Borough of Point Pleasant Beach COUNCIL MINUTES
The Mayor and Council of the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach met at 6:30PM with Mayor Vogel, Councilmen Liotta, Loughran, DiCicco, Dyer, and DiCorcia present. Councilman Corbally was absent. The Municipal Clerk read the notice indicating compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
Correspondence from Chamber of Commerce: 1) requesting permission to replace existing signboard at foot of Route 35 bridge was added to the addenda for action; and 2) requesting donation for holiday decorations was held until the budget is ready to introduce.
Authorization for Borough Attorney to draft ordinance allowing an increase in fines for housing or zoning violations (NJSA 40:49-5 and 40:60A-29) was added to the agenda by Councilman DiCicco, who thanked Attorney Gertner and Clerk Ellsworth for bringing it to Council’s attention.
Councilman DiCicco addressed capital budget and prioritization of projects by recommending meeting, on the last Tuesday in February, with department heads, engineer and committees.
Motion by Councilman DiCicco, to enter closed session to discuss pending litigation (1), contractual (1) and personnel (1) matters, was seconded by Councilman Dyer and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia…YEA
Closed session started at 6:38 P.M. and ended at 7:35 P.M.
Mayor Vogel called the regular meeting to order at 7:36 P.M. Present were Councilmen Liotta, Loughran, DiCicco, Dyer, and DiCorcia. Councilman Corbally was absent. The Municipal Clerk again read the notice indicating compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, to approve the minutes of the December 6, 2005 and January 1, 2006 Council meetings, was seconded by Councilman Liotta and carried by the following roll call vote.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia.…YEA
Ordinance 2006-01 (Building Restrictions in Highway Commercial Zone) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman Liotta, seconded by Councilman DiCicco and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2006-01 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on February 7, 2006.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia.…YEA
Ordinance 2006-02 (Building Restrictions in Marine Commercial Zone) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman Dyer, seconded by Councilman Loughran and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2006-02 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on February 7, 2006.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia.…YEA
Dave Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway: asked if Consent Resolution 1, item ‘e’ referred to Council Meeting dates (April 18 should be April 11).
Peggy Buccino, 319 Newark Avenue: asked if she was appointed as an Environmental Commission alternate (Mayor Vogel: must first speak with her and Commission chairs).
Ben Dispoto, 311 Parkway: asked what Consent Resolution 1, item ‘j’ referred to (correction to Police Chief salary); regarding Consent Resolution 1, item ‘t’, asked if Borough has a truck to transport containers (currently sharing one – going out to bid for our own).
Rosa Crowley, 1401 St. Louis Avenue: asked about Consent Resolution 1, item ‘f’ (Mayor Vogel: it’s in the Borough’s interest to get engineers’ opinion on managing vegetation – concerned because a Washington Avenue property owner received DEP notice that he can be fined $10,000/day if he continues to cut vegetation – want to manage residents’ needs and health of lake – asking engineers for quote to study, recommend solutions and identify necessary permits – will receive proposals by next Council meeting – deadline for completion is March 24) – asked if money was allocated (would be in general engineering allotment) – asked if engineers would bill for time to prepare quotes (no).
Vince Castin, 15 Trenton Avenue: questioned Consent Resolution 1, item ‘u’ (can’t tax state property).
Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, seconded by Councilman Liotta, resolutions, covering the items listed below, were approved by the following roll call vote:
CONSENT RESOLUTION 1:
a) Raffles License Applications for Pt Pleasant Elks on 02/11/06
b) Approval of Payroll #1 ($203,572.43)
c) Appointment of Robert Meany as Principal Public Works Manager for 2006
d) Authorization for Borough Attorney to draft ordinance amendment allowing 4 alternate members for the Board of Adjustment
e) Correction to meeting date resolution adopted on 1/1/06
f) Authorization to issue request for quotes from our engineering firms for study of environmental/vegetation issues at Lake of the Lillies and Little Silver Lake
g) Appointment of Special Law Enforcement Officers Class I (11)
h) Salary adjustment for seasonal file clerk in Court office
i) Appointment of Rosa Crawley and Amanda Mercuro to the Environmental Commission
j) Correction to 2006 salary resolution adopted 1/1/06
k) Payment to Hertrich Fleet for two public works pick-up trucks ($25,067.20)
l) Payment to Murphy’s Diesel Service for emergency repairs to public works tractor
($2685)
m) Purchase Order to Sungard/THE, Inc. for police department CAD and Crimes
Management System maintenance ($18,975)
n) Authorization for Borough Attorney to draft ordinance creating Open Space Committee
o) Authorize sale of surplus public works equipment
p) Award bids for sale of surplus equipment (3)
q) Change Order #1 to Earle Asphalt for roadway improvements to McLean & Laurel
Avenues ($8,459.75)
r) Progress Payment #3 to Earle Asphalt for roadway improvements to McLean & Laurel
Avenues ($8,290.56)
s) Payment to Dr. Guzik for police department physicals ($2865)
t) Payment to Automated Waste Equipment for roll-off containers ($15,085.00)
u) Forgive taxes for 2005/2006 for billboard on NJ Transit Property
v) Cancel taxes for 2006 Quarters 1 and 2 on Block 81, Lot 11
w) Award of contract to Meco, Inc for roadway improvements to North, East & West Streets
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
a) Payments to CME Assoc from escrow accounts ($3662.58)
b) Payments to Schoor DePalma from escrow accounts ($4068.25)
c) Payments to Galvin Law Firm from Board of Adjustment escrow ($687.33)
d) Payments to King, Kitrick from Planning Board escrow ($968.75)
CONSENT RESOLUTION 3:
a) Authorization for Mayor to execute 2006 Municipal Alliance (MAC) Grant
b) Authorization for Mayor to execute 2006 MAC Coordinator Contract
c) Approval of Schedule C Agreement with County of Ocean
d) Permission for Chamber of Commerce to replace existing sign at foot of Route 35 bridge
e) Authorize Borough Attorney to draft Ordinance increasing fines for zoning/housing violations
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia.…YEA
Mayor Vogel: there’s ambiguity regarding outside air conditioning units and fence height in the RR1 zone – Borough Attorney will review; received $50,000 Smart Future Grant to study roadway improvements on Ocean Avenue and Broadway corridor; compiling a project list for 2006 Capital Plan – Governing Body will meet on the fourth Tuesday in February to create prioritization; workshop will be held on January 24th to interview professional planners – will hire planner to assist in Master Plan review; next ‘Meet the Mayor’ session will be held on January 31st at 8:00 p.m. – Councilmen Liotta and DiCicco will address Master Plan review and hear citizen feedback on zoning and land use issues.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman Liotta: Borough is fortunate to have wonderful volunteers who dedicate time, money, effort and passion to the community – cited Dave Cavagnaro’s hours with Beautification – commended Bill Ammirata, Recreation Committee Chairman and head of wrestling program, along with Steve Reid, Brian Spader and Mike Schaller – must have donated 30 hours each last month; asked Council to proceed with town calendar – spoke with School Superintendent about cover design contest.
Motion by Councilman Liotta to proceed with production of town calendar was seconded by Councilman Loughran and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia.…YEA
Additional lighting in Silver Lake lot will be started by month’s end – 70-watt fixtures will be replaced with 150-watt and another pole will be added – should alleviate light problems with pay and display machines; would like Council to consider expanding pay and display machines from Ocean Avenue to the Beach on Broadway, along Ocean Avenue from Broadway to Inlet Drive and at the Inlet Lot – can replace 179 meters with 10 machines.
Councilman Loughran: nice to be back – some issues haven’t changed since 2004; as Sanitation and Water/Sewer Committee Chairman, would like to move forward on following projects in 2006: solution to Baltimore Avenue drainage problem, conclusion on Seacoast Oil property, and Public Works Garage renovations; will focus on day-to-day Public Works and Water/Sewer operations and overall street conditions; invited public to e-mail or call him with comments or concerns; reported that a wiggle wall and merry go round was purchased with the $4,000 donation from John and Autumn Walsh.
Councilman DiCicco: welcomed back Councilman Loughran – looks forward to working with him – does a great job; many challenges last year, as a result of the new parking system – Municipal Court did an outstanding job within the framework of set dates – to eliminate more late nights, court has arranged three parking-only sessions to be paid for via a special violations account – in addition, parking ticket recipients living more than 50 miles away can enter a plea via affidavit – had record revenues from parking boxes – will iron out kinks to allow more expeditious enforcement; along with Councilman Liotta, have almost completed draft of Master Plan Review Committee report – will circulate among committee members – hope to submit to Planning Board, Governing Body and planner after final meeting on January 31 – this is step one in creating a Master Plan update – looks forward to ‘Meet the Mayor’ session and to addressing questions about committee and plan; have authorized study for Lake of the Lillies and Little Silver Lake, but have run into road blocks with Lake Louise, due to DEP and Ocean County regulations regarding use of Gull Island for dredge spoils – DEP promised a meeting by end of February – invited Mayor Vogel or Councilman Liotta to attend.
Councilman Dyer: as Building Department liaison, will meet with all department employees – believes in running a customer/resident-friendly business and streamlining things as much as possible – suggested a customer service questionnaire – will call people who have gone through the building process to see how things went; promised residents free parking at municipal lots – would like Council to review suggestions: limit of two decals/household, annual renewal of passes, proof of residency, $10 fee, 6 hour limit – any household with four or more tickets or abusing will lose decal for current and upcoming year – decal must be displayed in windshield at all times – will monitor throughout year and tweak, if necessary – distributed memo to Council and asked for comments/suggestions – would like to begin the ordinance process at the next meeting; would like Governing Body to address concerns about vehicle parked in Borden’s lot and parking for business owners along Ocean Avenue at the Inlet Drive area – a reasonable fee can be established for business owners to park in that lot.
Councilman DiCorcia: didn’t make any promises and never will – goal is to maintain services and to maintain a stable budgetary process – will take some sacrifices; welcomed Councilmen Dyer and Loughran; this is not a business; recalled Maryland Avenue beach matter – ongoing since 1979 – hopes it comes to an end; shares Governing Body’s concerns and will work hard for Point Pleasant Beach; concerned about the Manasquan River Bridge Rehabilitation Project, starting in July 2006 (Mayor Vogel: they hosted public hearings on that last year – nothing will be done to impede summer traffic); Boardwalk sand is a mess – next year, must work with Jenkinson’s to get barriers up (sand was removed last week); thanked Mr. Jones for his call – when a committee gets out of hand, it’s up to the Chairman to take control – let’s hope it never happens again; Bank of America is flying tattered American Flag – asked them to replace it, but haven’t – many flags around town are not lit at night – asked where the pride is; will set up a meeting with Councilman Liotta and the Board of Education to go over some issues, especially maintenance around the High School.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD OPENED AT 8:14 PM
Max Gagnon, 304 Parkway: asked why Council didn’t wait for Master Plan Review Committee report before putting through new ordinances; studied parking after reading about proposal in the “Ocean Star” – plan is not feasible unless it includes at least 100 residents – after just 4.5 hours of parking, town will loose money – could lose up to $108,000 – giving away 50% of income at oceanfront lot – don’t object to parking permits, but to taxpayers’ supplementing them (Councilman Dyer: those numbers are predicated on straight loss, meaning every time a resident parks, the space would otherwise be used by someone else – not always true – not being done as an income producer, but a convenience to residents) more time it’s used, more costly it becomes – should not cost the town anything – 6 hours is too long – would be difficult for Police to administrate (Mayor Vogel: would be done during course of normal enforcement – every point is up for consideration) Inlet lot is probably not as bad as the Arnold Avenue lot, where people stay for a longer time period (Mayor Vogel: asked if he feels 6 hours is reasonable in other areas; Councilman Liotta: all input will be considered – trying to provide convenience for residents, but don’t want to break the bank; Councilman Dyer: open to feedback – agrees with point, but not numbers).
Marilyn Burke, 118 Central Avenue: welcomed Councilmen Loughran, DiCorcia and Dyer; commended Councilman Loughran for spearheading Baltimore Avenue drainage problem; stressed importance of passing Ordinance permitting houses on Ocean Avenue’s west side to go 32-feet-high –people are waiting to do construction; concerned that parking permits would cost money on weekends – seems to benefit mostly Districts 1 and 2 – asked how the 6-hour daily limit would be enforced (police) – might want to build in a risk factor in terms of possible lost revenue (Councilman Loughran: anticipate higher revenues this year because new parking system will be implemented in entire Silver Lake lot, and possibly the Inlet – if Borough decides to do it again next year, could set a date by which to buy permit, so numbers can be built into the budget – will have to monitor and analyze closely this year) – asked all not to forget quality of life issues on Arnold and Central Avenues, Parkway and Niblick Street – suggested parking program which envelops more issues for community; complemented Councilman DiCorcia and asked him to get a committee together to encourage residents to hang flags on holidays and ensure that they are lighted.
Joe Lemma, 203 St. Louis Avenue: asked about putting ATM machines in parking lots, as a backup to the Borough’s machines (Administrator Riehl: spoke with Vice President of local Bank of America branch); suggested permits for free street parking along Parkway and Niblick Street.
Joe Miller, 505 St. Louis Avenue: glad Mr. Gagnon addressed concerns about the parking permit program – it’s a system set for abuse – residents could park in front of their houses and let friends park in their driveways or lend friends and relatives their cars to go to the Boardwalk – better off leaving system as is and putting meter revenue towards decreasing property taxes – program is much more beneficial to residents in Districts 1 and 2 – should have a separate public meeting instead of just pushing this through – there are parking systems that will change rates dependent on how many meters are being used at that time throughout town – suggested designating certain spots for permit parkers, rather than opening up every meter in town – this could blow up in taxpayers’ faces.
Dave Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway: welcomed new Council members and attorney; asked why Animal House Magistrate, Prosecutor and Conflict Prosecutor are needed (for conflicts of interest) asked why regular Prosecutor couldn’t fill-in (more administrative than criminal – has always been separate); thanked Councilman Loughran for addressing flooding – engineers said a pump is needed to draw water from Silver Lake – hopes it will top Council’s list; noted 5 months with only one Council Meeting; asked about engaging County Work Program for snow removal on Boardwalk – could be scheduled and used for other purposes if no snow (Mayor Vogel: spoke with DPW Director Meany – supervisors would be needed – trying to find biggest bang for the buck); thanked Council for input on fence ordinance – shared picture (of fence on Zilai Row) with new Council members – asked how one would get a stretcher in or out of the house – concerned that Council is not aggressively pursuing – problems exist because town gave permission (a permitted use) understands ordinance has limitations – should have been flagged as a safety issue (Administrator Riehl: per Fire Inspector, since there is another entrance, fence is okay; Mayor Vogel: Emergency Services can work around fence – Governing Body is addressing; Attorney Gertner: will look into it) – puts anyone there in jeopardy – a fire could affect a lot of homes; don’t object to ordinances on agenda, but have bypassed the Master Plan – gives impression that certain areas of town get preferential treatment – if these ordinances are on the floor, the one permitting 32-foot homes on Ocean Avenue should be as well (Mayor Vogel: tonight’s concerns are specific to overall development – not bypassing Master Plan, but acting on specific concerns – need to move quickly – no deliberate attempt to exclude any area or concern – question of priorities) asked for Ocean Avenue relief prior to Master Plan finalization (Councilman DiCicco: not going to pass zoning ordinances every 10 years, when there is a Master Plan study on which to base them – some problems require sooner attention – concern on Ocean Avenue is how height ordinance would affect bulk requirements); parking permit should be offered to all tax payers – will negatively impact District 4, where Silver Lake lot overflow will go – District 4 is already negatively impacted by tourism, bar crowd and annual run attendees – suggested limited access to Silver Lake lot.
Jim Wisniewski, 1403 St. Louis Avenue: thanked Mayor and Council for interest in town lakes – concerned that study be done in a timely manner – looked at Pennsylvania Sea Grant web-site – includes a program on how to get rid of phragmites which, it says, are bad (Councilman DiCicco: would like to ensure the Engineer has as much information as possible – obviously, a non-native species is growing; Mayor Vogel: last DEP letter said that if vegetation is cut, there could be fines – will ask Engineering firm to address that – would be imprudent for Governing Body to allow phragmites to be cut until there is resolution) – NJ Comparative Risk Project says there are no regulations for curbing spread of invasive species – asked Council to look into that and to keep cutting the phragmites – residents would be interested in plantings that are beneficial to the lakes, even at their own expense (Mayor Vogel: must partner with residents and town must maintain its property) a sailboat washed up during the last storm – pulled it to the curb and it’s been floating around (Mayor Vogel: will be removed by week’s end).
Vince Castin, 15 Trenton Avenue: asked about geese problem (Administrator Riehl: Dept. of Agriculture is sending permit applications to addle the eggs – have contacted companies that provide silhouettes, snow fencing, etc.); confused by the parking permit issue – thinks numbers might be skewed – a good plan that must be worked on – not everyone who gets a permit will use it for six hours.
Craig Jones, 1503 St Louis Avenue: welcomed new Council members and wished them good luck; addressed Mrs. Foley’s apologetic letter in “The Ocean Star”– she asked a resident to “shut up” at an Environmental Commission meeting – apparently this happens all the time and needs to be addressed; requested a copy of the DEP letter; this past Sunday, drove from Bay Head to Asbury Park and took pictures of every fresh water lake – Point Pleasant Beach is the only town that doesn’t maintain its lakes (Mayor Vogel: also took a road trip to look at zoning and land use and noted the same – Governing Body committed to do a better job maintaining lakes and have taken steps towards that) before spending for a study, should contact other towns (Councilman Dyer: received a 2002 DEP letter saying we could be charged $10,000 – it would be prudent to look into this and not expose the town to the possibility of fines) – spoke with someone from the DEP who said all you need is a $25 permit to cut phragmites (Mayor Vogel: a comprehensive approach is best – vegetation is not the only issue, but the health of the lake, as well as the interests of the property owners and community).
Peggy Buccino, 319 Newark Avenue: thanked Mayor and Council for cutting down falling tree; thanked Councilman Liotta for comments about the town – Mayor and Council do a great job; brought pictures showing no phragmites in lakes from 1958 to 1972 – town cut them until 1980s when the blade broke with no allocation to fix it – residents took over – asked what is used to cut phragmites at Silver Lake and Band Shell – people throw garbage in the weeds – residents don’t want to look at it – if DEP says it’s environmentally protected, she assumes residents on the private side won’t be able to cut phragmites either – asked if Council has talked to other towns (Councilman DiCicco: spoke to Bay Head – Public Works cuts them to 3-feet – they feel that’s environmentally sound) – phragmites start showing by March 15 and grow about 1½ feet in 2 weeks – they’re not willowy, they’re hard – residents around other lakes have not been sent a letter and they cut them – if she’s not permitted to, she will be unable to walk her rowboat into the lake (Mayor Vogel: Governing Body is being responsive – can’t put cart before the horse; Councilman DiCorcia: asked if residents around other lakes received a letter – Administrator Riehl will check); Environmental Commission would not allow her to show pictures – was told to be quiet when brought up lakes in other towns – was given a pamphlet on Lake George – began discussing danger of weeds and was aggressively asked to end discussion and bring it to Council – was told it was not an Environmental Commission issue – thanked all for listening and viewing her pictures – kids use weeds as bathrooms – they smell terrible and are a haven for mosquitoes and gnats; asked to be allowed to continue to clean garbage if it goes past April (Mayor Vogel: that’s the Borough’s responsibility, but welcomed her assistance – trimming vegetation is a different matter) asked Council to maintain Lake of the Lillies the same as other lakes and allow residents to enjoy the view.
John Szafranski, 319 Yale Avenue: welcomed old and new Councilmen; need to be more proactive in obtaining tourist revenues – neighboring towns have public beaches that bring in money to maintain the town and support tourism – Manasquan brought in $1.4 million in 2005 – money Point Pleasant Beach gets from tourists goes to increased Public Works and Police services, not to reduce taxes – asked if Borough can get ratables, parking taxes, etc. – some lots pay only $100-250/season – asked if Borough can share in revenue; must reduce expenses; asked where Code Enforcement is on weekends – people are converting garages to living space, doing commercial work in the streets and leaving trash around; the state and 50 or 60 towns, including Point Pleasant, have passed Pay to Play Ordinances – state doesn’t override town (Mayor Vogel: Councilman Liotta brought this up last year – was signed in lame duck session and, at the advice of Counsel, was held until Legislative action was taken – now that state ordinance has been passed, Governing Body will look into it – there are still opinion letters to come out); asked if the Habitable Attic Space Ordinance includes inspection guidelines for Code Enforcement (Mayor Vogel: ordinance has guidelines as to what’s allowed and contains a size restriction – Building Code would cover everything else) – Borough has no specific third floor requirements (Councilman DiCicco: Uniform State Code has requirements for third stories and that’s what is enforced; Attorney Gertner: if local Ordinance states that applicable state building code is used, that’s sufficient to signal local Building Inspector to utilize the code).
Rosa Crowley, 1401 St. Louis Avenue: welcomed new and returning Councilmen and thanked Council for listening – showed pictures (Councilman Liotta: Council doing study to protect Borough from liability and get residents relief – given permission, phragmites will be cut – will do what’s good for lake and residents) for years, they were cut (Mayor Vogel: some rules and regulations have changed – lived on Little Silver Lake for most of his life and always remembers weeds) DEP letter didn’t say Borough would be fined – letter was to Mr. & Mrs. Bruce (Mayor Vogel: makes no difference who’s cutting vegetation if it’s against regulations; Attorney Gertner: once municipality is aware of letter, it has an obligation to ensure it is following applicable law – Council is taking prudent approach to avoid the ire of the DEP); thanked Mayor Vogel for appointing her as an Environmental Commission alternate – asked him to speak with Chairman about the behavior at the last meeting – she encountered animosity – committee members and residents have a right to speak – not trying to harass anyone, just want help – lake smells of urine and is swarming with gnats (Mayor Vogel: Borough did not do a good job maintaining property – hopefully, Council has shown good faith efforts in correcting that – tree was removed – sailboat will be removed by week’s end); thanked Mayor Vogel for steps he’s taken – thanked Councilman DiCicco, Environmental Committee liaison, for attending the meeting and for listening (Mayor Vogel: Governing Body is committed to improving overall health and well-being of the lakes); asked Councilman Loughran for playground equipment in the Newark Avenue Playground, which is neglected (Councilman Loughran: will bring it up to Recreation Committee); thanked Councilmen Dyer and Loughran for parking permit project – maybe hours and locations have to be limited, but it’s a nice give-back.
Vincent Barrella, 116 Niblick Street: Mayor and Council’s hands are tied – not looking to be obstructionists, but to avoid an issue with regard to cutting phragmites – can’t let people do something when there is a letter saying they can’t; good start on the parking permit plan – will cost some money, but will benefit residents – probably in Districts 1 and 2 a little more than 3 and 4 – asked Council to consider, in conjunction with permit plan, parking boxes on Arnold Avenue to St. Louis Avenue and on Ocean Avenue to Niblick Street – would more than offset lost revenue from permit parking – hopes this is first step towards resident permit parking, town-wide, or at least in Districts 3 and 4.
Ben Dispoto, 311 Parkway: welcomed Councilmen Dyer and Loughran – congratulated Councilman DiCorcia; agreed with Councilman Loughran that, before creating new problems, should solve old ones; mentioned, in November, about commercial entities putting leaves in the street – DEP law says grass clippings and debris can’t be put in the street; not crazy about parking permit plan – asked if Council crunched numbers (Councilman Dyer: no cost to maintain – a total projection – Mr. Gagnon could be correct – will modify, if necessary) every $65,000 of lost revenue equates to a penny on the tax rate (Councilman Liotta: last year, were discussing parking machines at Silver Lake lot – a lot of “ifs” – turned out to be a home-run – not looking to bankrupt town, just give a little back – maybe limitations are needed; Mayor Vogel: there is a balance with expansion of parking machines and raising of rates – may lose money – numbers were looked at); permit parking that Mr. Barrella alluded to would be another step toward quality of life – old business that has not been addressed (Mayor Vogel: there was a hearing – Governing Body addressed concerns – not to everyone’s satisfaction); Council should meet more often in busiest time of year (busiest time for Governing Body is budget time); asked when 60-day amnesty, with regard to the third floor ordinance, will take effect (Councilman DiCicco: there are concerns that amnesty is unenforceable – need to meet with Mr. Gardner); asked if Council has considered meters at train station (Councilman Liotta: next logical place is Silver Lake, then Inlet and Broadway/Ocean Avenue area – train station lot is busy on weekends only) – suggested charging commuters daily (thinking about it); asked for results from the state audit of the Code office (Mayor: will be made public when received in writing).
Craig Jones, 1503 St Louis Avenue: DEP letter says permits/authorization must be obtained – he’ll pay for a permit – asked that someone call other towns regarding what they’ve done (Mayor Vogel: goal is the overall health and well being of the lakes; Councilman Liotta: asked Administrator Riehl to call; Councilman DiCorcia: number one issue is the lake needs to be dredged).
Peggy Buccino, 319 Newark Avenue: asked about DEP comment that lake is not a protected wetland (DEP representative took that position, but a full study was not done – became Council’s jurisdiction to ascertain what to do); looking for minutes of the December 20, 2005 Council meeting (will be posted on line once transcribed and approved).
Lois Wisniewski, 1405 St. Louis Avenue: lake started going downhill when geese became permanent residents – per news on Channels 4 and 5, one goose produces 1 to 3 pounds of feces per day and they’re there 365 days/year – depletes oxygen from the water, kills fish and allows phragmites to grow (Mayor Vogel: have employed a Wildlife Control Officer to help).
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD CLOSED AT 10:16 PM
Meeting was adjourned at 10:17 PM
Transcribed by: Eileen Farrell
Attest: Maryann Ellsworth, Municipal Clerk
