Harrison REVIEW THE
September 6, 2013 | Vol. 1, Number 1 | www.harrisonreview.com
Library renovation project forms advisory committee By DANIEL OFFNER Staff Writer With four months left to raise $1 million before a Dec. 31 deadline, members of the Harrison Public Library Foundation plan to continue in their efforts to complete the proposed $3.6 million capital renovation project. Since 2010, members of the foundation have sought to renovate the antiquated facility at 2 Bruce Ave., which has not seen an improvement in more than two decades. Although they initially proposed to match a $1.1 million pledge through private donations and charity fundraisers, the members of the library’s Board of Trustees said they ran into trouble when dealing with the necessary improvements to the building’s maintenance. After a series of negotiations,
the Town of Harrison made an agreement with the foundation on April 4, pledging to contribute $1.1 million for the project, which was deferred so the town could cover the cost of maintenance to the library facility over the next five years, in two parts—$650,000 for the cost of infrastructure improvements and $450,000 from a franchise agreement with Cablevision for a television studio that has been incorporated into the project. As the clock continues to tick closer to the Dec. 31 deadline, the foundation expects to raise the final $1 million necessary to proceed with the proposed renovations. Should the Halperin Fund fail to raise the money by that time, the project will be executed nonetheless, using the financial commitments already agreed to by the town and the Halperin Fund.
“The project we’d like to do is $3.6 million,” Halperin said, “But if we’re unsuccessful there is another project we can do.” Although he did not provide any details on what the minimum project would include, Halperin said it would not be to the same scale as the renovations proposed. Meanwhile, the town—as per its pledge agreement—is now in the process of forming a capital improvement committee, which serves as an advisory group, rendering non-binding advice regarding the administration, design architecture, budgeting, construction and the completion of the capital renovations. On Aug. 26, Ross Halperin, executive director of the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Fund—so named for Ross’ father, who passed away in
2008—requested the Town Council select its candidates for the capital improvement committee in an effort to hire a managing architect for the project prior to Dec. 1, 2013. Planning to begin construction in 2014, Halperin said that he hopes to have a managing architect approved on Dec. 1, 2013 almost a month before the project deadline. The committee, which has not been formed as of press time, will consist of eight members, four of whom will represent each of the town’s four library boards, while the remaining four members will be chosen by the Town Council and approved by the Halperin Fund. Maureen Skrilow, president of the Harrison Public Library Board of Trustees, said the LIBRARY continued on page 5
The Harrison Public Library, seen here in its current condition, will soon see its first renovations in more than two decades as members of the Harrison Public Library Foundation continue to raise funds for the final $1 million component. File photo
Town rescinds chief stipend By DANIEL OFFNER Staff Writer Less than a month after approving a $1,500 monthly stipend for Harrison Police Chief Anthony Marraccini for performing the additional duties of police captain, members of the Harrison Town Council reconvened on Aug. 29 to formally rescind their decision. The stipend—which would’ve equated to an additional $18,000 per year—was initially authorized by the council following an executive session meeting on Aug. 1 to compensate Marraccini for serving a dual role. Based on the 2013 town budget, Marraccini is expected to earn an annual salary of $164,457 for fulfilling his duties as chief of police. Harrison police have not had anyone serve the role of captain since Marraccini was appointed chief three years ago. As the manager of the department’s daily operations, the chief does not earn overtime, something that the stipend sought to address for his additional efforts with the police department. According to Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican, the vacant captain position has often resulted in an undue workload for Marraccini. “This board was in the mindset that a stipend was appropriate so long as the double duty continued,” Belmont said. “Upon further deliberation...it is my opinion a stipend is not appropriate at this time.” After the council rescinded the stipend, Marraccini acknowledged it was the right thing for the council and the community. “I know there are other department heads that are working very hard out there, that I work with on a daily basis, and I ap-
Formerly
preciate them,” Marraccini said. “I work so hard because my men work so hard for me and this community, and I could not do it without the support of not only the board, but the men and women of the Harrison Police Department, who work for us on a daily basis.” For members of the Town Council, its initial decision was the result of more than a year of internal debate concerning compensation for Marraccini working overtime hours. Republican Councilman Joe Cannella said that the council’s decision to rescind the stipend stems from the town’s current economic situation and unresolved union issues, which have not been addressed for more than a year. Apart from the Harrison police union—which renegotiated the terms of its contract last year—the town’s four remaining labor unions have been operating under expired contracts since Dec. 31, 2012. “At this time [the council] didn’t feel it’s right, even though it’s just,” said Republican Councilman Fred Sciliano. However, former Harrison Mayor Joan Walsh, a Democrat currently seeking re-election after two years out of office, said the stipend should not have been approved in the first place since the department could appoint a captain. She added that, through the addition of a $1,500 monthly stipend, the town would ultimately add to the chief’s pension. “Being the chief of police, the chief executive of the department, is a full-time job and it is expected that he or she will be on call 24-hours a day,” Walsh said. “We have enough capable and well-qualified officers to share the duties of captain.” CONTACT: dan@hometwn.com