CAUCUS/WORK SESSION JUNE 5, 2017
Mayor Mark W. Tomko calls the meeting to order at 7:00p.m.
Roll Call: Androwis, Brunacki, Dabal, Kruk, Rachelski, Olkowski – Present
Mayor Mark W. Tomko – Present
Borough Attorney Richard Cedzidlo – Present HEARING OF CITIZENS
Motion to Open the Meeting to the Hearing of Citizens by Kruk, Seconded By Brunacki, Roll Call: Androwis, Brunacki, Dabal, Kruk, Rachelski, Olkowski – Aye
Mrs. Kathy Polten asked when the Council addresses the Public can the Council turn around and face the individual.
Any thoughts given to having the Hearing of Citizens on the end? The Mayor stated – I am looking into it.
Mr. Matthew Kruk of Mt. Pleasant Avenue stated two meeting ago that I would get answers on the new business Administrator. When a pay increase is given does it not take two months? Mr. Kruk stated that he googled Jane Fontana. Mr. Kruk asked who is running this committee? The Mayor or Councilman Rachelski?
Councilman Androwis answered that he is not. Councilman Androwis continued that he knew she has been chosen. Councilman Androwis advised that he met with Jane Fontana after the last meeting. She appears intelligent.
Mr. Matthew Kruk asked it a background check was done on Jane Fontana. Councilman Kruk asked – when did you meet with her?
Councilman Androwis answered that he met with Jane Fontana by chance. Councilman Kruk stated – the following Friday morning? I have pictures.
Councilwoman Dabal advised that it is not an illegal meeting. You hid behind the bar – how pathetic.
Councilman Kruk stated – Friday morning you met with the people from Carlstadt at the diner. You two were at the meeting and I was not asked to be at the meeting.
Councilman Androwis stated – very childish of you. You got escorted out from the dinner. Councilman Kruk stated – I caught you – keep lying.
Councilman Androwis stated – they kicked you out.
Councilman Kruk stated – very childish you lied to the people.
Councilman Androwis stated – it was answered. I have no problem with the Mayor. Mr. Matthew Kruk asked what is the job description?
The Mayor stated what was published. Four applicants were interviewed.
Councilman Rachelski stated – we have a process in our by-laws, financial terms have been set-up.
Mr. Matthew Kruk asked who was involved in the negotiations.
Councilman Rachelski answered that it was him and the Borough Attorney. Councilman Kruk stated that there was no email.
Councilman Rachelski advised that he asked for a meeting. Did you answer my email? Everyone is supposed to give feedback. Let’s look one more time. If you try to mess up the process it will not work.
The Mayor stated that they sat that Monday and no reply was given.
Mr. Matthew Kruk asked – Who is the Mayor? Why are you running the meeting? Councilman Androwis stated – Enough.
Mr. Matthew Kruk asked – are you hiding something? Councilman Rachelski asked – Can we stop this show? Mr. Matthew Kruk stated – she was fired from Carlstadt. Councilman Androwis stated – she was called the “B” word. The Mayor stated – let’s get a level head.
Mr. Matthew Kruk asked if this business Administrator was getting a background check. Councilman Androwis advised that they do not do background checks.
Mr. Matthew Kruk asked – why do you want a business administrator that was fired, in Wallington?
Councilman Rachelski stated – we are entertaining stupidity.
Mr. Steve Syby wanted to follow up on a question. There were four candidates interviewed. Councilman Rachelski stated that she has 9 years from 1999 – 2012 with a stellar reputation. She got rehired in the same company. She is an attorney. She is highly recommended. Gentleman, she worked with the Mayor for 12 years as a Business Administrator.
Mr. Syby asked are these other candidates as effective? She has a lot of other jobs.
Councilman Rachelski stated that Borough Clerk’s job is a part-time job asking him to do 30% more work. We want the place to run in a certain way. She could set the goals and do reviews. Four people applied for this job.
Mr. Syby – suggested that is appears to have a full plate.
Councilman Rachelski stated you might have a point. In 1999 she walked into the same issue and was able to reset the situation.
Mr. Syby asked a question about the parking stickers.
The Mayor stated that he sat with the Police Chief and would like to run out of the Police Department.
Councilman Rachelski stated the issue is that the Ordinance needs to be reworked. First job of the Borough Administrator will be to sit down and revamp the Ordinance. What the Parking Sticker needs is an owner a manager. Our data base is horrible. Legally we are not even close. Mr. Syby stated that we have been working on this for the last 12 months or longer.
Councilman Rachelski stated that we want to build a base. Councilman Rachelski was in charge for 5 months.
Mr. Syby stated that it was at least 10 months. Mr. Syby has the record and minutes and stated that he will check the records he has.
If you thought it will take longer you should have dealt with it earlier. Why? You should have looked into it.
Mr. Syby asked – if you presented this issue in the past then why does it take so long. I lived in Carlstadt when that program took place, it did not take that long.
Councilman Rachelski stated that we don’t miss anything . We need a student data base – the illegal ones. We have not done anything so they can verify them. He has the means to enforce the issue.
Mr. Syby building a data base in today’s day and age is easy. Councilman Rachelski stated that it should be done faster.
Mr. James Wood of Jordan Avenue asked about the house across the street. They cut the grass and cut the trees. There is one meter on the wall, six families in it.
Councilwoman Dabal stated that Mr. Wood had a similar story last month and was to touch base with Mr. Melfi and point out the house.
Mr. Wood stated – the house with the most cars.
Mrs. Kathy Shiro of Mt. Pleasant Avenue stated that with warmer weather she sees more kids skateboarding with no helmets. Is there a law?
The Mayor answered – we need to look at the books.
Mr. Matthew Kruk asked who is doing the Borough Administrator work? The Mayor answered that it’s on hold.
Councilman Rachelski stated that bills can wait. You know a lot about it. The Mayor stated – it can wait.
Mr. Matthew Kruk stated were they in that position to hold.
Mr. Dave Backo of Miller Street asked if the board has come to an agreement that the Recreation Budget is cut.
Councilman Rachelski stated that based on the information provided $107,000.00 thousand is the budget.
Councilman Kruk stated that it increased to $55,000.00 thousand. Mr. Backo stated that he does not want the specifics.
Councilman Rachelski stated – we are not.
Motion to Close the Meeting to the Hearing of Citizens by Dabal, Seconded By Androwis, Roll Call: Androwis, Brunacki, Dabal, Kruk, Rachelski, Olkowski – Aye
COMMITTEE REPORTS
NEGLIA ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES REPORT Report - June 1st
Mr. David Juzmeski stated that the curb cuts are starting at the end of June. Anderson Avenue will start after the schools is closed.
Park Row and Alden Street – mark outs will be done this Thursday. Councilman Kruk asked if that included closing the streets.
Mr. Juzmeski stated that there will be some drainage issues and construction.
Councilman Kruk stated that he is concerned about the school traffic. Are there any chance of working with the school Board or Office.
VFW REPORT
Grants – DOT grants were not given to Wallington.
Councilman Rachelski asked how much money was allocated. Councilman Kruk asked what is the criteria.
Mr. Juzmeski stated it is based on a Point System.
Councilman Rachelski stated – if you want to find a way. What do we need to do to improve our situation. Mr. Juzmeski stated on bad trend two years in a row.
The Mayor stated that he has been saying the we are shafted. It didn’t help with the last shut down.
Councilman Olkowski asked if we could meet with the Department of Transportation . Mr. Juzmeski stated Discretionary Aid you need to talk to the grant writer.
Councilman Dabal asked if any other towns were denied.
Mr. Juzmeski advised that Hasbrouck Heights and Carlstadt were.
Councilman Rachelski suggested to have a group of people to deal with this. The Mayor suggested to have the assembly people to look at it.
Councilman Androwis stated – look at the point system.
Mr. Juzmeski advised that most of this grant was max of a $155,000.00 thousand.
Councilman Rachelski stated – we talked about repaving Morrissee Avenue and Jordan Avenue. Mr. Juzmeski stated that it all depends on what you want to do.
Councilman Kruk advised that he was on Jacob Street and Franklin Avenue and it is horrible. Councilman Rachelski stated – definitely this month we need to discuss.
The Mayor advised the street end of Mt. Pleasant Avenue needs to be done.
Mr. Juzmeski advised that the Borough Attorney and him are meeting with Judge Toskos and are trying to retrieve some documents.
Councilman Rachelski stated that Murphy asked about Main Avenue and Midland Avenue. The Mayor stated – I said continue the project.
Mr. Juzmeski stated that the County can force future developers to put in their fair share but need a letter from Mayor and Council.
The Mayor stated that we need the situation relieved.
Councilman Rachelski asked – what about Wallington Avenue. The Mayor stated – that’s what the curb cuts are all about.
Councilman Rachelski stated that we have a list of streets in need of re-paving. Councilman Rachelski asked Mr. Baginski if he had the list. A point system is needed to determine which ones.
Mr. Juzmeski stated that he could provide the traffic volume.
Councilman Androwis stated that Morrissee Avenue and Jordan Avenue are real bad.
Councilman Rachelski stated to leave it up to the Council and asked Councilman Kruk which two streets.
Councilman Kruk answered – Franklin Avenue and Jacob Street.
The Mayor stated that when doing Park Row it makes sense to finish it up.
Councilman Rachelski suggested to allocate a quarter million dollars and do you have prices for the individual streets.
The Mayor stated that we should all choose the streets.
Motion to Offer the Preliminary FEMA Site Maps to the Engineer for Review and Comments by Kruk, Seconded by Brunacki
Roll Call: Androwis, Brunacki, Dabal, Kruk, Rachelski, Olkowski – Aye Councilman Olkowski spoke about Fiber Optic Project.
Mr. Juzmeski stated that the information for this project is very limited. I need more details to investigate how it works. We need to have some information, there is no ground work.
Councilman Olkowski recommended we reach out to the other agencies by the Engineer to make a determination.
Motion to have the Engineer investigate by Olkowski, Seconded by Rachelski Roll Call: Androwis, Brunacki, Dabal, Kruk, Rachelski, Olkowski – Aye LED LIGHTING REPORT by ECI
Every facility has been visited and the report includes all the buildings. Councilman Kruk asked – any luck with the Board of Education? The ECI Representative answered – looking at it.
Councilman Rachelski asked about any area towns that have gone this route.
The ECI Representative answered – Cliffside Park and the Bergen County Building.
Councilman Rachelski asked – managing this project, how is it being done? Are you guys acting as General Contractors or the engineer?
The ECI Representative answered – you decide on the installers – who you choose. Councilman Rachelski asked – why should we buy it from you?
The ECI Representative answered – we belong to the Bergen Coop. and makes the purchase easier.
DPW REPORT at 8:25p.m.
Mr. Ray Dynes asked for $13,000.00 for a 3 cylinder pump for the Sewer Jet. Councilman Rachelski asked if we could rebuild the old one. How old is the pump. Mr. Dynes advised that it’s not a total fix and probably original.
Councilman Rachelski asked how often does this machine go out. Councilwoman Dabal asked if it has worked up until this time. Councilman Rachelski asked if it’s pumping.
Mr. Dynes answered that it is leaking inside the compartment. Councilman Rachelski advised that the delivery take 5 to 6 weeks.
Mr. Dynes stated that he is demonstrating a unit Thursday or Friday at $250,000.00 thousand. Councilman Rachelski asked if we have a vendor who could provide that service.
Mr. Dynes answer – All American – Lodi – Rutherford.
Councilman Androwis suggested replacing the truck. It’s ugly looking. Mr. Dynes advised that he uses All American.
Councilman Rachelski asked if we have a lot of problem with the sewers on Park Row. Mr. Dynes answered – No. They are bellied and just need to be cleaned.
Councilman Rachelski stated that we have a lot of problems. Mr. Dynes advised that they are being cleaned to prevent back-ups.
Councilman Androwis stated that if we use All American 5 to 6 times a year we could get our money back within 5 years. No cheap solution.
The Mayor stated - Councilman Androwis you are going to put in a pump in a 30 year old truck. Now, they use the truck on an emergency basis, no prevention is being done.
Councilman Rachelski stated – you are doing preventing work. Mr. Dynes stated – Kossuth Street so far
Councilman Rachelski stated that it needs to be incorporated in the next year’s budget.
Mr. Dynes advised that it does not fit in the garage. Orchard Street and Reservoir Avenue has no bottom in the man hole.
Mr. Dynes advised – Price of $2,850.00. to fix the manhole. It is 12 feet deep. It is a tricky job. May need to by- pass pump the sewer.
Councilman Androwis advised that he received a phone call from Joe Rosa on Johnson Avenue about a fire hydrant. It was moved.
Mr. Dynes advised that the pipe was replaced and the water meters need to be replaced. If he calls and sets up an appointment he will receive a brand new Water. There is a brand new 8” water line on the street.
COUNCILMAN ANDROWIS REPORT UNDER SHADE TREE COMMISSION
Councilman Androwis asked if the DPW was going out to cut trees. Councilman Androwis asked to start with Anderson Avenue. Councilman Androwis asked Mr. Dynes for the Committee report.
Mr. Dynes asked if they were buying the pump or not.
Motion to Buy the $13,000.00 thousand Pump for the Sewer Jet by Androwis, Seconded by Brunacki
Roll Call: Androwis, Brunacki, Dabal, Kruk, Rachelski, Olkowski – Aye
Mr. Dynes heard about the paving – Franklin Avenue, Jacob Street, Spring Street, Sprint Court, and Willow Avenue, they all need to be done.
UNDER CODE ENFORCEMENT
Mr. Szymon Popek asked if there was a Resolution for the foreclosed property. Mr. Cedzidlo asked to give him a list of the addresses.
Mr. Popek stated that he will be done at the end of the month. Please let me know if you have something or someone in place for the position.
Councilman Rachelski stated – you are supposed to be the trainer. The Mayor stated that it was a good idea.
Councilman Rachelski suggested to have 2 part-timers doing it during the summer months. Mr. Popek complained about outside companies LLC being an issue.
66 Jordan Avenue 53 Wallington Avenue
Councilman Rachelski asked – how are we doing with Strong Street.
Mr. Popek recommended Tom Orzechowski from Maple Avenue for the Code Enforcement Officer position.
Councilman Rachelski recommended to have 2 guys trained to what is the protocol. Mr. Baginski advised to read your Policy and Procedures Manual.
ANY OTHER COMMITTEES
Councilman Rachelski stated we need to get our Bond Attorney in for the repairs on Windows and Doors.
Motion to Authorize the Borough Administrator to contact the Bonding Attorney about the Windows, Doors, and Roofs by Kruk, Seconded by Olkowski
Roll Call: Androwis, Brunacki, Dabal, Kruk, Rachelski, Olkowski – Aye Councilman Rachelski asked how are we doing with the roofs.
Councilman Kruk advised that the carpets in the Court Office have to be done on the weekend. Councilman Rachelski asked how big is the room.
Councilman Kruk advised to talk to Mr. Dynes about it. Councilman Rachelski asked if we do periodic maintenance. The Mayor advised that he knows that they look at the roofs.
Councilman Kruk advised that the front pulled away from the building. The Mayor stated – flat roofs are a problem.
Councilman Brunacki asked about the third Party billing for the Police. Mr. Cedzidlo stated that he will take the blame for that.
COUNCILMAN OLKOWSKI REPORT
Councilman Olkowski advised that the Department of Health will have a Special Meeting on June 2nd to introduce an Ordinance to increase fees.
Councilman Olkowski advised that he went to a Board of Education meeting. Councilman Olkowski is asking Mayor and Council to be more involved in and to join meetings. To see the plans for a new school. The need to tour the facility in small groups.
The Mayor stated that as long as they don’t conflict with their dates. Councilman Olkowski advised – July and August.
The Mayor stated – Good times. No School. Add Mondays in July.
Councilman Olkowski stated – give them a couple dates (7p.m. in August).
Motion to go into an Executive Session to Discuss Personnel and Litigation by Rachelski, Seconded by Dabal
Roll Call: Androwis, Brunacki, Dabal, Kruk, Rachelski, Olkowski – Aye Mr. Cedzidlo reported on COAH Litigation.
A Vacant Land Analysis – looking at Ariel Views. Some areas are not developable because of contamination. We have a lot of property in town. We will have a third round obligation. Issues about Jane Fontana requirements.
Essentials:
$45,000.00 thousand Salary 20 hours work week
Added to E & O insurance A car allowance request A cell phone request
She would not start until insurance is in effect.
Councilman Brunacki asked how are her hours in Carlstadt.
The Mayor asked if she is straight with Carlstadt. Councilman Rachelski state – yes continue relationship.
Councilman Olkowski asked if the 20 hours include the meetings. Councilman Rachelski advised that it is including the meetings. Councilwoman Dabal advised that she will go above and beyond.
Councilman Olkowski asked if the meeting in June goes 4.5 hours. What happens? Councilman Kruk advised that since there is a pending litigation you are conflicted out. Mr. Cedzidlo stated that he does not agree with that. He is conflicted out and so is Ruderman. Councilman Rachelski stated that some people are trying to steer the public to create issues. This cannot happen.
The Mayor stated that he sat on both sides when both parties worked over both sides. Politics 101. Not everyone will praise you sitting up here. The Mayor stated that he is trying to keep control.
Councilman Androwis stated that he is trying to keep quite all this time. The eighties and the present are different.
The Mayor stated that the names are the same. Fact of life. The Mayor stated that he is trying to hold decorum.
Councilman Olkowski asked if we could have more than one time at the microphone. The Mayor stated – We could impose limits.
Councilman Rachelski stated that we cannot have one person screaming at one person. Councilwoman Dabal stated that she wanted to express her absolute disappointment with
Councilman Kruk – I included you in all my reports...let me finish…you followed us at 8:30a.m. Councilman Kruk stated – you are Salacious and Orchestrated. All the things you do is wrong. Where is the transparency?
Councilwoman Dabal stated that she thought that Councilman Kruk was ok.
Councilman Brunacki stated that for someone who claims transparency you cannot follow it. Councilman Rachelski reported that Board of Zoning replacement. The person’s name is Zbigniew Gancarz.
Councilman Rachelski stated we need to change Council Meeting dates. Do only two meetings in the next two months.
The Mayor stated that we have business to conduct.
Councilwoman Dabal asked to have the Council President put up a grid so not to conflict with Carlstadt.
Councilman Rachelski we need to approve the hiring of Jane Fontana and Advertise for the Code Enforcement.
Councilman Kruk asked – where is the contract?
Councilman Rachelski stated – no phone allowance and no car allowance. Mr. Cedzidlo asked – same provision as the Ordinance?
Mr. Baginski asked for the Resolution for the hiring. Mr. Cedzidlo stated he will prepare it for Mr. Baginski’s Attorney.
Councilman Rachelski suggested sharing phone allowance from Carlstadt.
Motion to Resume Regular Order of Business by Brunacki, Seconded by Androwis Roll Call: Androwis, Brunacki, Dabal, Kruk, Rachelski, Olkowski – Aye
Motion to Hire Jane Fontana at $45,000.00 Thousand for 20 Hours a Week Including Council Meetings, No Car Allowance and Share Phone Cost by Rachelski, Seconded by Dabal
Roll Call: Androwis, Dabal, Rachelski, Olkowski – Aye Brunacki, Kruk – No
Motion to Advertise Two Part-Time Code Enforcement Official Positions at Ongoing Rate by Rachelski, Seconded by Olkowski
Roll Call: Androwis, Brunacki, Dabal, Kruk, Rachelski, Olkowski – Aye
Motion to Do Property Maintenance and Lien at 66 Jordan Avenue and 53 Wallington Avenue by Olkowski, Seconded by Androwis
Roll Call: Androwis, Brunacki, Dabal, Kruk, Rachelski, Olkowski – Aye (Resolution 2017-78)
Motion to Replace Bryan Olkowski from the Zoning Board and Appoint a New Member Zbigniew Gancarz by Rachelski, Seconded by Dabal
Roll Call: Androwis, Dabal, Rachelski, Olkowski – Aye Brunacki, Kruk – No
Motion to have Councilman Androwis grid the meeting for the rest of the year by Dabal, Seconded by Rachelski
Roll Call: Androwis, Dabal, Rachelski, Olkowski – Aye Brunacki, Kruk – No
Motion to Remove the DPW Stipend from the Borough Administrator/Clerk Witold T. Baginski and Work to be done by the New Borough Administrator Jane Fontana by Rachelski, Seconded by Dabal
Roll Call: Androwis, Dabal, Rachelski, Olkowski – Aye Brunacki, Kruk – No OLD BUSINESS No Old Business NEW BUSINESS No New Business ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn at 9:40p.m. by Rachelski, Seconded by Dabal, Roll Call: Androwis, Brunacki, Dabal, Kruk, Rachelski, Olkowski – Aye
