Council Minutes from 10/10/2001
 

REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 10, 2001. MAYOR MICHAEL TRIPODI PRESIDED.

ROLL CALL

Roll Call at 8:00 P.M. showed the following Council Members present: Gregg David, Richard Falcetano, Kathi Fiamingo, Ed Galasso, and Richard LoForte. Councilwoman Colosimo was

absent.

Mayor Tripodi read the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act.

The Salute to the Flag was led by Mayor Tripodi.

MINUTES

It was moved by Falcetano, seconded by LoForte and carried, that the minutes of the Work Session Meeting of September 25th and the Regular Meeting of September 26, 2001 be dispensed with and approved as submitted. (Copies furnished each Council Member prior to the meeting.)

COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS

  1. The Public Hearing on Year XXVIII Community Development Funding Applications will be
  2. held at the regular Council Meeting on October 24, 2001.

  3. Letter from Police Chief Dowd praising the assistance that Custodian Jonathan Lipke gives
  4. to the Police Department.

  5. Letter from the Kenilworth Board of Education endorsing and supporting the current parking
  6. configuration on the Boulevard in front of Harding School.

  7. Letter from Comcast announcing the addition of FOX News Channel to their cable service.
  8. Letter from Chief William Dowd announcing the establishment of a Kenilworth World Trade
  9. Center Fund.

  10. Letter from Joe Jakub, 661 Trenton Avenue, commending the Department of Public Works

for their excellent, hardworking employees.

REPORTS

  1. Police Department Report for the month of September, 2001.
  2. Construction Department Report for the month of September, 2001.
  3. Borough Clerk�s Report for the month of September, 2001.

It was moved by Galasso, seconded by Falcetano and carried, that the above communications be received and filed and any money amounts indicated be spread over the minutes.

 

 

 

 

REPORT OF COMMITTEES

MAYOR�S REPORT

Mayor Tripodi began his report by reading the following letter into the minutes:

Dear Mayor and Council:

A Kenilworth World Trade Center Fund has been established to financially assist the two families from

Kenilworth who lost loved ones on September 11th. All residents and businesses in the Borough are being

urged to donate to this extremely worthwhile cause. It is important for everyone to know that every penny

collected will be given to these two families. Donations can be dropped off or mailed to the United Trust

Bank located at 535 Boulevard who have generously donated their services for this fund. Checks should be

made out to The Kenilworth W.T.C. Fund.

Sincerely,

William Dowd

Chief of Police

Mayor Tripodi thanked the Chief and noted the thermometer which has been placed on the front lawn of Borough Hall which will inform the residents of the fund�s progress. Mayor Tripodi said the Borough will again be doing the annual "Halloween House Decorating" contest, noting that there will be one winner in each of the districts and you are not eligible to win two years in a

row. He said the plans for the Octoberfest are progressing nicely and we are looking forward to

a successful street fair on October 21st.

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

Councilwoman Fiamingo reported on the issue of the cupola saying that she has spoken with our CFO, Mrs. Marus, who indicated that it would be preferable to amend the capital budget and pass a bond ordinance for the repairs. She asked that Dr. Disko provide a updated proposal for the cost. To Councilman David, Councilwoman Fiamingo asked if the "Walmart" grant was awarded?

Councilman David replied that he only knows that it has been awarded and asked that it could be directed back to the Board of Health, since they had the unexpected expense of ripping out poison ivy.

Councilwoman Fiamingo said that Dianne is in need of the letter so she can proceed. She said she also spoke with the superintendent of schools today regarding the parking and she reiterated to him that the Council was in favor of a drop off zone and asked for his commitment and cooperation that it will be accomplished. He said they will be hiring another aid so that will be facilitated. Councilwoman Fiamingo stated that in regards to the presentation last night by

Sgt. Grady she was very impressed with his knowledge and thought he did a wonderful job.

She said he should be commended.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

In Councilwoman Colosimo�s absence, Mayor Tripodi reported "progress".

 

 

REPORT OF COMMITTEES (CONT.)

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Councilman Galasso said he was in receipt of the Chief�s report for the month of September and reported the following highlights: the Chief attended a seminar on Liability Issues for Police Managers; Sgt. Hannon attended UCERT & SWAT training; Off. Sims attended a Patrol Bicycle

Practices Seminar; and Lt. Dopf attended an Internal Affairs Investigation Seminar. He said the

Chief, in his report, commended the Department for their response to the tragedy of September 11th. In addition to participating in the Health Fair, Chief Dowd reported that Off. Devlin manned the police information table at the A&P for Customer Appreciation Day and the department also participated in Kenilworth�s first Business to Business Expo at the Kenilworth Inn which was sponsored by the Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce. He reported that with the opening of the Walmart in Union there has been an increase in traffic, however, no monumental jams as originally feared but they will continue to monitor it and have stepped up traffic enforcement in this area. New speed limit and "children at play" signs have been installed along 14th Street. Council Galasso reported that during the week of October 4th a traffic monitor was placed on Quinton Avenue after residents voiced their concerns and this report is pending. He also announced that letters have been received from the Girl and Boys Scouts commending Lt. Dopf and Off. Mike Devlin for their assistance, to Sgt. Grady for his involvement in the Drivers

Education Program, and Off. Marranca�s commendation from his superior officer at the Narcotics Strike Force. Councilman Galasso also commended Sgt. Grady on his excellent presentation adding that it made for a lively discussion.

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, ZONING AND ORDINANCES

Councilman LoForte said he was in receipt of the Building Department�s Report for the month of

September and total receipts were $5, 023. with a total of 41 new permits issued which included 33 alterations, 7 additions and 1 new construction. He reported that because of an increased work

load at two construction sites certain inspections have had scheduling difficulties. The Building Department and Governing Body are working to correct this and asked the public for their patience as they feel this situation will be rectified shortly.

DEPARTMENT OF FIRE, RECREATION, LIGHTING AND ECOLOGY

Councilman Falcetano said he would like to take this opportunity to read the following letter into the minutes:

Dear Mayor and Council:

On behalf of the officers and members of the Fire Department and Rescue Squad, I want to extend our

department�s sincere appreciation to the entire Governing Body for the strong support at the St. Theresa�s

church service and the police and fire departments candlelight vigil. Once again the governing body has

shown its dedication and appreciation to the Fire Department.

Yours truly,

Lou J. Giordino, Fire Chief

This concluded Councilman Falcetano�s report.

 

 

REPORT OF COMMITTEES (CONT.)

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE

Councilman David reported that tomorrow evening at 7:00 P.M. is the October Library Board meeting and this is the same time as a DPW hearing meeting, so he may not be able to attend.

BILLS

Consolidated Bill List appears on the following page.

CONSENT AGENDA

Resolutions No. 1 through 7 are listed under Consent Agenda attached and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. All items will be recorded individually in full in the minutes.

A motion was made by David and seconded by Galasso that Resolution No. 5 be removed from the Consent Agenda and voted on separately. Upon roll call, the vote was unanimous.

RESOLUTION NO. 5

Introduced by Fiamingo who also moved its adoption.

Be It Hereby Resolved: That the attached salary increases for non-union borough employees

for the year 2001 be hereby approved.

Seconded by Falcetano and on roll call the vote was as follows: Falcetano, Fiamingo, LoForte, "YES"; David, Galasso, "NO".

Councilman David stated for the record, that it was he who asked for this resolution to be removed from the consent agenda. He explained that this is the resolution that approves salary increases for non-union employees for the year 2001 and said while he supports most of the salary increases, there is one person in particular that he does not approve of the increase for and did not want to hold up the entire consent agenda.

Councilman Galasso said he agrees with Councilman David and supports the increases for every other non-union employee. He said due to Parliamentary Procedure, he knows he cannot single one person out.

CONSENT AGENDA (REVISED)

Resolutions No. 1 through No. 4 and No. 6 through No. 7 are listed under Consent Agenda attached and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. All items will be recorded individually in full in the minutes.

CONSENT AGENDA (CONT.)

Council Member LoForte moved hat all items under Consent Agenda be approved, seconded by Council Member David. Upon roll call the vote was unanimous.

RESOLUTION NO. 1

Be It Hereby Resolved: That all bills be paid when properly audited and funds are available.

RESOLUTION NO. 2

Resolution appears on the following page. (Advances to Borough Officials attending the

New Jersey State League of Municipalities
Conference November 13- 16, 2001)

RESOLUTION NO. 3

Resolution appears on the following page. (Tax Collector authorized to issue a replacement

Certificate of Redemption for lost Tax Certificate

#96-0001)

RESOLUTION NO. 4

Be It Hereby Resolved: That the Borough Clerk be authorized to issue the following Raffle

License: #740 � David Brearley H.S. PTO for an On-Premise 50/50 to be held on Dec. 2, 2001.

RESOLUTION NO. 6

Resolution appears on the following page. (Awarding bid for "Paving Improvements on

North 24th Street" to Fernandes Construction

Company - $99,860.00)

RESOLUTION NO. 7

Resolution appears on the following page. (Awarding bid for "Sanitary Sewer Improvements on

Various Streets" to New England Pipe Cleaning

Company - $56,830.46)

ORDINANCES

Proposed Ordinance No. 2001-18 was read for a second reading as follows: (Copy appears in

minutes of September 26, 2001)

ORDINANCE NO. 2001-18

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2001-7 PROVIDING FOR COMPENSATION FOR BOROUGH EMPLOYEES OF THE BOROUGH OF KENILWORTH

ORDINANCES (CONT.)

PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 2001-18 (CONT.)

Mayor Tripodi explained that this year the Council decided that the salary ordinance should define the percentages that were used to determine the salary increases.

Mayor Tripodi opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments on Proposed Ordinance No. 2001-18.

No one desiring to be heard, Mayor Tripodi closed the meeting to the public.

RESOLUTION NO. 8

Introduced by Fiamingo who also moved its adoption.

Be it Hereby Resolved: That Proposed Ordinance No. 2001-18, be and the same is hereby passed on second and final reading and ordered published according to law.

Seconded by Galasso and on roll call unanimously carried.

GENERAL BUSINESS

No one desired to be heard.

MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Mike Fargey, South 23rd Street, said he moved into town one year ago and he hears a lot of cars that either have a defective muffler or no muffler at all. He said he has brought this up to the police chief but he said the cars in question did pass inspection so that there is nothing he can do about it. Mr. Fargey said there is one car in particular which parks on Newark Avenue that he can hear even when he is in the shower with the water running and the windows closed. He asked if it was up to him to press charges?

Mayor Tripodi and Councilman David asked Mr. Fargey if this is a commercial vehicle?

Mr. Fargey said it was not, however, he did not know the license plate number.

Mayor Tripodi advised him that he has every right as a citizen to place a complaint, however, Councilman Galasso will discuss this with the Chief.

Councilman David read Mr. Fargey Borough Ordinance #134-2 which refers to noises that are a

nuisance.

 

 

MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (CONT.)

Al Heeny, Faitoute Avenue, said he was glad to hear that he is finally getting a new street, however, 50 years ago he put a sewer in the street which has been working fine but is not sure that there is a record of it. He is concerned that the engineer may not be aware of it. He said he is concerned that he will not be able to open the street if there is a problem.

Borough Attorney Tom Vitale explained that if he had to guess, he would say the town would be responsible for it. Usually if there is a stoppage from the house, it is the homeowner�s problem.

Councilman David said it should be brought to the engineer�s attention.

Mayor Tripodi said he would bring it to Mike Disko�s attention, however, the ordinance does make provisions to open the street if there are problems.

Van Vitale, South 18th Street, said he has been involved in committee meetings at Harding School regarding the parking situation in the front of the school. His biggest concern now is that he has become handicapped, he has to drop his daughter off and there is no handicap parking along the whole Boulevard that he is aware of. He is all for the drop off but asked where the handicap spaces are going to be.

Attorney Vitale said the proposal, as he understands it, is to prohibit parking completely. This will be strictly a drop-off zone.

Mr. Van Vitale said he is all for that, however, there are other hours when someone may need to park there. He said he is aware that these are two separate issues but asked if someone could look into putting handicap spots along the Boulevard in the shopping district.

Mayor Tripodi said he would look into it.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Council, it was moved by David, seconded by Galasso and carried, that the meeting be adjourned to the call of the chair.

8:26 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Hedy Lipke

Borough Clerk

 

 

 

 



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