Long Branch council adopts $47.8M budget
CFO warns cuts may be needed next year
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — The City Council approved the $47.8 million budget last week after waiting for the state to review the spending plan.
The vote was 3-1 in favor at the June 23 council meeting, with Councilman Brian Unger voting against the 2009 budget. Councilman Anthony Giordano was absent for the vote.A
ccording to Chief Finance Officer Ronald Mehlhorn Sr., the proposed budget is an increase of about $2.8 million over last year's approved $45 million budget.
The tax rate would increase by 2 cents to 59.6 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.
"That equates to about $100 more a year for the average home assessed at just under $500,000," Mehlhorn said.
The tax levy is $30,515,934, an increase of $1,247,288 from last year but below the stated-mandated cap that sets the maximum increase at 4 percent. Last year's tax levy was $29,268,646.
Some of the larger increases in this year's budget are: $15,266 in increases in salaries and wages in the office of the chief administrator; $27,933 in salaries, wages and other expenses in the division of parks; and $342,573 in increases for salaries, wages and other expenses within the police department.
Unger voted against introduction of the budget as well as voting against its approval.
In May, Unger suggested cuts to the budget, such as cutting administrative clerk positions, including the mayor's secretary, which he said would save about $49,000, as well as cutting $100,000 in fees paid to the city's labor counsel, while arguing for allocating $45,000 to televise council meetings.
During the public portion of the council meeting, some residents weren't satisfied with the approved budget.
"The taxpayers of this town are looking at a debt of $48 million and counting," Long Branch resident Diana Multare said during the meeting. "And I will continue to count, because the taxpayers of this town need to know how much they owe and why."
While the budget was finally passed, Multare said she would continue to scrutinize the spending plan.
"Tonight is going to be the final public hearing on the budget, but I personally intend to keep looking at it," Multare said.
Mehlhorn said in an interview last week that some of those who complained are misinformed.
"The public has raised several concerns, but has not really asked for an explanation," Mehlhorn said.
Among the issues raised at council meetings was the recent hiring of someone in the fire department during a hiring freeze.
"People keep mentioning the hiring freeze and the hiring of a full-time employee in the fire department," Mehlhorn said. "We didn't add any new money for that position.
"We had a temporary worker who we made full time," he added.
Mehlhorn went on to say that the alternative might be far worse for Long Branch.
"People can complain, but what if we have to shut down the firehouse?" Mehlhorn said. "I think people would be more up in arms about that."
According to Mehlhorn, the city did nothing wrong and the hiring did not affect the budget.
"There have been no violations of our hiring freeze in the
firehouse," Mehlhorn said. "It's just been a matter of semantics."
Another matter of contention has been the allocation of overtime hours in the budget.
Multare has been outspoken about municipal employees' overtime hours, contending that they should have been drastically reduced.
"Now from my point of view, in an economic downturn you need to shrink items like overtime dramatically," Multare said. "And I mentioned last time that there was one effective way to reduce overtime, specifically in terms of the police department, and that has to do with overlapping schedules.
"I mentioned that and got nothing but blank stares and no response, no inquiries," she added.
Mehlhorn disagreed.
"It's easy to look in hindsight about overtime," Mehlhorn said. "For example, when someone is out sick in the police department, you need someone to work overtime in their place."
While this may have been a difficult year in which to create a budget, Mehlhorn may not be looking forward to next year's budget.
"This year's budget was in the top two or three in tough budgets," Mehlhorn said. "I can't even comprehend how difficult next year's budget will be."
According to Mehlhorn, if the economy doesn't turn around soon, cuts will likely have to be made.
"With the situation with the economy, I could see some big cuts happening next year," Mehlhorn said. "Next year might be difficult if everything stays the same."
However, Mehlhorn said the city doesn't want the cuts to cost jobs.
"Our policy is that we don't want to contribute to the poor economy by laying people off," Mehlhorn said, adding, "But there is a point where we are going to have to consider the taxpayers and make some cuts at some places."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tour looks at sites for Port Huron building
Tour looks at sites for Port Huron building
LONG BRANCH — A group of local preservationists, residents and others who are interested in preserving the Port Huron building at the Takanassee Beach Club were slated to tour the historic structure Thursday.
According to Long Branch Councilman Brian Unger, the group was also expected to discuss other potential sites in the city where the structure could be relocated.
Tentative plans call for the building to be reused as a combination maritime-surfing museum.
Last year, the Port Huron building on the former Takanassee Beach Club site on Ocean Avenue was listed for sale for $1 on the National Trust for Historic Preservation website.
The Takanassee site is currently owned by Isaac Chera, who plans to construct a luxury condominium project on the oceanfront site.
Chera was issued a Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) permit in February 2008 by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to construct the project.
With the CAFRA approval came some 30 conditions the developer must adhere to, including preserving the three historic Takanassee structures.
Plans call for Chera to preserve one of the buildings on the original site and to relocate the other two stations off-site, where they will be restored.
Members of the preservation community are concerned about the fate of the buildings.
The Monmouth County Park System has indicated it is considering moving the oldest structure, the Captain's House, to Seven Presidents Park.
According to Unger, who has led the effort to preserve the Takanassee structures, plans call for the boathouse to remain onsite and become part of the new residential development.
A proposal was made at a City Council meeting and at a meeting of the Long Branch Historical Association to use the Port Huron house for a proposed surfing/ maritime/Takanassee museum.
Unger said in a press release that efforts to preserve the Port Huron building and relocate it in Long Branch have the support of Chera, who plans to pursue site plan approval before the Long Branch Planning Board.
Those invited to join the tour included residents, preservationists and other interested parties from the Long Branch Historical Association, the Long Branch City Council and administration, the Monmouth County Historical Commission, the N.J. State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), the Atlantic Surfing Museum, the Elberon Voters & Property Owners Association, and Long Branch Citizens for Good Government.
The tour was to include inspection of the Port Huron house; a review of the lot adjacent to the Church of the Presidents' St. James Chapel; and a review of the proposed Hoey Park site for the Port Huron building.
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LONG BRANCH — A group of local preservationists, residents and others who are interested in preserving the Port Huron building at the Takanassee Beach Club were slated to tour the historic structure Thursday.
According to Long Branch Councilman Brian Unger, the group was also expected to discuss other potential sites in the city where the structure could be relocated.
Tentative plans call for the building to be reused as a combination maritime-surfing museum.
Last year, the Port Huron building on the former Takanassee Beach Club site on Ocean Avenue was listed for sale for $1 on the National Trust for Historic Preservation website.
The Takanassee site is currently owned by Isaac Chera, who plans to construct a luxury condominium project on the oceanfront site.
Chera was issued a Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) permit in February 2008 by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to construct the project.
With the CAFRA approval came some 30 conditions the developer must adhere to, including preserving the three historic Takanassee structures.
Plans call for Chera to preserve one of the buildings on the original site and to relocate the other two stations off-site, where they will be restored.
Members of the preservation community are concerned about the fate of the buildings.
The Monmouth County Park System has indicated it is considering moving the oldest structure, the Captain's House, to Seven Presidents Park.
According to Unger, who has led the effort to preserve the Takanassee structures, plans call for the boathouse to remain onsite and become part of the new residential development.
A proposal was made at a City Council meeting and at a meeting of the Long Branch Historical Association to use the Port Huron house for a proposed surfing/ maritime/Takanassee museum.
Unger said in a press release that efforts to preserve the Port Huron building and relocate it in Long Branch have the support of Chera, who plans to pursue site plan approval before the Long Branch Planning Board.
Those invited to join the tour included residents, preservationists and other interested parties from the Long Branch Historical Association, the Long Branch City Council and administration, the Monmouth County Historical Commission, the N.J. State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), the Atlantic Surfing Museum, the Elberon Voters & Property Owners Association, and Long Branch Citizens for Good Government.
The tour was to include inspection of the Port Huron house; a review of the lot adjacent to the Church of the Presidents' St. James Chapel; and a review of the proposed Hoey Park site for the Port Huron building.
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City encourages growth of farmers markets
City encourages growth of farmers markets
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — A new ordinance may encourage the opening of farmers markets throughout the city
Prior to the summer season, the Long Branch City Council passed an ordinance allowing farmers markets to apply for a zoning permit to hold a market within certain areas of the city.
Until now, farmers markets received a special permit allowing them to operate for a single season and a specific period of time.
The new ordinance was first suggested by Zoning Officer Michelle Bernich during the May 12 workshop meeting, and was unanimously approved by the council during the May 26 meeting.
According to Bernich, the ordinance makes it easier for the zoning office to manage farmers markets.
"We feel that it simplifies things in the long run," Bernich said. "We wanted to be consistent."
Under the new ordinance, prospective farmers markets can apply for a zoning permit.
Bernich said the markets are allowed in one of the three Long Branch commercial zones, and they must adhere to the Jersey Fresh Organic Farmers Market program.
The ordinance defines farm market as "a retail outlet normally owned or operated by a producer or farm unit, located on-farm or off-farm, selling products produced by the farm, directly to the consumer."
Bernich noted that there already is a farmers market in Long Branch.
"For the second year, we have a market in West End," Bernich said. "It is run by Jesse Novak of Jesse's Café on Brighton Avenue."
With the success of last year's market, Jesse's Café wants to expand, which contributed to the adoption of the ordinance.
"Interest got bigger so they expanded," Bernich said. "Now they have more space and more vendors.
"Jesse's Café kind of set the tone for this ordinance," she added.
While she expects another successful season for the West End market, there are other places in Long Branch that would benefit from having a farmers market, she said.
"There are a few vacant parcels in the commercial areas that would also be beneficial," she said, adding, "There is an open lot on Broadway next to St. Luke's Church that would be good.
"Really any open parking lot or open space in the commercial zones would work," Bernich added.
While there is only one market slated for this summer, more may be on the way.
"We only have the one up and running, but others are interested," Bernich said.
One benefit of the ordinance being in place is that once a prospective market is approved, it will not be necessary to apply for a permit before every season.
"Instead of getting a permit every year, the market is now zoned for this use," Bernich said, adding, "So unless they are changing the use, they don't need to get a permit every season.
"The permit can be amended if they want to change the day or time," Bernich said. "It's good until something changes."
One of the main points of the ordinance is to not have farmers markets competing with one another.
"The West End Farm Market runs on Thursdays, June through December," Bernich said. "Any other days that work out best for the farmers are ideal at other locations."
The market must obtain a permit from the Special Events Committee as well as be reviewed by the City Council.
A new market cannot apply to operate on the same day/time as an existing market.
"Times, days and locations may require Special Events Committee and City Council review and approvals," Bernich said.
"If the proposed location is not in a C-1, C-2 or C-3 Zone or if days conflict with another market," Bernich said.
"There has been interest from the Mayor's Energy Review Committee and increased requests from local business owners and the public," she said.
Before the ordinance was passed, farmers markets received a special permit for a specific period of time.
"[They would need a] special event permit for a specified period of time," Bernich said.
"The ordinance is another example of how the city of Long Branch is "Working for a green future."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — A new ordinance may encourage the opening of farmers markets throughout the city
Prior to the summer season, the Long Branch City Council passed an ordinance allowing farmers markets to apply for a zoning permit to hold a market within certain areas of the city.
Until now, farmers markets received a special permit allowing them to operate for a single season and a specific period of time.
The new ordinance was first suggested by Zoning Officer Michelle Bernich during the May 12 workshop meeting, and was unanimously approved by the council during the May 26 meeting.
According to Bernich, the ordinance makes it easier for the zoning office to manage farmers markets.
"We feel that it simplifies things in the long run," Bernich said. "We wanted to be consistent."
Under the new ordinance, prospective farmers markets can apply for a zoning permit.
Bernich said the markets are allowed in one of the three Long Branch commercial zones, and they must adhere to the Jersey Fresh Organic Farmers Market program.
The ordinance defines farm market as "a retail outlet normally owned or operated by a producer or farm unit, located on-farm or off-farm, selling products produced by the farm, directly to the consumer."
Bernich noted that there already is a farmers market in Long Branch.
"For the second year, we have a market in West End," Bernich said. "It is run by Jesse Novak of Jesse's Café on Brighton Avenue."
With the success of last year's market, Jesse's Café wants to expand, which contributed to the adoption of the ordinance.
"Interest got bigger so they expanded," Bernich said. "Now they have more space and more vendors.
"Jesse's Café kind of set the tone for this ordinance," she added.
While she expects another successful season for the West End market, there are other places in Long Branch that would benefit from having a farmers market, she said.
"There are a few vacant parcels in the commercial areas that would also be beneficial," she said, adding, "There is an open lot on Broadway next to St. Luke's Church that would be good.
"Really any open parking lot or open space in the commercial zones would work," Bernich added.
While there is only one market slated for this summer, more may be on the way.
"We only have the one up and running, but others are interested," Bernich said.
One benefit of the ordinance being in place is that once a prospective market is approved, it will not be necessary to apply for a permit before every season.
"Instead of getting a permit every year, the market is now zoned for this use," Bernich said, adding, "So unless they are changing the use, they don't need to get a permit every season.
"The permit can be amended if they want to change the day or time," Bernich said. "It's good until something changes."
One of the main points of the ordinance is to not have farmers markets competing with one another.
"The West End Farm Market runs on Thursdays, June through December," Bernich said. "Any other days that work out best for the farmers are ideal at other locations."
The market must obtain a permit from the Special Events Committee as well as be reviewed by the City Council.
A new market cannot apply to operate on the same day/time as an existing market.
"Times, days and locations may require Special Events Committee and City Council review and approvals," Bernich said.
"If the proposed location is not in a C-1, C-2 or C-3 Zone or if days conflict with another market," Bernich said.
"There has been interest from the Mayor's Energy Review Committee and increased requests from local business owners and the public," she said.
Before the ordinance was passed, farmers markets received a special permit for a specific period of time.
"[They would need a] special event permit for a specified period of time," Bernich said.
"The ordinance is another example of how the city of Long Branch is "Working for a green future."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com
Click here to enlarge
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Sun, surf and smiles as Life Rolls On
Sun, surf and smiles as Life Rolls On
Day of surfing for people with spinal cord injuries
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Beachgoers flocked to the Jersey Shore this weekend, but none enjoyed themselves as much as a group who gathered on the beachfront to catch a wave, some for the first time.
CHRIS KELLY staff Volunteers are watchful as Keaghlan Strauss, Toms River, rides a wave during the Life Rolls On Foundation's "They Will Surf Again," event held at the Long Branch oceanfront June 28.
The Life Rolls On Foundation held its second annual "They Will Surf Again" [TWSA] event at Pier Village in Long Branch on June 28, and according to a post-event press release, more than 25 participants and 200 volunteers gathered to make a day of surfing possible for people with spinal cord injuries.
"Injured athletes from around the country gathered together for a day of surfing. Some have not surfed since their injury, some have never surfed, some surf all the time despite their varying mobility," according to the Life Rolls On website.
Event organizer Joe Levy said the early part of the day is the hardest, while everything gets easier once the participants hit the water.
CHRIS KELLY staff Joe Cali, Hazlet, is all smiles after riding a wave during "They Will Surf Again," an event held to allow people with spinal cord injuries to experience the exhilaration of surfing.
"Registration is the hardest part," Levy said in an interview on the beach. "We are now over that hurdle.
"Once they get out on the waves, the day moves fast."
California-based Life Rolls On has held TWSA events across the country, including in California, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia and New Jersey.
This is the 24th event held since 2004 and the second consecutive year the program is taking place in Long Branch.
TWSA is the flagship event for LRO, but the foundation has also held several golf events this year as well as its first ski event in California.
Levy was in charge of organizing the participants as well as the nearly 200 volunteers.
He organized the surfers and volunteers into teams identified by the color of their wetsuits and also assigned the volunteers land roles or water roles.
"Everybody has a role," Levy said. "There are five to seven roles per team, from water to land."
With the organization of the event out of the way, safety remained the most important issue.
"Safety is a main concern in an event like this," Levy said, while addressing the crowd of volunteers.
"We use what they call training surfboards," volunteer Vincent Blais, Old Bridge, said. "They have soft bottoms, so in case someone gets hit with one, they won't really hurt."
The water-based teams were split into three levels: deep water where the surfers start, midway, and shallow.
Some of the volunteers explained the roles of the deep-water positions.
"There are two people pushing from behind," Tony Aufiero, Wall, said. "I am one of the ones guiding the board from the sides."
"The deep-water part is pretty challenging," Noel Fitzpatrick, Belmar, said. "I am swimming around making sure everyone on the team and everyone surfing is all right.
"The tide is low and the water is very shallow," added Fitzpatrick, who works as a surfing instructor in Ocean Grove.
While the deep-water portion is certainly challenging, Old Bridge resident Jennifer Kieliszewski explained that the shallow end is challenging too.
"The most important part is the transfer and the position on the board," Kieliszewski said. "The positioning on the board of the surfer is what I mostly look at. It's important to make sure they are on the board right and to make sure their heads aren't in the water."
While the volunteers are crucial for TWSA, the day really is about the participants.
For Ian James, Neptune, TWSA is a chance to reclaim his surfing days.
James, who was injured while serving in the U.S. Air Force, was very grateful for the chance to get in the water.
"It's phenomenal," James said. "These people went out of their way to help. I'm looking forward to surfing. There is a beautiful break out there today."
Just the experience of being on the beach among a large group of people was a positive for him.
"It's nice for people to get out of the house, to get out of the hospital bed and socialize like this," James said. "It's good for everybody."
He thanked everyone involved in the day.
"The sponsors, the volunteers, the participants, it's all great," James said.
"I want to give a huge thank you to everyone," he said, adding, "I am really, really appreciative of this opportunity."
James' words rang true with Justin Ubel, who had just come out of the water and was having sunscreen applied.
"I love it, it's beautiful out there," Ubel said. "I just want to thank everyone for doing this." had just come out of the water and was having sunscreen applied.
"I love it, it's beautiful out there," Ubel said. "I just want to thank everyone for doing this. " Many participants were once experienced surfers, but less experienced surfers still were able to enjoy the day.
Malik Jones, Newark, was one of the firsttime surfers to join in the fun.
"I've been once already," Jones said. "There's a first time for everything.
"It was calm out there," he said. "It's peaceful out there. I'd definitely come back next year."
Jaclyn Daya, Old Bridge, another first-time surfer, was looking forward to getting in the water.
"I am excited for my first time surfing," Daya said. "I used to love being in the water.
"We have great weather," Daya added. "I am looking forward to getting out there."
Most of the participants and volunteers agreed that the event has grown dramatically since last year.
"I came last year," Tyler Ryan, of Montgomery, N.Y., said. "It's really fun, it's different. Last year was a lot smaller."
"It's a lot better than last year," John Harris, Doylestown, Pa., said.
Ryan said he is hoping that these events continue.
"It's a great organization," Ryan said. "I hope they continue to hold events like this."
While the surfers all said they immensely enjoyed being in the water, at least one parent admitted she might not have shared the same sentiment at first.
For Tom Pisano, Milford, TWSA represents a chance to regain his athletic past, but for his mother, Maureen, it was a stressful day last year.
"This is his second year," Maureen said. "It has been very enjoyable this year.
"Last year I was a nervous wreck," Maureen added. "Now I know what to expect."
For Tom, who was injured while skiing, the day is a chance to again regain his athleticism and be out in the sun.
"It's good, it's a nice day," Tom said. "It's good to get some sun.
"This is one of the best things I've done since I got hurt two and a half years ago."
"He just loves doing these things," his mother said. "He is very athletic."
While June set rainfall records, the sun was shining on TWSA.
"Looks like we've been blessed with good weather again," Levy said. "After five and a half weeks of rain, it looks like the rain disappeared for a TWSA event.
"We are very grateful for the weather," he said. "It's the perfect beach day."
"I expected it to rain," Ryan said.
"It's great that we got some good weather," Aufiero said.
According to two young local volunteers, it was a good day to be out on the waves.
"[The water is] about 70 degrees," Jack Collins, Shrewsbury, said. "Decent waves, it's not bad.
"They are about 3 feet high," Collins continued, adding, "from your knee to your waist, in surfing terms."
His friend Bennett Moss heard about the event fromhismother andwas happy to be involved.
"It's really great," Moss said. "Everyone comes together."
"Seeing them catch the wave makes you feel good about yourself," Collins added.
While anyone can volunteerwith Life Rolls On, some volunteers had a connection through their work in the occupational therapy field.
"I try to help out wherever I can," Brittany Beckmann said. "I work at an exercise rehab place, so that is how I found out about this.
"This is my first time here," she added. "I think it's amazing."
Beckmann went on to say that the day was well worth the work put in.
"I've never been a part of anything like this before," Beckmann said.
"Seeing all the excitement and enthusiasm on their faces is the best part," Beckmann said. "It's been so much fun."
Teresa Ciullo and Liz Wolff work as therapists in Hoboken, and some of their patients made their way down to the beach for They Will Surf Again.
"It's awesome being able to do this," Wolff said.
"Where we work, there are a lot of patients here," Ciullo said. "It is kind of like a reunion."
The way the surfing is structured, four participants go out for about 45 minutes at a time and all will go out multiple times throughout the day.
"I went on about eight or nine runs while I was out there before," Pisano said.
"Last year I went out there about eight times," Ubel added.
For the volunteers, the reward of being involved is in the joy being able to surf brings to the participants.
"Seeing the smiles on people's faces is the best part," Blais said. "You can't wipe the smiles off their faces."
"Seeing their faces, I love it," Aufiero agreed. "I really do."
"It's a lot of fun," Kieliszewski said. "This is my first one; it's cool seeing them out there."
According to Levy, funding for the event comes from sponsors, donations and grants.
The day also included a raffle for a surfboard, a surf plate, a fishing rod, massage gift certificates and T-shirts.
Life Rolls On will hold another TWSA event in New Jersey on Sept. 27 in Cape May.
For more information or to volunteer, visit the website at www.liferollson.org.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Day of surfing for people with spinal cord injuries
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Beachgoers flocked to the Jersey Shore this weekend, but none enjoyed themselves as much as a group who gathered on the beachfront to catch a wave, some for the first time.
CHRIS KELLY staff Volunteers are watchful as Keaghlan Strauss, Toms River, rides a wave during the Life Rolls On Foundation's "They Will Surf Again," event held at the Long Branch oceanfront June 28.
The Life Rolls On Foundation held its second annual "They Will Surf Again" [TWSA] event at Pier Village in Long Branch on June 28, and according to a post-event press release, more than 25 participants and 200 volunteers gathered to make a day of surfing possible for people with spinal cord injuries.
"Injured athletes from around the country gathered together for a day of surfing. Some have not surfed since their injury, some have never surfed, some surf all the time despite their varying mobility," according to the Life Rolls On website.
Event organizer Joe Levy said the early part of the day is the hardest, while everything gets easier once the participants hit the water.
CHRIS KELLY staff Joe Cali, Hazlet, is all smiles after riding a wave during "They Will Surf Again," an event held to allow people with spinal cord injuries to experience the exhilaration of surfing.
"Registration is the hardest part," Levy said in an interview on the beach. "We are now over that hurdle.
"Once they get out on the waves, the day moves fast."
California-based Life Rolls On has held TWSA events across the country, including in California, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia and New Jersey.
This is the 24th event held since 2004 and the second consecutive year the program is taking place in Long Branch.
TWSA is the flagship event for LRO, but the foundation has also held several golf events this year as well as its first ski event in California.
Levy was in charge of organizing the participants as well as the nearly 200 volunteers.
He organized the surfers and volunteers into teams identified by the color of their wetsuits and also assigned the volunteers land roles or water roles.
"Everybody has a role," Levy said. "There are five to seven roles per team, from water to land."
With the organization of the event out of the way, safety remained the most important issue.
"Safety is a main concern in an event like this," Levy said, while addressing the crowd of volunteers.
"We use what they call training surfboards," volunteer Vincent Blais, Old Bridge, said. "They have soft bottoms, so in case someone gets hit with one, they won't really hurt."
The water-based teams were split into three levels: deep water where the surfers start, midway, and shallow.
Some of the volunteers explained the roles of the deep-water positions.
"There are two people pushing from behind," Tony Aufiero, Wall, said. "I am one of the ones guiding the board from the sides."
"The deep-water part is pretty challenging," Noel Fitzpatrick, Belmar, said. "I am swimming around making sure everyone on the team and everyone surfing is all right.
"The tide is low and the water is very shallow," added Fitzpatrick, who works as a surfing instructor in Ocean Grove.
While the deep-water portion is certainly challenging, Old Bridge resident Jennifer Kieliszewski explained that the shallow end is challenging too.
"The most important part is the transfer and the position on the board," Kieliszewski said. "The positioning on the board of the surfer is what I mostly look at. It's important to make sure they are on the board right and to make sure their heads aren't in the water."
While the volunteers are crucial for TWSA, the day really is about the participants.
For Ian James, Neptune, TWSA is a chance to reclaim his surfing days.
James, who was injured while serving in the U.S. Air Force, was very grateful for the chance to get in the water.
"It's phenomenal," James said. "These people went out of their way to help. I'm looking forward to surfing. There is a beautiful break out there today."
Just the experience of being on the beach among a large group of people was a positive for him.
"It's nice for people to get out of the house, to get out of the hospital bed and socialize like this," James said. "It's good for everybody."
He thanked everyone involved in the day.
"The sponsors, the volunteers, the participants, it's all great," James said.
"I want to give a huge thank you to everyone," he said, adding, "I am really, really appreciative of this opportunity."
James' words rang true with Justin Ubel, who had just come out of the water and was having sunscreen applied.
"I love it, it's beautiful out there," Ubel said. "I just want to thank everyone for doing this." had just come out of the water and was having sunscreen applied.
"I love it, it's beautiful out there," Ubel said. "I just want to thank everyone for doing this. " Many participants were once experienced surfers, but less experienced surfers still were able to enjoy the day.
Malik Jones, Newark, was one of the firsttime surfers to join in the fun.
"I've been once already," Jones said. "There's a first time for everything.
"It was calm out there," he said. "It's peaceful out there. I'd definitely come back next year."
Jaclyn Daya, Old Bridge, another first-time surfer, was looking forward to getting in the water.
"I am excited for my first time surfing," Daya said. "I used to love being in the water.
"We have great weather," Daya added. "I am looking forward to getting out there."
Most of the participants and volunteers agreed that the event has grown dramatically since last year.
"I came last year," Tyler Ryan, of Montgomery, N.Y., said. "It's really fun, it's different. Last year was a lot smaller."
"It's a lot better than last year," John Harris, Doylestown, Pa., said.
Ryan said he is hoping that these events continue.
"It's a great organization," Ryan said. "I hope they continue to hold events like this."
While the surfers all said they immensely enjoyed being in the water, at least one parent admitted she might not have shared the same sentiment at first.
For Tom Pisano, Milford, TWSA represents a chance to regain his athletic past, but for his mother, Maureen, it was a stressful day last year.
"This is his second year," Maureen said. "It has been very enjoyable this year.
"Last year I was a nervous wreck," Maureen added. "Now I know what to expect."
For Tom, who was injured while skiing, the day is a chance to again regain his athleticism and be out in the sun.
"It's good, it's a nice day," Tom said. "It's good to get some sun.
"This is one of the best things I've done since I got hurt two and a half years ago."
"He just loves doing these things," his mother said. "He is very athletic."
While June set rainfall records, the sun was shining on TWSA.
"Looks like we've been blessed with good weather again," Levy said. "After five and a half weeks of rain, it looks like the rain disappeared for a TWSA event.
"We are very grateful for the weather," he said. "It's the perfect beach day."
"I expected it to rain," Ryan said.
"It's great that we got some good weather," Aufiero said.
According to two young local volunteers, it was a good day to be out on the waves.
"[The water is] about 70 degrees," Jack Collins, Shrewsbury, said. "Decent waves, it's not bad.
"They are about 3 feet high," Collins continued, adding, "from your knee to your waist, in surfing terms."
His friend Bennett Moss heard about the event fromhismother andwas happy to be involved.
"It's really great," Moss said. "Everyone comes together."
"Seeing them catch the wave makes you feel good about yourself," Collins added.
While anyone can volunteerwith Life Rolls On, some volunteers had a connection through their work in the occupational therapy field.
"I try to help out wherever I can," Brittany Beckmann said. "I work at an exercise rehab place, so that is how I found out about this.
"This is my first time here," she added. "I think it's amazing."
Beckmann went on to say that the day was well worth the work put in.
"I've never been a part of anything like this before," Beckmann said.
"Seeing all the excitement and enthusiasm on their faces is the best part," Beckmann said. "It's been so much fun."
Teresa Ciullo and Liz Wolff work as therapists in Hoboken, and some of their patients made their way down to the beach for They Will Surf Again.
"It's awesome being able to do this," Wolff said.
"Where we work, there are a lot of patients here," Ciullo said. "It is kind of like a reunion."
The way the surfing is structured, four participants go out for about 45 minutes at a time and all will go out multiple times throughout the day.
"I went on about eight or nine runs while I was out there before," Pisano said.
"Last year I went out there about eight times," Ubel added.
For the volunteers, the reward of being involved is in the joy being able to surf brings to the participants.
"Seeing the smiles on people's faces is the best part," Blais said. "You can't wipe the smiles off their faces."
"Seeing their faces, I love it," Aufiero agreed. "I really do."
"It's a lot of fun," Kieliszewski said. "This is my first one; it's cool seeing them out there."
According to Levy, funding for the event comes from sponsors, donations and grants.
The day also included a raffle for a surfboard, a surf plate, a fishing rod, massage gift certificates and T-shirts.
Life Rolls On will hold another TWSA event in New Jersey on Sept. 27 in Cape May.
For more information or to volunteer, visit the website at www.liferollson.org.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Saturday, August 22, 2009
Tinton Falls advised to revisit budget
Tinton Falls advised to revisit budget
Finance director projects $500K revenue decline
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — The Borough Council may reconsider their introduced budget that kept the tax rate steady.
On May 5, the council introduced a $21.8 million spending plan that calls for a $10.6 million tax levy.
However, with revenues dropping, the council was urged to consider raising the tax rate up to the maximum 4-percent increase at the June 16 council meeting.
The state has not yet reviewed the budget, pushing a vote back to the next council meeting.
Borough Finance Director Stephen Pfeffer and Freehold-based auditor Bob Allison lead a lengthy discussion on the impact of the economic climate on the borough at the meeting.
Pfeffer explained that the recession was slow to affect Tinton Falls, and revenues were actually up as recently as early 2009.
"We had a very good last quarter in 2008 and were able to rebuild surplus almost to the amount of the prior year," Pfeffer said.
"[During] 2008 the borough was outside of the recession that was happening nationally," he added. "Our rate of collection was higher than the year before.
"For the first two or three months, it appeared our revenues were still going to be strong," he continued. "Municipal court fees were looking good, the hotel tax was looking relatively stable."
However, as summer approached, the revenues seemed to take a nosedive.
"In the last month, the revenues have deteriorated to the point where I decided to take a further look at the budget," Pfeffer said, "to see where we can cut expenses and reduce some of those revenue line items accordingly."
Pfeffer explained that he was able to come up with some reductions, but they may not be enough.
"We were able to come up with about $190,000 on reductions," he said. "We took that money from interest on investments and from hotel tax fees.
"We still have revenue shortfalls in at least three revenue line items," he continued, "that being from the court, the uniform construction code and interest on investments."
Pfeffer was not positive how much revenues would go down in 2009, but expects it to be around $500,000.
"I believe that in the line items I've really been focusing on, my guess is it could be around a half a million dollars," he said.
Pfeffer explained that the drop in revenues from those line items would have an adverse effect on not only this year's budget, but future budgets as well.
"Those shortfalls would have a tremendous impact on the borough going into 2010," he said. "They would basically reduce our surplus, reduce the amount of revenue we can carry into next year's budget. It would be well below where we are today as far as an overall budget."
One counter measure that Pfeffer urged the council to consider would be to raise the tax levy up to the mandated maximum increase of 4 percent.
"If the council were to go to the max allowed by law on the tax levy, it would it would add approximately $860,000," Pfeffer said, "and we would reduce other items by an offsetting amount.
"It would give us more flexibility on the levy cap next year," he continued. "It would be a huge impact on the 2010 budget."
Allison said that the adverse effect of the economy has gone as far as to put up job cuts for public vote.
"I urge you to consider everything in managing your town not only for this year but also next year so that next year you're not in a bind," he said. "Some towns in South Jersey are putting [laying off] cops out to referendum."
Pfeffer said some of the biggest revenue losses have been from the uniform construction code fees.
In 2008, the borough collected approximately $800,000 in these fees. Thus far this year the same department has generated just $135,000 and is on pace to finish below the expected $400,000.
Generating $400,000 this year might end up being a pipedream, he said.
"I don't see where anything is close enough to break even on the $400,000 on that line item," he said.
The council members seemed to agree that they couldn't afford to have this year's budget have a detrimental effect on the future.
"We have to look at what we do in this budget doesn't have a negative impact next year," Mayor-elect Michael Skudera said. "So basically if we don't do anything now, we will have a very tough time next year."
"We've seen other towns doing furloughs and laying off people," outgoing Councilman Paul Ford said. "It's a tough decision. A decision this council may have to face one day.
"The decision now, if you want to be held harmless this year and not make any staff reductions, I don't know how you cannot go to the max," Ford added.
Councilman Andy Mayer said that instead of raising the tax levy, the council might need to take a look at cutting expenses first.
"We don't want to tax people when it's unnecessary, we want to know why we are taxing," Mayer said.
"This should be a wake up call for us to where we should really seriously look at cutting expenses. I hate to say let's just increase the taxes," Mayer added.
Pfeffer admitted that it is currently an expense cutting proposal from the Public Works Department that may save the borough up to $700,000.
He said that while he didn't expect the council to make immediate decisions, these are items they should look at.
"It's too hard to predict at this point where it is all going to go," he said. "We wanted to give the council a better picture of where we are today."
The vote on the budget is currently scheduled for the July 7 meeting, when the newly elected mayor and council members will have been sworn in.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Finance director projects $500K revenue decline
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — The Borough Council may reconsider their introduced budget that kept the tax rate steady.
On May 5, the council introduced a $21.8 million spending plan that calls for a $10.6 million tax levy.
However, with revenues dropping, the council was urged to consider raising the tax rate up to the maximum 4-percent increase at the June 16 council meeting.
The state has not yet reviewed the budget, pushing a vote back to the next council meeting.
Borough Finance Director Stephen Pfeffer and Freehold-based auditor Bob Allison lead a lengthy discussion on the impact of the economic climate on the borough at the meeting.
Pfeffer explained that the recession was slow to affect Tinton Falls, and revenues were actually up as recently as early 2009.
"We had a very good last quarter in 2008 and were able to rebuild surplus almost to the amount of the prior year," Pfeffer said.
"[During] 2008 the borough was outside of the recession that was happening nationally," he added. "Our rate of collection was higher than the year before.
"For the first two or three months, it appeared our revenues were still going to be strong," he continued. "Municipal court fees were looking good, the hotel tax was looking relatively stable."
However, as summer approached, the revenues seemed to take a nosedive.
"In the last month, the revenues have deteriorated to the point where I decided to take a further look at the budget," Pfeffer said, "to see where we can cut expenses and reduce some of those revenue line items accordingly."
Pfeffer explained that he was able to come up with some reductions, but they may not be enough.
"We were able to come up with about $190,000 on reductions," he said. "We took that money from interest on investments and from hotel tax fees.
"We still have revenue shortfalls in at least three revenue line items," he continued, "that being from the court, the uniform construction code and interest on investments."
Pfeffer was not positive how much revenues would go down in 2009, but expects it to be around $500,000.
"I believe that in the line items I've really been focusing on, my guess is it could be around a half a million dollars," he said.
Pfeffer explained that the drop in revenues from those line items would have an adverse effect on not only this year's budget, but future budgets as well.
"Those shortfalls would have a tremendous impact on the borough going into 2010," he said. "They would basically reduce our surplus, reduce the amount of revenue we can carry into next year's budget. It would be well below where we are today as far as an overall budget."
One counter measure that Pfeffer urged the council to consider would be to raise the tax levy up to the mandated maximum increase of 4 percent.
"If the council were to go to the max allowed by law on the tax levy, it would it would add approximately $860,000," Pfeffer said, "and we would reduce other items by an offsetting amount.
"It would give us more flexibility on the levy cap next year," he continued. "It would be a huge impact on the 2010 budget."
Allison said that the adverse effect of the economy has gone as far as to put up job cuts for public vote.
"I urge you to consider everything in managing your town not only for this year but also next year so that next year you're not in a bind," he said. "Some towns in South Jersey are putting [laying off] cops out to referendum."
Pfeffer said some of the biggest revenue losses have been from the uniform construction code fees.
In 2008, the borough collected approximately $800,000 in these fees. Thus far this year the same department has generated just $135,000 and is on pace to finish below the expected $400,000.
Generating $400,000 this year might end up being a pipedream, he said.
"I don't see where anything is close enough to break even on the $400,000 on that line item," he said.
The council members seemed to agree that they couldn't afford to have this year's budget have a detrimental effect on the future.
"We have to look at what we do in this budget doesn't have a negative impact next year," Mayor-elect Michael Skudera said. "So basically if we don't do anything now, we will have a very tough time next year."
"We've seen other towns doing furloughs and laying off people," outgoing Councilman Paul Ford said. "It's a tough decision. A decision this council may have to face one day.
"The decision now, if you want to be held harmless this year and not make any staff reductions, I don't know how you cannot go to the max," Ford added.
Councilman Andy Mayer said that instead of raising the tax levy, the council might need to take a look at cutting expenses first.
"We don't want to tax people when it's unnecessary, we want to know why we are taxing," Mayer said.
"This should be a wake up call for us to where we should really seriously look at cutting expenses. I hate to say let's just increase the taxes," Mayer added.
Pfeffer admitted that it is currently an expense cutting proposal from the Public Works Department that may save the borough up to $700,000.
He said that while he didn't expect the council to make immediate decisions, these are items they should look at.
"It's too hard to predict at this point where it is all going to go," he said. "We wanted to give the council a better picture of where we are today."
The vote on the budget is currently scheduled for the July 7 meeting, when the newly elected mayor and council members will have been sworn in.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
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T.F. rejects Navy stance on Earle students
T.F. rejects Navy stance on Earle students
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Tinton Falls officials are taking issue with a report by the U.S. Navy that states that children living in private housing at Naval Weapons Station Earle will attend borough schools.
“The Navy can scream and yell all they want, but all we ever asked for is children of naval personnel,” Martin Barger, attorney for the Tinton Falls Board of Education, said last week.
But a spokeswoman for the U.S. Navy disagreed.
“From what the statute says, all schoolage children will go to Tinton Falls,” Lt. Laura Stegherr said in an interview last week.
The Navy is proceeding with plans to privatize 300 housing units at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Colts Neck under an agreement with the developer of the Laurelwood housing area,
In a report issued May 22, the Navy states that there would be a significant impact on the schools in Tinton Falls as a result.“ Significant impacts … are anticipated at the Mahala Atchison Elementary School, the Swimming River Elementary School and the Tinton Falls Middle School as a result of an increased number of school-age children being sent to these schools under the proposed action,” the press release states.
“Specific impacts include physical capacity impacts, class size increases, additional school bus costs and the potential need for additional faculty.”
The Navy’s stance on educating children who will be living at the Laurelwood housing was contained in a Record of Decision for the Laurelwood Housing Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that announced the Navy’s decision on providing an unimpeded access roadway to the housing area.
The report estimates that additional annual costs to the Tinton Falls and Monmouth Regional school districts will be close to $2 million and $500,000, respectively. The report also projects that the amount of Federal Impact Aid will decrease.
Under the terms of an agreement with the U.S. Navy, for nearly 20 years the district has educated the children of Naval personnel stationed at Earle, and has received funding from the federal government to do so.
At issue is a 20-year-old statute that is being interpreted differently by the Navy and the Tinton Falls Board of Education.
The statute, N.J.S.A. 18A:38-7.8, states, “In the event that no board of education adopts a resolution indicating an interest in being designated pursuant to this section, the county superintendent shall not designate district and the pupils residing on the federal property shall attend the school of the district in which they reside.”
However, Barger and board President Peter Karavites interpret the statute differently.
“The statute does say that the county superintendent will say where the children go,” Barger said.
According to Karavites, since the housing units are located in another municipality, Tinton Falls must make a formal request to educate the students to county Superintendent Carole Knopp Morris.
Karavites said the Tinton Falls School District made the request for children of Naval personnel 19 years ago but has never made a request for any students but Navy children.
“The state law says that you have to request the kids to get them,” Karavites said. “Tinton Falls requested nothing but Navy children 19 years ago.”
Stegherr said the Navy would not be the party making the final decision on the issue.
“The Navy cannot be the deciding factor,” she said. “It is really for the state and local legislatures to decide.”
State legislators representing the 12th District opposed the privatization of housing units on the Navy base, based on security concerns.
Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon said last week that the Navy should not be commenting on where students living at Earle will attend school.
“The Navy has no business saying where these kids are going,” O’Scanlon said. “I don’t understand it.”
O’Scanlon’s view is that officials in Colts Neck and Tinton Falls should reach a consensus on the issues.
“Our job is to get everyone working together and to get the best answer for everybody,” O’Scanlon said. “Tinton Falls has every right to find out what the interpretation of the law is.”
O’Scanlon doesn’t think that either school district is equipped to handle the additional students.
“Neither one can handle the impact,” O’Scanlon said. “Every school board and municipality is at the breaking point.”
O’Scanlon faults the Navy for opting to allow privatization of some housing units at Earle, which was part of its agreement with the developer.
“It’s just a lousy decision,” O’Scanlon said. “The whole thing is a bad idea.”
The housing units to be privatized, known as Laurelwood Gardens, are located within the borders of Colts Neck, but the Colts Neck Board of Education claims the Tinton Falls School District is obliged to educate any new students, military or civilian, who reside on the base.
Tinton Falls is currently educating about 80 Navy children, but Karavites expects the number of children to rise once the housing units become privatized.
“There are about 78 or 80 Navy children going to Tinton Falls [schools] right now,” Karavites said. “There are 300 housing units with two, three or four bedrooms each, so that could be anywhere between 100 and 300 kids.”
According to the Navy, school-age children at the naval base, including those living at Laurelwood Gardens, could total about 272.
While the Tinton Falls district is currently receiving federal money for educating the Navy dependents, according to Karavites, the district would receive no funds for educating private citizens living at the complex.
“We will be receiving no impact aid for educating the civilians that live in Colts Neck,” Karavites said. “Why would we education hundreds of kids with no taxes coming to us?”
The press release from the Navy agrees, stating, “There is a potential for a net decrease in the amount of federal impact aid available … .”
Another issue Karavites cited is where the children living in privatized housing at Earle will attend high school.
Tinton Falls currently sends students to Monmouth Regional High School, which is a regional school district. Colts Neck students attend Colts Neck High School, which is part of the Freehold Regional High School District.
According to Karavites, Monmouth Regional will not accept the disputed students, and the regional district has never had a contract with the Navy to educate these students.
“Monmouth Regional has no contract at all,” Karavites said. “They can’t make Monmouth take the kids.”
According to Barger, Monmouth Regional has educated a relatively small number of Navy children in high school as a courtesy, but cannot possibly take the impact of a large population increase.
“There are only five or six children from Earle going to the high school,” Barger said. “Most naval personnel are young and have younger children. By the time they get to high school, they are gone.
“The impact would be huge on Tinton Falls and the high school,” Barger added. “We’d have to build a new school and they’d probably have to build a new wing.”
The Tinton Falls Board of Education filed a lawsuit against the county superintendent and state commissioner of education last year that maintains that the district’s agreement is to educate the children of Navy personnel, not civilian children living on the military base.
A court date has been set for July 25 for arguments in Tinton Falls’ attempt to block non-Navy children at the Naval Weapons Station Earle housing complex once it is privatized in 2010.
The Colts Neck Board of Education filed a motion asserting that the time limit for Tinton Falls to object has passed. That motion has been rejected by a judge, who ruled on June 12 that Tinton Falls could move forward with its appeal.
“We can now move forward after Colts Neck tried to hold us back,” Karavites said.
“They [Colts Neck] argued that we should have argued that 19 years ago,” Karavites said. “The judge said that was ridiculous.”
At the June 16 Borough Council meeting, Paul Ford, outgoing councilman and liaison to the Board of Education, said that the council stands behind the board and that the potential impact of the issue is large.
“The impact of these children could be very detrimental to the town of Tinton Falls, and the board has done an excellent job in navigating this complex issue,” Ford said at the meeting. “It has a huge potential impact to the taxpayers of Tinton Falls.”
The impact may go beyond just educating the students.
“It could mean we could have to build a new school, an investment of $30 million, plus educating the children, hiring teachers, etc,” Ford said. “We’ve basically said to the Board of Ed., ‘We are here to help.’ ”
The council has not spent much time discussing the issues recently, but Borough Attorney James Berube said that might change next month when a new mayor and two new council members are sworn in.
“We will be in better shape to address the issue after the first meeting of the new council, July 7,” Berube said.
“The Tinton Falls Board of Ed. is very confident that the decision made will be made in favor of Tinton Falls,” Karavites said.
“For anyone who sees any of the papers, this is a no-brainer,” Karavites said. “But when politics and New Jersey work hand in hand, this is what happens.”
Staff Writer Mark Rosman contributed to this story
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Tinton Falls officials are taking issue with a report by the U.S. Navy that states that children living in private housing at Naval Weapons Station Earle will attend borough schools.
“The Navy can scream and yell all they want, but all we ever asked for is children of naval personnel,” Martin Barger, attorney for the Tinton Falls Board of Education, said last week.
But a spokeswoman for the U.S. Navy disagreed.
“From what the statute says, all schoolage children will go to Tinton Falls,” Lt. Laura Stegherr said in an interview last week.
The Navy is proceeding with plans to privatize 300 housing units at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Colts Neck under an agreement with the developer of the Laurelwood housing area,
In a report issued May 22, the Navy states that there would be a significant impact on the schools in Tinton Falls as a result.“ Significant impacts … are anticipated at the Mahala Atchison Elementary School, the Swimming River Elementary School and the Tinton Falls Middle School as a result of an increased number of school-age children being sent to these schools under the proposed action,” the press release states.
“Specific impacts include physical capacity impacts, class size increases, additional school bus costs and the potential need for additional faculty.”
The Navy’s stance on educating children who will be living at the Laurelwood housing was contained in a Record of Decision for the Laurelwood Housing Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that announced the Navy’s decision on providing an unimpeded access roadway to the housing area.
The report estimates that additional annual costs to the Tinton Falls and Monmouth Regional school districts will be close to $2 million and $500,000, respectively. The report also projects that the amount of Federal Impact Aid will decrease.
Under the terms of an agreement with the U.S. Navy, for nearly 20 years the district has educated the children of Naval personnel stationed at Earle, and has received funding from the federal government to do so.
At issue is a 20-year-old statute that is being interpreted differently by the Navy and the Tinton Falls Board of Education.
The statute, N.J.S.A. 18A:38-7.8, states, “In the event that no board of education adopts a resolution indicating an interest in being designated pursuant to this section, the county superintendent shall not designate district and the pupils residing on the federal property shall attend the school of the district in which they reside.”
However, Barger and board President Peter Karavites interpret the statute differently.
“The statute does say that the county superintendent will say where the children go,” Barger said.
According to Karavites, since the housing units are located in another municipality, Tinton Falls must make a formal request to educate the students to county Superintendent Carole Knopp Morris.
Karavites said the Tinton Falls School District made the request for children of Naval personnel 19 years ago but has never made a request for any students but Navy children.
“The state law says that you have to request the kids to get them,” Karavites said. “Tinton Falls requested nothing but Navy children 19 years ago.”
Stegherr said the Navy would not be the party making the final decision on the issue.
“The Navy cannot be the deciding factor,” she said. “It is really for the state and local legislatures to decide.”
State legislators representing the 12th District opposed the privatization of housing units on the Navy base, based on security concerns.
Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon said last week that the Navy should not be commenting on where students living at Earle will attend school.
“The Navy has no business saying where these kids are going,” O’Scanlon said. “I don’t understand it.”
O’Scanlon’s view is that officials in Colts Neck and Tinton Falls should reach a consensus on the issues.
“Our job is to get everyone working together and to get the best answer for everybody,” O’Scanlon said. “Tinton Falls has every right to find out what the interpretation of the law is.”
O’Scanlon doesn’t think that either school district is equipped to handle the additional students.
“Neither one can handle the impact,” O’Scanlon said. “Every school board and municipality is at the breaking point.”
O’Scanlon faults the Navy for opting to allow privatization of some housing units at Earle, which was part of its agreement with the developer.
“It’s just a lousy decision,” O’Scanlon said. “The whole thing is a bad idea.”
The housing units to be privatized, known as Laurelwood Gardens, are located within the borders of Colts Neck, but the Colts Neck Board of Education claims the Tinton Falls School District is obliged to educate any new students, military or civilian, who reside on the base.
Tinton Falls is currently educating about 80 Navy children, but Karavites expects the number of children to rise once the housing units become privatized.
“There are about 78 or 80 Navy children going to Tinton Falls [schools] right now,” Karavites said. “There are 300 housing units with two, three or four bedrooms each, so that could be anywhere between 100 and 300 kids.”
According to the Navy, school-age children at the naval base, including those living at Laurelwood Gardens, could total about 272.
While the Tinton Falls district is currently receiving federal money for educating the Navy dependents, according to Karavites, the district would receive no funds for educating private citizens living at the complex.
“We will be receiving no impact aid for educating the civilians that live in Colts Neck,” Karavites said. “Why would we education hundreds of kids with no taxes coming to us?”
The press release from the Navy agrees, stating, “There is a potential for a net decrease in the amount of federal impact aid available … .”
Another issue Karavites cited is where the children living in privatized housing at Earle will attend high school.
Tinton Falls currently sends students to Monmouth Regional High School, which is a regional school district. Colts Neck students attend Colts Neck High School, which is part of the Freehold Regional High School District.
According to Karavites, Monmouth Regional will not accept the disputed students, and the regional district has never had a contract with the Navy to educate these students.
“Monmouth Regional has no contract at all,” Karavites said. “They can’t make Monmouth take the kids.”
According to Barger, Monmouth Regional has educated a relatively small number of Navy children in high school as a courtesy, but cannot possibly take the impact of a large population increase.
“There are only five or six children from Earle going to the high school,” Barger said. “Most naval personnel are young and have younger children. By the time they get to high school, they are gone.
“The impact would be huge on Tinton Falls and the high school,” Barger added. “We’d have to build a new school and they’d probably have to build a new wing.”
The Tinton Falls Board of Education filed a lawsuit against the county superintendent and state commissioner of education last year that maintains that the district’s agreement is to educate the children of Navy personnel, not civilian children living on the military base.
A court date has been set for July 25 for arguments in Tinton Falls’ attempt to block non-Navy children at the Naval Weapons Station Earle housing complex once it is privatized in 2010.
The Colts Neck Board of Education filed a motion asserting that the time limit for Tinton Falls to object has passed. That motion has been rejected by a judge, who ruled on June 12 that Tinton Falls could move forward with its appeal.
“We can now move forward after Colts Neck tried to hold us back,” Karavites said.
“They [Colts Neck] argued that we should have argued that 19 years ago,” Karavites said. “The judge said that was ridiculous.”
At the June 16 Borough Council meeting, Paul Ford, outgoing councilman and liaison to the Board of Education, said that the council stands behind the board and that the potential impact of the issue is large.
“The impact of these children could be very detrimental to the town of Tinton Falls, and the board has done an excellent job in navigating this complex issue,” Ford said at the meeting. “It has a huge potential impact to the taxpayers of Tinton Falls.”
The impact may go beyond just educating the students.
“It could mean we could have to build a new school, an investment of $30 million, plus educating the children, hiring teachers, etc,” Ford said. “We’ve basically said to the Board of Ed., ‘We are here to help.’ ”
The council has not spent much time discussing the issues recently, but Borough Attorney James Berube said that might change next month when a new mayor and two new council members are sworn in.
“We will be in better shape to address the issue after the first meeting of the new council, July 7,” Berube said.
“The Tinton Falls Board of Ed. is very confident that the decision made will be made in favor of Tinton Falls,” Karavites said.
“For anyone who sees any of the papers, this is a no-brainer,” Karavites said. “But when politics and New Jersey work hand in hand, this is what happens.”
Staff Writer Mark Rosman contributed to this story
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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