REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 28, 2001. COUNCIL PRESIDENT LoFORTE PRESIDED.

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

Tripodi was absent.

Acting Mayor LoForte read the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act.

The Salute to the Flag was led by Acting Mayor LoForte.

It was moved by Falcetano, seconded by Galasso and carried, that the minutes of the Work Session Meeting of November 7^th, Regular Meeting of November 7^th, and Special Work Session Meeting of November 19, 2001 be dispensed with and approved as submitted. (Copies furnished each Council Member prior to the meeting.)

Acting Mayor LoForte called George Kunka forward and read the following resolution into the minutes:

Introduced by David who also moved its adoption.

Copy of Resolution attached. (Commending and congratulating George Kunka for being named

"Kenilworth Alliance Volunteer of the Year")

Seconded by Fiamingo and on roll call unanimously carried.

Acting Mayor LoForte said George is known to almost everyone in our community and probably a lot of people here have been his students. He congratulated George, thanked him for his work and wished him the best of luck in the future.

George Kunka said that he usually does not have a lot to say, however, he appreciates being recognized. He said it was very gratifying to work with the group of people who are involved in the Alliance, especially Charlie Vitale with whom he has worked with for over 20 years trying to put together programs which would benefit the young people of Kenilworth. He said he was honored and added that he does know most of the people in town and has had most of them in class.

Acting Mayor LoForte asked Councilman Galasso to make the police promotion presentations. Borough Clerk Hedy Lipke read the following resolutions:

Introduced by Galasso who also moved its adoption.

Be It Hereby Resolved: That Sergeant Henry Moll be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant

in the Kenilworth Police Department as recommended by Chief William Dowd effective November 26, 2001.

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

Lt. Moll thanked Chief Dowd, PBA President Fred Soos and the members of the Council.

Introduced by Galasso who also moved its adoption.

Be It Hereby Resolved: That Patrolman Mark David be promoted to the rank of Sergeant

in the Kenilworth Police Department as recommended by Chief William Dowd effective November 26, 2001.

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

Chief Dowd congratulated Mark and Henry on their promotions, adding that this has been a long time coming. He also thanked the Governing Body and commended them for moving on these promotions tonight. Chief Dowd said he feels very lucky to be the Chief of such an excellent Police Department with such superior officers of which Mark and Henry will add to.

He wished them both the best of luck.

Pictures were taken.

1. Notice from Comcast that effective December 11, 2001, Comcast will add C-SPAN 3 to their Digital Cable service.
2. Letter from Kathleen Neville, 436 No. 15^th Street, asking that the town remedy the situation of the Pump Station next to her house.
3. Letter from Howard Queller, owner of David Queller & Co., Sumner Avenue, asking that three street lights be installed on Hoiles Drive as it is very dark and a potentially dangerous situation.

1. Municipal Court Report for the month of October, 2001.
2. Borough Clerk�s Report for the month of October, 2001.

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

In Mayor Tripodi�s absence, Councilman Falcetano announced that the annual Holiday Tree Lighting and day long festivities will be held on December 1^st, beginning at 1:00 P.M. and ending with the tree lighting ceremony at 7:00 P.M. He said it was put together by the Pride in Kenilworth Committee.

Councilwoman Fiamingo noted that there was an ordinance on the agenda for 1^st reading for the repair to the cupola. She said she did speak with the auditor yesterday who advised that the Fire Department should not lease their truck and also advised against the second suggestion. She said he recommends that Rich speak to the Chief about going out to bid on it.

Councilwoman Colosimo reported that the department is about three quarters of the way done with the leaf collection which is running smoothly.

Councilman Galasso announced that we have received delivery of our new police cars and they should be on the road in early December. He also said we received the first estimate for security improvements in the Police Department and Dr. Disko has been contacted and is helping to find contractors who specialize in this type of work. He also reported that Chris Bryson and Valerie Benkovich are scheduled to graduate next Tuesday from the academy and invited everyone to attend.

Councilman LoForte reported that we will be awarding the contract for elevator inspections for the next two years to EIC of Jersey City who had the lowest bid. He announced that the Planning Board will be meeting tomorrow night at Borough Hall at 8:00 P.M. He also said he was in receipt of the Zoning Officer�s report for the month of October which showed a total of

15 complaints acted upon, 6 approvals and 3 denials.

Councilman Falcetano read the following letters into the minutes:

Nov. 8, 2001

Dear Chief Giordino:

Thank you very much for the smoke detectors that you donated to the seniors. We passed them out

at our regular monthly meeting yesterday. All of the seniors that received them were very happy. We

want you to know how much we appreciated them.

Sincerely,

Minnie Leikauskas

November 12, 2001

Rescue Squad of Kenilworth:

May I thank you for your quick response on the occasion of my emergency the other Sunday,

(November 4^th) at Mass. I am now back anticipating some outpatient procedures. Please pray for me!

May the Lord bless you all. You are a great asset to the town of Kenilworth.

Fr. Al Kowalski

November 4, 2001

Dear Chief Giordino:

Please accept my sincere and personal thanks for the outstanding services that you and your staff expended

during and after the horrific tragedy that occurred September 11, 2001. This tragedy has effected all our

lives and we are filled with emotional gratitude and pride as we witnessed the outstanding heroic efforts of

our firefighters, risking their lives while struggling through the heat, rubble and debris in an attempt to find

survivors. Our local firefighters are also to be commended for their role in assisting the needs of other fire

departments and their responsibilities. They certainly are an asset, not only to their respective fire

departments, but to the citizens of Union County. I am proud to be an American and I am truly proud of all

our firefighters, as well as our police officers, officials and individuals who worked night and day at this

traumatic and devastating site.

Sincerely,

Alexander Mirabella

Chairman of the Board of Freeholders

Councilman Falcetano also announced that the Fire Department and Rescue Squads will again be presenting "Santa�s Express", where parents can drop off gifts at the Rescue Squad Bldg. and the

Fire and Rescue Squad will have Santa deliver them to your home. He said the kids love it and it

is a great thing.

Councilman David said there is an ordinance on the agenda for first reading which will establish the position of Local Assistance Board Secretary. He explained that in the past the board has always had a volunteer secretary, however, over the last few years it has become increasingly difficult to find someone to volunteer their time. It is somewhat of a demanding position in the respect that they have to take the minutes and send them to the state, as required by law. The position has already been filled and this is a matter of the paperwork catching up with the position. Councilman David also congratulated Mr. Kunka on his award this evening and said he was his 7^th grade teacher about 30 years ago which is an example of how long Mr. Kunka has been serving the community. Councilman David also congratulated Lt. Moll and Sgt. David on their promotions.

Consolidated Bill List appears on the following pages.

Resolutions No. 1 � 8 are listed under Consent Agenda and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. All items will be recorded individually in full in the minutes.

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

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

Copy of resolution attached. (Year 2001 Budget Transfers)

Copy of resolution attached. (Capital Budget Amendment � Renovation of Borough Hall

Copy of resolution attached. (Treasurer to refund legal fees collected for Tax Lien Certificate

Be It Hereby Resolved: That the attached list of the Kenilworth Volunteer Fire Department/Rescue Squad be granted an expense allowance in accordance with the report submitted by the Fire Chief, Louis Giordino, in the aggregate amount of $61,035.00. Employees marked with an asterisk will be paid through payroll.

Be It Hereby Resolved: That No Passing Zones be established and maintained along North 23^rd Street in the Borough of Kenilworth, County of Union as authorized by the NJ Department of Transportation on

1. North 23^rd Street between Boulevard and Monroe Avenue

approval by the Commissioner, Department of Transportation.

Be It Hereby Resolved: That EIC Inspection Agency Corp., 3705 Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07307, be appointed as Elevator Sub Code Official for the Borough of Kenilworth for a

two (2) year term commencing January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2003 as per N.J.A.C. 5:23.

Bid = 80% of DCA Fees

Proposed Ordinance No. 2001-23 was read for a first reading as follows: (Copy attached)

ORDINANCE NO. 2001-23

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 2001-18 PROVIDING FOR COMPENSATION FOR BOROUGH EMPLOYEES OF THE BOROUGH OF KENILWORTH

Acting Mayor LoForte explained that since this is a first reading, the public is not allowed to comment at this time, however, it will be open for comments or questions at the second reading which will be on December 12, 2001.

Introduced by David who also moved its adoption.

Be It Hereby Resolved: That Proposed Ordinance No. 2001-23, be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and ordered published for final hearing on December 12, 2001.

Seconded by Fiamingo and on roll call unanimously carried.

Proposed Ordinance No. 2001-24 was read for a first reading as follows: (copy attached)

ORDINANCE NO. 2001-24

A BOND ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING RENOVATION OF THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING CUPOLA, INCLUDING REMOVAL OF ALL DETERIORATED OR ROTTEN SECTIONS, RECONSTRUCTION OF VARIOUS SECTIONS, WATERPROOFING IMPROVEMENTS, PAINTING AND MISCELLANEOUS ROOF FLASHING AND REPAIRS IN, BY AND FOR THE BOROUGH OF KENILWORTH, IN THE COUNTY OF UNION, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING AN AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $50,400 THEREFORE AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT EXCEEDING $48,000 IN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF BONDS OR NOTES TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF

Acting Mayor LoForte announced that this was a first reading and the second reading will be held on December 12, 2001.

Introduced by Fiamingo who also moved its adoption. (Copy attached)

Be It Hereby Resolved: That Proposed Ordinance No. 2001-24, be and the same is hereby passed on first reading and ordered published for final hearing on December 12, 2001.

Seconded by David and on roll call unanimously carried.

Councilman LoForte explained that he voted "no" on the Police Promotions because of the procedures involved for the promotions and it was not a vote against the individuals personally. Councilman LoForte said he is sure the individuals deserved the positions, however, he feels the procedures should be followed correctly.

Councilwoman Fiamingo congratulated Mr. Kunka and said having been on the Board of Education for several years, she knows how much time and energy he puts into the things he does for the youth of our community. She said this was probably a lot less than he deserves.

Councilwoman Colosimo said she has know George Kunka for about 13 years and has worked with him on "Here�s looking at you 2000" and the Municipal Drug Alliance. She said she has gotten to know him as a very intelligent and kind gentleman and there is no one more deserving of this award. He is an asset to our community. She also congratulated Lt. Moll and Sgt. David on their promotions and all the members of our outstanding police department

Fred Soos, Epping Drive, said he would like to go on record by saying he was not one of George Kunka�s students, however, he would like to congratulate him and said he has contributed a lot to this town. Mr. Soos commended the Road Department for the great job they�ve done with the leaf removal. He also thanked the Mayor and Council for making the promotions tonight and commended Lt. Moll and Sgt. David for being loyal and dedicated officers. Mr. Soos said that the last time he spoke about the security improvements needed in the Police Department the Mayor said he would ask the Space Utilization Committee to look into it. Mr. Soos said there is no Space Utilization Committee as it has been disbanded. He said soon the governing body will be holding budget meetings and so far no committee has met to discuss recommendations. He said something needs to be done and done quickly. He also asked about road improvements to Sheridan Avenue which he read about in the newspaper and questioned where they were going to be done.

Councilwoman Fiamingo explained that she lives on Sheridan Avenue and is not happy about the improvements, however, it is a transition road between a county road and qualified under certain parameters for grant aid from D.O.T. She said they were hoping to receive money for the streetscape but it was denied. Sheridan Avenue was a back up request and they will pave from North 14^th to North 19^th.

Mr. Soos said he knows he cannot comment on Proposed Ordinance No. 2001-24, however,

here the Borough is spending $50,000 to repair the cupola but not doing anything about police security.

Councilwoman Colosimo replied that Councilman Galasso did report that he received a quote

for the work and they did ask Dianne Marus to see if she can find the money. If the Space Utilization Committee was to be reformed, it will have to wait until January. The improvements that need to be done to the Police Department will not happen overnight, it will take a few years.

Mr. Soos said he is aware of that but just wants to make sure that it is being worked on because soon the budget meetings will be starting.

Councilman Galasso said the only one who can appoint an ad-hoc committee is the Mayor.

Councilwoman Colosimo said she thought it was still an active committee.

Acting Mayor LoForte explained that this committee was chaired by Councilman Don Rica who is no longer here, so it was not active this year.

Councilman Galasso said he thought it was still an active committee also.

Councilwoman Colosimo said she is aware that we are expanding, but the building is not. Now that we have a woman police officer, improvements to the building must be done.

Acting Mayor LoForte said he just wanted to make a comment regarding streets. He explained that each year we prepare a list of streets and apply for DOT and Community Development Grants and hope we qualify for the funds. Not all streets meet the criteria. As Councilwoman Fiamingo stated, Sheridan Avenue was not out first choice, however, we are not going to turn it away.

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

8:40 P.M. Respectfully submitted,