May 9, 2012

Representatives from each of the eight subcommittees that comprise the Transition Task Force (TTF) participated in an “Update and Dialogue” sponsored by Princeton Future on Saturday morning at the Princeton Public Library.

In his introduction, TTF vice chair Scott Sillars expressed the hope that the transition will turn out “to be seamless,” except, perhaps with minor changes like having to “go to a different office to a pay a parking ticket.” He emphasized, however, that the TTF’s charge is to “make recommendations” to the two governing bodies, who will ultimately decide on what gets implemented.

Mr. Sillars reported that the Finance Subcomittee is monitoring implementation plans against cost savings estimates; tracking transition costs; providing a liaison with the state; developing a combination of 2012 budgets; and monitoring other impacts of consolidation on the Open Space Tax and sewer rates. Debt consolidation does not pose a problem, but the different accounting approaches of the Borough and the Township need to be reconciled, he noted.

Looking ahead, Mr. Sillars said that the Finance Subcommittee hoped to have a draft “combination budget” by June; a recommendation on the Open Space Tax by August; and a summary of planned savings and transition costs by mid-Fall.

Task Force member Hendricks Davis reported that the Boards and Commissions Subcommittee had “just about completed” its inventory of “existing entities,” although it will continue to be regularly updated. The Boards and Commissions subcommittee will also make recommendations for the integration process, and Mr. Davis applauded the fact that “so much happens in this community because of citizen participation.”

Joking that their responsibilities run the gamut from dog licensing software to infrastructure support, Information Technology (IT) Subcommittee spokesperson Gary Patteson described that group’s efforts to inventory existing hardware, software, vendor support, and current costs. They believe that a new email system will pay for itself after just one year. The subcommittee hopes to submit a plan for IT deployment and hardware location by July 15.

Creating a timeline — including the “lead time” required for IT implementation — that will be delivered to the TTF and both governing bodies has allowed this subcommittee to work with IT staff and department heads, Mr. Patteson noted, although IT implementation for the new Police force is the purview of the Public Safety Subcommittee. IT collaboration with the Princeton Public Schools may be considered at a later date.

The Facilities and Assets Subcommittee, said Bernie Miller, is working on ways to accommodate the staff of the new Princeton in existing facilities “in a manner that provides for the effective operation of municipal departments, long with user-friendly access.” Efforts will be made to locate single departments near others with related concerns to maximize their operations. KSS Architects, Mr. Miller said, have been engaged to consult on the subcommittee’s work.

Jim Levine was the first of the morning’s speakers to note the use of a new graphic that depicts “putting the pieces” of two organizations together. Personnel Subcommittee areas of concern include the overall workforce sizing process; reconciliation of employee policies/procedures; and promotion of “cross pollination” among different offices. Recommendations regarding “redundant positions” and severance packages will be presented mid-May, said Mr. Levine. Providing stability “while conducting thorough reviews” is anticipated to be a challenge, he observed, adding that the Subcommittee’s belief that the new organization should reflect “a balance of Borough and Township experience.”

Jo Butler reported that an organization chart for the integration of the two municipalities’ public works departments; “recreation maintenance; “engineering; land use; planning; construction; zoning; and fire and housing safety will be forthcoming. Brush and leaf collection will be coordinated, and garbage and composting systems will be put out for bid together. Ms. Butler noted that there will definitely be just one Public Services Commission.

Bernie Miller spoke about the complex combination of personnel, facilities, and technology that the Public Safety Subcommittee is addressing in order to ensure that when someone dials 911 on January 1, someone “will pick up the phone.” Merging police departments includes merging police dispatch, and emergency services coordination. No action is needed on the Fire Department, which already serves both municipalities.

It is anticipated that there will be 55 policemen and women on the new combined police department. Questions of the location of the force, the location of dispatch (and, perhaps, whether to outsource the dispatch function), and the importance of having common technology are all being addressed. Although Princeton University’s public safety department provides “great support,” the fact that they do not carry firearms is significant.

Mr. Sillars encouraged area residents to familiarize themselves with the Task Force’s work by attending its public meetings, and by visiting the website, www.cgr.org/princeton/transition, where agendas and minutes are published. Critical recommendations are expected to be presented at the Wednesday, May 16 meeting at 7 p.m. in Borough Hall.


January 25, 2012

At a special meeting on January 17, Princeton Borough Council named four representatives to serve on the joint consolidation transition task force. Mark Freda, Hendricks Davis, and Brad Middlekauff were approved in a 5-1 vote by the governing body, with Jim Levine as an alternate.

Mr. Freda, former head of Princeton’s emergency services department, is director of site operations for Pfizer, Inc. in New York. Mr. Davis is the former executive director of the Princeton-Blairstown Center and Habitat for Humanity/Newark. Mr. Middlekauff is a lawyer, chief legal officer, general counsel, and secretary at Kolltan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mr. Levine is director of compensation and benefits for Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

Councilwoman Barbara Trelstad, who served on the selection committee, said they tried to balance their choices with the representatives appointed by the Township earlier this month. She also suggested that all of the resumes be forwarded to the task force for future participation in subcommittees that will be formed.

“The Borough of Princeton is a really lucky place,” she said. “We had a superb pool of applicants.”

Councilman Roger Martindell was the one member to vote against the slate of candidates because he felt there were others who should have been considered. “I agree we have a superb pool of candidates, all 28 of them,” he said, also commending the committee who made the selection. “But I’m voting against it — not because any of these individuals are not good candidates. They are all good candidates. I’m voting against the motion.”

Mr. Martindell was particularly disturbed that candidates employed by Princeton University were disqualified from the process. “We didn’t interview anyone employed by the University and I think that was a mistake,” he said. “It shows a degree of arbitrariness, capriciousness, and unreasonableness that doesn’t really say much for the process …. If the process included a larger group than the original seven chosen in closed session, I would be much more enthusiastic.” He concluded, “I think we’re doing an expeditious job of moving forward. But as a whole, the process was deficient.”

Councilwoman Jenny Crumiller countered that Mr. Martindell had not made his position or preferences clear when the process was first discussed. She also faulted him for not complaining until after a decision had been made.

Councilwoman Heather Howard spoke in favor of the process. “The folks who were chosen represent the best of Princeton Borough,” she said. “We should be very proud of who we are nominating.”