Consolidation Commission Gets Organized, Asks Towns to Handle Finances

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains Consolidation Commission—a volunteer body charged with analyzing the potential merits of a consolidation between the two communities—discussed the fundraising for and components of a consolidation study at its last meeting. 

The group created two committees – one to craft a request for proposals (RFP) for the study and another to handle funding for the study.

Members discussed what they would like to see in the RFP, using one from Princeton's consolidation as a guide. They decided to forgo studying merging the police and public works departments in the towns, so as not to duplicate efforts since Scotch Plains and Fanwood councils are already working towards merging those departments. 

"And as an addition, we want to know how consolidation would affect the character and identity of the neighborhoods included in report," said Commission President Don Parisi. "It can’t just be about the dollars and the efficiency of services."

The commission also voted to approved the group's bylaws and swore in Bruce Arthur as an alternate commissioner for Scotch Plains. 

Parisi then made an appearance at Tuesday night's Scotch Plains council meeting, where he discussed the commission's request that the town (and its professionals) act as a fiscal agent to funnel finances for the group. 

"Is this going to take 20 minutes a month or five hours a week?" asked Councilman Bo Vastine. "If it's a de minimus amount, I say let's facilitate what progress they might make."

"There would be a time commitment and a charge," answered Parisi. "We need to have money to pay you for that, but we're only two months in and don’t have funds yet. ... It should be de minimus."  

Parisi also approached Fanwood about acting as a fiscal agent, but says he has so far not heard back. 

Other council members voiced concerns about what legal entanglements this would create and whether Scotch Plains would be on the hook for any legal issues. 

"I understand this is a volunteer effort with a lot of time invested and it's for the benefit of both towns we examine these issues, and I appreciate that," said Deputy Mayor Colleen Gialanella. "But if a T is not crossed, an I not dotted, does the township share responsibility? That’s where I get concerned."

Council members agreed to have Parisi meet with new town manager Jerry Giaimis to further discuss the issue. 

Read our story on the commission's previous meeting: Consolidation Study Commission Gets Off the Ground