Secaucus’ controversial former town administrator, Anthony Iacono, got a one-month extension on his consulting contract at the Dec. 11 Town Council meeting. Iacono, who left the town’s employ at the end of August to take the same job in Paramus, had already been given a three-month consulting contract on Sept. 11.
Iacono’s original consulting contract earned him $1,600 per month. And that’s what he received on Dec. 11 for the one extra month.
The council voted unanimously to extend the contract for 30 days into the month of January, 2008. There was little discussion on the matter.
During his tenure as town administrator, Iacono was Mayor Dennis Elwell’s right-hand man, and became the lightening rod for political factions and citizens who were against the administration. Iacono worked behind the scenes in Elwell’s political campaigns, helping smite the opponents. Iacono also consolidated power within town government by taking over many important but small unpaid positions, including consumer affairs director, ADA compliance officer, and others that allowed him to control the flow of information in Town Hall.
Contractors given more money
Although the town entered into contracts earlier this year with several companies, they voted at their Dec. 11 meeting to add money to the contracts for further work.
A $37,700 contract with the PMK Group, which was hired for general engineering services, was given an $8,250 boost for “environmental consulting services” being done at 370 Secaucus Road.
PMK was also given another 13,250 for engineering work and surveys being done at 270 County Ave. and several plots of land at the foot of Oak Lane.
The law firm of Zipp and Tannenbaum, initially given an $84,460 town contract for specials tax appeal counsel services, was given an increase of $25,000.
The law firm of Weiner, Lesniak, initially approved for an $86,160 Secaucus contract for tax appeals-related legal services, has been approved to receive another $19,000.
Finally, the law firm of Leanza & Agrapidis has been approved to receive another $39,000 on top of the $112,600 they are already receiving for legal services for the town.
Animal license fees up
Also at the meeting, an ordinance was approved stating that “animal control and protection have far exceeded the revenues generated from both license fees and grants.”
The council voted unanimously to increase pet license fees to $22 a year for spayed or neutered animals. License fees for animals that have not been spayed or neutered rose to $25 a year.
The tag replacement fee is now $5.
We can’t hear you (update)
As reported last month, there is a problem with the microphone system in the council chambers, making it difficult for members of the public to hear discussions of ordinances and council votes. The problem has particularly impacted the many senior citizens who attend Town Council meetings.
Last month, the council acknowledged the problem and said the problem would be addressed.
At the Dec. 11 council meeting, Mayor Elwell stated that they expect the problem to be fixed sometime in January.