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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2001/10/04 October 4, 2001 The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of COUNCIL MEETING Carteret was called to order by Mayor James A. Failace approximately 7:30 P.M. on Thursday, October 4, 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 Rob Bergen. The meeting was opened with a moment of Silent Prayer and The PRAYER, PLEDGE OF Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor James A. Failace. ALLEGIANCE The Clerk stated that on September 28, 2001, in full compliance with STATEMENT OF the Open Public Meetings Act, a notice of tonight's meeting was sent MEETING NOTICE to The Home News Tribune, The Star-Ledger and posted on the bulletin board. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Fazekas and unanimous MINUTES FOR APPROVAL affirmative vote of the six (6) Councilmembers present, the minutes of May 17, 2001 and June 7, 2001 were approved as transcribed and engrossed by the Clerk. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios and unanimous AGENDA AMENDED affirmative vote of the six (6) Councilmembers present a motion was made to amend the Agenda to allow Jim Brewer to speak about the Cartier Link Program. Jim Brewer spoke about the Cartier Link Program. He said basically JIM BREWER the PostMen are in the same neighborhoods everyday and they get to CARRIER LINK know who lives there and if there is any irregular activity. Mr. Brewer PROGRAM said the Program is doing very well throughout the Country and given the fact that Carteret has a high percentage of Senior Citizens, it should do well here also. He said if you have someone in your family that is a Senior Citizen or ill and would like to take part in the Program, you need to fill out a short form. He said you would then get a little red sticker that will go in your mailbox. He said this would let the Mail Carder know that you are in the Program. Mr. Brewer (inaudible) the Mail Carder will then investigate. Mr. Brewer went on to talk about some of the details of the Program, however most of which was inaudible. 2tober 4, 2001 ,ISCUSSlON Mayor Failace asked if we would be mailing out the information to our CONTINUED ) Seniors. Mr. Brewer said we do not have the funds to send out all of the letters. He said he thinks it is only fair that the Post Office itself deliver (inaudible) to every home (inaudible). Councilmember Ronald Rios administered a commendation to the "~OMMENDATIONS Volunteer Firefighters for their gallant efforts in the World Trade Center Disaster. He said they were part of the "Bucket Brigade". Mr. Rios said obviously we all know what their job entailed as far as the "Bucket Brigade". He said he felt it was only proper on our part to commend them and thank them for a job well done. Mr. Rios read the commendation to Volunteer Firefighters Jason Lombardi, Michael Menzoff Jr., Michael Spolizino, Brandon Rhodes, Chris Wisniewski and Ronald D'Onofrio. MOTION TO AMEND Councilmember Janet Santoro said she would like to make a motion to amend Resolution #01-320 to read 75% Grant and 25% Business Funds. Mayor Failace said he did not understand. He said he does not agree with that. He said what do we do if there is a business that does not want to do their sidewalk. Councilmember Santoro said most of the businesses in Carteret cooperate on items that we do request from them. She said she knows the Mayor feels that because they pay the 3% in, (inaudible) but they would be paying 6% into the State regardless of whether it was a 3% discount or not. She said the fact of the businesses putting 25% in, basically stretches our money that we could do more for the businesses (inaudible) since we are on a limited amount that is in there. Ms. Santoro said actually this individual (inaudible) Shoprite and she did speak to him and he was not against the idea. She said by having businesses donate 25% that would allow us to extend it to more businesses and get more work done in Carteret. Mayor Failace asked if anyone has checked with the other towns. He said he called three (3) towns and they do not do it at all. He said he does not understand the need (inaudible) when this money is put there for them. He said he could understand if we were doing the (inaudible). Councilmember Ronald Rios said what would the difference be as far as the (inaudible). Mayor Failace said because you are doing the actual building. He said there is a difference between infrastructure and (inaudible). Councilmember Santoro said (inaudible) for their sidewalks. She said whether it be for their houses (inaudible) or the siding. Mayor Failace said he is not saying they are not responsible for them he is saying these are people that put the monies into these (inaudible). October 4, 2001 Councilmember Santoro said they are putting the money into the State. MOTION TO AMEND She said even though the money comes to us they would be required to (CONTINUED) pay the sales tax regardless and they are paying it at a lower rate of 3% verses 6%. Mayor Failace said since this comes from the UEZ Committee can this Council arbitrarily change this without going back to the UEZ Committee. Borough Attorney Rob Bergen said he thinks it would have to be concurrence with the UEZ Board. Councilmember Santoro said (inaudible) it has to be a concurrence of both the UEZ Board and the Council to agree on this. She said we can vote on this tonight and then it has to go back to the UEZ. Mayor Failace asked if the UEZ does not want it, what happens. Borough Attorney Bergen said you need a concurrence of both boards. Mayor Failace said what happens (inaudible) the project stopped completely. He said he has spoke with some of the members and he does not know how they will vote on this. He said what he is trying to say is if the UEZ comes back and says we do not want a 75% - 25% split we want to have 100% paid out of the UEZ funds, what happens. Borough Attorney Bergen said he believes the Council will have to agree to that. Mayor Failace said so what you are saying is if the Borough does not agree to it we can not do anything with (inaudible). Borough Attorney Bergen said it is likely you will not get approval to spend the funds. Councilmember Rios said he does not understand why we would not want to spread the wealth around to other businesses to revitalize the area. Mayor Failace said what about when we take one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) in grant money and we fix the storefronts on Washington Avenue, do we ask them to put 25% in. Councilmember Santoro said (inaudible) from the County. Mayor Failace said if he was a member of the UEZ he would say "don't do my property, I'll wait for the money from the County". Councilmember Santoro said when it comes down to UEZ, there is 2.2 -- million dollars. She said we have discussed giving Redevelopment 1.8 million dollars, Lower Roosevelt 700 thousand dollars and Shop-Rite 150 thousand dollars and that adds up to over 2.2 million dollars. Mayor Failace said it does not think it is fair to charge the UEZ 25% when we have grant money. He said so now we are going to charge some of the storeowners 25% and some of them will get it for free. ~ctober 4, 2001 lOTION TO AMEND Councilmember Santoro said (inaudible) was cooperative and had no CONTINUED) problem doing that. She said she thanks him and respects him for that. Councilmember Remy Quinones said she also spoke with that storeowner and that was not the impression she got. She said she believes that particular storeowner is one of the largest contributors, and she does not understand why you would what to penalize him 25%. Councilmember Santoro asked Ms. Quinones if she was implying that depending on what a store contributes, should they receive different treatment. Councilmember Quinones said she thinks they should receive the treatment they have always received. Councilmember Santoro said when it went to the grant last year to do Downtown Washington, that was something that she was contacted about to do for the freeholders and it continues this year. She said when we started this policy she would not pick and choose to see who gets what. Mayor Failace said that is exactly what we are doing. He said if we are doing Washington Avenue and not charging those storeowners a penny, and not charging the storeowners in West Carteret anything, yet we are charging other storeowners more (inaudible). Councilmember Santoro said it is coming from different funds. She said it is not coming from our UEZ (inaudible). Mayor Failace said if he was a storeowner he would not give any money, instead he would wait until they received the grant money. 2LERK' S NOTE CLERK'S NOTE: Councilmember Janet Santoro made a motion to amend the agenda to add Resolution #01-322. To keep the continuity, the aforementioned is listed under the Resolutions. YlEETING OPENED A copy of each Resolution was placed on the table for public review PUBLIC INPUT ON prior to the meeting in accordance with the Rules of Council and upon ~%LL RESOLUTIONS MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Quinones and unanimous affirmative vote of the six (6) members present, the meeting was opened for public input on all Resolutions. [tEARING CLOSED There being no comments or objections to the Resolutions, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be closed upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Quinones and unanimous affirmative vote of the six (6) Councilmembers present. 4 October 4, 2001 RESOLUTION #01-307 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION i%O1-307 TAX OVERPAYMENT the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman RESOLUTION #01-307 "AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX AND/OR SEWER FEES OVERPAYMENT" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers ADOPTED Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #01-308 was introduced by the Mayor and was RESOLUTION $01-308 TRANSFER OF referred to the Council for action. ABC LICENSE Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman RESOLUTION #01-308 "AUTHORIZING A PERSON-TO-PERSON TRANSFER OF A.B.C. LICENSE NO. 1201-33-029-004 FROM: JENINE D'AREY-MEYER TO: ANTHONY ACCIARDI" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers ADOPTED Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #01-309 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION ~O1-309 DRUNK DRIVING the Council for action. ENFORCEMENT FUND GRANT Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios RESOLUTION #01-309 "REQUESTING APPROVAL OF INSERTION OF $2,150 THE 2001 BUDGET REVENUE AVAILABLE FROM THE DRUNK DRiVING ENFORCEMENT FUND GRANT" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers ADOPTED -- Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. ctober 4, 2001 ESOLUTION [01-310 RESOLUTION//01-310 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to ARRISON AYENUE the Council for action. UMP STATION Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios RESOLUTION #01-310 -- "AUTHORIZING BIDS - HARRISON AVENUE PUMP STATION" DOPTED was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. ESOLUTION it01-311 RESOLUTION #01-311 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to ATERFRONT PARK the Council for action. MPROVEMENTS Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios RESOLUTION #01-311 "AUTHORIZING BIDS - WATERFRONT PARK IMPROVEMENTS" -- DOPTED was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. ESOLUTION i~01-312 RESOLUTION #01-312 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to EWAGE TREATMENT the Council for action. LANT Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Sohayda RESOLUTION #01-312 "AUTHORIZING BIDS - SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT DEMOLITION" DOPTED was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the __ affirmative. 6 October 4, 2001 RESOLUTION #01-313 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION #01-313 the Council for action. STANLEY RELFORD Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sohayda RESOLUTION #01-313 "CERTIFYiNG STANLEY RELFORD- MOTOR BROOM DRIVER" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers ADOPTED Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #01-314 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION ~t01-314 the Council for action. PAYMENT OF LIABILITY CLAIM Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman RESOLUTION #01-314 "AUTHORIZiNG PAYMENT OF LIABILITY CLAIM DEDUCTIBLE" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers ADOPTED Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #01-315 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION #01-315 WASHINGTON AYENUE the Council for action. BUSINESS DISTRICT IMPROYEMENTS Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Sohayda RESOLUTION #0l-315 "AWARD OF BID WASHiNGTON AVE. BUSiNESS DISTRICT IMPROVEMENTS" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers ADOPTED Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. :tober 4, 2001 .gSOLUTION ~01-316 RESOLUTION #01-316 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to ~TTLEMENT OF WORKERS the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman RESOLUTION #01-316 -- "AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACTION" DOPTED was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. ESOLUTION #O1-317 RESOLUTION #01-317 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to EMPORARY CLERK the Council for action. YPIST Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Sohayda and Santoro RESOLUTION #01-317 "APPOINTING A TEMPORARY CLERK - TYPIST TO THE STREETS AND ROADS/RECYCLING DEPARTMENT" -- DOPTED was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. ESOLUTION I%01-318 RESOLUTION #01-318 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to NDEMNIFICATION the Council for action. GREEMENT Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Rios RESOLUTION #01-318 "AUTHORIZING AN INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT WITH MOUNT LAUREL TOVv2qSHIP" .DOPTED was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the __ affirmative. October 4, 2001 RESOLUTION #01-319 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION ~t01-319 CHANGE ORDER the Council for action. MARYEC CONSTRUCTION Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Rios RESOLUTION #01-319 "APPROVING CHANGE ORDER MARVEC CONSTRUCTION CORP./TOWN CENTER REVITALIZATION" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers ADOPTED Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #01-320 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to RESOLUTION it01-320 the Council for action. UEZ REQUEST FUNDING Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Santoro and Rios a motion was MOTION TO AMEND made to amend Resolution #01-320 to include the 75% Grant and 25% Business Funds split with concurrence of the UEZ Board. Upon individual roll call vote Councilmembers Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Quinones and Sohayda voted no. Councilmembers Fazekas and Reiman voted to abstain. The Mayor broke the tie voting no. RESOLUTION #01-320 "AUTHORIZING CARTERET URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONE BOARD TO REQUEST FUNDING FOR SHOPRITE PLAZA" was not adopted. Upon individual roll call vote Councilmembers Rios NOT ADOPTED and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Quinones and Sohayda voted no. Councilmembers Fazekas and Reiman voted to abstain. The Mayor broke the tie-voting no. Councilmember Reiman said he wanted the audience to be aware that DISCUSSION the Mayor is threatening to file an Ethics Charge (inaudible). He said (inaudible) aborting this project. Mayor Failace and Councilmember Reiman began to shout (inaudible). -- Mayor Failace asked Borough Attorney Bergen to tell the audience whether or not he said that. Borough Attorney Bergen said that is not what he said. 9 ~tober 4, 2001 ISCUSSION Mayor Failace said before Resolution #01-321 was voted on he would 2ONTINUED) like to make a statement. He said the Council has made a decision to look into other avenues of administering our COAH money. He said he sent a letter to COAH to ask their advice. The Mayor proceeded to read the letter to COAH and the response letter from COAH. Mayor Failace and Councilmember Santoro argued back and forth. ESOLUTION #O1-321 RESOLUTION #01-321 was introduced by the Mayor and referred to GREEMENT WITH the Council for action. OUSING SERVICES INC. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Santoro RESOLUTION #01-321 "AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH HOUSING SERVICES, INC. TO PERFORM CERTAIN DUTIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE BOROUGH'S SCATTERED SITE HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM" ABLED was tabled. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Fazekas and Quinones voted no. .ESOLUTION #01-322 RESOLUTION #01-322 was introduced by the Mayor and was EZ REQUEST FUNDING referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Santoro RESOLUTION #01-322 "AUTHORIZING CARTERET URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONE BOARD TO REQUEST FUNDING FOR SHOPRITE PLAZA" ~DOPTED was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Reiman, Rios and Santoro voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Quinones and Sohayda voted no. Councilmember Fazekas abstained. ~PPLICATIONS The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of an application from the Carteret High School Band Parents to Amend their raffle license #1640 by adding dates. Upon MMS&C, By Councilmembers Rios and Reiman and unanimous affirmative vote of the six (6) members present it was to be approved. 10 October 4, 2001 COMMUNICATIONS: The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a Communication from the CITY OF SOUTH AMBOY City of South Amboy - Resolution supporting Middlesex County referendum on Open Space. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman and unanimous affirmative vote of the six (6) Councilmembers present all Communications were ordered to be received and placed on file. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Reiman all bills PAYMENT OF BILLS appearing on the prepared list properly audited and signed were ordered to be paid. Upon individual roll call vote Fazekas, Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of the following report: REPORTS DEPARTMENT 1. Clerk's Office - September 2001 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Rios and Quinones and unanimous affirmative vote of the six (6) Councilmembers present, all reports were ordered to be received and place on file. BUILDINGS & GROUNDS: Committee Chairperson Quinones said STANDING COMMITTEES we have a Handicap Ramp (inaudible) approved by the Health Department. She said according to the Engineer (inaudible) within the next couple of weeks. She said in regard to the Firehouse improvements the funds were approved at the last Council Meeting. She said there will be a preconstruction meeting on the 16th of this month. Ms. Quinones said Jason, Arnold and Red have done a great job in maintaining the buildings and have done a number of things above and beyond due to her request. She said she would also like to address a Directive that was given out by one of her Colleagues that was not put in writing. She said it was a verbal Directive regarding two Community Centers. She said it is my understanding that the Council may be moving in the direction to close the Community Centers (inaudible) private organizations. Ms. Quinones said at this point she and the Mayor have totally expressed their support that this does not happen. She said until the Council takes formal action the Community should know the Centers remain open. Councilmember Rios said he was the Councilmember that questioned why the Community Centers were being used for impersonal private use. He said the reason he brought it to the attention of the Business Administrator was to question who had approved the use of the Community Center for private use. He said he is not referring to private organizations. He said at an Agenda Meeting a few months ago, the Borough Attorney advised them that this is not a good practice to continue because it puts them in jeopardy with the 11 tober 4, 2001 'ANDING COMMITTEES Insurance Carrier. He said with this in mind he spoke to the Business :ONTINUED) Administrator Nick Goldsack and told him that this should stop immediately because this was discussed at an Agenda Meeting and no one had an issue with it. Councilmember Quinones said she thinks she did have an issue with it then. She said keep in mind that we have liability with regard to everything that happens in the Borough. She said we might as well not have a Community Center if we are going to worry (inaudible). Business Administrator Nick Goldsack said on the advice of the Borough Attorney, he called the Insurance Carrier. He said the Insurance Carrier informed him that private parties would be covered under the general liability with the exception of certain equipment that would be brought in (i.e. DJ equipment). FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION: Committee Chairperson Reiman said they are moving ahead with the Waterfront Park improvements. He said they have awarded the bid on the Washington Avenue Streetscape improvements and (inaudible). He said they are also discussing the possibility of acquiring additional property for the Waterfront Project. Mr. Reiman said the Historical Committee had their first meeting this Tuesday and Dan Croson was elected the President. He said he met with Borough Treasurer Pat DeBlasio to discuss the one percent Open Space Tax. He said at the Agenda Meeting last week he and Councilmember Santoro suggested naming a piece of property off of Carteret Avenue "Policemen Memorial Park" and this past week we spoke with the Engineer in regard to moving ahead with that. FIRE: Committee Chairperson Rios said he would like to thank the Firemen for their Volunteer efforts in going to New York. He said he would also like to thank all the people who gave at the Fire Department Blood Drive. He said part of that went to the father of Firefighter Tom Reynolds, and some of it went to the World Trade Center victims. Mr. Rios said this past week the Firefighters visited all the Borough Schools with the St. Bamabus Safety Trailer. He said he would like to invite everyone to the Annual Open House on Saturday October 13, 2001. Councilmember Rios thanked Kinder Morgan for donating the defibrillator for the new Fire Truck. He said the Mayor and Council went on a tour of Kinder Morgan last week. He said on September 24, 2001 there was a truck spill on Blair Road on the border of Carteret and Avenel. He said we are in the process of submitting bills for services rendered and we will be reimbursed. He said he would like everyone to be aware that our EMS/First Aid Services are suffering from a manpower issue. He said there has been discussion about possibly hiring full time people to work for us in this area so we can have constant coverage. Mr. Rios said this is a critical issue that we need to address. He said he received a copy of a letter that was sent to the Mayor in regard to raising money as a community for the World Trade Center victims. Mr. Rios said he would like to add 12 October 4, 2001 something that really pertains to Parks & Recreation. He said we are STANDING COMMITTEES in the need of a Bucket Truck or Cherry Picker to cut down the trees. (CONTINUED) He said we have sent letters out to Verizon, Comcast and Public Service to see if they could help us out in anyway. PARKS & RECREATION: Committee Chairperson Fazekas said on October 17, 2001 there will be a Parks & Recreation meeting at Borough Hall. He said the Halloween Parade will be on October 27, 2001 and the SoapBox Derby will be held on November 3, 2001. He reported progress. POLICE: Committee Chairperson Santoro spoke about reimbursement for accidents when they occur on the County or Industrial Road. She said she checked with the Chief when the truck overturned (inaudible) they did file for reimbursement for overtime. She said five (5) Police Officers responded to the World Trade Center tragedy as volunteers. She said last week the PBA sent men to New York to help with refreshments and food. Ms. Santoro said in regard to the Policemen's Memorial Park, we did have two (2) Police Officers that were killed in the line of duty years ago. She said the Memorial will be on the comer of Harrison and Carteret Avenue. Ms. Santoro said in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, we should remember our emergency personnel. She reported progress. PUBLIC WORKS: Committee Chairperson Sohayda said on October 15, 2001 at the Community Center, Assemblyman Wisniewski will be holding an informative meeting for the Borough residences. He said the topic for discussion will be "Identity Fraud". He said the Borough Garage has been keeping up with the maintenance of our vehicles and our fleet. Mr. Sohayda said Streets and Roads have been moving ahead with their paving projects and they have found some unexpected problems but nothing major in terms of dollars. He said they had some lighting surveys done in a couple of streets in the Hill Section and if anyone feels that their streets are not lit properly, contact the Streets and Roads Department. He said the Recycling Department is now distributing the leaf bags. Councilmember Sohayda said the Sewer Department is keeping up with their normal (inaudible) conditions, the new truck is helping a lot. He said if anyone sees any pot holes please call them in. He said the garbage was picked up late due to one of the regular drivers being on vacation. He reported progress. BOARD OF EDUCATION: Committee Chairperson Fazekas reported progress. 13 :tober 4, 2001 IOCLAMATION: tRISTOPHER COLUMBUS Mayor Failace read the following proclamation: %Y CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS DAY WHEREAS, there are many residents of the Borough of Carteret who are of Italian American heritage; and WHEREAS, these residents devote their efforts toward implanting the example of the courage and progressive ideals of Christopher Columbus in the hearts and minds of all our people; and WHEREAS, we must individually dedicate ourselves to these principals as the major bulwark against totalitarianism; and NOW, THEREFORE, I JAMES A. FAILACE, MAYOR OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET, in the County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey do hereby proclaim MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2001 as CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS DAY In the Borough of Carteret and request that all nationalities of this Borough stand allied with the Italian Citizenry in helping them observe -- this Patriotic Day of their Compatriot, Christopher Columbus, whose name shall be honored at the Flag Raising Ceremony conducted at the Municipal Building, 61 Cooke Avenue, on Monday, October 8, 2001, at 10:00 A.M. FURTHER, I, JAMES A. FAILACE, MAYOR OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET, do hereby proclaim MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2001 be designated as ITALIAN-AMERICAN DAY in the Borough of Carteret and hereby order the Flag of Italy be displayed at the Municipal Building this day in honor of all Italian- Americans who fought and died to save the freedoms of the United States of America. 'ROCLAMATION: Mayor Failace read the following proclamation: DETER J. SICA DAY DECLARiNG OCTOBER 6, 2001 AS PETER J. SICA DAY iN THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET WHEREAS, October 6, 2001 marks the Second Anniversary of the tragic and untimely death of Former Mayor Peter J. Sica; and 14 October 4, 2001 WHEREAS, Peter J. Sica, fondly known as "Pete" to all who came to PROCLAMATION know him, dominated the Carteret Political landscape for twenty (20) (CONTINUED) years, through his deep commitment to the community and his flamboyant nature; and WHEREAS, Peter J. Sica was renowned for his generosity to those in need and his willingness to help anyone who asked; and WHEREAS, Peter J. Sica contributed greatly to the Borough of Carteret and is deserving of kind thoughts and prayers from the entire Carteret Community on this sad occasion. NOW, THEREFORE, I JAMES A. FAILACE, MAYOR OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET do hereby proclaim FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2001 PETER J. SICA DAY in the Borough of Carteret and direct that all flags on Borough Buildings be displayed at half staff on that day in honor of Peter J. Sica. Mayor Failace said he hopes the Council will move forward with the HSI. He said he wants to clarify something. He said in regard to Councilman Reiman's outburst, his only reason for mentioning it to the Attorney was for the Attorney to speak to Mr. Reiman. The Mayor said he has no intentions on doing anything. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Sohayda and OPEN TO PUBLIC unanimous affirmative vote of the six (6) Councilmembers present, the meeting was opened to the public for discussion. Jim Mancuso addressed Councilmember Santoro. DISCUSSION Councilmember Santoro asked if this was about the antenna and the equipment. Mr. Mancuso said yes. Councilmember Santoro said we are in the process now (inaudible) cost us five thousand dollars ($5,000) to do the transferring of the materials over to the antenna and they would match it fifteen (15) to twenty five (25). She said we are in the process of doing that. Mr. Mancuso said he was reading the paper today about all the precautions they want to take regarding the trucks. He said but there 15 :tober 4, 2001 ISCIJSSION are people trespassing by the trains. He said that is a disaster waiting CONTINUED ) to happen. Council instructed the Borough Attorney to draft a letter. Shawn Seymore from 68 Edwin Street said on September 27, 2001 the Mayor and Council were invited to a fund raiser for Headstart. She said she wanted to know why none of the Councilmembers showed up. Councilmember Rios said he made the reservation to go, however that morning he had a problem at work. He said he called the next day and apologized. Ms. Seymore said the Mayor was the only one that showed up. She said there were people that came from New York to fund raise for our town and there were no Councilmembers there. Councilmember Santoro said her cousin's son was killed in the World Trade Center. She said (inaudible) in the meantime she lost another cousin and she was at Synowiecki Funeral Home that evening. Ms. Seymore said she was sorry to hear that, but a phone call would have helped. Councilmember Reiman said he reached out several times to Mr. Harold Thomas who he holds in the highest regards and respect. He said (inaudible) great things. He said he and the Business Administrator originally suggested that particular piece of property. He said when this was scheduled no one was notified until after the date was set and then we got a follow up letter. He said the letter was very sarcastic which he deemed as an attack on the Council for not responding in time. Ms. Seymore said it is not about the Council or the Mayor, it is about Carteret and Lower Roosevelt Avenue. She said they did not even have the respect to make a phone call or show up at the event that was for the town. Everyone was talking at once (inaudible). John Sudia said the Firehouse was built with Federal Community Development Funds. He said the Firehouse was built for two reasons, first, to have the second floor for the use of the Firemen when they needed to rest. He said second, the first floor was to be used by Community Organizations. He said at that time it was determined that if an individual wanted it for a birthday party they would have to put down a minimal deposit for utilities and clean up. He said he is a little disappointed in the discussion about the Shop-Rite Plaza. He said he has been in this town for over fifty (50) years and he has seen what the Sitar family has done for this Community. He said in regard to the twenty five percent (25%) contribution, he thinks they contributed a lot more than that. He said if it was voluntary, then there would be no reason not to adopt a Resolution as (inaudible) to be written. He said he is sure that Mr. Sitar and the Sitar family would either donate a defibrillator, Police vests, fire equipment (inaudible). 16 October 4, 2001 Daphne Miles said she wanted to clear up one thing. She said if DISCUSSION someone is a tenant of the Housing Authority and wanted to book the ( CONT I NUED hall for a fundraiser, they do not need the Housing Authority's permission. She said they can not say that the Housing Authority is having the fundraiser, but they can use the Community Center. Ms. Miles said what happens quite often is that the tenants want something for the children of the Housing Authority, and if there is not enough money in the Housing Authority Fund the tenants will raise their own money. Councilmember Reiman thanked Ms. Miles for clarifying the situation. He said if it was for the kids he certainly supports that. Mary Fontaine addressed Councilmember Reiman. She said half of the time she never knows when there will be a Redevelopment Meeting. She said when they have the meetings, they are very short. Ms. Fontaine said they are not posted on the marquee and there is no paperwork sent out. Councilmember Reiman said just like the Council Meetings they are advertised in the paper. Mary Fontaine said the people of Lower Roosevelt Avenue want to know what is going on and thye want to get involved. She said not everyone reads the advertisement in the paper. At approximately 9:15 P.M. Councilmember Jack Fazekas was noted FAZEKAS NOTED ABSENT absent. Chairperson of Carteret Recreation Beverly Hedesh said last week DISCUSSION there was a Recreation Meeting and we decided to hold a dance for the (CONTINUED) World Trade Center victims. She asked if there was a defibrillator donated to the Library (inaudible). Mayor Failace said yes there was. He said he does not know where it is, but there was one donated. Ms. Hedesh said no one seems to know anything about it. Mayor Failace instructed Business Administrator Nick Goldsack to check on it. Brian O'Connor from the Fire Department said he was under the impression that there would be one donated but he is not sure. Beverly Hedesh asked if anyone knows what her telephone number is in the office. She said she has been there for over a year and all of her calls are being blocked. Mayor Failace said he is aware of the problem and he will see what they can do. 17 =tober 4, 2001 ISCUSSION A1 Such said (inaudible) circulation of traffic. He said on the CONTINUED) Carteret/Woodbridge border we have a dead end, and there is no reason why (inaudible). He said (inaudible) Industrial Road to Port Reading Road, and the money will probably come from the County. He said Carteret is a corridor. Mr. Such said we have a power line that goes through Carteret. He said there are also pipelines that go through Carteret. Mr. Such went on to express his concerns about different issues including the Turnpike. Patricia Rodriguez said she wanted to thank the Business Administrator Nick Goldsack. She said thanks to him, her driveway is paved and her stones are back. She said she would also like to thank Captain Hojecki and the entire Carteret Police Department. She said the man that car jacked her son was convicted but has since jumped bail. She said there is a warrant out and the Officers have been stopping by the house. Ms. Roddguez said in regard to Industrial Road she does agree that it needs to be continued. She said she is aware of three (3) young women that have breast cancer in the Parkview Area and she thinks this is something that should be investigated. Rose Alice Capp said she can not go up the handicapped ramp. She said she walked around that side of the building and told one of the Officers she could not get in anywhere else. She said the Officer told her to go around to the other entrance. Ms. Capp said if Nick Goldsack was not there she would not have gotten into the building. Tom Lang thanked Councilmember Sohayda for following up on the accidents. Mr. Lang suggested that a quarterly report be done. He said in regard to the Carteret Redevelopment Committee, the next meeting will be the first Wednesday in November. He said they have only had about six (6) meetings and he feels the people that are involved are doing a good job. Mr. Lang spoke about the sprinkler heads and asked Councilmember Quinones to look into it. RESOLUTION ~t01-323 RESOLUTION //01-323 was introduced by the Mayor and was CLOSED SESSION referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Reiman and Rios RESOLUTION #01-323 "RESOLUTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION" ADOPTED was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Quinones, Reiman, Rios, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Fazekas was noted absent. CLOSED SESSION At approximately 9:40 P.M. a closed session was held. 18 October 4, 2001 At approximately 10:15 P.M. upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers OPEN TO PUBLIC Reiman and Quinones and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, the meeting was opened to the public. There being no further business or discussion, upon MMS&C, by ADJOURNED Councilmembers Reiman and Sohayda and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:16 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Municipal Clerk KMB/par 19 )ctober 4, 2001 20