At Wednesday’s North Bergen Board of Commissioners meeting, residents asked about a recent state Attorney General’s Office investigation into the Department of Public Works.
The state executed a search warrant Thursday, Feb. 23 at the town’s Department of Public Works offices on Tonnelle Avenue. The investigation concerns DPW Director Jim Wiley, a town source said.
Politickernj.com reported that the subpoenas concern an official allegedly ordering town workers to perform work on his house while on township time.
During the public portion of the meeting, North Bergen resident and attorney Mario Blanch – who has represented several clients critical of the town administration – asked town officials if they would be conducting their own investigation of Wiley.
“The township is cooperating completely with the Attorney General’s Office,” said Herb Klitzner, township attorney. “The fact that it’s an active investigation makes it inappropriate to comment further.”
Blanch represented the “Citizens for Change” mayor/commissioner ticket in their unsuccessful election bid against Mayor Nicholas Sacco’s team last May. He also represents the North Bergen Concerned Citizens Group, which is often critical of Sacco’s administration, and former town employee Lydia Coleman, who filed a state ethics complaint against Sacco in December.
Residents make inquiries
Blanch also asked if the town has taken any formal action against Wiley.
“There’s a big difference between [an] investigation and charges,” said Klitzner, adding that the investigation is still pending and charges have yet to be filed.
Blanch said, “I’m going to request that Mr. Wiley be suspended until the investigation is complete by the attorney general.”
Then, resident and frequent meeting attendee Herb Shaw questioned Klitzner about whether Wiley was still being paid.
“He is an employee at the DPW,” said Klitzner, adding that he would not further comment during an active investigation.
Shaw later charged that the town had stolen two of his garbage barrels. Klitzner said that the town would look into the matter.
“Notify the attorney general,” said Shaw, jokingly.
Town Spokesman Phil Swibinski later said that Wiley has not been suspended.
“Mr Wiley has not been charged with any crime at this point and is entitled to a presumption of innocence,” said Swibinski.
A call to Wiley’s office at the DPW was not returned.
“Notify the attorney general.” – Herb Shaw
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Morning meetings
During the meeting, Blanch also complained about the town’s 11 a.m. commissioner meetings, which he feels unjustly exclude the public. Board of Commissioner meetings are typically held bi-monthly and alternate between morning and night meetings.
Swibinski wrote an e-mail to the Reporter explaining the town’s reasoning for the meeting times.
“The township does this in order to accommodate different work schedules and give all residents a chance to attend commission meetings if they want to,” said Swibinski. “Not everyone works a traditional 9-5 job, and holding some meetings during the day gives people who work nights or odd hours a chance to attend.”
New bus system additions
Three resolutions were passed during the meeting announcing plans to expand upon the New Jersey Transit bus system stops.
A resolution was passed adding a stop at 59th Street along West Side Avenue. Another resolution was passed regarding the planned placement of two bus shelters on Tonnelle Avenue and 74th Street and Kennedy Boulevard and 46th street.
Other meeting matters
-A resolution was passed authorizing an application for a state Green Acres loan or grant of $927,742 for a waterfront park in progress, a shared project between North Bergen and Guttenberg. The park is expected to be completed in fall.
-A contract was awarded to Greenleaf Landscape System of Eatontown in the amount of $39,640 for lawn esrvice and chemical fertilization for the town’s parks.
-A resolution was passed acknowledging an agreement between North Bergen and the AvalonBay residential complex, which is currently being constructed on Kennedy Boulevard. The town will install a satellite communication dish antenna on the roof of the development to improve radio communications.
-An additional resolution was passed awarding a contract to Everbridge, Inc. of Glendale, Calif. in the amount of $20,495 for an emergency notification system for residents.
-An ordinance was adopted establishing a handicapped parking space on 85th street.
-A promotion ceremony for the North Bergen Police Department was held after the meeting. Bronson Jusino and David Dowd, both members of the Detective Bureau, were promoted from detective to sergeant. John Stahl, Anthony Caramucci, Jorge Sestan-Raposo, and Otoniel Cruz were promoted from officer to sergeant.
Stephen LaMarca may be reached at slamarca@hudsonreporter.com.