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HomeMy Public PortalAbout01-06-20 ReorganizationJANUARY 6, 2020 The Re- Organization of the Governing Body of the Borough of RE- ORGANIZATION Carteret was called to order by Mayor Daniel J. Reiman on Monday, MEETING January 6, 2020, at the Thomas J. Deverin Community Center, 100 Cooke Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey at 6:00 p.m.. Upon individual roll call the following were noted present: ROLL CALL Mayor Daniel J. Reiman * *CLERK'S NOTE: Councilmember Elect, Vincent Bellino the 2019 Council was Councilmember Elect, Jorge Diaz Adjourned Sine Die at the December 30, 2019 Councilmember Dennis DiMascio Council Meeting " Ajmar Johal " Randy Krum " Susan Naples Also noted present were Acting Municipal Clerk Carmela Pogorzelski and Borough Attorney Robert J. Bergen, Esq. Notice of tonight's meeting was sent to the Home New Tribune, The STATEMENT OF Star Ledger and posted on the bulletin board on December 31, 2019. MEETING NOTICE Notice was published in the Home New Tribune on January 3, 2020 and The Star Ledger on January 4, 2020, The Borough Clerk read the following statement: State of New Jersey, County of Middlesex, a statement of the Determination of the Board of CERTIFICATION OF County Canvassers relative to an election held in the County of ELECTION RESULTS Middlesex on the fifth day of November in the year of Our Lord, two thousand and nineteen for the election of Borough Council. The said Board did determine that at the said election Vincent Bellino was duly elected Member of the Borough Council for the Borough of Carteret, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey. I do hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true, full and correct statement of the determination of the Board of County Canvassers as filed in the office of the County Clerk of Middlesex. Mayor Reiman administered the Oath of Office to Councilmember OATH OF OFFICE Vincent Bellino. At this time, Councilmember Bellino respectfully, COUNCILMEMBER took his seat on the dais. VINCENT BELLINO JANUARY 6, 2020 (Continued) CERTIFICATION OF The Borough Clerk read the following statement: State of New Jersey, ELECTION RESULTS County of Middlesex, a statement of the Determination of the Board of County Canvassers relative to an election held in the County of Middlesex on the fifth day of November in the year of Our Lord, two thousand and nineteen for the election of Borough Council. The said Board did determine that at the said election Jorge Diaz was duly elected Member of the Borough Council for the Borough of Carteret, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey. I do hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true, full and correct statement of the determination of the Board of County Canvassers as filed in the office of the County Clerk of Middlesex. OATH OF OFFICE Mayor Reiman administered the Oath of Office to Councibnember COUNCILNIEMBER JORGE DIAZ Jorge Diaz. At this time, Councilmember Diaz respectfully, took his seat on the dais. INVOCATION Pastor Daniel C. Andrewz from the Renaissance Revival Center Church gave the Invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by VFW, Past NCIC — Commander George Lisicki. VARSITY VOCALS The Star Spangled Banner was performed by the Carteret High School Varsity Vocals. NOMNA'I'ION OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT Mayor Reiman asked for a motion to nominate Randy Krum as Council President. Councilwoman Naples said she nominates her running mate, Randy Krum and wished him a happy birthday. Upon MMS &C, by Councilmembers Naples and Diaz and rmanimous, affirmative vote of the full membership present, Councilmember Randy Krum was nominated Council President. OATH OF OFFICE Mayor Reiman administered the Oath of Office to Councilmember Randy Krum as 2020 Council President. At this time, Council President Krum respectfully, returned to his seat on the dais. 2 JANUARY 6, 2020 (continued) Upon MMS &C, by Councilmembers Diaz and Bellino the 2020 Rules of Council were adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bellino, Diaz, DiMascio, Johal, Krum and Naples voted in the affirmative. 2020 RULES OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL BOROUGH OF CARTERET ARTICLE I The deliberations of the Council shall be governed by "Robert's Rules of Order ". ARTICLE II MAYOR SECTION 1. The Mayor shall preside over the deliberations of the Council and shall conduct the meetings thereof. He shall see that the laws of the State and the ordinances of the Borough are faithfully executed and followed. He shall recommend to the Council such ordinances, resolutions or actions that he shall deem necessary or expedient and in the best interest and the welfare of the Borough. He shall maintain peace and good order and have power to suppress all tumultuous assemblies in the Borough. The Mayor shall oversee the daily departmental and agency responsibility of the Borough. He shall approve or veto all expenditures made by the Council and /or departments. In his absence this duty shall be assumed by the Council President. (See R.S. 40:87 et seq. and 40:88 -1). hi addition to the Council President, there shall also be a Council Vice President, who shall assume the duties in the absence of the Council President. SECTION 2. He shall, on all occasions preserve the strictest order decorum, and he /she shall cause the removal of all persons who interrupt the orderly proceedings of the Council. ADOPTION OF THE 2020 RULES OF COUNCIL 91 JANUARY 6, 2020 (continued) SECTION 3. He shall decide all questions of order. SECTION 4. In the absence of the Mayor, or if he is unable to perform his duties, the Council President (or, in his inability to act, the Councilmember having the longest term as such in consecutive years) shall act as Mayor, as provided by Statute. (See R.S.40A:60 -3). ARTICLE III BOROUGH CLERK SECTION 1. The Clerk shall perform the duties enjoined upon him/her by revised Statutes of New Jersey and these By -Laws. (See R.S. 40A:9 -133 et seq.). SECTION 2. Ile /she shall keep the minutes and ordinance books properly and fully indexed and shall perform all the duties usually devolving upon such officer; and in addition, such other duties or services as the Mayor or Council may direct. SECTION 3. IIe /she and /or the Deputy or Assistant Clerk shall be the liaison officer between the Civil Service Commission and the Borough of Carteret. ARTICLE IV MEETINGS SECTION 1. The Council shall hold an annual meeting on the first Sunday of January at Eleven- Thirty O'CLOCK or, during the first seven days of January in any year (See R.S. 40A:60 -3 and 40A:60 -5) in the Council Chambers at the Memorial Municipal Building or such place as designated by the Mayor. 4 JANUARY 6, 2020 (continued) SECTION 2. That at the aforesaid meeting the Council shall fix the time and place for holding regular meetings during the ensuing year, which time and place shall be as set forth in the amoral notice published by the Borough Clerk pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act and which shall include at least one Regular Meeting to be held each month at 6:00 P.M., at the Memorial Municipal Building, 61 Cooke Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey. The public shall receive due notice of the meetings pursuant to the "Open Public Meetings Act ". SECTION 3. At the annual meeting, the Mayor will appoint with advice and consent of Council one of its members as Council President to serve for the calendar year. (See R.S. 40A:60 -3). SECTION 4. The Mayor shall, when necessary, call special meetings of the Council, in case of his neglect or refusal, and four members of the Council may call such meetings at such time and place in such Borough as they may designate, and in all cases of special meetings reasonable advance notice considered to be of forty -eight hours except in case of emergency shall be given in person to all members of the Council, or left at their place of residence. (See R.S. 10:4 -6). SECTION 5. As provided for in the annual notice, preceding every regular Council Meeting the Council shall hold an Agenda Meeting at the Memorial Municipal Building at 6:00 P.M.. This shall be known as the official Agenda Meeting. At this meeting the agenda of that week's regular Council Meeting shall be planned. Resolutions, ordinances or other items of business being proposed by a Standing Committee or member of the Council shall be considered by the whole Council. If the majority of the Council agrees to put the proposal on the agenda for the business meeting, it shall then be turned over to the Borough Attorney to be put in its proper legal form. The Council shall be polled in alphabetic order to determine if any new business will be proposed and the nature of its subject matter. Any business not placed on the agenda shall be out of order and prohibited. Where, however, the majority of the Council present at a regular, special or adjourned meeting of the Council approve the matter not previously listed on the agenda, such matter may then be considered. The public shall receive due notice of the agenda meetings pursuant to the "Open Public Meetings Act ". A portion of every meeting conducted pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act shall be set aside for public 5 JANUARY 6, 2020 (continued) comment. The public will be permitted to speak on any issue of concern as it relates to any federal, state, county, school, municipal or local authority matter. No one may be allowed more than three (3) minutes when addressing the Council, and the public continent period on any matter before the Governing Body shall not extend beyond thirty (30) minutes. The Borough Clerk is hereby authorized to schedule the public comment period within the order of business for any agenda and /or special meeting as she /he shall determine in consultation with the Mayor and Council. SECTION 6. A quorum shall be provided by the Revised Statutes of New Jersey, viz.; three Councilmembers and the Mayor, and in the absence of the Mayor, four Councilmembers (See R.S. 40:88 -1). SECTION 7. If no quorum be present at any meeting, those assembled shall have the power and are hereby authorized to set a new meeting date, and then adjourn. SECTION 8. The following order of business shall be observed viz.: 1. Call the roll 2. Moment of silent prayer 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Approval of minutes 5. Introduction of Ordinances 6. Public Portion on Resolutions and other Agenda items 7. Introduction of Resolutions 8. Payment of Bills 9. Presentation of communications, petition, etc. 10. Reports of committees and department heads (limited to 5 minutes per meeting) 11. Greeting of public and invitation of discussion and 12. Adjournment SECTION 8.1. Any member of the public wishing to address the Governing Body during the public discussion portion of a meeting must request to do so by registering ( "signing in ") with the Borough JANUARY 6, 2020 (continued) Clerk in the official Borough log book. Registration is to include name, address, phone number, topic or purpose of discussion, and shall be done prior to the start of the Public Portion. SECTION 9. The public shall be afforded the opportunity to speak on the contents of the proposed resolutions or any other business or concerns. The public shall not be allowed to address the Council while they are taking action on the resolutions. No one may be allowed more than three (3) minutes when addressing the Council, and the public comment period shall not extend beyond thirty (30) minutes. SECTION 9.1. The Council may take action on the proposed resolutions either as individual resolutions, or grouped together as a block of resolutions pursuant to a consent agenda. Any vote cast by a respective Councilmember on the proposed resolutions comprising the consent agenda will be recorded as that Councihnember's vote upon each resolution so listed on the consent agenda unless noted otherwise. SECTION 10. Reports of conuniittees shall be presented by alphabetic order of the members of Council. SECTION 11. During the public discussion portion of a Council Meeting, each person recognized by the Chair shall be permitted to discuss matters of public concern at said meeting limiting their speaking to three (3) minutes per person, and the public comment period shall not extend beyond thirty (30) minutes. SECTION 12. The aforesaid order of business at any meeting may be changed by the Mayor or a majority vote of the members of the Council present at such meeting. SECTION 13. Except as otherwise required by the Statutes, or specially provided in the By -Laws, all action of the Council shall be by a majority vote of those present. SECTION 14. Upon demand of one member of the Council, or when ordered by the Mayor or when directed by Statute, a roll call vote shall be taken and the yeas and nays entered in the minutes of the 7 JANUARY 6, 2020 (continued) meeting. [Type a quote from the document or the sununary of an interesting point. You can position the text box anywhere in the document. Use the Drawing Tools tab to change the formatting of the pull quote text box.] SECTION 15. For all Council Meetings, members of the Governing Body, Officers and Officials of the Borough shall be dressed in a professional and businesslike manner. At the Council's Agenda Meetings, male Councilmembers shall wear either a necktie or a jacket. At the Council's Regular Meetings, male Councilmembers shall wear a necktie and a jacket. Female Councilmembers shall dress in a similarly appropriate manner. No jeans or slacks made of denim material shall be worn to any Council Meeting. This Dress Code shall be applicable to all Borough Boards and Commissions. ARTICLE V STANDING COMMITTEES SECTION 1. The Mayor shall name all committees with such appointment subject to the concurrence of a majority of the Council. The Mayor shall see that all matters referred to the committees are acted upon and reported promptly. Should a majority of the Council not concur in the appointment by the Mayor or any Councilmembers to any committee, a majority of the members of said Council are hereby empowered to make such appointment. SECTION 2. The following Standing Committees of the Council consisting of three Councilmembers, with the first named Councilmember to act as Chairperson shall be proposed at the annual Meeting, viz.: 1. Buildings and Grounds 2. Finance and Administration 3. Fire & Domestic Preparedness 4. Parks and Recreation/Public Property 5. Police & Public Safety 6. Public Works 7. Board of Education Liaison K JANUARY 6, 2020 (continued) Committee members shall meet and /or consult during the first and fourth weeks of each month as the need arises in order to conduct then respective connnittee business. They also shall coordinate their conmion efforts, so as to adhere to requirements of all local Ordinances and Resolutions, as well as purchasing practices and procedures for the benefit of the Borough. A Councilmember at the discretion of the Mayor with consent of the Council may head one or more committees. SECTION 3. In addition to other responsibilities, the Standing Committees shall perform the following functions: 1. DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: This connnittee shall be responsible for the proper maintenance and janitorial service of all Borough owned buildings. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION: The primary function of this committee is to assist the Mayor and Council in the preparation of the annual budget to be prepared on or before February 15, of each year as well as providing assistance for the proper coordination of purchasing Rinctions and needs of the departments and agencies which the Standing Committee of the Borough represents. This committee shall be responsible for the personnel and equipment of the offices of the Borough Clerk, Assessor, Collection- Treasurer, Building Inspector, Engineer, Auditor, Attorney, and Senior Citizen Transportation. 3. FIRE & DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS: This Committee shall be responsible for the personnel and equipment of the Fire Department, including all fire houses. 4. PARKS AND RECRF,ATION /PUBLIC PROPERTY: This Conmittee shall be responsible for the personnel and equipment of the parks, playgrounds, senior citizens' transportation and all recreation activities. JANUARY 6, 2020 (Continued) This Committee shall also be responsible for the implementation and administration of the Shade Tree Program. 5. POLICE & PUBLIC SAFETY: This Connuittee shall be responsible for the personnel and equipment of the Police Department and facility. 6. PUBLIC WORKS: This Committee shall be responsible for the personnel and equipment of the Streets and Roads Department, Central Vehicle Maintenance, Recycling Department, Sewerage Department, including street cleaning and the borough dump. 7. BOARD OF EDUCATION LIAISON: This Committee shall be responsible for communicating and sharing pertinent information with the Board of Education. SECTION 4. Standing Committees are appointed to expedite and facilitate the work of the Council, but only within statutory, Borough Ordinance and Rules of Council limits as the entire Council is held responsible for any or all of its acts. SECTION 5. A Standing Committee shall: 1. Plan, study and control within budgetary and statutory limitations; carry on the routine activities for which it has primary responsibility. 2. Perform such acts as may be assigned to it by the Council. Report and make recommendation to the Council regarding its responsibilities and activities. SECTION 6. Special committees shall be appointed for purposes other than those included in the duties of the Standing Committees by a majority vote of the Council. 10 JANUARY 6, 2020 (continued) SECTION 7. The Chairperson of each Standing or Special Conunittee shall be prepared to report to the Council at each regular meeting on the principal activities and achievements of his /her Committee. SECTION 8. All department heads in charge of Direct Supervision of Borough Employees, shall prepare and submit a monthly report on his /her department activities and achievements and a report on the conduct of his /her employees including sick leave, overtime and attendance. The report is to be submitted to the Mayor, Department Chairperson and the Municipal Clerk for proper filing. ARTICLE VI BILLS, CLAIMS & VOUCHERS SECTION 1. All bills, vouchers, or claims against the Borough shall be in writing and certified by the vendor, fully itemized and on such forms as the Borough shall promulgate for that purpose though the Finance Department. As required by Statute, said forms shall be sworn to by the claimant before submission for approval and payment, verifying that the work or materials have been supplied, or services rendered, to the Borough, in accordance with specifications, plans or order. Borough Ordinance 405 -67, et seq., sets forth the specific procedures in connection with bills, claims and vouchers, and the requirements thereto. SECTION 2. Pursuant to the Borough's Purchasing Agent Ordinance, Resolution #89 -300 and other formerly adopted resolutions of Council and State Statute, no vendor's request for payment, supplies or services rendered shall be honored unless properly completed. No Borough Officer, Official, Agency Head or any other Borough employee, may purchase any article, item, material, service or equipment for use by the Borough, except in accordance with the provisions contained in Borough Ordinance #05 -67. SECTION 3. The route of purchasing requisitions, purchase orders, vouchers, bills or claims to be paid by the Borough shall be in 11 JANUARY 6, 2020 (continued) accordance with the Purchasing Agent Ordinance 405 -67, et seq., which shall govern all purchasing within the Borough, and shall be the sole guide, subject to requirements of State Statute. The Finance Department, having confirmed compliance with the provisions of the Purchasing Ordinance, shall refer all verified bills, claims and vouchers recormnended for payment to the Council. The Finance Department shall prepare a list of the total amount of the individual vouchers approved by each committee, and subsequently recommend for payment by the Financing Committee, according to budgetary appropriations. The Finance Department shall keep an accurate running total as to any appropriation for payment of any particular account or accounts, or for any particular services or supplies, so as to be available to provide this information readily. The Finance Department shall also maintain costs and /or a voucher trail as to all vouchers which have been paid and shall be paid. Authorization to draw checks and pay the amount of the approved vouchers by the Councilmembers shall be made by formal resolution of the Council, in compliance with applicable State Statute. The Chief Finance Officer may delegate the above duties /functions but in all cases shall be responsible for compliance. SECTION 4. Corresponding vouchers, invoices, or bills shall accompany all checks drawn in payment thereof, when the said checks are presented to the Chief Financial Officer, Mayor and Borough Clerk for original and /or mechanical signatures. SECTION 5. All bills, vouchers, invoices and paychecks shall be filed in a safe place in the Finance Department Office. ARTICLE VII AMENDMENTS SECTION 1. The Mayor may propose amendments to these By- Laws at any Regular Meeting. If the proposed amendments are listed on the formal agenda, a vote on said amendments may take place during that meeting. If not so listed, the proposed amendments may be listed for discussion at the next regularly scheduled Council Meeting; the proposed amendments may then be voted upon at the next subsequently scheduled Regular Council Meeting. Any proposed amendments to these By -Laws must be approved by a 2/3 vote of the full membership of the Governing Body. 12 JANUARY 6, 2020 (continued) ARTICLE VIII ADOPTION AND TERM SECTION 1. The By -Laws shall be adopted by a resolution of Council concurred in by a majority of the Members of Council and approved by the Mayor. The By -Laws shall become effective immediately after adoption and shall remain in effect for no longer than December 31st of the calendar year in which the By -Laws were adopted. ARTICLE IX SECTION 1. Any Borough Employee violating any of these rules shall be subjected to disciplinary proceedings and may be suspended or removed. ARTICLE X All Department Heads and Supervisors shall The Borough Engineer, Borough Attorney, Borough Collector- Treasurer, Borough Auditor, Business Administrator and Police Director shall submit the following written reports to the Mayor and to the members of Council: 1. A monthly report sunnnarizing the progress of all matters being handled or worked upon by each. This is a monthly "Progress Report" to be submitted prior to the first meeting of the next month. 2. Project or Case Report - Reports that will give in detail all facts about the projects or cases completed by either or both the Borough Attorney, Borough Engineer, Borough Auditor, Business Administrator and Police Director, to be presented before the meeting next following the completion of the case or project. 3. Special Reports - To deal with any special information the Borough Council may need to be informed on any new case or project of either the Attorney, Engineer, Collector - Treasurer, or Auditor. To be presented as soon as needed and requested by majority vote of Borough Council. 4. Year End Reports - These will summarize work for the year by the Borough Attorney, Borough Engineer, Borough Auditor, Business Administrator and Police Director. They will be presented to the Mayor and Councilmembers prior to the first regular meeting 13 JANUARY 6, 2020 (continued) of the Council in the next succeeding year. They will serve to acquaint new officials with prior and continuing activities of the Borough Attorney, Borough Auditor, Borough Engineer, Business Administrator and Police Director. INTERFAITH Rabbi Azriel Brown from the Yeshiva Gedola and Mesivta of Carteret PRAYER gave an hrterfaith Prayer. Mayor Reiman stated that the Agenda would be Amended to include a AGENDA AMENDED Capital Improvement Ordinance and the first Bill List of 2020 and asked for a Motion. Upon MMS &C, by Councilmembers Diaz and Krum and unanimous Affirmative vote of the fall membership present, the Agenda was Amended to include Ordinance #20 -1 and the Payment of Bills. ORDINANCE #20 -1 ORDINANCE #20 -1 `BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION OF A PERFORMING ARTS CENTER IMPROVEMENT IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET, IN THE ORDINANCE, RE: COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING PERFORMING $5,000,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF ARTS CENTER $4,750,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE BOROUGH TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF" ADOPTED Ordinance #20 -1 was introduced and adopted on First Reading and the Municipal Clerk authorized and directed to advertise same for Public Hearing to be held on February 6, 2020. Upon MMS &C, by Councilmembers Diaz and Naples and individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bellino, Diaz, DiMascio, Johal, Krum and Naples voted in the affirmative. Mayor Reiman said the meeting was opened for public input on all Resolutions /Agenda items and new business and asked if anyone would like to speak. 14 JANUARY 6, 2020 (continued) Upon MMS &C, by Councilmembers Diaz and Naples and unanimous PUBLIC PORTION affirmative vote of the frill membership present, the meeting was MEETING OPEN opened for public input on all Resolutions /Agenda items and new RESOLUTIONS /AGENDA business. ITEMS & NEW BUSINESS There being no comments or objections to the Resolutions /Agenda PUBLIC PORTION items or new business, upon MMS &C, by Councilmembers Diaz and CLOSED Bellino and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the meeting was closed. Mayor Reiman asked for a motion on the Consent Agenda. Resolutions #20 -1 through #20 -8 were introduced by Mayor Reiman CONSENT AGENDA and referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS &C, by Councilmembers Diaz and Krum Resolutions #20 -I through #20 -8 were adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bellino, Diaz, DiMascio, Johal, Krum and Naples voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION 420 -1 RESOLUTION #20 -1 DESIGNATING OFFICIAL "DESIGNATING OFFICIAL TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES AS TO LIABILITY FOR ASSESSMENTS FOR OF LIABILITY MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENTS" RESOLUTION #20 -2 RESOLUTION 420 -2 "DESIGNATING OFFICIAL TO ISSUE TAX SEARCHES DESIGNATING OFFICIAL TO ISSUE TAX FOR THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET" SEARCHES RESOLUTION #20 -3 RESOLUTION #20 -3 DESIGNATING "DESIGNATING OFFICIAL NEWSPAPERS OFFICIAL OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET" NEWSPAPERS 15 JANUARY 6, 2020 (continued) RESOLUTION #20 -4 RESOLUTION #20 -4 DESIGNATING OFFICIAL "DESIGNATING OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES DEPOSITORIES OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET" RESOLUTIONS #20 -5 RESOLUTION #20 -5 FIXING INTEREST RATE ON "FIXING RATE OF INTEREST TO BE CHARGED DELINQUENT TAXES & ON DELINQUENT TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS ASSESSMENTS" RESOLUTION #20 -6 RESOLUTION #20 -6 ESTABLISHING PETTY CASH FUND "ESTABLISHING A PETTY -CASH FUND FOR THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:5 -21" RESOLUTION #20 -7 RESOLUTION #20 -7 2020 TEMPORARY BUDGET "PROVIDING FOR A TEMPORARY BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2020 PURSUANT TO N.J.S. 40A:4 -19" RESOLUTION #20 -8 RESOLUTION 420 -8 AUTHORIZING MAYOR TO EXECUTE GRANT, "AUTHORIZING MAYOR TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL AGREEMENTS, ETC. GRANTS, AGREEMENTS, DONATIONS /ENDOWMENTS ON OROU�F OF ON BEHALF OF THE BOROUGH" Upon MMS &C, by Councilmembers Diaz and Bellino, all bills PAYMENT OF BILLS appearing 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. 16 JANUARY 6, 2020 (continued) Mayor Reiman recognized some of the dignitaries who were in attendance, Mark Rozzoli, Old Bridge Councilmember, Jack O'Leary, former South Amboy mayor, Michael Gross, Councilmember from South Amboy, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez and Father James Cairns of St. Demetrius Church. Mayor Reiman asked the Council for some brief comments and remarks. Councilmember Bellino thanked the citizens for their support and congratulated Councilmembers Diaz and Drum. He thanked the parks department employees and Wayne Bodnar. He said he wanted to give a special thank you to Taqualla Lowman for all she's done this past year. He reported progress in Parks and Recreation. Councilmember Diaz thanked the residents for their continued confidence and said it is the 15" year he and Councilmember Bellino were serving on the council. He said he was proud of the work they've accomplished. He thanked the Finance and Administration staff, Municipal Clerk, Carmela Pogorzelski, Law Director, Robert Bergen, CFO, Patrick DeBlasio, Engineer, John DuPont, Information and Technology, Laurent Mevs and Director of Communications, Jon Salonis. He thanked his family for their patience and the residents for coming and sharing this day. He wished everyone a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year. Councilmember Bellino added that he always forgets to thank his wife and son and wanted them to know that he loves them all. Councilmember DiMascio said in 2019 the Streets and Roads Department maintained approximately 51 miles of roadway in the Borough, picked up recyclables; did snow removal and bulk trash pick -up. He said the Noe Street Drainage Project Phase II is almost complete, ice skating would be open depending on the weather. He said the Sewer Department maintains the sewers and sanitary pump stations. He said the Municipal Garage has been doing routine maintenance on the fleet for snow removal and regular repairs. He COUNCIL COMMENTS AND /OR RENIARI ( 17 JANUARY 6, 2020 (continued) thanked the department heads and all the Borough employees in all the departments and wished everyone a Happy New Year. Councilmember Johal wished everyone a Happy New Year and congratulated Councilmember Bellino and Diaz. He said the lighting was complete at the Rec Center, cameras were installed at Borough Hall with additional safety measures. He reported progress. Councilmember Krum congratulated Councihnembers Bellino and Diaz and wished them good luck for the next three (3) years. He said the Fire Department Career Division, Volunteers, OEM and EMTs all do a hell of a job and sent them much thanks. He said the fire programs kept the residents safe and our response to actual fires at a minimum; he read a breakdown of the calls for 2019. He thanked Chief Hruska and wished everyone a Happy New Year, Happy Holidays and said hopefully he will enjoy his birthday today. Councilmember Naples said the Police Department increased its numbers by greater than 10 %, they implemented a bike patrol and installed a state of the art 911 system. She thanked all the officers who protect and serve 24/7 every day. She thanked Chief McFadden for continuing to move the department forward. Councilmember Naples congratulated the residents on passing the $37 million dollar referendum which she said will have minimum impact on the taxpayers. She said the money will be used to build a new junior high school and for upgrades to the other schools. She said the graduation rate has gone up 10% and chronic absenteeism has gone down 10 %. She thanked Board of Education Superintendent Rosa Diaz and the staff in the Public Schools. She thanked the Council and mayor for their support while she was the 2019 Council President and wished Councilmember Krum the best of luck as 2020 Council President. She congratulated Councilmembers Bellino and Diaz and said she was starting her 17` year on the Council, this was what team work and diversity looked like. Mayor Reiman recognized Brian Lee, US Marine Corps who was in the audience and gave a special thank you to all veterans who served and who continue to serve. JANUARY 6, 2020 (Continued) Mayor Reiman recognized South Amboy Councilwoman Zusette Dato MAYOR REIMAN and First Lady of Renaissance Revival Center Church, TaLisa Andrewz. He congratulated Councilmembers Vimnie Bellino and Jorge Diaz and Council President Randy Drum on their selection and re- election. Mayor Reiman thanked everyone for attending today and said he will reserve his eonnnents for his State of the Borough Address in March. He wished everyone a happy, healthy, New Year. Pastor Christine Bridge fn•om Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and BENEDICTION First Presbyterian Church gave the Benediction. There being no further comments or discussion, upon MMS &C, by ADJOURNMENT Councilmembers Diaz and Naples and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:24 p.m. cp 19 Acting Municipal Clerk JANUARY 6, 2020 (continued) 20