Lacey Town Council Meeting Tackles $92 Million School Referendum and Local Safety Concerns
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent Lacey Town Council meeting, the council focused on the upcoming school referendum asking residents to vote on a $92 million proposal, local safety concerns, and the installation of public amenities. Community engagement and fiscal management were emphasized, alongside the need for improved public safety measures.
18:47The primary topic of discussion was the impending school referendum scheduled for January 28, where residents would decide on three financial questions totaling $92 million. The council urged residents to educate themselves on the details of the proposal, emphasizing that despite frequent concerns about taxes, the council managed only a small portion of tax revenues. The referendum meeting at the high school was highlighted as an important event for residents to attend to gain a deeper understanding of the proposal’s implications. Council members stressed the magnitude of the financial request, noting that while new housing developments had generated additional tax revenue, most funds would benefit the school and county rather than the municipality. The council underscored the importance of informed voting and encouraged residents to participate in the decision-making process.
Public comments during the meeting were notably focused on the school referendum, with residents expressing mixed opinions. Regina, a local resident, voiced concerns about the proposed turf field included in the referendum. She questioned the cost-effectiveness of the nearly $10 million expenditure, citing the field’s limited lifespan of 8 to 12 years and potential safety hazards. Regina characterized the $92 million ask as a “wish list,” questioning the school district’s management of financial resources and delayed maintenance on vital infrastructure such as the high school’s boilers.
The council also deliberated on the broader issue of unfunded mandates from the state, which often leave municipalities to manage financial responsibilities without adequate support.
34:04In addition to the referendum, public safety concerns were a focus of the meeting. Residents from Bamber Lake and other neighborhoods raised issues about speeding vehicles, illegal dumping, and disturbances caused by weekend parties. One resident highlighted the need for increased police patrols to address these problems, particularly on Dober Road where reckless driving and illegal activities had become frequent.
47:33Another resident, Jim Ellis, recounted troubling incidents in the neighborhood, including encounters with suspicious individuals and past instances of vandalism, such as a bridge being set on fire. The conversation around public safety was robust, with residents voicing their frustrations over inadequate police response times and the feeling of neglect despite being taxpayers.
18:47The topic of public amenities also emerged, with Willow Dodd, a senior at Lacey Township High School, presenting her Capstone project on the lack of bus benches in the community. She proposed installing benches at key locations, noting that NJ Transit would cover the costs if the municipality approved the sites. The council discussed the procedural requirements for establishing recognized bus stops and the challenges of standardizing designs across the town.
0:01The meeting addressed routine municipal matters, including the approval of several resolutions and ordinances. Notably, the council approved a local recreation improvement grant application for $376,500 aimed at enhancing Heaper Park. Contracts for deer carcass removal and an interlocal service agreement with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office were also authorized.
1:03:36The council also considered the timing of its meetings, acknowledging community feedback and discussing the potential benefits of starting meetings later to accommodate more residents. A resident noted that 81% of respondents to an online poll preferred meetings to start at 7 PM, urging the council to consider this feedback. Despite the discussion, the council reiterated that the current 6 PM slot historically brought the most attendees.
Peter Curatolo
City Council Officials:
Steven Kennis (Deputy Mayor), Robert Laureigh, PeggySue Juliano, Timothy McDonald
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
01/23/2025
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Recording Published:
01/24/2025
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Duration:
79 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Ocean County
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Towns:
Lacey
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