Millville Insider

Team Santiago voted 5-0 to pay for fireworks at the New Jersey Motorsports Park on the Fourth of July. The cost to the city is $11,500.00! Why would the city pay for fireworks on private property? There is no entrance fee to watch the fireworks however there are several other considerations. 1.      The fireworks previously were at Union Lake which is located centrally and within walking distance for center city and third ward residents. The Motorsports Park is not within walking distance for any residents. 2.      This is private property. What are the insurance ramifications for the city? What are the extra necessary safety issues? 3.      How will the track benefit from this gift from Team Santiago? Will they be charging and profiting from the use of their paintball field and go karting track? Will they be selling food? Will the restaurant be open and profit from the spectators attracted to the...

Schroeder Law Firm from Atlantic County  (the first in the history of the City from out of town) was appointed city solicitor based upon the premise his fees, over and above his $55,000 retainer would not exceed $162,000. After his first month of billing Mr. Schroeder is on track to exceed $300,000 for the year. Nearly double his promise. Here is why: 1. Mr. Schroeder charged to research OPRA's submitted by local newspapers at a cost of $3,630.00.    2. Mr. Schroeder charged to talk to and meet with the commissioners and staff  at   a cost of  $5,100.00.    3. Mr. Schroeder’s additional charges relating to the demolition of 109 E Main Street were $7,645.00 so far. These three examples exceed $16,000 in one month. There were more charges that month for other routine matters which bring the grand total for the extras to over $27,000. Remember this is for ONE month....

The change orders are already beginning to roll in for Mayor Santiago's million dollar demolition at 109 East Main Street. Many things were not covered in Perryman's generous million dollar contract for the demolition. One item not covered was asbestos removal. Billy Perryman signed a contract with Brick Industries Inc. for $23,527.00 for asbestos removal on behalf of the city of Millville. At the May 16th commission meeting, Team Santiago approved a change order in the amount of $137,676.25 for the company chosen by Billy Perryman. Once again there were no bids and no oversight by the city. Santiago, Parent, Udalovas, Pepitone, and Cooper all voted yes. This raises several questions. Why was this not sent out to bid? How can a contractor sign a contract for the city? Why was there no explanation for a change order over $100,000? The permit fees were also waived for Mr. Perryman. This is against the city's Municipal Code 11-82i which states the fees are only wai...

As part of the demolition contract, Mayor Santiago signed an insurance indemnification agreement with Perryman Excavating, Inc. So what does this mean? If anyone brings an insurance claim against Perryman Excavating, Inc. related to the demolition, the city will be held responsible and not Perryman Excavating, Inc. The city would have to defend any claims and pay any claims.   Now the city has insurance through the Joint Insurance Fund. According to the Joint Insurance Fund guidelines, the city should do the opposite of signing this indemnification agreement. The city should have a Hold Harmless Agreement. With a Hold Harmless Agreement the city would not have to defend any claims or pay any claims resulting from this demolition, the contractors would. Both Perryman Excavating, Inc. and Pennoni Engineering did not sign Hold Harmless Agreements. The Joint Insurance Fund also has guidelines for the amount of insurance that a contractor performing work for the city should have....

The definition of transparency is the quality or state of being free from deceit, the ability to be easily understood, and increased  accessibility of information especially concerning business practices. This is what Team Santiago promised the citizens of Millville. They have not kept their promises. Team Santiago has quickly and methodically changed the open to the public philosophy of the previous four years. Behind closed doors is the new rule. The actions of Team Santiago are going underground. Nothing is in plain view. So exactly what has changed?          -     Work sessions are no longer recorded for the public to see. Previously they were live on                      YouTube                   -       Minutes are posted a month behind.   Previously they were posted...

Only one commissioner wanted to raise taxes this year, Joseph Pepitone wanted to raise taxes by 4 cents. Mr. Pepitone owns land and a home in Millville. Interestingly enough Mr. Pepitone has not paid his taxes off and on for these properties over the years. As a matter of fact in 2012, Mr. Pepitone did not pay his taxes on three of his properties and the tax certificates were sold. In 2015 some of Mr. Pepitone’s properties again came up for tax sale due to nonpayment of taxes. This time no one purchased the tax certificates. The city began foreclosure proceedings, which were finalized on 5-26-2016. This can be looked up on the Cumberland County Clerk’s web page under public records: https://countyfusion1.kofiletech.us/countyweb/disclaimer.jsp How can a commissioner want to raise taxes when he does not pay his own taxes? Not only did Pepitone not pay his taxes, he also cost the city more money as the city had to pay an attorney and court fees to foreclose. Anyone...