About The City Of Linden

On December 12, 2008, the Linden City Council hosted an open house at the Linden City Hall, 132 E. Broad Street, to celebrate the 20th Anniversary as a city. A little more than 20 Years ago, a group of citizens accepted the challenge to “Control our Destiny”. The Charter Commission members were: Keith Wenger, Chairman; Judy Pieczynski, Secretary; Harvey C. Charbonneau; Robert Nellett; Doug Morgan; Marjorie Kimble; Craig Newberry; and Farrand Ward.

The Charter Commission’s goals were to create a government that would give those who lived in the Village of Linden better representation, fair and equitable taxation, and much needed improvements to the infrastructure. They wanted a government that would create independence, be responsive to the needs of local citizens, and have a professional administration while maintaining the quaint historic integrity of our town.

In the past 20 years, the City of Linden has been fortunate to have leaders, elected and administrative, who have worked diligently to achieve these goals. Bill Brown served as the City’s first Mayor succeeded by Charles Bobay, Doug Wagner, Bill Rose, Jim McIntyre, and David E. Lossing. Council members who have served in the past 20 years are: Larry Wright, Ralph Kimble, Jim McIntyre, JimVanderlaan, Charles Bobay, Colin Cieiselski, Doug Morgan, Judy Pieczynski, Doug Wagner, Paul Gilbert, Bill Rose, Ray Culbert, Bob Nellett, Lee Eneix, Bill Coleman, Jean Sarginson-DeMayer, Ed Ciesielski, Dave Franz, Diane Eldred-Vervaecke, Tom Brady, Patti O’Dwyer, Graham Morgan, Danielle Mammel, Charles Ross, and Matt Chapman.

The City has been served by numerous volunteers who have worked and continue to play a vital role in the community such as the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Historic District Commission, the Library Board, the Green Team, the Parks & Recreation Commission; the Downtown Development Authority; and the Elections Staff. One of the City’s most valuable resources is our Local Historian- Claude Cranston.

Early in 1989, the Charter Commission went to work to write a Charter that would assist the community to accomplish the goals identified early in the process. Change is difficult for some and in spite of skepticism and some opposition, they pressed on.

Independence, better representation, and professional administration – The Commission opted to make our elections non-partisan in order to give the City Council and staff a good rapport with County, State, and Federal Representatives. They opted to select a Council/Manager form of government to encourage professionalism within the administration and be responsive to the needs of Linden.

Fair and Equitable Taxation while improving the infrastructure and maintaining and/or improving vital services. – When Linden became a City in 1988, the total number of mills allowed to be levied was 13.5. At that time the City was levying 11.0 mills, it was increased to 12.0 mills in 1995 and is currently 10.99 mills. The City was experiencing growth that put an even greater priority on infrastructure improvements. During the past twenty years, the Council and Administration have completed 25 various projects including street paving, water line replacements, sidewalk projects, sewer improvements and expansions, street scape, façade projects, a new water treatment plant, and a playground and boardwalk. The Administration did an excellent job of leveraging bond funds and grant monies to make these projects possible. The total funds spent on projects is approximately $17,035,000 with $4,235,000 of grant funding.
The City is levying less mills but maintains a full-time Police Department and a 22 member Fire Department

The Historic District Commission, the Council and the Planning Commission have worked diligently to protect and preserve the historic integrity of the community. The City lost a major component of its Historic District in a devastating fire in 2007, but maintaining that small quaint charm is still a priority.

Here we are 20 years later looking back at those goals and celebrating the City’s accomplishments. This City is fortunate to have a professional and knowledgeable staff that utilizes their talents and skills for the good of the community. The current economic situation poses many challenges but some how through times of joy or adversity the Linden Community always manages to pull together and accomplish great things.