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Monroe Council Minutes | 11/24/2014

COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE MINUTES 

AGENDA MEETING  - NOVEMBER 24, 2014 

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: Business Administrator Wayne R. Hamilton, Township Attorney Joel L. Shain and Engineer Mark Rasimowicz. 

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 3, 2014 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 3, 2014;  

3.Posted on the Bulletin Boards within the Municipal Complex;  

4.Posted on the Monroe Township website; and 

5.Sent to those individuals who have requested personal notice. 

 

In accordance with Chapter 3, Section 17 of the Monroe Township Code, Public Comment shall be limited to five (5) minutes unless further time is granted by the Council President. 

 

Council President Tamburro read the following entitled ORDINANCES for SECOND READING  at the MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2014 Regular Council Meeting: 

 

a.ORDINANCE FIXING THE 2015 – 2018 SALARIES AND WAGES FOR POLICE PBA EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 

 

b.ORDINANCE FIXING THE 2015 – 2018 SALARIES AND WAGES FOR POLICE SUPERVISORY EMPLOYEES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 

 

c.ORDINANCE FIXING THE 2015 – 2018 SALARIES AND WAGES FOR PRIVATE PARTY BILLING OF POLICE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL. 

 

d.ORDINANCE FIXING THE 2015 – 2018 SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL SALARIES AND WAGES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 

 

 

 

Agenda Meeting 

November 24, 2014 

Page 2 

 

 

e.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 REFUNDING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2006 OF THE TOWNSHIP TO PROVIDE NET DEBT SERVICE SAVINGS, AND (ii)  AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $3,200,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS OF THE TOWNSHIP TO EFFECT SUCH REFUNDING AND APPROPRIATING THE PROCEEDS THEREFOR. 

 

f.ORDINANCE RELEASING, VACATING AND EXTINGUISHING ANY AND ALL PUBLIC RIGHTS IN AND TO A PORTION OF DUCHESS DRIVE. 

 

g.ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF DEED FROM 211 CRANBURY STATION, LLC FOR A PORTION OF LAND IDENTIFIED AS BLOCK 25, LOT 15.01 ON THE TAX MAP OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE. 

 

Council President Tamburro read the following entitled ORDINANCES for INTRODUCTION at the MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2014 Regular Council Meeting: 

 

  1. ORDINANCE ACCEPTING A DEED OF DEDICATION FROM LUCILLE AND ANTHONY DiPASQUALE FOR LOTS 13, 20, 23 AND 24 IN BLOCK 106.50 AND LOT 54 IN BLOCK 106.91. 

 

  1. ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 39 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED, “FEES”. 

 

  1. ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 122 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”.  (Speed Limits – Schoolhouse Road) 

 

  1. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) TO ENTER INTO INSTALLMENT AGREEMENTS FOR THE PAYMENT OF WATER AND SEWER CONNECTION FEES. 

 

Council President Tamburro requested the following entitled RESOLUTIONS for  CONSIDERATION at the MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2014 Regular Council Meeting be reviewed and any questions will be addressed: 

 

a.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A VEHICLE UNDER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP RECREATION DEPARTMENT. 

 

b.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL FEES TO SHAIN, SCHAFFER & RAFANELLO, P.C. TO HANDLE VARIOUS STATE TAX COURT APPEALS IN YEAR 2014 AS EXTRAORDINARY LITIGATION. 

 

c.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR ROAD OPENING PERMIT NO. 14-17 – 27 COTTONWOOD COURT. 

 

d.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE POSTED FOR ROAD OPENING PERMIT NO. 14-22 – 14 WEDGEWOOD COURT. 

 

e.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR TO PREPARE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ADVERTISE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR 2015 VARIOUS GOODS AND SERVICES. 

 

f.RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE INSURANCE FUND COMMISSION TO ENTER INTO A SETTLEMENT OF A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIM. 

 

g.RESOLUTION RESCINDING ITS INTERLOCAL COST SHARING AGREEMENT WITH THE BOROUGH OF HELMETTA AND AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF CONTRACT TO T. BLUMIG KENNELS FOR THE HOUSING AND FEEDING OF STRAY ANIMALS FOUND WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE. 

Agenda Meeting 

November 24, 2014 

Page 3 

 

 

h.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)  (Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund) 

 

  1. RESOLUTION REFUNDING TAX OVERPAYMENTS. 

 

j.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO LEGGETTE, BRASHEARS & GRAHAM, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL HYDRO-GEOLOGICAL CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”). 

 

k.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF CONTRACT NO. 425-R WITH AQUA PRO TECH, INC. FOR “WATER & WASTEWATER LABORATORY ANALYSIS SERVICES” FOR SECTIONS A & B FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) 

 

l.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF CONTRACT NO. 425-R WITH QC INC. FOR “WATER & WASTEWATER LABORATORY ANALYSIS SERVICES” FOR SECTION C FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”) 

 

m.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT TO HATCH MOTT MACDONALD FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE ASHMALL AVENUE FORCE MAIN FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”). 

 

n.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF CONTRACT NO. 424 – PUMP STATION AND WELL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICE” WITH RAPID PUMP AND METER SERVICE CO., INC. FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”). 

 

o.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BUDGET TRANSFERS. 

 

p.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT WITH NORTHSTAR VETS FOR MEDICAL CARE OF STRAY ANIMALS FOUND WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2015. 

 

q.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SHAIN, SCHAFFER & RAFANELLO, P.C. TO HANDLE THE MATTER OF RDC FORSGATE PARTNERS, LLC v. MONROE TOWNSHIP. 

 

r.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A PERSON-TO-PERSON TRANSFER OF LIQUOR LICENSE CURRENTLY ISSUED TO JPRO VENTURES, LLC. 

 

s.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN ANNUAL SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH QUEUES ENFORTH DEVELOPMENT, INC. (“Q.E.D.”), AN AUTHORIZED VENDOR UNDER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM. 

 

t.RESOLUTION CONSENTING TO THE ASSIGNMENT OF FEIST ENGINEERING, INC. CONTRACTS TO CENTER STATE ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES, INC. 

 

REPORTS: 

 

Council President Tamburro requested Administrator Wayne Hamilton to give background information on Item # 7.g. – Interlocal Cost Sharing Agreement with the Borough of Helmetta and authorizing the award of a contract to Blumig Kennels for the housing and feeding of stray animals. 

 

Mayor Pucci – Absent 

 

Administrator Wayne R. Hamilton – Mentioned there may be an additional Resolution and it will be an Award of Bid for the Dey Farm Improvements. 

 

Agenda Meeting 

November 24, 2014 

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Engineer Mark Rasimowicz – Council President Tamburro asked Engineer Rasimowicz as to his findings on a question that was raised at the last meeting regarding the intersection of Federal and Perrineville Roads and the possibility that the sight-line was not good.  

 

Engineer Rasimowicz stated that the stop bar is far back from the intersection and there is a sign further up the street that can possibly be relocated. 

 

He also stated that the wetlands have been delineated and surveying work is still on-going.  It will then be submitted to NJDEP within the next couple weeks. 

 

Council Reports: 

 

Councilman Leibowitz – questioned flags in front of business establishments that tend to block the view of oncoming traffic, asking if they are covered under the sign ordinance. 

 

Engineer Rasimowicz stated he does not think they are covered under the sign ordinance, but if it’s a line of sight issue and it’s within the right-of-way, it is something that can be referred to the Zoning Officer for removal or relocation. 

 

Councilman Leibowitz announced that Fire District #1 broke ground for their new firehouse on Saturday. 

 

Councilman Dalina – wished all a “Happy Thanksgiving”. 

 

Councilwoman Schneider – also attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Fire District #1.  

 

Council Vice-President Koppel - wished everyone a “Happy Thanksgiving”. 

 

Council President Tamburro – attended the “Monroe Chorus” at the Senior Center on Tuesday night.  It was a winter chorus of holiday songs.  Sheila Werfel did a wonderful job bringing the seniors together.  He also wished everyone a “Happy Thanksgiving”. 

 

Public: 

 

Audrey Cornish, 431 Schoolhouse Rd. – talked about the lighting at Parker House and the allowable height of the fixtures. 

 

Engineer Rasimowicz stated that the lighting levels were tested and are in compliance with the approval and the Township Code. 

 

Engineer Rasimowicz will follow-up with Ms. Cornish tomorrow regarding the height of the lights that are in place. 

 

She said the light heights are acceptable and hopes they will stay that way. 

 

Engineer Rasimowicz also stated that the shields are on the lamps that require the shields.  All the lighting on the sight has been installed.  The only new lighting will be on Schoolhouse Road and there are a couple of cobra head light fixtures (regular street lights) that are going to be added to Schoolhouse Road down to the triangle. 

 

UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, the meeting was Adjourned at 7:18pm. 

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 1, 2014