Friday, June 19, 2020

To those who want to better understand the NJAG's civil action against the City of Trenton and TWW....

As I shared with you earlier this week, the New Jersey Attorney General filed a civil action on behalf of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection against the City of Trenton and Trenton Water Works (hereafter, "TWW") in the Superior Court of New Jersey.  As a customer of TWW and as the Municipal Manager for the Township, these past 3 years having been one of great concern for myself, my family and for the residents of Lawrence who are provided water by TWW.  I am sure those who are customers of TWW share the same concern.  

Based upon some of the comments made by residents on the community FB pages, I thought I would take some time to further explain what is going on, and to provide you with links to important documents for those wanting to take a much closer look at the issues being confronted on your behalf.  The following is not meant as an all inclusive research paper, but rather a summary for your general knowledge.  I hope I accomplish this for you.

In order to better understand the present situation, we do have to go back several years to review the actions taken by the NJDEP against the TWW that resulted in several Administrative Consent Orders (i.e., an ORDER approved by the Court and entered into by NJDEP and TWW and the City of Trenton) that had the overall purpose to set a framework to systematically address long-standing problems with the infrastructure, management and operations of the water utility.  The February 5, 2018 order is here and provides a great history to the problems and proposed actions to be taken:  

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:c4d72ea0-f54c-4e53-b5ab-429960a3cd7a

Over the course of the last couple of years, the NJDEP and the officials of municipalities being serviced by TWW (Lawrence, Ewing, Hamilton, and Hopewell) have worked to get the water utility to meet its obligations it had agreed to under the Consent Order.  To be honest, and I have said this publicly several times, TWW has done a lot to improve its management and operations to the benefit of its customers since entering into the Consent Order.  However, it has missed several critical deadlines relating to infrastructure improvements, such as the replacement of lead service lines and capping the reservoir.  Both of which are critical to producing clean and safe water for us to drink and use now and in the future.  

What prompted the action taken by the NJAG, however, is the Trenton City Council's voting down the necessary funding ($83 million) for improvements required under the Consent Order.  Without this funding, it is a complete impossibility for the water utility to do what is required for its overall improvement, and a sustained ability to deliver clean and safe water to its customers.  Here is a link to the NJAG's complaint that it filed with the Court that spells out very specifically why the action was necessary:

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:7434cbcf-63ae-447c-96be-e337afeb1298

And here is the link to the legal brief prepared by the NJAG in support of the complaint that was filed on an emergent basis to compel the Court to act quickly for the protection of us all:  

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:da61c1f9-c5df-41c4-b722-1af999a1fb49

For those of you who may not know, TWW is owned and operated by the City of Trenton.  It provides drinking water to over 200,000 customers in Trenton and sections within the surrounding towns of Hamilton, Ewing, Hopewell and Lawrence.  This is an asset for the City.  The operation of the TWW creates revenue that is used by the City for its overall operations.  So when Trenton City Council votes to increase water rates to the customers, and then votes "no" to spend the money all experts agree is necessary to make required improvements to deliver safe drinking water....well, that's a problem.  And this is why we find ourselves where we are right now...in Court seeking a ruling to compel the City to fund the water utility so it can make the improvements that are necessary.  

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Residents have called to ask if they can just switch to another water utility (like you can with cable service or power service).  The technical answer is "yes" but it would cost billions of dollars to do.  TWW owns the water lines running under our streets that you connect to from your homes.  It owns the facility at the Delaware River that processes the water, and it owns the reservoir that holds the water for our use.  To get another water utility to service a portion of our community as an alternative to TWW would require a company to build a complete water utility system (facility, reservoir, water lines from the facility to the street adjacent to your home, etc.).  So the realistic answer is "no" it is not practical.  The fight needs to be: (1) to improve TWW;  or (2) to get TWW to sell to another water company; or (3) for the State to take it over and operate it.  

Here is the link to the "Final Order" filed with the complaint that very specifically explains what the NJAG is looking to the Court to achieve:

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:b255956a-d721-432a-af3c-a19788637631

As an attorney, I really do appreciate when pleadings are well crafted.  The documents prepared and filed by the NJAG are top notch in my opinion.  The followings is an excerpt from the complaint (par. 3) that succinctly describes why we are where we are now:

"The Department [NJDEP] has tried diligently and repeatedly to convince Defendants [the City of Trenton and TWW] to comply with their obligations to protect consumers from lead exposure and to make other required improvements within the drinking water system.  Further, the Trenton City Council recently failed to approve critical and necessary funding for many of the improvements the law demands.  The Department now seeks a preliminary injunction requiring Defendants to address lead service line replacement to protect consumers, and an order to remedy their failure to protect the health and safety of their consumers."

What makes this situation so disconcerting is that the Trenton City Council has demonstrated complete dysfunction over the past couple of years in my opinion.  The decisions it has made in many matters (unrelated to TWW) seem to be made for reasons other than what is in the best interests of the City and the residents.  In this matter, the refusal to fund improvements to the water facility that provides water to its own residents also affects residents who live beyond its borders in surrounding towns.  As a result, we cannot allow the City Council to work against the interest of providing clean and safe drinking water to us even if they don't seem to be concerned about their own residents and the water they drink and use.  

I have met with Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora several times regarding TWW and its operations and plans for the future.  He is absolutely committed to doing what is right and what is necessary to fix the water utility.  Unfortunately, what he wants isn't enough in Trenton's form of government.  Issues relating to funding fall within the authority of the City Council.  If those council members are not committed to improving TWW in a meaningful manner, there is no alternative but to seek a Court Order to compel them to meet their obligations to their own residents and to the customers who reside outside of their City.

Officials from Hamilton, Ewing, Hopewell and Lawrence are meeting next week to discuss interceding  in the complaint (i.e., entering the civil action as a party) to join the NJAG and to advocate for our residents.  Stay tuned everyone.  I will report back to as we proceed.  I hope you found this helpful.  



  



  

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

NJ Attorney General Requires Public Disclosure of the Identities of Officers Who Commit Serious Disciplinary Violations

I didn't want to wait on this news...

Let me just say....this is a significant reform.  An excellent start that I candidly did not see coming as something to address that would be impactful.  But it is impactful.   Gurbir S. Grewall, the NJ Attorney General, concluded after careful deliberation that "it is in the public's interest to reveal the identities of NJ law enforcement officers sanctioned for serious disciplinary violations."  He further reasoned,

"The public's trust depends on maintaining confidence that police officers serve their communities with dignity and respect.  In the uncommon instance when officers fall well short of those expectations, the public has a right to know that an infraction occurred, and that the underlying issue was corrected before that officer potentially returned to duty."

I agree with this completely.  For far too long, officers who do not serve their community with dignity and respect have been protected by the confidentiality of "internal affairs" records.  This is not me taking an anti-police officer position.  Far from it, I respect the responsibilities and risks police officers undertake every day to protect and serve their community.  Those officers who take their oath of office seriously, and perform each day with it in mind, will always have my support. 

The complete text to the Attorney General's memorandum to "All Law Enforcement Chief Executives" dated June 15, 2020 can be found here:
Of course, this is simply a starting point to address one of many issues that are needed to improve how we approach law enforcement today and in the future.  Stay tuned for updates as I receive them.

July 4th Fireworks Display Scheduled for July 1 has been cancelled...and here are some things to consider.

Statement to the Community issued yesterday, June 15, 2020.

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions by Governor’s Executive Order for large gatherings, it is with great disappointment that the Township must cancel this year’s 2020 Lawrence Township’s 4th of July Fireworks Display scheduled for July 1. This popular community event takes place at Rider University every year and includes a concert performed by a live band, food trucks, music by the Bronc Radio Station and a spectacular fireworks display. The Township must make decisions that are based upon the community’s best interest. In this situation, the Township determined that it could not adequately protect the attendees from the health and safety risks posed by the virus. The Township hopes that the fireworks event can be incorporated with another event at a later date this year.

Since my blog's purpose, in part, is to provide you with some insight on the thought process behind decisions made that affect the community, this seems like a topic that I should address since there are some who disagree with it.  

First, I would like to start by saying that it is my belief that the world health pandemic is real, and that our community is not immune to the deadly coronavirus. There are family and friends of 68 people who died in our community from the virus who can attest to it being very real.  Secondly, I refuse to let politics cloud my judgment when it comes to making a decision about the safety of our residents for events we sponsor.  Whether you agree with me or not....I am following the science in all of this.   The virus is still very much among us, and I believe responsible decisions that affect public safety should be based upon this fact.  

A resident on social media stated that "Lawrence isn't even trying."  I responded, in part, "Is "trying" just having an event and hope for the best? I would rather think than try..."  

In another post, someone said to not blame the Governor since public fireworks displays are now allowed.  I responded, 

  • "....the Governor did NOT remove the restrictions on public gatherings (500 people). He is allowing public firework displays subject to the outdoor gathering rules. 
  • Our town has historically had thousands attend the display, and there would be no feasible way to issue tickets to this event to limit the number attending. 
  • There is no way to guarantee all to have a parking space to attend the event (if remaining in cars were a plan). 
  • There is no way to guarantee those sitting in a car to see the fireworks display.
  • There is no way to safely turn away those trying to gain entrance into the Rider University parking lot that come after the limit is filled (whether by car or walking). 
  • There is no way to guarantee the safety for those having to work the event. 
I understand that everyone wants the fireworks display, but these events take time to plan.  To determine the location where they are staged from. To ensure it can be done safely and meet the Fire Marshall regulations (they are varying levels of explosions). It involves meeting very specific geographic requirements that make the locations limited in our community. To determine the location where the people will gather. To determine how many staff would need to be in place. Some municipalities have the geographic make-up to have the fireworks as they have had (fortunately) planned pre-pandemic. We do not. Because the Governor says "yes" to fireworks...but keep with my restrictions...doesn't mean they can and should be done in our town.

* IMPORTANT NOTE: To be clear, I am not "blaming the Governor."  I am, however, acknowledging his legal authority to issue his Executive Orders during this health crisis, and that I have no inclination to violate them.  

And please know that making decisions that affect the health and well being of residents within our community are the most important decisions we make.  It is very easy to have and express opinions coming from a perspective of personal wants and needs...that don't have to consider all that must be considered for good decisions to be made.  

I thought maybe this article would help those who disagree with the decision to better understand why it was made.  In the end we can agree to disagree...and we can share some common ground that it is a big disappointment to have to cancel this great community event.  

We will absolutely try to have a fireworks display some time later in the year in conjunction with another community event.  When it makes sense, and we have confidence that it is safe for all who attend.  







  

Friday, June 12, 2020

Lawrence Township Police Department: Links to Important Documents that Guide our Police Officers.

Hey Everyone:

Several days ago I indicated on social media that I would be preparing information on our police department's orders and policies relating to "use of force" issues.  To that end, this article will provide links to important and relevant documents that guide our police officers.  I have received many emails from concerned residents that demanded defunding and reform of our police department in light of the horrific event that took place in Minnesota several weeks ago and the protests that have followed.   This article is provided to concerned residents to assist in their understanding of the police department that serves the community.  It is NOT intended as a defense nor is it a COMPLETE response to the concerns raised.  It is merely information to incorporate into the overall "community conversation."          

In my post, I did promise that we will ".... closely scrutinize who we are and how we police and look for ways to improve and be better. We promise to LISTEN. To hear the voices of concern about police brutality and racism, and do our part to bring about change for the better for all people."

Yesterday, our elected officials:  Mayor James Kownacki, Council Members Michael Powers, Cathleen Lewis, Christopher Bobbitt and John Ryan individually met with myself and Police Chief Brian Caloiaro (the Mayor attending each meeting) to discuss the current state of our police department, to ask important questions about the policy and procedures followed, to inform us of their concerns, and to determine the areas where there can be improvement.  These officials showed a sincere commitment for reform and to improve community policing.   These meetings are a critical first step by them to do what they were elected to do....to advocate on behalf of the residents, and to work to establish policies that improve what we do in service of the community.

First, I believe it is important for all to know and understand that Gurbir Singh Grewal, the NJ Attorney General, has been leading the way in NJ for reform relating to "use of force" and other "policing" issues, and the Lawrence Township Police Department has adopted and implemented his established policies and guidelines regarding these issues.  

Here is a link to a recent letter the NJ AG sent to All NJ County Prosecutors in response to the recent events regarding the killing of George Floyd in MN: 

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:1bc2a1fd-0e7c-49e8-b62b-2f6d59b41366

Here is the link to the NJ Attorney General's "Use of Force" Policy:  

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:48e8425b-833d-4915-832d-fd8ce4d8fb6f

Here is the link to Lawrence Township Police Department's "Use of Force" Policy:  

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:4233d03e-b9a0-47a4-a4f5-3a5d47ede47e

Here is the link to Lawrence Township Police Department's "Use of Force" General Order: 

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:ec000564-8c39-4068-94d9-69f6cb3a3920

Here is the link to Lawrence Township Police Department's "Early Warning System" that is designed to detect patters and trends before conduct by a police officer escalates into more serious problems:  

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:d6412adb-4261-4dc2-b632-fa7ccdf5c1b0

Here is the link to Lawrence Township Police Department's "Biased Based Policing" General Order:  

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:b3d79b92-49b0-4482-9935-d61b8c5d897d

Here is the link to Lawrence Township Police Department's "Uniform Traffic Enforcement" General Order.  

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:b3272226-45fa-4c0c-8578-473359e2af47

I have chosen to not summarize these documents out of concern that a summary would oversimplify them, and I may potentially omit a term that may be important to the readers.  I encourage all who have an interest in these matters to thoroughly review the documents to get a full understanding of the orders and policies that presently guide our officers.   Your elected officials (members of the Lawrence Township Council) are committed to meaningfully respond to the outcry of the residents of the community.  Today, they have issued the following statement:

PRESS RELEASE
Office of the Municipal Manager
June 12, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Mayor and Council's Statement to the Community
June 12, 2020

            Over the last two weeks the members of Lawrence Township Council, the Lawrence Township Police Department, and township administration have watched with broken hearts the events across the country and have watched with pride at how our residents have come together to support each other.

Last week, Township Council and the Police Chief came together to show our support for our community and the statement that “Black Lives Matter.” We gathered simply with candles to stand, and kneel, in solidarity with those that are looking for justice. There were no invited guests or speakers as we wanted to be mindful of the prohibition against gatherings of more than 25 people and the curfew that evening.

Since that time, we have received many emails of concern about the curfew and our Police Department’s policies. Rest assured that Councilmembers have already started working on how we can best facilitate a deeper community conversation and reviewing our use of force policy.

We understand that these issues deserve a continual conversation with our community. The municipal government, the school district, our businesses, and our residents all deserve that dialog. We look forward to finding new innovative ways to do that, especially during this pandemic.

______________________

In conclusion, I am committed to keeping you informed of our efforts as we proceed forward.  As the municipal manager, my primary responsibilities relate to the operations of our municipal offices.  Policy issues that guide the Township are clearly within the authority and responsibility of your elected officials.  As a result, I will defer to these capable people to lead the community discussion.  God bless!