The Courier-News from Bridgewater, New Jersey • Page 23

LOCAL WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1995 C-3 Frankli ouncil elects mayor, The Democrats also -formed a transition team to lay the groundwork for the new administration. By PAUL H.B. SHIN Courier-News Staff Writer FRANKLIN (Somerset) The five Democrats elected to the Township Council, along with Councilman Willis "Rickey" Sumter, have unanimously nominated Councilwoman-elect Kimberly Francois to serve as mayor for a one-year term beginning Jan. 1. Franklin Democratic Committee Chairman Upendra Chivukula, who made the announcement Tuesday, said Councilwoman Joan Bottcher was nominated for deputy mayor.

Time a factor "Obviously I had to consider the time commitment involved. That was a big part of the decision," Francois said, noting the nominations were based on a variety of criteria, including prior commitments and the total number of votes each candidate garnered on Nov. 7. Francois topped the Democratic ticket with 3,918 votes, with Alexander Kucsma coming in second at 3,670 votes. formation of a transition team to lay the groundwork for the new administration.

The team consists of six primary task forces to aid the new administration in its future policy decisions and allow them to "hit the ground running." These include: Community Senior Citizens Center: To address the construction of a free-standing center to meet the community's need. Council Assignments: To assign council members to various committees. Patient Progress: To seek proactive, fiscally-responsible budgeting. Professional Staff: To appoint the township's professional staff. Volunteers for Franklin: To recruit volunteers to address community issues.

Vision 2000: To determine future agendas for Franklin. "We thought it was necessary to be pro-active," Francois said. "We weren't going to wait until Jan. 1 to figure out what we needed to do to improve the township. That's the whole purpose of the transition team." 'I would not have accepted the responsibility if I had not been prepared to put in the time and commitment to be the best mayor this town has ever Kimberly Francois, nominated to serve as mayor "I would not have accepted the responsibility if I had not been prepared to put in the time and commitment to be the best mayor this town has ever seen," said Francois, a senior engineering consultant at Bell Lab- oratories.

Transition team The Democrats also announced the THE COURIER-NEWS deputy for 1 996 OBITUARIES Bound Brook Tea St. sale enters its home stretch The borough would receive a bonus for additional buildable area $3.50 per square foot for commercial space and $2 per square foot for residential. Cocoziello said he has spoken to a number of potential tenants, including a supermarket and a retail supply store. Officials have stipulated that a bridge be built over the Middlebrook, which runs through the property. Should the bridge not be built, the borough would receive an additional $250,000 from Advance.

The property is currently designated as a "regional business" zone, Borough clerk and Business administrator Thomas Brodbeck said. Therefore, the residential portion of the proposed development would require zoning changes. Officials estimate the completed project would add $20 million to $25 million in taxable properties to the borough, with an increase in annual revenues in excess of $500,000. tracted the company to the land in the borough's northwest corner. The property also borders Route 28.

According to preliminary terms, the borough would receive $250,000 upon signing of the sale contract and another $300,000 upon site plan approval. The $1,500,000 balance would be paid through a 10-year mortgage with an interest of 9 percent. Advance Properties' proposal calls for 306,000 square feet of buildings 255,000 square feet of commercial space and 51,000 square feet of residential. The development of the remaining portion is restricted because of wetland designations. Potential tenants About 4,000 square feet of the commercial space would be set aside for restaurants and the residential area would be deed-restricted for senior housing or corporate one-bedroom housing.

County OKs plan Violet M. Walsh, hospital housekeeper READINGTON Violet M. Walsh, 69, died Monday (Nov. 20, 1995) at Lehigh Valley Hospital Center in Salisbury Township, Pa. Born in New York City, she formerly lived in the Bronx, N.Y., and on Staten Island, N.Y., before moving to Whitehouse Station 27 years ago.

Before retiring this year, she was a housekeeper for Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Township for 10 years. She was a volunteer Pink Lady at the medical center this past year. Surviving are a son, Michael D. Walsh of Sayreville; a daughter, Cecelia Walsh Bogart of Union Township in Hunterdon County; a brother, Michael Martynew of New York City; two nieces; and four grandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m.

Friday at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in Union Township. Arrangements are by Douglas D. Martin Funeral Home in Clinton Township. David L. Clary, electrician, veteran David L.

Clary, 49, died Monday (Nov. 20, 1995) at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pa. Born in Plainfield, he lived in Eas-ton, Pa. Mr. Clary was an electrician for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 675, Elizabeth.

He served in the Air Force as sergeant until March 1971. His son, Daniel Clary, died in 1993. Surviving are his wife, Ruth Hunter Clary; a son, David L. Ill of Eas-ton, two daughters, Monica Clary, of Easton, and Alicesha Motley of Bethlehem, a brother, Eugene of East Orange; a sister, Marva Clary of Dublin, and nine granchildren. Services will be at 11 a.m.

Friday at Miracle Baptist Church in Plain-field, preceded by visitation at 9 a.m. Arrangements are by Jesse Johnson Funeral Home in Allentown, Pa. Joseph J. Danes, retired Ford supervisor PISCATAWAY Joseph J. Danes, 82, died Monday (Nov.

20, 1995) at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield. Born in Allentown, he lived in Piscataway for the past 55 years. Before retiring in 1980, he was a maintenance supervisor for 35 years at Ford Motor Co. in Edison. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving in the 78th U.S.

Naval Seabees. He was a member of the American Legion in Dunellen. Surviving are his wife, Margaret Danes; a daughter, Marilyn Johnson of Olathe, two grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Holy Redeemer Cemetery in South Plainfield.

Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Sheenan Funeral Home in Dunellen. director of Finance and Administrative Services. "This will help the county to prioritize," said Newman, who drafted the plan.

The plan creates a $32.6 million ceiling in annual spending and $8 million in debt reduction, Newman said. It also reduces the total budget commitment to capital projects by $2 million within three years, Newman said. The plan assumes 10-year bond terms, although the actual length of financing will last approximately 12 to 15 years, Newman said. Debt levels will be reduced in 1995 from $28 million to $18.8 million in 2001, Newman said. Freeholder Peter Biondi said the conceptual plan "clearly shows the whole picture." "When the debt is controlled, the tax rate is controlled," he said.

Freeholder Rose McConnell also approved of the plan. Officials said last week they had a letter of intent to purchase the land. By PAUL H.B. SHIN Courier-News Staff Writer BOUND BROOK After a decade of unsuccessful attempts to sell the Tea Street property, the Borough Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to begin formal contract negotiations with Advance Properties of Peapack-Gladstone. Borough officials announced last week that Advance had submitted a letter of intent to purchase the land and develop a 25.6-acre portion of the 47-acre tract for a minimum price of $2.05 million.

"Overall the location is the most critical factor," Advance Properties President Peter Cocoziello said, noting the proximity to Route 22 and Interstate 287 were factors that at Somerset The need for a long-term capital budget and financing plan has been discussed for years. By VALERIE KELLOGG Courier-News Staff Writer A capital funding plan approved Tuesday night by the Somerset County Freeholders calls for $87.3 million in capital projects over the next six years. More than half that amount, or $43.8 million, will be financed under the plan through a pay-as-you-go policy from the county's capital improvement fund. The remainder, $43.5 million, will come through long-term financing. The need for developing a long-term capital budget and financing plan has been under discussion for years, said Brian Newman, county Readington permanently closed its store in Plainfield last month.

By MARK LUSSIER Courier-News Staff Writer READINGTON closed its store at the Whitehouse Mall Tuesday, surprising the mall's owner, who said he would expand a lawsuit he had already filed against the supermarket chain. Whitehouse Mall Associates had accused of breach of contract in a suit filed Oct. 10 in state Superior Court in Essex County. The move came after the chain backed out of an agreement that would have doubled the size of the mall Freeholders By VALERIE KELLOGG Courier-News Staff Writer The Somerset County Freeholders failed to vote Tuesday on a proposed $430,000 settlement of a civil rights lawsuit brought by a man accused of selling drugs in 1990. Freeholder Director Fred Howlett had said he hoped the board would make a decision in time for the meeting.

"We want to get it resolved and stop paying legal bills," said Branchburg resident Tom Gillick, who spoke during the board's public session. "We share your same concerns," Theodora M. VanDuyne, AlliedSignal secretary Theodora M. VanDuyne, 83, died Sunday (Nov. 19, 1995) at Warren Hospital.

Born in Jersey City, she lived in Clinton and Denville before moving to Phillipsburg six months ago. She was a secretary at AlliedSignal Co. in Morris County. She graduated from Upsala High School in East Orange. Mrs.

VanDuyne was a Methodist. Her husband, John E. VanDuyne, died in 1969. Surviving are a son, John E. VanDuyne with whom she lived; a grandson; and two great-grandchildren.

Private arrangements are by Ru-pell Funeral Home in Phillipsburg. FUNERAL NOTICES CHITTICK David Rupert, 61, died Sunday November 19, 1995. Son of Rupert Addison Chittick and Evelyn (Bradley) Chittick. Survivors include his wife, Eileen; his son, Bradley; his daughter, Allison Noble; son-in-law, Taber Noble, two grandsons, Taber Brewster Noble, and Courtland Paige Noble; mother, Evelyn Chittick; and brother Robert. For those who desire, contributions may be made to the organ fund of the Waterbury Congregational Church, Water-bury, VT 05676; or to the organ fund of St.

Mark's Episcopal Church, 140 S. Finley Basking Ridge, NJ 07920; or to the Environmental Law Institute, 1616 P. Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20036. DANCS Joseph J.

82 of Piscataway on November 1995. Husband of Margaret Hubinsky, father of Marilyn Johnson, grandfather of 2, great grandfather of 1. Visiting hours will be Fri. 2-4 7-9PM at the Sheenan Funeral Home, 233 Dunellen Dunellen, NJ. Graveside services will be held Saturday 10:00 AM at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield.

PYNER Phyllis, of Scotch Plains, formerly of Ro-selle, on Monday, November 20, 1995. Wife of the Late Reuben H. Pyner (1987). Mother of Janet Lynn Thomas-Gauntlett and Susan Pyner-Moss. Sister of Alice Dougherty.

Also survived by 4 Grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held at the Memorial Funeral Home, 155 South Fanwood, on Friday, November 24th, at 11 a.m. Calling hours Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9. Those who wish may make donations to the Valerie Fund of Overlook, 99 Beauvoir Summit, NJ 07901. FIRST ANNIVERSARY In Loving Memory Of MICHAEL RIDDICK November 22, 1994 He had a smile, a pleasant way, A helping hand to all he knew.

He was kind, so generous and true; On earth he nobly did his best. Grant him, Jesus, heavenly rest. Love You and Miss You Very Mucb, Mom FIFTH ANNIVERSARY! In Loving Memory EVANGELIST JANE ENGLISH HODGES Nov. 18 1936 Nov. 22, 1990 It has been four years now, mother, but it seems as though only yesterday.

We miss you very much, but because He (Christ) lives, you live on. With Love, Your Children HAPPY BIRTHDAY EDNA MAYER November 22 Dear Mother, This is your third birthday since you've gone away, but believe me I still think of you everyday. I was your first son and didn't understand your needs for me then, If I had you back here I would show you again again. I love you my mother forever and always Happy Birthday Mother Love, Your Son Bucher Milton J. Anthony, atCyanamid 35 years READINGTON Milton J.

Anthony, 82, died Monday (Nov. 20, 1995) at Raritan Health and Extended Care Center in Raritan Borough. Born in Far Hills, Mr. Anthony lived in Liberty Corner and Egg Harbor City before moving to Whitehouse Station four years ago. He was a chemical operator at American Cyanamid in Bridgewater for 35 years, retiring in 1975.

Ralph Carpenter, Texas official COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) Ralph Carpenter, a former athletic department administrator at Texas Texas Tech, Texas Christian University and Mississippi, died Tuesday of heart disease. He was 63. Carpenter was member of the College Sports Information Directors of America Hall of Fame. Carpenter was sports information director for Texas Tech from 1967-77 and handled promotions and media relations for the Coaches All-America football game. He served four years as assistant athletic director and spokesman at Mississippi, worked one year at TCU, and moved to in May 1982.

He retired in 1991. Carpenter received numerous publication and press box awards from the Football Writers Association of America for having one of the top operations in the nation. He assisted the NCAA with its media operations at the Final Four Basketball Championships. Carpenter is survived by his wife, Lois, and two sons, Clark and Chip. 'Smilin' Jim Eanes, bluegrass singer MARTINSVILLE, Va.

(AP) Jim Eanes, a country and bluegrass singer and songwriter whose career spanned more than 60 years, died Tuesday. He was 71. Eanes was born Homer Robert Eanes Jr. and started performing at age 9. He later played with Roy Hall and the Blue Ridge Entertainers, the Blue Ridge Mountain Boys, the Foggy Mountain Boys and the Shenandoah Valley Boys.

His songs include "Missing in Action," which sold a half-million records in 1951; "I Cried Again," and "In His Arms I'm Not Afraid." He also recorded such bluegrass standards as "Little Log Cabin in the Lane" and "I Wouldn't Change You If I Could." Eanes toured the United States and Europe and in 1988 released an album called "Reminiscing." Surviving are his wife, Anna Potts Anthony; three sons, Milton J. Jr. of South Plainfield, Gene H. of Grosse He, and Joseph C. of Cazenovia, N.Y.; a brother, George L.

of Pomona Park, 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Layton Funeral Home in Bed-minster. Visitation is from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

William Andrew Lerke, formerly of Whitehouse William Andrew Lerke, 34, died Saturday (Nov. 11, 1995) in Kenosha, Wis. He lived in Whitehouse most of his life before moving to Kenosha, Wis. His wife, Irene Lerke, died in May. His father, Kurt Lerke, and two sisters, Joanne and Mary Jane, also preceded him in death.

Surviving are his mother, Julie Lerke of Whitehouse; 13 sisters, his twin Melissa Armstrong of Easton, Katherine McAlpine of Perry, Maine, Sarah Lerke of New York City, Edith Wolfrey of Palm Bay, Amanda Lerke of Trenton, Karoline Lerke of Everett, Margaret Buornsen of Richmond, Sharon Henningan of Somerville, Stephanie Coronado of Mansfield, Texas, Susan Ammirata of Emmaus, Mary Frances Lerke of New Lisbon, Maritza Lerke of Raritan, and Amy Lerke of Whitehouse; five brothers, Todd of Robbinston, Maine, Michael of Manville, John of Pon-tiac, Charles of Elizabeth and James of New York City. Services will be held at a future date. Arrangements are by Kearns Funeral Home in Whitehouse. grocery store closes and the supermarket. Mall owners also cited poor management as a breach of the lease agreement, claiming that the store had become a "dilapidated eye-sore." Louis DeMattheis, co-owner of the Route 22 shopping center, said he met with the supermarket chain's representatives on Friday at their corporate offices in Montvale to discuss settling the lawsuit.

That's when he learned would close the store on Tuesday, DeMattheis said. "When you're the anchor of a shopping center and all the other merchants are depending on you to draw business, you don't do this," DeMattheis said. "You're out to send everyone out for broke." "I like the idea of giving a guide, which is what a capital plan should be," she said. 1 no vote Freeholder Director Fred Howlett was the only one on the five-member board to vote against approving the plan, explaining that it "doesn't make sense for long-term investments." Howlett said the county should not burden the taxpayer by paying off projects with a long life. McConnell asked, "Isn't that a decision each freeholders board will face as capital improvements come up?" Biondi argued that facilities only represent 27 to 33 percent, or one-third, of the county's $32 million in debt service.

The plan call for $22 million in spending next year, although Newman said he anticipates more will be requested for approval. The mall has 12 other tenants, including a bank, a dental office and a pizzeria. signed a 20-year lease with the mall in 1975, and signed a five-year renewal in January. A franchise spokeswoman in Montvale on Tuesday said would not comment on the store's closing. permanently closed its store in Plainfield last month.

Employees of the Readington store posted a sign Tuesday afternoon that said the store would close permanently at 9 p.m. The large yellow poster urged customers to shop at stores in Clinton and Califon. Store manager Mike McCaffrey said he learned last week that the store would close. ported in October in the New Jersey Law Journal. Lenny LaRocco of Franklin, who also attended the board's meeting, expressed frustration over the settlement.

"Is it possible to get Bissell in here and ask him why he did this to us?" he asked. "Is it possible?" Freeholder Peter Biondi, pointing out that Bissell has not been found guilty of the charges against him, reminded the public that the county pays for the prosecutor's office but exercises no control over management or discipline. "Taxpayers have to pay for this settlement?" LaRocco asked. "I'm confused." in Wisconsin pieces. Julie Lerke and her husband, Kurt, received considerable publicity for adopting children, including Korean refugee children, in the 1950s and 1960s.

The Lerkes began adopting children in 1958, the same year the family moved from Garwood to Reading-ton Township. In 1968 Julie Lerke won New Jersey Mother of the Year; the family consisted of 10 adopted children and two of the couple's own. delay settlement vote MONUMENTS L.L. MANNING SON DISPLAY YARD 465 W. Front Plainfield 756-0706 725-1631 15th ANNIVERSARY I In Loving Memory HAROLD DAVID WALLACE 'V' I who Passed Away November 22, 1980 My Dear, beloved son.

many years have passed hut nnf a rtav orv hv thar pUw I don't think of you or see your face. sometimes witn tears, sometimes witn a smile. Mv thniiDhrs rphirn fn rpnp tnno nact 0 You will never be forgotten. As long as my life and memory last, I will always miss you and remember you! Sadly and lovingly missed, Mommy! SALE $49.95 SURGICAL 1-800-287-1793 623 PARK PLAINFIELD 756-7074 1 Howlett said. James Giuffre's lawsuit was one element in a far-reaching federal investigation of the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office.

Former Prosecutor Nicholas L. Bissell Jr. was removed from office in September after being named in a 33-count indictment. Two of the counts relate to Giuf fre, a Union insurance agent who alleged that Bissell's detectives strong-armed him into signing over deeds to property he owned in Hunterdon County following his arrest on charges of selling drugs. News of the settlement including the $430,000 price tag was re Lerke lived in Readington until moving to Kenosha five years ago.

His wife, Irene Lerke, died in May 1995. Lerke's mother, Julie, said her son loved the outdoors. "He was quite an outdoors person," she said. When he lived in Reading-ton he would often camp along the bank of the South Branch River, she said. Lerke worked in a Kenosha antiques shop restoring furniture.

"He loved it," his mother said. "He had a fascination with old furniture Ex-Hunterdon man dies choking By CHRISTINE SOKOLOSKI Courier-News Staff Writer READINGTON A former Readington Township man, whose family adopted 24 children in the 1960s, choked to death in Kenosha, earlier this month. The Kenosha Police Department would not release information on the incident. However, an official at Kearns Funeral Home in Whitehouse said William Andrew Lerke, 34, choked while eating. ft.