Monroe Council Minutes | 1/6/2014
COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING – JANUARY 6, 2014
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 and asked that everyone please remain standing for a moment of silent prayer for the well-being of Michael Nichols, a young Hockey Player, who was seriously injured in a hockey game over the weekend.
UPON ROLL CALL by the Deputy Clerk, Patricia Reid, 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: Mayor Richard Pucci, Business Administrator Wayne R. Hamilton, Township Attorney Joel L. Shain and Engineer Mark Rasimowicz.
There were approximately sixteen (16) members of the Public present in the audience.
Council President Tamburro requested the Deputy 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.
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Councilman Leibowitz, an Ordinance was introduced on first reading for final passage: CAPITAL ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ACQUISITION AND INSTALLATION OF A GENERATOR FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER, BY, IN AND FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING $284,160 TO PAY FOR THE COST THEREOF, WHICH AMOUNT IS AN ENERGY ALLOCATION GRANT RECEIVED OR EXPECTED TO BE RECEIVED BY THE TOWNSHIP FROM THE NEW JERSEY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
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.
Regular Meeting
January 6, 2014
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UPON MOTION made by Councilman Leibowitz and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, an Ordinance was introduced on first reading for final passage: BOND ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING BOND ORDINANCE NUMBER O-3-2006-010 FINALLY ADOPTED BY THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY ON MARCH 27, 2006 ENTITLED, “BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VARIOUS 2006 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, ALL LAWFUL AND PUBLIC PURPOSES, BY AND IN THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY (THE “TOWNSHIP”); APPROPRIATING $20,000,000 THEREFOR AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $18,839,275 BONDS OR NOTES OF THE TOWNSHIP TO FINANCE PART OF THE COSTS THEREOF”, AS PREVIOUSLY AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED, TO REALLOCATE APPROPRIATIONS, AUTHORIZATIONS AND DOWN PAYMENTS THEREIN.
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 Dalina and seconded by Council Vice-President Koppel, the following 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 the CONSENT AGENDA are as follows:
R-1-2014-001RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF VARIOUS MATERIALS AND SERVICES THROUGH THE NEW JERSEY STATE CO-OPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR THE YEAR 2014 WITH EXTENSIONS & ADDENDUMS.
R-1-2014-002RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TAX COLLECTOR TO HOLD TAX SALES DURING CALENDAR YEAR 2014.
R-1-2014-003RESOLUTION FIXING THE RATE OF INTEREST TO BE CHARGED ON DELINQUENT TAXES FOR YEAR 2014.
R-1-2014-004RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING 2014 TEMPORARY BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS.
R-1-2014-005RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2014 CASH MANAGEMENT PLAN.
R-1-2014-006RESOLUTION CONSENTING TO THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE MONMOUTH COUNTY WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT (“WQM”) PLAN.
R-1-2014-007RESOLUTION REFUNDING TAX OVERPAYMENTS.
R-1-2014-008RESOLUTION REFUNDING THIRD PARTY TAX LIEN PREMIUM PAYMENTS.
R-1-2014-009RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT SELECTION OF QUALIFIED FIRMS TO PERFORM VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2014 FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT.
Regular Meeting
January 6, 2014
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R-1-2014-010RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TAX COLLECTOR TO CANCEL PAST DUE TAXES FOR TAX YEAR 2012 ASSESSED ON BLOCK 177, LOTS 7.1 AND 8.4 AND BLOCK 146.2, LOT 22.2 AND TO EXEMPT SAID PROPERTIES FROM TAXATION.
R-1-2014-011RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES AND ESTABLISHING MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE FOR MAJESTIC WOODS ASSOCIATES, LLC.
R-1-2014-012RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RELEASE OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES AND ESTABLISHING MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE FOR MATRIX 259 PROSPECT PLAINS, LLC.
R-1-2014-013RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BUDGET APPROPRIATION RESERVE TRANSFERS.
Mayor Richard Pucci – Further commented on athlete Michael Nichols, the injured hockey player and the seriousness of his injury. In speaking with the Althletic Director and Michael’s father, they are overwhelmed by the support the community has shown. Prayers are welcome by the family.
Administrator Wayne Hamilton – Gave an update on the revaluation process, advising that Notices are being sent out in waves with approximately 3000 letters going out between Jan. 2nd & Jan. 3rd, notifying the residents of the revaluation company’s values and that they are estimating those homes to be used for tax purposes. The instructions in the letter are clear in that in getting the letter, they are to call the number on the bottom of the letter to arrange to setup an appointment to meet with the revaluation company. They will meet with the residents, talk about the values, and recommend an adjustment and, in some cases, they won’t. When the process is complete, the final recommendation will go to the Assessor. He then will certify them to the Middlesex County Tax Board. If people are still unhappy with the assessed value, they can then file a tax appeal up until May 1st in the year of a revaluation. Meetings with the revaluation company will take place in the lower level of the Municipal Building. These meetings will include Saturdays as well as weekdays.
Engineer Mark Rasimowicz – No Report
Council:
Councilman Leibowitz – mentioned a friend living in Renissance whose taxes were reduced by some $1200. Administrator Hamilton stated that out of 18,500 residents, approximately 10,000 are going down.
Councilman Dalina – welcomed Councilwoman Schneider and welcomed the return of Councilman Leibowitz & Council President Tamburro.
He continued the discussion of Mike Nichols, who he has coached in basketball & baseball and is very good friends with his father & mother, stating they are a very nice family. He asked they everyone keep Mike Nichols in your prayers. For those that tweet, there is the # pray to mikie. There is also a twitter page/facebook page. For the High School Athletic Page, there is a link to the Hockey Team (monroefalconshockey.com) for updates.
Councilman Dalina stated he attended the County Re-Organization Meeting yesterday for the swearing-in of the Freeholders and Sheriff. He thanked the Mayor of Woodbridge who gave a moving tribute to his father Stephen “Pete” Dalina.
Councilwoman Schneider – stated that she feels humble and will serve the residents of Monroe Township. She will be attending a workshop for newly elected officials on Jan. 25th and she also will be the Council liaison on the Human Relations Commission which will meet Jan. 14th.
Council Vice-President Koppel – Congratulated Ms. Schneider and thanked the Council for her appointment as Vice-President.
Regular Meeting
January 6, 2014
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Council President Tamburro – spoke on the Re-Organization Meeting New Year’s Day and congratulated Councilwoman Koppel on her appointment as Council Vice-President.
Advised the last date for the aggregation is Jan. 9th .
PUBLIC:
Charlie Lerman, 11 Doral Dr. – questioned if the tax rate has been established. Administrator Hamilton responded that as a result of the re-distribution of the values, last years tax rate, averaging the three fire districts, was $4.365 cents. The new rate, using that same principal, will be $2.31 cents. The rate goes down and the value goes up. The average assessment last year was $165,000. The new average assessment, before final adjustments, is $299,000.
Mr. Lerman then asked when the new tax rate will be established. Administrator Hamilton responded, “after the budgets”. The tax rate is not established by the County Tax Board until early July.
He also expressed concerns about the generator proposed, asking if it is a “complete wash” regarding the cost of installation of the generator. Administrator Hamilton responded that the $284,000. Grant should be enough to provide the generator in that building. The only outside expense would be the engineering design and preparing the bidding documents.
His next concern is the 40,000 residents in Monroe Twp. and what provisions would be adopted to keep the crowds under control. Administrator Hamilton explained that we could never provide enough shelter facilities to sleep 40,000 people. It will enable people to come in out of the cold, and to eat. It would basically become a heating & cooling station. There will be 3 buildings available; the municipal building, community center and the senior center. Retirement communities are also installing generators.
Mr. Lerman asked if there has been any cost estimate for maintaining the facility over a period of a week and Administrator Hamilton responded that as with any emergency, it would have to be staffed accordingly.
Councilman Dalina added that we are all a part of a larger network. Rutgers was designated for a large mass of people. A primary medical facility was established at Middlesex County College.
Gary Busman, 7 Monarch Rd – stated that in the Ordinance for the generator, there are words that need clarification. The wording “the allocation grant expected”; does that mean that there is a possibility that we may not get the grant? Administrator Hamilton explained that there is a letter received from Michael Gallagher, the State Hazard Mitigation Officer, notifying us that the allocation amount for our district is $284,160. FEMA will give us the actural cost of what the bids come in at.
Bob Zeglarski, 162 Tournament Dr. – thanked the Clerk’s office for providing Agenda & information requested and also Mark Rasimowicz for information on a traffic issue. He reiterated his request that Council share some of the dollars of the Monroe Twp. Utilities surplus with the Board of Education, generated by sewer connection fees paid by developers.
He assumed that the Ordinances for introduction this evening will eventually be available on the website or he hopes they will be available on the website before next meeting.
He next questioned the Resolution for the 2014 Temporary Budget Appropriations, and sees that the Temporary Budget totals almost $30 million, which brings up a few questions. He questioned interest & principal being paid on the bonds and asked the difference between M.C.I.A. loans - principal & interest and M.C.I.A interest.
Administrator Hamilton explained all that is factored into the Temporary Budget to operate the first three months of the year. He further stated that it is not an $80 million dollar budget. It is a quarter, inclusive of the Utility Budget and the Township Budget.
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He further explained that the M.C.I.A. Loans are two different pots of money. Programs are established; one for the leasing of vehicles & equipment and the other for various loan payments. It is based on what the State allows you to lease and not lease.
Item #7.c. - Resolution Fixing the Rate of Interest Charged on Delinquent Taxes. He asked the interest rate and Administrator Hamilton responded 8% on the first $1500.; 18% on excess over $1500. and an add’l 6% for an amount that totals over $10,000. This is in accordance with State Statute.
Item #7.e. - Cash Management Plan – Administrator Hamilton explained this is a requirement by the Division of Local Government Services that each Municipality designate depositories where the funds of the township are going to be deposited and an investment plan.
Virginia McGinnis, 326A Nantucket Lane approached with her next door neighbor, Mary Mullican, 326B Nantucket Lane, Rossmoor. Ms. Mullican asked that Ms. McGinnis speak on her behalf.
Virginia McGinnis explained Ms. Mullican’s situation and the flooding situation at Rossmoor.
Council President Tamburro advised Ms. McGinnis that since she brought this matter to the attention of the Governor, she needs to rely on the Governor to deal with the problem.
She believes the Council also needs to address the problem since she feels it is a local Ordinance that is not being enforced.
Council President Tamburro stated that her problem lies with Rossmoor. The fact that she has no voice in Rossmoor is because she does not own the home. The Township has done everything in their power to get this problem mitigated. There is an Agreement in place between Rossmoor, the County and the Township to deal with the matter. Rossmoor’s Engineer, the County Engineer and the Township Engineer are working to resolve the problem.
UPON MOTION made by Councilman Dalina and seconded by Councilwoman Koppel, the meeting was Adjourned at 7:38pm.
ROLL CALL:Councilman Stephen DalinaAye
Councilman Michael LeibowitzAye
Councilwoman Elizabeth SchneiderAye
Council Vice-President Leslie KoppelAye
Council President Gerald W. TamburroAye
Patricia Reid
PATRICIA REID, Deputy Clerk
Gerald W. Tamburro
GERALD W. TAMBURRO, Council President
Minutes were adopted on February 10, 2014