By MAYOR JOHN BUTTON
As we approach the end of another year, I’d like to share some thoughts with you on issues of importance to our Township. Let me begin by welcoming our new township manager, Scott Carew, who comes to us with a strong pedigree in municipal management and a track record of strong leadership, fiscal responsibility, effective problem solving and a true passion for his job. Scott, his wife, Susanna and their children, Jason and Rebecca, are residents of Moorestown (a bonus, indeed!).
We utilize the “council-manager” form of government in our town. In this organizational model, council acts as the legislative body (similar, in many ways, to a board of directors), representing the citizens in establishing policy, implementing legislation, approving the budget and setting the overall vision. The manager functions much as a corporate CEO, reporting to council and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the municipality. We appreciate the qualities and experience Scott brings to his new position and feel we have a strong leadership team in place to help us resolve some of our key issues in a timely manner and manage day-to-day operations effectively and efficiently.
We have been holding frequent special meetings directed at driving our municipal complex from concept to reality and will continue to do so, as needed, to get the project out to bid. Similarly, approving a work plan to address needs we have with our recreational facilities continues to be a high priority. Scott is working diligently to catch up on work to-date and is adding his own thoughts and ideas, as well. Please know that our urgency in driving these projects to resolution has not diminished and we’re confident that he will keep them moving forward expeditiously.
2011 has been a memorable year, marked by a number of significant accomplishments. Some key examples are:
• We have continued to drive down operational costs without sacrificing key services. Despite ongoing tax appeal losses and a sharp increase in healthcare and pension costs, we were able to hold the line on taxes, staying beneath the governor’s two percent cap. And we did this without utilizing gimmicks such as deferring school taxes.
• We embarked on a grant-funded parking study which will complement our work on the municipal complex to enhance the traffic flow and convenience of our downtown Main Street as a consumer destination.
• We have demolished the damaged town hall and police building in preparation for our new municipal complex that will go to bid in 2012.
• In conjunction with and championed by the Friends of Fullerton, an inspiring group of volunteers, we achieved reconstruction of a signature playground along with other improvements at Fullerton Park. We are now seeking to utilize the same partnership model for our small park at the Corner of High and Main streets.
• We have authorized the hiring of four class two police officers which, among other things, will help enhance patrols on Main Street.
• We have a new and enhanced township website that will includes functionality to register and pay for events online. Future planned enhancements will make it even better.
• We have made a continuing effort to make Moorestown business friendly, and we’re gratified that a number of new commercial projects are underway or imminent.
In 2011, we also experienced a couple of issues that evoked emotional responses and occasionally even pitted neighbor against neighbor. We certainly appreciate the passion our citizens have for our town, regardless of their point of view. Unfortunately, however, sometimes those passions were fueled by misinformation, which is hard to stem once it has been embraced. Please know that we remain committed to effectively communicating facts regarding key issues as we move into the 2012, to help minimize the negative impact such a dynamic can impart.
I was gratified at the large voter turnout in our recent election, given the importance of the referendum questions under consideration. Now that the results are in, Council will seek to assure the sale of liquor licenses is handled in a responsible manner. Patty Hunt, our township clerk, has certified the election results and notified the State Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Upon receipt of their approval, she will work with our township solicitor to draft an ordinance setting the parameters of the liquor license sales. At this time, we expect council will act on the ordinance sometime in January, 2012.
With regard to the mall, we look forward to it becoming a thriving new destination in which we can all take pride. It is our understanding that PREIT is targeting the opening of at least one fine dining establishment late in 2012. We have asked PREIT to attend a council meeting to outline their vision and plan, which will, hopefully, occur in January. Please note that we will provide advanced notice on our website and through the media.
There are many reasons for us all to be excited as we look to the future. Virtua is hard at work on its new state-of-the-art medical facility, scheduled to open at the end of 2012, which will bring 300 jobs to our town. Lockheed Martin is adding two new office buildings that, combined with jobs related to their F-35 fighter jet program, will be great. Additional jobs will be created in our upgraded mall, as well as in an assisted care facility planned for the Marter and Main Street area. The Evergreens is completing Phase two of their expansion and will soon undertake Phase three. These are just some of the activities that will enhance employment opportunities in our town, help drive up commercial ratables and positively impact the revenue side of our budget, providing even more reasons for people to consider Moorestown a unique and special place to live and work. It is really quite remarkable in these trying economic times.
On behalf of my colleagues on town council, I wish each of you a happy and healthy holiday season and a wonderful 2012!
