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| Ramsey Civic
Association Meeting Meeting came to order 7:40 p.m. CP thanked the Rescue Squad for hosting our meeting. CP read minutes of 1/21/04 General Membership meeting. Motion to accept by Ann Webersinn, seconded by Salome Price. Chairperson’s
Report On February 21, CP and his wife attended the Rescue Squad Dinner. CP thanked Chief Behrmann and Eric Endress for recognizing the civic association with this invitation. On February 25, CP and Steve Strollo, Vice-CP, attended the informative and interesting Dollars & Sense meeting held at Rutherford High School. Our March 1st Open Town meeting was a success. The mayor and council addressed questions from residents. Many topics were covered, including Cablevision discounts to seniors, Board of Education funding, existing train station renovations by New Jersey Transit, parking for commuters, foot police patrol becoming active again to protect pedestrian traffic downtown and eliminate aggressive driving and control cell phone usage, condominium issues regarding reimbursement of services, green acres funding, municipal budget. CP requested volunteers for Ramsey Day committee – asked anyone interested to contact him. CP noted Wednesday’s were basically only days available for meetings at the library. On April 7, 6pm at Finch Park, there will be a workshop on “Project for Public Spaces. Jim Dolan spoke. His committee would explain what they do. He identified five areas that attendees will look at and return to Finch Par to discuss and investigate ways to “calm traffic”.On April 14, a meeting will be at Town Hall regarding municipal budget. On April 26, a meeting will be at Town Hall regarding downtown upgrade. Standing Committee
Reports: Board of Adjustments – Paul Schulze stated one issue was proposal to build non-conforming office building at Washington and Franklin Turnpike. Citizens Assistance Committee – Joan Keeney handed out flyers and explained our participation in the clothing/bike drive to be held at the Rescue Squad on May 1. This was being done to help Gina Ratto to collect used clothing, etc. for local residents. Auditing – No report. Historical – Updating records as received. Voter Registration – No report. Erik Endress gave an excellent presentation explaining the functions of the Rescue Squad. He explained the membership levels, business organization structure, and financial matters such as revenue, budget, and expenses. He stressed the dedication necessary to be on the Rescue Squad. He highlighted the Squad’s operational capabilities, explaining how they assist and work the Police and Fire Departments. They also offer many community services, such as blood drives, clothing drives, working with children, etc. Bruce DeYoung then gave an informative presentation regarding compilation of the school budget. He explained Federal Govt./State Govt controls budget. (Governor & State legislator). Staffing costs drives up cost due to additional staff now required. Special Ed also drives budget up, i.e. depending on learning disability, different number of students allowed in a class (by Fed. Govt. regulation). Stated we are now responsible for Spec. Ed. students from 3-1/2 to 5 years of age. Must also include transportation costs, building upkeep, etc. State of New Jersey has walked away from communities like Ramsey. Ramsey has 5.3 share. Demarest/Ridgewood/Ramsey formed $ and Sense forum. Budget presented this year included:
Budget will be on Cablevision Channel 77 by beginning of April. Richard Snyder spoke about funding of schools. Stated we need to call our legislators to defend us and to try to find money re mandate. Handed out postcards and asked members to mail to our legislators. Next meeting will be Wednesday, May 19. Meeting adjourned 9:47 p.m. |