Special Meeting!
Municipal Budget Review
Asbury Park City Council Chambers
Friday, June 15, 2007
9am – 4pm
Dear Friends of Asbury Park:
At the May 23, 2007 Regular Meeting of the Asbury Park City Council, the 2007 Municipal Budget was introduced. The proposed 2007 budget is $35.4 million dollars. To generate the revenue needed to cover this budget, it has been proposed that taxes be increased by 5% above the current rate.
When the budget introduction was put to the floor for a vote, I asked the following questions:
What does a 5% tax increase mean for the average homeowner?
Here is an example to answer this question. If someone's home was assessed at $150,000, the 5% increase in their tax bill would amount to roughly $180.
What does this increase represent in real dollar terms in the budget?
There is currently a revenue shortfall of $500,000 for the proposed 2007 budget. It is being proposed that this shortfall be made up by the 5% tax increase.
What cuts (if any) have been made by our respective departments?
The staff was not prepared to answer this question at the May 23rd meeting.
In light of the answers given to my questions, I made the comment that I did not think it was fair for the taxpayers of Asbury Park to be burdened with a 5% tax increase without a complete justification of the increased spending by our City Departments. I then asked my colleagues if they were interested in having each department walk us through their proposed budget. The entire Council agreed this was a good idea and we are having a special public meeting tomorrow to go through this process.
Once we review the budget, we must decide as a community:
Are we willing to pay 5% more in taxes to cover the costs of what is being proposed by our City Departments?
If we are not willing to pay 5% more, is there a way to generate revenue from other sources to cover the increase?
If we are not willing to pay 5% more, and there are no other sources of revenue, what do we want to cut from the proposed budget?
In order to answer these questions, it will be important for as many citizens as possible to be informed about the budget. I know that a 9am meeting on a Friday is not the most convenient, but I hope that people can attend and give their input. I have included the meeting agenda below for your convenience.
Peace,
Councilman Jim Keady
Special Meeting
Municipal Budget Review
Asbury Park City Council Chambers
Friday, June 15, 2007
9am – 4pm
9:00 a.m. Building & Housing
9:30 a.m. Police Department
10:00 a.m. Fire Department
10:30 a.m. Public Maintenance
11:00 a.m. Community Development
11:30 p.m. Social Services
12:00 p.m. UEZ/Commerce
12:30 p.m. Library
1:00 p.m. Engineer
1:30 p.m. Redevelopment
2:00p.m. City Clerk
2:30 p.m. Municipal Court
3:00 p.m. Recreation
3:30 p.m. Finance
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Should Asbury Park Use Video Cameras in High Crime Areas?
Dear Friends of Asbury Park:
In response to a letter I received from a constituent this week about the recent vandalism in Library Square Park, I sent a memo to the City Manager and to the Police Chief today requesting the following:
Can the Police Department please prepare a report for an upcoming Workshop Session about placing cameras in known high crime areas (Library Square Park, Bangs and Prospect, Washington Avenue, etc.)?
While I am awaiting a response from the City Manager and Police Chief to this question, I am interested in hearing from as many residents as possible about this issue.
I encourage you to post your thoughts below.
Peace,
Councilman Jim Keady
In response to a letter I received from a constituent this week about the recent vandalism in Library Square Park, I sent a memo to the City Manager and to the Police Chief today requesting the following:
Can the Police Department please prepare a report for an upcoming Workshop Session about placing cameras in known high crime areas (Library Square Park, Bangs and Prospect, Washington Avenue, etc.)?
While I am awaiting a response from the City Manager and Police Chief to this question, I am interested in hearing from as many residents as possible about this issue.
I encourage you to post your thoughts below.
Peace,
Councilman Jim Keady
Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Plan - Plan Review
Important Meeting!
Springwood Avenue Advisory Committee
Revisions to the Draft Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Plan
Monday, June 18, 2007
7:00pm
City Hall Council Chambers
Dear Friends of Asbury Park:
"The Springwood Avenue Advisory Committee (SAAC) will present revisions to the draft Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Plan to the public at a meeting to be held on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 7 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers. The revisions reflect comments and recommendations made by the public at sessions held in November through February.
Copies of the plan are available in the following manner:
1. Download a copy of the plan at http://www.blogger.com/www.cityofasburypark.com.
2. You can obtain a copy of the plan on CD available at City Hall, One Municipal Plaza, Department of Planning and Redevelopment.
3. You can obtain a hard copy of the plan (one copy per person) at City Hall, One Municipal Plaza, Department of Planning and Redevelopment.
4. Reference copies are available at the Asbury Park Public Library, 500 First Avenue.
Requests for 10 or more copies may be made in writing to the SAAC, courtesy of the Department of Planning and Redevelopment.
SAAC was formed by the Asbury Park City Council as a result of the community’s response to a redevelopment plan brought forth to the public at two initial community meetings held at St. Stephen’s Church in 2005. Since the SAAC’s inception, the primary principles of the planning process have been to develop the Springwood Avenue corridor as a community-based hub composed of elements that would enhance the quality of life for existing residents and provide for the growth and development of the business community in a mixed-use setting.
For more information, please contact City Planner Donald Sammet at (732) 502-5711.
Below is the tentative agenda for the meeting.
Peace,
Councilman Jim Keady
Springwood Avenue Advisory Committee
AGENDA
June 18, 2007
7:00pm
I. Welcome / Introduction of Members – Councilman Johnson & Councilman Keady
II. The Process
Review of SAAC Process
III. Review of Plan Area
Area of Inclusion
IV. Public Input – Don Sammet, Director of Planning & Redevelopment
A. How It Was Received
B. How It Was Reviewed
C. How It Was Included In Final Document
V. Public Question & Answer Period
VI. Next Steps
VII. Public Question & Answer Period
VIII. Close
Springwood Avenue Advisory Committee
Revisions to the Draft Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Plan
Monday, June 18, 2007
7:00pm
City Hall Council Chambers
Dear Friends of Asbury Park:
"The Springwood Avenue Advisory Committee (SAAC) will present revisions to the draft Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Plan to the public at a meeting to be held on Monday, June 18, 2007 at 7 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers. The revisions reflect comments and recommendations made by the public at sessions held in November through February.
Copies of the plan are available in the following manner:
1. Download a copy of the plan at http://www.blogger.com/www.cityofasburypark.com.
2. You can obtain a copy of the plan on CD available at City Hall, One Municipal Plaza, Department of Planning and Redevelopment.
3. You can obtain a hard copy of the plan (one copy per person) at City Hall, One Municipal Plaza, Department of Planning and Redevelopment.
4. Reference copies are available at the Asbury Park Public Library, 500 First Avenue.
Requests for 10 or more copies may be made in writing to the SAAC, courtesy of the Department of Planning and Redevelopment.
SAAC was formed by the Asbury Park City Council as a result of the community’s response to a redevelopment plan brought forth to the public at two initial community meetings held at St. Stephen’s Church in 2005. Since the SAAC’s inception, the primary principles of the planning process have been to develop the Springwood Avenue corridor as a community-based hub composed of elements that would enhance the quality of life for existing residents and provide for the growth and development of the business community in a mixed-use setting.
For more information, please contact City Planner Donald Sammet at (732) 502-5711.
Below is the tentative agenda for the meeting.
Peace,
Councilman Jim Keady
Springwood Avenue Advisory Committee
AGENDA
June 18, 2007
7:00pm
I. Welcome / Introduction of Members – Councilman Johnson & Councilman Keady
II. The Process
Review of SAAC Process
III. Review of Plan Area
Area of Inclusion
IV. Public Input – Don Sammet, Director of Planning & Redevelopment
A. How It Was Received
B. How It Was Reviewed
C. How It Was Included In Final Document
V. Public Question & Answer Period
VI. Next Steps
VII. Public Question & Answer Period
VIII. Close
Friday, June 08, 2007
Enjoy the Arts in Asbury Park this Summer!
Dear Friends of Asbury Park:
Below is an exciting list of art and music events happening in Asbury Park this summer. You will not find anything like these in any other town on the Jersey Shore. So come out and join the fun !
I want to thank Mark McDonald from ArtsCAP for providing this info.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Peace,
Councilman Jim Keady
Hot Sand Glass Blowing Studio
Grand Opening!
1200 Ocean AvenueAsbury Park Boardwalk
email - mailto:oOffice@HotSandAP.com
telephone - (732) 927-5475
www.hotsandap.com
Fiery Fridays
This is your night to try something glass related. QuickCasts are 10% off all night (or until the oven is full)! From 7-8pm, we'll guide 15yr olds through the experience of blowing their first bubble on the blowpipe - FREE. Give it a try! And at 9pm, we'll have a glass blowing team putting on a show for you!
Sandy Saturdays
Saturday night is our night on the Boardwalk. The Hot Sand Studio will be hopping, with live demonstrations and music. Stop by on your way to dinner, or stroll by afterwards. QuickCasts are 10% off all night (or until the oven is full)! Look for our amazing glass blowers to put on a show at 9pm.
____________________
Bob Egan Open Mic Piano Bar
Sunday, June 10, 7-10 PM
Moonstruck Bar and Restaurant
517 Lake Ave, Asbury Park, NJ
732-988-0123
If you haven't been a part of this AMAZING evening of outstanding entertainment - DO! You will simply be amazed!
____________________
EXPOSURE 2....Photo Literacy Project - OPENING!
Opening, Friday, June 15th
APeXgallery, 610 Main St., Asbury Park
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Exhibit runs through June 17th
Bradley Elementary School, 2nd and 4th grade students display their final photographs and books in this the culmination of a 20 week long community based art project between The Arts Coalition of Asbury Park, Bradley Elementary School, and local photographer John Meyerhofer. Now in its sixth year, this exciting project brings together the art of photography with lessons in grammar, vocabulary and writing for our city's youth!
__________________
ApART Gallery
Apart Contemporary Fine Art and Framing Gallery
531 Bangs Ave, 732-988-7377
New Show: Arlene Mollow’s “Ocean Diary”Opening Night Reception
June 23rd, 6-8 pm
Runs June 23-July 21
___________________
Jersey Shore Writer's Studio
1st Tuesday of each month
7:30 pm, beginning June 5, 2007
Stephen Crane House
508 Fourth Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
The Jersey Shore Writer’s Studio (JSWS) is a comfortable, supportive environment created specifically with the writer in mind. The Studio is open to all theatre artists who would like to collaborate in a creative atmosphere to develop a play, screenplay, short story, memoir, etc and who wish to hear their words read by members of the Studio. The experience of hearing a character come alive is a critical step in the process for the writer. In support of that idea, an important component of the JSWS is the intense collaboration between writer and actor. JSWS is an opportunity to develop new work, fine-tune existing work and provide a creative and nurturing home for the aspiring writer.
For more information and submissions, contact Lou Liberatore at JSWStudio@aol.com or 212 647-1959.
Electronic submissions of 10 pages (maximum) of a play or screenplay or 5 pages (maximum) of prose are required for consideration and scheduling of a reading.
____________________
Short Film ForumSponsored by Black Box
1st Monday of every month
Stephen Crane House, 508 4th Ave., Asbury Park
$5 donation
____________________
Jazz Arts Series Sponsored by Black Box
Second Friday of every month
Joyful Noise Cafe, Asbury Ave.
8:00 p.m.
____________________
Summer Hits! The Jersey Shore and other themes by Gallery Artists
APeXgallery 611 Cookman Ave. Asbury Park
Summer Hits! Opens June 20th
For appointment or gallery hours call 917-776-7746 or visit www.apexgalleryasburypark.com
____________________
Summer Jazz Series
The City of Asbury Park is sponsoring a Summer Jazz Series every Friday
5:00pm - 7:30pm at the Transportation Center located at Main & Cookman Avenues.
The series continues through Labor Day Weekend.
Featured Artists:6/15 Avi Rothbadr- Guitarist; 6/22 Predator; 6/29 Dorian Parreott; 7/6 Blackberry Blues Band; 7/13 Vel Johnson Trio; 7/20 Phedomia Jazz Band; 7/27 Al Wright Jazz Band;8/3 Greg Gambone; 8/10 Melvin McKnight; 8/17 Six Shoes; 8/24 Clifford Adams; 8/31 Bradford Hayes Sax.
Below is an exciting list of art and music events happening in Asbury Park this summer. You will not find anything like these in any other town on the Jersey Shore. So come out and join the fun !
I want to thank Mark McDonald from ArtsCAP for providing this info.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Peace,
Councilman Jim Keady
Hot Sand Glass Blowing Studio
Grand Opening!
1200 Ocean AvenueAsbury Park Boardwalk
email - mailto:oOffice@HotSandAP.com
telephone - (732) 927-5475
www.hotsandap.com
Fiery Fridays
This is your night to try something glass related. QuickCasts are 10% off all night (or until the oven is full)! From 7-8pm, we'll guide 15yr olds through the experience of blowing their first bubble on the blowpipe - FREE. Give it a try! And at 9pm, we'll have a glass blowing team putting on a show for you!
Sandy Saturdays
Saturday night is our night on the Boardwalk. The Hot Sand Studio will be hopping, with live demonstrations and music. Stop by on your way to dinner, or stroll by afterwards. QuickCasts are 10% off all night (or until the oven is full)! Look for our amazing glass blowers to put on a show at 9pm.
____________________
Bob Egan Open Mic Piano Bar
Sunday, June 10, 7-10 PM
Moonstruck Bar and Restaurant
517 Lake Ave, Asbury Park, NJ
732-988-0123
If you haven't been a part of this AMAZING evening of outstanding entertainment - DO! You will simply be amazed!
____________________
EXPOSURE 2....Photo Literacy Project - OPENING!
Opening, Friday, June 15th
APeXgallery, 610 Main St., Asbury Park
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Exhibit runs through June 17th
Bradley Elementary School, 2nd and 4th grade students display their final photographs and books in this the culmination of a 20 week long community based art project between The Arts Coalition of Asbury Park, Bradley Elementary School, and local photographer John Meyerhofer. Now in its sixth year, this exciting project brings together the art of photography with lessons in grammar, vocabulary and writing for our city's youth!
__________________
ApART Gallery
Apart Contemporary Fine Art and Framing Gallery
531 Bangs Ave, 732-988-7377
New Show: Arlene Mollow’s “Ocean Diary”Opening Night Reception
June 23rd, 6-8 pm
Runs June 23-July 21
___________________
Jersey Shore Writer's Studio
1st Tuesday of each month
7:30 pm, beginning June 5, 2007
Stephen Crane House
508 Fourth Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
The Jersey Shore Writer’s Studio (JSWS) is a comfortable, supportive environment created specifically with the writer in mind. The Studio is open to all theatre artists who would like to collaborate in a creative atmosphere to develop a play, screenplay, short story, memoir, etc and who wish to hear their words read by members of the Studio. The experience of hearing a character come alive is a critical step in the process for the writer. In support of that idea, an important component of the JSWS is the intense collaboration between writer and actor. JSWS is an opportunity to develop new work, fine-tune existing work and provide a creative and nurturing home for the aspiring writer.
For more information and submissions, contact Lou Liberatore at JSWStudio@aol.com or 212 647-1959.
Electronic submissions of 10 pages (maximum) of a play or screenplay or 5 pages (maximum) of prose are required for consideration and scheduling of a reading.
____________________
Short Film ForumSponsored by Black Box
1st Monday of every month
Stephen Crane House, 508 4th Ave., Asbury Park
$5 donation
____________________
Jazz Arts Series Sponsored by Black Box
Second Friday of every month
Joyful Noise Cafe, Asbury Ave.
8:00 p.m.
____________________
Summer Hits! The Jersey Shore and other themes by Gallery Artists
APeXgallery 611 Cookman Ave. Asbury Park
Summer Hits! Opens June 20th
For appointment or gallery hours call 917-776-7746 or visit www.apexgalleryasburypark.com
____________________
Summer Jazz Series
The City of Asbury Park is sponsoring a Summer Jazz Series every Friday
5:00pm - 7:30pm at the Transportation Center located at Main & Cookman Avenues.
The series continues through Labor Day Weekend.
Featured Artists:6/15 Avi Rothbadr- Guitarist; 6/22 Predator; 6/29 Dorian Parreott; 7/6 Blackberry Blues Band; 7/13 Vel Johnson Trio; 7/20 Phedomia Jazz Band; 7/27 Al Wright Jazz Band;8/3 Greg Gambone; 8/10 Melvin McKnight; 8/17 Six Shoes; 8/24 Clifford Adams; 8/31 Bradford Hayes Sax.
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