Borough of Point Pleasant Beach COUNCIL MINUTES
The Mayor and Council of the Borough of Point Pleasant Beach met at 6:33 PM with Mayor Vogel, Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, and DiCorcia present. The Municipal Clerk read the notice indicating compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
Administrator Riehl: regarding request for relief of water bill at 23 Harbor Head – owner acknowledged leak, but felt he should have been notified sooner (Mayor Vogel: recommendation is to deny request per past practice – directed Clerk Ellsworth to move to agenda for denial).
Mayor Vogel: regarding ANJEC Open Space grant application, received proposals from Schoor DePalma and Brownfield Redevelopment Solutions, which is recommended by Environmental Commission members and those actively involved in Open Space Committee – contract must be approved tonight in order to complete scope of work by grant deadline – difference in price of $100 (all agreed to move to agenda for approval).
Council discussed department head memos and correspondence – the following items were moved to the agenda for action: special event applications from St. Peter’s PTA and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, with no wavier or parking fees, and requests from Point Pleasant Beach Library and Chamber of Commerce.
Declan Oscanlon, FDS Communications, representing T-Mobile/Voice Stream Wireless: discussed opportunity for Borough to rent antenna space on water tower to wireless communication providers – as a Councilman in Little Silver, saw Little Silver pass on the opportunity to locate equipment on municipal property – carriers found a property owner to file for a cell tower – ended up in a legal mess – rather than controlling the project and generating thousands in yearly revenue, ended up spending thousands fighting it and now have a cell tower – since then, has gone into the industry – an existing structure, like a water tower, is a logical place for this equipment and installation can be done aesthetically – submitted sample bid specs, used by 80-100 municipalities, to Mayor Vogel and Administrator Riehl – can be customized for Point Pleasant Beach – carriers along shore are always trying to get on air for summer – suggested allowing carriers to put up temporary equipment to generate revenue during approval process (Mayor Vogel: carriers are interested in putting towers in Point Pleasant Beach – issue is whether Borough will control it) Wireless Telecommunications Act of 1996 obligates municipalities to make room for equipment – to be licensed, a carrier must commit to cover everyone – not just towns with large populations – municipalities are becoming more proactive – is willing to share his experience with public – emissions from equipment/antennas aren’t new, but are low, requiring more broadcast points – cost to build a tower is $150,000 – $200,000 – a savings to use existing structure – when carrier builds a tower, they usually expect revenue sharing with other locaters on the tower – on a water tank, municipality gets 100% of revenue from every carrier and can charge more in the bid upfront (Councilman Loughran: concerned with messy appearance of Bay Head tower – asked what responsibility carrier has towards maintenance) will be mandated in bid specs that aesthetic or structure flaws be fixed within a date certain – wants to ensure project is done right for carrier and municipality (Bay Head’s tower is owned by a private company – were approached by cell companies to erect onto that tower – there was no ordinance in Bay Head so they only needed a use variance – last year, Council decided to put an ordinance in place to avoid that situation – will bear some fruit if Council approves construction of antenna on the tower – thanked Mr. Oscanlon for informative packet – asked about structure described in bid specs and what it houses) antennas, ground/switching equipment – each carrier takes a different footprint – built flexibility into specs – looking at 4 carriers at 250 square feet per carrier with total coverage of about 1,000 square feet – has never seen a water tower come close to structural capacity with installation of wireless antennas (Councilman DiCicco: asked if lead carrier would be responsible for maintenance – painting, etc.) each carrier would probably be responsible for their own antennas – would be some municipal contact with each tenant – recommends Borough maintain as much control as possible – doesn’t generally add a lot of burden to administration (Councilman DiCicco: asked if 30-year lease is traditional) standard in the industry, give or take 5 years (Mayor Vogel: there is an issue with some existing police, fire, EMS communications – asked if providers would address that need with placement of antenna structure on top) would mandate that carriers do that installation – has coordinated with Guy Dempsey, who handles emergency communications – already has an idea of what antennas to move, from existing tower to top of water tank, to solve holes in municipal emergency communications – would be done at no cost to Borough – carrier provides labor – municipality provides equipment (Mayor Vogel: a baseline number for rent of about $24,000/year – survey found other municipalities getting $26,000-27,000) goal isn’t to get rock bottom price for client, but a fair arrangement for everyone – may even get some bids above that – revenue can offset bond issuance, augment open space tax and help qualify for matching money (Attorney Gertner: asked if bid specs can include price levels for primary, secondary and tertiary sites on tower) can set minimum bid – market is now at a good, even plain – next step would be for Governing Body to pass resolution authorizing preparation of bid specs (all agreed to authorize Administrator and Councel to draft bid specs for review at next meeting).
Chamber of Commerce request for Stewart’s of Kearny to set up a booth at May 7th car cruise, subject to applicable inspections, such as health or fire was moved to agenda for action.
Meeting was recessed at 7:11PM
Mayor Vogel called the regular meeting to order at 7:29 PM. 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 DiCicco, to promote Officer Joseph Michigan to the position of Police Sergeant, was seconded by Councilman Loughran and carried by the following roll call vote.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia.…YEA
Mayor Vogel: vacancy created by Sgt. Michael Menzella’s retirement – thanked Sgt. Menzella for his service – when his brother-in-law was killed in a car accident, he was struck by the compassion and support Sgt. Menzella showed his sister – treated people with compassion, dignity and respect – thanked him for his efforts and commitment to the community.
Joseph Michigan is a 1989 graduate of Point Pleasant Beach High School – served in the Marine Corps in Operation Desert Storm and was honorably discharged in October 1995 – was appointed Seasonal Law Enforcement Officer in July 1994, becoming full-time on September 5, 1995 – in September 1999, was appointed the Borough’s first Police K-9 Officer – has a strong commitment to working with police dog, Officer Axel, in narcotic patrol and in regional competitions – is a firearms instructor with the Department and the Ocean County Police Academy, where he also teaches water safety – holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Thomas Edison State College and is currently pursuing a masters degree at Farleigh Dickinson University – he and his wife, Andrea, have a 3½-month-old daughter, Kiara – for the past 19 years, has been a volunteer fireman and is serving as Fire Chief this year – has volunteered to coach Farm League and help out in the community in any way possible – those who have gone through the Point Pleasant Beach school system know he carries many of his father, “Big Al’s” traits – integrity, focus, dedication, community and honesty – it’s a great honor and privilege to promote Officer Michigan.
Municipal Clerk Ellsworth administered the oath of office to Police Sergeant Joseph Michigan.
Motion by Councilman DiCicco, to appoint Scott Nase to the position of Police Officer, was seconded by Councilman Loughran and carried by the following roll call vote.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia.…YEA
Mayor Vogel: Officer Nase is no stranger to the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department – joined as a Parking Enforcement Officer in summer 2000 – was appointed to his current position, Special Law Enforcement Class II Officer, in June 2002 – has gone over and above in the call of duty – was assigned to the Bike Patrol Unit, a prestigious position given only to Officers who show initiative, dedication and commitment – had the privilege of riding with him early in his career – struck by his drive to be the best Police Officer possible – earned an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Ocean County College and has worked hard in proving himself time and time again – a great honor and privilege to welcome him as a full-time member of the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department.
Municipal Clerk Ellsworth administered the oath of office to Police Officer Scott Nase.
Mayor Vogel: thanked the men and women of Point Pleasant Beach Police Department, on behalf of Governing Body, for their efforts in keeping the community safe and teaching our children – acknowledged the great solidarity and brotherhood of the Police Department – asked all to join him in saluting the Officers.
Chief DePolo: thanked the Governing Body for their support in making these promotions – both are very deserving and have been patient – Police Department and community is fortunate to have such great officers – they know the town well and will do a great job.
Ordinance 2006-07 (Amend Vital Statistics Fees) 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 2006-07 was adopted on second reading.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia.…YEA
Motion by Councilman DiCorcia, seconded by Councilman Corbally, resolutions, covering the items listed below, were approved by the following roll call vote:
CONSENT RESOLUTION 1:
a) Raffles License Application for Pt Pleasant Elks Lodge #1698 on 7/22/06
b) Approval of full-time status for part-time payroll clerk
c) Permission for MAC Easter Egg Hunt in Pleasure Park on 4/1/6
d) Refund unexpended balances of Board of Adjustment escrow accounts ($12,895.89)
e) Payment to Lawmen Supply for safety vests ($4,523.75)
f) Payment to Douglas Newman for purchase & installation of back-up generator at First Aid building ($10,495)
g) Payment to North American Video for surveillance equipment ($6,336)
h) Payments to Schoor DePalma from escrow accounts ($3849.96)
i) Payment to International Salt for ice control product ($2031.10)
j) Approval of Payroll # 5 ($215,227.09)
k) Award of contract to International Trucks of Central NJ for roll-off hoist truck ($136,485)
l) Appointment of seasonal Parking Enforcement Officers (14)
m) Approval of computer generated vouchers ($109,324.07)
n) P O to Borden’s for computer desk, chairs and file cabinets ($2099.96)
CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
a) Reduce Performance Bond – Mackin/Force Construction
b) Raffles License Applications Mothers’ Center of the Jersey Shore on 4/25/06
c) Payment to Corner Bagelry for pizzas for recreation wrestling program ($75)
d) Appointment of Seasonal Parking Enforcement Officer (1)
e) Authorize MAC Garage Sale on 5/20/06 – waiver individual garage sale permits
f) Set Budget Workshop for March 23, 2006 at 6:00PM
g) Authorize Bond Counsel to prepare Bond Ordinance
h) Authorization to submit ‘Municipal Recycling Tonnage Grant’ application
i) Deny request for water/sewer bill relief – 23 Harbor Head
j) Award contract to Brownfield Redevelopment Solution to prepare/submit ANJEC Open Space Grant ($600)
k) Approve special event application for St Peter School PTA to display car/sell car raffle tickets on Boardwalk
l) Approve special event application for Cystic Fibrosis Association ‘Great Strides’ walk on 5/21/06 – deny request for waiver of parking fees
m) Refund municipal portion of permit fees for installation of heating system
to PPB Library Association
n) Approve Chamber of Commerce request for rain dates for ‘Car Cruise’ events
o) Authorize Borough Attorney to draft bid specs for cell companies to purchase space on Borough’s water tower for cell towers
p) Approve Chamber request for food service in Bay Avenue lot during 5/7/06 cruise event – must get appropriate inspections/permits
VOTE – CONSENT RESOLUTION 1:
Council Members Liotta, Loughran (Items ‘a-k’ and ‘m-p’), Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Councilman Loughran (Item ‘l’)….Abstain
VOTE – CONSENT RESOLUTION 2:
Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Ordinance 2006-08 (Display of Pay Ticket) was introduced on first reading.
Motion by Councilman Corbally, seconded by Councilman Loughran and carried by the following roll call vote, Ordinance 2006-08 was approved on first reading. The public hearing will be held on March 21, 2006.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia.…YEA
Mayor Vogel: appointed William Reilly and Martin Vaccaro as alternates to the Board of Adjustment; submission deadline for names of those wishing to serve on Open Space Committee is March 24th; thanked Police Department and community (especially Frank Kinevy and Mr. Nase of Frankie’s, Sue, the manager of A&P Warehouse Liquors, and others) for supporting the Governing Body’s request to limit serving of alcoholic beverages during the Polar Bear Plunge; announced that there would be a public meeting regarding the study of Lake of the Lillies and Little Silver Lake on March 20 at 8:00PM.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilman Liotta: will hold a budget hearing on March 28th and workshop on March 23rd – met with Freeholder Bartlett regarding Gull Island – presented both perspectives – will look into and contact us in a month or so; Manasquan Inlet celebration is taking shape with boat parade on August 22nd – movies at Algonquin Arts Theatre – starting to gain momentum.
Motion by Councilman Liotta, to expand pay and display meter machine program to the south side of Arnold Avenue, from Baltimore to Ocean Avenues, and the Inlet Area (Ocean Avenue to the Beach on Broadway, Ocean Avenue from Broadway to Inlet Drive and the Inlet Parking Lot), was seconded by Councilman Loughran and carried by the following roll call vote.
VOTE: Council Members Liotta, Loughran, Corbally, DiCicco, Dyer, DiCorcia….YEA
Councilman Liotta: can’t take credit for getting fill at the Inlet – was a team effort.
Councilman Loughran: thanked County for time and work at Inlet and bringing fill to spread around parking machine pads; Bob Meany started replacing street signs – project will continue over next few months; thanked those responsible for controlling Polar Bear Plunge, the Chief and his men; awarded bid for roll off truck which will save money in transporting roll-off dumpsters to County landfill; received a petition from Delaware Avenue residents requesting remediation of their street problem – corner of St. Louis and Newark Avenues is in terrible condition – asked if we still have a list of streets – asked how much can get done in a given year under ‘Schedule C’ – asked Administrator Riehl to send a letter to Delaware Avenue residents saying we’re aware of situation; congratulated Matt Rega for winning regional wrestling championship for second year in a row.
Councilman Corbally: asked Councilman Dyer and Administrator Riehl to work with him on computer system – having different IT companies suggest improvements to current system, which is rag tag, not cohesive; two new revenue streams coming in – from cell phone companies placing cell towers on the water tank, about an extra $100,000/year – would like to see advertising on that tower – nothing crude, with Point Pleasant Beach involved – could bring in $50,000/year and advertisers could paint it; thanked Jenkinsons for agreeing to lease Fire Chief’s new vehicle with no cost to the town – new fire truck will be here in mid April; met with Farmers Market group – will send commitment letters to farmers and jelly/jam people with insurance forms to fill out – should start on first Sunday after July 4th and go through Halloween.
Mayor: positive idea to generate additional revenue by advertising on water tower, but as indicated there are certain things Council would not like to see there – should clearly outline what Council does and does not want so there is no ambiguity – must have detailed standards.
Councilman DiCicco: on February 28th, the Flood Insurance Task Force had its first meeting – put action plan in place to get back into Community Rating System – have been designated as a repetitive loss community, having at least 10 properties with multiple flood claims over the last six years – to get back into system, must prepare Flood Plain Management Plan – going to require some work, but task force is dedicated to making it happen – significant savings to be realized if achieved – next step would be to provide community with information about flood plain and what residents can do to mitigate flood losses – target date for plan and information is October 1st; ongoing problem on River Avenue with respect to zip code – have worked with Councilman Liotta and Post Office to alleviate some problems – individual properties can change house numbers – Post Office will meet with River and Curtis Avenue residents about what homeowners would have to do – spoke with Administrator about inviting homeowners with duplicate addresses to a meeting so that hopefully some relief can be provided to those that have had difficulty getting mail for a significant amount of time; had discussion with Assessor Rowe regarding tax revaluation – work plan has been filed with County Board of Taxation – property inspections will begin at end of March and continue through summer – data will then be analyzed and assessments prepared – will get new appraisal information in early 2007; Environmental Commission has asked for an opportunity to address Governing Body about ordinances regulating cutting of trees – there is currently no ordinance addressing the clear cutting of lots (possibly in April).
Councilman Dyer: Building Department up $38,959 from last year – thanked department for obvious increase in work; along with Councilman DiCicco, will be gathering information and reviewing floor area ratio of homes – will include Planning Board and Board of Adjustment in review; thanked all for comments on parking pass program – would like to move on it with certain changes – gives benefit to many in town, whether they want to go fishing or to the beach – will limit to one pass per household, which will cover up to two cars – license plate numbers will be listed on placard, which must be hung from rear view mirror and can be transferred between two vehicles – will be limited to Point Pleasant Beach residents – issued annually with $10 fee per vehicle – Administrator’s office will be responsible for issuing – limited to four hours in one spot – no passes will be allowed in the Silver Lake lot on weekends – any household with 4 or more violations will lose pass for the year and will be ineligible for the following year.
Motion by Councilman Dyer, to authorize Borough Attorney to draft resident parking permit ordinance, was seconded by Councilman Loughran and carried by the following roll call vote:
VOTE: Council Members Liotta*, Loughran**, Dyer*****, Mayor Vogel******* ….YEA
Council Members Corbally***, DiCicco****, DiCorcia******….NAY
*Councilman Liotta: Governing Body has done a great job in looking to enhance revenue – added pay and display machines in Inlet area, another 30 spots on Arnold Avenue and the other half of Silver Lake lot – jumped all other meters to $1.50 – limiting to one placard per household – will monitor carefully – live on Sanborn Avenue and see who goes to Father Alphonse concerts – haven’t seen one person from Point Pleasant Beach get out of cars, most walk there – see buses from Leisure Village and other places.
**Councilman Loughran: heard concerns about potential revenue loss – small give back to residents who put up with a lot during summer – always spaces open in lot during the week – as long as a space is open, will not lose revenue – asked that police monitor it and report how popular it is.
***Councilman Corbally: lot is full during the week by about 1:00PM – also double dipping with parking boxes – on Wednesday and Thursday nights, can’t find a spot on the east side of the tracks – not in a position to lose this revenue (Councilman Loughran: not going to see too many residents driving cars to see the fireworks, going to walk or ride bikes) – offered compromise that made sense – against new idea of placard for two cars – police shouldn’t have to match license plates with placard.
****Councilman DiCicco: system is predicated on model that somehow there is always an open space – lots are full on those nights because they are the only weeknights that private lots are open, charging upwards of $20 for spaces – impossible to tell how much money will lose and unwilling to gamble on that – alternative systems are available to give residents relief they deserve to come into District 4 to enjoy fireworks – resident-only parking on first block of Niblick, Parkway and Central – getting tougher to balance budget each year – should leave those spots open to tourists to pay $2/hour.
*****Councilman Dyer: took all issues into consideration and discussed with other people – believe in being fiscally responsible – residents need relief and deserve some benefit – can be used by people going to Maryland Avenue Beach – people calling are in favor and see it as a benefit.
******Councilman DiCorcia: think price is too low, would have liked to see a list of those wanting permits – will be next to impossible for police to enforce – loss of revenue is a factor – another level of bureaucracy.
*******Mayor Vogel: been a good process, open dialog – what government should be – discussion of Governing Body and feedback from residents – concerns were addressed – new ideas came out and were used – plan’s appeal is that it leverages vacant spots – residents know to stay away from Boardwalk on high impact nights – giving residents a chance to enjoy what Point Pleasant Beach has to offer.
Councilman DiCorcia: new light survey as of March 3rd – have seen a marked improvement; spoke with Superintendent Ravally about High School grounds – would like to share budget process – will meet with him and Councilman Liotta in early April; Emergency Management Coordinator Mercun gave notice on emergency management – think emergency management office is entirely different and should continue with Safety Council (Mr. Mercun: don’t disagree, but they should be part of Emergency Planning Committee – Federal regulations require one and it must meet at least twice a year – have scheduled quarterly meetings preceding summer tourist and hurricane/nor’easter seasons – willing to help with flood management – gave Councilman DiCicco a map from Army Corps of Engineers that lays out all County flood areas–per County OEM must set up Committee by resolution; Councilman DiCicco: had you on list to reach out to) thanked Mr. Mercun for coordination, efforts and enthusiasm.
Mayor Vogel: reminded all that Sunday, from 8 am to 12 noon, the Municipal Alliance pancake breakfast would be taking place at the Masonic Lodge.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD OPENED AT 8:36 PM
David Cavagnaro, 118 Parkway: thanked Mayor and Council and Police Department for excellent handling of Polar Bear Plunge – checked with Chief, no incidents except for hypothermia – looked at parking lots – Inlet lot, front of Aquarium and Silver Lake lot were filled – blocking streets forces tourists into lots and Borough gets revenue; asked if there was information on bubble ups for Baltimore and pump at Niblick and Boston (Mayor Vogel: in Ordinance 2006-09 – pump not discussed at this time; Councilman DiCorcia: pump not in budget – Baltimore Avenue is); asked for update on fence ordinance (waiting for Fire Official); revaluation specs on web-site specify revaluation will be done by October (Councilman DiCicco: inspections done by end of summer, then analyzed and numbers ready by January or February 2007).
Max Gagnon, 304 Parkway: thanked Governing Body for good job with Polar Bear Plunge; have been asking for permit parking in 4th District, which takes brunt of area events – now taking hit on revenue too – suggested pass parking on streets – lots were filled early, during Polar Bear Plunge, because of no parking on streets in 3rd and 4th District (Mayor Vogel: Governing Body is aware of your concerns – your program also has costs and could be worse for residents in impacted area; Councilman DiCicco: have to look at streets – 100 spaces in first block of Parkway and Central – intuitively, makes sense if can’t park on street, have to go into lots).
Joe Lemma, 203 St. Louis Avenue: agreed with Mr. Gagnon – asked if valet parking on public streets is against the law (Attorney Gertner: should address to Police Chief or Administrator) – spoke to someone in insurance business who said it’s illegal (Councilman Corbally: checked last year – it’s legal, like it or not) – if valet hits a car on street, owner is liable – if valet parks in lot, business owner is.
John Szafranski, Yale Avenue: thanked Councilman Corbally for commenting on $100,000 cell tower revenue – it’s about 1.5 pennies – asked if another can be found – still doesn’t resolve tourism revenue (Mayor Vogel: doing study – deadline is March 17th; Councilman DiCorcia: don’t forget hotel/motel tax) maybe can put up billboards; Governor Corzine is asking for departments to cut costs by 10% (State done by attrition and political appointees – our Budget committees have kept that trend over the last couple of years); parking pass not to benefit of people – will lose money.
Bob Eltringham, 314 Trenton Avenue: wouldn’t make decision (on parking permit) based on speaking to 50 people and 4 phone calls – not a fair look at a big issue – asked if permits will be numbered (Councilman Loughran: considered lots of comments – don’t see this as having a big impact – don’t see lots of people using at one time – its a small town where people ride bikes and walk – not going to leave house on Curtis Avenue and drive around for 15 to 20 minutes looking for a parking space to use their free pass – passes are going to be used in April, May, September and October).
Peggy Buccino, 319 Newark Avenue: agree with parking permit; asked about weeds (Mayor Vogel: Engineer will hold public presentation on March 20th – letters going out and on web-site – report is due March 24th – Governing Body has put aside Bond Ordinance funds to address) asked if fencing is going up at Little Silver Lake (up today).
Vincent Barrella, Niblick Street: 50% of taxes go to school – hope all are as interested there; regarding parking pass, if all spots in Silver Lake lot are taken by residents for 4 hours on all Father Alphonse nights, would lose $25,000, less than ½ cent – just voted for quality of life reasons to impose 1 cent on tax rate for Open Space – quality of life means something – this is much ado about nothing (Councilman DiCicco: listened to resident about using streets for resident parking – capable of changing my mind) if you’re going to do permit parking, do the town not just the first block – need to look at metering and putting boxes in District 4.
Vince Castin, 15 Trenton Avenue: asked for clarification on floor area ratio (Councilman Dyer: another way of controlling so-called ‘McMansions’ and trying to put more architectural designs into new homes coming before the Boards; Mayor Vogel: part of Master Plan Review discussions); hypothesis presented, that lot would be full by all permit people at one time, is not going to happen – program is for the benefit of the people, contrary to other beliefs – it’s not always about the money.
Frank Carey, 806 Briarcliff Avenue: thanked Mayor Vogel for mentioning pancake breakfast; if moving Arnold Avenue parking meters, should move some to west side of Baltimore Avenue, adjacent to Amethyst Beach Motel – meters should be in commercial areas.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD CLOSED AT 9:05PM
Meeting was adjourned at 9:06 PM
Transcribed by: Eileen Farrell and Maryann Ellsworth
Attest: Maryann Ellsworth, Municipal Clerk
