Mountainside Council Highlights for 2011

Holiday Celebration Honors Mayor Robert F. Viglianti

Heartfelt dedication opens Mountainside Christmas tree lighting

Hundreds of Mountainside residents braved the chilly winter air last Saturday on a festive night, highlighted by a special tribute to former Mayor Robert F. Viglianti.

Mayor Paul Mirabelli hosted Mountainside's annual Christmas tree lighting, featuring the unveiling of a sign dedicating the access road from New Providence Road to Borough Hall  to the memory of Mayor Viglianti.  

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Members of Troop 177 in attendance

Two Mountainside residents were recently honored for their achievement of becoming Eagle Scouts, the highest advancement rank in the scouting program.

Stephen Hart and Geoffrey Barnes were given commendations by the Mountainside Borough Council for their years of dedication and accomplishments to the boy scouts and their community. Mayor Paul Mirabelli made presentations on behalf of the council.

"It's just a culmination of the last ten years of hard work, starting as a weblow and then working up to an Eagle Scout now," said Hart. "It took a lot of hard work, a lot of committment, a lot of requirements to do -- meeting different people, completing numerous badges."

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Mabel Young Committee Presents Good Neighbor Award

Mountainside Borough Council approved the 2011 municipal budget at the April 19th meeting. Taxes will increase $128.88 for the average-assessed property.  The total budget will increase $383,757.25. The council also approved the second reading of an ordinance creating a cap bank. 

Mayor Paul N. Mirabelli outlined changes from the 2010 budget, showing cuts and increases in a variety of areas. The borough’s operational budget was decreased by $34,127 and salaries were decreased by $11,000. The police department budget was increased by $30,979 due to contractually-obligated salary increases. Insurances, including healthcare, increased $79,000 with $69,879 of that increase falling outside the tax cap restriction. Pension contributions increased $139,461, with $126,992 falling outside the tax cap, as well. The Rahway Valley Sewer Authority (RVSA) costs increased $33,500. The snow removal line item was increased $94,792.  Additionally, the budget includes a projected $58,217 increase in revenue though recreation department fees, construction permits and sewer fees. This increase offsets the approximately $31,000 of miscellaneous revenue lost from safety fees and investments. 

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Tuesday’s Mountainside Borough Council meeting was marked by the praise and gratitude expressed by the Council for the people of Mountainside.

“Tonight we get to do something we really enjoy doing; which is to recognize outstanding achievements for people who live in Mountainside,” Mayor Paul Mirabelli announced.

The Council went on to congratulate individuals and departments, including the Mountainside Volunteer Fire Department on the celebration of its 100th Anniversary.

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State Senator Tom Kean Jr. has overwhelming support.

With little fanfare, 25.7% of the registered 4,773 voters came out on a unseasonably warm November day to cast their votes.

Mountainside's Republican mayor Paul Mirabelli ran unopposed while garnering 773 votes. Keith Turner and Deanna Andre recieved 828 and 836 votes respectively for Borough Council.

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Former Gov. Livingston pole vaulter now at Duke

The Mountainside borough council meeting saw the return of a former Governor Livingston high school star, much to the delight of those in attendance. 

Pole vault champion Justin Amezquita was honored for his accomplishments in high school on and off the field. The presentation was made by Mayor Paul Mirabelli, who coached Amezquita in youth soccer. 

Read full story: http://patch.com/A-cQCq