Monroe Council Minutes | 5/31/2017

TOWNSHIP OF MONROE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

AGENDA MEETING – MAY 31, 2017

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 Stephen Dalina with a Salute to the Flag.

UPON ROLL CALL by the Township Clerk, Patricia Reid, the following members of Council were present: Councilwoman Miriam Cohen, Councilman Blaise Dipierro, Councilman Michael Leibowitz, Council Vice-President Elizabeth Schneider and Council President Stephen Dalina.

ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro, Business Administrator Alan M. Weinberg, Township Attorney Joel Shain, Engineer Mark Rasimowicz and Deputy Township Clerk Christine Robbins.

There were approximately ten (10) members of the Public present in the audience.

Council President Dalina 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 has been provided by the following:

1.Posted on the Bulletin Boards within the Municipal Building on December 30, 2016 and remains posted at that location for public inspection;

2.Printed in the HOME NEWS TRIBUNE and CRANBURY PRESS on January 6, 2017;

3.Posted on the Monroe Township website; and

4.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.

Council President Dalina read the following entitled ORDINANCES for SECOND READING at the WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2017 Regular Council Meeting:

O-5-2017-011ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 108 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED “LAND DEVELOPMENT”.

O-5-2017-012ORDINANCE APPROVING SUBDIVISION AND TRANSFER OF

TOWNSHIP PROPERTY TO FIRE DISTRICT #3 AND TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR PUBLIC USE.

Council President Dalina read the following entitled ORDINANCES for INTRODUCTION at

the WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2017 Regular Council Meeting:

O-6-2017-013ORDINANCE ACKNOWLEDGING MONROE TOWNSHIP’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF SPOTSWOOD-ENGLISHTOWN ROAD AND OLD TEXAS ROAD.

O-6-2017-014BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS 2017 CAPITAL

IMPROVEMENTS, ALL LAWFUL AND PUBLIC PURPOSES, BY AND IN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY (THE “TOWNSHIP”); APPROPRIATING $2,767,000 THEREFOR (INCLUDING A GRANT RECEIVED OR EXPECTED TO BE RECEIVED FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $310,000) AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,634,300 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP TO FINANCE PART OF THE COSTS THEREOF.

O-6-2017-015BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS 2017 WATER

AND SEWER UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS BY AND IN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING $6,105,000 THEREFOR FROM THE WATER AND SEWER UTILITY OF THE TOWNSHIP AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $6,105,000 BONDS OR NOTES TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF.

Council President Dalina requested the following entitled RESOLUTIONS for CONSIDERATION UNDER THE CONSENT AGENDA at the WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2017 Regular Council meeting be reviewed and any questions will be addressed:

R-6-2017-153RESOLUTION REFUNDING TAX OVERPAYMENTS.

R-6-2017-154RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MONROE TOWNSHIP

UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) TO PREPARE

SPECIFICATIONS AND ADVERTISE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS

FOR VARIOUS GOODS AND SERVICES FOR 2017.

(Forsgate Pump Station #2 influent channel cover and odor control and Well 26 irrigation Proj.)

R-6-2017-155RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP

CLERK TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH JAMES H. LASKEY,

ESQ. FOR SERVICES RELATED TO THE CATV TELEVISION

REFRANCHISE. (Not to exceed $15,000.00)

R-6-2017-156RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CENTER STATE ENGINEERING

TO PREPARE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ADVERTISE FOR

RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR VARIOUS TOWNSHIP PROJECTS.

(Concrete Imp., Roadway Striping, and Soccer Complex Imp)

R-6-2017-157RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO

AQUATIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC. FOR WET BASIN

MAINTENANCE. (Not to Exceed $19,311.04)

R-6-2017-158RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP BUSINESS

ADMINISTRATOR TO PREPARE AND ADVERTISE REQUESTS

FOR QUALIFICATIONS (“RFQs”) FOR CONSTRUCTION

MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY

COMPLEX.

R-6-2017-159RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF

ADDITIONAL FEES TO SHAIN SCHAFFER, P.C. RELATED TO

THE CASE OF TOWNSHIP OF MONROE v. LOVE’S TREE

REMOVAL, INC. ET AL. AS EXTRAORDINARY LITIGATION.

(Additional $50,000.00)

R-6-2017-160RESOLUTION PROVIDING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE

APPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF

TRUSTEES.

R-6-2017-161RESOLUTION APPOINTING AN INTERIM QUALIFIED

PURCHASING AGENT AND SETTING THE BID THRESHOLD.

R-6-2017-162RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF CONSTRUCTION

PERMIT FEES.

R-6-2017-163RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISCHARGE OF

AFFORDABLE HOUSING LIEN GIVEN FOR BLOCK 1.14, LOT

65.1, QUALIFIER C1126.

R-6-2017-164RESOLUTION SUPPORTING ASSEMBLY BILL A222 & SENATE

BILL S2171 ENTITLED THE “NEW JERSEY LIBRARY

CONSTRUCTION BOND ACT”.

R-6-2017-165RESOLUTION REFUNDING THIRD PARTY TAX LIEN

PREMIUM PAYMENTS.

R-6-2017-166RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION AND

ADVERTISEMENT OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR

A PRIVATE FIRM TO PROVIDE OPTIONAL SANITARY SEWER AND WATER SERVICE REPAIR PLANS TO BE OFFERED TO MONROE TOWNSHIP RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OWNERS.

R-6-2017-167RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBORDINATION OF AN

AFFORDABLE HOUSING LIEN, BLOCK 1, LOT 10.2,

QUALIFIER C1173.

R-6-2017-168RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXTENSION OF THE TERM OF THE SERVICE CONTRACT WITH GABEL ASSOCIATES, INC., AN ENERGY CONSULTANT, TO ADMINISTER THE MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGGREGATION PROGRAM IN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE.

R-6-2017-169RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SPOTSWOOD-ENGLISHTOWN ROAD AND MOUNTS MILL ROAD FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A FORCE MAIN WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY.

R-6-2017-170RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SETTLEMENT OF A

CLAIM BY THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY

DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) AGAINST OPROCK CRANBURY, TRS, LLC, OWNER AND OPERATOR OF COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT. (Settlement Amount - $16,000.00 to Monroe Township)

R-6-2017-171RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH TRI-STATE LIGHT AND ENERGY INC. FOR AN AUDIT FOR THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING UNDER THE 70/30 DIRECT INSTALL PROGRAM SPONSORED BY THE NEW JERSEY BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES.

R-6-2017-172RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY.

R-6-2017-173RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID FOR MONROE TOWNSHIP 2017 LANDSCAPING SERVICES.

R-6-2017-174RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO EXECUTE AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE AND THE TOWNSHIP OF SOUTH BRUNSWICK FOR THE LEASE OF POLICE MOBILE DATA COMPUTER EQUIPMENT.

Mayor’s Report – Mayor Tamburro reported that due to the inclement weather, Memorial

Day ceremonies were moved indoors and DPW placed wreathes at the memorial sites later

on in the day.

Administrator’s Report – Administrator Weinberg reported that the Township of Monroe’s

Facebook page has over 1,000 followers adding that this is a great way to keep the community

informed.

Engineer’s Report – Engineer Rasimowicz reported that the traffic signal has been activated

today at the intersection of Federal Road and Perrineville Road and is fully operational.

Council’s Reports:

Council Vice-President Schneider –

Attended a salute to our Armed Forces on May 18th and on May 19th attended the Armed Forces Day ceremony at the high school.
Attended five Eagle Court of Honor ceremonies this past weekend who will hopefully be our future leaders.
Attended the Parker House’s 110th anniversary; the Guest of Honor was a 98 year old woman, who was born in India and is an author and master yoga instructor.
Attended Rossmoor’s Day of Prayer ceremony in which the Mayor presented a Proclamation.
Attended career day at the middle school and met many people with very interesting professions.

Councilman Dipierro –

Attended the Eagle Court of Honor ceremony which was a very impressive and nice ceremony.

Councilman Leibowitz –

Attended the Eagle Court of Honor ceremonies along with Council Vice-President Schneider, for 2 young men which he knows personally.

Councilwoman Cohen –

Attended the Salute to Armed Forces concert, which she was very honored to attend. The music was beautiful and it was a very well served evening for not only the Armed Forces but for all who were in attendance.
Attended a pre-school grand opening; the owner is a former Monroe Township high school graduate.

A new psych social services facility has opened up in the township as well, which she attended with Council Vice-President Schneider.
Attended the new Indian restaurant, Hot Breads, grand opening.
Attended the Green Team Committee meeting which is looking to move us from bronze to silver.

Council President Dalina –

Attended “Senior/Senior Games”, where our resident seniors and high school seniors played bocce, shuffleboard, pickleball, etc.

PUBLIC:

Gary Busman, 7 Monarch Rd. – Mr. Busman attended the Senior Day ceremony as well.

Mr. Busman questioned R-6-2017-158 and asked for an explanation as to what will be done;

Administrator Weinberg explained that in last year’s capital bond ordinance this is for the

construction of a new public safety complex. A construction manager would help with the planning

for better cost efficiency, correct materials, etc. This resolution will allow us to move forward to

get RFP’s for that type of professional service. Mr. Busman asked if there was an estimated cost

determined for this yet; Administrator Weinberg answered that we are in the preliminary

engineering so we do not have a cost estimate yet but we want to make sure we have a construction

manager in place so we can limit the cost as much as we can.

Charlie Lerman, 11 Doral Dr. – Mr. Lerman asked when the closure would occur regarding R-

6-2017-169 for Spotswood Englishtown Road and Mounts Mills Road; Engineer Rasimowicz

explained that the construction will begin once school ends and should be done before school is

back in session after Labor Day. The road is expected to be open at night and on the weekend and

is not expected to be a solid road closure.

Mr. Lerman commented that he has come before the Council regarding his concern with traffic

issues that will come up with the development and completion of the Monroe Parke development.

He explained that traffic backs up on Mounts Mills Road from Spotswood-Englishtown Road and

a traffic signal is needed. He also stated that a traffic signal is needed at the intersection of Mounts

Mills Road and Englishtown Road. Engineer Rasimowicz answered that the developer, JSM, is

required to put in a traffic signal at Mounts Mills Road and Spotswood-Englishtown Road and the

construction should begin in the Fall. As far as the traffic signal at Mounts Mills Road and

Englishtown Road, he has been in contact with the County Engineer and there are no plans in the

works but still a discussion. The developer is not required to do any improvements at that

intersection as it was discussed and decided at the Planning Board. Mr. Lerman asked if a traffic

study was done during peak hours and weekends; Engineer Rasimowicz responded that a study

was done at the time of the developer’s approval. Councilmember Leibowitz asked if it is possible

to have a police presence to help with the flow of traffic short term; Mr. Lerman commented that

it was only going to get increasingly worse and a short-term solution will not fix the problem.

Lastly, Mr. Lerman asked if Monroe Parke was being increased; Engineer Rasimowicz answered

that there was nothing new on the Planning Board level.

Vince Bartalone, 10 Public Rd. – Mr. Bartalone commented that he loves to see how involved

the officials are in the community and thanked them for attending the grand opening of the Kiddie

Corral. He lives next door to what was once the Cranbury Gourmet and voiced his concern because

now the lot is abandoned and has a rodent infestation, tall grass and dilapidated garage. He

explained that the property is now for sale as a commercial property and there is no parking to

begin with. He would not like to see another commercial property and asked if the zoning could

be changed from commercial to residential rather than house another business. Engineer

Rasimowicz answered that the process would start in Planning & Zoning asking them to reevaluate

the Master Plan. Administrator Weinberg asked for Mr. Bartalone give his contact information as

he will address with the zoning officer to go out and take a look, as well as, have the police go out

to patrol more often.

Mr. Bartalone asked if there will be updates done to the crosswalks at Applegarth Road and

Prospect Plains Road; Engineer Rasimowicz answered that the County Engineer’s office will

be doing improvements to that intersection.

Prakash Parab, 33 Dana Dr. – Mr. Parab asked for explanations on O-6-2017-014 and O-6-

2017-015; Administrator Weinberg explained that each year we have a bond ordinance for both

the Township and the Utility Department, any municipality can bond up to 3 ½ % of their ratable.

We are at .087% which is fairly low and we have an AA+ rating. He added that we are comfortable

that we are within the average of what we have spent over the past five years clarifying that this is

not an increase, as it represents the priorities of the township which are important to the town. He

assured that this fits within our plan and when introduced next week it will include all of the

projects we have planned. Administrator Weinberg added that we have recently refinanced to keep

our rates as low as possible because of our good credit rating.

George Gunkelman, 5 Kelly Ct. – Mr. Gunkelman commented on some improvements that

have been made on Union Valley Rd. and feels that the new drainage will help in that area

and make the new roadway last a lot longer.

Mr. Gunkelman addressed his concern with O-5-2017-011, regarding amending the land

development ordinance. He explained that the zoning change goes from 6 acres to 10 acres

and believes that the intention was to slow down development in certain areas and reduce

the density of development in certain areas, but unfortunately the unintended consequence

of changing that will have an impact on the farmers of Monroe and impact their land values

posing a problem for them in getting their annual operating loans. Almost all the

commercial farmers work off annual operating loans and in changing the zoning it will

impact the value of their land and make it more difficult for them to get their operating loans.

Mr. Gunkelman added that he wanted to bring it to the Council’s attention when it is

considered next week to be voted on.

Leonard Baskin, 119 Diamond Spring Dr. – Mr. Baskin asked if the County had any plans to

pave Prospect Plains Road and Union Valley Road; Engineer Rasimowicz responded that he was

not aware of any plans to do so but will check with the County to see their list of paving

projects. Mayor Tamburro added that if you go down by the high school and the dog park there

are a lot of potholes and much needed repair that needs to be done.

UPON MOTION made by Councilwoman Cohen and seconded by Councilman Dipierro, the Agenda Meeting of May 31, 2017 Adjourned at 7:39PM.

ROLL CALL: Councilwoman Miriam CohenAye

Councilman Blaise DipierroAye

Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye

Council Vice-President Elizabeth SchneiderAye

Council President Stephen DalinaAye

Patricia Reid

PATRICIA REID, Township Clerk

Stephen Dalina

STEPHEN DALINA, Council President

Minutes were adopted on: July 5, 2017