FORBODING FUTURE

This is the season which is supposedly full of anticipation, joy and happiness. The multiple and major depressions that the medical profession treats doesn't begin until after Dec. 25th and reaches its zenith on Jan.1. This depression results from the crashing of expectations, the destruction of dreams, in fact from everything that has not met our hopes and desires and belief that this holiday will be a start of a new and better life.

WE can start our depression about Palinfield in 2010 with the following information about the City Administrator, Mark Dashield, who is leaving to take a position in Montclair. there does not seem to be any candidate in sight.

“Until we officially receive his letter of resignation, we cannot consider anyone for the position,” Robinson-Briggs said in a statement yesterday afternoon. “But we wish him well.”
Dashield said he gave the official letter to Robinson-Briggs later yesterday evening. (Star Ledger 12/17/09)

The City Administrator is appointed by the Mayor, subject to the advice and consent of the Plainfield City Council.

The City Administrator under the direction and supervision of the Mayor directs and coordinates the general administration of the City government. The operations of each department are monitored to assure compliance with policies and legislation established by the Mayor and City Council. Responsibilities includes assisting the Mayor in the preparation and submission of the annual operating budget, advising the Mayor and City Council on the financial condition and needs of the City and authorizing all purchases required under the Charter.

Offices reporting to the City Administrator the first three are under his supervision. All the Departments after many months have designated heads.

Department of Administration and Finance, Health and Social Services

1. the majority of its divisions are with out division heads. There is a Tax Assessor, a Tax Collector and David Spaulding as Acting Purchasing Supervisor. To my best of knowledge there is no CFO or Comptroller, only an assistant controller

Department of Public Affairs and Safety

1. Police and Fire have "chiefs"
   

Department of Public Works and Urban Development

1. Only the 1- City Yard, 2-Recreation,3- Inspection Division and 4-Planning Division have designated heads, although there seem to be plans to outsource this division. There are no named heads fo economic development or community development..

Once again we are gong into another Calender year unprepared. The Mayor is supposed to recommend to the council for appointment at the Jan. 1 2010 reorganization meeting. She may be prepared to do so, but has not leaked any possible appointments.

There are several possibilities;

1. She has every slot filled but wants to keep it a surprise.
2. She has every slot filled but is afraid of Council rejection
3. She has some slots filled but nominees are controversial and presentation discussion is to be avoided.
4. Once again there has been no advanced planning to have a smooth transition,

The history of the incumbent administration would suggest that #4 is most likely. Plainfield will go into Calender Year 2010 without a budget for the past six months and no immediate prospect for a working one.

If a capable City Administrator can be appointed asap, one of his first tasks after reorganizing the city TO and appointing responsible division chiefs or those with such authority is to start preparing the FI2011 budget due 7/1/2010.