School, Council Meet; Library’s Saturday Closure Is Concern

WOODBINE – Woodbine Borough Council convened April 2. It was reported that Mayor William Pikolycky and several council members met with representatives from the school district, including Superintendent Lynda Anderson-Towns as well as the school administrator and the state-appointed monitor. The purpose of the meeting was for Woodbine School District to provide an update on its budget and on progress in deficit reduction.
The long-awaited meeting, requested by council, was prompted by the district’s request to receive an advance payment on its taxes. During that informal meeting, described as a useful and positive exchange of information, council learned the details of how the district is working hard to reduce spending.
Councilman Michael Benson said the school district has made real strides in reducing its deficit but still has challenges ahead. The district has agreed in the future to have periodic meetings with council to share information and to keep it apprised of continuing efforts in cost cutting and deficit reduction.
Library to Trim Saturday Hours
Pikolycky informed council that the county will be reducing hours of operation at the library. Beginning in May, Woodbine Library will not be open on Saturday. This was a real concern of the members of council as they believe many residents depend on the library as a resource, including use of its computers, and that Saturday seems like it would not be the day to close. The mayor indicated that the borough will be obtaining statistical information from the county on library usage in an effort to highlight usage and request that the hours not be reduced or that the day of closure be moved to another day.
Service Recognition Day Proclamation
Pikolycky proclaimed April 7, 2015 as National Volunteer Service Recognition Day, encouraging residents to recognize the positive impact of volunteer service in the community, to thank those who serve: and to find ways to give back to their communities. The mayor pointed out the borough has a good number of volunteers, and that their efforts are truly appreciated and should be thanked.
Introduction of Proposed Ordinance
An ordinance was introduced “directing the suspension of any person appointed to a borough board or commission failing to file a financial disclosure statement.”
This proposed ordinance addresses requirements to file financial disclosure statements. The ordinance is directed at appointed individuals who fail to file a financial disclosure statement which may also be in violation of the Local Governments Ethics Laws administered by the Local Finance Board of N.J.
The ordinance seeks to take the onus off council and the mayor to deal with individuals who fail to comply with the law, after notices and reminders to do so.
The ordinance includes usual “grace periods” after which any appointed member “shall be immediately suspended from their appointed position without further notice, until they have provided proof of compliance.” After 45 days in suspension, the ordinance calls for immediate termination from the relevant position. The ordinance also allows that any official so suspended should also have any related income from the position terminated until they are in compliance.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.