HomeMy Public PortalAbout2000/02/17
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 17, 2000, Municipal
CourtlPolice Facility, 230 Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey.
Upon individual roll call, the following were noted present:
Councilmember
Patrick Crilley
Jack Fazekas
James O'Brien
Remy Quinones
Janet Santoro
Buddy Sohayda
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Also noted present was Borough Attorney Craig J. Coughlin.
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 February 9, 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.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers O'Brien and Fazekas and
unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, the minutes of
January 2 & 20, 2000 were approved as transcribed and engrossed by
the Clerk.
Mayor Failace said Councilmember Crilley, as the head of recreation
will read about these young men that brought a lot of pride to Carteret
and to present the Certificates of Merit to the Carteret Rambler Honor
Roll. .
Councilmember Crilley called Mahdi Pettus, First Team All Division,
All Conference; 2nd Team, All Area, All County; All State Group II. .
The second gentleman is Mike Coghan, First Team All Division, All
County, All Conference, All Area, 1st Group All State; full
scholarship to Central Connecticut University.
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The third gentleman is Anthony Crosson, First Team All Division, All
County, All Conference, All Area, Super 100, First Team All State
Group II, Second Team All State AP, Second Team All State Star
Ledger, full scholarship to Boston College.
FEBRUARY 17, 2000
COUNCIL MEETING
ROLL CALL
PRAYER, PLEJX:E
OF ALLEGIANCE
STATEMENT OF
HEETING NOTICE
HINUTES FOR
APPROVAL
CERTIFICATES OF
HERIT
Carteret Rambler
Honor Roll
FEBRUARY 17, 2000
CERTIFICATE OF
HERIT
Carteret Rambler
Honor Roll
Continued
ORDINANCE #00-4
Amending Code
"Graffiti"
First Reading
ORDINANCE #00-3
Amending Code
"Yards"
Hearing Opened
Hearing Closed
The fourth gentleman is Brian Joseph, single season rushing record for
2,385 yards and scoring record for 175 points, First Team All
Division, All County, All Area, All Conference, Super 100, First Team
All State Group II, Second Team All State Star Ledger, Second Team
All State Gannet Poll, Home News Tribune Player of the Year, Star
Ledger Player of the Year.
Councilmember Crilley presented them with their certificates and
commended them on their achievements.
Mayor Failace said he would like to personally congratulate these
young men. He has watched them play many times and they have
brought a lot of pride to themselves, their families and Carteret. If
they apply this dedication, work ethic and team work to their future
endeavors, he is sure they will be very successful. They make Carteret
proud.
Council President Quinones said she was proud of all of them. They
make Carteret very proud. They have excelled in everything they have
done.
ORDINANCE #00-4 was introduced and adopted on First Reading
and the Clerk authorized and directed to advertise same for Public
Hearing to be held on March 2, 2000, upon MMS&C, by
Councilmembers Quinones and Fazekas.. Upon individual roll call
vote, Councilmembers Crilley, Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro
and Sohayda voted in the affirmative.
ORDINANCE #00-4
"AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 140, "GRAFFITI" OF
THE BOROUGH CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET"
The Clerk stated that Ordinance #00-3 was introduced and passed
upon First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Borough Council of
the Borough of Carteret held on February 3, 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 17, 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 Councilmembers O'Brien and Fazekas and
unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council 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 full Council present.
FEBRUARY 17, 2000
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Fazekas
ORDINANCE #00-3
"AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 160 SECTION 19
OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET"
Adopted
was finally adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers
Crilley, Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in
the affirmative.
Approved and adopted: Februarv 17. 2000
Introduced: Februarv 3.2000
Advertised as adopted on First Reading
With notice of Public Hearing: February I L 2000
Hearing Held: Februarv 17. 2000
Approved by: Mavor James A. Failace
Advertised as finally adopted: Februarv 22. 2000
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 Quinones and Fazekas and unanimous
affirmative vote of the full Council present, the meeting was opened
for public input on all Resolutions.
HEETING OPENED
Public Discussion
on Resolutions
There being no further comments or objections to the resolutions, upon
MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Fazekas and unanimous
affirmative vote of the full Council present, the Mayor declared the
meeting closed.
~IEETING CLOSED
RESOLUTION #00-61 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred
to the Council for action.
RESOLUTION #00-61
Raffle Licenses
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and O'Brien
RESOLUTION #00-61
"DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE OF RAFFLE LICENSES TO
CARTERET JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER, CATHOLIC
DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA, COURT FIDELIS 636 AND
ROTARY CLUB OF CARTERET."
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was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
Adopted
FEBRUARY 17, 2000
RESOLUTION #00-62
Refund of
Tax and/or Sewer
Fee Overpayment
Adopted
RESOLUTION #00-63
Amending
Resolution #99-390
Re: COAH Payment
to Contractors
Adopted
RESOLUTION #00-64
Cormnunity DeveloJ:XIlent
Grant 2000-2001
Adopted
RESOLUTION #00-65
Amendment to 2000
Temporary Budget
Adopted
RESOLUTION #00-62 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred
to the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Fazekas
RESOLUTION #00-62
"AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX AND/OR SEWER
FEES OVERPAYMENT"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Council members Crilley,
Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmati ve.
RESOLUTION #00-63 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred
to the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Council members O'Brien and Fazekas
RESOLUTION #00-63
"AMENDING RESOLUTION #99-390 REGARDING PAYMENTS
TO CONTRACTORS PURSUANT TO COAH REGULATIONS"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmati ve.
RESOLUTION #00-64 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred
to the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and Quinones
RESOLUTION #00-64
"APPROVING THE 2000-2001 CDBG PROGRAM"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmati ve.
RESOLUTION #00-65 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred
to the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers O'Brien and Quinones
RESOLUTION #00-65
"AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT TO THE 2000
TEMPORARY BUDGET"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
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RESOLUTION #00-66 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred
to the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and O'Brien
RESOLUTION #00-66
"AUTHORIZING PAYMENTS FROM UEZ FUNDS TO
FREEHOLD SOIL CONSER V A TION DISTRICT FOR
TOWN CENTER PROJECT"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vole, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUTION #00-67 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred
to the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and O'Brien
RESOLUTION #00-67
"CERTIFYING JASON M. ABELLO TO THE POSITION OF
SENIOR BUILDING MAINTENANCE WORKER IN THE
BOROUGH OF CARTERET"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Council members Crilley,
Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
Mayor Failace said Jason has done a good job and he really works
very hard.
Councilmember O'Brien said he had to reiterate what the Mayor has
said. He has worked with Jason for a long time. He is the best person
for this job. He voted yes.
RESOLUTION #00-68 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred
to the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and Crilley
RESOLUTION #00-68
"RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS
TO BHE BOROUGH HALL BOILER ROOM"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmati ve.
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FEBRUARY 17, 2000
RESOLUTION #00=66
Authorizing Payments
from UEZ Funds -
Freehold Conservation
District for
Town Center Project
Adopted
RESOLUTION #00-67
Certifying Senior
Building Haint.
Worker -
Jason Abello
Adopted
Comments
RESOLUTION #00-68
Improvrnents to
Borough Hall
Boiler Room
Adopted
FEBRUARY 17, 2000
RESOLUTION #00-69
Re: Water Damage
at Borough Hall
Adopted
RESOLUTION #00-70
Professional Services
Killam Associates
Re: Preparation of
Bid Specifications
Adopted
RESOLUTION #00-71
Professional Services
Spadoro & Hilson, Esqs.
Re: Saperstein v.
Borough of Carteret
Adopted
RESOLUTION #00-72
Professional Services
Anthony R. Coscia, Esq.
Re: RedeveloJ:XIlent
Agency
Adopted
RESOLUTION #00-69 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred
to the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and Quinones
RESOLUTION #00-69
"RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A
SUBROGATION AGREEMENT AND PROOF OF
LOSS STATEMENT"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUTION #00-70 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred
to the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Council members Fazekas and Quinones
RESOLUTION #00-70
"PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR
ENGINEERING SERVICES"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUTION #00-71 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred
to the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Fazekas
RESOLUTION #00-71
"PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR
LEGAL SERVICES"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUTION #00-72 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred
to the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and O'Brien
RESOLUTION #00-72
"PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR
LEGAL SERVICES"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
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RESOLUTION #00-73 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred
to the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Fazekas
RESOLUTION #00-73
"RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RENEWAL OF ABC LICENSE
#1201-33-032-007 HELD BY PARTNERS' PUB, INC. FOR THE
1999-2000 LICENSE TERM"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUTION #00-74 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred
to the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and Quinones
RESOLUTION #00-74
"PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR
ENGINEERING SERVICES"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in the
affirmative.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Fazekas, all bills
appearing on the prepared list, properly audited and signed, were
ordered to be paid. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers
Crilley, Fazekas, O'Brien, Quinones, Santoro and Sohayda voted in
the affirmative.
The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of the following reports:
1. Inspection of Buildings - January 2000
2. Public Defender - 1999 Annual Report
3. Sewage Collection System - January 2000.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Crilley and Fazekas and
unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, all reports
were ordered to be received and placed on file.
BUILDINGS & GROUNDS: Committee Chairperson Santoro said a
structural engineer will be down at the fire house. She asked Nick
Goldsack to speak to them when it is set up. They would like to have
the report by the Agenda Meeting. She recently received the
assessments for all the buildings. They will be reviewed and see what
these buildings will need to get them up to certain standards.
FEBRUARY 17, 2000
RESOLUTION #00- 7 3
Renewal of ABC
License - Partner's
Pub, Inc.
Adopted
RESOLUTION #00-74
Professional Service
Architec/Structural
Engineering -
Kehrt Shatken Sharon
Architects Re:
Carteret Fire House
Adopted
PAWENT OF BILLS
REPORTS:
Departments
Standing Committees
FEBRUARY 17, 2000
Standing
Cormnittees
Continued
Committee Chairperson Santoro said she also attended a Board of
Health Meeting this week and that is one of our buildings that needs
attention. She told the President of the Board of Health that she would
try and get the assessment back to them. They are looking to bring in
an architect and engineer to look at these buildings and give them a
better feel what the cost would be. Hopefully by next month they will
have a better idea of what needs to be done. They will have to look at
them in order of priority and what has to be done and what has to be
planned to do. The good news is there was a library meeting and they
will be going for a final CO by next Friday. A lot of work has been
done in the past week and the buildings look great. If everything goes
well they will have an opening date by the next Council Meeting.
Councilmember Santoro said Mr. Brewer has requested what the status
was on the usage of the old community center. She said someone has
to send him a letter to direct him as to what to do.
BOARD OF EDUCATION LIAISON: As far as the School Board
Liaison Committee, she did have a meeting with them and they set up
three dates. They will meet once a month, so she set up meetings for
March, April and May. Their preliminary budget will be introduced
February 29th. They have received a large amount of money from the
state. That money will be used for Core Curriculum Aid. Until this
budget is introduced, they will have to wait until they are informed
what the budget will be. She reported progress.
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION: Committee Chairperson O'Brien
said they had an extensive meeting this past Tuesday night to review
the budget. They are in the process of formulating the capital
improvement program and they are reviewing it for possible cuts
before they introduce it the 1st time next week. He reported progress.
FIRE: Committee Chairperson Fazekas said the hot items on the Fire
Department's list is a truck and also gear. Also, support of the First
Response Program. In terms of technology, they have put a new
system in the Police Department and it seems to be okay. He said they
were moving along.
PARKS & RECREATION: Committee Chairperson Crilley said the
Minue School Basketball program will be wrapping up in March.
Teen Night is at Columbus School on Monday nights from 6:00 P.M.
to 9:00. It started off slow, but it has built up. There will be a 3 on 3
Basketball Tournament on March 22, 23 and 24th for High School and
Middle School. From 5th grade and up. Registration forms can be
picked up at the Clerk's Office or the Recreation Department. GATX
is sponsoring a Volleyball Tournament on March 2nd at the High
School.
Daphne Miles said there was a charity basketball game between the
Mayor and Council and GATX the same night.
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Councilmember Crilley said GATX people have volunteered their time
and will be running these events. Prizes and T-shirts will be given out
by GA TX. There will also be a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for
adults on April 5, 6 and 7th. Interested people can sign up through the
Recreation Chairperson Beverly Hedesh. He reported progress.
Mayor Failace said there are a lot of activities for young people.
POLICE: Committee Chairperson Quinones said she was pleased with
the direction the Police Department is moving in. She has been
making quite an issue of what she feels to be a priority which is
addressing the drug and prostitution problem and cleaning up lower
Roosevelt Avenue. There was recently a major drug arrest on lower
Roosevelt A venue involving several officers within the Carteret Police
Department and county officers. One individual is being held on
$100,000 bail. Our Police Director was actually involved in putting
together an arrest of an individual that was selling bootlegged videos
on lower Roosevelt Avenue. That individual was charged with 79
counts of violating the New Jersey Anti-privacy Act and the matter has
been referred to the F.B.I. As of yesterday, the Special Unit that she
has been talking about is somewhat underway. They have decided to
transfer two officers into that department effective yesterday. At the
last Agenda Meeting the Council discussed the possibility of having to
adjust the schedule in order to put more officers into that unit or hiring
additional officers as an option. As of now, this is a good temporary
solution until they arrive at what direction they would take. Because
of this there will be some overtime incurred. The Council was in
agreement that this was something that had to be done. The Mayor
spoke to the Director this evening and there were four more arrests as
of today. From what she understands, some people were out on High
Street applauding while these individuals were handcuffed and taken
away.
There was one item she wanted to discuss regarding the budget
meeting they had on Tuesday night. Mayor Failace was not able to
attend until later in the evening because he was at the Linden Council
Meeting addressing and expressing his opposition to the garbage
contract that they entered into that evening. He was there supporting
the residents of Carteret and she commended him for that. At some
point in time, after 11 P.M., in jest she made a motion to adjourn the
meeting, which was unintentional, but disrespectful to the Mayor.
She has the utmost respect and regard for him as the leader of this
Governing Body, so as Council President, she apologizes and asks that
her colleagues not engage in that behavior in the future and adjust
themselves accordingly.
PUBLIC WORKS: Committee Chairperson Sohayda said the Council
didn't do anything to disrespect the Mayor at that meeting, everyone
was just tired. Streets & Roads are looking for a backhoe. They need
one. The town does not have one. They are also looking into building
a salt shed and they need a new compressor. The guys are stumping
trees and filling potholes. If anybody has any problems on their
streets, please call 541-388L He reported progress.
FEBRUARY 17, 2000
Standing Committees
Continued
FEBRUARY 17, 2000
Proclamation
Carteret Disabilities
Awareness Day
Linden
Mayor Failace read the following proclamation
CARTERET DISABILITIES AWARENESS DAY
"CARING AND SHARING"
WHEREAS, the Carteret Office for the Disabled will hold its
Sixteenth Annual "Carteret Disabilities Awareness Day" on Sunday,
March 5, 2000 at the St. Demetrius Hall, Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret,
New Jersey from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 P.M.
WHEREAS, Carteret Disabilities Awareness Day is held as an
informational and social gathering to be enjoyed by all who choose to
attend; and
WHEREAS, this event is only made possible through the combined
efforts of many volunteers from non-profit organizations and Borough
Departments and businesses within our community; and
WHEREAS, the Office for the Disabled continues to expand
opportunities for Disabled Persons to achieve their goals, developing
and using their capabilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES A. FAILACE, Mayor of the Borough
of Carteret do hereby proclaim
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 2000
CARTERET DISABILITIES AWARENESS DAY
"CARING AND SHARING"
FURTHERMORE, I urge the entire community to participate in said
program making it a great success.
Signed and sealed this 17th day of February, 2000
James A. Failace, Mayor
Borough of Carteret, New Jersey
Mayor Failace urged everyone to attend. It's a wonderful day. It is
truly a time of caring and sharing. He has been involved with the
Specials for about 7 years and he doesn't know anyone who gets
involved with them who isn't enlightened.
Mayor Failace said Council President Quinones spoke about Linden.
There were about 70 to 80 people there. Besides himself, there was
one Senior Citizen from Linden that protested this. He was very
disappointed in Linden as our neighbor doing this. He understands
there is money because we had right of first refusal and we did
because this governing body and past governing bodies and many of
the citizens of Carteret are looking to change the direction of Carteret
and to change the image of Carteret in Middlesex County and garbage,
specifically, New York City garbage is not going to change the image
of Carteret. While he was there and voiced his disapproval, he waited
until the end because not one of them addressed the concerns of
Carteret. We have a problem with Conrail now. That garbage will
come by rail through Carteret and it's appalling that they did this and
didn't even have the decency to call him before hand or any of the
neighboring towns to say they were thinking of doing this.
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Mayor Failace received a call from Mayor Gregorio after he saw
Councilman Crilley's article in the newspaper. He doesn't know how
far they can take this, but they will do more. We are moving forward.
Carteret is moving in a different direction. MCI Worldcom moved
into the Wiz building. It's a beautiful facility. 400,000 phone lines, no
pollution, no trucks. It's a high ratable. It's what we are looking for.
There is also another telecommunication company that is looking to
move across the street. It's the way we need to move Carteret. He
will do what is necessary to fight Linden, but he is pretty sure it's a
done deal. It bothers him that it's New York City's garbage. He said
he would appreciate it if New York City would send their garbage to
Albany with the rest of the garbage. We don't need this here. We take
care of our garbage in Middlesex County. It wouldn't hurt to have a
letter writing campaign to voice our displeasure. Send it to the
newspapers, let Linden know what we think. Send Mayor Gregorio a
letter telling him what you think of this. He is not sure there is much
they can do. The last thing he had told them was if this was going
through Carteret, this can't be stopped from coming through Carteret,
then they absolutely owe us some money for going through Carteret.
We should get a fee for this.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and O'Brien and
unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, the meeling
was opened for public discussion.
JEFF PINO said the Library Board met on Tuesday, it's been a long
time coming and they are proud to announce they are planning to open
the library to the public on March 4 at 12:00 Noon. It's about 99.9%
done. There shouldn't be a problem. He thanked the Council for
making this a reality.
Mayor Failace said they are looking forward to this.
PAT TOZZI said other towns under UEZ use that money to buy fire
trucks, police cars and so forth. He asked why didn't Carteret do this?
Mayor Failace said one of the main reasons for the UEZ money is to
build up to get businesses to come into Carteret.
Mr. Tozzi asked why these other towns use the money to buy
equipment.
Mayor Failace said Elizabeth bought police cars, but they put millions
of dollars into their UEZ, we don't. We have accumulated about $1.3
Million Dollars. He said there has been some tax stabilization in the
last three years.
Mr. Tozzi said he wasn't concerned about the taxes. He said he sees
money being spent foolishly for things that are not a pnonty.
Councilman Fazekas said we needed a fire truck, that's a number one
priority.
Mayor Failace said they did try to get the funds for the 1 st fire truck
and they couldn't get them. He doesn't remember the exact reason
why.
FEßRUARY 17 2000
Linden - Garbage
Transfer Station
HEETING OPENED:
Public Discussion
Library Opening
UEZ Funds
FEBRUARY 17
2000
UEZ Funòs
Continued
Business Administrator Nick Goldsack said they changed the criteria
as far as what UEZ funds can be utilized for. Initially, if you had a
public safety facility it could be utilized for that
Councilmember Santoro said she was on the UEZ Board when the
specifications for the fire truck were brought forward and they were
moving to purchase the fire truck. At that point, they would only pay a
percentage.
Mr. Tozzi said if that was a fact, he was going to check it out. He just
wants the priorities to be set.
Mayor Failace said they look forward to doing some of these things
with the UEZ money.
Linden -
Garbage Transfer
Station
Mr. Tozzi told the Mayor they went to Linden many times so they
wouldn't get the incinerator for the Hazardous Waste. Linden stabbed
us in the back.
Mayor Failace said he specifically spoke to Councilman Crane, who
he had spent many a day in Trenton with fighting that hazardous
incinerator.
Rural-Hetro
ROSE ALICE CAPP said she has had two good and two bad
experiences with Rural Metro. After the last experience, she doesn't
want them in her house anymore. She explained the problems she had
with Rural Metro.
Councilmember Crilley said between 6:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M., Rural
Metro is the best we have. He asked her to give him the information
and he will investigate it.
Ms. Capp spoke about the Mobile Unit from Rahway Hospital and the
cost to Medicare.
Councilmember Crilley said they don't transport. They respond to
emergencies. They are the unit that is in charge at the scene.
Special Police
Unit
Ms. Capp asked Council President Quinones if there was any way they
could get federal funding for the Special Unit for the Police
Department.
Council President Quinones said the Police Director and the Business
Administrator are looking into whatever funding they can get. They
have been looking into funding to get Special Officers on duty.
Ms. Capp said she was under the impression that Washington had a
program where they could put more cops on the street. She asked if
that was still in effect?
Business Administrator Goldsack said if there was any funding for that
they would find out in September.
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Council President Quinones said any money they can get to put more
officers either on the staff or out on the street to assist us, they will do.
STAN GUTOWSKI, New Jersey Avenue, said with new Council
people come new ideas and he hopes that the two will bring some
constructive ideas to Carteret that will help improve our community.
There are some things that were left on the table from last year and he
is not sure where the two new Councilmembers stand on them and he
would like to have them answer a few questions.
The Special Unit was talked a lot about last year and was held over for
the new Police Committee this year. There are a number of areas in
town that specifically have trouble spots that need to be cleaned up.
One of them is the lower part of Roosevelt A venue. Last year's
Council was committed to cleaning up the lower part of Roosevelt
Avenue and spending almost $1,000,000 in UEZ funds. Once that
area was cleaned up and refurbished to try and draw new businesses in
and get it revitalized. He is not sure what their stand is on this new
unit, if in fact it constituted putting this unit together by doing a
schedule change because of public safety, if they would support that
and what is their feeling of the spending of the UEZ money in the
lower part of Roosevelt A venue and the upcoming revitalization of
that area?
Councilmember Santoro said as far as the Special Unit, she would love
to get details on it. She said Remy had mentioned that she had reached
out to contact them, but she didn't receive any phone call at work or at
home.
Council President Quinones said she absolutely left Councilmember
Santoro a message at home and she discussed it with her at the budget
meeting.
Councilmembers Santoro asked if she had ever received information
explaining exactly what this Special Unit is?
Council President Quinones told Ms. Santoro she sat at meetings with
the rest of the Council. Everybody else had opportunities to ask
questions.
Councilmember Santoro asked if it was explained what this was going
to entail? How many people and what was going to be done with it?
Council President Quinones said she absolutely addressed that.
Councilmember Santoro asked Ms. Quinones for paperwork on it.
Council President Quinones said she didn't see why she has to have
paperwork for everything she does when they have Agenda Meetings
to discuss this with the Council. That is where Ms. Santoro and every
other member of this Council has the opportunity to ask questions.
.3
Councilmember Santoro addressed Mr. Gutowski and said as far as
changing the schedule, being a former Councilmember, he knows that
is a contractual item. She doesn't feel being a new Councilmember
that it is fair asking what their opinion would be when they haven't
had the legal ramifications explained to them.
FEBRUARY 17, 2000
Special Police Unit
Continued
Lower Roosevelt
Avenue
Special Police
Unit
FEBRUARY 17, 2000
Special Unit
Continued
Mr. Gutowski told Ms. Santoro she was right when she said it was a
contractual item, but if public safety is at risk, they can change the
schedule.
Councilmember Santoro said that was his opinion.
Mr. Gutowski said it was a legal opinion. When he sat on the Council
there were many discussions on this topic and that was the legal
opinion from Mr. Coughlin, and other people that were hired. If there
is an eminent danger to the public, the police schedule can be changed
to get more police on the street. His question to her is if it was needed,
would she agree to a schedule change to implement that unit?
Councilmember Santoro said until she sits with the Borough Attorney
and it is explained what the ramifications are for breaking a contract
and the public safety issue. After that, maybe she will be able to
answer this.
Lower Roosevelt
Avenue
Mr. Gutowski asked Councilmember Santoro how she felt about lower
Roosevelt Avenue, was it a good thing and should it be continued?
Councilmember Sohayda said Mr. Riggio showed him the artist
rendering of the downtown area. He thinks it's a great plan, but show
him, don't tell him. He has heard about it for a long time. He said he
didn't think anyone in Carteret would have anything bad to say about
it.
Mayor Failace asked Councilmember Sohayda what he had told him
about fixing lower Roosevelt Avenue?
Councilmember Sohayda said it was a great plan.
Mayor Failace said he had a discussion with Councilmember Sohayda
and he told him that he absolutely believed that the town center and
lower Roosevelt Avenue was a waste of money.
Councilmember Santoro said she was on the UEZ Advisory
Committee when they voted for the Town Center and Lower Roosevelt
A venue Projects. She went down with the representatives of the UEZ
and targeted a four block area. An ordinance was just passed to clean
up the graffiti and make it easier for the town to start enforcing
cleaning up those abandoned buildings and cleaning up the area down
there. She met with Mr. Sokler. That area definitely needs to be
improved and needs to be addressed. Yes, she does support it.
Special Unit
Mr. Gutowski said he was glad to hear that, but one of the ways to
clean it up is this Special Unit. That is one of the target areas. He was
at a Housing Authority Meeting last week and his Executive Director
and Assistant Executive Director are sitting in a darkened office
looking through the window at a prostitute doing her business.
Councilmember Santoro asked if they called the police?
14
Mr. Gutowski said they told him they saw it, if he would have seen it
he would have called the police. That has to go away if they are going
to fix up that area. If it took a schedule change for a Special Squad to
clean up that area, would she do it?
Councilmember Santoro said, again, she would not commit to it.
Councilmember Sohayda said he really didn't know enough about it.
It's a Special Squad set up to go out after the two crimes they spoke
about. One being somewhat of a drug problem and the so called
prostitution problem. If they are a special tactical unit doing special
tactical things, he will support it.
Mr. Gutowski asked if Councilmember Sohayda was in agreement
with what that, even though the Mayor said something different?
Councilmember Sohayda said he is in favor of it. The Mayor must
have misunderstood what he said.
Mayor Failace said it was about telling the truth.
Council President Quinones said she is outraged that Councilmember
Santoro would suggest that she didn't reach out to her when she left a
message at her home with her work number requesting that she call.
She told Councilmember Santoro it was not the first time she lied in
public because on Re-organization Day, she told everyone she didn't
vote on the items because she didn't have the information given to her,
when it's a fact that she picked up resolutions two days before the
meeting.
Councilmember Santoro said she picked up resolutions with no names
put in there.
Council President Quinones said Councilmember Santoro voted on the
appointments, she didn't vote on the resolutions.
Councilmember Santoro said she has the right to do what she feels is
right. She doesn't lie. She'll bring her caller J.D. and see who is
lying.
Mr. Gutowski said last year when he served as Chairman of the Police
Committee, these are some of the things they discussed. Some of the
other things they discussed and one of the reasons he believes that this
Special Unit has to be implemented, is because there were a number of
Police Officers who came to him and the Director and told them they
were not being allowed to perform their jobs. Their superiors were
telling them not to go out and make drug arrests or prostitution arrests.
We can't have that. The public can't stand for that kind of stuff going
on. If there is a crime being committed it has to be taken care of. That
Special Unit was targeted specifically for drugs and prostitution.
Whatever it takes for this Council to implement it, they should do it.
.5
DAPHNE MILES, 25 Pulaski A venue, told Councilmember Sohayda
he just insulted every resident that lived in Chrome or Lower
Roosevelt A venue because there is no such thing as "so called"
prostitutes. They are prostitutes and they are walking the street. It's to
the point that children are telling the pastors that these people are
screwing in the bushes. They are prostitutes. They are no "so called".
Something needs to be done. She thanked Lt. LaPoint last week
because they are trying to get rid of these "so called" prostitutes that
blatantly walk up and down the avenue. She said "we are not
animals". We are people, residents. Proud of growing up on Hudson
St and Union St. They have had their problems.
FEBRUARY 17, 2000
Special Unit
Continued
Lower Roosevelt
Avenue
FEBRUARY 17, 2000
Lower Roosevelt
Avenue
Continued
Ms. Miles said Gruhin' s should have been knocked down. She asked
who is responsible to make them maintain their property. He insulted
her because she has complained about the prostitutes and she thinks he
owes her an apology for saying "so called" prostitutes.
H. SINGH, said the topic is really very important as far as the Chrome
Section is concerned. He suggested that the Council walk down there
and see for themselves what is going on down there. These people
don't have to stress what is needed there, you can see it. Some people
say it's the poor section, he lives there and he is not a poor man. That
section has to be taken care of. What was started last year should be
continued.
Mayor Failace said fixing lower Roosevelt A venue was the goal of the
Council, that is why they appropriated $800,000 last year. Playground
equipment for Chrome Park and refurbishing the work Bob Kately and
his crew did on the Chrome Baseball Field, to help bring some pride
back to Chrome. They are meeting with Woodbridge next week in
reference to the extension of the Industrial Road to take that traffic off
of Lower Roosevelt Avenue. They know our position and what we are
looking for, so that will come to fruition very shortly. He said he
absolutely did not misunderstand Councilmember Sohayda.
JUDY LESHKO, Atlantic St., said she is 100% behind cleaning up
Chrome. It needs to be done. However, most of this Council has been
here for three years. They are bringing up an issue that has been here
since she was a little girl. She asked what have they done in the three
years to stop the crime and prostitution?
Mayor Failace said Mr. Nix comes to meetings and tells them that the
Police Officers drive around Chrome and don't get out of their car.
Ms. Leshko said they should address that issue.
Mayor Failace said they have. He got a call at 5:30 A.M. to go to
Chrome and see what is going on. He goes down there and on a park
bench there are 12 million candles lit. The people tell him that the
police have driven up and down and the candles have been there.
Ms. Leshko said this has been going on for three years and they have
not been able to get control of it?
Mayor Failace said control of what?
Ms. Leshko said he was saying it was the police.
Mayor Failace said he has absolutely tried to get control of our Police
Department and he believes by changing the shift and putting more
police officers on the street. Last year they had one police officer
report for duty, or no police officers reporting for duty to surveil the
town. They are trying. That's why they brought a Police Director in,
who is doing one heck of ajob.
16
Ms. Leshko said she didn't know what the Police Director is doing.
Her concern is also to clean up that area. It affects her and her son.
She has friends down there. She thinks working together instead of
pointing fingers they might get some where.
Mayor Failace said they have tried working together.
Ms. Leshko said by fighting against one another it won't get cleaned
up.
Mayor Failace asked "fighting against who"?
Ms. Leshko said the Mayor said the cops aren't obeying his orders.
They need to come to a medium and get that part cleaned up.
Mayor Failace said the medium is he is the Mayor of this town and
they should obey what he wants them to do. He doesn't think he has
to tell a Police Officer to get out of the car and walk through Chrome.
Ms. Leshko said it is no better down there today than it was ten years
ago.
Mayor Failace said she is wrong.
Ms. Leshko said the goal when the Mayor ran, and she was a big
supporter of his, was to clean up Chrome. She said she will always be
behind him on that.
Mayor Failace thanked her, but said it doesn't happen in one day or
one week.
Ms. Leshko said it doesn't, but they can't keep fighting against each
other.
Mayor Failace said he is not fighting against anyone.
Ms. Leshko asked about getting a committee together from all
different parts of town to work together and get some ideas to make it
a better place to live.
Ms. Miles said they didn't need any committee to tell them what to do
in Chrome.
17
Mayor Failace said he has spoken to members of the community in
reference to the different sections of town and he plans on having
meetings with them and the Police Director. They are working very
hard. As far as he is concerned, they don't get cooperation up here.
They get fought on every tiny little thing that we ask our Police
Department. If it's not in the contract, they won't do it. We pay for
everything we do. We don't get a break. His personal solution is to
change the schedule, put 6 to 8 more police officers out on the street
every hour of the day and we will stop exactly what is going on. We
won't have a two or three man task force. We will have a 7 man task
force. We didn't have much of a bike patrol last year because we
didn't pay the $200,000 in overtime to get the bike patrol.
FEBRUARY 17, 2000
Lower Roosevelt
Avenue
Continued
FEBRUARY 17, 2000
Lower Roosevelt
Avenue
Continued
Ms. Leshko said she wasn't up there to have the Mayor fight against
the police. All she is saying is that don't make it an issue that because
she doesn't live in Chrome she doesn't care. He has to pull the
community together and ask for input. She wants Chrome
straightened up also.
Councilmember Fazekas said he wanted to address the issue of what
they have been doing for the past two or three years. This Council is
committed to improve and provide quality of life issues. One of those
was to put a Director in place and that is what they have done. They
are addressing the parks and they are also addressing the lower part of
Roosevelt Avenue. There is emphasis in that area. We are looking for
cooperation from all parties. It's not something that will just happen,
there has to be consistency and he thinks this Mayor and Council have
been consistent.
Mr. Leshko asked if there was a program that was a long term program
that they were working on?
Councilmember Fazekas said when Stan was commiSSIOner of the
Police Department and they moved forward with the Police Director,
there was a plan to insure the quality of services and safety for the
residents and they are going forward. They have been working with
the UEZ for the past four years. It's not that easy to put the plans
together. Funds were building up and there were hard decisions to
make. One of them was to create a center of town and fix the lower
center of Roosevelt.
Council President Quinones said Ms. Leshko spoke about fighting
with the Council and the police department. She said she didn't think
she fights with anyone on the police department. She thinks she has a
congenial relationship with them. She is trying to work with them and
she thinks she gives them the accolades they deserve for the good job
they do and she believes, for the most part, we have a good police
department.
Ms. Leshko said she didn't mean "fight" per se, she is just saying they
could always get so much further if they worked together.
JOHN RIGGIO, Director of the UEZ, said there is a lot of
misinformation and he would like to open his office up to anyone that
would like to come up and he will be glad to explain the entire UEZ
process and anything going on for Lower Roosevelt Avenue. His
office opens up at 8:00 A.M.. He will answer all their questions. He
said they were doing a lot of work on Lower Roosevelt Avenue.
Mayor Failace said, for the last time, he absolutely believed and he is
confident that if they can change the police schedule, and the police
would be willing to work with them, they could put 6 to 8 police
officers on the street every single minute of the day. He is not looking
to fight with anybody or cause a problem.
18
AN UNIDENTIFIED MAN asked if that was a contractural thing.
Mayor Failace said yes.
The man said they couldn't change the contract.
Mayor Failace said he believes they could.
There being no further business and discussion, upon MMS&C, by
Councilmembers O'Brien and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative
vote of the full Council present, the meeting was adjourned at
approximately 8:50 P.M..
Respectfull submitted,
K THLEEN M. BAR~
Municipal Clerk
KMB/sj
19
FEBRUARY 17, 2000
POLICE CONTRACT
ADJOURNED
FEBRUARY 17, 2000
COUNCIL
HEETING
20