The Alternative Press

MILLBURN, NJ - Mayor Sandra Haimoff responded last night to petitions that are being circulated and Websites that have been created concerning the possible sharing of police dispatch services with Livingston.

During last night’s Township Committee meeting, she read a statement saying the information being given is in many instances incorrect.

The mayor went on to explain the governing body announced a year ago that an ad hoc committee was being created to study the possibility of sharing dispatch services.

“The ad hoc committee does not as yet have figures as to cost savings so I am perplexed as to how various sites and information being circulated can state numbers as to what money will be saved,” she said. “Other statements that these sites and petitions are making that bear no factual support is that the increase of calls to Livingston will not have an increase in manpower and that Millburn police headquarters will not be open after working hours.”

To the producers of the information, Haimoff suggested, “To make an intelligent, unemotional decision, wait until you hear all the facts…. Once we have a complete report before us, I can assure you all of the questions will be asked and all of our concerns will be answered.”

The group circulating the petitions calls itself Save Millburn/Short Hills Dispatch Services.

The ad hoc committee’s presentation is scheduled for the next Township Committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 9.

In other business, the governing body passed an ordinance establishing a 3-way stop at the intersection of Glen Avenue and Lackawanna Place. The move was taken in advance of the opening of a parking deck at the corner of Lackawanna Place and Essex Street, which is expected to increase traffic on Lackawanna Place.

During the public hearing on the proposed ordinance, Glen Avenue residents Leilani and Terry Viney expressed concerns about the confusion the stop sign might cause for pedestrians and drivers. 

Committee member Theodore Bourke responded by saying traffic consultants had concluded that a stop sign is warranted and the committee had decided to act before the deck is opened.

Committee member Robert Tillotson added the committee has not ruled out putting a traffic light at the intersection, but that would cost $250,000 and require state approval.

“I’m not sure it’s warranted,” he said, also pointing out that such a move is not easily reversible.

When it came time to vote, all five members of the committee gave their approval for the stop sign.

Also at the session, the committee approved an interlocal agreement between seven communities along the West Branch of the Rahway River. The communities are joining to fund preliminary engineering, environmental and legal activities for a flood control project.

Millburn’s share of the agreement is $4,500.

In addition, the committee passed a resolution authorizing a shared services agreement with Chatham and Springfield to provide animal control services to those townships.

The committee also confirmed the appointment of a new police officer, David L. Pinero, 26, of Mount Olive. Police Chief Gregg Weber said Pinero will be attending the Essex County Police Academy.