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HomeMy Public PortalAbout1997/01/05 The Re-Organization Meeting of the Governing Body of the Borough of Carteret was called to order by Mayor Peter J. Sica on Sunday, January 5, 1997, Municipal CourtlPolice Facility, 230 Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey at 12:00 Noon. Upon individual roll call, the following were noted present: Mayor Peter J. Sica Councilmember Deborah L. Bialowarczuk " James Failace " Jack Fazekas " William Feingold " James O. O'Brien Noted absent was Councilmember John J. Vesey, Jr. Also noted present was Borough Attorney Robert A. Hedesh. BUILDINGS & GROUNDS: Committee Chairperson O'Brien reported that it was a busy year as far as Buildings & Grounds. Borough Hall was carpeted The parking lot was paved. The electricity was upgraded from 200 AMPS to 400 AMPS. Most of the leaking in Borough Hall was eliminated. The boiler was serviced. Ray Tobias painted the benches around Borough Hall and did a lot of caulking around there. A new snow-blower and a computer desk in the Tax Office was purchased. He said that he hopes whoever has Buildings & Grounds this year will take immediate steps to rectify the steps in the rront. Committee Chairperson O'Brien stated that about three years ago he took his seat up there. He was only 26, very young, very inexperienced when it came to matters of politics, but not necessarily...(inaudible)....However, he had a belief that his father instilled in him, that through hard work and if you try your best, you get a lot accomplished. He hopes he did that and that he got a lot accomplished. A number of items came before this Council in the previous years, some of which were good, some were bad. Some things he agreed with and some things he did not. He is proud to say that he never lowered his personal standards to get his point across. Sometimes, he got criticized for this, sometimes praised. No matter what others thought, 99.99% of the time he was able to leave here with his head held high and he was able to live with every decision he made. He hopes that someday he'll be back up there to serve the people of Carteret. He wished evelyone a health, Happy New Year. 1 JANUARY 5, 1997 RE-ORGANIZATION MEEIING ROLL CALL REPORTS OF 1996 Standing Corrmittees JANUARY 5, 1997 PRESENTATION 1.996 Standing Cornr:¡ittee Reports Con' t. Mayor Sica presented Councilmember O'Brien with a plaque for his dedicated service to the Borough of Carteret. He said that he is sure that there will be things that will come up in the City of Carteret, like various committees, serving on things and they will look forward to asking for his services again. Councilmember O'Brien thanked Ray Tobias for the good job he does at Borough Hall. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION: Committee Chairperson Failace reported that 1996 was an exciting year for him. He was new and had a lot to learn. He knows that there is a lot more to do. Patrick DeBlasio was very, very helpful. He sat and explained everything that was necessary, everything he needed and answered any questions he had. He was never given a hard time. He thought that they put together a good budget in 1996. For some people the taxes were a little higher because of the re-evaluation the year before but they had an agenda. They had an agenda that they were going to give back to the taxpayers in 1996 and they did. Our municipal budget was only a $30.00 increase and that was not too bad. He hopes that in 1997 it's even lower. Patrick's Department was very helpful. The tax collected was 96%, a hair lower than last year, but they worked like dogs to get that money. They worked very, very hard. Committee Chairperson Failace reported that things seem to be moving smoothly. He hopes that in 1997 they will move again in the right direction towards a zero increase in taxes for the people of Carteret. - FIRE: Committee Chairperson Fazekas reported that as everybody heard in 1996 there was a major fire at the Shell Refinery in Sewaren. The first to call was the Carteret Fire Department. The first at the scene was the Carteret Fire Department. They positioned their trucks strategically to fight the fire and this alleviated probably what some people say, a catastrophe. He congratulated the Fire Department, Company #1 and Company #2 and the Career Firefighters for their efforts in that fire. He thanked Douglas Packard for being the 1996 Chief of the Volunteers. He thanked him for his efforts. He welcomed Scott Pine who will be Chief in 1997. He thanked Mr. Greenberg who helped him quite a bid in his freshman year heading the Fire Committee. It was very difficult and there are still things that he wants to accomplish. He hopes that within the next two years he can accomplish them. As always, they have an open house in October. Anybody that hasn't gone there or attended that in October should. They go over firefighting, equipment and tìre prevention. He told everyone to bring the kids, bring the family because it's one of the best things Carteret has going for itself Committee Chairperson Fazekas reported that in 1996 they established a charitable fund every year. 1997 will be the first year and the recipient charity will be the Muscular Dystrophy Association. There will be a Valentine's Day Dance on Febmary 14, 1997 and hopes that everyone attends. He thanked the firefighters for giving him the opportunity to represent them and to help them. 2 PARKS & RECREATION: Committee Chairperson Bialowarczuk reported that last summer they made sure that every high school student that applied for a job received a job. It's important that they all get a chance to work and experience it. They added new projects which work out really well and kept the kids busy. She reported that they got a new truck. CBS was in Carteret and all of Carteret got the greatest compliment when they said that it looked like a Norman Rockwell picture. That's an enormous compliment to the town and it's people. She reported that she received a letter rrom Michael T oth from the Little Carteret Baseball League. He mentions that 1996 was the wettest summer on record an the small bunch of guys that work in the park did a tremendous job getting the fields taken care off or the games and for the tournaments. She publicly thanked the guys who worked in the park. They did work hard this summer. Committee Chairperson Bialowarczuk congratulated Beverly Hedesh, the Chairperson of the Recreation Commission again for a fantastic job this past year. Some new things were added. She hopes that next year some other new things will be added. She hopes that it doesn't fall by the wayside. It's important for all of us to show that we're proud of Carteret and to keep things going. She thanked everybody again for all of their work in the past year. She had a good time. It's been great. Going along with something Jim O'Brien said, they make decisions and she always said that when she makes a decision, she wants to sleep at night. She does sleep at night. She'll always make the right decision for the Borough of Carteret, not what is right for her personally whether or not it affects her or her family personally. She will always do what is right for the Borough. She reported progress. 3 POLICE: Committee Chairperson Feingold reported that out of all of the things he's done over the past two years, sitting as a Council, being the head of the Police Committee has been the most rewarding to him He's taken a personal interest in each and every officer and each and every member of the rank. He's worked well with Police Chief Sica. He thanked the Chief There's been controversy in our Police Department in 1995 and 1996, but the strong point of this particular committee has been to amplify the positive aspects of our Police Department. The positive aspects greatly outweigh any possible negative aspects that have been in the papers. We have fine officers. Anyone that has driven through the Borough of Carteret that has been stopped by one of our police officers would also agree that the police officers treat the people they stop with respect. That's the most important aspect of their job, to get along well with the public. He's gotten along well with all of them. He's ridden with theIl'~ sometimes until 3:00 A.M.. He's seen how they act. 75% of what our Police Department does is help people. JANUARY 5, 1997 1997 Standing Committee· Reports Can't. JANUARY 5, 1997 1997 Standing Committee Reports Con' t. MAYOR ADJOURNED SINE DIE OATHS OF OFFICE ADNINISTERED Committee Chairman Feingold will continue to say that. He can only hope and pray that he will get appointed to be Police Commissioner again this year. It has been his strong point, his reason for wanting to serve as well as serving the residents of Carteret, he thinks he is best in that particular committee. He thanked the Mayor and the members of the Council for having the faith in him to appoint him s the Commissioner of the Police Department. He thanked Chief Sica He reported a lot of progress in the Police Department. PUBLIC WORKS: In the absence of Committee Chairperson Vesey, Committee Member Feingold reported progress. MUNICIPAL GARAGE SERVICES: Committee Chairperson Failace reported that the Municipal Garage was another experience for him. He was quite surprised when he was put on that committee. He felt that he knew a little bit about finance, but he didn't know what he knew about the Municipal Garage. Vic Kazio was very, very helpful. They work very hard down there. Vic has done a heck of a job. During the storm last year with Vic and his people, they kept those plows running. Vic mns the garage like his own business. He hopes that all municipal employees in Carteret would do the exact same things. He looks at it like he's not spending this if he doesn't have to. He watches every penny. Sometimes he's criticized for it, but he thinks that Vic has done a heck of a job. He thanked Vic and his people for the work they've done. He reported progress. Mayor Sica welcome Perth Amboy Mayor Joe Vas and Assemblywoman Arline Friscia who were present in the audience. There being no further business, the Borough Council of 1996 adjourned Sine Die upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Failace and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present. Kathleen M Barney, Municipal Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to the following: Councilmember John P. DuPont Councilmember Stanley Gutowski 4 Councilmember Deborah Bialowarczuk " John P. DuPont " James Failace " Jack Fazekas " William Feingold " Stanley Gutowski The Clerk stated that on December 30, 1996, in full compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, a notice of to day's meeting was sent to The Home News and Tribune, The Star Ledger and posted on the bulletin board. Notice was also published in both newspapers on December 30, 1996. The invocation was given by Reverend David Hoffinan of the A.M.E. Zion Lutheran Church. The meeting was opened with a minute of Silent Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Peter 1. Sica. 5 Mayor Sica welcomed John DuPont and Stan Gutowski to the Council. He looks forward to working with them in 1997 to move Carteret forward. As Mr. Failace mentioned it was a tough year in 1996 and he thinks it will be an even tougher year in 1997. Things are starting to move forward in Carteret. Things are starting to look real good for the citizens of Carteret. He thinks if they work together in 1997 they can move Carteret further. If not, they have some serious problems facing the City of Carteret. There are major expenses that are going to be incurred in 1997. Some of the expenses are far beyond the control of this Councilor this Mayor. For instance, we are in desperate need of a new fire apparatus at a cost of approximately $400,000.00 to $500,000.00. It's not something that we need as frills on the cake. It's something that's a necessity. We have to address some serious short tàlls in our pension fimding. We have to address some of the conditions of the roads. There's still a tremendous amount of sewer improvements that have got to be done. Although we've had a very wet year this year, because of that wet year, our sewer rate in Middlesex County is going to go up approximately $160,000.00. He is looking into that very seriously because he wants to get some engineering data pertaining to if in fact we're pumping more storm water over there, are they still charging us the rate as if we were sending regular sewer water over there? He asked Mayor Vas to look into it too in Perth Amboy. The problem is that cities like Perth Amboy and cities like Carteret have old sewer systems. JANUARY 5, 1997 ROLL CALL 1997 BOROUGH COUNCIL STATEMENT OF MEETING NOTICE INVOCATION PRAYER, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MAYOR'S MESSAGE FOR 1997 JANUARY 5, 1997 MAYOR'S lIES SAGE FOR 1997 Con' t. Mayor Sica said when we get a tremendous amount of rain we then ship a tremendous amount of rain water over there. It's time for the older cities like Carteret, Woodbridge and Perth Amboy to look into what rate we're being charged when we're sending that rain water over there. It takes a lot less to treat 5 million gallons of sewage and rain water mixed than it does to treat 1 Y2 million gallons of just sewage. He asked Mayor Vas to look into it too. That $160,000.00 raise is far in excess of what the City ofCarteret can afford to pay. In addition to that, we have a lot of other sewer projects that have to get done. The pump station in West Carteret and the separation of the east side and west side or the north and south side of West Carteret has got to be accomplished in 1997. The continuation of the project on Beverly Street taking the storm water out of the system completely and moving it to the river must be accomplished. All these things will then cut down on the amount of the storm water that we send to the Middlesex County Utilities Authority. Those things have to be addressed. In addition to that, there is a major road repair work that has got to be done in the City of Carteret. Lastly, if in fact we're going to get the shopping center in the turnpike area, then we must look at the second phase of the Industrial Road. It's a necessity, not just to that shopping center, but in order for us to revitalize the Chrome Section in Carteret. We've got to get the heavy truck traffic out of the Chrome area. It's imperative that Woodbridge work closely with the City of Carteret in making that second phase of the Industrial Road a reality. Otherwise, we're going to be stymied in the Chrome area and it'll never get improved. We're being successful in cleaning up the Hill area and he wants to be just as successful in cleaning up the Chrome area. Those things are all gong to cost a lot of money. It's important that this Council look at ways of generating new tax sources for the City of Carteret. He looks forward to doing that with the Council. Nomination - 1997 Council President Mayor Sica asked for a motion to nominate a Council President. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and Failace, Stanley Gutowski was nominated. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers DuPont, Failace, Fazekas and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Bialowarczuk abstained. Councilmember Feingold voted no. Corrments Councilmember Feingold stated that Mr. Gutowski probably would be a good President, but he just became a member of the Council. He said that he would prefer to have somebody who has a little more experience. Such as Mr. Failace. Mr. Failace would be a find President He doesn't know if he can vote for Mr. Gutowski, so he voted no. 6 JANUARY 5, 1997 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and Gutowski, the 1997 Rules of Council were adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. Rules of Counc.il - 1997 Adopted 1997 RULES OF COUNCIL ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES 7 JANUARY 5, 1997 1997 RULES OF COUNCIL 1997 RULES OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL BOROUGH OF CARTERET ARTICLE I The deliberations of the Council shall be governed by "Robert's Rules of Order" . ARTICLE 11 MAYOR SECTION 1. The Mayor shall preside over the deliberations of the Council and shall conduct the meetings thereof He/she shall see that the laws of the State and the ordinances of the Borough are faithfully executed and followed He/she shall recommend to the Council such ordinances, resolutions or actions that he/she shall deem necessary or expedient and in the best interest and the welfare of the Borough. He/she shall maintain peace and good order and have power to suppress all tumultuous assemblies in the Borough. The Mayor shall oversee the daily departmental and agency responsibility of the Borough. In his absence this duty shall be assumed by the Council President. (See R.S. 40:87 et seq. and 40:88-1). SECTION 2. He/she shall, on all occasions preserve the strictest order decomm, and he/she shall cause the removal of all persons who interrupt the orderly proceedings of the Council. SECTION 3. He/she shall decide all questions of order subject to an appeal to the Council. SECTION 4. In the absence of the Mayor, or if he/she is unable to perform his/her duties, the Council President (or, in his/her inability to act, the Councilmember having the longest term as such in consecutive years) shall act as Mayor, as provided by Statute. (See R.S.40:88-3). ARTICLE III BOROUGH CLERK SECTION 1. The Clerk shall perform the duties enjoined upon him/her by revised Statutes of New Jersey and these By-Laws. (See R.S. 40:87-54 et seq.). SECTION 2. He/she shall keep the minutes and ordinance books properly and fully indexed and shall perform all the duties usually devolving upon such officer; and in addition, such other duties or services as the Mayor or Council may direct 8 SECTION 3. He/she and/or the Deputy or Assistant Clerk shall be the liaison officer between the Civil Service Commission and the Borough of Carteret. ARTICLE IV MEETINGS SECTION 1. The Council shall hold an annual meeting on January First at Twelve O'CLOCK Noon, or, during the first seven days of January in any year (See RS. 40:88-1). SECTION 2. That at the aforesaid meeting the Council shall fix the time and place for holding regular meetings during the ensuing year, which time and place shall be the first and third Thursday of the month, with the exception of July and August, which time shall be the third Thursday of the month, 7:30 P.M., at the Municipal CourtlPolice Facility, 230 Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey. In the event of a holiday the meeting shall be held on the Tuesday of the same week. The public shall receive due notice of the meetings pursuant to the "Open Public Meetings Act". SECTION 3. At the annual meeting, the Council will elect one of its members as Council President to serve for the calendar year. (See RS. 4088-2 and 3). SECTION 4. The Mayor shall, when necessary, call special meetings of the Council, in case of his neglect or refusal, and four members of the Council may call such meetings at such time and place in such Borough as they may designate, and in all cases of special meetings reasonable advance notice considered to be of forty-eight hours except in case of emergency shall be given in person to all members of the Council, or left at their place of residence. (See R.S. 40:28-24). SECTION 5. On the Thursday preceding every regular Council Meeting, the Council shall meet at the Municipal Court! Police Facility at 7:00 PM.. This shall be known as the official Agenda Meeting. At this meeting the agenda of that week's regular Council Meeting shall be planned. Resolutions, ordinances or other items of business being proposed by a Standing Committee or member of the Council shall be considered by the whole Council. If the majority of the Council agrees to put the proposal on the agenda for the business meeting, it shall then be turned over to the Borough Attorney to be put in its proper legal form. The Council shall be polled in alphabetic order to determine if any new business will be proposed and the nature of its subject matter. Any business not placed on the agenda shall be out of order and prohibited. Where, however, the majority of the Council present at a regular, special or adjourned meeting of the Council approve the matter not previously listed on the agenda, such matter may then be considered The public shall receive due notice of the agenda meetings pursuant to the "Open Public Meetings Act". Discussion at the agenda meetings shall be limited to those invited to participate by the Mayor and Council. 9 SECTION 6. A quomm shall be provided by the Revised Statutes of New Jersey, viz.; three Councilmembers and the Mayor, and in the absence of the Mayor, four Councilmembers (See RS 40:88-1). SECTION 7. If no quorum be present at any meeting, those assembled shall have the power and are hereby authorized to set a new meeting date, and then adjourn. JANUARY 5, 1997 1997 RULES OF COUNCIL Con' t. JANUf,RY 5, 1997 1997 RULES OF COUNCIL Con' t. SECTION 8. The following order of business shall be observed viz.: 1. Call the roll 2. Moment of silent prayer 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Approval of minutes 5. Introduction of Ordinances 6. Public Portion on Resolutions 7. Introduction of Resolutions 8. Payment of Bills 9. Presentation of communications, petition, etc. 10. Reports of committees and department heads 11. Greeting of public and invitation of discussion 12. Adjournment SECTION 9. The public shall be afforded the opportunity to speak on the contents of the proposed resolutions. The public shall not be allowed to address the Council while they are taking action on the resolutions. No one may be allowed more than five (5) minutes when addressing the Council. SECTION 10. Reports of committees shall be presented by alphabetic order of the members of Council. SECTION 11. During the last public discussion portion of a Council Meeting, each person recognized by the Chair shall be permitted to discuss matters of public concern at said meeting limiting their speaking to five (5) minutes per person. SECTION 12. The aforesaid order of business at any meeting may be changed by a majority vote of the members of the Council present at such meeting. SECTION 13. Except as otherwise required by the Statutes, or specially provided in the By-Laws, all action of the Council shall be by a majority vote of those present. SECTION 14. Upon demand of one member of the Council, or when ordered by the Mayor, or when directed by Statute, a roll call vote shall be taken and the yeas and nays entered in the minutes of the meeting. ARTICLE V STANDING COMMITTEES SECTION 1. The Mayor shall name all committees with such appointment subject to the concurrence of a majority oflhe Council. The Mayor shall see that all matters referred to the committees are acted upon and reported 10 promptly. Should a maj0l1ty of the Council not concur in the appointment by the Mayor of any Councilmembers to any committee, a majority of the members of said Council are hereby empowered to make such appointment. JANUARY 5, 1997 SECTION 2. The following Standing Committees of the Council consisting of three Councilmembers, with the first named Councilmember to act as Chairperson shall be proposed at the annual Meeting, viz.: 1997 RULES OF COUNCIL Con' t. 1. Buildings and Grounds 2. Finance and Administration 3. Fire 4. Parks and Recreation/Shade Tree Commission 5. Police 6. Public Works 7. Municipal Garage Services Committee members shall meet and/or consult during the first and fourth weeks of each month as the need arises in order to conduct their respective committee business. They also shall coordinate their common efforts, so as to adhere to requirements of all local Ordinances and Resolutions, as well as purchasing practices and procedures for the benefit of the Borough. Each Councilmember shall be a member of at least one committee, and will be a committee head of at least one committee, as an obligation of his council duties. Failure of a Council person to assume these responsibilities may result in appropriate action by the Council as a whole, e.g., withholding of pay and benefits. SECTION 3. In addition to other responsibilities, the Standing Committees shall perform the following functions: 1. DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: This committee shall be responsible for the proper maintenance and janitorial service of the Borough Hall. 2. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION: The primary function of this committee is to assist the Mayor and Council in the preparation of the annual budget to be prepared on or before February 15, of each year as well as providing assistance for the proper coordination of purchasing functions and needs of the departments and agencies which the Standing Committee of the Borough represents. This committee shall be responsible for the personnel and equipment of the offices of the Borough Clerk, Assessor, Collection-Treasurer, Building Inspector, Department of Welfare, Engineer, Auditor and Attorney. In addition, the Chairperson of this Committee shall also serve on the Welfare Board. 3. FIRE: This Committee shall be responsible for the personnel and equipment of the Fire Department, including all fire houses. 11 4. PARKS AND RECREATION/SHADE TREE COMMISSION: This Committee shall be responsible for the personnel and equipment of the parks, playgrounds, senior citizens' transportation and all recreation activities. This Committee shall also be responsible for the implementation and administration of the Shade Tree Program. JANUARY 5, 1997 1997 RULES OF COUNCIL Con't. 5. POLICE: This Committee shall be responsible for the personnel and equipment of the Police Department and facility. 6. PUBLIC WORKS: This Committee shall be responsible for the personnel and equipment of the Streets and Roads Department, Municipal Garage Services, Recycling Department, Sewerage Department, including street cleaning and the borough dump. 7. MUNICIPAL GARAGE SERVICES: This Committee shall also be responsible for the maintenance and repair of all municipal vehicles, including but not limited to, Police vehicles, Fire vehicles, Park vehicles, Sanitation vehicles, Sewage vehicles and purchasing of parts for said vehicles; and further shall be responsible for the maintenance ufthe Borough Garage SECTION 4. Standing Committees are appointed to expedite and facilitate the work of the Council, but only within statutory, Borough Ordinance and Rules of Council limits as the entire Council is held responsible for any or all of its acts. SECTION 5. A Standing Committee shall: 1. Plan, study and control within budgetary and statutory limitations; carry on the routine activities for which it has primary responsibility. 2. Perform such acts as may be assigned to it by the Council. 3. Report and make recommendation to the Council regarding its responsibilities and activities. SECTION 6. The Mayor shall not: 1. Make promises or commitments to anyone which directly or by inference bind the Council. 2. Act in such manner or make decisions which set a precedent or violate established Council policy. 3. Expend any money whatsoever, except with the approval of the Council. SECTION 7. Special committees shall be appointed for purposes other than those included in the duties of the Standing Committees by a majority vote of the Council. SECTION 8. The Chairperson of each Standing or Special Committee shall be prepared to report to the Council at each regular meeting on the principal activities and achievements of his/her Committee. 12 SECTION 9. All department heads in charge of Direct Supervision of Borough Employees, shall prepare and submit a monthly report on his/her department activities and achievements and a report on the conduct of his/her employees including sick leave, overtime and attendance. The report is to be submitted to the Department Chairperson and the Clerk for proper filing. '-.. JANUARY 5, 1997 ARTICLE VI 1997 RULES OF COUNCIL Con' t. BILLS. CLAIMS & VOUCHERS SECTION 1. All bills, vouchers, or claims against the Borough shall be in writing and certified by the vendor, fully itemized and on such forms as the Borough shall promulgate for that purpose through the Finance Department. As required by Statute, said forms shall be sworn to by the claimant before submission for approval and payment, verifying that the work or materials have been supplied, or services rendered, to the Borough, in accordance with specifications, plans or order. Borough Ordinance #45-1, et seq., sets forth the specific procedures in connection with bills, claims and vouchers, and the requirements thereto. SECTION 2. Pursuant to the Borough's Purchasing Agent Ordinance, Resolution #89-300 and other formerly adopted resolutions of Council and State Statute, no vendor's request for payment, supplies or services rendered shall be honored unless properly completed. No Borough Officer, Official, Agency Head or any other Borough employee, may purchase any article, item, material, service or equipment for use by the Borough, except in accordance with the provisions contained in Borough Ordinance 45-1, et seq. - Purchasing Agent. SECTION 3. The route of purchasing requisitions, purchase orders, vouchers, bills or claims to be paid by the Borough shall be in accordance with the Purchasing Agent Ordinance 45-1, et seq., which shall govern all purchasing within the Borough, and shall be the sole guide, subject to requirements of State Statute. The Finance Department, having confirmed compliance with the provisions of the Purchasing Ordinance, shall refer all verified bills, claims and vouchers recommended for payment to the Council. The Finance Department shall prepare a list of the total amount of the individual vouchers approved by each committee, and subsequently recommend for payment by the Financing Committee, according to budgetary appropriations. The Finance Department shall keep an accurate mnning total as to any appropriation for payment of any particular account or accounts, or for any particular services or supplies, so as to be available to provide this information readily. The Finance Department shall also maintain costs and/or a voucher trail as to all vouchers which have been paid and shall be paid. Authorization to draw checks and pay the amount of the approved vouchers by the Councilmembers shall be made by formal resolution of the Council, in compliance with applicable State Statute. The Chief Finance Officer may delegate the above duties/functions but in all cases shall be responsible for compliance. SECTION 4. Corresponding vouchers, invoices, or bills shall accompany all checks drawn in payment thereof, when the said checks are presented to the Chief Financial Officer, Mayor and Borough Clerk for original and/or mechanical signatures. 13 SECTION 5. All bills, vouchers, invoices and paychecks shall be filed in a safe place in the Finance Department Office. JANUARY 5, 1997 1997 RULES OF COUNCIL Cell' t. ARTICLE VII AMENDMENTS SECTION 1. The Mayor and any member of the Council may propose amendments to these By-Laws, at any regular meeting or adjourned regular meeting. SECTION 2. The proposed amendment shall be considered for adoption at the next regular or adjourned regular meeting of the Council, after its introduction. The proposed amendment shall be adopted by a majority vote of the Governing Body present at the meeting and shall become effective immediately ARTICLE VIII ADOPTION AND TERM SECTION 1. The By-Laws shall be adopted by a resolution of Council concurred in by a majority of the Members of Council. The By-Laws shall become effective immediately after adoption and shall remain in effect for no longer than December 31 st of the calendar year in which the By-Laws were adopted. ARTICLE IX SECTION 1. Any Borough Employee violating any of these rules shall be subjected to disciplinary proceedings and may be suspended or removed ARTICLE X The Borough Engineer, Borough Attorney, Borough Collector-Treasurer, Borough Auditor and Chief of Police shall submit the following written reports to the Mayor and to the members of Council: 1. A monthly report summarizing the progress of all matters being handled or worked upon by each. This is a monthly "Progress Report" to be submitted prior to the first meeting of the next month. 2. Project or Case Report - Reports that will give in detail all facts about the projects or cases completed by either or both the Borough Attorney, Borough Engineer, Borough Auditor and Chief of Police, to be presented before the meeting next following the completion of the case or project. 3. Special Reports - To deal with any special information the Borough Council may need to be informed on any new case or project of either the Attorney, Engineer, Collector-Treasurer, or Auditor. To be presented as soon as needed and requested by majority vote of Borough Council. 4. Year End Reports - These will summarize work for the year by the Borough AIJcmey, Borough Engineer, Borough Auditor and Chief of Police. They 'Nill be presented to the Mayor and Councilmembers prior to the fìrst regular meeting of the Council in the next succeeding year. They will serve 10 acquaint new officials with prior and continuing activities of the Borough Attorney, Borough Auditor, Borough Engineer and Chief of Police. 14 JANUARY 5, 1997 RESOLUTION #97-1 entitled "DESIGNATING OFFICIAL TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES AS TO LIABILITY FOR ASSESSMENTS FOR MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENTS" RESOLUTION #97-1 Designating Official to Issue Certificate of Liability was introduced and moved for adoption by Councilmembers Failace and DuPont. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #97-1 was adopted. Adopted RESOLUTION #97-2 entitled "DESIGNATING OFFICIAL TO ISSUE TAX SEARCHES FOR THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET" RESOLUTION #97-2 Designating Official to Issue Tax Searches was introduced and moved for adoption by Councilmembers Failace and DuPont. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #97-2 was adopted. Adopted RESOLUTION #97-3 entitled "DESIGNATING OFFICIAL NEWSPAPERS OF TI-IE BOROUGH OF CARTERET" RESOLUTION #97-3 Designating Official Ne\lspapers was introduced and moved for adoption by Councilmembers Fazekas and Failace. Upon individual roll call vote, Council members Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the aflìrmative. RESOLUTION #97-3 was adopted. Adopted Councilmember Gutowski said that, as the Mayor has said many times, he hopes they report the good things not just the bad things. Commen ts RESOLUTION #97-4 entitled "DESIGNATING OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET RESOLUTION #97-4 Designating Official Depositories was introduced and moved for adoption by Councilmembers Fazekas and DuPont. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. 15 RESOLUTION #97-4 was adopted. Adopted JANUARY 5,1997 RESOLUTION #97-5 Interest On Delinquent Taxes and Assessments RESOLUTION #97-5 entitled "FIXING THE RATE OF INTEREST TO BE CHARGED ON DELINQUENT TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS" was introduced and moved for adoption by Councilmembers Failace and Gutowski. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative Adopted RESOLUTION #97-5 was adopted. RESOLUTION #97-6 Appointing Municipal Auditor Before RESOLUTION #97-6 was introduced, Mayor Sica proposed the names of O'Neill, West and Lang. RESOLUTION #97-6 entitled "APPOINTING A MUNICIPAL AUDITOR FOR THE YEAR 1997" Notion Fails was introduced and moved for adoption by Councilmembers Feingold and Bialowarczuk. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk and Feingold voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers DuPont, Failace, Fazekas and Gutowski voted no. Councilmember Failace proposed the names of Lerch, Vinci and Higgins. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and Failace the resolution was moved for adoption. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers DuPont, Failace, Fazkeas and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Bialowarczuk voted no. Councilmember Feingold abstained. Adopted RESOLUTION #97-6 was adopted. Corrments Councilmember Feingold asked if somebody could tell him about this firm because he never heard of them. Councilmember Failace stated that Mr. Higgins is in the audience. He could give his credentials from top to bottom. Mayor Sica said that it should not be done at this time. Councilmember Failace explained that they are a C.P.A. firm. They have the largest number of municipal accountants on their staff. They do approximately thirty (30) communities right now, including South Amboy and Rahway. They come with glowing recommendations. 16 JANUARY 5, 1997 RESOLUTION #97-7 entitled "APPOINTING REPRESENTATIVES TO SERVE ON THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AND THE CARTERET COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD" RESOLUTION #97-7 Appointments to Corrmunity Development Board was so introduced and tabled by Councilmembers Fazekas and Bialowarczuk. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski vote din the affirmative. RESOLUTION #97-7 was tabled. Tabled Before RESOLUTION #97-8 was introduced, Council President Gutowski proposed the name of Kay Horvath for the term 12/31/97, Sophie Cherepon for the term 12/31/99 and Fred Grigni for the term 12/31/01. RESOLUTION #97-8 Appointing Members - Office on Aging RESOLUTION #97-8 entitled "APPOINTING REPRESENTATIVES TO SERVE IN THE OFFICE ON AGING" was so introduced and moved for adoption by Councilmembers Failace and DuPont. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers DuPont, Failace, Fazekas and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Bialowarczuk and Feingold voted no. RESOLUTION #97-8 was adopted. Adopted RESOLUTION #97-9 entitled "ESTABLISHING A PETTY- CASH FUND FOR THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET PURSUANT TO N.1.S.A. 40A:5-21" RESOLUTION #97-9 Petty Cash Fund was introduced and moved for adoption by Councilmembers Fazekas and Bialowarczuk. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. l7 RESOLUTION #97-9 was adopted Adopted JANUt.RY 5, 1997 RESOLUTION #97-10 /.ppointing Members to Board for the Disabled Before RESOLUTION #97-10 was introduced, Mayor Sica proposed the name of Harry Heim, noting that the Board recommended him. RESOLUTION #97-10 entitled "APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE BOARD FOR THE DISABLED FOR THE YEAR 1997" was so introduced and moved for adoption by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. Adopted RESOLUTION #97-10 was adopted. RESOLUTION 4.197-11 Appointing Affirmative Action Officer RESOLUTION #97-11 entitled "APPOINTING PUBLIC AGENCY COMPLIANCE OFFICER FOR AFFIRMATIVE ACTION REQUIREMENTS" was introduced and tabled upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Fazekas and DuPont. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers DuPont, Failace, Fazekas and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Bialowarczuk abstained. Councilmember Feingold voted no. Tabled RESOLUTION #97-11 was tabled. RESOLUTION #97-12 Appointing t1unicipal Public Defender Before RESOLUTION #97-12 was introduced, Mayor Sica proposed the name of Mark Cholowski. RESOLUTION #97-12 entitled "APPOINTING A PUBLIC MUNICIPAL DEFENDER FOR THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET" Notion Fails was introduced and moved for adoption by Councilmembers Feingold and Bialowarczuk Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk and Feingold voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers DuPont, Failace, Fazekas and Gutowski voted no. Colffi1ents Councilmember Feingold stated that Mr. Cholowski is probably one of the most qualified attorneys that we could ever have in the Borough of Carteret to serve as Public Defender. We would be lucky to have somebody with his experience and his expertise in criminal defense. Every defendant that is charged with an offense in our Court deserves the best possible representation, not somebody who is "in" with the powers that be. Mr. Cholowski should be appointed. Council President Gutowski proposed the name of George Otlowski, Jr. Councilmember Fazekas made a motion to adopt. Councilmember Failace second the motion. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Bialowarczuk abstained. Adopted RESOLUTION #97-12 was adopted. 18 JANUARY 5, 1997 RESOLUTION #97-13 entitled "PROVIDING FOR A TEMPORARY BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 1997 PURSUANT TO N.1.S. 40A:4-19" RESOLUTION #97-13 Temporary Budget was introduced and moved for adoption by Councilmembers Failace and Gutowski. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #97-13 was adopted. Adopted Mayor Sica said that he defers to the Council to name the Standing Committees. 1997 Standing Committees Council President Gutowski submitted the following to the Mayor, the first name being the Chairman: BUILDINGS & GROUNDS: FINANCE: FIRE: PARKS: POLICE: PUBLIC WORKS: MUNICIPAL GARAGE: BIALOWARCZUK, Feingold, Fazekas F AILACE, Gutowski, DuPont FAZEKAS, Bialowarczuk, DuPont GUTOWSKI, Failace, DuPont DuPONT, Failace, Fazekas F AILACE, Bialowarczuk, Feingold FEINGOLD, Gutowski, Bialowarczuk Councilmember Gutowski made a motion to approve the 1997 Standing Committees. Councilmember Fazekas second the motion. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Feingold voted no. Approved Councilmember Feingold asked why Mr. DuPont is more qualified to head up the Police Committee when he's been doing it for two years. We've had more projects in the Police Department over the past two years than there has been in the past twenty. Corrrnents 9 JANUARY 5, 1997 MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS - COUNCIL CONSENT OFFICE APPOINTEE TERM Air Pollution Iuspector Ellen Ransdell 12/3197 CONFIRt1ED Councilmember Failace made a motion to approve the nomination. Councilmember Gutowski second it. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. Air Pollution Secretary Diane Kish 12/3197 CONFIRt1ED Councilmember Failace made a motion to approve the nomination. Councilmember DuPont second it. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. NOT CONFIRt1ED Borough Attorney Robert A. Hedesh 12/3197 Councilmember Bialowarczuk made a motion to approve the nomination. Councilmember Feingold second it. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk and Feingold voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers DuPont, Failace, Fazekas and Gutowski voted no. NOT CONFIPJIED Borough Prosecutor Terrance VanDzura 12/3197 Councilmember Bialowarczuk made a motion to approve the nomination. Councilmember Feingold second it. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk and Feingold voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers DuPont, Failace, Fazekas and Gutowski voted no. Board of Adjustment Member Bruce Anglin 12/3197 NOT CONFIRtIED Councilmember Feingold made a motion to approve the nomination. Councilmember Bialowarczuk second it. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk and Feingold voted in the affirmative Councilmembers DuPont, Failace, Fazekas and Gutowski voted no. Member Irene Kopin 12/3lJOO NOT CONFIRMED Councilmember Bialowarczuk made a motion to approve the nomination. Councilmember Feingold second it. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk and Feingold voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers DuPont, Failace, Fazekas and Gutowski voted no. 20 JANUARY 5, 1997 TERM OFFICE APPOINTEE Board of Trustees Free Public Librarv Member Linda Pino 12/31/01 Councilmember DuPont made a motion to approve the nomination. Councilmember Fazekas second it Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. CONFIRMED Local Assistance Member Theron Carmichael 12/31/00 Councilmember Bialowarczuk made a motion to approve the nomination. Councilmember Feingold second it. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk and Feingold voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers DuPont, Failace, Fazekas and Gutowski voted no. NOT CONFIRMED Board of Health Member Joseph Gentile 12/31/00 Councilmember DuPont made a motion to approve the nomination. Councilmember Fazekas second it. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. CONFIRMED Member Hadiyah Singh 12/31/00 Councilmember Bialowarczuk made a motion to approve the nomination. Councilmember Feingold second it. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk and Feingold voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers DuPont, Failace, Fazekas and Gutowski voted no. NOT CONFIRMED Member George Malek 12/31/00 ~1 Councilmember Feingold made a motion to approve the nomination. Councilmember Bialowarczuk second it. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk and Feingold voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers DuPont, Failace, Fazekas and Gutowski voted no. NOT CONFIRMED JANUARY 5, 1997 lIAYOR'S f,PPOINTIIENTS The Mayor made the following appointments, needing no Council confirmation. Aide to Mayor Harold L. Ferguson 12/31/97 Air Pollution Board Norvell Pendleton 12/31/01 Board for the Disabled Executive Director Barbara Sica 12/31/97 Middlesex County Transportation Committee Dennis McFadden 12/31/97 Planning Board Class 4 - Member Richard Long 12/31/00 };E1IARKS - Borough Council Committee Chairperson Feingold thanked the members of the past Council of 1996, Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Vesey. He agrees with Mr. O'Brien. He did a good job. He was a gentleman at all times. He expressed his opinion and if his opinion wasn't accepted by the majority, he lived with that. He did a good job. Mr. Vesey, as well. He had a different past. He came in to fill an unexpired term He took a personal interest in serving the residents of Carteret. He was a good Councilman and he is sorry to see him go. He congratulated Councilmember DuPont on becoming the Police Commissioner and said that if there is anything he can do to help him he is always there. He is sorry that he wasn't reappointed. That was something he really enjoyed doing. He only hopes that Councilmember DuPont will put the time and effort in that he did. He thinks he will. He also congratulated the other people who were appointed to serve on the committees. He hopes that they do as good ajob as the last Council did and he thinks they will. He told Mr. Gutowski that he didn't mean anything personal by not voting for him as Council President, but now that he's elected, he will do everything he can to work with him. He only hopes that the progress that has been started in the past two years keeps going because his term is up next year. The residents, the people who put the present Council in will have to live with exactly what happens this year on into the future. He thinks that since the people voted him in, they have to do what is in their interest not in their own interest. That, hopefully, will be accomplished. He knows that the Mayor has that in mind and he thinks that Mr. DuPont and Mr. Gutowski do too. We all have to work together though. It's like you can listen to what is said and vote the opposite. That shouldn't be the case. The case should be that each and every issue should be analyzed from a standpoint of what is in the best interest of the residents and the taxpayers. If we can do that, we'll continue to have a good year. He wished everyone a happy and healthy New Year. 22 JANUARY 5, 1997 Councilmember Fazekas thanked everybody who's here today and distinguished guests. He thanked Jim O'Brien for giving him some insight last year and John Vesey as well. The past two years, the people have spoken. They have made a statement. The statement is it's time for a change and that change is John DuPont and Stan Gutowski. He welcomed them and said that he is looking forward to working together along with them and the rest of the Council. There's a lot of opportunity for Carteret. There's a lot of things they can improve. He is also looking forward to being the Commissioner of the Fire Department once. again. He thanked everyone for coming and said that he is looking forward to this year. REMARKS - Borough Council Con 'to Councilmember Bialowarczuk congratulated Stan and John. Anybody that knows her knows that she is looking forward to having a good time. She was asked once if it is a lot of heartache sitting on the Council, but she said that there is more good than bad. That's what makes it all worthwhile. We've seen the biggest building boom and more businesses come into this town in the last two years than ever before. It's not what she wants personally, it's what the people in town want. We need to reduce the taxes. We need to give the older people in town a break. People her age can use a break. They all have children and are paying high taxes. We have to reorganize that a little bit more. She stated that it is not what is good for her personally. It's what is good for the town. It's not what is good for her family. It's what is good for the town. She will always do what is right. Two years ago she said she would always do what is right and she'll continue to do that. :3 Council President Gutowski thanked everyone for coming out today. He thanked Assemblywoman Friscia, Mayor Vas and Freeholder Harry Pozycki. He stated that with today's reorganization meeting comes the inevitable use of the word "change". Change is to give a different position in the course of the direction of something, in this case, the Borough of Carteret Sometimes change is hard to swallow by some and welcomed by others. With the make-up of this year's Council, changes will be made. The people have spoken and now their will must be heeded. The majority of this Council believes the most marketable commodity of Carteret is it's citizens and they are first and foremost in our hearts and minds when it comes to changes that are being considered. These same citizens have given them a task and they have to perform to the best of their ability. They must make decisions for them that will affect their lives. They must give their citizens a reason to believe in them, a reason to stay here in Carteret to help them. But how? First, by reducing the annual Sewer User Fee by whatever it takes. This non-deductible tax is deplorable and it will be reduced no matter who or what stands in the way. Pending projects will be completed. Future projects will have to be justified before work can begin. Second, the municipal budget should have a zero increase in 1997. Although many Borough workers may be concerned for their jobs, contrary. to rumors they might have heard, this Council is not looking to remove anyone rrom their job at this time. In his opinion this Borough cannot continue to give raises to its workers such as the ones given just a week ago by last year's Council. They will maintain the current work force if they can. JANUARY 5, 1997 REHARKS - Borough Council Council President Gutowski asked how do they justify 6% raises for our firemen and close to a 20% raise rrom a Streets & Roads Supervisor while our Seniors are told their increase in 1997 for Social Security is .9%? Third, by fully (inaudible)...our Urban Enterprise Zone designations with money collected in taxes for the zone. This Council will look for ways to use that money to clean and beautify our Borough, to fix sidewalks, pave roads, plant trees, use this revenue to repair our Borough's inrrastmcture. The more presentable we make Carteret the better it will be for all concerned. Fourth, through the formation of Liaison Committee with the Board of Education, a new spirit of cooperation will be forced between the Council and that Board. Both groups must and will work together for one purpose, our children. Working together they can open new, untapped avenues of recreation for our children, something that was begun last year and he does acknowledge the fact that it was begun last year and appreciates the work that was done, but must be expanded this year. Working together, they can improve the image of our Borough for those who are looking to move here. A spirit of cooperation....(inaudible) both commercial and residential developers which could result in additional tax ratables. Working together will bring a new spirit of hope to our Borough. It is his sincere desire that all these goals can and will be attained. Cooperation rrom both political parties will be needed. With that thought in mind, he does not look to make this Council Chamber a political battlefield. The business conducted in this Chamber is not about Democrats or Republicans, it is about Carteret and what is best and what is right for our citizens. Political battles should be fought during campaigns for office. That battle has been fought and won. Now, it is time to serve the people that put us here and get to work and once again make Carteret a proud community. Councilmember Failace stated that he looks forward to 1997 enthusiastically. He looks forward to moving Carteret forward. We have begun. We have begun building. We have started programs. Debbie Bialowarczuk has done things for the children. So many things we have started and we will continue to do. We're going to move them forward and better and bigger. Councilmember DuPont stated that this Council has a unique opportunity to change the direction of Carteret. Instead of being a community that people are moving out of, we can once again make it a community people want to move into. Ifwe're going to make this a reality, we need to do several things. It is the Council's responsibility to stabilize taxes and to make sure that everyone will get their fair share. It is the Council's responsibility to complete the library project on budget. It's this Council's responsibility to lower the Sewer User Fee because there is no reason we should be paying the highest rate in this County. It's this Council's responsibility to protect the interest of all our residents not just the chosen few. It's this Council's responsibility to complete the Recreation Center as promised by the previous Council. This Council will not ignore the environment and health issues which exist. He assured them that not a single child will enter that building until these issues have been resolved. It's their responsibility to conduct themselves in a professional manner and to ensure that our Council Meetings become forums where the residents can voice their concerns without being intimidated. It's their responsibility to come together and provide the leadership necessary to direct Carteret towards a brighter future. 24 Councilmember DuPont thanked everyone that supported him, especially his wife Christine, his daughter Courtney and the rest of his family. He invited the residents of Carteret to come and attend Council Meetings and to become part of the progress. There being no further business or discussion, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Feingold and Bialowarczuk and unanimous affirmative vote of the full Council present, the meeting adjourned at approximately 12:45 P.M. Respectful y submitted, fld:¿e~ c 4L.~ KATHLEEN M. BARNEY, RNIC! Municipal Clerk KMB/sj 25 JANUARY 5, 1997 REMARKS - Borough Council Con' t. ADJOURNED JANUARY 5, ::.997 RE-ORGANIZATION llEETING ---- 26