Among other action Monday night the Council authorized the application to the County Dept of Human Services for a grant of$143,550.00 for the Alcohol/Drug Abuse Treatment Program.
This is for the at present dormant Dudley House.
As you know the city lost its license to operate that program because of code deficiencies in the building. They have now been remedied, and this previously successful program will be restored although the city plans to have it run by a nonprofit agency.
When questioned about anticipated plans, Dashield noted that the application for the grant was step 1, with the grant in place by October. He anticipated a license approval in September,and making fee for service agreements with surrounding municipalities who have availed themselves of the facility by October or November. There may be a limited number of clients admitted but if the agreement with the operating agency is not in place by Dec. 31,2009 Dudley House would be shut down.
The City will hold the license until the non profit has shown that it can operate the program. The agency will be in place when patients are first entered and must take over full operation on Jan. 1,2010. Ultimately the license will be transferred to them.
There was a prolong discussion about "pay to play"when a long list of lawyers and their firms was submitted by Corporation Counsel. Professional Service contracts do not have to be awarded by competitive bidding but are ' Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-2(6) and The Fair and Ope n Process in accordance with N.J.S.A. 19:44-20.4. The discussion was about the amount of campaign contributions the individuals had made to any one candidate.
Corporation Counsel Williamson noted that he did not have that information because it was not required except in the cases of local candidates. There was some question if the restrictions included county and state elections.
Councilor Storch attempted to alter a Resolution for a contract with Remington & Vernik Engineer s for $140,000.00 for general and miscellaneous services.He feels that the engineering contracts should be award from open bids rather than by "an approved vendor" method. Storch suggested to cut the amount to $70,000.00 up to 12/31/09. Williamson reminded the Council that they could not unilaterally change the terms of a proposed contract.
Again there was talk about the pro and cons of a City Engineer position being filled and what the costs would be. The Administrator is going to supply a working estimate.
That about sums up Monday's Council meeting.
8:15 AM, I intend to post some personal commentary regarding Monday's meeting including the IT Ordinance later today.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
COUNCIL MEETING POTPOURRI AUG 17,2009
More notes on Council meeting;
On the consent agenda were 7 Resolutions (382-09:388-09) from the DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE awarding contracts to various vendors. I requested that they be place don the Non-Consent status which every citizen has the right to do so. Usually when that is done the resolution is still approved but now by a vote indicating that the Council has considered it individually.
Why did I make that request? This was the first time to my knowledge and I could be wrong, that a resolution of this type involving routine purchases in amounts below $100,000.00 was on the agenda without the dollar amount of the contract being specified in the resolution.
My concern was the wording -lack of cost of contract was a blank check. Apparently the Council did not see that to be a problem. They accepted Dashield's explanation that the State Act limited exceeding the cost of the contract( at least that is what I thought he said and will have to do until the meeting tapes are posted) . That may be so and the contract costs may have been provided to the Council in "correspondence previous submitted" but the public is not privy to that information. All these contracts are awarded according " with certain state approved contract vendors pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12A. Non need to be out for bid.
Perhaps this is where "Transparency in Government" need not exist.
There is no suggestion that there is any impropriety involved but Councilman Storch raised the issue of awarding engineering contacts to one company without competitive bidding. later on there was on the "Transient Oriented Development" resolution a spirited interchange between he and Councilor Reid on a similar issue of awarding a contract.
On the consent agenda were 7 Resolutions (382-09:388-09) from the DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE awarding contracts to various vendors. I requested that they be place don the Non-Consent status which every citizen has the right to do so. Usually when that is done the resolution is still approved but now by a vote indicating that the Council has considered it individually.
Why did I make that request? This was the first time to my knowledge and I could be wrong, that a resolution of this type involving routine purchases in amounts below $100,000.00 was on the agenda without the dollar amount of the contract being specified in the resolution.
My concern was the wording -lack of cost of contract was a blank check. Apparently the Council did not see that to be a problem. They accepted Dashield's explanation that the State Act limited exceeding the cost of the contract( at least that is what I thought he said and will have to do until the meeting tapes are posted) . That may be so and the contract costs may have been provided to the Council in "correspondence previous submitted" but the public is not privy to that information. All these contracts are awarded according " with certain state approved contract vendors pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12A. Non need to be out for bid.
Perhaps this is where "Transparency in Government" need not exist.
There is no suggestion that there is any impropriety involved but Councilman Storch raised the issue of awarding engineering contacts to one company without competitive bidding. later on there was on the "Transient Oriented Development" resolution a spirited interchange between he and Councilor Reid on a similar issue of awarding a contract.
IT ORDINANCE
Plaintalker has already posted a report on the "walk on" first reading of Ordinance MC 2009-18, (Salary Amendment). The important provision of this Ordinance is in :"Sec.2, the following job title with the minimum and maximum salary band s hereby established.: Title- Manager 1 Information Processing level 1, Minimum-70.000.00, Maximum 110000.00".
There is no question that Plainfield needs a entity for Information Technology. Last weeks Voice Over fiasco was the latest incident that made that point. Years ago this administration hired a consultant firm, QuadTech to do what is now being proposed. (See Plainfield Today-several entries Jan. 2007 ). The net result was money thrown down the drain.
My contention is that first a division and or department must be established, before a position can be created. How can we have a job without knowing the job criteria or relationship to the rest of the administrative organization?
Dashield says he has presented this previously. Yes he has made months ago a PowerPoint presentation to the agenda outlining general goals using at least 2 different job titles at different presentations. What he was describing was what he wished for a non existent division to be responsible.
Create the division and TO, including where IT is in the overall city TO. Then we will have an idea what we really need. Use the expertise of the Council's Citizen IT advisory committee in creating the division.
We have bungled through this process for almost 4 years. Although we need a functioning IT element in our government, let us do it right and not act in haste.
I have downloaded the State's Civil Service description for Manager 1 Information Processing Level 1. Does this fit the individual desired?
Job Description 64775
MANAGER 1 INFORMATION PROCESSING
I leave it up to you to decide.
There is no question that Plainfield needs a entity for Information Technology. Last weeks Voice Over fiasco was the latest incident that made that point. Years ago this administration hired a consultant firm, QuadTech to do what is now being proposed. (See Plainfield Today-several entries Jan. 2007 ). The net result was money thrown down the drain.
My contention is that first a division and or department must be established, before a position can be created. How can we have a job without knowing the job criteria or relationship to the rest of the administrative organization?
Dashield says he has presented this previously. Yes he has made months ago a PowerPoint presentation to the agenda outlining general goals using at least 2 different job titles at different presentations. What he was describing was what he wished for a non existent division to be responsible.
Create the division and TO, including where IT is in the overall city TO. Then we will have an idea what we really need. Use the expertise of the Council's Citizen IT advisory committee in creating the division.
We have bungled through this process for almost 4 years. Although we need a functioning IT element in our government, let us do it right and not act in haste.
I have downloaded the State's Civil Service description for Manager 1 Information Processing Level 1. Does this fit the individual desired?
Job Description 64775
MANAGER 1 INFORMATION PROCESSING
JOB CATEGORY SUMMARYDoes this job description fit Dashields ;presentation desires?
A position in this category typically functions as a manager of
an organizational unit, monitors progress of projects, and implements,
monitors, analyzes, and evaluates systems within an organization;
consults with system users on system requirements, problems, and
application software.
UNIQUE AND DISTINGUISHING TASKS/CLASSIFICATION FACTORS
Level 1
Under general supervision, organizes and directs the activities
of an information processing installation or facility having a
total employee complement of 10 or fewer. This installation must
include at least two of the following functional elements: applications
development and maintenance, operations production and control, database
management, operating systems programming and maintenance;
network management; or under the direction of a Manager 2, who serves as
the chief MIS manager for a Department or Agency, directs a major sub element
(such as programming); or in a Department or Agency where the chief MIS
manager is classified as a Manager 3 or higher level manager, directs
the work of a technical work unit (such as systems programming).
OR
Under direction of a Manager 2, Information Processing or higher level manager,
and operating within the Central Executive Branch Information Processing and
Telecommunication Agency for the State, manages personnel responsible for a
technical unit or component of one or more of the following information
processing or telecommunications functions: operations, development, or user
consultation. This title manages two or more supervisory personnel.
Level 2, Level # (I have deleted these descriptions to
save space, suffice to say they are a higher level}
TASKS COMMON TO ALL LEVELS
NOTE: The above Job Category Summary and following
examples of work are for illustrative purposes only. Any one position
may not include all of the tasks listed, nor do the examples cover all
of the duties which may be performed.
Determines organizational goals and objectives, establishes policy,
and allocates resources.
Plans and organizes the work of the organizational unit and assigns,
supervises, and evaluates the work of subordinates.
Monitors progress of work or projects.
Monitors (maintains) systems within an organization.
Evaluates the overall operation of the program or service.
Directs the administration of a program, program element, or service
WITH direct responsibility for the supervision of subordinate staff.
Plans implementation of projects or programs.
Writes technical, statistical, or financial reports.
Plans work activities which impact on other organizational units.
Provides technical information and advice to staff, peers, or management.
Estimates necessary quantity of time, costs, materials, or personnel for
the accomplishment of assignments or goals.
Devises improvement or change plans for the operation of the unit.
Reads journals or other publications for the purpose of keeping abreast of
developments in the field.
Recommends personnel actions such as hiring, firing, promoting, or
disciplining.
Answers questions about application of regulations or policies.
Analyzes systems within an organization.
Determines staffing needs.
Evaluates systems of an organization.
Reviews personnel action material for submission to personnel office.
Implements systems within an organization.
Settles (resolves) problems in the administration or coordination of
programs, activities, or projects.
Assesses organizational training needs.
Defines (documents) systems within an organization.
Designs systems within an organization.
Plans for future needs of computer resources.
Consults with system users on (automated) system problems.
Informs staff of policies and procedures.
Consults with staff members for identification of staffing or
operational needs.
Consults with system users on (automated) system requirements.
Confers with administrators at policy making level.
Consults with system users on application software development.
CHARACTERISTIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
COMMON TO ALL LEVELS
Knowledge of principles and techniques of supervision.
Knowledge of techniques of interpersonal relations.
Knowledge of employee motivational theories such as reinforcement,
incentives,
satisfiers, or job enrichment.
Knowledge of employee performance evaluation procedures.
Knowledge of basic interviewing techniques.
Knowledge of disciplinary procedures.
Knowledge of principles of organizational development.
Knowledge of training principles and techniques.
Knowledge of methods of human resources planning.
Knowledge of fundamentals of public speaking.
Knowledge of principles of report writing.
Knowledge of administrative principles and practices.
Knowledge of program development techniques.
Knowledge of program evaluation techniques.
Knowledge of workflow control and reporting techniques.
Knowledge of administrative planning and scheduling techniques such as network
analysis, PERT, or Gantt charts.
Knowledge of principles and techniques of resource allocation
Knowledge of budgeting methods and principles.
Knowledge of system development life cycle.
Knowledge of automated management information processing systems.
Knowledge of computer terminology involving mainframes.
Knowledge of information requirements involving systems analysis.
Knowledge of information processing logical design.
Knowledge of methods for conducting feasibility analysis.
Knowledge of disaster or data recovery techniques.
Knowledge of batch system design.
Ability to establish goals and set priorities.
Ability to schedule and organize work activities for others.
Ability to coordinate work activities which impact on other organizational units.
Ability to interact with various people who are in differing situations.
Ability to write information in an organized format.
Ability to identify problems in the administration or coordination of programs,
plans, or projects.
Ability to resolve problems in the administration or coordination of programs,
plans, or projects.
Ability to comprehend, interpret, and evaluate relevant information from various
types of source materials.
Ability to synthesize facts to reach logical conclusions.
Ability to make appropriate inferences and deductions based on various types of
source materials.
Ability to apply laws, rules, or regulations to given situations.
Ability to read and interpret laws, rules, and regulations.
Ability to develop work productivity forecasts and projections.
Ability to follow flow charts.
Ability to determine the effectiveness of information processing systems.
Ability to identify problems involving system design.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
LICENSE
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in NJ
only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is
necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
EDUCATION
Level 1 Graduation from an accredited college or university with a
Bachelor's degree.
EXPERIENCE
Level 1 Five (5) years experience in work involving the development of
application software and systems analysis and design in a multiplatform
environment, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory
capacity.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Level 1 Applicants who do not possess the required education may
substitute four (4) years of additional nonsupervisory experience of
the type indicated in the
experience section.
(I spent too much time trying to get this to fit the b log when published.
On my "preview everything is OK but it doesn't carry over)
I leave it up to you to decide.
File I must
Council's meeting again lasted too long. When will they decide that there is merit in the semi-monthly meetings? Thus, my commentary will be delayed. I am sure Bernice will have something of value to post, and Mark Spivey's Courier article may appear on Wednesday.
Although the Monarch Tax Abatement issue did not resurface last night,during the public commentary session Administrator Dashield made a remark that indicated that the Administration plans to secure enactment of the abatement.
Check here late Tuesday.
Although the Monarch Tax Abatement issue did not resurface last night,during the public commentary session Administrator Dashield made a remark that indicated that the Administration plans to secure enactment of the abatement.
Check here late Tuesday.
Monday, August 17, 2009
QUICK SPOT
Late after 11PM, Councilor Storch posted on his blog that there will be two items added to tonight's agenda. Neither were discussed at last Monday's extra-ordinarily long agenda setting session, but both are not of emergency nature and should have gone through regular channels.
One more reason to go back to semi-monthly meetings.
The first item, The "Transit Village" study will be money well spent. I hope the entire railroad corridor is included in the study.
The second, is once again the creation of an IT position. I would have hoped that the Council's IT Citizens Commission would have had time to complete its study and make a recommendation before Council takes action.
There is no question that the city needs a functioning IT division. However this administration's record in the past suggest lack of planning and needed funds wasted. This may again be a cart before the horse boondoggle.
If I had a vote, I would not create a position until a written plan defining the goals and objectives is presented for approval. We must know what is expected from those that will be in this division. I fear that we are again writing a blank signed check.
One more reason to go back to semi-monthly meetings.
The first item, The "Transit Village" study will be money well spent. I hope the entire railroad corridor is included in the study.
The second, is once again the creation of an IT position. I would have hoped that the Council's IT Citizens Commission would have had time to complete its study and make a recommendation before Council takes action.
There is no question that the city needs a functioning IT division. However this administration's record in the past suggest lack of planning and needed funds wasted. This may again be a cart before the horse boondoggle.
If I had a vote, I would not create a position until a written plan defining the goals and objectives is presented for approval. We must know what is expected from those that will be in this division. I fear that we are again writing a blank signed check.
HEAT WAVE
ALTHOUGH PLAINFIELD IS NOW IN THE MIDST OF A SUMMER HEAT WAVE,! TONIGHT'S COUNCIL MEETING WILL NOT BE A MONARCH HEAT WAVE.
Council President Burney has posted that he has not been approached by administration to place the Ordinance back on the agenda. He states that there are too many unanswered questions for him to permit its resurfacing at this time.
Since there would be 3 known votes plus the Council President's position, I doubt if any other Council member would request. as is his/her right, the Monarch matter to be placed on the agenda.
Even if the tax abatement issue will not be considered tonight, Citizens interested in their city should come to the air conditioned Court Room tonight to see their government in action. This Council is not a rubber stamp.
As of Sunday August 16. 10AM , there has been no posting on the city site of Monday's Council Agenda nor of any material requested by Council members at the Agenda fixing session. There is no law requiring the Agenda to be posted on the Internet site but it would be helpful to the public.
As to the City Administrator's response to request made at an open public session which he is unable to answer at the moment; his ultimate response too should be made public information. No one should have to go through any convoluted request mechanisms.
The City tax bill arrived Saturday. The Mayor's letter has an interesting statement;"because the municipal budget can not be adopted until after the commencement of the fiscal year". Quite true, but the budget is supposedly due by July 1 for adoption, not 8 months later as it was this past fiscal year. We are now two months into the 2010 FY and there has been no evidence that the budget process has even started.
The letter also stated that the city had applied for $20 mil in stimulus money. Does that included the $15 mil (that deleted typo error) for the developer of the downtown projects? If memory serves me right there was a resolution to authorize such a request before the Council but was withdrawn before there could be a vote. Was the application made without Council sanction?
Health Care Reform: The Times Sunday OPED page carried a letter from the President regarding the so called death provisions and also he gave reasons why the bill should be passed. To claim that passage of the bill is needed to create savings in Medicare and Medicaid is poppycock. The savings in these programs from better management can and should be done without any new bills. If additional savings are going to be the result of applying the very same methods the commercial carriers use in denying services, that is a no-no.
It is unfortunate that the White House and Congressional leadership are not being completely candid. On the other hand the opposition and compassionate media distort facts. I would not be surprised if somewheres in the 1000+ pages of the House version there are some nasty clauses along with some body's pork belly project. It does not have to be the fine print in a Congressional bill that one has to be aware. Most trouble comes from the non-relevant material that may be insertedToday's Times lead story is that the "Public Option" insurance plan may be dropped. Has Obama capitulated to the Insurance Companies? That would be the only thing worse than mandatory government insurance.
Council President Burney has posted that he has not been approached by administration to place the Ordinance back on the agenda. He states that there are too many unanswered questions for him to permit its resurfacing at this time.
Since there would be 3 known votes plus the Council President's position, I doubt if any other Council member would request. as is his/her right, the Monarch matter to be placed on the agenda.
Even if the tax abatement issue will not be considered tonight, Citizens interested in their city should come to the air conditioned Court Room tonight to see their government in action. This Council is not a rubber stamp.
As of Sunday August 16. 10AM , there has been no posting on the city site of Monday's Council Agenda nor of any material requested by Council members at the Agenda fixing session. There is no law requiring the Agenda to be posted on the Internet site but it would be helpful to the public.
As to the City Administrator's response to request made at an open public session which he is unable to answer at the moment; his ultimate response too should be made public information. No one should have to go through any convoluted request mechanisms.
The City tax bill arrived Saturday. The Mayor's letter has an interesting statement;"because the municipal budget can not be adopted until after the commencement of the fiscal year". Quite true, but the budget is supposedly due by July 1 for adoption, not 8 months later as it was this past fiscal year. We are now two months into the 2010 FY and there has been no evidence that the budget process has even started.
The letter also stated that the city had applied for $20 mil in stimulus money. Does that included the $15 mil (that deleted typo error) for the developer of the downtown projects? If memory serves me right there was a resolution to authorize such a request before the Council but was withdrawn before there could be a vote. Was the application made without Council sanction?
Health Care Reform: The Times Sunday OPED page carried a letter from the President regarding the so called death provisions and also he gave reasons why the bill should be passed. To claim that passage of the bill is needed to create savings in Medicare and Medicaid is poppycock. The savings in these programs from better management can and should be done without any new bills. If additional savings are going to be the result of applying the very same methods the commercial carriers use in denying services, that is a no-no.
It is unfortunate that the White House and Congressional leadership are not being completely candid. On the other hand the opposition and compassionate media distort facts. I would not be surprised if somewheres in the 1000+ pages of the House version there are some nasty clauses along with some body's pork belly project. It does not have to be the fine print in a Congressional bill that one has to be aware. Most trouble comes from the non-relevant material that may be insertedToday's Times lead story is that the "Public Option" insurance plan may be dropped. Has Obama capitulated to the Insurance Companies? That would be the only thing worse than mandatory government insurance.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
ONLY POTPOURRI SUNDAY
A little this and a little that.
Many concerned citizens think that Administration will try to place the "Monarch Ordinance on the Agenda for second reading on Monday night. It takes only a majority of those present to put it back on the agenda, and a simple majority of 4 Council members to pass. If this were to happen that is a reason that the public should attend Monday's meeting and speak out. Before any Ordinance is voted on the public has the right to speak and the commentary period may not be limited.
Despite Corporation Counsel Williamson's assurance that passing the ordinance only permits the granting of a tax variance which would have to be approved by the Council, let us understand that in effect it grants the developer a selling point and if not approved by Council probably would subject the city to legal action.
"I will get back to you" promised the Council certain information and data before this Monday's meeting. Will it be made public beforehand so that we the people can judge its validity in making a decision? What is the result of the 'independent" appraisal for the condo's market selling price? Who did the appraisal? Has the company had any connection with any individual involved in Plainfield politics?
AREA OF CONFUSION: From past experience I know that between the time I write something and it appears as posted, words or even phrases become the gremlins prize. Jerry wrote: We also discussed services contracts pertaining to trash pick-up and the maintenance of the train stations. My understanding is that these contract bids are sourced to outside entities; I would like to see local municipalities take advantage of contract biddings, growing our local infrastructures. (boldface mine)
I am confused by the meaning of the last sentence. What does trash pickup etc have to do with our infrastructure? I am sure this must be a misprint and the Assemblyman will clarify his train of thought.
I know that the PMUA could bid on the trash contracts but they, an autonomous authority, are not part of our infrastructure. Does this city have the resources to bid on trash removal and property maintenance?
Over the past two decades various citizens have petitioned the state to audit the city's finances. For various reasons the Comptroller's office has not be able to conduct such an audit. I am not surprised that the Assemblyman's request did not result in any action, nor will it ever do so.
PUBLIC MEETING PARTICIPATION: At the Agenda setting meeting the public is not allowed to comment until the end of the meeting after all business is finished. I question if it would not be valuable in helping the Council make a decision to consider an issue if it heard from the public prior to their own discussion.
Be that as it is, there is the opportunity for public opinion prior top the Council voting. However, as Jim Pivnichny has pointed out the mechanism is faulty, both at this point and during the period of public comments. If the individual has not used up his time and 3 minutes is very short, he/she should be permitted to ask a clarifying question or make such a remark. The present gag rule defeats the principle of Democracy.
Many concerned citizens think that Administration will try to place the "Monarch Ordinance on the Agenda for second reading on Monday night. It takes only a majority of those present to put it back on the agenda, and a simple majority of 4 Council members to pass. If this were to happen that is a reason that the public should attend Monday's meeting and speak out. Before any Ordinance is voted on the public has the right to speak and the commentary period may not be limited.
Despite Corporation Counsel Williamson's assurance that passing the ordinance only permits the granting of a tax variance which would have to be approved by the Council, let us understand that in effect it grants the developer a selling point and if not approved by Council probably would subject the city to legal action.
"I will get back to you" promised the Council certain information and data before this Monday's meeting. Will it be made public beforehand so that we the people can judge its validity in making a decision? What is the result of the 'independent" appraisal for the condo's market selling price? Who did the appraisal? Has the company had any connection with any individual involved in Plainfield politics?
AREA OF CONFUSION: From past experience I know that between the time I write something and it appears as posted, words or even phrases become the gremlins prize. Jerry wrote: We also discussed services contracts pertaining to trash pick-up and the maintenance of the train stations. My understanding is that these contract bids are sourced to outside entities; I would like to see local municipalities take advantage of contract biddings, growing our local infrastructures. (boldface mine)
I am confused by the meaning of the last sentence. What does trash pickup etc have to do with our infrastructure? I am sure this must be a misprint and the Assemblyman will clarify his train of thought.
I know that the PMUA could bid on the trash contracts but they, an autonomous authority, are not part of our infrastructure. Does this city have the resources to bid on trash removal and property maintenance?
Over the past two decades various citizens have petitioned the state to audit the city's finances. For various reasons the Comptroller's office has not be able to conduct such an audit. I am not surprised that the Assemblyman's request did not result in any action, nor will it ever do so.
PUBLIC MEETING PARTICIPATION: At the Agenda setting meeting the public is not allowed to comment until the end of the meeting after all business is finished. I question if it would not be valuable in helping the Council make a decision to consider an issue if it heard from the public prior to their own discussion.
Be that as it is, there is the opportunity for public opinion prior top the Council voting. However, as Jim Pivnichny has pointed out the mechanism is faulty, both at this point and during the period of public comments. If the individual has not used up his time and 3 minutes is very short, he/she should be permitted to ask a clarifying question or make such a remark. The present gag rule defeats the principle of Democracy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
