HomeMy Public PortalAbout2001/05/17 MAY 1~, 2001
The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of COUNC I L MEET
Carteret was called to order by Mayor James A. Failace approximately
7:30 P.M. on Thursday, May 17, 2001, Municipal Court/Police
Facility, 230 Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey.
Upon individual roll call, the following were noted present: ROLL CALL
Councilmember Jack Fazekas
Remy Quinones
" Daniel Reiman
Ronald Rios
"
Janet Santoro
"
Buddy Sohayda
Also noted present were Business Administrator Nicholas Goldsack
and Borough Attorney Robert Bergen.
The meeting was opened with a moment of Silent Prayer and the PRAYER, PLEDfiE
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor James A. Failace. 0 F ^ k k Efi I A N C E
The Clerk stated that on May 11, 2001, in full compliance with the STATEMENT OF
Open Public Meetings Act, a notice of tonight's meeting was sent to MEEI I Nfl N011 CE
The Home News Tribune, The Star Ledger and posted on the bulletin
board.
Councilmember Ronald Rios administered the oath of office to Fire 0AT It OF OFF I CE
Captain Richard Bonner. F I R E CAP IA I N
RICHARD BONNER
CERTIFICATES OF
Councilmember Ronald Rios called up Firefighters Joseph Gadomski MCR I T
and Samuel Goddess. He congratulated them on being selected to
receive the Firefighters Comanunity Service Award.
Mayor Failace said he would like to offer his congratulations to Fire COMMENTS
Captain Bonner as well as to Firefighters Joseph Gadomski and
Samuel Goddess. He thanked them for ajob well done.
ORDINANCE #01-29 was introduced and adopted on First Reading 0 R D I A N A N C E//01 - 2 §
and the Clerk authorized and directed to advertise same for Public I0 AMEND ORDINANCE
Hearing to be held on June 7, 2001, upon MMS&C, by #/1-9RE: SECRETARY
Councilmembers Quinones and Sohayda. Upon individual roll call BOARD/C0~iHiSSION
vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Sohayda
voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Santoro voted no.
MAY 17, 2001
ORDINANCE #01-29
"AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE #71-9
ESTABLISHING SALARY SCHEDULES AND FIXING THE
MANNER OF PAYMENTS OF SALARIES FOR VARIOUS
OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE BOROUGH OF
CARTERET"
ORD INNCE//01-30 ORDINANCE #01-30 was introduced on the First Reading and the
AMEND I Nfl SALARY Clerk authorized and directed to advertise same for Public Heating to
0 R D I N A N C E//71 - 9 be held on June 7, 2001, upon MMS&C, by Councilmember Rios and
RE: B U I L D I N 6 Quinones. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas,
SUBCODEOFFICIALS Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
PLUMBING HHS affirmative.
ORDINANCE #01-30
"AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND #71-9 ESTABLISHING SALARY
SCHEDULES AND FIXING THE MANNER OF PAYMENTS OF
SALARIES FOR VARIOUS OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF
THE BOROUGH OF CARTER.ET"
The Clerk stated Ordinance #01-26 was introduced and passed upon
0RD I NANCE #01-26 First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Borough Cotmcil held on
AMENDING SALARY
ORDINANCE//71-9 May 3, 2001. It was duly published in the Homes News Tribune on
RE: POLICE May 8, 2001 with notice that it will be considered for final passage
D I SP^ICHERS after Public Hearing to be held on May 17, 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.
PUBLIC HEARING Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and Reiman and
unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, the Mayor
declared the Public Hearing to be open:
There being no comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor
HEARING CLOSED declared the Public Hearing to be closed, upon MMS&C by
Councilmembers Reiman and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote
of the full Council present.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Reiman
0RD I NANCE//01-26 ORDINANCE fl01-26
AMENDING SALARY
ORD I NANCE//71-9 "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE #71-9
R E: PO L I C E ESTABLISHING SALARY SCHEDULES ~ FIXING THE
D I SPAICHERS MANNER OF PAYMENTS OF SALARIES FOR VARIOUS
OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE BOROUGH OF
CARTERET"
2
MAY 12, 2001
was finally adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers ADOPTED
Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
Approved and Adopted: May 17, 2001
Introduced: May 3, 2001
Advertised as adopted on First Reading
with notice of Public Heating: May 8, 2001
Hearing Held: May 17~ 2001
Approved by: Mayor James A. Failace
Advertised as Finally Adopted: Ma,/28,2001
Councilmember Quinones stated this was well deserved by the COMM[NIS
dispatchers.
Councilmember Santoro stated one of the things about the dispatchers
that people tend to forget is they are the first contact from the public to
the police department and they very well deserve this raise after years
of not receiving it.
The Clerk stated Ordinance #01-27 was introduced and passed upon ORDINANCE//01-27
First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held on AMENDING SALARY
May 3, 2001. It was duly published in the Home News Tribune on ORDINANCE//71-9
May 8, 2001 with notice that it will be considered for final passage RE.' UMP I RES
after Public Hearing to be held on May 17, 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 PUB L I C H EAR I N G
affirmative vote of the full Council present, the mayor declared the
Public Heating to be open:
There being no comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor HEARING CLOSED
declared the Public Hearing to be closed, upon MMS&C, by
Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous affirmative vote of
the full Council present.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Sohayda and Rios
ORDINANCE//01-21
ORDiNANCE #01-27 AIIENDI NG SALARY
ORDINANCE//71-9
RE: UMPIRES
"AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDiNANCE #71-9
ESTABLISHiNG SALARY SCHEDULES AND FIXiNG THE
MANNER OF PAYMENTS OF SALARIES FOR VARIOUS
OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE BOROUGH OF
CARTERET"
MAY 17, 2001
was finally adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers
ADOPTED Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
Approved and Adopted: May 17, 2001
Introduced: May 3, 2001
Advertised as adopted on first reading
With notice of Public Heating: May 8, 2001
Hearing Held: May 17, 2001
Approved By: Mayor James A. Failace
Advertised as Finally Adopted May 28, 2001
The Clerk stated Ordinance #01-28 was introduced and passed upon
ORDINANCE #01-28 First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Borough Council held on
AMENDI N6 & May 3, 2001. It was duly published in the Home News Tribune on
SOPPLEHENI I N6 May 8, 2001 with notice that it will be considered for final passage
CHAPIER 109 SECIION afier Public Hearing to be held on May l7, 2001at approximately 7:30
5RE: LINIFORH
CONSIRUCI I ON P.M. The Ordinance was posted on the bulletin board and copies were
C 0 D E S - F E E S made available to the general public and according to law, she read the
Ordinance by title.
P D B L I C H E A R I N G Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman and unanimous
affirmative vote of the full Council present, the Mayor declared the
Public Hearing to be open:
There being no comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor
HEARING CLOSED declared the Public Heating to be closed, upon MMS&C, by
Councilmembers Reiman and Sohayda and unanimous affirmative
vote of the full Council present.
0RD l NANCE//01-28 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Fazekas
AHEND I NG & ORDINANCE #01-28
SUPPLEH[NI I N6 "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SLTPPLEMENTING
CItAPIER 109
SECT l ON 5 SECTION 109-5 ("FEES") OF CHAPTER 109 ("UNIFORM
RE: UN I FORIq CONSTRUCTION CODES")
CONSIRUCI I ON OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET"
CODES-FEES
was finally adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers
ADOPTED Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the --
affirmative.
4
MAY 1], 2001
Approved and Adopted: May 17, 2001
Introduced: May 3, 2001
Advertised as adopted on First Reading
with notice of Public Hearing: May 8, 2001
Heating held: May 17, 2001
Approved by: Mayor James A. Failace
Advertised as Finally Adopted May 28, 2001
Mayor Failace stated he would like to have a motion to amend the COMMENTS
Agenda to move Resolution #01-162 to the Top of Order of Business
and open it to the Public.
A motion was made by Councilmembers Santoro and Reiman and
unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present the Agenda was M01ION 10
AMEND AGENDA
amended to move Resolution #01-162 to the Top of Order of Business
and open it to the public.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Fazekas and MEETING 0PENDED
unanimous affirmative vote of the full Councilmembers present the PUB L I C I NP UT 0N
Mayor declared the meeting opened to the public on Resolution R E S 0 L U 110 N # 01 - 162
#01-162.
There being no comments or objections to Resolution #01-162, The
Mayor declared the Public Portion closed, upon MMS&C, by MEEIIN6 CLOSED
Councilmembers Rios and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of
the full Council present.
Councilmember Reiman asked if the auditor could address the Council C 0MI~ E N IS
with information on this Resolution.
Andy Hodulik from Hodulik and Morrison and his associate Ronald
Gardner stated they were asked to review the Board of Education's
defeated School Board Budget for the year 2002. He said they have
received the majority of the information requested from the Board last
Friday. He said a fair amount of time has been spent going through
that information. He said based on their review and lengthy
discussions with the Finance Chairmen there is a resolution on the
table, which actually reduces the amount to be raised by taxation for
the School Budget 2002 by $140,000.00. He said it was a combination
of $98,000.00 of utilization of additional surplus based of their review,
and $42,000.00 worth of cuts in the appropriations.
Mayor Failace said he was a bit disappointed more could not be found
in a $34,000,000.00 budget. He said unfortunately it is a big burden
for the taxpayers of Carteret.
HAY 17, 2001
RESOLUTION #01-162 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to
RES01UIIOH #01-1§2
1) El E Riq I N I N fi I It E the Council for action.
AlqOUNI TO BE RAISE1)
BY TAXATION FOR
SCHOOL PURPOSES
FOR IHE 2001/2002
SCHOOL YEAR Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Santoro and Reiman
ORDINANCE #01-162
"DETERMINING THE AMOUNT TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION
FOR SCHOOL PURPOSES FOR THE 2001-2002 SCHOOL YEAR"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers
ADOPIED Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative.
Councilmember Sohayda abstained.
Councilmember Quinones said she voted yes on this but likewise she
COlqlqENlS is disappointed. She said she thought it was very ...(inaudible)... the
auditors were not present at the Budget Hearing with the
Councilmembers and the School Board. She said certainly in the past
there was significant exchange with the auditors present where they
actually went through line items and got into a great deal of detail
about what could be cut and what could not be cut. She stated it did
not happen in this case but never the less this is a cut.
Councilmember Reiman stated just so that the audience and the public
are made aware, $140,000.00 is being cut from the School Budget,
which is a tax point in a half. He said it could save the average
homeowner about $18-$20.00 off of the projected increase. He said he
knows the auditors were not able to make the joint Council and Board
of Education Meeting, but he has been in contact with them daily since
he is chairperson of the Finance Committee. He said he knows the
auditors have worked diligently with the School Board Administration.
Councilmember Rios said this was probably difficult thing to decide
on, with the taxes, Education, providing for the children. He said he
understands how everyone is concerned about the taxes. He said again
this Council is concerned about education as the Mayor has mentioned
it is important to educate the children. He said a school that was once
closed would be reopened which was a major expense. He said the
Council met with the School Board on Monday and the School Board
was concerned about monies and he thinks this will alleviate some
burden but all in all, he feels this is something that will not hurt the
Education.
Councilmember Santoro stated after sitting for years on the Board of
Education and realizing when a budget is put together that the last vote
when it comes down to it is up to the Council. She said she knows
how hard it is to put together a budget and plead your case. She said
in this case, again she has always believed people get a chance to vote
on one budget. She said they do not get a chance to vote on the town's
Municipal Budget so this is the town only opportunity to speak out
about their taxes, whether the Council, County or the State raises the
taxes. She said the only opportunity the town has is to vote on the
School Budget. She said in this case the school district in the last six
years has been taking on enormous expenses by building renovations,
MAY ]Z, 200]
new buildings, increased enrollments and they are continuing that. COI414ENTS
She said Nathan Hale School would be opening in September. She ( C O N T I Iq U £ D )
stated as for estimating the amount of students coming into the district
at $8300.00 per student you are not going to know that until the school
actually opens and the state does not recognize that until next year
when they are on the enrollment count. She said so things are already
starting below where they should be. She stated is this a cut back you
want to live with, on her behalf she knows how important even
$100,000.00 could be the meaning of two out of district placements for
Special Ed. Students can wipe out that $100,000.00. She said that if
the schools can live with this and people on the Council are
comfortable then she supports it.
Councilmember Sohayda stated to vote for this budget is to vote for
the children of tomorrow. He said the School Board works hard to
educate the children from this town and to lead them to be the future
leaders of Carteret. He said he would have to abstain because of
personal business with the School Board. He said he applauds
everybody who has supported this budget.
A copy of each Resolution was placed on the table for public review MEET] NG OPENED
prior to the meeting in accordance with the Rules of Council and upon I0 PUBL I C INPUT
MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous ON ALL RESOLUTIONS
affirmative vote of the full Council present, the meeting was open for
public input on Resolutions #01-148 through #01-161.
There being no comments or objections to the Resolutions, the Mayor M E E T I N G C L 0 S E D
declared the Public Hearing to be closed upon MMS&C, by
Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous affirmative vote of
the full Council present.
RESOLUTION #01-148 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTI ON #01-lq8
the Council for action. Af4ENOMENT I0 2001
TEMPORARY BUDGET
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmember Rios and Fazekas
RESOLUTION #01-148
"AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT TO THE 2001 TEMPORARY
BUDGET"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers ADOPTED
Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUTION #01-149 wasintroducedbythe Mayorandre~rredto RESOLUTION #01-149
theCouncil~raction. DIRECTING THE
ISSUANCE OF VARIOUS
RAFFLE LICENSES.
7
MAY 17, 2001
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmember Rios and Fazekas
RESOLUTION g01-149
"DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE OF RAFFLE LICENSES TO
ST. ANTHONY'S HOLY NAME SOCIETY" w
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers
ADOPTED Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUTION #01-150 wasintroducedbytheMayorandre~edto
RESOLUIION #01-150
AUIHORIZIN6 BICYCLE thecouncil~raction.
SALE
Upon MMS&C by Councilmembers Santoro and Rios
RESOLUTION #01-150
"AUTHORIZING SALE OF BICYCLES"
Al) 0 P l[B was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas,
Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the .---
affirmative.
RESOLUTION #01-151 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to
RESOLUI I ON #01-151 the Council for action.
CREAIIHG ItAND I_
CAPPED PARKING
SPACE - HOLY
FAM I LY SCHOOL Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman
RESOLUTION g01-151
"CREATING HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE FOR
HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers
ADOPIED Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUIION #01-152 RESOLUTION #01-152 was introduced and referred to the Council
CREAIING HANBI- for action.
CAPPED PARKING
SPACE 59
R ROOSVELT AVENUE Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman
MAY il, 200]
RESOLUTION #01 - 152
"CREATiNG HANDICAPPED PARKiNG SPACE FOR
159 ROOSEVELT AVENUE"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers ADOPTED
Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro, and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUTION #01-153 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RES0LUTI ON #01-153
the Council for action. PROFESS I 0NAL
SERVICES
-LERCH. VINCI, &
HIGGINS, RE:
AUDITING SERVICES -
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sohayda 2001 AUDI T I NG
REFUNDING BOND
RESOLUTION #01-153
"RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
CONTRACT FOR AUDITING SERVICES WITH LERCH, ViNCI &
HIGGiNS"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers
ADOPTED
Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
Councilmember Reiman stated this was part of the bond refunding that COMMENTS
was talked about, it is a little over $7,000,000.00 in bonds that are
going to be refunded. He said this is going to save the Borough about
$215,000.00 in the next nine years. He said the Council is taking
$93,000.00 of that savings and using it for tax relief this year which is
one of the reasons the Council was able to shave off a point on the
projected tax increase. He said the Borough would be taking
advantage of the lower interest rate that refimd and refinances bonds,
again taking advantage of the current market and the Municipal bonds.
RESOLUTION #01-154 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to
the Council for action. RESOLUIION//01-15/t
APPOINTING JOHN
SOLTESZ- FULL TIME
BUILDING SUBCODE
OFFICIAL/PLUMBING
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman ItHS I NSPECTOR
RESOLUTION #01-154
"RESOLUTION APPOiNTiNG JOHN SOLTESZ FULL TIME
BUILDING SUB CODE OFFICIAL/PLUMBiNG HHS
iNSPECTOR"
was adopted. Upon individual roll cai vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, ADOPTED
Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
Councilmember Reiman stated by appointing Mr. Soltesz and creating COMMENTS
this resolution for a full time position in the Building Department this
MAY 17, 2001
would free up Mr. Nagy. He said Mr. Nagy would be working on
COOMENIS
(CONT I N O E D ) important issues in the Borough, where there are vacant lots whether
owned by the Borough or local residents or industry. He said the
entire department will be able to get out more and began enforcing
some of the codes and requirements that the Borough has through out
the town. He said this is a move in the right direction and he supports
this.
Mayor Failace stated he would say that the Building Department
would probably again be working at a record pace this year. He said
hopefully it would be comparable to the amount of money they
brought in last year, which was close to $1,000,000.00.
RESOLUI I ON #01-155 RESOLUTION//01-155 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to
APPOINTING MICHAEL the Council for action.
ORLANDO & HUGH
CONNORS -
SEASONAL LAWN
MAI NTENANCE WORKERS
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Santoro and Sohayda
RESOLUTION//01-155
"APPOINTING TEMPORARY SEASONAL LAWN
MAINTENANCE WORKERS IN THE BOROUGH OF
CARTERET"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers
ADOPTED Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
Councilmember Quinones asked Borough Attorney Bergen why the
C 0 M M E N 1 S app ointment s were b ackdat ed.
Councilmember Santoro said she could answer that question. She said
the reason being is it was discussed at the Agenda Meeting that the
appointees (Michael P. Orlando & Hugh Connors) have been working
for the past three years and while Mr. Kately was out due to his injury
it was a mishap they did not get placed. She said it was asked at the
Agenda Meeting how to do this and this is how the Council was
advised to place them.
Councilmember Quinones asked what did Councilmember Santoro
mean when she said there was a mishap. She asked if Mr. Kately told
the two appointees they could start working.
Councilmember Santoro said Mr. Kately had spoken to her about it
and it was decided that the appointees said they could come back to
work. She said this has been done for three years because of him not
being around ...(inaudible)... to have it corrected.
Councilmember Santoro said she would vote yes but seeing that
mistakes do happen. She said the unfortunate thing is when they
happen other people have to suffer the consequence such as being
demoted from a position because an Ordinance or Resolution is not
drafted correctly she thinks now it can be understood why things do
happen.
10
HAY 17, 2001
Councilmember Santoro stated says she feels as far as demotions and
Ordinances this is apples and oranges. COPIPIENTS
(CoNT I NUED )
Councilmember Quinones said yes that is true but it is still a mistake
that was made without authorization from this Council.
Councilmember Santoro said at least she would admit when a mistake
is made instead of trying to pretend and ignore them as usual.
RESOLUTION #01-156 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION//01-156
the Council for action. APPROVING FIR~ORKS
FOR ETHNIC DAY
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Santoro and Sohayda
RESOLUTION 01-156
"RESOLUTION APPROVING FIREWORKS FOR ETHNIC DAY"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers
Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the ADOPTED
affirmative.
Councilmember Rios asked if the fireworks would be bigger than last COPIPIENTS
year's fireworks.
Mayor Failace said he hopes they will be bigger than last year's. He
said that he thinks last years amount was $5000.00. He said he does
not think there is an amount on the resolution nor does there have to be
an amount on the resolution. He said he thinks the only thing that is
important is that it is ok to have the fireworks and hopefully if they can
be made bigger than that would be great. He said the young and the
old people in Carteret love the fireworks.
Borough Attorney Bergen and Councilmember Quinones said the
Resolution just authorizes the permit.
RESOLUTION # 01-157 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION//01-157
the Council for action. AUTHORIZING EXECUTION
OF VARIOUS ~PLICATION
DOCUflENTS FOR THE SEWER
SPEARATION AND
IP1PROVEP1ENT PROdECT
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sohayda
RESOLUTION #01-157
"RESOLUTION AUTHORIZiNG EXECUTION OF VARIOUS
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS FOR THE SUSPECT AREAS
SEWER SEPARATION AND IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers ADOPTED
Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUTION 01-158 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to
the Council for action.
11
HAY 17, 2001
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sohayda
RESOLUTION g01-158
"RESOLUTION REQUESTING AN EXTENSION OF TIME TO
AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE ~
INDUSTRIAL ROAD CULVERT CROSSING PROJECT"
ADOPTED was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers
Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUTION//01-159 RESOLUTION g01-159 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to
URGING CHANGE IN the Council for action.
SCHOOL FUNDING
THROUGH PROPERTY
TAX REFORH Upon MMS&C, by Councilmember Sohayda and Rios
RESOLUTION g01-159
"RESOLUTION URGING CHANGE IN SCHOOL FUNDING
THROUGH PROPERTY TAX REFORM"
ABOPTED was adopted. Upon individual roll call voted, Councilmembers
Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the w
affirmative.
C0~ENTS Councilmember Santoro asked if someone could please tell Pat Blasio
this was being done because he would love this.
RESOLUTION #01-1G0 RESOLUTION g01-160 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to
SUPPORT OF PROVIDING the Council for action.
DIRCI TAX RELIEF T0
NE~I JERSEY'S SEIIIOR
AND DISABLED CJIJ ZENS Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Sohayda and Quinones
PROPERTY OWNERS AND
HUN I C I PAL I T I ES RES OLUTION go 1-160
"RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF S ¼ SCS, S2, AND 83
PRovIDING DIRECT TAX RELIEF TO NEW JERSEY'S SENIOR
AND DISABLED CITIZENS, PROPERTY OWNERS, AND
MUNICIPALITIES"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers
ADOPTED Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
Mayor Failace stated if this Resolution where to go through he
C0~ENIS believes it would double the benefits approximately $500.00 in 2001
and $600.00in 2002 and also it would increase the Homestead Rebate
$750.00. He said he certainly hopes that the Borough can help to push
this through because it is absolutely necessary
12
PlAY ]7, 200]
RESOLUTION #01-161 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION/~1-161
the Council for action. AUTHORI Z I N6 EXTEN I ON
OF ¢0NIR£1 ~/ITIt
GARDEN SIAIE
LABORATOR I ES AND
AUTHORIZING BIDS
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios FOR INDUSTRIAL
I/ASIB/AIREH f40NITORING
RESOLUTION #01-161
"RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXTENSION OF CONTRACT
WITH GARDEN STATE LABORATORIES AND AUTHORIZING
RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER
MONITORING"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers ADOPTED
Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative
The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of an Application for ABC
Licenses - 2001-2002 Renewals. Upon MMS&C by Councilmembers APPLICATIONS
Reiman and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full
Council present, it was ordered to be turned over to the Police
Department for investigation.
The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a Communication from the ¢OHI~UNI£ATIONS
Township of East Brunswick - resolution urging shifting reliance for
school funding from property taxes to a more progressive and fair
mechanism.
The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a Communication from
PSE&G -a) Notice of application to disturb freshwater wetlands
throughput entire service area. Comments accepted, b) Copy of
Motion to increase level of gas demand and make changes to tariff
rates.
The Clerk stated she was in receipt of a Communication from
Middlesex County Board of Taxation Resolution establishing ratio
of assessed value to true value for all real property to be 100%.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Sohayda and Fazekas and
unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present all
Communications were ordered to be received and placed on file.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Santoro and Reiman all bills .PAYflENT OF III~LLS
appearing on the prepared list properly audited and signed were o
ordered to be paid. Upon individual roll call vote Councilmembers
Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of the following reports: REPORTS
13
PrAY 17, 2001
1. Inspection of Buildings - April 2001
2. Treasurer - April 200l
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Sohayda and Fazekas and
unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, all reports
were ordered to be received and placed on file.
BUILDINGS & GROUNDS: Committee Chairperson Quinones said a
STANDING C0~IITEES letter is going to be sent to Judge Comba regarding the emergency
exits in the Court Room to see if there is any way that he can side step
some of the requirements that has prevented the use of his door as an
exit, because if this has to be done it will certainly be a lot more
expensive to install a door than to just use his exits. She said there is
some issues regarding the Community Center as far as people certainly
having some conflict with getting keys and having access to equipment
and there has been some concerns raised about that and also about
...(inaudible)... putting locks on cabinets. She said they are working
on resolving this by getting a lock box and requesting that certain
groups not take certain areas for themselves and locking them at the
expense of delaying access to other people. She stated Comcast has
come in to move cable service into the Community Center. She said C
& M Doors will be at the Court House on Monday to correct the
problem with the doors so hopefully no one will be locked in the
bathrooms at the Court House. She said also AERCO has came in to
check the air condition at the Fire House and the Social Services
Center and that has been repaired. She reported progress.
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION: Committee Chairperson Reiman
stated he mentioned he was going to put together a list of Borough
owned properties that the Council is going to be asked to consider
auctioning off. He said the estimated properties on that list are
roughly 16 Borough owned properties. He said the Council will get a
list this week. He said the Tax Assessor was going out to get a fair
market value of what the Council could expect to receive. He said he
looks to have these properties auctioned off within the next couple of
months if the Council gives permission. He said the Building
Department, Mr. Neibert, brought in $2,092.00 this year. He said the
goal for the year was $500,000.00 and there is about 8 months left. He
said the season probably just got started for them. He said last year the
Construction and Building Department brought in over $1,000,000.00
in fees. He said he announced at the last Council Meeting that the
contract with Dauman was renegotiated and this saved $20,000.00 by
having them take care of the leaves at no charge. He said negotiations
are currently in progress with Garden State Paper and also touching
base again with Dauman about how much is paid to get rid of the
Borough's wood. He said in the meantime the Finance Committee is
pulling a list of the cell phones and beepers that the Borough
Employees have and the committee is looking to consolidate. He said
there are about five or six different programs whether it was through
AT&T, MCI or Sprint the goal is to consolidate that into a one plan
program. He said a significant saving is expected in that. He said he
has mentioned over the last couple of months that the projected tax
increase assuming the $300,000.00 Discretionary Aid is received the
tax increase to the Borough will be $5.00 if it comes through. He said
14
2001
he urges everybody to call the Assembly People and State Senator for
STAPIDING COI~ITTEE
the Borough and asked them to try and get the Local Finance Board to (CONTINUED)
give us the aid. He reports progress.
FIRE: Committee Chairperson Rios said he would like to again
congratulate Captain Bonner who is an asset to the Fire Department.
He said again he would also like to thank Firefighter Sam Goddess and
Joe Gadomski for their efforts with the file of life. He said May 9 the
Fire Department in cooperation with the high school staff program put
on a vehicle extrication demonstration using high school students as
automobile accident victims. He said students were extricated from
the car and treated for their simulated injuries. He said the program
helps to show the students how important it is not to drink and drive
and what the consequences could be. He said on Sunday Mother's
Day there was a fire and he would like to thank and congratulate all
the firefighters for the great job they did. He said several trailers
caught on fire on Middlesex Avenue and Mutual Aid from
Woodbridge and Port Reading helped out as well. He said the town's
firefighters worked very hard for several hours to extinguish the five
trailers that caught on fire. He said he would also like to thank B&L
towing for supplying the Fire Department with cars that were used for
the extrication for the high school students. He said on May 5 he
attended the Special Olympics and he was very impressed. He said it
was a special feeling to be there and see that happening and he would
just like to commend everyone involved with that. He said he feels
they do a great job and it is just tremendous and gives him a very
warm feeling to see what is done there. He said May 9 he attended a
CAPP Meeting which is the Community Advisory Panel, it is a
consortium of different industries, business, commercial, industrial and
citizens trying to make Carteret a better place to live and get
cooperation and team effort from all the citizens involved. He said it
is to try to do different projects through out the community and they
are working on the flowerpot on Washington Avenue and Roosevelt
Avenue trying to upgrade that. He said at this time he would also like
to announce there is a tentative agreement with FMBA (Career
Firefighters) contract which is approximately 2 ½ years since there last
contract. He asked Business Administrator to confirm that the
Neighborhood Town Meeting is set for Tuesday May 22, 2001.
Business Administrator said yes the Meeting is scheduled for May 22,
2001 at the CWV.
Councilmember Rios said he was not sure if the CWV was available
that night. He asked Business Administrator Nick to check and see if
it was available and if it was not available get an alternate place. He
said that is basically to go there not to conduct business but to hear
people's concerns and make the Council a little more accessible to the
people that may be shut in and hopefully they can bring it to the
Council's attention if there are any problems or concerns. He said as
far as anything else in fire the Carteret Senior Citizens also sent in a
letter thanking the career firefighters for doing the File of Life
Program. He said this program is very important because sometime
people having medical problems it gives them a whole history that can
be hung on the refrigerator. He said it may sound repetitious be he
would like to encourage everyone that may have a medical problem to
get one from the Fire Department because if someone passes out at
15
17., 2001
least they have that information available. He said on the fire on
SlAN1)IN6 £0~IIIEE Middlesex Avenue the Police Department is working hand in hand
(~..ONTINUED) with the Fire Department as is the Building Department to try to clean
up that area down there. He said hopefully it will not happen again
and if there is any illegal activity it would come to an abrupt end. He
said from what he understands it has become a hang out. He reported
progress.
Councilmember Quinones asked Business Administrator Goldsack to
make sure when he finds out about the Town Meeting that it is posted
on the Marquee.
pARKS & RECREATION: Committee Chairperson Santoro said she
would like to first give an update on Ethnic Day as everyone is aware
of the fireworks were voted on and hopefully they will be expanded.
She said selections of bands are being worked on to try to get diversity
and to reach out to different groups and music· She said the letters
have been sent out to all those who participated last year. She said this
Sunday May 20th is the Third Annual Dog Show in Carteret Park. She
said dogs could register and enter on Sunday. She said the dogs must
have a license and updated rabies shot. She said there would be
winners in small, medium and large sizes· She said Memorial Day
services would be held in Carteret Park on Sunday May 27 at 12:30
PM followed by a parade that will start at 2:00 PM. She said the
Carteret Community Action Council is planning this Saturday to clean
up down on Lower Roosevelt Avenue· She said anyone wishing to
volunteer for this please reach out they will be meeting in Chrome
Park. She said also at the last Agenda Meeting she mentioned that the
committee had filed for a $150,000.00 grant for the parks. She said
this was through the county and it was different from Green Acres.
She said there is a very good chance this money will be received, if not
all of it very close to it. She said at least between $100-150,000.00.
She said with that they hope to but more equipment and do different
things in the parks. She said this would help move the program
forward. She said she knows there was a concern whether enough
money had been put into the budget, this certainly will make up for
any lose. She said she should be hearing from them, she was told,
within the next two -three weeks· She reported progress.
POLICE: Committee Chairperson Santoro said a grant was received
for body armor in the amount of $5725.00, which was worked on by
Chris Elg. She said she would like to commend Chief Pieczyski's
hard work in ensuring the department pass it's annual detention facility
inspection. She said he made sure the department was compliant with
state regulations and reduced the opportunity for adverse
· ..(inaudible).·. She said tomorrow Captain Hojecki is graduating
from the Intensive .··(inaudible)·.. Program conducted by North
Western University School of Police Staff and Command. She said
Captain Hojecki placed over 100 candidates in the state to get one of
approximately 25 seats in the program. She said he has worked very
hard to bring credit upon himself and the Carteret Police Department.
She said she would like everyone to join her in congratulating Captain
Hojecki and when he is back she will be asking him to come to one of
the Council Meeting to be commend because she knows he worked
very hard with that. She said in the paper it was noted there was an
arrest made down in Chrome Park. She said she would like to
16
MY 1], 2001
commend Detective Connolly, John Rivers and Tommy Stroka for a
STANDING CON~IITEE
good job. She said the gentleman arrested was in possession of 17 (CONTINUED)
packets of cocaine and the bail was set at $150,000.00. She said this is
something they all feel strongly about and she hopes the department
keeps moving in this direction. She said another thing that is being set
up in the Police Department is for Domestic Violence response Team.
She said Sergeant Terebetski is in the process of forming this response
team. She said his existence is going to be Officers Bob Spolizino and
Susan Holowchuk. She said this has been on going and she feels this
is something they have been encouraged to put together and the
department is finally going to be realizing that. She said the training
process would consist of a 40-hour training course. She said civilian
volunteers would be issued beepers and when an active domestic
violence takes place in the Borough of Carteret, the volunteers would
be contacted and render assistance to the victims. She said if needed a
number would be provided for shelter and or assistance from an
outreach center. She said he is going to be in the process-recruiting
volunteers from the area and at least then, it can be done district wide
and through the community. She said, as more information becomes
available she will bring it forward. She reported progress
PUBLIC WORKS: Committee Chairperson Sohayda said the
Recycling Department has just been keeping up with the normal daily
task on Recycling. He said the garage has two front loaders out of
commission. He said the guys from the Sewer Deparm~ent have just
been moving along cleaning up on their daily routines. He said Streets
and Roads have been taking care of the signs and real soon they would
be starting to paint the street lines in the roads. He said one thing he
wanted to tell everyone is the day of the dog show, the county would
be collecting toxic recyclables, such as paint cans, trash aerosols,
everything that is not accepting as Recycling now. He said the County
would be accepting these things down at the County property up by
Woodbridge Avenue by Middlesex County College. He reported
progress.
BOARD OF EDUCATION: Committee Chairperson Fazekas said as
everyone has heard Nathan Hale School would be opening in
September. He said the other thing he said the other thing he had been
speaking about was purchase power and shared services between the
Board of Education and this Municipality. He said the committee is
trying to identify items where not only this Municipality but also other
Municipalities such as, Perth Amboy, Woodbridge and Rahway may
consolidate items to increase our purchase power. He said in
technology there are areas in terms of software and hardware that
would save a significant amount of money but it is just to bring
everybody together at the table to discuss that. He said one of the
problems is that everybody's schedule conflicts but hopefully they will
be able to schedule some kind of a conference over the telephone
rather than try to bring everybody to the table. He said this not only
includes Purchasing Agents from the Municipalities but also various
people from the Board of Education. He said he would also like to
report on the document imaging. He said Ordinances from 2000-2001
were successfully microfiche& He said if the Council would like to
look at it they can go to Borough Clerk's Office and she would show
them how. He said one thing he did want to comment on was the
presentation of the budget. He said he feels if the budget does not pass
next year then some kind of format should be agreed upon and this
17
MAY 17, 2001
SIAtIDIN6 C01~lllI[[ way there could be some kind of presentation between the Board of
(CONTINUED) Education, Municipalities and the Auditors. He reported progress.
Mayor Failace stated as he said earlier he was disappointed in what
was found in the budget cut for the Board of Education. He said he is
not the expert on this so he will have to see how it works. He said he
would like to also thank Councilman Rios and Councilwomen
Quinones for attending the Special Olympics at Carteret Park it was a
great day. He said he has worked with the Special Olympics for about
8 or 9 years now. He said it is heart rendering. He said he watched
along with Councilmember Rios as one of the participants was running
in a race fell down, scraped his knee, yet he got back up again,
finished last and jumped all over the place because he was so happy
that he finished. He said it was just very rewarding to those that were
able to come. He said he would like to also thank the Fire Department,
the EMT and the Police Officers for helping out. He said Officer
Mirandi gave out trophies, which is very special to them. He said
Joanne Kissleman told him it was one of the best Special Olympics
that New Jersey has had and they are going to look to come back to
Carteret next year hopefully not only next year but every year. He said
he would like to again congratulate Captain Bonner and he thanked
Firefighters Sam Goddess and Joe Gadomski for the File For Life. He
said he wanted to tell a story and it was something he sent a letter to
the newspaper about but he guessed the good letters do not go into the
paper. He said about two months ago his mother-in-law who lives
with him had congestive heart failure, and she had an attack. He said
he was at a wedding with his wife and his daughter Danielle called 911
and the Firefighters, First Aid Squad, and the Police Department
responded. He said he sent a letter to the newspaper thanking them for
their efforts because he knows his mother-in-law's heart stopped and
because of their quick efforts she is alive today and doing well, not
doing great but doing very well. He said he was remiss for not saying
this over the last couple of months but he was hoping it would get in
the newspaper but it did not. He said he now has a File For Life on the
refrigerator. He said his wife knows what medication his mother-in-
law needs but his children did not, so his daughter was smart she just
took all the medication of off the shelf, throw them in a bag, and took
them to the hospital. He said he heard about the program that was
being offered he certainly got one and he knows this will help a lot of
senior citizens. He again thanked all that assisted that night and thank
you for this program. He called up Dennis one of the home run hitters
from the Little League. He said he offered $50.00 to the first home
run in this division as did Councilwoman Santoro, they gave the home
run hitter $50.00 from the two of them.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Sohayda and
unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present the meeting
was opened to the public for discussion.
Mary Fontaine asked Councilmember Santoro to please tell her when
and why the Chrome Park was taken out of rotation for Little League.
Councilmember Santoro said she was at the meeting at A.M.E. Zion
Church when this question was asked. She said she was not aware that
18
PlAY 17. 2001
Chrome Park had been taken out of rotation because the scheduling is PUBLIC DISCUSSION
done by the league it is not done by the town they do their own (CONTINUED)
scheduling. She said when she did ask about it their concern
according to them was there had been instances of shots being fired
down in Chrome and that was what their concern was. She said this
was just something that has been brought to their attention.
Mary Fountaine stated she had two points, number one any time there
was a game down in Chrome there are policemen there, so by you
saying there were shots fired...
Councilmember Santoro said she was not saying that shots were fired.
She said she was just reiterating what she was told by the League.
Mary Fountaine stated that whomever said that must not think the
Police who are down there are doing their job because the people in
Chrome do not want their children hurt just like no one else wants
their children hurt. She said number two she spoke to someone last
night and the person is a coach and he told her the reason that the
League was not playing down there is because they have lights and
they have concession stands at the other park, so somebody was telling
a lie. She said she was hearing two different stories.
Councilmember Santoro said she does not know whom Mary spoke
with ....
Mary Fountaine stated she spoke with Coach Chico Quinones.
Councilmember Santoro stated that all she was aware of was there are
two fields that are not being used which was Shore Crest and Chrome
Park. She said all she can say was what she asked and what she was
given as a reason and she will speak to Chico because she knows him
very well.
Mary Fountaine said she asked Chico that question and ok told him the
reason the league was not playing in Chrome from what she heard was
because there was a shooting. She said Chico said no, the shooting was
two years ago.
Councilmember Quinones said there was a shooting last year but it
was not substantiated.
Mary Fountain stated Chico continued by stating that she could believe
him that was not the problem, he said the League is not in Chrome
Park because it does not have lights or concession stands or a
bathroom. She said she would like to see the kids come back to
Chrome Park because "just like they feel that their children are not
safe down there we might feel the same way about our children up
there."
Councilmember Santoro said a couple of things when talking about
truths, there have been recent shots fired in the Chrome Park area. She
said basically she will relay the message and all she can do is relay the
information when and again the Council does not schedule this all she
can do is go back and speak with them.
19
17, 2001
PUBLIC I)IS£USSION Mary Fountaine said for Chico to tell her that and for Councilmember
(CONIINUED) Santoro to tell her something else, she asked that Councilmember
Santoro understand her feelings and Councilmember Santoro worked
in Parks and Recreation and then Chico is on Parks and Recreations as
well. She said if Chico was going to tell her a lie he should have got it
straight with whomever else he is talking to. She said she should not
be getting two stories within two days.
Mayor Failace said just to add to what was said certainly last year
there was supposedly a gun but no one ever saw a gun. He said
someone mentioned that they were "packin" or something, he met with
some of the parents, and he certainly agrees with the games being
played in the Chrome Park. He said as far as Councilmember Santoro
said there were shots fired at Chrome Park at 1-2:00 in the morning,
according to Lieutenant Talalai Monday night when he spoke with
him. He said the schedule is prepared long before and he personally
thinks the games should be down in the Chrome Park, and in the last
few years, the Council insured the games were played in the Chrome
Park.
Robert Kately stated he received the schedule from both the boys and
the girls Little League weeks before the season started. He said there
were games scheduled for both Leagues in the Chrome Park. He said
he was called about two weeks before the season started and he was
told that the boys had a meeting and were not going to play in the
Chrome Park and he thinks what happened was the girls followed the
boys. He said he spoke with Mr. Quinones after he spoke with Mary
and he was told him one of the reasons was because the Chrome Park
did not have a concession stand. He said the Boys Little League had a
general membership meeting and they voted not to play in the Chrome
Park. He said to Mary Fountaine that the decision for the Little
League not to play in Chrome Park was not one made by the Council
or anyone in the Borough it was made by the Little Leagues. He said
if she has any concerns what she should do is at their general meeting
question them. He said none of the people in the Borough made that
decision. He said he thinks they meet once a month.
Mary Fountaine stated to Mr. Kately she understands the Council has
nothing to do with the scheduling but it is in the town of Carteret. She
said she is tired of every time something happens down Chrome as
long as it is bad everybody has a lot to say about it. She said the kids
in Chrome should be treated like the other kids that live in Carteret.
She said the parents in Chrome pay money for the kids to play baseball
just like everyone else, and enough is enough.
Mayor Failace said he does not think that Mr. Kately was saying
anything different. He said Mr. Kately was just explaining how things
happened and what happened. He said when the games started being
played in the Chrome Park about two years ago he thought it was
great. He there were crowds of people in Chrome Park, the old timers
sat on the benches and watched the games. He said a lot of people
came out and he can only hope they will continue to play down there.
Dave Cmdup said his question is about the comer of Leffert and John
Street the garbage is still there, as well as the garbage at the end of
Pershing and Bergen Street and he was wondering if he had to go
20
PlAY 17, 2001
clean it up. He said the garbage is still on the Borough lot and it still PUBLIC DISCUSSION
has not been cleaned up yet and this is not the first time he has (CoflTINUED)
complained about this. He said he also has a question to
Councilmember Reiman. He said he understands he was talking with
Woodbridge Township to negotiate getting the Industrial Road brought
out to Roosevelt Avenue. He said his question is two parts first, he
asked if there was any progress in that road being brought out to
Roosevelt Avenue and the second part of the question is if the Council
can not get an agreement with Woodbridge Township where would
that road go.
Councilmember Reiman stated there has been no recent negotiation.
He said the last one he was aware of was when the Mayor sat down
with the...(inaudible).., he thinks it was late last year.
Mayor Failace stated yes the meeting was awhile ago.
Councilmember Reiman stated his understanding was Woodbridge
was not necessarily in favor of the OENJ Cherokee project and that
company had come in an offered to extend a portion of the Industrial
Road. He said certainly phase two of the Industrial Road needs to be
completed and taken out to Woodbridge whether or not it was next to a
road in Woodbridge or if it connects and comes out on Port Reading
Avenue next to the Abattoir.
Dave Crudup asked when speaking of the Abattoir does that mean
behind Edwin Street or would it be down Edwin Street.
Mayor Failace stated originally the plan was behind Edwin Street with
a bumper or barriers and the whole bit if Woodbridge agreed to it. He
said right now the only way Council could do this would be to
condemn Edwin Street. He said it is tree what Councilmember
Reiman said. He said he did meet with Woodbridge and Woodbridge
is totally against the OENJ Cherokee Project that was suppose to go
there. He said Woodbridge does not want any traffic on Port Reading
Avenue.
David Crudup said he figured Woodbridge to be a great town seeing as
how the Mayor of the town is running for Governor he is pretty sure
the Mayor would be more than happy to help out.
Mayor Failace told Mr. Cmdup to give Mayor of Woodbridge a call.
David Crudup said he has called the Mayor of Woodbridge and the
Mayor does not want to talk to him.
Councilmember Quinones said the concern of Woodbridge is the truck
traffic.
Mayor Failace said the Council fully supports extending that road and
if something does not happen soon the town will lose the federal
money.
Councilmember Reiman said there is a $2,000,000.00 Grant.
David Crudup said he would like to compliment the police for a job
well done in the Chrome Park for arresting this gentleman who had the
21
17, 2001
narcotics on him. He said but there are still problems on Bergen Street
PIIBLIC I}ISClBSI0~I between Pershing and Edwin Street with traffic of narcotics all time of
(CONTINUED) the night. He said they have gotten so bold it is being done in the
daylight. He said you could not seem to control that area, what comes
in or what goes out narcotic wise and there is something wrong with
that. He said he could not understand that. He said if a strange
automobile is driving around the neighborhood 2:00 A.M. and no one
seems to be that concem about this car being there. He said if you call
down to the Police Department they do come and then the guy
disappears until the officer leaves.
Councilmember Sohayda asked Mr. Crudup if he knows why the
strange cars disappear when the cops come.
David Cmdup said no he does not know why they disappear.
Councilmember Sohayda said it is because they are networked and
they have radios, and as soon as they see cop cars everybody flies. He
said certain radio's are not over the scanner they are called Nextel.
Councilmember Reiman said there was a conversation about possibly
funding radios that could not be picked up by private radios or people
who have scanners.
David Cmdup said if the Borough had people doing the job before
"there were police officers in key positions who were taking care of
the drug problem in that area" why aren't they back now doing that
same job.
Councilmember Sohayda said the police are still there Mr. Crudup just
does not know who they are or where they are but they are there and
that is all that can be said.
David Crudup said this has been an ongoing problem for years and
years.
Councilmember Sohayda said the problem is being worked on every
day.
David Crudup asked Councilmember Sohayda if he is telling him that
they still can not seem to solve the problem.
Councilmember Sohayda stated the last bust was a pretty big bust so it
is being worked on.
Barbara Urena said she is a little concerned with the fact she was at a
Council Meeting last month about the grass behind Chrome Avenue.
She said she just wanted to bring it to the Council's attention that
Bobby never went there. She said she brought it up she showed him it
was there for at least a year and it has been brought to him at least
seven times.
Councilmember Santoro stated the Parks Department just had a
meeting last week about this and Business Administrator Nicholas
Goldsack is putting together something where the town can even if
outside help is needed to get these lots done, because there is no
excuse for it.
22
HAY 17, 2001
Barbara Urena said the strip was so small it would not have taken PIJBLI¢ DISE[tSSI0[I
much. (£ONI I NU£O )
Councilmember Santoro said it is not just that the department is trying
to put a program together within the next few days.
Barbara Urena asked was a list going to be made up when the parks
are going to be cleaned.
Councilmember Santoro said the parks are very different throughout
the summer there is a schedule and they do have extra help. She said
at the last meeting it was decided that someone would be hired for the
Parks Department in Chrome Park for 4 hours a day 5 days a week.
Barbara Urena stated that was nice for the summer but she said she
looking for just a regularized system.
Councilmember Santoro stated a few meetings ago she had all the
schedules.
Barbara Urena stated she would like to see a handwritten schedule so
she knows when to expect the truck in the park.
Councilmember Rios said one of the problems is manpower. He said
the Council is working on alleviating that problem right now. He said
there is a lot of property around town whether it is private or Borough
owned that needs to be cleaned up and it is a concern the Council
really wants to address.
Councilmember Sohayda said there would be a group of prisoners
coming in to help to clean up at the end of the month before Memorial
Day. He said he had to get food approved because they have to be
feed when they come in and they are going to clean up some of the
area lots. He said as they were speaking about this particular group
coming in Mr. Surick, Mr. Riley and himself were made aware of
another group of people who are willing to come out and clean up. He
said what he would like to do though he has not had the opportunity to
speak to the rest of the Council is to get this other group just to do lots
and nothing else. He said he knows at this moment there is no exact
date but the entire Council has been working on it.
Barbara Urena said her other question was about the gunshot. She said
obviously this is a big important issue. She stated if gunshots have
been heard three times down there (Chrome Park) in one month that
were reported in know this last time they found shells, she asked if
upgraded security was needed or extra Police.
Councilmember Santoro stated a program was just started this week
with additional Police Officers, two per day, down there from a grant
that was received so that is being done. She said the Council and
Police are very well aware of the incidents and it does not happen
nightly so again either the person is aware of when the Police are not
down there at one point.
Barbara Urena said that was the other issue. She said she does the
neighborhood watch in the area and that is another problem. She said
23
RAY 17. 2001
the Police say who calls in the complaints and when the person's
PUBLIC DISCUSSION house is burned down or when something happens to that person's kid
(CONTINUED) or something of that nature. She said the Police are not suppose to say
who called it in they are suppose to just say a call came in but they
always say whom called it in.
Councilmember Rios stated if it is someone complaining about
parking the cop might ask who called it in but certainly on shot fired
the cops would never mention who called it in.
Barbara Urena said she has nothing bad to say because the Police
always come but now this is becoming a problem. She asked if
anyone had any idea where the people are coming from who are firing
gun shots in the Park.
Councilmember Santoro said no.
Mayor Failace stated the cops have been down there immediately ....
Barbara Urena interrupted and stated that she herself has heard the gun
shots.
Councilmember Santoro said someone calls it in and the Police
respond, but then there is nobody there at that point. She said
hopefully if someone witnesses someone mrming from the area they
will report it.
Mayor Failace stated he feels this is a case where there could possibly
be some help from Neighborhood Watch, unfortunately he understands
that 1-3:00 in the morning.
Councilmember Santoro said it has been earlier than that.
Barbara Urena stated she has heard shot at 8:00 at night.
Mayor Failace said he knows at the neighborhood watch on Monday
Lt. Talalai mentioned it was early in the morning. He said Lt. Talalai
said the cops went down there and even knocked on some doors but
got no response from any of the citizens when they knocked.
Barbara Urena asked if the cops tried to check the hospitals to see if
they're where any gun shot wounds. She said for the city this has
happened three times in a month there needs to be some concern.
Mayor Failace said he is not certained but he does believe from the
discussion Monday night at the Neighborhood Watch the Police
believes it is just someone firing shots in the air and taking off. He
said that is where Neighborhood Watch can help the Police out. He
said there could be 20 Police walking around and then not be there for
a few minutes.
Barbara Urena said people would not be there if they saw a large
Police presence. She said yes she has seen an increase in Police
patrolling the area.
Mayor Failace said he and the Council would like to see this matter
resolved, as do the Police.
24
~YT, 2~1
Barbara Urena said she would like to commend the Officers with the PUBLIC BISCUSSI~I[~
drug bust she said it was very good. (CoNTINUED)
Jim Mancuso said as far as the Council is concerned, he said he just
heard the Council has nothing to do with the Little League. He asked
if the Council provide funding for this.
Councilmember Santoro stated not complete funding; money is
donated to them.
Mayor Failace said money is donated and the fields are done.
Councilmember Santoro said Jim Mancuso could speak with the Little
League and make recommendations to them.
Mayor Failace stated he knows in the past two years when the Council
wanted the games to be played down there (Chrome Park) they spoke
to the Little League and the games were played down there.
Jim Mancuso stated several months ago the Council voted to spend
$10,000.00 to help the people with the trains. He said he has a
recommendation of which he has been speaking with the Business
Administrator about. He said the attorneys that were hired are giving
no response. He said they asked for a list of people to give affidavits
about what's going on back there and they were given a list going back
two months ago. He said he has been inquiring with everyone on the
list and no one has been contacted, he has not been contacted. He said
he has sat in his home twice with this attorney and he has not
contacted us yet.
Councilmember Santoro asked if this was the one that was ordered a
year ago in January.
Mayor Failace said probably.
Councilmember Santoro asked how much has been expended out of
the account and of anybody followed up on it.
Mayor Failace stated it was minimum ...(inaudible)...
Councilmember Santoro stated that was a different suit.
Borough Attorney Rob Bergen said they were talking about two
different cases. He said he thinks the suit Mr. Mancuso is talking
about he has had some contact with the attorney who has asked him
what direction the Council wanted to go. He said it was his
understanding that he saw some letters go out to various people on that
list he said he would go back and take a look at his file.
Jim Mancuso said he gave the attorney the list and he has spoken to
every person on the list and no one has received a letter.
Borough Attorney said he saw some letters come from his office
addressed to different people and he will pull them back out again. He
said he knows the attorney had question where the Council wanted to
go and he planned to bring it back before the Council is to where they
25
~Y 17. 2001
PIJBLI[ I~IS£USSION would like to proceed with this. He said they have not to his
(CONIIt~UED) knowledge submitted any bills. He asked Mr. Mancuso was he talking
about in regard to the noise complaint.
Jim Mancuso said they submitted a bill for $1000.00 for phone calls.
He said between the Business Administrator and himself they have
made numerous calls and they have never once returned a call.
Borough Attorney Bergen asked Mr. Mancuso if he had called and
they have never got back to him.
Jim Mancuso said he has just another question for the attorney. He
said when someone has conflict on something they are voting on and
they want to abstain is it not a fact they are not suppose to talk on it
good or bad.
Borough Attorney said they could express their opinions if they wish
in determining whether or not they are going to abstain. He said the
reason being is sometimes the views they express during the
discussion will affect how their vote is interpreted for the purpose of
rendering that extension.
Jim Mancuso said if they are saying they abstain, he believes they can
not talk on it either way.
Borough Attorney asked what does he base his belief upon. He asked
was it a statute or Roberts Rules of Order.
Jim Mancuso said it was a statute as well as Roberts Rules of Order.
He said if a person abstains, they are not allowed to talk on the matter.
Councilmember Quinones asked Mr. Mancuso if he meant when they
were getting ready to vote or during a discussion.
Jim Mancuso said if a Councilmember is going to abstain, they say
they are going to abstain, and not discuss it before hand, they can not
talk on it.
Councilmember Santoro asked Borough Attorney to elaborate his
opinion and that would be the way it stays.
Borough Attorney said in his opinion, yes the Council would be able
to talk on a matter even if he or she abstains. He said there are cases
when the issue becomes how abstention is going to be counted and
sometimes the courts will look at the views expressed by the person
prior to the time that they rendered there abstention.
Mayor Failace asked if the abstention goes with the majority unless
the...
Borough Attorney Bergen said he knows he has read of that opinion
and the reasons why is because in essence, the abstention drops out
and it makes the majority smaller. The number needed to pass a
resolution or ordinance of some kind it makes the number needed less.
He said in our opinion we say it goes with the majority but it really
does not get counted with anybody. He said the simple fact that it
drops out means you have less numbers. He said there are times in
26
~Y 17, 2001
which people have argued that should the case. He said there has been PUBLIC DISCUSSION
cases on it because the person rendering the abstention has clearly (CONTINUED)
expressed in a view in which they oppose strongly of an ordinance.
He said people challenging those ordinances have come back and said
that particular abstainion should not be counted as an abstention it
should be counted as a no vote.
Mayor Failace said the members of the Council, which he does
remember doing as a Councilperson, has the right to say they do not
want their vote to be counted with the majority.
Borough Attorney said yes and that it never really goes with the
majority but it in essence tries to take back the ability to allow a
smaller number of people to pass a particular item.
Jim Mancuso said he has several new court cases that says this can not
be done.
Borough Attorney said he would like to see them.
Jim Mancuso said he does not know if anyone has read the paper but it
had something in it about the CSX Train. He said it went 70 miles
with out anybody in the engine. He said he hopes it does not go
through but if the garbage trains goes through, he hopes it has an
engineer.
Patricia Rodriquez said she was very happy to see the ...(inaudible)...
patrol up and down through Chrome. She said there is one problem
she sees with the appearance. She said Roosevelt Avenue is going to
be revitalized however the abandon houses and lots. She said she took
her daughter's prom picture and there were boarded windows in the
background. She said that is really bad. She said there are all different
kinds of people going in and out of them. She said there is on the
comer of Union and Edwin Street. She said there is constant dumping
of garbage. She said the appearance of the house on the comer of the
park that has the basement, makes people more apprehensive about
playing ball on that field. She said what types of elements are in
abandoned buildings. She said this stuff is beyond the elements of
control by the residents in Chrome. She said this is what is breeding
drugs, increase in hookers. She said she feels this needs to be
vigorously attacked at present time. She said she has spoken to the
Council about this numerous amounts of times and ok Lower
Roosevelt is going to be fixed but what about Edwin Street, Union and
Pershing. She asked how does the Council think a parent from West
Carteret feels about pulling up and parking their car next to an
abandoned building when the child is going to play softball.
Mayor Failace said just yesterday he called Tony Neibert into his
__ office because this Council has been trying to do that. He said he
thought he found and ordinance that said he could have an inspection
done on a building and in thirty days if the owner does not comply
have it taken down. He said he believes from this point forward she
will see a difference in how the Borough deals with abandoned
buildings.
Councilmember Rios said he has spoken to the Building Department
and he knows numerous members of the Council have spoken to the
27
IqAY 17, 2001
PUBLIC BISCUSSIOI~ Building Department and they are aggressively within the perimeters
(CoNTI~'IUEI)) of the law going at this. He said unfortunately it is not quick enough.
Patricia Rodriquez asked why is it quick in Woodbridge and
Sayreville.
Mayor Failace said this is what he is trying to explain. He said he
understands her complaint and the problem. He said he thinks what is
going to be seen is the Council moving expeditiously in taken care of
these problems and it is not going to be the way it was in the past.
Patricia Rodriquez said she understands the Carteret Board of
Education is leaning toward a neighborhood school system. She said
once again the kids of Chrome with the track traffic, which she knows
is beyond the Council's control, there is going to be a need of a lot
more traffic guards. She said if they do in deed eliminate the busing
from her end of town she will be very vocal about as far as crossing
guards and safety of the kids walking up Roosevelt Avenue with the
trucks because they could not stop if they had to as fast as they are
driving.
Borough Attorney said he would just like to add the Building Inspector
has been in touch with him. He said the ordinance has been reviewed
and they are going to proceed expeditiously. He said they would be
working hand in hand in moving it.
Mariano Santana said two weeks ago at a Board of Education Meeting
Mr. Cowan made a remark against minorities coming from other
countries. He said being a minority himself coming from another
country, he took that very personally and he is very angry. He said for
Mr. Cowan to come to Carteret the town that pays his salary he feels
his actions where very low. He said he would like to see the Mayor
and Council as representatives of the people to tell Mr. Cowan his
remarks would not be tolerated.
Dispatcher Joy Mickley stated on behalf on all the dispatchers she
would like to thank the Mayor and Council for the recommendation of
all their hard work.
HEEIING CLOSEB FOR Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Fazekas and unanimous
PUBLIC I~ISCtlSSION affirmative vote of the full Council present, the meeting was closed for
public discussion.
ABJOI.IR~[]) There being no further business or discussion, upon MMS&C, by
Councilmembers Rios and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of
the full Councilmembers present, The meeting was adjourned at
approximately 8:5 5 P.M.
28
Respectfully submitted,
~L4~FHLEEN M. BARNEY, R3~/~t~v~t~ -
Municipal Clerk
KMB/tr
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