From the Desk of Mayor Robert Sherr

As the New Year begins, I want to update you on several matters that the governing body has been addressing.

 First of all, I would like to thank the many individuals who agreed to serve on various borough boards and committees contributing their time and energy in making Middlesex a better place to live.

Too often, people choose to only level criticism at the way things are done, but they are unwilling to reach out and get involved in an attempt to change things for the better.

To those individuals who have made a commitment to serve, taking time from their busy schedules and home life, your ideas and efforts to bring a fresh approach to how things are done in the Borough is truly appreciated.

Over the past several weeks, I have made an effort to attend each of the borough’s board, commission and committee meetings to gain a better understanding of the services they provide. I also feel that by clarifying the expectations of both the governing body and the boards we can enhance the overall goals for the borough. It is also important to maintain strong lines of communication between our boards/committees and the governing body.

I am pleased to update you on two new committees that were established in the beginning of the year.

 The Middlesex Borough Economic Revitalization Committee was established to help us attract new businesses and encourage existing businesses to expand. The committee recently held their first meeting. They discussed goals and objectives to assess the commercial base in our borough, and what steps can be instituted to reach out to the business community to encourage new business growth. The Committee reviewed ways to creatively and visibly market the borough throughout the region as a desirable location. 

 The Economic Revitalization Committee also discussed ways to work with our code enforcer, fire sub code official, zoning officer, and the board of health to improve the overall look of the borough by strictly adhering to code requirements. The committee also examined ways to streamline the process for potential new business owners to get permits, inspections, and advice when they are setting up shop, renovating or expanding.

 The other new committee is the Middlesex Borough Budget Review Committee that was established to review our proposed 2010 Municipal Budget and provide feedback to the governing body. The committee will work closely with Councilman Michael Class who heads the Finance Committee.

The governing body must make some tough decisions in an attempt to deal with large budget deficits, mandated expenses, and scheduled increases in pensions and employee health care costs. Although these defined expenses tie our hands and continue to push costs up, any rise in taxes is a tremendous hardship in these times. We need to be increasingly innovative. Aggressive budget management is an absolute must to provide effective borough services in an era of constrained revenues.

 This year the governing body made the decision to review the 2010 proposed budget together with the full council rather than with the Finance Committee alone. The meetings are conducted in public. The Middlesex Budget Review Committee has also been involved in the review process to provide the governing body with their input and recommendations.

As of this writing (1/25/2010) the budget review has just begun and it is too early to predict where the final numbers will fall. However, it is hoped that by providing this level of in-depth review and transparency the budget will meet the governing body’s goal of maintaining essential services while at the same time containing budget costs.

We have also initiated a review of our existing shared services agreements to make sure that they are in written form, up to date, and are in our best interests. We must also continue to explore other opportunities for shared services. Successful cost sharing between borough departments and across neighboring communities saves money not just for one year, but also year after year building economies of scale into our service structure.

The governing body has also initiated the process to review several of our existing borough policies. The Administrative Committee headed by Councilman Jeffrey First is currently reviewing the Borough Personnel Policy as well as other existing administrative policies and procedures.

We must take the necessary measures to make sure that all Agreements and policies are up to date and formalized in written format for greater clarity and continuity. We must also review our existing ordinances, regulations and fees to make sure they are effective and meet our current needs.

Council President Debbie DeVuyst who heads the Public Works Committee has been working with our Department of Public Works to implement citizen complaint forms that will allow for the tracking of resident complaints from the time they are received to the time the complaints are addressed. This process will also clearly document what actions were taken to address complaints received. She is also working to develop and implement improved monthly reports that better capture work assignments and budgetary costs associated with the Department. Additionally, she has been working on improving recycling and initiating an energy audit of the Borough.

Councilman Ronald DiMura as head of the Recreation Committee is working with Middlesex County to see if grants are available to further improve our recreational fields and parks.

Councilman Michael Paff who heads our Police Committee is working closely with the police department. Councilman Paff also serves as a liaison to the Planning Board and will work with the Board in updating the Master plan for the Borough.

Councilman Robert Schueler who heads the Fire Committee is working with the Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management, Board of Health and Rescue Squad to make sure that necessary emergency services continue to be addressed by the Borough.

Let’s recognize that the current hardships we face took a long time to create and will not be resolved overnight. With patience and the political will to work on a bipartisan basis we can move forward. We must capitalize on our strengths and address the important issues facing us. We must resist wasting our time and energy on petty and trivial matters.

Our greatest risk is that we cannot or will not step up to the challenges facing us.

Thank you.