Monroe Council Minutes | 4/6/2015
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 Deputy Township Clerk, Patricia Reid, 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: Mayor Richard Pucci, Business Administrator Wayne R. Hamilton, Township Attorney Joel L. Shain and Engineer Mark Rasimowicz
ABSENT: Township Clerk, Sharon Doerfler
There were approximately twenty (20) members of the Public present in the audience.
Council President Tamburro requested the Deputy Township Clerk to read the following SUNSHINE LAWinto 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:
- Posted on January 2,2015 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;
- Printed in the HOME NEWS TRIBUNE and CRANBURY PRESS on January 2, 2015;
- Posted on the Bulletin Boards within the Municipal Complex;
- Posted on the Monroe Township website; and
- 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 PROCLAMATIONSof Mayor Richard Pucci were read by Title into the record:
HOLOCAUST DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE
April 19, 2015 – April 26, 2015
ARBOR DAY
April 24, 2015
APRIL – SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH
April 28, 2015 Wear Denim Day
UPON MOTIONmade by Council Vice-President Koppel and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, the CLAIMS per run date of 03/26/15were approved for payment as presented.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Stephen Dalina Aye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider Aye
Council Vice-President Leslie Koppel Aye
Council President Gerald W. Tamburro Aye
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April 6, 2015
Page 2
UPON MOTIONmade by Councilwoman Schneider and seconded by Councilman Dalina, the MINUTESof the February 23, 2015 Agenda Meeting andMarch 2, 2015 Regular Meeting were approved as written and presented.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Stephen Dalina Aye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider Aye
Council Vice-President Leslie Koppel Aye
Council President Gerald W. Tamburro Aye
UPON MOTIONmade by Council Vice-President Koppel and seconded by Councilwoman Schneider, 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 Dalina Aye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider Aye
Council Vice-President Leslie Koppel Aye
Council President Gerald W. Tamburro Aye
Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed.
UPON MOTIONmade by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was introduced on first reading for final passage: ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 108 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED, “LAND DEVELOPMENT”, SPECIFICALLY ARTICLE VII, SECTION 7.3. ENTITLED, “WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES”.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Stephen Dalina Aye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider Aye
Council Vice-President Leslie Koppel Aye
Council President Gerald W. Tamburro Aye
Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed.
UPON MOTIONmade 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 ENTERING INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE (LANDLORD) AND FRIENDS OF THE MONROE TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY GARDEN, INC. (TENANT) FOR PREMISES KNOWN AS THE MONROE COMMUNITY GARDEN SITUATED ON A PORTION OF LAND SHOWN ON THE MONROE TOWNSHIP TAX MAP AS BLOCK 4, LOT 6.02.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Stephen Dalina Aye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider Aye
Council Vice-President Leslie Koppel Aye
Council President Gerald W. Tamburro Aye
Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed.
UPON MOTIONmade by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, the following Resolution was moved for adoption: RESOLUTION GRANTING APPROVAL FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS AS TAX EXEMPT OBLIGATIONS TO FINANCE THE COSTS OF THE SPRINGPOINT AT HALF ACRE ROAD, INC. PROJECT – BA5087-14.
Council President Tamburro explained that these are obligations for Monroe Village. The Township holds no liability in this. We have the Vice-President and General Counsel of Spring Point – David Twaddell, from the law firm of Rhodes & Simon serving as Special Finance Counsel or Bond Counsel in connection with the financing of the project & Maureen Cafferty, Senior Vice-President and General Counsel of Spring Point at Monroe Village Inc.
Regular Meeting
April 6, 2015
Page 3
Both were in attendance in connection with the issuance of Tax Exempt Bonds to finance improvements at Spring Point @ Monroe, specifically the construction of a new skilled nursing center that will be called “Spring Point @ Half Acre Road. The Bonds will be issued by the public finance authority of Wisconsin, which is a governmental issuer, but not an elected body like many bond issuing authorities in New Jersey. The Internal Revenue Service requires a 501C3 Organization, such as Spring Point, to be approved by elected officials who have jurisdiction over the location where the facilities are going to be provided. The entire purpose of their appearance here this evening is to ask for approval of the Resolution which will give the Township’s consent to Tax Exempt Bonds for the benefit of Spring Point @ Half Acre Road. There is no obligation to the Township.
Council President Tamburro stated that Spring Point @ Monroe Village has gotten approval through the Zoning Board of Adjustment for the expansion.
Maureen Cafferty explained that Monroe Village is a continuing care retirement community that operates independent living units as well as skilled nursing and assisted living units. They are looking to create a new skilled 120 bed nursing facility.
Council President Tamburro opened the meeting to a public discussion on this issue. There were no questions or comments from the public.
Council President Tamburro requested a Roll Call vote on the RESOLUTION GRANTING APPROVAL FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS AS TAX EXEMPT OBLIGATIONS TO FINANCE THE COSTS OF THE SPRINGPOINT AT HALF ACRE ROAD, INC. PROJECT – BA5087-14.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Stephen Dalina Aye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider Aye
Council Vice-President Leslie Koppel Aye
Council President Gerald W. Tamburro Aye
Copy of Resolution Duly Filed.
R-4-2015-073RESOLUTION GRANTING APPROVAL FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS AS TAX EXEMPT OBLIGATIONS TO FINANCE THE COSTS OF THE SPRINGPOINT AT HALF ACRE ROAD, INC. PROJECT – BA5087-14.
Council President Tamburro advised that Item #12.aa. on the Consent Agenda needs to be removed.
UPON MOTIONmade by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, Item #12.aa. of the Consent Agenda entitled “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO H2M ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR GENERAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) was approved for removal from the CONSENT AGENDA.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Stephen Dalina Aye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider Aye
Council Vice-President Leslie Koppel Aye
Council President Gerald W. Tamburro Aye
Councilman Dalina questioned Item #12.bb. entitled, “AWARD OF BID FOR VETERANS PARK IMPROVEMENTS, PHASE 2”, asking the anticipated time-frame of the project. Administrator Hamilton explained this is Phase 2 of Veterans Park, which includes two (2) all-purpose fields and additional parking. This is being funded through the open space tax fund. There were eight (8) bids received and the low bid was in the amount of $2,722,813.00. The winning bid was submitted by Dumor.
Engineer Rasimowicz added that there is also a pavilion that will be built. Construction will begin around Memorial Day with an expected completion of 120 days.
Regular Meeting
April 6, 2015
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UPON MOTIONmade by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, the following Resolutions were moved for Adoption under the CONSENT AGENDA with the exclusion of Item #12.aa., as hereinbelow set forth:
ROLL CALL: Councilman Stephen Dalina Aye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider Aye
Council Vice-President Leslie Koppel Aye
Council President Gerald W. Tamburro Aye
RESOLUTIONSadopted under CONSENT AGENDAare as follows:
R-4-2015-074 RESOLUTION INTRODUCING 2015 MUNICIPAL BUDGET.
R-4-2015-075 RESOLUTION PROVIDING THAT THE 2015 MUNICIPAL BUDGET BE READ BY TITLE AT THE TIME OF THE PUBLIC HEARING.
R-4-2015-076 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED BY TRAFFIC LINES, INC. FOR MONROE TOWNSHIP IMPROVEMENTS – LINE STRIPING UPON THE POSTING OF A MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE.
R-4-2015-077 RESOLUTION REFUNDING A DUPLICATE PERMIT FEE.
R-4-2015-078 RESOLUTION REFUNDING TAX OVERPAYMENTS.
R-4-2015-079 RESOLUTION REFUNDING THIRD PARTY TAX LIEN PREMIUM PAYMENTS.
R-4-2015-080 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
R-4-2015-081 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REDUCTION OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR RIVER ROAD ASSOCIATES (PB-1053-08).
R-4-2015-082 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY AND THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE FOR THE PROVISION OF RECYCLING COLLECTION AND MARKETING SERVICES OF DESIGNATED RECYCLABLES.
R-4-2015-083 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH CENTER STATE ENGINEERING FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY GARDEN PROJECT.
R-4-2015-084 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CENTER STATE ENGINEERING TO PREPARE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ADVERTISE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY GARDEN PROJECT.
R-4-2015-085 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL LEGAL FEES TO SHAIN, SCHAFFER & RAFANELLO, P.C. RELATED TO THE REPRESENTATION OF THE TOWNSHIP IN VARIOUS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS FOR YEAR 2014 AS EXTRAORDINARY LITIGATION.
R-4-2015-086 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT BETWEEN LOG-TECH, LLC AND MONROE TOWNSHIP FOR IT ASSET MANAGEMENT AND ELECTRONICS RECYCLING SERVICES.
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April 6, 2015
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R-4-2015-087 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF CASH PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) FOR W&S 1125, A&H BUILDING & REMODELING, LLC, BLOCK 16, LOTS 6.01 & 6.02 - PB #848-03.
R-4-2015-088 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) FOR W&S 1007, GARDENS @ MONROE – BLOCK 15, LOT 10.02.
R-4-2015-089 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF CASH PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) FOR W&S 1135, SCOTT RUTLEDGE, BLOCK 30.01, LOT 1.07 (SPOTSWOOD-GRAVEL HILL ROAD).
R-4-2015-090 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT 438 – “LIQUID ZINC PYROPHOSPHATE” TO KLENZOID, INC. FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”).
R-4-2015-091 RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 SUBMITTED BY INDUSTRIAL CONTROLS IN CONNECTION WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) CONTRACT NO. 423 - “REMOTE WATER AND SEWER PLC AND WIRELESS SYSTEMS INSTALLATION AND UPGRADE OF EXISTING SCADA SYSTEM”.
R-4-2015-092 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES WITH MONROE CHASE, BLOCK 14, Lots 12.01 & 13 FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (M.T.U.D.) FOR W&S 1093 – BA-5041-11.
R-4-2015-093 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF BID FOR MONROE TOWNSHIP SHADE TREE PLANTINGS.
R-4-2015-094 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF BID FOR MONROE TOWNSHIP LANDSCAPING SERVICES.
R-4-2015-095 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO EXECUTE AN ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR YEAR 2015 WITH MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC. AN AUTHORIZED VENDOR UNDER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM.
R-4-2015-096 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A RIGHT-OF- ENTRY AGREEMENT GRANTING PERMISSION TO FREEHOLD SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT TO ENTER UPON TOWNSHIP OWNED LANDS IN CONNECTION WITH THE MANALAPAN BROOK WATERSHED PROJECT.
R-4-2015-097 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN MONROE TOWNSHIP AND CABLEVISION LIGHTPATH NJ, LLC AND ITS SUBSIDIARY 4CONNECTIONS LLC FOR USE OF THE TOWNSHIP’S PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY FOR TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES.
R-4-2015-098 DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT BETWEEN SHARED PROPERTIES, LLC AND THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT’S PUMP STATION NO. 2.
R-4-2015-099 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SHAIN, SCHAFFER & RAFANELLO, P.C. TO REPRESENT THE TOWNSHIP IN CONNECTION WITH ITS AFFORDABLE HOUSING OBLIGATION.
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R-4-2015-100 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID FOR VETERAN’S PARK IMPROVEMENTS, PHASE 2.
R-4-2015-101 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR TO PREPARE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ADVERTISE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR INSTALLATION AND LEASE OF A CELLULAR TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNAE LOCATED ON THE ROOF OF THE MONROE TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY CENTER.
R-4-2015-102 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EMERGENCY 2015 TEMPORARY BUDGET AMENDMENT.
R-4-2015-103 RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE MONROE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT.
Council President Tamburro advised the Council that there is a need to fill the expired terms of Regular Member Marino Lupo and Alternate 1 Member Stanley J. Teller, who’s terms on the Zoning Board of Adjustment expired on December 31, 2014.
UPON MOTIONmade by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Councilwoman Schneider, Marino Lupowas reappointedas a Regular Memberon the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a four (4) year term expiring on 12/31/2018.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Stephen Dalina Aye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider Aye
Council Vice-President Leslie Koppel Aye
Council President Gerald W. Tamburro Aye
UPON MOTIONmade by Council Vice-President Koppel and seconded by Councilwoman Schneider, Stanley J. Tellerwas reappointed as Alternate 1 Member on the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a two (2) year term expiring on 12/31/2016.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Stephen Dalina Aye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider Aye
Council Vice-President Leslie Koppel Aye
Council President Gerald W. Tamburro Aye
UPON MOTIONmade by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Councilman Dalina, the following Resolution was moved for Adoption: RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE MONROE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Stephen Dalina Aye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider Aye
Council Vice-President Leslie Koppel Aye
Council President Gerald W. Tamburro Aye
R-4-2015-103 - RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE MONROE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT.
Copy of Resolution Duly Filed.
Council President Tamburro welcomed the Mayor back.
Mayor Pucci – briefly commented on the last 5 years, with the recession having the most catastrophic effects. He feels that the town is now on solid ground financially and home values are not going down.
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Business Administrator Hamilton– Followed up on the Mayors comments in reference to the budget, in that the appropriations are up 1.37%. The Municipal Tax Rate will remain the same as last year with annual municipal taxes of $1,391.60 based on an average assessed home of $309,933.
He advised the Township is reducing its reliance on the utility surplus, which is down this year by one million dollars. We are down to a reliance of $4.3 million dollars compared to its’ highest year of almost $15 million dollars, thus avoiding the prospect of borrowing money.
The Township also went out for Notes a month or two ago and the Notes on $30 million dollars was one tenth of one percent. It looks like interest rates may be going up in September. We are going to move in August to sell permanent bonds to replace that.
The State format budget will be on the website tomorrow and the Public Hearing will be on May 4that the Council Meeting.
Engineer Rasimowicz - Mentioned that the traffic signal on Spotswood-Englishtown Road and Route 522 is moving forward. This week Tracy Station Road will be closed between Federal Road and Route 522.
Council Reports:
Councilman Leibowitz– received a complaint that the above Spotswood-Englishtown Road and Route 522 intersection was going to be too wide. He disagrees and believes the turn lanes will be safer.
Wished everyone “Happy Holidays”.
Councilman Dalina– pointed out that the Recreation Department and the Department of Public Works helped with the Egg Hunt, setting out over 5,000 eggs.
Baseball and Softball opening days are scheduled for Saturday, April 18th and the James Monroe Park will be celebrating its’ 30thAnniversary.
The Friends of the Library will be holding their Annual Book Sale on April 25ththru April 30th.
Councilwoman Schneider– attended her first Egg Hunt and Bonnet Contest, which was a delight.
She will be attending the Library Leadership Breakfast in honor of National Library Week on April 17thin East Brunswick.
She also read Dr. Seuss at Applegarth.
Council Vice-President Koppel– mentioned starting single stream for recycling which permits all recycling to be combined.
She advised that the next Community Garden Meeting, to sign up for plots, will be held on April 30th at 7pm in the Senior Center. Half the plots have already been taken and they are anticipating the gardens will be open by early June.
In regards to Cultural Arts, the Glimmer Twins will be coming to the Marasco Performing Arts Center on Saturday, April 25that 7pm and the Moody Blues will be coming on May 23rd .
Council President Tamburro– remarked that this year’s Egg Hunt was the largest ever.
He also attended the Championship Bowling Match on Saturday for the Bowling League in conjunction with the Recreation Dept., with the Greenbriar/Whittingham Community winning.
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April 6, 2015
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PUBLIC:
Gary Busman, 7 Monmouth Rd. – Mentioned that the Community Garden is scheduled to open June 1stand out of 96 sites, 54 are already taken. There are fliers in the Library and Senior Center and there is also a link on the Township website.
Hy Grossman, 15 Doral Drive – wished everyone a Happy Spring/Holiday Season. He mentioned that the parking spots of the Library need to be re-striped. Administrator Hamilton stated he will make note of the situation.
Mark Klein, 7 Crenshaw – stated there should be a statute/code that would protect us from an applicant applying to the Zoning Board for a Planned Retirement Community (“PRC”), receiving a Variance to go from Light Industrial (“LI”), hold it for 2-3 years, then come in on for another Variance to change it back to family. He feels that anyone who is awarded a Variance from LI to a PRC and then wants to change it to family, should have the property reverted back to the original zone from when they received the PRC approval from LI.
Council President Tamburro stated that when the Sarlo Bill was being discussed it was exactly as Mr. Klein stated. That would have stopped both the conversions that we had. Unfortunately, that was part of the Bill.
Mr. Klein asked if this is something that can now be done and Council President Tamburro stated that he didn’t believe it can.
Bob Zeglarski, 162 Tournament Dr. - asked Administrator Hamilton about the Bond issue and Administrator Hamilton explained that there are $30 million dollars of short term Notes. What is being talked about in August is that when short term Notes “term out” at the end of the 6 month term, the town will go to permanent financing.
Mr. Zeglarski stated a Bond refunding Ordinance was done recently and asked what the interest rate turned out to be.
Administrator Hamilton believed it was anticipated to be $120,000 net expenses – what the savings would be. He wasn’t sure of the interest rate.
Mr. Zeglarski then asked for an explanation on Agenda Item 12.m. - Resolution Authorizing a Contract between the Township and Log Tech, LLC for Asset Management & Electronic Recycling Services.
Administrator Hamilton explained about the town doing the service or utilizing some of the vendors that were approved by the State of NJ. He advised that what we are doing now is at no cost to the Township and that Log Tech, LLC is a State approved vendor.
He next questioned Agenda Item #12.cc. - Resolution Authorizing the Preparation of Plans, Specs and Advertise for Receipt of Bids for the Installation & Lease of a Cellular Telecommunications Antennae located on the roof of the Community Center.
Administrator Hamilton explained that the Township was approached by one of the Cell carriers to put a Dish on the top of the building, which is now done for areas with dead spots. This Resolution will allow bids to provide for this.
Council President Tamburro explained that it is not a Cell Tower. The town has a restrictive ordinance on Cell Towers.
Mr. Zeglarski asked if we can look forward to any other refinancing of Bonds or advance refunding and Administrator Hamilton stated he was not sure. Once we are finished with the budget, they will discuss it with the Financial Advisor and Bond Counsel.
Charles DiPierro, 404 Spotswood-Gravel Hill Rd. – questioned what towns we service as a primary EMS.
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Administrator Hamilton responded “none” on a contractual commitment. We do mutual aid in various communities; the largest communities being Manalapan and Jamesburg. A rig is only sent out if it is available. If we do go out of town, there is no waiving of the “balance billing”. We hard bill when we go out of town.
Mr. DiPierro’s concern was taking care of Monroe first.
Council President Tamburro stated that it was questioned at the Budget Hearings and were assured by the Director that the primary concern of EMS is Monroe Township residents.
He next asked if the Council received gas reimbursements or allowances and Administrator Hamilton advised they receive a monthly allowance of $250 to cover auto and office expenses.
Mr. DiPierro asked if any receipts are received and Administrator Hamilton responded “no”, it’s a budgeted item.
He then questioned health benefits, asking if they “opt out” or if they get a payment and Council President Tamburro responded that it depends on the length of time on the Council. The newer Council Members do not have health benefits. Those that have been on longer do have the opportunity to have health benefits, under state law.
Mr. Dipierro asked if it depends on time or who you are and Council President Tamburro explained that because of his length of time on the Council, he does have those benefits. Councilman Dalina and Councilwoman Schneider do not.
Administrator Hamilton stated that after Chapter 78 was adopted, newly elected officials are not eligible for health benefits or the opt-out, those before are grandfathered in.
Mr. DiPierro asked if the “opt out” was capped at $5,000 and Administrator Hamilton responded “yes”, today it is.
Michele Arminio, 9 Nathaniel St. – asked if the Salary the Council receives is pensionable and Council President Tamburro responded “yes”.
Ms. Arminio questioned the following Items on the Agenda:
Item #12.i. - Resolution Authorizing Execution of an Agreement between the MCIA and the Township for the provision of recycling collection and marketing services of designated recyclables. She asked “who pays who”?
Administrator Hamilton explained it is a monthly charge and is now a single stream contract. The rate in this contract is comparable to the prior contract. It goes from $2.17 per unit, per month, to $2.35 per unit, per month with a guaranteed rate for 5 years. She complimented the prior company on the job they did.
Item #12.j. – Professional Services Contract with Center State Engineering for the Monroe Township Community Garden Project. She asked the amount.
Administrator Hamilton responded “$35,000”. She then asked if it went out to bid and he stated that it did not go out to bid; it is part of the RFQ process. This covers both phases of the engineering design and contract supervision of the construction of the garden itself.
She asked when contracts like this are part of general engineering for the Township and Administrator Hamilton explained that when the RFQ is put out, it is for the Capital Projects of the municipality for the subsequent year.
Item #12.l. – Resolution Authorizing Payment of additional fees to Shain, Schaffer & Rafanello related to representation of the Township in various Workmen Compensation cases. She asked the cost.
Administrator Hamilton stated that it is an additional $1,000 to close out the workmen compensation defense bills from last year.
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Item #12.w. - Right-of-Entry Agreement granting permission to Freehold Soil Conservation District to enter upon Township owned lands in connection with the Manalapan Brook Watershed Project. She asked if it was water quality testing.
Engineer Rasimowicz stated the location is off New Street and is the existing detention basin. Freehold Soil will be undertaking a project for water quality measures, including infiltration as well as additional plant life. There will be no new testing done but they are re-constructing that basin to provide more water quality so that the water is cleaner.
UPON MOTIONmade by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Councilwoman Schneider, the meeting was Adjourned at 7:50pm.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Stephen Dalina Aye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider Aye
Council Vice-President Leslie Koppel Aye
Council President Gerald W. Tamburro Aye
Sharon Doerfler
SHARON DOERFLER, Township Clerk
Gerald W. Tamburro
GERALD W. TAMBURRO, Council Vice-President
Minutes were adopted on June 3, 2015