Councilman Schnurr opened the meeting with the Salute to the Flag, followed by a moment of silence.

Transcription

1 The Supplement to the Workshop Meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Freehold was held on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 7:30 PM in the Municipal Building. Mayor Higgins stated that the notice of the time, date and location of the meeting had been provided pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 231 of the Laws of 1975 (Open Public Meetings Act). Councilman Schnurr opened the meeting with the Salute to the Flag, followed by a moment of silence. Roll Call MAYOR J. NOLAN HIGGINS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DI BENEDETTO COUNCILMAN KEVIN KANE COUNCILMAN JOHN NEWMAN COUNCILMAN GEORGE SCHNURR COUNCILWOMAN SHARON SHUTZER COUNCILMAN JAYE SIMS Councilwoman Shutzer offered a motion to accept the minutes from Regular Meeting February 6, 2012, seconded by Councilman DiBenedetto. On roll call Council Members DiBenedetto, Kane, Newman, Schnurr and Shutzer voted its adoption; opposed none; Councilman Sims abstained from the Regular Meeting minutes of February 6, 2012; absent none. Mayor Higgins declared the Mayor Higgins read Item No. 2 on the Agenda as follows: Proclamation of the Mayor and Council Designating March 2, 2012 as Read Across America Day in the Borough of Freehold. Mayor Higgins read Item No. 3 on the Agenda as follows: Proclamation of the Mayor and Council Declaring March 2012 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Mayor Higgins read Item No. 4 on the Agenda as follows: Second Reading and Public Hearing: Ordinance #2012/3 Rescinding Ordinance #2003/6, #2009/5, #2010/12 and Section (a)(c) of the Property Maintenance Code. Mayor Higgins opened the meeting to the public. There were no comments. Councilman Kane offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption, seconded by Councilman Sims: RESOLUTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC PORTION.

2 its adoption; opposed none; abstain none; absent none. Mayor Higgins declared the motion adopted. Councilman Newman offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption, seconded by Councilwoman Shutzer: BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Freehold that an Ordinance entitled ORDINANCE #2012/3 RESCINDING ORDINANCE #2003/6, #2009/5, #2010/12 AND SECTION (A)(C) OF THE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE), be, and same is hereby adopted on second reading. Mayor Higgins read Item No. 5 on the Agenda as follows: Second Reading and Public Hearing: Bond Ordinance #2012/4 Providing for the Acquisition of Various Municipal Equipment and Improvements for the Police Department in and by the Borough of Freehold, in the County of Monmouth, New Jersey, Appropriating $215,000 Therefor and Authorizing the Issuance of $204,000 Bonds or Notes of the Borough to Finance Part of the Cost Thereof. Mayor Higgins opened the meeting to the public. There were no public comments. Councilman Sims offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption, seconded by Councilman DiBenedetto: RESOLUTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC PORTION. its adoption; opposed none; abstain none; absent none. Mayor Higgins declared the motion adopted. Councilman Kane offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption, seconded by Councilman Sims: BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Freehold that a Bond Ordinance entitled BOND ORDINANCE #2012/4 PROVIDING FOR THE ACQUISITION OF VARIOUS MUNIICPAL EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN AND BY THE BOROUGH OF FREEHOLD, IN THE COUNTY OF MONMOUTH, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING $215,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $204,000 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE BOROUGH TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEROF, be, and same is hereby adopted on second reading.

3 Mayor Higgins read Item No. 6 on the Agenda as follows: Resolution of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Freehold, County of Monmouth, New Jersey Authorizing the Discharge of a Mortgage Re: Case No. RCA 65. Councilwoman Shutzer offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption, seconded by Councilman Sims: RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF FREEHOLD, COUNTY OF MONMOUTH, NEW JERSEY AUTHORIZING THE DISCHARGE OF A MORTGAGE RE: CASE NO. RCA 65. motion adopted Mayor Higgins read Item No. 7 on the Agenda as follows: Resolution Requesting Dedication by Rider for Historic Preservation Commission. Councilman Newman offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption, seconded by Councilman Sims: RESOLUTION REQUESTING DEDICATION BY RIDER FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION. Mayor Higgins read Item No. 8 on the Agenda as follows: Resolution Authorizing Tax Appeal Settlement Re: Block 62, Lot 9.01; East Main Street. Councilman Schnurr offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption, seconded by Councilman Kane: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TAX APPEAL SETTLEMENT RE: BLOCK 62, LOT 9.01; EAST MAIN STREET. Mayor Higgins read Item No. 9 on the Agenda as follows:

4 Resolution Appointing Individuals to the Municipal Alliance Committee: a. Jeffrey Friedman, Co-Chairperson. Councilwoman Shutzer offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption, seconded by Councilman Sims: RESOLUTION APPOINTING INDIVIDUALS TO THE MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE COMMITTEE. Councilman Schnurr thanked Mr. Friedman for accepting this position. Mayor Higgins read Item No. 10 on the Agenda as follows: Resolution Confirming Personnel Appointments/Actions: a. Termination of Kevin Pullen and Michael Murphy as Members of the Freehold Fire Department, Engine Company #1, effective February 21, b. Termination of Michael McAllister as a Member of the Freehold Fire Department, Good Will Hook & Ladder Co., effective February 21, Councilman DiBenedetto offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption, seconded by Councilman Kane: RESOLUTION CONFIRMING PERSONNEL ACTIONS NO. 10A AND 10B. Mayor Higgins read Item No. 11 on the Agenda as follows: Resolution Approving the Following Applications: a. Raffle License #9-12, Year round pull-tabs, St. Rose of Lima Sports Association, 4/1/12-3/31/13. b. Temporary Taxi Drivers License, Jorge Lazaro Rodriquez, Lakewood. c. Temporary Taxi Drivers License, Light Ikenna Okkorom, Freehold. d. Permanent Taxi Drivers License, David Morales, Manalapan. Councilwoman Shutzer offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption, seconded by Councilman Sims: RESOLUTION APPROVING APPLICATIONS NO. 11A THROUGH 11D.

5 Mayor Higgins read Item No.12 on the Agenda as follows: Approval of Bills. Councilman Kane offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption, seconded by Councilman Schnurr: BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Freehold that the bills on the attached list in the amount of $2,036, be paid as presented. voted its adoption; oppose none; abstain none; absent none. Mayor Higgins declared the motion adopted. Mayor Higgins opened the meeting for public comments. Tom Baldwin, 3 Vought Avenue, asked if questions could be asked after the proposed charter school presentation. Mayor Higgins replied yes. Barbara Oliver, 71 Center Street, stated she tied a yellow ribbon around the tree that needs to be taken down. report. Mayor Higgins stated that Christine Gregory visited the tree and they are waiting for her Christine Gregory, Shade Tree Commission Chairperson stated she knew the tree in question, but she was going to go back to the site to see the branches that are hanging over the street. Jeffrey Friedman, 3 Broad Street stated the following: I just want to let you guys know that I am speaking for myself even though I know that other people feel the way I feel, I just want to make it clear I am speaking for myself. Do we teach our children that lowering standards is the way to success? I do not think so. Did any of our parents teach us to have low expectations in order to succeed? I doubt they did. Low standards and low expectations lead to poor results. Should our town be dictated by the lowest common denominator? No, I would suggest it should not. We should be about setting high standards and high expectations for our town. If our expectations and standards are low, we will not succeed. Low standards reduce property values and in turn, necessarily, increase tax rates. The burden of these increased tax rates falls disproportionately on those property owners who maintain their properties to the high standards. It is basic economics. In the end, property owners with low standards get a free pass with a lower percentage burden of the tax rate and property owners with high standards are punished with a higher percentage of the burden of the tax rate. That is not what we want. That approach encourages and promotes the lowering of the standards further. It attracts and encourages property owners with low standards to buy more properties and keep dragging us down. We can not blame the flies for coming if you allow feces to pile up. If property owners, whether commercial property owners, rental property owners or homeowners are not required to clean up their feces. The whole town will stink. Yes, cleaning up feces does cost property owners money up front but the property owner

6 will be rewarded with higher property values. In turn, higher property values will reduce the percentage of the tax burden for all property owners including you guys and everyone here who owns property. Our director of code enforcement does not share this philosophy. He believes that forcing property owners to clean up their feces is the wrong approach. He believes that requiring property owners clean up their feces hurts this town. He believes that property owners should not have to maintain their properties. I quote from an in October, 2011 from Mr. Stryker, I think it is time to reconsider whether we are going to force more building property owners to repair, maybe even let things go because of the additional costs that may be incurred. That is his philosophy, just let things go. Kerry Higgins, Borough Attorney stated I think that is taken completely out of context because I remember it. I just want to caution you that this really isn t a time to make a personal attack. Mr. Friedman stated that this is a public policy issue, not a personal attack. I just think his philosophy is incorrect. That is his philosophy, just let things go. And you wonder why the town does not look as good as it can look. Furthermore, he believes that property owners who want to be held to a higher standard are opening a can of worms. That is not fair to people who hold high standards. I believe, however, it is also not fair." Councilwoman Shutzer offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption, seconded by Councilman Sims: RESOLUTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC PORTION. its adoption; opposed none; abstain none; absent none. Mayor Higgins declared the motion adopted. Mayor Higgins called upon the council for their comments. Councilman Sims thanked everyone for attending the meeting. He stated that he is the Code Enforcement liaison and he was going to have a meeting with Mr. Stryker this week and during that meeting he will raise some of Mr. Friedman s concerns. Councilman Sims stated at the March 5, 2012 Regular Meeting we will officially swear in our 2012 Freehold Borough Youth Government Council. We have had several meetings this year and they have been very productive. This is a very lively group of young adults and we are looking forward to a lot of fun projects. Councilman Newman stated some of the issues brought up by Mr. Friedman have come before the Historic Preservation Committee and he will talk to Councilman Sims about these items. Councilman Newman stated the Freehold Borough Arts Council will be having a St. Patrick s Day week sponsored by the Freehold Center Partnership. There will be music and bands at several of the downtown restaurants starting on March 12, On March 13 th and 14 th there will be a dine-a-round where you pay $10.00 and go to several restaurants and sample their foods. On March 15 th there will be a showing of several short films that were nominated for Oscars and on Saturday, there will be a family event of free films for youngsters and their parents. Councilman Newman stated there will be an event for families of the Borough held in the

7 spring called the Freehold Bike Event which will include bicycle safety and a bicycle route around town. Councilwoman Shutzer congratulated Mr. Friedman on his position as Co-Chairman on the Municipal Alliance Committee. Mr. Friedman attends every meeting and serves on several committees and she is certain he will do a good job there. Councilwoman Shutzer stated on June 25, 2012 the Municipal Alliance Committee will be hosting their Golf Tournament and any donations would be appreciated. Councilwoman Shutzer expressed best wishes to Mr. Bellina on the illness of his father. She congratulated Councilman Sims on a job well done with the Youth Government Program, these students are all from Freehold Borough Schools and at their last meeting they selected a governing body, police chief, municipal clerk and attorney. These are very enthusiastic students who will all be sworn in at the March 5, 2012 meeting. Councilwoman Shutzer offered her condolences to the Coyne family with the passing of Gene Coyne who was a longtime resident of Freehold Borough, as well as, a longtime member of the Freehold Fire Department. Councilwoman Shutzer stated that at the last workshop meeting they discussed having a knox box for residents. The knox box will serve the purpose of having a key and being able to get to the person who either lives alone or is elderly. After meeting with the fire chief and the fire department she found out that there are 181 businesses that have knox boxes. We are going to offer this to the residents of Freehold Borough and an blast will go out explaining the program, along with information in the water bills. Any residents who would like to take advantage of the program or is interested should call Garry Jackson at Borough Hall. Councilman Schnurr, liaison to the Memorial Day Parade Committee, stated that this year s parade will be another fantastic parade and any group that wants to march in the parade should go to freeholdmemorialdayparade.com and register. Councilman Schnurr stated he has been working diligently for the last three weeks on various letters of recommendation for high school students for scholarships, college applications and applications into the armed services. Councilman Schnurr congratulated Councilman Sims for a terrific idea on the Youth Government Program and for bringing it to fruition. Councilman Kane thanked everyone for attending the meeting and he congratulated Councilman Sims for creating the Youth Government Program. Councilman DiBenedetto congratulated Councilman Sims on the Youth Government Program and Jeff Friedman for volunteering as Co-Chairperson of the Municipal Alliance Committee. Councilman DiBenedetto stated that there have been some negative activities that happened in the Borough and he assured the residents that the police department is on top of things. Councilman DiBenedetto stated there are brochures downstairs at Borough Hall explaining all the events being done in the spring by the Freehold Center Partnership. Councilman DiBenedetto wished Mr. Bellina s father a speedy recovery. He also offered condolences to the Read family and the Coyne family, both longtime members of the Freehold Fire Department and longtime residents of Freehold Borough. Mayor Higgins congratulated Jeff Friedman on volunteering to be Co-Chairperson on the Municipal Alliance Committee. He also congratulated Councilman Sims on the Youth Government Committee, he attended the meetings along with Councilwoman Shutzer and he is

8 very impressed by the enthusiasm and the pride these students have as residents of Freehold Borough. These students will be sworn in at the Regular Meeting of March 5, Mayor Higgins stated last week the police dispatching service was transferred to the County and as with any new system there were a couple of bumps along the way, but the chief has assured us that everything is being worked out. There was no interruption of service and they are working diligently on getting the system up and running successfully. Mayor Higgins stated last Saturday evening at St. Peter s Church a concert was held as part of the downtown concert series and another event has been scheduled on May 5, The Parker Quartet is scheduled to play and they have won a Grammy Award for best chamber music in This is the level of arts that is coming into the Borough which is very encouraging. Mayor Higgins thanked Councilwoman Shutzer for speedy work on the knox box system. He also thanked Garry Jackson and Fire Chief Bailey for their cooperation in getting the system up and running quickly. The supplemental portion of the agenda was adjourned at 7:50 PM. Respectfully Submitted, TLD:aj TRACI L. DIBENEDETTO, RMC BOROUGH CLERK