Skip to main content

Monroe Council Minutes | 11/30/2015

COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE MINUTES 

AGENDA AND SPECIAL MEETING -  NOVEMBER 30, 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:  Mayor Richard Pucci, Business Administrator Wayne R. Hamilton, Township Attorney Joel L. Shain, Township Engineer Mark Rasimowicz and Deputy Township Clerk Patricia Reid. 

There were approximately twenty-five (25) 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 November 23, 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 on November 25, 2015 and CRANBURY PRESS on November 27, 2015;  

3.Posted on November 23, 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. 

 

Council President Tamburro presented Certificates of Recognition to Connor Casey and Jason Formuke from Monroe Township Boy Scout Troop 3, congratulating them on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. 

 

Council President Tamburro read the following entitled ORDINANCE for SECOND READING at the WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 Regular Council Meeting into the record: 

 

  1. ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE CONVEYANCE OF DEED IN LIEU OF CONDEMNATION AND A UTILITIES EASEMENT FROM WHITING SHOPPING CENTER ASSOCIATES, LLP, FOR THE PERRINEVILLE ROAD AND PROSPECT PLAINS ROAD a/k/a COUNTY ROUTE 614. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council President Tamburro read the following entitled ORDINANCES for INTRODUCTION at the WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 Regular Council Meeting: 

 

  1. ORDINANCE REFUNDING BOND ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY (THE “TOWNSHIP”) PROVIDING FOR (i)  THE REFUNDING OF CERTAIN OUTSTANDING REVENUE BONDS (2003 REFUNDING SERIES) AND REVENUE BONDS (2005 REFUNDING SERIES) OF THE TOWNSHIP TO PROVIDE NET DEBT SERVICE SAVINGS, AND (ii)  AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $8,000,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS OF THE TOWNSHIP TO EFFECT SUCH REFUNDING AND APPROPRIATING THE PROCEEDS THEREFOR. 

 

b.REAPPROPRIATION ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ACQUISITION OF WATER ALLOCATION RIGHTS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO WELL 25, BY AND IN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY (THE “TOWNSHIP”); REAPPROPRIATING EXCESS PROCEEDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,800,000 IN EXISTING TOWNSHIP BOND ORDINANCES TO FINANCE THE COST THEREOF.  

 

c.ORDINANCE REPEALING CHAPTER 65 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED “LOITERING”.   

 

d.ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 77 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED “PEDDLING AND SOLICITING”. 

 

e.ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 96 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED, “SHADE TREES AND SHRUBBERY; LANDSCAPING”.  

 

f.ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 97 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED, “TREE PRESERVATION”. 

 

g.ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 108 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED “LAND DEVELOPMENT”, SPECIFICALLY ARTICLE XVII, “TREE REMOVAL”. 

 

 

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

 

  1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DEDICATION OF THE DEY FARM SCHOOL HOUSE IN HONOR OF HENRY MILLER. 

 

b.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF THE PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) AND ESTABLISHING MAINTENANCE GUARANTEES FOR W&S 1004 – JOHN ROCHA, BLOCK 148, LOT 13.  

 

c.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO AQUA PRO-TECH LABORATORIES, INC. AND GARDEN STATE LABORATORIES, INC.  FOR 

“WATER & WASTEWATER LABORATORY ANALYSIS SERVICES”FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”). 

 

d.RESOLUTION REJECTING ALL BIDS RECEIVED FOR CONTRACT NO. 444, “MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICES” AND AUTHORIZING THE REBID OF THE CONTRACT BY THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”).  

 

e.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF CASH PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE FOR W&S 972 - AMELIO ABREU– BLOCK 103, Lot 44 POSTED WITH THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”). 

 

f.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF CONTRACT WITH PLEASANT VIEW LANDSCAPING AND LAWN MAINTENANCE FOR 2016 LANDSCAPING SERVICES. 

 

g.RESOLUTION CONFIRMING ITS ACCEPTANCE OF THE COST-SHARE ALLOCATED TO THE TOWNSHIP BY THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT BOARD FOR THE PURCHASE OF A DEVELOPMENT EASEMENT ON THE “J.B. HEATHERWOOD FARMS”. 

 

h.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBORDINATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING LIEN. 

 

i.RESOLUTION REFUNDING THIRD PARTY TAX LIEN PREMIUM PAYMENTS. 

 

j.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A FORKLIFT FROM LIFTEC FORKLIFTS FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. 

 

k.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR TO RE-ADVERTISE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR. 

 

l.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF CONTRACT WITH STOUT’S CHARTER SERVICE, INC. FOR MONROE TOWNSHIP 2016 CHARTER BUS TRANSPORTATION.  

 

m.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF CONTRACT WITH BAYHEAD INVESTMENTS, INC. d/b/a VCI EMERGENCY VEHICLE SPECIALISTS FOR 2016 MONROE TOWNSHIP AMBULANCE MAINTENANCE, PARTS AND REPAIRS. 

 

n.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT WITH ACCELA LEGISLATIVE MANAGEMENT.  

 

o.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID FOR MONROE TOWNSHIP HVAC MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR. 

 

p.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF CASH PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES AND ESTABLISHING MAINTENANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR NATIVITY OF OUR LORD RC CHURCH (BA-833-08). 

 

q.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR COLTS RUN AT MONROE – SECTION 1 (PB-1095-11). 

 

r.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR MONROE MANOR – SECTION 7 (PB-1039-07). 

 

s.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REDUCTION OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES POSTED FOR EMILY COURT ESTATES (PB-1143-13). 

 

t.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TAX COLLECTOR TO CANCEL UNPAID TAXES DUE FOR TAX YEAR 2015 ASSESSED ON BLOCK 27.02, LOTS 18.04 AND 18.05 AND TO EXEMPT SAID PROPERTIES FROM TAXATION. 

 

u.RESOLUTION REFUNDING TAX OVERPAYMENTS. 

 

v.RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. R-11-2015-277 REGARDING THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) VEHICLES FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS UNDER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM. 

 

w.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF TREATED ROCK SALT (SODIUM CHLORIDE) UNDER THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM. 

 

 

x.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP BUSINESS  ADMINISTRATOR/QPA TO PREPARE AND ADVERTISE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (“RFQs”) FOR AN ARCHITECTURAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR THE POLICE & EMS HEADQUARTERS IN THE MUNICIPAL COMPLEX. 

 

y.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, DEPARTMENT OF SENIOR SERVICES AND THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, OFFICE ON AGING FOR OUTREACH SERVICES. 

 

z.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH CENTER STATE ENGINEERING FOR TITLE SURVEY, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION AND PHASE 1 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNDER THE OPEN SPACE PROGRAM. 

 

aa.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID FOR MONROE TOWNSHIP OUTSIDE SNOW & ICE REMOVAL. 

 

bb.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BUDGET TRANSFERS. 

 

cc.RESOLUTION 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) (Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over - 2015 Year End Holiday Crackdown) 

 

dd.RESOLUTION 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)  (2015 Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund) 

 

REPORTS: 

Mayor Pucci –  

  • Extended a thank-you and congratulations to the Eagle Scouts, as well as their parent’s, for all of their hard work and dedication over the years, noting that the honor of Eagle Scouts is recognized not only here in Monroe Township and the State of New Jersey but nationwide.  

 

Administrator Hamilton –  

  • Explained that Ordinance #7.a., which will be introduced at Wednesday night’s Council meeting, is a Bond Ordinance providing for the refund of certain outstanding revenue bonds which will provide relief and is anticipated to yield $400,000 in savings in our debt service which is all very positive.  
  • Ordinance #7.b., to also be introduced at Wednesday night’s Council meeting, will allow the process of appropriating capital balances to enable us to purchase additional water allocation rights from SWUM International, which is a company located in Spotswood that has surplus water allocation rights. He explained that we are in the process of purchasing those rights and then developing an additional well on Spotswood-Englishtown Road. This will provide great yields in the northern end of town and give some areas that were light on pressure more. It will save us money by eliminating the need for us to purchase outside water. He explained that this is also very positive in that it will enable us to do an operating budget reduction of the utility department to the equivalent of $500,000 to $600,000 a year.  This Ordinance will enable us to bring on another 300,000,000 gallons of water a year as well.  

 

Engineer Rasimowicz –  

  • Gave an update on the Perrineville Road closure: spoke to Middlesex County and they are hopeful that by the end of December it will be completed, paved, striped and reopened.  

 

 

 

COUNCIL REPORTS: 

 

Councilman Leibowitz –   

  • Thanked the Boy Scouts for all of their hard work; thanked Councilwoman Schneider for attending the last three Courts of Honor ceremonies.  
  • Mentioned that the Halloween Parade was a fantastic event and confident that the kids in attendance, who could not quite walk yet, were all going to be Scouts one day.  

 

 

Councilman Dalina –  

  • Congratulated and thanked Connor and Jason for their achievements.  

 

Councilwoman Schneider –  

  • Attended the last three Eagle Scout Courts of Honor ceremonies and extended congratulations for all of their hard work. 
  • Attended the Thanksgiving Day dinner at the Senior Center; there were approximately 150 people who attended and were very grateful. She added that the best part was having their pictures taken. Between 50 to 70 volunteers helped out with the dinner and many thanks go out to them for volunteering to help serve this meal.   

 

Council Vice-President Koppel – 

  • Congratulations to all of the Eagle Scouts for all of their hard work and dedication.  Also, thank-you to all of the parents for their commitment.  
  • Was unable to attend the Thanksgiving Day dinner but saw the pictures posted on the Senior Center Facebook page by Joe Harvey documenting the great time had by all who were there. Many thanks go out to the community and the volunteers for making this event such a success.  
  • Last year the Monroe Township Police Department held a toy drive in which they collected unwrapped toys and delivered them to a local hospital to be given out to the children there. This year they will be doing the same thing with an added drop-off box located at the library for anyone who would like to participate.  

 

Council President Tamburro –  

  • The Eagle Scout project that was done at Veteran’s Park was done by a former Scout named Sean Evans, whose project was magnificent and honored all of the Veteran’s. Each Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day the services are held here and at Veteran’s Park and it is a beautiful site that he urged everyone to go out and view.  Council President Tamburro added that he hopes the Scouts will do a project similar to that in the future and is very thankful for all they have done now and in the future 
  • Attended the Monroe Chorus’ program at the Senior Center called Broadway Shows; there was an overwhelming attendance with 400 people attending. The Monroe Chorus holds events twice a year at the Senior Center, which is a great use of the Center and all are free to attend.  

 

PUBLIC: 

 

Michele Arminio, 9 Nathaniel Street – Question regarding Resolution #8.z. authorizing a professional services contract with Center State Engineering for a title survey and property description Phase I, asking if this was a specific project to which Council President Tamburro answered that it is. She asked what the project is to which Council President Tamburro and Administrator Hamilton answered.  Ms. Arminio asked what the purpose of the project was and Council President Tamburro answered that it is for land acquisition of a vacant lot with trees at the corner to be used as Open Space.  Ms. Arminio inquired further as to the exact location, purpose of purchasing and why an environmental impact study is required. Council President Tamburro and Administrator Hamilton both answered her questions and further stated Environmental Impact Studies are required for all future purchase of property by the township. 

 

 

 

Regarding Resolution #8.t. Ms. Arminio asked why we were cancelling taxes on Block 27.02, Lots 18.04 and 18.05.  Council President Tamburro answered that those are the two properties that were purchased for Open Space. She asked why we are cancelling the taxes and if the previous owners had paid the taxes up until they were purchased.  Council President Tamburro answered that we are cancelling the taxes on the property now because we own them and “yes” the taxes were paid current. 

 

Regarding Resolution #8.n. Ms. Arminio asked the purpose of the Resolution authorizing the Mayor and Township Clerk to execute an amendment to the contract with Accela Legislative  Management and Council President Tamburro answered that this is for the new software program that Council will be using next year in lieu of paper.  She asked what the cost for the new software is and if everything will be open to the public.  Council President Tamburro and the Township Clerk answered that the cost will be $1,560 per month for one year and everything will remain open to the public.  

 

Ms. Arminio asked for clarification on Ordinance #7.b. the Water Right’s Allocation Ordinance, asking where it was going to be located, if the water would be comingled with the rest and what the testing process is.  Council President Tamburro, Engineer Rasimowicz, Administrator Hamilton and Michael Barnes, Director, MTUD, answered clarifying that the water will be comingled with the rest as it is one set of pipes and that testing has taken place and results have not come back yet; also adding that this ordinance should give enough money for treatment before the contract with NJAW rolls out.  

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Council Vice President Koppel, the Agenda Meeting was Adjourned and the Special Meeting was called to Order at 7:33 p.m. 

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye 

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye 

 

Council President Tamburro requested a Motion and Second for adoption of a Resolution entitled: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CLOSED PORTION OF PUBLIC MEETING.   

 

Council President Tamburro read in full the Resolution authorizing the closed portion of public meeting into the record which outlined the need to discuss the matter in litigation involving the township’s affordable housing fair share plan, and requested a Roll Call vote: 

ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye 

Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye 

Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye 

Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye 

Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye 

Copy of Resolution R-11-2015-291 Duly Filed. 

Mayor, Administrator, Attorney, Council Members, Township Clerk and Deputy Clerk left Council Chambers and convened in a Conference Room for the closed portion of the Public Meeting at 7:34 p.m. 

 

The Special Meeting reconvened at 8:50 p.m. 

UPON MOTION made by Councilwoman Schneider, and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel the Special meeting was Adjourned at 8:46 p.m. 

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 January 4, 2016