Minority’s 'Gift' To Hoboken, Shut Down Pier C And Clog Up The Municipal Court

Last week’s council meeting once again showed the incompetence and lack of community caring by the minority. First let’s discuss the “consent agenda.”

Consent Agenda is defined as: All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine business by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a council member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.

What is the definition of consent? Webster’s Dictionary states: 1) to admit, approve or comply: agree, as to an expressed wish or proposed action. 2) To agree in sentiment or opinion.  3) Permission, approval, or agreement; compliance. 4) Agreement in sentiment, opinion, or a course of action: by common assent. 5) Accord, harmony.

While Corporate Counsel Melissa Longo will make the official ruling, I believe that common (non-minority) sense should be that if the item is not pulled the vote should be yes.  Beth Mason is correct that she has been playing this game for years, but that does not make it right. Why is it important to have dissenting votes discussed? Because the public has the right to understand (or stand in disbelief) of a public servant’s rationale. The following resolutions were defeated under the “consent” agreement:

Resolution 4 stated: “to authorize a professional service contract with Florio Kenny as Special Legal Counsel -Rent Leveling Board Attorney to the City of Hoboken to commence January 1, 2013 and expire December 31, 2013 for an increase in the not to exceed amount by $15,000.00.”

This means that our Rent Leveling Board will not have proper legal representation as required by statute N.J.S.A.40A:11-1et seq. The notice was properly published on two occasions. This happened because Councilman Tim Occhipinti objected to the first attempt. Both times the winner was Florio Kenny. Every board is essential to the operation of Hoboken and municipalities throughout New Jersey. This once again shows how legally incompetent the minority is and why it is important to get a final ruling so that Jim Doyle can take his rightful place on council.

Resolution 5, stated: “Resolution authorizing the City of Hoboken to accept and qualify responses to issued requests for qualification for General Municipal Engineers from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013”.

This is legal under the same rule as above and is important because engineering approval is needed to ascertain if signage and traffic lights are needed in Hoboken. The bids went through the open bidding process and T&M Associates was the winner. Once again the minority is showing that they don’t care about maintaining public safety in Hoboken.

Resolution 8 stated: “Resolution awarding a professional service contract to Boswell Engineering  for City Engineer for 2013 Ongoing Municipal Road Programs in an amount not to exceed Forty Four Thousand ($44,000.00) for a one year term to commence January 1, 2013 and expire December 31, 2013.”

Hoboken has a series of road improvements scheduled (if the minority does not block them again) for 2013. I guess this means that once again our main arteries will not be repaved and repaired. I expect another inane oped from Pothole Tim Occhipinti on this matter. This resolution was needed to obtain NJ DOT approval for this program. Next time your car hits a pothole remember to thank the minority.

Resolution 9 was the most indicative item that was rejected. Hurricane Sandy hit our waterfront hard and the jewel known as Pier C was damaged. Mayor Zimmer wanted approval so that Boswell Engineering coulddetail rehabilitation for Pier C. Of course this sensible action was voted down by the minority. It appears that Pier C will be closed until productive action is taken.

Boswell would have been hired to assess the damage and detail it for a FEMA grant. Landscaped areas were completely washed out, leaving debris and exposed sprinkler lines, as well as damage to fencing and electrical outlets. Seating areas have jagged edges. It is important to note that the funds for repairs will not be borne by Hoboken taxpayers. It would be paid for by the existing operation and maintenance fund (O&M) established by the Port Authority.

Resolution 11 was to provide for: “authorizing the City of Hoboken to appoint and award contracts to each qualified applicant to issued requests for qualification for Alternate Municipal Public Defenders for January 1, 2013 and terminate on December 31, 2013 term in a not to exceed amount $1,650.00 each”.

Our Public Defender Esther Milstead (a former neighbor of mine) cannot be at every single hearing. Therefore Hoboken needs qualified individuals to temporarily replace her when she is not available. This means that police officers will show up (and get paid) and the case will either be rescheduled or dismissed. It is important to note that only one attorney will be there at one time so there is no additional cost to the taxpayers, except for the increase imposed by the minority.

Let’s review last week’s gifts from the minority;

1) The council minority cannot comprehend “consent” and apparently wish to hide their subterfuge from the public they represent.

2) Landlords and tenants will not be able to have their cases heard due to lack of legal representation as required by New Jersey State law.

3) If residents believe that there is an increase or a change in traffic patterns, don’t bother to complain to City Hall or your Councilperson, unless of course it is Theresa Castellano, Beth Mason, Michael Russo or Tim Occhipinti, because apparently they couldn’t care less.

4) Hoboken’s major arteries will not be repaved and potholes will not be filled.

5) Pier C will be remained closed for future.

6) The municipal courts will be clogged up and chaotic at an additional cost to the Hoboken taxpayer.

So remember give a special thanks to Theresa Castellano, Beth Mason, Michael Russo and Pothole Tim Occhipinti.