Here is a graphic of City Hall using the "Cubism" feature. I wish they had a "Surreal" feature as well since it would be indicative of the climate lately at City Council Meetings.Here is the recap of other lines of business:
RESOLUTIONS
1.* Affirming the appointment of James Ronga as Director of Environmental
Services.
Eric Kurta spoke up about a prior conviction of James Ronga and whether or not that should disqualify him from that position. This matter was appropriately discussed in closed session after the rest of the meeting was concluded.
See this link https://www6.state.nj.us/DOC_Inmate/inmatesearch.jsp and search for yourself. Important note: This website makes no claim that James Ronga is indeed the person listed in the NJ Department of Corrections Database, just that there is a person with the same name as him and simmilar profile (age and race) listed on their website. Do not assume because there is a name match that this is the same person. I just wanted to give credence to Mr. Kurta's statement since I know he always checks his facts.
Here are the two counts listed back in 1994 on NJ Department of Corrections Website:
1 count/merged count of :2C:37-2 Gambling/Promoting /4
1 count/merged count of :2C:20-4 Theft by Deception
Bigger Questions: Should Hoboken tighten their requirements for new hires by doing more extensive criminal background searches for non-public safety positions? And are these offences listed enough to disqualify a candidate from this Director level position? I feel if someone has done the time they should be allowed to move forward and rebuild their life and reputation.
2.* Authorizing an agreement with Fletcher Creamer & Son, Inc. for Emergency
Snow Removal.
This is for a contingency for a snow storm of greater than 6" inches. Hoboken is having a hard time getting certified drivers for the plows so outsourcing this seemed to make sense to most residents and the council once their questions were answered. The price is $14K for 12 hours with 8 pieces of equipment, labor included in case we get a large snowstorm.
3.* Authorizing Hoboken to leverage with Hudson County for purposes of 2009 - 2010 PARIS Application.
I stepped out of the room for this one. If anyone else knows what transpired during my bio break send a comment or email me.
4.* Granting permission to MCI to install telecommunications facilities along, under and over the public right-of-way of the City of Hoboken.
This $40K grant would allow for archival of records, telecom fiber optic wire installed and converting some records to electronic format using college interns.
ORDINANCES
Introduction and First Reading
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND SUPPLEMENT CHAPTER 190 OF THE
ADMINISTRATION CODE OF THE CITY OF HOBOKEN, ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”. (DR-390)
Some members of the council spoke of lowering a couple of the fines. Two fines were lowered and this will move to second reading. If I heard correctly there is a chance some of the other fines might be adjusted as well. Jon Correa of the HPU said these fines have not been adjusted for over 5 years but the State surcharge has gone up so that each year that passes Hoboken gets less money per ticket.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF HOBOKEN TO ESTABLISH A DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND FINANCE. (DR-391)
This was tabled by the council until some they can get some answers to questions they asked. ◦
