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Monroe Council Minutes | 2/8/2016

COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE MINUTES 

REGULAR MEETING  - FEBRUARY 8, 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 Blaise Dipierro, Councilman Michael Leibowitz, Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider 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. 

ABSENT: Council Vice-President Stephen Dalina 

There were approximately fifteen (15) 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 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 CRANBURY PRESS 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. 

 

Council President Koppel announced that the Oath of Office would be administered this evening to Councilman Blaise Dipierro with his family and friends present for pictures. 

 

Township Clerk Sharon Doerfler administered the Oath of Office to Councilman Blaise Dipierro.  

Councilman Dipierro thanked the Mayor & Council for the opportunity to serve for the Township.  

Mayor & Council congratulated Councilman Dipierro on his role on the Council.  

Council President Koppel called a five minute recess for and the Regular Meeting was re-convened at 7:10 pm. 

 

The following PROCLAMATION of Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro was read into the record: 

 

AMERICAN HEART MONTH 

February 2016 

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dipierro and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, the CLAIMS per run date of 02/01/2016 were approved for payment as presented. 

ROLL CALL:Councilman Blaise DipierroAye 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAbsent 

Council President Leslie KoppelAye 

 

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dipierro and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, the MINUTES of the December 9, 2015 Regular Meeting, December 28, 2015 Agenda Meeting, January 1, 2016 Reorganization Meeting and January 4, 2016 Regular Meeting were approved as written and presented. 

ROLL CALL:Councilman Blaise DipierroAbstain 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAbsent 

Council President Leslie KoppelAye 

 

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Councilman Dipierro, the MINUTES of the January 12, 2016 Special Meeting were approved as written and presented. 

ROLL CALL:Councilman Blaise DipierroAye 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAbsent 

Council President Leslie KoppelAye 

 

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Councilman Dipierro, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was introduced on first reading for final passage:  ORDINANCE NO. O-2-2016-003 AMENDING CHAPTER 39 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED, “FEES” 

ROLL CALL:Councilman Blaise DipierroAye 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAbsent 

Council President Leslie KoppelAye 

 

Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed. 

 

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dipierro 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-2-2016-004 ACCEPTING THE DEDICATION OF LAND APPEARING ON  

THE OFFICIAL TAX MAP AS BLOCK 52, LOT 2.03, BLOCK 62, LOT 7.01 AND BLOCK  

106.07, LOTS 9-24 & 30-45. 

ROLL CALL:Councilman Blaise DipierroAye 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAbsent 

Council President Leslie KoppelAye 

 

Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed. 

 

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Schneider and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, the following entitled Resolutions were moved for adoption under the CONSENT AGENDA, as hereinbelow set forth:   

ROLL CALL:Councilman Blaise DipierroAye 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAbsent 

Council President Leslie KoppelAye 

 

 

 

RESOLUTIONS adopted under CONSENT AGENDA are as follows: 

 

R-2-2016-064RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE LOAN REPAYMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE OWNER OF AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNIT.  (Block 14 Lot 12.51) 

 

R-2-2016-065RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF MUNICIPAL RECYCLING TONNAGE GRANT APPLICATION FOR YEAR 2015. 

 

R-2-2016-066RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MODIFICATION TO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH CENTER STATE ENGINEERING FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES RELATED TO THE COMMUNITY CENTER AND SENIOR CENTER GENERATORS. 

 

R-2-2016-067RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MODIFICATION OF A CONTRACT TO SUBURBAN CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC. FOR VARIOUS PIPELINE GENERAL ENGINEERING FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”). 

 

R-2-2016-068RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR ROAD OPENING PERMIT NO. 14-21.  

 

R-2-2016-069RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF VEHICLES FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER THE CRANFORD POLICE COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM. 

 

R-2-2016-070RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE ACCESSORIES UNDER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT. 

 

R-2-2016-071RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP TO REDUCE THE DEDICATED OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION TAX RATE FROM 2.5 CENTS PER $100 OF ASSESSED VALUE TO 1.5 CENTS PER $100 OF ASSESSED VALUE. 

 

R-2-2016-072RESOLUTION PROVIDING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION. 

 

R-2-2016-073RESOLUTION PROVIDING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE OPEN SPACE AND FARMLAND PRESERVATION COMMISSION. 

 

R-2-2016-074RESOLUTION PROVIDING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE PUBLIC OFFICERS BOARD. 

 

R-2-2016-075RESOLUTION GRANTING AUTHORITY TO FILE LIEN FOR TOWNSHIP’S ABATEMENT OF PUBLIC NUISANCE ON CERTAIN PROPERTIES. 

 

R-2-2016-076PULLED FROM CONSENT AGENDA(see below) 

 

R-2-2016-077RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO MIRACLE CHEMICAL COMPANY FOR CONTRACT 445, “SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE SOLUTION” BY THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (M.T.U.D.). 

 

R-2-2016-078RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO LONGO ELECTRICAL MECHANICAL, INC.  FOR CONTRACT 446 - “ELECTRICAL REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES” BY THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (M.T.U.D.). 

 

R-2-2016-079RESOLUTION REFUNDING THIRD PARTY TAX LIEN PREMIUM PAYMENTS. 

 

R-2-2016-080RESOLUTION REFUNDING TAX OVERPAYMENTS. 

 

R-2-2016-081RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 SUBMITTED BY TOP LINE CONSTRUCTION CORP. IN CONNECTION WITH THE FORSGATE DRIVE, APPLEGARTH ROAD AND LINKS DRIVE INTERSECTION IMPROVMENTS. 

 

R-2-2016-082RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF APPLICATION DOCUMENTS WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR THE INSTALLATION OF IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING A WALKING PATH IN THE WETLAND AND TRANSITION AREA LOCATED AT BLOCK 4 LOTS 9, 13.08, 13.09 & 13.10 AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP ENGINEER TO ACT AS THE AUTHORIZING AGENT/REPRESENTATIVE. 

 

R-2-2016-083RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CENTER STATE ENGINEERING TO PREPARE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ADVERTISE FOR RECEIPT OF VARIOUS BIDS. 

 

R-2-2016-084RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL 90-DAYS OF EXTENDED SICK LEAVE. 

 

R-2-2016-085RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MODIFICATION TO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT AWARDED TO DM MEDICAL BILLINGS, LLC IN CONNECTION WITH THIRD PARTY BILLING. 

 

R-2-2016-086RESOLUTION APPROVING EMERGENCY CONTRACTS FOR OUTSIDE SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES. 

 

R-2-2016-087RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT BETWEEN ECOVANTA, LLC AND MONROE TOWNSHIP FOR 2016 ELECTRONIC WASTE RECYCLING SERVICES. 

 

R-2-2016-088RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID FOR COMMUNITY GARDEN – PHASE 2. 

 

R-2-2016-089RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID FOR PATHWAY IMPROVEMENTS – THOMAS L. ALLEN SOFTBALL COMPLEX. 

 

Copies of Resolutions Duly Filed. 

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Councilwoman Schneider, the following entitled Resolution was moved for adoption as hereinbelow set forth: RESOLUTION NO. R-2-2016-076 PROVIDING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 

ROLL CALL:Councilman Blaise DipierroAbstain 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAbsent 

Council President Leslie KoppelAye 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REPORTS: 

Mayor Tamburro –  

  • Exciting things on the Agenda – 1st suggested the Council approve a reduction in the Open Space (“OS”) tax from 2.5 cents to 1.5 cents and that was approved in the Consent Agenda. As a result of the revaluation we had 2 years ago, the tax itself became double, becoming 2.5 cents from its original 1.5 cents and we were told that since it’s a reduction we do not have to go to referendum and we can do it by Resolution, so that is what we are doing with this Resolution.  This will have minimal impact on the amount of money that we goes into the OS fund and we will aggressively move forward in purchasing OS.  
  • Bond rating increased to AA strong which will save us money on future bond sales and general overall impact on any funding that the Board of Education and other entities might have.  
  • Introduction of Resolution for Land Acquisition – intent is to have a parcel utilized by the 3rd Fire district to improve access to the firehouse and approx. 4 acres of this parcel  will be given to the Board of Education because they are in need of additional space to park their school buses.  
  • Snow clearing – DPW protocol and now the MTUD’s protocol with snow clearing – main roads cleared within 24 hours and side roads get at least one run through. Supt. of schools complimented our DPW on their ability to ensure a safe environment for school openings.  

 

Administrator Hamilton –   

  • Open Space Trust Fund Balance is $5.7 million.  Even with the reduction in the tax we will get over $1 million.  We were able to purchase 6,600 acres of Open Space and 1,290 acres of Farmland Preservation.  
  • 23” of snow, 236 tons of salt used, costing $18,710.  Three (3) outside snow removal contractors were called in to supplement our vehicles, costing $46,994.  Overtime costs were $45,000, MTUD overtime costs were $15,500, totaling $126,000 and 160 miles of roadways plowed and treated.  
  • Upgrade to our credit rating – AA+; read the Standards & Poors report and commented on the contents. 

 

Engineer Rasimowicz –  

  • Perrineville Road has been reopened for 2 ½ weeks now.  
  • Community Garden, Phase II Project was awarded tonight and that project entails constructing a parking lot and doubling the size of the garden lots that will be available come Spring.  
  • Thomas Allen Softball Complex Project awarded tonight will entail paved pathways which will be completed by Spring in time for softball season.   

 

 

COUNCIL REPORTS: 

 

Councilman Michael Leibowitz –  

  • Asked to make a Motion to not allow Administrator Hamilton to retire.  
  • Roads were as clear as they could make it and thanked the DPW for all of their work during the snowstorm. 

 

Councilwoman Schneider –  

  • Eagle Scout Quintin Schimmel was supposed to be here tonight but had prior commitments.   
  • The Human Relations Commission has three High School students that are representatives to us and they have been working on a Cultural Diversity Festival which will be held on April 17th at 4pm at the High School.  
  • The Senior Center is hosting AARP who will have representatives available to help anyone with their taxes; an appointment will be needed.   
  • Attended the Applegarth Volunteer Fire Department Engine #1 49th Anniversary Dinner which was a wonderful event.  
  • Extended thanks to the DPW for all of their hard work during the snowstorm.  

 

 

 

 

 

Councilman Dipierro –  

  • Attended the Applegarth Volunteer Fire Department Engine #1 Installation Dinner which was held at Stonebridge.  It was a very nice affair.  

 

Council Vice-President Stephen Dalina – Absent – No Report 

 

Council President Koppel –  

  • Reported that an Italian Music Festival will be held on Friday, February 26th at the Library, as well as a Hispanic Roots event on March 6th at 1pm, also at the Library. 
  • Community Garden lots are available and the Applications are available here at the Municipal Building, as well as on-line.  
  • Congratulations to Wayne and the team for the Standard & Poors report; shows the stability and strength of the budgetary performance of the Township.  

 

 

PUBLIC: 

 

Hy Grossman, 15 Doral Drive – Welcomed Councilman Dipierro and wished him the best of luck.  

 

He commended Administrator Hamilton on a good job regarding the increase in the bond rating.  

 

Commented that he was glad that a Referendum was not needed for the Open Space tax decrease.  

 

Mr. Grossman added that the severe weather has been the worst we have experienced in twelve years.  

 

Lastly, he added that a “No Parking” sign has not yet been placed along Route 527 near Franklin Plaza.   

 

 

Carol Damiani, 148 Pergola Avenue – Shared that she is thankful for her cousin being put on Council as she is sure he is going to be an asset to the Council and the Township.   

 

 

Michele Arminio, 9 Nathaniel Street – Questioned Resolution # R-02-2016-071 regarding the Open Space tax decrease from 2 ½ cents to 1 ½ cents, asking if this was discussed; Mayor Tamburro answered that since the tax is being reduced we did not have to go to Referendum.  

 

Asked what the total size and design cost will be for the generator at the Community Center; Engineer Mark Rasimowicz responded with a comparison of the cost of a residential unit vs. a commercial unit, further explaining the cost for testing, training and permits that are necessary.  

 

Congratulated Councilman Dipierro and wished him good luck, adding that she hopes he will bring dignity and ethics to the Council.  

 

 

George Gunkelman, 5 Kelly Court – Commented that the Township should consider sending the tax assessment postcards in an envelope as it has in the past vs. a postcard so it is not so open for all of the public to see.   

 

Commented that the equipment of the private contractors used during the snowstorm were not up to par in comparison with who the Township has used in the past.  Once the Township came through with their heavy equipment they did an excellent job.  

 

Regarding Resolution #R-02-2016-066 he added that the generators were able to be bid differently at his former employment which was not municipal and he realizes that the bidding laws are quite a bit different from private industry. 

 

 

 

Prior to Adjourning the meeting Council President Koppel quickly commented that she is very excited about being the President of the Council and that whatever is done on the Council is always done with dignity and ethics and we will continue to do so with Councilman Dipierro. 

 

Councilman Leibowitz updated everyone on Councilman Dalina’s shoulder surgery stating that although he is not here tonight he is feeling a lot better. 

 

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Councilman Dipierro, the Regular Meeting was Adjourned at 7:54pm. 

ROLL CALL:   Councilman Blaise DipierroAye 

                        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 March 7, 2016