The Bayonne Public Advocate

An Update from the Advocate / Also Next Meeting: Thursday January 8th, 7PM

admin — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:49:38 +0000

Note: I sent this out as an email to people who have expressed an interestin attending in person meetings. If you have an interest in being on the email list, email me at neil AT urbannerd DOT com. I hope to see new faces at the upcoming meeting!

January brings the 1 year anniversary of the Bayonne Public Advocate. If there is one thing that I have learned over the past year it is that making things a community effort helps to achieve goals. In 2008 I set out to have a Mayoral Debate. I enlisted the help of a variety of people. In the end, because of this group effort a series of very informative videos were released. I believe that we as a group had an impact. Even if we did not impact a very wide audience, we certainly made ourselves more aware of issues.

In 2009 I would like to take that group effort and capitalize on it. I think there are more group projects we can collaborate on for the common good of Bayonne. With this in mind I have a few goals:
1) An Email list. You are the begging of an email list I am going to grow. This email list will be used only to:
A) notify people of the next meeting
B) notify people of important issues we can take action on as a group.
2) Have a regularly scheduled bimonthly meeting: I think having a regular meeting every other month will enable more people to attend. I think every month will be too often, but perhaps if there are issues occurring we can call special meetings. By the way if anyone has a suggestion for meeting locations please by all means advise me!
3) Create a list of issues that we all agree should be worked on
4) Create a new forum/chat board. I have been thinking about this for a while. I own the domain thebayonneboard.com. I think it may be time for a new forum. One of the ideas for this forum would be that the moderators for the forum would come from Bayonne Public Advocate readers. The board would be run freely, openly & fairly. We would not allow duplicate names and nothing would be deleted unless it was illegal or violated the terms of my hosting agreement. If you have an interest in this please let me know, I would need about 4 moderators to help keep order

The Next Meeting
Date: Thursday January 8th, 2009
Time: 7PM
Location: The Networking Café, 418 Broadway
Agenda: 1) determine the “issues list” for the advocate. 2) the upcoming BBOE meeting

Call to Action: All BayPubAdvocate readers should attend the next Bayonne Board of Education Meeting!
You may have read the recent Jersey Journal article quoting Cliff Doll, the Business Administrator of the BOE. I recently discovered that his statements were misleading if not entirely false. We should encourage as many people as possible to attend the next BOE meeting to challenge the BOE to have Mr Doll account for his statements.
You can read more about this issue here

Thank you
Neil Barton

Tracking The Bayonne Parking Authority legal case

admin — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:50:48 +0000

Here is the entire timeline of the Peter Lilburn & Felicia Ryan V Bayonne Parking Authority legal case. I have included the first document (the original complaint) and the latest document to be filed with the court in pdf format.

Date Filed	#	Docket Text
10/29/2007	1	COMPLAINT against ROCCO COVIELLO, MICHAEL PIERSON, KATHY LORE, BAYONNE PARKING AUTHORITY, JOSEPH DORIA, THE CITY OF BAYONNE, PETER CRESCI ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number 1716008.) JURY DEMAND, filed by PETER HILBURN, FELICIA RYAN.(ld, ) (Entered: 11/01/2007)
1/9/2008	2	Summons Issued as to ROCCO COVIELLO.Days Due - 20. (mailed to counsel) (sr, ) (Entered: 01/09/2008)
1/9/2008	3	Summons Issued as to MICHAEL PIERSON.Days Due - 20. (mailed to counsel) (sr, ) (Entered: 01/09/2008)
1/9/2008	4	Summons Issued as to KATHY LORE.Days Due - 20. (mailed to counsel) (sr, ) (Entered: 01/09/2008)
1/9/2008	5	Summons Issued as to BAYONNE PARKING AUTHORITY.Days Due - 20. (mailed to counsel) (sr, ) (Entered: 01/09/2008)
1/9/2008	6	Summons Issued as to THE CITY OF BAYONNE.Days Due - 20. (mailed to counsel) (sr, ) (Entered: 01/09/2008)
1/9/2008	7	Summons Issued as to JOSEPH DORIA.Days Due - 20. (mailed to counsel) (sr, ) (Entered: 01/09/2008)
1/9/2008	8	Summons Issued as to PETER CRESCI.Days Due - 20. (mailed to counsel) (sr, ) (Entered: 01/09/2008)
1/22/2008	9	SUMMONS Returned Executed by PETER HILBURN. BAYONNE PARKING AUTHORITY served on 1/14/2008, answer due 2/3/2008; THE CITY OF BAYONNE served on 1/14/2008, answer due 2/3/2008; PETER CRESCI served on 1/14/2008, answer due 2/3/2008. ( class=SpellE>mn, ) (Entered: 01/23/2008)
1/31/2008	10	SUMMONS Returned Executed ROCCO COVIELLO served on 1/25/2008, answer due 2/14/2008; MICHAEL PIERSON served on 1/25/2008, answer due 2/14/2008; KATHY LORE served on 1/25/2008, answer due 2/14/2008. (sr, ) (Entered: 01/31/2008)
2/5/2008	11	Application and Clerk’s Order to extend time to answer to 2/14/2008 as to City of Bayonne (nr, ) (Entered: 02/06/2008)
2/5/2008	15	Application and Clerk’s Order to extend time to answer as to PETER CRESCI answer due 2/28/2008. (nr, ) (Entered: 02/19/2008)
2/5/2008	16	APPLICATION for extension of time to answer to 2/14/2008 for by BAYONNE PARKING AUTHORITY. (nr, ) (Entered: 02/19/2008)
2/12/2008	12	Application and Proposed Order for Clerk’s Order to extend time to answer as to Defendants Rocco Coviello Michael Pierson and Kathy Lore.. (KELLY, SEAN) (Entered: 02/12/2008)
2/12/2008	13	MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer Move or Otherwise Reply to the Complaint by BAYONNE PARKING AUTHORITY. (Attachments: # 1 Statement Statement that No Brief Is Necessary, # 2 Declaration Declaration of Sean X. Kelly, Esquire, # 3 Text of Proposed Order, # 4 Certificate of Service)(KELLY, SEAN) (Entered: 02/12/2008)
2/12/2008		Setting Deadlines as to 13 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer Move or Otherwise Reply to the Complaint.( Motion Hearing set for 3/17/2008 before Judge Dennis M. Cavanaugh.), Please be advised that this motion will be decided on the papers unless otherwise notified by the Court. (mn, ) (Entered: 02/14/2008)
2/13/2008		CLERK’S QUALITY CONTROL MESSAGE: Please disregard Doc. #12 [APPLICATION FOR AN EXTENSION OF TIME] fld. by SEAN KELLY on 12/12/08. Counsel will re-file. (DD, ) (Entered: 02/13/2008)
2/13/2008	14	Application and Proposed Order for Clerk’s Order to extend time to answer as to Rocco class=SpellE>Coviello.. (KELLY, SEAN) (Entered: 02/13/2008)
2/14/2008		CLERKS TEXT ORDER - The Application for a Clerks Order Extending Time to Answer - Document # 14 submitted by S. Kelly on 2/13/2008 has been GRANTED. The answer due date has been set for 2/29/2008 for deft. Coviello. (mn, ) (Entered: 02/14/2008)
2/19/2008		Update Answer Due Deadline as to deft. Bayonne Parking Authority (Ans. due 2/14/2008) (nr, ) (Entered: 02/19/2008)
2/29/2008	17	ANSWER to Complaint by ROCCO COVIELLO. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(CAMMARATA, THOMAS) (Entered: 02/29/2008)
2/29/2008	18	NOTICE of Appearance by JAMES P. FLYNN on behalf of MICHAEL PIERSON (FLYNN, JAMES) (Entered: 02/29/2008)
2/29/2008	19	NOTICE of Appearance by PETER J. CRESCI on behalf of PETER CRESCI (CRESCI, PETER) (Entered: 02/29/2008)
2/29/2008	20	MOTION to Dismiss by THE CITY OF BAYONNE. Responses due by 3/17/2008 (CRESCI, PETER) (Entered: 02/29/2008)
2/29/2008	21	ORDER extending time for defts Bayonne Parking Authority & Peter Cresci to answer for a period of 30 days. Signed by Magistrate Judge Mark Falk on 2/28/08. (sr, ) (Entered: 03/03/2008)
3/3/2008		Set Deadline as to 20 MOTION to Dismiss. Motion Hearing set for 4/7/2008 before Judge Dennis M. Cavanaugh. (PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS MOTION WILL BE DECIDED ON THE PAPERS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTIFIED BY THE COURT) (sr, ) (Entered: 03/03/2008)
3/3/2008	22	Letter from counsel for defendant, Michael Pierson, enclosing proposed stipulation and order extending time. (FLYNN, JAMES) (Entered: 03/03/2008)
3/11/2008	23	STIPULATION/ORDER extending time for deft Michael Pierson to answer until 3/28/08. Signed by Magistrate Judge Mark Falk on 3/11/08. (sr, ) (Entered: 03/12/2008)
3/12/2008		Update Answer Due Deadline as to deft Michael Pierson until 3/28/08 ( class=SpellE>sr, ) (Entered: 03/12/2008)
3/18/2008	24	MOTION to Dismiss as to all Claims by MICHAEL PIERSON. Responses due by 4/7/2008 (Attachments: # 1 Brief of Defendant Pierson In Support of Motion To Dismiss and To Strike, # 2 Certification of Michael Pierson, # 3 Text of Proposed Order, # 4 Letter)(FLYNN, JAMES) (Entered: 03/18/2008)
3/19/2008		Set Deadlines as to 24 MOTION to Dismiss as to all Claims. Motion Hearing set for 4/21/2008 before Judge Dennis M. Cavanaugh. (PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS MOTION WILL BE DECIDED ON THE PAPERS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTIFIED BY THE COURT) (sr, ) (Entered: 03/19/2008)
3/24/2008	25	Letter from K.DeSoto. (DESOTO, KAREN) (Entered: 03/24/2008)
3/26/2008	26	STIPULATION Extending Time to Answer by THE CITY OF BAYONNE. (CRESCI, PETER) (Entered: 03/26/2008)
3/31/2008	27	First MOTION to Dismiss for failure to state a claim by BAYONNE PARKING AUTHORITY. Responses due by 4/14/2008 (Attachments: # 1 Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Certificate of Service)(KELLY, SEAN) (Entered: 03/31/2008)
3/31/2008	28	First MOTION to Dismiss Defendant Peter J. Cresci by PETER CRESCI. Responses due by 4/14/2008 (CRESCI, PETER) (Entered: 03/31/2008)
4/2/2008		Set Deadlines as to 27 First MOTION to Dismiss for failure to state a claim, 28 First MOTION to Dismiss Defendant Peter J. Cresci. Motion Hearing set for 5/5/2008 before Judge Dennis M. Cavanaugh. (PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS MOTION WILL BE DECIDED ON THE PAPERS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTIFIED BY THE COURT) (sr, ) (Entered: 04/02/2008)
4/7/2008	29	MOTION to Dismiss Under Fed.R.Civ.P.12(c) by ROCCO COVIELLO. Responses due by 4/21/2008 (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service, # 2 Brief, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(CAMMARATA, THOMAS) (Entered: 04/07/2008)
4/7/2008	30	First MOTION to Dismiss opposition brief by PETER HILBURN. Responses due by 4/7/2008 (DESOTO, KAREN) (Entered: 04/07/2008)
4/8/2008		Set Deadline as to 29 MOTION to Dismiss Under Fed.R.Civ.P.12(c). Motion Hearing set for 5/5/2008 before Judge Dennis M. Cavanaugh. (PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS MOTION WILL BE DECIDED ON THE PAPERS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTIFIED BY THE COURT) (sr, ) (Entered: 04/08/2008)
4/8/2008	31	Letter from counsel for defendant, Michael Pierson, to the Honorable Dennis M. Cavanaugh, U.S.D.J.. (FLYNN, JAMES) (Entered: 04/08/2008)
4/8/2008	32	Letter from KDeSoto. (DESOTO, KAREN) (Entered: 04/08/2008)
4/25/2008	33	First MOTION to Dismiss 12B6 by PETER HILBURN. Responses due by 4/25/2008 (DESOTO, KAREN) (Entered: 04/25/2008)
4/28/2008		CLERKS OFFICE QUALITY CONTROL MESSAGE - Please review the document entitled Motion for Default attached to docket entry #18 submitted by J. Von class=SpellE>Bevern on 4/25/08. If this document was attached in error, PLEASE RESUBMIT THE CORRECT DOCUMENT BY 5/1/08. This submission will remain on the docket unless otherwise ordered by the court. This message is for informational purposes only. (sr, ) (Entered: 04/28/2008)
4/28/2008		CLERK’S NOTE: correction to docket annotation of 4/28/08 should refer to document #33 filed by K. Desoto. (sr, ) (Entered: 04/28/2008)
5/2/2008	34	REPLY to Response to Motion re 24 MOTION to Dismiss as to all Claims filed by MICHAEL PIERSON. (FLYNN, JAMES) (Entered: 05/02/2008)
5/5/2008	35	MOTION for Judgment on the Pleadings 12b6 by PETER HILBURN. Responses due by 5/5/2008 (DESOTO, KAREN) (Entered: 05/05/2008)
5/12/2008	36	REPLY to Response to Motion re 27 First MOTION to Dismiss for failure to state a claim filed by BAYONNE PARKING AUTHORITY. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(KELLY, SEAN) (Entered: 05/12/2008)
5/14/2008	37	Letter from KDESOTO. (DESOTO, KAREN) (Entered: 05/14/2008)
5/15/2008	38	Letter from James P. Flynn to Hon. Dennis M. Cavanaugh, U.S.D.J.. (FLYNN, JAMES) (Entered: 05/15/2008)
5/20/2008	39	REPLY to Response to Motion re 28 First MOTION to Dismiss Defendant Peter J. class=SpellE>Cresci filed by PETER CRESCI. (CRESCI, PETER) (Entered: 05/20/2008)
5/23/2008	40	REPLY to Response to Motion re 20 MOTION to Dismiss filed by THE CITY OF BAYONNE. (CRESCI, PETER) (Entered: 05/23/2008)
6/3/2008	41	RESPONSE in Opposition re 27 First MOTION to Dismiss for failure to state a claim class=SpellE>sur-reply filed by PETER HILBURN. (DESOTO, KAREN) (Entered: 06/03/2008)
6/4/2008	42	RESPONSE to Motion re 20 MOTION to Dismiss sur-reply filed by PETER HILBURN. (DESOTO, KAREN) (Entered: 06/04/2008)
6/4/2008	43	REPLY to Response to Motion re 29 MOTION to Dismiss Under Fed.R.Civ.P.12(c), 28 First MOTION to Dismiss Defendant Peter J. Cresci, 24 MOTION to Dismiss as to all Claims sur-reply filed by PETER HILBURN. (DESOTO, KAREN) (Entered: 06/04/2008)
6/5/2008	44	Letter from James P. Flynn to Hon. Dennis M. Cavanaugh, U.S.D.J. (FLYNN, JAMES) (Entered: 06/05/2008)
7/17/2008	45	AMENDED COMPLAINT FIRST AMENDED against all defendants all defendants., filed by PETER HILBURN.(DESOTO, KAREN) (Entered: 07/17/2008)
7/18/2008	46	Letter from James P. Flynn to Hon. Dennis M. Cavanaugh, U.S.D.J.. (FLYNN, JAMES) (Entered: 07/18/2008)
7/18/2008	47	MOTION to Amend/Correct 45 Amended Complaint by PETER HILBURN. (Attachments: # 1 Certification, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(DESOTO, KAREN) (Entered: 07/18/2008)
7/21/2008		Set Deadline as to 47 MOTION to Amend/Correct 45 Amended Complaint. Motion Hearing set for 8/18/2008 before Judge Dennis M. Cavanaugh. (PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS MOTION WILL BE DECIDED ON THE PAPERS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTIFIED BY THE COURT) (sr, ) (Entered: 07/21/2008)
7/22/2008	48	ORDER denying 28 Motion to Dismiss; denying 29 Motion to Dismiss; granting 47 Motion to Amend/Correct; denying 20 Motion to Dismiss; denying 24 Motion to Dismiss; denying 27 Motion to Dismiss. Signed by Judge Dennis M. Cavanaugh on 7/18/08. (sr, ) (Entered: 07/22/2008)
7/28/2008	49	MOTION to Dismiss the Amended Complaint Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(b class=GramE>)(6) and to Strike Portions Thereof Under Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(f) by MICHAEL PIERSON. Responses due by 8/19/2008 (Attachments: # 1 Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(FLYNN, JAMES) (Entered: 07/28/2008)
7/28/2008	50	ANSWER to Amended Complaint by ROCCO COVIELLO. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(CAMMARATA, THOMAS) (Entered: 07/28/2008)
8/1/2008		Set Deadline as to 49 MOTION to Dismiss the Amended Complaint Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(b)(6) and to Strike Portions Thereof Under Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(f) MOTION to Dismiss the Amended Complaint Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(b)(6) and to Strike Portions Thereof Under Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(f). Motion Hearing set for 9/2/2008 before Judge Dennis M. Cavanaugh. (PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS MOTION WILL BE DECIDED ON THE PAPERS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTIFIED BY THE COURT) (sr, ) (Entered: 08/01/2008)
8/11/2008	51	MOTION to Dismiss by ROCCO COVIELLO. Responses due by 9/2/2008 (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service, # 2 Brief, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(CAMMARATA, THOMAS) (Entered: 08/11/2008)
8/11/2008	52	First MOTION to Dismiss Plaintiffs’ First Amended Complaint by BAYONNE PARKING AUTHORITY. Responses due by 8/25/2008 (Attachments: # 1 Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Certificate of Service)(KELLY, SEAN) (Entered: 08/11/2008)
8/11/2008	53	MOTION to Dismiss Amended Complaint by PETER CRESCI. Responses due by 8/19/2008 (CRESCI, PETER) (Entered: 08/11/2008)
8/11/2008	54	MOTION to Dismiss Amended Complaint by THE CITY OF BAYONNE. Responses due by 8/19/2008 (CRESCI, PETER) (Entered: 08/11/2008)
8/12/2008		Set Deadlines as to 52 First MOTION to Dismiss Plaintiffs’ First Amended Complaint, 51 MOTION to Dismiss, 54 MOTION to Dismiss Amended Complaint, 53 MOTION to Dismiss Amended Complaint. Motion Hearing set for 9/15/2008 before Judge Dennis M. Cavanaugh. (PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS MOTION WILL BE DECIDED ON THE PAPERS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTIFIED BY THE COURT) (sr, ) (Entered: 08/12/2008)
8/14/2008	55	NOTICE of Appearance by LAUREN D. DALOISIO on behalf of MICHAEL PIERSON (DALOISIO, LAUREN) (Entered: 08/14/2008)
8/21/2008	56	RESPONSE to Motion re 52 First MOTION to Dismiss Plaintiffs’ First Amended Complaint, 53 MOTION to Dismiss Amended Complaint, 54 MOTION to Dismiss Amended Complaint, 51 MOTION to Dismiss filed by MICHAEL PIERSON. (FLYNN, JAMES) (Entered: 08/21/2008)
9/2/2008	57	MOTION to Dismiss 12b6 by PETER HILBURN. Responses due by 9/8/2008 (DESOTO, KAREN) (Entered: 09/02/2008)
9/2/2008	58	Second MOTION to Dismiss 12b6 response to D City NOM by PETER HILBURN. Responses due by 9/8/2008 (DESOTO, KAREN) (Entered: 09/02/2008)
9/2/2008	59	MOTION to Dismiss P opposition to BPA NOM 12b6 by PETER HILBURN. Responses due by 9/8/2008 (DESOTO, KAREN) (Entered: 09/02/2008)
9/5/2008	60	REPLY to Response to Motion re 49 MOTION to Dismiss the Amended Complaint Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(b)(6) and to Strike Portions Thereof Under Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(f) MOTION to Dismiss the Amended Complaint Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(b)(6) and to Strike Portions Thereof Under Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(f) filed by MICHAEL PIERSON. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(FLYNN, JAMES) (Entered: 09/05/2008)
9/9/2008	61	REPLY to Response to Motion re 52 First MOTION to Dismiss Plaintiffs’ First Amended Complaint filed by BAYONNE PARKING AUTHORITY. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(KELLY, SEAN) (Entered: 09/09/2008)
9/10/2008	62	REPLY to Response to Motion re 53 MOTION to Dismiss Amended Complaint filed by PETER CRESCI. (CRESCI, PETER) (Entered: 09/10/2008)
9/10/2008	63	MOTION to Dismiss REPLY TO RESPONSE TO, by THE CITY OF BAYONNE. (CRESCI, PETER) (Entered: 09/10/2008)
9/11/2008	64	REPLY to Response to Motion re 51 MOTION to Dismiss filed by ROCCO COVIELLO. (CAMMARATA, THOMAS) (Entered: 09/11/2008)
9/12/2008		CLERKS QUALITY CONTROL MESSAGE - The (MOTION TO DISMISS - Doc. #63 ) submitted by (P. CRESCI) on (9/10/08) is unreadable & missing the MOTION. PLEASE RESUBMIT THE DOCUMENT. IT WAS SCANNED UPSIDE DOWN. (DD, ) (Entered: 09/12/2008)
9/21/2008	65	MOTION to Dismiss sur-reply by PETER HILBURN. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(DESOTO, KAREN) (Entered: 09/21/2008)
9/22/2008	66	RESPONSE in Opposition re 52 First MOTION to Dismiss Plaintiffs’ First Amended Complaint sur-reply filed by PETER HILBURN. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(DESOTO, KAREN) (Entered: 09/22/2008)
9/23/2008	67	RESPONSE in Opposition re 49 MOTION to Dismiss the Amended Complaint Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(b)(6) and to Strike Portions Thereof Under Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(f) MOTION to Dismiss the Amended Complaint Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(b class=GramE>)(6) and to Strike Portions Thereof Under Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(f), 53 MOTION to Dismiss Amended Complaint, 51 MOTION to Dismiss sur-reply filed by PETER HILBURN. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(DESOTO, KAREN) (Entered: 09/23/2008)

BBOE Meeting agendas & resolutions Sept-Oct 2008

LDePinto — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 21:13:30 +0000

Bayonne BOE Agenda and Resolutions from Sept and Oct 2008 meetings.

bboed-sept-2008-part-1

bboed-sept-2008-part-2

bboed-oct-2008

Tracking the Story: The JJ & BBOE mislead the public

admin — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 03:23:32 +0000

More developments continue to come out on the story of the Bayonne Board of Education borrowing $30mil to cover their operating expenses. Here is a recap of the story with latest developments.

On Monday December 29th, Ron Lier of the Jersey Journal wrote: “For the first time in at least three decades, the Bayonne Board of Education says it’s being forced to borrow money - probably $30 million - from a bank to get through the balance of the school year.”

While it is factual that the BBOE needs to take out a loan to cover operating expenses (they are awaiting state & federal aid), it is not factual that this is the first time this has happened. Mr. Lier must have been too eager to take BBOE representative Cliff Doll at his word rather than check his own archives. A simple search of the Jersey Journal archives revealed an article written by Ron Lier from June 5 of this year detailing the BBOE taking out an $8mil loan to “finish the school year in the black.” It went on to say “Cliff Doll, the board’s business administrator, said the district is short because it hasn’t yet received this month’s state aid payments.” That sounds amazingly similar to what is happening now.

I called Councilman Tony Chiappone who sits on the Board of School estimates to verify if this loan was taken out. He said it was taken out in order to cover the expenses of the last fiscal year while the board anticipated state funding (as it is doing now). Furthermore an unnamed source within city hall also verified that Mr Doll was being less than accurate. This is the SECOND time (not the first) that the BBOE has had to do this.

It is curious that the Jersey Journal did not catch this inaccuracy, nor did it do any research into the matter. But as I have done research as a concerned Advocate I have discovered further inaccuracies.

In the Dec 29 story, Mr Lier wrote: The board is waiting on about $4 million in federal aid and about $37 million in state aid, Doll said. “And the city owes us about $19 million,” he added.

Both an unnamed source in city hall as well as Councilman Chiappone stated that the $19mil figure is not accurate. In reality the city has been paying its allotted monies to the BBOE on time each quarter. However, according to Councilman Chiappone the BBOE has been spending too quickly and therefore is requesting the additional funds that are not due to it until the next quarter. It is troubling that the BBOE would mislead the public about this. One also must question the Jersey Journal and wonder why they didn’t check with city hall on this figure?

I get the sense from my sources that some in city hall are none too pleased with Mr. Doll’s recent statements. I also get the sense that some action may be taken on the matter from city hall. Stay tuned!

BBOE & Jersey Journal mislead public on borrowing issue

admin — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:02:56 +0000

(Much thanks to lulu/lizzie & Laura DePinto on this one)

Yesterday I wrote about the BBOE borrowing $30mil+ to cover operating expenses. Ron Lier of the Jersey Journal wrote:

For the first time in at least three decades, the Bayonne Board of Education says it’s being forced to borrow money - probably $30 million - from a bank to get through the balance of the school year.

Well it turns out that is not true. Mr. Lier must have been too eager to take Mr. Doll at his word rather than check his own archives. Here is an archived Jersey Journal article from June of this year detailing the BBOE taking out an $8mil loan:

Bayonne ed board applies for $8M loan
Author: RONALD LEIR
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
Publication: Jersey Journal, The (Jersey City, NJ)
Publish Date: June 5, 2008
Word Count: 316
Document ID: 1211E53B78B32EB8

The Bayonne Board of Education wants to borrow $8 million from a local bank so it can finish the school year in the black.

Cliff Doll, the board’s business administrator, said the district is short because it hasn’t yet received this month’s state aid payments or its allocation of federal No Child Left Behind funding.

Board members went along with Doll’s recommendation to apply to the Bayonne Community Bank for a loan of $8 million last

When can we start expecting some straight answers from our city officials AS WELL as our “newspaper of record”?

Some thoughts on the Board of Education borrowing $30mil+

admin — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 04:32:18 +0000

According to the Jersey Journal, the Bayonne Board of Education is seeking to borrow an estimated $30 million (if not more, up to almost 60) in order to cover operating expenses. On a positive note the BOE has not had to borrow to cover operating expenses in 30 years. However, realistically the board should have expected this.

In fact at the Board of School Estimate meetings as early as this summer Mr. Doll stated that he was still waiting on state & federal funds and was unsure when they might arrive. However, as is typical with many city agencies & semi autonomous boards little is done to prepare the public for the worst ahead of time. Mr. Doll could have sought out the papers then and made the public aware that this was a real issue. He did not do so. Time & again we see agencies in this city ignore the concept of information flow.

There is no attempt at public outreach, just attempts at hiding the worst until it cannot be hidden anymore. To be clear, I don’t necessarily object to this borrowing. In this case, the money borrowed is expected to be paid back by next year. This is in stark contrast to the many millions (almost half a billion) in debt that the city & agencies continue to carry on their books year after year. My objection is the way the BOW deals with the public. The taxpayer is the last to know, and is always here to clean up the mess. There is little attempt to make the information readily available to the public in a proactive manner. Why? Because they do not wish the public to have this information.

Let me provide you a case in point. A member of the Bayonne Public Advocate get a copy of all documents relating to Board of Education meetings and Board of School estimate meetings every month. These documents are provided as photocopies. However, every single one of these same documents is computer generated. Why is the School Board unable to provide these documents online or at least electronically? We then have to scan in all the documents to get them online, documents that originated on the computer to begin with. Even the city clerk has been responsive enough to post the City Council agendas online for all to see now.

But I digress. The original issue was one of budget shortfall. Here are one or two other important monetary issues that all taxpayers should be made aware of as well:

- For instance, in this climate of growing economic uncertainty why did the BOE take out a bond of $1million to purchase a new garage when they were leasing a land (debt free) for services of their bus? Why take on more debt when the economy looked to be worsening?
- Are all taxpayers (not just parents who get the newsletters) aware that Bayonne High School is in its 4th year of having been designated a school in need of improvement? This means that parents are entitled to send their children to another school of their choosing at taxpayer expense.

Finally, there are a number of great questions being asked at this time about the BOE. Because of the poor way the BOE has handled this issue, people who are in fact very knowledgeable are coming forward to ask some pertinent questions. Here is a compelling list of questions and criticism of the BOE by a user on the NJ.com Bayonne Forum:

Lizziemdizzy 12/29/08 7:43 ET
Someone has to rein in the BBOE. How much money monthly is needed to meet the salary payroll? Why wasn’t the money placed aside when the board received their revenue generated from our taxes? Why were they allowed to purchase the property at Juliette Street? Why was Pierson made assistant to Cliff? Why was Eric Ryan made acting athletic director? Why is the ICE program still running? Why weren’t the Eng/Hist honors programs separated? Why is an AP class in place with 3 students? Why are there 4 secretaries in the main office of the HS? Why were 2 men assigned to 2 elementary schools, with no schedules? Why doesn’t the teachers’ union president teach? Why isn’t Maribeth’s position abolished? Why create the Twilight school program? Why not seek alternatives to the inclusion classes? Why have so many 12 month directors? Wht did the BOE sanction the huge salary raises? Why? Why? Why?

I have spoken or written to the Super, Mayor and some council members at least two years ago , if not more, suggesting they take a closer look at how they are spending our tax dollars. It’s amazing, the BOE gets the bulk of the tax dollars and no one pays attention as to how it is expended. I have rarely seen a council member or the Mayor attend a regular BOE meeting.

My focus is primarily on BHS, but how much waste is there at the elementary level? VP’s in most schools? 2 secretaries in most offices? guidance counsellors in each elem. school? Why are so many out of towners enrolled in our system when there are ways to guarantee each student is a Bayonne resident? Other towns have been successful in keeping out non-residents via registration at city hall.

The board’s contribution to trying to cut the budget was not to hire 2 teachers at the last board meeting. Give us a break! That’s a token gesture.

Wake up Bayonne! Mayor Smith, the Council, the BOE and the public has to begin to take a proactive role as to why, how and where the money is going. Here is where cuts can be made that would not impact the quality of education offerred to our community. If the State cuts our aid, we’re in deeper trouble. Unfortunately, Mr. Doll doles out money predicated on receiving grant money. Had he opted to treat the grant money as a bonus,we be in better shape.

Deletions of valuable DOE data from NJ.com

LDePinto — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:54:56 +0000

It seems that there are deleters from the Bayonne forum on NJ.com don’t value real information. Another reason why this site is so great.

2008-9 NJ Dept of Ed Annual Yearly Progress prelim. Results

LDePinto — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:54:10 +0000

Both Henry Harris and Woodrow Wilson are designated as “Early Warning Schools”. Woodrow made AYP, Henry Harris did not make AYP. Once a school doesn’t make AYP, it takes two years to get off “the list”.

Bayonne High School s in its 4th year as rated a school in need of improvement, aka SINI with the following state sanctions:

Year 4 Status

Seventy-two schools received notice that they are now placed in Year 4 Corrective Action status. Any of those schools that receive federal Title I funding must allot 20 percent of their Title I funds for parental options, such as intra-district school choice, if feasible, and supplemental educational services, such as tutoring; complete or update a school improvement plan and undergo a comprehensive review; and take other corrective actions. Last year, 87 schools were in Year 4 status.

The full explanation of accountabilities including school status, statistical methods and parental notification requirements are found below:

http://www.nj.gov/education/title1/accountability/ayp/0809/

Statistical methods are used for evaluating AYP. Comparing rigorous statistics used in other industries, e.g. six sigma, SPC, etc., the AYP statistical exceptions (like safe harbor) seem fairly accommodating to demographis that have been deemed influences on AYP attainment like ethnicity, income, special needs and ESL. Some of these are valid. Frankly, some are not.

Elementary schools in Bayonne seem to be getting better OR are being calculated with the less stringent statistical requirements….which would be a shame. The high school MUST improve. We really need our district monies to be better spent on Education, not pet projects. We get adequate funding from the Feds, State and certainly from taxpayers. These dollars need to be focused on the 3 R’s.

Aide to Chiappone: The Mayoral Election Was Hacked

admin — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 02:02:51 +0000

“the county covered their bases… machines and Rutkowski.” That’s what Joe Olszewski, Aide to Assemblyman & Councilman Tony Chiappone and Jersey City Police officer had to say Wednesday the 26th on nj.com’s Bayonne Forum.

I asked him specifically “Joe… Do you believe THIS mayoral election was hacked?” He responded, “Sorry neil I do.”

He explained further, “first the drop off isn’t there, in every special election in the history of new jersey there has been a 10-20% drop off to the Mayor rrace except in bayonne, bayonne’s the only 1. By the numbers the drop off should have been around 2600 not 700. The absentee ballots Doria beat Patty by 250 ,this time around Smith wins by under a hundred. Complaints were filed with the BOE where people stated they voted for President and Smith’s light automatically came on. At the 16th street firehouse, the light wasn’t going on for Wilbeck, so the county had to make the adjustments. Where are the provisional ballots, nobody seems to be able to get a count on them. Smith had a bigger following then Doria, please.”

Olszewski believes that the “county” is in part responsible for this “hack”, when asked if the people involved could also have included Mayor Smith or his campaign he said, “Do I believe there was foul play by certain people invoved with the Smith campaign dealing with those machines,YES I DO! Was Mark doing it ?No”

Unfortunately Olszewski has so far declined to further identify suspects by name. He has also declined to say how he believes the election machines were hacked.

Board Of Ed Meeting July-August 2008

LDePinto — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 02:01:31 +0000

Here are the Bayonen Board of Education meeting agendas & relevant documentation from the July & August meetings.

bboed-july-2008

bboed-august-2008