BOROUGH OF KENILWORTH

FACILITIES COMMITTEE

MEETING OF DECEMBER 7, 2005

Present were Committee Members: Mayor Gregg David, , Councilman Frederick Soos, Councilman Edward Galasso, Police Chief William Dowd, Borough Clerk Hedy Lipke

Mayor David gave an update:

1. The Fire Department/Rescue Squad voted “yes” on the Rescue Squad in a new Police Building.
2. Regarding selling the Girl Scout property – it had been suggested to sell to the County, however, the price they offer is way too low. There are six lots there which are over 60’ x 100’ – 50’ x 100’ lots are currently going for at least $300,000 each. We can’t afford to sell to the County.

Chief Dowd mentioned the possibility of selling the OEM Building.

Mayor David responded he is not in favor of that as we might need it in the future, possibly for DPW use.

Discussion followed – Committee members agreed that the Girl Scout property should only be used for residential use with deed restrictions.

Mayor David stated that he also heard that the PNC Band was for sale, however, Gerry Ramos checked and found that the building is not for sale. The location would be good, however, the building is not very deep – we would have to expand out and also up. The bottom line is that this is not a better option.

Mayor David reported he had a meeting with Joe Cryan last week and he said we would be getting another $100,000 grant toward the project – this added to the $190,000 grant we already got. Mayor David said that if we go for a new Police Facility, we could probably get Federal money also.

Councilman Soos feels that the Rescue Squad issue will be a problem – he feels they want more.

Mayor David stated he made it clear to them that we are not giving them a blank check on this.

Chief Dowd agreed with Councilman Soos that the Rescue Squad will be wanting more.

Mayor David asked the Committee members if we cannot come to an agreement with the Rescue Squad, do you still want to go ahead with the Cross Street location for a new Police facility?

Committee members unanimously responded “yes”.

Mayor David asked for individual Committee member’s recommendations to give to Council.

Councilman Soos stated he is in favor of a new Police Building being built but we will have to look at costs. At the League Conference he questioned people who have been involved in new Police buildings and the cost given to us by George Wittmann for construction is right in the range. We will need to get two proposals.

Borough Clerk Lipke stated her recommendation is to build a new Police Facility for the Police, Court and Rescue Squad and retain the present Borough Hall for all other departments.  Reasons:

1. The Police need highly technical state-of-the-art equipment and facilities and building a new building would enable the Borough to get what is mandated and needed. Renovation of the present Borough Hall for Police use would be extensive and expensive since the building is old and upgrades in wiring, etc. would be necessary.
2. Using the present Borough Hall for the other departments would enable moving the Health Department into the main building and renovations would not be as extensive.
3. Regarding the option of acquisition of the Buynak Building for use by all departments expect Police and Court, I feel this is not a good option since renovations costs are unknown and having to have Council Work Sessions and Regular Meetings at the present Borough Hall would be very inconvenient for my department. As to renting out unused space in the Buynak Building, this is not a good idea. It would present problems with security that the insurance company frowns upon – also, I know of no other municipal building that rents out space to outsiders.
4. The Buynak Building would not be suitable for Police use as renovations would be expensive. Also, there is not enough parking next to the building for police purposes.

Councilman Galasso stated his recommendation is to build a new building for the Police. As to the new building, he doesn’t know if we want it constructed on a slab – we should look into the cost of putting in a basement.

Chief Dowd stated his recommendation is for a new Police Facility Building – he agreed with the reasons Hedy gave.

Mayor David stated he too is in agreement that a new building for the Police is the most viable option. He is not crazy about the location as he would like it to be on the Boulevard, but we have no choice. He is still concerned about the cost.

Mayor David stated he heard from Mel Harris who feels that the question of a new building should go on referendum.

Councilman Galasso stated his feelings are divided on a referendum – in any event though, we should have a PR firm to talk it up.

Mayor David asked the Committee if anyone feels strongly about putting this matter on a referendum.

All Committee members present felt not to go on referendum.

Mayor David stated it is up to the full Council to decide.

Chief Dowd reported that George Wittmann will be coming to the Work Session Meeting on December 13^th to give Council his insight.

Mayor David stated that at the Work Session Meeting on December 13^th he will present the Committee’s recommendation which is for a new Police Building at a location to be named in the future.

Discussion followed if this should be presented to Council in Closed Session – will check with Attorney Fruchter.

Meeting adjourned.

**Mayor David asked that copies of all Facilities Committee Meetings be given to Council members under separate cover at the December 13^th Work Session Meeting.