HomeMy Public PortalAbout2002/03/14 AGENDA MEETING
MARCH 14, 2002
An Agenda Meeting of the Mayor and Cotmcil of the Borough of AGENDA MEETING
Carteret preceding the Regular Meeting of March 21, 2002 was held
on March 14, 2002, 7:00 P.M., Municipal Court/Police Facility, 230
Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey.
The following were noted present: NOTED PRESENT
Mayor James A. Failace
Councilmember Parisi
Reiman
Rios
" Sosnowski
Noted absent were Councilmember Santoro and Councilmember NOTED ABSENT
Sohayda.
Also noted present was Borough Attorney Robert Bergen,
At approximately 7:05 P.M, Councilmember Sohayda was noted NOTED PRESENT -
present, COUNCILMEMBER SOHAYDA
At approximately 7:07 P.M. Councilmember Santoro was noted NOTED PRESENT
present. COUNCILMEMBER SANTORO
Statement of Meeting Notice was mailed to the Home News Tribune, STATEMENT OF MEETING
The Star Ledger and posted on the bulletin board on March 8, 2002. NOTICE
Minutes for approval: February 7, March7&13, 2002. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
ORDiNANCES: ORDINANCES
1. #02-07 Capital Improvement, Appropriating $1,451,800.00 -
CSO GRANT.
RESOLUTIONS: RESOLUTIONS
1. Directing the Issuance of Various Bingo Licenses.
2. Directing the Issuance of Various Raffle Licenses.
3. Refund of Tax and/or Sewer User Fees.
4. Amendment to 2002 Temporary Budget.
5. Authorizing Various Contractors to Perform Rehabilitation of
Pursuant to COAH Regulations.
6. Designating Official Depositories.
APPLICATIONS: APPLICATIONS
1 .Carter~ Volunteer Fire Company #1 - Applications for membership,
Bobbi Jo Carpenter and Ami Grabowski.
2. St Joseph HSA - Amend RL 1662 by correcting date.
MARCH 14, 2002
COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Office of County Counsel - Notice of Public Hearing, April 11,
2002, 11:00 A.M., Re: Proposed Tranfer of Property in North
Brunswick to Township of North Brunswick for the purpose of storing
vehicles and equipment.
2. PSE&G - Notice of Statewide General Permit #2 Application to NJ
DEP to disturb wetlands within roadway Right-of Way throughout
entire PSE&G service territory. Comments Accepted.
REPORTS REPORTS:
1. Board of Health - February 2002.
2. Inspection of Buildings - February 2002
3. Social Services - January & February 2002.
COMMENTS Councilmember Rios said this Public Hearing for Property Transfer
from North Brunswick to North Brtmswick, was this for County
vehicles.
Mayor Failace replied that he didn't think it was. He said they got it in
their mail and he thinks it has to do with making us aware...
Municipal Clerk Kathleen Barney said it is to store impounded
vehicles and equipment by their Township.
Mayor Failace said it has nothing to do with the Borough.
Municipal Clerk said they had to notify us by law.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said maybe they are using Open
Space.
MATTERS FOR MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION:
DISCUSSION
1. NJ DOP - Public Safety Telecommunicator Trainees.
Municipal Clerk Kathleen Barney said we still have three that are still
provisional and Civil Service wants us to make them permanent.
2. John Riggio Employee Desk Audit.
COMMENTS 3. Carteret PBA - Requesting permission to hold Annual Fishing
Derby in Carteret Park on June 29, 2002, 8:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Municipal Clerk Kathleen Barney said assuming that is okay she will
give it to Bobby Kately.
4. Middlesex County Joint Insurance Fund - Asking for the
appointment of a Commissioner.
Mayor Failace wanted to know why they were asking us to appoint a
Commissioner.
2
~ARCH 14~ 2002
Councilmember Reiman said that was separate. He said he attended a I~I~,TTERS FOR DISClJS$IOI~I
few meetings with them. There is usually one representative from each (CONTINUED)
Township that attends of the 26 participating Towns and School
Boards.
Councilmember Parisi said they did send them a letter.
Councilmember Reiman said some towns send a Borough
Administrator, a Mayor or a Councilmember.
Councilmember Santoro said since they don't maybe it is a good idea
to send Patrick DeBalsio.
5. Ethnic Board - Vacancy.
Mayor Failace recommended A1 Walsh. He could not be on both the
Housing Authority and the Ethnic Board.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said for the Commissioner for the
Joint Insurance Fund, you can do a resolution appointing them and you
may want to appoint an alternate if Patrick can't go on a particular day,
they don't mind doing that. A lot of times they do appoint a alternate, COMr. IENTS
so if you think of someone else...He said he can do that when he does
the resolution.
Councilmember Santoro asked if anyone wanted to recommend any
names for the Ethnic Board. We can take the names and compile a list
and see what we want to do.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said they should hold off until the
next Agenda.
Mayor Failace asked if the position was specific and asked if could be
a Borough Employee.
Councilmember Reiman said it can be a Borough Employee but it has
to be a Republican.
6. Planning Board - Requesting Ordinance amending code, Re:
Fences.
Councilmember Reiman said the standard they are talking about now
is a five- foot fence and he thinks the old Ordinance says 14
(inaudible).
Councilmember Sosnowski said it is actually 36 inches.
Councilmember Santoro asked if Tony Neibert reviewed this.
Councilm~mber Sosnowski said it has to be an open site, there can't be
any blockage. It can be chain link fence but it can't be a hedge.
Councilmember Sohayda asked if they ever saw the property on the
comer of Markowitz Street and Jackson Avenue.
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MARCH 14, 2002
7. Patrick DeBlasio Bond Ordinance for Municipal Ambulance.
Councilmember Reiman said they went through the numbers. He then
asked Councilmember Rios to touch base with that.
Councilmember Rios said they should discuss it in Closed Session.
8. UEZ Board - Vacancy.
Mayor Failace asked who left the UEZ Board.
Municipal Clerk Kathleen Barney said Judy Leshko, but she is not a
voting member.
9. Library Board - Vacancy.
Municipal Clerk Kathleen Barney said Cindy DeCamp left the Library
Board.
Councilmember Reiman asked if there were any other vacancies?
The Municipal Clerk said the Recreation Commission has ,a vacancy
too.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen asked if they received: letter of
resignation ..
Municipal Clerk Kathleen Barney said that she did not receive
anything from Cindy DeCamp but she got one from Judy Leshko.
MAYOR ACCEPTED Mayor Failace made motion to accept the resignation of A1 Walsh
RESIGNATION OF from the Ethnic Board and Judy Leshko from the UEZ Board.
AL r//ALSH & JUDY
LESHKO Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and upon
individual roll call vote Councilmembers Parisi, Reiman, Rios,
Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the affirmative to accept the
resignation of A1 Walsh and Judy Leshko.
ENGINEER STATUS Borough Engineer Don Norbut - Engineer's Status Report
REPORT
I. Road Improvement Projects
a). Milik Street Rehabilitation - The work is approximately 75%
complete. The project has been winterized and has been shut down
until April 15, 2002.
b). Washington Avenue Streetscape - the contracted work is
complete. Diamond Construction has agreed to install concrete pavers
between the curb and sidewalk in a similar type pattern as around
Borough Hall. We requested that the contractor complete all work by
the end of March.
Councilmember Reiman said he saw the conceptual drawing that the
Borough Engineer made for some trees and additional lighting. He
said he gave his copy to John Riggio. He had not seen it prior to
(inaudible) so that is something that they can bring up at the next
meeting.
MARCH 14, 2002
Councilmember Sohayda asked if they ever spoke to somebody about
moving that down a little farther.
Councilmember Reiman said they spoke about moving down
(inaudible).
Borough Engineer said there was a funding issue that they want to add EMCINEER ' $ REPORT
to the application for the lights.
Councilmember Santoro said no, she thought they were going to get an
estimate to bring to the UEZ so we can complete everything.
Councilmember Rios said they put the estimate together and that is
going to already have the electricity down there, correct?
Borough Engineer said spoke and was inaudible. CONTINUED
Councilmember Rios said his concern is that they don't do it twice and
(inaudible).
Councilmember Sosnowski said they should set it up with a conduit
with a junction box there.
Borough Engineer said they had to look (inaudible) has to be done
now or later. He said if they wanted him to modify the contract he
thinks he can do that.
Councilmember Rios said that was his opinion. He said he didn't know
how the Council felt.
Mayor Failace said they want to run the conduit now.
Borough Engineer said the question was do they put in the wiring and
the light bases in now and the junction boxes and things like that.
Councilmember Reiman asked if the Borough Engineer had that in his
estimate.
Borough Engineer replied no.
Councilmember Reiman said he didn't know if they could even get the
funding but hopefully we get the UEZ funds because we are paying for
the conduit.
Mayor Failace said why don't they see if they can do it through the
UEZ before we go any further.
Councilmember Santoro said if this is what UEZ can spend money on
... If we vote on it next week then it has to go down to the State to be
approved and she did not see how...
Councilmember Reiman asked the Borough Attorney if they do lay out
the money through Capital, can we get reimbursed?
Borough Engineer said that serves the same purpose..
5
MARCH 14, 2002
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said this is a relatively small
contract. We can put bases and lights and electric and it won't increase
it by more than 20%.
ENGINEER'S REPORT Carteret Avenue Pedestrian Improvements the contract work is
CONTINUED almost complete. The deficiency work is weather dependent and will
be completed by April 2002. He said he is waiting for a response from
T. Grosso & Sons regarding this matter.
d). 2002 Road Improvement Program they are proceeding with the
field survey and design phase work for the 2002
Road Program. He said he requested permission from the from the
New Jersey Department of Transportation to reallocate funds from the
Industrial Road culvert grant to the Hagaman Street and Terminal
Avenue improvements. They anticipate completing the design plans
and specifications on or about May, 2002.
Councilmember Santoro asked the Borough Engineer to include Barlik
Street.
Councilmember Reiman said either we add it in and increase the
amount by $20 thousand or $30 thousand or take (inaudible) out.
Councilmember Rios said they should take out one with less priority.
Borough Engineer said he will include Barlik Street and some other
roads of equal value out.
COMMENTS Councilmember Santoro said that Barlik Street isn't even a toad and it
should not have a priority over one of the other roads that are being
redone. She said she is not even going to name some of the other roads
but she (inaudible) all the other roads that they have. She said she
didn't know why Barlick was never done when the new houses went
up over there.
Borough Engineer said she made a good point so we either take
something out or we have to fired another twenty or thirty thousand
dollars (inaudible). Because it is a local road what we are trying to do
is maximize the savings so we would have a contractor to repair the
roads, do the curbs and sidewalks ..
Councilmember Sohayda asked a question and was inaudible.
Councilmember Reiman said if they use that all then we don't have
anything for future purchases.
Borough Engineer said he had done an estimate on what it would cost.
There are probably a couple of small spaces that just need an overlay.
Councilmember Santoro said she did not know why that road was left
like that but if we are going to start doing roads in order of priority...
Councilmember Rios said it makes more sense to keep our cost the
same and cut ones with less priority or add the extra money. Let's do
it.
II. Sanitary Sewer Projects -
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MARCH 14, 2002
a). Suspect Area Sewer Separation - work is proceeding on the
Suspect Area Sewer Separation Project. Final paving and concrete ENGINEER'S REPORT
work for this project is scheduled for April 2002.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen asked if they had seen the end of the
Borough Engineer's letter. He said at the end of the contract he put in
bold letters ...(inaudible).
b). Harrison Avenue Pump Station contract work is complete.
Diamond Construction has agreed to install pavers between the curb
and sidewalk in a similar type as around Borough Hall. We request
that the contractor complete all work by the end of March.
Councilmember Rios said he hoped he moved in a timely manner, it
won't take him a long time to do it.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said they received a request from a
(inaudible) take a look at his wage reports.
Councilmember Rios asked if he was required to get prevailing wage?
COMMENTS &
DISCUSSION
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said one of the contractors didn't
like loosing out on the bids.
c). Carteret Avenue Pedestrian Improvements contract work is
almost complete. The work is weather dependent and will be
completed in April 2002.
d). 2002 Road Improvement Program - with Council authorization we
are proceeding with the field survey and design phase work for the
2002 Road Program. He reported that with the permission of the
NJDOT, he reallocated funds from Industrial Road culvert grant to the
Hagaman Street and Terminal Avenue improvements. They anticipate
completing the design plans on or about May 2002. They will be
advertising for bids after the NJDOT design approval in June 2002.
II. Sanitmy Sewer Projects ENGINEER ' S REPORT
CONTINUED
a). Suspect Area Sewer Separation - work is 90% complete and to
date, approximately 50 sanitary connections have been replaced. Final
work is scheduled for completion April 2002.
b). Harrison Avenue Pump Station - it is anticipated that construction
will begin in mid April 2002.
c). Roosevelt Avenue Pump Station - construction will begin in mid
April 2002.
d). Sewage Plant Demolition - all asbestos abatement is complete at
the site and the contractor has initiated test pits to investigate
underground site piping where sinkholes were found. Demolition is
anticipated within the next several weeks.
e). 2002 Sanitary Sewer Improvement Program as part of the 2002
capital budget recommendations, a list of recommended sanitary sewer
improvements which include a variety of projects that would be
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MARCH 14, 2002
completed or initiated with the 2002 Year. Some improvements are
partially funded under the Borough's USEPA Grant.
III. Waterfront Park
ENGINEER' $ REPORT
a) Phase I, Fishing Pier the contracts have been advertised and bids
CONTINUED
are scheduled to be received by March 26, 2002. Approximately
fifteen bidders have purchased the plans and specificatio~q and the
estimate for the project is two million dollars. At Council's request, a
series of deduct alternates have been added to the contract so the
Council will have the ability to remove items from the contract, if
necessary, before the award.
Borough Engineer said he received an odd letter from the New York/
New Jersey Harbor Pilot Association. They are concerned about a boat
ramp at that location because of the large vessels that move through
there. They want to make sure it doesn't impact their operation. He
said he thinks the waterway is big enough that it should not be an
issue.
Councilmember Reiman asked if there was any way they could hold
up the project.
Borough Engineer said yes, without the Army Corp Permit tl~ey really
can't do anything.
Councilmember Reiman said this was the New York/New Jersey
Harbor Pilot Association?
Borough Engineer said the public comment period prior to issuing the
permit is done by Army Corp and this came in during that period. The
one good thing in their favor was (inaudible).
b). Temporary Construction Easement - they are working with the
Borough Attorney to obtain a temporary construction easement across
Block 4, Lot 1, so that large construction equipment can access the
pier for demolition and construction of the new pier. This task may
prove to be a long one due to the fact that it is in bankruptcy. ~.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said they might want to look at the
money they are getting from the County.
Borough Engineer asked what money was that.
Councilmember Santoro said the Freeholders have their Open Space
Fund and it will be paying for feasibility and planning specs for the
properties joining that. She said she will put the Borough Engineer in
contact with them.
Councilmember Reiman asked what the presentation was last week.
Was this to support, because when they spoke last year with them it
was about financing the Waterfront Marina Project. Is this to acquire
the adjacent property?
Councilmember Santoro replied that this is to look into the possibility
of that position. Like everything else the first thing you have to do is to
8
MARCH 14, 2002
do a study. They have the money available and they (inaudible) that ENGINEER REPORT
they would be willing to do that.
c). Parking Lot Acquisition - there is an existing parking lot at the
fishing pier site and historically the Borough had planned to acquire
this lot from the property owner to provide vehicle and boat trailer
parking for the Waterfront Park.
d). Permanent Access Easement - the Borough Engineer said he has
begun to research the status of the permanent site access easement. It
is thought to exist across adjacent Block 5.02, Lots 1.01 & 103.
IV. General Items
a). Roosevelt Avenue Bypass, W. Carteret on March 6, 2002 a
meeting was held with the Woodbridge Township Engineer and
Traffic Safety Officer to discuss the truck diversion plan for West
Carteret. The representatives from Woodbridge had some concerns
about the re-routing of traffic. They requested that the Borough study
and traffic counts be forwarded to their office for review. The Borough
Engineer said he put together a report and will be sending it over
Monday or Tuesday. If the Council would like to read the report first..
Mayor Failace said he would like to see a copy of the report.
Councilmember Rios said Councilmember Santoro and himself
attended a meeting and we seemed to have a pretty good response
initially until their Police Sergeant had some concerns about our traffic
dumping onto their roads (inaudible) heavy traffic road. In any event
he thinks they should continue to pursue this. When we get indications
that we might get or request .. We have to try to convince them in any COMMENTS
way we can. We really don't want to get into an unfriendly "neighbor
situation" here but we have to be concerned about Carteret too.
Mayor Failace said they were not the ones being unfriendly.
Councilmember Rios said next time we're going to have to bring our
Police Force in and twist some arms.
Borough Engineer said the other thing that goes along with that
because of the re-routing of the truck traffic it would impact some of
the levels of service and the efficiency of (inaudible). We may be in a
position where as part of this the County wants us to upgrade the older
traffic signal equipment and make some physical improvements to the
intersection by adding an additional lane and widening some of the
intersections. There might be some improvement costs that go along
with the implementation of..
Mayor Failace asked if they would like it done prior to the
implementation (inaudible).
Borough Engineer replied possibly. We haven't discussed with the
County when they would require the improvements but we'll have to
(inaudible).
9
MARCH 14, 2002
Councilmember Rios said the County has more or less left it to us
because the gave us the impression that if we can come to an
agreement they would not have a problem.
Mayor Failace said if they come to an agreement with Woodbridge
and the County wants us to make some changes to their road...
Borough Engineer said it would be cost sharing like we do with other
counties.
Councilmember Santoro asked about Blair Road. She said she thought
it was part ours and part theirs. Every time that gets knocked down ...
Mayor Failace said he didn't think it was all theirs.
ENGINEER'S b). Hill District Storm Sewer Project Planning Document - we are
REPORT proceeding with the preparation of the environmental information
CONTINUED document as required by the USEPA grant for the Hill District Storm
Sewer Improvement Project.
c). Washington Avenue Decorative Street Lighting - they prepared a
concept plan and project cost estimate for the installation of decorative
street lighting along Washington and Cooke Avenue. The total project
cost will be approximately $98,000.This sketch and cost estimate will
be presented to the Borough UEZ Board for consideration for funding
in 2002.
Councilmcmber Reiman asked the Borough Attorney where they were
with the parking lot acquisition.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said he feels they may have the
authority to sign rather than an actual easement. There is a thing called
access agreement and he thinks that under law they may have the
authority to sign (inaudible).
Councilmember Reiman said they still need to acquire that parking lot.
Have we made any progress with that?
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said that was the point that he was
trying to raise with the County. The County is going to study these
properties and there are clearly properties that you want to include in
that study and figure out where the money is going to con% from. If
you are interested in acquiring the parking lot the first thing you need
to do is contact them and get an appraiser out there to take a look and
see what the value is.
Councilmember Reiman said he thought they need to move ahead with
this regardless of whether we acquire it or the County.
Councilmember Santoro said they are not looking to see who would
acquire it we are looking at the County picking up the cost to find out
pricing for the acquisition. If there is anything that we would go to the
County to pay for out of that fund... First, let's see if ti~ey could
reimburse our cost or at least pay our cost.
10
M~RCH ~4~ 2002
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said he wanted to discuss this in
Closed Session.
Councilmember Santoro asked if the price for decorating Washington
Avenue was $98,000.00. She asked if the amount was broken down so
they could give it to them.
Borough Engineer said yes and he had a small sketch too.
Councilmember Rios said they had residents going to the Recycling
Center..
Councilmember Reiman said he had something for Closed Session,
potential litigation.
Councilmember Santoro said she wanted to ask for a meeting with the
Police Committee. When we did the Police Chief we never did a
contract so he doesn't fall under any union. We really should put
together a contract for him and bring it up at the next Agenda Meeting.
Councilmember Sosnowski said he had a few things he wanted to
discuss. He said a few of the Council had mentioned to him about
some cleaning in the buildings, which are very understaffed. He said
he had some quotes requested for (inaudible) for the Seniors said he
would like to buy it for next year. There is one for the roof of the
Library. As everyone knows, the Library roof is leaking pretty badly COMMENTS
and they reached out to the contractor who did the work . The
contractor he reached out to is certified to do this type of roof. The
other quote is for the cleaning of the buildings. Right now that is
broken down to one week per building. He said if they combine and
clean all the buildings it would come down to nine hundred nine-eight
dollars per week and the total for the year would be (inaudible). We
don't have the manpower to clean the buildings. We can look at this
and if it is the Mayor and Council's pleasure he would like to break it
down and do a few of the buildings. The quotes may be higher and this
may come in at a higher price. This was based on a package deal
(inaudible).
Councilmember Sohayda asked if he was referring to Jackie Donavan.
Mayor Failace asked if this was the service for a number of people
coming in ...
Councilmember Sosnowski said yes, basically by the looks of it there
will be one person here eight hours a day. There is a possibility that
she may need more people in so we may end up with two people at
eight hours a day. This also includes the supplies necessary to do the
job. The only add in ..
Councilmember Reiman said he was talking $900.00 a week then we
have to go out to bid on it.
Councilmember Sosnowski said the biggest concern was the Borough
Annex. The manpower isn't there. Our building service workers do
maintenance and custodian work.
Mayor Failace asked if they could hire part time employees to do that.
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~ARCH 14~ 2002
Councilmember Sosnowski said that is something for the Mayor and
Council to look at. He said he had one more thing for open and that
was doing the test for the generator in the Library. The only day the
Library is closed is on Sunday. This test that we are going to do is
going to take four hours minimum. He said it is not going to be a cost
effective thing for him to ..
Mayor Failace said they should close the Library for four hg'~,rs during
the week.
Councilmember Sosnowski said he just wanted to let them know that
is what they are looking at. Close the Library for half a day and this
way we can get this test done. It has been brought to his attention that
the mail should be dropped off by the mailman. We can't have the
Borough workers picking up the mail. He said he would also like to
blend the Building Department with the Planning and Zoning and
bring them under the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Tony Neibert
has all the building service workers and he is working with him and
doing some research with (inaudible).
COMMENTS &
DISCUSSION Councilmember Reiman said what you want to do is have the
Construction Department and the Zoning and Planning Department,
which has nothing to do with building maintenance, to be taken away
from the Finance Committee and put under the Building & Grounds
Committee?
Councilmember Sosnowski replied yes because he feels that it falls
under Buildings & Grounds.
Councilmember Reiman asked how it could possibly fall under
Buildings & Grounds?
Councilmember Sosnowski said with everything ..
Councilmember Reiman said the Building Committee has to do with
the Borough owned buildings and the Building Department is the
Construction Department and has nothing to do with the Finance
Committee.
Councilmember Sosnowski said with the extra work he is tacking up
for the Building Department .. He said he spoke about this before..
Councilmember Reiman said he never spoke about switching
departments. The reason that the building maintenance people report to
Tony Neibert now is because you directed them as Buildings and
Grounds. As the chairman of the finance committee he would object
to having the Construction Department, the Zoning and Planning
Offices taken away from the Finance Committee and report to the
Building Maintenance Committee. He said he didn't see how it could
possibly connects.
Councilmember Santoro asked the Borough Attorney what happens
with something like that.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen asked if it was done by Ordinance?
Municipal Clerk Kathleen Barney said it has to be done by the Rules
of Council.
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MARCH 14, 2002
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said they would have to do it by
Resolution to change it. If it is under the Rules of Council then it is up
to the Council to change it.
Councilmember Rios said it would be better served if he (inaudible)
Finance being that he is the Construction Code Official. He said he
thought it would make more sense to stay in the Finance Building .. He
said it makes more sense to leave Buildings and Grounds with Tony
Neibert then with Patrick DeBlasio. He said to him it makes more
sense..
Councilmember Sosnowski said (inaudible).
Councilmember Reiman said they should do a straw poll since it will
come to a vote by Resolution anyway. He said he would ask that it
stay under the Finance Department where is has been and he doesn't
understand why it should be moved.
Councilmember Rios asked if this was something that they were
kicking around or ...
Councilmember Sosnowski said he thought it would be easier ..
Councilmember Reiman said they should have discussed it in the
Committee and it should not have been brought up at an Agenda
Meeting as a Resolution. COMMENTS
Councilmember Sosnowski said the Committee Meetings didn't go
well and .,'de didn't get a chance to speak.
Councilmember Rios said they should discuss it in Committee again
and bring it back to the Council at the next Agenda Meeting.
Councilmember Reiman said they should check by Ordinance to see
how or what it falls under. Under the Rules of Council it is adopted
every January but see if there is any specific Ordinance that allows for
that.
Councilmember Sosnowski said that isn't possible.
Mayor Failace said it seems that anything is possible. Whether there is
a need for it or not anything is possible.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen asked if they were doing this for
Thursday ~ght.
Mayor Failace said no. He then asked the Borough Attorney to look at
it and we'll talk about it at the next Agenda Meeting.
Councilmember Sosnowski said he had to discuss something in Closed
Session, personnel issues.
Councilmember Rios said that he mentioned at the last Council
meeting about a Borough Hall Committee. The condition of Borough
Hall is no secret. He said he was hoping that they could come up with
a Committee to discuss what we want to do with Borough Hall. Either
we renovate or build. He said he doesn't expect them to discuss it that
night, obviously that will be a long decision and study that they have
to do but he hoped that the Council could make a committee on
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MARCH 14, 2002
reviewing the possibility or the future of Borough Hall. He said it was
something that has to be done.
Councilmember Santoro said how about when we have Buildings and
Grounds Meetings? We should discuss it first because plenty of reports
have been done. We she first came on there was work that had been
done. We need to dig up those old reports and give everyone a copy.
Maybe after the next Buildings and Grounds Committee Meeting.
Councilmember Reiman said he agreed with Councilmember Rios and
we should have not only a Committee but a Task Force..
Mayor Failace said that was already done but never got off the ground.
He said he did agree that it was not a horrible idea. The worst that
could happen is they come back with recommendations and to have it
done well with the Council and himself. They should put together a
real task force and sit down and discuss it.
Councilmember Rios said Borough Hall is an embarrassment where
meetings and professional business is held everyday. That we have
fencing around the steps so people don't walk up there and get injured.
It is time we addressed this issue one way or the other. You want to
have your Committee Meeting and make recommendations as far as
who should sit on it. He said he is not looking to be on the committee.
Councilmember Santoro said since he brought it up (at that point
DISCUSSION
everyone started laughing).
Councilmember Rios said Open Spaces, we have a problem utilizing
the money for what we would like to use it for. He said he thinks they
have to address that where we could do something to correct it. If in
the future we don't have this money keep going into an account and
we can only use it for acquisition of land. He said he thought that
everyone at the meeting felt that the money could be used for
acquisition maintenance and so forth and so on.
Mayor Failace said that was the intent from the beginning.
Councilmember Rios said unfortunately this year the Parks Committee
had some ideas about what they wanted to do and we couldn't.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said it has to go out to the voters to
amend what you did before and when the question came up .. the
Municipal Clerk forwarded him the Ordinance and maybe where the
confusion is that the Ordinance calls for acquisition of property and
development rights. Development Rights is the right to develop
property. There are times in which, particularly with Farm Lands in
which you can pay a farmer the rights that he would recover until he
chose to develop the land. The Municipal Clerk didn't give him a copy
of what actually was approved by the voters . We just need a valid
question to be put on by August.
Councilmember Rios said his interpretation, when you develop
something you enhance it and by enhancing it is a multitude of things.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said that is why if you look at the
State Statute there are five different provisions under the statute, four
of which you can use the money. There are others that create what you
14
MARCH 14, 2002
would like .. The argument that you would like to put forth and the one
that he thinks the one that you passed doesn't allow for that argument
cause it only allows for one option, "to acquire property and
development fights" and that is all it allows you to do.
Councilmember Rios said the Borough Attorney interpretation is that
we are locked in and we can only use it for acquisition and
development.
Mayor Failace said and development of what we acquire.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said he would throw that in there but
he isn't even clear that you included that adequately, the right to
develop that property.
Councilmember Rios said to assume that they want to go forward and
put another question on the ballot this November, what happens with
the money that was already put in to that fund? Let's say it is two
hundred thousand dollars, and let's hope it gets passed in November,
and the effect date is January 1st can you use the money already built
up into that ftmd after January lSt?
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said he tried everything to get
someone to give a different opinion than what he gave them so he
asked Patrick DeBlasio to ask the Auditor if he would look at it. He
didn't render a different opinion but what they came up with is making DISCUSSION
the language to the Ordinance retroactive so you have one pot of
money and not two.
Councilmember Rios said so this year we can't (inaudible) nothing but
acquisition and that stinks.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said last night they took a look at the
Amendment to the County to the language of their Open Space and
they did the same thing.
Councilmember Santoro asked if that was brought up someplace else.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said yes at the Budget Meeting. We
were discussing the Parks Budget. When the Auditor was there he
mentioned that ..
Councilmember Reiman said the County tax rate is going up 5%, three
cents for the County and two cents for Open Space. In the Caucus
Meeting that we had since the meeting was canceled ..
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen asked where they got the language
for the O~'dinance.
Councilmember Rios said he also had something for Closed Session,
personnel.
Councilmember Sohayda said he viewed a car accident and the car
was under a truck. He said he believed that someone did get hurt. He
then passed the pictures around. He said he had one thing for Open
Session and that is the Volunteer and Ladies Auxiliary is requesting a
$5000.00 increase in their budget for tmiforms. The reason being is
that there is a higher body count in terms of membership. The Ladies
Auxiliary is looking to be equipped with uniforms. He then said for
15
MARCH 14, 2002
Closed Session it is personnel. He said he didn't know what any body
feels yet.
Councilmember Reiman asked if the Fire Committee met yet to find
out if they have the money in the Budget.
Councilmember Sohayda said they had not.
Mayor Failace said to Councilmember Sohayda that he thought it was
simple to recommend that you agree with it.
Councilmember Reiman asked if this would be one time.
Councilmember Sohayda said yes and it is just for uniforms.
Councilmember Parisi said he had nothing for Open Session and one
thing for closed, personnel.
Councilmember Santoro said she is adding one for Closed Session for
the Police Department.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said he had a few Professional
Service Resolutions and he thinks they should be discussed in Closed
Session.
Councilmember Rios asked the Borough Attorney to correct him if he
was wrong but the process for the Cheerleaders that was done in the
past but will be done before the next Council Meeting, he was
concerned about not taking a Straw Poll ..
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said he received some proposals for
Buses to send over to Gloria and she needs authorization for the buses
for the Central Jersey Cheerleaders. He said they needed to authorize it
if they wanted to do it.
RE: HEAD START The Mayor then introduced Carroll Thomas from the Head Start
PROGRAM Center.
Mr. Thomas said he wanted to thank everyone for their support of the
Head Start Center here in Carteret. He said he thinks it is something
that they are all going to be very proud of. He said they have done
some work on it and please keep them in mind as they build the center
here in Carteret. We have spoke to the Mayor and Council and we are
talking about a long term commitment in terms of issues (inaudible) in
particular the Chrome Area and other parts of Carteret. One of the
things they need to do is to have a place for the kids to play. It is going
to be a full day and full year program. He said one of the reasons for
wanting to be in the Borough is to be a part of a new direction. He then
said he would hold color copies and (inaudible). He said he is giving
the Mayor and Council a proposal for the use of park space in the
Carteret Area. It is a Green Acres Park so it is therefore considered
part of the usage for the Head Start Center. We wanted to make an
investment in the Park for approximately $20,000.00 to make
(inaudible) a grant to improvement the park and add some benches and
so forth. In that consideration we would like the Borough Employees
to maintain the park equipment
Councilmember Rios asked if the property that Mr. Thomas is
speaking of is adjacent to 46 Roosevelt Avenue.
16
MARCH 14, 2002
Mr. Thorhas said it was not adjacent it is between the Housing
Authority and the playground.
Councilmember Santoro said that park is not Green Acres Property.
Mayor Failace said the park is not Green Acres.
MR. THOMAS - HEAD
Councilmembcr Reiman said part of Chrome Park is Green Acres. START
Mayor Failace said what they are asking to do is to put playground
equipment in Chrome Park. They want to give us $20,000.00 to put
into Chrome Park.
Councilmember Santoro said they have to put it in our section more so
than (inaudible).
Mayor Failace said that was what they were talking about. They are
talking about where we already put (inaudible). He said he thought it
was a win / win situation.
Mr. Thomas said he already looked at the plans from two years ago
when you did some improvements. We want to invest $20,000.00 in
the park to match up what we think the community needs.
Mayor Failace said what Mr. Thomas is asking from us is if we can get
our Borough Workers to help them install the equipment.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen asked when they would be able to
move on this.
Mr. Thomas said that he and the Mayor spoke about the original plan
and what we want to look at and what the agency wants to do in the
area. Obviously he wants his people to talk to the your people
(inaudible) and the design of the playground .. PARK EQUIPMENT
Mayor Failace said to the Borough Attorney that this was not just for
the Head Start, it is for all the kids in Carteret. What would be best, if
MCEOC bought the equipment or inaudible.
Mr. Thomas said they would buy the equipment and give it to the
Borough and therefor no one has to have additional liability insurance
and equipment and that is why the technicians have to get together ..
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen asked why he didn't give them a list
of the equipment and we'll (inaudible) resolution accepting the gift
from Head Start.
Mr. Thomas replied that there was a master plan of the park and you
all have some designs. He said he was not a park person and he would
like his people to sit down with the park people.
Mayor Failace said they could meet with Bob Kately.
Mr. Thomas said it will be Borough equipment so we would like some
cooperation to select the equipment. We did this for presentation
purposes but maybe the Mayor and Council have a better idea. We
have to fit the needs of what we intended it to be used for. Once we
pickout the equipment he will submit (inaudible) and that is the
equipment he'll give.
17
MARCH 14, 2002
Councilmember Rios said they should set up a Park Committee
Meeting with the Park's Supervisor ...
Mayor Failace said that would be fine and he thought it a good idea to
get this thing rolling. He said he thinks they are going to find that this
partnership with MCEOC is going to be very rewarding for the
Borough of Carteret.
Councilmember Parisi asked Mr. Thomas if everything with an
asterisk is what they are looking to acquire.
Mr. Thomas replied yes. He then said there are two parts to this. One
is that we need to acquire the appropriate equipment for two years and
up. The other wish is to improve your raw conditions for the general
use of the community and one of the things we looked at is to get
under the Head Start Budget and (inaudible) and where the kids can go
and have a picnic. The other thing that we wanted to look at is to
improve the overall cleanliness of the Park and to get the appropriate
COMMENTS receptacles. What he is also saying is $20,000.00 is what we can do
but if you want to put in another piece of equipment that is fine
because it is open to the public. The only thing he is going to hang on
to is he has to justify under the use of two to five year old.
Councilmember Rios asked Mr. Thomas if they could set up a meeting
with the Parks Committee and you or someone else on your team. We
could do it within the next few weeks. He then asked Mr. Thomas if
that would be a problem.
Mr. Thomas replied no. He said the Mayor and he spoke about it and
he didn't know how to proceed with this. He said he does need to
proceed but he also needs to be able to go before thc variance
committee that is reviewing this. One of the questions was.what park
are we going to use, and we know it is under Green Acres. We want to
make an investment and we are talking about a long-term relationship
so he didn't want to go to the Planning Board without coming here
first. The Mayor insisted that he come to the meeting and he then
thanked them for taking his evening away.
Councilmember Rios asked if they were under any kind of time
restrains.
Mr. Thomas said the only restrain is what we put on ourselves. The
grant that he is allocating has a life expectancy of one year and the
time frame could be (inaudible). He said he has the money set aside in
the budget to do it.
Councilmember Santoro said that park is so large and the equipment
that is in there is lost so this is a way to make that park ..
Mayor Failace said this is such a win for the Borough.
Mr. Thomas said that is exactly why they came to Carteret and also
maybe to some kind of Neighborhood Watch to protect the property.
This is in concert with some other strategies that are going on. If we
say this is tied to the Head Start Program a lot of families will suppO?t
and protect it for their kids.
18
MARCH 14, 2002
Councilmember Santoro said it was great and then thanked Mr.
Thomas.
Mr. Thomas said the lead person that is going to be on this is Pastor
Dickerson but he is going to have technical people and park people
who are going to acquire the company from (inaudible). Where the
equipment is going to be stored the ground has to be resurfaced..
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said that Bob Kately is going to be
okay with (inaudible).
Councilmember Rios said that Bob Kately is the one that is going to
physically take care of the equipment. He is sure that he can give us
some input as far as (inaudible).
Mayor F:filace said that the relationship between Carteret and the
MCEOC and the Head Start Program can go a lot further.
Councilmember Reiman said everytime they see him he has something
for the Borough so they should see him more often. COMMEIqTS
Mr. Thomas said this has been one of the most exciting places to do
work in and you talk about all the things that don't go right with the
Borough. He said Carteret is one of the most exciting places that he
has been and (inaudible). He then thanked them all for their leadership.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said he received a letter from the
Rahway YMCA about using Medwick Park for basketball. He said he
advised them that it was a County park. To advise the Mayor and
Council to the fact that the County charges $25.00 every time they use
the park so they called him and said the Borough had approved it in
the past.
Mayor Failace said the County allowed us to allow the YMCA to use
the park for soccer and some other things.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said we can't give them permission
to do it and he sent them to the County and they are concerned that the
County will charge them $25.00. He told them to look around ..
Mayor Failace said when they first brought the YMCA in we ran the
programs in Medwick Park. The County allowed them to do it with no
problem.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said that Nick had always got it done
before ard he didn't know if the Mayor and Council wanted to get
involved.
Councilmember Reiman asked Councilmember Rios who would
schedule something like that. Would Bob Kately do the scheduling
for the Parks?
Councilmember Santoro said no, the County would do that. You have
to call the County.
19
MARCH 14, 2002
Mayor Failace said they went through the County and found out that
the use was for soccer, at the time, and they had no problems. They
scheduled everything and they took care of it.
Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said the problem is that they charge
$25.00 everytime they use the park so even if it is for practice they
charge $25.00.
Mayor Failace said they did not charge them in the past.
At approximately 7:20 P.M., a Closed Session was held.
RESOLUTION #02-110 Resolution #02-110 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to the
CLOSED SESSION Council for action
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios
RESOLUTION #02-110
"RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Parisi,
ADOPTED Reiman, Rios, Santoro, Sohayda and Sosnowski voted in the
affirmative.
OPENED TO THE At approximately 9:00 P.M. upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers
PUBLIC Reiman and Santoro and the unanimous affirmative vote of the full
membership present, the meeting was opened to the Public.
ADJOURNED At approximately 9:58 P.M. upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers
Sohayda and Rios and unanimous affirmative vote of the full
membership present, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Municipal Clerk
KMB/apm
2O