By Rick Pressler
In a March 28 referendum, Roosevelt voters rejected the Borough’s efforts to approve a bond to build a new emergency services building. The existing facility has been deemed unusable by State inspectors. In the absence of a new building, the Roosevelt Fire Department will cease operations. The First Aid Squad, while it would have been housed in the proposed facility, is not likewise affected. The Squad will continue to operate while it considers improvements and repairs to its existing facility attached to Borough Hall.
The official vote tally was 201 opposed and 191 in favor of the proposed bond. The election proceeded in an orderly fashion although it was not without several controversies, including a number of disallowed votes and several provisional ballots.
Reaction was mostly muted after a bruising two years of debate which included breakdowns in civility between residents who found themselves on opposite sides of the closely contested issue. Rancorous public meetings and accusations of ill will sometimes lent a personal dynamic to the public discussion.
In response to an inquiry from the Bulletin, Mayor Jeff Ellentuck commented, “I am disappointed that the bond was not ratified because I believe a new building would have been the best and least expensive option for the town over the long term. New Jersey citizens have the right to vote regarding significant municipal expenditures, as they should, and I will certainly respect the results of the referendum. It is time for us to put the rancor of the last two years aside, resolve emergency services going forward, and move on to the other important issues facing the town.”
Borough Council Member Jill Lipoti struck a similar note of reconciliation, “Let's all move on from the labels that marked us and resume our common role as citizens of Roosevelt, proud of our town.”
Michael Ticktin, also a Council member (and the Editor of the Bulletin) echoed these sentiments,” I hope that, going forward, all members of the Council and of the community will succeed in putting aside any negative feelings that they may have as a result of this prolonged conflict and do their best to work together to address the needs of the community. Though the community has twice shown itself to be almost evenly divided over this issue, we must recognize that people on both sides are sincere in their dedication to the community and that the efforts of all must be welcomed.”
Going forward, Roosevelt will be required to contract for fire protection services. The Applegarth/Monroe Fire Department, a full time paid squad, and the Millstone Fire Department, a hybrid paid/volunteer squad, are the two lead candidates under consideration by the Borough Council. Cost for the service reportedly begins around $30,000 annually and could eventually increase to $90,000 per year, although no contract has been negotiated at this point.
The First Aid Squad is a separate question. While its facility has been found substandard by the State PEOSH inspector, it is possible to repair or improve the space—which is attached to Borough Hall—to a satisfactory extent. Additionally, unlike the Fire Department, the First Aid Squad is not under the auspices of the Borough government; it is an independent organization that has been supported by the Borough but is not subject to its oversight.
First Aid Captain John Vo stated, “Contrary to rumors swirling around, the First Aid Squad is still around for the foreseeable future. “ He added, “I want to thank everyone for their continued support.”
Many Roosevelt residents have expressed a desire to reestablish civil public discourse as the norm, even in the face of strong disagreements over local public policy. Public comment at meetings and various flyers distributed throughout the borough have sometimes taken a harsh tone, impugning the motives and judgment of those in disagreement. While the issue of an emergency services building has been settled by the referendum, a number of significant issues—water and sewer utility management, securing a fire protection contract, and managing borough finances—will continue to animate public debate.
The Roosevelt Fire Department, in addition to its emergency services role, has been a frequent contributor to the civic life of the borough, hosting Easter egg hunts, hay rides, and the July 4 festivities, and providing for traffic safety on Halloween. As the Council solves the issue of securing fire protection services, the community will also face the challenge of sustaining the community spirit fostered by these activities.
In a March 28 referendum, Roosevelt voters rejected the Borough’s efforts to approve a bond to build a new emergency services building. The existing facility has been deemed unusable by State inspectors. In the absence of a new building, the Roosevelt Fire Department will cease operations. The First Aid Squad, while it would have been housed in the proposed facility, is not likewise affected. The Squad will continue to operate while it considers improvements and repairs to its existing facility attached to Borough Hall.
The official vote tally was 201 opposed and 191 in favor of the proposed bond. The election proceeded in an orderly fashion although it was not without several controversies, including a number of disallowed votes and several provisional ballots.
Reaction was mostly muted after a bruising two years of debate which included breakdowns in civility between residents who found themselves on opposite sides of the closely contested issue. Rancorous public meetings and accusations of ill will sometimes lent a personal dynamic to the public discussion.
In response to an inquiry from the Bulletin, Mayor Jeff Ellentuck commented, “I am disappointed that the bond was not ratified because I believe a new building would have been the best and least expensive option for the town over the long term. New Jersey citizens have the right to vote regarding significant municipal expenditures, as they should, and I will certainly respect the results of the referendum. It is time for us to put the rancor of the last two years aside, resolve emergency services going forward, and move on to the other important issues facing the town.”
Borough Council Member Jill Lipoti struck a similar note of reconciliation, “Let's all move on from the labels that marked us and resume our common role as citizens of Roosevelt, proud of our town.”
Michael Ticktin, also a Council member (and the Editor of the Bulletin) echoed these sentiments,” I hope that, going forward, all members of the Council and of the community will succeed in putting aside any negative feelings that they may have as a result of this prolonged conflict and do their best to work together to address the needs of the community. Though the community has twice shown itself to be almost evenly divided over this issue, we must recognize that people on both sides are sincere in their dedication to the community and that the efforts of all must be welcomed.”
Going forward, Roosevelt will be required to contract for fire protection services. The Applegarth/Monroe Fire Department, a full time paid squad, and the Millstone Fire Department, a hybrid paid/volunteer squad, are the two lead candidates under consideration by the Borough Council. Cost for the service reportedly begins around $30,000 annually and could eventually increase to $90,000 per year, although no contract has been negotiated at this point.
The First Aid Squad is a separate question. While its facility has been found substandard by the State PEOSH inspector, it is possible to repair or improve the space—which is attached to Borough Hall—to a satisfactory extent. Additionally, unlike the Fire Department, the First Aid Squad is not under the auspices of the Borough government; it is an independent organization that has been supported by the Borough but is not subject to its oversight.
First Aid Captain John Vo stated, “Contrary to rumors swirling around, the First Aid Squad is still around for the foreseeable future. “ He added, “I want to thank everyone for their continued support.”
Many Roosevelt residents have expressed a desire to reestablish civil public discourse as the norm, even in the face of strong disagreements over local public policy. Public comment at meetings and various flyers distributed throughout the borough have sometimes taken a harsh tone, impugning the motives and judgment of those in disagreement. While the issue of an emergency services building has been settled by the referendum, a number of significant issues—water and sewer utility management, securing a fire protection contract, and managing borough finances—will continue to animate public debate.
The Roosevelt Fire Department, in addition to its emergency services role, has been a frequent contributor to the civic life of the borough, hosting Easter egg hunts, hay rides, and the July 4 festivities, and providing for traffic safety on Halloween. As the Council solves the issue of securing fire protection services, the community will also face the challenge of sustaining the community spirit fostered by these activities.