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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2001/04/19 A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Carteret was called to order by Mayor James A. Failace, 7:30 P.M., Municipal CourtlPolice Facility, 230 Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey on Thursday, April 19, 2001. Upon individual roll call vote, the following were noted present: Mayor James A. Failace Councilmember Remy Quinones " Daniel Reiman " Ronald Rios " Janet Santoro Noted absent were Councilmembers Fazekas and Sohayda. Also noted present was Borough Attorney Robert Bergen and Business Administrator Nicholas Go1dsack. The meeting was opened with a minute of silent prayer and pledge of allegiance led by Mayor James A. Failace. The Clerk stated that on April 11, 2001, in full compliance with the Open Public Meeting Act, a notice of tonight' s meeting was sent to the Home News Tribune, The Star Ledger and posted on the Bulletin Board. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present, the minutes of February 1, 2001 and March 1, 2001 were approved as transcribed and engrossed by the Clerk. ORDINANCE #01-24 was introduced and adopted on First Reading and the Clerk authorized and directed to advertise same for Public Hearing to be held May 3,2001, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman. Upon individual roll call vote, Counci1members Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. ORDINANCE #01- 24 "AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING ARTICLE I OF THE CODE, RE: DRUG FREE SCHOOL ZONE" ORDINANCE #01-25 was introduced and adopted on First Reading and the Clerk authorized and directed to advertised same for Public Hearing to be held May 3,2001, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilrnembers Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. 1 APRIL 19, 2001 COUNCIL MEETING ROLL CALL PRAYER, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE STATEMENT OF MEETING NOTICE APPROVAL OF MINUTES ORDINANCE 101-24 AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTAL ARTICLE I OF THE CODE, RE: DRUG FREE SCHOOL ZONE FIRST READING ORDINANCE 101-25 AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING ARTICLE XIV DESIGN & PERFORMANCE STANDARDS OF CHAPTER 160 LAND DEVELOPMENT OF THI CODE APRIL 19, 2001 FIRST READING ORDINANCE #01-25 "AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING ARTICLE XN DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS OF CHAPTER 160- LAND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CODE" -- REGULATING & LICENSING LIMO'S The Clerk stated that Ordinance #01-20 was introduced and passed upon First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Borough Council of the Borough of Carteret held on April 5, 2001. It was duly published in the Home News Tribune on April 12,2001 with notice that it will be considered for final passage after Public Hearing to be held on April 19,2001 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. ORDINANCE /01-20 PUBLIC HEARING Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be opened: HEARING CLOSED There being no comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be closed upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios ORDINANCE #01-20 "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 235, ENTITLED, "TAXI CABS" OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET CREATING A NEW SECTION ENTITLED, "LIMOUSINES", AND ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR THE LICENSING AND OPERATIONS OF LIMOUSINES WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET" ADOPTED was finally adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. Approved and Adopted: Introduced: Advertised as adopted on first reading With notice of Public Hearing: April 12. 2001 Hearing Held: April 19.2001 Approved by: MAYOR JAMES A. F AILACE Advertised as finally adopted:_ Fridav. April 27. 2001 April 19. 2001 April 5.2001 ORDINANCE 101-21 AN ORDINANCE ELIMINATING THE POSITION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS The Clerk stated that Ordinance #01-21 was introduced and passed upon First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Borough Council of the Borough ofCarteret held on April 5, 2001. It was duly published in the Home News Tribune on April 12,2001 with notice that it will be 2 considered for final passage after Public hearing to be held on April 19,2001 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. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be opened: Jeff Pino, 23 Swarthmore Drive said he would like to know why the Council wants to eliminate the position of Public Works Director. The person who has that position is definitely qualified to do the work. His concern is that over the past two (2) months we've had a fireman that was going to be a Superintendent but wasn't qualified so the position of Battalion Chief was created so he could have some type of promotional raise. He said what he wanted to know was why they would take somebody who has all the qualifications to perform the position of Public Works Director and eliminate it but, on the other hand create a position that someone could fit into to accommodate that person. .- Councilmember Santoro replied the position was created incorrectly by putting the Parks Department under this position without a change in the Ordinance. Also at that time this individual received a raise for being a Recycling Coordinator, which didn't have anything to do with that position as a whole. She said we do have a Recycling Coordinator even thought at the time he might have been doing it temporarily. She said as for the Battalion Chief, in creating a position this has been an on going situation for the last couple of years, for an individual who is more than qualified to be in that position more than qualified to be the Superintendent but because of Civil Service rules and a lack of testing for Captain and Superintendent we have to, according to Civil Service, move. Civil Service made the recommendation to make the title Battalion Chief. It was not that we created it, this came back from Civil Service. Mayor Failace said what Councilmember Santoro said is true we believe (inaudible) should have gone on when we originally did that Ordinance. The attorney said we could have simply done that instead of eliminating the position but they chose not to do that this year. The person is very qualified for the position as is the person who (inaudible) is also qualified. Jeffery Pino replied on the surface it just doesn't look right you accommodate one (1) person and penalize someone else. Councilmember Rios said to answer your question, as far as the position of Battalion Chief, that job was not created just for him although he is certainly qualified. As far as the Public Works Director, he thinks it would be (inaudible) to handle that position. Mayor Failace stated he is not against the position of Battalion Chief, that position was created for a person in the Borough. Councilmember Santoro stated Civil Service recommended the creation of that position they (Civil Service) sent it back to us to put that as the position. We did not pick the position. 3 APRIL 19, 2001 PUBLIC HEARING COMMENTS APRIL 19 COMMENTS CONTINUED HEARING CLOSED ADOPTED 2001 Mayor Failace stated the only way that person could attain that was to get the position. The Mayor said he wanted it known that he is not against the person in that position, he does a great job. But let's not muddy the water with Civil Service. The position was created in order to do that. Councilmember Santoro said we should go back to mudding the waters. She asked how long ago was this individual put into this position of Superintendent? Mayor Failace replied two (2) years ago. Councilrnember Santoro said so last year at that time the Council felt that he was more than qualified. Mayor Failace stated he just said that. Councilmember Santoro replied mudding the water means that this (inaudible) was created for him and it was recommended from Civil Service. Mayor Failace asked if they didn't create that position could that person be there today? Councilmember Santoro asked the Mayor what he meant. Mayor Failace asked if we didn't create that position what would have happened? The Mayor stated that he was not going to go into this anymore. He said Civil Service felt that the only way we could do this is to create the title of Battalion Chief. He said again that he thought that the person in that position has been doing a good job. He still feels that the job was created because if we didn't do that the job wouldn't be there. - There being no further comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be closed upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Santoro and a unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present. Councilmember Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Santoro ORDINANCE #01-21 "AN ORDINANCE ELIMINATING THE POSITION OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS" was finally adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. 4 Approved and Adopted: April 19. 2001 Introduced: April 5.2001 Advertised as adopted on first reading with notice of Public Hearing: April 12. 2001 Hearing Held: April 19. 2001 Approved By: MAYOR JAMES A. F AILACE Advertised as finally adopted: Fridav. April 27. 2001 Councilmember Quinones stated that she would like to go on record as saying that she does believe that this is just a question of correcting the way the position was created. She said in her personal opinion she thinks this is being done solely to punish Teddy Surick. Councilmember Reiman stated he did not think this was being done to punish a specific individual what was done last year was to reward a certain individual to give somebody an $8,000.00 raise in addition to his or her normal increase doesn't make any sense. He asked how many times has the Council had to review this last year whether it was Superintendent of Parks or Recycling Coordinator and ultimately the Director of Public Works, the position was given an $8,000.00 increase and did no more work than the Superintendent of Streets and Roads. Councilmember Rios asked Councilmember Quinones when the title was created. Councilmember Quinones responded that it was some time late last year. Councilmember Rios asked why he made this decision early this year ifhe felt so strongly about it. Councilmember Quinones replied that she thought it had been in discussion for quite a while but because it was such a controversial move and because there had been a number of different changes to the Ordinance it was not actually adopted until later on in the year. Councilmember Santoro said it was just something we needed looking at combining Parks, Streets and Roads and Public Works she said she did not believe that it was necessary and because it was done incorrectly it has to be eliminated. Mayor Failace stated it does not have to be eliminated. Councilmember Santoro replied it was incorrect according to the Ordinance. Mayor Failace responded according to the attorney all that had to be done was to put a (inaudible) on there. The Mayor stated as the Ordinance reads it does not include a number of the jobs that he does and he was given extra duties over the years. Borough Attorney Robert Bergen replied that the duties that were listed under the job were for the purpose of description only. That is the policy decision that the Council makes. Do they have to take those jobs away, no, is there an issue with regard to the job? If (inaudible), yes. He said there is no obligation simply because you have certain 5 APRIL 19 2001 COMMENTS CONTTNUED APRTI. 19 2001 COMtlENTS things listed under that category and other things cannot be assigned (inaudible). He said the problem with the situation is that you have a separate Parks Department and those could be assigned to the parks and Public Works Department. Councilmember Santoro stated by the time he was appointed Director; did he receive any additional duties according to the increase? Mayor Failace said he had not received anything in the last three (3) years for any additional duties. Councilmember Santoro asked the Mayor how long was he (inaudible)? Mayor Failace responded five (5) years. Councilmember Santoro asked why the Mayor didn't see to him getting increases? Mayor Failace said the Council always says that it comes from here or it comes from there, then the Council is asking me why did you do it. He said he did not understand that because we rectify what we believe is the law. The Mayor said he does not understand what the problem is the person in the position has been doing the job, has been doing the extra job for a number of years and it just doesn't matter. Councilmember Reiman asked if that would be done for certain functions (inaudible). He said would that be done by the Committee for Public Works? Borough Attorney Robert Bergen replied to some extent and the Supervisor of Public Works to create those specific jobs. He said Civil Service gives you a list of items that the particular individual can do and that is only for the purpose of illustration. The question is that you have certain requirements (inaudible) to change the Ordinance to do so. Councilmember Reiman said what he wanted to know is when they cut down the trees, and have they for the last couple of years, (inaudible) Superintendent to do that. Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said he would say no. Mayor Failace stated that would guess that what this Council intends to do those things but with no human relations. Councilmember Reiman said Teddy has been doing it for the last few years. Mayor Failace replied exactly and it was rectified and you guys took it away it was done for a number of reasons and one (1) of them was because ofthe extra jobs that the man took on. Councilmember Reiman asked the Mayor if he took it on to reward a specific individual. 6 Mayor Failace replied if you want to say it that way, people that do more things are busy in other areas get rewards for doing those things. Councilmember Quinones said she had a question about the Ordinance. She said the Ordinance illuminates the position but doesn't address the salary, is that automatically illuminated as well? Borough Attorney Robert Bergen replied no that is a separate Ordinance, the salary will remain what it is but if there is no one in that position (inaudible). The Clerk stated that Ordinance #01-22 was introduced and passed upon First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Carteret held on April 5, 2001. It was duly published in The Home News Tribune on April 12,2001 with notice that it will be considered for final passage after Public Hearing to be held on April 19,2001 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. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be opened: There being no comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be closed upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Santoro and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) members present. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Santoro ORDINANCE 01-22 "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE #71-9 ESTABLISHING SALARY SCHEDULES AND FIXING THE MANNER OF PAYMENTS OF SALARIES FOR VARIOUS OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYESS OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET" was finally adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilrnember Quinones voted no. Councilmembers Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. Councilmember Quinones asked the Borough Attorney, who is a Councilman in Keyport, New Jersey, if they had a Chief of Police or a Police Director? 7 APRIL 19 2001 COMMENTS CONTINUED ORDINANCE 101-22 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 171-9 ESTABLISHING SALARY SCHEDULES & FIXING THE MANNER OF PAYMENT OF SALARIES FOR VARIOUS OFFICIALS & EMPLOYEES OF THE BOROUGH OF O'RlHŒr PUBLIC HEARING HEARING CLOSED ADOPTED COMMENTS APRIL 19, 2001 COMMENTS Borough Attorney Robert Bergen replied that he thought that was an unfair question. He said if she wants him to get in a policy debate he will tell you that at one time we did have a Police Director. When our Police Director passed away we went back to the Police Chief. He was a retired state trooper and second in command in New Jersey State. He was in charge of security for the Governor and all the dignitaries. - Councilmember Quinones asked if anyone on this Council, because it was never discussed, ever separately asked your opinion on whether you thought this was a good move for the town. Councilmember Santoro asked if that would matter. Councilmember Quinones replied that it mattered to her vote. Borough Attorney Robert Bergen stated he did not think that anyone asked him if he ever thought it was a good move for the town. He said there were some discussions held with regards to different duties and what the benefits may be with regards to a Police Director. Councilmember Quinones asked Borough Attorney Bergen his opinion on what a better position would be. Councilmember Santoro stated that she just thinks that it is curious that sitting in a Council Meeting three (3) weeks after this has been brought up and all of a sudden your interested in what our Attorney (inaudible). Councilmember Quinones replied that they did not have much of a discussion and when if was raised at 12:30 P.M. a week before you put on for a vote. Councilmember Santoro replied that she was sure that Councilmember Quinones knows where the Borough Attorney works and she could have contacted him there. Councilmember Quinones stated she did not know what discussion he had with the Council and she would like him to tell the people sitting in the (inaudible). Councilmember Santoro stated she did not think it was appropriate (inaudible). Councilrnember Quinones stated she thought it was appropriate. Councilmember Santoro stated it absolutely was not appropriate. Mayor Failace stated Councilmember Quinones has every right to ask questions and the Borough Attorney has a right to answer the questions or not. Borough Attorney Robert Bergen stated he could not tell if one was better or not. He said the Councilmember is asking me a question about the different components of a Police Director. He said he will explain them and what they are but he cannot tell if one is better than the other that is a policy decision that the Councilmembers have to make. He said that he thinks they know what they are. He said the 8 Police Director serves at the pleasure of the Mayor and Council, is that better than having a Civil Servant who has more security in his job because he cannot be removed except for cause and a hearing. He asked if that is something you have to decide. Councilmember Quinones asked if the Borough Attorney had any discussions with other Councilmembers about policy because she said she was curious to see whether this was discussed beyond what was discussed here. She said there really wasn't much of a discussion at all about the benefits versus the detriments. Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said the Councilmember asked if the Borough can do something and they wanted to know how it could be done. He said it can be done by Borough Ordinance. What the differences would be and the various positions (inaudible). Councilmember Reiman asked the Borough Attorney if what he said about having the phone number of the State Police and who was in charge of the security for the Governor and the President when he came to New Jersey. He asked what his salary was. Borough Attorney Robert Bergen replied that he was somebody that was born and raised (inaudible) his family in the town. He said he was retired and worked for $50,000.00 a year and he did not get paid for any time he took off including vacation. Councilmember Reiman questioned the Business Administrator about the pay of the Director and asked if the Director makes $95,000.00 per year. Business Administrator Nicholas Goldsack replied that as far as he knows yes. Councilmember Reiman asked if in a year or two if the Director would then make $103,000.00. Councilmember Santoro asked if the Police Director ever lived in the area previous to his employment did he ever live in Carteret? Business Administrator Nicholas Goldsack replied the Police Director lived in the area but he never lived in Carteret. Councilmember Rios stated he supported this Ordinance because he thinks they need someone there for the day to day operation (inaudible). Councilmember Santoro stated this Ordinance is amending a salary Ordinance this is not whether we create a Chief or not. He said this is to pay the gentleman for the position he is serving just like the discussing was before, about extra duties and that it wasn't moved during that time to pay them for those extra duties. She said she would not ask this individual to sit there and not pay him for that difference that is what we are voting on right now. 9 APRIL 19, 2001 COMMENTS CONTINUED APRIL 19, 2001 ORDINANCE 101-23 AMENDING ORDINANCE tOO-18 RE: TOWING HEARING OPENED HEARING CLOSED ADOPTED MEETING OPENED PUBLIC INPUT ON ALL RESOLUTIONS Approved and adopted: Introduced: Advertised as adopted on first reading With notice of Public hearing: Hearing Held: Approved By: Advertised as finally adopted: April 19. 2001 April 5.2001 April 12. 2001 April 19. 2001 MAYOR JAMES A. F AILACE April 27. 2001 The Clerk stated that Ordinance #01-23 was introduced and passed upon First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Borough Council of the Borough ofCarteret held on April 5, 2001. It was duly published in the Home News Tribune on April 12, 2001 with notice that it will be held for final passage after Public Hearing to be held on April 19, 2001 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. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be open: There being no comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be closed upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman ORDINANCE #01-23 "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE #00-18 "THE TOWING ORDINANCE" TO REVISE THE COMMENCEMENT DATE AND LICENSE PERIOD OF THE ORDINANCE" was finally adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative for the adoption. April 19. 2001 April 5.2001 Approved and Adopted: Introduced: Advertised as adopted on first reading With notice of Public Hearing: April 12. 2001 Hearing Held: April 19. 2001 Approved By: MAYOR JAMES A. F AILACE Advertised as finally adopted: April 27. 2001 A copy of each Resolution was placed upon the table for public review prior to the meeting in accordance with the Rules of Council and upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present, the meeting was opened for public input on all Resolutions. 10 Pat Tozzi, Resident, asked about Resolution #01-127. He wanted to know if paragraph two (2) included Social Security. He also wanted to know if that was for a single person and asked what the income was for married people that both own the home. Mayor Failace and the Business Administrator Nick Goldsack replied yes. The Business Administrator said each individual filing would be done separately. Councilmember Santoro said they were just supporting what they already directed this came to us from the State. Mayor Failace stated this came from the State and they asked us to support the most recent one. Mr. Tozzi asked what do they (inaudible) under the State? Business Administrator Nicholas Goldsack said it would be increased. Mr. Tozzi said it had to be different for a single person. The PTR is separate and includes Social Security so under this it has to be separate. He said this is not fair, why should a single person get the same privilege as a married couple with the same income? Borough Attorney Robert Bergen stated one of the purposes of the Council drafting the Resolution (inaudible) there are a number of inequities that are in that system that (inaudible) are in that Resolution that are (inaudible) to look at and make some changes so that (inaudible). Mr. Tozzi stated the $10,000.00 per year is the one that is implemented right now. That does not include Social Security with any income under $10,000.00. He said under the revised one, if it is $15,000.00 there is something wrong some where just like the PTR, $18,000.00 for a single person and $22,000.00 for a married couple. Mayor Failace responded this was sent to them from the State and they asked for our support. He said what we are saying is that there is a problem and we should ask the Borough Attorney to look at it and to possibly make some adjustments. Mr. Tozzi asked the Mayor if he was supporting another Borough. Mayor Failace stated they are supporting legislature and there is a change in the laws for the Senior Citizens. There being no further 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 four (4) members present. RESOLUTION #01-117 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to the Council for action. 11 APRIL 19, 2001 COMMENTS MEETING CLOSED RESOLUTION #01-117 DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE OF V ARIOUS RAFFLE LICENSES APRIL 19, 2001 ADOPTED RESOLUTION 101-118 AMENDMENT TO 2001 TEMPORARY BUDGET ADOPTED RESOLUTION 101-1.19 AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX/OR SEWER FEES OVERPAYMENT ADOPTED RESOLUTION 101-120 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.- SCHOOR DEPALMA, NOT TO EXCEED $7,000 RE: LOWER ROOSEVELT AVENUE Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman RESOLUTION #01-117 "DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE OF RAFFLE LICENSES TO CARTERET JUNIOR SOFTBALL LEAGUE INC., HOLY F AMIL Y H.S.A. & ST. JOSEPH H.S.A." was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. RESOLUTION #01-118 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman RESOLUTION #01-118 "AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT TO 2001 TEMPORARY BUDGET" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. RESOLUTION #01-119 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman RESOLUTION #01-119 "AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX AND/OR SEWER FEES OVERPAYMENTS" was adopted. Councilmembers Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. "tESOl.UTION.. '. #01-120 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Quinones 12 RESOLUTION #01-120 "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES" was adopted. Councilmembers Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. RESOLUTION #01-121 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios RESOLUTION #01-121 "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTING SERVICES WITH JOHN L. LEBDUSKA" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilrnembers Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. RESOLUTION #01-122 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios RESOLUTION #01-122 "APPROVING TRANSFER OF ANNMARIE ROSE FROM THE MUNICIPAL CLERK'S OFFICE TO THE TAX ASSESSOR'S OFFICE" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. RESOLUTION #01-123 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman 13 APRIL 19, 2001 ADOPTED RESOLUTION #01-121 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - JOHN LEBDUSKA - NOT TO EXCEED $5,000 ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTING SERVIŒS WANSKUS vs BOROUGH ADOPTED RESOLUTION 101-122 APPROVING TRANSFER A. ROSE ADOPTED RESOLUTION 101-123 APPROVING CHANGE ORDER - P&H CONSTRUCTION $10,859.39 RE: BERGEN, HAYWARD & HARRISON AVENUE PUMPING STATIONS IMPROVEMENT APRIL 19, 2001 ADOPTED RESOLUTION #01-123 "RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGE ORDER TO CONTRACT #98-14 BERGEN, HAYWARD & HARRISON PUMPING STATION IMPROVEMENTS" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. RESOLUTIOtl/01-124 RESOLUTION #01-124 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to AUTHORIZING A .. PROFESSIONAL SERVICE the CouncIl for action. CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES WITH KILLAM Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Quinones ADOPTED RESOLUTION #01-125 AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTY ATLANTIC REALITY DEVELOPMENT ADOPTED RESOLUTION 101-126 APPROVING TRANSFER P. ROMERO RESOLUTION #01-124 "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES WITH KILLAM ASSOCIATES" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilrnembers Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. RESOLUTION #01-125 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman RESOLUTION #01-125 "RESOLUTION AUTHORIIZING THE REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTY BLOCK 241, LOT 1" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. RESOLUTION #01-126 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman RESOLUTION #01-126 "APPROVING TRANSFER OF PATRICIA ROMERO FROM THE STREETS & ROADS DEPARTMENTIRECYCLING DNISION, TO THE MUNICIPAL CLERK'S OFFICE" 14 was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. RESOLUTION #01-127 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Santoro RESOLUTION #01-127 "RESOLUTION URGING THE ST ATE LEGISLATURE TO INCREASE THE INCOME LIMIT A TION FOR A SENIOR CITIZEN PROPERTY TAX DEDUCTION" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. Councilmember Santoro said this might be a time that since everyone is aware of it, to reach out to (inaudible) Legislature that if you do have concerns or ideas. She said she felt what should be included was at least we can reach out to them because (inaudible) to them because they will be forming this and we would support any kind of increase for the Senior Citizens. The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of an application from St. Elias Church amending BL-1597 by Adding Dates. Upon MMS&C, by Councilrnembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present it was ordered to be approved. The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a Communication from the County of Middlesex-Public Hearing-May 8, 2001, New Brunswick, NJ-Re: MC Comprehensive Plan for Farmland Preservation. The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a Communication from NJ Transit-Public Hearings, 5/10/01, 5/15/01 & 5/30/01- Re: Senior Citizen and Disabled Resident Transportation Assistance Act. The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a Communication from the Borough of Jamesburg-Resolution urging the State to increase limitation for a Senior Citizen's property tax deduction. The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a Communication from the Borough of Spotswood-Resolution urging the State to establish a comprehensive strategy and funding program to help rid the State of overpopulation of Canadian Geese. 15 APRIL 19, 2001 ADOPTED RESOLUTION 101-127 URGING STATE LEGISLATURE TO INCREASE LIMITATIOI FOR A SENIOR CITIZEN'S PROPERTY TAX DEDUCATION ADOPTED COMMENTS APPLICATIONS: ST. ELIAS CHURCH AMENDING BL - 1597 RE: ADDING DATES COMMUNICATIONS: COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX NJ TRANSIT BOROUGH OF JAMES- BURG BOROUGH OF SPOTSWOOD APRIL 19, 2001 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present all Communications were ordered to received and placed on file. PAYMENT OF BILLS Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Santoro all bills appearing on the prepared list properly audited and signed were ordered to be paid. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Fazekas and Sohayda were noted absent. REPORTS DEPARTMENT The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of the following reports: 1. Inspection of Buildings March 2001. 2. Treasurer - March 2001. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present, all reports were ordered to be received and placed on file. STANDING COMMITTEES BUILDINGS & GROUNDS: Committee Chairperson Quinones said that she had no official report for this meeting but she said she saw S. Loutfy in the audience and she wanted to extend her congratulations on her victory. She said she thinks it is great that the tax payers saw fit to send her as a representative and she is sure that she will work hard for the people that put her there. Progress. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION: Committee Chairperson Reiman said the proposed tax increase cut from eight (8) cents to four (4) cents utilizing approximately $93,000.00 from our refinancing (inaudible). Also, the State has picked up a portion of the contribution for the police and fire pensions. It is approximately $340,000.00. So we are down to a .3 12 to .4 cents tax increase for the Borough. He said he has been looking at the possibility of saving an initial $30,000.00 in Health Benefits. They have a meeting set up next Thursday with the department heads and some Union Presidents to discuss possibly switching to another plan, which is allowed by contract available through the Insurance Provider. It would actually improve and open up additional benefits to the participants. It could save the Borough up to $30,000.00. Green Acres: Councilmember Reiman said that he just wanted to touch base on that. There was a resident who asked a question pertaining to the John Street Park or what used to be the John Street Park. They reached out to the County and pulled out some old tax records and apparently the Borough of Carteret obtained the property between John Street and Lefferts Street in 1944. Some time after that it became Green Acres property and it was swapped sometime in the 1970's. We are still trying to find out what happened with that. With that, progress. ~ FIRE: Committee Chairperson Rios said they are in the process of getting quotes for the curbing at the Fire Department. (Inaudible) Fire Committee met and the manufactures of the new truck (inaudible) delivery date of early December. The Government has appropriated $100,0000.00 grant money for over five (5) Fire Departments and right 16 now we are working hard and making an application for some of this money. The firefighters met with the Night Time Senior's Organization and made another presentation regarding the File of Life Program. To this day the firefighters have involved more than 650 people in this program. It is a great program and anyone interested can contact the Fire Department at 541-8000 and they can speak to one of the firefighters and they will be happy to accommodate them. Our Fire Department has recently completed a joint training with the Perth Amboy Fire Department for Technical Rescue Training. We are also having Hazmat Training. On Tuesday, April 17'h we had a diesel spill on the corner of Roosevelt A venue and Wedgewood, at the Turnpike entrance. It was cleaned up and traffic was moving by four P.M. (4:00). It was a great job done by our Firemen, our Policemen and the volunteer firemen. Also included were the Streets & Roads and the Sewer Department. Councilmember Rios said he wanted to thank them for a job well done. Progress. PARKS & RECREATION/SHADE TREE: Committee Chairperson Santoro reported the lights at Veterans Field are completed, just in time for Opening Day. April 22nd is Earth Day and Shop-Rite of Carteret has provided to different organizations, gloves and garden seed to clean up different areas of the towns. All they need to do to be contacted is to give the name if the organization, the date of the clean up, the number of participants, a contact name and telephone number and where those items should be shipped. The Star Landing Post #2314 and the Ladies Auxiliary are going to be planting a tree on May lth in remembrance of the World War II veterans. It is free of charge and is donated from Walmart and they are supplying authentic Dwight D. Eisenhower (inaudible) tree. Sometime during the Agenda we would like to have a luncheon for the Veterans of our town and that was recommended a few meeting ago. This would be a good time to do something like that. Middlesex County sent us information that there is going to be a ceremony on June 24th between 2:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. at the East Brunswick Technical and Vocational and High School. It is going to be for "Operation Recognition" to present qualified veterans from Middlesex County with a High School diploma that they did not receive because of their Military Service during World War II. There is going to be a ceremony and we are reaching out to all the groups before the Agenda to notify them that this will be happening. So May 1st will be the luncheon and coordinating both events are well deserved. With that, progress. Mayor Failace asked Councilmember Santoro about Ethnic Day. Councilrnember Santoro replied that Ethnic Day is set for September 8th. The Borough Employee who is in charge is Taqualla Ransdell. She is putting together a letter at this time to be mailed out to everyone. We will be forming a committee with her to move her along. POLICE: Committee Chairperson Santoro said there was an article in the paper where five (5) motor vehicles have been robbed from the Borough of Carteret. Four (4) of them were robbed from the Carteret Shopping Center and one (l) from West Carteret. All the vehicles are Toyota's. A gentleman from Elizabeth, New Jersey was arrested. He was using a homemade Toyota master key to steal the motor vehicle in Elizabeth then drive to Carteret where he dropped off the stolen one and stole a new one. He has been apprehended and bail was set at 17 APRIL 19, 2001 STANDING CmlMITTEES (CONTINUED; APRIL 19, 2001 STANDING COMMITTEES (CONTINUED) PROCLAMATION "APRIL 28, 2001 WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY" $1,000.000. Another item of interest was the dumping that was taking place behind the dry cleaners on Essex and Pershing Avenues (inaudible) and Police Officer's Tommy Stroka and Sal Renda were able to find out where the dumping was coming from. Councilmember Reiman will make mention of that during his Public Works Report. One last item for anybody that has boating or personal water craft, the State Police have mandated that you have a certificate. They have sent us a letter and we can reach out to them for the classes. So whoever operates these vehicles they can obtain this certificate. If anybody is interested, they can get the number of whom they have to contact. Progress. PUBLIC WORKS: Councilmember Reiman stated that he touched base with Finance and Public Works. There were a couple of demonstrations with a Jet Vac in the Chrome Section ofCarteret. The Borough is in desperate need of a Jet Vac. The one we have is seventeen (17) years old and is a little past it's life expediency. We had a few demonstrations down there and he said he knows the Council will be taking it up at the Agenda Meeting to discuss options such as financing or purchasing it outright. As was mentioned, there was some illegal dumping behind the dry cleaners. Councilmembers Sohayda and Reiman were down in the area during a storm and they came across some of the garbage that was dumped. Some of the police officers that were on duty came by and inspected and went into some of the garbage bags that were there. They came across a few names and Councilmember Reiman wanted to thank Mr. (inaudible) who they woke up several times that evening. With that, progress. He said he wanted to congratulate the individuals who won the School Board Elections. BOARD OF EDUCATION LlASON: Councilmember Santoro offered her congratulations to the individuals who won the School Board Elections and she assumes that there would be a meeting coming up. Mayor Failace read the following Proclamations into the minutes of the meeting: PROCLAMATION "RECOGNIZING APRIL 28, 2001 AS WORKERS' MEMORIAL DAY IN MEMORY OF WORKERS WHO HAVE DIED OR HAVE BEEN INJURED ON THEIR JOBS" WHEREAS, thirty (30) years ago, the United States congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act, promising every American worker the right to a safe job; and WHEREAS, labor unions and their allies have fought hard to make that promise a reality, by winning workplace protections that have saved hundreds of thousands of lives and prevented millions of workplace injuries; and WHEREAS, despite decades of struggle by workers and their unions have resulted in significant improvements in working conditions, the toll of workplace injuries, illnesses and death remains enormous; and 18 WHEREAS, each year more than sixty thousand (60,000) workers die from job injuries and illnesses and another six million (6,000,00) are injured; and WHEREAS, the unions of the AFL-CIO have honored these workers on April 28th, each year since 1989, observing said date as Workers' Memorial Say; said date being the anniversary of the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the day of a similar remembrance in Canada; and WHEREAS, every year hundreds of communities and work sites recognize workers who have been killed or injured on the job and trade unionists around the globe now mark April 28th as an International Day of Mourning; and WHEREAS, on April 28t\ 2001 the unions of the AFL-CIO will observe Workers' Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job and to renew the fight for safe workplaces. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES A. FAILACE, Mayor of the Borough of Carteret, along with the Borough Council, do hereby proclaim April 28th, 2001, Workers' Memorial Day in the Borough, and hereby encourage all Americans to remember the thousands of workers who are injured and die each year from workplace hazards, to support efforts to implement and maintain strong laws and protection to prevent job injuries and illnesses, and to defend the promise of safe jobs for all workers. Councilmember Rios stated he wanted to comment about the Proclamation and how important it is to him. He said that he would like people to remember those people who did suffer an injury or an illness or death because of a job. He said he thought it would be appropriate to light a candle or maybe take a moment of silence in respect for those who have died. PROCLAMATION "A DAY OF PRAYER IN CARTERET" WHEREAS, Civic prayers and national days of prayer have a long and venerable history in our constitutional republic, dating back to the First Continental Congress in 1775; and WHEREAS, the Declaration of Independence, our first statement as Americans of national purpose and identity, made "the Laws of nature and Nature's God" the foundation of our United States of America and asserted that people have the inalienable rights that are God-given; and WHEREAS, the Supreme Court has affirmed the right of state legislature to open their sessions with prayer and the Supreme Court and the U.S. Congress themselves begin each day with prayer; and WHEREAS, in 1988, legislation setting aside the first Thursday in May in each year as a National Day of Prayer was passed unanimously 19 APRIL 19, 2001 PROCLAMATION (CONTINUED) COMMENTS PROCLAMATION "A DAY OF PRAYER IN CARTERET" APRIL 19, 20001 PROCLAMATION (CONTINUED) PROCLAMATION "TOBACCO AWARENESS MONTH" by both Houses of Congress and signed by President Ronald Reagan; and WHEREAS, the National Day of Prayer is an opportunity for Americans of all faiths to join in united prayer to acknowledge our dependence on God, to give thanks for blessings received, to request healing of wounds endured, and to ask God to guide our leaders and bring wholeness to the United States and her citizens; and ~ WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to give thanks to God by observing a day of prayer in the Borough of Carteret when all may acknowledge our blessings and express gratitude for them while recognizing the need for strengthening religious and moral values in our State and nation; and NOW, therefore, I James A. Failace, Mayor of the Borough of Carteret, do hereby proclaim the first Thursday in May 2001, to be designated as "A DAY OF PRAYER IN CARTERET" and encourage the citizens of Carteret to observe the day in ways appropriate to its importance and significance. PROCLAMATION "TOBACCO AWARENESS MONTH 2001" WHEREAS, tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in New Jersey. Each year too many Residents have a diagnosis of cancer, cardiac, pulmonary, and other diseases which significantly impact their quality oflife; and WHEREAS, each year more than 12,830 New Jersey residents die of diseases directly related to tobacco use; and WHEREAS, more than 3000 American youngsters (under the age of 18) begin smoking; and WHEREAS, the number of New Jersey kids now under 18 who will die from smoking (if current trends continue) equals 135,000; and WHEREAS, the problem of tobacco use is community-wide. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) increase the health risk for smokers and non-smokers; and WHEREAS, medical expenditures associated with tobacco related illnesses effect people directly as individuals and indirectly as taxpayers; and WHEREAS, the annual cost of treating these diseases in New Jersey exceed $1.7 billion a year; and WHEREAS, the Middlesex County Public Health Department is sponsoring Tobacco Awareness Month in Middlesex County as part of 20 a month long campaign with the focus on health risks associated with tobacco use; and WHEREAS, the campaign is an opportunity for schools, communities, business and organizations to leam about tobacco cessation programs, prevent sales of tobacco products to minors, the effects of secondhand smoke and smoke free workplaces; and WHEREAS, the NJ QUINTET (nj. Quintet. Com) and NJ QUITLINE (1-866-NJ-STOPS) have been created to offer individual solutions to help you quit smoking and access important information about smoking related issues. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Municipal/County, (Mayor, Council and Freeholders) do hereby proclaim the month of April 2001 as TOBACCO A W ARENES MONTH IN MIDDLESEX COUNTY And call upon all citizens, parents, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, community organizations and schools to join me in fighting one of America's most serious public health problems by supporting efforts to prevent youth from starting to smoke and limit tobacco use in New Jersey. Councilrnember Santoro stated that she was in support of the Proclamation. Anyone who has been around family members who have died from the disease, she herself lost her father to emphysema when she was seventeen (17) years old and her mother is in the advanced stage of emphysema. People who have been smoking for forty (40) to fifty (50) years aren't going to change but those who start on a habit that will kill them (inaudible). Councilrnember Reiman stated that they had a representative from the Middlesex County Board of Health and they reviewed some information to the Local Ordinance's. He said he asked the Borough Attorney to look into the possibility of banning smoking in several of the parks in town. This is something that we need to consider. Mayor Failace read a letter from the Middlesex County Office on Aging from their Director. The letter thanked Councilrnember Quinones for her dedication in completing the new kitchen in the Thomas J. Deverin Community Center. With the completion of the kitchen they were able to move the Senior Meal Program to the new Community Center. She also thanked Mr. Jeff Pino who was the key person to keep this office aware of the Construction updates on a regular basis. He also has been very accommodating to the needs of the program choir during and since the move. The Mayor said that John Riggio should be on the Redevelopment Committee. He felt he worked hard on this from the beginning and John Riggio's plan should be used as a model. The Mayor said that he received a letter from Paul Drake, the office of State Planning. He said that John Riggio did such a great job on this grant that he wants to use his submission as an example for all smart growth planning. He said he wants to do a presentation on the planning process in Carteret. The 21 APRIL 19, 2001 PROCLAMATION (CONTINUED) COMMENTS APRIL 19, 2001 COMMENTS (CONTINUED) OPENED TO THE PUBLIC Mayor said he hopes it would bring in some money and that he applauds John Riggio for the wonderful job he has done. Mayor Failace said he knows that most of this Council had a meeting with the County and that he wasn't invited. He said he did not know what came out of the meeting but he did know that the County is looking for money from us for the light and work done on Washington Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue. He said he was looking through the Home News Tribune and (inaudible). He knows that the County is doing Washington and Roosevelt Avenues and they should, it is their road. He said he had legal notices and they are bonding for thirty nine million dollars of which we will get Washington and Roosevelt Avenues done. He said they will also do the roller hockey rink in West Carteret. Woodbridge is getting eight million dollars for the renovation of Main Street and Woodbridge Center Drive. They are spending one million dollars on traffic light modifications. Woodbridge is getting a traffic light at West and Port Reading Avenues. They told us that they didn't even know that the traffic light was down in Chrome. They are spending seven hundred thousand dollars to do a traffic study down South Brunswick and Monroe at Exit 8A because of the problems with congestion coming off the exit. Weare getting our Roller Rink retro- fitted and we are getting Washington and Roosevelt Avenues repaved but this is terrible. We haven't had our fair share in the past and we still aren't getting our fair share. The Mayor said the Council has not asked him to talk to the County when they last spoke with them. The County did not call him when they had the meeting. He said he did not know what went on but he does know that they had nothing. We received a few dollars and Woodbridge is getting a little over ten million dollars out of forty million. Carteret is getting about two percent and Woodbridge is getting about twenty-five percent. Mayor Failace wished Mrs. Loufty congratulations on her win for the Board of Education. Councilmember Reiman stated he had some information pertaining to the Borough, a few years ago Bell Atlantic changed its name to Verizon and changed its tax depreciation methods, which resulted in a loss oflocal business and local tax revenue throughout New Jersey. He said forty-three municipalities are eligible to re-coop lost revenues from the 2002 Budget and the Department of Community Affairs estimates that Carteret will loose fifty-five thousand dollars in tax revenue this year because of Bell Atlantic's depreciation methods. He said Senator Vitale has signed on as a co-sponsor to a legislature drafted by Senator Gary (inaudible) which would require State appropriations committee and the State of New Jersey to make up the difference. So he would ask the Borough Attorney to look at this and possibly draft a resolution in support of this bill which could possibly bring in nearly fifty-five thousand dollars to the Borough ofCarteret. Mayor made a motion to open to the public. Upon MMS&C by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous affirmative vote of the four (4) members present the meeting was opened to the public. Ms. Loufty thanked the Mayor and Council and agreed that it was a tough run and she does intend to take her responsibility very seriously. She said she hopes she does not disappoint anyone and to remind her who put her there. She thanked everyone. 22 James Mancuso stated that he would like to ask Councilrnember Santoro if she would check and see if the Police Department has their transformers. He said they also said they would put antenna's on at the Police and Fire Departments. Councilmember Santoro replied she would (inaudible) the Attorney and she will contact Mr. Mancuso. James Mancuso replied that it is supposed to enhance the communication system ten fold. He said on Monday he followed the street sweepers and again he is asking why they sweep Roosevelt and Washington Avenues. He went to Woodbridge and their sweeper say County on it. He said we pay for the lights on the Turnpike Bridge and we clean the bridge and it is not ours in other towns the county does the county stuff and the Turnpike does the Turnpike stuff. But, little old Carteret has to pay for the bridge lights, we have to clean the catch basins on the bridge and the grass on the bridge is horrible. Councilmember Reiman stated they pulled a copy of the contract that was signed in the sixty's with Middlesex County, the Borough of Carteret and the Turnpike Authority. We will be turning it over to the Attorney and see if there is something we can do to update or even challenge that with (inaudible). James Mancuso replied the only agreement they had was about the lights. Councilmember Reiman said the Borough should not even be responsible for maintaining those lights or those rails. He said he contacted Woodbridge and they don't even touch their bridge. He said Carteret is bound by a Contract that is outdated and possibly we can update that and look into it. Mr. Dave Crudup, 28 Bergen Street said his question is about Resolution #01-123, ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) was spent to repair the pump station on Bergen Street and Haywood Avenue. Councilmember Santoro stated it was a Change Order. Mayor Failace said they are doing work on it. Mr. Crudup replied he understood that but in 1965 that pump station was revised. It was worked on with new parts. He asked what the problem is now that another ten thousand eight hundred fifty-nine dollars (10,859.00) (inaudible). Councilmember Santoro replied they would be investing a lot more than that on the pump station. Mr. Crudup said he understood but asked why they must spend money after money that has already been spent there. Councilmember Santoro replied the pump is probably not working. Mayor Failace stated they really can't speak about it we can only speak about the problems we have now. 23 APRIL 19, 2001 DISCUSSION APRIL 19, 2001 DISCUSSION (CONTINUED) Mr. Crudup stated he works in utility also. He said if he does an inadequate job, someone is accountable for it and that would be him. If the Borough hired an inspector to inspect the work that was done there, why not get someone else to go back and inspect the inspector so we won't have to go back and spend another eleven thousand dollars ($11,000.00) on a sewer system that is supposed to be fixed already. Councilmember Reiman said these were additional fees and this was not a crossover or a change order that were authorized by the Council and the Borough Engineer. He said it includes one hundred and ten thousand dollars ($110,000.00) and was approved by the Mayor and Council in 1999. Mayor Failace said when they went in there they found some problems so they upgraded the control panel and there was also a problem with the pumps. Mr. Crudup asked if spare pumps are something that they have to have in stock in case something goes wrong with them. He said this was done once before then why would we have to go back and do it again? Mayor Failace said he wished he had an answer for Mr. Crudup but he did not think that anyone there could speak about what happened ten (l0) years ago. Mr. Crudup asked Councilmember Santoro if he could obtain a schedule when Chrome Park will be cleaned on a regular basis. Councilmember Santoro replied she was at the meeting and she had all the answers of the items that they wanted. Mayor Failace asked Bob Kately if he had a schedule for the cleaning of Chrome Park. Bob Kately replied during the winter months each park is cleaned about once a week and during the summer months (inaudible). There is not a specific day of the week. Councilmember Santoro said she spoke to Mr. Kately and he has a recommendation and they are going to speak about it before the Agenda. She said she discussed it with the Council and they do hire summer help and Mr. Kately recommended having a summer helper down in Chrome for daily clean up. Mr. Crudup said the park has been clean and he understood that this question was brought up before the meeting Monday night. He said he felt the Council could have told us then. Councilmember Santoro replied on Monday night she did not have an answer to how often the park was cleaned. Mr. Crudup asked when the swings and slide were going to be fixed. He asked why someone couldn't go to the park, clean it and straighten it out so that his child could play there. 24 Bob Kately replied it has been four (4) weeks since he asked about Chrome Park and his answer is the same as it was then. He said the only thing they have left to do in Chrome Park is to grade the topsoil down to the perimeter of the playground. He said the playground is used by a lot of the children and we just have to finish the exterior of the park. The only reason we have not fixed the outside in the last few weeks is the weather. He said this is the first week we haven't had rain within two to three days and this whole week we spent all our time on the Little League field. Mr. Crudup said so what you are telling me is the rain will be back next week and (inaudible). Bob Kately replied they would probably start that in the middle of next week. Mr. Crudup said so that will be April 24th? Bob Kately told Mr. Crudup they will be there, weather permitting. Mr. Crudup said they have a Crossing Guard at the intersection of Pershing Avenue. Councilmember Santoro interrupted and said she called Tuesday morning and by the afternoon there was one there. Mr. Crudup replied yes and his next question is when are we going to get a Crossing Guard for Edwin Street and Roosevelt Avenue since there was money to put one there. Councilmember Santoro replied this goes back to the hiring of the Crossing Guards. We hired two Crossing Guards recently one was a replacement and one (1) was additional to be local. At that time we directed, against recommendation, to put the additional Crossing Guard at Pershing Avenue. We are also hiring a third (3'd) Crossing Guard which she is hoping to have shortly. She said she would like to defer this to Captain Hojecki who is in charge of the Crossing Guards, he is the one who makes the recommendations and does the studies. Mr. Crudup replied he spoke to Captain Hojecki and we just could not touch base at the time. He said that he spoke to him that afternoon and he would see what he could do. At the corner of Pershing Avenue and Hudson Street there was a house fire. The abandoned house is still there and he knows that when a house has raised it is supposed to be torn down to the ground. The foundation is still there and it is a safety hazard. Councilmember Santoro replied that she was down there and they put a fence around it and she did not know if that was the only requirement. Mr. Crudup stated it must be looked at in two ways. He said that he is right across the street from a busy store where teenagers and kids hang out and you also have a park across the street. There is a conflict here. He said if a kid falls into the cellar that is another problem. He asked how would you like one of these in front of your house? 25 APRIL 19, 2001 DISCUSSION (CONTINUED) APRIL 19, 2001 DISCUSSION (CONTINUED) Councilmember Santoro replied she is trying to find out what our legal rights are with them. She said she spoke to the Board of Health and John Dowd and he said that they don't have anything to do with it. Councilmember Rios said he drove by four times in the past three weeks. He said he saw the property and the back part has about a ten foot wide gap. The next time he went there the front part was open and that was when the roll off was there. He said that he thought it was corrected. Mr. Crudup replied that it was still a safety hazard. Also, the house next to it is abandoned. You have people going in and out of there doing whatever. Councilmember Reiman said he through that house was abandoned last year. Mr. Crudup stated the house has been abandoned for the last three years. Councilmember Reiman said there was a problem with the title on that house and the local bank had the mortgage on it and they abandoned it to the town. He said he was not sure if the town had possession but we have to find out if it has. Mayor and Council were all speaking at once. ( inaudible). Borough Attorney Robert Bergen said if you go on someone's private property and do work without some kind of due process (inaudible) that he is not in violation of any codes. Business Administrator Nick Goldsack said they could establish that by Ordinance. Mayor Failace said they did do an Ordinance. Borough Attorney Robert Bergen replied that was why he wanted to have a look and see what the Ordinance (inaudible). There was much discussion among them and was inaudible. Mr. Crudup stated he had another question. At the rear entrance of 46 and 48 Bergen Street there was an old couch and a lot of garbage behind a wooden fence, which is facing building A-I. Staflex came and cleaned the garbage up this afternoon. Councilmember Reiman said he was in touch with Staflex and they were supposed to be down there this weekend. Mr. Crudup replied they did clean it up and Amax has not cleaned their garbage in front of their property there is also garbage up against the fence on Pershing Avenue. He said we also went there and cleaned up the mess and what he means is the community. He asked why should we continue to clean this mess up when the Borough owns this property. He said this stuff is right behind the Turn Key Apartments on 26 Mercer Street and there is a main sewer line running right there to the Pump Station. He said someone should be made to clean that garbage up. He said there are some streets in his neighborhood that have no names. Mayor Failace said they put up signs. Mr. Crudup said the Mayor was misunderstanding something. He said the Streets on the paper that had X's were never named. That is the entrance to the Joseph Hermann Garden Apartments. The second street there is the River Run Apartments and that street was never named. Mayor Failace said that becomes a real problem when there is a basement there, especially when it rains. Pat Tozzi, Resident addressed the Mayor and Council and told them that they had the ball in their Court and as you all know the Citizens of Carteret have knocked the school budget down almost two to one. He said last year the School Budget passed and this year they were told that there was a three million surplus in last year's budget and that should have been returned to the tax payers, two-hundred and forty dollars ($240.00) per home. He said voters almost two to one voted down the 2001-2002 School Budget on April 17th. He said that he actually held the budget in his hands and my fingers became very oily which indicates that there must be over two million dollars of port in the budget. He said we tax payers have spoken and it is up to you as our representatives to take out your erasers and decrease this budget showing no tax increase for the home owners of Carteret. He said thank you. Councilmember Santoro asked Mr. Tozzi if he had a problem with the Municipal Budget going up. Mr. Tozzi replied no because the biggest taxes are the School Budget. Councilmember Reiman told Mr. Tozzi they had to schedule a meeting to sit (inaudible) school Finance Board Committee. Mr. Tozzi said Councilrnember Reiman was doing such a good job and we know he will come through for us. Mayor Failace wanted to know if they were going to ask the new auditors to review the budget. We don't have a lot oftime. Municipal Clerk Kathleen Barney told the Mayor that they had until May 21't. Mayor Failace said he didn't realize they had so much time. Pastor Dickerson, AM.E. Zion Church. Said he wanted to piggy-back to what Mr. Crudup brought to your attention. He said not only are there abandoned buildings on 74 Union Street but there are two abandoned buildings directly behind the church and both of them have been abandoned approximately eleven months. He said one of those buildings had a fire and probably should be torn down and the other building is insecure as if the building was falling down. He said that he knows that there is drug activity there and he wants to know who owns 27 APRIL 19, 2001 DTSCUSSION (CONTTNUED, APRTT, 19 2001 the building. He asked what can we do about taking those buildings down they are an eye sore and a safety hazard. Mayor Failace replied they have this one on the books so let's find out what we have to do. DTSCUSSION (CONTINUED) Pastor Dickerson said he would like those two houses to be included. Mayor Failace said he had it written down and they would be included. Pastor Dickerson said he knew that they criticize the Mayor and Council for a lot of things but thank you for addressing the issue of the Crossing Guard. He said that was a safety issue for our children and we were certainly concerned about that. He said he was reading in the Home News Tribune that Mr. Rios, Mr. Reiman and the Mayor made an effort to visit various districts in the Borough of Carteret. Mayor Failace excused himself for interrupting the Pastor and said two people of the Council and himself (inaudible). Pastor Dickerson said he wanted to invite the Mayor to come to the People's A.E.M. Zion Church and put us on that list so that when you come we can air out some of our problems. He said there was mention of Earth Day and what he needs to know is who, what, where and when to get the ball rolling. Councilmember Reiman replied that April 22 IS Earth Day but he believes that (inaudible). Pastor Dickerson then asked for a deadline. Councilmember Reiman said it is on going and the garbage company will provide everything thing from garbage bags to gloves. They will also provide seats. Pastor Dickerson said sitting here and hearing the discussion about Public Works and the clean up of the parks. He said he does not have a secure feeling that there is an adequate schedule for the clean up. He said he really thinks they need a schedule so that they all know when it is going to happen and what to expect not that it is going to happen haphazardly like it will happen this week, next week or the following week. He said he will encourage them to encourage the Parks Department to set up some kind of schedule because it is going to be needed. The summer months are coming and the kids are going to be playing and there is going to be trash in the park. Councilmember Santoro said they are going to meet before the Agenda and hopefully get approval to have somebody there every day in the summer. She said when we do the area will be familiar to the kids so this way everyone will be comfortable with who is in the park and we are going to speak with Bob Kately and work with him to have it happen. Councilmember Reiman addressed Councilmember Santoro and said prior to the meeting we were touching base about the budget and he asked if there was money in the budget for a part time individual. He 28 said they had to check the budget to see if they could hire someone for four hours a day. Debra Crudup, 48 Bergen Street, said she heard a rumor that they are supposed to appoint a Chief of Police that doesn't care about the Chrome Area. She said she did not know anything about it she is just bringing it to the Council's attention. She said God forbid a rumor like this is true and the rumor was that this Police Chief that they were appointing does not care about the Chrome area and he would not let any policeman come down and do their job. She also heard from another person that this gentleman said Chrome was a certain way all of his life and it is going to stay that way and they are not going to make any changes. She said if that is the case, there are drugs down there but the black children are not buying all the drugs they are coming from the white children as welL She said if we don't fix this problem before it starts just like when they had AIDS down there (inaudible). Then it was affecting our movie stars, our designers our rich children when AIDS became a problem, let's not let the drugs become a problem in this community. She said that she hoped that this is not the right Chief of Police that she is thinking of. Councilmember Santoro replied that first, let's get back to the rumor, if in fact there was any substantial or any truth to it that would have been duly noted before the appointment of the Chief two weeks ago. She said that is a "rumor" of a gentleman that has worked in this town for over twenty-two years and when a rumor becomes a rumor she would like somebody to come forward and prove it differently. She said this is a gentleman that works in every area in Carteret that would be an amazing question to put to an individual. That would be no different than saying any ofthe individuals who work there. She said it is absolutely a rumor and because you now have "a rumor" and that rumor would make an even bigger rumor. Drugs are wrong regardless and that is something that we should all be fighting against any child or adult that is involved in illegal activities. That will not be tolerated. Mrs. Crudup said she just wanted to make sure of that. Pastor Dickerson stated he wanted to assure Mrs. Crudup that it has never been mentioned or discussed or considered for the twenty-seven years that he has been here. It is faceless, pointless and should not be worried about it has never been an issue. Mrs. Crudup replied she just wants her children to be safe. She said she is concerned about ALL children. Councilmember Santoro told Mrs. Crudup she wants to find out where she heard that rumor. Mrs. Crudup replied she wasn't going to tell her. Sandra Russell, 100 Roosevelt Village said she would like the parents of the school-aged children to raise their hands and she wanted to know if they received a letter concerning the election. This is something that is unbelievable that this would even come about. They didn't even knock they slid the information under the door. To the parents of Mahogany Robinson, Columbus School, to the teachers that signed it. She asked why would you do something like that and why is 29 APRTT. 19, 2001 DISCUSSION CONTINUED APRIL 19, 2001 DISCUSSION (CONTINUED) there such dirty politics. She said if you are true to your work you don't need to be sending out letters like that. She said her daughter thought that she did something wrong at school and they sent a letter home. Mayor Failace told Mrs. Russell she should take that up at a Board of Education Meeting. Certainly this Council had nothing to do with that. Mrs. Russell asked if Councilmember Santoro was on the Board of Education. Mayor Failace replied that Councilmember Santoro is only the liaison. Councilmember Santoro wanted to know (inaudible) Mrs. Russell wanted them to ask the Board of Education why. Mrs. Russell said they were not being fair. Councilmember Santoro asked Mrs. Russell if during any other election if she ever received literature naming people. Mrs. Russell replied she never did. When Daphne Miles ran they sent a letter out like that and this is the second time she received a letter like that. Councilmember Santoro said she was asking if it was any election. Mrs. Russell said no; she is talking about individual signatures. The majority of them were teachers. She said she did not think it was right because her daughter saw the teacher's names and she said they were some of her teachers. She asked how her daughter is going to respect somebody if they are going to do things like that. Barbara Urena, Resident, said that she is very happy that they added another crossing guard. She said we also need another one on Roosevelt Avenue and Carteret Avenue. Captain Hojecki stated that now that the new apartments are opening up they will assign a crossing guard there. Barbara Urena replied that the good news is that why they locked the gate on that side? Captain Hojecki said he has not been there because he is on another assignment. He said as soon as we have the evaluation (inaudible). Barbara Urena wanted to know about the abandoned buildings. She said she was wondering if there was a law passed last year that the Borough was going to take over. She said if you have an abandoned for six months the Borough would knock it down. Councilmember Santoro said she thought there was a stage of a (inaudible). She said that is why we need our attorney now to review this. Barbara Urena said she spoke to Mr. Nagy and he doesn't know anything about this ordinance. She wants to know when this is going 30 to happen. She said she went to every meeting to make sure that the Ordinance passed but she still sees these buildings that have been vacant for over five years and maybe ten years. She said they are drug infested and then you call the police and they stop and it just keeps coming back again. Councilmember Santoro said they need to review that whole (inaudible). Barbara Urena said the police do a very god job but like anything, if it stays vacant, it is going to happen again. She said we should really be persistent with that. Mayor Failace responded that they intend to. Barbara Urena said there are a lot of vacant lots there too and the other problem there is garbage on Warren and Hudson Streets they have that double (inaudible) white car has been sitting there for about five years. She said she called the Board of Health, they clean it up a little bit and that is it. She asked why don't they take this car off the Borough's property they are letting them dump all these cars over there. She said there are car parts and tires everywhere. Pastor Dickerson said he has been addressing those cars on a regular basis. Barbara Urena replied the tires are off the street in the back. She said that she really didn't think it was the Police it is more the Borough's problem. Captain Hojecki said it has to be done. Councilmember Santoro said she needed a (inaudible). Councilmember Reiman is getting a list of all Borough properties. Barbara Urena said it is on 70 Warren Street and that is right next to it. She said she checked it two years ago and it is Borough property. She said they have been doing some of the lots over there but (inaudible) and she did not know why. She asked if it is also Borough property behind the old Hammers. Mayor Failace replied yes, the Housing Authority is there. Barbara Urena said she was talking about the other side of it and once in a blue moon they will maintain the property. She said they are making their own yard back there with lawn chairs and you come down the street and see all these people out. Councilmember Reiman said he was out there the other day and there was a table out there. He said Eric Chubenko was there from the Housing Authority. Barbara Urena said it looks horrible especially with all these boarded up houses. She said she read the paper about the group and she wants to know whom they will announce when they have the meetings. 31 APRIL 19, 2001 DISCUSSION (CONTINUED) APRIL 19, 2001 Councilmember Santoro said it will be in the newspaper, the first meeting is Monday. Mayor Failace said Ms. Urena means the town meetings and that would be in the newspapers. (Inaudible) schedule at the next Agenda Meeting. Barbara Urena asked if it will be posted in Borough Hall. Councilmember Reiman said maybe they could mail some post cards. Barbara Urena said that was a great idea, we would get more people that way. Mayor Failace said they intend to send something out in the area. Barbara Urena asked what they were talking about doing on Monday. Mayor Failace told her it was for the Redevelopment Agency. DISCUSSION (CONTINUED) Councilmember Santoro said Monday is the Redevelopment Agency meeting. Barbara Urena said she would like to have been there and she was sorry that she missed the meeting. Councilmember Santoro told her the meeting was for this Monday night. Barbara Urena wanted to know about the potholes on Middlesex Avenue and Industrial Road. They are really bad you could lose a whole car in them. She said she has been complaining for a year now about the property behind Chrome Avenue. She said the property belongs to the Borough, Chrome and Somerset Street. She said she showed the men from the Parks Department where the potholes were. They said they would clean it up but it is six months later and she was going to the wrong person. She said that she did not understand why it was taking so long to clean the Chrome section. At one time they would always clean it up back there. Are there any updates to the extension of the Industrial Road? Mayor Failace told her not at the moment because Woodbridge chooses not to build the road. Barbara Urena asked if our section belongs to Port Reading. Mayor Failace said no but (inaudible). He said they were going to take it to Port Reading Avenue and now they don't (inaudible) to do it that way. Barbara Urena asked about the project by the Turnpike. Mayor Failace said it is still on going and we are speaking to the developer right now. Patricia Rodriquez, Resident wished to congratulate all the board candidates that won. She said she wanted to clarify one thing about the 32 political letters that were sent out. She said it was the first time she received one and it was addressed to the parents of Gina Martinez. She said she did some research on it and for those of you that are on the Board of Education Committee and the candidate that is in the audience. It is a clear violation of title 6, chapter 3. As you know my child was a child victim and she does not know who has access to her child's school records. According to title 6 no one should have access to this except a certain amount of people. She said she felt that the Board of Education Committee should investigate because she doubts it was a candidate who did it. However an investigation should be launched into how somebody got access to these school records. The New Jersey Department of Education clearly states and all of you that are sitting on the Council and the audience that have children, would like to ensure that their children do have a confidentiality. She said her son was subject to a crime and they did a great job in apprehending the person. However, sometimes knowing your child's private information could come out in another way and it really does bother her such as her home phone number. It is things; for example, if you want to send party invitations to the school you could never obtain the addresses. That is basically her concern, not the contents of the letter although we are all entitled to our opinion. About the abandoned buildings, could we get a list together on what the status of these buildings are? She said that she has been complaining for years and there are buildings that have been abandoned for ten years. She was complaining that she has to pay the exterminator $600.00 a year because she has a litter two doors down. It is not just a Chrome problem there are other abandoned buildings throughout the Borough. We keep hearing that it is going to be solved but these abandoned makes it possible to police the area. She said she sees the cop cars come down Edwin Street and they run in the building or the garage. Councilmember Reiman said there is a listing compiled by the construction office and he will present it to the Council at the Agenda Meeting. It is just for Borough owned property and Borough owned buildings that they need to look at and possibly consider (inaudible). Patricia Rodriguez replied she would really appreciate it only because she has a problem with prostitutes coming down her street. She said they go into a garage and they get high and when the police car come they run in the back yard. She said she calls the men down Borough Hall and they come and put the boards back up. She asked what we are doing is putting a band aid on a problem and what we really need is to find a cure. Mr. Stanley Gutowski said they should call it Crudup Drive. There was so much shouting going on last week that there are a number of things that he might have missed. He said he wanted to know why the Police Committee made a decision to have a chief instead of a Director. Councilmember Santoro said they felt that the individual on a day to day operation is more familiar with the running of the Police Department. Mr. Stanley Gutowski asked ifhe ever ran the day to day operations of the department before being given the assignment. 33 APRIL 19: 2001 DISCUSSION (CONTINUED¡ APRIL 19, 2001 DISCUSSION (CONTINUED) Councilmember Santoro asked if they were speaking about Director Elg. Mr. Stanley Gutowski replied no and that he was speaking about the Captain that was made a Chief. He asked ifhe ever ran the department. Councilmember Santoro replied she was sure that at certain times throughout his career that he ran the department. Mr. Stanley Gutowski said one of the complaints he heard last week about the reason for having a Chief as opposed to this particular Director was that this Director is always at school. He asked who ran the department when he was away at school? Councilmember Santoro replied one of the Captains because at different times somebody may have been out. She said if you listened to the last message it was to contact one of the Captains. Mr. Stanley Gutowski said he should be corrected if he is wrong but there was a Captain four days a week and nine hours a day. He asked who was in charge when the Captain wasn't there? Councilmember Santoro replied that it wasn't directed. Mr. Stanley Gutowski replied there wasn't a chain of command in your rules and regulations. Councilmember Santoro said the point is that Mr. Gutowski is questioning why they made a Chief or is he questioning who is in charge? Mr. Stanley Gutowski said he asked why you made a Chief and you told me why you made a Chief but now he is asking why. Councilmember Santoro replied because it will be more effective. Mr. Stanley Gutowski asked if the day to day operations would be more effective with a Director than a Chief. Councilmember Santoro responded the day to day operations are Monday through Friday and Mr. Gutowski is right. . .. Mr. Stanley Gutowski asked what happened to Saturday and Sunday. Councilmember Santoro said it is the same thing that always happens. She said if there is a problem they are contacted they do the schedules and (inaudible) just like when you were up here. Mr. Stanley Gutowski replied they had people in charge because that was what we had a chain of command for. He said when the Director wasn't there the Captain was in charge and if the Captain wasn't there the Lieutenant was in charge. Councilmember Santoro replied that she was trying to remember when Mr. Gutowski was up there and he was in charge of the Police. She said at that time your opinion was to choose a Director, now the committee at this point chooses a Chief. 34 Councilmember Rios stated we felt the position of Chief was important. The position has been there and we are not going to eliminate it. Mr. Stanley Gutowski said he was going to get to that because one of the things you said (inaudible) too. The Chief should be here for the day to day operation but we know the Chief is not going to work twenty four hours a day. He said one thing that was said last week about the Chief going to school, is the new Chief going to school? Are you going to allow the new Chief to go and advance himself to learn police tactics? Councilmember Rios said they feel that the Police Chief needs more training. He said we support education. Mr. Stanley Gutowski asked who would be in charge when he is gone. Councilmember Santoro replied whoever is next in charge. Mr. Stanley Gutowski said he thought we had a chain of command and you keep saying that there was no chain of command. Councilmember Santoro told Mr. Gutowski that it was his opinion. Mr. Stanley Gutowski said one of the things that Councilmember Rios said last week was that the Director was a political appointment and that it was created for one particular person. He said the first person that we offered a job to turned us down because he did not want to leave his position. He said if we created the position for one person then we created it for him and not for the second but, in doing what the Council did last week by not having interviews of the people and by not calling for a test. He asked if anybody gave recommendations about having a Chief (inaudible)? Councilmember Santoro asked Mr. Gutowski when he was a Councilmember if he appointed Dennis Nagy as acting Chief. Mr. Stanley Gutowski replied he was the one that suspended him and as a matter of fact Lieutenant La Point could tell you, Captain Hojecki could tell you that when we promoted to Captain (inaudible). Councilmember Santoro and Mr. Gutowski are both talking at once and the conversation is inaudible. Mr.Gutowski asked Councilmember Santoro if she was there. He said that they had interviews and then when we promoted from Lieutenant to Captain not only did we have the Civil Service Test, an oral examination and they were even asked to submit a written exam. Councilmember Santoro said she was not talking about Captain she is talking about acting chief. Mr. Gutowski told Councilmember Santoro that she was trying to muddy the waters. You contended that the Police Director was a political appointment. He said by not having interviews, by not having 35 APRIL 19, 2001 DISCUSSION (CONTINUED) APRIL 19, 2001 oral exams and by not doing anything you did the same thing; you arbitrarily picked someone and appointed them. He said everything you do up here, every appointment you make and every job you give someone is political everybody does it. Councilmember Santoro said she feels very comfortable with the decision because it was still the senior ranking officer. She said your opinion differs and thinks that it is incorrect, she said she respects his opinion but this was the choice of the Committee. DISCUSSION (CONTINUED) Mr. Gutowski replied it was fine and he did not think there was anything wrong with that. He asked Councilmember Santoro if she consulted anybody other than the three members of her Committee. He then asked if Officers (inaudible) on off duty jobs. Councilmember Santoro asked Business Administrator Nick Goldsack about off duty jobs for Police Officers. Mr. Gutowski interrupted and said Councilmember Santoro was the Committee Chairperson of the Police. Councilmember Santoro replied she would have to find that out because she would not want to give an incorrect answer. Mr. Gutowski stated he had one more question and it was for Councilmember Reiman's information and whoever else is concerned about it. He said the letter you had the Business Administrator write about the 3: 15 meeting when he came up there and had a discussion about the policing and the (inaudible) jobs. The commissioners of the Housing Authority met with the Police Director on March 7'h. He said he will read from the minutes so you know what it says here " with concern surrounding an overlap of the patrol, as well as the rate of compensation for the new approach (inaudible)". When he came here the week after the concern was voiced to the Director and he was speaking for himself and the authority because the authority already voiced their opinion. Councilmember Reiman said at the last meeting Mr. Gutowski was asked if he spoke on behalf of the Authority and Mr. Gutowski told us that he never said that. Mr. Gutowski said what he just said was that it seemed like it was. Councilmember Reiman told Mr. Gutowski that he was asked twice if he was at the meeting representing the (inaudible) Authority and you replied yes. Councilmember Reiman and Mr. Gutowski were both speaking at once and they were inaudible. Councilmember Quinones said Mr. Gutowski has his issues and they are not Councilmember Reiman's issues or concerns. Councilmember Reiman replied ifhe is here representing the Housing Authority saying (inaudible). 36 Mr. Gutowski stated that they are an autonomous body that you don't govern and he can ask anything that he wants anytime he wants. Councilmember Quinones said some Councilmembers chose to say that they represented the entire Council when they too sent out a letter that other Councilmembers had no knowledge of. She said that she guessed it worked for both parties. Mr. Gutowski said he had one last thing and that was the discussion of the cell phones. He said he thought that was a good thing to ban the use of cell phones in the car but unfortunately we do not have signs to do it. He said it seems ironic that last week you were discussing disrespect between Councilmember Reiman and Mr. Riggio. He said both of them were wrong in how they conducted themselves but what was most disrespectful was the Councilmember that is not here tonight and came in one hour late and left one hour early and took a phone call during that meeting. He said we don't know how important that meeting was but yet when Mr. Riggio sat here and was trying to give his synopsis of what had gone on, Councilmember Sohayda did not even listen to him so he did not know how he could form an opinion of him. Councilrnember Santoro said Mr. Gutowski did not know what kind of phone call he took so Mr. Gutowski should not judge him. Councilmember Quinones said the phone call could have been taken outside. Jim Stone, Resident, had a simple question in regards to what Mr. Gutowski was speaking about. He said we created the position of Chief of Police are we now going to have to buy the Director out to get rid of him. He said you signed a contract with him for three years and you said he will get one hundred three thousand dollars next year are you going to spend the taxpayers dollars buying him out or are we going to have a Chief of Police and a Director. Councilmember Reiman replied it was up to the town to decide down the road. Jim Stone said he wanted to know what the Council's intentions are. Councilmember Reiman replied personally, he did not think that they needed both positions. He said he did not know how the rest of the Council felt but he believes the position is not needed. Jim Stone asked if they were going to spend his money and you decide that you don't need him then get rid of him. Councilmember Santoro said it is a shame that the previous Council locked it in a year and a half beyond his original contract. Jim Stone, said you say it time and time again about the previous Council and it means nothing it was the previous Council who wrote out your benefits and you put them back in. Councilmember Santoro replied that at the same time the December 29th contract was extended. She then asked if she would want to spend 37 APRIL 19, 2001 DISCUSSION (CONTINUED) APRIL 19, 2001 taxpayer money? Absolutely not but give us the time to look into everything that we need to. DISCUSSION (CONTINUED) Jim Stone replied that Councilmember Santoro is one of the two people in the business world today who are eliminating jobs and more work to less people. He asked if you would take away the Director's job and then give him a Chief of Police so why don't you let the Chief of Police do the work. He said so now we have a hundred thousand dollars and we have a ninety five thousand. Councilmember Rios told Mr. Stone the position of Chief of Police has been there for many years. Mr. Stone replied that he knew but as the attorney told them he had a Chief of Police, he had a Director and when he passed away they had a Chief of Police. Councilmember Santoro said the only difference we are looking at is thirty eight hundred dollars and we feel at this time the money is well spent. She said we look at saving the taxpayers money in the Police Department? Absolutely. Mr. Stone said if you have to buy somebody out (inaudible). Councilmember Reiman said we have to look at whether or not we have to buy somebody out or if that position serves at the will of the governing body. Mr. Stone said he hoped they would do the right thing. Mayor Failace said it is not quite the same as Councilmember Santoro said. He said understand that it is more than that because a Lieutenant becomes a Captain and a few Sergeants will become Lieutenants. He said he could write their names on a piece of paper. Councilmember Santoro told the Mayor that she would love to see the list. Mayor Failace said he would show the list to Councilmember Santoro. Rose Alice Capp asked the Mayor a question on behalf of Councilmember Santoro. She wanted to know if Mr. Elg was a Chief of Police at one time. Mayor Failace replied Mr. Elg was a Chief of Police at one time but not in Carteret. Councilmember Santoro said it was Washington State and it was by seven individuals that were (inaudible). Mayor Failace said Baker has done a very good job. Councilmember Quinones said they were being so obnoxious and it was so typical and you would think they would behave a little differently. 38 Mayor Failace said Mr. Elg has done a wonderful job for this town. He said you can smile and sit there but don't make fun of him when he is not here. Councilmember Quinones said the Council has very short memories. Police Officer Greg Denton argued with the Mayor and said the Mayor insulted him. He said he took it as an insult and he expected an apology from the Mayor. Mayor Failace said that he was pointing to the back of the room in general and not toward Mr. Denton. Rose Alice Capp apologized to the Mayor and said she did not mean to cause a problem. She then asked if a Lieutenant could become a Chief of Police. Councilmember Santoro replied that you have to take a test. Rose Alice Capp asked if they could skip a rank. Mayor Failace replied that he thought two ranks could be skipped. Shawn Seymore, Resident said last week at the meeting the Community Action Board gave this Council a letter in reference to Ward Systems and if they would put it on the ballot. She said they never received an answer and it was not on the Agenda this evening and that was why she was asking about it. Mayor Failace replied the Administrators from the League of Municipalities will give information on various (inaudible). He said it will be brought before the Council and discussed. Shawn Seymore asked ifthey would be notified. Mayor Failace replied yes. Councilmember Reiman said they directed the Borough Clerk to gather the information for (inaudible). He said there was a study to change the form of government and they directed the Borough of Carteret to maintain the present form of government. He said he knew the Borough Clerk had gathered all that information and will give it to the Council. Shawn Seymore said she just wanted a reply. There being no further business or discussion, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous affirmative vote of the four Councilmembers present, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:25 P.M. Respectful)y Submitted, ~¿¿¿'~~-~5:i 'KATHLEEN M. BARNEY, ~ r Municipal Clerk KMB/apm 39 APRIL 19, 2001 DISCUSSION (CONTINUED) ADJOURNED APRIL 19, 2001 COUNCIL MEETING