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HomeMy Public PortalAbout1997/05/15 ~-- ~_.-.- --~-,>_._- The Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Carteret was called to order by Mayor Peter 1. Sica, 7:30 P.M., Municipal CourtlPolice Facility, 230 Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey on Thursday, May 15, 1997. Upon individual roll call vote, the following were noted present: Mayor Peter 1. Sica Councilmember Deborah Bialowarczuk " John DuPont " James Failace " Jack Fazekas " William Feingold " Stanley Gutowski Also noted present was Borough Attorney Craig Coughlin. The meeting was opened with a minute of silent prayer and the pledge of allegiance led by Mayor Peter 1. Sica. The Clerk stated that on May 9, 1997, 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. The JVIayor issued certificate's of commendation to the following for their efforts in saving a man's life: Sgt. Daniel Tarrant Sgt Andrew Tarrant Det. David Csimbok Pt!. Frank Ciarkowski Pt!. Mark Makwinski Deputy Chief Dennis Nagy Carteret Police " " " " " Larry Aleksandrich Carteret Fire Joseph Oros Andrew "Doc" Halcovicz Carteret First Aid Squad " 1 ~1AY 15, 1997 REGULAR ~1EETING ROLL CALL PRAYER, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE STATEMENT OF ~1EETING CERTIFICATE I S OF MERIT MAY 15, 1997 ORDINANCE #97-16 SEWER USER FEES ORDINANCE #97-16 was introduced and adopted on First Reading and the Clerk authorized and directed to advertise same for Public Hearing to be held June 5, 1997, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Failace and Gutowski. FIRST READING Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative for the adoption. Councilmember Bialowarczuk Abstained. ORDINANCE #97-16 "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 207, ARTICLE II OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET, ENTITLED "SEWERS", PROVIDING FOR A REDUCTION IN SEWER USER FEES" ORDINANCE #97-13 SALARY ORDINANCE - SENIOR CLERK TYPIST The Clerk stated that Ordinance #97-13 was introduced and passed upon First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Borough Council of the Borough ofCarteret held on May 1, 1997. It was duly published in The Home News & Tribune on May 6, 1997 with notice that it will be considered for final passage after Public Hearing to be held on May 15, 1997 at approximately 7:30 P.M. The Ordinance was posted on the bulletin board and copies were made available to the general public and according to law, she read the Ordinance by tit!e. PUBLIC HEARING Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Failace and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be open: HEARING CLOSED There being no comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be closed upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Failace and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present. ADOPTED Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas ORDINANCE #97-13 "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" 2 .- '-':"::\.~~é ";;'~~}~'In". was finally adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative for the adoption. Approved and Adopted: Mav 15. 1997 Introduced: May L 1997 Advertised as adopted on First Reading with Notice of Public Hearing:. May 6. 1997 Hearing Held: Mav 15. 1997 Approved by:. Mayor Peter 1. Sica Advertised as finally adopted: June L 1997 The Clerk stated that Ordinance #97-14 was introduced and passed upon First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Borough Council of the Borough of Carteret held on May 1, 1997. It was duly published in The Home News & Tribune on May 6, 1997 with notice that it will be considered for final passage after Public Hearing to be held on May 15, 1997 at approximately 7:30 P.M. The Ordinance was posted on the bulletin board and copies were made available to the general public and according to law, she read the Ordinance by title. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Failace and Gutowski and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be open: There being no comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be closed upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Failace and DuPont and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Failace and Fazekas ORDINANCE #97-14 3 "AN ORDmANCE PROVIDING FOR THE FUNDING OF A REGIONAL CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT IN M1J) BY THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY AND APPROPRIATING $680,000.00 THEREFOR TO BE PAID BY THE TOWNSHIP OF CRANBURY" ~1AY 15, 1997 ORDINANCE #97 -13 (Con I t.) ORDINANCE #97-14 CAP IT AL IMPROVE~1ENT RCA, RE: CRANBURY PUBLI C HEARWG HEARING CLOSED ADOPTED MAY 15, 1997 ORDINANCE #97-14 (Con I t.) was finally adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative for the adoption. Approved and Adopted: May 15. 1997 Introduced: May L 1997 Advertised as adopted on First Reading with Notice of Public Hearing: May 6. 1997 Hearing Held: May 15. 1997 Approved: Mayor Peter 1. Sica Advertised as finally adopted: June L 1997 ORDINANCE #97 -15 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT - RCA RE: READINGTON The Clerk stated that Ordinance #97-15 was introduced and passed upon First Reading at a Regular Meeting of the Borough Council ofthe Borough ofCarteret held on May 1, 1997. It was duly published in The Home News & Tribune on May 6, 1997 with notice that it will be considered for final passage after Public Hearing to be held on May 15, 1997 at approximately 7:30 P.M. The Ordinance was posted on the bulletin board and copies were made available to the general public and according to law, she read the Ordinance by title. PUBLI C HEARING Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Failace and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be open: HEARING CLOSED There being no further comments or objections to the Ordinance, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be closed upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Failace and DuPont and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present. 4 ADOPTED Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas .,-----..,- ORDINANCE #97-15 "AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE FUNDING OF A REGIONAL CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT IN AND BY TOWNSHIP OF READINGTON, IN AND BY TOWNSHIP OF READINGTON, IN THE COUNTY OF HUNTERDON, NEW JERSEY AND APPROPRIATING $2,320,000. THEREFORE TO BE PAID BY THE TOWNSHIP OF READINGTON" was finally adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative for the adoption. Approved and Adopted: May 15. 1997 Introduced: May L 1997 Advertised as adopted on First Reading with Notice of Public Hearing: May 6. 1997 Hearing Held: May 15.1997 Approved by: Mayor Peter 1. Sica Advertised as finally adopted: June L 1997 A copy of each resolution was placed upon the table for public review prior to the meeting in accordance with the Rules of Council and upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and DuPont and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the meeting was opened for public input on all resolutions. William Kolibas, Jr. asked about Resolution #97-172, Removing a Member of the Zoning Board. He asked the Mayor for a reason for the resolution. Mayor Sica told him to ask one of the Councilmembers. :> Councilmember Gutowski said that it is nothing personal This is something that he felt should have been done last year in 1996. He brought it up before this Council at that time with the Planning Board. There were people sitting on the Planning Board that shouldn't have been there. At that same time, he also brought up the Zoning Board. To his knowledge, in his opinion, the statute clearly states that no one that is an officer or hold any other position in the municipality would be on the Zoning Board. This is no to say that he, (William Kolibas) personally could be influenced by this, but the statute clearly reads that way. MAY 15, lS9ì ORD I ¡lANCE #97-15 ( Con 't.) MEET I NG OPENED - PUB LI C INPUT ON RESOLUTIONS ----- MAY 15, 1997 DISCUSSION (Con't.) It's his opinion that any Borough employee who is placed in that position by the Council and by the Mayor certainly could be approached and that's a conflict. Anybody that is approachable in any kind of situation like that.. ..He doesn't want anybody having their job held over their head for a decision that should be made on the Zoning Board. He is not saying that he, (William Kolibas) would do that. He doesn't think that he would do that but in the future that could certainly happen with someone. He doesn't want to see that happen. He believes that we need to follow the statute of the law. Mr. Kolibas asked what position he holds. Councilmember Gutowski told him that he is an employee of the Borough. Mr. Kolibas agreed and said that he is an employee. He doesn't hold an elected position. He doesn't hold any public position with the Borough. Councilmember Gutowski said that it is a position under the Borough. Mr. Kolibas said that the other day he attended the Agenda Meeting and he specifically listened to the attorney whom he has great respect for, say that he researched the law and that he did not find under the law there to be a conflict, but it was his opinion that it would look inappropriate. He doesn't know where he comes off, yet he makes that ruling and then this comes up for a vote tonight. He didn't say that it was illegal. He said that it was .his opinion that it was inappropriate, not that the law precludes him rrom being on the Zoning Board. He asked the Borough Attorney if that is what he said. Borough Attorney Craig Coughlin said that he doesn't recall specifically what he said, but he believes that what he said was that it was his opinion that on its face, the statute prohibits anyone from holding any other position under the municipality. He thinks that is a very direct quote from the statute. In his opinion, that would preclude employees rrom serving on the Zoning Board of Adjustment illegal? He doesn't know specifically what he means in the sense of that. Illegal meaning, certainly not in a criminal nature of illegality. Illegal in the sense that anything that conflicts with a Statute, Ordinance, Federal Statute is not legal, meaning that it doesn't, it isn't in according with that in that broad definition, then yes, it's illegal. The resolution fairly well speaks for itself and is reflective of his opinion both at the Agenda Session and with regard to the issues he wants to look at. As you recall, they talked about what the process was for undergoing that. 6 ,.....---- '"~ MAY 15, 1997 He looked at the statute again and that is reflected in the resolution with regard to whether there is a requirement for a hearing. That expresses what he said then and now. DI~CU~SIO'l ( Con 't.) Mr. Kolibas said he respects that but that he doesn't agree with it. Taking it one step further, ifCouncilmember Gutowski is saying that the Council would hold it over his head to vote on any matter then that would show that maybe he believes some members of the Council would do that, it would be unethical on their part. Councilmember Gutowski stated that there is always that possibility. He is not saying anyone on this Council would like, he said that he didn't think he (William Kolibas) would. You have to also consider what could go on in the future. William Kolibas said that if a Councilman approached him on prior issues concerning a building down on Industrial Road, that Councilman probably would have been violating his oath of office. Correct? Council member Gutowski said that he can't tell him that. He doesn't know who approached him or what he is talking about. Mr. Kolibas asked the Mayor to look into that. He will be glad to furnish him with that information. Councilmember Gutowski said that he would like to look at it, too. Mr. Kolibas said that he will give it to everybody. He said that he served on the board for almost a year and he thinks that he did a fairly good job. He served on the Planning Board and he did a good job there....(inaudible)...the people. They came up with their opinions and listened to them fairly and objectively. If the Council decides to vote him off tonight, God Bless You. JVlichael Carnevale referred to the same resolution and questioned if they said that it was legal or not legal. He questioned if everything Mr. Kolibas voted on would have to be done over. Councilmember Gutowski said not necessarily. 7 Borough Attorney Craig CougWin stated illegal in the broadest sense, he's always concerned when people say things are illegal because it connotes some sense that it is, somehow in a negative sense, improper and generally people tend to think ofthat in connection with criminal matters. He thinks that the appointment of a municipal employee to the Zoning Board of Adjustment is prohibited by the statute. On its face the statute says what it says and you all now know what that says. In the broadest of definitions then, it is illegal. With regard to matters that Mr. Kolibas has voted on he thinks it could raise a question where, in fact, where for example, there was a tie vote but for his vote. Whereas otherwise it would have the sustaining majority and he doesn't belieye that, that would be a problem. MAY 15, 1997 DISCUSSION (Con' t.) Councilmember Bialowarczuk noted that at two of these meetings they've had on this, when Councilmember Gutowski first asked for an opinion, the Borough Attorney said that the law wasn't clear. Borough Attorney Craig Coughlin said he believes that is correct. Councilmember Bialowarczuk said that was what he said and he said it twice. The law itself is not clear. It's based on his opinion. What his opinion of the law is means they can do this tonight. Borough Attorney Craig Coughlin said that is correct. Councilmember Bialowarczuk stated that he also said that it was unclear that we would be left open for litigation because the law is unclear. It's not specific. He had one 1949 case and he's giving his opinion in another way. She read another case. There must be something else somewhere before we get sued. The town has enough of lawsuits. If the law isn't clear, why are we jumping from the trying pan into the fire? The Borough Attorney asked if he should respond. The Mayor said that it wasn't necessary because this was the public portion. MEET I NG CLOSED There being no further comments or objections to the Resolutions, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing to be closed upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Failace and Gutowski and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present. RESOLUTION #97-162 BUDGET AMENDMENT RESOLUTION #97-162 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. ADOPTED Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Failace and DuPont 8 RESOLUTION #97-162 "AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT TO THE 1997 TEMPORARY BUDGET" --- ,-~ was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Bialowarczuk Abstained. RESOLUTION #97-163 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Failace and DuPont RESOLUTION #97-163 "AUTHORIZING MAYOR TO EXECUTE ESCROW AGREEMENT - READINGTON TOWNSHIP" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #97-164 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Council members DuPont and Failace RESOLUTION #97-164 "APPOINTING JASON ABELLO TO THE POSITION OF PART-TIME BUILDING SERVICE WORKER" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. 9 RESOLUTION #97-165 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action I~AY 15, 1997 RESOLUTION #97-1(.,? (Con' t. ) RESOLUTION #97-163 ESCf\OW AGf\EEMENT - READINGTON TOHNSHIP ADOPTED RESOLUT lOti #97-164 APPOINTING ABELLO - BUILDING SERVICE HORKER ADOPTED RESOLUTION #97-165 GENERAL ASSISTANCE - f1UN I C I PAL LEVEL MAY 15, 1997 RESOLUTION #97-165 (Con't.) Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Failace and Fazekas RESOLUTION #97-165 "ENDORSING APPROPRIATION OF STATE FUNDS TO MUNICIPALITIES TO F ACILIT A TE THE CONTINUED ADMINISTRATION OF GENERAL ASSISTANCE AT THE MUNICIPAL LEVEL" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #97-166 AWARD OF BID - PENALOZA & CALDERONE ASPHALT CO., INC. RE: IMPROVEMENTS TO LEFFERT STREET RESOLUTION #97-166 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. ADOPTED Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Failace RESOLUTION #97-166 "AWARD OF BID - IMPROVEMENTS TO LEFFERT STREET" was adopted. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #97-167 UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS RESOLUTION #97-167 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. ADOPTED Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and DuPont RESOLUTION #97-167 10 "ENDORSING ST ATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS NOS. 41 & 60 REGARDING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS" -, ,--~--..,.""_.~- was adopted. Upon individual roll can vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative RESOLUTION #97-168 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Failace RESOLUTION #97-168 "PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES" was tabled. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. RESOLUTION #97-169 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Failace and DuPont RESOLUTION #97-169 "AMENDING RESOLUTION #96-315 FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES" 11 was adopted Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. MAY 1 5. 1997 RESOLUTION #97-167 ( Con' t. ) RESOLUTION #97-168 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - SHORELINE SERVICES RE: HILL SECTION PHASE I I TABLED RESOLUTION #97-169 AMENDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - RESOLUTION #96-315 RE: BARRY ALB IN, ESO. ADOPTED MAY 15, 1997 RESOLUTION #97-170 APPROVING CHANGE ORDER - ABBOTT CONTRACTING CO., INC. RESOLUTION #97-170 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. ADOPTED Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Failace RESOLUTION #97-170 "APPROVING CHANGE ORDER- ABBOTT CONTRACTING COMPANY, INC." was adopted. Upon individual roll cal vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. COMMENTS Councilmember Gutowski asked that this one be tabled. Mr. Parmar said that we needed to enclose the air conditioning units. The Mayor told him to get a price. He went down there and it's all done already. Mayor Sica explained that they wanted $1500.00. He got other prices and they were higher. He got one for less than $1500.00 and that's why it's being approved for $1300.00. Councilmember Gutowski asked the Mayor if he saw the pnces. Mayor Sica said yes. Councilmember Gutowski said that he will rescind his motion to table the resolution. RESOLUTION #97-171 TAXATION FOR SCHOOL PURPOSES RESOLUTION #97-171 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. The Clerk stated that this resolution was already adopted at the Special Meeting held prior to the Council Meeting. RESOLUTION #97-172 REMOVING MEMBERS OF ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND APPOINTING REPLACEMENT RESOLUTION #97-172 was introduced by the Mayor and was referred to the Council for action. 12 ~:··'·"':'·,·,·,:--·;:;·i""··.;',,,':F'-'·,;, MAY 15, 1997 Councilmember Failace made a motion to amend the Resolution by adding the name of John Rizzo to the resolution, who is an alternate. He also added the name of James O'Brien to replace Mr. Riggio as an alternate. Councilmember Gutowski second the motion. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmember DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. Councilmember Bialowarczuk voted No. AMENDED Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Failace and Gutowski ADOPTED RESOLUTION #97-172 "RESOLUTION REMOVING A MEMBER OF ZONING B OARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND APPOINTING A REPLACEMENT" was adopted as amended. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers DuPont, Failace, Fazekas and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. Councilmembers Bialowarczuk and Feingold voted No. Councilmember Feingold stated that there are reasons other than what is set forth in this resolution and the comments that were made by our Council President. Everyone can see through it whatever side of the fence you're on. COMMENTS Councilmember Failace stated that if Councilmember Feingold had those reasons he should bring them out. He asked him what he is implying. Councilmember Gutowski said that it is nothing personal. He spoke personally to the Department of Community Maris, to the Attorney General's Office, the Division of Planning of the State of New Jersey and everyone that had an opinion on this. He spoke to Edison, Woodbridge, Sayreville and East Brunswick. They all gave him the same opinion. They feel it is totally against the law to have an employee of the Carteret Borough on the Zoning Board. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas, all bills appearing on the prepared list, properly audited and signed, were ordered to be paid. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bialowarczuk, DuPont, Failace, Fazekas, Feingold and Gutowski voted in the affirmative. PAYMENT OF BILLS 13 . , The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of an application rrom the Carteret Jewish Community Center concerning amending BL#1446A by cancelling a date. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Failace and Gutowski and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, it was ordered to be approved. APPLICATIONS _.~_r MAY 15, 1997 COMMUNICATION - CITY OF PERTH AMBOY The Cierk stated that she was in receipt of a Resolution rrom the City of Perth Amboy concerning supporting legislation for reimbursement to municipalities for totally disabled veterans property tax exemptions. Upon MMS&C by Councilmembers Failace and DuPont and unanimous affirmative vote of the full memberslùp present, it was ordered to be received and placed on file. COMMUNICATION - Cot1CAST The Clerk stated that she was in receipt of a communication from Comcast asking for support of re-examination of Direct Broadcast Satellite's exemption from local taxes and fees. Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Failace and DuPont and unanimous aftìrmative vote of the full membership 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: Air Pollution - February 1997. Fire - March 1997. Inspection of Buildings - April 1997; Total Estimated Cost of Construction - $994,216.00; to Treasurer; $29,122.00. Treasurer - April 1997. Welfare - March and April 1997. All reports were ordered to be received and placed on file. STANDING Cüt1M I TTEES BUILDING & GROUNDS: Committee Chairman Bialowarczuk reported that the sign on the Municipal Annex is completed. They have now completed the bathroom and the roof The lights and the carpeting will both be completed June 10, 1997. The phone and computer lines will also be completed by the 10th. Patrick DeBlasio has given an anticipated moving date. It was originally July 1, 1997, but it may now be June IS, 1997, depending on the computers. They really rather have the new computer system in when they move rather than moving the old computer system. That's something they have to discuss. She reported that she attended a meeting of the Library Board the other night. Sitting upstairs in the Library were four computers that were just obviously sitting there doing nothing. 14 _".~"!II'~1I ,~t~rJl~. MAY 15. 1997 She questioned why these computers aren't downstairs so our kids have access? Not everybody can afford a computer at home. She assumed and she was wrong, that at least one or two of them were up and running on the main floor and any student could come in and do a book report. That wasn't the case. They changed that and by Monday those computers will be downstairs in the Library. They will be up and running. There will be somebody in the Library scheduling the children that want to come in. Another program they are coming up with is books for shut-ins There are a lot of people in town that can't get out. They will be looking into getting a van and setting it up like a book club program for people that can't get out, adults and children. Maybe we can hire someone part-time and they can deliver the books. This will be an excellent program and she is looking forward to starting this up by the Fall so that we have it ready to really roll in the winter. She reported Progress. STANDING COMMITTEES ( Con' t. ) FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION: Committee Chairman Failace reported that we've been waiting for our discretionary aid and we got it We lost $50,000.00. Others have lost a lot more. Other towns got a bit more. We're not in too bad shape. It looks like we will still have another meeting on the budget, but at this point it looks like we have a$33. 00 tax increase. We're still going to look at it and see if we can bring it down a little bit. The Mayor has talked about being able to put maybe $50,000.00 rrom the million dollars they found in the sewer fee. Maybe they can take some money there, move it there and also have some money to do projects. Things are looking pretty good. He reported Progress. 15 FIRE: Committee Chairman Fazekas reported that last week they started the First Response Program. He happened to be on vacation that week. This is a program where it's a response to First Aid where the Fire, Police, Carteret First Aid or paramedics unit is unavailable. They've been training for the past two or three months. He's noted that in the February report. They are still going through training. They had a Fire Committee Meeting yesterday and there are still other things that have to be pursued. Now that they're getting into, not just fighting fire, but they're getting into patient care there are quality assurance steps that they have to ensure, especially when it concerns somebody that may be going through a heart attack, concerning paperwork that needs to be filled out and proper procedures in order to get that person to the hospital. That quality assurance part has to be fulfilled because that exposes us on a liability. That whole program will be presented at the next Agenda Meeting to the Council and Mayor. It will go into detail concerning this program. He invited everyone to come to that Agenda Meeting so they can understand more about the First Response Program, the training they went through on the career side and the volunteers. It is an excellent program and this has been for three to five years. Three (3) years ago they had a problem but it seems like it's been working. The Fire Department has responded to about seven or eight calls already. It's an excellent program. The Mayor and the rest of the C ouncilmembers agree to that and also the Chief of Police, who is instrumental in that, along with Larry Aleksandrich and a host cf other names that he will have available at the next Council Meeting. He stated that he quesses that he was a little naive being up there for a second year he thought that people could work together and he was very disappointed. MAY 15, 1997 STANDING COMMITTEES ( Con' t. ) His objective in this First Response was to make sure that the Fire Department as a whole would take part in it. Evident!y, sometimes he falls short, which he did. The career Firefighters have taken a lead in this along with several volunteers. He would like to pursue that. There were a number of volunteers, twenty of them, that took the first training program and he wants to pursue that because we need all the people possible, especially if we have a disaster. We need this First Response. It's just not the Fire Department. If we had an emergency or a disaster on the turnpike, this is a heck of a program. Another thing he wanted to add concerning the computers, he didn't get a chance to talk to Councilmember Bialowarczuk. Weare in the process of purchasing the hardware. Right now we are trying to negotiate the line connection between the annex and the Borough Hall. We're setting up the network between the Borough Hall and the Annex so then we could utilize both buildings. That is another program that he is trying to pursue, is networking the Borough with all of the different buildings into the Annex itself, so this way we can get into purchase requisitions and sending E Mail. That is a very important part to the new financial system that we are purchasing. There's about eight modules. He will give Councilmember Bialowarczuk the information and she can expand on that. The package is around $43,000.00 and it concerns about seven different modules rrom finance to tax collection, all the way to welfare, purchase requisitions and permits and licenses for the Borough Clerk. He reported that they are moving right along. PARKS & RECREATION: Committee Chairman Gutowski reported that after an extended absence he was informed that our cherry picker has arrived back in town today. Mr. Kolibas and Mr. Kazio will be checking it out tomorrow. Hopefully, it will be back in service this week. We have the new trees. They've also arrived. Mr. Kolibas has his men out there planting new trees They will be removing the old trees that have died. Whoever received one of those trees should contact the Park's Department and Mr. Kolibas will take care of those trees. He reported that they are still accepting applications for the Parks and Recreations Workers, so anyone that is interested, ages 14 and over can stop at the Borough Hall and fill out an application With that, the parks are up and functioning well. POLICE: Committee Chairman DuPont reported that as they mayor may not know, early this morning at GATX there was a spill. It was approximately 45,000 gallons of diesel fuel. It was a pretty large spill. He received a phone call approximately 5:30 P.M. rrom the Police Department and he, Councilmember Failace and Councilmember Gutowski were down there the entire day today. 16 ..... . .,--~. MAY 15, 1997 The first thing, obviously, when they heard the size of the spill when they got down there was the safety and well being of the residents of Carteret. There was no worry at all as far as he was concerned. The second worry they had was environmental. Fortunately for us they had some really good procedures and DEP regulations that were followed that contained the majority of the spill. Throughout the morning they received updates every couple of hours. On behalf of GA TX, they went quickly into action. They set up a terrific team and they seemed to have it under control and they were well organized really quickly. He was actually surprised how smoothly it was going. Throughout the day they had a lot of updates and were constantly briefed on what was going on with the next steps and how far the contaminants were spreading. About 3:00 P.M. they were able to gain access to a helicopter and the three of them were able to get into the helicopter and fly over the scene and see the spill and actually assess the cleanup effort they were making. They did.....(inaudible)...to contain this. He was very happy with this. There were only a couple of little pockets. The Carteret Emergency Management and the Fire Department were on the scene....(inaudible). By 5:30 A.M. Carteret was completely represented and they were getting the information. Everybody did an excellent job. This will be in the paper tomorrow. They're investigating how it happened exactly and what kind of ramifications. We're going to have to wait for a full investigation. The Police Department, Fire Department and Emergency Management did an excellent job. The Councilmembers were there monitoring it and they were making sure and just trying on everyone's behalf to make sure it was safe and it was controlled. They did a good job. It's unfortunate that it happened but they did a good job. He reported Progress. STANDING COMMITTEES ( Con' t. ) PUBLIC WORKS: Committee Chairman Failace reported that they've talked over the last weeks and months about the streets and the condition they're in. We have to sit down and set up a paving program with some of the money that we've gotten today through the sewer fund. We can do some of those streets but certailÙY we can't do all of them all at once. We will have to sit down and set up a paving program, find out exact!y what we'll do and how we'll do it, the worst streets. Mr. Parmar and Ted Smick have identified them They have a list. Mr. Parmar is actually driving through the streets now to look at each one of them. We will prioritize what we have to do. Again, we may not be able to do all of them or as many as we'd like to but it's taken a lot of years to get to this condition so it's going to take a few years to get out of it. He reported Progress. MllNICIPAL GARAGE SERVICES: Committee Chairman Feingold reported that the street sweepers are ready to go for the Spring. The police car front ends are aligned. The Municipal garage is moving right along. He loves it in the Garage. He reported Progress. 17 Upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Failace and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the iÌJll membership present, the meeting was opened for public disclission. PUBLI C DISCUSSION- 5 MINUTE LIMIT .,"·Ii ',' MAY 15, 1997 PUBLIC DISCUSSION (Con 't.) Dr. Joseph Bufano, 42 Louis Street, said that he is a life-long resident and supporter of the Republican Party for all the work and effort they have done for the community here. A lot of people don't realize how much this Mayor has done. It's an industrial city and we wonder why our taxes are going up. Because of conflict that you can see. He said that he is going to be running for Council and he is looking for their support. At this point, Mr. Bufano was told by Councilmember Failace that this was not allowed at a Council Meeting. Mayor Sica agreed and told Mr. Bufano that politicking is not allowed at a Council Meeting. Deputy Chief Dennis Nagy said that he was there to address the possibility of the new certified sergeant's list coming out. He said that he was there representing the Chief They are asking again that they fill the position of Narcotics Supervisor and they are asking that they fill it will Dave Csimbok. He's worked side by side with him. He's worked as his supervisor both in a volunteer capacity as well as in a paid position on the Police Department. The man has giyen practically his whole life to Community Service rrom Boy Scouts to Emergency Management to his professional career in this department. He's deserving of the position. He asked them not to play politics with this man's life. He took his own time when he was working in a publishing company to go for emergency management before he was even on a payroll and become the youngest person in the United States to be a certified Emergency Management professional. During his entire volunteer and paid career he has been a consummate professional up until today. Even today, with his career hanging in the balance by a thread, he was out there 5 :00 AM. alongside everybody else representing major crimes for this community because what happened could possibly be a major crime He said that he couldn't comment further because that is under investigation. This man deserves their support. He has given all to this community. To play politics with his life is unconscionable. He is the only person qualified to fill that position and they continue to keep it open for no reason that he can see. He put twenty three years in here and twelve years volunteering as an Emergency Management Coordinator. He can't think of anybody else in this town who deserves that position more than him. He asked them to amend the Agenda and put it on the Agenda and put it behind them so they could move ahead with this Police Department. Joan Vitale said that she has been teaching at Carteret High School for twenty-eight years. She is there for two reasons. 18 , ~_.1!._ ". MAY 15, 1997 She personally thanked the town of Carteret, Mayor Sica and the Council of the Municipal Alliance for supporting the program, "Students Against Driving Drunk". She thanked Detective Date Csimbok for being a very large supporter of the program as well. She thanked the Mayor for a check that assisted them with the Dodge Neon car that is coming on June 2, 1997. The town and the Board of Education has been very supportive as well. Dave has been behind them for a number of years, provided a wrecked car for them as a symbol of the dangers of drunk driving. He also provided a coffin for them for a number of years. He has been a large help, all voluntary. She said that she wrote a letter, her feelings about David, if anyone is interested in seeing it. She wanted to publicly thank the Mayor and Date Csimbok. PUBLIC DISCUSSION (Con' t.) Cannine Pannullo, 5 Dunster Street, asked about the status of hiring new police officers for the municipality. He is currently number five on the list. He is a certified police officer for the State of New Jersey. He asked ifhe should have any hope or see any future here or should he seek maybe a possible career somewhere else. Mayor Sica explained that there were four supposed retirees this year. Unfortunately, nobody retired. We're looking at the possibility of still putting on some police officers, but it will be a while. Mr. Pannullo said that he understands that the list was a four year list at first is now moved to a one year list. The Municipal Clerk said that it was changed again. She believes it expires in 1998. Mayor Sica said that pending negotiations with contracts, we'll see what we can do. Mr. Pannullo asked about Federal grant monies for three police officers. Mayor Sica said that three were put on. They wanted to put some more on. Our contention is that in some instances we replaced people and put police officers on with the money they gave us. We don't want to put on any more because we then added dispatchers so that we could free up police officers rrom the desk on the street. We have the same amount or more officers on the street than required. " ..¡ Mr. Pannullo said that the Federal grant money was used then for the officers. Mayor Sica said yes. Mr. Pannullo,que~tioned if the money will be given back. 19 Mayor Sica said that we are not giving it back. Mr. Pannullo asked if 1998 is the official expiration date of the list. Mayor Sica said that we had asked for an extension. MAY 15, 1997 PUBLIC DISCUSSION (Con't.) The Municipal Clerk said that we got a letter. An unidentified woman asked the status of the robberies in the Parkview area. Mayor Sica told her to talk to him after the meeting and he will give her an update on it. We do a great injustice to the Police Department when we tell everybody that we have additional patrols, etc.. He said that he can give her some information on it after the meeting. The woman said that would be fine. An unidentified woman stated that there are a whole bunch of them there for the same reason. The Mayor told all of them to stay after the meeting and he will explain it to them. Yash Patel, a member of the Board of Health said that Dave Csimbok deserves the promotion. He is a very hard working man. ADJOURNED There being no further business or discussion, upon MMS&C, by Councilmembers Gutowski and Fazekas and unanimous affirmative vote of the full membership present, the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted, ~ ~~~c Municipal Clerk KMB/vc ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 20 ----------... --- ----------------------------- ----- -- ..- -- - ------- ------- ---- COUNCIL MEETING BUILDING ESCROW W. THOMAS WATKINSON JOSEPH SCHIAPPA AMAX REAL TV PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PATF I CK.# PATFII CK.# 9030-9137 SUI TRUST -None- TOTAL CHARGES TO 1997 BUDGET TOTAL CHARGES TO 1996 BUDGET TOTAL CHARGES TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS TOTAL CHARGES TO TRUST ACCOUNT TOTAL CHARGES TO LIBRARY RESERVE TOTAL CHARGES TO OTHER RESERVES TOTAL CHARGES TO GRANT FUNDS TOTAL CHARGES TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TOTAL CHARGES TO DOG TRUST FUND TOTAL 4485.50 1090.00 5997.68 MAY 15,1997 $11,573.18 18,908.28 552,023.76 7,377.73 3,920.14 9,709.72 0.00 723,358.37 1,427.62 1,690.00 1,678.25 $1,331,667.05 -.