Ramsey Civic Association General Meeting
May 20, 2003 - Ramsey Library
 
The General Meeting of the RCA came to order at7:08PM with the Pledge of Allegiance.
 
The minutes from the last meeting were not available. John Jordan had recorded the minutes from the last meeting and was not present this evening.
 
Treasurer: No official financial statement completed. Cash balance is pretty good ($2,700+). Only 64 members have paid their dues for 2003.* IRS has recognized the RCA as a tax-exempt organization. 
 
*(Jim Keeney will look into sending out cards with reminder to pay dues for 2003.)
 
Chairperson’s Report
On May 7, Jim accepted an award from the Freeholders to the RCA. Jim stated that this “validates the organization,” especially since the award comes from outside of the town of Ramsey. Jim thanked all who helped with their efforts, meetings and phone calls. He stated that “we should all be proud.” Interest was stimulated with the Freeholders as to what the RCA does. Freeholder McPherson sent a letter to Jim congratulating him on the award for the RCA.
 
June 9 is the first public information presentation to be held by the RCA. Common Cause is to speak. The meeting is taking place at the Town Hall at7:30PM. The president of Common Cause is the guest speaker. Jim has sent out press releases to the media, and also will post it on the RCA website. Jim asked for a big turnout at this event saying this was our “opportunity to shin.e” This event is open to all RCA members, as well as the public.
 
Ramsey Day: Last year the RCA signed up 62 voters. Ramsey Day is a good way for the town to get to learn about the RCA. JoAnn Carroll, Joan Keeney and Helene Cohen have agreed to join the committee for Ramsey Day.
 
The Rescue Squad invited Jim to see the presentation of the Humvee made by Paramus Chevrolet. This is a step forward in the RCA’s recognition.
 
Jim stated that the RCA has been getting good press lately and that the RCA members are “really getting out there.” Jim stated that we are making headway in the town.
 
The next meeting of the RCA may be held at the Rescue Squad building. Eric Endress will give the RCA a presentation at their headquarters.
 
The Mayor has asked that all who can, please attend the June 3, 2003 Planning Board meeting being held at 7:30PM. The BOE will make its presentation to the Planning Board regarding its Long Range Facilities Plan. The BOE does not need the Planning Board’s approval. The Planning Board can however make recommendations. 
 
Reminder: June 3, 2003 is also Primary Day.
 
Tom Dater, Town Historian, is giving a lecture on Ramsey history on Thursday, June 19 at7:30PM at the Ramsey Library if anyone is interested.
 
Executive Board
Approved press releases for Common Cause
School board e-mail regarding bond issue
 
Civic Activities
Nothing to report
 
Auditing
Nothing to report
 
Historical Records
Sherman stated that the records are being put away safely and that they are always available for viewing.
 
Communications & Press
Currently getting out the press releases for Common Cause to the media.
 
Recruiting
It was suggested that the RCA become involved with the Ramsey Welcome Wagon. A member informed the meeting that the Welcome Wagon had been dissolved.
 
Citizens Assistance
Angela Strollo wanted to again thank the volunteers for taking seniors to the polls.
 
Voter Registration
Planning to have forms available on Ramsey Day.
 
Website and Computer Science
Sherman reported that the website “looks good.” Nothing else to report.
 
Political Action
Nothing to report
 
Unfinished Business
Nothing to report
 
 
Planning Board
Recreation field by McFarren field to have lighting. +$40,000, 2-story field house. 108 townhouses to be built for persons who are 55+. JP (who was not present at the meeting, but who had sent a report to Jim) stated in his report that he was still concerned about the egress/ingress. JP also suggested we have a town wide contest to name the 3 new facilities:
1. New rec. field
2. Duck pond
3. (He did not recall third facility in his report.) 
 
Jim stated, that in his opinion, this was a good plan for the town.
 
Board of Adjustment
Paul Schulze reported that there is nothing pressing at this time. He did however inform the meeting that the Board is being inundated with requests for antennas. He explained that companies have to come to the Board of Adjustment for variances. Jim advised that Paul’s full report will be posted on the RCA website.
 
Board of Education
Sherman spoke to the Mayor who said that they didn’t even want him to inspect Dater school. The bond has been put off for next year. 
 
Summary of 4/29 meeting of the BOE:

  • Statement budget approved.
  • Motion for 7 new teachers and to appoint 159 tenured teachers and 106 non-tenured teachers.
  • A bio teacher made a presentation to the board re: buying new biotech equipment for the school. The BOE said it could give $15,000 toward this request. No cost was given by the teacher as to how much the equipment would cost.
  • In regards to parents who wish to pay for their children to be bused, the Board did not have a decision.

New Business
The RCA has no position as of the above date on the water well project. Mahwah is fighting this project. Jim asked if anyone would like to head up a committee. There were no takers. Jim stated that the RCA will be taking a position down the road.
 
Letter of resignation from Kathy Reid read aloud. Jim has sent her a letter thanking her for her service. JoAnn Carroll introduced as new Secretary on the Board.
 
Virginia Moritz has stepped down as an Executive Trustee. A letter was sent to Ms. Moritz thanking her for her service. Anita Cannata-Nowell has replaced her.
 
Breast Cancer Walk on September 20th and 21st. Should the RCA participate? Jim will post more information on the RCA website.
 
An RCA member brought up the subject of the Duck Pond. She is looking into seeing if it is polluted and, if so, what can be done to keep it clean. Don’t know yet if there is a problem. Updates on this topic will be posted on the RCA website.
 
Joe Ratto had an announcement of a Senior Picnic on June 11th (raindates the 12th and 13th) at the Ramsey Pool from 12-3PM.
 
New Business - BOE/Bond Issue
BOE has asked the State for money for Dater School. The state is issuing the bond. Jim stated that this is a very complex issue with no easy answer. The RCA is a non-partisan organization and has to come up with an answer that is best for the town of Ramsey. A position that is sensible and reasonable for us to take. A member suggested we try to get Bruce DeYoung to speak at an RCA meeting and Jim said he would contact him to find out if he would be willing to do so.
 
A member asked about the traffic problem at Central and Main and if there was anything the RCA could do. Jim suggested the member write a letter to him and he would then send an e-mail on to Councilwoman Julie O’Brien.
 
Council 4/19 meeting:

  • OT has been reduced by ? in the PD and other various town agencies
  • Ordinance 9-2003: waiver of fees for senior citizens for building permits
  • Ordinance 2-2003: time limit for parking on Church Street
  • Patrolmen John McIntyre was promoted to Sgt.

4/23 Budget Meeting:

  • very little input
  • budget passed 4-1
  • Resolution: authorization for the tax collector to sell all municipal liens
  • J. Fletcher Kramer awarded the DeBaun Avenue Bridge repair
  • Freeholder prescription law. $20/year payment program.
  • Young people took over the last council meeting.
  • 2 Bond issues: $1.5mm for new ladder truck and upgrades to the water system

Closing
Jim again reminded everyone about the Common Cause presentation on June 9th. 
 
The next General Meeting of the RCA is tentatively set for July 21st. The site is TBD.
 
The meeting was adjourned at8:52PM.