The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood

FIFTY CENTS (908) 2324407

Scotch Plains – Fanwood THE TIMES

OUR 42ND YEAR – ISSUE NO. 1642 Published Every Thursday USPS 485200

Periodical – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, N. J. Thursday, April 20, 2000

of

— Serving Scotch Plains and Fanwood Since 1959 —

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

INDEX

A& E............... Page 20 Business ........ Page 17 Classifieds ..... Pag 19

County .......... Page 2 Editorial ........ Page 4 Obituary ........ Page 10

Religious ....... Page 11 Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 13

Fanwood Council Taps Coordinator For Downtown Revitalization Work

By SUZETTE F. STALKER

Specially Written for The Times

During a regular meeting which lasted nearly three hours last Thursday, the Fanwood Borough Council confirmed its appointment of a downtown revitalization coordinator and approved several ordinances.

The meeting opened with the ceremonial swearingin by Mayor Louis C. Jung of new Councilwoman Cynthia Swindlehurst for the benefit of those in attendance and others watching the meeting from home on Channel 35.

Ms. Swindlehurst, a Democrat, had officially taken her oath during a private ceremony on March 28, in accordance with state regulations mandating that a new council representative must be sworn in within 30 days of the retirement date of his or her predecessor.

The councilwoman, a former Planning Board member whose parents both served on the governing body years ago, succeeded former Councilman William E. Populus, Jr., who retired from the council on March 1.

Ms. Swindlehurst, 34, described her parents as “great role models” who inspired her to pursue public service and whom she hoped to emulate as a member of the council herself. Her mother and father accompanied her last week, as they did when she was officially sworn in last month.

Her standing council committee assignments will include chairing

the Public Works Committee, on which she will also serve as Liaison for recycling and the Plainfield Area Regional Sewerage Authority.

She has also been assigned to the Education, Health and Welfare Committee, as Liaison to the Scotch PlainsFanwood Board of Education, and to the Recreation and Community Services Committee, as Liaison to Fanwood’s Environmental Commission.

Under other business, Clayton Pierce, a member of the Fanwood Downtown Revitalization Committee (FDRC), was named by the council through a 41 vote as the borough’s Downtown Revitalization Coordinator, a new position.

Mr. Clayton, whose appointment is effective through the end of this year, will manage administrative aspects of downtown revitalization, officials said. He will receive a flat salary of $12,500 for his services, to be funded through a grant, borough officials confirmed.

Councilwoman Swindlehurst opposed the appointment, recommending the council also interview two other candidates who had submitted résumés for the position.

Ms. Swindlehurst noted that, although his requested salary was lower than that of the other candidates, Mr. Pierce lacked a professional background in the area of downtown revitalization. However, other council members

pointed out that Mr. Pierce, who made a presentation on downtown issues to the council at its April 5 agenda session, had demonstrated his abilities on a volunteer basis over the past several months.

Republican Councilman Thomas P. Ryan, Jr. observed that Mr. Pierce had an ability to “focus” on downtown objectives, in addition to his success in researching and gathering information from local merchants and others on behalf of the FDRC.

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Veteran Member of Scotch PlainsFanwood School Board August Ruggiero Commended for 19 Years of Service By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Times

During its meeting last Thursday, the Scotch PlainsFanwood Board of Education saluted outgoing member August Ruggiero for his 19 years of service to the children and the communities of Scotch Plains and Fanwood.

The board resolution stated that, during his tenure, Mr. Ruggiero “earned the respect, affection and gratitude of his colleagues on the board and the citizens.”

It acknowledged his “tenacity, dedication and scrupulous work

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

ethic,” plus an “incredible commitment to myriad board activities.” Board member Lance Porter called his colleague “an anchor for the Board of Education” and praised the kindness and experience that characterized much of Mr. Ruggiero’s board work behind the scenes.

In other business, the board voted 7 to 1 (board member Richard M. Meade was absent) to approve implementation of an Elementary World Languages program for second graders, beginning in September.

The program dictates that every student will receive 60 minutes of

Spanish instruction per week. Supplemental instruction will be provided by physical education, music and art teachers, as well as media specialists. Each will provide six culturallyrelated lessons.

It was noted in the board’s approval that implementation of the program was contingent upon voter approval of a public question for an additional $118,500 for the 20002001 school year.

Mr. Ruggiero opposed the motion because he is concerned that those students who elect to switch foreign languages in middle school or even

high school might not get the opportunity to do so if there are not enough students to fill a class.

Board member Jessica D. Simpson reported that the Garden State Coalition of Schools is looking to school districts to initiate a letterwriting campaign to put pressure on state legislators with respect to stalled construction funding legislation.

Board Vice President Dr. Donald E. Sheldon reported on the first meeting of a newlyformed committee of school administrators, school board members and municipal officials from Fanwood and Scotch Plains.

Scotch Plains Board of Adjustment Turns Down Plan For Bank, Pharmacy on Park Place Site By LAWRENCE HENRY

Specially Written for The Times

The Scotch Plains Board of Adjustment on April 12 turned down the application of Mount Laurelbased Site Development, Inc. to build a Commerce Bank and a CVS Pharmacy on the corner of Martine Avenue and Raritan Road.

The Park Place Family Restaurant and a oneandahalf story house, which is located in an R1 residential zone, occupies the site now.

Board of Adjustment Vice Chairman Thomas Barth said the seven board members who voted to deny

the Site Development application “had a number of different reasons” for doing so.

Besides “property values,” he cited concerns over “increased traffic,” which board members felt could have a “negative impact on the neighborhood.”

A source close to the board said Site Development was “sure to appeal” the decision to Superior Court.

Site Development officials did not respond to or return telephone calls from The Scotch PlainsFanwood Times.

The application to develop the Park Place Restaurant site was the subject

of a fivehour meeting on April 6. More than 50 neighborhood residents attended and voiced objections to the plan. It marked the continuation of a previous hearing on the matter, which also drew a large crowd in opposition to the project.

Most of the objections raised by area residents at both those meetings

concerned the extended hours of operation for the proposed bank, including Sunday drivethrough window hours and a 24hour/ sevendayaweek Automatic Teller Machine.

Other objections included traffic, congestion, glaring lights, litter, crime and devaluation of property values in the surrounding neighborhood.

SPF School Bd. Election Results:

*Thomas Russo 1710 * Theresa Larkin 1488

Ava McNamara 1114 * Linda Nelson 1674

* indicates incumbents Towns Move Forward on Plans for LongAwaited

Refurbishments to Hetfield Avenue Bridge By FRED ROSSI

Specially Written for The Times

The longdelayed refurbishment of the Hetfield Avenue bridge took a major step forward on Tuesday night, when the Scotch Plains Township Council awarded a $298,469.50 contract to GFM Construction Inc. of Rutherford and also passed a resolution authorizing the signing of a joint agreement with Fanwood to move

forward with the project. The resurfacing of the roadway and the structural repairs to the bridge, which traverses the New Jersey Transit Raritan Valley rail line, has been delayed for several months as the bidding process twice resulted in bids significantly higher than anticipated.

While it’s hoped the project can get under way on Thursday, June 1,

township officials first want to make certain that New Jersey Transit’s ongoing repairs to the bridge overpass at Crossway Place in Westfield are completed before another North AvenueSouth Avenue artery is closed to automobile traffic. Once work on the Hetfield Avenue bridge begins, it’s expected to take at least three months.

Funding for the project will come from New Jersey Transit, which will

provide $146,000, and both Scotch Plains and Fanwood, each of which will use a $55,000 grant from the State Department of Transportation.

The two municipalities will request the remaining $42,469.50 from the Department of Transportation; until the money is received, the two towns will use funds from their existing budgets to cover the $42,000plus shortfall.

Mayor Martin Marks called the joint project an example of the concept of shared services being used increasingly by localities as a way of saving their taxpayers’ money.

In other business, Councilman Frank Rossi reported that a recentlyformed shared services advisory committee held its second meeting this week, during which members discussed a state grant program that would allow the committee to obtain funding to retain a consultant in an advisory capacity and to work on various potential projects.

The committee, made up of representatives from the Scotch Plains and Fanwood councils and the Scotch PlainsFanwood Board of Education, was set up earlier this year to look at possible areas where expenses beCONTINUED

ON PAGE 12

Cheri Rogowsky for The Times READY TO PLAY… The Scotch Plains Business and Professional Association and the FanwoodScotch Plains Rotary Club held its Casino Night on April 14 at the Scotch Hills Country Club. Enjoying the festivities and pictured, left to right, are: Carol Wood, Barbara Hausleiter, Scotch Plains Councilwoman Geri M. Samuel, Ray Pardon and Steve Goldberg, seated.

Cheri Rogowsky for The Times BIG WINNER… Michelle Tulio was the big winner during Casino Night on April 14. She won a total of 5,850 raffle tickets during the event. Pictured, left to right, are: Ms. Tulio and friend Lisa Dipace.

TWENTY PERCENT OF VOTERS TURN OUT AT POLLS

Budget Questions Pass; Russo, Larkin, Nelson Win BOE Seats

By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Times

With cheers, Scotch PlainsFanwood parents, school administrators and several Board of Education members, who were keeping a nervous vigil at the board offices, welcomed passage of a $46,958,051 school budget for 20002001 as unofficial election results were posted the night of April 18.

Of that total, $41,735,755 will be funded by local taxes. The budget passed by a vote of 2,211 to 1,329.

In addition, the community OK’d three separate questions related to building maintenance, technology and a new elementary world language program for an additional $723,000 in spending. The language program squeaked by with 1,778 votes in favor, 1,746 votes against, according to the unofficial numbers.

Scotch Plains voters tapped incumbents Theresa Larkin and Thomas Russo, along with newcomer Linda Nelson for threeyear terms on

the Board of Education. Ava R. McNamara was defeated in her bid for a board seat for the second year in a row. There were no Fanwood board seats up for election this year.

Preliminary results showed Mr. Russo, who will begin his second term on May 1, as the frontrunner with 1,711 votes. He was followed by Mrs. Nelson with 1,674 votes and Mrs. Larkin with 1,488 votes. Mrs. Larkin, the current Board President, will begin her third term when the

new board meets May 1 for its annual reorganization meeting.

“I’m very gratified to have the support of the community,” said Mr. Russo, who was joined by his wife, Marla and sons, Chris and Alex. “The board has a lot of important work ahead. I’m pleased to be able to continue on the board and help resolve the issues that will come up in the next few years.”

Mrs. Nelson, who posted impressive numbers in her first bid for board service, said, “I’m overwhelmed by the support that I received during the campaign and by my high vote count. I feel I’ve been given a heavy responsibility; people expect me to get in there and get working, and I will work hard.”

“I think the PTA did an incredible job of getting out the vote and helping people understand the differences between the complicated issues of the budget and the upcoming bond referendum,” added Mrs. Nelson.

She also commended the 20 percent turnout of voters in the communities of Scotch Plains and Fanwood as an excellent indicator of people’s strong support for their schools.

Since the average assessment on a home in Scotch Plains is $117,000, township residents will see their taxes rise by an average of $127 for 200001. The tax increase includes the base budget and funding from the second questions.

Borough of Fanwood residents will be harder hit by an additional $253 in taxes on an average assessed home of $83,000.

The approved spending plan represents a 3.06 percent increase over the 19992000 school budget. In the weeks prior to the budget vote, board members, administrators, and the Parent Teacher Association Council worked diligently to counteract what they saw as misinformation being spread about the budget.

Their efforts paid off Tuesday night. He said the committee will explore

opportunities for shared services between the towns and school district, which would enable them to apply for a share of the $10 million budgeted by the state for just such joint ventures.

Board members spoke briefly about misinformation that had circulated by wordofmouth, in flyers and in letters to the editor about the proposed 20002001 school budget.

Board member Thomas Russo said, “I hope people will have a critical

Page 12 Thursday, April 20, 2000 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Both ordinances approved on second reading last week were unveiled on March 9 and amend chapters of the Borough Code. One establishes the requirements for and the responsibilities and jurisdiction of the Borough Prosecutor, among other aspects of the position.

This ordinance was drafted in response to legislation signed in January by Governor Christine Todd

Fanwood Council Appoints Coordinator For Revitalization Efforts in Downtown

Whitman that permits towns to formally designate a municipal prosecutor.

The second ordinance adopted at the meeting permits limited use of twocar garages in the Terrill Affordable Housing zone. Another ordinance, introduced on first reading last week, supports driveways widths to accommodate such garages.

Of the three additional ordinances which debuted at the meeting, one

approved a provision whereby homeowners in the R50 and R75 zones who seek to attach an addition, deck or patio onto a principal structure may extend the structure in a straight line without applying for a variance from the Planning Board, as long as the side yard setback is no less than eight feet.

Also approved on first reading were a bond ordinance appropriating $764,340 and authorizing issuance of $512,373 in bonds for various general improvements in Fanwood, and an ordinance detailing the salary range for borough employees not covered by unions or associations.

Earlier in the meeting, officials announced the appointment of Christine Taylor to the Fanwood Memorial Library Board of Trustees; John Celardo to the Fanwood Historic Preservation Commission and Eric Hess as a full member of the Planning Board.

Mr. Hess, who advanced from second alternate, will replace Ms. Swindlehurst as a regular board member. The councilwoman said she was disappointed that Matthew Glennon, who serves as first alternate and has seniority, was not moved up to a regular spot.

Mayor Jung, who is responsible for appointments to the Planning Board and had named Mr. Hess to the board in January, noted that Mr. Glennon’s term expires this year, while Mr. Hess’ term continues through December 31, 2002.

Proclamations recognizing Thursday, May 4, as National Day of Prayer and April 9 through 15 as National Library Week were issued by the governing body.

The proclamation for the Library Week was accepted by Carol Campell, Vice President of the Friends of the Fanwood Library, who later appealed to the council to restore $2,500 in funding which officials had trimmed prior to introducing their 2000 budget on March 21. The existing allocation is $251,955.

Although acknowledging the challenges officials faced this year in hammering out a budget while saddled with several large, nondiscretionary costs, she cited the many services provided by the library and asked that the funds be reinstated as “a testament of faith.”

The council still has an opportunity to amend its spending plan prior to adopting it on Wednesday, May 3. Mayor Jung remarked that the potential arrival of funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in response to Tropical Storm Floyd last year, could be used to reduce the tax rate or increase appropriations in the budget.

Officials also issued proclamations honoring the Fanwood Women’s Club on its 70th anniversary and Family Investors Company, located at 265 South Avenue in Fanwood, on the 40th anniversary of its founding.

Finally, resolutions were issued in support of the Million Mom March to end gun violence, scheduled for Sunday, Mother’s Day, May 14, in Washington, D. C., and for the Knights of Columbus’ annual fund drive.

The 25th annual drive, which benefits those with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities, will take place from Friday to Sunday, April 28, 29 and 30.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

eye when viewing the misinformation that’s out there.” During the meeting, Scotch Plains resident Deborah Asher voiced dissatisfaction with the administration’s response to her complaints regarding the lack of privacy surrounding students’ grades. She offered the example of grades being passed around the class.

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. John Crews said he met with principals several months ago to discuss the problem. The matter will be revisited.

During the meeting, members also enjoyed presentations by four Scotch PlainsFanwood High School students representing The Muse, the high school’s literary magazine, and the Advanced Placement (AP) Art

Veteran SFF BOE Member August Ruggiero Saluted

Cheri Rogowsky for The Times LEMONADE FOR SALE… These children offered a bargain of 25 cents for pink lemonade in Scotch Plains a few weeks ago.

Cheri Rogowsky for The Times SATURDAY MORNING MANICURE… Alexa Bergenfeld of Scotch Plains decided to have her nails painted and manicured last Saturday by Mia Kim at Fanwood Nails.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tween the three entities could be shared.

Mayor Marks said he was “glad this seems to be picking up steam.”

Councilman Tarquin Jay Bromley said the advisory committee had already identified 25 to 30 potential projects and zeroed in on a half dozen that will be looked at first.

Mr. Bromley praised the cooperation and enthusiasm among the three entities. Late in the council’s meeting, officials passed a resolution appointing Jersey Professional Management of Cranford to assist in the preparation and submission of an application for a Regional Efficiency Development Incentive (REDI) grant.

In other matters, the council approved a resolution approving and

accepting a $2,500 grant from the State Department of Environmental Protection for environmental assessments in connection with the proposed park and ballfield development at the Ashbrook Reservation.

The township’s Environmental Commission will provide a $2,500 matching grant for the studies.

Earlier, at the council’s conference meeting, Mayor Marks reported that plans are moving forward for the Memorial Day Parade, which, this year, will honor Korean Conflict participants. Two ceremonies will be held on Monday, May 29, at the American Legion Hall on Park Avenue and at the Fanwood Memorial Library.

The council’s next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 9.

Towns Will Move Ahead On Hetfield Bridge Plans

History course. Accompanied by Supervisor Carol Senff, students Emily Downs and Julia Hipp spoke of The Muse as the high school’s biggest advocate for creative writing. The magazine publishes student poetry, prose poetry, short stories and artwork. The magazine will next be published in June.

Ian Bonner and Amy Swenson are members of the AP Art History class, which drew 50 students in its first offering. Ian, who spoke about the architecture he has studied, liked how the class content “related to actual life.”

Amy focused her comments on various elements in paintings which the class has studied. AP Art History is taught by Andrea Karanik.

Photographic Historian to Talk About ‘American Century’

FANWOOD – Westfield resident and professional photographic historian Gail Buckland will speak about her extensive research experience for the book “The American Century” at the monthly meeting of the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 25, at the Fanwood Train Station at North and Martine Avenues, starting at 8 p. m.

“The American Century,” a 700page pictorial essay, spans the years 1889 to 1989. It was written by Harold Evans and Kevin Baker, with the photographs compiled by Mrs. Buckland, who spent a decade do ing research for the project.

She will show slides as she recounts the idea for the book, plus the research, compilation, editing and publishing of it.

The Town Book Store of Westfield will offer the book at a 10 percent discount and Mrs. Buckland will sign purchased copies. This meeting, which is open to everyone, will be followed by refreshments and fellowship.

Further information about the Historical Society may be obtained from its President, Richard Bousquet, at P. O. Box 261, Scotch Plains, 07076 or by calling (908) 2321199.

SPBPA Slates Dinner Dance To Benefit Scholarship Fund

SCOTCH PLAINS — The Scotch Plains Business and Professional Association (SPBPA) will hold it’s fifth annual Spring Fling Scholarship Dinner Dance on Friday, May 5, at Snuffy’s Pantagis Renaissance, from 7: 30 p. m. to midnight.

Tickets for the evening are $50 per person and include a cocktail hour, dinner, open bar and live band. Entertainment will be provided by Virtual Relics, of Scotch Plains, who will play favorites from the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.

The evening’s honoree will be Eastern Marble & Granite Supply, a member of the SPBPA. A silent auction of goods and services donated by local businesses will also be held. All proceeds from the event will go towards the SPBPA Scholarship Fund.

This year, the Association expects to award $2,500 in scholarships to local high school students. Tickets are available in Scotch Plains at Nuts n’ Plenty, 407 Park Avenue; Apple Blossom Flower Shop, 381 Park Avenue, or The Times of Scotch PlainsFanwood,

1906 Bartle Avenue. Individuals unable to attend the event but who would like to make a

donation to the scholarship fund may send a check to: SPBPA Scholarship Fund, Attention: Ray Pardon, P. O. Box 862, Scotch Plains, 07076.

For more information, please call either Joanna Marsh of the Times/ Westfield Leader at (908) 2324407 or Mr. Pardon of Nuts n’ Plenty at (908) 3227388.

Local Knights to Kick Off 25th Annual Fund Drive

SCOTCH PLAINS — Father John S. Nelligan Council No. 5730 of the Knights of Columbus, representing

Scotch Plains and Fanwood, will conduct its 25th annual fund drive, in conjunction with the New Jersey State Council of the Knights of Columbus, to aid retarded citizens and those with learning disabilities.

The drive will take place Friday through Sunday, April 28, 29 and 30, throughout the state.

LEARN to Examine Nursing and the Law

SCOTCH PLAINS — Karen Cepero, Director of Cardiopulmonary Services at Jersey City Medical Center, will address the League for Educational Advancement for Registered Nurses (LEARN) on Monday, April 24, at 7: 45 p. m. at the All Saints’ Episcopal Church Parish House, 559 Park Avenue in Scotch Plains.

The program, entitled “Nurses On Trial,” will provide specific information about nursing and the law.

The education program, approved by the New Jersey State Nurses Association, provides 2.4 Contact Hours. NJSNA is accredited as an approver of Continuing Education for Nursing.

LEARN, a notforprofit professional organization for registered nurses, offers eight programs an academic year on current nursing topics. The next program is entitled “Peds, Meds, Heads: Keeping Yours in Order,” on Monday, May 22.

LEARN’S annual membership is $35, or a guest fee of $10 per program.

For information, please write to: LEARN, P. O. Box 6, Scotch Plains, 07076, or call the Program Coordinator at (908) 2727239.

County Mayors Discuss Impact State Control of School Funding Would Have

By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Times

CRANFORD — Just days before the school elections, local mayors and council members discussed several options that have been considered to reduce the burden of school budgets on property taxpayers.

During last Saturday morning’s meeting of the Union County League of Municipalities, officials shared their views on whether more state involvement for funding public schools was the best solution.

Joseph Florio, a Union Township Councilman, said he believes local property taxes ensure that school districts have control over the education of their children.

“When it’s local it’s tough but at least you control your own destiny,” Mr. Florio stated.

Fanwood Councilman Joel Whitaker explained that the “inevitable result of moving school funding out of the property taxes” would be that county school boards would take control of local districts. He said this would cause a deterioration in local districts, adding that the districts would be abolished and replaced with a county system. Such a system, he anticipated, would be less responsive than local districts are today.

Scotch Plains Mayor Martin L. Marks noted that there are 600 school districts in the state. He said New Jersey’s cost for educating students is the highest in the nation.

Westfield Mayor Thomas C. Jardim said some senior citizens in the municipality were paying as much as $11,000 in property taxes with no kids in the public schools, forcing them to move out of town. They have been replaced by young couples with children, which has put a strain on the local school system.

He said this spiral of local taxes will continue “until at some point, we have to inevitably say, ‘this is the incorrect way to fund our local school system. ’”

Mr. Whitaker said one of the main issues in the Scotch PlainsFanwood district is funding special education students. He noted that the average cost in the district is $50,000 per student.

He said more state funding in this area “would immensely ease the burden on funding property taxes, at least here in Fanwood, and I presume in Scotch Plains also.”

Mr. Whitaker said the state needs to pick up the cost of mandated

programs, such as the new world language program.

On another hot issue, local officials said New Jersey’s elected officials in Washington and Trenton and local representatives need to urge Washington to amend legislation which will cause serious funding problems in transporting patients.

As part of the 1997 federal Balanced Budget Act, the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) developed a new, national Medicare/ Ambulance Fee Schedule aimed at reducing expenses. Under the new rules, the Medicare reimbursement rate for advanced life support (ALS), which are hospitalbased paramedics, may be cut in half.

Paramedics attend to victims of heart attacks and other serious medical problems but do not transport patients. That is done by volunteer rescue squads which also provide basic life support (BLS), thus saving New Jersey millions of dollars a year.

State Assemblyman Alan M. Augustine has proposed legislation urging the HCFA to allow paramedics to bill under a Medicare Plan A program with paid rescue squads charging for transportation services under a Medicare Plan B plan.

The Union County League of Municipalities received a legislative update from Barbara Hall, President of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, during its meeting.

She said Leagues of Municipalities were formed in general as a “forum for municipal officials to come together to exchange ideas” on issues.

The state League, which was founded in 1917, dealt with such bacterial reductions and sewerage treatment, a model system for garbage collection and the question over public or private ownership of water, gas and electric utilities.

Speaking on issues today, Ms. Hall, a former Chatham Borough Mayor, said that at the federal level, Senator John McCain (RArk.) has introduced S2255 as an amendment to the Internet Tax Freedom Act.

The amendment extends the moratorium on taxing purchases on the Internet through calendar year 2006. Congress had originally exempted purchases via the Internet from state sales taxes for three years, ending in 2003. Ecommerce

is a $300 billion industry. A summary of the legislation states that electronic commerce conducted via the Internet should not be burdened by national or local regulation, taxation, or the imposition of tariffs on such commerce.

At the state level, Ms. Hall, answering an inquiry from Scotch Plains Councilwoman Geri M. Samuel, noted that a bill requiring impact fees on developers is still under discussion.

There was also discussion regarding Metricom Inc. ’s effort to install a small device on street lamps for high speed mobile Internet and email access.

Mr. Whitaker said the borough has agreed to the proposal, although no contracts have been signed. Westfield has also been approached. Thus far, Winfield Park is the only Union County town that has actually signed a contract.

Municipal approval is required, since the public rightofway is needed for Metricom to operate the system.

Mayor Jardim questioned the impact on other companies selling the same service who may also want to install similar transmitters.

Mayor Marks said he believes it may not be possible to place two transmitters on the same lamp post.

On another matter, it was announced that the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement Act, sponsored by Congressman Bill Pascrell (D8th), was the subject of a Congressional hearing.

The bill would authorize $5 billion in competitive grants to fire departments over five years. The funding would pay for such things as training, personal protective equipment, communications, apparatus, certification of fire inspectors, wellness and fitness programs, Emergency Medical Services expenses, infrastructure modification, personnel, fire prevention programs and public education.

In addition to the Mayors of Westfield, Scotch Plains, Winfield Park and Roselle Park, council members from Garwood, Roselle, Union, Cranford and Springfield were in attendance. In order for the League to officially meet, a quorum of eight member communities is needed.

Fanwood TV35 Schedule Friday, Apr. 21, 7: 00 P. M.

April 13th Council Meeting

Sunday, Apr. 23, 8: 00 P. M.

Three Seasons in the Sun in Fanwood

Sunday, Apr. 23, 9: 00 P. M.

COPTV Home Security

Tuesday, Apr. 25, 8: 00 P. M.

Freeholder’s Forum

Tuesday, Apr. 25, 9: 00 P. M.

Fanwood 100 Years Lator

Thursday, Apr. 27, 8: 00 P. M.

April 13th Council Meeting

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