Monroe Council Minutes | 1/29/2018
THE FOLLOWING IS A PRELIMINARY AGENDA AND THERE MAY BE CHANGES MADE TO THE AGENDA BEFORE OR AT THE MEETING, AS PROVIDED BY LAW.
AGENDA MEETING OF THE MONROE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL | JANUARY 29, 2018
AGENDA
- Call to Order.(7:00 p.m.)
- Salute to the Flag.
- ROLL CALL:
Councilman Leonard Baskin
Councilwoman Miriam Cohen
Councilman Charles Dipierro
Council Vice-President Elizabeth Schneider
Council President Stephen Dalina
- Council Vice President Schneider to request the following SUNSHINE LAWbe read 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 has been provided by the following:
- Posted on the Bulletin Boards within the Municipal Building on January 2, 2018 and remains posted at that location for public inspection;
- Printed in the HOME NEWS TRIBUNE and CRANBURY PRESS on January 5, 2018;
- 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 Vice President.
- ORDINANCE(S)forINTRODUCTION at the Monday, February 5, 2018 Meeting:
O-2-2018-001 ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A CABLE TELEVISION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
O-2-2018-002 ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING INCOME LIMITS, RESALE PRICES AND RENT LEVELS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
O-2-2018-003 ORDINANCE OF THE MONROE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
AMENDING CHAPTER 3 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT”, SPECIFICALLY SECTION 50 ENTITLED “DIVISION OF POLICE”.
O-2-2018-004 ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 122 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, COUNTY OF MONMOUTH, ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”, SPECIFICALLY SECTION 44.1 ENTITLED “SCHEDULE XVA: SPEED LIMITS”.
O-2-2018-005 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A DEED OF DEDICATION OF RIGHT OF WAY ON BLOCK 13, LOT 5.03 AND ACCEPTANCE OF A DEED OF CONSERVATION EASEMENT ON BLOCK 13, LOT 5.02.
(Shri Ram Chandra Mission – Wycoff/Halsey Reed Road)
O-2-2018-006 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A DEED OF ROADWAY DEDICATION ON BLOCK 20 LOTS 25.02 AND 25.03 (NEW LOTS 25.04, 25.05 AND 25.06).
(Gregory Jolley – Federal Road)
- RESOLUTIONfor CONSIDERATIONat the Monday, February 5, 2018 Meeting:
R-2-2018-054 RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE MONROE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT.
- RESOLUTIONfor CONSIDERATIONat the Monday, February 5, 2018 Meeting:
R-2-2018-055 RESOLUTION APPOINTING FIRST ALTERNATE
REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SOUTH CENTRAL MIDDLESEX COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL COMMISSION.
- RESOLUTIONSfor CONSIDERATION under the CONSENT AGENDA at the Monday, February 5, 2018 Meeting:
R-2-2018-056 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) KUBOTA EXCAVATOR USING THE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMISSION ON NEW JERSEY (ESCNJ) COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (M.T.U.D.) ($99,178.75)
R-2-2018-057 RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ASCERTAINMENT PHASE IN CONNECTION WITH RENEWAL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE’S CABLE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH COMCAST.
R-2-2018-058 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR MONROE PROPERTY INVESTMENTS LLC. / A-OK AUTO BA-5051-11. (806 Route 33)
R-2-2018-059 RESOLUTION GRANTING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD.
R-2-2018-060 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF MUNICIPAL RECYCLING TONNAGE GRANT APPLICATION FOR YEAR 2017.
R-2-2018-061 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID TO FIRST CHOICE VENDING FOR VENDING MACHINES WITHIN THE MONROE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS.
(2-year contract – commission based)
R-2-2018-062 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF THIRD PARTY TAX LIEN PREMIUM PAYMENTS.
R-2-2018-063 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX OVERPAYMENTS.
R-2-2018-064 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ASSIGNMENT OF TOWNSHIP TAX LIEN NO. 16-00098 (BLOCK 103, LOT 45) TO LUCILLE DIPASQUALE.
R-2-2018-065 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ASSIGNMENT OF TOWNSHIP TAX LIEN NO. 17-00026 (BLOCK 41, LOT 20) TO LUCILLE DIPASQUALE.
R-2-2018-066 RESOLUTION PROVIDING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE OPEN SPACE AND FARMLAND PRESERVATION COMMISSION.
R-2-2018-067 RESOLUTION PROVIDING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE PUBLIC OFFICERS BOARD.
R-2-2018-068 RESOLUTION GRANTING THE QUALIFIED PURCHASING AGENT AUTHORITY TO APPROVE PURCHASES MADE THROUGH STATE CONTRACT OR COOPERATIVE PURCHASING WHICH FALL UNDER THE BID THRESHOLD.
R-2-2018-069 RESOLUTION PROVIDING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATE MUNICIPAL PROSECUTORS.
R-2-2018-070 RESOLUTION APPOINTING ALAN WEINBERG AS QUALIFIED PURCHASING AGENT AND SETTING THE BID THRESHOLD.
R-2-2018-071 RESOLUTION PROVIDING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION.
R-2-2018-072 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH TOWNSHIP ENGINEER MARK RASIMOWICZ. ($27,000)
R-2-2018-073 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE UPON THE ACCEPTANCE OF A MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR JSM AT MONROE, LLC. TEMPORARY STOCKPILE (PB-1167-15). (Mounts Mills Road)
R-2-2018-074 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE UPON THE ACCEPTANCE OF A MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR PRIMROSE ACRES EAST (PB-820-02). (Hannah Court)
R-2-2018-075 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR MONROE PROPERTY INVESTMENTS LLC./A-OK AUTO (BA-5047-11).
(1089 Prospect Plains Road)
R-2-2018-076 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR FOUR SEASONS AT MONROE – NORTH VILLAGE (PB-1089-10).
(Prospect Plains Road)
R-2-2018-077 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF (5) VEHICLES AND ACCESSORIESFOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT. ($204,521.79)
R-2-2018-078 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN EMERGENCY INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN NEW JERSEY AMERICAN WATER COMPANY AND THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE.
R-2-2018-079 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL FEES TO JEROME CONVERY ESQ., RELATED TO THE REPRESENTATION OF THE TOWNSHIP IN CONNECTION WITH A DECLARATORY JUDGEMENT ACTION REGARDING THE TOWNSHIP’S COAH COMPLIANCE. ($916.89)
R-2-2018-080 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EMERGENCY 2018 TEMPORARY BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS.
- Mayor’s Report.
- Administrator’s Report.
- Engineer’s Report.
- Council’s Reports.
- Public.(5 Minutes per Speaker)
- Adjournment.Time:
MOTION:
SECOND:
ROLL CALL:Ayes Nays
NEXT COUNCIL MEETING – MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2018 – REGULAR MEETING
TOWNSHIP OF MONROE
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
AGENDA MEETING – JANUARY 29, 2018
The Council of the Township of Monroe met in the Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, for an Agenda Meeting.
The Agenda Meeting was Called to Order at 7:00 p.m. by Council Vice-President Elizabeth Schneider with a Salute to the Flag.
UPON ROLL CALLby the Township Clerk, Patricia Reid, the following members of Council were present: Councilman Baskin, Councilwoman Miriam Cohen, Councilman Charles Dipierro and Council Vice-President Elizabeth Schneider.
ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro, Business Administrator Alan M. Weinberg, Township Attorney Greg Pasquale, Engineer Mark Rasimowicz and Deputy Township Clerk Christine Robbins.
ABSENT: Council President Stephen Dalina.
There were approximately fifteen (15) members of the Public present in the audience.
Council Vice-President Schneider requested the 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 has been provided by the following:
- Posted on the Bulletin Boards within the Municipal Building on January 2, 2018 and remains posted at that location for public inspection;
- Printed in the HOME NEWS TRIBUNE and CRANBURY PRESS on January 5, 2018;
- 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.
Township Clerk Patricia Reid read the following entitled ORDINANCES for INTRODUCTIONat the MONDAY, February 5, 2018 Regular Council Meeting:
O-2-2018-001 ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A CABLE TELEVISION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
O-2-2018-002 ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING INCOME LIMITS, RESALE PRICES AND RENT LEVELS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
O-2-2018-003 ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 3 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT”, SPECIFICALLY SECTION 50 ENTITLED “DIVISION OF POLICE”.
O-2-2018-004 ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 122 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”, SPECIFICALLY SECTION 44.1 ENTITLED “SCHEDULE XVA: SPEED LIMITS”.
O-2-2018-005 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A DEED OF DEDICATION OF RIGHT OF WAY ON BLOCK 13, LOT 5.03 AND ACCEPTANCE OF A DEED OF CONSERVATION EASEMENT ON BLOCK 13, LOT 5.02.
(Shri Ram Chandra Mission – Wycoff/Halsey Reed Road)
O-2-2018-006 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A DEED OF ROADWAY DEDICATION ON BLOCK 20 LOTS 25.02 AND 25.03 (NEW LOTS 25.04, 25.05 AND 25.06).
(Gregory Jolley – Federal Road)
Township Clerk Patricia Reid requested the following entitled RESOLUTIONfor CONSIDERATION UNDER THE CONSENT AGENDA at the MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2018 Regular Council meeting be reviewed and any questions will be addressed:
R-2-2018-054 RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE MONROE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT.
Township Clerk Patricia Reid requested the following entitled RESOLUTIONfor CONSIDERATION UNDER THE CONSENT AGENDA at the MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2018 Regular Council meeting be reviewed and any questions will be addressed:
R-2-2018-055 RESOLUTION APPOINTING FIRST ALTERNATE
REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SOUTH CENTRAL MIDDLESEX COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL COMMISSION.
Council Vice-President Schneider requested the following entitled RESOLUTIONSfor CONSIDERATION UNDER THE CONSENT AGENDA at the MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2018 Regular Council meeting be reviewed and any questions will be addressed:
R-2-2018-056 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) KUBOTA EXCAVATOR USING THE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COMMISSION ON NEW JERSEY (ESCNJ) COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (M.T.U.D.) ($99,178.75)
R-2-2018-057 RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ASCERTAINMENT PHASE IN CONNECTION WITH RENEWAL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE’S CABLE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH COMCAST.
R-2-2018-058 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR MONROE PROPERTY INVESTMENTS LLC. / A-OK AUTO BA-5051-11. (806 Route 33)
R-2-2018-059 RESOLUTION GRANTING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE REAPPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD.
R-2-2018-060 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF MUNICIPAL RECYCLING TONNAGE GRANT APPLICATION FOR YEAR 2017.
R-2-2018-061 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID TO FIRST CHOICE VENDING FOR VENDING MACHINES WITHIN THE MONROE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS.
(2-year contract – commission based)
R-2-2018-062 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF THIRD PARTY TAX LIEN PREMIUM PAYMENTS.
R-2-2018-063 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF TAX OVERPAYMENTS.
R-2-2018-064 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ASSIGNMENT OF TOWNSHIP TAX LIEN NO. 16-00098 (BLOCK 103, LOT 45) TO LUCILLE DIPASQUALE.
R-2-2018-065 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ASSIGNMENT OF TOWNSHIP TAX LIEN NO. 17-00026 (BLOCK 41, LOT 20) TO LUCILLE DIPASQUALE.
R-2-2018-066 RESOLUTION PROVIDING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE OPEN SPACE AND FARMLAND PRESERVATION COMMISSION.
R-2-2018-067 RESOLUTION PROVIDING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE PUBLIC OFFICERS BOARD.
R-2-2018-068 RESOLUTION GRANTING THE QUALIFIED PURCHASING AGENT AUTHORITY TO APPROVE PURCHASES MADE THROUGH STATE CONTRACT OR COOPERATIVE PURCHASING WHICH FALL UNDER THE BID THRESHOLD.
R-2-2018-069 RESOLUTION PROVIDING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATE MUNICIPAL PROSECUTORS.
R-2-2018-070 RESOLUTION APPOINTING ALAN WEINBERG AS QUALIFIED PURCHASING AGENT AND SETTING THE BID THRESHOLD.
R-2-2018-071 RESOLUTION PROVIDING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION.
R-2-2018-072 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH TOWNSHIP ENGINEER MARK RASIMOWICZ. ($27,000)
R-2-2018-073 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE UPON THE ACCEPTANCE OF A MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR JSM AT MONROE, LLC. TEMPORARY STOCKPILE (PB-1167-15). (Mounts Mills Road)
R-2-2018-074 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE UPON THE ACCEPTANCE OF A MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR PRIMROSE ACRES EAST (PB-820-02). (Hannah Court)
R-2-2018-075 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR MONROE PROPERTY INVESTMENTS LLC./A-OK AUTO (BA-5047-11).
(816 Route 33)
R-2-2018-076 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR FOUR SEASONS AT MONROE – NORTH VILLAGE (PB-1089-10).
(Prospect Plains Road)
R-2-2018-077 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF (5) VEHICLES AND ACCESSORIESFOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT. ($204,521.79)
R-2-2018-078 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN EMERGENCY INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN NEW JERSEY AMERICAN WATER COMPANY AND THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE.
R-2-2018-079 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL FEES TO JEROME CONVERY ESQ., RELATED TO THE REPRESENTATION OF THE TOWNSHIP IN CONNECTION WITH A DECLARATORY JUDGEMENT ACTION REGARDING THE TOWNSHIP’S COAH COMPLIANCE. ($916.89)
R-2-2018-080 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EMERGENCY 2018 TEMPORARY BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS.
Mayor’s Report – Mayor Tamburro shared that former councilman Hank Miller has passed away. A moment of silence will be held at the February 5thregular meeting.
Administrator’s Report – Administrator Weinberg stated that he would report at the regular
meeting.
Engineer’s Report – Engineer Rasimowicz reminded everyone that the County will be
closing Perrineville Road for the bridge replacement project from Federal Road South to
Route 33. Local traffic will only be permitted from Mills Road. Councilwoman Cohen asked if the
County has alerted the businesses that will be affected; Engineer Rasimowicz answered that they
have alerted the businesses and there will be signs to detour traffic and there will access to the
businesses, as well as, to the residents that will be affected.
Council’s Reports:
Council Cohen–
- Reported that she attended, along with the Mayor, a small rally for women’s rights. There were approximately 60 attendees and more support evidenced by the honking of horns from those passing by. She added that the most important right we have is the right to vote and assuring that there are equal opportunities for all.
Councilman Baskin–
- Attended a very important youth organization commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi on Saturday. The program was run by Andy Paluri and Hemant Patel, with the youth presenting essays they had written. Vinisha Patel, Hemant’s daughter, sang the Star-Spangled Banner beautifully. It was a wonderful program.
Councilman Dipierro–
- Attended the Board of Education meeting, which was a very long meeting. The Board has a huge responsibility with the upcoming bond referendum. Over 500 teachers were in attendance. It is important if you want to know what is going on with the referendum to attend the School Board meetings. The Special Election will be held on March 13th.
Council Vice-President Schneider – No Report.
Council President Dalina –Absent.
PUBLIC:
Hy Grossman, 15 Doral Dr. – Mr. Grossman commented that it is nice to see Council Vice-President Schneider presiding over the meeting. He had questions regarding O-2-2018-001 and R-2-2018-057 wondering how it is possible to form a committee and then later pass a resolution awarding a contract with Comcast; Business Administrator Weinberg answered that in 2007 we approved a 15-year contract with Comcast with a 10-year renewal option. The 15-year contract ends March 2020. Between now and March 2019, the Cable Advisory Committee will ascertain if Comcast has provided what was promised and then they will report back to advise if we should renew. There is no action being taken with the resolution it just confirms the ascertainment phase. Mayor Tamburro added that we have no control over the pricing.
Mr. Grossman stated that more than a year ago he had come before the Council regarding the traffic light at 613 and Mounts Mills Road. There was a major traffic accident a few days ago and it is very important this happens soon as this is an emergency situation; Engineer Rasimowicz stated that there was a meeting onsite last week with representatives from the Township, County, Developer, Contractor and Utility Companies. He reported that utility poles need to be moved which is causing the delay with the light becoming operational. The Township has been on top of getting this moving. Until the poles are moved we have requested to at least put the light on flash mode temporarily. Mayor Tamburro added that we are fully aware of this problem and are pushing this a long. Mr. Grossman added that it needs to happen soon before there is a fatal accident.
Andy Paluri, 16 St. James St.– Mr. Paluri commented that it was nice to see Council Vice-President Schneider running the meeting.
Welcomed Councilman Dipierro and thanked him for bringing up the Board of Education meeting.
Advised the Council and residents to go on the Board of Education website as there is a lot of information regarding the referendum on there.
Regarding the intersection of Buckelew Avenue and Schoolhouse Road, traffic tends to back up on Schoolhouse during peak times. The green light is more dominant on Buckelew Avenue. He suggested that maybe we can adjust the timing of the light during those peak hours.
Tom Bartley, 559 Spotswood-Englishtown Rd. – Mr. Bartley stated that he was at the intersection of Mounts Mills Road the day of the accident and someone had to be air lifted by helicopter. He mentioned that he lives on that road and it is a very dangerous intersection. He was told by the workers that it would take approximately two weeks for the light to become operational.
Commented that Monroe has very high taxes, as he pays $30,000. Suggested that maybe the Council can come up with a committee on ways to reduce the tax burden, adding that maybe the Administrator can do a garbage contract as residents currently pay for their own pickup now. Suggested that maybe a town wide contract would help reduce the costs for the residents.
George Gunkelman, 5 Kelly Ct.– Mr. Gunkelman asked in regard to the cable contract, if the negotiations have anything to do with other companies like FIOS. Commented that we keep giving access to these organizations and once they gain access we are treated like the red headed step children. Mayor Tamburro commented that Verizon was supposed to bring service to our location and by having choices it would help lower our rates. Verizon service is not available in all areas, such as, the Regency where only one side of the street has access and the other does not. Mr. Gunkelman stated that they give us bogus reasons as to why they cannot offer service as Verizon could offer the service but they just do not want to.
Mr. Gunkelman asked for an explanation of R-2-2018-080; Administrator Weinberg answered that until the budget is passed we only run on 26.25% of the budget. There was $34,000 of additional money that was needed in the following line items and this resolution allows us to add it. Those line items are Public Advocate - $3,000.00, Township Council - $1,000.00 and Insurance (JIF) - $30,000.00.
Gary Busman, 7 Monarch Rd.– Mr. Busman stated that he currently resides in Stonebridge and in 2006 Lennar started building Stonebridge and at the time only offered Comcast because Verizon elected not to participate so there was no alternative option. When Phase II and Phase III were built, Verizon ran lines so those residents have an option. The people who were given the option and elected to take a two-year contract with Verizon have saved about $100 per month compared to Comcast. These cable companies are holding up the residents for savings. He suggested that we should see what can be done to get them to charge less, possibly a deal with Comcast to universally lower the rate for residents. Councilman Dipierro asked Administrator Weinberg if it states in the Comcast contract that they are exclusive; Administrator Weinberg responded that with Verizon they have a statewide contract which means they do not have to go into all municipalities and negotiate a franchise agreement. He further explained that during the ascertainment period, if we feel Comcast has not provided what was promised, then we do not have to renew. Mayor Tamburro clarified what the ascertainment period details adding that by and large Verizon is not prohibited from coming into our town. Councilman Dipierro commented that 15 years is a long time for a contract, especially with the way technology changes. Residents should be told that they do have an option and they are not locked into Comcast.
UPON MOTIONmade by Councilwoman Cohen and seconded by Councilman Dipierro, the Agenda Meeting of January 29, 2018 Adjourned at 7:40 PM.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Leonard Baskin Aye
Councilwoman Miriam Cohen Aye
Councilman Charles Dipierro Aye
Council Vice-President Elizabeth Schneider Aye
Council President Stephen Dalina Absent
Patricia Reid
PATRICIA REID, Township Clerk
Elizabeth Schneider
ELIZABETH SCHNEIDER, Council Vice President
Minutes were adopted on: March 5, 2018.