NOVEMBER 7, 2007

 

PAULSBORO. N.J.

 

7:00 P.M.

 

REGULAR MEETING

 

Council Chamber:

 

     Council President Haynes presided at the regular meeting of Council held on the above date and place.

 

     Borough Clerk VanScoy read the opening statement regarding the Open Public Meetings Act.

 

     Council President Haynes asked all those present to join in the salute to the flag led by Borough Clerk VanScoy.

 

     Council President Haynes called the meeting to order.

 

     Members present were: Haynes, Giovannitti, Hamilton, Kidd, Morina.  Absent:  Mayor Burzichelli (grandmother’s passing), Tedeski.

 

     Also present were:  Captain Frank Grogan, Lt. Chris Wachter, Det. Sgt. Vern Marino, Borough Foreman Charles Tinder, Water and Sewer Superintendent John Daly, Code Enforcement Officer Keith Hogle and Economic and Neighborhood Development Director Marc Kamp.

 

     Council President Haynes performed the official swearing in of Patrolman Rodney Richards.

 

     Council President Haynes opened the floor to the public.

 

     Pat Aruanno, 543 Lincoln Avenue discussed the playground next to his house.  He was aware that the water tower was going to be replaced and he was aware that the basketball court is being removed, which he appreciated, but he questioned where the Borough was planning on moving the playground.  The kids hang out at the playground all night long.  The kids use profanity, they are urinating in his yard; they use his hose when they want a drink and leave it running and they are smoking and dealing drugs.  There is a sign that the playground is closed after dusk.  The other issue is the light that is on as it should be turned off after dusk.  He felt the kids would not hang out there if the light was off.  This is a concern of most of the neighbors in that area.

 

     Council President Haynes stated he thought the playground was staying where it was but the basketball court would be removed.

 

     Councilman Morina stated the Council should take a good look at exactly what is being done at that area and notify the public.

 

     Vince Sceno, 539 Lincoln Avenue, also discussed the light at the playground and the kids hanging there all hours of the night.

 

     Council President Haynes suggested checking to see if a timer could be put on the light.

 

     Joyceline Gaines, 231 West Washington Street, discussed the activity taking place at 232-242 West Washington Street.  They park in her driveway and she isn’t able to get out and the activity extends very early in the morning.

 

     There wasn’t any further public participation.

 

     R. #154.07:  RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSFER OF       FUNDS FROM CERTAIN ACCOUNTS TO OTHER ACCOUNTS IN THE 2007 BUDGET.  Giovannitti moved and Haynes seconded to adopt R. #154.07.  Roll call:  Ayes:  Haynes, Giovannitti, Hamilton, Kidd, Morina.  Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

 

     R. #155.07:  RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE BILLS OUT OF THE 2007 BUDGET.  Giovannitti moved and Hamilton seconded to pay all bills properly signed and adopt R. #155.07.  Roll call:  Ayes:  Haynes, Giovannitti, Hamilton, Kidd, Morina.  Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

 

     R. #156.07:  RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR ALLOWANCE OF A SENIOR CITIZEN DEDUCTION.  Giovannitti moved and Hamilton seconded to adopt R. #156.07.  Roll call:  Ayes:  Haynes, Giovannitti, Hamilton, Kidd, Morina.  Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

 

     R. #157.07:  RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE CANCELLATION OF CERTAIN BALANCES ON WATER AND SEWER ACCOUNTS.  Giovannitti moved and Hamilton seconded to adopt

R. #157.07.  Roll call:  Ayes:  Haynes, Giovannitti, Hamilton, Kidd, Morina.  Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

 

     R. #158.07:  RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE CANCELLATION OF CERTAIN BALANCES ON WATER AND SEWER ACCOUNTS.  Giovannitti moved and Hamilton seconded to adopt R. #158.07.  Roll call:  Ayes:  Haynes, Giovannitti, Hamilton, Kidd, Morina.  Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

 

     Summary of reports and copies of minutes of meetings.  Giovannitti moved and Hamilton seconded to receive and file.  All were in favor of the motion.

 

     Letter from Thomas J. Reilly, State of New Jersey, Department of the Treasury, Division of Taxation, regarding the equalized valuation in the Borough of Paulsboro with a copy of the Certification of the Table of Equalized Valuations – 2007. Giovannitti moved and Hamilton seconded to receive and file the letter.  All were in favor of the motion.

 

     Received Certification of Average Ratios and Common Level Ranges for use in the Tax Year 2008 from the State of New Jersey, Department of Treasury, Division of Taxation.  Giovannitti moved and Hamilton seconded to receive and file the Certification.  All were in favor of the motion.

 

     Letter from Erik K. Biermann, Sickels & Associates, Inc., regarding Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproduct Rule Actions, Timetables and Costs.  Giovannitti moved and Hamilton seconded to receive, file the letter and turn this matter over to the Water and Sewer Superintendent.  All were in favor of the motion.

 

     Received Raffle License Application, RA-515, from Paulsboro Day Committee for an off premise merchandise raffle on December 27, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.  Giovannitti moved and Hamilton seconded to receive, file the application and approve the Raffle License.  All were in favor of the motion.

 

     Received Bingo License Application, BA-516, from St. John’s Altar & Rosary Society for their annual Bingos on Sundays at 2:00 p.m.  Giovannitti moved and Hamilton seconded to receive, file the application and approve the Bingo License.  All were in favor of the motion.

 

     Received Bingo License Application, BA-517, from St. John’s RC Guild, for their annual Bingos on Saturdays at 7:00 p.m.  Giovannitti moved and Hamilton seconded to receive, file the application and approve the Bingo License.  All were in favor of the motion.

 

     Letter from William G. Dressel, Jr., New Jersey State League of Municipalities, regarding The “Sign Code Shakedown” – coming soon to a New Jersey Town near you.  Giovannitti moved and Hamilton seconded to receive, file the letter, turn this letter over to the Land Use Board, the Code Enforcement Officer and the Zoning Officer for their review and report back at the next Work Session Meeting.  All were in favor of the motion.

 

     Letter from William G. Dressel, Jr., New Jersey State League of Municipalities, regarding New Towing Regulations Law Chapter 193 (A-4053).  Giovannitti moved and Hamilton seconded to receive, file the letter and turn this letter over to Chief Ridinger for his review and report back to Mayor and Council.  All were in favor of the motion.

    

     Letter from Anna Docimo, Director, Gloucester County Division of Senior Services, requesting the use of the shuttle bus to transport the Paulsboro Senior Citizens to their annual Christmas Party on Monday, December 10, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Giovannitti moved and Hamilton seconded to receive, file the letter and approve their request.  All were in favor of the motion.

 

     Memo from Phil Scott, Paulsboro Midget Football Association President,   requesting permission to hold coin drops on Saturday, November 10, 2007.     Giovannitti moved Hamilton seconded to receive, file the memo, and approve their request contingent upon review by the Police Department. 

 

     Councilman Kidd suggested checking the State and County levels to find out their approvals for coin drops.  He further suggested writing to the State to find out what the State requires.

 

     Council President Haynes stated the group would have to show liability insurance, age requirements, etc. through the County.

 

     All were in favor of the above motion.

 

     Memo from Michael Reed, President, AFSCME Local 3303 requesting the   closing of the Borough Offices at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 21, 2007.    Kidd moved to receive, file the memo and approve the request.  The motion was denied due to the lack of a second.

 

     OLD BUSINESS:  Ambulance Rehab Unit:  There wasn’t anything to report on this item.

 

     MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS:

 

     Council President Haynes stated the Mayor was not present due to the passing of his grandmother.

 

Councilman Kidd congratulated Councilmen Giovannitti and Hamilton as well

as Mayor Burzichelli on their re-election.

 

     Councilman Kidd questioned if leaf collection could be pushed back as the leaves haven’t dropped yet.

 

     Council President Haynes did not report anything at this time.

 

     Councilman Giovannitti congratulated Mayor Burzichelli and Assemblyman Fisher on their re-election to the Assembly.  He felt congratulation letters should be sent to the Senator, the Assemblymen and the Freeholders on their re-elections.

 

     Giovannitti moved and Hamilton seconded to send congratulation letters to the above-mentioned individuals on their re-election.  All were in favor of the motion.

 

     Councilman Giovannitti discussed Mr. Aruanno’s problem and stated the Borough will work on these problems.

 

     Councilman Giovannitti gave an election speech.  He stated it takes a lot of time away from the family, have to have a thick skin and Council is a good group that is working hard as it is not always easy. It is an honor to serve the community.  He thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and he thanked the Borough workers.

 

     Councilman Hamilton thanked the residents for their support.  He congratulated Councilman Giovannitti, Senator Sweeney and Assemblymen Burzichelli and Fisher.

 

     Councilman Morina informed everyone regarding the Christmas Parade that it will start at the Paulsboro Fire House and it would not be a big parade.  It will be a block party with a few bands centered around the Municipal Building.

 

     Councilman Morina discussed the kids walking in the street.  It is getting darker and they are not seen.  He is worried about an accident involving the kids.  The kids do not move when a car is coming.  He felt the Borough should look into some type of Ordinance that would address this matter.

 

     Councilman Morina stated he sympathized with Ms. Gaines.  He sees what is going through the town and until the Borough addresses the trash (meaning people) coming into this town, it won’t get any better.  He looks forward to doing something about the out of town landlords bringing in bad people.

 

     Councilman Morina stated the newspaper “The Record” will be coming out this weekend.

 

     Council President Haynes congratulated Councilmen Giovannitti and Hamilton on their re-election.  They are no harder working and caring individuals.  Sometimes it is hard to fix things and sometimes it takes longer but his heart is Paulsboro as he was born and raised here.  Have to realize that can’t always please people and can get in trouble with making promises.  The Mayor and Council need people to come out to the meetings to bring out areas of problems. 

 

     Council President Haynes thanked the Department Heads for coming to the meeting.  When Council made the motion to have the Department Heads come to the meetings, it wasn’t popular, but it is easier to get answers.  He again thanked them.

 

     R. #159.07:  RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR AN EXECUTIVE SESSION OF BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF PAULSBORO.  Giovannitti moved and Hamilton seconded to adopt R. #159.07.  Roll call:  Ayes:  Haynes, Giovannitti, Hamilton, Kidd, Morina.  Nays:  None.  Motion carried.

 

     This Executive Session was called to discuss T/A Operating, LLC et al (Truck Stop) pending litigation, AFSCME contract negotiations and personnel.

 

     At 7:50 p.m., Council recessed before starting the Executive Session.

 

     At 7:55 p.m., Council went into Executive Session.

 

     Haynes moved and Hamilton seconded to open the meeting to the public at 9:00 p.m.  All were in favor of the motion.

 

     Morina moved and Hamilton seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m.  All were in favor of the motion.     

 

     This is a brief summary of the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Paulsboro held on November 7,, 2007 and should not be considered a verbatim transcript of the meeting. 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

_____________________________                         _____________________________

 Kathy A. VanScoy, RMC/CMC                              John J. Burzichelli, Mayor

 Borough Clerk