Hamilton Township Submits “Reduction in Force” Plan to State

 

Plan to Save $3 Million Dollars for Township Taxpayers  

 

(HAMILTON) – Mayor John F. Bencivengo today announced the submission of a “reduction in force” plan to the New Jersey Department of Personnel. 

 

The plan calls for the elimination of some 30 employees, and the downgrading of an additional 20 employee titles.  In addition to the “layoff” plan, the Township has elected to not fill another 10 positions vacated by attrition since the Mayor took office in January.  These actions are expected to save taxpayers approximately $3 million in the coming budget year. 

 

“Workforce reductions are the most difficult and painful aspect of a chief executive’s duties,” said Bencivengo.  “It is, in fact, a last resort.  Unfortunately, our financial circumstances dictated this action, and what’s more, it is something that Hamilton taxpayers are demanding.”

 

The reductions span virtually the entire range of municipal services, with layoffs occurring in nearly every department.  The one area where the number of employees is not being reduced is in the police ranks.

 

 “Public safety is the single most important service that local government provides,” said Bencivengo.  “We have special issues in Hamilton that can only be addressed appropriately with our current level of staffing.  Reductions in this area were never a consideration.”

 

The plan, which must be approved by the New Jersey Department of Personnel, is expected to be implemented through the issuance of layoff notices in early May.  The process calls for a 45-day notice period to each impacted employee.  The proposed timeline has employees laid off in late June, just prior to the beginning of the Fiscal Year 2009 budget, which is presented to Township Council in July.

 

Mayor Bencivengo Announces Increase in Township Home Improvement Grants

Township Housing Rehabilitation Grants Will Increase from $9,500 to $15,000 

 

(HAMILTON) – Today, Hamilton Township Mayor John Bencivengo announced that the Township will be increasing the amount of assistance that eligible residents and prospective homebuyers will be able to receive through the Township’s Housing Rehabilitation Grant Program. 

The primary purpose of this program is to allow homeowners, who may not be able to make necessary home improvements due to financial circumstances, the ability to maintain their properties. 

Previously, eligible residents could receive up to $9,500 through the program for certain home improvements that correct housing code violations, such as the repair of a roof, installation of a heater, or needed plumbing repairs.  However, residents will now be able to receive as much as $15,000 for such improvements.

“In managing this grant account, we wanted to do something that would not only more widely distribute these funds, but would also give working families in Hamilton an opportunity to make more home improvements than they previously could, especially in light of the increases in construction costs we see today,” said Bencivengo.  “We are optimistic that through this initiative we can improve upon Hamilton’s neighborhood revitalization efforts, as well as protect local property values and ensure public safety and general welfare.”

The grants provided through the Township’s Housing Rehabilitation Grant Program are in the form of ten year loans.  However, after a ten year residency requirement is satisfied, the loans are forgiven.

Both eligibility and the amount of aid that qualified residents can receive are determined through a sliding income scale that is available through the Hamilton Township Office of Housing.  Other requirements that must be met by residents include, but are not limited to, being current in the payment of tax and sewer bills. 

This program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Block Grant Program.  Therefore, the increase in available assistance will not adversely impact or worsen the current fiscal condition of the Township. 

Residents seeking more information on this program may contact the Hamilton Township Housing Office at (609) 890-3675.

Mayor Bencivengo Expands Township Snow and Ice Control Policy

All Secondary Township Roads will be Treated Prior to Precipitation
 And, if Necessary, Following Winter Storms

(HAMILTON) -- In the past, secondary roadways (neighborhood streets) in Hamilton Township received little or no attention during winter weather events.  But effective immediately, this will change as Hamilton Township Mayor John Bencivengo today announced the expansion of the Township’s snow and ice control policies.  

Under the new policy, all secondary roads will be treated both prior to and, if necessary, following winter precipitation.  This measure will be in addition to the routine treatment that primary Township roads receive.  

Through this plan, when inclement weather is forecasted and pavement temperatures are in an acceptable range, all secondary Township roads will be treated with liquid salt (brine) prior to the onset of precipitation. This “anti-icing” practice should significantly reduce the amount of solid salt (sodium chloride) that would be needed following precipitation.
 
During winter storms, the result for Hamilton residents should be safer, and more drivable, neighborhood roads.  Moreover, these secondary roads will be easier to plow, when the plowing of snow is warranted.  

“During winter storms, our new policy will significantly increase the safety conditions of our Township’s secondary roadways,” said Bencivengo, who pursued this initiative because of the considerable feedback he received from residents in the past regarding Township road conditions following winter storms.   “Our secondary roads will no longer be ignored during inclement winter weather.”

Hamilton’s primary roads will continue to treated and plowed in inclement winter weather, with an attempt to maintain bare pavements.  Should secondary roads become “snow packed” following a storm, they will be treated with “deicing” chemicals under the Mayor’s plan. 

If accumulation from a winter storm would prevent residents from reaching primary Township roads, at a minimum, a center path would be plowed on secondary roads.  The Township’s goal in such instances will be to maintain passable conditions for residents.      

Hamilton Township is also investigating other “anti-icing” alternatives that may be more cost efficient, effective, and potentially, more environmentally friendly.   Likewise, the use of sugar additives to the liquid salt Hamilton currently uses is also under consideration, as it could work longer and in colder temperatures.

“We will continue to look for better and more cost-effective solutions for the taxpayers of Hamilton, as we work to ensure safe winter road conditions,” stated Bencivengo. 

Hamilton Township Seeking Residents Interested in Serving on Boards and Commissions

Township Looking to Fill Current Board Vacancies 

 

(HAMILTON) -- Hamilton Township has announced current vacancies on various Township Boards and Commissions and is calling for Hamilton residents who are interested in serving on these bodies.

Interested residents are asked to send their resume, along with a cover letter, to the Office of the Mayor.  The mailing address for the Mayor’s Office is the Hamilton Township Municipal Building at 2090 Greenwood Avenue, P.O. Box 00150, Hamilton, New Jersey 08650.  Resumes and letters will also be accepted via fax at (609) 631-8530. However, resumes and letters will not be accepted via electronic mail. 

Presently, the following Boards and Commissions have vacancies:

Economic Development Advisory Commission                               
Environmental Advisory Commission                                                                                    
Human Relations Advisory Commission                               
Library Board of Trustees                                                                        
Municipal Alliance Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
Park and Recreation Advisory Committee                 
Planning Board 
Rent Leveling Commission
Zoning Board of Adjustment
Advisory Commission on the Status of Women       
Shade Tree Commission 
Historic Preservation Advisory Commission

For more information about these boards and commissions, residents may visit the Hamilton Township municipal website at www.HamiltonNJ.com and select the “Boards and Commission” link under the “Special Announcements” section.   

MAYOR BENCIVENGO ANNOUNCES HAMILTON ANIMAL ADOPTION DAY

(HAMILTON) -- Hamilton Township Mayor John Bencivengo has announced a Hamilton Township Animal Adoption Day, which will take place TOMORROW, Saturday, January 19, 2008, at the Hamilton Township Animal Shelter and Adoption Center located at 2100 Sylvan Avenue, between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. 

Beautiful dogs and cats are available for adoption and are waiting for a loving home.   Residents are encouraged to visit the Shelter tomorrow and to consider adopting a dog or cat.

For questions, residents may call the Township Animal Shelter and Adoption Center at (609) 890-3550 on Saturday between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and12 Noon, and during weekdays from 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.

Note for Directions: 

Sylvan Avenue, where the Hamilton Township Animal Shelter and Adoption Center is located, runs parallel to South Olden Avenue.  The shelter is approximately two blocks west of Interstate 295, and is behind the Hamilton Township Department of Public Works building, at 240 Tampa Avenue.  

League of Municipalities Names Mayor Bencivengo to Two Committees

Bencivengo to serve on Legislative Committee and  Economic Development Task Force

 

(HAMILTON) -- Today, Hamilton Township Mayor John Bencivengo announced his recent appointment to the New Jersey League of Municipalities’ Legislative Committee, as well as being named to the League of Municipalities’ Economic Development Task Force. 

 

The New Jersey League of Municipalities is a non-partisan, voluntary association, which serves and represents all of New Jersey’s 566 municipalities by working to help the cities and towns of our state to better govern themselves.  

 

“I am honored to receive these two appointments and look forward to working with the League of Municipalities on important local government issues that impact the residents of Hamilton Township and other municipalities across our state,” said Bencivengo.       

 

The Legislative Committee, which consists of 170 elected and appointed municipal officials from all regions of the state, is the largest standing League of Municipalities’ Committee.  Mayor Bencivengo will serve on the General Legislation Sub-Committee and will be directly involved in the evaluation of state legislation that impacts New Jersey’s cities and towns.

 

“The actions of state government greatly affect the ability of local governments, like Hamilton Township, to better serve their citizens,” stated Bencivengo. “I am eager to represent the priorities of the people of Hamilton by helping to formulate the League’s positions on important state legislative issues.”

 

Mayor Bencivengo was especially pleased to be named to the League of Municipalities’ Economic Development Task Force.   “Economic development is a critically important issue to the future economic and financial health of Hamilton Township,” commented Bencivengo. “As we work to address our current fiscal crisis in Hamilton, I believe my involvement in the Economic Development Task Force will be particularly beneficial.”

MAYOR BENCIVENGO ANNOUNCES FREE RABIES CLINIC

(HAMILTON) -- Today, Hamilton Township Mayor John Bencivengo announced a free rabies immunization clinic for dogs or cats, which will take place on Saturday, January 12, 2008, at the McManimon Township Building located at 320 Scully Avenue, between the hours of 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.  As a courtesy, the clinic is open to Township residents only, and is free of charge.   

“I encourage all Hamilton Township dog and cat owners to utilize this free rabies clinic service and ensure that their pets receive the necessary immunizations,” said Bencivengo.   

New Jersey Department of Health Policy states that no dog license can be issued if the animal’s rabies immunization expires prior to November 2008.  The State requests a one year overlap in the 3-year rabies immunization.

For Township residents utilizing this service, all dogs must be leashed.  As a safety precaution, dogs should be muzzled, if necessary.  All cats must arrive in a carrier.

For questions, residents may call the Hamilton Township Division of Health at (609) 890-3825 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM.

Note for Directions:  The McManimon Building at 320 Scully Avenue is located off of Olden Avenue, between Liberty Street and Cedar Lane, opposite the Olden Pharmacy.

Mayor Bencivengo Issues Two New Executive Orders Regarding Township Vehicles and Signs

 

It didn’t take long for new Hamilton Mayor, John Bencivengo to take action. Bencivengo issued two executive orders. The first was a directive that no employee will take Township cars home. Bencivengo said “I see very few occasions where taking a car home is really necessary”. “As a result, I have ordered all Department heads to make sure that the keys to all the cars taken home by employees are collected. If the employee believes that his job warrants taking a Township vehicle home he will have to submit a written report explaining why,” Bencivengo continued. “And trust me, I will be viewing each and every request very closely,” he said.

 

In addition, Bencivengo ordered that the name of the Mayor be removed from all vehicles and that the words “paid and operated by the Taxpayers of Hamilton”   be put on the vehicles. “It’s the Taxpayer dollar that provides for these vehicles not me, so why should the Mayor’s name be there?”, he asked.

 

The other directive issued by the new Mayor was that all Township signs be taken down. “The sign pollution that has overtaken Hamilton is now over”,  Bencivengo said. “I have ordered that all signs be taken down and not replaced other then at the borders of our town, and then only on the main thorofares.”

 

“It’s great that we are Tree City, the Azalea Capital  and have Einstein Alley but do we really need to have our landscape covered with the message” he asked? “My tenure as mayor should be judged by the important issues that affect the people of Hamilton, not by how many times you see my name on signs and if I do the job I was elected to do I won’t need to have my name on a sign on every square foot of Hamilton,” he said. “Besides, it’s the people’s park and the people’s roads and the people’s buildings not the mayor’s, Bencivengo concluded.