Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Borough of Point Pleasant Beach
Council Meeting Minutes
January 4, 2020
The Governing Body reserves its right to amend and supplement the purposes of
executive session by motion at the public meeting.
The Municipal Clerk called the meeting to order at 12:02PM. Present were Councilmembers Cortes and Migut. Councilmember Santanello was absent. The Municipal Clerk read the notice indicating compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act: “Adequate notice of the time and place of this meeting was given under the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act and was posted and sent to the officially designated newspapers in compliance with the law.”
FLAG SALUTE: Municipal Clerk
Invocation: Fr. Marek Stybor, OFM Conv. – Parochial Vicar, Saint Peter Church
Ceremonial Oaths of Office – Assemblyman-Elect Catalano:
- Councilmember Douglas Vitale
- Councilmember Arlene Testa
- Mayor Paul M. Kanitra
Resolution A: Certification of Fire Officer Election Results:
Motion by Councilmember Cortes to approve Resolution A was seconded by Councilmember Vitale and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Cortes….YEA
Councilmember Migut…..ABSTAIN
Councilmember Santanello…ABSENT
Ceremonial Oaths of Office – Municipal Clerk:
- Fire Department Chief Michael Ryan
- Assistant Fire Chief William Wackowski
1st Deputy Fire Chief Brodeur and 2nd Deputy Fire Chief Waldman were not in attendance.
Mayor’s Comments:
Mayor Kanitra: took a selfie with those in attendance; humbled by the turnout of family, friends and elected officials; thanked many people, including his running mates and their families, Councilmember Migut, former Mayors Swanson, Hennessy and Pasola for their guidance and example, former Councilmembers Cavagnaro, Malone, Dyer, Loughran, Loder, Cervino, Mayer, Carey and Hennessy, for sharing their expertise and perspective, Kevin Riordan, Mike Ramos and Glen Paesano, Caryn Byrnes, Sophia Byrnes, Theresa Dosch, Sandy Pasola, Cathy Sogorka, Bob Farrell, Steve Fisher, the LaPlantes, Patty Ascolese, Kristin Hennessy and Adriane McCollagh for their friendship, contributions and hard work on the campaign trail, Assemblyman Catalano taking time out of his busy schedule to administer the oaths and all of the other elected officials in the room including Freeholder Quinn, Sheriff Mastronardy, Joe Sarno of the NJ Young Republicans, Mayor Sabosik of Point Pleasant, Mayor White from Mantoloking, Mayor Peterson from Seaside Park and Mayors LaDuca and Madigan, Alora for making campaign events great and handling the nastiness of politics with grace, his father for holding the Bible, his sister, brother-in-law, stepmother, aunts and uncle for taking the time to celebrate with him, his mom and grandparents, who are looking down and smiling – he wouldn’t be where he is without their support and sacrifices – his grandparents made it to the Primary Election victory party – the happiness on their faces was his proudest moment of this journey – is wearing his grandfather’s watch – his mother passed away many years ago after a lifelong battle with epilepsy – found a letter she wrote him prior to a dangerous brain surgery in which she wrote, “Take care. Be secure in yourself. Take all into consideration and then make your final decision.” – they are the words by which he plans to govern – elected officials should make decisions that reflect the will of the constituency – appointed a diverse group of men and women to the various committees – Republicans, Democrats and Independents – will fight against anyone who acts against PPB’s best interests – every promise made was with the understanding that whatever is necessary would be done to fulfil them – believes the town is at a crossroads in terms of character, aesthetics and vibrancy – need to take charge with a clear and concise vision; shared his 2020 Vision – A Historic Past, A Vibrant Future; invited Steve and Sue Fisher to come up – they are starting an upcoming family foundation for PPB; will start putting the Beach back in Point Pleasant Beach – must celebrate the great rivalry with the Boro, while working together to save money; will be a huge focus on quality of life initiatives and revitalizing downtown; will create a family-friendly, vibrant, year-round environment and leverage that to attract full-time homeowners and year-round families to PPB to help repopulate the school system; in a safe, affluent area with a ton of great restaurants – need to capitalize on those assets; will establish a Business Improvement District; will work to attract entertainment options and complementary businesses; will decrease downtown vacancies and create tax incentives for façade improvements; will establish Main Street NJ and USA programs; will spruce things up; will create a unique identity; will define, encourage and promote character; will establish a historic district downtown; will put a new focus on ordinances and code enforcement to give teeth to the Historic Commission and preserve the valuable pieces of PPB history; will work hard with Congressman Chris Smith and the Coast Guard to secure the Coast Guard Station for town use; need to attract tourists who will spend a ton of money and attract quality businesses; Councilmember Vitale will be starting a Community Watch in conjunction with Chief Michigan; will increase summer police enforcement with more Class I officers; wants to set the expectation that you if you live in PPB, you will be involved; will be better communication with residents; will green-up PPB; will have a quality of life person in Borough Hall; will create minimum and native landscaping requirements; will be encouraging philanthropy – thanked and invited Steve and Sue Fisher, who saved the Gottleib Building, to come up – they are starting a family foundation in a month or so for Point Pleasant Beach; thanked and invited Dr. DePaco and family to come up – they have donated a fully-equipped canine vehicle, a fully-trained canine and $18K for car radios – they have taken on an incredible project, which will be announced in the future; invited all to Martell’s for celebration.
Newly-Elected Councilmember Comments:
Councilmember Vitale: welcomed Assemblyman Catalano, Mayor Kanitra, Ocean County officials, Councilmembers, Borough employees, former Mayors, members of the Police and Fire Departments, residents, family and friends; PPB has been at the heart of memories and best events in his life – he proposed to his wife here in 1999 – they moved here 5 years ago and immersed themselves in the town through their children’s involvement in school and sports – he coached his son in Little League and his daughter in t-ball and, since 2016, has been the Safety Officer on the Little League board – in 2018, he helped Mayor Kanitra to bring back the town bonfire and joined the Recreation Committee and established their Facebook page; this year, he is proud to help run the Rec Basketball program; is excited to be surrounded by those who share the same goal – to continue to make PPB the best town to live in; will immediately be working on 3 initiatives – will work with Chief Michigan on a Community Watch program for which he envisions monthly or quarterly meetings and a social media page – will be working with Borough employees and the third party IT provider to strengthen the town’s defenses against a cyberattack – will revitalize Recreation – has recruited new members and a new Chair – PPBHS students are developing a new web site for the Committee and new programs will be rolled out in the coming weeks; thanked all the residents who voted for him – looks forward to this responsibility and will do his best to contribute; thanked Councilmember Testa for being a great friend and running mate – thanked Mayor Kanitra for being a great friend and for mentoring him throughout the election; thanked his 93-year-old grandmother and his aunt and uncle for making the trip today; thanked his parents, siblings and in-laws, for being there for him through the campaign, his wife and children for their support and all who have accompanied him on this journey; looks forward to serving the residents.
Councilmember Testa: it’s great to see so many smiling faces; is honored be here on Council – looks forward to her new role and is excited to work for the residents; recognized former Mayors and other elected officials – it’s an honor to have them – can learn so much from their experiences; thanked Assemblyman Catalano for the honor today; thanked her husband and son – loves them both and could not have done any of this without their support and encouragement – thanked her father-in-law, brother-in-law and his wife for being here – her mom, grandmother, aunt and sister passed away – to be the first woman to do something this special is such an honor – knows that they are looking down from Heaven and are very proud; acknowledged and thanked Mayor Reid and Councilmembers Vogel and Toohey and expressed here appreciation for all that they have done serving PPB – anyone who runs for office and gives of their time to serve the community should be commended; congratulated the new Fire Chief, Assistant Chief and Deputy Chiefs; is eager to start working alongside Mayor Kanitra and her fellow Councilmembers – will continue to work hard and do their best for the residents; will be the new liaison to the Cultural Arts Committee and the Co-Liaison to the Beautification Committee, alongside Councilmember Cortes; her work experience and volunteering with the PTO and High School boosters has taught her to be a team leader, work hard and get the job done – looks forward to working along the great volunteers in sharing ideas; is passionate about bicycle safety for children and residents, especially in summer – need to increase awareness between bicyclists and motorists to make the community safer – looks forward to working with the Police Department and other County and State organizations to make bicycle safety a top priority – need better signage and knowledge of the one-way streets – will start working on this right away; thanked Fr. Marek and Pastor Tate for being here and their blessings; wished all residents, her family and friends, a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year – God Bless them, their families, Point Pleasant Beach.
Returning CouncilMember Comments:
Councilmember Cortes: wished all a Happy, Healthy New Year; congratulated the Fire Officials; as tenured Councilmember in his third term, said there are highs and lows, but it is rewarding; thanked the dignitaries who came out; loves the idea of putting “Beach” on the water tower – was on the last football team to beat the Borough; congratulated Mayor Kanitra and Councilmembers Vitale and Testa – looks forward to working with them; has worked with a lot of different people on the dais – Mayor Kanitra will be the third Mayor; has 2 years left in this term – would like to run again; looks forward to the upcoming year and initiative.
Councilmember Migut: wished all a Happy New Year – great turnout; congratulated the Fire Officials and wished them a happy and safe year – invited young Fire Department trainees – the younger you start and the earlier public service is ingrained in you, the better off it is; is thrilled that this will be his 17th year on the Planning Board – is looking forward to working with Mayor Kanitra on the Master Plan this year, as part of the downtown revitalization; he backed Mayor Kanitra and his running mates during the campaign – has known Paul since he was a high school student and he was a substitute teacher – he has the ability to listen and acutely as he speaks and he will demonstrate that throughout this year.
Election of Council President:
Councilmember Migut was nominated to serve as Council President by Councilmember Vitale. Nomination was seconded by Councilmember Testa and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Cortes, Migut….YEA
Councilmember Santanello…ABSENT
PULIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AND ENDED AT 1:01PM,
WITH NO MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO BE HEARD
Motion by Councilmember Cortes to close Public Participation was seconded by Councilmember Vitale and carried by consent of Council.
Motion by Councilmember Migut to approve the items listed below was seconded by Councilmember Cortes and carried by roll call vote.
CONSENT RESOLUTION 1 – PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS:
1a Borough Attorney: K. Riordan & Firm of Kevin B. Riordan, Esq., LLC, Toms River
1b Special Project Attorneys:
P. Van Dyke & Firm of Kelaher, Van Dyke and Moriarty, Toms River
J. Dasti & Firm of Dasti, Murphy, McGuckin, Ulaky, Koutsouris, Connors, Forked River
Citta, Holzapfel & Zabarsky, Toms River
Rothstein, Mandell, Strohm, Halm & Cipriani, Lakewood
R. Lepore & Firm of Robert M. Lepore, Attorney at Law, Brick
J. Surenian & Firm of Jeffrey R. Surenian & Assoc., LLC, Brielle
Archer & Griener, Red Bank
W. Mayer & Firm of Decotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP, Teaneck
S. Rogut & Firm of Rogut McCarthy LLC, Cranford
C. Dasti & Firm of Christoper J. Dasti, P.A., Forked River
Starkey, Kelly, Kenneally, Cunningham & Turnbach, Toms River
Gertner & Gertner, LLC, Jackson
1c Municipal Prosecutor: S. Zabarsky & Firm of Citta, Holzapfel & Zabarsky, Toms River
1d Alt. Prosecutors: B. Wilkie, R. Deligny, R. P. Granick, B. Stieber, Citta, Holzapfel & Zabarsky, TR
1e Conflict Prosecutor: Peterson & Firm of Bonnie R. Peterson Attorney at Law, Seaside Park
1f Animal House Prosecutor: Peterson & Firm of Bonnie R. Peterson Attorney at Law, Seaside Park
1g Public Defenders:
B. DiStefano, A. Nieves-Martinez & Firm of Brian J. DiStefano, Esq., LLC, Bayville
J. Novak & Firm of John J. Novak, P.C., Toms River
D. Rumpf & Firm of Rumpf Law, PC, Tuckerton
1h Animal House Judge: R. Lepore & Firm of Robert M. Lepore, Attorney at Law, Brick
1i Borough Auditor: J. Conaty & Firm of Holman, Frenia, Allison PC, Toms River
1j Borough Engineer: J. Mele & Firm of Maser Consulting, P.A., Red Bank
1k Borough Planner: D. Lawlor & Firm of Maser Consulting, P.A., Red Bank
1l Special Project Engineers:
R. Savacool & Firm of T&M Associates, Toms River
O’Donnell Stanton & Assoc., LLC/Van Cleef Engineering, Toms River
1m Emerg. Electrical Svcs: G. Brown & Firm of Turbo Electric, Point Pleasant
1n Financial Advisors: Phoenix Advisors, LLC, Bordentown
1o Borough Physician: Meridian Health Occupational Health, Eatontown
1p Police Psychologist: M. White & Firm, Mark White, Ph.D., ABPP, Manasquan
1q Benefits/Ins. Consultants: Conner Strong & Buckelew, Camden
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
2a Approval of temporary budget for 2020
2b Appointment of standing Council committees for 2020
2c Establish Personnel Committee for 2020
2d Establish Council meeting dates for 2020
2e Establish interest to be charged on delinquent taxes and water-sewer utility bills
2f Establish 6% penalty for tax delinquencies over $10,000.00
2g Authorization for Council to administer ABC licenses & enforce state statutes
2h Designation of newspapers to be used for legal ads during 2020
2i Appointment of Christine Riehl as Tax Search Officer for 2020
2j Appointment of Eileen Farrell as Assessment Search Officer for 2020
2k Appointment of Kathryn Beno as Deputy Finance Officer for 2020
2l Appointment of Janet Mutter as Deputy Municipal Clerk for 2020
2m Appointment of John Trout as Certified Principal Public Works Manager for 2020
2n Appointment of Janet Mutter as Deputy Registrar for 2020
2o Appointment of Karen Mills as Alternate Deputy Registrar for 2020
2p Implementation of Statewide Domestic Violence Policy
2q Appointment of municipal representative (Christine Riehl) & alternate (Borough Engineer) to Ocean County Community Development Block Grant Committee for 2020
2r Appointment of Christine Riehl as Public Agency Compliance Officer for 2020
2s Appointment of Council liaisons (2) to the Board of Education
2t Appointment of Council liaison to the Chamber of Commerce
2u Appointment of Class I and Class II Special Police Officers, School Crossing Guards, Police Matrons & P/T Communications Operators for 2020
2v Appointment of Tax Assessor to act as agent on Tax Appeals and execute settlements
2w Appt of Kathryn Beno as QPA and reaffirmation of increase in bid threshold for 2020
2x Authorization to draft application for Safe & Secure Communities Program for 2020 and appointment of Lt. Robert Kowalewski as grant coordinator
2y Establishment of fees for special DWI sessions
2z Re-establishment of petty cash and change funds for 2020
CONSENT RESOLUTION 3:
3a Designation of CFO to act as Governing Body Secretary during budget workshop sessions
3b Establishment of $10 late fee for late payment of dog license fees
3c Establishment of annual Halloween curfew
3d Establishment of mileage reimbursement rate for 2020
3e Pymt of annual lease fee to State of NJ for Rickover Park & open space at junction of Rtes 35 & 88
3f Establishment of Clerk/BA stipends for Council meetings & special Bd of Adj meetings
3g Appointment of Christine Riehl as PERMA Fund Commissioner
3h Appointment of Christine Riehl as Insurance Fund Commissioner and Eileen Farrell as Insurance Fund Deputy Commissioner and Insurance Fund Personnel Administrator
3i Appointment of Eileen Farrell as NJ Civil Service System Administrator
3j Appointment of Karen Mills as Board of Health Officer
3k Re-establishment of OPRA copy and administrative fees for 2020
3l Re-establishment of property tax exemption policy for disabled veterans
3m Re-authorization for CFO to issue hand written checks prior to Governing Body approval
3n Appointment of Karen Mills as Dog Warden for 2020
3o Re-establishment of Parking Machine Refund Policy RE: No Refunds
3p Appointment of Peter Ritchings as Dune Inspector for 2020
3q Designation of records custodians for each department
3r Re-establishment of part-time personnel and salaries for certain employees
3s Re-establishment of Condo Conversion Fee Schedule for 2020
3t Designation of financial institution and auth for Mayor & CFO to act as signatories on Borough accts
3u Re-establishment of miscellaneous water/sewer rates
3v Establishment of annual League of Municipalities policy
3w Authorization for Recreation Committee to accept applications for Summer Program from the parents of children who attend Antrim School, as well as from Borough employees
3x Establishment of Notary fee at $2.50/document
3y Requirement of Purchasing Agent to serve on Finance Committee
3z Requirement of elected officials to take one instructional course each year
CONSENT RESOLUTION 4:
4a Requirement of additional CFO duties in compliance with DLGS ‘Best Practices’
4b Appointment of J. Gluck as Alternate Municipal Magistrate
4c Appointments to Local Emergency Planning Council
4d Establishment of Local Emergency Planning Council meeting dates
4e Approval of 2020 Salary Resolution
4f Reaffirmation of Borough’s Civil Rights Policy
4g Re-instatement of litter patrol during summer season
4h Re-establishment of W/S ready-to-use charge waiver
4i Appointment of Christopher Mosca as Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator
4j Re-adoption of Meeting Protocol Policy
4k Designation of depositories for municipal funds during 2020
4l Establishment of NJ Paid Sick Leave blackout dates for 2020
4m Appointment of Patricia Kile to the position of Recycling Coordinator
4n Establishment of policy regarding Pleasure Park use during Recreation Summer Park Program
4o Appointment of James Liguori to 3-year term as Municipal Magistrate
4p Appointment of Princeton Hydro as Lake Management Consultant
4q Implementation of updated CDL Drug & Alcohol policy per FMCSA Clearinghouse changes
4r Re-establishment of Green Team Advisory Committee
4s Establishment of Fund Balance Policy and Procedures
CONSENT RESOLUTION 5:
5a Approval of exemption from municipal dog/cat license fees for volunteer fire/first aid personnel
5b Approval of exemption for one bulk pick-up fee/annum for volunteer fire/first aid personnel
5c Approval of exemption from water shut-off/turn-on fees for volunteer fire/first aid personnel
5d Designation of Fire Chief to sign documents and act as liaison for Firefighter Certification
5e Authorization for participation in the Volunteer Tuition Credit Program
5f Authorization for emergency services personnel to participate in AFLAC insurance programs
5g Authorization for Municipal Clerk to sign Fire Dept applications before placing on agenda
5h Establishment of canine and off-duty officer rates for special events
CONSENT RESOLUTION 6:
6a Appointments to Board of Adjustment
6b Appointments to Recreation Committee and Council Liaison
6c Appointments to Beautification Committee and Council Liaison
6d Appointments to Animal Welfare Committee and Council Liaison
6e Appointments to Shade Tree Advisory Commission and Council Liaison
6f Appointments to the Cultural Arts Committee
6g Appointments to Tourism Committee and Liaison
6h Appointments to Floodplain Management Committee
6i Appointments to Environmental Commission and Council Liaison
6j Appointments to the Green Team
6k Appointments of Class III and Alternate Class III Members to Planning Board
6l Appointments of Councilmembers to the Open Space Advisory Committee
CONSENT RESOLUTION 7: Mayoral Appointments
7a Appointment of Residents to the Open Space Advisory Committee
7b Appointment to the Parking Authority and Council Liaison
7c Appointments of Class I, II & IV Members to Planning Board
7d Appointments to Historic Preservation Commission
7e Appointments to Non-Resident Taxpayers Advisory Committee and Council Liaison
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Cortes (except 1a, 1b, 2b), Migut….YEA
Councilmember Cortes (1a, 1b, 2b)…..NAY
Councilmember Santanello…ABSENT
Benediction: Retired Pastor Raymond Tate, Life Chapel
Motion by Councilmember Migut to adjourn was seconded by Councilmember Cortes and carried by consent of Council. Meeting was adjourned at 1:05PM.
ATTEST: _______________________________
Eileen A. Farrell, RMC
Municipal Clerk
