Ramsey Civic Association Meeting
September 23, 2004 - Ramsey Free Public Library

Meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ken Wiren read the minutes from the last General Membership meeting of July 21, 2004.

Treasurer’s Report: Our current cash balance is $2,900.00.

Secretary Report: No report

Chairperson’s Report: The chairperson introduced new members to the civic association.

On August 23, the chairperson assisted the Fire Department at the “wetdown.”

On August 26 the RCA hosted an “Open Town Meeting” with NJ Transit. Security, noise and scheduling of trains were topics of concern.

The chairperson advised the membership that the letters regarding our stand on negative campaigning were mailed to those running for elected office.

The chairperson reported that on Monday October 25, at 7:30 p.m., the RCA would be hosting a “Candidate’s Night” at the Rescue Squad building. The chairman advised that he would attempt to get an outside individual to moderate, if not, he will moderate.

The chairman advised that Ramsey Day was a success and that two people joined the RCA that day.

The chairman discussed the possibility of contacting new residents to see if they would like to join the RCA.

The chairman also suggested that we invite representatives from the Democratic, and Republican clubs to give a presentation and also possibly the Libertarian party.

RCA elections are coming up. Ann Webersinn will be the chairperson of the election committee. If you are interested in running for an office, please contact Ann.

Standing Committee Reports:

Borough Council Report: Mayor Muti reported that Ramsey Day was a huge success.

Board of Adjustment: Paul Schultze reported that an application for a change of use variance for an 18-unit Apartment complex on Franklin Turnpike was submitted. The area is presently zoned for an office building. A second application to convert a house to an office building also on Franklin Turnpike was withdrawn.

Board of Education: no report

Planning Board: no report

By-Laws: no report

Civic Activities: The fall clothing drive will be held at the Rescue Squad building on Saturday October 16 from 9am to 4pm.

Citizen’s Assistance: If you can assist at the clothing drive, contact Joan or Gina Ratto.

Voter Registration: This is the third year that the RCA has provided voter registration forms on Ramsey Day. To date, 220 people have registered to vote.

Website and Computer Science: no report

Historical records: Ann Webersinn is continuing to compile newspaper clippings and is working on the photos.

New Business:
Vice Chairman Steve Strollo asked if anybody had any ideas of a position the RCA might want to take regarding various issues in Ramsey. Televising the council meetings was brought up. The Chairman and Vice Chairman will get together and discuss a format that they will present at the next RCA meeting.

Special presentation
The Ramsey Fire Department gave a presentation on fire prevention that included a video and a power point presentation. They also gave a demonstration of some of the equipment that is worn while fighting fires. A question and answer period followed. The Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary provided refreshments. After the presentation, the members of the RCA went outside and were given a demonstration of the new ladder truck and also a thermal imaging camera.

Motion made by John Jordan to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Joan Keeney.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:09 p.m.