Saturday, Dec. 6, Recycling Drop-off Program

BRIDGEWATER – The next drop-off for the ‘First Saturday of the Month’ program will be held 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Somerset County Recycling Center, located at 40 Polhemus Lane.
As part of the program, the Recycling Center will accept clean, dry textiles, including clothing, drapes, curtains, sheets, towels, belts, handbags, clean cloth, shoes (pairs) and small stuffed animals. These items are no longer accepted curbside but residents can bring them to the First Saturday drop-offs.
Residents can also drop off VCRs, TVs, typewriters, radios, stereo equipment, modems, fax machines, cell phones and used computer electronics such as computers, CPUs, monitors, CRTs and printers. Other items that are accepted include CDs, DVDs, computer disks, diskettes, videotapes and cassette tapes.
Tires, scrap metals, used motor oil, anti-freeze, used oil filters, microwave ovens and the usual curbside materials also can be dropped off as part of the First Saturday of the Month recycling program.
For more information, call the Somerset County Recycling Center at (732) 469-3363

Message from Former Councilwoman Barbara Habeeb

I just want to let people know that I am officially no longer a Councilwoman. I was sworn in on June 9, 2008 and my last meeting was November 24, 2008. It was an interesting and sometimes eye opening experience. I did enjoy it, but now it’s time for me to move on to other things. Thank you to all who supported me.

I would like to mention that I will be looking into the possibility of starting a “coffee house” complete with acoustic music right here in North Plainfield. I will soon be contacting the Rec. Department to discuss some different options. It will be fun to do something creative for the town. That was one part of my vision when I was running for Council, but I can still make it happen as a “civilian.” More to come…….

Mark Williams – Thoughts from the Chair – Code Enforcement

Thank you for taking the time to tell your story. If you look on the Front Page of the Grassroots Groundswell Blog in the right hand column under #2 you will see a link to NP Borough Code.

Your experience with Mr. Rodino is both typical and unusual at the same time. Mr. Rodino has been the subject of many blog submissions complaining about his rude and unprofessional behavior when assisting Borough residence. His reported failure to adequately supervise the enforcement of Borough code has been well documented, in the blog, as being typical of Mr. Rodino. So, it is unusual for Mr. Rodino to have given your concerns “prompt attention”.

I am hopeful that your experiences with Mr. Rodino is the turning over of a new leaf for him and the department that is under his supervision rather than just having caught him on one of his very few and far between good days.

I believe that if there is to be meaningful change in North Plainfield, that the citizens of the Borough not only need to report there displeasure with services, but also report when things go well for them down at Borough Hall. As the “new leadership style” of Mayor Elect Giordano is slowly weaved into the administrative fabric of Borough Hall we anxiously await evidence that your reported experiences with Mr. Rodino will become the norm and not remain the unusual.

A message from the editors – About the blog’s new management

It was noted in the comments of an old post that the blog is under new management. Nathan Rudy responded:

Heather, what exactly is meant by this comment?

“It should also be noted that this was posted by the prior editor and the blog is now “under new management”.”

What is your vision and editorial strategy for the blog?

The past editor had a pretty liberal policy for postings and tried to keep things on the up and up. I think only one person was banned from posting here for negative behavior.

I think it needs to be said that there is a difference between “liberal” and “negative”. Because many of the posts here uncovered disturbing information that was factual and could be supported with evidence doesn’t make it negative (except if you are somehow involved in that situation–it’s certainly “negative press” for people involved). In an effort to make sure I’m speaking accurately, I looked up “liberal” on Dictionary.com and got the following:

lib⋅er⋅al

[lib-er-uhl, lib-ruhl]
–adjective

1.	favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs.

2.	(often initial capital letter) noting or pertaining to a political party advocating measures of progressive political reform.

3.	of, pertaining to, based on, or advocating liberalism.

4.	favorable to or in accord with concepts of maximum individual freedom possible, esp. as guaranteed by law and secured by governmental protection of civil liberties.

5.	favoring or permitting freedom of action, esp. with respect to matters of personal belief or expression: a liberal policy toward dissident artists and writers.

6.	of or pertaining to representational forms of government rather than aristocracies and monarchies.

7.	free from prejudice or bigotry; tolerant: a liberal attitude toward foreigners.

8.	open-minded or tolerant, esp. free of or not bound by traditional or conventional ideas, values, etc.

9.	characterized by generosity and willingness to give in large amounts: a liberal donor.

10.	given freely or abundantly; generous: a liberal donation.

11.	not strict or rigorous; free; not literal: a liberal interpretation of a rule.

12.	of, pertaining to, or based on the liberal arts.

13.	of, pertaining to, or befitting a freeman.

Yup… that’s about right. And the blog will certainly stay liberal.

Negative is another story. If the information is reasonable and logical (or is not, but can be supported by evidence and proof) but has a tendency to hurt feelings or step on toes… sorry, but it’s going up. The priority is progress, not hurt feelings.  We will only want to omit any comment or post that is derogatory in nature and provides no purpose other than to be demeaning.  Commentary that is attacking without substance won’t be tolerated. We’re a community and the purpose of this blog is to BUILD community–not divide it. If someone creates a post or comment that is challenging something said or done, that will certainly go up. If someone has nothing better to do than to consistently name-call or bash without providing anything of substance to move forward with in the spirit of community, that will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.  We will not post profanity. We will try and edit out any expletives and will do our best to convey the writer’s strong views. We will send the edited post to the individual and ask if the edited version can be posted.

I guess this comment just gave the two new editors a reason to pause and consider the policies of the prior editor vs. the policies of the new editors. Previously, e-mails would be posted publicly unbeknownst to the sender.  We won’t be doing that.  If a reader sends in a comment or post that quotes or paraphrases someone else’s email, we will post it. If the writer of that original email has a problem, it’ll be with the person who submitted the post or comment.

The blog is meant to become the living, breathing voice of the residents… TOGETHER. That will not be accomplished by tearing one another down. Challenging one another and calling people out on their ideas is a means to understanding and growing. There is a difference.

Borough Council of North Plainfield, Regular Meeting

BOROUGH OF NORTH PLAINFIELD

AGENDA

 

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2008
(Following the 7:30 p.m. Agenda Conference)

NORTH PLAINFIELD COMMUNITY CENTER
614 GREENBROOK ROAD, NORTH PLAINFIELD, NJ

ROLL CALL

Council Members: Mary H. Forbes
Michael Giordano Jr.
Barbara Habeeb
Robert E. Hitchcock
Frank Righetti
Douglas M. Singleterry
Frank “Skip” Stabile, Council President

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Statement of Compliance as to Notice of Meeting

PUBLIC COMMENT
General public comments shall be limited to five minutes for each individual.
(Rule 29 of the Borough Council’s Rules of Order)

APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES:

Regular Meeting of September 8, 2008 Roll Call

HEARING: ORDINANCE NO. 08-26, AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND, REVISE AND SUPPLEMENT THE BOROUGH CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF NORTH PLAINFIELD, CHAPTER VII, SECTION 7-9, SCHEDULE XIII, ENTITLED ”BUS STOPS”

Reading of title by the Clerk

RESOLUTIONS:
Mr. Giordano:
11-24-08-01 Adoption and advertising of Ordinance No. 08-26 Roll Call

Resolutions-continued:

Ms. Habeeb:
11-24-08-02 ORDINANCE NO. 08-27, AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND, REVISE AND SUPPLEMENT THE BOROUGH CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF NORTH PLAINFIELD, SPECIFICALLY CHAPTER XXII, ARTICLE VI, ENTITLED “SUBDIVISION AND SITE PLAN APPROVAL” TO ADD A NEW SECTION 22-72, ENTITLED “PAYMENT OF TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS,” be read by its title by the Clerk Roll Call

Reading of title by the Clerk

Mr. Hitchcock:
11-24-08-03 ORDINANCE NO. 08-28, AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND, REVISE AND SUPPLEMENT THE BOROUGH CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF NORTH PLAINFIELD, SPECIFICALLY SECTION 22-119, ENTITLED “SIGNS,” be read by its title by the Clerk Roll Call

Reading of title by the Clerk

APPOINTMENT BY THE MAYOR:

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION:

Henry R. Stoner for the balance of an unexpired term expiring January 1, 2011

CONSENT AGENDA

Statement by Council President

RESOLUTION:
Mr. Singleterry:
11-24-08-04 Approving the Consent Agenda Roll Call

CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS:

a. Awarding of contract for Leaf and Grass Removal Services

b. Resolution authorizing professional architectural historian and consulting services by Wayne T. McCabe & Associates, Inc. to the North Plainfield Historic Preservation Commission

Resolutions-continued:

c. Authorizing the issuance of bingo licenses for games as listed on applications filed for calendar year 2009 to the following:

St. Luke’s Church
St. Luke’s Holy Name Society

d. Authorizing the Borough Treasurer to refund Tax Court appeal on Block 134 Lot 1 for tax year 2007

e. Authorizing the Borough Treasurer to refund duplicate tax payment on Block 115 Lot 4

f. Authorizing the Borough Treasurer to refund Certificate of Redemption fee on Block 187 Lot 2

g. Authorizing the Borough Treasurer to refund certain tax sale certificates

h. Authorizing the Borough Treasurer to refund prorated 2008 tax amount for Block 48 Lot 14 for 100% totally disabled veteran

i. Approving the Consolidated Bill List of November 24, 2008

j. Calling for an executive session for discussion on property located at 80-90 Somerset Street, North Plainfield

REPORTS 2008:

October Monthly: Health Department

COMMUNICATIONS:

Comcast
Union, NJ
Re: Channel Correction
Public Service Electric and Gas Company
Newark, NJ
Re: Proposed rate increase
Plainfield Area Humane Society
Plainfield, NJ
Re: Activity Report for October, 2008
Borough of Watchung
Communications-continued:
Re: Public Hearing: Master Plan Amendment-Housing Element and Fair Share Plan

Kris Kolluri, Commissioner
NJ Department of Transportation
re: Notice of funding from the NJDOT Fiscal Year 2009 Municipal Aid Program for Roadway Improvements to Rockview Avenue in the amount of $200,000.00

Gloria Pflueger, Borough Clerk
Borough of North Plainfield
Re: Bid Summary – Leaf and Grass Removal Services

REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS

PUBLIC COMMENT

COMMENTS BY MAYOR, ADMINISTRATOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS

RECESS

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

1. Property located at 80-90 Somerset Street, North Plainfield – F.S.S.

RECONVENE

ADJOURNMENT

Borough Council Of North Plainfield Agenda Meeting

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2008

NORTH PLAINFIELD COMMUNITY CENTER 7:30 P.M.
614 GREENBROOK ROAD, NORTH PLAINFIELD, NJ

ROLL CALL:

Council Members: Mary H. Forbes
Michael Giordano Jr.
Barbara Habeeb
Robert E. Hitchcock
Frank Righetti
Douglas M. Singleterry
Frank “Skip” Stabile, Council President

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

Moment of Silence for the Men and Women Serving in Our Armed Forces

Statement of Compliance as to Notice of Meeting

SWEARING IN BY THE MAYOR:

Jeffrey A. Meyer as Firefighter/EMT in the North Plainfield Fire Department

PUBLIC COMMENT
General public comments shall be limited to five minutes for each individual.
(Rule 29 of the Borough Council’s Rules of Order)

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Presentation by Elsie Jenkins, Wellness Director of the Plainfield Area
YMCA – F.S.S.

2. Add an Historic Preservation Element to the Borough Master Plan – R.E.H.

3. Ordinance mandating that a builder or property owner must have his property
taxes paid before applying for a permit to build – B.H.

4. Amended Sign Ordinance – F.S.S.

PUBLIC COMMENT
REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS
ADJOURNMENT

My Experience With Enforcing North Plainfield’s Commericial Vehicle Ordinance – Angel Alejandro

Posted as a comment to Commercial Vehicle Ordinance – Council Meeting Sept. 22, 2008/11/23 at 9:35 PM

Hello all. I am a newcomer. I’ve been a homeowner residing in North Plainfield for 4 years. Forgive me if I’ve aired my problem on the wrong forum, but after searching the web, this seemed to be the most appropriate place to voice myself. My interest in this subject was recently fueled by a violation notice I received a couple of days ago. This notice, prepared by Mr. Joe Nicastro, property Maintenance Inspector, charges that I have 2 “commercial” vehicles on my property that must be removed. The two vehicles, which I’ve had on my property for 4 years, in question are:
1. A single axle homemade trailer, made of a pickup truck bed that attaches to a trailer hitch, and is registered with the NJ DMV as a non commercial trailer
2. A tow dolly, used to pull my classic cars, which is not registered, as is not required by NJ Law.

My contention is neither trailer is registered nor used for commercial purposes. I phoned Mr. Nicastro, who politely told me he was simply carrying out James Rodino’s order to cite every trailer in the town, in an effort to, in his words, “clean up the town.” This reply came after I attempted to challenge this violation notice. I immediately phoned Mr. Rodino and left a message on his voicemail. I understand Mr. Rodino is a busy man and I am awaiting his call. In the meantime, I remained perplexed on this issue. Does the town code enforcement officer have the authority to declare a non commercial vehicle commercial? I don’t own a garage and if I lose this dispute, as I am planning to contest it, I will be forced to either rent a garage or sell my trailers. I would certainly be appalled if Mr. Rodino had the ability, under law, to declare a non commercial vehicle, commercial. If that is indeed the case, what’s next? My Tahoe? My wife’s Nissan? My 6 year old’s red flyer? Where would we draw the line?? If you’ve made it this far, I’d like to thank you for your interest, and if you can shed any light on this issue, I would love to hear from you.

Angel

BOARD OF EDUCATION PRESENTATION – Student Enrollment, Registration, and Residency Process

On Wednesday, November 19th, the Board of Education presented their process for Student Enrollment, Registration and establishing Residency.  This was a very informative meeting. The BoE provided an explanation of how they go about confirming the residency of attending students, the difficulties involved, as well as some data to show the program’s effectiveness.

The presentation will soon be available on the North Plainfield Board of Education website.

In the meantime,  you can listen to the Presentation Audio

Property Revaluation

Many of you have started receiving letters from Appraisal Systems, Inc. with the new market value of your home. As discussed in the last NPCCR meeting, this really doesn’t say much about what your taxes will be. Your taxes will be based on: next year’s budget divided by the values of all of the properties in North Plainfield. Our annual budget is published in July.

When you get your letter, if you have ANY questions whatsoever please call them immediately as the letter will state you only have 10 days to respond to set up an appointment. Some of the things you might want to ask are:

* What were the comparable sales used to get the value of your home? In other words: what other houses like yours sold recently that made them believe your home would sell for a similar amount. A list of comparison evaluations are available on the appraisor’s website.

* If you have work being done in your home and the permit is not yet closed, ask how they considered the work? Did they assume it wasn’t complete? (in which case, when you close the permit you may receive notice that the completed work increased the value of your home). Did they assume it WAS complete? If they assumed it was complete, where is that noted so that you are not double-whammied for the improvement?

* Is there a commonly misunderstood thing about your house? Do people assume that your Florida room is heated because it has windows and baseboards–but the baseboards aren’t functional?

Notices are sent out and this kicks off the appeals and adjustment process. By the time all of that is finished, it’s just about time for the new budget to be approved and the new tax bills to be issued. By waiting until everything is adjusted and the appeals are done, they can issue new tax bills based on the total value of the property in North Plainfield AFTER all the squabbling is done about what the properties are worth. And in reality, your taxes are your share of the tax burden and it’s distributed based on your home’s value. But if you don’t like how high your taxes are–that doesn’t mean your home is worth too much, it means that we’re paying too many taxes!

Bilingual health fair to be held Tuesday in North Plainfield

source: http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20081117/NEWS/81117056

The North Plainfield Police Department, in conjunction with the North Plainfield Adult School and the Somerset County Board of Health, will be holding the third annual Bilingual Health Fair on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 from 6to 8 p.m. in the North Plainfield Middle School gym.

The previous year’s event drew more than 500. More than 30exhibit booths are planned, including representatives from health care, financial services, education, community services and area churches.

The vendors, from a variety of private, nonprofit and government agencies, will provide information, pamphlets, handouts and giveaways to the public.

The community policing unit, along with the adult school and county board of health, developed the event to reach out to the Spanish-speaking members of the community. One of the goals was to have all fair participants present their material in Spanish as well as English to make the Spanish-speaking community aware of all the services and products that are available to them.