The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My Public Portal About02-21-19cFEBRUARY 21, 2019 The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Carteret was called to order by Mayor Daniel J. Reiman at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, February 21, 2019, Council Chambers, Memorial Municipal Building, 61 Cooke Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey. Upon individual roll call, the following were noted present: Mayor Council President Councilmember It Daniel J. Reiman Susan Naples Jorge Diaz Dennis DiMascio Ajmar Johal Randy Krum Noted absent was Councilmember Vincent Bellino Also noted present were Kathleen M. Barney, Municipal Clerk and Robert J. Bergen, Esq., Law Director. COUNCIL MEETING ROLL CALL NOTED ABSENT NOTED PRESENT The Municipal Clerk stated that the 2019 Annual Meeting Notice was STATEMENT OF MEETING mailed to The Home News Tribune, The Star Ledger and posted on the NOTICE bulletin board on January 2, 2019. Notice was published in The Home News Tribune and The Star Ledger on January 7, 2019. The meeting was opened with a minute of silent prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Krum. Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Diaz and Johal and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, the Minutes of February 7, 2019 were approved as transcribed and engrossed by the Clerk. SILENT PRAYER/ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. FIRST READING ORDINANCE #19 -3 was Introduced and Adopted on First Reading and the Municipal Clerk Authorized and Directed to advertise same for Public Hearing to be held March 7, 2019. Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Diaz and Krum. Upon Individual Roll Call Vote Councilmembers Diaz, DiMascio, Johal, Krum and Naples voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Bellino was noted absent. ORDINANCE 919 -3 ORDINANCE #19 -3 "BOND ORDINANCE "BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PROVIDING FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET, CONSTRUCTION OF A IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING PERFORMING ARTS CENTER" $3,250,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $3,095,238 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE BOROUGH TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF" ORDINANCE #19 -4 was Introduced and Adopted on First Reading and the Municipal Clerk Authorized and Directed to advertise same for Public Hearing to be held March 7, 2019. Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Diaz and Naples. Upon Individual Roll Call Vote Councilmembers Diaz, DiMascio, Johal, Krum and Naples voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Bellino was noted absent. ORDINANCE #19 -4 ORDINANCE #19 -4 "AMENDING ORDINANCE "AMENDING ORDINANCE #18 -16 AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF #18 -16 AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY" REAL PROPERTY" The Clerk stated that Ordinance #19 -2 was introduced and adopted on First Reading on January 17, 2019. It was duly published in the Star Ledger on February 11, 2019 with notice that it will be considered for final passage after Public Hearing to be held on February 21, 2019 at approximately 6:00 p.m. The Ordinance was posted on the Bulletin Board and copies were made available to the general public and according to law, she read the Ordinance by title. PUBLIC HEARING OPEN Upon MMS &C, by Councilmembers Diaz and Naples and Unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, Mayor Reiman declared the Public Hearing open. 2 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. Mayor Reiman asked if there were any questions or comments regarding Ordinance #19 -2. Mr. Urban asked if that is the Rite Aid property or is it Washington Avenue. Mayor Reiman said this Ordinance has nothing to do with Rite Aid, what it does allow is a school as a permitted use in any zone. So right now schools are permitted in a commercial zone and this will allow for a school to be built in a commercial, residential, in a neighborhood commercial zone. The state has determined that a school is beneficial under zoning laws. This would allow the board at a point in time to go in front of the planning and zoning board. Mr. Urban asked if there is a time limit that they are going to have. Mayor Reiman said he is confusing the acquisition with Ordinance #19 -2. #19 -2 changes all the properties in Carteret to allow for a school to be built in any residential, commercial or general business zone. Mr. Urban asked is there a timeframe that once they acquire the property that it will be built. Not like Cooke Avenue that has taken five (5) years and it is still not done. Mayor Reiman said you would have to ask the school if they acquire the property that is not what this Ordinance is. This Ordinance simply allows, if you take a residential zone and right now a house can only go up 125 or 127 feet. This says you can put a school in a general business zone, commercial zone, shopping district or business retail zone. That's all it does. It doesn't effect the Rite Aid or any other properties, it's all zones aside from industrial. He then asked if there were any other questions or comments. Mr. McHale asked does that mean in a residential that the property can be acquired to build a school. Mayor Reiman said that is not what he said. #19 -2 is an acquisition Ordinance. Under New Jersey law they have already determined that churches, places of worship and schools are inherently beneficial so the town cannot stop them from going into certain zones. To the MAYOR REIMAN RUDY URBAN MAYOR REIMAN RUDY URBAN MAYOR REIMAN RUDY URBAN MAYOR REIMAN JEROME MCHALE MAYOR REIMAN 3 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. COUNCILMEMBER DIAZ PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED ORDINANCE #19 -2 "AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING ARTICLEW XVI, ENTITLED, ZONING, OF CHAPTER 160, LAND USE OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET" ADOPTED extent the board decides to move forward with a school project, this would allow them to put a school project in a residential zone, commercial zone, shopping district or retail zone. That being said they would still have to acquire the property from the property owner if it is privately owned. So this just says that at a point in time for an expansion or addition or new construction, it is permitted in any type of zone. He then asked if there were any other questions. Councilmember Diaz added that this was also reviewed by the planning board last night at the planning board meeting. There being no further comments or objections to the Ordinance, Mayor Reiman declared the Public Hearing to be closed. Upon MMS &C, by Councilmembers Diaz and Naples and unanimous Affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present. ORDINANCE #19 -2 "AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING ARTICLEW XVI, ENTITLED, ZONING, OF CHAPTER 160, LAND USE OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET" was finally adopted. Upon individual roll call vote Councilmembers Diaz, DiMascio, Johal, Krum & Naples voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Bellino was noted absent. APPROVED AND ADOPTED: February 21, 2019 INTRODUCED: January 17, 2019 Advertised as Adopted on First Reading with notice of Public Hearing: February 11, 2019 Hearing Held: February 21, 2019 Approved by: Mayor Daniel J. Reiman Advertised as Finally Adopted: February 27, 2019 PUBLIC PORTIONS ON A copy of each Resolution was placed on the table for public review RESOLUTIONS / prior to the meeting in accordance with the Rules of Council and Upon AGENDA ITEMS AND MMS &C, by Councilmembers Diaz and Krum and unanimous NEW BUSINESS affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, the meeting was opened for public input on all Resolutions / Agenda items and new Business. 4 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. Ms. Baviello stated she had a question. That at the end of her street, CHRISTINE BAVIELLO Fitch Street, there are two (2) homes, one is abandoned and the other 30 FITCH STREET seems to have multiple residents. She was told that apparently they CARTERET, NJ 07008 were both owned by the town but the abandoned house at the end of the street was bought at auction. Mayor Reiman said the town does not own any homes on Fitch Street. MAYOR REIMAN Ms. Baviello spoke about the problems with drug dealers & homeless CHRISTINE BAVIELLO people in the area and said the police are aware of the situation because she has called. She said it is bad and she is worried about a fire. Mayor Reiman said it's not really a question but, so the police are aware that there is an issue. Ms. Baviello said it has been closed for years and she reopened it again It was dead, it was empty. Mayor Reiman said he doesn't know what she is talking about and neither does she. The city didn't reopen anything. When you talk to an inspectorthere are two (2) different things; there is condemnation... Ms. Baviello spoke about the building being condemned now that the Borough inspector isn't living there. She's no longer there fighting for us. We're living there on the edge. MAYOR REIMAN CHRISTINE BAVIELLO MAYOR REIMAN CHRISTINE BAVIELLO MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said her time was up. He said her concern is the police department but let me just say this as you are sitting down. There is condemnation for eminant domain for purposes of government safety. There is condemnation or closing a home because it is falling apart. We don't actually condemn a house and take title to it. We go to court. Christine Baviello asked again if the town owns that property on Fitch CHRISTINE BAVIELLO Street because that has been researched when it all came apart. Mayor Reiman said you can own a piece of property and put it up for MAYOR REIMAN auction or sheriff's sale. If you could tell me specifically now that doesn't mean we don't have a lot or a sliver or easement somewhere on Fitch Street. 5 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. CHRISTINE BAVIELLO Christine Baviello said it is a home, an abandoned home. It has a nice garage and there is police tape around it for two (2) years now, it's abandoned. Your town inspector and I have a screen shot and I quote "yes the town owned it but we sold it in auction and it doesn't look like a crack house ". Mayor Reiman asked what is the address. MAYOR REIMAN CHRISTINE BAVIELLO Christine Baviello continued "you will see they are going to turn it into a mansion ". MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman asked again for the address. CHRISTINE BAVIELLO Christine Baviello continued to speak but was inaudible. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman asked what is the address. CHRISTINE BAVIELLO Christine Baviello said she doesn't know, it's at the end of Fitch Street it is a dead end. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said you are saying we own it now but you are coming back and saying we owned it and sold it two years ago? We do not own a piece of property right now on Fitch Street. CHRISTINE BAVIELLO Christine Baviello with a raised voice said so you sold that piece of - -- home to someone, it's falling apart. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman then told Christine Baviello that she is out of order and asked if anyone else has any questions or comments. CHRISTINE BAVIELLO Christine Baviello spoke but was inaudible. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said you are out of your mind and you are out of order. CHRISTINE BAVIELLO Christine Baviello said yes we know and you're fine. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said yes I am fine. 0 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. Christine Baviello said yes you are. Mayor Reiman said you are right, there is some problem with drugs there and you would certainly know something about that wouldn't you. Josephine Tozzi starts shouting from the seats Mayor mayor mayor mayor, you are out of turn mayor mayor mayor I came here in peace. Mayor Reiman told Josephine Tozzi that she is out of order. Josephine Tozzi continued to say you are out of order, you are out of order, animal abuser killer. I came here out of respect. I'm out of order and you are out of your mind, people should know what you have done, people should know what you have done, I didn't come here to fight with you but to do that to her, you don't know that story. I'm on my block all the time. There is drugs, I almost got attacked. Mayor Reiman said I know we had to cancel the support of your program because you couldn't give us receipts, you couldn't show what you were doing with the money. Mayor Reiman then said he wanted her removed. Josephine Tozzi continued to talk but was inaudible. Josephine Tozzi said you are a liar, he is a liar, how dare you disgrace my father, the president of the Board of Health who has respect for you. Josephine Tozzi said you crook, you are nothing but a lying crook, go to hell. Trouble. I've been in enough trouble, 20 police reports 1 arrest. You think I'm afraid of you? You're out of control. He needs a beaten, you are a little punk. You need a beaten man, let's beat him up little... "expletive ". I'm done. Disruption in the audience between Josephine Tozzi and audience members. Mayor Reiman asked to reset the time. Josephine Tozzi continued to speak but was inaudible CHRISTINE BAVIELLO MAYOR REIMAN JOSEPHINE TOZZI MAYOR REIMAN JOSEPHINE TOZZI MAYOR REIMAN JOSEPHINE TOZZI JOSEPHINE TOZZI JOSEPHINE TOZZI "TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE MAYOR REIMAN JOSEPHINE TOZZI 7 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. CHRISTINE BAVIELLO Christine Baviello said he is a "expletive" joke, it is all going to come out and I'm going to laugh. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said and you are a drug addict, goodbye. FREDDY ALMENGOR Freddy Almengor approached the podium and asked is there a 61 HERMANN AVENUE resolution to find out what is going on with the fire issue. CARTERET, NJ 07008 MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said one item about the fire truck was repairs, another fire truck was leased temporarily to be brought in so that we had the additional support and we also borrowed a 3rd truck as part of mutual aid program. So your ladder truck which had no issues and also has a bumper attached has been up and running and is still in service and the pumper truck had come back in service. FREDDYALMENGOR Freddy Almengor asked if they are buying a new vehicle. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman stated there is no plan forthis yearto buy a new vehicle, what we do is in five year and ten year capital planning so we always take a look at what we need. Lease trucks are only a few years old. FREDDY ALMENGOR Freddy Almengor said it was his understanding that the fire department is under staffed so there were two fireman that came in in 2018 supposedly didn't pass the training. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman asked which training. FREDDY ALMENGOR Freddy Almengor said I guess the firefighter training. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said no, you have the wrong information as usual, they passed firefighter 1 and firefighter 2. They are 2 career firefighter employees all working. They would not have been able to go on staff if they didn't pass. FREDDY ALMENGOR Freddy Almengor asked if that were the two that were hired last year. E FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. Mayor Reiman said yes the two that were hired in 2018. My understanding is they are now in EMT training. But Firefighter 1 & 2 they passed, certainly. Lisa D'Amato approached the podium and said we have a director of communications here in town and with all the advancement here in Carteret one of my biggest concerns is our town website. Currently in regards to researching the fire department, a lot of the information that is listed on our web page is very out dated. It lists a truck, engine 7 from 1973. So this is all, if we no longer have these vehicles. Mayor Reiman asked which vehicle is it. Lisa D'Amato stated particularly engine 7 from 1973. If we no longer have this vehicle shouldn't the information on our website be up to date. Mayor Reiman said generally speaking yes, as you take a page down to update it, it automatically goes to an older page, so every now and then they do routine maintenance and at least once a quarter we physically review and print out those pages because sometimes there are pages that are archived where we need to go back to a link or page that is old. So I don't know if that is an older or archived page or active page on the new website. We went live on the new website last year some time and asked if under equipment there are some things that we don't have. Lisa D'Amato said this was from this afternoon. Mayor Reiman asked that she give it to the Municipal Clerk for review so we can share it with the fire chief. Jamaal Merritt approached the podium and said first I need to know why narcotics officers do not wear a body cam. Mayor Reiman said that is not a discussion we are going to have here, we don't discuss police department policies and procedures and what they do. Jamaal Merritt said the corruption in Carteret is coming from the police department so if you cannot trust in the police, who do we trust in? MAYOR REIMAN LISA D'AMATO MAYOR REIMAN LISA D'AMATO MAYOR REIMAN LISA D'AMATO MAYOR REIMAN JAMAAL MERRITT MAYOR REIMAN JAMAAL MERRITT 9 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman asked Jamaal Merritt who he trusted. JAMAAL MERRITT Jamaal Merritt said not you after what you just did to this lady. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman asked how many police officers he knows. JAMAAL MERRITT Jamaal Merritt asked what he has done for the people, he wants to build, what about the kids. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said what about the 5,000 jobs we created, how about the $100,000,000 in park improvements. JAMAAL MERRITT Jamaal Merritt spoke but was inaudible. Mayor Reiman said that's all they do? Increasing the library, increasing MAYOR REIMAN programs for CTI, supporting all of the sports programs in the town. JAMAAL MERRITT Jamaal Merritt spoke but was inaudible, he said he can do a better job in that chair than the Mayor can. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said except you could never hold this office. JAMAAL MERRITT Jamaal Merritt said I bet you I could. I bet you if I ran I would have won. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said then you should have ran. JAMAAL MERRITT Jamaal Merritt spoke but was inaudible, he said from your brother and what I just seen, you are no different. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said I can't have any discussion regarding your existing criminal or pending civil cases, I can't talk about that so we are not going to do it. 10 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. Jamaal Merritt spoke but was inaudible. Mayor Reiman said you have a problem with every police officer down there, you have had interactions with every officer down there. Jamaal Merritt said if a cop has to wear a bodycam, every cop wears bodycam, not Narcotics, they don't wear bodycams. Mayor Reiman said the police department follows Attorney General guidelines. They follow the law. JAMAAL MERRITT MAYOR REIMAN JAMAAL MERRITT MAYOR REIMAN Jamaal Merritt said you don't care, you don't care, you don't care, that JAMAAL MERRITT is why we will never have nothing in this city. I promise you, hey listen, by Monday, if Narcotics do not, do not have bodycams, I will, myself as I'm doing now with Mr. Gambino, I will go to the Prosecutors Office and I will (inaudible). Mayor Reiman said I welcome you to do that, Attorney General MAYOR REIMAN guidelines sets the policies and procedures and they have to follow those guidelines. Jamaal Merritt said hey McFadden. JAMAAL MERRITT Mayor Reiman said you don't get to address McFadden, you only get MAYOR REIMAN to address this seat. That's not the way it works. You are at a city council meeting, you address this seat, that's it, have a seat. Jamaal Merritt spoke but was inaudible. JAMAAL MERRITT Mayor Reiman said your time is up, anybody else in this circus. MAYOR REIMAN Jamaal Merritt said yeah, you will pay the circus for your brother's JAMAAL MERRITT mistakes, that's a wrap. Mayor Reiman said have a good day. MAYOR REIMAN Jamaal Merritt said he should have beat you, he should have beat you. JAMAAL MERRITT Mayor Reiman said it was almost 5 to 1. MAYOR REIMAN 11 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. FREDERICK GATTUSO Frederick Gattuso approached the podium and said thank you, how are you doing Dan. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said good, how are you. JAMAAL MERRITT Jamaal Merritt said you are a bum, you are a bum, you used to steal from ShopRite. You bum, you bum. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman asked what is your name, what is your name. JAMAAL MERRITT Jamaal Merritt replied Jamaal Merritt, the man that's sueing the borough. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said I wanted that on record. Get out of here you are a criminal thief. Jamaal Merritt said you live across the street from the middle school, JAMAAL MERRITT you are a - - - - - -- predator. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said a what. JAMAAL MERRITT Jamaal Merritt said a predator. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman asked what his name is. JAMAAL MERRITT Jamaal Merritt said you know what I said. FREDERICK GATTUSO Frederick Gattuso said I can I have my clock reset since I didn't get to answer my question. MUNICIPAL CLERK The Municipal Clerk said it is reset. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said Ms. Barney the clock doesn't get reset unless I say it. Understood? Ok go ahead. FREDERICK GATTUSO Frederick Gattuso said my question is to all of you, how come a $5,000,000 check was issued to the Carteret Business Partnership and for what, last year according to your own records? MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said it is a Pass Through Grant for the purposes and construction of the performing arts center the CPAC, if you did your 12 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. research and homework you would understand that the Business Partnership is a non - profit economic development agency created by the city for purposes of fostering an economic and residential development. The business partnership is the managing development entity for the Carteret Performing Arts Center. So any money we receive comes in through the city or through other agencies and goes to the business partnership to facilitate reconstruction of the performing arts center. So you had a $6,000,000 dollar grant that came in from the county, and you had a $1,000,000 dollar grant that came in from the state. Frederick Gattuso said because your business communications, Mr. Cakes. Mayor Reiman said Mr. who? Frederick Gattuso said Salonis, is that his name? yeah, he said that no money comes from the borough to the Carteret Business Partnership. Mayor Reiman said the Business Partnership raises it's own money, however grants are passed through because they are the managing entity. No different from when we facilitate as an example in West Carteret, a county road project. We did the project at the end of Roosevelt and Post Boulevard, Minue, that was a county project. Carteret, the Borough of Carteret managed that project. 65% of that money came from Middlesex County, 35% came from the town and there was a deduction of $300,000 that came from the state. It was a county project supported by the state that the borough managed and oversaw construction of. We were the managing entity. In this instance the Business Partnership is the managing entity on the performing arts center. Frederick Gattuso asked when are you going to sit down with the fire department and negotiate a contract since it has been going on for years and they don't have one. Mayor Reiman said we have several years of contracts worth discussion, yeah, but we have had several meetings and I believe we are at loggerheads, but I'm not about to negotiate with you or in public. FREDERICK GATTUSO MAYOR REIMAN FREDERICK GATTUSO MAYOR REIMAN FREDERICK GATTUSO MAYOR REIMAN 13 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. FREDERICK GATTUSO MAYOR REIMAN FREDERICK GATTUSO Frederick Gattuso said I didn't ask you to negotiate with me I asked you when you are going to sit down with them and negotiate. Mayor Reiman said there has been plenty of opportunity. Frederick Gattuso said plenty of opportunity, it's been years. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said it certainly is, yeah. They have gone through 3 or 4 presidents over the last couple years and we have gone through 3 or 4 drafts of what we thought were agreements. I don't know if we are further apart today or closer today than we were last year. FREDERICK GATTUSO Frederick Gattuso said so according to what you said earlier, they are not under manpowered. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said they are not. FREDERICK GATTUSO Frederick Gattuso said even though statements from volunteer and fire department that were put out say it is the total opposite of what you are saying? MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said it was "expletive ". FREDERICK GATTUSO Frederick Gattuso said it was "expletive ". Ok. Kind of like you calling me a nut last meeting right? MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said we always want to recruit new volunteers and we are proud to support the ones that we have, but for a town our size we have adequate manpower. FREDERICK GATTUSO Frederick Gattuso said so you are standing by your statement on that? MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said I just reiterated it. FREDERICK GATTUSO Frederick Gattuso said alright, 15 seconds, did you call me a nut last month at the meeting .....inaudible. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said oh most definitely, you're crazy. FREDERICK GATTUSO Frederick Gattuso said and you are an alleged sexual predator. 14 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. Mayor Reiman said alleged, but I'm not saying you are allegedly a nut, you are a nut, you know that. Frederick Gattuso said so you are a psychiatrist? Mayor Reiman said you have been arrested or convicted or charged almost 14 times, just want to make sure. Frederick Gattuso said and I have no criminal record that's why I am able to work with kids. Mayor Reiman said really. Frederick Gattuso says yeah, that's right sir. Mayor Reiman said ok. Frederick Gattuso said I was never an alleged sexual predator towards ...Inaudible. Mayor Reiman said ok, you're done, alleged we will just add that back to our lawsuit. Frederick Gattuso said yeah you will lose that one too buddy. Mayor Reiman said all it was, was an amended one. Anyone else? Rudy, come on up buddy, Rudy when you are the sanest guy in the first 2 rows that says a lot. Rudy Urban said that's scary. I only have 2 questions. On Noe Street I hear that is going to be a skating rink, I drove by, the rocks down to the water, when is that project going to be done completely regarding landscaping and become available to the public. I heard other things about the fire department, don't they have a scheduled pm they have to go through? Mayor Reiman said you have a warranty issue on a particular item that took a truck out of service. The truck is only a few years old. With a warranty it happens, it was taken out of service, the department immediately released a backup truck. We borrowed a truck from another town as part of the mutual aid program that we have. MAYOR REIMAN FREDERICK GATTUSO MAYOR REIMAN FREDERICK GATTUSO MAYOR REIMAN FREDERICK GATTUSO MAYOR REIMAN FREDERICK GATTUSO MAYOR REIMAN FREDERICK GATTUSO MAYOR REIMAN RUDY URBAN MAYOR REIMAN 15 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. RUDY URBAN Rudy Urban said that shows good leadership. You're protecting the people but what caused that equipment to fail. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said absolutely, that is a good question and it certainly something that needs to be looked into, some suggested that it was because it was stuck in the mud in the park and it wasn't reported. That is being investigated as well but to your original question on Noe Street. That is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. So you are going to see during the spring and summer some of the improvements with the gazebo, putting the piles in, you will see the walkway, benches, trees. With regard to the pond. The flood attenuation project is over, the pump station is up and running as we have seen in the last couple storms. You have a curb line inside the pond, inside the pond they are going to be putting some railings, something so that when it freezes in the bottom, it will cover the stone and you have to have the stone there so you don't have mud and muck going into the new storm water system. Then they can control the level of the water. The answer is some time summer or fall we will have the recreational improvements but as far as the ice skating it will probably be at the end of this year for the 2019 -2020 season. JEROME MCHALE Jerome McHale thanked the Mayor for the speed signs in town, especially the one in West Carteret. I live there and people used to come around that turn like it was the Indi 500. 1 think people are actually paying attention to the signs. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said yeah I think people don't realize how fast they are going until you see it. JEROME MCHALE Jerome McHale said yes, exactly. The other question is who do I speak to about the ramp coming off the Turnpike which is going up to the bridge, there is a yield sign there. Who do I see about getting that changed to a stop sign. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said he has inquired with the county and the state multiple times. The state won't allow it. They want the yield so it is not backing up the traffic onto the Turnpike off ramp. We have even put a blinking light on it several times which they have taken down. We do periodically, several times a day have a police officer stationed out there to keep an eye on the yield. We've all seen it and it's not just 16 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. the small cars that do it, we see tractor trailers coming off and they blow that yield. The chief is aware of it, the department is aware of it, the Patrol Division has been out there. I know they issue tickets several times a week on that but obviously they are not there 24/7. Jerome McHale said he understands that, now. JEROME MCHALE Mayor Reiman then said whether or not we can do additional striping MAYOR REIMAN or ask that the Turnpike do additional striping. That is definitely something that we can look in to. We will make a note of that and tomorrow I will have Engineering be out at the Turnpike. They may even be able to install a rumble strip or a yield sign prior to, alerting people to slow. Jerome McHale said I understand they do all types of surveys. Several JEROME MCHALE times I have been pushed into the other lane. Thank God there wasn't another car over there. And that's not so much for the trucks, even for the cars on there. At least if there was a stop sign hopefully they would come to a stop and then proceed, I don't see that being an issue because I come through there all the time and I have never seen it backed up. Mayor Reiman said that he agrees, when someone actually stops to MAYOR REIMAN yield it is only 1 or 2 cars, it has never affected the Turnpike property. Jerome McHale said the most he has ever seen is maybe 5 or 6 vehicles JEROME MCHALE there. Mayor Reiman said he does not have a problem supporting the stop MAYOR REIMAN sign. In the past we have also asked them to make modifications to the intersection at driftway but again it is state jurisdiction but we will look into that. JEROME MCHALE Jerome McHale asked if there is anyone he can write a letter to. Mayor Reiman said the DOT or Governor's office. That is who we reach MAYOR REIMAN out to, the more the merrier because we always love the assistance. Jerome McHale thanked the Mayor JEROME MCHALE 17 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. MAYOR REIMAN There being no further comments or objections to the Resolution / Agenda items or New Business, Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Diaz and Naples and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) JEROME MCHALE Councilmembers present, the public portion of the meeting was closed. PUBLIC PORTIONS CLOSED RESOLUTIONS: Mayor Reiman read the Resolutions into the record: 1. Directing the Issuance of Various Raffle Licenses. 2. Authorizing Acceptance of an Additional Amount from the RESOLUTONS Middlesex County Urban County's Community Block Grant (CDBG) Program. 3. Authorizing a Window Contract for 2019 Carteret Parks & Field Lawn Maintenance & Repairs. 4. Amendment to the 2019 Temporary Budget. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Reiman asked for a motion on the Consent Agenda Resolutions #19 -41 through #19 -44 were introduced by Mayor Reiman and referred to the Council for action: Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Diaz and Naples RESOLUTION #19 -41 "DIRECTING THE RESOLUTION #19 -41 ISSUANCE OF VARIPOUS "DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE OF VARIOUS RAFFLE LICENSES" RAFFLE LICENSES" RESOLUTION #19 -42 RESOLUTION #19 -42 "AUTHORIZING "AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT ACCEPTANCE OF AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT FROM THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY URBAN COUNTY'S (CDBG) PROGRAM" COMMUNITY BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM" RESOLUTION #19 -43 "AUTHORIZING A RESOLUTION #19 -43 WINDOW CONTRACT FOR "AUTHORIZING A WINDOW CONTRACT FOR 2019 CARTERET PARK & LAWN PARKS & FIELDS LAWN MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS" MAINTENANCE" RESOLUTION #19 -44 RESOLUTION #19 -44 "AMENDMENT TO THE "AMENDMENT TO THE 2019 TEMPORARY BUDGET" 2019 TEMPORARY BUDGET" 18 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. were Adopted. Upon Individual Roll Call Vote Councilmembers Diaz, ADOPTED DiMascio, Johal, Krum and Naples voted in the Affirmative. Councilmember Bellino was noted absent COMMITTEES: BUILDING & GROUNDS — Committee Chairman Johal reported progress. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION — Committee Chairman Diaz reported progress. FIRE & DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS — Committee Chairman Krum reported that it sounds like the Fire Department is a hot topic today. I said in my last week's report. In 2013 we spent over 3.5 million dollars on updated equipment apparatus. We also spent over $500,000 to maintain this apparatus. So we are caring about the Fire Department. Also up to date, Engine 2 returned from the service center yesterday. Equipment and hoses have been reinstalled. In house testing was done today. Ladder 1 is in service and will be going out for annual service and punch list repairs as soon as ordered parts are received by the repair center. Engine 6 is in service. Squad 1 is in first reserve position. EMS 2 & 3 are in service. Marine 1 is scheduled for annual service the beginning of March. Foam 1 is in service. So everything is up to date. Progress in the Fire Department. PARKS, RECREATION & PUBLIC PROPERTY — In Committee Chairman Bellino's absence Mayor Reiman reported progress POLICE — Committee Chairwoman Naples reported our 2 full -time officers are in the Cape May academy for 8 weeks and just passed their police training physicals. Our 2 SLEO's are in the Ocean County academy did the same and we have 3 Ford Explorers on order as we continue to build and move our department forward under the leadership of Chief McFadden. REPORTS 19 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. PUBLIC WORKS — Committee Chairman DiMascio reported last week we had a snow storm, the guys did a very good job. I was out with them all day. Yesterday I was down at DPW, worked with them all day, they did another great job. It looked a lot better than Woodbridge. BOARD OF EDUCATION — Committee Chairwoman Naples reported Acelero learning center is having the ribbon cutting on March 1St at 10:30 a.m. at Acelero. CHS choir just won 2 awards in the Jay and Linda Gruin Arts Center in Toms River, vocal percussionist and best choreographed act and they continue to thrive under Mr. Kason Jackson. Parent conferences from 2/26 to 2/28 in elementary through high school. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said In case no one knows what Acelero is it is a private education service. They receive funding through HUD and through the federal government for purposes of kindergarten and early childhood education, specifically Head Start. In Carteret they lease the old Holy Family School from the Borough which we acquired a few years ago for purposes of educational use. They also provide educational services to public school children who are selected by the Board of Education, the staff, schedule and appoint to the particular school. So we were able to expand early childhood education to pre -k 3 and pre -k 4. Last year working with the board and with the state as part of additional $350,000 roughly in state funding for early childhood education. That official ribbon cutting will be Friday. He said he was really looking forward to it, it should be a great event. COUNCILMEMBER Councilman DiMascio asked what the hours for the firemen are. DIMASCIO Mayor Reiman said most of them are scheduled on 24 hour on and 72 MAYOR REIMAN hours off period. So you are working 1 & 4 days. When you back out sick, vacation and holidays I think I use the term 30. Jay, how many days do you work a year? JASON KURDYLA Jason Kurdyla said 91. MAYOR REIMAN Mayor Reiman said 91 scheduled. COUNCILMEMBER Councilman DiMascio said that is before sick, vacation & holidays. So DIMASCIO it is about 30 days? 20 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. Mayor Reiman said give or take. Councilman DiMascio asked if they can change their hours to 10 hour days, something like that. Mayor Reiman said this is the problem when they want to negotiate in the public. The union decided they wanted to negotiate in the public by trying to scare the residents and that is not how you negotiate a contract. We are not going to negotiate in the public. I can tell you what is interesting though, they did recently file for a desk audit but they complain about the chief we have but the union has filed an audit asking the state to order us to make 4 more chiefs. They want 4 battalion chiefs on top of the chief we have. Shows you the priorities they have there but their funding, there are a lot of civil cases down there. Jason Kurdyla spoke from the audience. Mayor Reiman said you are out of order Jay, you had the opportunity to sign in. Councilman DiMascio asked how they would go about changing it. Mayor Reiman said we are in the midst of negotiations. We have shared the city proposal with them and they have their proposal. I don't know if we are going to be able to negotiate a contract. If not, there is a process. It goes to mediation, it goes to arbitration. Our guys and girls do a great job so I don't want to say that they don't. The problem is, there are a couple trouble makers down there who are going through issues and those are the guys that are rallying to negotiate a contract and scare my residents and that is not the case. MAYOR REIMAN COUNCILMEMBER DIMASCIO MAYOR REIMAN "TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE MAYOR REIMAN COUNCILMEMBER DIMASCIO MAYOR REIMAN Upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Diaz and Johal all bills appearing PAYMENT OF BILLS on the prepared list, properly audited and signed, were ordered to be paid. Upon Individual Roll Call Vote, Councilmembers Bellino, Diaz, DiMascio, Johal, Krum and Naples voted in the Affirmative. Councilmember Bellino was noted absent 21 FEBRUARY 21, 2019 CONT. ADJOURNED After no further discussion, upon MMS &C by Councilmembers Diaz and Naples and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, the meeting was Adjourned at approximately 6:36 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 2��' '2 �- KATHLEEN M. BARNEY, MMC Municipal Clerk KMB /jo 22