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Monroe Council Minutes | 9/9/2015

COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE MINUTES 

REGULAR MEETING – SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 

 

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 Gerald W. Tamburro with a Salute to the Flag. 

 

UPON ROLL CALL by Township Clerk, Sharon Doerfler, the following members of Council were present: Councilman Stephen Dalina, Councilman Michael Leibowitz, Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider, Council Vice-President Leslie Koppel (arriving at 7:40 p.m.) and Council President Gerald W. Tamburro. 

ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Richard Pucci, Business Administrator Wayne R. Hamilton, Township Attorney Joel L. Shain, Engineer Mark Rasimowicz and Deputy Clerk Patricia Reid. 

There were approximately fifteen (15) members of the Public present in the audience. 

 

Council President Tamburro 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 2, 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 and CRANBURY PRESS on January 2, 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 President. 

 

The following PROCLAMATION of Mayor Richard Pucci was read into the record: 

 

SEPTEMBER 

CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, the CLAIMS per run date of 08/28/15 were approved for payment as presented. 

ROLL CALL:   Councilman Stephen DalinaAye 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAbsent 

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye 

 

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilwoman Schneider and seconded by Councilman Dalina, the MINUTES of the July 6, 2015 Regular Meeting and July 27, 2015 Agenda Meeting were approved as written and presented. 

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAbsent 

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye 

 

 

 

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilwoman Schneider and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was introduced on first reading for final passage: “ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 122 ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”.   

(No Parking – Applegarth, Federal, Halsey Reed, Englishtown and Possum Hollow Roads) 

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAbsent 

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye 

 

Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed. 

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Councilman Dalina, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was introduced on first reading for final passage: “ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN PARCELS OF LAND FOR OPEN SPACE LOCATED AT 146 AND 148 PROSPECT PLAINS ROAD, AND APPEARING ON THE OFFICIAL MUNICIPAL TAX MAPS AS BLOCK 27.02, LOT 18.05 AND BLOCK 27.02, LOT 18.04” 

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAbsent 

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye 

 

Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed. 

 

At this time Council President Tamburro introduced Mr. Robert Chilton of Gable Associates, who will address the Council and Public about Resolution No. R-9-2015-239 entitled:  RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO A THIRD PARTY POWER SUPPLIER TO PROVIDE ELECTRIC GENERATION SERVICE TO MONROE TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY ENERGY AGGREGATION (MTCEA) PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS AND TO PROVIDE GOVERNMENT ENERGY AGGREGATION SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE MTCEA PROGRAM PURSUANT TO N.J.A.C. 14:4-6. 

 

Mr. Chilton, Executive Vice-President of Gable Associates, the energy consultant that will be assisting the Township with the implementation of the energy aggregation program, informed everyone that today at 2:00 p.m. we received the price bids from the energy suppliers under a series of different options.  The market changed quite a bit since the last time we bid so we had a number of pricing options to try and find the best pricing for our customers.  We bid for two different contract start dates; one would be December, which would be concurrent with the expiration of the current contract and the second would be March 2016.  The reason for that is based upon changes in the market.  What we have seen is that the winter pricing is significantly higher than it used to be.  We received bids from all four suppliers, however, one bid was received 20 minutes late so we were unable to use that bid.  The low bid price came in from Tri- Eagle Energy.  Their price was on average about 6% below Con Edison Solutions, which holds the current contract.  The prices for a March start date are 3-5% lower, however, what would happen is that at the end of the current contract with Con Edison, all the customers would be reverted back to JCP&L for a 3-month period and then they would be enrolled with the new supplier.  It is our recommendation that the December start date contract would be the best option.  The total savings under the contract would be approximately $5 million dollars over a 24 month term.  In summary, we are recommending a contract award to Tri-Eagle Energy for a 24 month term, pricing option 3, which is the December start date.  The price is 8.992 cents, which is a little higher than our current contract price of 8.43 cents, but way below the JCP&L tariff price which is over 10 cents.  

 

Council President Tamburro advised that the Ordinance that was passed for the energy aggregation program requires the price for the aggregation to be 5% or more less than JCP&L, and asked if this meets that requirement.  

 

Mr. Chilton responded that it does; it is about 12½ % less than JCP&L.  All residents will receive notification approximately early October informing them of the new contract price and term and reminding them of their option to opt-out of the program.   

 

Discussion regarding the Energy Aggregation Program continued.  

 

 

 

Council President Tamburro opened the floor to the Public for any questions they may have on the Energy Aggregation Program. 

 

Mark Klein, 7 Crenshaw Court – stated that with some of the third party electrical suppliers we have had when the deregulation went into effect, they sold a bill of goods to the residents with how much money they were going to save and how much lower they were, when in reality, after 6 months, they were higher than JCP&L.  He asked if with this contract, can they raise prices during the two years we are under contract. 

 

Mr. Chilton responded that the program is set up so it’s a guaranteed price.  In this contract there is one provision that would allow for one adjustment 18 months out, but it’s for a specifically defined cost that if it takes effect, would affect the JCP&L rate the same way because it affects all suppliers.  It wouldn’t be more than a couple percent and because the utility would be affected as well, the savings would stay the same. You have the ability to opt- out anytime you want from the program.   

 

Hy Grossman, 15 Doral Drive – stated he has been using Con Edison Solutions and have been very pleased with it.  To those who don’t look at their bill carefully, look at your bill and compare the prices; Con Edison Solutions is 15-16% lower than JCP&L month after month.  He asked what the Con Edison Solutions bid was vs. the low bid company. 

 

Mr. Chilton responded that Con Edison was in the mid 9s, about six tenths of a cent higher.   

 

Gary Busman, 7 Monarch Road – asked if it is possible for all the people that belong to a third party vendor that are now paying something greater than what Con Ed initiated or what they are proposing now, can we obtain those names or perhaps the township can send these residents a letter indicating to them that they have an option to save substantial dollars. 

 

Council President Tamburro responded that we have to address that and would like to get the word out to the 3,000 residents that did not participate in the program.  There are, however, reasons why some don’t participate, for example they have solar.   

 

Council President Tamburro thanked Mr. Chilton for coming here this evening. 

 

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

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAbsent 

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye 

 

RESOLUTIONS adopted under CONSENT AGENDA are as follows: 

 

R-9-2015-197RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) UPON THE POSTING OF MAINTENANCE GUARANTEES FOR W&S 684.7A & 684.7E – REGENCY SECTION 7 A&E (BLK. 35 LOTS 2.02 &17) - PB#1061-08. 

 

R-9-2015-198RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) FOR W&S 1001R – EMILY ESTATES (BLOCK 109.15, LOTS 17-22), PB #1143-13. 

 

R-9-2015-199RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO. 7 SUBMITTED BY ALLIED CONSTRUCTION GROUP, INC. FOR M.T.U.D. CONTRACT NO. 389 – “WELLS 20 & 23 IRON REMOVAL SYSTEM”. 

 

R-9-2015-200RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 SUBMITTED BY EAGLE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC. FOR M.T.U.D. CONTRACT NO. 393 – “WELL NO. 22 ADDITIONAL TREATMENT”.  

 

 

 

 

R-9-2015-201RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF THREE (3) UTILITY BODY PICK-UP TRUCKS USING THE NEW JERSEY STATE COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (M.T.U.D.). 

 

R-9-2015-202RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) UPON THE POSTING OF MAINTENANCE GUARANTEES FOR W&S 818.5 - STONEBRIDGE @ MONROE, SECTION 5. 

 

R-9-2015-203RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) UPON THE POSTING OF MAINTENANCE GUARANTEES FOR  W&S 818.7a & 7b, STONEBRIDGE @ MONROE, SECTIONS 7a & 7b - PB #1060-08. 

 

R-9-2015-204RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO H2M ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR GENERAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”). 

 

R-9-2015-205RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO R3M ENGINEERING, INC. FOR GENERAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”). 

 

R-9-2015-206RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO SUBURBAN CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC. FOR GENERAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”). 

 

R-9-2015-207RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) FORD TRANSIT CONNECT VAN USING THE NEW JERSEY STATE COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (M.T.U.D.). 

  

R-9-2015-208RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND SUPPORTING THE SUBMISSION OF A MUNICIPAL APPLICATION FOR A 2015 RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM GRANT FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.   

 

R-9-2015-209RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY CLOSING OF A PORTION OF MONMOUTH ROAD FOR OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION.  (Sunday, 10/18/2015 from 10AM – 6PM) 

 

R-9-2015-210RESOLUTION REFUNDING TAX OVERPAYMENTS. 

 

R-9-2015-211RESOLUTION REFUNDING THIRD PARTY TAX LIEN PREMIUM PAYMENTS. 

 

R-9-2015-212RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FEES FOR ELECTRONIC TAX SALE NOTICES. 

 

R-9-2015-213RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF UPGRADED RADIO EQUIPMENT FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM. 

 

R-9-2015-214RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR REGENCY AT MONROE, PHASE 8A. 

 

R-9-2015-215RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR REGENCY AT MONROE, PHASE 8B. 

 

R-9-2015-216RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SHAIN, SCHAFFER & RAFANELLO, P.C. TO HANDLE THE MATTER OF HARRY SCHEELER v. TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, ET AL. AS EXTRAORDINARY LITIGATION. 

 

R-9-2015-217RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO NORCIA CORPORATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF THREE (3) SNOW PLOWS FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS. 

 

R-9-2015-218RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE FOR THE 2015-2016 LICENSE TERM. 

 

R-9-2015-219RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH CENTER STATE ENGINEERING FOR TITLE SURVEY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS FOR OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION. 

 

R-9-2015-220RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE IN THE BUDGET PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 (CHAPTER 159)  U.S. Dept of Justice – Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program - $4,784.91 

 

R-9-2015-221RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OFREVENUE IN THE BUDGET PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 (CHAPTER 159)  ANJEC Grant – Butterfly Park at Monroe Community Garden Park Project - $1,000.00 

 

R-9-2015-222RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING FEES. 

 

R-9-2015-223RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY AND THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE FOR THE PROVISION OF YARD WASTE RECYCLING AND MARKETING SERVICES. 

 

R-9-2015-224RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF CERTAIN PARCELS OF LAND FOR OPEN SPACE LOCATED AT 146 AND 148 PROSPECT PLAINS ROAD, AND APPEARING ON THE OFFICIAL MUNICIPAL TAX MAPS AS BLOCK 27.02, LOT 18.05 AND BLOCK 27.02, LOT 18.04. 

 

R-9-2015-225RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF CASH PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES AND ESTABLISHING MAINTENANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR REGENCY AT MONROE – PHASE 7, SECTIONS A & E (PB-1061-08) 

 

R-9-2015-226RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MODIFICATION TO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES RELATED TO VETERANS PARK – PHASE 2. 

 

R-9-2015-227RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR MONROE CHASE (AKA SOUTHFIELD GRAND). 

 

R-9-2015-228RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR REGENCY AT MONROE - PHASE 8H & 8I. 

 

R-9-2015-229RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF CASH PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES AND ESTABLISHING MAINTENANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR REGENCY AT MONROE – PHASE 8, RECREATION FACILITY (PB-1090-08). 

 

R-9-2015-230RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS CONCRETE IMPROVEMENTS TOWNSHIP-WIDE. 

 

R-9-2015-231RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID FOR 2015 ROAD IMPROVEMENTS - VARIOUS BITUMINOUS MATERIALS. 

 

R-9-2015-232RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID FOR 2015 ROAD IMPROVEMENTS – MILLING AND PAVING OPERATIONS. 

 

 

 

R-9-2015-233RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL 90-DAYS OF EXTENDED SICK LEAVE.  

 

R-9-2015-234RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX AND TOWNSHIP OF MONROE FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO PROSPECT PLAINS SOCCER FIELDS AND LIGHTING 

 

R-9-2015-235RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR TO PREPARE SPECIFICATIONS AND ADVERTISE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR VARIOUS GOODS AND SERVICES. 

 

R-9-2015-236RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR/QPA TO PREPARE AND ADVERTISE REQUESTS FOR QUALIFICATIONS (“RFQ’s”) FOR VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016. 

 

R-9-2015-237RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF BOOKS AND MATERIALS FROM BAKER & TAYLOR, INC. FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP LIBRARY. 

 

R-9-2015-238RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP ENGINEER TO PREPARE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ADVERTISE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR PROSPECT PLAINS ROAD SOCCER FIELD FENCING. 

 

R-9-2015-239RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO A THIRD PARTY POWER SUPPLIER TO PROVIDE ELECTRIC GENERATION SERVICE TO MONROE TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY ENERGY AGGREGATION (MTCEA) PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS AND TO PROVIDE GOVERNMENT ENERGY AGGREGATION SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE MTCEA PROGRAM PURSUANT TO N.J.A.C. 14:4-6. 

 

Copies of Resolutions Duly Filed. 

 

REPORTS: 

Mayor Pucci – 

  • Reflected on the Affordable Housing litigation and our Irrevocable Trust which had over $10 million reserved. The State of N.J. wanted to confiscate all the funds that the towns had collected, including Monroe, and utilize it for whatever purposes.  The small-minded would say don’t spend any money because we can do it ourselves with an in-house attorney at a nominal cost and in the end the town gets affected in a way that would be unbelievable.  I want to personally compliment, in this case, Joel Shain and his law firm Shain, Schaffer & Rafanello, P.C. because they took that case on.  We fought the State of N.J. and recently we received a Ruling that our Irrevocable Trust is acceptable, legal and the State has no right to the money that we put aside for potential future veteran’s housing on a site to be determined.    
  • We have a wonderful soccer program with over 1200 youngsters participating.  We built additional soccer fields on Hoffman Rd. and Prospect Plains Rd. The Freeholders have agreed and passed at the last Freeholder meeting, an award through their Open Space fund in the amount of $1 million dollars for the improvement of the soccer fields and we reserved a prior amount of $1 million.  It will be a $2 million dollar project which the Freeholders are whole-heartedly behind.  He thanked the Freeholders for their generous contribution. 
  • The issue regarding the Chabad House potential location on Prospect Plains Rd. has been resolved.   
  • Happy to see the Ordinance on tonight acquiring 2 parcels of land as Open Space.  These properties are next to our Memorial Park.  This will be one of the best Open Space purchases we could ever make in this community.  Memorial Park is a  9-11 Memorial and now with this new land, along with the creativity from the new Mayor and Council, we will have something very special for our community.   

  

Administrator Hamilton –  No report 

 

 

 

 

Engineer Rasimowicz –  

  • Regarding the Perrineville Road closure, spoke to the Middlesex County Engineer’s office yesterday and they now anticipate by mid-December the road should be open, weather permitting.  Originally the re-opening was scheduled for the end of January.   

 

 

COUNCIL REPORTS: 

 

Councilman Michael Leibowitz –  

  • Would like to see if the police can do extra patrols in certain areas due to excessive speeding. 

 

Councilman Stephen Dalina –  

  • Opening day for the Soccer Organization is Saturday at 10 a.m. 
  • Bookmobile has been delivered and is in use. 
  • Congratulated Sue and Carl Reiser, who head up our special sports programs, who were recognized for their volunteer efforts by receiving the President’s Volunteer Silver Service Award which is quite an accomplishment.   
  • School is back in session - Please drive carefully and stop for busses when the red lights are flashing for the safety of the children and parents.  

 

Councilwoman Schneider – 

  • Hopes everyone gets a chance to see the new bookmobile.  It is a wonderful service to our community and means a lot to the residents who can’t get to the library.   

 

Council Vice-President Koppel – 

  • Apologized for being tardy; was at the Middle School for back-to-school night for her child.  Met the new Superintendent of Schools and he sends his regards to the Council.  We have a wonderful group of parents and teachers working in the school system.  As a parent, it’s delightful to see such motivated teachers. 

 

Council President Tamburro – 

  • Our 9-11 Memorial Program will be held tomorrow evening.  Due to the predicted forecast, it will probably be held at the Senior Center on Halsey Reed Road at 6:00 p.m.  If the weather is clear it will be held at the Memorial Park. 
  • Regarding the Energy Aggregation Program, for those people who still have questions, we will have programs at the 3 gated communities that are all electric, one at the Senior Center and one at the Community Center so the whole town will be covered.  As soon as the dates are confirmed, we will post them on the website.  

 

 

PUBLIC: 

 

Hy Grossman, Doral Drive – Questioned why there is an Ordinance and Resolution for the Open Space land acquisition.   

 

Administrator Hamilton responded that any land transaction is required to be done by Ordinance and the Resolution authorizes the execution of the contract.   

 

Mr. Grossman stated that normally the Ordinance contains the necessary language authorizing the execution of all the required documents. 

 

Mark Klein, 7 Crenshaw Court – Agreed with Councilman Leibowitz regarding the speeding problem.  He is concerned about the traffic pattern at two new intersections; Mounts Mills/CR522 and Spotswood-Englishtown Road/CR522.  Feels that the right lanes should be turning lanes only.  

 

Engineer Rasimowicz responded that the County Engineer designed those intersections and conducted the traffic counts.  The two thru lanes are warranted based on the traffic counts they had.  Stated he can reach out to the County’s Engineer’s Office and inquire about his concerns. 

 

 

 

Mr. Klein stated he was at the last School Board meeting and had the pleasure of meeting the new School Superintendent.  Stated he sounds very good and is concerned about the adult communities being kept up to date with everything going on within the school district, which hasn’t been done before, so he is hoping that he will be a success with the town and will improve communications, not only with the residents but also with the Mayor and Council.   

 

Council President Tamburro stated that he, along with the Mayor and Mike Gorski, the School Business Administrator, also met with the new School Superintendent.  He’s going to be a guest speaker in Greenbriar the beginning of next month and agrees that it is nice to see him getting out to the gated communities as well.  

 

Mr. Klein stated that at the same meeting School Board meeting they said something about the State coming in to audit their pension plan.  He understands that the State is trying to do what they tried to do with our COAH money, and that is to rip-off the school districts. 

 

Administrator Hamilton responded that we have the same concern that they are also going to try and do that with the municipality and try to come in and analyze the contributions that have been made by both the employer and employees.  It’s a little different with the schools because the State is responsible for the payments for the teachers.  We have our eyes and ears on it. 

 

 

Salvatore Cipolla, 10 Gloria Lane – Looking for some guidance regarding the taxes.  Moved here in 2011 and his wife is a teacher in Monroe.  He has seen his wife take a 2 yr pay freeze.  Went from 12 steps top pay to 19 steps.  She’s in her twelfth year now and her pay is not where it’s supposed to be.  He stated he has seen his taxes go from $10,000 to over $15,000 in four years’ time.  He is averaging between an $800 and $1000 increase each year and asked at what point is this going to stop.  He has seen many for sale signs because people can’t afford to live here and it’s sad.  What can we do to get our State Aid raised? 

  

Administrator Hamilton stated the sad part is the serious impact that this has had cumulatively in the last seven years and there has been $20 million dollars in reduced state aid to Monroe Twp.  There is definitely some injustice.  Senator Greenstein positioned a Bill and does not think it even got out of Committee and it affects not only Monroe but other communities that are being similarly punished because of the way they calculate the demographics.  We are certainly with you and have been supportive of the legislation. 

 

Ken Chiarella, 116 Pergola Ave. -  Had questions regarding opt-out checks and health coverage, asking if there are any employees who receive opt-out checks for not receiving health care and who also receive health care from Monroe.   

 

Administrator Hamilton responded “not to his knowledge”, it’s either one or the other.  There are cases where somebody will accept something less than full family coverage, when in fact, they have a family and if they opt to take less than that, for example “parent/child” instead of the full family coverage, they are entitled to 50% of that difference, provided they beat the cutoff date back in 2010.  For full opt-out you would have had to fully decline the benefits.  There are cases that precede the change in the statute and precede our nepotism statute where you have husband and wife situations in the town where one will accept benefits and the other will opt- out.   

 

Ken Chiarella – based upon what happened, was there an audit performed of the soccer program?   

 

Council President Tamburro responded that’s privately run and not run by the township.   

 

Ken Chiarella – Is the attorney’s retainer $22,000.00 per month and does he charge against that or does he charge additionally? 

 

Administrator Hamilton responded it sounds right; its hours that are allocated to the $22,000. per month.  Each year he more than exceeds the equivalent of the $22,000 in hours, so clearly it’s a capped amount  

 

Ken Chiarella – for the most part Monroe does fully fund our education which is why it’s more incumbent upon us to ensure that we are controlling development and doing some smart things.  The changes that were made to the Master Plan have caused that development.  If we keep developing we keep the flood gates open.  The cost to educate each child is $15,000.  It’s important for everyone to be mindful of that going forward.  

 

 

 

George Gunkelman, 5 Kelly Court - Regarding the land that is being acquired on Prospect Plains Rd., will that be deed restricted to stay open space indefinitely? 

 

Administrator Hamilton responded that that is the intent.  The intent is to expand the Memorial Park so “yes”, it would be deed restricted to open space; nothing could ever be developed there, just an extension of the Park. 

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina, and seconded by Councilwoman Schneider, the Regular Meeting was Adjourned at 8:03pm. 

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye 

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye 

 

 

 

 

Sharon Doerfler 

SHARON DOERFLER, Township Clerk 

 

Gerald W. Tamburro 

GERALD W. TAMBURRO, Council President 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes were adopted on __December 9, 2015_________