Matawan Borough Council Meeting, Tues. Oct. 20th, 7:30pm

Tuesday the Matawan Borough Council meets at 7:30pm for its regular meeting at 201 Broad Street, Matawan. Here are some of the topics up for a vote:

Old Business:
Resolution 09-10-10: Authorizing Maser Consulting, PA to Undertake Any Necessary Steps for the Public Advertisement and Accept Bids for Park Avenue Sewer Rehabilitation.

New Business:
Resolution 09-10-23 and 09-10-24 authorize the purchase of two (2) 2010 Ford Crown Victoria Police Cars.

There is also resolutions authorizing the hiring of two (2) part time, hourly employees for the Construction/Fire Prevention offices.

Set Halloween Season Curfew for 2009.

Consent Agenda:
Three (3) new business will be voted on for approval of their business licenses.
Little Italy Pizzeria
The Learning Experience
Tiffani's Vintage Closet

We welcome them and wish them much success here in Matawan. Please visit these new businesses to encourage support for our local merchants.

Payment of Bills - Update - No elected officials or family members' business were paid for any services rendered on this Bill List.

Hope to see you at the meeting......

BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM!

BAAAAAAAAAAAAAM, that is the best way we can describe the last Council meeting. The meeting was going along relatively smooth. Councilman Mullaney asked his 'electioneering questions" regarding the 2009 Budget. Borough Administator, Bill Garafolo, with assistance from Mayor Buccellato answered his 3 questions. In our opinion questions could have been asked and answered by a simple conversation with the Borough Administrator prior to the meeting. But, hey, it is election time and Councilman Mullaney wants us to think he is on top of things. What things, you ask, your guess is as good as ours. What ideas has the Councilman offered up to save the Borough money you ask, well so do we? Wasn't it Councilman Mullaney who offered up a Pay to Play Ordinance......oops, that's right, until he found out it could possibly affect him and others on the dais.

Sorry, we digressed, election time becomes a waste of time and energy for the Borough Council when its members and their families use their positions as a political podium!

Back to the BAAAAAAAAAAM....

Open Privilege of the Floor - A woman, identified herself as Mrs. Mendes of Key Auto Body Shop, Mother/Employer of Councilman Kevin Mendes, demanded to have a conversation with Mayor Buccellato. She commenced with demanding to know why her family business is being attacked by the Mayor and insisted on seeing the data he referenced in an Asbury Park Press article and a subsequent editorial. The Mayor stated he had the paperwork in his car. Interestingly enough she did not request he retrieve it from his car. Mrs. Mendes then demanded the Mayor provide a retraction, he stated he could not. Mrs. Mendes ending by claiming she would be back next meeting.

Comment: To do what? The Mayor, as he tried to indicate, does not control the news media. Assuming the figures quoted were taken from the Borough books, where is there misinformation? Figures don't lie.

We all know the Mendes family has done some good things for the Borough of Matawan over the years. Why after the article appeared over two months ago come in and take a public position. Would not a meeting or a telephone call to the Mayor have been more productive?

During the dialogue between Mrs. Mendes and the Mayor, he asked if it was okay for Councilman Mendes to accept health insurance benefits from the Borough when everyone else on the Council has declined coverage. Mrs. Mendes chastised the Mayor claiming it had nothing to do with the issue at hand.

Comment: During this time of economic difficulties, where the Borough has to make cutbacks, why has Councilman Mendes (the only Council Member) opted to take the Borough Health Plan Coverage? Does he contribute? Did he have private coverage through his employer before? These seem to be questions that need to be answered.

Ethics Where Have You Gone?

Apparently, ethics in Matawan have gone the way of the economy....in the DUMPER! This is not to say all the members of the Matawan Borough Council are in the same boat. Here are the facts...

KEY AUTO BODY - Councilman Kevin Mendes' family owned business
From 1/2000 to 4/21/2009
Total fees $11,455.19

From 1/2008 to 4/21/09
Fees $5,307.17
This is approximately 46% of the $11,455.19 (in 16 months)
THESE FIGURES DO NOT INCLUDE TOWING FEES.

MULLANEY TIRE - Councilman Joseph "Buddy" Mullaney's business
1/2000 To 4/21/2009
Total fees $7,806.17

From 1/2006 to 4/21/2009
Fees $3,159.56
This is approximately 40% of the $7,806.17
THESE FIGURES DO NOT INCLUDE FIRST AID WORK.

Not bad for a Councilman who said back in March 2008, he would stop doing work for the Borough even though it would hurt his pocketbook.

Who's kidding who Councilmen?

Case of Swine Flu Reported in Matawan School

In a public service announcement, Mayor Buccellato announced at last night's meeting a case of Swine Flu reported at the Ravine Drive School. The School will be closed until Mon. Anyone having further information, please feel free to comment.

Our Heartfelt Sympathy go to the Urbano Family

We are greatly saddened to learn the passing of Councilman Joseph Urbano's parents, Jeanette and Salvatore Urbano along with three other members of their family. They were in a fatal car accident this past Saturday.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Councilman Urbano's family.

Follow Up Borough Council Mtg 11-6-08

Well people if you thought the pre-election Council Meeting was short, the post-election Council Meeting was long and filled with more politicking than any resident could bear. But bear it we did!

On the upside, a Troop of Boy Scouts were present earning themselves Badges for their attendance. The Mayor asked them to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Privilege of the Floor-Several residents spoke their concerns regarding the deficit, purchasing signs for the Parks by the Recreation Commission, the hopes that the Councilmen-elect will "hit the ground running," the lack of the Matawan Parks not being handicapped accessible and a Volunteer Fireman who was fired and felt he was treated unjustly. It was interesting to note the Recreation Commission unanimously voted no to utilizing the monies from their events to make the Parks accessible to the handicapped. If one handicapped child/adult is denied access to our Parks someone must speak up for them. What good are pretty signs denoting a Park if one child/adult is denied access to it because of their handicap? Maybe the signs should also read, NOT HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE.

The Volunteer Fireman spoke at length about the injustice he has suffered. It seems he may have done himself a disservice. Mr. Aaron, Borough Attorney explained he was not sure if the Fireman jeopardized his request for an impartial review by the Council by reading his statement. Accordingly, the Fireman was instructed to continue to follow the proper procedures as outlined by the rules and regulations. We found this whole matter to be disconcerting as this was not the first time this Fireman has had issues with the Borough Volunteer Fire Department. We will continue to follow this matter to its conclusion, if possible.

The Agenda items were eventually voted on with no surprises. Penalties for the Parks was established and can now be enforced by Matawan Police Dept.

2008 Budget - There seemed to be some discrepancies regarding the 2008 Budget deficit and the dollar amount that was transferred. Councilman Cannon originally stated he thought the deficit would be reduced to zero. Mayor Buccellato stated he thought we had borrowed from the 2009 Budget to the tune of $100,000. to accomplish this reduction. Councilman Cannon then amended his statement. We believe the deficit was lowered but to what extent we are not sure. We are not sure what the deficit will be by December 31st. It would be great if everyone talked straight so we, the residents, could decipher what they are saying. We will follow up on the Budget and keep you posted.

Matawan Police Dept. - The Resolution for the Police Chief to Undertake Preliminary Interviews for Class I Officers was passed. Councilman Mendes stated the Police Chief cut the Police Dept. Budget by $40,000. which constitutes a give back to the Budget. Kudos to the Chief.

Hiring of Attorney for and on Behalf of the Board of Fire Officers for the Borough of Matawan. This relates to the Fireman previously mentioned. The amount authorized was limited to $2,000. The Attorney will only be utilized if needed.

THINK about this.......there was more discussion and debate on the amount authorized of $2,000. for the attorney than there was over awarding a no bid contract to Maser Consulting of $300,000+. This is an example of why we needed a Council who would prioritize appropriately. A little late to "pinch pennies."

Let's see less politicking and more action on the part of the Council. Keep in mind you are working for the residents of Matawan.

Borough Council rescheduled for Tues. 10/28/08 at 6:30

Run don't walk to the rescheduled Borough Council meeting on Tues., October 28, 2008 at 6:30pm. From what we hear if you don't get there quick you will miss the meeting. We understand it will be a limited Agenda.
Changing the time to 6:30pm also doesn't allow many people who work to attend. Good political strategy on the part of the Democrats. Newspapers can't publish any information on the Budget deficit or what residents have to say at the meeting on such short notice.
When the Agenda becomes available we will let you know.

See you there......

Matawan Borough Council "Big Brother Complex"

Is Matawan getting what it bargained for when looking at our Borough Council? Having several issues with the Council, couldn't help but wonder what the people who voted for them think? Do they feel that their elected officials are voting in the residents best interests? Do you think they know how to correct the deficit facing the Borough. Is Matawan headed for bankruptcy? Do you believe an inexperienced Councilman (with good intentions) is heading up the Redevelopment Committee. Several Councilmen have some kind of conflict of interest. Councilman Mullaney sits on the Board of a local hospital with Vic Scudiery (who owns property at the Redevelopment Site), Councilman Mendes works for a family owned business also located at the Site. Sounds like some of the Council will have to abstain from any vote on the Transit Village. Should Matawan have more professional/educated people on Council in order to produce a balanced budget and make decisions that are prudent? Or do we just need people who don't have their own agendas, political or otherwise? Please don't be redundant and blame the previous administration for all Matawan's woes. At this point, let's hear some solutions, let's work together to bring Matawan to a better place.

We don't claim to be know-it-alls, but we do criticize the Council members when they act, in our opinion, in a manner that is not to Matawan's advantage. We do research and give our opinions based on that research.

Observations at Council Meetings show a total disregard of residents and their questions or opinions. Sometimes Council members are actually rude to one another, interrupting and making caustic remarks to each other. One Council Member in particular becomes rude and disrespectful when questioned. Can you imagine that! An elected official actually forgot that he was elected and can be voted out of office just as quickly. There is always the thought/rumor that he will not run again for office and thus doesn't really "give a damn" what residents have to say. Sound like "Big Brother," you bet! The attitude that they are all knowing and the residents know nothing is just absurd.

It is time that the Council treated residents and each other with respect and decorum.

Do you know where your tax dollars are going?

Neither does your Borough Council or should we say....do they care?

Last night's Council meeting began with a resident, Agnes Falk, reading a statement saying the Council lied to the public. We are giving the "Readers Digest" condensed version. It appears she asked the Council a question about a Resolution passed for a Borough employee's retirement. The Council responded, there were no additional benefits paid outside the IBEW agreement. Well, she filled out an OPRA form and lo and behold the Council gave this employee additional benefits outside the collection bargaining agreement! This is costing the Borough money and setting a precedent for other employees to avail themselves of negotiating outside of the IBEW agreement. The fact is that it has never been shown to save the taxpayers money when additional benefits are given for early retirement.

Andy Lopez, a resident, was irate and asked for the dismissal of the Personnel Committee.

This all fell on deaf ears! The Council did not respond. They know they are guilty and couldn't care less about the residents. So much for "pinching pennies." So much for "open government."

THIS BEGS THE QUESTION, WHAT ELSE HAVE THEY LIED ABOUT?

Sale of former Health Dept Building on Broad Street

Jerry Hourihan, a well respected resident, was outraged that the price was dropped over $100,000. citing even with the declining home sales market...that was too large of a reduction.

Then Councilman Buccellato, now Mayor, was instrumental in having the sale worded so that money from the sale will go directly to renovating the Police Dept Building. That would mean if we get a full price bid, $350,000. the money will go to help solve the PD Building problem. Well that would be a step in the right direction.

Fiero Avenue Parking Restrictions

Residents opposed the passing of this parking restriction, which states there is to be no parking on Fiero Ave., north and south, from 10pm to 2am on Fri and Sat. Stating he believes the restricted parking will not be of any value to residents and would be a problem for Cafe 34. Cafe 34 has purchased an additional lot to provide parking for its patrons.

A resident of Fiero Avenue, stating he agrees Cafe 34 is an asset to the community. However, he believes this is a quality of life issue and restricting parking on Fiero Ave is beneficial to residents.

Councilman Mullaney asked Officer Lovallo, Matawan PD Safety Officer, to state his findings on the safety issue. What an awful spot to put the Officer in Councilman. Officer Lovallo recalled his findings from past investigations.

The final vote was Councilman Mullaney and Councilman Mendes voted no, the remainder of the Council vote yes. There will be NO PARKING on Fri. & Sat. on Fiero Ave. from 10pm to 2am.

Borough Budget

Councilman Cannon has called for a meeting of all Department heads in the borough to discuss further cutbacks in the Budget.

Stop giving away additional benefits to retiring employees Mr. Cannon. Department Heads have nothing to do with giving away benefits outside the collective bargaining agreement. The Borough Department Heads have done a great job cutting back their budgets.

Re-evalute the 2008 Road Program and do a less extensive program.

New Street Sweeper

Delivery of the new street sweeper is still pending. That explains the grass growing in the streets of Matawan. An idea would be for all property owners to shovel up the dirt outside their property. However, problem is the trash removal firm will not pick it up.

Temporary moving of Borough Court

Councilman Mendes requested an update on the progress on the relocation of the Court from Pat Sickels, Court Clerk. Instead of making a big deal, why not call Ms. Sickels and ask her for an update Councilman? Too busy giving tours of the Police Department Building?

Engineering Fees

Once again an unnecessary expense of up to $3500. for Maser Consulting to Provide Services for Red Light Camera Applications. This program was to be of NO COST to the Borough? Hellllllllo, $3500. now, how much more is needed for this program? No one has proved this Program to be cost effective to the Community. The only other town untilizing this system is Newark.

How much will it cost for the Borough Court to hear disputes on tickets? How much will it cost to handle the bookkeeping and paperwork? How much will it cost for a Police Officer to review the tickets and process? Do we really need a system used in Newark, a much busier town?

If it sounds too good to be true.....it usually isn't true.

On the upside

A Proclamation was read by the Mayor honoring Staff Sergeant Eric Paul Reisner, U.S. Army for his dedication and service to our Country. Staff Sergeant Reisner is heading for a second tour in Iraq. May God watch over him and all the other servicemen and woman as they fight to keep us safe.

Police Department Promotions

Several policemen were promoted to Sergeant two of whom were Patrick Walker and Jerry Hourihan. Councilman Mullaney abstained from voting on Patrick Walker's promotion as Councilman Mullaney's daughter is engaged to Officer Walker. Jerry Hourihan is the Grandson of well known resident Jerry Hourihan.

There will be one Probationary Police Officer being sent to the Police Academy for training.

We wish to thank them all for the sacrifices they make every day to protect and serve Matawan.

Hope to see you at the next Workshop or Council meeting....

You Want the Truth...You Can't Handle the Truth!

These are the opinions and comments of the Matawan Advocate. It appears some of our postings have been misinterrupted. To clarify things, here are some comments and facts as we know them.

In response to a recent comment on this Blog. An anonymous blogger gave the impression that the Matawan Advocate possibly disagrees on the condition of the Police Dept Building. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Police Department Building - We have long been a supporter of Matawan’s Police Force. We reiterate the conditions of the building have been a concern for some time. Any remedy to correct the situation by the majority Council has not been voted on to date. Why would Councilman Mendes, who sits on the Democratically controlled Council, (aware his associates are incapable of making a decision to move forward) want to bring their ineptness to the attention of the Public? What good do you see coming out of this story?

Councilman Mendes was given the opportunity and proper forum to discuss his concerns and possible solutions at a Council Workshop meeting on May 15, 2008 as the Police Department was listed on the Agenda. He chose to remain silent.

Does Mendes work for Scudiery?
Rumor has it that Mendes runs and operates a monthly parking lot for Scudieriy on Main Street. He should also be concerned with the maintenance of that property, where weeds are growing and the building has unpainted plywood.

Scudiery - Chairman of Monmouth County Democratic Party
Obviously, with Scudiery owning property in Matawan and the new attorney involved in Long Branch and Asbury Park, sounds like a land deal! From a naïve resident’s point of view it seems all property from the Train Station project are being manipulated by Vic Scudiery. Sure hope we are wrong.

Matawan Borough Budget (No approved Budget to date)
If you attended the last Borough Workshop, you would have heard Councilman Mike Cannon state electric, gas street lamps and heating are over budget. Does Mendes think going to the Press is the answer to Matawan’s money problems? If we are over Budget for utilities and this is just the middle of the fiscal year. Where do we get the money to make the necessary moves to correct conditions at the Police Building?

2008 Road Program
Mayor Bucccelato (aware of the financial difficulties) suggested the Council scale down the 2008 Road Program to reduce the tax burden or debt, it was outright rejected. Guess the tax burden on the residents isn’t that important.

Let’s be clear our infrastructure needs to be replaced and maintained accordingly. But with unemployment creeping upwards, gasoline nearly at $5.00 a gallon it is time to re-evaluate. If not, C-Town will not be the only thing closing and moving out!

Borough Employee Contracts
Borough employees whose contracts have not been settled are another concern. The Council has had 2 ½ years to settle. As it stands now nothing has been done.

Food for Thought
Why not write a story on how the Council cannot agree on a simple contract?

How about a story on Councilman Mullaney and Councilman Mendes doing work for the Borough, then voting to pay themselves? Where is the "Pay to Play" Resolution Councilman Mullaney was going to present to the Council? His idea that elected officials holding public office for the Borough should not be allowed to perform work in the Borough?

Why not investigate why Scudiery and the Monmouth County Democratic Party gave $8500. to Mary Aufseeser’s special election campaign? $8500.00 given in an attempt to control the outcome of our Special Election for Mayor.

Why did the Democrats pass a Resolution accusing former Mayor Mary Aufseeser of possible wrongdoing? Is this what you do to a former associate, because she lost the Mayoral campaign?

A good investigative reporter would delve into these problems, where some good can be accomplished. Instead of telling us what we already know, why not tell us something we don't know!

We do not oppose anyone doing their job. We do want to see professionals advising Matawan on construction, architectural, building safety or handicapped accessibility issues.

Borough Workshop Meeting Tonight at 7pm

Workshop meeting for the Borough Council will be held at 7pm at the Matawan Community Center Building located on Broad Street.
A presentation from AFLAC (hopefully they don't bring the duck) will be made for the Council's consideration regarding medical benefits.

Presentation of alternate electric service.

Discussions will include:

Red Light program. This would put cameras on Matawan traffic lights to catch traffic violators in the act. Question is what will it cost Matawan to adopt this program. While it has been said it doesn't cost us anything.....that has yet to be determined. At the very least we would have to pay for a traffic study.

Police - Review of ordiances to include 2 Lieutenants.

Four (4) day work week for July and August to reduce energy consumption. Will this be require Borough employees to make up the hours during the 4 days?

Take home vehicles -

Recreation Summer Basketball

Public comments open to the floor around 8:15pm.

Hope to see you there....................................

Matawan Council Meeting 5/6/08

Unlike this peaceful photo, the Matawan Borough Council meeting last night was far from quiet. Councilman Mendes' attempt to pass a Resolution without attorney review could have put the Borough in jeopardy had it not been for Mayor Buccellato refusing to allow it to be read. It appears when Mendes stopped, Councilmen Malley and Mullaney started bantering back and forth with the Mayor. Subsequently, Mullaney attempted to read the Resolution over the protests of the Mayor. Following a recess, Councilmen Cannon, Mullaney, Mendes, et al returned to the meeting. Mendes withdraw reading the Resolution. Realizing Councilman Mendes is inexperienced in such matters, Councilmen Mullaney and Malley should have known better. Councilman Cannon did not participate other than during recess speaking with Mullaney,Mendes, and Malley. Doesn't four council members in one place constitute a quorum?


Appointments - Councilman Mullaney attempted to move forward with some of the appointments and became adversarial when the Mayor reiterated his position to keep them on hold until a Borough Attorney had been appointed and could review the agreements. The Mayor mentioned something about attorney fees, asking Councilman Mullaney if he wanted him to continue, then the Democrats went silent. Makes you wonder what is going on. The Mayor requested a spreadsheet on attorney fees for the past few years from the CFO.

Speaking of attorneys, none of the appointments were made and are in review. Apparently, the Borough Attorney's agreement was received the afternoon of the meeting and there wasn't time to review it.

Here is what was accomplished:

Budget 2008 - Copy of the Primary Components of Tax Increase were made available to all who attended. Per year average municipal increase on homes assessed at:

Municipal tax portion:
$325,000. $234. $2,001.03
$347,200. $249.98 $2,137.71
$375,000. $270. $2,308.88
$450,000. $324. $2,770.65

This does not include the School Budget increase.

2008 Road Program - Per Councilman Cannon the road program will cost an additional $17.00 a year per household for a 1.4 million dollar bond.

Citizen's participation Grant - Fred Carr, Borough Administrator and William White, Borough Engineer will be presenting a request for a Grant to improve Clinton Street. We wish them the best of luck as the residents of Clinton Street deserve to have their Street improved. A question was asked if the grant would include sewer and water. The reply was no. Jerry Hourihan stated the water and sewer pipes are very old.

Recreation - The Appointment of a Part time Recreation Director and a Summer Program 2008 Assistant Director were made.

Approving of Funds for Flowers for Downtown Beautification

This will provide flowers for the pots along Main Street.

Survey Work - Authorizing Richard K. Heser, PC to provide professional services for surveying services.

Memorial Day Parade - the parade direction will remain the same as it has been for the last 50 years or so. It will begin at St. Clement Church and end at the Matawan Memorial Park.

July 4th Fireworks - The vote was even with abstentions, Mayor Buccellato cast the deciding vote to have the Fireworks. To be held on July 6th, pending written approval from a local church.

Sanitation - The dumpster still remains available at the DPW location (behind Key Auto Body) for the disposing of leaves, brush and branches. This is for residents only and proof of residence will be required.

Recycling - Matawan will be getting quotes for recycle bins.

Red Flex Program - A non-binding Letter of Intent will be sent to hold Matawan's place on the list for this program which provides photos of traffic violations. Further studies are being made as to the agreement and costs that may be involved.

What are the Democratic Majority Council Thinking?

Retirements - Why would the Democratic majority Council pass Resolutions for Chief McGowan and a Department of Public Works employee? Chief McGowan and the Dept of Public Works employee will both receive medical benefits for themselves and their dependents. That's right folks their dependents. In the case of Chief McGowan, he will receive medical benefits till he and his wife are eligible for Medicare. At that time, Medicare becomes primary and Matawan's benefits become secondary. Therefore, Matawan will be paying and paying and paying. McGowan will also receive payment for unused sick leave and unused vacation time. Is the majority Council aware that they set a precedent for the rest of the Public Works employees retirement. If you do it for one, then you must do it for all.

We are in favor of employees retiring. Only another Chief would appreciate what difficulties Chief McGowan encountered. But and that is a big BUT, what is wrong with the retirement package employees receive under the Union contract? Why make exceptions?

All in all we wish both the Chief and the Public Works employee all the best.

At a time when Matawan faces financial difficulties (we have all seen our taxes escalate) would the Council vote for Resolutions separate from the Union contractual benefits to employees who wish to retire? Why have collective bargaining agreements with Unions, only to have the Personnel Committee of Matawan Borough make separate deals with employees prior to the approval of the Council? WOW, has the Personnel Committee opened up a can of worms. We question the legality of going outside of the collective bargaining agreement set by the Union contract.

2008 Road Program - Why would the Council vote for the 2008 Road Program, with engineering fees already over $300,000, and that is not including the quote for the Road Program? Oil prices are already bordering on $4 to $5 a gallon. Why doesn't the Council work with the money left over from the previous Bond and perform a limited road program? Why not give the taxpayers a break? Why doesn't the Council get it? Are they trying to bankrupt Matawan?

Borough Council Meeting Rescheduled

For those who don't know.....which means it wasn't posted on the Bulletin Boards as yet, nor on the website....the Borough Council Meeting previously scheduled for Tuesday, July 3rd has been rescheduled to July 10th, 2007 at 7:30pm at the Matawan Borough Community Center. Apparently, this was a last minute decision although no one (except the person(s) who rescheduled) knows why. More mystery at the Borough!