Minutes of the General Membership Meeting
November 19, 2002, 10:00 a.m.
Cumberland County Improvement Authority

 

Teresa Thomas opened the meeting at 10:00 AM and introduced Linda Grund Krsnak, of the Cumberland County Improvement Authority to lead the Flag Salute.

 

Minutes

Teresa directed everyone to the Minutes section of the meeting packet.  The General Membership Meeting Minutes of August were approved, as well as the July and October minutes of the Executive Board Meetings.        

 

Ongoing Business

 

Final Report of the 2002 Child Passenger Safety Seat Inspection Campaign

Teresa explained that there were 3 certification courses and that 32 new technicians certified and that we certified 3 CPS Instructors, Lt. John Bieniakowski, Officer Russell Bongiovanni, and Lillian Ernst.  The Alliance also participated in 11 inspection events totaling 148 seats inspected.

 

Update on 2003 Child Passenger Safety Seat Inspection Campaign

Teresa stated that in 2003, 3 certification courses are to be held again, dates and locations are not definite as of yet, and that she would like to see 3 instructors get certified again

The Alliance is looking to establish a Bounty Program.  Child Safety Seats should not be used if they are over than 10 years old, not to use second hand seats, seats that have been in an accident before or seats that have been abandoned or that you just dont know what the history of the seat is.  What the Alliance would like is to have a place where seats that are old, damaged, or outdated can be dropped off and destroyed or disassembled.  She stated that the Alliance would be working with the 4 Sheriffs Offices, local police departments and private organizations.  She is looking to hold public destruction events in each county during Child Passenger Safety Week, February 9 to 15.

 

Update on BUCKLE UP Stencil Program

Teresa explained that the program is going along quite well; she said that Sgt. Ruggieri of the Hammonton Police Department explained to her that there were 10 municipal lots that they want painted as well as businesses.

Teresa stated that the buckle up stencil is being featured in the  Building Safe Communities newsletter.

Teresa explained that she spoke with someone from the Gloucester County Police Department and stated that they would like to borrow the extra Buckle Up stencil, it was explained that they would be getting the extra stencil.  The Alliance approved the use of the Buckle Up stencil to Gloucester.

Teresa stated that over 100 stencils have been done already in the 4 counties.

Barry Wythe suggested that the program still continue to get the promoting it needs but, the emphasis should be geared on having this done more in the spring rather than in the winter, because of the weather conditions etc.  Teresa stated that she would like to put in the newsletter that if someone previously had the stencil done and it is worn, fading, etc, they should notify the Alliance and the stencil can be redone for them.

 

Update on SAVED BY THE SEAT BELT CLUB

At this time Teresa introduced the new poster that was made for the Saved By The Seat Belt Club.  She stated that public locations would be best for these.   The posters now have a pocket on the front that can actually hold the necessary form to be filled out.

Teresa than explained the new poster that was created for the Child Passenger Seats, it is the same type of poster.

Teresa stated that posters have been left at Hospitals, Maternity Wards, Pediatric Offices, etc.

She stated that if anyone needs a copy of any of the posters or any of the forms to contact the Alliance for them.

Teresa then explained the letter that she received regarding the Buckle Up Stencil from a consulting company Dixon Associates.  The letter stated that Dixon Associated would be forwarding copies of the article from the On The Go Newsletter to past and present commercial clients, to let them know of the service and encourage them to take advantage of it.

Because he was not present in the room, Lt. John Bieniakowski than continued to speak further regarding the Child Passenger Safety Seat Inspections and how successful they were this year.  January and February checkpoints have been scheduled as well for the new coming year, which hopefully will turn out as successful.

He then spoke about the necessity for not only police and EMT's, but civilians also become familiar with the CPS Inspections, he stated that if anyone was interested or knew of anyone interested to contact him.

 

New Business

 

ACTION Approve 2003 Meeting Dates

Teresa stated that the tentative schedule is as follows, for General Membership, February 25, 2003 in Salem County, May 20, 2003 in Atlantic County for the 100 Days of Summer Kick Off, and August 26, 2003 in Cape May County and November 18, 2003, in Cumberland County.   The Alliance approved the schedule for next years meetings.

ACTION Approve Purchases from FY 2003 HTS Grant

Teresa continued, saying that ordering will be done for pens and pencils, for Traffic Officers Association. She stated that in February they participate at the Kids Day at the Atlantic City Convention Center.  She explained that she already has some pens to give away from a previous order that she had placed.   So she would only have to order about 2,500 additional pens rather than 5000.  The Alliance unanimously approved.

Then Teresa continued to explain the purchases she would like to make which are normal items that she would like to stock in the trailer.  The Alliance unanimously approved.

 

ACTION Approve new website link -  Insurance Institute for Highway Safety www.highwaysafety.org

Teresa stated that at the August Meeting other websites were introduced and approved to be added to the SJTSA website.  She would like to add this to the website.  Teresa was questioned if it was ok to have this added to the website without proper permission.   She stated that she would email them to seek approval to add them to our site.

 

Presentations

 

Mike Reeves, SJTPO

·        Crash data related to impaired driving in Salem County- Pilot Program

Mike explained that the SJTPO has undertaken a study of alcohol and drug related crashes in the four county areas.  This study includes maps of alcohol/drug-related crashes compared with relevant land use features.  SJTPO will use the most recent crash data available from the NJDOT website.  By using the primary indicator (physical condition of the driver) SJTPO will determine which roads have an unusually high incidence of drug and alcohol related crashes.

 

Lillian Ernst, Cumberland County Traffic Safety Program

·        Update on Cumberlands Program

Lillian stated that Cumberland County has a few projects that the county is working on including a new buckle up poster that will also be available in Spanish.

The Take Five, Arrive Alive Program is still up and running and has had continued success.  The state has now actually changed the slogan to, Take Five, Stay Alive and it is to be used as a statewide program now.

A new poster will be coming out with NASCAR driver Kurt Schroeder with a picture of his racing car and the slogan, I buckle up on and off the track, she stated that hopefully he will be able to publicize this and it may be used at the bicycle rodeos and other events where it can be widely seen.  

There is always talk about a drunk driving poster that has been passed to the Art School and would be designed by the students.  Eventually to have a contest with a few finalists and then one winner that would receive publicity for their design.  This is still in the early stages at the present time.

There is always a program set up geared toward kindergartners, the children will receive a letter that they can fill out with someones name, they would then give to that person as a reminder to them to please remember to buckle up.

The other program is a fatal video that would be shown to high school students regarding drunk driving aggressive driving and death because of either of these.  EMS would be the first to speak and tell what exactly is happening to your body in a situation like this, then the Police would speak regarding what the consequences are that you would endure, finally a family would speak about what happens to a family and to your life when something like this occurs.

 

Dr. Claudia Knezek, Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation

·        Work Zone Safety Program

Claudia stated that there is a meeting scheduled on February 19, 2003 in Jamesburg.    

She stated that there are a few town representatives that did not receive their MUTC manuals.  A record has been set as far as the amount of people trained for the Work Zone Safety and the Train the Trainer program, there are some dates set March 25 & 26 will be a Train the Trainer class and then in the 24 of March will be the Basic Flagging Workshop, then May 8 would be the Police Work Zone Safety, Train the Trainer. 

 

FYI

Teresa stated that the Alliance now has a Utility Trailer that SJTA will be installing shelving.  It will be available after January 1, 2003 for use by the alliance members.  As of now approval has been given for alliance members to borrow the trailer for events.

Teresa explained that in the Traveler Magazine, which is available on the Delaware Ferry, which has an article about the Buckle Up Stencil and a picture of the stencil in the current magazine.  The Alliance will continue to be featured in the next few issues.

Teresa showed that there are new palm cards available, one is a about defensive driving, one is generally about the alliance and the other is regarding school safety. 

The State has also issued Walk Safely Seniors, which includes a video and handouts.

 

Legislation:   None

 

Training

 

CPS Certification Course January 2003
DRBA, Cape May County

 

CPS Update Seminar, Wednesday, January 29
Cumberland County 911 Training Center

 

 

General Discussion

Barry Wythe stated that there is training class scheduled for December 2 for Cape May County that is a two-week class, there is another scheduled for February, with the third class scheduled to follow in the spring. Barry stated that the educational safe driving course offered in Atlantic County for motorcycles is recommended for amateur and veteran bike riders.  He stated that it is very helpful and that reservations be made, because the class fills up so quickly.  He also stated that there is an instructor training class coming up, which is 3 weekends in a row.

He then discussed the checkpoints that Atlantic County is doing great, there was a 52% reduction in tickets issued than last year.  The manpower was used differently this year, which accounts for the major difference.

Mike Shurman from Atlantic County stated that over a 17 week period and 10, 548 hours, the following 4000 violations which included 91 DWI, 1,356 Speeding Tickets, 162 Revoked Licenses and 897 Motorists with expired license or registration were issued.

Teresa stated that there is a meeting scheduled for February for the DRBA Kickoff.

At this time Cape May County and Salem County stated that there wasnt any new developments in either of the counties.

Teresa then stated that legislation laws have not been presented at any of the latest meetings; she stated that if anyone has anything to bring to the Alliances attention, to notify her about it.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 11:53 PM

 

 

 

Minutes of the General Membership Meeting
August 27, 2002, 10:00 a.m.
Wildwood Convention Center

 Sgt Barry Wythe, Investigator for the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office and SJTSA Chairperson opened the meeting at 10:00 AM and introduced Sheriff Raymond Lewis to lead the Flag Salute. 

 Introductions:

Sgt Wythe then introduced Sharane Orendas, NJDHTS, who introduced the new Director of the NJDHTS, Roberto Rodriguez. 

 

Minutes

Teresa directed everyone to the Minutes section of the meeting packet. A draft copy of the Executive Board Meeting Minutes of July 9^th was available for review, while the General Membership Meeting Minutes of May 24 were approved. 

Ongoing Business

Final Report of the 2002 Bicycle Safety Bowl

Teresa showed meeting attendees the Regional Trophy and Atlantic County Winner Trophy to be presented to the Ventnor Educational Community Complex.  Winning both awards the principal requested that the trophies be presented to the school in September.

 

Update on BUCKLE UP Stencil Program

Teresa directed meeting attendees to the list of program participants in the meeting packet.   Moving along quite well, Teresa informed the group that additional participants include:  Somers Point Shopping Center, Kessler Memorial Hospital, P.R.A.C. (Puerto Rican Action Committee), Borough of West Cape May, Middle Twp Public Schools, Cumberland Insurance, Downe Township BOE, and Pittsgrove Township.  

 

Teresa went on to explain that although there has not been an official kick off in Salem County the program is up and running.

 

Update on SAVED BY THE SEAT BELT CLUB

Teresa informed the group that there were 2 public induction ceremony events.  One, Tuesday, August 6^th, at the Salem County 4 H Fair and a second at the Atlantic County 4 H Fair, Friday, August 9.  In total 10 new club members were inducted with positive reception and reaction to the program. 

Most newspapers picked up the press release seeking inductees, but only the Record Journal published a follow up article.  However, there was good coverage of the Atlantic County event on TV 40.

Teresa then introduced Sgt John Bieniakowski, Galloway Police Department, Child Passenger Seat Instructor and newly appointed Child Passenger Seat Inspection Campaign Committee Chairperson.

 

Update on 2002 Child Passenger Seat Inspection Campaign

Sgt Bieniakowski talked a little about the new cirriculum included in the certification course which now elongates the course to 5 full days of work plus a checkpoint. 

Bieniakowski talked about the upcoming certification course to be taught by CPS Instructors from our region.  He acknowledged that the Alliance is the only organization in the state becoming self sufficient and able to teach this course on its own. 

He went on to speak a little about the new LATCH System (Lower Anchor and Tethering For Children) being included in all new vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2002.. 

He them spoke about the Alliances work with the DRBA (Delaware River Bay Authority) and the different child passenger seat laws the 2 state have and how important it is inform those using the ferrys and bridges of these differences.

Thanking Sgt Bieniakowski, Teresa informed the group that she and Sharane would be meeting with the Salem County Sheriff John Cooksey about a diversity program in Salem County.  

Sharane asked for a couple of minutes to speak about diversity programs and using the term giveaway in accordance with seats provided by the state of NJ.  She went on to clarify that events should not be advertised as giveaways because people being people we all want something for free and these programs are designed for low income and minority groups that cannot afford to buy a seat on their own.

Teresa informed Sharane and the group that the only time the Alliance using the term giveaway in a press release is for events in accordance with the Boost America Campaigns and that the Alliance uses its seats as replacements for seats brought in that are defective or recalled for safety reasons

 

Update on FALL ACTIVITY: Back to School and School Bus Safety

Leading into the first presentation, Teresa went over the Back to School and School Bus Safety Survey the Alliance took in June.  The survey, sent to law enforcement and school personnel identified motorists illegally passing school buses and disruptive children distracting bus drivers and the number one and number 2 problems.  She went on the refer to the data taken off the NJDOT crash data website which supported the survey results. 

 Presentations

  *Motorists warning letter for passing a school bus when the red lights are flashing.
Joe Callavini, Transportation Director for the Vineland Board of Education

Identifying a problem with motorists passing school buses while their red lights are flashing, Joe Callavini worked with the Cumberland County Traffic Safety Task Force to develop this ticket program for bus drivers.  The program makes it easier for bus drivers to identify offenders and for law enforcement to take corrective action. 

The system is made up of a handout that the driver fills out with all of the violators pertinent information, date, time, license plate, location of incident, direction of travel, description of vehicle and bus drivers name.  The form is then sent to the Cumberland County Sheriffs Office.   The Programs Director can look up the license plate number to get the name and address of the vehicles owner.  A violation letter is then sent explaining the incident and what could happen if they were ticketed by law enforcement. 

In October 2000, over a 5 day period, 30 bus drivers identified motorists illegally passing them 95 times.  To date, the ticket system has helped reduce violations by approximately 60%.

On question: it was acknowledged that school transportation departments and bus companies could work with local police departments to institute the same program.

Callivini also talked about the big signs the Cumberland County Engineering Department designed, produced and erected around the county.  He offered the sign and any information needed to help those interested in reproducing it.

Teresa informed the group that she had reached out to the other counties to jump on board with the signs.  In Salem County, she and Officer Mike Bernard, Lower Alloway Creek Police Department and Executive Board Member, attended a bridge and road commission meeting to discuss the possibility and they turned it down.  They had questions about liability and maintenance.

She went on to say that Atlantic County has a sign to use as an example for the sign shop to produce them and that her initial conversation with the Cape May County Engineer was positive.

 

   *Boost America in Cape May County
Suzanne Nardi, Executive Director

Ms. Nardi thanked Teresa for all she has done to bring this campaign to Cape May County.  She explained that it is a cooperative relationship between the Cape May County Sheriffs Office and the United Way, with the Sheriffs Office providing certified technicians at each event. 

The program, funded by Ford, provides free backless boosters to low income families.  Families quality be contact the United Way, although qualification is left to the discretion of the United Way. 

Having ordered 250 backless boosters, Ms. Nardi explained how she thought that all 250 would be gone within days and how hard it has been to reach the desired target audience.  She explained how she has been in contact with other participating United Ways to brainstorm. 

To date there has been four events and only 12 seats given away. 

  

  * SJTPO Project
Timothy Chelius, Executive Director

Mr. Chelius briefly discussed the US 9/Garden State Parkway Corridor Study, which had recently been awarded to a consultant and had just begun.  He stated that the study would examine current conditions and propose improvement schemes for problem areas on US 9, the Parkway, NJ 52, Roosevelt Boulevard, and intersecting highways in Upper Township, Somers Point, and Ocean City.   Chelius noted that Sgt Washart, Ocean City Police  Department and SJTSA Executive Board member, would represent the Alliance on the Study Steering Committee, and asked for the Alliances support during the project. 

 

 

  *Presentation to James T. Plousis

Sgt Barry Wythe, SJTSA Chairperson and Teresa Thomas, SJTSA Program Coordinator, presented U.S. Marshall James T. Plousis with a book clock, engraved:

In recognition of your commitment and contributions
to the South Jersey Traffic Safety Alliance
as an Executive Board Member.

Plousis then took the podium and reminded everyone how very important traffic safety is and what a fabulous job we are all doing. 

 

There was a short break for lunch. 

 

New Business

Approve Alliance Website Links all were approved

Operation Lifesaver www.oli.org

A national, non-profit education and awareness program to end tragic collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad rights of way.

 

Keeps Kids Alive Drive 25 www.keepkidsalive.com

A safety campaign designed to encourage motorists to observe the residential speed limit.

 

Hero Campaign for Designated Drivers - www.herocampaign.org

Promoting designated drivers in bars and taverns.

 

S.A.F.E. (Staying Alive From Education) www.safeprogram.com

A classroom presentation by state certified paramedics to educate teenagers on the dangers of drinking and driving, walks students through the dangers of drinking and driving and what happens at a trauma scene using medical equipment they employ daily on their jobs.

 

 Approve DRBA Program -Alliance members approved a partnership between the DRBA and SJTSA to educate the patrons of the Cape May Lewes Ferry on traffic safety issues.  Expenses related to the partnership total $4,200.00 and include posters for the Ferrys, videos for the terminal and making DRBA a Fitting Station.

Approve FY 2003 Highway Safety Grant - Alliance members approved the SJTSA FY 2003 Highway Safety Grant totals $34,200.00.    The new grant provides money to continue the Buckle Up Stencil Program, Child Passenger Seat Inspection Campaign, and Bicycle Safety Bowl. 

 

Open Discussion

Marlene Atkins, NJDHTS, talked about new education videos regarding seat belts on school buses and education bus drivers on how to handle hijackers and a hostage situation.  She said that when the new videos are released there will be workshops held around the state. 

She also announced that the states motorcycle program is now being offered in South Jersey out of Canals in Egg Harbor Township. 

   * Ocean County Engineering
Gordon Lightbody, Traffic Engineer

Lightbody accompanied Marlene Atkins to the meeting and was very interested in sharing the programs they have started in Ocean County.  He showed all his item including head bands, information holders for pedestrians with easy release Velcro, and coloring items.

 

*  S.A.F.E. (Staying Alive From Education) Presentation
Virtua Health Paramedics, Lou Raniszewski Jr, Janis McManus, Nancy Stanton gave a short overview of the presentation and fielded questions. 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 1 PM

 

 

 

Minutes of the General Membership Meeting
May 24, 2002, 10:00 a.m.
Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall

 

Sgt Barry Wythe, Investigator for the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office and newly appointed Chairperson welcomed everyone and lead the Flag Salute at 10:15 a.m.  He then turned the meeting over to Teresa.

Introductions:

Teresa recognized newly appointed Executive Board Member Joe Callavini.  He is the Director of Transportation for the Vineland Board of Education.  Appointed by Freeholder Director James Sauro and replaces retired Bridgeton Police Chief Courtlandt Turner.   Also in attendance was the Executive Director of the SJTPO, Tim Chelius . 

 

Minutes

Teresa started the meeting by referencing the Executive Board Meeting Minutes of the January 8^th and March 16^th, 2002, and the General Membership meeting on February 25th.     

 

Ongoing Business

Update on 2002 Child Passenger Safety Program. Teresa recognized Officer Bongiovani from the Hamilton Township Police Department as the newest instructor for the Child Passenger Safety Inspection He completed his candidacy at the May 13^th certification course , where 20 new technicians in the region, including 7 from Cape May, 7 from Atlantic, 2 from Cumberland and 3 from Salem County. 

The 3 from Salem County are from the Salem County Sheriffs Office and will allow the Sheriffs Office to receive a Diversity Grant from the NJDHTS. 

Ed OConnor has approved a small (class of 10) CPS Certification course to be taught by the Alliances instructors, the new instructors, Sgt Bieniakowski and Officer Bongiovani.   Mr. OConnor will monitor the course as well as another candidate instructor Lillian Ernst from Millville Rescue

Bicycle Safety Bowl

Teresa stated that the progress of the Bicycle Safety Bowl was very good.  There were over 5,000 pamphlets distributed to participating schools.  She referenced the list in the meeting packet, attached hereto. 

Teresa announced Oldmans Township School as the Salem County Winner with 12,223 points, an average of 108 per student out of 125. 

 

Buckle Up Stencil Campaign

Teresa showed the stencil to be used.  It will be painted on the driveways of businesses and organizations, near exits, to remind drivers to buckle up before entering the roadways.   The Atlantic County Kick Off will be June 3, 2002 at LOWES in Egg Harbor Twp.  The Cape May County Kick Off will be scheduled toward the end of June at HOME DEPOT in Rio Grande.

Letters have already been sent to the County Executive and Mayors asking for their participation.  Participation is voluntary and free.  The Alliance takes all responsibility for the work and there is a cooperative agreement with the Sheriffs Offices to use reporting inmates to paint, all the companies need to do is let the alliance know that they want it done. 

Teresa mentioned an article that America is Buckling Up, But Drinking More.  So that will be the next major push, drinking and driving. 

May Mobilization

Teresa reminded those in attendance to send completed forms to her.   At the present time only 2 have been sent to her.  Additional copies of the form were supplied at the meeting.

Captain Cancelosi, Ventnor Police, commented that he was under the impression that forms were to be completed at the end of the month and submitted then.  Teresa responded that whatever was most convenient for the departments.

 

Presentations

Helmet for Life Program
Vince Jones, Atlantic County Department of Public Safety

This program involves the schools that allow children to ride their bikes to school to adopt a policy that requires them to wear a helmet.  The idea is to expand the responsibility of enforcement of the NJ Helmet Law to schools To date there are 11 schools in Atlantic County participating.  The schools adopts a policy that requires children riding a bike to school to wear a bike helmet.  It  states if the child rides their bike to school, then they are responsible for riding with a helmet on, if the child does not have a helmet, they will be provided a helmet, if they come to school without a helmet, they will be given a warning, then if they are seen without the helmet they lose their privilege of riding to school on their bike.

 

Enforcement Campaign

This campaign is being strictly enforced at all departments for seat belt checks and speeding.  This also starts the time for DWI checkpoints and thorough inspections of vehicles.  On days when there is extra man power to dedicate the extra man to traffic enforcement, whether it is a full or half shift.  A schedule had been given to keep track of the departments in the case that more can be done on Rts 9 & 30.