The first Guttenberg Town Council meeting of 2012 was packed with residents proudly watching as their family members and friends were honored by the council and mayor.
The Guttenberg reorganization meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 3 acknowledged the retirement of two town employees, promoted two police officers, and praised students at Anna L. Klein School. In preparation for the new year, the town also awarded contracts to various vendors.
Mayor Gerald Drasheff and the council recognized two retirees, Joann Martin and Police Lt. Victor Conversano.
“These are people that, more than anybody I can think of, have covered the whole range of services we provide here in town,” said Drasheff. “It’s a mixed emotion meeting. We’re losing two long-term town residents who served the town for many, many years.”
“They have some big shoes to fill, but we’re all confident that they’ll be able to do the job.” – Mayor Gerald Drasheff
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“She’s very unique in that she’s held just about every position there is to hold in this town,” said Drasheff. “Believe me Joann, you will be greatly missed.”
Conversano, the second retiree, was also presented with a plaque.
“We’re losing a dedicated employee,” said Drasheff. “I’ve known Victor now for 10 years. In addition to being just a great police officer, Victor has been extremely active in many of the youth programs we have in town.”
Conversano was a founding member of the Guttenberg Junior Police Academy, a week-long program aimed at instilling values and discipline in the lives of nearly 50 elementary school students from the Anna L. Klein Elementary School.
Conversano, who ran the academy for nine years, reinvented the program within the last few years to give students more hands-on experience.
“I’m sure that [the Junior Academy] is a legacy that’s going to continue for a long time,” said Drasheff.
Conversano, who was preceded as a police officer by his father, has a son he hopes will join the force.
“Hopefully we’ll get some other Conversano’s,” added Drasheff. “Victor has been a great help to me.”
Changes in the force
Following Conversano’s retirement as lieutenant, two officers received promotions. Charles Hughes Jr. was promoted to probationary lieutenant for the first half of 2012. Rafael Martinez was promoted to probationary sergeant for the same period. Each officer was sworn into their rank during a ceremony at the meeting.
“They have some big shoes to fill,” said Drasheff, “but we’re all confident that they’ll be able to do the job. We have a very good police force here at this point in time. These happen to be the best of the best. I’m sure they’ll do a great job for all the residents in town.”
Local students get time to shine
Attendees of the Guttenberg Junior Police Academy were called to the front of the room in order to be recognized by Drasheff and the council.
“One of the most successful programs we have in town is the Junior Police Academy,” said Drasheff, awarding the group the plaque adorned with each of their names. “Your name will forever be in the Town Hall.”
Drasheff also announced the Anna L. Klein eighth grade student council will soon participate in the “Anna L. Klein Government Day,” a program that invites the students to get hands-on experience with the government operations. According to Drasheff, the students will attend meetings, sit with different departments, and get experience sitting as mayor and members of the council.
“It’s a great program for the kids to participate in,” said Drasheff. “We look forward to working with [them].”
Other matters
Drasheff noted that there were no major changes in contracts with vendors this year. Many of the contracts, which are awarded year to year, were given to the same businesses as last year.
Vendors include AlphaDog Solutions Inc. for the town website maintenance and hosting, and a contract to Boswell McClave Engineering for municipal engineering purposes.
A resolution was passed to apply for a grant for the proposed “interlocal” waterfront park between North Bergen and Guttenberg. The council will apply to the Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund for aid to complete construction.
Stephen LaMarca may be reached at slamarca@hudsonreporter.com.