December 17, 2018 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

With all of the holiday hustle and bustle, I never got around to posting the Middletown Township Committee meeting that was held on December 17th. This meeting was rather significant because at this meeting the Township Committee voted to move forward with the proposed new municipal complex that will cost residents over a $100M dollars when all is said and done. The public hearing on the project begins at approx. 29:30 to 1:15:15 of the video.

Another public hearing was held right afterwards concerning a redevelopment plan off of Half-Mile road. The Township committee voted to adopt the resolution even though the Township Planning Board voted against it's approval. That hearing begins approx 1:16:00 and finished at 1:56:02 of the video.

Comments from the Public began at the 2:12:20 portion of the meeting and continued until the end of the meeting some 30 minutes later.




As always you can download a copy of the Meeting Agenda that contains the discussion items and the proposed resolutions and ordinances that were voted on or presented during the meeting. A box around an item is a link, bringing you further into the document to that resolution or ordinance. At the end of the resolution there will be a link bringing you back to the agenda. Attached to this agenda is also the monthly bill list, so that everyone can see how the Township is spending our tax dollars.

Heard It In The Hallways: New Middletown Municipal Complex To Cost $54M

Overlooked by myself and others at the September 17th meeting of the Middletown Township Committee, was an item with mentioning. On the Meeting Agenda for the night,  a public hearing was scheduled to take place on the proposed Township Ordinance  "2018-3236 Ordinance Adopting Amended Municipal Complex Redevelopment Plan for Block 815 Lots 1.01, 6 and 7 on the Official Tax Map of the Township of Middletown".

Laid out within the electronic copy of the agenda for the night, was the entire proposal for the planned municipal complex (which you can see by falling the link above). However, that public hearing never took place. It was postponed for a later date, which I've since learned to be the night of Nov. 19th, which is the first meeting of the Township Committee after the Nov. 6th election and 3 days before Thanksgiving. Historically, that meeting is sparsely attended and happens to be a good night to drop a bombshell that few will hear.

So why was this proposed public hearing abruptly rescheduled at the last minute you ask? Well, according to a very, very, reliable person who would have knowledge of the details, after telling residents for months that the cost of a new municipal complex, which Township authorities had estimated  to cost $20M, has ballooned upwards and potentially over $54M!

That's right, $54M. That's nearly triple the original cost estimate for the complex and Township authorities couldn't stomach presenting that information at the meeting knowing that there were going to be so many people there asking questions about the potential of a huge sports complex being built at Stevenson Park.

$54 million dollars is big chunk of change, what could possibly cost that much money to build? And why, if you read the redevelopment plan, is the Township constructing two buildings to used as some sort of retail establishments? Isn't there going to be enough empty store fronts once the proposed Village 35 retail complex is built?

One other thing that should be kept in mind and it is said quite often about financial dealing like this is, "Follow the money" and "Who will benefit" the most from this.  Well, I can tell you who. It's the Bonding agency and it's attorneys! Few people know this but the bonding attorney for the Township is none other the Middletown Republican Municipal Chairman, Peter Carton. His law firm has handle all the bonding projects that Middletown has needed financing for, for two decades. Peter Carton and his firm have gotten fat feeding from the trough of Middletown taxpayers.

As usual, the Township Committee doesn't want you to know about this stuff and are happy to bury this information until after the election, so as not to upset potential voters.

  

Facts about the Township’s Public Hearing Monday Night on the Circus Liquors Redevelopment Plan

Middletown Public Information:
Posted on: August 17, 2018



The Township Committee will be holding a public hearing at its Regular Meeting on Monday, August 20th at 8:00PM in the Court Room to consider the possible adoption of a Redevelopment Plan.

Under the State law in New Jersey, Redevelopment Plans act as what is essentially an overlay to the existing underlying zoning of a property. The standards and provisions often allow a municipality to go somewhat beyond what can be required by the underlying zoning and in certain ways be more specific. This includes input regarding architectural and landscaping criteria, and also allows the Township more control over the timing and phasing of improvements.

So what will happen if the Redevelopment Plan is approved by the Township Committee on Monday night? Will this mean that the Circus Liquors Project is approved?

If the Township Committee votes “Yes” to adopting the Redevelopment Plan, this means that the applicant must still process a complete site plan application before the Planning Board with testimony, evidence, and full public participation.

If the Redevelopment Plan is not approved by the Township Committee, the applicant may still go forward with the Planning Board complete site plan application with evidence, testimony and full public participation, as provided by the law of the State of New Jersey. The only major difference is that the developer would not be required to comply with the specific standards outlined in the Redevelopment Plan.

In order to give everyone a fair opportunity to speak, there will a sign-in sheet outside of the meeting room on Monday night. Please sign in as your enter the room.

April 16, 2018 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

I meant to get this posted the much sooner but I was busy last weekend celebrating my birthday and I was unable to get to it until now.

Here is the latest video from the Middletown Township Committee. The Committee held it's monthly meeting on April 16th and approved the new FY2018 budget. Prior to the adoption, a public hearing was held.  A few people asked about different line items in the budget that have had extreme fluctuations over the past couple of years. The CFO provided clear explanations for those line items.

A couple of other highlights included the "swearing" in of a new police K-9 with his handler. Another public hearing was held for a bond ordinance, from last year, that was reintroduced and adopted due to incorrect wording in the original ordinance and a few Resolutions were adopted, one of which renewed a lease that allowed Oasis Therapeutic Life Centers to use a portion of Stevenson Park to farm.




As always you can download a copy of the Meeting Agenda that contains the discussion items and the proposed resolutions and ordinances that were voted on or presented during the meeting. A box around an item is a link, bringing you further into the document to that resolution or ordinance. At the end of the resolution there will be a link bringing you back to the agenda. Attached to this agenda is also the monthly bill list, so that everyone can see how the Township is spending our tax dollars.

May 15, 2017 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

During the last Middletown Township Committee Meeting he Committee held its' "Mayors For The Day" program and had 3 local students observe the workings of the township government.

Proclamations were presented to 4 residents that reported a house fire and rescued the residents living there and T&M Associates presented an overview of the Belford Redevelopment Zone. A public hearing was held and the Committee adopted an ordinance accepting the plan.

As always, you can download a copy of the Meeting Agenda that contains the discussion items and the proposed resolutions and ordinances that were voted on or presented during the meeting. A box around an item is a link, bringing you further into the document to that resolution or ordinance. At the end of the resolution there will be a link bringing you back to the agenda. Attached to this agenda is also the monthly bill list, so that everyone can see how the Township is spending our tax dollars.

Click here for a link to Belford Redevelopment Study

JCP&L Public Hearing January 25th

On January 25 there will be a public hearing with JCP&L regarding the 230kV power lines they have proposed installing along the NJ Transit right of way from Red Bank to Aberdeen. The meeting will be held in the Auditorium of High School North at 7pm.

If you are unsure of what this project involves, or the impact it could have on all property owners in Middletown, you should attend. If you are opposed to this project, for any reason, you should attend to show your support in opposing it.

This will be the only public hearing where you can get up and go on the record to tell JCP&L how you feel about this. Opposition to the project is mounting and there will be hearings by the BPU to determine if it is warranted. NJ Transit has not provided JCP&L access to the right of way along the train tracks. They have not denied them access either. if there is enough public support, NJ Transit could deny access to JCP&L and the project will be terminated.

December 21, 2015 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

I haven't watched the meeting video but plan to do so soon. Here is a brief discription:

• Recognition was given to the H.S. South football team for being state champs and the Middletown Soccer Club U13 Girls Team On Winning The 2015 New Jersey Youth Soccer Presidents Cup.
• Five new police officers and five Special Officer II's were sworn.
• Public hearings were held regarding the salary ordinance, amending the requirements for road repaving and designating Liberty St. as a one way street.

As always, you can download a copy of the Meeting Agenda that contains the discussion items and the proposed resolutions and ordinances that were voted on or presented during the meeting. A box around an item is a link, bringing you further into the document to that resolution or ordinance. At the end of the resolution there will be a link bringing you back to the agenda. Attached to this agenda is also the monthly bill list, so that everyone can see how the Township is spending our tax dollars.

December 7, 2015 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

If you blinked, you missed a significant portion of Dec. 7th meeting of the Middletown Township Committee. The banter before the meeting started lasted nearly as long as the meeting itself. The entire video is less than 9 minutes long.

Just a few pieces of new business was introduced and most Committee members chose to hold their comments until the next meeting on Dec. 21th and no one from the public wished to address any questions to the Committee. But here's what was discussed that had some significance:

A salary ordinance was introduced for 2016 that would set salaries for non-contractual officers and employees, statutory employees and elected officials not directly subject to duly adopted collective bargaining agreements by separate ordinance. This will be voted for adoption at the December 21 meeting following a public hearing.



As always, you can download a copy of the Meeting Agenda that contains the discussion items and the proposed resolutions and ordinances that were voted on or presented during the meeting. A box around an item is a link, bringing you further into the document to that resolution or ordinance. At the end of the resolution there will be a link bringing you back to the agenda. Attached to this agenda is also the monthly bill list, so that everyone can see how the Township is spending our tax dollars.

LNG Public Hearings in NJ This Wednesday & Thursday

Dangerous Offshore Project is Back - Battle Begins!

FROM CLEAN OCEAN ACTION WEBSITE:

The time is now! This is the final chance to Stop Port Ambrose - a Dangerous, Harmful, and Unnecessary Offshore Industrial Project!


After months of delay, the Port Ambrose LNG import facility is back and the battle is on! This project is dangerous for the marine ecosystem, economy, and our security in New York and New Jersey.


You can help save the ocean, endangered marine life, and our quality of life by contacting Governor Christie and Governor Cuomo today and attending one of the final public hearings:

November 4th - Sheraton Hotel - Eatontown, NJ 6 PM - 10 PM
November 5th - Sheraton Hotel - Eatontown, NJ 6 PM - 10 PM

In January of 2015, over 1,000 concerned citizens attended hearings against Port Ambrose and we need even more for the final battle! They have doubled the days - let's double the number of citizens to protect our coast!

Port Ambrose by the Numbers

• 1,862,000,000 number of gallons of seawater that would be withdrawn during construction – killing billions of plankton and zooplankton, the basis of the food web of the sea.
• 180,000 the number of tons of carbon that will be produced from operations of Port Ambrose. This figure doesn’t even include the carbon dioxide produced when LNG is regasified.
• 55 An LNG tanker contains more than 55 times the explosive force of the Hiroshima Bomb.
• 1 The Port of New York and New Jersey on the East Coast and third in the country. USCG officials have confirmed that LNG ports and tankers are terrorist targets. Millions of citizens in coastal regions and entire commerce-based economies are threatened.

For a complete list of concerning numbers in regards to Port Ambrose, click here.

04/30/15 Special Township Committee Meeting: Public Hearing For 2015 Municipal Budgets

A special meeting of the Township Committee will be held Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 6:30 in the Main Meeting Room, 1 Kings Highway for the purpose of holding a public hearing on the 2015 Municipal and Solid Waste Budgets. A resolution will be considered for action Authorizing Ratification of the PBA Contract


4-30-15 Revised, Special Meeting Notice.pdf

December 15, 2014 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

At the Dec.15th meeting of the Middletown Township Committee, Life Saving Awards were presented to firemen who rescued a man from a burning building in Leonardo. Proclamations were presented for Outstanding Community Service and commending the outgoing Planner. An award was represented for SCAN Leaders of Distinction.

A public hearings were held for Comcast Cable to renew the contract that had expired in August, amending the salary ordinance for non-union employees and to increase pet licenses.

Salary contracts were awarded to the Police Chief, Administrator and Recycling Consultant. Balances that were appropriated for 2014 and unused were carried into the 2015 budget, mostly to pay for insurance benefits.

Public Comments start at the 49:50 time stamp of the video.



As always, you can download a copy of the Meeting Agenda that contains the discussion items and the proposed resolutions and ordinances that were voted on or presented during the meeting. A box around an item is a link, bringing you further into the document to that resolution or ordinance. At the end of the resolution there will be a link bringing you back to the agenda. Attached to this agenda is also the monthly bill list, so that everyone can see how the Township is spending our tax dollars.

December 1, 2014 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

At the last meeting of the Middletown Township Committee on December 1st, the Committee heard an appeal from Mr. Arne Henn and his attorney requesting a license to open a business to buy and sell precious metals. The application was denied based on information obtained by Middletown Police Chief Craig Weber (attached to the meeting agenda you will find Mr. Henn's application and background information).

A discussion took place regarding the installation of a sprinkler system at the Lincroft Village Green Park. Many unanswered details were provided during the public portion of the meeting when details were permitted to be presented.

It was suggested that a economic profile be drafted and posted on the township website in order to attract businesses to the town.

There was discussion to identify faith-based volunteer groups to provide relief to those that are in need in the community and eliminate the responsibility of government to provide this service.



As always, you can download a copy of the Meeting Agenda that contains the discussion items and the proposed resolutions and ordinances that were voted on or presented during the meeting. A box around an item is a link, bringing you further into the document to that resolution or ordinance. At the end of the resolution there will be a link bringing you back to the agenda. Attached to this agenda is also the monthly bill list, so that everyone can see how the Township is spending our tax dollars.

Sandy Recovery Funds Public Hearing At Brookdale Community College 2/21/14

From Middletown Alerts:


Fri, Feb 21,2014
The Christie Administration rescheduled the public hearing on the second round of federal Sandy recovery funds at Brookdale Community College Robert J Collins Area to Friday, February 21, 2014 from 4-7:30pm, because of the recent severe winter weather. Individuals who registered to attend or speak on the original hearing date of February 13th do not need to re-register.

The hearing will be held at Robert J. Collins Arena and Recreation & Events Center on the Brookdale Community College campus at 65 Newman Springs Road from 4:00- 7:30pm. Individuals interested in speaking at the public hearings will be given up to three minutes. In order to accommodate all participants, pre-registration for the public hearing is strongly encouraged. Participants may pre-register at https://bitly.com/SandyPublicHearings. Read More

May 6, 2013 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

This past Monday night the Middletown Township Committee came together once again for it's monthly workshop meeting,at this workshop meeting the Committee held a few public hearings for the introduction of the 2013 Municipal Budget, the 2013 Solid Waste Budget and on Bond Ordinance #2013-3087 which authorizes the borrowing of $1.5M for the construction of an artificial turf sports field on Middletown Township Board of Education property and other various sports field improvements around the district.

The meeting was held in the Court House of Town Hall as opposed to the cramped little conference room next to the Clerk's office as I had hoped the it would be and lasted a little over 90 minutes with the budget hearing taking up the first 50 minutes. Afterwards it was announced that a date for the adoption of the budget would scheduled for a future meeting.

After no one spoke regarding the Municipal Solid Waste Budget, a hearing was for Bond Ordinance #2013-8037 was conducted. As I posted earlier, Linda Baum asked if a cost analysis was done and if it available for see and it was stated by Mayor Osmosis (Gerry Scharfenberger) that their was nothing on paper, it was all done in their heads. The meeting quickly moved on from there with the other items on the agenda.

Committee Comments followed by comments from the public (my favorite part of these meetings) begins at the 1:05 mark of the video and as usual is somewhat enlightening and shouldn't be missed.





As always, you can download a copy of the meeting agenda that contains the discussion items and the proposed resolutions and ordinances that were voted on or presented during the meeting. A box around an item is a link, bringing you further into the document to that resolution or ordinance. At the end of the resolution there will be a link bringing you back to the agenda. Attached to this agenda is also the monthly bill list, so that everyone can see how the Township is spending our tax dollars

With Geniuses At Work, Cost Analyses Are Done In Their Heads And Not With A Calculator, Pen or Paper

Before I post the latest video of the Middletown Township Committee at work during this past Monday night's workshop meeting, I have to post this clip, it's a classic!

During the public hearing to discuss the $1.5M bond ordinance(#2013-3087) that will be used to finance the construction of 1 artificial turf sports field on the grounds of Thompson School and other field improvements at various schools around town, resident Linda Baum asked if a cost analysis was done to show revenue neutrality regarding the borrowing of the $1.5M to construct and improve these fields. The reason behind her asking was simple, at a previous meeting Committeeman Kevin Settembrino commented that the field project would be "revenue neutral" (his words) and the bond would be paid off by the money raised through increasing the user fees that various sports leagues around town pay to use the fields. To see if this was true and verify that revenue neutrality was indeed going to be achieved, she wanted to know if any documents existed to support Senttembrino's statement.

In typical fashion, acting mayor Gerry (I learned everything I needed to know about budgeting through osmosis) Scharfenberger told Ms. Baum that yes, there was a cost analysis done but there were no documents that could be OPRA'ed by her to verify the numbers because it was all done in in their (Township Committee/Administrator's) head.

OMG and LOL, I can't stop myself from laughing!  We really do have a bunch of geniuses working for us here in Middletown.

12-13-12 TOMSA Meeting

Last Wednesday night, December 13th, there was a meeting of the Middletown Township Sewerage Authority(TOMSA).

After a brief public hearingt, where only one person asked a question, the 2013 budget for the TOMSA was adopted. It will now be forwarded to the N.J. Department of Community Affailr for approval.

Even though the meeting video lasts only 34 minutes, I haven't had a chance to watch it all due to the time constrains of the holiday season. I hope to get back to it at a later date.

Be warned, the audio of the video is a bit fuzzy and is a little hard to listen to, but you can make out what is being discussed with little difficulty, so it is worth the watch.



Here is a copy of the TOMSA meeting agenda for December 13th, 2012

Middletown Township Committee Meeting 6/18/12

Here is the video of the June 18th, 2012 Middletown Township Committee Meeting; It was a long one, lasting nearly three hours.

There was a nice Proclamation to East Keansburg Fireman John Bayard Sr. for his 50 years of service. He was presented the first ever key to the city.

As reported in both the Independent and Middletown Patch, a public hearing was conducted for a new Pay-To-Play ordinance(which was adopted) that reverts the Township's more effective ordinace (adopted just a few years ago and at the time was touted by former Mayor Scharfenberger as the strongest pay-to-play ordinance in the state) to the less effective state open process, which allows town professionals to once again contribute to those who are responsible for appointing them to work for tax payer dollars. A few comments were offered by former Township Committeeman Sean Byrnes, former Township Committee candidate James Grenafege and current Township Committee candidate Linda Baum.

The public hearing on the Pay-to-Play ordinance starts at the 25:50 mark of the video and ends at the 82:30 mark.

Ordinances were adopted that established a Historic Preservation Committee, an Economic Development Committee, to increase fees such as dog and cat licenses and tattoo parlors and issued $2.1M in capital improvement bonds which 25% will go towards engineering and attorney fees.

Be sure to watch the Public Comments portion of the meeting which starts at the 130 minute mark or approximately two hours and ten minutes into the meeting, as always they are enlightening and shows what is on the minds of residents who have taken the time to attend the meeting. It's also interesting to see and listen to the responses of those up on the dais; arrogance,hubris and condescension reigns.



As a companion to the video, you can download a copy of the meeting agenda that contains the proposed resolutions and ordinances that were voted on or presented during the meeting. A box around an item is a link, bringing you further into the document to that resolution or ordinance. At the end of the resolution there will be a link bringing you back to the agenda. Attached to this agenda is also the monthly bill list, so that everyone can see how the Township is spending our tax dollars.

Middletown Township Committee Meeting 4/16/12

This video is of the April 16th, 2012, Middletown Township Committee Meeting.  It was at this meeting that a public hearing was held to sell the Middletown Swim & Tennis Club, after which the Committee voted to approve the sale to the non-profit group New Jersey Junior Titans, Inc..



As a companion to the video, you can download a copy of the meeting agenda that contains the proposed resolutions and ordinances that were voted on or presented during the meeting. A box around an item is a link, bringing you further into the document to that resolution or ordinance. At the end of the resolution there will be a link bringing you back to the agenda. Attached to this agenda is also the monthly bill list, so that everyone can see how the Township is spending our tax dollars.

Secret Public Hearing at Middletown Sewerage Authority

The following letter appears online at the Atlantic Highlands Herald:

At its 12/7/2011 Board meeting, The Middletown Sewerage Authority (TOMSA) held a public hearing on its 2012 budget, but didn’t bother to tell the public.

I attended that meeting and was caught by surprise when, at the start of the meeting, TOMSA Executive Director Pat Parkinson asked awkwardly if there were any public comments on the budget. He never bothered to announce that it was a public hearing. Such an announcement is protocol at hearings and typically includes mention of when notice was provided to the public in line with statutory requirement.

Not realizing it was a hearing and not prepared for it, I said nothing, and the Board quickly moved to adopt the budget by unanimous vote while I was still scratching my head.

After the meeting, I did an online search of public notices and found none about the budget hearing. Because the public wasn’t notified of the hearing, TOMSA’s 2012 budget is subject to legal challenge. It seems appropriate, then, that a new hearing be scheduled. The public deserves a real opportunity, and has a legal right, to review the numbers and ask questions.

Linda Baum
Middletown, NJ

Political Affiliations Over Participation Matter More When It Comes To Board Appointments

Due to my work schedule I can't make as many Township Committee meeting as I would like, but when I do have to opportunity to attend a meeting I usually walk away enlightened, though usually not in a way that people would expect. I often walk away shaking my head because often those that sit up on the dais, both elected and appointed, show their contempt and arrogance for anyone that disagrees with them.

I have witnessed more than once, the shameful display of eye-rolling, sneers, snickering, laughter and outright contempt directed at those who express concerns that run contrary to what those on the dais feel or believe. Many times, instead of allowing a person to speak they are cut-off in mid-sentence and berated the likes of Tony Fiore or the Township Attorney Brian Nelson, and because an argument often ensues the speakers points go unaddressed.

During the Dec. 19th public hearing on Ordinance 2011-3048, the ordinance to expand the Middletown Library Board of Trustees, much of the same behavior was witnessed being directed at two who spoke against the expansion of the board of trustees. Only this time, Tony Fiore inadvertently admitted what many throughout Middletown already know,that is unless you are a loyal Republican you have no chance of having your concerns or opinions truly addressed or heard and unless you are someone that would have voted for him or others on the dais in an election, you have virtually no chance whatsoever of being able to participate on various boards or commissions that are sponsored by the Township.

Here's the proof to back up my point; during the hearing Ms. Linda Baum, who has been very critical of the Township Committee, its members and their practices was addressing her concerns and disapproval of the ordinance. During much of this time, she was often interrupted by Tony Fiore and told that what she was saying was not relevant (even though it went to the heart of the matter for the reason for expanding the board of trustees) and when she reiterated the thoughts of another speaker, Melanie Elmiger, about politicizing the process for appointments, Ms. Baum stated how she had applied for one of the new appointments to the Library's Board of Trustees but didn't expect to get it because of her party affiliation (Ms.Baum is a register Democrat), at which point Fiore basically agreed. Ms. Baum continued her discussion by stating that active participation matters and that those that participate by going to meetings and paying attention to what goes on at said meetings, should have a higher priority for consideration when it come to appointments to the various boards that individuals take the time and interest to attend meetings for. She stated that those people would have a better understand of what goes on then those that have never attended a meeting before.

Somehow though, Tony Fiore disagreed with that logic and said that it wasn't necessarily the case.

Below is an excerpt from the current edition of "It's Your Town" newsletter that documented the exchange between Fiore and Baum along with a brief audio clip that captures some of the exchange between the two.

The audio is just enough to support my point about the arrogance of those that represent Middletown residents on the Township Committee and the blatant partisan politics that they play:

"...She said she wanted to repeat what Ms. Elmiger said earlier relating to the political appointments as a method of selection. She said she applied to be appointed to the Library Board but did not

expect to be appointed because of party affiliation. Mr. Fiore said that Ms. Baum had as much of a chance of being appointed to the Library Board as he had in having her vote for him in the election. Ms. Baum said that participation matters and they should think about who attends the Library meetings because they would be up on what is going on. Mr. Fiore said that is not always the case..."