A request by the mayors of Princeton Township and Princeton Borough asking citizen members of the Transition Task Force and Consolidation/Shared Services Study Commission to sign a conflict-of-interest document was a source of much discussion during a meeting of the Task Force last Wednesday. The document would prevent Task Force citizen members and those serving on subcommittees from seeking employment in the consolidated Princeton for two years.

Members of the Task Force and Consolidation Commission received letters last week from Borough Mayor Yina Moore and Township Mayor Chad Goerner, with an attached legal opinion from Township Attorney Edwin W. Schmierer. Titled “Consolidation Process: Avoidance of Conflict of Interest,” the memo states, “The work of the Consolidation/Shared Services Study Commission and that of the Transition Task Force and its various sub-committees will shape the new Princeton for many years to come. Therefore, it is critical that we avoid any appearance of conflict or non-objectivity whatsoever.”

The letter goes on to ask the recipients to agree that no one in a member’s immediate family be permitted to contract services or be employed by Princeton for two years once consolidation goes into effect.

Task Force member Jim Levine expressed concern that time spent discussing the issue was non-productive. “We have so much important stuff to do,” he said. “Anyone running for something should recuse themselves.” Hendricks Davis disagreed. “These are important issues that should be raised,” he said. Scott Sillars, who is vice-chairman of the Task Force, said, “We are breaking new ground here and we have to make sure we are acting like adults. Everyone should know they are dealing with people who are honest.”

The matter will be taken up at the April 3 joint meeting of Borough Council and Township Committee.

Also at the meeting, the Task Force heard presentations from various departments of the Township and Borough that will be affected by consolidation. Gary J. De Blasio, executive director of Corner House, said that the organization devoted to the health and well-being of young people is a joint agency of the Borough and Township that will continue to operate as it is. “But we’re excited about the possibility of moving out of the Valley Road [School building],” he said. “We would like to be considered for a move. We would need at least 6,500 square feet, but 10,000 would be ideal.”

Wayne Carr, director of the Borough’s Department of Public Works, told the Task Force that his department does not have the facilities it needs. “We have stuff all over the place,” he said. “Storage is outside at the PSOC [Princeton Sewer Operating Committee].” Donald R. Hansen, Public Works Director of the Township, said storm water and the collection of leaves and brush are major issues. Since the Borough and Township handle the leaves and brush collection differently, cross-training will be necessary when the departments are combined.

Township Engineer Bob Kiser and Borough Engineer Jack West gave a joint presentation, including a possible infrastructure of what would be called the Community Development department. Other testimony at the meeting came from the Sewer Operating Committee and Recreation Maintenance.

The next meeting of the Transition Task Force is tonight, March 28, at Borough Hall starting at 7 p.m.