AGENDA SESSION #3

It is a source of disappointment that ordinance MC 2014 – 16 affectionately known as a land grab moved on to the agenda for second and final reading despite the fact that when Corporation Counsel Sias–Hill, when asked for an opinion as to the legality of the ordinance as written, responded that she had not researched it and render no opinion. 

Nor did she mention that she would have an opinion ready by Monday’s meeting.

That question should not have come as a surprise since she has been aboard long enough to be aware of possible problems in view of the previous public comments in July and on some blogs..

It is also a disappointment that the Council refused to let citizen Alan Goldstein finish his remarks although his initial time had expired. That is the first time in recent history that I can remember the Council not affording that courtesy; shame.

Several Ordinances for first reading are noteworthy and should be adopted Monday. Among them are MC 2015 – 19 providing for direct deposit for all salaries except for temporary and seasonal employees. 

However, I found no provision made for the rare individual who does not have a bank account

Ordinance MC 2014 – 22 restricts out-of-town taxicabs from picking up passengers within the city limits. It is understood that those companies that have their base in North Plainfield are to be considered out-of-town. There are appropriate fines in the ordinance.

MC 2014 – 22 increases the penalties for violations of the alcoholic beverages by licensing and regulations.

Tonight, Thursday, there is the meeting at the High School cafeteria for the report by the consultants on the Muhlenberg campus. It will be the subject for this blog on Friday.