Ruth Luse
Editor’s note: In the following account is a review of events that took place during the first six months of 2011, as reported in The Beacon. Look for news from the second half of 2011 on Jan. 5.
— In January, Thomas Molnar became West Amwell Township’s mayor for the second year in a row. He was returned to office Jan. 1 during the annual reorganization meeting. That day, the Township Committee reverted to an entirely Republican body after several years of integration with Democrats. Zachary Rich was sworn in and replaced Frank Masterson III. At the session, a former mayor, Carolyn Deal, urged officials to give serious consideration to giving voters a voice in whether to expand the Township Committee from three members to five. The committee indicated it would consider a non-binding referendum. Mayor Molnar reinstated the ad hoc Country Fair Committee, which was disbanded in 2010.
— A police officer, who had served Lambertville for five years, started 2011 without a job. The city laid off Officer Vincent Albani after negotiations over contracted raises with the police officers’ union failed. The loss reduced Lambertville’s full-time force from 10 to nine. The layoff stemmed from a conflict between the state’s new 2-percent cap on municipalities’ ability to raise taxes and the police officers’ contracted 4-percent raises.
—West Amwell’s Zoning Board of Adjustment would continue the public hearing for a controversial solar energy facility during its regular meeting Jan. 25. West Amwell had no official guidelines in place to deal with solar energy generators or other renewable energy facilities. The board’s hearing would resume with further testimony from the applicant, Green Power of West Amwell, which had proposed the installation of 8,456 solar panels on about 10 acres of rural residential land adjacent to Music Mountain.
— Lambertville held its annual reorganization Jan. 1. Mayor David Del Vecchio presented his annual state-of-the-city address/ He spoke of the difficulties that continued to challenge Lambertville. The city in 2011 would see “another year of tight resources, of having to make every dollar go farther than before and making every piece of equipment last a little longer,” he said. “There is very little room for error.” Councilman Wardell Sanders was sworn to a second term in office. Councilwoman Elaine Warner also rejoined council, having been elected to an unexpired term ending December 2011. Steven Stegman would serve as the City Council’s president. He won re-election in November 2010 with a term ending in December 2013.
— Lambertville would will pay cash, rather than bond, for the purchase of land intended for open space preservation, saving the taxpayers related costs of the bond, according to Mayor David Del Vecchio. Initially, the city had decided to bond for the purchase of .56 acres behind the CVS pharmacy at North Union and Cherry streets, which was overwhelmingly approved by voters in November. An ordinance for the bond was introduced Jan. 1 during the city’s annual reorganization meeting. A bond would have been for 20 years at 3.5 percent interest, according to Mayor Del Vecchio. Instead, the city decided to pay for the land outright because there is about $400,000 in collected open space tax funds, the mayor said. That was about twice what the city needed to make the purchase. The city would pay the assessed value, $196,500.
— Lambertville’s mayor became president of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors in January.
— Lambertville’s council passed a temporary $3.025 million temporary budget, enabling Lambertville to operate fiscally until officials can finalize and approve the actual 2011 budget.
— In Stockton, during the borough’s annual reorganization, Stephen Giocondo took the oath of office for his second four-year term as mayor, and Michael Hagerty was voted Borough Council president for the fifth consecutive year. Timothy J. Nemeth was sworn in as a first-time councilman for a term of three years. Mr. Hagerty was sworn in to his third three-year term as a councilman. All three men are Democrats.
— The West Amwell Township Committee introduced an ordinance to regulate renewable energy facilities in West Amwell. There were no such facilities in the township. The Committee voted unanimously to introduce the ordinance during a special meeting Jan. 10, with the hearing slated for Jan. 26. That hearing and a possible vote by the Township Committee would come the day after the Zoning Board’s public hearing on the solar energy facility resumed.
— In New Hope, June and Earl Bierman were “the first couple of New Hope.” The idea for the title materialized as plans got under way for a special tribute to the couple during the annual Winter Festival. The two, so different and from different worlds, met in Germany at the Nuremberg war crimes trial that followed World War II. As of January 2011, they had been married for 62 years. The Biermans would be honored for their dedication to New Hope on Jan. 29 at Occasions. The Biermans are founders of the Winter Festival. Funds raised by the Winter Festival go to Parks and Recreation departments in Lambertville, New Hope and Solebury as well as the local food bank, Fisherman’s Mark. The festival also benefits social services, schools, fire, police and rescue organizations.
— South Hunterdon Regional High School had a new teachers’ contract that provided pay raises of more than 9 percent over the agreement’s three years. The Board of Education “would have liked our teachers to agree to a freeze as some of our administrators and bus drivers did,” board member Laurie Weinstein, chairwoman of the negotiations team, said in a written statement released by the district. Contract talks began in 2009, but deadlocked over the issue of salary freezes, according to the district. The fact finder entered the negotiations when talks stalled. The contract is retroactive to July 1, 2009, with a 3.25 percent increase for 2009-10. A 2.85 percent raise will be given for 2010-11, with another 3 percent in 2011-12. The contract expires June 30, 2012.
— Non-union City of Lambertville employees might not get a raise in 2011 for the third consecutive year, although the mayor said it is too early to make a final determination. “We’ll look at revenue numbers in the next several weeks and make a determination and see where we are,” Mayor David Del Vecchio said. The council would hold a pubic hearing on the salary and wage amendment on Feb. 22.
— The city’s Board of Fire Commissioners would meet to discuss a feasibility study that recommended, among other things, shuttering the Columbia firehouse. And, despite commissioning an analysis, the commissioners would go against the recommendation and ask the public at the fire election on Feb. 19 to buy a new, multi-purpose pumper to replace the Columbia’s 1987 Ranger. In 2010, voters shot down the ballot question that asked for authorization to buy a class A pumper for $595,000. A study had suggested that if the Columbia remained part of the city’s fire department, its members should “align themselves with one of the other companies to ensure a proper staffing response to incidents by the remaining companies.”
— Lambertville had taken a step in a plan to install cameras for traffic enforcement. The City Council had authorized Mayor David Del Vecchio and then Acting Clerk Cynthia Ege to sign a contract for “automated photo enforcement” with the Arizona-based company, Redflex. Cameras would not be installed until the DOT gives its approval.
— The New Jersey Department of Transportation had awarded Lambertville a $175,000 grant to improve the city’s infrastructure. The funds would pay for new sidewalks, drainage and the reconstruction of North Union Street from Elm Street to Perry Street. The completion of this project would mark a milestone, according to Mayor Del Vecchio. At the time of its conclusion, all three of the city’s hills and every street in the downtown area would have been upgraded during the mayor’s nearly two-decade tenure, he said. That project was to get under way in the spring.
— Stockton Borough could expect $155,937 for Old Prallsville Road improvements, according to the Christie Administration.
— A proposed West Amwell ordinance intended to govern renewable energy facilities, including solar “farms,” had been sent back to the drawing board. Following a public hearing, the Township Committee sent the ordinance back to the Planning Board for further review and revision. The committee’s decision came in response to comments from interested companies that are involved in generating solar power in New Jersey.
— Lambertville officials were buying equipment that would allow City Council meetings to be televised, but it was too early to say when broadcasts might begin, according to Acting Clerk Cynthia Ege. The city had $32,000 to spend on the equipment and installation that will lead to public access broadcasts. The ability of city residents to have access to information is important to the mayor and other city officials, Ms. Ege said. “The more people know about it, the more they understand,” she said.
— An election would ask Lambertville voters to approve the Board of Fire Commissioners’ $614,637 budget, return a commissioner to office and approve the purchase of a new multi-purpose vehicle for the Columbia Fire Company. If the budget passed, it would mean an approximately $7 increase for the average homeowner. The ballot question would ask voters to authorize the spending of $600,000 for a multi-purpose pumper, one capable of providing light and an air station for firefighters. Voters also would be asked to return Alex Cormier to office for a three-year term.
— The retirement of a longtime Lambertville police officer paved the way for the return of another officer who was laid off for financial reasons after failed union negotiations. Detective Sgt. Jeffrey Jones left the department after more than 18 years on the job in Lambertville. The loss of the sergeant opened the door for the return to the job for Officer Vincent Albani. The city laid him off Jan. 1.
— Todd Fay, the superintendent shared by Lambertville Public School and West Amwell Elementary School, would resign at the end of the year to take a position with a Pennsylvania school district. He would become director of pupil services in the Methacton School District, in Eagleville. Although Dr. Fay’s contract with the local districts expires June 2012, he decided to leave a year early. He was the first superintendent to hold a shared position with the two local elementary school districts.
— Steven Wolock could measure the time he spent serving on the Lambertville Public School Board of Education by his children. When he was first elected, they were just little kids. Now one was in college, and the other is 23 years old. The passage of 15 years told him it was time to call it quits. He had decided not to run for another term in the school election, which would be held on April 27.
— Lambertville voters authorized the purchase of a new $600,000 pumper for the Columbia Fire Company, using the ballot box to disagree with a feasibility study that said the purchase was unnecessary The vote to authorize the new pumper was 109-61. Voters also OK’d the $614,637 budget that would increase the fire tax by $7 for the average homeowner. Voters gave their approval, 112-55.
— After a few delays, the West Amwell Township Committee introduced an ordinance that would govern renewable energy facilities. The regulations would provide set lengths for setbacks and visual screens, and height of equipment, among other things. Renewable energy, specifically solar energy, became controversial in the township when an energy provider proposed the installation of a facility, or “solar farm,” on land not zoned for the use. The township’s Zoning Board of Adjustment had to consider whether to grant the numerous variances Green Power needed before it could set up its solar facility. The Zoning Board planned to meet March 7.
— The cost of garbage collection in West Amwell Township would remain the same, but in the summer the way the fee was collected would change if a new ordinance was approved in March. The Township Committee had introduced an ordinance that would change the fee and the length of service it covers from $75 for six months to $150 for 12 months of garbage collection.
— Lambertville would usher in spring on April 1 by becoming the owner of a new parcel of land intended for open space. That was the date Lambertville planned to close on the deal to buy .56 acres behind the CVS pharmacy at North Union and Cherry streets. The city would Allied Village Square, the lot’s owner, $196,500. The city’s newest parcel would fall under the jurisdiction of Lambertville’s Recreation Commission.
— Lambertville had been touted as the best neighborhood in New Jersey for old houses, according to an announcement in This Old House magazine. Lambertville’s vast variety of architectural styles and its sense of community helped to highlight its attractiveness. “After researching hundreds of cities, towns and neighborhoods throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada, we’ve decided Lambertville deserves special recognition for its astonishing selection of great homes, and the community spirit that supports them,” the magazine announced in a letter to the city. The National Association of Realtors sponsored the 2011 Best Old-House Neighborhoods list.
— Ten seats on four local school boards were up for grabs in the April 27 school elections. Residents of Lambertville, West Amwell and Stockton who want to run for these seats had until 4 p.m. on March 8 to file nominating petitions. For South Hunterdon Regional High School, three seats (three-year terms) are open. These seats were held by Nicole Claus (West Amwell), Dan Seiter (Lambertville) and Cheryl Carpenter (Lambertville). For Lambertville Public School’s board, three seats (three-year terms) were open. These seats were held by: Steven Wolock, who was not seeking re-election; John Livingston and Nancy Kienzler. For West Amwell Elementary School’s board, three seats (three-year terms) were open. These seats were held by Robert Tomenchok, Aaron Balog and Kathy Greenwood. And for Stockton Public School’s board, one seat (three-year term) was open. This seat was held by Dave Pasicznyk.
— Two local elementary school districts likely would find their next shared superintendent outside of their ranks, officials said. The person who would replace outgoing Superintendent Todd Fay would come “probably not from within the districts” because no one there had superintendent’s certification, according to Lambertville Public School Board of Education President Wolock. The position would be advertised. LPS shared Dr. Fay with West Amwell, an arrangement that began July 1, 2007, with the districts sharing the cost of his salary while he split his time between the two of them. At that time, he already had been employed by West Amwell as that district’s top administrator for four and a half years.
— Lambertville voters would have a choice in how they wanted to pay for garbage collection.The city would put a question on the ballot April 27, the same day of the school elections, asking voters to state their preference, Mayor David Del Vecchio said. While the ballot question’s wording had not been finalized, the essence is this: Do citizens want to pay for garbage collection through their property taxes, as they formerly did? Or do they instead want to continue to pay a relatively new and controversial $200 fee, separate from property taxes? A vote to include the collection fee in the property tax also would allow the city to exceed a new 2 percent cap. In 2010, council instituted the $200 fee for the collection of trash and recyclables. Many citizens argued it was inequitable because the fee remained the same whether they disposed of one trash bag or four or more.
— The near-miss in March that had homeowners and businesses along the Delaware River worried about flooding had a silver lining: It gave local emergency management officials the opportunity to recruit more people to sign up for electronic announcements that would keep them informed practically up-to-the-minute. The City of Lambertville used the electronic listserv throughout one weekend to keep citizens informed of the changing river conditions and flood predictions. The final announcement — the fourth, issued at 11:15 a.m. on a Saturday — spread the good news and alleviated worries of a flood. The announcement sounded almost joyful — “Great news,” it began, in all capital letters. It said the river crested Saturday morning at 13.07 feet, “just over our flood stage of 13 feet!” In the end, the news was even better. David Burd, coordinator of the city’s Office of Emergency Management, said the following Monday the final calculation placed the Delaware’s crest at only 13.01 feet.
— Preserved farmland along Route 179 in West Amwell would be put up for auction. The Max Spann Real Estate and Auction Company would conduct the auction of approximately 130 acres on Route 179 at 1 p.m. on April 21, at the West Amwell Township municipal building, 150 Rocktown-Lambertville Road. Located at 1454 Old York Road, also known as Route 179, the property includes more than 2,200 feet of road frontage along Route 179. Before the farmland was preserved, it was owned by Toll Brothers. Toll operated the site as a tree farm. In March 2010, West Amwell Township and the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance bought the property for $1.5 million.
— Lambertville was moving ahead with a project to curb flooding at Ely Creek, with completion tentatively scheduled, weather permitting, for the spring of 2012. Ely Creek affects the north end of the city. During the severe floods of 2005 and 2006, flood insurance paid out $365,000 for damages to residences and businesses in the area. The remedies included, said the report, a slide gate that would be installed on an existing headwall along Ely Creek, on the property of Niece Lumber. There also would be a portable pump for the creek. Once the flood remedies were in place, it was expected they would help to protect 29 residences and five commercial structures. The project was expected to eliminate the flood-related closures of North Union Street and Arnett Avenue.
— Members of the West Amwell Township Committee, Stockton Borough Council and Lambertville City Council would hold a joint open public meeting with school boards of Stockton, Lambertville, South Hunterdon Regional and West Amwell Elementary on March 29. The purpose of the meeting would be to discuss community needs and shared services, the special education audit and the five-year plan, completed and funded by South Hunterdon Regional Board of Education.
— At the Lambertville Public School, the school board was preparing to introduce a tentative $3,441,377 budget at two public hearings in late March. For the average homeowner, the proposed budget would mean an increase in property taxes of about $42 to support the school. Because of the school’s growth, the proposed budget would increase the tax levy, the amount collected from local taxpayers, by 3 percent. Although that’s more than the 2-percent cap the state has restricted most school districts to for the 2011-12 school year, it was much lower than the maximum 16.9 percent the state said LPS could increase taxes. The state gave its approval for the higher tax levy because of increased enrollment. The school anticipated that enrollment in 2011-12 would increase approximately 5 percent. In the fall, there could be 190 students or more. The proposed tax levy, the amount local taxpayers would pay to support the school, would be $3,059,079. In 2010-11, the tax levy was $2,969,973. The proposed tax rate was 42.7 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. For the owner of a house assessed at the current city average of $357,866, the tax bill would be $1,528.09.
— State Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Lori Grifa, Congressman Rush Holt, and other local officials would join with representatives of the South Hunterdon Renewable Energy Cooperative (SHREC) and Swan Creek Energy LLC at the signing of a contract that would “save local taxpayers more than $2.4 million through solar energy and enhanced energy efficiency,” according to a news release from Cindy Ege, Lambertville’s acting city clerk. The signing ceremony was set for March 31. The South Hunterdon Renewable Energy Cooperative consists of the City of Lambertville, Lambertville Public School, Lambertville Municipal Utilities Authority, West Amwell Township, West Amwell Elementary School and South Hunterdon Regional High School. Swan Creek Energy LLC”is a diversified developer of renewable energy projects that also provides energy efficiency services,” the release said. Under the 15-year agreement, Swan Creek would oversee construction of a 961 kW ground-mounted solar array for South Hunterdon Regional High School and the West Amwell Township Municipal Building, with a 100kW roof-based solar system to be built atop the West Amwell Elementary School. Lambertville and the Lambertville Public School would benefit from energy efficiency services in the amount of $75,000. The contract also includes a feasibility study for a small hydroelectric plant at the locks of the Delaware & Raritan Canal near the Lambertville MUA.
— Quarters would no longer be a commodity in Lambertville, under a plan to upgrade parking meters throughout the downtown business district. The City Council introduced an ordinance at its meeting March 21 that would authorize spending $60,000 to replace the current meter heads with ones that are digital. A public hearing on the ordinance was set for April 18. With adoption of the spending proposal, the digital meters also would accept nickels and dimes. At the time, parking meters were designed to accept only quarters.
— The Lambertville Area Education Foundation would hold its 10th annual auction and benefit party at the Eagle Fire Company on March 26. The event would feature both a silent and a live auction, plus food and drink provided and prepared by area restaurants and caterers. Foundation President Jill Myers was excited about a new “Best of Live” feature. Traditionally, the auction offered about 50 live auction items that sell for up to $2,200 each. The Best of Live winner would walk off with his or her favorite live auction item before it is brought up for bid. All proceeds from the event would be used to support programs for students attending Lambertville Public School, West Amwell Elementary School, Stockton Borough School and South Hunterdon Regional High School. The foundation, founded in 1992, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting students at the four schools. The organization’s mission is to raise funds and broker community support for projects that enrich the educational experience of all students in the four schools. The foundation is run entirely by volunteers, and virtually 100 percent of its income is expended in grants. More information is available at LAEF-for-the-kids.org.
— West Amwell Township’s first-ever solar energy facility got the green light from the Zoning Board of Adjustment when it met March 22 to continue testimony on the application. Following months of public hearings, Green Power of West Amwell LLC received unanimous approval from the board to build the solar installation on 14 acres situated between Routes 179 and 202. The land is accessible through an 18-foot right-of-way off Route 179 on property owned by Mildred Larason.
— The Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce and Lambertville Chamber of Commerce announced the return of Friday Night Fireworks, a spectacle of lights over the Delaware River. The 15-week summer promotion would begin May 27 and will every Friday at 9:30 p.m. until Sept. 2. Orchestrated by Garden State Fireworks, a glittering 10-minute firework show would illuminate the sky over the Delaware River for the summer season. In addition, most retail businesses on both sides of the river will stay open late. Visit www.NewHopeLambertvilleFireworks.com for more information.
— Should three local elementary school districts join with South Hunterdon Regional High School to create one K-12 district? That question had been floating among the districts for many years. But whether the districts themselves and citizens agree or not, the first step in knowing whether it could work was to commission a feasibility study, school officials said. Before that could happen, there had to be funds to pay for the study. South Hunterdon planned to go to the taxpayers and ask them to authorize the expenditure of up to $50,000 in tax dollars to finance the study.”We have proposals in hand and they’re feasible,” board member Dan Seiter said. “It certainly seems like the right time to move forward.” The district had received five proposals, and three of them were considered affordable. South Hunterdon’s school board had agreed to put the question on the ballot during the April 27 election. The study would be a ballot question for South Hunterdon only. It would not be included on any of the elementary schools’ ballots. If voters approved the expense, all three sending districts would share the cost.
— South Hunterdon Regional High School unveiled a proposed 2011-12 school year budget that calls for a slight increase in spending. At the same time, it is anticipated that projected revenues would fall more than 6 percent over the current year’s budget. “It’s a responsible budget,” Superintendent Nancy Gartenberg said, following a March 24 hearing. “We’re pleased with what we have been able to accomplish.” When school elections and budget votes were held April 27, a referendum on the ballot would ask voters to approve spending up to $50,000 for a study on regionalization of the high school and its three sending schools into a K-12 district of approximately 870 students. Under the spending side of the budget, South Hunterdon would allocate $8.41 million toward operating expenses for an increase of 1.03 percent or $85,211. The total $10.09 million budget would be supported with a $7,929,856 tax levy, which would rise 1.5 percent or $117,190, under the proposed spending plan. The proposed budget would allocate $1,607,592 toward payment of principal and interest on debt service, which was approved by voters in 2005. The district would use $11,703 from interest on surplus and anticipated state aid to reduce the tax levy burden on taxpayers. With approval of the proposal, Lambertville’s share would decrease slightly while property owners in West Amwell and Stockton would pay more to support the regional school budget.
— The West Amwell Township Elementary School Board of Education had proposed a budget that would raise the tax levy by 2 percent. The spending plan of $4,286,956, which included debt service, called for no major changes to programs or staffing. There would be no cuts, nor any additions, according to Business Administrator Donna Tolley. The proposed spending plan would increase the property tax bill for the average homeowner by about $50. The school planned three capital projects for a total cost of about $150,000. One of the projects called for the repair of the heating and air-conditioning system in the main office. Another project consisted of installing student cubbies in classrooms for grades one through three. During the previous year, students in grades four to six received the new cubbies in their wing of the building. In 2011-12, teachers would receive a contracted 3.01 pay increase in the final year of a three-year agreement. The school district and the teachers inked the deal late in the 2009-10 school year, retroactive to July 1, 2009 and running through June 30, 2012. The settlement was reached with the assistance of a state-appointed fact-finder. As in other districts across the state, teachers would be contributing 1.5 percent to the cost of their health insurance coverage, a new state requirement. The tax levy, the amount raised through local taxation, would be $3,790,114. With a proposed tax rate of 70.4 cents per $100 of assessed property value, the owner of a house assessed at the township average of $456,213 would pay $3,211.74.
— The Board of Education at the Stockton Borough School was proposing a 2011-12 budget that would raise the tax levy by 2 percent. The proposed tax levy, the amount provided by taxpayers, would be $649,709. Based on property assessment figures provided by Michele Hovan, borough clerk, the increase would mean a small increase for the average homeowner, almost $25. The spending plan included an extra $6,700 for the school’s four full-time teachers. The increase is based on a contract revision the board agreed to last June.A new three-year contract last spring gave teachers pay increases of 1 percent, 2 percent and 3 percent — a total of 6 percent over the life of the contract. However, the revision in June changed the pay increases to 2.1 percent, 3.1 percent and 4.1 percent — a total of 9.3 percent over three years. Chief School Administrator Suzanne Ivans’ 2010-15 contract calls for no increase the first three years of the agreement, followed by .5 percent and 1 percent in the final two years respectively. But she also would receive “a one-time only conditional increase of 1.1 percent” on July 1 to offset the 1.5 percent deduction for health insurance, according to the district. The proposed tax rate would be 68.35 cents per $100 of assessed property value. The owner of a house assessed at the average of $373,504 would pay $2,552.90 to support the school, almost $25 more.
— Jim Hamilton and the Friends of Ely Park had taken home a design award for their plan to improve Ely Memorial Park on North Main Street. The Hunterdon County Planning Board singled out the plan with a special recognition award in the design category for commercial or public spaces. The project has several connected goals. One of them is to make the park more appealing visually. Another aspect aims to improve safety.The park is the only sizeable open space in the city of approximately 4,000 residents, and yet the side that fronts Main Street (Route 29) is “visually unappealing and uninviting,” the nomination for the design award states. “Additionally, the northern edge presents an opportunity for the development of a visual gateway to the city for pedestrians, automobiles and bicycles entering from the north.” A lifelong Lambertville resident, restaurateur and set designer, Mr. Hamilton led the committee in overseeing the creation of all design elements and architectural drawings. Committee members included architect Michael Burns, landscape architect Heather Martin and landscaper Mark Shablin. In addition to the honor bestowed by the county Planning Board, the design also received a commendation from Lambertville officials. The City Council passed a resolution in February to recognize the Friends’ ambitious project and the group’s fundraising efforts that aim to ultimately bring the design to life. The Friends goal was to raise $2 million, according to spokeswoman Marcia Conrad. The Friends had raised $36,000. Another $37,000 was donated over the course of a recent week and a half.
— Redistricting — the once-in-a-decade process to even up the size of the 40 legislative districts — reached a head just a week before candidates for state office have to file petitions to get on the ballot for this year’s elections. Politicians and prospects now knew the makeup of their election districts and were ready to file to get on June primary ballots. The 2011 map placed Hunterdon County’s East Amwell Township, West Amwell Township and Lambertville —then in the 23rd District — in the 15th District, along with Mercer County’s Ewing Township, Hopewell Borough, Hopewell Township, Pennington Borough, Lawrence Township, Trenton and West Windsor.. Assembly incumbents, such as Princeton’s Reed Gusciora (who represents the 15th District) of Princeton, faced a choice — change their place of residence or run for office in an unfamiliar area. Mr. Gusciora, a Democrat, has been in the Assembly since 1996. His hometown was moved out of the 15th district and into the heavily Republican 16th. Mr. Gusciora was now packing his bags to move over the legislative border — probably to Trenton — to stay with his 15th District.
— In April, Lambertville officials introduced a $4.26 million budget that would increase the tax levy by about 2 percent while paying off more debt in a single year than the city’s ever done before and giving residents one of their favorite services, a citywide cleanup known as Sparkle Week, Mayor David Del Vecchio said. The public hearing on the proposed spending plan would be held May 9. The proposed spending plan with a 2 percent increase would mean an approximately $31 increase for the average homeowner. However, the increase could end up being approximately $235, or 23.58 percent above the cap, if voters on April 27 — the same day voters will address school issues at the polls — approved a ballot question that seeks to transfer the $430,000 cost of garbage and recycling collection back into the budget. In 2010, the city removed the cost of collection from the budget. For the first time, citizens who had previously paid for the service through their property taxes began paying a separate fee of $200.
— Mayor David Del Vecchio decided he would not run for the state Assembly, after giving it consideration when Lambertville was placed in a new legislative district in the statewide redistricting process. The redistricting removed Lambertville, West Amwell and East Amwell from the 23rd District and placed them in the 15th District, traditionally a stronger Democratic area. The change also removed Princeton Borough and Princeton Township from the 15th District and placed them in the 16th District. Because of Reed Gusciora’s plans to move from his hometown of Princeton Township to allow him to remain in the 15th District, Mayor Del Vecchio decided not to run for the higher office. The Mercer County Democratic Party decided Assemblyman Gusciora would remain an incumbent, even with a change of residence, according to Mayor Del Vecchio.
— In April, only incumbents in Lambertville, West Amwell and Stockton filed petitions to run in the primary elections on June 7. In Lambertville, two three-year terms on the City Council were up for grabs in the Nov. 8 general election. The seats were held by Democrats Elaine Warner, of Elm Street, and Beth Asaro, of Delaware Avenue. Both were seeking re-election. In West Amwell, only one seat on the Township Committee was up for grabs and was held by Mayor Tom Molnar, a Republican. The only person to file a petition by the deadline, he is seeking re-election. In Stockton, two Democrats were seeking re-election to the Borough Council, Neal Esposito and Kate Steffanelli.
— On April 27, Lambertville’s registered voters would decide how they wanted to pay for garbage collection. The city had placed a question (Municipal Levy Cap Referendum) on the ballot on the same day as the local school board/school budget election. The question was: “Shall the Mayor and Council of the City of Lambertville be authorized to increase its adjusted tax levy by $430,000 more than the allowable adjusted tax levy, which is 23.58% more than the allowable adjusted tax levy as provided” by law, “and shall it be authorized to increase to adopt the 2011 Municipal Purposes Budget in excess of the increase limitation by $430,000 as provided” by law.
— Ten seats were available on the four local school boards, but only nine candidates were running in the April 27 election. Incumbent David Pasicznyk’s seat was the only one available at Stockton Borough School, but neither he nor anyone else in the borough filed a petition to run. A successful write-in candidate could end up winning the three-year term. At the three other local districts — Lambertville Public School, West Amwell Elementary and South Hunterdon Regional High School, there were no contests. At LPS, three candidates filed to run for the three available seats that each had a term of three years. Two of the candidates were incumbents, John Livingston, of Rock Creek Woods, and Nancy Kienzler, of Buttonwood Street. The third candidate, Anna Nicolas, of Clinton Street, was running for the seat that would be left vacant at the end of the year when Steven Wolock’s term ended. At the West Amwell Elementary School, three candidates were running for three available seats (terms, three years). Incumbent Aaron Balog, of Terrell Road, was seeking re-election. The other two candidates were Christine Baker, of Lake View Road, and Kevin Snyder, of Rocktown-Lambertville Road. Incumbents Robert Tomenchok, then board president, and Kathy Greenwood did not file to run for re-election. At South Hunterdon Regional High School, only incumbents were running for the three available terms (three years). Nicole Claus, the board vice president, Cheryl Carpenter and Dan Seiter filed petitions to run for re-election. Ms. Claus represented West Amwell on the board. Ms. Carpenter and Mr. Seiter represented Lambertville.
— April 27 elections overview — Lamberville, Stockton and West Amwell Township voters would make decisions Wednesday (April 27) about local school district budgets. Voters in all three municipalities would cast ballots on the 2011-12 proposed spending plan for South Hunterdon Regional High School (grades seven-12), which totaled $10.09 million and would be supported with a $7,929,856 tax levy — an increase of 1.5 percent or $117,190. For support of the Lambertville Public School’s proposed 2011-12 budget, local taxpayers would be asked to pay $3,059,072. The proposed budget totaled $3,441,377.A major item leading to the budget challenge is increased enrollment — expected to top 190 next year, up from 181 this year. Because of the school’s growth, the proposed budget would increase the amount collected from local taxpayers, by 3 percent. The school board of Stockton Borough School has proposed a 2011-12 budget that would raise the tax levy by 2 percent. The proposed tax levy (for support of the school) — the amount that will appear on April 27 ballots — is $649,709. Based on property assessment figures provided by Michele Hovan, borough clerk, the increase would mean a small tax hike for the average property owner, almost $25. The school board of West Amwell Township Elementary School proposed a budget that would raise the tax levy by 2 percent. The spending plan of $4,286,956, which includes debt service, called for no major changes to programs or staffing. The proposed spending plan would increase the property tax bill for the average homeowner by about $50. The tax levy, the amount raised through local taxation, would be $3,790,114.
— The cost of government services in Stockton actually would go down if the Borough Council approved the budget of $622,442 introduced by council. That was almost $13,000 less than the previous budget of $635,361. The tax levy, the portion of the budget paid for by taxpayers, would be below the state-imposed 2-percent cap by $356.18. The proposed tax levy was $315,125.
— The West Amwell Township Committee on April 18 introduced a nearly $3.16 million budget that would maintain the tax rate at about 22 cents per $100 of assessed value. The proposed tax rate for 2011 is 22.3 cents. The tax levy, which is raised through local property taxes, would be $1,202,562. That was $32,315 more than the previous year’s tax levy of $1,170,247. The committee will hold a public hearing on the budget on May 25.
— The 30th Shad Festival would be held April 30 and May 1. The Shad Fest was a three-time winner of the Governor’s Conference on Tourism Best Event Award. The festival is a fundraiser for local nonprofit organizations, including fire departments and youth groups.
— On April 20, Lambertville officials authorized bonding for $57,000, with a $3,000 down payment for upgrades to the city’s parking meters. The need for new meters came to light when periodic testing discovered some of the more than 300 parking meters were not keeping accurate time. The upgrades would cost $60,000, including funds for a new cart to collect the coins from meter.
— An auction of a 130-acre preserved farm on Route 179 in West Amwell failed to draw an adequate bid, leading the Township Committee to vote against selling, Mayor Thomas Molnar said. The township would hold on to the property, which was operated as a tree farm, for about a year to see if the market improves, and in the meantime would keep up with the task of mowing the property, according to the mayor. The committee on April 27 voted 2-1 to reject a $385,000 bid.
— On April 27, for the fourth consecutive year, South Hunterdon Regional High School’s budget failed to win voter approval, but voters supported spending $50,000 for a regionalization feasibility study. The feasibility study was approved 726-615. It is under way. A report is due early in 2012. The budget failed 734-598. The seven-12 district had proposed a total budget of $10.9 million that would have been supported by a $7,929,856 tax levy, an increase of 1.5 percent or $117,190. It would fall to the governing bodies of the three sending districts — Lambertville, West Amwell and Stockton — to determine an amount to cut from the budget. — Only Lambertville Public School won voter approval of its budget, 408-337. Approval of the $3,059,072 tax levy means a school tax increase of about $42 for the average city homeowner. Stockton Borough School’s budget was defeated for the second consecutive year, 63-52. The school board proposed a 2-percent increase in the tax levy to support the school, for a total levy of $649,709. Now it would be up to the Borough Council whether to keep the budget intact or recommend an amount to cut. The 13 write-in votes for incumbent Stockton school board member David Pasicznyk provided the only surprise in any of the local school board contests. Mr. Pasicznyk had declined to seek re-election and no one else stepped up to run. He said he would accept the nomination and continue to serve. West Amwell Township Elementary School’s budget was defeated by 23 votes, 238-215. The proposed budget would have increased taxes by 2 percent with a tax levy of $3,790,114 on a total budget of $4,286,956. The proposed tax rate of 70.4 cents per $100 of assessed valuation would have meant a tax bill increase of about $50, or a total of $3,211.74, for the owner of a house assessed at the township average of $456,213.
— In the uncontested races for South’s school board, Nicole Claus, of West Amwell, received 269 votes. Cheryl Carpenter and Dan Seiter, both of Lambertville, received 404 and 387 votes, respectively. At LPS, incumbent John Livingston received 377 votes to serve on the school board; Anna Nicolas, 377; and incumbent Nancy Kienzler, 361. At West Amwell, Kevin Snyder received 304 votes to serve on the school board; Christine Baker, 289; and incumbent Aaron Balog, 276.
— Lambertville officials could move forward with the 2011 budget because voters approved a nearly 24-percent increase over the tax levy cap. The approval meant voters agreed to pay the cost of garbage and recycling collections through their property taxes rather than as a separate $200 fee. The separate fee was established in 2010. The results of the referendum April 27 did not change the amount property owners would pay, but changed the method of payment. The City Council will hold a public hearing to discuss the budget May 9.
— In May, West Amwell held a Country Fair, after a three-year hiatus. This fair, “Celebrate West Amwell,” was held at the West Amwell municipal complex, 150 Rocktown-Lambertville Road. Betty Jane Hunt and Breanna Fulper chaired the event. The township fair began in 1996 as part of West Amwell’s 150th anniversary celebration. Following its success, the Township Committee agreed to make it an annual event. Early fairs were held at Hewitt Park before the event’s popularity caused it to outgrow the smaller venue. The fair was first held at the municipal building in 2007. That was also the last year the township mounted the fair. In 2008, a lack of funds led to the fair’s cancellation. The township was facing a tight budget and strained funds. Previously the township had contributed as much as $4,000 to the fair’s expense. In 2008, it was unable to contribute at all, officials said.
— Lambertville officials OK’d its $4.26 million budget for 2011 that would raise property taxes for the average homeowner by $235, with the increase stemming from a ballot question that allowed voters to choose how they wanted to pay for garbage collection. Voters in April approved a tax levy increase of $430,000 above the 2-percent cap, or 23.58 percent more. Voters said they wanted the fees for garbage and recycling collections included under the city’s budget and billed through property taxes. The total tax levy was $2,207,975. The tax rate is 30.7 cents.
— In May, Stockton Borough Council OK’d its 2011 budget. That was good news for the average homeowner because the property tax collected to support municipal government would decrease by about $17. The budget of $622,422 would run the borough government and provide services to citizens with $13,000 less than in 2010 when the budget was $635,361.
— In May, Stockton Borough School’s budget was left intact by the Borough Council, despite a call from voters to cut the spending plan. The council agreed unanimously May 9 to keep the $649,709 tax levy as it was presented to voters In April, voters defeated the budget. It was the second consecutive year the school’s budget failed to win voter approval.
— Also in May, the West Amwell Township Committee and the West Amwell school board agreed to eliminate a proposed 2-percent increase from the elementary school’s defeated budget, resulting in no tax increase for property owners. The cut would have no impact on students, programs or staff, school district Business Administrator Donna Tolley said. The district had asked voters to approve a $3,790,114 tax levy, an increase of 2 percent as allowed by the state. It would have meant an approximately $50 property tax increase for the average homeowner. Voters shot it down, 238-215. The board and the committee agreed to cut $72,036. The specific areas where the cuts will be instituted include $28,000 from the elimination of an instructional aide’s salary with another $10,000 from health benefits. General supplies will be cut by $26,086. Energy costs will be cut $4,500. The Township Committee approved the cuts May 11 by resolution. The school board is scheduled to vote tonight (May 19).
— South Hunterdon Regional High School’s proposed budget would be slashed by $117,190 if the municipal officials charged with reviewing the spending plan had their way. If the school board agreed to the full amount of the cut, it would mean no increase for taxpayers. Voters shot down South Hunterdon’s budget for the fourth consecutive year in April. A school representatives insisted that if the $117,190 cut was not reduced, the school would have to cut the agricultural program and FFA.
Municipal officials in the three sending districts failed to reach a consensus with regard to how much to trim from the school’s proposed budget of $10,096,116. In the absence of an agreement, the school’s budget would be sent for review to the county superintendent of schools. Lambertville’s mayor and City Council voted 4-1 for a $100,000 reduction. (Mayor David Del Vecchio cast the dissenting vote, favoring a higher amount of $117,190). Stockton officials agreed to a $100,000 cut. West Amwell Township Committee voted 2-1 for the higher cut of $117,190 (Committeeman George Fisher voted against the resolution).
However, the final determination of how much to cut from South Hunterdon Regional High School’s defeated budget turned out not to be so final after all. Lambertville and Stockton officials performed an about-face and agreed to cut $117,190 from the nearly $10.1 million budget. That was $17,190 more than they originally agreed to just days earlier. The reversal brought their vote in line with West Amwell’s. The township’s governing body had asked for $117,190 from the start. The amount was equal to the 1.5-percent increase in the tax levy requested by the school. The higher cut was good news for taxpayers. The budget would be flat, and taxpayers would face no increase. With all the sending districts in agreement, the school district averted a potentially higher cut at the hands of county education officials. The budget would have gone to the county education superintendent if Lambertville, Stockton and West Amwell had failed to reach a consensus.
— Lambertville was considering the purchase of a new vehicle for the Police Department. The mayor and City Council had introduced an ordinance that would authorize spending $45,000 for an SUV or sport-utility vehicle. If approved, it would be the Lambertville Police Department’s first SUV. The council will hold a public hearing on the ordinance on June 20. If officials OK’d the expenditure, hopes were that the purchase can be completed, and the city could put the SUV into duty by the summer.
— West Amwell residents would have a chance to learn about the solar installation coming to municipal land and the local elementary school. Swan Creek Energy would bring solar energy installations to West Amwell under an agreement with the South Hunterdon Renewable Energy Cooperative. Lambertville resident Brad Campbell, former commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection, heads the firm. Residents could hear details and ask questions during a June 21 Planning Board meeting.
— The West Amwell Township Committee approved the 2011 budget of nearly $3.16 million, providing non-union employees a 2-percent raise and restoring stipends for the three-man committee. The average taxpayer would see a small increase in the property tax to support municipal services. The rate would be 22.3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, up from 21.8 cents. The owner of a house assessed at the township average of $456,213 would pay about $1,017.
— Steve Wolock was no longer president of the board at Lambertville Public School, but the city had recognized the fact that his influence still would be felt. He had declined to run for a sixth term after 15 years of service to the school, but city leaders would not let him go without a proper sendoff. In recognition of his influence, the City Council honored Mr. Wolock with a proclamation. “His many contributions to the students attending the Lambertville Public Elementary School, through his work on the school board, are celebrated daily in each student’s success,” the proclamation said. It also said that he was “very instrumental in the formation of the South Hunterdon Renewable Energy Cooperative.”
— In June, a plan to purchase and save the landmark Bucks County Playhouse that was sidelined by a crowded field of potential buyers was moving forward, with reports that one of the interested parties had fallen out. Despite the forward movement, it came too late to bring the 72-year-old theater along the banks of the Delaware River back to life for a summer season in 2011.
— Two local school boards had received a lot of interest in the job opening for a shared superintendent. Forty-three people had requested applications for the job-share at Lambertville Public School and West Amwell Elementary School. Seventeen people returned completed applications that meet or exceed requirements, according to Peter Gasparro, West Amwell school board president. The two boards would interview applicants in mid-June. The 18 members of the two boards were reviewing the applications and would mutually determine a short list of candidates.
— A lackluster municipal primary race got interesting when a Democratic write-in candidate received enough votes to challenge the Republican incumbent in West Amwell. Thomas Molnar, an incumbent committeeman and township mayor, faced no challenges from either Democrats or other Republicans. He was the sole candidate in the primary seeking a three-year seat on the Township Committee. He received 95 votes. Vince Ranieri received four write-in votes from Democrats. Eventually, he chose not to run.
A similar situation occurred in Lambertville, but the final decision rested in the hands of the county Board of Elections, Acting Clerk Cynthia Ege said. Incumbent Democrats Elaine Warner and Beth Asaro ran unopposed, receiving 91 and 93 votes respectively. Two Republicans received enough write-in votes to challenge Ms. Warner and Ms. Asaro in November. However, the write-ins were not consistent in how they identified the candidates, and the Board of Elections would likely have to determine the ballots’ validity, Ms. Ege said. Daniel Marley received 10 write-in votes. He received another five as Dan Marley. Stephen Robbins received 7 votes, but the voters identified him three different ways. Both man, according to a county official, eventually decided to seek election to the two open seats in November. In Stockton, incumbents Neal Esposito and Kathryn Steffanelli faced no challengers for a chance to run in November for three-year terms on the Borough Council.
— “Wild tunes and festive picnic fare” would kick off a community celebration on June 25 at Ely Field, Lambertville, according to a spokesman for The Friends of Ely Park. The event was designed to raise funds for Phase II of the Friends of Ely Park revitalization project. Complete with the British style of Lambertville Brass and the foot-stomping sound of Charlie Pellegrino, this community gathering promises something for all ages while offering an All-American picnic event. generations of Lambertville residents and visitors,” a spokesman said. Led by designer Jim Hamilton, the project was leveraging the talents and generosity of individuals, government and corporations to build a unique community asset of enduring value.
— Recently completed contract negotiations would give Lambertville Public School teachers a 2-percent raise while the teachers agreed to changes in their healthcare benefits, including a higher co-pay for physician visits. The Board of Education voted 8-0 to approve the contract. The teacher’s union, which represents 19 teachers at LPS, ratified the contract previously. The three-year contract began July 1 and would run through June 30, 2014.
— West Amwell Elementary School had a new principal, Deborah L. Sarmir, who had served as a teacher in the gifted and talented math program for Clinton Public Schools. Mrs. Sarmir spent the day at West Amwell Elementary June 15 and stayed around for sixth-grade promotion that evening. The West Amwell Elementary School Board of Education reviewed over 70 applications and completed many interviews prior to picking the new principal. Mrs. Sarmir, who was hired June 8, replaced Lynne Meara.
— Cynthia Ege had been appointed city clerk of Lambertville. Ms. Ege, who had been acting city clerk, was appointed to a three-year term ending July 1, 2114 by a unanimous vote of the City Council. Mayor David Del Vecchio, who noted that Ms. Ege has “passed the test” the state requires of all municipal clerks, joined council members in giving her a round of applause after her appointment had been approved. A former councilwoman, Ms. Ege was hired as interim clerk in August 2009 for one year. She replaced Lori Buckelew, who had gone to work as a legislative analyst for the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. Mrs. Ege took the post on Aug. 31, 2009. Because she did not hold state certification for the job then, she had to take courses and pass a state examination to become certified. Mrs. Ege served 12 years on the council with one term as president. Her final term on the council ended Dec. 31, 2008.
— A proposed ordinance prohibiting the underage consumption and possession of alcohol on private property was introduced by City Council in June. The measure was scheduled for a public hearing and adoption vote at council’s July 18 meeting. Mayor David Del Vecchio and Police Director Bruce Cocuzza said the ordinance addressed a problem that surfaces very rarely in the city. Underage possession and consumption of alcohol had been more of a problem in suburban areas, where houses are farther apart, thus making neighbors less able to notice if underage drinking is taking place at a residence. Director Cocuzza said adoption of the ordinance would give law enforcement officials the ability to impose penalties and require counseling or community service if minors were found in violation of the law.
— An ordinance repealing Lambertville’s garbage collection fees to residents and merchants was adopted by City Council in June. The measure was made possible when Lambertville voters OK’d a referendum on April 27 asking that those fees to be put back into the regular tax base. The referendum was needed to allow the city to exceed the tax levy cap set by the state. The ordinance eliminated the fees for the full 2011 calendar year.
Also adopted at that meeting was a bond ordinance that appropriates $45,000 for the purchase of an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) for the Lambertville Police Department. Introduced an ordinance creating a handicapped parking space, and accompanying curb cut that will allow installation of a ramp, at 31 Jefferson St. The measure was scheduled for a public hearing and adoption vote on July 18.
— The South Hunterdon Regional High School Board of Education had a vacancy. It was created when Donald Vandegrift, of Wilson Drive, Stockton, decided he had to leave his post because he had “accepted a Fulbright scholarship for the fall and will be working at a university in central Europe.” Residents of Stockton were asked to apply for this unexpired term (through April 2012).
— A bond ordinance covering $816,000 in roadwork, new equipment and improvements to township buildings was adopted by the West Amwell Township Committee June 22. “The road improvements need to be done,” Deputy Mayor George Fisher said.
— The West Amwell Township Planning Board had yet to make a decision on a proposed solar installation. The equipment would be on municipal land and at the local elementary school, officials said. The Planning Board discussed the plan June 21. The board’s next meeting is set for July 19. “We’re still trying to get an easement from the county,” township Deputy Mayor George Fisher said at the June 22 Township Committee meeting.
— The West Amwell Township Committee adopted a resolution at its June 22 meeting that paved the way for a township-wide property reassessment. The work would be done by township assessor, David Gill. At a special committee meeting on March 23, Mr. Gill said a reassessment was needed due to the amount of tax appeals this year (2011), especially in the developments.
The committee also voted in favor of a resolution to hire a new police officer, Jonathan Seller. He would start work July 11 as a third-class patrolman, at an annual salary of $55,492.
— On June 21, 76 members of the South Hunterdon Regional High School Class of 2011 received their diplomas. The Class of 2011, according to guidance officials, would not be “wandering the halls of SHR in the fall, but this was where they would be:
Vincent Albano, Raritan Valley Community College; Sarah Arcamone, Paul Mitchell Lab; Bryant Arias, Bucks County Community College; Neil Arnet, West Virginia University; Brandon Bacorn, Ithaca College; Fred Bair, Hunterdon County Polytech; Sarah Baker, Ithaca College; Cody Bolles, Automotive Training Center; Cory Breidt, East Stroudsburg University; Joseph Britton, Raritan Valley Community College; Raymond Brown, Raritan Valley Community College; Shannon Brush, Raritan Valley Community College.
Daniel Carpenter (class valedictorian), Cornell University; Zachary Castagna, Arizona State University; Robert Cronce, employment (working at Anton’s at the Swan); Joshua Cullen, Florida Atlantic University; Christina Daly, Community College of Philadelphia; Evan Davis, Raritan Valley Community College; Shana Dowd, Raritan Valley Community College.
Zachary Errickson, University of South Carolina; Cayla Esposito, Raritan Valley Community College; Matthew Evans, Raritan Valley Community College; Samuel Franzini, University of Pittsburgh; Samantha Graff, Raritan Valley Community College; Aria Guastella, Southern University; Rozalila Hertz, Penn State University, Main Campus; Stefanie Hutchinson, University of Delaware.
Jack Immordino, Raritan Valley Community College; Olivia Immordino, Rider University; Parker Jensen, Kansas State University; Frances Kenny, gap year, travel to New Zealand; Laura Kropp, Louisiana State University; Katya Kurtbek, University of South Carolina; Emily Marley, Moravian University; Charles McClelland, Raritan Valley Community College; Myles McGough, Raritan Valley Community College; Zachary Moses, Berkley School of Music; Sarah Mundhenk, University of Delaware; Emily Murphy, Canisus College.
Brandon Neborsky, Raritan Valley Community College; Amanda Nielsen, Bethany College; Kiyle Osgood, Richard Stockton College; Michael Pante, Raritan Valley Community College; Sarah Phillips (class salutatorian), Dickinson College; Ozana Plemenitash, Ursinus College; Iraldi Ramirez, Raritan Valley Community College; Tyler Ramsin, Penn State University, Abington Campus; Harley Richline, United States military; Mallory Rotatori, Raritan Valley Commun