The June 11, 2012 Township Committee meeting agenda

[FYI-7s50806]

The June 11, 2012 Township Committee meeting agenda has been posted.

http://www.cranburytownship.org/TC-Documents/2012/TC_Agenda061112.pdf

[Library-43686qr]

There is a resolution to endorse the library's capital for for a new library. It will be interesting to see what exactly that means and how the Township Committee will handle this.

[anon-0n8011q]

[empty pockets-58q26or]

The present library is just fine. A new Prestige library will saddle us with a huge never ending debt expense, this is a huge WANT for a select few- not a need!

[no problem-4368p94]

[B9-58q6103]

[wcody]

The library is raising money for the new building, there will be other expenses.

- Ongoing costs to maintain and staff a separate library. Does anyone believe that the cost to operate a new building would be the same as operating in a shared facility.
- Infrastructure supporting the library, i.e. roads, parking lot, street lighting, landscaping, etc.
- There may be increased costs for the school with the library leaving, for example, would the school library need to be opened past school closing?
- The library pays rent to the school, that money would need to be made up by the school by increasing taxes or reducing programs.

It would be responsible for the TC to review a thorough financial analysis of the impact to all in the town before officially endorsing the library's plan.

[yup-4368p94]

[We do have two libraries-]

When you say that you like the library “just the way it is…”

Which library, the substandard school library that also does not match the school safety criteria, or
the public library that tries to be a community center in shared quarters, but can't allow preschoolers and parents into the childrens' portion during the day?

[Kirstie Ve-7450]

Response to Win Cody's comments:

The library is raising money for the new building, there will be other expenses.
- Ongoing costs to maintain and staff a separate library. Does anyone believe that the cost to operate a new building would be the same as operating in a shared facility.
There are already two separate staffs in the shared library. The current rent is based on utility cost that occur after hours, weekends and summer. These costs will go away when the public library moves. As far as maintaining the new facility, the public library already covers these costs, and will be able to run the new energy efficient facility with the existing appropriation; in other words, no increase in taxes.
- Infrastructure supporting the library, i.e. roads, parking lot, street lighting, landscaping, etc. [
Landscaping and outside lighting in included in the capital campaign; roads and parking lot, street lights are not required to open the new library[/b]
- There may be increased costs for the school with the library leaving, for example, would the school library need to be opened past school closing?
The School Library would not have to pay for anthing extra and would have a greatly improved library, allowing open and safe access for students. The school may decide to spend money on up to date materials that support the cirriculum. Afterschool children are now and will always be welcome in the public library
- The library pays rent to the school, that money would need to be made up by the school by increasing taxes or reducing programs.
The current rent is based on utility cost that occur after hours, weekends and summer. These costs will go away when the public library moves. As far as maintaining the new facility, the public library already covers these costs, and will be able to run the new energy efficient facility with the existing appropriation; in other words, no increase in taxes.[/b]
It would be responsible for the TC to review a thorough financial analysis of the impact to all in the town before officially endorsing the library's plan.
We have always welcomed the Township Committee involvement in our planning process.

Kirstie Venanzi, President Cranbury Public Library Board of Trustees

[Concerned-26or]

First thing that we need to realize is that we don't ALWAYS have to spend an amassed surplus. Second-The State funds mandated to be used for Library costs quite possibly could dry up and then we all will certainly be saddled with the burden of paying for this Want, not need. If this is to be jammed down our throats like the ballfield those supporters should be required to pledge to assume all additional expenses. Third- the committee should be held accountable for any endorsement and should be required to have a very thorough financial analysis prior to making any endorsement.

[librarian-ppq3]

As long as Cranbury has a municipal public library, there will be an appropriation of 1/3 of a mil of property evaluation. Currently this is about 2% of your tax bill. Cranbury Public Library is not “jammed” down your throats. This planning process for the library has been going on for decades. If you would like to be involved or voice your opinion, attend the Cranbury Public Library Board meetings – there is one coming up this week. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. in the library.
In addition, by law, the Mayor serves on the board, or as is currently the case, his representative. The library often comes to report on library business to the township meeting. Communication and planning has been going on for years.
From what I understand, the resolution was vetted by the township lawyer and the township committee is not on the hook for the money. In fact, the opposition is true. They are saying - Hey go ahead library, raise this money. Libraries are good for towns and property values. We have some very special and wonderful people who are donating their own money to see that we have a public library. I think they should be applauded.

[the Point-4490]

What is the point of the resolution? Isn't the Township basically saying "hey, we think it is a good idea for special interest groups to raise their own money, rather than hit the township up for money." Why would fiscal conservatives oppose such a resolution?

[Dam barn-2046]

Our taxes went up this year because our town does could not collect enough taxes to pay the bills. How much of our taxes we have paid sit in the library surplus fund? $1,000,000?. That could pay for the barn for the public works and even help pay for some of the work the town will be doing to stop flooding when they fix the dam for brainard lake. Those projects are needs not wants like a library.