Borough Hall Meeting (November 19, 2007)

Mayor and all council members were in attendance with the exception of councilman Ricky Badillo, who was working, and councilman Laurence Dinardo, who would join the meeting in progress.

Two communications brought before the council from the Roselle Park PTSA were moved, voted on, and carried.

Report and Recommendations of the Mayor

• There will be a tree lighting ceremony on Friday, November 30th, at Michael Mauri Park at 6:30 p.m.
• On December 1st, Roselle Park will hold its annual Holiday Parade at 1 p.m.
• The Rotary Club will hold a Pancake Breakfast at the Community United Methodist Church.
• Roselle Park’s Pop Warner Cheerleaders Midget Squad came in first place in the Regional Competition and are headed to the Nationals in Disney. The Jr. Pee-Wee Cheerleaders placed fourth.
• The Health Fair took place this weekend.
• The mayor wanted to commend The First Aid Squad. At the 100 anniversary dinner two (2) members of the squad were there and came to the rescue of a diner who was choking.
• The mayor wanted to commend the Roselle Park Fire Department for attending to a fire on Chestnut Street on Sunday. The fire department was able to contain the fire from spreading to the two surrounding homes. The family is with family at the moment and they are getting through the process of dealing with the aftermath. If and when assistance is asked for, the borough will notify the residents.
• The acting police chief was asked to address the residents concerning incidents that happened recently.
  • Police Chief Morrison spoke of rumors that were going around town and wanted to give the facts to the residents. There were three strong-arm robberies on Tuesday night and the police department responded in an aggressive manner and apprehended five (5) suspects. There are probably still three (3) suspects at large but the police department is still conducting their investigation.
  • Last Friday, the police department received information from a neighboring community at 2:15 p.m. regarding some potential violence which had nothing to do with Roselle Park. As a preventative safety measure, the police conducted a staggered dismissal.
  • Residents should contact the police department immediately when a crime occurs and also should notify the police when there is suspicious activity in the neighborhood.
  • On Friday there was a shooting incident in Roselle. The police chief contacted Roselle Police Chief Kelleher for more information. The shooting was not gang-related.

  The mayor thanked Police Chief Morrison for his report. He asked about those arrested and the police chief stated those arrested were from another jurisdiction. The mayor stated any criminal activity, including domestic abuse, should be reported immediately to police.

Report of Standing Committees and other Mayor and Council Committees

Michael Yakubov

• The councilman wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
• A letter was sent to residents regarding the Neighborhood Watch. More members are needed and street captains are being appointed.
• Sewer work on West Webster is being addressed. The borough engineer will review the situation and the borough will notify residents as soon as the work goes in.

Robert Rubilla

• The councilman referred to a Star-Ledger article which stated that the culvert project has been delayed till after the first of the year.
• The councilman wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Rick Matarante

• The councilman commended not only the fire department and the police department for work with regard to the fire on Chestnut Street but the also wanted to commend the library which opened its doors to the family affected by the fire. They offered refuge and food.

Loren Harms

• The councilmen thanked the two (2) first aid squad members for their quick response at the dinner mentioned before.
• The councilman wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Reports of Departments

• Borough Attorney William Lane had one (1) matter for closed session dealing with the search for senior housing in Roselle Park. The mayor added another item for closed dealing with the lawsuit from Roselle Park DP, LLC

The Motion that Bills & Payrolls Not Be Read and Motion that Bills & Payrolls Be Passed For Payment were all voted on and carried.

Certificates and Proclamations

• The Roselle Park High School Marching Band were awarded a Certificate for their placing first at the 2007 USSBA Yamaha Cup High School Band Competition in their division. The new band uniforms were shown.
• Mr. Bill Smith could not attend for his certificate and the ceremony will be postponed until December 2nd.

Councilman Dinardo arrived during the presentations. he had nothing to report but wished everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Ordinances

• Ordinance 2229 was moved on, voted, and introduced.

Resolutions

• Resolutions 242-07 and 243-07 were moved on, voted, and approved.

Matters for Referral to Committee or Council

• Councilman Matarante wanted to thank council for acting quickly on the motion. Councilman Harms stated that the candidates, if they accept the letter of intent, will be hired on January 1st, 2008.

Public Portion

Jacob Magiera

• Mr. Magiera wanted the community to remember the troops and he spoke of the Yellow Ribbon campaign.
• Mr. Magiera was glad the chief put the residents at ease with his report.
• Mr. Magiera asked if compensation for the Street Fair has been received. He wanted to clarify his question by stating that his question dealt with direct compensation for the businesses that were closed on Sunday. The mayor stated that such an arrangement was never considered and that businesses that were closed could have opened to participate in the fair.
• Mr. Magiera asked if there will be a bulk pick-up in December. The mayor stated that a bulk pick-up would take place in January of 2008. Mr. Magiera asked if funds could be moved to arrange for a 2007 pick-up. The CFO stated he was not comfortable with doing that. Mr. Magiera stated that$122,000 was moved and the borough stated that was for needed funds. The fact that the borough cannot predict disposal funds is the reason that it would be best to wait until next year. 412 tons were picked up for three (3) pick-ups in 2007.
• Mr. Magiera asked when will budget meetings start and he was notified they will start at the beginning of the year.
• There was a large turnout for the fire on Chestnut Street from various fire department, as far as New Providence.
• Mr. Kenneth Blum was asked about an update on borough assets. he stated that he is slowly getting responses and will resend another letter.
• Mr. Magiera referred to newspaper articles regarding air traffic safety. The mayor referred to an article in “Inside Business” magazine regarding FAA’s flight plan and how it will affect communities. Mr. Magiera stated that the airlines could go over the ocean and not lose that much revenue.
• Mr. Magiera asked if the Burgos (sp?) property is contaminated. The borough stated there have been no reports of contaminatio. Mr. Magiera stated that experiments with animals and toxic chemicals used to be conducted on the property. Councilman Harms stated that the property has been tested before and nothing came of it. Mr. Magiera stated that the property is a site for senior housing and the property is in decrepit condition. Perhaps Carl Plucchino could be called to inspect the property for violations.
• Mr. Magiera asked if the Romerovski property has been checked for violations inside the building since outside the building looks unkempt.

Greg Kinloch

• Mr. Kinloch wanted to confirm that the Hawthorne Detention Basin had a soccer program on it and that the area was safe.

Al Costanzo

• Verizon FIOS will soon be in Roselle Parkand once they arrive Mr. Constanzo will leave Comcast. He asked if the borough has considered using FIOS since, in Cranford, FIOS is used and their community channels are still accessible through FIOS. The mayor stated there have been some problems in Cranford with their drop spots for their schools. The problems are being worked out but the mayor wants to make certain no problems will exist with Roselle Park. Additionally, FIOS was going to charge schools for access. Mr. Costanzo stated that FIOS is in Kenilworth and should soon be in Roselle Park. The Verizon office that serves Roselle Park is in Roselle on Second Avenue.
• Mr. Costanzo had a private tour of the Roselle Park Post Office. The building is almost empty and the post office should consider moving the front office further back to allow for more room and more post office boxes. He spoke with numerous officials from the Post office and he was assured that the post office will be put back to the state it used to be in terms of service.
• Mr. Costanzo wanted to offer a rebuttal to the council’s recommendation of Solar do Minho. He stated that the food was good but that the service was not. His car was moved once and he was charged $13 for a bottle of water when he asked for water. He has gone twice and the service was less than satisfactory.

Gail Bradley

• Ms. Bradley asked about cleaning up Roselle Park aesthetically. There are businesses that are in need of a face lift and there are businesses that should clean up their storefront areas. She asked if there were any ordinances that could address that. She was notified that such concerns fall under Property Maintenance. Linden businesses had the same issue and were told to clean up. The business area was cleaned up but the mayor wants to check to see if businesses stayed and prospered with the presentation change. Ms. Bradley asked about the business properties on Webster Avenue before the high school. She stated they look terrible and in need of landscaping. She stated that homeowners must upkeep their property and so should business owners. Councilman Harms and the mayor stated that years ago the business owner presented plans to do something in terms of renovation but nothing has been done as of yet. The clerk will send a letter to the Planning Board so they can send a letter to the owner to inquire about the renovations.If nothing is done, the Code Enforcement Office could start giving out summonses.
• Ms. Bradley asked if senior housing is open only to Roselle Park residents. The borough stated that, by law, they cannot restrict housing only to residents. there would be a type of a lottery program. Ms. Bradley asked if it would be assisted living or nursing home type units. The units will be independent apartment-type units.
• Mrs. Bradley asked about the Romerovski property and offered an idea of having a “Summit Medical Group” type of same-day surgery center. It would be a business which would bring in revenue and it would be open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to p.m. which would lessen any foreseeable traffic on the weekends and at night.

The meeting was sent into a closed session to discuss three (3) matters dealing with senior housing, Roselle Park DP, LLC, and a personnel matter with the police department.

The meeting was adjourned.

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Borough Hall Meeting (November 8, 2007)

Mayor and all council members were in attendance with the exception of councilman Robert Rubilla, who was away on business, and councilman Ricky Badillo, who was receiving an award.

The three (3) communications brought before the council were moved, voted on, and carried.

Report and Recommendations of the Mayor

• The mayor wanted to congratulate the Roselle Park Pop Warner cheerleaders for winning in three divisions. He recommended that they be recognized at the next meeting.
• The mayor also wanted to recognize the Roselle Park Marching Band, who took first place at the 2007 USSBA Yamaha Cup High School Band Competition at Giants Stadium, at the next meeting.
• The borough clerk had a meeting with Domus Corporation (a non-profit organization associated with Catholic Community Services). Domus will survey various properties for senior housing in Roselle Park. Mrs. Cali also stated that senior housing by the developer will cost Roselle park nothing.
• The borough clerk also started talks with Union County regarding ConRail property that has been offered to Roselle Park as a donation. The borough needs to acquire permission from the county regarding the property.
• The United States Postal Service (USPS) held their community outreach on November 3, 2007. A number of residents talked with the USPS about various issues. The borough will also be sending a USPS survey to residents within the coming weeks.

Report of Standing Committees and other Mayor and Council Committees

Laurence Dinardo

• Councilmen Dinardo and Yakubov had their second Neighborhood Watch meeting. They will be picking Block Captains for the program.
• Halloween on Bender Avenue was very well-attended. Councilman Dinardo had 1,700 pieces of candy and his household gave it all out. The councilman is thinking of having a committee comprised of block residents to address issues with regard to trick-or treaters (out-of -town people, late hours of loitering, traffic, etc.) The councilman requested the committee, when comprised, should include the police department in their discussions. The mayor asked to also be included in talks.

Loren Harms

• The tracks by Seton Avenue were cleaned up on Halloween by Public Works. The councilman wished that the clean-up could have taken place on a night when the area was not trafficked by children trick-or-treating but he was glad it was done. the letter sent appears to have worked.
• A letter should be sent to Union County, if one has not been sent yet, to have them address flooding issues on Lincoln Avenue.

The mayor stated that he failed to mention in his report the local elections that took place on Tuesday. He wanted to thank everyone who voted, volunteered, and ran for office.

Rick Matarante

• Residents were concerned with the Geico plane that has been flying over the borough. The borough clerk contacted Geico and the company stated that it was an experimental idea where they would fly over universities and sports complexes. Geico announced they have stopped the flyovers. If it continues, the pilot, Bill Brower, can be contacted at (301) 986-3816.
• Acker Park’s renovations received $17,000 from Union County. Green Acres stated it would match the Union County grant – 25% would be a Green Acres grant and the other 75% would be in the form of a low-interest (2%) loan. The councilman plans to have a Public hearing before year-end.
• There are two (2) police officer vacancies that need to be filled with new hires. The councilman asked what needs to take place for the hiring to happen. The mayor stated that a resolution, by voice, could be performed and then memorialized for the next meeting but that the resolution must be in writing.

Michael Yakubov

• Residents brought street sweeper concerns to the councilman. They have stated that the sweeper does not go around on a regular basis. The councilman stated that it does go around on a schedule. He wanted to let residents know that leaves that are left on the curb cannot be picked up by the sweeper and the machine has to go around the leaves and the area.
• The councilman contacted the Board of Education to address issues of graffiti and trash in the tennis courts behind the high school.
• 22 people showed up for the Neighborhood Watch meeting. Various topics were discussed and resident concerns were given to the acting police chief.
• Speeding in the borough is being addressed but the councilman asks that more attention be paid to the Valley Road area. There apparently was a hit & run there.

Certificates and Proclamations

• Certificates were presented to Susan Dinardo and Allison Ellis for their work with “Walk Now for Autism”
• A Proclamation was to be awarded to Bill Smith for his work on the Government Committee for Persons with Disabilities but it will be postponed since Mr. Smith could not attend.

Reports of Departments

Police Report

• The police department is in need of two (2) officers. The chief needs authorization to hire two (2) applicants from the Police Academy Alternate Route Program (Sean McCarthy and Edward Northram). The police chief would like a swear-in date of December 20, 2007 with a start date of January 1, 2008. A resolution, which is required, will be prepared for the first meeting in December.
• The borough is experiencing congestion on Locust & Westfield Avenue during rush hour. Recently, 40 summonses were issued for failure to observe traffic signals. A study will be conducting a study on how to address the problem (i.e. traffic box).
• Councilman Badillo asked the police to do a traffic study for complaints on speeding and congestion by Donald Place. The highest speed recorded was 27 mph but there was a heavy flow of traffic from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• New Pedestrian Crossing signs have been ordered.
• The central parking meter for Lot 1 has been ordered, as well as 40 new meter heads on Chestnut Street. They should be in by December. All meters will be operational. The borough will contact Cranford for Co-operative pricing for meters.
• The fees for the meters should be raised to $0.50 an hour and $0.25 for every half hour. An ordinance would have to be introduced and passed to amend the pricing. There is no delay in the changing of price since the borough has equipment that can calibrate the meters – there is no need to wait for someone else to do that. The council agreed that by the next Municipal Services meeting, on November 19, the resolution could be discussed so it could be introduced before the council.
• Councilman Harms asked if speed bumps could be put on Warren Avenue off of Locust Street. The chief recommended a traffic study to see the best way to address the matter.
• Councilman Yakubov asked the police to investigate complaints brought by residents of Colfax Manor. There are people who are going through the “Do Not Enter” signs to get to parking areas.
• The mayor asked how Union County addressed the boroughs concerns on Lincoln Avenue. The county has placed reflective devices to replace the delineators that were put in place by the borough then removed by the county.

DPW Report

• Ben Constantino gave the DPW report for Mr. Wirzbicki
• No Trespassing signs have been placed on the fence of Hawthorne Basin.
• The trees which were an issue were removed on Jerome Street.
• The leaf pick-up has been cooperative from the residents. No branches or pieces of wood should be placed with the leaves.
• The mayor mentioned that recycling grant funds have been made available. The money can be used to purchase recycling containers in the schools. The borough will be looking into the costs.
• Bulk waste pick-up services were being looked into before the end of the year but that would require a change order. The borough is looking to do a bulk waste pick-up at the beginning of 2008.

All reports, except the Engineer’s Report, were accepted into the record.

Engineer Report

• The Chester Avenue and Madison Avenue projects have been completed. The borough is just waiting for pay requests by the contractor to complete the process.
• Westbrook Stream Improvements is in progress. Letters have been sent to residents.
• Webster Avenue Sanitary Sewer Replacement specifications are complete. The borough will be prepared for bids in the spring of 2008.
• The First Aid Squad Emergency Generator bids were received and signed.
• The Storm Water Management Plan is awaiting comments from DEP.
• The Union Avenue Sewer Repair was bid and awarded.
• The Fire Station Bathroom contract is ongoing.
• The 237 Sherman Avenue flooding problem is awaiting installation of a new inlet pending the availability of funds. Councilman Harms asked if, seeing that $15,000 will be needed to fix the problem, there was something that DPW could do since winter is coming and if funds are now presently available, the situation could deteriorate further. There could be a temporary fix if the DPW has spare equipment.

The Engineering Report was approved by council.

Public Portion

Paul Endler

• Mr. Endler wanted to remind the borough that Veteran’s Day services will be taking place at the Roselle Park Veterans Memorial Library on Sunday, November 11th, at 11 a.m. (Link Information)

Jacob Magiera

• Regarding bulk pick-up, Mr. Magiera asked if the borough could borrow from sales offsets to pay for a bulk pick-up before year end. The mayor stated that sales offsets can only be used if already appropriated in the budget. Mr. Magiera asked if there was a bulk pick-up was removed and could it be placed back. There were six (6) pick-ups scheduled that were lessened to three (3) with one (1) extra pick-up due to the April floods.
• The Union County Police Department has been using radar on Locust Street.
• Mr. Magiera also wanted to remind everyone of the Veteran’s Day services on Sunday. There are also new ribbons at the gazebo in Mauri Park.
• Mr. Mageira read a statement regarding the remembrance of those who served in the military.
  • The nation which forgets it defenders will itself be forgotten. In honor of our troops, defenders of our freedom. Today on this Veteran’s Day we honor our returning heroes for their service and sacrifice: Past – Present – Future. God bless all our military personnel all around the world, especially those in Iraq and Afghanistan. May they all come home soon! God bless America. God bless the United States of America. (Printout Link)
    
• Mr. Magiera asked is the borough was compensated for the Street Fair. The mayor stated that there has been no compensation as of yet but that he would ask the borough CFO. Mr. Magiera stated that if the borough did not profit from it, and businesses had to close due to the fair, and a borough street had to be closed, that perhaps it could be moved to West Webster Avenue. The mayor stated that they tried that but the participation was less than expected.
• Mr. Magiera asked why the DPW was working on Saturdays. Mr. Constantino stated that was due to leaf pick-up.
• Mr. Magiera wanted to thank councilman Harms for paving the sidewalk under the Faitoute Street Bridge.
• Mr. Magiera wanted to confirm that the mayor nor council would take a pay increase. This was confirmed.
• Mr. Magiera wanted to address “Yield to Pedestrian” signs but it addressed by the acting police chief. He also made mention of raising the rates of the parking meters. Mr. Magiera stated that Elizabeth has a rate of $0.75 / hour.
• Mr. Magiera asked about resolution 239-07 and the reason for the increase. The law firm is representing the borough’s interest in the suit filed by Roselle Park, LLC (commonly known as the Romerovski Property).
• Mr. Magiera asked if an increase was not already given with regard to 238-07. The mayor stated that this resolution was in relation to that increase due to the Roselle Park LLC lawsuit. Mr. Magiera asked how much has been paid to Heyer, Gruel & Associates for their services with redevelopment. The mayor stated that he could have that information at the next meeting.
• Mr. Magiera asked if there was an update on the closed session matter regarding the FAA lawsuit. The borough stated it has prepared a resolution in support of Union County in its suit against the FAA, asking that Roselle Park be included as an party of interest.
• The Geico plane advertising is good for down the shore but a distraction to drivers, which affects safety.
• In conclusion, Mr. Magiera read from and discussed a Star-Ledger article regarding flights landing with low fuel. (Information Link)

Pat White

• Mr. White spoke of issues with lights and conduits throughout the borough.
• M.r White, speaking for himself, wanted to discuss the capital budget for the Roselle Park Volunteer Fire Department. Last year’s budget was $81,000 and this year’s budget is $31,000. $11,000 of the capital budget has to go to a new heating unit, leaving only $20,000. The mayor stated that the volunteer fire department is going to receive $120,000 through the operating budget. Mr. White states he is aware of that but still wanted to address the shortage of the capital budget. The council stated that one priority, which took up a lot of the budget for PD, FD, and EMS was the new communication center. It cost $140,000. Come the new year, the borough will have better opportunity to fill requests from the emergency services. The borough also is making sure that all previous ordinances are spent down before adding new ones. If an emergency arises, Mr. White should notify the Fire Chief so the borough could address it.

Suzanne Kinloch

• Ms. Kinloch asked if her block, and the blocks surrounding Bender Avenue, for the committee so everyone could cooperate in addressing issues and concerns. Her block did not have as many trick-or-treaters because it appeared everyone was making a bee line to Bender Avenue. Councilman Yakubov stated that, for next year, perhaps a list could be compiled of houses and blocks who would be willing to participate in giving out candy so the concentration of trick-or-treating could be dispersed throughout the town. The mayor also stated that the Youth Center had a haunted house which could draw attention to children to go to other places throughout the town.
• The Roselle Park Relay For Life has changed its name to “Relay For Life – Roselle Park”. The organization is in need of volunteers. Anyone interested in helping out can contact rppinkpanthers@gmail.com

Reports Of Departments (Continued)

Attorney Report

• The borough will be following up with the county in regard to Senior Housing development.
• One matter for closed session relates to interest of a property owner in surplus borough property.

Borough Clerk Report

• The borough clerk sent a letter to the state opposing that the borough be held financially responsible for primary election costs. She received a letter from the State Attorney’s office notifying the borough that the State will pick up the cost of the primary elections.
• The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application is out. The borough will ask for handicap door at borough Hall and the library, as well as the surface area of Acker Park. The deadline is December 12. A public hearing will be held on December 6. Any councilman who wants to add any facility should contact her before December 6.
• Councilman Harms asked if the CDBG will reduce the cost for the improvements on Acker Park. Mrs. Cali stated that would be the case. Councilman Harms stated that perhaps Aldene Park should be looked at as well so that residents do not feel that only one part of town is being addressed with the borough parks. The mayor stated that funds should be spent also on Aldene Park and that any punch items for Aldene should be brought to the borough clerk’s attention.

CFO Report

• Mr. Blum was not in attendance due to personal business but there was nothing of note to report.

The Minutes To Be Approved, the Motion that Bills & Payrolls Not Be Read and Passed were all voted on and carried.

Ordinances

• Ordinance 2225 was open to the public for discussion. No one came forward and the ordinance, dealing with the contract agreement between the borough and the police department, was voted on and approved.
• Ordinance 2226 was open to the public for discussion. Mr. Jacob Magiera read a flyer from1994 with regard to his tenure in public office. In the flyer, it was mentioned that Mr. Magiera was in favor of having municipal employees participate in a co-pay.After the public portion was closed, the ordinance was voted on and approved.
• Ordinances 2227 and 2228 were voted on and introduced in their first reading.

Resolutions

• Resolutions 228-07 and 235-07 were pulled from consensus.
• Resolutions 227-7, 229-07 through 234-07, and 236-07 through 241-07 were all voted on and adopted.
• Resolution 228-07 was in support of a bill sponsored by Assemblyman Eric Munoz. The bill, having bi-partisan support, addresses slum lords and their practices of overcrowding in apartments. If the bill is not introduced by the end of this state session, it would have to start from scratch. Resolution 228-07 was voted on and adopted.
• Resolution 235-07 addresses measures taken by the borough to deal with graffiti. The resolution was voted on and adopted.

Matters For Referral To Committee Or Council

• Both items were confirmed.

Matters for Closed Session

• One (1) item was set aside for closed session. It relates to surplus property of the borough: a portion of Acker Park (Lot 11 – Block 2).
• When the meeting returned to open session, a payment plan was set for the property.

Meeting was adjourned.

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