Upper Township Gazette - Aug. 26, 2010
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AUGUST 26, 2010 VOL. 17, NO. 12
\$38.5 million bond would build new elementary school, upgrade other schools
By
ANN RICHARDSON
Staff Writer PETERSBURG - School district architect Bob Garrison, Jr. Monday presented a \$38,562,444 bond referendum program that, if successful, would fund construction of a new elementary school and provide significant upgrades and renovations for the existing primary and middle schools. Five years in the making, Garrison said that board members had done their “due diligence” to come up with a program that was ready to be sold to the public. The district has long waited for potential state grant aid figures and Garrison said Upper could expect about \$9 million divided amongst its three schools. The state would provide \$3.6 million towards eligible costs for a new \$22.6 million elementary school; renovations to the middle school will total \$9.8 million and the state would fund 40 percent, or \$3.9 million, leaving a \$5.9 million balance; the state would also pay 40 percent of the primary school renovations totaling \$6 million, or \$2.44 million. continued on Page 6
Ruling on Strathmere de-annexation should come in 60 days
By
COLUMB HIGGINS
Staff Writer STRATHMERE – Attorneys for Upper Township and Citizens for Strathmere and Whale Beach made their arguments before New Jersey Superior Court Judge Valerie Armstrong Monday regarding an attempt by the group to de-annex from the township and join Sea Isle City. Township solicitor Dan Young said at a township committee meeting Monday that Armstrong will make a ruling on the issue, which consumed planning board meetings here for 13 months and many township committee meetings as well, in the next 60 days. Citizens for Strathmere and Whale Beach has contended that a host of issues from police protection to beach replenishment could be improved if the small, seaside community left the mainland. Township committee unanimously voted against the group’s de-annexation petition in May of 2009 after the planning board recommended rejecting the petition. Citizens for Strathmere and Whale Beach announced their intention to appeal the decision in court the very same night, and hired former Gov. Jim Florio’s law firm, Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt & Fader, to represent them. Florio has claimed Upper Township will see a \$500,000 budgetary savings since it would no longer be obligated to provide services to Strathmere. Attorney Mary D’Arcy Bittner, who represented Citizens for Strathmere and Whale Beach before the Upper Township Planning Board, said the township would also be eligible for more state grants if Strathmere was allowed to go. Those arguments did not persuade committee members, however. continued on Page 10
School board approves one-year, \$137,309 contract extension for superintendent
By
ANN RICHARDSON
Staff Writer PETERSBURG – With an 8-1 nod, the Upper Township school board Monday approved a one-year extension of Superintendent Vincent Palmieri’s contract, but not without considerable debate or the questionable necessity of the approval of the Cape May County executive superintendent. Because there were more questions than answers concerning the contract process, board member Jill Casaccio cast the lone dissenting vote. Palmieri was paid \$135,280 for the 2009-10 school year. With the extension he will make \$137,309 in the 2010-11 school year. Board member James Arsenault, who serves as chairman of the board’s negotiating committee, said the contract “amounts to a freeze in salary.” Because by recently enacted state law Palmieri is required to pay 1.5 percent of his salary towards health care, Arsenault said that Palmieri’s salary would increase by 1.5 percent, or \$2,029. That amounts to a pay freeze, Arsenault said, since he would have to pay \$2,029 for his health care. “His salary increased by 1.5 percent but would immediately be subjected to a 1.5 percent reduction, so it will effectively be frozen at the existing level,” he said. “The other terms and conditions are essentially unchanged.” Not everyone bought the “pay freeze” schematic painted by Arsenault. “As for not getting a raise, you’re wrong,” said resident Russ Murano, pointing out that board members were “an educated bunch but paid little attention to how money is spent.” “You are indeed giving him a raise. You turned the math upside down. You say this is a freeze? It’s not a freeze,” he continued on Page 10
Jen Arthur
Surfs up!
Andy Giordano, of Seaville, grabs his board and his rash guard and heads towards the water to line up for his heat during the 20th Annual Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund Surf Competition at 30th Street and the beach in Avalon Saturday. For more photos see page 19.
STRATHMERE BAYVIEW • $1,150,000
SEAVILLE • \$279,900
SEAVILLE • \$619,000
Renovated Duplex on 12.1 acres in Commercial Block; PRIME Upper Twp location. Privately tucked far back from road down horseshoe driveway, sits this recently renovated income producer. Each side features 2 Bedrooms, (including Master with walk in closet and private Full Bath), Livingroom, Eat In Kitchen, second Bedroom & Full Bath, Attached Garage w/auto opener, Laundry/Utility area w Washer & Dryer plus Large Screen Porch off kitchen which affords lovely views of private grounds behind. Storage Shed.
904 S. Shore Rd. (Rt 9) Marmora
(609) 390-3303
Wonderfully kept cottage Great commercial on fantastic Bay Front opportunityforprofessional street. 4 nice size bedrooms, office or retail business. 2 downstairs and 2 upstairs. This totally renovated Lovely Wainscoting in Living building is located close to room and Dining room. area shopping centers and Great views from Dining eateries. Building has high table. Cottage sleeps 10 comfortably. Downstairs heated by visibility from Route 9 and Natural Gas. Kitchen has lovely tile backsplash and tile counter Corson Tavern Road traffic. top. Makes for a great rental property with over \$30,000 in Buyer responsible for any rental income per season. Enjoy your sunset views from rear additional improvements including septic system and parking area. patio or fish and crab right from bulkhead. Owner will consider a lease purchase.
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