Mayor Fenton's Report for March 20, 2008

Good evening Council and Bristol Township Resident

Last month I reported on an incentive program, designed to assist our Police Department to remove illegal weapons off the streets of Bristol Township.

We are continuing our efforts to secure financial support from our business community to fund this worthwhile program. I hope to have this program up and running shortly.

We have continued our research into a Township sponsored Dog Adoption Program. I hope to have a final plan to present to Council at a meeting in April.

Recently I have received complaints from residents about work being done by contractors on the township roads and right of way. These contractors are performing necessary utility work however residents are often treated improperly. In addition, the quality of the workmanship in restoring the roads has been questionable.

I have directed the Managing Director, Public Works Director and the Director of Building and Planning to meet individually with these utility companies.

The following will be addressed at these meetings:

1. Reinforce Township regulations regarding the restoration of the road after job completion.
2. Get a tentative schedule for work for the next year so it can coincide with the Township’s paving schedule.
3. Ensure that all the subcontractors and workers for these companies maintain a professional presence within the Township.

In addition, the Township will be requiring all of these contractors and their subs to carry Township issued registration cards so that residents can be assured that these contractors represent who they say they represent and can be identified if problems occur.

I have given Council a copy of a resolution that was revised in 2006. I have again revised this resolution with the goal of adding much needed funding to the recreation capital budget without impacting the tax payers. Newly constructed Non-residential buildings are assessed a $2.00 per square foot fee. Under the current distribution, none of this money goes into capital funds or for recreation. The 2008 budget was approved anticipating that $100,000 in general fund revenue will be gained from this non-residential fee. I am requesting that any funds received in 2008 that exceed this amount be distributed by the formula in the revised resolution. I am also asking that the revised resolution be approved effective for 2009 so that next year’s budget can be developed using this formula. This will help fund new park development without increasing the millage rate for parks and recreation.

As Mayor it is my responsibility to make appointments to various Boards and Committees. I would like to make the following appointments for Council approval:

Budget Advisory Board:
Regina Cade
Pat Kzaraek
Chuck DeAngelo

Cable Advisory Board:
Bob Ausura
Mike Slipp
James Jones

Park & Recreation:
Sherri Champey
Danette Zieglehoffner
Bob Neville
Trish Hislop
Todd Collier
Kerry Knight

Civil Service:
Don Bleistein – 6 year term

Drug & Alcohol Abuse:
Pauline Newman
Kerry Knight

Zoning Hearing Board:
Al Burgess – 4 year term
Ron Marczak – 5 year term