The proposed 2014 township budget was introduced at the March 17 West Windsor Town Council meeting, by unanimous vote. Unlike the budget proposed by Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh and the administration, which had a 1.33 percent tax increase, the Council’s amended budget offers a zero percent tax levy increase.
To hold the line on taxes, Council increased the revenue line items in several categories, most notably by raising the amount the township expects to collect from Uniform Construction Code fees to $1 million. In addition, the council approved the use of roughly $185,000 from the fund balance reserve. Of this amount, about $101,000 is expected to be regained by increased revenues from court fees and fines from greater police activity. The fees collected in 2013 were unusually low, mainly because the police department had to fill five vacancies caused by retirement, and the new hires spent a large portion of the year at the police academy.
Police Chief Joe Pica agreed with the council’s projected revenue increase with a fully staffed force. There has already been a greater police presence along Cranbury Road in order to deter speeding, and more tickets have been issued.
A public hearing on the budget will occur at the Monday, April 28 council meeting.
Two other budget measures were addressed. First, an ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank was unanimously introduced. Business administrator Marlena Schmid explained in a follow-up interview that this item is approved every year as a sound financial planning tool. Its purpose is to allow any unspent surplus to be carried forward to the following year, to be added to the fund balance. Public hearing on this ordinance will also be held on April 28.
In addition, by a vote of 5 to 0, council authorized a measure allowing for the local examination of the 2014 budget, which the state allows for two out of every three years. During the third year, the state examines the township’s budget. This option is only available to towns deemed to be fiscally sound.
Ellsworth Update. In other matters, the Council also agreed to the release and termination of some restrictive covenants on the Ellsworth property, which is a necessary precursor to the redevelopment of the site.
“During a routine title search, the Ellsworth Corporation discovered the existence of restrictive covenants dating back to 1949,” said Schmid. “These covenants, associated with the two residential lots adjacent to the current shopping center, prohibit commercial uses on these lots. As part of the redevelopment plan, one of these lots will be made into a parking lot and the other a stormwater management basin. The covenants have to be lifted before this can go forward.”
“Also adjacent to the property is a 22-acre parcel of open space which is owned by the township,” Schmid said. “This property was purchased not only with township funds, but also with funds from Mercer County and the state Green Acres program. As part of the redevelopment plan, Ellsworth has agreed to make this parcel into the first handicapped-accessible park in West Windsor. However, because county and state Green Acres funds were used, the county and the state must also approve the lifting of the restrictive covenants on the adjacent properties, which makes this a little more complicated.”
Now that the township has approved the release and termination of the covenants, Ellsworth will need the same approvals from Mercer County and the state DEP. “Here at the township, we are all looking forward to the day when Ellsworth can start breaking ground,” said Schmid, noting that the project would be an asset to the whole township.
Other Council Business. A professional services agreement between the township and engineering firm Parsons Brinckerhoff was also approved for an engineering inspection of the Grover’s Mill Dam, required annually under state DEP rules, at a cost of $9,628.
In addition, the council approved a contract with Greenleaf Landscape Systems and Services for the maintenance of township-owned cul-de-sac islands and street trees at a cost of $82,520.
In other news, the Council appointed three substitute township prosecutors for a one-year term: William T. McGovern, Lyle P. Hough Jr., and Alfred B. Vuocolo Jr. The Council also reappointed Drewe Schoenholtz as an advisor on the Shade Tree Commission for a one-year term.
Finally, an ordinance relating to the rental of Schenk Farmstead was introduced. Only West Windsor residents and businesses will be allowed to rent Schenk Farmstead, which can accommodate up to 50 people. The rental amounts being charged will offset the costs of insurance, maintenance, utilities, and custodial services for use of the facilities.
After some discussion, council members agreed that the proposed rental rates should be as follows: social events, $400; weddings, $700; non-profit events, $250; and corporate events, $500. A refundable security fee of $300 will also be required.
The public hearing on this ordinance will be held at the council meeting on Monday, March 31, at 7 p.m.
