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Montclair Township


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Council Minutes 05-19-09

MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY May 19, 2009

The Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, met in the Conference Room in the Municipal Building, 205 Claremont Avenue, for a pre-meeting conference at 7:10 P.M.
Present: Mayor Fried, Deputy Mayor Terry and Councilors Africk, Baskerville, Lewis, Murnick and Weller.
Absent: None

STATEMENT OF SUNSHINE NOTICE

Review of agenda for the Regular Meeting.

* * *

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mayor Fried asked if there was anyone present wishing to address the Council regarding any matters of interest or importance.

Former Deputy Mayor Joyce Michaelson, Warren Place, addressed the Council regarding the Township attorney appointment.

There being no one else present wishing to be heard, Mayor Fried closed the public comment portion of the meeting.

* * *

At 7:15 P.M., on motion made by Mayor Fried and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, Section 8 of the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975, permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and

WHEREAS, this public body is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, as follows:

1. The public shall be excluded from discussion of and action upon the hereinafter specified subject matters.

2. The general nature of the subject matters to be discussed are as follows: Advice of Counsel.

3. We do not anticipate that the matters discussed will be made public.

4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

At 8:12 P.M., on motion made by Mayor Fried and duly seconded, the executive session was adjourned
by unanimous vote.

* * *

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 Regular Meeting at 8:20 P.M.
Present: Mayor Fried, Deputy Mayor Terry and Councilors Africk, Baskerville, Lewis, Murnick and Weller.
Absent: None

STATEMENT OF SUNSHINE NOTICE

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

DISCUSSION AND PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE 2009 BUDGET

Mayor Fried gave a brief history of the progression of the budget process to date. The Council
introduced the manager’s budget on May 5th as a “place holder.” The Council then asked the manager for a 5%
cut from every department and the impact that would create. The Mayor then stated that he feels the revised budget
with the 5% cuts is not a reasonable one and is unrealistic.

Councilor Africk stated that he is in favor of the Manager’s original budget which would reflect a 3 ½%
increase. Councilor Murnick stated that none of the Councilors are in favor of the 5% cuts.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mayor Fried asked if there was anyone present wishing to be heard regarding the budget.

Mr. Steven Tully, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’ representative,
addressed the Council regarding the impact of the 5% proposed budget cuts on municipal employees and the anxiety
which has been caused by these proposed cuts. AFSCME employees in the Department of Community Services have been
performing their duties for Montclair residents all along even with past employee cuts. He appealed to the Council to pass
a budget that will allow these employees to continue to provide excellent services to the residents of Montclair.

Former Mayor Ed Remsen spoke regarding budget cuts, budget advisory committees and budget
procedures and he also referenced protocol for Council meetings.

AFSCME representative and Township employee Richard Burrell expressed concern regarding the
impact of the 5% budget cuts on municipal employees and the impact on services to Montclair residents.

Mr. Rob Hammerling, Montclair resident, spoke about the budget process. He asked the Council
to pass a budget with not a large tax increase but one which will provide services that are critical to Montclair residents.

Mr. Joseph Savittieri, President of the Police Benevolent Association, expressed concern regarding the
proposed 5% police budget cuts.

Mr. Byron Huart, complimented the police and fire departments on a “valiant job” that they do
and expressed concern regarding the budget.

Ms. Jenelle Blackmon, CWA representative, expressed her concerns regarding municipal employees and
the proposed 5% budget cuts.

Police Chief David Sabagh, stated that the department heads worked very diligently on compiling
information to arrive at the 5% cut in their departments while trying not to suggest layoffs but still providing quality
service to Montclair residents He took exception to the “business as usual” reference to the budget. The police
department has already been operating on a low budget for a couple of years, i.e., running below staff levels, cuts in
overtime budget, unable to buy new police cars, etc.

Mr. Donato DiGeronimo, taxpayer and past president of the Firemens’ Benevolent Association,
addressed the 5% budget cuts and its impact on the firefighters, specifically on salaries, which make up the major
portion of the fire department budget.

Mr. David Herron, Montclair resident, spoke on the 5% budget cuts and how the results were not
realistic, specifically, cuts to police and fire personnel. He also made a suggestion that when preparing a budget, the
number of employees in each department should be noted along with the total salaries for that department. Also, he stated
that cuts in the budget should be more creative in other areas while not affecting municipal employees salaries.

Mr. David Hinkley, Director, Montclair Public Library, appreciated the past support that the Council
and the Township has provided to the library. He also stated that library employees consider themselves municipal
employees and share in the same concerns regarding the proposed 5% budget cuts.

Fire Chief Kevin Allen explained that he was very diligent in preparing his departmental budget, as he is
every year, keeping in mind that he, too, is a Montclair resident and concerned with the taxes, as are many of his relatives
and friends.

Mr. Kyle Martinovich, Montclair resident, questioned the 5% budget cuts for municipal departments
while Council approved a 4% salary increase for Board of Education employees. With taxes increasing he fears the
diversity of the Montclair residents will be affected.

Ms. Noel Brogan, Montclair resident and business owner, opposes rising taxes, feels the services she
now receives are not as good as years ago, and she is in favor of an elected School Board.

Former Councilwoman Bobbie Reilly, 37 Draper Terrace, spoke to the Council regarding budget cuts
and choices that have to be made by the Council.

Mr. Stewart Weisman, Christopher Street, addressed the budget cuts, stressed sharing the pain of the
economy and spoke to the happenings in the private sector.

Ms. Adrienne Taylor, 9 Tennis Place, CWA representative and Montclair resident, gave a history of
union representation and asked if the unions were consulted regarding the budget.

Mr. Steve Wood, Director of the Department of Community Services, stressed that the department heads
were very diligent and serious when their individual budgets were prepared with a 5% cut. He offered to go over his
budget item by item. He stated that he is going to ask for more money than he asked for in his 2009 budget to repair
streets and potholes, which citizens are anxious to see happen. His department is always trying to be more creative while
still providing excellent service.

There being no one else present wishing to be heard, Mayor Fried closed the public comment portion of
the meeting regarding the budget.

PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED SALE OF A PORTION OF
MOUNTAINSIDE PARK TO THE COUNTY OF ESSEX.

Mayor Fried asked if there was anyone present wishing to be heard regarding this matter.

There being no one present wishing to be heard, Mayor Fried closed the hearing.

* * *

ORDINANCES/SECOND READING/ADOPTION

The pending ordinance entitled: “ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 347-90 OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE (“THE ZONING ORDINANCE”) TO ESTABLISH REVISED REGULATIONS REGARDING PERMITTED AND CONDITIONAL USES IN N-C NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICTS” (O-014-09) passed first reading April 7, 2009, and upon second reading the title thereof was read by the Clerk who then reported that it had been published and posted and copies had been made available to the public as required by law and that an affidavit to that effect was on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk.

The public hearing was held on May 5, 2009 and the vote was postponed until May 19, 2009.

On motion made by Councilor Lewis and duly seconded, the ordinance was reintroduced with amendments and scheduled for adoption at the meeting of June 9, 2009.

* * *

The pending ordinance entitled: “BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS SEWER UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONTCLAIR, IN THE COUNTY OF ESSEX, NEW JERSEY, APPROPRIATING THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF $550,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $522,500 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF” (O-017-09) passed first reading April 21, 2009 and upon second reading the title thereof was read by the Clerk who then reported that it had been published and posted and copies had been made available to the public as required by law and that an affidavit to that effect was on file in the office of the Municipal Clerk.

Mayor Fried asked whether anyone present wished to address the Councilors regarding the proposed ordinance.

There being no one wishing to be heard, Mayor Fried closed the hearing.

On motion made by Mayor Fried and duly seconded, the ordinance was adopted by unanimous vote.

* * *
NEW BUSINESS

Councilor Lewis introduced the following ordinance and made a motion which was duly seconded, that it pass first reading and be further considered for final passage at a regular meeting of the Township Council to be held on June 9, 2009.

“ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE TRAFFIC ORDINANCE-PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES.” (O-025-09 Pine Street- East Side-Bloomfield Avenue).

The motion was adopted by unanimous vote.

* * *

Councilor Lewis introduced the following ordinance and made a motion which was duly seconded, that it pass first reading and be further considered for final passage at a regular meeting of the Township Council to be held on June 9, 2009.

“ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE TRAFFIC ORDINANCE-PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES.” (O-026-09 Pine Street – East- Glenridge Avenue).

The motion was adopted by unanimous vote.

* * *

Councilor Lewis introduced the following ordinance and made a motion which was duly seconded, that it pass first reading and be further considered for final passage at a regular meeting of the Township Council to be held on June 9, 2009.

“ORDINANCE TOAMEND THE TRAFFIC ORDINANCE : LOADING ZONE” (O-027-09 Pine Street – East- Bloomfield Avenue).

The motion was adopted by unanimous vote.

Councilor Lewis introduced the following ordinance and made a motion which was duly seconded, that it pass first reading and be further considered for final passage at a regular meeting of the Township Council to be held on June 9, 2009.

“ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE TRAFFIC ORDINANCE-PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES.” (O-028-09 Parking meter zones-Pine Street).

The motion was adopted by unanimous vote.

* * *

Councilor Lewis introduced the following ordinance and made a motion which was duly seconded, that it pass first reading and be further considered for final passage at a regular meeting of the Township Council to be held on June 9, 2009.

“ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE TRAFFIC ORDINANCE-PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES.” (O-029-09 Parking Prohibited at all times- Pine Street-West).

The motion was adopted by unanimous vote.

* * *

Councilor Lewis introduced the following ordinance:

“ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING SECTION 327-15.A OF THE TOWNSHIP CODE (THE “OVERNIGHT PARKING ORDINANCE”) TO PROHIBIT PARKING ON TOWNSHIP STREETS FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME DURING THE HOURS OF 2:00 A.M. TO 5:00 A.M. AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE SALE OF OVERNIGHT PARKING PERMITS.” (O-030-09).

Councilor Baskerville raised her objections to this ordinance and the Council agreed on changing the language and adding a new paragraph and that it should pass first reading and be further considered for final passage made at a regular meeting of the Township Council to be held on June 9, 2009

The motion was adopted by the following vote: “Ayes” Mayor Fried, Deputy Mayor Terry and Councilors Africk, Lewis, Murnick and Weller. “Nay” Councilor Baskerville.

* * *

On motion made by Deputy Mayor Terry and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, on April 15, 2009, the Township of Montclair opened and read bids for the Furnishing of Road Materials, as prescribed by law; and

WHEREAS, NEWARK ASPHALT AND TILCON NEW YORK, INC. submitted the lowest responsible bids (various prices for the various items) for asphalt items and WELDON QUARRY submitted the lowest responsible bid (various prices for the various items) for stone. Three bidders are being awarded this contract because at certain times, by reason of delay, weather, availability of materials, or opening hours of the quarry, one bidder may not be able to provide the materials required by the Township of Montclair when needed; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that the contract for the Furnishing of Road Materials be and is hereby awarded to NEWARK ASPHALT and TILCON NEW YORK, INC. for asphalt items and WELDON QUARRY for stone. The monies for these purchases will be appropriated in the Capital and/or Operating Budget. Complete details of the contract are attached hereto and made a part hereof.

* * *

On motion made by Councilor Baskerville and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, the County of Essex has announced the availability of $1.6 million in CDBG funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and has requested grant applications for shovel ready capital projects from municipalities within the County’s urban consortium; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair continues to participate in the Essex County Community Development Program, and a resolution of the Township Council ranking applications for such funding is a requirement of the Community Development Program; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that the following 2009 Community Development Block Grant stimulus program applications be submitted by Montclair Township with the designated priority:

Applicant Amount

  1. Township of Montclair—barrier free entrance doors at 205 $ 17,000.00
  2. Township of Montclair—Glenfield well air stripper imprvmts. 400,000.00
  3. Township of Montclair—Willard Place improvements 57,201.00
  4. Township of Montclair—George Street improvements 59,133.00
  5. Township of Montclair—Cloverhill Place improvements 104,776.50
  6. Township of Montclair—Elmwood Avenue improvements 113,505.00
  7. Township of Montclair—Glenridge Avenue improvements 278,162.00
  8. Township of Montclair—Park Street improvements 135,136.50

* * *

On motion made by Councilor Africk and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, an emergent condition has arisen in that the Township is expected to enter in contracts, commitments or payments prior to the 2009 budget and no adequate provision has been made in the 2009 temporary budget for the aforesaid purposes, and

WHEREAS, N.J.S. 40A:4-20 provides for the creation of an emergency temporary appropriation for said purpose, and

WHEREAS, the total emergency temporary appropriation resolutions adopted in the year 2009 pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 96, P.L. 1951 (N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20) including this resolution total as follows:

Current Fund

$ 17,191,199.53

 

 

Water Operating Fund

 1,257,200.00

 

 

Sewer Operating Fund

 1,237,800.00

 

 

Total

$ 19,686,199.53

 

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, State of New Jersey, (not less than two-thirds of all the members thereof affirmatively concurring) that in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:4-20:

  1. Emergency temporary appropriations be and the same are hereby made in the amount of $4,870,000.00 as per the attached schedule effective June 1, 2009.
  2. Said emergency temporary appropriations will be provided for in the 2009 budget.
  3. That one certified copy of this resolution be filed with the Director, Division of Local Government Services.

* * *

On motion made by Councilor Murnick and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act, P.L. 1987, c.102, has established a recycling fund from which tonnage grants may be made to municipalities in order to encourage local source separation and recycling programs; and

WHEREAS, it is the intent and the spirit of the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act to use the tonnage grants to develop new municipal recycling programs and to continue and to expand existing programs; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has promulgated recycling regulations to implement the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act; and

WHEREAS, the recycling regulations impose on municipalities certain requirements as a condition for applying for tonnage grants, including but not limited to, making and keeping accurate, verifiable records of materials collected and claimed by the municipality; and

WHEREAS, a resolution authorizing the Township of Montclair to apply for a 2009 Recycling Tonnage Grant will memorialize the Township’s commitment to recycling and to confirm the assent of the Township Council to the efforts undertaken by the township and the requirements contained in the Recycling Act and recycling regulations;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that the Township of Montclair hereby endorses the submission of the recycling tonnage grant application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and designates Steve Wood, P.E., Director of the Department of Community Services, to ensure that the application is properly filed; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the monies received from the recycling tonnage grant be deposited in a dedicated recycling trust fund to be used solely for the purposes of recycling.

* * *

On motion made by Councilor Lewis and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, negotiators for the Township and for OPEIU Local 32 have reached agreement on terms and conditions for a new labor contract; and

WHEREAS, OPEIU Local 32 has ratified said terms and conditions; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Township of Montclair hereby approves the attached terms and conditions for a labor contract with OPEIU Local 32 and authorizes the Township Manager and Township Attorney to prepare a new labor contract with OPEIU Local 32 pursuant to the attached.

* * *

Councilor Baskerville read the following resolution:

WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Council to assure that public funding support for early childhood education and development centers, “expanded kindergarten” and child care centers generally (“Early Childhood Development Services”), is distributed equitably giving fair and equal consideration to all qualified agencies providing like services; and

WHEREAS, the Council recognizes that more than one agency in the Township provides quality Early Childhood Development Services, with qualified teachers and adhering to New Jersey State core curriculum standards for the age appropriate group; and

WHEREAS, the Council would require and expect that all agencies providing Early Childhood Development Services would agree to work closely with the Montclair Board of Education to assure that these agencies are providing similar qualities of education and will give all children enrolled with these agencies an academic experience which is aligned with State standards; and

WHEREAS, the Council recognizes the importance of a maximum number of the Township’s preschool four year-old children benefiting from an early and healthy start to their education; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township of Montclair will review each request for funding of Early Childhood Development Services, as defined above, and give equal consideration to each applicant, so long as the Council provides funds to Early Childhood Development Services.

* * *

Mr. Scott Novak, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Montclair Early Childhood Corporation, gave a brief history of how and why the MECC came into existence. It was created by the Township Council when pre-K was eliminated from the Montclair school system. The MECC Board is appointed by the Township Council. He felt that resources are limited already and how could the Council consider other pre-K’s. He stated that MECC is Montclair’s pre-K and asked that funding continue at the present level.

Councilor Baskerville felt that her interpretation of the resolution is that equal consideration would be given to all pre-Ks in Montclair and not that the Township will necessarily fund all pre-Ks. Councilor Africk proposed that a committee be formed, which would include the BOE and other pre-K organizations, to study the issue of pre-Ks and funding.

On motion made by Councilor Baskerville and duly seconded, the following resolution was POSTPONED UNTIL THE JUNE 9th MEETING by the following vote: “Ayes” Mayor Fried, Deputy Mayor Terry and Councilors Africk, Lewis, Murnick and Weller. “Abstain” Councilor Baskerville.

* * *

On motion made by Deputy Mayor Terry and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

WHEREAS, the Local Public Contracts Law N.J.S.A. 40A:11-10 authorizes municipalities to acquire goods and services through a duly formed cooperative purchasing system without advertising for bids; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Montclair is a party to a cooperative purchasing agreement with the Cranford Police Department Cooperative Pricing System, a cooperative purchasing program organized in accordance with the Local Public Contracts Law; and

WHEREAS, the Cranford Police Department Cooperative Pricing System has awarded a contract to Warnock Automotive Inc., 175 Route 10, East Hanover, NJ 07936 for the acquisition of police vehicles; and

WHEREAS, the Township previously acquired two (2) 2009 Dodge Chargers for the amount of $26,801.21, representing the first year lease payment through Ford Motor Credit Company; and

WHEREAS, the Police Department has subsequently been afforded the opportunity to lease a third vehicle at a cost of $13,491.51; and

WHEREAS, the aggregate amount of the costs for the three (3) police vehicles exceeds the bid threshold; and

WHEREAS, the Local Public Contracts Law N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6.1(b) requires that contracts in excess of the bid threshold must be awarded by resolution of the governing body; and

WHEREAS, the procurement of goods and services through a cooperative purchasing program is an “open and fair process” under the New Jersey Pay-to-Play Law, N.J.S.A. 19:44A 20:5 et seq; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that the Township enter into an agreement with Warnock Automotive to lease, with an option to purchase, a 2009 Dodge Charger police vehicle for the amount of $13,491.51, resulting in an aggregate cost of $40,292.72 for the three police vehicles, pending certification of funds by the Chief Financial Officer. Funds for the lease of the three vehicles have been appropriated in the 2009 Temporary Operating Budget, Account number 9-01-25-240-240-290.

* * *

On motion made by Councilor Murnick and duly seconded, the following resolution was adopted by unanimous vote:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Township of Montclair, in the County of Essex, that said bills be and they are hereby ordered paid and that warrants be drawn on the Treasurer to the order of such persons for the amount respectively as hereinafter stated to wit: $459,118.87.

* * *

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

The Municipal Clerk reported that she had filed in her office a list of reports and communications received since the last meeting.

On motion made by Mayor Fried and duly seconded, the following reports and communications were accepted and ordered to be made part of the minutes of this meeting.

FILED: Monthly report for the month of April 2009:

Tax Collector $8,058,419.01

Oath of Office:

William Cummings, Lieutenant in the Montclair Fire Department

Received approved from the Division of Local Government Services, the Supplemental Debt
Statement of May 5, 2009.

From Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, announcement that Essex County has approved a grant award from the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse to the Township of Montclair for Montclair’s Municipal Alliance program in the amount of $54,100.00.

Letter from Leah Johnston-Rowbotham, 14 Munn Street, re: request to the Council to intercede on her behalf in her quest to build a studio onto her house.

Invitation to the Mayor and Council from Councilman Ronald Rice, Newark, to an organization meeting for the “Essex County Municipal Council Alliance,” a new countywide organization for municipal council members from all 22 municipalities in Essex County in an effort to share information and best practices between municipalities in the pursuit of saving tax dollars and increasing the delivery of quality services to residents.

Letter from Senator Frank Lautenberg to the Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice,
Supporting the 2009 COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) Grant for Montclair.

Final Decision of the Government Records Council and the Findings & Recommendations of the Executive Director in the matter of David Herron vs. Township of Montclair in which the CRC ruled in favor of the Township.

Township Manager Joseph Hartnett quoted from the movie Cool Hand Luke, “what we have
here is a failure to communicate”. He apologized for failure to communicate properly with respect to the budget process and the request for the 5% budget reduction. He stated that the revisions to the budget were prepared by the department heads and he and they felt that they were doing what the Council directed them to do. Also, he believed there was a breakdown in communications and in the future he hoped for better understanding of what exactly the Council is asking for. He also stressed there is a difference between the public and the private sector. In the private sector they downsize when their customer base disappears. The Township still has 38,000 people who expect services that the Township provides, and the Township doesn’t have a reduction in customers so operations and services need to continue.

Councilor Murnick was glad that people left this meeting knowing that their jobs are not in jeopardy and police and fire services will remain in tact. He emphasized that this Council has a tough problem in that they have to balance the needs of the 38,000 constituents, the municipal employees, and themselves. He stated that he was glad that the Council is coming in at a better rate than last year, which was 7.7%. This year, so far they have a 3 or 3/2 % blended rate. He also stated that Friends of Anderson Park are trying to get that park designated as an historic park. Finally, he and Mayor Fried had a meeting with Dr. Susan Cole of Montclair State University and the residents in that area relating to the issues around the college. They will continue to meet.

Councilor Africk reminded everyone that there will be a childrens’ party on May 30th to celebrate the opening of the Universal Access Playground.

Councilor Lewis thanked the people who were still watching on TV at this late hour.

Councilor Baskerville hoped to work together as a Council. She wanted to extend an apology to all municipal employees affected by the proposed 5% budget reduction and all the undue stress i created over possibly losing their jobs. She also reminded everyone that on Tuesday, May 26th at the Montclair Fire Headquarters from 7 to 9 P.M. she will be hosting her neighborhood meeting, entitled “Baskerville’s Bare Bones Budget-No Blame.” She encouraged all to come out and speak.

Councilor Weller stated she attended the People With Disabililities Forum, which was very informative, and said it will be on TV and available to the public at the library soon.

Deputy Mayor Terry stated that the Council and the Manager have to communicate better. He felt that after three years, this Council will be a great team. Everyone is working very, very hard.

Mayor Fried stated that this Council is dedicated to the goal of preserving the Montclair “that we know and love; also, to make sure this Township will be affordable and continue to provide services to the municipality.” He also emphasized to all Montclair residents that the Council has a plan in place to preserve Montclair.

* * *
PUBLIC COMMENT

Mayor Fried asked if there was anyone present who wished to be heard.

Mr. Richard Galioto, landscaper living in Bloomfield, stated that he had contacted Mr. Trembulak six weeks ago with his concerns regarding the fact that he has a license from the State of New Jersey to be a licensed landscaper. He questioned why then does he have to purchase a landscaper license from the Township of Montclair to operate in Montclair. Mr. Trembulak stated he would be in touch with Mr. Galioto shortly.

Ms. Audrey Hawley, 17 Grenada Place, observed that this evening portrayed that this is a “Council divided, not a Council united.” She expressed that the Council’s first priority is to the Montclair residents and not to the municipal employees, who mostly don’t even live in town.

Mr. Jarvis Hawley, 17 Grenada Place, had some budget suggestions re: more and better breakdowns in the budget.

There being no one else present wishing to be heard, Mayor Fried closed the public comment portion of the meeting.

* * *

At 12:30 A.M., on motion made by Mayor Fried and duly seconded, the meeting was adjourned
by unanimous vote.

___________________________________________
JERRY FRIED
MAYOR

ATTEST:

___________________________________________________
EVELYN A. OSTELLA
DEPUTY MUNICIPAL CLERK