My son was home sick and I was still at home on Sept. 11, 2001 when I heard a radio report of the first plane crash. We turned on the television and watched in horror as the second plane struck and the buildings collapsed. The turmoil and loss of life were hardly comprehensible.
In ensuing days, flags flew everywhere, especially from car windows, as citizens struggled to understand and react to the unprecedented attack. Soon the individual stories of victims were recounted and their lives memorialized for the first of many times. Survivors suffered guilt, for after all, the victims had only gone to work as usual. Why did so many die while fate permitted some to live?
The wholesale destruction of workers and workplaces - some perhaps simply vaporised as were their computers, files, phones, desks, photos of loved ones and personal possessions - left me personally unable to listen to the subsequent news reports. It was, and is, too terrible to bear. Our hearts broke over and over in sympathy with families of the victims.
Naming their names in tribute and remembrance must always continue, even as generations are born who did not witness the events of that day. We must never forget.
--Bernice
Saturday, September 11, 2010
PMUA Delays Council Confab
In a letter distributed at Tuesday's City Council meeting, Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority Chairman Harold Mitchell said all information requested at a June 28 joint meeting with the governing body will be submitted "on or about" Sept. 24. But Mitchell asked to defer an expected meeting this month to "after the November election."
Mitchell said the authority is in the process of working on its budget and rate setting for 2011, as well as being engaged in talks with several public entities to bring about potential shared services agreements. After November, Mitchell said, the authority will be in a "much better position to provide detailed information" on the issues in a joint meeting.
The authority is celebrating its 15th year of providing sewer and solid waste services to the city at its annual Environmental Fair, today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Library Park. For much of that period, the city has prodded the authority to expand its revenues through establishment of shared services programs. More recently, a citizens' group has aggressively challenged PMUA practices on both expense and revenue sides. In a lawsuit brought by activist Philip Charles, the PMUA prevailed in court, but meanwhile changed several policies and charges that Charles and others had criticized.
To read Plaintalker's post on the June 28 meeting, click here.
The citizens' group put up an informational web site that included ways to opt out of PMUA service and also exposed costs for travel and food that have since been curtailed. To view it, click here.
The authority and council previously met in July 2009, at which time Executive Director Eric Watson came across as a bit testy over the questioning. Here is a link to that meeting.
The current state of the PMUA's board of commissioners is under scrutiny by the governing body. Of five commissioners and two alternates, there is one vacancy and three holdovers. The board reorganizes in February, but no action was taken this year on expired terms. Several names have been floated recently for appointment by the mayor with advice and consent of the Ciy Council. Although confusion about the process was voiced at Tuesday's meeting, Council President Annie McWilliams called for seating people who will take the work seriously and "make the right decisions."
Saying she wanted to get "deadlines and timelines" from the authority, McWilliams said, "Ultimately, we owe nothing to the PMUA," but to constituents.
--Bernice Paglia
Mitchell said the authority is in the process of working on its budget and rate setting for 2011, as well as being engaged in talks with several public entities to bring about potential shared services agreements. After November, Mitchell said, the authority will be in a "much better position to provide detailed information" on the issues in a joint meeting.
The authority is celebrating its 15th year of providing sewer and solid waste services to the city at its annual Environmental Fair, today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Library Park. For much of that period, the city has prodded the authority to expand its revenues through establishment of shared services programs. More recently, a citizens' group has aggressively challenged PMUA practices on both expense and revenue sides. In a lawsuit brought by activist Philip Charles, the PMUA prevailed in court, but meanwhile changed several policies and charges that Charles and others had criticized.
To read Plaintalker's post on the June 28 meeting, click here.
The citizens' group put up an informational web site that included ways to opt out of PMUA service and also exposed costs for travel and food that have since been curtailed. To view it, click here.
The authority and council previously met in July 2009, at which time Executive Director Eric Watson came across as a bit testy over the questioning. Here is a link to that meeting.
The current state of the PMUA's board of commissioners is under scrutiny by the governing body. Of five commissioners and two alternates, there is one vacancy and three holdovers. The board reorganizes in February, but no action was taken this year on expired terms. Several names have been floated recently for appointment by the mayor with advice and consent of the Ciy Council. Although confusion about the process was voiced at Tuesday's meeting, Council President Annie McWilliams called for seating people who will take the work seriously and "make the right decisions."
Saying she wanted to get "deadlines and timelines" from the authority, McWilliams said, "Ultimately, we owe nothing to the PMUA," but to constituents.
--Bernice Paglia
Friday, September 10, 2010
Police Memorial to be Unveiled
Weeks of work have produced this memorial to four fallen police officers, John Gleason, Robert Perry, Frank Buczek and Abigail Powlett. It will be unveiled at noon on Saturday. It is located in front of Police Headquarters, East Fourth Street and Watchung Avenue
A worker was installing a plaque at the base of the flagpole Thursday.The names of those who died in the line of duty are inscribed on the large memorial in the shape of a police shield. Funds were raised by Policemen's Benevolent Association Local 19.
Click here to read Mark Spivey's article on the unveiling.
--Bernice
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Isra and Mi'raj
Puzzled by the notation of Isra and Mi'raj on the city web site's calendar?
Me too.
Click here for more information.
No mention of the High Holy Days on the calendar.
--Bernice
Me too.
Click here for more information.
No mention of the High Holy Days on the calendar.
--Bernice
Myriad Issues, Many Unresolved
If there was one overriding theme at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, it might have been “unfinished business.”
Holdovers serving on the Housing Authority and the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority board of commissioners, Dornoch’s bills to the city for the senior center, who is really in charge of Route 28, empty seats in the cabinet, ambulance service, property code enforcement and more – the list went on. Several of these items are likely to recur in months ahead as the City Council and the administration fail to mesh in a collegial approach to governance. Others may need much outside help to inch toward resolution.
The once-a-month agenda sessions present the attending citizens with a tsunami of issues that may engender the feeling that the city is bogged down, despite the best efforts of elected officials. Tuesday’s four-hour meeting (recorded at the rate of $100 per hour) will soon be broadcast on local television channels. Will viewers allot four hours to witness the state of the city as reflected on screen?
Here are some of the issues:
--Housing Authority Commissioner Rickey Williams, initially appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Housing Authority, is still a holdover six years later. The PMUA, in charge of city sewage and trash services, has three holdovers on its board. Whatever is stalling resolution of appointments, Councilman William Reid pointed out that federal and state agencies prefer to deal with “fully sanctioned” commissioners on such boards.
--The City Council in April tabled a resolution to pay the developer of the new senior center more than a quarter-million dollars in extra costs above the initial $1 token fee. On Tuesday, Councilman Adrian Mapp attempted to probe why a bond conversion contained $1.3 million for senior center costs. City Administrator Bibi Taylor said the funds were for closing costs, furnishings and electrical upgrades, among other items. Mapp said unless the governing body can get a complete accounting, he recommended canceling the unspent bond balance. The council is still seeking full documentation of the costs brought forth in April.
--Reporting for the council’s Finance Committee, Mapp said the state is claiming that the portion of Route 28 within city borders is the responsibility of Union County. Mapp had insisted recently that the state should be responsible for repairs to the South Avenue section of the road. Given the state’s new stance, he said it is “quite clear” that it is not the city’s responsibility. However, with plans well underway for much-needed repairs to South Avenue, the council agreed to go forward. City Council President Annie McWilliams said the damaged road in the South Avenue business district, a gateway to the city from the east, gives a “very poor impression” to visitors.
--The city still lacks a chief finance officer after two and a half years. Council members have asked the state to assign one, since a search has not yielded a viable candidate. The position of director of Administration, Finance, Health and Social Services is still being advertised, Taylor said. One of three department heads required by the city’s special charter, the post has changed hands seven times since January 2006 and has been vacant since February.
-- The loss of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center has strained ambulance response by the Plainfield Rescue Squad, but talks with the shuttered hospital’s parent organization have not yielded an extra ambulance. On Tuesday, Councilman Rashid Burney suggested appealing to the state, but added the possibility that “we have to pick up the tab ourselves.” McWilliams agreed, saying, “It really does fall into city hands.”
--Property code enforcement, a bugaboo for decades, is being carried out by the city’s Inspections Division, Chief Code Enforcement Officer Oscar Turk said Tuesday. But when cases go to court, property owners may work the system to get extensions on making repairs. Turk cited at least one case where an owner dodged responsibility by declaring bankruptcy. Councilman Cory Storch noted that by taking advantage of loopholes, owners can work the system for three or four years.
“What are we going to do differently?” he asked.
Turk said it would take a “collaborative effort from a number of entities to make it happen.”
“We need help to take it to the next level,” he said.
Storch then put the question to Taylor, who spoke of “triage,” but added that “staffing levels do not allow for anything creative.”
After more discussion, Corporation Counsel Dan Williamson summed it up as “a problem that is almost bottomless.”
“The question is, is it enough of a priority for the administration to do serious research and do something different?” Storch asked.
Burney said the council is looking for a creative solution that is “more strategic.”
The key issue is that responsible property owners deplore and resent having an unkempt home or lot on their block and cannot understand why more force is not being brought to bear on that owner, when they may be getting cited for minor flaws.
--Bernice Paglia
Holdovers serving on the Housing Authority and the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority board of commissioners, Dornoch’s bills to the city for the senior center, who is really in charge of Route 28, empty seats in the cabinet, ambulance service, property code enforcement and more – the list went on. Several of these items are likely to recur in months ahead as the City Council and the administration fail to mesh in a collegial approach to governance. Others may need much outside help to inch toward resolution.
The once-a-month agenda sessions present the attending citizens with a tsunami of issues that may engender the feeling that the city is bogged down, despite the best efforts of elected officials. Tuesday’s four-hour meeting (recorded at the rate of $100 per hour) will soon be broadcast on local television channels. Will viewers allot four hours to witness the state of the city as reflected on screen?
Here are some of the issues:
--Housing Authority Commissioner Rickey Williams, initially appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Housing Authority, is still a holdover six years later. The PMUA, in charge of city sewage and trash services, has three holdovers on its board. Whatever is stalling resolution of appointments, Councilman William Reid pointed out that federal and state agencies prefer to deal with “fully sanctioned” commissioners on such boards.
--The City Council in April tabled a resolution to pay the developer of the new senior center more than a quarter-million dollars in extra costs above the initial $1 token fee. On Tuesday, Councilman Adrian Mapp attempted to probe why a bond conversion contained $1.3 million for senior center costs. City Administrator Bibi Taylor said the funds were for closing costs, furnishings and electrical upgrades, among other items. Mapp said unless the governing body can get a complete accounting, he recommended canceling the unspent bond balance. The council is still seeking full documentation of the costs brought forth in April.
--Reporting for the council’s Finance Committee, Mapp said the state is claiming that the portion of Route 28 within city borders is the responsibility of Union County. Mapp had insisted recently that the state should be responsible for repairs to the South Avenue section of the road. Given the state’s new stance, he said it is “quite clear” that it is not the city’s responsibility. However, with plans well underway for much-needed repairs to South Avenue, the council agreed to go forward. City Council President Annie McWilliams said the damaged road in the South Avenue business district, a gateway to the city from the east, gives a “very poor impression” to visitors.
--The city still lacks a chief finance officer after two and a half years. Council members have asked the state to assign one, since a search has not yielded a viable candidate. The position of director of Administration, Finance, Health and Social Services is still being advertised, Taylor said. One of three department heads required by the city’s special charter, the post has changed hands seven times since January 2006 and has been vacant since February.
-- The loss of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center has strained ambulance response by the Plainfield Rescue Squad, but talks with the shuttered hospital’s parent organization have not yielded an extra ambulance. On Tuesday, Councilman Rashid Burney suggested appealing to the state, but added the possibility that “we have to pick up the tab ourselves.” McWilliams agreed, saying, “It really does fall into city hands.”
--Property code enforcement, a bugaboo for decades, is being carried out by the city’s Inspections Division, Chief Code Enforcement Officer Oscar Turk said Tuesday. But when cases go to court, property owners may work the system to get extensions on making repairs. Turk cited at least one case where an owner dodged responsibility by declaring bankruptcy. Councilman Cory Storch noted that by taking advantage of loopholes, owners can work the system for three or four years.
“What are we going to do differently?” he asked.
Turk said it would take a “collaborative effort from a number of entities to make it happen.”
“We need help to take it to the next level,” he said.
Storch then put the question to Taylor, who spoke of “triage,” but added that “staffing levels do not allow for anything creative.”
After more discussion, Corporation Counsel Dan Williamson summed it up as “a problem that is almost bottomless.”
“The question is, is it enough of a priority for the administration to do serious research and do something different?” Storch asked.
Burney said the council is looking for a creative solution that is “more strategic.”
The key issue is that responsible property owners deplore and resent having an unkempt home or lot on their block and cannot understand why more force is not being brought to bear on that owner, when they may be getting cited for minor flaws.
--Bernice Paglia
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
L'shanah tovah!
Plainfield's Jewish population has diminished considerably since the mid-20th century, but we must realize and acknowledge significant times for our Jewish friends and neighbors. As Dr. Yood points out in a comment on his blog, sundown tonight marks "Erev Rosh ha Shanna, the first night of the Jewish New Year 5771. This is one of the two most holy days in the Jewish faith."
To learn more about the holiday, click here.
--Bernice
To learn more about the holiday, click here.
--Bernice
Council to Investigate WBLS Bills
An Aug. 1 "Call to Action" Town Meeting at Washington Community School was simulcast over radio stations WBLS and WLIB, but it was not exactly a community service.
Plaintalker's Open Public Records Act request turned up a $20,000 charge by WBLS for the show and numerous related commercials. The funds were drawn from a city Information Technology account for "hardware and software maintenance," according to a document obtained through the OPRA request.
On Tuesday, Councilman Rashid Burney suggested that the governing body needed to look into the matter "in great detail."
"There's some stuff going on here," he said.
Burney called for a special council meeting "to gather the facts" of how the cost was incurred and who had the "fiduciary responsibility" for it.
The investigation is not to look at the judgment of spending money, he said.
"What I'm talking about is essentially the legality of it."
In recent months, the council has been pressing for greater fiscal accountability and stewardship of resources, including limits on discretionary spending. The city has also faced state-imposed limits on spending for non-essential items.
The council agreed to vote Monday on a resolution to hold a hearing on the WBLS expenditure.
Councilman Adrian Mapp also asked to add two other payments to WBLS, each $2,500 for items related to the July 4th celebration. Those costs were incurred through the Recreation Division. One payment came from a general improvement ordinance and the other from "outside consulting services."
Later in the meeting, Councilman Cory Storch questioned a $20,000 year-to-date "other expense" total in the Information Technology budget for the fiscal year that began July 1.
"Is any of that money spent on other than IT, like WBLS?" he asked City Administrator Bibi Taylor, who replied that IT and Media were "one line item."
Storch asked whether that meant there would be $20,000 less to spend on IT and also asked whether any part of the Recreation Division's $30,000 year-to-date expenditure was related to WBLS. Taylor said she was "not aware" of any such thing.
The "Call to Action" meeting was held after a rash of shootings that began in May. Part of it was to gain support for a $1 million ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, which the administration had showcased days before meeting. Panelists included community activists, mayors, school board members and legislators. Mayors Robert Bowser of East Orange and Wayne Smith of Irvington both spoke in favor of the system at the the Aug. 1 meeting.
The event was preceded by much ballyhoo over the expected attendance of the Rev. Al Sharpton, who only made a brief appearance well into the three-hour show. Curiosity over possible fees connected with the event prompted several OPRA requests. Plaintalker filed one on Aug. 2 for documentation of all costs, including school rental, speakers’ honoraria or fees, security, setup including WBLS requirements, cost of videographing (the city's new videographer receives $100 per hour), food and supplies, plus any other incidentals.
But the first thing that Plaintalker received was proof of the $20,000 WBLS bill for the show. The City Clerk's office referred Plaintalker to the school district for the school rental costs and is still gathering documentation of the other items.
Also on Tuesday the council discussed the mayor's veto of two ordinances aimed at improving fiscal transparency and accountability. Both were part of Council President Annie McWilliams' "Fiscal Accountability, Integrity and Responsibility" package of legislation. Click here to read her explanation. The council agreed to put both vetoed ordinances up for votes on Monday. Five of the seven members - a super-majority - must vote "yes" in order to override the vetoes.
Monday's meeting is 8 p.m. in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.
--Bernice Paglia
Plaintalker's Open Public Records Act request turned up a $20,000 charge by WBLS for the show and numerous related commercials. The funds were drawn from a city Information Technology account for "hardware and software maintenance," according to a document obtained through the OPRA request.
On Tuesday, Councilman Rashid Burney suggested that the governing body needed to look into the matter "in great detail."
"There's some stuff going on here," he said.
Burney called for a special council meeting "to gather the facts" of how the cost was incurred and who had the "fiduciary responsibility" for it.
The investigation is not to look at the judgment of spending money, he said.
"What I'm talking about is essentially the legality of it."
In recent months, the council has been pressing for greater fiscal accountability and stewardship of resources, including limits on discretionary spending. The city has also faced state-imposed limits on spending for non-essential items.
The council agreed to vote Monday on a resolution to hold a hearing on the WBLS expenditure.
Councilman Adrian Mapp also asked to add two other payments to WBLS, each $2,500 for items related to the July 4th celebration. Those costs were incurred through the Recreation Division. One payment came from a general improvement ordinance and the other from "outside consulting services."
Later in the meeting, Councilman Cory Storch questioned a $20,000 year-to-date "other expense" total in the Information Technology budget for the fiscal year that began July 1.
"Is any of that money spent on other than IT, like WBLS?" he asked City Administrator Bibi Taylor, who replied that IT and Media were "one line item."
Storch asked whether that meant there would be $20,000 less to spend on IT and also asked whether any part of the Recreation Division's $30,000 year-to-date expenditure was related to WBLS. Taylor said she was "not aware" of any such thing.
The "Call to Action" meeting was held after a rash of shootings that began in May. Part of it was to gain support for a $1 million ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, which the administration had showcased days before meeting. Panelists included community activists, mayors, school board members and legislators. Mayors Robert Bowser of East Orange and Wayne Smith of Irvington both spoke in favor of the system at the the Aug. 1 meeting.
The event was preceded by much ballyhoo over the expected attendance of the Rev. Al Sharpton, who only made a brief appearance well into the three-hour show. Curiosity over possible fees connected with the event prompted several OPRA requests. Plaintalker filed one on Aug. 2 for documentation of all costs, including school rental, speakers’ honoraria or fees, security, setup including WBLS requirements, cost of videographing (the city's new videographer receives $100 per hour), food and supplies, plus any other incidentals.
But the first thing that Plaintalker received was proof of the $20,000 WBLS bill for the show. The City Clerk's office referred Plaintalker to the school district for the school rental costs and is still gathering documentation of the other items.
Also on Tuesday the council discussed the mayor's veto of two ordinances aimed at improving fiscal transparency and accountability. Both were part of Council President Annie McWilliams' "Fiscal Accountability, Integrity and Responsibility" package of legislation. Click here to read her explanation. The council agreed to put both vetoed ordinances up for votes on Monday. Five of the seven members - a super-majority - must vote "yes" in order to override the vetoes.
Monday's meeting is 8 p.m. in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.
--Bernice Paglia
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