LAMBERTVILLE: Library group seeks movie pact

Petition is circulating

By Linda Seida, Staff Writer
   LAMBERTVILLE — An informal agreement that allows a nonprofit group to show movies in a city-owned building soon could turn into a formal arrangement.
   With a contract in place, the Friends of the Library would be able to make changes they say they’ve sought for at least seven months. Without a contract, the city says they can’t.
   However, the Friends’ drive for a more formal arrangement could possibly backfire. It could allow another group, if one exists that is interested in showing movies in Lambertville, to usurp its place.
   The Friends of the Library gathered signatures in an online petition to hurry the process along.
   It appeals to citizens in its petition, saying, “We hold the Acme movies in an old beloved supermarket that also happens to be a city building. But the city won’t let us make cost-saving improvements to the program or building without a contract. Well, we have been waiting seven months for the process of getting a contract to begin . . . and now we need your help.”
   In just a few days, the petition drive garnered 174 signatures, Friends President Abraham Leibson said.
   The Friends would like the ability to schedule events and films in advance without a threat of last-minute cancellations. The group also wants to install a “small and tasteful marquee” outside the old Acme, Mr. Leibson said.
   It also wants to show first-run films “that will draw a larger audience and stabilize the economics of the project,” Mr. Leibson said. To do so, the building’s Internet service must be turned on.
   ”Going to first-run will actually lower the costs because it will be using new technology,” Mr. Leibson said. “We need city approval to do anything so we are not left in limbo. This is why we need the formal arrangement.”
   In addition, the Friends would like to install “theater-quality folding seats that do not preclude the multi-purpose character of the room,” Mr. Leibson said.
   All of this will be better for the city in the long run, according to the group.
   ”We want to offer the theater for approved events that will bring people to our town to enjoy all Lambertville has to offer,” Mr. Leibson said. “Everything is worked out except the permissions.”
   However, the permission has been slow in coming, according to the group.
   ”We don’t get any answers; it’s opaque,” Mr. Leibson said.
   Both Mayor David Del Vecchio and city Clerk Lori Buckelew said a consultation with the state Department of Community Affairs is necessary because the arrangement between the city and the Friends is rather unique.
   ”Due to scheduling and staffing issues (at the state level), it took some time to set up the meeting with the state,” Ms. Buckelew said.
   To allow the Friends to make the changes it wants, it is first necessary to have in place a formal, competitive contract, city officials said.
   Legally, to get to that point, the city must advertise its RFPs (request for proposals). The proper way to frame the RFPs is being done in consultation with DCA, which is reviewing the paperwork now, according to the mayor.
   The agreement in place, which was basically made on a friendly handshake between the group and the city, could get complicated.
   Depending on the details DCA says must be included in the RFPs, any firms or other nonprofits who respond with a proposal to run the film series could be required to provide proof of insurance and the names and addresses of individuals who own 10 percent or more of the venture. Compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity regulations also could be required as well as a noncollusion affidavit and proof of ownership, among other things.
   Also, the shine of the friendly give and take between the city and the Friends could end up a bit tarnished.
   The group credits Mayor Del Vecchio with supporting the film series. Mr. Leibson called him “a very good supporter” of the project.
   ”It’s a nice thing to offer the community,” the mayor said. “I’ve been as supportive as anyone.”
   However, the mayor compared this recent flare-up over the wait for a contract as similar to “being mad at your parents because they’re slow with your allowance.”
   The mayor said some members of the City Council have been “alienated” by the Friends’ aggressive tactics.
   He said of the group’s aggressive campaign, “I am surprised by it, particularly considering it really hasn’t been a public-private partnership. We put up everything, just about.”
   Mayor Del Vecchio said the equipment in the Justice Center was obtained through grants won by the city.
   According to the petition, the film program would pay for the Internet service, the marquee and the new seating.