REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF KENILWORTH HELD ON
WEDNESDAY EVENING, MAY 11, 2016. MAYOR ANTHONY DELUCA PRESIDED.
Mayor Deluca read the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act.
The Salute to the Flag was led by Mayor Deluca.
ROLL CALL
Roll Call at 8:00 P.M. showed the following Council Members present: Kay Ceceri, Larry Clementi, Peter
Corvelli, Gerry Laudati and Nick Mascaro.
Mayor Deluca said with the resignation of Brian Joho, we have to fill a position and we chose Scott Pentz.
The Mayor asked Scott if he would like to join the council on the dais and Scott said he would wait until it is
official. The Mayor congratulated Scott and welcomed him aboard.
MINUTES
It was moved by Councilman Ladauti seconded by Councilman Clementi and carried that the minutes of
the Regular Council Meeting of April 27, 2016 and the Executive Session and Work Session of April 26,
2016 be approved as submitted. (Copies furnished each Council Member prior to the meeting). All in
favor.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
NJSLOM Notices
KVFD Chief Giordino Recommending Probationary Firefighters & EMT’s
Municipal Republican Committee – Vacancy recommendations
Chief Zimmer invite to “Every 15 Minutes” program
Invitation to the “Wear Orange Event” hosted by the Borough of Fanwood
Reports: April Department Reports from Clerk’s Office, Finance Office, Fire Dept., Planning & Zoning
Dept. and Public Works.
It was moved by Councilman Mascaro, seconded by Councilwoman Ceceri and carried that the above
communications be received and filed and any money amounts indicated be spread over the minutes.
All in favor.
PROCLAMATION
To recognize National Police Week 2016 and to honor the service and sacrifice of those law enforcement
officers killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy.
WHEREAS, there are approximately 900,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the
United States, including the dedicated members of the Kenilworth Police Department; and
WHEREAS, nearly 60,000 assaults against law enforcement officers are reported each year, resulting in
approximately 16,000 injuries; and
Council Meeting – May 11, 2016
Page 2
WHEREAS, there have been 15,725 assaults against law enforcement officers in 2014, resulting in
approximately 13,824 injuries; and
WHEREAS, the names of these dedicated public servants are engraved on the walls of the National Law
Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, 252 new names of fallen heroes are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers
Memorial this spring, including 123 officers killed in 2015 and 129 officers killed in previous years; and
WHEREAS, the service and sacrifice of all officers killed in the line of duty will be honored during the
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s 28th Annual Candlelight Vigil, on the evening of
May 13, 2016; and
WHEREAS, May 15 is designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day, in honor of all fallen officers and their
families and U.S. flags should be flown at half-staff.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council formally designates May 15-21, 2016, as Police
Week in the Borough of Kenilworth, and publicly salutes the service of law enforcement officers in our
community and in communities across the nation.
Chief Zimmerman accepted the Proclamation.
MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Deluca reminded everyone the Street Fair is May 22, 2016, 10AM to 4:30 PM and a car show will
be included. He said you can go on www.kenilworthborough.com and you will see a map of the layout
of the streets and where the events are on each street. He said the car show will be at the turn around
in front of Harding School. The Kenilworth Fire House Memorial Service will be on Thursday, May 26,
2016 at 7:00 PM. Last night Chief Zimmerman was honored at the LACADA, the Local Advisory
Committee of Alcohol and Drug Abuse for volunteer of the year, Mayor Deluca congratulated Chief
Zimmerman. The Kenilworth Historical Society will be hosting a girl’s tea at the Nitschke House on May
21, 2016, seating is limited, call 908-709-0434 or 908-709-0391 for reservations and more information.
Mayor Deluca thanked the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts for doing some great Community Work in cleaning
up the Library and various areas throughout the Town, he is big on volunteerism. He said we have a
Pride In Kenilworth Committee and we are going to be making it a floating committee, all Kenilworth
residents are now part of the Pride in the Kenilworth Committee, so congratulation to all. He said pride
in Kenilworth doesn’t mean just showing up for one or two events, pride in Kenilworth starts at your
front door, it means sweeping your front stoop, taking care of your yard and carrying that forward. He
said this is a work in progress and is to be continued and we will all get through this together.
Council Meeting – May 11, 2016
Page 3
REPORT OF COMMITTEES
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Mayor Deluca said we are having our public hearing for the budget amendment tonight. He said our tax
rate was very good, our bottom number for the town was close to zero percent for the municipal
budget. The County has been playing nice with us and he is hoping for a good year and future good
years.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Councilman Mascaro said Superintendent Ryan submitted a plan for the cross walks and street markings
that need to be re-done, especially in the school zones, we are waiting on a confirmation from the
County approving the plan and as soon as that is approved we will be getting it done. The storm drains
on the north side of town are clean and the south side is being worked on now. The grass has started to
be picked up and he reminded everyone to keep it strictly to grass, no brush or anything else because it
just slows them down and damages the machine. May 14th there will be a paper shredding program at
Lucent.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Councilman Corvelli said he has the April reports from the Chief. He said if you see a bunch of radio cars
or police cars bunch up, don’t get alarmed, they are doing a bunch of programs. Next week the school
will have “Every Fifteen Minutes” at the High School and he encouraged everyone to attend, it relates
to the dangers of drinking and driving and the repercussions. He said he watched the program on line
and it is a very moving program. Tonight we have two promotions but he will leave that up to the Chief.
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, ZONING & ORDINANCES
Councilman Clementi said tomorrow is the monthly Planning Board Meeting at 7:30.
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND FIRE
Councilwoman
Ceceri
said
there
are
two
probationary
FireFighter/EM
T’s on the agenda tonight pending background checks. The Recreation has had more sign-ups for
summer camp and the program is building up.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION & WELFARE
Councilman Ladauti said the school budget passed, there is no voting on it because we made a
commitment to have our elections in November so it doesn’t give our community a chance to vote on it.
He said he is waiting for the new superintendent to come back with more programs and advanced
programs for the school, we are looking to become a blue ribbon school. The Library meets tomorrow
night and the Board of Health meets the following Thursday. The Veterans Affairs will meet
Council Meeting – May 11, 2016
Page 4
Monday afternoon to work on the tribute to the fallen soldiers in Kenilworth. He said Laura hung some
beautiful signs on the streets. He said there will be a great event on Memorial Day.
PUBLIC HEARING – 2016 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
Motion was made by Councilman Mascaro, seconded by Councilwoman Ceceri to open the floor to the
public on the 2016 Municipal Budget.
The Mayor said anyone wishing to discuss the budget for the Borough of Kenilworth for the year 2016,
please stand up and state your name and address for the record.
No one wished to speak.
Motion was made by Councilman Clementi seconded by Councilman Mascaro to close the meeting to
the public on the 2016 Municipal Budget.
RESOLUTION NO. 1
Introduced by Nick Mascaro, adoption moved by same
Seconded by Gerry Laudati. Upon roll call all in favor.
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED,
that the Governing Body of the Borough of Kenilworth does
hereby approve the following as the Budget for the year 2016. The total appropriation is
$15,348,918.06
CONSENT AGENDA
Resolutions No. 2 thru 9 are listed on Consent Agenda and will be enacted by one motion in the form
listed below. All items will be recorded individually in full in the minutes.
Councilman Mascaro moved that all items under the Consent Agenda be approved, seconded by
Councilman Clementi. All in favor.
RESOLUTION NO. 2
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED: That all bills be paid when properly audited and funds are available.
RESOLUTON NO. 3
WHEREAS: RAYMOND T. FUSCHINO, JR., was appointed a Probationary Police Officer, effective March
24, 2016 at a salary of $39,639.39.
WHEREAS: that pursuant to the approved Agreement between the Borough and PBA Local #135, salary
schedule for 1st year patrolmen (1/1/2016),the starting salary was incorrectly stated.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
that the correct salary for RAYMOND T. FUSCHINO, JR. be $40,432.18.
Council Meeting – May 13, 2016
Page 5
RESOLUTION NO. 4
WHEREAS, the safety and security of the citizens of the Borough of Kenilworth and surrounding areas
are vitally important; and
WHEREAS, a large percentage of our citizens regularly drive or ride in motor vehicles on our roadways;
and
WHEREAS, the use of seat belts in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 12,802 lives in 2014; and
WHEREAS, regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to reduce fatalities in motor vehicle
crashes;
WHEREAS, the use of seat belts is supported by the laws of the State of New Jersey;
WHEREAS, May 23 through June 5, 2016, has been selected as the national Click It or Ticket mobilization
enforcement period;
WHEREAS, across the country law enforcement officers will actively be participating in the mobilization
to ensure all motor vehicle occupants are buckled up day and night to reduce the risk of injury and
death caused in traffic crashes; and
WHEREAS, increased enforcement of seat belt laws coupled with publicity has proven to be an effective
method to increase seat belt use rates and decrease fatal crashes;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that May 23 through June 5, 2016, is Click It or Ticket Mobilization
in the Borough of Kenilworth, County of Union, State of New Jersey, and urge all citizens to always wear
seat belts when driving or riding on our roadways.
RESOLUTION NO. 5
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED: That Timothy Singletary, Daniel DiProfio, Carsell Hawthorne, Matthew Jorge
and Jimmy Pinto be appointed as a Probationary Fire Fighter/EMT on the Kenilworth Fire Department.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these appointments are contingent upon successful completion of
medical release, criminal and background checks.
RESOLUTION NO. 6
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED: That JOSEPH VENTRE be employed as a Part-Time Municipal Court Attendant
at a rate of $25.00 per hour, effective May 11, 2016.
RESOLUTION NO. 7
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED; That JOSEPH VENTRE AND KEVIN JOW be employed as Per Diem Dispatchers
at a rate of $20.00 per hour, effective May 11, 2016.
Council Meeting – May 11, 2016
Page 6
RESOLUTION NO. 8
WHEREAS, Corelogic Tax Services paid the property taxes for the 2nd quarter of 2016 for the property
located at 366 Franklin Avenue, Kenilworth, NJ, and;
WHEREAS, this resulted in the overpayment of taxes for the 2nd quarter of 2016 in the amount of
$1,880.04, and;
WHEREAS, Corelogic Tax Services has requested that the overpayment be refunded to them.
NOW, THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Treasurer, after proper notation on the tax account records
by the Collector of Taxes, be and is hereby authorized to issue a warrant for a refund as stated below.
Block
Lot
56
6
Payable To:
Corelogic Tax Services
Attn: Refunds Dept.
Mail Code:DFW 1-3
1 Corelogic Drive
Westlake, TX 76262
Amount
$ 1,880.04
TOTAL $ 1,880.04
RESOLUTION NO. 9
WHEREAS, it has been determined that the real estate assessment for the year 2013 has been over
assessed on 717 Boulevard, Kenilworth, NJ, due to a State Tax Court Judgment, and;
WHEREAS, this resulted in the overpayment of taxes for the calendar year 2013 in the amount of
$2,528.41, and;
WHEREAS, Michael A. Vespasiano, Attorney representing the owner has requested that the
overpayment be refunded to him.
NOW, THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Treasurer, after proper notation on the tax account records
by the Collector of Taxes, be and is hereby authorized to issue a warrant for a refund as stated below.
Block
124
Lot
2
Payable To:
Amount
Michael A. Vespasiano, Attorney Trust Account $ 2,528.41
331 Main Street
Chatham, NJ 07928
TOTAL $ 2,528.41
Council Meeting – May 11, 2016
Page 7
RESOLUTION NO. 10
Introduced by Peter Corvelli, adoption moved by same
Seconded by Kay Ceceri.
All in favor.
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED: that FREDERICK SOOS, JR., be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in the
Kenilworth Police Department as per the results of the promotion process and as recommended by
Police Chief John Zimmerman, effective May 11, 2016.
RESOLUTION NO. 11
Introduced by Peter Corvelli, adoption moved by same
Seconded by Kay Ceceri. All in favor.
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED: that MICHAEL SCANIELO, be promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the
Kenilworth Police Department as per the results of the promotion process and as recommended by
Police Chief John Zimmerman, effective May 11, 2016.
OATHS OF OFFICE
Mayor Deluca administered the Oaths of Office to Lieutenant Soos and Sergeant Scaniello.
Mayor Deluca said he grew up with Fred Soos and has known him for a long time and he is very proud of
him.
Lieutenant Soos thanked God for the many blessings he has in his life, many of whom are sitting in this
room. He said it means a lot to him that so many guys came out, Father Joe is here, he has been a good
friend for 20 years and he appreciates him being here. He said he also appreciates all the guys from the
Department that came out as well as the two former Chiefs that he worked for, Don Tisch and Billy
Dowd. Also Timmy Dowd, who has been a mentor to him for years, it means a lot they are all here. He
said the guys he works with make him look a hell of a lot better than he is. He thanked all his friends
and family, his brother, his sister-in-law Kristin and Gael, his brother in law Paul, his cousin Martha, his
nieces and nephews and Coleen who came out to support him. He thanked his parents who have been
a source of inspiration and guidance throughout the years. He mostly thanked his wife and his children
and he said there is not a man in the world who is as lucky as he is, he said we tend to get a lot of
recognition but our families are the ones who put up with the crazy shifts and schedules and all the
nonsense. He said there is nothing he does in his life professionally or personally that could ever make
him as proud as he is of his family. He thanked the Mayor and Council and the Chief and said he takes a
lot of pride in what he does and he will work very hard to represent this department and the town to
the best of his ability.
Council Meeting – May 11, 2016
Page 8
Sergeant Scaniello thanked the Chief, Mayor and Council, his wife Megan, his kids, all his family and his brothers
and sisters in blue, he loves them all.
MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Motion was made by Councilman Mascaro seconded by Councilman Laudati to open the meeting to the
public.
Police Chief John Zimmerman – Chief Zimmerman thanked the Mayor and Council for their support in
making these promotions. He said in his police department he has been a man short since last year and
kudos to Mayor and Council for moving our police officers up the ranks and for hiring the new officer
Ray Fuschino. Chief Zimmerman officially congratulated Lieutenant Soos who has been a police officer
in Kenilworth for 21 years and he congratulated Sergeant Mike Scaniello who has been an officer for 13
years in Kenilworth and he knows they are both going to do a great job and they will not let us down.
He thanked everyone for coming out tonight to support Lt. Soos and Sgt. Scaniello and he invited
everyone to come to the VFW where the PBA/Silver Card Association will have some refreshments and
food.
Motion was made by Councilwoman Clement seconded by Councilman Ladauti to close the meeting to
the public.
GENERAL COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, it was moved by Councilwoman Ceceri,
seconded by Councilman Mascaro and carried, that the meeting be adjourned to the call of the chair.
8:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Moschitta
Deputy Borough Clerk