Contact:
Borough Clerk Lori Cole (732) 229-1756
Category: CAUCUS MEETINGS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE West Long Branch, NJ - March 8, 2010
February 3, 2010
6:35 PM
A caucus meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of West Long Branch was held on the above date and time in the Council Chambers, Borough Hall, 965 Broadway, West Long Branch, N.J.
Mayor Janet W. Tucci presided.
Mayor Tucci reported that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 adequate notice of this meeting of the Mayor and Council has been provided.
PRESENT: CIOFFI, DEBRUIN, HEGARTY, NEYHART, RUANE, WOOLLEY
ABSENT: NONE
Richard Cooper, Assistant Fire Chief, appeared this evening to answer any questions concerning the Resident Firefighter Program.
Mayor Tucci confirmed that everyone received a package with additional information that was requested following the January 20th meeting.
Councilman DeBruin acknowledged that this program seems to be working well in other jurisdictions. However, he wanted to know who the people are going to be who will be living in the fire house. Specifically, he wanted to know if they are going to be college students and questioned why the program has to be co-ed. Assistant Chief Cooper responded that the program is open to anyone who is a qualified firefighter in the Borough. He assured the Mayor and Council that there is a meticulous selection process. He indicated that the goal is to be diverse and have a mix between college students and other residents. As to the co-ed issue, he explained that the Fire Department can’t discriminate and, in fact, the Department will be revamping its policies and procedures to address co-ed issues since they will have their first female firefighter.
Councilman DeBruin questioned whether the participants are going to be trained to drive the trucks and be able to operate them. Assistant Chief Cooper replied that is the goal and the participants will have to meet the same standards firefighters must meet presently.
Councilman DeBruin asked if the people who will be staying overnight will be over twenty-one years old. Assistant Chief Cooper clarified that it can be any firefighter and the minimum age for a firefighter is eighteen. However, he explained that this is a very structured program and there will be someone in charge of every shift in addition to the administrator of the entire program. If the participants don’t follow the rules, they will have to leave the program.
Councilman Neyhart asked if the program administrator will be at the fire house all the time. Assistant Chief Cooper advised him that the administrator will not be. Councilman Neyhart expressed concern about the liability issue for the Borough with this type of program. Also, he wanted to know if there is a requirement for matching funds for the grants that the Department will be seeking. Assistant Chief Cooper replied that the fire company will provide the matching funds, not the Borough.
Assistant Chief Cooper estimated needing between $150,000 and $200,000 to get started. According to him, one of the most important things to accomplish is the installation of a fire suppression system in each fire house.
Councilman DeBruin asked who owns the fire houses. Assistant Chief Cooper informed him they are owned by the fire companies.
The Mayor expressed concern about the insurance liability. Assistant Chief Cooper confirmed that the participants would be required to have their own medical insurance.
Councilman Neyhart said he is still worried about the liability to the Borough and that this program could open the Borough up to lawsuits. Assistant Chief Cooper acknowledged that more research may need to be done on the liability issue.
Mayor Tucci asked if there are any other small towns with such a program. Also, she asked for confirmation that both fire companies are on board. The Borough Clerk confirmed that she is in receipt of letters of support from both fire companies.
Councilman DeBruin noted that no one has a problem with the program concept.
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Councilwoman Ruane pointed out that the resolution on tonight’s regular agenda is simply a resolution of support of the program so that the Fire Department can move forward to apply for grants. There is no financial obligation by the Borough. Assistant Chief Cooper reported that he has been working on this program for over a year and has met with all of the State legislators. The legislators have petitioned FEMA to support the Fire Department’s grant application, but a resolution of support from the Borough Council is needed.
Councilman Cioffi asked who the West Long Branch Fire Department plans to adapt their program after. Assistant Chief Cooper stated that the Department will use the programs of Progress Fire Company, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Rohrerstown Fire Company, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, as templates.
Councilman Cioffi asked how the monies collected from the annual fund drive are divided. Assistant Chief Cooper informed him that the funds are split between the two companies. In response to Councilman Cioffi’s inquiry, Assistant Chief Cooper stated that last year they collected approximately $21,000, which is used for operational expenses. He confirmed that there will be a separate capital fundraising program to help implement the Resident Firefighter Program.
Councilman Cioffi asked if the program administrator will be a Fire Department line officer. Assistant Chief Cooper responded that he didn’t think it will be a current line officer, but perhaps an ex-Chief. Further, he stated that he envisions himself in the role as program administrator.
Councilman Hegarty asked if the Fire Department anticipates any zoning issues. Assistant Chief Cooper stated that the fire houses are exempt under the new zoning ordinance.
Councilman DeBruin encouraged the Fire Department to ensure that the proposed renovations utilize energy efficient measures.
Councilman Woolley moved that the Council enter Executive Session at 7:00 PM. Seconded by Councilman Hegarty and carried unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION
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BE IT RESOLVED that the following portion of this meeting dealing with the following generally described matters shall not be open to the public:
Environmental/Shade Tree Secretary; DPW Personnel; Police Building; CWA Negotiations; Police Personnel; Engineer’s Contract; Library Money Claim; Interpreter Agreement; Animal Control Contract
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is anticipated that the matters to be considered in private may be disclosed to the public at a later date under the following circumstances:
When the need for privacy as to each item no longer exists.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the private consideration is deemed required and is permitted because of the following noted exceptions set forth in the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-12):
_____ 1. Rendered confidential by Federal law or that if disclosed would impair receipt of Federal funds.
2. Rendered confidential by State Statute or Court Rule.
3. Would constitute an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy.
X
4. Deals with collective bargaining or any employment agreement, including negotiations positions.
5. Deals with purchase, lease or acquisition of real property with public funds.
_____ 6. Related to setting of bank rates or the investment of public funds and disclosure could adversely affect the public interest.
7. Related to tactics and techniques utilized in protecting the safety and property of the public and disclosure may adversely affect the public.
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8. Related to investigation of violations or possible violations of the law.
X
9. Related to pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiations in which the public body is or may be a party.
X
10. Falls within the attorney-client privilege and confidentiality is required.
X
11. Deals with personnel matters involving the employment, appointment, termination of employment, terms and conditions of employment, performance evaluation or discipline of any public officers or employees, either current or prospective, and all of the employees or appointees whose rights could be adversely affected have not requested that the matter be discussed publicly.
_____ 12. Quasi-judicial deliberations after public hearing that may result in imposition of a civil penalty or suspension or loss of a license or permit.
Councilman DeBruin moved Council adjourn Executive Session at 8:02 PM, seconded by Councilman Hegarty, and carried unanimously.
Mayor Tucci asked if anyone else had anything to discuss during the caucus meeting.
Since no one had anything, the meeting was opened to the public. No one spoke.
Councilman DeBruin moved Council adjourn Caucus Session at 8:07 PM. Seconded by Councilwoman Ruane and carried unanimously.
_________________________
BOROUGH CLERK
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