Monroe Council Minutes | 4/7/2014
The Council of the Township of Monroe met in the Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, for a Regular Meeting.
The Regular Meeting was Called to Order at 7:00 p.m. by Council President Gerald W. Tamburro with a Salute to the Flag.
UPON ROLL CALL by the Township Clerk, Sharon Doerfler, the following members of Council were present: Councilman Stephen Dalina, Councilman Michael Leibowitz, Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider, Council Vice-President Leslie Koppel and Council President Gerald W. Tamburro.
ALSO PRESENT for Council: Mayor Richard Pucci, Business Administrator Wayne R. Hamilton, Township Attorney Joel L. Shain and Engineer Mark Rasimowicz.
There were approximately fifteen (15) members of the Public present in the audience.
Council President Tamburro requested the Township Clerk to read the following SUNSHINE LAW into the record:
In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, it is hereby announced and shall be entered into the Minutes of this meeting that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the following:
1.Posted on January 3, 2014 on the Bulletin Board of the Office of the Township Clerk in the Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza and remains posted at that location for public inspection;
2.Printed in the HOME NEWS TRIBUNE and CRANBURY PRESS on January 3, 2014;
3.Posted on the Bulletin Boards within the Municipal Complex;
4.Posted on the Monroe Township website; and
5.Sent to those individuals who have requested personal notice.
In accordance with Chapter 3, Section 17 of the Monroe Township Code, Public Comment shall be limited to five (5) minutes unless further time is granted by the Council President.
The following PROCLAMATION of Mayor Richard Pucci was read into the record:
ARBOR DAY
APRIL 25, 2014
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Councilman Dalina, the CLAIMS per run date of 03/27/2014 were Approved for payment as presented.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
Regular Meeting
April 7, 2014
Page 2
UPON MOTION made by Councilwoman Schneider and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, the MINUTES of the February 24, 2014 Agenda Meeting and March 3, 2014 Regular Meeting were approved as written and presented.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded Councilman Leibowitz, an Ordinance, of which the following is the title, was moved on second reading for final passage: ORDINANCE ACCEPTING A WATER MAIN EASEMENT FROM TOLL NJ II, LP ON A PORTION OF LOT 1 (NEW PROPOSED LOT 1.10) IN BLOCK 16.
ORDINANCE as follows: (O-4-2014-003)
WHEREAS, Toll NJ II, LP (“Toll”), the successor-in-interest to Applegarth Developers, LLC (a/k/a England Estates), the entity who received preliminary and final minor subdivision approval of application PB-1109-11 on March 22, 2012, memorialized on April 26, 2012, and the Township Engineer has determined that the Township requires a Water Main Easement on a portion of Lot 1 (new proposed Lot 1.10) in Block 16 (“Easement”); and
WHEREAS, Toll has agreed to convey the Easement to the Township of Monroe; and
WHEREAS, the Township Engineer has reviewed the attached metes and bounds description of said Easement and has found same to be in conformity with the Planning Board approval and hereby recommends acceptance of the deed of dedication, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, the Township Council has, after consultation with its legal and engineering professionals, determined that it is in the public interest to accept the dedication of the Easement from Toll NJ II, LP;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Monroe, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, as follows:
SECTION 1.The Mayor, Township Clerk and Township Attorney are hereby authorized and directed to take all steps and execute any documents which are reasonably necessary to accept the dedication by Toll NJ II, LP of the Easement.
SECTION 2.All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
SECTION 3.If any section, paragraph, subsection, clause or provision of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid, such adjudication shall apply only to the section, paragraph, subsection, clause or provision so adjudged and the remainder of the Ordinance shall be deemed valid and effective.
SECTION 4.This Ordinance shall take effect upon final passage and publication as provided by law.
SO ORDAINED as aforesaid.
Regular Meeting
April 7, 2014
Page 3
Council President Tamburro opened the Public Hearing to Council and Public discussion of this Ordinance.
There was no Council or Public discussion of this Ordinance.
As Councilman Dalina and Councilman Leibowitz regularly moved and seconded the adoption, an Ordinance of which the following is the title, was passed on Second Reading and Final Adoption: ORDINANCE ACCEPTING A WATER MAIN EASEMENT FROM TOLL NJ II, LP ON A PORTION OF LOT 1 (NEW PROPOSED LOT 1.10) IN BLOCK 16.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
Copy of the Ordinance Duly Filed.
O-4-2014-003
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded Council Vice-President Koppel, an Ordinance of which the following is the title, was moved on second reading for final passage: ORDINANCE FURTHER AMENDING CHAPTER 108 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED, “LAND DEVELOPMENT”. (If adopted, will delete Extended Intermediate & Long Term Care facilities as Conditional Uses from the R20, R30 & RRFLP zones & eliminate Hospitals as Conditional Uses in the RRFLP zones)
ORDINANCE as follows: (O-4-2014-004)
WHEREAS, the Township Council and its professionals reviewed the Master Plan adopted July 5, 2011 by the Monroe Township Planning Board (the “Master Plan”), and the recommendations for a Land Use Ordinance Amendment by the Township Planner; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council passed Ordinance No. O-7-2012-014, a comprehensive amendment to the Land Development Ordinance (the “Ordinance”), on first reading on June 6, 2012; and
WHEREAS, the Township Council passed the Ordinance on second reading, subject to a favorable report from the Planning Board; and
WHEREAS, on July 26, 2012 the Planning Board adopted a Resolution agreeing that the Ordinance was substantially consistent with the Master Plan, approving the variations and inconsistencies delineated in the Township Counsel’s referral letter and recommending final adoption by the Mayor and Township Council; and
WHEREAS, The Township Planner has now recommended that a further amendment to Chapter 108 be made to delete Extended Intermediate and Long Term Care facilities from R-20, R-30 and RRFLP zones to carry out the intention of the Master Plan to eliminate “hospitals” from the zones and maintain the medium density land use standard contemplated by the Master Plan. Those recommendations are attached as Exhibit “A”; and
WHEREAS, The Township Council has referred this proposed amendment to the Planning Board as required by N.J.S.A. 40:55-D-26; and
WHEREAS, The Planning Board believes these amendments are consistent with the Township Master Plan and recommends their adoption; and
WHEREAS, the Township Council and its attorney, engineer and planner agree that the additional amendment is necessary and consistent with the Master Plan;
Regular Meeting
April 7, 2014
Page 4
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Township of Monroe, County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey, that §108-6.9D, §108-6.10D and §108-6.27D of the Monroe Township Land Use Ordinance be amended to delete “Extended Intermediate and Long Term Care facilities as Conditional Uses” and §108-6.27D be amended to delete Hospitals as Conditional Uses.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the Township Clerk is hereby directed to give notice at least ten days prior to hearing on the adoption of this Ordinance to the County Planning Board and to all other person entitled thereto pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-15 and N.J.S.A. 40:55D-63 (if required). Upon the adoption of this Ordinance after public hearing thereon, the Township Clerk is further directed to publish notice of the passage thereof and to file a copy of the Ordinance as finally adopted with the Middlesex County Planning Board as required by N.J.S.A. 40:55D-16. The Clerk shall also forthwith transmit a copy of this Ordinance after final passage to the Township Tax Assessor as required by N.J.S.A. 40:49-2.1.
SECTION 2.All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
SECTION 3.If any section, paragraph, subsection, clause or provision of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid, such adjudication shall apply only to the section, paragraph, subsection, clause or provision so adjudged and the remainder of the Ordinance shall be deemed valid and effective.
SECTION 4.This Ordinance shall take effect upon final passage and publication as provided by law.
SO ORDAINED as aforesaid.
Council President Tamburro opened the Public Hearing to Council and Public discussion of this Ordinance.
Audrey Cornish, Schoolhouse Rd. asked if this would pertain to a project already approved and Council President Tamburro explained that an Application would still need to be made before either the Planning or Zoning Board.
As Councilman Leibowitz and Council Vice-President Koppel regularly moved and seconded the adoption, an Ordinance of which the following is the title, was passed on Second Reading and Final Adoption ORDINANCE FURTHER AMENDING CHAPTER 108 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED, “LAND DEVELOPMENT”. (If adopted, will delete Extended Intermediate & Long Term Care facilities as Conditional Uses from the R20, R30 & RRFLP zones & eliminate Hospitals as Conditional Uses in the RRFLP zones)
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
Copy of the Ordinance Duly Filed.
O-4-2014-004
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, an Ordinance of which the following is the title, was introduced on first reading for final passage: ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
Copy of the Ordinance Duly Filed.
Regular Meeting
April 7, 2014
Page 5
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was introduced on first reading for final passage: ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 78 THEREOF ENTITLED “PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES”
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
Copy of the Ordinance Duly Filed.
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Councilman Dalina, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was introduced on first reading for final passage: ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 39 THEREOF ENTITLED “FEES”.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
Copy of the Ordinance Duly Filed.
Council President Tamburro advised the Council there is a need to fill the expired four (4) year terms of Vincent LaFata, Dhaval Patel and Mark Klein, as regular members on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and requested a Motion to re-appoint Vincent LaFata, Dhaval Patel and Mark Klein as regular members to the Zoning Board of Adjustment with said terms to expire four (4) years from each of their original dates of expiration.
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, Vincent LaFata, Dhaval Patel and Mark Klein would be re-appointed for four (4) years from each of their original dates of expiration.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
Council President Tamburro advised the Council there is a need to fill the position of a regular member on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and requested a Motion to move Henry C. Sloan from the Alternate 3 position to the position of Regular Member, having a four (4) year term expiring 12/31/16.
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, Henry C. Sloan was moved was moved from the Alternate 3 position to the position of Regular Member on the Zoning Board of Adjustment, having a four (4) year term expiring 12/31/16 .
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
Regular Meeting
April 7, 2014
Page 6
Council President Tamburro advised the Council there is a need to fill the position of Alternate 1 member on the Zoning Board of Adjustment, previously held by Elizabeth “Betty” Schneider and requested a Motion to move Stanley J. Teller from the Alternate 4 position to the Alternate 1 position for an unexpired two (2) year term.
UPON MOTION made by Vice-President Koppel and seconded by Councilwoman Schneider, Stanley J. Teller was moved from the Alternate 4 position to Alternate 1 Member on the Zoning Board of Adjustment for an unexpired two (2) year term ending 12/31/2014.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
Council President Tamburro announced that Nominations are in order for the position of Alternate 2 Member on the Zoning Board of Adjustment to fill the expired two (2) year term of Len Zivin.
Council Vice-President Koppel nominated Jennifer Hluchy, seconded by Councilman Dalina.
Council President Tamburro asked if there were any further nominations, there being none, he requested a Motion to close the Nominations.
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, Nominations were closed for Alternate 2 Member to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
Council President Tamburro requested a ROLL CALL on the Nomination of Jennifer Hluchy as Alternate 2 Member to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
Council President Tamburro announced Nominations are in order for the position of Alternate 3 Member on the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Councilman Dalina nominated Louis Masters, seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel.
Council President Tamburro asked if there were any further Nominations, there being none, he requested a Motion to close the Nominations.
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Councilwoman Schneider, nominations were closed for Alternated 3 Member to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
Regular Meeting
April 7, 2014
Page 7
Council President Tamburro requested a ROLL CALL on the Nomination of Louis Masters as Alternate 3 Member to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
UPON MOTION made by Council Vice-President Koppel and seconded by Councilman Dalina, the following Resolution was moved for adoption: RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
Copy of Resolution Duly Filed.
R-4-2014-084
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, the following Resolutions were moved for adoption under the CONSENT AGENDA, as hereinbelow set forth:
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
RESOLUTIONS adopted under the CONSENT AGENDA are as follows:
R-4-2014-085RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MODIFICATION TO THE CALCULATION OF THE TAX COLLECTION RATE.
R-4-2014-086RESOLUTION INTRODUCING THE 2014 MUNICIPAL BUDGET.
R-4-2014-087RESOLUTION PROVIDING THAT THE 2014 MUNICIPAL BUDGET BE READ BY TITLE AT THE TIME OF THE PUBLIC HEARING.
R-4-2014-088RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS MANUFACTURING COMPANY. (July 4th Fireworks Display in Thompson Park - $16,000)
R-4-2014-089RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH INSURANCE DESIGN ADMINISTRATORS.
R-4-2014-090RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO EXECUTE A SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE AND THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, DIVISION OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT FOR THE E-WASTE SUBSIDY PROGRAM.
R-4-2014-091RESOLUTION PROVIDING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
R-4-2014-092RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO TIMOTHY HOFFMAN REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS, INC. FOR APPRAISAL SERVICES RELATED TO BLOCK 27.02, LOTS 17.01, 17.02, 18.04 AND 18.05.
Regular Meeting
April 7, 2014
Page 8
R-4-2014-093RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT TO A GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, OFFICE ON AGING FOR OUTREACH SERVICES.
R-4-2014-094RESOLUTION REFUNDING TAX OVERPAYMENTS.
R-4-2014-095RESOLUTION REFUNDING THIRD PARTY TAX LIEN PREMIUM PAYMENTS.
R-4-2014-096RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF UPGRADED RADIO EQUIPMENT FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP EMS UNDER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM.
R-4-2014-097RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR STONEBRIDGE PHASE 2 – SECTION 9.
R-4-2014-098RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE AND MAINTENANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR THE SIGNALIZATION OF APPLEGARTH ROAD AND CLEARBROOK PLAZA.
R-4-2014-099RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE AND MAINTENANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP OAK TREE SCHOOL FIELD LIGHTING.
R-4-2014-100RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF AN INVOICE FROM ADT SECURITY SERVICES, INC. RELATED TO SECURITY, FIRE, CAMERAS & ACCESS SYSTEMS.
R-4-2014-101RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR/QPA TO PREPARE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ADVERTISE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR SECURITY, FIRE, CAMERAS & ACCESS SYSTEMS.
R-4-2014-102RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. R-2-2014-019 AND AUTHORIZING ASSIGNMENT OF TOWNSHIP TAX LIEN NO. 11-00160 (BLOCK 38, LOT 1) TO JM FERMIN d/b/a NORTHERN INVESTMENT, LLC.
R-4-2014-103RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ASSIGNMENT OF TOWNSHIP TAX LIEN NO. 92-00220 (BLOCK 106.89, LOT 31) TO LUCILLE DiPASQUALE.
R-4-2014-104RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN FRANCIS E. PARKER MEMORIAL HOME, INC. AND THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE REGARDING CONSTRUCTION OF AN OFF-TRACT SANITARY SEWER LINE ALONG SCHOOLHOUSE ROAD TO SPOTSWOOD-GRAVEL HILL ROAD WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE.
R-4-2014-105RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT TO THE SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE BOROUGH OF JAMESBURG FOR ENFORCEMENT OF ZONING AND HOUSING REGULATIONS.
R-4-2014-106RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EMERGENCY 2014 TEMPORARY BUDGET AMENDMENT.
R-4-2014-107RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE AND USGOVBID FOR THE SALE OF SURPLUS PERSONAL PROPERTY NO LONGER NEEDED FOR PUBLIC USE ON AN ON-LINE AUCTION WEBSITE.
Regular Meeting
April 7, 2014
Page 9
R-4-2014-108RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO VEHICLES UNDER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT.
(Two - 2014 Dodge Charger Pursuit Vehicles)
R-4-2014-109RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO VEHICLES UNDER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT.
(Two - 2014 Chevy Tahoe SSV 4x4 Vehicles)
R-4-2014-110RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISCHARGE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING LIEN ON 1145 MORNING GLORY DRIVE.
R-4-2014-111RESOLUTION RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. R-3-2014-074 AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A VEHICLE UNDER STATE CONTRACT NO. A83777, HAVING NOW EXPIRED, AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A VEHICLE FROM AN APPROVED VENDOR UNDER THE STATE COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM.
R-4-2014-112RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO LEGGETTE, BRASHEARS & GRAHAM, INC. FOR GENERAL HYDRO-GEOLOGICAL CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”)
R-4-2014-113RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 SUBMITTED BY DeMAIO ELECTRICAL COMPANY, INC. FOR CONTRACT 402 – “ASHMALL AVENUE PUMP STATION #7 IMPROVEMENTS” FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”).
R-4-2014-114RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP 2014-2015 LANDSCAPING SERVICES.
Copies of Resolutions Duly Filed.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Pucci complimented the Council Members and Business Administrator on their efforts in analyzing the Municipal Budget. He stated he will reserve his comments for the May 5th Meeting when the Budget is scheduled for adoption.
Administrator’s Report
Administrator Hamilton advised the Budget was Introduced this evening and the Public Hearing will be held on May 5th at 7pm. The Budget Summary, which is required to be published in the newspaper, will appear in the April 21st edition of the Home News Tribune. The Budget, in total, will be posted on the Township website tomorrow.
He also spoke on the lack of the contract price for Energy Aggregation not appearing on the last bill. In doing the math, the 8.435 cents was the amount charged by the third party supplier. JCP&L has assured us that it will be corrected on the next utility bill.
Council President Tamburro mentioned that over 65% of the town residents converted.
Engineer’s Report
Engineer Rasimowicz commented on the two (2) Construction Projects that are out to bid:
- Forsgate, Applegarth & Links intersection improvements.
- Federal Rd. Guide Rail and paving project
Bid openings are scheduled for April 16th.
Regular Meeting
April 7, 2014
Page 10
Council President Tamburro asked about the improvements slated for Forsgate, Applegarth & Links Drives.
Engineer Rasimowicz outlined the improvements that are scheduled to be made at that intersection.
Council Reports
Councilman Leibowitz - commented on the potential last week for flooding in Mill Lake and Rossmoor. The DPW was out and monitored the situation and thanked them for a job well done.
He spoke on attending the Library’s 25th Anniversary with the Mayor being the Honoree. A good time was had by all in attendance.
He also mentioned that he had received his first electric bill under the energy aggregation and was surprised how it had dropped tremendously.
Councilman Dalina – congratulated the Mayor as the Honoree at the 25th Anniversary Gala for the Library.
He next commented on “Opening Day” of the Baseball Association and advised that this Saturday is the Girls Softball League “Opening Day” as well as the Egg Hunt at 12pm at the Community Center Hockey Rink.
Councilwoman Schneider – also congratulated the Mayor on being the Honoree at the Library’s 25th Anniversary Gala.
She advised that on April 22nd the Monroe Education Foundation will be having a fund-raiser for Mikey Nichols. It will be a Basketball Game with the Staff vs. the Police at 7 p.m. on April 22nd at the Monroe Township High School. There will be a $5.00 donation requested.
Council Vice-President Koppel – Encouraged anyone with questions on the Budget to contact Administrator Hamilton who will be more than happy to answer any questions.
Advised there was a previously scheduled presentation for our Nat’l Champion Cheerleaders this evening, but due to a big event at the High School this evening, there was a conflict and it had to be re-scheduled.
Council President Tamburro added that they will be honored this Thursday at the Rec. Center.
Council Vice-President Koppel next announced that the Thursday evening Cultural Arts Events held in Thompson Park will once again be held in July & August. The music events are held at 6pm by the lake and are free.
Council President Tamburro – mentioned that he was at “Opening Day” with Councilman Dalina who caught the ball twice but only wanted the Mayor’s signature on the ball.
He mentioned it was a pleasure to see the Mayor honored at the 25th Library Anniversary and commented on the Mayor’s vision of a library within our town.
He wished everyone a Happy Passover & Easter.
Regular Meeting
April 7, 2014
Page 11
Public:
Hy Grossman, 16 Doral Dr. – Congratulated the Mayor on his recent recognition at the Library Gala.
He then questioned Item #26a – Modification to the calculation of the tax collection rate.
Administrator Hamilton explained that each of the last 5 years, with the extraordinary amount of tax appeal refunds, the State allows a municipality to modify the formula so it accurately reflects the job the Tax Collectors office is doing. Our collection rate last year was 99.3% after that modification.
Mr. Grossman then mentioned a pothole going west on Route 522. He was advised the County will be contacted with the location. He also recommended a sign indicating that there is an oncoming entrance to the community going south on Route 613.
Mark Klein, 7 Crenshaw Ct. – Congratulated the Mayor.
Also, thanked the Mayor & Council for his re-appointment to the Zoning Board.
Mr. Klein advised that on Route 522, traveling towards Jamesburg, after the sharp bend in the road, there have been cars parked in the breakdown lane. It is very dark in that area and someone might hit one of those parked cars. Administrator Hamilton stated he will report it to the Police Department.
He next mentioned that the Board of Education is using $2.5 million dollars of money left from the High School referendum to lower the increase in school taxes. They are also using funds left over from the last two budgets. The result will be a decrease in school taxes for the average home of about $114. His concern is what is going to happen next year when there is no cushion and expenses grow.
He also mentioned “rod grants” which are available from the State and are used to repair infra-structure in the schools. When Monroe applied for these grants, they were turned down.
Charles Lerman, 11 Doral Dr. - Congratulated the Mayor.
Mr. Lerman commented on the Land Development Ordinance on the Agenda, in particular, Mr. Remsa’s comments, which, in part, read “maintain a sound balance between planned retirement communities and non-age restricted development”. This refers to the Master Plan. The Master Plan presently has allowed some 40,000 non-age restricted homes, either approved or waiting to be approved. The concern is that with 40,000 non-age restricted homes coming into the town, taxes will be going up dramatically, with a major impact on the school system.
Council President Tamburro noted that 3,000 homes will be built possibly over the next 20 years. Mr. Lerman feels it will be less than twenty years.
Council President Tamburro explained further what they are trying to do in the Master Plan.
Audrey Cornish, Schoolhouse Rd. – questioned the lighting at Parker House and Engineer Rasimowicz explained that Parker House has an approved lighting plan through the Planning Board. The lights are 14’ high throughout the entire parking lot.
Regular Meeting
April 7, 2014
Page 12
Mrs. Cornish stated her concern is the close proximity to her property which consists of stables with thoroughbred horses. She breeds thoroughbreds which are very sensitive to lights and noise.
Engineer Rasimowicz also noted that there will be a buffer along with existing trees between the parking lot and the adjacent property line. The only parking lots are what has been shown on the approved plan. He advised he would be more than happy to meet with Mrs. Cornish and go over the approved plans.
Robert Zeglarski, 162 Tournament Dr. – stated he will take advantage of the Business Administrator’s offer to meet with him regarding the budget. Administrator Hamilton explained how to access the Budget on the Township website.
Mr. Zeglarski next asked for an explanation of Item #26.v. – Emergency 2014 Temporary Budget Amendment which was explained by Administrator Hamilton.
He next questioned Item #10. - Ordinance to exceed the Municipal Budget Appropriation Limits and to establish a Cap Bank, asking how much are the appropriations increasing and are we banking any Cap to which Administrator Hamilton explained how the appropriations Cap works.
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, the meeting was Adjourned at 7:48pm.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
Sharon Doerfler
SHARON DOERFLER, Township Clerk
Gerald W. Tamburro
GERALD W. TAMBURRO, Council President
Minutes were adopted on May 5, 2014