Minutes of the October 9, 2013 Meeting of the Consolidation Study Commission

The meeting was called to order at 7:03. Mr. Parisi read the Open Public Meetings Act notice and called the roll. Those present were Mr. Juckes, Mr. McCarey, Mr. Molenaar and Dr. Saltzman from Fanwood, and Ms. Dreikorn, Mr. Lange, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Wiener and Mr. Parisi from Scotch Plains. Mr. Nagy and Ms. Hoynes, alternates from Fanwood, were also present as was Mr. Arthur, alternate-designate from Scotch Plains. Dr. diBattista was absent. In his absence, Mr. Nagy was entitled to vote.

In addition Eugene McCarthy attended for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, a non-voting commission member.

Ms. Hoynes and Dr. Saltzman moved and seconded approval of the September 11 meeting minutes, which were unanimously approved by those in attendance at the September meeting.

Mr. Parisi updated the Commission on the pre-bid meeting held the afternoon before the meeting. He provided the questions presented and informed the Commission of the answers he provided. One question prompted Commission discussion – the suggestion from a potential bidder that the bid be segregated into phases, given the funding issue. The suggestion posed whether partial funding should give rise to a phased approach where the funding can fully fund a first phase, with a second phase awaiting further funding. The Commission discussed the suggestion at length. On motion made by Ms. Dreikorn and seconded by Mr. Juckes the Commission voted 7 in favor, 2 opposed and 1 abstention to continue with the RFP as currently structured.

Mr. Parisi then reported to the Commission that he and Vice Chair Dr. diBattista obtained a federal tax ID and opened an account at Investor’s Savings Bank, in accordance with the banking resolution adopted at the September Commission meeting. He reported that the $5,000 contribution from Courage to Connect NJ was received and deposited and the Commission members were provided the letter that accompanied the check. Mr. Parisi then reported on the insurance issue, disclosing that Mr. Wiener and he met with an insurance broker. The topic was a matter for executive session. Mr. Molenaar suggested that the executive session be held at the end of the meeting and the Commission agreed.

Mr. Lange updated the Commission on his research efforts concerning private funding through foundations. Dr. Saltzman added that she was allowed by Drew University to access its foundation directory. She performed a search and then narrowed it to five or so foundations that may fit what the Commission needs. She indicated that the Board members of these foundations are disclosed and that she would circulate the list to see if any Commission members might know of any.

Mr. Parisi mentioned that he received an email from an individual expressing willingness to issue press releases on the Commission’s behalf. The Commission discussed the matter and decided that it was premature to consider it.

The meeting was then opened to the public. Michael Lewis from Fanwood asked whether the RFP can be accessed by the public. Mr. Parisi responded that the Commission was working on that issue with the Alternative Press and Patch blogs, since they do not accept PDFs. Mr. McCarthy then gave Mr. Lewis a copy of the RFP. Mr. Lewis also expressed concern about the involvement of Courage to Connect NJ with the Commission. Mr. Parisi thanked Mr. Lewis for his comments. There being no further public comment, that portion of the meeting was then closed.

Ms. Dreikorn and Mr. Juckes moved and seconded a motion to go into executive session to discuss insurance needs. The Commission approved. In executive session the Commission discussed the various exposures the Commission might have and the members then provided their opinions about whether the Commission should procure insurance coverage. The Commission decided to seek quotes for commercial general liability and errors and omissions coverage, including crime coverage in one or the other of those coverages. Ms. Dreikorn and Mr. Juckes then moved and seconded a motion to close executive session and return to public session and the Commission approved. In public session Mr. Parisi announced the decision made in executive session.

There being no further business, Mr. Nagy and Dr. Saltzman moved and seconded a motion to adjourn, unanimously approved. The meeting ended at 8:19 pm. The next Commission meeting is November 13, 2013 at 7 pm at the Board of Education offices.