Tenure resolution aired Dec. 1992

 

Public gets its say on Gonnelli tenure

 

Tenure for Department of Public Works superintendent Mike Gonnelli passed without a hitch Tuesday as the council opened the resolution for a public hearing.

Gonnelli, 37, has been with the department for 20 years, and its chief since 1986. State law allows towns to grant tenure to full time department chiefs if continuously employed in that capacity for five years.

Other requirements include a certificate as a public works manager which Gonnelli expects to receive this spring from Rutgers State University.

Certification requires ten years work experience, five years management, and completion of specified courses, and it would exempt Gonnelli from being fired over political reasons.

"Some people don't understand what that means," Gonnelli said. "All it means is some security. I can't be fired over politics. But if I screw up, the town can get rid of me."

According to state stature, tenured employees could only be fired for good cause, and guarantees them fair hearing and written charges filed with the municipal clerk. Gonnelli, however, could be retired at age 70.

Gonnelli, a resident of Secaucus for 31 years, went through the Secaucus school system, spent two years at Lincoln Technical school, and entered the department at age 17. He said he wanted to be chief since his first day.

"You have to set goals for yourself," Gonnelli said. "This was mine."

Other of his activities include membership on the planning board, shade tree committee, and the town fire department. His is currently president of the Babe Ruth League, and has coached boys baseball, girls softball, and ice hockey teams.

"He's very capable and hard working," said town administrator Philip Kieffer before tuesday's meeting.

 


email to Al Sullivan

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