August 14, 2017
Ms. Kathleen Hart, RMC, CMR
Clerk, Borough of Roosevelt
Dear Ms. Hart,
I joined the Council with a vision for Roosevelt. I was concerned about the sustainability of our town, whether it could survive as an entity for the next generation. Immediate problems facing the town were the need to house the emergency services, address the aging infrastructure, reopen the only store in town, organize the files at Borough Hall, and attract a buyer for the old gas station property. Roosevelt had a number of abandoned houses, and properties in need of maintenance.
Roosevelt’s assets included:
- the active fire company which had swelled to 18 members,
- the first aid squad which was responding to calls from neighboring towns as well as Roosevelt,
- the environmental commission who successfully obtained grants to support their activities,
- the Roosevelt Arts Project with their full schedule of events,
- the Solar Village, which was getting a much needed make-over, and
- the wonderful Roosevelt Public School.
During my council service, I contributed my time and energy to identify funding sources to address the aging infrastructure, listen and support staff, respond to emergencies, assist in bringing Roosevelt into compliance with the Joint Insurance Fund requirements, assist with Sustainable Jersey initiatives, and encourage the building of a pollinator garden for butterflies to stop on their migration pathway. After questions were raised about the need for the emergency services building, I served on the committee to flesh out the options, and provide cost estimates for each. At times, I had to join the Council meetings via conference call, but I listened to every person during public comment period, and I carefully considered their concerns.
All of these tasks brought me in daily contact with the Roosevelt staff, who were amazing in their dedication and focus on working through the plethora of problems brought to them by the Roosevelt residents.
To address the economic vitality of our town, we pursued legal action to get the liquor license back, as a way to goad the deli-owners into reopening our town store. To address the issue of vacant houses in Roosevelt, we adopted a more aggressive enforcement stance for our zoning regulations, to pursue the house owners to bring them up to code and get them on the market. This added to all property values in town, as the town became well-maintained. I remain hopeful that we will have a vibrant business in the old gas station property eventually.
To address the social issues, the fire, first aid, environmental commission and Roosevelt Arts Project (RAP) were all committed to working to create a place where everyone in Roosevelt felt needed, supported, and engaged. Even the butterfly garden idea brought people together and brought some beauty to our borough hall. The Environmental Commission’s work with the Student Conservation Association brought us a newly developed woodland trail, and RAP held an art walk along the trail. The Environmental Commission submitted its first application to Sustainable Jersey for the Bronze category of recognition.
In infrastructure issues, the water plant was upgraded, painted, and a grand opening was held. Financed by a bond, the water tower was inspected and brought up to NJDEP standards. The sewage treatment plant was assessed by a well-respected engineering firm and recommendations made for upgrading systems.
Nevertheless, things keep breaking in our infrastructure. Even now, the valve at the base of the water tower is held together with a strap. Every incident at the water/sewer facility meant that I was on site, discussing the issues with our water/sewer operator, and our engineering firm. At each Council meeting, the issues were brought to the attention of the Mayor and Council through the Committee reports.
The vision that I had for the town was one where we would address our long-term issues through long-term investment, paid off in a long-term strategy, unless grants were available. The costs would be borne by the people living in town benefitting from the services. That is what bonds do for towns – spread the costs over time.
At some point in time, a group of people formed who felt that the town’s direction was misguided. They were effective in their campaigns. After a number of costly referenda, countless argumentative Council meetings, and general hard feelings, I concede that my vision is not shared by the majority of Roosevelt voters or by some members of Council.
The decisions made are permanent. The dismissal of the Roosevelt volunteer fire company and selling of the fire department assets means that Roosevelt is now committed to contracting with neighboring towns for fire coverage. A town asset has been lost, and I can only imagine how hurt the firefighters were at the end of their service to the town.
Roosevelt’s problems have not been solved. There are daily issues. Roosevelt is subject to daily fines for the air quality in the Borough Hall because the First Aid vehicles start up inside the building without ventilation. Roosevelt residents have chosen to have different people make decisions on their behalf through their choices on the referenda and primary election.
As I am no longer effective as a Council member, I am resigning, effective tonight. I have dedicated many hours to Borough business, however, without appreciation for my work, the volunteer hours are no longer rewarding. I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life.
Sincerely,
Jill Lipoti