City Council

COUNCIL CONFERENCE MEETING MINUTES JUNE 9, 2009 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 5:17 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. FY 2008-2009 annual 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 19, 2008 by Resolution No. 08-341. The agenda for this meeting was mailed, posted and filed on June 5, 2009. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Messrs. Bethea, Coston, Ms. Lartigue (arrived at 5:20 pm) Messrs. Melone, Segura, Ms. Staton, Mr. Pintella – 7. ABSENT: None Council President Pintella announced that Mr. Rodney Lofton, Superintendent of Trenton Public Schools called to notify City Council that he was unable to attend the meeting. Mr. Lofton asked to be rescheduled to appear before Council at their earliest convenience. Council President Pintella asked for a moment of silence for Ms. Tamrah Leonard the young lady who lost her life. Mr. Pintella also read the following written statement: On behalf of the Trenton City Council, we send our most sincere condolences to the Family of Tamrah Leonard and her mother Tonya Leonard. The death of Tamrah Leonard immediately reminded many of us about the fire bomb murders on Ingham Avenue and Walnut Avenue, where three young girls were victims, it also reminds us of the life that we almost taken when another innocent West ward girl was shot in the face and survived. I cannot remember this level of violence since the civil rights era. This City has a right to be outraged, frustrated, and fed up with the senseless shootings and the Tragic lost of innocent young victims to GUN fire, fire bombs, and other lawless behavior. For these GANGS have terrorized, destroyed, caused mayhem, and hurt the innocent residents of our City. They have gone out of there way to fuel the City’s perception as its reality. City Council Conference: Minutes June 9, 2009 1  Unless the Streets of Trenton are not taken back immediately no matter how much we build, preserve, develop, sustain, create, or manage, No one would want to stay here or be made to feel trapped here in there homes. We cannot continue to stand this level of violence in the City of Trenton and particularly among THUGS and GANGS. Mr. Mayor this Council has provided you and your Police Director with every resource at the disposal of your Police Department and stand ready to assist you. However, I call upon Mayor Palmer, Police Director Bradley, County Prosecutor Bochinni, County Sheriff Larkin, State Police, FBI, DEA, ATF, Attorney General, Division of Criminal Justice, our Gov. and Legislative Representatives and most importantly, the Good Citizen’s of Trenton to put a noose around this violent gang problem. For a long GANGS have made life uncomfortable for everyone and anyone who has a stitch of faith in this city. Since there is no parental guidance, We must take steps to provide the most extreme governmental intervention, Thus….. Mayor, I ask that your POLICE DEPARTMENT begin to make un- precedent challenges to these violent gang members and make life in the City of Trenton so uncomfortable that the shear mention of gangs participating in violence would lead to sure capture and a lifetime punishment. Your people know the areas and if not I will tell you the areas. If people don’t feet save in this city, you will start to see citizens take actions into there own hands just like we saw in Philadelphia with the violent rape of a young girl. It is my hope that the coward and cowards who participated in this despicable act of violence turn themselves in because running and hiding will only delay the inevitable of their capture or their death. I someone drove the car, pre-planned the shooting, and of course shoot the automatic guns, and were aided in escape, they are all murderers and should be put away for life. With regard to the “STUPID” photo journalism, I personally felt disgusted and anger over the fact that a resident of this City felt compelled to take a still photo of a bare lifeless young girl and for whatever gain, gave it to the local media, who gladly took it and placed on the front cover as the lasting memory of a mother’s child. I say shame on that individual and shame on the media outlet. All of you must neither have children or care less because it not your child. We should not let Tamrah Leonard’s death be in vain as the deaths of any of our young citizens. Council members voiced their concerns and feelings regarding violence in the City. City Council Conference: Minutes June 9, 2009 2 PRESENTATIONS: A. Trenton Public Libraries Appearance: Kimberly Mathews, Executive Director Ms. Mathews gave a brief breakdown of the programs and activities of the Trenton Public Library. • Summer Reading Program (will run from June 22 - August 8, 2009) • Status update of Audit for the years 2006-2008 • Strategic Plan through 2012 • Received a Grant for $89,000 for Technology from the Billing Gate (to be paid in two installments. The 1st installment of $56,000 was received) • Received $77,000 this year from E Rate • Doing a variety of things to bring money into the Library • Gang Education program with the Department of Corrections • Working on getting a historical grant, and some capital grants with 50% matching funds, to restore the Main Library and the East Trenton Library (the Dickinson Mason) back to its’ original splendor. Council members asked Ms. Mathews questions regarding the following: • Strategic Plan • Budget input • Relation with the Library Board • Funding sources • Audit Reports • Receiving flat funding from the City of Trenton B. Dog Licensing and Reporting Process Appearances: Carolyn Lewis-Spruill, Director Health and Human Services Jose Munoz, Acting Manager, Animal Shelter Richard Salter, Division Director Mrs. Carolyn Lewis-Spruill distributed a packet that included information on the City Ordinance and State Laws. A pamphlet on the rules and regulations regarding dog licensing was also distributed. 1,967 Dogs were licensed from January 2009 to May 2009 - Total funds collected $15,342 • State charges a $4.00 fee for each dog that is licensed • Rabies Clinic is held at the Animal Shelter 2 or 3 times a year • Late fees are charged City Council Conference: Minutes June 9, 2009 3 Council members asked Ms. Carolyn Lewis-Spruill questions regarding the following: • Number of summons issued for 2008 and 2009 • Number of individuals that licensed their dogs after they were fined • Relationship with Pet Smart for adoption • Establishing a relationship with pet stores; veterinarian to notify the City when a dog is purchased or adopted by an individual that lives in Trenton. Ms. Lewis-Spruill gave a brief breakdown of the Walnut Avenue investigation - 241 home were visited: • 90 homes had no dogs • 69 homes no one responded • 20 homes had dogs that were licensed • 26 homes were left a summons Councilman Melone asked that the City Ordinance be changed to delete the five days grace period. Mr. Alacqua stated that the change City Council requested to the Dog Ordinance was not necessary. The five days grace period is something the Department gives, it is not part of the City Ordinance C. Update – Status report: Department of Inspections Personnel and Sub Code Officials Appearance: Leonard Pucciatti, Director of Inspections Dennis Gonzalez, Acting Business Administrator Mr. Leonard Pucciatti, Director of Inspections stated that the City of Trenton was required by Law to maintain four (4) sub-code officials and a construction official. Mr. Pucciatti stated that the City had the necessary personnel required. The four sub-code officials are as follows: Electrical Sub-code – The City does not have back-up help Plumbing Sub-code – The City does not have back-up help Building Sub-code – The City has back-up help Fire Sub-code – The City has back-up help Mr. Dennis Gonzalez, Acting Business Administrator notified City Council that the City can request authorization from the State Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to authorized the City of Trenton to hire someone on a temporary basis to do the inspections. Council Members asked questions on the following items: • A home buyer hiring a private Inspector • Privatizing Sub-Code Officials • Requesting authorization from DCA • How is the revenue from the permit increase use • Employees being over extended/over worked City Council Conference: Minutes June 9, 2009 4  Mr. Gonzalez stated that he and Mr. Pucciatti had discussions regarding the creation of two part time inspector positions, one for plumbing and one for electrical to use on an as needed basis. He is also working on an ordinance to create the positions. Mr. Edward Osvia, Plumbing Sub-code Official for the City of Trenton stated the following: • City is not permitted to hire a third party individual • City received a survey on February 11, 2009 from DCA stating that the City of Trenton requires two 2 plumbing sub-code, two 2 electrical sub-code, two 2 fire sub-code, and 3-3/4 building sub-code • There is a back log of inspections that need to be done Mr. Dennis Gonzalez stated that the letter was not a requirement; it was a guide and recommendation. D. Towing Update: Appearance: Joseph Alacqua, Special Counsel Mr. Alacqua stated that the following changes were made to the Towing Ordinance: • Administrative fee of $25 was eliminated • Fee of $5 per vehicle - cargo fee remains (release of vehicle) • New section added - Application for acquisition of clear and junk title section 283.15 - If the tower files a completed application there is no fee, if application is incomplete there is a $50 fee. • The storage fee schedule 283-13 includes the language from the State Statute – That reads there should be a cap of $400 for storage fee charged to the City for vehicles converted via clear title, or vehicles converted to bids via City Auction regardless of duration of the storage. Except that a waiver may be granted for good cause upon the request of the Municipality by the Division of Local Government Services, Department of Community Affairs. Mr. Brain Hawkins, Hawks Towing – read a part of the State Statue regarding the $400 storage fee – A limit of $400 per vehicle storage regardless of duration of the storage. Except that a waiver may be granted for good cause upon the request of the Municipality by the Division of Local Government Services, Department of Community Affairs. Council President Pintella asked Mr. Joseph Alacqua to provide the Towing Ordinance to Council at the next scheduled meeting. City Council Conference: Minutes June 9, 2009 5 E. Discussion of Resolution entitled: “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE UTILIZATION OF COMPETITIVE CONTRACTING IN LIEU OF PUBLIC BIDDING FOR CONCESSIONS PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4.1(J)” Mr. Gonzalez stated that this was for a marketing video for the City of Trenton, at no cost. A resolution would be done and brought before Council for adoption at the next scheduled Council meeting. F. ANNUAL NOTICE MEETING Council President asked Council members if the double header meetings could be scheduled to start at 4:00 pm and continued as one meeting until business is accomplished. Mrs. Juanita M. Joyner, Acting City Clerk suggested that instead of having three different times to start Council meetings that all the meeting should be scheduled to start at 4:00 pm. Council members agreed to leave the Conference and General meetings at the regular schedule timed of 5:00 pm or 5:30 pm. Mrs. Joyner stated that she would provide a resolution for Council’s approval on June 18, 2009. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Edward T. Osvai, Plumbing sub-code, City employee – Stated that the Department of Inspections did not have adequate help. Patricia Stewart, 679 Lamberton Street – Asked if dog vaccinations included distemper or just rabies; spoke on other dogs issues. Blanca Ohler, 216 Bayard Street - Spoke on behalf of a group that opposes Roman Hall becoming a night club. They have a petition for residents. Andrea Aaronson, 210 Bayard Street – Spoke against Roman Hall being turned into a night club; parking issue Janet Sager, 223 Bayard Street – Spoke against Roman Hall becoming a night club. Bea Perry, 26 Sylvester Avenue – Spoke on tree needing to be trimmed and wild vegetation being cut; alleyway needs cleaning; drugs are hidden in the alleys; the City needs a profanity ordinance; something has to be done about the ATVs. Dion Clark, 323 Walnut Avenue – Spoke on the AmTrak train tracks needing to be clean; he stated that the death of the young lady on Brunswick Avenue should not be forgotten; he feels that the City should bring in the State Police or the National Guard. City Council Conference: Minutes June 9, 2009 6 Paul Harris, 137 Centre Street – Spoke on the problem with the ATVs, he feels that gas stations should not serve ATVs. Council President Pintella announced that the Executive session was rescheduled for June 16, 2009. Mrs. Juanita M. Joyner had two special permit applications for Council approval: 1. Big L, Inc. - event to take place on June 18, 2009 at the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. 2. Costa Rican Civic Association of Mercer County - event to take place on June 13, 2009 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Councilwoman Staton made a motion to adopt the special event applications, seconded by Councilman Segura, passed by unanimous vote of City Council. CIVIC MATTERS: Councilman Coston – Read a written statement on his resignation as South Ward Councilman. To the residents of the South Ward, my fellow citizens of Trenton, and my colleagues: It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve the residents of the South Ward of the City of Trenton as your elected representative. I have enjoyed working with you, working for you and working to revitalize South Trenton. When I campaigned for this office, I fully expected to complete this term and, if my constituents would have me, run for one more. However, the best laid plans of mice and men amount to nothing before the divine purpose of our Creator. I am a pastor by training, vocation and call. While I gratefully and humbly accepted the call of my fellow residents of the South Ward to serve them as their Councilman, my first obligation is, and always has been, to my Lord and Savior. To that end, I have been called to, and have accepted, the position of Senior Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, to be effective in late August. This is not a position I had sought, nor was it an easy decision to make. Therefore, I will resign as the elected city councilman from the South Ward to be effective on September 2. In partnership with the South Ward’s residents, civic associations and businesses, we have accomplished a lot. There is certainly more to do. However, the South Ward is in much better shape than it was three years ago. Many other seeds have been planted that will come to fruition in days to come. A portion of my heart will always be here. I have no doubt as to the course for the South Ward of Trenton in general. Out greatest strength is the resilience and character of our residents. That truth will not change regardless of whoever sits in this, or any other, elected seat. City Council Conference: Minutes June 9, 2009 7  To those who are disappointed in this news, I ask your forgiveness and understanding. To those who wish me will, I appreciate and solicit your prayers. I thank my supporters for lifting me up on tough days. I thank my critics for demanding more and better from me; while we have certainly had our share of disagreements on civic matters, I hope that we can conclude that our tough conversations generated more light than heat, and that together we helped move the city forward. I thank the families who make up our community, neighborhoods, blocks and Ward. God bless you and God bless the great City of Trenton. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted ___________________________ __________________________ PAUL M. PINTELLA JUANITA M. JOYNER CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ACTING CITY CLERK City Council Conference: Minutes June 9, 2009 8