Councilman Elect Anthony Pranzatelli and I attend first class

I thought that you ought to know that we attended our first class in the "Powers and Duties of the Municipal Governing Body" (click red text to go to that website) class that is offered by the Center for Government Services at Rutgers University. It is a 15 hour, 5 session course that is geared to make elected officials more effective and productive.

We understand that municipal government responsibilities are broad, extensive, and impact on the quality of life of all citizens. Tony and I do take the trust that you have placed in us seriously and truly desire to safeguard your interests. To do so requires extensive knowledge of how government works as well as absorbing technical knowledge and proficiency in a multitude of subjects.

I believe that all those good citizens who desire to serve their communities should arm themselves with as many governing and management skills as they can. In fact I feel that this should be mandatory for all elected officials as well as candidates for public office so that they fully understand the nature of the office that they are seeking.

The NJ School Boards Association does indeed offer a candidate briefing seminar for all School Board Candidates. NJ under the NJ School Ethics Act requires mandatory training requirements that must be fulfilled by successful candidates during their first year of service on a school board. I was successful in completing a series of school board member courses while serving as a member of the Bound Brook Board of Education and achieved the "Certificated School Board Member " certification. The courses were extremely useful.

Until next time,

Ben

Bound Brook, NJ Veterans Day Mass, Breakfast and Ceremony Video

More on those to whom we owe so much:

The links below will bring you to Veterans Day videos of the special mass and the ceremonies that followed in Bound Brook. Also included is a link to the newspaper article regarding the event.

To see video go to http://www.youtube.com/djben1

C-N article on the event: http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071112/NEWS01/711120335/1006

Albert Einstein: I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.

Until Till next time

Ben

Nov 27 Council Meeting and my first legislative attempt!

I introduced my very first suggested resolution as a newly elected Councilman at this meeting.

It was a resolution requesting the council’s approval of a complete revision of our antiquated council by-laws. I prepared this rewrite using “Robert’s Rules of Order” and NJ Statutes as a source of information. This document will give you a clear insight into just what your council does and how they do it in carrying out the responsibilities of self-government. If you would like a copy contact me.

In future action I also plan to seek the preparation of an administrative code for Bound Brook. The purpose of the code is similar to what business organizations call a "Policy & Procedures Manual". The objective is to instill a more efficient and orderly administrative process and to make it easier to hold us all accountable for meeting our responsabilities as well as serving as guidelines for consistancy in doing our jobs. This will also help to make our government more “transparent” and make it easier for citizens to influence what we do. My personal objective is to make it easier for citizen involvement!

Until Next time,

Ben

Thanksgiving. Also Bound Brook Economic Development Advisory Committee

Isn't this the best of seasons, allowing us to enjoy our families and friends. I hope that all of you had an enriching Thanksgiving celebration. I spent mine with my family and thoroughly enjoyed interacting with my granddaughters (and yes, doing a little Friday morning shopping!).

Being the time to reflect on what we're thankful for, one item on my list is that there are people who care about others and are willing to give of themselves to really help make our self-government a successful reality. One of my assignments and responsibilities as a Councilman is to serve as 2007 council liaison to the Bound Brook Economic Development Advisory Committee. In fulfilling this duty I attended the November meeting of the committee and was impressed by the talented and dedicated people on the committee.

The Committee was organized in May of this year and its members are:

2010 Richard Shive - Chairman
2010 Trish Smith
2010 Kerry Miller – Vice Chair
2009 Fred Llaverias
2009 Charles Terytek
2009 Nancy Jorden
2008 Charles Schwall
2008 Davis Morris
2008 Margaret Lyons

(if you would like more information about the duties and powers of the committee please ask and I will provide a copy of the enabling legislation)

The Committee was given an enormous responsibility for advising and assisting the Borough Council in nurturing the commercial aspects within our community. The council believes that “partnering” with businessman to make Bound Brook an attractive and profitable business location will benefit all of us through increased tax ratables and the convenient availability of goods and services. The success of this committee is vital to the citizens of Bound Brook. I got the distinct impression that while the committee is anxious to stimulate economic development it is determined to hold the interests of the community uppermost.

This last meeting was focused on a current program to make the business community aware of the requirements in the Borough’s sign ordinance in preparation of anticipated code enforcement activity. The committee believes that the sign ordinance encourages uniformity and the maintenance of a desirable “look” to our shopping districts that are inviting to the public and sends a clear message of who we are. The approached is to be helpful and supportive – not to generate undue hardship. Please contact me to discuss any concerns that you may have.

The sign section of the ordinance is Chapter 21-10.5.

You may access the sign ordinance by clicking on the following link Go to Chapter 21, then to subchapter 10.5

Until Next time!

Ben

About my First Council Meeting

On November 13 I attended my first meeting of the Bound Brook Borough Council in this term as a Councilman.

As I promised, I am reporting to you a summary of the relevant actions taken or issues discussed.

Click on the "Red" Words to view video clips.

Comments from the public included concern about property maintenance code enforcement at 3 specific properties. I have since visited those properties and agree that the concerns are justified and I am currently investigating the situation and plan to report to you and the specific citizens voicing their concerns how your government will deal with the situation. I believe that it is your elected officials’ responsibility to respond to legitimate questions from our citizens. I encourage you to contact us with your questions and /or needs and requests. I personally will do what I can to get you answers and explanations if not action.

Another issue brought up by a citizen living on Watchung Road was a request to repave the street and deal with water problems. This is a difficult issue to resolve because we have a number of conflicting desires that appear to be impossible to satisfy in a fiscally responsible manner. A substantial number of concerned (and angry) residents approached the Council with their desire to maintain the current natural environment and not endanger trees in the center island. To do so would require roadwork that would not have a life expectancy to justify the expenditures. At the insistence of these vocal citizens the Council decided to stop the project and consider reallocating the funds that were provided for this project. Council members may revisit this issue in the future.
Our Borough Engineers reported on a list of other road conditions throughout the Borough that requires attention and actions mandated by the State or County. These continuing needs and associated costs are overwhelming to me. Eventually we will have to attend to them all.

The Council enacted a well-deserved promotion of Acting Chief of Police Thomas White to Deputy Chief. His salary was not increased and he will continue to serve as acting chief.

The Council increased annual dog license fees from $8 and $11, to $18 and $21 to match NJ suggested fees and to help cover our costs for animal control.

Here is another example of what it costs to run the Borough. We entered into an agreement with Bridgewater to process our collected leaves for 3 months for a fee of $10,500.00. At this point, this is our only recourse.

Drunk drivers – don’t do it in Bound Brook! Borough Police will provide for increased police presence in connection with the state program “Over the limit under arrest 2007 year end crackdown” program to attempt to cut down on impaired driving. The state of NJ will provide for up to $5,000.00 in overtime enforcement grants funding.

Thanks to Joe Lemire at http://www.08805.com/ for the video clips

Until Next time,

Ben