TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Bob Gordon (D-Bergen) and Jim Beach (D-Camden) that would make it easier for municipalities to study the possibility of merging was approved today by the full Senate.
This bill stems from a grassroots attempt to gain approval to form a study commission to examine whether Merchantville and Cherry Hill can consolidate municipal services. Earlier this year, a group of Merchantville and Cherry Hill residents undertook an effort to form a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission. In Merchantville, the residents collected signatures and sent a petition to the Local Finance Board, an affiliate of the Department of Community Affairs. In Cherry Hill, the town council submitted a resolution to undertake a consolidation study. According to the Board, however, current law requires the same method of application from each community. Consequently, the applications were rejected.
“Sharing services and consolidation have become necessary in the current economic climate. They can offer significant savings to taxpayers and still ensure efficient services. That is why we need to make the process of implementing shared service agreements and consolidations easier, not harder. This legislation will do just that,” said Gordon.
The bill, S2465, would permit municipalities seeking to petition the Local Finance Board for the formation of a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission to obtain board approval either through voter petition or application by a municipal governing body, in any combination. Under current law, the Board may accept an application only if each of the municipalities uses the same procedure as the other. In other words, all towns must submit petitions from their residents, or, they must submit resolutions from their town councils or committees. There can be no mixing of the two.
Under the bill, if each municipality submitted its study commission application through its governing body, any consolidation plan ultimately proposed would be required to be approved by voter referendum in each of the municipalities.
“There is no reason we should have laws on the books that prevent municipalities from, at the very least, examining ways to consolidate. By allowing a mixture of resident petitions and governing body resolutions, we are headed in the right direction. Communities that want to start this kind of conversation should not be told by lawmakers that they can’t,” said Beach.
The legislation, which passed 37-0, now moves to the Assembly.
Source: http://www.njsendems.com/release.asp?rid=3819
Courier Post Article
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
61 comments:
Good news.
Yes! maybe the residents will actually get a say in the future of this community! I am looking forward to a study and some interesting public meetings. It would be nice to look at some real data.
How do you know you are part of the majority? Was there a survey done of the entire town? Or are you once again referring to the couple of hundred that signed a petition?
I have yet to see over half the citizens of Merchantville screaming for a merger or even a study to be done.
Just because you say so does not make it true.
My concern is that without a mix of people on any study commission (residents and council, for and against, men and women, with children and without children, etc.) the commission could have a tendency towards bias. So if the community group gets to make up the commission, I hope that their group holds up to simlar scrutiny as the Mayor's.
I'm now really impressed with this petition group. They have serious cajones! Everytime they are told "no" they go above their opponents heads. When this all eventually blows over (which it probably will) we could use their energy on council to shake things up and get things done. Well done!
It's not going to blow over. Once the new law is enacted (and it will be) it will only gain momentum. Bring on the study, then we can go on from there...
i am referring to those who want to see a study. Not that I am in favor one way or the other. And i can assure you that a majority feel that way. And that is what a study will provide.
Since when was the petitioner's group made up of Merchantville and Cherry Hill residents?
It is? Come on!
That's what the article says that we're all commenting on...
@majority - Unless you have spoken directly to more than half of the residents in Merchantville, you are hard pressed to say what the majority wants.
Lets keep it real folks...
It is really irrelevant as to what the group is composed. That's not what the Senate bill was about. The outcome was positive, that's all that matters. That's what the article is about. Only Merchantville residents signed the petition. Cherry Hill passed a resolution. Now it will be law that it is legal to pursue a Study once the Assembly passes the other Bill.
wait didn't Merchantville pass a resolution too? I see this is let's manipulate things until we can get our way, tell me how is that working for the Obama Plan???
No resolution from Merchantville. Obama has nothing to do with it!
Yes, Merchantville did pass a resolution, R10-103. Dated Sept. 27th 2010.
Check Merchantvillenj.gov under news and information to see a copy.
Please stop the lies!
@Anonymous 5:37 PM- The petitioner's group told us that is was relevant who was on the Borough's appointed list. Why isn't it relevant who's on the petitioner's? Thank goodness the DCA has to approve those on the list...
the petitioners group is made up of a group of people that want to see the process through. they just want a study done, and the residents given an opportunity to participate. I know the people on the commission and some are not pounding the drums of consolidation. They are curious. And they are concerned about our fiscal position. To portray them any other way is wrong. On the contrary, the Mayors commission was made up of people who have publicly stated their opposition to the process. One can only assume it would be their intention to stop the process. That is why Cherry Hill is not interested in partnering with council's commission. They know it will be a waste of time. Those who oppose consolidation should welcome the study and the public meetings that are a part of the process. They will have an opportunity to argue their position based on factual data, rather than emotional identity etc. And in the end they get the exact same say as any member of the connecting group. A vote! Then the argument of who is in the majority will be clearly answered.
Who are all the people against the merger? I know alot of people in town and I don't think I know anyone who opposes this. I guess the mayor pretty much hand selected the only five people he could find that see things his way. FAIL. lol
Is it true that if we consolidate we loose our Schools. I heard that it will be shut down. Do we loose our Fire Dept. I heard that it will not be utilized and CH will not utlilize it. And will our police Department be disbanded. I heard CH doesnt want it. I also heard that all the people who work for the above listed places will be laid off meaning our teachers, one full time fireman and our police officers. Again all rumors if anyone can shed some light let me know.
Wow, Merchantville Mom we should get together! Because I to am a Merchantville Mom and I am even married to a Merchantville Dad! We also know a lot of people in town and I mean a lot. The people I talk to do not want to merge with Cherry Hill. They understand that things need to change but are far more interested in seeking other solutions then throwing up their hands and handing over their hard earned tax dollars to Cherry Hill!
Question: What happens if in the end after 2 plus years of studies and meetings the merger gets voted down, do you and all the people you know have a back up plan?
Oh, and please do not answer this question by once again pulling the Pennsauken card. After all the crappy comments that have been sent their way they do not want us either. I know this because I know many people there too.
Anonymous 2/19 11:37 AM - the matters you mention are all things which will have to be put at risk in the event of a merger. You can't make an omlette unless you break the egg.
The council and the school board of the merged entities would decide how services are going to be provided. All the residents of the combined areas would vote on who is on the town council and the school board. It could be that they will retain Merchantville School or that they will decide to not retain it. Same with the fire house. The important thing, now and in the future, is that the residents get high quality services at an economical cost.
In the merger law that this would happen under there are significant protections for teachers and policemen (maybe fire fighters too). Read the law for more details. None of the things you have heard about the certainty of closing anything are true. They are just rumors. The process is not even close to being that far along for such decisions to be made.
But have no doubt, they all could happen if that is best for the provisision of good, economical government services throughout the merged community.
@Merchantville parents:
I guess we have a different circle of friends and neighbors. How old are your grandchildren? As far as a plan B- I can't imagine Merchantville would vote this opportunity down. If it does, I suppose I'll go down with the ship, because I really like it here.
@ Merchantville Mom
Wow! That was a really good come back. You young people really have a way with words. Must be all that advanced education.
As far as your plan B goes I am glad to see that you have it so well thought out.
We old people have an expression we like to live by, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket!"
You might want to call your Great Grand Parents so they can explain that one to you.
I didn't mean it as a come back and I don't have any advanced degrees but thanks. Why do you equate a consolidation (which would help us achieve greater scale and efficiency) with throwing in the towel? How long do you propose we continue hemmoraging 300K per year?
Let's not beat up on our elected officials too much. They have a tough job. This town relies on the work of volunteers. Bigger towns have full time professional management and full time mayors, etc. I've got a friend in Cherry Hill who's house is like a palace compared to ours and he pays less in taxes. That's not because our local government is inept- it's because they have the mall and many businesses to help share the tax load.
Cruiser,
Remember, the cherry hill school board will decide what happens to the merchanville school. this will be decided as the merger is decided. the merchantville school, fire and police force will go away if a merger takes place. the duplication will not be necessary. it is about eliminating the duplication.
Really Merchantville?
Do you want to give up EVERYTHING for a better high school.
What happened to the, "I love my small town".
This is a real sell out.
Move to Cherry Hill if you want to be part of Cherry Hill. Merchantville will be stripped of everything...but you get to keep the chicken place.
I say close the under performing school, fire the heavy handed police force and consolidate the services for lower costs.
Let this dead town die a dignified death.
Well put, Anon @ 9:38!
Farewell, Merchantville friends. It has been great conversing with all of you on this blog for the past 4 or 5 years. My wife and I decided that the high school situation was not gaining enough traction for our comfort and with the failure of the consolidation effort, we have purchased a home in Cherry Hill. We will still be living in Merchantville until we can sell our house since it gives us time to paint and prepare the new house. If anyone has any family or friends looking for a 3 bed, 1.5 bath on .41 acres with a huge detached garage and a deck for an attractive price, we are asking only $179.9k. This is a great house for a young couple or family and EVERYTHING has been updated recently.
Best of luck to all of you and maybe some day we can call each other neighbors again if the consolidation goes through. At that point in time, my wife and I could always sell our house and move back to the "Merchantville section of Cherry Hill".
Good luck, kwadz but the consolidation effort has gained momentum, not failed. We are more optimistic about some change here in Merchantville. We decided paying for high school is cheaper than taking a hit on our home. Best to you and, yes, may we be neighbors one day!
@kwadz please go ahead and list your address. I know quite a few people who are interested in buying in Merchantville. Let's get you connected!
Thank you. I really hope for Merchantville's sake that either the consolidation with Cherry Hill goes through or you guys can find a better solution to the high school situation. If Cherry Hill residents ever had to vote for whether to merge MVL, my wife and I would give a Yes vote and encourage our friends and neighbors to do the same.
The address is 16 S. Cove Rd. Considering what it has to offer, including brand new high efficiency appliances (tankless hot water, 16 SEER A/C, 94% efficient gas heater) along with a fairly new roof and electrical wiring/service it is a very good buy and is in move-in condition. Like I said, the house will not be vacant until we find a buyer since the utilities are so much cheaper to run than our new house. Our gas and electric bill COMBINED for December was less than $180. This is with keeping the house at a toasty 72 degrees.
If you know anyone interested, have them contact my realtor, Debbie Chojnacki, at Engel, Vickery & Catalani Realtors - 856-663-3232 and tell her they are interested in this house. Thanks!
Posted on Southjersey.com
Uproar Over Alleged Discriminating Email
The controversial email exchange centers around some Department of Public Works employees who at times shovel snow for the Cherry Hill School District.
After we were hit with another blinding snow storm, the principal of Woodcrest Elementary School apparently wrote an email to a district administrator asking for more help clearing away the snow.
This was the response she allegedly received:
“All of my polar bears, trained seals and the two silver back mountain gorillas on loan from the township DPW (you should see them with a snow blower that has a banana tied to the front of it, they go through a blizzard like nothing you have ever seen…) are already strategically reassigned.”
The email concludes, “Regards, Kevin Larson. Director of Operations and Facility Management Cherry Hill Board of Education.”
“I was disgusted with it. There is no place for language like that. It is discriminatory,” Cherry Hill Township Council Vice President Sara Lipsett said. She overseas the Department of Public works, which has two African-American employees. “The employees are hot. They are irate about it. This has upset them,” Lipsett said.
The Cherry Hill School District released the following statement to CBS 3 Eyewitness News.
“The District deeply regrets the comments made by our employee and we apologize to anyone who was offended. An internal investigation is underway.”
Lipsett wants answers. “I can’t speak for the District. I don’t know what their protocol is, but I would assume maybe at the Township level, we would look at termination,” Lipsett said.
Attempts to email and call Kevin Larson for comment were unsuccessful. An automatic email reply Eyewitness News received from Larson indicated that he will be out on medical leave through March.
You people are pathetic
And that e-mail has what to do with what? Who cares?
Wow, call off the consolidation effort! We didn't know they had a insensitive township worker!
I think the two men that the email is directed to care and so does their children. It is bad enough that this guy would even think this way but now he's using taxpayer money to spread his hate.
Also I am pretty sure that if this had taken place in Merchantville the consolidation group would be having a field day with it. Using it as just another example of why Merchantville should have a
FOR SALE sign on it.
Merchantville does have a FOR SALE sign on it and Cherry Hill is making an offer with the Joint Application to the DCA with their resolution and our petition - once the Assembly approves and all things go on from there. The personal lives of these people that the e-mail affected has nothing to do with the Merchantville citizens' concerns for consolidation. We have wasted enough of our own taxpayer money in our own town and we need to take care of our own just like Cherry Hill will deal with their own. Not our concern. The people involved will handle it accordingly - in fact, termination was mentioned - seems like a logical solution. Move on, it's not our business.
The consolidation group has made it very clear how little they care about our citizens' concerns. What goes on in Cherry Hill and how they run their government is our business now. The consolidation group has made it our business.
You may have to go through it all again, unless the bill allows prior applications to come under the new law - not generally the case.
If they have to go through it all again, that is, create a new petiorion and get signatures on it, those willing to sign will be even more than before.
Won't have to go through it all again. The Assembly is more likely than not to pass! Dream on and if they do have to circulate another petition, so what, it will get done (but they won't have to!).
Welcome to cherry hill kwadz! You will love it here. What neighborhood are you moving to? All our elementary schools are very good with some having the pyp which is the international Baccalaureate program at the elementary level. We have rosa international middle school which is the magnet middle school and also a national school of character. Congratulations on your decision. We welcome you. You are the second person in the last few months I have welcomed to cherry hill. The first was rosanne parsons that used to have a small art school in merchantville. She just became our neighbor in fox hollow!
To the people that have chosen to move elsewhere, Good luck and God speed!
To the idiot who is pretending to be from Cherry Hill, well "idiot" explains it all.
“Drug Ring Busted” is a front page story in today’s Courier.
There were 15 men charged, with 10 arrested and 5 still being sought. Sure, the street dealers were from Camden, but their leader was a Cherry Hill resident ... a 27-yr. old “5 star general in the G-Shine Bloods street gang”. Another Cherry Hill resident, one of two drug suppliers to the drug ring leader, is still sought.
Maybe it’s a good thing we have a gun shop in Merchantville after all.
Is that comment about the drug ring leader from Cherry Hill supposed to dissuade us pro-merger people we should not merge? Fat chance! Most people accept that these people exist everywhere. No one lives in a bubble and you have to be aware that this is a problem in any community. Yeah, the gun shop in Merchantville solves that problem - NOT!
@ Breaking News
Don't bother posting stories about recent things that are happening in Cherry Hill. The pro-merger people have already told us that it is "not our concern" and it is "not our business." That it is up to Cherry Hill to take care of their own.
Thankfully Cherry Hill has their own gun shop. It saves them a trip to Merchantville!
Their was also a story in the Courier not long ago about a Merchantville resident involved with gangland murders in Camden. With or without a gun- the best precaution is to not be involved with gangs or drugs. A vast majority of Camden violence is gang related, if you're not involved with gangs or drugs it's not really so dangerous.
Now you tell me, I just bought a gun and was looking for a gang to join.
...drug ring leader from Cherry Hill supposed to dissuade us pro-merger people we should not merge? ... Most people accept that these people exist everywhere.
Cruiser once said that we need a greater police force because of the bad element rampaging so close. He was not referring to C.H.
So does this mean C.H. must raise its taxes to hire a police force as strong in manpower as ours?
Doubtful. And our stron police manpower will be going down - merger or no merger. We can not afford this heavy-handed police force. Did it stop the robbers from robbing Sun Bank right across the street from the Merchantville Police Headquarters. What a joke? They were really intimidated by the strong presence of the Merchantville police! It is foolish to think so.
oh, please, before it comes up again meant "strong" not "stron"!!
How many times are people going to use Sun Bank as the one and only example of why they think the Police Department needs to change? How long ago did that happen? How many more robberies did the police have a hand in stopping? Do you have those numbers? Sun Bank is not even here anymore. Maybe you should talk to the managers of the other banks in town and see how they feel about the police.
That was the primary reason for Sun Bank leaving - multiple burglaries. There is plenty of crime in our town so stop throwing Cherry Hill's around too. Our police force is heavy-handed and too expensive for us to keep is the reality of the situation. The Bill passed the Senate, now it will in the Assembly. Let us move on the the study and then take the police into account just like everything else that matters in Merchantville. The police are only one of many factors that have to be studied for our community to be a success.
For the record, this cruiser never said the things said in cruiser says... said... 2/27 10:29 AM
Sun Bank left for lack of business, no other reason.
Sun Bank was robbed twice, then installed a bullet proof glass. Then left. Robberies scared customers away.
I have been a long time customer of Sun Bank and have forged a great relationship with the managers and tellers that still goes on today just in a different location.
The closing of this location had to do with changing times not a robbery. This was the only location because of its size that was not able to give their costumers the services that they need and demand in 2011. The lack of a drive through was probably one of the biggest reasons the bank could not attract new costumers to the location. If you notice all the location remaining and the new ones recently built have all the amenities, Drive through, ATM machines, plenty of parking and extended hours. The only locations that do not fit this description are the few that are located in grocery stores. They are designed to provide a service in a satellite location.
Ohhhhh Anonymous said it, it MUST be true. I'm convinced.
Hey Anonymous - which Anonymous are you referring to?
Sincerely,
Anonymous
The Assembly Bill has passed. Now the law goes to Gov. Christie to sign, or lacking that passes in to law after 30 days.
Post a Comment