Borough of Point Pleasant Beach MINUTES
The Mayor and Council of the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach met at 6:30 PM with Mayor Vogel and Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer and DiCorcia present. The Municipal Clerk read the notice indicating compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
Mayor Vogel: presented overview of River and Curtis Avenue zip code issue – Governing Body was asked to assist residents who have addresses the same as those in Point Pleasant, causing hardship with mail and other deliveries – Councilmen Liotta and DiCicco have had several meetings with residents and the Post Office to rectify – have done survey to get resident feedback – there are five different options on the table – tonight there will be a pubic discussion – Councilman DiCicco has asked Governing Body to take action on one of those options.
Councilman DiCicco: along with Councilman Liotta, chaired a public meeting and asked residents for input on problems with mail delivery, emergency services, etc. – ongoing for many years – thought best solution would be to have zip code changed – Mayor Vogel and Councilman Liotta corresponded and communicated with Representative Chris Smith – he put us in touch with Post Master and representatives of the U.S. Postal Service – I reached out to then Senator Corzine who latereled me to same people – became evident zip code change would not be in the offing, in light of our failure to satisfy Post Office’s criteria – available options include: (no change); totally change name of street; make minor change to street name, such as Old River Avenue or Curtis Avenue East; change numbering sequence on entire street so there are no duplicative addresses with Point Pleasant; allow individual homeowners to change their house numbers to avoid duplication – spoke with Jane Walsh, County Emergency Management Coordinator, County Sheriff’s representatives and Rosemarie Chisholm-Cohen – was assured Emergency Management isn’t tied to street address – they use a Verizon database to send people out to deal with emergencies – town is compliant with 911 regulations – leaning towards allowing property owners to change their numbers (5th option) – received correspondence from residents who don’t support changing name altogether – some indicated that, while not the best solution, it’s something they could live with – should alleviate some confusion and problems.
Councilman Liotta: have spent substantial time on this issue, along with Councilman DiCicco and Mayor Vogel – did due diligence with Postmaster, local officials, officials in Edison and higher political people – zip code change is out of the question – people who are repeatedly affected have the option to go to the Post Office and change their numbers – that’s what the Post Office suggests is the best thing – in favor of that option –– numbers will be out of sequence but at least will grant those homeowners most affected some relief.
Ed Crawford, 407 River Avenue: how quick can Post Office act on number change? – number change not the best option but an option with which I can get my mail delivered – anything better than situation we’re living with now.
Ken Moore, 321 River Avenue: will number change be optional?
June Monticello, 405 River Avenue: think this option might lead to more confusion – in favor of changing all numbers on street – think someone from Post Office should give opinion.
Pat Knight, 335 River Avenue: has anyone done formal complaint to Postal Inspector General and was correspondence Postal AIG sent out? (has been correspondence and meetings with local and regional postal officials) – don’t see same problem – sometimes get mail for 4 or 5 other people on my street – thinks Postmaster General needs to be notified about problem.
Jo Ann Chiefa, 311 River Avenue: 40-year problem – had problem with UPS recently – told them about your proposal – they thought your proposal would make matters worse – drivers look for continuity of numbers going down street – are in minority and will inconvenience everyone, but best solution is to change all numbers or street name – has this ever been done in another town successfully? (spoke with Point Pleasant Postmaster, Jane Walsh, who said its been done in other municipalities – used effectively and something she offered to us).
Councilman Loughran: when changing house number, could you put a hyphen with a number or letter after it ?(was discussed – were told changing the number would be better).
Jane Walsh, Point Pleasant Postmaster: best solution would be to change all the numbers – to change numbers in-between the streets is doable but not something she suggests – automated sorting machines don’t pickup letters or halves; Old River Avenue option would distinguish each town and might eliminate problem.
Mike Chiefa, 311 River Avenue: if choose option to change numbers of people affected, how do we go about changing our deeds and “Mapquest” (deeds go by block and lot – would contact “Mapquest” and Phone Company etc for residents).
Cheryl McManus, 315 River Avenue: all house numbers or street name should be changed – just like area code – once done, people get used to it – should do something uniform.
Mayor Vogel: sounds like consensus of Council is option #5, to allow individual property owners to change their numbers.
Department Head memos and correspondence were discussed with many items being moved to the agenda for action.
Raymond Savacool, Borough Engineer: removed all tanks at Sea Coast Oil site and put in monitoring wells – data sample was submitted to DEP – they required samples from additional off-site monitoring wells – request authorization to proceed and install those wells – Hazardous Discharge Remediation Fund has new rules because not utilizing all it’s money – can get money from them now to do testing required by DEP – have requested authorization to apply for that funding; Downtown Revitalization plans have been complete for some time – finally got permits from DOT – waiting for authorization to spend those federal funds, before we can go out to bid – hope for construction in fall; Boston Avenue drainage project involves replacing all storm drain piping from Wills Hole to Lake Louise – moving forward with designing plans for replacement of pipes; applied for funds for Lake Louise dredging – 20-year low interest loan of approximately $488,000 was verbally approved – did additional sediment sampling, as required – awaiting results – once we get results, can resubmit application to dredge – Bureau of Coastal Engineering indicated we can put dredge spoils on Gull Island; basic ‘Lakeshore Concept’ plans have been prepared – will meet with “lake” arm of Environmental Commission in near future, before going out to the public again – incorporated a lot of comments from first public hearing; moving forward with roadway improvements to Newark Avenue, funded in part through DOT, beginning near railroad right-of-way, all the way to Chicago, terminating at Washington Avenue; waiting for inspection report, before proceeding with painting of water tower; completed plans for repaving of Riverside Place, partially funded by CDBG funds; moving forward with CDBG handicap sidewalk and curb project along Woodland and Lincoln Avenues – all streets in Borough are just about completed – waiting for start date from Earle Asphalt; moving forward with Natural Resources Inventory and Open Space Plan; in coordination with Ocean County, have surveyed Baltimore Avenue – project should start this fall; suggested roundabout, at intersection with Chicago Avenue, as method of traffic calming on Washington Avenue – been used with some success in Belmar – County wanted to limit left-hand turns – scaled down roundabout to permit all traffic movements – think County will approve; Baltimore Avenue project entails installing inlets and tying into existing drainage system – don’t know if they will mill and repave road; looked at Briarcliff and Rosewood – waiting for Point Pleasant to pass capital budget in order to work in conjunction with them; (Councilman DiCorcia asked about speed humps) can only use on municipal roads.
Motion by Councilman Dyer, to enter closed session to discuss litigation (2) and contractual (2) matters, was seconded by Councilman DiCorcia and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Closed session started at 7:15 P.M. and ended at 7:46 P.M.
Mayor Vogel called the regular meeting to order at 7:49 P.M. Present were Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer and DiCorcia. The Municipal Clerk again read the notice indicating compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
Motion by Councilman Liotta, to approve the minutes of the June 20, 2006 Council meeting as corrected, was seconded by Councilman DiCorcia and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer and DiCorcia ….YEA
Mayor Vogel: wished Officer Susan Saccone the very best on her retirement; due to that retirement, have honor and privilege to have someone new join police force – Kyle Boturla graduated from Point Pleasant Beach High School in 2001, attended Brookdale Community College, has been a member of Point Pleasant Beach Fire Company #2 for six years and an assistant volunteer coach for the High School Baseball team for the past 3 years – graduated from Cape May Police Academy in 2004 and has worked here as a Class II Special Officer since June 2004 – he has earned his position in this department, joining the fine men and women serving our community.
Clerk Ellsworth administered the oath of office to Police Officer Kyle Boturla.
Chief DePolo: thanked Governing Body for their support in making this addition to the police force; looking forward to working with Kyle full time.
Ordinance 2006-15 (Handicap Parking) was considered on second reading. Public hearing was opened, held and closed with no member of the public wishing to be heard.
Motion by Councilman Corbally, seconded by Councilman Liotta and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2005-15 was adopted on second reading.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-16 (Flood Damage Prevention) was considered on second reading. Public hearing was opened, held and closed with no member of the public wishing to be heard.
Motion by Councilman Liotta, seconded by Councilman Dyer and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2005-16 was adopted on second reading.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-17 (Parking on Private Property) was considered on second reading. Public hearing was opened, held and closed with no member of the public wishing to be heard.
Motion by Councilman Corbally, seconded by Councilman DiCicco and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2005-17 was adopted on second reading.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-18 (Riding on Sidewalk, Boardwalk and Street Ends) was considered on second reading. Public hearing was opened, held and closed with no member of the public wishing to be heard.
Motion by Councilman DiCicco, seconded by Councilman DiCorcia and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2005-18 was adopted on second reading.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-19 (False Alarms) was considered on second reading. Public hearing was opened, held and closed with no member of the public wishing to be heard.
Motion by Councilman Loughran, seconded by Councilman Corbally and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2006-19 was adopted on second reading.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-20 (Pedestrian Crossings) was considered on second reading. Public hearing was opened, held and closed with no member of the public wishing to be heard.
Motion by Councilman Dyer, seconded by Councilman Liotta and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2006-20 was adopted on second reading.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-21 (Alcoholic Beverage Control – Minors) was considered on second reading. Public hearing was opened, held and closed with no member of the public wishing to be heard.
Motion by Councilman Corbally, seconded by Councilman DiCicco and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2006-21 was adopted on second reading.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-22 (Film Permits) was considered on second reading. Public hearing was opened, held and closed with no member of the public wishing to be heard.
Motion by Councilman DiCicco, seconded by Councilman Dyer and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2006-22 was adopted on second reading.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-23 (Amend Ordinance 2006-14) was introduced on first reading.
Motion by Councilman Loughran, seconded by Councilman Corbally and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2006-23 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on August 15, 2006.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-24 (Real Estate Offices in GC Zone) was introduced on first reading.
Motion by Councilman DiCicco, seconded by Councilman Liotta and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2006-24 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on August 15, 2006.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-25 (Establish Recycling Coordinator Position) was introduced on first reading.
Motion by Councilman DiCicco, seconded by Councilman Loughran and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2006-25 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on August 15, 2006.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-26 (Establish Community Rating System Coordinator Position) was introduced on first reading.
Motion by Councilman DiCicco, seconded by Councilman Dyer and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2006-26 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on August 15, 2006.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Clerk Ellsworth added several items to Consent Resolution on Addenda; Jim Wisniewski, 1403 St. Louis Avenue: asked why alternate wasn’t being moved up to full time position on Environmental Commission.
Councilman DiCicco gave background on ratification of Teamsters’ contract: supervisory employees formed a union and were certified by State of New Jersey to have Teamsters represent them – thanked Councilmen Liotta, Dyer and Corbally for their help, as well as all the members of the Governing Body – pension benefits, longevity benefits and health costs are costing all government entities a considerable amount of money – corporate retiree health benefits are bankrupting corporate America – health benefits on retirement will no longer be afforded to new employees in that union – also got a handle on out of class pay – felt there was very little supervision over that – will not be paid until after the first day and the Administrator will have to approve – 5.5% increase for five year period – fair salary adjustment that is comparable to rate of inflation – four year contract thru 12/07 – has been part of our closed session deliberation as contract negotiations – recommend we adopt this evening.
Councilman Corbally: thanked Councilman DiCicco for stepping in at the end and helping to close the deal with the Teamsters.
Councilman Liotta: negotiations have gone through different Administrators and different Attorneys – whole team worked diligently – Councilman DiCicco came in at the end and really helped this Governing Body to wrap up the negotiations – pleased to have it behind us and will start with Transport Workers Union shortly – thanked Administrator Riehl for all her research on behalf of the Governing Body.
Motion by Councilman Loughran, seconded by Councilman DiCorcia, resolutions covering the items listed below, were approved by the following roll call vote:
CONSENT RESOLUTION 1:
a) Raffles License Application Women’s Club to benefit Beautification Committee – waiver of $10 municipal fee
b) Approval of MAC town-wide garage sale on 10/14/06 – waiver of individual garage sale permit requirement
c) Authorization for the MAC to submit 2007 Grant Application to Ocean County
d) Approval of Payroll #13 ($228,674.07) and Payroll #14 ($228,674.07)
e) Approval of 2006 Summer Recreation Program Salaries
f) Memorialize approval of expansion of premises for White Sands ABC License
g) Correction to February 7th minutes: C/R 1/Item ‘y’ should read December 2005, not October 2005
h) Correction to February 21st minutes: C/R 1/Item ‘u’ should read 5/21/06 not 2/21/06
i) Payment to Information Station for police radio station ($10,232)
j) Payment to Rainbow Irrigation for sprinkler systems ($6750)
k) Progress Payment #4 to Earle Asphalt for work on roadway improvements to McLean and Laurel Avenues ($4,210.49)
l) Payment to Cummins-Allison for Jet Scan currency scanner ($2506.33)
m) Payment to Metric Parking for multi-space meter machines ($134,799.60)
n) Payment to Internat’l Trucks for roll-off hoist truck ($138,860)
o) Payment to Water Works Supply Co for fire hydrants ($7149.69)
p) Payment to Continental Fire for multi-gas meters for fire truck ($3453)
q) Payment to Riggins, Inc for diesel fuel ($6942.21)
r) Payment to Motorola for police communications equipment ($20,121)
s) Payment to PL Custom Emergency Vehicles for Fire Co generator repairs ($5976.39)
t) Payment to Brick Utilities for June bulk water usage ($104,400.80)
u) Payment to Gluck, Allen & Gertner for professional services ($5833.90)
v) Refund unexpended escrow account balances ($1962.05)
w) Payments to Schoor Depalma from Planning Bd escrow ($251.75)
x) Payment to Schulman, Wiegman for attendance at BOA meeting ($225.00)
y) Payments to Galvin Law Firm from BOA escrow accounts ($1207.50)
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
a) Payments to Madnik, Milstein from Planning Bd escrow accounts ($2781.25)
b) Raffles License Applications (2) Pt Pleasant Chapter Deborah on 9/12/06
c) Permission for Point Pleasant Chapter Deborah Hospital Foundation to solicit local merchants for gift auction prizes
d) Progress Pay’t to Certified Valuations for work completed on reval ($16,192.34)
e) Payment #2 to Sgt. Menzella of sick leave benefit due on retirement ($4076.86)
f) Raffles License Applications for St. Peter’s PTA (4)
g) Support Mayors’ Wellness Campaign
h) Award contract for computer upgrade services to United Computer ($39,996)
i) P O to Hewlitt Packard for computer equipment ($23,578)
j) Permission for Lions Club to place box for donation of used eyeglasses at Borough Hall
k) Appoint Horizon BCBS as provider of employee prescription benefits plan
l) Approval of computer generated vouchers ($648,367.95)
m) Appointment of Peggy Cadigan to the Environmental Commission
CONSENT RESOLUTION 3:
a) Renewal of Employee health benefits contract with Horizon BCBS
b) Approval of Payroll #15 ($262,446.64)
c) Authorization to ratify contract with Teamsters Union
d) Authorization to purchase ‘Pedestrian Crossing’ signs (up to $5,000)
e) Authorization to purchase ‘Urgent If Flashing’ signs from ISS ($3475)
f) Permission for Antrim PTO to sell raffle tickets on Boardwalk
g) Amend contract for computer upgrade services to United Computer to add Websense server and Software ($4846)
h) Authorization for records disposal in various departments
i) Approval to institute provision #5 of the zip code proposal
j) Approval of Playwrights 3 ‘Poetry in the Park’ special event application
k) Permission for Mayor & Clerk to execute contract with Thomas A. Thomas
l) Authorize Boro Atty to draft ordinance re: parking on Trenton Avenue by H.S.
m) Authorization to offer additional deferred comp plan to Boro employees
n) Permission for N J Blood Services to use public meeting room for blood drive
o) Authorization for Schoor Depalma to proceed with ‘Borden Parking Lot’ project
p) Authorization for Schoor Depalma to proceed with submitting application for funding from HDRF for additional testing required by DEP at Sea Coast site
q) Authorization for Schoor Depalma to send letter regarding status of Sea Coast Oil site to area residents
r) Permission for Jenk’s South to store rides in trailers on their property during winter
s) Approval of Lions Club special event applications for Seafood Five Mile Run, Tube Race Parade, Boardwalk Craft Show and raffle ticket sales on Boardwalk
t) Approval of ad in Garnet Gulls Booster Assoc sports journal ($125)
u) Appointment of Class II special officers (16)
v) Authorization for Boro Atty to draft ordinance removing a handicap parking space on Harvard Avenue and installing one on Boston Avenue
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Mayor Vogel: thanked Administrator Riehl for preparing information packet that is going into next tax bill mailing; thanked those that attended ‘Meet the Mayor’ session – had a lot of questions raised and will be getting back to those people; thanked Chief DePolo, deputies and John Mercun for transition of Emergency Management Coordinator duties – seamless transition and capable leadership.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman Liotta: work on 75th Anniversary Celebration of Manasquan Inlet Opening is on-going; thanked Administrator Riehl for her work on sprinkler installations; watershed moment with ratification of Teamster contract – Council is well aware of financial trends and will keep them in mind as we move forward; there are several bad boards on the Boardwalk at Central Avenue – Bob Meany asked to have the Borough Engineer look at it.
Councilman Loughran: been nice upgrades at Silver Lake lot, but lighting in lot is still inadequate – some minor upgrades were made but needs to have a total upgrade by next spring – need to look at it for next budget season – can’t see to use parking machines – plus it’s a safety issue; new roll-off truck has been delivered to Public Works – used to have to borrow a truck – saving money and also making money delivering recyclables to destinations; asked Borough Administrator to have County address sink hole at the intersection of Ocean and Homestead – asked public to report any sinkholes to the Borough Administrator’s office; sold some parking meters a little while ago – maybe should advertise sale of others in League of Municipalities’ magazine.
Councilman Corbally: Consent Resolution 2/Items ‘h’ and ‘i’ addresses networking at Borough Hall, Public Works and Water Department – upgrading software and adding network printers – Public Works will be able to look at their budget accounts – water department will be able to look up past billing history – along with Administrator Riehl and Councilman Dyer, interviewed several companies – two came in with proposals – United was best choice by far – had over 150 references including Point Pleasant – start in October and hopefully finish within one month; Farmers Market has exceeded all expectations – vegetable and fruit vendors have virtually sold out of their products – thanked Pat & Greg Culp, Chris Tooker, Peggy Cadigan and Pete Sandomeno – meet with them every Thursday night to review previous ‘Market’ and plan the next – open to ideas from public; Fire Department is doing a fantastic job – new truck is first vehicle out of Fire Company #2 on all calls – had 161 calls this year and 3 structure fires in the last three months – thanked Fire Department – they do a fantastic job.
Councilman DiCicco: deforestation of Point Pleasant Beach has reached epidemic proportions – trees are being cut down indiscriminately, albeit mostly on private property – gentlemen came to last Council meeting to update us on what Dover Township has done to educate public on the benefit of trees – falls under umbrella of Environmental Commission, but they are over-worked and haven’t been able to devote time to study tree issue – would like to appoint a Shade Tree Commission – many other municipalities have one which reviews applications for land use approvals and has input to both Planning and Zoning Boards – can also do public outreach and inform residents on the benefits of trees.
Motion by Councilman DiCicco, to authorize the Borough Attorney to draft an Ordinance establishing a Shade Tree Commission, was seconded by Councilman Liotta and carried by the following roll call vote.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ad Hoc Lake Study Committee will have its next meeting on August 21st, to educate ourselves on public opinion regarding lakes and the Schoor Depalma report – our job is to digest all that information and decide how to proceed; Engineer reported on status of Lake Louise – sampling done and submitted to DEP – takes six to eight weeks to get results – then hope to get clearance to dredge – included in this year’s budget is a $488,000 low interest loan for that purpose; welcomed Chief as Emergency Management Coordinator – now have an AM radio station up and running and will use it to advise public of emergency situations – Administrator Riehl is including a description in the information packet going out in tax bills – have some additional meetings set up with Emergency Management to prepare for hurricane season; getting ready to get back into FEMA – passed ordinance adopting regional mapping and established position of Community Rating System Coordinator – set forth a game plan and will begin implementing it as soon as Coordinator is in place – will prepare a flood management plan; congratulated Police Department on their incredible performance over July 4th weekend – 193 Borough Ordinance violations and 54 criminal arrests – Police are out there in spots where they need to be – same thing that made New York City so much safer; Court System does an amazing job – singled out by State for reducing back log of parking tickets from 63% to 6.2% – getting incredible turnover on disposition of offenses and they are to be congratulated.
Mayor Vogel: have an ordinance on our books giving Council the ability to create a Municipal Conservation Commission – may be able to leverage regarding lake study – passed out information on same to Council.
Councilman Dyer: thanked Police Department on a personal note – in front of his home, there are three parking spots – on Saturday, gentleman with big truck with extended cab is up on the sidewalk and neighbor is out there screaming at him – he banged car in front of him several times and was wedged in – I asked him to stop and moved the car behind which was mine – after I moved the car, he took off – saw my car was damaged – called Police and Officer Donato came right out – he got caught in Silver Lake parking lot right away – was issued several summonses – thanked Police Department and Officer Donato – doing a great job; Building Department collected $275,145 to date, up $45,714 over last year which relates to a 19.9% increase – all penalties issued in June have fixed problems – settled two ‘Animal House’ problems from last summer – issued four penalties for working without permits, three ‘Animal House’ summons and nine noise complaints, one entailing a minor arrest; been able to secure two deputy fire marshals, who will team up with code enforcement on weekends, at no cost to the town, thanks to the Mayor; thanked all for their passion and research regarding Lake of the Lillies – Council is challenged to do what’s right for the lake and the town – our goal is vibrant lakes throughout the town – any public input, facts, history, pictures are all appreciated – will be moving forward with short term plan and long term plan; thanked Council for moving forward with ‘Pedestrian Crossing’ signs – need to slow down traffic on Ocean Avenue.
Councilman DiCorcia: resident brought program that County Sheriff runs to my attention, “Project Lifesaver” – autistic child, who wandered away from home, was found in Point Pleasant Beach – “Project Lifesaver” focuses on Alzheimers, Autism and Downs Syndrome individuals, who wander away from home – program has become internationally recognized – would like to bring representative from Ocean County Sheriff’s Department to explain program to Council – bracelets cost about $20 each; Newark Star Ledger threw newspapers on properties throughout Central Avenue area – newspapers were all over the streets – asked Counsel if we have any recourse (can notify them; Borough Administrator was asked to call); still have four lights out on Arnold Avenue, on the north side, for at least two months; Elks having ‘Special Needs’ Children’s Program on the 28th – children get boat rides and rides on fire engines – K9 unit and DARE car will be there as well.
Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, to limit public participation at Council meetings to five minutes each, with an additional minute of summation after someone else speaks, was seconded by Councilman Corbally and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco*, Dyer and DiCorcia….YEA
*Councilman DiCicco: read from “Asbury Park Press” article "reasonable time limit for speakers can prevent meetings from dragging on ad nauseum and halt those who would over present their opinion – speakers with something to say can certainly prepare and get their point across within a fair time frame”.
Mayor Vogel: was an article in the “Asbury Park Press” regarding some activities that this Governing Body may or may not be involved with – Governing Body firmly gets what the residents want especially when it comes to the oceanfront, beach access, parking and historic preservations – will continue to be Council policy that no contract negotiations will be discussed in the media but will go through proper channels – anyone can comment, as we welcome your opinion, but the Governing Body will not respond on this issue.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD OPENED AT 8:55 P.M.
Dave Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway: thanked Council and Administrator for sprinklers –big help to Beautification volunteers during hot weather; listened to Borough Engineer’s report on Baltimore Avenue – bubble ups on Niblick Street are not included – asked that Council look into it and the problem of water flooding onto Parkway from Niblick – asked about schedule of Band Shell performances; occurrences of crime are increasing and types of crimes are changing – Police do a great job, but can’t be everywhere – people come to Point Pleasant Beach at night to drink as much as they can – that’s a bad problem – bars are willing to serve them as much as they can and then get them onto Boardwalk and streets, so it’s the town’s responsibility – town should be more aggressive about looking into whether liquor licenses are renewed – DWI points should be stationed outside bars regularly to document how many people are leaving intoxicated – bar owners should be put on notice – licenses will be up for review each year, should control how they serve alcohol due to its effect on residents.
Curt Leach, 315 Curtis Avenue: thanked Council for extreme attention and care in purchasing roll off truck and establishing Recycling Coordinator position – as member of recycling task force, can now tell people to bring cardboard to recycling center, without having to tie it up – roll off will take it – County gives us percentage of that material’s value – currently, 95% of all cardboard in town is being put in garbage – can reduce costs and get more from rebate program – hopes to see more recycling programs which will bring town into compliance with state mandate – currently woefully behind; thanked Councilman DiCicco and entire Council for noticing that town is losing a tremendous number of trees – losing birds that keep down bug population, as a direct consequence.
Joe Lemma, 203 St. Louis Avenue: called Councilman Liotta about Southern House lot –there are 20 cars parked there – should have a fence around it, or a berm, so cars cannot park illegally there; called town’s insurance company about valet parking in streets and asked for information about its legality – has a right to it under “Freedom of Information Act” – quoted Borough Code that parking will only be permitted between the lines of a licensed premises – town ordinance says that parking spaces shall be provided in areas designated for parking – there shall be no parking along interior streets (Councilman Corbally told him it was legal).
John Szafranski, 319 Yale Avenue: thanked Chief DePolo and Administrator Riehl for putting barricade by parking at Aquarium – keeps buses away from Parkway – must be maintained – buses are now going down Niblick, Boston, Baltimore and Parkway, creating congestion in that area – turn-around at Jenkinson’s lot was expanded – if they can fit delivery trucks there, why can’t buses drop off and pick up there, and park at the north end of town; questioned the status of the Boardwalk repair discussed at last meeting (since last meeting, communicated to property owners that they must inform town beforehand); asked for copy of a memo concerning retail sales on the Boardwalk (came from court decision when summons was issued – court said it was a grand-fathered use); there’s a lot of concern recently about immigrants – Hazleton Council has instituted two laws to control illegal immigrants – can be fined for hiring them and for housing them – asked if Council has given any thought to this – getting a lot of immigrants in town – some are being housed in abnormal conditions (have joined with Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office to address occupancy issues).
Craig Jones, 1503 St. Louis Avenue: asked if Council received e-mails that he forwarded, including one from gentleman at Fish and Wildlife, who’d be willing to meet with them on Thursday morning (will forward to Administrator Riehl to coordinate possible visit).
Ed Conklin, 313 Carter Avenue: last night’s informal meeting was worthwhile – Lake of Lillies has always been important to him – has been following studies for about 20 years – nothing ever gets done – very impressed with Councilmen DiCicco and Dyer and Mayor Vogel – finally, it looks like something will get done – in February, he indicated that he thought dredging was answer to restoring lake – Council’s said they were looking at where to put the dredging material – asked, if we have no idea what’s in the silt at the bottom of the lake, how will we know where to put it – asked Council to make a motion to authorize someone to analyze the mud and silt in the bottom of the lake and report in 90 days what it is – shouldn’t be an expensive project – seems that should be the first step in the resolution of reviving the lake.
Motion by Councilman DiCicco to authorize solicitation of bids for sediment testing, contingent upon whether this work has been previously authorized, was seconded by Councilman DiCorcia and carried by the following roll-call vote:
VOTE: Councilman Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ed Donoghue, 1304 Baltimore Avenue: at last night’s Environmental Commission meeting, passed out information to Mayor Vogel and Councilmen about the attitudes of people in the town – brought copies for the rest of Council – good meeting, contentious, but a lot of people got the opportunity to express themselves – thanked Council.
Kitty Phillip, 54 Channel Drive: thanked Councilman DiCicco for motion to establish Shade Tree Commission – trees are a precious resource – great step in the right direction; herbicides are poison intended to kill living organisms – while goal is to have a beautiful lake, spraying herbicides in not the answer – even if it does not go into water directly, it goes into the soil, which filters into drinking water and lakes – stated, for the record, that she and others, who could not make tonight’s meeting, are opposed to spraying herbicides around the lakes – asked if town has applied for a permit to spray herbicides (no).
Frank Costa, 300 Elizabeth Avenue: thanked Council for last night’s meeting – asked for motion to prohibit resident from spraying on public side (Ordinance was passed – if you see spraying, contact the Police).
Beth Gaelick, 210 Washington Avenue: thanked Council for last night’s informative meeting; family had incident on Saturday – called 911 – response was incredibly quick and extremely professional – were so supportive and concerned – meant so much to her family how they were treated and how it was taken so seriously; has owned her lake property for 14 years – is a naturalist – lake and lake shore have completely changed because of private citizens cutting – every year there are a few more – not just trimming, but taking down within inches of the ground – need to educate public about the benefits of these reeds – asked Council to mail letter, urging people to stop cutting (town has applied for permits to do some maintenance trimming) must stop cutting right down to the mud – Bay Head keeps theirs at least three feet tall – people should be notified of the harmful affects of pesticides and fertilizers – fertilizers are a big cause of the fish kill we had – Round-Up is the only herbicide available to the general public – it is toxic to all living things (no one’s been given permission to do it – and if they are, its illegal).
Candace Donoghue, 1304 Baltimore Avenue: thanked all for listening last night – lake is important to us – public safety is a big issue – thought both lakes were classified as protected fresh water wetlands and cutting was not allowed without a permit (DEP allows some trimming – have applied for permit) – lake has green film over it, which means the oxygen is leaving the lake – asked Council to authorize putting in an aerator to maintain and preserve until decisions are made (Engineering staff is aware of lakes – have taken a holistic approach – have not said this should be done now) – lake is in same condition as during the fish kill in 2003 – concerned that if nothing is done, it will happen again; town has done a great job with education – granddaughter went to Antrim School – one of the best she’s ever seen.
Joe Lemma: referenced “Asbury Park Press” article about Mr. Gagnon’s opposition to parking lot because Borough has lost tax revenue – asked if there is recourse to get money back since lot is illegal (Attorney Gertner: reached out to Board of Adjustment Attorney – nothing in legal opinion talks about lost tax revenue).
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD CLOSED AT 9:35 P.M.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:36 p.m.
Transcribed By:
Eileen Farrell & Maryann Ellsworth
Attest: Maryann Ellsworth, Municipal Clerk
