Minutes of the Executive Board Meeting
November 14, 2000, 9:30 a.m.
911 Communications and Training Center, Bridgeton

Sheriff Barruzza opened the meeting at 9:50 a.m.

Board Members present were: Sheriff Michael Barruzza, Sheriff James Plousis, Sgt Donald Chafin, Officer Michael Bernard, Richard Mulvihill, John Wolfram, and Linda Krsnak Others present were: Sharane Orendas and Teresa Thomas.

Correspondence

Teresa acknowledged copies of correspondence received regarding legislative items in their packets.

On-Going Business

Teresa asked for comments regarding the new letterhead design. Sheriff Barruzza noticed that the traffic light was a little fuzzy. Teresa said it was a clipart item from the web and she would search for something a little clearer. The design was approved for use.

Teresa reviewed the special meeting minutes of September 21, 2000 and gave further updates.

• A Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician Certification Course has been scheduled for January 15-20 at the Canale Training Center in Egg Harbor Twp. The course is a direct result of the correspondence with Ed OConnor at NJ DHS. Letters will go out to the Chiefs of Police requesting participants for the certification course. The goal is to have a large pool of certified technicians to draw from to have inspections quarterly if not monthly.
• The New Jersey Police Traffic Officers Association and the Sheriffs Association both opposed Assembly Bill No 377, prohibiting the use of unmarked police vehicles for routine traffic stops. The Executive Board voted to oppose this bill.

• The Year 2000 Safety Needs Assessment Survey was mailed out on October 24 but that only a handful had been completed and returned to date. Thus far failure to obey traffic signs (aggressive driving), the need for sidewalks, and enforcing the helmet law were common themes.

• The concept for the website was presented. There were no comments or changes made. Teresa hopes to have it up and running by January 1, 2001.

• A sub-committee of the Executive Board was appointed for the SJTSA Awards. It consists of Officer Michael Bernard, Salem County, John Wolfram, Atlantic County, Sheriff Plousis, Cape May County, Linda Grund Krsnak, Cumberland County, and Sharane Orendas, NJDHS. There was no further discussion.

• Teresa brought quotes of items the Executive Board previously approved purchasing. Much discussion revolved around the reflective wrist bands. It was decided to purchase the snap action bands even though they are a little more expensive. The SEND HELP signs were put on hold for now. Salem County has extra they will give to Teresa to start a Resource Center.

New Business

Year 2001 meeting dates were agreed upon. They are Tuesdays, February 20, May 13, August 21 and November 20. Sgt Chafin volunteered Salem County for February 20 and will check the availability of the FOP lodge.

The SJTSA seminar idea was a hit. Speakers and topics will be James Laverty, Insurance Fraud, James Kennedy, Electronic Police Forms, and ecstacy drugs. Sgt Don Chafin volunteered Salem County FOP and Rick Mulvihill volunteered Canales Training Center. Teresa will look into scheduling a date.

Legislation

TABLED - Assembly Bill No. 2045 - Authorizing use of photo radar devices for enforcement purposes on certain local streets.

TABLED - Assembly Bill No. 1070 - Revises Safe and Secure Communities program; reconstitutes panel; appropriates $9 million.

TABLED - Assembly Bill No. 1412 - Prohibits the sale, distribution or installation of nonoperational air bags.

TABLED - Senate No. 1673 - Requires persons arrested for DUI be held in protective custody for 12 hours.

SUPPORTED - Assembly Bill No. 2805 - Requires scooter riders under 14 years old to wear helmets.

SUPPORTED - Assembly Bill No. 2125 and Assembly Committee Substitute - Amending the graduated drivers license (GDL) law and the 10-year drivers license law.

Board Member Comments

There were no comments.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m..

Minutes of the Executive Board Meeting
August 2000
Avalon Borough Hall

New Business

The Board approved the purchase of letterhead with names, letter envelopes, packet envelopes, and additional traffic safety inspector badges. They also approved 5000 arm bands and generic business cards with the website address and board members names was also approved.

Further discussion revolved around the website. Currently, the concept is to have the SJTPO website contain a page for the SJTSA. Board members requested that people be able to e-mail them from the site.

Legislation

OPPOSED - A2487 - Requires cell phone use to be noted in traffic accidents. The Boards opinion was that motorists would not be forthright with the information and that the statistics down the line would be skewed. They also felt that this was not going to deter the use of cell phones and that maybe what needs to be addressed is the installation so that they are hands free.

Other points made: it put an undo burden on Police Depts and put the officer in a data collecting mode instead of an investigating mode, the form was just revised and training is already complete, and will the insurance companies use the information to up rates and add more surcharges.

SUPPORTED - A1325 - Permits municipalities and counties to install in-street pedestrian right-of-way signs under State guidelines. What they do is remind people to slow down and look for pedestrians. The Board viewed them as a great addition to public safety programs because they are easy to install, inexpensive, and temporary. They can be erected and moved as needed.

OPPOSED - AR26 - Urges enforcement of vehicular pursuit policy and an investigation by the Attorney General of pursuits in death or serious injury. This is already being done. Any pursuit ending in serious injury or death is reported to the County Prosecutors Office and then investigated by the Prosecutors Office. A final report is submitted to the Attorney Generals office.

Linda Krsnak abstained.

TABLED - A1885 - Requires permanent drivers license suspension for third drunk driving offense. Currently it is a ten year loss of license on the third offense and that seems sufficient. However, if someone is consistently drinking and driving drunk they have a drinking problem and we need to address the problem. Currently, mandatory treatment is only required for the first offense and is only 12- 49 hours. Is that enough? Should there be more for the second and third offenses? The second offense is community service and third offense is jail time. The Board would like the Director of the IDRC to address the Alliance about what is currently in place and how well it is or isnt working.

OPPOSED - S757 - Imposes minimum additional period of suspension for driving while license or registration is revoked. If someone is caught driving while their license or registration is already revoked additional suspension will not have any effect on them. Maybe it should be mandatory jail time, stiffer fines or community service.

SUPPORTED - ACR121 - Memorializes Congress to enact legislation which encourages states to adopt .08% BAC as the legal measure of intoxication. No discussion.

SUPPORTED - A1041 - Reduces blood alcohol level at which a person is considered to be guilty of drunk driving from 0.10% to 0.08%. No discussion.

SUPPORTED - A875 - Expands scope of implied consent for BAC testing to include certain underaged drivers. No discussion.

SUPPORTED - S67 - Prohibits driving while under the influence of inhalants or other substances containing toxic fumes or vapors. Housekeeping item to include new drugs on the market.

Legislation Update

Review of spreadsheet outlining legislative items previously approved and where they currently stand. Items pointed out where:

S692 - Signed by the Governor/effective immediately - Prohibits possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on private property by persons under legal drinking age.

A2465 - Signed by the Governor/effective immediately - Creates new motor vehicle offense, clarifies municipal prosecutors duties concerning plea agreements.

A552 Amendments Passed - Regulates operation of motorized scooters & skateboards.

A2125 - Amends graduated drivers license law and 10 year drivers license law.

Board Member Comments

There were no comments.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m. to start the General Membership meeting.

Minutes of the Executive Board Meeting
May 2, 2000, 9:30 a.m.
Atlantic County Prosecutors Office

Board Members present were: Sheriff Michael Barruzza, Barry Wythe, John Wolfram, Richard Mulvihill, Don Chafin, Michael Bernard, Linda Krsnak and Louis Ranesweski for Sheriff Plousis. Others present were: Sharane Orendas, Chris Rotondo and Teresa Thomas.

Sheriff Barruzza opened the meeting at 10:00 a.m. and immediately sent it to Teresa Thomas.

Teresa acknowledged and welcomed newly appointed Mike Bernard and Don Chafin.

Old Business
Correspondence received was reviewed.

New Business

Teresa requested to use approximately $1,000.00 from the grant to purchase new letterhead, envelopes and traffic safety inspector pins. It was decided that the purchase could wait until the new grant was established in October 2000. Due to the limited funds remaining, approximately $4,000.00, the board decided to use the remaining money to purchase items for the Fall Activity, Back to School and Halloween Safety.

Items to purchase include reflective zipper pulls, reflective dots, and pencils. 10,000 is the optimum quantity but Teresa will review the quotes and come up with a proposal. Items will be distributed to the Point People at the August 8^th meeting.

Sharane spoke about the items recently dropped shipped to the point people and the importance of getting them out to the police departments.

Legislation

S692 - Prohibits possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on private property by persons under legal drinking age. The Executive Board supported this bill. The Alliance supports any action that will reduce juvenile drinking.

A552 - Regulates operation of motorized scooters and motorized skateboards.

The executive board did not support this bill. They decided that police officers already have the ability to cite unregistered, unlicenced and uninsured vehicles on the road as if they were a motorcycle. Traffic officers have been told to issue summons to any such vehicles, including wheelchairs. The legislation also limits the use to private property and designated areas. They feel this is a duplication since they already have the ability to do that.

A622 - Extends period for a judge to issue a summons for illegally passing a school bus and certain other motor vehicle and traffic violations. The executive board supported this bill. They agreed that illegally passing a school bus is is a very serious offense and it does take time to identify the driver.

S1428 - Authorizes flashing rear window brake lights.

In general the board supported this bill because they support anything that will promote traffic safety and will get the attention of other drivers. However, they did have some questions. After the light flashes three times does it stay on? Are people going to know what it means? Is it be a violation if the light doesn't flash three times? As of what date does it go into effect?

S532 - Exempts certain motorcycle operators from helmet law.

The executive board adamantly opposed this bill. They don't believe the number of year someone has been riding has any bearing of whether someone should wear a helmet. All motorcycle riders should wear a helmet.

A539 - Requires certain children to wear seat belts in rear motor vehicle seats.

The executive board agreed that all children, no matter were they sit in a car, should wear a seat belt.

A1076 - Requires children riding tricycles to wear helmets.

The executive board tabled this item.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m. to start the General Membership meeting. Items for open discussion, including consideration of a Speaker Committee and Legislative Committee, will be placed on the next agenda.

Minutes of the Executive Board Meeting
May 2, 2000, 9:30 a.m.
Atlantic County Prosecutors Office

Board Members present were: Sheriff Michael Barruzza, Barry Wythe, John Wolfram, Richard Mulvihill, Don Chafin, Michael Bernard, Linda Krsnak and Louis Ranesweski for Sheriff Plousis. Others present were: Sharane Orendas, Chris Rotondo and Teresa Thomas.

Sheriff Barruzza opened the meeting at 10:00 a.m. and immediately sent it to Teresa Thomas.

Teresa acknowledged and welcomed newly appointed Mike Bernard and Don Chafin.

Old Business

Correspondence received was reviewed.

New Business

Teresa requested to use approximately $1,000.00 from the grant to purchase new letterhead, envelopes and traffic safety inspector pins. It was decided that the purchase could wait until the new grant was established in October 2000. Due to the limited funds remaining, approximately $4,000.00, the board decided to use the remaining money to purchase items for the Fall Activity, Back to School and Halloween Safety.

Items to purchase include reflective zipper pulls, reflective dots, and pencils. 10,000 is the optimum quantity but Teresa will review the quotes and come up with a proposal. Items will be distributed to the Point People at the August 8^th meeting.

Sharane spoke about the items recently dropped shipped to the point people and the importance of getting them out to the police departments.

Legislation

S692 - Prohibits possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on private property by persons under legal drinking age. The Executive Board supported this bill. The Alliance supports any action that will reduce juvenile drinking.

A552 - Regulates operation of motorized scooters and motorized skateboards.

The executive board did not support this bill. They decided that police officers already have the ability to cite unregistered, unlicenced and uninsured vehicles on the road as if they were a motorcycle. Traffic officers have been told to issue summons to any such vehicles, including wheelchairs. The legislation also limits the use to private property and designated areas. They feel this is a duplication since they already have the ability to do that.

A622 - Extends period for a judge to issue a summons for illegally passing a school bus and certain other motor vehicle and traffic violations. The executive board supported this bill. They agreed that illegally passing a school bus is is a very serious offense and it does take time to identify the driver.

S1428 - Authorizes flashing rear window brake lights.

In general the board supported this bill because they support anything that will promote traffic safety and will get the attention of other drivers. However, they did have some questions. After the light flashes three times does it stay on? Are people going to know what it means? Is it be a violation if the light doesn't flash three times? As of what date does it go into effect?

S532 - Exempts certain motorcycle operators from helmet law.

The executive board adamantly opposed this bill. They don't believe the number of year someone has been riding has any bearing of whether someone should wear a helmet. All motorcycle riders should wear a helmet.

A539 - Requires certain children to wear seat belts in rear motor vehicle seats.

The executive board agreed that all children, no matter were they sit in a car, should wear a seat belt.

A1076 - Requires children riding tricycles to wear helmets.

The executive board tabled this item.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m. to start the General Membership meeting. Items for open discussion, including consideration of a Speaker Committee and Legislative Committee, will be placed on the next agenda.

Minutes of the Executive Board Meeting
February 15, 2000, 9:30 am
FOP Lodge, Pennsville

Board Members present were: John Wolfram, Sheriff James Plousis, Sheriff Michael Barruzza, Vince Jones for Richard Mulvihill, and Pam Griner for Linda Krsnak. Barry Wythe arrived at 10:00 am. Others present were: Sharane Orendas, Marlene Atkins, Tim Chelius and Teresa Thomas.

Reorganization

Election of Chairman. John Wolfram nominated Sheriff Barruzza, seconded by Sheriff Plousis. All present agreed.

Election of Vice-Chairman. John Wolfram nominated Sheriff Plousis, seconded by Sheriff Barruzza. All present agreed.

Election of Second Vice-Chairman. Sheriff Barruzza nominated Chief Turner, seconded by Sheriff Plousis. All present agreed.

Old Business

Motioned by Sheriff Barruzza and seconded by John Wolfram, to forward the By-Laws for approval by the General Membership. It was noted that they needed to be revised to include the Second Vice-Chairman position. All present agreed.

There was discussion regarding vacant Executive Board positions in Cape May and Salem Counties. It was agreed that the Executive Board will send a letter to the appropriate individuals requesting that those positions be filled.

New Business

John Wolfram started the discussion speaking about the one study in Canada the proposed law is based on.

Sharane Orendas agreed that there are some merits to the bill, in particular, that trying to dial the phone while driving does distract you from your first priority, driving, but added there were no statistics to prove it causes accidents.

Sheriff Barruzza questioned just how many accidents would be caused by people pulling on and off the roadway to try to make a phone call or take a phone call.

John Wolfram talked about the astronomical figure representing the usage but wondered how big the number representing associated accidents would be.

More discussion revolved around other acts that take place in the car, eating, drinking coffee, talking to a passenger, which prompted the question, where does the legislation stop.

The point was made that a police officer currently has the ability to pull someone over who is driving erratically, which would include drivers driving dangerously while talking on the phone. Which prompted the question, is this a primary or secondary law?

Sharane Orendas pointed out that the Division of Highway Traffic Safety did not support the bill because there are no statistics on crashes or fatalities available. Upon question, she said that there was no movement to change the traffic record system form to include this data for future statistics.

John Wolfram requested that the Alliance request more studies be done, more data be presented, and the traffic record system form be revised to include this data. Seconded by Sheriff Barruzza. All present agreed.

Agenda and Packet Mailing Time Lines

Teresa Thomas reviewed the way the agendas and packets were sent out in the past and how they were sent out this time. She requested to be able to send out a Preliminary Agenda and Meeting Response Sheet four to six weeks in advance of the meeting. Those interested in receiving the full packet, whether attending or not, would have to fax back the Meeting Response Sheet. Packets would then be sent out one week before the meeting. This allows for last minute additions and deletions to the agenda. All present agreed.

Distribution of Items

Teresa Thomas asked whether the Board wanted the Executive Board Meeting Minutes distributed with the full packets. They all agreed they should be made available to the General Membership and distributed with the full meeting packets. They also agreed to distribute a list of Executive Board Members with addresses, telephone and e-mail addresses will be distributed and available.

Meeting Dates

It was decided that it would be a good idea to set the meeting dates for the remainder of 2000 so that members could put the dates in their calendars and schedule appointments etc around them.

It was suggested that having the meetings in the earlier part of the month would allow for some working time to get information out.

Date Which Tuesday Potential Items

May 15 2nd Tuesday Bicycle Rodeo, summer safety, construction issues
August 8 2nd Tuesday back to school and bus safety
November 14 2nd Tuesday holiday safety

Pedestrian Facilities Project Development

Preliminary plans for the installation of three sidewalk locations throughout the region were displayed for comments. These are three of the five sidewalks that the Alliance helped the SJTPO select for a federally-funded project. The Executive Board decided to send a letter of support for the project to the SJTPO.

Meeting adjourned at 10:30 am