Borough of Point Pleasant Beach MINUTES
The Mayor and Council of the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach met at 6:41PM with Mayor Barrella and Councilmen Mercun, Loughran, Tooker, Cervino, Dixon and DiCorcia present. The Municipal Clerk read the notice indicating compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
Municipal Clerk disseminated agenda packets for Jenkinsons’ liquor license hearing on April 29th and new agenda cover page; Department Head memos and correspondence were discussed with items moved to agenda; Chief DePolo spoke on downtown parking – Administrator was authorized to speak with DPW or line striper and coordinate space numbering; regarding Open Space memo on 29 Inlet Drive, Administrator Riehl met with County who will demolish and charge only for hauling – DPW going through building to salvage anything of value, with money going back into Open Space Trust Fund; Councilman Cervino: Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC) to speak at next meeting – Chamber of Commerce asked for $7,500 Christmas decoration stipend ($5,000 budgeted); Councilman Loughran asked about bonding for outlets (JCP&L quoted about $500 each for 36 outlets); Mayor Barrella suggested Public Works use bucket truck to put up decorations (Administrator Riehl will talk to Chamber); Attorney Gertner added Ordinance 2008-14 and provided overview; Administrator Riehl explained CMX memo – will meet with them regarding scope of project.
Motion by Councilman Mercun, to enter closed session to discuss (2) personnel and (3) contractual matters, was seconded by Councilman DiCorcia and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun.…YEA
Closed session started at 7:16 P.M. and ended at 7:40 P.M.
Mayor Barrella called the regular meeting to order at 7:45 P.M. Present were Council Members Mercun, Loughran, Tooker, Cervino, Dixon and DiCorcia. The Assistant Municipal Clerk read the notice indicating compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
Motion by Councilwoman Tooker, to approve minutes of the March 4, 2008 Council meeting, was seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran.…YEA
Councilman Mercun….ABSTAIN
Ordinance 2008-13 (Exceed Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits and Establish Cap Bank) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman Mercun, seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-13 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on May 6, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun.…YEA
Motion by Councilman Mercun, to defer $4,163,605.04 in school taxes, was seconded by Councilman Loughran and carried by the following roll call vote.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun.…YEA
Motion by Councilman Mercun, to make application to the Local Finance Board for Cap Waiver, was seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun.…YEA
The 2008 Municipal Budget was introduced on first reading.
Administrator/CFO Riehl: changed budget sheets due to change in ratable base – changed “Reserve for Uncollected Taxes” to $530,970.15, an increase of $6,364.60 – also changed “Open Space Fund” to $255,553.18, because it’s a penny on the tax rate and tax ratables have decreased.
Motion by Councilman Mercun, seconded by Councilwoman Tooker and carried by the following roll call vote, 2008 Municipal Budget was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on May 20, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun.…YEA
Ordinance 2007-14 (Amendment to road opening regulations and fees) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman Mercun, seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-14 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on
May 6, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun.…YEA
Ordinance 2008-11 (Parking Striping Amendment to Capital Budget) was considered on second reading. Ministerial typographical error in heading, only, was corrected – amount in Section I is stated correctly. Public hearing was opened, held, and closed with no member of the public wishing to be heard.
Motion by Councilman Mercun, seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-11 was adopted on second reading.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun.…YEA
Ordinance 2008-12 (Amendment to Bond Ordinance 2003-06) was considered on second reading. Hearing was opened to the public.
David Cavagnaro: 118 Parkway: asked if there were monies in Ordinance to cover parking boxes on Broadway and Channel Drive (does not stipulate where they are to be placed) then, can conceivably place parking boxes anywhere in town (conceivably).
Motion by Councilman Loughran, seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-12 was adopted on second reading.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran.…YEA
Councilman Mercun….NAY
Assistant Clerk Farrell added several items to Consent Resolution 2.
Motion by Councilman Mercun, seconded by Councilman Loughran, resolutions covering the items listed below, were approved by the following roll call vote:
CONSENT RESOLUTION 1:
a) Proclaim April as “Autism Awareness Month”
b) Approve membership in Fire Companies (3)
c) Scheduled Payment to PPB Board of Education ($774,676)
d) Approval of Payroll #8 ($224,357.97)
e) Payment to Blue Moon Emergency Lighting for police vehicle equipment ($3,230.58)
f) Payment to Meridian Occupational Health for police physicals ($4,180)
g) Approval of ABC Social Affairs permit for American Cancer Society on 5/9/08
h) Appointment of seasonal parking enforcement officers (12)
i) Appointment of part-time communications operators (6)
j) Payment to Horizon BCBS for employee health benefits ($122,488.83)
k) P O to Boyce Associates for litter receptacles ($4026.18)
l) Payment to Metric Group for high temp paper ($10,000)
m) Payments to McKeon for electrical services ($7746.44)
n) Payments of computer generated vouchers ($799,355.82)
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
a) Appointment of seasonal parking enforcement officer (1)
b) Appointment of William Reilly to fill vacancy on the Board of Adjustment
c) Appointment of Evan Mayer to fill vacancy on the Environmental Commission
d) Progress payment 4 to A C Schultes well decommissioning ($9,491)
e) Payment to NJ Resources for removal of gas service at 29 Inlet ($740.25)
f) Payment to McKeon Electrical for work at DPW site ($1691.26)
g) P O to annual ad in PPB HS Project Graduation ad journal ($300)
h) Performance Bond release – South Point Condos
i) Approval of Jersey Shore Running Club special event application for relay race on 4/19/08
j) Authorization for CMX to proceed with investigation of DPW roof replacement
k) Rejection of cell tower placement bids and authorization to re-bid – Closed Session Item
l) Authorization for Borough Attorney to prepare various personnel ordinances – Closed Session Item
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun.…YEA
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman DiCorcia: No report.
Councilman Dixon: reported on Building Department activity for April, 9 summonses – annual revenue of $194,938.63 to-date; will be a public meeting on the Neighborhood Watch Program at 7PM tomorrow – flyers available.
Councilman Cervino: asked if town requires dumpsters to be covered (yes) – have seen some that need to be – Council must be prepared to make delicate decisions about confronting mess in town – Beautification is being diligent – no planter barrels going south from CVS – must look at beautifying that part of town – landscapers can get involved – different sections need more cleaning; provided information on direction of (TAC) – asked Council to review draft from yesterday’s meeting and address whether Council would support promotion of tourism; officials and employees must be user-friendly – asked Council to consider complaint policy, utilizing triplicate form, holding departments accountable – our profit is resident satisfaction (Councilman DiCorcia: forms, instituted by former Councilman Lurie are downstairs) must be more proactive (Mayor: don’t want to micromanage Borough – have Administrator and Police Chief for that – should be a form to document questions/concerns); DPW project is proceeding – asked Councilman Mercun to address fence at Sea Coast site (purchasing slats to block view from Cooks Lane – staging area for I&I project – not appropriate to invest in vinyl fencing until I&I is complete, due to likely possibility of damage by trucks, etc. – fire truck will be removed; Mayor: Cooks Lane residents have endured too much for too long) asked Council to mandate TAC to promote tourism (Councilwoman Tooker: committee has great ideas for shoulder season events; Mayor: asked, when suggesting discussion of tourism, to include need for residents to derive fair share of revenue – burden should be borne by visitors; Councilman Mercun: time that Borough and tourism industry partner to address issues that confront them and try to work out an amicable relationship to promote the industry for everyone’s benefit – will stand in for Councilman Cervino at next meeting).
Councilwoman Tooker: thanked Attorney Gertner for draft of Tree Ordinance – Shade Tree Committee will review before introduction – committee met with retired, certified tree expert – cost effective way to go – need forestry management plan to become a commission and have more teeth – reminded all about tree grant for those on County roads – discussed memorial tree program and replacing trees on Arnold Avenue with memorial trees; on April 30th, Environmental Commission will host speakers, from Save Barnegat Bay and Manasquan River Watershed, on topic of non-point source pollution; resident suggested ‘Freecycle Sunday’ after May 3rd MAC Garage Sale – people can help themselves to the leftovers, saving items from being dumped into the landfills; anti-idling signs are going up in town – state has 3-minute idling law for all vehicles; thanked NPP Coordinator Cadalzo for attending renewable energy meeting – was assigned to wind energy section of committee; Bike Committee will have public meeting Thursday at the High School library; attending Chamber of Commerce meeting to get them on board with recycling; thanked Jenkinson’s for donating wood for Boardwalk repair; Animal Welfare Committee is awaiting report from Muskrat Jack about geese – spoke about emergency management plan for pet evacuation – County plan includes pets – Councilman Mercun provided name of Deputy Coordinator for County Emergency Management program –– suggested Deputy Coordinator attend meeting, locally, to inform public – also, looking at having representative from Alley Cat Allies do a presentation – hoping to start a trap, neuter, and return program – looking for donations through Community Endowment Fund – trying to identify feral cat colonies – in other towns, people are assigned to colony to ensure they’re vaccinated, neutered, etc. – hoping to institute here.
Mayor apologized for Closed Session running late – Councilman Loughran will report why.
Councilman Loughran: application before Planning Board to subdivide Risden’s parking lot and bathhouse, at Ocean and New Jersey Avenues, into four building lots – talks have occurred over past year or two regarding Risden’s property in general and, recently, that specific parcel – discussed options with Risden’s representatives – imperative for town to purchase this property and stop development – town could purchase property, assessed at $4,500,000, for $3,000,000, using Open Space funds to offset costs – property is a revenue-generator – acquisition would stop development – asked Council to authorize Borough Attorney to draft acquisition documents to bring that property into the Borough’s hands.
Motion by Councilman Mercun, to authorize Borough Attorney to draft acquisition documents to purchase Risden’s property, located at the intersection of New Jersey and Ocean Avenues, was seconded by Councilwoman Tooker and carried by the following roll call vote.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Mayor Barrella: thanked Councilman Loughran for the incredible amount of work he did.
Councilman Loughran: thanked Atty. Gertner, Risden’s representatives and fellow Governing Body members – has overwhelming support of residents – emphasized nothing is official at this time, but will, hopefully, become a reality in next several weeks; conflict about 25th police officer needs to come to an end – recommended resolution by next Council meeting (Councilman Mercun: agree – issue is not budget, but authorization for Chief to hire – Police Chief has agreed to lower operating expense budget, if hiring of officer is authorized – would mean no increase in overall budget for 2008, just a transfer between accounts – budget hearing is May 20th, public can speak tonight and at the next meeting; Councilman DiCorcia: approved drafting RFP to have someone evaluate staffing – Division of Local Government Services(DLGS) will evaluate at no charge, but require a letter from the Mayor).
Councilman Dixon questioned time period for study, as it could take a year or two.
Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, to authorize Mayor Barrella to request police officer staffing evaluation from the DLGS, with time frame caveat, was seconded by Councilman Loughran and carried by the following roll call vote.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Dixon, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun*….YEA
*Councilman Mercun: asked for clarification that study authorization would not forfeit right to authorize Chief to appoint 25th officer.
Mayor: decision will have to be made before study completion.
Councilman Mercun: Police Chief had force of 26 until 2003, with the understanding that, when one individual retired, he would be down to 25 – Chief put together operations plan for staff deployment – last February, an officer went on sick leave – Chief agreed to use a special officer and give overtime until a resolution was made – this February, he was notified that the officer was pensioned off on disability, so he requested replacement – must rely on his experience and training – Chief feels that, in order to effectively discharge department duties, it needs 25th officer – quite telling that all officers, not on patrol, are in attendance tonight – their support of Chief is impressive – hiring 25th officer will not put money in their pocket, but take it away, due to less overtime – Chief needs decision before August to get person in academy – thanked Chief and Captain O’Hara for time – commended police for recent incident in which a first aider and officer were assaulted – police always make the scene safe for responding volunteers – First Aid Squad appreciates assistance; received letter from Open Space Committee about restoration of 29 Inlet Drive, suggesting oceanfront property owners give town right of first refusal when selling properties; ordered slats for fence on Cooks Lane side of Sea Coast property; DPW demolished and replaced section of Boardwalk in conjunction with Jenkinsons, who paid for materials, is cleaning Little League complex/foot path, preparing water systems, cleaning and painting Pleasure Park restrooms, and preparing for summer.
Mayor Barrella: at Ocean County Mayors’ Association meeting, Bill Dressel, from the NJ State League of Municipalities, acknowledged support for local option taxes, impact fees, etc. – Senator Adler, like every legislator, was amazed that Point Pleasant Beach does not own beaches – deriving no revenue from beaches has moved people to indicate support – critical to be able to raise money from alternate sources, and provide services in oceanfront area; want a better trash collection schedule; appointed John Mullen, Greg Culp, Glen Paesano, Curt Leach, William Reilly, Aleta Weinstein, Mickey Diaz, Anthony Storino, John Cheasty and David Bassinder to AD HOC Parking Committee: “New York Times” article quoted planner for two major businesses, who claimed Borough should do more to increase parking – feel businesses should do more – hopes Councilman Cervino can get partnership going; Jenkinson’s offered to operate bathroom, which town was going to close early due to budget constraints – will also maintain garbage pails on a portion of Boardwalk; met with DEP in Trenton on Lake Louise – waiting for permit to dredge; commented on replacement officer – had Officer Rempo not retired, Council would’ve had to find a way to pay her salary, benefits, etc. – asked if we should turn away from the opportunity her retirement represents to cut Borough spending – not an issue of police support – to view it that way creates hostility – to use the issue for political gain is despicable – Governing Body has utmost respect for our officers, who represent the finest men and women to accept the oath and responsibility that putting on the uniform entails – no matter what, officers will continue to serve with professionalism – Council’s task is difficult – have responsibility to officers, seniors, families and small business owners – only highlights need for alternate revenue sources – if Local Finance Board does not authorize waiver, may have no choice but not to rehire – if we decide to hire someone to attend August class, that person will not be available for this summer, but next – can wait until December, when we have a better handle on the budget, as another class starts in January and officer would still be available for next summer – this issue will re-surface upon the next retirement scenario – principal objection for hiring of replacement for officer Rempo is the financial condition of Point Pleasant Beach – have heard nothing convincing that we’d be less safe with 24 officers than with 25 – not suggesting that every time someone leaves they are not replaced – have an opportunity to make informed decision by waiting 6 months; announced openings on Planning Board, Shade Tree and Historic Preservation Committees.
Councilman Loughran reminded all in attendance about the Jenkinsons’ Liquor License renewal hearing on April 29th at 6:30 PM.
Administrator Riehl: Downtown Revitalization Phase III should be completed in early May – Boston Avenue drainage improvements has completion date of April 22nd – Borden’s lot work to begin during week of April 21st, with notices going out to surrounding businesses; (Councilman Loughran: asked for status of Briarcliff, Rosewood and Ridgefield Avenues project) construction plans being finalized, in conjunction with Point Pleasant, and hope to bid in May; DPW garage completion date of on or around May 7th.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD OPENED AT 9:03 P.M.
Marilyn Madden, 208 Philadelphia Avenue: spoke about issue of 25th police officer, beautification and landscaper signage, business and resident support of tourism, Freecycle Sunday, “No Trucks” sign on New Jersey Avenue and Route 35, and removal of garage sale signs.
Dave Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway: thanked Council for work with Risden’s and Emergency Management; spoke about public input on first reading of ordinance, listing old business on agendas; complained that Ordinance 2008-14 was not on agenda; discussed 5-minute participation rule and I&I; suggested “Revenue Committee” instead of “Parking Committee” – spoke on injustice of parking passes for full-time residents only; suggested Councilman Cervino, Beautification Liaison, speak to committee before bringing issues to Council meeting; asked to raise meters to $2/hour and replace with boxes.
Joel Wolber, 211 Parkway: agreed with Mayor on waiting 6 months to decide on 25th officer; asked Councilman Mercun if Council had input on County’s Emergency Management Plan.
Ira Waldman, 110 Dartmouth Avenue: expressed support for 25th officer
John Gelson, 801 Orchard Avenue: job Councilman Loughran did on Risden’s is a great way for him to end his Council career; Police Chief is in best position to decide how many officers are needed; municipal employees, not police, will not be the liability to the budget over next 20 years.
Elaine Hennessy, 619 New Jersey Avenue: voiced appreciation of police, as First Aid member, and support of Risden’s acquisition; complained about graffiti; explained reason for New Jersey Avenue "No Trucks" sign; suggested Mr. Cavagnaro has problem with District 2, which is not getting fair share.
Max Gagnon 304 Parkway: thanked Councilman Loughran for job on Risden’s; quoted from Economic Impact Analysis on Tourism study; quoted gross revenues from local towns compared to Point Pleasant Beach – it’s time to get into Oceanfront business.
Stan Angeloni, 502 Chicago Avenue; thanked Councilman Loughran – suggested town make them an offer they can’t refuse, complained about trouble with handicap curbs.
Ben Dispoto, 311 Parkway: spoke about Risden’s purchase and thanked Mayor and Council for pursuing; asked if anything can be done to adjust 2006 revaluation; complained that company that did poor work on Bay Avenue is now doing our work; thanked Council for comments on solving resident issues promptly; there is an ordinance on screening of dumpsters.
Kristen Hennessy, 604 New Jersey Avenue: thanked Councilman Loughran for Risden’s negotiations and expressed disappointment at his leaving; thanked Councilman Cervino for remarks on Governing Body’s responsibility to citizens; agreed with Mayor about waiting until December on the 25th officer; believes, as First Aid Squad member, that police do a fine job.
Joe Lemma, 203 St. Louis Avenue: spoke about installing meters, parking boxes and ATM machines; asked where town would put more tourists – elevated parking; suggested 5% liquor tax.
Dave Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway and Co-chair of Beautification Committee: wished people would thank volunteers for work on maintaining town projects, before making demands and demeaning them.
Catherine Galioto, "Ocean Star" Reporter: asked Administrator Riehl for amount of surplus used and balance, how many years Borough has deferred school taxes and if at same percentage, percent of current local purpose tax rate increase, and about average tax bill created by this local tax.
Councilman DiCorcia: announced Board of Education budget was voted down.
Lee Kelly, 407 Washington Avenue: thanked Councilman Loughran for efforts on beach and Mr. Gagnon for efforts to get into beach business; supports selling mini-park on Newark Avenue.
Brian Kuhn, 32 Parkway: complained about motorcycles revving engines and blocking his car, and asked how many are allowed in one spot.
John Szafranski, 319 Yale Avenue: thanked Mayor for trying to get local taxes and Councilman Loughran for work on Risden’s acquisition; complained about buses idling in Jenkinsons’ lot; complained that Boardwalk repair should go by ordinance; asked if Martell’s was fined for covering Tiki Bar without permit; spoke on need for tourism revenue.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD CLOSED AT 10:17 P.M.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:18 p.m.
