The November 14, 2016 Township Committee meeting agenda

[fyi]

The November 14, 2016 Township Committee meeting agenda has been posted.

http://www.cranburytownship.org/TC-Documents/2016/TC-agenda-111416.pdf

[anon-pr2p]

There has been a lot of discussion on this board, pro and con, regarding a new library. The 11/14 township committee meeting has a discussion on the new library on the agenda. Those with an interest in the topic should attend.

[anon-0no7]

Will anyone be protesting the election at the TC meeting tonight?

[anon-s6p5]

I attended last night and not a single person opposed showed up. I really hope this puts everything to rest. Yes there is opposition and likely strong private opposition, but no one opposed really cares enough to show up and complain.

From the TC Mayor Mulligan and Mr. Taylor both pushed for moving the parking lot albeit small distance to one better reflect a municipal purpose. In return some of the supporters complained.

[Tax Payer-1s07]

There have been numerous meetings in addition to the Nov 14th TC meeting where opposition and challenges have been raised by many in town. To date, there has been very little specifics given about operating budget and finances for the new library. Even if the construction of the new building is privately funded (note- the site work and parking lot will be funded by the TC tax levy), the on going maintenance, insurance, internet, wifi and operating costs will be at the expense of tax payers. I think it is important for tax payers to weigh in and be given the opportunity to view the detailed financials prior to declaring support or non-support. It is only fair given public funds will be spent. The operating expenses for the new library will be significantly more than the current library expenses therefore, tax payers should be given the opportunity to know the price tag first.

[agree-32n2]

I agree with the above post. All I've heard is that the expenses will be the same or less than currently because of the energy-efficiency of the building, but have not ever seen specifics. Does anybody know where we can see these specifics? Also, I am concerned about the last $500,000 that needs to be raised. My understanding is that when the Foundation has reached its goal less $500,000 the township will agree to break ground, leaving the last $500,000 still to be raised.

Does this mean the township (ie, taxpayers) are on the hook for this last $500,000? I cannot believe they will be able to raise the last $500,000 if the project is started. It seems to be difficult for them to raise anymore funds, and who would contribute more once they know the township won't stop once its started, leaving the taxpayers holding the bag, once again.

On top of the affordable housing, fixing the lake, and the millions for the roads.

[Tax Payer-1s07]

Not sure about the TC picking up the last $500K. From what I understand, TC agreed to providing the funding for the site work and parking lot (which will be a municipal lot) so yes that would come from tax dollars. As for the last $500K the library is short, not sure that has been agree to, that would mean $1M of tax payer dollars. If that is the case then tax payers definitely need to be made aware as I don't think a majority of residents are aware this is a real possibility. My assumption is most residents believe the entire library is "privately funded" which is a bit misleading.

[anon-0p78]

I attended the meeting and it was very clear to me that the only money being provided is up to 475k for the lot. The question was asked about building the lot first and the Mayor quite clearly stated no because the construction would destroy the lot.

The TC also made it clear that the library would need to have cash in hand to cover all costs before breaking ground not pledges.

If the library is looking for more money then it needs to be done privately.

[anon-0p78]

[Tax Payer-1s07]

Again, how can you make the assumption that residents aren't opposed if financials have not been provided? While some may support a privately funded library, most are unaware of the tax implications and public funds that are being used. Why do tax payers need to request the financial information from the library? Why hasn't it been provided and presented at any of these meetings over the past year? While the concept drawings and plans are wonderful, the operating budget and financials are equally as important to present. Once again, implying this project it fully funded by private donations (when in fact portions of the project are being funded by tax payer dollars and possible future public funds for operating expenses) is misleading. Why isn't this information more transparent so that it is clear to everyone exactly what private or public funds are being utilized for a new library if it is available?

[anon-4os5]

The library has reported at varying TC meetings when giving their yearly report and update. It's been presented and they have said anyone is welcome to see it.

If no one aside from the library supporters shows up at a TC meeting you can't then say they need to do more.

At some point you and others need to go to a meeting. No one will personally seek you out, come to your home and review the day with you. There is an obligation on everyone's part who has a concern to attend a meeting.

The public funds are all shown in the prior thread where the TC agreed to pay up to 475k in a resolution. That is all the town agreed to do.

[Tax Payer-1s07]

I have been to several meetings, and nothing other than concept drawing and discussions about building placement and parking lot locations were presented. When questioned about operating expenses by members of the public, the representatives from the library respond by saying the current stipend the library receives from the state is sufficient to run the new library. To my knowledge, there has not been a line item budget presented at any public meeting that I have attended. I understand the $475K being spent by the TC is on public record however, I am referring to the revenue and expenses for the library's operating budget to run the actual building. If an operating budget exists please post here or provide a link so that others can review. I think that would be extremely helpful to have the facts and figures accessible for everyone to view (much like other public budgets are readily accessible on websites).

[anon-po3q]

Current budget information for running the public library is found on the library website, under "about us", and then library board. As far as going forward in the new building, I have heard the presentation several times, plus there is a bar graph available to see how they can pay for the operation of the new building on the current appropriation.

[anon-po3q]

And you can always go to the public library to get this information.

[anon-88r5]

I got a letter yesterday from the library asking for additional funds to close the $500K gap. So it appears the TC is NOT contributing any additional funds.

[Tax Payer-1s07]

Thanks for providing the location of the 2016 budget. At a quick glance, it appears the income of $524K is is just enough to cover the current operating budget. Currently $49K goes for rent, moving forward $49K would have be sufficient to cover gas/electric (HVAC), water, internet, and other utilities and services that would have been covered in the rent. Given the new proposed library will be double the size, the concern would be is that enough to cover the cost to run the building? Do you have the bar chart available to post here to see the Foundations estimates on these future expenses? Also, if the space will be double in size, one would assume additional staff would be needed. Personnel currently represents 75% of the expenses so it would be difficult to hire additional staff without exceeding the current appropriations. I also received a letter in the mail requesting another donation to reach the $500K more needed to break ground. That still leaves another $500K (on top of the figure to break ground) in order to complete and furnish the building (@$1M still outstanding to complete the project). What happens if the library breaks ground but comes up short on the last $500K to complete the project, does it then fall on the township/taxpayers to fund??