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HomeMy Public PortalAbout08-19-10c A Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Carteret was called to order by Mayor Daniel 1. Reiman at 6:00 P.M., Thursday, August 19,2010,6:00 P.M. , Council Chambers, Memorial Municipal Building, 61 Cooke Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey. Upon individual roll call vote the following were noted present: Councilmember Vincent Bellino " Jorge Diaz " Randy Krum " Susan Naples " Joseph W. Sitarz Noted Absent was Councilmember Dennis DiMascio. Also noted present was Municipal Clerk Kathleen M. Bamey, and the Borough Law Director, Robeli Bergen. The meeting was opened with a minute of silent prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Daniel J. Reiman. Mayor Reiman noted that there may be some people in the audience that would like to address the Goveming Body during the public session and then asked that they come forward and sign in the book and then they will be called upon to speak by the Municipal Clerk at that point in time. The Clerk stated that on January 4,2010, the 2010 Annual Notice was mailed to The Home News Tribune, The Star Ledger and posted on the Bulletin Board. It was posted on the bulletin board AUGUST 19, 2010 REGUlAR ~tEErING August 19, 2010 ROLL CALL Silent Prayer! Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Reiman Statement of Meeting Notice AUGUST 19, 2010 MINUTES FOR APPROVAL Mayor Reiman Father Dolan Public Portions on Resolutions/Agenda Items and Ne\ol Business on January 4, 2010 and published in The Home News Tribune on January 6, 2010 and in the Star Ledger on January 8, 2010. Upon MMS&C by Councilmembers Krum and Sitarz and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present the minutes of August 5, 2010 were approved and transcribed and engrossed by the Clerk. Mayor Reiman then commented that he had asked Father Dolan to come tillS evening and explained that they had the oppOliunity a few months ago to attend an event of St. Demetrius to celebrate their amtiversary and commitment to the community and it was an honor to be there. Father Dolan then spoke. He said Father Chubenko has been in Cmieret since 1979 as an Orthodox Priest in St. Demetrius Ukrainian Olihodox Cathedral and commented what he has done for the community is monumental. He said he is never too busy to help someone and he is kind and giving. He refelTed to him being Chaplin of the Police Department and went on to speak favorably about him mentioning how he worked with disabled individuals. Mayor Reiman said he had hoped Father Chubenko could be present tillS eVelllng because he had a special commendation for lllnl but he is on a much needed vacation and he will present it to him when he returns. Upon IvllvlS&C by Councilmembers Diaz and Sitarz and unaIlimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, the public pOliion on Resolutions/Agenda Items and New Business was opened to the public. 2 Mayor Reiman then reminded anyone interested in speaking that the public portion is for three (3) minutes only, at the podium and Ms. Bamey will call you off in the order you signed in. Father Deacon James Caims spoke. He said he is a Deacon at St. Demetrius Olihodox Cathedral of which Father Chubenko is the pastor. He went on to say that one of the things he was informed of when he was ordained was that he was now in a position of public recogllltion and must be conscious of everything you do, because it will be noted by your peers and by the people who need you. He' said one of his parishioners brought to his attention a series of comments from a public post page from Officer Thomas Kantinsky, on Face Book, where he stated that Father Chubenko is an "Ass". It was also posted on the same page that someone asked Mr. Kaminsky if he was bad mouthing St. D's aIld he answered "No just the parishes Hack Priest." He said he was bringing it to their attention to say how appalled he was, commenting that Father Chubenko is a wonderful person and has just received a doctorate. He also said there were other things on this face book posting, which shows a lack of character, that have nothing to do with St. D's. He said Mr. Kaminsky should be reprimanded and he should offer not only a public but private apology. Mayor Reiman thanked him for conting and commented he cannot say much relative to the allegations of the charges, except to say that the Police Chief and the Administration are aware of some of the comments posted on-line, on the web page, which is pmi of a public forum and proper action cUlTently is being taken and certainly as Father Deacon James Cairns pointed out, a punishment will be doled out accordingly and then thanked him for bringing it to their attention and said it is troublesome to think that a public employee, someone in the Police Department, would make those type of allegations. 3 AUGUST 19, 2010 Mayor Reiman Father Deacon James Cairns Mayor Reiman AUGUST \ Chaya Michelle Varga~ Mayor Reiman Pastor Sanchez Talisa Andre\olz Chaya Michelle Vargas then spoke. She said she was there to address the Board on the same situation with Officer Kaminsky. She stated as a mother and a citizen she was concerned that it was stated by Officer Kaminsky that he wanted the search for a kid to end so he could get to a Yankee Game. She thought this was shocking because she has two (2) kids and she would want to know that this officer was out there doing his very best to find a missing child and said it was also alarming to her about other things he stated about drinking. She commented that we try to raise our children to a certain standard and here's a public figure who is not a great example publicly. She said he also spoke wrongly about other people and as both a citizen and a parent she hopes this will be looked into. Mayor Reiman agreed commenting that none of the comments read off the public forum are acceptable or condoned by this Administration or the Police Department. He said we have sixty (60) swom officers who do a fantastic job and we have one (I) officer of which his comments will be looked into and certainly dealt with. Pastor Sanchez spoke. He said he wanted to say a few words about the same situation. He explained he does not know Father Chubenko personally, then refeITed to comments on line about clergy, which not only affects Father Chubenko but hits home because he is a pastor and is upset and uncomfortable with the situation . He said also the police officer mentioned, on his post, that all the phone calls he responds to are people without air conditioning. He then refelTed to the people of his church, commenting they may not be the wealthiest people, they are people with low incomes, but they are good members of society and should be aware of the situation and should feel safe. He said people like Mr. Kaminsky not only represent the Police Department but represent the whole town, who are decent hard working people and said an apology should be made to Father Chubenko and the whole town. Talisa Andrewz then spoke. She said she was also here because of the comments made by Mr. Kaminsky, She said she agreed with 4 the others and referenced the comment made to Father Chubenko, saying it was disrespectful. She commented that Mr. Kaminsky acted as an "Ass" and she hoped that our administration will deal with him accordingly. She refeITed to the comment of , "answering a call with no air conditioning", stating as a police officer you should answer whatever call and treat every citizen the same. :She said her parishioners are not the richest people in the community but they are people who have a good heart and would do anything for you and their safety is at hand. She said she was not sure it had racial oveliones and then asked on behalf of herself and the people within her parish that there be disciplinary actions. Mayor Reiman again reiterated that the Police Depmiment and the Administration are aware of the allegations of the comments by the officer. He said certainly no one could condone those and we take it very serious and he confirmed that the officer is on paid suspension pending additional intemal affairs investigation and proper discipline will certainly be handed out at that point in time. Upon MMS&C by Councilmembers Diaz and Sitarz and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, the public portion of the meeting was closed. Mayor Reiman commented that relative to the same matter discussed earlier he can confillli that the Cluef of Police has suspended the Cmieret Police Officer and the employee is suspended with pay pending a full disciplinary review. He said while he cmillot discuss the specifics of this matter or the name of the individual involved, the allegations and charges stem from egregious conduct that took place while the officer was off duty and said in no way is there any actions while on duty or in uniform. He said a several months investigation resulted in numerous administrative charges of a serious nature and he said he stands by the Chiefs decision to issue charges in this matter and await to hear of this personnel issue before fuliher comment. He said no police officer is above the law, whether on or off duty, they are abound to follow the Attorney General guidelines, depmimental rules and regulations and most impOliantly conduct 5 AUGUST 19, 2010 Talisa Andre\olz Cont: Mayor Reiman Public Portion Closed Mayor Reiman AUGUST 19, 2010 Mayor Reiman Cont: CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTION #10-199 "DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE OF VARIOUS RAFFLE LI CENSES" themselves to the strictest standards warranted by their position. He said he would be reading an Email sent from the State PBA representative and said he wanted to make sure that the residents, the public and certainly the clergy here tonight, understand the ,actions of this officer celiainly do not represent the Police Department, the Borough and certainly not the actions of the PBA. He said in fact he called upon the PBA to condone the comments made by this officer. This email from the State PBA refers officers to social networking pages and he then read it into the record: "I just wanted to bring a new trend in police discipline cases that is growing at an expediential rate. The State Police is being ban'aged with claims for members posting improper or off color statements on these social networking pages. These comments are exposing the members to disciplinary charges ranging from conduct to harassment and unfit for duty. I implore you as leaders to speak to your membership about the daIlgers in proper posts." He commented again that this posted from the State PBA to members of the local PBA's and again assured the public and residents that these issues and actions of this officer are being taken seriously and celiainly discipline will be handed out at the conclusion of the investigation. Mayor Reiman then asked if there were any questions on Resolutions #10-199 thru #10-218. There were no questions. Resolutions #10-199 thru #10-218 were introduced by the Mayor and refelTed to the Council for action. Upon MMS&C by Councilmembers Diaz and Sitarz RESOLUTION #10-199 "DIRECTING THE ISSUANCE OF V ARlOUS RAFFLE LICENSES" 6 RESOLUTION #10-200 "CERTIFICATION OF AN1\TUAL AUDIT" RESOLUTION #10-201 "AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF TAXICAB DRIVER'S LICENSE" RESOLUTION #10-202 "PROFESSIONAL SERVICES -LOUIS S. ISENBERG APPRAISAL ASSOCIATES" RESOLUTION #10-203 "UEZ STARTUP GRANT-PHASE 4" RESOLUTION #10-204 "SUPORTING A-I08, RE: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT" RESOLUTION #10-205 "OPPOSING A-2638,RE: STREET PAVING COSTS" RESOLUTION # I 0-206 "SUPPORTING A-2679; RE: MUNICIPAL FEE PUBLIC LIBRARIES" RESOLUTION #10-207 "OPPOSING A-2852, RE: LIBRARY TAX" RESOLUTION #10-208 "SUPPORTING S-1903, RE: SERVICE OF BEER AND WINE" RESOLUTION #10-209 "APPROVING ABC LICENSE REI\TEW AL FOR 20 I 0-20 II LICENSE TERM, RE: BOLIEB,INC." RESOLUTION #10-210 "ACCEPTING AND APPROVING $500,000.00 FROM THE COUNTY OPEN SPACE GRANT" 7 AUGUST 19, 2010 REmllJTICN #10-200 "QKlli'lOOICN CF AN\UAl AUDIT" REmllJTICN #10-201 'WJ:lH:RIzING IS.'1.lI\N::E a 'DIXIO'\B ffilVER' S liCEN31 REmllJTICN #10-2CJ2. ''rnJFR;sICNAL SERVICES- IaJIS S. ISI'N3ER:; APrnAJ:S<I,L ASSOCIA'IES" REmllJTICN #10-203 ''UEz SD\RI' UP GRANI'- IW\SE 4" REillJ.JTICN #lMD!; "SlJPK.RI'.[N; A-lOS, RE: FID'ESSICNAL SERVICES CINIRtICI' ' REmllJTICN #10-205 'bPmsrn::; A-2638, RE: SIREEi:' PAVOC CDSIS" REmllJTICN #10- 2C6 "SlJPK.RI'.[N; A-2679, RE: MMCIPAL FEE RJBI.lC I.lBRt\RIES' , REmllJTICN #10-207 '\)PR:l)rn::; A- 2852, RE: Ul'RARY 'D\X" REmllJTICN #10- 20S "SlJPK.RI'.[N; S-1903, RE: SERVICE CF BEER AM) 1M REillJ.JTIQ'l #10- 2ff) '~ A!'C liCENSE RENEl.J<\L Fill 2010-2011 liCENSE 1ffi\1, RE: lUlEB INC." RE'DUIT1Q'l #10-210 ''AcrEPI'I.t'[; Al\D AI'ffiJi7I]\[; .:co, em. (D FID1 THE ClJJNJ OPEN SPACE GRA.l\'I" , AllJJST 19, 2010 REmllJTICN #10-211 ''AcrEPI'I.t'[; AM) AP!ID7IN; $485,012.m FKM 1HE NJ '!RA.NSRROO'ICN 'IRUSf FlNl M.JJH1ffiY ACI CF.ANI" REmllJTICN #10-212 ''AClJ'Pl'Il'oG AND AP!ID7IN; $1OS,254.m FKM THE NJIiD'\ HAZARIXXlS SITE RlMDIlillCN RID" REmllJTICN #10-213 ''AClJ'Pl'Il'oG fIN) AP!ID7IN; $11,275.73 FKMTHE ffi11'R RID rnx;RA."1 CF.ANI" RE3JWTICN #10-214 '~ fIN) AP!ID7IN; $150, em. m FKM THE lJRIWil ENIERERISE ZCNE fIUR/'M' RE3JWTICN #10-215 ''AClJ'Pl'Il'oG At\[) AP!ID7IN; $12O,447.m FKM THE lJR&I..Ti ENIERERISE ZCNE rn:x:Ri\!o1' RE3JWTICN #10-216 ''ffiJPERlY 1l\X CANJ'llJillcN' RE3JWTICN #10-217 ''AUllrnIZING EXIENSICN CF 1'JMi: 10 P& TAXES liITIHXJT INIERESI' ' REmllJTICN #10-218 ''N<IMJN:; lIEBIC lA~ AS IVANTISKI'IERRA.cE' AIDPll'D RESOLUTION #10-211 "ACCEPTING AND APPROVING $485,012.00 FROM THE NJ TRANSPORTATION TRUST FUND AUTHORITY ACT GRANT" RESOLUTION #10-212 "ACCEPTING AND APPROVING $108,254.00 FROM THE NJ EDA HAZARDOUS SITE REMEDIATION FUND" RESOLUTION #10-213 "ACCEPTING AND APPROVING $11,275.73 FROM THE SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM GRANT" RESOLUTION #10-214 "ACCEPTING AND APPROVING $15,000.00 FROM THE URBAN EMTERPRISE ZONE PROGRAlvl" RESOLUTION #10-215 "ACCEPTING AND APPROVING $120,447.00 FROM THE URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONE PROGRAl'vl" RESOLUTION #10-216 "PROPERTY TAX CANCELLATION" RESOLUTION # I 0-217 "AUTHORIZING EXTENSION OF TIME TO PAY TAXES WITHOUT INTEREST" RESOLUTION #10-218 "NAMING LIEBIC LANE AS IV ANITSKI TERRACE" were Adopted. Upon individual roll call vote Councilmembers Bellino, Diaz, Krum, Naples and Sitarz voted in the Affilmative. Councilmember DiMascio was noted Absent. 8 Mayor Reiman pointed out for the public Resolution G12, is accepting and approving a $500,000.00 grant from Middlesex County Open Space." Mayor Reiman stated that Resolution #G 13 is accepting and approving a $485,000.00 ii-om New Jersey TranspOliation Trust Fund. Mayor Reiman stated that Resolution #G14 is accepting and approving a $108,000.00 grant from the NJEDA. Mayor Reiman stated that Resolution #G15 is accepting and approving an $11,000.00 grant from the Summer Food Program Grant fi'om the Federal Government. Mayor Reiman stated that Resolution #G16 is accepting and approving a $15,000.00 Urban Enterprise Zone Grant. Mayor Reiman stated that Resolution #G 17 accepting and approving $120,000.00 from the Urban Enterprise Zone Program for fayade improvements within the Borough's UEZ Zones. Please note that Resolution listed as G12, #10-210 should have been omitted from the Consent Agenda. This resolution was put on in error. The monies approved by this resolution were already appropriated from Ordinance #10-9 which was Adopted on May 20,2010. Upon MMS&C by Councilmembers Diaz and Sitarz, all bills appearing on the prepared list, properly audited and signed, were ordered to be paid. Upon individual roll call vote, Councilmembers Bellino, Diaz, Krum, Naples and Sitarz voted in the Affirmative. Councilmember DiMascio was noted Absent. 9 AUGUST 19, 2010 MAYOR REIMAN, RE: Resolutions Clerk's Note PAYMENT OF BILLS AUGUST 19, 2010 REPORTS Inspection of Buildings - July 2010. Upon MMS&C by Councilmembers Diaz and Krum and unanimous affilmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, all Reports were ordered to be received and placed on file. COMMITTEES BUILDINGS & GROUNDS: Conunittee Chairperson Naples reported the department has been working on keeping up with seasonal maintenance. She thanked Councilmember Bellino for having his department assist whenever necessary with grass cutting, etc., explaining we are very short handed because our department has been shrunk due to attrition and we are working very lean but very smart. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION: COmnllttee Chairperson Diaz reported upon adoption of our 20 I 0 Municipal Budget at the last meeting the tax office has now proofed out all of the tax levy numbers and the tax bills are being processed and will be sent out within the next two (2) weeks. He said he is pleased that residents will see a tax and overall rate decrease, resulting in about a $21.00 reduction in taxes for an average home assessment of $119,000.00 and said our Sewer Bills were mailed out last month and are due on September 15th and reported our budget does include a continuation of our Sewer Rebate Program for our Senior, Veteran and Disabled residents, amounting to about $100,000.00 in annual rebates to those groups. He said we were recently notified that the Borough was granted a new Shuttle Bus through the New Jersey Transit Program, which is valued at $115,000.00 and will compliment our transportation services to our Seniors and Specials and Recreation Department. He made the following statement to be entered into the record that: - "he is comforted to see the display of unity from members of our clergy from various groups and churches and organizations. For him it is wonderful to see people come together not only to honor the service of someone who has dedicated his life to our residents but to defend his service, which is sinlilar to those missions that you all share and he said he would like to thaIlk them from the 10 bottom of his hemi and he would like to see that more often and it is wonderful to see residents come together to suppOli one another. Continued Progress." FIRE & DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS: Committee Chairperson Krum repOlied on August 2nd he and the Fire Depmiment pmiicipated in National Night Out. He said the firefighters visited several homes and received a wmm welcome from the residents and gave them the oppOliunity to ask fire safety questions. He said on August 14th the Fire Depmiment participated in the Cmieret Health and Wellness Fair in Chrome Park and members of the depmiment were available to answer fire safety questions and also to demonstrate equipment. He said the Fire Department also made a presentation at the UPS Company in recognition of their huck safety week. Progress. PARKS, RECREATION & PUBLIC PROPERTY: COll'lll1ittee Chairperson Bellino repOlied the Parks Depmiment, Buildings & Grounds and Public Works have exceptional co-operation within the departments and people are stmiing to work smarter instead of harder. He said it is good to see that these results show, what Councilman Diaz just spoke of, as a reduction by using people inter-depmiment and it helps our taxes. He said he would also like to echo Councilmember Diaz's statements for Father Chubenko cOll'lll1enting he has known him for quite a few years and he is a caring and giving individual and seeing the community stand up and say the right tlungs is very hemifelt. Progress. POLICE: Committee Chairperson Sitarz thanked everyone that pmiicipated in National Night Out, which was a success again this year and said he is hoping for maybe another award. He said he and Captain McFadden are doing a survey on Police Cars and are lemung towards the Dodge which is cheaper and this would keep our fleet with all Dodges, which will help when they break down. PUBLIC WORKS: Committee Chairperson DiMascio is noted Absent. Mayor Reiman asked the Clerk to send the Council1naIl a letter explaining if he is to be absent he must notifY his office, the Council President or the Clerk's Office. 11 AUGUST 19, 2010 COMMITTEES CONI: AUGUST 19, 2010 COMMITTEES CONT: BOARD OF EDUCATION : Comlluttee Chairperson Naples repOlied that school is scheduled to open September 2nd. mld the students will have a half day session the 2nd and 3 rd and full days will stmi on September 7'h. She said in speaking with Mr. Cherepski, the School Board Presideilt, we are ready to go, schedules are complete and are wishing the students a successful school year. She said for students and parents of Middle and High School Students the Student Code of Conduct Handbooks are on line for viewing. She said she had an opportunity to touch base today with Mr. Repollet and he is very happy because the School Board received a two million dollar four (4) year grant and will serve many needs of our students at no taxpayer expense. It will be for after school programs and they will also be bringing in a dental van for students who qualify who do not have dental services. She expressed to the Mayor M,1'. Repollet's thanks for Ius suppOli at the state level for the grant. Mayor Reiman Mayor Reiman said it is pleasing to hear that schools will be getting such a substantial grant. He went on to say September 2nd and 3rd starts our Ethnic Day Charity Carnival. Ethnic Day itself will be held on Saturday September 4th and concluding Ethnic Day and prior to the fire works will be a special celebration with the home town band the Smithereens who are celebrating their 30th anniversary and eight (8) million records. They will present a free conceIi for Carteret residents that will stmi at 5:00 P.M. on Saturday September 4th. Also coming up tlus Saturday the Housing Authority will be hosting their Chrome Park picnic and commmuty get together and we will also have out' shredding day at noon here at the Borough Hall, where residents will be allowed to bring in any confidential papers that they would like sln'edded. The County Utility Authority will be sending a special sln'eddel' van. Tlus is pmi of their Recycling Program. Mayor Riemann again reiterated the fact that celiainly this admiIustration, the Police Chief and the Council, do not condone the comments made by one (I) officer. He does not represent this administration, the department and certainly not the P:BA. He does call upon publicly the officer and specifically the PBA to take 12 action against tlus individual who also serves as the Vice President of their organization. He said the organization should issue a public apology not only to Father Chubenko but to the residents of our community for the derogatory comments that were made. He said public employees are held to a higher standm'd and police officers are held even higher. Councilmember Naples said she wanted to comment briefly on sometlung Father Dolan had mentioned about Father Chubenko, of St. Demetrius Church being involved with the disabled individuals. She said she serves on the Office of Disabilities in Carteret as Council Liaison and for the past twenty some odd years St. Demetrius Church has donated the hall free of charge to our local residents and many other residents are brought in and it is a fun filled really hemi wanning day. After no further discussion, upon MMS&C by Councilmembers Diaz and Krum and unanimous affirmative vote of the five (5) Councilmembers present, the meeting was Adjoumed at approximately 6:51 P.M. Respectfully submitted, A --' - 7;' < -:----.'. ./' /" .---- ,dti,--z.u /b}z?' ,:J;:c'AIL<f /KATHLEEN M.'BARNEY, MMC J)~ Municipal Clerk ( '- KMB/lr 13 AUGUST 19, 2010 Mayor Reiman Cant: Councilmember Naple: ADJOURNED 14