Monroe Council Minutes | 8/25/2014
COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE MINUTES
AGENDA MEETING - AUGUST 25, 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, Attorney Gregory Pasquale, sitting in for Township Attorney Joel L. Shain and Engineer Mark Rasimowicz.
ABSENT: Mayor Richard Pucci
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 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 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2014 Regular Council Meeting:
a.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 2014 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND THE ACQUISITION AND INSTALLATION, AS APPLICABLE, OF VARIOUS EQUIPMENT WITH AN ESTIMATED COST OF $823,100, THE COST OF SUCH IMPROVEMENTS AND EQUIPMENT TO BE FINANCED THROUGH THE ISSUANCE OF COUNTY-GUARANTEED CAPITAL EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2014 OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY.
b.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 2014 OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY.
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c.ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 116 ENTITLED “TOWING AND STORING OF VEHICLES”.
d.ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 122 ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”. (No Parking along the easterly side of Buckelew Ave)
e.ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO ENTER INTO A RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE AND JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT FOR THE INSTALLATION OF LINES FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC CURRENT, INCLUDING COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES.
f.ORDINANCE ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PLANNING BOARD AND FURTHER AMENDING CHAPTER 108 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE ENTITLED, “LAND DEVELOPMENT”.
Council President Tamburro read the following entitled ORDINANCE for INTRODUCTION at the WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2014 Regular Council Meeting:
a.ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2011-2014 SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL SALARY AND WAGE ORDINANCE. (Certified Pesticide Applicator and Zoning Officer)
Council President Tamburro requested the following entitled RESOLUTIONS for CONSIDERATION at the WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2014 Regular Council Meeting be reviewed and any questions will be addressed:
a.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR MONROE TOWNSHIP PUBLICATION.
b.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR VENDING MACHINES WITHIN MONROE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS.
c.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH FEIST ENGINEERING, INC. FOR ENGINEERING AND SURVEYING SERVICES RELATED TO ADA BUS SHELTER COMPLIANCE – APPLEGARTH ROAD.
d.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE 7-PASSENGER VAN UNDER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP OFFICE OF SENIOR SERVICES.
e.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR TO READVERTISE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR A BOOKMOBILE.
f.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR TO PREPARE AND ADVERTISE REQUESTS FOR QUALIFICATIONS (“RFQ’s”) FOR VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2015.
g.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWNSHIP BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR TO PREPARE SPECIFICATIONS AND ADVERTISE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS FOR SODIUM CHLORIDE.
h.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY CLOSING OF A PORTION OF MONMOUTH ROAD FOR THE ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION.
- RESOLUTION REFUNDING THIRD PARTY TAX LIEN PREMIUM PAYMENTS.
j.RESOLUTION REFUNDING TAX OVERPAYMENTS.
k.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MODIFICATION TO A CONTRACT AWARDED TO LEGGETTE, BRASHEARS & GRAHAM, INC. FOR GENERAL HYDRO-GEOLOGIC CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”).
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l.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF CONTRACT NO. 418N “ION EXCHANGE SYSTEM REPAIR & MAINTENANCE” WITH LAYNE CHRISTENSEN COMPANY FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT (“M.T.U.D.”)
m.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID FOR MONROE TOWNSHIP PRINTING SERVICES (GROUPS A & B).
n.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF BID FOR MONROE TOWNSHIP PRINTING SERVICES (GROUP C).
o.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AWARD OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO THE LAND CONSERVANCY OF NEW JERSEY FOR COMMUNITY GARDEN DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT.
p.RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND TOWNSHIP CLERK TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH FEIST ENGINEERING, INC. FOR TITLE SURVEY, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION AND PHASE 1 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS FOR OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION.
Reports:
Mayor Pucci – Absent
Administrator Hamilton – announced that on Tuesday & Wednesday there will be paving on Old Forge Rd. They are trying to get this done prior to the opening of school.
He also mentioned that on Friday, Standard & Poors re-affirmed our bond rating of AA Stable.
Engineer Rasimowicz – No Report
Council Reports:
Councilman Leibowitz – announced that Fire District #1 had a recruiting drive this weekend and recruited a minimum of two people who are moving into town.
Also advised he had attended the Cory Booker event at the Senior Center last week and found him to be a very positive and intelligent person.
Councilman Dalina – mentioned that the Fall Recreational Programs for our youth have started. The Wolverine Football and Cheerleading programs have kicked-off this weekend and Soccer opening day is September 6th.
Asked everyone to mark their calendars; the 21st Annual Oktoberfest is scheduled for Oct. 19th at 12pm at the Community Center on Monmouth Road.
Councilwoman Schneider – attended National Night Out and felt there was a very good rapport between the children and police. Also attended the annual fishing derby for children 2-15 which took place at Thompson Park. Felt there could have been more fish stocked in the lake.
Council Vice-President Koppel – No Report
Michael Barnes, Director MTUD – gave an update on Schoolhouse Rd. – sewer construction is complete. They are now preparing the road for re-pavement.
Council President Tamburro - announced that Councilwoman Betty Schneider has been named “Citizen of the Year” by the Kiwanis-Rotary Club. All congratulated her.
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PUBLIC:
Robert Zeglarski, 162 Tournament Dr. – Congratulated Councilwoman Schneider on being named “Citizen of the Year”.
Mr. Zeglarski questioned the following Items on the Agenda:
Item #5.a. – Loan Ordinance with M.C.I.A. for 2014 Capital Improvements and the acquisition and installation of various equipment, asking the interest rate on the Bond.
Item #5.b. - Lease Agreement with M.C.I.A. relating to the issuance of Capital
Equipment & Improvement Revenue Bonds.
Administrator Hamilton responded that the interest rates will not be known until the County takes it to the bond sale later in September. He stated that the interest rates are generally better than that of the Township’s due to the County’s AAA Bond rating.
He further explained the difference between Items #5.a. and 5.b. that being one is the non-leased items, such as trucks, vehicles, ambulance, computer equipment, etc. The lease portion is the two (2) patrol cars. All have a five (5) year loan or lease period.
Item #7.c. Professional Service Contract with Feist Engineering for ADA Bus Shelter, asking for the amount. Administrator Hamilton advised $5,000.
Item #7.p. Professional Service Contract with Feist Engineering for Open Space Acquisition, asking for the amount, to which he was advised $43,800.
Audrey Cornish, 431 Schoolhouse Rd. – stated her end of Schoolhouse Road has been closed for 2 weeks and has had no garbage pick-up for two weeks and asked if there is a reason no garbage trucks can come down that end of Schoolhouse. MTUD Director, Michael Barnes, stated he knows of no reason and will check into the matter.
Karen Polidoro, 3 Kelly Ct. – spoke about the Sustainable Land Use Pledge that was to be on the Agenda for this evening and is not.
Council President Tamburro explained that it is to be on the Planning Board Agenda for this week. Part of the problem is that it was not vetted by the Township Planner and once reviewed by him it will then be forwarded to the Master Plan Review Committee which has not happened as of yet. There were also some questions about completeness of what was given. Until all is completed, it will not come before the Council.
Ms. Polidoro mentioned they are up against a mid-September deadline to file and the Pledge is a priority action for “Sustainable Jersey”. If it is not in place the Township will not be certified even at the lowest level.
Michele Arminio, 9 Nathaniel St. – Questioned the following Items on the Agenda:
Item #5.f. - Acceptance of recommendations of the Planning Board amending Chapter 108, asked for an explanation. Council President Tamburro advised this is the settlement on the JSM properties.
She then asked if it was both properties and Council President Tamburro responded that it is a consolidated agreement that went through the Planning Board and was then recommended to the Council.
Ms. Arminio asked if the files in Planning & Zoning would be updated once the Ordinance is passed and Council President Tamburro responded “Yes”, in accordance with the agreement that was settled through the Court. It is an agreement that was compromised through the parties and confirmed by the Court.
She then asked for an explanation of the Ordinance Amending Chapter 105 of the Code “Streets & Sidewalks”. Council President Tamburro responded that it was pulled from the Agenda for further review.
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Item #7.a. – Contract for Monroe Publication, asking the amount and Council President Tamburro responded $12,453.50 per issue. There are (4) issues.
Item #7.d. – Purchase of a 7-passenger Van for the Senior Center, asking the cost and Administrator Hamilton responded $21,042.50 which will be paid from the Charlotte Eder bequest.
Item #7.c. – Professional Services Contract with Feist Engineering for the ADA Bus Shelter – she questioned the amount of $5,000 for design work since a shelter previously existed. Engineer Rasimowicz explained that the previous shelter was destroyed in the hurricane and NJ Transit will be providing a new shelter, however, because it is located in the County right-of-way the County is requiring that the area be ADA compliant which requires survey work, design work, bidding the project and inspection work.
Item #7.p. – Professional Services Contract with Feist Engineering for Title Survey, Property Description and Phase 1 Environmental Analysis for Open Space Acquisition. She asked the amount of the contract and was advised $43,800.
She next asked if it has to go out to bid since the amount is over $15,000 and Administrator Hamilton responded “no”, that this is all part of the RFQ process for general engineering & design services. This is a result of a fair & open process that has taken place at the beginning of the Calendar Year.
Jennifer Hluchy, Schoolhouse Rd. – Questioned Item #5.d. – Ordinance Amending Chapter 122 “Vehicles & Traffic” (No Parking on Buckelew Ave), asking if there is an issue. Council President Tamburro responded that it is “dangerous” because of the curve and vehicles parking along the roadway.
She next referred to a previous request for a reduction in the speed limit along Schoolhouse Rd. from 35 mph to 25mph and for the placement of additional speed limit signs on Schoolhouse Rd., and an evaluation of the signage at the bend due to various events that will take place at Parker House. Council President Tamburro stated that the process is that the Engineer will evaluate the situation, pass his findings on to the Police Department and they will then make the recommendation to the Council.
She requested additional signage signifying a farm area be placed on the road to replace the sign that was previously there and disappeared. Engineer Rasimowicz will follow-up.
Gary Busman, 7 Monarch Rd. – Regarding Item #7.o. – Professional Service Contract to Land Conservancy of NJ for Community Garden Design, Development & Technical Support. He complimented the Mayor and Council on proceeding with the project.
Mark Klein, 7 Crenshaw Ct. – Item #5.d. – Ordinance Amending Chapter 122 “Vehicles & Traffic” (No Parking on Buckelew Ave). Questioned if it is actually the easterly or westerly side of the street and Council President Tamburro confirmed that it is the easterly side of the street. He had also questioned whether easterly or westerly and the engineer’s office confirmed it is the easterly side of Buckelew Avenue.
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, the meeting was Adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Councilwoman Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald TamburroAye
Sharon Doerfler
SHARON DOERFLER, Township Clerk
Gerald W. Tamburro
GERALD W. TAMBURRO, Council President
Minutes were adopted on 10/06/2014