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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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