Hopewell Township is asking for a 2.53 percent increase over the 2002 amount ($267,954), said township Administrator Christine Smeltzer Tuesday,
By Sandra Phelps
The imminent need to approve the proposed interlocal service agreement for police services met with some resistance Monday as Hopewell Borough Council members sought to find a reason for the increased cost of the proposal members have received from Hopewell Township.
The borough has been operating since Jan. 1 without an agreement for police services, which Hopewell has been getting from the township for about two decades.
This year, the township is asking for 2.53 percent over the 2002 amount ($267,954), said township Administrator Christine Smeltzer Tuesday, meaning a total of $274,741. Ms. Smeltzer said "all costs have gone up for the township," implying the need to get more for Hopewell’s share of services.
When asked by Councilman David Mackie what the rationale was for breaking the formula usually used to come up with the cost projection, Clerk Hilary Fortenbaugh said there was none given.
The formula to which Mr. Mackie was referring is based, said Ms. Smeltzer on "population, assessed value and area in size" of the town. "Assessed value," she said, really "has little to do" with the amount of services needed and used.
Councilman Sky Morehouse said he would take a look at the agreement and try to set an appointment with township representatives prior to the June council meeting in an attempt to find justification for the increase in the cost of the proposed pact.
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The $1,858,988 borough budget and the salary ordinance were adopted with little fanfare. No members of the public were present to comment on the budget. The budget calls for no tax increase, with the tax rate remaining at 48 cents.
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Choking back tears, Mayor George Padgett bid farewell to Hopewell at Monday’s meeting.
Mayor Padgett, who was approaching the end of his fourth year as mayor, resigned effective 12:01 a.m. May 13. The mayor planned to leave Wednesday after the closing on his Hopewell house.
According to the mayor, his wife said, "It’s time you retired from retirement." He added that wife, Molly, and their two cats were already on their way to Florida.
Clerk Fortenbaugh and borough Planning Board and Historic Commission member Mark Kirby also resigned. Resident Peter Macholdt will replace Mr. Kirby, whose term expires Dec. 31, on the Planning Board. Mrs. Fortenbaugh served as borough clerk for 15 years.
As part of the replacement process for mayor, the names of three candidates (Republicans) will be submitted to Borough Council by local GOP leaders within 15 days, after which council members will have another 15 days to take action.
"It was a shock" to learn of their resignations, said Councilman and Planning Board member David Knights.
"I’m sorry to go," Mayor Padgett said. "It’s been a gas. It’s a great town with great people. I’m proud and pleased to have served."
Councilman Mackie likened Hopewell Borough to a boat, "and George is at the helm. But there’s more to it than steering the boat," he said. "You have to make sure everyone is rowing in the same direction."
A Broad Street resident said to his neighbor, the mayor "It’s hard to imagine Hopewell without you."
Just how did Mayor Padgett become Hopewell Borough mayor? As he tells it, he was walking down the street in Hopewell one day when a councilman told him there was to be a vacancy on council. "That’s how it’s done here," Mayor Padgett said.
He took the council position, and 2½ years into it, the then-mayor resigned. Resident Mark Samse said to Mr. Padgett, "You have white hair you’re the next mayor." So he filled the term, then ran for a full term, "managing to squeak by unopposed."
Four years later, he ran again, although he said he was ready to retire and play golf. The mayor retired from his "real" job in 1993. Born and raised in New York City, he and his wife Molly always wanted to live in a small town, Mayor Padgett said. They settled on Hopewell Borough. "Little did we know how great Hopewell would be, and the people."
"It’s been a privilege to be up here," the mayor said. "The backbone of this community is its people. I have great respect for the people," he concluded, taking a moment to thank borough employees.
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IN OTHER BUSINESS, council awarded a contract for Taylor Terrace road work. The bid came in well within the budget, Engineer Dennis O’Neal said. The borough had received $300,000 for road improvements through the efforts of Congressman Rush Holt. New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) matched the grant, which will permit road resurfacing and other improvements to Taylor Terrace. The awarded contract is contingent on DOT approval. Construction is set to begin this summer.
A preconstruction meeting on a Hart Avenue project was held, Mr. O’Neal added. That road work also will begin this summer, when school is out, he said.
A CROP Walk will go through Hopewell Borough on June 1, a resident said. CROP is headquartered locally in Rocky Hill. Kickoff will be at 1 p.m., and the event will last until about 4 p.m.
Police will monitor the walk, which includes a 1K on local streets, and a 5K off Hart Avenue. Participants may choose to walk or run, and will be supported by sponsors who donate by the mile. The event is coordinated by local youth, including Scout Troop 71.
Councilman David Nettles said estimates are in for repair work at the library. The borough has agreed to pay for library window and bathroom repairs. He also said that two of three estimates are in on Public Works painting repairs.
Councilwoman Alice Huston said the local recreation summer events flier will be mailed to borough taxpayers. The Memorial Day Parade will be held Sunday, May 25, with a concert and picnic afterwards from 4 to 7 p.m. in the park. The Hopewell Business Association will sponsor fireworks at about 9 p.m. on May 24.
The Department of Public Works is doing its last leaf pickup tour of the town, according to Director Herb Ruehle. Following that, residents must place their leaves in brown leaf bags for collection. Only leaves should be placed in the bags, he said, noting that Public Works has found items ranging from ceramic plant pots, to sticks, to paint cans in some leaf bags.
Public Works will continue pothole repair during May, and has started its borough property mowing schedule, Mr. Ruehle said.

