W. Caldwell Realigns Recreation, DPW Members

After decades without an enabling ordinance, the West Caldwell Recreation Department was officially established Tuesday night.

West Caldwell's governing body unanimously approved the ordinance and council voted 5-to-1, with Councilwoman Rosemarie Sutherlin opposed, to appoint Gabe DiMasi as recreation department director for a two-year term.

However, DiMasi will serve as acting director and receive the same compensation as his previous position of assistant director for approximately 30 days until new salary ordinances are finalized.

"It's an honor for me to recommend the appointment of Gabe DiMasi for the director of recreation. I think Gabe will do a great job," Mayor Joseph Tempesta said. "The [recreation] committee has worked long and hard over the last couple of months trying to get to the ordinance to establish the recreation department.

"I appreciate the effort they did and I also appreciate the work and effort Councilman [Dominick] Aiello and his committee have done in the recommendations they have made moving forward in reorganizing the department and hopefully forming a good, solid foundation for the future to upgrade our recreation department."

According to Tempesta, establishing the recreation department ordinance became a priority this year after one wasn't legally formed when the town transitioned from a recreation commission to a department several decades ago.

Gordon Bruchac, who had been the director of recreation, will now be the facilities manager under the Division of Buildings and Grounds, one of four divisions of the newly aligned Department of Public Works.

With the retirement of Bill Frint, whose position as director of the DPW will not be filled at this time, Robert Dow will be the department's general foreman with Vincent Graziosa in charge of the Division of Roads and Sewers, Keith Iritsky heading the Division of Water Utility & Sewer Pump Stations, Kenneth Keastead leading the Division of Fleet Maintenance and Bruchac in charge of all municipal buildings, fields, pools and land.

While Bruchac will transition from the recreation department, DiMasi will have the next two years to establish and develop a comprehensive program for the department with the assistance of a full-time administrative assistant and Bob Masella, who will remain on a part-time basis.

However, DiMasi's mid-year appointment that will expire in July 2012 was criticized by Alex Trento, a Democrat candidate opposing Tempesta in November's mayoral election, before members of council passed the resolution at Tuesday night's meeting.

"I'd like to go on record and say that I am opposed to the position being a two-year term," Trento said. "I believe we're in the midst of an election. We're halfway through the middle of the year and I think that yes, we need a director of the department.

"I think an acting director should be appointed to fill the term up until Dec. 31. Then at the reorganization meeting, whoever is the mayor appoints the director of recreation. I can't see how this governing body could bind a future administration—if there is a future administration—to a two-year term of a director."

While Town Attorney James Lott pointed out there are several municipal officials and officers appointed to three-, four- and even five-year terms that could overlap administrations, Aiello, chairman of the recreation committee, said the two-year recommendation was made so the recreation program that's envisioned can be fully developed.

"It's in the middle of an election, but every year we're going to be in the middle of an election. You're referring to the mayor's election. It's the mayor's recommendation, but it's the consent of council that appoints the directors. Number 2, it was our feeling as a recreation committee and the reason why we made the recommendation was that we're asking somebody to develop an entire program for the recreation department, which encompasses 170 activities and thousands and thousands—from tots to seniors. It's a big undertaking," Aiello said.

"I don't think a six-month term is enough time to give that person the right time and effort to put a program in place and implement that program in such a short period of time. That's why we recommended the two-year term than the six-month term that you're looking for."

However, while Trento agreed with the two-year duration of the term, he opposed the appointment not being made at the January reorganization meeting.

"I'd have no objection to a two-year term if the appointment is being made at the date of the reorganization meeting in January and then have a two-year term, a two-year term and so on," Trento said. "But to have an appointment on the director—the issue isn't who it is—this month or next month for a two-year term, is binding the next year's administration, if there is a change, to a director he or she may not want. I can't see why this governing body should do that."

Trento's suggestion sparked another back-and-forth encounter with Tempesta after the two had a similar exchange at a meeting in May over attorney fees.

"With all due respect Mr. Trento, that is a ridiculous observation because there are appointments made every year and every year there is an election," Tempesta said. "So what is government supposed to stop because you say so because you're a candidate this year?"

"Because it's a ridiculous suggestion, mayor," Trento responded.

"Yeah, you're right. It is a ridiculous suggestion," Tempesta said, referring to Trento's recommendation to hold off on appointing a permanent director. "I agree with you 100 percent."

"I'm not here to debate you again," Trento said.

"Mr. Trento, are you here as a candidate tonight?" Tempesta asked.

"We're not going to go through this John Q public thing again, mayor," Trento said.

"I didn't say John Q public," Tempesta responded.

"Last month you called me John Q public," Trento said.

"Are you here as a candidate tonight or as a citizen?" Tempesta asked again.

"I am here because there is an ordinance and there is a public hearing," Trento responded. "I am opposed to a two-year term for the director of recreation."

"Duly noted for the record," Tempesta said. "Any other questions?"

While Trento had no further comment, Councilman Stanley Hladik pointed out that the community—not political motives—should be the primary consideration for the director's appointment.

"Recreation is very important to the families of this town and to make a decision as a member of this governing body that's a political decision rather than what's best for the families of this town, I'm not going to use the word ridiculous—it's just not the right decision," Hladik said. "Two years is a fair amount of time to give to a new person stepping into that big of a position."