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| Ramsey Civic
Association Meeting Meeting was called to order at 7:09 pm with Dennis Kerrigan leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Ken Wiren read the minutes from the last General Membership meeting of November 17, 2003. Dennis Kerrigan made the motion to accept the minutes; Dan Cuite seconded. Treasurer's Report: Joanne Brown reported that the 2003 contributions received were $3,300 and our expenses were $2,200. Our overall income for 2003 was $1,100. Our cash at year-end is $2,800. Joan Keeney made the motion to accept; Dan Cuite seconded. Secretary Report: No report Special guest: Assemblywoman Charlotte VanDerValk spoke to the membership. She thanked us for the invitation. Very often, she said, you only find a democratic or republican club and that it was refreshing to see that Ramsey has a civic association. Assemblywoman VanDerValk discussed property taxes and the recent article in the Record comparing area property taxes vs. the assessed value of homes. She then discussed the school portion of our property taxes, and she explained the New Jersey Supreme Court decision that requires the state to fund the 30 poorest school districts with an equal amount as the richest districts pay per pupil. The 30 poorest districts are referred to as Abbott Districts.Assemblywoman VanDerValk said that a statewide referendum would be required to change this procedure. She has sponsored a bill that would bring averaging of student spending across the state into the formula. School construction projects were also discussed and Assemblywoman VanDerValk advised us that the Abbott School Districts receive 100% funding while the other districts receive up to 40% toward the cost. She discussed the senior citizen property tax reimbursement and the tax saver programs and the reasons these programs have been cut back. We also learned that that the State determines the wealthiest communities by the amount of income tax they receive by zip code. The transportation trust system and its lack of funds partly because of the issues with EZ pass was discussed. Assemblywomen VanDerValk suggested that we could write letters individually and as a group to the Governor expressing any of our concerns. A question and answer period followed. Prior to leaving, Assemblywoman VanDerValk gave us her office telephone number and invited everyone to call her if they have any questions or want to discuss anything. Chairperson's Report: The executive board meeting scheduled for 12/16/2003 was cancelled, as not enough members were available to attend. The chairman said that he is looking into using either e-mail or the telephone for future executive board meetings. The chairman also reported that a special meeting would be held on Wednesday February 18 at 7:15 pm at the library. A guest speaker, Michael Brinzey, will discuss property taxes. The chairman advised the membership that we have 3 openings for members in the executive board. If you are interested, please get in touch with him. The 2004-committee assignments were read. The chairman removed recruiting, communications, and fundraising from our list of committees. The chairman stated that we need a chairperson and members for the Board of Education committee. An education forum will be held in Rutherford on February 25 at 7:30pm. The chairman stated that he would be attending the meeting. The policy for paying/collecting dues was discussed. Salome Price made a motion that dues are paid between January 1st and April 1st. Seconded by Dennis Kerrigan. The motion passed. General Comments: The chairman reported that he had sent letters to Assemblywomen VanDerValk, Assemblyman Rooney and Senator Cardinale inviting all of them to our January 21st meeting. Assemblywomen VanDerValk replied immediately and attended the meeting. Assemblyman Rooney sent a letter in reply which the chairman read. Assemblyman Cardinale never replied. The chairman also stated that we are starting our 3rd year and that we have made much progress. We still need help from our membership with our various committees. If you are interested in serving on any of the committees, please let him know. Standing Committee Reports: Borough Council Report: The chairman attended the council meetings and read some of the ordinances that were passed by the council. The Ramsey Civic Association was asked by the Mayor to sponsor a Non-Partisan public debate on the town budget. Michael Lonier suggested that we invite Nick Sarros to the next general meeting and ask him to talk about how a budget is prepared. Joan Keeney asked if we could get Ramsey Civic Association information onto the cable channel 77. Board of Adjustment: no report Board of Education: no report Planning Board: no report By-Laws: no report Civic
Activities: We hope to schedule the social party possibly for in
the first week
of March. Joan Keeney
asked for assistance
with
the committee.
Everybody seemed to have liked Houlihan's
last year. We will look at having this
year's party there also. Voter Registration: no report Website and Computer Science: no report New Business: None Members' comments: Dennis Kerrigan commented on the great job that the Rescue Squad does of getting the word out. Steve Strollo gave us an overview of the recent Board of Education meeting. He also provided handouts he received in reference to bond sales. Our next General meeting will be held at the Rescue Squad building. The date will be announced. Meeting was adjourned at 8:58pm |