Monroe Council Minutes | 1/4/2016
COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - JANUARY 4, 2016
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 Leslie Koppel with a Salute to the Flag.
UPON ROLL CALL by the Township Clerk, Sharon Doerfler, the following members of Council were present: 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 Clerk Patricia Reid.
There were approximately sixteen (16) members of the Public present in the audience.
Council President Koppel 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 December 16, 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;
2.Printed in the HOME NEWS TRIBUNE on December 21, 2015 and in the CRANBURY PRESS on December 25, 2015;
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.
Council President Koppel introduced Gerry Ricciardi, Area Manager for JCP&L.
Mr. Ricciardi explained that an 115KV Transmission Line will run down Route 33 to meet the rising need for electricity. This will benefit Hightstown, Manalapan, Millstone, Monroe Township, East Windsor and Englishtown. The project will be run 11.2 miles and start mid to late January with a completion date in the fall of this year.
Council President Koppel asked what the traffic implications will be and Mr. Ricciardi answered that they will be closing down one lane.
Administrator Hamilton asked how the lines going up at 115KV compare to the lines going down Perrineville and Applegarth Roads and Mr. Ricciardi answered that it is about three times higher than what is there currently.
Councilwoman Schneider questioned what happens with the healthy trees that are being removed and Mr. Ricciardi answered that the trees are cut down, and a lot of times depending on the type of tree species they are, people will take them for firewood. If it is Evergreen trees they are left for those who want them, as they are only good for outside burning not indoor burning and if they are not taken we dispose of them properly.
The following PROCLAMATION of Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro was read into the record:
HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY
January 11th
UPON MOTION made by Councilwoman Schneider and seconded by Council Vice-President Dalina, the MINUTES of the November 30, 2015 Agenda and Special Meeting, were approved as written and presented.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAye
Council President Leslie KoppelAye
UPON MOTION made by Council Vice-President Dalina and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was introduced on first reading for final passage: ORDINANCE NO. O-1-2016-001 AMENDING THE 2015 – 2016 SUPERVISORY SALARY AND WAGE ORDINANCE FIXING THE SALARIES AND WAGES FOR VARIOUS OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE AND PROVIDING FOR THE MANNER OF PAYMENT THEREOF AND RATIFYING SALARIES AND PAYMENTS TO EMPLOYEES AND OFFICIALS PREVIOUSLY PAID.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Michael LeibowitzAyeCouncilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAyeCouncil Vice-President Stephen DalinaAyeCouncil President Leslie KoppelAye
Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed.
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Council Vice-President Dalina, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was introduced on first reading for final passage: ORDINANCE NO. O-1-2016-002 AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF A CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND FOR OPEN SPACE LOCATED AT 156 PROSPECT PLAINS ROAD AND APPEARING ON THE OFFICIAL MUNICIPAL TAX MAPS AS BLOCK 27.2, LOT 17.1.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Michael LeibowitzAyeCouncilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAyeCouncil Vice-President Stephen DalinaAyeCouncil President Leslie KoppelAye
Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed.
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, the following entitled Resolutions were moved for adoption under the CONSENT AGENDA, as hereinbelow set forth:
ROLL CALL: Councilman Michael LeibowitzAyeCouncilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAyeCouncil Vice-President Stephen DalinaAyeCouncil President Leslie KoppelAye
RESOLUTIONS adopted under CONSENT AGENDA are entitled as follows:
R-1-2016-003RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING 2016 TEMPORARY BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS.
R-1-2016-004RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2016 CASH MANAGEMENT PLAN.
R-1-2016-005RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF VARIOUS MATERIALS AND SERVICES THROUGH THE NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR THE YEAR 2016 WITH EXTENSIONS & ADDENDUMS.
R-1-2016-006RESOLUTION DESIGNATING OFFICIAL TOWNSHIP NEWSPAPERS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-007RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TAX COLLECTOR TO HOLD TAX SALES DURING CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-008RESOLUTION FIXING THE RATE OF INTEREST TO BE CHARGED ON DELINQUENT TAXES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-009RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS OF THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-010RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO NORTH AMERICAN INSURANCE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION FOR INSURANCE CONSULTING AND PRODUCER SERVICES FOR COMMERCIAL INSURANCE RISK MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS INSURANCE FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-011RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO THE FIRM OF CENTER STATE ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR MAINTENANCE OF TAX MAPS FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-012RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO HODULIK AND MORRISON, P.A. AS MUNICIPAL AUDITORS FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE TO PERFORM AUDITING SERVICES IN 2016 FOR PRIOR YEAR.
R-1-2016-013RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO THE FIRM OF CENTER STATE ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR GENERAL ENGINEERING SERVICES WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-014RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO CHESTNUT ARBORICULTURAL & FORESTRY SERVICES, LLC AS TREE EXPERTS FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-015RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MCR APPRAISALS FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-016RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO STERLING DISANTO & ASSOCIATES, LLC FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-017RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO NEW JERSEY ADVISORY GROUP FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-018RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO GAGLIANO APPRAISAL, LLC FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-019RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO BETTINA DURMASKIN SHOLK REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL FOR FARMLAND AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-020RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE SELECTION OF QUALIFIED FIRMS TO PERFORM VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-021RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD CONTRACT TO DYNAMIC TESTING SERVICE FOR MEDICAL, EDUCATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES RELATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOWNSHIP’S SUBSTANCE AND ALCOHOL MISUSE POLICY AND TESTING SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-022RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF CONTRACT TO PRINCETON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM FOR OCCUPATIONAL MEDICAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-023RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL 90-DAYS OF EXTENDED SICK LEAVE.
R-1-2016-024RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO WILENTZ, GOLDMAN & SPITZER, P.A., AS BOND COUNSEL FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-025RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF CONTRACT TO PHOENIX ADVISORS, LLC AS FINANCIAL ADVISORS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-026RESOLUTION APPOINTING PUBLIC AGENCY COMPLIANCE OFFICER.
R-1-2016-027RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT MADE BY AND BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION AND PIAZZA AND ASSOCIATES.
R-1-2016-028RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO JOEL L. SHAIN, ESQ. WITH THE FIRM OF SHAIN, SCHAFFER & RAFANELLO, P.C. FOR GENERAL LEGAL SERVICES WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-029RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO MARGUERITE M. SCHAFFER, ESQ. WITH THE FIRM OF SHAIN, SCHAFFER & RAFANELLO, P.C. AS ASSISTANT TOWNSHIP ATTORNEY WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-030RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT WITH SKYLINE ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH TRAINING SERVICES FOR TOWNSHIP OF MONROE AND THE M.T.U.D. FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016.
R-1-2016-031RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT WITH LONG ELECTRICAL MECHANICAL, INC. FOR CONTRACT 444 – “MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE & REPAIR SERVICES” FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”).
R-1-2016-032RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP 2016 - 2017 ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR.
R-1-2016-033RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL FEES TO SHAIN, SCHAFFER & RAFANELLO, P.C. TO HANDLE VARIOUS MATTERS AS EXTRAORDINARY LITIGATION.
R-1-2016-034RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL FEES TO SHAIN, SCHAFFER & RAFANELLO, P.C.TO HANDLE MATTERS RELATED TO THE ENERGY AGGREGATION PROGRAM.
R-1-2016-035RESOLUTION GRANTING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE REAPPOINTMENT OF PATRICK J. BRADSHAW, ESQ. AS MUNICIPAL PROSECUTOR FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE.
R-1-2016-036RESOLUTION GRANTING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE REAPPOINTMENT OF RICHARD RAFANELLO, ESQ. AS ALTERNATE MUNICIPAL PROSECUTOR FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE.
R-1-2016-037RESOLUTION GRANTING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE REAPPOINTMENT OF THOMAS P. ABODE, ESQ. AS MUNICIPAL PUBLIC DEFENDER FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE.
R-1-2016-038RESOLUTION GRANTING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE REAPPOINTMENT OF DONNA LINKE AS MUNICIPAL COURT ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE.
R-1-2016-039RESOLUTION GRANTING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE REAPPOINTMENT OF CHRISTINE CAMPBELL AS DEPUTY MUNICIPAL COURT ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE.
R-1-2016-040RESOLUTION GRANTING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE REAPPOINTMENT OF LOUIS BUONOCORE AS DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE.
R-1-2016-041RESOLUTION GRANTING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE REAPPOINTMENT OF WAYNE HORBATT, C.P.W.M., AS DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE.
R-1-2016-042RESOLUTION GRANTING ITS ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE REAPPOINTMENT OF MARK RASIMOWICZ, P.E., C.M.E., C.P.W.M., AS DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING AND SHALL THEREBY ACT AS TOWNSHIP ENGINEER.
R-1-2016-043RESOLUTION GRANTING ITS ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF JOEL SHAIN, ESQ. AS DIRECTOR OF LAW AND SHALL THEREBY ACT AS TOWNSHIP ATTORNEY.
R-1-2016-044RESOLUTION GRANTING ITS ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MARGUERITE M. SCHAFFER, ESQ. AS ASSISTANT TOWNSHIP ATTORNEY.
R-1-2016-045RESOLUTION GRANTING ITS ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF JOHN RIGGS AS DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
R-1-2016-046RESOLUTION GRANTING ITS ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF WAYNE R. HAMILTON AS DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE AND WHO SHALL SERVE AS BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR/QUALIFIED PURCHASING AGENT.
R-1-2016-047RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE AND MICHAEL E. LLOYD WHO SHALL SERVE AS THE CHIEF OF POLICE.
R-1-2016-048RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE AND CHRISTIAN HAYES WHO SHALL SERVE AS THE CAPTAIN OF POLICE.
R-1-2016-049RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE AND WAYNE R. HAMILTON WHO SHALL SERVE AS BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR.
R-1-2016-050RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. R-12-2015-298 AUTHORIZING A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF A CONTRACT WITH PLEASANT VIEW LANDSCAPING AND LAWN MAINTENANCE FOR 2016 LANDSCAPING SERVICES.
R-1-2016-051RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SHAIN, SCHAFFER & RAFANELLO, P.C. TO HANDLE VARIOUS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS IN YEAR 2016 AS EXTRAORDINARY LITIGATION.
R-1-2016-052RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SHAIN, SCHAFFER & RAFANELLO, P.C. TO HANDLE VARIOUS STATE TAX COURT APPEALS IN YEAR 2016 AS EXTRAORDINARY LITIGATION.
Copies of Resolutions Duly Filed.
Council President Koppel advised Council that Nominations are in order for the appointment of (2) Members to the South Central Middlesex County Flood Control Commission to fill an expired five (5) year term ending December 31, 2020.
Councilman Leibowitz nominated Mark Rasimowicz, seconded by Council Vice-President Dalina.
Council Vice-President Dalina nominated John Riggs, seconded by Councilwoman Schneider.
Council President Koppel advised the Council that Nominations are in order for the position of an Alternate 1 Representative to the South Central Middlesex County Flood Control Commission to serve a one (1) year term ending December 31, 2016.
Council Vice-President Dalina nominated Wayne Horbatt, seconded by Councilman Leibowitz.
Council President Koppel asked if there were any further Nominations, there being none, she requested a Motion to close the Nominations.
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Council Vice-President Dalina, Nominations for the appointment of (2) Members and an Alternate 1 Representative to the South Central Middlesex County Flood Control Commission were Closed.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAye
Council President Leslie KoppelAye
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Council Vice-President Dalina, the following Resolution was moved for Adoption: RESOLUTION NO. R-1-2016-053 APPOINTING MEMBERS AND AN ALTERNATE 1 REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SOUTH CENTRAL MIDDLESEX COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL COMMISSION. (Regular Member – Mark Rasimowicz, John Riggs and Alternate 1 Representative – Wayne Horbatt)
ROLL CALL: Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAye
Council President Leslie Koppel Aye
REPORTS:
Mayor Tamburro –
- Congratulated new Council President Leslie Koppel and Vice-President Stephen Dalina, who were selected by their colleagues at the Reorganization Meeting held on January 1st.
- Extended thanks to the Clerk and entire office for putting on a wonderful program at the Reorganization Meeting. There were over 300 people in attendance and it was a wonderful afternoon.
- Lastly, Mayor Tamburro announced he has worked through his first day as an on-the-job trainee and hopes that everyday forward is as smooth as the first one.
Administrator Hamilton –
- Quick item regarding the Recycling Tonnage Grant; every year we apply for the Recycling Tonnage Grant from the State of New Jersey. The Grant monies we have received for Calendar Year 2013 were $92,698.69. The efforts here in Monroe Township and in Middlesex County have resulted in being ranked #1 in the State for recycling.
Engineer Rasimowicz –
- Reported on the Perrineville Road project being done by the County. In speaking with the County today, they reported that the contractor is still working on completing the project and installing the guardrails. They are working diligently to get the road open as soon as possible.
COUNCIL REPORTS:
Councilman Michael Leibowitz –
- No Report. Wished everyone a wonderful 2016 and advised all to move forward with a positive attitude this year.
Councilwoman Schneider –
- Reported on some highlights happening at the Senior Center: In February, AARP will help those who need help filing their income taxes. Appointments will start on January 25th. Table tennis and German lessons are also on schedule at the Senior Center.
- Attended Grandparents Day; there were approximately 600 Grandparent’s with their grandchildren in attendance. Extended thanks to the staff for all of their work in having this event and for making everything look so easy.
- Thanked the Key Club for coming in to decorate during their holiday vacation and extended thanks to the parents of all the children who are involved as they are wonderful young men and women.
Council Vice-President Stephen Dalina –
- Wished everyone a Happy New Year. Thanked all who were involved in the Reorganization Meeting as it was wonderful day with many people in attendance. Thanked Councilman Leibowitz for nominating him to the vice President position, as well as, all his colleagues for their support.
- Took the opportunity, since the meeting is being televised, to remind the residents to be mindful of the school buses. Reinforced the message of paying attention to their lights and be mindful of the children and the town while driving.
Council President Koppel –
- Thanked Vice-President Dalina for reminding everyone about the importance of driving safely on the roads.
- Thanked the Council for their confidence in voting for her as Council President
.
PUBLIC:
Hy Grossman, 15 Doral Drive – Mr. Grossman commented that he noticed there was a vacancy on Council.
Asked for clarification on R-1-2016-023 pertaining to 90 days of extended sick leave. Administrator Hamilton explained that it is on a case by case basis because we do not offer short term disability but instead have sick leave and extended sick leave. The first 90 days are granted by administrative approval and if it extends beyond that Council can then grant approval.
Asked if R-1-2016-024 pertaining to the Bond Counsel contract was fixed and Administrator Hamilton answered that it is based on the amount of the bond sale and essentially there were three respondents and their proposals were all specifically dealing with the amount of the issue. Mr. Grossman commented that he has always objected to the fee but that is unfortunately how New Jersey politics works.
Questioned the continuation of using Phoenix Advisors and Administrator Hamilton responded that they are the largest financial advising company handling the New Jersey municipal government communities. Explained further that it is important to have the two incumbents come back so they can finish the work that they have already done.
Mr. Grossman asked what Piazza & Associate’s involvement is in the Township and Mayor Tamburro answered that they are consultants who handle affordable housing qualifications and paperwork and explaining further that Frank Piazza is an attorney and lector at Rutgers University. Mr. Grossman commented that in looking on their website he has found they represent developers in Monroe Township and Administrator Hamilton answered that the primary work they do is qualifying applicants for affordable housing. They are involved in the rent subsidy program and handle all of the qualifications for that as well. We hired them to represent the Township in doing the income qualifications because we want to keep the politics removed from the qualifications process.
Mr. Grossman read a letter from Clifford Goldman who wrote a piece that was published in the Star Ledger last week regarding how the State of New Jersey is unable to pay for their Pension obligations each year. Council President Koppel commented that she appreciates Mr. Grossman’s passion but asked that next time he begin his public comment with his most impassioned statement to keep within the 5 minute time limit.
Charlie Lerman, 11 Doral Drive – Mr. Lerman questioned if R-1-2016-027 had any ties with Jack Morris and Administrator Hamilton responded that he was not aware but can, for a fact, say that they are involved in the two developments known as Stratford Manor and the Village of Stratford. Mr. Lerman asked how much money was involved and Administrator Hamilton answered that there is a base fee of $300 per month, as well as, payment for resales on existing units. There is a fee schedule attached to the Resolution.
Mr. Lerman questioned R-1-2016-015 regarding authorizing a contract to MCR Appraisals and Administrator Hamilton explained that Resolutions 015-019 all cover appraisers who specialize in residential, commercial and farmland appraisals. This is predominately for tax appeals but also covers Open Space acquisitions. Mr. Lerman asked if the appraisals have been done and Administrator Hamilton answered that the appraisals are all related to tax appeals as they come in.
Asked if the Master Plan will be reviewed and possibly adjusted now that we are coming into 2016 with a new Mayor and Council President and more and more new development signs are appearing. Mayor Tamburro answered that the Master Plan was put into place four to five years ago and is good for ten years. Mr. Lerman commented that he feels the Master Plan should be revised to not allow as much development as is happening currently in Monroe Township and feels that by not doing so we are doing a disservice to the citizens of Monroe Township.
Michael Elgawly, 10 Sunny Court – Mr. Elgawly stated he was coming in on behalf of some of his neighbors who are concerned with what is happening within the community, specifically tax hikes. He has noticed that there are a lot of new developments and is concerned with recent and future tax hikes. He asked what the future of Monroe Township is and how the developments will impact the infrastructure and school system. Also questioned what the future of the tax hikes will be because he has not seen anything about cost cutting measures and feels the only incentive is to spend money. Council President Koppel answered that the election is over and we are all moving on in a positive manner. She explained further that the tax rate is stable and we only saw increases because we had a huge amount of revaluations. There have been a lot of appeals and she added that cost cutting is what we do and it is important to move forward and work with one another. Council President Koppel also added that there are meetings that can be attended to make you aware of what is going on in the Township. Mr. Elgawly commented that he feels it is important to highlight things that are not being addressed. Council President Koppel thanked him for his comments. Mayor Tamburro addressed that the political rhetoric being spread during the election was misleading and incorrect. He explained that the tax rate is the lowest in Middlesex County and we are also in the process of preparing our budgets this year with little to no increase in our budget. Development goes on because of State laws, but they first have to go through the Planning Board and Zoning Board which hold public meetings on all of these things. Administrator Hamilton added that a lot of incorrect and misinformation was spewed during the political campaign and invited anyone with questions to come to him and he will provide the answer if possible.
Martin Herrmann, 17 Sannabel Court – Thanked the Mayor and Council for their time in addressing the issues that residents have. Commented that the questions being asked have never been answered before, adding that full disclosure is a start because it is important to know when all the bids are awarded and the dollar amount of each one.
Howard Abrams, 50 Leeds Lane – Thanked Mayor Tamburro for the article he wrote in the community newspaper outlining five issues that he will be addressing as Mayor, adding that he feels another important issue to be added to that list is the need for a new supermarket in town. He explained that parking is mobbed and it is very difficult to find a parking space at Stop & Shop, as well as the lines being extremely long. With all of the development going on in the township nothing has been done to create more shopping facilities in town which would give residents more choices and create many job opportunities as well.
Michele Arminio, 9 Nathaniel Street – Ms. Arminio asked for clarification on several Resolutions, the first being R-01-2016-011 regarding the awarding of a contract to Center State for the maintenance of the tax maps for 2016. Administrator Hamilton answered that we had two respondents, Center State and Remington, Vernick & Vena, and when we review we look for several things, one being cost and Center State’s cost was $60,000.
Asked what the cost is in R-01-2016-013 and Administrator Hamilton answered that it is based on the amount put in the budget for engineering which is $222,000.
Asked what the additional fees being paid to Shain, Schaeffer and Rafanello were, referring to R-01-2016-033 and Administrator Hamilton answered that the first item is an additional $35,000 for tax appeals. The next item is an additional $10,000 for the Big Daddy litigation and lastly an additional $20,000 for the COAH litigation. Ms. Arminio asked if there were then three costs associated with this Resolution, to which Administrator Hamilton answered that there are three components totaling $65,000.
Ms. Arminio asked what the additional fees for the energy aggregation program are, referring to R-01-2016-034 and Administrator Hamilton answered that the fees were $2,500, all paid for by the successful bidder as he has posted an escrow.
Asked the amount in R-01-2016-028 which authorizes a contract for Shain, Schaeffer, and Rafanello and Administrator Hamilton answered that he does not recall the actual dollar amount for general legal services but it is the same hourly rates and same budget line item since 2008. Ms. Arminio commented that she finds it interesting that things are being voted on but the figures are not being provided to the public. Administrator Hamilton answered that he does not have the entire budget document with him but their hourly rate is $182.50 per hour.
Asked if the rate is the same for R-01-2016-029 and Administrator Hamilton answered that it is the same.
Ms. Arminio mentioned the bond counsel and asked for clarification since the December meeting was not videotaped, stating that the bond counsel received $200,000 on one and $500,000 on another. Administrator Hamilton clarified that the refunding ordinance is taking the old debt and putting it back out to market to reduce the interest rates. The savings after all of the fees is somewhere around $400,000.
Lastly, she brought up a housekeeping issue, stating that the January calendar and website is incorrect with the dates of meetings and Council President Koppel answered that it will be corrected and thanked Ms. Arminio for bringing it to our attention.
George Gunkelman, 5 Kelly Court - Mr. Gunkelman asked what falls under R-1-2016-003 and Administrator Hamilton answered that this encompasses all of our operating budget and we do this every year until we adopt our full budget. This temporary budget is 26.25% of last year’s budget.
Asked for clarification on R-1-2016-020 and Mr. Barnes, MTUD Manager, answered that we have four areas of operation that need qualified firms to perform their professional services on. We are reviewing their qualifications only and there is no money involved with these Resolutions. The areas are sewer projects, water projects, hydrogeological services and safety and health services. Mr. Gunkelman commented that this Resolution essentially is just approving the Monroe Township Utility Department’s short list, to which Mr. Barnes responded yes.
Questioned who the award of the bid was to and any specifics associated with R-1-2016-032 and Administrator Hamilton answered that this is for our electrical maintenance and repair contract that we bid out every two years. The low bidder was RJE Electric from Jamesburg.
Tom Nothstein, 15 Nathaniel Street - Mr. Nothstein asked if the Auditor in R-1-2016-012 was new and Administrator Hamilton answered that they were the sole respondent and is our incumbent Auditor, adding that this Resolution covers our annual auditor requirements with a combined total of $60,000. Mr. Nothstein asked how long the Auditor has been with the Township and Administrator Hamilton answered for the last several years. Mr. Nothstein asked if this was done by RFP and Administrator Hamilton answered that this was a RFQ based on the number of respondents and explained further, when questioned, what the rule of thumb for changing the Auditor was and that Division encourages Township’s to publicize opportunities, which we do, adding that the Division of Local Government Services prefers if the Auditors change on a regular basis but it has been found that in most municipalities this is not the case. There are no statutory requirements.
UPON MOTION made by Council Vice-President Dalina and seconded by Councilwoman Schneider, the Regular Meeting was Adjourned at 8:10pm.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAye
Council President Leslie Koppel Aye
Sharon Doerfler
SHARON DOERFLER, Township Clerk
Leslie Koppel
LESLIE KOPPEL, Council President
Minutes were adopted on February 8, 2016