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BUTLER - $4 million referendum two months away
(by Stephen Janoski - Staff Writer - July 30, 2008)
BUTLER - The Board of Education voted unanimously on Monday night, July 28, to approve a resolution authorizing the submission of the three-part, $3.9 million 2008 Field Project Referendum to a public vote on Sept. 30. Should all three parts gain voter support, massive improvements at Hempsted Field, Memorial Field and Aaron Decker School will commence.
Should the entire project be approved, taxes in the borough would go up by about $97.50 on the average house assessed at $252,000.
Prior to Monday’s board vote, board member Lisa O’Shea offered a short PowerPoint presentation to those in attendance, outlining the particulars of the plan as well as the financial implications.
Although each question will be voted on separately, the second and third questions are contingent on the passage of the first. If questions two and three pass, they will not be implemented should the first fail.
The first question, or “base” question, will include the construction of a six-lane all-weather track, bleachers, lights, a concession stand, bathroom facilities, a scoreboard, PA system and fencing at Memorial Field. It will also allow for improvements to the grass field at Hempsted Field.
Should only the first question pass, taxes would rise about $71.40 a year.
The second question will, instead of renovating the grass at Memorial Field, convert it to an artificial field turf. If this passes along with question one, taxes will rise by $90.17 a year.
The third question allows for the upgrading of the grass field at the Aaron Decker School. Should only questions one and three be approved, taxes will rise by about $78.70.
The state of New Jersey will also assist in the projects, offering debt service aid totaling more than $928,000. This aid, said Business Administrator Debra Naley-Minnena, is “equivalent to the state helping you pay your mortgage.”
The importance of information
“The Board of Education is giving the community the chance to make this decision,” Interim Superintendent Elaine Baldwin said. “To me, this is about the safety of the children… and we need everyone to come out for this.”
Baldwin also repeatedly stressed the absolute need for all of the members of the board to get clear, concise information out to the public by any means possible.
Board member Alfred Marion was the only doubting voice, vocalizing his concern for the timing of the project.
“I understand how a track and field helps our children, and I understand that it raises the value of our homes. However, I don’t think that we should be starting this project with the economy the way it is. I also hope that the three question ballot isn’t too confusing for people,” said Marion.
Board member Andrew Knapp echoed this, saying that the complicated nature of the questions reminded him of how to set the date and time on a digital watch.
Baldwin again replied that this proves that the board members must take it upon themselves to educate the public before they vote.
“Most people make up their minds before they get into the voting booth. We need to make it clear to them before then, and we need to do our homework,” said Baldwin.
Board President Rosemarie Lakawicz said, “We will present (PowerPoint presentation) again, anywhere, to anyone that wants it. We will explain it to the Borough Council in an August meeting, we’ll be at National Night Out on Aug. 5, and we’re reaching out to the XYZ Club.”
Marion also worried about the possibility of the referendum being voted down. “We don’t have a plan B. If it doesn’t happen, that’s another year gone, and another graduating class gone.”
“That’s a chance we’re taking,” Baldwin said. “If it doesn’t pass, then the board will have to regroup, and then make some tough choices.”
Lisa O’Shea agreed, saying, “Our taxes will always go up anyway. At least residents will know why the taxes are going up this year — for the safety of the kids. Most times you don’t even know why they go up at all.”
President Lakawicz expanded on this, saying, “This is where we feel we have to be with this. We hope the public supports us.”
A newsletter will be mailed to the public in September, further explaining the terminology used in the referendum.
This year’s referendum is a renovated version of the 2007 referendum that failed by only 23 votes and originally called for $3.4 million in improvements.
Public concerns
Butler resident Bob Norman voiced several concerns about the safety of the proposed $600,000 artificial turf upgrade to Memorial Field.
“At the last discussion about the turf field, a member of the public brought up problems with the turf fields, saying that several schools have torn up their fields because of concerns about heat retention. Have you discussed that?”
Lakawicz replied that those fields in question were made up of mixtures of polyethylene and nylon, and fields with a heavier nylon component were more prone to hold in heat.
Board member Matthew Lee said that the manufacturer that the board is looking at is different than the manufacturer that has made the fields that were recently closed.
“We’re being very diligent about it, and we continue to monitor that,” said Baldwin, adding that US Consumer Product Testing is currently testing the fields that the board is looking at.
On top of that, Baldwin said she personally knows the superintendents of both the Northern Valley/Demarest and Hasbrouck Heights school districts, both of which are performing tests on the fields as well.
“When that information is available, I will pass it along to you. We will do everything that is reasonable and prudent on behalf of our children,” Baldwin said.
Board member Cynthia Sokoloff agreed with the choice of artificial turf, citing the choice of other towns to implement the playing fields.
“We want the best for our kids. Wayne is putting in turf at both their fields; they’ve seen fit to move ahead on it,” Sokoloff said.
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