Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • May 18, 2011 Franklin Lakes Borough council plans to regulate digital signs by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes Council has authorized its attorney, Richard Lustgarten, to draft an ordinance that would regulate moving or scrolling signs known as digital signage within the borough. The council discussed this type of signage at a recent work session during which a concern was expressed about these moving, changing signs from a safety standpoint because the scrolling signs can be a distraction to motorists. Lustgarten advised the council that it can regulate the flashing nature of the signs, but not the content and, while the council can regulate aesthetics, he said there would be a problem with regulating style. Councilman William Smith suggested an ordinance be crafted to eliminate LED signs much like neon signs were prohibited in the past. Lusgarten said he would draft the ordinance so it prohibits any signage that creates undue distraction. According to an article in the New Jersey Planner magazine written by Professional Planner Matt Jakubowski, digital signs are encompassing electronic message centers that utilize a system of light emitting diodes to provide an almost limitless display of content. These signs allow the user to post a static message for any duration with the flexibility to display multiple messages or advertisements. Digital signs can be manipulated in-store or off-site by computer and the message can be enhanced during the day or night eliminating the need to illuminate or manually change the letters. They use less energy and have a longer lifespan than standard lighting options. Come See The signs are similar to the scoreboard at an average football stadium, according to Jakubowski, and municipalities around the state and country have taken note of them because of their potential safety and visual impacts. Jakubowski points out that the technology is not new, but municipalities like Franklin Lakes are putting reasonable zoning protections in place to control these signs. A study by the Federal Highway Administration reported that, while numerous factors contribute to accidents, frequently changing, flashing, or moving signs are distracting to drivers and the distraction from digital signage varies depending on the sign display, colors, size, and sign orientation. The impact can be greater in different driving environments, such as urban interstate highways versus country roads. Jakubowski also reported that a 2004 study of driver eye movement by the University of Toronto found that drivers make twice as many glances toward changeable digital signs than traditional sign displays. A 2007 FHWA memorandum eased the administration’s stance on digital billboards, indicating that they did not violate the prohibition of flashing or moving signs in the 1965 (continued on page 15) Personal budget (continued from page 4) Keep in mind that it’s easier to cut your spending than to increase your income. Consider needs versus wants. Yes, you need shelter, food, and clothing, but even within these major needs, wants can worm their way in. You need a home, but do you need a six bedroom home? You need shoes, but do you need an expensive pair made by a famous designer? It’s time to do some hard thinking about needs and wants. Get your budget on track. Now that you can see where your finances are going off track, develop a plan to get back on course. Create a monthly spending plan that incorporates your income and expenses. Aim to spend only 90 percent of what you make, leaving 10 percent for savings towards your goals. Create an emergency fund. You have a budget and you’re sticking to it. Now use the money you’re saving to create an emergency fund. Experts recommend having six months worth of living expenses on hand for unforeseen circumstances such as car repairs, the loss of job, or a health emergency. Once your emergency fund is in place, put your extra money towards your retirement savings. Get the family involved. Everyone who is affected by the family budget should be part of the budget-making process. What are your goals as a family? Are you saving for a vacation? Putting an addition on the house? Sit down and talk about what you want to accomplish and what it will take to save the money you need to reach your goal. Review and monitor. Over time, you may get a raise and investments may rebound, but don’t forget about the big picture. Stay ahead of the inflation that is sure to follow and save more. Review your budget each month and continue to compare expenses to what you forecast in the budget. A CPA can help. “Budgeting isn’t something just for businesses or the government,” said Ed Mendlowitz, CPA, a principal with a firm based in New Brunswick. “Individuals and families need to create and adhere to their own budgets so they know where their money is going and how they’re going to afford to live, now and in the future. A simple budget will keep you on track towards your long-term goals.” If you have questions about personal financial planning, a CPA can help. If you don’t have a CPA, you can easily locate one online using the NJSCPA’s free, online Find-ACPA service. Visit findacpa.org, and in a few clicks you can locate a highly qualified professional who can assist you. For more information about various personal financial matters, visit the NJSCPA’s public service website at www. MoneyMattersNJ.com. 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