Monroe Council Minutes | 6/1/2016
COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE MINUTES
AGENDA MEETING - JUNE 1, 2016
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 President Leslie Koppel with a Salute to the Flag.
UPON ROLL CALL by the Deputy Township Clerk, Patricia Reid, the following members of Council were present: Councilman Blaise Dipierro, Councilman Michael Leibowitz, Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider, Council Vice-President Stephen Dalina and Council President Leslie Koppel.
ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro, Business Administrator Wayne R. Hamilton, Township Attorney Joel L. Shain, Engineer Mark Rasimowicz and Deputy Township Clerk Christine Robbins.
There were approximately six (6) members of the Public present in the audience.
Council President Koppel requested the Deputy 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 5, 2016 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 STAR LEDGER on January 8, 2016;
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 Gerald W. Tamburro was read by Title into the record:
CLICK IT OR TICKET MOBILIZATION
May 23 – June 5, 2016
Council President Koppel read the following entitled ORDINANCES for SECOND READING at the JUNE 8, 2016 Regular Council Meeting:
O-5-2016-014ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2015 – 2018 SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL SALARY AND WAGE ORDINANCE FIXING THE SALARIES AND WAGES FOR VARIOUS OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES.
O-5-2016-015BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS AT THE INTERSECTION OF PERGOLA AVENUE AT SPOTSWOOD-GRAVEL HILL ROAD IN AND BY THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING $125,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $119,000 BONDS OR NOTES TO FINANCE PART OF THE COST THEREOF.
O-5-2016-016BOND ORDINANCE AMENDING BOND ORDINANCE NUMBER O-8-2000-026 FINALLY ADOPTED BY THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY ON AUGUST 28, 2000 (WHICH PROVIDES FOR VARIOUS 2000 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS), AS AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED, TO INCREASE THE APPROPRIATION THEREIN BY $3,640,000, TO INCREASE THE AUTHORIZATION OF BONDS AND NOTES THEREIN BY $3,466,600 AND TO AMEND THE DESCRIPTION SET FORTH THEREIN TO INCLUDE NEW OPEN SPACE PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS.
Council President Koppel read the following entitled ORDINANCES for INTRODUCTION at the JUNE 8, 2016 Regular Council Meeting:
O-6-2016-017ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 39 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED “FEES”. (Clinical Coordinator and MTUD fees and charges)
O-6-2016-018ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 122 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”. (Speed Limit along Cranbury-Half Acre Rd)
O-6-2016-019ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 108 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, ENTITLED, “LAND DEVELOPMENT”. (Mulching)
Council President Koppel requested the following entitled RESOLUTIONS for CONSIDERATION at the JUNE 8, 2016 Regular Council meeting be reviewed and any questions will be addressed:
R-6-2016-183RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MODIFICATION TO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTACT AWARDED TO TIMOTHY HOFFMAN REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS, INC. FOR APPRAISAL SERVICES RELATED TO BLOCK 75, LOT 11.
R-6-2016-184RESOLUTION REQUESTING A REALLOCATION OF UNEXPENDED FUNDS FROM THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
R-6-2016-185RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE LOAN REPAYMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE OWNER OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNIT 0341 LOCATED AT BLOCK 14, LOT 12.51.
R-6-2016-186RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE LOAN REPAYMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE OWNER OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNIT 4 LOCATED AT BLOCK 14.11 LOT 1, C005.
R-6-2016-187RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE LOAN REPAYMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE OWNER OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNIT 0349 LOCATED AT BLOCK 14, LOT 12.50.
R-6-2016-188RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE LOAN REPAYMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE OWNER OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNIT 0343 LOCATED AT BLOCK 14, LOT 12.51.
R-6-2016-189RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE LOAN REPAYMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE OWNER OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNIT 0345 LOCATED AT BLOCK 14, LOT 12.51.
R-6-2016-190RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TAX COLLECTOR TO CANCEL PAST DUE TAXES FOR TAX YEARS 2014 AND 2015 ASSESSED ON BLOCK 52, LOTS 9, 10 AND 11.
R-6-2016-191RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CANCELLATION OF TAX SALE CERTIFICATE.
R-6-2016-192RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE AND MARTIN PRATT.
R-6-2016-193RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CENTER STATE ENGINEERING TO PREPARE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ADVERTISE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR VARIOUS CAPITAL PROJECTS.
R-6-2016-194RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO SMC FENCING, INC. FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SAFETY FENCING AT JAMES MONROE PARK.
R-6-2016-195RESOLUTION REFUNDING THIRD PARTY TAX LIEN PREMIUM PAYMENTS.
R-6-2016-196RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE IN THE BUDGET PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 (CHAPTER 159, P.L. 1948). (Clean Communities Program - $105,146.60)
R-6-2016-197RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE IN THE BUDGET PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 (CHAPTER 159, P.L. 1948). (Sustainable Jersey Small Grant - $20,000)
R-6-2016-198RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE IN THE BUDGET PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87(CHAPTER 159, P.L. 1948). (Click It or Ticket - $5,000)
R-6-2016-199RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO A. TAKTON CONCRETE CORP. FOR LITTLE BROOK LANE DRAINAGE REPAIRS.
R-6-2016-200RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF PORTABLE RADIOS FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP EMS UNDER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM.
R-6-2016-201RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR AVENUE J (PB-1112-12) BY LUCILLE DiPASQUALE.
R-6-2016-202RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF VEHICLES AND SURPLUS PERSONAL PROPERTY NO LONGER NEEDED FOR PUBLIC USE ON AN ONLINE AUCTION WEBSITE TO BE CONDUCTED BY GOVDEALS.COM UNDER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM.
R-6-2016-203RESOLUTION GRANTING AUTHORITY TO FILE LIEN FOR TOWNSHIP’S ABATEMENT OF UNSANITARY CONDITIONS AT 228 MATCHAPONIX ROAD.
R-6-2016-204RESOLUTION REFUNDING TAX OVERPAYMENTS.
R-6-2016-205RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES AND ESTABLISHING MAINTENANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR STONEBRIDGE, PHASE 1, SECTION 5 (PB-1010-06).
R-6-2016-206RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES AND ESTABLISHING MAINTENANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR STONEBRIDGE - PHASE 1, SECTION 7 (PB-1060-08).
R-6-2016-207RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 SUBMITTED BY LEWIS-GRAHAM, INC. IN CONNECTION WITH THE RESTORATION AND RECONSTRUCTION PROJECTS FOR THE DEY FARMSTEAD.
R-6-2016-208RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE PRESCRIPTIVE LIGHTING INCENTIVE PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE NEW JERSEY BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, OFFICE OF CLEAN ENERGY.
R-6-2016-209RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION AND APPROVING EXECUTION OF A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE SCHOOLHOUSE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS.
R-6-2016-210RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS AGAINST THE TOWNSHIP BROUGHT BY RDC FORSGATE PARTNERS LLC. d/b/a FORSGATE COUNTRY CLUB.
R-6-2016-211RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) AND ESTABLISHING MAINTENANCE GUARANTEES FOR W&S 771 AT RENAISSANCE @CRANBURY CROSSINGS, WATER, SEWER & OFF-SITE IRRIGATION AND W-771.2, RENAISSANCE @ CRANBURY CROSSINGS, PHASE 2 WATER - PB#880-03.
R-6-2016-212RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MODIFICATION #2 TO A CONTRACT AWARDED TO SUBURBAN CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC. FOR VARIOUS PIPELINE GENERAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”).
R-6-2016-213RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MODIFICATION #1 TO A CONTRACT AWARDED TO R3M ENGINEERING, INC. FOR GENERAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”).
Councilwoman Schneider questioned Resolution R-6-2016-203 regarding the filing of a tax lien for the Township’s abatement of unsanitary conditions at 288 Matchaponix Rd. Administrator Hamilton explained that it’s property that has been remediated in Municipal Court with the Judge ordering the exterior maintenance of the property cleaned up. The property owner has failed to comply and the Judge had previously authorized the town to do it and to put a lien on the property if he failed to do it.
Council President Koppel mentioned that we are inserting two revenues into the budget for a “Clean Communities Program” of $105,146.60 and a “Sustainable Jersey Small Grant” of $20,000. She congratulated the Environmental Commission who is also meeting this evening.
REPORTS:
Mayor Tamburro – reported that he had received a call from the Governor’s office stating that they had money for Monroe Twp. and it was for the above mentioned Clean Communities Program and Sustainable Jersey Small Grant.
He next mentioned that we did sign an agreement with the Dept. of Defense to honor those Veterans that had served during the Vietnam conflict. It is a 50th Anniversary and we agreed to do two programs each year for the next three years. The first was done two weeks ago and held at the Marasco Performing Arts Center with the Township Chorus and the various Veterans groups within the Township. There were over 900 people in attendance. It was nice to see the Vietnam Vets recognized and honored. Both himself and Councilman Leibowitz were given pins commemorating the 50th Anniversary and Shelia Warfel, the Township Chorus Director, received a gold certificate from President Obama for being a volunteer and in recognition of the programs she did.
Memorial Day services were done at the Municipal Building and Veterans Park.
Administrator Hamilton – commented on a few items that are in progress, stating that they will most likely be on the Agenda for June 8th or the following meeting. The first is a bid that was taken today for the Spotswood-Gravel Hill Road Improvements. It is being reviewed and could appear as a bid award at the next meeting. Also, bids for the Utility Management contract will be opened tomorrow and may also be on the Agenda next week. On June 8th he will be receiving energy auction bids for both the Utility Dept. and for the Municipal Properties for electricity. The bids will be taken the same day as they consider the Resolution for the award. That will also happen at the June 8th meeting. We are also rolling out the Capital Improvements in the way of Bond Ordinances for both the Utility and the General Government. Administrator Hamilton advised that Resolution R-6-2016-210, which talks about a settlement with Forsgate Country Club – this is also a work in progress and may be pulled. There is also a five-year special emergency that will be appearing for the Master Plan update and is required as part of the Affordable Housing Settlement with the Court and also the Costco Tax Appeal settlement which is now complete.
Engineer Rasimowicz – mentioned the Spotswood-Gravel Hill Road Improvements Bid that was done today. With regards to the Spray Park – the splash pad was replaced and the Park is now open for business. Check with the Rec Department for the hours of operation. He also mentioned that Texas Rd., heading into Old Bridge, will be closed coming westbound into Monroe tonight (6/1) and tomorrow night (6/2). The eastbound traffic out of Monroe will continue without a detour.
COUNCIL REPORTS:
Councilwoman Schneider – reported that she attended the following:
- Empty Bowl Dinner Auction at the Senior Center. This is a project taken on by the Middle School and the Seniors where they have created bowls that have been painted and will be auctioned off that night. It is a $5 Donation. A light dinner will be served. Proceeds will go to five different food pantries.
- “Eagle Court of Honor” for Norman Price
- “Enter the Dragon" performance at the Marasco Performing Arts Center.
- Scholastic Achievement Dinner for the Monroe Township High School Parent Teachers Organization.
- Opening of the new Princeton Medical Center.
Councilman Dipierro – No Report
Councilman Leibowitz – No Report
Council Vice-President Dalina – No Report
Council President Koppel – reported that the Eagles Tribute Band “dessert Highway” will be performing on Saturday June 25th at 7pm. Students are free. There are also Free Concerts at the park starting on July 7th and will run every Thursday at 6pm through Aug. 18th.
PUBLIC:
Lucille DiPasquale, 70 Avenue K – spoke about the May 2016 meeting of the Shade Tree Commission wherein they discussed a disease that is killing trees and is very hard to detect. Sarah Fitzpatrick from Attorney Shains office was drafting a Resolution that Ms. DiPasquale recommended regarding a survey of Ash Trees. She asked if Attorney Pasquale could find out the status. She feels this is a very important issue concerning “Green Emerald Bores” killing trees.
UPON MOTION made by Council Vice-President Dalina and seconded by Councilman Dipierro, the regularly scheduled AGENDA MEETING of June 1, 2016 was Adjourned at 7:16 pm.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Blaise DipierroAye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAye
Council President Leslie Koppel Aye
Patricia Reid
PATRICIA REID, Deputy Township Clerk
Leslie Koppel
LESLIE KOPPEL, Council President
Minutes were adopted on July 5, 2016