OUR 108th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 19-99 FIFTY CENTS 232-4407
The Westfield Leader — Serving the Town Since 1890 —
Thursday, May 13, 1999 USPS 680020 Periodical – Postage Paid at Westfield, N.J.
Published Every Thursday
INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX
Arts................Page 22 Business ........ Page 17 County .......... Page 2
Editorial ........ Page 4 Mountainside Page 3 Obituary ........ Page 10
Religious ....... Page 9 Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 13
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CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
BOE Considers Supervisory Position; Reviews New Elementary World Languages Program By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
Westfield’s Superintendent of Schools, Dr. William J. Foley, described the possibility of consolidating a Social Studies Supervisor position for grades 6 to 12 during the board of education’s Tuesday, May 4, regular meeting.
Calling the fusion of an intermediate and high school position “more effective,” the change would include the instruction of one high school course and supervisory responsibilities at both Edison and Roosevelt Intermediate Schools, as well as Westfield High School.
Questioning if the multiple tasks would be too much for one supervisor to juggle, Board Member Annmarie Puleio learned that the new supervisor would report to Assistant Super
intendent for Curriculum, Janie P. Edmonds.
The new position would enable the supervisor to address the new core curriculum standards mandated by the state.
Consultations would also be held with the new Edison Intermediate Principal, Roosevelt Intermediate Principal Ken Shulack and Westfield High School Principal Robert G. Petix.
The position would also require supervision of 24 to 25 classes, new Board Member, William Wallace learned.
Ms. Puleio asked for assurance that the new supervisor would be adequately supported by the district by receiving professional development training.
The board agreed to the description of the new position and will vote
on the resolution to approve the supervisor during the next meeting on Tuesday, May 18.
Robert Roth, the current Foreign Language Department Supervisor 68, presented a first reading curriculum for the new elementary World Language program. According to curriculum specifications, Spanish will be introduced to students in the second grade.
At this time, Spanish will be studied until the sixth grade when students will then have the opportunity to select French as a new language or continue their study of Spanish.
Students in sixth grade will select either French or Spanish next year and will continue such instruction through the intermediate school. The opportunity will then arise for the choice of another language at Westfield High School, or they may continue Spanish or French instruction.
This new curriculum is a direct result of the core curriculum stan
dards mandated by the state. Mr. Roth revealed that the second grade curriculum would require the employment of a new language specialist. The class would also be held one hour per week and will be identical in all elementary schools.
However, he reported that some schools might teach Spanish twice or three times per week in some elementary schools in the district.
A full year of Spanish or French would be offered in sixth grade, while carefully benchmarking objectives for students to reach by the time high school graduation rolls around.
In earlier business, Board President, Darielle Walsh, thanked the secretarial staff, administrators and Public Relations Coordinator Lorre Korecky for their tremendous undertaking while preparing the MSNBC telecast of “Lessons of Littleton” at the end of April.
Dr. Foley reported that Dr. Petix has further increased open discus
Zoning Bd. Postpones Decision On Comm. Center Expansion By KIMBERLY A. BROADWELL
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times
After hours of testimony by expert witnesses, the Westfield Zoning Board of Adjustment Monday night postponed until June a decision on variances needed to expand the current Westfield Community Center across the street from its 558 West Broad Street location.
The property, which was acquired by the WCC in the 1940s, currently includes a dilapidated two-family home which will be torn down to make room for the new center.
Board member Henry Kelly asked Westfield-based architects Albert Schleifer and Robert Algarin, who co-designed the building and offered their expertise as part of the evening’s testimony, to make another sketch of the proposed two-story building.
Mr. Kelly concluded that he wanted to see a three-dimensional drawing of the proposed building, to be located on the corner of Palsted Avenue and West Broad Street, in order to give him a better idea of how it would actually look when completed.
It is proposed that the new building will house a daycare facility for 2 1/2 year olds-6 year olds and house an adult medical care facility, as well.
The Zoning Board must decide whether or not a use variance will be given to the project as well as many other variances, such as front and rear yard set backs and on-site parking. The Board also will decide if it will give the project site plan approval for the architectural plans for
the building. Zoning Board member David Haas reported to The Westfield Leader that a use variance must be granted because the proposed building will be located in a residential area.
The case will be carried over to next month’s meeting.
Testifying on the design of the basement and the first floor, Mr. Schleifer walked board and audience members through the proposed building. He stated that the basement would include a physical therapy room, lecture room or classroom and a computer room.
Mr. Schleifer stated that the first floor would house the daycare facility and have a full kitchen for cooking meals for the children attending the daycare program.
Testifying on the design of the second floor, Mr. Algarin explained that this floor would contain an Alzheimer care day room, a game room, lounge, multi-purpose room and a screening and consultation room, as well as an examination room.
He also noted that a serving kitchen would be housed on the second floor for the adult programs.
The Westfield Community Center currently holds respite services for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s once a week on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and holds recreational programs for the seniors daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. After 3 p.m., the center has an after-school program that serves 35 children.
Courtesy of Jonathan Brody
A JOB WELL DONE!...The third place winners from Wilson Elementary School in the B.R.A.K.E.S. (Bikers, Runners and Kids Entitled to Safety) Poster Contest pose with Mayor Thomas C. Jardim during an awards ceremony earlier this month. Pictured are Emily De Rosa, Elizabeth Kline and Julie Shelman. The contest was held in conjunction with National Pedestrian Safety Month.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
Courtesy of Jonathan Brody
AND THE WINNER IS!...Chloe Birkenthal, a kindergartner at Wilson Elementary School, was the grade school overall winner in the recent Poster Contest sponsored by B.R.A.K.E.S. (Bikers, Runners and Kids Entitled to Safety). She is held up for the crowd by First Ward Councilman Carl A. Salisbury (partially blocked). Also pictured are Fourth Ward Councilman Lawrence A. Goldman, left, and Mayor Thomas C. Jardim (holding the bull horn). The contest attracted 120 entries. This year’s theme was, “Crosswalk Safety.” The awards were presented at a downtown ceremony on May 1.
The annex building, Mrs. Howell said, will accommodate as many as 60 children at a time.
Other expert witnesses to testify on behalf of the expanded community center were Ernestine Howell, Executive Director of the Center, and Larry Kern, a traffic expert.
Mrs. Howell, who has been the center’s Executive Director for 30 years, reiterated to members of the board that the new annex building would be used to house a preschool daycare for children ages 2-1/2-6 years old and senior day center.
She also told members that presently the community center cannot house a daycare facility because it uses the same space for all of its programs. The seniors use the facility until 2:45 p.m. at which time children from local schools are brought to the center until parents come home from work between 5 and 6 p.m.
Mrs. Howell further stated that a needs assessment was currently conducted and found that there are parents who are in need of a community daycare so that they can work.
She concluded that the assessment also indicated there was a growing need for adult care in the community.
Mrs. Howell noted that not only is there a need for expanded recreational type programs for adults, but also a growing need for an adult day program for those who need medical care, such as individuals with Alzheimer’s.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
Flashing Crosswalk Warning System Considered as One Effective Option to Help ‘Calm’ Traffic for Pedestrians By PAUL J. PEYTON
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
With the deaths of two pedestrians still fresh on the minds of many in the Westfield community, the town is beginning to get some feedback from a consulting firm hired to recommend traffic calming as a way to slow, if not divert, traffic from the town’s major arteries.
A relatively new technology, called In-Pavement Flashing Lights Crosswalk Warning System, is among those devices under consideration.
The system features a series of amber LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights embedded in the roadway facing oncoming traffic.
When a pedestrian walks into the crosswalk, a row of intense amber flashing lights is automatically tripped, thus alerting approaching motorists to begin breaking.
The lights, which can be seen up to 1,500 feet away, are used solely for non-signalized intersections. The system, its manufacturer claims, is especially beneficial at night, when a pedestrian’s chances of being hit in a crosswalk are 1,100 times higher, based on statistics from the National Safety Council.
The technology focuses on the fact that many pedestrian fatalities occur
because the motorist never saw the person crossing the road. The system was first launched in the city of Santa Rosa, California.
The idea for the system originated with an airline pilot who designed the concept after the strobe lights on airport runways, which help pilots land their airplanes.
Manufactured by Santa Rosa-based LightGuard Systems, Inc., the sys
tem alerts motorists that they are approaching an occupied crosswalk. The lights are activated when a person walks between two posts located on both sides of the crosswalk.
In an article published by The San Francisco Chronicle last fall, Sal Rosano, a former Santa Rosa Police Chief now employed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said he believes the tech
nology is “the wave of the future for pedestrian safety.”
Westfield Third Ward Councilman Neil F. Sullivan, Jr., Public Safety Committee Chairman, said the LightGuard System costs roughly $10,000 for a two-lane crosswalk.
The technology is not used in New Jersey at this time, although it is about to be launched as pilot programs in Burlington and Morris Counties. The LightGuard System has been used in Washington State and in California.
Mr. Sullivan noted that signs would be installed in advance of the lighted crosswalks to alert motorists.
“In all honesty, I don’t see it being used extensively. I see this being used in specific locations,” explained Town Engineer and Public Works Director Kenneth B. Marsh.
Fourth Ward Councilman Lawrence A. Goldman, serving as Acting Mayor last week, stated that the lights can be programmed to blink for a period of time. He reasoned that this approach would be perfect for crosswalks, such as the one on East Broad Street across from Temple Emanu-El.
He said the lights could be flashed during the late afternoon and evening hours when children are leaving after-school programs.
A 23-year-old woman was killed earlier this year while trying to cross
East Broad Street from Jefferson Avenue, opposite the temple. Authorities later said the woman, a nanny employed by a Westfield couple, was on her way to pick up a child at a program at the temple, but did not use the crosswalk.
Councilman Goldman said the system could also be set up at the crosswalk on Rahway Avenue across from the Field House at Kehler Stadium, and timed to flash when crowds are exiting Westfield High School football games and other sporting events at the field.
The LightGuard system can be seen both in bright sunlight or in adverse weather such as rain and fog.
The in-pavement lights are just one of the traffic calming devices under consideration by the RBA Group, a consulting firm hired to conduct a traffic calming study for the town. The firm is looking at 21 locations in town – both intersections and straight roadways — where speeding occurs.
The study is focusing on methods to provide a safer environment for pedestrians and bikers by addressing through-traffic and speeding issues.
RBA officials are working with a Citizens Advisory Committee consisting of Town Council and police
LOCAL TEACHER RECOGNIZED…Governor Christine Todd Whitman, center, recently met with Westfield High School teacher Frances Trees, one of 20 recipients of the Siemens Foundation National Award. Advanced Placement Awards were presented to 20 teachers nationwide, and Ms. Trees was one of two New Jersey recipients. The awards honor both outstanding students and teachers in the fields of mathematics and science. Also pictured with the Governor is Dr. Thomas Grandke, President and Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Corporate Research.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
Council OKs $1.2M Grant
Application By PAUL J. PEYTON
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
Following up on some of the modest improvements made to the business district, such as new benches and signs, the Town Council Tuesday night approved the submission of a $1.2 million grant application to the Union County “Project Downtown Grant” program.
The governing body’s action occurred despite the hesitation of several council members, although the resolution was ultimately approved by a 6-0 vote. Three council members were not in attendance.
The application, which is due in the county offices tomorrow, May 14, includes a wide range of proposed enhancements to the central business district, as outlined in the Downtown Westfield Improvement Plan which is to be released shortly by the Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC).
The proposed improvements include the following:
A minimum of 100 new trash receptacles to be located throughout the downtown, replacing 65 existing cans.
A Bank Square at the intersection of East Broad and Elm Streets, featuring brick crosswalks and granite block paving at the center of the intersection, as well as vintage lighting fixtures.
Enhancements along Central Avenue between North and South Avenues, and from South to Cacciola Place, including new sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, signage and shade trees.
Improvements to the intersection of Boulevard at South Avenue, such as brick crosswalks, landscaping, new sidewalks, lighting and signage.
Rialto Theatre Park, featuring a small brick plaza with benches, a bicycle rack, an information kiosk, landscaping, lighting and telephones.
Central Avenue business district enhancements, including benches, flower pots, lighting and brick paving, along a wide stretch of sidewalk in front of the Banana Republic and Bombay stores.
Station Square South, as labeled in the plan, would feature a green area in front of the South Side Train Station between South and Summit Avenues. The current green space would be expanded and include additional trees placed along the east and west sides of the lawn which will be viewed from the train station on the South Avenue side.
North Side Train Station lawn, an area on North Avenue at Elm Street, would be enhanced to include the restoration of the oval-shaped park in front of the north side of the train station. The project would include brick walkways, lighting, benches and shade trees.
• A Theater Walkway is proposed along the easterly side of the Rialto Theatre, next to the Windmill Restaurant on East Broad Street, from Parking Lot No. 5 to East Broad Street. Included would be brick pav
Courtesy of LightGuard Systems for The Westfield Leader
CROSSWALK AHEAD...Westfield officials are considering whether an InPavement Crosswalk Warning System, as demonstrated in this photograph, would enhance the safety of pedestrians in town.
Page 12 Thursday, May 13, 1999 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION
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Cover size 12” wide x 9” high. Entries due by June 1st, 1999 WESTFIELD
POLICE BLOTTER TUESDAY, MAY 4
· A Cranford resident reported the theft of a bicycle valued at $90 that had been left unlocked outside a business on South Avenue, East.
FRIDAY, MAY 7
· A resident of Carleton Road reported that someone spray painted her fence and the back of her garage.
MONDAY, MAY 10
· A saxophone valued at $1,100, which had been left unattended at a local recreational facility, was reported stolen.
· A Mountain Avenue homeowner reported that various items, including snack food and bank receipts, were left on the porch on May 9 and 10, according to police.
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sion with high school students since the telecast. He added that Westfield Police Chief, Anthony J. Scutti, has met with administrators to train them for emergency preparedness, which might help prevent a tragedy such as the massacre at Columbine High School.
The Superintendent also revealed that now that the schools are preparing for Internet wiring district-wide, greater measures will be taken to limit access to dangerous and corruptible web sites, which encourage violence and pornography via the Internet.
Measures will also be taken to keep parents informed about monitoring their children’s use of the Internet.
“We cannot have children unsupervised on the World Wide Web,” the
Superintendent stressed. Westfield resident and parent, Joanne Walsh, voiced her concern about the recent resignation of Edison Intermediate School Principal, Dennis Murphy. She asked the school board to make finding a new principal a top priority.
Ms. Walsh also called for stability in the principalship. She hopes the board will find someone to match “the diversity and cultural richness” at Edison Intermediate.
The School Board President assured Ms. Walsh that a search committee is being instituted and advertisements for the position have been placed in the local newspapers.
BOE Considers New Position; Reviews Language Programs
Zoning Board Postpones Decision on Community Center
WESTFIELD VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD BLOTTER
Statistics for April 1999 Top 10 Response Categories 1. Cardiac Pain 6. Unconscious 2. Respiratory Distress 7. Suspected Stroke 3. Falls 8. Cardiac Arrest 4. General Illness/Weakness 9. Spinal Injury 5. Motor Vehicle Accident 10. Diabetic Reaction In-Town Emergency Calls: 168
Out-of Town Mutual Aid Calls: 10 Non Emergency Calls: 7 Total Calls: 185 Total Hours Out: 142:27 Total Volunteer Hours On Runs: 345:33
Mr. Kern testified that the new building would not pose a significant increase in the flow of traffic near the facility. He and the other witnesses stated that not only would some of the people attending the programs be bussed, but that many of the children currently enrolled in the after-school program are close enough to walk back and forth to the center with their parents.
Mrs. Howell also noted that the center would be adopting a valet service for the drop-off and pick-up of children, meaning that parents or other care givers would not have to get out of their car to drop off or pick up children. An employee of the center would be on hand to receive children in the morning and bring children to the parent in the afternoon or evening.
At the conclusion of the testimony, attorney James Flynn, who is represent
ing the Center, stated, “this addition to the Community Center is a win-win situation for everyone involved. People in the community like the facility, utilize the facility and it has served the community since the 1930s.”
Linda Maggio, Executive Director of the United Fund of Westfield, testified to the board that the building was designed in good taste to compliment the community and surrounding neighborhood.
She also noted that a recent senior citizen survey that was conducted through the United Fund’s office indicated that “local seniors want a place to go that provides transportation. This facility is deeply needed.”
Mrs. Howell told The Westfield Leader
that, if the board approves the Center’s application, the next step would be to conduct a major campaign to raise the $1.3 million needed to build the facility.
WESTFIELD
W. and S. Brand to Eugene and Vernay Simmons, 940 Everts Avenue, $184,000.
M. K. and A. L. Lillard to Travis L. Hudelson and Patricia A. Spinner, 23 Hawthorn Drive, $570,000.
J. V. O’Connor to Steven Criscuolo and Claire Caffrey Criscuolo, 618 Maye Street, $300,000.
S. and C. C. Criscuolo to Jason Geary, 526 Summit Avenue, $274,000.
D. and R. Cooper to Shirley Bowers, 241 Windsor Avenue, $72,500.
G. K. Thomas, 2nd and A. Soukup to James B. and Judith J. Brucia, 15 Stoneleigh Park, $755,000.
D. G. and G. K. Hannay to John W. and Janet A. Gray, 779 Lamberts Mill Road, $285,000.
T. and M. J. Hornbeck to David F. and Katherine M. Pikus, 629 Shackamaxon
Drive, $343,000. K. P. and E. A. Quill to Mark L. and Elaine T. Jackler, 810 Dartmoor, $457,500.
R. T. Unice to Steven Howard Cohen and Karen Joy Cohen, 10 Willow Grove Parkway, $415,000.
B. G. Padua to Leonardo Magat and Maria Antonia Magat, 1133 Rahway Avenue, $170,000.
K. F. Ruggiero and Marisa Gasparino Ruggiero to Sean C. Farrell and Suzanne Meyer Farrell, 117 Virginia Street, $190,000.
C. Buoscio to Gary R. Pearson, 2 Burgess Court, $286,700.
Joseph R. and C. Candia to Alexander and Jeaneen Bell, 34 Faulkner Drive, $235,000.
WESTFIELD FIRE BLOTTER MONDAY, MAY 3
· Fifteen hundred block of Lamberts Mill Road – alarm system malfunction.
· One hundred block of Cacciola Place – alarm system malfunction.
· Two hundred block of Prospect Street – unintentional alarm.
· Five hundred block of Westfield Avenue – smoke odor investigation.
· Two hundred block of North Avenue – mulch fire.
TUESDAY, MAY 4
· Two hundred block of Prospect Street – emergency medical call.
· One hundred block of Scudder Road – gasoline spill.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 5
· Fifteen hundred block of Lamberts Mill Road – emergency medical call.
· Three hundred block of Waterson Street – system malfunction.
· Fifteen hundred block of Lamberts Mill Road – emergency medical call.
· Two hundred block of North Avenue, West – structure fire.
THURSDAY, MAY 6
· Three hundred block of Woods End Road – unintentional alarm.
FRIDAY, MAY 7
· One hundred block of New Providence Road – alarm activation.
· Four hundred block of Hillside Avenue – system malfunction.
· One hundred block of East Broad Street – unintentional alarm.
· Eight hundred block of Mountain Avenue – automobile accident/extrication.
SATURDAY, MAY 8
Six hundred block of Westfield Avenue – carbon monoxide detector activation.
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department representatives, town officials and a representative of the pedestrian advocacy group B.R.A.K.E.S. (Bikers, Runners and Kids are Entitled to Safety).
Dierdre Gelinne, the B.R.A.K.E.S. representative who serves on the advisory committee, said she feels the warning system would help reduce speed limits in town to enable safe passage for pedestrians.
“I think it would be very effective, especially at those East Broad Street crossings...it just boils down to the cost,” she said, noting that the system would only be used at few busy traffic areas town.
Mr. Sullivan said a public hearing of the Public Safety Committee will be held soon, at which time the traffic calming devices recommended by the RBA Group will be laid out for members of the community.
“I want to get this done...by July at the latest,” he remarked.
Councilman Sullivan said he is in support of placing a double yellow line down Rahway Avenue to prevent motorists from passing. He also said, in lieu of the road paving scheduled this year for Willow Grove Road, some sort of traffic calming technique should be looked at for the intersection of Willow Grove and Rahway Avenue.
Rumble strips have been used in Mindowaskin Park to slow traffic, and may also be considered for certain intersections in town, Councilman Sullivan said.
Ms. Gelinne noted that in addition to providing safer pedestrian crossings, it is hoped that traffic calming measures will reduce speeds in town and eventually divert through traffic away from Westfield.
“The tide is changing in Westfield,” she said, noting that the traffic deaths of pedestrians this year has caused
Lighted Crosswalk System Best Option for Pedestrians?
many motorists to drive more carefully.
Besides RBA, the town has also received the services of a consulting firm from the state that is working strictly on pedestrian safety. That firm is focusing on downtown crosswalks as well as school crossings.
Among other traffic calming methods under consideration are “traffic tables,” described as a gradual incline in the roadway with a flat surface on top. The elevation not only helps slow traffic but increases the visibility of pedestrians to motorists, since they are elevated above the road surface.
Speed humps, which are eight feet in width and offer a lower elevation than speed bumps, are also under consideration, as are curb extensions and enhanced crosswalks.
In addition to the lighted crosswalks, the pedestrian warning signs have been reinstalled at major thoroughfares leading into town, as well as in the downtown area.
Mr. Marsh said the Department of Public Works has placed the signs on lower poles this spring, in hopes that they will last longer than last year.
“Last year, they were like target practice (for motorists),” he said.
While RBA had been asked to make recommendations for two pilot programs split between the north and south sides of town, Ms. Gelinne said RBA will be focusing its pilot programs solely on Rahway Avenue.
Following an evaluation of their success, these devices could be expanded to other non-signalized intersections in town, Councilman Sullivan said.
The $25,000 for the RBA study is coming from the 1998 municipal budget. Another $50,000 in the 1999 budget will be used to implement traffic calming measures.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Town Council Approves $1.2 M Grant Application Free Concert Tickets For String Band Are Still Available at Westfield Library
WESTFIELD — Tickets are still available for a free concert by the string band “Silk City” on Friday, May 21, at 8 p.m., sponsored by the Friends of the Westfield Memorial Library. Doors will open at 7:15 p.m.
Interested individuals may pick up tickets at the Circulation Desk during regular library hours. The library is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The library is closed on Sundays.
Ilka Netravali Captures Win In Lucent Science Competition
WESTFIELD — Lucent Technologies has announced that Westfield High School student, Ilka Netravali, is among 48 U.S. high school seniors who won its Global Science Scholars competition.
This competition focuses on supporting students around the world who are interested in careers in information technology.
Each recipient will receive onetime $5,000 scholarships. They will also be offered the opportunity to intern at Bell Labs following their first year of college, if appropriate assignments can be found.
In addition, they will be invited to participate in Lucent’s Global Science Scholars Summit taking place from July 23-29 in Murray Hill. During the summit, winners will meet
with award-winning Bell Labs researchers and scientists to learn more about their work in the high-growth business sector of communications technology.
The winners’ average SAT score was 1590 out of a possible 1600, while their average composite score on the ACT was 35 out of a possible 36. Sixteen recipients are slated to be valedictorians of their graduating class.
The U.S. winners range in age from 14 to 18, and were selected by an independent panel of judges. Their selection was based on their overall academic achievement, including their performance on standardized tests, grade point average, class rank, enrollment in advanced placement courses, honors classes and college courses.
PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE
TOWNSHIP OF SCOTCH PLAINS INVITATION FOR BIDS
Invitations are extended to qualified Bidders to bid for the following project:
LINE STRIPING/PAVEMENT MARKINGS
Bids will be accepted only by mail or in person to the Office of the Township Clerk, Scotch Plains Municipal Building, 430 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076 (Attn.: Barbara Riepe, Township Clerk) until June 1, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. The Township of Scotch Plains (hereinafter “Township”) shall not be responsible for any bid mailed which is lost in transit or delivered late by the Postal Service. At the above time, the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. All bids must be presented in sealed envelopes which are clearly marked “Bid for Line Striping/ Pavement Markings, 430 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076”. No bid will be received after the time and date specified.
After receipt of bids, no bid may be withdrawn within sixty (60) days after the date of the bid opening except if provided for herein. The bid of any bidder who consents to an extension may be held for consideration for a longer period of time as may be agreed upon between bidder and the Township.
All bids must be on the bid forms provided by the Township of Scotch Plains in the bid package. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Office of the Director of Public Property, 2445 Plainfield Avenue, Scotch Plains between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Bid proposals and all required documents must be completed and submitted by the date as set forth above. All documents in the enclosed bid package must accompany the bid proposal.
In addition to the above documents, a certified check, cashier’s check or bid bond issued by a responsible bank, trust company or insurance company, payable to the Township of Scotch Plains shall be submitted with each bid as a guaranty that if a
contract is awarded the bidder shall execute said contract. The bid security shall be in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the bid or Twenty-Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00), whichever is lower.
All bid security, except the bid security of the three (3) apparent lowest responsible bidders shall, if requested in writing, be returned after ten (10) days from the opening of the bids (Sundays and holiday excepted) and the bids of such bidders shall be considered withdrawn.
The Township reserves the right to reject any or all bids, and to waive immaterial informalities, or to accept any bid which, in the opinion of the Township of Scotch Plains, will be in the best interest of the Township all in accordance with the New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law N.J.S.A. 40A 11-1 et seq. In the event of an equal or tie bid, the Township shall award the bid to the Bidder which, in the Township’s sole discretion, best serves the interest of the Township.
The Township also reserves the right to reject any and all bids if sufficient funds are not available and/or appropriated.
The selected bidder, will, within seven (7) days of award of the bid, enter into an appropriate contract with the Township.
All bidders must comply with P.L. 1975, Chapter 127, entitled “An Act Relating to Affirmative Action in Relation to Discrimination in Connection with Certain Public Contracts and Supplementing the ‘Law Against Discrimination’ approved April 16, 1945 (P.L. 1945, Chapter 169)”, N.J.A.C. 17:27, as amended from time to time, and the Americans with Disability Act.
Where applicable, prevailing wage rate shall be paid to all workers on the job as per N.J.A.C. 34:11-56, 25 et seq.
BY ORDER OF THE TOWNSHIP OF SCOTCH PLAINS OF THE COUNTY OF UNION, STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
WALTER F. DINIZO DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROPERTY
BARBARA RIEPE TOWNSHIP CLERK 1 T – 5/13/99, The Times Fee: $81.60
Sara Mankoski Ends Studies Aboard Sailing School Vessel
WESTFIELD — Sara Mankoski, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Mankoski of Westfield and a junior at Bryn Mawr College, is about to complete a six-week ocean voyage on board the Corwith Cramer, a Sailing School Vessel that serves as a “floating” classroom for the Sea Education Association (SEA).
Sara is one of 49 students participating in SEA Semester, an undergraduate academic program that combines intensive on-shore academic courses in oceanography, maritime studies and nautical science with hands-on oceanographic study and research at sea aboard one of SEA’s two tall ships.
She set sail on March 25 from Key West, Florida after spending six weeks taking classes at the SEA cam
pus. Their semester ended Sunday, May 2, when the Cramer arrived in St. Croix, U.S.V.I.
The SEA Semester program is offered five times during the academic year and once during the summer. Students in the program represent virtually every academic discipline and come from colleges around the country.
SEA also offers shorter summer programs for high school students and for teachers.
For more information on SEA and its programs, please call 800-5523633 or visit the SEA web site at: www.sea.edu.
St. Barnabas Plans Infertility Seminar
WESTFIELD — Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston will present “Infertility: Understanding Your Medical Options” on Tuesday, May 18, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the Westfield Community Room at the Municipal Building.
The program will be presented by The Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Science of Saint Barnabas. Dr. Paul Bergh, Director of the Institute, and Maria Jackson, who coordinates the Egg Donor Program for the Institute, will discuss the latest advances in the area of infertility.
They will review conventional therapies such as drug treatment and surgical repair of reproductive organs, as well as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg donation. Coping with the many emotions experienced at this time will also be discussed.
The Westfield Municipal Building is located at 425 East Broad Street. The seminar is offered free of charge, but registration is required and may be done by calling (973) 322-4310.
Daniel Walsh Reports For Marine Duty
WESTFIELD — Marine Private Daniel P. Walsh, the son of Patrick J. Walsh of Westfield, recently reported for duty with Marine Corps Detachment, Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas.
The 1998 graduate of Westfield High School joined the United States Marine Corps last November. ers, lighting and landscaping.
• A Quimby Street Walkway is proposed for the area next to the Brick Oven Restaurant, from Quimby to Parking Lot No. 7.
• “Meetinghouse Walk,” as deemed in the plan, would be similar to the other proposed walkways. The walkway would link shops along East Broad Street and the Rialto Theatre.
• New Entrance Signs are proposed at 12 locations along major routes leading into Westfield.
Town Administrator Edward A. Gottko noted that only the Central Avenue underpass improvements, the trash receptacles and the entrance signs are included in the 1999 municipal budget.
Prior to the regular council meeting, the governing body debated over the amount of money the council should apply for in the grant application, as well as questions on the merit of some of the proposals in the plan.
Fourth Ward Councilwoman Janis Fried Weinstein noted that she was concerned over the proposed added green space at the train station.
Third Ward Councilman Neil F. Sullivan, Jr., who was not able to attend Tuesday’s meeting, told The Westfield Leader that the total plan, if approved as is, would result in the loss of 22 parking spaces in the downtown, including at the train station.
DWC Executive Director Michael La Place explained that the train station enhancements “are geared towards when we create parking elsewhere” in town. The county program, he told The Westfield Leader, is “an outright grant” and does not require matching funds.
He said one proposal is to create additional metered spaces along South Avenue, as included in the Downtown Plan which will be officially unveiled next month. Mr. La Place maintained these spaces will make up for any lost ones at the South Avenue lot.
On the north side, he said, all spaces along the station “are at a premium.”
Thus, Mr. La Place admitted, “Funding those (train station greenery expansion) right now might be jumping the gun.”
First Ward Councilman Gregory S. McDermott, the council Liaison to the DWC, said he felt that the walkway projects should be replaced in the grant proposal with the parking lot enhancements included in this year’s budget.
He said the walkways have not been approved by the DWC. He further feels there has been a “total lack of communication” between town and DWC officials “on how this (the improvement plan) was to be done.”
“I don’t where this discussion of confusion came about,” responded Mayor Thomas C. Jardim. “The application came
in to me. It was sent along to Michael (LaPlace). Michael is the downtown development director. And he, in my mind, is the proper guy to put together the application.”
He further said that all the projects should be included, with priorities given to those items already included in the capital improvement part of the municipal budget.
Councilman Sullivan later said he would like the application increased to $1.5 million to include the downtown parking lot improvements.
On the parking lots versus the improvement plan, Mayor Jardim said, in his opinion, he feels the downtown plan should be funded by the county over parking improvements.
When council members began considering a pared down application, Fourth Ward Councilman Lawrence A. Goldman responded, “If we ask for $1.2 million and we have a bona fide plan, why should we cut it back or in half and then have the county wind up only funding half of that (application proposal)?”
Councilman Sullivan told The Leader
he was “very disturbed” that the council had decided to apply for funds for the improvement program, which has not been approved, instead of parking enhancements, which are already funded through this year’s budget.
In addition, he opposes applying for a state downtown business loan, which is in the works, where the town would borrow funds at a zero interest rate for up to 15 years. He said the county grant could reduce the burden on taxpayers by picking up a large portion of the $400,000 in funds in the budget for parking lot improvements.
He also said he was concerned that, “we have tripled the magnitude of those projects” proposed in the 1999 capital portion of the town budget.
Local BPW to Meet At Kenilworth Inn
WESTFIELD — The Berkeley Heights/Clark/Westfield Business and Professional Women (BCW/ BPW) monthly dinner meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 18, at The Kenilworth Inn in Kenilworth.
Networking will take place at 6:30 p.m., with the dinner and program to start at 7 p.m. Non-members are invited to attend.
This month’s meeting will feature Dr. Karen M. Ensle, a Family and Consumer Sciences educator and Department Head for Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County.
Dr. Ensle will speak on “Using Preserved Herbs and Flowers in Cooking and Crafts.” BCW/BPW is part of BPW/NJ and BPW/USA.
Membership in the organization offers professional growth, individual development, personal empowerment and legislative awareness, according to spokeswoman Denise Dagostaro.
Advance registration for the dinner meeting is recommended. The cost of dinner is $20 per person. For reservations and information, please call Janine at (908) 6875239.
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