The Alternative Press

CALDWELL, NJ - After the group recited the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Ann Dassing began the Caldwell Town Council meeting with a solemn moment of silence for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that occurred on Dec. 14 in Newtown, Connecticut.

Councilman Peter Murray made a special announcement on behalf of the Caldwell Police Department. “To the point of the police, I can say that the police have been working hand-in-hand with all the school officials,” said Murray. “It has been ongoing since the incident happened, and I spoke to Chief Bongiorno and everything from heightened patrols to understanding with the Superintendent and the Principals. I’ve also spoken to various Principals as well, and to some parents have been very appreciative of their presence and their response.”

Farewell to Councilman Murray
To commemorate Councilman Murray’s last official meeting on the council, Mayor Dassing gave a special thank you to Murray for his hard work on various boards, and presented him with a framed map of Caldwell in appreciation. The Mayor outlined his resume as a former Fireman, noting of his passion and how it “is in his blood,” as well as his introduction of a zero percent budget. The Mayor jokingly ended her speech saying, “he is my right hand even though he is sitting on my left.”

Borough Attorney Gregory Mascera paid kind words of appreciation to Councilman Murray for three years of service, and he described the leadership he showed as impressive adding that Murray always has the interest of the Borough in mind.

James Jorgensen, Liaison for Essex County, said a special farewell to Murray: “In light of the last three years, I’ve only been fortunate enough to be the liaison here for two and change, it has been my privilege and pleasure to observe all of the Council, especially you as you were formerly the President. I have watched you engage publically in your interactions with the Mayor, always quite honorably and with good intentions, so I wish you all the best.”

To close the session, Caldwell resident, Bob Colaizzo, congratulated Councilman Hauser and Councilman Elect Durkin, and wished them and Murray well. He then described an event from last summer when Murray helped successfully resolve an overnight parking issue associated with a party at the Colaizzo’s residence.

Borough Approved Six-Month Contract for Interim CFO
The Borough has authorized the contract for financial management services to Battaglia Associates LLC, effective Dec. 19 through June. 30, 2013. Borough Administrator Paul M. Carelli explained that there were three firms that responded to the request for proposal, but the Warren-based firm was chosen for a six-month contract, through budget season, for its competitive pricing and “aggressiveness” in terms of wanting Caldwell’s business.

Carelli described Battaglia Associates LLC as “the top, in terms of technology and automating things.” He also noted that he received positive feedback from two other people who have had experience with this firm, and gave separate recommendations or votes of approval.

An individual from the firm will perform CFO duties in Caldwell three days a week, for 20 hours total; all duties beyond those outlined as a CFO’s duties will be charged an additional $120 per hour. The Borough has already paid $7,500 for the first month of services, where the firm spent time understanding the Borough’s finances. While the original quote was for $7,500 a month for services, Carelli negotiated the fee down to $6,250 monthly throughout the contract period.

Mayor Dassing added that in the interim while seeking a CFO, “Our auditors have really stepped up to the plate for us, to fill in the gap for the year end.”

In other news:
• As of Jan. 1, 2013, Nicholas P. Adamo of Belleville will begin as a Probationary Officer. Police Chief James Bongiorno and Sergeants evaluated personnel, and looked back at six or eight applications that they were impressed with from the previous year. Carelli reported that the Officers were just as impressed with Adamo this year as they were last year, and said that Adamo came highly recommended.

• Carelli met with FEMA to determine that the Borough is in need of preliminary $215,000 for costs associated with the devastation caused by caused by Hurricane Sandy in late October, including necessary Police overtime payment and tree removal costs. While that figure is an overestimate, he noted that FEMA will reimburse the Borough 75 percent of its costs; additionally, the Borough can cancel or reduce the funds necessary if needed. Carelli added that if the Borough needs to borrow a short-term note, it is possible before the money from FEMA is awarded.

• Mayor Dassing thanked the Kiwanis Club for participating in gifts for the needy, in which the Club helped to provide gifts for more than 45 families; this was almost double the amount from 2011. “The extra families, Kiwanis picked up, and did a great job,” said Mayor Dassing. “Those homes will have a little brighter Christmas this year.”

• Mayor Dassing cited an article in the League of Municipalities in which she said she read about a company in Newark, Citi Log that re-purposes wood from trees to make flooring, benches and other wooden items. The Mayor said she is looking into potentially bringing these services to Caldwell to repurpose some of the trees that are being removed after the hurricane to be made into benches. In the same publication, the Mayor read about a solar project created in a municipal parking lot in Secaucus. Mayor Dassing said it may solve the Borough’s problems, and that she would like to explore going in that direction in 2013 and be more environmentally friendly.

• Carelli said that a note sale took place during the week of Dec. 17, and PNC Bank was selected as the financer of a six-month note, at a rate of 1.25 percent. He also noted that the water main project will start in January, weather permitting.

• Council Present Richard Hauser said the Library Board is seeking two vacancies to be filled, for a Caldwell resident, preferably those with backgrounds in marketing, legal, accounting or technology.

For further information:
Borough of Caldwell
Mayor: Ann Dassing
1 Provost Square
Caldwell, N.J. 07006
973-226-6100
Website:  http://www.caldwell-nj.com