From buckslocalnews.com
School board declares 'emergency' in Morrisville
By Petra Chesner Schlatter; Staff Editor Posted on Wed, Jan 7, 2009
MORRISVILLE -- In an 8-0 vote, the Morrisville School Board passed a resolution Jan. 5 declaring an emergency and authorizing certain purchases in the wake of the Dec. 13 furnace explosion at M.R. Reiter Elementary School.
Those purchases are contingent on whether or not the insurance company will pay for eight modulars.
A special hearing is scheduled for Jan. 29 about the possible closure of M.R. Reiter forever. The board majority, led by President Bill Hellman, is in favor of closing the school, despite opposition from parents. M.R. Reiter has been closed since the blast.
Paul DeAngelo, the school district's new business manager, told a full house at the special meeting that a report was scheduled to be released at press time about the composition of the soot, which was caused by the explosion.
After the meeting, DeAngelo said the report would tell whether carcinogens were found in the soot. He confirmed that asbestos was confined to the chimney of the furnace.
DeAngelo gave a detailed presentation about how much it would cost to lease eight modulars, which would be installed at Grandview Elementary School.
The board approved the leasing of eight modular classrooms with restrooms from Mobilease Modular Space, Inc. of Thoro-fare, N.J. The total cost over two years would be $433,472 plus the cost for delivery costs to dismantle and return the modulars.
The cost would be $5,760 per month for 24 months plus $6,400 delivery, $98,932 for set-up and $189,900 for utilities.
With the vote approving the modulars, the configuration of which grades will go where will change. Some parents attending the special meeting were concerned that fifth-graders would attend classes at the Morrisville Middle/Senior High School.
Dr. Elizabeth Yonson, superintendent, assured the audience that if M.R. Reiter were to be closed, fifth graders would be segregated from the sixth-graders at the middle/senior high school. But she stressed that a configuration plan is not yet in place because the school board would have to approve one.
Yonson also noted that the Pre-Kindergarten classes, which have been held at the YMCA, could go to the middle/high school. She said this is done in other school districts and that high school students often work with that population.
First-and second-grades would attend class in the modulars. Kindergarten classes would be held in Grandview Elementary. Third-and fourth-grades would remain at the main building at Grandview.
Yonson described the modulars as "very nice" and "great." She noted there would be bathrooms in the classrooms and covered walkways for children. The modulars would be air-conditioned. She said without air conditioning, summer was "unbearable on the second floor of M.R. Reiter."
"There will be new carpeting," Yonson said. "They look absolutely brand new. When you walk in, you would not know you were in a modular."
One parent was concerned about the noise that would be created when the modulars were installed. Yonson said there would be less noise than in the older modulars now at M.R. Reiter.
"We need to do something immediately so our children and teachers have a quality education," Yonson said.
Opening the public comment section was former School Board Member Johanny Manning, who had advocated building the controversial $30-million consolidated school complex. That plan called for housing all grades in one facility.
Manning served on the school board before the new majority took control of the school board after the November 2007 elections. The new majority was part of a slate to stop plans for the school complex. The new board stopped the school from being built.
Saying the current problems with M.R. Reiter were inevitable, Manning asserted that the problem would have occurred regardless of whom was serving on the school board.
"I have to say, 'We told you so,'" Manning said. "We knew that the furnaces were long past their expectancy. I don't want to hear it's a total surprise. It's been happening for years. I say, shame on you!"
Manning said the school year has "truly been interrupted."
She criticized the school board for "spending a half-million dollars not knowing what we will do in a month. If the building is not reopened, how do we change the configuration?"
Yonson said insurance would pay for the modulars, it is not coming from district funds.
Jon Perry, a Morrisville Borough resident, told the audience to continue attending school board meetings. "You really have to keep your eye on this board," he said. Perry added that people should "try to get [board members] to do the right thing."
Perry said the current board majority "forges ahead" with "inadequate information."
School Board Member Bill Farrell said, "I come here month in and month out. It's a circus. Forget what's happened in the past." He said M.R. Reiter was a "time bomb."
One resident said that "all three schools are time bombs."
One idea that was raised was using Manor Elementary School to ease crowding at Grandview because of M.R. Reiter students being placed at Grandview.
However, Mike Fitzpatrick, board solicitor, said the district and the Head Start program have a lease/purchase agreement for 20 years. He said using Manor, which is owned by the school district, would probably not be an option.
Parents asked when teachers would be able to get the rest of their teaching materials. One parent alleged that the teachers were just "babysitting" the children. But, Yonson and Laurie Ruffing, acting elementary principal, said that was not true. Teachers were able to go into M.R. Reiter after the blast to get some of what they needed.
The teachers, Ruffing said, will get additional materials before the clean-up effort at M.R. Reiter is complete.
During the meeting, other parents expressed their concerns about the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up of students. They said that more crossing guards are needed at the high school for the students' safety.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Let's Get On Board
From the BCCT.
Anyone have any information on the meeting?
Borough hears redevelopment plan
By: REGIS D'ANGIOLINI
Morrisville caught a glimpse into a possible future Thursday night as its Economic Development Corporation heard a presentation on revitalizing the town's economic landscape.
Brian Miller, of the Miller Design Group of Newtown Township, outlined the state's Transit Revitalization Investment District grant program, which is designed to redevelop older communities surrounding transportation hubs such as train stations.
The grant proposal, if approved by the borough, would see $75,000 contributed by the state with the remaining portion funded by the borough and private donations. The money would pay for scouting of an area for revitalization - designated to be within a half-mile radius of any proposed train station; time and effort researching the area; the public process involved; and creating a management entity for it.
Any area designated for redevelopment would be deemed mixed use, creating a walkable environment with retail businesses, residences and open space.
While SEPTA has stated it has no plans to create a train station along the R7 line in Morrisville, Miller said the study would provide the borough with ammunition to make the case for one.
"They're on a learning curve," Miller said, referring to SEPTA. "They've got a way to go to get themselves around this concept."
A representative from SEPTA was not present at the meeting.
Steve Amend, chairman of the borough's economic development entity, said that if a train station is not in the borough's future the study could be used for a revitalization program surrounding the 127 bus route.
While Thursday night's presentation did not specify an exact location for redevelopment, Miller suggested that revitalization could include upgrades to Pennsylvania Avenue and additional structures created along Bridge Street.
"Communities like yours and Penndel and Croydon have the right to your future," he said. "You have the right to stand up and say we want certain things. I am convinced this program is a keeper."
Anyone have any information on the meeting?
Borough hears redevelopment plan
By: REGIS D'ANGIOLINI
Morrisville caught a glimpse into a possible future Thursday night as its Economic Development Corporation heard a presentation on revitalizing the town's economic landscape.
Brian Miller, of the Miller Design Group of Newtown Township, outlined the state's Transit Revitalization Investment District grant program, which is designed to redevelop older communities surrounding transportation hubs such as train stations.
The grant proposal, if approved by the borough, would see $75,000 contributed by the state with the remaining portion funded by the borough and private donations. The money would pay for scouting of an area for revitalization - designated to be within a half-mile radius of any proposed train station; time and effort researching the area; the public process involved; and creating a management entity for it.
Any area designated for redevelopment would be deemed mixed use, creating a walkable environment with retail businesses, residences and open space.
While SEPTA has stated it has no plans to create a train station along the R7 line in Morrisville, Miller said the study would provide the borough with ammunition to make the case for one.
"They're on a learning curve," Miller said, referring to SEPTA. "They've got a way to go to get themselves around this concept."
A representative from SEPTA was not present at the meeting.
Steve Amend, chairman of the borough's economic development entity, said that if a train station is not in the borough's future the study could be used for a revitalization program surrounding the 127 bus route.
While Thursday night's presentation did not specify an exact location for redevelopment, Miller suggested that revitalization could include upgrades to Pennsylvania Avenue and additional structures created along Bridge Street.
"Communities like yours and Penndel and Croydon have the right to your future," he said. "You have the right to stand up and say we want certain things. I am convinced this program is a keeper."
Bad Economy = Lower Costs?
From the NJ Star-Ledger.
So? Dust off the old K-12 school plans and let's see if it can be built for less money. Stop trying to cram kids into a school that was built for the 1950s and lets have a 21st century school that can accommodate everyone.
Taxpayers save on two school projects
Construction slump leads to cut-rate bids
Thursday, January 08, 2009
BY RUDY LARINI Star-Ledger Staff
The dismal economy does have its bright spots.
The New Jersey Schools Development Authority, the state agency responsible for school construction, is benefiting from a depressed construction market that will save taxpayers nearly $9 million to build two schools in South Jersey.
Eighteen bids were received for the two projects, including a dozen for one of the schools. James Poole, the authority's senior director for procurement and contract services, said the dozen bids was "unprecedented" for a project of that magnitude in his experience with the authority and its predecessor, the Schools Construction Corp.
Kris Kolluri, the authority's chief executive officer, attributed the high number of bidders to a "robust and competitive" construction industry in a depressed economy where residential and commercial development have slowed to a crawl.
"The market conditions have a lot to do with it," Kolluri said. "And the low cost is a benefit that the taxpayers will enjoy."
The project attracting 12 bidders was the Egg Harbor Middle and Elementary School in Atlantic County, whose cost had been estimated at $17.9 million. Yesterday, the authority's board accepted a low bid of $15.2 million by Tamburro Bros. Construction Co. of Millville.
The board also approved awarding the low bid of $21 million by Chanree Construction Co. of Ortley Beach for the Morgan Village Middle School in Camden, a project whose cost had been estimated at $27.2 million.
Both the Egg Harbor school for 364 students and the Morgan Village school for 520 students are scheduled to open in September 2010.
Kolluri also said plans are proceeding to preserve either the full facade or just the tower portion of the 92-year-old Camden High School while building a new $110 million school behind it.
Saving only the tower would cost about $4 million, while restoring the entire facade would cost about $6 million, he said.
The board had held off last month approving a $21 million exterior renovation as part of a $120 million project to modernize the school after questions arose over whether it would be more cost effective to build a new school.
The iconic high school, known as the "castle on the hill," is regarded as an inspirational landmark overlooking the Parkside neighborhood southeast of downtown Camden.
So? Dust off the old K-12 school plans and let's see if it can be built for less money. Stop trying to cram kids into a school that was built for the 1950s and lets have a 21st century school that can accommodate everyone.
Taxpayers save on two school projects
Construction slump leads to cut-rate bids
Thursday, January 08, 2009
BY RUDY LARINI Star-Ledger Staff
The dismal economy does have its bright spots.
The New Jersey Schools Development Authority, the state agency responsible for school construction, is benefiting from a depressed construction market that will save taxpayers nearly $9 million to build two schools in South Jersey.
Eighteen bids were received for the two projects, including a dozen for one of the schools. James Poole, the authority's senior director for procurement and contract services, said the dozen bids was "unprecedented" for a project of that magnitude in his experience with the authority and its predecessor, the Schools Construction Corp.
Kris Kolluri, the authority's chief executive officer, attributed the high number of bidders to a "robust and competitive" construction industry in a depressed economy where residential and commercial development have slowed to a crawl.
"The market conditions have a lot to do with it," Kolluri said. "And the low cost is a benefit that the taxpayers will enjoy."
The project attracting 12 bidders was the Egg Harbor Middle and Elementary School in Atlantic County, whose cost had been estimated at $17.9 million. Yesterday, the authority's board accepted a low bid of $15.2 million by Tamburro Bros. Construction Co. of Millville.
The board also approved awarding the low bid of $21 million by Chanree Construction Co. of Ortley Beach for the Morgan Village Middle School in Camden, a project whose cost had been estimated at $27.2 million.
Both the Egg Harbor school for 364 students and the Morgan Village school for 520 students are scheduled to open in September 2010.
Kolluri also said plans are proceeding to preserve either the full facade or just the tower portion of the 92-year-old Camden High School while building a new $110 million school behind it.
Saving only the tower would cost about $4 million, while restoring the entire facade would cost about $6 million, he said.
The board had held off last month approving a $21 million exterior renovation as part of a $120 million project to modernize the school after questions arose over whether it would be more cost effective to build a new school.
The iconic high school, known as the "castle on the hill," is regarded as an inspirational landmark overlooking the Parkside neighborhood southeast of downtown Camden.
Three Minute Rule Ended
From the BCCT.
I always figured that the eventual successor to the Emperor would end the three minute rule and pry the beeping egg timer from Marlys' hands. It looks like a simple lawsuit fixes it.
New policy ends limit on public comment
By: DANNY ADLER
There will be no time limit on public comment at Northampton's board of supervisors meetings.
And, certainly, there was no time limit in Bucks County court Thursday, as township officials took hours to reach an agreement of sorts.
Bucks County Judge John J. Rufe continued a hearing for one year on a lawsuit filed by Northampton resident and attorney Marvin Gold after the township supervisors agreed to the new board chairman's prohibition on time limits at public meetings.
Gold filed the suit in November after the supervisors' former chairman imposed a three-minute speaking limit on the public. Gold claimed the move was used as "a gag order" on residents with opposing opinions and violated the state's Sunshine Act.
Other residents also have wondered about the rule's freedom-of-speech implications.
After being appointed supervisors chairman Monday, Vincent J. Deon said he would do away with the time limit, barring "extreme circumstances" when there are a large number of residents who want to speak at a single meeting.
The rule was first imposed in September by Supervisor George Komelasky to prevent meetings from going into the wee hours of the morning and to ensure the township conducted all its business. Komelasky was inconsistent in enforcing the time limits during meetings, sometimes letting residents speak longer when fewer people wanted the microphone.
The judge ordered the three supervisors at the courthouse Thursday to get the other two supervisors on the phone and come to some sort of compromise, Gold said. After a two-hour conference call of the supervisors, township solicitor Joe Pizzo said the board agreed to Deon's policy.
"Chairman Deon announced that a policy that had previously been in place under the prior board chairman restricting public comment to three minutes was being lifted. He's doing that on his own volition and it's going to be his policy," Pizzo told the judge.
"It's a 100 percent victory," Gold said outside the courtroom. "All I was seeking was the right to speak for a reasonable amount of time."
Pizzo, though, claimed the case was a moot point "because there's no more time limits." He also noted that he disagrees that a three-minute rule violates the Sunshine Act.
Supervisors Frank Rothermel and Jim Cunningham were also on hand supporting Gold's case. "I'm pleased that reason prevailed," Rothermel said.
Township resident Ed Bailey, a regular at the board of supervisors meetings, was happy.
"I think the outcome is clear and just," he said. "The meetings should go as long as they have to."
The lawsuit stems, in part, from the Sept. 24 supervisors meeting where the limit was put into place.
I always figured that the eventual successor to the Emperor would end the three minute rule and pry the beeping egg timer from Marlys' hands. It looks like a simple lawsuit fixes it.
New policy ends limit on public comment
By: DANNY ADLER
There will be no time limit on public comment at Northampton's board of supervisors meetings.
And, certainly, there was no time limit in Bucks County court Thursday, as township officials took hours to reach an agreement of sorts.
Bucks County Judge John J. Rufe continued a hearing for one year on a lawsuit filed by Northampton resident and attorney Marvin Gold after the township supervisors agreed to the new board chairman's prohibition on time limits at public meetings.
Gold filed the suit in November after the supervisors' former chairman imposed a three-minute speaking limit on the public. Gold claimed the move was used as "a gag order" on residents with opposing opinions and violated the state's Sunshine Act.
Other residents also have wondered about the rule's freedom-of-speech implications.
After being appointed supervisors chairman Monday, Vincent J. Deon said he would do away with the time limit, barring "extreme circumstances" when there are a large number of residents who want to speak at a single meeting.
The rule was first imposed in September by Supervisor George Komelasky to prevent meetings from going into the wee hours of the morning and to ensure the township conducted all its business. Komelasky was inconsistent in enforcing the time limits during meetings, sometimes letting residents speak longer when fewer people wanted the microphone.
The judge ordered the three supervisors at the courthouse Thursday to get the other two supervisors on the phone and come to some sort of compromise, Gold said. After a two-hour conference call of the supervisors, township solicitor Joe Pizzo said the board agreed to Deon's policy.
"Chairman Deon announced that a policy that had previously been in place under the prior board chairman restricting public comment to three minutes was being lifted. He's doing that on his own volition and it's going to be his policy," Pizzo told the judge.
"It's a 100 percent victory," Gold said outside the courtroom. "All I was seeking was the right to speak for a reasonable amount of time."
Pizzo, though, claimed the case was a moot point "because there's no more time limits." He also noted that he disagrees that a three-minute rule violates the Sunshine Act.
Supervisors Frank Rothermel and Jim Cunningham were also on hand supporting Gold's case. "I'm pleased that reason prevailed," Rothermel said.
Township resident Ed Bailey, a regular at the board of supervisors meetings, was happy.
"I think the outcome is clear and just," he said. "The meetings should go as long as they have to."
The lawsuit stems, in part, from the Sept. 24 supervisors meeting where the limit was put into place.
Gravy Train: Can We Have $30 Million?
From pennlive.com and the Patriot News
If the city of Harrisburg can get into the handout line, what's to stop Morrisville?
Dear president-elect: Please send Harrisburg $96 billion
by JOHN LUCIEW, The Patriot-News, Thursday January 08, 2009, 6:24 PM
Harrisburg wants a $700 million slice of President-elect Barack Obama's estimated $1 trillion stimulus package, soon to be debated in Washington, D.C.
Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed said this week that he has compiled a laundry list of more than 30 "shovel ready" projects that could be funded under Obama's plan that is expected to be heavy on infrastructure development. "We're very hopeful," Reed said.
Reed said he submitted Harrisburg's wish list as part of a larger list compiled by some 640 cities by the United States Conference of Mayors. All told, the mayor's group put in for $96 billion to fund some 15,200 local infrastructure projects.
Among the Harrisburg highlights: $7.2 million for repaving of 75 streets, $3.1 million to hire 50 new police officers, $62 million to upgrade the William Penn high school campus, $2 million for bus stops with LED signs, and a whopping $98 million for the so-called southern gateway project at Paxton and Second streets. The mayor also seeks $22 million for the city's two downtown hotel proposals.
Reed said he doesn't expect to receive funding for all the project, but he said he'd like to see whatever money does come go directly to the city, instead of being funneled through the state.
If the city of Harrisburg can get into the handout line, what's to stop Morrisville?
Dear president-elect: Please send Harrisburg $96 billion
by JOHN LUCIEW, The Patriot-News, Thursday January 08, 2009, 6:24 PM
Harrisburg wants a $700 million slice of President-elect Barack Obama's estimated $1 trillion stimulus package, soon to be debated in Washington, D.C.
Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed said this week that he has compiled a laundry list of more than 30 "shovel ready" projects that could be funded under Obama's plan that is expected to be heavy on infrastructure development. "We're very hopeful," Reed said.
Reed said he submitted Harrisburg's wish list as part of a larger list compiled by some 640 cities by the United States Conference of Mayors. All told, the mayor's group put in for $96 billion to fund some 15,200 local infrastructure projects.
Among the Harrisburg highlights: $7.2 million for repaving of 75 streets, $3.1 million to hire 50 new police officers, $62 million to upgrade the William Penn high school campus, $2 million for bus stops with LED signs, and a whopping $98 million for the so-called southern gateway project at Paxton and Second streets. The mayor also seeks $22 million for the city's two downtown hotel proposals.
Reed said he doesn't expect to receive funding for all the project, but he said he'd like to see whatever money does come go directly to the city, instead of being funneled through the state.
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