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Monroe Council Minutes | 8/31/2015

COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE MINUTES 

AGENDA MEETING  -  AUGUST 31, 2015 

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 Gerald W. Tamburro with a Salute to the Flag. 

 

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

 ALSO PRESENT for Council was, Business Administrator Wayne R. Hamilton, Township Attorney Joel L. Shain, Township Engineer Mark Rasimowicz and Deputy Township Clerk Patricia Reid. 

 ABSENT:  Mayor Richard Pucci  

 There were approximately ten (10) 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 January 2, 2015 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. 

6.Council President Tamburro reads the following entitled ORDINANCES for INTRODUCTION at the WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 Regular Council Meeting: 

 

  1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, MIDDLESEX COUNTY, SPECIFICALLY CHAPTER 122 THEREOF ENTITLED, “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”.   (No Parking – Applegarth, Federal, Halsey Reed, Englishtown and Possum Hollow Roads) 

 

  1. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN PARCELS OF LAND FOR OPEN SPACE LOCATED AT 146 AND 148 PROSPECT PLAINS ROAD, AND APPEARING ON THE OFFICIAL MUNICIPAL TAX MAPS AS BLOCK 27.02, LOT 18.05 AND BLOCK 27.02, LOT 18.04. 

 

7.Council   President   Tamburro   requested   the   following entitled RESOLUTIONS for CONSIDERATION at the WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 Regular Council meeting be reviewed and any questions will be addressed: 

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

  

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

 

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

 

n.RESOLUTION REFUNDING TAX OVERPAYMENTS. 

 

o.RESOLUTION REFUNDING THIRD PARTY TAX LIEN PREMIUM PAYMENTS. 

 

p.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FEES FOR ELECTRONIC TAX SALE NOTICES. 

 

q.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF UPGRADED RADIO EQUIPMENT FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM. 

r.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR REGENCY AT MONROE, PHASE 8A. 

 

  1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR REGENCY AT MONROE, PHASE 8B.

 

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

 

u.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO NORCIA CORPORATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF THREE (3) SNOW PLOWS FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS. 

 

v.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE FOR THE 2015-2016 LICENSE TERM. 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

z.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING FEES. 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

dd.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MODIFICATION TO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES RELATED TO VETERANS PARK – PHASE 2. 

 

ee.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR MONROE CHASE (AKA SOUTHFIELD GRAND). 

 

ff.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR REGENCY AT MONROE - PHASE 8H & 8I. 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Council President Tamburro requested clarification on Item 7.n. 

 

Administrator Hamilton responded that these refunds are for dropped lines; as you get developer approvals, this is the transition from mother lots into smaller lots.  The refund is large, but in essence, we will generate more taxes once the individual lots are taxed.  

 

Regarding Resolution #7.q. Administrator Hamilton states this is the continuation of a major capital improvement initiative for the upgrade of our radio communication equipment.  This is the third and final step in this acquisition process.  We did the Shared Services Agreement with East Brunswick and put the funding in place and now this is the purchase of the actual equipment.  The cost is $2,711,060.57. 

 

Council Vice-President Koppel points out that we have three Resolutions in support of Municipal Grants, one for equestrian trails, one for bullet proof vests and one for the Butterfly Park at the Monroe Community Garden. 

 

REPORTS: 

 

Administrator Hamilton –  

  • There may be some additional items added to the September 9th Council Meeting Agenda: 
  • A Deed in lieu of condemnation easement agreement involving the Concordia Shopping Center and the additional land that was acquired for the intersection of Prospect Plains and Perrineville Road.   
  • We are taking Bids for the Municipal Energy Aggregation Program and hopefully, if we get attractive rates (in excess of 5% below the JCP&L tariff rate), we will take action on that as well. 
  • Awarding contracts for Concrete, Paving, Milling and Bituminous Material - currently under legal review and hopefully will be ready to be awarded at the September 9th meeting. 
  • Amendment with the County regarding the Perrineville Road and Union Valley Road preemption equipment (emergency vehicles can override the traffic signal) - currently under legal review. 

 

Engineer Rasimowicz –  

  • Reports the latest determination received regarding the Perrineville Road at Federal Road closure is the end of November. 

 

 

COUNCIL REPORTS: 

 

Councilman Leibowitz – No report 

 

Councilman Dalina – 

  • Received wish list for Avenue K, Phase 3 for a handball/paddleball wall and wanted to bring it to Council’s attention and will take this request to the Recreation Advisory Board for discussion as well.  

 

Councilwoman Schneider –  

  • Great article in the Sentinel about the historic barn and old school house on Dey Farm. 
  • Regarding the energy aggregation program, when a new resident moves into town are they automatically enrolled? 

 

Administrator Hamilton responded “no”, they will need to call and opt into the program.  

 

Council Vice-President Koppel – 

  • See baseball the way it used to be played in the 1860 – 1870s Saturday, September 26th at noon at the Dey Farm. 
  • Green Fair will be held Saturday, October 3rd from 10-3 at Oak Tree School. 

 

Council President Tamburro –  

  • The 9/11 ceremony will be held on Thursday, September 10th at 6pm at Memorial Park on Prospect Plains Rd.  In case of rain it will be held at the Senior Center. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PUBLIC: 

 

George Gunkelman, 5 Kelly Court – Items 6.b. and 7.bb. - why do they appear to be the same item and where is this property? 

 

Administrator Hamilton responds there are three action items that pertain to this: 1) is authorizing the expenditure of funds, which is what the ordinance is (6b); 2) Resolution 7.w. is the execution of a professional services contract to do the title survey and environmental assessment analysis and 3) Resolution 7.bb. authorizes the contract, subject to the environmental analysis for the acquisition. 

 

Council President Tamburro responds that this is the two homes on Prospect Plains Road  adjacent from the Tree Park.    

 

Mr. Gunkelman inquired on item 7.t. 

 

Administrator Hamilton responds that this is a litigation action taken against the township for a special service charge that was levied for OPRA requests and we are defending it.  

 

Mr. Gunkelman states we talked some time ago about the Police and EMS getting the drug to treat heroin overdoses and asked if that has been accomplished. 

 

Council President Tamburro responded “yes”, both the Police and EMS have it and have been trained.   

 

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Councilwoman Schneider the Agenda Meeting was Adjourned at 7:20pm. 

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye 

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharon Doerfler 

SHARON DOERFLER, Township Clerk 

 

Gerald W. Tamburro 

GERALD W. TAMBURRO, Council President 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes were adopted on __December 9, 2015_________