Monroe Council Minutes | 5/2/2016
COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - MAY 2, 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, Sharon Doerfler, 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 Patricia Reid.
ABSENT: Township Attorney Joel L. Shain
There were approximately one hundred (100) 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 opened the Annual Human Relations Commission Ceremony honoring and presenting Awards to those students who have been selected by their teachers as exemplifying the 6 Pillars of Character: Caring, Responsibility, Respect, Fairness, Citizenship and Trustworthiness.
Council President Koppel turned the Program over to Lieutenant Lisa Robinson, Chair of the Human Relations Commission. Lt. Robinson thanked everyone for coming out to support these outstanding students and thanked the Mayor and Council for their support, all the teachers, administrators and especially the parents for raising, guiding and empowering these amazing children.
Lieutenant Lisa Robinson and Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider presented Awards to the following students:
Applegarth School
Grade 4: Mihir NagaliaGrade 5: Amanda DeBonis
Barclay Brook
Pre-K:Logan TysonKindergarten: Crimson Hluchy
Grade 1: Dhruv RaoGrade 2: Eliana Padron
Brookside School
Grade 3: Evangelina FranciscoGrade 4: Ruhi Kulkarni
Grade 5: Ayaan Bohra
Oak Tree School
Pre-K:Riley MalvinKindergarten: Kaveen Trivedi
Grade 1: Manvith ThavutamGrade 2: Grace Simmonds
Grade 3: Meghan McIntyre
Mill Lake School
Pre-K: Isabella RodriguezKindergarten: Brianna McKeon
Grade 1: Rishi PatelGrade 2: Giuliana Prinzivalli
Woodland School
Grade 4: Julia GiaquintoGrade 5: Kelsie Czuba
Middle School
Grade 6: Jenna SimmonsGrade 7: Michael Berking
Grade 8: Paige Magee
High School
Freshman: Emmaleen ReganSophomore: Kevin Kloby
Junior: Griffin SeversonSenior: Julianna Marsh
Councilwoman Schneider congratulated all the Award winners.
Mayor Tamburro extended congratulations to Lieutenant Lisa Robinson for all of her hard work, as well as to all the recipients and their parents for their dedication.
Councilmen Dipierro, Leibowitz and Council Vice-President Dalina extended their appreciation and congratulations to the recipients for being wonderful, well-rounded children.
Council President Koppel extended her congratulations.
A fifteen minute recess was taken and the Regular Meeting was recalled to order at 7:41 p.m.
The following PROCLAMATIONS of Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro were read into the record by title:
MUNICIPAL CLERK’S WEEK
May 1st – May 7th, 2016
MONROE TOWNSHIP DAY OF PRAYER
May 5, 2016
HOLOCAUST DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE
May 15, 2016 – May 22, 2016
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Council Vice-President Dalina, the CLAIMS per run date of 04/22/2016 were approved for payment as presented.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Blaise DipierroAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAye
Council President Leslie KoppelAye
UPON MOTION made by Councilwoman Schneider and seconded by Councilman Dipierro, the MINUTES of the March 7, 2016 Regular Meeting were approved as written and presented.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Blaise DipierroAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAbstained
Council President Leslie KoppelAye
UPON MOTION made by Councilwoman Schneider and seconded by Council Vice-President Dalina, the MINUTES of the March 28, 2016 Agenda Meeting were approved as written and presented.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Blaise DipierroAye
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 moved on second reading for final passage: ORDINANCE NO. O-4-2016-013 TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMIT AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK.
ORDINANCE as follows: (O-04-2016-013)
WHEREAS, the Local Government Cap Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.1 et seq., provides that in the preparation of its annual budget, a municipality shall limit any increase in said budget to 0% unless authorized by ordinance to increase it to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, subject to certain exceptions; and
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.15a provides that a municipality may, when authorized by ordinance, appropriate the difference between the amount of its actual final appropriation and the 3.5% percentage rate as an exception to its final appropriations in either of the next two succeeding years; and
WHEREAS, the Township Council of the Township of Monroe, in the County of Middlesex, finds its advisable and necessary to increase its CY 2016 Budget by up to 3.5% over the previous year’s final appropriations, in the interest of promoting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Township Council hereby determines that a 3.5% increase in the budget for said year, amounting to $1,234,235.38 in excess of the increase in final appropriations otherwise permitted by the Local Government Cap Law, is advisable and necessary; and
WHEREAS, the Township Council hereby determines that any amount authorized hereinbelow that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Council of the Township of Monroe, in the County of Middlesex, a majority of the full authorized membership of this governing body affirmatively concurring, as follows:
SECTION 1. In the CY 2016 budget year, the final appropriations of the Township of Monroe shall, in accordance with this ordinance and N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14, be increased by 3.5%, amounting to $1,234,235.38, and that the CY 2016 municipal budget for the Township of Monroe be approved and adopted in accordance with this ordinance; and
SECTION 2. Any amount authorized hereinabove that is not appropriated as part of the final budget shall be retained as an exception to final appropriation in either of the next two succeeding years; and
SECTION 3. A certified copy of this ordinance, as introduced, be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services within five days of introduction; and
SECTION 4. A certified copy of this ordinance, upon adoption, with the recorded vote included thereon, be filed with said Director within 5 days after such adoption.
SECTION 5. All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance shall be the same and are hereby repealed.
SECTION 6. If any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause or provision of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid, such adjudication shall apply only to the section, paragraph, subdivision, clause or provision so adjudged and the remainder of the Ordinance shall be deemed valid and effective.
SECTION 7. This Ordinance shall take effect upon final passage and publication as provided by law.
Council President Koppel opened the Public Hearing to Council and Public discussion of this Ordinance.
Hy Grossman, 15 Doral Dr. – Mr. Grossman asked why the budget exceeds the Cap by 3.5% and what would happen if we did not adopt; Administrator Hamilton responded that the State imposes two different Caps. One is an Appropriations Cap and the other is a Levy Cap. In the last five years of budget hearings this is the one that is outdated. The Levy Cap restricts the government to tax and we always push it to the maximum amount in case we get runaway inflation. Mr. Grossman asked what the proposal was the year prior, as this year the proposal is $1.234 million; CFO George Lange answered it was approximately 1.5%.
As Council Vice-President Dalina and Councilwoman Schneider regularly moved and seconded
the adoption, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was passed on Second Reading and Final Adoption: ORDINANCE NO. O-4-2016-013 TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET
APPROPRIATION LIMIT AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Blaise DipierroAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAye
Council President Leslie KoppelAye
Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed.
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dipierro 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-5-2016-014 AMENDING THE 2015 – 2018 SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL SALARY AND WAGE ORDINANCE FIXING THE SALARIES AND WAGES FOR VARIOUS OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Blaise DipierroAye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAye
Council President Leslie Koppel Aye
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: BOND ORDINANCE NO. O-5-2016-015 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.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Blaise DipierroAbstained
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAye
Council President Leslie Koppel Aye
Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed.
Councilman Leibowitz questioned what the improvements are and Administrator Hamilton explained that a traffic signal is planned for the intersection. This will allow us to buy some of the property needed for right-of-way for the installation of the traffic signal.
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: BOND ORDINANCE NO. O-5-2016-016 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.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Blaise DipierroAye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAye
Council President Leslie Koppel Aye
Council President Koppel requested a Motion to open the Public Hearing on the 2016 Municipal Budget as introduced on April 4, 2016.
UPON MOTION made by Council Vice-President Koppel and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, the Public Hearing was opened on the 2016 Municipal Budget
ROLL CALL: Councilman Blaise DipierroAye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAye
Council President Leslie Koppel Aye
Mayor Tamburro – Thanked Administrator Hamilton and the Financial Department for putting together a fair and equitable budget. He mentioned a few things to keep in mind; State Aid is lacking for the municipality and the school district. Local real estate taxes are at a much improved level and tax appeals are stabilized as a result of the revaluation. The proposed budget is $54,047,121 dollars which is up 3.32%. The tax rate is about a penny - 45.9 but since the Open Space tax has been reduced by a penny, with no impact on the Open Space dollars, the municipal portion will be flat. One thing that helps is the tax collection rate is 99.05%. For the 25th consecutive year, there has been no increase in water and sewer rates. With local testing being done by state requirements, we have been assured that our water is clean of contaminants and if there is any problem with the water, it may well be within the houses due to the pipes. The water we supply directly to the residents is certified by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The Municipal portion of tax dollars is 21% of your tax bill. The bulk of the taxes is with the School District. We are working closely with the School District and State Leaders in Trenton to get the formula re-worked in order to get our fair share of State Aid. Our Bond rating was improved from AA Stable to AA Positive. As a result of the rating upgrade, outstanding competitive bids resulted in 10.5% savings. We are very proud of our Municipal services and we were once again voted as the 15th safest town in New Jersey and the 61st safest in the USA. We have one of the lowest density per 1000 in Middlesex County and we have over 6600 acres of Open Space and 1300 acres of Farmland Preservation. We continue to work forward to acquire more for farm preservation and open space. He thanked the Administrator Wayne Hamilton, the Finance Department and all employees who work as a team to keep our taxes relatively low.
Administrator Wayne Hamilton – Stated that this is definitely a transition period that the Municipality is in right now. A number of the decisions being made are being driven by the number of retirements that we have experienced and will be experiencing in the future. Six people retired last year, 7 will retire this year and another 11 over the next two years. Nine of these positions are “senior management” positions. It has given us the opportunity to allow for an adequate succession plan to be put in place as we move through those senior management retirements. This was a major driving force as the budget was put together. Salary is up over 3% for the first time in three years. Most of this is due to the Salary & Wage decisions that have been made. An Ordinance being introduced tonight is presenting two new positions that are being created to assist in that succession process. Our financial profile is looking more positive as we move forward. The fact that we had to absorb tax appeal refunds for all government taxing entities. The good thing is that we have been able to drop our dependency on the Water & Sewer Utility Surplus. We have been able to lower it from $14.6 million dollars in 2011, we are down to $2.3 million dollars and will continue to reduce that dollar amount. The schools have lost over $20 million dollars in the last seven years and the municipality $4 million dollars as a result of flawed formulas and poor spending decisions in Trenton. We were hit with a 5% increase in health benefits this year but the good news is, the prior two years there was no increase. Salary increases were 2% this year. All employees are now contributing towards their health care. The union employees are moving into the second of four years in terms of contributing for the health care cost. The employee health care contribution share is up to $697,000. We were commended on establishing significant reserves.
Hy Grossman, 15 Doral Dr. – Questioned cash receipts for 2015 shown on the website as over $58 million dollars. He asked if this is how Administrator Hamilton got the surplus of $5.5 million. Administrator Hamilton responded “yes”, this is cash realized and gave examples of the anticipated revenues consisting of Municipal Court revenue, Construction permits and fees, Ambulance billing, which generated additional cash and is reflected in the Municipal Surplus. Next he questioned compensated absences with regard to anticipated retirees and Administrator Hamilton explained there is a Cap. Mr. Grossman feels it is a good budget and commends everyone.
Michele Arminio, 9 Nathaniel St. – Questioned the health insurance and asked if there is a buy-out if someone does not take the municipal health insurance. Administrator Hamilton explained it is an opt-out which has been capped at $5,000 for new employees. For those that had taken advantage of the op-out previously, it was capped as a part of the collective bargaining of 2007 at the 2007 rates. Employees must prove they have insurance with a spouse and the savings are split. She next asked for the sheet # of the debt service and the total amount of debt. Administrator Hamilton responded that the total Utility debt is approximately $58 million dollars and the municipal general obligation is approximately $65 million dollars. We are allowed 3.5% of the average of the ratables in the Township. We are less than .9 of 1%.
UPON MOTION made by Council Vice-President Dalina and seconded by Councilwoman Schneider, the Public Hearing on the 2016 Municipal Budget was closed.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Blaise DipierroAye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAye
Council President Leslie Koppel Aye
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, the 2016 Municipal Budget as introduced on April 6, 2016 was Adopted.
ROLL CALL: Councilman Blaise DipierroAye
Councilman Michael Leibowitz Aye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAye
Council President Leslie Koppel Aye
R-5-2016-182RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2016 MUNICIPAL BUDGET.
Copy of Resolution Duly Filed.
UPON MOTION made by Council Vice-President Dalina and seconded by Councilwoman Schneider, the following entitled Resolutions were moved for adoption under the CONSENT AGENDA, as herein below set forth:
ROLL CALL:Councilman Blaise DipierroAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Stephen DalinaAye
Council President Leslie KoppelAye
RESOLUTIONS adopted under CONSENT AGENDA are as follows:
R-5-2016-157RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR TO PREPARE AND ADVERTISE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (“RFQ’s”) FOR PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”).
R-5-2016-158RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES UPON THE POSTING OF MAINTENANCE GUARANTEES WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) FOR LAFAYETTE KNOLLS, INC. D/B/A PRIMROSE ACRES, W&S 729, 729.1, 29.2 & 729.3 PB 718-00, PB-732-01, PB 744.01, PB 768-01, PB 772-2 & PB 812-02.
R-5-2016-159RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES UPON THE POSTING OF A MAINTENANCE GUARANTEES WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) FOR STONEBRIDGE AT MONROE, SECTION 4A, (ADDITIONAL PHASE I LOOP) W&S 818.4A, PB-1079-10.
R-5-2016-160RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES UPON THE POSTING OF A MAINTENANCE GUARANTEES WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) FOR STONEBRIDGE AT MONROE, SECTION 4B, W&S 818 818.4B, PB-1093-10.
R-5-2016-161RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) FOR W&S 818.10, STONEBRIDGE @ MONROE, SECTION 10, PB-1125-12.
R-5-2016-162RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES UPON THE POSTING OF A MAINTENANCE GUARANTEES WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) FOR SOUTHFIELD ESTATES, W&S 872, PB-879-03.
R-5-2016-163RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO WESTON & SAMPSON ENGINEERS FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT “M.T.U.D”).
R-5-2016-164RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT NO. 447R “PATCH PAVING AND CONCRETE REPAIR” WITH PA CONTRACTORS, INC. FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D”).
R-5-2016-165RESOLUTION REFUNDING CONSTRUCTION PERMIT FEES.
R-5-2016-166RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR ROCKY BROOK ESTATES (PB-1041-07).
R-5-2016-167RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF A PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR RYSZARD NAWRACAJ (BA-563-02).
R-5-2016-168RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE LOAN REPAYMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE OWNER OF AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNIT LOCATED AT BLOCK 1, LOT 10.02.
R-5-2016-169RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE LOAN REPAYMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE OWNER OF AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNIT LOCATED AT BLOCK 1.14, LOT 6.51, C1148.
R-5-2016-170RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE LOAN REPAYMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE OWNER OF AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNIT LOCATED AT BLOCK 14, LOT 2.51.
R-5-2016-171RESOLUTION REFUNDING THIRD PARTY TAX LIEN PREMIUM PAYMENT.
R-5-2016-172RESOLUTION REFUNDING TAX OVERPAYMENTS.
R-5-2016-173RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO.1 SUBMITTED BY FAI-GON ELECTRIC, INC. IN CONNECTION WITH THE EMERGENCY GENERATOR FOR THE SENIOR CENTER.
R-5-2016-174RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR TO PREPARE QUALIFICATIONS AND ADVERTISE FOR RECEIPT FOR PROPOSALS FOR CONSULTING SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES INVENTORY.
R-5-2016-175RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN ADDITIONAL 90 DAYS OF EXTENDED SICK LEAVE.
R-5-2016-176RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND SUPPORTING THE SUBMISSION OF A MUNICIPAL APPLICATION FOR A 2016 RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM GRANT FROM THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
R-5-2016-177RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ENERGY GENERATION SERVICES FOR PUBLIC USE ON AN ONLINE AUCTION WEBSITE FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE.
R-5-2016-178RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ENERGY GENERATION SERVICES FOR PUBLIC USE ON AN ONLINE AUCTION WEBSITE FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”).
R-5-2016-179RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL FEES RELATED TO THE REPRESENTATION OF THE TOWNSHIP IN CONNECTION WITH A DECLARATORY JUDGMENT ACTION REGARDING THE TOWNSHIP’S COAH COMPLIANCE.
R-5-2016-180RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITIES OF CONCORDIA HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. AND GOLF COURSE OF CONCORDIA, INC. TO PERMIT PUBLIC PLAY ON THE CONCORDIA GOLF COURSE.
R-5-2016-181RESOLUTION GRANTING PERMISSION TO MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION TO CONDUCT A DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS.
Councilman Dipierro – Questioned Resolution #173 – Fai-Gon Electric Change Order and Administrator Hamilton responded that it was a savings of $15,374.85.
Copies of Resolutions Duly Filed.
REPORTS:
Mayor Tamburro – reminded everyone that this year is the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. They will be partnering with various units in town i.e. American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Jewish War Veterans, etc. and two weeks from tonight there will be a Program at the Marasco Performing Arts Center at 7pm. The Township Chorus will be singing and all those that have served during the Vietnam conflict will be recognized. A retired General will be the keynote speaker. All are invited, admission free.
Administrator Hamilton – No other comments
Engineer Rasimowicz – No comments
COUNCIL REPORTS:
Councilwoman Schneider – Reported on the Human Relations Commissions 1st Annual Multi-Cultural Festival which had many local groups participating in the event. She also attended Arbor Day where they planted a weeping cherry tree and the Mayors Bowling Club Tournament at Knob Hill. The Commission on Aging will be holding some evening programs in June. On June 8th the Empty Bowl Dinner & Silent Auction will be held with the admission cost being $5.00 and the proceeds being used to help hunger. Eating & Living Well Nature Series and Pizza Plus Bingo are additional evening programs.
Councilman Dipierro – On April 11th the Historical Commission held its’ regular meeting. A memorial fund was set up for Howard Rosenthal and Barry Falk from Encore, who were both involved in helping and promoting the one-room Schoolhouse at the Dey Farm. Mr. Rosenthal passed away on April 1st and donations have been made to the Historical Commission in his memory. On April 27th both he & the Mayor accepted a sign for the one-room Schoolhouse from the Monroe Township High School Applied Arts and Careers Technology Department. He also mentioned the hard work done by Thomas Petrulowitz at the farm. His Eagle Scout project was to paint the Dey Farm House, replace the shutters and redo the flower beds. He did a fantastic job.
Councilman Michael Leibowitz – Encouraged everyone to attend the ceremony about which the Mayor spoke. He also spoke on the HCD Program that he attended.
Council Vice-President Stephen Dalina – Spoke about “Technology & Turf”. He has been spending time with Virgil Caputo in the Parks Department and Mr. Caputo mentioned the technology that is being used at the Soccer Complex in repairing the turf by using “turf blankets” with great success.
Council President Koppel – Reminded everyone that Memorial Day Services will be held on May 30th at 9am. There will be a wreath laying at the Municipal Complex, and at 9:45am at Veterans Park on Avenue K. All Veteran organizations of Monroe & Jamesburg are invited to participate. There is also transportation provided for the Veterans from the Municipal Complex to and from the dedication ceremony. On May 30th at 7pm the Cultural Arts Commission will host the New Jersey Festival Orchestra with a Chinese Symphony as well. Tickets are free to students. She also mentioned that John Riggs is the May 2016 “Sustainability Hero” from Sustainable New Jersey. Last week John was also awarded the “Environmental Stewardship Award” from the Stony Brook/Millstone Association.
Councilwoman Schneider questioned “Open Space” and “Farmland Preservation” signs in Monroe. Administrator Hamilton responded that he is aware that the County has their signs and he will follow-up. For the parcels that are purchased with local monies, we may have to design something ourselves.
PUBLIC:
Mark Klein, 7 Crenshaw Court – Questioned Resolutions R-5-2016-168, R-5-2016-169 & R-5-2016-170 which pertain to Affordable Housing funds. He stated it looks like we’re rehabilitating three homes, one for each resolution.
Engineer Rasimowicz responded “no”, that is incorrect. He explained the requirements of COAH and Affordable Housing and that the Township provides down payment assistance on these homes. All three are assistance with their loan payments. He next wanted to make a point that when an application goes before the Zoning or Planning Board, we are not allowed to turn down an application for a residential community on the basis of the impact to the school system. Developers do not have to participate in helping us expand our schools. The Master Plan needs to be amended so that the properties that are shown as Residential be changed to Light Industrial to let us build-out. Something must be done to stop the building until we “catch up”. State aid needs to be reconfigured so we can get our fair share.
Charlie Lerman, 11 Doral Drive – Mr. Lerman mentioned that the negotiations between the Township and the Courts regarding Affordable Housing could have been far worse. The number of units approved or waiting for approval is about 4000, some of which are senior but most about 20% will be affordable. This could have been larger. Our Schools are presently overcrowded. In addition, there are also busing issues. He is on a committee of residents that make suggestions to the School Board to remedy this overcrowding situation. What is seriously being considered is a new school from K-6 and expansion of the High School which does not take into consideration the units negotiated under the Affordable Housing agreement. He is critical of the Master Plan as written and feels it needs to be revised to incorporate the Affordable Housing Agreement. The Master Plan poses a burden on the School Budget.
Mayor Tamburro responded that we are burdened by a Court decision that requires us to zone for the units that the Court has approved in order to meet the Affordable Housing requirements. We have the burden to work with what the Court has given us. In an editorial in the Home News it tells how every town in the State is burdened with Affordable Housing. The only project that has been partially approved is “Celebrations”, the rest have not even come in with applications.
Council President Koppel commented that she is in agreement that the Master Plan needs to be revised to work with the COAH Plan and we need to look at the whole Master Plan and this is upon the Mayors direction as well.
Gary Busman, 7 Monarch Road – Announced that tomorrow at 11am the Community Garden will commemorate its 2nd year. The garden opens May 4th and is “sold out”.
Michele Arminio, 9 Nathaniel Street – Commented on the Mayors statements and said it is true we are subject to the Courts decision on Affordable Housing. It is a consequence of previous over-development in Monroe. She feels we would not be obligated to the extent we are if the development plan had been different in Monroe. It is the result of extensive, concentrated and high density development planning that we owe Affordable Housing units to either the state when COAH was in its’ first and second phase. To say we had no knowledge or input in what might be is really not supplying all information.
She next asked for the cost on Resolution R-5-2016-180 - Agreement with Concordia Homeowners Assoc. and the Golf Course to permit public play. She asked if there is any cost to the Municipality and Administrator Hamilton responded “none”. Amount for R-5-2016-176 – Recreation Trails – Administrator Hamilton responded that the amount of the Grant is $30,400 with a local match of $7,600 totaling $38,000. She next stated she did not hear the response to the question of Council Dipierro regarding R-5-2016-173 - Change Order for Fai-gon Electric. Engineer Rasimowicz responded a credit of $15,374.85. The total contract price was $389,067.65.
George Gunkelman, 5 Kelly Court – Mr. Gunkelman questioned Resolutions R-5-2016-157 and R-5-2016-163 related to RFQ’s for hiring professionals. Administrator Hamilton explained that R-5-2016-157 is the annual Professional Services RFQ for the Management of the Utility Department. Councilman Dipierro responded that R-5-2016-163 is Pump Station #2 at headquarters. Mr. Gunkelman asked if it was more economical in R-5-2016-157 to contract Management than to have an employee and Administrator Hamilton responded that there are a limited number of players that have the licenses required.
Mr. Gunkelman next questioned Resolutions R-5-2016 177 and R-5-2016 178 regarding Energy Services. Administrator Hamilton responded that one is for the Municipal General Government and one is for the Utility Department. An energy auction is being done as was done in the past for reduced pricing on electricity. Next he questioned the Budget under Debt Services (including school purchases) and Administrator Hamilton responded that it does not include the school.
Walter “Mickey” Mychalchyk, 9 Hoffman Road – Asked about running water and where it appears in the budget. Administrator Hamilton explained that it is in the Utility Capital Budget and the amount is $250,000. Mr. Barnes pointed out that this is Phase 1 and we are going to do this “in house” with our own crew.
UPON MOTION made by Council Vice-President Dalina and seconded by Councilwoman Schneider, the May 2, 2016 Regular Meeting of Council was Adjourned at 9:00pm.
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 July 5, 2016