THOUGHTS ABOUT COUNCIL AND AGENDA

  The past 30 years that I have been attending Council meetings there has been some significant changes in the ritual. Most have taken place during the Rebeca Williams Presidency.

  Traditionally  the Council higherocacy consisted of two officers elected by the Councilors from its membership. One was the Council President who presided over the meetings and duties included preparing the Agenda –with the help of the City Clerk and controlling meetings by adherence to Robert’s Rules of Order. This was a powerful position.

  The other was the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole, who besides substituting for the President in his/hers absence main function was to present (read) the resolutions and ordinances to the council for action. About two years ago the Council President took over that function while the “Chairman” sat silent. Last year the President turned over that chore to the City Clerk.

  Indeed the office of Chairman was  not filled in stead a new position of Vice-President was created which had similar powers as most US Vice Presidents; a figure head.

  The past two years the Council President while insisting to other Councils that Roberts Rules and those of the Council were to be strictly observed  completely and routinely ignored one that said non-residents could only speak during the comment sessions AFTER all residents had their chance. I would have thought that nonresidents would include former residents.

  I noted another change in the February 5th’s posted agenda; #7 is “PUBLIC COMMENTS, LIMITED TO RESOLUTIONS, AND ORDINANCES TO BE DISCUSSED ON FIRST READING” #8 is CONSIDERATION OF PUBLIC HEARING, SECOND READING & FINAL PASSAGE.

  Since the items listed under #7 seem to be second reading ordinances I presume that this change in order is a typo.

  I note that although Sanchez is to be appointed City Administrator there is no nomination to fill his vacant office of Deputy City Administrator for Economic Development. Nor is a replacement for Mapp’s unique “Chief of Staff.

  Among resolutions of interests are 3 contracts awarding a total of$202,100.00 to favorite engineers, Pennoni Associates?

  There are 4  resolutions which permit the Purchasing Agent to award contract to State approved vendors without going through bidding process: “WHEREAS, the City of Plainfield, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12a and N.J.A.C. 5:34-29(c), may by resolution and without advertising for bids, purchase any goods or services under the State of New Jersey Cooperative Purchasing Program for any State Contracts entered into on behalf of the State by the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury”

  This includes amount limits of $707,500 for Public Works, $284,000. for Fire equipment, $1,819,000 for Public Safety(?), and an unspecified amount for office supplies.

  Add top that190+K for dental insurance premiums for about 227 enrollees although part o it is reimbursed by retirees.

  There will also be a charge of about $510,809 for prescription insurance per the contract with the Police which will be approved tonight.

  All this adds up to one hell of an amount of funds –taxes-to be spent without any assurance that we are getting the best deal. Also without true transparency.   

  I wonder if our “checker legislature”, the Council, has any questions?