TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, WARREN COUNTY
Special Meeting
September 8, 2005

The special  meeting of the Township Committee was held this date in the Police/Municipal Building, 33 Little Philadelphia Road, Washington, New Jersey.   The Township Attorney, Edward Glynn and an associate Blake Rush his office was present as was Mary Ann O’Neil, Township Clerk.   Peter de Boer, Public Works Manager was present and Catherine Gangaware, CFO, had been Rice Noticed to attend.

SUNSHINE LAW COMPLIANCE - The Mayor noted that this meeting was being held in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Law of 1975 in as much as a notice had been published in the Star Gazette and transmitted to the Express Times and posted at the municipal building.

ROLL CALL: Horensky, present; Kovacs, present; Mueller, present; Strunk, present; Dempski, present.

The Mayor said the  purpose of the special meeting was  to review several personnel issues and asked for a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss matters of personnel and litigation.

Strunk made a motion to go into Executive Session at 7:35 p.m. Mueller seconded.

ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Mueller, yes; Kovacs, yes; Strunk, yes; Dempski, yes.

The doors were opened.  Strunk made a motion to come out of Executive Session at 9:00 p.m., Mueller seconded.  de Boer had left the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes.

The Mayor asked if there was any further discussion on matter discussed in Executive Session or if anyone wanted to make a motion.   Strunk said he wanted additional discussion.  On the CFO, he said he is concerned that there has not been substantial improvement as requested in the Personnel Action Program. Strunk said he was very concerned about the issue with the dental, which potentially may have a criminal activity associated with it and thinks the Committee has an obligation to respond to that.  Strunk said he would be making a motion that the CFO be put on Administrative Leave, with pay, until there is a proper hearing for this and turn this matter over to the Prosecutor to see if there is criminal activity associated with it.   Strunk said the  average dollar figure for this was in excess of $5000 at this point.  The Mayor said, with regard to the Personnel Performance Issue, this would be referred to the Division of Local Government Services for review.  Strunk said there is a procedure set up that the Township has to notify the CFO officially in writing, then notify the State and have a hearing set up.  Glynn said the Director of the Division of Local Government Services or his designee schedule a hearing within 30 to 60 days. The Mayor said he has done some research and the request will be on an emergent status to reduce the time line and wants this as part of the motion.  Strunk made a motion that the CFO be put on Administrative Leave  until there is a proper hearing for this matter and information be turned over to the Prosecutors Office for investigation, Mueller seconded.

The Mayor asked if there were any further comments.  Horensky asked what alternative arrangements would be made during this time in the event there is a need for CFO services.  Strunk said they could temporarily designate Jo Ann Fascenelli, Deputy Treasurer as Acting CFO.    Strunk said he has done some additional research on getting her some additional help and had a handout for the Committee to review.  Strunk said another Special Meeting would be needed to discuss the housekeeping issues that this effects.  Glynn asked when the motion would take effect, it was to be immediately.

Horensky asked what issues would be discussed by the State.  Strunk said it would be on the issues outlined in the Personnel Action Plan and in regard to the dental coverage, because a benefit may have incurred by an employee.   Glynn said she would be paid until the outcome of the case by the municipality.   Strunk asked that his motion be amended to read, with pay, Mueller seconded this. 

Kovacs said he disagreed with the standpoint of the Administrative Leave portion of the motion, as he did not think it was necessary to put the CFO on leave while the investigation is going on.    Horensky asked if there was a way to achieve the same thing without the Administrative Leave since she is still being paid.  Strunk said he would not feel comfortable with it, but it is up to the Committee.    Horensky said the CFO is being paid while on Administrative Leave and it is issues that are going to be investigated anyhow, his position is the information should be forwarded for review and she should be kept on.  Strunk said he did not think it was in the best interest of the Township to do that.

ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, no; Kovacs, no. Dempski, yes.

The Mayor directed Glynn to contact the Prosecutors Office and the proper State Facilities to engage the complaint.  The Mayor asked the CFO for the keys to the Administrative Building and her office. 

The CFO responded to the issues discussed  and said she has always tried to do her best for the municipality. 

Strunk told the CFO that it should be made clear in writing when she will be arranging to come back to collect the personal items on a temporary basis.    Also, she could not enter the office without permission from the Township Committee.  

Strunk said another Special Meeting should be set up for Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 7:30 p.m., to go over some additional issues.  Also, Strunk made a motion that Jo Ann Fascenelli be temporarily appointed Acting CFO for a 1 year period, Mueller seconded.

ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, abstain; Dempski, yes.

Strunk made a motion that a Special Meeting be held on Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. for an Executive Session, and purpose of meeting would be personnel/to talk about or hire an individual to help Jo Ann with her work in the Finance Office, Mueller seconded.

ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes.

Strunk made a motion that the signature of the CFO should be removed from all accounts, and new signature cards issued with Jo Ann Fascenneli be authorized to sign and be authorized to carry out all CFO related business between now and next Thursdays meeting,  Mueller seconded.

ROLL CALL: Strunk, yes; Mueller, yes; Horensky, yes; Kovacs, yes; Dempski, yes.

Strunk made a motion to adjourn at 9:20 p.m., Horensky seconded.   All were in favor.

(CFO left at this time)

Respectfully submitted, 
Mary Ann O’Neil RMC/CMC
Township Clerk