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Monroe Council Minutes | 10/5/2015

COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE MINUTES 

REGULAR MEETING – OCTOBER 5, 2015 

The Council of the Township of Monroe met in the Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, for a Regular Meeting. 

The Regular Meeting was Called to Order at 7:00 p.m. by Council President Gerald W. Tamburro with a Salute to the Flag. 

 

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

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

 There were approximately one hundred fifty (150) 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. 

 

Mayor’s Cup Awards: 

 

Council President Tamburro introduced Jay Brown and Al Carpenito, Program Supervisors for the Monroe Township Recreation Department, for a presentation of the Mayor’s Cup Awards, complimenting them on a terrific job. 

 

Jay Brown thanked the Mayor and Council for all their support in enabling these Programs. 

 

Jay Brown and Council President Tamburro presented trophies to the winning teams, their Captains, who then introduced each of their team members. 

  

At the end of the presentations, a ten minute recess was taken and the meeting was reconvened at 7:40pm.      

 

 

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

 

OCTOBER, 2015 

NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 

 

 

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilwoman Schneider and seconded by Councilman Dalina, the CLAIMS per run date of 09/24/15 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 Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Councilman Dalina, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was moved on second reading for final passage “ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 122 ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”.   

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

 

ORDINANCE as follows (O-10-2015-017)  

 

BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Council of the Township of Monroe, in the County of Middlesex, New Jersey as follows: 

 

SECTION 1.Section 122-30, Schedule I of the Code of the Township of Monroe, which Section establishes “No Parking” zones within the Township of Monroe shall be amended to include the following: 

 

NAME OF STREETSIDESLOCATION 

Add: 

 Applegarth Road (CR 619)BothFrom the intersection of Federal Road, 716 feet in both the northerly and southerly direction 

 

Federal RoadBothFrom the intersection of Applegarth Road to 

Owens Drive 

 

Halsey Reed RoadBothFrom the intersection of Applegarth Road 

to Americana Place 

 

Englishtown Road (CR 527)EastFrom Union Hill Road to Mounts Mills Road 

for 725 feet in the northerly direction 

 

Possum Hollow RoadBothBeginning at the cul-de-sac terminus at the 

Railroad crossing bridge, north to the gated 

Terminus, approximately 400 feet north of 

Costco Drive 

 

Change to: 

From 1560 feet north of Costco Drive in 

the northbound direction and 1140 feet 

north of Costco Drive in the southbound 

direction 

 

SECTION 3.All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency. 

 

SECTION 4.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 5.This Ordinance shall take effect twenty days after final passage, adoption and publication according to 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 – requests clarification on the Englishtown Rd (CR527) location. 

 

Engineer Rasimowicz advised in front of the Franklin Plaza Shopping Center. 

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 “ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 122 ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”.  (No Parking – Applegarth, Federal, Halsey Reed, Englishtown and Possum Hollow Roads) 

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye 

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye 

 

Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed. 

O-10-2015-017 

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilwoman Schneider and seconded by Council Vice President Koppel, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was moved on second reading for final passage “ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN PARCELS OF LAND FOR OPEN SPACE LOCATED AT 146 AND 148 PROSPECT PLAINS ROAD, AND APPEARING ON THE OFFICIAL MUNICIPAL TAX MAPS AS BLOCK 27.02, LOT 18.05 AND BLOCK 27.02, LOT 18.04” 

 

ORDINANCE as follows (O-10-2015-018)  

 

WHEREAS, Lewis Petrone (“Petrone”) owns real property commonly known as 146 Prospect Plains Road, identified on the official Tax Maps of the Township of Monroe as Block 27.02, Lot 18.05 and 148 Prospect Plains Road, identified on the official Tax Maps of the Township of Monroe as Block 27.02, Lot 18.04 in the County of Middlesex, and State of New Jersey (collectively “the Properties”); and 

 

WHEREAS, the Properties abuts Memorial Tree Park in the Township of Monroe; and  

 

WHEREAS, the Township of Monroe Planning Board has included the Properties in its Master Plan as properties targeted for acquisition as Open Space; and  

 

WHEREAS, in or about June 2015 Petrone offered to sell the Properties to the Township of Monroe; and 

 

WHEREAS, Petrone has agreed to sell the Properties to the Township of Monroe for consideration of Five Hundred Eighty-Five Thousand Dollars ($585,000.00); and  

 

WHEREAS, the Township of Monroe, Chief Financial Officer, has verified that there are sufficient funds remaining from the issuance of bonds pursuant to the Open Space Acquisition Bond Ordinance O-8-2000-026, to pay for the aforesaid acquisition; 

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Council of the Township of Monroe, in the County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey as follows: 

 

Section 1.  The Mayor, Township Clerk and Township Attorney are hereby authorized and directed to execute any and all documents as are reasonably necessary to acquire, including by condemnation or other acquisition, title to:  

 

  1. All portions of the parcels of land identified as Lots 18.05 and 18.04 in Block 27.02, on the official Tax Maps of the Township of Monroe, as more particularly described on Exhibit “A”; 

 

  1. All improvements erected on, over and beneath aforesaid lands; and 

 

  1. All easements, rights-of-way or use, privileges, licenses, hereditaments, appurtenances, interests and other rights belonging to or inuring to the benefit of the lands and all right, title and interest of the owners in and to any land lying in the bed of any highway, street, road or avenue, opened or proposed, in front or abutting or adjoining aforesaid lands. 

 

Section 2.  The purchase price for the Properties shall be Five Hundred Eighty Five Thousand Dollars ($585,000.00), as determined through arm’s length negotiations. 

 

Section 3.  The Mayor and Township Clerk are hereby authorized to accept the Deeds transferring the Properties for open space, provided the Deeds are in a form satisfactory to the Township Attorney. 

 

 

Section 4.  All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. 

 

Section 5. If any section, subdivision, sentence, 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 6. This Ordinance shall take effect upon final passage and publication as provided by law. 

 

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

 

There was no Council discussion of this Ordinance. 

 

Michele Arminio, 9 Nathaniel Street – requested the size of the properties and will the land be used as Open Space. 

 

Engineer Rasimowicz read aloud the description of the parcels; each property being approximately .7 acres in size.  The land will be used as Open Space and will increase Memorial Park by approximately 25%. 

 

Michele Arminio – feels the appraisals were inflated.  Both houses are in very poor shape and are located on a main road.  

 

Mayor Pucci responded saying that we had certified appraisals done on these properties and those appraisals speak for themselves.     

 

Michele Arminio - usually there is more than one appraisal done for different reasons because appraisals are not an exact science and are very subjective.  She feels these values are inflated. It has nothing to do with the purpose of using the land for our 9-11 Memorial Park which is important, however, that doesn’t mean the township should overpay for a parcel of Open Space because of the purpose the land is being used for.   

 

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

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye 

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye 

 

Copy of Ordinance Duly Filed. 

O-10-2015-018 

 

UPON MOTION made by Council Vice-President Koppel and seconded by Councilman Dalina, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was introduced on first reading for final passage: AMENDING CHAPTER 33 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED “DOGS, CATS AND OTHER ANIMALS” 

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 Council Vice-President Koppel and seconded by Councilwoman Schneider, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was introduced on first reading for final passage: AMENDING CHAPTER 39 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED, “FEES” 

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 Leibowitz and seconded by Councilman Dalina, an Ordinance of which the following is the title was introduced on first reading for final passage: BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SOCCER COMPLEX AND TENNIS COURTS WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP, ALL LAWFUL AND PUBLIC PURPOSES, BY AND IN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY (THE “TOWNSHIP”); APPROPRIATING $2,500,000 THEREFOR (INCLUDING A GRANT RECEIVED OR EXPECTED TO BE RECEIVED FROM THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000,000) AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $1,427,700 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. 

 

 

UPON MOTION made by Council Vice President Koppel 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 CONSENT AGENDA are as follows: 

 

R-10-2015-240RESOLUTION 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 2015-16. 

 

R-10-2015-241RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT PURCHASING MANAGER TO PREPARE AND ADVERTISE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (“R.F.Q.’s”) FOR VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016 FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”). 

 

R-10-2015-242RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF CONTRACT NO. 429 - “SYSTEM REPAIR SERVICES” AWARDED TO J. FLETCHER CREAMER & SON, INC. FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”). 

 

R-10-2015-243RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF CONTRACT NO. 430 - “WATER METERS” AWARDED TO WATER WORKS SUPPLY CO., INC. FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”). 

 

 

 

 

 

R-10-2015-244RESOLUTION GRANTING APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 SUBMITTED BY INDUSTRIAL CONTROLS, LLC IN CONNECTION WITH CONTRACT NO. 423 - “REMOTE WATER AND SEWER PLC AND WIRELESS SYSTEMS INSTALLATION AND UPGRADE OF EXISTING SCADA SYSTEM” FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”). 

 

R-10-2015-245RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR W&S 1124 - COLT’S RUN, SECTION 1  WATER, PB-1109-11 TO THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.). 

 

R-10-2015-246RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR W&S 1124, COLT’S RUN, SECTION 2 PB-1109-11 TO THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”). 

 

R-10-2015-247RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES AND ESTABLISHING MAINTENANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR W&S 1094 - FRANCES E. PARKER MEMORIAL HOME, INC. PB-1106-11 TO THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”). 

 

 

R-10-2015-248RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR COLTS RUN AT MONROE – SECTION 2 (PB-1109-11). 

 

R-10-2015-249RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXTENSION OF CONTRACT WITH CIRCLE JANITORIAL SUPPLY, SOUTH FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016. 

 

R-10-2015-250RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSES FOR THE 2015-2016 LICENSE TERM. 

 

R-10-2015-251RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR/QPA TO PREPARE AND ADVERTISE A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR A FINANCIAL ADVISOR FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016. 

 

R-10-2015-252RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL 90-DAYS OF EXTENDED SICK LEAVE. 

 

R-10-2015-253RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF AN EVENTIDE VOICE RECORDING SYSTEM FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT UNDER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM. 

 

R-10-2015-254RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SHAIN, SCHAFFER & RAFANELLO, P.C. TO HANDLE MATTERS RELATED TO THE ENERGY AGGREGATION PROGRAM. 

 

R-10-2015-255RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) VEHICLES FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS UNDER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM. 

 

R-10-2015-256RESOLUTION REFUNDING THIRD PARTY TAX LIEN PREMIUM PAYMENT. 

 

R-10-2015-257RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CENTER STATE ENGINEERING TO HANDLE THE ENGINEERING SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH DECLARATORY JUDGMENT ACTION REGARDING THE TOWNSHIP’S COAH COMPLIANCE. 

 

R-10-2015-258RESOLUTION REFUNDING CONSTRUCTION PERMIT OVERPAYMENT. 

 

R-10-2015-259RESOLUTION DEMONSTRATING COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS OF THE LOCAL FINANCE BOARD OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY REGARDING THE 2014 ANNUAL AUDIT. 

 

R-10-2015-260RESOLUTION REFUNDING TAX OVERPAYMENTS 

 

R-10-2015-261RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION AND GRANT ACCEPTANCE WITH THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (“NJDOT”) FOR NJDOT LOCAL AID FOR FY2016 FOR SPOTSWOOD AVENUE, ELLINGHAM AVENUE, AND AVENUE G PEDESTRIAN, DRAINAGE, AND ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS  

 

R-10-2015-262RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE IN THE BID THRESHOLD FOR AWARDING CONTRACTS 

 

R-10-2015-263RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A FIFTH ADDENDUM TO AN AGREEMENT MADE BY AND BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, A GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, AND TOLL II, L.P., A NEW JERSEY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, WITH REGARDS TO PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE TO THE INTERSECTIONS OF COUNTY ROUTE 522 (A/K/A BUCKELEW AVENUE) AND MOUNTS MILLS ROAD, COUNTY ROUTE 613 (A/K/A SPOTSWOOD- ENGLISHTOWN ROAD) AND COUNTY ROUTE 613 (A/K/A SPOTSWOOD-ENGLISHTOWN ROAD) AND MOUNTS MILLS ROAD IN MONROE TOWNSHIP, MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY 

 

Administrator Hamilton discussed Resolution No. R-10-2015-259 regarding the 2014 Annual Audit, stating that this is the financial audit that’s done annually in accordance with State Law and will be voted upon tonight.  He was pleased to report that at the conclusion of the audit, there were no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses found.  

 

Council President Tamburro thanked Administrator Hamilton and CFO George Lang for the work they do with the Audit.  An important statement to mention from the Audit is that we are in full compliance with the Local Finance Board. 

 

Copies of Resolutions Duly Filed. 

 

REPORTS: 

Mayor Pucci – No report 

 

Administrator Hamilton –   

  • We awarded a new contract for the Municipal Energy Aggregation Program which will begin in December.  There will be a lot of public information going out regarding this.  We will have two public presentations; October 27th at 3pm at the Senior Center and October 28th at 7pm here in the Municipal Building.  For more information you can call Harold Klein at extension 135. 
  • We introduced the anti-tethering Ordinance tonight which has been in the works since June.  Other modifications to Chapter 33 include the vicious dog provisions which are currently in our Ordinance but are now making them uniform with state law. 

 

Engineer Rasimowicz –  

  • Perrineville Rd. project is on schedule and the road will reopen in mid-December, weather permitting. 
  • Repaving of Rt. 522/Buckelew Avenue should be completed by the end of this week. 

 

COUNCIL REPORTS: 

 

Councilman Michael Leibowitz –  

  • Regarding the Municipal Energy Aggregation Program, it is my understanding that people with solar will not benefit from this program; is this correct? 

Administrator Hamilton stated “yes”, that is what our consultant reported.  It would be difficult for people that have solar panels to get any benefit from this Program so it would be strictly non-solar. 

  • Attended a program at the library this past week about the 9-11 conspiracy theories and debunking them.  This lecture was given by a professor from Rutgers and was exceptional.  Residents should pick up a flyer and take advantage of the wonderful programs the library has to offer.  

 

Councilman Stephen Dalina –  

  • Pleased to announce the creation of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee.  This gets the youth’s perspective and gets them more involved with our Township government.  The word went out through the schools system.  Students selected range from freshman to seniors.  Our first meeting will be held here in Council Chambers on October 21st at 7pm.  I will be the liaison to this Committee and am very excited and pleased to be a part of it.  
  • Attended the Green Fair on Saturday.  Despite the weather it was a tremendous event.   
  • The Recreation Department will be having it’s Octoberfest at the Community Center on Sunday, October 18th at 12pm 
  • The Halloween Parade will be held on October 31st at 10:30am at the Community Center. 
  • Very proud of 16 year old son Jason for receiving his VFR “Visual Flight Rating” and he can now fly an airplane.  He can’t drive to the airport but once he gets there he can get into an airplane and fly around.   

 

Councilwoman Schneider – 

  • Had the pleasure of attending two Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremonies and mentioned they are here this evening in the audience.  Congratulated them for this honor and the hard work and for doing so many good things for the community.  Gregory Wall and John Wallentine were introduced and asked to speak a little about their Eagle Scout project:        
  • Gregory Wall – for his Eagle Scout project benefited the Monroe Twp. Senior Center and working with the Director, created 4 rolling partitions for the seniors to use for their meetings and various activities.   
  • John Wallentine– for his Eagle Scout project performed a river cleanup of the Matchaponix Brook.  Cleaned a 2 mile stretch and collected 86 bags of garbage and debris.  Figured because of the storms over the past few years it would be a good project to benefit the community and the environment.  

 

 

Council Vice-President Koppel – 

  • Green Fair was a big success.  Lots of interesting vendors and most importantly a way for the entire community to get together for one cause which is the environment.   
  • Last year a community Thanksgiving event was created at the Senior Center.  This event was created with the thought in mind that no one should be alone for the holidays and is run by volunteers and donations from the community.  This event will take place again this year.  All the cooking is done at the Senior Center.  The cost is $10.00. 

 

 

Council President Tamburro – 

  • One of the highlights to me of the Green Fair is the shredding truck.  Incredible to see the line of people and how quickly it moved.  Very important to shred important documents to avoid identity theft.   
  • Regarding the Youth Advisory Committee, my grandson in California is involved in a similar Committee and he said how ingratiating it was for kids to be involved in things other than sports and recreation.  I had Jay Brown speak to my grandson when he was here on holiday and through that we established the Youth Advisory Committee here in Monroe Township. We have some very smart, dedicated youth that are going to be a credit to the township now and in the future and I look forward to it. 
  • Thanked the Eagle Scouts and Boy Scouts for their service to our town and our country. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PUBLIC: 

 

Virginia McGinnis, 326A Nantucket Lane – thanked Administrator Hamilton, Municipal Clerk Sharon Doerfler and Council President Tamburro for the efforts that went into the anti-tethering ordinance.  Regarding the Rossmoor pump during the storm, we did not get the anticipated rain which benefited us.  I checked the ponds during the storm and the water was below the inlet pipe which is always my biggest concern.  I notice now that the pond outside the south gate is full. 

 

Michele Arminio, 9 Nathaniel Street – Requested the costs associated with Resolutions R-10-2015-254 and R-10-2015-257. 

 

Administrator Hamilton responded R-10-2015-254 is for $10,000.00; it’s the responsibility of our third-party supplier Tri Eagle Energy.  We pay Shain, Schaffer & Rafanello and then Tri-Eagle reimburses the township.  It is part of the contract that they pay our legal fees.  

 

Regarding R-10-2015-257, Council President Tamburro responded that this is the Court case we have been fighting.  Fair Share Housing says we need to build 2,323 additional units.  We are fighting that and need the expertise of the Township Engineer to define the land that is buildable as opposed to what Fair Share Housing and COAH have directed us.  We have been very successful so far and the Court threw out the States claim for 8.5 million dollars against our trust fund and they have also given us builders remedy protection through November, when the Court will make the final judgement.  

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Council Vice President Koppel,  the Regular Meeting was Adjourned at 8:12pm. 

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 28, 2015