The following agenda and minutes are an unofficial copy and for informational purposes only. Please do not rely on these minutes in making a land use application or for an application for a permit of any kind.  Contact the Municipal Clerk for an official copy.

AGENDA FOR SPECIAL SESSION MEETING OF

JUNE 26, 2008 AT 7 P.M.

1.     NOTICE OF MEETING

2.     ROLL CALL

3.     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4.     DISCUSSION

Mayor's Veto of Police Organization Ordinance

New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference

5.     MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Members of the public wishing to address the Council on any matter will be allowed two minutes to speak, unless there are unusual circumstances.

6.     RESUBMISSION OF ORDINANCE

a)    Amending Chapter 4 “Administrative Organization”, Article XIV Entitled “Department of Police”, Section 4-84 D, (Composition and Organization of the Police Force)

7.     ADJOURNMENT

Revised 06/24/08

MINUTES OF THE BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP COUNCIL

JUNE 26, 2008 -  MUNICIPAL BUILDING CONFERENCE ROOM

The Township Council of the Township of Bridgewater, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, convened in a special session on Thursday, June 26, 2008, at 7:25 p.m. in the Conference Room located in the Municipal Building, Bridgewater, New Jersey.

Council President Norgalis read the following announcement:

In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act of New Jersey, adequate notice of this meeting was provided on June 24, 2008, by sending written and electronic notice to the Courier News and The Reporter; posting on the Township website and posting on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building and filing with the Township Clerk.

On call of the roll the following Council members were present:

Robert E. Albano

Michael P. Hsing    

Matthew C. Moench         

Patrick Scaglione

Howard V. Norgalis

Also Present:                    James T. Naples, Township Administrator

Linda J. Doyle, Township Clerk

Council President Norgalis led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

MAYOR'S VETO OF POLICE ORGANIZATION ORDINANCE

Councilman Norgalis read for the record the statement submitted by Mayor Flannery, dated June 23, 2008, as follows:

Based on my previously stated objections I have vetoed this ordinance and return it to the Council for reconsideration.  The testimony provided by Chief Borden, supported by the statistics for increased calls for service with no corresponding increase in sworn officers depicts an operating force that is meeting mandates and responsibilities of the police department with great efficiency and effectiveness.  The elimination of a sworn patrol officer will have a negative impact on the Chief’s ability to deploy the manpower of the department to meet the needs of the public.  The elimination of this position from the table of organization is not worth the effect on service to the community.

Council President Norgalis reads the resolution to override the Mayor’s veto in its entirety.

AUTHORIZING AN OVERRIDE OF MAYOR’S VETO OF ORDINANCE NO. 08-14, ENTITLED ‘AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 4 “ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION”, ARTICLE XIV ENTITLED “DEPARTMENT OF POLICE”, SECTION 4-84-D, (COMPOSITION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE POLICE FORCE)

WHEREAS, on June 16, 2008, the Bridgewater Township Council adopted Ordinance No. 08-14 entitled, “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 4 “Administrative Organization”, Article XIV, entitled “Department of Police”, Section 4-84-D, (Composition And Organization of the Police Force); and

WHEREAS, Mayor Flannery vetoed the Ordinance on June 23, 2008; and

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A40:69A-41 provides that the Council upon reconsideration of an ordinance that has been vetoed may upon reconsideration thereof, on or after the third day following its return by the Mayor, by a vote of two-thirds of the members resolve to over ride the Mayor’s vote.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that two-thirds of the members of the Council having voted in the affirmative to override the Mayor’s veto that Ordinance No. 08-14 shall become effective upon publication in accordance with the law.

On motion of Councilman Moench, second by Councilman Albano, the foregoing resolution was approved.  The vote was as follows:

Councilman Albano                                Aye

Councilman Hsing                                 Aye

Councilman Moench                              Aye

Councilman Scaglione                           Aye

Council President Norgalis                     Aye

THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.

A copy of resolution #08-06-26-192 is appended to the official minutes

NEW JERSEY LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES CONFERENCE (NJLM)

Council discussed participation in the NJLM Conference which will be held November 18 through 21, 2008, in Atlantic City.  Councilman Moench, Councilman Albano, Councilman Scaglione and Council President Norgalis stated they will not be attending.  Council was in consensus and designated Michael Hsing to attend the conference for two nights and report back and new legislative activities.

On motion of Councilman Scaglione, seconded by Councilman Albano, the meeting was opened to the public.

Thomas Kimsey, Boy Scout from Troop No. 46, stated he was in attendance as a requirement to achieve his merit badge.  Mr. Kimsey added he plans to become an Eagle Scout and will work on the North School outdoor classroom project.

On motion of Councilman Scaglione, seconded by Councilman Albano, the meeting was closed for public comment

AMENDING CHAPTER 4 “ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION”, ARTICLE XIV ENTITLED “DEPARTMENT OF POLICE”, SECTION 4-84 D, (COMPOSITION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE POLICE FORCE)

Council further discussed the ordinance for final action. 

Councilman Albano complimented Mayor Flannery on the Budget she presented.  He then stated the functions of each office as an elected official formulated their positions.

Councilman Hsing stated the process compliments democracy on a local level.

On motion of Councilman Albano, second by Councilman Moench, the foregoing resolution was approved.  The vote was as follows:

Councilman Albano                                Aye

Councilman Hsing                                 Aye

Councilman Moench                              Aye

Councilman Scaglione                           Aye

Council President Norgalis                     Aye

THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.

A copy of resolution #08-06-26-193 is appended to the official minutes

On motion of Councilman Albano, second of Councilman Scaglione, the meeting was adjourned at 7:38 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda J. Doyle, RMC

Municipal Clerk

______________________________

Howard Norgalis

Council President