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
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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"
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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"
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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