HomeMy Public PortalAbout1999/02/19
The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of
Carteret was called to order by Mayor James A. Failace at approximately
7:30 PM., on Thursday, February 18, 1999 at the Municipal Court/Police
Facility, 230 Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey.
Upon individual roll. call, the following were noted present:
Councilmember Patrick Crilley
" Jack Fazekas
" Stanley Gutowski
" James Mancuso
" James O'Brien
" Remy Quinones
Also noted present was Borough Attorney Craig J. Coughlin.
The meeting was opened with a minute of silent prayer and the pledge of
allegiance led by Mayor James A. Failace
The Clerk stated that on February II, 1999, 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 Gutowski and Fazekas and
unanimous affirmative vote ofthe full Council present, the minutes of May
14, 28, June I, 1998 and January I, 1999 were approved as transcribed
and engrossed by the Clerk.
This was the night advertised to receive bids for the Annual Repair and
Installation of Sewer System Components and Emergency Service and the
Mayor called for all bids Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski
and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present,
the Clerk was directed to open and read all bids received which were as
follows:
1
!!lDDER
l. LBD Construction, Inc.
18 Pelham St.
Princeton, NJ 08540
10%
B.B.
BID PRICE
$140,017.00
FEBRUARY 19, 1999
COUNCIL MEETING
ROLL CALL
PRAYER AND
PLEIX:;E OF ALLEGIANCE
STATEMENT OF
MEETING NOTICE
MINUTES FOR
APPROVAL
BIDS
Yearly Maintenance
Sewage
FEBRUARY 19, 1999
BIDS
Yearly
Maintenance
Se\Jage
Can't.
BIDDER
2. Marvec Construction Corp.
PO. Box 216
251 y, Grove Avenue
Verona, NJ 07044
10%
B.B.
BID PRICE
$155,670.00
3. B&W Construction Co.
of New Jersey, Inc.
PO. Box 378
Matawan, NJ 07747
B.B.
$210,724.00
Held for
Study
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and O'Brien and unanimous
affirmative vote of the full Council present, the bids were held for study.
BIDS
Bergn, HaY'"ard
1', Harrison Pump
Station
Improvements
This was the night advertised to receive bids for Bergen, Hayward &
Harrison Pump Station Improvements and the Mayor called for all bids. Upon
MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Crilley and unanimous
affirmative vote of the full Council present, the Clerk was directed to open
and read aloud all bids received which were as follows:
BIDDER
I. P&H Construction
255 Margaret King Ave.
Ringwood, NJ 07456
10%
B.B.
BID PRICE
$198,500.00
2. J&P Electrical Mechanical
Contractors, Inc.
t/a A&P Electrical Contractors
338 Palisade Ave.
Jersey City, NJ 07307
B.B.
$198,530.00
3. Electric Power, Inc.
3122 Woodbridge Ave
Edison, NJ 08817
B.B.
$ 74,810.00
4. lA.P. Renovation, Inc.
172 Magnolia Ave.
Kearny, NJ 07032
B.B.
$185,000.00
Held for
Study
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Crilley and unanimous
affirmative vote of the full Council present, the bids were held for study.
ORDINANCE 4,'99-4
Salary Ordinance
Basketball
Program
ORDINANCE #99-4 was introduced and adopted on First Reading and the
Clerk authorized and directed to advertise same for Public Hearing to be held
March 4, 1999, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and O'Brien.
Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley, Fazekas, Gutowski,
Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative.
First Reading
ORDINANCE #99-4
"AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE #71-9 ESTABLISHING
SALARY SCHEDULES AND FIXING THE MANNER OF PAYMENT
OF SALARIES FOR VARIOUS OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF
THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET"
2
ORDINANCE #99-5 was introduced and adopted on First Reading and
the Clerk authorized and directed to advertise same for Public Hearing 0
be held March 4, 1999, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski
and Fazekas. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the
affirmative.
ORDINANCE #99-5
"AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE #71-9
ESTABLISHING SALARY SCHEDULES AND FIXING
THE MANNER OF PAYMENT OF SALARIES FOR
VARIOUS OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF
THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET"
ORDINANCE #99-6 was introduced and adopted on First Reading and
the Clerk authorized and directed to advertise same for Public Hearing to
be held March 4, 1999, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski
and Fazekas Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the
affirmative.
ORDINANCE #99-6
"AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING
CHAPTER 182 OF THE BOROUGH CODE OF THE
BOROUGH OF CARTERET"
The Clerk stated that Ordinance #99-3 was introduced and passed upon
First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Borough Council of the
Borough of Carteret held on February 4, 1999. It was duly published in
The Home News Tribune on February 9, 1999 with notice that it will be
considered for final passage after Public Hearing to be held on February
19, 1999 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 Gutowski and O'Brien and
unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, the Mayor
declared the Public Hearing to be open.
3
There being no comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor
declared the Public Hearing to be closed upon MMS&C, by
Councilmembers Gutowski and Crilley and unanimous affirmative vote of
the full Council present.
FEBRUARY 19, 1999
ORDINANCE #99-5
Salary Ordinance
Construction Official
Zoning Official/
Electrical Subcode
First Reading
ORDINANCE #99-6
Amending Chapter 182
Code of the Borough
of Carteret "Parks"
First Reading
ORDINANCE #99-3
Salary Ordinance
Fire Superintendent
Fire Subcode
Public Hearing
Hearing Closed
FEBRUARY 1~, 1999
ORDINANCE #99-3
Salary Ordinance
Continued
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and O'Brien
ORDINANCE #99-3
"AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE #71-9
ESTABLISHING SALARY SCHEDULES AND FIXING
THE MANNER OF PAYMENT OF SALARIES FOR
V ARIOUS OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF
THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET"
Adopted
was finally adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative.
Approved and Adopted: February 18, 1999
Introduced: February 4, 1999
Advertised as Adopted on First Reading
with Notice of Public Hearing: February 9, 1999
Hearing Held: February 18, 1999
Approved by: Mayor James A. Failace
Advertised as finally adopted: March 3, 1999
MEETING OPENED
Public Input
On Resolutions
A copy of each Resolution was placed upon the table for review prior to the
meeting in accordance with the Rules of Council and upon MMS&C, by
Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of
the full Council present.
P AT TOZZI spoke on Resolution 99-8] Endorsement of Governor Whitman's
Direct Property Tax Relief Program. He said there was already a law on PTF.
These people have a freeze on their property tax. He spoke against this
resolution and asked the Council to table it until something concrete comes
out on exactly what they are going to do.
Public Portion
Closed
There being no further comments or objections, upon MMS&C, by
Councilmembers Gutowski and O'Brien and unanimous affirmative vote of the
full Council present, the public portion on resolutions was closed.
RESOLUTION #99-66
Raffle License
RESOLUTION #99-66 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the
Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and O'Brien
RESOLUTION #99-66
"DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE OF RAFFLE LICENSE TO
HOLY FAMILY RSA
Adopted
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley, Fazekas,
Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative
4
RESOLUTION #99-67 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to
the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Mancuso
RESOLUTION #99-67
"PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR
ENGINEERING SERVICES"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUTION #99-68 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to
the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas
RESOLUTION #99-68
"PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR
ENGINEERING SERVICES"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUTION #99-69 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to
the Council for action
Upon MMS&C, by Council members Gutowski and O'Brien
RESOLUTION #99-69
"PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR
ENGINEERING SERVICES"
was adopted Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUTION #99-70 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to
the Council for action.
5
Upon MMS&C, by Councihnembers Gutowski and O'Brien
RESOLUTION #99-70
"PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR
ENGINEERING SERVICES"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the
affirmative
FEBRUARY 19, 1999
RESOLUTION #99-67
Professional
Services -
Killam Assoc.
Re: Pump Rebuilding
Adopted
RESOLUTION #99-68
Professional
Services -
Killam Associates
Re: Beverly St.
Sto=later Pump
Station
Adopted
RESOLUTION #99-69
Professional
Services -
Killam Associates
Re: Saba and
Etherridge Pump
Stations
Adopted
Professional
Services -
Killam Associates
Re: Saba St. &
Etherridge Dr.
Pump Stations
Adopted
FEBRUARY 19, 1999
RESOLUTION #99-71
Commemorative
Coin Program
Adopted
Corw.¡ents
RESOLUTION #99-72
Amendment to
1999 Temporary
Budget
Adopted
RESOLUTION #99-73
Certifying
Construction Official/
Zoning Officer
A. Neibert
Adopted
Comments
RESOLUTION #99-7] was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the
Council for action
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas
RESOLUTION #99-71
"RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE 50 STATES
COMMEMORATIVE COIN PROGRAM"
was adopted Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative
Mayor Failace said the New Jersey coin would depict Washington crossing
the Delaware.
RESOLUTION #99-72 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the
Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Quinones
RESOLUTION #99-72
"AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT TO THE 1999
TEMPORARY BUDGET"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative.
RESOLUTION #99-73 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the
Council for action
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Mancuso and Gutowski
RESOLUTION #99-73
"CERTIFYING ANTHONY l NEIBERT TO THE POSITION
OF CONSTRUCTION OFFICIAL/ZONING OFFICER
IN THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative.
Mayor Failace said it was good to have Mr. Neibert on board full time.
6
RESOLUTION #99-74 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to
the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and O'Brien
RESOLUTION #99-74
"APPOINTING TEMPORARY SEASONAL EMPLOYEES
FOR 1999 BASKETBALL PROGRAM"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas,
Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative.
Councilmember Crilley abstained
RESOLUTION #99-75 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to
the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers O'Brien and Crilley
RESOLUTION #99-75
"APPROVING THE 1999-2000 CDBG PROGRAM"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the
affirmative.
Councilmember Gutowski commended the Redevelopment Committee for
the work that they did They managed to split what they had quite
equitably among the groups that applied Unfortunately we don't have as
much money as we would like to give away, but he said they managed to
do a good job. He voted yes.
Councilmember Quinones thanked Mr. Riggio for doing a good job. She
voted yes.
RESOLUTION #99-76 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to
the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Mancuso and Quinones
RESOLUTION #99-76
"AUTHORIZING BIDS FOR A DUMP TRUCK"
7
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the
affirmative.
FEBRUARY 19, 1999
RESOLUTION #99-74
Temporary Seasonal
Employees -
Basketball
Adopted
RESOLUTION #99-75
Approving Corrrnunity
Block Grant
Program
Adopted
Comments
RESOLUTION #99-76
Authorizing Bids-
Dump Truck
Adopted
FEBRUARY 19, 1999
RESOLUTION #99-77
Authorizing Bids -
Toro Tractor
RESOLUTION #99-77 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the
Council for action
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and O'Brien
RESOLUTION #99-77
"AUTHORIZING BIDS FOR A TORO INFIELD PRO TRACTOR
FOR THE PARKS DEPARTMENT"
Adopted
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley, Fazekas,
Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative.
RESOLUTION #99-78
EUS - Air Testing
Borough Hall
RESOLUTION #99-78 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the
Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmell1bers O'Brien and Gutowski
RESOLUTION #99-78
"EXTRAORDINARY UNSPECIFIED CONTRACT
FOR AIR TESTING"
Adopted
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative.
COnr.lents
Councilmell1ber O'Brien said this would come out of a bond from a few years
ago. There is $]6,000 left in it and this will drop it to $13,000. He voted yes.
Mayor Failace said he would like to let them know that basically, the bottom
line is the Borough Hall is falling apart. It is in such disrepair. At a meeting
the other day members of the public were there and bits of the ceiling were
falling on their heads. It needs a ton of work.
RESOLUTION #99-79
Appointment -
Recreation
Commission
D. Antonini
RESOLUTION #99-79 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the
Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Crilley and Gutowski
RESOLUTION #99-79
"APPOINTMENT TO THE RECREATION COMMISSION"
TABLED
was tabled Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmell1bers Crilley,
Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative.
8
RESOLUTION #99-80 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to
the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Crilley
RESOLUTION #99-80
"RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CARTERET URBAN
ENTERPRISE ZONE BOARD TO REQUEST
FUNDING FOR TOWN CENTER"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the
affirmative.
Councilmember Gutowski said this is the third time this Council has voted
to seek funds ITOll1 the UEZ. The first two times it wasn't followed
through. He told Mr. Riggio to make sure he follows through. He voted
yes.
Mayor Failace said the Town Center is going to be something
phenomenal. It will be sOll1ething this town will be proud of.
RESOLUTION #99-81 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to
the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Mancuso
RESOLUTION #99-81
"ENDORSEMENT FOR GOVERNOR WHITMAN'S DIRECT
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAM"
was tabled. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the
affirmative.
RESOLUTION #99-82 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to
the Council for action.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas
RESOLUTION #99-82
"PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR
ENGINEERING SERVICES"
was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley,
Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the
affirmative.
Councilll1ember Gutowski said this is for the infiltration of the system. By
spending this money we will be able to hopefully correct the problem and
cut our MCUA fees. He voted yes.
FEBRUARY 19, 1999
RESOLUTION #99-80
UEZ FUNDING -
Town Center
Adopted
Cooments
RESOLUTION #99-81
Governor Whitman's
Direct Property Tax
Relief Program
Tabled
RESOLUTION #99-82
Professional
Services -
Killam Associates
Infiltration/Inflow
Reduction Program
Adopted
Comments
FEBRUARY 19, 1999
LIST OF
BILLS
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas and unanimous
affirmative vote of the full Council present, the bill list was amended to
include Eclipse Internet Access Inc. in the amount of$I,234.90 for one year
servIce.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski 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,
Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative
COr1t1UNICATION:
Borough of
Jamesburg
Re: t1unicipal
Aid
The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a resolution from the Borough of
Jamesburg protesting inequitable distribution of Municipal Aid. Upon
MMS&C, by Councilmell1bers Gutowski and Fazekas and unanimous
affirmative vote of the full Council present, it was ordered to be received and
placed on file.
Mayor Failace said he thought this was great. He hopes it gets through.
Carteret would get $],000,000 more.
REPORTS
Departments
The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of the following reports:
1. Board of Health - January 1999
2. Clerk's Office - January 1999
3. Welfare - November and December] 998.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas and unanimous
affirmative vote of the full Council present, all reports were ordered to be
received and placed on file.
Standing
Cor:mittees
BUILDINGS & GROUNDS Committee Chairperson O'Brien said they have
three quotes for the bathroom at the Fire Building. The work should be done
in the next few weeks. They have the quotes for the hot water heater and the
gas line for the Police Station. The electrical upgrade is complete at the
Annex. Borough Hall is falling apart. Toth's building is just about ready and
they are moving the Welfare Department and Recycling Department over
there. Jason Abello has been working over there as well as the other
buildings. Air testing will soon be done at the Borough Hall. He talked about
the water dall1age from seepage in the walls. He said Ray Tobias was out this
past week and Jason has been taking care of the buildings. He met with
Mayor Failace, Councilmember Fazekas and Potter Architects and they would
soon be going out for quotes to take care of the water seepage in the walls
and they will put together a plan for Borough Hall. Hopefully, to save it. He
reported progress.
10
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Committee Chairperson Quinones
said she spoke to P. DeBlasio and he informed her that sewer bills will be
going out tomorrow. They approved a preliminary budget that was
submitted according to schedule on February] 0, 1999. At this point the
budget does not cut services and ll1aintains what they were started on last
year in terms of their improvement to the roads, sewers, parks and other
capital improvements They have also expanded the Senior Citizen
Busing from part time to a full time status. At this point in time the
budget reflects an 8¢ increase in the local taxation rate. That translates
into about $94.00 per average household. She emphasized that this was
an introduced budget. The Council will continue to review the budget
until its final adoption. They do believe they can cut it even further. She
also would like to emphasize that of that 8¢ about 5 Yz¢ is attributed to the
half million that we had to payout in Police and Firefighters severance
packages That is not something we can put to the side We absolutely
have to pay it. She is proud of the Council for maintaining what they set
out to do which is stabilizing the tax rate. She feels this budget is doing
that. It is only preliminary and they intend to make some further cuts.
FIRE: Committee Chairperson Fazekas said the new truck is in service
and there haven't been any problems. Moving right along.
PARKS & RECREATION Committee Chairperson Crilley said
applications are available for the 3 on 3 Tournament which will be held in
March Applications will be available at the Recreation Center on
Monday nights, at the Recreation Department in Borough Hall and also
in the schools.
The Board of Education Liaison ll1eeting is scheduled for February 23,
1999 at 7:30 P.M., in the School Board office. He will also be meeting
tomorrow with the First Aid Squad and the ambulance service which is
COll1ing into town and they will finalize those details within the next
couple of weeks
1
The last thing he wanted to address was the Community Development
Board Grant program. They have $88,000 to give out. That is the lion's
share of the county. We have $16],000 worth of requests for that
$88,000. We gave $21,255 to the Volunteer Fire Department to buy
equipment. $17,000 went for an infrared camera which detects fire and
people in a building. It should help save lives It is the Fire Chiet's opinion
that some lives might have been saved previously if they had that camera.
The second thing was a gas detector for $4,000. They also gave $19,000
to renovate Chrome Park. They are going to put heavy duty equipment
there. Do some fence repair and make it ADA accessible They spent
$3,500 on (inaudible). They spent $34,445 for Housing Rehabilitation.
That money is essentially important That money goes for people in town
who need it the most. That have spent that money for the last ten years.
They gave $2,000 to Kiddie KeepwelL We send about 25 underprivileged
youths from Carteret to that program during the summer We gave
$7,200 to the Housing Authority to augment their Senior Bussing
program. That is where the controversy comes in. That had $ I 61,000 of
requests It was the majority of the board's opinion to cut the request of
the Housing Authority, which was $20,000 for security and $10,000 for
the bussing. Last year we gave them $7,200 for bussing and $10,000 for
security.
FEBRUARY 19, 1999
Standing Committees
Continued
FEBRUARY 19, 1999
Standing
Committees
Continued
Committee Chairperson Crilley said these programs are absolutely essential.
It is imperative that these programs be continued. However, during our
investigation of their budget we found that the Housing Authority has a
$1,000,000 surplus In one budget along they have a $750,000 surplus. The
Mayor called the Federal Housing Authority and some other Housing
Authorities to investigate. Mr. Fox of the Housing Authority came to the
meeting and told them it was required by the Housing Authority that he keep
a 50% surplus in that budget. The Mayor called and was told that 15% is
graded as being grade A. ] 5% surplus is perfect. It was incumbent on this
board to distribute the money where it is most needed. They have taken
political flak for cutting money from the Housing Authority. It is his opinion
that the housing commission can keep the programs going with out damaging
hardly any of their budget. It is also his opinion if the Housing Authority
cancels these two programs, he will immediately call for their resignation
because they don't know how to do budgets or take care of the people they
are supposed to be serving. He wanted to make that public and clear. When
it is in the paper, he wants it known that they did not cut bussing or security
for Seniors. They put the onus on the Housing Authority where it belongs.
POLICE: Committee Chairperson Gutowski said what appalled him most
was the Housing Authority had the audacity to send flyers to Senior Citizens
that it was important to come to this meeting because their bussing was going
to be cut. They basically used the Senior Citizens to come here as a ploy for
them to get their money. This Council does their homework. The Housing
Authority has $750,000 in surplus funds. They have $500,000 sitting there
that they can use for whatever they want Mr. Fox sat in rront of this board
and told them he needed to have that money in surplus in case there was an
emergency. He said if the remember the fire on Bergen Street, those buildings
sat vacant for quite a while before the Housing Authority did anything about
those buildings. Mr. Fox lied to the Community Development Board. He
told them he needed 50%, when in fact he needed 15%. He told them that
money was for a rainy day in case there was an emergency. There was an
emergency and he did nothing about it He told that board that if they didn't
give hill1 that money the commission would cancel the bussing program totally
because they couldn't afford to spend the extra $4,000 to fully fund the
bussing program. It was made known to the Senior Citizens that this board
was very sympathetic to them and they did give them $7,200. It was also
made clear by Mr. Crilley that the Senior Citizen bussing given by the
Borough of Carteret will be able to go down there as it should have been all
along. For some reason those buses were never allowed to go down to the
Senior Citizen village and pick up those people He said he wouldn't ask for
their resignations, but he would let them know that "Big Brother" is watching.
They exist because this borough allows them to exist. They were formed by
Ordinance. If they keep up those tactics, this borough will take them out and
have to do something about it.
Committee Chairperson Gutowski said next Thursday at 6:00 P.M., there will
be a Special Meeting to announce a new Police Director or Directress. He
hopes they will all attend. The Police Committee held interviews for the
Captain's position and they will make their decision shortly. They have asked 12
them to do more than they have done in the past. They are not going to just
pick somebody arbitrarily and tell them they are Captain. They want to know
what their qualifications are and what they are going to bring to the job.
Committee Chairperson Gutowski said it was also in the paper that there
was a Disciplinary Hearing this week on Officer K. Makwinski. He will
not say much about it, but the newspaper gave two analogies. One that
he was an impeccable cop that was being railroaded or was someone that
was just not doing his job and should be punished. He said he hasn't made
a decision on the case, but no one will be railroaded If the man did his
job the way he should have done it then he will be exonerated. Ifhe didn't
do his job he will be punished. That's what is going to happen as long as
he is Chairman of the Police Committee He said he feels the new director
will do the same. It's time to tow the line. The country club is over.
They will do a day's work for a day's pay. Not that the police don't, but
there are certain individuals, basically in the administration, that haven't
been pushing that issue With the new director coming in he imagines that
things will change. As long as he is on this committee, no one will ever
be railroaded for something they didn't do If they did do something
wrong they will pay the price. He reported progress.
PUBLIC WORKS: COll1mittee Chairperson Mancuso said they are
spending a lot of money, but they are going forward. They hope to
correct a lot of things. He wanted to put his two cents in about the
Housing Authority. He said two people who have only been in Housing
for a year and a half have had a 50% increase in their salaries. Yet they
have the nerve to come here and say they can't afford to do things for the
Seniors or the bussing because of their budget They have hired three
people down there and some of them are just trying to find some work to
do. Some are just trying to get three months in for pensions, but they
can't afford buses. They just spent a load of money on making a new
office down there for Mr. Chubenko Four or five years ago that place
was run by a Director who did everything including grants for $65,000.
Now everything is costing over $200,000. He would like somebody to
explain it to him, but he thinks there is no answer.
L3
Comll1ittee Chairperson Mancuso spoke about the Turnpike Authority.
Last September we issued summons to them because since they put the
walls up there they don't cut the grass or maintain that property. It's a
swamp. There are muskrats, snakes, possums, etc. The borough took
them to court about maintaining it. They went before a judge in
Woodbridge. They all agreed to discuss it. They never got back to the
borough, but they did send a letter to the Board of Health stating the
borough has no authority giving thell1 summonses because they come
under the New Jersey rule. On Tuesday, a Conrail train went by and set
the grass on fire. It burned from Carteret Avenue all the way up to
Monroe Avenue. Our Fire Department had to go back a few times
because it kept flaring up. We paid $75.00 an engine to go in and fight
this fire. He would like the Mayor and Council send a letter to them that
we would like to meet with them about the conditions there He would
also like to jump the fee up to $200 an engine Why should we pay the
cost when they are not a good neighbor to us. It's time this little town,
stood up to these people and tell them we aren't going to take it anymore.
It just cost us $1,500 to fix the lights on the Turnpike's bridge. He said he
thought it was outrageous. He reported progress.
FEBRUARY 19, 1999
Standing Committees
Continued
FEBRUARY 19, 1999
PROCLAMATION
Disabilities
Awareness Day
Mayor Failace read the following proclamation:
CARTERET DISABILITIES AWARENESS DAY
"CARING AND SHARING"
WHEREAS, the Carteret Office for the Disabled will hold its Fifteenth
Annual "Carteret Disabilities Awareness Day" on Sunday, February 28, 1999
at the St. Demetrius Hall, Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey from
12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM.; and
WHEREAS, Carteret Disabilities Awareness Day is held as an informational
and social gathering to be enjoyed by alI who choose to attend; and
WHEREAS, this event is only made possible through the combined efforts
of many volunteers ITom 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, FEBRUARY 28,1999
CARTERET DISABILITIES AWARENESS DAY
"CARING AND SHARING"
FURTHERMORE, I urge the entire community to participate in said program
making it a great success.
NAYOR
Mayor Failace said he has been involved with the Specials for about five or six
years. It's a day that will not be forgotten. He asked everyone to take the
time and attend. It is one of the nicest days we do. The volunteers and
businesses ll1ake it one heck of a day. He also asked if people had the
opportunity to sign on to volunteer.
Mayor Failace said he wouldn't say any more about what happened at the
Community Development Meeting. He was appalled. He said he didn't like
being lied to. He has a real problem with that. He thanked John Riggio for alI
the work he has done John has aggressively gone after the money for
Carteret to help the citizens for our new library. He also thanked Jim
Mancuso for the work he has done in the last few weeks at Borough Hall. It
is a terrible situation down in the basement. The Borough Hall needs work.
Mr. Mancuso really has done a lot for hill1. He thanked the Parks
Department and Streets and Roads for moving the offices. It's not a
permanent move, but it takes care of a real problem.
14
Committee Chairperson Crilley said there was one thing he forgot on his
report. The dugouts were torn out of the two little league fields in
Carteret Park. We were going to put in new dugouts. Due to the
generosity of corporations like GATX they give back to the community.
He didn't have all the details of the program as yet. They pick an
employee in their company and through that employee they give charity
works for their town. The employee happens to be Daphne Miles.
Daphne contributed money to the Sportsmen and the Carteret Recreation
Department to her program. So, GATX will come in and finish the
dugouts. They also donate time to the different youth organizations. He
thanked GA TX and Daphne for including the borough in the program.
Mayor Failace said there were two openings for alternates on the Planning
Board. He appointed:
Alternate #1 Jason Dinicola
Alternate #2 David Crudup.
Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Mancuso and
unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, the meeting was
opened for public discussion.
GEORGE MALEK, St. Ann St., said he had a complaint. Where he lives
on 72 St. Ann Street the odor is terrible. He has a heart problem and his
chest is burning [¡-om that odor. They have to do something about it. The
pile gets higher and higher. (Dauman) He told them to close it down and
get rid ofthat smell. It's harmful to all the people in that area.
Councilmember Mancuso said he complains at every SW AC meeting on
this. A complaint is made and the state comes down and they comply. If
a formal complaint is made they give them 30 days to clear it up. If it's
cleared up within 30 days there is no fine. This goes on continuously. His
question to the state was where was the enforcement. There has never
been one fine. He said he didn't know what the answer was. If they put
in a complaint and the organization that is supposed to clarifY it an clean
it up continuously gives them 30 days and no one ever goes to court.
Mr. Malek said he has made complaints. He has called the County. He
told them about his health problem and no one is doing anything about it.
They have to rile the public up to get enough publicity to get rid of them.
It is a health problem. He said they should have a petition to get rid of
them.
15
P A TRlCK TOZZI said five years ago he had AARP assign them a tax
number so the Seniors didn't have to go to Woodbridge to have their
income tax done They are done every Tuesday here. They have been
running into a problem regarding the property tax [¡-eeze which the
Seniors had to give in by the 15th of March. They set aside the date and
he discussed it with the borough's finance oftìcer and spoke with Mr.
Manetta, who was very cooperative. He did a fantastic job and should be
commended for the work he has done for the Seniors.
FEBRUARY 19, i999
Standing Committees
Continued
HAYOR
Appointments to
Planning Board
J. Dinicola
D. Crudup
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Dauman Pallet
Income Tax
Prepared -
Seniors
FEBRUARY 19, 1999
New Fire
Truck
JOHN SUDIA said it was a pleasure seeing the new fire engine riding around
town. He really enjoys watching them.
Turnpike
Maintenance
With regard to the turnpike, he agrees the turnpike is totally wrong If our
attorney researches it further he will find the turnpike has a certain obligation
to the community with regard to maintenance.
Killam
Engineering
There is another item here that looks like it might be a lot of money, but
finally we have an engineering firm that is producing results. They did a great
job in West Carteret. The money is well spent He congratulated Killam for
their programs.
Housing
Authority
Finally, with regard to the Housing Authority. He has been involved with
them for over 30 years and said one of the positions they had was to make
things easier for the borough budget They were never concerned about
maintaining even the 15% that HUD talked about. If an emergency arose,
HUD came up with the money pretty fast. Whenever the borough needed
something out of the Housing Authority. The Housing Authority helped the
borough. He thinks with the proper attitude and the proper conversations,
they might be reminded that part of it is to ease the budgetary restraints on the
municipality. That's why housing authorities are created. That's why they are
an autonomous body.
Governor's
Tax Abatement
He said he was happy to see that they tabled the Governor's tax abatement
resolution.
Housing
Authority
Mayor Failace said he agreed with what Mr. Sudia has said He has spoken to
Directors of other Housing Authorities and they do help the borough.
Mr. Sudia said it is an unwritten rule among Housing Directors and
Commissioners that they don't have surpluses. A surplus is used to help the
community one way or another.
Skate Park
CINDY DeCAMP thanked the Mayor and Council President Stan Gutowski
for going to Kennilworth to try and introduce a Skate Park there. She was
glad to see that the Mayor and Council are interested in promoting something
for youth, not only in this town, but in other towns.
Mayor Failace said on Monday, as cold as it was, the Skate Park was packed
He stayed for about ] 5 minutes watching the kids.
Council President Gutowski said there was an editorial written in the
newspaper about supporting the Skate Park in Kennilworth and thanking this
Council for going there and giving our opinion. They also thanked Cindy
DeCamp and characterized her as the maven of the Carteret Skate Park. That
park exists because of Cindy DeCamp.
Tony Neibert
JOHN SUDIA said it was great to have Tony Niebert on board.
Mayor Failace said they were very glad to have him.
16
There being no further business or discussion, upon MMS&C, by
Councilmembers Gutowski and O'Brien and unanimous affirmative vote
of the full Council present, the meeting was adjourned at approximately
8:30 PM
Respectfully submitted,
~~~~
Hunicipal Clerk
KMB/sj
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17
FEBRUARY 19, 1999
ADJOURNED
FEBRUARY 19, 1999
COUNCIL
MEETING
18