HomeMy Public PortalAbout2002/10/03 OCTOBER 3, 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, October 3, 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
" Buddy Sohayda
Brian Sosnowski
Also noted present was Borough Attorney Robert J. Bergen, Esq.
The meeting was opened with a moment of Silent Prayer and The PRAYER, PLEIXIE
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor James A. Failace. OF ALLEGIANCE
The Clerk stated that on September 26, 2002, in full compliance with STATEMENT OF
-- the Open Public Meetings Act, a notice of tonight's meeting was sent MEETING NOTICE
to The Home News Tribune, The Star-Ledger and posted on the
bulletin board.
Councilmember Sohayda read a letter he received from Chief Brian COMENDATIONS
O'Connor about a call on Fitch Street concerning an unresponsive FIREFIGHTERS/EMT
unconscious man. He read each commendation and presented FIRST AID SQUAD
commendations to Firefighter/EMT Thomas App, Kevin Gomm and
First Aid Squad Members Colleen Jameson and Georgette Evans.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous POBLIC HEARING
affirmative vote of the full membership present, the Mayor declared FY 2002
the Public Hearing on FY 2002 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant
to be open.
Councilmember Santoro said this is the Municipal Alliance Grant we COMMENTS
file for every year. She said Captain Hojecki has done an excellent job
__ year after year putting this together.
There being no further comments or objections to the FY 2002 Local HEARING CLOSED
Law Enforcement Block Grant, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing
to be closed, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman
and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present.
CTOBER 3, 2002
IESGLUTION #02-342 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Santoro and Rios and unanimous
kI, IENDED affirmative vote of the full membership present, Resolution #02-342
was amended and Edgar Street was removed.
RESOLHTIGN #02-345 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmember Santoro and Sohayda, Sally
SALLY BGNVENTURE Bonventure's name is placed on Resolution #02-345 for appointment
NOMINATED to the Housing Authority.
A copy of each Resolution was placed on the table for public review
I, IEETING OPENED prior to the meeting in accordance with the Rules of Council and upon
PUBLIC INPOT
ON ALL RESOLUTIONS MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous
affirmative vote of the full membership present, the meeting was
opened for public input on all Resolutions.
MEETING CLOSED There being no comments or objections to the Resolutions the Mayor
declared the Public Hearing to be closed, upon MMS&C, by
Councilmembers Rios and Reiman and unanimous affirmative vote of
the full membership present.
Councilmembers wanted any
BLOCK AGENDA The Borough Clerk asked if any
Resolutions to be taken off the Block Vote and asked for a motion.
Councilmember Rios asked to vote on Resolution #02-345 separately.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Santoro and
unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present,
Resolutions #02-341 to #02-348 excluding Resolution #02-345 were
approved.
RESOLUTION #02-345 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Santoro and Parisi, Resolution
FOR THE SAKE #02-345 was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers
OF C(~ITINUITY, Parisi, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative.
THIS RESOLUTION Councilmembers Reiman and Rios abstained.
IS LISTED
THE OTHERS AGAIN
OCTOBER 3, 2002
RESOLUTION t02-341
RESOLUTION #02-341 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to DIRECTING THE
the Council for action. ISSUANCE OF VARIOUS
RAFFLE LICENSES
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Santoro
RESOLUTION #02-341
"DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE OF RAFFLE LICENSES
A"
TO ST. JOSEPH H.S. .
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, ADOPTED
Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUTION ~t02-342
RESOLUTION #02-342 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to AUTHORIZING VARIOUS
CONTRACTORS TO
the Council for action. PERFORM R~'~ABILITATI(R4
(20Att REGULATICNS
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Santoro
RESOLUTION #02-342
"AUTHORIZING VARIOUS CONTRACTORS TO PERFORM
REHABILITATION OF HOMES PURSUANT TO COUNCIL
ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING (COAH) REGULATIONS"
was adopted as amended. Upon individual roll call vote, ADOPTED
Councilmembers Parisi, Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and
Sosnowski voted in the affirmative.
RESOLUTION #02-343 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION ~02--343
EUS-O' GORMAN &
the Council for action. YOUNG, RE: INSIJRANCE
OOVI~AGE-DISABILITY, /~i
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Santoro
RESOLUTION #02-343
"AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT FOR EXTRAORDINARY,
UNSPECIFIED SERVICES"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, ADOPTED
Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the
affirmative.
3
2TOBER 3, 2002
ESOLUT'ION $02-344 RESOLUTION #02-344 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to
E¥IEW OF 2001 AUDIT the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Santoro
RESOLUTION #02-344
"REVIEW OF THE 2001 AUDIT"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi,
aDOPTED Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUTION $02-345 RESOLUTION #02-345 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to
/%PPOINTMENT TO the Council for action.
CARTERET HOUSING
AUTHORITY
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Santoro and Parisi
RESOLUTION #02-345
"APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE CARTERET --'
HOUS1NG AUTHORITY"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi,
ADOPTED
Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative.
Councilmembers Reiman and Rios abstained.
RESOLUTION $02-346 RESOLUTION #02-346 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to
AMENDING RULES the Council for action.
OF COUNCIL
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Santoro
RESOLUTION #02-346
"AMENDING RULES OF COUNCIL"
ADOPTED was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi,
Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the
affirmative.
4
OCTOBER 3, 2002
RESOLUTION #02-347 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION ~t02--347
AUTHORIZING AG~K~141~IT
the Council for action. WlTa MCBDC, RE: DIGITAL
DXVXDE PRO{2~J~
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmcmbcrs Rciman and Santoro
RESOLUTION #02-347
"AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH MCEOC-
DIGITAL DIVIDE PROGRAM"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, ADOPTED
Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUTION #02-348 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION ~02-348
the Council for action, wI~t~ ~loc, RE: E~tm¥
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Santoro
RESOLUTION #02-348
"AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH MCEOC-
FAMILY READING iNITIATIVE"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi, ADOPTED
Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the
affirmative.
Mayor Failace said Resolutions #02-347 and #02-348 are authorizing COMMENTS
an agreement with the MCEOC so they can nm two programs in
Carteret. He said one would be a literacy program through the Library
and the other would be for computer training for Senior Citizens. He
explained the programs.
__ Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios 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
Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the
affirmative. Councilmember Parisi abstained on 02-2159 and voted in
the affirmative on all other bills on the list.
5
:TOBER 3, 2002
The Clerk stated ~at she was in receipt of~e ~llowing r~ort:
EPORTS
EPARTMENT
h Cle~'s Office- S~tember 2002
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous
affirmative vote of the full membership present, all present, all reports
were ordered to be received and placed on file.
.A¥OR' $ YE~O Borough Clerk Kathleen Barney said she received a veto from the
'.O[4MENT$ Mayor today on Ordinance #02-20.
Councilmember Santoro asked how long the Council has to answer
this.
Borough Attorney Bergen said there is no specific time period but the
Ordinance allows you to do it at this meeting or any subsequent
meeting to which the Council adjourns.
Councilmember Santoro asked they carry it to the Agenda Meeting for
discussion.
Councilmember Reiman said he was confused by the Mayor's veto
since he felt the Mayor supported this at the discussion and the Public
Heating.
Mayor Failace said he felt his veto was clear and would read the veto
again.
Councilmember Reiman said he felt the Mayor was playing politics.
Mayor Failace read the veto again and said he did not feel this was the
right time for this increase right now.
Councilmember Reiman said this would bring in additional revenue
and asked how the Mayor planned to bring in additional revenue. He
asked if the Mayor planned to raise the taxes. He said he felt the
Mayor was vetoing this right before the election to make politics out of
it.
Mayor Failace said this has nothing to do with politics, he thought it
out and "sometimes when you sit there as Mayor, you make some
decisions and you think, maybe I made a wrong decision." He said
call it what you like but the bottom line is that he made the decision
and the Council can do what they like with it. He said he does not
think it is the right thing to do at this time.
Councilmember Rios asked if the Mayor was saying he changed his
mind.
Mayor Failace said he thought about it, and never consented one way
or the other. He said he thought about it and decided to take a
different approach.
OCTOBER 3~ 2002
Councilmember Rios said the Mayor originally supported it and now COMMENTS ON
he has changed his mind. MAYOR ' S VETO
Mayor Failace said he never came out for or against it, the Council
voted on it, he never said one way or another. He said he thought
about it over the process and decided he did not think it was the fight
thing to do. He said he did not know why he was getting beat up on
this, and Councilmembers Rios and Reiman could vote how they like
to override the veto.
Councilmember Rios said originally, the Mayor felt the fees should be
increased.
Mayor Failace said when this was first brought up, he thought the fees
were low and this wasn't a bad idea. He said when he considered it
and thought about it longer, he decided it wasn't the way to go and that
was his prerogative.
Councilmember Rios agreed it was the Mayor's prerogative but all he
was saying was the Mayor did change his mind.
Councilmember Santoro said they introduced the levels of increase
and in the public opinion the Council reconsidered it, brought it back
to another Agenda and everyone seemed to agree. She asked if anyone
on the Council would change their minds and asked if they needed to
carry this over or did they want to override this now.
Councilmember Santoro made a motion to override the Mayor's veto MOTION MADE
of Ordinance #02-20 Amending Article I, Licensing Regulations, TO OVERRIDE
MAYOR' S VETO
Alcoholic Beverages.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Santoro and Par/si
ORDiNANCE #02-20
"AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE I, 'LICENSING ORDINANCE $02-20
REGULATIONS' OF CHAPTER 71 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AM~IDING
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OF THE CODE ARTIrX.F. I, r. IC~I~ING
P~IGNS O~
OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET" 71 I~ITIT[.m') ALCOflC~IC
BEVI~AI~'-q OF 'IgcIE
OF 'l%fl~ BOltDOGlt OF
was finally adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers
Parisi, Reiman, Rios, Santoro, and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative. ADOPTED
Councilmember Sohayda abstained.
ITOEER 3, 2002
Approved and Adopted: October 8, 2002
Introduced: September 5, 2002
Advertised as adopted on First Reading
with notice of Public Hearing:. September 10, 2002
Hearing held: September 19, 2002
VETOED by Mayor James A. Failace: October 3, 2002
VETO OVERRIDDEN: October 3, 2002
Approved by: Council President Janet Santoro
Advertised as Finally Adopted: October 10, 2002
;OMMENTS Councilmember Reiman said as a small business owner, he understood
that on occasion, towns look at raising fees. He said this Council and
the prior Council looked at this and the Mayor had supported this and
now he doesn't. He said he understood that people could change their
mind and understood the fees are considerably lower in neighboring
towns. He said the reason the Council looked at the fees was because
it costs the Borough money to send a Police Officer to do inspections.
He said this was to cover the costs associated with issuing the licenses
every year. He said he felt the increase was minimal.
Councilmember Santoro said the Council listened to the owners'
concerns and lowered the costs with no further opposition. She said
the fees were brought up and were still lower than fees in the
surrounding towns. She said the Council has spent many meetings
discussing this and if the Mayor wanted to disagree at this point, the
Council would not be changing their minds. She felt they needed to do
business and move forward.
STANDING COMMITTEES BUILDINGS & GROUNDS: Committee Chairperson Sosnowski said
the lights are in order for the exterior of the Library and the graffiti has
been taken care of also. He said the curbs and the air conditioning unit
at the Police Department have been installed. He said the Health
Department ramp is seventy-five percent complete but there is some
concrete work that has to be done. He thanked John Soltez, Cindy
DeCamp, Tony Neibert and Ted Surick for their help in getting the
ramp installed. He said the original plans for the ramp were
$37,000.00, by doing the work themselves, it cost $33,000.00 and he
felt this was a substantial saving. He reported progress.
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION: Committee Chairperson Reiman
thanked the Buildings and Grounds Committee, the Building
Department, Tony Neibert and Councilmember Sosnowski for getting
the ramp at the Health Department installed at a considerable savings.
He spoke about the twelve grants the Borough has applied for which
would total twelve point two million dollars. He said Resolution #02-
343, new insurance coverage, would save the Borough about eleven
million dollars on the life insurance.
OCTOBER 3~ 2002
FIRE: Committee Chairperson Sohayda spoke about the awards that STANDING COMfllTTEI~$
were given out tonight for the Ambulance Volunteers and Firefighters.
He said the new ambulances were inspected by the New Jersey
Department of Health and the Borough received a temporary license.
He spoke about Fire Prevention Week and some of the activities that
would take place in the Borough and at the schools. He said the Fire
Department would be holding their annual Open House on October 12,
2002. He spoke about the details and invited everyone to attend. He
reported progress.
PARKS & RECREATION: Committee Chairperson Rios said the
playground and safety surface is complete at the Recreation Center.
He said the playground equipment fills an unused spot on the side of
the building. He said the smaller fountain in Carteret Park Pond is
broken and they would have to decide if it would be repaired or
replaced. He said they are sending the Parks Supervisor and an
employee from the Parks Department who has been working with the
trees to Cleveland for a one week course to be certified to learn to trim
trees with electrical wires while they are in the Cherry Picker/Bucket
Truck. He said the Ragamuffin Parade would be held on October 31st
at Sullivan Field, the Soapbox Derby would be October 12th and
encouraged everyone to attend these affairs which are a lot of fun to
watch the children. He reported continued progress in the Parks.
POLICE: Committee Chairperson Santoro said they would recognize
Denton, Kitz and Hart for aiding in the delivery of a baby and they
would be honored at the Council Meeting. She said she was working
with the Police Department to institute a phone line for anonymous
calls for illegal housing situations. She said people could report this
and not have to leave their name. She gave some of the details on this
and said she spoke to someone from Edison on how they have
instituted their anonymous phone line. She said the Redevelopment
Agency presented their plans at the Agenda Meeting for the Council's
comments, which are due on October 7th the Redevelopment Agency,
would be having their Public Hearing on the 8th. She said after
Tuesday's Public Meeting it will be forwarded to the Planning Board.
Councilmember Reiman asked if that would give them enough time
for the attorneys and engineers to review the plans.
Councilmember Santoro said they were at the meeting and were
discussing it and they are really running out of time. She said the
citizens feel this is taking too much time as it is. She said there would
still be time to review it and the Council has read the plans, which she
felt, are very basic.
9
CTOBER 3, 2002
,TANDING Borough Attorney Bergen said they need to be clear that the only thing
:OMMITTEES the Redevelopment Authority can do is make recommendations to the
Council. He said the plan is ours to formulate and recommend to the
Planning Board. He said it comes to the Council first and has to be
adopted as their own and then refer it to the Planning Board. He said
the Council could make it their own or make additional comments or
changes which are under the control of the Council and not the
Redevelopment Authority.
Councilmember Santoro said she felt this was a basic plan and was
like the Shoor DePalma plan that has been out there for two years and
would help with any questions from the public. She said this was
going on for months and felt the Redevelopment Agency has been
doing an excellent job. She said if they kept delaying this it would get
put off further and further. She said they have worked very hard and
these people were appointed to the Redevelopment Agency, they were
trusted to do the work and bring the information back to the Council.
She said there are professionals working with the Redevelopment
Agency to answer any questions. She reiterated that this was a basic
plan and they would not be working with any developers. She said the
Council needs to review the plan and have their comments in by
Monday.
Councilmember Rios said he reviewed the plans and asked Borough
Attorney Bergen if the Council is restricted from attending the Public
Heating for input.
Borough Attorney Bergen said the Council could go for more public
input. He explained the statutory process and that the determination
has to be made by the Council and then they would refer it to the
Planning Board for their input.
Councilmember Rios asked if it were in the Council's best interest not
to make any public comments at that meeting. He said he understood
that ultimately it would come back to the Council for their decision on
what plan would be used.
Borough Attorney Bergen said he preferred the Council did not
participate in the process by making any input at the meeting. He said
he thought they were going to discuss the details on this amongst
themselves.
Councilmember Santoro said, "With that progress."
PUBLIC WORKS: Committee Chairperson Parisi said the Road
Projects have begun and should take about a month to complete. He
said the Leaf Bag Program would be starting this Monday, October 7th.
He gave the details about the program and said collection of leaves at
the curb would start on November 1st and end on December 30th.
10
OCTOBER 3, 2002
BOARD OF EDUCATION: Committee Chairperson Parisi said the STANDING COMMITTEES
Liaison Committee met with Councilmembers Sosnowski, Santoro and
himself and Board of Education Members Loutfy, Delgado and Setar.
He said they discussed the Zoning and Building fees that were waived
and shared services between some of the Borough Departments and
the Board of Education. He spoke about setting up the hotline for
improper housing, which also affects the students. He spoke about the
MCEOC program for Senior Citizens and said it was brought up that
some students from the high school could help out with the computers.
He said they had spoke about having meetings on the first Wednesday
of every month unless there were other meetings.
Mayor Failace spoke about Resolution #02-346, Amending the Rules MAYOR ' S COMMENTS
of Council, the Open Meetings Act and the fact that now every
meeting had to be open to the public including the Agenda Meetings.
Councilmember Santoro asked if that included the School Board.
Borough Attorney Bergen said he believed it did.
Lou Mangieri said this does not affect the School Board, it affects the
Zoning Board and the Planning Board.
Borough Attorney Bergen said any one that has a meeting that comes
under the Open Public Meetings Act has to comply.
Lou Mangieri told Councilmember Santoro that whatever she had at
the Agenda Meeting, a Resolution or what, the attorney...
Councilmember Santoro said Borough Attorney Bergen told the
Council they had to open the meeting.
MayorFailacereadthe ~llowingproclamation: PROCLAMATION:
DOMESTIC ¥IOLENCE
AWARENESS MONTH
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, home should be a place of warmth, unconditional love,
tranquility; and
WHEREAS, the crime of domestic violence violates an individual's
privacy and dignity, security and humanity, due to systematic use of
physical, emotional, sexual, psychological and economic control
and/or abuse including abuse to children and elderly; and
WHEREAS, the problems of domestic violence are not confined to
any group of people cut across all economic, racial and societal
barriers, and are supported by societal indifference; and
11
WHEREAS, the impact of domestic violence is wide ranging, directly
affecting individuals and society as a whole, here in this community,
throughout the United States and the world; and
WHEREAS, battered women have been in the forefront of efforts to
bring peace and equality to the home.
NOW, THEREFORE, in recognition of the important work done by
domestic violence programs. I do hereby proclaim the month of
October to be Carteret Borough Domestic Violence Awareness
Month and urge all citizens to actively participate in the scheduled
activities and programs to work toward improving victim safety and
holding perpetrators of domestic abuse accountable for their actions
against individual victims and our society as a whole.
PROCLAMATION Mayor Failace read the following proclamation:
COLUMBUS DAY "CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS DAY"
WHEREAS, there are many residents of the Borough of Carteret who
are of Italian American heritage; and
WHEREAS, these residents devote their efforts toward implanting the
example of the courage and progressive ideals of Christopher
Columbus in the hearts and minds of all our people; and
WHEREAS, we must individually dedicate ourselves to these
principals as the major bulwark against totalitarianism; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I James A. Failace, Mayor of the Borough, in
the County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey do hereby proclaim
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2002
as
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS DAY
in the Borough of Carteret and request that all nationalities of this
Borough stand with the Italian Citizenry in helping them observe this
Patriotic Day of their Compatriot, Christopher Columbus, whose name
shall be honored at the Flag Raising Ceremony conducted at the
Municipal Building, 61 Cooke Avenue, on Monday, October 14, 2002,
at 10:00 A.M.
FURTHER, I James A. Failace, Mayor of the Borough of Carteret, do
hereby proclaim
MONDAY OCTOBER 14, 2002
be designated as
ITALIAN-AMERICAN DAY
in the Borough of Carteret and hereby order the Flag of Italy be
displayed at the Municipal Building this day in honor of all Italian-
Americans who fought and died to save the freedoms of the United
States of America.
12
OCTOBER 3, 2002
MayorF~lacereadthe ~llowingproclamation: PROCLAMATION
SPINAL HEALTH MONTH
SPINAL HEALTH MONTH
WHEREAS, 80 percent of Americans will suffer from back
pain at some point in their lives; and
WHEREAS, the majority of school-age children carry
backpack loads that are too heavy for their developing bodies;
and
WHEREAS, overweight backpacks have been contributing to
spinal problems in children; and
WHEREAS, spinal health is essential to proper growth and
development; and
WHEREAS, chiropractic examination can reveal spinal
problems; and
WHEREAS, good spinal health makes it possible for all the
organs in the body to function efficiently; and
WHEREAS, every individual should be made aware of the
benefits of spinal health;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Borough of
Carteret in the state of New Jersey officially joins with the
New Jersey Chiropractic Association in proclaiming the month
of October as Spinal Health Month, and urges that this month
be dedicated to informing citizens of the great Borough of
Carteret in the state of New Jersey of the health benefits of
spinal health and the dangers of overweight backpacks. The
Borough of Carteret in the state of New Jersey further
commends doctors of chiropractic and colleges of chiropractic
for their continuing efforts on the public's behalf, and specially
the doctors of chiropractic in Carteret, New Jersey for their
community service programs.
Mayor Failace read the following proclamation: PROCLAMATION
FIRE PREYENTION WEEK
"FIRE PREVENTION WEEK"
OCTOBER 6-12, 2002
VfHEREAS, smoke and poisonous gases are the leading cause
of death in fires and can kill a person long before the flames
will; and
WHEREAS, underestimating the power of fire and the time it
takes to escape a home fire put people at severe risk of fire
death and injury; and
13
TOBER 3, 2002
WHEREAS, developing and practicing a home fire escape plan
at least twice a year are critical to escaping a real fire safely;
and
WHEREAS, a complete home escape plan includes working
smoke alarms everyone in the household knowing two ways
out of each room, having an outside location where everyone --
will meet upon exiting, and memorizing the local fire
department's emergency telephone number; and
WHEREAS, the Fire Prevention Week 2002 theme - "Cover
the Bases-Strike Out Firel"-emphasizes the extreme
importance of not only having a home escape plan, but
physically practicing it regularly; and
WHEREAS, the fire service of the Borough of Carteret is
dedicated to the safety of life and property from the devastating
effects of fire; and
WHEREAS, the members of the fire service are joined by
other concerned citizens of this Borough as well as other
emergency providers and safety advocates, businesses, schools,
service clubs and organizations in their fire safety efforts;
I, James A. Failace, Mayor of the Borough of Carteret, in
cooperation with non-profit National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) do hereby proclaim the week of --
OCTOBER 6-12, 2002
as
"FIRE pREVENTION WEEK"
This week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871,
which killed more than 250 persons, left 100,000 homeless and
destroyed more than 17,400 buildings.
I call upon the people of the Borough of Carteret to participate
in fire prevention activities at home, work and school, and to
execute "Cover the Bases-Strike Out Fire!" to ensure their
safety and the safety of their families in the event of fire.
PROCLAMATION MayorFailacereadthe ~llowingproclam~ion:
PETER J. SICA DAY
"PETERJ. SICA DAY"
WHEREAS, October 6, 2002 marks the Third Anniversary of
the tragic and untimely death of Former Mayor Peter J. Sica;
and
WHEREAS, Peter J. Sica, fondly known as "Pete" to all who
came to know him, dominated the Carteret Political Landscape
for twenty (20) years, through his deep commitment to the
community and his flamboyant nature; and
14
OCTOBER 3, 2002
WHEREAS, Peter J. Sica was renowned for his generosity to those in
need and his willingness to help anyone who asked; and
WHEREAS, Peter J. Sica contributed greatly to the Borough of
Carteret and is deserving of kind thoughts and prayers from the entire
Carteret Community on this sad occasion.
NOW, THEREFORE, I James A. Failace, Mayor of the Borough of
Carteret do hereby proclaim:
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2002
PETER J. SICA DAY
in the Borough of Carteret and direct that all flags on Borough
Buildings be displayed at half-staff on that day in honor of Peter J.
Sica.
MayorF~lacereadthe ~llowingproclamation: PROCLAMATION
NATIIONAL FAMILY
LITERACY DAY
NATIONAL FAMILY LITERACY DAY
WHEREAS, National Family Literacy Day is celebrated all over the
United States with special activities and events that showcase family
literacy programs and the important relationship between parents and
their children; and
WHEREAS, family literacy programs bring parents and children
together in the classroom to learn and to support each others' academic
and non-academic goals; and
WHEREAS, as parents identify their strengths and develop their skills,
essential messages about the importance of education are passed onto
their children, and parents and children soon develop thereby as a team
in learning and become partners for success; and
WHEREAS, family literacy encompasses a unique educational
approach that includes four separate but integrated components
whereby parents receive adult education, often focusing on improving
job skills or English language skills, and children receive
individualized education that is appropriate for their age and
developmental level; and
WHEREAS, in addition, parents take part in classes that help them
understand their children's literacy development in order to learn ways
to support that development at home; and
WHEREAS, one of the most unique elements of a family literacy
Program is Parent and Children Together (PACT) time, a regularly
scheduled session when parents and children play and learn together
through interactive literacy activities; and
15
2TOBER 3, 2002
WHEREAS, The Middlesex County Economic Opportunities
Corporation ("MCEOC"), has agreed to sponsor a Family Reading
Initiative Program in Carteret in concert with the Carteret Library
· Association and the Borough Council to promote family reading time
and family literacy within the Borough of Carteret.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, James A. Failace, Mayor of the Borough of
Carteret, do hereby declare November 1, 2002 to be observed and
celebrated as National Family Literacy Day in the Borough of
Carteret.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sohayda and
unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the
meeting was opened to the public for discussion.
Rich Greenberg said at the Planning Board Meeting there was an issue
COMMENTS where a builder bought a house on an existing oversized lot and he was
removing the garage, filling in the in ground pool and creating another
lot. He said this would allow him to subdivide and put another house
there. He said this is on Jackson Avenue and explained the houses in
the area. He asked the Council to address the zoning issue, and look
into the zoning laws to change them. He said he felt if he owned a
house, a builder bought the house next door they could knock the
garage down and build a house on top of him.
Mayor Failace said Mr. Greenberg had a valid problem and the
Council has discussed the problem. He said they would have to go
over the Master Plan.
Olga Pettica said there are no benches at the bus stops and Senior
Citizens are sitting on homeowners steps or on the ground.
Councilmember Santoro said the Streetscape Grant would include
benches. She spoke about the area in West Carteret this would cover.
Olga Pettica said her grandson's backpack weighs 33 pounds. She
said there were not enough lockers in the schools and the books are
much too heavy. She said people in scooters like her husband can not
get over the West Carteret Bridge. She asked why the Atom Tabloid
only had articles about Councilmember Reiman. She spoke about how
she felt the Mayor should be mentioned in the newspaper and spoke
against the Atom Tabloid and other newspapers not covering Carteret.
She said she spoke to the reporter from the News Tribune.
Councilmember Rios said there are no reporters at this meeting and
there are three newspapers that cover Carteret. He said he felt it was a
shame and suggested Mrs. Pettica call the newspapers.
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OCTOBER 3, 2002
Olga Pettica spoke about some incidents that have happened in PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Carteret that she read only in The Star Ledger.
Several Councilmembers, Mayor Failace and Mrs. Pettica spoke about
the events and the newspapers and how they cover these events or
don't.
Olga Petfica said she felt Councilmember Reiman did not do
everything, the Mayor's name should be in the paper also.
Mayor Failace said the Atom Tabloid calls him at the Mayor's office
9:00 in the moming when he is at his job to say they need a quote from
him by eleven o'clock. He said he spoke to the News Tribune about
Carteret not getting any press and spoke about the problems the
newspaper was having being owned by another company now and
Paul Nelson, the reporter, covering Carteret as well as Woodbridge.
Councilmember Rios said when the News Tribune puts something in
about Carteret, it is always negative and there are good things
happening but they are never in the paper.
Councilmember Sohayda said he felt that maybe the Parks Department
could put the benches up quicker and spoke about the roles that have
to be followed by New Jersey Transit.
Sue Naples asked about the access channel and if it would just be
informational and if it were up and mnning since no one has informed
-- them about it.
Mayor Failace said he thought they had set something up about a
bulletin board a while ago.
Councilmember Reiman said former Councilmember Fazekas had
volunteered his time to work on that.
Chester Barby, 6 Charlotte Street spoke about the garbage being put
out three days ahead of the pickup and there was garbage all over the
streets.
Councilmember Santoro said if people made the proper phone calls or
when the hotline is in effect . . . She said she hoped to have this
anonymous hot line in effect in a month or so, and it would will be
advertised.
Chester Barby said he would appreciate a four-way stop sign since he
couldn't see around the vans parked on the comer. He said with a
four-way stop sign it would be safer.
__ Walter Kalzinski spoke about the bus stops and since he lived near
Lucia's Pizzeria they were having problems with all the cars parking
in the area. He said the bus stop used to be by Tommy's Hot Dogs and
doesn't see why it was moved. He said this is a residential area and
there is garbage and people hanging out in the area. He said he spoke
to the principal of Nathan Hale School about the chaos in the area with
the people picking up and dropping off kids.
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]TOBBR 3, 2002
Councilmember Santoro said there was a meeting with the Crossing
IJBLIC DI$CIJ$$IObl Guards a while ago and suggested they meet again.
Walter Kalzinski said he felt there should be a Police Officer there.
Mayor Failace said he thought a police car went around to the schools.
Councilmember Sosnowski said he has called for a police car to make
parents move from the front of the schools.
Joseph Sitarz said the Borough has a Code Enforcement Officer to
check on the garbage. He spoke about the four-way stop sign. He said
he felt they should make Cooke Avenue one way coming down to
alleviate some of the traffic.
Ruth Ann Donovan, Crossing Guard said if a Crossing Guard has a
problem, they have a meeting the next day. She said if a Crossing
Guard doesn't say there is a problem, nothing can be done. She said
there would be a meeting to alleviate the problem.
There being no further business or discussion, upon MMS&C by
AD,JOURblI~D Councilmembers Rios and Parisi and unanimous affirmative vote of
the full membership present, the meeting was adjourned at
approximately 8:40 P.M. ~
Respectfully submitted,
Municipal Clerk
KMB/cp
18