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MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY August 27, 2008

The Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, met in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building, 205 Claremont Avenue, for a Special Meeting at 6:07 P.M.
Present: Mayor Fried, Deputy Mayor Terry and Councilors Baskerville, Lewis, Murnick and Weller.
Absent: Councilor Africk

STATEMENT OF SUNSHINE NOTICE

On motion made by Mayor Fried and duly seconded, the minutes of August 19, 2008 were approved by unanimous vote.

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CLARY ANDERSON ARENA DISCUSSION:

Township Manager Joseph Hartnett provided background on the proposal to privatize arena management due to N.J. State budgetary restrictions. Mr. Hartnett reported that the municipality received three proposals to its Request For Proposal:

• United Skates of America
• Rink Management Company
• Floyd Hall Enterprises

All three proposals were reviewed and each company found competent to assume a management role.
Each vendor was asked to sign a standardized clarification document. Upon final analysis a recommendation was made to award the contract to “United Skates of America.”

Mr. Hartnett further recommended the appointment of an Arena Management Board composed of representatives of user groups to meet monthly with the chosen vendor.

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PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Steve Smith, 28 Clairidge Court, thanked the Council and the Township Manager for their due diligence. He reported that he is creating a task force to assist with management of the arena including the creation of a “utility.”

Ms. Sharon Hurwich, 52 Aubrey Road, reiterated thanks. She asked if the rink season would extend beyond six months. Ms. Hurwich asked if costs to school groups would remain at their current level. She also asked who would be responsible for energy costs and any renovation projects.

Mr. Charles Volpe, 22 Upper Mountain Avenue, former President of Montclair Hockey Booster Club believes that the arena locker room is under the control of the Board of Education. He also asked how much of a budget reduction would be realized by the Township if management of the arena was privatized.

Mr. John McManamey, 132 Norwood Avenue, stated that “there must be a way to pull $41,000 out of the current budget” to fund arena expenses through 2008.

Ms. Audrey Hawley, 17 Grenada Place, asked if the current staff could “turn the arena around.” She suggested a closer analysis of the arena situation.

Mr. Roy Guidi, long time supporter of the Clary Anderson Arena, believes the rink is “run as a second class citizen.” He suggested several strategies to assist with revenue including advertising on the boards and the Zamboni.

Mr. Steve Goodman, 22 Berkeley Place, supports privatization. He asked the following:

1. How certain is the Township that it will realize a savings?
2. How will the Township structure itself to manage privatization contracts?
3. How will the Township determine the criteria for success?
4. Is the Township committing itself to any capital cost for the arena?

Mr. Al Weller, 287 Cooper Avenue, asked since the municipality partners with the Board of Education on the arena can it be considered a “shared service” and, consequently, eligible to be removed from the budget.

Mr. Jarvis Hawley, 17 Grenada Place, asked if the municipality had determined the positive/negative impact on the playground, pool or parking around the arena if privatization was implemented.

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COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilor Lewis objected to the term “privatization” and its sometime negative connotation. He also believes the process has been so truncated that the Council did not have adequate time to study the issue. He will seek additional financial information from the Township Manager.

Councilor Weller supports whichever decision makes the most financial and “community” sense for the Township. She asked how long it would take a vendor to form an LLC to run the arena. She also expressed concern regarding energy costs and rushing into a decision without a thorough investigation of the situation.

Mayor Fried stated his hope that the arena becomes a truly sustainable facility which can serve the community better in the future. He believes the arena should be managed like a business and that it is currently an underutilized resource.

Deputy Mayor Terry and Councilor Murnick also referenced the constraints the Council was under regarding the speed that a decision must be made regarding the disposition of the arena. However, they believe a good decision can be made and thanked all the citizens for their input.

Township Manager Hartnett asked Councilmembers if they had ideas regarding any possible “upside” of the Township’s continued management of the arena. He views the possible privatization as “an opportunity.”

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PAWS UPDATE:

Township Manager Hartnett reported that PAWS has asked for additional time to review an agreement with the Township.

Mr. Ron Locascio, 21 Sylvan Place, believes “most municipalities do not want to run an animal shelter.”
He stated that animal services can best be provided by those with years of experience and services.

Ms. Sandy Reynolds believes many Township residents care about animals and hopes that the public will be alerted in advance when discussions regarding animals and their care will take place.

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ALL ACCESS PLAYGROUND:

Township Manager Hartnett reported on a recent meeting with stakeholders. A decision was made to move forward with a contractor agreement. An “entryway” task force will be created to design an aesthetically pleasing entrance to the area.

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At 8:00 P.M., on motion made by Mayor Fried and duly seconded, the Special Meeting was adjourned
by unanimous vote.

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JERRY FRIED MAYOR

ATTEST:

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LINDA S. WANATMUNICIPAL CLERK