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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2000/02/03 The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Carteret was called to order by Mayor James A. Failace approximately 7:30 P.M.on Thursday, February 3, 2000, Municipal Court/Police Facility, 230 Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey. Upon individual roll call, the following were noted present: Councilmember Jack Fazekas James O'Brien Remy Quinones Janet Santoro Buddy Sohayda " " " " Noted absent was Councilmember Patrick Crilley and Borough Attorney Craig J. Coughlin.. Also noted present was Attorney Douglas Walsh. The meeting was opened with a moment of silent prayer and the pledge of allegiance led by Mayor James A. Failace. The Clerk stated that on January 28, 2000, in full compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, a notice of tonight's meeting was sent to The Home News Tribune, The Star Ledger and posted on the bulletin board. ORDINANCE #00-3 was introduced and adopted on First Reading and the Clerk authorized and directed to advertise same for Public Hearing to be held on February 17, 2000, upon MMS&C, by Council members O'Brien and Fazekas. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Crilley was noted absent. ORDINANCE #00-3 "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 160, SECTION 119 OF THE BOROUGH CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET" 1 The Clerk stated that Ordinance #00-1 was introduced and passed upon First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Borough Council of the Borough of Carteret held on January 20, 2000. It was duly published in The Home News Tribune on January 25, 2000, with notice that it will be considered for final passage after Public Hearing to be held on February 3, 2000 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. FEBRUARY 3, 2000 COUNCIL MEETING ROLL CALL PRAYER, PLECGE OF ALLEGIANCE STATEMENT OF MEETING NOTICE ORDINANCE #00-3 Amending Code Chapter 160 Section 119 "Yards" First Reading ORDINANCE #00-01 Amending Code - Section 254-20 "No Parking" Terminal Ave. FEBRUARY 3, 2000 Public Hearing Hearing Closed Adopted ORDINANCE #00-2 Capital Improvement - Various Sewer Improvements Public Hearing Hearing Closed Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers O'Brien and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be open: There being no further comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be closed upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Fazekas ORDINANCE #00-01 "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 254-20 OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET TO CREATE A NO PARKING ZONE ALONG TERMINAL AVENUE" was finally adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Crilley was noted absent. Approved and adopted: February 3, 2000 Introduced: January 20. 2000 Advertised as adopted on First Reading With notice of Public Hearing: January 25. 2000 Hearing Held: Februarv 3. 2000 Approved by: Mavor James A. Failace Advertised as finally adopted: Februarv 11. 2000 The Clerk stated that Ordinance #00-2 was introduced and passed upon First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Borough Council of the Borough of Carteret held on January 20, 2000. It was duly published in The Homes News Tribune on January 25, 2000 with notice that it will be considered for final passage after Public Hearing to be held on February 3, 2000 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 Councilmember Quinones and O'Brien and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Council members present, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be open: There being no comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be closed upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present. 2 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Fazekas ORDINANCE #00-2 "AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS SEWER IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY APPROPRIATING $250,000 FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND - RESERVE FOR SEWER IMPROVEMENTS OF THE BOROUGH FOR A COST THEREFOR" was finally adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Crilley was noted absent. Approved and adopted: February 3, 2000 Introduced: Januarv 20, 2000 Advertised as adopted on First Reading with Notice of Public Hearing: January 25, 2000 Hearing Held: Februarv 3. 2000 Approved by: Mavor James A. Failace Advertised as finally adopted: Februarv II. 2000 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and Santoro, the Agenda was amended to include Resolution #00-59 Appointing Brian O'Connor to the Position of Provisional Fire Chief. Upon individual roll call vote, Council members Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. The Agenda was amended. Councilmember Santoro said this is a gentleman who has been doing this job and being paid for this job and has been doing it over the course of more than one year. He is doing an excellent job. She commends him and thanks him. She voted yes. A copy of each Resolution was placed upon the table for public review prior to the meeting in accordance with the Rules of Council and upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers O'Brien and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, the meeting was opened for public input on all Resolutions. PAT TOZZI asked about Resolution #00-54, Cooperative Pricing Agreement? Mayor Failace said they got something from Middlesex County. They are looking for a cooperative agreement where municipalities will get together with the county to go out to purchase gas, electricity, etc. to save money. 3 Mr. Tozzi asked if they will give the residents an opportunity to be part of that? Mayor Failace said not right at this moment, but that is in the future. FEBRUARY 3, 2000 Ordinance #00-2 Capi tal Improvement Re: Various Sewer Improvements Adopted Agenda Amended Comments MEETING OPENED Public Discussion on Resolutions FEBRUARY 3, 2000 MEETING OPENED Public Input on Resolutions Continued MEETING CLOSED RESOLUTION #00-47 Raffle License Adopted RESOLUTION #00-48 Property Tax Cancellation Adopted MRS. GAYDOS asked about the Dorothy Street Pump Station? Mayor Failace said they are getting ready to do the design work. We have minimal plans on it and we have to take the 1st step. It's going to cost approximately $450,000 in total to refurbish that station. Mrs. Gaydos asked if they were going to update the pumps? Mayor Failace said yes. Mrs. Gaydos asked about Sabo Street? Mayor Failace said Borough Attorney Coughlin isn't present, when he comes they will talk about it. He can give them more information. There being no further comments or objections to the resolutions, upon MMS&C, by Council members Quinones and O'Brien and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, the Mayor declared the meeting closed. RESOLUTION #00-47 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and Quinones RESOLUTION #00-47 "DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE OF RAFFLE LICENSES TO COLUMBUS SCHOOL P.T.O." was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Crilley was noted absent. RESOLUTION #00-48 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Fazekas RESOLUTION #00-48 "PROPERTY TAX CANCELLATION" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Crilley was noted absent. 4 RESOLUTION #00-49 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Council members Quinones and Fazekas RESOLUTION #00-49 "PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Crilley was noted absent. RESOLUTION #00-50 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Fazekas RESOLUTION #00-50 "PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Crilley was noted abse~t RESOLUTION #00-5 I was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Fazekas RESOLUTION #00-51 "AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT TO THE 2000 TEMPORARY BUDGET" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Crilley was noted absent. RESOLUTION #00-52 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Fazekas RESOLUTION #00-52 "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF AMUSEMENT GAMES DISTRffiUTOR'S LICENSE FOR THE YEAR 2000" 5 was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Crilley was noted absent. FEBRUARY 3, 2000 RESOLUTION #00-49 Professional Service Killam Associates Re: Dorothy St. Pump Station Upgrade Adopted RESOLUTION #00-50 Professional Service Killam Associates Re': Tmm Center & Se\Jer Improvements Adopted RESOLUTION #00-51 Authorizing Amendment to 2000 Temporary Budget Adopted RESOLUTION #00-52 Amusement Games Distributor's License - 2000 Adopted FEBRUARY 3, 2000 RESOLUTION #00-53 Amusement Device Licenses - 2000 Adopted RESOLUTION #00-54 Cooperative Pricing Agreement Re: Purchase of Energy Adopted RESOLUTION #00-55 Approving Change Order Re: Stacey Contracting - Linden St., Hermann Ave & Cypress St. Sewer Separation Adopted RESOLUTION #00-56 Appointing Members - Complete Count Conrnittee 2000 Census Adopted RESOLUTION #00-53 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Fazekas RESOLUTION #00-53 "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF AMUSEMENT DEVICE LlCENSE(S) FOR THE YEAR 2000" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Crilley was noted absent. RESOLUTION #00-54 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and Quinones RESOLUTION #00-54 "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE PRICING AGREEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF ENERGY" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Crilley was noted absent. RESOLUTION #00-55 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and Quinones RESOLUTION #00-55 "RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGE ORDER" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Crilley was noted absent. RESOLUTION #00-56 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and O'Brien RESOLUTION #00-56 "APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE 2000 CENSUS" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Santoro abstained. Councilmember Crilley was noted absent. 6 RESOLUTION #00-57 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and Quinones RESOLUTION #00-57 "AUTHORIZING MAYOR TO EXECUTE INTERLOCAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR DOG WARDEN SERVICES" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Crilley was noted absent. RESOLUTION #00-58 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and Quinones RESOLUTION #00-58 "RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT WITH MID-STATE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION RE: PARKING LOT" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Crilley was noted absent. RESOLUTION #00-59 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and O'Brien RESOLUTION #00-59 "APPOINTING BRIAN O'CONNOR TO THE POSITION OF PROVISIONAL FIRE SUPERINTENDENT" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Fazekas voted yes. He said it took Mr. O'Connor a year and a half to get this. He thinks this appointment is more deserving than any appointment he has made in his five years in office. He thanked Brian for being patient. Councilmember Quinones agreed that Brian was very deserving of this position. One of the most influential factors for her was Councilmember Fazekas who has gone to bat for Mr. O'Connor and is one of his strongest advocates. She voted yes. 7 Councilmember Santoro told Brian that he was certainly deserving of this position and there is no one who deserves it more. He is aware of what it takes and he has the requirements. He knows what needs to be done. She is sorry it took so long, but is glad it is done. She voted yes. FEBRUARY 3, 2000 RESOLUTION #00-57 Interlocal Agreement Re: Dog Warden Services Adopted RESOLUTION #00-58 Renewal of Agreement Re: Mid-State Federal Credit Union Parking Lot Adopted RESOLUTION #00-59 Appointing Provisional Fire Superintendent - Brian 0' Connor Adopted Comments FEBRUARY 3, 2000 Conrnents Continued COMMUNICATIONS: Board of Health Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders PAYMENT OF BILLS REPORTS: Departments Standing Corrmittees Board of Education Buildings & Grounds Councilmember Sohayda wished Brian "good luck". He voted yes. Councilmember Fazekas told Mr. O'Connor that he will be sworn in at the next Council Meeting. Brian O'Connor thanked everyone for their support, he appreciates it. The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a salary ordinance from the Board of Health. Upon MMS&C, by Fazekas and O'Brien and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, it was ordered to be received and placed on file. The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a Notice Meeting Schedule from the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and O'Brien and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, it was ordered to be received and posted on the bulletin board. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and Quinones, all bills appearing on the prepared list, properly audited and signed, were ordered to be paid. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Crilley was noted absent. The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of the following reports: 1. Clerk's Office - January 2000 Upon MMS&C, by Council members Quinones and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, all reports were ordered to be received and placed on file. BOARD OF EDUCATION: Committee Chairperson Santoro said she will be meeting with the Board for the 1st time on February 8th at 9:00 A.M. in the Board Office. In the paper it was stated that the School Board will be receiving more State Aid, possibly $5,000,000. This is an important time for us to understand what they are going to be getting and how they have to spend it. They are putting their budget together now, so this is the time for communication to stay open. She will report back at the next Agenda Meeting. If anyone has any questions they want her to ask, please let her know. BUILDINGS & GROUNDS: Committee Chairperson Santoro said there was a lot to report. Every building she has gone in seems to have another problem. They are going to address some of the major ones. One of them being the fire house and senior citizen complex. At the Agenda they discussed getting a structural engineer. She spoke to Killam and will get the engineer's name and move forward with it. 8 Committee Chairperson Santoro said she has a letter from Tony Neibert saying he has examined the site on Friday, January 28, 2000 and observed problems. This is not an old building and there are problems that need to be addressed. The best way to address it is to have a structural engineer come in and inspect it. She hopes that the Council will move quickly on this as this is something that has been going on for a while. It's not going away, it's getting worse. She hopes that Killam will give them the information by the Agenda Meeting. The other building that seems pressing right now is the Recreation Building. She received a letter that there are numerous leaks there. That's a newer building and that needs to be addressed immediately. Killam was examining a water heater situation at that building and they will be coming back with quotes to correct those items. This is a new roof. They will have to look into the warranty. The building shouldn't be allowed to deteriorate any further and cost more money. She is in contact with the Business Administrator and asking him to move forward and reach out to the right individuals to get us the information. The third building is our new Library and Community Center Complex. There was a job meeting on Monday and as of next week they are moving to extend the temporary CO's on three sections that already have existing CO's. These are only temporary. It's not going to be open to the public. This is to allow our workers and the work to continue in those buildings. They are trying their best to get this building open. There will be weekly job meetings with the Engineer, the Contractor and the Architect. As it looks now, they will extend the temporary for one more month. Hopefully, at that time we will have a better idea as to when this building will be open. The other buildings do require work. She had a Building & Grounds meeting and they went over the other buildings, including Borough Hall. Right now, they are working in order of importance. It does not mean the other buildings do not need work and are not important. They have to go one step at a time. The last thing, on the List of Bills is an order for barriers to block off the road in front of the Library/Senior Citizen Complex. This was discussed at length at the Agenda Meeting and according to the Engineer this was a safety issue that had to be corrected. There will be a delivery tomorrow to take care of that. She reported progress. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION: Committee Chairperson O'Brien said Patrick DeBlasio and Nick Goldsack met with the Department Heads about their wish lists. In the next week or two there will be a meeting with all the Department Heads and putting together final figures for the budget. He reported progress. 9 FIRE: Committee Chairperson Fazekas met with Volunteer Chief Carrico and Brian O'Connor to talk about the budget. They are going to try to review and set an agenda for more services concerning safety. They want to offer it to the public and want to get an early start on it. There will be other announcements they will make as they develop the budget and finalize it. He congratulated Brian O'Connor. Moving along. FEBRUARY 3, 2000 Standing Committees Continued Buildings & Grounds Finance & Administration Fire FEBRUARY 3, 2000 Standing Conrnittees Continued Parks & Recreation PARKS & RECREATION: Committee Member Fazekas said the parks are still there. There has been more snow than usual. They are looking into seeding this summer. With that, they will continue with the growth of trees and the extermination of bees. He reported progress. Police POLICE: Committee Chairperson Quinones said there was a mishap earlier this week. Two of our officers, Officers Wayne Hundeman and Bob Terebetski, were involved in a car accident on the way to the Police Academy. Both were medically evaluated. Terebetski went home right away and is back in the academy. Hundeman, unfortunately, spent a few days in the hospital. She spoke to him today and it is her understanding that his orthopedic doctor told him he will be out on disability for two to three months. She asked everyone to wish him a speedy recovery. It has been brought to her attention that some of the police vehicles are being used by the officers for off-duty jobs. In evaluating that, she thinks it's a positive thing for the community because when other local businesses, whom ever the benefactor is involved, utilizes our police officers, it is our benefit to have the public see the car. Particularly when there is an issue of closing off a street. On the other hand, she has had to evaluate what the cost is to the borough when there is wear and tear on the vehicles and gas. She discussed this with the Borough Attorney and asked him to look into a policy, whereby we can look into passing off the cost of this to the benefactors, i.e., the people providing the off-duty jobs. When she has further information, she will get back to the public. She reported progress. Public Works PUBLIC WORKS: Committee Chairperson Sohayda said if anybody has any problems on their streets, please call 541-3881. Any complaints, please leave a message. They will be dealt with. We're in good shape. If it snows again we have more salt in. We purchased another spreader and now have three. That should help in getting into West Carteret and streets behind Shop-Rite in a better manner with a bigger piece of equipment. There is plenty of salt and sand to expedite that matter. Today, he witnessed a presentation of our new tree stumper. It's a great piece of equipment. The traffic light has been fixed at the intersection of Roosevelt, Holmes and Washington Avenues. To his knowledge, none of the recycling routes have been changed due to snow removal. He reported progress. MAYOR Mayor Failace congratulated the Brian O'Connor and said it was a long time coming. He knows he will do as well as he has done. \ At the last Agenda Meeting he has had the Engineer discuss the sewer problem for the benefit of our new Council people, but also to revisit it for the Councilmembers who were there. Last week they went over the Hill Section and what we need there. He thinks that both the new Councilmembers have a better understanding of the ten or twelve million dollars worth of problems that we have. 10 Mayor Failace said he spoke with someone from Congressman Menendez's office and we are applying for a grant for approximately $2.5 Million Dollars for this year. They said there wasn't a ton of money out there, but if we do it in pieces we have a better chance of getting it. We've applied for Middlesex County OPM for a couple of mil1ion dollars and also with Congressman Menendez for this $2.5 Million Dollar grant. That money is specifically for the problem on Beverly Street across the Industrial Road to get rid of the water that floods there. Mayor Failace said we are continuing with the Department of Environmental Protection. We are trying to get the $50,000 fine abated. We're probably no closer than we were six months ago, but they move slow and the fact that we are continuing and proceeding with Phase II of their consent order. We are moving forward and doing whatever we can. Councilmember Santoro said last week there was a discussion on Conrail, she asked the Borough Attorney if he had a chance to talk to Brian Hack? Borough Attorney Coughlin said he didn't. Councilmember Santoro said she met with Woodbridge Council on Tuesday night and she spoke to Mr. Hack's office to get the information. She wanted to advise everyone it was a Noise Control Ordinance that they passed in Woodbridge. She has a copy of it and they also signed a consent with Conrail approving that they would not idle the trains between ]]:00 P.M. and 6:00 AM., when they went against this they were levied a $10,000.00 fine. Council President Quinones asked if that was part of the settlement? Councilmember Santoro said that was the Consent Order that they signed and Conrail agreed to. She has the name of the gentleman in Philadelphia that they met with and she urges that the Council follow the same direction that they did. They gave us all the information. Borough Attorney Coughlin asked if he could get that information from her? Councilmember Santoro said yes. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Quinones and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, the meeting was declared open to the public for discussion. 11 JIM MANCUSO, Jackson Avenue, spoke about the barricades. He had a discussion two or three months ago. The cost of the barricade should be bored by whoever is doing the construction. They had agreed they were going to put the barricade up. Instead they put screen fencing. If the town is going to buy them, they should look into what it is going to cost, they should be paying for it. FEBRUARY 3, 2000 MAYOR Continued Conrail PUBLIC DISCUSSION Barricades FEBRUARY 3, 2000 Barricades Continued Conrail Board of Education Committee Community Center Councilmember Santoro said at Monday's meeting, according to the engineer and the architect, we are purchasing them, but we are going back to the contractors to get the money reimbursed. Mr. Mancuso said they had already agreed to do it. He spoke about the settlement with Conrail was for the noise. That was settled almost three years ago and it was never enforced. He went out with Brian and an inspector and they went to look at the plans and had a meeting with him. Brian had presented the inspector with a list of trains that had been there three and four days. When they went to the yard, they gave the inspector the list and he said all those trains were gone. Went back with the inspector and the list was fraudulent, there were still trains there that Brian had seen three and four days before. PAT TOZZI, about a year ago when the Board of Education Committee was added, he was strictly against it. He still is. It should be dissolved. The Council should not negotiate with the School Board in any regards. He feels it is a conflict of interest. He feels that the representative that is heading it, Ms. Santoro, is the wrong person because she was always instrumental in going against the wishes of the people of Carteret on lease-purchases, etc. He feels that duties of this committee should be spelled out. They should have nothing to do with the budget, they should have something to do with what they can do to help each other, but not as far as finances are concerned. Mayor Failace said they are not there to do the budget or to work on their budget. That couldn't be done because the budget comes before the Council if in fact it fails. It's a liaison, just to know what is going on. Councilmember Santoro said she didn't pick to be on this committee, she was appointed. Mr. Tozzi asked how long it would be before the Community Center would be open? Mayor Failace said it will probably be a couple of months. Mr. Tozzi asked if the Mayor would inform the people responsible at the Community Center that is presently being used, that we spent over $2,000 to put in a handicap walk and every time it snows nobody shovels it. It's solid ice. Seniors are utilizing that area and can't get in. Why is there a handicap walkway and there is snow and ice on it. It doesn't make sense. Are they trying to have the Seniors break their legs? Council President Quinones said absolutely not. Mr. Tozzi said he wanted the Police Department to get involved when the Evening Seniors get out of their meeting. They want the police to come out and assist and stop the speeding cars going by there. They end at 9:00 P.M. and need some one to assist them crossing. 12 Council President Quinones said she is glad Mr. Tozzi brought that to her attention and she will certainly discuss it with the Director and see what can be done. Mayor Failace said if there was a problem with snow, someone should have called. Fire Superintendent Brian O'Connor said he spoke to the Parks Department and the Janitor about that. There was some confusion. They thought all they had to shovel was the handicapped access in front. What Mr. Tozzi is talking about is the prior one that is there. Everyone was under the impression that was clear and could be used. FRED GERSTLER wanted to respond to some things about the First Aid Squad. Rural Metro. Mr. Crilley had made a comment that we weren't supposed to be charged if there was no insurance available, no one ever knew that. He doesn't think people know that they don't have to pay for an ambulance if they don't have insurance. No where on the invoices does it say you are not responsible for the bill if you don't have insurance. Mayor Failoce..said Councilmember Crilley did say last week that if there is anyone who has paid, they should bring the bills to us and we will make sure they get their money back. Mr. Gerstler said he requested the Council release the records to him. Borough Attorney Coughlin told Mr. Gerstler that his request was for them to release Rural Metro's records. Mr. Gerstler asked if there were copies in town? Borough Attorney Coughlin said no. Rural Metro's records, by definition are Rural Metros. Mr. Gerstler asked if they knew what Rural Metro was doing in town? Wouldn't it be prudent for them to be able to say Rural Metro responded to X number of calls and what people were serviced? Borough Attorney Coughlin said they may have the information in regard to how many calls they responded to, but that's not his recollection of what Mr. Gerstler was requesting. Mr. Gerstler said he requested the records of Rural Metro's activities in Carteret. Borough Attorney Coughlin said he requested the names and addresses of all the people. He thinks that people who have received this service have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Mr. Gerstler said he just wanted to send out a survey asking them if they paid the bill or asked by Rural Metro to pay the bill. Mayor Failace asked Mr. Gerstler if he had someone specific that paid the bill? Is that how this came up? 13 Mr. Gerstler said it was brought to his attention by an elderly woman who said she was concerned about an jnvoice she received from Rural Metro. The invoice didn't have any information on it if you had a question about it. There wasn't anything on the invoice that said you were not responsible if you didn't have insurance. When the invoice was not paid, Rural Metro called this woman at home. This woman was going to pay the invoice. FEBRUARY 3, 2000 Conrnunity Center Continued Rural Metro FEBRUARY 3, 2000 Rural Metro Continued Council President Quinones said they didn't know why that woman got that bill. Mr. Gerstler said everyone that uses the service gets it. Mayor Failace said they haven't had any complaints from any citizen. Mr. Gerstler said he is sure the service is very good. Mayor Failace said no, complaints that they had to pay a bill. It was made quite clear that this service would not be paid for by the citizens, their insurance would cover it. It was in the newspapers. They made it quite clear in the discussion with the First Aid Squad. Mr. Gerstler asked why were people getting invoices sent to their homes? Mr. Tozzi asked if he could explain it. He said they had Rural Metro appear before the Seniors and they went over this. The problem is not with Metro, the problem is with Medicare. When Medicare pays their portion they insist that Metro sends two invoices to the person to pay for the 20% that is due. That is a Medicare law. They have no control over this. The Seniors were told to disregard it when they receive an invoice and they don't have to pay a nickel. Mr. Gerstler said they should put that on the invoice. Mr. Tozzi said they will mention it to them. Mr. Gerstler said there are people who are not on Medicare that are receiving invoices. He said they should not be sending invoices. Mayor Failace said they are light years ahead from where they were a year ago by having Rural Metro. He has heard that from a number of people. Our citizens are much safer than they were a year ago. Mr. Gerstler said the insurance company looks at what is being charged in this geography and then raise the rates for all insured based on that. Mayor Failace asked what would his suggestion be? Mr. Gerstler said one of his suggestions would take existing borough workers, get them EMT trained and give them a little stipend to do that and when something happens, they answer the call. Mayor Failace said he isn't sure how many calls they have had. He is not sure that would be the way to go, but it can be looked into. Mr. Gerstler said he is just trying to do something for everybody, not just the Seniors. He cares about the Seniors and understands what they are going through. 14 Council President Quinones told Mr. Gerstler they were always open to suggestions. Borough Attorney Coughlin said maybe they could be asked to put a statement on their invoices. Mr. Gerstler said that is what he is asking for. To make it more aware that the citizen is not responsible for the bill. Mr. Gerstler said his children both came home from Columbus School with a note saying that beginning February 1st and ending February 25th students are to read as many books as they can and prizes will be awarded for how many books they read. He has a problem with that because in Columbus School the children are only allowed to take out one book every other week. If they only have the school as access to get their reading material from, they are only going to read two books. Mayor Failace asked why he wasn't asking the School Board about this? Mr. Gerstler asked when is the library opening? Mayor Failace said as soon as it can. Councilmember O'Brien said he believes that while the library IS closed, citizens can use the library in other towns. Linda Pino said there are about 20 libraries that can be used through an inter-local agreement. Mayor Failace said they made that announcement a while ago. TOM LANG, 6 Colgan Avenue, made a request that a stop sign be put back at the last meeting and wanted to know the status. The Borough Attorney was supposed to find out if it was on private or public property. Mayor Failace said it was on private property, but it is the borough's stop sign. He said they have put it in the ground and it gets bent up and mangled. They have put it in a barrel with cement and it gets knocked over. Mr. Lang said that would lead him to believe that the stop sign is not in the proper spot. Mayor Failace said he thought it was. Mr. Lang said there are signs at the toll booths instructing trucks on how to make a u-turn by going through Shop-Rite parking lot. Council member Sohayda said they would make sure that is taken down. 15 Mr. Lang said the other thing was the turnpike. FEBRUARY 3, 2000 Rural Metro Continued Library Turnpike Stop Sign FEBRUARY 3, 2000 Turnpike & Stop Sign Continued Snow Removal School Closings Stop Sign Brian O'Connor Fire Superintendent Borough Attorney Coughlin said with regard to the turnpike they were completely unhelpful. He spoke to a couple of people there and they wouldn't even tell him if they had regulations. They insisted he put it in writing and he has done that. He has requested that they provide him with operational regulations with regard to the conduct of business at the toll plaza. He doesn't have a direct answer at this time, except to tell him that he shares his frustration with the turnpike. He said he thought their response was inappropriate. He has also, through some other contacts, get a copy of it informally. Mr. Lang asked if there was such a rule about how many toll boths to be opened up during rush hour traffic? Years ago rush hour traffic was between the hours of 7 to 9 A.M., now, with the influx of the trucks it now starts at 6 AM. What can be done? Mayor Failace said they are trying. Mr. Lang asked about an ordinance of snow removal in front of people's property? He asked if it had to be shoveled within 24 hours of the last snow fall? Mayor Failace said he thought it was 48 hours. Mr. Lang said he felt sorry for the kids at Columbus School who have to walk down Carteret Avenue. There are people who haven't shoveled their sidewalks. Mr. Lang asked who calls in for delayed openings? Is it solely up to the Superintendent? He doesn't live in town, so he doesn't know what the situation is in Carteret. He said he would bring it up at a School Board Meeting. Mayor Failace said he doubts that the Superintendent makes the decision. Councilmember O'Brien said the Borough Engineers met with the turnpike and the county engineers. The turnpike had counters out there last Tuesday, so hopefully they will be doing something. ANDY TARRANT, 4 Patrick St., said there is no DOT standard for putting a stop sign on private property. If a person complained that a driver didn't stop for that sign, it's an improper sign. If the Council went on record about that sign, there is a probability that the Borough could be held for some type of liability. Mayor Failace said he was under the impression that it was the borough's sign. Mr. Tarrant said it may be the borough's sign, but it's not properly put there. If they do go on record that it is their stop sign, they are probably opening up the borough to liability. 16 Mr. Tarrant commended the Council for appointing Brian O'Connor provisional Superintendent. He understood that Mr. Fazekas has been trying to do this for some period of time and it is commendable that he has brought the Council to an agreement. It's a first step of the entire Council working together and they should be commended. Mr. Tarrant spoke about Brian O'Connor and said they couldn't find a better borough employee in Carteret. He said he is a gem among men and is sornebody that is professional, courteous and as close as you can get to a perfect man. He has been in charge of the department for 18 months and he is definitely the best rnan for the job. He congratulated Mr. O'Connor. Mr. Tarrant asked if the resolution for Killam was straightened out? Mayor Failace said yes. PAT TOZZI, 20 Capp St., spoke about the meeting with Rural Metro and the First Aid Squad. They spoke before the Seniors in regards to the problem of billing. People have to know that between 6:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M., we had no coverage at all. Whenever something happened Port Reading had to be called to assist us. Now we have coverage. They are doing an outstanding job. Council President Quinones said there has been a lot of talk tonight about the library. There were quite a number of accolades passed around at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Jeff and Linda Pino for the work that they do. She thanked them for everything they do. Without them it would even be slower going. There being no further business and discussion, upon MMS&C, by Council members Quinones and O'Brien and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, the rneeting was adjourned at approximately 8:35 P.M.. ~~~ / THLEEN M. BARNEY, Municipal Clerk KMB/SJ 17 FEBRUARY 3, 2000 Brian O'Connor Fire Superintendent Killam Rural Metro Jeff & Linda Pino Re: Library ADJOURNED FEBRUARY 3, 2000 COUNCIL MEETING . 18