Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Borough of Point Pleasant Beach
Council Meeting Minutes
March 3, 2020
Mayor Kanitra called the meeting to order at 7:04PM. Present were Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes and Migut. Councilman 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.”
The Municipal Clerk read the Resolution for Executive Session: “Whereas, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and whereas, this governing body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist, now, therefore, be it resolved by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach, County of Ocean and State of NJ, as follows: the public shall be excluded from discussions concerning the hereinafter specified subject matter; the general nature of the subject matter discussed is as follows: three litigation matters and one confidential legal advice matter (MATTERS LISTED ON AGENDA WERE AMENDED PRIOR TO MEETING). It is anticipated that the subject matter discussed may be made public upon its conclusion or final disposition.” Motion by Councilman Vitale to enter Executive Session was seconded by Councilman Migut and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Migut…YEA
The Governing Body reserves its right to amend and supplement the purposes of executive session by motion at the public meeting.
CLOSED SESSION BEGAN AT 7:05PM AND ENDED AT 7:32PM.
Mayor Kanitra called the meeting to order at 7:37PM. Present were Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello and Migut. 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, Invocation
Motion by Councilman Migut to approve the February 18, 2020 Council meeting minutes was seconded by Councilman Santanello and carried by roll call vote.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello, Migut…YEA
PROCLAMATION: Suicide Prevention Day
Mayor Kanitra: referenced the community’ s recent tragedy of Kayla Ullrich’s suicide – been a strong outpouring of love and support – reached out to suicide prevention groups – September is Suicide Prevention Month, but he didn’t want to wait until then to ensure the creation of a supportive environment – read a proclamation and invited Kayla's father, Greg, to address the Council.
Greg Ullrich: his heart is warmed by the words and what is in motion – this is the hardest thing for he and his wife, Kathleen, to go through – doesn’t want it to be in vain – PPB was Kayla’s world – would be great to create awareness, control the adverse effects of social media, eliminate the stigma of suicide and stop another parent from having to stand here and ask for help – his daughter struggled with everyday occurrences – doesn’t know what it’s like to be a kid today with the pressures of social media and lives on display – his daughter took her life a week ago – he is not embarrassed – he is sad – doesn’t want anyone to feel what he has felt – needs to be important and prevalent, something to talk about openly with children, so they can say something vs. holding it in – hopes everyone hears him – knows that all have great intentions and prays this can be fixed without another child taking his/her life.
Mayor Kanitra: directed Administrator and Clerk to post appropriate information in Borough Hall, so residents can see avenues for support, and to transmit it to the school system for appropriate dissemination – thanked the family for coming – took a lot of strength – community is behind them.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman Vitale: gave Police Chief’s report since last meeting – training included Canine In Service for Patrol and Scent Work, SWAT, Street Survival, Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms – were arrests for DWI, other motor vehicle offenses and outstanding warrants – will be a 7-day Police Youth Camp in July for 6th-8th graders – looks forward to bringing back the Beach Town Hoedown in May – he, Lt. Kowalewski, Det. O’Neill, Councilwoman Testa and BA/CFO Riehl met with representatives from Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association about ways to improve and promote bike safety and overall safety on streets – approximately 30 residents attended the first Neighborhood Partnership Initiative meeting about the threats associated with social media and a variety of public safety topics – great night – next meeting is March 25th at 7PM – Facebook page went live last week – urged all to Like it – includes information on cyber bullying attacks, etc.; has been an increase in resident complaints about water bills – bills included a 4th month, which may explain the increase, Water Clerk Brown asked that residents call her – with the new system, she can pinpoint usage and where an increase is coming from; Recreation Committee met Monday with about 25 in attendance – great group with diverse skill sets – all events were assigned committees and chairs – end of year Recreation basketball party is the next event – will invite the team sponsors and present them with plaques created by Mr. Logothetis from PPBHS – working on the Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for April 4th in Pleasure Park; still working on cyber security policies and procedures (Mayor Kanitra: attendees at Neighborhood Partnership Meeting really appreciated it; the new Recreation logo is fantastic).
Councilwoman Testa: Arts Committee is working hard – reiterated Movie Night and Gala details – great sponsorships and gifts coming in – artists are excited; attended Beautification Committee meeting – great group – lots of new members – good energy – received flower orders for gardens – she volunteered to help work on the area by the Welcome sign – they thanked Council for support for the garland and spoke about ideas for the Fischer Family grant; reached out to Board of Education President Ramos – they are communicating their preparedness and best practices for dealing with the Coronavirus – PPBHS High School Musical, Chicago, is March 6-8 in Antrim auditorium – tickets are available at the PPBHS office – 3 PPBHS wrestlers advanced to the State finals – wished them luck – excited about piloting a new internship program, developed in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce; had a very productive Street Start Initiative meeting – met with representatives from Greater Mercer, NJDOT, Chief Michigan, Det. O’Neill, Lt. Kowalewski and BA/CFO Riehl – thanked all who attended – spoke about bike and pedestrian safety measures – opportunities for Safer Routes to School grant funding – School Travel Plan could be updated – great information and resources out there – there is a resolution on the agenda (Mayor Kanitra: the audit is an excellent idea to look at inventory of signs and at streets and crosswalks – great job getting everyone in the room – off to a great start) will be involved in the bicycle Hoedown and with educating children – spoke about more bike racks around town and signage (Mayor Kanitra: will look at spray painted bicycles and arrows on the ground, so people know which way to go and so drivers are more aware that they are sharing the road with cyclists – looking at built-in bike racks that look like red seagulls – anything to make the town look and operate better; Councilman Cortes: can maybe tie the audit into streetlighting and dark intersections).
Councilwoman Byrnes: met with the Fire Committee last week – they proudly spoke of their 2 new graduates, Noah Ramos and Dominick Storino – always looking for new members – she and Councilman Vitale identified another grant with American Water to offset some new equipment cost; traveled around to see if all streetlights are in working order (Mayor Kanitra: that is impressive – starting the process of transitioning light inventory over to more environmentally-friendly, brighter LED’s, which will save money – need to gauge wattage and lumens – did a light study with the Engineer – JCP&L should be coming in shortly and Ocean Ave. will be lit up more clearly, next will be Broadway, Bay and Arnold Aves. – technology will continue to evolve – should be lower wattage LED bulb coming out in a year or two – will then look at other communities); met with the Shade Tree Commission last night – a small, lively group – promoting the Big Beautiful Tree program – Commission has targeted blocks on Atlantic and Niblick with few to no trees and residents have been notified – need ordinance, similar to other shore towns’, to prevent clear cutting – they will meet with individual Councilmembers for input – they are grateful to the Governing Body for approving one seasonal worker to water and attend to maintenance; first Environmental Commission and Green Team meetings will be March 9th – they plan to finalize Sustainable Jersey actions for 2020 – some members of this year’s Green Team work in the schools and have student participation.
Councilman Cortes: recognized March employee anniversaries – Kevin Napalo 20 years, John Flynn 20, Bill Popp 10, Paschal Drew 16, Scott Nase 14, Ita Brown 8; Newark Ave. playground purchase order is on the agenda; spoke about the bench item that was held at last meeting (Mayor Kanitra: would like the same benches at Inlet, bandshell and downtown, but can’t have them rusting out – BA/CFO Riehl showed them a great bench today that looks like a mini lifeguard stand – the concrete ones are heavy but look like tomb stones – composite is super light but needs to be drilled into the ground – even the composites have metal brackets, which will rust and most give one-year warranties, at best; BA/CFO Riehl: the bench they liked for the Inlet can be mounted with powder coated brackets; Mayor Kanitra: asked if the brackets are removable, so they can be replaced when they rust; BA/CFO Riehl: yes – they are stainless steel and sold separately; Mayor Kanitra: should go forward ones with removable brackets – will figure that out this week).
Councilman Santanello: Councilman Vitale spoke about water bill complaints – good news is that Mike Ormsby from the Water Dept. now runs 12am-6am reports of water that runs continuously – since the new system was installed, there have been 26 reports of water continually running – 24 of those thanked the Borough profusely for saving them a lot of money – one was Councilman Cortes’ mother-in-law, whose toilet was running; spoke about Ordinance 2020-04 – Fire Chief and Inspector are not thrilled about removing the fire lane, but are accepting of it – they asked that it be reworded to “where the standpipe is and the 2 exit doors are,” rather than “Bay Ave. to Gowdy Ave.” – they are concerned with that if there is a fire – asked if it can be amended now (Attorney Riordan: sure; Mayor Kanitra: it’s just a clarification, so that’s fine; Water Clerk Brown can look at the system and can tell specifically what is happening, so is helping people in a lot of ways too).
Councilman Migut: reiterated the Animal Welfare Committee spring fundraiser details; referenced Ordinance 2020-03 – inviting Arnold Ave. area businesses to Thursday’s Parking Authority meeting to discuss what is needed from them to issue passes; Loughran Point used to have a sign that read "a great place to wet a line," a saying by former Councilman Loughran, who was known to be plain and truthfully-spoken – he wouldn’t say he was going fishing, as fishing is uncertain – he would wet a line – it’s part of PPB folklore and should be put back – asked BA/CFO Riehl to look into it –sign might be at the DPW garage.
Mayor Kanitra: from the Borough, Police and OEM perspective, are doing what’s necessary to protect and take precautions against the Coronavirus and keep up to date with the latest County and State information – making sure first responders can operate under any circumstances – best thing is to practice good hygiene, wipe down surfaces and not get overly built up about it – will continue to monitor the situation and post information as on social media sites – no confirmed cases closer than New York City – this administration will be prepared for any circumstances; thanked Karen Mills for helping him get rid of 3 disconnected payphones – had to track down who had authority over them – continuing to get rid of eyesores; PPB will be part of the national Main Street America program for more vibrant downtowns – also looking at NJ’s Main Street USA program; met with Ocean County Engineers about streets, flooding, etc. – Ocean and Arnold Aves. to be addressed at the end of this year and next – trying for County buy-in on curbing damaged during and since Sandy; reached out to Freeholders – County roads, Arnold and Bay Aves., are the heart of downtown – asked for a mid-block crosswalk next to the Coal House – County was adamantly against it – he brought up another idea he saw in Westport, CT – a pilot program of parklets downtown – sidewalks are too narrow for outdoor dining – looking at using parking spaces in front of businesses for outdoor dining, with bollards, gates and fencing – Ocean County Engineer, Chamber and businesses are on board – submitting paperwork to County for approval – has a traffic calming effect and creates a safe haven.
BA/CFO Riehl: looking to introduce the Budget on April 7th with a budget workshop scheduled for March 23rd at 6PM if that works for everyone (no objection; Attorney Riordan: neither he nor Attorney McLean will attend; Mayor Kanitra: still a long way to go, but thanked Councilman Migut for his continued efforts – this administration is looking to provide more for less – excited to have the lowest number in a while); heard from the father of a teenager looking for an Eagle Scout project – asked for suggestions (Mayor Kanitra: gazebo is in bad shape and skateboard park is coming; Councilman Santanello: generally, an Eagle Scout will come up with an idea beyond just painting – maybe a historical aspect or something – will think about it – has helped a couple of kids with Eagle Scout projects); referenced GovPilot computer system order approval – excited about it – will include a construction premium model to incorporate resident concerns, GIS, parking permits, planning and zoning, OPRA requests, animal licensing, taxi and limo licensing – will do data migration – will allow the Borough to drop other Building Dept. software contracts and the “reportit” app, and enable inspection and construction tracking (Councilman Santanello: Building Dept. has been asking for upgrades for years) great application – hope to have it running by summer; Verizon is cleaning their manholes, which hasn't been done since before Sandy, for installation of 5G antennas (Mayor Kanitra: have not authorized that) they asked if the Borough is implementing a moratorium on this (Attorney Riordan: no need to answer as to what is going to happen when they apply for permits; Councilman Cortes: they were on Richmond Ave. the other day working from a manhole – today, they were on Broadway in a bucket, running fiber – they’re entitled to work on their facilities; Mayor Kanitra: don't want them working in summer – recommends moratorium Memorial Day-Labor Day; Attorney Riordan: suggested weekends in shoulder season also; Mayor Kanitra: AT&T and Verizon are continuing to push 5G rollout – there are incredible benefits in terms of usage, internet speeds and emergencies – it’s unsightly – has requested and received objective third party studies about health benefits/implications, so as not to put something in the community that will hurt residents – they are being looked at – they will need to work together on a common aesthetic – must prepare for what eventually will come – they reached out to the Borough Administrator about the water tower – there is a lot of stuff still on it – doesn’t know what is in use and what is not) Sprint has asked to put equipment on – Verizon has taken equipment off and is looking for a lease modification to reduce their rent.
The Municipal Clerk announced that item 1p is also a closed session item.
Attorney Riordan: asked that items 1n and 1p be subject to his review and discussion with the Engineer; reviewed revised revision to Ordinance 2020-04.
PULIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AT 8:35PM
Dave Cavagnaro, PPB: asked about 1f, 1m, 1o, 1p, Ordinance 2020-03; spoke about 5G rollout.
Vincent Castin, PPB: spoke about bikes on sidewalks and bike racks; asked if businesses are under the new watering system; lot of holes on Boston Ave.
PULIC PARTICIPATION ENDED AT 8:47PM
Motion by Councilman Migut to close Public Participation and approve the items listed below was seconded by Councilman Cortes and carried by roll call vote.
CONSENT RESOLUTION 1:
1a Approval of payment of Payroll #5 ($262,039.77)
1b Approval of PO to Integrated Tech Syst for Mar-Oct monthly parking meters contract ($13,200)
1c Approval of payment to Integrated Tech Syst for thermal paper for parking machines ($7,840)
1d Approval of W/S adjustments (4)
1e Approval of ABC S/A app for NJPBA local #347 fundraiser event at Martell’s on 4/26
1f Approval of S/E app for Jersey Shore Running Club for Runapalooza event on 4/4
1g Support for bike/pedestrian street audit at no expense to the Borough
1h Provision for single/combined issue & auth for sale of up to $6,283,000 of gen’l improvement
bonds, advert. of sale, sale & award of bonds, determination of form/details & related matters
1i Approval of payment to State of NJ for March employee & retiree health benefits ($114,141.16)
1j Approval of PO to GovPilot for Enterprise Package Software ($18K)
1k Approval of PO to General Code LLC for 2019 codification/supplement ($4,960)
1l Approval of payment to Park Builders for Newark Ave Playground installation ($2,800)
1m Approval of Transfer Resolution
1n Auth to approve scope/budget for Masterplan Review, subject to Attorney review & discussion with the Engineer – AMENDED AT BOROUGH ATTORNEY’S REQUEST
1o Auth to advertise and bid Maryland & Delaware Aves., subject to Attorney review & discussion with the Engineer – AMENDED AT BOROUGH ATTORNEY’S REQUEST
1p Approval of resolution of OAL proceeding as recommended by the attorneys – ALSO A CLOSED SESSION ITEM
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
2a Approval of payment of computer-generated vouchers ($55,492.63)
2b Approval of payment of Bd of Adjustment & Planning Board hand checks
2c Appointment of 2 SLEO IIs
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello (except 1p, 2c), Migut…YEA
Councilman Santanello (1p, 2c)…ABSTAIN
ORDINANCES:
Ordinance 2020-03 (Amend Ch IX/Business Employee Parking Passes) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman Migut to approve Ordinance 2020-03 on first reading was seconded by Councilman Santanello and carried by roll call vote. Public hearing will be March 17th.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello, Migut…YEA
Ordinance 2020-04 (Amend Ch XV/Section 15-14/Fire Lane) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman Vitale to approve Ordinance 2020-04 on first reading was seconded by Councilman Santanello and carried by roll call vote. Public hearing will be March 17th.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Santanello, Migut…YEA
Ordinance 2020-05 (Amend Ch XXVIII, Section 28-2.1/Trans Accom Tax) was introduced on first reading. Motion by Councilman Migut to approve Ordinance 2020-05 on first reading (Councilman Santanello: asked Attorney Riordan if he should leave the room or just abstain; Attorney Riordan: probably better to leave, but if there is no discussion and he just sits there, he is fine). Motion was seconded by Councilman Vitale and carried by roll call vote. Public hearing will be March 17th.
VOTE: Councilmembers Vitale, Testa, Byrnes, Cortes, Migut…YEA
Councilman Santanello….ABSTAIN
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BEGAN AND ENDED AT 8:51PM WITH NO MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO BE HEARD
Motion by Councilwoman Testa to close public participation and adjourn was seconded by Councilman Vitale and carried by consent of Council. Meeting was adjourned at 8:51PM.
ATTEST: _______________________________
Eileen A. Farrell, RMC
Municipal Clerk
