulate same via Email for approval by the JCTA membership.
LBI Consolidated:
Operations continue to puzzle. How do members of the negotiating committee who signed the “Memorandum of Agreement” with the teachers’ union wind up voting against the contract? Obviously, a 4% per year for 3 years (~almost 13% overall) contract is practically unheard of in today’s market. Again, another possible action would be one or more ads timed to impact the budget vote questioning some of these actions.
Bill Kunz has talked with Mayor Mancini, and he may try to encourage the other Mayors to question this action either jointly or individually.
New Business:
Question was raised regarding voting within the JCTA and of quorum requirements. There was note a copy of the Bylaws available; need same for next meeting.
It was also suggested that the Sign-In sheet have the members organizations listed; with the designated voter signing in for his organization; other attendees signing in as currently.
It was also suggested that the JCTA explore establishing its own website – design and function to be determined. Several possible hosting organizations were suggested; more info to come.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM.
Charlie Gaver
NEXT MEETING 4/5/10 @ 7PM
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JCTA of LBI
Meeting of 2/01/10 – Minutes
Attendees:
Charlie Gaver Harvey Cedars TA Pat Moran North Beach TA
Lena Nerrie Harvey Cedars TA Bill Kunz Brant Beach H O
Peter Trainor LBT 10 Steve Rabbitt Barnegat Light TA
Bob Monaco Loveladies POA Trish Monaco Loveladies HOA
Bob Irvine LBT 10 Rick Jones LBT 10
Ginny Scarlatelli Loveladies POA Dick Jeffries Surf City
Barbara Lehman Harvey Cedars TA
Meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM; President Pat Moran presiding.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes of the last meeting were approved as submitted.
Treasurer’s report by Bob Monaco – current balance $3875.32 – accepted as presented.
OLD BUSINESS:
Southern Regional:
Peter Trainor submitted the Letter to the Editor to the “Sandpaper” as agreed. There was no “official” response from either the Board of Education or Supt Craig Henry. However, Peter did receive a “disturbing” call from Board Member Kevin Lyons challenging the content of the letter in a somewhat aggressive tone. However, a promised call-back from Mr. Lyons did not occur. It is rather puzzling that Supt. Henry did not respond or otherwise react.
After significant discussion, it was decided that Supt. Henry should be made aware of Mr. Lyons’ call; giving him an opportunity to perhaps comment on it, and whether it was done as a Board action.
Pres. Pat Moran to compose and send said letter to Mr. Henry.
While the JCTA cannot endorse nor actively support school board or other candidates, we certainly can assist in identifying and encouraging alternative candidates; and we are certainly free to question actions (or lack there of) of the current Board. We do expect to continue the “Letters to the Editor” campaign.
LBI Consolidated:
With a “doubled-up” meeting schedule, it is difficult to have observers at each meeting. Trish and Bob Monaco attended the late January meeting. They reported the board passed a number of items, including:
Approved the hiring of three new special ed teachers, two full time, one part time.
Changed the “New teacher mentoring fee” of $550.00 which typically was paid by new teachers to their “mentors” to the fee being paid by the district to the mentors. Why is there a “fee”?
Approved a new contract with the teachers; retroactive to July 1, 2009 giving the teachers of LBI Consolidated a 4% per year increase. This contract is for three years – pretty nice raise in this economic environment.
Some general discussion followed. Bill Kunz again pointed to the ‘CHOICE” program as being possibly a big plus for LBI Consolidated, particularly as a cost offsetter as well as improving the educational experience. Initial decision on CHOICE should come as early as March 2010.
Beach Replenishment:
Nothing really new. Long Beach Township still attempting to get easements signed – with a number of holdouts.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.
Charles Gaver
Next Meeting 3/1/10 @ 7PM
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JCTA of LBI
Meeting of 1/04/10 - Minutes
Attendees:
Pat Moran North Beach TPA Bill Kunz Brant Beach HOA
Charlie Gaver Harvey Cedars Lena Nerrie Harvey Cedars
Barbara Lehman Harvey Cedars Bob Irvine LBT 10
Bob Monaco Loveladies POA Trish Monaco Loveladies HOA
Mary Brown Loveladies POA Steve Rabbitt Barnegat Light
Tom Day Barnegat Light Peter Trainor LBT 10
Dick Jeffries Surf City
Meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM : President Pat Moran presiding.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes of the last meeting were approved.
Treasurer’s report by Bob Monaco - $3687.48 accepted.
OLD BUSINESS:
Southern Regional:
Follow-up with the Island’s mayors re a follow-up to “their” letter of earlier in the year (2009) indicates they are not really interested in aggressively pursuing this. Supt. Craig Henry’s responses have been at best disingenuous – at worst evasive and confrontational. After considerable discussion, it was decided that the JCTA should proceed on two more aggressive courses:
1. Attend the Board Meetings and ask the embarrassing questions in a public forum with both press and public exposure, and
2. Embark on an aggressive public relations program with letters to the editors detailing our concerns and questions.
3. Contact as appropriate state and/or district/county representatives with specific items.
Dick Jeffries agreed to handle No. 1; but after one other attempt to contact Supt. Henry before the public questioning. This was agreed to; questions to be drafted by Pat Moran.
Initial two areas of interest are the security personnel and particularly the list of teachers assignments – a number of which show teachers with few or no class assignments.
LBI Consolidated:
A number of the members who attended the December LBI Consolidated Board of Education commented on their impressions of the meeting and the Board – none were particularly positive. We were able to generate a relatively significant increase in turnout from the normal levels. Bill Kunz gave an overall summary of the meeting, particularly the “public” session. Discussions followed of various options and possible directions for the JCTA to consider with really no options agreed upon, save finding some alternative Board candidates to perhaps upset this “happy family.”
It also came to light that the Board may be being treated to dinner at the taxpayers’ expense, which would seem to be a bad practice ( and may not be legal).
It is a general consensus that the “CHOICE” program should be supported, since it should be beneficial to the students and to the taxpayers.
Beach Replenishment:
Essentially status quo – pumping sand in Harvey Cedars, chasing easements in Long Beach, and have sent easement letters to beachfront owners in North Beach and Loveladies to start the process there.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45PM.
Charles Gaver
Next Meeting 2/1/10
Note revised meeting dates for 2010 - June 7 (was June 1)
July 12 (was July 5)
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JCTA of LBI
Meeting of 12/07/09 - Minutes
Attendees:
Mildred Hrbek Seaview Rick Jones LBT10
Dick Jeffries Surf City Ken Martell Seaview Beach
Bill Kunz Brant Beach Barbara Lehman Harvey Cedars
Pat Moran North Beach TPA Bob Monaco Loveladies P O
Trish Monaco Loveladies H O Peter Trainor LBT 10
Charlie Gaver Harvey Cedars Bob Irvine LBT 10
Lil Orrico Loveladies P O Bill Hutson Holgate
Meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM; President Pat Moran presiding.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes of the last meeting were approved as submitted.
Treasurer’s report by Bob Monaco was accepted – balance $3587.48 (same as last).
OLD BUSINESS:
Southern Regional:
Continue to follow-up on the lack of responsiveness from Southern Regional; and particularly their reluctance to respond to questions submitted previously, such as why their own report shows a number of teachers with no class assignments, no sign-in sheets or other monitoring system for Security personnel etc. Peter Trainor has contacted the Island’s mayors, and is meeting with four of them on Friday, December 11th to bring them up to date; and perhaps to initiate a follow-up request for information from them – since theirs was the original information request. (Mayors Mancini and Larson are unable to attend).
LBI Consolidated:
LBI Consolidated Board continues to act in what appears to be an irresponsible manner – and with little concern for constituent concerns. In most instances they simply refuse to answer questions put to them. For example, the “interim” Business Administrator who had a temporary contract approved through 12/31/09 apparently has had his contract extended through 6/30/10 although there is no record of a vote or discussion by the Board. Board minutes are apparently “selective:” generally do not recognize nor reflect comments, questions or presentations from constituents in the audience.
It was suggested that the Board meetings be videotaped; Board apparently did not react to that suggestion. Cost would be about $200.00 per meeting. Mayors are reluctant to shoulder that cost, so the JCTA might have to pay for taping the first several meetings, until it can be budgeted for.
Since the LBI Consolidated Board apparently looks askance at the JCTA and doubts that the organization represents many members, it was decided that we would attempt to encourage our individual organizations to have members attend the next Board Meeting – Tuesday, December 15th at the Ethel Jacobson School in Surf City. All Groups were requested to Email members with this information.
Beach Replenishment:
Brief discussion of the recent easement compensation award to the Harvey Cedars owner; and its possible affect on the balance of the project. Brant Beach still has holdouts, and this decision is not going make it easier.
New Business:
Southern Regional budget information is not being provided by the Board nor by the Supervising Principal despite numerous requests. Obviously, a new approach is needed. This should include informational newspaper ads, letters to the editor and such. It was also suggested that the JCTA host a “Town Meeting” with perhaps Vito Gagliardi making a presentation on the options that may be open to the Island’s taxpayers short of destroying the district. Peter Trainor to explore this.
This more pro-active approach will probably cost the JCTA money.; certainly more than in the past. For that reason, it was decided to increase dues for 2010. After some discussion, a two tiered dues schedule was approved as follows:
100 or less members - $100.00/year
101 or more - $200.00/year
Proposed schedule for 2010 meetings was presented as follows:
1/4, 2/1, 3/1, 4/5, 5/3, 6/7(*), 7/12, 8/2, 9/13,10/4, 11/1,12/6
Currently all meetings will be at the Ocean County Library in Surf City
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.
Charles Gaver
Next Meeting 1/4/10
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JCTA of LBI
Meeting of 10/5/09 – Minutes
Attendees:
Ken Martell Seaview Beach Steve Rabbitt Barnegat Light
Peter Trainor LBT 10 Lena Nerrie Harvey Cedars
Richard Jeffries Surf City Pat Moran North BeachTPA
Tom Day Barnegat Light TA Charlie Gaver Harvey Cedars
Trish Monaco Loveladies Harbor Sarah Lambert Barnegat Light
Bob Monaco Loveladies Property Owners Scott Sharples Barnegat Light
Lynn Hickerson Loveladies Harbor Bill Hutson Holgate
Charlie Farrell Loveladies Property Owners Bob Irvine LBT10
Charles Kisselman Ship Bottom Rep. Club
Meeting Called to order at 7:03 PM by President Pat Moran.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Treasurer’s Report – Bob Monaco - Balance on hand $3696.83 – expenses paid incl. state nonprofit filing & liability insurance premium.
New Business:
Pat welcomed invited guests, Scott Zoladz and Marilyn Wasilewski, Lbi’s SRHS School Board Representatives. Stuart Snyder was unable to attend due to prior business commitments.
Pat reviewed the reason for the invitation; that the JCTA was beginning to sense a “resistance “ on the part of the administration of Southern Regional to the various information requests and other interfaces. The JCTA decided that it should “reach out” to our representatives to see if this was the case, or whether there was a middle ground.
There followed a question and answer/general discussion around the issues raised in Peter Trainor’s (Education Comm.) letter of September 23rd. , although not much was resolved beyond the comments already received. Ms. Wasilewski did point out that the need for the security guards and resource officers was due in part as a deterrent to what is apparently an increase in gang activity – and the fact that courts in the county may order convicted gang members transferred to Southern. The numbers and impact was not quantified. A discussion followed re gangs, policy on fighting (expulsion) and the apparent discrepancy with no expulsions reported – therefore no fights?
The point was raised that there were apparently no “sign in” procedures for the security officers, even though virtually all other employees had one. Ms. Wasilewski and Mr Zoladz allowed as how it would probably be a good idea to adopt something of that nature.page.
Ms. Wasilewski noted that test scores at LBI Consolidated were well below the norm; that with a $21,000 per student average cost, considerably above the county median (~$11,000). However, she did indicate that Island student apparently did very well in Southern Regional and that ~80% of Southern graduates go on to higher education.
She also indicated that the “Interact Program” had been very helpful.
It was pointed out by the JCTA members that some of the material supplied in response to JCTA requests was useless and presumably incomplete; in one case a many paged report of the teaching staff/assignments showed 60 teachers with no class assignments. Hopefully, going forward we will get more useful responses from the District. With thanks from the JCTA, Ms. Wasilewski and Mr. Zoladz left at 8:05.
Meeting continued with some discussion regarding Ms. Wasilewski’s contention re LBI Consolidated’s test scores and what that may or may not mean. Anecdotally, Island students apparently perform well at Southern Regional.
Old Business:
Beach Replenishment – Harvey Cedars moving along; dredge should be in place by
10/31/09.
Long Beach Township hoping to get funding to take advantage of the dredge being in
the area.
Scott Sharples new Barnegat Light Taxpayers Assoc. President was introduced.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.
NEXT MEETING Monday, Nov 2nd
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JCTA of LBI
Meeting of 9/14/09 - MINUTES
ATTENDEES:
Pat Moran North Beach Taxpayers Assoc. Bill Kunz Brant Beach
Bill Knaare Brant Beach Ken Martell Seaview Beach
Lena Nerri Harvey Cedars Charlie Gaver Harvey Cedars
Bob Monaco Loveladies Property Owners Trish Monaco Loveladies Harbor
Peter Trainor LBT 10
Meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM by President Pat Moran.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Treasurer’s Report – Bob Monaco – Balance on Hand $4049.46.
Old Business:
Schools
Southern Regional: Initial response from SRHS of ~ 500 pages was not necessarily what was requested.
A request for additional documents/information was requested. Response was less than helpful – apparently Mr. Henry is not disposed to answeer “why and what questions”. Document requests have to specifically identify the document; “what and why” as well as who, when, where and how questions can only apparently be answered by the Board of Education not in writing by Mr. Henry.
A discussion followed as to possible courses of action – going to the press, filing an ethics complaint (where applicable) or other courses. While there was no consensus reached, it was agreed that educating and motivating the Island voters is imperative.
SRHS Education Committee is preparing an interim report to the Island Mayors summarizing the response – or lack thereof from SRHS/Dr. Henry.
Ken Martell presented a summary listing members of the three (SRHS, LBI Consol & Beach Haven) Boards of Education, together with term expirations and meeting schedules. In addition to the issues at SRHS, it appears that we should promote attendance of voters to the LBI Consolidated Board Meetings. Recently, LBI Consolidated lost its Business Administrator due apparently to indifference on the Boards part. Since he was filling two or three positions, there will be a cost increase that could and should have been avoided. Finally, we need to find qualified people to run for the LBI Consolidated Board as current terms expire.
New Business:
The rescheduled bridge repair is to start later this week. Bill Knaare attended the information meeting which was essentially just a handout repeating the newspaper article. Project will be in the fall, and resume in the spring.
Looking for volunteers for the LBI Consol. Education Committee (Lena Nerrie volunteered).
Peter Trainor presented his concerns about unsafe boating practices/boaters he has observed primarily in the Bay, and concern for the lack of enforcement. He presented a proposal to create a “Citizen’s Advisory Committee” to address this in Long Beach Township for membership review.
There was also a brief discussion regarding the “Medical Waste” finds this summer. These appeared to be isolated situations, involving personal syringes.
Towns:
Harvey Cedars – Beach replenishment appears to be a go – starting in Oct or Nov.
LBI Blvd Lane Changes – appears that the county recommendations may be accepted, but there is a l long way to go. Fairly significant opposition from towns/areas to the north.
Long Beach Township – Beach easement signing program kind of at a standstill. Hoping funds can be found in the new budget to begin in 2010.
Meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM. Next Meeting October 5th
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JCTA of LBI
Meeting of 8/3/09 – MINUTES
Attendees:
Bill Knarre Brant Beach Bill Kunz Brant Beach
Ken Martell Seaview Beach Rick Jones LBT 10
Lena Nerrie Harvey Cedars Charlie Gaver Harvey Cedars
Trish Monaco LHO Peter Trainor LBT 10
Pat Moran North Beach Taxpayers Assoc. Bob Irvine LBT 10
Meeting called to order by Bill Knarre at 7:07 PM.
Pledge of Allegiance
Treasurer’s report Current Balance $4099.21 (same as previous).
School Committee Report:
Requested additional budget fiscal information has not been received as yet. There may be issues with open ended, non-price defined contracts, among other issues.
Discussion ensued as to possible approaches the JCTA should consider regarding the possible school consolidation (with Stafford elementaries). Suggestions made that the JCTA adopt a “proactive” approach involving as many of the affected groups as possible – and in this way to perhaps craft a less onerous solution than otherwise. Funding for consolidation studies may be a problem, as well as who is to conduct the studies.
Beyond that there is the possibility of changes in Trenton – which could cause all of this to go away or at least change it.
Bill Kunz reported that the efforts to consolidate Beach Haven Elementary (approx 50 total students) with Long Beach Island is still ongoing; although based n some of the recent findings at LBI Board of Ed,there may be reason to back off a bit.
TOWN REPORTS Beach Replenishment:
Harvey Cedars has essentially all the easements in place, although there may be some valuation adjustments yet to be made. Long Beach Township has a 5000 foot contiguous strip of essentially town-owned beach. The efforts beyond this are running into the same problems of some non-cooperating owners.
Pat Moran has agreed to accept the Presidency of the JCTA; effective with the September meeting. Congratulations to Pat.
Bill Kunz summarized his recent visit to a Long Beach Township Board of Education Meeting. Based on his descriptions, and the materials he provided, this appears to be a Board that needs some attention.One of the Board members is herself suing the Board on behalf of her son – conflict of interest? Possibly.
Ken Martell followed up and contacted the Ocean County Board of Elections to obtain the voter registration lists for the Island (some 7000 persons). Ken reported that the County was very helpful and cooperative, and forwarded the requested info which he has offered to the individual taxpayers’ associations (kwmartell@hotmail.com).
Meeting adjourned at 8:25PM.
NEXT MEETING MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14th at 7PM
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JCT of LBI
Minutes 6/1/09
Attendees
Ken Martell Seaview Beach Bill Knarre Brant Beach
Bill Kunz Brant Beach Bob Monaco LPOA
Trish Monaco LHO Chas. Gaver Harvey Cedars
Rick Jones LBT 10 Peter Trainor LBT 1
Don Hoffler Beach Haven Tom Day Barnegat Light
Lena Nerrie Harvey Cedars
Meeting opened at 7:00PM
Flag Salute
Minutes - Accepted as written
Treasurers Report - Current balance - $ 4,099.21
Received a letter from North Beach Estates stating that they will not be renewing their membership in the JCT because their members also belong to the North Beach TA and will be represented through that Association.
School Committee
Great response from the Mayors. A letter and a list of questions for info from the SRSD was sent Mayor Conners office. He contacted the other 5 Island Mayors and sent a letter to the school board on 4/24 asking that they respond with answers. The response came on 5/10 and was sent to all 6 Mayors and then distributed to the JCT committee. The committee will now review the answers and formulate a report for the Mayors. This support from the Mayors is something the JCT has been looking for.
Peter Trainor stated that we need to get more voters out for future Budget elections. The JCT has to make a strong effort to get absentee ballots out to residents are not here during the winter and early spring.
LBI Consolidated B of E has a vacancy for the Harvey Cedars representitive on the board. Applicants have until June 18th to apply. Charlie Gaver of Harvey Cedars was asked to look into this since there was not a lot of public notice concerning it. It was also stated that there appeared to be some turmoil among some board members.
Bill Kunz said that the State Choice program could be approved soon and if LBI Consolidated is selected it would be a benefit to all taxpayers. He also said that we have to start attending B of E meetings and he distributed the board meeting schedule for 2009.
Also, a reminder that the three seats on the SRSD board representing LBI come up for election in April 2010.
Beach Replenishment
Harvey Cedars situation remains status quo waiting for the outcome of the eminent domain process. Hopefully their project will start in the fall.
Long Beach Township is still slowly receiving easements and has a section of the township ready for the Corps of Engineers.
Election of Officers
A slate was presented to members.
President Tom Day Barnegat Light
Vice President Rick Jones LBT 10
Secretary Chas. Gaver Harvey Cedars
Treasurer Bob Monaco LPOA
Tom Day stated that even though he would like to serve as President he felt that he couldn't because he will be in Florida almost 6 months of the year. He said that a year round member would be in the best interest of the JCT. As a result and according to our by-laws the Secretary, Trish Monaco, was asked to cast one vote for the rest of the slate making them officers for 2009/2010.
All members were asked to poll their membership for persons interested in the position of President and report at the July meeting. Bill Knarre has agreed to temporarily stay on as President.
Recommendation
Bill Kunz suggested that we consider making a donation to a local organization. This will be discussed at the next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 PM.
Next meeting - July 6th, 2009
*********************JCTA Notes from May 5, 2009 ************************************
A brief report on the JCTA meeting this past Monday. Most of the meeting focused on last month's school budget vote and the JCTA activities preceeding the vote, and by agreement, continuing even after the vote. The Budget was passed rather handily despite a number of questions. The JCTA is currently getting a breakdown of the votes by district. One suggestion made for next year is to perhaps provide the "Snowbirds" with absentee ballots, since it is felt that many may not bother to vote.
The School Committee did a great job; and their work will continue on a year round basis - not just focusing on budget time.
The education committee provided the Island Mayors with a fairly detailed, series of questions on the proposed budget. This questionaire was "endorsed" by all of the Island Mayors, and forwarded to Supt. Craig Henry for review and a response. I have a copy of the package, and I will bring it to our next meeting
In addition, the idea of Supt. Henry becoming additionally the Supt. of the Stafford Elementary Schools has been strongly opposed by the Mayors, both for its obvious questons, and the potential for it becoming a de facto amalgamation/consolidation and the passing of an additional $20 million tax burden onto the Island.
Long Beach Township is beginning to run into some of the reluctances to sign easements that Harvey Cedars experienced - and some of the same strange reasoning in opposition to signing.
Charlie
************************ JCT Meeting notes from April 6, 2009********************************
Hello All
Meeting Monday evening was still somewhat sparsely attended - still have a lot of snowbirds dodging the weather.
Meeting started with a presentation by members of the LBI Business Alliance which is hosting/promoting a "Green Up/Clean Up" activity on April 25th from 9am till noon. Activity is focusing on cleaning the "non-beach" areas (LBI Blvd/side streets, etc) which often get overlooked. Some additional info should have been e-mailed to Susan. More info is available from Cheryl at Cheryl@thingsadrift.com or 609-361-1668. They also announced that there will be a film festival on LBI during the first week of June (4-7). For further info, go to the website information@lighthousefilmfestival.org.
Balance of the meeting involved discussions regarding the LBI Blvd/Causeway intersection, and our rather favorite topic, Southern Regional's budget. In summary, reponses from the DOT are very non-committal and generic, with no particular encouragement.
On the subject of Southern Regional, again we a a little bit late. The JCT School Committee has apparently made strides in getting info - but is still having difficulty getting any meaningful answers. They had a meeting with the principles at Southern Regional, and last week with all six mayors. The mayors were to meet with SRHS on Tuesday, April 7th to review the budget (Less Mayor Oldham, who had a prior commitment). The committee has prepped the mayors with some detailed and pointed questions, which they indicated they would ask. Communication through and with the Island Board members continues to be poor - apparently by their choice.
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Notes from Feb, 2009 JCTA meeting attended by Charlie Gaver
Hello all. Again, the typical mid-winter turnout - relatively small (10 or so).
Several interesting developments regarding the Causeway/LBI Boulevard intersection.
1. Apparently Stafford has requested "stimulus" funds, if available to repair/replace the causeway. The island was apparently not aware of this - but obviously it is in our best interests.
2. A drawing actually exists now (at DOT) detailing the boulevard as two way through the causeway intersection - captioned "Initially Preferred Alternative Scheme A2" dated 2/2004. This just surfaced in the last month or so.
Contact has been made with the new DOT Commissioner Dilts regarding all of the Causeway related issues: he has agreed to review and respond.
Further on the traffic issues. Apparently, about two years ago, Bill Knaare, then Mayor Mancini and a few others went to Toms River to meet with Freeholder Bartlett who is involved with the transportation committee. Discussions centered around the fact that LBI with about 2% of the county's population provides over 20% of the county's tax revenue; they were wondering what LBI was getting back for th is largesse. One project suggested - at no cost to the Island - were improved crosswalks on the north end, ie North Beach, Harvey Cedars, Loveladies and Barnegat Light. Apparently, there was some agreement on this. In any event, within the last month or so, Long Beach Township apparently got a bill ($33,000)from the county for new cross walks in the north end of the island. Since their understanding was that this was to be done at no cost, LBT is delving further into the matter.
Phil - This may be another contact for you if the DOT people don't respond.
Barbara Lehman's name (HC school budget team volunteer) has been passed on to Pat Moran, Chrmn, along with two other volunteers from other organizations.
The JCTA is planning to have another public presentation on both the local as well as the Southern Regional Budgets, either in March, or more likely early April. This will be a public meeting - open to all interested parties, with presentations by the two superintendents and then a question and answer period from the floor.
Charlie
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****** Notes from Jan 5, 2009 JCTA meeting by Charlie Gaver *******
Happy New Year's to all. I can report that the new light in Barney is working and sending out a beam. According to those at the meeting, there was actually a traffic jam at the causeway due to those wanting to come see the relighting.
On to the meeting - attendance was at its winter snowbird level again - about 10 members.
JCTA will be sending out dues invoices to all member organizations by the end of the month.
The $6 million + school bond issue for Southern Regional was defeated rather handily; due at least in part to JCTA activities and the press pick-ups and critiques of the timing and amount of the proposed bond.
We still have had no response from "our" three school board members who visited the JCTA in September; and promised to get back to us with answers to the questions we put to them. There is strong feeling within the JCTA that it may be time to retire one or more of these members. There is apparently a question as to Mr. Scott Zoladz's true residency - Mt. Laurel or Long Beach Township. Marilyn Wasilewski serves on both the Southern Regional Board and the LBI Consolidated District Board - a situation that is not allowed going forward, but for which she is "grandfathered" into. Stuart Snyder is in his fourth term. Based on their appearance with us and subsequent actions, they are not representing the Island's best interests.
We have again been asked to solicit our membership to see if we have any members who are willing to serve on the school budget review team, since the JCTA cannot provide the total staffing. An ideal candidate would be a resident or someone who lives fairly close - and again ideally, has some government or scholl experience. However, the primary requirement is a willingness to work on the committee. Please put any interested individuals in contact will Bill Knarre (kknarre@aol.com).
Bridge/New Causeway Project appears to have been pushed back another year or two - engineering 20011; construction 2014. Working with Chris Connor's office to try and expedite this, since the causeway is the only way on/off the island.
Beach Haven Municipal Gov't Study committee - moving forward with interviews, etc. At this stage, feel the commissioner form of government may not be the most effective.
Beach Haven Shared Services Committee - preparing a spread sheet attempting to detail the services/equipment/resources that are now being shared between two or more towns.
JCTA (Bill Knarre) contacting our Freeholder to remind them where the tax money comes from; and that we would appreciate some of it being returned to LBI.
Charlie
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Minutes of meeting 1/05/09
Attendees:
Bill Knarre, Brant Beach Bill Kunz, Brant Beach
Dick Jeffries, Surf City Chas. Gaver, Harvey Cedars
Don Hoffler, Beach Haven John Ertel, Beach Haven
Ken Martell, Seaview Beach Bob Monaco, LLPO
Trish Monaco, LHO Gina Harle, LHO
Russ Harle, LHO Lynn Hickerson, LL
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM
Flag Salute
Minutes from the 12/08 meeting were accepted.
Treasurers Report:
Balance $2899.21
Invoices will be sent to all JCT members for 2009 dues.
Old Business:
Charlie Gaver, Harvey Cedars, reported that the bids for the Beach Project in Harvey Cedars would be opened in the next few weeks. The town has filed eminent domain claims for 5 properties that are not buildable and the remaining 8 properties with unsigned easements could be filed as needed.
SRSD Referendum – The referendum was defeated on Dec. 9th and all JCT members got copies of the vote results by town. Hopefully this was a wake up call to the Board of Ed. The JCT has requested that in the future the Bd of Ed ask for public input prior to making decisions such as the referendum. Again, Bill Knarre has asked for volunteers to serve on the JCT school committee and stated that a few have come forward. Contact Bill at kknarre@aol.com or 609-361-0651 so he can coordinate with Pat Moran, committee chairman.
Bridge Project – E-mails have been received from Sen. Connors stating that his office has been in contact with the NJ DOT asking to make the project a priority. It looks like the engineering studies will start in 2011 and work to begin in 2014. Since the redesign of the Ship Bottom intersection by Oskar Hubers is part of the project the JCT is asking for that part to be done sooner. Dick Jeffries, Surf City TA, was asked to follow up on this request.
“Old Barney” – The relighting of the lighthouse on New Years Day was a huge success with thousands of people attending this historic event.
Member News:
Don Hoffler, Beach Haven, spoke about the committee he serves on in his town looking into a change in the form of government. The committee is busy preparing 3 public meetings and is visiting communities with different forms of government.
Don and John Ertel said that there apparently was a change in the funding formula for SRSD in the 1970’s or 1980’s and they have been unable to see a copy of the SRSD Boards minutes that shows this change. It will be looked into.
Ken Martell asked how the shared services committee was proceeding in Long Beach Twp. A few JCT members that are on that committee responded that a chart is being formulated showing what services are and are not being shared by Island towns at this time. The committee is then going to contact the Taxpayer Assoc. of the other towns and have them talk to their respective local officials to join in this project. The idea of shared services will save the whole Island money.
Ken also stated that we should be looking at taxes on the County level. The County levy on the Island towns is between 40 – 45% of our tax bills. Bill Knarre will have a schedule of the Ocean County Freeholders meetings at the next JCT meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:28 PM.
NEXT MEETING FEBRUARY 2, 2009
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*****Notes from Dec Meeting by Charlie Gaver******
Holiday greetings to all:
The meeting this past Monday was (as has been the past practice) rather sparsely attended with people at there permanent abodes or in warmer climes. Several old business items were discussed:
St. Francis Cell Tower- Bill Knarre and others met with Father Steve to express residents' concern although they realize the income would be welcome. Father Steve indicated that the final decision would be made by the Diocese in Trenton. He/they were under the impression that Beach Haven Township wanted the tower at St. Francis-which of course is not the case. The final Land-Use Board meeting is on Dec 10 - it is expected that they will not approve the variances needed. The various affected Taxpayers Association are rallying their membership to attend the meeting. A straw poll of one of the groups indicated a 96% against approval.
Southern Regional High School Bond Issue-Newspaper pick-ups and editorials have been very must against this bond issue, particularly with the current economic circumstances. The basic message is redo the issue; including only the truly necessary items, and leave the rest for the regular capital budget next April. In addition to the $6.7 million high school budget, Stafford is being asked to approve a $12+ million bond issue fore the grammer schools. In some quarters, it is felt they both could be in jeopardy (Hope so).
We still have not had a reponse from any of the SRHS Board Members who visited with the JCTA in September, and "promised" to get back to us with answers to the questions they couldn't answer then (most, if not all). JCTA is considering a reminder follow-up letter, as well as a poaaible search for some viable candidates to run against these three.
We have been asked to solicit our membership for persons who would be interested in serving on the JCTA School Budget Review Committee. They do not have to be Board members, but probably should be residents from the availability point of view. If we get some interest, give Bill Knarre the particulars.
Finally, LBI Consolidated School District is considering running a bus the length of the island during the "tourist season." It would be reasonably priced - and probably run on a regular schedule. The thoughts are that it might cut down on car traffic - and perhaps relieve the parents of the need to do a lot of transporting of their kids. If you have any comments, pro or con, let me know.
Stay Warm and have a nice Holiday Season.
Charlie
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JCT of LBI Inc.
Minutes of meeting 12/01/08
Attendees:
Bill Knarre - Brant Beach Bill Kunz - Brant Beach
John Pegg - North Beach Bob Monaco - LLPO
Dick Jeffries - Surf City Bob Irvine - LBT 10
Chas. Gaver - Harvey Cedars Tom Day – Barnegat Light
John Ertel - Beach Haven
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM
The minutes of 11/03/08 were accepted as written.
Treasurers Report – John Pegg reported a balance of $2,971.21
Updates and Old Business:
The NJ DOT Commissioner, Kris Kolluri, has become the Chair of the School Construction Commission. It is hoped that the new DOT Commissioner will look into the delay of the Causeway Bridge Project.
The SRSD referendum has not been revised and will appear on the ballot as originally presented. It was also noted that since the LBI reps on the SRSD board did not respond back to the JCT with answers to Sept. 8th questions, a second request would be made.
Opposition to the Verizon Cell Tower is growing and the public is being urged to attend the Dec. 10th meeting of the LBT Land Use Board to voice their opinions. The meeting will be at the LBT Complex, 6805 Long Beach Blvd, Brant Beach at 7:00PM.
Chas. Gaver, Harvey Cedars, stated that the town is awaiting the opening of the bids for the Beach Project. It is hoped that the project could begin shortly after the New Year.
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New Business:
Bill Kunz reported on the decision in the Avalon lawsuit against the DEP regarding public restrooms and beach access. It was decided that the DEP has no power to dictate to towns where restrooms should be placed, what constitutes adequate parking and what hours a town has to keep the beaches open.
Kunz also stated that the LBT Citizens Advisory Committee for beach replenishment is ready to present its report to the Mayor.
Another change on the state level is that the DEP Commissioner, Lisa Jackson, is to become the federal EPA Commissioner. A permanent replacement has not been named in Trenton.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM
Next meeting Jan. 5th 2009
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