Borough of Point Pleasant Beach MINUTES
The Mayor and Council of the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach met at 6:30 PM with Mayor Barrella and Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran and Mercun present. Councilman Dixon was absent. The Municipal Clerk read the notice indicating compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
Mickey Diaz, Parking Committee Chairman: asked that Ordinances 2008-27/2008-28 be tabled – met with CFO and Public Works employees and found that revenue does not support costs affiliated with project.
John Trout, Acting Public Works Superintendent: put facts and figures together regarding additional recycling pick-up for beachfront – pick-up on Wednesday after Memorial Day generated 1060 pounds – taking truck with only 1/2 ton to Lakehurst with gas at $3.58 per gallon is not cost effective.
Councilman Cervino: asked about roll-off and cost on weekends ($7000).
John Trout: last two recycling pick-ups on Bay and Arnold Avenues yielded only 15 cans in two weeks – education and enforcement are needed before expanding schedule.
Councilmen Cervino and Mercun complimented public works crew for clean-up after storm.
Department Head memos and correspondence were discussed with items moved to agenda for action; Administrator Riehl was directed to have the public works department see what they could do to address town lot adjacent to the Woman’s Club; Fellowship Chapel request was held for review by the Police Chief.
Mark Stevens, N J MetroNet, and John Fernicola, Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC), addressed Council regarding TAC web-site: cost would be $1787 for the first year and $497 per year thereafter – fees generated through advertising would go back to town – would be configured so that perusal of other tourism sites on the web would also bring up the Point Pleasant Beach site. Mayor Barrella: would like feedback from Chamber – needs to dovetail with Chamber site. Lynn Mahoney, Director of Chamber of Commerce: several Chamber directors had no problem with site, but it has not been brought up before the whole Board, which will meet on Monday, June 23rd.
Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, to enter closed session to discuss (1) personnel, (3) litigation and (2) contractual matters, was seconded by Councilman Loughran and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran and Mercun …YEA
Closed session started at 7:01 PM and ended at 7:37 PM.
Mayor Barrella called the regular meeting to order at 7:40 P.M. Present were Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran and Mercun. Councilman Dixon was absent. The Municipal Clerk again read the notice indicating compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
Mayor Barrella asked for a moment of silence for the recently deceased father of Councilman Dixon and for the boy scouts involved in the tragedy caused by tornadoes in the Midwest.
Motion by Councilman DiCorcia to approve the minutes of the March 11, 2008, April 29, 2008, May 6, 2008 and May 13, 2008 Council Meetings, was seconded by Councilman Loughran and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran and Mercun …YEA
Councilwoman Tooker presented Proclamation to Richard Barrella for his accomplishments as an Ocean County Mayor’s Scholar.
Mayor Barrella: 2008 Municipal Budget was introduced on April 15th and the public hearing was held on May 20th with announcement that the vote would be deferred until this meeting. The 2008 Municipal Budget was adopted by the following roll call vote.
VOTE: Council Members Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun**….YEA
Councilman DiCorcia*….NAY
*Councilman DiCorcia: no vote was due, in part, to hiring of 25th police officer.
**Councilman Mercun: thanked CFO Riehl and the Finance Committee
Ordinance 2008-16 (Eliminate Director of Public Works Position) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-16 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 15, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Ordinance 2008-17 (Establish W/S Foreman/Supervisor Position) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, seconded by Councilman Loughran and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-17 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 15, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Ordinance 2008-18 (Establish Supervisor Public Works Position) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-18 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 15, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran*, Mercun….YEA
*Councilman Loughran: the above three ordinances all tie into Mr. Meany’s retirement – Mr. Trout will be heading the Public Works Department and Mr. Broyles will be heading the Water/Sewer Department – both with title changes – have eliminated the position that Mr. Meany held without replacing him.
Ordinance 2008-22 (Amend CO License Fees) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-22 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 1, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino*, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
*Councilman Cervino: hotel/motel operators, who are paying the hotel/motel tax, shouldn’t have to incur the additional cost associated with the increase in CO fees – wasn’t clarified in Ordinance 2008-03 and that’s what precipitated this particular measure – to incur that tax plus the additional CO fees would not be fair.
Ordinance 2008-23 (Amend Parking Fees) was introduced on first reading.
Councilman Cervino: fully compliant with 25% tax increase; Councilman Mercun: think 50 cent increase is the way to go – $1/hour increase is too much – $2.50/hour rate on weekends is reasonable; Councilman Loughran: 50 cent/hour would increase average 6 hour stay by $3 – not unreasonable – pay $20/$25 to park at ballgame; Mayor Barrella: once this is done will need to get moving, so having special meeting on July 1st – want to make sure we get amount right the first time out – think 50% increase would be burdensome and incur adverse publicity.
Joe Lemma, 203 St Louis Avenue: should be $3; Max Gagnon, 304 Parkway: no problem with rate increase – sell it to public as savings because gas prices have gone up so much; Ben Dispoto, 311 Parkway: questioned year-to-date parking revenues – should be $2.50/hour; Marilyn Burke, 118 Central Avenue: $3/hour, with no meters on residential blocks; Barbara Dervan, 320 Broadway: $3/hour – may save town from putting meters on residential streets.
Motion by Councilman Loughran, seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-23 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 1, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Ordinance 2008-24 (Parking on Maryland Avenue) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilwoman Tooker, seconded by Councilman DiCorcia and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-24 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 1, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Ordinance 2008-25 (Amend Vital Statistic Fees) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-25 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 15, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia ,Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Ordinance 2008-26 (Establish Deputy Municipal Court Clerk Position) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-26 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 15, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Mayor Barrella announced that Ordinances 2008-27 and 2008-28 were being held; Mickey Diaz, Parking Committee Chairman: Met with Public Works employees and Administrator Riehl – 35 meters, currently located on Broadway, only generated $1,040 in eight months – would cost money to pour footings to add meters – alerted committee members, via e-mail, on June 11th and only heard from four – asked Council to hold ordinances until committee had a chance to explore other more lucrative options.
Ordinance 2008-29 (Reappropriation Bond for Boston Avenue Improvements) was introduced on first reading.
CFO Riehl: original bond covered individual street projects – McLean and Laurel project came in $70,000 under projected cost – Boston Avenue exceeded cost – just moving from one to the other.
Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-29 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 15, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Ordinance 2008-30 (Amend Bond Ordinance 2006-44) was introduced on first reading.
CFO Riehl: amendment related to Borden’s Lot project – Parking Authority gave town $115,000 – need to adjust ordinance for same
Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-30 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 15, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Ordinance 2008-31 (Amend Returned Check Fees) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2008-31 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on July 15, 2008.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Clerk Ellsworth added several items to Consent Resolution 3; Mayor Barrella asked that resolution 1/item “q”, payment for arbitration service, be held for more detail – authorized CFO to ask for detailed time records.
Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, to open discussion on consent resolution items to the public, was seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Ben Dispoto, 311 Parkway: asked if item 2/”h” was part of the re-appropriation ordinance – asked for projected expense of Borden’s Lot project ($385,000) – asked if item 2/”k was included in grant referenced on sign in front of building and what the total amount is for this phase (about $750,000) with $580,000 from state (yes); Dave Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway: asked of item 2/”x” was for bond (advertising as regular council meeting) – asked about Christmas decorations listed as item 3/”n” (town only picking up additional electric cost with Chamber picking up installation costs); Vince Castin, 15 Trenton Avenue: asked about items 2/”v” and 2/”b” (2/b is for counting meter money; 2/v is already one of town’s special project engineers – parceling out projects to engineers with best experience/talent) – asked about parking machine refund policy (no refunds for putting too much money in machine, etc).
Motion by Councilman Cervino, to close public discussion and adopt resolutions covering items listed below, was seconded by Councilman DiCorcia and carried by the following roll call vote.
CONSENT RESOLUTION 1:
a) Authorization to apply for Ocean County Shade Tree Grant
b) Permission for members of Pt Pleasant Chapter of Deborah to solicit local merchants for raffle prizes
c) Appt of John Palmer to temporarily perform plumbing inspections
d) Authorization for MAC to submit 2009 Grant Application to Ocean County
e) Reimbursement for purchase of VHF radio for Fire Department ($130)
f) Payment of annual donation to PPB Chamber of Commerce ($5000)
g) Payment to WWSC for parts for water meters ($2720.54)
h) Payment to Meridian Occupation Health for police recruit physicals ($3588)
i) Payment to American Uniform for Special Officer Class I uniforms ($3058.55)
j) Payment to Ray’s Sport Shop for police ammunition ($6926.50)
k) P O to H C Sauer Electrical for work at Police substation with payment authorization upon completion ($2565 from Grant)
l) P O to Molner Contracting for work at Police substation with payment authorization upon completion ($4300 from Grant)
m) Approval of Disabled Veterans “Forget Me Not” drive on Boardwalk
n) Approval of Payroll #12 ($239,579.82)
o) Payment to Welter Appraisal for tax appeal services ($8600)
p) Payment to Cooper Electric Supply for Fire Department generators ($37,994)
q) HELD
r) Payment to Selective Ins Co for Police substation flood insurance ($3615)
s) Payments to Galvin Law Firm from Board of Adjustment Accounts ($2845)
t) Payments to Schulman, Wiegmann from Board of Adjustment escrow acct ($225)
u) Payment to Boyce Assoc for litter receptacles ($4026.18)
v) Payment to Pedroni Fuel for no lead fuel ($26,028.96)
w) ABC License Renewal (3)
x) Payment to Metric Group for terminal processing charges for credit cards ($6216)
y) Approval of ABC Temporary Storage Permit application for Chef’s International
z) Authorization for CMX to submit grant applications to NJ DOT
aa) P O to USA Bluebook for water meters ($5196.91)
bb) Payment to Ocean County Landfill for tipping fees ($50,000)
cc) Appointment of John Trout as municipal representative to OC CDBG Committee
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
a) Opposition to A-1645/S-770 Mandatory Appt of Qualified Purchasing Agent
b) P O to Advanced Money Systems for coin counter with payment authorization upon delivery ($3942.93)
c) Reduce April 15th approved payment to Metric Group from $10,000 to $8000
d) Establish 2008 Recreation summer program salaries
e) Payment to NJ Transit from developer escrow ($1182.90)
f) Payment to MAC from Recreation for donations to Project Graduation and Easter Egg Hunt
g) Payment to Parts Plus for pressure washer ($2761.40)
h) Progress payment #2 to Sea View Contracting for work on Boston Ave drainage improvements ($70,617.82)
i) Payment to Barlow’s for beautification plants ($3436.36)
j) Progress payment #1 to Lucas Construction for work completed on Borden’s Lot improvements ($256,163.08)
k) Progress payment #2 to Ace Manzo for I & I improvements ($154,427.14)
l) Salary Adjustment for James Broyles for Water/Sewer Operator Certification License
m) Memorialize resolution approving Chef’s International Application for change of corporate structure/place-to-place transfer
n) Memorialize resolution renewing Jenkinsons Pavilion ABC License
o) Payments to ESI Equipment for Core 4035 Cutter and Extrication/Forcible Entry Tool ($15,359)
p) Approval of computer generated vouchers ($936,376.06)
q) Payment to Horizon BCBS for employee health benefits ($131,692.45)
r) Authorization for CMX to bid Niblick Street road improvement project
s) Authorization for CMX to bid New York Ave road improvement project
t) Payment to Fire & Safety Services equipment ($9002.30)
u) Payment to Absolute Fire Protection for Pump maintenance ($4969.71)
v) Authorization for Special Projects Engineer Geller Sive & Company to provide professional planning services for Memorial Tree Program, Tree Preservation Ordinance and Implementation of Development Ordinance Amendments
w) Authorization for membership in DCRP for elected/appointed officials
x) Establish Special Council Meeting on July 1, 2008.
CONSENT RESOLUTION 3:
a) Payment to Murphy’s Heating & Cooling for emergency repairs to A/C ($2800)
b) Approval of Payroll #13 ($254,157.50)
c) Appointment of Eric Sudia as electrical sub-code inspector
d) Establish parking machine refund policy
e) Payment to Suplee, Clooney & Co professional audit services ($3,000)
f) W/S bill adjustments (8 accts)
g) Approval of computer generated vouchers ($2,483.65)
h) Appointment of seasonal part-time public works employees (2)
i) Appointment of seasonal file clerks for the court office (2)
j) Approval of Ocean Fire Co #1 S/E app for Christmas in July
k) Approval of Brodeur block part S/E app
l) Approval of CRAB clean-up of Maryland Avenue Beach
m) Approval of PPB HS Band ‘Concert in the Park’ S/E app
n) Recognition of HS student & alumni band as the PPB Community Band
o) Authorization to draft ordinance for handicap space at 104 New York Ave
p) Approval to pay electricity costs to operate tube lighting on decorative light poles located on Arnold and Bay Avenues
q) Provisional/conditional appointment of John Flynn to position of Senior P/W repairer – Closed Session Item
r) Authorization to prepare police salary ordinance as per arbitration award – Closed Session Item
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Councilman Cervino: encouraged Council to approve Tourism Advisory Web-Site as presented in caucus session – public is welcome to attend TAC meetings – Committee comprised of residents and business people, both east and west of tracks – they are looking out for everyone’s interest; Councilwoman Tooker: Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC) has ideas for shoulder season and events that will encourage people to come and stay not just for the day – hopefully, committee will go after some advertising money to offset cost; Mayor Barrella: need to ensure that this isn’t going to collide with something that’s being done by the Chamber or become more of an impediment than a facilitator to getting people here; Councilman DiCorcia: asked who will be handling the advertising money (Mr. Fernicola, TAC: town will handle money, design website and oversee every aspect of its marketing).
Lynne Mahoney, Director Chamber of Commerce: Chamber hasn’t met regarding same – will meet on June 23rd – mixing residents and businesses on the committee is a wonderful thing – doesn’t know what businesses are going to be on site – asked who was designing the web, if it will encompass everything and what it was going to show – sites could compliment each other.
Councilman Cervino: asked Council to take the first step now; Mayor Barrella: first step is authorizing the expenditure of funds that aren’t budgeted; Attorney Gertner: can take under advisement and present a plan to the trustees of the Community Endowment Fund, which could be utilized as vehicle to raise revenue through advertising and raise donations to fund the original start up cost of website – suggested a link to tourism website – difference between municipality providing link to tourism website vs. town actually owning, operating and providing the editorial content – suggested that Council members, serving on Community Endowment Fund, ask trustees to consider operating site; Councilman Mercun: suggested that TAC meet with Chamber of Commerce – asked Administrator Riehl to check for monies and report to Council – should pursue Attorney Gertner’s suggestion regarding Community Endowment Fund – don’t have enough information – concerned with Chamber conflict and legality of profiting from advertising on tourism web-site; Councilman Cervino: concurs with Councilman Mercun’s comments about prudence – Wildwood has Tourism Development Commission, separate from the Council and Chamber of Commerce – should be considered down the road – tourism not promoted as much as it could or should be; Attorney Gertner: key is to work out the mechanism.
Motion by Councilman Mercun to table this item until July 1st, to, at least, get an update from TAC and Chamber of Commerce as to what they worked out.
John Fernicola,TAC: met with Chamber of Commerce, President and Board of Directors – all present and discussed the concept – there was no objection.
Lynn Mahoney, Chamber of Commerce Director: general membership was there, but the directors have not met – would like to work together with the TAC – even though the Board of Directors hasn’t met to vote on it, we are in agreement that this is a great thing.
Second by Councilman DiCorcia, to Councilman Mercun’s motion to table, was originally defeated by the following roll call vote, but was later carried when Council Members changed their votes:
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Mercun….YEA
Council Members Cervino, Tooker, Loughran….NAY
Motion by Councilwoman Tooker to authorize setting up web site, subject to appropriation of funds and verification that public entity can run same.
Councilman Mercun: doesn’t it make more sense to adjourn it to July 1st to find out if you can do it, rather than vote on it with contingencies.
Council Members Tooker and Loughran changed their votes on Councilman Mercun’s motion, above, “to table TAC web-site matter” to yes.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman DiCorcia: acknowledged First Aid and Fire Companies – they receive no pay but are there every day, doing so much for so many; Borough employee in Code Enforcement Department shouldn’t have been subjected to abuse he received during duty on Sunday, June 15th (Administrator Riehl: in response to June 13th e-mail from Police Chief, met with a member of Council and representatives of the Police and Building Departments – as it would only help the town to have Code Enforcement available on weekends, recommended doing so and implemented same that weekend) asked if there’s money available for that (yes – it was agreed that the Police Department through special officers and part-time code enforcement officer would share work load on weekends; was instituted in response to public request for Code Enforcement on weekends); Construction Official has spoken with builders who are upset due to inspections being delayed and stated that there is money in the budget to expedite the process (did not budget for additional building inspection services this year, eliminated a part-time job due to budgetary issues – there is no excess money in budget).
Councilman Cervino: kudos to Administrator Riehl, Chief DePolo and Code Enforcement for getting code services on line for the weekends; the Beautification Committee has been addressing the 15 town gardens, which are all in excellent condition – Committee acknowledged Public Works and Girl Scouts and is working on business awards; attended Chamber of Commerce meeting – pointed out need for communication – had many discussions regarding Christmas Decorations – Chamber received $5,000 – Council also discussed helping Chamber with electrician’s cost if there were unallocated funds available at year end – encouraged Council to consider that; invited all to attend Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings – TAC is concerned with what type of tourism the town is drawing – TAC recommended shuttle stops to try to move people, especially since gas is so expensive; expressed appreciation to Public Works for all that they do.
Councilwoman Tooker: Bi-partisan Ad Hoc Parking Committee made inquiries to Borough Attorney about whether committee is subject to Open Public Meetings Act and received counsel that is was not because it is an ad hoc/workshop committee – as Mr. Diaz explained, the committee work shopped and floated ideas – then, did due diligence by contacting public employees for additional information on whether their ideas were going to work – committee members knew the plan was off the table before the advent of the nasty e-mails and protest signs; shared handouts from Save Barnegat Bay and article from “Asbury Park Press” – working on an ordinance dealing with lawn chemicals – hoping that County will adopt; Recycling Task Force has been working hard – great ideas and new members – hoping to get more businesses on board – starting to see a little tip in the scales; Animal Welfare Committee hosting fundraiser – shared article explaining the TNR program for controlling feral cat population; also shared “Friends of the Library” brochures – a great organization, which works to support library programs – in need of members and funds; Farmers Market will be held in Borden’s Parking lot on Sundays, July 13th through September 14th – if anyone would like to help, even one weekend, it would be appreciated; last week’s Emergency Management presentation was excellent – only five public members in attendance – State Director for Emergency Management, Don Barlow who lives in our town, 2 members of the County Emergency Management staff, Chief DePolo and Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Grace, were there as presenters – we have plenty of shelters and places for pets.
Councilman Loughran: working on finalization of Risden’s parking lot purchase contract; in 3 weekends, since Memorial Day, Borough ordinance violations are down – good, because it means people are behaving, following the rules – down side is loss of revenue; Chief has sent correspondence to DOT for site review of intersection of Route 35 South and Trenton Avenue – 31 accidents at that intersection, with 24 injuries, in last 6 years – asked state to review and provide enhancements; Chief DePolo had dialogue with Jenkinsons about buses using Aquarium drop off zone – buses are circling through residential neighborhoods, when drop off zone is full – Jenkinsons is always cooperative and handle this issue.
Councilman Mercun: been doing his own research – heard a lot of rumors of what’s gone on – considers himself thick skinned, comes with the job – when it gets personal, it gets nasty – if residents feel public officials are doing something wrong, should go to police headquarters and file a complaint – all have the right to disagree, but should disagree in an open forum – was out of the country and 6,000 miles away, but accused of doing something wrong – comes with this job that pays $4500 a year – shouldn’t lose civility; Mayor will be making announcement regarding release of “Lake of the Lillies” reports.
Mayor Barrella: received preliminary reports from Princeton Hydro and CMX – will be releasing a letter from CMX and executive summary of Princeton Hydro report – they will be working to fully integrate their plans by the July 15th Council Meeting – gave basic overview – scientist and engineer both agree on dredging lake and fixing traps – phragmites and knotweed will be eliminated and replaced with appropriate vegetation – lake will be raised to traditional height and hopefully re-stocked with fish and wildlife – very comprehensive plan – effective tomorrow, DPW will cut and keep trim all vegetation around lake area and as a consequence, Adopt-a-Spot is a moot issue – now Council’s job will be to find money – not the Borough’s responsibility alone – State DOT, due to Route 35 run off, and County, due to county road run-offs, must share responsibility – Lake of the Lillies is on Open Space property roster and can be rehabilitated through use of Open Space Trust Fund – neighborhood war needs to stop now with both sides coming together to put pressure on Trenton to get the Lake dredged; thanked Jenkinsons for taking over operation of restrooms at sub-station; since his teaching schedule will include Monday nights in fall, appointed former Councilman Dyer to act as Mayor’s representative to the Planning Board; had a complaint from Niblick Street in regards to buses; met with Chief DePolo in regards to traffic problems in District 2 – although difficult to solve, will try to resolve – spoke with engineer and got some preliminary ideas; patience running out with Risden family – waiting on contract for a month; spoke about Police arbitration award – not a criticism of either the PBA or Police Department, as PBA did exactly what it was supposed to do – right now the union has all the power and that cannot be changed by any particular municipality – net effect of arbitration, with arbitrator ignoring Borough’s financial information, will be a 28% increase from 2007 through 2010 – although levy cap is 4% and spending cap is 3.5%, arbitrator awarded them 4%/4%/4.25%/4.25%, over four year period – Trenton needs to fix this; met with Administrator Riehl and representatives from Brick, Mantoloking and Point Pleasant regarding shared services – in response to closure of Ocean County Construction Department, discussed concept of northern Ocean County Construction Department, including Bay Head, Point Pleasant Beach, Point Pleasant, Brick and Mantoloking – would be a contractually created unit, independent of each municipality – would not effect current employees – servicing of residents would be done from each municipality – if combine 6 towns, only need one Construction Official – can make intelligent decisions when employees retire – asked Council to approve feasibility study – Trenton has grant money available to fund 90% of costs on shared services feasibility studies – the other 10% would be divided by all participating towns (Councilman Mercun: liked idea of augmenting services of building department with personnel from other towns – helps increase manpower and adds objectivity without increasing the cost; Councilman Cervino: Carteret and Hillside reached an agreement and savings were substantial – thinks shared services are the wave of the future – taking a prudent course of action with feasibility study).
Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, to explore feasibility study, was seconded by Councilman Cervino and carried by the following roll call vote.
VOTE: Council Members DiCorcia, Cervino, Tooker, Loughran, Mercun….YEA
Nancy Byrne, Director of Tourism, was at Ocean County Mayors meeting – asked her about getting grant to fix Boardwalk; continuing to press for revenue through local option taxes; know some Council Members are kind of upset – never thought parking meters were the way to go – parking boxes and paid parking, yes – Broadway and Channel drive are commercial areas, never thought there was enough money there for parking meters to work – my idea for paid parking involved a three block area, one of which was Niblick Street where I live – if public doesn’t like my idea, that’s fine, but don’t credit, criticize or blame me for somebody else’s idea.
Administrator Riehl: thanked Jenkinsons for operating Arnold Avenue restroom – town was prepared to close it due to manpower and budgetary issues – they agreed to staff, maintain and operate that facility as well as taking care of the trash cans from the plaza area north to the T in the Boardwalk; was authorized to negotiate with Brick for replacement of electrical sub-code services formerly provided through the County – price quoted was $60/hour plus 50.5 cents per mile in gasoline – had someone willing to do the job for $35/hour, so it wasn’t cost effective to go with Brick; court revenue is down $100,000 from last year’s figures – parking meter revenue is down $22,000 and hotel/motel tax is up $21,000 (Mayor Barrella: disturbing that court revenue is down as it may, in fact, represent a trend – it was down last year as well – asked Court Administrator, Administrator and Police Chief to investigate and audit as to why those revenues are down, whether this is a recurrent problem or an isolated glitch – Council needs to know why it’s happening (Councilman Cervino: Point Pleasant Beach may be having a favorable impact on the people coming to town).
Councilman DiCorcia: sitting up here for 21 years – tired of blaming Trenton for all our ills such as: the Lake, lack of enabling legislation to tax liquor and beach badges, and PBA negotiations – have to adjust our sails – suggested starting to collect meter revenues on March 1st instead of April 1st – need to adjust.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD OPENED AT 9:40 P.M.
Craig Jones, St. Louis Avenue: asked when DPW was going to start cutting and to what height (will be determined by Engineer and Princeton Hydro) – asked how often it would be cut and if DPW would cut entire public portion of the lake – asked how much money needs to be raised and how much is available now (there is a permitting process; dredging would have to be done during the winter months; trying to get Princeton Hydro to July 15th meeting).
Joe Lemma: lower half of Broadway isn’t dead – after 5 pm, they sit all over the sidewalk, with spillage from Spike’s, Farrell’s and Shanty – on west side of Broadway, cars are lined up and down the street – they even park in the lot at the County park; town has 4 municipal lots in District 1 without parking boxes – Borden’s cost us $350,000 to fix – will cost $1 million to repave the other three lots at taxpayer’s expense; don’t want to put in ATM machines – nobody knows how to make money.
Susan Pregibon, 314 Elizabeth Avenue: spoke about cutting phragmites/vegetation around lake – as member of Audubon society, know this is nesting season for a great number of birds – if all vegetation is going to be cut down, it will affect the nesting birds (will be addressed by the experts; should be able to get an answer from Princeton Hydro, during the next month, taking into account the wildlife that is there).
Larry Berezik, 118 St Louis Avenue: last thing Council has to worry about is promoting tourism – you want the tourists to benefit the businesses, I want them to benefit the residents – no money made from the tourists – Mayor has the right idea; amused that two people on the Ad Hoc Committee are foxes in the hen house; asked about police and Boardwalk maintenance costs – don’t get back what we put in, unfair; tired of Broadway signs, up and down the curb – signs on lawns fine – not by curbs – town owns that property; trouble with noise at north end of Boardwalk – license is in 2 places – checked with State and you can’t do that (Governing Body granted extension in 1979 – Lt. Dikun showed that officers, hired for the summer, pay for themselves).
Peggy Buccino, 319 Newark Avenue: thanked Council for moving forward with lake reports.
Lt. Harry DiCorcia: spoke on decreased revenues – 66 DWI convictions were stayed as a result of going to alpha machine – Easter came early this year and meters were not in effect – believe that message that Point Pleasant Beach has a zero tolerance policy has paid off.
Brian Kuhn, 32 Parkway: extended thanks for e-mail about recycling; officer, with radar gun, on Parkway could issue 50 speeding tickets during the day – go 40 to 50 mph – kids can’t come into front yard all day due to U-turns, etc; – noise is getting better – Police are doing a great job; meters should go to $3/hour – pay lots are posting $18 to park at 7:30 AM – asked if raise will be in effect by 4th of July weekend (yes – police variable sign can inform public about possible upcoming change in fees).
Max Gagnon, 304 Parkway: warned Council, 2 years ago, about loss of parking revenue due to resident passes (not necessarily related to resident passes – Easter was early this year) – time to look into how much the resident passes are costing the Borough.
Mike English, 111 Cornell Avenue: if Boardwalk can be defined as a recreation facility, up to 50% of maintenance costs can come from Open Space; State allows Borough to increase revenues by taxing hotels and motels, but Borough lowered their CO fees – tax may not be fair, but it’s still there; local option taxes will be applicable 12 months a year – local residents will still have to pay tax on beer outside of summer season; doesn’t like use of additional taxes to raise revenue, should raise permits and fees instead; no votes should be taken without input from public (grave injustice if hotels with multiple efficiencies are subject to both the hotel/motel tax and increased fees on certificate of occupancies) – favors expanding hotel/motel tax to seasonal rentals (public has been given more participation than ever before; never has anyone been allowed to comment on first reading before this administration; perhaps Mayor should follow “Roberts Rules of Order” with no comment on first reading so that there is uniformity going forward).
Marilyn Burke, 118 Central Avenue: asked how many bonds still have money outstanding (was provided that information) – concerned that Bond Ordinance doesn’t restrict where parking boxes can be used – does not want metered parking in residential areas – asked for assurances that this will not happen – not going out of your way to look at other means for raising revenue – can do many things other than parking; would be in favor of subjecting seasonal rentals to same taxes as hotel/motels.
Patti McAndrew, 322 Broadway: identified herself as subject of code officer complaint – claimed she encouraged code officer to call police – may have been aggressive with the signs, but was due to what was being whispered – trying to let people know what was being considered – Mayor stated that parking plan was going to be revisited, at end of original parking ordinance meeting; builder put a lot of money into the property to make it residential, not moving in commercial direction – pay a lot of taxes and entitled to speak our minds (Mayor: has issue with e-mails going out that websites were taken down to remove information – websites still there – when pledge something, intend to do it – elected on platform of permit parking plan and raising revenues from tourists – idea for meters on Broadway/Channel Drive first came from Councilman Dixon; Councilman Mercun: Councilman Dixon isn’t locked into meter plan on Broadway/Channel drive – was asked to come up with alternative plan).
Barbara Dervan, 320 Broadway: supported the other side, but not your enemies – don’t believe election won on parking issue – want to work together, but cannot support parking plan to ‘uglify’ Broadway – love town, take care of property, pay taxes and support local businesses.
Dave Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway: thanked Councilwoman Tooker for Emergency Management meeting – unfortunate that there were not too many people there; asked if public will be allowed to attend next Parking Committee meeting (up to Chairman and Vice-Chairman; no requirement for public; given nature of committee, can get a lot more done by freely tossing ideas around – word got out on an idea that was rescinded) research should have been done before the ordinance was drafted (Governing Body was elected to make decisions – public has right to participate, but does not have right to participate in discussions of ad hoc committee without permission of Chair/Vice-Chair) disagreed, public can attend, but does not have ability to speak.
Kathleen McGuiness, 97 St Louis Avenue: was witness to conversation between Ms. McAndrew and town official – asked why signs were being removed and where to find code – wouldn’t give signs back – did get them back and was told only one for property; asked if Mayor remembered speaking from the other side of the podium; didn’t realize the mayor ran on parking issue – thought it was anti-arches on Broadway.
Carol Vaccaro, 7 Lake Terrace: amazed at the back and forth arguing and disrespect at meetings – live on a busy street and all for metered parking there – cars will park there no matter what, so town might as well get some revenue.
Al Ricci, 31 Parkway: island on Parkway was planted by Beautification Committee, but Public Works cuts everything, including plantings – takes them too long to cut using ride-on mower rather than push mower.
Ben Dispoto: 311 Parkway: asked who was going to operate the shuttle; thanked Council for understanding the recycling issue – diverse committee, moving along and working together – reaching out to business – trying to educate, but it’s a hard process; thanked officers for responding during fire at his house – prompt response and excellent job; asked how much back pay is accrued now that police issue is settled (all of 2007 is accrued); lives at ground zero and agrees that behavior is better – traffic volume is down; have no control over income, more control over expenses – perhaps Council is looking at wrong side of equation (can cut expenses if prepared to fire personnel – need to find alternative revenue sources).
Bill Reilly, 9 Beachcomber Lane: commented on first parking meeting, with public in attendance – announced, during discussions, that would have to vote, in order to move quickly, even though all the data wasn’t available – next thing, was receiving e-mails and calls – disillusioned – not so sure in favor of including public again.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD CLOSED AT 11:03 P.M.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:04 p.m.
