Ramsey Civic Association Meeting
November 17, 2003 - Ramsey Free Public Library

Meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm with Steve Adams leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Chairperson read the minutes from the last General Membership meeting of September 23, 2003. Joan Keeney made the motion to accept the minutes; Lynn Bergin seconded.

Treasurer’s Report: Joann Brown advised year-to-date deposits are $1000 and cash in the bank is $2700. Ann Webersinn made the motion to accept the report; J. P. Tristani seconded.

Secretary Report: No report.

Chairperson's Report: Chairperson attended the October 1, 2003 meeting at Ridgewood High School regarding school funding reform. Although nothing major was accomplished, it was an informative meeting where many good questions were asked and ideas exchanged. Senator Leonard Lance is introducing legislation in January 2004 concerning education-funding reform. It should be noted that Bergen County with a school population of 126,123 receives $1,404 per student in State aid. Salem County with a student population of 11,930 receives $5,551 per student in State aid. The RCA will contact Freeholders, State Senators and State Assembly members to ask why this is so and what they are going to do to rectify it.

Chairperson gave a report on the Suffern Civic Association meeting that he attended on November 10, 2003, where they discussed the Tappan Zee Bridge issue. Sherman Price was also in attendance. Various proposals for expanding the Tappan Zee crossing and widening the NY State Thruway from Port Chester, NY, to Suffern, NY, were discussed. They hope to have a firm plan by 2005 as to what approach to take regarding the crossing upgrade. The next meeting is scheduled in Tarrytown, NY, for December 3, 2003.

Chairperson explained the File of Life tags. These can be placed in visible areas on homes, which would indicate there is medical information inside the house for easy access for emergency medical personnel. Packets are available at the Ramsey Town Hall.

Rockland Electric is addressing power outages in Ramsey. The Darlington substation should be up and running on June 1, 2004. According to Rockland Electric, this will alleviate the problem.

Chairperson stated he was very disappointed in the poor voter turnout for the November 4th elections and the RCA should do more to encourage voter participation in future elections. The Chairperson also stated that the negative approach to campaigning should not be acceptable by the voters. Campaigning should be based on issues and accomplishments, not half-truths and innuendo. In the future, prior to any election, the RCA will send letters to local, County and State political organizations and candidates expressing our objection to such negative practices.

Lastly, Chairperson stressed that the RCA requires a stronger membership participation in its committees.

Executive Board's Report: The E.B. meeting was held on October 15, 2003. Issues discussed were elections, traffic, bike path, direction of organization, fundraising. Next E.B. meeting will be held December 16, 2003, at which time the Chairperson will have the 2004 meeting dates for the RCA.

Standing Committees Reports:

Borough Council Report: no report (will be discussed under New Business)

Board of Adjustment: no report

Board of Education: no report

Planning Board: J.P. Tristani discussed Toyota/Lexus dealership to be located on Rte. 17 No., 32 acres. Also 105 active adult homes will be located on that tract of land. Explained access and intersection upgrades along Rte. 17 up to Franklin Turnpike.

By-Laws: no report

Membership/Recruiting: no report

Civic Activities: Annual party will be in Feb 2004 – details to be announced.

Audit: no report

Historical: no report

Communications: no report

Citizens Assistance: Angela Strollo and Joan Keeney are organizing an “Adopt a Family for the Holidays” program in conjunction with Gina Ratto, the Center for Food Action, and Ramsey Rescue Squad. Angela handed out a memo listing the items needed for donation. A notice will be sent by email and mail to all members requesting their assistance in helping local families in need. All contributions must be received by December 12, 2003.

Voter Registration: Ann Webersinn had Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot forms available at the front table.

Website and Computer Science: JP told us about the "flash news program" with links to current events. This will be activated shortly on the RCA website.

Political Action: no report

Anthony Iannarelli gave an informative speech on the walking and bike path, also known as a "linear park". The Right of Way still exists on paper. He wants to re-establish the right of way to allow a safe place for people to walk and bicycle and also aid the Ramsey business community. The DOT may be able to provide funds for this (Fed and NJ). This plan needs support of our elected officials as well as citizens. Tony will head up the RCA committee to try to get this going and requested volunteers.

RCA Regular Elections:

Steve Strollo, Chairperson of the Nominating Committee, nominated Jim Keeney as Chairperson and Secretary. Steve Strollo was nominated from the floor for Vice Chairperson. Joanne Brown was nominated from the floor for Treasurer. Being no other nominees, the Treasurer cast one ballot for all 3 and they were elected to a one (1) year term beginning January 1, 2004.

New Business:

Michael Shasho gave an informative report, with handouts, on the health insurance costs for the town employees and Board of Education employees, and how these costs could be reduced. All members seemed quite receptive to his cost-saving idea. Mayor Muti has already begun investigating the implementation of this idea with the town employees; the BOE is another issue. Mr. Shasho will present his idea at the next BOE meeting scheduled for November 25. We will notify the time and place by email.

Mayor Richard Muti explained the pending "Pay to Play" ordinance to us, which limits campaign contributions to $400 from anyone wishing to obtain a professional contract with the Borough of Ramsey. Public hearing and vote is scheduled for Monday, November 24, 2003, at the Mayor and Council Meeting. (The meeting night was changed due to the Thanksgiving holiday).

The Chairperson asked the members if they were in agreement with the Pay to Play ordinance, and if so, should he make a statement from the RCA at the November 24th meeting. The members voted yes.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.