february 24, 2020 - buenabuenaboro.org/pdfs/council/february 24, 2020m.pdf · 2020-03-17 ·...

BOROUGH OF BUENA REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES FEBRUARY 24,2020

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MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: 7.03 P.M.

MEETING ADJOURNED: 8.36 P.M. THE REGULAR MEETING OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF BUENA WAS HELD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2020 COMMENCING AT 7:00 P.M. AT THE BOROUGH HALL WITH MAYOR ZAPPARIELLO PRESIDING. MAYOR ZAPPARIELLO LED THE FLAG SALUTE AND ANNOUNCED THAT THIS MEETING WAS BEING HELD IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT AND NOTICES OF THIS MEETING HAVE BEEN PROVIDED, VIA EMAIL, TO THE PRESS OF ATLANTIC CITY, THE DAILY JOURNAL AND THE ATLANTIC COUNTY RECORD ON NOVEMBER 13, 2019, AS WELL AS HAVING BEEN POSTED ON THE BULLETIN BOARD AT BOROUGH HALL.

ROLL CALL OF ATTENDANCE:

AYE: NAY: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: RECUSE

WALKER X

D’ALESSANDRO X

BAKER X

MANCUSO X

ALVAREZ X

MCAVADDY X

PUBLIC PORTION OF THE MEETING:

William Coltri, Forrest Grove Rd. Asked for an update on the 540 Forest Grove

Rd. property. Mayor Zappariello stated at this time, nothing has come before

the Land Use Board. Solicitor Costigan added the Notice of Violation had

gone to the property owner and that the process has to be followed, which

may take several months.

Sandy Hickerson, Absecon. Inquired on 2A resolution. Ms. Hickerson urged

Mayor and Council to pass this resolution. Mayor Zappariello asked for copies

of the passed resolution from some of the other towns. Ms. Hickerson

presented copies of these resolution to Solicitor Costigan for further

consideration.

Michael Koh, Vineland. Spoke of his service as a Buena EMT, and his

experience. Mr. Coe continued to speak of the leadership and inspiration of

Chief Ciraolo to himself and his coworkers and stated he was here to give

Chief Ciraolo his support.

Councilman D’Alessandro came forward to the floor to recognize 1st responders

and their chiefs in Buena Borough. Michael Rodriguez spoke of his experience

with Buena Borough, working with Chief Ciraolo and the 18-part time EMTs.



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Councilman D’Alessandro then presented certificates of appreciation and pins

to the following with Mayor Zapparello.

Buena EMS

Jessica Farside

Kiara Estrada

Franklin Twp PD

Officer Deric Adams

Officer Greg Halikman

Officer Kyle Cuffman

CPL Nicholas Pasculli

Landisville Vol Fire Co

Asst Chief Joseph Kaspar

Lt Frank Scancella

Firefighter Albert Ralph

Mayor Zappariello adjourned the meeting to enter into executive session to

discuss personnel matter with the Chief of emergency medical service department

at 7:29 p.m. and called the meeting back to order at 8:25 p.m.

M/BAKER S/D’Alessandro to return to public session:

INTRODUCED AND PASSED ON FIRST READING:

ORDINANCE NO. 685 ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 115 FEES, ARTICLE II FEES

FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES

m/Baker s/Walker

WHEREAS, the Borough of Buena, County of Atlantic, State of New Jersey needs to

update its Schedule of Fees for Emergency Services in order to adequately charge for the services of the Emergency Management Services; and

WHEREAS, the Schedule of Fees was last updated in 2015; and


WALKER X

D’ALESSANDRO X

BAKER X

MANCUSO X

ALVAREZ X

MCAVADDY X



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WHEREAS, the Schedule of Fees must reflect appropriate increases in service costs;

and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of

Buena, County of Atlantic and State of New Jersey that Chapter 115 Fees, Article II Fees for Emergency Services is amended as follows:

§115-2. Emergency medical services provided is amended as follows: The Borough of Buena provides emergency medical services through the Division of Emergency Medical Services, to citizens and visitors of the Borough of Buena on a 24 hour basis throughout the year to the extent that such resources are available. §115-5. Billings to insurance companies and/or persons served emergency medical services is amended as follows: The Borough of Buena shall contract with a third-party billing agent for the collection of payment for services rendered by the Division of EMS. Said bill shall be issued to the insurance company for the person served, if any, or directly to the person served if insurance coverage is not available. Fees to be charged for the EMS services shall be as follows:

A. Ambulance transportation: $950.00 B. Basic Life Support mileage: $18.00 per loaded mile. C. Oxygen administration. $75.00. D. Automatic external defibrillator. (AED) pads: $75.00. E. Cervical collars: $25.00 F. Treatment but Transport Refusal: $150.00 G. Naloxone (Narcan) administration: $75.00. H. Epinephrine administration: $140.00 I. Glucose administration: $5.00. J. Aspirin administration: $5.00. K. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) administration: $75.00. L. Albuterol administration: $10.00

§115-6. Payment for emergency medical services is amended as follows: Persons receiving a bill for the EMS services shall make payment to the Borough of Buena third-party billing agent within 30 days; or provide proof that they have submitted a claim to their insurance carrier for payment within 30 days of receipt of a bill. These provisions shall be subject to the following:

A. Persons receiving the EMS service who have health insurance to cover ambulance and emergency medical services are expected to cooperate with the Borough of Buena’s third-party billing agent to secure full payment for services rendered.

B. In the event the health insurance company of a taxpayer or domiciled resident does

not pay the bill in full, the Borough of Buena will accept such partial payment to the extent of the insured’s policy limits, including deductible and co-insurance requirements, as payment in full.

C. Due to the time requirements for the preparation and processing of insurance claims, interest shall not be charged on Borough of Buena’s billings.



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D. After providing emergency medical services, the Borough of Buena shall transmit all pertinent billing information to the Borough of Buena’s third-party billing agent for collection as set forth in Subsection E below. The third-party billing agent shall be responsible for receipt of payment and proper record keeping of its collections as provided in its contract with the Borough of Buena. Payments received by third-party billing agent shall, thereafter, be transmitted electronically to a designated account of the Borough of Buena to be administrated by the Borough Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In addition, the third-party billing agent shall transmit monthly, a Deposit Report to the Chairperson of the Safety Committee for review and approval and a copy of the Deposit Report to the Borough CFO and the EMS Chief. The third-party billing agent shall prepare a reconciliation report for monthly review by the EMS Chief. The EMS Chief shall monitor the operations of the third-party billing agent, including billing activities and receipt of funds.

E. The third-party billing agent shall be responsible for the initial billing and at least two follow-up billings. Costs associated with the third-party reimbursement requests shall be based solely on a percent of reimbursement collections as provided in its contract with the Borough of Buena. After at least three attempts to collect said claim, any delinquent accounts will be reviewed with the Borough of Buena and those accounts approved by the Borough of Buena will be sent to a third-party collection agency by the billing company. Collection fees will be paid by the Borough of Buena. The billing company will track and report all payments received by the collections service and will be paid its percentage of the net proceeds from collections. The Borough of Buena reserves the right to determine that a bill is uncollectible and should be written off.

RESOLUTION 35-20 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BOROUGH OF BUENA TO

ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA) WITH RHONDA

CIRAOLO WHICH WILL REPLACE THE PRIOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN

THE PARTIES DATED OCTOBER 22,2018.

m/Baker s/D’Alessandro

WHEREAS, the Borough of Buena is authorized to enter into intergovernmental

memoranda of agreement with state or local governmental agencies and their chiefs in order to authorize such persons and agencies to carry out specialized activities and to specifically detail their duties and remuneration, and:

WHEREAS, the Borough of Buena Solicitor has prepared and submitted to the Borough

a new MOA replacing the prior memorandum which was effective October 22, 2018, and:


WALKER X

D’ALESSANDRO X

BAKER X

MANCUSO X

ALVAREZ X

MCAVADDY X



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WHEREAS, the new Memorandum of Agreement has been prepared to clarify and detail

the duties and remuneration of Rhona Ciraolo, Chief of Emergency Medical Services, and:

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Buena that the

Borough be and it is hereby authorized to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with Rhonda Ciraolo in the form attached to this Resolution, replacing the MOA entered into on October 22, 2018, and:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the MOA

with Rhona Ciraolo, a copy of which is annexed to this Resolution, and:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Borough Clerk is directed to forward a certified

copy of this Resolution to Rhonda Ciraolo, together with a copy of the MOA executed by the Mayor.


WALKER X

D’ALESSANDRO X

BAKER X

MANCUSO X

ALVAREZ X

MCAVADDY X

RESOLUTION 36-20 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CFO TO REFUND AN

OVERPAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $100.00, TO ELSIE

CORSIGLIA.


WHEREAS, Elsie Corsiglia remitted a payment for $100.00 to the Borough of Buena

EMS and the check should have been sent to Buena Vista EMS causing an overpayment of $100.00.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by Mayor and Council of Buena Borough that the

Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to refund the amount of $100.00.


WALKER X

D’ALESSANDRO X

BAKER X

MANCUSO X



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RESOLUTION 37-20 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF BUENA, COUNTY OF

ATLANTIC, AUTHORIZING THE EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC FROM

A MEETING BETWEEN THE MAYOR, BOROUGH COUNCIL, BOROUGH

CLERK AND STAFF, AND BOROUGH SOLICITOR REGARDING A

PERSONNEL ISSUE INVOLVING THE CHIEF OF EMERGENCY

MEDICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND AUTHORIZING THE

DISCLOSURE OF MINUTES OF SAID MEETING AS PROVIDED

HEREIN.


WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 10:4-12, Open Public Meetings Act, permits the exclusion of the

public from a meeting of a public body where the subject matter of that meeting involves personnel matters; and

WHEREAS, the Borough Council desires to meet with the Mayor, Borough Clerk and

staff, and Borough Solicitor concerning a personnel matter.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Borough of Buena that:

1. The public shall be excluded from a meeting of the Council of the Borough of Buena, on February 24, 2020 in the Council Chambers during a recess of the regular session of Borough Council.

2. The general nature of the subject matter of the closed meeting shall pertain to a personnel matter involving the chief of the emergency medical services department.

3. Disclosure of the minutes of the closed meeting authorized above between the Borough Council, the Mayor, Borough Clerk Solicitor and staff and shall be made public following a final decision and determination of said matter excepting information which must remain private.

4. It is anticipated that the minutes of the deliberation conducted in closed session may be disclosed to the public within 180 days, however, any personal confidential information may not be released.

ALVAREZ X

MCAVADDY X


WALKER X

D’ALESSANDRO X

BAKER X



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RESOLUTION 38-20 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CFO TO REFUND

A RENTAL FEE, IN THE AMOUNG OF $75.00, TO

BOTA INVESTMENTS FOR A DUPLICATE PAYMENT.

m/Baker s/Walker

WHEREAS, BOTA Investments paid their initial rental fee on January 31, 2020 and on

February 12, 2020 sent in another rental fee for the same property.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by Mayor and Council of Buena Borough that the

Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to refund the amount of $75.00, which is the duplicate payment.

SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Lauren Court revised bid approved. Bond company will be putting bid and

performance bond together.

MANCUSO X

ALVAREZ X

MCAVADDY X


WALKER X

D’ALESSANDRO X

BAKER X

MANCUSO X

ALVAREZ X

MCAVADDY X



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COMMITTEE REPORTS:

ROADS/RECYCLING: CHAIRMAN, MATTHEW WALKER

Councilman Walker reported on general maintenance done in the Borough. In

Councilman’s report Mr. Nimohay, Streets and Roads Supervisor, requested

resolutions for a Tonnage grant and Land Fill sampling and analysis for

next meeting.

PUBLIC SAFETY/STREET LIGHTS: CHAIRMAN, JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO Councilman D’Alessandro gave the January report of the police department

and the calls the EMS covered in the Borough, Buena Vista Township,

Vineland and Dorothy.

BLDGS/GROUNDS/IMPROVEMENTS: CHAIRWOMAN, ROSALIE M. BAKER

Councilwoman Baker reported the rental registrations continue to come in.

Seven new occupancy inspections done. Two Construction Notices were sent.

RECREATION: CHAIRWOMAN, ROSALIE M. BAKER ●Councilwoman Baker reported the ridership for rte. 54/40 in January was

957, increase of 44 passengers per day.

●February 13th Councilwomen Baker had attended the Buena baseball softball

association meeting. Registration was February 15th and 20th at Buena Boro

Hall. An additional softball registration and meeting on Thursday Feb.27th

at 7:00p.m. will be at the Senior Center.

●Councilwoman Baker reported that the Wednesday Senior Citizen Dinner

Theater would be held at Buena Regional High School at 6:00 p.m. The play

Hairspray to be presented, February 27th and 28th.

●Sunday, March 15th Councilwoman Baker reported that the Buena Recreation

Commission will hold a Fundraiser breakfast at Martin Catering 8:00 a.m.

to 12:00pm. $10.00 per person.

●Councilwoman Baker reported that on Sunday, March 29th the American

legion Post #210 will have a Spring breakfast. Particulars to follow

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: CHAIRMAN, JOSEPH MANCUSO NONE

FINANCE: CHAIRMAN, JORGE ALVAREZ, Councilman Alvarez reported there will be a budget meeting Monday.

CLERK'S REPORT: MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10,2020 WERE APPROVED M/BAKER S/D’ALESSANDRO


WALKER X

D’ALESSANDRO X

BAKER X

MANCUSO X

ALVAREZ X

MCAVADDY X



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UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE

NEW BUSINESS: NONE

BILLS PAID AS LISTED: m/Baker s/Walker


WALKER X

D’ALESSANDRO X

BAKER X

MANCUSO X

ALVAREZ X

MCAVADDY X

NEXT MEETING: MARCH 9, 2020

MEETING ADJOURNED: m/Baker s/Walker RCVU

______________________________________

Pamela Johnston

february 24, 2020 - buenabuenaboro.org/pdfs/council/february 24, 2020m.pdf · 2020-03-17 ·...

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