Monroe Council Minutes | 7/6/2015

COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING – JULY 6, 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 the 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 and Council President Gerald W. Tamburro.

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

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.

UPON MOTION made by Council Vice-President Koppel and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, the CLAIMS per run date of 06/25/15 were approved for payment as presented.

ROLL CALL: Councilman Stephen DalinaAye

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye

UPON MOTION made by Councilwoman Schneider and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, the MINUTES of the May 04, 2015 Regular Meeting and May 27, 2015 Agenda Meeting were approved as written and presented.

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAbstained

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was moved on second reading for final passage: BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS 2015 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BY AND IN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING $5,895,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $5,611,700 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP TO FINANCE PART OF THE COSTS THEREOF.

ORDINANCE as follows (O-7-2015-010)

BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY (not less than two-thirds of all the members thereof affirmatively concurring), AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION [Field][Field][Field][Field][Field][Field][Field][Field]1. The improvements or purposes described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance are hereby authorized as general improvements or purposes to be undertaken by the Township of Monroe, in the County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey (the “Township”). For the said improvements or purposes stated in Section 3, there is hereby appropriated the aggregate sum of $5,895,000, said sum being inclusive of the sum of $283,300 as the aggregate amount of down payments for said improvements or purposes as required by the Local Bond Law, N.J.S.A. §40A:2-1 et seq. (the “Local Bond Law”). The aggregate down payments are now available by virtue of a provision or provisions in a previously adopted budget or budgets of the Township for down payment or for capital improvement purposes.

SECTION 2. For the financing of said improvements or purposes described in Section 3 hereof and to meet the part of said $5,895,000 appropriation not provided for by application hereunder of said down payments, negotiable bonds of the Township are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount not exceeding $5,611,700 pursuant to the Local Bond Law. In anticipation of the issuance of said bonds and to temporarily finance said improvements or purposes, negotiable notes of the Township in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $5,611,700 are hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to and within the limitations prescribed by said Local Bond Law.

SECTION 3. (a)The improvements hereby authorized and purposes for the financing of which said obligations are to be issued include, but are not limited to, the following:

Description	Appropriation	Authorization	Down Payment	Useful Life
(i) Purchase of library books; and	$150,000	$142,800	$7,200	5 years
(ii) Various roadway and sidewalk improvements to various roads in the Township, including but not limited to, as applicable, milling, paving, reconstruction and resurfacing the roadways, the repairing and/or installation of curbs, sidewalks, driveway aprons, retaining walls and curb ramps, drainage work, site work, clearing, tree removal, roadway painting, landscaping and other aesthetic improvements; and	$785,000	$747,000	$38,000	20 years
(iii) Various drainage improvements within the Township and GIS mapping; and	$100,000	$95,200	$4,800	10 years
(iv) Radio system upgrades; and	$3,000,000	$2,856,000	$144,000	5 years
(v) Perrineville Road and Federal Road traffic signals; and	$1,500,000	$1,428,000	$72,000	10 years
(vi) Matchaponix and Spotswood Gravel Hill Road travel signals; and	$100,000	$95,200	$4,800	10 years
(vii) sidewalk and curb improvements; and (viii) soccer field fences; and	$110,000 $50,000	$104,700 $47,600	$5,300 $2,400	15 years 10 years
(ix) Walkable Community Bike Route. TOTALS	$100,000 $5,895,000	$95,200 $5,611,700	$4,800 $283,300	10 years 8.75 years

(b)The aggregate estimated maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued for said improvements or purposes is $5,611,700.

(c)The aggregate estimated cost of said improvements or purposes is $5,895,000, the excess amount thereof over the said estimated maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued therefor, being the aggregate amount of the down payments available for said purposes.

(d)All such improvements or purposes set forth in Section 3(a) shall include, but are not limited to, all engineering and design work, consulting, surveying, construction planning, preparation of plans and specifications, permits, bid documents, construction inspection and contract administration, and also shall include all work, materials, equipment, accessories, labor and appurtenances necessary therefor or incidental thereto and all in accordance with the plans and specifications therefor on file in the Office of the Clerk of the Township and available for public inspection and hereby approved.

SECTION 4.[Field] In the event the United States of America, the State of New Jersey, and/or the County of Middlesex make a contribution or grant in aid to the Township for the improvements and purposes authorized hereby and the same shall be received by the Township prior to the issuance of the bonds or notes authorized in Section 2 hereof, then the amount of such bonds or notes to be issued shall be reduced by the amount so received from the United States of America, the State of New Jersey, and/or the County of Middlesex. In the event, however, that any amount so contributed or granted by the United States of America, the State of New Jersey, and/or the County of Middlesex shall be received by the Township after the issuance of the bonds or notes authorized in Section 2 hereof, then such funds shall be applied to the payment of the bonds or notes so issued and shall be used for no other purpose.

SECTION 5. All bond anticipation notes issued hereunder shall mature at such times as may be determined by the Chief Financial Officer of the Township, provided that no note shall mature later than one (1) year from its date. The notes shall bear interest at such rate or rates and be in such form as may be determined by the Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer of the Township shall determine all matters in connection with the notes issued pursuant to this bond ordinance, and the signature of the Chief Financial Officer upon the notes shall be conclusive evidence as to all such determinations. All notes issued hereunder may be renewed from time to time in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:2-8.1. The Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to sell part or all of the notes from time to time at a public or private sale and to deliver them to the purchaser thereof upon receipt of payment of the purchase price and accrued interest thereon from their dates to the date of delivery thereof. The Chief Financial Officer is directed to report in writing to the governing body at the meeting next succeeding the date when any sale or delivery of the notes pursuant to this bond ordinance is made. Such report must include the principal amount, the description, the interest rate, the maturity schedule of the notes so sold, the price obtained and the name of the purchaser.

SECTION 6. The capital budget of the Township is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this bond ordinance to the extent of any inconsistency herewith and a resolution in the form promulgated by the Local Finance Board showing full detail of the amended capital budget and capital programs as approved by the Director of the Division of Local Government Services, Department of Community Affairs, State of New Jersey, is on file in the Office of the Clerk of the Township and is available for public inspection.

SECTION 7. The following additional matters are hereby determined, declared, recited and stated:

(a)The purposes described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance are not current expenses and are improvements which the Township may lawfully undertake as general improvements, and no part of the cost thereof has been or shall be specially assessed on property specially benefited thereby.

(b)The average period of usefulness of said purposes within the limitations of said Local Bond Law, according to the reasonable life thereof computed from the date of the said bonds authorized by this bond ordinance, is 8.75 years.

(c)The supplemental debt statement required by the Local Bond Law has been duly made and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Township and a complete executed duplicate thereof has been filed in the Office of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services, Department of Community Affairs, State of New Jersey, and such statement shows that the gross debt of the Township as defined in the Local Bond Law is increased by the authorization of the bonds or notes provided for in this bond ordinance by $5,611,700 and the said obligations authorized by this bond ordinance will be within all debt limitations prescribed by said Local Bond Law.

(d)An aggregate amount not exceeding $382,000 for items of expense listed in and permitted under N.J.S.A. 40A:2-20 is included in the estimated cost indicated herein for the purposes or improvements herein before described.

SECTION 8.[Field] The full faith and credit of the Township are hereby pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and the interest on the obligations authorized by this bond ordinance. The obligations shall be direct, unlimited obligations of the Township, and the Township shall be obligated to levy ad valorem taxes upon all the taxable property within the Township for the payment of the principal of the obligations and the interest thereon without limitation as to rate or amount.

SECTION 9. The Township reasonably expects to reimburse any expenditures toward the costs of the improvements or purposes described in Section 3 hereof and paid prior to the issuance of any bonds or notes authorized by this bond ordinance with the proceeds of such bonds or notes. This Section 9 is intended to be and hereby is a declaration of the Township's official intent to reimburse any expenditures toward the costs of the improvements or purposes described in Section 3 hereof to be incurred and paid prior to the issuance of bonds or notes authorized herein in accordance with Treasury Regulations §1.150-2. No reimbursement allocation will employ an “abusive arbitrage device” under Treasury Regulations §1.148-10 to avoid the arbitrage restrictions or to avoid the restrictions under Sections 142 through 147, inclusive, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The proceeds of any bonds or notes authorized herein used to reimburse the Township for costs of the improvements or purposes described in Section 3 hereof, or funds corresponding to such amounts, will not be used in a manner that results in the creation of “replacement proceeds”, including “sinking funds”, “pledged funds” or funds subject to a “negative pledge” (as such terms are defined in Treasury Regulations §1.148-1), of any bonds or notes authorized herein or another issue of debt obligations of the Township other than amounts deposited into a “bona fide debt service fund” (as defined in Treasury Regulations §1.148-1). The bonds or notes authorized herein to reimburse the Township for any expenditures toward the costs of the improvements or purposes described in Section 3 hereof will be issued in an amount not to exceed $5,611,700. The costs to be reimbursed with the proceeds of the bonds or notes authorized herein will be "capital expenditures" in accordance with the meaning of section 150 of the Code. All reimbursement allocations will occur not later than eighteen (18) months after the later of (i) the date the expenditure from a source other than any bonds or notes authorized herein is paid, or (ii) the date the improvements or purposes described in Section 3 hereof is “placed in service” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations §1.150-2) or abandoned, but in no event more than three (3) years after the expenditure is paid.

SECTION 10. The Township covenants to maintain the exclusion from gross income under Section 103(a) of the Code of the interest on all bonds and notes issued under this bond ordinance.

SECTION 11. This bond ordinance shall take effect twenty (20) days after the first publication thereof after final adoption, as provided by the Local Bond Law.

Council President Tamburro opened the Public Hearing to Council and Public discussion of this Ordinance.

Administrator Wayne Hamilton gave a brief overview of the Bond Ordinance. The two principal capital improvement projects that are being funded are the Police communication radio system upgrade and the installation of a traffic signal at Perrineville Road and Federal Road. At next month’s meeting we will be executing a shared services agreement with the Township of East Brunswick so that we are able to tap into their radio communication master core and by doing this we will be saving a considerable amount of money.

There was no Council or Public discussion of this Ordinance.

As Councilman Leibowitz and Council Vice-President Koppel regularly moved and seconded the adoption, an Ordinance of which the following is the title, was passed on Second Reading and Final Adoption: BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS 2015 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BY AND IN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING $5,895,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $5,611,700 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP TO FINANCE PART OF THE COSTS THEREOF.

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye

Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed.

O-7-2015-010

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Councilman Dalina, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was moved on second reading for final passage:

BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS 2015 WATER AND SEWER UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS BY AND IN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING $5,275,000 THEREFOR FROM THE WATER AND SEWER UTILITY OF THE TOWNSHIP AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $5,275,000 BONDS OR NOTES TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF

ORDINANCE as follows (O-7-2015-011)

SECTION 1. The improvements or purposes described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance are hereby authorized to be undertaken by the Water and Sewer Utility of the Township of Monroe, in the County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey (the “Township”) as general improvements. For the said improvements stated in Section 3, there is hereby appropriated the principal amount of $5,275,000 from the Water and Sewer Utility of the Township. Pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:2-7(h) and 40A:2-11(c) of the Local Bond Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:2-1 et seq. (the “Local Bond Law”), no down payment is required as the Water and Sewer Utility is self-liquidating.

SECTION 2. For the financing of said improvement or purpose described in Section 3 hereof and to meet the $5,275,000 appropriation, negotiable bonds of the Water and Sewer Utility of the Township are hereby authorized to be issued in the principal amount of $5,275,000 pursuant to the Local Bond Law. In anticipation of the issuance of said bonds and to temporarily finance said improvement or purpose, negotiable notes of the Water and Sewer Utility of the Township in a principal amount not exceeding $5,275,000 are hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to and within the limitations prescribed by the Local Bond Law.

SECTION 3. (a)The improvements hereby authorized and purposes for the financing of which said bonds or notes are to be issued, include but are not limited to, as follows:

Description

Total

Appropriation

Debt

Authorization

Useful

Life

(i) Various water improvements and equipment; and

$2,245,000

15 years

(iii) vehicle replacements; and

$125,000

5 years

(iv) Various sewer improvements including pump station upgrades and equipment; and

(v) MTUD office improvements, including HVA, security and landscaping.

$2,355,000

$300,000

$2,355,000

$300,000

15 years

10 years

TOTALS

$5,275,000

14.24 years

(b)All such improvements or purposes set forth in Section 3(a) shall include, but are not limited to, all engineering and design work, surveying, construction planning, preparation of plans and specifications, permits, bid documents, construction inspection and contract administration, and all work, materials, equipment, labor and appurtenances necessary therefor or incidental thereto and all in accordance with the plans and specifications therefor on file in the Office of the Clerk of the Township and available for public inspection and hereby approved.

[Field][Field][Field][Field][Field][Field][Field][Field](c)The estimated maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued for said improvement or purpose is $5,275,000.

(d)The estimated cost of said improvement or purpose is $5,275,000.

SECTION 4. In the event the United States of America, the State of New Jersey, and/or the County of Middlesex make a contribution or grant in aid to the Township for the improvements and purposes authorized hereby and the same shall be received by the Township prior to the issuance of the bonds or notes authorized in Section 2 hereof, then the amount of such bonds or notes to be issued shall be reduced by the amount so received from the United States of America, the State of New Jersey, and/or the County of Middlesex. In the event, however, that any amount so contributed or granted by the United States of America, the State of New Jersey, and/or the County of Middlesex shall be received by the Township after the issuance of the bonds or notes authorized in Section 2 hereof, then such funds shall be applied to the payment of the bonds or notes so issued and shall be used for no other purpose. This Section 4 shall not apply, however, with respect to any contribution or grant in aid received by the Township as a result of using funds from this bond ordinance as “matching local funds” to receive such contribution or grant in aid.

SECTION 5. All bond anticipation notes issued hereunder shall mature at such time as may be determined by the Chief Financial Officer of the Township, provided that no note shall mature later than one (1) year from its date. The notes shall bear interest at such rate or rates and be in such form as may be determined by the Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer of the Township shall determine all matters in connection with the notes issued pursuant to this bond ordinance, and the signature of the Chief Financial Officer upon the notes shall be conclusive evidence as to all such determinations. All notes issued hereunder may be renewed from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the Local Bond Law. The Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to sell part or all of the notes from time to time at public or private sale and to deliver them to the purchaser thereof upon receipt of payment of the purchase price and accrued interest thereon from their dates to the date of delivery thereof. The Chief Financial Officer is directed to report in writing to the governing body at the meeting next succeeding the date when any sale or delivery of the notes pursuant to this bond ordinance is made. Such report must include the principal amount, the description, the interest rate, the maturity schedule of the notes so sold, the price obtained and the name of the purchaser.

SECTION 6. The capital budget of the Water and Sewer Utility of the Township is hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this bond ordinance, and to the extent of any inconsistency herewith, a resolution in the form promulgated by the Local Finance Board showing full detail of the amended capital budget and capital programs as approved by the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs will be on file in the Office of the Clerk and will be available for public inspection.

SECTION 7. The following additional matters are hereby determined, declared, recited and stated:

(a)The purposes described in Section 3 of this bond ordinance are not current expenses and are improvements or purposes which the Water and Sewer Utility of the Township may lawfully undertake as general improvements or purposes, and no part of the cost thereof has been or shall be specially assessed on property specially benefited thereby.

(b)The period of usefulness of said improvements or purposes within the limitations of said Local Bond Law, according to the reasonable life thereof computed from the date of the said bonds authorized by this bond ordinance, is 14.24 years.

(c)The supplemental debt statement required by the Local Bond Law has been duly made and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Township and a complete executed duplicate thereof has been filed in the Office of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, and such statement shows that the gross debt of the Water and Sewer Utility of the Township as defined in the Local Bond Law is increased by the authorization of the bonds or notes provided for in this bond ordinance by $5,275,000 and the said obligations authorized by this bond ordinance will be within all debt limitations prescribed by said Local Bond Law.

(d)An aggregate amount not exceeding $1,090,000 for items of expense listed in and permitted under N.J.S.A. § 40A:2-20 is included in the estimated cost indicated herein for the purposes or improvements hereinbefore described.

SECTION 8. Unless paid from other sources, the full faith and credit of the Township are hereby pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and the interest on the obligations authorized by this bond ordinance. Unless paid from other sources, the obligations shall be direct, unlimited obligations of the Township, and the Township shall be obligated to levy ad valorem taxes upon all the taxable property within the Township for the payment of the obligations and the interest thereon without limitation as to rate or amount.

SECTION 9. The Township reasonably expects to reimburse any expenditures toward the costs of the improvements or purposes described in Section 3 hereof and paid prior to the issuance of any bonds or notes authorized by this bond ordinance with the proceeds of such bonds or notes. This Section 9 is intended to be and hereby is a declaration of the Township's official intent to reimburse any expenditures toward the costs of the improvements or purposes described in Section 3 hereof to be incurred and paid prior to the issuance of bonds or notes authorized herein in accordance with Treasury Regulations §1.150-2. No reimbursement allocation will employ an “abusive arbitrage device” under Treasury Regulations §1.148-10 to avoid the arbitrage restrictions or to avoid the restrictions under Sections 142 through 147, inclusive, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The proceeds of any bonds or notes authorized herein used to reimburse the Township for costs of the improvements or purposes described in Section 3 hereof, or funds corresponding to such amounts, will not be used in a manner that results in the creation of “replacement proceeds”, including “sinking funds”, “pledged funds” or funds subject to a “negative pledge” (as such terms are defined in Treasury Regulations §1.148-1), of any bonds or notes authorized herein or another issue of debt obligations of the Township other than amounts deposited into a “bona fide debt service fund” (as defined in Treasury Regulations §1.148-1). The bonds or notes authorized herein to reimburse the Township for any expenditures toward the costs of the improvements or purposes described in Section 3 hereof will be issued in an amount not to exceed $5,275,000. The costs to be reimbursed with the proceeds of the bonds or notes authorized herein will be "capital expenditures" in accordance with the meaning of section 150 of the Code. All reimbursement allocations will occur not later than eighteen (18) months after the later of (i) the date the expenditure from a source other than any bonds or notes authorized herein is paid, or (ii) the date the improvements or purposes described in Section 3 hereof is “placed in service” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations §1.150-2) or abandoned, but in no event more than three (3) years after the expenditure is paid.

SECTION 10. The Township covenants to maintain the exclusion from gross income under Section 103(a) of the Code of the interest on all bonds and notes issued under this ordinance.

SECTION 11. This bond ordinance shall take effect twenty (20) days after final adoption, and approved by the Mayor, as provided by the Local Bond Law.

Council President Tamburro opened the Public Hearing to Council and Public discussion of this Ordinance.

There was no Council discussion of this Ordinance.

Hy Grossman – 15 Doral Drive – Requested clarification if bond ordinance is providing for water and sewer utility improvements and why is there no direct reference to pledge the revenues from the utilities system to pay off the bonds?

Administrator Hamilton responded that these are general obligation bonds which are specifically beholding to the rate payers and the dedicated water and sewer utility. The revenues will be dedicated to repaying the bonds.

Hy Grossman – that language should be in the Ordinance

Charlie Lerman – 11 Doral Drive – Stated that when the Township took over the MTUD they had an excess of $40 million dollars. That money has been used to offset property tax increases. Believes the reason the utility company built up such reserves is to update equipment as well as adding additional equipment to better serve the residents of Monroe Twp. Asked for an explanation as to why the money was used to offset taxes and now we are financing that expense because those reserves are no longer available.

Administration Hamilton responded that the key to a good Standard & Poor’s rating is the ability of a town to facilitate and navigate a stormy day. The whole prospect of financing utility bonds is if you have something with a useful life of 30 years, the tax burden should not be only on the rate payers of today and should be spread out over the 30 year use.

Council President Tamburro added that currently there is approximately 1/3 of the township that does not currently use water and sewer, having wells and septic systems. Financing allows the burden over the life span of the repairs and those people that come on in the future will also be bearing the burden. In addition, the interest rates are so low today that it doesn’t make any sense not to finance the bonds.

As Councilman Leibowitz and Councilman Dalina regularly moved and seconded the adoption, an Ordinance of which the following is the title, was passed on Second Reading and Final Adoption: BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS 2015 WATER AND SEWER UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS BY AND IN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING $5,275,000 THEREFOR FROM THE WATER AND SEWER UTILITY OF THE TOWNSHIP AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $5,275,000 BONDS OR NOTES TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF.

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye

Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed.

O-7-2015-011

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, 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”. (Remove Stop Sign on Cleveland Ave / Add Stop Signs on River Street and Astor Place)

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye

Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed.

UPON MOTION made by Councilwoman Schneider and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was introduced on first reading for final passage: ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE CONVEYANCE OF A DEED OF EASEMENT AND ACCEPTING LAND TO BE DEDICATED FOR PURPOSES OF SANITARY SEWER & WATER EASEMENT AND EMERGENCY ACCESS EASEMENT IN RENAISSANCE AT MONROE RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION FROM CENTEX HOMES, LLC.

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye

Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed.

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was introduced on first reading for final passage: ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE CONVEYANCE OF A DEED OF EASEMENT AND ACCEPTING LAND TO BE DEDICATED FOR PURPOSES OF SANITARY SEWER & WATER EASEMENT AND EMERGENCY ACCESS EASEMENT IN RENAISSANCE AT MONROE RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION FROM PAUL BROTTMAN, MURRAY TORNOPSKY AND ROSALIE TORNOPSKY.

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye

Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed.

UPON MOTION made by Councilwoman Schneider and seconded by Councilman Dalina, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was introduced on first reading for final passage: A LOAN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE ENTERING INTO, EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT WITH THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY FOR THE UNDERTAKING OF VARIOUS 2015 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND THE ACQUISITION AND INSTALLATION, AS APPLICABLE, OF VARIOUS EQUIPMENT WITH AN ESTIMATED COST OF $609,000, THE COST OF SUCH IMPROVEMENTS AND EQUIPMENT TO BE FINANCED THROUGH THE ISSUANCE OF COUNTY-GUARANTEED CAPITAL EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2015 OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY.

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye

Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed.

UPON MOTION made by Councilwoman Schneider and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was introduced on first reading for final passage: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE ENTERING INTO, EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A LEASE AND AGREEMENT WITH THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF COUNTY-GUARANTEED CAPITAL EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2015 OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY.

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye

Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed.

Council President Tamburro requested the Council Members to review Items 14.a. thru 14.dd. of the Consent Agenda and if there are any questions, he will be happy to address them.

Councilman Dalina questioned Item 14.q. inquiring as to whether there are any additional auto wrecking/junk yard licenses to be renewed this year to which the Municipal Clerk responded “no”.

Councilwoman Schneider questioned Item 14.aa. asking if the County will be involved with the bus shelter?

Administrator Hamilton responded “yes”, this is a replacement bus shelter by Rossmoor on Applegarth Road that is being paid for by NJ Transit. This will then be turned over to the Township and we will assume the obligation of it but, yes, the County does have to review it.

Council President Tamburro added that this bus shelter was destroyed during Super Storm Sandy and once it is paid for, it will be turned over to us.

UPON MOTION made by Councilwoman Schneider and seconded by Councilman Dalina, 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 KoppelAye

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye

RESOLUTIONS adopted under the CONSENT AGENDA are entitled as follows:

R-7-2015-148RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF THE LETTER OF CREDIT POSTED WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) UPON THE POSTING OF A MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE FOR M&R WAREHOUSING, INC. (THOMAS REAGAN) PB-609-98 W&S 819.

R-7-2015-149RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) FOR REGENCY @ MONROE, SECTION 8, (W&S 684.8 H & I) - PB#1101-11.

R-7-2015-150RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO UTILITY SERVICE AFFILIATES, INC. FOR UTILITY MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”).

R-7-2015-151RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MODIFICATION TO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT AWARDED TO GANNET FLEMING, INC. FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN SERVICES RELATED TO CONTRACT NO. 393 FOR WELL 22 – ADDITIONAL TREATMENT FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”).

R-7-2015-152RESOLUTION 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 2015.

R-7-2015-153RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MONROE TOWNSHIP TAX COLLECTOR TO HOLD AN ELECTRONIC TAX SALE FOR 2015.

R-7-2015-154RESOLUTION REFUNDING THIRD PARTY TAX LIEN PREMIUM PAYMENTS.

R-7-2015-155RESOLUTION REFUNDING TAX OVERPAYMENTS.

R-7-2015-156RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE LOAN REPAYMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE OWNER OF AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNIT LOCATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE. (Block 14.13, Lot 59)

R-7-2015-157RESOLUTION 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) Municipal Court Alcohol Education, Rehabilitation and Enforcement Fund Grant in the amt. of $1,296.53

R-7-2015-158RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL FEES TO SHAIN, SCHAFFER & RAFANELLO, P.C. TO HANDLE VARIOUS STATE TAX COURT APPEALS IN YEAR 2015 AS EXTRAORDINARY LITIGATION.

R-7-2015-159RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A VEHICLE FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER THE CRANFORD POLICE COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM.

R-7-2015-160RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) VEHICLES UNDER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT.

R-7-2015-161RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO HATCH MOTT MACDONALD FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR WATER SYSTEM HYDRAULIC MODELING OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”).

R-7-2015-162RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO HATCH MOTT MACDONALD FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR WATER SYSTEM HYDRAULIC MODEL CALIBRATION FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D”).

R-7-2015-163RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO HATCH MOTT MACDONALD FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR 2015 WATER SYSTEM MASTER PERMIT UPDATE FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”).

R-7-2015-164RESOLUTION RENEWING AUTO WRECKING / JUNK YARD PERMITS FOR THE 2015 – 2016 LICENSE TERM.

R-7-2015-165RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RENEWAL OF DOG KENNEL LICENSES FOR THE 2015 – 2016 LICENSE TERM.

R-7-2015-166RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR ORCHARDS @ MONROE – CENTER VILLAGE (PB-1089-10).

R-7-2015-167RESOLUTION PROVIDING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER TO THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD. (Appointment of Joseph W. Delaney to fill an unexpired 2 year term ending 12/31/2015)

R-7-2015-168RESOLUTION PROVIDING ADVICE AND CONSENT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER TO THE OPEN SPACE AND FARMLAND PRESERVATION COMMISSION. (Appointment of Joseph Sapia to a 1 year term expiring 12/31/2015)

R-7-2015-169RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF BID FOR MONROE TOWNSHIP SECURITY, FIRE, CAMERAS & ACCESS SYSTEMS.

R-7-2015-170RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE LOAN REPAYMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE OWNER OF AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNIT LOCATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE. (Block 14.11, Lot 11)

R-7-2015-171RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO CONTRACT NO. 439, “UTILITY SERVICE BODY” AWARDED TO DEJANA TRUCK & UTILITY EQUIPMENT CO. BY THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”).

R-7-2015-172RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT WITH CENTER STATE ENGINEERING FOR ADA SITE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MONROE TOWNSHIP SENIOR CENTER.

R-7-2015-173RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO JOHNSON, MIRMIRAN & THOMPSON, INC. FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”).

R-7-2015-174RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN NEW JERSEY TRANSIT CORPORATION, THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE AND COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX FOR THE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A BUS SHELTER ON APPLEGARTH ROAD (CR 619), NORTHBOUND.

R-7-2015-175RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSES FOR THE 2015 – 2016 LICENSE TERM.

R-7-2015-176RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE COMBINATION OF CERTAIN BOND ISSUES AND DETERMINING THE FORM AND OTHER DETAILS OF THE OFFERING OF NOT EXCEEDING $33,200,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2015 OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, CONSISTING OF NOT EXCEEDING $3,200,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2015 AND $30,000,000 WATER-SEWER UTILITY BONDS, SERIES 2015 AND PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF SUCH BONDS, AND DETERMINING CERTAIN MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO AND WITH RESPECT TO THE SALE AND ISSUANCE OF $7,500,000 BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES.

R-7-2015-177RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO TIMOTHY HOFFMAN, INC. FOR APPRAISAL SERVICES.

Copies of Resolutions Duly Filed.

REPORTS:

Mayor Pucci – no report

Business Administrator Hamilton-

Informed everyone of a coyote attack that took place in Spotswood. There have been more and more sightings of coyotes in our immediate area and asked everyone to be alert and vigilant.
Standard and Poor’s rating review was June 25th, will know the results next week. We are currently rated AA Stable and are hoping to get an improvement in that rating.

Engineer Rasimowicz – No report

COUNCIL REPORTS:

Councilman Leibowitz – No report

Councilman Dalina-

Great Fourth of July fireworks show with over 10,000 attendees. Thanked the Police, Public Works, Recreation, Transportation Departments and EMS for their efforts.
Thank-you to Boy Scout Troop #60 for going out with Public Works and MTUD and painting fire hydrants. This was a group project last year and out of the kindness of their hearts they asked if they could do it once again this year. Thank you again for their efforts and service to the community.
Monroe Township Library is having a celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the end of World War II.
July 9th at 7p.m. – naming of a field at the Thomas L. Allen Softball Complex in honor of Ellen Scarpari. She was one of the founding members of the girls’ softball association and sadly passed away two years ago.

Councilwoman Schneider -

Fourth of July fireworks was a wonderful evening. Thanked EMS, Police and all Departments for helping make this such a successful event.

Council Vice-President Koppel -

July 9th at 6 p.m. the Jodie Joseph Band will be performing current and classical rock at the Open Grove Gazebo in Thompson Park and going forward live music will be played every Thursday at 6p.m. Bring your lawn chairs.

July 11th at 7 p.m. there will be a Cabaret “Love, Marriage and Liposuction” at the Senior Center.
August 4th at Thompson Park is “National Night Out”; this is a night to meet the Volunteers, Police Dept., EMS and Fire Departments of our community.
Read into the record correspondence received from Sherry Friedman of the League of Women Voters thanking John Katerba, on behalf of the Historical Society and all Departments that made it possible, for the informative and entertaining tour of Monroe Township. For many years John has run this trip for anyone who asks and we thank him and appreciate his dedication.

Council President Tamburro –

In the case of inclement weather, the Thursday night summer concert series will be held at the Senior Center.
Fourth of July fireworks was an extraordinary display. The Recreation Department had more vendors this year than any other year. In lieu of charging the food vendors, food vendors were asked to donate gift cards to our food bank and because of this effort several thousands of dollars was raised.

PUBLIC:

Charlie Lerman, 11 Doral Drive – Thanked everyone for their efforts in getting the traffic light at 522 and Buckelew completed.

Allan Kahn, 11 Crenshaw Court – Requested clarification on Item 14.y. of the Consent Agenda regarding ADA Site Improvements to the Senior Center.

Engineer Rasimowicz responded saying this is for additional handicap parking in the front of the building.

Administrator Hamilton further added that it is being paid for with HCD funding.

Phil Levy, 92 Kings Mill Road – Thanked the Engineer and DPW for their fast response in fixing a break in the roadway on the bridge by Union Hill Road that he had reported about 2 ½ weeks ago. Thank you for keeping the town safe.

Chanie Zaklikovsky – 261 Gravel Hill Road – Monroe resident for 12 years and proud to say also a contributing resident. On behalf of my husband and myself, our town is a beautiful place and I appreciate all the support the Mayor and Council have given us over the years. Stated she would like to discuss an issue close to her heart. This issue is caught up in a legal debate and will not and cannot speak about any of the legal issues involved but would like to take the opportunity to educate the Council regarding its emotional, social and moral impact on the people of Monroe. The issue is a Center that she co-directs with her husband and it offers religious services, like a synagogue, but more importantly, it offers education and social services. It contributes to the community with adult education, film festivals, lectures and children’s programs. It pairs our residents with volunteer opportunities, reaching out to the vulnerable and serving the needy. It connects our residents with computer programs where they can skype and teach English, inspire and make a difference. Over the years, thousands of Monroe residents have been impacted and continue to be impacted. Our little Center, which is also our residence, is in the corn fields and is too small to accommodate our growing needs. We found a place where we can expand, and more importantly, its location will allow the Chabad observant residents to walk to the Center, as the new location is walkable from at least five adult communities. There is no such other land opportunity in Monroe. The more observant are also full-fledged, honorable tax paying members of the community and they deserve the Center; Monroe deserves the Center. If you can please allow some of our residents to talk about how the Chabad Jewish Center is so important and hear their stories. I know you can help us take the next step towards a bigger and better future helping everyone.

Council President Tamburro thanked Mrs. Zaklikovsky for her comments, stating that like her, the Council can’t talk about any of the issues because it is in litigation, but we welcome anyone who wants to speak, however, we won’t be able to comment.

Solomon Beck, 8A Ethan Allen Court – Thanked the Council, Mayor Pucci and everyone who has done a wonderful job with the town. Stated he and his wife have been residents of Concordia for the last 13 years. Living in Monroe Twp., we feel the town Council has done a wonderful job of keeping Monroe safe and beautiful, especially with the addition of the new Senior Center, where the programs have enriched our lives. However, with so much conflict in the world, we wonder if there is a place to teach tolerance, love and service to our less fortunate. We feel that our churches, our mosques and our synagogues fill that important job. The more we support our religious institutions we strengthen our communities. That is why I’m addressing you, to ask you for your support to approve the use of the 2 ½ acres of land near the corner of Prospect Plains and Half Acre Road for the Chabad Jewish Center of Monroe. The Chabad Jewish Center has been looking for a sight for over ten years. One they could afford that is convenient to the elderly of our congregation, has a visibility to easily find; not like our current location in the corn fields. Our present location is much too small and cannot accommodate our member needs. It is crucial that we have this location to serve the many families that live in Concordia, Clearbrook, Greenbriar, Whittingham and Encore. Many of the adult communities are required to walk to the synagogue on the Sabbath. The Center would be a place for learning for everyone, whether Jewish or non-Jewish. We have enough open space and parks for our citizens. The question you have to ask yourselves is what is the best use for 2.5 acres of land, a small park that you visit or a cultural center that will service over 1000 families or more to enrich their lives culturally and spiritually. It is obvious to me and others that the Center would enrich our lives and I hope you will all support me, my fellow congregates and Rabbi and Mrs. Zaklikovsky in making this become a reality.

Tiby Lapkin, 2 Halifax Drive – State she has been living in Monroe Twp. for over 20 years and it’s been a perfect delight. Would like to comment on how the Chabad Center really enriches our entire township, offering benefits that are religiously, culturally, educationally and socially enriching

Ms. Lapkin read a letter into the record from one of Chabad’s congregants, BB Ettar of Clearbrook stating she represents one of hundreds of local Monroe residents who participate and benefit from all the religious, educational and social programs offered to our residents by Chabad Jewish Center. Like many of my fellow congregants, most of my life focuses on the Chabad Jewish Center of Monroe Twp. The spiritual, intellectual and community stimulation we receive from the Rabbi and Mrs. Zaklikovsky enriches our lives on a daily basis. You can well imagine how enthusiastic we were about the purchase of land at the perfect location for us for the building of a new temple. A place to answer our needs for our expanding congregation, but for over a year now we have seen our wonderful endeavor blocked by one obstacle after another by Monroe Township’s Officials. Obstacles and claims, counter-claims and more obstacles that are costing Monroe citizens lots of money. Money for town lawyers, money owed for taxes from Chabad for land they already own but are disallowed to use, money for Chabad to defend itself and to try and settle this case, money for the Council’s request to have us present a concept plan, and all the while, we are forbidden to discuss this with the Council or with township officials because of pending litigation. Much needed donations for the land purchase that cannot be collected and it just goes around month after month with no satisfactory end in sight. Almost surely, not for the Chabad Jewish Center and all of the people it embraces and serves. We have also been made aware not only of the myriad of details and derailments of the continuing Motions, but by the town Council’s lack of awareness of this case, hence the reason we are here this evening, to bring this matter before you in the hope that it will enable momentum for a positive non-political discussion toward a just solution and open the road blocks that have been stalling any progress toward a solution.

Steve Gorbe, 113 Gravel Hill-Spotswood Road – Addressed unsafe fire hydrant access, informing the Council that there are many unsafe locations where fire hydrants are located. Firemen have to jump over guard-rails to get to the hydrants. Mr. Gorbe handed out pictures of some of these unsafe locations. Also stated that he put in an OPRA request to the Fire Districts to see how many firemen were injured and on workman’s comp. From 2010-2015 that number was 11. Unsafe conditions need to be addressed to avoid additional firemen getting hurt.

MTUD Director Michael Barnes stated that this has been brought to the County’s attention and have yet to hear back. The Township is not allowed to change the guard-rails on County roads. There are other hydrants in the area and if they wanted to skip one, there is another one within 300’.

Council President Tamburro stated the guard-rails on those roads were a safety requirement of the County.

Morley Meldon, 16 Phillip Court – Suggested the Council study the idea of having the property taxes include sewer fees.

Council President Tamburro stated we have a separate operating budget for Utilities and it must remain separate. Subsequently, it cannot be included in the taxes because the rates are based on the budgeting done for water and sewer.

Ed Lazarus, 504 Skylark Drive – Thanked the Mayor and Council for the opportunity to come before them to discuss our problem. The Chabad of Monroe is the only officially sponsored congregation of the World-Wide Chabad Organization which will celebrate its 13th year here in the Township. We went from sharing facilities to having our current facility in a corn field. Now our membership has expanded, with our congregation running out of seats in the building on a continual basis. That’s why we seek another location, so we can build a facility to serve our members and our township residents properly in a location that’s convenient to the residents. After having contracted for the purchase and paying for this property, many road blocks have been placed in our way by the Township, to the degree that at a meeting at the Ponds with Mr. Tamburro in attendance, a question was asked of him regarding the many road blocks in our way since we purchased the property and his answer to us was “Why do you have plans for this property; we were planning to use that property for our lacrosse field”. There are other facilities built in the Township for this purpose, so why another one that has to be built from scratch”. So a question arises, was this a decision made by the Township Council; when was it made and was the Council even aware that this property was condemned after purchased by the Chabad?

Council President Tamburro stated the only thing correct about the statement Mr. Lazarus made was that I was at the Ponds. I never said anything about a lacrosse field.

David Whitebook, - 35 Whitehall Road – Stated that every year he votes in favor of the school budget. He doesn’t have any children in the schools, but votes in favor because of the good education he received in Monroe Township and feels it’s his responsibility to help the students now. We’re a community and should all care about each other, so as a matter of principal, I support the school budget. Because of Chabad, I have become very involved in my religion. Today, from what you heard from all the people speaking of all the benefits of Chabad for our township residents, I urge the Council to do what you can to speed up the process because we are all on the same side and the new Chabad house will make it a better community.

Emine Ahmed - 1399 Perrineville Road – wrote a letter to Council and Planning and Zoning Board because she did not receive a Notice of an application of radiation towers going up on a sports center located near her home.

Engineer Rasimowicz responded to Ms. Ahmed’s concern that she was not notified about a Planning Board application. He stated Public notice is required for all properties located within 200’ of the property in question and her property is beyond 200’ from the application that was in question that night.

Ms. Ahmed asked if she has a right to appeal the 200’ notification law and Council President Tamburro responded that the 200’ notification requirement is State Law.

Ms. Ahmed asked if the radiation will affect her area and shouldn’t the Health Department be checking the levels of radiation in the area. Engineer Rasimowicz advised it is not a tower; it is an antennae on the sports center. There are no radiation hazards to be concerned with.

Ms. Ahmed then asked how many man-made ponds are in the township, noticing that many of them are not aerated, which leaves this community open to West Nile virus.

Council President Tamburro responded that the Mosquito Control Commission comes out on a regular basis and takes samples of the water to see if there are breeding mosquitos in the water and if there is, the County takes action.

Engineer Rasimowicz added that not all ponds require an aerator; it could be stocked with fish which will handle mosquito issues.

Hy Grossman, 15 Doral Drive – Stated he disapproves of long term bonding and requested clarification on Item 14.cc. of the Consent Agenda which provides for the combination of certain bond issues …..

Administrator Hamilton stated this Resolution is in preparation for the bond sale at the end of the month. This is the consolidation so it goes out as one issue.

Hy Grossman brought to the Council’s attention a potential traffic problem – Franklin Plaza at Union Hill Road. He stated that last week when he was trying to exit the shopping center, there was a tractor trailer parked along the curb and he had no visibility. He requested “No Parking” signs be placed along the roadway in front of the shopping center to avoid potential accidents.

Mr. Grossman stated he had spoken earlier in the year about a referendum to cut the property tax rate for open space and asked the status.

Council President Tamburro stated it’s required to go to referendum and it won’t be happening this year.

Michele Arminio, 9 Nathaniel Street – Questioned Item 14.k. under the Consent Agenda regarding the payment of additional fees to Shain, Schaffer & Rafanello, P.C. to handle various State Tax Court Appeals.

Administrator Hamilton responded stating that at the beginning of the year we run on a temporary budget; this Resolution is supplementing the balance to finish the tax appeal work.

Ms. Arminio asked what the percentage of tax appeals the township wins and Council President Tamburro responded these are major tax appeals, not homeowner appeals.

She then asked how much the township has saved by having spent this money on the appeal process. She stated she understands you have to defend it, but feels if we had an in-house attorney, this would be part of their normal work.

Administrator Hamilton responded that a regular attorney would not have the expertise to defend these tax appeals, which is why we deal with a multi-disciplinary law firm.

In regards to Item 14.cc. – Resolution providing for the combination of certain bonds issues …., she asked if that is the total debt Monroe has.

Administrator Hamilton responded that it is the amount going to permanent bond sale. This is the amount that has been on temporary financing and we are now taking it to permanent financing.

Ms. Arminio asked what the township’s total debt is. Is it over $100,000,000? How much does our debt service amount to?

Administrator Hamilton stated he does not have those figures with him tonight, but will get it for her, and “no” it is not over $100,000,000. He believes the law allows 3 ½% of the assessed valuations. Based on the average assessed valuation of the prior 3 years, our debt is less than 1%. Stated he does not have the debt service amount with him tonight either but can get that for her as well.

Bob Zeglarski, 162 Tournament Drive – Requests clarification on one of the capital improvements - Walkable Community Bike Path.

Engineer Rasimowicz responded that several years’ back there was a community-wide Study done that was grant funded, looking at bike paths along roadways as well as intersection improvements to make the community more walk and bicycle friendly. This is the first step into implementing some of those suggestions brought up throughout that Study. This is also part of our Master Plan to make the connection. It includes walkable bike paths as well as trails to make the connection from the north to the south.

Council President Tamburro added that the trail would go from approximately Thompson Park up to where Monroe borders with Millstone.

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, the Regular Meeting of Council was Adjourned at 8:15pm.

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 September 9, 2015