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.