City Council

COUNCIL CONFERENCE MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 12, 2008 CITY HALL – 5:00 PM A Conference Meeting of the City Council of the City of Trenton, New Jersey, was held on the above date at 5:11 p.m. in the Council Conference Room, City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Council President Paul M. Pintella. Council President announced that adequate public notice had been provided to the public specifying the time and place for this meeting in accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act. Said notice was mailed to the Times and the Trentonian Newspapers, posted on the first floor bulletin board in City Hall, and filed in the City Clerk’s Office on June 21, 2007 by Resolution No. 07-316. The agenda for this meeting was mailed, posted and filed on February 8, 2008. ROLL CALL: Present: Messrs. Bethea, Coston, Ms. Lartigue, Messrs. Melone, Segura, Ms. Staton (arrived at 5:29 pm), Mr. Pintella – 7. PRESENTATION: Trenton Public Schools Update: Appearance: Rodney Lofton, Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Smallwood-Johnson, Esq., Special Assistant Everett Collins, Director of Facilities Mr. Rodney Lofton presented an update on Sherman Avenue School and the Daylight Twilight School attendance problem. He also gave a brief summary on the changes he has implemented and some of the things and programs he wants to improve. The following issues were discussed: • Truancy Program • Sherman Avenue School • Daylight Twilight School Attendance • Trenton Central High School (building conditions) • Building New Schools in the City A detailed discussion was followed by a question and answer period. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Jennifer Leynes, 9 Cornwall Avenue – Thanked City Council for their response to the school issues; stated that she would be happy to help with the school issues and rehabilitation. Maria Jones, 434 W. Hanover Street – A member of the “Save Trenton High School Coalition” attended a School Board meeting and felt members were very rude; everyone is responsible for the condition of the school; supports saving the high school. City Council Conference: Minutes February 12, 2008 1 Patricia Stewart, 679 Lamberton Street – We need the attitude that every child is going to Princeton University when they start school; supports school uniforms; wants the school administration to stop gang members from intimidating kids into joining gangs. Paul Harris, 137 Centre Street – Appreciated City addressing the security issue; would like to see a Police Officer or armed security guards; wanted to know if Mr. Colicelli still had a city car, a cell phone and still working when his contract ended December, 2007; how was he being paid; the Chief of Staff is a needed position; the City should not hire retirees with large pensions. Bill Kearney, 1620 Riverside Drive – Regarding Colicelli’s position, a consultant is supposed to leave things ready for an office to continue the work; people in the Police Department can continue these programs. Dion Clark, 323 Walnut Avenue – Stated that he has complained for over a year about school buses speeding down alleyways (he presented Council with pictures); what is the City doing with Cook School? Supports Mr. Barry Colicelli; supports the Chief of staff position; when is the Director of Inspection coming before Council? Darnell Presha, Sanhican Drive – What is the status of the Community Center on South Broad St. in South Trenton; has a problem when the City finds over ½ million dollars for a sign but not for kids programs; there was a problem on Election Day with taking seniors to their polling places. Dwayne Farrier, 51 Randall Avenue – We need young teachers who can communicate with our kids; there is no effort in this City by any adult to help these kids. Taiwanda Wilson, 817 Revere Street – Felt that Trenton Central High School should be remodeled not demolished; some School Board members were very rude and unprofessional; Historical and Landmark buildings tell a lot about your City. Greg Forester, Jackson Street - Thanked the City Council members that voted against Mr. Colicelli’s contract. Zachary Chester, 1405 Stuyvesant Avenue – If Mr. Colicelli’s contract ended December, 2007 who has been authorizing his paycheck until now; he would like a refund; he asked Administration for this information in writing and when he can expect a refund. Councilman Coston made a motion for Administration to provide information on Mr. Colicelli’s payments from 12/15/2007 to the day he turns in the car and cell phone, Seconded by Councilman Melone – after a discussion motion was withdrawn. Frank Weeden, 256 Allen Street – The Capital Health System contract is not the same as a consultant; he supports Council members for going after Administration; Trenton High School should be saved, there are lots of people willing to help save it. City Council Conference: Minutes February 12, 2008 2 Dan Dotson, 324 South Broad Street – Issues about the Budget. Ms. Fares, Chambers Street - Talked about school population and issues; wanted to know if the City would take donations to rehabilitate the school. CIVIC MATTERS: Council President Pintella – (1) Notified Council members that the FY 2008 Budget review and public hearing was on Monday, February 25, 2008 at 4:00 pm. (2) Budget workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 5:00 pm. (3) Landmarks Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 5:00 pm. (4) Is the Security Guard still operating on Route 29. Councilwoman Lartigue – (1) Asked for a copy of the budget in excel format. (2) She stated that the front of every Budget in the future should have a list of all the filing dates. (3) Asked if it was true that the Trenton School system paid for someone’s course when s/he is not in the city school system? If so is it available for every student that leaves the district. (4) We need to approve the minutes for the Special Investigating Committee. Councilman Coston – Read a letter regarding 707-709 Lamberton Street. Councilman Segura – (1) Asked for information on the license and closing of Jules Tavern. The meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted ___________________________ __________________________ PAUL M. PINTELLA JUANITA M. JOYNER CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ACTING CITY CLERK City Council Conference: Minutes February 12, 2008 3