The following agenda and minutes are an unofficial copy and for informational purposes only. Please do not rely on these minutes in making a land use application or for an application for a permit of any kind. Contact the Municipal Clerk for an official copy.
AGENDA FOR REGULAR SESSION MEETING OF
JULY 21, 2008 AT 7:30 P.M.
1. NOTICE OF MEETING
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Regular Session – July 7, 2008
Closed Session – July 7, 2008
5. TOWNSHIP COUNCIL REPORTS
6. MAYOR’S REPORT
7. PRESENTATION
8. DISCUSSION
North Bridge Center, LLP
9. PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL ACTION ORDINANCES
a) Bond Ordinance Providing an Appropriation of $400,000 for Various Park Improvements
b) An Ordinance Authorizing the Acquisition of Land Identified As Lot 3, In Block 567 for Public Open Space for the Purchase Price of $4,928
c) An Ordinance Creating a Chapter 24 of the Municipal Code Entitled “Defined Contribution Retirement Program”
10. INTRODUCTION OF NEW ORDINANCES
11. MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Members of the public wishing to address the Council on any matter will be allowed two minutes to speak, unless there are unusual circumstances.
12. RESOLUTIONS
a) Providing for the Insertion of a Special Item of Revenue in the 2008 Budget Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40a:4-87 (Chapter 159, P.L. 1948) - 2008 Body Armor - $6,918.21
b) Providing for the Insertion of a Special Item of Revenue in the 2008 Budget Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40a:4-87 (Chapter 159, P.L. 1948) - 2008 Clean Communities - $6,487.73
c) Providing for the Insertion of a Special Item of Revenue in the 2008 Budget Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40a:4-87 (Chapter 159, P.L. 1948) - 2008 Public Health Priority - $4,439
d) Providing for the Insertion of a Special Item of Revenue in the 2008 Budget Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40a:4-87 (Chapter 159, P.L. 1948) - 2008 Hepatitis B - $1,642
e) Providing for the Insertion of a Special Item of Revenue in the 2008 Budget Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40a:4-87 (Chapter 159, P.L. 1948) - 2008 Tobacco Age - $1,140
f) Providing for the Insertion of a Special Item of Revenue in the 2008 Budget Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40a:4-87 (Chapter 159, P.L. 1948) - 2008 Alcohol Education Rehab - $5,515.19
g) Requesting Approval of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to Establish a Dedicated Trust By Rider for Developer’s Escrow Fund Pursuant To N.J.S.A. 40:55d-53.1
h) Authorizing Execution of an Interlocal Services Agreement Between the Township of Bridgewater and the Borough of Bound Brook for the Processing of Leaves Collected By Bound Brook (In Connection With Its Leaf Collection Program) At the Bridgewater Yard Waste Site
i) Authorizing Execution of an Interlocal Services Agreement Between the Township of Bridgewater and the Township of Green Brook for the Processing of Leaves Collected By Green Brook (In Connection With Its Leaf Collection Program) At the Bridgewater Yard Waste Site
j) Authorizing Submission of the Year 2009 Bridgewater/Raritan Municipal Alliance Request for Application With Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders
k) Certification of 2007 Audit
l) Opposing the Reduction In Raritan Valley Sunday Service
m) Establishing an Electronic Receipt Program and Authorizing the Chief Financial Officer to Request Proposals from Financial Institutions for Credit Card Processing Services for Internet Transactions
n) Waiver of Fire Permit Fee in the Amount of $50 for HomeSharing, Inc. for the 4th Annual Summer Picnic on July 26, 2008
13. REPORTS
14. CLOSED SESSION
15. ADJOURNMENT
Revised 07/18/08
MINUTES OF THE BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
JULY 21, 2008 COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The Township Council of the Township of Bridgewater, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, convened in a regular session on Monday, July 21, 2008, at 7:37 p.m. in Council Chambers in the Municipal Annex, Bridgewater, New Jersey.
Council President Norgalis read the following announcement:
In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act of New Jersey, adequate notice of this meeting was provided on January 7, 2008, by sending written and electronic notice to the Courier News and The Reporter; posting on the Township website and posting on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building and filing with the Township Clerk.
On call of the roll the following Council members were present:
Robert E. Albano (Absent)
Michael P. Hsing
Matthew C. Moench (Absent)
Patrick Scaglione
Howard V. Norgalis
Also Present: James T. Naples, Township Administrator
Natasha Turchan, Director of Finance
Alan Grant, Township Attorney
Linda J. Doyle, Township Clerk
Hector A. Herrera, Deputy Township Clerk
Council President Norgalis led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
On motion of Councilman Scaglione, seconded by Councilman Hsing, the minutes for the regular session of July 7, 2008, were approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Absent
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Absent
Councilman Scaglione Aye
Council President Norgalis Aye
The closes session minutes of June 7, 2008 were approved.
Council President Norgalis reported he received a reply to his inquiry from the CFO that the tax bills will be going out this week.
Council President Norgalis reported he read an article in the newspaper that the Borough of Bound Brook is imposing a surcharge for hourly use of Police vehicles in the amount of $9.
Council President Norgalis reported John Hedin and Kenneth Lee the Township’s SRVSA representatives were mailed a copy of the PMK report that advised them of the findings with regard to water flows from the Wyeth property.
Councilman Scaglione reported he will be attending the Bridgewater-Raritan Board meeting to discuss shared services on Wednesday, July 29th.
Mr. Naples reported Mayor Flannery participated in press conference where the NJLM submitted its litigation against the new COAH rule amendments. He added the Township is also participating in an additional litigation against the COAH rules more commonly known as the “Seven Town Group”.
Lawrence Powers, of Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst & Doukas, LLP, provided an update to Council on the application presented by North Bridge Center, to develop an Office Building on the former site of Bazooka’s on North Bridge Street. He added the application has been approved by the Planning Board. Mr. Power’s stated his client is requesting Council’s consideration to vacate Court Street which is currently a paper road. Mr. Power’s added previously there were some title issues which have now been resolved and asked Council to enact a resolution in vacating Court Street right of way.
Council was in consensus to have the legal department prepare a resolution to vacate Court Street for consideration during the council session on August 4th.
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Public Hearing and Final Action Ordinance |
The Clerk read the ordinance by title as follows:
BOND ORDINANCE PROVIDING AN APPROPRIATION OF $400,000 FOR VARIOUS PARK IMPROVEMENTS
On motion of Councilman Hsing, second by Councilman Scaglione the foregoing bond ordinance was tabled until August 18, 2008.
The Clerk read the ordinances by title as follows:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF LAND IDENTIFIED AS LOT 3, IN BLOCK 567 FOR PUBLIC OPEN SPACE FOR THE PURCHASE PRICE OF $4,928
AN ORDINANCE CREATING A CHAPTER 24 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE ENTITLED “DEFINED CONTRIBUTION RETIREMENT PROGRAM”
Council President Norgalis requested a motion to table the foregoing ordinances as the Courier News was not able to publish either one of them within the statutory requirement of seven days prior to public hearing and final action.
On motion of Councilman Hsing, second by Councilman Scaglione the foregoing ordinances were tabled until August 4, 2008.
On motion of Councilman Hsing, seconded by Councilman Scaglione, the meeting was opened to the public.
Girl Scouts Rebecca Murray, Jessica Wolf, Caitlin Flanagan and Filippa Primiero of Troop 1050 were in attendance as a requirement to achieve their communication badge.
Sergeant Luke Daley, SOA President spoke on behalf of the PBA voicing his opposition on the decision to eliminate the vacant police officer position. Sergeant Daley questioned the decision made by Council to vacate the position and stated Bridgewater Township is the only municipality decreasing the amount of officers throughout all of Somerset County.
On motion of Councilman Scaglione, seconded by Councilman Hsing, the meeting was closed for public comment.
The Clerk read the following resolutions by title:
PROVIDING FOR THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE IN THE 2008 BUDGET PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 (CHAPTER 159, P.L. 1948) - 2008 BODY ARMOR - $6,918.21
Mr. Naples stated the body armor grant amount was reduced this year to $6,918.21, the previous year the Township received $8,400.
PROVIDING FOR THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE IN THE 2008 BUDGET PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 (CHAPTER 159, P.L. 1948) - 2008 CLEAN COMMUNITIES - $6,487.73
Mr. Naples stated the State increased the clean communities grant amount this year to an additional amount of $6,487.73, which as a result increases our monies to $58,000 this year from $56.000 in 2007.
PROVIDING FOR THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE IN THE 2008 BUDGET PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 (CHAPTER 159, P.L. 1948) - 2008 PUBLIC HEALTH PRIORITY - $4,439
Mr. Naples stated the public health priority grant amount of $4,439 is lower this year from $6814 the Township received in 2007. He added there was a concern the State may cut this grant entirely.
PROVIDING FOR THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE IN THE 2008 BUDGET PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 (CHAPTER 159, P.L. 1948) - 2008 HEPATITIS B - $1,642
Mr. Naples stated the Hepatitis B monies are a reimbursement based on the amount of volunteer Emergency Service Technicians the Township inoculates the previous year.
PROVIDING FOR THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE IN THE 2008 BUDGET PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 (CHAPTER 159, P.L. 1948) - 2008 TOBACCO AGE - $1,140
Mr. Naples stated the tobacco age grant in the amount of $1140, is a two year rotation based on the number of facilities the Township inspects.
PROVIDING FOR THE INSERTION OF A SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE IN THE 2008 BUDGET PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40A:4-87 (CHAPTER 159, P.L. 1948) - 2008 ALCOHOL EDUCATION REHAB - $5,515.19
Mr. Naples stated the alcoholic education rehab grant has been increased this year in the amount of $5,519 from $5, 107, the Township received in 2007.
On motion of Councilman Hsing, second by Councilman Scaglione, the foregoing resolutions were approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Absent
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Absent
Councilman Scaglione Aye
Council President Norgalis Aye
THE RESOLUTIONS WERE APPROVED.
Copies of resolutions #08-07-21-217 and 08-07-21-222 are appended to the official minutes.
REQUESTING APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES TO ESTABLISH A DEDICATED TRUST BY RIDER FOR DEVELOPER’S ESCROW FUND PURSUANT TO N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53.1
Ms. Turchan explained the above dedication by rider is a result of the Division of Local Government Services requesting a formalized resolution authoring the Township to pay the bills bypassing the budget because the funds cannot be paid unless collected first.
On motion of Councilman Scaglione, second by Councilman Hsing, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Absent
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Absent
Councilman Scaglione Aye
Council President Norgalis Aye
THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.
A copy of resolution #08-07-21-223 is appended to the official minutes.
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN INTERLOCAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER AND THE BOROUGH OF BOUND BROOK FOR THE PROCESSING OF LEAVES COLLECTED BY BOUND BROOK (IN CONNECTION WITH ITS LEAF COLLECTION PROGRAM) AT THE BRIDGEWATER YARD WASTE SITE
Mr. Naples explained the Interlocal Agreement authorizes the Borough of Bound Brook to process its leaves in connection with its leaf removal and collection program and ensures the Borough’s willingness to pay costs incurred to dispose of those leaves.
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN INTERLOCAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP OF BRIDGEWATER AND THE TOWNSHIP OF GREEN BROOK FOR THE PROCESSING OF LEAVES COLLECTED BY GREEN BROOK (IN CONNECTION WITH ITS LEAF COLLECTION PROGRAM) AT THE BRIDGEWATER YARD WASTE SITE
Mr. Naples explained the Interlocal Agreement authorizes the Township of Green Brook to process its leaves in connection with its leaf removal and collection program and ensures the Township’s willingness to pay costs incurred to dispose of those leaves.
On motion of Councilman Hsing, second by Councilman Scaglione, the foregoing resolutions were approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Absent
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Absent
Councilman Scaglione Aye
Council President Norgalis Aye
THE RESOLUTIONS WERE APPROVED.
Copies of resolutions #08-07-21-224 and 08-07-21-225 are appended to the official minutes.
AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF THE YEAR 2009 BRIDGEWATER/RARITAN MUNICIPAL ALLIANCE REQUEST FOR APPLICATION WITH SOMERSET COUNTY BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS
Mr. Naples stated Somerset County requested applications be filed which would provide $39,673, to the Township in 2009, for the provision of Municipal Alliance activities for the prevention of alcoholism and drug abuse in Bridgewater and Raritan Borough.
On motion of Councilman Scaglione, second by Councilman Hsing, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Absent
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Absent
Councilman Scaglione Aye
Council President Norgalis Aye
THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.
A copy of resolution #08-07-21-226 is appended to the official minutes.
CERTIFICATION OF 2007 AUDIT
Council signed the Group Affidavit affirming each member had received and reviewed the comments and recommendations of the 2007 Audit. A copy of the resolution and group affidavit will be forwarded to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services for recording.
On motion of Councilman Hsing, second by Councilman Scaglione, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Absent
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Absent
Councilman Scaglione Aye
Council President Norgalis Aye
THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.
A copy of resolution #08-07-21-227 is appended to the official minutes.
OPPOSING THE REDUCTION IN RARITAN VALLEY SUNDAY SERVICE
Mr. Naples stated the foregoing resolution was created to oppose NJ Transit’s proposed reduction in Sunday Raritan Valley service based on the continued price increase for gasoline, increase in Sunday ridership and lack of justification regarding the decision process.
Councilman Scaglione motioned on behalf of Councilman Moench, seconded by Councilman Hsing, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Absent
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Absent
Councilman Scaglione Aye
Council President Norgalis Aye
THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.
A copy of resolution #08-07-21-228 is appended to the official minutes.
ESTABLISHING AN ELECTRONIC RECEIPT PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TO REQUEST PROPOSALS FROM FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FOR CREDIT CARD PROCESSING SERVICES FOR INTERNET TRANSACTIONS
Ms. Turchan explained the Government Electronic Payment Acceptance Act authorizes municipalities to establish a credit card payment system or electronic funds transfer system. Ms. Turchan stated the resolution authorizes the Township to establish an electronic receipt by internet service for the payment of taxes, construction code fees and recreation fees.
Councilman Hsing offered the Township have in place on the website clear and precise disclosures.
On motion of Councilman Hsing, second by Councilman Scaglione, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Absent
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Absent
Councilman Scaglione Aye
Council President Norgalis Aye
THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.
A copy of resolution #08-07-21-229 is appended to the official minutes.
WAIVER OF FIRE PERMIT FEE IN THE AMOUNT OF $50 FOR HOMESHARING, INC. FOR THE 4TH ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC ON JULY 26, 2008
Council was in consensus to waive the fire permit fee in the amount of $50, for HomeSharing Inc. for the 4th Annual Summer Picnic held at the People Care Center.
On motion of Councilman Scaglione, second by Councilman Hsing, the foregoing resolution was approved. The vote was as follows:
Councilman Albano Absent
Councilman Hsing Aye
Councilman Moench Absent
Councilman Scaglione Aye
Council President Norgalis Aye
THE RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED.
A copy of resolution #08-07-21-230 is appended to the official minutes.
On motion of Councilman Scaglione, second of Councilman Hsing, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Linda J. Doyle, RMC
Municipal Clerk
______________________________
Howard Norgalis
Council President
