David Nettles is elected council president during Monday’s reorganization session.
By Sandra Phelps
Republicans Janice "Jolly" Leigh and C. Schuyler Morehouse took oaths of office Monday night as new members of Hopewell Borough Council, replacing Thomas Dallessio and Henry Wittman III, who did not seek re-election in November.
Council members picked Democrat David Nettles as council president, a post held during several previous years by Mr. Dallessio.
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During his mayor’s message, George Padgett said it has been his privilege to be on the council. He said the borough has been the exception, having avoided bipartisan politics. With three Democrats and three Republicans on council, the mayor has the deciding vote if there is a tie.
"We must bypass the partisan politics that seem to disrupt many municipalities," he said. Here, he said, he was pleased that council members put residents’ interests first.
"It is gratifying to serve and see what we’ve accomplished," he said. "We can get things done in a relatively short time."
As for the future, Mayor Padgett said, "we have a focus and a road map for where we want to go."
The mayor cited working with the library trustees on where a municipal facility should be located as one of council’s accomplishments. The facility would combine the library and municipal building.
Mayor Padgett also said the borough is "in a good position" with land acquired for open space, "except for one gap St. Michael’s property."
One area in which the mayor said he was disappointed is the housing stock in the borough, and providing housing for seniors. "I believe we must work with the township," and strive to come up with more housing and take care of the needs of the borough, he said.
Overall, "we’ve made great progress this year. I hope more people attend meetings and participate. We’re always open to comments and suggestions. Happy New Year."
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The mayor’s appointments for 2003 are:
Hilary R. Fortenbaugh, municipal clerk, chief financial officer and treasurer, search officer and public agency compliance officer; Donna M. Griffiths, tax collector and planning secretary; Christopher L. Fuges, assessor; Harry Agin, zoning officer; Herbert J. Ruehle, director of public works and recycling coordinator; David J. Misiolek, director of water and superintendent of wastewater.
Also, C. Schuyler Morehouse, SBRSA representative; Robert Billmeier, judge; Edward Hunter, prosecutor; Craig J. Hubert, defender; Cindy Hooven, court administrator; Mason Griffin & Pierson, municipal attorney; McManimon & Scotland, bond counsel; Inverso & Stewart, auditor; Dennis O’Neal, municipal engineer and custodian of municipal deeds; and Ed Geubtner, accessory apartment administrator.
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Council assignments include:
Ms. Leigh economic development, health and sidewalks;
Alice Huston recreation, library and Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance;
David Knights Planning Board, finance and railroad station;
David Mackie public works, recycling and sanitation;
Mr. Nettles buildings and grounds, parks and shade trees;
Mr. Morehouse public safety, insurance and personnel.
The Public Safety Committee will include Mr. Nettles, Mayor Padgett and Mr. Morehouse. The Finance Committee will include Ms. Leigh, Mr. Mackie and Mr. Knights.
The Personnel Committee will consist of Mr. Morehouse, Mr. Mackie, and Ms. Huston. The Building Committee will be comprised of Mr. Nettles, Mr. Knights and Mayor Padgett.
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The mayor appointed Beth Dumont and Scott Megaffin as new members of the Hopewell Library Board of Trustees for five-year terms. Reappointed were Susan Waskow, Beth Young, Virginia Baeckler, John Noonan, Frank Juliano, Steve Woods (as superintendent of schools representative for a one-year term) and Ms. Huston as the mayor’s representative for one year.
Mayor Padgett will be on the Planning Board, along with municipal officer Harry Agin and Councilman Knights for a one-year term. Mark Kirby, Robert Donaldson, Mark Samse, Jacqueline Perri, Brad Lyon and Paul Buda were appointed to four-year terms on the Planning Board. And, Robert Fortenbaugh and Cynthia O’Conner, to two-year terms.
Jill Reichman, Allen Edwards, Ted Klett, Laurie Saparito and Richard Sudlow were named to the Board of Health.
The Shade Tree Commission will include William Semple, Mr. Samse and Mr. Nettles.
Mr. Ruehle was appointed emergency management coordinator. William Springer will serve as deputy coordinator.
Appointed to the Historic Advisory Commission were Mark Kirby, Brian Gage, Michael Mills, Elizabeth Zingg and Dan Saunders, Alternate is Rick Considine. A second alternate seat is vacant.
Ethics Board appointees are Joseph Hill, Marcia Bridger, David Bregenzer, the Rev. Ken Robinson, Linda Hullfish and Paul Sankey.
The mayor appointed Joseph Miko, Phil Luedeke and Valerie Steurmer to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Economic Development Commission appointees are Raymond Disch, William Carlton, David Krauss, Joseph Hill and Jeanie Crowell.
Mr. Knights and Ian Burrows were appointed to the Hopewell Valley Open Space Commission for one-year terms.
Hopewell Valley Recreation Commission appointments for one-year terms were awarded to Ms. Houston, Chris Crowell and Valerie Steurmer.
The Hopewell Valley Traffic Management Coalition will include Mr. Knights and Mayor Padgett for one-year terms.
The mayor will submit the name of Bev Weidl as representative to the New Jersey Historical Commission.
There is a vacant seat on the Mercer County Board of Human Services. A Hopewell resident is needed to fill this position.

