Monroe Council Minutes | 9/26/2016
COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE MINUTES
AGENDA MEETING - SEPTEMBER 26, 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 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 Greg Pasquale, Engineer Mark Rasimowicz and Deputy Township Clerk Tanya Pannucci.
There were approximately ten (10) 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 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.
Council President Koppel read the following entitled ORDINANCES for SECOND READING at the WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016 Regular Council Meeting:
O-9-2016-029ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 76 OF THE CODE OF THE
TOWNSHIP OF MONROE TO PROHIBIT THE DISCHARGE OF
FIREARMS AND WEAPONS AND REGULATE POSSESSION.
O-9-2016-030ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN
PARCELS OF LAND FOR TRAFFIC SIGNALIZATION AT THE
INTERECTION OF PERRINEVILLE ROAD (CR625) AND
FEDERAL ROAD.
O-9-2016-031ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 122 OF THE CODE
OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND
TRAFFIC” (Speed Limit change on Spotswood Gravel Hill Rd.
and Weight Restriction on Gravel Hill Road).
O-9-2016-032BOND 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 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016 Regular Council Meeting:
O-10-2016-033ORDINANCE OF THE MONROE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
AMENDING CHAPTER 39 OF THE CODE OF THE
TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED, “FEES”
O-10-2016-034ORDINANCE OF THE MONROE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
AMENDING THE 2015 – 2018 SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL SALARY AND WAGE ORDINANCE
FIXING THE SALARIES AND WAGES FOR VARIOUS OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE.
Council President Koppel requested the following entitled RESOLUTIONS for CONSIDERATION at the WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016 Regular Council meeting be reviewed and any questions will be addressed:
R-10-2016-343RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP UTILITY
DEPARTMENT PURCHASING AGENT TO PREPARE AND
ADVERTISE REQUESTS FOR QUALIFICATIONS (“RFQ’s”)
FOR VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR
YEAR 2017, FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY
DEPARTMENT.
R-10-2016-344RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. R-9-2016-315
AUTHORIZING AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO ALLIED
CONSTRUCTION GROUP, INC. FOR CONTRACT 454 “WELL
16A IMPROVEMENTS” BY THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY
DEPARTMENT (M.T.U.D.).
R-10-2016-345RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO
WATER WORKS SUPPLY CO. FOR CONTRACT 458, “WATER
METERS” BY THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY
DEPARTMENT (M.T.U.D.).
R-10-2016-346RESOLUTION 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 2016.
R-10-2016-347RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL
FEES TO SHAIN, SCHAFFER & RAFANELLO, P.C. TO
HANDLE THE MATTER RDC FORSGATE PARTNERS LLC V.
MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”)
AS EXTRAORDINARY LITIGATION.
R-10-2016-348RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATOR/QPA TO PREPARE AND ADVERTISE
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (“RFQ’s”) FOR VARIOUS
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2017.
R-10-2016-349RESOLUTION OF THE MONROE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VOICE MAIL SYSTEM FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL BUILDING UNDER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM.
R-10-2016-350RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED BY QUALITY FIRST CONTRACTING, INC. FOR MONROE TOWNSHIP CONCRETE IMPROVEMENTS TOWNSHIP WIDE UPON THE POSTING OF A MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE.
R-10-2016-351RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TAX COLLECTOR TO CANCEL PAST DUE TAXES FOR TAX YEARS 2015 AND 2016 ASSESSED ON BLOCK 4, LOT 6.1 QFARM, BLOCK 4, LOT 6.2 AND BLOCK 77, LOT 11.4.
R-10-2016-352RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH WILENTZ, GOLDMAN & SPITZER, P.A. FOR LEGAL SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH A PENSION INQUIRY.
R-10-2016-353RESOLUTION REFUNDING CONSTRUCTION PERMIT FEES.
R-10-2016-354RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE LOAN REPAYMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE OWNER OF AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNIT LOCATED AT 7 MORGAN WAY, MONROE TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY
R-10-2016-355RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH CENTER STATE ENGINEERING FOR TITLE SURVEY, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION AND PHASE 1 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS ON BLOCK 52; LOT 4.08 – 431 SCHOOLHOUSE ROAD UNDER THE OPEN SPACE PROGRAM.
R-10-2016-356RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL FEES TO SHAIN, SCHAFFER & RAFANELLO, P.C. TO HANDLE THE MATTER WELLS FARGO, N.A. vs. WILLIAM STERN II et. al. AS EXTRAORDINARY LITIGATION.
R-10-2016-357RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL 90-DAYS OF EXTENDED SICK LEAVE.
R-10-2016-358RESOLUTION REFUNDING TAX OVERPAYMENTS
R-10-2016-359RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN EXTENSION OF A
CONTRACT WITH POWER SAWS OF AMERICA FOR TREE
REMOVAL AND PRUNING FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE
R-10-2016-360RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN EXTENSION OF CONTRACT
WITH TLP CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC. FOR MONROE TOWNSHIP HVAC MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICES
R-10-2016-361RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN EXTENSION OF CONTRACT WITH K & A EXCAVATING CO., INC. FOR MONROE TOWNSHIP OUTSIDE SNOW & ICE REMOVAL.
R-10-2016-362RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR TO PREPARE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ADVERTISE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR GRASS BAGS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS.
R-10-2016-363RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SHAIN, SCHAFFER & RAFANELLO, P.C. TO HANDLE THE MATTER OF WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. v. ROBERT F. STYLES, ET AL. AS EXTRAORDINARY LITIGATION.
R-10-2016-364RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO AMY S. GREENE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS, INC. FOR CONSULTING SERVICES FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES INVENTORY.
R-10-2016-365RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AND THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE FOR ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT SERVICES.
R-10-2016-366RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF BID FOR MONROE TOWNSHIP SHADE TREE PLANTINGS.
R-10-2016-367RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF BID TO Z-BROTHERS FOR FEDERAL ROAD & PERRINEVILLE ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS.
R-10-2016-368RESOLUTION 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)
Mayor’s Report – Mayor Tamburro mentioned the passing of former Councilwoman Lee Farber, who was a college professor and advocate for women’s rights. A letter of condolence was sent to her daughter.
Administrator’s Report – Administrator Hamilton discussed O-10-2016-034 clarifying that it adjusts the minimum salaries of nine or ten positions to coincide with what is required by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Administrator Hamilton also discussed the Best Practices questionnaire, explaining that a municipality’s mandatory score is 22/30 and the Township received a 24/30 which equates to 80%. Our local State Aid will not be affected. He added that the questions are very repetitive and somewhat contradictory but this is required to be completed every year.
Engineer’s Report – Township Engineer Mark Rasimowicz reported that the recommendation for the Federal Road and Perrineville Road Intersection Improvement Project will be done at the next council meeting. Council President Koppel asked if there were any plans on closing a portion of those roads and what the approximate start time would be, to which, Engineer Rasimowicz answered that the details as to when and/or if the roads will need to be closed temporarily will be worked out and the start time will be as soon as possible.
Council’s Reports:
Councilwoman Schneider – attended Stonebridge’s 10th anniversary celebration on September 24th which was wonderful.
Took part in “Bag for Hunger” where she noted that many people were very generous in donating food for the hungry. She added that 1 in 4 children go hungry in New Jersey and 1 in 3 children in Middlesex County.
Mentioned that Dr. Wolf was honored at the library.
The Office of Aging services approximately 3,000 people and all of the programs they have to offer are great.
Attended the 9/11 ceremony which was very moving; Two students on the Human Relations Committee said that they cannot relate to what happened because they were too young to remember the events of that day; Councilwoman Schneider suggested that the schools start teaching more about it so children who were too young to remember the events can learn about it.
Councilman Leibowitz – No Report.
Councilman Dipierro – attended the 9/11 ceremony, which was very moving.
ICAM had their 10th anniversary celebration on September 17th at the Dey Farm, they had food vendors and entertainment and it was very nice to see the farm being utilized.
Attended Stonebridge’s 10th anniversary celebration on September 24th, there was a huge crowd, great speeches and great entertainment.
Reported that the Dey Farm hosted the annual Vintage Baseball Game; thanks to Jon Katerba for organizing the event.
Extended his condolences for the passing of former Councilwoman Lee Farber.
Council Vice-President Dalina – Updated everyone on the Youth Advisory Committee who will focus on an environmental project. They are looking for four new members, two of which must be freshman and plan on getting together in the next few weeks to work on a more firm agenda.
Also, will be meeting with members of the Recreation Advisory Board to discuss the recreational needs of the town.
Council President Koppel – There will be a “Meet the Mayor” event held by the Chamber of Commerce on September 29th, featuring Mayor Tamburro who will be speaking.
The Green Fair will be held on October 8th from 10am-3pm; featuring various vendors, as well as, the Humane Society who will also be in attendance.
Public:
Gary Busman, 7 Monarch Rd. – Mr. Busman asked for clarification on R-10-2016-348 and what professional services this resolution encompasses; Administrator Hamilton responded that each year we advertise for various professional services, such as, the attorney, engineer, auditors, etc. and those contracts are awarded in the beginning of each year. This resolution authorizes us to advertise and prepare RFQ’s for the various professionals needed. Administrator Hamilton added that there are approximately sixteen professional services.
UPON MOTION made by Council Vice-President Dalina and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, the Agenda Meeting of September 26, 2016 will be Adjourned at 7:20PM.
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, Township Clerk
Leslie Koppel
LESLIE KOPPEL, Council President
Minutes were adopted on November 9, 2016