N. Caldwell Budget Hearing Sparks Little Reaction

North Caldwell's municipal budget that will pose a slight 1.11 percent tax increase drew an even smaller reaction during Tuesday night's public hearing.

The lone comment came from 82-year-old Don Meserlian, who asked the governing body if they considered the effect the Afghanistan and Iraq war have had on the North Caldwell budget.

Borough Administrator Joseph Kunz replied, "On this budget? No."

North Caldwell's governing body is not yet able to adopt the since it has not yet been approved by the state.

Since the state officially adopted its own budget this week, Kunz expects county and municipal budgets to soon be reviewed.

All North Caldwell municipal employees, including members of the police department, agreed to a salary freeze to help offset the .

While there were no layoffs or furloughs to borough employees, the budget was aided by the retirement of the equivalent of four full-time employees, who were not replaced, Kunz said.

"Spending went up 1.12 percent from last year," Kunz said. "Even with cuts from personnel and other expenses to try to get by we were doomed with costs we couldn't control: pensions, health care bills and other costs that are not controlled by this governing body."

Mayor Mel Levine, who has announced his support of Gov. Chris Christie's proposed 2.5 percent tax cap, said the governing body has kept a close eye on the new state legislation. North Caldwell's budget can be viewed by the public at the municipal building.

"The borough has been kept very busy with all the new legislation that has been coming out from Trenton and how it will, ultimately, effect our residents. We've been tracking the various proposals of the proposed cap," Levine said. "The third quarter of the estimated tax bill has been sent out. The statement is due on Aug. 1, 2010. The final tax bill will be sent once the tax rate has been established."

Prior to the public hearing on the budget, Levine opened the meeting by requesting a moment of silence for Alyssa Martino, a borough resident who died last week from illness at the age of 19.

"I would like to take a few moments to acknowledge the passing of a very young resident of North Caldwell, Alyssa Martino, who passed away last week," Levine said.

"She was very involved in her community and very involved in the Summer Fun program, which she started I believe at the age of 14. She will not only be missed by her family, but by everyone who knew her and members of the community that watched her grow up." 

Borough Briefs

Construction on The Pinnacle at North Caldwell age-restricted development at Stephanie Drive and Lindsley Road has been taken over by K. Hovnanian, which has begun cleaning up the property and plans to start building this summer.

There have been 36 construction permits issued so far this year, totaling $11,637—an eight percent increase from last year, Councilman John Chiaia said.  

The volunteer fire department will lose two women members this month. Susan Schlesinger, the first female firefighter to join the department, has resigned as well as Stasia Rogacki, who will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point.

The Municipal Alliance will host Movies at the Pool on Thursday evenings throughout July from dusk until 9:30 p.m. "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," "Planet 51" and "Curious George" are among those that will be featured.