Lavallette New Jersey

    Voters and Taxpayers Association of Lavallette, New Jersey
    P.O. Box 114 - Lavallette NJ 08735
    lvtnj.org
    Established 1970
    (a 501(c)(3) organization)
    lvtnj@optonline.net

    LVT President's Annual Report

    This report covers the activities of Lavallette Voters and Taxpayers Association from May 2008 to June 2009.

    Membershipfor 2008 was approximately 700 families.
    This year's membership is ahead of last year's for the same time period.

    Communication with our members via our monthly meetings, website, e-mail, announcements and letters to the editor and our newsletter has been successful. Minutes are posted each month on our website to keep residents informed of current happenings in Lavallette.

    Participation in public meetings/events-Members of LVT's Executive Board participate in monthly meetings of the mayor and council, Board of Education, Business Association and Parking Committee. Annually, LVT participates in Memorial Day Services, Heritage Day, sponsors a Holiday Decorating Contest and co-sponsors candidate's night for local candidates.

    LVT opposes advertising on our Beaches-files legal action against Lavallette:

    All organizations in Lavallette opposed advertising on our Lifeguard stands and Lifeguard tower. However, LVT took the initiative to file legal action against the Borough and the Advertising Agency to insure that the 45 day stipulation to challenge the contract did not expire. Intrusion of commercialism on our Beaches was not to be tolerated. The Borough was released from the contract with the Advertising Agency for a settlement amount of $10,354.46. Break-down of the settlement costs were as follows:

    *Thunder Road Media Lifeguard Stand Project Costs
    Graphic Design Time (30 hrs. @$100/hour)
    Copy Time (5 hrs. @ $75/hour)
    Account Services Time (120 hours)
    Legal Fees
    Media Kits (Color Lasers plus binding supplies)
    Business Cards
    Mileage to Scout Potential Sales Leads     		$3,000.00
    $375.00
    $3,634.62
    $805.00
    $2,350.00
    $90.00
    $99.84
    Total: $10,354.46
    *(Source: Public Record Borough of Lavallette)

    LVT opposes consolidation of Lavallette with surrounding municipalities:

    An overflowing capacity crowd of over 200 people from Lavallette and neighboring communities made their voices heard. Lavallette residents were unanimous in their opposition to consolidation of Lavallette with surrounding communities. LVT invited Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (Mercer County) to provide information and answer questions related to his proposed legislation to consolidate Lavallette with surrounding municipalities. Assemblyman Gusciora got a strong message from Lavallette that we are not interested in consolidation nor does it benefit us financially. LVT is in opposition to Gusciora's proposed bills, A-3490 and A-3690. We contacted our State district representatives and were informed that no action has been taken in the Legislature. LVT will continue to monitor the status of these bills.

    LVT requested that the Board of Education (BOE) hold an informational public meeting concerning school consolidation. Instead, the BOE referred LVT to a website provided by the State Department of Education. Lavallette has a low school tax rate. Consolidation with a larger district could be detrimental both educationally and financially.

    LVT supported:
    • reducing the distances one can park from a stop sign from 50' to 25' with the goal of creating more parking spaces in the Borough without compromising safety.
    • permit parking for those residents with undersized lots and no driveway
    • tape-recording closed session's meetings of the mayor and council-denied by Mayor and Council.
    • establishing e-mail addresses for mayor and council to allow residents to communicate with them-denied by Mayor and Council.
    • opening beaches on Memorial Day weekend to increase beach revenue-denied by Mayor and Council.


    Four $500 Scholarships were awarded this year rather than three. LVT Scholarship Committee broadened their criteria to attract applicants with diversified categories of success. This doubled our pool of applicants. Scholarships are available to full-time residents of Lavallette and children/grandchildren of LVT members whose dues are current.

    In closing, I'd like to say that LVT has had another year of successful activity.
    We strive to keep everyone informed and to make our voices heard.
    The residents of Lavallette deserve to have their expectations met and our goal is to dedicate our time and attention to this end. Thanks to the members and the LVT Executive Board for their continuing support.

    Joe Marcianti

    President