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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 " " " " " 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. 1 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." 3 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. 4 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. ) 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. 6 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. 8 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. 10 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. 12 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