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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2002/08/15 AOGOST 15, 2002 The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of COUNCIL MEETING Carteret was called to order by Mayor James A. Failace approximately 7:30 P.M. on Thursday, August 15, 2002, Municipal Court/Police Facility, 230 Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey. -- Upon individual roll call, the following were noted present: ROLL CALL Councilmember Frank Parisi " Daniel Reiman " Ronald Rios " Janet Santoro " Brian Sosnowski Also noted present was Borough Attorney Robert J. Bergen, Esq. Noted absent was Councilmember Buddy Sohayda. The meeting was opened with a moment of Silent Prayer and The PRAYER, PLEDGE Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor James A. Failace. OF ALLEGIANCE The Clerk stated that on August 9, 2002, in full compliance with the STATEMENT OF Open Public Meetings Act, a notice of tonight's meeting was sent to MEETING NOTICE The Home News Tribune, The Star-Ledger and posted on the bulletin board. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Santoro and APPROVAL OF unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the MINUTES minutes of May 23 and July 18, 2002 were approved as transcribed and engrossed by the Clerk. Councilmember Santoro presented commendations to Susan COMMENDATION Skoczypiec and Lieutenant Robert Talalai for the National Night Out NATIONAL Program. NIGHT OUT Councilmember Buddy Sohayda was noted present at 7:35 P.M. NOTED PRESENT Councilmember Santoro presented commendations to Sergeant Dennis POLICE OFFICERS McFadden, Officer Salvatore Renda, Officer Juan Rivera and COMMENDATIONS Dispatcher Deborah Lindsay for their part in responding to a shooting in the Chrome Section on June 29th. AUGUST I5~ 2002 Councilmember Sohayda presented commendations to Detective COMMENDATIONS POLICE DEPARTMENT Raymond Novak, Detective Thomas Curran and Detective William Krowl for their work with the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Detectives regarding the arrest on July 12th in Newark, New Jersey of a suspect from the June 29th shooting in the Chrome section of Carteret. Councilmember Santoro spoke about the radio station's prank against COMMENTS the Carteret Police Department and said the Police Department will always have the Council's support. Mayor Failace thanked the officers and congratulated them for a great job. He thanked Sue and Bobby for their work with Crime Watch, spoke about his experience on Night Out and said he looked forward to next year. Councilmember Rios spoke about Janet Stark and presented her with a COMMENDATION Council Commendation and wished her a long and healthy retirement. JANET STARK Janet Stark spoke about how she felt about the people she transported COMMENTS in her bus and her fellow workers. Robert Kately spoke about the program and how Janet was instrumental in getting more done for the Senior Citizens of Carteret. Councilmember Santoro congratulated Janet and said if her mother were still alive she would have been in attendance with the Senior Citizens here tonight since she loved going on trips with the Seniors. Mayor Failace thanked Janet for what she has done for the Senior Citizens and the Carteret Specials. RECESS Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Parisi and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the meeting was in recess at approximately 8:00 P.M. At approximately 8:05 P.M. the meeting was reconvened. Upon RECONVENED individual roll call, the following were noted present Councilmembers Padsi, Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski. AUGUST 15~ 2002 The Clerk stated Ordinance #02-16 was introduced and passed upon ORDINANCE #02-16 First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held on fiNll~I~ July 18, 2002. It was duly published in the Home News Tribune on July 23, 2002 with notice that it will be considered for final passage ORDI10.hlZE ~ GtAFr~i 183 after Public Hearing to be held on August 15, 2002 at approximately 7:30 P.M. The Ordinance was posted on the bulletin board and copies ESTfil~J..qtll~ fin OPEN -- were made available to the general public and according to law, she read the Ordinance by title. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sosnowski and I~ililJC ~ unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be open: There being no comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor HEARING CLOSED declared the Public Hearing to be closed, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman ORDINANCE #02-16 "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING ORDINANCE #02-22, CREATING CHAPTER 183 OF THE -- CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET AND ESTABLISHING AN OPEN SPACE TRUST FUND" was finally adopted. Upon individual roll vote, Councilmembers ADOPTED Parisi, Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. Approved and Adopted: August 15, 2002 Introduced: July 18, 2002 Advertised as adopted on First Reading with notice of Public Hearing: July 23, 2002 Hearing held: August 15, 2002 Approved by: Mayor James A. Failace Advertised as finally adopted: August 20, 2002 The Clerk stated Ordinance #02-17 was introduced and passed upon ORDINANCE #02-17 -- First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held on fil~I~ Ol~II~t 182 July 18, 2002. It was duly published in the Home News Tribune on 13~ ~ O21)E~ RE: P~ July 23, 2002 with notice that it will be considered for final passage after Public Hearing to be held on August 15, 2002 at approximately 7:30 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. AUGUST 15, 2002 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman and unanimous PgBLIC ItEARING affirmative vote of the full membership present, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be open: There being no comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor HEARING CLOSED declared the Public Hearing to be closed, upon MMS&C, by -- Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sosnowski ORDINANCE #02-17 "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 182 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET, ADDING SECTION 182-9.1 ENTITLED PARK AND RECREATIONAL FEES" ADOPTED was finally adopted. Upon individual roll vote, Councilmembers Parisi, Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. Approved and Adopted: August 15, 2002 Introduced: July 18, 2002 Advertised as adopted on First Reading with notice of Public Heating: July 23, 2002 Hearing held: August 15, 2002 Approved by: Mayor James A. Failace Advertised as finally adopted: August 20, 2002 ORDINANCE #02-18 The Clerk stated Ordinance #02-18 was introduced and passed upon ~I~IDI~ (I21)E, First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held on ,~l'It~.E. I, LICI~ISING July 18, 2002. It was duly published in the Home News Tribune on ~C~IS, CItAt'II~lt July 23, 2002 with notice that it will be considered for final passage 71 mr£-.m ,glllt(l,IC BE'¥1~,AG~ after Public Hearing to be held on August 15, 2002 at approximately 7:30 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 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the Mayor declared the Public Heating to be open: John Sudia, Cypress Street said he has never seen such dramatic COMMENTS increases in fees of any sort and felt there are fewer liquor licenses in town than ever. He recommended the Council tables the Ordinance and does a further study on this and felt it was unfair and unreasonable. 4 AUGUST 15, 2002 Councilmember Santoro this is the average price throughout the COMMF_,lqTS County. She said Carteret was way lower than any other area in Middlesex County. She said the fees are based on what the fees are in the surrounding towns. Mr. Sudia said he felt we don't have to meet the County standards -- since he felt Carteret is a small community, doesn't have the workload and shouldn't be held to the County standards. Councilmember Santoro said if the Carteret Shop-Rite had to pay their license, they would pay for the establishment, the same fees as other Shop-Rites and that is what we have to look at, not how many establishments were in the town. Councilmember Reiman said after the public portion, he would make a motion to carry this over to the next meeting and amend this at the next Agenda Meeting to increase the fees gradually. He spoke about the survey that was done in the Clerk's Office comparing fees in the neighboring towns. He said whether the Council takes action today or at the next Agenda or Council Meeting the fees would not take effect until next January. Councilmember Santoro said taxpayers are not asked if the taxes are too high and named other things that go up without asking and felt the fees are not being raised unfairly and should be looked at realistically. Councilmember Reiman said the fees need to be raised but the fees -- might have to be adjusted. Councilmember Santoro said no one on the Council objected and Councilmember Reiman had suggested the fees go even higher. TJ Moore, The Glass Bar said according to the ABC Ordinance on licensing, every Municipality in the state of New Jersey is only allowed to go up ten percent per year. Councilmember Santoro asked if the town hasn't raised the fees in a number of years would they be able to do a different adjustment. Borough Attorney Bergen said he did not know if that would be the case but he would look into it. Mr. Moore said they have had increases in taxes and insurance this year and the owners are having a tough time making it now. He felt it was not fair and there were a lot of places closed. He said Carteret does not have the industry they had years ago. Councilmember Sohayda said he understood and other towns like -- Metuchen and Edison don't have the industry either. Tony Schwartz, Kelly's Pub said what matters is a liquor license in Carteret is ten thousand dollars and a liquor license in Woodbridge is one hundred twenty thousand dollars. He said ten years ago a license in Metuchen went for one hundred and twenty five thousand dollars. He said other towns' licenses are worth more money. He said tavern owners are serving the community and felt the town would be hurt if he went out of business. AUGUST 15~ 2002 CONMENTS Councilmember Sohayda said the liquor licenses could only be issued according to population by state law, a town can not issue new licenses if there was not an influx in population. Mr. Schwartz and Councilmembers Sohayda and Reiman went back and forth about the cost of liquor licenses. Councilmember Santoro said the Council tried to make an adjustment and she would find out before they discussed this again how much a liquor license would cost and how much one would cost in Rahway and what their revenues were so they could go by the facts. Mayor Failace said Councilmember Reiman asked the Clerk's Office to look at the fees and the mistake might have been a gradual increase and said this was not done to hurt the owners, they were just looking at the numbers. Mr. Schwartz said Governor Whitman put a lot of the taverns in Carteret out of business because of sales tax and felt only the stronger bars stayed. He said he thought the Council was trying to get the same revenue that used to be from twenty-eight taverns from the eight or nine taverns that are left. Mr. Moore asked if the owners would be notified of any changes or if it would be in the newspaper. Mayor Failace said if there were any changes made, it would be in the newspaper. A1 Such, Such's Tavern asked why there are fewer licenses and felt the reason was because of overhead and what the Council was doing fight now. He said they should not be looking at Rahway, this is Carteret. Couneilmember Sohayda said consumption is down at a national level as well as consumption by the people in Carteret. He said there are more people jogging then drinking. Mr. Such said tavems are a part of our culture and should continue. Mr. Vento, Vento's Place said this increase is not the American way. He said he came from another country where they could raise prices anytime they wanted, it is not like that in America. HEARING CLOSED There being no further comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be closed, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Sohayda and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present. 6 AUGUST I5, 2002 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Sohayda ORDINANCE #02-18 "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE I, 'LICENSING REGULATIONS', OF CHAPTER 71 ENTITLED -- ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET" was carried to the next Agenda Meeting on August 29th for further CARRIED TO NEXT discussion. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, AGENDA MEETING Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Rios said he understood where everyone was coming COMMENTS from and agreed there has to bc an increase but was not sum it needed to be this drastically in one shot and felt they should further discuss this. Councilmember Sohayda said the businessmen should remember this would only be seventeen dollars a week. The Clerk stated Ordinance #02-19 was introduced and passed upon ORDINANCE #02-19 First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held on fiI~qDING (12DE, .~t:rK! July 18, 2002. It was duly published in the Home News Tribune on 254-37, S(3HI~ULE 19: July 23, 2002 with notice that it will be considered for final passage NO PfiSSII~ 7EIqES OF after Public Hearing to be held on August 15, 2002 at approximately V~ICa.lvs ~ lllAFFIC 7:30 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. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Sosnowski and Rios and PUBLIC HEARING unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be open: There being no comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor HEARING CLOSED declared thc Public Hearing to bc closed, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Sosnowski and Rios and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present. AOGUST 15, 2002 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman ORDiNANCE #02-19 "AMENDiNG SECTION 254-37 'SCHEDULE 19: NO PASSING ZONES' OF CHAPTER 254 ENTITLED VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET" ADOPTED was finally adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Approved and Adopted August 15, 2002 Introduced: July 18, 2002 Advertised as adopted on First Reading with notice of Public Heating: July 23, 2002 Heating held: August 15, 2002 Approved by: Mayor James A. Failace Advertised as finally adopted: August 20, 2002 A copy of Resolution was placed on the table for public review prior MEETING OPENED to the meeting in accordance with the Rules of Council and upon POBLIC INPOT ON ALL RESOLUTIONS MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Rciman and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, thc meeting was opened for public input on ali Resolutions. Borough Attorney Bergen said on Resolution #02-311 and #02-314, COMMENTS they were being voted on subject to the approval of Patrick DeBlasio, Chief Financial Officer that funds are available. Stanley Gutowski, New Jersey Avenue asked for clarification from Borough Attorney Bergen regarding Resolution #02-314. Borough Attorney Bergen said he was not sure if the CFO certified that the funds were available for the Award of the Contract on Resolution #02-314, and it would be subject to that certification. Mr. Gutowski asked how many streets they were doing this year. Councilmember Reiman said this is for different programs and the County would be coming in to pave some streets. Mayor Failace read the list of streets that would be done. Mr. Gutowski said on Resolution #02-314, Engineering Services, he did not see anything for design. He said he did not feel someone should be paid to stand around and watch someone pave. AUGUST 15~ 2002 Borough Attomey Bergen explained that this would be for contract COMMENTS administration inspection services and oversights on the road project and is addition to the contract. Councilmember Reiman asked Borough Attorney Bergen explain Resolution #02-314. Borough Attorney Bergen explained the percentage of the administration fees and what they were for. He said this was a fairly large project and this amount is less than ten percent of the project. There being no further comments or objections to the Resolutions, the MEETING CLOSED Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be closed, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Santoro and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present. The Borough Clerk asked if any Councilmembers wanted any BLOCK AGENDA Resolutions to be taken off the Block Vote and asked for a motion. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sohayda and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, Resolutions #02-305 to #02-319 were approved. RESOLUTION #02-305 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION #02-30! the Council for action. DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE OF VARIOUS RAFFLE Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sohayda LICENSES RESOLUTION #02-305 "DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE OF VARIOUS RAFFLE LICENSES" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, ADOPTED Rciman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. AUGUS? 15, 2002 RESOLUTION #02-306 RESOLUTION #02-306 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to AIIIItORIZING Vi~KIJS the Council for action. PERFORN RIIt~ll.ITATIGtt Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sohayda ~ ~IS RESOLUTION #02-306 "AUTHORIZING VARIOUS CONTRACTORS TO PERFORM REHABILITATION OF HOMES PURSUANT TO COUNCIL ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING (COAH) REGULATIONS" ADOPTED was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #02-307 RESOLUTION #02-307 was imroduced by the Mayor and referred to AU~ORIZII~ th'CtK-~ISION the Council for action. CF ~ Il) PAY TAXI~ ~ Sl~='l~-,t'~3]~}{ 3, 2002 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sohayda RESOLUTION #02-307 "RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY, AUTHORIZING AN EXTENSION OF T1ME FOR PAYMENT OF MUNICIPAL TAXES WITHOUT INTEREST TO SEPTEMBER 3, 2002" ADOPTED was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #02-308 RESOLUTION #02-308 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to U/Iltt~IZIi~ c.,~ItllfltKr the Council for action. ~ ~ ~T Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers ~os ~d Sohayda ~SOLUTION ~02-308 "AUTHORIZ~G C~TE~T COM~ITY DEVELOPMENT DEP~TMENT TO ~QUEST F~G FOR THE ROOSEVELT AVE~E BUS.ESS DISTRICT ~VITALIZATION" kDOPTED was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilrnembers Parisi, Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. 10 AUGUST 15, 2002 RESOLUTION #02-309 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION #02-30! the Council for action. BUI~' II~!~I'ICN CF $15,995.00, RE: ~ Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sohayda RESOLUTION #02-309 "REQUESTING APPROVAL OF INSERTION OF $15,995 THE 2002 BUDGET REVENUE AVAILABLE FROM THE GATES FOUNDATION LIBRARY COMPUTER GRANT" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, ADOPTED Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #02-310 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION #02-31 the Council for action. APPOINWII~ ~ TRA~'~'IC GUARI~ F(II ~ 2002-2003 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembcrs Rios and Sohayda RESOLUTION #02-310 "APPOINTING SCHOOL TRAFFIC GUARDS FOR THE 2002-2003 SCHOOL SEASON" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, ADOPTED Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #02-311 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION #02-31 the Council for action. AI,/ARD CF BID-qUALITY n S':LRIC OClqb-'lRIK;rlO Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sohayda AI~I~r0E [lIMP STATION VFD's & ~ PANI~ RESOLUTION #02-311 "AWARDING BID FOR ROOSEVELT AVENUE PUMP STATION- -- VFDs AND CONTROL PANEL REPLACEMENT" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, ilXl'l~ Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. 11 AUGUST 15, 2002 RESOLUTION #02-312 RESOLUTION #02-312 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to A[~ARD O~ BID-LITil.F. the Council for action. 2~2 ROhD ~ PROGRAM Upon MMS&C, by Cotmcilmembers Rios and Sohayda RESOLUTION #02-312 "AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE 2002 ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM" ~.DOPTED was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. IESOLIJTION #02-313 RESOLUTION #02-313 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to II,/ARD ~ OlglI~C'T- the Council for action. · : ~-iRIAL I/KST]~A~ }IC~I1OR3~ Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sohayda RESOLUTION #02-313 "AWARDING CONTRACT FOR INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER MONITORING" DOPTED was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Cotmcilmembers Parisi, Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. ESOLUTION #02-314 RESOLUTION #02-314 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to ~[IvESSIflq/K, Sl~I/I(~ the Council for action. ASSOCIA_q~, PR: ROAD ~ Upon MMS&C, by Councilmcmbers Rios and Sohayda RESOLUTION #02-314 "AUTHORIZING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR T&M ASSOCIATES-YEAR 2002 ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Cotmcilmembers Parisi, Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. 12 AUCIJST 1_5, 2002 RESOLUTION #02-315 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION #02-31§ the Council for action. PR(IwESSI(I~IAL SI~IFICleg- E<O*~'n $27~.~, RE: I~¥I~T AYIE~ 1~ Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sohayda STATI(Iq ~ RESOLUTION #02-315 "AUTHORIZING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH T&M ASSOCIATES/ROOSEVELT AVENUE PUMP STATION PROJECT" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, ADOPTED Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #02-316 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION f02-316 the Council for action. APPOINTING Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sohayda -- RESOLUTION #02-316 "APPOINTING AN OMNIBUS OPERATOR FOR SENIOR CITIZEN TRANSPORTATION" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, ADOPTED Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #02-317 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION #02-311 the Council for action. CERTIFYING MARY Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembcrs Rios and Sohayda RESOLUTION #02-317 -- "APPOINTING MICHELLE BLACKNALL & MARY KOKE PRINCIPAL CASHIER TYPISTS" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, AIl~llfl~ Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. 13 AUC~JST 15, 2{302 RESOLUTION #02-318 RESOLUTION #02-318 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to ~ H,~li)IC_,t~l~) thc Council for action. P,41IKII~ SPACE- 47 DELAX~ARE Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sohayda RESOLUTION #02-318 "CREATING HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE FOR 47 DELAWARE AVENUE" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. IESOLUTION #02-319 RESOLUTION #02-319 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to TAX AND/OR the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sohayda RESOLUTION #02-319 "AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX AND/OR SEWER FEES OVERPAYMENT" DOPTED was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. AYHENT OF BILLS Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman all bills appearing on the prepared list properly audited and signed were ordered to be paid. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. EPORTS The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of the following reports: EPARTMENTS 1. Clerk's Office- July 2002 2. Inspection of Buildings-July 2002 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Parisi and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, all reports were ordered to be received and placed on file. 14 2002 BUILDINGS & GROUNDS: Committee Chairperson Sosnowski said STANDING COMMITTEE: one of the Buildings and Grounds workers was back from sick leave after breaking his foot. He said the summer help has been a real help in getting the work done. He said there was a tree removed at the Health Department in preparation of the handicapped accessible ramp and the wood floor would be installed and things should be complete -- by the middle of September. He reported progress. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION: Committee Chairperson Reiman thanked the Police Department for letting him participate in National Night Out and spoke about his experience. He said he met with Congressman Menendez concerning several projects and grant information. He said the Construction Department has had the highest revenue in three years. He said the tax bills have gone out and revenue would start coming in. He said the Court employees are back at work. FIRE: Committee Chairperson Sohayda thanked White Rose for their donation of five thousand dollars for defibrillators for the ambulances and thanked Engelhard for their donation of one thousand dollars for ambulance equipment. He said the ambulances should be arriving shortly and they are in the process of interviewing for the EMT -- position. He spoke about a fire in town and fire prevention he felt all residents should observe. He spoke about the foam firefighter class that was held at Kinder Morgan. He said the Fire Department participated in National Night Out. He said the Police Department should be congratulated as well as Susan Skoczypiec and Robert Talalai for the success of National Night Out. He congratulated former Volunteer Fireman/Career Firefighter and Carteret resident Larry Petrillo who was appointed Director of the Division of Fire and Safety for the state of New Jersey by Governor McGreevey. He congratulated Firefighter Sam Goddess for receiving the American Legion Public Safety Award. He congratulated Volunteer Firefighter Amy Grabowski who recently graduated fi'om Firefighter One Class and the entire Fire Department for being one of the top seven Fire Departments to receive the Fire Department Award of Excellence. He spoke of the Carteret Fire Department's File of Life. He said on August 17th there would be a Health and Wellness Festival in Chrome Park. He reported progress. -- PARKS & RECREATION: Committee Chairperson Rios said a small playground unit was installed next to the Recreation Center. He said the water fountain was taken out of the Hot House and put a vandal proof one outside. He said September 14th Was on Ethnic Day and September 11th there would be a Memorial Service for the World Trade Center victims during the day and spoke about the events and the area they would dedicate to the victims. He said they picked up a piece of steel from the World Trade disaster, which would be used at the memorial service. He said the bids were received for the cherry 15 ~UGUST 15~ 2002 5TANDING COt'IMITTEES picker and said they may award the bid at the next Agenda Meeting. He spoke about the bike race and Sports Festival, the events and the many countries that were represented in the bike race. He reported continued progress. POLICE: Committee Chairperson Santoro said she gave her Police report when she gave the commendations at the beginning of the meeting. She said Tony Neibert gave a presentation at the Agenda Meeting concerning violation notices and spoke about what he was doing throughout the town. She said there were flyers available. She said Tuesday night there would be a UEZ meeting concerning a Streetscape in West Carteret and spoke about the project and what they wanted to do. She said they hoped to award the contract in December. She reported progress. PUBLIC WORKS: Committee Chairperson Parisi said the Council awarded the bids tonight for the Road Project and the Roosevelt Avenue Pump Station. He said the Harrison Avenue Pump Station is proceeding and is ninety percent complete and spoke about some causes of the delays. He spoke about the Hill District Storm Sewer Project. He said he met with the people concerning the Middlesex Avenue truck traffic and the trucks turning and said he spoke to the Road Department about putting signs up in hopes of rectifying the situation. BOARD OF EDUCATION: Committee Chairperson Parisi said the Board of Education hired a Business Administrator and an Assistant Business Administrator. He said there was lead in the paint at the high school stadium and there is a large drape over the stadium so work could be completed by August 25th for the high school football season. O~IMENTS Mayor Failace spoke about the newspaper article last week that said OENJ Cherokee obtained permits for the carport in Port Reading. He said people say it is simple but he felt any trucks that come out of there are going to the Turnpike. He said people still don't realize the traff~c problems Carteret has and he spoke about an article in the newspaper he read that said it would be good for Woodbridge. He spoke about Carteret standing strong against this project until the work is done on the Turnpike. He said he received a letter from the Department of Environmental Protection concerning the second grant Carteret applied for. He said he was glad the Council decided to transfer the flmds from the waterfront for the parks since the second application was denied. He said the town could apply again in 2003. He said he hoped he could get the DEP to reconsider since he felt we could use the 16 AUGUST 15~ 2002 money on both projects and would be speaking the DEP himself about COIl[tENTS this. -- Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Sosnowski and Rios and PUBLIC DISCUSSION unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the meeting was opened to the public for discussion. Al Such said the divider on Washington Avenue by the shopping COIIIIENTS center has been neglected and felt it should be fixed even though it was on a County road. Councilmember Rios spoke about the last meeting when Mr. Sudia requested an audit from the Library and said following the meeting he sent the Library Director a letter requesting a copy of their audit for 2000 and 2001. He said he did not get a copy since it was not completed but Mr. Pino stated at that meeting anyone could a copy of the audit at the Library. Councilmember Reiman suggested Borough Clerk Barney send the Library Director and President a letter inviting them to attend the next Agenda Meeting. Mrs. Gaydos spoke about the properties in town that were not cleaned that she had spoken to the Council about at the last Council Meeting that were now clean which made her very happy. Barbara Musko said this was her first Council Meeting and she was in attendance because of the high increase on her tax bill. She said she lived here all her life and now she is embarrassed to say she lives in Carteret since she felt the town looked depressed and looked like a war zone in the Chrome Section. She said West Carteret was full of litter by the Turnpike. She said she felt the streets should be cleaned and the weeds should be cut around abandoned buildings. She said she is embarrassed because her guests coming into town have commented on the mess Carteret has become. She suggested having a Community Pride Project in town so homeowners would take pride in their property. Councilmember Santoro spoke about the RCA money that is available for homeowners and the Code Enfomement that is citing homeowners who are neglecting their property. -- Mayor Failace said the town has gotten after the Tumpike a number of times for not cutting the weeds. He said Roosevelt Avenue is a County road and Carteret sweeps it. He said he went to the Board of Health concerning the problems Mrs. Gaydos spoke about and it was taken care of but it is never enough, it takes time to do things when it comes to abandoned buildings. Mrs. Musko said she knows people who couldn't sell their houses because people don't want to buy houses in Carteret since the school 17 AUGUST 15~ 2002 PUBLIC DISCUSSION system was not good. She said the school system was not blue ribbon and asked if the graduates go on to four-year colleges or just to Middlesex County College. Councilmember Santoro said Carteret was one of the best selling areas right now and the school system was terrific. She spoke about the schools and where graduates have gone to school. She said ninety eight percent of the graduates have gone on to college educations and she would get the breakdown on that. Mayor Failace suggested Mrs. Musko bring this up at a Board of Education meeting. Borough Attorney Bergen said he will call the Turnpike tomorrow and hoped to have the grass cut next week. Councilmember Sohayda thanked Sue Ivanitski for her hospitality on National Night Out and said he had a great time. Mayor Failace said he wanted everyone to know his son Matthew was home from the Air Force for good, God willing. ADJOURNED There being no further business or discussion, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Parisi and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:15 P.M. -- Respectfully submitted, K~THLEEN M. B~,r~Y, Municipal Clerk KMB/cp 18