The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood

FIFTY CENTS (908) 2324407

Scotch Plains – Fanwood THE TIMES

OUR 42ND YEAR – ISSUE NO. 3342 Published Every Thursday USPS 485200

Periodical – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, N. J. Thursday, August 17, 2000

of

— Serving Scotch Plains and Fanwood Since 1959 —

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

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INDEX

A& E............... Page 17 Business ........ Page 14 Classifieds ..... Page 15

Editorial ........ Page 4 Education ...... Page 8 Obituary ........ Page 9

Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 11

Scotch Plains Residents to Pay $6,200 In Taxes This Year; TwoThirds Dedicated to Schools

By FRED ROSSI

Specially Written for The Times Editor’s Note: The following is the first installment of threepart series on property taxes in Scotch Plains this year.

* * * * *

This year’s municipal budget and property tax discussions among members of the Scotch Plains Township Council was markedly less rancorous than in 1999.

Four months ago, the Republicancontrolled governing body did what GOP members had wanted to do a year earlier, when they were in the minority: enact a budget that used the township’s surplus to offset the need for any increase in that portion of local property tax bills used to finance municipal government activities.

As a result, Scotch Plains residents will pay an average of $6,201 in total property taxes over the coming year on an average assessed home of $117,000 vs. $6,049 paid last year at the same valuation level. In addi tion to local government services

and activities, the property tax finances schools in the Scotch PlainsFanwood School District as well as services and activities provided by the Union County government.

Of the $6,201 in the average property tax bill this year, almost twothirds, or $3,943, will go towards educational purposes. Slightly less than 18 percent, or $1,100, will be earmarked for Union County, with $1,135, or 18 percent of the total, paying for Scotch Plains government services. In addition, an average of $23 will be collected by the government to finance the Open Space Trust Fund that was approved last year by township voters.

An assessed value of a home in Scotch Plains is currently about 48 percent of the estimated market value, according to Township Manager Thomas E. Atkins, meaning that the average assessed home of $117,000 carries an average sale price of about $245,000. The last time the township

conducted a revaluation of properties was in 1984. While the tax rate for local government services remained unchanged this year at 97 cents per $100 of assessed value, the rate for the county portion of the property tax bill increased 3.3 percent, from 91 cents to 94 cents, while it climbed 2.4 percent, from $3.29 to $3.37, for the Scotch PlainsFanwood Board of Education.

As is the case with most local budgets, the Scotch Plains government had little control over most of the $17.006 million in expenditures in its 2000 spending plan, since much of the spending is mandated by state and federal law. Thus, the hands— of the Mayor, Council and township professionals who actually do much of the work in putting together annual budgets— are somewhat tied when it comes to discretionary spending.

More than half of this year’s budget is funded from local property tax ($ 9.16 million), with the remaining $7.85 million coming from state aid ($ 2.95 million), the roughly $2.7 million township surplus, and anticipated revenues from construction code fees, municipal court revenue and interest on township investments.

The biggest piece of the 2000 bud get pie, representing about $228 (20

percent) of the average $1,135 in taxes for municipal services, will be allocated to the Scotch Plains Police Department, whose $3.423 million in funding will go towards salaries, the department’s operating expenses, the traffic bureau and maintenance of the township’s traffic lights.

A few intangibles, but significant portions of this year’s budget are the $1.4 million placed in a reserve for uncollected taxes and the $1.28 million earmarked for municipal debt service, which, Mr. Atkins told The Times of Scotch PlainsFanwood,

includes $720,000 for payment of bond principal; $181,000 for payment of bond anticipation notes; $197,000 for interest on bonds; and $181,000 for interest on notes.

Another $745,000 will pay for contributions to the pension funds of the police, firemen and other public employees as well as Social Security.

Health insurance coverage for the 120 fulltime township employees will cost Scotch Plains $958,000 this year, an increase of nearly eight percent over 1999. This coverage includes hospital, medical, major medical and dental. General insurance

Father Stuck By Syringe In Play Area of McDonald’s

By LAWRENCE HENRY

Specially Written for The Times

In an accident that will send shivers down parents’ spines, Tom Kelly of Basking Ridge got stuck with a medical syringe needle in the play area of the Scotch Plains McDonald’s on Route 22. The incident happened June 15.

Mr. Kelly, the father of a threeyearold and a fiveyearold, came to the offices of The Westfield Leader

and The Times of Scotch PlainsFanwood

to tell the newspapers what happened.

“I take my children twice a month to McDonald’s to give my wife a little time off,” Mr. Kelly explained. “On the 15th of July, we got there around 8 o’clock and had our breakfast. And, of course, my kids played around” in the restaurant’s big attached play area.

“They wanted me to come in the ball pit and play with them,” Mr. Kelly said “No sooner had I gotten in than I perceived a sharp pain in my

left calf.” Mr. Kelly was wearing blue jeans. He discovered a syringe sticking into his calf like a dart through his jeans.

“It was still stuck in my leg,” he said. “I had to pull it out.”

The ball pit is an open box, about 10feet by 10feet, with a net roof, filled with plastic balls. Children jump around in it.

Steve Reedy, owner and manager of the McDonald’s, was present. He said, “We helped him (Mr. Kelly) out. He just felt it was an accident.”

Mr. Reedy said the syringe was turned over to the police. A police officer at the scene, according to Mr. Reedy, speculated that the syringe had fallen out of a diabetic’s purse while she was playing with her child.

Steve and Bernie Reedy own and operate several McDonald’s restaurants, including stores in Garwood, West Orange and Livingston.

Mr. Kelly described the syringe as being “larger than an insulin (diabetic) syringe not pencilshaped, either three or five milliliters” in capacity.

It had “a green substance in it,” he said.

Since the incident, Mr. Kelly has “undergone numerous medical tests” for HIV and hepatitis and has had

tetanus and hepatitis shots. According to Mr. Kelly’s lawyer, Ray Gill of Gill & Chamas, Woodbridge, Mr. Kelly is also taking AZT, the antiAIDS medication, “as a prophylactic measure.” Mr. Kelly’s doctors have told him that HIV, the AIDS virus, will take seven weeks to show up in a test.

“It’s a long wait,” Mr. Kelly said. The McDonald’s on Route 22 in Scotch Plains is a huge restaurant popular with families from the surrounding towns for its large play area. One local school, L’Academy Montessori of Scotch Plains, takes its entire student body to the restaurant for outings.

Mr. Gill said the syringe had been handed over to the Scotch Plains Board of Health by the Scotch Plains police, and that tests had come up negative on the contents for AIDS or hepatitis.

“We haven’t filed a lawsuit yet, but it’s coming,” Mr. Gill said.

“We have reason to believe,” Mr. Gill said, “that this particular facility has had problems in the past with this ball pit, and that there were no maintenance procedures in effect.” He claimed there was “a total lack of supervision of the children going in it.”

Payments to Downtown Coordinator Spark Heated Debate at Fanwood Council Meeting By SUZETTE F. STALKER

Specially Written for The Times

Members of Fanwood’s governing body addressed several key issues at their regular meeting last Thursday, including renewed debates over financial compensation that was made to the Coordinator for the Fanwood Downtown Revitalization Committee (FDRC).

Clayton S. Pierce was reimbursed by the council for certain expenses he incurred in the course of conducting research and interviews related to downtown revitalization on a volunteer basis between January and April. He was named to the paid position of FDRC Coordinator in April.

Councilwoman Cynthia Swindlehurst recently questioned the decision to reimburse a volunteer, saying it could set an expensive precedent for the borough. She also

expressed concern over some expenditures which have appeared on Mr. Pierce’s bills since April, which she felt were either unnecessary or lacked sufficient verification.

Councilman and Administration and Finance Committee Chairman Stuart S. Kline told The Times of Scotch PlainsFanwood last week that elected officials felt “an ethical and moral responsibility” to compensate Mr. Pierce for the many hours he logged as a volunteer at the direction of Mayor Louis C. Jung and the Borough Council, and with the approval of the FDRC.

“This was not a typical volunteer situation,” Mr. Kline remarked.

During the public portion of the meeting, Tom Plante, President of the Fanwood Democratic Club and a member of the Fanwood Cultural Arts Committee, charged that the governing body had employed a

“double standard” in dealing with compensation for individuals.

He argued that while Mr. Pierce was promptly compensated for his services, payments had been delayed to several entertainers who had performed at functions at the Patricia M. Kuran Cultural Arts Center in Fanwood earlier this year.

Councilman Thomas P. Ryan, Jr., who heads the Recreation and Community Services Committee that

oversees cultural arts programs, responded that payments were delayed because invoices had not initially been submitted by the entertainers for their services.

“There’s no double standard, just a simple standard,” he said, explaining that such documentation must be completed in order for individuals to be paid.

Mr. Plante also alleged that Coun

Ingrid McKinley for The Times OUR SCALY FRIEND – Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside recently held a special discussion about turtles and reptiles. To enhance the presentation, the facility allowed the guests to meet and greet the turtles and snakes. Trailside, which is located in the Watchung Reservation, is the perfect outdoor classroom in which children and adults enjoy learning about the environment and the natural world. Pictured, above, a snake is presented to the crowd for their viewing pleasure.

Cheri Rogowsky for The Times ON YOUR MARK… Members of a swim team at Highland Swim Club in Scotch Plains prepare to launch themselves into the cool water for a race against time.

Scotch PlainsFanwood School Bd. Schedules Meetings to Discuss, Fund Facilities Expansion

By DEBORAH MADISON

Specially Written for The Times

Dr. John Crews, Assistant Superintendent of Schools presented an approximate time line for facilities revision plans at the Scotch Plains/ Fanwood Board of Education’s Thursday night agendasetting meeting.

Dr. Crews said that there will be more meetings on facilities revision plans to pull together opinions of the public, the school district and architects.

During the week of August 21, elementary school principals will meet with select community committees to discuss priorities and community expectations. Those principals will then present their findings at the August 24 board meeting. The public will also have an opportunity

to address the Board and the principals at that meeting. On August 16, the board will meet with New Jerseybased IE Communications Group to submit questions for a communitywide telephone survey of community awareness and attitudes on facilities expansion, to be conducted the week of August 20.

The Board will decide on a dollar amount for expansion on Thursday, September 28. A final vote for the bond referendum is scheduled for Tuesday, December 12.

The decision to move fifth grade up to the middle schools is not going to be reopened for discussion, officials said.

Due to renovations on the Hetfield Avenue Bridge, which are expected to continue for several months, students whose route to school is length ened to more than two miles will be

offered the option of busing. Information on the number of students eligible for busing was not available. Affected families will be contacted by mail with information regarding busing.

Director of Special Services Eleanor Henry delivered the annual vandalism and violence report to the Board. There were relatively few incidences of violence for a district of this size, she said.

The report was broken down into four categories, including violent assaults, vandalism, weapons and substance abuse. There were 24 incidences of violent assaults, 14 incidences of vandalism totaling $3,469, two weapons offenses and nine incidences of substance abuse. Mrs. Henry noted that weapons could be

anything from a pencil to a stick being used as a weapon and that there were no incidences of guns.

Scotch Plains resident August Ruggiero asked the Board if they had considered his previous request to change Board policy to release previously confidential minutes to the public. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol Choye said the question would be addressed at the August 24 meeting.

A grant proposal has been submitted to the State to apply for funding to hire a consultant to study possible shared services between Scotch Plains and Fanwood. Several subcommittees have recently met to discuss ideas for shared services between the two municipalities.

Board Vice President Donald

Ingrid McKinley for The Times IT LOOKS LIKE SHE MADE IT… The mini golf courses at Bowcraft Amusement Park in Scotch Plains are always brimming with activity on a summer’s day. Pictured, above, one golf enthusiast tries for a hole in one and it looks like she made it.

Page 10 Thursday, August 17, 2000 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK Mr. Gill explained that he would

base his suit on national requirements for the maintenance of play equipment, as provided by the manufacturer of the equipment in use at the McDonald’s. He would claim that the Scotch Plains McDonald’s uses the play area to attract business.

“They even book birthday parties there.” If a business does that, said Mr. Gill, there is “a correlative duty to supervise.”

Other complaints about the McDonald’s emerged from an investigation by the Attorney’s Information Exchange Group, Mr. Gill said.

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Syringe By SUZETTE F. STALKER

Specially Written for The Times

SCOTCH PLAINS – Township firefighters swiftly extinguished a blaze which broke out in a onestory, wood frame home at 2121 Elizabeth Avenue last Thursday evening.

No one was at home at the time of the fire, which has been ruled accidental, according to Scotch Plains Fire Chief Jonathan P. Ellis.

He said the blaze, which was put out within 10 minutes, was called in by a neighbor at 7: 19 p. m. The house is owned by a Westfield resident and occupied by a tenant.

Chief Ellis said the fire started near a couch in the room, which also contained a television. He noted that several appliances had been plugged into one outlet in

the room, although it was not known if this was the source of the blaze.

The chief revealed that 22 firefighters responded to the scene, along with three engines and another vehicle containing specialized equipment.

Scotch Plains Volunteer Rescue Squad personnel also responded to the scene. No injuries were reported and there was no damage to any neighboring homes, the Chief said. No evacuations were necessary, he added.

Fire damage was confined to the room where the blaze began, although other parts of the house sustained damage from heat and smoke, Chief Ellis confirmed. He noted that the house, however, was deemed “repairable.” The tenant, meanwhile, was said to be staying with his mother.

cilman Kline had “gone behind” Ms. Swindlehurst’s back in signing off on a bill for $500 in telephone expenses which had been submitted by Mr. Pierce from the time he was a volunteer, after the councilwoman had rejected it.

Ms. Swindlehurst, whose Public Works Committee oversees downtown revitalization, said she subsequently contacted Borough Attorney Wilfred P. Coronato in an attempt to find out who has the authority to sign a bill or override a rejection.

The councilwoman said she learned from the attorney that such definitions are presently unclear because the Borough Code and council bylaws do not match in this regard. Ms. Swindlehurst said Mr. Coronato advised that either the code or the bylaws would have to be amended so the two documents would reflect the same information.

Mr. Kline, meanwhile, reiterated an apology he had made earlier to Ms. Swindlehurst, calling the matter involving the bill “an administrative oversight” in the course of ensuring that Mr. Pierce was compensated for his services.

Councilman Whitaker, however, strongly disputed Mr. Plante’s charges, which he labeled “unfounded, unjustified and irresponsible.” He also dismissed the allegations as a “political objective” aimed at discrediting the efforts of the current GOP administration.

Republicans, including Councilmen Whitaker, Kline and Ryan, along with Mayor Jung, currently hold the majority on the council. Mr. Whitaker and Ms. Swindlehurst, a Democrat, are among the four candidates seeking two open seats on the council in the November General Elections.

Mr. Whitaker maintained that Mr. Pierce had “incurred hundreds of dollars on behalf of the borough” and argued that the Coordinator’s

efforts had resulted in more progress being made toward downtown revitalization than had been achieved under the three previous Democratic mayoral administrations.

Ms. Swindlehurst, who was named in March to fill the unexpired term of former Councilman William E. Populus, Jr., said she did not view the situation as a political issue. She said she was simply trying to get a “straight answer” to her concerns regarding the reimbursement issue.

“I’m new and I don’t know all the answers and I don’t claim to,” the councilwoman commented.

During the governing body’s Wednesday, September 6 agenda session, Councilman Kline is expected to present a draft of a policy to establish guidelines regarding compensation for volunteers and others.

The proposed policy was prompted, in part, by the conflict over payments made to Mr. Pierce. Ms. Swindlehurst said she also hoped the policy would include specific guidelines regarding approval of bills by council members.

Under other business, the council adopted on second reading an ordinance mandated by the state Council on Affordable Housing which establishes a procedure concerning fees assessed to developers that are used to cover administrative costs involved in fulfilling the borough’s lowand moderateincome housing obligations.

Council members also passed several resolutions last week. One authorized the borough to apply for a Regional Efficiency Development Incentive Program grant from the state Department of Community Affairs.

The grant would be used for a feasibility study to be conducted regarding potential shared service opportunities among Fanwood, Scotch Plains and the Scotch PlainsFanwood Board of Education.

Another resolution approved the awarding of a contract for $26,000 to Jersey Professional Management for the purpose of conducting research, gathering information and recommending shared service avenues among the three entities.

An additional resolution authorized Mayor Jung to sign an amended developer’s agreement with Built Well Homes, LLC, which gives Built Well the option of locating all four of the affordable housing units it is slated to build at a development on Terrill Road.

The governing body also passed a resolution awarding a bid of $15,000 to Bravo, a Scotch Plains firm, for installation of a handicapped accessible ramp and terrace at the Patricia M. Kuran Cultural Arts Center on Watson Road, formerly known as the Carriage House.

Brian Johnson for The Times

CARING COORDINATORS… Putting together the first Sunrise Fashion Gala at Sunrise Assisted Living in Westfield took a great deal of skill from caring organizers. Pictured, left to right, are: Vice President of Sunrise Bill Moore, Care Manager Marie Nelson, Dining Service Coordinator Sam Rock and Program Coordinator Meredith LeVind. Seniors, Staff Recall Days Past

At Nostalgic Fashion Show By BRIAN JOHNSON

Specially Written for The Times

MOUNTAINSIDE — In the true sense of nostalgic fashion, the first annual Sunrise Fashion Gala, held at the beautiful Sunrise Assisted Living of Westfield Complex at 240 Springfield Avenue, was an evening of comraderie and glamour for both patrons and family. The evening of festive attire worn by the patrons recalled an era past of beauty and formality.

The event was hosted by Marie Nelson, a care manager at Sunrise for the past three years and one of the original staff members involved since its grand opening in 1997. Ms. Nelson, a resident of Cranford for 12 years, proclaimed her involvement, “because I love the residents and I love senior citizens.”

“When we had our grand opening, it was such a beautiful event that I said two years later, I would have this annual fashion show, not only for the residents here but for the staff just as much. I’m very proud to be working here. We work as team members here, and it’s a wonderful place,” she added.

“This is a great opportunity for me to come out and see the residents enjoy themselves and it’s wonderful,” said Sunrise Regional Vice President William Moore.

Among those attending was 1924 alumni and women’s basketball star from Westfield High School, Gladys Gleason, a member of the Westfield High School Hall of Fame. As a senior, this star lead her team to winning the state championship.

The models, adorned in the fashion garb from the 1920’s, made their entrance from the decorative wind ing staircase in the foyer to the receiving

guests located in the beautiful dinning hall. Ms. Nelson capped off the evening by bringing to attention her theme of the evening’s fashion show, “this joy that I have, the world did not give it to me, and the world can not take it away.”

She then thanked all of those involved and sang an old, memorable gospel number dedicated to all of the

employees titled, “May the Work I’ve Done Be For Me” written by Mahalia Jackson.

During his speech to the family, friends and patrons of the Sunrise after the show, Mr. Moore likened his involvement with the evening’s festivities as “lucky” and went on to say how good the opportunity was to “enjoy the family and the camaraderie that all of you bring together by being a part of this home.”

Brian Johnson for The Times TENDING TO VICTIM... Westfield police and rescue squad personnel transport Albert DiGiovanni of Cranford to Overlook Hospital. Mr. DiGiovanni was hit by a car on East Broad Street near the Rialto Theatre Saturday night.

By LAWRENCE HENRY

Specially Written for The Times

WESTFIELD -A Cranford resident was injured Saturday night when he was struck by a car as he attempted to cross East Broad Street near the Rialto Theatre.

Lieutenant John M. Parizeau of the Westfield Police Department said Albert DiGiovanni, 42, was hit by a 1994 Lincoln driven by Mordechi Figenblat, 46, of Dingman’s Ferry at 9: 15 p. m.

No charges were filed against the driver, who was traveling east on East Broad Street when the accident occurred, Lieutenant Parizeau confirmed.

According to the police department’s accident report, Mr. Figenblat told police the victim stepped into the path of his car and there was no time to make an evasive maneuver or to stop.

The report said Mr. DiGiovanni was trying to cross East Broad Street where there was no crosswalk.

Rialto manager Joe Wnek said he did not actually witness the accident, but saw the immediate aftermath.

“The first thing I saw,” said Mr. Wnek, “was a guy sitting on the curb with a sweatshirt wrapped around his head, with blood coming out from under the sweatshirt.”

The police report said Mr. DiGiovanni had a laceration on top of his head.

Cranford Resident Struck by Car While Crossing East Broad Street

Mr. Wnek identified Mr. DiGiovanni as a “father of three.” When contacted by The Westfield Leader and The Times of Scotch PlainsFanwood, Mr. DiGiovanni’s father said his son “did not want to say anything right now.”

Westfield police responded to the accident with five cars, according to Mr. Wnek. Mr. DiGiovanni was taken to Overlook Hospital in Summit by ambulance. The police towed Mr. Figenblat’s car to A& M Towing in Westfield.

Fire Causes Damage To Township Home

Woodside Chapel Posts Upcoming Schedule

FANWOOD — Woodside Chapel, located at 5 Morse Avenue in Fanwood, has invited members of the community to the chapel’s Sunday morning Family Bible Hour and Sunday School at 11 a. m.

Dan Mearns will be the speaker for August 20 and 27.

The chapel’s regularly scheduled Sunday evening service at 6 p. m. will resume on September 10.

A nursery is provided at both meetings. For further information, please call Gene Graber at (908) 8895462 or Dave Brooks at (908) 7890796.

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Compensation to Coordinator Sparks Further Discussion

Blood Drive on Tap To Combat Shortage

AREA — New Jersey Blood Services will hold a blood drive on Saturday, August 19, from 8: 45 a. m. to 2: 15 p. m. at the First Unitarian Society, 724 Park Avenue in Plainfield.

The drive is being held to address a blood supply emergency.

“Supplies have reached dangerously low levels,” said Robert Sommerich of Fanwood, Blood Drive Chairman for the church.

“Hospitals are not receiving all the blood needed. Supplies often fall in summertime, but this year are unexpectedly low,” he stated.

Donors should be in good health, between 18 and 76 years old, and should bring identification with them and know their Social Security numbers.

For further information, please call Mr. Sommerich at (908) 8891891, New Jersey Blood Services at (732) 2207013, or (800) NJ BLOOD (6525663).

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SPF Board Of Education

Sheldon confirmed such sharing would not include combining the two towns under one government or creating a single police department.

The Executive Director of the Resolve Counseling Center in Scotch Plains, Lidia Abrams, gave a brief presentation on Resolve’s involvement in the public schools. Resolve offers free counseling to students and school staff under a program arranged through the Board of Education.

Ms. Abrams said she hoped more students and teachers will take advantage of the Resolve’s programs and groups. She emphasized Resolve’s strong commitment to confidentiality.

Mothers’ Center Announces Consignment Sale Dates

SCOTCH PLAINS — The Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey, based in Scotch Plains, will hold its semi annual consignment sale on Wednesday

and Thursday, September 20 and 21, from 9 a. m. to 2 p. m. each day.

The sale will take place at the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, located at Watchung Avenue at East 7th Street in Plainfield.

Featured will be gentlyused fall and winter clothing for youngsters in sizes from newborn to children’s 14. Other merchandise will include toys, maternity clothes and baby equipment.

Over 100 consignors are expected to offer highquality items at a fraction of retail prices, according to Mothers’ Center spokeswoman Susan Ierardi.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit activities sponsored by the Mothers’ Center, a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization founded in 1978 to help mothers.

The group offers day and evening discussion groups, evening workshops, guest speakers, social activities, library resources and play groups. Onsite child care is available for participants during most of the group’s daytime activities. New members are welcome at any time.

For more information, please call (908) 5611751 or visit the Mothers’ Center Web site at: http:// westfieldnj. com/ mccnj.

costs, such as workers compensation, automobile coverage, police liability and other liability insurance, amounts to $423,000.

Another $1.07 million in this year’s budget will be earmarked for streets and roads, which Mr. Atkins said involves leaf pickup, the annual spring cleanup, recycling and road overlay. Nearly the same amount— $989,742 will be budgeted for salaries and wages within the Public Works Department.

The township will pay $907,000 to two sewerage authorities— the Raritan Valley Sewerage Authority and the Plainfield Area Regional Sewerage Authority— for treatment and processing. The Scotch Plains Library’s budget for this year is $748,000, which will finance all books, projects, maintenance, salaries and operating expenses.

The Parks and Recreation Department receives $471,000 for wages and salaries, its various programs and maintenance of the township’s parks, while Scotch Hills Country Club will receive $292,000.

Another $300,000 is budgeted for construction code enforcement, while $318,000 is earmarked for fire hydrant service, which, according to Mr. Atkins, involves payment of a monthly fee to Elizabethtown Water Co. to ensure water is always available at all the hydrants in town and that those hydrants are regularly maintained.

Street lighting will cost $180,000 this year and utility costs for public buildings such as the library and the Municipal Building amount to $164,000. Gasoline for townshipowned vehicles will cost about $65,000, thanks to the sharp spike in fuel prices in the past year, while the budget for the Municipal Court is $136,000.

The Fire Department’s budget of $186,000 pays for the salary of Chief Jonathan Ellis as well as maintenance of the trucks and other equipment.

Other, lesser aspects of the Scotch Plains municipal budget this year include such items as tax assessment and collection, election administration, legal services, engineering, court operating expenses, senior citizens services, emergency management, and health and welfare.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Scotch Plains Tax Rate

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1827 East Second Street Scotch Plains, NJ

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