Fitch Lowers New Jersey Credit Rating to AA- From AA ~ NYTimes
Why Asbury Radio should care:
Asbury Park's debt rating is linked to the State's financial health and rating status. Moody's rating procedure takes into account the State's oversight and its own status, especially since Asbury Park is directly dependent on the State for millions of dollars in annual support - aid to cities in need, aid to dependent cities, or temporary aid to dependent cities. Whatever they're calling the money we get from the State this year, the charity is scheduled to stop. This year's $10.5 million is largely seen as the last handout of its kind the city is going to get. In light of today's downgrade, that is practically a certainty. When Asbury Park goes to market for another bond issue, or to roll over its debt, it'll need another rating from one of the three agencies. That rating is how lenders - largely muni bond buyers - decide how much interest they should earn on the bonds. Bond interest rises with the amount of risk the buyer is accepting.
Related articles:
SEC charges N.J. for fraudulent municipal bond offerings
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Showing posts with label bonding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bonding. Show all posts
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Tax Assessor 2 Yrs from Retirement Axed by Council
Welcome to Asbury Radio's Reporter's Notebook
-- where your FREE transcription service tries its best to take down what she hears as fast as she can on a really bad DELL laptop keyboard (purchased at *On-Site Computers). Completions, additions, clarifications, spellings, questions, etc., are encouraged and welcome. Please use the comment link at the end of this posting. Or email asburyradio@aol.com
Council meeting – August 3, 2011
City Manager: City Has Had to Borrow & Spend to Grow & Attract Business
Spending continues tonight w/ $1.12million Borrowed for leasing equipment
City Tax Assessor, Marylou Hartmann, Replaced by Neptune Twp Share Agreement
Neptune assessor will take on Asbury Park on top of the Twp's needs
Parking Ordinance for Central Business District
Salary Ordinance for Fire Dept – 7.5% over 2008 – 2012
Fire-eaters gave up retro-pay for 08, 09 and 10
Curfew Ordinance – raises questions on ability to enforce
7:07 PM We’re late... –
Missed Commerce Dir’s presentation – see workshop agenda posted earlier today on this site.
Councilmember Jim Bruno asks about complaint of state of boardwalk boards in north end.
Bryan Grant – inch and qtr boards are drying up /(layer applied last summer) always a cosmetic measure, decking under bdwlk is worn out/ cupping is drying of wood/
[Jim Bruno started this discussion, as per complaint from Asbury tower, He is concerned and has asked what can be done by city…]
JB – asks about audit, can we interview the auditor?
Terry Reidy MCity mgr – yes, way to do it is read it, put ques together…
If council wants to go into detail on any aspect we’ll schedule it/
JB – I asked for brkdwn had to do w/ infrastrucutr wk / /we didn’t submit bills to EIT but paid vendors anyway. Can u help me out chris [CFO]
TR – I can... EIT didn’t pay city bk w/in fiscal yr/ so money came in late, but technicality from auditing $3mn shortfall
JB – so EIT’s fault not ours
TR – you wnt to tlk fault
Money didn’t get from …so when close out books cdn’t account for $3mn…
JB – so didn’t cost us, ok
Does council wnt to discuss audit –
John Lofrredo, Mayor Ed Johnson, and Sue Henderson say yes(Sanders absent) want to review audit.
John Loffredo (JL) – asking about some kind of a T at beachfront/ if someone has wheelchair/
TR – this is first yr we’ve had this / put there as an amenity/ unclear what they’re talking about
Mayor – can u in your comments mention the effort on the west side and partners in hsg/ national night out was grt event/ s/b every single day, not just one night. Everyone knows wats going on in that neighborhood, we hv to get involved can’t be afraid/ school – bk to, annual party aug 13 11- 3 pm
Fred Raffetto, city atty:
Council may tk action from exec session: possible ord amending titles for salaries / city eng and asst pub wks supt. Aswfsme union
Shared svcs w/ Neptune for assessing svcs, not be oct 1st, 2011/ This means city tax assessor will replaced by resolution tonight by Bernard Haney, Tax Assessor for Neptune Twp in a shared services agreement. The matter will not be discussed w/ the public because it is not being approved by ordinance.
FR: said he believes the savings being estimated is $30k to $40k/yr
TR – beach revenue – 688, 749. or $156k more than last yr
Parking revenues $532k from pkg, goal is $60k w/
Public Portion – at mic
Rita Marano –
Agreement w/ Neptune re tax assessor, why did this come up now? How much w/ we save? Woman has yr and qtr to go. Why pk on a one man office to eliminate people?
TR – thnk be more effic to enter into…w/ save money and achieve more efficiency
RM – how can that be more effic – sharing? More exper 25 yrs/ we know savings is not going to happen
TR – u don’t know that/ #2 w/ save money and w/ be...
RM – going to hv to pay her for another yr and half, lawsuit on your hands, what’s the rush?
TR – I gave u reason
RM – not good enough for me
And when u give parkg and beach proceeds it’s gross not net/ u shd say that/ bk to mary Hartmann important/ everyone in rm knows wk she does/ excellent wkr/ don’t know why u don’t let her finish out her time …
GAVEL –
WS Resident Lakeyva Jones- Summnerfield Av flooding agin
TR – u hav a car that was damaged in water on summerfield, insur co is chkg/ it’s a matter of whether insur co determines if city liable. /
Tim Harris - Atkins Av & Springwd Av improvement area/ residnts apprec. Once blk is updated… W interfaith’s wk wd suggest council revisit whole issue of pkg in that area / w/ park w/ hv w/ be shortage of pkg/ may wnt some type of resolution…
Joyce Grant –
Appreciate field day and your endorsement of open park for Bradley Cove area/ reads from quote from Brian of iStar/ we are open to hvg conversations in respect to oopen spc and conservation but at this time townhouses plan is in place/ however, he is oopen to discussions w/ council. Ques since you’re on record agreeing with this w/ you discuss w/ cty freeholders to hv..
Mayor – it’s already begun
JG- The discussions? Really?
Mayor – yes
JG - Thank you very much
Joe Woerner – is there any time line? Spkn to pk employees…process is hey tlk to iStar and key appraisal, $ to agree to/ process that is started ? what ecxacly
Mayor – I’ve had mtgs or contact w/ rec comm., all freeholders, w/ APartners/ I’m really on the outside right now, I know [to Sue Henderson[ you’re getting ready to dicuss plans for north/ as far as timelines…I’ve learned in this bizness/
JL – I’ll be honest they indicated to us, it’s money and everyone’s lkg for money w/ theis be the project…I think we hv to convince them [county] that is this is the best place for park.
JW – should be sep from what committee doing t’w nite, but…BEEP
Bond street hairdressing shop owner – problems pkg/ traffic tickets no where to pk/
Mayor – city engineer and dep mayor just down there going over plans/ designated pkg for businesses and residents/ trying to identify spaces for residents, biz owners and emoployees so others w/ be for employees. Roll out after labor day
Aug 9th pub rel pc from pkg auth be ready, says Brian Grant. 5:30 pm Tues mtg if you’d like to attend – mayor
Woman - City pkg lot?
Mayor Lkg at all those spaces…
Louise Murray - former councilperson
- on bdwk few times in evening – signs no dogs or bikes how are u enforcing? See violations #2 read or heard, AP not being best dressed town ar’d/ it’s so true/ wd be wonderful if u cd ensure no bchwear/ nothing worse than to see someone who thinks hey lk good in a bathingsuit slither up to a bar/ u gotta get drunk really fast to put up w/ that/ Jimmy your dad wd never let anyone like that on bdwlk here/
Mayor – u know you’re right. I’ll ask mgr to address dogs and bikes in minute, but in this day and age ltd resources wd love to chase down everyone not dressed right but this ord is our opp to chg, how we deal w/ gangs, truancy, if hv to push for all it w/ be for that ordinance – curfew, etc. – bez hv to save our young people/
JL – don’t u think we shd instrut by example?
Mayor – asking can we also address dogs and bikes
TR – louise is absolutely accurate turns to Chief police
CKinmon – spkn to people issued summons, not every time
Jerry Scarano – LB
Health benfits/ I know u get pat on back and stipend, but don’t know anyone who doesn’t wk f/time who gets benefits/ if u wnt higher stipend s/ req it/ but healthcare is benefit/ how can u hold bk on city wkrs benfits/ or jst wait for state to tell u not going to get anymore as tied to extraordinary aid
How much is city going to save if combine
TR – initially $30k
RM – [Questions is this best time to share assessor in light of state-ordered revaluation] Did we sign off on that yet?
JS - [On borrowing] understanding where she [Rita] was coming from since 10 yrs ago city only owed $5 mn now $58 mn at least
Myra Campbell – DEP did mandate atkins place be dismantled/ my complaint has been who’s been overseeing this project/ asphalt brik and forget other material, it was clrly being recycled on our street/ When city engineer was asked who gave app’l or when, he said he didn’t know/ Lucas construc donated $24k, as per Coaster, did any of that come from AP? WSide Citizens united is an active part of back to school day/
TR – brian went thru explanation…sev’l times named certain mat’ls as illegal …DEP says not illeal/ mistake was made was allowing mat’l brought in to be crushed/ dep was aware when visited site. It was the mat’l fr outside that req’d the permit/
BG – this is an EIT project administered by the state/ w hv dep come down for bimonthly inspections/ progress of job. They sign off as well as brian/ aware of crushing operations/ once outside the zone became violation/no penalties issued, situation been abated.
End of public comment portion
Minutes – app’d by bruno, mayor, Henderson –
Bill resolution $2mn current vouchers, $510k for bd of ed/ total over $3mn
Raffles - appd
Tax officer for city of Asbury park – appd
Panosonic computers not to exceed $40k
Personal propo to Bradley bch /canine cage sold for $10
Sewer plant 503 sunset ave to ? didn’t get am’t
Shared svcs Neptune for assessing svcs / final vote tonight
All yes/
Auth city mgr MOA w/ city youth corp
Salary ord for titles city engineer an asst pw supt/ sept 7th mtg/ state w/ review all labor contracts/
Jb – when we hv the pub hrg on it w/ it show 2011/ 2012, or w/ it jst show the maximums?
Jb, no – others yes on those salaries / Kevin Sanders will vote via phone/ Sue H calls him
$1, 050,000 leasing capital equip’t/
Open to audience
RM – 4 affirm votes are needed
Pls explain ord again
TR – this is a leased eq’t / all partic in mon cty invited to partic in lease agreement/ if wnt to partic ask them what their number is, once submit number becomes overall bonding number/ u only pay on what actually bond for, regardless of what amount you say uo want to bond for// invited *on-site computer to do analysis of the computers, they’re the ones who service them. All were 3 to 5 yrs old/ $25k for office furn for sen ctra/ social svcs and city mgr/
RM – weren’t there two electric cars in there
No
RM – there are new cars
SH – hybrids
TR – 5 vehicles
sev’l 2 for code dept, 2 for construction, van for sen citiz, minivan for sen center/ and hybrid for city mgr
RM – why is that? Why do you need a new car?
You’re going to say it’s over the yrs but no one asks about the debt svc
It’s not fair yur borrowing when you can’t afford/equip't only last a few yrs but pay for 30 yrs
TR – in order to run city hv to have things, personnel, doesn’t happen w/out spending/ equip’t in we need/ we auctioned off our fleet 27 cars, we’re being strategic in buying what need to provide the svcs. Everyone/ u included/ wd be asking why don’t we hv svcs/
RM – we’re over our head in debt/
TR – city has to keep mvg forward…when I came in city was stagnant/ we’re much better now/
RM – u jst raised our taxes 18c and now you’re borrowing again.
TR- taxes don’t get reduced
LM – how many towns jumped on this program? 12 jumped on it out of 52? Are they in bad shape too?
JB – asked how much bonding for…how does the public know what those vehicles are? Public has no idea what getting?
Ordinance states can go to $1,120,000 and up to 5.50% interest
VOTES -JB – no on bond ordinance, SH, Kevin Sanders – by phone, JL, Mayor, all yes
JB – had asked how public willknow if substitutions in list are made/ FR suggested it be posted on the web
Don Sammett, City Redev Dir -Amend CDB plan pay fee equal to a structured pokg stall/ dev havn’t pad into that fund they’ve fnd ways of getting around/ cost equal to impact lk of pkg has on CBD as a whole. So w/ be asked to pay into fund instead for improving pkg all over downtown. All yes
Ordinance on Curfew –
JB que –
Fire Dept
Chief Keddy – academy training, steps salaries range from an academy fireman at $38, 127 to start, one in his 7th yr wd make in 2011 $88, 350
TR - Isn’t retroactive for 08 and 09, dept gave that up, so retroactive kicks bk in this yr 2011/ this is ex how wer’e trying to save money/ they’re tkg comp instead of OT pay, reduced health benefits/ pay 1.5% of salary to health benefits/ part of this yr and 2012/ all yes
8:35 pm adjourned
-- where your FREE transcription service tries its best to take down what she hears as fast as she can on a really bad DELL laptop keyboard (purchased at *On-Site Computers). Completions, additions, clarifications, spellings, questions, etc., are encouraged and welcome. Please use the comment link at the end of this posting. Or email asburyradio@aol.com
Council meeting – August 3, 2011
City Manager: City Has Had to Borrow & Spend to Grow & Attract Business
Spending continues tonight w/ $1.12million Borrowed for leasing equipment
City Tax Assessor, Marylou Hartmann, Replaced by Neptune Twp Share Agreement
Neptune assessor will take on Asbury Park on top of the Twp's needs
Parking Ordinance for Central Business District
Salary Ordinance for Fire Dept – 7.5% over 2008 – 2012
Fire-eaters gave up retro-pay for 08, 09 and 10
Curfew Ordinance – raises questions on ability to enforce
7:07 PM We’re late... –
Missed Commerce Dir’s presentation – see workshop agenda posted earlier today on this site.
Councilmember Jim Bruno asks about complaint of state of boardwalk boards in north end.
Bryan Grant – inch and qtr boards are drying up /(layer applied last summer) always a cosmetic measure, decking under bdwlk is worn out/ cupping is drying of wood/
[Jim Bruno started this discussion, as per complaint from Asbury tower, He is concerned and has asked what can be done by city…]
JB – asks about audit, can we interview the auditor?
Terry Reidy MCity mgr – yes, way to do it is read it, put ques together…
If council wants to go into detail on any aspect we’ll schedule it/
JB – I asked for brkdwn had to do w/ infrastrucutr wk / /we didn’t submit bills to EIT but paid vendors anyway. Can u help me out chris [CFO]
TR – I can... EIT didn’t pay city bk w/in fiscal yr/ so money came in late, but technicality from auditing $3mn shortfall
JB – so EIT’s fault not ours
TR – you wnt to tlk fault
Money didn’t get from …so when close out books cdn’t account for $3mn…
JB – so didn’t cost us, ok
Does council wnt to discuss audit –
John Lofrredo, Mayor Ed Johnson, and Sue Henderson say yes(Sanders absent) want to review audit.
John Loffredo (JL) – asking about some kind of a T at beachfront/ if someone has wheelchair/
TR – this is first yr we’ve had this / put there as an amenity/ unclear what they’re talking about
Mayor – can u in your comments mention the effort on the west side and partners in hsg/ national night out was grt event/ s/b every single day, not just one night. Everyone knows wats going on in that neighborhood, we hv to get involved can’t be afraid/ school – bk to, annual party aug 13 11- 3 pm
Fred Raffetto, city atty:
Council may tk action from exec session: possible ord amending titles for salaries / city eng and asst pub wks supt. Aswfsme union
Shared svcs w/ Neptune for assessing svcs, not be oct 1st, 2011/ This means city tax assessor will replaced by resolution tonight by Bernard Haney, Tax Assessor for Neptune Twp in a shared services agreement. The matter will not be discussed w/ the public because it is not being approved by ordinance.
FR: said he believes the savings being estimated is $30k to $40k/yr
TR – beach revenue – 688, 749. or $156k more than last yr
Parking revenues $532k from pkg, goal is $60k w/
Public Portion – at mic
Rita Marano –
Agreement w/ Neptune re tax assessor, why did this come up now? How much w/ we save? Woman has yr and qtr to go. Why pk on a one man office to eliminate people?
TR – thnk be more effic to enter into…w/ save money and achieve more efficiency
RM – how can that be more effic – sharing? More exper 25 yrs/ we know savings is not going to happen
TR – u don’t know that/ #2 w/ save money and w/ be...
RM – going to hv to pay her for another yr and half, lawsuit on your hands, what’s the rush?
TR – I gave u reason
RM – not good enough for me
And when u give parkg and beach proceeds it’s gross not net/ u shd say that/ bk to mary Hartmann important/ everyone in rm knows wk she does/ excellent wkr/ don’t know why u don’t let her finish out her time …
GAVEL –
WS Resident Lakeyva Jones- Summnerfield Av flooding agin
TR – u hav a car that was damaged in water on summerfield, insur co is chkg/ it’s a matter of whether insur co determines if city liable. /
Tim Harris - Atkins Av & Springwd Av improvement area/ residnts apprec. Once blk is updated… W interfaith’s wk wd suggest council revisit whole issue of pkg in that area / w/ park w/ hv w/ be shortage of pkg/ may wnt some type of resolution…
Joyce Grant –
Appreciate field day and your endorsement of open park for Bradley Cove area/ reads from quote from Brian of iStar/ we are open to hvg conversations in respect to oopen spc and conservation but at this time townhouses plan is in place/ however, he is oopen to discussions w/ council. Ques since you’re on record agreeing with this w/ you discuss w/ cty freeholders to hv..
Mayor – it’s already begun
JG- The discussions? Really?
Mayor – yes
JG - Thank you very much
Joe Woerner – is there any time line? Spkn to pk employees…process is hey tlk to iStar and key appraisal, $ to agree to/ process that is started ? what ecxacly
Mayor – I’ve had mtgs or contact w/ rec comm., all freeholders, w/ APartners/ I’m really on the outside right now, I know [to Sue Henderson[ you’re getting ready to dicuss plans for north/ as far as timelines…I’ve learned in this bizness/
JL – I’ll be honest they indicated to us, it’s money and everyone’s lkg for money w/ theis be the project…I think we hv to convince them [county] that is this is the best place for park.
JW – should be sep from what committee doing t’w nite, but…BEEP
Bond street hairdressing shop owner – problems pkg/ traffic tickets no where to pk/
Mayor – city engineer and dep mayor just down there going over plans/ designated pkg for businesses and residents/ trying to identify spaces for residents, biz owners and emoployees so others w/ be for employees. Roll out after labor day
Aug 9th pub rel pc from pkg auth be ready, says Brian Grant. 5:30 pm Tues mtg if you’d like to attend – mayor
Woman - City pkg lot?
Mayor Lkg at all those spaces…
Louise Murray - former councilperson
- on bdwk few times in evening – signs no dogs or bikes how are u enforcing? See violations #2 read or heard, AP not being best dressed town ar’d/ it’s so true/ wd be wonderful if u cd ensure no bchwear/ nothing worse than to see someone who thinks hey lk good in a bathingsuit slither up to a bar/ u gotta get drunk really fast to put up w/ that/ Jimmy your dad wd never let anyone like that on bdwlk here/
Mayor – u know you’re right. I’ll ask mgr to address dogs and bikes in minute, but in this day and age ltd resources wd love to chase down everyone not dressed right but this ord is our opp to chg, how we deal w/ gangs, truancy, if hv to push for all it w/ be for that ordinance – curfew, etc. – bez hv to save our young people/
JL – don’t u think we shd instrut by example?
Mayor – asking can we also address dogs and bikes
TR – louise is absolutely accurate turns to Chief police
CKinmon – spkn to people issued summons, not every time
Jerry Scarano – LB
Health benfits/ I know u get pat on back and stipend, but don’t know anyone who doesn’t wk f/time who gets benefits/ if u wnt higher stipend s/ req it/ but healthcare is benefit/ how can u hold bk on city wkrs benfits/ or jst wait for state to tell u not going to get anymore as tied to extraordinary aid
How much is city going to save if combine
TR – initially $30k
RM – [Questions is this best time to share assessor in light of state-ordered revaluation] Did we sign off on that yet?
JS - [On borrowing] understanding where she [Rita] was coming from since 10 yrs ago city only owed $5 mn now $58 mn at least
Myra Campbell – DEP did mandate atkins place be dismantled/ my complaint has been who’s been overseeing this project/ asphalt brik and forget other material, it was clrly being recycled on our street/ When city engineer was asked who gave app’l or when, he said he didn’t know/ Lucas construc donated $24k, as per Coaster, did any of that come from AP? WSide Citizens united is an active part of back to school day/
TR – brian went thru explanation…sev’l times named certain mat’ls as illegal …DEP says not illeal/ mistake was made was allowing mat’l brought in to be crushed/ dep was aware when visited site. It was the mat’l fr outside that req’d the permit/
BG – this is an EIT project administered by the state/ w hv dep come down for bimonthly inspections/ progress of job. They sign off as well as brian/ aware of crushing operations/ once outside the zone became violation/no penalties issued, situation been abated.
End of public comment portion
Minutes – app’d by bruno, mayor, Henderson –
Bill resolution $2mn current vouchers, $510k for bd of ed/ total over $3mn
Raffles - appd
Tax officer for city of Asbury park – appd
Panosonic computers not to exceed $40k
Personal propo to Bradley bch /canine cage sold for $10
Sewer plant 503 sunset ave to ? didn’t get am’t
Shared svcs Neptune for assessing svcs / final vote tonight
All yes/
Auth city mgr MOA w/ city youth corp
Salary ord for titles city engineer an asst pw supt/ sept 7th mtg/ state w/ review all labor contracts/
Jb – when we hv the pub hrg on it w/ it show 2011/ 2012, or w/ it jst show the maximums?
Jb, no – others yes on those salaries / Kevin Sanders will vote via phone/ Sue H calls him
$1, 050,000 leasing capital equip’t/
Open to audience
RM – 4 affirm votes are needed
Pls explain ord again
TR – this is a leased eq’t / all partic in mon cty invited to partic in lease agreement/ if wnt to partic ask them what their number is, once submit number becomes overall bonding number/ u only pay on what actually bond for, regardless of what amount you say uo want to bond for// invited *on-site computer to do analysis of the computers, they’re the ones who service them. All were 3 to 5 yrs old/ $25k for office furn for sen ctra/ social svcs and city mgr/
RM – weren’t there two electric cars in there
No
RM – there are new cars
SH – hybrids
TR – 5 vehicles
sev’l 2 for code dept, 2 for construction, van for sen citiz, minivan for sen center/ and hybrid for city mgr
RM – why is that? Why do you need a new car?
You’re going to say it’s over the yrs but no one asks about the debt svc
It’s not fair yur borrowing when you can’t afford/equip't only last a few yrs but pay for 30 yrs
TR – in order to run city hv to have things, personnel, doesn’t happen w/out spending/ equip’t in we need/ we auctioned off our fleet 27 cars, we’re being strategic in buying what need to provide the svcs. Everyone/ u included/ wd be asking why don’t we hv svcs/
RM – we’re over our head in debt/
TR – city has to keep mvg forward…when I came in city was stagnant/ we’re much better now/
RM – u jst raised our taxes 18c and now you’re borrowing again.
TR- taxes don’t get reduced
LM – how many towns jumped on this program? 12 jumped on it out of 52? Are they in bad shape too?
JB – asked how much bonding for…how does the public know what those vehicles are? Public has no idea what getting?
Ordinance states can go to $1,120,000 and up to 5.50% interest
VOTES -JB – no on bond ordinance, SH, Kevin Sanders – by phone, JL, Mayor, all yes
JB – had asked how public willknow if substitutions in list are made/ FR suggested it be posted on the web
Don Sammett, City Redev Dir -Amend CDB plan pay fee equal to a structured pokg stall/ dev havn’t pad into that fund they’ve fnd ways of getting around/ cost equal to impact lk of pkg has on CBD as a whole. So w/ be asked to pay into fund instead for improving pkg all over downtown. All yes
Ordinance on Curfew –
JB que –
Fire Dept
Chief Keddy – academy training, steps salaries range from an academy fireman at $38, 127 to start, one in his 7th yr wd make in 2011 $88, 350
TR - Isn’t retroactive for 08 and 09, dept gave that up, so retroactive kicks bk in this yr 2011/ this is ex how wer’e trying to save money/ they’re tkg comp instead of OT pay, reduced health benefits/ pay 1.5% of salary to health benefits/ part of this yr and 2012/ all yes
8:35 pm adjourned
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Asbury Park Saves $35k on Bond Debt
The Monmouth County Improvement Authority went to the bond market and came away with a lower interest rate on its debt, which made a lower rate possible for Asbury Park, too. The City is getting bonds that it had placed through the Authority, in 1995, reduced from a rate of 7.5% to 4%, a savings of $55,000, said the City's acting CFO, Christine Paulin.
The City Council authorized the refunding of the bonds today at a special meeting of the council held in the conference room across from City Manager Terry Reidy's office. The original amount borrowed through the county amounted to $2,215,000 in1995. The actual balance on the 16 year-old bonds, the amount to be refinanced, is $760,000, which includes $20,000 to pay for bond counsel, the auditor's bill and other costs, said Paulin. In that respect it is similar to when a homeowner refinances their house, the fees connected with that refinance are added into the amount borrowed. It is interesting to note how long it takes to pay these debts off. A little over two million borrowed 16 years ago is still the better part of one million dollars. According to Paulin, the "total indebtedness" for the City is $13 million. (Earlier stories have more on AP's municipal debt in mandatory filings at http://www.emma.msrb.org/) The lower interest rate should help pay off the refunded balance faster.
The public can comment on the bond refunding at the next special meeting when it will be put to vote: March 7, at 9 AM.
The City Council authorized the refunding of the bonds today at a special meeting of the council held in the conference room across from City Manager Terry Reidy's office. The original amount borrowed through the county amounted to $2,215,000 in1995. The actual balance on the 16 year-old bonds, the amount to be refinanced, is $760,000, which includes $20,000 to pay for bond counsel, the auditor's bill and other costs, said Paulin. In that respect it is similar to when a homeowner refinances their house, the fees connected with that refinance are added into the amount borrowed. It is interesting to note how long it takes to pay these debts off. A little over two million borrowed 16 years ago is still the better part of one million dollars. According to Paulin, the "total indebtedness" for the City is $13 million. (Earlier stories have more on AP's municipal debt in mandatory filings at http://www.emma.msrb.org/) The lower interest rate should help pay off the refunded balance faster.
The public can comment on the bond refunding at the next special meeting when it will be put to vote: March 7, at 9 AM.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Debt Story Emerges in City's Financials Filed with EMMA
Despite market analysts' claims to the contrary, deciphering a municipality's true debt picture is in some ways tougher than explaining how derivatives crashed the global economy. It's the opaqueness. Towns use a variety of different vehicles to place a bond issue, underwriters, government entities. So it makes it difficult to search on the name of a municipality and come up with a single number.
Not even rating agencies have a full picture. They only analyze the municipal bond issue they're asked to rate. Most of the financials are prepared and provided by the municipality itself. The rating agencies don't make those documents public. But the municipalities do have to file them with the Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA), which is run by the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), at http://http://www.emma.msrb.org/
Asbury Park's files are over 200 pages long. Here are some pages, which give a glimpse of some of the debt obligations of the City. We're not attempting to analyze this data, which like other municipalities is not the most recent. The time lag is one of the points under review as part of the new financial reform act. But there are probably other visitors to this site who can reach some conclusions from the excerpts here. For the full file, please visit the link above.
Not even rating agencies have a full picture. They only analyze the municipal bond issue they're asked to rate. Most of the financials are prepared and provided by the municipality itself. The rating agencies don't make those documents public. But the municipalities do have to file them with the Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA), which is run by the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), at http://http://www.emma.msrb.org/
Asbury Park's files are over 200 pages long. Here are some pages, which give a glimpse of some of the debt obligations of the City. We're not attempting to analyze this data, which like other municipalities is not the most recent. The time lag is one of the points under review as part of the new financial reform act. But there are probably other visitors to this site who can reach some conclusions from the excerpts here. For the full file, please visit the link above.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
$3 million+ in Bond Issues Move Forward, Health Benefit Cuts, Cookman Merchant Restrictions Challenged, Recycling & Garbage for Pick up Tomorrow
Welcome to the Reporters' Notebook brought to you by Asbury Radio
as always corrections, correct spellings, facts, all extremely welcome...
Council Meeting January 19, 2011
Council members Susan Henderson, Mayor Johnson, Kevin Sanders, James Bruno –
Council member John Loffredo out for his birthday
Workshop
Garrett Giberson –
Pst sev’l mos. Research on munis in area, tinton falls, red bank, etc/ our fees hvan’t increased since 19??, mercantile fees $25 now, mst towns set fees by am’t of Sfootage, multiple dwellings…go by num of units ea bldg houses/ non owner occupied one and two unit homes - $50, we never collected a fee for these units, never inspected. Needs to be addressed, this is how we’re addressing it/ #2, mercantile SFootage, re inspection fee, never had one/ first reinspection is on us, second if violations not abated wd cost $25, if go out on another he’d issue fines based on state rule, so that’d be another revenue to come in / variance fee, duplicate certif. of inspection wd be charged a fee/ idea is to reflect what other munis are doing/
Mayor Johnson – when effective?
GG – send invoices once they go into effect.
City Atty – Fred Raffetto - Not adequately reimbursing dept.
If council satisfied we can mv forward w/ introduction
Kevin Sanders – ques, when come bk for reinspection…
GG – if find something else on return visit, I’ll usually give them time, 10 days, but if it’s safety problem I may ask them to do right away. If next yr same violations, I don’t hv to giv them any time, I can issue penalties right then/
KS – Is the second one $25 or more?
GG – That’s up to my judgment.
CFO – Christine Pawlin –
Resolution to reduce am’t of insurance costs to any employee who? Fill out app to opt out of our health insur. Now being paid 50c on dollar/ this reduces to 25% of the premium, w/ cap of $5k, 2010 spnt $272k on those/ this w/ bring down to save almost $130k.
Mayor – how much does it cost per person?
CP - Single cov’g is little over $12k…
City Mgr – family is close to $20,000.
Big advantage for city if employee says don’t need since spouse has. So city instituted policy says if don’t tk city cov’ge w’l reimburse you 50%, city also gains on your medical exp, bills etc.
What state is doing now reduce to 25% and cap at $5k
25 employees now who are opting/
Save $140k every yr
FR- w/ put forth for action at tonight’s mtg
One of req in MOU for w/in 3 mos of mou city sign pay to play ord same as city of JC, we have one, we were one of first to pass/ restricts granting contracts to contirubtors to city elections/ 04 ord adjusted since then/ JC is more stringent, he’s provided the examples to the council. Mou 90days expires Feb 3rd/ as long as we introduce on Feb 2, state says ok.
I’ve been wkg w/ james famularo and my office concessions – ATMs on city prop, cred cd processing accepted, beach umbrellas, pedal boats on lake/ public contracts law to initiate the process/ dif from competitive bid process, not obligated to go w/ lowest bidder, RF w/ come up w/ a ranking system, and recommend/ We did contact local gov’t svcs, agreed this is the best process/ wd like permission to issue bids…
Asst City Mgr James Famularo – design etc for basketball court / 8 tele poles and 8 flood lites not in operation, need to be replaced. Lights we wnt the type we can control, 35 foot candles/
EJ – want to complicate you on wk on courts. Inaudible…
Matters for introduction by council
JB – on his cousin Jason Fazio, fireman seriously injured in fighting fire on main st. he’s had no setbacks, Jason has facebook page, thoughts and support for go there, fundraiser info w/ be up there.
4th of July parade only $5k in bank now, usually have tens of thousands. Not coming in like in past years, developers nowt…I don’t want to even go there. I don’t know how much time I or my family can spend on this, with Jason up there at St. Barnabas in rehab. Even before this I wanted to take a step back. Hamilton did it/ I thought…wd take over.
SH – congratulate James Famularo on grand opening of boxing on top of PWks, lks like a whole dif plc/ actually talked to some kids, saying “I want to thank my supporters”… 4 – 8 pm/ Mon – Fri who’s in charge?
EJ – thank everyone / here we are preparing for our third storm t’w night. Did notice is everybody really mkg conscience efforts to mv cars other to mk clrg easier/ recycling to start t’w and Friday/ starting next mon. bak on reg schedule. On Fri Asbury Lanes I dare anyone/ mayor’s bowl is Friday and I can beat anyone…actually I’m not that good/ 7 pm, til? For a good cause/ $25.
TR – The fitness cr opened last night, long time coming, Interfaith Neighbors, Patrick Durkin is here, alrdy see lot of young people gravitating to this facility/ golden gloves gravitating out of this facility.
Firefighter Fazio if any one can pull thru it’s Jason, amazing personality, what a character he is/ doesn’t surprise me the outpouring of support and love that keeps coming/ keep him in hearts and prayers, it’ll be a long time
FR – council w/ not be tkg action tonight on anything from executive session.
EJ – recycling and garbage pick up tomorrow
Public Participation
John mccarthy 701 – 703 cookman ave following up ltr sent to council/ merchants limited to…trying to get response to ltr for over a month. Want to find out where we stand, two applicants wanted to rent that space and told they don’t fit retail svc business, plenty of businesses on cookman Ave – at least 9 – that don’t meet criteria yet allowed.
TR – knw u had a conversation w/ our city planner. Planning bd tok up request and rejected it, req’t was to change downtown bus area/ longstanding issue/ PB sends recommendation bk to council/ cd amend downtown CBD plan, but wd hv to giv reasons why think it’s wrong headed/
John – then how do you address those 9 properties
TR – mr mc carthy didn’tyou get a call from ?? today
John – yes, but…
TR – this has been a very active dialogue, philosophy, what mks down twon viable, been debated sev’l bus owners asked to hv it changed, it’s an economic dev issue/ wd town be better off if broken up retail business ctr? Hasn’t been ignored.
JMC- Why cdn’t someone tell me the PB rejected it? I want a formal response to that letter and I will meet w/ you because something’s not right.
Jim Henry – 6th Ave, couple of articles in paper concerning iStar and waterfront, understand discussed in executive session wonder if you cd tell us a little someint/ what’s the true story. Another matter mr famularo going out tonight for bids for lighting for basketball courts, think it’s a great idea, but can we afford it? Ask u to tk a good hard lk at that. Are we takg about $30k or $300k ? something to be considered by council.
TR – start/w lighting…then iStar – ballpk number estimate $60,000 w/ be paid for w/ community dev blk grant money, dedicated for certain uses/ court itself was improvedw/ CBG money/ Since James tkn over done capital improvement progrms.
iStar’s concerned…thnk prob the most direct ans is that editorial in APP today, so lv that pc alone, city’s taking action to preserve its rights, it’s been since 2004 since master dev brought forth a designated redeveloper for… city holding APartners in default, persue strategy so we can restore our dev rights. City’s legal strategy, seen some of it in legal documents, nancy gave very detailed report on that on Sat., you’ll see it soon.
Bob Stevens – 515 third av – snow removal, don’t know if repeating or beating dead horse, did real good job in snow removal for such a storm havn’t seen in my time, but is there a plan for proactive removal and how / will it be initiated? Seemed spontaneous, everyone expected to be out,..,did grt job w/ emergency alert/ lot of public not aware of it/ lot of cars still not out, people asked to remove them, but not digging out/ alternate side, we hv for st cleaning, but no signs out for snow emergency…think that cd be part of the process.
TR – sorry you weren’t here for last mtg, some comments were addressed at that mtg. at our nxt wk session/ here’s some of recommendations…way ord is not no pkg but alternate side approach, giv plows nice full swath/
RS – within budget may be somewhere donw the road in my opinion, Emergency response is so important, know everyone’s got to cut back, but if there can be any slight exception don’t see how …1/3 police dept…
TR – PBA, SOA, progress being made, our polic dept gets it, no desire on either side to call your bluff, etc. all negotiating in good faith, sickouts, try to embarrass admin this pol dept not done that.
RS – I’d be willing to put my garbage out once a wk and take my own recycling.
RMarano – guess you’r not going to discuss istar any further, litigators won’t they be the same ones who drafted the plan are being used to litigate the plkan.
TR – yes
RM - IsnT it time to think outside the box. Same thing as when carabetta was here…we can’t afford another 29c increase in our taxes. Btw, Christmas is over and lights are still on. When I read Nancy’s article we’re going to pay comp time to city employees who do mentoring…comp time if wk one day get paid for two…lot of things need to be changed in that union contract.
TR
Ferrari, pres of SICA – came to introduce everyone to the mayor’s bowl Fri night/ hv signed a lease for space next to Chico’s, we expect to be in some time in 2011/ anxious to mv to Asbury /
Jerry Scarano – do we hv policy to snd out notices when sidewalks not cleaned. As good neighbor policy maybe cd volunteer to help each other. Went to trade show w/ about 100 vendors, cd’ve been held at convention hall instead of Brookdale, sorry Ed, nothing to do in Lincroft. Here they cd be using our restauants and shopping here.
Denise Richardson, Ridge Ave – wnt to commend James for grand opening, chaz witherspoon gave positive message.. as far as snow removal, Neptune on last snow posted temporary signs on side of ridge av., might be good idea w/out hvg go thru ordinance.
Myra Campbell, 1403 madison av
We mentioned Jason here, polic officer in
Lakewood, can’t not mention those hurt in Tucson Ariz/ there w/ times
I come before w/ say positive, but tonight my socks are wet, surprised Brian and Bianchini aren’t here tonight/ when rain started never subsided, on 1402, 3, 4 on Madison, hope press gets up early and sees it. My understanding that lucas constr only went down half the blk on dewitt bet Madison and springwood and sewer pipe was not connected, called dpw sev’l times/ when dept chair says we’ll hv someone else call her back. Everyone knows snowfall was jst unbelievable, a plow trk pushed the snow to end of first hse and that sat there for 2 days, hospice wkr on street cdn’t lv for wk, didn’t mention because of gravity of snow storm, but when I’m told we can’t do…av because negotiating w/ Neptune/ asking what is status of this condition, pure mud outside allan chapel church – Go Steelers Go!!!
TR – Myra’s right about ponding, really is a mess over there/ my understanding not sewer but storm drain not connected. Brian said was one person in charge of handling the matter wanted to come and talk to you/ we got hold of lucas, lucas absolutely misrepretned that, forman was terminated/ a major screw up.
Part of DPW is to mk sure storm drains are free, there w/ be pumps out there t’w to pump that out.
Re budget, not been that hvy a snow to justify having snow budget/ gov appealed to pres for emergtency relief/ day before report due/ request put in for 48 hr period highest expenditure, we put in for that/ $208k we put in for/ police, fire, included in that. OEM mtg of fire dept, ron in chg of putting together for us/ so we got that report submitted.
JB – did we stop w/ outside contractors?
TR – yes, also some lessons we learned from that
End public session
Minutes appr’d
$2m bill resolution, all yes
Inservco wkrs comp dec 23 to dec 29 $17k+
Inservco wkrs comp claims paid – perod dec 30 to jan 5, $9,000
+
Bingo raffle The Center – all yes
Bingo mt carmel for Thursday dates – all yes
Raffle for little league – all yes
Resolution –
Over payment, $323.71 all yes
Refund over payment in assed value, susan scudder, $6k+ all yes
Refund veteran citizen tax reduction, john semeta – all yes
Refund sen citizen - $250 Drummand Av, Anthony Ralpizzo
Sale of $2, 905,000 bonds to Monmouth cty improvement authority
Generated thru cty, city gets more favorable rate thru cty auth. We’re one of many munis who put them in thru auth. In 2010 cty made adjustment, some muni fell out of acctg. Every muni that’s part of that funding has to adopt a res approving what’s cty done/ all yes
2010 – budget transfers –
Employee to waive medical.. all yes
Resolution auth contracting process for consessions in ap – all yes
Auth for bids for sports lighting on bb crts --- all yes
Ordinance supplementing fire fees – as per G Giberson – pub hrg adopt Feb 16th
Ordinance pub hrg – bond ordinance $250k issuance of $250k to finance part of cost thereof. Public to e heard…
TR – this is the ordinance to fund the action we’re involved in as per iStar / this was on for adoption last mtg, cdn’t go forward becz as part of MOU w/ NJ, had to report to local finance bd, unan appr’d and offered assistance in pursuing this matter. These are qualified bonds, so state does co-sign the bonds.
EJ – copies for press of this statement/ Mayor reading from it now…no longer wait thru delays and unfulfilled commitments/ ..wait is over…only situation worst than litigation is continued stagnation/ intend to persue every legal avenue for pursuit of this.
RMarano – I read the complaint but it doesn’t sound like a very strong complaint. Can you explain what we didn’t do as per the response from iStar?
TR – we expected number one, when tk pos to stnd up for Asbury, they’d come back with everything had and try to tk position against city/ but as far as being substantive mvg city off its position, not done/ our legal position is very strong.
RM - $250k is jst a drop in the bucket we’ve been thru this before.
TR – we don’t know though.
RM – the litigator who did this 30 yrs for the plan, even the one sitting up there now is going to be old by that time…Isn’t it time to think outside the box?
TR – given agreement we have now/ given action and lk of action by Asbury
Partners pre and post iStar, we’re basing our strategy on what we hv. Strong position/ facts, history, given obligations in agreement as it was written and stands now we hv strong position in the matter/
RM – you didn’t hav any timetable in there for them to develop
Lot of people suffering through this especially those in redev area
You spent a lot of time on Salvation army bldg, that cd’ve been done by now. Lvg house out that were in the plan
TR – tells me it’s hell to deal w/ litigation in some of these matters. When city dev plan was carved out because was intenede to be used by Salvation Army, not throw it into mix. Did city realize 2 yrs later SA wd sell it to someone else/ AP’s position was if knew that wouldn’t hv excluded/ was a lot of crazy litigation but tonight it’s enough, we’re not going to sit by and watch this any longer, we tnnk we hv good case/ this body is tkg right action to fight for our rights. Expect to be successful in this and when bk in control of destinty, hp got keep legal fees low as possible.
George Kary – 6th Av
Ask city mgr and lawyer/ is there anything residents can do? Support city in this manner/
TR – there very well maybe. Part of process may be certification from residents/ businesses been adversely affected. I’ll ask the litigaters…
Adjourned.
as always corrections, correct spellings, facts, all extremely welcome...
Council Meeting January 19, 2011
Council members Susan Henderson, Mayor Johnson, Kevin Sanders, James Bruno –
Council member John Loffredo out for his birthday
Workshop
Garrett Giberson –
Pst sev’l mos. Research on munis in area, tinton falls, red bank, etc/ our fees hvan’t increased since 19??, mercantile fees $25 now, mst towns set fees by am’t of Sfootage, multiple dwellings…go by num of units ea bldg houses/ non owner occupied one and two unit homes - $50, we never collected a fee for these units, never inspected. Needs to be addressed, this is how we’re addressing it/ #2, mercantile SFootage, re inspection fee, never had one/ first reinspection is on us, second if violations not abated wd cost $25, if go out on another he’d issue fines based on state rule, so that’d be another revenue to come in / variance fee, duplicate certif. of inspection wd be charged a fee/ idea is to reflect what other munis are doing/
Mayor Johnson – when effective?
GG – send invoices once they go into effect.
City Atty – Fred Raffetto - Not adequately reimbursing dept.
If council satisfied we can mv forward w/ introduction
Kevin Sanders – ques, when come bk for reinspection…
GG – if find something else on return visit, I’ll usually give them time, 10 days, but if it’s safety problem I may ask them to do right away. If next yr same violations, I don’t hv to giv them any time, I can issue penalties right then/
KS – Is the second one $25 or more?
GG – That’s up to my judgment.
CFO – Christine Pawlin –
Resolution to reduce am’t of insurance costs to any employee who? Fill out app to opt out of our health insur. Now being paid 50c on dollar/ this reduces to 25% of the premium, w/ cap of $5k, 2010 spnt $272k on those/ this w/ bring down to save almost $130k.
Mayor – how much does it cost per person?
CP - Single cov’g is little over $12k…
City Mgr – family is close to $20,000.
Big advantage for city if employee says don’t need since spouse has. So city instituted policy says if don’t tk city cov’ge w’l reimburse you 50%, city also gains on your medical exp, bills etc.
What state is doing now reduce to 25% and cap at $5k
25 employees now who are opting/
Save $140k every yr
FR- w/ put forth for action at tonight’s mtg
One of req in MOU for w/in 3 mos of mou city sign pay to play ord same as city of JC, we have one, we were one of first to pass/ restricts granting contracts to contirubtors to city elections/ 04 ord adjusted since then/ JC is more stringent, he’s provided the examples to the council. Mou 90days expires Feb 3rd/ as long as we introduce on Feb 2, state says ok.
I’ve been wkg w/ james famularo and my office concessions – ATMs on city prop, cred cd processing accepted, beach umbrellas, pedal boats on lake/ public contracts law to initiate the process/ dif from competitive bid process, not obligated to go w/ lowest bidder, RF w/ come up w/ a ranking system, and recommend/ We did contact local gov’t svcs, agreed this is the best process/ wd like permission to issue bids…
Asst City Mgr James Famularo – design etc for basketball court / 8 tele poles and 8 flood lites not in operation, need to be replaced. Lights we wnt the type we can control, 35 foot candles/
EJ – want to complicate you on wk on courts. Inaudible…
Matters for introduction by council
JB – on his cousin Jason Fazio, fireman seriously injured in fighting fire on main st. he’s had no setbacks, Jason has facebook page, thoughts and support for go there, fundraiser info w/ be up there.
4th of July parade only $5k in bank now, usually have tens of thousands. Not coming in like in past years, developers nowt…I don’t want to even go there. I don’t know how much time I or my family can spend on this, with Jason up there at St. Barnabas in rehab. Even before this I wanted to take a step back. Hamilton did it/ I thought…wd take over.
SH – congratulate James Famularo on grand opening of boxing on top of PWks, lks like a whole dif plc/ actually talked to some kids, saying “I want to thank my supporters”… 4 – 8 pm/ Mon – Fri who’s in charge?
EJ – thank everyone / here we are preparing for our third storm t’w night. Did notice is everybody really mkg conscience efforts to mv cars other to mk clrg easier/ recycling to start t’w and Friday/ starting next mon. bak on reg schedule. On Fri Asbury Lanes I dare anyone/ mayor’s bowl is Friday and I can beat anyone…actually I’m not that good/ 7 pm, til? For a good cause/ $25.
TR – The fitness cr opened last night, long time coming, Interfaith Neighbors, Patrick Durkin is here, alrdy see lot of young people gravitating to this facility/ golden gloves gravitating out of this facility.
Firefighter Fazio if any one can pull thru it’s Jason, amazing personality, what a character he is/ doesn’t surprise me the outpouring of support and love that keeps coming/ keep him in hearts and prayers, it’ll be a long time
FR – council w/ not be tkg action tonight on anything from executive session.
EJ – recycling and garbage pick up tomorrow
Public Participation
John mccarthy 701 – 703 cookman ave following up ltr sent to council/ merchants limited to…trying to get response to ltr for over a month. Want to find out where we stand, two applicants wanted to rent that space and told they don’t fit retail svc business, plenty of businesses on cookman Ave – at least 9 – that don’t meet criteria yet allowed.
TR – knw u had a conversation w/ our city planner. Planning bd tok up request and rejected it, req’t was to change downtown bus area/ longstanding issue/ PB sends recommendation bk to council/ cd amend downtown CBD plan, but wd hv to giv reasons why think it’s wrong headed/
John – then how do you address those 9 properties
TR – mr mc carthy didn’tyou get a call from ?? today
John – yes, but…
TR – this has been a very active dialogue, philosophy, what mks down twon viable, been debated sev’l bus owners asked to hv it changed, it’s an economic dev issue/ wd town be better off if broken up retail business ctr? Hasn’t been ignored.
JMC- Why cdn’t someone tell me the PB rejected it? I want a formal response to that letter and I will meet w/ you because something’s not right.
Jim Henry – 6th Ave, couple of articles in paper concerning iStar and waterfront, understand discussed in executive session wonder if you cd tell us a little someint/ what’s the true story. Another matter mr famularo going out tonight for bids for lighting for basketball courts, think it’s a great idea, but can we afford it? Ask u to tk a good hard lk at that. Are we takg about $30k or $300k ? something to be considered by council.
TR – start/w lighting…then iStar – ballpk number estimate $60,000 w/ be paid for w/ community dev blk grant money, dedicated for certain uses/ court itself was improvedw/ CBG money/ Since James tkn over done capital improvement progrms.
iStar’s concerned…thnk prob the most direct ans is that editorial in APP today, so lv that pc alone, city’s taking action to preserve its rights, it’s been since 2004 since master dev brought forth a designated redeveloper for… city holding APartners in default, persue strategy so we can restore our dev rights. City’s legal strategy, seen some of it in legal documents, nancy gave very detailed report on that on Sat., you’ll see it soon.
Bob Stevens – 515 third av – snow removal, don’t know if repeating or beating dead horse, did real good job in snow removal for such a storm havn’t seen in my time, but is there a plan for proactive removal and how / will it be initiated? Seemed spontaneous, everyone expected to be out,..,did grt job w/ emergency alert/ lot of public not aware of it/ lot of cars still not out, people asked to remove them, but not digging out/ alternate side, we hv for st cleaning, but no signs out for snow emergency…think that cd be part of the process.
TR – sorry you weren’t here for last mtg, some comments were addressed at that mtg. at our nxt wk session/ here’s some of recommendations…way ord is not no pkg but alternate side approach, giv plows nice full swath/
RS – within budget may be somewhere donw the road in my opinion, Emergency response is so important, know everyone’s got to cut back, but if there can be any slight exception don’t see how …1/3 police dept…
TR – PBA, SOA, progress being made, our polic dept gets it, no desire on either side to call your bluff, etc. all negotiating in good faith, sickouts, try to embarrass admin this pol dept not done that.
RS – I’d be willing to put my garbage out once a wk and take my own recycling.
RMarano – guess you’r not going to discuss istar any further, litigators won’t they be the same ones who drafted the plan are being used to litigate the plkan.
TR – yes
RM - IsnT it time to think outside the box. Same thing as when carabetta was here…we can’t afford another 29c increase in our taxes. Btw, Christmas is over and lights are still on. When I read Nancy’s article we’re going to pay comp time to city employees who do mentoring…comp time if wk one day get paid for two…lot of things need to be changed in that union contract.
TR
Ferrari, pres of SICA – came to introduce everyone to the mayor’s bowl Fri night/ hv signed a lease for space next to Chico’s, we expect to be in some time in 2011/ anxious to mv to Asbury /
Jerry Scarano – do we hv policy to snd out notices when sidewalks not cleaned. As good neighbor policy maybe cd volunteer to help each other. Went to trade show w/ about 100 vendors, cd’ve been held at convention hall instead of Brookdale, sorry Ed, nothing to do in Lincroft. Here they cd be using our restauants and shopping here.
Denise Richardson, Ridge Ave – wnt to commend James for grand opening, chaz witherspoon gave positive message.. as far as snow removal, Neptune on last snow posted temporary signs on side of ridge av., might be good idea w/out hvg go thru ordinance.
Myra Campbell, 1403 madison av
We mentioned Jason here, polic officer in
Lakewood, can’t not mention those hurt in Tucson Ariz/ there w/ times
I come before w/ say positive, but tonight my socks are wet, surprised Brian and Bianchini aren’t here tonight/ when rain started never subsided, on 1402, 3, 4 on Madison, hope press gets up early and sees it. My understanding that lucas constr only went down half the blk on dewitt bet Madison and springwood and sewer pipe was not connected, called dpw sev’l times/ when dept chair says we’ll hv someone else call her back. Everyone knows snowfall was jst unbelievable, a plow trk pushed the snow to end of first hse and that sat there for 2 days, hospice wkr on street cdn’t lv for wk, didn’t mention because of gravity of snow storm, but when I’m told we can’t do…av because negotiating w/ Neptune/ asking what is status of this condition, pure mud outside allan chapel church – Go Steelers Go!!!
TR – Myra’s right about ponding, really is a mess over there/ my understanding not sewer but storm drain not connected. Brian said was one person in charge of handling the matter wanted to come and talk to you/ we got hold of lucas, lucas absolutely misrepretned that, forman was terminated/ a major screw up.
Part of DPW is to mk sure storm drains are free, there w/ be pumps out there t’w to pump that out.
Re budget, not been that hvy a snow to justify having snow budget/ gov appealed to pres for emergtency relief/ day before report due/ request put in for 48 hr period highest expenditure, we put in for that/ $208k we put in for/ police, fire, included in that. OEM mtg of fire dept, ron in chg of putting together for us/ so we got that report submitted.
JB – did we stop w/ outside contractors?
TR – yes, also some lessons we learned from that
End public session
Minutes appr’d
$2m bill resolution, all yes
Inservco wkrs comp dec 23 to dec 29 $17k+
Inservco wkrs comp claims paid – perod dec 30 to jan 5, $9,000
+
Bingo raffle The Center – all yes
Bingo mt carmel for Thursday dates – all yes
Raffle for little league – all yes
Resolution –
Over payment, $323.71 all yes
Refund over payment in assed value, susan scudder, $6k+ all yes
Refund veteran citizen tax reduction, john semeta – all yes
Refund sen citizen - $250 Drummand Av, Anthony Ralpizzo
Sale of $2, 905,000 bonds to Monmouth cty improvement authority
Generated thru cty, city gets more favorable rate thru cty auth. We’re one of many munis who put them in thru auth. In 2010 cty made adjustment, some muni fell out of acctg. Every muni that’s part of that funding has to adopt a res approving what’s cty done/ all yes
2010 – budget transfers –
Employee to waive medical.. all yes
Resolution auth contracting process for consessions in ap – all yes
Auth for bids for sports lighting on bb crts --- all yes
Ordinance supplementing fire fees – as per G Giberson – pub hrg adopt Feb 16th
Ordinance pub hrg – bond ordinance $250k issuance of $250k to finance part of cost thereof. Public to e heard…
TR – this is the ordinance to fund the action we’re involved in as per iStar / this was on for adoption last mtg, cdn’t go forward becz as part of MOU w/ NJ, had to report to local finance bd, unan appr’d and offered assistance in pursuing this matter. These are qualified bonds, so state does co-sign the bonds.
EJ – copies for press of this statement/ Mayor reading from it now…no longer wait thru delays and unfulfilled commitments/ ..wait is over…only situation worst than litigation is continued stagnation/ intend to persue every legal avenue for pursuit of this.
RMarano – I read the complaint but it doesn’t sound like a very strong complaint. Can you explain what we didn’t do as per the response from iStar?
TR – we expected number one, when tk pos to stnd up for Asbury, they’d come back with everything had and try to tk position against city/ but as far as being substantive mvg city off its position, not done/ our legal position is very strong.
RM - $250k is jst a drop in the bucket we’ve been thru this before.
TR – we don’t know though.
RM – the litigator who did this 30 yrs for the plan, even the one sitting up there now is going to be old by that time…Isn’t it time to think outside the box?
TR – given agreement we have now/ given action and lk of action by Asbury
Partners pre and post iStar, we’re basing our strategy on what we hv. Strong position/ facts, history, given obligations in agreement as it was written and stands now we hv strong position in the matter/
RM – you didn’t hav any timetable in there for them to develop
Lot of people suffering through this especially those in redev area
You spent a lot of time on Salvation army bldg, that cd’ve been done by now. Lvg house out that were in the plan
TR – tells me it’s hell to deal w/ litigation in some of these matters. When city dev plan was carved out because was intenede to be used by Salvation Army, not throw it into mix. Did city realize 2 yrs later SA wd sell it to someone else/ AP’s position was if knew that wouldn’t hv excluded/ was a lot of crazy litigation but tonight it’s enough, we’re not going to sit by and watch this any longer, we tnnk we hv good case/ this body is tkg right action to fight for our rights. Expect to be successful in this and when bk in control of destinty, hp got keep legal fees low as possible.
George Kary – 6th Av
Ask city mgr and lawyer/ is there anything residents can do? Support city in this manner/
TR – there very well maybe. Part of process may be certification from residents/ businesses been adversely affected. I’ll ask the litigaters…
Adjourned.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Asbury Park Council Meeting tomorrow night - January 19, 2011
Event: City Council Meeting Agenda
[See official decisions affecting over $3 million in city loans - municipal debt to be borrowed in bonds.]
[Note workshop begins at 6 pm, open to public/ see agenda below]
Date: 01/19/2011
Time: 7:00 pm
Where: Asbury Park Description
AGENDA FOR REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011
7:00 PM
SILENT PRAYER / MOMENT OF REFLECTION
SALUTE TO FLAG
ANNOUNCEMENT BY MAYOR JOHNSON – as to compliance with the
“Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, PL 1975” adequate notice of this
Meeting had been provided in the following manner:
The Annual Notice was forwarded to the Asbury Park Press, The Coaster
and Star Ledger on December 22, 2009 and posted on the bulletin board
the same date. All notices on file with the City Clerk.
1. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: RM January 5, 2011.
3. PAYROLL RESOLUTION:
4. BILL RESOLUTION + INSERVCO:
5. APPLICATIONS: BINGO/RAFFLE/LIQUOR/SPECIAL EVENTS, etc.
Social Affair Permit – The Center of AP.
Amend Bingo Licenses of Mt. Carmel Church and Mt. Carmel P.T.A. – Adding Thursday dates
6. RESOLUTIONS:
Appointments / Re-appointments.
Refund overpayment – 402 4th Ave., Unit 303.
Refund overpayment – 1309 Comstock, 408 4th and 305 3rd Ave.
Refund Veterans deduction – 1006 5th Avenue.
Refund Senior Citizen Deduction – 817 Drummond.
Re: Sale of $2,905,000 Bond ordinance.
2010 Budget Transfers.
7. ORDINANCES: Introduction –
7B. ORDINANCES: Public Hearing –
Adv. 12/9/10 – Carried from 1/5/11 - $250k bond ord.
Submitted By
Stephen M. Kay
City Clerk – 732-502-5718
City of Asbury Park
Council Meeting
Workshop Session
January 19, 2011
6:00 pm
Agenda
I. Review of Regular Agenda Items
II. Increase Fire Protection Fees
Ø Garrett Giberson, Jr., Acting Fire Official
III. Amending Health Benefit Payment Policy
Ø Christine Paulin, Acting Chief Finance Officer
IV. Items Presented by Frederick Raffetto, City Attorney
Amendment to Pay To Play Ordinance
Competitive Contracting for Beach Chairs, ATM Machines, & Pedal Boats
V. Snow Cover Street Ordinance
Ø Brian Grant, City Engineer
VI. Request to Seek Bids for Design, Supply, and Installation of Sports Lighting of Prospect Basketball Courts
Ø James Famularo, Assistant City Manager
VII. Matters to be introduced by City Council
VIII. Matters to be introduced by City Attorney
IX. Matters to be introduced by City Manager
XI. Matters to be introduced by Assistant City Manager
City of Asbury Park
City Council Meeting
Executive Session
January 19, 2011
5:00 PM
I. Potential Litigation [Exemption under Sunshine Law]
I-Star/Asbury Partners Default Update (Aaron/Scotland)
II. Litigation [Exemption under Sunshine Law]
Anita Erich vs. City of Asbury Park
III. Contract Negotiation[Exemption under Sunshine Law]
Asbury Park Middle School Field
IV. Personnel [Exemption under Sunshine Law]
Public Works Salary Ordinance
V. Investigation [Exemption under Sunshine Law]
A. Police/Liquor License [Exemption under Sunshine Law]
Venue: Council Chambers
Street: One Municipal Plaza
ZIP: 07712
City: Asbury Park
State: New Jersey
[See official decisions affecting over $3 million in city loans - municipal debt to be borrowed in bonds.]
[Note workshop begins at 6 pm, open to public/ see agenda below]
Date: 01/19/2011
Time: 7:00 pm
Where: Asbury Park Description
AGENDA FOR REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011
7:00 PM
SILENT PRAYER / MOMENT OF REFLECTION
SALUTE TO FLAG
ANNOUNCEMENT BY MAYOR JOHNSON – as to compliance with the
“Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, PL 1975” adequate notice of this
Meeting had been provided in the following manner:
The Annual Notice was forwarded to the Asbury Park Press, The Coaster
and Star Ledger on December 22, 2009 and posted on the bulletin board
the same date. All notices on file with the City Clerk.
1. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: RM January 5, 2011.
3. PAYROLL RESOLUTION:
4. BILL RESOLUTION + INSERVCO:
5. APPLICATIONS: BINGO/RAFFLE/LIQUOR/SPECIAL EVENTS, etc.
Social Affair Permit – The Center of AP.
Amend Bingo Licenses of Mt. Carmel Church and Mt. Carmel P.T.A. – Adding Thursday dates
6. RESOLUTIONS:
Appointments / Re-appointments.
Refund overpayment – 402 4th Ave., Unit 303.
Refund overpayment – 1309 Comstock, 408 4th and 305 3rd Ave.
Refund Veterans deduction – 1006 5th Avenue.
Refund Senior Citizen Deduction – 817 Drummond.
Re: Sale of $2,905,000 Bond ordinance.
2010 Budget Transfers.
7. ORDINANCES: Introduction –
7B. ORDINANCES: Public Hearing –
Adv. 12/9/10 – Carried from 1/5/11 - $250k bond ord.
Submitted By
Stephen M. Kay
City Clerk – 732-502-5718
City of Asbury Park
Council Meeting
Workshop Session
January 19, 2011
6:00 pm
Agenda
I. Review of Regular Agenda Items
II. Increase Fire Protection Fees
Ø Garrett Giberson, Jr., Acting Fire Official
III. Amending Health Benefit Payment Policy
Ø Christine Paulin, Acting Chief Finance Officer
IV. Items Presented by Frederick Raffetto, City Attorney
Amendment to Pay To Play Ordinance
Competitive Contracting for Beach Chairs, ATM Machines, & Pedal Boats
V. Snow Cover Street Ordinance
Ø Brian Grant, City Engineer
VI. Request to Seek Bids for Design, Supply, and Installation of Sports Lighting of Prospect Basketball Courts
Ø James Famularo, Assistant City Manager
VII. Matters to be introduced by City Council
VIII. Matters to be introduced by City Attorney
IX. Matters to be introduced by City Manager
XI. Matters to be introduced by Assistant City Manager
City of Asbury Park
City Council Meeting
Executive Session
January 19, 2011
5:00 PM
I. Potential Litigation [Exemption under Sunshine Law]
I-Star/Asbury Partners Default Update (Aaron/Scotland)
II. Litigation [Exemption under Sunshine Law]
Anita Erich vs. City of Asbury Park
III. Contract Negotiation[Exemption under Sunshine Law]
Asbury Park Middle School Field
IV. Personnel [Exemption under Sunshine Law]
Public Works Salary Ordinance
V. Investigation [Exemption under Sunshine Law]
A. Police/Liquor License [Exemption under Sunshine Law]
Venue: Council Chambers
Street: One Municipal Plaza
ZIP: 07712
City: Asbury Park
State: New Jersey
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
City Auditor Warns State Has Tough Rules for New Budget Game
City Introduces Bond Ordinances for Millions More
Auditor Warns of Governor's Wishes for No Exceptions 2% Cap
Debt Service Would Have to be Met from Taxes or Cuts
35 Cops Could Go from Payroll
Reporters' Notebook - Corrections, spellings, clarifications welcome
Asbury Park Council meeting Dec 15, 2010 – Henderson, John Loffredo, Ed Johnson, Kevin Sanders, Jim Bruno, Steve Kay, Clerk all present
Workshop - (Executive Session ran past 6 pm - www.cityofasburypark.com , click calendar date 12/15/10 for agendas)
City Manager Terry Reidy introducing David Kaplan, city's auditor:
Lot still to be ironed out in Trenton with state budget matters in flux. Sent layoff plan down to Trenton this wk as you know req’d us to pass $804k emergency approp last yr
Primer on what we see happening in 2011
David will take us through a slide presentation/ what laws are how it concerns city
Kaplan -
First slide, cap laws – were two kinds: relevant to appropriations and levy cap laws – approp one still in effect/ tried to limit appropriations that are in control of city – such as supplies – capital improvements etc outside control/items funded by grants are outside the cap. Don’t know if w/ hav changes to approp-type cap / levy cap limits & approp in tax levy/ was 4% last yr, 2% this yr/ as per Gov Christie wanted no exceptions. legislature said too hard to do that/ are some exceptions in the law now, not been changed yet/ best guess w/ their interpretation…debt svc and costs will remain outside the levy cap for now/ health ins costs over 4% are included - / 16.7% inrs this yr, not all if increases are as much as 30% w/ be outside cap
TR - City gov had discretion before/ not now, each town’s voters w/ have the say now/ so if the 2% levy cap means hv to lay off 20 cops and fireman, if they exceed the levy cap, can only save half the jobs. Now we need referendum/ ask pub if appv exceeding cap for this reason…Much necessary to do this - Really an education process, residents say don’t wnt to vote for that because taxes w/ go up/ you have to explain that police protection may reduce crime may imprv public safety, values go up, etc.
Kaplan – referendum process still proceeding, so stay tuned for that one/ we’re $2mn over levy cap now/ 2% levy cap impos to deal w/ unless …changes…applied for $13.3 or more last yr/ shortage on cops has to be made up this yr/ 1.4 in bank, used 1.3 this yr w/ be lucky to hv $300k, pensions and health costs risen again/ no way state w/ provide what is in 2011/ so what do we do...
First is to raise revenue, is possibility from major sources – 2 are being investigated as we spk and w/ be in plc next yr/--Kaplan doesn't name these two --
Second: cut costs, reductions in staffing levels, outsource functions done in hse/ extend benefit reductions thru contract negotiations/ shared svc agreements, long term plan for debt reduction.
As of now inaction is not an option, need to act whether referencum or not/ formalize and implement cost reduction plan immediately, wait for DCA to formalize their rules/ every town facing the same things. Old Game over stuck w/ some tough rules in new game.
TReidy – regionalizing expenses dramatically reduce costs, still on table, we’re still advocating for , shared svcs too,
Giv u sense of whats ahead for us/ bigger policy issues need to present to gov body, police chgs on reduction/ incrs revenue – bring bk to you jan or feb/ we’ve been really on this/ everything’s in motion/ read the stories every day/ lot of this is like being on the inside and waiting for the dust to settle/ as soon as anone…inaudi ble, off mic
Brian Grant – pavers in CBD
Primarily the weather, street trees, try to complete before spring 11, concrete if we pour now, rock salt for street would totally destroy concrete for sidewlks, recommending , street lites prob // use ? as a fill in meantime/ haven’t graded off yet/ instead of completing option, paver colors originally gray, but so much concrete now wd rather some contrast, new autumn, a reddish paver, muted color blnd in w/ what hv now. After install fdns and street lights// present to PBd mon nite, like color, and recommendations
$2 sf/ concrete is $4 sf, but if hv contractor install 6 – 8$ SF/ cdn’t hear what the substitute was/
Pour bases in concrete…
Next item – springwd av constructions/ met w/ ms Campbell lst thurs nite, sim concerns raised at prev council mtgs, revised format from legal to letr size/ first pt of contact, second pt w/ be…??
We also cited maintenance item/ left few holes open/ safety concern, addressed following dwy/ today paved dewitt to sprinwd, mckinly place – applying blankets to keep ground from freezing/ any improvement do for contractor/ get area buttoned up/ met w/ sisters academy, come to accommodations for Christmas concert/ close spwd ave bet dewitt and ridge, major storm damage/ sister Marylou not completely happy but reached accommodation. Hoping to resume next Wedn.
Focusing on concrete curb and paving…wd like to immobilize Christmas thru jan. if don’t hv concrete sidewks like to stabilize/ school by Ridge, apt bldg on ridge, come bk mid jan finish off/ final grading and landscaping on borden av, sched for t’w grade and fix up landscaping/ everything currently working on w/ be based.
Sanders says too long a break..
Grant invites Sanders to come out and see we’ll discuss there.
Housing authority presentation:
Mark Holmes Exec Dir of the AP Housing Auth, introduces Carl Accettola (CA), former supv for HUD in NYC/ asset to the APHA / very excited about the Boston Way plan, sev’l mtgs w/ staff and residents, everyone very excited about this/ phones are inundated w/ calls / pop very excited about all constru sp’wd etc. Key is communication w/ residents, answered all q’s / everyone very happy, said first time anyone ever came and spk to them/ PNC Bank discussed budget and banking, opening up ckg accounts/ write a ck instead of money orders/ said 5% of amer w/ never buy home or want to buy a home/ bring residents info options on home ownership/ vouchers pay mortgage for 15 yrs/ they can establish credit – thru payments of gas and elec bills/ prop sits in midsts of transportation center/ everyone s/hv safe healthy envir w/ services / can share more details w/ hsg process/
CA: I'm Monmouth county resident self, colts neck, pleased to be in Asbury, wonderful plc, falls in line w/ overall plan of sustainable dev/ HUD realizes not efecctive to put money in …recently had park study done, code and prop stds, cost w/ be $17mn, total dev cost $27mn/ key component of process / giv everyone …process, after demo app’d, no one left out in cold, vouchers to go anywhere in the country for 30% of their income// costs city of ap nothing/ all applic process comes from fed’l grant $/ in no way going to impact city of ap budget/
Ed Johnson – when? …demo permits
Carl Accettola (a former HUD employee, is no longer affiliated with HUD, he is a consultant to APHA)
– ASAP \applic 4 mos, like to see it start in summer, however, demo not going to tk plc until adoption…???... places to move…
MH – section 8 vouchers / some vouchers w/ go to residents right away/ setaside some for early residents to mv process along.
EJ – what in plc if resident chooses to stay in AP
MH – there are a small numb who hv asked if they can stay in public hsg. We said sure/ voucher is good for 60 days we can extend to 120 days…I’m a licensed realtor myself/ we’re going to do everything we can ourselves. Whether it’s second av or Montana/
AC – one of my grt passions in life, is to mk sure all amer get fair hsg, include din that wd be that disabled people hv same accessibility, 5 story wk ups in boston way just didn’t afford that/
MH – you really can help us/ city mgr been really helpful in discussing various possibilities, I’ll be mtg w/ james famularo…some residents relocating to wash av, so / I get a little aggressive, I mov a little fast, but I’m not going to be satisfied unless everyone has hsg.
EJ – how many people
MH – 96 households/ hv to pay the rent, be a good resident, if you’re not, not going to live here/ still hv to obey rules of HUD.
Tom Gilmour – next yr we will hv an acctg of how much is made in spec events fees.
Interfaith Neighbors Team presentation –
Paul McEvely, Heather….,
Announce new program conceived by and run by youth corp members /
youth member Quahmel McMillian is spkg, not on mic/ something about soup and coffee for people sleeping rough... We came up with this to help community/ (He refers also to Karim Berry, another youth corps member in the chambers and Brendan Ward, an intern from Monmouth University working on the project.)
McMillian - we will set up on sprwd and atkins in that area/ I’d like to thank Wachovia regional fdn, for grant to help us get started. After I graduated the youth prog I went to culinary school so …/ like to thank frank’s deli, marilyn schlossbach, Harvey construction Mon thru Thurs 4:30 to 6:30/
Paul - by the new home of the future senior center/ w/ be interfaith van there, temp lighting, apprec help from tony nuccio/ cdn’t do this if not for passion of youth to help people in neighborhood.
EJ – asked for email version hat we can put out/
SH – asked if cd put it on the big sign on the Main St.
Steve K – do we want to keep mtg sched/ so wk session wd go directly into pulbic instead of waiting until 7.
JL – I think people shd attend the work session.
4 – 6 exec, 6 – 7 worksession/ 7 public session
SH – after listening to depressing report on everything going to occur next yr, I’d like to thank the youth corp for picking up my spirits for the holiday
JBruno – merry Christmas, kwanza, everthing, happy holidays and happy new year and what I wnt for Christmas I want..
KS - jst like to wish everyone happy holiday
EJ – congratulate everyone who partook in kwanza/ wish everone happy holidays
TR – want to thnk everyone who comes to these mtgs, to keep gov honest/ all staff who get up everyday to mk
3 items will be brought from exective session so that council can vote on them:
Resolution to submit ordinance introduced at special mtg this wk, 12/7, $250k, for possible litigation costs in connection with iStar, to finance board of DCA to review bond ordinance
$3 million for senior center
Another Bond Ordinance for $1,465,635 Mn introduced: $247,635 to cover severance liabilities in retiring employees, $394,000 workers comp cases, and $824,000 for police arbitration.
Ordinances will be heard on the bonds at Jan. 5th meeting.
Resolution to allow Extension of option and sale agreement lake Group AP LLC, strip of land on lake adjacent to kennedy park.
Mayor Ed Johnson called several people to the front of the chamber to be honored:
Honorees, Lorraine Stone
Gertrude Fay Hudson,
Tyrone McAllister
Tora Jordan,
Atilla …
Ebony Towns
Akeen Robbins
(names came too fast, missed quite a few)
Loffredo announces Mayor Johnson is also on the list
Students of AP academic achievement.
Public Comment Portion:
Bernard Gorsey – long branch plus many addresses in Asbury park
Been in Asbury before all you gentleman…wnt to congratulate you very pleased w/ the progress you’ve been getting since I haven’t been around. (laughs) I hv several projects, will keep under hat so competition doesn't hear, wnt to meet w/ city to share my ideas/ let’s get to wk on and mk some taxes for the city/ next yr the chanuka bush
Steve weider – 602 5th
Like to wish everyone happy holidays…despite fact my landlords hv’nt been maintainin bdgl properly/ cpl police officers, one S. McCarthy, been nasty and harassing to me/ McCarthey called me a racist after yrs of trying to help poor people…then came out to complain I was too loud when had a meg of 8 people…when he complained of loud tv, neighbor turned tv off before officer came/ Lost 150 hrs of sleep since summer/ why is police officer protecting a man know…bez he’s been there sev’l time for drugs…chief k
Timothy Jones – commuty svc leader/ need to know who to spk w/ doc procedure/ legal proceedings concerning the city? plans to sue city...
TR- Start w/ city mgr
Rita Marano – 8th ave
Few wks ago u had emergency appropriation $650k to pay for the retirees. Tonight going to do again? is it the same appropriation?
TR – yes, is same am’t, bonding allows us to spread out the payments so doesn’t boost tax up in one yr
RM - What's $3 mn for?
TR – same am’t of money jst financing it thru county so get better rate/ the $3m is for senior ctr building/
RM – how much is budget for next yr
TR – not discussed/ jst new laws, caps, guidelines hv to live w/ terms of presenting budget/
RM – hope next yr will hv balanced budget
TR – we’d love that
Jerry Scarano – LB
We hv tow truck fees, etc. when we hv drug raids is there some way to pass off fees on landlords/ think they shd hv to pk up the fees…Instead of having to layoff police officers
NOTE – Chief Kinmon confirmed 35 layoffs of police have been proposed to Trenton tocut budget costs out of 93 officers.
TR – Chf Kinmon wks closely w/ county when prop is confiscated portion comes bk to city/ if u could link fact that I’m a landlord and facilitating drug use in bldg can take the bldg/ but don’t know if they’re complicit.
Denise Richardson – ridge av
Jst listened to Lucas closing for 3 wks, big company, can’t believe…Weather? I’m sure will be better in Dec than Jan.
EJ – think that’s why this wedn they’re going to poor final layer and w’re going to meet and get involved in this.
DR – after what went thru
BG – lucas has contract to wk 566 days, lot of employees immigrants go home to families. They intend to finish job in those days or early
JB – incentive to finish early
BG – no incentive to do that/ fixed price contract
Duanne Small – 1304 mattison
Do w hv policy that when someone bids on contract their status is checked / majority of wk is being done by people who don’t live here and undoc wkrs. I’m a contractor myself, if I hire someone illegal, it is taking place here/ city shdn’t allow it/ serious prob in this city/ we need to do something about it/ as brian jst mentioned they give them weeks to go back to their own countries. What’s going on w/ these license plates, 8 cars over there w/ out of state tags. Landscape company trk registered in nj, but when he gets off wk his veh is registered in md. Understand it has to be done immediately, Johnson.
TR – we’ve had this conversation, chif discussed w/ you/ when someone is pulled over officer notes it/ pt is fact still see plates out there doesn’t mean our pol dept isn’t doing its job/ one thing to come to mic and make accusations/ we do go after people who live here and hvan’t changed registration. Illegal aliens…saying city is engaging contractos who have illegal workers…u say u know that is going on, in private you tell me who is doing that and we will investigate.
Pam Lamberton – happy holidays everyone
At last metg lots of people clamoring for city pol review bd anyone signed up for it?
EJ – got list here w/ one name on it. People who stood at mic and hav not signed up for it. Be a part of this process and be on board.
PL – other part of it is to be part of the solution…wd encourage people if open to it, take second step in civic participation,
EJ – how do you spell your name
LAmberton
Myra Campbell – ap
We had a mtg w/ city, hope we mv forward w/ some of suggestions brought up/ I present pictures that a full bus went down Eliz Ave, not realizing street cut off at Springwood, disappointed w/ that becz I was told there wd be some notice/ point people assigned to tk care of this problem/ want to ensure that as we go along w/ wk has to be done concerned about hlth and safety of people involved in …I enjoy coming here and talking to you and want to wish all of you a happy holidays.
Approvval of minutes from prev mtgs – all yes
Dec 1, minutes, yes
Spec mtg sanders out/ all expect absent yes
Raffles – Mt. Carmel Churchurch and PTA yes
Institutionalizing the 4 – 6 pm hours every council meeting w/ be for executive sessions…
Budget transfers for current fund…$308,000
Items of revenue : mmarquette $175k contrib. to police
Special Police $16,482
$3mn for cap budget for senior center
Monmouth county improvement authority
Extenstion of option
$1, 465,000 spec emerg notes for city of AP
Bond ord of $250k approved
Bus driver…introduction
Trash Hauling Contract -Low bidder 2 yrs, 3 yr option, DeLisa Disposal $420k a yr
TR - Great price, lower...
Auditor Warns of Governor's Wishes for No Exceptions 2% Cap
Debt Service Would Have to be Met from Taxes or Cuts
35 Cops Could Go from Payroll
Reporters' Notebook - Corrections, spellings, clarifications welcome
Asbury Park Council meeting Dec 15, 2010 – Henderson, John Loffredo, Ed Johnson, Kevin Sanders, Jim Bruno, Steve Kay, Clerk all present
Workshop - (Executive Session ran past 6 pm - www.cityofasburypark.com , click calendar date 12/15/10 for agendas)
City Manager Terry Reidy introducing David Kaplan, city's auditor:
Lot still to be ironed out in Trenton with state budget matters in flux. Sent layoff plan down to Trenton this wk as you know req’d us to pass $804k emergency approp last yr
Primer on what we see happening in 2011
David will take us through a slide presentation/ what laws are how it concerns city
Kaplan -
First slide, cap laws – were two kinds: relevant to appropriations and levy cap laws – approp one still in effect/ tried to limit appropriations that are in control of city – such as supplies – capital improvements etc outside control/items funded by grants are outside the cap. Don’t know if w/ hav changes to approp-type cap / levy cap limits & approp in tax levy/ was 4% last yr, 2% this yr/ as per Gov Christie wanted no exceptions. legislature said too hard to do that/ are some exceptions in the law now, not been changed yet/ best guess w/ their interpretation…debt svc and costs will remain outside the levy cap for now/ health ins costs over 4% are included - / 16.7% inrs this yr, not all if increases are as much as 30% w/ be outside cap
TR - City gov had discretion before/ not now, each town’s voters w/ have the say now/ so if the 2% levy cap means hv to lay off 20 cops and fireman, if they exceed the levy cap, can only save half the jobs. Now we need referendum/ ask pub if appv exceeding cap for this reason…Much necessary to do this - Really an education process, residents say don’t wnt to vote for that because taxes w/ go up/ you have to explain that police protection may reduce crime may imprv public safety, values go up, etc.
Kaplan – referendum process still proceeding, so stay tuned for that one/ we’re $2mn over levy cap now/ 2% levy cap impos to deal w/ unless …changes…applied for $13.3 or more last yr/ shortage on cops has to be made up this yr/ 1.4 in bank, used 1.3 this yr w/ be lucky to hv $300k, pensions and health costs risen again/ no way state w/ provide what is in 2011/ so what do we do...
First is to raise revenue, is possibility from major sources – 2 are being investigated as we spk and w/ be in plc next yr/--Kaplan doesn't name these two --
Second: cut costs, reductions in staffing levels, outsource functions done in hse/ extend benefit reductions thru contract negotiations/ shared svc agreements, long term plan for debt reduction.
As of now inaction is not an option, need to act whether referencum or not/ formalize and implement cost reduction plan immediately, wait for DCA to formalize their rules/ every town facing the same things. Old Game over stuck w/ some tough rules in new game.
TReidy – regionalizing expenses dramatically reduce costs, still on table, we’re still advocating for , shared svcs too,
Giv u sense of whats ahead for us/ bigger policy issues need to present to gov body, police chgs on reduction/ incrs revenue – bring bk to you jan or feb/ we’ve been really on this/ everything’s in motion/ read the stories every day/ lot of this is like being on the inside and waiting for the dust to settle/ as soon as anone…inaudi ble, off mic
Brian Grant – pavers in CBD
Primarily the weather, street trees, try to complete before spring 11, concrete if we pour now, rock salt for street would totally destroy concrete for sidewlks, recommending , street lites prob // use ? as a fill in meantime/ haven’t graded off yet/ instead of completing option, paver colors originally gray, but so much concrete now wd rather some contrast, new autumn, a reddish paver, muted color blnd in w/ what hv now. After install fdns and street lights// present to PBd mon nite, like color, and recommendations
$2 sf/ concrete is $4 sf, but if hv contractor install 6 – 8$ SF/ cdn’t hear what the substitute was/
Pour bases in concrete…
Next item – springwd av constructions/ met w/ ms Campbell lst thurs nite, sim concerns raised at prev council mtgs, revised format from legal to letr size/ first pt of contact, second pt w/ be…??
We also cited maintenance item/ left few holes open/ safety concern, addressed following dwy/ today paved dewitt to sprinwd, mckinly place – applying blankets to keep ground from freezing/ any improvement do for contractor/ get area buttoned up/ met w/ sisters academy, come to accommodations for Christmas concert/ close spwd ave bet dewitt and ridge, major storm damage/ sister Marylou not completely happy but reached accommodation. Hoping to resume next Wedn.
Focusing on concrete curb and paving…wd like to immobilize Christmas thru jan. if don’t hv concrete sidewks like to stabilize/ school by Ridge, apt bldg on ridge, come bk mid jan finish off/ final grading and landscaping on borden av, sched for t’w grade and fix up landscaping/ everything currently working on w/ be based.
Sanders says too long a break..
Grant invites Sanders to come out and see we’ll discuss there.
Housing authority presentation:
Mark Holmes Exec Dir of the AP Housing Auth, introduces Carl Accettola (CA), former supv for HUD in NYC/ asset to the APHA / very excited about the Boston Way plan, sev’l mtgs w/ staff and residents, everyone very excited about this/ phones are inundated w/ calls / pop very excited about all constru sp’wd etc. Key is communication w/ residents, answered all q’s / everyone very happy, said first time anyone ever came and spk to them/ PNC Bank discussed budget and banking, opening up ckg accounts/ write a ck instead of money orders/ said 5% of amer w/ never buy home or want to buy a home/ bring residents info options on home ownership/ vouchers pay mortgage for 15 yrs/ they can establish credit – thru payments of gas and elec bills/ prop sits in midsts of transportation center/ everyone s/hv safe healthy envir w/ services / can share more details w/ hsg process/
CA: I'm Monmouth county resident self, colts neck, pleased to be in Asbury, wonderful plc, falls in line w/ overall plan of sustainable dev/ HUD realizes not efecctive to put money in …recently had park study done, code and prop stds, cost w/ be $17mn, total dev cost $27mn/ key component of process / giv everyone …process, after demo app’d, no one left out in cold, vouchers to go anywhere in the country for 30% of their income// costs city of ap nothing/ all applic process comes from fed’l grant $/ in no way going to impact city of ap budget/
Ed Johnson – when? …demo permits
Carl Accettola (a former HUD employee, is no longer affiliated with HUD, he is a consultant to APHA)
– ASAP \applic 4 mos, like to see it start in summer, however, demo not going to tk plc until adoption…???... places to move…
MH – section 8 vouchers / some vouchers w/ go to residents right away/ setaside some for early residents to mv process along.
EJ – what in plc if resident chooses to stay in AP
MH – there are a small numb who hv asked if they can stay in public hsg. We said sure/ voucher is good for 60 days we can extend to 120 days…I’m a licensed realtor myself/ we’re going to do everything we can ourselves. Whether it’s second av or Montana/
AC – one of my grt passions in life, is to mk sure all amer get fair hsg, include din that wd be that disabled people hv same accessibility, 5 story wk ups in boston way just didn’t afford that/
MH – you really can help us/ city mgr been really helpful in discussing various possibilities, I’ll be mtg w/ james famularo…some residents relocating to wash av, so / I get a little aggressive, I mov a little fast, but I’m not going to be satisfied unless everyone has hsg.
EJ – how many people
MH – 96 households/ hv to pay the rent, be a good resident, if you’re not, not going to live here/ still hv to obey rules of HUD.
Tom Gilmour – next yr we will hv an acctg of how much is made in spec events fees.
Interfaith Neighbors Team presentation –
Paul McEvely, Heather….,
Announce new program conceived by and run by youth corp members /
youth member Quahmel McMillian is spkg, not on mic/ something about soup and coffee for people sleeping rough... We came up with this to help community/ (He refers also to Karim Berry, another youth corps member in the chambers and Brendan Ward, an intern from Monmouth University working on the project.)
McMillian - we will set up on sprwd and atkins in that area/ I’d like to thank Wachovia regional fdn, for grant to help us get started. After I graduated the youth prog I went to culinary school so …/ like to thank frank’s deli, marilyn schlossbach, Harvey construction Mon thru Thurs 4:30 to 6:30/
Paul - by the new home of the future senior center/ w/ be interfaith van there, temp lighting, apprec help from tony nuccio/ cdn’t do this if not for passion of youth to help people in neighborhood.
EJ – asked for email version hat we can put out/
SH – asked if cd put it on the big sign on the Main St.
Steve K – do we want to keep mtg sched/ so wk session wd go directly into pulbic instead of waiting until 7.
JL – I think people shd attend the work session.
4 – 6 exec, 6 – 7 worksession/ 7 public session
SH – after listening to depressing report on everything going to occur next yr, I’d like to thank the youth corp for picking up my spirits for the holiday
JBruno – merry Christmas, kwanza, everthing, happy holidays and happy new year and what I wnt for Christmas I want..
KS - jst like to wish everyone happy holiday
EJ – congratulate everyone who partook in kwanza/ wish everone happy holidays
TR – want to thnk everyone who comes to these mtgs, to keep gov honest/ all staff who get up everyday to mk
3 items will be brought from exective session so that council can vote on them:
Resolution to submit ordinance introduced at special mtg this wk, 12/7, $250k, for possible litigation costs in connection with iStar, to finance board of DCA to review bond ordinance
$3 million for senior center
Another Bond Ordinance for $1,465,635 Mn introduced: $247,635 to cover severance liabilities in retiring employees, $394,000 workers comp cases, and $824,000 for police arbitration.
Ordinances will be heard on the bonds at Jan. 5th meeting.
Resolution to allow Extension of option and sale agreement lake Group AP LLC, strip of land on lake adjacent to kennedy park.
Mayor Ed Johnson called several people to the front of the chamber to be honored:
Honorees, Lorraine Stone
Gertrude Fay Hudson,
Tyrone McAllister
Tora Jordan,
Atilla …
Ebony Towns
Akeen Robbins
(names came too fast, missed quite a few)
Loffredo announces Mayor Johnson is also on the list
Students of AP academic achievement.
Public Comment Portion:
Bernard Gorsey – long branch plus many addresses in Asbury park
Been in Asbury before all you gentleman…wnt to congratulate you very pleased w/ the progress you’ve been getting since I haven’t been around. (laughs) I hv several projects, will keep under hat so competition doesn't hear, wnt to meet w/ city to share my ideas/ let’s get to wk on and mk some taxes for the city/ next yr the chanuka bush
Steve weider – 602 5th
Like to wish everyone happy holidays…despite fact my landlords hv’nt been maintainin bdgl properly/ cpl police officers, one S. McCarthy, been nasty and harassing to me/ McCarthey called me a racist after yrs of trying to help poor people…then came out to complain I was too loud when had a meg of 8 people…when he complained of loud tv, neighbor turned tv off before officer came/ Lost 150 hrs of sleep since summer/ why is police officer protecting a man know…bez he’s been there sev’l time for drugs…chief k
Timothy Jones – commuty svc leader/ need to know who to spk w/ doc procedure/ legal proceedings concerning the city? plans to sue city...
TR- Start w/ city mgr
Rita Marano – 8th ave
Few wks ago u had emergency appropriation $650k to pay for the retirees. Tonight going to do again? is it the same appropriation?
TR – yes, is same am’t, bonding allows us to spread out the payments so doesn’t boost tax up in one yr
RM - What's $3 mn for?
TR – same am’t of money jst financing it thru county so get better rate/ the $3m is for senior ctr building/
RM – how much is budget for next yr
TR – not discussed/ jst new laws, caps, guidelines hv to live w/ terms of presenting budget/
RM – hope next yr will hv balanced budget
TR – we’d love that
Jerry Scarano – LB
We hv tow truck fees, etc. when we hv drug raids is there some way to pass off fees on landlords/ think they shd hv to pk up the fees…Instead of having to layoff police officers
NOTE – Chief Kinmon confirmed 35 layoffs of police have been proposed to Trenton tocut budget costs out of 93 officers.
TR – Chf Kinmon wks closely w/ county when prop is confiscated portion comes bk to city/ if u could link fact that I’m a landlord and facilitating drug use in bldg can take the bldg/ but don’t know if they’re complicit.
Denise Richardson – ridge av
Jst listened to Lucas closing for 3 wks, big company, can’t believe…Weather? I’m sure will be better in Dec than Jan.
EJ – think that’s why this wedn they’re going to poor final layer and w’re going to meet and get involved in this.
DR – after what went thru
BG – lucas has contract to wk 566 days, lot of employees immigrants go home to families. They intend to finish job in those days or early
JB – incentive to finish early
BG – no incentive to do that/ fixed price contract
Duanne Small – 1304 mattison
Do w hv policy that when someone bids on contract their status is checked / majority of wk is being done by people who don’t live here and undoc wkrs. I’m a contractor myself, if I hire someone illegal, it is taking place here/ city shdn’t allow it/ serious prob in this city/ we need to do something about it/ as brian jst mentioned they give them weeks to go back to their own countries. What’s going on w/ these license plates, 8 cars over there w/ out of state tags. Landscape company trk registered in nj, but when he gets off wk his veh is registered in md. Understand it has to be done immediately, Johnson.
TR – we’ve had this conversation, chif discussed w/ you/ when someone is pulled over officer notes it/ pt is fact still see plates out there doesn’t mean our pol dept isn’t doing its job/ one thing to come to mic and make accusations/ we do go after people who live here and hvan’t changed registration. Illegal aliens…saying city is engaging contractos who have illegal workers…u say u know that is going on, in private you tell me who is doing that and we will investigate.
Pam Lamberton – happy holidays everyone
At last metg lots of people clamoring for city pol review bd anyone signed up for it?
EJ – got list here w/ one name on it. People who stood at mic and hav not signed up for it. Be a part of this process and be on board.
PL – other part of it is to be part of the solution…wd encourage people if open to it, take second step in civic participation,
EJ – how do you spell your name
LAmberton
Myra Campbell – ap
We had a mtg w/ city, hope we mv forward w/ some of suggestions brought up/ I present pictures that a full bus went down Eliz Ave, not realizing street cut off at Springwood, disappointed w/ that becz I was told there wd be some notice/ point people assigned to tk care of this problem/ want to ensure that as we go along w/ wk has to be done concerned about hlth and safety of people involved in …I enjoy coming here and talking to you and want to wish all of you a happy holidays.
Approvval of minutes from prev mtgs – all yes
Dec 1, minutes, yes
Spec mtg sanders out/ all expect absent yes
Raffles – Mt. Carmel Churchurch and PTA yes
Institutionalizing the 4 – 6 pm hours every council meeting w/ be for executive sessions…
Budget transfers for current fund…$308,000
Items of revenue : mmarquette $175k contrib. to police
Special Police $16,482
$3mn for cap budget for senior center
Monmouth county improvement authority
Extenstion of option
$1, 465,000 spec emerg notes for city of AP
Bond ord of $250k approved
Bus driver…introduction
Trash Hauling Contract -Low bidder 2 yrs, 3 yr option, DeLisa Disposal $420k a yr
TR - Great price, lower...
Saturday, September 19, 2009
AP City Council Meeting September
My apologies for posting this edition of Reporters' Notes well after the event, and for not attending the most recent, Sept. 16th meeting. I was out of state for the funeral of a friend.
However, in reading today's Asbury Park Press, page 2, I see that the city has determined that it will need to borrow $2.6 million to build the senior center floor within the three-story building planned by Interfaith Neighbors. The city intends to seek approval for this borrowing from the Local Finance Board and the Dept. of Community Affairs, formerly head up by Joseph Doria, who is under investigation as part of the FBI's Operation Bid Rig. The article explains that the senior center was formerly housed in the First Avenue Pavilion, which is now the site of a restaurant and shops. However, for clarity, the report should state that the pavilion was sold to Asbury Partners. Almost immediately after that sale, the building was rendered uninhabitable due to the severing of the gas pipe by a worker hired by the building's owners. Seniors had to leave in an emergency evacuation.
If the state agencies approve the city's request to bond, it must still go to market to determine what interest rate it will have to pay. And it will almost certainly have to get a new credit rating before it can be eligible to offer a bond. The city currently has at least $20 million owed in debt. The credit rating and legal fees associated with the bonding will add considerable costs to the initial $2.6 million. This year, the City had a revenue short fall of about $20 million in meeting its budget.
Asbury Park City Council Mtg 9/2/09
City Passes Ordinance Adopting Controversial New FEMA Flood Maps - See Congr. Pallone's Op-Ed in APP Opposing these Maps
While some communities are opposing the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s proposed flood maps, which place many areas into flood zones, Asbury Park voted to pass an ordinance adopting the new maps to avoid problems in gaining flood coverage for the area.
Asbury Park has the lowest rating right now in a ranking used by insurance companies to figure flood premiums. Steps can be taken to improve this ranking, which could result in lower premiums.
Don Sammet – City’s Director Redevelopment
Metropolitan Hotel, three properties in WestSide redevelopment area…
Honor able mention for CoAP for its Asbury Tower rehab project. The city recognized for its part in approving another Pilot program, through which the City taxpayers made possible reduced Tower taxes so that the owners could complete the rehab.
Mayor’s Ball – proceeds go to recreation programs, certificates for free day at beach, $5 value, in goody bag. For every $5 badge city gets back $21.95 in commerce and parking.
Melba Moore will sing and give a special presentation.
Mayor Ed Johnson asks Fisherman’s pkg; lot a yr from now what do we expect to be on that spot? Can things be done to produce revenue? Recover w/ DGA? Camping ground at the beach? Something city can put there to raise revenue.
Terry Reidy, City Mgr – lk at first cost of improvement of the current “moonscape”. Used by fishermen, surfers, etc. who know what to expect, but may surprise first timers. Mayor wants it cont’d to be used by fisherman. But have to look at all possible revenues, rather than have it sit there doing nothing.
Mayor - Short range and long range goals, wants council and city directors to sit down and figure out. League of Municipalities in Nov. could use that as opportunity for this. Need to flush this out, date, place, guidelines.
Jim Famularo, dep City Mgr. – NJ Transit wants to upgrade ticket machines.
Tom Gilmour – commerce – special event applications: Chamber of Commerce sidewalk sales Sept 12 and 13 and Oct 17 and 18 – Similar event for VNA on Main St. Tapatia Restaurant area on both sides of Main Street, Oct 14 – 11- 3 pm. Teddy Bear Entertainment, rained out last weekend, Sept 12 9- 6 pm. Historical Society Moro Castle on same date?
Sunset Pk 11 – 2 pm Ministry. David Hoffman, Harrison’s Sun. 9/13, alley way event. City not sure who actually owns the RoW between VFW and building. Sisters on Patrol flea market Oct 17 // 9 – 4 pm Sept 13th Wonder Bar and Longosta Lounge, benefit SPCA – request walk animals from one venue to the other via boardwalk, from 5 – 6 pm. Historical society wants social affair permit for mayor’s ball. Partnering between Historical society and the mayor’s office.
Matters introduced by City Council –
Sue Henderson – re. Deal Lake Commission, Flume house of Deal Lake, which controls water leveling the lake. It has been painted and roof repaired by public works dept. “It looks great!” Deal Lake commission wrote letter of thanks, mentioning Garrett Giberson and John Mohr. John Everson, chair of the commission signed the letter.
John Loffredo – asked about paperwork on bus shelter given to T.Reidy. Would build shelter on east side of Ocean Ave., City Atty Fred Raffetto will have resolution next meeting. Complaint about foul language during a concert at Stone Pony. JL says not appropriate for a family destination.
Mayor thanked organizers of block party. Health awareness on H1N1 emergency action vaccine program. Wk w/ Bd of Education to deal with whatever comes. Recognize beach staff and merchants, and Madison Marquette. Advise council of opportunity for professional development courses for members of any Monmouth Cty business, non-profit or government being offered free by Brookdale College.
JL thanked Surfrider Fdn for cleaning up the beach.
FRaffetto: Memorandum of Agreement City and Prosecutors Assoc. of NJ … Parking at Berkeley Hotel Sept 11, 12 – 13 – 120 parking spots on st. metered pkg spaces. City will be paid $1200.
Litigation city of AP v Apostol – house on Webb St., property now owned by Karpinskis, who are moving their house there. Action was to settle fines and penalties on the property levied against former owners before structure taken down.
Ava Horvath is here with neighbors to protest granting of three lots on West Side to Interfaith Neighbors
Noise ordinance, which will affect Brick Wall on Cookman, moved to Oct. 21
Public Portion
Rita Marano, 8th Av
Bond ordinance is partly in expectation of stimulus money for street improvements Springwood Av. and downtown roadbeds. Ans: 2 different forms – environmental trust monies and from Fed. Boxing component of bond allows donations to be made for a dedicated trust to be only used for that purpose, sets up mechanism to raise money for that program. Fitness is part of the boxing program. RM says glad city employees can take training at Brookdale, kid answering phone at city hall.
Ava Horvath – “…long cherished affordable home building project: roundly rejected because of prejudice on part of affordable housing comm. Not given opportunity to put our plans before…committee.” Accompanied to meeting by Jim Bollinger, identified as a former fortune 500 executive. NSP application 20 Avenue A and a second on Avenue A.
Reidy – ordinance on this tonight, doesn’t include properties Horvath is referring to/ There was a proposal that did include them. They were taken out of the ordinance. Horvath so that she can make her case to the Affordable Housing Subcommittee, subcommittee w/ address council on Sept 16th with results of Horvath’s meeting with it. Governing body made a policy decision to give H opportunity to plead her case.
Frank Weston 9 ½ Avenue A –
Derrek Weston of same address – we can’t afford to live on the East side, wants area to look the same.
Georgia (last name?)…- Resident of Avenue A – Horvath trying to build something to include us and children of area. They always put us at the bottom of the list. Supports Horvath’s plan.
Everton Barham – Avenue A – Totally in support of Ms. Horvath.
Elzi Walker – Avenue A – family there for over 80 yrs. “She was promised a fair chance, that has not been fulfilled. Interfaith built many houses but seems to me a slight chance of monopolizing here. Give Ava a fair chance.”
James Bellinger – Agreed 3 lots in question be held in abeyance until loans could be arranged which has been done.
Reidy – city has been working on this for too many years, frankly. Stars put together before I got here. Not a question of whether or not affordable housing is going to be built in their neighborhood. Only a question is who is best qualified to build it. Properties are still out there and available for Ms. Horvath to get her plans across. Re. monopoly, sure going to look at them they’ve got positive track record, but there are three – Habitat is another…people of goodwill come out and speak from the heart…issue for this governing body is who w/ actually build affordable housing for our community.
Mike Brim – Sunset Av –
On Horvath – asked if hers is the same plan presented a while ago. Homes she was proposing weren’t of lasting quality.
Ed Simon – 3rd and Main, Locksmith business – congratulate council and new mayor.
Joyce Stolloroff – Cookman Av
Parking in downtown, loading zones, ticketed picking up dog from groomer.
Ed Johnson – plan is to get pkg committee going after Labor Day, deal with that and other issues.
JS – city hall employees, can they put clock signs up so you know when people will be returning to their offices.
Response: TReidy – w/ follow up at staff mtg t’w. After his vacation got a number of complaints, one from council and will act on any complaint of that nature.
Dennis Carroll – 1st ave.
In favor of the Public Arts Mural ordinance before council tonight. Spoke of murals bringing people of a city together.
Dawn Von Suskill – very excited about ordinance and work coming together. Thank you.
Carice Agrillo – Cookman Av – disappointed to hear noise ordinance is put off again, hope committee isn’t slow moving.
Lou Parisi – Band concerts in AP, 2 wks ago bandleader Mr. Luckenbill said may not be able to continue. Council intervened. Please continue to think of them in future. Unfortunate if in its …excellent band repertoire to please everyone. Excellent musicians joined by 15 from schools. Occasion to visit the Convention Hall restroom, pleased, sent note to Mr. Matolla.
Gene Minola – Cookman – moved in yr and half ago, have two businesses downtown, city doesn’t seem able to enforce ordinance that exists, hope new ordinance will seek a balance. TReidy on postponement to Second meeting in October to give mayor and council chance to review issues.
Reidy – gen’l agreement then state ordinance is 40 decibels not 50 / what governing body thought they wd be voting on wasn’t what state told them it would be. It wd be overly restrictive and might cause businesses to close down. Rather than have overprotection it was postponed. It’s not a delay tactic. Police chief investigated other communities to see what they’re doing.
Jerry Scarano – Long Branch
Morro Castle no one here to address or endorse events planned to commemorate. It changed the way we live and ocean travel. We should support it. Re Avenue A, “I remember the drawings were equal to superior to others presented,” he said referring to M. Brim’s remarks.
Scott Hann – Cookman Av – moved from NY and noise downtown worse than NY, London, Japan/ VFW noise keep them up Sun. nights. DEP did sound readings. Parties go on until 2. Police are called out. Sometimes on Saturdays. Applications should be looked at.
Pam – Sept 20th 11 am, tee off noon, arts cap event at miniature golf on boardwalk, police, fire dept, zoning Bd of Ed are all playing.
Attendance – All elected officials except councilmember James Bruno
.$6,000 for July fireworks.
Raffle oct 29 for meridian health at tim mccloone’s supper club
Howard Daly Post Sat. Sept 5th,
Metro Entertainment at Berkeley, Sept 10th
Renewal of license at Berkeley, condition they maintain 100 rooms or more.
Misc. events from Gilmour
Pending appr’l from ABC Historical Society permit at Mayor’s Ball – all yes
Harrison extend license to alley – all yes
Appts
Planning Bd – mayor indicated Terry Reidy, to 2010, shade commission Jim Henry to 2012, Amy Quinn w/ become alternate #1, UEZ Bd opening rest are renewed except Towery goes to regular member. Debbie Delisa, Michael Brim, etc. Sunset Lake commission john mohr, rcouncil rep. Jim Bruno, amy quinn, tom pivinski, ed baker
Springwood ave advisory board – Michael Brim, Paul McEvely, Vernice McGriff, Ed Johnson, dep mayor john loffredo, earl young
Budget - $38,189,530.57 Adopt budget – all yes
Inserting items grant 60k$ / yr 8, UEZ wayfaring science program $50,000, Cops hiring recovery $1,376,100.
Bond Ordinance - $15 million sewer utility bonds
Loan - $15,800,000. executed by city and envir infrastructure trusts dep, escrow
Agreement
Debt obligations 2009 envir infrastructure program
PAL boxing facility – all yes
Resolution – 2008 annual audit – that they’ve read it. All yes
However, in reading today's Asbury Park Press, page 2, I see that the city has determined that it will need to borrow $2.6 million to build the senior center floor within the three-story building planned by Interfaith Neighbors. The city intends to seek approval for this borrowing from the Local Finance Board and the Dept. of Community Affairs, formerly head up by Joseph Doria, who is under investigation as part of the FBI's Operation Bid Rig. The article explains that the senior center was formerly housed in the First Avenue Pavilion, which is now the site of a restaurant and shops. However, for clarity, the report should state that the pavilion was sold to Asbury Partners. Almost immediately after that sale, the building was rendered uninhabitable due to the severing of the gas pipe by a worker hired by the building's owners. Seniors had to leave in an emergency evacuation.
If the state agencies approve the city's request to bond, it must still go to market to determine what interest rate it will have to pay. And it will almost certainly have to get a new credit rating before it can be eligible to offer a bond. The city currently has at least $20 million owed in debt. The credit rating and legal fees associated with the bonding will add considerable costs to the initial $2.6 million. This year, the City had a revenue short fall of about $20 million in meeting its budget.
Asbury Park City Council Mtg 9/2/09
City Passes Ordinance Adopting Controversial New FEMA Flood Maps - See Congr. Pallone's Op-Ed in APP Opposing these Maps
While some communities are opposing the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s proposed flood maps, which place many areas into flood zones, Asbury Park voted to pass an ordinance adopting the new maps to avoid problems in gaining flood coverage for the area.
Asbury Park has the lowest rating right now in a ranking used by insurance companies to figure flood premiums. Steps can be taken to improve this ranking, which could result in lower premiums.
Don Sammet – City’s Director Redevelopment
Metropolitan Hotel, three properties in WestSide redevelopment area…
Honor able mention for CoAP for its Asbury Tower rehab project. The city recognized for its part in approving another Pilot program, through which the City taxpayers made possible reduced Tower taxes so that the owners could complete the rehab.
Mayor’s Ball – proceeds go to recreation programs, certificates for free day at beach, $5 value, in goody bag. For every $5 badge city gets back $21.95 in commerce and parking.
Melba Moore will sing and give a special presentation.
Mayor Ed Johnson asks Fisherman’s pkg; lot a yr from now what do we expect to be on that spot? Can things be done to produce revenue? Recover w/ DGA? Camping ground at the beach? Something city can put there to raise revenue.
Terry Reidy, City Mgr – lk at first cost of improvement of the current “moonscape”. Used by fishermen, surfers, etc. who know what to expect, but may surprise first timers. Mayor wants it cont’d to be used by fisherman. But have to look at all possible revenues, rather than have it sit there doing nothing.
Mayor - Short range and long range goals, wants council and city directors to sit down and figure out. League of Municipalities in Nov. could use that as opportunity for this. Need to flush this out, date, place, guidelines.
Jim Famularo, dep City Mgr. – NJ Transit wants to upgrade ticket machines.
Tom Gilmour – commerce – special event applications: Chamber of Commerce sidewalk sales Sept 12 and 13 and Oct 17 and 18 – Similar event for VNA on Main St. Tapatia Restaurant area on both sides of Main Street, Oct 14 – 11- 3 pm. Teddy Bear Entertainment, rained out last weekend, Sept 12 9- 6 pm. Historical Society Moro Castle on same date?
Sunset Pk 11 – 2 pm Ministry. David Hoffman, Harrison’s Sun. 9/13, alley way event. City not sure who actually owns the RoW between VFW and building. Sisters on Patrol flea market Oct 17 // 9 – 4 pm Sept 13th Wonder Bar and Longosta Lounge, benefit SPCA – request walk animals from one venue to the other via boardwalk, from 5 – 6 pm. Historical society wants social affair permit for mayor’s ball. Partnering between Historical society and the mayor’s office.
Matters introduced by City Council –
Sue Henderson – re. Deal Lake Commission, Flume house of Deal Lake, which controls water leveling the lake. It has been painted and roof repaired by public works dept. “It looks great!” Deal Lake commission wrote letter of thanks, mentioning Garrett Giberson and John Mohr. John Everson, chair of the commission signed the letter.
John Loffredo – asked about paperwork on bus shelter given to T.Reidy. Would build shelter on east side of Ocean Ave., City Atty Fred Raffetto will have resolution next meeting. Complaint about foul language during a concert at Stone Pony. JL says not appropriate for a family destination.
Mayor thanked organizers of block party. Health awareness on H1N1 emergency action vaccine program. Wk w/ Bd of Education to deal with whatever comes. Recognize beach staff and merchants, and Madison Marquette. Advise council of opportunity for professional development courses for members of any Monmouth Cty business, non-profit or government being offered free by Brookdale College.
JL thanked Surfrider Fdn for cleaning up the beach.
FRaffetto: Memorandum of Agreement City and Prosecutors Assoc. of NJ … Parking at Berkeley Hotel Sept 11, 12 – 13 – 120 parking spots on st. metered pkg spaces. City will be paid $1200.
Litigation city of AP v Apostol – house on Webb St., property now owned by Karpinskis, who are moving their house there. Action was to settle fines and penalties on the property levied against former owners before structure taken down.
Ava Horvath is here with neighbors to protest granting of three lots on West Side to Interfaith Neighbors
Noise ordinance, which will affect Brick Wall on Cookman, moved to Oct. 21
Public Portion
Rita Marano, 8th Av
Bond ordinance is partly in expectation of stimulus money for street improvements Springwood Av. and downtown roadbeds. Ans: 2 different forms – environmental trust monies and from Fed. Boxing component of bond allows donations to be made for a dedicated trust to be only used for that purpose, sets up mechanism to raise money for that program. Fitness is part of the boxing program. RM says glad city employees can take training at Brookdale, kid answering phone at city hall.
Ava Horvath – “…long cherished affordable home building project: roundly rejected because of prejudice on part of affordable housing comm. Not given opportunity to put our plans before…committee.” Accompanied to meeting by Jim Bollinger, identified as a former fortune 500 executive. NSP application 20 Avenue A and a second on Avenue A.
Reidy – ordinance on this tonight, doesn’t include properties Horvath is referring to/ There was a proposal that did include them. They were taken out of the ordinance. Horvath so that she can make her case to the Affordable Housing Subcommittee, subcommittee w/ address council on Sept 16th with results of Horvath’s meeting with it. Governing body made a policy decision to give H opportunity to plead her case.
Frank Weston 9 ½ Avenue A –
Derrek Weston of same address – we can’t afford to live on the East side, wants area to look the same.
Georgia (last name?)…- Resident of Avenue A – Horvath trying to build something to include us and children of area. They always put us at the bottom of the list. Supports Horvath’s plan.
Everton Barham – Avenue A – Totally in support of Ms. Horvath.
Elzi Walker – Avenue A – family there for over 80 yrs. “She was promised a fair chance, that has not been fulfilled. Interfaith built many houses but seems to me a slight chance of monopolizing here. Give Ava a fair chance.”
James Bellinger – Agreed 3 lots in question be held in abeyance until loans could be arranged which has been done.
Reidy – city has been working on this for too many years, frankly. Stars put together before I got here. Not a question of whether or not affordable housing is going to be built in their neighborhood. Only a question is who is best qualified to build it. Properties are still out there and available for Ms. Horvath to get her plans across. Re. monopoly, sure going to look at them they’ve got positive track record, but there are three – Habitat is another…people of goodwill come out and speak from the heart…issue for this governing body is who w/ actually build affordable housing for our community.
Mike Brim – Sunset Av –
On Horvath – asked if hers is the same plan presented a while ago. Homes she was proposing weren’t of lasting quality.
Ed Simon – 3rd and Main, Locksmith business – congratulate council and new mayor.
Joyce Stolloroff – Cookman Av
Parking in downtown, loading zones, ticketed picking up dog from groomer.
Ed Johnson – plan is to get pkg committee going after Labor Day, deal with that and other issues.
JS – city hall employees, can they put clock signs up so you know when people will be returning to their offices.
Response: TReidy – w/ follow up at staff mtg t’w. After his vacation got a number of complaints, one from council and will act on any complaint of that nature.
Dennis Carroll – 1st ave.
In favor of the Public Arts Mural ordinance before council tonight. Spoke of murals bringing people of a city together.
Dawn Von Suskill – very excited about ordinance and work coming together. Thank you.
Carice Agrillo – Cookman Av – disappointed to hear noise ordinance is put off again, hope committee isn’t slow moving.
Lou Parisi – Band concerts in AP, 2 wks ago bandleader Mr. Luckenbill said may not be able to continue. Council intervened. Please continue to think of them in future. Unfortunate if in its …excellent band repertoire to please everyone. Excellent musicians joined by 15 from schools. Occasion to visit the Convention Hall restroom, pleased, sent note to Mr. Matolla.
Gene Minola – Cookman – moved in yr and half ago, have two businesses downtown, city doesn’t seem able to enforce ordinance that exists, hope new ordinance will seek a balance. TReidy on postponement to Second meeting in October to give mayor and council chance to review issues.
Reidy – gen’l agreement then state ordinance is 40 decibels not 50 / what governing body thought they wd be voting on wasn’t what state told them it would be. It wd be overly restrictive and might cause businesses to close down. Rather than have overprotection it was postponed. It’s not a delay tactic. Police chief investigated other communities to see what they’re doing.
Jerry Scarano – Long Branch
Morro Castle no one here to address or endorse events planned to commemorate. It changed the way we live and ocean travel. We should support it. Re Avenue A, “I remember the drawings were equal to superior to others presented,” he said referring to M. Brim’s remarks.
Scott Hann – Cookman Av – moved from NY and noise downtown worse than NY, London, Japan/ VFW noise keep them up Sun. nights. DEP did sound readings. Parties go on until 2. Police are called out. Sometimes on Saturdays. Applications should be looked at.
Pam – Sept 20th 11 am, tee off noon, arts cap event at miniature golf on boardwalk, police, fire dept, zoning Bd of Ed are all playing.
Attendance – All elected officials except councilmember James Bruno
.$6,000 for July fireworks.
Raffle oct 29 for meridian health at tim mccloone’s supper club
Howard Daly Post Sat. Sept 5th,
Metro Entertainment at Berkeley, Sept 10th
Renewal of license at Berkeley, condition they maintain 100 rooms or more.
Misc. events from Gilmour
Pending appr’l from ABC Historical Society permit at Mayor’s Ball – all yes
Harrison extend license to alley – all yes
Appts
Planning Bd – mayor indicated Terry Reidy, to 2010, shade commission Jim Henry to 2012, Amy Quinn w/ become alternate #1, UEZ Bd opening rest are renewed except Towery goes to regular member. Debbie Delisa, Michael Brim, etc. Sunset Lake commission john mohr, rcouncil rep. Jim Bruno, amy quinn, tom pivinski, ed baker
Springwood ave advisory board – Michael Brim, Paul McEvely, Vernice McGriff, Ed Johnson, dep mayor john loffredo, earl young
Budget - $38,189,530.57 Adopt budget – all yes
Inserting items grant 60k$ / yr 8, UEZ wayfaring science program $50,000, Cops hiring recovery $1,376,100.
Bond Ordinance - $15 million sewer utility bonds
Loan - $15,800,000. executed by city and envir infrastructure trusts dep, escrow
Agreement
Debt obligations 2009 envir infrastructure program
PAL boxing facility – all yes
Resolution – 2008 annual audit – that they’ve read it. All yes
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