2010 Year in Review

Reflections on 2010

Every Council leaves their mark on the City of Plainfield. I believe the 2010 Council will be remembered for its focus on fiscal policy, movement towards long-term planning and efforts to reconnect elected officials with residents across the City.

The 2010 Council accomplished a number of items and I have highlighted a few below. I must recognize each and every Councilor for their contributions. This was a collective effort. I particularly want to thank Chairman Mapp and each of this year’s Committee Chairs – Storch, Rivers and Carter. Many of the decisions made this year started off as discussion items in Council Committees.

Accomplishments

Town Halls

In the spring, the Council visited each ward and listened to the concerns across the City. We heard concerns about issues ranging from leaf pick-up and safety to taxes and economic development. These town halls gave the Council an opportunity to hear the needs of residents and incorporate your ideas and suggestions into our discussions and decisions.

Fiscal Responsibility

The Fiscal Accountability, Integrity and Responsibility (FAIR) legislation package stands out as one of the most significant achievements of this Council. Three resolutions and two ordinances were approved and enacted that improve the City’s ability to responsibly manage your tax dollars. These Council actions helped fill key financial management positions, increased financial oversight and forced greater vendor competition.

Additionally, the 2010 Council was able to reduce last year’s budget by nearly 1 million dollars. Although the savings were great, the timing was not because the budget was not adopted until February of this year (FY ending June 30th). For this budget year, the Council and Administration were able to introduce, amend and adopt the budget in December. This timing improvement is valuable because any reductions in the budget are felt sooner and for a longer period of time.

Information Technology

The movement towards and investment in Information Technology is also an accomplishment. During this year’s budget deliberations the Council proposed a number of questions to each division head that presented. One of those key questions was: How can the Council empower you? The majority of all presenters expressed a real need for IT – either upgrades, software or training. Last year the Council approved the creation of an IT Manager. This year, the Council formally created an IT division within the City’s structure and approved an IT shared services agreement with the Board of Education. This 6-month agreement will allow the City to move into the 21st century in a cost-efficient manner.

Economic Development

The completion of the Rutgers NJIT Visioning Study has provided the Council and Administration with an understanding of development opportunities along the rail corridor - a valuable part of Plainfield’s marketable assets. Additional studies being put in place now will help shape conversations about economic development for years to come.

Thoughts for 2011

I was honored to be selected by my colleagues to serve as the 2010 Council President and look forward to continuing in that capacity for 2011.

As the City faces continued financial challenges, improved fiscal policy must remain a priority. Managing limited funds and resources well is half of the budget battle. The other half of the battle is improving our tax base through redevelopment. Redevelopment as part of a broader economic development discussion must become part of the long-term planning that the City is moving towards.

Just as we focused on a directed a path towards financial responsibility, so too must we make a commitment to understanding and improving the public safety needs facing our community. How can police and fire operate more effectively? What legislation – locally or otherwise – needs to be explored and advocated for? How do we ensure that Plainfield youth grow up in a healthy, safe environment? These questions and others need to be answered.

We must continue to work with colleagues, old and new, as we advance key agenda items for the City of Plainfield. In 2011 the Council will continue to put Plainfield First and work towards Positive Change.

Happy New Year!

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On the Removal of the City Administrator

As has been widely reported, a letter from the Mayor was filed with the Clerk's office shortly before 5:00 pm yesterday advising City Administrator Bibi Taylor of her separation of employment with the City of Plainfield.

The Council's main concern is the efficient and uninterrupted management of Plainfield. The City Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the City. Considering that the recent resignation of the Director of Public Works & Urban Development has left that role vacant and bearing in mind that the recently appointed Director of Administration & Finance and Certified Financial Officer are new in their roles, the City's management team is not yet positioned to run effectively. Furthermore, we have not yet adopted the budget and have relied heavily on the City Administrator's office in moving through this crucial process.

Plainfield needs now, more than ever, consistent and stable management. And we have always deserved the best. Mrs. Taylor has proven to be a true professional, very knowledgeable and thorough. To lose her at all, especially at this time, does not seem to be in the best interest of the City. However, this position is a Mayoral appointment. Understanding that, the Council has invited the Mayor to explain her decision and provide us with a plan of action. We need to understand why this action was taken and how the Mayor plans to meet the needs of residents without Mrs. Taylor as City Administrator. Based on the outcome of that discussion, the Council may consider a resolution disapproving of the Mayor's decision. If that resolution passes with 2/3 majority (5 or 7 Councilors), then Mrs. Taylor will be reinstated as City Administrator.

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