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HomeMy Public PortalAbout1999/04/01 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, April 1, 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 March 26, 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 of the full Council present, the minutes of June 18 and 24, 1998 and March 4, 1999 were approved as transcribed and engrossed by the Clerk. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, , the order of business was amended to introduce Resolution #99-117 Appointing a Police Director before the ordinances. 1 Council President Gutowski said it has been a long road, but they are finally here. He said he called the Holiday Inn this morning to speak to the new police director and he was told he had checked out. He said his heart was in his throat. He gave the clerk the correct spelling of the gentleman's name and he was told he was still there. He would like to thank a few people before he announces who the new director is. APRIL 1, 1999 COUNCIL MEErING ROLL CALL PRAYER, PLECGE OF ALLEGIANCE STATEMENT OF MEErING NOTICE APPROVAL OF MINUTES ORDER OF BUSINESS AHENDED COMMENTS APRIL 1,1999 CO~1I1ENTS Continued Council President Gutowski thanked his colleagues for giving him latitude and guidance and patience in the search for a Police Director. It wasn't a one man job. Each of us shared in the responsibility of finding a person to take this position. He thanked John DuPont who was instrumental in starting this whole process when he was up here as a Councilmember. Gary Stowell performed a service for this borough and as far as he is concerned did a good job. Gary Stowell participated in the search for this police director candidate and he thanked him for the work he did. He also thanked the P.B.A. One of the reasons he thanked the P.B.A. was because last year when Mr. Stowell's allotment of money had run out, there was a debate on the Council that got pretty heated at time. They wanted to decided when to bring Mr. Stowell back and the president of the P.B.A. came to him and requested that they bring Mr. Stowell back. He agreed with him. Mr. Stowell's job is winding down with the placement of Police Director and completion of contract negotiations, his services to the borough are almost complete. Mr. Stowell wanted him to thank everyone in the community, supporters and non- supporters for allowing him to work for the borough. He said Mr. Stowell did a wonderful job. He thanked Chief Barany, who took over when Mike Hack retired He is doing a good job. He knows what he was put there for and performed to the best of his ability. Council President Gutowski said he would like to say something about the person who is taking this unenvious position. He is young, aggressive and smart. He is more than willing to do it. He speaks his mind. His spoke about his qualifications. He is a Police Chief right now and has a combined total service of 27 years in law enforcement as Assistant Chief of a Fire Department. He has also been a New York State Trooper and he is now the Chief of Police for the city of Medical Lake, Washington. He wasiborn in New Jersey and raised in Rockland County, New York. His wife's family still lives in Rockland County. His wife was a police officer for ten years and just recently retired. She was a policewoman in the town of Ramapo, New York. When they move to Washington she retired. He has experience in administration, supervision and training of police, fire and emergency medical service personnel. That was an important factor for the borough be¢ause of the problems we have with our First Aid Squad. He has implemented numerous cost saving techniques that have resulted in efficiency and better quality of life for the citizens and his own personnel. That was one of the things that drew us to him. He was concerned not only with the citizens, but with the people working under and for him. He is experienced in writing grants and was instrumental in his town receiving one of two multi- jurisdictional grants within the state of Washington. He established a narcotics detection dog unit and taking part in federal and state asset seizure programs which resulted in additional revenues. We know we have a drug problem and it is every where you go. He will attack that vehemedtly He established an excellent working relationship with the community through the local media. The News Tribune and The Star Ledger have complained to him that the administration of the police department wasn't open to them for any information or any activities that went on. He conveyed his feelings to this gentleman that everything is available within reason. He said he expects him to be responsive to the press. He has established several program for the youth. The Mayor had been over at the high school dealing with thè Human Relations Club with the kids and one of the complaints were that the police aren't necessarily responsive to what they need and what they w~nt. He started the police explorer unit which involved the youth in his community and we were looking for someone to get the youth involved in the town. He completed his Masters Degree in Public Administration with the primary concentration in criminal justice. 2 ,- Council President Gutowski said this gentleman received his Bachelor's Degree in Police Science with a specialization in police administration. He is a former New York State Trooper. In speaking with him last night,he found out that he and his partner were involved in a federal stake out for drugs and were ambushed. He has been shot in the line of duty. He's a graduate from Washington State University and John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York and also Westchester E.M.S. Academy. He serves in the Coast Guard Reserve. He was the Fire Chief in Congers, New York and he is also an E.MT He was the Assistant Fire Chief in training officers. His duties included administration and supervision of a 90 member fire department consisting of two stations and seven pieces of apparatus. He served as his department's training officer for five years. He was the on scene incident commander for fire and rescue for emergencies. He developed, implemented and directed the department's community's fire prevention programs. He oversaw the application, specification and purchase of two new fire trucks. He is certified as a fire instructor, Level One. He is also an Emergency Medical Technician and training officer. He was responsible for EMT and CPR training for a volunteer ambulance squad and advanced life support emergency medical service system. He was the chief coordinator for the two, 24 hour a day ambulance units. He also received advanced training in providing peer counseling and services to the emergency service workers that experienced critical incidents in the performance of their duties. He's certified by the F.B.I. Law Enforcement Executive Command College, (inaudible) National Highway Safety Drug Administration. He is a member of the International Association of Chief of Police, Washington Association of Chief of Police, Co-commander of the 92nd Security Police Squad of Fairchild Air Force Base He' a Law Enforcement Executive Director Association Police Explorer Chairman and Advisor for the Boy's Scout Council and an Executive Board member ofthe Kiwanis. He said he didn't know what else he could do, or where he finds the time to do it. He said they are glad he is here with us. We had another candidate originally. We believe we have the best man for the job He's young and excited to be here and we are excited to have him. We welcome him here and know he is going to do a good job and look forward to the full cooperation of the community and his subordinates to help him out. It is with a great deal of pleasure and honor to refer to the Council for Police Director, Mr. Christopher Elg. RESOLUTION #99-117 was referred by the Mayor to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and O'Brien and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, the Mayor declared the meeting opened on the resolution. 3 There being no comments or objections, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present the public hearing was closed. APRIL 1, 1999 COHMENTS Continued RESOLUTION #99-117 Appointment of Polic.e Direc.tor Christopher Elg Hearing Opened Hearing Closed APRIL 1, 1999 RESOLUTION #99-117 Appointment of Polic.e Direc.tor Continued Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Quinones and Fazekas RESOLUTION #99-117 "APPOINTMENT TO THE POSITION OF POLICE DIRECTOR IN THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET" Adopted was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley, Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative. Corrrnents Councilmember Crilley said he met with Mr. Elg last evening and con~ucted his own inquiry and he thinks they are hiring a Police Director. He gave the example ofJoe Torre being a player's manager and he felt that was what they are getting with Mr. Elg. He thinks he will be sensitive to the police nn the street. He thinks that he is a guy the police will be able to relate and talk to. He thinks that will continue the improvement that is going on :in the department. He said he senses that Mr. Elg's priorities are rank and file first and community second and administrators third. He said it's a good situation for everybody. He voted yes. Councilmember Fazekas welcomed Mr. Elg and voted yes. Councilmember Gutowski said he has sat up here and heard a lot of people say the police department should be or could be. They are giving the town the person they feel will lead the police department into the next century and will help and guide the police department to be the best not only in Middlesex County, but the state of New Jersey. He welcome Mr. Elg and voted yes. Councilmember Mancuso said he met Mr. Elg last night. Being a former policeman for 25 years, he spoke to him at length and thinks with his experience and drive we will have a number one police department and he is glad he is here. He voted yes. Councilmember O'Brien said he met with Chris yesterday and he feels he is the best person for this job. He is going to make this department even better than it is. He voted yes. Councilmember Quinones said sufficed to say Mr. Elg's qualifications speak for themselves. She welcomed him to Carteret and also welcomed his family. She voted yes. OATH OF OFFICE ADt-IINISTERED Mayor Failace said there isn't much to add to all the accolades, but in his discussion with Chris, he feels they have a fine young man and God willing he will be with us for a long, long time. He asked Mr. Elg to come up to sign his contract and swear him in. I, Mayor Failace administered the Oath of Office to Christopher Elg for the position of Police Director. Christopher Elg thanked the Council and said there wasn't much to add about his life that wasn't already mentioned. He considered this an honor. The East Coast has been his home. He was born in Englewood, New Jersey and lived in Rockland County, New York for 32 years. He wanted to express to the members of the police department that this was a true honor for him. He wants to be here and they will work well together to serve the people of Carteret the way they need to be served and the way they expect their police to be. He is not going to come in and wave a wand, it will require every civilian and commissioned member of the police department to work together to be the police officers they want to be and be the kind of officers the Borough of Carteret expects. He is certainly in agreement with getting the department up to being number one. We will start off small and start by trying to be number one in Middlesex County than move up to being number one in the State. This is a pleasure for him to be here. He thanked his family and friends for traveling down to be here this evening. He thanked everyone. ORDINANCE #99-12 was introduced and adopted on First Reading and the Clerk authorized and directed to advertise same for Public Hearing to be held April 15, 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 for the adoption ORDINANCE #99-12 "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE #71-9 ESTABLISHING SALARY SCHEDULES AND FIXING THE MANNER OF PAYMENTS OF SALARIES FOR VARIOUS OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET" 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 O'Brien and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present. There being no comments or objections, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Crilley and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, , the public portion on resolutions was closed. 5 APRIL 1, 1999 Comments ORDINANCE #99-12 Salary Ordinanc.e Re: Attorney - Planning & Zoning Boards First Reading MEETING OPENED - Public. Input On Resolutions MEETING CLOSED APRIL 1, 1999 RESOLUTION #99-118 An1endment to 1999 Temporary Budget Adopted RESOLUTION #99-119 A\Jard of Bid - Taro Tractor Adopted RESOLUTION #99-120 A\Ærd of Bid - Dump Truck Adopted Corrrnents RESOLUTION #99-118 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas RESOLUTION #99-118 "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 #99-119 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Crilley and Gutowski RESOLUTION #99-119 "AWARD OF BID - TORO INFIELD PRO 5020 TRACTOR" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley, Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative RESOLUTION #99-120 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas RESOLUTION #99-120 "AWARD OF BID - 1999 CONVENTIONAL SINGLE AXLE DUMP TRUCK" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Crilley voted no. Councilmember Crilley said he had a problem with this. Last year when he was on the Streets & Roads Committee this request was brought up, he discussed it then with the Council. He feels this truck is unnecessary. There are two other dump trucks sitting in the yard. Once in a while one of them is out on the road with recycables. He told the Streets & Road Director and the Park Director that he has a difficult time spending money on trucks when we are not using what we have. There shouldn't be any trucks in the lot. He thinks there are other things they could spend the money on. He feels a jet truck in the sewer department is more important than this. He voted no. 6 RESOLUTION #99-121 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and O'Brien RESOLUTION #99-121 "AUTHORIZING PURCHASING AGENT TO RE-ADVERTISE BIDS TO SELL 1971 SNORKEL FIRE TRUCK" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley, Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #99-122 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Mancuso and Quinones RESOLUTION #99-122 "PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES" was tabled. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley, Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Mancuso said he felt there should be further discussion on Resolutions #99-122 and #99-123. RESOLUTION #99-123 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Quinones RESOLUTION #99-123 "PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES" was tabled. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley, Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative. 7 APRIL 1, 1999 RESOLUTION #99-121 Re-advertise Bids to Sell 1971 Snorkel Fire Truck Adopted RESOLUTION #99-122 Professional Services Re: Killam Associates Sports-Recreation Facility Tabled Comments RESOLUTION #99-123 Professional Services Re: Killam Associates Sports-Recreation Facility Tabled APRIL 1, 1999 RESOLUTION #99-124 Authorizing SettlæJent - Rad"an v. Borough of Carteret Adopted RESOLUTION #99-125 Authorizing Bids for Shelving - Library Project Adopted RESOLUTION #99-126 Authorizing Settlement - Federal Blvd. Project Adopted RESOLUTION #99-127 Authorizing Emergency Repairs Adopted RESOLUTION #99-124 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Mancuso RESOLUTION #99-124 "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Fazekas abstained. RESOLUTION #99-125 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and O'Brien RESOLUTION #99-125 "AUTHORIZING PURCHASING AGENT TO ADVERTISE BIDS FOR SHELVING - NEW LIBRARY" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley, Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #99-126 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas RESOLUTION #99-126 "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL BOULE V ARD PROJECT" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley, Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #99-127 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Mancuso RESOLUTION #99-127 "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF EMERGENCY REPAIRS" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Crilley, Fazekas, Gutowski, Mancuso, O'Brien and Quinones voted in the affirmative. 8 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Mancuso, 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. Councilmember Fazekas was noted absent. The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of an application to amend a Bingo License for the Carteret Jewish Community Center. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, it was ordered to be received and processed. The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a notification from Comcast of their intention to merge with MediaOne Group. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, it was ordered to be received and placed on file. The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a Resolution from the Borough of Highland Park endorsing pending legislation granting immunity from Y2K related tort claims. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, it was ordered to be received and placed on file. The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a Land Use & Development Ordinance from the Township of Woodbridge regarding Affordable Housing Requirements. A Public Hearing will be held April 6, 1999. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, it was ordered to be received and placed on the bulletin board. The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a communication from the New Jersey General Assembly regarding the deadline of Assembly Bill 2915 which is now being considered by the Senate to extend filing date for Senior Citizens for the property tax freeze program. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, it was ordered to be received and placed on file 9 The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a resolution from the Middlesex County Department of Planning which accepts the New Jersey State Planning Commission Negotiation Worksheet Policy Issues and Map Amendments. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, it was ordered to be received and placed on file. APRIL 1, 1999 PAYHENT OF BILLS APPLICATION: Bingo Amendment COHMUNICATIONS: Comc.as t Borough of Highland Park Township of Woodbridge Ne\v Jersey General Assembly Middlesex County Department of Planning APRIL 1, 1999 tliddlesex County Planning Board The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a Notice of Public Hearing from the Middlesex County Planning Board to be held May 11,1999 at 5:00 PM, New Brunswick, New Jersey regarding the Draft Middlesex County Transportation Plan. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, it was ordered to received and posted on the bulletin board. Ne\l Jersey Transit The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a Public Hearing Notice from New Jersey Transit at various locations in April and May, 1999 regarding Senior Citizen and Disabled Resident Transportation Assistance Act. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, it was ordered to be received and ~~oo~~~~~~ . Tmmship of Piscata\.Jay The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a resolution from the Township of Piscataway urging the State to maintain State Aid to municipalities at current levels indexed for increases in the Consumer Price Index. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, it was ordered to be received and placed on file. REPORTS Departments The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of the following reports: 1. Welfare - January and February, 1999 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 Corrmittees BUILDINGS & GROUNDS: Committee Chairperson O'Brien said at th¢ Fire Building the bathroom work should be completed. Brian O'Connor is g¢tting a generator for the West Carteret Fire House from the schools. Any additional electrical work needed there will be done by the firemen. In the Police Building the water heater is up and running. In the annex Ray and Jason are keeping up with basic maintenance there. In the second Annex there is some electrical work that is needed in the bwlding. They are getting quotes for that. In Borough Hall, it's still standing. The company doing work on the gUtters there, but because of the rain they will be starting it next week. Council is in the process of discussing plans to repair the roof at borough hall and the cost of the work is coming from a bond that was passed a number of years ago. After the gutter is done that will leave approximately $9,000 in that bond to use for other projects and other improvements at Borough Hall. The air quality test is in and there will be work needed to correct some problems there As a Council, they will have to decide shortly whether they will rdtrofit the building or look at other avenues. We are in the process of putting a committee together to oversee the Year 2000 Census in the borough.' We want to make sure everything is done correctly because the census will affect how much money the borough is eligible for in different grants. He has approached a few people already and if anyone is interested in being on the committee, please contact him. Everything is still standing. He reported progress. 10 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION: Committee Chairperson Quinones said with respect to the budget there isn't a lot to report. They are still awaiting a response from the State with regard to the application for discretionary aid and as soon as she receives information on it she will let everyone know. One thing she wants to talk about that has received a lot of public attention lately is the Right to Know Law and Freedom of Information Act. Since she has been on the Council there have been a number of members of the public, and they are certainly entitled to information that is distributable to the public, have come in at various times and requested information and expected borough workers to just stop whatever they were doing and immediately try to resolve their need for this information. There was someone who refused to fill out the form we have in the borough requesting information citing its illegality. She has confirmed with legal counsel that the form is legal and we have absolutely every right to charge fees for anything that is distributable to the public and we can allot ourselves a reasonable amount of time in which to respond to these requests. She has taken the information she has received and is going to ask the Borough Attorney to implement a policy so there is no misunderstanding with the public. They want to balance the borough's need and the public's need to receive and distribute it when it is appropriate and maintain some type of order for the borough workers. She reported progress,. _1 Borough Attorney Coughlin said it is somewhat unprecedented for him to speak at this time, but in connection to an article that appeared in last Sunday's News Tribune, there were some comments attributed to him relative to a clerk in the police department. He feels it's important because the words that were used weren't his, it was an attribution. The article indicated that he apologized for the Clerk's ignorance. In fact, what happened was he was contacted by the newspaper and asked about the borough's policy with regard to the Freedom of Information Act and given some information they had requested as sort of a test They had done this test throughout the circulation area of the newspaper. The interview lasted 15 minutes. He indicated that this Council and Mayor were committed to replying to all requests from the public. It was important to them that there be a new and open environment to Municipal Government and it was something they saw as being critical to that process. We have been in the process for some time now to coordinate Freedom of Information Act requests. One of the things he thinks is important and imperative to the efficient function of the government is there be a central point for requests and a uniform way of going about it. He thinks it needs to be requested in writing, not making it difficult for citizens, but by way of making it clear what is being requested and what is required. He said there may be instances where Borough Employees are not familiar with the law and if that is the case it is incumbent upon the Council and more incumbent upon himselfthat they make sure what the law requires and what their obligations are. Much of what was requested was something the Clerk was right about Police reports are not discoverable except when pursuant for discovery requests from attorney and a sort of synopsis that the law requires be available to the public, not the entire report. The newspaper mischaracterized the full scope of what he believes they were talking about and what his comments were intended. He never intended to indicate there was any lack of knowledge or appreciation of duty upon the part of anybody in the borough and to the extent that anyone was offended, he certainly will apologize for that miscommunication to the extent that he can. APRIL 1, 1999 Standing Committees Continued Freedom of Information Act APRIL 1, 1999 Standing Corrrnittees Continued FIRE: Committee Chairperson Fazekas said since the beginning of the year they have received over 170 calls which the first response team responded to. He thanked them They also got an emergency generator for Firehouse #3. They have received their personal warning devices from Community Development to be worn when you enter a fire or a hazardous atmosphere From the monies of 1998 we are also receiving Scott Air Packs. There is about $5,000 for gear and he thanked Community Development for that. The Fire Department is also in Y2K compliance. That's important because there is a lot of equipment there that . relies on time. With that, rolling right along. PARKS & RECREATION: Committee Chairperson Crilley said the ballfields are being made ready for April 17, 1999, Opening Day for Little League and Softball League. Mr. Kately and his crew are spending a lot of time on the two fields in Carteret Park, while still getting the other fields ready. Basically, the plan is to renovate two fields a year The High School Baseball and Girls Softball teams will be starting next week on those fields The dog is coming. The dog will be here by the end of next week There was a slight delay due to some additional training. Mr. Kately spoke to the man and was assured the dog will be ready and able to work and all he wants to do is chase geese all day. He thanked the Recreation Committee for their efforts on the recently completed 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament held in the High School. They did a Herculean job. He thanked Donna Antonini, Linda Wehrhahn, Daphne Miles, Vince O'Gara, Chico Quinones, Andy Mazon, Bev Hedesh and it was chaired by Bobby Rinkiwiecz. These people put in a lot of time and effort and the kids had a good time. Mr. Gutowski spent all three nights working. They enjoyed working with the kids. It was a good feeling. The last thing he wanted to mention was the Easter Egg Hunt which was cancelled last week due to the weather. It is rescheduled for Saturday afternoon at 2:00 P.M. and he looks forward to seeing all the kids out there. He reported progress. POLICE: Committee Chairperson Gutowski said in conferring with the Police Director, he is aware of the structure of the department of this point, with Acting Chief Barany and the two captains. That will remain in 'effect until Director Elg makes his determination if that in fact is the way he wants to run his department. We made it clear to him that it is his department and there is no interference from this Councilor Mr. Stowell or anyone else. It's his department to do what he wants to do. Secondly, we are in the process of renegotiating the PBA Contract and all the contracts in the borough. He is sure a lot is being said out on the street about what is and isn't ¡being offered. He can't talk about anything that is going on, but he will address one issue and that's Mr. Stowell. He has heard a lot of accusations about why we need to have Stowell negotiate the contract. It's very clear and simple, The PBA has a Labor Negotiator that knows police business and their contract inside out. It is the Council's duty and our obligation to see that the Borough of Carteret and its taxpayers are on equal terms with their negotiator. We will continue to have the best person that they can supply for the town's 12 benefit. He reported progress. PUBLIC WORKS: Committee Chairperson Mancuso said he had a meeting today with Theresa Brown of the Turnpike Authority. Several months ago, we issued summonses for the condition behind the sound barriers. It's become a marshland. Sparks from a Conrail train set the whole area on fire. We were lucky there weren't any trains parked or we wouldn't have been able to get to the fire. The turnpike had assured the town that they would keep that area clean. There are muskrats, snakes, etc. After meeting with these people he was told to write to Mr. Ed Gross who is the Executive Director. He asked them why did they have this meeting if he has to write to Mr. Gross They had no answer. He talked to them about the condition at Exit 12. They also addressed the lights on the bridge and he was told that in 1972 Carteret signed a contract with Middlesex County to take care of the lights and railing on the bridge He explained to them that Carteret can't afford it and they should absorb the cost They didn't want to hear anything about that. He told them the nexr time the lights go out, they might have to close both sides of the bridge oif at 8: 00 A. M on a Monday morning to fix the lights They told him they can't shut the bridge because It will cause a problem on the turnpike He told them that was their problem He is going to put this all down on paper. He said they should fight them all the way. They just don't care He reported a little progress. BOARD OF EDUCATION: Committee Chairperson Crilley said most of them probably read in the paper about the skirmish he had at the Board of Education on Monday and he assured the Council that it had nothing to do with borough business at all. The most important job he has is as a parent and he will go and do what he feels is right tor his child regardless of what position he holds. As a result of that, he asked the Mayor and Ccunct! to remove him from this edUl:ation comnnttee so there is no conflict He said he didn't believe there was any problem, but to be on the sate side, it is probably the best way to go. Mayor Failace said they would discuss it nexr week. Committee Chairperson Crilley said there is no progress, because they had no discussions. 13 APRIL 1, 1999 Standing Committees Continued APRIL 1, 1999 MAYOR Proclamations Knights of Columbus Mayor Failace read the following proclamations: PROCLAMATION KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SPECIAL CITIZENS DAYS WHEREAS, the Knights of Columbus of the State of New Jersey, have over the past years donated millions of dollars for the use and benefit of those of our citizens who suffer from what is described as Mental Retardation; and WHEREAS, over the same period there has been a diminution of the funds allotted to these Special Citizens by the State of New Jersey and the United States of America; and WHEREAS, the needs of these Special Citizens has increased rather than diminished; and WHEREAS, the Knights of Columbus Carey Council No. 1280 ofCarteret, New Jersey have resolved to ask our fellow citizens to donate to this charitable endeavor; NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES A. FAILACE, MAYOR OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET do hereby proclaim that the Knights of Columbus Carey Council No. 1280 dedicate APRIL 22, 23, 24 and 25, 1999 as SPECIAL CITIZENS DAY in the Borough of Carteret and urge all citizens to assist as best they may in obtaining funds for this charitable effort. Signed and sealed this 1 st day of April, 1999 James A Failace, Mayor Borough of Carteret 14 PROCLAMATION FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF PARTICIPATION IN THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FUND PROGRAM WHEREAS, the New Jersey Commission on High Education is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of their Educational Opportunity Fund Program (EOF); and WHEREAS, Fairleigh Dickinson University has been affiliated with this program for 25 years; and WHEREAS, the Educational Opportunity Fund Program offers special assistance to young men and women from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds; and WHEREAS, among the strategies implemented by EOF are precollege articulation, basic skills, testing and remediation, systematic retention efforts, peer counseling, peer tutoring, academic support courses, multicultural curricula, human relations programming, student leadership development and outcome based program evaluations; and WHEREAS, the Educational Opportunity Fund Program has been a leader in the higher education system's efforts to increase diversity. WHEREAS, during the 25 years EOF has been at Fairleigh Dickinson University, many students from Carteret have enrolled and benefited from this program. NOW, THEREFORE, 1, JAMES A. FAILACE, Mayor of the Borough ofCarteret do hereby proclaim and support the 25 years Affiliation of the Educational Opportunity Fund Program at FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY and ask the citizens of Carteret to join me in congratulating Fairleigh Dickinson University for its dedication to the Educational Opportunity Fund Program and the students who benefit from this program. Signed and sealed this 1 st day of April, 1999 JAMES A F AILACE, Mayor Borough ofCarteret, New Jersey 15 Mayor Failace thanked Beverly Hedesh and the Recreation Commission for the 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament It was a fun time. They did a great job. APRIL 1, 1999 Fairleigh Dickinson University 3 on 3 Basketball APRIL 1, 1999 Goose Dog Mayor Failace said one of the reasons the Easter Egg Hunt was cancelled was because of the geese droppings in the park. It was wet and it couldn't be cleaned up. Regardless of any detractors who think $3,800 is too much for the dog, he thinks two or three times the amount is easily enough if they can clean up this problem in the park. Councilmember Quinones said these birds are federally protected animals and contrary to popular, these border collies are specially trained to deal with the problem. Some have suggested we release our own dogs in the park to solve the problem, but that is not the case at all. They would probably harm the animals and that is in violation of federal law. Departnent of Environmental Protection Re: Sewers Mayor Failace said he has a certified letter from the Department of Environmental Protection and he is livid. The DEP is fining Carteret $50,000.00. Me Gutowski, on his behalf, called the DEP to ask some questions. He would like Mr. Gutowski to relate to that first. Councilmember Gutowski said about six months ago he reported back to the Council the meeting he had with the Department of Environmental Protection in Trenton in relation to the condition of our sewers and our noncompliance with the separation of our sewers. At that time the meeting was attended by Mr. Beninato, Mr. Coughlin and himself They came to an understanding and agreement that was signed by the Borough ofCarteret, it was never signed by the Department of Environmental Protection. That agreement was basically that we knew we had some problems on Linden Street and we knew there were sewers hooked up illegally. We told them we would fix them. In the course of fixing these we have come across many more that are hooked up illegally. There is a slew of them on Louis Street. One of the High School's bathrooms is hooked up illegally. In our infinite wisdom, we notified the DEP that we found these illegal hook-ups and we were going to fix them. He spoke to Me Charles Mack about this. The Mayor just told them they were fined $50,000. We are being fined $50,000 because we told the DEP about the hook-ups that we found. That's the basis for the penalty. We have to file an appeal. He is sure the Mayor has a lot more to say about it. Mayor Failace said he is livid. This goes back to what hasn't been done with our sewers. We know we have a large sewer problem, but he and this Council have been spending an awful lot of money in the last two years and it hasn't even been touched. We just approved $850,000 at the last meeting. The year before we spent $750,000. He wanted to read some of the things in the letter. "By a letter dated September 22, 1998, Carteret notified this department On October 16, 1998 Carteret submitted a Treatment Works Approval Application to the department On December 24, 1998 Carteret properly connected 17 sewer laterals. On February 17, 1999 Carteret notified the department". We have done what we have supposed to do. Our Engineer finds a problem that should have been corrected and was not corrected in the 16 past twenty years. The prior administration did absolutely nothing for these sewers and we are being fined today, because we are trying to remedy the problems. >. Ij'.r.-· Mayor Failace said went down to them last year and we set a goal and told them what we were going to do and set it time wise. They didn't actually approve them, but said they would give us a consent order soon We are actually ahead of what we have given them so far. We are working with Congressman Menendez to get money. He wants this in the paper. This administration had nothing to do with this. This administration is working diligently to take care of this. The last 16 years, and we know who was in charge, that's when it wasn't done. Bottom line. He said they are doing everything they can to take care of this problem and do what we have to do and we are being fined. He has spoken with the Borough Attorney and they will appeal this. He discussed this with the Council and he wants to sue the Department of Environmental Protection because he believes they are covering up for their inefficiencies, their inadequacies and their ineptness. They new about 90% of these problems in 1988 and we have the letter that was sent to Mayor Peter Sica and that Council at that time. Saying we have problems with our sewers. The connections have to be taken care of Stan was down there and they told him that they were sent a letter from the Mayor and the engineer at the time, Mr. Parmar, that these sewers were done. He personally thinks the DEP are covering their own butt. They were told it was done and it was never checked. None of it was done and we are taking the brunt of it now The citizens now are taking the brunt of this. This letter also states that there will probably be more fines coming down because this was not done when it was supposed to be done. He is asking the Borough Attorney to file an appeal and he intends to sue the Department of Environmental Protection because we did nothing. Who did nothing is the prior administration and that is why we are in the position we are in today. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Crilley and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, the meeting was opened for public discussion. KATHLEEN MlSDOM asked the Mayor if the Dispatcher's Contract had been signed yet? Mayor Failace said probably not. It's in the office. Ms. Misdom asked when could they expect it? Mayor Failace said she could expect him to sign it tomorrow and the Clerk will have it on Monday. 7 GEORGE MALEK said the traffic in West Carteret is so bad going on to the turnpike. The trucks go right through the red light and cars follow the truck. This morning he couldn't move. The trucks were backed up. He said the turnpike should open up more lanes so the (rucks can move. Mayor Failace said they have been discussing that with the turnpike. We have to discuss a remedy and that will be happening shortly. APRIL 1, 1999 Department of Environmental Protection Continued PUBLIC DISCUSSION Dispatcher's Contract Turnpike Traffic. APRIL 1, 1999 Turnpike Traffic. Continued Mayor Failace said the turnpike has not been a friendly neighbor to Carteret. We are trying hard to get them to sit down with us Councilmember Gutowski said there have been meetings between our engineer, the turnpike and the county. It is a county road. The county has presented a number of alternatives to the turnpike and to Carteret. An overpass, basically widening the road taking out part of Carteret Gardens and the new CVS. There are a lot things the county is proposing to do and the county will be paying for that. It's a problem that this Mayor and Council have with the county because this is not something new. Our Police Department knows its a problem. It is being worked on, but with the turnpike it takes forever to get them going. It is in the works. Mr. Malek mentioned the other phase ofthe industrial road. Councilmember Gutowski said that is like the sewers that didn't get done Phase II and Phase III of the Industrial Road GATX DAPHNE MILES thanked Bobby Kately and his crew in the parks. There were a few snags with the dugouts because of a terminal problem at GA TX. The businesses that donated their time and money were work on the problem at GATX, which took precedence over the dugouts. They will be completed by April 7, 1999. It will be a plus for the teams. She apologized for keeping Mr. Kately and his crew under the gun, but it should be done. Mayor Failace said GATX has been a very good neighbor. He understands their industry is a difficult industry. This Council went through the terminal and they have been just excellent neighbors If all our larger businesses were like that this town would be even better than it is and it is going to be. He asked Daphne to thank them for him. He spent Saturday watching these guys work on the field. He spoke to members of the Little League and they said it is the most work that has been done on the fields in 20 years. These guys worked hard. Bob Kately donated his own equipment to do it. With the aerator we have the fields will be soft, not hard like a rock. They can't imagine the suits the town has had in the past from people getting hurt on the hard ground, so this will help that. They did one heck of a job. He thanked them. PBA TOM STROKA said on behalf of the PBA fully supported what occurred as far as the investigation of the department and some of the things Mr. Stowell looked into. Once that job was completed they thought his job was done Apparently, Mr. Stowell is still here. He wanted to clarify something that was supposedly said, that they fully supported everything that Mr. Stowell is doing. Councilmember Quinones asked why did the PBA have a problem with Mr. Stowell negotiating the contract? Is it because they don't think he is doing a good job for the Council? Mr. Stroka said he wasn't going to debate with her. He just wanted to clarify what was said. They just thought he was here for a specific purpose, they worked with that and thought that was the end of it. He just wanted to make sure everyone understood their position. 18 There being no further business or discussion, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 845 PM Respectfully submitted, ~h~~ . ' .--- KATHLEEN M. B ,---'" Municipal Clerk KMB/sj 19 APRIL 1, 1999 ADJOURNED APRIL 1, 1999 COUNCIL t1EITING 20