BOROUGH OF KENILWORTH

FACILITIES COMMITTEE

MEETING OF NOVEMBER 10, 2005

Present were Committee Members: Mayor Gregg David, , Councilman Frederick Soos, Police Chief William Dowd, Borough Clerk Hedy Lipke, Fire Chief Lewis Giordino. Councilman Edward Galasso was absent.

Mayor David stated the mail purpose tonight is to bring Chief Giordino up to date on what we have been working on regarding the space problems at Borough Hall. The options the Committee has considered are:

1. Renovate the present building and add on – this was basically discounted.
2. Through Eminent Domain, buy the Buynak Building for the use of various departments and leave the Police and Court at the present building and then renovate both buildings.
3. Look for a location to build a new Police Facility – the Cross Street property – to purchase through Eminent Domain.

Mayor David stated that Options 2 and 3 are viable options. He stated we are considering having two bays in the new Police facility for the Rescue Squad and also office space if we build a new building. That is why Chief Giordino and Capt. Vecchi were invited to this meeting, since we are also thinking about taking over the Rescue Squad Building to use the property for parking for the new facility.

Chief Giordino – said he spoke to Joe Vecchi tonight, he could not make this meeting, but he said the First Aid Council does not like the idea of going into the Police facility because that feel that the Police Department would take over the Rescue Squad. Joe Vecchi is also concerned that the Rescue Squad uses the building for other uses.

Chief Giordino – stated he is in favor of the idea, however, the full membership of the Fire/Rescue Department has to vote. He stated there is a mortgage of $240,000 on the Rescue Squad building. Basically, he thinks Joe Vecchi would be in favor of the idea and thinks the majority of the membership would be in favor.

Mayor David said the next step in the process is for the Fire/Rescue Department to take a vote on the proposal.

Chief Giordino – stated he could call a Special Meeting of the Department to bring up the matter to the membership.

Discussion followed on having a Special Fire Department meeting – suggested having a Special Meeting just to present the idea on the Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Mayor David, Councilman Soos and Chief Dowd would attend that meeting. It was decided that Chief Giordino will arrange for a Special Fire/Rescue meeting. He will notify the Mayor and Committee of the date.

Chief Giordino left at this time. He called back on the phone to say that a Special Meeting of the Fire/Rescue Department has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 22^nd.

The Committee discussed the options of the Buynak Building or a new building.

Mayor David charged Committee members to “soul search” to firm up their individual recommendation – which option to take – by the next scheduled Facilities Committee Meeting on Wednesday, December 7^th.

Chief Dowd suggested having George Wittmann come to the Work Session Meeting on December 13^th when the Committee presents their recommendation to the full Council.

Meeting adjourned.